Posted on
3/14/2008 4:12:36 PM
NBA Basketball Betting Trends – Toronto Raptors at Denver Nuggets
By Eric Williams
The Toronto Raptors, (34-30 SU, 34-29-1 ATS, 36-28 O/U), have given up 117 points in each of their last two games, both losses, first to the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday, followed by their second loss to the Golden State Warriors just one night later.
While the Raptors are struggling, having won just four of their last ten games in the BetUS.com Sportsbook, the Denver Nuggets, (38-26 SU, 33-31 ATS, 36-28 O/U), are trying to find the consistency that has eluded them all season as they make a mad dash for the postseason in the tight western conference.
While the Nuggets are coming off a 108-86 win over the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday, they have gone just 5-5 in their last ten games and are in danger of being on the outside looking in come postseason time.
"It's now or never. We don't have a choice," said Denver forward Kenyon Martin. “It’s either win now or be watching come April, and I don't think anyone around here wants to be watching. We've got too much talent and the guys have too much pride, so we're going to approach every game like it's our last. That's what it's all about."
The Raptors have lost six of eight while allowing an average of 108.4 points per contest over the span but are still in fifth place in the East, despite having a record that is four games worse than the Nuggets.
Denver has covered the spread in four of their last five games while the Raptors have gone 1-3 against the spread in their last four games.
Here is a look at tonight’s Key Trends, followed by my NBA Wagering Free Picks:
The Raptors are 10-3 ATS in their last 13 games following a ATS loss.
The Raptors are 2-6 ATS in their last eight games overall.
The Nuggets are 4-0 ATS in their last four vs. NBA Atlantic.
The Nuggets are 7-0 ATS in their last seven games as a home favorite of 5.0-10.5.
The Under is 6-1 in Raptors last seven vs. a team with a winning S.U. record.
The Over is 4-0 in Nuggets last four games following a SU win of more than 10 points.
The Road team is 4-1 ATS in the last five meetings.
Analysis: While I like the Nuggets to win this game, I think the Raptors will come with a solid effort in covering the spread.
NBA Free Picks: Toronto +9½ Points/Over 219½ Total Points
09:05 PM EST NBA Spreads
Toronto Raptors +9½ -110
Denver Nuggets -9½ -110
Over 219½ -110
Under 219½ -110
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