Friday 1-25-19 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Sacramento Kings vs. Memphis Grizzlies Preview and Predictions 2019-01-25

NBA Predictions 24th January 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 01/24/2019

The Memphis Grizzlies are enduring another down season, leading to reports that franchise cornerstones Mike Conley and Marc Gasol are on the trade block. The Grizzlies should still have the two around on Friday, when they attempt to snap a seven-game slide with the Sacramento Kings visiting.

Memphis looked primed for a playoff run after starting the season 15-9 but then fell off a cliff with losses in 20 of the last 24 games, capped by a 118-107 home loss to the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday. "I hate excuses and now I'm in the middle of it and I don't even want to use it as an excuse," Gasol told reports after the loss when asked about focusing on winning with trade rumors swirling. "I don't want excuses. To me, it's a losing kind of mentality or mindset where you always look for an excuse to why you lost. You've got to find a reason to win and be in and fight. It's easy to quit. Losing is really easy. Winning is hard." The Kings are ahead of the Grizzlies on the rebuilding curve but are struggling on the current road trip with losses in three of the first four games. Sacramento, which finishes the six-game trip at the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday, was crushed at Brooklyn and at Toronto by a total of 44 points in the last two contests.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, NBCS California (Sacramento), FS Southeast (Memphis)

ABOUT THE KINGS (24-24): The lopsided nature of Wednesday's 120-105 loss to the Raptors gave rookie Marvin Bagley III a chance to shine and he responded with a season-high 22 points and 11 rebounds in a season-high 38 minutes. The 19-year-old scored in double figures in six of seven games since returning fully from a knee injury. Bagley did his damage on Wednesday without the help of standout point guard De'Aaron Fox, who missed the game with a toe injury and is day-to-day.

ABOUT THE GRIZZLIES (19-29): Gasol, 33, can be a free agent after this season or can opt into a player option for next season at nearly $25.6 million, making his trade prospects difficult. The center is averaging 15.4 points and recorded a triple-double on Wednesday with 22 points, 17 rebounds and 10 assists but is just interested in winning with his current team. "Any good game or stats in a loss is obviously not enough and as a player and as one of the leaders of the team, we've got to figure out a way to win games and be a good defensive team that's not as fragile as we have been in the past and for so many stretches," Gasol told reporters.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Conley scored 31 points on Wednesday, matching his high for the month.

2. Kings PF Nemanja Bjelica (back) missed Wednesday's game and is day-to-day.

3. Sacramento took three of the last four meetings, including a 102-99 home win on Dec. 21.

PREDICTION: Kings 112, Grizzlies 99

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Toronto Raptors vs. Houston Rockets Preview and Predictions 2019-01-25

NBA Predictions 24th January 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 01/24/2019

James Harden looks to continue his lava-hot stretch of stellar performances when the Houston Rockets host the Toronto Raptors on Friday. Harden poured in a career-high 61 points in Wednesday's 114-110 victory over the host New York Knicks and is averaging a spectacular 52.2 points over the past five contests.

Harden has recorded 21 consecutive 30-point outings - fourth best in NBA history - while putting together a scoring streak for the ages. He is just the fifth player in NBA history with multiple 60-point efforts in his career and his league-best scoring average has risen to 36.1. "The guy is just good," Rockets coach Mike D'Antoni told reporters after Harden topped 40 points for the 11th time in the past 15 games. Toronto, which won both of last season's meetings with Houston, hopes to have star forward Kawhi Leonard (rest) back after a four-game absence.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, ESPN, TSN (Toronto), AT&T SportsNet Southwest (Houston)

ABOUT THE RAPTORS (36-14): Leonard hasn't played since Jan. 16, when he scored 33 points against the Boston Celtics to conclude a four-game stretch in which he averaged 31.3 points. The club hasn't indicated why Leonard needed such a long break - with the All-Star break not far off - but certainly the franchise is mindful that Leonard played just nine games for San Antonio last season due to a quadriceps injury. Forward OG Anunoby (personal reasons) missed the past five games and is expected to return on Friday.

ABOUT THE ROCKETS (27-20): Harden has been a long-range bomber by making at least five 3-pointers in 17 of the past 18 games and he also has been getting to the line frequently as his 22 made free throws against the Knicks marked his third time with 20 or more in the last 12 games. He also has three 40-point triple-doubles over the past dozen outings while singlehandedly carrying the Rockets. Despite all of Harden's points, Houston is just 5-5 over the past 10 contests and hasn't won consecutive games yet this month.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. The Raptors have prevailed in their last two visits to Houston after losing 18 of the previous 21 matchups.

2. Legendary Wilt Chamberlain - 65, 31 and 25 games - is the only player with longer 30-point streaks than Harden.

3. Toronto PF Serge Ibaka had 23 points and 11 rebounds in Wednesday's 110-106 loss to the Indiana Pacers for his third double-double in a five-game span.

PREDICTION: Raptors 113, Rockets 109

[Can'tPickAWinner]

LA Clippers vs. Chicago Bulls Preview and Predictions 2019-01-25

NBA Predictions 24th January 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 01/24/2019

The funk that plagued the Los Angeles Clippers during their homestand seems to have lifted somewhat since the team hit the road. The Clippers will try to cap off a winning excursion when they visit the Chicago Bulls in the finale of the four-game trip on Friday.

Los Angeles dropped four straight at home as part of a five-game slide before hitting the road and sandwiching wins over San Antonio and Miami around a loss at Dallas. The Clippers, who head home for three games before heading back out for a six-game trip starting Feb. 2, shot 52.9 percent from the floor in Wednesday's 111-99 triumph at Miami as small forward Tobias Harris bounced back from a terrible outing to lead the way with 31 points. The Bulls are losers of 11 of their last 12 games and failed to build any momentum off the lone win in that span, falling to the Atlanta Hawks 121-101 at home on Wednesday. "It's the defense we have to figure out," Chicago forward Lauri Markkanen told reporters. "We have to contest shots better. Obviously, we can score the ball. But we have to get some stops. Obviously, we are trying to push the ball faster, so there are more possessions. We're focusing on offense, so the basics have been slipping. So, we have to get back to work and work on defense more."

TV: 8 p.m. ET, FS Prime Ticket (Los Angeles), NBCS Chicago

ABOUT THE CLIPPERS (26-22): Harris managed eight points on 1-of-9 shooting in the loss at Dallas on Tuesday but was a different player the next night, going 12-of-19 from the floor at Miami. The 26-year-old small forward is making a bid for a spot in the All-Star game and is averaging 21 points on 50.1 percent shooting. "Great players don't have two bad ones in a row most of the time," Los Angeles coach Doc Rivers told reporters. "Sometimes they do but you know they're going to come out of it. Today he was scoring and doing the other stuff. To me, I'm so proud of him because last year he didn't know how to do that. This year he's doing that, and it makes our team better."

ABOUT THE BULLS (11-37): Chicago is allowing opponents to shoot 46.6 percent from the floor on the season and let the lowly Hawks go off at 50 percent on Wednesday. "You just can't play offense, got to guard," point guard Kris Dunn told reporters. "To have a good defense, everyone has to be in sync, everyone be one. We all have to know what we are doing. In this league, one little mistake can lead to an open shot. When there are multiple mistakes, it leads to easy buckets. Guys got to knuckle down when it comes to game time, be more in sync, more focused and disciplined. Got to be able to want to guard. We gotta guard." Dunn recorded a pair of steals in each of the last three games and supplemented his defense on Wednesday with 16 points, matching his high this month.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Bulls PF Jabari Parker (knee) sat out Wednesday and is day-to-day.

2. Clippers C Marcin Gortat scored 10 points on Wednesday, snapping a string of nine straight games scoring in single digits.

3. Los Angeles took the last five in the series, including the last two at Chicago.

PREDICTION: Clippers 110, Bulls 107

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Detroit Pistons vs. Dallas Mavericks Preview and Predictions 2019-01-25

NBA Predictions 24th January 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 01/24/2019

Point guard Dennis Smith Jr. returned to the Dallas Mavericks after an unhappy sabbatical and will again be in the lineup for Friday's game against the visiting Detroit Pistons. Smith missed six straight games due to friction over his role but shared the ball-handling duties with star rookie Luka Doncic in Tuesday's 106-98 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers.

The 21-year-old Smith was frustrated that his role was diminishing as Doncic continued to excel but he was pleased with Tuesday's outing as he had 17 points and eight rebounds in 37 minutes. "I've been playing basketball for a long time, so any time that I'm not able to play is not pleasant," Smith told reporters. "We got a win and that's the important thing. I'm happy to be back. This is what I love to do, I've been doing it for a very long time." The Pistons won for just the eighth time in their past 27 games as power forward Blake Griffin scored 37 points in Wednesday's 98-94 road win over the New Orleans Pelicans. Detroit standout center Andre Drummond (concussion) is expected to miss his fourth straight game.

TV: 8:30 p.m. ET, FS Detroit, FS Southwest (Dallas)

ABOUT THE PISTONS (21-26): Griffin went on a fourth-quarter roll by scoring 20 of his 37 in the stanza and he also finished with nine rebounds, seven assists and four 3-pointers. "He's carrying us, handling the basketball, making good decisions, just doing everything we could ask a franchise player to do," Detroit coach Dwane Casey told reporters. "He's been great. He sets the tone for us offensively. He'd probably have more assists if we knocked down more shots." Guard Reggie Jackson scored 17 points against New Orleans after a three-game slump in which he averaged 6.7 points on 7-of-24 shooting.

ABOUT THE MAVERICKS (21-26): Smith's shooting was rusty - he was 6-of-17 - but coach Rick Carlisle was pleased with how he assimilated himself back into the lineup. "I thought he was great, just really tremendous, and everything we needed: speed, attacking, shot-making, a couple of amazing assists," Carlisle told reporters of Smith. "It has been tough for him, being away from his teammates, and he played one of his best games since he has been here." Doncic is just 14-of-46 from the field over the past three games and his take on Smith's hiatus was brief: "It shouldn't happen. It's bad for a team."

BUZZER BEATERS

1. The Pistons won three of their past four visits to Dallas.

2. Detroit SG Reggie Bullock is just 9-of-35 shooting over the past three games.

3. Dallas SF Harrison Barnes scored 20 points against the Clippers to reach at least 20 for the fourth time in the past six games.

PREDICTION: Mavericks 107, Pistons 101

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Charlotte Hornets vs. Milwaukee Bucks Preview and Predictions 2019-01-25

NBA Predictions 24th January 2019 by Gracenote
Hornets vs. Bucks Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 01/24/2019

The Milwaukee Bucks own the best winning percentage in the NBA and are on a roll with wins in five straight games. The Bucks breezed by the Dallas Mavericks 116-106 on Monday before getting three full days off and will try to find the momentum again and sweep the two-game homestand when they host the Charlotte Hornets on Friday.

Milwaukee continues to be led by multi-talented forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, who collected 31 points and 15 rebounds on Monday for his fourth consecutive double-double. The Bucks improved to 21-4 at home with the win over the Mavericks but will play eight of 10 on the road leading into the All-Star break after finishing up with the Hornets. Charlotte was bludgeoned 120-95 at Indiana in the opener of its three-game road trip but bounced back by picking on the crumbling Memphis Grizzlies in a 118-107 triumph on Wednesday. "We just stayed tough. (Memphis) plays hard," Hornets star guard Kemba Walker told reporters. "They've been playing this way for a really long time. We knew it was going to be a dogfight. We stayed tough, stayed resilient and came out with a big win."

TV: 8:30 p.m. ET, FS Southeast (Charlotte), FS Wisconsin (Milwaukee)

ABOUT THE HORNETS (23-24): Walker carries the biggest load on the team, but veteran point guard Tony Parker is still capable of breaking out a strong performance off the bench. Parker scored 17 points in as many minutes on 7-of-11 shooting on Wednesday to lead a solid effort from the reserves. "Our bench really helped us in that first half," Hornets coach James Borrego told reporters. "We didn't get off to a great start, but I think our bench played with a lot of energy that first half, really got us that lead and really pushed us ahead in that second quarter. I think our starters responded in the third quarter. A complete second half on both ends of the floor."

ABOUT THE BUCKS (34-12): Milwaukee center Brook Lopez recorded his first double-double of the season with 16 points and 10 rebounds and added five blocks in Monday's triumph. "We talk about making reads on offense and having IQ, lots of time people equate that with offense," Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer told reporters in reference to Lopez. "His reads and his decision-making defensively are really, really good. I think he's just getting better and better as the season goes on. He's getting a little more aggressive and I think his teammates are covering behind him. I think we've got a good thing going defensively with Brook." Lopez is also a legitimate 3-point threat and went 4-of-7 from beyond the arc on Monday.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Lopez totaled 16 blocks in the last four games and leads the team at an average of 2.1.

2. Hornets C Bismack Biyombo is averaging 11.7 rebounds over the last three contests.

3. The teams split the first two meetings this season - both in Charlotte.

PREDICTION: Bucks 123, Hornets 111

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Utah Jazz Preview and Predictions 2019-01-25

NBA Predictions 25th January 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 01/25/2019

The streaking Utah Jazz look to post their eighth victory in the past nine games when they host the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday in the first contest of a home-and-home set between the clubs. Star guard Donovan Mitchell has fueled Utah's hot stretch and has scored 20 or more points in each of the past 10 games.

Mitchell is averaging 30.3 points during the span after scoring 35 points in Wednesday's 114-108 win over the Denver Nuggets, a triumph that greatly pleased veteran forward Jae Crowder. "I feel like we can beat anybody in the league, obviously, when we play the right way," Crowder told reporters after the contest. "We have a game plan for it. Our coaches do a very good job of preparing us and we're very confident in ourselves, our work, and how we approach the game." Minnesota has won three straight games and seven of 10 after posting a solid 120-105 road win over the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday. Timberwolves point guard Derrick Rose departed the contest with an ankle injury and interim coach Ryan Saunders said Rose will be re-evaluated Friday before it is decided whether he can play against the Jazz.

TV: 9 p.m. ET, FS North (Minnesota), AT&T SportsNet Rocky Mountain (Utah)

ABOUT THE TIMBERWOLVES (24-24): Center Karl-Anthony Towns recorded 27 points and 12 rebounds against the Lakers for his 12th double-double in the past 15 games. Towns has fueled the team's recent rise and Saunders admitted it was a big deal for Minnesota to reach the .500 mark for the first time since being 13-13 on Dec. 8. "You don't want to fall below .500," Saunders said after Thursday's win. "Getting to .500 is an accomplishment but we take things day by day and game by game."

ABOUT THE JAZZ (27-22): Mitchell is averaging 28.3 points and shooting 42.5 percent from 3-point range during January after averaging 18.2 points and shooting 29.8 percent from behind the arc in December. "At the beginning of the year, I took tougher shots in all aspects," Mitchell told reporters after matching his season best of six 3-pointers against the Nuggets. "That's my mindset - making it easier on myself. Finding the open guys and then I create lanes for myself." Center Rudy Gobert is also on a roll with nine straight double-doubles - he has 40 on the season - and he has blocked two or more shots in seven consecutive games.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Rose scored a career-best 50 points as the Timberwolves posted a 128-125 home win over Jazz on Oct. 31.

2. Minnesota PG Jeff Teague (foot) will likely miss his third straight contest.

3. Crowder is averaging 16 points over the past four games.

PREDICTION: Jazz 116, Timberwolves 111

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Phoenix Suns vs. Denver Nuggets Preview and Predictions 2019-01-25

NBA Predictions 25th January 2019 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 01/25/2019

Star center Nikola Jokic looks to continue his stellar play when the Denver Nuggets host the Phoenix Suns on Friday. Jokic has recorded double-doubles in 16 of the past 22 games and is the prime reason why the Nuggets possess the fifth-best record in the NBA.

Jokic scored 28 points and matched his career high of 21 rebounds in Wednesday's 114-108 road loss against the Utah Jazz in a result that greatly disappointed Denver coach Michael Malone. "We just were not mentally prepared, some of us," Malone told reporters afterward. "Some of us were not mentally ready to play this game. Some of us were not in tune to what we were trying to do defensively, and we had breakdown after breakdown after breakdown." Phoenix has lost its last six games and fell by double digits for the fourth time during the stretch when it succumbed 120-106 to the visiting Portland Trail Blazers on Thursday. Suns rookie center Deandre Ayton is slated to miss his third straight game because of a sprained left ankle.

TV: 9 p.m. ET, FS Arizona (Phoenix), Altitude (Denver)

ABOUT THE SUNS (11-39): Small forward T.J. Warren (ankle) sat out Thursday's game and will miss at least 2-to-3 weeks after being injured during Tuesday's contest against the Timberwolves. "We're going to really shut him down," Phoenix coach Igor Kokoskov told reporters prior to Thursday's game. "That bone bruise is going to require some time off. He won't do any basketball activities." Warren is averaging 18 points and shooting 48.6 percent from the field as the club's second-best offensive player behind star shooting guard Devin Booker.

ABOUT THE NUGGETS (31-15): Denver's loss to the Jazz included a shoving match between center Mason Plumlee and Utah's Derrick Favors and it is possible that up to three Nuggets - Jokic and guards Gary Harris and Jamal Murray - could be in jeopardy of receiving automatic one-game suspensions for leaving the bench area. Denver coach Michael Malone insisted the trio didn't violate the rule and Jokic was initially caught off guard by reporters quizzing him about the subject. "I was not on the court," Jokic told reporters of the incident in which Plumlee and Favors were both ejected. "I mean, I cannot step? I was not even close. If they're going to fine me, they're going to fine me, but I did not do nothing."

BUZZER BEATERS

1. The Nuggets have won two of this season's previous three meetings.

2. Phoenix SF Kelly Oubre Jr. scored 18 points against Portland for his ninth straight double-digit effort.

3. Denver swingman Will Barton, who missed more than 2 1/2 months with a hip injury, had his best game of the season against Utah with 22 points and nine rebounds.

PREDICTION: Nuggets 112, Suns 94

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Friday, January 25, 2019

Barclays Center

Get todays NBA odds and lines on this game.

The New York Knicks head to Barclays Center to take on the Brooklyn Nets on Friday, January 25, 2019. The opening line for this game has Brooklyn as 9 point favorites.

The Knicks have a record of 10-36. They are 5th in the Atlantic Division. They have a point differential of -8.4 as they average 107.2 points per game while giving up 115.7 per contest. The Nets have an overall record of 26-23 this season. They are 4th in the Atlantic Division. They average 111.8 points per game and surrender 111.6, good for a point differential of 0.2.

Valuable New York Knicks Betting Trends

The New York Knicks are 22-23-1 against the spread this season

The New York Knicks are 24-22-0 against the over/under this year

Important Brooklyn Nets Betting Trends

The Brooklyn Nets are 27-22-0 against the spread this season

The Brooklyn Nets are 25-23-0 against the over/under this year

Key New York Knicks Injuries

10/11/18 F Kristaps Porzingis Knee is out indefinitely
01/23/19 PG Trey Burke Illness is questionable Friday vs Brooklyn

Key Brooklyn Nets Injuries

11/12/18 G Caris LeVert Foot is out indefinitely
01/23/19 SF Rondae Hollis-Jefferson Shoulder left last game, is questionable Friday vs New York
01/21/19 SF Jared Dudley Hamstring is out indefinitely
01/02/19 G Allen Crabbe Knee is out indefinitely

Player Spotlight

Emmanuel Mudiay comes into this game averaging 14.7 points per contest while playing 26.6 minutes per night this year. He grabs 3.1 rebounds per contest and distributes 3.9 assists per game. His FG percentage is 45% while his free throw percentage is 76%. Tim Hardaway averages 19.6 points per contest in 32.6 minutes per game. He averages 2.6 assists per game and 3.3 rebounds per contest. His field goal percentage is 39% for the season while his free throw percentage is 86%.

Player Spotlight

D'Angelo Russell scores 19.3 points per contest while playing 29.7 minutes per game. He hauls in 3.8 rebounds per contest and has 6.5 assists per game on the season. His FG percentage is 44% and his free throw percentage is at 81%. Spencer Dinwiddie averages 17.2 points per game this year and he sees the court an average of 28.6 minutes per game. He also brings in 2.5 rebounds per game and has 5.0 assists per contest. His field goal percentage is 46% and his free throw percentage is 80%.

Useful Team Statistics

New York averages 107.2 points per contest, which is 23rd in the league. Their average scoring margin is -8.4 and their shooting percentage is 43% as a unit, which has them ranked 30th. From 3-point territory they shoot 35%, which is good for 20th in the NBA. They average 44.5 boards per contest and 19.8 assists per game, which ranks them 20th and 30th in those offensive categories. In the turnover department they are 21st with 13.4 per game. The Knicks allow 115.7 points per contest, which is 28th in the NBA. They also surrender a 48% shooting percentage and a 36% average from 3-point range, ranking them 28th and 21st in defensive field goal percentage. Opponents average 48.0 rebounds a game which ranks 29th, and they allow 25.9 assists per game which puts them in 28th place in the league. They force 13.8 turnovers per game which ranks them 17th in the NBA.

Useful Team Statistics

Brooklyn is 15th in the NBA with 111.8 points per contest this season. They are 18th in the league in shooting at 46%, while their average scoring margin is 0.2. They shoot 36% from beyond the arc, which is good for 7th in the league. They are 11th in the NBA in rebounding with 45.9 boards per contest and 20th in assists per game with 23.5. The Nets are 7th in turnovers per contest with 14.5. The Nets give up 111.6 points per game, which ranks them 19th in the league. Their defense surrenders a 47% shooting percentage and a 35% average from behind the 3-point line, ranking them 20th and 11th in those defensive statistics. They rank 5th with 22.9 dimes allowed per game and 15th with 44.4 boards surrendered per contest. The Nets are 6th in the league in forcing turnovers with 12.8 per contest this year.

Advanced Statistics

The Knicks are 25th in the league in defensive rating with 114.9, and their offensive rating of 106.5 is ranked 29th. They are 12th in the NBA in pace with 99.8 possessions per 48 minutes, and their eFG% of 49% is 30th. As a unit they are 30th in the league in true shooting percentage with 53% and they shoot 3-pointers on 33% of their shot attempts, ranking 21st in the NBA. New York is 24th in turnovers, as they turn the ball over an average of 11.7 times per 100 possessions while forcing 12.1 on defense. Their defensive eFG% for the year currently is 54%, which is 2nd in the NBA.

Advanced Statistics

Brooklyn is 8th in the league in turnovers, as they turn the ball over an average of 12.8 times per 100 possessions while forcing 11.3 on defense. Their defensive eFG% for the year currently is 52%, which is 17th in the NBA. The Nets are 13th in the league in defensive rating with 111.5, and their offensive rating of 111.7 is ranked 20th. They are 20th in the NBA in pace with 98.7 possessions per 48 minutes, and their eFG% of 53% is 13th. As a unit they are 11th in the league in true shooting percentage with 56% and they shoot 3-pointers on 39% of their shot attempts, ranking 5th in the NBA.

Who will win tonight's Knicks/Nets NBA game against the spread?

Guy's Pick: Take New York +9

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Friday, January 25, 2019

Amway Center

Get todays NBA odds and lines on this game.

The Washington Wizards travel to Amway Center to play the Orlando Magic on Friday, January 25, 2019. The opening line for this matchup has Orlando as 4 point favorites.

The Wizards have a record of 20-26. They are 3rd in the Southeast Division. They have a point differential of -2.8 as they average 113.0 points per game while giving up 115.8 per contest. The Magic have an overall record of 20-28 this season. They are 4th in the Southeast Division. They average 104.4 points per game and surrender 107.9, good for a point differential of -3.5.

Valuable Washington Wizards Betting Trends

The Washington Wizards are 19-26-1 against the spread

The Washington Wizards are 26-20-0 against the over/under

Important Orlando Magic Betting Trends

The Orlando Magic are 23-22-3 against the spread

The Orlando Magic are 22-26-0 against the over/under

Key Washington Wizards Injuries

12/28/18 PG John Wall Heel is out indefinitely
11/28/18 C Dwight Howard Gluteus is out indefinitely
01/04/19 F Markieff Morris Neck is out 6-8 weeks

Key Orlando Magic Injuries

No key injuries to report

Player Spotlight

Bradley Beal comes into this contest averaging 24.7 points per game while playing 37.1 minutes per night this season. He pulls down 5.0 rebounds per game and dishes out 5.0 assists per game as well. His field goal percentage is 47% while his free throw percentage currently sits at 79%. Otto Porter averages 13.0 points per game in 28.9 minutes per contest this season. He averages 1.9 assists per contest and 5.7 rebounds per game. His field goal percentage is 48% for the year while his free throw percentage is 77%.

Player Spotlight

Aaron Gordon averages 15.6 points per game while playing 33.3 minutes per contest this year. He grabs 7.5 rebounds per game and has 3.3 assists per contest on the year. His field goal percentage is 45% and his free throw percentage is at 73%. Nikola Vucevic averages 20.5 points per game this season and he sees the court an average of 31.1 minutes per contest. He also averages 12.0 rebounds per contest and 3.8 assists per game. His field goal percentage is 52% and his free throw percentage is 78%.

Useful Team Statistics

Washington averages 113.0 points per contest this season, which ranks them 9th in the NBA. Their average scoring margin is -2.9 and their shooting percentage is 47% as a team, which has them ranked 12th. Behind the arc they shoot 34% which is good for 25th in the league. They average 41.2 rebounds per game and 25.4 assists per game, which ranks them 28th and 10th in those offensive categories. In the turnover department they rank 14th with 13.9 per game. The Wizards allow 115.8 points per game to their opponents which ranks them 29th in the league. They also allow a 47% shooting percentage and a 37% average from behind the arc, ranking them 24th and 27th in those defensive categories. Opponents average 47.8 rebounds a game which ranks 28th and they give up 25.3 assists per contest, which puts them in 24th place in the league. They force 16.3 turnovers per game which ranks them 29th in the league.

Useful Team Statistics

Orlando is 27th in the league with 104.4 points per game this year. They are 24th in the league in shooting at 45%, while their average scoring margin is -3.5. They shoot 35% from 3-point range, which is good for 18th in the NBA. They are 24th in the league in rebounding with 43.0 boards per game, and 13th in assists per contest with 24.5. The Magic are 26th in turnovers per game with 12.9. The Magic surrender 107.9 points per contest, which ranks them 8th in the NBA. Their defense allows a 46% shooting percentage and a 36% average from 3-point range, ranking them 16th and 23rd in those defensive statistics. They rank 8th with 23.2 assists allowed per contest and 23rd with 45.8 rebounds surrendered per game. The Magic are 7th in the NBA in forcing turnovers with 12.8 per game.

Advanced Statistics

The Wizards are 17th in the league in defensive rating with 112.8, and their offensive rating of 110 is ranked 25th. They are 8th in the NBA in pace with 100.8 possessions per 48 minutes, and their eFG% of 53% is 15th. As a unit they are 12th in the league in true shooting percentage with 56% and they shoot 3-pointers on 36% of their shot attempts, ranking 12th in the NBA. Washington is 15th in turnovers, as they turn the ball over an average of 12.1 times per 100 possessions while forcing 14 on defense. Their defensive eFG% for the year currently is 54%, which is 5th in the NBA.

Advanced Statistics

Orlando is 21st in the league in turnovers, as they turn the ball over an average of 11.8 times per 100 possessions while forcing 11.7 on defense. Their defensive eFG% for the year currently is 52%, which is 15th in the NBA. The Magic are 24th in the league in defensive rating with 110.3, and their offensive rating of 106.7 is ranked 14th. They are 26th in the NBA in pace with 97.2 possessions per 48 minutes, and their eFG% of 51% is 24th. As a unit they are 25th in the league in true shooting percentage with 54% and they shoot 3-pointers on 36% of their shot attempts, ranking 15th in the NBA.

Who will win tonight's Wizards/Magic NBA game against the spread?

Tony's Pick: Take Orlando -4

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NBA

Friday, January 25

Washington won four of last six games, is 2-10 vs spread in last 12 road games, 4-2 vs spread if it played night before. Under is 8-6 in their last 14 games. Orlando lost four of its last five games; they’re 3-5-1 vs spread in last nine home games. Last six Magic games all went over. Wizards won five of last seven games with the Magic; they’re 3-2 vs spread in their last five visits to Orlando. Six of last eight series games went over total.

Heat lost four of their last five games, are 6-3 vs spread in last nine road games. Four of their last five games stayed under total. Cavaliers lost 19 of their last 21 games, are 1-7 vs spread in last eight home games. Over is 7-3 in their last ten games. Miami won six of last eight games with Cleveland, covering last four; Heat is 3-2 vs spread in its last five trips to Ohio- four of those games stayed under.

New York lost seven in a row, 20 of last 22 games; they’re 6-3 vs spread in last nine games, 4-1 in last five road tilts. Under is 5-2 in their last seven games. Brooklyn won eight of its last 11 games, is 4-1 vs spread in last five home games. Over is 8-4 in there last dozen games. Knicks won five of their last seven games with the Nets; they covered four of their last five visits to the Barclays Center. Last four series games stayed under.

Raptors on 10 of their last 12 games, are 1-8 vs spread in last nine road games. Over is 8-3 in their last 11 games. Houston split its last ten games; they’re 8-3 vs spread in last 11 home games. Five of their last seven games went over. Toronto won three of last four games with the Rockets; they’re 3-2 vs spread in last five visits to Houston. Five of last six series games went over the total.

Sacramento lost three of last four games; they’re 1-7 vs spread in last eight road games. Kings’ last nine games all stayed under the total. Memphis lost seven in row, 13 of last 14 games; they’re 1-9 vs spread in last ten home games. Five of their last seven games went over. Kings won three of last four games with the Grizzlies; they’re 1-4 vs spread in last five visits to Memphis. Six of last eight series games stayed under.

Clippers lost six of their last eight game; they covered five of their last seven road games. Under is 7-1 in their last eight games. Bulls lost 10 of their last 11 games; they’re 1-5 vs spread in last six home games. Over is 8-2 in their last ten games. Clippers won their last five games with Chicago; they’re 3-2 vs spread in last five visits to the Windy City. Seven of last eight series games stayed under.

Detroit is 4-3 in its last seven games, covering three of last four on road. Eight of their last nine games stayed under the total. Dallas lost four of its last five games; they’re 4-5 vs spread in last nine home games. Under is 11-2-1 in their last 14 games. Pistons won five of last seven games with the Mavericks; they’re 3-2 vs spread in their last five visits to Dallas. Five of last seven series games stayed under.

Charlotte won four of its last five games; they’re 3-7-1 vs spread in last 11 road games. Four of their last six games stayed under. Milwaukee won five in row, 12 of last 14 games; they’re 6-2 vs spread in last eight home games. Over is 5-2 in their last seven home games. Home side won six of last seven Hornet-Buck games; Charlotte is 0-2-1 vs spread in its last three visits to Wisconsin. Seven of last ten series games went over.

Suns lost their last six games (2-4 vs spread); they’re 8-2 vs spread in last ten road games. Four of their last six games went over. Denver is 5-4 in its last nine games, 8-3 vs spread in its last 11 home games. Nuggets’ last five games all went over. Denver won eight of last ten games with Phoenix; over is 7-3 in last ten series games. Suns are 1-4 vs spread in their last five trips to Colorado.

Timberwolves won their last three games, are 3-1 vs spread on road since coaching change, 2-3 vs spread if they played night before. Over is 6-2 in their last eight games. Utah won seven of its last eight games, is 10-5 vs spread in last 15 home games. Under is 8-3 in their last 11 games. Jazz is 6-4 in its last ten games with Minnesota; over is 4-1-1 in last six series games. Wolves are 3-2 vs spread in their last five visits to Utah.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NBA

Friday, January 25

Trend Report

Washington Wizards
Washington is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Washington is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Washington is 2-8 ATS in its last 10 games on the road
Washington is 1-9 SU in its last 10 games on the road
Washington is 18-4 SU in its last 22 games when playing Orlando
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Washington's last 8 games when playing Orlando
Washington is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Orlando
Washington is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games when playing on the road against Orlando
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Washington's last 5 games when playing on the road against Orlando
Orlando Magic
Orlando is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Orlando's last 5 games
Orlando is 4-18 SU in its last 22 games when playing Washington
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Orlando's last 8 games when playing Washington
Orlando is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Washington
Orlando is 3-8 SU in its last 11 games when playing at home against Washington
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Orlando's last 5 games when playing at home against Washington

Miami Heat
Miami is 15-8 ATS in its last 23 games
Miami is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Miami's last 5 games
Miami is 11-4 ATS in its last 15 games on the road
Miami is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Miami's last 5 games on the road
Miami is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Cleveland
Miami is 19-6 SU in its last 25 games when playing Cleveland
Miami is 3-6 ATS in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Cleveland
Miami is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Cleveland
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Miami's last 6 games when playing on the road against Cleveland
Cleveland Cavaliers
Cleveland is 0-4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Cleveland is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Cleveland's last 12 games
Cleveland is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Miami
Cleveland is 6-19 SU in its last 25 games when playing Miami
Cleveland is 6-3 ATS in its last 9 games when playing at home against Miami
Cleveland is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Miami
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Cleveland's last 6 games when playing at home against Miami

New York Knicks
New York is 6-3 ATS in its last 9 games
New York is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of New York's last 7 games
New York is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
New York is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games on the road
New York is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Brooklyn
New York is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing Brooklyn
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of New York's last 5 games when playing Brooklyn
New York is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Brooklyn
New York is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Brooklyn
The total has gone OVER in 9 of New York's last 12 games when playing on the road against Brooklyn
Brooklyn Nets
Brooklyn is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Brooklyn is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Brooklyn's last 6 games
Brooklyn is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games when playing New York
Brooklyn is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing New York
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Brooklyn's last 5 games when playing New York
Brooklyn is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against New York
Brooklyn is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against New York
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Brooklyn's last 12 games when playing at home against New York

Los Angeles Clippers
LA Clippers is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games
LA Clippers is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of LA Clippers's last 8 games
LA Clippers is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games on the road
LA Clippers is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of LA Clippers's last 5 games on the road
LA Clippers is 8-4 ATS in its last 12 games when playing Chicago
LA Clippers is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Chicago
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of LA Clippers's last 8 games when playing Chicago
LA Clippers is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Chicago
LA Clippers is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Chicago
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of LA Clippers's last 6 games when playing on the road against Chicago
Chicago Bulls
Chicago is 1-3-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Chicago is 1-11 SU in its last 12 games
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Chicago's last 10 games
Chicago is 4-8 ATS in its last 12 games when playing LA Clippers
Chicago is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing LA Clippers
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Chicago's last 8 games when playing LA Clippers
Chicago is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games when playing at home against LA Clippers
Chicago is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against LA Clippers
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Chicago's last 6 games when playing at home against LA Clippers

Sacramento Kings
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Sacramento's last 5 games
Sacramento is 1-7 ATS in its last 8 games on the road
Sacramento is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 16 of Sacramento's last 24 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Sacramento's last 5 games on the road
Sacramento is 4-9-1 ATS in its last 14 games when playing Memphis
Sacramento is 6-18 SU in its last 24 games when playing Memphis
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Sacramento's last 5 games when playing Memphis
Sacramento is 1-6-1 ATS in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Memphis
Sacramento is 2-15 SU in its last 17 games when playing on the road against Memphis
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Sacramento's last 6 games when playing on the road against Memphis
Memphis Grizzlies
Memphis is 2-13 ATS in its last 15 games
Memphis is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Memphis's last 10 games
Memphis is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Sacramento
Memphis is 18-6 SU in its last 24 games when playing Sacramento
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Memphis's last 5 games when playing Sacramento
Memphis is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Sacramento
Memphis is 15-2 SU in its last 17 games when playing at home against Sacramento
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Memphis's last 6 games when playing at home against Sacramento

Toronto Raptors
Toronto is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Toronto's last 5 games
Toronto is 2-8 ATS in its last 10 games on the road
Toronto is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Toronto's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Toronto's last 6 games when playing Houston
Toronto is 7-12-2 ATS in its last 21 games when playing on the road against Houston
Toronto is 2-9 SU in its last 11 games when playing on the road against Houston
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Toronto's last 6 games when playing on the road against Houston
Houston Rockets
Houston is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games
Houston is 16-6 SU in its last 22 games
Houston is 5-10-1 ATS in its last 16 games when playing Toronto
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Houston's last 6 games when playing Toronto
Houston is 9-2 SU in its last 11 games when playing at home against Toronto
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Houston's last 6 games when playing at home against Toronto

Charlotte Hornets
Charlotte is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Charlotte is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Charlotte's last 6 games
Charlotte is 3-8 ATS in its last 11 games on the road
Charlotte is 5-16 SU in its last 21 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Charlotte's last 14 games on the road
Charlotte is 4-0-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Milwaukee
Charlotte is 14-7 SU in its last 21 games when playing Milwaukee
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Charlotte's last 5 games when playing Milwaukee
Charlotte is 6-2-1 ATS in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Milwaukee
Charlotte is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Milwaukee
Charlotte is 7-18 SU in its last 25 games when playing on the road against Milwaukee
Milwaukee Bucks
Milwaukee is 10-3-1 ATS in its last 14 games
Milwaukee is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Milwaukee's last 8 games
Milwaukee is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games at home
Milwaukee is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Milwaukee's last 13 games at home
Milwaukee is 0-4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Charlotte
Milwaukee is 7-14 SU in its last 21 games when playing Charlotte
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Milwaukee's last 5 games when playing Charlotte
Milwaukee is 2-6-1 ATS in its last 9 games when playing at home against Charlotte
Milwaukee is 18-7 SU in its last 25 games when playing at home against Charlotte
Milwaukee is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Charlotte

Detroit Pistons
Detroit is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games
Detroit is 8-17 SU in its last 25 games
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Detroit's last 9 games
Detroit is 4-12 SU in its last 16 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Detroit's last 5 games on the road
Detroit is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Dallas
Detroit is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing Dallas
Detroit is 6-13 SU in its last 19 games when playing Dallas
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Detroit's last 7 games when playing Dallas
Detroit is 16-7 ATS in its last 23 games when playing on the road against Dallas
Detroit is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games when playing on the road against Dallas
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Detroit's last 7 games when playing on the road against Dallas
Dallas Mavericks
Dallas is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games
Dallas is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Dallas's last 11 games
Dallas is 14-5 ATS in its last 19 games at home
Dallas is 15-4 SU in its last 19 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Dallas's last 6 games at home
Dallas is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Detroit
Dallas is 13-6 SU in its last 19 games when playing Detroit
Dallas is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing Detroit
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Dallas's last 7 games when playing Detroit
Dallas is 7-16 ATS in its last 23 games when playing at home against Detroit
Dallas is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games when playing at home against Detroit
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Dallas's last 7 games when playing at home against Detroit

Phoenix Suns
Phoenix is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games
Phoenix is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Phoenix's last 6 games
Phoenix is 8-2 ATS in its last 10 games on the road
Phoenix is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Phoenix's last 6 games on the road
Phoenix is 3-8-1 ATS in its last 12 games when playing Denver
Phoenix is 2-10 SU in its last 12 games when playing Denver
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Phoenix's last 10 games when playing Denver
Phoenix is 1-4-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Denver
Phoenix is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Denver
Denver Nuggets
Denver is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games
Denver is 10-4 SU in its last 14 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Denver's last 5 games
Denver is 11-4 ATS in its last 15 games at home
Denver is 14-1 SU in its last 15 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Denver's last 7 games at home
Denver is 8-3-1 ATS in its last 12 games when playing Phoenix
Denver is 10-2 SU in its last 12 games when playing Phoenix
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Denver's last 10 games when playing Phoenix
Denver is 4-1-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Phoenix
Denver is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Phoenix

Minnesota Timberwolves
Minnesota is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games
The total has gone OVER in 15 of Minnesota's last 19 games
Minnesota is 6-3 ATS in its last 9 games on the road
Minnesota is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games on the road
Minnesota is 8-17 SU in its last 25 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Minnesota's last 10 games on the road
Minnesota is 4-8 SU in its last 12 games when playing Utah
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Minnesota's last 6 games when playing Utah
Minnesota is 8-3 ATS in its last 11 games when playing on the road against Utah
Minnesota is 7-18 SU in its last 25 games when playing on the road against Utah
The total has gone OVER in 18 of Minnesota's last 25 games when playing on the road against Utah
Utah Jazz
Utah is 2-3-1 ATS in its last 6 games
Utah is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Utah's last 9 games
Utah is 1-3-1 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Utah is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Utah's last 14 games at home
Utah is 8-4 SU in its last 12 games when playing Minnesota
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Utah's last 6 games when playing Minnesota
Utah is 3-8 ATS in its last 11 games when playing at home against Minnesota
Utah is 18-7 SU in its last 25 games when playing at home against Minnesota
The total has gone OVER in 18 of Utah's last 25 games when playing at home against Minnesota

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Friday's Essentials
Tony Mejia

Game of the Night - Toronto at Houston, 8:05 ET, ESPN

Coming off a 61-point game at Madison Square Garden, James Harden’s one-man show may have seen its final run just outside Broadway.

With Chris Paul expected to see the floor for the first time since suffering a hamstring injury in the second quarter of a Dec. 20 loss in Miami, Harden will finally have more backcourt help than he’s enjoyed in over a month and will likely no longer monopolize the ball as he has in trying to keep the Rockets afloat.

Considering the Raptors hit town equipped with familiar faces in top wing defenders Kawhi Leonard and Danny Green in tow in addition to plenty of frontcourt players who can move their feet and switch well on pick-and-rolls, Harden getting some help gives Houston an opportunity to win a game it otherwise would have little shot in.

Paul is officially listed as ‘questionable’ and would almost certainly debut in Sunday’s home date against Orlando if he doesn’t suit up tonight, but having him out there even with a minutes’ restriction would increase the Rockets’ chances. Toronto’s current form has been excellent, producing wins in eight of 10. The Raptors will likely blitz to keep Harden from finding the type of rhythm he enjoyed against the Knicks, getting it out of his hands. They don’t have big men that Harden can easily get the better of in pick-and-roll switches outside of Greg Monroe, so from a personnel standpoint, this defense is right there with Philadelphia, which obliterated Houston 121-93 on Monday night.

Having Paul and Eric Gordon back alongside him would basically be getting the band back together, especially since center Clint Capela remains absent due to a thumb injury. Kenneth Faried was picked up this week and is attempting to help take his place alongside Nene, so chemistry isn’t one of the Rockets’ strong points as they’ve struggled over the past few weeks despite Harden’s continued brilliance.

Many expected the Rockets would collapse without Paul after starting the season as slowly as they did. Although Carmelo Anthony was the early scapegoat, a lack of effort on defense couldn’t be blamed solely on one player. Injuries piling on after Houston had gotten back on track seemed to be an indication that this just wasn’t going to be its year, but Harden’s recent run has helped it win 11 of 16 games without its All-Star point guard.

Harden extended a run of 30-point games to 21 with his heroics at the Garden, scoring at least 37 points in 15 of the 16 games without Paul and topping the 40-point mark 11 times. The “Beard” has taken fewer than 24 shots only twice in the Paul-less stretch, but with Gordon, Austin Rivers and Gerald Green all potentially available to play in addition to Brandon Knight also being upgraded to questionable, Mike D’Antoni can put together small-ball combinations that would make the Raptors think twice about doubling off shooters. Harden has averaged 52.2 points per game over his last five outings.

The Rockets have alternated wins and losses after putting together victories in six straight immediately after losing Paul, notching outright upsets of the Celtics and Warriors. Houston is just 5-5 over its past 10 games and has failed to cover in five of six, including each of its last four. Harden’s act, as brilliant as it has been, often takes teammates out of their rhythm. A more conventional offense where more than one person touches the ball will likely be great for team morale. None of his last 261 points over his past five games have come off an assist.

Conversely, the Raptors have been starting point guards Kyle Lowry and Fred VanVleet together and really sharing the basketball. They come off a 110-106 loss in Indiana on the second night of a back-to-back on Wednesday and will have Leonard on the floor for the first time all week after he sat out both games due to “load maintenance.”

Backup forward O.G. Anunoby is also returning to the lineup after missing a couple of games due to personal reasons, so the Raptors will be at full strength outside of the continued absence of center Jonas Valanciunas, who is out with a thumb injury. Toronto’s 15 road wins lead the Eastern Conference and rank behind only Golden State, while Houston has won 17 of its last 20 games at Toyota Center after losing its first four outings there. The Rockets are just 4-2 there this month, losing to the Bucks and Nets.

Best of the Rest

Washington at Orlando, 7:05 p.m. ET: The Wizards gave it their best shot against the Warriors on Thursday night, earning the cover with a late flurry after forcing Steph Curry to miss his last two shots. Trevor Ariza scored 27 points and Tomas Satoransky added 20 points and 10 assists to complement Bradley Beal. All three played 39 minutes while Otto Porter, Jr. worked 34 minutes off the bench, so we’ll see how Scott Brooks’ shortened rotation holds up. The Wizards are 4-2 on the second night of back-to-backs. They’ll be on the road for the first time since Jan. 8 and have dropped nine of 10 outside D.C. The Magic saw Aaron Gordon return from a back injury early in the week and have won four of their last five at home, pulling off upsets over the Raptors, Celtics and Rockets. The ‘over’ has hit in six consecutive Orlando contests.

Charlotte at Milwaukee, 8:35 p.m. ET, ESPN: The Bucks come in tied with the Raptors atop the Eastern Conference but are ahead on winning percentage. No one has lost fewer games (12). Milwaukee puts its five-game win streak on the line against a Hornets squad seeking to get back to .500. Charlotte star Kemba Walker was named an All-Star starter on Thursday and has his team a half-game up on the Heat for the Southeast Division lead. It upset the Bucks 110-107 when the teams played on Nov. 26 and lost just 113-112 at home in the season opener, so it has matched up well with the Bucks. This will be their first trip to Milwaukee’s new Fiserv Forum. Walker scored 41 against the Bucks in the season opener but will have his hands full against the athletic Eric Bledsoe and solid defender Malcolm Brogdon. Four of Charlotte’s last six games have gone ‘under’ the posted total.

Minnesota at Utah, 9:05 p.m. ET: The Jazz come off an impressive win over the Nuggets on Wednesday behind Donovan Mitchell’s 35 points and season-high six 3-pointers. Mitchell has averaged 28.3 points, 4.3 rebounds and 4.9 assists this month, finding a rhythm while helping replace point guard Ricky Rubio, who returned from an absence this week. Derrick Rose scored a career-high 50 points against Utah in their Halloween night meeting but left last night’s 120-105 win over the Lakers with an ankle injury. He’s unlikely to play, as is fellow point guard Jeff Teague, who is suffering through a foot issue. Tyus Jones is also out, so the lone point guard on the roster might be Jerryd Bayless. Rudy Gobert has been dominant over the past month and will look to keep Karl-Anthony Towns from continuing his recent surge. The teams meet again on Sunday in Minneapolis.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NBA
Long Sheet

Friday, January 25

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WASHINGTON (20 - 27) at ORLANDO (20 - 28) - 1/25/2019, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 58-74 ATS (-23.4 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 6-17 ATS (-12.7 Units) in road games this season.
WASHINGTON is 8-20 ATS (-14.0 Units) on Friday nights over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 3-13 ATS (-11.3 Units) after a non-conference game this season.
WASHINGTON is 3-14 ATS (-12.4 Units) in road games after allowing 115 points or more this season.
WASHINGTON is 0-10 ATS (-11.0 Units) in road games after scoring 115 points or more this season.
WASHINGTON is 21-38 ATS (-20.8 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 3-15 ATS (-13.5 Units) in road games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game this season.
ORLANDO is 92-114 ATS (-33.4 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
ORLANDO is 13-29 ATS (-18.9 Units) as a favorite over the last 3 seasons.
ORLANDO is 40-62 ATS (-28.2 Units) in home games over the last 3 seasons.
ORLANDO is 7-18 ATS (-12.8 Units) on Friday nights over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 19-31 ATS (-15.1 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 17-35 ATS (-21.5 Units) in home games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ORLANDO is 5-4 against the spread versus WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
WASHINGTON is 6-4 straight up against ORLANDO over the last 3 seasons
6 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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MIAMI (22 - 24) at CLEVELAND (9 - 40) - 1/25/2019, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MIAMI is 38-25 ATS (+10.5 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 17-7 ATS (+9.3 Units) off a upset loss as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 230-184 ATS (+27.6 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a losing record since 1996.
CLEVELAND is 61-89 ATS (-36.9 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 25-49 ATS (-28.9 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 5-20 ATS (-17.0 Units) in January games over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 21-34 ATS (-16.4 Units) after a loss by 10 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 22-36 ATS (-17.6 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MIAMI is 6-3 against the spread versus CLEVELAND over the last 3 seasons
MIAMI is 6-3 straight up against CLEVELAND over the last 3 seasons
5 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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NEW YORK (10 - 36) at BROOKLYN (26 - 23) - 1/25/2019, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BROOKLYN is 73-57 ATS (+10.3 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
BROOKLYN is 33-20 ATS (+11.0 Units) when the total is greater than or equal to 220 over the last 2 seasons.
BROOKLYN is 18-8 ATS (+9.2 Units) in January games over the last 2 seasons.
BROOKLYN is 21-12 ATS (+7.8 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game this season.
NEW YORK is 24-13 ATS (+9.7 Units) revenging a home loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
NEW YORK is 8-3 against the spread versus BROOKLYN over the last 3 seasons
NEW YORK is 7-4 straight up against BROOKLYN over the last 3 seasons
7 of 11 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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TORONTO (36 - 14) at HOUSTON (27 - 20) - 1/25/2019, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 202-253 ATS (-76.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season since 1996.
HOUSTON is 3-12 ATS (-10.2 Units) against Atlantic division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 12-22 ATS (-12.2 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
TORONTO is 3-1 against the spread versus HOUSTON over the last 3 seasons
TORONTO is 3-1 straight up against HOUSTON over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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SACRAMENTO (24 - 24) at MEMPHIS (19 - 29) - 1/25/2019, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SACRAMENTO is 15-5 ATS (+9.5 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
MEMPHIS is 19-29 ATS (-12.9 Units) in all games this season.
MEMPHIS is 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) in January games this season.
MEMPHIS is 11-24 ATS (-15.4 Units) after a loss by 10 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
MEMPHIS is 15-28 ATS (-15.8 Units) after 3 or more consecutive losses over the last 2 seasons.
MEMPHIS is 15-25 ATS (-12.5 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game this season.
MEMPHIS is 17-26 ATS (-11.6 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
MEMPHIS is 6-4 against the spread versus SACRAMENTO over the last 3 seasons
MEMPHIS is 5-5 straight up against SACRAMENTO over the last 3 seasons
7 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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LA CLIPPERS (26 - 22) at CHICAGO (11 - 37) - 1/25/2019, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LA CLIPPERS are 17-8 ATS (+8.2 Units) as a favorite this season.
LA CLIPPERS are 15-5 ATS (+9.5 Units) on Friday nights over the last 2 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 44-31 ATS (+9.9 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO is 135-180 ATS (-63.0 Units) in home games in non-conference games since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO is 2-2 against the spread versus LA CLIPPERS over the last 3 seasons
LA CLIPPERS is 4-0 straight up against CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
4 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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DETROIT (21 - 26) at DALLAS (21 - 26) - 1/25/2019, 8:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DALLAS is 28-19 ATS (+7.1 Units) in all games this season.
DALLAS is 16-7 ATS (+8.3 Units) in home games this season.
DALLAS is 23-13 ATS (+8.7 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game this season.
DALLAS is 25-16 ATS (+7.4 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 2-1 against the spread versus DALLAS over the last 3 seasons
DETROIT is 3-1 straight up against DALLAS over the last 3 seasons
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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CHARLOTTE (23 - 24) at MILWAUKEE (34 - 12) - 1/25/2019, 8:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CHARLOTTE is 21-34 ATS (-16.4 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 419-486 ATS (-115.6 Units) in home games since 1996.
MILWAUKEE is 69-100 ATS (-41.0 Units) in home games after a win by 10 points or more since 1996.
MILWAUKEE is 60-105 ATS (-55.5 Units) after 3 or more consecutive wins since 1996.
MILWAUKEE is 87-120 ATS (-45.0 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record - 2nd half of the season since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHARLOTTE is 4-3 against the spread versus MILWAUKEE over the last 3 seasons
MILWAUKEE is 5-4 straight up against CHARLOTTE over the last 3 seasons
6 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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PHOENIX (11 - 39) at DENVER (31 - 15) - 1/25/2019, 9:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PHOENIX is 6-16 ATS (-11.6 Units) on Friday nights over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 10-19 ATS (-10.9 Units) after allowing 115 points or more this season.
PHOENIX is 31-44 ATS (-17.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 44-62 ATS (-24.2 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game over the last 3 seasons.
PHOENIX is 31-49 ATS (-22.9 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 8-19 ATS (-12.9 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
DENVER is 17-6 ATS (+10.4 Units) in home games against Pacific division opponents over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
DENVER is 6-3 against the spread versus PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
DENVER is 8-2 straight up against PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
7 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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MINNESOTA (24 - 24) at UTAH (27 - 22) - 1/25/2019, 9:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 21-36 ATS (-18.6 Units) after scoring 115 points or more over the last 3 seasons.
UTAH is 44-29 ATS (+12.1 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
UTAH is 21-10 ATS (+10.0 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 5-4 against the spread versus UTAH over the last 3 seasons
UTAH is 5-4 straight up against MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
5 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NBA
Dunkel

Friday, January 25


Washington @ Orlando

Game 565-566
January 25, 2019 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Washington
121.515
Orlando
119.404
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Washington
by 2
223
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Orlando
by 4
218
Dunkel Pick:
Washington
(+4); Over

Miami @ Cleveland

Game 567-568
January 25, 2019 @ 7:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Miami
113.988
Cleveland
102.196
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Miami
by 12
214
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Miami
by 8 1/2
209 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Miami
(-8 1/2); Over

New York @ Brooklyn

Game 569-570
January 25, 2019 @ 7:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
New York
109.485
Brooklyn
118.044
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Brooklyn
by 8 1/2
225
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Brooklyn
by 10
223 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
New York
(+10); Over

Toronto @ Houston

Game 571-572
January 25, 2019 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Toronto
126.044
Houston
119.750
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Toronto
by 6 1/2
228
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Toronto
by 2
229 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Toronto
(-2); Under

Sacramento @ Memphis

Game 573-574
January 25, 2019 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Sacramento
112.536
Memphis
109.941
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Sacramento
by 2 1/2
213
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Memphis
by 2
210 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Sacramento
(+2); Over

LA Clippers @ Chicago

Game 575-576
January 25, 2019 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
LA Clippers
117.083
Chicago
105.616
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
LA Clippers
by 11 1/2
216
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
LA Clippers
by 5 1/2
221 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
LA Clippers
(-5 1/2); Under

Detroit @ Dallas

Game 577-578
January 25, 2019 @ 8:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Detroit
115.296
Dallas
116.957
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Dallas
by 1 1/2
207
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Dallas
by 4
212 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Detroit
(+4); Under

Charlotte @ Milwaukee

Game 579-580
January 25, 2019 @ 8:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Charlotte
112.045
Milwaukee
126.295
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Milwaukee
by 14
222
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Milwaukee
by 11
229
Dunkel Pick:
Milwaukee
(-11); Under

Minnesota @ Utah

Game 583-584
January 25, 2019 @ 9:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Minnesota
114.725
Utah
128.176
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Utah
by 13 1/2
220
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Utah
by 10
222
Dunkel Pick:
Utah
(-10); Under

Phoenix @ Denver

Game 581-582
January 25, 2019 @ 9:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Phoenix
110.208
Denver
122.344
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Denver
by 12
225
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Denver
by 15 1/2
222 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Phoenix
(+15 1/2); Over

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Friday's Tip Sheet
David Schwab

The final Friday night of college basketball betting action in the month of January features a doubleheader of early starts with a nationally ranked team trying to win on the road.

The Big Ten’s No. 5 Michigan Wolverines face a stern road test against the Indiana Hoosiers, while the Mid-American Conference’s No. 14 Buffalo Bulls try and bounce back from their first conference loss of the season in a road game against Kent State.

No. 5 Michigan Wolverines at Indiana Hoosiers (FOX Sports 1, 6:30 p.m. ET)

Opening Odds: Michigan -3 ½, Total 133

Betting Matchup

The Wolverines followed up their first straight-up loss of the year with a shaky 59-57 victory at home against Minnesota on Tuesday night as 12 ½-point favorites. Last Saturday’s 64-54 road loss to Wisconsin as 3 ½-point favorites stayed UNDER 126 points and the total also stayed UNDER Tuesday’s 137 ½-point closing line.

Michigan is 18-1 SU with a 7-1 record in Big Ten play. It has gone 9-10 against the spread overall while covering in five of eight conference games. The Wolverines remain one of the top defensive teams in the nation with a points-allowed average of 57.1.

Indiana will be looking to avenge a 74-63 loss to Michigan on Jan. 6 as a nine-point road underdog. This marked the start of a SU five-game skid while going 1-5 ATS in its last six games. The Hoosiers are coming off Tuesday’s 73-66 road loss to Northwestern as slight 1 ½-point underdogs.

In the first game against the Wolverines, Indiana fell behind by 15 points at the half and never closed the gap. Senior forward Juwan Morgan (16.5 PPG) scored 25 points and the Hoosiers’ leading scorer freshman guard Romeo Langford (17.6 PPG) added 17 points in the losing cause.

Betting Trends

-- The Wolverines have a 21-8-1 record ATS over their last 30 road games and they have covered in four of their last five games following a SU win. The total has gone OVER in their last four Friday games.

-- The Hoosiers are 1-6 ATS in their last seven games coming off a SU loss, but they have covered in 15 of their last 22 home games. The total has stayed UNDER in six of their last seven games played at home.

-- The underdog has covered in seven of the last 10 meetings with the total going OVER in seven of the last 10 meetings at Indiana.


No. 14 Buffalo Bulls at Kent State Golden Flashes (CBS Sports Network, 6:30 p.m. ET)

Opening Odds: Buffalo -10, Total 158 ½

Betting Matchup

The Bulls started catching national attention early in the season with quality wins against West Virginia and Syracuse closing as underdogs. Their SU five-game winning streak in the MAC came to an end on Tuesday night with a stunning 77-75 road loss to Northern Illinois as nine-point favorites.

Buffalo (17-2 SU) has failed to cover in its last three games as part of an overall record of 11-6-1 ATS. The total has stayed UNDER in four of its last six games. As part of a trio of players averaging at least 14 PPG, senior guard CJ Massinburg continues to lead the way with 18.1 point a game. He scored 23 points in Tuesday’s loss after posting 31 points in a win against Eastern Michigan on Jan. 18.

Kent State has been able to keep pace near the top of the MAC standings at 4-2 (SU and ATS) in its first six conference games. It is 15-4 SU overall following Tuesday’s 87-85 overtime victory against Toledo as a three-point home underdog.

The Golden Flashes improved to 10-7 ATS overall after covering the closing number in their last three games and the total has gone OVER in four of their first six conference games. Senior guard Jaylin Walker went off for 31 points against Northern Illinois last Saturday ahead of 36-point performance on Tuesday night that helped Kent State erase a 17-point deficit.

Betting Trends

-- The Bulls are 20-9-1 ATS in their last 30 games following a SU loss and they have covered in seven of their last 10 conference games. The total has stayed UNDER in four of their last five games against a SU winning team.

-- The Golden Flashes have gone just 2-5-2 ATS in their last nine Friday games, but they have covered in five of their last seven games against a SU winning team. The total has gone OVER in six of their last eight home games.

-- Kent State has covered in four of the last five meetings with the total staying UNDER in five of the last six matchups.