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

[StarDust Bum]

Armadillo: Wednesday's six-pack

Six teams in country that play the best eFG% defense...........

6) San Diego State-- 42.0%-- Defense is never a problem for the Aztecs.

5) Louisville-- 41.9%-- Put Clemson on line 44 times in Sunday's upset loss.

4) Memphis-- 41.6%-- Tigers do great job at not fouling (#2 in US).

3) Vanderbilt-- 41.4%-- Commodores got off schneid in SEC last night.

2) Purdue-- 40.6%-- Key for Boilers is how well their guards play.

1) Michigan State-- 40.0%-- Izzo's team just got star Valentine back.

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Armadillo: Wednesday's List of 13: Random thoughts with Rams off to LA....

13) I've been a Ram fan since I was six years old, watching them lose to the Packers on our black/white TV with my dad-- I loved their helmets, and became a huge fan as coach George Allen turned them into a contender.

Roman Gabriel, Deacon Jones, Dick Bass, Jack Snow- the heroes of my youth.

Tuesday night's news that the Rams are heading back to LA brought mixed emotions; I live in New York, so it really didn't matter where they wound up-- I just wanted the situation resolved so players/coaches can get settled and get about the job of winning.

12) I was at the 2000 NFC title game when the Rams beat Tampa Bay to made it to the Super Bowl; it was an awesome weekend. St Louis is a very friendly place, so it is sad to see them lose a team. Hopefully they'll get another team soon, but the fact it that St Louis is a baseball-first (and second) town, so they'll get over this.

11) Rams owner Stan Kroenke is called "Silent Stan"; he seldom speaks publicly, but in July 2010, I talked to him at the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas- he also owns the Denver Nuggets. He is a businessman first, a really rich guy who knows how to make deals. I took him off guard that day in 2010, but he was polite and talked to me for 10 minutes or so. Was interesting hearing him talk at the press conference last nite.

10) I am not wealthy and do not understand business, so how this all happened is out of my realm, but here is the fallout: Chargers have a year to decide whether to join the Rams in LA or stay in San Diego- if they stay in San Diego, then the Raiders have a year to decide if they want to return to LA or go somewhere else.

As far as 2016 goes, the Rams will be in LA, probably at the Coliseum, the other two teams are in limbo right now.

9) When Clemson scored with 0:12 left Monday night to make final score 45-40, it caused a $10M swing in Las Vegas, with the line at Alabama, -6.5. Nothing like the reactions in the sportsbook when stuff like that happens-- great theater.

8) 40 bowl games this year; over was 26-14 in those forty games.

7) Alabama's nine assistant coaches banked a combined $1.1M in bonuses when they won Monday night; the players got free hats and t-shirts. SEC wound up 9-2 in bowl games this season.

6) Ben Roethlisberger has torn ligaments in his shoulder, will be interesting to see if he plays Sunday (I think he will) and how effective he can be in Denver if he does.

5) Miami Marlins signed P Wei-Yin Chen for five years, $80M. Good move.

4) There is a 16-year old Cuban OF named Lazarito Armentrano who is now a free agent and will be highly sought after by big league teams.

3) Colorado Rockies gave Gerardo Parra a 3-year deal, now will try to deal one of its other OFs for pitching, maybe to the Orioles. If you have a pitcher on your fantasy team who gets traded to the Rockies, it is a very unhappy day.

2) Minnesota Vikings fired their offensive line coach Tuesday; guess it was his fault the kicker missed that short field goal.

1) RIP Andrew Smith, who passed away yesterday at age 25; he played for Butler when they played in back/back national title games a few years back. A damn shame when someone passes away so young. RIP, sir

[StarDust Bum]

This Week's Best Spot Bets

Letdown spot

Even the best teams in the NBA are susceptible to a letdown, especially after playing another of the NBA’s elite. The Cleveland Cavaliers visit Western rivals the San Antonio Spurs Thursday, in a possible Finals preview. LeBron James has plenty of history with San Antonio going back to his original stint with Cleveland and his Miami days and this will be a huge litmus test for the Cavs as they get their lineup back to form.

Following this stop in San Antonio, Cleveland takes the court at the Toyota Center in Houston the very next night. The Rockets play the seventh–fastest pace in the NBA and could take advantage of a tired Cavaliers squad coming off a big game. If this contest opens up and turns into a shootout, Houston could have the edge at home.

Lookahead spot

The San Diego Toreros have a big WCC meeting with Gonzaga this weekend, traveling up the coast to face the Bulldogs in Spokane Saturday. San Diego hits the road for an extended trip after losing four in a row, including the last two inside Jenny Craig Pavilion. A strong effort against Gonzaga could snap the Toreros out of this funk but it could also be setting them for a lookahead spot.

San Diego is in Portland two days earlier, playing the Pilots Thursday. Portland is coming off a loss at Gonzaga and is mired in a losing skid itself, dropping three in a row – all coming away from home. The Pilots haven’t played at home since before Christmas and could catch San Diego looking past them and to the WCC gatekeeper.

Schedule spot

The Ottawa Senators could be looking ahead to their upcoming West Coast road trip, if just to get away from the bitter Canadian cold and the equally chilly Ottawa media. The Senators have alternated wins and losses in their last four and have just three victories in their last 10 games heading into Wednesday’s opener in Anaheim.

Following the clash with the Ducks, Ottawa takes on Los Angeles and San Jose, then comes back East to play at New Jersey on Jan. 21. Last year, this California swing served as a launch pad for the Sens’ second-half push, sweeping Anaheim, L.A., and San Jose as part of a 15-1-1 winning streak. Can the warm weather once again thaw Ottawa for a big run?

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up

Wednesday, January 13

Hot teams
-- Hawks won nine of their last 12 games (2-4 last six AF).
-- Knicks won five of last six games, covering all six.
-- Pacers won three of their last four games (1-4 last five AU).
-- Warriors won their last seven games (13-5-1AF).
-- Thunder won seven of their last nine games (1-6 last 7HF).
-- Houston won its last four games (6-2 last eight HF).
-- Clippers won their last nine games (4-2 last six HF).

Cold teams
-- Charlotte lost its last seven games (1-6 vs spread).
-- Washington lost its last three home games (1-7 last 8HF). Bucks lost three of last five games (10-11AU).
-- Nets lost their last five games (0-5 vs spread).
-- Celtics lost six of their last seven games (0-3 last three HF).
-- Mavericks are 3-4 in last seven games (8-6AU).
-- Minnesota lost its last seven games (1-6 vs spread).
-- Denver lost seven of its last nine games (3-0-1 last four HU).
-- New Orleans lost six of last seven games (4-8 last 12AU). Kings are 3-5 in their last eight games (1-3 last four HF).
-- Utah lost seven of its last eight road games (1-4 last five AU). Portland lost three of last four games (4-4HF).
-- Miami lost three of its last four games (4-1 last five AU).

Series records
-- Hawks won four of last five games with Charlotte.
-- Wizards won six of last seven games with Milwaukee.
-- Knicks lost four of last five games with Brooklyn.
-- Pacers won seven of their last ten games with Boston.
-- Dallas won five of last seven games with Oklahoma City.
-- Rockets won eight of last nine games with Minnesota.
-- Warriors won last four games with Denver, but Nuggets are 4-1 vs spread in last five.
-- Pelicans won three of last four games with Sacramento.
-- Jazz lost seven of last ten games with Portland.
-- Clippers lost four of last five games with Miami.

Totals
-- 11 of last 12 Atlanta games went over the total.
-- Three of last four Washington games went over.
-- Last six Brooklyn games stayed under the total.
-- Last four Indiana-Boston games stayed under.
-- Five of last six Maverick-Thunder games went over.
-- Last six Houston-Minnesota games went over total.
-- Last five Golden State-Denver games went over total.
-- Six of last seven New Orleans games stayed under.
-- Six of last seven Utah-Portland games went over.
-- Three of last four Clipper games went over total.

Back/backs
-- Milwaukee is 7-2 vs spread if it played night before.
-- Knicks are 5-3 vs spread if they played night before.
-- Indiana is 2-6 vs spread if it played night before; Boston is 3-4.
-- Dallas is 6-2 vs spread if it played night before; Thunder is 2-4.
-- Pelicans are 4-4 vs spread if they played the night before.

[StarDust Bum]

NBA

Wednesday, January 13

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Trend Report
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7:00 PM
ATLANTA vs. CHARLOTTE
The total has gone OVER in 12 of Atlanta's last 15 games when playing on the road against Charlotte
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Atlanta's last 5 games when playing Charlotte
Charlotte is 5-12-1 ATS in its last 18 games when playing Atlanta
Charlotte is 3-15 SU in its last 18 games when playing Atlanta

7:00 PM
MILWAUKEE vs. WASHINGTON
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Milwaukee's last 5 games when playing Washington
Milwaukee is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing Washington
Washington is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Washington's last 7 games at home

7:30 PM
NEW YORK vs. BROOKLYN
New York4-1-1 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of New York's last 5 games when playing on the road against Brooklyn
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Brooklyn's last 5 games
Brooklyn is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games

8:00 PM
DALLAS vs. OKLAHOMA CITY
Dallas is 2-9 SU in its last 11 games when playing on the road against Oklahoma City
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Dallas's last 5 games on the road
Oklahoma City is 9-2 SU in its last 11 games when playing at home against Dallas
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Oklahoma City's last 6 games when playing at home against Dallas

8:00 PM
INDIANA vs. BOSTON
The total has gone UNDER in 17 of Indiana's last 24 games when playing on the road against Boston
Indiana is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games when playing Boston
Boston is 14-5 SU in its last 19 games when playing at home against Indiana
The total has gone UNDER in 17 of Boston's last 24 games when playing at home against Indiana

8:00 PM
MINNESOTA vs. HOUSTON
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Minnesota's last 6 games on the road
Minnesota is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Houston's last 5 games when playing Minnesota
Houston is 9-2 SU in its last 11 games at home

9:00 PM
GOLDEN STATE vs. DENVER
Golden State is 0-4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Denver
Golden State is 20-2 SU in its last 22 games on the road
Denver is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Golden State
Denver is 1-5-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing at home against Golden State

10:00 PM
NEW ORLEANS vs. SACRAMENTO
New Orleans is 1-5-1 SU in its last 7 games ,
New Orleans is 4-17-1 ATS in its last 22 games when playing on the road against Sacramento
The total has gone OVER in 11 of Sacramento's last 16 games when playing at home against New Orleans
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Sacramento's last 6 games when playing New Orleans

10:00 PM
UTAH vs. PORTLAND
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Utah's last 6 games
Utah is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Portland's last 7 games
Portland is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games

10:30 PM
MIAMI vs. LA CLIPPERS
Miami is 3-8 SU in their last 11 games when playing on the road against LA Clippers
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Miami's last 9 games when playing on the road against LA Clippers
LA Clippers are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games at home
LA Clippers are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Dunkel

Wednesday, January 13


New Orleans @ Sacramento

Game 515-516
January 13, 2016 @ 10:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
New Orleans
115.685
Sacramento
121.605
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Sacramento
by 6
197
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Sacramento
No Line
N/A
Dunkel Pick:
Sacramento
N/A

Utah @ Portland

Game 517-518
January 13, 2016 @ 10:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Utah
114.204
Portland
118.797
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Portland
by 4 1/2
185
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Portland
by 2
No Total
Dunkel Pick:
Portland
(-2); N/A

Miami @ LA Clippers

Game 519-520
January 13, 2016 @ 10:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Miami
118.154
LA Clippers
127.732
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
LA Clippers
by 9 1/2
196
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
LA Clippers
No Line
N/A
Dunkel Pick:
LA Clippers
N/A

Atlanta @ Charlotte

Game 501-502
January 13, 2016 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Atlanta
122.527
Charlotte
116.358
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Atlanta
by 6 1/2
212
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Atlanta
by 2 1/2
205 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Atlanta
(-2 1/2); Over

Milwaukee @ Washington

Game 503-504
January 13, 2016 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Milwaukee
115.815
Washington
123.243
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Washington
by 7 1/2
212
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Washington
by 4 1/2
208 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Washington
(-4 1/2); Over

New York @ Brooklyn

Game 505-506
January 13, 2016 @ 7:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
New York
117.673
Brooklyn
115.181
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
New York
by 2 1/2
186
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
New York
by 5 1/2
192 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Brooklyn
(+5 1/2); Under

Indiana @ Boston

Game 507-508
January 13, 2016 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Indiana
121.049
Boston
119.509
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Indiana
by 1 1/2
194
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Boston
by 2
202 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Indiana
(+2); Under

Dallas @ Oklahoma City

Game 509-510
January 13, 2016 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Dallas
118.110
Oklahoma City
123.253
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Oklahoma City
by 5
218
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Oklahoma City
by 9 1/2
211 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Dallas
(+9 1/2); Over

Minnesota @ Houston

Game 511-512
January 13, 2016 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Minnesota
109.622
Houston
117.306
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Houston
by 7 1/2
216
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Houston
by 10
206 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Minnesota
(+10); Over

Golden State @ Denver

Game 513-514
January 13, 2016 @ 9:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Golden State
127.061
Denver
113.510
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Golden State
by 13 1/2
206
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Golden State
by 9 1/2
211
Dunkel Pick:
Golden State
(-9 1/2); Under

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Long Sheet

Wednesday, January 13

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ATLANTA (23 - 15) at CHARLOTTE (17 - 20) - 1/13/2016, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 74-58 ATS (+10.2 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 12-3 ATS (+8.7 Units) in a road game where where the total is between 200 and 204.5 points over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 16-5 ATS (+10.5 Units) in January games over the last 2 seasons.
CHARLOTTE is 0-7 ATS (-7.7 Units) in a home game where where the total is between 200 and 204.5 points this season.
CHARLOTTE is 14-25 ATS (-13.5 Units) in home games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 5-4 against the spread versus CHARLOTTE over the last 3 seasons
ATLANTA is 7-3 straight up against CHARLOTTE over the last 3 seasons
6 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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MILWAUKEE (16 - 24) at WASHINGTON (17 - 19) - 1/13/2016, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MILWAUKEE is 35-22 ATS (+10.8 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 25-13 ATS (+10.7 Units) in road games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 352-422 ATS (-112.2 Units) in home games since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 6-3 against the spread versus MILWAUKEE over the last 3 seasons
WASHINGTON is 7-2 straight up against MILWAUKEE over the last 3 seasons
7 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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NEW YORK (20 - 20) at BROOKLYN (10 - 28) - 1/13/2016, 7:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEW YORK is 25-15 ATS (+8.5 Units) in all games this season.
NEW YORK is 17-8 ATS (+8.2 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.
BROOKLYN is 1-10 ATS (-10.0 Units) in home games in January games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
NEW YORK is 6-3 against the spread versus BROOKLYN over the last 3 seasons
BROOKLYN is 5-4 straight up against NEW YORK 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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INDIANA (22 - 16) at BOSTON (19 - 19) - 1/13/2016, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 68-54 ATS (+8.6 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 18-7 ATS (+10.3 Units) when playing on back-to-back days over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 43-30 ATS (+10.0 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 37-25 ATS (+9.5 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
INDIANA is 17-6 ATS (+10.4 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.
BOSTON is 89-128 ATS (-51.8 Units) in home games after allowing 105 points or more since 1996.
BOSTON is 89-123 ATS (-46.3 Units) in home games after scoring 105 points or more since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 5-5 against the spread versus INDIANA over the last 3 seasons
INDIANA is 7-3 straight up against BOSTON over the last 3 seasons
7 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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DALLAS (22 - 17) at OKLAHOMA CITY (27 - 12) - 1/13/2016, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DALLAS is 334-266 ATS (+41.4 Units) as an underdog since 1996.
DALLAS is 452-373 ATS (+41.7 Units) in road games since 1996.
DALLAS is 66-44 ATS (+17.6 Units) in road games against Northwest division opponents since 1996.
DALLAS is 299-243 ATS (+31.7 Units) after a non-conference game since 1996.
DALLAS is 176-137 ATS (+25.3 Units) in road games revenging a loss vs opponent since 1996.
DALLAS is 130-98 ATS (+22.2 Units) in road games after allowing 105 points or more since 1996.
DALLAS is 168-131 ATS (+23.9 Units) in road games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game since 1996.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 14-24 ATS (-12.4 Units) in all games this season.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 8-17 ATS (-10.7 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 5-13 ATS (-9.3 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
DALLAS is 5-3 against the spread versus OKLAHOMA CITY over the last 3 seasons
DALLAS is 5-3 straight up against OKLAHOMA CITY 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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MINNESOTA (12 - 27) at HOUSTON (20 - 19) - 1/13/2016, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 49-69 ATS (-26.9 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 16-30 ATS (-17.0 Units) when playing on back-to-back days over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 5-16 ATS (-12.6 Units) after a division game over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 43-62 ATS (-25.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 8-18 ATS (-11.8 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.
HOUSTON is 54-34 ATS (+16.6 Units) in home games after 3 or more consecutive overs since 1996.
HOUSTON is 27-12 ATS (+13.8 Units) after a win by 10 points or more over the last 2 seasons.

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

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GOLDEN STATE (36 - 2) at DENVER (14 - 24) - 1/13/2016, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
GOLDEN STATE is 23-14 ATS (+7.6 Units) in all games this season.
GOLDEN STATE is 16-7 ATS (+8.3 Units) when the total is greater than or equal to 210 this season.
GOLDEN STATE is 74-50 ATS (+19.0 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 14-5 ATS (+8.5 Units) in road games this season.
GOLDEN STATE is 11-2 ATS (+8.8 Units) in a road game where the total is greater than or equal to 210 this season.
GOLDEN STATE is 46-33 ATS (+9.7 Units) after 3 or more consecutive wins over the last 2 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 15-6 ATS (+8.4 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
GOLDEN STATE is 79-59 ATS (+14.1 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 3 seasons.
DENVER is 6-16 ATS (-11.6 Units) when playing with 2 days rest over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
DENVER is 6-4 against the spread versus GOLDEN STATE over the last 3 seasons
GOLDEN STATE is 7-3 straight up against DENVER over the last 3 seasons
7 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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NEW ORLEANS (11 - 26) at SACRAMENTO (15 - 22) - 1/13/2016, 10:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
SACRAMENTO is 4-3 against the spread versus NEW ORLEANS over the last 3 seasons
SACRAMENTO is 4-4 straight up against NEW ORLEANS 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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UTAH (17 - 20) at PORTLAND (16 - 24) - 1/13/2016, 10:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PORTLAND is 21-9 ATS (+11.1 Units) off an upset win as an underdog over the last 3 seasons.
UTAH is 65-50 ATS (+10.0 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
UTAH is 44-31 ATS (+9.9 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
PORTLAND is 5-5 against the spread versus UTAH over the last 3 seasons
PORTLAND is 7-3 straight up against UTAH over the last 3 seasons
7 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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MIAMI (22 - 16) at LA CLIPPERS (25 - 13) - 1/13/2016, 10:30 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA CLIPPERS is 2-2 against the spread versus MIAMI over the last 3 seasons
MIAMI is 3-1 straight up against LA CLIPPERS 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 MONEYLINE

NBA > (511) MINNESOTA@ (512) HOUSTON | 2016-01-13 20:00:00 - 2016-01-13 20:00:00
Play AGAINST MINNESOTA using money line in All games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game
The record is 41 Wins and 77 Losses for the last three seasons (-57 units)

NBA > (507) INDIANA@ (508) BOSTON | 2016-01-13 20:00:00 - 2016-01-13 20:00:00
Play AGAINST BOSTON using money line in All games in January games
The record is 8 Wins and 29 Losses for the last three seasons (-23.75 units)

NBA > (505) NEW YORK@ (506) BROOKLYN | 2016-01-13 19:30:00 - 2016-01-13 19:30:00
Play AGAINST BROOKLYN using money line in Home games after 3 or more consecutive losses
The record is 3 Wins and 10 Losses for the last two seasons (-14.75 units)

NBA > (519) MIAMI@ (520) LA CLIPPERS | 2016-01-13 22:30:00 - 2016-01-13 22:30:00
Play ON MIAMI using money line in All games against Pacific division opponents
The record is 10 Wins and 2 Losses for the last two seasons (+11.75 units)

NBA > (507) INDIANA@ (508) BOSTON | 2016-01-13 20:00:00 - 2016-01-13 20:00:00
Play AGAINST BOSTON using money line in Home games in January games
The record is 1 Wins and 7 Losses for the last two seasons (-11.45 units)

NBA > (517) UTAH@ (518) PORTLAND | 2016-01-13 22:00:00 - 2016-01-13 22:00:00
Play ON PORTLAND using money line in All games off an upset win as an underdog
The record is 20 Wins and 9 Losses for the last three seasons (+15.85 units)

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NBA FIRST HALF

NBA > (517) UTAH@ (518) PORTLAND | 2016-01-13 22:00:00 - 2016-01-13 22:00:00
Play AGAINST PORTLAND ?>in the first halfin Home games in January games
The record is 1 Wins and 11 Losses for the last two seasons (-11.1 units)

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NBA TOTALS

NBA > (517) UTAH@ (518) PORTLAND | 2016-01-13 22:00:00 - 2016-01-13 22:00:00
Play UNDER UTAH on the totalin Road games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game
The record is 12 Overs and 47 Unders for the last three seasons (+33.8 units)

NBA > (519) MIAMI@ (520) LA CLIPPERS | 2016-01-13 22:30:00 - 2016-01-13 22:30:00
Play UNDER LA CLIPPERS on the totalin All games after scoring 105 points or more
The record is 2 Overs and 16 Unders for the this season (+13.8 units)

NBA > (519) MIAMI@ (520) LA CLIPPERS | 2016-01-13 22:30:00 - 2016-01-13 22:30:00
Play UNDER MIAMI on the totalin All games after a non-conference game
The record is 10 Overs and 34 Unders for the last two seasons (+23 units)

NBA > (515) NEW ORLEANS@ (516) SACRAMENTO | 2016-01-13 22:00:00 - 2016-01-13 22:00:00
Play UNDER NEW ORLEANS on the totalin All games versus the 1rst half line in road games
The record is 27 Overs and 73 Unders for the last three seasons (+43.3 units)

NBA > (507) INDIANA@ (508) BOSTON | 2016-01-13 20:00:00 - 2016-01-13 20:00:00
Play UNDER BOSTON on the totalin All games in January games
The record is 3 Overs and 17 Unders for the last two seasons (+13.7 units)

NBA > (507) INDIANA@ (508) BOSTON | 2016-01-13 20:00:00 - 2016-01-13 20:00:00
Play UNDER BOSTON on the totalin All games versus the first half line in all games
The record is 40 Overs and 80 Unders for the last two seasons (+36 units)

NBA > (515) NEW ORLEANS@ (516) SACRAMENTO | 2016-01-13 22:00:00 - 2016-01-13 22:00:00
Play UNDER NEW ORLEANS on the totalin All games in road games
The record is 4 Overs and 16 Unders for the this season (+11.6 units)

NBA > (519) MIAMI@ (520) LA CLIPPERS | 2016-01-13 22:30:00 - 2016-01-13 22:30:00
Play UNDER MIAMI on the totalin Road games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game
The record is 7 Overs and 23 Unders for the last two seasons (+15.3 units)

NBA > (517) UTAH@ (518) PORTLAND | 2016-01-13 22:00:00 - 2016-01-13 22:00:00
Play UNDER UTAH on the totalin All games after allowing 85 points or less
The record is 5 Overs and 19 Unders for the last two seasons (+13.5 units)

NBA > (501) ATLANTA@ (502) CHARLOTTE | 2016-01-13 19:00:00 - 2016-01-13 19:00:00
Play OVER CHARLOTTE on the totalin All games versus the first half line in all games
The record is 26 Overs and 11 Unders for the this season (+13.9 units)

[StarDust Bum]

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13

GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS


ATL at CHA 07:00 PM

ATL -3.0


MIL at WAS 07:00 PM

MIL +5.5 BEST BET


NY at BK 07:30 PM

NY -4.0


DAL at OKC 08:00 PM

OKC -12.0 BEST BET


MIN at HOU 08:00 PM

HOU -7.5


IND at BOS 08:00 PM

BOS -3.5

U 204.0 BEST BET


GS at DEN 09:00 PM

GS -9.5

O 214.5 BEST BET


UTA at POR 10:00 PM

POR -3.0 BEST BET

U 191.5 BEST BET


NO at SAC 10:00 PM

SAC -8.5

O 214.5 BEST BET


MIA at LAC 10:30 PM

MIA +5.5 BEST BET

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Raptors (24-15) at Magic (20-18)
Date: January 14, 2016 3:00 PM EDT

The Toronto Raptors are taking a circuitous route to complete one of their longest stretches away from home this season.

The Raptors will face the Orlando Magic in London on Thursday in search of their fourth consecutive win.

Toronto (24-15) didn't venture out of the Eastern Time Zone on this trip prior to crossing the Atlantic Ocean. The Raptors opened that stretch with a 122-100 loss at Cleveland on Jan. 4 but have won their past three contests by a combined 39 points even with starting forward DeMarre Carroll recovering from right knee surgery.

They shot 54.7 percent while topping Philadelphia 108-95 on Saturday, and Kyle Lowry scored 10 of his 25 points in the fourth quarter.

"Hopefully, we'll use this trip to England as a mini training camp sort of situation," coach Dwane Casey said. "We have a lot of things to get better."

This is the NBA's sixth regular season game in London, and the Raptors played in the first two from March 4-5, 2011, losing both to the then-New Jersey Nets.

The Orlando Magic had a pair of exhibition games against Atlanta there in October 1993 with current coach Scott Skiles playing point guard.

"I remember playing in London with the Magic in 1993 and I am sure our current players will relish this unique opportunity," Skiles said.

A chance of scenery might do the Magic some good after losing five of their first six games in 2016. Orlando (20-18) fell 105-99 to Washington on Saturday before heading across the Atlantic.

"This trip could help us or hurt us because it's a long trip," guard Evan Fournier said. "Toronto's a very good team and if we lose the game, it can kind of break our spirit. We really have to take this trip seriously as professionals."

Orlando snapped an 11-game losing streak to Toronto and ended the Raptors' franchise-best 5-0 start with a 92-87 victory in the first meeting this season Nov. 6. Tobias Harris led the way with 20 points on 8-of-10 shooting and Victor Oladipo chipped in 18, giving him a combined 37 points in the past two meetings.

The lengthy break could give Magic starting point guard Elfrid Payton an opportunity to return from a four-game absence because of a bruised left ankle. Payton practiced Wednesday, and there's a chance he might come off the bench.

He was averaging 11.0 points and 5.9 assists before his injury.

"It felt good to be back out there. Explosiveness was OK, almost back to 100 (percent)," Payton said. "But I'm feeling better, way better. I'm just going to go get more treatment and see how I feel for (Thursday).

"I'm very eager (to return). I want to help my teammates as much as I can."

Payton was held scoreless in the most recent game against Toronto. Harris, meanwhile, is averaging 19.3 points on 57.1 percent shooting in his last four matchups, but he's also averaging 9.0 while shooting 36.8 percent in his first six contests in 2016.

Toronto's DeMar DeRozan has a combined 52 points in his last two games against Orlando

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Bulls (22-15) at 76ers (4-36)
Date: January 14, 2016 7:00 PM EDT

The Chicago Bulls' roller-coaster ride of a season has taken another downward plunge. Making matters worse, Joakim Noah is reportedly unhappy with his diminished role.

A date with the NBA's worst team might solve those problems at least temporarily - though the Bulls will be without their starting center and might also be missing star guard Derrick Rose.

The visiting Bulls try to avoid their longest slide in two years Thursday night against the Philadelphia 76ers.

Following their second three-game losing streak of the season in mid-December, Chicago (22-15) appeared to iron out its issues by winning seven of eight.

The Bulls averaged 107.9 points and held opponents to 100.4 in that span, but their scoring average has dipped to 102.0 and they've allowed 113.3 in three straight losses. They forced a season-low five turnovers in Tuesday's 106-101 defeat at Milwaukee.

Among Eastern Conference teams, only the 76ers' minus-3.4 turnover differential is worse than Chicago's minus-2.6 mark.

"I think we all have the team's best interests at heart," guard Jimmy Butler told the team's official website after recording 30 points, eight rebounds and six assists Tuesday. "You have ups and down through the season, but through times like this we have to stick together."

Rose tried to play through a strained left patella before leaving early in the fourth quarter. Chicago has won four of five without Rose, who is listed as questionable against 4-36 Philadelphia.

A report surfaced after Tuesday's game that Noah is unhappy despite publicly putting on a good face after he was made a reserve by coach Fred Hoiberg at the start of the season. It certainly didn't help the two-time All-Star's case that the Bulls won seven of nine while he was out with a sore shoulder.

Noah, who started all but two of his games over the previous five seasons, is averaging a career-low 4.3 points and 8.8 rebounds for the Bulls, who are looking to avoid their first four-game skid since Dec. 14-19, 2013.

They should have a good chance to do so as they face a woeful Philadelphia team that's lost its last three by an average of 17 points. Jahlil Okafor scored 21 and Ish Smith added 18 points and 10 assists Sunday, but the Sixers fell 95-85 at home to Cleveland despite shooting 45.5 percent.

Philadelphia was done in by 19 turnovers, 6-for-18 shooting from 3-point range and a 9-for-19 effort on foul shots.

Smith has averaged 19.8 points and 8.0 assists in his last four games, while Okafor has scored 20.3 and shot 58.7 percent over his last three.

The Chicago native totaled 43 points and 23 rebounds as Philadelphia dropped the previous two meetings with the Bulls by a combined 42.

"I'm just trying to figure this whole thing out my first year," he told the team's official website.

Okafor could be a factor again as Chicago is minus-60 in paint points during its losing streak. The 76ers outscored the Bulls 50-38 in that category Nov. 9 but suffered a 111-88 home loss.

He also won't have to contend with center Pau Gasol, who will sit out to rest.

Chicago held a 48-40 edge in the paint and 53-36 on the glass in a 115-96 victory at the United Center on Dec. 14.

Nikola Mirotic totaled 37 points while going 8 of 15 from 3-point range in the two meetings. Averaging 11.1 points, he's recorded four games of 17 or more in the past seven.

The Bulls have won eight meetings in a row and 13 of the past 14.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Cavaliers (27-9) at Spurs (34-6)
Date: January 14, 2016 8:00 PM EDT

The Cleveland Cavaliers should be feeling pretty good these days thanks to an eight-game winning streak, a perfect start to their longest road trip of 2015-16 and Kyrie Irving's latest big performance.

And, hey, they were the last team to win at the AT&T Center - 10 months ago.

As high as the Cavaliers have been, the San Antonio Spurs have been on another level as they seek their 32nd straight win at home when two of the NBA's best teams meet on Thursday night.

With Golden State stealing the show through the early part of the season, San Antonio (34-6) has quietly built the best start in the storied franchise's history. The Spurs are riding a season-high nine-game winning streak and are 22-0 at the AT&T Center, the second-best start at home by a Western Conference team ever behind Portland's 26-0 in 1977-78.

The last time San Antonio walked off its own court with a loss came in a 128-125 overtime defeat to Cleveland on March 12 thanks to Irving's career-high 57 points.

Since, the games haven't been close. The Spurs hold a plus-16.1 points per game differential at home, on pace to be the second best of all time behind the 1995-96 Bulls' 17.1. San Antonio's total of plus-14.1 would be the NBA's best ever.

The Spurs' 93.5 points per 100 possessions allowed are on pace to be the fewest in the league in more than a decade. The last team to do better? San Antonio itself in 2003-04 at 91.6.

The last four wins have featured as many different leading scorers: Tim Duncan, Kawhi Leonard, LaMarcus Aldridge and Tony Parker. Parker had 14 points in the first five minutes of the third quarter en route to a season-high 31 in Tuesday's 109-99 win at Detroit.

'I don't know how to explain that - it is just going to happen,' Parker said. 'There are so many weapons on this team; it can be anyone any night.'

More nights than not it's going to be LeBron James for Cleveland (27-9), but the Cavaliers' latest win suggests they might be close to getting Irving all the way back as he continues to find his footing after fracturing his kneecap in the NBA Finals.

Irving has averaged 16.5 points in 10 games since returning last month. After scoring eight points on 3-of-15 shooting in Sunday's 95-85 win at Philadelphia, he had 22 points and nine assists in Tuesday's 110-107 overtime win at Dallas.

That was the Cavs' fourth straight win to open a six-game road trip that includes stops in all three Texas cities. Cleveland has won eight straight for a second time this season.

Irving sank a 3 to put Cleveland up 109-105 with 13 seconds left Tuesday off a pass from James, who has averaged 27.8 points, 9.8 rebounds and 7 assists the last four games but passed up an open jumper.

'It's just the confidence I have in him and he has the confidence in his self,' James said.

James had 31 points in 44 minutes of the OT win at San Antonio after being held to 15 points in a 92-90 loss in Cleveland earlier in the season. Kevin Love totaled 18 points on 6-of-22 shooting against the Spurs last season.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Pistons (21-17) at Grizzlies (21-19)
Date: January 14, 2016 8:00 PM EDT

In between home dates against the two best teams in basketball, it would seem easy for the Detroit Pistons to not be entirely focused on a trip to Memphis.

Considering what happened when they saw the Grizzlies last month, it'd be shocking if they weren't.

Losing on a halfcourt shot should have the Pistons eager for some payback Thursday night as they try to beat the Grizzlies for just the second time in the last 13 meetings.

Detroit (21-17) won three straight heading into a week that's bookended by visits from San Antonio and Golden State, but it couldn't hang with the NBA's hottest team Tuesday. Trailing by nine at halftime, the Pistons never got closer than six in the second half of a 109-99 loss to the Spurs.

"What I said to them after the game, you're going to have to play a full game against a team like that," coach Stan Van Gundy said. "I thought we played about 24 minutes tonight. ... That's not going to be enough against a team like that."

The final two minutes did the Pistons in when Memphis (21-19) visited The Palace on Dec. 9, though missing their last five shots after going up 92-87 with 1:48 left shouldn't have mattered. But thanks to Matt Barnes' halfcourt heave with 1.1 seconds left, Detroit was left with a stunning 93-92 loss that Reggie Jackson called his team's toughest of the season.

Considering the Pistons allowed 13 offensive rebounds in the second half that led to 14 second-chance points, Van Gundy wasn't letting the loss boil down to Barnes' prayer being answered.

"The last shot, that one you can handle," he said. I mean, what are you going to do? ... But when you give up nine offensive rebounds in the fourth quarter and you don't execute down the stretch ... then those things are going to happen to you. You don't give yourself a chance to win so, it's not just that shot. We didn't do our job down the stretch."

It's unclear if Barnes will even be available to face the Pistons this time. He missed Tuesday's 107-91 loss to Houston with a right thumb contusion and Mike Conley sat out a fourth straight game with a sore left Achilles.

Unlike in Detroit last month, it was offensive rebounding that hurt the Grizzlies on Tuesday. The Rockets had 18 that led to 28 second-chance points, the most Memphis has allowed since April 8, 2011.

"It seemed like every time they got an offensive rebound it was a 3-pointer and not just a putback," coach Dave Joerger said.

Zach Randolph had seven of Memphis' 16 offensive boards in Detroit and finished with 21 points and 16 rebounds in one of his final games as a starter. He's thrived off the bench lately, having put up at least 24 points in each of the Grizzlies' three wins in their past five games.

Memphis is 13-5 when Randolph scores at least 14.

Randolph has averaged 18.5 points and 12.8 rebounds while playing in 10 games during Memphis' 11-1 stretch in this series.

While Randolph is coming off the bench and Barnes and Conley are in question, another starter's status is uncertain after Tuesday's game. Jeff Green didn't play in the second half after logging 15 minutes in the first.

"That's my decision for various reasons, but I'm not going to go into it,' Joerger said. 'It wasn't a disciplinary thing at all.'

Green, who has started the last 30 games, is shooting 25 percent in January.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Kings (15-23) at Jazz (17-21)
Date: January 14, 2016 9:00 PM EDT

After failing once again to extend a modest win streak, the Utah Jazz will try to get back on track by extending their home dominance over the Sacramento Kings.

The Jazz also seek their fifth win in six games on their own floor Thursday night.

Utah (17-21) has had seven attempts to earn a season-high third consecutive win but has faltered in each one, losing 99-85 in Portland in its latest try Wednesday. The Jazz shot 40.8 percent and were outrebounded 54-38.

Gordon Hayward scored 19 points after totaling 59 in his previous two games, and Rodney Hood had 19 in his second game back from an ankle injury.

"We just stopped executing our game plan honestly, some breakdowns on the defensive end that led to open 3's that they knocked down," Hayward said. "There were too many breakdowns. We've just got to stay more focused. We've got to be sharp the whole game. ... We've just got to be better."

The Jazz look to bounce back with their 14th win in the past 17 home games against the Kings (15-23). Utah has won the past three meetings in Salt Lake City but had a three-game overall win streak in the series snapped with a 114-106 loss Dec. 8.

The Kings outshot the Jazz 55.8 to 41.3 percent in that victory and enter his one having alternated wins and losses in their last six road contests.

They nearly broke that pattern Jan. 5, taking Dallas to double overtime in a 117-116 defeat.

Sacramento then edged the Los Angeles Lakers 118-115 in the opener to a three-game homestand Jan. 7 but dropped the final two by 12 points apiece. DeMarcus Cousins' 32 points weren't enough to stave off a 109-97 loss to New Orleans on Wednesday.

"I think every guy in this locker room knows why we lost tonight," Cousins said. "It wasn't because they are better team. Whatever the case may be. The only thing it was is that they played harder than us and with more energy at the beginning of the game."

Cousins, averaging 32.3 points in his first six games in 2016, had a relatively more pedestrian 23 along with 12 rebounds in the win over Utah in December. Rudy Gay also had 23 points while making 10 of 13 shots.

Gay has connected at 50.0 percent or better in each of his last four games but was held to 12 points, well below his season average of 17.8, in the loss to the Pelicans.

Hayward had contrasting performances in last season's two home games against the Kings, scoring 30 in a 102-90 victory Feb. 7 and four in a 103-91 win April 8.

Hood had a team-leading 20 points in the latter game and is averaging 20.7 points on 51.2 percent shooting in his last three matchups with Sacramento.

Derrick Favors contributed 18 points on 9-of-13 shooting and 11 rebounds in the most recent home meeting but hasn't played since Dec. 23 because of back spasms.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Lakers (9-31) at Warriors (36-3)
Date: January 14, 2016 10:30 PM EDT

Another blowout is likely to leave Stephen Curry on the bench for the Golden State Warriors. Nagging injuries are expected to limit Kobe Bryant's minutes, but he may not even play at all for the Los Angeles Lakers.

Curry and the Warriors seek a 37th straight home victory and continued dominance of the Lakers in what's scheduled to be Bryant's final appearance in Oakland on Thursday night.

Golden State (36-3) owns the NBA's best record and Curry is its leading scorer at 29.8 points per game. The Warriors have also won 36 straight home games and extending that one more will give them the third-longest streak in league history.

That mastery, which includes winning all 18 home games this season by an average of 15.3 points, affords the Warriors the luxury of resting Curry and other key players in lopsided contests.

That's been the case in the first two meetings with the Lakers (9-31) with both games resulting in wins by an average of 27.5 points. Curry hasn't played more than 30 minutes in either contest, totaling 41 points with 15 assists.

Golden State has won six straight at home against Los Angeles and seven of the last eight matchups overall after a 109-88 road victory Jan. 5.

That was part of the Warriors' seven-game winning streak, which ended with Wednesday's 112-110 defeat at Denver after Curry committed a costly turnover with 8 seconds left.

"It was a great opportunity to try to tie the game or take the lead," said Curry, who had 20 of his 38 points in the fourth quarter and a season high-tying eight turnovers. "Got stuck between looking for the open man and handling the ball."

The superstar guard is averaging 35.7 points over the last three games.

Bryant is just trying to get on the court after leaving Tuesday's 95-91 win over New Orleans before halftime with a sore Achilles tendon. That combined with a shoulder injury has forced the 37-year-old star to miss four of the last seven games, including last week's matchup with the Warriors.

Coach Byron Scott won't say if Bryant will play, but reiterated his desire to at least play in every city this season.

"He feels a certain responsibility to play in these arenas, which is admirable of him," Scott told the team's official website. "But my responsibility is to make sure he can play this (whole) season. I have to look past (Thursday) and Saturday's game (at Utah)."

Bryant leads the Lakers with 17.3 points per game, and he's scored 27.1 in 32 career games in Oakland. However, he only managed four on 1-of-14 shooting in a 111-77 loss on Nov. 24, his lowest production there since scoring three in his first appearance on Nov. 19, 1996.

Lou Williams scored 10 points in each of the two games against the Warriors this season, but he missed all seven of his field-goal attempts in this month's defeat.

The guard is averaging 25.3 points in four games since, but that's skewed by a career-high 44 in a 117-113 loss to Oklahoma City on Friday. He had 19 points Tuesday while missing 10 of 14 from the floor, including 7 of 8 from 3-point range.

[StarDust Bum]

Armadillo: Thursday's six-pack

-- LSU 90, Ole Miss 81-- No need for a shot clock in this game.

-- Oklahoma 74, Oklahoma State 72-- Evans kid had 42 for the Cowboys.

-- Tenn-Martin 96, Tennessee Tech 90-- Skyhawks hit 16-25 from the arc.

-- St Bonaventure 69, Rhode Island 64-- Bonnies, VCU tied atop Atlantic 14.

-- Memphis 67, Temple 65-- Last 0:05 of this game set basketball back a few years. Owls fouled a Memphis player 60 feet from hoop with 0:01.3 left.

-- USC 89, UCLA 75-- Convincing wire-to-wire win for the Trojans.

**********

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

13) Clemson 68, Duke 63-- In last four days, Tigers beat Louisville/Duke, both home games, the best stretch in years for Clemson basketball. In those two games, Clemson took 57 foul shots, their opponents 23. Landry Nnoko was a beast in this game.

12) Should be noted that Clemson's Littlejohn Coliseum is being refurbished this year; Tigers are playing games in Greenville, SC, sharing the building with an ECHL minor league hockey team called the Greenville Swamp Rabbits-- tremendous name.

11) Forbes Magazine reported that the Rams are worth twice as much now as they were two days ago, before they moved to LA. Stan Kroenke has to pay NFL $550M to re-locate, but the team is worth more than that and doubled in worth, so he's already re-couped the $550M, and then some. I was happy today when I found a quarter and a dime on the floor of my car-- everything is relative.

10) Found it ironical that late Tuesday nite the movie Wall Street showed up on TV, where Michael Douglas' character tells an audience that ".....greed is good." This was a couple hours after NFL owners resorted to a secret ballot to make sure the guy with the most money won the re-location competition. Real life is stranger than fiction.

9) Philip Rivers might not be happy about the Chargers potentially moving, but he has to be happy Ken Whisenhunt is back as Chargers' offensive coordinator. Rivers had a big year in 2013 when Whisenhunt was OC for the Bolts.

8) Miami Marlins gave 2B Dee Gordon $50M for five years; he's been a very good leadoff hitter the last few years. Marlins have Mattingly as manager, Barry Bonds as a hitting coach- they should be very interesting to follow.

7) Alabama 73, South Carolina 50-- Rough night for Gamecocks, who lose for first time in 16 games this season. Solid week for Crimson Tide sports.

6) Still amazed that Alabama did the onside kick in a tie game with less than 11:00 left Monday night. Takes lot of onions to do that.

5) Sign of the times: 14 SEC basketball teams, 28 international players.

4) Cleveland Browns hired Hue Jackson as head coach; he went 8-8 in his one and only season as coach of the Raiders in 2011- he was OC in Cincinnati the last couple years. Marvin Lewis has lost three coordinators to HC jobs the last three years.

3) The great Bill Raftery announced two basketball games in same day on two different networks Sunday; Ohio State-Indiana on CBS, Villanova-Butler on FS1.

2) NFL free agency starts March 9, so Chargers really have to decide before then where they're going to play in 2016- their official deadline to inform the league for its '16 plans is March 23. Lot of loose ends to tie up in six weeks.

1) RIP Jim Simpson, 88, the first play-by-play guy ESPN used when they started in 1979- he also worked a lot for NBC before that. I'm pretty sure Simpson was working the first time Dick Vitale got behind an ESPN mike. If you're my age you heard him work a lot of different events, including lot of AFL games. RIP, sir.