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**StarDust Bum** · 04-02-2015, 01:51 AM

CBB ATS

CBB > (709) N ARIZONA@ (710) EVANSVILLE | 04/02/2015 - 07:00 PM
Play ON EVANSVILLE using the against the spread in All games after a non-conference game
The record is 11 Wins and 1 Losses for the this season (+9.9 units)

CBB MONEYLINE

CBB > (709) N ARIZONA@ (710) EVANSVILLE | 04/02/2015 - 07:00 PM
Play AGAINST N ARIZONA using the money line in All games in a road game where the total is 140 to 144.5
The record is 1 Wins and 12 Losses for the since 1992 (-12.85 units)

CBB > (707) STANFORD@ (708) MIAMI | 04/02/2015 - 09:00 PM
Play ON MIAMI using the money line in All games when the total is 130 to 139.5
The record is 23 Wins and 9 Losses for the last three seasons (+19.05 units)

CBB FIRST HALF

CBB > (709) N ARIZONA@ (710) EVANSVILLE | 04/02/2015 - 07:00 PM
Play ON N ARIZONA in the first half in Road games when playing with one or less days rest
The record is 7 Wins and 0 Losses for the this season (+7 units)

CBB > (707) STANFORD@ (708) MIAMI | 04/02/2015 - 09:00 PM
Play AGAINST MIAMI in the first half in All games when the first half total is 60.5 to 65.5
The record is 4 Wins and 14 Losses for the this season (-11.4 units)

CBB TOTALS

CBB > (709) N ARIZONA@ (710) EVANSVILLE | 04/02/2015 - 07:00 PM
Play UNDER N ARIZONA on the total in Road games in non-conference games
The record is 13 Overs and 39 Unders for the since 1992 (+24.7 units)

CBB TOP POWERLINES

CBB > (709) N ARIZONA @ (710) EVANSVILLE | 04/02/2015 - 07:00 PM
Line: EVANSVILLE -8 BTB PowerLine: EVANSVILLE -10
Edge On: EVANSVILLE (2)

CBB > (707) STANFORD @ (708) MIAMI | 04/02/2015 - 09:00 PM
Line: MIAMI 1.5 BTB PowerLine: MIAMI -7
Edge On: MIAMI (8.5)

**StarDust Bum** · 04-02-2015, 01:56 AM

NHL MONEYLINE

NHL > (5) TAMPA BAY@ (6) OTTAWA | 04/02/2015 - 07:35 PM
Play ON OTTAWA using the money line in All games revenging a home loss versus opponent
The record is 13 Wins and 4 Losses for the this season (+13.1 units)

NHL > (13) NY RANGERS@ (14) MINNESOTA | 04/02/2015 - 08:05 PM
Play ON NY RANGERS using the money line in Road games in non-conference games
The record is 11 Wins and 2 Losses for the this season (+10 units)

NHL > (17) EDMONTON@ (18) LOS ANGELES | 04/02/2015 - 10:35 PM
Play AGAINST EDMONTON using the money line in All games vs. division opponents
The record is 3 Wins and 20 Losses for the this season (-15.65 units)

NHL > (15) VANCOUVER@ (16) CHICAGO | 04/02/2015 - 08:35 PM
Play AGAINST CHICAGO using the money line in Home games revenging a home loss versus opponent
The record is 0 Wins and 4 Losses for the this season (-9.35 units)

NHL PUCKLINE

NHL > (5) TAMPA BAY@ (6) OTTAWA | 04/02/2015 - 07:35 PM
Play ON OTTAWA using the in All games revenging a home loss versus opponent
The record is 13 Wins and 4 Losses for the this season (+13.1 units)

NHL > (13) NY RANGERS@ (14) MINNESOTA | 04/02/2015 - 08:05 PM
Play ON NY RANGERS using the in Road games in non-conference games
The record is 11 Wins and 2 Losses for the this season (+10 units)

NHL > (17) EDMONTON@ (18) LOS ANGELES | 04/02/2015 - 10:35 PM
Play AGAINST EDMONTON using the in All games vs. division opponents
The record is 3 Wins and 20 Losses for the this season (-15.65 units)

NHL > (15) VANCOUVER@ (16) CHICAGO | 04/02/2015 - 08:35 PM
Play AGAINST CHICAGO using the in Home games revenging a home loss versus opponent
The record is 0 Wins and 4 Losses for the this season (-9.35 units)

NHL TOTALS

NHL > (11) CALGARY@ (12) ST LOUIS | 04/02/2015 - 08:05 PM
Play OVER ST LOUIS on the total in Home games when playing with 2 days rest
The record is 8 Overs and 0 Unders for the this season (+8.25 units)

NHL > (15) VANCOUVER@ (16) CHICAGO | 04/02/2015 - 08:35 PM
Play UNDER CHICAGO on the total in All games revenging a loss versus opponent
The record is 7 Overs and 23 Unders for the this season (+15.55 units)

NHL > (5) TAMPA BAY@ (6) OTTAWA | 04/02/2015 - 07:35 PM
Play OVER TAMPA BAY on the total in All games after scoring 1 goal or less in their previous game
The record is 7 Overs and 0 Unders for the this season (+7.1 units)

NHL > (7) CAROLINA@ (8) FLORIDA | 04/02/2015 - 07:35 PM
Play UNDER CAROLINA on the total in All games after a division game
The record is 7 Overs and 19 Unders for the this season (+11.5 units)

**StarDust Bum** · 04-02-2015, 01:58 AM

NIT Championship

April 1, 2015

NIT Championship - Miami, Fl. vs. Stanford (ESPN, 9:00 p.m. ET)
Location: New York, NY
Betting Odds: Stanford -1.5, Total: 134.5

Already playing without starting point guard Angel Rodriguez, Miami lost 7-foot center Tonye Jekiri just six minutes into its NIT semifinal matchup against Temple. Nevertheless, the Hurricanes overcame a 30-25 halftime deficit and won a 60-57 decision as one-point favorites Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden.

However, when Miami collides with Stanford in Thursday's NIT finals, it won't have Rodriguez or Jekiri, who sustained a concussion.

Therefore, it's understandable that as of early Wednesday night, most books had Stanford (23-13 straight up, 16-19-1 against the spread) installed as a 1.5-point favorite with a total of 135.

"We've been like a M.A.S.H. unit," Jim Larranaga said. "But somehow, some way, these guys find a way to stick together."

Miami's Sheldon McClellan was the catalyst against Temple with 16 points and 11 rebounds. Davon Reed added six points, seven rebounds, four assists and three blocked shots for UM, which held the Owls to just 2-of-19 shooting from 3-point range.

Temple missed all 15 of its treys in the second half when it made only 22.5 percent of its attempts from the field. Even without Jekiri, UM's leading rebounder (9.9 rebounds per game), the 'Canes won the battle of the boards by a 38-32 margin.

Miami (25-12 SU, 17-17-1 ATS) advanced to New York City with wins vs. N.C. Central (75-71), vs. Alabama (73-66) and at Richmond (63-61). The 'Canes have won seven of their last eight games, going 5-3 versus the number. The lone loss during this span came to Notre Dame in the ACC Tournament.

Miami has been an underdog 11 times this year, going 7-4 ATS with five outright victories. The 'Canes won at Florida, at Duke, at Syracuse and at Pitt as 'dogs. In addition, they should've had a spread cover in a 69-60 loss at Notre Dame as 6.5-point puppies in overtime.

McClellan (14.4 PPG) is UM's leading scorer, but it won't have its second and third-leading scorers against the Cardinal. Rodriguez (11.9 PPG) lead the 'Canes in assists with a 3.9 APG average, while Jekiri (8.6 PPG) paces them in field-goal percentage (50.0%) and blocked shots (1.4 BPG).

Stanford advanced the finals thanks to Tuesday's 67-60 win over Old Dominion as a 3.5-point 'chalk.' The 127 combined points stayed 'under' the 133.5-point tally.

Stanford scored the first 15 points of the game and led 25-4 with less than nine minutes left in the first half. The Monarchs would rally, however, and led briefly midway through the second half.

Chasson Randle led the way for the winners with 24 points, surpassing Todd Lichti as the Cardinal's all-time leading scorer. Stefan Nastic added 17 points and Anthony Brown finished with 14.

Johnny Dawkins's team made it to NYC by posting wins vs. UC Davis (77-64), Rhode Island (74-65) and Vanderbilt (78-75). The Cardinal covered in the first two games but disappointed its backers as 4.5-point 'chalk' against the Commodores.

Randle averages team-highs in scoring (19.4 PPG), assists (3.0 APG) and steals (1.3 SPG).

After cashing in back-to-back games, the 'under' is 16-14-2 overall for Miami.

The 'under' is 18-17-1 overall for Stanford, cashing at a 6-3 clip in its last nine games.

ESPN will have the telecast at 9:00 p.m. Eastern.

**B.E.'s Bonus Nuggets**

-- As of early Wednesday evening, multiple reports had Texas closing in on a deal to sign Shaka Smart away from VCU. We've been here before, however. It will certainly be understandable if Smart takes a lucrative deal from the Longhorns, but I won't be shocked if he opts to stay with the Rams.

-- Several scenarios could play out depending on Smart's decision. If he declines an offer from Texas, you would think that Wichita St.'s Gregg Marshall would be next on the list for the Longhorns. Marshall, who met with Alabama AD Bill Battle for seven hours Monday in Wichita, would be more interested in the Texas job than the one at Alabama. Therefore, Smart staying at VCU could lead Marshall to Texas, leaving Alabama still searching for its next coach. Reports out of Tuscaloosa are that Minnesota's Richard Pitino would be next for the Crimson Tide, who want to make a splashy hire after Auburn made noise with its catch of Bruce Pearl last year. Murray St.'s Steve Prohm could also be a candidate at Alabama.

-- If Smart heads to Texas, is Marshall really considering the 'Bama gig? Is Nick Saban involved at this point? Perhaps most important, is Mrs. Terry Saban working the phones with Mrs. Marshall and selling her on T-Town? According to multiple reports, Alabama is offering a salary of more than $3 million per season and the deal could be worth north of $20 million for six seasons. Marshall is believed to make around $1.9 million per year at Wichita St.

-- If Smart leaves VCU, would the Rams consider bringing back Anthony Grant? Grant had three successful seasons with the Rams before leaving for Alabama. He took VCU to a pair of NCAA Tournaments and one NIT. The Rams beat Duke in an opening-round game on Eric Maynard's last-second shot in Grant's first season. Two years later, Maynard's potential game winner was off the mark in a one-point loss to UCLA in the NCAAs.

**StarDust Bum** · 04-02-2015, 02:00 AM

Odds to win Most Outstanding Player

April 1, 2015

Odds to win 2015 Most Outstanding Player per Sportsbook.ag

Karl-Anthony Towns (Kentucky) 7/2
Willie Cauley-Stein (Kentucky) 4/1
Jahlil Okafor (Duke) 11/2
Justise Winslow (Duke) 6/1
Aaron Harrison (Kentucky) 8/1
Frank Kaminsky (Wisconsin) 17/2
Sam Dekker (Wisconsin) 10/1
Travis Trice (Michigan State) 12/1
Quinn Cook (Duke) 15/1
Denzel Valentine (Michigan State) 18/1
Andrew Harrison (Kentucky) 20/1
Tyrus Jones (Duke) 20/1
Branden Dawson (Michigan State) 25/1
Nigel Hayes (Wisconsin) 25/1
Trey Lyles (Kentucky) 50/1

NCAA Men's Division I Most Outstanding Player Award (1985-2014)

2014 – Shabazz Napier, Connecticut
2013 – Luke Hancock, Louisville
2012 – Anthony Davis, Kentucky
2011 – Kemba Walker, Connecticut
2010 – Kyle Singler, Duke
2009 – Wayne Ellington, North Carolina
2008 – Mario Chalmers, Kansas
2007 – Corey Brewer, Florida
2006 – Joakim Noah, Florida
2005 – Sean May, North Carolina
2004 – Emeka Okafor, Connecticut
2003 – Carmelo Anthony, Syracuse
2002 – Juan Dixon, Maryland
2001 – Shane Battier, Duke
2000 – Mateen Cleaves, Michigan State
1999 – Richard Hamilton, Connecticut
1998 – Jeff Sheppard, Kentucky
1997 – Miles Simon, Arizona
1996 – Tony Delk, Kentucky
1995 – Ed O'Bannon, UCLA
1994 – Corliss Williamson, Arkansas
1993 – Donald Williams, North Carolina
1992 – Bobby Hurley, Duke
1991 – Christian Laettner, Duke
1990 – Anderson Hunt, UNLV
1989 – Glen Rice, Michigan
1988 – Danny Manning, Kansas
1987 – Keith Smart, Indiana
1986 – Pervis Ellison, Louisville
1985 – Ed Pinckney, Villanova

**StarDust Bum** · 04-02-2015, 02:15 AM

aprils rated plays:

nba

*****.....................................1 - 1
double play...........................2 - 0
triple play.............................3 - 0
slam dunk..............................1 - 2

cbb

*****......................................0 - 0
double play............................0 - 0
triple play..............................1 - 1
slam dunk...............................0 - 0

nhl

*****..................................2 - 0............... + 2.14
double play........................1 - 0............... + 2.00
triple play..........................0 - 0............... + 0.00
hat trick............................0 - 1............... - 7.56

**StarDust Bum** · 04-02-2015, 02:19 AM

NCAA Tournament Final Four Achilles' Heels

By now, having watched each Final Four participant survive four games in this NCAA Tournament, you know the deal in terms of why these teams excel.

Duke beat Gonzaga in spite of an off night from Jahlil Okafor, locking up defensively and limiting mistakes to the tune of three turnovers. Despite shooting 37.5 percent, the Blue Devils won comfortably.

Kentucky is probably the best defensive team ever. Willie Cauley-Stein is an athletic marvel whose ability to lock up an opponent’s top scorer and alter shots at the rim is the No. 1 reason the Wildcats are two wins from immortality. His defense on Jerian Grant on Notre Dame’s final possession ensured there would be no Christian Laettner-type moment in Cleveland.

Michigan State is mentally tougher than guys their age should be. The Spartans can overcome Denzel Valentine’s errors or Travis Trice suffering through a cold streak by simply moving on to the next play. That type of resiliency, fostered in part by 11 losses they’ve overcome to get to this point, has proven invaluable.

Wisconsin’s team, more than any other that will take the court in Indianapolis, plays with one heartbeat. The Badgers seem to be in sync and have a general idea of where everyone on the floor is supposed to be and what they’re supposed to be doing. It’s no surprise that they rank so highly in both offensive and defensive efficiency. They’ve already set a school record for victories and have won 20 of 21 games.

Head coaches Mike Krzyzewski, John Calipari, Tom Izzo and Bo Ryan are each among college basketball’s all-time greats, either already in the Hall of Fame or ensured of future induction. Their teams will be prepared.

We know why these Final Four participants are great, but only one team won’t taste defeat. The following is why they may lose. Here’s what can trip them up:

Duke – The Blue Devils are really at their best when both Tyus Jones and Quinn Cook are on the floor. It’s no surprise Coach K had them on the floor all 40 minutes against Gonzaga and 38 minutes apiece against Utah. The offense is more effective with twin point guards in part because the team’s wings and big men are all so young. Okafor, Justise Winslow and Matt Jones are all freshmen. Krzyzewski’s youngest team ever has reached this point because they’ve got two facilitators, one a freshman himself in Jones, who can set the table and handle pressure. Remove one from the equation, which Michigan State can do by isolating them against their bigger guards, and Krzyzewski would have a huge issue on his hands.

It’s worth noting that although both played nearly every second of their most recent loss to Notre Dame in the ACC Tournament, Jones and Cook combined to shoot 6-for-25, including 2-for-13 from 3-point range. Although Okafor gets most of the national attention as the most prized prospect in college hoops, the secret is out now that Duke won in spite of him scoring in single-digits the past two games. The Blue Devils backcourt is this team’s driving force and there’s no safety net in place behind them.

Kentucky – For whatever reason, Notre Dame didn’t double Karl-Anthony Towns in the post. As a result, the ‘Cats went 10-for-12 from the field over the final 13 minutes of their 68-66 win, including hitting their last nine shots. Towns made five of the 10 baskets, imposing his will on the smaller Zach Auguste on a series of short hooks and layups. As great as the Fighting Irish played, they showed everyone how not to defend Kentucky, since you have to collapse on the post and dare the team’s shooters to make open 3-pointers. Both Aaron Harrison and Tyler Ulis hit huge shots from beyond the arc, but you simply have to take your chances that they’ll miss those shots.

So long as Cauley-Stein stays out of foul trouble, putting together consistent offense against UK is going to be a chore. An off-shooting night must be part of the equation if you’re going to pull the upset, and outside of Devin Booker and Ulis, no one shoots over 40 percent from 3-point range. Aaron Harrison, the team’s leader in makes, has made less than 32 percent, although you can’t argue that he’s clutch. On a team with few weaknesses, consistency from the perimeter may be the most glaring, so look for Ryan’s game plan to involve giving up the open look if it means shutting down the post.

Michigan State – Izzo knows his team has warts. He’s well aware that his trio of Valentine, Trice and Branden Dawson have their flaws, but also have a fighting spirit that permeates through the group and lifts up the role players. Matt Costello, Gavin Schilling, Marvin Clark, Tum-Tum Nairn and Bryn Forbes all had their moments against Louisville, so they’ll be confident entering this matchup with Duke. That makes depth a significant advantage, but also means that the Spartans will again be relying on a number of players who can blow up at the free-throw line.

Although the struggles of Duke’s Okafor are magnified since he’s a 51 percent shooter and air-balled one against Gonzaga, Michigan State is actually much worse from the charity stripe. Clark missed his two attempts against the Cardinals, but fellow bigs Dawson, Costello and Schilling combined to shoot 7-for-8. Collectively, that group shoots 54 percent (137-for-251) on the season, which could come back to bite Michigan State if the percentages balance out and they miss key attempts down the stretch that they managed to make in hanging on against the ‘Ville.

Wisconsin – Center Frank Kaminsky and forward Sam Dekker have played like guys that made every preseason All-American list are expected to, but the Badgers guards are certainly where you can attack Ryan’s team. Sixth man Traevon Jackson is still working off the rust after being sidelined for months, while sophomore Bronson Koenig and senior Josh Gasser certainly make up the least heralded starting backcourt left in the field. Kentucky’s Harrison twins and Ulis, all former McDonald’s All-Americans, are a far more dynamic group. If they can impose their will, Wisconsin will fall short in a second consecutive national semifinal.

**StarDust Bum** · 04-02-2015, 02:21 AM

Preview: Heat (34-40) at Cavaliers (48-27)

Date: April 02, 2015 8:00 PM EDT

(AP) - LeBron James worked up a healthy sweat after practice, staying longer to go over plays with the Cleveland Cavaliers' coaches before doing some post-up drills.

He knows what's ahead.

The calendar has flipped to April, and if the NBA standings don't change, James will face a first-round playoff series against the Miami Heat, the team he led to two titles and four straight finals before leaving last summer to go home.

James has never faced close friend Dwyane Wade in the postseason, but the possibility has got him thinking - and maybe switching into postseason mode a little earlier.

'Just to go against a champion, a competitor like himself and that franchise,' James said of the chance for a Cavs-Heat matchup. 'Obviously I'm not there yet, but I am kind of in playoff mentality.'

Down to their final seven games of the regular season, the Cavaliers (48-27) returned from a two-day break Wednesday to prepare for Thursday's home game against the Heat (34-40).

James said he and his teammates were 'really sharp' during practice, and the four-time MVP said the short retreat was good for body and soul.

Cleveland was worn out. After playing 15 of the last 20 games on the road, coach David Blatt gave his players some down time following a lackluster 87-86 win over lowly Philadelphia on Sunday. Blatt felt it was the perfect respite with important games this week against Miami and Chicago.

The rest proved especially valuable for Kevin Love, who believes it did his balky back some good. Love has had a back issue most of the season and he had to leave Sunday's game after being hit with an elbow. Following practice, Love reported that his back 'feels good. Two days helped.'

He didn't take part in the any contact, and Blatt said Love is a game-time decision against the Heat. Iman Shumpert (jammed ankle) was a full participant and is expected to face Miami.

Despite the current standings and the Cavaliers losing twice to Miami this season, Blatt said he isn't treating Thursday's game any differently.

'Still a lot of things that can happen of course on both ends,' he said, 'so I don't see any particular special preparation for that game.'

The Heat topped Cleveland 106-92 on March 16 and won the season's first meeting 101-91 on Christmas, but lost by 20 in their only trip to Cleveland on Feb. 11.

Wade, who was inactive for the February defeat, has shined against James and the Cavaliers with 31.5 points per game in Miami's two wins.

His steady presence has been crucial for a Miami team that trotted out its 30th different starting lineup in Tuesday's 95-81 loss to San Antonio - the same game in which Wade surpassed his total from 2013-14 with his 55th game of the season.

"He has really, really dedicated time behind the scenes to give his body the best chance to perform," coach Erik Spoelstra said. "At this point in his career, I marvel at his dedication."

The 12-year veteran has topped 30 points on six occasions this season, all at home, but Miami's playoff chances may hinge on Wade finding a similar level of production for his team's three-game road trip.

The Heat own the No. 7 spot in the East by virtue of a tiebreaker with Brooklyn, and sit a half game ahead of No. 9 seed Boston.

**StarDust Bum** · 04-02-2015, 02:22 AM

Preview: Rockets (50-24) at Mavericks (45-29)

Date: April 02, 2015 8:30 PM EDT

With six Western Conference playoff positions accounted for, the Dallas Mavericks are the next logical team in line for clinching a postseason spot.

It could theoretically happen on Dallas' three-game homestand, but that might require a series of impressive wins, beginning with Thursday night's visit from the Houston Rockets.

The Mavericks (46-29) helped their cause by defeating one of the teams chasing them on Wednesday night, winning 135-131 at Oklahoma City to put four games between themselves and the eighth-place Thunder. After facing Houston, Dallas hosts Golden State and Phoenix.

"We all know how important this game was," former Rockets small forward Chandler Parsons said. "We needed this win in a bad way."

The Rockets (51-24) have won eight of 10 and expect Dwight Howard to play after sitting out the last two games. The center is said to be only resting after a knee injury cost him 26 games before returning for three.

With or without Howard, James Harden has often been a handful lately, averaging 32.5 points in those 10 games with the first two 50-point efforts of his career. Just seven games after scoring 50 in a March 19 home win over Denver, Harden had 51 in Wednesday's 115-111 home win over Sacramento to become the first Rockets player in history with two 50-point games in the same season.

"He finds a way to wow our team every time he goes out there," teammate Trevor Ariza said. "He's just so crafty and he can score so many different ways. It's definitely fun to watch."

He was also 8 of 9 from 3-point range, matching a career high for makes to pace an 18-of-40 team mark, the Rockets' second time in four games with at least 18 makes after going the rest of the season with no more than 17.

"Shooting 8 of 9 from 3 is hard to do,' coach Kevin McHale said. "It's hard to do when you're by yourself, much less in a game when everything is contested."

Ariza was 6 of 14 from beyond the arc with 22 points, and the small forward is averaging 15.8 in the last 10 games.

Houston begins a daunting three-game road trip that includes Sunday's stop in Oklahoma City before concluding Wednesday at San Antonio.

It might be in a slightly more comfortable position than Dallas, but it's also trying to hold onto a top-three seed with surging San Antonio making a late push in the Southwest Division. The Spurs have already blown by the Mavericks and the Rockets are just two games ahead while Portland and the Los Angeles Clippers are also within striking distance in the conference race.

Harden will be seeking some improvement in Dallas, where he's shooting 32.4 percent in four visits since joining Houston, which is better than only his 30.2-percent mark in four visits to Oklahoma City, his old team.

The Rockets have won two of three in the season series and three of four dating to last season, though the Mavericks won the last meeting 111-100 in Dallas on Feb. 20 with eight players in double figures for their eighth win in nine home games in the series. The Mavericks have scored 109.4 points and shot 49.0 percent in those games.

They made those numbers look mediocre Wednesday while shooting 61.5 percent, their second-best mark of the season.

Monta Ellis had 26 points after sitting out Sunday's 104-99 loss in Indiana because of a leg injury. Parsons chipped in 22 against the Thunder and is averaging 24.5 on 60.0 percent in two games. In three games against his old team, he's been limited to 14.0 points.

**StarDust Bum** · 04-02-2015, 02:23 AM

Preview: Suns (38-37) at Warriors (61-13)

Date: April 02, 2015 10:30 PM EDT

The final eight games of the Golden State Warriors' season represent little more than tuneups in preparation for what they hope will be a deep playoff run.

If the Phoenix Suns don't get their act together soon, they won't have anything significant to play for, either.

Golden State seeks an 11th straight victory while dealing another blow to visiting Phoenix's slim postseason chances Thursday night.

The Warriors (61-13) have set a franchise record for wins and wrapped up the Western Conference's top seed. They've remained focused, though, and overcame a 17-point deficit to complete a 4-0 road trip with Tuesday's 110-106 win over the Los Angeles Clippers.

Stephen Curry scored 27 points and Klay Thompson added 25 for Golden State, which has won 15 of 16.

'Obviously, we have everything locked up in the West right now for the regular season, but this was a big win for us,' Curry said. 'It just felt good to get that win and keep our streak going.'

The Warriors sat Draymond Green for the second straight game as he recovers from shin pain. He's questionable to play in this contest as Golden State looks to keep gaining momentum heading into the postseason.

'We just want to establish this high level of play every night so it becomes second nature," Thompson said.

The only thing consistent about the Suns (38-37) lately has been their collapse down the stretch. Phoenix trails Oklahoma City for the West's final playoff spot and has dropped four straight.

The Suns fell 109-97 to the Thunder at home Sunday and 109-86 at Portland the following night, their seventh loss by at least 20 points.

'We played hard but they're a good team,' said Eric Bledsoe, who had 12 points. 'At the end of the day, that's why (the Trail Blazers are) in the position they're in, trying to fight for a high seed.'

Phoenix remains mathematically alive in the race, but it is sounding as if it already knows its postseason fate.

"We had a great chance to at least make a (playoff) push and we gave a lot," said Marcus Morris, who along with his brother, Markieff, scored 11 points. "That was definitely emotionally challenging to come out but, at the end of the day, we're privileged basketball players. It's basketball. We've got to be happy to do this and be happy to play."

Gerald Green and T.J. Warren had 13 points off the bench for the Suns, who played for the ninth time in 10 games without point guard Brandon Knight. He missed eight straight with a left ankle sprain, then went 1 for 10 for three points against the Thunder before sitting out again Monday.

Phoenix, which dealt key guards Goran Dragic and Isaiah Thomas at the trade deadline, also lost center Alex Len against the Blazers to a broken nose. He's expected to miss at least a week.

The Suns handed the Warriors their first loss of the season Nov. 9, winning 107-95 at home despite Curry's 28 points and 10 assists.

Curry had 25 and seven assists in a 106-87 victory Jan. 31 and 36 points in a 98-80 win March 9.

**StarDust Bum** · 04-02-2015, 02:13 PM

NHL

Thursday, April 2

Holtby has been dominant against the Canadiens

Braden Holtby has stared down the Montreal Canadiens from the net seven times in his career with the Habs yet to decipher the goalie. Holtby has a 5-0-2 career record against the Canadiens, with both OTL's coming this season, while posting a ridiculous 0.97 GAA and .964 save percentage.

The Washington Capitals are currently +115 when they visit the Bell Centre Thursday.

Hurricanes-Panthers have history of going under

In the past seven meetings between the Carolina Hurricanes and the Florida Panthers has seen the under cash out six times. There has been a combined average of 3.9 goals per game during that span, with a shutout being recorded in the past three.

Currently, the total is set at five when the 'Canes visit the Panthers Thursday.

----------------------------------------------------

NHL
Armadillo's Write-Up

Thursday, April 2

Hot teams
-- Columbus won last seven games, outscoring foes 30-16.
-- Bruins won last three games, allowing five goals.
-- Washington won five of its last seven games.
-- Flames won their last two games, 5-2/5-3.
-- Minnesota won five in row, 13 of last 16 games.
-- Vancouver/Chicago both won seven of their last ten games.
-- Edmonton won three of its last four games

Cold teams
-- Islanders lost seven of last nine games.
-- Detroit lost ten of its last fourteen games.
-- Lightning, Senators both lost three of their last four games.
-- Carolina lost nine of its last twelve games. Florida lost four of its last five.
-- Canadiens lost three of their last four games.
-- Blues lost five of their last six games.
-- Rangers lost three of their last five games.
-- Los Angeles lost last two games, is 4-5 in its last nine.

Series records
-- Islanders won three of last four games with Columbus.
-- Bruins won seven of last eight games with Detroit.
-- Lightning won six of last nine games with Ottawa.
-- Florida won last two games with Carolina, 1-0/2-0.
-- Washington won three of last four visits to Montreal.
-- Blues won five of last six games with Calgary.
-- Rangers won three of last four games with Minnesota.
-- Canucks won three of last four games with Chicago.
-- Kings won eight of last nine games with Edmonton.

Totals
-- Over is 7-3-1 in last eleven Columbus home games.
-- Over is 3-1-1 in last five Boston-Detroit games.
-- Five of last seven Tampa Bay-Ottawa games went over.
-- Six of last seven Carolina-Florida games stayed under.
-- Last five Washington-Montreal games stayed under.
-- Under is 3-1-1 in last five Calgary-St Louis games.
-- Five of last six Ranger games went over the total.
-- Seven of last ten Vancouver-Chicago games stayed under.
-- Over is 3-1-1 in last five Edmonon-LA games.

Back-to-back
-- Edmonton is 1-9 if it played the night before.

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NHL
Short Sheet

Thursday, April 2

NY Islanders at Columbus, 7:05 ET
NY Islanders: 40-20 SU on the road when the money line is -100 to -150
Columbus: 3-10 SU in home games when playing their 4th game in 7 days

Boston at Detroit, 7:35 ET
Boston: n/a
Detroit: n/a

Tampa Bay at Ottawa, 7:35 ET
Tampa Bay: 10-17 SU after 2 consecutive division games
Ottawa: 23-14 SU revenging a loss versus opponent as a favorite

Carolina at Florida, 7:35 ET
Carolina: 7-20 SU after one or more consecutive overs
Florida: 20-11 SU after failing to cover 2 of their last 3 against the spread

Washington at Montreal, 7:35 ET
Washington: 10-20 SU after 2 or more consecutive overs
Montreal: 27-11 SU after playing a home game

Calgary at St Louis, 8:05 ET
Calgary: n/a
St Louis: n/a

NY Rangers at Minnesota, 8:05 ET
NY Rangers: 48-28 SU in all games
Minnesota: 6-13 SU after playing 2 consecutive home games

Vancouver at Chicago, 8:35 ET
Vancouver: 14-7 SU in a road game where where the total is 5.5
Chicago: 9-13 SU after a 2 game unbeaten streak

Edmonton at Los Angeles, 10:35 ET
Edmonton: 40-46 SU when playing their 3rd road game in 4 days
Los Angeles: 31-30 SU as a favorite

**StarDust Bum** · 04-02-2015, 02:14 PM

NCAAB
Long Sheet

Thursday, April 2

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STANFORD (23 - 13) vs. MIAMI (25 - 12) - 4/2/2015, 9:00 PM There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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N ARIZONA (23 - 14) at EVANSVILLE (23 - 12) - 4/2/2015, 7:00 PM There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NCAAB
Armadillo's Write-Up

Thursday, April 2

NIT games
Stanford is 12-3 outside Pac-12, winning four straight in this tournament after going 4-8 in last 12 pre-NIT games. Cardinal lost by 11 to Duke in its only ACC game; they've got good size, experience and shoot ball well but blew 21-point lead to ODU in semis Tuesday. Miami is 14-3 outside ACC, with all four wins in this event by seven or less points. ACC teams are 12-11 vs spread this postseason, 6-2 as underdogs; Pac-12 favorites are 6-5 this postseason. Miami PG Rodriguez missed last three games.

CBI games (best-of-3 series, Loyola wins, 2-0)

CIT tournament
Evansville is 14-2 outside MVC, which won CBI (Loyola) last nite; Purple Aces won first two home games in this tournament by 5-13 points. Long trip, quick turnaround for Northern Arizona after they won at home in front of 5,800+ fans Tuesday, quite an event; Lumberjacks are 8-8 outside Big Sky, 1-4 vs top 100 teams, with only win vs #77 St Mary's in December- they've got five seniors in rotation. Big Sky teams are 4-3 vs spread this postseason, 1-2 as a dog. Missouri Valley teams are 7-5 against spread as a favorite.

NCAAB

Thursday, April 2

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

7:00 PM
NORTHERN ARIZONA vs. EVANSVILLE
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Northern Arizona's last 9 games on the road
Northern Arizona is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Evansville is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games at home
Evansville is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games

9:00 PM
STANFORD vs. MIAMI
No trends available
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Miami's last 6 games
Miami is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games

**StarDust Bum** · 04-02-2015, 02:15 PM

NCAAB

Thursday, April 2

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NIT Finals Betting Preview: Stanford vs. Miami
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Stanford Cardinal vs. Miami Hurricanes (+1.5, 134.5)

Chasson Randle is one win away from bookending his Stanford career with NIT championships and can complete his senior season in style with a victory against Miami (Fla.) on Thursday at Madison Square Garden. Randle became the Cardinal's all-time leading scorer on Tuesday in a semifinal win against Old Dominion as he scored 24 points to move his four-year total to 2,350 points, passing Todd Lichti's mark that stood for more than 25 years. Randle was Stanford's leading scorer as a freshman on its 2011-12 team that defeated Minnesota in the NIT championship game.

The Cardinal are aiming for their third NIT championship - they also won it in 1991 - while the Hurricanes had never even made the semifinals in 11 previous NIT appearances. Miami slipped past Temple in Tuesday's first semifinal behind junior guard Sheldon McClellan, who registered 16 points and 11 boards. The Hurricanes likely will not have point guard Angel Rodriguez (wrist), who has missed the last three games, and also will be without center Tonye Jekiri, who suffered a concussion in the first half against the Owls.

TV: 9 p.m. ET, ESPN

LINE HISTORY: Both the spread and the total have yet to move off their opening numbers of Miami +1.5 and 134.5 respectively.

ABOUT STANFORD (23-13 SU, 16-19-1 ATS, 17-18-1 O/U): Randle is hardly a one-man show for Stanford, as he averages 19.4 points to join Anthony Brown (14.9) and Stefan Nastic (13.5) in double figures, and the senior trio combined for 55 of the team's 67 points against Old Dominion. “For me to win an NIT championship, for our seniors, (if) we went out on top and won our last game ... that would be very special for us,” Randle told reporters. “For the younger guys, they will have something to hang their hats on for next year going into next season.” Brown is 6-of-9 from 3-point range in the last two games and has made 44.3 percent from the behind the arc on the season.

ABOUT MIAMI (25-12 SU, 17-17-1 ATS, 14-16-2 O/U): The Hurricanes continue to win on the defensive end, as they have captured seven of eight while holding their opponents to 62.3 points during that stretch. However, not having Jekiri (8.6 points, 9.9 rebounds, 51 blocks) could be a major blow on Thursday as the team's next best rebounder is McClellan (4.7) and no one else on the squad has more than 17 blocks. "We've been like a M.A.S.H. unit," Miami coach Jim Larranaga said to reporters. "But somehow, some way, these guys find a way to stick together."

TRENDS:

*Cardinal are 5-11 ATS in their last 16 games overall.
*Hurricanes are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 non-conference games.
*Over is 7-2 in Cardinal last 9 games following a ATS win.
*Under is 4-1 in Hurricanes last 5 games following a S.U. win.

**StarDust Bum** · 04-02-2015, 02:15 PM

NBA
Short Sheet

Thursday, April 2

Miami at Cleveland, 8:05 ET
Miami: 18-23 ATS as a road underdog of 9.5 to 12 points
Cleveland: 31-18 ATS revenging a loss vs opponent of 10 points or more

Houston at Dallas, 8:35 ET
Houston: 22-13 ATS after one or more consecutive overs
Dallas: 3-12 ATS after a win by 6 points or less

Phoenix at Golden State, 10:35 ET
Phoenix: 30-18 ATS as a road underdog
Golden State: 64-95 ATS after 3 or more consecutive unders

NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up

Thursday, April 2

Hot Teams
-- Cleveland won nine of its last eleven games (1-3 last four HF).
-- Houston won eight of its last ten games (3-1 last four AU).
-- Warriors won their last nine games (8-1 vs spread).

Cold Teams
-- Miami lost four of its last six games (2-5 last seven AU).
-- Dallas lost four of its last six games (1-3 last four HF).
-- Suns lost their last four games (0-4 vs spread).

Series Records
-- Heat won nine of last ten games with Cleveland (1-1 this year).
-- Rockets won three of their last four games with Dallas.
-- Suns lost last five visits to Oakland, four by 10+ points.

Totals
-- Six of last seven Miami games stayed under total.
-- Last three Houston-Dallas games stayed under.
-- Five of last seven Sun-Warrior games stayed under.

Back-to-Backs
-- Dallas is 3-5 vs spread if it won night before Houston is 6-4 vs spread on road if it played night before.

East vs West
SU: West 241-172 ATS: West 214-196-3
East teams HF vs West: 53-57
East teams HU vs West: 45-52
West teams HF vs East: 81-78-3
West teams HU vs East: 24-20

**StarDust Bum** · 04-02-2015, 02:16 PM

NBA

Thursday, April 2

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Game of the Day: Heat at Cavaliers
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Miami Heat at Cleveland Cavaliers (-12, OFF)

LeBron James hasn’t fared so well against the organization he left after last season and will try to help the Cleveland Cavaliers gain a season split of the four-game series against the visiting Miami Heat. James and the Cavaliers suffered double-digits in both games down in Miami but did post a convincing 113-93 victory in Cleveland on Feb. 11. James is averaging 24.7 points against the Heat and is two points away from passing Patrick Ewing (24,815) for 20th on the NBA’s all-time scoring list.

Miami has lost four of its last six games and is seventh place in the Eastern Conference with the charging Brooklyn Nets right behind. The Heat fell 95-81 to the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday while Cleveland has been off since edging Philadelphia 87-86 on Sunday, when a reporter irritated James by asking if the Cavaliers are in a minor funk. “A minor funk? We were 19-20 at one point,” James shot back. “Ain’t no funk. What’s our record? That’s not much of a funk. We’re playing good ball.”

TV: 8 p.m. ET, TNT

LINE HISTORY: Books online opened the Cavs at -12.

INJURY REPORT: Heat - G Shabazz Napier (Ques-Hip), F Luol Deng (Ques-Knee), F Udonis Haslem (Ques-Illness) Cavaliers - F Kevin Love (Prob-Back), G Iman Shumpert (Ques-Ankle)

POWER RANKINGS: Heat (-2.9) + Cavaliers (-9.8) + Homecourt (-3) = Cavaliers -9.9

ABOUT THE HEAT (34-40 SU, 33-37-4 ATS, 30-44 O/U): Forward Luol Deng (knee) missed the loss to San Antonio and his availability for the Cavaliers is expected to be firmed up after the mid-day shootaround. Miami did get center Hassan Whiteside (hand) back versus the Spurs after a three-game absence and he scored 10 points. “It’s just about what I can tolerate on the court with the pain,” Whiteside told reporters. “It’s just the performance and how well I can play.”

ABOUT THE CAVALIERS (48-27 SU, 37-38 ATS, 29-45-1 O/U): Cleveland is in second place in the East, has won five of its last six games and has posted 16 consecutive home victories and third-place Chicago arrives in town for a nationally televised game on Sunday. That cushion gives the Cavaliers ample opportunity to rest power forward Kevin Love, who took an elbow to his achy back against the 76ers and could again sit out. If Love can’t play, forward Tristan Thompson will move into the starting lineup.

TRENDS:

*Heat are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 road games.
*Home team is 4-0 ATS in the last 4 meetings.
*Under is 4-1 in Cavaliers last 5 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
*Under is 6-1 in Heat last 7 overall.

CONSENSUS: 58.41 percent of users are backing the Heat +12.

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