The Bum's NBA February's Trends-Stats-News & Notes !

[StarDust Bum]

Armadillo: Saturday's six-pack

Six of the top minor league prospects of the Atlanta Braves.......

1) Jose Peraza, 2B-- Hit .335 in 44 games in AA Southern League.

2) Lucas Sims, P-- Has allowed 257 hits in 307 IP in minors.

3) Christian Bethancourt, C-- Hit .248 in 113 big league ABs last year.

5) Ozhaino Albies, SS-- 5-9, 150 pounder hit .364 in low minors

7) Tyrell Jenkins, P-- Could've gone to Baylor to play football.

15) Shae Simmons, P-- Allowed 15 hits in 22 IP with Braves LY.

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Armadillo: Saturday's List of 13: Looking at some college hoop info.....

13) Best 3-point shooting teams in country:
1) Cal-Davis 45.2% 2) Idaho 42.0% 3) Sacramento State 41.3%

Worst 3-point shooting teams in country:
351) Alcorn State 23.6% 350) Nevada 24.6% 349) Savannah State 25.7%

12) Best teams in country from foul line:
1) Ole Miss 79.9% 2) Illinois 79.7% 3) Quinnipiac 78.1%

Worst teams in country from foul line:
351) Nicholls St. 58.3% 350) Savannah St. 59.1% 349) South Carolina St. 59.2%

11) Teams with best eFG% on offense (3-pointers count as 1.5 FGs made)
1) Notre Dame 60.0% 2) Gonzaga 59.1% 3) Cal-Davis 58.9%

Teams with worst eFG% in country:
351) Grambling State 38.6% 350) Morgan State 39.1% 349) Alcorn State 39.8%

10) Teams that force turnovers on highest %age of possessions:
1) West Virginia 30.7% 2) Eastern Kentucky 27.5% 3) SF Austin 26.3%

Teams that turn the ball over the most on offense:
351) Central Arkansas 26.6%, 350) Grambling State 26.5% 349) Savannah State 26.1%

9) Teams that play fastest tempo games in country:
1) VMI 2) Coppin State 3) Neb-Omaha 4) Northwestern State

Teams that play slowest tempo games in country:
351) American 350) Virginia 349) Denver 348) Wyoming

8) Georgia Tech is 0-4 in ACC home games, but none of the four losses were by more than three points......underdogs are 8-1 vs spread in Syracuse's ACC games.

Next five notes refer to conference ratings.......
7) Fastest tempo games in the country, on average, happen in:
1) Southland 2) Southern 3) Northeast 4) Sun Belt

Slowest tempo games, on average, happen in:
32) Missouri Valley 31) WAC 30) Mountain West 29) Patriot

6) Best 3-point shooting conferences:
1) Big Sky 39.6% 2) Patriot 37.8% 3) Summit 37.2% 4) Big West 35.9%

Worst 3-point shooting conferences:
32) SWAC 30.6% 31) MEAC 31.3% 30) Sun Belt 32.4% 29) Atlantic 14 32.8%

5) Best foul shooting conferences:
1) Summit 72.8% 2) Atlantic Sun 72.3% 3) Big Sky 72.0% 4) Big South 71.9%

Worst foul shooting conferences:
32) MEAC 65.1% 31) AAC 66.0% 30) SWAC 66.5% 29) C-USA 66.7%

4) Conferences with highest percentage of close games:
1) Big East 33.3% 2) Patriot 32.7% 3) ACC 29.2% 4) WAC 28.6%

Conferences with lowest percentage of close games:
32) CAA 16.4% 31) Southland 17.2% 30) Horizon 18.2% 29) AAC 18.5%

3) Conferences with highest %age of wins by home team:
1) Big 14 (49-20) 2) Horizon (30-14) 3) Big X (32-15) 4) WAC (19-9)

Conferences with lowest %age of wins by home team:
32) Ivy (7-12) 31) American East (20-24) 30) SWAC (23-22) 29) MEAC (29-26)

2) Not sure why, but it has been 24 years since the winner at the Farmers Open golf tournament in LaJolla was won by a first-time PGA Tour winner.

1) Pelicans 116, Thunder 113-- Anthony Davis hit his first trey of season at buzzer to win it; he had 41 points. Westbrook had 48 for the Thunder; he had tied the game with three foul shots with 0:01.3 left. Davis is 3-24 for his career on the arc.

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Long Sheet

Saturday, February 7

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CHICAGO (30 - 20) at NEW ORLEANS (27 - 23) - 2/7/2015, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO is 32-49 ATS (-21.9 Units) in non-conference games over the last 3 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 29-20 ATS (+7.0 Units) in all games this season.
NEW ORLEANS is 94-67 ATS (+20.3 Units) on Saturday games since 1996.
NEW ORLEANS is 10-1 ATS (+8.9 Units) when playing on back-to-back days this season.
CHICAGO is 81-56 ATS (+19.4 Units) in road games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season since 1996.
NEW ORLEANS is 178-222 ATS (-66.2 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game since 1996.

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

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BROOKLYN (21 - 28) at WASHINGTON (31 - 20) - 2/7/2015, 7:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 6-3 against the spread versus BROOKLYN over the last 3 seasons
WASHINGTON is 5-4 straight up against BROOKLYN 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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GOLDEN STATE (39 - 9) at NEW YORK (10 - 40) - 2/7/2015, 7:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
GOLDEN STATE is 3-1 against the spread versus NEW YORK over the last 3 seasons
NEW YORK is 2-2 straight up against GOLDEN STATE 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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CHARLOTTE (22 - 27) at PHILADELPHIA (11 - 40) - 2/7/2015, 7:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHARLOTTE is 5-4 against the spread versus PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
CHARLOTTE is 5-4 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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PORTLAND (34 - 16) at DALLAS (34 - 18) - 2/7/2015, 8:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PORTLAND is 20-35 ATS (-18.5 Units) against Southwest division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
DALLAS is 7-15 ATS (-9.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
DALLAS is 14-26 ATS (-14.6 Units) in home games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
DALLAS is 6-2 against the spread versus PORTLAND over the last 3 seasons
DALLAS is 5-3 straight up against PORTLAND 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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BOSTON (19 - 30) at MILWAUKEE (27 - 23) - 2/7/2015, 8:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 2-12 ATS (-11.2 Units) in road games after a win by 10 points or more over the last 3 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 33-16 ATS (+15.4 Units) in all games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 13-5 ATS (+7.5 Units) after a non-conference game this season.
MILWAUKEE is 19-6 ATS (+12.4 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
MILWAUKEE is 17-7 ATS (+9.3 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.
BOSTON is 19-9 ATS (+9.1 Units) when playing on back-to-back days over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 48-74 ATS (-33.4 Units) in home games in February games since 1996.
MILWAUKEE is 315-375 ATS (-97.5 Units) second half of the season since 1996.
MILWAUKEE is 127-169 ATS (-58.9 Units) on Saturday games since 1996.
MILWAUKEE is 70-97 ATS (-36.7 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record - 2nd half of the season since 1996.
MILWAUKEE is 14-29 ATS (-17.9 Units) in home games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MILWAUKEE is 4-3 against the spread versus BOSTON over the last 3 seasons
MILWAUKEE is 5-3 straight up against BOSTON 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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SACRAMENTO (17 - 31) at UTAH (17 - 33) - 2/7/2015, 9:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
SACRAMENTO is 7-1 against the spread versus UTAH over the last 3 seasons
UTAH is 4-4 straight up against SACRAMENTO over the last 3 seasons
5 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up

Saturday, February 7

Hot Teams
-- Pelicans won seven of their last nine games (6-0 HU).
-- Nets won last three games by total of 10 points (8-2 last ten AU).
-- Warriors won eight of last eleven games (2-5 last seven AF).
-- Charlotte won 11 of its last 14 games (2-1 AF).
-- Portland won last two games, covered four of last six (7-5 AU). Dallas won four of its last five games (0-3-1 last four HF).
-- Boston won last three games, covered seven of last nine (9-1 last 10 AU). Bucks won five of last six games, are 7-0-1 vs spread in last eight.

Cold Teams
-- Chicago lost four of last five games (5-2 last seven AF).
-- Wizards lost last five games, are 0-9 vs spread in last nine.
-- Knicks lost three of last four games (3-0 last three HU).
-- 76ers lost three of last four, covered five of last six games (12-4 in last 16 as HU)
-- Utah lost five of last six games (4-5 HF). Kings lost ten of their last eleven games (2-6 last eight AU).

Series Records
-- Pelicans lost 10 of last 13 games with Chicago (3-2 in last five)
-- Nets lost four of last five games with Washington.
-- Warriors won seven of last ten games with New York.
-- 76ers lost four of last five games with Charlotte.
-- Mavericks won six of last nine games with Dallas.
-- Bucks won five of last eight games with Boston.
-- Kings lost three of last four visits to Utah.

Totals
-- Seven of last ten Chicago road games stayed under.
-- Four of last five Brooklyn road games went over.
-- Over is 8-1-1 in Golden State's last ten road games.
-- Eight of Philly's last ten home games stayed under.
-- Seven of last ten Portland road games went over.
-- Seven of last nine Milwaukee home games stayed under.
-- Under is 3-0-1 in last four Sacramento games; three of last four Utah games went over.

Back-to-Backs
-- Pelicans are 10-1 vs spread if they played night before.
-- Nets are 3-6 vs spread if they played night before.
-- Golden State is 5-3-1 vs spread if it played night before; New York is 4-7-1.
-- 76ers are 8-5 vs spread if they played night before, 3-1 at home.
-- Celtics are 5-1 vs spread on road if they played at home night before.
-- Jazz is 4-7 vs spread if they played night before.

East vs West
SU: West 161-109 ATS: West 137-130-3
East teams HF vs West: 38-35
East teams HU vs West: 28-36
West teams HF vs East: 54-58-3
West teams HU vs East: 12-8

[StarDust Bum]

NBA

Saturday, February 7

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Trend Report
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7:00 PM
CHICAGO vs. NEW ORLEANS
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Chicago's last 6 games when playing New Orleans
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Chicago's last 10 games on the road
New Orleans is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games at home
New Orleans is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games

7:00 PM
BROOKLYN vs. WASHINGTON
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Brooklyn's last 6 games
Brooklyn is 5-12 SU in its last 17 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Washington's last 6 games
Washington is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Brooklyn

7:30 PM
CHARLOTTE vs. PHILADELPHIA
Charlotte is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Philadelphia
Charlotte is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
The total has gone UNDER in 15 of Philadelphia's last 19 games
Philadelphia is 3-9 SU in its last 12 games

7:30 PM
GOLDEN STATE vs. NEW YORK
Golden State is 16-7 SU in its last 23 games on the road
Golden State is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of New York's last 7 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of New York's last 5 games when playing at home against Golden State

8:30 PM
PORTLAND vs. DALLAS
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Portland's last 6 games on the road
Portland is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games when playing Dallas
Dallas is 5-10-1 ATS in its last 16 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Dallas's last 6 games when playing at home against Portland

8:30 PM
BOSTON vs. MILWAUKEE
Boston is 2-3-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Milwaukee
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Boston's last 5 games when playing on the road against Milwaukee
Milwaukee is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Boston
Milwaukee is 8-17 SU in its last 25 games when playing Boston

9:00 PM
SACRAMENTO vs. UTAH
Sacramento is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games
Sacramento is 1-10 SU in its last 11 games
Utah is 3-11 ATS in its last 14 games when playing Sacramento
Utah is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games

[StarDust Bum]

Saturday's Tip Sheet

February 7, 2015

Bulls at Pelicans – 7:05 PM EST
Indiana’s upset of Cleveland kept the Bulls in first place in the Central Division, but their grip has loosened considerably. Chicago lost to the Heat before embarking on this four-game road swing, shocked Golden State and then ran out of gas in losses to the Lakers, Suns and Rockets. Reports are that most in the locker room blame a lack of effort, so maybe they’ll be engaged after a few more practice-filled days. This will be just the Bulls second game in eight nights, so they should be as rested they’ve been in months. Pau Gasol could set a career-best with his 11th consecutive double-double and leads the NBA with 31. The Bulls had 15 offensive rebounds in their 107-100 win on Dec. 27. All-Star Jimmy Butler broke out for 33 points.

The Pelicans won’t have much time to dwell on their emotional last-second win in Oklahoma City last night, but certainly enjoyed a happy flight home. Chicago native Anthony Davis finished with 41 points, including the 3-point buzzer-beater that has been the talk of the NBA. He had 29 points, 11 boards and six blocks in the earlier loss to the Bulls. Injured starting point guard Jrue Holiday isn’t expected back until after the All-Star break, but Tyreke Evans has taken over at point guard, finishing with 22 points, 10 rebounds and 16 assists against the Thunder on Friday.

Nets at Wizards – 7:05 PM EST

The Nets got a huge 3-pointer from Jarrett Jack with 13 seconds left to outlast the Knicks on Friday. They’ll be looking for their first four-game winning streak of the season in D.C, where they won by 22 just three weeks ago. Brooklyn went on to lose to the Wizards the next night and then dropped 12 of their final 14 in January. Its recent success coincides with Deron Williams' return from a broken rib, but tonight will be his first back-to-back situation. Brook Lopez had 22 rebounds, nine boards and six blocks off the bench for the Nets, who are beginning a season-long eight-game stretch on the road that gets broken up by the All-Star break.

Washington’s run of being on the wrong side of the number has reached nine games, and it is just 2-7 outright in that stretch. The latest disappointment came in Charlotte, as the Wizards managed just 13 fourth-quarter points, melting down without Bradley Beal, whose injured toe has him questionable here. John Wall scored just two points in the second half against the Hornets, but his lack of production takes a back seat to getting out-rebounded 18-6 in the final quarter. The entire group is in a collective slump.

Warriors at Knicks – 7:35 PM EST

After losing a terrific shootout in Atlanta that ended 124-116, the Warriors may have to fight tired legs in their only visit to Madison Square Garden. Not only are they playing their fourth game in five nights, they flew cross-country in-between. Head coach Steve Kerr does have the luxury of one of the NBA’s deepest teams, so no one played more than 36 minutes. Stephen Curry is averaging over 31 points over GSW’s last five games. Two seasons ago, he scored 54 points and knocked down 11-for-13 from 3-point range. Last year, he toned it down and just put up a triple-double (27-11-11).

Since coming back from resting his sore knees, Carmelo Anthony has helped New York to a 5-4 mark in games he’s participated in. He’s only been forced to play one back-to-back and made it through just 25 minutes in a blowout loss at Indiana, but it’s likely he’ll be in the mix here. Brooklyn’s Alan Anderson helped hold him to 6-for-23 shooting in last night’s loss, contributing to the team’s 38 percent shooting. Rookie guard Langston Galloway led the Knicks with 11 rebounds. NYK has lost on the second night of a back-to-back 11 consecutive times, losing nine of them by double-digits.

Trail Blazers at Mavericks – 8:35 PM EST

LaMarcus Aldridge has excelled playing though his thumb injury and is back in his hometown of Dallas, where he put up 30 points twice last season, typical of how dominant he’s been there over his career. He became the Blazers all-time leader in double-doubles in a 108-87 rout of Phoenix and will surely be looking to set the tone since his team hasn’t fared well on the road over the last month. Portland has lost six consecutive road games. All of them, like this one, have come against teams with winning records. A visit to Houston awaits on Sunday night.

If the playoffs were to start today, this would be your 4-5 matchup, so the Mavericks will definitely want to fare better than they did in Portland the first time these teams met. Dallas lost on the road by a 108-87 count on Nov. 6 and will see the Trail Blazers twice more in the regular season, hosting the April 15 finale. Dirk Nowitzki rested last time out in Sacramento, but Rajon Rondo (facial fractures) has been ruled out through the weekend in order to try and avoid surgery. Veteran J.J. Barea has been starting in his place.

Kings at Jazz – 9:05 PM EST

DeMarcus Cousins got at teammates “to have some self-respect” and “act like you care,” following Wednesday’s 101-78 loss to the visiting Mavs, so it will be interesting to see how they respond. Rudy Gay shot 2-for-13, while rookie guards Nik Stauskas and Ray McCallum combined to shoot 3-for-20, so a lack of energy is only part of the problem right now. Point guard Darren Collison left Wednesday’s loss with a hip flexor strain and is considered doubtful here, leaving Ramon Sessions and McCallum to split duties. The Kings are 6-18 under interim coach Tyrone Corbin, who coached Utah from 2010-14. They’ve lost 10-of-11 and haven’t won a road game since Jan. 1, losing their last six outside Sacramento.

The Jazz lost for the fifth time in six games at Phoenix on Friday, falling 100-93 despite 24 points from Gordon Hayward. Utah did beat the Warriors at home on Jan. 30, but have lost six of nine at Energy Solutions Arena in 2015. Quin Snyder will definitely be looking for a win over the man he replaced, but injuries in the backcourt tie his hands. He’s been starting Australian rookies Dante Exum and Joe Ingles while bringing Trey Burke and Chris Johnson off the bench. Of that group, Burke, a 22-year-old former lottery pick in his second season, is the only one with over 100 NBA games under his belt.

[StarDust Bum]

Armadillo: Sunday's six-pack

-- Duke 90, Notre Dame 60-- Blue Devils had a 43-7 run in this game.

-- Virginia 52, Louisville 47-- Cavs lost leading scorer Anderson (hand).

-- Oklahoma State 67, Kansas 62-- Jayhawks led by 11 at the half.

-- SMU 68, Tulsa 57-- First AAC loss for the Golden Hurricane.

-- Colorado State 83, UNLV 82-- Rams were down 18 in first half.

-- Mavericks 111, Blazers 101 OT-- Dallas was down 11 with 2:00 left.

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

13) Pretty ironic that Spurs' coach Gregg Popovich is applauded for how his teams play and winning four titles while doing things the right way and all that, but this new trend of "recovery days", where star players often sit out one game of back/back nights, is something Popovich popularized with the Spurs.

How would you like to shell out major money to see a game, only to have the star of each team sit out because the teams played the night before? Happens all the time now-- maybe they should give discounts if the stars don't play. Ha!!!!

12) There will be 12 running backs just from the SEC alone at the NFL Combine.

11) Buffalo Bills signed Richie Incognito, who was banished from Miami after he was fingered in that bullying debacle; now he'll play the Dolphins twice a year. He did not play in the NFL this past season. When he was with the Rams, Incognito owned a car that had 31 TVs in it and I'm not kidding. 31 TVs.

10) Chris Paul got docked $25K for criticizing a rookie official, who is also a female; wonder if he would've gotten fined for criticizing a male rookie ref?

9) Virginia lost its best scorer Justin Anderson (broken hand) Saturday; he's getting operated on and is expected back in 4-6 weeks. Selection Sunday is five weeks from today. Tough luck for Tony Bennett's team.

8) Knicks TV analyst, former NBA star Walt Frazier said on air Saturday night he owns "around 125 suits". He must have a very large closet.

7) Noon tipoffs of college basketball games are for TV purposes only; its not normal to have a pregame meal at 8am, meaning you have to go to bed at midnight or so the night before. How many college students go to bed at midnight on Friday night? This leads to lot of lethargic first halves in those noon games.

6) Oak Hill Academy is a prep school in Virginia that is a basketball factory; its five starters this year will be playing next year for: Iowa-Ohio State-Purdue-Florida State and Missouri. Pretty good high school/prep school team.

5) PGA caddies are mad because the bibs they wear at tournaments have advertising on them that nets the PGA Tour a small fortune, but the caddies still have lousy health benefits. Shockingly, lawyers are now involved.

4) Every time I watch the movie Draft Day, I'm amused that Hodges from CSI plays the GM of the Kansas City Chiefs; unusual casting.

3) Saw a stat line I've never seen before; in Wednesday's 83-82 loss at Ohio U, the Akron Zips were 0-6 from the foul line for the game, and 18-36 from the 3-point arc. It makes no sense, but thats what happened.

2) Best wishes to Providence hoop coach Ed Cooley, who had trouble breathing at the Friars' game at Xavier; he spent the night in a Cincinnati hospital. He left the bench early in the second half and was taken to the hospital during the game.

1) Saturday, the Knicks, Nets, Rangers, Islanders, Devils all lost, first time all five teams lost on the same day since 1986.

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up

Sunday, February 8

Hot Teams
-- Cavaliers won 12 of their last 13 games (7-1 last eight HF).
-- Hawks won 21 of their last 22 games (10-3 AU). Memphis won eight of its last nine games (7-2 last nine HF).
-- Pacers won three of their last four games (1-3 last four AU). Hornets won 11 of last 15 games (2-4 last six HF).
-- Minnesota won last two games, both by point, after losing eight of its previous nine games (9-2 last 11 AU). Pistons won three of their last four games (4-0 last four HF).
-- Rockets won six of their last seven games (6-0-1 last seven HF).
-- Spurs won nine of their last 11 games (3-1 last four AF). Raptors won seven of last nine games (0-0 HU).

Cold Teams
-- Thunder is 3-5 in last eight gams, 1-7 vs spread (0-5-1 last six HF). Clippers lost four of last five games, covered one of last seven.
-- Lakers lost 12 of last 13 games (1-5-1 last seven AU).
-- Orlando lost nine of its last ten games (1-7 last eight HU). Bulls lost three of their last four games (6-2 last eight AF).
-- Portland lost nine of last 13 games; they blew 11-point lead in last 2:00 at Dallas last nite, losing in OT (3-5 last eight AU).
-- Suns lost three of their last four games (7-1 last eight AF). Kings lost 11 of their last 12 games (3-6 last nine HU).

Series Records
-- Oklahoma City won four of last six games against the Clippers.
-- Lakers lost three of last four visits to Cleveland.
-- Hawks won seven of last ten games with Memphis.
-- Pacers won 15 of last 18 games with Charlotte; both games this year went to overtime.
-- Pistons lost their last nine games with Minnesota.
-- Bulls won 12 of their last 15 games with Orlando.
-- Houston/Portland split their last ten games; home side won last four.
-- Spurs won their last seven games with Toronto.
-- Suns won three of last four games with Sacramento.

Totals
-- Five of last seven Clipper games stayed under total.
-- Under is 13-1 in Cleveland's last 14 home games.
-- Six of last seven Atlanta games went over. Five of last six Memphis home games stayed under.
-- Last eight Charlotte home games stayed under total.
-- Under is 9-4 in last 13 Minnesota road games.
-- Last three Chicago road games stayed under total.
-- Eight of last eleven Portland road games went over.
-- Eight of Spurs' last nine road games stayed under.
-- Last eight Phoenix games stayed under the total.

Back-to-Backs
-- Hornets are 2-4 vs spread at home if they played night before.
-- Chicago is 6-3 vs spread on road if it played night before.
-- Portland is 6-5 vs spread if it played the night before.
-- Kings are 0-3 vs spread at home if they played night before.

East vs West
SU: West 162-110 ATS: West 137-132-3
East teams HF vs West: 38-35
East teams HU vs West: 29-36
West teams HF vs East: 54-58-3
West teams HU vs East: 12-9

[StarDust Bum]

NBA

Sunday, February 8

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Trend Report
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1:00 PM
LA CLIPPERS vs. OKLAHOMA CITY
LA Clippers are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games
LA Clippers are 3-7 SU in their last 10 games when playing on the road against Oklahoma City
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Oklahoma City's last 9 games when playing at home against LA Clippers
Oklahoma City is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games at home

3:30 PM
LA LAKERS vs. CLEVELAND
LA Lakers are 2-7 SU in their last 9 games when playing on the road against Cleveland
LA Lakers are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games when playing on the road against Cleveland
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Cleveland's last 9 games when playing at home against LA Lakers
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Cleveland's last 5 games at home

6:00 PM
MINNESOTA vs. DETROIT
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Minnesota's last 7 games when playing Detroit
Minnesota is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Detroit
Detroit is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Minnesota
Detroit is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Minnesota

6:00 PM
INDIANA vs. CHARLOTTE
Indiana is 15-3 SU in its last 18 games when playing Charlotte
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Indiana's last 9 games when playing Charlotte
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Charlotte's last 5 games when playing at home against Indiana
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Charlotte's last 9 games when playing Indiana

6:00 PM
CHICAGO vs. ORLANDO
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Chicago's last 13 games when playing on the road against Orlando
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Chicago's last 11 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Orlando's last 6 games
Orlando is 1-10 SU in its last 11 games

6:00 PM
ATLANTA vs. MEMPHIS
Atlanta is 12-1 SU in its last 13 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Atlanta's last 7 games
Memphis is 4-11-1 ATS in its last 16 games when playing Atlanta
Memphis is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games

7:00 PM
PORTLAND vs. HOUSTON
Portland is 4-9 SU in its last 13 games
Portland is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games
Houston is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Houston's last 13 games

7:00 PM
SAN ANTONIO vs. TORONTO
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of San Antonio's last 7 games
San Antonio is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
Toronto is 6-13-1 ATS in its last 20 games
Toronto is 2-7 ATS in its last 9 games at home

9:00 PM
PHOENIX vs. SACRAMENTO
Phoenix is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Sacramento
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Phoenix's last 8 games when playing Sacramento
Sacramento is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games at home
Sacramento is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games at home

[StarDust Bum]

NBA

Sunday, February 8

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Game of the Day: Spurs at Raptors
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San Antonio Spurs at Toronto Raptors (+1, 201)

San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich will try for career win No. 1,000 when the Spurs visit the Toronto Raptors in a key game Sunday night. The matchup is also monumental because the Spurs are opening a nine-game, three-week road trip that will cover just over 8,000 miles. They came into Saturday in seventh place in the jam-packed Western Conference, but just three games behind the third-place Houston Rockets.

The Raptors can’t seem to make up any ground on the East-leading Atlanta Hawks and sit eight games behind as of Saturday. They have managed to distance themselves from the Washington Wizards and Chicago Bulls, but now the fifth-place Cleveland Cavaliers are charging hard after winning 12 of their last 13 games. The Raptors are coming off an impressive 123-107 victory against the visiting Los Angeles Clippers, which came on the heels of two bad losses to the Milwaukee Bucks and Brooklyn Nets.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, NBATV, FSN Southwest (San Antonio), TSN1 (Toronto)

LINE HISTORY: The spread opened as TOR +1 with a total of 201.

INJURY REPORT: Spurs - N/A Raptors - N/A

ABOUT THE SPURS (32-18 SU, 22-26-2 ATS, 23-27 O/U): San Antonio has won five of six and nine of its last 11 and, better yet, seems to be at its healthiest stage so far this season. They improved to 20-6 with Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, Kawhi Leonard and Manu Ginobili in the lineup with a win Friday against the Miami Heat, compared to 12-12 when one or more of their stars are missing. The Spurs also recently got Marco Belinelli back from an 11-game absence due to injury and he has further strengthened their bench.

ABOUT THE RAPTORS (34-17 SU, 25-25-1 ATS, 29-22 O/U): DeMar DeRozan did something against the Clippers he had never done in his career and that’s lead his team in scoring, rebounding and assists in the same game. He had 24 points, nine rebounds and eight helpers in the win and is averaging 17.6 points and 6.3 assists in the last six games. LeBron James and James Harden are the only other non-guards averaging better numbers over the same span.

TRENDS:

*Spurs are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
*Raptors are 0-3-1 ATS in their last 4 vs. NBA Southwest.
*Under is 5-1 in Spurs last 6 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
*Over is 5-1 in Raptors last 6 vs. a team with a winning S.U. record.

CONSENSUS: 56.82 percent of users are on SA -1.

[StarDust Bum]

NBA

Sunday, February 8


LeBron James, Cleveland - Ques Sun

James is nursing injuries to his right wrist and ankle and is questionable to play Sunday against the Lakers.


Clippers making a habit out of failing to cash

It's been a tough go for backers of the Los Angeles Clippers recently, and things didn't get any better Friday evening north of the border.

Despite jumping out to a sizeable first quarter lead against the Toronto Raptors, the Clips collapsed and allowed the Raptors to run away with the game in the second half in the form of a 123-107 victory. L.A. failed to cover the +1 spread - a theme that's become all too familiar as of late. Doc Rivers' crew are just 3-9 ATS in their last 12 games.

The Clippers will be in action yet again on Sunday when they travel to Oklahoma City for a date with Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and the rest of the Thunder.

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NBA
Long Sheet

Sunday, February 8

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LA CLIPPERS (33 - 18) at OKLAHOMA CITY (25 - 25) - 2/8/2015, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LA CLIPPERS are 20-31 ATS (-14.1 Units) in all games this season.
LA CLIPPERS are 91-131 ATS (-53.1 Units) in February games since 1996.
LA CLIPPERS are 308-364 ATS (-92.4 Units) second half of the season since 1996.
LA CLIPPERS are 218-272 ATS (-81.2 Units) after allowing 105 points or more since 1996.
LA CLIPPERS are 201-252 ATS (-76.2 Units) after a loss by 10 points or more since 1996.
LA CLIPPERS are 8-17 ATS (-10.7 Units) after scoring 105 points or more this season.
LA CLIPPERS are 9-20 ATS (-13.0 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.
LA CLIPPERS are 117-160 ATS (-59.0 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season since 1996.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 131-94 ATS (+27.6 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent since 1996.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 64-35 ATS (+25.5 Units) off a upset loss as a favorite since 1996.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 68-47 ATS (+16.3 Units) after scoring 105 points or more over the last 3 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 20-9 ATS (+10.1 Units) off a upset loss as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
OKLAHOMA CITY is 10-4 against the spread versus LA CLIPPERS over the last 3 seasons
OKLAHOMA CITY is 9-5 straight up against LA CLIPPERS over the last 3 seasons
7 of 14 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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LA LAKERS (13 - 37) at CLEVELAND (31 - 21) - 2/8/2015, 3:30 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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ATLANTA (42 - 9) at MEMPHIS (37 - 13) - 2/8/2015, 6:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 62-94 ATS (-41.4 Units) in a road game where where the total is between 190 and 194.5 points since 1996.
MEMPHIS is 214-172 ATS (+24.8 Units) in non-conference games since 1996.
MEMPHIS is 73-48 ATS (+20.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
ATLANTA is 35-15 ATS (+18.5 Units) in all games this season.
ATLANTA is 17-5 ATS (+11.5 Units) in road games this season.
ATLANTA is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) in non-conference games this season.
ATLANTA is 20-6 ATS (+13.4 Units) after scoring 105 points or more this season.
ATLANTA is 20-3 ATS (+16.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
ATLANTA is 20-6 ATS (+13.4 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 3-2 against the spread versus MEMPHIS over the last 3 seasons
ATLANTA is 3-2 straight up against MEMPHIS 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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INDIANA (19 - 32) at CHARLOTTE (22 - 28) - 2/8/2015, 6:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
INDIANA is 13-30 ATS (-20.0 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
CHARLOTTE is 20-34 ATS (-17.4 Units) when playing on back-to-back days over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHARLOTTE is 5-3 against the spread versus INDIANA over the last 3 seasons
INDIANA is 6-3 straight up against CHARLOTTE 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 (10 - 40) at DETROIT (20 - 31) - 2/8/2015, 6:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 26-41 ATS (-19.1 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 15-34 ATS (-22.4 Units) in a home game where where the total is between 200 and 204.5 points since 1996.
DETROIT is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) in home games after a non-conference game this season.
DETROIT is 15-31 ATS (-19.1 Units) in home games revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 4-1 against the spread versus DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
MINNESOTA is 5-0 straight up against DETROIT 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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CHICAGO (31 - 20) at ORLANDO (16 - 37) - 2/8/2015, 6:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO is 54-74 ATS (-27.4 Units) as a favorite over the last 3 seasons.
CHICAGO is 37-25 ATS (+9.5 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO is 82-56 ATS (+20.4 Units) in road games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season since 1996.
ORLANDO is 42-61 ATS (-25.1 Units) in home games over the last 3 seasons.
ORLANDO is 27-40 ATS (-17.0 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.

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

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SAN ANTONIO (32 - 18) at TORONTO (34 - 17) - 2/8/2015, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 18-8 ATS (+9.2 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 882-774 ATS (+30.6 Units) in all games since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 697-597 ATS (+40.3 Units) as a favorite since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 386-327 ATS (+26.3 Units) second half of the season since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 294-236 ATS (+34.4 Units) after a non-conference game since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 55-35 ATS (+16.5 Units) in non-conference games over the last 3 seasons.
TORONTO is 1-10 ATS (-10.0 Units) in home games after scoring 105 points or more this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN ANTONIO is 3-1 against the spread versus TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
SAN ANTONIO is 4-0 straight up against TORONTO 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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PORTLAND (34 - 17) at HOUSTON (35 - 15) - 2/8/2015, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PORTLAND is 20-36 ATS (-19.6 Units) against Southwest division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
HOUSTON is 29-20 ATS (+7.0 Units) in all games this season.
HOUSTON is 9-0 ATS (+9.0 Units) in home games after a non-conference game this season.
HOUSTON is 23-11 ATS (+10.9 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
HOUSTON is 9-5 against the spread versus PORTLAND over the last 3 seasons
HOUSTON is 8-7 straight up against PORTLAND over the last 3 seasons
12 of 15 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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PHOENIX (29 - 23) at SACRAMENTO (17 - 32) - 2/8/2015, 9:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Dunkel

Atlanta at Memphis
The Hawks head to Memphis tonight to face a Grizzlies team that is 14-9 ATS in its last 23 games as a home favorite of 3 points or less. Memphis is the pick (-2) according to Dunkel, which has the Grizzlies favored by 6 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Memphis (-2). Here are all of today's NBA picks.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 8

Game 801-802: LA Clippers at Oklahoma City (1:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: LA Clippers 125.019; Oklahoma City 122.191
Dunkel Line & Total: LA Clippers by 3; 216
Vegas Line & Total: Oklahoma City by 4 1/2; 210 1/2
Dunkel Pick: LA Clippers (+4 1/2); Over

Game 803-804: LA Lakers at Cleveland (3:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: LA Lakers 112.385; Cleveland 123.463
Dunkel Line & Total: Cleveland by 11; 188
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 805-806: Atlanta at Memphis (6:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta 123.589; Memphis 130.310
Dunkel Line & Total: Memphis by 6 1/2; 189
Vegas Line & Total: Memphis by 2; 194
Dunkel Pick: Memphis (-2); Under

Game 807-808: Indiana at Charlotte (6:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Indiana 113.832; Charlotte 123.553
Dunkel Line & Total: Charlotte by 10; 189
Vegas Line & Total: Charlotte by 1; 184;
Dunkel Pick: Charlotte (-1); Over

Game 809-810: Minnesota at Detroit (6:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota 114.423; Detroit 118.976
Dunkel Line & Total: Detroit by 4 1/2; 209
Vegas Line & Total: Detroit by 7; 201
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (+7); Over

Game 811-812: Chicago at Orlando (6:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Chicago 116.894; Orlando 114.916
Dunkel Line & Total: Chicago by 2; 197
Vegas Line & Total: Chicago by 6 1/2; 203
Dunkel Pick: Orlando (+6 1/2); Under

Game 813-814: San Antonio at Toronto (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Antonio 122.169; Toronto 117.616
Dunkel Line & Total: San Antonio by 4 1/2; 197
Vegas Line & Total: San Antonio by 1 1/2; 202 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Antonio (-1 1/2); Under

Game 815-816: Portland at Houston (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Portland 120.361; Houston 127.588
Dunkel Line & Total: Houston by 7; 210
Vegas Line & Total: Houston by 4 1/2;' 203 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Houston (-4 1/2); Over

Game 817-818: Phoenix at Sacramento (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Phoenix 118.877; Sacramento 113.692
Dunkel Line & Total: Phoenix by 5; 209
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

[StarDust Bum]

Sunday's Early Tips

February 7, 2015

Clippers at Thunder – 1:00 PM EST

One week ago, Los Angeles ran out San Antonio as five-point underdogs in a 105-85 rout. The Clippers have fallen apart since that victory, dropping three straight games, including back-to-back double-digit losses on national television to the Cavaliers and Raptors. Following a 105-94 setback at Cleveland on Thursday in which the Clippers trailed by as many 32 points, Los Angeles jumped out to a 20-point first half lead at Toronto. However, the Raptors stormed back to beat the Clippers, 123-107 to pull off the season sweep of Los Angeles.

The Thunder fell at the buzzer to the Pelicans on Friday night, 116-113, as Oklahoma City has split its past 10 games. Russell Westbrook put up a season-high 48 points in the loss, one game after scoring 45 points at New Orleans in Wednesday’s victory. Kevin Durant returned from a toe injury that kept him out four of the previous five games, as the scoring champion shot just 9-of-26 from the floor for 27 points. OKC dropped to 1-7 ATS in the past eight games, while posting an 0-4 ATS mark in the last four opportunities as a favorite.

Doc Rivers’ squad has been a disaster away from Staples Center recently, covering three of their previous 14 road games since mid-December. The Clippers are 2-5 ATS this season as a road underdog, but the two covers have come in the past month in victories at Portland and San Antonio. L.A. didn’t lose three straight games last season, as the Clips have won 12 of 16 times off a defeat this season.

Oklahoma City has put together an incredible 7-2 SU mark after allowing at least 110 points in its previous game, but has covered just three times in this situation. The Thunder has struggled as a home favorite since mid-December, compiling a 1-7-1 ATS record in the past nine tries.

The Thunder knocked out the Clippers in six games of the second round of last season’s playoffs, as the underdog cashed five times in that series. Los Angeles exacted revenge in the season opener at Staples Center, holding off OKC, 93-90, but Westbrook left the game with a broken right hand and Durant was sidelined with a foot injury. The short-handed Thunder managed a cover as 12 ½-point underdogs, but the Clippers have cashed in three of the past four visits to Chesapeake Energy Arena.

Lakers at Cavaliers – 3:30 PM EST

There have been several lengthy winning streaks in the NBA this season (Atlanta – 19, Golden State – 16), as the latest hot stretch came to a halt on Friday. Cleveland compiled a 12-game winning streak to get back on track following a six-game skid with LeBron James on the sidelines. The Cavaliers blew a 13-point lead in Friday’s 103-99 setback at Indiana as six-point favorites, failing to capitalize off Thursday’s home victory over the Clippers.

Cleveland is rolling at home of late by winning eight consecutive contests at Quicken Loans Arena. David Blatt’s club has covered seven times during this stretch, while cashing the ‘under’ six times as not one opponent scored more than 98 points. The ‘under’ is 7-1 in the last eight games overall for Cleveland, while the Cavs have won eight of 10 games this season as a home favorite against Western Conference foes.

The Lakers have dropped 12 of their past 13 games, capped off by an overtime setback at Orlando on Friday, 103-97. This loss especially burned L.A. backers, as the Lakers failed to cover as 4 ½-point underdogs in spite of building a 14-point halftime lead. Byron Scott’s team lost its second straight game in overtime, as the Lakers squandered a 14-point edge in Wednesday’s defeat at Milwaukee as 9 ½-point ‘dogs. L.A. has struggled in the final contest of a road trip of least two games, putting together a 2-4-1 SU/ATS record in this situation.

The last time these teams met up at Staples Center last month, the Cavaliers snapped a six-game skid to hold off the Lakers, 109-102 as six-point favorites. James put up 36 points, while Cleveland overcame 9-of-30 shooting from three-point range. In spite of the loss, the Lakers converted 51% of their attempts from the floor, while Nick Young knocked down a three-pointer to get L.A. within four with 10 seconds remaining. James helped secure the cover for the Cavs by drilling two free throws and Tristan Thompson made one final free throw to clinch the ATS victory.

The Lakers have lost 13 of their previous 14 road contests, while going 2-6-1 ATS in the last nine games away from Staples Center. Los Angeles is riding a 6-2 stretch to the ‘under’ in the past eight games overall, as the Lakers are 2-7 SU and 3-6 ATS against Eastern Conference opponents on the road.

[StarDust Bum]

Sunday's Late Tips

February 8, 2015

Hawks at Grizzlies – 6:05 PM EST
Taking down Golden State at home delivered Atlanta’s 35th win in 38 games on Friday night. The Hawks’ 124 points were the most points they’ve scored since a Dec. 17 victory over Cleveland and their second-highest output of the season. All five starters, who split NBA Player of the Month honors for January, scored in double-figures against the Warriors, led by Jeff Teague’s 23 points and seven assists. After beating the Western Conference’s top team, the Hawks will visit the team with the second-best record in the West (third overall), hoping for a season sweep after beating the Grizzlies 96-86 on Jan. 7.

Memphis is surely feeling Minnesota after falling asleep in the final two minutes of a 90-89 loss to the Timberwolves on Friday night, squandering a seven-point lead. The setback snapped an eight-game winning streak, but the Grizz has still held opponents to 90 points or fewer in seven of the last nine. Eight of Memphis’ last 10 games have gone under the posted total. Nick Calathes has seen his minutes increase since Vince Carter went out with a foot injury, bringing more of a pass-first mentality to the second unit.

Bulls at Magic – 6:05 PM EST

Chicago was fortunate that Anthony Davis left Saturday night’s game with a shoulder injury after flipping over and falling hard after finishing a second-quarter alley-oop, taking advantage of his departure by outscoring the Pelicans 77-40 the rest of the way. Taj Gibson (leg) and Kirk Hinrich (toe) were also injured against New Orleans and are questionable here, as is Mike Dunleavy, who hasn’t played in over a month due to a foot injury. The Bulls have split their two meetings with Orlando thus far, losing at home 121-114 on Jan. 12.

The Magic snapped a 10-game losing streak by outlasting the Lakers on Friday night in James Borrego’s debut as interim head coach. Forward Tobias Harris scored a career-high 34 points and looks 100 percent after dealing with an ankle injury for much of January. He’s averaged 25 points per game since returning to the starting lineup. This is the second game of a stretch that sees Orlando play 10 of 12 at home.

Spurs at Raptors – 7:05 PM EST

San Antonio begins its annual Rodeo road trip north of the border, signaling the unofficial start of when they look to get its team galvanized in preparation for the postseason. The Spurs will play nine road games between today and Feb. 28 and won’t be at home again until March 4. They’ve won 9 of 11 and saw Tony Parker deliver his best scoring performance since Dec. 22, scoring 21 points on 9-of-12 shooting.

The Raptors snapped a two-game losing streak by trouncing the Clippers on Friday night, overcoming an early 30-10 deficit by outscoring L.A. 76-45 in the second and third quarters. Seven players scored in double-figures as Toronto connected on 13 3-pointers and saw reserve forward James Johnson shoot 7-for-7 from the field. The Raptors lost by double-digits in both meetings against San Antonio last season.

Trail Blazers at Rockets – 7:05 PM EST

Portland squandered a 16-point fourth-quarter lead in Dallas last night and lost in OT, 111-101, in an epic collapse it will have to quickly get over given this back-to-back. The Trail Blazers committed a season-high 22 turnovers and went over seven minutes of action without a field goal late in losing for the ninth time in 13 games. Nicolas Batum, who has slumped for much of the last few months, went 0-for-8 from the field. The Blazers lost 110-95 in the only meeting between the teams this season back on Dec. 22.

The Rockets have won six of seven, which is a great run considering franchise center Dwight Howard has been available for only eight minutes of it. He’s out until at least March. James Harden (knee contusion) and Terrence Jones (leg) were able to shake off nagging injuries to help defeat Milwaukee 117-111 on Friday night. Josh Smith has been the biggest beneficiary of Howard’s absence, coming off a 14-point, 10-rebound, 8-assist night against the Bucks on Friday. He’s averaging a double-double (11 pts, 10 rebs) over the last four games.

Suns at Kings – 9:05 PM EST

Phoenix snapped a three-game losing streak by taking down the Jazz on Friday night and are now favored to end a four-game road losing streak that dates back to Jan. 9. Reserve forward Marcus Morris dropped in 35 points and 12 rebounds off the bench in an impressive performance for the Suns, who are still holding on the No. 8 spot in the Western Conference playoff picture.

Starting point guard Darren Collison missed last night’s game with an abdominal injury and may be unavailable again here. The Kings missed his pesky defense and leadership in Saturday’s 102-90 loss at Utah despite DeMarcus Cousins’ 27 points and 10 rebounds. Rudy Gay shot 1-for-8 and is now 3-for-21 in the last two contests. Sacramento has lost 11 of 12 and is contemplating yet another coaching change during the All-Star break, according to multiple reports. It has split the season series with Phoenix thus far.

[StarDust Bum]

Armadillo: Monday's six-pack

Six of the best minor league prospects for the Baltimore Orioles:

1) Dylan Bundy, P-- Missed all of 2013 after Tommy John surgery.

2) Hunter Harvey, P-- First two prospects are both HS pitchers.

3) Christian Walker, 1B-- Won back/back national titles at South Carolina.

9) Mike Yaztrzemski, OF-- Vandy alum has a very famous grandfather.

11) Pat Connaughton, P-- You've seen him play hoop at Notre Dame.

14) Henry Urrutia, OF-- Got 58 ABs with Orioles in '13; lacks power.

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

13) RIP coach Dean Smith, who passed away at age 83 Saturday night; if you posted a Mt Rushmore of college basketballl coaches, John Wooden, Mike Krzyzewski and Dean Smith would definitely be on it- the fourth coach would be an interesting debate.

Rupp, Knight, Pitino, Donovan, Izzo, Calipari, Self? My choice would be Pitino.

12) Smith's 4-corner offense is one of the main reasons the shot clock was put into college basketball-- he was an innovator who put lot of coaches into the profession. George Karl, Larry Brown, Roy Williams, Buzz Peterson, Matt Doherty, Jeff Lebo, King Rice, Billy Cunningham, Doug Moe, Scott Cherry, John Kuester, all Tar Heels.

11) Lookalikes: pro golfer Paul Goydos and Lou Piniella.

10) Senior Tour golfer Rod Spittle (great name, by the way) finished three shots out of first place yesterday; he had a 10 on the par-5 6th hole. Cost him lot of money.

9) Blake Griffin has a staph infection in his elbow, is out for at least a couple weeks. Clippers had a rough week on the road; it ain't getting better with Griffin out.

8) Pelicans' star Anthony Davis sprained his shoulder on a nasty fall Saturday night, is doubtful for their game tonight with Utah.

7) Former Ravens' RB Jamal Lewis declared for bankruptcy; the Super Bowl ring he got from Raven owner Steve Bisciotti just sold for $50,820 at an auction.

6) Marv Albert's son Kenny is a very good announcer; he does his homework, asks his analysts good questions and makes broadcasts better, but you would never really notice him. Thats a good thing, by the way. Good play-by-play guys are like a point guard; they set their teammates up and make them better. Albert does that.

5) Utah State got good news this weekend; QB Chuckie Keeton who is a very good player but has been hurt a lot, got a fifth year of eligibility from the NCAA so he'll be back next fall. Aggies went through four QBs last fall, still went 10-4.

4) Tony Romo's Pizza Hut commercial? Wasn't sure it was him until about fourth time I saw it. Not sure his face is well-known enough for him to be on it without a Cowboys' logo or his jersey on or something.

3) Oregon State 64, Washington 50-- Wayne Tinkle might be national Coach of the Year-- his Beavers are 16-7 after not being good for a long time. This is Tinkle's first year in Corvallis; he has some good recruits coming in next year.

2) Rhode Island 79, Richmond 74-- Danny Hurley's Rams are 16-5 and will be a fun team to follow during Championship Week.

1) Boise State 61, San Diego State 46-- Boise snapped 7-game losing streak against the Aztecs-- they're doing well despite losing Anthony Drmic, their best player for the season last month.