Up to NBA Betting Trends

posted February 27, 2008 at 18:25 in NBA Betting Trends

The Phoenix Suns, (38-18 SU, 25-29-2 ATS, 31-25 O/U), put on their track and field shoes last night to beat the lowly Memphis Grizzlies 127-113, but did much of their damage in the fourth quarter as newly acquired center Shaquille O’Neal sat out the entire period because of the Grizzlies’ equally fast-paced style of play, under former Suns assistant Marc Iavaroni.

The New Orleans Hornets, (37-18 SU, 32-22-1 ATS, 26-29 O/U), who also made significant trades bringing them veterans Mike James and Bonzi Wells, are looking to get back on track after dropping three consecutive games, including a 95-92 buzzer-beater loss to the Washington Wizards that was handed directly to them in the form of DeShawn Stevenson’s game –winning trey.

Hornets head coach Byron Scott said while it may take time for his team to adjust to their new teammates, his ball club needs to come out with better energy and focus.

"Everybody understands it's going to take a little while for those two guys to adjust, but it doesn't change the way we play," Scott said. "The main thing is coming out with much more effort and intensity. ... I haven't seen it the last three games to be honest with you. I've seen us kind of going through the motions."

 

The Suns have alternated wins and losses in each of their last seven games and look nothing like the high-flying, up-tempo Suns of the past four years prior to the O’Neal trade, scoring 86 points or less in two straight contests against the Boston Celtics and Detroit Pistons.

 

"I wasn't going to put Shaq out there to go against (Memphis’) 3-point shooters," Suns coach Mike D'Antoni said. "Against big guys, Shaq will be able to keep us (away) from double-teaming down, but at the same time we need to run."

 

Here is a look at tonight’s key trends, followed by my analysis and NBA Betting Free Picks:

The Suns are 4-0 ATS in their last four road games vs. a team with a home winning percentage of greater than .600.

The Suns are 4-0 ATS in their last four road games vs. a team with a winning home record.

The Hornets are 5-0 ATS in their last five games vs. a team with a winning S.U. record.

The Hornets are 17-5 ATS in their last 22 vs. NBA Pacific.

The Over is 5-1 in Suns last six games vs. a team with a winning percentage above .600.

The Under is 5-1 in Hornets last six home games vs. a team with a winning road record.

The Under is 4-0 in the last four meetings in New Orleans.

The Under is 9-2 in the last eleven meetings.

Analysis: While this matchup has the classic look of a close finish, I think the Hornets know that they really need to win this contest and will somehow manage to turn the trick against a Suns team that is certainly still trying to figure out its new identity. Take the Hornets and the Under NBA betting community.

NBA Free Picks: New Orleans – 2½ Points/ Under 212½ Total Points

08:05 PM EST NBA Lines

Phoenix Suns +2½ -110

New Orleans Hornets -2½ -110

Over 212½ -110

Under 212½ -110

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