 NBA Info for Tuesday
Cleveland opens a crucial five-game trip that could determine its playoff fate Tuesday at Indiana. The Cavaliers had taken aim at Detroit for the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference following their eight-game winning streak. But they have lost three of four since and now have Chicago in the rearview mirror. The Bulls are just 1 1/2-games behind Cleveland for the second seed.
The Pacers have dropped 14 of their last 16 games. They're currently a 1/2-game behind Orlando for the eight seed in the playoff chase.
The Cavaliers had an easy time against Indiana in two meetings at Quicken Loans Arena, winning by 32 and 11 points respectively. However, they have struggled at Conseco Fieldhouse, losing six of their past seven and failing to get the money in four of their last five chances. Indiana held serve in the first meeting with Cleveland as 2 1/2-point home favorites, 97-87.
Jermaine O'Neal, who scored a season-high 39 points against Chicago on Sunday in a game the Pacers lost, 92-90, didn't play the last time the teams met on March 11. Indiana has won two of its last three at Conseco Fieldhouse after dropping its previous four.
The 'under' is 7-2 in the last nine series battles, with three of four at Indiana staying on the low side. The Pacers have strayed below the limit in 10 of their last 14 outings, including their last four.
Trends and angles for Tuesday's menu involving teams still in playoff contention appear below.
MAVS at HORNETS
Dallas looks to complete a perfect six-game trip when they face New Orleans. The Mavericks have hardly broken a sweat against the Hornets this season, winning the first three encounters by 12, 19 and 11 points respectively. They got the money in their first visit as 7-point favorites, 90-79. Dallas has cashed four straight overall and posted a 4-1-1 ATS mark on the road against New Orleans. The Hornets have bounced back to win four of their last six following a six-game nosedive. They have also 'covered' six of their last nine. Eight of the last 10 series showdowns have been on the low side. However, New Orleans has zipped 'over' in 18 of its last 23 games and in six straight at home. Dallas has taken the high road in six of its last eight appearances.
GRIZZLIES at LAKERS
Memphis staggers into the Staples Center to play its third road game in four nights. The Los Angeles Lakers are looking to extend their season-best five-game winning streak. The Lakers edged the Grizzlies as 5 1/2-point road favorites just five days ago, 121-119. Memphis had 'covered' four straight road meetings against Los Angeles before falling short in its first visit as 9-point dogs, 91-81. The Grizzlies have cashed nine of 11 versus the Lakers. They have dropped 10 of their past 12 on the road but cashed at a 5-0-2 clip in their last seven outings. Los Angeles is 1-7-1 ATS at home of late and 1-8-1 ATS in its last 10 tests overall. Four of the past five shootouts have been on the high side. The Lakers have eclipsed the total in their last five games and Memphis has zipped over the total in its last eight games.
Raji | 
Linear Mode
