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

[StarDust Bum]

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22

GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS


MEM at PHI 07:00 PM

MEM -10.5 DOUBLE PLAY

U 193.5


DET at MIA 07:30 PM

DET +3.0 TRIPLE PLAY

O 195.0


DAL at TOR 07:30 PM

DAL +4.0 SLAM DUNK

U 196.0 SLAM DUNK


LAL at DEN 09:00 PM

DEN -5.5 *****

O 205.0

[StarDust Bum]

Armadillo: Wednesday's six-pack

Six of my favorite college team nicknames.......

-- South Dakota State Jackrabbits-- Pretty darned good basketball program.

-- TCU Horned Frogs-- Solid in football; uphill struggle in basketball.

-- Cal-Irvine Anteaters-- Apparently, anteaters make a noise......."Zot!!!"

-- Marshall Thundering Herd-- Their uniforms are an odd shade of bright green.

-- Southern Utah Thunderbirds--- Saw lot of SUU shirts this week in Las Vegas.

-- Grand Canyon Antelopes-- Basketball team is coached by Dan Majerle.

**********

Armadillo: Wednesday's List of 13: Nobody asked me, but........

13) Canisius 108, UL-Monroe 96, 3OT-- Griffins were down 13 with 1:02 left in game, tied it up, missed two FTs with 0:01 left in one of the OTs, then shut ULM out 12-0 in third overtime for the win. ULM's coach was sick and missed the game, which was played in a nice arena with about 80 people watching-- I was at the game before this one in the same arena. Good hamburgers.

12) Michigan State 99, Oakland 93 OT-- Grizzlies are coached by Greg Kampe; he is a very good coach who gives his players lot of freedom. This game could be red flag short-term for Spartans, who are without star Valentine for couple weeks.

11) Virginia 63, California 62 OT-- Golden Bears were up 7 at half, up 5 in first OT, but Virginia scored last six points of the game to win. Cavaliers made 7-12 on the arc, shot only 33% inside the arc.

10) Texas Tech 65, Little Rock 53-- First loss of season for the Trojans, whose new coach Beard was a Tech assistant for ten years.

9) South Carolina 75, St John's 61-- Frank Martin's Gamecocks are still unbeaten; they've played the #295 schedule, with top 100 wins over Tulsa/Clemson.

8) Houston 94, Wyoming 89, 2OT-- Kelvin Sampson's team is 9-2, but against #350 schedule, 2nd-easiest in country so far.

7) Pistons 93, Heat 92-- Stan VanGundy has Detroit at 17-12; much improved.

6) Ball State lost head football coach Pete Lembo to Maryland, where he will be the special teams coach/assistant HC. Second year in a row a MAC school lost its HC to be an assistant for a big money program- Dan Enos left Central Michigan LY to be a coordinator at Arkansas.

5) Iowa State 81, Cincinnati 79-- Quality road win for Cyclones after their loss to Northern Iowa over weekend; State played only seven guys, with two subs playing 16-11 minutes. Cyclones really need to have a big recruiting class this year.

4) Mike Leake gets $80M for five years to pitch for St Louis. His career record is a decent 64-52, 3.88 in 172 career starts- great majority of that was in small ballpark in Cincinnati, so bigger park, better team-- that adds up to $16M a year.

3) Kansas 70, San Diego State 57-- Aztecs are disappointing 5-5, Mountain West figures to be a one-bid league- they don't have anyone ranked above #70. San Diego St is a lousy offensive team; their defensive numbers are about same as usual.

2) TCU's star WR Josh Doctson will miss Horned Frogs' bowl game, very good news for Oregon. Doctson's presence in lineup opened up lot of stuff for other offensive options for TCU- they struggled badly with him and QB Boykin hurt.

1) Hawai'i 68, Northern Iowa 52-- NCAA handed down penalties to Hawai'i during day yesterday, but oddly, Warriors can go to NCAAs this year- they'll be ineligible in 2016-17. This is temporary good news for a team that might win the Big West.

[StarDust Bum]

NBA

Wednesday, December 23

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Trend Report
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7:00 PM
HOUSTON vs. ORLANDO
Houston is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Orlando
Houston is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Orlando
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Orlando's last 9 games when playing Houston
Orlando is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Houston

7:00 PM
SACRAMENTO vs. INDIANA
Sacramento is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Sacramento is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Indiana is 2-5-1 ATS in its last 8 games when playing at home against Sacramento
Indiana is 10-1 SU in its last 11 games at home

7:00 PM
BOSTON vs. CHARLOTTE
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Boston's last 6 games when playing Charlotte
Boston is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing Charlotte
Charlotte is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Charlotte's last 7 games when playing at home against Boston

7:00 PM
MEMPHIS vs. WASHINGTON
Memphis is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Washington
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Memphis's last 6 games when playing on the road against Washington
Washington is 12-6 SU in its last 18 games when playing at home against Memphis
The total has gone OVER in 13 of Washington's last 19 games at home

7:00 PM
NEW YORK vs. CLEVELAND
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of New York's last 8 games when playing on the road against Cleveland
New York is 4-12 SU in its last 16 games when playing on the road against Cleveland
Cleveland is 12-4 SU in its last 16 games when playing at home against New York
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Cleveland's last 10 games

7:30 PM
DALLAS vs. BROOKLYN
Dallas is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Dallas's last 5 games on the road
Brooklyn is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Dallas
Brooklyn is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Dallas

8:00 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. MILWAUKEE
Philadelphia is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Milwaukee
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Philadelphia's last 12 games when playing on the road against Milwaukee
Milwaukee is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 15 of Milwaukee's last 23 games when playing Philadelphia

8:00 PM
DETROIT vs. ATLANTA
Detroit is 4-8 SU in its last 12 games on the road
Detroit is 4-8 ATS in its last 12 games on the road
Atlanta is 12-6 SU in its last 18 games when playing Detroit
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Atlanta's last 5 games when playing at home against Detroit

8:00 PM
SAN ANTONIO vs. MINNESOTA
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of San Antonio's last 7 games on the road
San Antonio is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing Minnesota
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Minnesota's last 10 games
Minnesota is 3-9 SU in its last 12 games

8:00 PM
PORTLAND vs. NEW ORLEANS
Portland is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Portland's last 5 games when playing New Orleans
The total has gone OVER in 4 of New Orleans's last 5 games at home
New Orleans is 4-8 ATS in its last 12 games

9:00 PM
DENVER vs. PHOENIX
Denver is 1-8 ATS in its last 9 games when playing Phoenix
Denver is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Phoenix
Phoenix is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games at home
Phoenix is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games

10:30 PM
UTAH vs. GOLDEN STATE
Utah is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Golden State
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Utah's last 7 games
Golden State is 24-1 SU in its last 25 games
Golden State is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home

10:30 PM
OKLAHOMA CITY vs. LA LAKERS
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Oklahoma City's last 9 games when playing on the road against LA Lakers
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Oklahoma City's last 7 games
LA Lakers are 2-5 SU in their last 7 games when playing at home against Oklahoma City
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of the LA Lakers last 6 games at home

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Dunkel

Wednesday, December 23


New York @ Cleveland

Game 701-702
December 23, 2015 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
New York
116.332
Cleveland
122.222
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Cleveland
by 6
208
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Cleveland
No Line
N/A
Dunkel Pick:
Cleveland
N/A

Utah @ Golden State

Game 723-724
December 23, 2015 @ 10:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Utah
118.304
Golden State
129.765
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Golden State
by 11 1/2
201
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Golden State
by 14
208 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Utah
(+14); Under

Boston @ Charlotte

Game 703-704
December 23, 2015 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Boston
122.983
Charlotte
119.650
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Boston
by 3 1/2
210
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Charlotte
by 2 1/2
203
Dunkel Pick:
Boston
(+2 1/2); Over

Oklahoma City @ LA Lakers

Game 725-726
December 23, 2015 @ 10:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Oklahoma City
126.689
LA Lakers
112.206
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Oklahoma City
by 14 1/2
212
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Oklahoma City
by 13
207
Dunkel Pick:
Oklahoma City
(-13); Over

Houston @ Orlando

Game 705-706
December 23, 2015 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Houston
120.333
Orlando
125.150
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Orlando
by 5
201
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Orlando
by 1 1/2
207 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Orlando
(-1 1/2); Under

Memphis @ Washington

Game 707-708
December 23, 2015 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Memphis
116.929
Washington
121.723
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Washington
by 5
196
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Washington
by 1
202 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Washington
(-1); Under

Sacramento @ Indiana

Game 709-710
December 23, 2015 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Sacramento
116.458
Indiana
124.584
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Indiana
by 8
221
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Indiana
by 6 1/2
212 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Indiana
(-6 1/2); Over

Dallas @ Brooklyn

Game 711-712
December 23, 2015 @ 7:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Dallas
117.782
Brooklyn
112.323
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Dallas
by 5 1/2
205
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Dallas
by 3 1/2
198 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Dallas
(-3 1/2); Over

San Antonio @ Minnesota

Game 713-714
December 23, 2015 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
San Antonio
125.525
Minnesota
117.345
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
San Antonio
by 8
193
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
San Antonio
by 11
197
Dunkel Pick:
Minnesota
(+11); Under

Portland @ New Orleans

Game 715-716
December 23, 2015 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Portland
114.738
New Orleans
118.331
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
New Orleans
by 3 1/2
192
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
New Orleans
by 8 1/2
No Total
Dunkel Pick:
Portland
(+8 1/2); N/A

Philadelphia @ Milwaukee

Game 717-718
December 23, 2015 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Philadelphia
103.579
Milwaukee
119.399
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Milwaukee
by 16
198
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Milwaukee
by 10
194 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Milwaukee
(-10); Over

Detroit @ Atlanta

Game 719-720
December 23, 2015 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Detroit
115.646
Atlanta
123.531
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Atlanta
by 8
209
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Atlanta
by 5 1/2
203
Dunkel Pick:
Atlanta
(-5 1/2); Over

Denver @ Phoenix

Game 721-722
December 23, 2015 @ 9:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Denver
111.927
Phoenix
117.056
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Phoenix
by 5
193
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Phoenix
by 8 1/2
No Total
Dunkel Pick:
Denver
(+8 1/2); N/A

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Long Sheet

Wednesday, December 23

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NEW YORK (14 - 15) at CLEVELAND (18 - 7) - 12/23/2015, 7:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
NEW YORK is 6-3 against the spread versus CLEVELAND over the last 3 seasons
CLEVELAND is 6-3 straight up against NEW YORK over the last 3 seasons
5 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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BOSTON (15 - 13) at CHARLOTTE (15 - 12) - 12/23/2015, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 64-48 ATS (+11.2 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 38-24 ATS (+11.6 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 36-20 ATS (+14.0 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 21-9 ATS (+11.1 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 36-23 ATS (+10.7 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 35-23 ATS (+9.7 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 5-3 against the spread versus CHARLOTTE over the last 3 seasons
BOSTON is 5-3 straight up against CHARLOTTE 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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HOUSTON (15 - 14) at ORLANDO (16 - 12) - 12/23/2015, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ORLANDO is 19-8 ATS (+10.2 Units) in all games this season.
ORLANDO is 19-8 ATS (+10.2 Units) first half of the season this season.
HOUSTON is 25-14 ATS (+9.6 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 295-234 ATS (+37.6 Units) in non-conference games since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
ORLANDO is 3-2 against the spread versus HOUSTON over the last 3 seasons
HOUSTON is 4-1 straight up against ORLANDO 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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MEMPHIS (16 - 14) at WASHINGTON (12 - 14) - 12/23/2015, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MEMPHIS is 118-86 ATS (+23.4 Units) in road games in non-conference games since 1996.
MEMPHIS is 146-110 ATS (+25.0 Units) after a win by 10 points or more since 1996.
WASHINGTON is 349-419 ATS (-111.9 Units) in home games since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 3-2 against the spread versus MEMPHIS over the last 3 seasons
MEMPHIS is 3-2 straight up against WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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SACRAMENTO (11 - 17) at INDIANA (16 - 11) - 12/23/2015, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SACRAMENTO is 44-61 ATS (-23.1 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SACRAMENTO is 5-17 ATS (-13.7 Units) in December games over the last 2 seasons.
SACRAMENTO is 27-43 ATS (-20.3 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 3 seasons.
SACRAMENTO is 15-26 ATS (-13.6 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
SACRAMENTO is 23-35 ATS (-15.5 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
INDIANA is 56-32 ATS (+20.8 Units) first half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
INDIANA is 149-110 ATS (+28.0 Units) in home games in non-conference games since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
INDIANA is 2-2 against the spread versus SACRAMENTO over the last 3 seasons
INDIANA is 2-2 straight up against SACRAMENTO 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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DALLAS (15 - 13) at BROOKLYN (8 - 20) - 12/23/2015, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DALLAS is 450-370 ATS (+43.0 Units) in road games since 1996.
DALLAS is 71-44 ATS (+22.6 Units) in road games in December games since 1996.
DALLAS is 148-110 ATS (+27.0 Units) in road games first half of the season since 1996.
DALLAS is 295-241 ATS (+29.9 Units) after a non-conference game since 1996.
DALLAS is 24-11 ATS (+11.9 Units) in road games in non-conference games over the last 3 seasons.
DALLAS is 28-15 ATS (+11.5 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
BROOKLYN is 2-2 against the spread versus DALLAS over the last 3 seasons
BROOKLYN is 3-1 straight up against DALLAS 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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SAN ANTONIO (24 - 5) at MINNESOTA (11 - 17) - 12/23/2015, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SAN ANTONIO is 20-9 ATS (+10.1 Units) in all games this season.
SAN ANTONIO is 20-8 ATS (+11.2 Units) as a favorite this season.
SAN ANTONIO is 20-9 ATS (+10.1 Units) first half of the season this season.
SAN ANTONIO is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) after a non-conference game this season.
SAN ANTONIO is 271-216 ATS (+33.4 Units) after scoring 105 points or more since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
SAN ANTONIO is 15-5 ATS (+9.5 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.
MINNESOTA is 46-61 ATS (-21.1 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 2-11 ATS (-10.1 Units) in home games this season.
MINNESOTA is 7-18 ATS (-12.8 Units) in December games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 2-11 ATS (-10.1 Units) in home games first half of the season this season.
MINNESOTA is 22-36 ATS (-17.6 Units) after allowing 105 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 5-16 ATS (-12.6 Units) in home games after a loss by 10 points or more over the last 2 seasons.

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

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PORTLAND (11 - 19) at NEW ORLEANS (8 - 19) - 12/23/2015, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEW ORLEANS is 5-14 ATS (-10.4 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
PORTLAND is 6-3 against the spread versus NEW ORLEANS over the last 3 seasons
PORTLAND is 8-1 straight up against NEW ORLEANS over the last 3 seasons
6 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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PHILADELPHIA (1 - 29) at MILWAUKEE (11 - 18) - 12/23/2015, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 1-10 ATS (-10.0 Units) in December games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 3-11 ATS (-9.1 Units) after a loss by 10 points or more this season.
MILWAUKEE is 37-24 ATS (+10.6 Units) first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 33-21 ATS (+9.9 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 62-35 ATS (+23.5 Units) as a road underdog of 9.5 to 12 points since 1996.
MILWAUKEE is 18-34 ATS (-19.4 Units) as a home favorite of 9.5 to 12 points since 1996.
MILWAUKEE is 57-83 ATS (-34.3 Units) in home games off an upset win as an underdog since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
MILWAUKEE is 6-2 against the spread versus PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
MILWAUKEE is 7-1 straight up against PHILADELPHIA 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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DETROIT (17 - 12) at ATLANTA (18 - 12) - 12/23/2015, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 69-55 ATS (+8.5 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 27-14 ATS (+11.6 Units) after 3 or more consecutive wins over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 38-23 ATS (+12.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

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

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DENVER (11 - 17) at PHOENIX (12 - 18) - 12/23/2015, 9:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DENVER is 158-206 ATS (-68.6 Units) when playing on back-to-back days since 1996.
DENVER is 30-46 ATS (-20.6 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
PHOENIX is 106-84 ATS (+13.6 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
DENVER is 35-21 ATS (+11.9 Units) in road games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHOENIX is 8-1 against the spread versus DENVER over the last 3 seasons
PHOENIX is 8-1 straight up against DENVER over the last 3 seasons
6 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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UTAH (12 - 14) at GOLDEN STATE (26 - 1) - 12/23/2015, 10:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
UTAH is 39-61 ATS (-28.1 Units) in road games after playing 3 consecutive home games since 1996.
GOLDEN STATE is 74-51 ATS (+17.9 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 69-45 ATS (+19.5 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 38-24 ATS (+11.6 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 36-19 ATS (+15.1 Units) first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
UTAH is 60-44 ATS (+11.6 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
UTAH is 41-26 ATS (+12.4 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
UTAH is 25-3 ATS (+21.7 Units) revenging a home loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
UTAH is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
GOLDEN STATE is 5-4 against the spread versus UTAH over the last 3 seasons
GOLDEN STATE is 8-1 straight up against UTAH over the last 3 seasons
5 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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OKLAHOMA CITY (19 - 9) at LA LAKERS (5 - 23) - 12/23/2015, 10:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 19-32 ATS (-16.2 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 8-19 ATS (-12.9 Units) in road games first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
LA LAKERS are 7-15 ATS (-9.5 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent this season.
LA LAKERS are 24-37 ATS (-16.7 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
LA LAKERS are 25-38 ATS (-16.8 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
OKLAHOMA CITY is 5-3 against the spread versus LA LAKERS over the last 3 seasons
OKLAHOMA CITY is 7-1 straight up against LA LAKERS over the last 3 seasons
6 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

[StarDust Bum]

Wednesday's Tip Sheet
December 23, 2015

Celtics at Hornets (-2, 202) – 7:05 PM EST

For the second time in less than two weeks, these two Eastern Conference foes are meeting up at Time Warner Cable Arena. In the first matchup, the Celtics (15-13 SU, 15-12-1 ATS) rallied past the Hornets, 98-93 to cash as three-point underdogs on December 12. The backcourt of Isaiah Thomas and Avery Bradley combined to score 44 points, as Boston enters Wednesday’s action at 6-6 away from TD Garden. The Celtics snapped a three-game losing streak in Monday’s 113-99 rout of the Timberwolves to cover as 7 ½-point favorites as Brad Stevens’ team won at home for the first time since December 9.

Charlotte (15-12 SU, 14-12-1 ATS) begins a four-game homestand as it looks to improve on an 11-4 record at Time Warner Cable Arena. The Hornets have dropped four of their last five games, including back-to-back losses at Washington and Houston. Steve Clifford’s squad owns a 1-4 ATS record in their previous five opportunities in the favorite role, which includes three consecutive straight-up losses. The Hornets have allowed less than 100 points in seven of their past eight home contests, while cashing the ‘under’ six times in this stretch.

Rockets at Magic (-1 ½, 206 ½) – 7:05 PM EST

Last June, Houston (15-14 SU, 12-17 ATS) came within a few victories of knocking off Golden State in the Western Conference Finals. The Rockets got off to slow start this season but are trying to stay above the .500 mark heading into Christmas. Houston is riding a three-game winning streak following back-to-back home victories over the Clippers and Hornets, while posting a solid 8-3 SU/ATS record in December. The Rockets seek the season sweep of the Magic after holding off Orlando in overtime, 119-114 in early November, but Orlando cashed as nine-point underdogs.

The top ATS team in the Eastern Conference resides in central Florida, as the Magic (16-12 SU, 19-8-1 ATS) have won and covered four of their last five contests. Orlando is coming off its seventh road victory of the season in Monday’s 107-99 triumph at New York to cash as three-point underdogs, led by Nikola Vucevic’s season-high 26 points. Scott Skiles’ team has won five of six games as a home favorite, but has compiled a 3-3 ATS record in this role. Orlando owns a 4-2 SU and 3-3 ATS mark at home against Western Conference foes, as the Magic are favored at home against the Rockets for the first time since December 2011.

Pistons at Hawks (-5 ½, 203) – 8:05 PM EST

When these two clubs met to tip off the season in late October, Detroit (17-12 SU, 17-11-1 ATS) dominated Atlanta, 106-94 to cash as seven-point underdogs. The Pistons head to Philips Arena with no rest following Tuesday’s 93-92 triumph at Miami as Stan Van Gundy’s squad erased an early 16-point deficit to pick up their third straight win. Detroit has played four straight games decided by three points or less, while compiling a 9-2-1 ATS record in the past 12 contests overall. However, the Pistons have struggled on the road with no rest this season, putting together an 0-3 SU/ATS mark, with all three losses coming by double-digits.

All of the sudden the Hawks (18-12 SU, 14-15-1 ATS) have won four straight games to pull into tie for first place in the Southeast with the Heat. Atlanta’s latest victory came on Monday night against a short-handed Portland squad, 106-97, but the Hawks failed to cover as 10 ½-point favorites. The offense has woken up following a four-game stretch scoring 98 points or less earlier this month, as Mike Budenholtzer’s team has eclipsed the 100-point mark during all four wins of this current hot streak, while the ‘over’ has hit in four straight games.

Jazz at Warriors (-14, 208) – 10:35 PM EST

Utah (12-14 SU, 15-11 ATS) has responded following a four-game losing streak to win each of its past two contests at home against Denver and Phoenix. Quin Snyder’s defense stepped up in those two victories, allowing 88 and 89 points, which is in stark contrast to giving up at least 100 points in the three previous contests. The Jazz have lost eight of the last nine matchups with the Warriors since the start of the 2013 season, including a 106-103 home setback on November 30, although Utah covered as 7 ½-point underdogs.

The Warriors (26-1 SU, 17-9-1 ATS) continues their five-game homestand after knocking off the Suns and Bucks at Oracle Arena to improve to 12-0 at home. Golden State has been off since Friday’s 121-112 comeback victory over Milwaukee, erasing a 12-point halftime deficit by holding the Bucks to 42 second half points. The Warriors have cashed the ‘over’ in 10 of the past 11 games, while scoring at least 100 points in all 26 victories this season.

Thunder (-13, 207) at Lakers – 10:35 PM EST

Oklahoma City (19-9 SU, 12-16 ATS) remains in Los Angeles after knocking off the Clippers in the final seconds in Monday’s 100-99 triumph. Kevin Durant knocked down the game-winning jumper to give the Thunder their eighth win in the last nine games, but OKC failed to cover as two-point favorites to drop to 3-5 ATS as a road favorite this season. The Thunder has stepped up defensively of late by cashing the ‘under’ in six of the last seven games, while holding six of those opponents to below 100 points.

For only the fifth time this season, the Lakers (5-23 SU, 10-18 ATS) scored more points than their opponent and ended in the win column. Los Angeles rallied past Denver on Tuesday, 111-107 to cover as five-point road underdogs, led by Kobe Bryant’s 31 points. The Lakers face the Thunder for the second time in five days after Oklahoma City wiped out Los Angeles, 118-78 as 16 ½-point favorites. Bryant sat out for the Lakers, as L.A. shot just 35% from the floor. The Lakers have struggled as double-digit underdogs this season, posting a 2-6 ATS mark in this role with only one straight-up win, coming at Washington earlier this month.

[StarDust Bum]

NBA ATS

NBA > (723) UTAH@ (724) GOLDEN STATE | 2015-12-23 22:35:00 - 2015-12-23 22:35:00
Play ON UTAH against the spread in Road games revenging a home loss vs opponent
The record is 21 Wins and 3 Losses for the last two seasons (+17.7 units)

NBA > (723) UTAH@ (724) GOLDEN STATE | 2015-12-23 22:35:00 - 2015-12-23 22:35:00
Play ON UTAH against the spread in Road games revenging a loss vs opponent
The record is 26 Wins and 6 Losses for the last two seasons (+19.4 units)

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

NBA MONEYLINE

NBA > (711) DALLAS@ (712) BROOKLYN | 2015-12-23 19:35:00 - 2015-12-23 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 > (711) DALLAS@ (712) BROOKLYN | 2015-12-23 19:35:00 - 2015-12-23 19:35:00
Play ON DALLAS using money line in Road games when playing against a team with a losing record
The record is 21 Wins and 5 Losses for the last two seasons (+17.55 units)

NBA > (723) UTAH@ (724) GOLDEN STATE | 2015-12-23 22:35:00 - 2015-12-23 22:35:00
Play ON UTAH using money line in All games revenging a home loss vs opponent
The record is 19 Wins and 12 Losses for the last two seasons (+22.9 units)

NBA > (725) OKLAHOMA CITY@ (726) LA LAKERS | 2015-12-23 22:35:00 - 2015-12-23 22:35:00
Play AGAINST LA LAKERS using money line in Home games against Northwest division opponents
The record is 1 Wins and 11 Losses for the last two seasons (-12.8 units)

NBA > (715) PORTLAND@ (716) NEW ORLEANS | 2015-12-23 20:05:00 - 2015-12-23 20:05:00
Play AGAINST NEW ORLEANS using money line in All games revenging a loss vs opponent
The record is 4 Wins and 15 Losses for the this season (-13.4 units)

NBA > (709) SACRAMENTO@ (710) INDIANA | 2015-12-23 19:05:00 - 2015-12-23 19:05:00
Play AGAINST INDIANA using money line in All games in non-conference games
The record is 13 Wins and 27 Losses for the last two seasons (-22.45 units)

NBA > (715) PORTLAND@ (716) NEW ORLEANS | 2015-12-23 20:05:00 - 2015-12-23 20:05:00
Play AGAINST NEW ORLEANS using money line in All games off an upset win as an underdog
The record is 6 Wins and 16 Losses for the last two seasons (-16.5 units)

NBA > (713) SAN ANTONIO@ (714) MINNESOTA | 2015-12-23 20:05:00 - 2015-12-23 20:05:00
Play AGAINST MINNESOTA using money line in Home games after allowing 105 points or more
The record is 16 Wins and 26 Losses for the last three seasons (-25.2 units)

NBA > (723) UTAH@ (724) GOLDEN STATE | 2015-12-23 22:35:00 - 2015-12-23 22:35:00
Play ON UTAH using money line in All games revenging a loss vs opponent
The record is 33 Wins and 30 Losses for the last two seasons (+25.05 units)

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

NBA FIRST HALF

NBA > (713) SAN ANTONIO@ (714) MINNESOTA | 2015-12-23 20:05:00 - 2015-12-23 20:05:00
Play AGAINST MINNESOTA ?>in the first halfin All games after a loss by 10 points or more
The record is 9 Wins and 31 Losses for the last two seasons (-25.1 units)

NBA > (713) SAN ANTONIO@ (714) MINNESOTA | 2015-12-23 20:05:00 - 2015-12-23 20:05:00
Play AGAINST MINNESOTA ?>in the first halfin Home games after allowing 105 points or more
The record is 5 Wins and 21 Losses for the last two seasons (-18.1 units)

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

NBA > (723) UTAH@ (724) GOLDEN STATE | 2015-12-23 22:35:00 - 2015-12-23 22:35:00
Play UNDER UTAH on the totalin Road games revenging a loss vs opponent
The record is 83 Overs and 240 Unders for the since 1992 (+148.7 units)

NBA > (723) UTAH@ (724) GOLDEN STATE | 2015-12-23 22:35:00 - 2015-12-23 22:35:00
Play UNDER UTAH on the totalin Road games revenging a home loss vs opponent
The record is 43 Overs and 134 Unders for the since 1992 (+86.7 units)

NBA > (713) SAN ANTONIO@ (714) MINNESOTA | 2015-12-23 20:05:00 - 2015-12-23 20:05:00
Play UNDER SAN ANTONIO on the totalin Road games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game
The record is 8 Overs and 31 Unders for the last two seasons (+22.2 units)

NBA > (707) MEMPHIS@ (708) WASHINGTON | 2015-12-23 19:05:00 - 2015-12-23 19:05:00
Play OVER WASHINGTON on the totalin All games after a non-conference game
The record is 10 Overs and 0 Unders for the this season (+10 units)

NBA > (709) SACRAMENTO@ (710) INDIANA | 2015-12-23 19:05:00 - 2015-12-23 19:05:00
Play UNDER INDIANA on the totalin Home games after a loss by 10 points or more
The record is 2 Overs and 17 Unders for the last three seasons (+14.8 units)

NBA > (713) SAN ANTONIO@ (714) MINNESOTA | 2015-12-23 20:05:00 - 2015-12-23 20:05:00
Play UNDER SAN ANTONIO on the totalin All games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game
The record is 22 Overs and 55 Unders for the last two seasons (+30.8 units)

NBA > (709) SACRAMENTO@ (710) INDIANA | 2015-12-23 19:05:00 - 2015-12-23 19:05:00
Play UNDER INDIANA on the totalin All games after a loss by 10 points or more
The record is 11 Overs and 34 Unders for the last three seasons (+21.9 units)

NBA > (703) BOSTON@ (704) CHARLOTTE | 2015-12-23 19:05:00 - 2015-12-23 19:05:00
Play UNDER BOSTON on the totalin All games versus the first half line in all games
The record is 37 Overs and 74 Unders for the last two seasons (+33.3 units)

NBA > (705) HOUSTON@ (706) ORLANDO | 2015-12-23 19:05:00 - 2015-12-23 19:05:00
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)

[StarDust Bum]

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23

GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS


HOU at ORL 07:00 PM

ORL -1.0 TRIPLE PLAY

U 208.0


SAC at IND 07:00 PM

SAC +7.0 DOUBLE PLAY

O 215.0 DOUBLE PLAY


BOS at CHA 07:00 PM

CHA -2.0 TRIPLE PLAY

U 204.5 BLOW OUT


MEM at WAS 07:00 PM

MEM -1.5

U 201.5


NY at CLE 07:00 PM

NY +12.5 *****

U 195.5


DAL at BK 07:30 PM

DAL -3.5 BLOW OUT

U 199.0


SA at MIN 08:00 PM

MIN +11.0 DOUBLE PLAY

U 195.5 DOUBLE PLAY


POR at NO 08:00 PM

NO -7.5 DOUBLE PLAY

U 203.0


DET at ATL 08:00 PM

DET +6.0

U 201.5


PHI at MIL 08:00 PM

MIL -11.0 TRIPLE PLAY

U 196.0


DEN at PHO 09:00 PM

PHO -8.5

O 208.0


UTA at GS 10:30 PM

GS -14.0 BLOW OUT

U 208.0


OKC at LAL 10:30 PM

LAL +13.5 DOUBLE PLAY

O 207.0

[StarDust Bum]

Armadillo: Thursday's six-pack

-- Oklahoma 84, Hawai'i 81-- Sooners were up 14 early, hung on late- good road win

-- Portland 87, Pepperdine 79-- Pilots are 2-0, tied atop WCC with Gonzaga and St Mary's.

-- Milwaukee 76, Minnesota 64-- Rough pre-conference stretch for the Gophers.

-- Utah State transfer David Collette is going to Utah, which should make tensions between the two schools moreso. Collette quit the Aggies two days before their first game. Poaching players is getting out of hand in college basketball.

-- SMU 70, Colorado 66-- Mustangs are 11-0, but ineligible for postseason.

-- Georgia Southern 58, Bowling Green 27-- First-ever bowl win for the Eagles.

**********

Armadillo: Thursday's List of 13: Movie/TV memorabilia I'd like to have....

Couple days ago, people on Twitter were talking about what pieces of movie memorabilia they'd like to have- I expanded my list to include TV.........

13) Rocky Balboa's boxing gloves-- The original Rocky is one of the greatest movies ever; the sequels made a lot of money and helped launch the WWE craze, but other than the last fight scene in Rocky II, they can't touch the original.

12) The hat Ted Knight bought in the pro shop in Caddyshack-- You know the one, when Rodney Dangerfield asks, "You get a bowl of soup with that hat?"

11) The shiny jacket Steve Martin wore as a huckster preacher in Leap of Faith; he leaves in on the hotel bed for Debra Winger at the end of the movie.

10) The racing program Richard Dreyfuss used in Let It Ride, the classic comedy about a degenerate gambler having a very good day at the racetrack.

9) Miami Sharks football helmet from Any Given Sunday-- Al Pacino coaches a team with Dennis Quaid, at QB, Lawrence Taylor at LB; Jim Brown was an assistant.

8) The Cross of Lorraine ring Magnum, TC and Rick wore in Magnum PI; it is a symbol thought to be first used by Joan of Arc.

7) Poker chips that were used in Teddy G's poker club in Rounders.

6) Hamilton Mustangs' jersey from the Rob Lowe/Patrick Swayze hockey movie, Youngblood. Thats the movie where the coach says in between periods of a road game, "I didn't come halfway to the (bleep)ing Arctic Circle to lose to these goons!!!!"

5) Eddie Albert's pitchfork from the great 60's comedy, Green Acres.

4) Henry Steele's high school letter jacket from 1977 basketball movie One on One, which was filmed in the gym that Colorado State still plays in.

3) The Batphone, the red phone Commissioner Gordon used to call stately Wayne Manor when he needed crimefighting help from Batman, which was every week. The commish was so clueless he didn't recognize that Batgirl was his own daughter.

2) Oscar Madison's typewriter from The Odd Couple; yes kids, there was a day that if you made a mistake typing, you had to use whiteout to correct the mistake.

1) The basketball Bob Cousy shot free throws with in his scene with Nick Nolte in Blue Chips; Cousy doesn't miss in the dimly-lit gym, most of the dialogue between them in that scene was ad-libbed and the scene was shot in one take.

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Dunkel

Friday, December 25

New Orleans @ Miami

Game 501-502
December 25, 2015 @ 12:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
New Orleans
117.765
Miami
121.150
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Miami
by 3 1/2
193
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Miami
by 6
200
Dunkel Pick:
New Orleans
(+6); Under

Chicago @ Oklahoma City

Game 503-504
December 25, 2015 @ 2:35 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Chicago
120.901
Oklahoma City
126.967
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Oklahoma City
by 6 1/2
199
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Oklahoma City
by 9
205
Dunkel Pick:
Chicago
(+9); Under

Cleveland @ Golden State

Game 505-506
December 25, 2015 @ 5:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Cleveland
124.117
Golden State
133.619
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Golden State
by 9 1/2
217
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Golden State
by 6 1/2
210
Dunkel Pick:
Golden State
(-6 1/2); Over

San Antonio @ Houston

Game 507-508
December 25, 2015 @ 8:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
San Antonio
133.262
Houston
124.115
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
San Antonio
by 9
208
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
San Antonio
by 6 1/2
200 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
San Antonio
(-6 1/2); Over

LA Clippers @ LA Lakers

Game 509-510
December 25, 2015 @ 10:35 pm

Dunkel Rating:
LA Clippers
120.547
LA Lakers
111.319
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
LA Clippers
by 9
213
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
LA Clippers
by 12
207
Dunkel Pick:
LA Lakers
(+12); Over

[StarDust Bum]

NBA

Friday, December 25

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

12:00 PM
NEW ORLEANS vs. MIAMI
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of New Orleans's last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of New Orleans's last 8 games on the road
Miami is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Miami's last 6 games

2:30 PM
CHICAGO vs. OKLAHOMA CITY
Chicago is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Chicago is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Oklahoma City
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Oklahoma City's last 8 games
Oklahoma City is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Chicago

5:00 PM
CLEVELAND vs. GOLDEN STATE
Cleveland is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Cleveland's last 5 games
Golden State is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Cleveland
The total has gone UNDER in 15 of Golden State's last 23 games at home

8:00 PM
SAN ANTONIO vs. HOUSTON
San Antonio is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Houston
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of San Antonio's last 8 games on the road
Houston is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against San Antonio
Houston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home

10:30 PM
LA CLIPPERS vs. LA LAKERS
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of the LA Clippers last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of the LA Clippers last 5 games when playing LA Lakers
LA Lakers are 0-5 SU in their last 5 games when playing LA Clippers
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of the LA Lakers last 5 games when playing LA Clippers

[StarDust Bum]

NBA

Friday, December 25

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Christmas Day NBA betting preview and odds
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

New Orleans Pelicans at Miami Heat (-5, 200)

The New Orleans Pelicans have looked a lot like a playoff contender the last two games instead of the last-place club that struggled through the first eight weeks of the season. The Pelicans will try to prove the latest improvements are no fluke in front of a national audience when they visit the Miami Heat on Friday.

New Orleans seemed to find another low in a 104-88 loss at Phoenix on Dec. 18 that dropped the team to 7-19. The Pelicans, who shot 36.6 percent from the field in that loss, turned things around as Anthony Davis fought off an illness in a 130-125 win at Denver on Sunday and put it together on both ends in Wednesday’s 115-89 home triumph over the Portland Trail Blazers. Davis will get a challenge on the inside from the Heat frontcourt of Hassan Whiteside and Chris Bosh, who are combining to average 30.4 points and 18.8 rebounds. Whiteside grabbed 16 boards and blocked four shots on Tuesday but could not keep the team from squandering an 18-point lead in a 93-92 loss to Detroit.

TV: Noon ET, ESPN, FSN Sun (Miami)

LINE HISTORY: The Heat opened as 5-point home favorites and have been bet up to -5.5. The total has opened at 200.

INJURY REPORT:

Pelicans - C A. Ajinca (questionable Friday, calf), PG N. Cole (questionable Friday, knee), SF Q. Pondexter (out indefinitely, knee).

Heat - SG T. Johnson (questionable Friday, shoulder), PF C. Andersen (questionable Friday, illness), SG G. Dragic (questionable Friday, hand), J. McRoberts (out Friday, knee).

POWER RANKINGS: Pelicans (+3) - Heat (-7.7) + home court (-3) = Heat -13.7

ABOUT THE PELICANS (9-19, 11-17 ATS, 12-16 O/U): Davis, Tyreke Evans and Jrue Holiday have all battled nagging injuries at times this season, and all three went over 20 points as New Orleans shot 56.4 percent in the win at Denver. The three nearly reached the mark again on Wednesday, but Holiday was held to just 19 points on 7-of-13 shooting in 21 minutes off the bench. Davis recorded 28 points and Evans narrowly missed a triple-double with 24 points, nine assists and eight rebounds, and the trio will try to guide the Pelicans to their second three-game winning streak on Friday.

ABOUT THE HEAT (16-11, 12-14-1 ATS, 8-19 O/U): The loss to the Pistons dropped Miami to 1-2 on its four-game homestand, but the team still feels like it’s moving in the right direction. “It’s competitive and it’s disappointing to lose those games at the end,” Heat coach Erik Spoelstra told reporters after Tuesday’s setback. “We’ll just regroup and learn from it and just keep on plugging away. You know, this is the way this season’s been, though, for a lot of teams this year and you just have to forge ahead until you get your breakthrough.” Bosh scored 20 points in the loss and has reached that plateau in five of the last seven contests.

TRENDS:

* Over is 6-1 in the last 7 meetings.
* Home team is 8-2 ATS in the last 10 meetings.
* Under is 13-6-1 in the last 20 meetings in Miami.
* Pelicans are 1-4 ATS in the last 5 meetings in Miami.

[StarDust Bum]

Chicago Bulls at Oklahoma City Thunder (-9, 205.5)

The Oklahoma City Thunder are looking to notch their sixth consecutive home victory over Chicago when they host the Bulls on Christmas Day. Chicago hasn't left Oklahoma City victorious since delivering a 96-86 victory on Jan. 27, 2010.

The Bulls limp into town on the heels of three straight losses, including a lethargic 105-102 home loss to the lowly Brooklyn Nets on Monday. "The only way we are going to win basketball games is if we come together as a team and stay together, through the good times and bad," shooting guard Jimmy Butler told reporters. "We've got that group of guys, we're talented enough. We just have to buy into it.” Oklahoma City has won three straight games and nine of its last 10 after rolling to an easy 120-85 win over the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday. Thunder small forward Kevin Durant had 21 points on 7-of-9 shooting and has scored 20 or more points in 15 straight contests.

TV: 2:30 p.m. ET, ABC

LINE HISTORY: The Thunder have opened as 9-point home favorites. The total opened at 205.5.

INJURY REPORT:

Bulls - C J. Noah (Mid January, shoulder), SG M. Dunleavy (Mid January, back).

Thunder - None.

POWER RANKINGS: Bulls (-4.2) - Thunder (-12.5) + home court (-3) = Thunder -11.3

ABOUT THE BULLS (15-11, 9-17 ATS, 10-15-1 O/U): Center Joakim Noah sprained his left shoulder in the loss to Brooklyn and will miss at least two weeks. "The shoulder pooped out of joint for a brief second, so he's going to be sore and stiff," Chicago coach Fred Hoiberg told reporters. "So it's rehabbing for the next couple of weeks, and then re-evaluated from there." The 30-year-old Noah has struggled this season with a career-low 4.5 scoring average as the switch from Tom Thibodeau's system to Hoiberg's faster pace isn't a good for fit for his game.

ABOUT THE THUNDER (20-9, 13-16 ATS, 9-20 O/U): Durant's economical performance against the Lakers was impressive in the eyes of first-year coach Billy Donovan. "I thought Kevin could have taken a lot more shots," said Donovan, "but he was really insistent on doing a great job of finding people, setting people up and making the game easy." Point guard Russell Westbrook had 23 points, eight rebounds and eight assists against Los Angeles and is averaging 28 points over the past two games.

TRENDS:

* Bulls are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 road games.
* Favorite is 8-2 ATS in the last 10 meetings.
* Under is 7-0 in Thunder last 7 home games.
* Over is 4-1 in Bulls last 5 overall.

[StarDust Bum]

Cleveland Cavaliers at Golden State Warriors (-7, 210)

The Cleveland Cavaliers have been waiting for another shot at the Golden State Warriors and will finally get it on Christmas Day. The Cavaliers, who lost the NBA Finals in six games to the Warriors, will visit Golden State on Friday with the two clubs again atop their respective conferences.

Cleveland will have to make some history to beat the Warriors, who ran their home regular-season winning streak to 31 straight with a 103-85 triumph over the Utah Jazz on Wednesday. "The memories will come back as soon as we walk into the building," Cavaliers superstar LeBron James told reporters. “But also understand that it's one of 82, and I'm not going to put everything into this game.” While the Warriors have not lost a regular-season game at home in nearly 11 months, they did drop Game 2 of the Finals in their own building as James led Cleveland to a 95-93 overtime victory with 39 points, 16 rebounds and 11 assists. James averaged 35.8 points, 13.3 rebounds and 8.7 assists but Golden State took the best-of-seven set in six games.

TV: 5 p.m. ET, ABC

LINE HISTORY: The Warriors opened as 6.5-point home favorites and have been bet up to -7. The total is still at the opening number of 210.

INJURY REPORT:

Cavaliers - None.

Warriors - SF H. Barnes (doubtful Friday, ankle), SF K. Looney (Late January, hip).

POWER RANKINGS: Cavaliers (-9.5) - Warriors (-18.7) + home court (-3) = Warriors -12.2

ABOUT THE CAVALIERS (19-7, 11-15 ATS, 13-13 O/U): The big difference between the Finals and Friday’s matchup for Cleveland will be the presence of forward Kevin Love and point guard Kyrie Irving, who missed all or most of the series. Irving, who suffered a fractured kneecap in Game 1 of the Finals, made his return this week and will be monitored closely as the Cavaliers begin a stretch of four games in five nights. "It's a great opportunity for our fans to have five games on Christmas and for our game to continue to get so much exposure, but for us as a team, Friday will not be the end of our season, like it was in June,” James said. “…We want to play well, going against a great caliber team, the best team in our league right now, but it's not like the season ends if we lose or if we win, or whatever the case may be."

ABOUT THE WARRIORS (27-1, 18-9-1 ATS, 17-11 O/U): Golden State’s players are not singling out the matchup, either, and continue to roll through their schedule. “Our players are great about staying present and staying in the moment and taking the next game ahead of them,” Warriors interim coach Luke Walton told reporters. “Honestly, I haven’t heard a single thing (about the Cleveland game) from any of them. … “That’s the way it should be, because we know in this league that you can lose on any night, to any team. You show the other teams the proper respect by paying attention to them.” The Warriors do not expect to get coach Steve Kerr (back) or forward Harrison Barnes (ankle) back by Friday.

TRENDS:

* Cavaliers are 3-13 ATS in their last 16 games following a ATS loss.
* Warriors are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 home games.
* Over is 7-0 in Warriors last 7 games following a ATS win.
* Under is 4-1 in Cavaliers last 5 overall.

[StarDust Bum]

San Antonio Spurs at Houston Rockets (+6.5, 200.5)

The streaking San Antonio Spurs seek their eighth consecutive victory when they visit the Houston Rockets on Christmas Day. San Antonio has won by an average of 21.4 points during its hot stretch and pummeled the Minnesota Timberwolves 108-83 on Wednesday.

The rout of Minnesota was the Spurs' fourth victory by 20 or more points during the streak and they also defeated Washington by 19. "I think we're competing at a high level," San Antonio power forward LaMarcus Aldridge said after Wednesday's victory. "We're paying attention to detail, playing good defense and as long as we keep doing that, things should go well for us." Houston is 10-5 since starting 5-10 but dropped a disappointing 104-101 decision to the Orlando Magic on Wednesday. "We can't have mental lapses where we do everything the right way for a couple possessions and go back to just taking it easy on teams," center Dwight Howard said after the loss. "We have to do a better job of playing the same way for 48 minutes."

TV: 8 p.m. ET, ESPN, CW35 (San Antonio), ROOT (Houston)

LINE HISTORY: The Rockets haven't moved off the opening number of +6.5. The total also haven't moved off the opening number of 200.5.

INJURY REPORT:

Spurs - None.

Rockets - SF S. Dekker (Mid February, back).

POWER RANKINGS: Spurs (-17.5) - Rockets (-1.6) + home court (-3) = Rockets +12.9

ABOUT THE SPURS (25-5, 21-9 ATS, 12-17-1 O/U): After holding Indiana star Paul George to seven points on 1-of-14 shooting on Monday, reigning NBA Defensive Player of the Year Kawhi Leonard was at it again by helping hold Minnesota's Andrew Wiggins to 10 points on 2-of-11 shooting on Wednesday. Leonard finished with 19 points but was headed toward a rare low-scoring effort until he scored 12 fourth-quarter points on 5-of-7 shooting. "Nobody's perfect all the time in 48 minutes," Spurs coach Gregg Popovich told reporters. "I don't worry about why he didn't score in this quarter or that quarter. That happens to every player. He got his 19 points and he was great in the fourth quarter."

ABOUT THE ROCKETS (15-15, 12-18 ATS, 13-17 O/U): Small forward Trevor Ariza is experiencing a shooting funk and is just 6-of-20 from the field and averaging 6.5 points over the last two games. He missed all eight of his 3-point attempts in the loss to Orlando and is shooting a meager 31.8 percent from behind the arc this season while shooting a career-worst 38.3 percent overall. Standout guard James Harden is averaging 33.5 points on 21-of-34 shooting over the past two contests.

TRENDS:

* Spurs are 0-5 ATS in the last 5 meetings in Houston.
* Home team is 6-0 ATS in the last 6 meetings.
* Under is 5-0 in Rockets last 5 overall.
* Under is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings in Houston.