Friday features nearly a full slate of action in the NBA, with 26 of the 30 teams in the league set to hit the hardwood. All but one (Boston) are playing on at least one full day of rest – something that hasn’t happened too often in this cramped version of 2011-12 NBA campaign.
Below is a breakdown of two key notable matchups from a bettor’s perspective:
Milwaukee Bucks at Chicago Bulls
If nothing else, the Bucks come into the United Center knowing that the Bulls are not totally invincible on their home floor. Wednesday night, the Indiana Pacers became the first visiting team out of nine to beat the Bulls (95-90) and in the process, give other teams in the league the confidence to know it can be done!
Win, lose or cover?
The Bucks have won three consecutive road games straight up and in that span generated a perfect 3-0 record against the spread – beating New York, Miami and Houston. Overall, the Bucks won/loss and ATS records are an identical match, standing at three games under the .500 mark (7-10), but they have managed to cover four of seven on the road.
The Bulls have mounted a 16-4 record through their first 20 games this season and certainly look like a team with one goal in mind… representing the Eastern Conference in NBA Finals. Their stellar production is attributed on the defensive side of the ball – leading the league in rebounds (45.2 per game) and building a reputation as the stingiest in the league to give up points, at fewer than 86.5 per game. Their ATS record isn’t quite as elite, but nonetheless, it is a very respectable 12-8 (60%).
The numbers are stacked too high against the Bucks to come away with a victory or even a point-spread cover in this matchup. They have only notched one straight up win versus the Bulls in Chicago out of their last 11 tries and have only covered two of its last six games when they play at the United Center.
Look for the Bucks three-game road winning streak to come to an abrupt end tonight, as they will be over-powered on both sides of the ball.
Injury Notes: The Bucks will be without center, Andrew Bogut, as he sprained his left ankle this past Wednesday during the first quarter against the Rockets.
New York Knicks @ Miami Heat
The Knicks take their talent to South Beach, but with a 7-11 record, the expectations for this battle fall well short of what we all anticipated prior to the start of the season. On the other side, Miami is living up to its end, producing a 13-5 record – good enough for tops in the Southeast Division.
Win, lose or cover?
The Knicks own a terrible 4-14 record against the spread – easily ranking dead last in the league. They have lost their last seven of eight straight up and against the spread and three of their last four on the road. Simply put, the Knicks just aren’t getting the job done and have been a tough team to invest money in thus far.
The Heat have been winning as of late, producing five victories in the last six games. However, they are falling well short against the spread, covering only three games in their last nine outings, but they are above the .500 mark (ATS) at home… albeit a very modest 5-4 record.
Although pro teams shouldn’t be affected from “looking ahead” to future matchups, I am sure Miami can’t help but to have their sights set on the Bulls this upcoming Sunday; which may have them taking the Knicks and their poor performance a bit lightly. Add to this, they are probably going to be without guard Dwyane Wade (see notes) and you have the makings of an upset, with the Knicks FINALLY getting it done with a point-spread cover on the road against the Heat.
Injury Notes: Dwyane Wade has been absent from the lineup for the past six games with a sprained right ankle, sore left foot and a strained calf muscle. His presence for this matchup is still in doubt. Miami is 8-1 SU this season without Wade. The Knicks' Carmelo Anthony (wrist) has been ruled 'out' for this contest and tomorrow's game against Houston as well.
Get more sports betting insight and analysis from PJ Laferla at www.SportsInput.com
