Category: NBA

Lakers update court with Kobe Bryant’s numbers, initials

The Lakers have updated their court design with tributes to Kobe Bryant.

The Los Angeles Lakers will return to Staples Center on Friday night to play their first game since NBA legend Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna, and seven others lost their lives in a tragic helicopter accident last weekend. The Lakers were scheduled to play against the Clippers on Tuesday, but that game was postponed as team members and fans grieved in the aftermath of the accident.

Thousands of Lakers fans have gathered outside of Staples Center this week, and many have left flowers, signs and jerseys in tribute to Bryant. On Friday night, the Lakers are giving Bryant shirts to everyone who attends the game, with half of the arena receiving Bryant’s No. 8, and the other half receiving No. 24.

The Lakers’ court will also have an updated look. In photos shared on Twitter, the Lakers revealed that Bryant’s two retired numbers have been placed along the sideline.

Beside the baseline, the Lakers have added a circle with Bryant’s initials ‘KB.’

The same circle has been added to the Lakers’ uniforms.

On Friday, the NBA and NBPA announced a joint donation of $100,000 to a fund that will aid the families of the crash victims.

 

The Blazers-Lakers game will begin at 10:00 p.m. ET on ESPN.

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A look back in cool pics: Where Kobe Bryant ranks among the NBA greats in scoring

It was an extremely sad day for many when they learned that Kobe Bryant and his daughter, along with seven others, perished in a helicopter crash in California. But we still feel it’s important to revisit where he ranks among the all-time greats in …

It was an extremely sad day for many when they learned that Kobe Bryant and his daughter, along with seven others, perished in a helicopter crash in California.

But we still feel it’s important to revisit where he ranks among the all-time greats in NBA scoring. And hopefully, these pics show the pride and passion and intensity these 10 men proved over their careers.

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2019-20 Mavericks are the best away team ever relative to home record

When the Dallas Mavericks come to town, their games have been among the hottest tickets in basketball thanks to the young Luka Doncic.

When the Dallas Mavericks come to town, their games have been among the hottest tickets in basketball thanks to the young Luka Doncic. Fans across the league are always going to be eager to watch a sensational star like the second-year guard. But what has been especially interesting is how much better this Dallas squad has played in their road games compared to when they have played at home in Texas.

The Mavericks currently have 16 wins and just six losses (.727 winning percentage) during their away games. But their games at American Airlines Center in Dallas have been less favorable. Their squad has 13 wins and 12 losses (.520 winning percentage) at home so far this season.

When subtracting the difference, their mark (20.7 percent) is surprisingly the largest in league history dating back to the merger with the BAA (Basketball Association of America) back in 1946-47.

For context, the previous largest mark over the course of a full 82-game season was from the Houston Rockets in 2005-06. They were 19-22 (.463 percent) on the road and 15-26 (.366) when playing at home. Houston stars Tracy McGrady (47 games played) and Yao Ming (57 games played) were both plagued with injuries that season.

But it is worth noting that their away vs. home differential (9.7 percent) is still less than half of what the Mavericks are currently doing in 2019-20.

Breaking it down further, Dallas is currently outscoring opponents by 7.1 points per 100 possessions on the road. That is good for the second-best net rating among all road teams this season. Compare that with their net rating at home (4.7), which currently ranks fourteenth-best in the league.

Meanwhile, their offensive rating on the road (117.8) is the best in the NBA.

While the correlation here does not necessarily equal causation, it is worth mentioning that Doncic is averaging 3.5 turnovers per game on the road but 4.7 turnovers per game at home. His assist-to-turnover rate has also been a lot better on the road (2.64) than it has been in Dallas (1.76) so far in 2019-20.

Also worth noting that the Top 3 squads on this list (Dallas Mavericks, Minnesota Timberwolves and Phoenix Suns) are all current teams in the Western Conference. We are more than halfway through the season so it is no longer just small sample size theatre.

Alberto de Roa contributed research to this article

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The NBA’s All-Star teams will wear Kobe and Gianna Bryant’s numbers

This is a great move by the NBA.

All week, the entire basketball world has been all about honoring Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna Bryant, after their tragic passing.

That’s going to continue at the NBA’s All-Star game. The league introduced one initiative yesterday when they announced the game’s new format will have an Elam Ending, which includes a nod to Bryant’s final NBA number, 24.

Not only will Bryant’s number determine the final score, but the two teams that will face each other in the game are going to wear Kobe’s number 24 and Gianna’s number 2 in the actual All-Star game.

Team LeBron is suiting up in Gianna’s No. 2 and Team Giannis is wearing Kobe’s No. 24.

I don’t know about the whole Elam Ending thing — I’m still doing the math on that one a day later. But this latest decision is perfect.

Fans were suggesting that the league have the teams wear 8 and 24 to honor Kobe, but the league did one better by honoring Gianna with number 2.

This is an absolute slam dunk. Good on the league for figuring it out.

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The NBA trade deadline comes unusually early this season

HoopsHype establishes the exact date of the next four NBA trade deadlines, including that of the 2019-20 season.

In the summer of 2017, the NBA announced through its new Collective Bargaining Agreement changes to the NBA trade deadline. Prior to then, the annual end of the trade market was the 17th Thursday of every season, which would come after the All-Star break. Then came the awkwardness of the 2016-17 season when reports of the Sacramento Kings trading DeMarcus Cousins to the New Orleans Pelicans came out in the middle of the All-Star Game, which Cousins was participating in. The league, obviously, didn’t want that to happen again, so they decided to make a change.

Now, the trade deadline falls on the Thursday 10 days before the All-Star Game every season, so teams have their rosters settled before the festivities.

As far as the 2019-20 season, that means the trade deadline lands on Feb. 6, at exactly 5 pm EST.

Meanwhile, the 2020-21 season’s trade deadline falls on Feb. 4, the 2021-22 trade deadline will be on Feb. 10 and the 2022-23 trade deadline projects to be Feb. 9.

Interestingly enough, this year has the longest stretch between the trade deadline and the end of the season since 1986-87, with 69 days separating the two important dates.

That should allow teams to get more acclimated with playing together after the deadline, a problem that sometimes arises when teams undergo major midseason changes.

Dallas Mavericks at Houston Rockets odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Friday’s Dallas Mavericks at Houston Rockets sports betting odds and lines, with NBA matchup analysis, picks and best bets.

The Dallas Mavericks (29-18) square up against the Southwestern Division rival Houston Rockets (29-18) at Toyota Center Friday at 7:30 p.m. ET. We analyze the Mavericks-Rockets odds and lines, with NBA betting advice and tips around the matchup.

Place a legal sports bet on this NBA action or other games at BetMGM.

Mavericks at Rockets: Key injuries

Mavericks

  • SG Tim Hardaway Jr. (back) probable
  • SG Luka Doncic (ankle) out
  • PF Dwight Powell (Achilles) out

Rockets

  • SF Gerald Green (foot) out
  • C Nene Hilario (groin) out
  • C Clint Capela (heel) out

Mavericks at Rockets: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips

NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated at 2:30 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Rockets 111, Mavericks 107

Moneyline (ML)

No way I’d recommend taking either money line in Mavericks-Rockets. The Mavericks (+360) will be missing their MVP contender in Doncic, after he sprained an ankle in practice. Plus Hardaway Jr. is questionable. He scored a season-high 31 points in the Mavs’ last game against Houston. The Rockets (-500) have been inconsistent in January with a 6-7 record.

PASS ON A MONEY LINE WAGER.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

In the four games Doncic missed previously this season, the Mavericks went 2-2 outright and 2-2 against the spread. Those games came against above .500 teams (Toronto Raptors, Philadelphia 76ers, Boston Celtics and Milwaukee Bucks). As it relates to the point spread, this is an advantageous spot for the Mavericks. Dallas is 1-0 against the spread when getting 7-9.5 points and the Rockets are 4-6 ATS when laying 7-9.5 points. Additionally, Dallas has the second-best ATS record on the road, at 14-5-2 ATS, and the Rockets are just 22-25 ATS on the season.

Their schedules should factor into this handicap as well. The Mavericks are 7-5 ATS when playing with a rest advantage and the Rockets are 3-7 ATS with a rest disadvantage. Also, maybe hold off a little bit for the spread to be bet up to 10 points; the Rockets are just 1-7 ATS when laying 10-12 points.

Either way, definitely BET MAVERICKS (+9.5, -110).

Over/Under (O/U)

Since we’re on the Mavericks to cover, their leading scorer is sidelined and their third-leading scorer—Hardaway Jr.—is questionable with injury, the UNDER 235.5 (-115) correlates with our ATS bet.

The Rockets’ 21-26 Over/Under record is due to bookmakers’ pricing their point totals according to public perception, which is Houston has a high-octane offense. Going back to Houston’s rest disadvantage, the Rockets have a 2-8 Over/Under record in those situations. Furthermore, the Under is 10-3-1 in the last 14 Mavericks-Rockets meetings.

Want some action on this game? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips and advice, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @Geoffery_Clark and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Chicago Bulls at Brooklyn Nets odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Friday’s Chicago Bulls at Brooklyn Nets sports betting odds and lines, with NBA matchup analysis, picks and best bets.

The Chicago Bulls (19-31) play the Brooklyn Nets (20-26) for the second time this season at 7:30 p.m. ET Friday at Barclays Center. We analyze Bulls-Nets odds and lines, with NBA betting advice and tips around the matchup.

Place a legal sports bet on this NBA action or other games at BetMGM.

Bulls at Nets: Key injuries

Bulls

  • SG Denzel Valentine (hip) probable
  • PG Tomas Satoransky (ankle) probable
  • PF Luke Kornet (ankle) probable
  • SG Chandler Hutchison (shoulder) probable
  • PG Kris Dunn (quadricep) probable
  • PG Ryan Arcidiacono (elbow) probable
  • PF Lauri Markkanen (pelvis) out
  • PF Daniel Gafford (thumb) doubtful
  • C Wendell Carter Jr. (ankle) out
  • SF Otto Porter Jr. (foot) out
  • SG Max Strus (knee) out

Nets

  • SG Garrett Temple (eye) available
  • SF Kevin Durant (Achilles) out

Bulls at Nets: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips

NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated at 2:20 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Nets 112, Bulls 103

Moneyline (ML)

PASS on the moneyline in Bulls-Nets. Chicago has won just one game in their last nine against Brooklyn but I am not confident enough in the other side to take Nets (-227) to win outright.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Nets to win returns a profit of just $4.40.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

Friday games have been a struggle for the Bulls recently—Chicago is 0-5 against the spread in their last five Friday games—while the Nets have excelled on Fridays in their last six games, going 6-0 ATS. Chicago also struggles against opponents who are on equal rest, going 13-22-1 ATS in such situations.

Brooklyn’s winning edge is in the health of the two clubs. Both of the Bulls’ starting big men entering the season, Carter and Markkanen, are out for this game and they have a cluster of injuries in the backcourt. Many of their guards are probable but are definitely not 100%. The Bulls’ injury woes to their guards should rear its ugly head against a solid Nets backcourt featuring Kyrie Irving, Spence Dinwiddie and Caris LeVert.

BET NETS -5.5 (-110).

Over/Under (O/U)

Let’s go with the UNDER 222.5 (-110) on the total because of each team’s propensity to take 3-pointers and matchup factors possibly leading to a bunch of missed threes. The Nets attempt the sixth most threes per game but are ranked just 26th in 3-point percentage, while the Bulls are ranked 10th in opponent 3-point percentage. Also, Chicago shoots the ninth most three pointers per game, and Brooklyn is 19th in 3-pointers allowed. Chicago has just the 24th ranked 3-point percentage. Expect there to be a lot of bricklaying Friday.

Want some action on this game? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips and advice, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @Geoffery_Clark and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Oklahoma City Thunder at Phoenix Suns odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Friday’s Thunder-Suns sports betting odds, with NBA matchup analysis and picks.

After a three-game road trip, the Phoenix Suns (20-27) return home to take on the Oklahoma City Thunder (29-20) Friday night. Tipoff is at 9 p.m. ET Talking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix.

We analyze the Thunder-Suns odds and lines, with NBA betting advice and tips around the matchup.

Place a legal sports bet on this NBA action or other games at BetMGM.

Thunder at Suns: Key injuries

Thunder

  • F Andre Roberson (knee) out
  • F Terrance Ferguson (personal) out

Suns

  • C Aron Baynes (hip) out
  • F Cameron Johnson (quad) out
  • F Frank Kaminsky (knee) out

Thunder at Suns: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips

NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated Friday at 12:30 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Thunder 109, Suns 106

Moneyline (ML)

The Suns (-106), who now have more wins this season than all of last, have won two of their last three. However, they have struggled at home, going only 9-16 this season. OKC (-115) is a respectable 14-10 on the road. They have won six straight games on the road and six of their last seven games overall. Phoenix is only 1-7 at home this season when they are the underdog, while the Thunder are 4-0 on the road as a favorite.

That said, it makes sense to take the Thunder confidently at -115.

New to sports betting? A $10 wager on the Thunder returns a profit of $8.70.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

Oklahoma City is favored by 1.5 points over the Suns. They have covered the spread in six of their last seven games. As road favorites, they have covered three of four games this season.

The Suns are an even 4-4 ATS at home as an underdog and 10-14 ATS overall.

Take the Thunder to cover at -1.5 (-106).

Over/Under (O/U)

The total is set at 222.5 points. Suns games have gone Under in three of their last four games. Phoenix is 14-10 O/U at home this season. The Thunder is 8-3 O/U in their last 11 games overall and 3-1 O/U on the road as a favorite.

That said, with the total up over 220, I expect it to go UNDER tonight (-110) but with little confidence.

Want some action on this game? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips and advice, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @senorjessroot and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Denver Nuggets at Milwaukee Bucks odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Friday’s Denver Nuggets at Milwaukee Bucks sports betting odds and lines, with NBA betting picks, tips and best bets.

Two of the best teams in the NBA will faceoff Friday as the Denver Nuggets (33-15) travel to Fiserv Forum to take on the Milwaukee Bucks (41-6). Tip-off is set for 9 p.m. ET. We analyze the Nuggets-Bucks sports betting odds and lines, with NBA betting advice and tips around the matchup.

Get some action on this game or others by placing a bet at BetMGM.

Nuggets at Bucks: Key injuries

Nuggets

  • PF Paul Millsap (knee) out
  • C Mason Plumlee (foot) out
  • SG Gary Harris (personal) questionable
  • PG Jamal Murray (ankle) out

Bucks

  • PG George Hill (hamstring) out
  • PF Giannis Antetokoumpo (shoulder) questionable
  • PG Frank Mason (abdominal) probable
  • SG Donte DiVincenzo (ankle) questionable

Nuggets at Bucks: Odds, lines, picks, and betting tips

NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 10:50 a.m. E.T.

Prediction

Bucks 121, Nuggets 107

Moneyline (ML)

As expected, the Bucks (-556) are big favorites at home against a Nuggets team that has suffered some pretty significant injuries. It also doesn’t help that the Bucks are an incredible 22-2 at home this season, best in the NBA. As good as Denver are and as much value as they present in this contest (+400), there is just no way you can bet against Milwaukee at home. We also can’t eat the chalk involved in betting the Bucks. PASS and play the spread.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The BUCKS (-10.5, -110) are double-digit favorites over the Nuggets Friday night. While Denver (+10.5, -110) has fared well against the spread of late (4-2 ATS in their last six games), it just doesn’t appear they have the ability to stop the Bucks’ No. 1 ranked offense. Look for this game to be somewhat close throughout, but for the Bucks to pull away in the fourth quarter.

Over/Under (O/U)

The total for this big-time matchup is set at 223.5 points. That doesn’t feel like enough points as the Bucks average 120.0 points per game. This game probably won’t reach the 230’s, but expect it to be high-scoring enough for the OVER 223.5 (-115) to hit at Fiserv Forum.

Want some action on this game? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips and advice, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @Marcus_Mosher and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship, and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Portland Trail Blazers at Los Angeles Lakers odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Friday’s Portland Trail Blazers at Los Angeles Lakers sports betting odds and lines, with NBA betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Portland Trail Blazers (21-27) take on the Los Angeles Lakers (36-10) Friday at the Staples Center. Tip-off for this game is scheduled for 10:30 p.m. E.T. We analyze the Trail Blazers-Lakers sports betting odds and lines, with NBA betting advice and tips around the matchup.

Get some action on this game or others by placing a bet at BetMGM.

Trail Blazers at Lakers: Key injuries

Trail Blazers

  • SG Rodney Hood (Achilles) out
  • C Jusuf  Nurkic (knee) out
  • C Skal Labissiere (knee) out
  • PF Zach Collins (shoulder) out
  • SF Carmelo Anthony (personal) out

Lakers

  • C JaVale McGee (illness) probable
  • PF DeMarcus Cousins (knee) out
  • PF Anthony Davis (Gluteus) questionable
  • SG Alex Caruso (neck) questionable

Trail Blazers at Lakers: Odds, lines, picks, and betting tips

NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 10:30 a.m. E.T.

Prediction

Lakers 118, Blazers 113

Moneyline (ML)

The Lakers (-910) are massive moneyline favorites over the Trail Blazers (+600) in their first game back since Kobe Bryant’s tragic death. While this would usually be an easy bet on the Lakers, there’s just no telling how this Lakers team might play after such a long layoff. I’ll PASS on this bet in favor of the spread.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The Lakers (-12.5, -115) are double-digit favorites over the TRAIL BLAZERS (+12.5, -106) at home. It seems like far too many points considering Portland has just upset the Houston Rockets (125-112) and Indiana Pacers (139-129) in back-to-back games. I like the Lakers to find a way to win this game, but expect the Blazers to keep this close.

Over/Under (O/U)

The total for this Western Conference matchup is set at 229.5 points, which feels about right considering how explosive these offenses can be from night-to-night. Both teams are averaging over 113 points per game and have scorers all over the court. Look for this to be another high-scoring contest with the OVER 229.5 (-110) hitting in Los Angeles.

Want some action on this game? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips and advice, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @Marcus_Mosher and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship, and there is no influence on news coverage.

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