Atlanta Hawks vs. Los Angeles Lakers
- The Atlanta Hawks and the Los Angeles Lakers will both be trying to pick up a win on Tuesday when they battle at STAPLES Center.
The Hawks were taken down 100-98 by the Bobcats last time out, as 1-point underdogs. The combined score made it OVER the posted total of 193.
Joe Johnson shot 9-for-19 from the field with 23 points in the loss.
Kobe Bryant tossed in 29 points to help give the Lakers a 117-92 win over the Timberwolves last time out. The Lakers covered the 9.5-point spread, while the combined score sailed OVER the posted total of 203.
Bryant finished with five rebounds and five assists, while Pau Gasol added 19 points in the win.
Current streak:
Atlanta has lost 4 straight games.
Los Angeles has won 4 straight games.
Team records:
Atlanta: 22-28 SU, 25-25 ATS
Los Angeles: 35-17 SU, 32-19-1 ATS
Atlanta most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 3-7
Before playing Sacramento are 2-8
After playing Charlotte are 4-6
After a loss are 2-8
Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 5-5
Before playing Phoenix are 5-5
After playing Minnesota are 5-5
After a win are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Atlanta's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Atlanta's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Atlanta's last 7 games when playing LA Lakers
The total has gone UNDER in 17 of Atlanta's last 25 games on the road
LA Lakers are 9-1 ATS in their last 10 games
LA Lakers are 7-1 SU in their last 8 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of the LA Lakers last 5 games at home
LA Lakers are 11-3 SU in their last 14 games at home
Next up:
Atlanta at Sacramento, Wednesday, February 20
LA Lakers at Phoenix, Wednesday, February 20
Clemson (19-6, 14-8 ATS) at Florida State (14-12, 7-16 ATS)
Clemson shoots for its third straight victory when it travels to Tallahassee, Fla., to battle the struggling Seminoles in an ACC contest.
The Tigers have rebounded from a heartbreaking overtime loss at North Carolina with consecutive wins and covers over Georgia Tech on Thursday (82-67 as an 8½-point home favorite) and N.C. State on Saturday (71-64 as a 5½-point road chalk). Clemson (7-4 SU and ATS in the ACC) is 5-1 SU and ATS in its last six.
Florida State is coming off Saturday’s 82-72 loss at Maryland, falling just short as an eight-point underdog. The Seminoles, who have lost two in a row, are just 3-8 SU and 2-9 ATS in league play, including 1-4 SU and 0-5 ATS when hosting ACC rivals.
Clemson needed overtime to put away the Seminoles back on Jan. 12, pulling away for a 97-85 victory and covering as a 9½-point home chalk. The Tigers are 7-3 SU and ATS in the last 10 series clashes, with the winner covering the spread in all 10 contests.
Despite Saturday’s win at N.C. State, the Tigers are still only 2-3 SU and ATS in ACC road games, with the winner covering the spread in all five contests. In fact, the SU winner is 10-1 ATS in Clemson’s 11 road-neutral-site contests.
Florida State is mired in ATS funks of 2-14 overall, 0-8 at home, 2-8 as an underdog and 1-9 in ACC games.
The Tigers have followed up a 5-1 “over” streak with a 5-1 “under” run, and the under is 15-6 in Florida State’s last 21 conference games and 7-3 in its last 10 at home. Also, the under is 5-1 in the last six series meetings between these schools, including 4-0 in Tallahassee, though the one “over” occurred in last month’s overtime thriller at Clemson.
ATS ADVANTAGE: CLEMSON and UNDER
(14) Purdue (21-5, 14-9 ATS) at (15) Indiana (21-4, 11-10-1 ATS)
One of the biggest games of the Big Ten season features a battle of instate rivals, as red-hot Purdue heads to Bloomington, Ind., to face the Hoosiers and embattled coach Kelvin Sampson.
The Boilermakers ran their winning streak to 11 in a row with Saturday’s 71-56 rout of Northwestern, easily covering as an eight-point road chalk. Purdue is 11-1 ATS in its last 12 games – all in Big Ten play – including five consecutive spread-covers overall. Also, during their run, the Boilers are 5-0 SU and ATS on the road.
Purdue, which has won 15 of its last 16 games going back to the non-conference season, leads the Big Ten with a 12-1 mark (11-2 ATS), a game ahead of Wisconsin and 1½ games ahead of Indiana (10-2 SU, 6-5-1 ATS).
Despite the controversy surrounding Sampson’s alleged NCAA violations, the Hoosiers went out on Saturday night and crushed then-No. 10 Michigan State 80-61, easily covering as a 4½-point home favorite. Despite the victory, Indiana is just 4-3 SU and 3-4 ATS since ripping off a 13-game winning streak that stretched over nearly two months.
This is the first meeting of the season between these rivals. Last year, they split their season series, with the home team winning and cashing in both contests. However, going back to the 2004-05 season, Indiana is 5-1 against Purdue (4-2 ATS), including 3-0 at home (2-1 ATS). Stretching back even further, the Hoosiers are 6-2 ATS in their last eight at home against the Boilermakers. Finally, the favorite has cashed in five of the last six clashes.
Purdue is on impressive ATS streaks of 13-6 on the road, 22-6 in Big Ten play, 6-0 on Tuesdays and 20-7 following a spread-cover. Also, the Boilermakers are 7-1 ATS as an underdog this season, while Indiana is 9-9 ATS as a favorite.
Purdue has been playing tremendous defense, holing six of its last eight opponents to 56 points or fewer. However, tonight, the Boilers face a Hoosiers squad that’s averaging nearly 81 ppg at home on 50 percent shooting.
The under is 6-2 in Purdue’s last eight games overall. However, the over is 4-2 in its six Big Ten road outings. Also, the over is 4-1 in Indiana’s last five overall, including 3-0 at home. Finally, the over is 5-2 in the last seven series meetings, with both of last year’s battles easily hurdling the posted price.
ATS ADVANTAGE: PURDUE and OVER
Baylor (17-7, 8-8 ATS) at Oklahoma (17-8, 11-10 ATS)
Baylor heads to Norman, Okla., looking to snap a couple of losing streaks when it battles the Sooners, who have won and covered two in a row.
The Bears are coming off Saturday’s 82-77 loss to Texas as a 1½-point home favorite. Since starting Big 12 play 4-0 (3-1 ATS), Baylor last lost five of six (1-5 ATS), three consecutive SU defeats.
Oklahoma has followed up a three-game SU and ATS losing skid with consecutive wins and covers, beating Iowa State 76-65 as a 10½-point home chalk on Wednesday and edging Texas Tech 66-64 as a two-point road underdog on Saturday. Like Baylor, the Sooners are 5-5 in conference action, but just 3-7 ATS.
Baylor hasn’t defeated Oklahoma in 31 years, losing a total of 27 in a row to the Sooners. That includes a 77-71 home loss on Jan. 26 as a 4½-point chalk. The Sooners are 6-0-1 ATS in the last seven meetings overall and 4-1 ATS in the last five battles in Norman.
Although the Bears have lost three straight road games (all in conference), they’re still 8-2 ATS in their last 10 on the highway (7-2 ATS this year). Also, Baylor is 5-3 ATS as a ‘dog this season.
Oklahoma sports ATS slumps of 4-13 in the Big 12, 1-4 at home and 0-5 on Tuesdays.
The over is 5-1 in the last six meetings. Also, for Baylor, the over is on incredible runs of 10-0 overall, 6-0 on the road, 14-2 in league contests (10-0 this year) and 9-3 on Tuesdays. On the flip side, the under is 3-1 in Oklahoma’s last four home games, all against Big 12 foes.
ATS ADVANTAGE: OKLAHOMA and OVER
NBA
Orlando (33-21, 33-20-1 ATS) at Detroit (39-13, 30-21-1 ATS)
The Pistons, who went into the All-Star break riding a 10-game winning streak, look to pick up where they left off when they host the Magic in the final regular-season meeting between these squads.
Detroit has been idle since Wednesday’s 96-80 rout of the Pacers, cashing as a 10½-point home chalk. The Pistons are just 5-5 ATS during their winning streak, including 3-5 ATS in the last eight overall and 4-3 ATS at home.
Orlando halted a two-game losing skid with Wednesday’s 109-98 beat-down of Denver, easily covering as a six-point home favorite. The Magic have followed up a 7-1 SU roll by going 2-3 in their last five, and they’re just 4-5-1 ATS in their last 10.
The Magic were the last team to defeat Detroit, winning 102-100 as a 2½-point home underdog on Jan 21. However, the Pistons avenged that loss four days later at the Palace of Auburn Hills, winning 101-93 as a seven-point chalk. In fact, including a four-game playoff sweep last spring, Detroit is on a 10-1 SU roll against Orlando, going 6-3-2 ATS.
The visitor is 14-5-3 ATS in the last 22 series meetings, with the Magic posting a 5-2-3 ATS mark in Motown.
The Magic have been road warriors this year, going 19-10 SU and 20-9 ATS, including 3-1 SU in the last four (2-2 ATS), the lone loss coming at Detroit last month. Going back to last year, Orlando is 24-9-2 ATS on the highway. Furthermore, Stan Van Gundy’s squad is on impressive ATS steaks of 15-5 as an underdog, 12-4-1 as a road underdog and 4-1 on Tuesdays.
Detroit has cashed in 12 of its last 17 at home (all as a favorite). However, the Pistons are stuck in ATS ruts of 4-9 following a SU win, 1-6 following a non-cover and 1-4 when playing on three or more days’ rest.
Going back to the final game of last year’s playoff series, the over is on a 4-0 run in this rivalry. Also, 10 of the last 11 series clashes in Detroit have hurdled the number. Finally, the over is on streaks of 9-3 for the Magic on the road, 13-5 when the Magic are a road underdog, 4-0 for the Magic against the Central Division, 8-0 for Detroit on Tuesday and 7-0 for Detroit against the Southeast Division.
ATS ADVANTAGE: ORLANDO and OVER
Boston (41-9, 31-17-2 ATS) at Denver (32-20, 27-25 ATS)
The Celtics look to continue their dominance of the Western Conference when they kick off a five-game Western road trip in Denver.
Boston is 16-0 against the Western Conference, going 10-6 ATS. That includes a 119-93 rout of the Nuggets in Beantown way back on Nov. 7, cashing as a 6½-point favorite. The home team has won and covered each of the last six meetings. In fact, the winner is 10-0 ATS in the last 10 clashes.
Three of the Celtics’ 16 victories against the West have come during their current five-game winning streak. Boston has been idle since Wednesday, when it routed the Knicks 111-103, pushing as an eight-point home chalk. Doc Rivers’ team is 7-1 SU and 6-1-1 ATS in its last eight contests.
Denver went into the All-Star break with a 109-98 loss at Orlando as a six-point road underdog. Despite that setback, the Nuggets are 6-2 in their last eight (5-3 ATS) and 10-5 in their last 15 (9-6 ATS).
Boston is an NBA-best 18-5 on the road (15-7-1 ATS). However, today the C’s face a Nuggets squad that’s 21-6 inside its Pepsi Center (16-11 ATS), including 9-1 in the last 10 (8-2 ATS).
Boston is on positive ATS runs of 48-19-1 on the road, 14-6 against the Northwest Division and 8-2 on Tuesday. However, the Celtics are just 4-9 ATS in their last 13 when playing on at least three days’ rest.
The Nuggets are 39-19 ATS in their last 58 against Eastern Conference squads and 5-2 ATS in their last seven when going on three or more days’ rest. However, they’re 1-4 ATS in their last five Tuesday outings.
The over is on runs of 23-5 for the Celtics against the Northwest Division, 9-3 for the Celtics on Tuesday, 5-2 for Denver overall, 6-1 for Denver at home, 10-4-1 for Denver against the Atlantic Division and 4-1 for Denver on Tuesday. Finally, the over is 5-0 in the last five series meetings.
ATS ADVANTAGE: OVER
Golden State (32-20, 22-30 ATS) at Utah (34-19, 28-25 ATS)
Two of the teams in the thick of the hunt in the competitive Western Conference resume their quest for a playoff berth when they duke it out in Salt Lake City.
The Warriors won three straight home games going into the All-Star break, beating the Kings, Wizards and Suns by a combined eight points. However, they failed to cash as a favorite in all three contests, and they’re 2-8 ATS in their last 10, including four consecutive non-covers. Over the last month, Golden State is 12-4 SU, but only 5-11 ATS.
Utah has been one of the NBA’s hottest teams of late, going 18-3 since New Year’s Eve (14-7 ATS). That includes a 112-93 rout of the Sonics as a seven-point road chalk in the team’s most recent game on Wednesday. The Jazz have won 12 straight at the EnergySolutions Arena (7-5 ATS), and they own an NBA-best 22-3 home record (16-9 ATS).
These teams opened the season against each other on Oct. 30, with the Jazz winning 117-96 as a 1½-point road underdog. They met again four days later in Salt Lake City and Utah rolled 133-110 as a 9½-point favorite. Going back to last year’s playoff series, the Jazz are 6-1 against Golden State (5-1-1 ATS), including four straight wins and covers. Also, the Jazz have defeated the Warriors seven straight times in Salt Lake City (4-2-1 ATS).
Utah is on ATS streaks of 9-1 against the Western Conference, 4-1 versus the Pacific Division and 6-0 when playing on three or more days’ rest.
Golden State is 7-19 ATS in its last 26 following a SU victory and 1-5 ATS in its last six against Northwest Division foes. However, Don Nelson’s troops are 3-1 ATS in their last four on the road.
The Warriors, who have scored at least 105 points in 16 consecutive games, have topped the total in 11 of their last 13 overall, including five straight on the road. Also, the over is 6-2 in the last eight series meetings, including 3-1 in Utah.
Conversely, the under is 8-2 in Utah’s last 10 overall, holding the opposition to 93 points or fewer in all eight “under” contests. Also, the under is on runs of 7-1 for Utah as a favorite, 4-0 for Utah at home and 6-2-1 for the Warriors against the Northwest Division.
ATS ADVANTAGE: UTAH
gametimepicks.com
Tuesday’s Pregame Buzz
NBA
Houston Rockets at Cleveland Cavaliers
* The Rockets look to win 9 straight for the first time in nearly 9 years. The Rockets have also won 8 straight away from home, and according to center Yao Ming, “this is the time to keep our winning streak.” EDGE: ROCKETS
* The Cavaliers will have Drew Gooden and Daniel Gibson in the lineup for this contest, and LeBron James has been carrying this team through the injuries in averaging 30 points per game. Houston has had a tough time stopping James, as he is scoring an average of 32 points in the last 2 meetings against them. EDGE: CAVS
* Rockets are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 road games.
* Rockets are 6-2-1 ATS in their last 9 games vs. Central Division.
* Cavaliers are 39-19-1 ATS in their last 59 Tuesday games.
* The OVER is 19-7-1 in Cleveland's last 27 Tuesday games.
* The UNDER is 7-1 in the last 8 meetings.
* The UNDER is 7-2 in Cleveland's last 9 games vs. Southwest Division.
* The UNDER is 11-3 in Houston's last 14 games vs. Central Division.
New York Knicks at Washington Wizards
* Wizards are 10-3 ATS in their last 13 games vs. Atlantic Division.
* Wizards are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 Tuesday games.
* The OVER is 13-5 in New York's last 18 road games
* The UNDER is 14-3 in Wizards last 17 home games.
* The UNDER is 7-3 in the last 10 meetings.
Orlando Magic at Detroit Pistons
* Detroit is riding a 10-game winning streak since losing at Orlando back on January 21st, 102-100. The Pistons swept last year's season series by an average of 9 points per game and have won the last 7 home meetings with the Magic, including last year's sweep in the playoffs. BIG EDGE: PISTONS
* Pistons guard Rip Hamilton has averaged 26.5 points in 2 games vs. Orlando this season. Hamilton has averaged 18.8 points in 30 career games against the Magic, who have a major disadvantage in the backcourt trying to defend him and Chauncey Billups. BIG EDGE: PISTONS
* Magic are 24-9-2 ATS in their last 35 road games.
* Pistons are 12-5 ATS in their last 17 home games.
* Road team is 14-5-3 ATS in the last 22 meetings.
* The OVER is 8-0 in Detroit's last 8 Tuesday games.
* The OVER is 9-3 in Orlando's last 12 road games.
* The OVER is 10-1 in the last 11 meetings in Detroit.
* The UNDER is 11-5-1 in Detroit's last 17 home games.
Boston Celtics at Denver Nuggets
* Celtics forward Kevin Garnett has targeted this game for his return from an abdominal injury, but according to local reports he is 50/50 to start. Garnett has missed the last 9 games, but the team has stepped up in his absence by going 7-2 SU during that span and 6-2-1 ATS. “Our other guys are getting confidence,” said Boston head coach Doc Rivers. (Check status on the Pregame Wire!) EDGE: CELTICS
* The Nuggets are mostly healthy and playing well, with 6 wins in their last 8 games. Denver has also won 9 of its last 10 at home, where the team is 21-6 this season. Carmelo Anthony is a big reason why the Nuggets have been so hot, as he is averaging 30 points in 7 February games. EDGE: NUGGETS
* Celtics are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 Tuesday games.
* Nuggets are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 home games.
* The OVER is 9-3 in Boston's last 12 Tuesday games.
* The OVER is 23-5 in Boston's last 28 games vs. Northwest Division.
* The OVER is 10-4-1 in Denver's last 15 games vs. Atlantic Division.
Golden State Warriors at Utah Jazz
* Utah has won 12 straight home games, going 8-4 ATS during that stretch. The Jazz are 22-3 at EnergySolutions Arena overall with a 16-9 spread record. BIG EDGE: JAZZ
* Golden State has scored at least 100 points in 16 straight games, averaging 113.8 points per game over that period. That's almost 4 points more than the team's season average, although the Warriors have lost their last 7 trips to Salt Lake City. They have also dropped both regular-season meetings with Utah this season after dropping their second-round playoff series last year in 5 games. EDGE: JAZZ & UNDER
* Jazz are 10-3 ATS in their last 13 games overall.
* The OVER is 16-5 in Utah's last 21 games vs. Pacific Division.
* The OVER is 6-2 in the last 8 meetings.
* The UNDER is 6-2-1 in Golden State's last games 9 vs. Northwest Division.
* The UNDER is 8-2 in Utah's last 10 overall.
Sacramento Kings at Portland Trail Blazers
* Kings are 8-1 ATS in their last 9 Tuesday games.
* Kings are 13-6 ATS in their last 19 road games.
* Blazers are 1-10 ATS in their last 11 games overall.
* The OVER is 7-3 in Portland's last 10 Tuesday games.
* The UNDER is 11-5 in Portland's last 16 home games.
Atlanta Hawks at Los Angeles Lakers
* Atlanta is hoping the addition of point guard Mike Bibby will help the team end a long playoff drought and make the postseason for the first time since 1998-99. Bibby was traded to the Hawks on Saturday from Sacramento for Anthony Johnson, Tyronn Lue, Shelden Williams, Lorenzen Wright and a 2008 second-round draft pick. “There’s another option now,” Atlanta coach Mike Woodson said. “It’ll be like a one-two punch in the backcourt. I think it’s a good move or us to get a guy who’s run a team for many years. It’s an opportunity to put a stamp on our team.” EDGE: HAWKS
* Lakers All-Star Kobe Bryant played less than 3 minutes in the All-Star Game on Sunday due to a torn ligament in his pinkie finger. His doctor recommended surgery, but Bryant is opting to play through the rest of the season despite the pain. “My current thinking is to give my finger some treatment and rest for a few days, and hope I can still continue to compete at a high level after that rest,” Bryant said. EDGE: HAWKS
* This will be the home debut of LA's new addition Pau Gasol. The Lakers are 5-1 SU & ATS with Gasol and just completed a successful 7-2 road trip prior to the All-Star break. Insiders expect a very warm reception from the Staples Center crowd for Gasol, who is averaging 20.5 points and 8.3 rebounds with his new team. EDGE: LAKERS
* Hawks are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 Tuesday games.
* The OVER is 7-3 in LA's last 10 Tuesday games.
CBB
#23 Purdue at #12 Indiana
* Purdue has won 5 straight conference road games for the first time since the 1995-96 season. The Boilermakers have never won 6 straight conference road games. SLIGHT EDGE: INDIANA
* The Boilermakers are 3-1 against ranked teams during Big Ten play, with all 3 wins over teams ranked in the Top 11 of the AP poll. EDGE: PURDUE
* Indiana leads the all-time series 59-35 in Bloomington and has won 8 of the last 10 home outings.. The Hoosiers have also won 7 of the last 10 meetings overall. EDGE: INDIANA
* The Hoosiers have posted an impressive 32-1 record when scoring 70 points or more under head coach Kelvin Sampson. Indiana may have trouble reaching that number, as Purdue is allowing just 60.5 points per game on the season. EDGE: PURDUE
* Big Ten leading rebounder D.J. White could miss this game for the Hoosiers due to a sprained knee. White is also the conference's second-leading scorer and the team's top inside scoring threat. “You’re not going to replace D.J. with one guy,” IU head coach Kelvin Sampson said. “It would take an unbelievable, collective team effort.” EDGE: PURDUE
* Purdue is 11-1 ATS in its last 12 games overall.
* Purdue is 13-3 ATS in its last 16 road games.
* Purdue is 22-6 ATS in its last 28 games vs. Big Ten.
* Purdue is 2-6 ATS in the last 8 meetings in Indiana.
UNC-Greensboro at Davidson
* Davidson has won 11 of the last 12 meetings with Greensboro. The Wildcats overcame a 20-point first half deficit to beat the Spartans 83-78 in last week's meeting in Greensboro. EDGE: DAVIDSON
* The month of February has not been kind to the Spartans over the last few years. Over the last 4 seasons, UNCG is now 10-18 in the month of February. On the other hand, Davidson is a dominating 29-3 record in February since the 2003-04 season. EDGE: DAVIDSON
* The Wildcats have also won 15 straight home games and 39 of their last 41 against Southern Conference opponents at Belk Arena. EDGE: DAVIDSON
* Davidson is 55-27-3 ATS in its last 85 games vs. Southern.
* Davidson is 36-16-1 ATS in its last 53 games overall.
* UNC-Greensboro is 3-8 ATS in its last 11 Tuesday games.
* UNC-Greensboro is 2-9 ATS in the last 11 meetings.
* Favorite is 6-2 ATS in the last 8 meetings.
* The OVER is 16-6 in UNC-Greensboro'a last 22 games vs. Southern.
* The UNDER is 9-4 in DAV last 13 Tuesday games.
Georgia at Kentucky
* Last season marked the first regular-season split in 13 years in this series. All subsequent years have produced a sweep in one direction or the other, which gives Kentucky the advantage after winning the first meeting, 63-58. EDGE: KENTUCKY
* The Bulldogs entered their game against Tennessee with just 7 scholarship players, but that number grew before game time when reserve forward Chris Barnes recovered from an eye infection to log 12 minutes in a heartbreaking 74-71 defeat. The number should expand tonight, as Georgia's leading scorer Billy Humphrey returns from a three-games suspension. EDGE: GEORGIA
* Kentucky has held 14 of its last 15 opponents under 50-percent shooting. Georgia has shot just 36.5 percent from the field away from Athens this season. EDGE: UNDER
* Georgia 7-15 ATS in its last 22 road games.
* The OVER is 7-3 in Kentucky's last 10 Tuesday games.
Pregame.com
Lawrence dismissed by UNLV Rebels after drunk driving charge
February 19, 2008
LAS VEGAS (AP) -Marcus Lawrence has been kicked off the UNLV basketball team, a few days after the sophomore was charged with driving under the influence.
The 20-year-old guard was dismissed Monday, school spokesman Andy Grossman said.
UNLV coach Lon Kruger called the situation ``extremely disappointing,'' but said Lawrence had run out of second chances.
Kruger says it was the third or fourth incident where the team has discussed Lawrence's behavior.
Lawrence was arrested by the Nevada Highway Patrol after a one-vehicle accident Friday in Las Vegas. The arrest came about 7:30 a.m., three hours before UNLV's practice.
Lawrence missed Saturday's loss at BYU.
Kruger said Lawrence can remain on scholarship and added he plans to finish the semester.