Trends for Friday

[Spark]

Game of Day
Marlins (Beckett) @ Mets (Heilman)-- First road game for Florida, which won three of last four games, and is 5-4 for season, with four shutouts, two of which were thrown by Beckett (2-0, 0.00, 15 IP). Mets on four-game win streak after 0-5 start; they're winning close games, and allowed just nine runs in their wins. Under is 4-1 in last five Florida games, 5-1 in last six Met contests. Heilman gave up five runs in five IP in his first '05 start, huge edge for Marlins in pitching.


Hot pitchers
-- Floyd allowed one run in seven IP his first start, 10-4 win at St Louis Saturday. Atlanta is 4-1 in Ramirez' last five starts.
-- Zambrano is 1-0, 2.31 in two starts, both Cub wins.
-- Beckett is 2-0, 0.00 in two starts, with 15 IP.
-- Astros are 13-3 in Oswalt's last 16 regular season starts, 7-1 in his last eight on the road.
-- Sheets has a 2.64 RA in his last eight starts, but he was 0-3, 5.64 in four '04 starts against the Cardinals.
-- Giants are 10-2 in Lowry's last dozen starts.

-- Santana is 2-0, 4.50 this season, and 15-0 in his last seventeen regular season starts.
-- Nomo allowed one run in six IP in his first '05 start.
-- White Sox won Garland's last four starts.
-- Lilly is 3-0, 2.70 in his last four starts.
-- Ledezma is 2-0, 2.25 in his last two starts.


Cold pitchers
-- Perez is 0-2, 11.00 in his first two '05 starts.
-- Heilman has 3-11 career record in 20 career starts.
-- Cardinals are 1-4 in Suppan's last five regular season starts.
-- Colorado was 2-5 at home with Wright in 2004.
-- Lowe is 0-1, 4.76 in his first two NL starts, both of which were Dodger losses. Williams has 8.68 RA in his first two '05 starts.

-- Davis is 2-5, 8.76 in his last eight starts.
-- Wells is 0-2, 8.44 in his first two starts for Boston.
-- Pavano is 0-1, 5.40 in his first two starts for Bronx. Chen is 0-1, 5.47 in his last four starts.
-- Mariners lost eight of Piniero's last ten road starts.
-- Drese is 0-1, 6.75 in his first two 2005 starts.
-- Lima is 0-2, 16.20 this season, allowing 12 runs in two starts, lasting total of just 6.2 innings.
-- Zito is 0-2, 14.46, as he continues to struggle. Colon is 1-1, 4.97 in his first two 2005 starts.


Totals
-- Over is 6-3 in Philadelphia games this season.
-- Last three Pittsburgh games stayed under the total.
-- Under is 4-1 in last five Florida games, 5-1 in last six Mets games.
-- Under is 6-1 in last seven Houston games, 5-1 in last six Cincinnati contests.
-- Under is 7-2 in Sheets' last nine starts, 3-0 in Miller Park games so far this season.
-- Total of 42 runs were scored in Colorado's first two home games. Giants scored 25 runs in last weekend's sweep of the Rockies.
-- Six of last seven San Diego games went over total.

-- Tampa Bay allowed 25 runs in its last four games.
-- Under is 3-1 in last four Bronx games, 3-0 in Oriole home games so far this season.
-- Under is 8-2 in Piniero's last ten starts, 6-2 in last 8 White Sox contests.
-- Seven of last eight Texas games went over the total.
-- Over is 4-1 in last five games for both Tigers, KC.
-- Last five Anaheim games went over the total. Under is 3-0-1 in A's wins, 3-2 in their losses.


Hot teams
-- Mets won their last four games, Marlins three of its last four- four of five Florida wins are shutouts- this is their first road game of season.
-- Brewers are 5-0 if they score six or more runs, 0-3 if they don't.
-- Dodgers won six of last seven games, are 2-0 in their home games. Padres won three of last four games.

-- Twins scored 28 runs in winning last four games.
-- Orioles won three of their last four games.
-- Seattle scored 20 runs in winning first three on road. White Sox are 6-3 so far this season.
-- Blue Jays won four of its last five games.
-- Angels are 3-0 after a loss; they scored 25 runs in their last three games.

Cold teams
-- Braves lost three of last four games, Phillies five of their last eight.
-- Cubs are 3-5 in their last eight ballgames. Pirates are 0-2 at home, scoring just four runs.
-- Astros scored 26 runs in last eight games, and lost all three of their road games. Reds lost four of last five tilts but are 3-0 at home so far in '05.
-- Cardinals lost three of last four games, and allowed 35 runs in their last five contests.
-- Colorado lost its last seven games, and scored just ten runs in last five games, all of which were on road. Giants lost both their road games this season.

-- Devil Rays allowed 25 runs in losing three of its last four games.
-- Bronx lost five of its last seven games.
-- Texas allowed 56 runs in its last eight games.
-- Tigers allowed 23 runs in losing first three on road. Royals scored three runs in losing first two at home.
-- A's lost four of last six games, are 0-3 in first game of a series.

[Spark]

Game of the Day
Grizzlies @ Nuggets-- #7,8 teams in west playoffs could still switch positions, difference between playing former champ Spurs and playoff newbie Suns. Denver on absolute roll, with nine wins in row (7-1-1 vs pts) and last four going over total- they beat Grizzlies 94-91 in Memphis ten days ago. Memphis is 6-7 in its last 13 games, 4-7 vs spread in its last eleven games.


Elsewhere, Nets won six of last eight games; they trail Cavs, 76ers by two games as they try to catch either and make playoffs. Nets are 1-2 vs Raptors, losing by 11 in other visit here. Toronto lost four of last five at home.

Cavaliers lost at home to Knicks last night, tied with the 76ers for 7th and 8th in east, as they limp to finish line; they're 3-6 in last nine games. Wizards won last two in a row, as they joust for home court in playoffs. Cavs just 3-9 vs spread in their last dozen back-to-backs.

Miami had overtime loss in Philly last night; with their slot in playoffs secure, would be stunned if Wade, Shaq got real major minutes, especially since last night was Shaq's first game after beign ill. Heat has dropped three in row, but harmless losses. Celtics won four of last five games.

76ers beat Miami in OT last night, their fifth win in last 6 games, now go to Conseco, where Pacers are 8-1 in its last nine, and will go to playoffs despite nonstop turmoil ever since November. Under is 6-1 in last seven Indiana games, with last three decided by four or less points.

Bucks lost three in row and 12 of last 14 (3-10-1 vs the spread); home side won all three of their games against Pistons this year, with Milwaukee losing 107-83 at the Palace Feb 14. Detroit won its last eight games (6-1-1 vs spread) as they prepare to defend their title.

Bulls in playoffs, but thin up front without Deng, Curry; they won six of last seven home games, with only loss by point to Detroit. Orlando lost five games in row (2-3 vs spread) with 11 of their last 12 games going over total.

Minnesota won eight of last eleven games, scoring 108.2 ppg in last five, all of which went over total; a 100-82 L at Utah on Feb 11 was last game Flip coached Wolves in. Jazz split last six games, as Sloan has them trying, but they're 2-5 vs spread in game following last seven wins.

Suns won eight of last ten games as they vie with Spurs for top seed in west playoffs; their last three and six of last eight games stayed under total. Phoenix is 3-0 vs the Clippers, winning by 11,17,17 pts, and average total of 217. Clips are 6-2 in last eight at home, with both losses coming in overtime games, but Kings, Spurs. LA coach Dunleavy is on leave of absence for personal reasons.

Kings looking like #5 team in west, while Kobe Lakers are headed to Lottery City; Kings just whacked Lakers 124-105 in Arco Sunday. their 15th loss in last 17 tilts. Sacramento has not played since that game; they're 3-0 in last three games, with last five going over the total.

Warriors allowed 124.7 ppg in losing last three games, as double OT loss to Spurs seems to have deflated their late-season charge- their last six games went over total. Portland lost nationally televised game last night, now is on road, they're 3-22 in their last 25 games.

Seattle lost last six games and is 0-8 vs spread in its last eight, so lucky Hornets are visiting, since NO lost five in row (0-4-1 vs spread). Lewis is back in lineup, a huge help for Sonics, who covered just four of last 21 games.

[Spark]

Pro Basketball Trend Report
NEW JERSEY (38 - 40) at TORONTO (32 - 47) - 4/15/2005, 7:05 PM

Head-to-Head Series History
TORONTO is 7-4 against the spread versus NEW JERSEY over the last 3 seasons
NEW JERSEY is 7-4 straight up against TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
9 of 11 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons




CLEVELAND (41 - 38) at WASHINGTON (44 - 35) - 4/15/2005, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CLEVELAND is 8-19 ATS (-12.9 Units) in road games as an underdog this season.
CLEVELAND is 13-27 ATS (-16.7 Units) in a road game where where the total is between 195 and 199.5 points since 1996.
CLEVELAND is 3-12 ATS (-10.2 Units) in road games second half of the season this season.
CLEVELAND is 3-13 ATS (-11.3 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
CLEVELAND is 1-6 ATS (-5.6 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season this season.
CLEVELAND is 2-9 ATS (-7.9 Units) in road games when playing on back-to-back days this season.
WASHINGTON is 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) in home games in April games over the last 3 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 42-72 ATS (-37.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.


Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 6-4 against the spread versus CLEVELAND over the last 3 seasons
WASHINGTON is 7-3 straight up against CLEVELAND over the last 3 seasons
5 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons




MIAMI (56 - 22) at BOSTON (43 - 35) - 4/15/2005, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MIAMI is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) in road games off a upset loss as a favorite over the last 3 seasons.
MIAMI is 74-47 ATS (+22.3 Units) in road games when playing on back-to-back days since 1996.
BOSTON is 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) in home games after allowing 105 points or more this season.
BOSTON is 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) in home games after playing 3 consecutive road games over the last 3 seasons.
BOSTON is 2-12 ATS (-11.2 Units) in home games after scoring 105 points or more this season.
BOSTON is 13-29 ATS (-18.9 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent this season.
BOSTON is 1-5 ATS (-4.5 Units) in home games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season this season.
BOSTON is 2-8 ATS (-6.8 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season this season.


Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 6-4 against the spread versus MIAMI over the last 3 seasons
MIAMI is 6-4 straight up against BOSTON over the last 3 seasons
5 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

[Lsufan]

Spark,

Where are those "top 13 thoughts" for the day? I like those. But keep the rest of this info. coming, I like that too!!!

[Spark]

Spark,

Where are those "top 13 thoughts" for the day? I like those. But keep the rest of this info. coming, I like that too!!!

hahahaha Glad you like them buddy ... here
.................................................. ...............................

The more I think about this, the more it becomes apparent that Las Vegas should host the Olympics; is there a more fun place in the world, one that can build a lot of facilities quickly, and where people would flock to be entertained?

Where would you rather be for 2012 Olympics: Paris, where they hate Americans, west side of Manhattan, where they hate everyone, or Vegas? I rest my case.

So, without further ado, here are 13 reasons why the 2012 Summer Olympics should do Vegas.

13) Wayne Newton singing Dankeschein while he lights the Olympic flame.

12) Water polo in the lake in front of Bellagio.

11) The IOC would have its hands full negotiating with Jerry Tarkanian.

10) Boxing could have Michael Buffer as ring announcer and the hottest set of ring card girls ever.

9) The Eiffel Tower, Venice and New York, New York are there already.

8) Poker could become an Olympic sport.

7) It would make up for having the 2008 Summer Games in China.

6) Lot of extra showgirl costumes already available for opening and closing ceremonies.

5) Mideastern competitors would feel at home staying at Luxor.

4) A nighttime marathon run mostly in the desert.

3) Olympics could run concurrently with world's biggest hooker convention; think of the fun!!!

2) Pole vaulting over Don King's hair.

1) Who wouldn't want to invest a few pesos and gamble on beach volleyball?

[Spark]

Friday, April 15th

New Jersey at Toronto, 7:05 ET
New Jersey - 11-2 ATS after 10 less FG. attempts than YTD ave. in a loss
Toronto - 3-8-2 ATS after trailing at halftime in a win

**Cleveland (197) at Washington (-5), 8:05 ET
Cleveland - 8-19 ATS as road underdog
Washington - 7-2-1 ATS vs. team they beat as dog in last

Miami (-1) at Boston (201.5), 7:35 ET
Miami - 7-1-1 ATS away going into revenge when next is away with revenge
Boston - 4-15 ATS after shooting 50% or better on 10 or more 3's

Philadelphia (190.5) at Indiana (-4), 8:05 ET
Philadelphia - 9-21-1 ATS going into same season revenge
Indiana - 27-12-1 ATS after committing 25 or more fouls

Milwaukee (191.5) at Detroit (-10), 8:05 ET
Milwaukee - 0-8 ATS away after leading at halftime in a home loss
Detroit - 15-5 ATS after leading by 15 or more at halftime of previous

Orlando (198.5) at Chicago (-7.5), 8:35 ET
Orlando - 12-5 ATS Away after committing 25+ Fouls in a road loss
Chicago - 4-9 ATS Home with an away game tomorrow

Minnesota (-5.5) at Utah (188.5), 9:05 ET
Minnesota - 9-0 ATS after shooting 10% better than YTD average
Utah - 8-13 ATS when shooting % improved in 3 straight

Memphis (195) at Denver (-7), 9:05 ET
Memphis - 8-13 ATS Away after an away loss
Denver - 26-8-1 ATS going into same season revenge

LA Clippers (214.5) at Phoenix (-12), 10:05 ET
LA Clippers - 6-0 ATS after shooting less than 60% from FT line
Phoenix - 5-18 ATS on a 2-game S/U & ATS win streak

Sacramento (-5) at LA Lakers (218), 10:35 ET
Sacramento - 5-20-1 ATS after winning by 10 or more pts.
LA Lakers - 6-1 ATS after allowing 105+ pts in 2 straight games

Portland (207) at Golden State (-9.5), 10:35 ET
Portland - 11-2 ATS with total between 200 and 209.5
Golden State - 2-8 ATS after allowing 1110+ pts. in 3 straight

New Orleans at Seattle, 10:35 ET
New Orleans - 11-3 ATS Away with same season double revenge
Seattle - 5-1 Under vs. New Orleans

[Spark]

Friday, April 15th

National League:

Atlanta at Philadelphia, 7:05 ET
Horacio Ramirez (L) vs. Gavin Floyd (R)

Ramirez - Atlanta 40-14 off a loss by 4+ runs
Floyd - Philadelphia 3-12 as a home favorite of -125 or less

Chicago Cubs at Pittsburgh, 7:05 ET
Carlos Zambrano (R) vs. Oliver Perez (L)

Zambrano - 6-2 TSR, 2.22 ERA vs. Pittsburgh
Perez - Pittsburgh 10-26 off a loss by 4+ runs

Houston at Cincinnati, 7:10 ET
Roy Oswalt (R) vs. Paul Wilson (R)

Oswalt - 11-3 TSR, 2.65 ERA vs. Cincinnati
Wilson - Cincinnati 13-30 at home off a one-run division win

Florida at New York Mets, 7:10 ET
Josh Beckett (R) vs. Aaron Heilmann (R)

Beckett - Florida 14-5 vs. New York Mets
Heilmann - Mets 5-26 off BB games with the bullpen allowing 0 runs

St. Louis at Milwaukee, 8:05 ET
Jeff Suppan (R) vs. Ben Sheets (R)

Suppan - 13-3 TSR in road games
Sheets - Milwaukee 17-5 Over at home off a win by 4+ runs

San Fransisco at Colorado, 8:35 ET
Noah Lowry (L) vs. Jamey Wright (R)

Lowry - San Fransisco 40-16 Over after losing 2 of their last 3 games
Wright - Colorado 11-29 playing with rest

San Diego at Los Angeles, 10:40 ET
Randy Williams (L) vs. Derek Lowe (R)

Williams - 9-4 TSR, 2.67 ERA vs. Los Angeles
Lowe - 13-4 Over vs. division opponents


American League:

Tampa Bay at Boston, 7:05 ET
Hideo Nomo (L) vs. David Wells (R)

Nomo - Tampa Bay 16-4 Over away vs. left-handed starters
Wells - 70-29 TSR after allowing 0 walks

Minnesota at Cleveland, 7:05 ET
Johann Santana (L) vs. Jake Westbrook (R)

Santana - 17-2 TSR in night games
Westbrook - Cleveland 27-12 Over off a win by 2 runs or less

New York Yankees at Baltimore, 7:35 ET
Carl Pavano (R) vs. Bruce Chen (L)

Pavano - 14-3 TSR in road games
Chen - Baltimore 4-14 at home vs. New York Yankees

Seattle at Chicago White Sox, 8:05 ET
Joel Pineiro (R) vs. Jon Garland (L)

Pineiro - Seattle 17-42 away vs. right-handed starters
Garland - 5-2 TSR, 2.81 ERA vs. Seattle

Toronto at Texas, 8:05 ET
Ted Lilly (L) vs. Ryan Drese (R)

Lilly - 28-13 Under in night games
Drese - 5-1 TSR, 2.89 ERA vs. Toronto

Detroit at Kansas City, 8:05 ET
Wilfredo Ledezma (L) vs. Jose Lima (R)

Ledezma - Detroit 3-16 after the bullpen allowed 4+ runs
Lima - 14-1 TSR in home games

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim at Oakland, 10:05 ET
Bartolo Colon (R) vs. Barry Zito (L)

Colon - 14-3 Over away on Fridays
Zito - Oakland 85-31 after 3+ home games

[Spark]

NEW JERSEY NETS (38-40) AT TORONTO RAPTORS (32-46), 7 P.M. ----------------------------------------------------------

(Sports Network) - The playoff hopeful New Jersey Nets will have little room for error this evening, when they take on the Toronto Raptors at Air Canada Centre.

Tonight's contest will mark Vince Carter's first return to the court in Toronto since being dealt to the Nets in December. Carter was injured for their December 19 matchup just following the trade. The UNC product will likely be booed mercilessly after he admitted that there were times when he didn't give his full effort while with Toronto.

New Jersey saw its three-game winning streak come to an end on Wednesday, as it fell 90-86 to the Indiana Pacers at Conseco Fieldhouse. The Nets have slipped two games behind Cleveland and Philadelphia for the final spot in the postseason with four contests to play. New Jersey has a showdown with Philadelphia on Sunday at Continental Airlines Arena.

Jason Kidd had 29 points, 15 rebounds and six assists for the Nets, while Vince Carter ended with 22 points for New Jersey. Travis Best tacked on 11 points in the defeat.

The Nets utilized only eight players, hitting 43.2 percent from the field. New Jersey hit 5-of-14 (.357) from three-point range and 25-of-36 (.694) from the free throw line. The Nets committed 16 turnovers and were outrebounded, 46-42, in the defeat.

New Jersey also had a five-game road winning streak stopped, as it fell to 16-23 in foreign buildings this season. The Nets have still won six of their last eight road games.

Toronto is simply playing out the string, hoping to play spoiler. The Raptors have split their last four games, including a 105-93 win over the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday.

Chris Bosh poured in a game-high 29 points and Jalen Rose added 25 in the winning effort. Morris Peterson added 18 points while Rafer Alston chipped in 13 points and nine rebounds for the Raptors, who trailed by as many as 19 late in the first half before rallying to snap a two-game slide.

The Raptors ended 24-of-28 from the free throw line and 7-of-17 from three- point range in the contest. Toronto shot an impressive 49.3 percent from the field and forced 19 New York turnovers in the contest.

Toronto, which has lost four of five and five of its last eight home games, is 22-16 in its friendly confines. The Raptors have three of their final four contests at home.

The Raptors have won the last two meetings between these teams this season, including a 100-82 victory at Continental Airlines Arena on December 22. New Jersey has won seven of 11 and nine of the last 14 meetings. The Nets have won three of their last five at Toronto.

MIAMI HEAT (56-22) AT BOSTON CELTICS (43-35), 7:30 P.M. -------------------------------------------------------

(Sports Network) - The playoff bound Boston Celtics will aim to move closer to locking up the Atlantic Division title tonight, when they tangle with the suddenly struggling Miami Heat at the FleetCenter.

Boston could actually nail down the Atlantic Division championship tonight with a win and a Philadelphia loss. The Celtics could seal the deal with two more wins and no help from the 76ers as well, as they lead Philadelphia by three games.

The Celtics have won two straight, four of five and five of their last seven, including a 111-108 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks at the Bradley Center on Wednesday to secure a postseason slot. Paul Pierce scored a game-high 32 points and hit a big jumper with 19 seconds left to lift the Celtics to the win.

Antoine Walker and Ricky Davis netted 17 points apiece for the Celtics in the contest. Walker also grabbed nine rebounds and Gary Payton finished with 12 points and 10 assists in the victory. Raef LaFrentz finished with 11 points for the Celtics.

The Celtics shot 58-percent compared to 49-percent for Milwaukee. Boston nailed 57.5 percent from the field, including 7-of-14 (.500) from three-point range. The Celtics hit 20-of-24 (.833) from the free throw line and limited their miscues to 10.

Boston, which has half of its final four games at home, is 26-13 in its friendly confines this season. The Celtics have lost three of their last four home games.

Miami is mired in a season-long three-game losing streak, including a 126-119 overtime loss to Philadelphia on Thursday night. The Heat haven't dropped four in a row since February 23-March 2 last season.

Miami currently sits third in the league, three games behind first place Phoenix. The Heat would need a lot of help to nail down home field advantage throughout the playoffs.

Dwyane Wade poured in a career-high 48 points and grabbed 10 rebounds for the Heat. Wade set a Wachovia Center record with 48 points by an opposing player.

Damon Jones netted 18 and Udonis Haslem tallied 17 points in the losing effort. Shaquille O'Neal had 13 points and 12 rebounds in his first game back from three-game hiatus due to a virus. Miami is 4-3 overall without Shaq in the lineup this season.

Miami shot 51.1 percent from the field, including 7-of-18 (.389) from three- point range. The Heat hit only 22-of-34 (.647) from the free throw line, while committing 20 turnovers.

Miami activated Rasual Butler and Christian Laettner on Thursday, while sending Qyntel Woods and Wang Zhi-Zhi to the injured list.

The Heat, who have lost five of their last six road games, are 23-16 in foreign buildings this season. Miami has two of its final four contests on the road.

Miami has won both meetings between these teams this season and four straight overall. These two teams have split the last 14 meetings. Miami has lost three of its last five at Boston.

PHILADELPHIA 76ERS (40-38) AT INDIANA PACERS (43-35), 8 P.M. ------------------------------------------------------------

(Sports Network) - Two squads battling for playoff positioning in the Eastern Conference go head-to-head tonight, when the Philadelphia 76ers tangle with the Indiana Pacers at Conseco Fieldhouse.

Philadelphia still hasn't locked up a postseason spot, as it sits seventh in the East. The Sixers, who sit in a tie with the struggling Cleveland Cavaliers, are two contests in front of the ninth place New Jersey Nets with four games to play.

Meanwhile, Indiana has nailed down a playoff spot and resides in a tie for fifth with Washington. The Pacers are also only one contest behind Chicago for the fourth seed.

Philadelphia came up with a huge 126-119 overtime victory over the East- leading Miami Heat at the Wachovia Center on Thursday night. Allen Iverson scored 38 points and dished out 16 assists to pace the Sixers to the victory.

Marc Jackson added 26 points, while Kyle Korver netted 20 for the Sixers, who won for the fifth time in six tries. Andre Iguodala finished with 19 points and 10 rebounds in the win, while Chris Webber posted 15 points and 10 boards.

The Sixers shot 44.1 percent from the field, including 11-of-20 (.550) from three-point range. Philadelphia nailed 33-of-34 (.971) from the free throw line, while forcing 20 Miami turnovers.

Philadelphia has won six straight against Miami at home and 10 of its last 11. The Sixers improved to 28-9 when scoring more than 100 points and 18-5 when they hit eight or more three-pointers in a game.

Philadelphia, which is opening up a two-game road trip, is 17-22 in foreign buildings this season. The Sixers have won four of six and six of their last 10 road contests.

Indiana has won two straight, eight of nine and 10 of its last 12 overall, including a 90-86 win over New Jersey at Conseco Fieldhouse on Wednesday. Reggie Miller had 22 points, scoring seven during a key 21-second span late in the fourth quarter in the victory.

Stephen Jackson added 17 points for the Pacers, who captured a playoff spot with the win. James Jones added 14 points and Austin Croshere had 13 points and seven rebounds for Indiana.

The Pacers survived despite shooting just 36.7 percent from the field, including 12-of-28 (.429) from three-point range. Indiana hit 20-of-25 (.800) from the free throw line.

Indiana, which is closing out a two-game homestand tonight, is 24-15 in its friendly confines this season. The Pacers have won five of six and eight of their last 10 home games.

Philadelphia has swept three meetings between these teams this season. Last season, Indiana took all four contests in the set. All told, Indiana has won seven of 12 meetings in this series. Philadelphia has lost five of seven and 15 of its last 20 at Indiana.

CLEVELAND CAVALIERS (40-38) AT WASHINGTON WIZARDS (43-35), 8 P.M. -----------------------------------------------------------------

(Sports Network) - Suddenly in danger of falling out of the Eastern Conference playoff picture, the Cleveland Cavaliers have a huge contest tonight against the postseason bound Washington Wizards at the MCI Center.

Cleveland suffered a tough 95-89 defeat at home against the New York Knicks on Thursday. The Cavaliers are now tied with Philadelphia for seventh, but sit just two games ahead of ninth place New Jersey with four games to play.

LeBron James led Cleveland with 27 points, a career-high 18 rebounds and seven assists. Zydrunas Ilgauskas returned from a four-game absence due to injury and scored 13 points for the Cavs, who had a two-game win streak halted. Ilgauskas had been out with a dislocated right ring finger.

James has played 3,200 minutes this season, breaking Wesley Person's team record (3,198) set in 1997-98.

Robert Traylor registered 13 points and nine rebounds off the bench, while Drew Gooden added 12 points. Ira Newble tacked on 10 points and eight boards in the contest.

Cleveland shot 41.4 percent from the field, including 4-of-17 (.235) from three-point range. The Cavs managed to hit just 13-of-24 (.542) from the free throw line, while outrebounding the Knicks, 51-41.

Cleveland, which has three of its final four games on the road, is only 12-26 in foreign buildings this season. The Cavs have lost three of four and 14 of their last 16 road games.

Washington has won its last two contests to move into a tie for fifth place with Indiana. However, the Wizards lose any tiebreaker with the Pacers, as Indiana has a better conference record.

The Wizards posted a 93-82 win over the Chicago Bulls at the MCI Center on Wednesday. Larry Hughes scored 23 points and Gilbert Arenas chipped in 21 in the playoff spot-clinching win.

Antawn Jamison finished with 19 points and 14 rebounds for the Wizards, who will be in the playoffs for the first time since the 1996-97 season. Jared Jeffries contributed nine points and 12 rebounds in the win.

Before the game, the Wizards activated center Brendan Haywood from the injured list. Haywood, who suffered a fracture on the tip of his left thumb against the Los Angeles Clippers on March 25, registered 11 rebounds and seven points.

Washington shot 41 percent on field goals and outrebounded the Bulls 64-48 in the contest. The Wizards hit 6-of-16 (.375) from three-point range in the game.

The Wizards, who are in the midst of five-game homestand, are 27-12 in their friendly confines. Washington has won five of eight and 11 of its last 16 home games.

These teams have split a pair of meetings this season, both in Cleveland. Washington has won two of three and three of the last five meetings. Cleveland has lost six of eight and 11 of its last 14 at Washington.

MILWAUKEE BUCKS (29-49) AT DETROIT PISTONS (51-27), 8 P.M. ----------------------------------------------------------

(Sports Network) - The streaking Detroit Pistons go for their season-high ninth consecutive victory this evening, when they tangle with the Milwaukee Bucks at the Palace of Auburn Hills.

Detroit has won nine of 10 and 14 of its last 18 games, including a 103-94 victory over the Orlando Magic at the Palace on Wednesday. The Pistons have little to play for as they have locked up the Central Division title and the second seed in the East.

Richard Hamilton, Tayshaun Prince and Carlos Arroyo each scored 14 points in the win over the Magic. Antonio McDyess added 12 with eight rebounds, Rasheed Wallace finished with 11 and Chauncey Billups had 10 with six assists for Detroit. Ben Wallace chipped in 13 rebounds and nine points in the victory.

Detroit hit 46.8 percent from the field, but just 1-of-10 (.100) from three- point range. The Pistons drained 30-of-39 (.769) from the free throw line in the contest.

The Pistons, who are in the middle of a three-game homestand, are 30-9 in their friendly confines this season. Detroit has won four straight and five of its last six home games.

Milwaukee is simply playing out the string having lost 12 of 14 and 15 of its last 19 games. The Bucks' woes continued on Wednesday in the form of a 111-108 defeat to the Boston Celtics at the Bradley Center.

Michael Redd notched 28 points to lead the Bucks, who have dropped three straight and 12 of their last 14 games. Dan Gadzuric scored a career-high 22 points and also hauled in 12 boards, while Desmond Mason chipped in 15 points.

Zaza Pachulia netted 11 points for Milwaukee and Joe Smith chipped in 10 points and seven rebounds. Smith returned to the lineup after missing consecutive games due to a lacerated pinky finger.

The Bucks shot a solid 49.4 percent, but allowed the Celtics to drain 57.5 percent of their shots. Milwaukee also only hit 4-of-13 (.308) from three- point range.

Milwaukee, which has half of its final four games of the regular season on the road, is only 7-32 in foreign buildings. The Bucks have lost 12 straight and 14 of their last 15 road games.

The Bucks have won two of three meetings between these teams this season, but Detroit won the most recent contest, 107-83, at the Palace on February 14. Milwaukee has lost three straight and five of its last six at Detroit.

ORLANDO MAGIC (35-43) AT CHICAGO BULLS (44-34), 8:30 P.M. ---------------------------------------------------------

(Sports Network) - The playoff bound Chicago Bulls will try to snap a two-game losing streak this evening, when they face the Orlando Magic at the United Center.

Chicago currently resides fourth in the East, just one game ahead Indiana and Washington with four contests to play. The Bulls' recent struggles continued on Wednesday with a 93-82 defeat to the Washington Wizards at the MCI Center.

Ben Gordon and Kirk Hinrich had 21 points apiece to lead the way for the Bulls in the defeat. Chris Duhon tallied 16 points in the losing effort, while Othella Harrington tacked on 13 points. Antonio Davis grabbed 10 rebounds in the contest.

The Bulls were once again without the services of starting center Eddy Curry (irregular heartbeat). It was announced that Curry will be out for the rest of the regular season and the playoffs.

Chicago was also missing forward Andres Nocioni due to suspension. Nocioni will be back on the court tonight.

The Bulls shot just 33.7 percent from the field, including 6-of-21 (.286) from three-point range. Chicago hit 12-of-18 (.667) from the free throw line and got outrebounded, 64-48.

Chicago, which has half of its final four games at home, is 25-14 in its friendly confines this season. The Bulls have won six of seven and seven of their last 10 home games.

Orlando has dropped five straight games to fall out of the Eastern Conference playoff picture. The Magic suffered a 103-94 defeat to the Detroit Pistons at the Palace on Wednesday.

Rookie Jameer Nelson scored a career-high 30 points for Orlando, while Dwight Howard had 17 for the Magic in the loss. Stacey Augmon added 11 points in the contest.

Orlando shot 41.6 percent from the field, including 5-of-12 (.417) from three- point range. The Magic hit 19-of-27 (.704) from the free throw line.

The Magic, who are in the middle of a three-game road trip, are 12-27 in foreign buildings this season. Orlando has lost 13 of its last 16 road games overall.

Chicago has won both meetings between these teams, including a 105-90 victory at the United Center on January 1. The Bulls have won five of the last six meetings in this set. Orlando has lost two of three and three of its last five at Chicago.

MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES (44-34) AT DENVER NUGGETS (47-31), 9 P.M. -----------------------------------------------------------

(Sports Network) - The Memphis Grizzlies will try once again to clinch a berth in the postseason, as they visit the scorching Denver Nuggets at the Pepsi Center.

Minnesota, which hosts the Utah tonight, is three games behind the Grizzlies, for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference. A win by Memphis or a loss by the Timberwolves, gives the Grizzlies the final playoff berth in the West. Memphis owns the tiebreaker over Minnesota by winning the season-series, 3-1.

The Grizzlies and Timberwolves both have four games left on their regular- season schedules.

Denver, which trails the struggling Seattle SuperSonics by three games for first place in the Northwest Division, is the seventh seed in the West and is just 1/2 game behind No. 6 Houston, which does not play tonight. The Nuggets visit the Rockets on Saturday at the Toyota Center.

The Grizzlies have lost 14 straight at Denver. The last time the Grizzlies defeated the Nuggets as the visitor was on November 18, 1997.

The Grizzlies will play the third of a four-game road trip. They will visit the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday at the SBC Center in the first of a home- and-home set. Memphis will welcome the Spurs to FedExForum on April 18th.

Memphis comes into tonight's game on a two-game losing streak. On Wednesday, Yao Ming scored a team-high 28 points as the Rockets won their fourth straight game and kept Memphis from clinching a playoff berth with a 100-92 victory over the Grizzlies at the Toyota Center.

Mike Miller scored a career-high 37 points on 15-of-24 shooting in Wednesday's loss for Memphis, while Pau Gasol contributed 20 points, eight boards and four blocks and Lorenzo Wright finished with nine points and 10 rebounds.

The Grizzlies are 19-20 as the visitor this season. They are 5-5 in their last 10 away from home. After the home-and-set against the Spurs, Memphis is scheduled to closeout its regular season on April 20th at home against the Dallas Mavericks.

The red-hot Nuggets attempt to extend their season-high winning streak to 10 games. The last time Denver won 10 in a row was from March 20, 1987 to April 8, 1987. On Wednesday, Carmelo Anthony scored 19 points to lead seven Denver scorers in double figures as the Nuggets cruised to a 116-102 victory over the New Orleans Hornets at the Pepsi Center.

Earl Boykins notched 18 points and 11 assists in Wednesday's win for Denver, while Wesley Person netted 17 points for the Nuggets, who have won nine straight and 23 of their last 25 games. Nene posted 14 points and eight rebounds in the victory and Kenyon Martin chipped in 12 points and seven boards.

Under the leadership of head coach George Karl, the Nuggets have compiled an unbelievable 30-6 record. Karl became the team's general on January 27th when he replaced interim head coach Michael Cooper.

Denver is an impressive 29-10 as the host this season. The Nuggets, who are 10-3 in Friday games, have won 10 in a row at the Pepsi Center and are 17-1 in front of their home crowd under the guidance of Karl. Denver's last loss at home was on March 13th to the Phoenix Suns.

This is the fourth and final meeting of the season between the clubs. The Nuggets won the three previous contests and would earn their first regular- season series sweep over the Grizzlies since the 2000-01 campaign.

MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES (41-37) AT UTAH JAZZ (25-53), 9 P.M. -----------------------------------------------------------

(Sports Network) - The Minnesota Timberwolves need a win and some help to once again stave off elimination from the playoff picture, as they visit the Utah Jazz tonight at Delta Center.

The Timberwolves are three games behind Memphis for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference. The Grizzlies visit the Denver Nuggets tonight. A loss by Minnesota or a win by Memphis, eliminates the Timberwolves from playoff contention.

The Grizzlies and Timberwolves both have four games left on their regular- season schedules.

Minnesota stayed alive on Wednesday, as Kevin Garnett posted a triple-double with 21 points, 15 rebounds and 11 assists and the Timberwolves defeated the Golden State Warriors, 116-100, at the Target Center.

Latrell Sprewell poured in a game-high 27 points in Wednesday's win to pace Minnesota, but it was overshadowed by Garnett's brilliant performance. The reigning MVP's triple-double was his 17th of his career and his first of the season.

The Timberwolves are 18-21 as the visitor this season. They are 5-5 in their last 10 away from home. Minnesota will host Seattle on Sunday, visit New Orleans on April 18th and will closeout the regular season on April 20th at home against San Antonio.

Utah goes for its second straight win. On Wednesday, Mehmet Okur scored the go-ahead bucket with 2.4 seconds remaining and finished with 25 points and 16 rebounds as the Jazz defeated the Spurs, 93-91, at the Delta Center.

Matt Harpring tallied 17 points in Wednesday's win for Utah, while Howard Eisley and Gordan Giricek finished with 15 points apiece for the Jazz, who snapped a two-game skid.

The Jazz are just 17-22 as the host this season. They will visit Portland on Sunday before returning home to face the Sacramento Kings on Monday. Utah, which is 5-10 in Friday games, will closeout its season on April 20th on the road against Golden State.

This is the fourth and final meeting of the season between the clubs. The Timberwolves defeated Utah on January 28th and April 6th at the Target Center, while the Jazz beat Minnesota, 100-82, on February 11th at Delta Center.

Minnesota has lost four of its last five at Utah.

LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS (35-43) AT PHOENIX SUNS (59-19), 10 P.M. -------------------------------------------------------------

(Sports Network) - The Phoenix Suns try to close in on clinching the top seed in the Western Conference, as they welcome the Los Angeles Clippers to America West Arena.

The Suns are 1 1/2 games ahead of San Antonio for No. 1 in the conference. The Spurs, who are 58-21, are off until Saturday when they host the Memphis Grizzlies. Phoenix has four games left on its regular-season schedule, while San Antonio has three remaining.

This is the fourth and final meeting of the season between the clubs. The Suns won the three previous contests by a total margin of 45 points. A win tonight, would give Phoenix its first regular-season series sweep over the Clippers since the 1999-00 season.

The Clippers have won five of seven and six of their last nine at Phoenix.

Phoenix will attempt to win its 60th game of the season tonight. The last time the Suns reached that mark was in the 1992-93 campaign when they went 62-20 in the regular season and advanced to the NBA Finals. Phoenix lost in six games in the championship round to Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls.

The Suns have won two straight games. On Tuesday, Amare Stoudemire scored a game-high 27 points as Phoenix completed a season-series sweep of New Orleans with a 99-85 decision at America West Arena. Stoudemire added 11 rebounds for Phoenix, while fellow All-Star Shawn Marion contributed 18 points, 17 boards and six blocked shots.

Joe Johnson poured in 16 points to go along with six rebounds in Tuesday's for the Suns, who have won 11 of their last 14 games overall. Playing without the injured Quentin Richardson, Jim Jackson started and poured in 20 points and pulled down eight rebounds, while MVP candidate Steve Nash handed out 13 assists in the victory.

Richardson, who did not play against the Hornets because of an ankle injury, is questionable for tonight's contest.

Phoenix is 28-10 at home this season. It has won five of its last six at America West Arena.

The Suns play the second of a four-game homestand tonight. They will host Sacramento on Saturday and Denver on Monday. Phoenix will closeout its regular season with a road contest against the Kings on April 20th.

The Clippers will attempt to win their second straight game. Elton Brand racked up 25 points and 10 rebounds and Marko Jaric added 20 points and seven assists as the Clippers cruised to a 94-85 victory over Utah on Tuesday at the Staples Center.

Rookie Shaun Livingston recorded his first career double-double with 15 points and 10 assists against the Jazz to help the Clippers snap a two-game losing streak. Los Angeles, which played minus head coach Mike Dunleavy and leading scorer Corey Maggette, received 10 points and 10 boards as well from center Chris Kaman. Dunleavy has indefinitely left the team to attend to his ill father, while Maggette is expected to miss the remainder of the season with a torn ligament in his left wrist.

Livingston has scored in double-digits in five of his last seven games. He is averaging 12 points and 6.9 assists in that span.

Los Angeles is 9-29 on the road this season. The Clippers, who are 3-10 in Friday games, will host New Orleans on Saturday before they finish up their regular-season schedule with a pair of road games against Houston on April 18th and the Hornets on April 20th.

SACRAMENTO KINGS (48-30) AT LOS ANGELES LAKERS (34-44), 10:30 P.M. -------------------------------------------------------------------

(Sports Network) - The playoff-bound Sacramento Kings go for their fourth straight win, as they visit the disappointing Los Angeles Lakers tonight at the Staples Center.

The Kings are No. 5 in the Western Conference and hold a slim 1/2 game lead over sixth-seeded Houston. The Rockets, who are just 1/2 game ahead of No. 7 Denver, are off until Saturday when they host the Nuggets at the Toyota Center.

The Lakers will not participate in the postseason for the first time since 1994.

This is the fourth and final meeting of the season between the clubs. Sacramento defeated the Lakers on November 26th at the Staples Center and on April 10th at ARCO Arena, while the Lakers beat the Kings, 115-99, on December 16th at Sacramento.

The Kings have won two of three and three of their last five at the Lakers.

Sacramento starts a three-game road trip tonight. The Kings will also visit Phoenix and Utah on the current swing.

On Sunday, Kenny Thomas poured in a career-high 32 points and pulled down 14 rebounds to lead the Kings past the Lakers, 124-105, at ARCO Arena. Mike Bibby contributed 24 points and eight assists for Sacramento, which has won three in a row and seven of its last 10 contests overall.

Guard Cuttino Mobley collected 13 points and six assists in Sunday's win for the Kings, while forward Peja Stojakovic finished with 12 points in the victory.

Thomas has scored in double-digits in 15 of his last 17 contests. He is averaging 17 points and 9.8 rebounds in his last 10 games. The 27-year-old Thomas has registered 15 double-doubles this season.

The Kings are 19-19 as the visitor this season. After the three-game swing, Sacramento, which is 10-3 in Friday games, returns home on April 20th to closeout the regular season with a game against the Suns.

The Lakers play the middle contest of a three-game homestand. They will host the Mavericks on Sunday in the finale of the stand.

On Monday, with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, Jerry West and Pat Riley among the former Lakers looking on, the playoff-bound Suns handed Los Angeles a 108-97 loss at the Staples Center. Kobe Bryant scored 20 points to lead the Lakers, who have lost 15 of their last 17 games overall. Bryant also had 10 assists and Caron Butler finished with 14 points and 11 rebounds.

LA is 22-17 as the host this season. The Lakers will end the season with two games on the road, as they are scheduled to visit Golden State on Monday and Portland on April 20th.

PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS (25-53) AT GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS (31-48), 10:30 P.M. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------

(Sports Network) - The Golden State Warriors attempt to put the brakes on a three-game losing streak, as they host the Portland Trail Blazers tonight at The Arena in Oakland.

The Warriors will not participate in the playoffs for the 11th straight year, while Portland is going to miss the postseason for the second straight season after a string of 21 straight playoff appearances was snapped last spring.

This is the fourth and final meeting of the season between the clubs. Portland defeated Golden State on November 3rd at The Arena and on January 1st at the Rose Garden, while the Warriors beat the Blazers, 104-102 on April 6th at Portland.

Portland has won two in a row and four of its last five at Golden State.

Golden State starts a season-ending three-game homestand tonight. On Wednesday, Kevin Garnett posted a triple-double with 21 points, 15 rebounds and 11 assists as Minnesota kept its slim playoff hopes alive with a 116-100 win over the Warriors at the Target Center.

Mickael Pietrus led Golden State with 19 points in Wednesday's loss, while Troy Murphy netted 17 and Mike Dunleavy dropped in 16 for the Warriors, who have dropped three straight after a season-high eight game winning streak. Baron Davis contributed 10 points and a team-high eight assists, while Jason Richardson scored 10.

The Warriors, who will host the Lakers on Monday and Utah on Wednesday in the season finale, are 17-21 as the host this season. Golden State finished the campaign with a 14-27 record on the road.

Golden State is 6-12 in Friday games this season.

Portland comes into tonight's game on a two-game losing streak. On Thursday, Jerry Stackhouse scored 18 points to lead a balanced Dallas scoring attack as the Mavericks cruised to a 102-90 victory over the Trail Blazers at the Rose Garden.

Shareef Abdur-Rahim finished with 19 points and 10 rebounds in Thursday's loss for Portland, while Ruben Patterson recorded 18 points for the Blazers, who have lost nine of their last 10 overall. Travis Outlaw chipped in 15 points off the bench in defeat.

The Trail Blazers are 9-30 as the visitor this season. After tonight's game, Portland will return home to host Utah on Sunday, will then visit Denver on Tuesday and will welcome the Lakers on April 20th to the Rose Garden in its season finale.

NEW ORLEANS HORNETS (18-60) AT SEATTLE SUPERSONICS (50-28), 10:30 P.M. -----------------------------------------------------------------------

(Sports Network) - The slumping Seattle SuperSonics try once again to capture the Northwest Division title, as they welcome the New Orleans Hornets tonight to KeyArena.

Seattle is attempting to win its first division title since 1997-98, when it went 61-21 and won its third consecutive Pacific Division title. The Sonics have posted 50 wins for just the 10th time in franchise history and first since the 1997-98 campaign.

The Sonics, who are the third seed in the Western Conference, lead second- place Denver by three games in the Northwest Division. The Nuggets host the Memphis Grizzlies tonight. The Sonics and Nuggets both have four games remaining on their regular-season schedules.

Seattle plays the finale of a three-game homestand. Tonight's game is the SuperSonics' final home game of the season.

On Wednesday, All-Star Dirk Nowitzki hit a clutch jumper with 17.2 seconds remaining and finished with 31 points to lead the Dallas Mavericks over the SuperSonics, 95-90, at KeyArena. Nowitzki, who also had seven rebounds, shot 11-of-16 from the floor.

Ray Allen shot just 7-of-20 from the floor and had 19 points against Dallas for the struggling Sonics, who have dropped six in a row and eight of their last 10 overall. Antonio Daniels had 17 points in the loss for Seattle.

All-Star forward Rashard Lewis returned to the lineup on Wednesday for Seattle after missing eight straight games with an injured foot. Lewis finished with 12 points and four rebounds in 36 minutes of action. The Sonics were 2-6 in the stretch without Lewis.

The Sonics, who finished the 2003-04 campaign with a 21-20 record at KeyArena, are 25-15 as the host this season. After tonight's contest, Seattle will embark on a season-ending three-game road trip that consists of games against Minnesota, Dallas and Houston.

Seattle is 13-4 in Friday games this season.

New Orleans plays the third contest of a four-game road trip. The Hornets, who will visit the Clippers on Saturday, come into tonight's game on a five-game losing streak.

The Hornets fell to 0-2 on the current swing, as Carmelo Anthony scored 19 points to lead seven Denver scorers in double figures as the Nuggets cruised to a 116-102 victory over New Orleans at the Pepsi Center.

Rookie J.R. Smith scored 25 points and Bostjan Nachbar added 19 in the loss to Denver for the Hornets, who have dropped six of their last seven games overall. Jackson Vroman posted 16 points and 10 rebounds and Maciej Lampe added 14 points and grabbed a career-high eight boards in defeat.

Smith has scored in double-digits in four straight games. He is averaging 19.3 points, three rebounds and two assists in that span.

New Orleans is a brutal 7-32 on the road this season. The Hornets will close out their season with a pair of home games, as they will host Minnesota on April 18th and the Clippers on April 20th.

This is the third and final meeting of the season between the clubs. Seattle defeated the Hornets 108-91 on February 8th and 103-85 on February 23rd.