Streaky Lakers host Warriors as massive underdogs in NBA
Published:
Daniel Coyle, American Sports Correspondent | January 5, 2016
Round-up
The Lakers improved their overall record to 8-27 on Sunday with a 97-77 rout of the Phoenix Suns, picking up the outright victory as 1-point home underdogs.
Shooting guard Lou Williams led the way with 30 points in the win, and has picked up the slack in the absence of Kobe Bryant, who has been sidelined since recording a double-double in the Lakers’ 104-102 win over Boston on December 30.
Bryant remains questionable for Tuesday night’s clash with the Warriors, who arrive at Staples Center for their third game in four nights, including a 110-101 win over Charlotte on Monday.
The Warriors have won three straight since suffering a stunning 114-91 loss in Dallas last week. Steph Curry and Klay Thompson each scored 30 in the win over the Hornets, but forward Draymond Green has stolen the limelight, recording triple-doubles in each of GSW’s last three outings to equal a franchise record.
However, the Warriors continue to fall short of expectations at Coral’s sportsbook, failing to cover in their last two outings, both as double-digit chalk, dropping to 4-6-1 ATS in their past 11.
The Dubs have also surrendered more than their average 102.2 points against in four of their past five overall, and nine of their past 13 on the road.
Golden State came up short in their last road date with the Lakers, dropping a 115-105 decision as 10-point favourites back in December 2014, but have otherwise dominated their in-state rivals, going 6-1 SU and 5-2 ATS in their past seven meetings.
Milwaukee Bucks @ Chicago Bulls (-8.5)
Swingman Jimmy Butler will also be looking to build on a record-setting performance when he leads the Chicago Bulls into action against the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday as 8.5-point favourites.
Butler eclipsed Michael Jordan’s team record for most points in a half on Sunday, draining 40 after the break in the Bulls 115-113 win over the Toronto Raptors.
The win was Chicago’s fourth straight, keeping them within three games of the first-place Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA Eastern Conference standings.
The Bulls are a solid 7-2 SU in their last nine at United Center, but have also struggled at times to reward loyal sports bettors, going 5-4 ATS during that home stretch, and are just 3-6 ATS while favoured by seven or more points.
The Bucks limp into the Windy City following a 123-98 beating at the hands of the San Antonio Spurs on Monday, dropping them to 4-7 SU over their past 11.
Milwaukee currently rides a two-game SU road win streak, and is a strong 5-2 ATS in their past seven as 7+ point underdogs, but is winless SU and ATS in their past three visits to Chicago.
New York Knicks @ Atlanta Hawks (-8.5)
In other Tuesday night NBA betting action at Coral, the New York Knicks will try to end a four-game SU losing streak on the road when they visit the Atlanta Hawks as 8.5-point underdogs.
New York claimed the first game of their home-and-home series with the Hawks, posting a 111-97 win as 4.5-point underdogs on Monday night, handing Atlanta just their second SU loss in their past nine.
The Hawks have won four straight at home, including a 117-98 victory over New York on Boxing Day, and have seen the point total play OVER in eight of their last nine outings.
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