The Bum's National Basketbaqll Association Playoff Thread News, Notes, Trends, Etc.

[StarDust Bum]

NBA

Wednesday, April 22

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Game of the Day: Thursday's NBA Playoffs matchups
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Cleveland Cavaliers at Boston Celtics (+4, 203.5)
Cavaliers lead the series 2-0

The Cleveland Cavaliers are two wins away from a trip to the Eastern Conference semifinals and appear to have the Boston Celtics on the ropes. The Celtics will try to steal a game in the best-of-seven series when they host the Cavaliers in Game 3 on Thursday.

Boston showed flashes of being able to keep up with No. 2 seed Cleveland in the first two games but has had no answer for LeBron James and Kyrie Irving down the stretch. “I’ve been in this moment before and a lot of our guys haven’t, so I felt like it was important for me to just try to put a staple on the game the best way I know how and that’s by being aggressive,” James told reporters. “I was able to make a few plays to help our team get the win and that’s what’s very important for me – just to be there for my team when they need it.” James and Irving combined to score all of the Cavaliers’ 24 fourth-quarter points in Game 2. The Celtics were 21-20 at home during the regular season, including a 117-78 win over Cleveland on Apr. 12 in which the Cavaliers rested their starters.

TRENDS:

*Cavaliers are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 vs. Eastern Conference.
*Celtics are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 vs. NBA Central.
*Under is 4-0 in Cavaliers last 4 vs. a team with a losing S.U. record.
*Under is 4-0 in Celtics last 4 games playing on 1 days rest.


Chicago Bulls at Milwaukee Bucks (+2.5, 187)
Bulls lead series 2-0

Jimmy Butler is terrorizing Milwaukee and looks for a third consecutive strong game when the Chicago Bulls visit the Bucks in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference first-round series on Thursday. Butler is averaging 28 points while lifting Chicago to a 2-0 lead and he set a personal playoff high with 31 points in Monday’s 91-82 win.

Butler was at his best in the fourth quarter of Monday’s game as he scored 14 points in the final stanza. Milwaukee knows it faces a near must-win situation but remains confident it can get back into the series. “We lose these two but we are going to fight to get his series back,” shooting guard Khris Middleton told reporters. “We are going to defend our home court Thursday.” Middleton averaged 20 points in the first two games but the Bucks averaged just 86.5 as a team.

TRENDS:

*Bulls are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games overall.
*Home team is 5-0 ATS in the last 5 meetings.
*Under is 8-2 in Bulls last 10 vs. NBA Central
*Under is 5-1 in Bucks last 6 vs. a team with a winning S.U. record


Golden State Warriors at New Orleans Pelicans (+5, 203)
Warriors lead series 2-0

The Golden State Warriors put up the best road record in the NBA this season at 28-13, but the most recent of those 13 setbacks came at New Orleans on Apr. 7. The Pelicans will try to turn that trick again and climb back in the series when they host the top-seeded Warriors in Game 3 of their first-round Western Conference series on Thursday.

New Orleans was surprisingly pesky in the first two games of the series but did not have quite enough to get over the hump in the fourth quarter of either contest and heads home in an 0-2 hole. “Hopefully for the fans watching (Game 2), our crowd can be like (the boisterous Warriors home crowd),” Pelicans guard Tyreke Evans told reporters. “When we’ve got our crowd behind us, we’re going to perform, play hard and do a good job.” New Orleans went 28-13 in its own arena during the regular season but Golden State won’t be intimidated. Warriors star Stephen Curry poured in 56 points in the first two games and averaged 25.5 points on the road in the regular season.

TRENDS:

*Warriors are 0-6 ATS in their last 6 games following a S.U. win.
*Pelicans are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 home games.
*Under is 5-1 in Warriors last 6 road games.
*Under is 8-2-1 in the last 11 meetings.

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Dunkel

Thursday, April 23


Golden State Warriors @ New Orleans Pelicans

Game 737-738
April 23, 2015 @ 9:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Golden State Warr
129.927
New Orleans Pelic
120.785
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Golden State Warr
by 9
198
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Golden State Warr
by 5
204
Dunkel Pick:
Golden State Warr
(-5); Under

Cleveland Cavaliers @ Boston Celtics

Game 733-734
April 23, 2015 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Cleveland Cavalie
123.605
Boston Celtics
125.091
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Boston Celtics
by 1 1/2
209
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Cleveland Cavalie
by 5
203 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Boston Celtics
(+5); Over

Chicago Bulls @ Milwaukee Bucks

Game 735-736
April 23, 2015 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Chicago Bulls
122.048
Milwaukee Bucks
123.470
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Milwaukee Bucks
by 1 1/2
191
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Chicago Bulls
by 3
187
Dunkel Pick:
Milwaukee Bucks
(+3); Over

[StarDust Bum]

Armadillo: Friday's six-pack

Top six picks in ESPN.com's last NFL mock draft........

6) Jets-- Todd Gurley, RB Georgia-- Has been cleared medically.

5) Redskins-- Shane Ray, LB Missouri-- Skins need an edge pass rusher.

4) Raiders-- Amari Cooper, WR Alabama-- Derek Carr needs some receivers.

3) Jaguars-- Dante Fowler, DE Florida-- Can also play outside linebacker.

2) Titans-- Marcus Mariota, QB Oregon-- Could very easily trade this pick.

1) Buccaneers-- Jameis Winston, QB Florida State-- If you made $1M a year and your job depended on getting this pick right, who would you choose?

**********

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

13) Warriors 123, Pelicans 119 OT-- Golden State was down 20 after the third quarter; Curry was 7-18 on the arc, Thompson 6-12, everyone else 1-11.

12) Bulls 113, Bucks 106 2OT-- In a double OT game, Chicago was +18 if Pau Gasol was on the court, -11 if he wasn't and he was only off for 14:00.

11) Reason #7,142 that NBA playoff series are too long; teams down 3-0 are a combined 0-110 in playoff series. Thats oh and 110.

10) Rajon Rondo will go down as one of the NBA's all-time strangest people; there was a story on the Interweb this year about when he was with Boston, during a film session, he took a water bottle, fired it at the 50-inch flatscreen TV that was playing the video of the game and shattered it. For no reason other than than the coach was critiquing his play. Oy.

9) Over/under on Lebron James' points Thursday was 26.5; he had 31. One of the great joys of being in Las Vegas is all the odd things you can bet on- there is no shortage of prop bets for any big event.

8) More college basketball transfers: Manu Lecomte from Miami to Baylor; Drexel's leading scorer Damion Lee was poached by Louisville.

7) Speaking of Louisville, they're taking a trip to Puerto Rico in August, where they will play six exhibition games. Trips like this are invaluable.

6) Maryland-Georgetown have finally agreed to play a game in November, which will be very big in that area of the world- they've only met three times since 1980, when Georgetown became a national power.

5) Mississippi State is expected to land Malik Newman today, the first prime recruit of the Ben Howland era; Newman's dad played for State. Problem is if he is any good, he's likely a 1-and-done, but he puts the Bulldogs on the map.

4) NFL schedule oddity: this will be the second year in a row no AFC team will play on Thanksgiving Day.

3) Mets are the 28th team since 2000 to win 11 games in a row; only two of previous 27 wound up that season with a losing record: the '04 Rays went 70-91 despite a 12-game win streak. The '13 Blue Jays won 11 games in a row, but wound up 74-88 anyway.

2) Major league teams whose pitchers walk more than they strike out are 4-25 this season, wth two of the four wins coming Wednesday night.

1) Baseball season is 18 days old; Phillies have played 16 games (5-11) but they still haven't led a game (0-13-3) after the fifth inning.

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Dunkel

Friday, April 24

Los Angeles Clippers @ San Antonio Spurs

Game 743-744
April 24, 2015 @ 9:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Los Angeles Clipp
129.626
San Antonio Spurs
131.525
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
San Antonio Spurs
by 2
200
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
San Antonio Spurs
by 4 1/2
204 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Los Angeles Clipp
(+4 1/2); Under

Houston Rockets @ Dallas Mavericks

Game 739-740
April 24, 2015 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Houston Rockets
119.195
Dallas Mavericks
126.453
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Dallas Mavericks
by 7 1/2
219
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Dallas Mavericks
by 1
214 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Dallas Mavericks
(-1); Over

Toronto Raptors @ Washington Wizards

Game 741-742
April 24, 2015 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Toronto Raptors
116.533
Washington Wizard
124.884
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Washington Wizard
by 8 1/2
199
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Washington Wizard
by 4
195 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Washington Wizard
(-4); Over




NBA
Long Sheet

Friday, April 24

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HOUSTON (58 - 26) at DALLAS (50 - 34) - 4/24/2015, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DALLAS is 224-181 ATS (+24.9 Units) vs. division opponents since 1996.
HOUSTON is 50-33 ATS (+13.7 Units) in all games this season.
HOUSTON is 23-13 ATS (+8.7 Units) second half of the season this season.
HOUSTON is 17-7 ATS (+9.3 Units) when playing with 2 days rest over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 21-10 ATS (+10.0 Units) after a win by 10 points or more this season.
HOUSTON is 29-18 ATS (+9.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
HOUSTON is 18-8 ATS (+9.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season this season.
HOUSTON is 28-17 ATS (+9.3 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.
HOUSTON is 19-10 ATS (+8.0 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season this season.
DALLAS is 34-46 ATS (-16.6 Units) in all games this season.
DALLAS is 12-22 ATS (-12.2 Units) second half of the season this season.
DALLAS is 4-13 ATS (-10.3 Units) after a division game this season.
DALLAS is 9-21 ATS (-14.1 Units) after allowing 105 points or more this season.
DALLAS is 15-29 ATS (-16.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
DALLAS is 8-19 ATS (-12.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season this season.
DALLAS is 18-32 ATS (-17.2 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.
DALLAS is 10-20 ATS (-12.0 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
HOUSTON is 8-6 against the spread versus DALLAS over the last 3 seasons
HOUSTON is 8-6 straight up against DALLAS 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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TORONTO (49 - 35) at WASHINGTON (48 - 36) - 4/24/2015, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 37-46 ATS (-13.6 Units) in all games this season.
TORONTO is 13-23 ATS (-12.3 Units) second half of the season this season.
TORONTO is 14-25 ATS (-13.5 Units) after scoring 105 points or more this season.
TORONTO is 13-24 ATS (-13.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
TORONTO is 158-200 ATS (-62.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season since 1996.
WASHINGTON is 17-5 ATS (+11.5 Units) in April games over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 36-45 ATS (-13.5 Units) in all games this season.
WASHINGTON is 40-53 ATS (-18.3 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 8-20 ATS (-14.0 Units) as a home favorite of 3.5 to 6 points over the last 3 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 34-48 ATS (-18.8 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 129-173 ATS (-61.3 Units) on Friday nights since 1996.
WASHINGTON is 5-15 ATS (-11.5 Units) after allowing 105 points or more this season.
WASHINGTON is 18-28 ATS (-12.8 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
TORONTO is 7-6 against the spread versus WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
TORONTO is 8-5 straight up against WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
9 of 13 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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LA CLIPPERS (57 - 27) at SAN ANTONIO (56 - 28) - 4/24/2015, 9:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LA CLIPPERS are 225-277 ATS (-79.7 Units) after allowing 105 points or more since 1996.
LA CLIPPERS are 171-235 ATS (-87.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season since 1996.
LA CLIPPERS are 130-170 ATS (-57.0 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 902-788 ATS (+35.2 Units) in all games since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 714-607 ATS (+46.3 Units) as a favorite since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 460-382 ATS (+39.8 Units) in home games since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 12-4 ATS (+7.6 Units) in home games second half of the season this season.
SAN ANTONIO is 73-47 ATS (+21.3 Units) in home games in all playoff games since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 26-12 ATS (+12.8 Units) when tied in a playoff series since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 73-54 ATS (+13.6 Units) after scoring 105 points or more over the last 3 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 256-210 ATS (+25.0 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 21-8 ATS (+12.2 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 30-21 ATS (+6.9 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.
SAN ANTONIO is 120-85 ATS (+26.5 Units) in home games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA CLIPPERS is 7-6 against the spread versus SAN ANTONIO over the last 3 seasons
SAN ANTONIO is 7-6 straight up against LA CLIPPERS over the last 3 seasons
8 of 13 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up

Friday, April 24

Washington has two of three road wins by lower seeded teams in this round; they shot 53% from floor in Game 2, one of only three teams to shoot 50% in playoffs so far- they were also 10-21 on arc. Toronto subs scored more points than starters in first two games- they have only 16 fast break points in two games. Raptors won four of last six road games. Five of their last seven Toronto games stayed under total. Wizards won four of last five at home.

Houston won six of last seven games with Dallas; five of last six series games stayed under total. Rockets won eight of last ten overall; six of their last eight games went over. Dallas is 4-3 in its last six games; nine of its last 11 went over. There were total of 24 points scored on fast break in Game 2, compared to 50 in Game 1. Rockets took 80 FTs, Dallas 55 in first two games. Mavericks won last two home games- their last four losses are all by 10+.

Defending champ Spurs are 12-2 in last 14 first round series, 3-1 in years after they won a title. SA lost three of last three games with Clipper, losing 107-92 in Game 1- Spurs' starting G's shot combined 9-34 from floor in first two games; Parker is hurt-- Mills had 18 off the bench to save Game 2. LA won seven of its last eight games overall, winning last four on road. Spurs won 12 of last 14 games; they lost first playoff game in three of four championship seasons

Home favorites are 8-8 in this round, home dogs are 1-2; home teams are 13-6 SU, with four of six road wins in OT-- over is 7-12.

2015 playoffs
Brooklyn vs Atlanta
Atl 99-92, -10, U201.5
Atl 96-91, -9.5, U202

Boston vs Cleveland
Clev 113-100, -11.5, O203
Clev 99-91, -11, U206
Clev 103-95, -4, U204

Milwaukee vs Chicago
Chi 103-91, -8, O186
Chi 91-82, -8, U190.5
Chi 113-106, 2OT, -2.5, O187

Washington vs Toronto
Wash 93-86 OT, +4, U194.5
Wash 117-106, +5, O193.5

New Orleans vs Golden State
GSt 106-99, -12, U205
GSt 97-87, -13, U206.5
GSt 123-119 OT, -5, O203

Dallas vs Houston
Hst 118-108, -5.5, O212.5
Hst 111-99, -6.5, U214

San Antonio vs LA Clippers
LAC 107-92, -1.5, U207
SA 111-107 OT, +1.5, O207.5

Portland vs Memphis
Mem 100-86, -5.5, U188.5
Mem 97-82, -6, U189

East vs West
SU: West 242-177 ATS: West 214-202-3
East teams HF vs West: 56-57
East teams HU vs West: 46-52
West teams HF vs East: 81-79-3
West teams HU vs East: 24-21




NBA

Friday, April 24

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Trend Report
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7:00 PM
HOUSTON vs. DALLAS
Houston is 2-8 SU in its last 10 games when playing on the road against Dallas
Houston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Dallas's last 6 games when playing Houston
Dallas is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Houston

8:00 PM
TORONTO vs. WASHINGTON
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Toronto's last 14 games on the road
Toronto is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Washington's last 14 games when playing Toronto
Washington is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games when playing Toronto

9:30 PM
LA CLIPPERS vs. SAN ANTONIO
The total has gone OVER in 8 of the LA Clippers last 11 games when playing San Antonio
LA Clippers are 2-4 ATS in their last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of San Antonio's last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 8 of San Antonio's last 11 games when playing LA Clippers

[StarDust Bum]

NBA

Friday, April 24

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Game of the Day: Friday's NBA Playoffs matchups
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Houston Rockets at Dallas Mavericks (-1, 214.5)
Rockets lead series 2-0

The Rajon Rondo experiment is having disastrous effects for the Dallas Mavericks, and the Houston Rockets are taking advantage. The Rockets will try to move to 3-0 in the best-of-seven series when they visit the Mavericks for Game 3 on Friday.

Rondo was brought in to stabilize the point guard spot but has done anything but in his short tenure in Dallas. The mercurial former All-Star was on the court for just 10 minutes in Game 2 before finally heading to the bench permanently after drawing a technical foul for shoving Houston guard James Harden less than a minute into the second half, and he will sit out Game 3 with a back injury. "All I know right now is that we need everybody at their competitive best,” Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle told reporters. “This isn't about one guy who did or didn't play. This is about everybody pulling in the same direction for the organization.” A more pressing matter might be finding a way to stop Rockets center Dwight Howard, who put up 28 points and 12 rebounds in Game 2.

TRENDS:

*Rockets are 8-1 ATS in their last 9 games playing on 2 days rest.
*Mavericks are 6-16 ATS in their last 22 games overall.
*Over is 8-2 in Mavericks last 10 home games.
*Under is 5-1 in the last 6 meetings.


Toronto Raptors at Washington Wizards (-4, 195.5)
Wizards lead series 2-0

The Toronto Raptors have dug themselves a hole and badly need a victory when they visit the Washington Wizards in Friday’s Game 3 of the Eastern Conference first-round series. Toronto lost the first two games at home and Washington can further take control of the series by delivering another salvo.

Wizards coach Randy Wittman knows his squad has carved out an advantage but he continues to view the series as wide open. “It’s hard winning four games in a series, and as you continue to move on, the harder it gets,” Wittman told reporters. “Game 3 on Friday is going to be harder to play in than these first two games. It just gets that way as the series moves on.” The Raptors are well aware of the situation they face but aren’t willing to concede anything. “It’s far from over,” Toronto guard DeMar DeRozan told reporters. “Our confidence is still high. All we’ve got to do is take it game by game.”

TRENDS:

*Raptors are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 Conference Quarterfinals games.
*Wizards are 8-2-1 ATS in their last 11 games following a ATS win.
*Under is 10-4 in the last 14 meetings.
*Over is 9-1 in Wizards last 10 games playing on 2 days rest.


Los Angeles Clippers at San Antonio Spurs (-4, 204.5)
Series tied 1-1

Tim Duncan doesn’t play basketball like someone who turns 39 on Saturday and he is the sole reason why the host San Antonio Spurs gained a split of two games in Los Angeles to begin the Western Conference first-round series. Duncan had 28 points to lead the Spurs to a 111-107 overtime win on Wednesday and he attempts to help sixth-seeded San Antonio take the lead over the third-seeded Clippers on Friday.

Duncan was 14-of-23 shooting and collected 11 rebounds in his latest grand performance and continues to show no sign of declining. “He was spectacular. He continues to amaze me with the things that he is able to do,” Spurs coach Gregg Popovich told reporters. “He knows he had to stay on the court and he figured out a way to do it. He continued to be aggressive, which is pretty amazing.” Los Angeles power forward Blake Griffin had a big Game 2 with 29 points, 12 rebounds and 11 assists but it was tainted by five turnovers, including a highly costly one at the end of the regulation that led to the Spurs tying the game and forcing overtime. “You know, that game is pretty much 100 percent on me,” Griffin told reporters. “I’ve just got to take care of the ball.”

TRENDS:

*Underdog is 11-3 ATS in the last 14 meetings.
*Spurs are 8-1 ATS in their last 9 home games.
*Over is 8-3 in the last 11 meetings.
*Under is 6-1 in Clippers last 7 games following a S.U. loss.

[StarDust Bum]

NBA

Friday, April 24


Bulls extend winning steak, paying out for bettors

With a double overtime victory over the Milwaukee Bucks the Chicago Bulls extend their winning streak to seven games, while winning their fifth consecutive game against the spread.

The Bulls have won their past seven games by an average of 11 points. Their five game ATS winning streak is the longest of the Bulls series.

Chicago will look to make it six straight covers and close out their Round 1 series against the Milwaukee Bucks Saturday.


Warriors continue to win on court, lose at window

The Golden State Warriors may have a 3-0 series lead over the New Orleans Pelicans, but they have now failed to cover in six straight after Thursday. Despite winning all six of those games, the Warriors continue their longest ATS losing streak of the season.

Golden State has been winning by an average of just under seven points per game over their past six, but have faced an average closing spread of -11.5.

The Warriors will look to correct their poor ATS play and close out their first round series with the Pelicans Saturday.

[StarDust Bum]

Friday's Tip Sheet

April 24, 2015

Rockets at Mavericks – 7:05 PM EST
Game 3 – Houston leads 2-0

The Mavericks are not only running out of time in their season, but they are starting to run out of healthy bodies. Houston goes for a commanding 3-0 series lead as things shift to the American Airlines Center for the next two games following a 111-99 home victory in Tuesday’s Game 2. The Rockets covered for the second straight game, this time as six-point favorites to beat Dallas for the fifth time in six tries this season.

Rajon Rondo will sit for the remainder of the series as the Mavericks’ point guard suffered a back injury in the Game 2 loss. It’s not like Rondo was dominating, as the former Celtics’ standout scored four points in less than 10 minutes of action, while Dallas shot 37% from the floor. Dirk Nowitzki and Monta Ellis combined to shoot 11-of-37 from the field, as the Mavs played without swingman Chandler Parsons, who will miss the rest of the series with a right knee injury.

Houston’s one-two punch of James Harden and Dwight Howard dominated Dallas in Game 2 with a total of 52 points, while Harden has converted 28-of-30 free throw attempts in the first two wins. The Rockets led by one point heading into the fourth quarter, but outscored the Mavs, 30-19 in the final 12 minutes to grab their first 2-0 series advantage since the opening round of 2007 against Utah.

VegasInsider.com NBA analyst Chris David provides his thoughts on Game 3, “Houston overmatched Dallas in each of the first two games and I wasn’t surprised by the results because the Mavs are the weakest defensive team in the playoffs. I don’t believe you’re going to get a double-digit victory by either team in Game 3 just based on their recent tendencies. In last year’s playoffs, Dallas went 2-1 SU and 3-0 ATS against the Spurs and all three games were decided by a combined seven points. Coincidentally, the Rockets also played three tight first round matchups to the Trail Blazers and they went 1-2 SU and 3-0 ATS while winning the one game by five and losing the two by a total of four points.”

From a totals standpoint, David says tonight’s matchup is tricky to handicap, “Game 1 went ‘over’ and even though Game 2 went ‘under’ the number, we were real close to seeing the Rockets-Over combo connect again but the Mavericks went cold in the fourth quarter. The total still seems a tad inflated and while it’s dangerous to go ‘under’ with Houston’s pace and ability to get free throws, I’m a little hesitant of this spot. I believe the early start (6:00 p.m. CT) will affect both teams and you can already look at how it’s factored into other series (Washington-Toronto, New Orleans-Golden State).”

Raptors at Wizards – 8:05 PM EST
Game 3 – Washington leads 2-0

Six home teams captured a 2-0 series edge through the first eight series, while the Wizards were the only road squad to win each of the first two games. For the second straight postseason, Washington heads home with a 2-0 lead after beating Toronto at the Air Canada Center in Game 2 by a 117-106 count as five-point underdogs. The Wizards opened things up with a 34-18 second quarter, while the backcourt of John Wall and Bradley Beal combined to score 54 points (Wall added 17 assists).

The only positive for the Raptors coming out of Game 2 was the production of their bench, which scored 56 points, led by 20 from Lou Williams. The major negative is the lack of production from Kyle Lowry, who shot 3-of-10 from the floor for six points, as the Toronto point guard has put up just 13 points through two games. Lowry suffered a shin contusion in Game 2, but is expected to play tonight. With the loss, the Raptors fell to 2-7 ATS the past nine games overall, which includes a 1-5 ATS mark as a favorite.

Washington improved to an incredible 7-1 SU and 8-0 ATS the past two postseasons in the underdog role, but as a favorite has been a different story. Randy Wittman’s club owns a dreadful 1-4 SU/ATS record when laying points in the playoffs since 2014, while losing Game 3 to the Bulls in last season’s first round after taking a 2-0 series lead. In all five games as a favorite, the Wizards failed to bust the 100-point mark, while scoring in triple-digits in five of eight tries as an underdog.

The Raptors have won three straight visits to the Verizon Center, including a 120-116 overtime triumph as five-point underdogs on January 31, as Toronto picked up the victory in spite of blowing a 21-point lead. Since that win in D.C., Toronto owns a 4-7 ATS record as a road ‘dog with the only straight-up victories coming at Atlanta, Indiana, and Miami.

Clippers at Spurs – 9:35 PM EST
Game 3 – Series tied 1-1

The only series that has seen both teams pick up a win so far is the one that most expected to be the most intriguing. The Clippers wiped out the Spurs in Game 1 at Staples Center, but San Antonio held off Los Angeles in overtime of Game 2 to even up the series. The Spurs held a 10-point lead with under seven minutes remaining in regulation, but the Clippers erased that deficit to take a 94-92 advantage with 50 seconds left. Patty Mills knocked down a pair of free throws for the Spurs to force overtime, much to the chagrin of ‘under’ backers.

The total closed at 206 ½, but the two teams combined for 31 points in overtime as the Spurs captured a 111-107 triumph to avoid an 0-2 hole. Tim Duncan paced San Antonio with 28 points and 11 rebounds, while overcoming just one point from Tony Parker in 30 minutes, as the Spurs’ All-Star guard will play tonight in spite of an ankle injury. The Clippers misfired on 20 three-point attempts, while missing 17 free throw attempts, including 11 misses from center DeAndre Jordan.

David isn’t buying into the defending champs at home, “Game 3 is a very tough to game to handicap and while most believe the Spurs won the series after capturing Game 2 on Wednesday, I wouldn’t dismiss the Clippers just yet and I believe the oddsmakers agree with that statement. To put things in perspective, San Antonio has won 17 of its last 20 at home against the Clippers yet they opened the Spurs as 3 ½-point favorites for Game 3 and I believe that number is a tad short. When these teams met in the 2012 playoffs, San Antonio was giving double digits at home to the Clippers, which tells you how much closer these clubs are this season.”

The two matchups in San Antonio between these teams this season were dramatically different as the Spurs outlasted the Clippers, 125-118 in late December, while L.A. blasted San Antonio, 105-85 one month later. In the first meeting at the AT&T Center, San Antonio shot lights out at a 63% clip, as Gregg Popovich’s club drilled 13 three-pointers, while Boris Diaw put up 23 points off the bench. In the second matchup, the Clippers limited the Spurs to just 37% from the floor, as Duncan and Parker combined for nine points.

[StarDust Bum]

Armadillo: Saturday's six-pack

-- Royals-White Sox game was suspended at 2-2 in 8th inning Friday night; it will be resumed Saturday, before the regularly scheduled game.

-- Mariners 2, Twins 0-- Two complete games; no walks, 18 strikeouts.

-- Rockets 130, Mavericks 128-- Houston was 13-24 from arc, Howard grabbed 26 rebounds in a game that didn't have that many missed shots.

-- Spurs 100, Clippers 73-- LA starters were a combined minus-130. Oy.

-- Rangers 2, Penguins 1 OT-- Four of five series games ended up 2-1.

-- Five of the eight NBA playoff series are 3-0. No bueno.

**********

Armadillo: Saturday's List of 13: Clearing out a cluttered mind......

13) Why would the Rangers trade for Josh Hamilton? They shed themselves of his issues and huge contract, now they're going back down that road, while at same time letting a division rival off the hook from a bad situation.

Am very curious to see how much the Angels are going to eat of the $83M that Hamilton is still owed on that contract.

12) How come I didn't know The Rock and Billy Bob Thornton were in a movie together? Faster, a 2010 movie that was on cable the other night. Not bad.

11) Could we put in a rule that if an NBA playoff series was 3-0, it was then declared over? Teams down 3-0 are now 0-110 in NBA playoff series, all-time.

Hear me out; think how much better a Game 3 would be if the home team was down 2-0; not only would they be trying to stay alive in Game 3, they'd be buying themselves at least two extra games with a win-- if they stayed alive in Game 3, then it is 2-1 in a best-of-7 series. Would make things more interesting.

Its kind of like ping pong, where you play to 21 but if its 11-0, then its over.

10) Royals-White Sox had a near fracas in Thursday's game, during which Sox TV announcer Hawk Harrelson went off on the air, saying Yordano Ventura "....was going to get his fanny beat". Harrelson is in his 70's; he was a hothead in his playing days and hasn't cooled down too much in the broadcast booth.

9) Why did the Red Sox give Rick Porcello $20M a year? He is 77-65, 4.34 in 183 career starts for a very good Detroit team- thats worth $20M a year?

8) Glad to see Providence guard Kris Dunn is coming back to school next season; kids who come back will become better players and improve their draft stock in the long run. Friars will need Dunn to score more next year.

7) The Governor of Colorado is named John Hickenlooper. Unusual name.

6) Gambling can be fun; it can be frustrating; if you bet the under in last night's Houston-Oakland game, the gambling gods owe you one. Game was 0-0 after nine innings, but the bullpens imploded and Houston wound up winning 5-4, going over the total by two runs, after being scoreless thru nine innings.

5) One of the new owners of the Atlanta Hawks is Grant Hill.

4) Friend of mine was in San Antonio couple weeks ago; he is on elevator in his hotel and who gets on but Rockets' coach Kevin McHale. Glad to report McHale is a good guy, just like he seems to be on TV.

3) If you're not old enough to remember the old ABA, they played very fast-paced basketball; just picture last night's Houston-Dallas game, except with a red, white and blue basketball. 130-128 happened all the time back then.

2) There were more than 100 people lined up outside a sneaker store in Las Vegas Friday, waiting to buy the new Flight 23 sneakers. I mean they're not going to run out of sneakers, why wait on line for them? Lot of money in the sneaker industry, which is why athlete endorsers make so much $$$$

1) Tampa Bay Lightning were down 2-0 with 6:00 to play in Detroit in Game 4 of their series; a loss would've left them in dire straits, but Lightning scored twice in 1:14, then won in OT and their radio announcer Dave Mishkin was very happy, as in really, really happy.

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up

Saturday, April 25

Chicago made 38-98 from arc in first three series wins- they held the Bucks to 39%/36%/42% from floor. Bulls won nine of last ten games with Milwaukee (8-1 vs spread in last nine)-- seven of last 11 games stayed under total. Chicago won last six games. Bucks are 14-52 from arc in two games; they've only turned ball over 24 times in three games- six of their last eight games went over total.

New Orleans lost 11 of last 13 games with Golden State, losing by 7-10 in first two games, then blowing 20-point lead in 4th quarter of Game 3. Golden State won 11 of last 13 games, but covered only one of last nine - they got to line 34 times in Game 1, but only 49 times in last two games. Very difficult for Pelicans to bounce back and win game, after they had Warriors by throat last game but got beat in overtime.

Brooklyn lost last seven games with Atlanta, losing by 7-5 in first two series games. Hawks made 22 of 61 from arc, 35-41 on line in pair of home wins. Nets had only ten fast break points in losing twice- they won seven of last nine home games. Johnson was just 12-33 for Nets in Atlanta; he'll have to do better. Hawks lost last two road games- their last road loss was here by 3 on April 8.

Memphis held Portland to 34%/39% from floor in winning first two series games; they were up 19-11 at half in two games. Grizzlies won six in row, 11 of its last 12 games with Portland, covering ten of last eleven. Memphis held the Blazers to 13 fast break points in first two games. Portland is 14-46 from arc in two games, forcing only 13 turnovers in two games. Afflalo is expected back; if he is healthy, that should help Portland a lot.

Home favorites are 10-9 in this round, home dogs are 1-2; home teams are 15-7 SU, with four of six road wins in OT-- over is 9-13.

2015 playoffs
Brooklyn vs Atlanta
Atl 99-92, -10, U201.5
Atl 96-91, -9.5, U202

Boston vs Cleveland
Clev 113-100, -11.5, O203
Clev 99-91, -11, U206
Clev 103-95, -4, U204

Milwaukee vs Chicago
Chi 103-91, -8, O186
Chi 91-82, -8, U190.5
Chi 113-106, 2OT, -2.5, O187

Washington vs Toronto
Wash 93-86 OT, +4, U194.5
Wash 117-106, +5, O193.5
Wash 106-99, -4.5, O195.5

New Orleans vs Golden State
GSt 106-99, -12, U205
GSt 97-87, -13, U206.5
GSt 123-119 OT, -5, O203

Dallas vs Houston
Hst 118-108, -5.5, O212.5
Hst 111-99, -6.5, U214
Hst 130-128, +1, O214.5

San Antonio vs LA Clippers
LAC 107-92, -1.5, U207
SA 111-107 OT, +1.5, O207.5
SA 100-73, -, U203.5

Portland vs Memphis
Mem 100-86, -5.5, U188.5
Mem 97-82, -6, U189

East vs West
SU: West 242-177 ATS: West 214-202-3
East teams HF vs West: 56-57
East teams HU vs West: 46-52
West teams HF vs East: 81-79-3
West teams HU vs East: 24-21




NBA

Saturday, April 25

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Trend Report
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3:00 PM
ATLANTA vs. BROOKLYN
Atlanta is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Brooklyn
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Atlanta's last 6 games
Brooklyn is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Atlanta
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Brooklyn's last 6 games when playing at home against Atlanta

5:30 PM
CHICAGO vs. MILWAUKEE
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Chicago's last 12 games on the road
Chicago is 10-1 SU in its last 11 games when playing on the road against Milwaukee
Milwaukee is 4-10 ATS in its last 14 games when playing at home against Chicago
Milwaukee is 2-7 ATS in its last 9 games when playing Chicago

8:00 PM
GOLDEN STATE vs. NEW ORLEANS
Golden State is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Golden State's last 12 games when playing New Orleans
New Orleans is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Golden State
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of New Orleans's last 6 games when playing at home against Golden State

10:30 PM
MEMPHIS vs. PORTLAND
Memphis is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 15 of Memphis's last 22 games when playing on the road against Portland
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Portland's last 5 games when playing Memphis
Portland is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Memphis

[StarDust Bum]

NBA

Saturday, April 25

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Game of the Day: Saturday's NBA Playoffs matchups
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Atlanta Hawks at Brooklyn Nets (+2.5, 200.5)

Hawks lead series 2-0

Atlanta forward Paul Millsap went 2-of-11 from the field while playing with a bulky shoulder brace in Game 1. The All-Star ditched the brace for Game 2 and ended up going 4-of-4 from 3-point range and 7-of-11 from the floor en route to a team-high 19 points. “Definitely more range and definitely more mobility,” Millsap told reporters. “When you can’t pick your arms up above your ears, your shoulders up above your ears, it’s kind of tough. So I was able to do that (in Game 2), and more than likely I’ll go without it again the next game.”

Deron Williams, who drew criticism from former teammate Paul Pierce questioning his desire on the eve of the playoffs, is 6-of-18 from the field in the first two games of the series. "He was defending,” Brooklyn coach Lionel Hollins told reporters of Williams. “He made some hustle plays. Shooting comes and goes. People can criticize all they want, but if you are not in the game performing and doing it and going through the battle, you can't say anything.” Backup point guard Jarrett Jack led the team with 23 points in Game 2.

TRENDS:

* Hawks are 5-1 ATS in the last six meetings in Brooklyn.
* Under is 5-1 in Nets last six overall.
* Hawks are 2-8 ATS in their last 10 vs. NBA Atlantic.


Chicago Bulls at Milwaukee Bucks (+4.5, 188.5)

Bulls lead series 3-0

The Chicago Bulls are eyeing a sweep when they visit the Milwaukee Bucks in Saturday’s Game 4 of the Eastern Conference first-round series. The Bucks have lost nine consecutive playoff contests and blew an opportunity to make it a series by falling 113-106 in double-overtime on Thursday.

Milwaukee led by as many as 18 points in Game 3 but squandered the lead and later came up empty with chances to win in the final seconds of both regulation and the first overtime. “We had a great chance to win the game twice,” Bucks coach Jason Kidd told reporters. “Effort was there the whole night, and guys played their hearts out to give us a chance to win against a very elite team.” The Chicago backcourt of Derrick Rose (34) and Jimmy Butler (24) combined for 58 points in Game 3 and the Bulls knocked down 14 3-pointers – five from Rose and four apiece from Mike Dunleavy and Tony Snell. Chicago center Joakim Noah is averaging 14 rebounds in the series and power forward Pau Gasol (12.7 points, 14.3 rebounds) has posted three straight double-doubles.

TRENDS:

* Bulls are 8-1 ATS in the last nine meetings.
* Bucks are 0-4 ATS in their last four games overall.
* Over is 12-2 in Bulls last 14 Saturday games.


Golden State Warriors at New Orleans Pelicans (+7, 205)

Warriors lead series 3-0

Steph Curry finished with 40 points and Klay Thompson added 28, but Draymond Green’s third double-double of the series and Golden State’s rebounding down the stretch were just as big. Curry missed several shots from deep late in regulation but offensive rebounds led to second chances, including Marreese Speights’ offensive board before the game-tying shot. “It was just determination and will,” Green told reporters. “We have a group of guys whose competitive spirits are through the roof. We never give up.”

Anthony Davis went for 29 points and 15 rebounds in the loss but missed a free throw at the end of regulation that would have put the game out of reach and came up empty on a tying attempt in the final seconds of overtime. The 22-year-old also had trouble keeping the Warriors off the offensive glass down the stretch, even when Golden State went to a small lineup. “We're down 0-3 and it's a must win and we all know that,'' Williams told reporters. ''We had it and we let it go and I can't say it enough, we just didn't execute in the fourth quarter.”

TRENDS:

* Underdog is 4-0 ATS in the last four meetings.
* Under is 8-3-1 in the last 12 meetings.
* Warriors are 0-6 ATS in their last six games overall.


Memphis Grizzlies at Portland Trail Blazers (-3, 188.5)

Grizzlies lead series 2-0

The Portland Trail Blazers still have time to make it a series with Memphis but they need to chime in with a strong Game 3 performance on Saturday to make it happen. The Grizzlies won each of the first two games of the Western Conference first-round series by double digits while controlling both contests.

Memphis’ physical style appears to be more than the Trail Blazers can handle as Portland has lost all six meetings this season with the Grizzlies and trailed by as many as 29 points in the opener and 18 in Game 2. “We can’t look at the first two games and say it’s impossible,” point guard Damian Lillard told reporters. “We’ve just got to keep believing.” Trail Blazers star LaMarcus Aldridge averaged 28 points and 14 rebounds in the first two games and the Grizzlies were still able to hold Portland to an average of 84 points. And Aldridge had to hoist 54 shots – making a subpar 37 percent – to score one-third of the Trail Blazers’ points.

TRENDS:

* Grizzlies are 10-1 ATS in the last 11 meetings.
* Under is 4-0 in the last four meetings.
* Trail Blazers are 0-6 ATS in their last six vs. Western Conference.

[StarDust Bum]

NBA

Saturday, April 25


Grizzlies are on fire ATS vs. Trail Blazers

The Memphis Grizzlies head west to Portland for Game 3 of their first-round series on Saturday carrying a 2-0 series lead.

History is showing that the Grizz have simply been too much for the Blazers both on the court and at the betting window. The Grizzlies are 10-1 ATS in their last 11 contests against Portland.

The Trail Blazers are presently listed as 3-point underdogs with a total of 188.5.


Warriors have become a bad bet all of a sudden

It's been six straight games since the Golden State Warriors covered the spread, a trend Dubs bettors will hope reverses itself Saturday in New Orleans.

The Warriors, who hold a 3-0 lead in their first-round series over the Pelicans, have been tabbed as 7-point road favorites for the clash.

The total was sitting at 205 as of this writing.



NBA roundup: Rockets, Wizards grab 3-0 series leads

DALLAS -- James Harden scored a career-playoff-high 42 points and the Houston Rockets withstood Dallas' desperate punch to beat the Mavericks 130-128 and take a 3-0 lead in the Western Conference playoff series Friday night.

Houston trailed by 13 in the first half before storming back behind Harden, an MVP candidate shooting guard who scored 16 points in third quarter and knocked down a jumper with 13 seconds left that helped nail down the win. Center Dwight Howard had a playoff career-best 26 rebounds and scored 13 points.

The Mavericks had their chances in the final minute. Power forward Dirk Nowitzki (34 points) drilled three free throws with 34 seconds remaining to pull Dallas within 127-126. Harden followed with his final basket before Mavs shooting guard Monta Ellis banked in a driving layup to make it a one-point game again.

Rockets guard Corey Brewer (15 points) made one of two free throws, giving Dallas one last shot. Ellis, however, couldn't add to the highest-scoring game of his playoff career as he missed a jumper from the top of the key as time expired. Ellis finished with 34 points.

Wizards 106, Raptors 99

WASHINGTON -- Center Marcin Gortat scored 24 points and guard John Wall had 19 points and 15 assists as Washington opened a 3-0 lead in the best-of-seven playoff series.

Six Wizards scored in double figures, including forward Paul Pierce with 18 points on four 3-pointers. Pierce and Otto Porter fueled a decisive 10-2 run late in the fourth quarter and both forwards sank two 3-point shots inside the final 4:23. Pierce's final bomb with 16.9 seconds left came after the Raptors pulled to 102-99.

Toronto's DeMar DeRozan started 8 of 10 from the field and scored 20 of his 32 points in the first quarter. However, the shooting woes that plagued him and backcourt partner Kyle Lowry in Toronto returned. The Raptors shot 37.4 percent from the field.

Spurs 100, Clippers 73

SAN ANTONIO -- Kawhi Leonard was handed the NBA defensive player of the year award and then showed his versatility at both ends of the court, scoring a career-best 32 points and adding three steals as San Antonio took a 2-1 lead in the first-round playoff series.

Leonard, MVP of the 2014 NBA Finals after the Spurs' fifth title, had 13 points in the third quarter, outscoring the Clippers by two. He converted 13 of 18 shots from field, including three 3-pointers.

The Clippers shot just 34.1 percent from the floor while suffering their worst-ever playoff defeat. Forward Blake Griffin and guard Chris Paul scored 14 and 10 points, respectively.

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Long Sheet

Saturday, April 25

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ATLANTA (62 - 22) at BROOKLYN (38 - 46) - 4/25/2015, 3:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 13-30 ATS (-20.0 Units) when playing with 2 days rest over the last 3 seasons.
ATLANTA is 12-29 ATS (-19.9 Units) in road games in all playoff games since 1996.
BROOKLYN is 54-37 ATS (+13.3 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 49-32 ATS (+13.8 Units) in all games this season.
ATLANTA is 36-23 ATS (+10.7 Units) as a favorite this season.
ATLANTA is 10-1 ATS (+8.9 Units) in a road game where where the total is between 200 and 204.5 points this season.
BROOKLYN is 56-81 ATS (-33.1 Units) in home games when playing with 2 days rest since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 7-6 against the spread versus BROOKLYN over the last 3 seasons
ATLANTA is 9-4 straight up against BROOKLYN over the last 3 seasons
7 of 13 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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CHICAGO (53 - 32) at MILWAUKEE (41 - 44) - 4/25/2015, 5:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO is 20-34 ATS (-17.4 Units) after scoring 105 points or more over the last 3 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 45-37 ATS (+4.3 Units) in all games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 136-102 ATS (+23.8 Units) after 3 or more consecutive losses since 1996.
MILWAUKEE is 50-72 ATS (-29.2 Units) in home games over the last 3 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 13-23 ATS (-12.3 Units) second half of the season this season.
MILWAUKEE is 20-36 ATS (-19.6 Units) on Saturday games over the last 3 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 182-225 ATS (-65.5 Units) after a division game since 1996.
MILWAUKEE is 5-15 ATS (-11.5 Units) in home games revenging a home loss vs opponent over the last 3 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 30-46 ATS (-20.6 Units) in home games revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 3 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 46-65 ATS (-25.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 5-14 ATS (-10.4 Units) in home games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.
MILWAUKEE is 8-19 ATS (-12.9 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO is 10-5 against the spread versus MILWAUKEE over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO is 11-4 straight up against MILWAUKEE over the last 3 seasons
9 of 15 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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GOLDEN STATE (70 - 15) at NEW ORLEANS (45 - 40) - 4/25/2015, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEW ORLEANS is 48-35 ATS (+9.5 Units) in all games this season.
NEW ORLEANS is 28-13 ATS (+13.7 Units) as an underdog this season.
NEW ORLEANS is 25-16 ATS (+7.4 Units) in home games this season.
NEW ORLEANS is 41-23 ATS (+15.7 Units) in home games in April games since 1996.
NEW ORLEANS is 97-69 ATS (+21.1 Units) on Saturday games since 1996.
NEW ORLEANS is 14-5 ATS (+8.5 Units) against Pacific division opponents this season.
NEW ORLEANS is 26-16 ATS (+8.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
NEW ORLEANS is 17-7 ATS (+9.3 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 30-21 ATS (+6.9 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.
GOLDEN STATE is 46-35 ATS (+7.5 Units) in all games this season.
GOLDEN STATE is 42-29 ATS (+10.1 Units) as a favorite this season.
GOLDEN STATE is 33-24 ATS (+6.6 Units) after scoring 105 points or more this season.
GOLDEN STATE is 24-14 ATS (+8.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
GOLDEN STATE is 29-18 ATS (+9.2 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.
GOLDEN STATE is 35-22 ATS (+10.8 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
GOLDEN STATE is 8-5 against the spread versus NEW ORLEANS over the last 3 seasons
GOLDEN STATE is 13-1 straight up against NEW ORLEANS over the last 3 seasons
8 of 13 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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MEMPHIS (57 - 27) at PORTLAND (51 - 33) - 4/25/2015, 10:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MEMPHIS is 45-29 ATS (+13.1 Units) after a win by 10 points or more over the last 3 seasons.
MEMPHIS is 29-17 ATS (+10.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
MEMPHIS is 87-67 ATS (+13.3 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game over the last 3 seasons.
PORTLAND is 9-21 ATS (-14.1 Units) in April games over the last 3 seasons.
PORTLAND is 25-41 ATS (-20.1 Units) against Southwest division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
PORTLAND is 7-19 ATS (-13.9 Units) in home games after a loss by 10 points or more over the last 3 seasons.
PORTLAND is 10-24 ATS (-16.4 Units) after 3 or more consecutive losses over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MEMPHIS is 10-3 against the spread versus PORTLAND over the last 3 seasons
MEMPHIS is 11-2 straight up against PORTLAND over the last 3 seasons
8 of 13 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Dunkel

Saturday, April 25


Atlanta Hawks @ Brooklyn Nets

Game 745-746
April 25, 2015 @ 3:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Atlanta Hawks
123.130
Brooklyn Nets
115.885
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Atlanta Hawks
by 6 1/2
196
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Atlanta Hawks
by 2 1/2
201
Dunkel Pick:
Atlanta Hawks
(-2 1/2); Under

Chicago Bulls @ Milwaukee Bucks

Game 747-748
April 25, 2015 @ 5:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Chicago Bulls
121.702
Milwaukee Bucks
123.877
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Milwaukee Bucks
by 2
183
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Chicago Bulls
by 5
188 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Milwaukee Bucks
(+5); Under

Golden State Warriors @ New Orleans Pelicans

Game 749-750
April 25, 2015 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Golden State Warr
126.180
New Orleans Pelic
125.285
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Golden State Warr
by 1
211
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Golden State Warr
by 7 1/2
205 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
New Orleans Pelic
(+7 1/2); Over

Memphis Grizzlies @ Portland Trail Blazers

Game 751-752
April 25, 2015 @ 10:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Memphis Grizzlies
117.979
Portland Trail Bl
124.900
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Portland Trail Bl
by 7
193
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Portland Trail Bl
by 2 1/2
188 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Portland Trail Bl
(-2 1/2); Over

[StarDust Bum]

Armadillo: Monday's six-pack

-- Wizards 125, Raptors 94-- Gutless tank job by Toronto, which was favored to win series but got swept instead, not even bothering to compete in Game 4.

-- Clippers 114, Spurs 105-- Best series on paper has turned out that way.

-- Cavaliers 101, Celtics 93-- Love got hurt, JR Smith got tossed/suspended.

-- Minnesota 4, St Louis 1-- Wild faces Chicago in next round.

-- Montreal 2, Ottawa 0-- Senators had a terrific year, nonetheless.

-- Orioles 18, Red Sox 7-- Think Ben Cherington called Philly last night?

**********

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

13) Kevin Love separated his shoulder Sunday, is expected to miss 2+ weeks, which is pretty much the entire next playoff series. JR Smith will be suspended for Game 1 of next series. Expensive win for Cleveland.

12) Mike Conley has multiple facial fractures, is out for the Grizzlies' game in Portland tonight; he flew back to Memphis over the weekend.

11) If I designed a golf course, there would be a lot of water on it, maybe small streams running parallel to the fairways. Sand traps look nice but are a waste of time. Water is intimidating, makes the course a lot harder.

10) Dodgers' Alex Guerrero has 13 RBI in 23 plate appearances; why doesn't he play more? Its not like they have Mike Schmidt at third base.

9) Dodgers put Yasiel Puig on the DL and replaced him with Andre Ethier, who makes $18M a year. Must be nice to have such well-paid subs.

8) Max Scherzer hurt his thumb batting yesterday, says he now favors using the DH. Adam Wainwright hurt his ankle/achilles batting Saturday, is probably out for the year. I'm against the DH; why can't pitchers be better at hitting?

7) Tampa Bay's Chris Archer allowed one earned run in his last four starts (26.2 IP). Rays get Matt Moore back from injury, they might be better than all of us thought this spring.

6) Bronx 6, Queens 4-- ESPN's Sunday night game was a defensive horror for the first few innings. Mets have to shore up their middle infield defense if they're going to be a serious postseason contender.

5) Curt Schilling brought up a great point last night; it takes 32-35 good major league players to make the playoffs. I remember in 2012, the A's got help from guys like Brandon Hicks (two walk-off HRs), George Kottaras, Seth Smith- they were in first place for one day that year. Fortunately, it was the last day.

Teams only have 25 guys on their active roster, but over the six-month season, all teams will have injuries and need replacements. The teams that compete for championships have solid depth, even in AAA.

4) Former Boston College basketball coach Al Skinner has resurfaced as the coach at Kennesaw State; within 2-3 years, he's going to scare the hell out of some big-name team in the first round of the NCAAs. He can recruit.

3) Indiana got very good news when Yogi Ferrell said he is coming back for his senior year; stuff like that gives a program positive momentum.

2) *********** has posted spreads for NFL games for Weeks 1-16; Oakland is not favored to win any of its games.

1) I love pro football, but good lord I'm sick of all this draft buildup; just wake me up when the draft starts Thursday night. There is too much media and they do way too much speculating. Just tell me what really happens.

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up

Monday, April 27

Chicago won eight of last ten games with Milwaukee (covered 8 of last 10)-- six of last eight games stayed under total. Chicago won six of its last seven games. Bucks only turned ball over 37 times in four games (+32)- they forced 28 turnovers in Game 4, but covered only one of last four road games. Six of their last nine games went over total. Bulls' bench was just 5-18 from floor in last game.

Hawks made 22 of 61 from arc, 35-41 on line in pair of home wins, but were 6-30 from arc, 13-17 on line in Game 3 loss. Nets had only 12 fast break points in first three series games, but they won eight of last ten home games. Johnson is just 17-50 in series; he'll have to do better. Hawks lost last three road games- their last road win was here by 3 on April 8. Brooklyn lost seven of last eight games with Atlanta overall.

Memphis PG Conley (facial fractures) is out for this game; Grizzlies were up 19-11-13 at half in three games- they won seven in row, 12 of its last 13 games with Portland, covering 11 of last 12. Portland was 11-27 from arc in Game 3 after being 14-46 in first two games, forcing only 19 turnovers in three games. Memphis sub Calathes played 27:00 without a turnover, playing PG with Conley hurt.

Home favorites are 11-11 in this round, home dogs are 4-4; home teams are 19-11 SU-- over is 13-17.

2015 playoffs
Brooklyn vs Atlanta
Atl 99-92, -10, U201.5
Atl 96-91, -9.5, U202
Brook 91-83, +3.5, U199

Boston vs Cleveland
Clev 113-100, -11.5, O203
Clev 99-91, -11, U206
Clev 103-95, -4, U204
Clev 101-93, -6.5, U201.5
Cavaliers won series, 4-0

Milwaukee vs Chicago
Chi 103-91, -8, O186
Chi 91-82, -8, U190.5
Chi 113-106, 2OT, -2.5, O187
Mil 92-90, +4, U190

Washington vs Toronto
Wash 93-86 OT, +4, U194.5
Wash 117-106, +5, O193.5
Wash 106-99, -4.5, O195.5
Wash 125-94, -6.5, O197.5
Wizards win series, 4-0

New Orleans vs Golden State
GSt 106-99, -12, U205
GSt 97-87, -13, U206.5
GSt 123-119 OT, -5, O203
GSt 109-98, -6.5, U208
Warriors win series, 4-0

Dallas vs Houston
Hst 118-108, -5.5, O212.5
Hst 111-99, -6.5, U214
Hst 130-128, +1, O214.5
Dal 121-109, +3, O218.5

San Antonio vs LA Clippers
LAC 107-92, -1.5, U207
SA 111-107 OT, +1.5, O207.5
SA 100-73, -5, U203.5
LAC 114-105, +6, O202.5

Portland vs Memphis
Mem 100-86, -5.5, U188.5
Mem 97-82, -6, U189
Mem 115-109, +3.5, O189

East vs West
SU: West 242-177 ATS: West 214-202-3
East teams HF vs West: 56-57
East teams HU vs West: 46-52
West teams HF vs East: 81-79-3
West teams HU vs East: 24-21




NBA

Monday, April 27

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Trend Report
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7:00 PM
ATLANTA vs. BROOKLYN
Atlanta is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Brooklyn
Atlanta is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Brooklyn's last 7 games
Brooklyn is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Atlanta

8:00 PM
MILWAUKEE vs. CHICAGO
Milwaukee is 3-7 ATS in its last 10 games when playing Chicago
Milwaukee is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Chicago
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Chicago's last 6 games when playing at home against Milwaukee
Chicago is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home

10:30 PM
MEMPHIS vs. PORTLAND
Memphis is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Portland
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Memphis's last 13 games
Portland is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Portland's last 9 games at home