Sunday, January 29, 2012

NBA Betting Preview: Monday's Top Plays


New Orleans Hornets vs. Miami Heat

At first glance it looks like a huge mismatch as the Heat host the Hornets at the American Airlines Center in Miami. Game time is 7:30 ET with the Heat favored by -13 with the total at 186.5. Miami is coming off a draining 97-93 victory over the Chicago Bulls on Sunday and could be primed for a letdown.

The Heat (15-5 SU, 8-12 ATS) got 35 points from LeBron James. They never trailed but needed two missed throws and an errant 3-point shot from Derrick Rose in the final seconds to seal the deal. Chris Bosh scored 24 points and added 12 rebounds for Miami which pulled within one game of Chicago (17-5) in the East.

LeBron James

The Hornets (4-16 SU, 10-10 ATS) are coming off a 94-72 loss to the Hawks. Emeka Okafor scored 13 points for New Orleans while Jarrett Jack had 10 points. It was the Hornets 16th loss in 18 games.

New Orleans has been playing tough. 10 of their losses have been by single digits and the club was coming off a 93-67 wipeout of Orlando. However last night they responded with one of their worst games of the season, shooting only 37.5 percent (27 of 72).

Harvey’s Take: It’s an easy Miami win but the money play is on the ‘under’.

Portland Trailblazers vs. Utah Jazz

A pair of longtime Western Conference rivals square off in Salt Lake City where the Jazz are favored by -2 over the Trailblazers. The total is 188.5. Tip-off is 9:00PM ET at the Delta Center.

Utah (11-7 SU, 9-9 ATS) improved to 9-3 at home with Saturday’s 96-93 victory over Sacramento. The Jazz won despite 18 turnovers and a meager 18 combined points from Al Jefferson and Paul Millsap. With the Kings intent on stopping those two, Gordon Hayward and C.J. Miles stepped up combining for 41 points to lift Utah.

LaMarcus Aldridge


Portland (12-8 SU, 11-8-1 ATS) has struggled on the road this year going 3-7. In their last outing on Friday, they blew away the Phoenix Suns 109-71 at the Rose Garden. LaMarcus Aldridge led the Blazers with 23 points while former Utah star Wesley Matthews added 16. The statistical line of the night belonged to Marcus Camby who had no points—and 20 rebounds. Portland held Phoenix to 37 percent shooting (29 of 78). Portland has won and covered the last three meetings.

Harvey’s Take: This is my game of the night in the NBA. Lay the points and go with the Blazers. You might also consider a play on the ‘under’.

Oklahoma City Thunder vs. LA Clippers

Two of the top young teams in the league collide tonight in Los Angeles as Blake Griffin and the Clippers play host to Kevin Durant and the Oklahoma City Thunder. Tip-off is 10:35 PM ET from Staples Center where OKC is favored by -2.5 points with the total at 196.

Oklahoma City (16-3 SU, 11-8 ATS) owns the best record in the league due in large part to their success on the road. They’ve compiled a record of 8-2 SU & 6-4 ATS away from home including a 5-1 road streak. Overall the Thunder is on an 11-1 streak.

In their last outing on Friday night they outlasted Golden State 120-109. Kevin Durant scored a game-high 37 points with 14 rebounds while Russell Westbrook netted 28 and dished out 11 assists to along with his six steals and nine rebounds.  

Kevin Durant


The Clippers (11-6 SU, 10-7 ATS) are improving but aren’t in the same class as Oklahoma City yet. LA did turn in an impressive performance last night in Denver beating the Nuggets 109-105 as a +6 point underdog. Chauncey Billups scored 32 points in his return to Colorado while Chris Paul added 25 points and Blake Griffin had a double-double with 17 points and 13 rebounds.

This is one of those rare NBA games which should be worth the price of the ticket.

Harvey’s Take: The Clippers are bound to be a little fatigued after a short turnaround and especially following a night in the high-altitude on Denver. The bench will be the difference tonight and the advantage in that department goes to OKC.

Grab the Thunder and good luck!  

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