Posted on
4/5/2008 4:26:52 PM
NBA Basketball Betting Toronto at New Jersey
By Charles Jay
WHO: Toronto Raptors (38-37 SU & ATS) at New Jersey Nets (31-44 SU, 31-43-1 ATS)
WHERE: Izod Center in East Rutherford, NJ
WHEN: Saturday, April 5 at 7:30 PM ET
In the HEAD-to-HEAD BetUS NBA basketball betting trends:
* TOR has covered the last three meetings
* TOR has won three of the last four meetings SU
* Four of the last six meetings have gone OVER the total
* The visiting team has covered three of the last four meetings
* NJ has made more three-pointers in five of the last seven meetings
Toronto has a 2.1-to-1 ratio of assists to turnovers, which is one of the best figures in the league. And the Raptors lead the NBA at the free throw line, making 81.3% of their attempts. Also:
* TOR has covered three of its last 12 games
* TOR has lost seven of its last eight road games SU
* TOR has covered one of its last seven road games
* TOR has played its last four games OVER the total
(Does not include Friday's results)
New Jersey has averaged 23.3 assists per game, but that figure was largely compiled while Jason Kidd (since traded to Dallas) was the team's point guard. The Nets will be looking to get to the .500 mark at the Izod Center, as their home record is 19-20 SU. Also:
* NJ has lost five of its last seven games SU
* NJ has lost 12 of its last 17 games SU
* NJ has covered four of its last six games
* NJ has played eight of its last 11 games OVER the total
* NJ has covered five of its last seven home games
(Does not include Friday's results)
Toronto has simply dominated things against the Nets this year, winning by an embarrassing 106-69 score in the Meadowlands on November 2, then coming back on February 13 to win a 109-91 decision. New Jersey could not stop the Raptors from scoring in those games, and now, without the steadying influence of Jason Kidd, while Toronto has not one, but TWO point guards who can get the job done, in T.J. Ford, who scored 23 points against Atlanta a few nights ago, and Jose Calderon, who has an insane 5-to-1 assist-turnover ratio. Ford and Calderon combined for 23 assists against the Hawks.
In New Jersey, the playoffs have faded into oblivion. And changes are expected. Maybe Vince Carter is out the door. Lawrence Frank's job may be in peril. It is not a healthy situation. And don't underestimate the dip this team has taken on the defensive end as well since Kidd's departure - New Jersey has yielded over 114 ppg in its last four games.
At this point, Toronto, which has clinched a playoff spot, still has something to play for, as they want to get the most advantageous first-round post-season matchup. We're going to lay the points with Toronto, the favorite in the BetUS NBA betting odds, and look for a possible romp.
JAY'S PLAY: TORONTO
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(Charles Jay of http://www.eBookies.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)