Posted on
2/11/2008 2:47:06 PM
Bet On NBA – Struggling Spurs Take On Inconsistent Raptors
By Eric Williams
Despite winning four NBA championships, the San Antonio Spurs, (32-17 SU, 22-26-1 ATS, 19-30 O/U) have failed to win back-to-back championships in Tim Duncan’s ten seasons in San Antonio - and if this season is any indication, the Spurs could be in trouble once again come this postseason.
The Spurs have won six of ten coming into tonight’s contest but had a four-game winning streak snapped yesterday on national television as the Boston Celtics beat the Spurs without Kevin Garnett, 98-90 at home.
Listen Now!
NBA Basketball Betting Tips!
The Toronto Raptors, (27-22 SU, 27-21-1 ATS, 27-22 O/U) have been among the league’s ATS leaders nearly all season but have yet to put together any extended run of excellence this season, The Raptors have alternated wins and losses in each of its last eight games, but beat the Minnesota Timberwolves on the road on Sunday 105-82 as their two-headed point guard tandem of Jose Calderon and T.J. Ford sliced and diced the dazed T-Wolves for 10 and 13 assists respectively.
"We just tried to get everyone involved," said Calderon, who has 19 double-doubles. "We just tried to find the wide open guys and not force it. ... Everybody made the extra pass, that's how we beat this team tonight."
Tim Duncan had a fine game against the C’s, recording 22 points, 14 rebounds and six assists, but it was not enough for the Spurs, who are 4-3 on their current nine-game road trip, to overcome several miscues down the stretch.
"We have an opportunity and a great shot by (Michael Finley) that rattles in and out to tie the game down the stretch," Duncan said. "Then two turnovers in a row and they get two offensive rebounds … just too many mistakes that bit us down the stretch there."
Point guard Tony Parker missed his sixth consecutive game with a sore left ankle and likely won’t play tonight either.
Here are tonight’s key trends, followed by my analysis and NBA Betting Free Picks.
The Spurs are 6-14 ATS in their last 20 games overall.
The Raptors are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 Monday games.
The Raptors are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 vs. NBA Southwest.
The Under is 8-2 in Spurs last 10 Monday games.
The Over is 6-0 in Raptors last 6 games vs. a team with a winning percentage above .600.
The Over is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings in Toronto.
The Road team is 5-1 ATS in the last 6 meetings.
Analysis: With the Spurs being just 12-12 on the road this season and a dismal 9-15 against the spread on the road, I’m going to take the Raptors to cover the spread in this contest tonight, though I am inclined to believe the Spurs will somehow find a way to eke out a victory over their younger and less experienced counterparts tonight.
NBA Free Picks: San Antonio -1 Point
07:05 PM EST NBA Betting Odds
San Antonio Spurs -1 -110
Toronto Raptors +1 -110
Over 184 -110
Under 184 -110
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!