Category Archives: NBA Basketball

The National Basketball Association (NBA) is the pre-eminent men’s professional basketball league in North America. It consists of thirty franchised member clubs, of which twenty-nine are located in the United States and one in Canada.

NBA Basketball Odds: Oklahoma City Thunder vs Indiana Pacers on Friday

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Oklahoma City at Indiana Betting

When: 7:00 PM ET, Friday, April 6, 2012
Where: Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, Indiana

The Opening Line is : Oklahoma City Thunder -3.5 Click here to Bet at Bovada

PREVIEW: The Oklahoma City Thunder haven’t lost three consecutive games all season. The Thunder visit the Indiana Pacers on Friday in a bid to halt a two-game losing skid and maintain their edge over the San Antonio Spurs for top spot in the Western Conference. Oklahoma City’s lead is just one game after losing to the Miami Heat on Wednesday. The Pacers have won three straight games and have the third-best record in the Eastern Conference.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, Fox Sports Oklahoma, Fox Sports Indiana

Oklahoma City Thunder (40-14): Guard Russell Westbrook averaged 32 points in two games against Indiana last season after totaling just 35 points in his first four career games against the Pacers. Westbrook had 43 points in the first of two meetings in 2010-11. He poured in scored 28 points in the loss to Miami but was a porous 9-of-26 from the field. He also shot poorly (5 of 16) two nights earlier in the loss to the Memphis Grizzlies. Westbrook is fifth in the NBA in scoring at 24.4 per game. Forward Kevin Durant is second at 27.6.

Indiana Pacers (33-21): Indiana has been sailing along and now faces back-to-back pivotal games against Oklahoma City and Boston. The positive news is that both games are at home, where the Pacers are 17-7. “Back-to-back games are less about rest, but more lack of preparation,” Indiana coach Frank Vogel said. “Oklahoma City may be the best team in the NBA, right up there with Miami and Chicago. We’re looking forward to using that as a barometer to see where we’re at. It’s a big challenge.” The Pacers shot a season-best 57.9 percent while beating the Washington Wizards on Wednesday.

BUZZER BEATERS:

1. This is the only meeting of the season between the teams – the Thunder swept last season’s two meetings.

2. Oklahoma City committed 20 turnovers in the loss to Miami.

3. Indiana PG Darren Collison had 17 points and 11 assists against Washington for his third double-double of the campaign.

PREDICTION: Thunder 102, Pacers 97. CLICK HERE for 500 Handicappers Package FOR 5$.

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NBA Betting Lines: Knicks Look to Crush Magic Again on Thursday

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After destroying the Orlando Magic last week the New York Knicks will get a chance to do that again on Thursday night when the teams hit the NBA betting lines down in Florida.

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The Knicks got 25 points from Carmelo Anthony on March 28 as they rolled to a 108-86 home win over Dwight Howard and company to give their playoff chances in the Eastern Conference a bit of a boost.

Iman Shumpert also scored 25 points that night for the Knicks, who are taking the floor without injured players Amar’e Stoudemire and Jeremy Lin. Steve Novak was good for 16 points off the bench for New York in that contest.

Howard was held to 12 points and five rebounds by the Knicks in that defeat, and he sat out Tuesday’s game against the Detroit Pistons with a sore back. That leaves Howard as day-to-day heading into Thursday’s home game against New York.

Jameer Nelson scored a team-high 17 points for Orlando in that March 28 contest, but he didn’t play against the Pistons on Tuesday either because of a calf injury. Ryan Anderson (sprained ankle) is expected to miss about a week of action.

Despite their win in late March the Knicks are still only 3-7 in their past 10 games against the Magic, going 4-6 against the spread in those 10 contests. The OVER wager has paid out for totals bettors in each of the last nine games between the teams.

On the NBA futures at Bovada heading into the weekend the Knicks are listed at 30/1 to win the championship this season, with the Magic just behind them at 35/1 odds.

Ball so Hard. The biggest stars hit the hardwood. Bet on the NBA at Bovada.

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Bet on the NBA: Celtics, Bulls Meet on NBA Betting Lines in Clash of Division Leaders

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A pair of Eastern Conference division leaders will meet in Chicago on Thursday night as the Bulls play host to a Boston Celtics team that has picked up its game in the past two weeks.

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Boston has moved ahead of the Philadelphia 76ers for first place in the Atlantic Division standings, thanks in large part to a dominant record at home. The Celtics, however, enter Thursday’s matchup just 11-14 on the road this season.

And the Celtics have also managed to lose four of their past five games against the Eastern-leading Bulls, covering the posted spread on the NBA lines at Bovada in just one of those contests.

The last time the two teams met was on February 16 in Chicago, with the Bulls grabbing an 89-80 win and covering the 7.5-point spread on the night in the process. The combined score was an UNDER result for totals bettors.

Chicago Bulls played that game without star guard Derrick Rose, who has been out of action with a groin injury; he is considered questionable to return on Thursday.

Carlos Boozer and Luol Deng each scored 23 points in that win over Boston in Rose’s absence, with Boozer adding 15 rebounds on the night. Joakim Noah chipped in with 15 points that game while grabbing 16 boards.

Kevin Garnett led the way for Boston with 18 points in that loss, with Rajon Rondo scoring 17 points and picking up eight assists, and Paul Pierce adding 14 points.

Despite sitting in first place in the East heading into Thursday’s schedule the Bulls are just third on the NBA futures at Bovada at 15/4 odds to win the championship. The Celtics are farther back at 22/1 odds to win the title this season.

Ball so Hard. The biggest stars hit the hardwood. Bet on the NBA at Bovada.

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Washington Wizards against Detroit Pistons on Thursday: NBA Gambling

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Washington vs Detroit Betting

When: 7:30 PM ET, Thursday, April 5, 2012
Where: The Palace of Auburn Hills, Auburn Hills, Michigan

The Opening Line is : — - Click here to Bet at Bovada

PREVIEW: The Detroit Pistons look for their fifth win in six games when they host the Washington Wizards on Thursday. Detroit began the stretch with a road victory over Washington on March 26 and its most recent victory came against the Orlando Magic on Tuesday. The Wizards have lost three straight games and eight of nine after falling to the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday. Both teams are well out of contention for an Eastern Conference playoff spot.

TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, Comcast SportsNet Washington, Fox Sports Detroit

Washington Wizards (12-42): Center Kevin Seraphin scored in double figures for the fourth straight game with a career-best 19 points to go with 10 rebounds against the Pacers. Seraphin has started three consecutive games with Nene sidelined with a foot injury and has taken advantage of the increased playing time by averaging 16.7 points during the span. Seraphin has scored in double digits in six of seven games and the second-year player from France is showing signs that he can be a valuable contributor next season. Forward Trevor Booker has also missed three straight games with a foot injury.

Detroit Pistons (20-33): Veteran forward Tayshaun Prince has played well during Detroit’s recent surge. Prince is averaging 20 points during the stretch after totaling just 23 points over the previous three games. Prince was one of four Pistons to score 15 or more points in the victory over Orlando and the Detroit offense has more precision to it when Prince is playing efficiently. Greg Monroe had 22 points and 11 rebounds against Orlando for his 26th double-double. Guard Rodney Stuckey (hamstring) could return against Washington after a three-game absence.

BUZZER BEATERS:

1. Washington is just 5-21 on the road and one of the victories was a 98-77 rout of Detroit on Feb. 12.

2. Wizards guard Jordan Crawford had 28 points against Indiana for his ninth 20-point outing in 11 games.

3. Pistons center Ben Wallace is the 21st player in NBA history with more than 7,000 career defensive rebounds – his 7,003 total ranks fourth among active players behind Kevin Garnett, Tim Duncan and Dirk Nowitzki.

PREDICTION: Pistons 88, Wizards 85. CLICK HERE for 500 Handicappers Package FOR 5$.

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NBA Betting Predictions: Boston Celtics visit Chicago Bulls on Thursday

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Boston at Chicago Betting

When: 9:30 PM ET, Thursday, April 5, 2012
Where: United Center, Chicago, Illinois

The Opening Line is : — - Click here to Bet at Bovada

PREVIEW: The Boston Celtics are in the process of reasserting themselves as contenders behind their elite point guard. The Chicago Bulls are managing to hang onto the top spot in the Eastern Conference despite being without their reigning MVP at the point. Derrick Rose has missed the last 11 games with a groin injury but has been practicing recently and could return on Thursday. The Celtics got Ray Allen back on Wednesday.

TV: 9:30 p.m. ET, TNT

Boston Celtics (30-23): Boston jumped into fourth in the Eastern Conference on the strength of a five-game winning streak, thriving with Rajon Rondo at the point and Kevin Garnett moving over to center. That streak came to an end on Wednesday with an 87-86 home loss to the San Antonio Spurs. The Celtics held the Spurs to 28 points in the second half but were undone by their Achilles heel – rebounding. Boston ranks last in the NBA in rebounding and is especially weak on the offensive glass. Rondo handed out 11 assists on Wednesday, marking his 14th straight game in double figures. He collected 17 points, eight assists and seven rebounds at Chicago on Feb. 16 but Boston still suffered an 89-80 setback. The Celtics were outrebounded 52-37 in that contest.


Chicago Bulls (42-13): Rose missed the Feb. 16 meeting but Luol Deng and Carlos Boozer scored 23 points apiece to lead Chicago. The Bulls have taken two of three in the series despite Rose only suiting up for one of the meetings. Chicago owns a two-game lead over the Miami Heat for the top spot in the East but is coming off its first back-to-back losses of the season. The Bulls fell at Oklahoma City, 92-78, in a showdown of the conference leaders on Sunday and then ran out of gas in a 99-93 home loss to the Houston Rockets the following night.

BUZZER BEATERS:

1. Rose has averaged 21.4 points and 5.3 assists in 12 career games against the Celtics.

2. Rondo recorded one of his league-leading five triple-doubles against Chicago on Feb. 12.

3. Boston got Allen (ankle) back after a six-game absence on Wednesday. He managed five points in 35 minutes.

PREDICTION: Bulls 88, Celtics 85. CLICK HERE for 500 Handicappers Package FOR 5$.

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NBA Basketball Odds: Los Angeles Clippers at Sacramento Kings

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L.A. Clippers @ Sacramento Betting

When: 10:00 PM ET, Thursday, April 5, 2012
Where: Power Balance Pavilion, Sacramento, California

The Opening Line is : — - Click here to Bet at Bovada

PREVIEW: After a tough 113-108 loss Wednesday to the Lakers that ended their six-game winning streak, the Clippers try to regroup on the road Thursday night at Sacramento. The loss dropped the Clippers 2 1/2 games behind the Lakers in the Pacific Division and gave the Lakers the season series. The Kings have won six of the last eight games against the Clippers in Sacramento. The Kings wrap up a four-game homestand Thursday.

TV: 10 p.m. ET, FS West (Clippers), CSN CA (Kings)

Los Angeles Clippers (32-22): Caron Butler looked like he was on pace for a career night, scoring 23 first-half points to match his season high. Butler scored five in the third and was scoreless in the fourth to finish with 28 points. In addition to seeing their best winning streak in 20 years end, the Clippers also had their seven-game home winning streak snapped. The Lakers shut down Randy Foye, who was averaging 21.6 points in his last three games. Foye had 11 points on 5-of-13 shooting and missed five of six 3-pointers.


Sacramento Kings (19-35): DeMarcus Cousins had a career-high 41 points on 16-of-25 shooting and 12 rebounds for his 32nd double-double Tuesday, but still couldn’t celebrate because the Kings lost to Phoenix 109-100. “It only feels great with a win,” Cousins said. In the 23 games since Isaiah Thomas took over at point guard, the Kings have averaged 105.7 points, up from 92.6. The Kings play four of their next five on the road.

BUZZER BEATERS:

1. Sacramento has scored at least 100 points in 11 of the last 12 games, averaging 109.4 points in that span.

2. Thomas is averaging 20 points and 6.8 assists in his last five games.

3. The Clippers have been a big draw on the road with an average attendance of 18,874, third-best in the league.

PREDICTION: Kings 108, Clippers 103. CLICK HERE for 500 Handicappers Package FOR 5$.

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Wednesday NBA Betting: New Jersey Nets at Portland Trail Blazers

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New Jersey at Portland Betting

When: 10:00 PM ET, Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Where: Rose Garden, Portland, Oregon

The Opening Line is : Portland Trail Blazers -8  Click here to Bet at Bovada

PREVIEW: The Portland Trail Blazers are four games off the pace for the final Western Conference playoff spot as they host the New Jersey Nets on Wednesday. Portland is in 11th place in the conference and facing an uphill climb that requires it to pass three other teams. The Trail Blazers blew an opportunity Monday by losing to the Utah Jazz. New Jersey had a three-game winning streak halted on Tuesday when it lost to the Los Angeles Lakers.

TV: 10 p.m. ET, YES (New Jersey),Comcast SportsNet Northwest (Portland)

New Jersey Nets (19-36): Forward Kris Humphries has grabbed 15 or more rebounds 15 times after registering 18points and 15 rebounds in the loss to the Lakers. Humphries has 23 double-doubles and is averaging a career-best 11 rebounds while earning a reputation as one of the top rebounders in the league. His career-best 13.5 scoring average is a nice bonus. Guard Deron Williams had 20 points against Los Angeles but only six assists after totaling 35 over the previous two games.


Portland Trail Blazers (25-29): Point guard Raymond Felton has experienced an up-and-down first season in Portland and will be under the microscope in the matchup against Williams. Felton had as many turnovers (four) as points in the loss to Utah and was involved in two key plays late in the game that helped the Jazz rally for the win. Felton averages 6.4 assists but is shooting just 39 percent from the field to go with a career-low 10.7 scoring average.

BUZZER BEATERS: 

1. Portland is 31-5 in home games against New Jersey.

2. Nets forward Gerald Wallace is averaging 15.9 points in 10 games since being acquired from Portland.

3. Trail Blazers guard Wesley Matthews scored a season-best 33 points in the loss to Utah.

PREDICTION: Trail Blazers 96, Nets 89.  CLICK HERE for 500 Handicappers Package FOR 5$.

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NBA Betting Odds: Phoenix Suns @ Utah Jazz on Wednesday

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Phoenix at Utah Betting

When: 9:00 PM ET, Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Where: EnergySolutions Arena, Salt Lake City, Utah

The Opening Line is : Utah Jazz -6 Click here to Bet at Bovada

PREVIEW: A critical game in the Western Conference playoff race takes place Wednesday when the Utah Jazz host the Phoenix Suns. The Jazz are ninth in the Western Conference and trail eighth-place Houston by one game. The Suns are in 10th, a half-game behind Utah. Both teams are 6-4 in their last 10 games and can’t afford to lose ground in the standings as the season winds down.

TV: 9 p.m. ET, ROOT, Fox Sports Arizona

Phoenix Suns (27-26): Phoenix has won three of four to move over .500 for only the third time this season. It’s no surprise that Steve Nash is a big reason why the Suns have surged into the playoff race. While his 12.8 point average is his lowest since the 1999-2000 season, he’s leading the league in assists at 11.3. He’s topped that in his last six games with a 13.2 average, including 12 in Tuesday’s 109-100 win over Sacramento.

Utah Jazz (28-26): Utah broke a three-game losing streak, one short of its season high, with a 102-97 win over Portland on Monday, but not all of the news was good. Starting point guard Devin Harris sprained his left ankle and didn’t practice Tuesday. He will be a game-time decision against Phoenix. Earl Watson is expected to start if Harris can’t play. Jamaal Tinsley had three points, six assists and two steals in 18 minutes at the point Monday.

BUZZER BEATERS:

1. Marcin Gortat had 20 points and 10 rebounds Tuesday for the Suns. He scored 13 points with eight rebounds in the first half.

2. Jazz guard Raja Bell has been out since March 17 with a sore left knee. The 12-year veteran received an injection in the knee Monday, but it’s unclear when he will return to the team.

3. The Suns have won six straight over the Jazz, including a 120-111 home victory on March 14.

PREDICTION: Jazz 93, Suns 82. CLICK HERE for 500 Handicappers Package FOR 5$.

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NBA Picks and Predictions: Memphis Grizzlies vs Dallas Mavericks

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Memphis at Dallas Betting

When: 8:30 PM ET, Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Where: American Airlines Center, Dallas, Texas

The Opening Line is : Dallas Mavericks -6 Click here to Bet at Bovada

PREVIEW: The Dallas Mavericks, coming off a stinging 94-75 home loss to the Clippers, host the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday. It seemed outlandish at the beginning of the season to think the defending champions would miss the playoffs, but the possibility still exists. The Mavericks are sixth in the Western Conference, but are only two games ahead of ninth-place Utah. The Grizzlies, who have won three straight, are fifth in the West, one game ahead of Dallas.

TV: 8:30 p.m. ET, Sports South Memphis, Fox Sports Southwest

Memphis Grizzlies (30-22): Memphis plays the final game of its only back-to-back-to-back set of the season. After an impressive win over Oklahoma City on Monday, the Grizzlies rallied from a 12-point deficit in the fourth quarter to defeat Golden State on Tuesday. Memphis followed a stretch of five losses in six games by winning five of its last six, including road victories over the Lakers and Thunder.

Dallas Mavericks (30-24): Playing without Jason Kidd and Lamar Odom, Dallas scored 33 points in the first half and had only two players in double figures against the Clippers. Kidd is slated to miss the next three games with a strained right groin. He has sat out 12 games with various aliments. Odom was sidelined Monday because of a stomach illness. He played 13 minutes and scored two points against Orlando on Friday due to the ailment.

BUZZER BEATERS:

1. The Grizzlies placed six players in double figures in their 98-94 win over the Warriors. Mike Conley, who missed the previous two games with an ankle injury, scored 18 points.

2. Delonte West started at point guard in place of Kidd against the Clippers. He scored six points and hit 3 of 9 from the field while missing all four of his 3-point attempts.

3. The Grizzlies defeated the Mavericks 96-85 in Memphis on Feb. 29. The teams meet again Saturday in Memphis.

PREDICTION: Mavericks 87, Grizzlies 85. CLICK HERE for 500 Handicappers Package FOR 5$.

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NBA Basketball Gambling: Golden State Warriors at Minnesota Timberwolves

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Golden State vs Minnesota Betting

When: 8:00 PM ET, Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Where: Target Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota

The Opening Line is : Minnesota Timberwolves -6  Click here to Bet at Bovada

PREVIEW: The Minnesota Timberwolves are seeing their playoff aspirations trickle away. Minnesota has lost three consecutive games and is in a deep funk entering Wednesday’s home contest with the Golden State Warriors. The Timberwolves have lost six of eight games and are just 4-10 since standout point guard Ricky Rubio was lost to a season-ending knee injury. Golden State has lost six straight games after losing to the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday. The Warriors have lost 11 of 13 games.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, Comcast SportsNet Bay Area (Golden State), Fox Sports North (Minnesota)

Golden State Warriors (20-32): Forward David Lee has been the lone consistent performer during Golden State’s woeful 13-game stretch. Lee has scored 22 or more points 10 times during the span while averaging 20.5 per game. He had 22 points and 13 rebounds in the loss to Memphis, a game in which the Warriors collapsed in the fourth quarter by scoring just 15 final-quarter points and blowing a 12-point lead. Lee will continue to be Golden State’s most potent offensive weapon with guard Stephen Curry (ankle) sidelined as players like Klay Thompson, Brandon Rush and Nate Robinson struggle to fill the scoring void created by the trade of Monta Ellis.

Minnesota Timberwolves (25-30): Minnesota will likely be without point guard Luke Ridnour after the veteran injured his right ankle in Monday’s loss to Sacramento. Ridnour was the replacement for Rubio (knee) and the Timberwolves could be forced to start rookie Malcolm Lee against the Warriors. Lee has played in nine NBA games and has 10 career assists. The dire situation may prompt J.J. Barea (thigh) to attempt to play. Barea has missed six straight games. “We’re not going to quit on the season,” Timberwolves coach Rick Adelman said.“That’s what I told them – I don’t care what happens with the playoffs. We’re not going to quit on the season and it’s up to the people we have right now.”

BUZZER BEATERS:

1. Kevin Love had 36 points and 17 rebounds when Minnesota defeated Golden State on March 17 in the lone previous meeting this season.

2. Thompson had just six points against Memphis to end a streak of 17 straight double-digit outings.

3. Timberwolves center Nikola Pekovic scored 17 points in 19 minutes against the Kings after missing seven games with an ankle injury.

PREDICTION: Timberwolves 109, Warriors 103. CLICK HERE for 500 Handicappers Package FOR 5$.

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