The Chicago Bulls (7-9 SU, 5-10-1 ATS, 5-11 O/U) have looked nothing like the up-and-coming young team they did last season when they took the Boston Celtics to seven games in the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs last season.

Despite snapping a five-game skid their last time out, Chicago has been out of synch all season long and has had major trouble scoring the ball.

The Cleveland Cavaliers (13-5 SU, 9-9 ATS, 8-9-1 O/U) haven’t exactly looked like world-beaters themselves, but have maintained a consistent pace thanks to the often unbelievable all-around contributions of LeBron James and just enough offense from sidekick Mo Williams.

The division rivals will both be looking to pick up where they left off in their last outings when they meet for battle at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland tonight at 8 PM ET.

Chicago

* Bulls are 4-1-1 ATS in their last 6 vs. NBA Central.
* Bulls are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 road games.
* Bulls are 2-8-1 ATS in their last 11 vs. Eastern Conference.

The Bulls were badly outscored in the fourth quarter (28-18), but managed to hang on and defeat the Detroit Pistons 92-85 on Wednesday, getting a team-high 22 points from John Salmons in the win.

The Bulls failed to cover the NBA point spread, as 7-point home favorites in the win as second-year point guard Derrick Rose added 19 points.

Chicago has managed to cover the NBA moneyline just once in its last six games while going 3-6-1 ATS in its last 10 games overall.

Cleveland

* Cavaliers are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 vs. NBA Central.
* Cavaliers are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games vs. a team with a losing SU record.
* Cavaliers are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.

A whopping seven players reached double figures for the Cavaliers as they defeated the Phoenix Suns 107-90 on Wednesday.

The Cavaliers covered the 7.5-point NBA moneyline as LeBron James nearly recorded a triple-double with 12 points, eight rebounds and 10 assists.

Cleveland has covered the NBA point spread in two straight games and three of its last four games while going a respectable 5-5 ATS over its last 10 games overall.

Here is a look at tonight’s key trends and NBA betting odds, followed by my in-depth analysis and expert NBA Free Picks.

Analysis: The Bulls have somehow managed to go an impressive 4-1-1 ATS in their last six games against their NBA Central Division rivals, but I don’t think that fact is going to mean much after looking at Cleveland’s emphatic win over Phoenix the last time out.

The Bulls have gone 1-4 ATS in their last five road games and an embarrassing 2-8-1 ATS in their last 11 games against Eastern Conference opponents and that does not bode well with the Cavaliers going a blistering 7-1 ATS in their last eight games against NBA Central Division ballclubs.

With the home team going a consistent 16-7 ATS in the last 23 meetings and Chicago going an ugly 3-9 ATS in the last 12 meetings in Cleveland, I like the Cavaliers to win and cover the NBA moneyline in this matchup with room to spare.

Chicago’s inability to score the ball will hurt them immensely in this contest against the defensive-minded Cavaliers so with Eric Williams’ free NBA picks for Friday he’s playing the Cavs -12.5.

If you want the help of the experts on our site, then sign up for a long-term package of NBA picks and start winning immediately!

Related posts:

1. Bulls at Cavs Odds
2. Merril’s Bulls at Cavs Picks
3. NBA Point Spreads: Cavs vs. Bobcats

Here are some of the NBA betting trends as they relate to this matchup:

* NY has lost six of its last seven games SU
* NY has covered six of its last nine games
* NY has lost four of its last five road games SU
* NY has played five of its last seven road games UNDER the total
* ATL has won nine of its last 12 games SU
* ATL has covered 14 of its last 19 games
* ATL has won eight of the last nine home games SU
* ATL has covered eight of its last ten home games
* ATL has played six of its last seven home games OVER the total

Nate Robinson is arguably the most explosive offensive player on the New York Knicks’ roster. He is also probably the most popular, and at the same time, the most enigmatic.

Robinson does not have the best attitude in the world, and has never played any defense, but he can score in tremendous spurts. Last Sunday he had 22 points in the fourth quarter against the Orlando Magic. He also did a lot of “dancing in the end zone” in that game, which happened to be a 12-point Knick loss. He has become enough of an overall problem that coach Mike D’Antoni, waiting till after the Knicks had scored a win over the Phoenix Suns, benched him for the return match against Orlando, which was Wednesday night.

“We want to win,” D’Antoni said. “And if he’s conducive to winning then he’ll obviously be back in the lineup. If not he’s not.”

Somebody may want to tell Knicks president Donnie Walsh a little about “winning,” because it appears the only thing they’re concerned with in the front office is cutting salary and clearing all the cap room they can so they can take a swing at potential free agents in the summer.

Robinson and D’Antoni were going to sit down for a talk, and I presume Robinson will be made available for action on Friday night against the Hawks, who have become a major power in the East.

Here are some of the head-to-head pro basketball betting trends involving this game:

* NY has covered seven of the last ten meetings
* ATL has won six of the last eight meetings SU
* Six of the last seven meetings have gone OVER the total
* NY has covered four of the last five meetings as the road team
* ATL has won six of the last seven meetings SU as the home team
* Eight of the last 11 meetings in Atlanta have gone OVER the total
* ATL has had the shooting edge in eight of the last nine meetings
* ATL has had the rebounding edge in five of the last seven meetings
* NY has made more three-pointers in four of the last six meetings

Robinson isn’t the only guy not playing defense for the Knicks, who are permitting 49% shooting on the part of opponents. Atlanta comes into this game having shot very well lately, hitting more than half their shots for three games in a row, highlighted by 59% in a 146-115 win over Toronto on Wednesday, where, if something I read was correct, it was their highest shooting percentage in a game in 17 years.

That doesn’t sound like an atmosphere that is conducive to the Knicks winning. New York has covered four of its last six road games, because the oddsmaker has been generous. The Hawks, however, have sizzled at the Philips Arena, where they are 8-1 SU and 7-2 ATS in the pro basketball sportsbook odds. Inasmuch as Robinson has all but admitted wrongdoing and will take some of his “street” stuff and leave it at home, it night leave the Knicks without some of thr usual spark he can provide off the bench.

With one of his free NBA picks for Friday, Charles Jay is taking the Hawks -11.5. If you want more help figuring out which teams are going to cover, then get signed up for a long-term subscription of NBA picks from one of our top handicappers!

Related posts:

1. Boyd’s Bulls at Knicks NBA Picks
2. Wills Knicks at Bulls Free Picks
3. Boyd’s Knicks at Pistons NBA Picks

Analysis: Is this the night that the New Jersey Nets win a game?

It could be. Before gamblers reading this laugh at me, let’s study some stats. The Mavs will be playing off of two days of rest and are coming off of a 2 point victory over the Philadelphia 76’ers at home. Even though Dallas is 7 and 3 against the spread on the road, they usually don’t have to give up close to 8 points as a road favorite.

New Jersey is 0 and 17 straight-up but they are coming off of a four game road trip. Playing at home should definitely help them. Of course, because the worst team in the NBA is getting 7 ½ points, bettors don’t necessarily have to wager on them to win straight-up.

We could take the points. Would that be a wise thing to do? The Nets are only 5 and 12 against the spread in 2009 while Dallas is 11 and 7 against the spread overall but only 2 and 3 in their last 5 games.

I expect New Jersey to put forth a valiant effort. They will probably lose but they should lose by less than 8 points and are the wager in this game.

Winning Pick: New Jersey

Related posts:

1. NBA Point Spreads: Hornets vs. Lakers
2. NBA Point Spreads: Warriors at Nuggets
3. NBA Point Spreads: Suns at Cavs

Analysis: The 14 and 4 Suns have all of the components for a Western Conference Championship run. So do the 12 and 5 Cleveland Cavaliers.

The Cavs are only 2 and 6 against the spread at home, however, which could be their undoing in this game. 7 ½ seems like a lot of points to give up to the Suns who will only be missing Leandro Barbosa for this. Barbosa is a key part of their team, but Jason Richardson, Steve Nash, Grant Hill, Channing Frye and Amare Stoudemire should more than make up for Barbosa’s loss.

Cleveland has Shaq and LeBron, of course, but Shaq might have an issue keeping up with Frye who has proven to be a very effective outside shooter for Phoenix. If Shaq defends Amare, then the Suns can turn to Frye, Hill, Richardson and Nash on the wings. LeBron and Mo Williams can’t guard all of them and Cleveland’s set pieces aren’t going to slow the Suns down in any way.

Phoenix hasn’t lost back to back games yet in 2009. They probably won’t do so tonight. Not only do they beat the spread, but they could very well beat Cleveland in Ohio.

Winning Pick: Phoenix Suns

Related posts:

1. NBA Point Spreads: Cavs vs. Bobcats
2. NBA Point Spreads: Mavs at Nets
3. NBA Point Spreads: Hornets vs. Lakers

The Golden State Warriors (6-10 SU, 9-7 ATS, 9-7 O/U) may not have the glowing straight up (SU) record or title contending hopes that the Denver Nuggets (12-5 SU, 9-8 ATS, 8-9 O/U) have shown this season, but when it comes to covering the NBA lines, few teams have been as hot solid as the Warriors over the last two weeks.

Golden State enters tonight’s matchup against Denver looking to improve on their impressive 7-4 ATS mark over their last 10 games and is coming off a convincing, confidence-building win over Indiana on Monday night.

The Nuggets have dropped two straight against the spread and had their four-game SU winning streak snapped in a surprising loss to Minnesota on Sunday.

Golden State

* Warriors are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 road games.
* Warriors are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 games overall.

Monta Ellis has gone absolutely berserk for the Warriors since the team traded Stephen Jackson nearly two weeks ago.

In just a few minutes you can be betting on Golden State +14 vs Denver – JOIN HERE!

Ellis scored a game-high 45 points and racked up five steals, as the Warriors cakewalked over the Pacers 126-107 on Monday night. Golden State covered the NBA point spread as 2.5-point home favorites as four other Warriors also reached double figures in scoring in the win. The Warriors won for the third time in their last five games.

Denver

* Nuggets are 9-3 ATS in their last 12 games following a S.U. loss.
* Nuggets are 13-5 ATS in their last 18 home games.

The Nuggets lost to Minnesota 106-100 on Sunday, failing to cover the game’s NBA point spread as a 14.5-point favorite in the process.

Carmelo Anthony led the Nuggets with 32 points, while Kenyon Martin added a double-double with 16 points and 14 rebounds. The Nuggets have won seven of their last 10 games straight up.

Analysis: The Golden State Warriors may have gone an uninspiring 3-8 ATS in the last 11 meetings in Denver, but I like them to cover the NBA point spread tonight for the same reason I took them to cover in many of their most recent games – their ability to score the ball.

Yes, the Denver Nuggets are the superior team in this matchup and have some gifted offensive players of their own, but Golden State can run and gun with any team in the league and I think the 14-point spread in this matchup is a bit too much for the Nuggets to cover.

The Nuggets have gone a solid 13-5 ATS in their last 18 home games, but will be facing a Warriors ballclub that has gone an impressive 5-1 ATS in their last six road games.

With both teams averaging a shade over 109 points per game and the Warriors allowing about 10 points per game more than Denver, I say the Warriors narrowly cover the NBA point spread as road underdogs in this one.

With his free NBA picks Jay is taking Golden State +14 Points.

Related posts:

1. NBA Point Spreads: Cavs vs. Bobcats
2. NBA Point Spreads: Hornets vs. Lakers
3. NBA Point Spreads: Bulls vs. Bucks

Nearly three weeks ago, the New Orleans Hornets (7-10 SU, 8-9 ATS, 9-7-1 O/U) fired former head coach Byron Scott and lost all-star point guard Chris Paul to a serious ankle injury all within a 24-hour period.

While the struggling team was expected by many to go in the tank following those circumstances, a funny thing happened for the Hornets.

The team started playing better.

While New Orleans has alternated wins and losses in each of their last four games, New Orleans has won four of its last six games overall coming into tonight’s matchup.

The bad new for the Hornets is that they have to face the red-hot Los Angeles Lakers (13-3 SU, 8-8 ATS, 8-7-1 O/U) winners of six consecutive games and eight of 10 overall.

New Orleans

* Hornets are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games overall.
* Hornets are 3-9 ATS in their last 12 road games.

The Hornets were routed by Sacramento 112-96 on Sunday, failing to cover the NBA point spread as a 4-point road underdog despite getting 24 points from David West and 20 points from Emeka Okafor.

Los Angeles

* Lakers are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games overall.
* Lakers are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 games following a ATS win.

The Lakers trashed the winless New Jersey Nets 106-87 on Sunday, easily cashing in for pro basketball backers as a 15-point favorite as Kobe Bryant scored a game-high 30 points and Pau Gasol added 20 points, nine rebounds and seven assists in the win.

Analysis: The Hornets have put forth some very admirable efforts under GM-turned-head-coach Jeff Bower, but the ballclub doesn’t have nearly enough firepower to keep up with the Lakers in this game.

Not only has L.A. been getting some very balanced offensive efforts from his teammates recently, but the team has turned up the temperature on the defensive end of the floor as well.

“The defense is getting better and better,” Kobe Bryant told reporters recently. “We’re working really, really hard at it. Energy has been consistent. This is something we feel like we can maintain.”

The Lakers have won each of their last six games by double digits pro basketball gamblers and will make it seven in a row tonight.

Take the Lakers to cover the NBA point spread while the Under cashes in as well.

Take the Lakers -14.5 Points/Under 203.

Related posts:

1. NBA Point Spreads: Warriors at Nuggets
2. NBA Point Spreads: Bulls vs. Bucks
3. NBA Point Spreads: Cavs vs. Bobcats

Dallas Mavericks at Cleveland Cavaliers

The Mavericks will face a familiar foe when they travel to Cleveland on Saturday. Former Lakers and Suns center Shaquille O’Neal is expected back on the floor for the Cavs this weekend after missing time with a shoulder injury. O’Neal is averaging just over 11 points and seven rebounds in limited action in Cleveland.

Dallas point guard Jason Kidd is adding to his Hall of Fame career. Kidd moved into second on the all-time assists list, after dishing out seven helpers in a win over Houston on Wednesday. The veteran playmaker is a big reason why the Mavericks sit atop the West and own a 10-5 ATS mark heading into Friday’s game with Indiana.

Orlando Magic at Milwaukee Bucks

Orlando took one on the chin from their state rivals, the Miami Heat, on Wednesday, losing on a last-second put-back dunk from Michael Beasley. That snapped the Magic’s five-game winning streak and moved them to 9-6 against the NBA point spread heading into Thursday’s game against Atlanta. Despite scoring 25 points, point guard Jason Williams is catching some flack for missing two free throws in the final minute of that loss to Miami.

The Bucks will be coming off a four-game road trip Saturday, having faced the Oklahoma City Thunder the night before. Milwaukee has come back to earth after a hot start to the year, mostly due to injuries to their frontcourt. Rookie guard Brandon Jennings continues to shine; however, with defenders keying on the first-year phenom, his numbers have dropped during this road swing. The Bucks head into Friday with an 8-5 record against the spread.

Remember that if you want the best chance of beating the lines and cashing more winning tickets, our top expert handicappers all offer long term subscriptions of NBA picks that have shown to profit for clients for several years running!

Related posts:

1. NBA Point Spreads: Suns at Cavs

The Nets have gotten off to a tough start, but it’s hard to find them at fault when they have four of five starters hurt.  Glazer’s got some great thoughts on the matchup tonight that will help you figure out which team is going to end up on top.

T.J. Ford vs. Rafer Alston

This is in many ways a mirror match up.  Both players handle the ball very well and have played for winning teams.  Both are excellent passers with average jump shots.  Both will knock it down when left open and have trouble with a defender in their face because both are on the small side.  However, both have the ability to make the circus shot in the paint on drives to the basket.  In many ways, this match up is a push.  Where the Nets lose is in the backups.  The Pacers can go to Earl Watson, an established backup while the Nets have to use a SF in Terrence Williams.  So, this edge goes to Indiana.

Brandon Rush & Dahntay Jones vs. Chris Douglas-Roberts & Terrence Williams

CDR can score and is developing the rest of his game.  His is really a SF who can play guard.  However, Courtney Lee and Keyon Dooling were the starter and backup and neither is available.  So, CDR gets to play guard.  The good news is that Jones is primarily a defender and Rush is primarily a spot up shooter.  As such, neither is likely to expose CDR’s lack of lateral quickness at the guard position. Williams can provide some minutes here, but he is a poor shooter and is also a SF by nature. This match up favors the Nets.

Danny Granger vs. Trenton Hassell & Bobby Simmons

Hassell and Simmons are nice role players who play good defense.  Danny Granger is one of the best scorers in the NBA and a rising superstar.  This match up is not even close and a huge reason why the Pacers will probably win.  Hassell and Simmons will have to play the games of their lives and Granger would have to be off for the Nets to win.

Troy Murphy & Tyler Hansborough vs. Sean Williams & Eduardo Najera

The Pacers power forwards are excellent rebounders.  Murphy is a great shooter and Hansborough plays to contact.  Najera is a smart player who can shoot and moves well without the ball.  However, he is short and limited athletically.  Sean Williams is a great athlete.  He is tall with long arms.  He is an instinctive shot blocker and decent rebounder.  However, he cannot shoot the ball.  He is a garbage man on offense.  When he plays with effort, he is a good player.  If the effort is lacking, he hinders the team.  If the good Sean Williams shows up, then the Nets can compete because he dramatically improves the team defense with his shot blocking ability.  If not, then the Pacers have a huge advantage.

Roy Hibbert & Jeff Foster vs. Brook Lopez & Josh Boone

Hibbert is big and strong.  He is a good shot blocker and positions his body well on defense.  He is limited on offense.  Foster is a hustle player who is an excellent offensive rebounder because he never stops moving on offense.  Josh Boone is the Nets version of Jeff Foster except that Foster can do more on offense.

However, Brook Lopez is a rising star.  His offensive game is rapidly developing.  Just last week, I wrote that he needed to develop a move where he turns over his right shoulder.  Against Miami, he used a drop step move over the right shoulder several times  to get a clean look at the basket.  Hibbert will be a tough test because Hibbert is so strong, but he does not have the quickness to stay with Lopez.  For the Nets to win, Lopez has to have a huge game.  This match up goes to the Nets.

Overall, the Nets just do not have enough firepower with all of the injuries to be able to play with a team like the Pacers for 48 minutes.  The Pacers are on a roll, having won their last four games.  Plus, they have a truly dynamic scorer in Danny Granger with quality role players in Murphy and Ford.  With Douglas-Roberts still getting his strength back after having the swine flu, the Nets just do not have a perimeter scorer to open up the middle for Lopez.  The Pacers should win tonight.

Beat the NBA spreads each day when you sign up for the NBA picks offered by the top handicappers on our site.  Nobody works harder to make sure you come out on top than they do.

Related posts:

1. Indiana Pacers 2010-11 NBA Predictions
2. New Jersey Nets 2010-11 NBA Predictions
3. Free NBA Picks: Nuggets at Pacers

Doc’s Sports nailed another NBA winner on Monday and now will put out his top totals play for this week on Tuesday. He is on a 3-0 pro hardwood run so sign-up now and let 37 years of experience work for you.

Mr. East is rolling in the NBA and has another NBA Play of the Day ready to take the cash!

Runs of 5-1 L6 and 9-3 L12 Basketball Picks from Jeff Alexander! The 2007-08 NBA World Handicapping Champ stays locked in on the pro hardwood tonight with a junkyard dog that is barking off its chain and foaming at the mouth. A pair of deadly trends and a strong 39-13 ATS system (since 1996) has Jeff feeling 100% confident that this dog will win OUTRIGHT!

Ben Burns began the new week with a profitable Monday, including a double-digit winner with his NBA play. On Tuesday, Ben is STEPPING OUT with his #1 Conference GAME OF THE MONTH. If you liked his #1 November TNT G.O.M. (Boston 98-80 over Detroit) OR last Tuesday’s BLOWOUT WINNER with Indiana over Atlanta, you won’t want to miss this one!

Runs of 4-1 and 6-2 on the pro hardwood! Jimmy Boyds last NBA 5* TOP PLAY selection was released Sunday night and it was an easy winner on the Kings in his West Coast Game of the Year! Jimmy brings his NBA TOP PLAY back tonight on his strongest Non-Conference side in the month of November. This baby comes fully backed by an awesome 24-5 ATS system with 5 straight winning seasons at its back! Go Big of Go Home with Jimmy B. on the pro wood tonight!

Vernon Croy is set to CRUSH THE BOOKS AGAIN after cashing his NBA Slam Dunk last night with the Houston Rockets so make sure you get on his 20 Unit NBA SLAM DUNK OF THE WEEK for Tuesday night if you want to build your bankroll with a solid point spread winner! Vernon Croy has this team covering HANDS DOWN backed by a full in-depth report so HIT IT HARD tonight!

Matt Fargo snuck out a totals win, push or loss in the NBA last night depending on the line. While it may have been too close to call, the action tonight will NOT be too close to call! Fargo is releasing his 7* Non-Conference Game of the Week that will destroy the number! This BLOWOUT Winner is backed by a 22-1 ATS (95.7%) Power Situation! Hop on board and cash an easy ticket!

Related posts:

1. Free NBA Picks 11/13/2008
2. NBA Picks 11/15/2008
3. Free NBA Picks for 11/20/2008

Jimmy Boyd of Locksmith Sports is the most consistent handicapper across all major sports that the industry has to offer. His 2007 MLB World Handicapping title, earning dime players over 50 grand adds another #1 finish to his list of handicapping accomplishments over the past 10 years!

Jimmy’s situational and matchup analysis is second to none. He delivers is thoughts daily in his detailed game reports so that his clients know exactly how much he likes a team and why he likes that team.

This former collegiate golfer and University of Iowa Law grad will ensure you success in every sport he covers. Jimmy’s quality sports selections with game-breaking analysis make him a major force in the handicapping industry for years to come.

Jimmy is one of the very few handicappers that has actually earned the stripes to be regarded as a top Industry player. He invites you to find out for yourself.

Climb on board NOW and start building your bankroll exclusively with Jimmy Boyd!

Now a little bit about one of Jimmy’s biggest NBA bet to date!

4-1 L5 NBA Picks! Jimmy Boyd is 1-for-1 with his NBA GOTY plays this season, cashing in his 5* NBA Central Division GOTY (11/7 Pacers). Now he brings you his best play in the west for the entire 2008-09 NBA season. Have odds makers given the Kings too many points or do they have probable cause for favoring the Lakers so heavily? A 30-7 ATS Angle and a time-tested 52-20 ATS system (since 2003) answers this question with AUTHORITY in Jimmy’s report! Chalk it Up!

Now here’s the info on Jimmy’s Premium NBA Season Package:

Jimmy Boyd closed out the 2007-08 NBA season on a tear, profiting Dime Players $33,600 over his last 118 picks! It’s time for a new season and with some newly tweaked systems and more resources at his fingertips, Jimmy is ready to dominate the odds makers all season long. Get every one of Jimmy’s expert NBA picks through the NBA Finals for only $349.95! You won’t find a better price for winning picks anywhere else in the industry!

Related posts:

1. Free NBA Picks: Bucks at Wizards
2. Boyd’s Celtics/Thunder Free NBA Picks
3. Boyd’s Bulls at Knicks NBA Picks