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

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Nuggets (12-21) at Warriors (30-2)
Date: January 02, 2016 10:30 PM EDT

Stephen Curry might be back after a two-game absence, but he's not the only member of the Golden State Warriors who could be making a return.

With rumors coach Steve Kerr could be on the sideline for the first time this season, the Warriors seek a 34th consecutive regular-season home victory Saturday night against the Denver Nuggets.

Golden State (30-2) split its two-game Texas trip while the league's reigning MVP nursed a bruised lower left leg. After turning in their worst performance of the season while being manhandled 114-91 to Dallas on Wednesday, the Warriors regrouped and closed out 2015 with a 114-110 victory Thursday at Houston.

Klay Thompson hit six 3-pointers and scored 38 points while Draymond Green contributed his fifth triple-double of the season.

Green had 16 of Golden State's 35 assists, which matched the team's second-highest total of the season. What stood out in this victory was the execution in the halfcourt offense, something the forward said was out of necessity with Curry absent.

"We didn't try to play the same ball game that we play when Steph is playing," said Green, whose assists were a career high. "When Steph is out there he makes the game so much easier for everybody else that you don't have to execute all the time and we can just push the ball and go, go, go. We had to slow it down, focus on the defensive end and our offensive execution and we did that."

Kerr, who has been recovering from complications following offseason back surgery, was with the team on a multigame trip for the first time this season. The team has not offered a timetable for his return, though Golden State has thrived under interim coach Luke Walton, who praised his team's bounce-back effort.

"We were active, with 35 assists as a team, everybody was contributing and everybody was making plays and reads, that was a championship effort," Walton said.

The other times the Warriors had 35 or more assists came in their wins over the Nuggets (12-21) last month. They had a season-high 40 in a 119-104 home victory Nov. 6 and 35 in a 118-105 triumph at Denver on Nov. 22. Harrison Barnes - sidelined with an ankle sprain - totaled 38 points on 14-of-22 shooting in those wins.

Golden State is 15-0 at home this season, averaging 112.8 points on 47.8 percent shooting, including 40.7 percent from 3-point range.

The injury-riddled Nuggets have dropped four straight and seven of eight following Wednesday's 110-103 loss at Portland. Supersub Will Barton continued his hot shooting with 31 points on 12-of-22 shooting, but Denver got little from its starting frontcourt as Kenneth Faried, Kostas Papanikolaou and Joffrey Lauvergne were a combined 8 for 25 and finished with 20 points.

"Our biggest thing right now is needing to get healthy," coach Michael Malone said. "I told them I'm tired of the 'Hey I'm proud of you guys, you played hard we competed but we came up short.' That gets old after a while.

"Obviously we need to see some positivity, see some wins, a payoff for the hard work."

Barton, who has averaged 23.1 points on 49.3 percent in the last eight games, could be getting some help. Seven-footer Jusuf Nurkic, who averaged 6.9 points and 6.2 rebounds in 2014-15 as a rookie, is expected to make his season debut after being sidelined with a knee injury.

Danilo Gallinari, averaging a team-high 17.2 points, is questionable after missing the last six games with a sprained ankle.

Denver has allowed an average of 123.3 points and 45 3-pointers in losing three straight to Golden State.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Thunder (23-10) at Hornets (17-15)
Date: January 02, 2016 7:00 PM EDT

The Oklahoma City Thunder are rolling at full strength, though they haven't always needed to be in recent matchups with the Charlotte Hornets.

Health figures to be a factor when the injury-plagued Hornets limp home Saturday night attempting to halt the Thunder's three-game win streak.

After missing the playoffs last season while ravaged by a slew of injuries, most notably Kevin Durant's fractured right foot that limited the four-time scoring champion to 27 games, Oklahoma City (23-10) has returned to the NBA's upper echelon in part by largely avoiding them.

The same can't be said for Charlotte (17-15). Al Jefferson has missed 13 games due to a calf strain, a drug suspension and recent knee surgery that will sideline the veteran center past the All-Star break. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (shoulder surgery) has yet to play while Jeremy Lin (ankle) has missed the last two games and backup center Spencer Hawes (back) four straight.

Minus two of their top four scorers, the Hornets suffered a second consecutive loss and fifth in seven games with Friday's 104-94 setback at Toronto. They went 4 of 21 while outscored 30-12 in the fourth quarter.

"I think we took a lot of quick shots in the fourth quarter," forward Marvin Williams said. "Guys took shots that sometimes they make and unfortunately tonight we weren't able to make them."

Charlotte fell to 4-13 when failing to reach 100 points and could have trouble keeping up with the potent Thunder, the league's second-highest scoring team at 108.7 points per game. Oklahoma City has averaged 121.0 while shooting 53.4 percent in home victories over Denver, Milwaukee and Phoenix that followed a Christmas Day loss to Chicago.

Russell Westbrook has led the charge by averaging 31.0 points and 10.3 assists during the streak. The star point guard totaled 36 and 12 to help the Thunder hold off the determined Suns 110-106 on Thursday.

'It was a good night for him,' said Durant, who added 23 points for his 19th straight game of 20 or more. 'He was just efficient. He had the ball in his hands and made good decisions. He took control of the game and made shots. That's what he does, he's a scorer. He's a guy that sets everybody up."

The Thunder have allowed 105 or more in four straight but have held Charlotte under 100 in eight of the last nine matchups, all Oklahoma City victories. The Hornets' last win in the series came at home on March 17, 2010.

Durant missed last season's two meetings but Westbrook stepped up in his absence, averaging 31.0 points. He had 33 with 10 assists in a 110-103 triumph at Charlotte on Feb. 21.

Jefferson and Lin's injuries have placed a greater burden on Kemba Walker, who followed up 38 points in Monday's 108-98 win over the Los Angeles Lakers with 29 in Wednesday's 122-117 home loss to the red-hot Clippers. He was held to two in the fourth quarter and 18 overall by the Raptors, however, finishing 7 of 21 from the field.

Walker also struggled in a 98-75 loss at Oklahoma City on Dec. 26, 2014, managing six points on 2-of-13 shooting. He missed the most recent meeting recovering from knee surgery.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Magic (19-14) at Cavaliers (21-9)
Date: January 02, 2016 7:30 PM EDT

The Orlando Magic feel like they were bullied on the court last time out and now they'll face a team that has buried them twice.

The Cleveland Cavaliers have won 12 straight over the Magic, including two lopsided victories this season, and will have Kyrie Irving for Saturday night's matchup.

Orlando (19-14) opened a three-game trip with Friday's 103-91 loss at Washington, dropping its 11th straight in that series. The Magic felt they weren't physical enough after they were outrebounded 46-39.

"Teams are going to try and punk us," guard Victor Oladipo said. "They're going try to be physical, they're going to try to push us around, bully us. We can't let that happen."

Now they must regroup versus Cleveland, which has the two best shooting performances allowed by Orlando this season. The Cavaliers shot 53.1 percent and got a season-high 34 points from Kevin Love in a 117-103 win Nov. 23 before connecting at a season-high 56.9 percent clip with LeBron James scoring a game-high 25 in a 111-76 rout Dec. 11.

The other key to those victories appear to be halftime adjustments considering Orlando has been outscored 63-36 in the third quarter of those games.

Those Cavaliers wins came without Irving, who is shooting 34.0 percent in four games since returning. He scored 22 in his last one, a 101-97 win at Phoenix on Monday.

Irving sat out twice on that 2-2 trip, missing Tuesday's 93-87 victory over Denver. Cleveland (21-9) is being cautious with the guard as he works his way back from knee surgery.

"I don't see him going out there and playing 40 minutes anytime soon but we've moved along pretty well, we've been very specific and very committed to a certain path in terms of bringing him back and I think we're at a point where he's back more or less," coach David Blatt said.

James' teams have won 13 straight over Orlando in addition to Cleveland's streak in the series. This is his first game since turning 31 on Wednesday.

"I don't feel any different than 30," he said. "I feel a lot different than 18 though."

James had 34 points on 54.2 percent shooting against the Nuggets after struggling to average 17.0 points and shoot 36.7 percent in the first three games of the trip.

"That was a very tough trip, the West coast trip with four games in five nights and two back-to-backs," Blatt said.

The Magic have made strides in winning seven of 10 games since they last faced the Cavs. That improvement wasn't evident Friday when they were outscored 24-14 on the fast break.

'They were sprinting. We were jogging,' Skiles said.

Oladipo scored 20 off the bench while Orlando's starters combined for 45 points.

The Magic have dropped three of five when playing the second game of a back-to-back.

"We've got a big game tomorrow, a huge game for us tomorrow," Oladipo said. "It's going to be a tough environment, a tough team to play but we gotta find a way to win."

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Pelicans (10-22) at Mavericks (19-14)
Date: January 02, 2016 8:30 PM EDT

While they've been struggling on the road, the Dallas Mavericks are on the verge of their longest win streak on their own floor in two-plus years.

A visit from the New Orleans Pelicans would appear to give Dallas a prime chance to accomplish that feat.

The Mavericks look to win six straight in Dallas by extending their home dominance over the Pelicans on Saturday night.

Dallas (19-14) lost for the third time in four road games Friday with a 106-82 drubbing to Miami. The Mavericks shot 36.4 percent and went 7 of 31 from 3-point range following their stellar performance in a 114-91 rout of short-handed Golden State on Wednesday.

Dallas connected at 51.9 percent from beyond the arc against the Warriors - 51.2 overall - and hit a combined 48.3 percent of its 3-pointers while winning its previous four games.

"We couldn't hit a bull in the (butt) with a bass fiddle on offense. We had some shots that weren't going down," coach Rick Carlisle said. "I'm very disappointed because we have been playing very well. We've got to flush it and get ready for (Saturday)."

Carlisle's team returns from its brief trip to take on a New Orleans team that owns the Western Conference's worst road record (3-15). The Pelicans (10-22) are also 2-22 all-time in Dallas and have lost six in a row there.

That streak would have been at 13 if not for New Orleans' 99-96 overtime win Jan. 5, 2013. The Mavericks are seeking their first six-game home win streak since their 7-0 start in 2013-14.

The Pelicans have lost their past two overall games after winning four of six and were held well under their 101.7-point scoring average again in a 95-89 defeat to the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday.

"We had great defense. We just didn't execute at the end," said forward Anthony Davis, who helped hold the visitors to 38.9 percent shooting. "We missed shots and a couple turnovers toward the end. That's what we've got to get better at: Executing down the stretch and making winning plays.

"It's frustrating but we've got to stay together. We've got to try to figure it out. ... We put in the work every day to try to get better. We play our (butts) off in the games. It's just not coming out the way we want."

The Mavericks and Pelicans split a home-and-home series earlier this season with Dallas winning 107-98 on Nov. 7. New Orleans won 120-105 three days later.

It appears unlikely that Dallas' Devin Harris will be available. The guard was forced to leave in the first half of Friday's game because of back spasms.

"I assume he'll be out for a while. I don't know how long," Carlisle said.

The Mavericks got Deron Williams back after his four-game absence due to an ailing left hamstring. The point guard had nine points and five assists without a turnover in 20 minutes off the bench.

Williams scored a team-best 19 points in the win over New Orleans in November with 16 in the second half.

The Pelicans' Ryan Anderson has averaged 23.0 points on 58.1 percent shooting and 10.0 rebounds in the two meetings.

The teams will finish their season series Wednesday in New Orleans.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: 76ers (3-32) at Clippers (21-13)
Date: January 02, 2016 10:30 PM EDT

As the Philadelphia 76ers wind down a long trip in which they've shown undeniable progress, the Los Angeles Clippers may be wishing they could remain on the road.

Fresh off the first 5-0 trek in franchise history, the resilient Clippers return to Staples Center on Saturday night to take on the slowly improving 76ers.

After beginning their season-high winning streak as the designated visitor Christmas night against the crosstown rival Lakers, the Clippers (21-13) have posted four consecutive victories with Blake Griffin still sidelined by a partially torn quadriceps. They've won 14 of 19 since a 7-8 start compounded by injuries to backcourt starters Chris Paul and J.J. Redick.

'It's big for our confidence and our team morale,' Paul said. 'We're a much better team with Blake but being able to do this without him gives us a little more confidence.'

The Clippers' scoring has actually increased despite missing Griffin's 23.2 points per game as Redick, sixth man Jamal Crawford and center DeAndre Jordan have boosted their production. Redick has averaged 21.0 points during Griffin's absence and recorded a second straight 26-point effort in Thursday's 95-89 decision at New Orleans.

"I feel like I've played pretty well this whole month (of December)," said Redick, shooting 62.5 percent from 3-point range over the four-game run. "The rhythm is there, for sure."

Jordan notched a fourth consecutive double-double with 11 points and a season-high 20 rebounds, while Crawford is averaging 15.7 points over his last three games after hitting double figures in just two of his previous 10.

The Clippers have averaged 108.5 points in the games Griffin's missed, a number that easily trumps the 76ers' league-low 92.3 per game.

Philadelphia (3-32) has reached the 100-point mark three times during this six-game trip in which its registered two of its three wins. After halting a 23-game road skid with last Saturday's 111-104 triumph at Phoenix, it bounced back from Monday's narrow loss at Utah to beat Sacramento 110-105 on Wednesday.

The 76ers couldn't sustain that modest surge in Friday's visit to Staples Center, where they shot 36.9 percent in a 94-83 loss to the Lakers to split the season series between the NBA's two worst teams.

Ish Smith finished 3 for 19 after the newly acquired point guard averaged 18.0 points and 8.3 assists in three games since being obtained from New Orleans on Dec. 24.

"Ish and Isaiah (Canaan) struggled. They went 5 for 30," coach Brett Brown said. "We felt like our defense was holding the fort, but we weren't able to make shots to break it open and their mobility at times got the better of us."

Nerlens Noel maintained his solid play on the trip by recording 15 points and 12 rebounds. The 21-year-old center has shot 71.8 percent while averaging 16.8 points, 9.5 rebounds and 3.0 steals over his last four.

Philadelphia also has performed poorly in dropping three straight on the road to the Clippers by an average of 36.7 points. It's averaged 80.3 points and 19.7 turnovers while losing each by at least 29.

Paul, coming off a 3 of 18 shooting effort versus New Orleans, tallied 24 points and 12 assists in a 127-91 home rout of the Sixers on Jan. 3, 2015. He scored 25 to help Los Angeles earn a 119-98 decision in Philadelphia on March 27 for its seventh consecutive victory in the series.

Noel amassed a career-high 30 points and 14 rebounds in the teams' last meeting.

[StarDust Bum]

Armadillo: Saturday's six-pack

-- TV ratings for national college football semifinals were down 36% from LY. Guy who decided to put the games on New Year's Eve may be looking for a job soon.

-- Weird seeing a Stanford player wearing #7; how is Elway's number not retired?

-- Gonzaga C Karnowski (back) is out for year; Arizona gets its C Tarczewski back tomorrow for its rivalry game with Arizona State.

-- Montreal 5, Boston 1-- Road team is now 12-4 in NHL's outdoor games.

-- ESPN football scout Todd McShay has five Ohio State Buckeyes in his top 32 players for April's NFL Draft.

-- Arizona State is an underdog tonight, first Pac-12 team to be a bowl underdog since Washington (+5) lost 28-26 to Boise State in 2012 Las Vegas Bowl.

**********

Armadillo: Saturday's List of 13: Some of this year's better bowl games.....

13) Duke 44, Indiana 41 OT-- Hoosiers gained 667 yards but lost; their kicker missed a FG on last play; he thought he made the kick. Duke wins its first bowl in 54 years.

12) Utah 35, BYU 28-- Rivalry game sold out Sam Boyd Stadium in Las Vegas, but in first quarter, Cougars turned ball over on their first five possessions and it was 35-0 Utah very early. I was in Westgate sportsbook sitting next to a guy who had bet on BYU- he was not happy. BYU wound up coming back- they had the ball late in game with a chance to tie the score, but Utah held on. Whittingham is now 8-1 in bowls.

11) Washington State 20, Miami 14-- Wonder how many times a Mike Leach team has been shut out in a half? Not only that, they hung on to win. Unusual.

10) LSU 56, Texas Tech 27-- You look at Texas Tech's chart for season; they allowed 300+ rushing yards in five of last eight games- it was evident that Leonard Fournette was going to run amuck in this game. He scored five touchdowns in an easy win.

9) Virginia Tech 55, Tulsa 52-- Frank Beamer goes out with a bowl win; almost 30 years ago I was at a Virginia Tech-Syracuse game in the Carrier Dome-- Syracuse killed them, 35-0, something like that, an awful game. The job Beamer did to lift the Hokies into national prominence shouldn't be understated.

8) Nevada 28, Colorado State 23-- Las Vegas Bowl wanted BYU-Utah instead of a Mountain West team, so these two schools from same league wound up playing each other- thats not supposed to happen. At least they hadn't played each other this year.

7) Baylor 49, North Carolina 38-- Bears lost their top two QBs, so they just ran the ball all day-- 84 times for 645 yards, Baylor ran 102 plays for 756 yards with its #3 QB taking the snap and mostly just handing the ball off.

6) The three 5-7 teams-- There are too many bowl games; lousy teams shouldn't be in bowls. So of course all three 5-7 teams won their bowl game.

5) Wisconsin 23, USC 21-- Trojans had won 14 in a row against Big 14 teams, but got upset here. USC desperately needs some continuity in its program; somehow they've kept winning enough games to get to bowls, but they'll be breaking in a new QB next year. Curious to see how Clay Helton builds his coaching staff.

4) Navy 44, Pitt 28-- QB Keenan Reynolds might've been Navy's best football player since Roger Staubach, its best athlete since David Robinson. He eneded his career with a home win; he has scored more TDs than any I-A player, ever.

3) Pre-game hype-- Always bet the over on pre-game hype; too much talking since ESPN seemingly has an infinite amount of time dedicated to promoting these games. ESPN actually owns ten bowl games, so they have a vested interest in hyping them.

2) Houston 38, Florida State 24-- Everett Golson missed his last college game due to a death in the family; he missed a year at Notre Dame because he got tossed out of the school. Disappointing career. Cougars had a great win here, both for themselves and the AAC, which went 2-6 in bowl games this year but won their biggest one.

1) Alabama 38, Michigan State 0-- Spartans lost two bowls to Bama in last six years by a combined score of 87-7; in between, they went 4-0 in bowls, winning all four by 4 or less points- they were underdog in all six of those games..

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Long Sheet

Saturday, January 2

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BROOKLYN (9 - 23) at BOSTON (18 - 14) - 1/2/2016, 3:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 67-49 ATS (+13.1 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 42-29 ATS (+10.1 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 39-24 ATS (+12.6 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
BROOKLYN is 36-24 ATS (+9.6 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
BROOKLYN is 24-12 ATS (+10.8 Units) in road games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 89-127 ATS (-50.7 Units) in home games after allowing 105 points or more since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 5-5 against the spread versus BROOKLYN over the last 3 seasons
BOSTON is 5-5 straight up against BROOKLYN over the last 3 seasons
6 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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PHOENIX (12 - 23) at SACRAMENTO (12 - 20) - 1/2/2016, 5:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHOENIX is 5-4 against the spread versus SACRAMENTO over the last 3 seasons
SACRAMENTO is 5-4 straight up against PHOENIX 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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DETROIT (18 - 15) at INDIANA (18 - 14) - 1/2/2016, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
INDIANA is 128-96 ATS (+22.4 Units) as a home favorite of 3.5 to 6 points since 1996.
INDIANA is 12-3 ATS (+8.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
INDIANA is 13-5 ATS (+7.5 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.
INDIANA is 113-147 ATS (-48.7 Units) on Saturday games since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 6-4 against the spread versus INDIANA over the last 3 seasons
INDIANA is 6-4 straight up against DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
8 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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OKLAHOMA CITY (23 - 10) at CHARLOTTE (17 - 15) - 1/2/2016, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 20-32 ATS (-15.2 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 7-17 ATS (-11.7 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 44-26 ATS (+15.4 Units) after playing 3 consecutive home games since 1996.
CHARLOTTE is 141-180 ATS (-57.0 Units) in non-conference games since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
OKLAHOMA CITY is 3-1 against the spread versus CHARLOTTE over the last 3 seasons
OKLAHOMA CITY is 4-0 straight up against CHARLOTTE 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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ORLANDO (19 - 14) at CLEVELAND (21 - 9) - 1/2/2016, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ORLANDO is 4-14 ATS (-11.4 Units) in road games in January games over the last 3 seasons.
ORLANDO is 21-11 ATS (+8.9 Units) in all games this season.
ORLANDO is 35-20 ATS (+13.0 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) in road games when playing on back-to-back days over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 16-5 ATS (+10.5 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CLEVELAND is 9-0 against the spread versus ORLANDO over the last 3 seasons
CLEVELAND is 9-0 straight up against ORLANDO 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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MILWAUKEE (13 - 21) at MINNESOTA (12 - 21) - 1/2/2016, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MILWAUKEE is 133-177 ATS (-61.7 Units) on Saturday games since 1996.
MILWAUKEE is 18-35 ATS (-20.5 Units) in road games against Northwest division opponents since 1996.
MILWAUKEE is 186-229 ATS (-65.9 Units) after a division game since 1996.
MILWAUKEE is 230-286 ATS (-84.6 Units) in non-conference games since 1996.
MILWAUKEE is 34-21 ATS (+10.9 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 24-11 ATS (+11.9 Units) in road games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 48-64 ATS (-22.4 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 3-13 ATS (-11.3 Units) in home games this season.
MINNESOTA is 0-8 ATS (-8.8 Units) in a home game where where the total is between 200 and 204.5 points this season.
MINNESOTA is 6-16 ATS (-11.6 Units) in home games in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) in home games after allowing 105 points or more this season.
MINNESOTA is 5-18 ATS (-14.8 Units) in home games after a loss by 10 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 6-20 ATS (-16.0 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 25-40 ATS (-19.0 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.

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

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NEW ORLEANS (10 - 22) at DALLAS (19 - 14) - 1/2/2016, 8:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEW ORLEANS is 93-126 ATS (-45.6 Units) in road games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game since 1996.
DALLAS is 229-186 ATS (+24.4 Units) vs. division opponents since 1996.
DALLAS is 298-242 ATS (+31.8 Units) after a non-conference game since 1996.
NEW ORLEANS is 59-37 ATS (+18.3 Units) in road games in January games since 1996.
DALLAS is 8-19 ATS (-12.9 Units) after 3 or more consecutive unders over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
DALLAS is 6-4 against the spread versus NEW ORLEANS over the last 3 seasons
DALLAS is 8-2 straight up against NEW ORLEANS over the last 3 seasons
5 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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HOUSTON (16 - 18) at SAN ANTONIO (28 - 6) - 1/2/2016, 8:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 1-10 ATS (-10.0 Units) off a upset loss as a favorite this season.
SAN ANTONIO is 23-11 ATS (+10.9 Units) in all games this season.
SAN ANTONIO is 23-10 ATS (+12.0 Units) as a favorite this season.
SAN ANTONIO is 14-5 ATS (+8.5 Units) in home games this season.
SAN ANTONIO is 148-113 ATS (+23.7 Units) on Saturday games since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 23-11 ATS (+10.9 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 192-144 ATS (+33.6 Units) in home games after a win by 10 points or more since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 272-217 ATS (+33.3 Units) after scoring 105 points or more since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 103-75 ATS (+20.5 Units) after playing 3 consecutive home games since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 13-3 ATS (+9.7 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
SAN ANTONIO is 18-7 ATS (+10.3 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.
SAN ANTONIO is 48-35 ATS (+9.5 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 121-83 ATS (+29.7 Units) in road games after allowing 105 points or more since 1996.
HOUSTON is 52-26 ATS (+23.4 Units) in road games after 3 or more consecutive losses since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
HOUSTON is 7-2 against the spread versus SAN ANTONIO over the last 3 seasons
HOUSTON is 6-3 straight up against SAN ANTONIO 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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MEMPHIS (18 - 16) at UTAH (14 - 17) - 1/2/2016, 9:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
UTAH is 6-2 against the spread versus MEMPHIS over the last 3 seasons
MEMPHIS is 5-3 straight up against UTAH over the last 3 seasons
5 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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DENVER (12 - 21) at GOLDEN STATE (30 - 2) - 1/2/2016, 10:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
DENVER is 5-4 against the spread versus GOLDEN STATE over the last 3 seasons
GOLDEN STATE is 6-3 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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PHILADELPHIA (3 - 32) at LA CLIPPERS (21 - 13) - 1/2/2016, 10:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LA CLIPPERS are 83-58 ATS (+19.2 Units) in home games in January games since 1996.
LA CLIPPERS are 25-38 ATS (-16.8 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 9-23 ATS (-16.3 Units) in home games after 3 or more consecutive wins over the last 3 seasons.

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

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up

Saturday, January 2

Hot teams
-- Boston won four of its last five games (5-3 last eight HF).
-- Thunder won 12 of last 14 games (4-5AF).
-- Magic won seven of last ten games (5-1 last six AU). Cavaliers won eight of their last ten games (2-4 last six HF).
-- Dallas won four of last five games (8-2 last 10 HF).
-- Spurs won 10 of last 11 games (9-2 last 11 HF).
-- Grizzlies won four of last six games. Utah won four of its last five home games.
-- Warriors won six of their last seven games (6-2 last 8 HF).
-- Clippers won last five games, covered last four.

Cold teams
-- Nets lost eight of last ten games (10-2 last 12AU).
-- Suns lost their last seven games (2-5 vs spread). Sacramento lost four of its last five games (4-5HF). .
-- Pistons lost three of their last four games (2-5 last seven AU). Indiana lost five of its last seven games (1-3 last four HF).
-- Hornets lost seven of their last ten games (3-2-1HU).
-- Minnesota lost five of its last six games (1-5HF). Bucks lost three of their last four games (4-1 last five AU).
-- Pelicans lost three of their last four games (6-12AU).
-- Rockets lost four of their last five games (2-5AU).
-- Nuggets lost seven of their last eight games (9-7AU).
-- 76ers lost 14 of their last 16 games (3-1 last four AU).

Series records
-- Celtics won three of last four games with Brooklyn.
-- Kings are 6-4 in their last ten games with Phoenix.
-- Pacers won three of last four games with Detroit.
-- Thunder won last nine games (8-1 vs spread) vs Charlotte.
-- Cavaliers won last ten games (9-0-1 vs spread) vs Orlando.
-- Bucks won last two games with Minnesota by 17-14 points.
-- Mavericks won eight of last ten games with New Orleans.
-- Spurs won three of last four games with Houston.
-- Grizzlies won six of last nine games with Utah.
-- Warriors won five of last six games with Denver.
-- Clippers won/covered last seven games with Philly.

Totals
-- Five of last seven Boston home games went over.
-- Under is 4-0-1 in last five Sacramento home games.
-- Six of last seven Indiana home games stayed under.
-- Six of last eight Thunder road games stayed under.
-- Last six Cleveland games stayed under the total.
-- Four of last five Milwaukee games went over.
-- Last three Dallas games stayed under the total.
-- Five of last six San Antonio games stayed under.
-- Under is 5-2-1 in last eight Memphis games.
-- Over is 9-5 in last fourteen Denver games.
-- Five of last seven Clipper games stayed under.

Back/backs
-- Charlotte is 1-3 vs spread if it played night before.
-- Orlando is 4-1 vs spread if it played night before.
-- 76ers are 2-5 vs spread if they played night before.

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NBA

Saturday, January 2

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Trend Report
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3:00 PM
BROOKLYN vs. BOSTON
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Brooklyn's last 6 games when playing on the road against Boston
Brooklyn is 2-8 SU in its last 10 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Boston's last 7 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Boston's last 6 games when playing at home against Brooklyn

5:00 PM
PHOENIX vs. SACRAMENTO
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Phoenix's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Phoenix's last 11 games when playing Sacramento
Sacramento is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Sacramento's last 9 games at home

7:00 PM
OKLAHOMA CITY vs. CHARLOTTE
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Oklahoma City's last 6 games when playing on the road against Charlotte
The total has gone UNDER in 14 of Oklahoma City's last 19 games
Charlotte is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Charlotte's last 9 games

7:00 PM
DETROIT vs. INDIANA
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Detroit's last 10 games when playing Indiana
Detroit is 5-10 ATS in its last 15 games when playing on the road against Indiana
Indiana is 11-3 SU in its last 14 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Indiana's last 7 games at home

7:30 PM
ORLANDO vs. CLEVELAND
Orlando is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Cleveland
Orlando is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Cleveland
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Cleveland's last 12 games at home
Cleveland is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Orlando

8:00 PM
MILWAUKEE vs. MINNESOTA
Milwaukee is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Milwaukee's last 5 games when playing on the road against Minnesota
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Minnesota's last 5 games when playing at home against Milwaukee
Minnesota is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games

8:30 PM
HOUSTON vs. SAN ANTONIO
Houston is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Houston's last 9 games
San Antonio is 9-2 SU in its last 11 games when playing at home against Houston
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of San Antonio's last 6 games

8:30 PM
NEW ORLEANS vs. DALLAS
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of New Orleans's last 6 games when playing on the road against Dallas
New Orleans is 4-9 ATS in its last 13 games when playing Dallas
Dallas is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against New Orleans
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Dallas's last 6 games when playing at home against New Orleans

9:00 PM
MEMPHIS vs. UTAH
Memphis is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Utah
Memphis is 9-4 SU in its last 13 games when playing Utah
Utah is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
Utah is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games

10:30 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. LA CLIPPERS
Philadelphia is 2-23 SU in its last 25 games on the road
Philadelphia is 3-12-1 ATS in its last 16 games
LA Clippers are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games
LA Clippers are 5-10 ATS in their last 15 games at home

10:30 PM
DENVER vs. GOLDEN STATE
Denver is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games
Denver is 5-9-1 ATS in its last 15 games when playing Golden State
Golden State is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 12 of Golden State's last 16 games

[StarDust Bum]

NBA ATS

NBA > (515) HOUSTON@ (516) SAN ANTONIO | 2016-01-02 20:35:00 - 2016-01-02 20:35:00
Play ON SAN ANTONIO against the spread in Home games revenging a loss vs opponent
The record is 15 Wins and 3 Losses for the last two seasons (+11.7 units)

NBA > (511) MILWAUKEE@ (512) MINNESOTA | 2016-01-02 20:05:00 - 2016-01-02 20:05:00
Play AGAINST MINNESOTA against the spread in Home games when playing against a team with a losing record
The record is 6 Wins and 20 Losses for the last two seasons (-16 units)

NBA > (515) HOUSTON@ (516) SAN ANTONIO | 2016-01-02 20:35:00 - 2016-01-02 20:35:00
Play AGAINST HOUSTON against the spread in All games off a upset loss as a favorite
The record is 1 Wins and 10 Losses for the this season (-10 units)

NBA > (511) MILWAUKEE@ (512) MINNESOTA | 2016-01-02 20:05:00 - 2016-01-02 20:05:00
Play AGAINST MINNESOTA against the spread in Home games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game
The record is 8 Wins and 23 Losses for the last two seasons (-17.3 units)

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NBA MONEYLINE

NBA > (511) MILWAUKEE@ (512) MINNESOTA | 2016-01-02 20:05:00 - 2016-01-02 20:05:00
Play AGAINST MINNESOTA using money line in Home games after allowing 105 points or more
The record is 5 Wins and 21 Losses for the last two seasons (-21.9 units)

NBA > (511) MILWAUKEE@ (512) MINNESOTA | 2016-01-02 20:05:00 - 2016-01-02 20:05:00
Play AGAINST MINNESOTA using money line in Home games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game
The record is 7 Wins and 25 Losses for the last two seasons (-23.95 units)

NBA > (517) MEMPHIS@ (518) UTAH | 2016-01-02 21:05:00 - 2016-01-02 21:05:00
Play ON MEMPHIS using money line in All games when playing against a team with a losing record
The record is 12 Wins and 1 Losses for the this season (+11.6 units)

NBA > (503) PHOENIX@ (504) SACRAMENTO | 2016-01-02 17:05:00 - 2016-01-02 17:05:00
Play AGAINST PHOENIX using money line in All games in all games
The record is 12 Wins and 21 Losses for the this season (-25.15 units)

NBA > (505) DETROIT@ (506) INDIANA | 2016-01-02 19:05:00 - 2016-01-02 19:05:00
Play AGAINST INDIANA using money line in Home games on Saturday games
The record is 1 Wins and 7 Losses for the last two seasons (-14.45 units)

NBA > (505) DETROIT@ (506) INDIANA | 2016-01-02 19:05:00 - 2016-01-02 19:05:00
Play AGAINST INDIANA using money line in All games on Saturday games
The record is 5 Wins and 15 Losses for the last two seasons (-18.75 units)

NBA > (509) ORLANDO@ (510) CLEVELAND | 2016-01-02 19:35:00 - 2016-01-02 19:35:00
Play ON CLEVELAND using money line in All games after playing 3 consecutive road games
The record is 12 Wins and 1 Losses for the last two seasons (+11.8 units)

NBA > (507) OKLAHOMA CITY@ (508) CHARLOTTE | 2016-01-02 19:05:00 - 2016-01-02 19:05:00
Play ON CHARLOTTE using money line in All games in January games
The record is 10 Wins and 4 Losses for the last two seasons (+14.4 units)

NBA > (519) DENVER@ (520) GOLDEN STATE | 2016-01-02 22:35:00 - 2016-01-02 22:35:00
Play AGAINST DENVER using money line in All games when playing with 2 days rest
The record is 6 Wins and 13 Losses for the last two seasons (-17.3 units)

NBA > (519) DENVER@ (520) GOLDEN STATE | 2016-01-02 22:35:00 - 2016-01-02 22:35:00
Play AGAINST DENVER using money line in All games on Saturday games
The record is 3 Wins and 9 Losses for the last two seasons (-14.5 units)

NBA > (517) MEMPHIS@ (518) UTAH | 2016-01-02 21:05:00 - 2016-01-02 21:05:00
Play ON MEMPHIS using money line in All games in January games
The record is 22 Wins and 7 Losses for the last three seasons (+16 units)

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NBA FIRST HALF

NBA > (511) MILWAUKEE@ (512) MINNESOTA | 2016-01-02 20:05:00 - 2016-01-02 20:05:00
Play AGAINST MINNESOTA ?>in the first halfin All games after a loss by 10 points or more
The record is 11 Wins and 32 Losses for the last two seasons (-24.2 units)

NBA > (511) MILWAUKEE@ (512) MINNESOTA | 2016-01-02 20:05:00 - 2016-01-02 20:05:00
Play AGAINST MINNESOTA ?>in the first halfin Home games after allowing 105 points or more
The record is 6 Wins and 22 Losses for the last two seasons (-18.2 units)

NBA > (515) HOUSTON@ (516) SAN ANTONIO | 2016-01-02 20:35:00 - 2016-01-02 20:35:00
Play AGAINST HOUSTON ?>in the first halfin Road games vs. division opponents
The record is 1 Wins and 12 Losses for the last two seasons (-12.2 units)

NBA > (501) BROOKLYN@ (502) BOSTON | 2016-01-02 15:05:00 - 2016-01-02 15:05:00
Play ON BROOKLYN ?>in the first halfin All games as a road underdog of 3.5 to 5 points vs. the 1rst half line
The record is 20 Wins and 5 Losses for the last three seasons (+14.5 units)

NBA > (515) HOUSTON@ (516) SAN ANTONIO | 2016-01-02 20:35:00 - 2016-01-02 20:35:00
Play ON SAN ANTONIO ?>in the first halfin All games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game
The record is 53 Wins and 28 Losses for the last two seasons (+22.2 units)

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NBA TOTALS

NBA > (513) NEW ORLEANS@ (514) DALLAS | 2016-01-02 20:35:00 - 2016-01-02 20:35:00
Play UNDER NEW ORLEANS on the totalin All games versus the 1rst half line in road games
The record is 26 Overs and 72 Unders for the last three seasons (+43.4 units)

NBA > (501) BROOKLYN@ (502) BOSTON | 2016-01-02 15:05:00 - 2016-01-02 15:05:00
Play UNDER BOSTON on the totalin All games in January games
The record is 1 Overs and 14 Unders for the last two seasons (+12.9 units)

NBA > (515) HOUSTON@ (516) SAN ANTONIO | 2016-01-02 20:35:00 - 2016-01-02 20:35:00
Play UNDER SAN ANTONIO on the totalin All games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game
The record is 23 Overs and 58 Unders for the last two seasons (+32.7 units)

NBA > (521) PHILADELPHIA@ (522) LA CLIPPERS | 2016-01-02 22:35:00 - 2016-01-02 22:35:00
Play UNDER LA CLIPPERS on the totalin All games when playing against a team with a losing record
The record is 2 Overs and 14 Unders for the this season (+11.8 units)

NBA > (517) MEMPHIS@ (518) UTAH | 2016-01-02 21:05:00 - 2016-01-02 21:05:00
Play UNDER UTAH on the totalin All games after a win by 10 points or more
The record is 7 Overs and 28 Unders for the last three seasons (+20.3 units)

NBA > (517) MEMPHIS@ (518) UTAH | 2016-01-02 21:05:00 - 2016-01-02 21:05:00
Play UNDER UTAH on the totalin All games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game
The record is 35 Overs and 83 Unders for the last three seasons (+44.5 units)

NBA > (515) HOUSTON@ (516) SAN ANTONIO | 2016-01-02 20:35:00 - 2016-01-02 20:35:00
Play UNDER SAN ANTONIO on the totalin All games after 3 or more consecutive wins
The record is 21 Overs and 56 Unders for the last three seasons (+32.9 units)

NBA > (521) PHILADELPHIA@ (522) LA CLIPPERS | 2016-01-02 22:35:00 - 2016-01-02 22:35:00
Play UNDER LA CLIPPERS on the totalin All games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game
The record is 3 Overs and 15 Unders for the this season (+11.7 units)

NBA > (511) MILWAUKEE@ (512) MINNESOTA | 2016-01-02 20:05:00 - 2016-01-02 20:05:00
Play UNDER MINNESOTA on the totalin All games after allowing 105 points or more
The record is 18 Overs and 44 Unders for the last two seasons (+24.2 units)

NBA > (501) BROOKLYN@ (502) BOSTON | 2016-01-02 15:05:00 - 2016-01-02 15:05:00
Play UNDER BOSTON on the totalin All games versus the first half line in all games
The record is 38 Overs and 77 Unders for the last two seasons (+35.2 units)

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NBA OPINONS

SATURDAY, JANUARY 2

GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS


BK at BOS 03:00 PM

BOS -9.0

U 204.5


PHO at SAC 05:00 PM

SAC -6.5

O 214.0

[StarDust Bum]

SATURDAY, JANUARY 2

GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS


OKC at CHA 07:00 PM

CHA +7.5

O 208.5


DET at IND 07:00 PM

DET +4.5 BEST BET

O 204.0


ORL at CLE 07:30 PM

ORL +8.5 PLAY OF THE DAY......

U 192.5


MIL at MIN 08:00 PM

MIL +1.5

U 203.5


NO at DAL 08:30 PM

NO +3.0 BEST BET

O 206.0


HOU at SA 08:30 PM

HOU +11.5

U 202.0


MEM at UTA 09:00 PM

UTA +1.0 BEST BET

U 186.0


PHI at LAC 10:30 PM

LAC -12.5

O 204.5


DEN at GS 10:30 PM

DEN +15.0

O 214.5

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Hawks (21-13) at Knicks (15-19)
Date: January 03, 2016 3:30 PM EDT

While the Atlanta Hawks have survived a slump from their best outside shooter, the New York Knicks hope their own scoring woes are close to dying off.

Kyle Korver will continue to search for his touch when the Hawks visit the ice-cold Knicks on Sunday in the second of three meetings in nine days.

Atlanta (21-13) will close its four-game series with New York (15-19) at Philips Arena on Tuesday night to conclude this home-and-home set.

The Hawks have won five of six meetings, including a 112-101 win at Madison Square Garden in late October and a 117-98 home victory Dec. 26.

The most recent was the last of six straight victories for the Hawks, whose streak ended with Monday's 93-87 loss at Indiana before they erased a 19-point deficit in a 121-115 win at Houston a night later.

Atlanta made 14 3-pointers against the Rockets even with 10 misses from Korver in his first career game without a 3 while attempting more than eight. Including his 0-for-8 night against Indiana, he's now gone two straight games without a 3-pointer for the first time since a four-game slump Jan. 13-17, 2012.

"Kyle was instrumental in letting us know to stay strong, keep playing and not get discouraged, and I honestly think that's what put us over the top," said Al Horford, who finished with season highs of 30 points and 14 rebounds. "I'll give him 10 more 3s, and I'll live with every one of them because he's our best option."

Korver is stuck in a 2-for-26 funk from long range in the last four, dropping his 3-point percentage to a career-low 36.4 one year after leading the league at 49.2.

He averaged 21.0 points while making 13 of 27 from downtown in three games against the Knicks during last season's All-Star campaign but has scored just 18 while making 4 of 10 from deep in this season's first two meetings - including three points Dec. 26.

Despite an overall cold night against the Pacers and Korver's struggles, the Hawks have shot 49.0 percent and averaged 109.6 points over their last eight. The stretch follows three straight losses in which they posted marks of 40.5 and 86.7.

They used a well-rounded effort against Houston with Kent Bazemore scoring 26 - more than his previous three games combined - while Paul Millsap and Jeff Teague each added 22. Millsap also had 13 rebounds, five blocks and four assists, while Teague had eight assists and three steals.

New York has experienced its own slump while losing five of six. The Knicks rebounded from a miserable start to erase a 17-point deficit at Chicago on Friday, but the finish was even worse in the 108-81 loss. They missed 17 of their final 19 shots for eight points in the final 12 minutes - the lowest fourth-quarter total in team history.

"It was just extremely frustrating to miss all those shots," rookie Kristaps Porzingis said. "And that just, missing those shots, I think our energy got a little low, and we just couldn't get good defensive stops."

After winning four straight behind 108.3 points per game in mid-December, New York is averaging 93.5 in its last six. The Knicks have finished at less than 40 percent shooting in three of those games.

Carmelo Anthony has still posted 22.8 points and 8.8 rebounds in four games since returning from a sprained right ankle that kept him out for one contest. Anthony has averaged 30.3 points in his last 12 against the Hawks, though he managed just 18 with 12 boards in the last matchup.

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Preview: Bulls (19-12) at Raptors (21-13)
Date: January 03, 2016 3:30 PM EDT

Lengthy stretches against East opponents might help the Chicago Bulls and Toronto Raptors see their places more clearly in the conference, and a second matchup within a week between the two provides a good start.

The Bulls seek their seventh straight win in the series and second in six days when they visit the Raptors on Sunday.

Chicago (19-12) began its three-game overall win streak with Monday's 104-97 victory over Toronto before an overtime win over Indiana and a rout of New York gave the club a perfect 3-0 homestand.

The final two wins came without point guard Derrick Rose, who will travel with the team to Toronto but is iffy to return from right hamstring tendinitis. Rose, who has averaged 14.4 points in 27 games, scored 20 against the Raptors on Monday.

The Bulls have also played without All-Star Joakim Noah for five games, but he could be cleared to return from a shoulder injury this week.

Chicago has started to roll without the pair early on during a 10-game stretch against East opponents. The Bulls, however, are 10-8 within the conference largely because they've gone 2-5 against those opponents away from home.

While 13-year veteran Kirk Hinrich has started in place of Rose, rookie Bobby Portis has seen a huge uptick in minutes during Noah's absence.

Portis has scored in double figures in three straight games and finished with 16 points and 10 rebounds in Friday's 108-81 victory over the Knicks. It was his second double-double in a two-week span after playing in just four of Chicago's first 24 games.

"Not trying to go out there and score or rebound," Portis said. "Just trying to go out there and just play my role and bring positive energy."

Portis is averaging 11.3 points and 6.9 rebounds in his last seven games, and coach Fred Hoiberg said he has earned a spot in the rotation even when Noah returns.

"We're going to continue to find minutes for Bobby," Hoiberg said. "There is no doubt about it. He's playing too well."

Portis had 12 points on 6-of-10 shooting and nine rebounds versus Toronto. The first-round pick in June helped Chicago's bench outscore the Raptors' reserves 51-27.

Toronto (21-13) will play its fifth during a 13-game stretch against the East. The Raptors improved to 13-6 and 7-1 at home against in-conference opponents with Friday's 104-94 win over Charlotte.

Although it was their fourth win in five games, coach Dwane Casey wasn't entirely happy with an offense that limped through a third straight sub-par shooting game. Toronto has shot 37.0 percent over its last two after a 43.2 mark in Chicago.

"I'd love to shoot 45, 47, 48 (percent), but right now we're kind of discombobulated offensively," Casey said. "And we'll get there, but it's going to take a little time, it's a little bumpy right now."

The Raptors, who have won seven of eight at home, survived against the Hornets by matching a season high with 15 3-pointers on 33 attempts. Toronto won its 14th straight game when holding opponents to fewer than 100 points and is 19-3 in such games.

Kyle Lowry scored 28 points in the first matchup against Chicago, and he has averaged 31.0 points on 56.8 percent shooting in his last two against the Bulls.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Heat (19-13) at Wizards (15-16)
Date: January 03, 2016 6:00 PM EDT

The Miami Heat haven't had an answer for John Wall in recent meetings with Washington. Considering how well the Wizards point guard is playing lately, a good portion of the entire NBA doesn't seem to have one, either.

Enjoying one of the finest stretches of his career, Wall looks to lead the Wizards back to .500 with their sixth win in eight games Sunday when they host the Heat.

After finishing with 24 points and 13 assists to lead Washington (15-16) past Orlando 103-91 on Friday, Wall has posted 11 or more assists in eight straight games - the only NBA player to do it this season. He's also averaging 20.1 points in that span.

The surge has bumped his season assists average to 9.9, which is second to league-leading Rajon Rondo. Wall even sent Rondo a message Dec. 21 when he dished out a career-best 19 in a 113-99 win over Sacramento. Rondo had nine assists for the Kings.

Wall has also been taking care of the ball a bit better in the last eight despite two games in which he had six or more turnovers. Take those two games away and his assist-to-turnover ratio is 3.38 after it was 2.08 entering his streak.

It's an important improvement for the aggressive guard since his 4.4 miscues per game this season are a career worst, but his last four against Miami (19-13) - all wins - have been anything but sloppy with six total turnovers. Coupled with 42 assists, Wall has a 7.00 assist-to-turnover ratio during his team's win streak against the Heat.

He also shot better than 60.0 percent in three of those four games, and although he struggled in the other in March with six points on 2-of-7 shooting, he had 12 assists with no giveaways, seven rebounds, three steals and two blocks.

Wall shot 9 of 12 and scored 26 with seven assists in a 114-103 victory at Miami on Dec. 7 that was part of a 3-6 stretch in which Washington allowed 109.6 points per game. The Wizards have since tightened things up with an average of 97.1 in the last seven.

"Whenever we defend at a high level, we force turnovers, we get ourselves easy baskets early on," Wall told the team's official website. "We've got to understand that we've got to play defense. We've got to find a way to keep our defense up with our offense, and we have been doing that."

Washington's D has been strong during the win streak over Miami with an average of 97.3 points allowed, although Dwyane Wade has still gotten his points with 24.7 per game while playing in three of them. The biggest factor may be that Chris Bosh suited up for only two since the center shot a combined 14 of 25 for 39 points when he did play.

The Heat and their second-ranked defense - which allows 95.1 points per game - have a simple task: hold the Wizards under 100. Washington's four losses since Dec. 12 are the only occasions in that time when the club failed to hit the century mark.

Miami quieted a Dallas offense that had averaged 113.5 during a four-game win streak with a 106-82 rout of the Mavericks on Friday. Hassan Whiteside had 25 points and 19 rebounds, Gerald Green added 19 and Bosh had 16 while Wade overcame flu-like symptoms to chip in 10 points and seven assists in 19 minutes.

"You want to be tested," coach Erik Spoelstra said. "You want to be measured in this league. You want to be pushed to adversity."

The Wizards have never won five straight in this series.