2008-09 NBA Betting Trends: Bad Bets
Written January 22, 2009 by Jack Jones
With the online NBA betting season reaching the halfway point, we figured it would be a good time to look at which teams are struggling to cash in for their backers against the spread. Not only should you avoid playing these teams, but look to fade them! Let’s see if by picking out a few of the worst teams against the spread this year we can’t help you beat the NBA lines a few more times to close out the season. Remember though that if you need any help or don’t have the time to put into your handicapping you can always sign up for the NBA picks offered by our handicappers.
Phoenix Suns (13-23 ATS)
The Suns really haven’t done that bad this year under first year head coach Terry Porter, but at 23-16 straight up they haven’t been as dominant as in year’s past either. With expectations high for this Phoenix team that has been regarded as one of the best in the league over the past couple of years, it’s easy to see why a mediocre record has made them the worst team against the spread over the first half of the NBA season. After losing five straight at the pay window, this is a team on a real slide. You have to wonder about some of the decisions made by management over the past year, from trading for the aging Shaquille O’Neal to firing Mike D’Antoni. I’d suggest that you look at fading the Suns down the later part of the year as I don’t see any real improvements on the horizon.
Memphis Grizzlies (15-24 ATS)
If the Grizzlies are taking to the road then you might have a golden opportunity to take whoever they are playing. This team is just 5-15 ATS away from Tennessee. No other team has been slumping quite as bad as Memphis has recently either, with six straight losses against the spread and a 3-10 ATS record over their last 13. This team is average on defense, but their offense borders on putrid. It will be interesting to see if this team can make any improvements down the stretch, but I’m having a tough time picturing it.
Detroit Pistons (17-23 ATS)
I was going to go with Washington as the third team here, but at 8-32 straight up it’s not wonder the Wizards are 16-24 ATS. The Pistons however are 23-17 so at least more interesting to look at, and don’t have injuries and a fired head coach to blame for their struggles. Over the last six games Detroit has gone 1-5 ATS with an average score of 91-86. The Pistons have really struggled on their home floor, going 6-13 ATS in Detroit. This will provide you with a nice nugget to use if you are leaning a play on the visiting team down the stretch.
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If you liked this article, you may also be interested in:
- 2008 NFL Betting Trends
- 2008-09 NBA Betting Trends: OVERS
- December 2008 – NBA Betting News & Notes
- Top 5 NBA Disappointments of 2008-09 Season
- 2009 Final Four Betting Trends
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