The Bum's NBA January Trends/News/ Stats/ All You Need To Know !

[StarDust Bum]

NBA > (719) PHOENIX@ (720) MINNESOTA | 01/07/2015 - 09:35 PM
Play AGAINST MINNESOTA using the money line in a home game where the total is greater than or equal to 210
The record is 9 Wins and 15 Losses for the last three seasons (-28.2 units)

NBA > (715) DETROIT@ (716) DALLAS | 01/07/2015 - 08:35 PM
Play AGAINST DETROIT using the money line against Southwest division opponents
The record is 2 Wins and 20 Losses for the last three seasons (-20.1 units)

NBA > (713) UTAH@ (714) CHICAGO | 01/07/2015 - 08:05 PM
Play UNDER UTAH on the total when playing against a team with a winning record
The record is 110 Overs and 287 Unders for the since 1992 (+166 units)

NBA > (709) BOSTON@ (710) BROOKLYN | 01/07/2015 - 07:35 PM
Play AGAINST BOSTON using the money line in January games
The record is 2 Wins and 18 Losses for the last two seasons (-17.75 units)

NBA > (707) NEW YORK@ (708) WASHINGTON | 01/07/2015 - 07:05 PM
Play AGAINST NEW YORK using the money line after 3 or more consecutive losses
The record is 2 Wins and 19 Losses for the this season (-18.3 units)

NBA > (717) ORLANDO@ (718) DENVER | 01/07/2015 - 09:05 PM
Play ON DENVER using the money line after scoring 105 points or more
The record is 41 Wins and 5 Losses for the last three seasons (+30.95 units)

NBA > (723) INDIANA@ (724) GOLDEN STATE | 01/07/2015 - 10:35 PM
Play ON GOLDEN STATE using the money line after 3 or more consecutive wins
The record is 14 Wins and 2 Losses for the this season (+12 units)

NBA > (713) UTAH@ (714) CHICAGO | 01/07/2015 - 08:05 PM
Play ON CHICAGO using the money line after a non-conference game
The record is 29 Wins and 12 Losses for the last two seasons (+23 units)

NBA > (721) OKLAHOMA CITY@ (722) SACRAMENTO | 01/07/2015 - 10:05 PM
Play AGAINST SACRAMENTO in the first half after a non-conference game
The record is 8 Wins and 29 Losses for the last two seasons (-23.9 units)

NBA > (711) MEMPHIS@ (712) ATLANTA | 01/07/2015 - 07:35 PM
Play UNDER ATLANTA on the total against Southwest division opponents
The record is 1 Overs and 13 Unders for the last two seasons (+11.9 units)

NBA > (707) NEW YORK@ (708) WASHINGTON | 01/07/2015 - 07:05 PM
Play AGAINST NEW YORK in the first half after scoring 85 points or less
The record is 2 Wins and 15 Losses for the last two seasons (-14.5 units)

NBA > (703) NEW ORLEANS@ (704) CHARLOTTE | 01/07/2015 - 07:05 PM
Play OVER NEW ORLEANS on the total when playing against a team with a losing record
The record is 56 Overs and 22 Unders for the last three seasons (+31.8 units)

NBA > (719) PHOENIX@ (720) MINNESOTA | 01/07/2015 - 09:35 PM
Play OVER PHOENIX on the total when the total is greater than or equal to 210
The record is 13 Overs and 2 Unders for the this season (+10.8 units)

NBA > (717) ORLANDO@ (718) DENVER | 01/07/2015 - 09:05 PM
Play AGAINST ORLANDO using the against the spread in January games
The record is 0 Wins and 10 Losses for the last two seasons (-11 units)

NBA > (719) PHOENIX@ (720) MINNESOTA | 01/07/2015 - 09:35 PM
Play ON PHOENIX using the against the spread versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game
The record is 27 Wins and 9 Losses for the last two seasons (+17.1 units)

NBA > (707) NEW YORK@ (708) WASHINGTON | 01/07/2015 - 07:05 PM
Play OVER NEW YORK on the total against Southeast division opponents
The record is 17 Overs and 3 Unders for the last three seasons (+13.7 units)

NBA > (717) ORLANDO@ (718) DENVER | 01/07/2015 - 09:05 PM
Play UNDER ORLANDO on the total versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game
The record is 8 Overs and 25 Unders for the last two seasons (+16.2 units)

NBA > (711) MEMPHIS@ (712) ATLANTA | 01/07/2015 - 07:35 PM
Play ON ATLANTA using the against the spread when playing against a team with a winning record
The record is 12 Wins and 2 Losses for the this season (+9.8 units)

NBA > (705) MILWAUKEE@ (706) PHILADELPHIA | 01/07/2015 - 07:05 PM
Play ON MILWAUKEE using the against the spread in all games
The record is 24 Wins and 10 Losses for the this season (+13 units)

NBA > (713) UTAH@ (714) CHICAGO | 01/07/2015 - 08:05 PM
Play ON UTAH using the against the spread after allowing 105 points or more
The record is 13 Wins and 2 Losses for the last two seasons (+10.8 units)

NBA > (723) INDIANA@ (724) GOLDEN STATE | 01/07/2015 - 10:35 PM
Play ON GOLDEN STATE in the first half after scoring 105 points or more
The record is 15 Wins and 4 Losses for the this season (+10.6 units)

NBA > (725) LA LAKERS@ (726) LA CLIPPERS | 01/07/2015 - 10:35 PM
Play AGAINST LA CLIPPERS in the first half when the first half total >= 105.5
The record is 1 Wins and 10 Losses for the this season (-10 units)

NBA > (705) MILWAUKEE @ (706) PHILADELPHIA | 01/07/2015 - 07:05 PM
Line: PHILADELPHIA 6.5 ******* PowerLine: PHILADELPHIA 10
Edge On: PHILADELPHIA (3.5)

NBA > (703) NEW ORLEANS @ (704) CHARLOTTE | 01/07/2015 - 07:05 PM
Line: CHARLOTTE 4 ******* PowerLine: CHARLOTTE 2
Edge On: CHARLOTTE (2)

NBA > (715) DETROIT @ (716) DALLAS | 01/07/2015 - 08:35 PM
Line: DALLAS -9 ******* PowerLine: DALLAS -11
Edge On: DALLAS (2)

NBA > (719) PHOENIX @ (720) MINNESOTA | 01/07/2015 - 09:35 PM
Line: MINNESOTA 8.5 ******* PowerLine: MINNESOTA 12
Edge On: MINNESOTA (3.5)

NBA > (721) OKLAHOMA CITY @ (722) SACRAMENTO | 01/07/2015 - 10:05 PM
Line: SACRAMENTO 7.5 ******* PowerLine: SACRAMENTO 7
Edge On: SACRAMENTO (0.5)

NBA > (725) LA LAKERS @ (726) LA CLIPPERS | 01/07/2015 - 10:35 PM
Line: LA CLIPPERS -10.5 ******* PowerLine: LA CLIPPERS -9
Edge On: LA CLIPPERS (1.5)

NBA > (723) INDIANA @ (724) GOLDEN STATE | 01/07/2015 - 10:35 PM
Line: GOLDEN STATE -11.5 ******* PowerLine: GOLDEN STATE -12
Edge On: GOLDEN STATE (0.5)

[StarDust Bum]

Armadillo: Thursday's six-pack

-- Kansas 56, Baylor 55-- Bears missed a layup, butchered an inbounds play in last 0:12; tough loss for Baylor.

-- Pistons 108, Mavericks 95-- Detroit is now 7-0 since cutting Josh Smith.

-- Ball State 60, Eastern Michigan 59 OT-- Cardinals were 13-point underdogs.

-- DePaul 70, Creighton 60-- Blue Demons are now 3-0 in the Big East.

-- Loyola 71, Evansville 70-- Ramblers scored winning hoop with 0:00.1 left, are now 12-3 and a pleasant surprise in the MVC.

-- Minnesota 104, Oklahoma City 83-- Wolves snap 12-game losing streak.

**********

Armadillo: Wednesday's List of 13: Doing some thinking out loud............

13) In last seven years, #1 seed in the NFC is 4-3 SU in this round; #1 seed in AFC is 3-3 in this round. So much for the bye being a big advantage.

12) College basketball ref Kip Kissinger did the Iowa State-South Carolina game in Brooklyn Saturday, the UNLV-Kansas game Sunday in Lawrence, and New Mexico-San Diego State game Tuesday night. Lot of frequent flyer miles there.

11) Speaking of the Aztecs, they've now won their last 131 games when they led with 5:00 to play. Thats a tremendous streak and very sound coaching.

10) If I had a Hall of Fame vote this year, I would've voted for Tim Raines and Mike Piazza, in addition to the four guys who made it.

9) Four of the five kids on the Atlantic 14's pre-season All-League team are sophs, which says a lot for that league's future. Davidson-VCU game Wednesday was a terrific game between two teams with very different philosophies.

8) Herm Edwards/Bill Polian do good work during the day on ESPN; can learn a lot about the inner workings of how the NFL works. Job interviews, what front office people look for in players, good information.

7) Denver Nuggets are doing away with game-day shootarounds, hoping that if players have more uninterrupted sleep, they'll play better. They hired a sleep expert whose opinion it was that mid-day shootarounds were a hinderence more than a help.

6) Over the last six years, ACC football teams are 22-30 in bowls, not exactly what the league's honchos had in mind when they added Miami and Florida State.

5) Knicks-Bucks are playing a game in London a week from today; we've sent the Jaguars and Knicks to England in the same year. I'm sure the British are grateful.

4) Former Boston College/NC State football coach Tom O'Brien retired; he is the missing link in Russell Wilson's life story, the NC State coach who cut Wilson loose before his senior year, so he was free to transfer to Wisconsin. How did this happen ands why doesn't anyone talk about it?

I mean, a 3-year starting QB transfers before his senior year, doesn't have to sit out a year and the program he left doesn't seem to care?. Wilson played a lot of minor league baseball in summers when he was in college- he was a second baseman in the Colorado organization. You hear so much now about what a great teammate Wilson is, then why did NC State just let him leave town?

3) Should DH's be elected to the Hall of Fame? I mean, David Ortiz might not even own a glove. 68% of the games Edgar Martinez played in were as a DH.

2) Its freakin' freezing today in upstate New York, so the idea that the first spring training baseball game is March 3, Orioles-Tigers in Lakeland, only 54 cold days away, well thats a good thought. My tentative plan is to hit spring training in Arizona next March and see my A's get ready for the 2016 season. Haven't done that before.

1) If I interviewed Jameis Winston at the NFL Combine, my first question would be this: Are you 100% committed to football? Have you given up on baseball? Being an NFL QB is a 24/7 job; its hard enough when you're totally committed. His answers would be very interesting.

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Long Sheet

Thursday, January 8

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CHARLOTTE (13 - 24) at TORONTO (24 - 10) - 1/8/2015, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CHARLOTTE is 19-33 ATS (-17.3 Units) when playing on back-to-back days over the last 3 seasons.
TORONTO is 67-53 ATS (+8.7 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 39-21 ATS (+15.9 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHARLOTTE is 4-3 against the spread versus TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
CHARLOTTE is 5-2 straight up against TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
4 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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HOUSTON (24 - 11) at NEW YORK (5 - 33) - 1/8/2015, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 26-13 ATS (+11.7 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 280-220 ATS (+38.0 Units) in non-conference games since 1996.
NEW YORK is 13-24 ATS (-13.4 Units) in all games this season.
NEW YORK is 30-46 ATS (-20.6 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
NEW YORK is 4-14 ATS (-11.4 Units) in home games this season.
NEW YORK is 1-10 ATS (-10.0 Units) in home games revenging a loss vs opponent this season.
NEW YORK is 1-11 ATS (-11.1 Units) in home games after a loss by 10 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
NEW YORK is 7-15 ATS (-9.5 Units) after 3 or more consecutive losses this season.
NEW YORK is 28-41 ATS (-17.1 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
HOUSTON is 3-2 against the spread versus NEW YORK over the last 3 seasons
HOUSTON is 5-0 straight up against NEW YORK over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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MIAMI (15 - 20) at PORTLAND (27 - 8) - 1/8/2015, 10:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MIAMI is 0-7 ATS (-7.7 Units) off an upset win as an underdog this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
PORTLAND is 2-2 against the spread versus MIAMI over the last 3 seasons
MIAMI is 3-1 straight up against PORTLAND over the last 3 seasons
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up

Thursday, January 8

Hot Teams
-- Charlotte won last two games, covered last three (7-5-2 AU).
-- Portland won five of last six games (0-3 last three HF-- 10-7).

Cold Teams
-- Toronto lost its last three games (2-5 last seven HF).
-- Houston is 1-4 vs spread in game after last nine wins (4-4 AF). Knicks lost last 13 games, and 23 of last 24 (3-9 HU).
-- Miami lost four of last five games (5-8 AU).

Series Records
-- Hornets won their last four games with Toronto.
-- Knicks lost their last ten games with Houston.
-- Heat won four of last five games with Portland, winning two games LY by total of three points.

Totals
-- Five of last seven Charlotte road games went over.
-- Five of last six New York home games stayed under.
-- Nine of last twelve Portland home games stayed under.

Back-to-Backs
-- Charlotte is 3-2 vs spread on road if it played night before.
-- Rockets are 6-3 if they played night before; New York is 4-4-1, with all nine of those coming on the road.

East vs West
SU: West 114-68 ATS: West 98-83-1
East teams HF vs West: 24-25
East teams HU vs West: 16-27
West teams HF vs East: 39-38-1
West teams HU vs East: 7-5




NBA


Thursday, January 8

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Trend Report
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7:30 PM
CHARLOTTE vs. TORONTO
Charlotte is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Toronto
The total has gone UNDER in 12 of Charlotte's last 17 games when playing on the road against Toronto
Toronto is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games
Toronto is 2-9 ATS in its last 11 games when playing at home against Charlotte

8:00 PM
HOUSTON vs. NEW YORK
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Houston's last 8 games when playing New York
Houston is 12-5 SU in its last 17 games on the road
New York is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Houston
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of New York's last 6 games at home

10:30 PM
MIAMI vs. PORTLAND
Miami is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Portland
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Miami's last 9 games when playing Portland
Portland is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Miami
Portland is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games


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NBA

Thursday, January 8


Knicks' F Carmelo Anthony, out indefinitely

Anthony is dealing with a sore left knee and it is unclear when he will return.


Blazers' G Wesley Matthews, questionable Thursday

Matthews is questionable to play Thursday against the Heat due to a knee injury.


Pistons extend Smith-less win streak to seven

The Detroit Pistons upset the Dallas Mavericks 108-95 as 9-point road dogs Wednesday night and are now 7-0 straight up and against the spread since releasing Josh Smith.

Before cutting Smith the Pistons were just 5-23 SU and the were the Associations worst bet at 8-20 ATS, but have improved to 15-20 ATS and 12-23 SU, just three games out of a playoff spot in the East.

Next up the Pistons face the NBA other hot team the Atlanta Hawks this Friday, who have won 20 of 22 and are 18-4 ATS in that stretch.


Sizziling Hawks' streak continues, now NBA's best bet

The Atlanta Hawks are absolutely on fire, dumping the Memphis Grizzlies 96-88 Wednesday night for their 20th win in their last 22 games, while going 18-4 against the spread during that span and becoming the NBA's best bet.

Wednesday night's win was their sixth in a row, covering the spread in all six, and they have improved the record against the spread to 24-11, tops in the NBA.

The Hawks face another hot team when they host the Detroit Pistons Friday. The Pistons are in the midst of a seven game win streak, covering in each game.


Cavs stuggles on the court and the window continues

The Cleveland Cavaliers continue to struggle on the court losing 105-93 to the Houston Rockets and it has meant they have been struggling at the betting window as well.

Last night's loss was the Cavs' third in a row straight up and against the spread, and are 2-7 SU/ATS in their last nine games. That leaves them at 13-23 ATS on the season, just ahead of the league worst New York Knicks.


Bucks go under another total

The Milwaukee Bucks are not only one of the NBA's best spread bets, they are also on one of the hottest under runs in the NBA this season.

With their 97-77 win over the Philadelphia 76ers Wednesday night, the Bucks went under the total for the eighth consecutive game and for the ninth time in the last 10 games.

The Bucks host Minnesota Friday. The Timberwolves are 19-14-1 over/under this season.

NBA
Short Sheet

Thursday, January 8

Charlotte at Toronto, 7:35 ET
Charlotte: 62-86 ATS after playing a game as an underdog
Toronto: 20-6 ATS off a road loss

Houston at New York, 8:05 ET
Houston: 28-12 OVER when playing 8 or more games in 14 days
New York: 1-11 ATS in home games after a loss by 10 points or more

Miami at Portland, 10:35 ET
Miami: 0-7 ATS off an upset win as an underdog
Portland: 21-9 OVER after a win by 6 points or less

[StarDust Bum]

Post-trade Cavs vs. East

January 6, 2015

If you have faith that LeBron James can get back to health and lead Cleveland to its first pro championship since 1964, you would think hopping in just after a loss to woeful Philadelphia would probably yield the best odds you're likely to get.

Think again.

Bovada.lv has "dropped" the Cavs to 5-to-1 from the 13-to-4 they opened December at, while Sportsbook.ag is only paying out +400 (4-to-1) if you want to take the plunge with the King's crusade.

Since James decided to rest his bumps and bruises for what was initially billed as a two-week hiatus but could end up being less after he's re-evaluated Wednesday, the Cavaliers have gone 1-4 without him. Kyrie Irving joined him on the inactive list on Monday, leading to the 76ers finally winning a home game for the first time in 15 tries this season. Fortunately for Cleveland, additional help is on the horizon.

The fact they've been toiling in the cesspool known as the New York Knicks makes it easy to dismiss the acquisitions of Iman Shumpert and J.R. Smith, but both should provide a significant upgrade over the guys whose spots they'll be taking.

Dion Waiters, hoping a fresh start in Oklahoma City can restore his fading reputation, was too often hit-or-miss for the Cavs. Although the organization will likely be paying for Smith this season and next, the Cavs are getting a guard that has played in 51 career playoff games. Waiters has played in zero.

"Trades like this are always difficult to make because there are relationships and bonds built and that was the case with Dion,” Cavaliers general manager David Griffin said. "At the same time, we’re very excited to welcome Iman and J.R. to Cleveland. With their size and versatility, we think both Iman and J.R. can help our team on both ends of the court and we look forward to them joining us.”

Smith is certainly a knucklehead, but actually has proven to be a willing defender in the postseason and has the size and strength to make life difficult for opposing wings. Playing alongside James and Irving should help boost his career postseason shooting clip of .387 and get him open looks from the perimter to rally from a horrid stretch that has seen him shoot 23-for-94 from 3-point range in his playoff appearances with the Knicks.

Shumpert should eventually replace second-year guard Matthew Dellavedova in the starting lineup and instantly becomes the best on-ball defender the Cavs have on board. His presence will allow Irving to defend the weaker opposing guard on a nightly basis, and since he's used to playing without the ball, should make him a nice fit in a lineup where almost everyone else needs the ball. He's ranked among the NBA’s Top 20 in steals-to-turnover ratio in two of his three pro seasons (15th with 0.91 in 2011-12; fifth with 1.16 in 2013-14) and is capable of guarding both backcourt slots as well as some small forwards.

Although Cleveland's biggest weakness, a lack of rim protection, wasn't addressed in dealing Waiters, there is hope that Samuel Dalembert can clear waivers, making him an obvious candidate to come aboard via the veteran's minimum. The Cavaliers have also been linked to trying to pry Timofey Mozgov out of Denver or Robert Sacre from the Lakers, moves that would almost certainly improve the team and get them back closer to 2-to-1 or 3-to-1, figures that were available around the start of the regular season.

I've written since preseason that the Bulls should be favored to win the Eastern Conference and recommended getting in on them to win the East back then, so hopefully you got in on them, but for those who haven't been swayed from riding with the Cavs, expect these to be the best odds you're going to get. After all, if books aren't budging after watching David Blatt fumble away a game against the 76ers, it's unlikely those odds are going to get any better with James on the mend.

Incidentally, the Bulls went from 17-to-2 to 11-to-2 to Bovada.lv and are resting at +600 at Sportsbook.ag, so the odds are still more lucrative than Cleveland's if you decide to pull the trigger.

Derrick Rose looks less brittle these days, rookie Nikola Mirotic has emerged as a key contributor and x-factor Jimmy Butler is now drawing comparisons to Paul George as opposed to question marks about when he was finally going to come out of his shell.

Sportsbook.ag has the Cavs and Bulls at an identical +180 to win the Eastern Conference, but have moved the surging Hawks to +500, just ahead of Atlantic Division-leading Toronto (+650). Bovada.lv has took notice of Atlanta's steady rise and moved them to 25-to-1 to win an NBA title from 75-to-1, the biggest jump any team made in December.

Unless the Cavs make a run and catch a Bulls squad that they trail by six games entering action on January 7, odds appear pretty good that they'll be slotted in the 4-5 pairing, something to think about when considering this future. Suddenly, the top of the East doesn't look so soft, but the addition of Smith and Shumpert should produce improvement, especially when James and Irving return to health.

Be it Chicago, Cleveland, Atlanta or Toronto, get in while the getting is good, because odds are all four will see diminishing returns if they're able to separate from the rest of the East as the All-Star break approaches.

[StarDust Bum]

Thursday's Tip Sheet

January 8, 2015

Hornets at Raptors – 7:35 PM EST

Charlotte has suddenly won three straight games, but still owns a 13-24 record as the Hornets head north of the border tonight with no rest. The Hornets rallied past the Pelicans last night, erasing a 13-point deficit in a 98-94 victory as five-point underdogs to keep their hot streak going. Kemba Walker’s three-point play in the final seconds capped the comeback, as the Hornets’ guard scored a team-high 31 points.

The Hornets have allowed 95 points or less in five straight games, but have cashed the ‘over’ in each of the past three contests. Steve Clifford’s team continues to play without big man Al Jefferson, who is sidelined with a groin injury (3-2 SU/ATS the past five games), while Lance Stephenson continues to sit with a pelvic injury. Charlotte has responded well on the highway recently, covering six of its past eight on the road, although three of those outright victories came against below .500 teams (Philadelphia, Boston, and Orlando).

Toronto returns home after stumbling at the end of a lengthy seven-game road trip. The Raptors began 2-1, which included victories over the Nuggets and Clippers, but tired legs and solid competition resulted in three consecutive losses to the Blazers, Warriors, and Suns. Dwane Casey’s club fell in overtime at Portland, but was blown out at Golden State and Phoenix, while allowing 70 first half points in Sunday’s rout by the Suns.

DeMar DeRozan will return soon for the Raptors, but the standout guard remains out after missing the last 18 games with a groin injury (11-7 SU and 9-9 ATS). The Raptors have won five straight games at the Air Canada Center, but all five opponents sit below .500 (Knicks, Nets, Magic, Pacers, and Nuggets), while Toronto has put together a 3-5 ATS record in the past eight home contests.

Rockets at Knicks – 8:05 PM EST

The losses continue to pile up for the team residing in the country’s largest media market, as New York is currently riding a 13-game losing skid and has won just once in the past 24 contests. Breaking that down from a purely scientific method, Derek Fisher’s team has won a single game since Thanksgiving (even the Oakland Raiders have won more in that span). Carmelo Anthony is hurt, J.R. Smith and Iman Shumpert have been traded, and this team is barely competing on a nightly basis.

However, the Knicks did grab a cover last night as 14 ½-point underdogs at Washington in a 101-91 defeat, snapping a five-game ATS skid. Jose Calderon led the Knicks with 17 points, but New York has scored 91 points or less in six straight games, while Anthony has sat the past four contests with a lingering knee injury. More inspiring news for the Knicks, who have lost 10 straight games at Madison Square Garden, while going ‘under’ the total nine times in that span.

The Rockets held their first team to below 100 points on the road in 11 tries in Wednesday’s 105-93 victory at Cleveland. Houston covered as six-point favorites as LeBron James sat out once again for the Cavs, while the Rockets blew the game open by outscoring Cleveland in the fourth quarter, 32-19. James Harden led the Rockets with 21 points in spite of 6-of-18 shooting from the floor, while Josh Smith provided a boost off the bench with a surprisingly efficient 7-of-10 shooting performance for 17 points.

Houston has performed well with no rest this season, posting a 6-3 SU/ATS record, which includes a 4-1 SU/ATS mark on the road. However, Kevin McHale’s club is just 1-3 SU/ATS as a double-digit favorite, but the Rockets have won four of five games on the road against Eastern Conference foes this season. The Rockets go for the season sweep of the Knicks tonight after holding off New York at the Toyota Center, 91-86 in late November, but Houston failed to cover as six-point favorites.

Heat at Blazers – 10:35 PM EST

Miami embarks on a five-game West Coast swing tonight, looking to improve on a 15-20 record. The Heat has fared better away from South Florida this season with an 8-8 road mark, but Erik Spoelstra’s team will have their hands full with visits to the Clippers and Warriors on this trip. First stop is the city where the Heat coach played high school and college basketball in Portland, as Miami tries to build off an 88-84 victory on Sunday over Brooklyn to snap a four-game skid. Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh combined to score 51 points, as the Heat beat the Nets for the third time this season.

The Heat began the season with some promise at 5-2, but have won just 10 of their past 28 games. Miami’s road record took a dip recently with double-digit defeats at Indiana and Houston, but the Heat has hung with Western Competition on the highway this season, posting a 3-3 record. Out of those three wins on the road, the Heat has knocked off the Mavericks and Suns, but Miami hasn’t eclipsed the 100-point mark in nine of the past 11 away contests.

The Blazers continue a seven-game homestand, as Portland has captured four of the first five contests. The last win didn’t come easy, as the Blazers edged the Lakers without Kobe Bryant, 98-94 as 12 ½-point favorites. Portland shot just 39% from the floor, but Damian Lillard put up 39 points in the victory, overcoming a 4-of-18 combined shooting performance from Wesley Matthews and Nicolas Batum.

Terry Stotts’ squad has taken care of business at home against Eastern Conference foes, winning nine of 10 times, while suffering its first loss to a team from the East in last Saturday’s 115-107 setback to red-hot Atlanta. The last two meetings at the Moda Center between the Heat and Blazers have been decided by a combined three points, including a 108-107 triumph by Miami last December as seven-point ‘dogs.

[StarDust Bum]

Friday's Tip Sheet

January 8, 2015

Hawks at Pistons – 7:35 PM EST

Two of the hottest teams in the Eastern Conference meet at the Palace of Auburn Hills trying to maintain lengthy winning streaks. The Pistons have won seven straight games, while the Hawks are riding a six-game hot stretch, as Detroit returns home from a pair of impressive underdog wins at San Antonio and Dallas. Stan Van Gundy’s squad has busted the 100-point mark in six of seven victories, while posting a 4-4 ATS record this season in the role of a home underdog.

The Hawks continue to tear it up by winning 22 of their past 25 games, capped off by a 96-86 triumph over the Grizzlies on Wednesday as 4 ½-point favorites. Atlanta’s domination of the Western Conference of late has caught many eyes with recent wins over the Clippers (twice), Blazers, Mavericks, Rockets, and Grizzlies. Six of Atlanta’s eight losses this season have come to teams in the Eastern Conference, but the Hawks have lost only twice since Thanksgiving.

Bulls at Wizards – 8:05 PM EST

Washington begins a tough four-game stretch over the next week, battling Chicago twice, San Antonio, and Atlanta. The Wizards go for their third straight victory after knocking off the Pelicans and Knicks, while failing to cover against New York as 14 ½-point favorites in a 101-91 win. Randy Wittman’s club eliminated the Bulls in five games of the first round of last season’s playoffs, but Washington lost the first meeting this season, 99-91 last month as 2 ½-point home favorites.

Chicago is coming off probably its most embarrassing loss of the season on Wednesday, dropping a 97-77 home decision to Utah as 11-point favorites. The Bulls were held to just 32 first half points, while Derrick Rose shot 3-of-15 from the floor for seven points. Tom Thibodeau’s squad has struggled against the number of late, covering once in the past seven games. However, Chicago was listed as a double-digit favorite five times in this stretch, while the Bulls have won seven of their past eight games away from the United Center.

Jazz at Thunder – 8:05 PM EST

Utah has turned into one of the best road plays in the league by posting an 8-1 ATS record in the past nine away contests. The Jazz blew out the Bulls on Wednesday by 20 points, the fourth straight cover as a double-digit underdog. Quin Snyder’s squad has won just twice in 12 tries coming off a victory, while going 4-8 ATS in this situation. Utah has cashed the ‘under’ in eight of the past nine games, as the Jazz have held six of those opponents to less than 100 points.

The Thunder returns home after putting up a pair of clunkers in northern California against the Warriors and Kings. OKC lost both games by over a 20-point margin, as Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant combined to shoot 19-of-76 (25%) from the floor in the two defeats. The Thunder were limited to below 100 points in consecutive games for the first time since Durant returned to the lineup at the start of December. OKC and Utah have split a pair of meetings this season with the home team winning each time, as Durant and Westbrook missed both those games due to injury.

Suns at Spurs – 8:35 PM EST

Phoenix continues its push into the top eight of the tough Western Conference after winning its fourth straight game on Wednesday at Minnesota. The Suns erased a 13-point deficit in a 113-111 triumph over the Wolves, while putting up 42 points in the final quarter. Jeff Hornacek’s team has won 10 of its past 12 games since a six-game slide in early December, while compiling a 7-2 SU/ATS record away from the Valley. Phoenix’s offense is rolling right now by busting the 100-point mark in each of the past 10 contests, as the Suns have cashed the ‘over’ seven times in this stretch.

Tony Parker returned to the lineup on Tuesday after missing five games with a hamstring injury, but it wasn’t enough in a 105-104 loss to the streaking Pistons as eight-point favorites. San Antonio has stumbled to a 4-8 mark the previous 12 games, including four defeats at the AT&T Center. The Spurs are looking to avenge a 94-89 setback at Phoenix on Halloween, as both teams shot below 41% from the floor.

Cavaliers at Warriors – 10:35 PM EST

Cleveland embarks on a five-game road trip looking to snap out of its offensive funk. LeBron James continues to sit with a knee ailment, as the Cavs have dropped six of their previous seven games, while scoring 93 points or less six times in this stretch. Cleveland isn’t helping backers of late with a 1-6 ATS record, while cashing the ‘under’ eight times in the past nine games. David Blatt’s club has struggled in the underdog role by failing to cover in its last six opportunities when receiving points.

The Warriors look to finish off their homestand at a perfect 6-0, as Steve Kerr’s squad has won 13 consecutive games at Oracle Arena since losing to San Antonio on November 11. Golden State has topped the 110-point mark in each of the first five wins on this homestand, including in a 117-102 victory over Indiana on Wednesday. The Warriors haven’t lost to an Eastern Conference foe this season by going 11-0 SU and 8-3 ATS, but Golden State got tripped up by Cleveland as nine-point home favorites last season in a 103-94 loss.

[StarDust Bum]

Mark Jackson returning to Warriors' arena

January 8, 2015

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) - There will be a lot of people looking at the man sitting courtside when the Golden State Warriors host the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday night at Oracle Arena.

No, not injured star LeBron James.

Mark Jackson is sure to draw a lot of attention when he returns to the building for the first time since the Warriors fired him as coach after last season. Jackson will be part of ESPN's national telecast, sitting on the opposite sideline of the court he called home the previous three years - and not far from Warriors owner Joe Lacob.

The evening promises to be an interesting spectacle for viewers, an emotional reunion for players and possibly awkward for Jackson, his former bosses and his successor.

''It will (feel strange) at the beginning, but then everybody's doing their job,'' said Warriors point guard Stephen Curry, who strongly opposed Jackson's firing last May. ''I'm sure he's happy to be covering basketball and commentating and at peace with where he's at. I'm sure the fans will give him a great reception, which he deserves for the work he did while he was here.

''I hope that happens, and we'll get to the business of playing basketball like usual. Obviously, when we're on the court, we won't be hearing what he's saying on the telecast, but I'm sure guys will appreciate having him there and honor him for what he was able to do while he was here.''

New coach Steve Kerr has been through a similar scenario. He returned to Phoenix as a TNT broadcaster during the 2010-11 season after serving as general manager of the Suns the previous three years.

''It felt very strange. It was awkward. I'm sure there'll be some weird feelings for Mark,'' Kerr told reporters following Thursday's practice. ''The biggest thing is we want to welcome him. He did a lot of great things for this team. He's got a lot of strong relationships with people on our roster and in our organization. So I want Mark to come in here and enjoy himself and visit with old friends. It should be a good night for everybody.''

Jackson did not respond to a message from The Associated Press seeking comment on his return.

Most players said they have stayed in contact with their former coach, regularly communicating through text messages. Others said they haven't had contact with him in a while knowing the transition is still fresh for Jackson and the organization.

What just about everybody on the roster - and the coaching staff - has regularly acknowledged is that Jackson played as big a role as anybody in helping the perennially losing franchise become a winner.

Jackson took the Warriors from 23 wins to 47 to 51 in his three seasons. He became the first coach to lead the franchise to consecutive playoff appearances since Hall of Famer Don Nelson in 1991 and 1992.

''He taught us a lot. He really helped turn this organization around,'' forward Draymond Green said. ''He really helped build that foundation defensively, offensively, and coach Kerr has come in and he's taken it to a different level.''

The Warriors enter the game with an NBA-best 28-5 record. And while many have used the strong start as vindication for Jackson's firing, players said it's a credit to what their former coach helped start.

''He knows how we feel about him in the locker room. Those three years meant a lot to us,'' Curry said. ''He set the tone and changed the identity of what it meant to be a Warrior, play Warrior basketball and be a relevant team in the playoffs. I would say he was very successful at his job for those three years.

''Obviously, it didn't end the way he expected or the way most of us expected. But he can hold his head high that he did his job the best way he knew how and made an impact on a lot of guys on and off the court.''

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Dunkel

Utah at Oklahoma City
The Jazz head to Oklahoma City tonight to face the Thunder (10-7 SU at home) and come into the contest with a 5-0 ATS record in their last 5 road games versus teams with a winning home record. Utah is the pick (+12) according to Dunkel, which has the Thunder favored by only 1. Dunkel Pick: Utah (+12). Here are all of today's NBA picks.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 9

Game 801-802: Boston at Indiana (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Boston 115.910; Indiana 118.583
Dunkel Line & Total: Indiana by 2 1/2; 184
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 803-804: Philadelphia at Brooklyn (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia 106.797; Brooklyn 113.639
Dunkel Line & Total: Brooklyn by 7; 188
Vegas Line & Total: Brooklyn by 11; 192
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (+11); Under

Game 805-806: Atlanta at Detroit (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta 125.586; Detroit 120.581
Dunkel Line & Total: Atlanta by 5; 206
Vegas Line & Total: Atlanta by 2 1/2; 201 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (-2 1/2); Over

Game 807-808: Chicago at Washington (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Chicago 117.674; Washington 122.584
Dunkel Line & Total: Washington by 5; 200
Vegas Line & Total: Washington by 1; 195
Dunkel Pick: Washington (-1); Over

Game 809-810: Utah at Oklahoma City (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Utah 120.986; Oklahoma City 121.573
Dunkel Line & Total: Oklahoma City by 1; 204
Vegas Line & Total: Oklahoma City by 12; 198 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Utah (+12); Over

Game 811-812: Memphis at New Orleans (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Memphis 118.128; New Orleans 119.031
Dunkel Line & Total: New Orleans by 1; 208
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 813-814: Minnesota at Milwaukee (8:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota 109.622; Milwaukee 124.721
Dunkel Line & Total: Milwaukee by 15; 197
Vegas Line & Total: Milwaukee by 8 1/2; 204 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Milwaukee (-8 1/2); Under

Game 815-816: Phoenix at San Antonio (8:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Phoenix 118.869; San Antonio 125.621
Dunkel Line & Total: San Antonio by 7;203
Vegas Line & Total: San Antonio by 5; 209 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Antonio (-5); Under

Game 817-818: Denver at Sacramento (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Denver 113.667; Sacramento 119.135
Dunkel Line & Total: Sacramento by 5 1/2; 217
Vegas Line & Total: Sacramento by 3; 212
Dunkel Pick: Sacramento (-3); Over

Game 819-820: Cleveland at Golden State (10:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cleveland 111.405; Golden State 133.580
Dunkel Line & Total: Golden State by 22; 213
Vegas Line & Total: Golden State by 12; 206 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Golden State (-12); Over

Game 821-822: Orlando at LA Lakers (10:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Orlando 113.867; LA Lakers 114.772
Dunkel Line & Total: LA Lakers by 1; 197
Vegas Line & Total: LA Lakers by 3 1/2; 202
Dunkel Pick: Orlando (+3 1/2); Under

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Long Sheet

Friday, January 9

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BOSTON (12 - 21) at INDIANA (14 - 23) - 1/9/2015, 7:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 4-3 against the spread versus INDIANA over the last 3 seasons
INDIANA is 4-3 straight up against BOSTON over the last 3 seasons
5 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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PHILADELPHIA (5 - 29) at BROOKLYN (16 - 19) - 1/9/2015, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 50-65 ATS (-21.5 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 48-63 ATS (-21.3 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 37-50 ATS (-18.0 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 26-39 ATS (-16.9 Units) after a loss by 10 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 57-30 ATS (+24.0 Units) as a road underdog of 9.5 to 12 points since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
BROOKLYN is 5-5 against the spread versus PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
BROOKLYN is 8-2 straight up against PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
5 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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ATLANTA (27 - 8) at DETROIT (12 - 23) - 1/9/2015, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 25-11 ATS (+12.9 Units) after scoring 105 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 23-11 ATS (+10.9 Units) in all games this season.
ATLANTA is 12-4 ATS (+7.6 Units) in road games this season.
ATLANTA is 59-38 ATS (+17.2 Units) in a road game where where the total is between 200 and 204.5 points since 1996.
ATLANTA is 19-8 ATS (+10.2 Units) after a win by 10 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 15-5 ATS (+9.5 Units) after 3 or more consecutive wins over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 51-66 ATS (-21.6 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 20-38 ATS (-21.8 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 14-33 ATS (-22.3 Units) in a home game where where the total is between 200 and 204.5 points since 1996.
DETROIT is 0-7 ATS (-7.7 Units) in home games after a non-conference game this season.
DETROIT is 11-28 ATS (-19.8 Units) in home games revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 5-17 ATS (-13.7 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 4-4 against the spread versus ATLANTA over the last 3 seasons
ATLANTA is 5-3 straight up against DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
5 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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CHICAGO (25 - 11) at WASHINGTON (24 - 11) - 1/9/2015, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO is 73-41 ATS (+27.9 Units) in road games in January games since 1996.
CHICAGO is 18-5 ATS (+12.5 Units) in road games on Friday nights over the last 3 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 25-37 ATS (-15.7 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 1-9 ATS (-8.9 Units) in home games in January games over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 128-165 ATS (-53.5 Units) on Friday nights since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 9-4 against the spread versus CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
WASHINGTON is 8-5 straight up against CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
7 of 13 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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UTAH (13 - 23) at OKLAHOMA CITY (17 - 19) - 1/9/2015, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 67-47 ATS (+15.3 Units) in home games over the last 3 seasons.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 63-33 ATS (+26.7 Units) off a upset loss as a favorite since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
OKLAHOMA CITY is 6-4 against the spread versus UTAH over the last 3 seasons
OKLAHOMA CITY is 7-3 straight up against UTAH over the last 3 seasons
6 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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MEMPHIS (25 - 10) at NEW ORLEANS (17 - 18) - 1/9/2015, 8:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
NEW ORLEANS is 7-2 against the spread versus MEMPHIS over the last 3 seasons
NEW ORLEANS is 5-4 straight up against MEMPHIS over the last 3 seasons
7 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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MINNESOTA (5 - 29) at MILWAUKEE (19 - 18) - 1/9/2015, 8:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 22-35 ATS (-16.5 Units) after allowing 105 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 171-214 ATS (-64.4 Units) after scoring 105 points or more since 1996.
MINNESOTA is 22-38 ATS (-19.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 25-11 ATS (+12.9 Units) in all games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 14-4 ATS (+9.6 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
MILWAUKEE is 12-4 ATS (+7.6 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.
MINNESOTA is 22-7 ATS (+14.3 Units) revenging a home loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 40-57 ATS (-22.7 Units) in home games over the last 3 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 38-61 ATS (-29.1 Units) against Northwest division opponents since 1996.
MILWAUKEE is 218-268 ATS (-76.8 Units) in non-conference games since 1996.
MILWAUKEE is 1-10 ATS (-10.0 Units) in home games after a win by 10 points or more over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 3-2 against the spread versus MILWAUKEE over the last 3 seasons
MINNESOTA is 4-1 straight up against MILWAUKEE over the last 3 seasons
4 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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PHOENIX (22 - 16) at SAN ANTONIO (21 - 15) - 1/9/2015, 8:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SAN ANTONIO is 876-768 ATS (+31.2 Units) in all games since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 691-592 ATS (+39.8 Units) as a favorite since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 446-375 ATS (+33.5 Units) in home games since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 291-234 ATS (+33.6 Units) after a non-conference game since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 19-9 ATS (+9.1 Units) off a upset loss as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 74-44 ATS (+25.6 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 34-18 ATS (+14.2 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 42-20 ATS (+20.0 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 19-9 ATS (+9.1 Units) in road games after allowing 105 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 20-9 ATS (+10.1 Units) in road games after scoring 105 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 32-16 ATS (+14.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 13-5 ATS (+7.5 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHOENIX is 4-3 against the spread versus SAN ANTONIO over the last 3 seasons
SAN ANTONIO is 5-3 straight up against PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
4 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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DENVER (16 - 20) at SACRAMENTO (15 - 20) - 1/9/2015, 10:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DENVER is 7-18 ATS (-12.8 Units) on Friday nights over the last 2 seasons.
DENVER is 15-28 ATS (-15.8 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.
DENVER is 18-31 ATS (-16.1 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
SACRAMENTO is 23-36 ATS (-16.6 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
SACRAMENTO is 14-27 ATS (-15.7 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
DENVER is 5-4 against the spread versus SACRAMENTO over the last 3 seasons
DENVER is 5-4 straight up against SACRAMENTO over the last 3 seasons
5 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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CLEVELAND (19 - 17) at GOLDEN STATE (28 - 5) - 1/9/2015, 10:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CLEVELAND is 13-23 ATS (-12.3 Units) in all games this season.
CLEVELAND is 13-28 ATS (-17.8 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 13-25 ATS (-14.5 Units) after allowing 105 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 4-12 ATS (-9.2 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.
GOLDEN STATE is 22-10 ATS (+11.0 Units) in all games this season.
GOLDEN STATE is 20-7 ATS (+12.3 Units) as a favorite this season.
GOLDEN STATE is 12-4 ATS (+7.6 Units) in home games this season.
GOLDEN STATE is 14-5 ATS (+8.5 Units) after a win by 10 points or more this season.
GOLDEN STATE is 15-4 ATS (+10.6 Units) after scoring 105 points or more this season.
GOLDEN STATE is 13-5 ATS (+7.5 Units) after 3 or more consecutive wins this season.
GOLDEN STATE is 49-34 ATS (+11.6 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 44-28 ATS (+13.2 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
GOLDEN STATE is 2-2 against the spread versus CLEVELAND over the last 3 seasons
GOLDEN STATE is 3-1 straight up against CLEVELAND over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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ORLANDO (13 - 25) at LA LAKERS (11 - 25) - 1/9/2015, 10:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ORLANDO is 1-10 ATS (-10.0 Units) in road games in January games over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 36-57 ATS (-26.7 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
ORLANDO is 36-54 ATS (-23.4 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 3 seasons.
ORLANDO is 15-7 ATS (+7.3 Units) in road games this season.
LA LAKERS are 133-172 ATS (-56.2 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record since 1996.
LA LAKERS are 9-19 ATS (-11.9 Units) in home games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA LAKERS is 2-2 against the spread versus ORLANDO over the last 3 seasons
LA LAKERS is 2-2 straight up against ORLANDO over the last 3 seasons
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up

Friday, January 9

Hot Teams
-- Pacers are 6-4 in their last ten games (4-3-1 HF).
-- Hawks won five in row, 10 of last 11 games (3-1-1 AF). Detroit won its last seven games (3-5-1 HU).
-- Jazz is 7-4 in its last eleven games (8-1 last nine AU).
-- Bulls won 10 of last 12 games but lost by 20 at home to Utah in last game (4-3 AU). Washington won last two games by 7-10 points (2-5 in last seven as HF).
-- Milwaukee won four of its last six games (5-2 HF).
-- Suns won ten of their last twelve games (5-5 AU).
-- Denver won its last three games (2-6 last eight AU).
-- Warriors won last five games, covered last four (9-2 last 11 HF).

Cold Teams
-- Celtics lost seven of last nine games (2-4 last six AU).
-- 76ers lost six of their last seven games (5-2 last seven HU). Nets lost their last three games (4-3 last seven HF).
-- Memphis is 4-6 in its last 10 games (7-10 A). Pelicans lost three of last four games (10-6 H).
-- Thunder is 5-6 in its last eleven games (1-3-1 last five HF).
-- Minnesota lost last 13 games, but covered five of last seven.
-- Spurs lost seven of last eleven games (7-11 HF).
-- Sacramento lost ten of its last thirteen games (1-6 last seven HF).
-- Cavaliers lost six of their last seven games (2-2 AU).
-- Lakers lost six of last eight games (0-2-1 HF). Orlando lost its last four games (14-5 AU).

Series Records
-- Pacers won four of last five games with Boston.
-- 76ers lost eight of last ten games with Brooklyn.
-- Hawks won four of last six games with Detroit.
-- Grizzlies are 9-4 in last thirteen games with New Orleans.
-- Thunder won five of last seven games with Utah.
-- Wizards won six of last nine games with Chicago.
-- Bucks lost four of last five games with Milwaukee.
-- Spurs won nine of last 12 with Phoenix (3-3 in last six).
-- Kings won four of last five games with Denver.
-- Warriors won six of last seven games with Cleveland.
-- Lakers lost seven of last eleven games with Orlando.

Totals
-- Under is 8-2-1 in Indiana's last eleven home games.
-- Under is 11-4 in 76ers' last fifteen road games.
-- Four of last five Atlanta road games stayed under.
-- Four of last five Pelican home games stayed under.
-- Eight of last nine Utah games stayed under total.
-- Six of last seven Washington home games stayed under.
-- Five of last six Minnesota road games stayed under.
-- Nine of last eleven San Antonio home games went over.
-- Under is 9-4-1 in last fourteen Denver road games.
-- Five of Warriors' last seven home games went over.
-- Nine of last 12 Orlando road games stayed under.

Back-to-Backs
-- None

East vs West
SU: West 116-68 ATS: West 100-83-1
East teams HF vs West: 24-25
East teams HU vs West: 16-28
West teams HF vs East: 40-38-1
West teams HU vs East: 7-5

[StarDust Bum]

NBA

Friday, January 9

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Report
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

7:00 PM
BOSTON vs. INDIANA
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Boston's last 5 games when playing on the road against Indiana
Boston is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Indiana is 3-6 ATS in its last 9 games when playing Boston
Indiana is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Boston

7:30 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. BROOKLYN
Philadelphia is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Brooklyn
Philadelphia is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing Brooklyn
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Brooklyn's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Brooklyn's last 12 games at home

7:30 PM
ATLANTA vs. DETROIT
Atlanta is 10-4 SU in its last 14 games when playing Detroit
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Atlanta's last 5 games when playing Detroit
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Detroit's last 5 games when playing Atlanta
Detroit is 5-18 ATS in its last 23 games at home

8:00 PM
MEMPHIS vs. NEW ORLEANS
Memphis is 15-8 SU in its last 23 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 12 of Memphis's last 17 games when playing on the road against New Orleans
New Orleans is 13-5 SU in its last 18 games when playing at home against Memphis
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of New Orleans's last 5 games at home

8:00 PM
UTAH vs. OKLAHOMA CITY
Utah is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games when playing Oklahoma City
Utah is 5-10-1 ATS in its last 16 games when playing Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City is 0-4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Oklahoma City is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games at home

8:00 PM
CHICAGO vs. WASHINGTON
The total has gone UNDER in 15 of Chicago's last 22 games when playing Washington
Chicago is 4-10 ATS in its last 14 games when playing Washington
Washington is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Chicago
Washington is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games at home

8:30 PM
MINNESOTA vs. MILWAUKEE
Minnesota is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games when playing on the road against Milwaukee
Minnesota is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Milwaukee
Milwaukee is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games at home
Milwaukee is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games

8:30 PM
PHOENIX vs. SAN ANTONIO
Phoenix is 2-4-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing on the road against San Antonio
Phoenix is 4-7-1 ATS in its last 12 games when playing San Antonio
San Antonio is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Phoenix
San Antonio is 9-3 SU in its last 12 games when playing Phoenix

10:00 PM
DENVER vs. SACRAMENTO
Denver is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games on the road
Denver is 3-7 ATS in its last 10 games on the road
Sacramento is 1-6-1 ATS in its last 8 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Sacramento's last 11 games when playing Denver

10:30 PM
ORLANDO vs. LA LAKERS
Orlando is 1-5 SU in their last 6 games when playing on the road against LA Lakers
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Orlando's last 8 games when playing on the road against LA Lakers
LA Lakers are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games when playing at home against Orlando
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of the LA Lakers last 5 games

10:30 PM
CLEVELAND vs. GOLDEN STATE
Cleveland is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
Cleveland is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Golden State's last 5 games when playing Cleveland
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Golden State's last 9 games

[StarDust Bum]

NBA

Friday, January 9


76ers continue to be blownout, failing to cover

The Philadelphia 76ers are 1-7 straight up and against the spread in their last eight contests. Despite seeing an average closing line of +10.5, the 76ers are losing games by an average of 18.5 points.

Philly will travel to Brooklyn Friday.


DeMar DeRozan, Toronto - Doub Sat

DeRozan is recovering from a torn left adductor longus tendon. He is nearing a return but is not expected to play Saturday against the Celtics.

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Short Sheet

Friday, January 9

Boston at Indiana, 7:05 ET
Boston: N/A
Indiana: N/A

Philadelphia at Brooklyn, 7:35 ET
Philadelphia: 3-12 ATS in road games revenging a road loss vs opponent
Brooklyn: 10-1 UNDER after failing to cover 4 or 5 of their last 6 against the spread

Atlanta at Detroit, 7:35 ET
Atlanta: 19-7 ATS after 1 or more consecutive wins
Detroit: 0-7 ATS in home games after a non-conference game

Chicago at Washington, 8:05 ET
Chicago: 18-5 ATS in road games on Friday nights
Washington: 1-9 ATS in home games in January games

Utah at Oklahoma City, 8:05 ET
Utah: 2-11 ATS in road games off a road win over
Oklahoma City: 80-55 ATS after playing 2 consecutive road games

Memphis at New Orleans, 8:05 ET
Memphis: N/A
New Orleans: N/A

Minnesota at Milwaukee, 8:35 ET
Minnesota: 13-27 ATS after allowing 110 points or more
Milwaukee: 11-3 ATS after 2 or more consecutive unders

Phoenix at San Antonio, 8:35 ET
Phoenix: 20-8 ATS as an underdog of 3.5 to 9.5 points
San Antonio: 22-11 OVER after playing 2 consecutive games as a home favorite

Denver at Sacramento, 10:05 ET
Denver: 0-9 ATS as an underdog of 3.5 to 9.5 points
Sacramento: 30-13 OVER in home games after 1 or more consecutive unders

Cleveland at Golden State, 10:35 ET
Cleveland: 1-11 ATS after one or more consecutive overs
Golden State: 20-7 ATS as a favorite

Orlando at LA Lakers, 10:35 ET
Orlando: 15-6 ATS as a road underdog
LA Lakers: 10-22 ATS after covering 3 of their last 4 against the spread

[StarDust Bum]

NBA

Friday, January 9

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Game of the Day: Cavaliers at Warriors
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Cleveland Cavaliers at Golden State Warriors (-11.5, 206)

The Cleveland Cavaliers are retooling their roster but are still missing the biggest piece as LeBron James continues to rehab knee and back injuries. The Cavaliers expect to be without James again but could have new addition Timofey Mozgov available when they face the daunting task of a visit to the NBA-best Golden State Warriors on Friday. The Warriors have won 13 straight home games and are crushing teams on their current five-game winning streak.

Mozgov was acquired from the Denver Nuggets in exchange for a pair of draft picks on Wednesday and joins J.R. Smith and Iman Shumpert as newcomers to the Cleveland roster this week. Smith made his debut on Wednesday but went scoreless in 18 minutes off the bench as the Cavaliers fell for the sixth time in seven games despite a season-best 38 points from Kyrie Irving. Golden State is finishing up a six-game homestand and has taken the first five by an average of 23 points.

TV: 10:30 p.m. ET, ESPN, FSN Ohio (Cleveland), CSN Bay Area (Golden State)

LINE HISTORY: The line opened Thursday evening at GS -11.5 with a total of 206.

INJURY REPORT: Cavaliers - Timofey Mozgov (Prob-Acquired) Warriors - N/A

ABOUT THE CAVALIERS (19-17 SU, 13-23 ATS, 12-23-1 O/U): Cleveland has been looking for a rim protector all season and intensified the search when Anderson Varejao went down for the season last month, eventually leading them to make the deal for Mozgov. The Russian center is averaging 8.5 points and 7.8 rebounds and is familiar with Cavaliers coach David Blatt from their time together with the Russian National team. “Coach Blatt is extremely excited to have added Timofey, and I think that's something that's a great fit for all of us,” general manager David Griffin told reporters. “...His numbers didn't need to be flashy. We've got three guys that are top-20 players in the NBA. Those guys can be flashy. We need guys that do the dirt work.”

ABOUT THE WARRIORS (28-5 SU, 22-11 ATS, 15-18 O/U): Golden State does a lot of the things the Cavaliers have talked about improving upon early in the season, namely ball movement, spacing, pace and stinginess on the defensive end. The Warriors’ unselfishness is one of their better qualities, and they lead the league with an average of 26.5 assists after Stephen Curry handed out 15 while watching Klay Thompson go off for 40 points in a 117-102 win over the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday. “I was hunting my shots, because I was in a good rhythm,” Thompson told reporters. “The more I hunt my shots, and the more I make them, it gets other guys open because the opponent gravitates so much to the hot guy.”

TRENDS:

*Cavaliers are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games overall.
*Warriors are 19-7 ATS in their last 26 home games.
*Over is 4-0 in Warriors last 4 vs. Eastern Conference.
*Cavaliers are 2-8 ATS in the last 10 meetings.

CONSENSUS: 62.12 percent of users are backing Golden State -11.5, with 64.2 percent on the over.

[StarDust Bum]

Hot & Not Report

January 9, 2015


The 2014-15 NBA betting season is wearing on, which gives us a great chance to take a close look at the teams who are tearing it up on the hardwood as we start the New Year.

Listed below are three clubs that have been golden for bettors against the spread recently.

Detroit Pistons (7-0 ATS in L/7) – Break up the Pistons! See what happens when you get rid of a cancer like Josh Smith from your team? We're not really all that sure how in the heck Detroit is winning ball games, but it is finding a way to get the job done. It should be noted that these aren't just ATS victories for a team which is virtually always an underdog. These are seven straight straight up wins as well. Even the strongest of teams really have troubles on the road in the Lone Star State, but the Pistons, who were +8 against Dallas and +9 against San Antonio, managed to win both games SU. Six of these seven wins have come by double-digits as well. There is no hotter team in NBA betting action right now than the men from Motown.

Atlanta Hawks (11-1 ATS in L/12) – The Hawks can just flat out shoot the basketball. For our money, they aren't the most talented team in the NBA, but they are a good team in the Southeast Division, a division which is one of the worst in the Association. That said, the wins which the Hawks have been amassing haven't been against division rivals. In fact, their last SU loss came against the Orlando Magic, a team which it feels like they should beat significantly more often than not. However, when you've got guys who can jack up three-pointers all game long like Kyle Korver can, you've got real weapons at your disposal. The Hawks almost feel like a college team to us though; they can shoot threes, but when they aren't knocking down shots from the outside, they can be overmatched by better competition very easily. Still, Atlanta is worth riding while it is hot.

Phoenix Suns (10-2 ATS in L/12) – The Suns are still third best in the Pacific Division, and they are still just barely clinging to a playoff spot in the Western Conference, but they are certainly on a strong run at the moment. Phoenix has covered 10 of its last 12 games, and it has done so by playing eight of its last 11 away from home. There was even an East Coast swing in there as well with games against Charlotte, New York, and Washington in a span of just four days, but all three games were won and won easily. You would expect that even the best Western Conference teams would have slipped on a banana peel somewhere along the way in that stretch, but few teams are playing as well as the Suns currently are. They should be watched out for sure, though we wonder if a narrow escape two nights ago against the Timberwolves might be the end of their ATS dominance for a while.