Wednesday Night Special
By Josh Jacobs
After Boston walked out of the Palace with a 92-85 win last Saturday, Detroit (26-8 straight up, 23-10-1 against the spread) is now looking to pick up where it left off.
Heading into an ESPN televised game of hoops at 9:00 p.m. EST, the Pistons will exit their chartered flight into Texas, looking for a cross conference win inside the American Airlines Center. But don’t expect Dallas (23-11 SU, 15-18-1 ATS) to just lay down its arms.
Coming off a loss this season, Detroit is 6-1 SU (1-1 SU coming in road games) and ATS. While there isn’t much data on the Pistons coming off three days worth of rest, its worth mentioning that the Mavericks are 3-0 SU and 1-2 ATS after two days of relaxation. Dallas has shot lights out with this amount of time away from the court, accounting for 108 PPG versus 99.3 PPG allowed.
The Mavericks have played very stout ball inside their own arena (16-3 SU, 9-9-1 ATS). Coming off a one sided affair in Minnesota (101-78), Dallas is 15-7 SU overall this year and 10-0 SU at home after working for a victory the game before.
A huge disparity in the statistical data sheet emanates from the free throw line. In a lopsided affair, the Mavs have crushed the NBA with an 82.5% success rate from the charity stripe. In direct contrast, the Pistons fall somewhere in the middle of the pack, heaving up free throws for 76.3%.
Entering contests against teams with a .500 or better record, both teams have very similar financial records.
Dallas is 6-2-1 ATS versus teams with a record greater then .500 at home opposed to a 3-6 ATS performance inside its home town versus teams with a losing record (under .500). Detroit isn’t far behind with a 5-1 ATS record on the road against teams playing over the .500 hump.
Taking eight of its last 10, the Mavericks are cutting down the net with 100.1 PPG. Beginning the New Year, Dirk Nowitzki has led the charge for 27.7 PPG with 7.3 RPG. However, buyers beware as Jerry Stackhouse (10.2 PPG, 17 steals) is a game time decision (thumb) and Erick Dampier (5.2 PPG, 6.4 RPG) remains ‘questionable’ with severe swelling in his knee.
In their last meeting together in March of 2007, Dallas stepped up its game by outscoring Detroit 92-88. Although the Pistons where able to cover the 5 ½-point spread, the men from Motown where out rebounded and out shot from the field (Detroit’s 46% from the field versus Dallas’ 49%).
While Dallas can pull of wins without Stackhouse and Dampier in the lineup, it will be a tough slugfest against a Pistons team whose held opponents to a league second best, 89.3 PPG. Detroit is healthy, has five players scoring solid double-digit figures and isn’t all that bad at putting the rock in the hoop (46.8% from the field). While not trying to take away any of the gusto coming out of Dallas, Texas, the Mavericks will be upset at home by a very tight score.
Most books have opened up Dallas as a 2 1/2-point favorite, with an early total set at 190.
vegasinsider.com.
Ray Allen has pinched nerve, likely to sit out against Charlotte
January 8, 2008
WALTHAM, Mass. (AP) -Celtics guard Ray Allen has a pinched nerve in his neck and is doubtful for Wednesday's home game against the Charlotte Bobcats, coach Doc Rivers said.
``It's not anything that's going to last,'' Rivers said after practice Tuesday, adding he expects Allen to play Friday at New Jersey. ``It's a pinched nerve, it is what it is. From my understanding, it's day to day.''
Allen, who is averaging 18 points, doesn't know how he got hurt. He said he has been experiencing soreness in his right shoulder, tingling in his arm and numbness in his fingers for several days.
``The last two days or so it got a little worse to where I couldn't sleep,'' said Allen, acquired by the Celtics in a draft-day trade with Seattle. ``Any way I turned, there was a real sharp pain back there.''
The Celtics also could be without Glen Davis against the Bobcats. He did not practice Tuesday while icing his sore right knee, which he injured in Saturday's win at Detroit when he had a career-high 20 points.
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Toronto Raptors
- The Philadelphia 76ers and the Toronto Raptors will meet on the court at Air Canada Centre on Wednesday in a battle of division rivals.
Andre Iguodala was the high scorer for the Sixers with 21 points in their 87-83 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday night.
The Bucks upset the Sixers as 5-point road underdogs as the teams played under the 189-point total listed by sportsbooks.
The Raptors lost to Cleveland 93-90 as a 4-point favorite last time out. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under total (185).
Chris Bosh led the Raptors with 23 points and Anthony Parker had 20 points and nine rebounds in the loss.
Current streak:
Philadelphia has lost 4 straight games.
Toronto has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Philadelphia: 14-21 SU, 16-18-1 ATS
Toronto: 17-17 SU, 18-16 ATS
Philadelphia most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 5-5
Before playing Chicago are 3-7
After playing Milwaukee are 5-5
After a loss are 4-6
Toronto most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 5-5
Before playing New York are 8-2
After playing Cleveland are 2-8
After a loss are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Philadelphia's last 6 games when playing on the road against Toronto
Philadelphia is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Toronto
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Philadelphia's last 7 games when playing Toronto
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Philadelphia's last 10 games on the road
Toronto is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing Philadelphia
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Toronto's last 6 games when playing at home against Philadelphia
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Toronto's last 11 games at home
Toronto is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Philadelphia
Next up:
Philadelphia home to Chicago, Friday, January 11
Toronto at New York, Friday, January 11
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Atlanta Hawks
- The Cleveland Cavaliers and the Atlanta Hawks will both be trying to pick up a win on Wednesday when they battle at Philips Arena.
LeBron James scored 22 points and grabbed eight rebounds to lead the Cavaliers past the Seattle SuperSonics 95-79 on Tuesday night.
The Cavaliers covered as 9-point home favorites as the teams played under the 194.5-point total set by oddsmakers.
Atlanta had 21 turnovers in Saturday's 113-107 loss to New Jersey, falling as 4-point home favorites. The 220 points scored were OVER the posted total of 187.5.
Josh Smith fired in a game-high 34 points, and Marvin Williams added 16 points for the Hawks.
Current streak:
Cleveland has won 4 straight games.
Atlanta has lost 4 straight games.
Team records:
Cleveland: 18-17 SU, 15-20 ATS
Atlanta: 15-16 SU, 16-15 ATS
Cleveland most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 8-2
Before playing Charlotte are 6-4
After playing Seattle are 2-8
After a win are 5-5
Atlanta most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 5-5
Before playing Washington are 4-6
After playing New Jersey are 5-5
After a loss are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
Cleveland is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
Cleveland is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Cleveland's last 9 games
Cleveland is 13-2 SU in its last 15 games when playing Atlanta
Atlanta is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
Atlanta is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 14 of Atlanta's last 20 games when playing at home against Cleveland
The total has gone UNDER in 15 of Atlanta's last 22 games
Next up:
Cleveland home to Charlotte, Friday, January 11
Atlanta home to Washington, Friday, January 11
Seattle SuperSonics vs. New Jersey Nets
- The Seattle SuperSonics and the New Jersey Nets will both be trying to pick up a win on Wednesday when they battle at Izod Center.
Kevin Durant paced the Sonics with 24 points in their 95-79 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday night.
The Cavaliers covered as 9-point home favorites as the teams played under the 194.5-point total set by oddsmakers.
Richard Jefferson led the way for the Nets with 25 points in their 115-99 loss to the Charlotte Bobcats on Tuesday night.
The Bobcats cashed as 1.5-point home underdogs as the game played over the 194.5-point total posted by oddsmakers.
Current streak:
Seattle has lost 4 straight games.
Team records:
Seattle: 9-25 SU, 16-18 ATS
New Jersey: 17-17 SU, 14-19-1 ATS
Seattle most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 2-8
Before playing Dallas are 4-6
After playing Cleveland are 4-6
After a loss are 4-6
New Jersey most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 7-3
Before playing Boston are 5-5
After playing Charlotte are 9-1
After a loss are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Seattle's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Seattle's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Seattle's last 7 games when playing on the road against New Jersey
Seattle is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games when playing New Jersey
The total has gone OVER in 6 of New Jersey's last 7 games when playing at home against Seattle
New Jersey is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
New Jersey is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
New Jersey is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Seattle
Next up:
Seattle home to Dallas, Friday, January 11
New Jersey home to Boston, Friday, January 11
Charlotte Bobcats vs. Boston Celtics
- The Charlotte Bobcats and the Boston Celtics will both be trying to pick up a win on Wednesday when they battle at TD Banknorth Garden.
Jason Richardson netted 25 points, pulled down seven rebounds, and dished out five assists to lead the Bobcats past the New Jersey Nets 115-99 on Tuesday night.
The Bobcats cashed as 1.5-point home underdogs as the game played over the 194.5-point total posted by oddsmakers.
Boston outscored Detroit by ten points in the fourth quarter of Saturday's 92-85 win, coming in as 2-point road underdogs. The 177 points scored were UNDER the posted total of 181.5.
Glen Davis came off the bench with 20 points, and Paul Pierce had 19 points, nine rebounds and seven assists for the Celtics.
Current streak:
Boston has won 9 straight games.
Team records:
Charlotte: 12-21 SU, 11-21-1 ATS
Boston: 29-3 SU, 21-10-1 ATS
Charlotte most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 2-5
Before playing Cleveland are 2-8
After playing New Jersey are 3-7
After a win are 2-8
Boston most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 5-5
Before playing New Jersey are 6-4
After playing Detroit are 3-7
After a win are 9-1
A few trends to consider:
Charlotte is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 games when playing Boston
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Charlotte's last 5 games
Charlotte is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Boston
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Charlotte's last 6 games on the road
Boston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Boston is 16-1 SU in its last 17 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Boston's last 6 games
Boston is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Charlotte
Next up:
Charlotte at Cleveland, Friday, January 11
Boston at New Jersey, Friday, January 11
Houston Rockets vs. New York Knicks
- The Houston Rockets and the New York Knicks will both be trying to pick up a win on Wednesday when they battle at Madison Square Garden.
Luther Head dropped 24 points as the Rockets defeated the Washington Wizards 92-84 on Tuesday night.
The Rockets won as 2.5-point road underdogs as the game played under the 188.5-point total listed by sportsbooks.
The Knicks scored 27 points in the fourth quarter Tuesday, and came back to defeat the Bulls 105-100. The Knicks won the game as 6.5-point underdogs, and the 205 points made it OVER the posted total of 191.
Eddy Curry led the Knicks with 29 points and eight rebounds, while shooting 11-for-14 from the field.
Current streak:
Houston has won 3 straight games.
Team records:
Houston: 18-17 SU, 17-17-1 ATS
New York: 9-24 SU, 14-19 ATS
Houston most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 7-3
Before playing Minnesota are 6-4
After playing Washington are 4-6
After a win are 5-5
New York most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 4-6
Before playing Toronto are 3-7
After playing Chicago are 4-6
After a win are 2-8
A few trends to consider:
Houston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing New York
Houston is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games
Houston is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Houston's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of New York's last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of New York's last 6 games when playing Houston
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of New York's last 9 games when playing at home against Houston
New York is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games
Next up:
Houston home to Minnesota, Friday, January 11
New York home to Toronto, Friday, January 11
Miami Heat vs. Milwaukee Bucks
- The Miami Heat and the Milwaukee Bucks will both be trying to pick up a win on Wednesday when they battle at Bradley Center.
Dwyane Wade paced the Heat with 25 points and seven assists in their 101-91 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday night.
The Timberwolves won the game as a home pick 'em as the teams played just over the 191.5-point total posted by oddsmakers.
Mo Williams went for 21 points and nine assists to lift the Bucks past the Philadelphia 76ers 87-83 on Tuesday night.
The Bucks upset the Sixers as 5-point road underdogs as the teams played under the 189-point total listed by sportsbooks.
Current streak:
Miami has lost 8 straight games.
Milwaukee has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Miami: 8-27 SU, 14-21 ATS
Milwaukee: 14-20 SU, 14-19-1 ATS
Miami most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 3-7
Before playing New Orleans are 5-5
After playing Minnesota are 3-7
After a loss are 2-8
Milwaukee most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 4-6
Before playing LA Lakers are 4-6
After playing Philadelphia are 5-5
After a win are 4-6
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Miami's last 10 games when playing on the road against Milwaukee
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Miami's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Miami's last 6 games when playing Milwaukee
Miami is 10-3 SU in its last 13 games when playing Milwaukee
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Milwaukee's last 10 games when playing at home against Miami
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Milwaukee's last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Milwaukee's last 6 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Milwaukee's last 6 games when playing Miami
Next up:
Miami at New Orleans, Friday, January 11
Milwaukee at LA Lakers, Friday, January 11
Los Angeles Lakers vs. New Orleans Hornets
- The Los Angeles Lakers and the New Orleans Hornets will both be gunning for a victory on Wednesday when they meet at New Orleans Arena.
Derek Fisher dropped 26 points as the Lakers cruised past the Memphis Grizzlies 117-101 on Tuesday night.
The Lakers covered as 6-point road favorites as the game played over the 215.5-point total listed by oddsmakers.
New Orleans hit 11 three-pointers in Saturday's 118-113 win at Phoenix, coming in as 8-point road underdogs. The 231 points scored were OVER the posted total of 208.5.
Chris Paul led the way with 28 points and 11 assists, while Peja Stojakovic had 23 points for the Hornets.
Current streak:
Los Angeles has won 3 straight games.
New Orleans has won 3 straight games.
Team records:
Los Angeles: 22-11 SU, 21-12 ATS
New Orleans: 23-11 SU, 20-13-1 ATS
Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 5-5
Before playing Milwaukee are 9-1
After playing Memphis are 6-4
After a win are 7-3
New Orleans most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 2-8
Before playing Miami are 7-3
After playing Phoenix are 3-7
After a win are 7-3
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of the LA Lakers last 5 games when playing New Orleans
The total has gone OVER in 5 of the LA Lakers last 5 games when playing on the road against New Orleans
LA Lakers are 7-1 SU in their last 8 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of the LA Lakers last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of New Orleans's last 5 games when playing LA Lakers
The total has gone OVER in 5 of New Orleans's last 5 games when playing at home against LA Lakers
New Orleans is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games
New Orleans is 8-1 ATS in its last 9 games
Next up:
LA Lakers home to Milwaukee, Friday, January 11
New Orleans home to Miami, Friday, January 11
Detroit Pistons vs. Dallas Mavericks
- The Detroit Pistons and the Dallas Mavericks will both be trying to pick up a win on Wednesday when they battle at American Airlines Center.
Detroit were outscored by ten points in the fourth quarter of Saturday's 92-85 loss to Boston, falling as 2-point home favorites. The 177 points scored were UNDER the posted total of 181.5.
Richard Hamilton led the way with 18 points, while Chauncey Billups was next with 17 points for the Pistons.
The Mavericks defeated Minnesota 101-78 as an 8.5-point favorite last time out. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under total (193.5).
Dirk Nowitzki scored a game-high 30 points for Dallas, while Josh Howard added 22 points and eight rebounds in the win.
Current streak:
Dallas has won 4 straight games.
Team records:
Detroit: 26-8 SU, 23-10-1 ATS
Dallas: 23-11 SU, 15-18-1 ATS
Detroit most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 9-1
Before playing San Antonio are 6-4
After playing Boston are 8-2
After a loss are 6-4
Dallas most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 10-0
Before playing Seattle are 9-1
After playing Minnesota are 7-3
After a win are 8-2
A few trends to consider:
Detroit is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Detroit is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Detroit is 11-1 SU in its last 12 games
Detroit is 11-1 ATS in its last 12 games
Dallas is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Dallas's last 8 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Dallas's last 6 games at home
Dallas is 9-2 SU in its last 11 games
Next up:
Detroit at San Antonio, Thursday, January 10
Dallas at Seattle, Friday, January 11
Indiana Pacers vs. Phoenix Suns
- The Indiana Pacers and the Phoenix Suns will both be gunning for a victory on Wednesday when they meet at US Airways Center.
The Pacers were defeated 111-89 by the Jazz last time out, as 8-point underdogs on the road. The combined 200 points fell UNDER the posted total of 212.
Danny Granger shot 5-for-7 from the field with 17 points and seven rebounds in the loss.
Shawn Marion threw in 27 points and hauled down 14 boards to lead the Suns to a 137-115 win over the Nuggets on Monday. The Suns covered the 7.5-point spread, and the combined score sailed OVER the posted total of 227.
Marcus Banks had 23 points from 7-for-8 shooting, and Amare Stoudemire added 20.
Current streak:
Indiana has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Indiana: 16-20 SU, 16-19-1 ATS
Phoenix: 24-10 SU, 15-18-1 ATS
Indiana most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 3-7
Before playing Sacramento are 4-6
After playing Utah are 6-4
After a loss are 5-5
Phoenix most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 5-5
Before playing Utah are 7-3
After playing Denver are 7-3
After a win are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Indiana's last 10 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Indiana's last 10 games when playing on the road against Phoenix
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Indiana's last 6 games
Indiana is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Phoenix
Phoenix is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Indiana
Phoenix is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 games when playing at home against Indiana
Phoenix is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Indiana
Phoenix is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home
Next up:
Indiana at Sacramento, Saturday, January 12
Phoenix at Utah, Thursday, January 10
Golden State Warriors vs. Portland Trail Blazers
- The fans at Rose Garden will be treated to a game between the Golden State Warriors and the Portland Trail Blazers when they take their seats on Wednesday.
Golden State dominated overtime on Monday, as they defeated San Antonio 130-121 as 2-point favorites. The 251 points sailed OVER the posted total of 204.5.
Baron Davis tossed in a game-high 34 points and Stephen Jackson added 29 in the win.
Portland outscored Utah by 14 points in the third quarter of Saturday's 103-89 win, covering the the 2-point home spread. The 192 points scored were UNDER the posted total of 198.
Martell Webster had a game-high 26 points, and LaMarcus Aldridge fired in 20 points for the Trailblazers.
Current streak:
Portland has won 3 straight games.
Team records:
Golden State: 20-15 SU, 17-18 ATS
Portland: 21-13 SU, 22-12 ATS
Golden State most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 5-5
Before playing Memphis are 6-4
After playing San Antonio are 5-5
After a win are 4-6
Portland most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 5-5
Before playing Toronto are 7-3
After playing Utah are 5-5
After a win are 9-1
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Golden State's last 9 games when playing Portland
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Golden State's last 6 games
Golden State is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games when playing Portland
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Golden State's last 5 games when playing on the road against Portland
Portland is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Portland is 16-1 SU in its last 17 games
Portland is 10-1 ATS in its last 11 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Portland's last 9 games when playing Golden State
Next up:
Golden State home to Memphis, Friday, January 11
Portland at Toronto, Sunday, January 13
Orlando Magic vs. Los Angeles Clippers
- The Orlando Magic and the Los Angeles Clippers will both be gunning for a victory on Wednesday when they meet at STAPLES Center.
The Magic lost 104-100 to the Kings last time out, as 5-point favorites. The 204 points made it OVER the posted total of 198.
Dwight Howard had a game-high 29 points and 15 rebounds for a double-double in the loss.
The Clippers lost to San Antonio 88-82 as a 7.5-point underdog last time out. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under total (181).
Chris Kaman led the Clippers with 20 points and 14 rebounds, while Al Thornton had 17 points and eight rebounds.
Current streak:
Orlando has lost 3 straight games.
Los Angeles has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Orlando: 22-14 SU, 23-13 ATS
Los Angeles: 10-21 SU, 14-17 ATS
Orlando most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 8-2
Before playing Denver are 5-5
After playing Sacramento are 6-4
After a loss are 4-6
Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Wednesday are 3-7
Before playing Dallas are 1-9
After playing San Antonio are 4-6
After a loss are 4-6
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Orlando's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Orlando's last 10 games when playing on the road against LA Clippers
Orlando is 16-5 ATS in its last 21 games on the road
Orlando is 15-6 SU in its last 21 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of the LA Clippers last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of the LA Clippers last 5 games at home
LA Clippers are 6-1 SU in their last 7 games when playing at home against Orlando
LA Clippers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games when playing Orlando
Next up:
Orlando at Denver, Friday, January 11
LA Clippers home to Dallas, Saturday, January 12
Roy: "I think I should be able to go tomorrow"
Brandon Roy tested his ailing tailbone at practice on Tuesday, and although he remains a game-time decision, the Trail Blazers' guard said afterward that he hopes to be ready for Wednesday night's matchup against Golden State.
"I think I should be able to go tomorrow," Roy said. "It feels a lot better now than it did before Saturday's game. Today I started to do some moves, and I felt (pain), but it wasn't like it was stopping me from doing what I wanted to do."
Roy was not a full participant during Tuesday's practice, but he did work into several drills that did not feature scrimmaging. Before practice Roy tested his "explosiveness," which he called his biggest concern, by working on pick and rolls and other offensive drills that require quick lateral movement.
While Roy admitted he's not 100 percent, he made it more than clear that -- at the very least -- he intends to play on Wednesday. Of course, he said the same thing before the Blazers defeated Utah on Saturday, and Roy could endure just 9 minutes, 27 seconds of painful basketball.
Roy suffered a bruised tailbone last week when he crashed hard on his backside after colliding with Ben Wallace on a layup attempt during the Blazers' double-overtime victory over Chicago.
"I haven't talked to coach yet," Roy said. "But (we) are going to talk. I'll come in tomorrow and hopefully I'll feel a lot better tomorrow than I do today. I think I will be able to play tomorrow."
oregonlive.com
COLLEGE BASKETBALL
(22) Rhode Island (14-1, 11-2 ATS) at (17) Dayton (12-1, 5-3 ATS)
A rare matchup of Top 25 teams from the Atlantic 10 Conference is on tap in Dayton, Ohio, where the Flyers host Rhode Island in the league opener for both schools.
Dayton has ripped off 11 consecutive victories, though the winning streak nearly came to an end in its most recent game a week ago tonight, an 83-81 overtime win over Akron. The Flyers, who previously hadn’t allowed more than 74 points in any game this year, failed to cover as a seven-point home favorite, snapping a 5-0 ATS roll in lined games.
Rhode Island carries a nine-game winning streak (6-1 ATS) into its conference debut, most recently routing Fairleigh Dickinson 94-63 in a non-lined home game a week ago. The Rams, who average 83.4 points per game, have tallied at least 72 points in every game, scoring 80 or more 10 times.
The Rams squeaked past Dayton 75-74 as a one-point home underdog last year. Rhode Island has won three of the last four meetings SU and ATS, and the straight-up winner has cashed in each of the last seven head-to-head clashes.
Dayton is unbeaten through nine home games (3-2 ATS), while the Rams are 7-1 in road/neutral-site games (6-2 ATS).
The Rams have topped the total in four straight lined games and seven of their last eight, while Dayton is on a 7-0 “over” streak (5-0 “over” at home). Also, the over is on runs of 38-14 for Rhode Island overall, 21-6 for Rhode Island on the road, 19-7 for Dayton overall, 12-1 for Dayton at home and 12-5 for Dayton in conference play.
Conversely, the under is 4-1 in the last five series meetings, the lone “over” occurring in last year’s lone battle.
ATS ADVANTAGE: OVER
(16) Ole Miss (13-0, 5-4 ATS) at (8) Tennessee (12-1, 4-4 ATS)
Tennessee will try to knock Ole Miss from the ranks of unbeatens when both teams open SEC play in Knoxville.
The Vols haven’t been on the floor since Dec. 29, when they closed out non-conference play with an 82-72 rout of Gonzaga as a 1½-point road underdog. It was the seventh-straight victory for Tennessee, with five coming by 10 points or fewer.
Ole Miss remained perfect with an 86-50 rout of Alabama A&M in a non-lined home game a week ago. Although the Rebels are undefeated, only two of their last eight wins have come by double digits.
The home team is 7-1 SU in the last eight regular-season meetings (6-2 ATS). In last year’s only battle, Ole Miss rolled 83-69 as a three-point home chalk, snapping Tennessee’s 5-0 ATS roll. The Vols have cashed in four consecutive meetings in Knoxville.
Tennessee has followed up a 1-4 ATS slump with back-to-back spread-covers, both on the road. At home, the Vols are 8-0 SU, but only 2-1 ATS in lined games.
Four of the Rebels’ 13 wins have come as a visitor, but they’re just 2-2 ATS in four lined road games. Going back to last year, Ole Miss is just 2-6 ATS on the highway.
These teams are virtually dead-even in the stat department. Both average exactly 86.2 points per game, while Tennessee gives up 70.7 ppg, a shade more than the Rebels’ 69.4 ppg.
The over is 9-4-1 in Ole Miss’ last 14 lined contests
ATS ADVANTAGE: TENNESSEE
Arizona (10-4, 5-6 ATS) at Arizona State (12-2, 6-4 ATS)
Off to a 2-0 start in Pac-10 play, Arizona State now faces arch-nemesis Arizona, which has won 24 of the last 25 meetings in this bitter rivalry, including the last 12 in a row.
The Sun Devils swept both Oregon schools in Tempe, Ariz., over the weekend, topping Oregon 62-54 as a three-point chalk and routing Oregon State 72-53 as a 12-point favorite. ASU has won eight games in a row, all at home.
Arizona split its first two league games, pounding Oregon State 76-63 on Thursday before getting upset by Oregon 84-74 on Saturday. The Wildcats failed to cash as a big favorite in both contests, falling to 1-4-1 ATS in their last six overall and 2-6 ATS in their last eight against the Pac-10.
Not only have the Wildcats completely owned Arizona State over the past decade, but they’re 7-2 ATS in the last nine meetings, with all seven spread-covers coming in double-digit victories. That includes a 71-47 rout as a 16½-point home favorite last year. In the rematch in Tempe, the Sun Devils came close, but eventually lost 61-58, covering as a 6½-point home underdog.
The host is 6-1 ATS in the last seven series battles.
For the season, Arizona State is 10-0 in its building (4-2 ATS), winning by an average of 22 points per game (75-53). Dating to last year, the Sun Devils have covered in nine of 11 at home, and they’re 6-1-1 ATS in their last eight against the Pac-10.
Arizona has split its four road/neutral-site games (1-2 ATS).
The Sun Devils rank eighth in the nation in both field-goal offense (50.3 percent) and scoring defense (56.5 ppg allowed).
The under is on runs of 9-2 for Arizona on the road, 16-7 for Arizona State overall and 3-0 in this rivalry.
ATS ADVANTAGE: ARIZONA and UNDER
NBA
L.A. Lakers (22-11, 21-12 ATS) at New Orleans (23-11, 21-13 ATS)
Two of the hottest teams in the NBA clash in the Big Easy, as the Lakers wrap up a brief two-game, two-day road trip against the Hornets.
Los Angeles hammered the Grizzlies 117-101 last night, easily covering as a 6½-point road favorite for its third consecutive win and cover. Going back to Dec. 4, the Lakers are on a 13-3 roll, going 12-4 ATS. This includes a 6-2 SU and ATS streak on the road.
New Orleans comes into this contest extremely well-rested, having not played since Saturday’s 118-113 upset victory at Phoenix as an eight-point underdog. The Hornets are on an 8-1 SU and ATS tear, and the straight-up winner has covered the spread in each of their last 12 games.
The Hornets are on a 3-1 SU and ATS run against the Lakers, including a 118-104 rout in Los Angeles as a 2½-point underdog back on Nov. 6. The underdog is 4-0 SU and ATS in the four meetings, and the winner has covered the number in each of the last nine clashes in this rivalry.
The Hornets have actually performed better on the road (14-5 SU and ATS) than at home (9-6 SU, 7-8 ATS) this season. On a positive note, New Orleans is on ATS streaks of 16-5 against the Pacific Division and 21-7-1 when playing on Wednesday.
Going back to last season, L.A. is on a 6-2 ATS run (4-2 ATS this year) when playing on the second night of a back-to-back situation. Meanwhile, the Hornets are 5-1 ATS this season when playing on two or more days of rest.
The Lakers are 8-3 ATS as an underdog.
The over is 12-1 in the last 13 series meetings between these teams, including 9-0 in the last nine overall and 6-0 in the last six when the Hornets were the home team. The over is also 5-1 in the Lakers’ last six overall and 7-3 in their last 10 against the Western Conference.
ATS ADVANTAGE: NEW ORLEANS and OVER
Detroit (26-8, 23-10-1 ATS) at Dallas (23-11, 15-18-1 ATS)
Coming off a rare loss, the Pistons look to get back on track when they kick off a four-game road trip at the American Airlines Center against the red-hot Mavericks.
Detroit’s 11-game SU and ATS winning streak was halted in Saturday’s 92-85 home loss to Boston as a 2½-point favorite. Despite that setback, Flip Saunders’ squad has still won 18 of its last 21 games, going an amazing 18-2-1 ATS during this stretch.
The Pistons have been money on the road since the beginning of December, going 9-0 SU and 8-0-1 ATS. That includes an ongoing 5-0 SU and ATS streak as a visitor. For the season, Detroit is 13-5 SU and 12-5-1 ATS on the highway.
The Mavericks ran their winning streak to four in a row (3-1 ATS) with Sunday’s 101-78 rout of the Timberwolves as an eight-point road chalk. Dallas is 11-3 in its last 14 games (8-5-1 ATS), including 8-1 at home (5-3-1 ATS).
These teams split their season series a year ago, with road team scoring an upset in each contest. Detroit won 92-82 as a seven-point underdog, while Dallas got revenge with a 92-88 win in Motown, but failed to cash as 5½-point road chalk. The Pistons are 6-2 ATS in the last eight meetings, and the underdog is 6-3 ATS in the last nine clashes.
The Pistons are on ATS runs of 27-11-1 on the road, 6-1 when playing on two or more days of rest, 5-0-1 against the Southwest Division and 8-0-1 on Wednesdays. However, they’re just 3-3 ATS as an underdog this year.
The Mavs are only 4-14-1 ATS in their last 19 against Central Division foes and 1-4 ATS in their last five versus the Eastern Conference.
Dallas has been doing it with defense lately, holding 11 of its last 13 opponents under 100 points, including the last six in a row. Not surprisingly, the under is 11-2 for the Mavs during this stretch, including 11-0 when they’ve kept their foes under triple digits.
Like Dallas, the Pistons have been clamping down on opponents, allowing 100 points just twice during their current 18-3 SU roll. The under is 10-3 in Detroit’s last 13 overall and 10-2 in its last 12 against Southwest Division foes. Finally, both of last year’s Pistons-Mavericks meetings stayed under the posted price.
ATS ADVANTAGE: DETROIT and UNDER
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