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

[StarDust Bum]

YESTERDAY'S ACTION: 2 - 3


SUNDAY, DECEMBER 20

GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS


MIN at BK 01:00 PM

BK +1.0


POR at MIA 01:00 PM

POR +5.0 DOUBLE PLAY


PHI at CLE 03:30 PM

CLE -16.5


MIL at PHO 05:00 PM

MIL +6.0 DOUBLE PLAY


SAC at TOR 06:00 PM

SAC +5.0 *****


ATL at ORL 06:00 PM

ORL -1.0 BLOW OUT


NO at DEN 08:00 PM

NO +1.0 TRIPLE PLAY

[StarDust Bum]

NBA ATS

NBA > (509) ATLANTA@ (510) ORLANDO | 2015-12-20 18:00:00 - 2015-12-20 18:00:00
Play ON ATLANTA against the spread in All games in a road game where where the total is between 200 and 204.5 points
The record is 11 Wins and 1 Losses for the last two seasons (+9.9 units)

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NBA MONEYLINE

NBA > (513) NEW ORLEANS@ (514) DENVER | 2015-12-20 20:00:00 - 2015-12-20 20:00:00
Play AGAINST NEW ORLEANS using money line in All games revenging a loss vs opponent
The record is 3 Wins and 15 Losses for the this season (-14.4 units)

NBA > (513) NEW ORLEANS@ (514) DENVER | 2015-12-20 20:00:00 - 2015-12-20 20:00:00
Play AGAINST NEW ORLEANS using money line in All games after 3 or more consecutive unders
The record is 4 Wins and 14 Losses for the last three seasons (-16.3 units)

NBA > (501) MINNESOTA@ (502) BROOKLYN | 2015-12-20 13:00:00 - 2015-12-20 13:00:00
Play AGAINST MINNESOTA using money line in All games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game
The record is 40 Wins and 70 Losses for the last three seasons (-48.6 units)

NBA > (511) SACRAMENTO@ (512) TORONTO | 2015-12-20 18:00:00 - 2015-12-20 18:00:00
Play AGAINST TORONTO using money line in All games after playing 3 consecutive road games
The record is 5 Wins and 10 Losses for the last two seasons (-16.5 units)

NBA > (503) PORTLAND@ (504) MIAMI | 2015-12-20 13:00:00 - 2015-12-20 13:00:00
Play ON MIAMI using money line in All games on Sunday games
The record is 13 Wins and 5 Losses for the last two seasons (+13.8 units)

NBA > (507) MILWAUKEE@ (508) PHOENIX | 2015-12-20 17:00:00 - 2015-12-20 17:00:00
Play AGAINST PHOENIX using money line in All games in a home game where where the total is between 200 and 204.5 points
The record is 2 Wins and 7 Losses for the last two seasons (-13.55 units)

NBA > (501) MINNESOTA@ (502) BROOKLYN | 2015-12-20 13:00:00 - 2015-12-20 13:00:00
Play AGAINST BROOKLYN using money line in Home games after 3 or more consecutive losses
The record is 3 Wins and 9 Losses for the last two seasons (-13.75 units)

NBA > (509) ATLANTA@ (510) ORLANDO | 2015-12-20 18:00:00 - 2015-12-20 18:00:00
Play ON ATLANTA using money line in All games in a road game where where the total is between 200 and 204.5 points
The record is 11 Wins and 2 Losses for the last two seasons (+10.5 units)

NBA > (507) MILWAUKEE@ (508) PHOENIX | 2015-12-20 17:00:00 - 2015-12-20 17:00:00
Play AGAINST MILWAUKEE using money line in All games in non-conference games
The record is 17 Wins and 46 Losses for the last three seasons (-30 units)

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NBA FIRST HALF

NBA > (505) PHILADELPHIA@ (506) CLEVELAND | 2015-12-20 15:30:00 - 2015-12-20 15:30:00
Play AGAINST CLEVELAND ?>in the first halfin All games first half of the season
The record is 17 Wins and 38 Losses for the last two seasons (-24.8 units)

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NBA TOTALS

NBA > (513) NEW ORLEANS@ (514) DENVER | 2015-12-20 20:00:00 - 2015-12-20 20:00:00
Play UNDER NEW ORLEANS on the totalin Road games revenging a loss vs opponent
The record is 0 Overs and 11 Unders for the this season (+11 units)

NBA > (513) NEW ORLEANS@ (514) DENVER | 2015-12-20 20:00:00 - 2015-12-20 20:00:00
Play UNDER NEW ORLEANS on the totalin Road games first half of the season
The record is 9 Overs and 36 Unders for the last three seasons (+26.1 units)

NBA > (505) PHILADELPHIA@ (506) CLEVELAND | 2015-12-20 15:30:00 - 2015-12-20 15:30:00
Play UNDER CLEVELAND on the totalin Home games on Sunday games
The record is 26 Overs and 71 Unders for the since 1992 (+42.4 units)

NBA > (503) PORTLAND@ (504) MIAMI | 2015-12-20 13:00:00 - 2015-12-20 13:00:00
Play UNDER MIAMI on the totalin All games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game
The record is 18 Overs and 43 Unders for the last two seasons (+23.2 units)

NBA > (509) ATLANTA@ (510) ORLANDO | 2015-12-20 18:00:00 - 2015-12-20 18:00:00
Play UNDER ORLANDO on the totalin All games as a favorite vs. the 1rst half line
The record is 0 Overs and 9 Unders for the this season (+9 units)

NBA > (505) PHILADELPHIA@ (506) CLEVELAND | 2015-12-20 15:30:00 - 2015-12-20 15:30:00
Play UNDER CLEVELAND on the totalin All games on Sunday games
The record is 64 Overs and 125 Unders for the since 1992 (+54.6 units)

[StarDust Bum]

Monday's six-pack

Westgate Super Contest (1,727 entrants-- prize pool is $2.5M)

Most popular picks 2-7 in Week 15 season record: 46-44-2

Jets (-3.5) were most popular pick; they played last night- L.

7) Bengals -4.5 (358)-- Lot of faith in first time starter, QB McCarron- W

6) Bears +5.5 (383)-- Chicago has played lot of close games this year- L

5) Broncos +6.5 (411)-- Will Osweiler lose starting job if Denver loses? - L

4) Cardinals -3.5 (442)-- Lot of trust in dome team; was 37 degrees at kickoff- W.

3) Giants +4.5 (505)-- It is comical how underrated the Panthers are.- L.

2) Packers -3 (551)-- Aaron Rodgers returns to Bay Area; he played at Cal.- W

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Monday's List of 13: Wrapping up an NFL Sunday........

13) Steelers 34, Broncos 27-- Denver led 27-13 at half, never scored again; in second half, they ran nine drives: 35 plays, 72 yards, zero points. Bad news for Jets, Chiefs as teams scramble for AFC Wild Card position.

12) Panthers 38, Giants 35-- In 2001, Vince McMahon owned XFL, a minor league football operation that was part football, part-WWE. This game resembled that, with Norman/Beckham swatting each other throughout the first quarter as officials refused to police the action and Troy Aikman bitched about it in the FOX TV booth.

Carolina led this game 35-7, blew the lead, won on a last-second FG, but not before both sides were an embarrassment to their employers, with Norman/Beckham swatting each other during/after most every play. Beckham had three personal foul penalties, scored the tying TD, both of which I'm guessing will lead to more commercials.

11) Chiefs 34, Ravens 14-- "More games are lost than won."- George Allen. Chiefs had two defensive TDs, one of their two TD drives was 24 yards, as Jimmy Clausen falls to 0-3 this season with losses by 26-0/35-6/34-14 scores. Chiefs haven't lost since the Royals won the World Series- they still have work to do to make the playoffs.

10) Texans 16, Colts 10-- Houston takes over first place in AFC South behind 5th-string QB Weeden, who was cut by Dallas earlier this season. Texans are 7-7 after 1-4 start, so they'll have positive momentum if they make the playoffs, and a home game in the first round. Colts and Giants are both going to be looking for new coaches soon.

9) Falcons 23, Jaguars 17-- Atlanta ends six-game skid by going 7-14 on 3rd down; Jags were 0-8. Game swung in last 0:10 of first half; down 14-3, Jax had ball on 1-yard line but pass was picked and run back 86 yards, where Falcons kicked FG on last play of half to go up 17-3. 6 or 10-point swing was the difference.

8) Vikings 38, Bears 17-- Minnesota-Green Bay could be playing for first round bye in Week 17; Minnesota was +2 in turnovers here. This week, teams that were +2 or better in turnovers are 6-0 so far. When Vikings average 10.5 ypa, they will win, since that is one of weaker parts of their game.

7) Patriots 33, Titans 16-- Now there are rumors that Bill Polian is going to come to Nashville to run the Titans and bring in Peyton Manning to work with him in the front office. Chicago OC Adam Gase is rumored as a probably head coaching candidate.

6) Redskins 35, Bills 25-- Washington has leg up on winning NFC East; they threw for 10.6 yards/attempt in this game, as rumors persist that Rex Ryan and front office aren't getting along. Buffalo just played five road games in six weeks, which is unkind scheduling; they get Kellen Moore's Dallas Cowboys in Orchard Park next week.

5) Packers 30, Raiders 20-- Green Bay scored two TDs in 0:15 to take an early 14-0 lead on a rainy, dismal day in Oakland. Raiders are 2-5 at home and could be playing their last game ever in the Coliseum against the Chargers next week.

4) Seahawks 30, Browns 13-- Russell Wilson is so valuable because of his mobility; Seattle was 9-12 on third down, ran ball for 182 yards and is a team no one wants to face in mid or late January. As for the Browns, they'll be a curious team to follow in winter/spring months. Not sure they know what they're doing.

3) Chargers 30, Dolphins 14-- Female blackjack dealer in casino here had a great Dan Fouts throwback jersey on today, the light blue one with big gold lightning bolts on each shoulder. Sad day for San Diego, probably their last game ever in Qualcomm, and that doesn't seem fair. San Diego supported the team, deserves to keep it.

2) Bengals 24, 49ers 14-- AJ McCarron is first Alabama QB since 1987 to start/win an NFL game (Rutledge); they scored three TDs in 4:23 near end of first half, on three scoring drives totalling 67 yards, with two 49er turnovers involved. 49ers are 0 for 6 on replay challenges this year, while former coach Harbaugh has his Wolverines in a New Year's Day bowl game. Maybe they should've kept him.

1) Cardinals 40, Eagles 17-- If I was an Eagles fan, I'd seriously question what the hell Chip Kelly is doing; they've gotten worse in Years 2-3 of his regime, but they could create chaos in NFC East by beating Washington Saturday night. Best part of the big Foles-Bradford trade for me is this: Rams get a mid-round draft pick in April. .

[StarDust Bum]

NBA knowledge

Hot teams
-- Kings won four of last five games (6-5AU).
-- Minnesota won last two games after losing seven of previous eight games (10-1AU).
-- Orlando won three of its last four games (7-3AU). Knicks won last four games (5-2HF).
-- Hawks won their last three games (4-1 last five HF).
-- Houston won seven of its last ten games (3-8HF, 3-0 last three).
-- San Antonio won nine of last ten games (11-4HF). Pacers won three of last four games (5-2AU).
-- Thunder won seven of its last eight games (1-1AF).

Cold teams
-- Wizards lost five of their last eight games (2-5HF).
-- Celtics lost their last three games (5-5HF).
-- Nets lost their last five games (7-2 last nine AU). Chicago lost its last two games; they're 4-5 in last nine (4-11HF).
-- Trailblazers lost six of their last eight games (7-8AU).
-- Charlotte lost three of its last four games (5-3AU).
-- Suns lost three of last four games (5-6AU). Utah lost four of its last five games (4-5HF).
-- Clippers lost last two games, by 8-10 points (0-2HU).

Series records
-- Kings won five of last seven games with Washington.
-- Home side won last six Minnesota-Boston games.
-- Magic won four of last six games with New York.
-- Bulls won seven of last nine games with Brooklyn.
-- Hawks are 6-4 in their last ten games with Portland.
-- Hornets lost their last nine games with Houston.
-- Spurs won nine of last ten vs Indiana (1-3 last four vs spread).
-- Home side won last four Phoenix-Utah games.
-- Clippers lost five of last eight games with Oklahoma City.

Totals
-- Seven of last nine Sacramento games stayed under.
-- Four of last six Boston games went over total.
-- Seven of last nine New York games went over total.
-- Five of last six Brooklyn games stayed under total.
-- Last three Atlanta games went over the total.
-- Four of last five Charlotte games went over total.
-- Five of last six Indiana games stayed under total.
-- Five of last six Phoenix games stayed under total.
-- Eight of last ten Thunder games stayed under total.

Back/backs
-- Sacramento is 4-2 vs spread if it played night before.
-- Orlando is 3-1 vs spread if it played the night before.
-- Brooklyn is 4-1 vs spread if it played the night before.
-- Portland is 2-5 vs spread if it played the night before.
-- Phoenix is 2-3 vs spread if it played the night before.

[StarDust Bum]

Wolves, Celtics square off
December 21, 2015

MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES (11-16) at BOSTON CELTICS (14-13)

Tip-off: Monday, 7:30 p.m. ET
Sportsbook.ag Line: Boston -8.5

The Celtics will be looking to prevent a four-game losing streak when they host a suddenly surging Timberwolves team on Monday.

Minnesota hosted Sacramento on Friday and came away with a 99-95 victory as a 2.5-point home favorite. The team then beat the Nets 100-85 in Brooklyn on Sunday. Even with the victories, the Timberwolves have now lost eight of their past 11 games SU and have only won ATS in two of their past 10. They will need to start showing more effort on a consistent basis so that this winning stretch could be a sign of things to come rather than an outlier.

The Celtics haven’t been great themselves, losing three straight games after a 109-101 loss as 3.5-point home favorites against the Hawks on Friday night. These two teams met twice a year ago and both teams won-and-covered when playing as the host.

The Celtics are 2-0 both SU and ATS when facing the Timberwolves in Boston over the past three seasons and have covered in nine straight at home dating back to Jan. 18, 2006.

One thing favoring Minnesota in this game is the fact that the Celtics are just 7-21 ATS in home games after having lost three of their past four games over the past three seasons. Boston is, however, an impressive 22-9 ATS when playing as a home favorite over the past two seasons.

C Nikola Pekovic (Achilles) is out indefinitely for the Timberwolves and PG Marcus Smart (Knee) is out indefinitely for the Celtics.

The Timberwolves have won two straight games and SG Andrew Wiggins (21.1 PPG, 3.8 RPG) has been incredibly efficient in the victories.

Over the past two games, Wiggins is averaging 24.0 PPG, 6.5 RPG and 3.0 APG on 17-for-31 shooting from the field. He will need to keep attacking the rim, as he will fall in love with his jumper far too often at times. C Karl-Anthony Towns (15.7 PPG, 9.1 RPG, 2.0 BPG) had 24 points, 10 rebounds and two blocks in the victory over the Nets. He has now scored 24 or more in two of the past three games and should be able to play well against a Celtics team that is weak inside.

Another player that is really coming on for Minnesota is C Gorgui Dieng (8.6 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 1.0 BPG). Dieng had 20 points and 10 boards on 9-for-12 shooting against the Nets on Sunday. He has had two double-doubles in the past three games and is really responding to his recent increase in minutes. His toughness around the basket on both ends makes him a good fit next to Towns.

The Celtics have struggled recently, but SF Jae Crowder (12.9 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 1.9 SPG) has done everything in his power to keep Boston in games.

Crowder is an excellent defender on the perimeter and will likely see a lot of time guarding Andrew Wiggins on Monday. If he can shut down Wiggins to some extent then the Celtics could come away with a victory in this one. It’d also help if he can bring just a small portion of the offense he provided against the Hawks last game. Crowder had 24 points in that one and was 8-for-13 from the field.

PG Isaiah Thomas (21.4 PPG, 6.6 APG, 1.4 SPG) is also playing his heart out for the Celtics and has been delivering offensively. Over the past two games, Thomas is averaging 33.5 PPG and 6.5 APG. He should be able to score once again in this one, but he and Crowder will need help on offense.

The x-factor for Boston in this game could just be PF Amir Johnson (7.5 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 1.3 BPG). Johnson is the best interior defender that the Celtics have and he will need to be effective guarding both Towns and Dieng on Monday.

[StarDust Bum]

NBA MONEYLINE

NBA > (705) ORLANDO@ (706) NEW YORK | 2015-12-21 19:35:00 - 2015-12-21 19:35:00
Play AGAINST NEW YORK using money line in Home games first half of the season
The record is 14 Wins and 32 Losses for the last three seasons (-28.6 units)

NBA > (707) BROOKLYN@ (708) CHICAGO | 2015-12-21 20:05:00 - 2015-12-21 20:05:00
Play ON CHICAGO using money line in All games after a loss by 10 points or more
The record is 15 Wins and 5 Losses for the last two seasons (+14.8 units)

NBA > (709) PORTLAND@ (710) ATLANTA | 2015-12-21 20:05:00 - 2015-12-21 20:05:00
Play AGAINST PORTLAND using money line in Road games against Southeast division opponents
The record is 2 Wins and 11 Losses for the last three seasons (-14.05 units)

NBA > (703) MINNESOTA@ (704) BOSTON | 2015-12-21 19:35:00 - 2015-12-21 19:35:00
Play AGAINST MINNESOTA using money line in All games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game
The record is 41 Wins and 70 Losses for the last three seasons (-47.6 units)

NBA > (711) CHARLOTTE@ (712) HOUSTON | 2015-12-21 20:05:00 - 2015-12-21 20:05:00
Play AGAINST HOUSTON using money line in All games as a favorite
The record is 9 Wins and 9 Losses for the this season (-20.8 units)

NBA > (713) INDIANA@ (714) SAN ANTONIO | 2015-12-21 20:35:00 - 2015-12-21 20:35:00
Play AGAINST INDIANA using money line in All games in non-conference games
The record is 13 Wins and 26 Losses for the last two seasons (-21.45 units)

NBA > (701) SACRAMENTO@ (702) WASHINGTON | 2015-12-21 19:05:00 - 2015-12-21 19:05:00
Play AGAINST SACRAMENTO using money line in All games off an upset win as an underdog
The record is 9 Wins and 24 Losses for the last three seasons (-19.7 units)

NBA > (703) MINNESOTA@ (704) BOSTON | 2015-12-21 19:35:00 - 2015-12-21 19:35:00
Play AGAINST MINNESOTA using money line in All games after a win by 10 points or more
The record is 10 Wins and 24 Losses for the last three seasons (-20.05 units)

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NBA TOTALS

NBA > (715) PHOENIX@ (716) UTAH | 2015-12-21 21:05:00 - 2015-12-21 21:05:00
Play UNDER UTAH on the totalin All games when playing against a team with a losing record
The record is 9 Overs and 33 Unders for the last two seasons (+23.1 units)

NBA > (715) PHOENIX@ (716) UTAH | 2015-12-21 21:05:00 - 2015-12-21 21:05:00
Play UNDER UTAH on the totalin All games as a favorite vs. the 1rst half line
The record is 7 Overs and 28 Unders for the last two seasons (+20.3 units)

NBA > (713) INDIANA@ (714) SAN ANTONIO | 2015-12-21 20:35:00 - 2015-12-21 20:35:00
Play UNDER SAN ANTONIO on the totalin All games after 3 or more consecutive wins
The record is 21 Overs and 53 Unders for the last three seasons (+29.9 units)

NBA > (703) MINNESOTA@ (704) BOSTON | 2015-12-21 19:35:00 - 2015-12-21 19:35:00
Play UNDER BOSTON on the totalin All games versus the first half line in all games
The record is 36 Overs and 74 Unders for the last two seasons (+34.4 units)

NBA > (713) INDIANA@ (714) SAN ANTONIO | 2015-12-21 20:35:00 - 2015-12-21 20:35:00
Play UNDER INDIANA on the totalin All games after a loss by 10 points or more
The record is 11 Overs and 33 Unders for the last three seasons (+20.9 units)

NBA > (703) MINNESOTA@ (704) BOSTON | 2015-12-21 19:35:00 - 2015-12-21 19:35:00
Play UNDER BOSTON on the totalin All games when playing against a team with a losing record
The record is 13 Overs and 34 Unders for the last two seasons (+19.7 units)

NBA > (713) INDIANA@ (714) SAN ANTONIO | 2015-12-21 20:35:00 - 2015-12-21 20:35:00
Play OVER SAN ANTONIO on the totalin Home games in December games
The record is 19 Overs and 4 Unders for the last three seasons (+14.6 units)

NBA > (707) BROOKLYN@ (708) CHICAGO | 2015-12-21 20:05:00 - 2015-12-21 20:05:00
Play UNDER BROOKLYN on the totalin Road games after 3 or more consecutive losses
The record is 49 Overs and 104 Unders for the since 1992 (+50.1 units)

NBA > (709) PORTLAND@ (710) ATLANTA | 2015-12-21 20:05:00 - 2015-12-21 20:05:00
Play UNDER ATLANTA on the totalin All games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game
The record is 33 Overs and 70 Unders for the last three seasons (+33.7 units)

NBA > (709) PORTLAND@ (710) ATLANTA | 2015-12-21 20:05:00 - 2015-12-21 20:05:00
Play UNDER ATLANTA on the totalin All games as a favorite vs. the 1rst half line
The record is 31 Overs and 60 Unders for the last two seasons (+25.9 units)

NBA > (707) BROOKLYN@ (708) CHICAGO | 2015-12-21 20:00:00 - 2015-12-21 20:00:00
Play OVER CHICAGO on the totalin All games against Atlantic division opponents
The record is 17 Overs and 4 Unders for the last two seasons (+12.6 units)

[StarDust Bum]

Parlay Wager - 1 Parlay of 5 Teams

NBA - 12/21/15
[704] TOTAL (MINNESOTA vrs BOSTON) u206 1.91

Game Date: 12-21-2015 16:35:00
NBA - 12/21/15
[708] TOTAL (BROOKLYN vrs CHICAGO) u198 1.91

Game Date: 12-21-2015 17:05:00
NBA - 12/21/15
[710] TOTAL (PORTLAND vrs ATLANTA) u203½ 1.91

Game Date: 12-21-2015 17:05:00
NBA - 12/21/15
[714] TOTAL (INDIANA vrs SAN ANTONIO) u198 1.91

Game Date: 12-21-2015 17:35:00
NBA - 12/21/15
[716] TOTAL (PHOENIX vrs UTAH) u198 1.91
Game Date: 12-21-2015 18:05:00

$25 To Win $608.98

[StarDust Bum]

NBA TUESDAY'S MATCHUPS:

Preview: Grizzlies (15-14) at 76ers (1-28)

Date: December 22, 2015 7:00 PM EDT

Despite hosting a team that hasn't lost in Philadelphia in nearly six years, this might be the 76ers' best chance to double their win total before the calendar flips to 2016.

That's because this is their only home game for the rest of 2015.

The misery continues to mount for the one-win 76ers, though some of it would be relieved by knocking off the inconsistent Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday night.

They nearly did just that Nov. 29, when they led by four with under six minutes left only to lose 92-84 in Memphis. Philadelphia matched the worst start in NBA history at 0-18 and suffered a league-record 28th straight defeat. The slide ended two nights later with a home win over the Lakers, but the 76ers (1-28) have followed with 10 consecutive losses.

"Everybody has their own frustrations, but you stay positive and do your best to keep working through it," forward Nerlens Noel said.

Their road losing streak is at 22 - the last four by 19 points or more - following Sunday's 108-86 defeat in Cleveland.

Philadelphia opens a six-game trip Wednesday in Milwaukee, so this contest is its last at home until Jan. 4.

"We've been on the road, and we're getting ready for another long road trip," point guard Isaiah Canaan told the team's official website. "So any home game is good for us, and just try to keep our fans engaged, and tell them to just be patient with us."

Memphis (15-14) has won five straight in Philadelphia since Feb. 11, 2009, but four were by five points or fewer. Last season's visit went to overtime after the Grizzlies rallied from 18 down in the final 7:15, and Mike Conley hit a 3-pointer at the buzzer in regulation as part of a career-high 36-point night.

Conley was clutch again Saturday with seven of his 20 points and three of his eight assists in the final 6 1/2 minutes as Memphis put away Indiana 96-84.

It was the second win in six games for the Grizzlies, who recently changed to a small-ball style of offense.

'We have enough talent in this locker room to win regardless of how we are playing - slowing the ball down or running in transition,' Conley said.

The last five games have seen Matt Barnes start over Zach Randolph and Courtney Lee start for the injured Tony Allen (knee). Barnes is averaging 13.2 points since the change - he was previously at 8.0 - with two double-doubles.

"We're still not going to score 125 points a game, that I'm pretty sure of," center Marc Gasol said. "Defensively, we need to do the things we're supposed to do.'

Defense still makes all the difference. The Grizzlies tied a season low for points allowed Saturday, improving to 10-3 when keeping the opposition under 97, and held the Pacers to 39 percent shooting while forcing 17 turnovers. Memphis is allowing an average of 100.2 points after ranking among the league leaders the past four seasons.

"We're not a high-scoring team, so our defense has to be there every single night," Barnes said.

Slowing down the Sixers shouldn't be difficult. They average 91.2 points - four fewer than any other team - and shoot 41.6 percent.

Jahlil Okafor shot 3 of 11 for nine points Sunday after averaging 21.3 points in the previous six games. Canaan has shot 30.3 percent in his last eight.

Besides needing better shooting, coach Brett Brown wants his team be tougher.

"We get overwhelmed," he said. "There's a physical side right now we are lacking."

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Mavericks (15-12) at Raptors (17-12)

Date: December 22, 2015 7:30 PM EDT

The Toronto Raptors have done a decent job weathering injuries to a pair of starters, but they have a problem that doesn't seem to be going away.

Dwane Casey sure sounds like he's seen enough of it.

Poor starts have consistently put the Raptors in some substantial holes, an issue they'll likely need to correct Tuesday night against the visiting Dallas Mavericks if they plan on avoiding a fourth loss in five games.

Toronto (17-12) already went through a stretch of 12 of 17 games where it trailed after one quarter, and its latest effort was its ugliest start so far. The Raptors dug themselves a 37-18 ditch after 12 minutes in Sunday's visit from Sacramento, trailing from start to finish in a 104-94 loss.

Casey's team has been outscored by an average of 1.8 points in the first quarter, a point differential better than only Washington, Philadelphia and the Los Angeles Lakers. The Raptors have lost eight of the last 10 they've trailed starting the second quarter.

'It's terrible,' said Casey, a Mavericks assistant from 2007-11. 'I mean it's totally unacceptable the way we performed (Sunday). Shame on us. The way you come into the game with that disposition of `OK, we're at home, we're OK.' It's not OK. How many times do we have to do that before it smacks us upside the head and wakes us up?'

Toronto typically gets things figured out after halftime. Its plus-4.5 point differential in the second half trails only Cleveland, San Antonio and Golden State.

DeMarre Carroll (knee) and Jonas Valanciunas (hand) remain out - though Valanciunas was cleared to practice Monday and Carroll could soon follow - but Toronto's lack of offensive depth seems to be showing. Luis Scola and Bismack Biyombo are a combined 7 for 34 from the field in the Raptors' three latest losses, and Casey seems to have soured on any options off the bench aside from Patrick Patterson, Terrence Ross and Cory Joseph.

Joseph, mired in a 7-for-33 shooting slump, was on the floor for 30 minutes against the Kings after Kyle Lowry was ejected for picking up two technicals. Lowry has shot 33.3 percent in his last six games, but Rick Carlisle is still concerned about facing him and DeMar DeRozan.

"They have an All-Star backcourt," Carlisle said during Monday's practice. "Lowry makes so many things happen and DeRozan is one of the best scorers in the league. He's extremely talented and he's a big problem.

"Pound for pound, I don't know of another team in the NBA that plays harder than (the Raptors) on a consistent basis."

Toronto had a better start and finish when it visited Dallas (15-12) last month. The Raptors led 31-25 after one and outscored the Mavericks 28-18 in the final quarter en route to a 102-91 win as Lowry and DeRozan combined for 47 points.

Valanciunas and Scola totaled 35 as Toronto outscored Dallas 44-30 in the paint, but repeating that could be tough with the Mavericks dusting off some frontcourt depth. Charlie Villanueva and JaVale McGee each scored 10 off the bench in Saturday's 97-88 win over Memphis.

Dallas is 5-1 when Villanueva scores in double figures. This was the first time McGee had done that since November 2014 with Denver.

'He was fantastic,' said Dirk Nowitzki, who needs 30 points to pass Shaquille O'Neal for sixth on the NBA's all-time scoring list. 'If you look at all the good teams, they all have athleticism from their bigs. He was definitely a game-changer for us.'

The Mavs are hoping Chandler Parsons can be that again. Still working his way back from offseason knee surgery, Parsons had 16 points Saturday after scoring 17 against Phoenix four days earlier.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Lakers (4-23) at Nuggets (11-16)

Date: December 22, 2015 9:00 PM EDT

Kobe Bryant wasn't going to make enough of a difference in a 40-point loss over the weekend to change the outcome, but he could be of some use against a lesser opponent coming off its worst defensive effort of the season.

The Los Angeles Lakers visit the Denver Nuggets on Tuesday night, and Bryant is expected to play after missing a game with a sore shoulder.

The soreness was in the same shoulder in which Bryant suffered a torn rotator cuff last season, but he doesn't think it will be a long-term problem. He sat out Saturday's 118-78 loss at Oklahoma City.

"That was pretty heavy-duty surgery I had this summer, so I think it's kind of logical to expect it to be sore at some point," Bryant said. "I've just got to get ahead of it, just rest it and come back."

The odd thing is his shot has been more consistent recently, though there wasn't really anywhere for it to go but up. In his first 17 games, Bryant never shot better than 46.7 percent and collectively was at 29.6. In his last six, he's reached at least 50.0 percent three times and is at 48.9.

Part of that might be shot selection. He's taken 14.7 shots in the past six after averaging 17.9 to start the season, and his scoring has increased to 18.8 points per game in those six after being at 15.9 prior.

After scoring 22 points in Thursday's 107-87 home loss to Houston, he's averaging 23.0 in his last three.

"My legs felt lively and they felt springy," Bryant said. "I don't know where it came from, but it was there. I can't really explain it. I feel like I can maintain this, but it's always a give-and-take with Father Time. Sometimes he lets me lead the way, and sometimes he leads the way, so you just kind of roll with it.

"It's a good idea not to mock Father Time. So I'll just say that as long as he lets me lead the way, I'm cool with that."

It was still a 20-point loss, and Los Angeles' last four defeats have come by an average of 27.7 with a home win over Milwaukee mixed in.

The Lakers (4-23) came a bit closer in their first meeting with Denver, falling 120-109 on Nov. 3. Jordan Clarkson matched his career high with 30 points while Kenneth Faried scored a season-high 28 for the Nuggets.

The power forward has gone 20 of 27 and averaged 28.5 points in his last two games against the Lakers. Denver has won 10 of the last 11 meetings while averaging 117.1 points.

That kind of scoring didn't do the Nuggets (11-16) any good in Sunday's 130-125 home defeat to New Orleans, which came despite Will Barton scoring a career-high 32 and going 7 of 11 from 3-point range. Coach Michael Malone wasn't handing out individual compliments.

"Some guys think they had good games tonight, think they had good games because they put numbers up," said Malone, whose team allowed a season-high 56.4 percent shooting. "Most of those guys gave up what they got. I've been in the league 15 years. I've not been a part of probably the worst defensive effort than what I saw tonight."

The Nuggets have been especially bad defending the 3 lately, allowing their last four opponents to hit 43.4 percent.

"Embarrassing. That's what I would say. I would say it that way," Malone said. "You give up 130 points. You give four, 30-plus point quarters. There is no excuse."

Rookie Emmanuel Mudiay (sprained right ankle) has missed the last four games and isn't expected back Tuesday.

[StarDust Bum]

NBA MONEYLINE

NBA > (503) DALLAS@ (504) TORONTO | 2015-12-22 19:35:00 - 2015-12-22 19:35:00
Play ON DALLAS using money line in Road games in non-conference games
The record is 17 Wins and 3 Losses for the last two seasons (+15.25 units)

NBA > (503) DALLAS@ (504) TORONTO | 2015-12-22 19:35:00 - 2015-12-22 19:35:00
Play AGAINST TORONTO using money line in All games after a loss by 10 points or more
The record is 7 Wins and 8 Losses for the last two seasons (-24.6 units)

NBA > (501) MEMPHIS@ (502) PHILADELPHIA | 2015-12-22 19:05:00 - 2015-12-22 19:05:00
Play AGAINST PHILADELPHIA using money line in Home games in December games
The record is 41 Wins and 62 Losses for the since 1992 (-54.4 units)

NBA > (501) MEMPHIS@ (502) PHILADELPHIA | 2015-12-22 19:05:00 - 2015-12-22 19:05:00
Play ON MEMPHIS using money line in All games on Tuesday nights
The record is 17 Wins and 5 Losses for the last three seasons (+14.3 units)

NBA > (505) DETROIT@ (506) MIAMI | 2015-12-22 19:35:00 - 2015-12-22 19:35:00
Play AGAINST MIAMI using money line in Home games on Tuesday nights
The record is 2 Wins and 8 Losses for the last two seasons (-12.7 units)

NBA > (507) LA LAKERS@ (508) DENVER | 2015-12-22 21:05:00 - 2015-12-22 21:05:00
Play AGAINST DENVER using money line in Home games when playing against a team with a losing record
The record is 20 Wins and 17 Losses for the last three seasons (-29.05 units)

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

NBA FIRST HALF

NBA > (503) DALLAS@ (504) TORONTO | 2015-12-22 19:35:00 - 2015-12-22 19:35:00
Play AGAINST TORONTO ?>in the first halfin Home games in non-conference games
The record is 4 Wins and 17 Losses for the last two seasons (-14.7 units)

NBA > (503) DALLAS@ (504) TORONTO | 2015-12-22 19:35:00 - 2015-12-22 19:35:00
Play AGAINST TORONTO ?>in the first halfin Home games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game
The record is 9 Wins and 25 Losses for the last two seasons (-18.5 units)

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

NBA TOTALS

NBA > (505) DETROIT@ (506) MIAMI | 2015-12-22 19:35:00 - 2015-12-22 19:35:00
Play UNDER MIAMI on the totalin All games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game
The record is 19 Overs and 43 Unders for the last two seasons (+22.1 units)

NBA > (505) DETROIT@ (506) MIAMI | 2015-12-22 19:35:00 - 2015-12-22 19:35:00
Play UNDER MIAMI on the totalin All games after a non-conference game
The record is 10 Overs and 27 Unders for the last two seasons (+16 units)

[StarDust Bum]

Armadillo: Tuesday's six-pack

Odds on some teams to win college basketball national title in April......

-- 5-1-- Kentucky-- they're not close to as good as they were last year.

-- 8-1-- Cincinnati-- Opened at 60-1 last April.

-- 10-1-- North Carolina, Maryland

-- 12-1-- Virginia, Kansas, Duke

-- 15-1-- Villanova, Michigan State

-- 25-1-- Gonzaga, Miami, Purdue

**********

Armadillo: Tuesday's List of 13: Random thoughts on a winter day........

13) Many thanks to Ken Thomson of SportsX Radio for having me in studio as a guest on last night's show; if you really like sports, thats a good show to listen to-- you will learn stuff if you tune in.

12) Lions 35, Saints 27-- Funny how Monday Night Football finds its way to the Big Easy most every December- they must have some good Christmas parties. Will be interesting to see if Saints bring Sean Payton/Drew Brees back next year.

11) I'm guessing Steve Harvey's career as a beauty pageant emcee is over, after he butchered the end of the Miss Universe Pageant Sunday night. He announced a winner; problem is, he announced the wrong contestant as the winner and it took five minutes to sort it out and get the right winner named. Very, very awkward.

10) Nothing says the holidays here in Las Vegas like the sounds of slot machines combined with an instrumental version of Frosty the Snowman. Tremendous.

9) St John's lost to College of Incarnate Word and NJIT last weekend, after they had beaten Syracuse the week before. Going to be a long winter for Chris Mullin's team. 2016 is a leap year too, so February has one more day than usual. \

8) Kellen Moore is getting his first NFL start this weekend, for the Cowboys in Buffalo; Moore is the 4th starting QB for Dallas in their 15 games.

7) I've talked a few times about the movie Leap of Faith, where Steve Martin plays a travelling preacher/huckster- excellent movie. Sunday morning I put the TV on and this guy is on TV preaching, not unlike Martin, except with a few less theaterics and in an arena that has to house an NBA or NHL team-- 15-18,000 people- it was packed.

This guy is buying time on USA Network; he must be freakin' loaded- he looks like Jason Sehorn. Apparently he's written a bunch of books too. Good for him.

6) Was bothered by an interview I saw on ESPN's pregame show Sunday; Michael Strahan, an ex-Giant, interviewing current Giant Jason Pierre Paul about his injured hnd that was damaged while he was messing around with fireworks last July 4th. It wasn't journalism, it was two pals sitting around berating the media because some of them called Pierre-Paul "stupid" and other things after his costly injury.

If you're a professional athlete whose career is shortened because you messed around wth explosive devices you aren't an expert with, I'm sorry-- that makes you stupid.

5) Ray Lewis actually blamed Tom Coughlin and Eli Manning for Odell Beckham's bad day Sunday; Lewis says Coughlin/Manning should've pulled Beckham away, given him a lecture before things got out of hand. Why not just blame Beckham for losing his cool? Would it be so hard to do that? How is it possibly the quarterback's fault?

4) Odell Beckham Jr is suspended for Sunday night's game at Minnesota, the last Viking outdoor home game, with their new dome opening next season. My thought is to suspend him for Week 17 instead, a game with the Eagles that could decide the NFC East champ. That would be more of a penalty than suspending him for this week.

3) Other than late reports who is playing/sitting, NFL pregame shows I've seen are mostly huge wastes of time. These shows need to let the "experts" pick games against the spread. It is 2015, for Pete's sake- join the rest of the world.

2) WCC conference play started last night; all four home teams won, with three easy wins and Pacific's OT win over Santa Clara.

1) Oregon 72, Alabama 68-- Ducks were down 12 at half in Tuscaloosa, rallied to win behind a strong second half. Dana Altman is an underrated coach.

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up

Tuesday, December 22

Hot teams
-- Mavericks won three of last four road games (5-3 last 8AU).
-- Pistons won four of last five games (1-4 last five AU)- they won last game in four OTs Friday. Miami won four of its last five (2-6 in last eight HF). .

Cold teams
-- 1-28 Philly is 0-9-1 vs spread in its last ten games. Grizzlies lost four of their last six games (3-1AF).
-- Toronto lost three of its last four games (1-6 last seven HF).
-- Lakers lost eight of their last nine games (3-10 last 13AU). Denver lost last two games by 9-5 points (0-3HF).

Series records
-- 76ers lost nine of their last ten games with Memphis.
-- Raptors won four of last six games with Dallas.
-- Pistons won three of last four games with Miami.
-- Lakers lost nine of their last ten games with Denver.

Totals
-- Four of last six Philly games went over the total.
-- Four of last five Dallas games stayed under total.
-- Last five Detroit games went over the total.
-- Over is 7-2-1 in last ten Denver games.

Back/backs
-- None




NBA

Tuesday, December 22

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Trend Report
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7:00 PM
MEMPHIS vs. PHILADELPHIA
Memphis is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
Memphis is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
Philadelphia is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Memphis
Philadelphia is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Memphis

7:30 PM
DETROIT vs. MIAMI
Detroit is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Detroit is 6-18 SU in its last 24 games when playing Miami
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Miami's last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 13 of Miami's last 19 games when playing at home against Detroit

7:30 PM
DALLAS vs. TORONTO
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Dallas's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Dallas's last 9 games on the road
Toronto is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Dallas
Toronto is 7-16 SU in its last 23 games when playing Dallas

9:00 PM
LA LAKERS vs. DENVER
LA Lakers are 1-10 SU in their last 11 games when playing Denver
LA Lakers are 2-9 ATS in their last 11 games when playing Denver
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Denver's last 7 games when playing at home against LA Lakers
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Denver's last 5 games

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Long Sheet

Tuesday, December 22

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MEMPHIS (15 - 14) at PHILADELPHIA (1 - 28) - 12/22/2015, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MEMPHIS is 48-24 ATS (+21.6 Units) in road games against Atlantic division opponents since 1996.
MEMPHIS is 117-86 ATS (+22.4 Units) in road games in non-conference games since 1996.
MEMPHIS is 145-110 ATS (+24.0 Units) after a win by 10 points or more since 1996.
PHILADELPHIA is 1-9 ATS (-8.9 Units) in December games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 102-137 ATS (-48.7 Units) in home games first half of the season since 1996.
PHILADELPHIA is 3-12 ATS (-10.2 Units) after allowing 105 points or more this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
MEMPHIS is 3-2 against the spread versus PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
MEMPHIS is 5-0 straight up against PHILADELPHIA 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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DALLAS (15 - 12) at TORONTO (17 - 12) - 12/22/2015, 7:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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DETROIT (16 - 12) at MIAMI (16 - 10) - 12/22/2015, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 16-5 ATS (+10.5 Units) after a division game over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 118-156 ATS (-53.6 Units) in home games first half of the season since 1996.
MIAMI is 1-9 ATS (-8.9 Units) in home games on Tuesday nights over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 5-18 ATS (-14.8 Units) against Central division opponents over the last 2 seasons.

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

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LA LAKERS (4 - 23) at DENVER (11 - 16) - 12/22/2015, 9:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
DENVER is 6-2 against the spread versus LA LAKERS over the last 3 seasons
DENVER is 7-1 straight up against LA LAKERS over the last 3 seasons
5 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

[StarDust Bum]

Inside the Paint - Tuesday
December 22, 2015


After the betting public crushed the NFL books on Sunday with a slew of favorites, I’m guessing some players may’ve tried their hand in the Association last night.

If that was the case, I’m assuming they did fairly well as the favorites posted a 7-2 straight up and 6-3 record against the spread on Monday.

The Nets did upset the Bulls as 10 ½-point road favorites last night but I don’t think many takers would’ve jumped on Chicago based on its recent play plus Jimmy Butler called out head coach Fred Hoiberg on Monday.

Chicago remains the second betting choice in the Eastern Conference at 10/1 odds but after watching a quarter of the season, it’s hard to make a case for anybody to unseat Cleveland, who is now an overwhelming 1/4 favorite (Bet $100 to win $25) to repeat as conference champions.

Tuesday’s card only has four games on tap and here’s my quick handicap.

Memphis at Philadelphia: The Grizzlies have been very inconsistent this season but they still own a winning record (15-14) and are listed as 9 ½-point road favorites over the 76ers. Memphis dropped Indiana 96-84 on Saturday but is just 2-4 in its last six and it enters this game with three straight losses on the road.

After opening December with a 103-91 home win over the L.A Lakers, the 76ers have dropped 10 straight and they’ve looked worse during this skid than they did when they started 0-18.

In the current losing skid, eight of the losses have come by double digits and they’ve only managed to score 100-plus points in two of the setbacks. The defense is a mess and right after this game, Philadelphia goes on a six-game road trip around the holidays. Merry Christmas!

It’s hard to back Memphis on the road (6-8 SU, 7-6-1 ATS) but even harder to make a case for the 76ers at home (1-11 SU, 3-8 ATS). The Grizzlies have won nine of their last 10 meetings (6-3-1 ATS) against the 76ers, which includes a 92-84 win this season on Nov. 29 as 13-point home favorites.

Including Saturday’s win, Memphis has gone 6-4 SU versus the Eastern Conference this season which includes a 2-2 mark on the road. The last time the 76ers faced a team from the Western Conference, they were blasted by 51 points (119-68) to the Spurs. Including that setback, Philadelphia is 1-9 SU and 6-3-1 ATS in non-conference games. The ‘under’ has gone 8-2 in these games.

Dallas at Toronto: The Raptors are starting to lose the battle of attrition, which was something they rarely faced last season. Center Jonas Valanciunas (finger) is ‘questionable’ for tonight’s game and a bigger loss to the team is forward DeMarre Carroll, who is ‘out indefinitely with a knee bruise.

The Raptors opened as four-point home favorites over the Mavericks and they’ve dropped three of their last four games including a 104-94 decision to the Kings at home on Sunday. Toronto has gone 8-5 SU and 7-6 ATS at the Air Canada Centre this season.

The club should have confidence tonight as the Raptors knocked off the Mavericks 102-91 on Nov. 3 as two-point road favorites. Dallas did capture the two encounters last season and total bettors should make a note that the ‘under’ is on a 4-0 run in this series and has gone 5-1 the last six meetings.

Dallas continues to be a formidable opponent this season and head coach Rick Carlisle hasn’t seen his team fall into many slumps. They’ve only lost back-to-back games three times yet their longest winning streak is six games. The Mavs have been a solid wager on the road, going 8-7 SU and 9-6 ATS, while shooting 101.5 points per game compared to just 99 PPG at home. That production has helped the ‘over’ go 8-6-1 in away games.

The Mavericks have struggled against the East this season with a 4-5 record (3-6 ATS) but make a note that three of those wins came on the road. Toronto has already played 14 games versus the West this season and its gone 7-7 SU and 8-5-1 ATS. Delving into those numbers further, the Raptors are 3-4 both SU and ATS at home and they allowed 107.3 PPG in the four losses.

This game tips at 7:35 p.m. ET and will be shown nationally on NBATV.

Detroit at Miami: Miami is listed as a 3 ½-point favorite and the number seems a tad short but the Heat haven’t been world beaters (12-5 SU, 8-8-1 ATS) at home this season.

Miami has been in better form of late and has win four of its last five games (3-1-1 ATS), which includes Sunday’s 116-109 home win over Portland. The offense has started to take shape and the team has scored 100-plus in the last four wins. If you’re backing the Heat, you’re hoping they bust the century mark because they’ve gone 8-1 when doing so this season.

Stan Van Gundy and the Pistons have hit a couple speed bumps but they enter this game with wins in four of their last five as well and three of the victories (Pacers, Celtics, Bulls) were very impressive while the loss only came by two points to the Clippers (105-103).

Detroit has produced a 6-8 record both SU and ATS on the road this season but they have won two in a row and that includes Saturday’s quadruple overtime 147-144 win at Chicago. Fortunately for the Pistons, they’ve had three days to rest for this game.

The Pistons embarrassed the Heat 104-81 on Nov. 25 as 1 ½-point home favorites and are now 2-1 in their last three matchups against Miami. However, Detroit has dropped two straight and five of their last six games played in South Florida.

The Heat have seen the ‘under’ go 18-8 this season but the ‘over’ has cashed in four of the last five games and tonight’s total has been pushed up to 194 and higher at most shops. The Pistons have seen a stalemate with their ‘over/under’ results (14-14) this season.

L.A. Lakers at Denver: This game has pass written all over it, especially when you look at the form for both clubs. After snapping a six-game slide last Tuesday with a 113-95 home win over Milwaukee, Byron Scott’s team was embarrassed not once but twice on the road by 20 and 40 points to the Rockets and Thunder respectively.

Denver enters Tuesday’s game off back-to-back losses and while they’ve been more competitive than the Lakers, the defense has been weak. On Monday, the Nuggets were run at home in a 130-125 loss to the Pelicans.

Denver is 5-8 SU and 4-9 ATS at the Pepsi Center this season and that includes a 2-2 SU and 1-3 ATS mark when favored. In those two victories, the Nuggets won by a combined four points. While that could have you leaning Lakers, be aware that the “Purple and Gold” are 2-16 SU and 6-12 ATS on the road

This matchup has been one-sided recently with Denver winning 10 of its last 11 games against Los Angeles and seven of those wins were by nine-plus points. In early November, the Nuggets blasted the Lakers 120-109 as 2 ½-point road underdogs.

The early opener was Nuggets -4 ½ but their dealing with injuries, with Danilo Gallinari (ankle) listed as ‘questionable’ and rookie point guard Emmanuel Mudiay (ankle) expected to miss another game.