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**Udog** · 11-03-2015, 10:52 AM

Armadillo: Tuesday's six-pack

Six of the more interesting college football games this weekend.......

-- Florida State @ Clemson-- When was last time Seminoles were a 12-point dog?

-- TCU @ Oklahoma State-- Horned Frogs lost last two visits here.

-- Cincinnati @ Houston-- Unbeaten Cougars lost to Cincy last two years.

-- Michigan State @ Nebraska-- Tricky road game for the Spartans?

-- Arizona State @ Washington State- Average total in last four meetings: 79.0.

-- LSU @ Alabama-- Primetime battle of titans in SEC West.

**********

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

13) Why the Royals won the World Series: they scored 40 runs in the postseason from the 8th inning on-- no other team scored more than five.

12) Tough year for college football coaches: Frank Beamer retires at Virginia Tech-- he built the Hokies up from practically nothing...........Norm Chow was canned out at Hawai'i, where it is very hard to win. Lot of head coaching jobs (10?) are open; many of them are in places where it is difficult to win consistently.

11) FOX's Mike Pereira was saying Sunday that LY, 38.4% of replays overturned the calls on the field. This year, that number is 45%; obvious errors are only thing that should be overturned. Re-officiating the plays is not what replay is for.

10) In their last six games, Bears allowed three special teams TDs, two more on offense; their last four games were all decided by 3 or less points.

9) Woman dressed up as a cat rings my doorbell at 2:15 Saturday afternoon, when I answer, she says "Trick or Treat" then whips out an ID badge and tries to get me to change some setting on my utilities bill that would allow her employer to make more money. She got a Reese's peanut butter cup and a door closed in her face. Oy.

8) Knicks drafted Jimmer Fredette in the D-League draft; not sure why; he is 26, can really shoot the ball, is a terrific person, but couldn't guard a lamp post. Not sure what their motivation is: to build up the D-League team, or would they bring him up to the Knicks as a situational shooter?

7) Refs from Miami-Duke game Saturday got suspended; Miami had 23 penalties for 194 yards-- I actually triple-checked that number, since I had never seen penalty numbers that high before. Ironic thing is that Miami was totally undisciplined with so many penalties, but they won the game because the refs refused to call a 24th penalty for an obvious illegal block on the eight-lateral kick return that won the game.

6) Panthers 29, Colts 26 OT-- Colts rallied from down 23-6 to force OT on a rainy, dismal night in Charlotte, after Carolina missed PAT that would've made it 24-6.

Around 11:00, activists protesting Bank of America’s financing of a liquefied natural gas facility in Maryland suspended themselves from the upper deck of the stadium in Charlotte and were taken away by the authorities. Hope it was worth it. Stadium is sponsored by Bank of America, which is why the activists were so active.

5) Lebron James went over 25,000 career points last night in Philly; hard to believe this is his 13th year in the NBA. Lets give the guy credit; as famous as he is and you never hear a bad word about him off the floor. Good for him.

4) When was last time an NFL team's highest paid player was a center? They said on TV Sunday that the Oakland Raiders' highest paid guy is center Rodney Hudson. Someone should call Derek Carr's agent and clue him in on this, though he is probably still on his rookie contract. Raiders outscored last two opponents 51-12 in first half.

3) Hazards of college coaching: a football coach obviously entrusts his team to the QB, the most important player on the team. Kids transfer if they don't play, so not a lot of great backups out there.

Missouri is having a dismal season because QB Maty Mauk turned out to be a bad guy off the field-- I was told in Las Vegas that the rumor is the kid is involved with drugs, which is why Mizzou suspended him (twice).

2) I got a phone call Monday from Ben Carson's political campaign; he is running for President.....in 2016. A year from today. No more phone calls, please

1) That said, it is Election Day today; get out and vote!!!! But not for President, that is next year. Lot of local elections this year-- long time ago, politicians used to come around and campaign and give you stuff with candidate's name on them-- pens, pencils, combs, stuff like that. Why did this stop? Free stuff is very persuasive.

**Udog** · 11-03-2015, 10:52 AM

Oddsmakers size up undefeated teams for NFL Week 9 odds

Peyton Manning faces his former club in Week 9 when the Broncos travel to play the Colts Sunday.

As the eighth week of the NFL season winds down, the Carolina Panthers are still unbeaten, a stunning fact given that they won just seven games all of last season – and made the playoffs! That’s how bad the NFC South was last year.

Carolina (6-0 SU, 5-1 ATS) has definitely improved, but still has some work to do this week to stay perfect. The Panthers close out Week 8 hosting the Monday night game against the flailing Indianapolis Colts, then turn their attention to a big game on the Week 9 docket, as they host Green Bay.

The Packers (6-0, 5-1 ATS) also entered Week 8 among the ranks of the unbeaten, but on Sunday night at Denver, they couldn’t get it going offensively in a 29-10 loss as 2.5-point road chalk.

With Carolina still to play and Green Bay in the late Sunday game, Bookmaker.eu senior lines manager John Lester had to hold off on the line for Sunday’s showdown.

“We won’t open a line until Monday night,” Lester said. “The squares will be lining up to grab the Packers, but I expect we’ll see a long look at the Panthers from the sharps, depending on what the number is. This should be a fantastic ‘measuring stick’ matchup.”

John Avello, executive director of race and sports for Wynn Las Vegas, said the schedule makers didn’t help Green Bay, which is on the road against another unbeaten squad.

“The Packers had trouble moving the ball against the Broncos, and it doesn't get much easier here,” said Avello, noting Denver’s defense ranks No. 1 in allowing 16.0 ppg, and Carolina is 10th at 18.3. “The Panthers come off a Monday night game, but they also remember the beating they took at Lambeau Field last year.”

Indeed, the Packers led 38-3 before backing off in a 38-17 victory laying 6.5 points at home.

Philadelphia Eagles (-1.5) at Dallas Cowboys

Back in Week 2, Dallas lost star quarterback Tony Romo against Philadelphia, but still mustered a 20-10 road victory as a 7-point underdog to improve to 2-0 SU. It’s been much rougher sledding since then, and Romo isn’t due back until at least Week 11.

On Sunday, the Cowboys (2-5 SU and ATS) lost a 13-12 slog to Seattle, though they at least cashed as 4.5-point home pups.

Philadelphia (3-4 SU and ATS) is well-rested for the Sunday night game, coming off its bye week. The Eagles appeared to be pulling things together with a pair of blowout home victories over New Orleans and the New York Giants, but they fell to Carolina 27-16 as 3-point underdog on Oct. 25.

Avello was nonplussed by either team.

“The Cowboys have two wins, but have an excuse after what I saw this past weekend. This season could be over by the time Romo returns,” he said. “The Eagles are playing better but far from where they want to be.”

Despite both teams’ issues, Lester expects a good game, with both teams still legitimately in the NFC East race.

“This is a game both teams desperately need, so it should be classic Eagles-Cowboys,” Lester said. “Dallas continues to play respectable ball, and unlike (against Seattle), Philadelphia is certainly a defense the Cowboys can put up points against.

“I’m not sure what to expect with Philadelphia coming off a bye, but I haven’t been overly impressed with this team at any point. Early money came in on the Eagles, but I know we’ll see some big ‘dog money at some point.”

Denver Broncos at Indianapolis Colts (N/A)

It’s a rematch of a 2014 divisional playoff game, with Denver hoping to avenge a 24-13 upset loss as a 9.5-point home chalk. The Broncos (7-0 SU, 5-2 ATS) finally found some offense to supplement their tremendous defense, knocking off previously unbeaten Green Bay 29-10 Sunday night as 2.5-point home underdogs.

Indianapolis, meanwhile, looks nothing like the team that beat Denver in the playoffs. The Colts (3-4 SU, 2-5 ATS) wrap up Week 8 in the Monday nighter at Carolina, after back-to-back losses to New England (34-27 getting eight points on the road) and New Orleans (27-21 laying 5.5 points at home).

The game again pits Peyton Manning against the Colts, with whom he spent the bulk of his career before moving to Denver.

“It’s a high-profile matchup with all the storylines, so we’ll have no shortage of wagers with this one,” Lester said. “The Colts are going to have a very difficult time keeping Andrew Luck upright, and if they can’t, Denver is going to roll. Again, we’ll wait until Monday night to open a line, but expect the Broncos to be short chalk.”

Said Avello, “Peyton Manning is very familiar with the surroundings. I don't know what to make of the Colts, but I'm waiting to see what I thought was going to be a legitimate contender in the AFC.”

Cleveland Browns at Cincinnati Bengals (-10.5)

Both teams will be on a short week in the battle for Ohio bragging rights, to be played under the Thursday night spotlight. Cincinnati (7-0 SU, 6-0-1 ATS) stayed unbeaten SU and nearly perfect at the betting window by rallying to beat host Pittsburgh 16-10 in a pick ‘em game Sunday.

Cleveland (2-6 SU, 4-4 ATS) had a 20-10 halftime lead against Arizona on Sunday, then didn’t score the rest of the game in a 34-20 loss catching seven points at home.

“The Browns’ schedule has been very difficult this year, and it sure doesn't lighten up here,” Avello said. “They have split a game off the Bengals each of the last three seasons. Their biggest problem is they just can't finish a game.”

Lester noted Cleveland’s injuries – cornerback Joe Haden and safety Donte Whitner were both hurt Sunday – could be the key.

“If the Browns are missing half of their secondary, they don’t have much of a chance,” Lester said. “There is a big gap between these two teams in our ratings, and an even bigger gap in the eyes of the public, so we had to be generous with the Cincinnati side. Hopefully we can attract some ‘dog money with this number.”

**Udog** · 11-03-2015, 10:52 AM

Football bettors must react quickly to these NFL Week 9 odds

If you're jumping on the Patriots' Revenge Tour, you may want to scoop up their spread vs. Washington before it gets even bigger.

Spread to bet now

Washington Redskins at New England Patriots (-14)

The good news for the Redskins is that no one affiliated with the team had anything derogatory to say about the Patriots’ involvement in “Deflategate”. The bad news is that the Patriots don’t care, and will put 60 up on you if they can.

New England is 7-0 and everyone else in the AFC East has three losses, but don’t think for a minute that either Brady or Belichick plan to take their feet off the accelerator. Bettors are aware of this, and early money backs New England by a 3-to-2 margin – even with the two-touchdown spread. The Revenge Tour continues unabated, so if you’re like the majority of bettors and like the Pats to cover, best get money down quickly before books tack on another half-point.

Spread to wait on

Cleveland Browns at Cincinnati Bengals (-10.5)

The Bengals look like they have the AFC North locked up, sitting at 7-0 after their win over Pittsburgh Sunday. But the public has shown some skepticism on this game despite the fact that the Browns (2-6) are again on a trip to nowhere and the Bengals are the only team in the league that is undefeated (6-0-1) ATS this season.

If you like the Bengals, might be wise to hang on a bit and see if there’s enough Browns tug to drag the number down to -10. Even on a short week, the Bengals should move the ball against a Browns defense that ranks near the bottom of the league in most categories.

Total to watch

Oakland Raiders at Pittsburgh Steelers (48)

Looks like we’ll never know what the Steeler offense could have done this year. Just when they get QB Ben Roethlisberger back, RB Le’Veon Bell goes down for the season. That puts some strain on the defense to keep Pittsburgh in games, but the defense has been up to the task.

While overall the Steelers rank low, they are sixth in the league in the only defensive stat that really counts – points allowed. One thing to consider: with Bell out, Oakland’s solid defense against the run will force the Steelers to the air far more than they are comfortable doing.

**Udog** · 11-03-2015, 10:55 AM

NBA
Dunkel

Tuesday, November 3

Toronto @ Dallas

Game 709-710
November 3, 2015 @ 8:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Toronto
123.332
Dallas
119.445
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Toronto
by 4
197
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Toronto
by 1 1/2
204
Dunkel Pick:
Toronto
(-1 1/2); Under

Memphis @ Sacramento

Game 711-712
November 3, 2015 @ 10:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Memphis
116.240
Sacramento
120.468
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Sacramento
by 4
204
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Memphis
by 5
197 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Sacramento
(+5); Over

Denver @ LA Lakers

Game 713-714
November 3, 2015 @ 10:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Denver
116.983
LA Lakers
108.840
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Denver
by 8
202
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Denver
by 1
208
Dunkel Pick:
Denver
(-1); Under

Chicago @ Charlotte

Game 701-702
November 3, 2015 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Chicago
122.575
Charlotte
113.575
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Chicago
by 9
187
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Chicago
by 3 1/2
193
Dunkel Pick:
Chicago
(-3 1/2); Under

Atlanta @ Miami

Game 703-704
November 3, 2015 @ 7:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Atlanta
116.047
Miami
122.666
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Miami
by 6 1/2
201
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Miami
by 4
195
Dunkel Pick:
Miami
(-4); Over

Indiana @ Detroit

Game 705-706
November 3, 2015 @ 7:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Indiana
114.287
Detroit
125.896
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Detroit
by 11 1/2
209
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Detroit
by 5
201 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Detroit
(-5); Over

Orlando @ New Orleans

Game 707-708
November 3, 2015 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Orlando
117.682
New Orleans
116.752
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Orlando
by 1
199
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
New Orleans
by 3
206
Dunkel Pick:
Orlando
(+3); Under

**Udog** · 11-03-2015, 10:59 AM

NBA
Long Sheet

Tuesday, November 3

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CHICAGO (3 - 1) at CHARLOTTE (0 - 3) - 11/3/2015, 7:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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ATLANTA (3 - 1) at MIAMI (2 - 1) - 11/3/2015, 7:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 56-42 ATS (+9.8 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 23-12 ATS (+9.8 Units) after 3 or more consecutive wins over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 30-16 ATS (+12.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 106-139 ATS (-46.9 Units) in November games since 1996.
MIAMI is 112-148 ATS (-50.8 Units) in home games first half of the season since 1996.
MIAMI is 11-22 ATS (-13.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 36-53 ATS (-22.3 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 6-1 against the spread versus MIAMI over the last 3 seasons
ATLANTA is 6-2 straight up against MIAMI over the last 3 seasons
4 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

INDIANA (0 - 3) at DETROIT (3 - 0) - 11/3/2015, 7:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
INDIANA is 20-8 ATS (+11.2 Units) in November games over the last 3 seasons.
INDIANA is 41-23 ATS (+15.7 Units) first half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
DETROIT is 16-36 ATS (-23.6 Units) in a home game where where the total is between 200 and 204.5 points since 1996.
DETROIT is 100-149 ATS (-63.9 Units) in home games after a division game since 1996.

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

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

ORLANDO (0 - 3) at NEW ORLEANS (0 - 3) - 11/3/2015, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ORLANDO is 30-48 ATS (-22.8 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
ORLANDO is 14-27 ATS (-15.7 Units) in road games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 3 seasons.

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

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

TORONTO (3 - 0) at DALLAS (2 - 1) - 11/3/2015, 8:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 14-26 ATS (-14.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
DALLAS is 323-259 ATS (+38.1 Units) as an underdog since 1996.
TORONTO is 22-10 ATS (+11.0 Units) in road games first half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
DALLAS is 52-78 ATS (-33.8 Units) in a home game where where the total is between 200 and 204.5 points since 1996.
DALLAS is 16-32 ATS (-19.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
DALLAS is 19-34 ATS (-18.4 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.

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

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

MEMPHIS (2 - 2) at SACRAMENTO (1 - 2) - 11/3/2015, 10:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MEMPHIS is 26-44 ATS (-22.4 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
SACRAMENTO is 33-47 ATS (-18.7 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SACRAMENTO is 33-49 ATS (-20.9 Units) in home games over the last 3 seasons.
SACRAMENTO is 6-17 ATS (-12.7 Units) when playing with 2 days rest over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MEMPHIS is 4-3 against the spread versus SACRAMENTO over the last 3 seasons
MEMPHIS is 6-1 straight up against SACRAMENTO over the last 3 seasons
6 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

DENVER (1 - 2) at LA LAKERS (0 - 3) - 11/3/2015, 10:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DENVER is 4-14 ATS (-11.4 Units) after 3 or more consecutive unders over the last 3 seasons.
DENVER is 8-21 ATS (-15.1 Units) after a loss by 10 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
DENVER is 26-41 ATS (-19.1 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
LA LAKERS are 138-178 ATS (-57.8 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record since 1996.
LA LAKERS are 114-149 ATS (-49.9 Units) in home games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
DENVER is 5-2 against the spread versus LA LAKERS over the last 3 seasons
DENVER is 6-1 straight up against LA LAKERS over the last 3 seasons
4 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

**Udog** · 11-03-2015, 11:03 AM

NBA

Tuesday, November 3

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

7:00 PM
CHICAGO vs. CHARLOTTE
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Chicago's last 13 games when playing Charlotte
Chicago is 12-4 SU in its last 16 games when playing Charlotte
Charlotte is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games when playing at home against Chicago
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Charlotte's last 5 games at home

7:30 PM
ATLANTA vs. MIAMI
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Atlanta's last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Atlanta's last 13 games when playing Miami
Miami is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Miami is 4-8 ATS in its last 12 games

7:30 PM
INDIANA vs. DETROIT
Indiana is 10-3 SU in its last 13 games when playing Detroit
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Indiana's last 8 games when playing Detroit
The total has gone OVER in 12 of Detroit's last 17 games
Detroit is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games

8:00 PM
ORLANDO vs. NEW ORLEANS
The total has gone UNDER in 15 of Orlando's last 22 games when playing New Orleans
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Orlando's last 6 games when playing on the road against New Orleans
New Orleans is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games when playing Orlando
New Orleans is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games

8:30 PM
TORONTO vs. DALLAS
Toronto is 2-13 SU in its last 15 games when playing on the road against Dallas
The total has gone OVER in 12 of Toronto's last 16 games when playing on the road against Dallas
The total has gone OVER in 12 of Dallas's last 16 games when playing at home against Toronto
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Dallas's last 5 games when playing Toronto

10:00 PM
MEMPHIS vs. SACRAMENTO
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Memphis's last 10 games
Memphis is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Sacramento's last 8 games when playing Memphis
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Sacramento's last 5 games when playing at home against Memphis

10:30 PM
DENVER vs. LA LAKERS
Denver is 9-1 SU in their last 10 games when playing LA Lakers
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Denver's last 5 games
LA Lakers are 0-5 SU in their last 5 games
LA Lakers are 1-9 SU in their last 10 games when playing Denver

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

**Udog** · 11-03-2015, 11:07 AM

NBA

Tuesday, November 3

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Game of the Day: Hawks at Heat
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Dwyane Wade and the Heat host the Hawks in an early battle for Southeast supremacy.

Atlanta Hawks at Miami Heat (-4, 196)

Safe to say the Miami Heat found their rhythm on both ends of the court after a dreadful first half on Sunday, and will look to put four solid quarters together Tuesday when they host the Atlanta Hawks. The Heat scored 65 points after halftime – Dwyane Wade, Hassan Whiteside and Chris Bosh combining to shoot 13-of-21 from the field – as Miami rallied from a 63-44 deficit at intermission to win 109-89.

Offense has not been a problem for Miami, which ranks among the top five teams in the NBA in field-goal percentage (47 percent) and free-throw shooting (87.5). Udonis Haslem blasted his teammates during a fiery halftime speech on Sunday, which Wade summarized to the media after the game as, “it was all bleep, bleep, bleep.” Atlanta coach Mike Budenholzer had his own reasons to be upset after the Hawks were torched for 37 third-quarter points Sunday at Charlotte before tightening up defensively in a 94-92 victory to sweep a home-and-home from the Hornets. Atlanta also dodged an after-game scare as X-rays on the finger of point guard Jeff Teague, who averages a team-leading 18.3 points to pace five Hawks in double figures, came back negative.

TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, FSN Southeast (Atlanta), Sun Sports (Miami)

LINE HISTORY: The Heat opened as 3-point home favorites and were quickly bet to -4. The total is still at its opening number of 196.

INJURY REPORT:

Hawks - SG K. Korver (probable Tuesday, ankle), PG J. Teague (probable Tuesday, hand), PF M. Muscala (questionable Tuesday, ankle), SG T. Sefolosha (out Tuesday, leg).

Heat - PF A. Stoudemire (probable Tuesday, knee).

POWER RANKINGS: Hawks (-8.9) - Heat (-7.5) + home court (-3) = Heat -1.6

ABOUT THE HAWKS (3-1, 1-2-1 ATS, 2-2 O/U): Kent Bazemore shined in both victories over Charlotte, scoring 39 points in the two games on 13-of-25 shooting. Atlanta clamped down on defense late in both contests but especially Sunday, when the Hawks held the Hornets to 4-of-24 shooting (all four baskets coming from 3-point range) in the fourth quarter. “They all know the third wasn’t our best,” Budenholzer said to reporters in describing Atlanta’s defensive effort in the third quarter, “but they found a way.”

ABOUT THE HEAT (2-1, 2-1 ATS, 1-2 O/U): The Heat were ripped for 63 first-half points against the Rockets but absolutely controlled the final 24 minutes, hitting nine 3-pointers after the break and finishing the half at 58.5 percent from the field while forcing 11 turnovers. Whiteside, who scored 15 points with 15 rebounds combined in his first two contests, gave Miami 25 points and 15 rebounds. Wade has scored 20 or more points in each of his first three games.

TRENDS:

* Hawks are 6-0-1 ATS in the last seven meetings.
* Home team is 4-1-1 ATS in the last six meetings.
* Under is 17-5 in the last 22 meetings in Miami.
* Under is 9-4 in the last 13 meetings.

CONSENSUS: The public is siding with the Hawks in this Southeast Division matchup, with 53.94 percent of wagers backing Atlanta.

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

**Udog** · 11-03-2015, 11:11 AM

NBA

Tuesday, November 3

Hornets sign G Lamb to extension

The Charlotte Hornets signed guard Jeremy Lamb to a contract extension Monday.

Terms were not disclosed, but the deal is a three-year extension that will pay him about $21 million, according to the Charlotte Observer.

The Hornets also announced that the team exercised its fourth-year option on forward Cody Zeller.

"We were thrilled with the opportunity to add Jeremy Lamb to our roster this past summer," Hornets general manager Rich Cho said in a statement. "Through the preseason and start of our regular season, Jeremy has proven to be the type of player and professional we seek here in Charlotte. We're excited to have him as a part of the Hornets for years to come."

Lamb, a fourth-year player, was acquired in a trade on June 25 after spending the first three seasons of his career in Oklahoma City.

Warriors smash Grizzlies, still perfect ATS

Is it possible the Golden State Warriors are even better this year? It looks that way after the Warriors smashed the Memphis Grizzlies 119-69 Monday night to improve to 4-0 straight up and against the spread.

Expect to see some inflated totals in the Warriors' upcoming games, starting Wednesday night when they host the Los Angeles Clippers, who are 2-2 ATS.

NBA roundup: Cavs win, James youngest to reach 25,000 points

PHILADELPHIA -- LeBron James scored 22 points to become the youngest player in NBA history to surpass 25,000 points in Cleveland's 107-100 win over Philadelphia on Monday night.

The 30-year-old James, 20th on the all-time scoring list, needed 21 points at the beginning of the night to reach 25,000. He did so when he dunked on a lob from Matthew Dellavedova with 8:05 left in the game.

Mo Williams added 21 points for Cleveland, which won its third straight to improve to 3-1. Forward Kevin Love had 15 points and eight rebounds for the Cavaliers, who trailed by as many as 15 points in the first half.

Spurs 94, Knicks 84

NEW YORK -- Tim Duncan recorded the 831st double-double of his career leading San Antonio Spurs over New York.

The ageless center scored 16 points and grabbed 10 rebounds. Duncan is fifth all-time in that category. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who stands in fourth place, registered 885 double-doubles.

Duncan had plenty of help as San Antonio dominated the paint. Kawhi Leonard had 18 points, 14 rebounds and four blocks, LaMarcus Aldridge added 19 points and Tony Parker chipped in with 16 points.

Bucks 103, Nets 96

NEW YORK -- Jerryd Bayless paced a balanced scoring attack with 26 points, and Greg Monroe added 23 points and 13 rebounds as Milwaukee won for the first time this season.

The Bucks outscored the Nets 8-0 down the stretch to secure the win.

Milwaukee's Giannis Antetokounmpo added 21 points and eight rebounds while Khris Middleton added 17 points.

Rockets 110, Thunder 105

HOUSTON -- James Harden rediscovered his shooting stroke, and Ty Lawson had his best game with his new team as Houston rallied from a 15-point deficit to beat Oklahoma City.

Harden finished with 37 points on 12 of 26 shooting and made more 3-pointers (four) than he did in his first three games combined. However, he also missed eight times from beyond the arc.

Lawson, an offseason acquisition from the Denver Nuggets, added 14 points, 11 assists and four steals for the Rockets.

Trail Blazers 106, Timberwolves 101

MINNEAPOLIS -- Damian Lillard scored 34 points and had seven assists to lead Portland over an emotional Timberwolves team that was mourning Flip Saunders.

The Wolves were playing their first home game since the sudden death of their head coach and president of basketball operations. The 60-year-old Saunders died of complications of Hodgkin's lymphoma on Oct. 25.

The team unveiled a jersey patch they will wear the remainder of the season. A video tribute played prior to the game.

Warriors 119, Grizzlies 69

OAKLAND, Calif. -- Stephen Curry poured in 21 of his game-high 30 points in the third quarter, leading a Golden State runaway that produced a blowout win over Memphis.

Golden State backup center Festus Ezeli recorded an 11-point, 10-rebound double-double.

The Warriors shot 51.2 percent from the field en route to their franchise-record 20th consecutive regular-season home victory dating back to January. The Golden State defense, meanwhile, held to Grizzlies to 27.1 percent shooting.

Clippers 102, Suns 96

LOS ANGELES -- Blake Griffin scored 22 points and pulled down nine rebounds leading Los Angeles past Phoenix.

Chris Paul had 17 points and five assists as the Clippers opened the season 4-0 for the first time since the 2007-2008 campaign. Jamal Crawford came off the bench to score 11 points and guard J.J. Redick finished with 10 for Los Angeles.

Forward Markieff Morris led the Suns with 19 points to go along with eight rebounds.

**Udog** · 11-03-2015, 11:54 AM

NBA

Tuesday, November 3

Rockets still a hot under bet in first win of season

The Houston Rockets continue to be a hot under bet, even after notching their first win of the season, topping the Oklahoma City Thunder 110-105 Monday night.

The game between the two Western Conference contenders was just under the 217.5 total by 2.5-points.

Houston will try to keep under backers riding the streak happy when they host the Orlando Magic Wednesday night.

**Udog** · 11-03-2015, 11:56 AM

Spurs' offensive growing pains profitable for NBA total bettors

The Spurs' new post-up emphasis has reduced the number of drive-and-kick plays to open 3-point shooters. As a result, San Antonio isn't scoring at the same rate as last season.

After the season's first week, there are very few surprises. Of the five teams sitting at 3-0 (Raptors, Pistons, Thunder, Clippers, Warriors), only Detroit raises an eyebrow. And, of the eight teams at 0-3 (Nets, Pacers, Bucks, Magic, Bobcats, Lakers, Rockets, Pelicans), the Rockets are the only winless surprise on the first Monday of the season.

Al McMordie take a closer look at some of the storylines and betting trends developing early in the season.

Spread watch

The Miami Heat started the preseason 0-2 ATS. However, they finished on a 5-0-1 ATS kick. And they've burst out of the gate in the regular season with a 2-1 SU and ATS record, which includes double-digit home wins over the Bobcats and Rockets (with a road loss to Cleveland in between). The win against Houston was especially impressive. Miami was down 63-44 at halftime, but outscored Houston by 39 in the second half. Miami's offense is strong, with an unadjusted rating of 106.6 (fourth).

This week, the Heat play four games (Hawks, Timberwolves, Pacers, Raptors), including two undefeated ATS opponents (Raptors, Timberwolves), and one team (Pacers) which has yet to cover the spread. The Indiana-Miami game will be televised by ESPN, so it should draw a lot of betting interest. Miami was 0-4 ATS last season vs. the Pacers, so something will have to give Friday.

Total Watch

After not going Over in any of their six preseason games (0-5-1 O/U), the San Antonio Spurs have played two of three games Under the total in the regular season. The Spurs' defensive Net Rating ranks second (behind Utah), if unadjusted for schedule strength (it would be No. 1 adjusted for schedule). San Antonio is still trying to get comfortable in new offensive sets with LaMarcus Aldridge in the mix. One of the biggest changes is the offense utilizing more post-up plays, to take advantage of the strengths of Aldridge and Kawhi Leonard.

This new emphasis has reduced the number of drives that look to kick the ball out to open 3-point shooters. As a result, the Spurs are averaging just 18.6 3-point attempts per game (22.5 last season), and shooting just 33.9 percent compared to 36.7 percent last year. For the season, the Spurs' Offensive Rating ranks 17th (after ranking seventh last year), and their pace of play ranks 15th. This should improve as the team gets acclimated to its new offense, but the Spurs could struggle to score efficiently in the short term.

The Spurs will play at New York Monday, before visiting the Wizards Wednesday, and Charlotte, at home, Saturday. Like San Antonio, the Bobcats have played two of three regular season games Under the total (following a preseason, in which five of their eight games went Under). The Spurs and Bobcats have gone 5-13-2 O/U their last 20 meetings.

Injury Impact

Sacramento's DeMarcus Cousins exited Saturday's loss to the Clippers in the second quarter because of a sore right Achilles' tendon. Cousins underwent an MRI which revealed a strain in his tendon, and he's listed as day-to-day. Cousins is one of the league's Top 10 players. Last season, his PER of 25.29 ranked ninth in the NBA. And his PER this season (25.35) is in line with 2014-15. Cousins missed 23 games last year, and the Kings went just 6-17 SU and 8-14-1 ATS in his absence (compared to 23-36 SU and 25-33-1 ATS with him).

This season, the Kings are 1-2, but their record is somewhat deceptive, as it includes two single-digit losses to the Clippers, who rank No. 1 in Net Rating, adjusted for schedule strength. In the Kings' other game, they blew out the Lakers, 132-114. Without adjusting for schedule strength, the Kings would rank 17th in the league in Net Rating (which measures a team's efficiency). However, if you factor schedule, the Kings' Net Rating rockets to second overall.

This week, Sacramento hosts Memphis Tuesday, play at Phoenix Wednesday, before returning home to play Houston and Golden State Friday and Saturday. The Grizzlies, in particular, are the worst team in the league for Sacramento to face without Cousins. Memphis has the best center (other than Cousins) in Marc Gasol and its frontline tandem of Gasol and Zach Randolph ranks as one of the best. Cousins missed two games versus Memphis last season and his Kings lost both games SU/ATS (97-85 at home/97-83 at Memphis). But with Cousins in the lineup, Sacramento was 2-0 ATS vs. the Grizzlies.

Playbook

After playing rookie D'Angelo Russell as an off-guard against Minnesota, coach Byron Scott decided to start him at point guard in the Lakers' second game at Sacramento. Unfortunately for L.A., the results weren't any better. Los Angeles was blown out 132-114. And then, in Game 3, L.A. also lost by double-digits at home vs. Dallas. The Lakers are now 0-3 SU/ATS and have lost nine straight regular season games (both SU and ATS), dating back to last season.

In his first three games, Russell has averaged as many turnovers as assists and he’s shooting just 36.7 percent from the floor (26.7 percent from distance). The scuttlebutt around the league is that this wasn't Scott's decision, but rather came from management - which is under pressure to not only deliver a winner, but also develop star talent for its fan base.

This week, L.A. will play three winnable games. Russell will match up against fellow rookie Emmanuel Mudiay, as the Lakers host the Nuggets Tuesday. Then, this weekend, Los Angeles will visit the Knicks (Friday) and Nets (Sunday). The Lakers-Nuggets game will be on NBA TV, and Denver is 9-1 SU and 8-2 ATS its last 10 versus Los Angeles.

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Tuesday's NBA Trends and Indexes - 11/3

Tuesday's NBA Trends and Indexes - 11/3

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