The Bum's National Basketball League December Picks/Trends/News !!

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Mavericks (10-8) at Trail Blazers (7-11)
Date: December 01, 2015 10:00 PM EDT

Wesley Matthews played so well as an undrafted rookie in 2009-10 that the Portland Trail Blazers plucked the restricted free agent away from Utah with a sizable contract.

When it came time for Matthews to become a free agent again during the offseason, they didn't even bother to pick up the phone. Whatever the potential reasons - Matthews coming off a season-ending injury, LaMarcus Aldridge leaving town, C.J. McCollum ready for an expanded role - Matthews was upset.

The Dallas Mavericks, though, were willing to pay top dollar. Now Matthews prepares to make his first regular-season visit to Portland since leaving, but an illness might keep former teammate Damian Lillard from facing him Tuesday night.

Matthews signed a five-year, $34 million deal that Utah declined to match after a solid rookie season, then averaged 15.4 points in 359 regular-season games and made three playoff appearances with the Blazers.

He tore his left Achilles and missed the last 22 and all of a five-game playoff loss to Memphis last season before becoming an unrestricted free agent. Portland reportedly didn't extend an official offer to Matthews, who then signed a four-year, $70 million contract with the Mavericks.

Matthews said he hoped to return to Portland but "felt disrespected" when general manager Neil Olshey didn't even contact Matthews when free agency began. Olshey said later that the only way they would have pursued re-signing Matthews was if Aldridge returned rather than bolt for San Antonio.

That decision seems to be wise so far. Matthews has gotten off to a rough start with Dallas (10-8), averaging 11.1 points while shooting 34.7 percent in 16 games.

He's totaled 17 points while hitting just 3 of 15 from 3-point range over his last two and went 4 for 11 from the field in Monday's 112-98 loss to Sacramento.

This contest ends a stretch featuring five of six games on the road for the Mavericks, who have dropped four of the first five.

"We knew it was going to be a process," said Chandler Parsons, who had a team-high 14 points. "Every time you have this many guys that are new and haven't played together, it's going to take some time."

Portland (7-11) is in a bit of a rebuilding mode after losing Aldridge and Matthews and trading away another former mainstay in Nicolas Batum. It devoted its attention to building around Lillard, who inked a five-year, $120 million extension in July.

McCollum stepped into Matthews' starting role and has averaged 19.9 points, far better than the 6.8 he averaged in 2014-15. He scored 28 in Saturday's win over the Los Angeles Lakers to help the Blazers win for the third time in four games, but he was held to 4 of 15 from the field and a season-low 12 points in Monday's 102-87 loss to the Clippers.

Lillard had seven points in 17 minutes before leaving for good early in the third with an upset stomach.

"Obviously Damian's the center of our offense, gets everybody going," McCollum said. "Without him on the floor it's tough, but we had to adjust and make plays without him. Hopefully he'll be back soon. I could tell he was sick."

Lillard has never missed a game in three-plus seasons but is uncertain to play in this contest.

"If I'm good enough to play, I'll play," Lillard said. "I can't go out there the way I was (Monday)."

Dirk Nowitzki scored 16 points to help the Mavericks beat the Matthews-less Blazers 114-98 in the last meeting April 15.

[StarDust Bum]

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1

GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS

WAS at CLE 07:00 PM

CLE -9.0 DOUBLE PLAY

O 203.0


LAL at PHI 07:00 PM

LAL +1.0 *****

U 196.0


PHO at BK 07:30 PM

BK +3.5 *****

O 207.5


ORL at MIN 08:00 PM

ORL +2.0 TRIPLE PLAY

O 202.0 TRIPLE PLAY


MEM at NO 08:00 PM

NO -1.0 DOUBLE PLAY

U 200.0


DAL at POR 10:00 PM

DAL +0.0 *****

O 201.0 *****

[StarDust Bum]

Armadillo: Wednesday's six-pack

-- David Price signs with the Red Sox; seven years, $217M; they could've had Jon Lester for less than that- he makes around $25M a year.

-- Orioles acquired Mark Trumbo from Seattle in exchange for a backup catcher.

-- Texas 80, Tex-Arlington 73 OT-- Mavericks have beaten Ohio State/Memphis.

-- North Carolina 89, Maryland 81-- Marcus Paige returned for Tar Heels.

-- Iona 101, Fairfield 77-- AJ English had 46 in first conference game of season.

-- Sounds like Georgia will hire Alabama DC Kirby Smart as its new coach.

**********

Armadillo: Wednesday's List of 13: My worst 5, best 8 teams in NFL.......

32) Titans-- They've lost 11 home games in row; they're 1-5 in games decided by 7 or less points. Will they go after Chip Kelly to coach Mariota? Is playing Mariota the best move, long-term? Titans have only 14 TD drives of 60+ yards- no bueno.

31) Saints-- Struggling team with an aging star QB; owner is in his late 80's, there is a squabble in his family over who inherits the team. In a more normal scenario, blowing the whole thing up and rebuilding would be wise, but do you change coaches to do it? Your coach and QB won a Super Bowl together; tough thing to break up.

30) Rams-- Nothing worse than a team that thinks they're contenders, then falls flat on their faces. Changing coaches this winter won't help; continuity wins, but they better fix the offensive line-- thats what holding this team back. Foles can play if he is given time-- they could use a tight end who can catch the ball, too.

29) Browns-- Maybe they'd be better off if Kevin Costner really was the GM, instead of playing him in a movie? They're trying to showcase Manziel for a trade, but he is such a damn fool, he can't stay off social media long enough to get dealt- who wants to deal with all his BS? If Browns are smart, they dump Manziel, play Austin Davis.

That said, I do think Manziel could become a good player, if he wises up, but he's run out of chances with Cleveland. Maybe he just wants out of there.

28) Cowboys-- How this team hasn't drafted a young QB is beyond me; now we get Matt Cassel for the next five weeks, then another spring/summer of how great Tony Romo is, despite his 2-4 playoff record. 10 years as a starter, two playoff wins, only six playoff games. They have to draft a quarterback in April.

8) Chiefs-- No one thinks Alex Smith is very good, but look at his record: 63-52-1 in the NFL, 22-2 in two years as the starter in college at Utah. He doesn't screw things up, he can run if he has to. You could do a lot worse than him.

7) Seahawks-- Secondary got torched by Big Ben Sunday but they also picked off four passes in a 39-30 win. Just when they started throwing ball more to Jimmy Graham, he blew out his knee and is done for the year. I know this; I'd be very nervous if I'm a #1 or #2 seed playing them in the playoffs.

6) Broncos-- Father Time is undefeated, something Peyton Manning is finding out; they've played better offense with Osweiler than they had with Manning at QB this season. Tall QB trivia: tallest QB in NFL history was Dan McGwire, a 6-10 guy out of San Diego State whose brother Mark is a little bit more well-known.

5) Vikings-- Minnesota has allowed one TD drive of less than 60 yards and no TDs on defense or special teams; they don't beat themselves. Vikings run ball with Peterson and Bridgewater is poised and doesn't screw things up- this is their last year playing home games outdoors. Good darkhorse playoff team.

4) Bengals-- Compare Tony Romo's adulation to Andy Dalton, who gets booed in his home city during the offseason; similar careers, similar lack of postseason success. This is a very good Bengal team; hope they win a playoff game this year. Maybe the nitwits in Cincinnati will appreciate what they have.

3) Cardinals-- I enjoy coach Arians' aggressive approach; they throw the ball down the field and they blitz, even when they're ahead. They play to win the game.

2) Patriots-- Gronkowski, Edelman, Amendola are all out; pretty soon, they're going to sign Gino Capelletti and Stanley Morgan to catch Brady's passes. Patriots have 14 TD drives of less than 60 yards, most in NFL; their defense/special teams are stellar.

1) Panthers-- Read a thing on Twitter yesterday that said how Panthers are the worst 11-0 team ever. What jackass writes stuff like this? They're 11 and freakin' 0, they are an undefeated team in December, with a QB who does nothing but win games. They're not getting enough credit, because all the media cares about are a handful of teams in the bigger markets. Probably works to the Panthers' advantage.

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up

Wednesday, December 2

Hot teams
-- 19-0 Warriors covered six of their last seven games. Charlotte won four of its last five games (1-0-1HU).
-- Bulls won six of their last eight games (1-6HF).
-- Toronto won last three road games, covered four of last five. Atlanta won its last three home games (4-5HF).
-- Spurs won five of their last six games (6-3HF).
-- Indiana won its last five games, covered 11 of last 13. Clippers won last three games, by 21-8-15 points (4-7HF).

Cold teams
-- Lakers lost their last six games (3-7AU). Washington lost four of its last five games (2-2HF).
-- Suns lost five of their last six games (3-3AU). Detroit lost four of its last six games (2-3HF).
-- Knicks lost last four games (1-2HF). 1-18 76ers covered their last six games (8-3AU).
-- Denver lost its last seven games (0-6 vs spread last six).
-- Pelicans lost their last three games (3-7AU). Houston lost seven of its last ten games (0-8HF).
-- Milwaukee lost six of its last eight games (1-4 last five AU).

Series records
-- Lakers lost their last five games with Washington.
-- Warriors won four of last six games with Charlotte.
-- Pistons won four of last six games with Phoenix.
-- 76ers lost five of last six games with New York.
-- Nuggets won six of last eight games with Chicago.
-- Rockets won six of last nine games with New Orleans.
-- Raptors won five of last seven games with Atlanta.
-- Spurs won last six games with Milwaukee (5-1 vs spread).
-- Clippers won last two games with Indiana by 2-7 points.

Totals
-- Under is 10-3 in last thirteen Laker games.
-- Six of last eight Golden State games went over.
-- Five of last seven Phoenix games went over.
-- Under is 10-3-1 in last 14 New York games.
-- Last four Denver games stayed under the total.
-- Five of last six Houston games went over total.
-- Five of last six Toronto games stayed under total.
-- Eight of last ten Milwaukee games went over total.
-- Four of last five Indiana games went over the total.

[StarDust Bum]

NBA

Wednesday, December 2

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Trend Report
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7:00 PM
GOLDEN STATE vs. CHARLOTTE
Golden State is 3-7 ATS in its last 10 games when playing on the road against Charlotte
The total has gone OVER in 13 of Golden State's last 19 games when playing Charlotte
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Charlotte's last 14 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 13 of Charlotte's last 19 games when playing Golden State

See more trends!
DECEMBER 2, 7:00 PM
LA LAKERS vs. WASHINGTON
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of the LA Lakers last 13 games
LA Lakers are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games when playing Washington
Washington is 3-6 SU in their last 9 games when playing at home against LA Lakers
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Washington's last 5 games at home

See more trends!
DECEMBER 2, 7:30 PM
PHOENIX vs. DETROIT
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Phoenix's last 5 games when playing on the road against Detroit
Phoenix is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Detroit's last 7 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Detroit's last 12 games when playing Phoenix

See more trends!
DECEMBER 2, 7:30 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. NEW YORK
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 5 games when playing on the road against New York
Philadelphia is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing New York
New York is 4-14 SU in its last 18 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of New York's last 5 games when playing Philadelphia

See more trends!
DECEMBER 2, 8:00 PM
DENVER vs. CHICAGO
Denver is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Denver is 0-4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Chicago's last 5 games at home
Chicago is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home

See more trends!
DECEMBER 2, 8:00 PM
NEW ORLEANS vs. HOUSTON
New Orleans is 4-9 SU in its last 13 games when playing Houston
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of New Orleans's last 11 games on the road
Houston is 9-4 SU in its last 13 games when playing New Orleans
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Houston's last 5 games

See more trends!
DECEMBER 2, 8:00 PM
TORONTO vs. ATLANTA
Toronto is 4-10 SU in its last 14 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
Toronto is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Atlanta
Atlanta is 10-4 SU in its last 14 games when playing at home against Toronto
Atlanta is 4-8 ATS in its last 12 games

See more trends!
DECEMBER 2, 8:30 PM
MILWAUKEE vs. SAN ANTONIO
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Milwaukee's last 10 games
Milwaukee is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games
San Antonio is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Milwaukee
The total has gone OVER in 6 of San Antonio's last 8 games when playing at home against Milwaukee

See more trends!
DECEMBER 2, 10:30 PM
INDIANA vs. LA CLIPPERS
Indiana is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Indiana's last 5 games when playing on the road against LA Clippers
LA Clippers are 4-9 ATS in their last 13 games
LA Clippers are 11-5 SU in their last 16 games at home

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Long Sheet

Wednesday, December 2

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LA LAKERS (2 - 15) at WASHINGTON (7 - 8) - 12/2/2015, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LA LAKERS are 20-33 ATS (-16.3 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
LA LAKERS are 40-57 ATS (-22.7 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game over the last 3 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 346-416 ATS (-111.6 Units) in home games since 1996.


Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 2-2 against the spread versus LA LAKERS over the last 3 seasons
WASHINGTON is 4-0 straight up against LA LAKERS over the last 3 seasons
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons




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GOLDEN STATE (19 - 0) at CHARLOTTE (10 - 7) - 12/2/2015, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
GOLDEN STATE is 70-48 ATS (+17.2 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 33-21 ATS (+9.9 Units) when the total is greater than or equal to 210 over the last 2 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 65-42 ATS (+18.8 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 32-16 ATS (+14.4 Units) first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 40-24 ATS (+13.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 43-26 ATS (+14.4 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
CHARLOTTE is 139-176 ATS (-54.6 Units) in non-conference games since 1996.


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




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PHOENIX (8 - 10) at DETROIT (9 - 9) - 12/2/2015, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PHOENIX is 102-76 ATS (+18.4 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
PHOENIX is 55-32 ATS (+19.8 Units) in road games over the last 3 seasons.
PHOENIX is 63-41 ATS (+17.9 Units) in a road game where where the total is between 200 and 204.5 points since 1996.
PHOENIX is 50-30 ATS (+17.0 Units) first half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
PHOENIX is 39-24 ATS (+12.6 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 3 seasons.
PHOENIX is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) in road games in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 16-37 ATS (-24.7 Units) in a home game where where the total is between 200 and 204.5 points since 1996.


Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 5-0 against the spread versus PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
DETROIT is 3-2 straight up against PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons




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PHILADELPHIA (1 - 18) at NEW YORK (8 - 10) - 12/2/2015, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEW YORK is 19-31 ATS (-15.1 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
NEW YORK is 7-18 ATS (-12.8 Units) in home games first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
NEW YORK is 15-28 ATS (-15.8 Units) after 3 or more consecutive losses over the last 2 seasons.


Head-to-Head Series History
PHILADELPHIA is 5-3 against the spread versus NEW YORK over the last 3 seasons
NEW YORK is 6-2 straight up against PHILADELPHIA 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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DENVER (6 - 12) at CHICAGO (10 - 5) - 12/2/2015, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DENVER is 18-30 ATS (-15.0 Units) first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
DENVER is 12-26 ATS (-16.6 Units) after a loss by 10 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
DENVER is 4-15 ATS (-12.5 Units) after scoring 85 points or less over the last 3 seasons.
CHICAGO is 114-152 ATS (-53.2 Units) in home games in non-conference games since 1996.
CHICAGO is 54-84 ATS (-38.4 Units) in home games off an upset win as an underdog since 1996.


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




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NEW ORLEANS (4 - 14) at HOUSTON (7 - 11) - 12/2/2015, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 41-24 ATS (+14.6 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 3 seasons.
HOUSTON is 4-14 ATS (-11.4 Units) in all games this season.
HOUSTON is 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) as a favorite this season.
HOUSTON is 1-10 ATS (-10.0 Units) in home games this season.
HOUSTON is 4-14 ATS (-11.4 Units) first half of the season this season.


Head-to-Head Series History
NEW ORLEANS is 5-2 against the spread versus HOUSTON over the last 3 seasons
HOUSTON is 5-3 straight up against NEW ORLEANS over the last 3 seasons
5 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons




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TORONTO (11 - 7) at ATLANTA (12 - 8) - 12/2/2015, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 64-50 ATS (+9.0 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 35-19 ATS (+14.1 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 28-14 ATS (+12.6 Units) in road games first half of the season over the last 3 seasons.


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




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MILWAUKEE (7 - 11) at SAN ANTONIO (14 - 4) - 12/2/2015, 8:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MILWAUKEE is 225-281 ATS (-84.1 Units) in non-conference games since 1996.
MILWAUKEE is 3-13 ATS (-11.3 Units) after allowing 85 points or less over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 916-797 ATS (+39.3 Units) in all games since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 726-615 ATS (+49.5 Units) as a favorite since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 467-387 ATS (+41.3 Units) in home games since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 307-243 ATS (+39.7 Units) after a non-conference game since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 305-249 ATS (+31.1 Units) in non-conference games since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 190-133 ATS (+43.7 Units) off a upset loss as a favorite since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 48-31 ATS (+13.9 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 41-28 ATS (+10.2 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 31-19 ATS (+10.1 Units) first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.


Head-to-Head Series History
SAN ANTONIO is 3-1 against the spread versus MILWAUKEE over the last 3 seasons
SAN ANTONIO is 4-0 straight up against MILWAUKEE over the last 3 seasons
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons




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INDIANA (11 - 5) at LA CLIPPERS (10 - 8) - 12/2/2015, 10:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
INDIANA is 30-17 ATS (+11.3 Units) first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 23-37 ATS (-17.7 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 9-22 ATS (-15.2 Units) in home games after 3 or more consecutive wins over the last 3 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 14-25 ATS (-13.5 Units) in home games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.


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

[StarDust Bum]

Sharp bettors are drooling over these can't-miss spot bet opportunities

Long Beach State plays four games in six days this week, featuring a trip to the thin air at Colorado State and back-to-back games this weekend.

Letdown spot

The USC Trojans are coming off a big week. Not only did the program name interim head coach Clay Helton its permanent head coach but it also scored a victory over rival UCLA, knocking off the Bruins in blowout fashion 40-21 as a 3-point favorite Saturday. It snapped a three-year losing skid to its California cousins and punched the Trojans ticket to the Pac-12 title game, facing Stanford as 4.5-point underdogs.

Southern Cal’s big win and improbable path to the conference championship game sets USC up for a possible letdown. The Trojans’ season was marred by the firing of Steve Sarkisian after his problem drinking was brought to the forefront and many counted out Southern Cal, which could give USC a false sense of accomplishment entering Saturday’s game. The Trojans lost 41-31 to Stanford as 9.5-point home favorites in September.

Lookahead spot

It’s hard to look past a lineup with guys like Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook at the top, but the Miami Heat find themselves in a tough spot hosting the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday with former star LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers next on the schedule. Miami plays host to the Cavs on Saturday in what will be an intense game between two of the Eastern Conference’s top teams.

The Heat went 1-3 SU and ATS in their four games before playing Cleveland last season, which was James’ first back with the Cavaliers after opting out with Miami and shunning the franchise in free agency. The Heat lost both matchups with the Thunder SU and ATS last year and have gone 5-1 SU versus the West but just 3-3 ATS so far this season.

Schedule spot

Long Beach State knows that if you want to impress the selection committee come March, you have to test your mettle against some big-name programs. The 49ers have already played power conference members like Oklahoma State (twice), Virginia, and Seton Hall as well as mid-major contender BYU in their tune-up slate before Big West play tips off.

But Long Beach State isn’t done there. It plays a hectic schedule this week, starting with a home game against San Diego State Tuesday. Then the 49ers travel to Colorado State Thursday, are back home to play New Mexico State Saturday, then head to UCLA to take on the Bruins Sunday evening. That’s a stretch of four games in six days, including a trip to the thin air of Fort Collins, Colorado.

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Dunkel

Wednesday, December 2


LA Lakers @ Washington

Game 501-502
December 2, 2015 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
LA Lakers
107.853
Washington
121.710
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Washington
by 14
212
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Washington
by 9 1/2
203 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Washington
(-9 1/2); Over

Golden State @ Charlotte

Game 503-504
December 2, 2015 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Golden State
131.446
Charlotte
118.996
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Golden State
by 12 1/2
206
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Golden State
by 8 1/2
211 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Golden State
(-8 1/2); Under

Phoenix @ Detroit

Game 505-506
December 2, 2015 @ 7:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Phoenix
116.995
Detroit
118.825
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Detroit
by 2
208
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Detroit
by 4
200 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Phoenix
(+4); Over

Philadelphia @ New York

Game 507-508
December 2, 2015 @ 7:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Philadelphia
110.100
New York
115.747
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
New York
by 5 1/2
184
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
New York
by 9
192
Dunkel Pick:
Philadelphia
(+9); Under

Denver @ Chicago

Game 509-510
December 2, 2015 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Denver
111.182
Chicago
125.038
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Chicago
by 14
202
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Chicago
by 9 1/2
197
Dunkel Pick:
Chicago
(-9 1/2); Over

New Orleans @ Houston

Game 511-512
December 2, 2015 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
New Orleans
112.955
Houston
118.917
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Houston
by 6
206
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Houston
by 4
212
Dunkel Pick:
Houston
(-4); Under

Toronto @ Atlanta

Game 513-514
December 2, 2015 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Toronto
118.744
Atlanta
125.114
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Atlanta
by 6 1/2
206
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Atlanta
by 3
198
Dunkel Pick:
Atlanta
(-3); Over

Milwaukee @ San Antonio

Game 515-516
December 2, 2015 @ 8:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Milwaukee
112.220
San Antonio
128.697
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
San Antonio
by 16 1/2
182
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
San Antonio
by 12
190 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
San Antonio
(-12); Under

Indiana @ LA Clippers

Game 517-518
December 2, 2015 @ 10:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Indiana
125,601
LA Clippers
124.999
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Indiana
by 1
209
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
LA Clippers
by 3
No Total
Dunkel Pick:
Indiana
(+3); N/A

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Lakers (2-15) at Wizards (7-8)
Date: December 02, 2015 7:00 PM EDT

An eight-game road trip is serving as the start of Kobe Bryant's farewell tour. The first stop of it couldn't have gone much worse.

The Lakers try to avoid an eighth straight loss Wednesday night against the Washington Wizards, who are coming off their most impressive performance of the season.

Los Angeles (2-15) owns the worst record in the Western Conference as it continues its rebuilding phase. Bryant won't be part of the project beyond this one, announcing Sunday that he's retiring at the end of the season.

The Lakers may have had their best chance for a victory Tuesday against winless Philadelphia, Bryant's hometown. Although Bryant hit his first three shots - all from 3-point range - he finished with 20 points on 7 of 26 from the field and watched as the 76ers earned their first win of the season, 103-91.

Philadelphia ended a 28-game losing streak - a record in major U.S. pro sports - as the sellout crowd cheered Bryant throughout the game.

"I wasn't expecting that type of reaction, ovation," Bryant said. "Deeply appreciative beyond belief. It was really, really special."

Similar receptions are expected for Bryant, but the Lakers have bigger concerns and chief among them is a seven-game losing streak and an eight-game skid on the road.

This entire season has been a struggle for the retiring superstar but Bryant's last four games have been particularly alarming. He's averaged 14.5 points on 23.8 percent (19 for 80) shooting, including 8 for 36 (22.2 percent) from beyond the arc.

Facing Washington (7-8) isn't likely to help. Los Angeles has surrendered an average of 109.0 points while losing five straight to the Wizards.

Bryant missed three of those matchups because of injury, totaling 50 points over the other two.

Washington ended a four-game losing streak in the unlikeliest of places Tuesday, winning 97-85 at Cleveland to send the East-leading Cavaliers to their first home loss. John Wall had a season-high 35 points, 10 assists and five rebounds for the Wizards, who scored the game's first 10 points and went on a 9-0 run to begin the second half.

"We are an unpredictable team," said center Marcin Gortat, who had 15 points and 11 boards. "Last year, we proved we could beat good teams by 20, but we can lose at Philly. We are a crazy team."

Wall's performance came after he averaged 13.6 points and shot 33.8 percent from the floor in the five previous games.

'Every team is trying to make me make jump shots this year, so I was just being aggressive and getting to the basket. I got into a rhythm early and it helped us get going,' he said.

Wall is averaging 24.2 points while shooting 50.0 percent from the field over the last five meetings with the Lakers.

Bradley Beal is scoring 21.3 points per game during the past three matchups. He had 27 points and connected on 11 of 19 field-goal attempts while Wall scored 17 with 16 assists in a 111-95 home victory over Los Angeles on Dec. 3.

The Lakers are getting 20.0 points per game out of Jordan Clarkson over the past three contests. The second-year guard had 18 against the Wizards in January.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Warriors (19-0) at Hornets (10-7)
Date: December 02, 2015 7:00 PM EDT

The Charlotte Hornets have played their best basketball of the season on this homestand, though the biggest challenge of all lies ahead.

The Golden State Warriors look to extend the best start in NBA history when the Hornets conclude their seven-game home stretch against the defending champions Wednesday night.

Golden State withstood a strong challenge from improving Utah and moved to 19-0 on Monday, winning 106-103 on the road. Stephen Curry snapped a tie with a 3-pointer with 51.9 seconds left, then made two critical free throws after the Jazz's Rodney Hood missed a potential go-ahead shot with 5.9 remaining.

Curry scored 10 of his 26 points in the final 6:20 to lead the Warriors to a 23rd straight regular-season win.

"What gets lost in the record is the tough games we've had to claw our way out of like (Monday's)," he said. "Just because we are 19-0 doesn't mean we can just show up and blow teams out and guarantee a win, we actually have to do something about it.'

The victory opened a seven-game trip that continues with Curry's return to his hometown of Charlotte, where he's averaged 29.0 points in five visits. He scored 43 in a 115-111 loss there Dec. 9, 2013.

He'll face a surging Hornets team that's tightened up defensively on its homestand. Charlotte has limited four of its last five opponents to 95 or fewer points and held its past three to 42.0 percent shooting or below.

The Hornets held Milwaukee to 36.1 percent over the final three quarters in rallying for an 87-82 win Sunday, their fifth in six games.

Stopping the Warriors, the league's highest-scoring team at 115.3 points per game, figures to be a considerably tougher task. Golden State has shot under 42 percent once on the season and has reached the 100-point mark in every game.

Curry was 1 of 10 from 3-point range and the Warriors made 42.4 percent from the field in last season's visit to Time Warner Cable Arena, but they won 106-101 on Nov. 28, 2014 behind reserve forward Marreese Speights' 27 points.

Charlotte won't have one of its top scorers available for Wednesday's matchup, however, as center Al Jefferson will be sidelined two to three weeks after straining his left calf against the Bucks.

With Jefferson out and backup point guard Jeremy Lin uncertain with a sprained right ankle, the Hornets will rely more heavily upon their perimeter trio of Kemba Walker, Nicolas Batum and Jeremy Lamb. All three players are shooting 36.1 percent or better from beyond the arc.

Walker has gone 15 of 31 from 3-point range while averaging 23.4 points in his last seven games, while Lamb continues to produce in his sixth-man role, averaging 12.8 points on the season.

"It's been a great month for us,' Walker said. 'We've got great depth now. Guys are always willing to step up and make plays.'

Golden State will play a third straight game without Harrison Barnes due to a left ankle sprain he sustained Friday at Phoenix.

The Warriors swept the 2014-15 season series, also winning 112-87 at home last Nov. 15.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: 76ers (1-18) at Knicks (8-10)
Date: December 02, 2015 7:30 PM EDT

After finally ending their nightmare with an elusive first victory, the rebuilding Philadelphia 76ers are hoping they won't have to wait nearly as long for the next one.

As prized rookies Jahlil Okafor and Kristaps Porzingis meet for the first time, the visiting 76ers go after their first consecutive wins in 8 1/2 months Wednesday night against the New York Knicks.

Philadelphia (1-18), which hadn't won since March 25, snapped a 28-game slide that was the longest in major U.S. professional sports in Tuesday's 103-91 home victory over the Los Angeles Lakers.

'Finally,' said forward Nerlens Noel, who had 14 points and nine rebounds while coming off the bench for the second time this season.

Robert Covington led six double-digit scorers with 23 and hit 5 of 11 from 3-point range.

The third-year forward has found his rhythm after battling a knee injury earlier this season. He's averaging 18.8 points while hitting 21-of-47 (44.7 percent) from long range over his last six games.

Now Philadelphia can avoid the worst 20-game start in NBA history at 1-19, set by the 2009-10 New Jersey Nets, with its first back-to-back wins since March 18-20 versus Detroit and New York.

Noel led the way with 23 points and 14 boards in that 97-81 victory over the Knicks that marked the 76ers' only win over the last six meetings. They've lost three straight at Madison Square Garden.

"We're going to get greedy," coach Brett Brown told the team's official website. "We want a little bit more."

These once-proud franchises finished at the bottom of the Eastern Conference last season, netting the third and fourth picks in the 2015 draft. Okafor, who went third to Philadelphia, leads all rookies with 17.2 points per game but has totaled 32 while shooting 35.1 percent over his last three while dealing with some off-the-court issues.

The center has been cited for reckless driving and driving at an excessive rate of speed, and also was involved in two fights while leaving nightclubs. Okafor has apologized for his poor decision making and Brown said the 19-year-old will be accompanied by team security on public outings.

Porzingis, however, has become a fan favorite after he was booed by hundreds of frustrated Knicks fans on draft night when he was announced as the team's fourth selection. The 20-year-old leads all rookies with 9.4 rebounds per game and ranks third with 13.7 points.

He's been more productive of late, averaging 17.0 points and 11.6 boards over his last five games. He posted his eighth double-double Sunday with 20 and 13 in a 116-111 overtime loss to Houston.

After shooting 35.7 percent over its previous three games, New York (8-10) shot a season-high 57.7 percent Sunday but committed a season-worst 23 turnovers in its fourth straight defeat.

"If we just kind of stay in our roles and allow each other to do what we do best, we'll have more successful nights," veteran guard Arron Afflalo said.

With Carmelo Anthony sidelined due to illness, Afflalo had his best game as a Knick with 31 points against the Rockets.

Anthony, averaging a team-high 22.1 points, is expected to return against the 76ers. The All-Star totaled 52 points and 18 rebounds while playing in two of the four meetings last season.

Brothers Jerami (Philadelphia) and Jerian Grant (New York), sons of former 76ers forward Harvey Grant, will face each other for the first time in the NBA.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Suns (8-10) at Pistons (9-9)
Date: December 02, 2015 7:30 PM EDT

Coach Stan Van Gundy figured the Detroit Pistons were going to take their lumps navigating through a difficult first portion of the schedule with Brandon Jennings still recovering from offseason surgery.

That's why he considers it an accomplishment to be heading into December sitting at .500.

Detroit continues its homestand Wednesday night against a Phoenix Suns team going through a rough patch that has dropped it below the break-even mark.

Jennings hopes to return at some point this month after suffering a torn left Achilles last season that forced him to miss the final 38 games and the first portion of this campaign, but the Pistons (9-9) have been playing decent basketball without him.

They won five of their first six before a three-week slump, then capped November with Monday's 116-105 victory over Houston to begin a four-game homestand. Being at .500 is more than respectable considering Detroit has played 11 road games, tied for the second-most behind Toronto's 12.

"We got through a difficult month and a week," Van Gundy said. "When I looked at the schedule in the summer - with all the new guys and the young guys and all of that - 9-9 would've been pretty good."

Reggie Jackson agrees. The Pistons rank near the bottom of the league in field-goal percentage at 41.5 and points per game with 96.6, but they put that aside Monday.

Detroit shot a season-best 52.9 percent and Jackson finished with 31 points while Andre Drummond had 24 and 13 rebounds. Rookie Stanley Johnson had his first double-double with 19 and 10.

"We'll take it. We'll take .500 right now," said Jackson, who shot a combined 8 for 36 over his previous two. "But we think we're a better team. We've got a long way to go. We've still got to prove to ourselves we're better than this. We've just got to shore up some things offensively. We feel like we're getting better, but still have a long way to go."

Jackson scored a game-high 23 points in a 100-92 win over the Suns (8-10) on Nov. 6, and Marcus Morris added 20 in his return to Phoenix after being traded in the offseason.

Morris' twin brother, Markieff, demanded a trade out of Phoenix following that deal but ultimately remained with the Suns and scored 18 points in the first meeting.

Markieff is coming off back-to-back rough outings, though, after going 3 for 11 from the field and scoring six points in Tuesday's 94-91 loss to Brooklyn. He made just 3 of 12 from the floor in Sunday's loss to Toronto that began a six-game road trip.

Former Piston Brandon Knight scored 26 points against the Nets and Eric Bledsoe added 17 for Phoenix, which has dropped six of eight following a three-game winning streak.

'We gave up a (nine-point) lead,' Knight said. 'We were up in the third (quarter), second half. We just stopped getting stops and they executed down the stretch, got the stops they wanted and they played better to close the game.'

Alex Len had 13 points and a career-best 14 rebounds starting in place of center Tyson Chandler for the third time in four games. Chandler first was dealing with an illness before suffering a right hamstring strain in Friday's loss to Golden State.

Chandler's status for this matchup is uncertain.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Raptors (11-7) at Hawks (12-8)
Date: December 02, 2015 8:00 PM EDT

The Atlanta Hawks continue to have much more success on their home floor behind better shooting.

They'll look to continue that trend Wednesday night against the visiting Toronto Raptors, who hope their latest loss doesn't have a snowball effect like previous defeats.

Atlanta is 7-3 at home behind 47.4 percent shooting - which is one of the top marks in the league - and 37.2 percent from 3-point range. On the road, they are in the middle of the pack with a 44.0 field-goal percentage and 33.6 mark from deep.

The Hawks (12-8) have dropped five of six on the road, but they've won three in a row at home, including Monday's 106-100 victory against Oklahoma City.

Jeff Teague scored 25, the third time in four games he's had at least 20 after doing so as many times in his previous 13 contests. He scored 10 in the fourth quarter and has become a closer of sorts for Atlanta, averaging a club-high 5.4 fourth-quarter points.

Paul Millsap, who is averaging a career-high 18.6 points, also had 26 points and 11 rebounds to help overcome Russell Westbrook's 17 points in the final period.

"We're learning ... that when a team is making a run, not to get rattled," Millsap said after three of the team's previous five losses came by four points or fewer. "I felt like we kept our composure really well. (Westbrook) got hot, and when a guy like that gets hot, he's tough to stop. But we stayed cool, finally got some stops and scored the basketball when we needed to."

Toronto (11-7) won four in a row before losing 107-102 against Phoenix on Sunday. The Raptors will try to avoid another roller coaster of wins in losses, as their first six defeats came in the form of two three-game losing streaks.

They trailed for nearly the entire game before taking a 97-96 advantage on DeMar DeRozan's jumper with 2:54 remaining. Luis Scola's potential tying 3-point attempt was blocked with less than a second left.

"We have to stop putting ourselves in a tough predicament by having to fight our way out, when we don't have much time to," said DeRozan, who scored a season high-matching 29. "We find ourselves in that position a little too much. Once we clean up the little things at both ends, it will be easier for us to close out games."

Kyle Lowry, second on the Raptors in scoring at 20.7 points per game, is averaging 11.5 points on 32.6 percent shooting over his last four meetings with Atlanta.

Toronto has won four of the last five meetings, including a 105-80 road win Feb. 20, holding the Hawks to a season-low 33.0 field-goal percentage while forcing 23 turnovers. Kyle Korver hit 2 of 11 3-point attempts after knocking down 57.9 percent in his previous nine matchups.

DeRozan, a career 44.1 percent shooter, is averaging 25.6 points on 52.2 percent shooting in his last nine games against Atlanta.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Nuggets (6-12) at Bulls (10-5)


Just over a month into the season, the Chicago Bulls' offense still hasn't taken off in Fred Hoiberg's up-tempo system.

They're still well ahead of the Denver Nuggets.

Coming off a scrappy win over one of the league's best teams, the Bulls look to send the scuffling Nuggets to an eighth straight loss Wednesday night at the United Center.

Chicago (10-5) has the Eastern Conference's third-best record but the success hasn't been a product of Hoiberg's touted fast-paced offense. The Bulls are averaging 98.9 points, 1.9 less than last season when they ranked 15th under the defensive-oriented Tom Thibodeau.

They channeled their old defensive mindset late Monday against San Antonio, getting blocks from Pau Gasol and Derrick Rose in the final 66 seconds to hang on for a 92-89 win.

'It was one of those nights where everybody that stepped out on the floor not only contributed but contributed in a big way,' Hoiberg said.

The contributions were much greater on the defensive end, however, as the offense again failed to find any rhythm. The Bulls didn't make a field goal in the final 6:31, missing four attempts and committing three turnovers, and leading scorer Jimmy Butler finished with as many field goals (five) as turnovers.

Chicago has scored 94 or fewer in each of its last four games while shooting 38.9 percent.

In the last two, Butler has totaled 30 points and nine turnovers while Rose has 21 points on 27.3 percent shooting. Gasol is shooting 30.6 percent in the last three.

The Nuggets (6-12) have been an even bigger mess offensively, recording 80, 81 and 74 points in the last three games.

They had their lowest point total of the season in Monday's 92-74 loss to Milwaukee, turning the ball over a season-high 24 turnovers while getting outscored 52-36 in the paint.

'We've got to find a way to wake up and win some games because we definitely cannot keep doing what we're doing and playing the way we play,' said leading scorer Danilo Gallinari, who is shooting 28.6 percent during the losing streak. 'We've got to want to win the game. We've got to put more effort.'

Stepping up in the second half would go a long way to help Denver avoid its first eight-game skid since Dec. 17, 2013-Jan. 1, 2014.

The Nuggets were down by two to the Bucks at halftime before being outscored 46-30 after the break. During its losing streak, Denver is averaging 51.7 points and 40.4 percent 3-point shooting in the first half and 39.6 points and 23.3 percent shooting on 3s in the second.

'We're one of the poorer shooting teams in the NBA, one of the poorer finishing teams in the NBA,' coach Michael Malone said.

The Nuggets are also one of the worst road teams in the league. They were 2-6 away from Denver in November, with their wins coming against New Orleans and the Los Angeles Lakers - the only teams they're ahead of in the West.

They've lost two straight in Chicago and have one win in their last 13 games at East arenas.

Denver split last season's two games with the Bulls, with Butler totaling 58 points and 17 rebounds.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Pelicans (4-14) at Rockets (7-11)
Date: December 02, 2015 8:00 PM EDT

If the Houston Rockets are going to turn things around in arguably the NBA's toughest division, they're going to have to start winning some games against some of the Southwest's own.

A logical place to start might be at home against the New Orleans Pelicans, another of the division's playoff teams from a season ago that's in an even bigger hole. The teams meet Wednesday night in Houston with the Rockets seeking their first win against a division opponent, while the Pelicans are already facing their third substantial losing streak of the season.

After Monday's 116-105 loss in Detroit, Houston (7-11) seems more concerned with avoiding poor starts in general than beating any particular team. The Pistons led by 28 in the first half and were up 64-41 at halftime. The Rockets trailed by 13 at the half in Sunday's 116-111 win in New York, and they've been down on average by 9.3 points at the break over the last 10 games, so the deficits have caught their attention.

"We're playing with fire when we keep giving teams these big leads," said coach J.B. Bickerstaff, whose team has lost all three games against division opponents. "You put so much pressure on your defense and so much pressure on your offense that you have to play an almost perfect game to have a chance."

James Harden had 29 points and is averaging 33.7 in the last seven games, but it's resulted in only three wins as the Rockets struggle defensively. They've allowed their last four opponents to shoot 51.8 percent.

"It's not just how we start," Dwight Howard said. "Throughout the game, we can't allow teams to get easy shots. All of us got to play better."

The teams split four games a season ago with New Orleans limiting Harden to 21.8 points per, but the Rockets have won 10 of the last 15 and seven of eight in Houston.

New Orleans (4-14) never lost more than four in a row last season but are in danger of reaching that mark for the third time in 19 games. It lost six straight to start the season, then dropped five after its first win. A three-game winning streak followed, but after Tuesday's 113-104 home loss to Memphis, the Pelicans have since canceled that out.

New Orleans' latest lost came despite the return of starting guard Tyreke Evans and top reserve Norris Cole. Evans, who's averaging 21.5 points on 56.3 percent shooting in his last four games against Houston, led the Pelicans with 20 points and 10 assists, but they allowed a 14-point lead to slip away.

They too have struggled defensively, allowing 111.0 points in their last five while being outrebounded by a margin of 13.0 in the last two. Anthony Davis said the process of working players back into the lineup further complicates the things they need to correct.

"It's tough when you have two of your key guys come back and all the lineups are messed up and everybody's trying to get back accustomed to one another," Davis said. "But that's not an excuse. We've still got to come out and play defensively. Offensively we'll be fine, but defensively we've got to come out and play a lot better than what we're doing the past couple of games."

Ryan Anderson, who has shot 27.0 percent in his last three games, agreed there will be a learning curve.

"You've got to build some chemistry back," he said. "It's not just going to happen overnight. There were glimpses of great basketball tonight, and that's what we need to take into (Wednesday)."