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

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Long Sheet

Friday, January 16

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NEW ORLEANS (19 - 19) at PHILADELPHIA (7 - 31) - 1/16/2015, 7:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
NEW ORLEANS is 3-1 against the spread versus PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
NEW ORLEANS is 3-1 straight up against PHILADELPHIA 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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BROOKLYN (16 - 23) at WASHINGTON (27 - 12) - 1/16/2015, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BROOKLYN is 4-12 ATS (-9.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
WASHINGTON is 332-400 ATS (-108.0 Units) in home games since 1996.
WASHINGTON is 129-165 ATS (-52.5 Units) on Friday nights since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 5-2 against the spread versus BROOKLYN over the last 3 seasons
WASHINGTON is 4-3 straight up against BROOKLYN 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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DETROIT (14 - 25) at INDIANA (15 - 25) - 1/16/2015, 7:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
INDIANA is 6-3 against the spread versus DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
INDIANA is 7-2 straight up against DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
6 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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MEMPHIS (27 - 11) at ORLANDO (15 - 27) - 1/16/2015, 7:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
MEMPHIS is 3-1 against the spread versus ORLANDO over the last 3 seasons
MEMPHIS is 4-0 straight up against ORLANDO over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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ATLANTA (31 - 8) at TORONTO (26 - 12) - 1/16/2015, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 27-11 ATS (+14.9 Units) in all games this season.
ATLANTA is 15-4 ATS (+10.6 Units) in road games this season.
ATLANTA is 8-0 ATS (+8.0 Units) in January games this season.
ATLANTA is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in road games after a win by 10 points or more this season.
ATLANTA is 14-4 ATS (+9.6 Units) after scoring 105 points or more this season.
ATLANTA is 15-4 ATS (+10.6 Units) after 3 or more consecutive wins this season.
ATLANTA is 14-2 ATS (+11.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
ATLANTA is 14-5 ATS (+8.5 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
TORONTO is 6-3 against the spread versus ATLANTA over the last 3 seasons
TORONTO is 5-4 straight up against ATLANTA over the last 3 seasons
6 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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CHICAGO (26 - 14) at BOSTON (13 - 24) - 1/16/2015, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO is 52-72 ATS (-27.2 Units) as a favorite over the last 3 seasons.
CHICAGO is 73-42 ATS (+26.8 Units) in road games in January games since 1996.
CHICAGO is 18-6 ATS (+11.4 Units) in road games on Friday nights over the last 3 seasons.
BOSTON is 184-228 ATS (-66.8 Units) in home games revenging a loss vs opponent since 1996.
BOSTON is 17-30 ATS (-16.0 Units) after allowing 105 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 7-19 ATS (-13.9 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO is 7-3 against the spread versus BOSTON over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO is 7-3 straight up against BOSTON over the last 3 seasons
7 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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GOLDEN STATE (31 - 5) at OKLAHOMA CITY (18 - 20) - 1/16/2015, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 67-48 ATS (+14.2 Units) in home games over the last 3 seasons.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 127-93 ATS (+24.7 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent since 1996.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 63-34 ATS (+25.6 Units) off a upset loss as a favorite since 1996.
GOLDEN STATE is 24-10 ATS (+13.0 Units) in all games this season.
GOLDEN STATE is 22-7 ATS (+14.3 Units) as a favorite this season.
GOLDEN STATE is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) after a non-conference game this season.
GOLDEN STATE is 16-5 ATS (+10.5 Units) after a win by 10 points or more this season.
GOLDEN STATE is 15-5 ATS (+9.5 Units) after 3 or more consecutive wins this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
OKLAHOMA CITY is 6-4 against the spread versus GOLDEN STATE over the last 3 seasons
OKLAHOMA CITY is 5-5 straight up against GOLDEN STATE over the last 3 seasons
7 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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DENVER (18 - 20) at DALLAS (27 - 13) - 1/16/2015, 8:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
DALLAS is 4-4 against the spread versus DENVER over the last 3 seasons
DENVER is 6-2 straight up against DALLAS 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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PORTLAND (30 - 9) at SAN ANTONIO (24 - 16) - 1/16/2015, 8:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SAN ANTONIO is 878-769 ATS (+32.1 Units) in all games since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 693-592 ATS (+41.8 Units) as a favorite since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 446-375 ATS (+33.5 Units) in home games since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 292-234 ATS (+34.6 Units) after a non-conference game since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN ANTONIO is 7-7 against the spread versus PORTLAND over the last 3 seasons
SAN ANTONIO is 7-7 straight up against PORTLAND over the last 3 seasons
9 of 14 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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MINNESOTA (6 - 31) at PHOENIX (23 - 18) - 1/16/2015, 9:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 50-68 ATS (-24.8 Units) as an underdog over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 2-11 ATS (-10.1 Units) as a road underdog of 12.5 to 18 points over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 171-215 ATS (-65.5 Units) after scoring 105 points or more since 1996.
MINNESOTA is 5-14 ATS (-10.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
MINNESOTA is 30-44 ATS (-18.4 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 75-45 ATS (+25.5 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 40-26 ATS (+11.4 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 32-16 ATS (+14.4 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 15-7 ATS (+7.3 Units) after scoring 105 points or more this season.
PHOENIX is 45-25 ATS (+17.5 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 23-8 ATS (+14.2 Units) revenging a home loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 5-3 against the spread versus PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
PHOENIX is 4-4 straight up against MINNESOTA 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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LA LAKERS (12 - 28) at UTAH (13 - 26) - 1/16/2015, 9:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
UTAH is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) after allowing 105 points or more this season.
LA LAKERS are 19-7 ATS (+11.3 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
UTAH is 10-23 ATS (-15.3 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 4-3 against the spread versus UTAH over the last 3 seasons
UTAH is 4-3 straight up against LA LAKERS 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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MIAMI (17 - 22) at SACRAMENTO (16 - 22) - 1/16/2015, 10:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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CLEVELAND (20 - 20) at LA CLIPPERS (26 - 13) - 1/16/2015, 10:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CLEVELAND is 14-26 ATS (-14.6 Units) in all games this season.
CLEVELAND is 24-37 ATS (-16.7 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 14-31 ATS (-20.1 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 5-15 ATS (-11.5 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.
LA CLIPPERS are 82-55 ATS (+21.5 Units) in home games in January games since 1996.

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

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up

Friday, January 16

Hot Teams
-- Pistons won nine of last eleven games (8-2 last ten A).
-- Grizzlies won six of their last nine games (5-6 AF). Orlando won last two games, covered four of last five (4-7 HU).
-- Wizards won five of last six games (3-1 last four HF).
-- Hawks won last nine games, are 7-0-1 vs spread in last eight (8-0 last eight AU).
-- Warriors won last eight games (6-0-1 vs spread last seven, 8-5 AF).
-- Denver won last five games, covered five of last six (5-9 AU).
-- Portland won eight of last ten games (5-2 AU). Spurs won five of last seven games (3-6-1 last ten HF).
-- Suns won five of last seven games (4-0 last four HF).
-- Clippers won six of last eight games (4-2 last six HF).

Cold Teams
-- Pacers lost three of last four games (5-10-1 H).
-- Pelicans are 2-3 SU in last five games, 14-6 vs spread last 20 (2-4 AF). 76ers lost eight of last 11, covered four of last six (6-3 last nine HU).
-- Nets lost their last seven games (5-1 last six AU).
-- Bulls lost four of last five games (4-1 last five AF). Boston lost ten of its last thirteen games (4-7 HU).
-- Toronto lost five of last seven games (1-4 last five HF).
-- Thunder lost three of last four games, are 0-6-1 vs spread in last seven (5-0 HU).
-- Mavericks lost three of last four games (3-8 last 11 HF).
-- Minnesota lost 15 of last 16 games (4-1 last five AU).
-- Lakers lost five of last six games (5-1 last six AU). Utah lost four of last five games (2-4 HF).
-- Miami lost six of last nine games (2-4 last six A). Kings lost 12 of last 17 games, covered three of last four at home.
-- Cavaliers lost nine of last eleven games (2-5 AU).

Series Records
-- Pacers won nine of last twelve games with Detroit.
-- Grizzlies won last six games with Orlando.
-- Pelicans won last three games with Philly.
-- Wizards won last three games with Brooklyn by 4-6-7 points.
-- Bulls won five of last six games with Boston.
-- Raptors won four of last five games with Atlanta.
-- Thunder are 0-3 vs Golden State this year, losing by 5-5-26 points.
-- Nuggets won six of last eight games with Dallas.
-- Spurs lost three of last four games with San Antonio.
-- Suns won three of last four games with Minnesota.
-- Lakers lost six of last nine with Jazz, three of last four in Utah.
-- Kings lost ten of last eleven games with Miami.
-- Clippers lost eight of last eleven games with Cleveland.

Totals
-- Four of last five Indiana games went over total.
-- Last four Orlando home games went over total.
-- 76ers' last four home games stayed under total.
-- Eight of last nine Washington home games stayed under.
-- Four of last five Chicago road games stayed under; Boston's last three home games went over.
-- Five of last seven Atlanta road games stayed under.
-- Four of last five Golden State road games went over.
-- Seven of last eight Dallas home games stayed under.
-- Six of last eight San Antonio games stayed under.
-- Five of last six Minnesota road games stayed under.
-- Under is 5-0-1 in last six Laker road games.
-- Last five Miami road games stayed under total.
-- Under is 6-2-1 in last nine Cleveland road games.

Back-to-Backs
-- Thunder is 4-2-1 vs spread if they played night before.
-- Lakers are 4-3 vs spread if they played night before.
-- Cavaliers are 4-6 vs spread if they played nite before.

East vs West
SU: West 127-75 ATS: West 109-91-2
East teams HF vs West: 26-27
East teams HU vs West: 18-31
West teams HF vs East: 44-40-2
West teams HU vs East: 7-7

[StarDust Bum]

NBA

Friday, January 16

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Trend Report
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7:00 PM
BROOKLYN vs. WASHINGTON
The total has gone UNDER in 12 of Brooklyn's last 15 games on the road
Brooklyn is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Washington
Washington is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
Washington is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Brooklyn

7:00 PM
MEMPHIS vs. ORLANDO
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Memphis's last 5 games when playing on the road against Orlando
Memphis is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Orlando
Orlando is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Memphis
Orlando is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Memphis

7:00 PM
NEW ORLEANS vs. PHILADELPHIA
New Orleans is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
The total has gone OVER in 4 of New Orleans's last 5 games when playing Philadelphia
Philadelphia is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing New Orleans
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Philadelphia's last 6 games at home

7:00 PM
DETROIT vs. INDIANA
Detroit is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Detroit's last 5 games when playing Indiana
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Indiana's last 5 games when playing Detroit
Indiana is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games when playing Detroit

7:30 PM
CHICAGO vs. BOSTON
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Chicago's last 5 games when playing Boston
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Chicago's last 5 games when playing on the road against Boston
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Boston's last 5 games when playing Chicago
Boston is 1-4-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Chicago

7:30 PM
ATLANTA vs. TORONTO
Atlanta is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Atlanta's last 8 games on the road
Toronto is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Atlanta
Toronto is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games at home

8:00 PM
GOLDEN STATE vs. OKLAHOMA CITY
Golden State is 1-10 SU in its last 11 games when playing on the road against Oklahoma City
Golden State is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Oklahoma City
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Oklahoma City's last 15 games at home
Oklahoma City is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Golden State

8:30 PM
PORTLAND vs. SAN ANTONIO
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Portland's last 7 games when playing San Antonio
Portland is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games when playing San Antonio
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of San Antonio's last 8 games
San Antonio is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games

8:30 PM
DENVER vs. DALLAS
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Denver's last 6 games when playing Dallas
Denver is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games on the road
Dallas is 14-6 SU in its last 20 games at home
Dallas is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games

9:00 PM
LA LAKERS vs. UTAH
LA Lakers are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of the LA Lakers last 6 games when playing Utah
Utah is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Utah's last 12 games

9:00 PM
MINNESOTA vs. PHOENIX
Minnesota is 5-10-1 ATS in its last 16 games on the road
Minnesota is 1-15 SU in its last 16 games
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Phoenix's last 12 games
Phoenix is 11-3-1 ATS in its last 15 games

10:00 PM
MIAMI vs. SACRAMENTO
Miami is 2-3-1 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Miami's last 5 games on the road
Sacramento is 7-17 SU in its last 24 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Sacramento's last 6 games when playing at home against Miami

10:30 PM
CLEVELAND vs. LA CLIPPERS
Cleveland is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Cleveland's last 6 games when playing LA Clippers
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of the LA Clippers last 6 games when playing Cleveland
LA Clippers are 2-5 SU in their last 7 games when playing at home against Cleveland

[StarDust Bum]

NBA

Friday, January 16

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Game of the Day: Cavaliers at Clippers
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Cleveland Cavaliers at Los Angeles Clippers (-8, 207.5)

LeBron James excelled in his second game back from injuries and now gets to see how his body reacts to a back-to-back as the Cleveland Cavaliers visit the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday. James missed eight games with back and knee injuries but dominated the Lakers with 36 points Thursday as Cleveland snapped a six-game losing streak. The Clippers recorded an impressive 100-94 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday behind 25 points from Jamal Crawford.

Despite a solid record, the Clippers have experienced consistency issues as they near the midway point. “We’ve been so up and down and inconsistent I don’t remember much,” point guard Chris Paul told reporters. “It seems like it’s been so much going on, we’re just trying to pile up wins. I don’t even know what our record is. I think right now I’m just more focused on how we’re playing.” The Cavaliers have won just two of their last 10 games and the victory over the Lakers got them back to the .500 mark.

TV: 10:30 p.m. ET, ESPN, FSN Ohio (Cleveland), Prime Ticket (Los Angeles)

LINE HISTORY: The line opened at LAC -8, with a total of 207.5.

INJURY REPORT: Cavaliers - G Iman Shumpert (Out-Shoulder) Clippers - N/A

ABOUT THE CAVALIERS (20-20 SU, 14-26 ATS, 13-26-1 O/U): While James was scoring at will against the Lakers, point guard Kyrie Irving was back on his game with 22 points. Irving has scored 20 or more points in nine of his last 11 games but he struggled to nine points on 4-of-14 shooting in Tuesday’s loss against Phoenix before making 9-of-16 from the field against Los Angeles. Shooting guard J.R. Smith scored 14 points against the Lakers in his fifth game since being acquired and he has made 14 3-pointers – eight coming in one game against the Suns.

ABOUT THE CLIPPERS (26-13 SU, 17-22 ATS, 17-19-3 O/U): Doc Rivers will be coaching his son after Los Angeles acquired guard Austin Rivers from the Boston Celtics in a three-team trade that saw the Clippers send guard Reggie Bullock to the Phoenix Suns and swingman Chris Douglas-Roberts to the Celtics. Rivers was traded earlier this week from the New Orleans Pelicans to Boston and was reportedly told by the Celtics not to report. Rivers was unable to crack into the New Orleans starting lineup and the Clippers have an even stronger backcourt with starters Paul and J.J. Redick and an elite scorer off the bench in Crawford.

TRENDS:

*Cavaliers are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games playing on 0 days rest.
*Under is 8-2 in Clippers last 10 overall.
*Underdog is 5-2 ATS in the last 7 meetings.
*Under is 5-1 in the last 6 meetings.

CONSENSUS: 51.54 of users are backing the Clippers -8, with 54.4 percent on the over.

[StarDust Bum]

NBA

Friday, January 16


Bucks defense clicking, now 11-straight unders

The Milwaukee Bucks defense has been stellar all-season long, ranking fourth in the association, but they have been even better as of late. Milwaukee's defensive acumen has pushed them to cash-in on the under for 11 consecutive games.

The Bucks are allowing a ridiculously low 86.7 points per game during their torrid under streak, which is 9.8 points less than the Portland Trail Blazers league-best defense has been allowing this season.

Only one team, the high-octane Phoenix Suns, have scored triple-digits against the Bucks in their last 11. Comparably, six of the Bucks past 11 opponents have been held to 85 points or fewer.

Offensively, the Bucks have have not been lighting up the scoreboard with a run-of-the-mill 95.5 point average.

Milwaukee's next game comes against the Toronto Raptors on Monday.

[StarDust Bum]

Friday's Tip Sheet

January 16, 2015

Hawks at Raptors – 7:35 PM EST

Atlanta has started to rest players of late and it still hasn’t affected its winning ways. The Hawks have won 24 of their past 26, including 10 in a row after stomping on the Celtics, 105-91 on Wednesday as 5 ½-point road favorites. Al Horford rested on the second of a back-to-back, while Jeff Teague and Paul Millsap sat out in the front-end on Tuesday in Philadelphia. The Hawks have covered 10 straight games away from Philips Arena, but Mike Budenholtzer’s team is playing with double-revenge after losing to the Raptors twice early in the season.

DeMar DeRozan returned following a 21-game absence in Wednesday’s 100-84 victory over the 76ers, but Toronto failed to cash as 17 ½-point favorites. DeRozan scored 20 points, as the Raptors have won just twice in their past seven games following a 24-7 start. During this cold stretch, Toronto has cashed only once in seven tries, while Dwane Casey’s team is 2-4 ATS in the previous six as a single-digit home favorite.

Warriors at Thunder – 8:05 PM EST

For as many as the headlines Atlanta is receiving recently, some people are forgetting about Golden State, who has won eight straight games to improve to a league-best 31-5. All eight victories during this winning streak are by double-digits for Steve Kerr’s team, which includes a 116-105 triumph at Utah on Tuesday to snap a three-game road losing skid. Golden State has owned Oklahoma City this season, winning all three matchups, even though Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook missed the first loss back in November due to injury.

The Thunder fell behind early and never recovered in a 112-101 setback at Houston last night, allowing 40 points in the first quarter. Since losing at Golden State on December 18, Oklahoma City has spun out of control from an ATS standpoint by posting a 2-10-1 ATS mark in the previous 13 games, which includes a 1-4-1 ATS record at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Since Thanksgiving, the Thunder has played just three times with no rest, winning all three games, even though Durant sat out two of those victories with injury.

Nuggets at Mavericks – 8:35 PM EST

These teams wrap up a home-and-home set at the American Airlines Center after Denver took care of Dallas, 114-107 on Wednesday night at the Pepsi Center. The Nuggets picked up their fifth straight win to cash as five-point favorites, but the Mavs sat out several starters following an overtime victory at Sacramento the previous night as Dirk Nowitzki, Rajon Rondo, and Tyson Chandler all rested. The Nuggets’ offense is kicking into gear by topping the 100-point mark eight times in the past nine games, while covering each of its last three road contests.

The Mavs return from a three-game road trip as Rick Carlisle’s club won just once, while allowing at least 114 points in the two losses. Dallas is back home for only tonight’s game before a pair of road games at Memphis and Minnesota next week, as the Mavs have covered three of their previous 12 home contests dating back to late November. The ‘under’ is 6-1 in Dallas’ last seven games at the American Airlines Center, which includes a 4-1 mark on totals of 210 or higher.

Blazers at Spurs – 8:35 PM EST

Portland owns two victories over the defending champions this season as the Blazers look to bounce back from a home loss to the Clippers on Wednesday. A four-game winning streak for Terry Stotts’ team went into flames following a 100-94 defeat to L.A. as 3 ½-point favorites, as the Blazers try to avoid consecutive losses for just the third time this season. Portland has won five of its past six games away from the Moda Center, while picking up a 129-119 triple-overtime triumph at the AT&T Center on December 19 as 4 ½-point favorites, led by Damian Lillard’s 43 points.

The Spurs are back home after grabbing two of three games on its road trip, capped off by a 98-93 win at Charlotte. San Antonio’s defense has stepped up of late, allowing 95 points or less in six of the last eight contests, while the Spurs will receive a big boost tonight with the return of forward Kawhi Leonard, who missed 15 games with a hand injury (7-8 SU and 6-8-1 ATS). Since dropping that triple-overtime to thriller to Portland in December, the Spurs have won five of their last seven games at the AT&T Center.

Cavaliers at Clippers – 10:35 PM EST

Cleveland plays its second game at Staples Center in as many nights as the Cavaliers finally snapped their six-game skid in Thursday’s 109-102 victory over the Lakers. The Cavs also covered for the first time in seven contests as LeBron James led Cleveland with 36 points, while the bench contributed just 16 points. David Blatt’s team cashed an ‘over’ ticket for the first time in nine tries last night, while Cleveland enters tonight’s game at 0-9 SU/ATS in its past nine opportunities in the underdog role.

The Clippers return home following a quick stop in Portland on Wednesday in a six-point victory over the Blazers, snapping a five-game road skid. Doc Rivers’ club has drilled the ‘under’ in eight of the last 10 games, but its last three losses have come to Eastern Conference opponents (Miami, Atlanta, and Toronto). In the time James played in Miami from 2010 through 2014, the Cavaliers actually hung with the Clippers, cashing five of seven times, including a pair of covers at Staples Center in 2011 and 2013.

[StarDust Bum]

Don't count out Cavs

January 16, 2015

Vegas is not buying the media hype surrounding the demise of the 20-20 Cleveland Cavaliers. The self-anointed Cavs were tabbed the World Champions before the season started when they assembled the new "Big 3" with LeBron James, Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love. Unfortunately for the Cavs, they've suffered through the first part of the season with a new coach, players trying to fit in and of course an injury to James. After losing six straight games they're proclaimed DONE by the media! They have no chance to win a Championship and the franchise is in serious trouble at the end of the season with LeBron and Love having opt-out clauses in their contracts.

HOLD THE PRESSES! Despite everything that's gone wrong in Cleveland the guys "in-the-know" in Vegas have them the favorite at 2/1 to win the East. That's right, the 20-20 Cavs are the odds on favorite to represent the East in the Finals over the 31-8 Hawks, 27-12 Wizards, 26-14 Bulls and 26-12 Raptors.

According to our rankings the schedules of the Bulls (28th), Raptors (27th), Wizards (26th) and Hawks (21st) are some of the weakest in the entire NBA. Cleveland on the other hand has played the 14th toughest schedule in our opinion having faced 19 teams that currently have a .500 or better record.

In their next ten games the Cavs will face six opponents that currently have losing records and they should be favored in at least eight of those games. A good opportunity to play on the Cavaliers is January 25th when they host the Thunder as they might be a slight home dog in this matchup. The Cavs will be rested while the Thunder will be playing their 5th straight road game and their fourth game in a six-day span.

I'm not 'buying' the Cavaliers right now to win the East because there isn't any value with them at 2/1, but something tells me (and the oddsmakers agree) the Cavaliers will figure it out before the end of the season and will be in the hunt to win the East.

[StarDust Bum]

Hot and Not Report

January 16, 2015

The 2014-15 NBA betting season is wearing on, and today at VegasInsider.com, we're going to be taking a close look at the teams who are falling flat on the hardwood as we start the new year.

Oklahoma City Thunder (0-6-1 ATS in L/7) – Some of this just isn't the fault of the Thunder. Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant are consistently hyped up as the saviors for Oklahoma City, and they very well could end up playing that role. However, we have to remember that they are still only two players on a team which really isn't all that great, yet the oddsmakers feel that this is a truly elite team which will contend in the Western Conference this year. As a result, a 4-3 SU run in which the wins have come by five, seven, three, and eight points isn't good enough for a single cover. The Thunder are going to run into that problem for the rest of the year for as long as Durant and Westbrook are healthy. Perhaps the time will come that these two stars will be healthy enough to really make those big spreads seem warranted, but for now, you've got to stay away from the Thunder.

New York Knicks (1-9-1 ATS in L/11) – Heading over to London didn't help the Knicks any either. Can you imagine how bad this team would be if Carmelo Anthony didn't end up resigning in the Big Apple last offseason? My goodness! New York has lost 16 straight games, and the last nine of those losses have come by double digits. The Knicks haven't been favored in a game since November 22nd, and that doesn't look or feel like it is going to change any time in the near future. The only quarter of basketball which New York has been good in this year has been the fourth quarter, and the only reason for that is because other teams are laughing too hard at how badly they have outscored the Knicks through three quarters. New York has the worst margin in the league through three quarters in the NBA at -10.1 points per game, and it's really tough to cover spreads when you're constantly down by double digits heading into the fourth quarter.

Cleveland Cavaliers (1-9 ATS in L/10) – The Cavaliers have really simply failed on both ends of the court, and it is really their defense that is putting their offense into so many problems. Rebounding has been a big issue, particularly in terms of allowing offensive rebounds, and David Blatt's defense is getting extended as a result. The team has lost seven straight games, and by the time Cleveland gets back from this West Coast trip, it could be right on the cut line of the playoffs in the Eastern Conference. When LeBron James and Kevin Love joined forces with Kyrie Irving in Cleveland, it wasn't supposed to be like this. It might very well take some more time to get the Cavaliers going, but for the time being, they are really a devastating team to try to watch play.

[StarDust Bum]

Armadillo: Saturday's six-pack

Top six college basketball conferences, according to kenpom.com

6) Pac-12-- Utah/Arizona are only locks for NCAA tourney.

5) SEC-- Can anyone beat Kentucky? Two have already come close.

4) Big 14-- Maryland is tied for top in its first year in the league.

3) ACC-- Looks like at least a six-bid league; lot of good teams.

2) Big East-- Cannibalizing each other; Villanova only lock for NCAAs

1) Big X-- TCU was 13-0 in pre-conference, is 0-3 in league but dangerous.

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Armadillo: Saturday's List of 13: Random stuff with weekend here.......

13) Curious that 49ers hired a head coach from wthin, then fired all other assistant coaches but one, longtime Niner player Tom Rathman. Biggest hire they have is a new offensive coordinator who will be charged with improving Kaepernick's passing.

12) Detroit Tigers already have just under $117M tied up in only six players:
Cabrera-Verlander-Sanchez-Martinez-Price-Kinsler. Pauroll is going to be very high; am guessing a few minimum salary guys make it.

11) UTEP wanted to play Kentucky next year in Maryland, to commemorate 50th anniversary of the famous 1966 title game the Miners won, but negotiuations broke down, probably because the Wildcats don't like playing games away from home, not even at neutral sites. Or maybe they don't like being reminded they lost that game. .

10) Larry Brown won the 1988 NCAA title with Kansas, bolted to the NBA right after, or right before the NCAA put the Jayhawks on probation. Brown was out of college coaching for 25 years, but now, before his SMU team even got to the NCAAs, the Mustangs appear headed to probation too.

SMU took a chance on a coach in his 70's with a checkered past and it looks like it is going to blow up in their face. Brown will just skip town and hide behind his North Carolina pedigree, but fact of the matter is, they should've known this was coming.

9) Every high school/college basketball player should watch D-League showcase on NBAtv this weekend; see how many really good college players are toiling in virtual obscurity now, getting paid but not that much. If some of these kids stayed in school another year, they could've refined their skills and had a better chance at making an NBA roster. Nothing wrong with having an education to fall back on, either.

8) Greedy bastard update: Haven't done one of these in a while, but gas is down to $2.49 a gallon at the station I go to; price actually dropped 20 cents in one day last week. For the first time in at least ten years, the Mobil station I go to had a cheaper price than the Sunoco station across the street. Sunoco station always keeps their price 2-5 cents lower than the Mobil station, but they got caught napping last week.

Gas was $3.69 a gallon almost all summer, so $2.49 is a pretty big drop. Good.

7) Giants gave Nori Aoki $4.7M for one year, good move by them; he has almost no power, but plays a good outfield and will be happier back in the National League. .

6) Peyton Manning's wife owns 5% of the Memphis Grizzlies. Seriously. In other Grizzlies news, turns out they have a "mental endurance coach". I need one of those.

5) Why is the Duke-Louisville game on at noon? Thought that would be the 9pm game to cap off a basketball Saturday.

4) ESPN is broadcasting about 45 college basketball games with their announcers not actually at the game, but in an ESPN studio in Connecticut, like they did with soccer games overseas. Cost cutting measures they say; they don't make enough money?

3) "If I were you, I wouldn't come here." Thats what Jim Boeheim told a young Mark Jackson on his recruiting visit almost 30 years ago. Syracuse had Pearl Washington, so point guard was spoken for and kids strayed in school longer back then, so Jackson went to St John's, where things worked out pretty darn well for him.

2) Rory McIlroy has ten holes-in-one, but got his first in a pro tournament Friday on the 15th hole at Abu Dhabi. Must be fun being that good at something.

1) Pretty cool time of year for me, since I stay up very late writing all this; golf from Abu Dhabi, tennis from Australia, Lot of live events to amuse me while I write.

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up

Saturday, January 17

Hot Teams
-- Hornets won four of last five games, covered five of last six (5-7 HF).
-- Detroit won ten of its last twelve games (1-9 HF). 76ers are 4-3 in last seven games, 5-2 vs spread (8-12 AU).
-- Hawks won 26 of last 29 games, are 8-0-1 vs spread in last nine (5-1-2 AF).
-- Warriors won eight of their last nine games (3-1 AU). Rockets won five of last six games (7-3 last ten HF).
-- Wizards won five of last seven games (5-3 AF).
-- Nuggets won five of their last six games (3-1 last four HF).
-- Memphis won last three games by 12-11-10 points (2-5 last seven HF)

Cold Teams
-- Pacers lost four of last five games (7-2-1 last ten AU).
-- Chicago lost four of its last six games (0-1 HU).
-- Nets lost seven of last eight games (1-6 HU).
-- Minnesota lost 16 of its last 17 games (5-1 last six AU).
-- Portland lost last two games by 6-14 points (5-3 AU).
-- Clippers lost five of their last six road games (0-3 last three AF). Kings lost 13 of their last 18 games (4-5 HU).

Series Records
-- Pacers won 15 of last 17 games with Charlotte.
-- 76ers won last two games with Detroit, after losing six of previous seven games with the Pistons.
-- Bulls won seven of last eight games with Chicago.
-- Warriors won last three games with Houston by 3-11-12 points.
-- Wizards won three of last four games with Brooklyn, but lost to Nets by 22 at home last night.
-- Nuggets won five of last seven games with Minnesota.
-- Grizzlies won six of last seven games with Portland.
-- Clippers won nine of last eleven games with Sacramento.

Totals
-- Five of last seven Charlotte home games stayed under.
-- 13 of last 17 Philly road games stayed under total.
-- Seven of last nine Atlanta road games stayed under.
-- Five of last six Golden State road games went over.
-- Six of last nine Washington road games went over.
-- Six of last seven Minnesota road games stayed under.
-- Seven of last eight Memphis home games stayed under.
-- Four of last five Clipper road games went over total.

Back-to-Backs
-- Pacers are 6-2 vs spread on road if they played night before.
-- 76ers are 6-3 if they played night before; Detroit is 3-0 vs spread if it won the night before.
-- Hawks are 6-3-1 if they played night before; Chicago is 5-4.
-- Warriors are 3-3-1 if they played night before.
-- Wizards are 4-2 on road if they played night before, 2-3 if they lost. Brooklyn is 3-4 if it played the night before.
-- Minnesota is 2-5 if it played the night before. Denver is 0-3 at home if it played night before.
-- Portland is 6-2 if it played night before. Memphis is 3-4.
-- Clippers are 3-2 on road if they played night before. Kings are 2-5 if they played the night before.

East vs West
SU: West 128-78 ATS: West 110-94-2
East teams HF vs West: 26-27
East teams HU vs West: 19-32
West teams HF vs East: 44-42-2
West teams HU vs East: 7-7

[StarDust Bum]

NBA

Saturday, January 17

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Trend Report
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7:00 PM
INDIANA vs. CHARLOTTE
Indiana is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games
Indiana is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Charlotte
Charlotte is 5-10-1 ATS in its last 16 games when playing Indiana
Charlotte is 2-15 SU in its last 17 games when playing Indiana

7:30 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. DETROIT
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Philadelphia's last 7 games when playing Detroit
Philadelphia is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Detroit's last 5 games when playing at home against Philadelphia
Detroit is 10-2 SU in its last 12 games

8:00 PM
WASHINGTON vs. BROOKLYN
Washington is 2-3-1 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Washington is 7-18 SU in its last 25 games when playing on the road against Brooklyn
Brooklyn is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Brooklyn is 18-7 SU in its last 25 games when playing at home against Washington

8:00 PM
ATLANTA vs. CHICAGO
Atlanta is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Chicago
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Atlanta's last 5 games when playing on the road against Chicago
Chicago is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
Chicago is 15-6 SU in its last 21 games

8:00 PM
GOLDEN STATE vs. HOUSTON
Golden State is 2-10 SU in its last 12 games when playing on the road against Houston
Golden State is 6-1-1 ATS in its last 8 games
Houston is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home
Houston is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games

9:00 PM
MINNESOTA vs. DENVER
Minnesota is 3-8 ATS in its last 11 games when playing Denver
Minnesota is 3-13 SU in its last 16 games when playing on the road against Denver
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Denver's last 8 games at home
Denver is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games at home

9:00 PM
PORTLAND vs. MEMPHIS
Portland is 9-4 SU in its last 13 games when playing on the road against Memphis
Portland is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing Memphis
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Memphis's last 5 games
Memphis is 15-4 SU in its last 19 games at home

10:00 PM
LA CLIPPERS vs. SACRAMENTO
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of the LA Clippers last 11 games
LA Clippers are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games when playing Sacramento
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Sacramento's last 6 games
Sacramento is 5-13 SU in its last 18 games

[StarDust Bum]

NBA

Saturday, January 17


Joakim Noah, Chicago - Ques Sat

Noah suffered a right ankle sprain during Wednesday's game and did not play Friday. He is questionable for Saturday's game against the Hawks.


Mike Conley, Memphis - Ques Sat

Conley is suffering from an ankle injury and did not play Friday. He is questionable for Saturday's game against the Trail Blazers.

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Long Sheet

Saturday, January 17

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INDIANA (15 - 26) at CHARLOTTE (15 - 25) - 1/17/2015, 7:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHARLOTTE is 4-3 against the spread versus INDIANA over the last 3 seasons
INDIANA is 6-2 straight up against CHARLOTTE over the last 3 seasons
6 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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PHILADELPHIA (8 - 31) at DETROIT (15 - 25) - 1/17/2015, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 29-42 ATS (-17.2 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 53-69 ATS (-22.9 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 5-15 ATS (-11.5 Units) in home games this season.
DETROIT is 2-11 ATS (-10.1 Units) in a home game where where the total is between 195 and 199.5 points over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 57-90 ATS (-42.0 Units) in home games when playing on back-to-back days since 1996.
DETROIT is 1-10 ATS (-10.0 Units) in home games after a division game over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 4-15 ATS (-12.5 Units) in home games revenging a home loss vs opponent over the last 3 seasons.
DETROIT is 3-12 ATS (-10.2 Units) in home games revenging a loss vs opponent this season.

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

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ATLANTA (32 - 8) at CHICAGO (27 - 14) - 1/17/2015, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 28-11 ATS (+15.9 Units) in all games this season.
ATLANTA is 18-7 ATS (+10.3 Units) as a favorite this season.
ATLANTA is 16-4 ATS (+11.6 Units) in road games this season.
ATLANTA is 9-0 ATS (+9.0 Units) in January games this season.
ATLANTA is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) after a win by 10 points or more this season.
ATLANTA is 15-4 ATS (+10.6 Units) after scoring 105 points or more this season.
ATLANTA is 16-4 ATS (+11.6 Units) after 3 or more consecutive wins this season.
ATLANTA is 15-2 ATS (+12.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
ATLANTA is 15-7 ATS (+7.3 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.
ATLANTA is 15-5 ATS (+9.5 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.
CHICAGO is 42-69 ATS (-33.9 Units) in home games over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO is 6-2 against the spread versus ATLANTA over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO is 6-2 straight up against ATLANTA over the last 3 seasons
6 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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WASHINGTON (27 - 13) at BROOKLYN (17 - 23) - 1/17/2015, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 41-24 ATS (+14.6 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 32-18 ATS (+12.2 Units) when playing on back-to-back days over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 5-3 against the spread versus BROOKLYN over the last 3 seasons
BROOKLYN is 4-4 straight up against WASHINGTON 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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GOLDEN STATE (31 - 6) at HOUSTON (28 - 12) - 1/17/2015, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
GOLDEN STATE is 24-11 ATS (+11.9 Units) in all games this season.
GOLDEN STATE is 17-4 ATS (+12.6 Units) after scoring 105 points or more this season.
GOLDEN STATE is 45-28 ATS (+14.2 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 89-121 ATS (-44.1 Units) in home games against Pacific division opponents since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
HOUSTON is 5-4 against the spread versus GOLDEN STATE over the last 3 seasons
HOUSTON is 5-4 straight up against GOLDEN STATE over the last 3 seasons
6 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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MINNESOTA (6 - 32) at DENVER (18 - 21) - 1/17/2015, 9:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 8-21 ATS (-15.1 Units) when playing on back-to-back days over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 23-36 ATS (-16.6 Units) after allowing 105 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 31-44 ATS (-17.4 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
DENVER is 50-33 ATS (+13.7 Units) when the total is greater than or equal to 210 over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 24-8 ATS (+15.2 Units) revenging a home loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
DENVER is 148-197 ATS (-68.7 Units) when playing on back-to-back days since 1996.
DENVER is 19-31 ATS (-15.1 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.

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

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PORTLAND (30 - 10) at MEMPHIS (28 - 11) - 1/17/2015, 9:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
MEMPHIS is 5-3 against the spread versus PORTLAND over the last 3 seasons
MEMPHIS is 6-2 straight up against PORTLAND 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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LA CLIPPERS (26 - 14) at SACRAMENTO (16 - 23) - 1/17/2015, 10:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
SACRAMENTO is 5-4 against the spread versus LA CLIPPERS over the last 3 seasons
LA CLIPPERS is 7-2 straight up against SACRAMENTO over the last 3 seasons
4 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Dunkel

Golden State at Houston
The Warriors head to Houston tonight following a 127-115 defeat in OKC last night and come into the contest with a 23-8-1 ATS record in their last 32 games after allowing more than 125 points in the previous game. Golden State is the pick (+2 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Warriors favored by 1 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Golden State (+2 1/2). Here are all of today's NBA picks.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 17

Game 501-502: Indiana at Charlotte (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Indiana 118.178; Charlotte 117.022
Dunkel Line & Total: Indiana by 1; 185
Vegas Line & Total: Charlotte by 2; No Total
Dunkel Pick: Indiana (+2); N/A

Game 503-504: Philadelphia at Detroit (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia 111.505; Detroit 120.249
Dunkel Line & Total: Detroit by 9; 190
Vegas Line & Total: Detroit by 13; 194
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (+13); Under

Game 505-506: Atlanta at Chicago (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta 129.730; Chicago 121.951
Dunkel Line & Total: Atlanta by 8; 208
Vegas Line & Total: Atlanta by 2 1/2; 200 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (-2 1/2); Over

Game 507-508: Washington at Brooklyn (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Washington 120.552; Brooklyn 113.776
Dunkel Line & Total: Washington by 7; 196
Vegas Line & Total: Washington by 4 1/2; 191 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Washington (-4 1/2); Over

Game 509-510: Golden State at Houston (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Golden State 126.570; Houston 124.929
Dunkel Line & Total: Golden State by 1 1/2; 217
Vegas Line & Total: Houston by 2 1/2; 212 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Golden State (+2 1/2); Over

Game 511-512: Minnesota at Denver (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota 111.632; Denver 121.149
Dunkel Line & Total: Denver by 9 1/2; 216
Vegas Line & Total: Denver by 12; 210 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (+12); Over

Game 513-514: Portland at Memphis (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Portland 120.555; Memphis 126.082
Dunkel Line & Total: Memphis by 5 1/2; 187
Vegas Line & Total: Memphis by 3 1/2; No Total
Dunkel Pick: Memphis (-3 1/2); N/A

Game 515-516: LA Clippers at Sacramento (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: LA Clippers 120.949; Sacramento 112.328
Dunkel Line & Total: LA Clippers by 8 1/2; 193
Vegas Line & Total: LA Clippers by 6; No Total
Dunkel Pick: LA Clippers (-6); N/A

[StarDust Bum]

Armadillo: Sunday's six-pack

College basketball conferences #7-12, according to kenpom.com

12) Mountain West-- Down year; this could easily be a one-bid league.

11) MAC-- Bobby Hurley's Buffalo Bulls are highest rated team at #77.

10) MVC-- Looks like Wichita State and Northern Iowa to NCAAs.

9) American-- Tulsa is in first place; SMU is heading towards probation.

8) WCC-- Gonzaga will be better in NCAAs because league is tougher now.

7) Atlantic 14-- VCU will be in NCAAs; will anyone else be joining them?

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Armadillo: Sunday's List of 13: Wrapping up a sports Saturday.......

13) Duke 63, Louisville 52-- Blue Devils played zone, which almost never happens, but it might be going to happen lot more the rest of this season. Louisville was 4-25 on the arc, 14-36 inside it; they could use a shooter or two.

12) Kansas State 63, Baylor 61-- Bears have weird team- their best scorer, Taurean Price, doesn't start. K-State is temporarily atop the Big X at 4-1.

11) VCU 70, Duquesne 64-- Rams have won ten in row, are by far best team in A-14.

10) Notre Dame 75, Miami 70-- Nasty scheduling spot for Hurricanes, tough road game after they blasted Duke in Cameron- they're better than the Irish.

9) Having 14 of 15 teams in a basketball conference makes no sense; too many teams. The best leagues have home/home series, where rivalries can form. You play a team once a year in basketball, hard for that to grow into a serious rivalry.

8) Wyoming 70, Fresno State 65 3OT-- Game of the Day. Cowboys are 16-3 and might be best team in a down Mountain West.

7) I can't tolerate Dick Vitale's announcing anymore; he works from the same script most every game. He got wealthy and turned into an elitist, though the work he does for the V Foundation is outstanding. ESPN has done a poor job of cultivating its younger announcers- having Jay Bilas as its new #1 analyst is a bad idea.

6) St Mary's 82, BYU 77-- Randy Bennett has the Gaels challenging Gonzaga atop the WCC standings again. He's bringing in three more Australians next year, will have a total of six on next year's squad.

5) Golfer Martin Kaymer is jogging to an easy win in Abu Dhabi as I type this, but Charl Schwartzel has the prettiest caddy- his wife, who was forced into duty when Schwartzel's regular caddy couldn't get a visa in time for this week's tournament.

4) There is a basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, MA and there is a college Hall of Fame in Kansas City, which somehow hasn't inducted Jerry Tarkanian. Norm Stewart and Gene Keady are in it, but no Tark-- not a lot of credibility there. Tarkanian is in the Springfioeld Hall of Fame, as he should be.

3) ESPN amalyst Jay Williams referred to Duke as "we" on the air Saturday night; of the Dukies on TV and there are many, Williams is by far the worst of the lot. How they decided to put him on their Saturday morning show is beyond me.

2) Clemson 66, Syracuse 53-- Orangemen used two subs a total of seven minutes. If I ever do a list of the most overrated people in America, Jim Boeheim is sure to be on the list. Before Carmelo Anthony spent his seven months in Syracuse and won a national title, Boeheim was best known for his underwhelming NCAA appearances.

Now supposedly he is responsible for teaching Mike Krzyzewski the 2-3 zone, as if the Duke coach didn't know how it worked before he met Boeheim. Its the simplest thing in the damn world; the tricky part is recruiting the great athletes to play in it.

This game was 39-18 at halftime; how does an ACC team have this thin a bench? He lost two kids for the year to injuries, but still.....

1) Arizona 69, Utah 51-- Utes are supposed to give Arizona a run for their money in the Pac-12 this season; this game was the opposite of that.