Tag: San Antonio Spurs

San Antonio Spurs at Los Angeles Clippers odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Monday’s San Antonio Spurs at Los Angeles Clippers sports betting odds and lines, with NBA betting picks, tips and best bets.

The San Antonio Spurs (22-26) visit Staples Center Monday to take on the Los Angeles Clippers (34-15). Tip-off for this game is scheduled for 10:30 p.m. ET. We analyze the Spurs-Clippers 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.

Spurs at Clippers: Odds, lines, picks, and betting tips

NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 11:45 a.m. E.T.

Prediction

Clippers 118, Spurs 107

Moneyline (ML)

The Clippers (-455) are massive favorites over the Spurs (+333) Monday night, and it’s not hard to see why. The Clippers have won 20 of 25 games at home this season, while the Spurs are just 8-14 on the road. San Antonio has played better of late, winning five of their last eight games, but the Spurs just don’t have the firepower to keep up with the Clippers. PASS on this chalky moneyline in favor of the point spread.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Clippers to win returns a profit of just $2.20.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The CLIPPERS (-9.5, -106) are less than double-digit favorites over the Spurs, and that feels misguided. The Clippers have been great against the spread at home, covering in 15 of their 25 contests. While the Spurs have fared somewhat better on the road against the spread than their record shows, it’s just not a fair fight in terms of talent. Take Los Angeles to win by at least 10 points and cover this spread Monday night.

Over/Under (O/U)

The total for this Western Conference matchup is set at 227.5 points, which feels slightly high considering the talent level of the Clippers’ defense. With all of their weapons back on the floor, they should have no problem holding the Spurs under 110 points. Expect the UNDER 227.5 (-110) to hit 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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LeBron James hopes there’s a tribute for Kobe at every road game

The Los Angeles Lakers played their first road game since the late Kobe Bryant, his daughter, Gianna, and seven others passed away in a helicopter crash.

On Saturday night, the Los Angeles Lakers played their first road game since the late Kobe Bryant passed away in a helicopter crash, along with his daughter, Gianna, and seven others.

The Sacramento Kings put on a moving tribute for Bryant and Gianna, and following the game LeBron James spoke of how he hopes a tribute happens at every road game. The Lakers defeated the Kings 129-113 to erase a two-game skid.

“We’re prepared for it. We understand it,” James said, per Spectrum SportsNet. “We hope it happens every night just because of the legacy that he’s left behind. But we’re prepared for it as a team, as an organization, and we’re going to continue to get through it.”

The tribute consisted of clips of Bryant playing the Kings and some shots of Gianna playing basketball. The video was filled with respect and admiration for Bryant, who played against the Kings in three consecutive playoff series from 2000-2002.

During the 2002 Western Conference Finals, the Lakers defeated the Kings in seven games, and Bryant averaged 27.1 points per game and 6.3 rebounds.

The Lakers and the rest of the NBA are mourning the loss of one of the game’s greats. Not only was Bryant a stellar basketball player, but he was a motivator who inspired so many people to be their best selves.

Los Angeles will play the San Antonio Spurs at Staples Center on Tuesday.

Utah Jazz at San Antonio Spurs odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Wednesday’s Utah Jazz at San Antonio Spurs sports betting odds and lines, with NBA betting picks, tips and best bets.

The San Antonio Spurs (20-26) host the Utah Jazz (32-14) Wednesday at AT&T Center for an 8:30 p.m. ET tip-off. We analyze the Jazz-Spurs sports betting odds and lines, with NBA betting advice and tips around the matchup.

Jazz at Spurs: Key Injuries

Spurs

  • PF LaMarcus Aldridge (thumb) out

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

Jazz at Spurs: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips

NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 10:15 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Jazz 116, Spurs 107

Moneyline (ML)

The JAZZ (-222) are third in the Western Conference and come into Wednesday having won eight of their last 10 games, despite being dealt a 126-117 loss to the Houston Rockets Monday. They’re 14-10 on the road this season and outscore the opposition by 5.0 points per game.

The absence of Aldridge will loom large for the Spurs (+180). They’re 12-12 on home court this season but enter Wednesday on a three-game losing skid, including Monday’s 110-109 loss at the Chicago Bulls. This is the first of four meetings between the two sides this season.

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

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

Get a better return on a Jazz victory by backing UTAH (-4.5, -125) to win by at least 5 points. They’re 25-10-1 against the spread overall and 13-11 as the visitors. San Antonio is just 19-16-1 ATS overall, with most of those difficulties coming at home where they’re 7-17-0 ATS on the season.

Utah’s last eight victories were all decided by a margin of at least 5 points. San Antonio has stayed within 5 points in each of its last four losses, but the Jazz will dominate the frontcourt battle with Aldridge on the shelf. Look for a big game from Jazz C Rudy Gobert.

Over/Under (O/U)

Take the OVER 220.5 (-121). Both teams have played above the projections more often than not this season, with San Antonio 28-18 against the Over/Under and Utah 24-22 against the number. The two teams combine to average 224.5 points per game with 220.5 points allowed per game.

Esten’s NBA betting record: 164-136

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

Follow @EstenMcLaren 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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San Antonio Spurs at Chicago Bulls odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Monday’s San Antonio Spurs at Chicago Bulls sports betting odds and lines, with NBA betting picks, tips and best bets.

The San Antonio Spurs (20-25) hope to stop a two-game losing streak as they take on the Chicago Bulls (18-30) Monday night at United Center. Tip-off is at 8 p.m. ET. We analyze the Spurs-Bulls 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.

Spurs at Bulls: Key injuries

Bulls

  • C Wendell Carter Jr. (ankle) out
  • C Daniel Gafford (thumb) out
  • PF Lauri Markkanen (pelvis) out
  • SF Otto Porter Jr. (foot) out
  • SG Max Strus (knee) out
  • PG Ryan Arcidiacono (elbow) probable
  • PF Chandler Hutchison (shoulder) probable
  • PG Tomas Satoransky (ankle) probable

Spurs at Bulls: 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 12:40 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Spurs 110, Bulls 101

Moneyline (ML)

The Spurs (-128) have lost two games in a row coming into Monday, but they won their last two on the road and three of their last four away from home. On the season, they are 8-13 on the road but 3-2 when favored as visitors. Chicago (+105) is 10-15 at home this season but has won three of its last four home games. That said, the Bulls have won only one of 10 games at home in which they were underdogs.

That right there should give you the confidence to go with the SPURS (-128) on the moneyline.

New to sports betting? A $10 wager on the Spurs returns a profit of $7.80.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The SPURS (-1.5, -115) are laying 1.5 points and will need to win by at least a 2-point margin to cover the spread Monday. They have covered in eight of their last 10 games on the road, and they are 13-10-1 ATS after a loss.

Chicago is 11-14 ATS at home this season and 3-7 ATS as a home dog. Combining that with the health of both teams means you should take the SPURS (-1.5, -115) for the win and also for the cover.

Over/Under (O/U)

Thet total is set at 213.5 points for the game. Chicago averages only 105.6 points per game and gives up 107.6. The Spurs score more than 113 PPG and give up 114.4 PPG. Spurs games consistently go Over the projected total, having gone 27-18 O/U this season. Chicago games are almost evenly split at 23-25 O/U. It evens out for the Spurs on the road, going 12-8 against the O/U as visitors and 3-2 O/U as road favorites. Bulls games are 12-13 O/U in Chicago and 4-6 O/U as home dogs.

The Spurs are on the back end of a back-to-back, so the overall scoring will likely be down a little bit Monday. Take the UNDER 213.5 (+105).

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

Follow @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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NBA family reacts to Kobe tragedy

NBA family and fans around the world mourn Kobe Bryant’s death.

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The Raptors and Spurs paid a beautiful in-game tribute to Kobe Bryant

Well done.

The NBA decided to play its Sunday games as scheduled following the death of Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant in a helicopter crash.

The news understandably hit the entire NBA community hard. Players were visibly upset during shootaround, offered shocked reactions on social media and Tyson Chandler was tearful on the bench.

The Raptors and Spurs were the second NBA game to get underway on Sunday, and the two teams opted to pay tribute to Kobe with a wonderful in-game gesture. Following the opening tip, both teams let the shot clock expire for 24-second violations on each of their first possessions. Kobe’s number, of course, was 24.

The crowd immediately caught on to the tribute as it was unfolding, offering both teams a standing ovation. The gesture for Kobe was beautifully coordinated.

Before the game, Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich (along with Raptors players) was seen consoling DeMar DeRozan — a Los Angeles native — who idolized Kobe growing up. He wasn’t alone in that regard among the NBA community.

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Toronto Raptors at San Antonio Spurs odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Sunday’s Toronto Raptors at San Antonio Spurs sports betting odds and lines, with NBA betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Toronto Raptors (31-14) visit DeMar DeRozan and the San Antonio Spurs (20-24) Sunday at AT&T Center. Tip-off is set for 4 p.m. ET. We analyze the Raptors-Spurs sports betting odds and lines, with NBA betting advice and tips around the matchup.

Raptors at Spurs: Key Injuries

Raptors

  • PF Dewan Hernandez (ankle) out
  • SG Patrick McCaw (nose) out

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

Raptors at Spurs: 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 10:30 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Raptors 118, Spurs 108

Moneyline (ML)

DeRozan and the Spurs got the better of the Raptors in Toronto Jan. 12, as the former Raptors All-Star dropped 25 points with four assists in a 105-104 win. Since that loss, TORONTO (-143) has run off six consecutive wins, including four on the road. San Antonio (+120) isn’t quite tempting enough following a 103-99 home loss to the Phoenix Suns Friday.

San Antonio, ninth in the Western Conference, is 12-11 at home for the season. Toronto is 15-7 on the road and is tied for second in the Eastern Conference. The Raptors are 21-4 straight up when playing on equal rest as their opponent. The Spurs are 10-15 in those situations.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Raps to win returns a profit of $6.99.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

Get better value on the RAPTORS (-2.5, -115) by backing them to win by at least 3 points. Toronto is 25-20 against the spread overall and 11-11 on the road. San Antonio (+2.5, -106) is just 18-25-1 ATS overall and 7-16 at home. Each of the Raptors’ last six wins was by 5 points or more.

Over/Under (O/U)

The Spurs are 27-17 against the Over/Under on the season and top the projected totals by an average of 4.6 points per game. The Raptors are 23-21-1 against the O/U and top the line by just 0.5 PPG.

Take the OVER 219.5 (-125). The first meeting of the season fell well short of this number, but the Raptors topped Sunday’s line in five of their last six wins while scoring at least 122 points in four of the six.

Esten’s NBA betting record: 155-130

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

Follow @EstenMcLaren 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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2020 aggregate NBA mock draft 4.0: Evaluating the rising upperclassmen

Somehow already past the midpoint of the college basketball season, the 2020 NBA Draft is starting to shape up with far more clear rankings.

Somehow already past the midpoint of the college basketball season, the 2020 NBA draft is starting to shape up with far more clear rankings.

As always, we examine the most trusted analysts to give us the best idea of a consensus for what the upcoming draft class will look like in June. The latest 2020 NBA mock drafts from experts at ESPN, CBS Sports, SI.com, Bleacher Report, NBADraft.net, The Athletic and USA Today Sports Media Group’s Rookie Wire were used for these rankings.

The top four players (Anthony Edwards, LaMelo Ball, James Wiseman and Cole Anthony) have remained the exact same despite none of the latter three players being active for various different reasons.

Meanwhile, Iowa State sophomore point guard Tyrese Haliburton entered the Top 5 and replaced 19-year-old Israeli prospect Deni Avdija – who has not seen much playing time in the Euroleague.

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Included below are brief scouting reports for senior guards who have improved their draft stock the most since our last update. These players listed are all four-year NCAA players who could be ready to make the jump to the NBA like Josh Hart and Malcolm Brogdon did in their respective classes.

MARKUS HOWARD, MARQUETTE

Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Aggregate Mock Draft Rank: 46

One of the most important things to know about Marquette senior Markus Howard is that despite the fact he has four years of collegiate experience, he is just 20 years old. Few teams operate their offense through one player quite like Golden Eagles do with Howard, who has taken 42.5 percent of their total field goal attempts. Fortunately, the guard brags one of the most efficient and prolific jump shots among all NCAA players. Howard operates well when he is shooting off the catch and off the dribble, which will make him a good fit for almost any offense in the NBA. He is currently averaging 28.4 points per game while shooting 42.5 percent on three-pointers. Similarly, no guard in college has been fouled more often than Howard has thus far. He should be a lock win Big East Player of the Year and should be a strong contender for the National Player of the Year, too. As a pro, he can likely become a spark-plug scoring option off the bench. His draft stock has improved from No. 68 up to No. 46 month-over-month.

PAYTON PRITCHARD, OREGON

(Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images)

Aggregate Mock Draft Rank: 47

Oregon senior guard Payton Pritchard was a Top-50 recruit coming into the Pac-12 back in 2016. He attended West Linn High School, where he was able to lead his squad to four consecutive state titles. That accomplishment was an especially impressive feat considering the program had only won the OSAA Boys Basketball Championship once before and it was way back in 1997. He has since played for the Ducks in the Final Four (2017) and also won MVP of the Pac-12 Tournament last season. He is currently averaging 19.8 points, 4.3 rebounds and 5.8 assists with 1.7 steals per game. His assist rate (32.7 percent) is Top 20 among seniors and he has connected on 40.7 percent of his three-pointers. Now more than halfway through the season, he is the heavy favorite to win Pac-12 Player of the Year and could be a sleeper for National Player of the Year as well. He has leaped from No. 96 in December all the way to No. 47 now in January.

SKYLAR MAYS, LSU

Bryan Lynn-USA TODAY Sports

Aggregate Mock Draft Rank: 57

During his senior year of high school, Skylar Mays was actually teammates with Howard at Findlay Prep. Also on the roster was 2019 first-rounder PJ Washington and Toronto Raptors two-way wing Oshae Brissett. For what it is worth, their roster also had current college basketball standouts Tristan Clark (Baylor) and Lamine Diane (CSUN). Their team has already sent tons of prospects into the NBA and Mays could very well be the next in line. He is a potential 3-and-D threat, averaging 1.4 three-pointers and 2.1 steals per game for the LSU Tigers as an NCAA senior. Meanwhile, LSU’s adjusted offensive rating (116.6) ranks Top 5 in college basketball. Along with Reggie Perry (Mississippi State) as well as Kerry Blackshear Jr. (Florida), Mays has a strong candidacy to win SEC Player of the Year. He has jumped from No. 90 last month to No. 57 this month.

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Phoenix Suns at San Antonio Spurs odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Friday’s Phoenix Suns at San Antonio Spurs sports betting odds and lines, with NBA betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Phoenix Suns (18-26) get a rematch of a game they had earlier in the week in Phoenix, as they take on the San Antonio Spurs (20-23) Friday night at AT&T Center in San Antonio. Tip-off is at 8:30 p.m. ET. We analyze the Suns-Spurs 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.

Suns at Spurs: Key injuries

Suns

  • PF Frank Kaminsky (knee) out
  • F Cam Johnson (quad) out
  • C Aron Baynes (hip) doutbful

Suns at Spurs: 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 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Spurs 116, Suns 113

Moneyline (ML)

The SPURS (-189) have won three in a row, a streak which includes a 120-118 win over the Suns in Phoenix Monday. The Suns rallied back from 17 points down to take the lead only to have the Spurs hit a pair of threes in the final minutes to win the game.

The Suns (+155) have lost two in a row and are 5-5 in their last 10 games overall. They are 9-10 on the road this season and 12-13 when playing after a loss, which includes losses during an eight-game losing streak. Excluding that, they are 12-6 after a loss. The Spurs are 7-12 after a win and 8-7 when favored at home.

The smart money here is on the SPURS (-189) but the Suns have had a knack for winning games they shouldn’t this season.

New to sports betting? A $10 wager on the Spurs to win outright returns a profit of $5.29.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The Spurs (-4.5, -106) are laying 4.5 points, meaning they’d need to win by at least 5 points to cover the spread. They have covered the spread in all three games during their current winning streak and in each of their last six wins.

Amazingly, though, they have covered the spread in three of the 15 home games this season in which they have been favored. They are 5-14 ATS after a win. The SUNS (+4.5, -115), meanwhile, are 13-11-1 ATS after a loss but have covered in only two of their last nine games. As a road dog, they are 9-4 ATS.

With the Suns’ knack for close losses and the Spurs’ trend of not covering, take the Suns with the points to stay within 4 points in a loss, or win outright.

Over/Under (O/U)

The total for Friday’s game is set at 228.5 points. The last game between the two went Over but the line is set just over their total of 228 from Monday’s game in Phoenix. Spurs games have gone Over in three of their last four, while Suns games have split the last four overall.

Both teams are strong overall for the Over, the Spurs going 27-16 O/U and the Suns going 24-20. At home, the Spurs are 14-8 O/U and the Suns are 9-10 O/U on the road.

It will be a close game and the total will be right around what the line is at. I’ll take the OVER 228.5 (+100) but it isn’t a strong play.

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

Follow @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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WATCH: LaMelo Ball reacts to Zion Williamson’s fourth quarter explosion

LaMelo Ball shared his excitement on his Instagram following Zion Williamson’s memorable fourth quarter for the Pelicans on Wednesday.

Zion Williamson’s NBA debut wasn’t just a landmark night for the league and New Orleans but for people around the world. From all the way across the globe, LaMelo Ball found himself tuning into the Pelicans game against the Spurs on Wednesday. And like everyone else, he could hardly contain himself during Williamson’s memorable fourth quarter.

On his Instagram story, Ball showed his reaction to Williamson’s 17 straight points. And yes, he reacted just the same as everyone else.

Ball and Williamson are no strangers to one another. The two memorably sold out a Las Vegas gymnasium for an AAU contest that featured one of the biggest crowds in-person and online. The two also nearly formed a superteam with Shareef O’Neal in high school prior to Ball dropping out of school and heading overseas.

Ball’s connection with the Pelicans is rather obvious so it’s likely not the first game he’s tuned into. But it is one of the few games he’s shared with on his Instagram, another showcase of the impact Williamson has on the basketball world.

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