NBA Season 2014-15 Discussion

[DarrenCollison]

NBA
12-18-2014

Golden State Warriors vs Oklahoma City Thunder

Home - Golden State Warriors
Last away matches - L-W-W-W-W-W

The Golden State Warriors looked invincible during their 16-game win streak, but that music stopped on Tuesday in a 105-98 loss to the Grizzlies. Klay Thompson led the scoring with four threes en route to 22 points while Stephen Curry added 19 points and six assists, but while the Warriors started the game well, the Grizzlies flipped the game on its head when they kicked off the second quarter with a 20-0 run. The Warriors would claw their way back to keep it close in the last quarter, but with a little help from the referees, the Grizzlies were just good enough to close out the game in the end.

Away - Oklahoma City Thunder
Last away matches - W-W-W-W-L-L

The Oklahoma City Thunder have been on an absolute tear lately, winning nine of their last 10 and now playing for an eighth straight win after taking down the Kings by 104-92 on Tuesday. Serge Ibaka hosted a block party with a season-high seven blocks while Russell Westbrook continued his hot form with a game-high 32 points, but the biggest positive from the win came from Kevin Durant who scored 26 points while taking a season-high 25 shot attempts. This Thunder team looks like they're already in mid-season form which is scary because Durant has yet to fully find his range.

Asian Handicap
Home - (-2.50)
Away - (+2.50)
Pick - Golden State Warriors (-2.50)
Odds - 1.91
Stakes - 10/10
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NBA
12-18-2014

New York Knicks vs Chicago Bulls

New York Knicks

The New York Knicks have lost 12 of their last 13 games and have shown little signs of turning things around. On the season, the Knicks are averaging 93.6 points on 45.1 percent shooting and are allowing 99.6 points on 45.4 percent shooting. Carmelo Anthony leads New York with 23.4 points and 6.6 rebounds while Amar'e Stoudemire is averaging 13.3 points and 7.4 rebounds. Tim Hardaway Jr. is shooting 39.5 percent from the field and Jose Calderon is dishing out 4.1 assists. The New York Knicks lack of offense continues to be the main reason for their struggles, but they’re allowing 102 points on 48.1 percent shooting in their last five games. Still, the Knicks have lost 10 straight when scoring less than 100 points. J.R. Smith is questionable for this game with a heel injury.

Chicago Bulls

The Chicago Bulls have won four of their last six games and play their first contest since Monday. On the season, the Bulls are averaging 102.1 points on 45.5 percent shooting and are allowing 98.5 points on 43.3 percent shooting. Jimmy Butler leads Chicago with 20.9 points and 5.9 rebounds while Pau Gasol is averaging 18.7 points and 11.9 rebounds. Derrick Rose is dishing out 5.1 assists and Taj Gibson is shooting 53 percent from the field. The Chicago Bulls defense has really turned up the notch recently, allowing 93.2 points on 41.1 percent shooting from the field in their last five games. The Bulls are 11-2 SU this season when allowing less than 100 points. However, five of the Bulls nine losses have come at home. Joakim Noah is questionable for this game with an ankle injury.

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NBA
12-18-2014

Milwaukee Bucks vs Sacramento Kings

Milwaukee Bucks

The Milwaukee Bucks have split their last six games and are in trouble without Jabari Parker. On the season, the Bucks are averaging 99.2 points on 46.1 percent shooting and are allowing 100.4 points on 45.3 percent shooting. Brandon Knight is averaging 17.5 points and 4.7 assists while Giannis Antetokounmpo is averaging 12.2 points and 5.9 rebounds. O.J. Mayo is shooting 40.5 percent from the field and Larry Sanders is averaging 6.1 rebounds per game. The Milwaukee Bucks are coming off a Wednesday loss to the Portland Trail Blazers, a game in which they started four guards with the loss of Parker to an ankle injury. The Bucks have allowed 100-plus points in seven of their last nine games and are allowing teams to shoot 47.2 percent in their last five.

Sacramento Kings

The Sacramento Kings have lost four straight games and are still looking for a new head coach. On the season, the Kings are averaging 100.6 points on 45.2 percent shooting and are allowing 101.4 points on 44 percent shooting. Rudy Gay is averaging 21.2 points and 6.3 rebounds while Darren Collison is averaging 15.6 points and 6.2 assists. Carl Landry is averaging 4.2 rebounds per game and Ben McLemore is shooting 46.3 percent from the field. The Sacramento Kings are relying way too much on the three-ball recently, averaging nearly 18 long distance shots in their last five games, but they’re shooting just 43.2 percent from deep during that stretch. The Kings have lost six of their last eight home games SU and need to start winning games like this if they’re going to get back to a .500 record.
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NBA
12-18-2014

New Orleans Pelicans vs Houston Rockets

New Orleans Pelicans

The New Orleans Pelicans have split their last 10 games and look for just their second road win of the month. On the season, the Pelicans are averaging 103.3 points on 46.4 percent shooting and are allowing 102.6 points on 47 percent shooting. Anthony Davis leads New Orleans with 24.6 points and 10.1 rebounds while Tyreke Evans is averaging 17 points and 5.8 assists. Jrue Holiday is averaging seven assists per game and Ryan Anderson is shooting 41.8 percent from the field. The New Orleans Pelicans have to improve defensively if they’re going to be a consistent team, as they’re allowing 50.2 percent shooting from the field and 41.6 percent shooting from downtown in their last five games. The Pelicans are a top-10 offensive team but it’s hard to win games with zero defense

Houston Rockets

The Houston Rockets have won seven of their last eight games and are playing a back-to-back after a win over Denver on Wednesday. On the season, the Rockets are averaging 99.6 points on 42.7 percent shooting and are allowing 95.3 points on 42.8 percent shooting. James Harden leads Houston with 26.3 points and 6.7 assists while Dwight Howard is averaging 19.5 points and 11.5 rebounds. Trevor Ariza is shooting 37 percent from the field and Patrick Beverley is grabbing five rebounds. The Houston Rockets may be as healthy as they’ve been all season, especially with Howard back, who has a combined 50 points and 29 rebounds in his last two games. It’s going to be interesting to see how Houston responds after playing an overtime game late Wednesday.

 

[DarrenCollison]

NBA
12-19-2014

Orlando Magic vs Utah Jazz

Home - Orlando Magic
Last away matches - L-L-L-W-W-L

The Orlando Magic are 10-18 on the year with a 3-6 record at home but the young team is really meeting or even exceeding expectations at this point. While it has to be disconcerting that the team has only won three games at home, it’s pretty impressive they’ve been able to stick together and gut out seven wins on the road. The Magic have had plenty of trouble scoring over the course of the year with an offense that ranks 27th while averaging just 93.8 points per game, and the defense has been mediocre allowing 99.4 points per game to rank 14th. Leading the Magic are SF Tobias Harris (18.4 ppg, 7.6 rpg) and C Nikola Vucevic (18.3 ppg, 11.4 rpg) who are 22 and 24 years old respectively, speaking to the youthful core of this squad. Victor Oladipo has been showing continued improvement in the backcourt as well with 14.7 points per game while shooting 46.2% from the field and 45.5% from deep. The Magic are opening up a four game holiday home stand here, with this contest being the first of three against sub-.500 competition and culminating with a date with the Cavaliers the day after Christmas.

Away - Utah Jazz
Last away matches - W-L-L-L-L-L

The Utah Jazz are off to a terrible start to the year sitting at 7-19 with a 3-10 record in road contests. The Jazz don’t get the job done at either end of the floor as the offense averages just 96.6 points per game to rank 21st and the defense allows 101.7 per game to also rank 21st. Gordon Hayward leads the team in scoring with 19.1 points per game and also chips in 5.5 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 1.46 steals. Derrick Favors averages 15.4 points and 8.1 rebounds per game but the big man has sat out two of the last four games and been unproductive by his own standards in the other two which could give pause to fantasy owners. PG Trey Burke has been inconsistent in his second year out of Michigan with 11.3 points and 5.5 assists per game while struggling to shoot the ball at just 36.8%. The Jazz are in the midst of a six game road swing, playing game four in Orlando after going 1-2 in the first three games of the trip.

Asian Handicap
Home - (-3.00)
Away - (+3.00)
Pick - Orlando Magic (-3.00)
Odds - 1.92
Stakes - 8/10
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NBA
12-19-2014

Philadelphia 76ers vs Charlotte Hornets

Home - Philadelphia 76ers
Last away matches - L-L-W-W-L-L

The Philadelphia 76ers are on a four game losing streak entering this contest after picking up their first two wins of the season in the month of December. The 76ers are 2-22 on the year with an 0-13 mark at home that they will desperately be trying to break. As bad as the Sixers have been they have to like this spot to snap their home skid after they hung with the Grizzlies last Saturday only to fall in OT. The Sixers rank last in the league in scoring with 91.3 points per game and the defense ranks 25th while conceding 103.7 points per game. Tony Wroten leads the team with 16.5 points per game but the guard is easing his way back from injury at present. Michael Carter-Williams 15.5 points, 7.7 assists and 7.3 rebounds per game, but the second year point guard is also struggling with turnovers with 6.4 per game over the last five games. Second year SF Robert Covington has emerged as the third leading scorer with 11.3 points per game and Nerlens Noel leads the team in rebounding from the forward position with 6.5 per game in an erratic rookie campaign. The 76ers will open up a seven game road trip on Sunday following Friday’s game.

Away - Charlotte Hornets
Last away matches - L-L-L-L-L-L

The Charlotte Hornets were expected to contend for a seven or eight seed this season and thus far the season has been a disaster instead. The Hornets are 6-19 on the year and with a 1-10 road record there’s no guarantee of them taking care of business against a team like the Sixers. Making matters worse perhaps is a recent schedule that has seen the team alternate home and road games over the last four outings while also facing strong competition. The Hornets struggle to score with just 94.7 points per game to rank 24th and the defense that was once somewhat of a calling card is also faltering allowing 101.8 points per game to rank 22nd. Center Al Jefferson leads the team with 19.2 points and eight rebounds but you have to wonder if the team is losing rhythm early in games when the offense centers on feeding the big man so heavily. Kemba Walker averages 15.8 points, 5.6 assists and 4.3 rebounds per game, but his shooting hasn’t been great at 38.2%. The addition of Lance Stephenson hasn’t yielded the results the Hornets had hoped and to make matters worse the 4th year guard out of Cincinnati is expected to miss this game with a groin injury. Look for Gerald Henderson to see an increased workload here as a result.

Asian Handicap
Home - (+5.00)
Away - (-5.00)
Pick - Charlotte Hornets (-5.00)
Odds - 2.04
Stakes - 9/10

 

[DarrenCollison]

NBA
12-19-2014

Cleveland Cavaliers vs Brooklyn Nets

Home - Cleveland Cavaliers
Last away matches - L-L-W-W-W-L

The Cleveland Cavaliers have lost three of their last four games and are coming off a blowout loss to Atlanta. On the season, the Cavs are averaging 103 points on 46.2 percent shooting and are allowing 100.1 points on 47 percent shooting. LeBron James is averaging 25.4 points and 7.6 assists while Kyrie Irving is averaging 19.9 points and 5.2 assists. Kevin Love is grabbing 10.5 rebounds per game and Dion Waiters is shooting 40.4 percent from the field. The Cleveland Cavaliers are back to not playing a lick of defense, as teams are shooting 51.8 percent from the field and 38.8 percent from deep in their last five games. The Cavs have lost five of their last seven games SU when allowing 100-plus points. The Cavaliers remain a team that’s tough to figure out.

Away - Brooklyn Nets
Last away matches - L-W-L-W-W-L

The Brooklyn Nets have lost five of their last seven games and are slowly falling out of the playoff race. On the season, the Nets are averaging 95.9 points on 44.3 percent shooting and are allowing 98.4 points on 44.3 percent shooting. Deron Williams is averaging 16.2 points and 6.9 assists while Joe Johnson is averaging 15.9 points and five rebounds. Jarrett Jack is dishing out 3.4 assists and Mirza Teletovic is shooting 44 percent from the field. The Brooklyn Nets lack of offense has killed them all season, as they’ve scored less than 100 points in 12 of their last 13 games and are shooting 43.1 percent from the field in their last five. The Nets are 5-3 SU this season when scoring at least 100 points. The Nets have also won three of their last five road games SU.

Asian Handicap
Home - (-12.00)
Away - (+12.00)
Pick - Cleveland Cavaliers (-12.00)
Odds - 1.98
Stakes - 10/10
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NBA
12-19-2014

Detroit Pistons vs Toronto Raptors

Home - Detroit Pistons
Last away matches - L-W-W-L-L-L

The Detroit Pistons have split their last four games and are the third-worst team in the East. On the season, the Pistons are averaging 93.8 points on 41.1 percent shooting and are allowing 100.5 points on 45.5 percent shooting. Greg Monroe is averaging 14.5 points and nine rebounds while Josh Smith is averaging 13.2 points and 4.7 assists. Brandon Jennings is racking up 6.2 assists and Andre Drummond is grabbing 12.3 rebounds per game. The Detroit Pistons continue to struggle offensively, scoring less than 100 points in four of their last six games and shooting just 30.8 percent from deep in their last five contests. At this point, the Pistons are entering tanking mode for a top draft pick. The Pistons two home victories are the second-fewest in the NBA.

Away - Toronto Raptors
Last away matches - W-L-W-W-L-W

The Toronto Raptors have won seven of their last nine games and play their fifth road game of the month. On the season, the Raptors are averaging 107.3 points on 46.2 percent shooting and are allowing 98.7 points on 45.7 percent shooting. Kyle Lowry is averaging 19.6 points and 7.8 assists while Louis Williams is averaging 14.4 points on 41.6 percent shooting. Jonas Valanciunas is grabbing nine rebounds and Terrence Ross is shooting 44.6 percent from the field. The Toronto Raptors remain one of the better offensive teams in the league, as they’re shooting 38.2 percent from beyond the arc in their last five games and have won 15 of their last 18 games SU when topping 100 points. Three of the Raptors six losses this season have come on the road.

Asian Handicap
Home - (+7.00)
Away - (-7.00)
Pick - Toronto Raptors (-7.00)
Odds - 1.91
Stakes - 9/10

 

[DarrenCollison]

NBA
12-21-2014

Sacramento Kings vs LA Lakers

Home - Sacramento Kings
Last away matches - L-L-L-W-W-L

The Sacramento Kings have lost 10 of their last 12 overall and will be looking to snap a five-game skid after losing to the Bucks by 108-107 on Thursday. Ben McLemore had 22 points on 8 of 10 shooting while Rudy Gay added 22 points and six assists, but with the game on the line, the ball went to DeMarcus Cousins who missed the game winner but still finished with 27 points, 11 rebounds and five assists. As a team, the Kings shot a sizzling 56.7 percent from the field but in an attempt to play a more up-tempo game, the Kings committed 21 turnovers which led to 17 easy points for the young Bucks. With the loss, Sacramento falls to 11-15 overall and 6-9 at home.

Away - LA Lakers
Last away matches - L-W-W-L-L-W

The Los Angeles Lakers have won three of their last five but are now hoping to avoid a third straight loss after falling narrowly to the Thunder by 104-103 on Friday. Ed Davis had a nice game of 18 points and on 8 of 10 shooting while Ronnie Price and Carlos Boozer added 14 points each, but with the Lakers down by one in the last possession, the ball obviously went to Kobe Bryant who just missed the game-winner, capping a terrible shooting night of 3 for 15. Perhaps the ball could have went to Jeremy Lin who made a tough shot in the previous possession or maybe Nick Young, who got ejected for a flagrant 2 foul, but Kobe could have been 1 for 20 and the ball would have still gone to him for the last shot. With the loss, LA drops to 8-18 on the season and 3-10 at home.

Asian Handicap
Home - (-7.00)
Away - (+7.00)
Pick - LA Lakers (+7.00)
Odds - 1.95
Stakes - 9/10
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NBA
12-21-2014

Miami Heat vs Boston Celtics

Home - Miami Heat
Last away matches - W-W-L-W-L-L

The Miami Heat have lost nine of their last 12 and will be looking to avoid a third straight loss after falling to the Wizards by 105-103 on Friday. John Wall led the team with 20 points and 10 assists while Nene added 20 points in just 26 minutes off the bench as the Wizards overcame a rough shooting night of 3 of 14 from the three point line to take down the Heat who were without Chris Bosh. Defensively, the Wizards really didn't have much of an answer for Dwyane Wade who torched them for 28 points and eight assists, but they managed to work themselves into the game in the fourth quarter and cap the win off with a late clutch steal off Wade. With the win, Washington imrpoves to 19-6 overall and 6-4 on the road.

Away - Boston Celtics
Last away matches - W-L-L-L-L-W

The Boston Celtics will try for a season-high fourth straight victory tonight when they invade the AmericanAirlines Arena to take on the Heat. In the team's first game since trading Rajon Rondo, six players finish in double figures as the Celtics destroyed the Timberwolves by 114-98 on Friday. Kelly Olynyk led the way with 21 points off the bench while Jeff Green added 18 points, but it was a real balanced offense that only seemed to get better as the C's shot 56.5 percent from the field while scoring 61 points in the second half. With the win, Boston went to 10-14 on the season and 7-8 at home.

Asian Handicap
Home - (-2.00)
Away - (+2.00)
Pick - Miami Heat (-2.00)
Odds - 2.00
Stakes - 8/10
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NBA
12-21-2014

Orlando Magic vs Philadelphia 76ers

Home - Orlando Magic
Last away matches - L-L-L-W-W-L

The Orlando Magic have lost five of their last six overall and are coming off a third straight loss, falling to the Jazz by 101-94 on Friday. Tobias Harris continued his breakout season with 24 points on 10 of 18 shooting, while Evan Fournier added 21 points, but the Magic were always playing catchup as the Jazz hit the lead in the second minute of the game and never relinquished it. Orlando is currently ranked 27th in the league in points allowed averaging just 93.8 points per game, which is why they're 0-8 when they allow their opponents to shoot over 50 percent from the field. Orlando is now 10-19 on the season and just 3-7 at home.

Away - Philadelphia 76ers
Last away matches - L-L-W-W-L-L

The Philadelphia 76ers will be looking to snap a five-game skid after getting thumped by the Hornets by 109-91 on Friday. Tony Wroten and Robert Covington both had 19 points while Michael Carter-Williams added 14 points and 10 assists, but the Sixers were always fighting a losing battle after allowing the Hornets to pour in 37 points in the first quarter and 66 points in the first half. In fact, slow starts have been the story for the Sixers all season and it's the main reason that five of their last six losses have come by 12 points or more.

Asian Handicap
Home - (-8.00)
Away - (+8.00)
Pick - Orlando Magic (-8.00)
Odds - 1.95
Stakes - 9/10

 

[DarrenCollison]

NBA
12-22-2014

Charlotte Hornets vs Denver Nuggets

Home - Charlotte Hornets
Last away matches - W-L-L-L-L-L

The Charlotte Hornets have split their last eight games and are also looking for consistency. On the season, the Hornets are averaging 95.6 points on 43.2 percent shooting and are allowing 100.9 points on 46.6 percent shooting. Al Jefferson is averaging 19.2 points and 8.3 rebounds while Kemba Walker is averaging 16.4 points and 5.6 assists. Gary Neal is shooting 40.1 percent from the field and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist is grabbing 5.8 rebounds. The Charlotte Hornets offense is starting to pick up the pace, as they’ve topped 100 points in three straight games and are shooting 38.9 percent from deep in their last five games. The Hornets can get back in the playoff race with a few more victories starting with this matchup. Lance Stephenson is likely out with a groin injury.

Away - Denver Nuggets
Last away matches - L-L-L-L-W-L

The Denver Nuggets have split their last six games and are hoping to get some consistency going. On the season, the Nuggets are averaging 102.2 points on 43.2 percent shooting and are allowing 103.9 points on 43.3 percent shooting. Ty Lawson is averaging 15.2 points and 10.7 assists while Arron Afflalo is averaging 15 points on 44.4 percent shooting. Kenneth Faried is grabbing 6.8 rebounds and Wilson Chandler is shooting 42.9 percent from the field. The Denver Nuggets main issue this season has been their lack of defense, but they’re allowing 41.4 percent shooting from the field and 27.7 percent shooting from deep in their last five games. If the Nuggets are going to climb back into the playoff race and string some wins together, it’s going to continue on the defensive side.

Asian Handicap
Home - (-2.00)
Away - (+2.00)
Pick - Denver Nuggets (+2.00)
Odds - 1.99
Stakes - 10/10
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NBA
12-22-2014

Houston Rockets vs Portland Trail Blazers

Home - Houston Rockets
Last away matches - W-W-L-W-W-L

The Houston Rockets were on a hot streak of their own but are suddenly looking to avoid a third straight loss after losing to the Hawks by 104-97 on Saturday. James Harden did a great job of sharing the ball to finish with 18 points and 14 assists while Dwight Howard had 19 points, 11 rebounds and five assists, but the Rockets shot just 39.5 percent from the field compared to the Hawks' 51.4 percent. The Rockets did a great job of coming back from 16 points to tie it entering the fourth but they just couldn't stop the Hawks late, particularly Kyle Korver who had 22 points with four three pointers. With the loss, Houston drops to 19-7 overall and 9-5 at home.

Away - Portland Trail Blazers
Last away matches - W-W-W-L-L-W

The Portland Trailblazers have just been piling up the W's all season, winning their last five straight to improve to 22-6 on the season. After taking down the Spurs on Friday in a triple overtime thriller, fatigue was supposed to set into the Blazers but they just hit the ground running again on Saturday and blew away the Pelicans by 114-88. LaMarcus Aldridge had another monster line of 27 points, 12 rebounds, three steals and two blocks while Damian Lillard had 17 points and seven assists as the Blazers jumped out to an early 32-17 lead after the first quarter and never looked back. In fact, the Blazers were up by 32 points heading into the fourth quarter before they took their foot off the gas and showed a little mercy. Portland has now won 10 of their last 12 games, but only three of those wins came against teams with winning records.

Asian Handicap
Home - (-3.50)
Away - (+3.50)
Pick - Portland Trail Blazers (+3.50)
Odds - 2.01
Stakes - 9/10
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NBA
12-22-2014

Golden State Warriors vs Sacramento Kings

Home - Golden State Warriors
Last away matches - L-W-W-W-W-W

The Golden State Warriors bounced back from their first loss in over a month with a nice 114-109 win over the surging Thunder on Thursday. Stephen Curry made five three pointers and finished with 34 points and nine assists while Klay Thompson added 19 points of his own, but the Warriors should definitely count themselves lucky as Kevin Durant sprained his ankle and left the game in the first half after pouring in an amazing 30 points in less than 20 minutes. Still, at the end of the day, a win is still a win so the Warriors improve their league-best record to 22-3 overall and 9-1 at home.

Away - Sacramento Kings
Last away matches - L-L-L-W-W-L

The Sacramento Kings have lost six of their last eight overall but were able to snap a five-game skid yesterday with a 108-101 win over the Lakers. DeMarcus Cousins continued his stellar season with 29 points, Rudy Gay had 24 points, Ben McLemore had 23 and Darren Collison added 19 as the Kings battled with the Lakers for the majority of the game before pulling away late. Defensively, the Kings had a clear plan to body up against Kobe Bryant and it paid off as he shot a miserly 8 for 30 for his 25 points which really hurt the Lakers' offense as they shot just 37.9 percent. Despite the win, Sacramento is still below .500 for the season, as they are currently 12-15 overall and 7-9 at home.

Asian Handicap
Home - (-11.50)
Away - (+11.50)
Pick - Golden State Warriors (-11.50)
Odds - 1.87
Stakes - 8/10

 

[DarrenCollison]

NBA
12-27-2014

LA Clippers vs Toronto Raptors

Home - LA Clippers
Last away matches - L-L-L-L-L-W

The Los Angeles Clippers have split their last eight games and are coming off a big Christmas win over Golden State. On the season, the Clippers are averaging 106.5 points on 47.3 percent shooting and are allowing 100.8 points on 46.1 percent shooting. Blake Griffin is averaging 22.9 points and eight rebounds while Chris Paul is averaging 18.3 points and 9.5 assists. Jamal Crawford is shooting 41.6 percent from the field and DeAndre Jordan is grabbing 13.4 rebounds. The Los Angeles Clippers have to improve their defense that’s allowing 50.3 percent shooting in their last five games if they want to win consistently. With the Clippers offensive firepower, they’ve won 10 straight games when allowing less than 100 points. The Clips are coming off a game where they held the Warriors to 42.5 percent shooting.

Away - Toronto Raptors
Last away matches - L-W-W-L-W-W

The Toronto Raptors have won six of their last seven games and play for the first time since Monday. On the season, the Raptors are averaging 108.2 points on 46.3 percent shooting and are allowing 100.1 points on 46 percent shooting. Kyle Lowry is averaging 20 points and 7.7 assists while Louis Williams is averaging 14.6 points on 41.5 percent shooting. Jonas Valanciunas is grabbing 8.8 rebounds and Terrence Ross is shooting 44.1 percent from the field. The Toronto Raptors remain the best team in the East and a lot of it has to do with an offense that’s shooting 47.1 percent from the field and 37.1 percent from deep in their last five games. The Raptors are the second-best offensive team in the league and has won seven of its last 10 games when topping 100 points. Landry Fields is questionable with a head injury.

Asian Handicap
Home - (-4.50)
Away - (+4.50)
Pick - LA Clippers (-4.50)
Odds - 1.90
Stakes - 10/10
_______________________________________________
NBA
12-27-2014

Charlotte Hornets vs Orlando Magic

Home - Charlotte Hornets
Last away matches - L-W-W-L-L-L

The Charlotte Hornets have won four of their last five games and hope to keep the momentum going with a win here. On the season, the Hornets are averaging 96.5 points on 43.6 percent shooting and are allowing 100.2 points on 46.3 percent shooting. Al Jefferson is averaging 19.1 points and 8.2 rebounds while Kemba Walker is averaging 16.9 points and 5.7 assists. Gary Neal is shooting 39.3 percent from the field and Lance Stephenson is is racking up 4.8 assists. The Charlotte Hornets have finally found their offensive groove, as they’re shooting 47.1 percent from the field and averaging more than 100 points in their last five games. The Hornets have to keep the scoring going, as only two of their 10 wins this season have come when they’ve scored under 100 points. The Hornets have won four of their last six home games.

Away - Orlando Magic
Last away matches - L-L-L-W-W-L

The Orlando Magic have lost five of their last six games and play their first road contest in 10 days. On the season, the Magic are averaging 93.8 points on 45.4 percent shooting and are allowing 99.2 points on 45.9 percent shooting. Tobias Harris is averaging 18.6 points and 7.2 rebounds while Nikola Vucevic is averaging 18.2 points and 11.8 rebounds. Elfrid Payton is dishing out 5.1 assists and Evan Fournier is shooting 44.2 percent from the field. The Orlando Magic continue to struggle offensively, as they’ve produced 94 or less points in seven of their last nine games. Offense is the key for the Magic, as seven of their 11 victories this season have come when they’ve topped triple-digit points. The Magic have lost seven of their last 10 road games.

Asian Handicap
Home - (-5.50)
Away - (+5.50)
Pick - Charlotte Hornets (-5.50)
Odds - 1.87
Stakes - 10/10
_______________________________________________
NBA
12-27-2014

Washington Wizards vs Boston Celtics

Home - Washington Wizards
Last away matches - W-W-W-L-L-W

The Washington Wizards have won seven of their last nine games and are looking like a true contender in the East. On the season, the Wizards are averaging 100.5 points on 47.1 percent shooting and are allowing 96.9 points on 43.7 percent shooting. John Wall is averaging 18 points and 10.5 assists while Bradley Beal is averaging 15.2 points and 3.4 rebounds. Marcin Gortat is grabbing 8.3 rebounds and Paul Pierce is shooting 43 percent from the field. The Washington Wizards continue their lights out shooting from deep, as they’re shooting 40 percent from beyond the arc in their last five games. With the explosive offense, the Wizards are 16-1 SU this season when holding a team under 100 points. The Wizards are 13-4 SU this season on their home court.

Away - Boston Celtics
Last away matches - L-L-W-L-L-L

The Boston Celtics have split their last six games and are in clear tank mode without Rajon Rondo. On the season, the Celtics are averaging 103.7 points on 45.9 percent shooting and are allowing 104.3 points on 45.6 percent shooting. Jeff Green is averaging 18.7 points and 4.3 rebounds while Jared Sullinger is averaging 13.7 points and 7.9 rebounds. Avery Bradley is shooting 42.9 percent from the field and Kelly Olynyk is grabbing 5.7 rebounds. The Boston Celtics are struggling defensively, allowing 100 or more points in three straight games, which includes allowing the Nets to shoot 49.4 percent from the field in a loss on Friday. Considering the Celtics are seven games below a .500 record and out of the playoff race, you have to wonder just how hard this team is trying to win.

Asian Handicap
Home - (-10.50)
Away - (+10.50)
Pick - Washington Wizards (-10.50)
Odds - 2.03
Stakes - 8/10

 

[GopherGuy]

Been a pretty crappy season. We obviously blew the Kevin Love trade.

 

[MrBill]

Tim Duncan finished Tuesday's loss in New York with 17 points, eight rebounds, three assists and one block, in the process passing Kevin Garnett to become the No. 8 rebounder in NBA history. GOAT PF!

 

[buckeye]

In-season moves of the year? My vote is for Cavs bringing in Mosgof, Shumpert, and Smith. Those guys have made a massive difference.

Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk

 

[MrBill]

Don't look now but the Spurs just beat the brakes off of the best team in the West and are the only team Omni the league to have beaten the Warriors twice this season!

:giveit:

 

[MrBill]

Viva Los Spurs :troll:

 

[jeffx]

Harsh words from Paul Pierce and Reggie Miller about Deron Williams;

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/b...iticize-nets-deron-williams-article-1.2186953

 

[MrBill]

The Spurs fell from the 2nd to the 6th seed with the loss to the Pelicans last night. At least it kept the Thunder out of the playoffs. The league bending the rules for Westbrook didn't have the intended outcome :rofl:

 

[KNUBB]

PELICANSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

 

[MrBill]

NBA Season 2014-15 Discussion

At least the Spurs loss kept the Thunder from making the playoffs :rofl: