NBA Trends Feb 13,2006

Throw away those scouting reports on the Utah Jazz. Carlos Boozer, who last wore a Jazz uniform on Feb. 14, 2005, saw limited action over the weekend.

Boozer's return to the lineup could completely change the course of Utah's season. A healthy Boozer significantly boosts the Jazz' inside game, something that has been missing, especially over the last month.

Utah had failed to score 30 points in the paint four times in its last six games prior to Friday, going 1-3. That's been a season-long trend, as the Jazz are 3-9 when they fail to collect 30 points in the paint.

With or without Boozer, Utah always gives the Los Angeles Lakers a tough time. The Western Conference rivals conclude their season series Monday at the Staples Center.
The Jazz have won six of their last nine versus the Lakers - including two of three this season – and have cashed eight of nine. Utah upset Los Angeles in its first visit of the season as three-point dogs, 98-94, cashing for the fifth straight time on the road.

Six of the last seven series shootouts have been on the high side, while the teams have eclipsed the total in the last three meetings in Los Angeles.

Trends and angles for the remainder of the Monday menu appear below.

SPURS at CAVS
Cleveland was humbled by 26-points at San Antonio in the initial clash this season. The Cavaliers bounced back at home last year after a 19-point drubbing in Texas to lose by only two. The Spurs have won six of the last seven series encounters, dropping two of three spread decisions at Quicken Loans Arena.

BLAZERS at CATS
Portland trounced Charlotte as 9 1/2-point home favorites last season, 101-89, and escaped with a narrow win as five-point road favorites in the rematch, 80-77. Both meetings slipped below the closing total.

WIZARDS at HORNETS
Washington has lost five straight road meetings against New Orleans with four of the setbacks coming by nine points or more. The Hornets will be looking to avenge a loss at the MCI Center in the initial clash this season as 4 1/2-point dogs, 110-99. Gilbert Arenas scored 33 points on that occasion. Washington will be playing just its second road game since the first of February. The Wizards have come up short in four of their last six as road underdogs. Seven of the last 10 series tussles and four of five on the Hornets' court have zipped 'over'.

RAPTORS at T-WOLVES
Toronto swept two-games from Minnesota last season, winning at the Target Center as 8 1/2-point dogs, 100-91, and holding serve as seven-point home pups, 96-90. Four of the last five showdowns have been on the low side.

KNICKS at MAVS
Dallas isn't apt to take New York lightly after dropping the first meeting this season at The Garden, 117-115. The Mavericks have cashed five of seven versus the Knicks, though they failed to get the green at home last season as nine-point favorites while winning, 103-101. Dallas has won nine straight at home and cashed six of its last seven as home favorites. Four of five series challenges have bounced 'over'.

GRIZZLIES at WARRIORS
Memphis has won nine of 12 versus Golden State, including four of six on the road. The Grizzlies will be playing the finale of a seven-game trip. The Warriors head home after playing their last three on the highway. Golden State has won three of its last four in Oakland, though it is just 1-4 against the spread as home underdogs. Memphis prevailed as 5 1/2-point home favorites in the first clash of the season, 104-94. The teams have topped the total in the last four series battles.

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