Tag: Nets

Vince Carter’s Nets jersey should hang in the rafters of Barclays Center

Vince Carter has wowed fans with his dunks and other athletic feats throughout his storied career.

Vince Carter is going to be one of few players who has a legacy in which his lacking a championship will not be overly discussed.

After this season, Carter will have put on a show for 22 NBA seasons, which will give him the record of longest career in league history.  His nickname “Half Man, Half Amazing” might just be one of the most fitting nicknames in hoops history. Whether it was dunking over Frederic Weis in the 2000 Sydney Olympics, or wowing fans in his iconic 2000 Slam Dunk Contest performance, Carter has proven to be one of the most athletic players in NBA history.

Now, as he finishes his last season, he’s been praised by players such as Houston Rockets star James Harden. Carter got a standing ovation in December during his final game at Madison Square Garden.  On Sunday, he played his final game against the Brooklyn Nets, and he received a standing ovation.

Carter played for the Nets when they were in New Jersey, and as one of the franchise’s all-time best players, his jersey should hang in the rafters.

Despite not leading the team to any titles, Carter was one of the best hoopers of his generation.

After the Atlanta Hawks lost to the Nets on Sunday, Carter spoke on what it would feel like to have his jersey retired. Julius “Dr. J” Erving, Jason Kidd, Bill Melchionni, the late John Williamson, Buck Williams and the late Drazen Petrovic each have their Nets jersey retired.

“When you look up in the rafters and see the group of people that’s up there, if one day I get that opportunity, that honor, I’m OK with going up there with a guy who I looked up to in Dr. J and a great teammate like J-Kidd,” Carter said, per Michael Scotto of Bleacher Report. 

In five seasons with the Nets, Carter averaged 23.6 points per game, the highest among any of the teams he’s played for. According to Basketball Reference, Carter ranks third on the Nets’ all-time leading scorers list.

Carter, Kidd and Richard Jefferson were one of the most fun trios to watch in the mid 2000s. The group started playing together in the 2004-05 season, when Carter was traded to the team from the Toronto Raptors during the season.

With Kidd, the Nets had one of the best and smartest players ever as a floor general. As a fellow wing, Jefferson complemented Carter’s ability to score with his slashing ability. The group only made it as far as the Eastern Conference semifinals, but the three played exciting basketball.

Carter’s influence on the generation that followed is special. Nets star Kyrie Irving is evidence of that, as he spoke highly of Carter after Sunday’s game.

“That was a kid’s dream to go see Vince Carter and Jason Kidd and the New Jersey Nets play, but specifically Vince Carter,” Irving said, per Anthony Puccio of Nets Daily.  “He used to do some amazing things, man. It was incredible as a kid to watch.”

As one of the top scorers the league has seen, Carter is ranked No. 20 all-time in points, and currently he’s ranked fourth all-time in games played. A quality 3-point shooter throughout his career, he has shot 37.2% from deep.

In this day and age, hoops fans sometimes ring count. That is, sometimes a player’s legacy is tied too much to whether they won titles.

But Carter is different, and a big part of that is because his legacy consists of him being arguably the best dunker ever, along with his consistency. He averaged double figures in scoring from his rookie season in 1998 through the 2013-14 season.

Carter having his jersey potentially hanging in the rafters at Barclays Center would serve as a reminder of his greatness.

But unlike many other all-time greats, Carter won’t need any rings to prove how amazing he was.

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Report: Danilo Gallinari and Nerlens Noel out against Brooklyn Nets

Danilo Gallinari and Nerlens Noel will not play Tuesday night against the Brooklyn Nets.

The Oklahoma City Thunder will not have two of their key players available Tuesday against the Brooklyn Nets.

According to The Oklahoman’s Joe Mussatto, Danilo Gallinari is out with a right calf contusion. Nerlens Noel will miss his second straight game because of a left ankle sprain. Noel suffered the ankle injury during the Thunder’s win over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday.

The Thunder will play the Nets on the road at 7:30 p.m. EST.

Gallinari and Noel have been part of the Thunder’s effort in exceeding expectations this season. The Thunder are 20-16 and ranked seventh in the Western Conference.

A quality shooter throughout his career, Gallinari leads the Thunder in 3-point percentage, shooting 39.2% from deep this season. Gallinari is also the Thunder’s third-leading scorer behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Dennis Schroder.

Noel has been important for the Thunder’s defense. A solid rim protector, Noel leads OKC in blocks. According to NBA.com, Noel is currently 13th in the NBA for blocks per game. He is fourth on the Thunder in rebounding, grabbing 5.1 rebounds a game.

With Gallinari out, the Thunder will need to look more to players such as Abdel Nader, Chris Paul and Dennis Schroder to help with their 3-point shooting. With Noel out, the Thunder’s perimeter defense will need to be productive, as he does well manning the paint.

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Brooklyn Nets at Orlando Magic odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Monday’s Brooklyn Nets at Orlando Magic sports betting odds and lines, with NBA betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Brooklyn Nets (16-18) ride a five-game losing streak to their 7 p.m. ET game against the Orlando Magic (16-20) at Amway Center. We analyze the Nets-Magic 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.

Nets at Magic: Key injuries

Nets

  • C DeAndre Jordan (knee) probable
  • SG Caris LeVert (thumb) out
  • PG Kyrie Irving (shoulder) out
  • SF Kevin Durant (Achilles) out
  • PF Nicolas Claxton (hamstring) probable

Magic

  • PG Michael Carter-Williams (shoulder) out
  • SF Jonathan Isaac (knee) out
  • SF Al-Farouq Aminu (knee) out

Nets at Magic: 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 1:30 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Nets 105, Magic 99

Moneyline (ML)

It’s a bummer that recently activated SF Caris LeVert won’t be able to suit up for this matchup but we are still on the NETS (+170) here. We all know all-star C Nikola Vucevic is key to the Magic’s success and he hasn’t faired well against Jordan in their 12 career meetings. Vucevic’s teams are 2-10 versus Jordan’s teams and Jordan holds Vucevic below his averages in field goal percentage (.436) and points per game (13.7). Also, both Jordan and regular Nets starter C Jarrett Allen have better offensive ratings than Magic bigs Vucevic and C Mo Bamba.

New to sports betting? Bet $30 on the Nets to win outright to earn a profit of $51.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The Nets need to break out of their recent slump and playing a Magic team, which they are 6-4 against straight up (6-3-1 against the spread), will do the trick. Back to the frontcourt advantage for Brooklyn: The Magic’s fifth-ranked opponent’s points in the paint defense will be tested against a Nets team fourth in the NBA in points in the paint. While the Magic themselves are ranked fifth in points in the paint, the Nets do a good job minimizing inside scoring—ranked eighth in the NBA.

Furthermore, I like how the Nets defend the three (ranked third in opponent’s 3-point percentage) compared to the Magic’s outside shooting (ranked 27th in 3-point percentage) and the Nets get the second-most rebounds per game while the Magic are ranked 28th in opponent’s RPG.

Bet NETS (+4.5, -106). New to sports betting? Bet $70 on the Nets +4.5 (-106) to earn a profit of $66.

Over/Under (O/U)

Neither offense is impressive—Nets are ranked 16th in PPG, the Magic are ranked 30th. The Nets are 24th in FG% and the Magic are 27th. Plus, their combined Over/Under record is just 32-36-2. The low total of 210.5 (Over: +105, Under: -130) has me PASSING.

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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Brooklyn Nets at Minnesota Timberwolves odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Monday’s Brooklyn Nets at Minnesota Timberwolves sports betting odds and lines, with NBA betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Brooklyn Nets (16-15) are going to the Target Center to play the Minnesota Timberwolves (11-20) 8 p.m. ET Monday. We analyze Nets-Timberwolves 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.

Nets at Timberwolves: Key injuries

Nets

  • SG Caris LeVert (thumb) out
  • PG Kyrie Irving (shoulder) out
  • SF Kevin Durant (Achilles) out

Timberwolves

  • C Karl-Anthony Towns (knee) questionable
  • SF Andrew Wiggins (illness) questionable
  • SF Jake Layman (toe) out

Nets at Timberwolves: 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 2:45 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Nets 109, Timberwolves 101

Moneyline (ML)

PASS on the moneyline. We are on the Nets (-161) to win this game, but we’ll take the spread as a much better value than the moneyline. Both teams have been bitten by the injury bug since their opening game meeting. The Timberwolves could be without Towns and Wiggins, and the Nets are missing their two leading scorers from that game in Irving and LeVert.

This ultimately comes down to value for me because all the signs point to the Nets in a comfy win over the Timberwolves. The Wolves have lost 12 of their last 13 games.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

Bet the NETS (-2.5, -115) to cover the spread and win by at least 3 points because of a slight motivation edge. The Timberwolves beat them in overtime on opening night in Brooklyn, and they have owned the Nets in their recent history (7-3 straight up and against the spread), so the Nets are looking forward to kicking the Timberwolves while they are down. Also, I love taking the better rebounding team in NBA regular-season games. The Nets get the second-most rebounds per game (48.6) and the Timberwolves surrender the most rebounds per game (48.3).

Sure, the Timberwolves would love to get out of their epic slump but they probably won’t have the players to do it. Monitor this game’s injury report for as long as you can before placing any bets.

Over/Under (O/U)

The matchup alignment fits nicely for the UNDER 218.5 (-106).  A good Nets defense—ranking third in opponent field-goal percentage (43.2) and 12th in opponent’s 3-point percentage (35)—goes against a bad Timberwolves offense—26th in FG% (43.4) and 29th in 3pt% (31.8). In addition, both teams are poor offensively. The Nets rank 23rd in offensive rating (106.8) and the Timberwolves rank 22nd (107).

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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Sacramento Kings at Denver Nuggets odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Sunday’s Sacramento Kings at Denver Nuggets sports betting odds and lines, with NBA betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Sacramento Kings (12-20) and Denver Nuggets (22-9) tip off at Pepsi Center at 8 p.m. ET Sunday. We analyze the Kings-Nuggets 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.

Kings at Nuggets: Key injuries

Kings

  • PG De’Aaron Fox (back) out
  • PF Marvin Bagley III (foot) out

Nuggets

  • PF Paul Millsap (knee) out
  • C Bol Bol (oblique) out

Kings at Nuggets: 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 Sunday at 11:45 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Nuggets 109, Kings 96

Moneyline (ML)

The Nuggets (-500) are heavy favorites, but there is no way to justify laying such a high number for such a small return. Look to the spread instead.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Nuggets to win outright returns a profit of $2.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The NUGGETS (-10.5, +105) and Kings (+10.5, -128) have split a pair of games played in California’s capital city. The Nuggs won 101-94 to cover a five-point number back on Oct. 28, and they fell 100-97 in overtime as four-point favorites back on Nov. 30.

The Nuggets will need to win by at least 11 points for a $10 bet to return a profit of $10.50.

Over/Under (O/U)

UNDER 206.5 (-106) is the play, hitting in each of the first two meetings this season in Sacto. The Kings entered play this weekend ranked 13th in the NBA in scoring defense, while the Nuggets sport the NBA’s best scoring defense, as well as the best 3-point defensive percentage.

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

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI 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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Brooklyn Nets at Houston Rockets odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s Brooklyn Nets at Houston Rockets sports betting odds and lines, with NBA betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Brooklyn Nets (16-14) and Houston Rockets (21-10) battle at Toyota Center at 8 p.m. ET Saturday. We analyze the Nets-Rockets 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.

Nets at Rockets: Key injuries

Nets

  • PG Kyrie Irving (shoulder) out
  • SG Caris LeVert (thumb) out

Rockets

  • C Clint Capela (heel) doubtful
  • SF Eric Gordon (knee) out
  • SF Thabo Sefolosha (illness) questionable
  • SF Gerald Green (foot) out
  • C Nene Hilario (thigh) out

Nets 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 11:15 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Rockets 120, Nets 113

Moneyline (ML)

The Rockets (-500) are heavy favorites, but you can’t lay five times your potential return. It’s just way too expensive, especially in what should be a fairly close game.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Rockets to win outright returns a profit of $2.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The NETS (+9.5, -115) head down to the Gulf Coast with a 5-0 ATS mark in their past five meetings in Houston, and 8-2 ATS mark in the past 10 battles with the Rockets (-9.5, -106), too. The Rockets are also 0-4 ATS in the past four at home, and 3-7 ATS in the past 10 as a favorite.

Over/Under (O/U)

PASS. The total (233.5) should be really close. Steer far clear. If there is a lean, it’s to the Over (-115), which is 6-2 in the past eight meetings, and 7-3 in the past 10 in Houston.

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

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI 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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Paul Pierce says Kyrie Irving should play off the ball when he returns

The Nets would be best suited continuing to use Spencer Dinwiddie at point guard and running Kyrie Irving as the off guard when Irving returns.

Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving is one of the best scorers in the NBA, and Boston Celtics legend Paul Pierce thinks his skills should be taken advantage of when he returns to the floor.

According to Stefan Bondy of The New York Daily News, Pierce said on ESPN’s “The Jump” on Wednesday that the Nets should run Irving off the ball and have Spencer Dinwiddie continue to run point.

Irving has missed the past 16 games because of a right shoulder impingement. On Dec. 13, Nets coach Kenny Atkinson said Irving did on-court work at practice that day, but he hasn’t been cleared for contact.

“I think you got to play them both. And I really think Kyrie is a better player off the ball because Dinwiddie has been in the system for a year, they really had fun last year, they went to the playoffs, so they’re really used to him playing with that core group,” Pierce said. “Now Kyrie played his best basketball with Cleveland, with LeBron being the primary ballhander.”

Irving is one of the best guards in the league, but throughout his career he’s been a scorer. While he’s a solid passer, Irving is a natural bucket getter. In 11 games this season, Irving has averaged a career-high 28.5 points per game. Irving has a career average of 22.4 points a game.

Dinwiddie is a good player as well, but he has a skill set that’s more conducive to producing an offense that flows. He’s averaged 6.3 assists per game this season. In the 16 games Irving has missed, Dinwiddie has averaged 7.4 assists.

This season has been arguably Dinwiddie’s best to date, and he will likely earn All-Star consideration. He’s averaging a career-high 21.4 points per game and shooting 43.0% from the field.

Irving playing off the ball more could work, but only if he is willing to give up some ball handling duties. Irving thrives with the ball in his hands and making plays in isolation. This season, Irving is averaging 3.5 points on isolations, according to NBA.com. And as a guard on the rise, Dinwiddie is averaging 3.3 points on isolations.

When Irving comes back, the Nets shouldn’t take Dinwiddie out of the starting lineup — it would probably mess with his groove. But starting Irving and Dinwiddie together could help the Nets maximize both guards’ talents.

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Houston Rockets at Los Angeles Clippers odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Thursday’s Houston Rockets at Los Angeles Clippers sports betting odds and lines, with NBA betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Houston Rockets (18-9) and Los Angeles Clippers (21-8) tangle at Staples Center at 10:30 p.m. ET Thursday. We analyze the Rockets-Clippers 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.

Rockets at Clippers: Key injuries

Rockets: SG Eric Gordon (knee) is expected to be sidelined for at least another week.

Clippers: PF JaMychal Green (tailbone) is questionable.

Rockets at Clippers: 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 7:50 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Clippers 118, Rockets 109

Moneyline (ML)

The Clippers (-208) will cost you more than two times your rate of return betting on the favorite. They’re not worth it, as you simply need to lay a few buckets over the Rockets (+170) on the spread.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Clippers to win outright returns a profit of $4.80.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The CLIPPERS (-5.5, -106) have connected against the spread in four straight outings at home, while going 5-1 ATS in the past six overall. They’re also 6-1 ATS in the past seven as a favorite. Meanwhile, the Rockets (+5.5, -115) have hit in just one of the past six games overall.

Over/Under (O/U)

UNDER 232.5 (-106) is the play, as it has connected in 10 of the past 12 for Houston as an underdog and five of its past seven overall. The Under is also 20-8 in the past 28 road games for the Rockets. The Under is 9-4 in LA’s past 13 as a home favorite while hitting in four in a row against opponents with a winning percentage over .600.

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

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI 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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