Posted on
4/9/2008 7:00:11 PM
NBA Betting – Spurs Host Suns in Western Conference Showdown
By Eric Williams
The Phoenix Suns, (51-26 SU, 36-38-3 ATS, 43-34 O/U), have alternated wins and losses in each of their last four contests in the BetUS Sportsbook, but picked up a victory in their last outing, beating the lowly Memphis Grizzlies 127-113 on Tuesday as they seek to improve their postseason position prior to the playoffs.
The San Antonio Spurs, (53-24 SU, 35-40-2 ATS, 32-45 O/U), got back to their winning ways just one game after their worst loss of the season, beating the fading Portland Trailblazers 72-65 on Sunday, following Friday’s horrific 90-64 road loss to the Utah Jazz.
The loss was San Antonio’s first in its last 10 games who are just one game behind the New Orleans Hornets for first place in the West and 1 1/2 games ahead of the Suns (52-26), who are in sixth place.
"In past seasons with five games to go, you knew you could be first, second, third or even fourth, and that's it. This year it could be seventh, so it puts pressure on everybody," Spurs guard Manu Ginobili said. "We can't slow down, we have to keep playing."
The Spurs, who've won five consecutive games and 12 of their last 13 at home while holding each of their last 11 opponents under 100 points.
The Suns got 28 points and 11 rebounds from Amare Stoudemire in beating the Grizzlies who may be looking for a new head coach following Marc Lavaroni’s first season at the helm.
"We wanted to win it from the inside, and, without Shaq, we were undermanned in the interior," Stoudemire said. "I just tried to attack in many ways. Just try to keep them off-balance a little bit."
The Suns have won 12 of their last 16 game while averaging 114.5 points per contest over that span.
Here is a look at tonight’s key trends followed by my NBA Betting Picks:
The Suns are 8-2-1 ATS in their last eleven vs. Western Conference.
The Suns are 5-2 ATS in their last seven vs. NBA Southwest.
The Spurs are 4-1 ATS in their last five games vs. a team with a winning S.U. record.
The Spurs are 4-1 ATS in their last five games vs. a team with a winning percentage above .600.
The Over is 6-0 in Suns last six games as a road underdog.
The Over is 4-0 in Spurs last four home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
The Under is 5-1 in the last six meetings.
The Underdog is 4-1-1 ATS in the last six meetings.
Analysis: While the Spurs are playing at home and will likely find a way to win this contest with the stellar defense, I see this game coming down to the last few possessions for each club. Take the Suns to keep it close in a losing effort.
NBA Free Picks: Suns +6 Points/Under 197½ Total Points
09:35 PM EST NBA Odds
Phoenix Suns +6 -110
San Antonio Spurs -6 -110
Over 197½ -110
Under 197½ -110
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