NBA Basketball Betting: Worst Teams Against the Spread: Dec. 17, 2008

Below is a list of NBA basketball’s worst teams to bet on against the spread (updated Dec. 17, 2008) according to Alex Smart, a professional basketball handicapper featured on Touthouse.com.

If you are betting on the NBA this season be sure to check out Alex Smart’s NBA betting analysis each day at Touthouse.com.

1) Miami Heat (12-12) (8-15-1 ATS) (2-8 ATS -$680)

The Heat may be .500 straight up, but NBA handicappers that made on-line wagers backing them have been pummeled, especially of late. Miami is mired in a cold streak both straight up and against the sports betting line, losing its past three games after winning four in a row.

Miami was blown out in all three of its games last week, and to make matters worse, they were against teams it needs to beat in order to qualify for the post-season. Atlanta, Memphis, and Milwaukee all won by at least 14 points in the past week, and the Heat went off as betting line favorites in each contest.

Dwyane Wade has played at an MVP level thus far, averaging 28 points and 7.2 assists per game, but this is still an inconsistent offensive team that needs to give its superstar help if it wants to improve. Miami currently ranks 20th in the NBA in points per game.

2) Philadelphia 76ers (10-14) (9-15 ATS) (3-7 ATS -$470)

Maybe the firing of head coach Maurice Cheeks will turn around Philadelphia’s fortunes. The team won and covered its first game without Cheeks by beating the lowly Washington Wizards at home by 15. Elton Brand played perhaps his best game in a 76ers uniform scoring 27 points.

The 'Sixers will need more of that from him if they want to get back into the playoff race. They have winnable games coming up against Milwaukee, Washington, and Indiana before hitting the road, which is thought to be a reason why Philadelphia management made the coaching change when it did.

As strange as it sounds, these next three games could make or break the season.

3) Toronto Raptors (10-14) (9-15 ATS) (3-7 ATS -$470)

The Raptors have been just as disappointing as the 'Sixers this season, a feat that’s hard to accomplish. And to make matters worse, they’re about to hit the road for a long, difficult stretch, meaning Toronto bettors might be in for more heartache.

Oddly enough, Toronto features at least one lock for the All-Star team in Chris Bosh, and could have another in Jose Calderon. Both have been fantastic this season but have received little help from their supporting cast.

As with every other team on this list, a lack of consistency has plagued the Raptors, something that doesn’t figure to change any time soon.

4) Dallas Mavericks (13-10) (9-14 ATS) (3-7 ATS -$470)

The only team on this list sporting a winning record straight up, the Mavericks are still having trouble covering the betting line. Dallas is 3-2 in its past five games, but a pathetic 0-5 ATS. The Mavs were the favorites in four of the five games, including 13-point favorites in two of them.

Don’t blame Dirk Nowitzki, though; the German star is averaging over 26 points and nine rebounds per contest. Four of the Mavericks’ next five games are on the road, but four of them come against teams with losing records making them viable betting options if the NBA lines call for it.

5) Minnesota Timberwolves (4-20) (9-15 ATS) (3-7 ATS -$470)

Another team that was forced to make a coaching change due to poor play, the Timberwolves might have the least hope of any of them. Minnesota is in the midst of a 10-game losing skid and hasn’t been much better ATS. And with games against Cleveland, Houston, San Antonio, and Orlando on tap, now might not be the time to start backing them.