NBA MATCHUPS 12 APR 09

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Dallas Mavericks (48-31) at New Orleans Hornets (48-31), 1 p.m.

A battle for playoff positioning will take place in the Big Easy Sunday afternoon, when the New Orleans Hornets welcome the Dallas Mavericks to town in a battle between Southwest Division foes.

The winner of Sunday's game will take over sole possession of the sixth seed in the Western Conference. Dallas is riding some momentum, having won three straight and five of its last six games, including a 100-92 victory over the Hornets on Friday in the opener of a home-and-home set at American Airlines Center.

Josh Howard and Dirk Nowitzki scored 25 points apiece, while Howard added 11 rebounds for the Mavs, who completed a perfect three-game homestand. Jason Terry scored 18 points and Erick Dampier added 12 in the win. Jason Kidd chipped in 15 assists to go with three points for the Mavericks.

Dallas, which is 18-22 as the guest, will return home after today's contest in New Orleans for two games against Minnesota and Houston.

The Hornets have been struggling and are riding a two-game losing streak. In the recent setback at Dallas, Chris Paul poured in 42 points, grabbed nine boards and handed out seven assists for New Orleans, which lost for the fourth time in five tries.

David West added 20 points and 14 rebounds in defeat. The Hornets are 27-13 as the host this season and will visit the Rockets and Spurs after Sunday's home tilt with the Mavericks.

New Orleans is 2-1 against Dallas this season, but has lost 24 of the previous 28 matchups between the teams. The Hornets have won the last three as the host in this series.

NBA Matchup - Dallas at New Orleans

Dallas Mavericks (48-31) at New Orleans Hornets (48-31), 1 p.m.
2008-09 Head-to-head record New Orleans 2-1
2007-08 Head-to-head record Tied 2-2
2006-07 Head-to-head record Dallas 4-0
2005-06 Head-to-head record Dallas 4-0
2004-05 Head-to-head record Dallas 4-0
2003-04 Head-to-head record Dallas 2-0
2002-03 Head-to-head record Dallas 2-0
Overall Head-to-head record Dallas 35-16
Home Record: Dallas 30-9; New Orleans 27-13
Away Record: Dallas 18-22; New Orleans 21-18
Current Streak: Dallas (W3); New Orleans (L2)
Record vs. Southwest Division: Dallas 6-8; New Orleans 8-5
Record vs. Western Conference: Dallas 27-22; New Orleans 29-20
2008-2009 Meetings
01/14 - New Orleans, 104-97 (at Dal)
03/05 - New Orleans, 104-88 (at NO)
04/10 - Dallas, 100-92 (at Dal)
2007-2008 Meetings
12/01 - New Orleans, 112-108 ot (at NO)
12/14 - Dallas, 89-80 (at Dal)
02/20 - New Orleans, 104-93 (at NO)
04/16 - Dallas, 111-98 (at Dal)
2006-2007 Meetings
11/25 - Dallas, 85-73 (at Dal)
12/16 - Dallas, 90-79 (at NO)
12/30 - Dallas, 94-80 (at Dal)
03/27 - Dallas, 105-89 (at Okla City)
2005-2006 Meetings
11/12 - Dallas, 109-103 (at NO)
12/03 - Dallas, 97-88 (at Dal)
12/31 - Dallas, 95-90 (at Okla City)
04/08 - Dallas, 101-77 (at Dal)
2004-2005 Meetings
11/03 - Dallas, 106-91 (at NO)
02/02 - Dallas, 90-82 (at NO)
02/28 - Dallas, 90-86 (at Dal)
03/21 - Dallas, 103-86 (at Dal)
2003-2004 Meetings
11/11 - Dallas, 125-97 (at Dal)
02/04 - Dallas, 113-104 (at NO)
2002-2003 Meetings
12/26 - Dallas, 83-81 (at NO)
04/01 - Dallas, 95-86 (at Dal)
Game Notes
Note - Dallas snapped a two-game series losing streak on 04/10/09.
Note - The Hornets have won three of five and four of the last seven meetings.
Note - Dallas has won 24 of the last 28 meetings.
Note - Dallas has won 25 of 32 and 27 of the last 37 meetings.
Note - Dallas has lost three straight after winning its last 10 at the Hornets.
Note - Dallas has won 12 of its last 19 at the Hornets.
Note - The Hornets have lost 14 of 15 and 15 of their last 17 at Dallas.
Note - The Hornets are 6-20 at Dallas.
Dallas last five games New Orleans last five games
04/01 - W vs. Miami, 98-96 04/03 - L at Golden State, 103-111
04/03 - L at Memphis, 102-107 04/05 - L vs. Utah, 94-108
04/05 - W vs. Phoenix, 140-116 04/07 - W at Miami, 93-87 (OT)
04/08 - W vs. Utah, 130-101 04/08 - L vs. Phoenix, 100-105
04/10 - W vs. New Orleans, 100-92 04/10 - L at Dallas, 92-100

 

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Boston Celtics (60-19) at Cleveland Cavaliers (64-15), 3:30 p.m.

Boston Celtics (60-19) at Cleveland Cavaliers (64-15), 3:30 p.m.

Boston Celtics (60-19) at Cleveland Cavaliers (64-15), 3:30 p.m.

The Boston Celtics are inches away from the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference and will take on the home-tested Cleveland Cavaliers this afternoon at Quicken Loans Arena.

Boston is 2 1/2 games ahead of the Orlando Magic for the second seed in the conference and has won six in a row, including Friday's 105-98 victory over the Miami Heat in the finale of a five-game homestand. Paul Pierce scored 28 points and pulled down eight rebounds, while Glen Davis tallied 22 points for the Celtics, who have won 10 of their last 11 games overall.

Ray Allen scored 21 points and Rajon Rondo chipped in seven points, 10 rebounds and 12 assists in the win. Boston lost out on a chance to grab the top seed in the East after the Cavs defeated Philadelphia on Friday.

The Celtics will also visit the 76ers on their short two-game homestand before closing out the regular season versus Washington on April 15. Boston is 26-13 away from Beantown, compared to its 34-6 record as the host. Celtics All-Star center Kevin Garnett has missed six straight games with a strained knee and may return against the Wizards.

Cleveland has won three in a row and 16 of its last 18 games. In Friday's 102-92 victory over the Sixers in South Philly, superstar LeBron James scored 27 points, dished out 10 assists to help the Cavs clinch homecourt advantage throughout the Eastern Conference playoffs.

Mo Williams and Wally Szczerbiak had 18 points apiece and combined to drop seven of the 12 three-pointers for Cleveland, which is pulling away from the Los Angeles Lakers for the NBA's best record. Delonte West ended with 11 points and seven rebounds, while Zydrunas Ilgauskas chipped in nine boards and seven points.

The Cavs, who are an amazing 38-1 at home this season, have won 15 in a row as the host and are approaching the NBA's all-time best home record of 40-1 set by the Boston Celtics in 1985-86.

Boston is 2-1 against the Cavs this season and has won five of the last eight matchups in the series. The Celtics, though, have lost seven straight and eight of their last nine trips to Quicken Loans Arena.

NBA Matchup - Boston at Cleveland

Boston Celtics (60-19) at Cleveland Cavaliers (64-15), 3:30 p.m.
2008-09 Head-to-head record Boston 2-1
2007-08 Head-to-head record Tied 2-2
2006-07 Head-to-head record Cleveland 2-1
2005-06 Head-to-head record Cleveland 4-0
2004-05 Head-to-head record Cleveland 2-1
2003-04 Head-to-head record Boston 3-1
2002-03 Head-to-head record Boston 4-0
Overall Head-to-head record Boston 109-64
Home Record: Boston 34-6; Cleveland 38-1
Away Record: Boston 26-13; Cleveland 26-14
Current Streak: Boston (W6); Cleveland (W3)
Record vs. Central Division: Boston 12-5
Record vs. Atlantic Division: Cleveland 14-2
Record vs. Eastern Conference: Boston 39-10; Cleveland 38-11
2008-2009 Meetings
10/28 - Boston, 90-85 (at Bos)
01/09 - Cleveland, 98-83 (at Cle)
03/06 - Boston, 105-94 (at Bos)
2007-2008 Meetings
11/27 - Cleveland, 109-104 ot (at Cle)
12/02 - Boston, 80-70 (at Bos)
02/05 - Cleveland, 114-113 (at Cle)
02/27 - Boston, 92-87 (at Bos)
2006-2007 Meetings
11/11 - Cleveland, 94-93 (at Cle)
01/03 - Cleveland, 107-104 (at Bos)
04/01 - Boston, 98-96 (at Bos)
2005-2006 Meetings
11/22 - Cleveland, 115-93 (at Cle)
02/15 - Cleveland, 113-109 2ot (at Bos)
03/24 - Cleveland, 94-82 (at Cle)
04/17 - Cleveland, 93-88 (at Bos)
2004-2005 Meetings
11/26 - Cleveland, 98-96 (at Bos)
12/18 - Boston, 114-107 ot (at Cle)
04/19 - Cleveland, 100-86 (at Cle)
2003-2004 Meetings
11/14 - Boston, 91-82 (at Bos)
12/13 - Boston, 105-98 (at Cle)
01/09 - Boston, 107-82 (at Bos)
02/09 - Cleveland, 97-89 (at Cle)
2002-2003 Meetings
12/13 - Boston, 115-100 (at Bos)
12/21 - Boston, 89-82 (at Cle)
03/28 - Boston, 104-95 (at Bos)
03/29 - Boston, 110-106 (at Cle)
Game Notes
Note - Boston has won three of the last four meetings.
Note - Boston has won four of six and five of the last eight meetings.
Note - Cleveland has won 10 of 15 and 12 of the last 18 meetings.
Note - Boston has won 19 of 31 and 20 of the last 34 meetings.
Note - Boston has lost seven straight and eight of its last nine at Cleveland.
Note - Boston has lost 18 of its last 25 at Cleveland.
Note - Cleveland has lost five straight after winning its last four at Boston.
Note - Cleveland has lost 17 of 21 and 18 of its last 23 at Boston.
Boston last five games Cleveland last five games
03/29 - W vs. Oklahoma City, 103-84 04/02 - L at Washington, 101-109
04/01 - W vs. Charlotte, 111-109 (2OT) 04/03 - L at Orlando, 87-116
04/03 - W vs. Atlanta, 104-92 04/05 - W vs. San Antonio, 101-81
04/08 - W vs. New Jersey, 106-104 04/08 - W vs. Washington, 98-86
04/10 - W vs. Miami, 105-98 04/10 - W at Philadelphia, 102-92

 

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New York Knicks (31-49) at Miami Heat (41-38), 6 p.m.

New York Knicks (31-49) at Miami Heat (41-38), 6 p.m.

New York Knicks (31-49) at Miami Heat (41-38), 6 p.m.

The Miami Heat must get their act together if they plan on securing the fifth seed in the East, as they welcome the New York Knicks to AmericanAirlines Arena this evening.

Miami is fifth in the conference standings, just one game ahead of the Philadelphia 76ers and 1 1/2 games in front of the Chicago Bulls. The Heat have lost two straight and six of their last nine games, including Friday's 105-98 road defeat against the Boston Celtics. Dwyane Wade scored 31 points and handed out nine assists for the Heat, who got 23 points and 13 boards from rookie Michael Beasley.

Jermaine O'Neal chipped in 16 points and nine rebounds in a losing cause. The Heat will put their 26-13 home record on the line Sunday night. Wade (ankle) is listed as probable against New York.

The Knicks will try to ruin Miami's plans for playoff positioning and are coming off Friday's hard-fought 105-95 victory at Orlando. Al Harrington had 27 points and six rebounds and David Lee added 20 points and 16 boards for New York, which won for the just the second time in eight tries.

Wilson Chandler recorded 22 points and eight rebounds in the win, while Nate Robinson netted 10 points for the Knicks, who have already been eliminated from postseason contention. New York will close out the season versus New Jersey on April 15.

The 2008-09 season series between New York and Miami is knotted at a game apiece. The Heat ended a four-game slide in the series with a 120-115 victory versus the Knicks in South Beach on February 28.

These two teams have split the past 10 matchups in Miami.


NBA Matchup - New York at Miami

New York Knicks (31-49) at Miami Heat (41-38), 6 p.m.
2008-09 Head-to-head record Tied 1-1
2007-08 Head-to-head record New York 3-1
2006-07 Head-to-head record New York 3-1
2005-06 Head-to-head record Miami 3-0
2004-05 Head-to-head record Miami 4-0
2003-04 Head-to-head record New York 3-1
2002-03 Head-to-head record Tied 2-2
Overall Head-to-head record New York 53-33
Home Record: New York 19-21; Miami 26-13
Away Record: New York 12-28; Miami 15-25
Current Streak: New York (W1); Miami (L2)
Record vs. Southeast Division: New York 9-8
Record vs. Atlantic Division: Miami 8-9
Record vs. Eastern Conference: New York 19-31; Miami 26-23
2008-2009 Meetings
10/29 - New York, 120-115 (at NY)
02/28 - Miami, 120-115 (at Mia)
2007-2008 Meetings
11/11 - Miami, 75-72 (at NY)
01/19 - New York, 88-84 (at Mia)
03/12 - New York, 91-88 (at Mia)
03/26 - New York, 103-96 ot (at NY)
2006-2007 Meetings
11/17 - New York, 100-76 (at Mia)
01/22 - Miami, 101-83 (at Mia)
01/26 - New York, 116-96 (at NY)
02/26 - New York, 99-93 (at NY)
2005-2006 Meetings
11/28 - Miami, 107-94 (at Mia)
02/22 - Miami, 103-83 (at NY)
03/19 - Miami, 111-100 (at NY)
2004-2005 Meetings
01/05 - Miami, 102-94 (at Mia)
02/09 - Miami, 116-110 ot (at NY)
03/15 - Miami, 98-96 (at NY)
03/19 - Miami, 97-82 (at Mia)
2003-2004 Meetings
12/27 - New York, 100-80 (at Mia)
12/30 - New York, 102-73 (at NY)
01/24 - Miami, 85-77 (at NY)
02/07 - New York, 76-64 (at Mia)
2002-2003 Meetings
12/13 - New York, 97-92 (at Mia)
12/22 - Miami, 92-84 (at NY)
01/20 - New York, 72-65 (at NY)
01/29 - Miami, 82-80 (at Mia)
Game Notes
Note - Miami snapped a four-game series losing streak on 02/28/09.
Note - New York has won six of eight and seven of the last 10 meetings.
Note - Miami has won 10 of 17 and 11 of the last 19 meetings.
Note - Miami has won 12 of 22 and 13 of the last 24 meetings.
Note - These two teams have split the last 26 meetings.
Note - Miami has won 15 of 28 and 16 of the last 30 meetings.
Note - Miami snapped a two-game series home losing streak on 02/28/09.
Note - New York has won three of its last five at Miami.
Note - New York has lost five of its last eight at Miami.
Note - These two teams have split the last 10 meetings at Miami.
Note - New York has won seven of its last 13 at Miami.
Note - New York has lost eight of 15 and 10 of its last 18 at Miami.
Note - Miami has lost two straight and four of its last five at New York.
Note - Miami has won six of its last 10 at New York.
Note - These two teams have split the last 12 meetings at New York.
Note - Miami has won eight of its last 14 at New York.
Note - Miami has lost nine of 17 and 10 of its last 19 at New York.
Note - Miami has lost 11 of its last 21 at New York.
Note - Miami is 13-31 at New York.
New York last five games Miami last five games
04/04 - L vs. Toronto, 95-102 04/01 - L at Dallas, 96-98
04/05 - W at Toronto, 112-103 04/03 - W at Charlotte, 97-92
04/07 - L at Chicago, 103-110 04/04 - W at Washington, 118-104
04/08 - L vs. Detroit, 86-113 04/07 - L vs. New Orleans, 87-93 (OT)
04/10 - W at Orlando, 105-95 04/10 - L at Boston, 98-105

 

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Philadelphia 76ers (40-39) at Toronto Raptors (30-49), 6 p.m.

Philadelphia 76ers (40-39) at Toronto Raptors (30-49), 6 p.m.

Philadelphia 76ers (40-39) at Toronto Raptors (30-49), 6 p.m.

The Philadelphia 76ers are headed in the wrong direction at the worst possible time, as they try to get back in the win column before the playoffs begin with a Sunday showdown up north against the Toronto Raptors.

Philadelphia has lost four straight games and currently sits sixth in the Eastern Conference, just a game behind No. 5 Miami. Chicago is also on the prowl, as it is 1 1/2 games behind the Heat for the fifth spot in the East.

The Sixers continued their losing ways with a 102-92 decision versus Cleveland on Friday at the Wachovia Center. Cavs star LeBron James scored 27 points and dished out 10 assists to burn the 76ers, who got 26 points from Andre Iguodala and 17 points out of Andre Miller.

Lou Williams ended with 17 points off the bench in defeat. Philly, which is 16-23 away from home, will also host Boston and visit Cleveland to close out the regular season.

Toronto will try to put the brakes on a four-game losing streak Sunday and is coming off Friday's 100-98 home setback versus the Washington Wizards. Caron Butler knocked down a jumper at the buzzer to ice the Raptors, who lost despite Chris Bosh's 21 points, 10 rebounds and five assists.

Jose Calderon registered 15 points and 11 assists in defeat. The Raptors will close out their campaign with a two-game road trip to Washington and Chicago, and are 17-23 at Air Canada Centre this season.

Philadelphia is 2-1 against Toronto this season, while these two clubs have split the previous 16 matchups in the series.

NBA Matchup - Philadelphia at Toronto

Philadelphia 76ers (40-39) at Toronto Raptors (30-49), 6 p.m.
2008-09 Head-to-head record Philadelphia 2-1
2007-08 Head-to-head record Toronto 3-1
2006-07 Head-to-head record Toronto 3-1
2005-06 Head-to-head record Philadelphia 3-1
2004-05 Head-to-head record Philadelphia 3-1
2003-04 Head-to-head record Toronto 3-1
2002-03 Head-to-head record Philadelphia 3-0
Overall Head-to-head record Philadelphia 27-25
Home Record: Philadelphia 24-16; Toronto 17-23
Away Record: Philadelphia 16-23; Toronto 13-26
Current Streak: Philadelphia (L4); Toronto (L4)
Record vs. Atlantic Division: Philadelphia 6-8; Toronto 5-10
Record vs. Eastern Conference: Philadelphia 24-25; Toronto 19-30
2008-2009 Meetings
10/29 - Toronto, 95-84 (at Phi)
11/12 - Philadelphia, 106-96 (at Tor)
03/11 - Philadelphia, 115-106 (at Phi)
2007-2008 Meetings
10/31 - Toronto, 106-97 (at Tor)
11/09 - Toronto, 105-103 (at Phi)
01/09 - Toronto, 109-96 (at Tor)
01/19 - Philadelphia, 99-95 (at Phi)
2006-2007 Meetings
11/08 - Toronto, 106-104 (at Tor)
01/15 - Toronto, 104-86 (at Phi)
04/06 - Toronto, 94-85 (at Phi)
04/18 - Philadelphia, 122-119 (at Tor)
2005-2006 Meetings
11/15 - Philadelphia, 104-92 (at Phi)
11/16 - Philadelphia, 121-115 (at Tor)
12/18 - Philadelphia, 107-80 (at Tor)
03/14 - Toronto, 111-97 (at Phi)
2004-2005 Meetings
01/14 - Philadelphia, 106-96 (at Phi)
02/11 - Philadelphia, 106-91 (at Tor)
03/13 - Toronto, 128-110 (at Tor)
03/25 - Philadelphia, 103-101 (at Phi)
2003-2004 Meetings
11/19 - Philadelphia, 81-75 (at Tor)
12/02 - Toronto, 95-88 (at Phi)
01/28 - Toronto, 94-84 (at Tor)
02/03 - Toronto, 93-80 (at Phi)
2002-2003 Meetings
11/22 - Philadelphia, 90-80 (at Phi)
11/24 - Philadelphia, 94-84 (at Tor)
03/23 - Philadelphia, 112-95 (at Tor)
Game Notes
Note - Philadelphia has won two straight and three of the last four meetings.
Note - Toronto has won four of seven and eight of the last 12 meetings.
Note - These two teams have split the last 16 meetings.
Note - Philadelphia has won 10 of the last 19 meetings.
Note - Toronto has won 12 of the last 22 meetings.
Note - Philadelphia has won 14 of 26 and 15 of the last 28 meetings.
Note - Toronto has won 18 of the last 33 meetings.
Note - Philadelphia has won 21 of the last 39 meetings.
Note - Philadelphia snapped a two-game series road losing streak on 11/12/08.
Note - Philadelphia has lost three of its last five at Toronto.
Note - Philadelphia has won four of seven and five of its last nine at Toronto.
Note - Philadelphia has won nine of its last 14 at Toronto.
Note - Philadelphia has won 10 of 18 and 11 of its last 20 at Toronto.
Note - Toronto has lost two of its last three at Philadelphia.
Note - Toronto has won five of its last seven at Philadelphia.
Note - These two teams have split the last 10 meetings at Philadelphia.
Note - Toronto has won seven of 12 and 10 of its last 16 at Philadelphia.
Note - Toronto has lost 12 of its last 22 at Philadelphia.
Philadelphia last five games Toronto last five games
04/04 - W vs. Detroit, 95-90 04/04 - W at New York, 102-95
04/05 - L at New Jersey, 67-96 04/05 - L vs. New York, 103-112
04/07 - L at Charlotte, 98-101 04/07 - L vs. Atlanta, 110-118
04/09 - L at Chicago, 99-113 04/08 - L at Indiana, 101-130
04/10 - L vs. Cleveland, 92-102 04/10 - L vs. Washington, 98-100

 

[Lumi]

San Antonio Spurs (51-28) at Sacramento Kings (16-63), 9 p.m.

San Antonio Spurs (51-28) at Sacramento Kings (16-63), 9 p.m.

San Antonio Spurs (51-28) at Sacramento Kings (16-63), 9 p.m.

The San Antonio Spurs are still in search of another Southwest Division title and will open a short two-game road trip Sunday against the Sacramento Kings at ARCO Arena.

The Spurs are a half-game behind the idle Houston Rockets for the division lead, and will also visit Golden State on the trek. They are 24-15 away from the Alamo City this season and have alternated wins and losses over the past six games overall.

In a 105-99 home victory versus the Utah Jazz on Friday, Tony Parker finished with 31 points, seven assists and six rebounds to lead the Spurs, who are also just a half-game behind Houston and Portland for the third seed in the Western Conference standings.

Roger Mason added 16 points and Tim Duncan chipped in 14 and nine rebounds in a winning effort. The Spurs will close out the regular season on April 15 versus New Orleans.

Sacramento will try to stop a seven-game losing streak Sunday with a home tilt versus San Antonio. The Kings are coming off Friday's 109-78 loss at the Los Angeles Clippers, as Beno Udrih totaled 18 points in a losing effort.

Ike Diogu had 13 points and Andres Nocioni recorded 11 points and nine rebounds for Sacramento, which will try to improve its 11-29 home record Sunday night. The Kings will wrap up the season with a pair of road games against Denver and Minnesota.

San Antonio has won the first two meetings with the Kings this season and is unbeaten over the last four matchups between the teams. The Spurs have won 20 of the previous 26 encounters with Sacramento, which has dropped 10 of the last 15 as the host in this series.


NBA Matchup - San Antonio at Sacramento

San Antonio Spurs (51-28) at Sacramento Kings (16-63), 9 p.m.
2008-09 Head-to-head record San Antonio 2-0
2007-08 Head-to-head record San Antonio 3-1
2006-07 Head-to-head record San Antonio 4-0
2005-06 Head-to-head record San Antonio 2-1
2004-05 Head-to-head record San Antonio 3-1
2003-04 Head-to-head record Tied 2-2
2002-03 Head-to-head record San Antonio 3-1
Overall Head-to-head record San Antonio 89-53
Home Record: San Antonio 27-13; Sacramento 11-29
Away Record: San Antonio 24-15; Sacramento 5-34
Current Streak: San Antonio (W1); Sacramento (L7)
Record vs. Pacific Division: San Antonio 13-3
Record vs. Southwest Division: Sacramento 4-13
Record vs. Western Conference: San Antonio 33-16; Sacramento 15-34
2008-2009 Meetings
11/16 - San Antonio, 90-88 (at Sac)
12/22 - San Antonio, 101-85 (at San)
2007-2008 Meetings
11/02 - San Antonio, 96-80 (at San)
11/26 - Sacramento, 112-99 (at Sac)
03/21 - San Antonio, 102-89 (at San)
04/14 - San Antonio, 101-98 (at Sac)
2006-2007 Meetings
11/19 - San Antonio, 108-99 (at Sac)
12/02 - San Antonio, 100-98 (at San)
03/08 - San Antonio, 100-93 (at Sac)
04/11 - San Antonio, 109-100 (at San)
2005-2006 Meetings
11/21 - San Antonio, 96-93 (at Sac)
12/17 - San Antonio, 90-89 (at San)
04/05 - Sacramento, 97-87 (at San)
2004-2005 Meetings
11/03 - San Antonio, 101-85 (at San)
01/02 - Sacramento, 86-81 (at Sac)
01/23 - San Antonio, 103-73 (at Sac)
01/27 - San Antonio, 90-80 (at San)
2003-2004 Meetings
01/29 - Sacramento, 96-91 (at San)
02/06 - San Antonio, 102-94 (at Sac)
03/14 - Sacramento, 101-87 (at Sac)
03/31 - San Antonio, 107-89 (at San)
2002-2003 Meetings
12/08 - Sacramento, 104-80 (at San)
12/19 - San Antonio, 83-81 (at Sac)
02/16 - San Antonio, 104-101 (at Sac)
03/01 - San Antonio, 108-100 (at San)
Game Notes
Note - San Antonio has won four straight and nine of the last 10 meetings.
Note - San Antonio has won 13 of 15 and 15 of the last 18 meetings.
Note - San Antonio has won 16 of 20 and 19 of the last 24 meetings.
Note - San Antonio has won 20 of 26 and 21 of the last 31 meetings.
Note - San Antonio has won two straight at Sacramento.
Note - San Antonio has won six of seven and nine of its last 12 at Sacramento.
Note - San Antonio has won 10 of 15 and 11 of its last 17 at Sacramento.
Note - Sacramento has lost five straight at San Antonio.
Note - Sacramento has lost nine of 10 and 10 of its last 12 at San Antonio.
Note - Sacramento has lost 11 of 14 and 12 of its last 17 at San Antonio.
Note - Sacramento has lost 15 of its last 22 at San Antonio.
San Antonio last five games Sacramento last five games
04/03 - W at Indiana, 126-121 04/03 - L at Phoenix, 111-139
04/05 - L at Cleveland, 81-101 04/05 - L vs. Golden State, 100-105
04/07 - W at Oklahoma City, 99-89 04/07 - L vs. LA Lakers, 104-122
04/08 - L vs. Portland, 83-95 04/09 - L vs. Houston, 98-115
04/10 - W vs. Utah, 105-99 04/10 - L at LA Clippers, 78-109

 

[Lumi]

Memphis Grizzlies (23-56) at Los Angeles Lakers (63-17), 9:30 p.m.

Memphis Grizzlies (23-56) at Los Angeles Lakers (63-17), 9:30 p.m.

Memphis Grizzlies (23-56) at Los Angeles Lakers (63-17), 9:30 p.m.

The top-seeded Los Angeles Lakers will close out the regular season with a pair of home games, starting with Sunday's contest versus the Memphis Grizzlies at Staples Center.

Los Angeles is still battling with Cleveland for the best record in the NBA and home-court advantage if both teams reach the Finals. The Lakers will try to rebound tonight versus Memphis after having their five-game winning streak halted with Friday's 106-98 loss at Portland.

Kobe Bryant had 32 points and five rebounds, while Lamar Odom added 17 points and 10 rebounds for the Lakers, who were without head coach Phil Jackson because of pain in his lower right leg. Kurt Rambis coached the Lakers against the Blazers and is expected to resume his assistant duties tonight in Jackson's return.

The Lakers will also host the Utah Jazz and are 34-5 in Hollywood this season.

Memphis will open a quick two-game road trip Sunday against the Lakers and Suns, and is 8-31 as the guest this season. The Grizzlies ended a two-game losing streak and won for the fifth time in seven tries with a 106-89 triumph over Phoenix on Friday at FedEx Forum.

Rudy Gay and O.J. Mayo scored 20 points apiece to help Memphis snap a 10-game losing streak to the Suns. Mike Conley posted 17 points and Hakim Warrick registered 15 points and 10 rebounds in a winning cause.

The Grizz will wrap up the season on April 15 versus Atlanta. Memphis guard Quinton Ross is questionable for Sunday's game because of a strained left quadriceps.

Los Angeles is aiming for its first season sweep of Memphis since winning all four matchups during the 2002-03 campaign. The Lakers have won seven of the last 10 meetings with the Grizzlies, who have dropped 21 of the 26 games as the visitor in this series.


NBA Matchup - Memphis at LA Lakers

Memphis Grizzlies (23-56) at Los Angeles Lakers (63-17), 9:30 p.m.
2008-09 Head-to-head record Los Angeles 3-0
2007-08 Head-to-head record Los Angeles 2-1
2006-07 Head-to-head record Tied 2-2
2005-06 Head-to-head record Memphis 3-1
2004-05 Head-to-head record Memphis 3-0
2003-04 Head-to-head record Tied 2-2
2002-03 Head-to-head record Los Angeles 4-0
Overall Head-to-head record Los Angeles 39-13
Home Record: Memphis 15-25; Los Angeles 34-5
Away Record: Memphis 8-31; Los Angeles 29-12
Current Streak: Memphis (W1); Los Angeles (L1)
Record vs. Pacific Division: Memphis 8-8
Record vs. Southwest Division: Los Angeles 15-2
Record vs. Western Conference: Memphis 14-36; Los Angeles 42-8
2008-2009 Meetings
12/22 - Los Angeles, 105-96 (at Mem)
01/31 - Los Angeles, 115-98 (at Mem)
03/03 - Los Angeles, 99-89 (at LA)
2007-2008 Meetings
01/08 - Los Angeles, 117-101 (at Mem)
01/13 - Los Angeles, 100-99 (at LA)
03/28 - Memphis, 114-111 (at LA)
2006-2007 Meetings
11/12 - Los Angeles, 91-81 (at LA)
01/09 - Memphis, 128-118 (at Mem)
03/22 - Los Angeles, 121-119 (at Mem)
03/27 - Memphis, 88-86 (at LA)
2005-2006 Meetings
11/14 - Memphis, 85-73 (at Mem)
12/14 - Los Angeles, 94-79 (at Mem)
12/28 - Memphis, 100-99 ot (at LA)
02/11 - Memphis, 100-99 (at LA)
2004-2005 Meetings
11/10 - Memphis, 110-87 (at Mem)
12/20 - Memphis, 82-72 (at LA)
04/03 - Memphis, 102-82 (at Mem)
2003-2004 Meetings
11/10 - Memphis, 105-95 (at Mem)
11/23 - Los Angeles, 121-89 (at LA)
01/21 - Memphis, 88-82 (at Mem)
04/09 - Los Angeles, 103-95 (at LA)
2002-2003 Meetings
11/29 - Los Angeles, 112-106 ot (at Mem)
12/03 - Los Angeles, 101-91 (at LA)
03/31 - Los Angeles, 110-94 (at LA)
04/04 - Los Angeles, 102-101 (at Mem)
Game Notes
Note - The Lakers have won three straight and five of the last six meetings.
Note - The Lakers have won six of eight and seven of the last 10 meetings.
Note - The Lakers have won eight of the last 13 meetings.
Note - Memphis has won nine of 17 and 10 of the last 19 meetings.
Note - Memphis has won 11 of the last 21 meetings.
Note - The Lakers have won 16 of 27 and 27 of the last 39 meetings.
Note - Memphis has lost two of three and three of its last five at the Lakers.
Note - Memphis has won five of its last eight at the Lakers.
Note - The Grizzlies have lost 21 of the 26 meetings at the Lakers.
Note - The LAL have won four straight and five of their last six at Memphis.
Note - The Lakers have lost six of their last 11 at Memphis.
Note - The LAL have won eight of 14 and 12 of their last 19 at the Grizzlies.
Note - The Lakers are 18-8 at the Grizzlies.
Memphis last five games Los Angeles last five games
04/03 - W vs. Dallas, 107-102 04/03 - W vs. Houston, 93-81
04/04 - W at Milwaukee, 107-102 04/05 - W vs. LA Clippers, 88-85
04/07 - L vs. Portland, 93-96 04/07 - W at Sacramento, 122-104
04/08 - L at Orlando, 78-81 04/09 - W vs. Denver, 116-102
04/10 - W vs. Phoenix, 106-89 04/10 - L at Portland, 98-106

 

[Lumi]

Bettors have a six-pack of NBA games to wager on Sunday, including a trio of televised games. As always at this time of year, the most important aspect of handicapping is figuring out who is still motivated to play hard. We?ll get you set in that department.

The teams in the West are jockeying for position in hopes of avoiding the top-seeded Lakers in the first and/or second round of the playoffs. That fact mostly applies to Sunday?s early game. Let?s get right to that matchup and the rest of Sunday?s action.

**Mavericks at Hornets**

--Due to the ?questionable? status of New Orleans (48-31 straight up, 33-44-2 against the spread) point guard Chris Paul, Las Vegas Sports Consultants did not release an overnight line. However, Sportsbook.com had the Hornets as three-point favorites as of late Saturday afternoon.

--Dallas (48-31 SU, 39-40 ATS) had lost four straight head-to-head meetings against the Hornets until capturing a 100-92 victory Friday night as a seven-point home favorite. Dirk Nowitzki and Josh Howard scored 25 points apiece, while Jason Kidd dished out 15 assists. In the losing effort, Chris Paul had 42 points, nine rebounds, seven assists and two steals, while David West finished with 20 points and 14 boards.

--With three games remaining, these teams are tied for the No. 6 spot in the West, one game ahead of Utah for the dreaded eighth slot (pending the Jazz?s Saturday night result vs. Golden St.) that means a first-round series against the Lakers.

--Byron Scott?s team has a 27-13 SU record and an 18-21-1 ATS mark in home games this season. Meanwhile, the Mavericks are 18-22 SU and 21-19 ATS on the road.

--The ?under? is 42-37 overall for Dallas, 26-14 in its road assignments. The ?under? has also been a steady money maker for the Hornets, cashing at a 45-32-2 overall clip and to the tune of 25-15 in their home outings. Paul was dominant with 27 points and 15 assists.

--When these teams collided in the Crescent City on March 5, New Orleans spanked the Mavs by a 104-88 count as a 6 1/2?point home ?chalk.?

--The ?under? is 5-1 in the last six head-to-head meetings between these squads.

--ABC will provide television coverage at 1:00 p.m. Eastern.

**Celtics at Cavaliers**

--LVSC opened Cleveland (64-15 SU, 47-32 ATS) as a 6 ?-point ?chalk? with a total of 185. As of late Saturday afternoon, most books had the Cavs as 5 ?-point favorites with the total adjusted to 186.

--Since dropping back-to-back games at Washington and at Orlando, Mike Brown?s team has won three straight while going 2-1 ATS. The Cavs won a 102-92 decision Friday at Philadelphia as 6 ?-point road favorites. LeBron James produced 27 points and 10 assists for the winners.

--Boston (60-19 SU, 41-38 ATS) has won six in a row, posting a 4-2 spread record in the process. The Celtics beat Miami 105-98 Friday as six-point home favorites. Paul Pierce was the catalyst with 28 points and eight rebounds. Glen ?Big Baby? Davis added 22 points and eight boards.

--James is enjoying a career year, battling Miami?s Dwyane Wade and L.A.?s Kobe Bryant for league MVP honors. James? numbers for the season look like this: 28.3 points per game, 7.6 rebounds per game and 7.3 assists per contest. James is also shooting a career-best 48.7 percent from the field and 77.8 percent from the charity stripe.

--Boston power forward Kevin Garnett (15.8 PPG, 8.5 RPG) remains ?out? along with Leon Powe and Brian Scalabrine.

--Cleveland has been virtually untouchable at QuickenLoans Arena this season, compiling a 38-1 SU record to compliment its 26-13 ATS ledger. The Cavs? lone home loss came to the Lakers in a game they led by double digits at intermission.

--Boston is 26-13 SU and 21-18 ATS on the road. The C?s are 6-3 ATS in nine games as road underdogs.

--The ?under? is 44-34-1 overall for the Cavs, 23-15-1 in their home games. Meanwhile, Boston has watched the ?under? cash at a lucrative 25-14 clip in its road contests.

--The Cavs still have something to play for even though they have locked up the No. 1 seed in the East. They own a 1 ?-game edge on the Lakers for home-court advantage in the NBA Finals. As for the C?s, they are two games ahead of Orlando for the No. 2 slot in the East that would provide home-court advantage in a second-round series with the Magic.

--Tip-off is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. Eastern on ABC.

**76ers at Raptors**

--LVSC opened this game as a pick ?em with a 205-point tally. As of late Saturday afternoon, most spots had Toronto (30-39 SU, 30-47-2 ATS) as the one-point home favorite with the total at 205 ?.

--Philadelphia (40-39 SU, 36-41-2 ATS) has plenty to play for as it is one game back of the Heat for the No. 5 seed in the East. The 76ers are also trying to hold off Chicago and Detroit for the No. 6 spot, as the Bulls and Pistons are just one game behind Philly.

--Although Toronto was eliminated from playoff contention a few weeks back, it had started to play well with a six-game winning streak. However, the Raptors have now dropped each of their last four games both SU and ATS, including Friday?s 100-98 loss to Washington as seven-point home favorites. In the losing effort, Chris Bosh finished with 21 points and 10 rebounds.

--Toronto is an abysmal 17-23 SU and 15-24-1 ATS at home this year. The 76ers haven?t been much better on the road, posting a 16-23 SU record and an 18-21 ATS mark.

--Philadelphia was already playing without Elton Brand (shoulder) due to a season-ending injury, but things got worse a couple of weeks ago when Thaddeus Young (ankle) was lost for the rest of the year. Young was enjoying a breakout campaign, averaging 15.2 PPG.

--Since winning three straight home games, Philadelphia has lost four in a row with three of those defeats coming on the road prior to the aforementioned home loss Friday to the Cavs.

--The ?over? is 46-33 overall for the Raptors, 21-19 in their home assignments. On the flip side, the 76ers have watched the ?under? go 39-36-4 overall, 23-15-2 in their road games.

--NBA-TV will have the telecast at 6:05 p.m. Eastern.