Up to NBA Betting Trends

posted December 27, 2007 at 19:29 in NBA Betting Trends

The Phoenix Suns (19-9 SU, 12-14-1 ATS), who have been held over for a couple of days in Los Angeles and are chomping at the bit after losing to the Lakers on Christmas, take another shot at the Staples Center on Thursday night when they tangle with the Los Angeles Clippers (9-17 SU, 11-15 ATS) in NBA action starting at 10:30 PM ET.

In the BetUS NBA betting odds, the Suns are listed at -7.5, with a total of 208.5 points.

In the HEAD-to-HEAD NBA basketball betting trends:

* PHX has won and covered four of the last six meetings

* PHX has won 17 of the last 24 meetings as the road team

* Six of the last nine meetings have gone OVER the total

* The home team has covered six of the last nine meetings

The Suns are the NBA's highest scoring team, at 109.7 points per game. They are also the best shooting team in the league, hitting 49.3% from the field. In the last three games - two of them losses - they have averaged 114 ppg. Obviously defense is not a strong suit, as opponents are shooting 46%. Also:

* PHX is 1-3-1 ATS in its last five road games

* PHX is 1-4 SU in its last five road games

* PHX has played four of its last five road games UNDER the total

The Clippers average just 93.3 points per game, which ranks 28th in the NBA. Over the last 11 days they have shot 39% against both the Lakers and Raptors. They've covered just four of their 12 home games this season. Also:

* LA has covered five of its last seven games

* LA has covered seven of its last 22 games

* LA has lost 13 of its last 16 games SU

* LA has lost its last six home games SU

* LA is 1-5 ATS in its last six home games

* LA has played eight of its last 12 games UNDER the total

Phoenix has lost four of its last five road games, but their scoring has been consistent away from home - in fact, it's the best in the league (109.6). Can a cold-shooting Clipper team (which had a brief "outburst" of 46% and 90 points against San Antonio five days ago) light them up? Not likely. Tim Thomas will miss this game, and reserve forward Paul Davis is now out for the year, but the four-day break has allowed a banged-up Clipper team to get healthier. Sam Cassell, Corey Maggette and Cuttino Mobley, who have missed some time recently, are fresher. And remember - Phoenix will get its chance for a blowout tomorrow night when these clubs go to 'Zona for the back end of this home-and-home set.

We'll look for a straight-up Phoenix win, but for them to continue performing below expectations against the number. Take the points and the Clippers, the 7.5--point underdog in the BetUS NBA basketball betting odds.

BetUS NBA Basketball betting odds: PHOENIX -7.5, Total: 208.5

JAY'S PLAY: LA CLIPPERS

You’ll find the latest 2007-2008 NBA odds and lines in the best online sportsbook, BetUS.com. Betting on NBA player and game props makes every aspect of the game exciting. Join BetUS.com today to bet on the NBA and make online sports betting work for you!

(Charles Jay of TotalActionExtra.com is a freelance writer and handicapper who not only can make his shots from the top of the key, but also contributes with gusto to the BetUS Locker Room)