Tip off: 8:35 PM EST
Spread: SAS -9
Total: 183.5
M/L: SAS -500, NOH +400
Betting Odds Taken From Bookmaker *
Everyone knew when the Hornets lost Chris Paul that things were going to be pretty bad, but then when they lost the player they received for Chris Paul, they braced for the worst. It’s a good thing they did because things have been every bit as bad as suspected, and the Hornets sit at 4-18, last place in the Southwest division.
They were blown out by the Phoenix Suns last night, losing by 17. They put 7 players in double figures and put up 103 points, which isn’t bad, until you consider they gave up 120. Nash hit them for 30, and 7 foot Polish center Marcin Gortat chipped in 23. The only Hornets player to score 20 or more was Greivis Vasquez, though he is averaging just 6.7 points per game on the year, with 3.8 assists per night. Jarrett Jack is the only Hornet averaging more than 12 a game, with 15.8 per night, and the Hornets average just 88.1 points per game.
The Spurs took out the Rockets last night on their home court, winning by 8. We saw vintage Tim Duncan, as the grizzled vet put up 25 points, to go with Tony Parker’s 24. Gary Neal brought in 15 points off the bench and the Spurs erased a 13 point half time deficit by outscoring the Rockets 60 to 39 in the second half.
The Spurs have been without star Manu Ginobili for all but 5 games, and before he went down he was playing some of the best ball of his career. Tony Parker has stepped up, but will need to continue to do so until they get Manu back, hopefully in time for the playoffs.
Hornets Betting Trends:
New Orleans is 1-12 SU in their last 13 games and the total has gone OVER in 4 of their last 6. The Hornets are 1-7 SU in their last 8 on the road and they are 3-6 ATS in their last 9 against the San Antonio Spurs.
Spurs Betting Trends:
The Spurs are 4-2 SU in their last 6 games and the total has gone UNDER in 4 of their last 5. It has also gone UNDER in all 5 of their last 5 home games and they are 13-1 SU in their last 14 at home.
Key Matchup:
Jarrett Jack vs. Tony Parker
Both point guards are leading their respective teams in scoring. Will Jarrett Jack ever be an All Star? This was about his best chance, so likely not. Tony Parker is undoubtedly headed to the Hall of Fame, after making such an impact on the Spurs over the last two decades. Parker isn’t really slowing down yet, either, and probably has many good years left in the tank, long after teammate Tim Duncan decides to hang it up. Duncan has lost a lot of effectiveness, but his defensive presence and experience cover some of his inadequances (namely speed now), so he will remain viable. Look for Parker to do his usual, try to break Jack down off the dribble and hit his tear drop jumpers. Parker does what he does well, and seldom deviates from his M.O.
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