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

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Spurs (45-9) at Lakers (11-44)
Date: February 19, 2016 10:30 PM EDT

San Antonio native Jordan Clarkson has witnessed his share of unforgettable Kobe Bryant performances in Los Angeles Lakers' victories over the Spurs. Now Bryant's teammate, he saw what would have been perhaps the most unlikely of them all earlier this month.

In their last ever matchup with Bryant, the Spurs hope to avoid their first back-to-back losses in a year Friday night with All-Star Kawhi Leonard likely to remain sidelined on this rodeo trip.

Bryant, who played in his 18th and final All-Star Game on Sunday, has been a nightmare for the Spurs throughout a 20-year run that's the longest with the same team in league history.

The future Hall of Famer led the Lakers to four series wins in five playoff meetings with San Antonio when healthy. Most notably, he averaged 33.3 points in a Western Conference finals sweep in 2001 before scoring 32.3 in a six-game semifinal win the following season.

"I watched him growing up," Clarkson said. "I watched him kill the Spurs."

Bryant will get one more chance after scoring 16 of his 25 points in the third quarter in a 106-102 loss Feb. 6. The Lakers (11-44) threatened to snap the Spurs' 37-game home winning streak, closing within 101-100 before San Antonio held on in the final 1:12.

Although Bryant has averaged 24.8 points while hitting 26 of 65 (40 percent) from 3-point range in his last six games, West-worst Los Angeles has dropped 17 of its past 20.

The Lakers, losers in three straight, return to Staples Center for the first time since Feb. 2 with an opportunity to win back-to-back games there for only the fourth time since April 2014.

"It's just growing pains," forward Julius Randle told the team's official website. "Nobody likes losing. We're all super hungry and want to get better, but it's just a learning process."

The Spurs won't be back home for a while as they resume an eight-game road stretch while the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo takes place at the AT&T Center. They had their six-game winning streak end in the third game of the trek Thursday, 105-86 to the Los Angeles Clippers.

"The group did not play at a high enough level to win a road game," David West said after the Spurs allowed the Clippers to shoot 50 percent. "We were not solid enough, and obviously we shot the ball like crap in the first half. We just could not execute enough to keep pace with them."

They haven't lost two straight games since dropping four in a row from Feb. 19-25, 2015.

San Antonio, though, is expected to be without Leonard for a second straight game because of calf tightness. The reigning Defensive Player of the Year averages a team-high 20.2 points.

Since scoring 113 per game on 50.9 percent shooting over a seven-game span, the Spurs (45-9) had a 42.7 field-goal percentage in a 98-96 win at Orlando on Feb. 10 and scored a season-low 34 in the first half Thursday before finishing with a 42.2 shooting percentage.

LaMarcus Aldridge and Tim Duncan teamed up for 12 points on 4-of-18 shooting.

They could get back on track against a Lakers team that ranks near the bottom of the league in scoring defense (106.1). San Antonio has averaged 107.7 while winning the first three games in the season series.

The Spurs have won 16 of the past 19 meetings, including the postseason. Aldridge has played well in his two matchups this season, totaling 50 points and 20 rebounds.

[StarDust Bum]

Armadillo: Friday's six-pack

Some of the longer shots to win the World Series this season:

300-1-- Braves-Rockies-Phillies-- Tough for Colorado to develop pitching.

150-1-- Reds-- Lost Cueto/Chapman, traded Todd Frazier to White Sox.

125-1-- Padres-Brewers-- Milwaukee's new GM looks like a 12-year old.

100-1-- A's-- I'm a fan and tend to be optimistic, but the lineup HAS improved.

60-1-- Marlins-Orioles-- Baltimore spent lot of money this winter.

50-1-- Mariners-Twins-- Minnesota was a surprise contender last season.

**********

Armadillo: Friday's List of 13: Random stuff with weekend here........

13) Of the 24 NBA players traded this week, jeff Green and Markieff Morris are only two playing 20+ minutes a game. An uneventiful trading deadline.

12) Read an article this week that ranked MLB managers; it had Joe Maddon first, which is just stupid. Maddon is a fine manager, but not only has Bruce Bochy won three World Series with the Giants, he also led the Padres to a World Series. Bochy is a dead solid lock to be in the Hall of Fame as a manager.

11) North Carolina lost to Duke Wednesday; Roy Williams didn't call timeout on the last possession- when that happens, it means Williams has faith in his veteran players to run the offense and get a good look at the basket. Having lost this game, it probably also means that the next time they're in that situation, they'll call a TO.

10) LSU named former Auburn QB/WR coach Dameyune Craig as its new WR coach; Craig is a dynamic recruiter and in SEC football, recruiting is a 24/7/365 job. When you lure an Auburn alum away from the Auburn coaching staff, it is going to be hard for Auburn to beat LSU out for any recruits in the near future

9) Yesterday was February 18, birthday of John Travolta, Dr Dre and Yoko Ono, in case you care about stuff like that

8) Purdue/Indiana play each other once this season, which makes no sense; these are arch-rivals-- shouldn't the teams play a non-conference game in December when they only play once in league play? I'm guessing that every time they play is a guaranteed sellout, so they're losing money when they only play once a year.

7) Minnesota 68, Maryland 63-- Gophers get their first league win on a night when Maryland's Stone was suspended. Was surprised by the size, enthusiasm of a crowd that came to see an 0-13 home team play.

In conference play this season, Gophers are 7-1 as an underdog of 10+ points, 0-6 as a single dgiit underdog.

6) Northeastern 95, James Madison 94, 3OT-- Huskies outscored JMU 35-14 on the foul line in JMU's gym- a kid on Northeastern played 44:00 and he didn't start.

5) Utah 75, UCLA 73-- Think UCLA boosters are happy the Bruins are 14-12, 5-8 in conference play? Yeah, me either.

4) California 78, Washington 75-- First Pac-12 road win in six tries for Cal.

3) IPFW 91, South Dakota State 79-- Mastodons are in first place by themselves in the Summit League, which doesn't matter as much as in other leagues- Summit tourney is in same place no matter who finishes first. In some leagues, top seeds are hosts for the conference tournament. Summit tournament still figures to be interesting.

2) Tenn-Martin 87, Eastern Illinois 84 OT-- EIU made 15-29 on arc but still lost, which is really a red flag- you only shoot like that a couple nights each year, you just HAVE to win when you do. Skyhawks have now won six games in a row.

1) Teams in the top five of the AP basketball poll have already lost 33 games this year; they lost 21 all of last season.

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up

Friday, February 19

Hot teams
-- Wizards won three of last five games (3-5 last 8HF).
-- Miami won six of its last nine games (3-1 last 4AU).
-- Thunder won seven of last eight games (8-1 last 9HF). Pacers won five of their last eight games (2-7 last 9AU).
-- Minnesota won three of last four games (3-1 ast 4AU). Grizzlies won six of its last eight games (8-4-1 last 13HF).
-- Toronto won 14 of its last 16 games.
-- Charlotte won five of its last six games (2-5AF). Milwaukee won its last two games, covered its last three (4-1 last 5HU).
-- Denver won three of last four games, covered 11 of last 13.
-- Golden State won its last 11 games (6-4 last 10AF). Portland won eight of last nine games (2-4 last 6HU).
-- Spurs won six of their last seven games (15-8AF).
-- Celtics won nine of their last 11 games (7-3 last 10AF). Utah won seven of its last nine games (5-2HU).

Cold teams
-- Detroit lost four of last five games (4-3 last 7AU).
-- Orlando lost four of last six games, but covered six of its ast seven. Dallas lost four of its last five games (1-3 last 4AU).
-- Knicks lost their last six games (1-3AF). Brooklyn lost seven of its last nine games (4-3 last 7HU).
-- Pelicans lost five of their last seven games (1-4 last 5HF). 76ers lost their last nine games (5-3 last 8AU).
-- Atlanta is 5-7 in its last 12 games (5-2 last 7HF).
-- Chicago lost six of its last seven games.
-- Houston lost six of last eight games (2-5 last 7AF). Phoenix lost its last nine games (8-5HU).
-- Sacramento lost eight of last ten games (4-6 last 10HF).
-- Lakers lost last three games, are 8-3 vs spread in last 11.

Series records
-- Wizards won five of last seven games with Detroit.
-- Mavericks won their last seven games with Orlando.
-- Nets won five of last six games against the Knicks.
-- 76ers lost four of last five games with New Orleans.
-- Miami won last two games with Atlanta, after losing previous seven in row before that.
-- Thunder won six of last nine games with Indiana.
-- Grizzlies won five of last eight games with Minnesota.
-- Bulls won their last seven games with Toronto.
-- Hornets won eight of last ten games with Milwaukee.
-- Rockets won six of last seven games with Phoenix.
-- Nuggets are 6-4 in last ten games with Sacramento.
-- Warriors won last six games, covered last five vs Portland.
-- Lakers lost last four games with San Antonio; they're 4-2-1 vs spread in last seven series games.
-- Celtics won eight of last nine games with Utah.

Totals
-- Three of last four Washington games went over total.
-- Four of last five Dallas games went over the total.
-- Nine of last eleven Brooklyn games went over total.
-- Three of last four Philly games stayed under the total.
-- Under is 9-4 in Miami's last thirteen games.
-- Eight of last ten Thunder games went over the total.
-- Over is 4-0-1 in last five Minnesota games.
-- Over is 5-2-1 in last eight Chicago games.
-- Three of last four Milwaukee games stayed under.
-- 12 of last 14 Houston games went over the total.
-- Seven of last eight Sacramento games went over.
-- Four of last six Golden State games stayed under.
-- Over is 8-2-1 in last dozen San Antonio games.
-- Six of last eight Boston games went over the total.

Back/backs
-- Washington is 5-3 vs spread last eight times they played nite before.
-- Spurs are 10-0 (7-3 vs spread) if they played night before.
-- Utah is 6-5 vs spread if it played the night before.

[StarDust Bum]

NBA

Friday, February 19

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Trend Report
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7:00 PM
DALLAS vs. ORLANDO
Dallas is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Orlando
Dallas is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Orlando's last 6 games
Orlando is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Dallas

7:00 PM
DETROIT vs. WASHINGTON
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Detroit's last 5 games when playing on the road against Washington
Detroit is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Washington's last 7 games at home
Washington is 3-6-1 ATS in its last 10 games at home

7:30 PM
NEW YORK vs. BROOKLYN
The total has gone OVER in 5 of New York's last 6 games when playing on the road against Brooklyn
New York is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Brooklyn
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Brooklyn's last 7 games
Brooklyn is 4-17 SU in its last 21 games

8:00 PM
INDIANA vs. OKLAHOMA CITY
Indiana is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Oklahoma City
Indiana is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Oklahoma City
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Oklahoma City's last 10 games
Oklahoma City is 3-6-1 ATS in its last 10 games

8:00 PM
MIAMI vs. ATLANTA
Miami is 3-7 ATS in its last 10 games when playing Atlanta
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Miami's last 7 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
Atlanta is 4-8 SU in its last 12 games when playing at home against Miami
Atlanta is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Miami

8:00 PM
TORONTO vs. CHICAGO
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Toronto's last 7 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Toronto's last 7 games when playing on the road against Chicago
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Chicago's last 6 games at home
Chicago is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games

8:00 PM
CHARLOTTE vs. MILWAUKEE
Charlotte is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games when playing Milwaukee
Charlotte is 4-15 SU in its last 19 games when playing on the road against Milwaukee
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Milwaukee's last 6 games at home
Milwaukee is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home

8:00 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. NEW ORLEANS
Philadelphia is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing New Orleans
Philadelphia is 3-22 SU in its last 25 games on the road
New Orleans is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games
New Orleans is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Philadelphia

8:00 PM
MINNESOTA vs. MEMPHIS
Minnesota is 1-12 SU in its last 13 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Minnesota's last 13 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Memphis's last 9 games when playing at home against Minnesota
Memphis is 10-1 SU in its last 11 games when playing at home against Minnesota

9:30 PM
HOUSTON vs. PHOENIX
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Houston's last 10 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Houston's last 6 games when playing on the road against Phoenix
Phoenix is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
Phoenix is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing Houston

10:00 PM
DENVER vs. SACRAMENTO
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Denver's last 6 games when playing Sacramento
Denver is 4-9 SU in its last 13 games on the road
Sacramento is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Sacramento's last 8 games

10:00 PM
GOLDEN STATE vs. PORTLAND
The total has gone OVER in 17 of Golden State's last 24 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Golden State's last 6 games when playing Portland
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Portland's last 6 games when playing Golden State
Portland is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Golden State

10:30 PM
BOSTON vs. UTAH
Boston is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games when playing Utah
Boston is 6-2-1 ATS in its last 9 games when playing Utah
Utah is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games when playing Boston
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Utah's last 5 games when playing at home against Boston

10:30 PM
SAN ANTONIO vs. LA LAKERS
San Antonio is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 6 of San Antonio's last 9 games on the road
LA Lakers are 3-9 ATS in their last 12 games when playing at home against San Antonio
LA Lakers are 0-5 SU in their last 5 games when playing at home against San Antonio

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Long Sheet

Friday, February 19

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DETROIT (27 - 27) at WASHINGTON (24 - 28) - 2/19/2016, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 4-15 ATS (-12.5 Units) in road games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.
DETROIT is 9-1 ATS (+7.9 Units) off a upset loss as a favorite this season.
WASHINGTON is 355-428 ATS (-115.8 Units) in home games since 1996.
WASHINGTON is 136-177 ATS (-58.7 Units) on Friday nights since 1996.
WASHINGTON is 5-16 ATS (-12.6 Units) in home games off an upset win as an underdog over the last 3 seasons.

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

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DALLAS (29 - 26) at ORLANDO (23 - 29) - 2/19/2016, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DALLAS is 14-28 ATS (-16.8 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
DALLAS is 14-26 ATS (-14.6 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 73-49 ATS (+19.1 Units) in home games in February games since 1996.
ORLANDO is 14-5 ATS (+8.5 Units) in non-conference games this season.
DALLAS is 73-49 ATS (+19.1 Units) as a road underdog of 3 points or less since 1996.
DALLAS is 454-379 ATS (+37.1 Units) in road games since 1996.
DALLAS is 84-56 ATS (+22.4 Units) in a road game where where the total is between 200 and 204.5 points since 1996.
DALLAS is 38-21 ATS (+14.9 Units) in road games against Southeast division opponents since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
DALLAS is 3-1 against the spread versus ORLANDO over the last 3 seasons
DALLAS is 4-0 straight up against ORLANDO 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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NEW YORK (23 - 32) at BROOKLYN (14 - 40) - 2/19/2016, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEW YORK is 22-13 ATS (+7.7 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
NEW YORK is 6-4 against the spread versus BROOKLYN over the last 3 seasons
BROOKLYN is 6-4 straight up against NEW YORK 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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PHILADELPHIA (8 - 45) at NEW ORLEANS (20 - 33) - 2/19/2016, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 15-6 ATS (+8.4 Units) in non-conference games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 92-64 ATS (+21.6 Units) after playing 3 consecutive home games since 1996.
NEW ORLEANS is 22-31 ATS (-12.1 Units) in all games this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
NEW ORLEANS is 3-1 against the spread versus PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
NEW ORLEANS is 3-1 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

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MIAMI (29 - 24) at ATLANTA (31 - 24) - 2/19/2016, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 82-67 ATS (+8.3 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 21-10 ATS (+10.0 Units) on Friday nights over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 40-24 ATS (+13.6 Units) after a win by 10 points or more over the last 3 seasons.
ATLANTA is 44-27 ATS (+14.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 147-110 ATS (+26.0 Units) in road games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 7-3 against the spread versus MIAMI over the last 3 seasons
ATLANTA is 7-4 straight up against MIAMI over the last 3 seasons
7 of 11 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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INDIANA (28 - 25) at OKLAHOMA CITY (40 - 14) - 2/19/2016, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
INDIANA is 11-25 ATS (-16.5 Units) in road games second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
INDIANA is 6-17 ATS (-12.7 Units) in non-conference games this season.
INDIANA is 203-147 ATS (+41.3 Units) on Friday nights since 1996.
INDIANA is 18-6 ATS (+11.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 21-32 ATS (-14.2 Units) in all games this season.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 8-17 ATS (-10.7 Units) when the total is greater than or equal to 210 this season.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 13-22 ATS (-11.2 Units) after scoring 105 points or more this season.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 14-25 ATS (-13.5 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 10-20 ATS (-12.0 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.

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

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MINNESOTA (17 - 37) at MEMPHIS (31 - 22) - 2/19/2016, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 58-75 ATS (-24.5 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 329-389 ATS (-98.9 Units) second half of the season since 1996.
MINNESOTA is 9-18 ATS (-10.8 Units) after allowing 105 points or more this season.
MINNESOTA is 30-47 ATS (-21.7 Units) after scoring 105 points or more over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 187-234 ATS (-70.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season since 1996.
MINNESOTA is 14-23 ATS (-11.3 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.
MEMPHIS is 148-112 ATS (+24.8 Units) after a win by 10 points or more since 1996.
MINNESOTA is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) in road games off an upset win as an underdog this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 6-3 against the spread versus MEMPHIS over the last 3 seasons
MEMPHIS is 5-4 straight up against MINNESOTA 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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TORONTO (35 - 17) at CHICAGO (27 - 26) - 2/19/2016, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 15-28 ATS (-15.8 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 161-203 ATS (-62.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season since 1996.
CHICAGO is 20-33 ATS (-16.3 Units) in all games this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO is 8-2 against the spread versus TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO is 8-2 straight up against TORONTO 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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CHARLOTTE (27 - 26) at MILWAUKEE (22 - 32) - 2/19/2016, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CHARLOTTE is 29-15 ATS (+12.5 Units) against Central division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 46-69 ATS (-29.9 Units) in a home game where where the total is between 200 and 204.5 points since 1996.
MILWAUKEE is 52-78 ATS (-33.8 Units) in home games in February games since 1996.
MILWAUKEE is 332-399 ATS (-106.9 Units) second half of the season since 1996.
MILWAUKEE is 21-35 ATS (-17.5 Units) in home games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game over the last 3 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 12-24 ATS (-14.4 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MILWAUKEE is 5-4 against the spread versus CHARLOTTE over the last 3 seasons
CHARLOTTE is 7-2 straight up against MILWAUKEE 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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HOUSTON (27 - 28) at PHOENIX (14 - 40) - 2/19/2016, 9:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 23-32 ATS (-12.2 Units) in all games this season.
HOUSTON is 10-21 ATS (-13.1 Units) after allowing 105 points or more this season.
HOUSTON is 36-24 ATS (+9.6 Units) when the total is greater than or equal to 210 over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 52-28 ATS (+21.2 Units) in road games after 3 or more consecutive losses since 1996.
PHOENIX is 21-33 ATS (-15.3 Units) in all games this season.
PHOENIX is 4-15 ATS (-12.5 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
HOUSTON is 5-3 against the spread versus PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
HOUSTON is 6-2 straight up against PHOENIX 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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DENVER (22 - 32) at SACRAMENTO (22 - 31) - 2/19/2016, 10:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DENVER is 16-30 ATS (-17.0 Units) on Friday nights over the last 3 seasons.
DENVER is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) when the total is greater than or equal to 210 this season.
DENVER is 28-17 ATS (+9.3 Units) as an underdog this season.
DENVER is 18-9 ATS (+8.1 Units) in road games this season.
DENVER is 14-4 ATS (+9.6 Units) after a non-conference game this season.
DENVER is 24-13 ATS (+9.7 Units) in road games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
DENVER is 26-12 ATS (+12.8 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.
DENVER is 9-1 ATS (+7.9 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season this season.
SACRAMENTO is 54-75 ATS (-28.5 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SACRAMENTO is 23-35 ATS (-15.5 Units) when the total is greater than or equal to 210 over the last 2 seasons.
SACRAMENTO is 17-31 ATS (-17.1 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
SACRAMENTO is 26-39 ATS (-16.9 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
SACRAMENTO is 14-26 ATS (-14.6 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
SACRAMENTO is 12-27 ATS (-17.7 Units) on Friday nights over the last 3 seasons.
SACRAMENTO is 19-33 ATS (-17.3 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.
SACRAMENTO is 7-17 ATS (-11.7 Units) after 3 or more consecutive overs over the last 2 seasons.
SACRAMENTO is 33-49 ATS (-20.9 Units) after scoring 105 points or more over the last 3 seasons.
SACRAMENTO is 7-16 ATS (-10.6 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
SACRAMENTO is 13-23 ATS (-12.3 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.
SACRAMENTO is 30-45 ATS (-19.5 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
SACRAMENTO is 8-20 ATS (-14.0 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.

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

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GOLDEN STATE (48 - 4) at PORTLAND (27 - 27) - 2/19/2016, 10:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PORTLAND is 49-35 ATS (+10.5 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 30-20 ATS (+8.0 Units) in all games this season.
GOLDEN STATE is 23-13 ATS (+8.7 Units) when the total is greater than or equal to 210 this season.
GOLDEN STATE is 80-56 ATS (+18.4 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 18-9 ATS (+8.1 Units) in road games this season.
GOLDEN STATE is 15-6 ATS (+8.4 Units) in a road game where the total is greater than or equal to 210 this season.
GOLDEN STATE is 51-37 ATS (+10.3 Units) after 3 or more consecutive wins over the last 2 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 21-11 ATS (+8.9 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.
GOLDEN STATE is 47-30 ATS (+14.0 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
GOLDEN STATE is 6-2 against the spread versus PORTLAND over the last 3 seasons
GOLDEN STATE is 6-2 straight up against PORTLAND over the last 3 seasons
6 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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SAN ANTONIO (45 - 9) at LA LAKERS (11 - 44) - 2/19/2016, 10:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SAN ANTONIO is 34-20 ATS (+12.0 Units) in all games this season.
SAN ANTONIO is 34-18 ATS (+14.2 Units) as a favorite this season.
SAN ANTONIO is 411-347 ATS (+29.3 Units) second half of the season since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 28-15 ATS (+11.5 Units) off a upset loss as a favorite over the last 3 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 130-91 ATS (+29.9 Units) after a loss by 10 points or more since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 19-8 ATS (+10.2 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
SAN ANTONIO is 26-14 ATS (+10.6 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.
LA LAKERS are 159-201 ATS (-62.1 Units) in home games second half of the season since 1996.
LA LAKERS are 71-99 ATS (-37.9 Units) in home games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA LAKERS is 5-4 against the spread versus SAN ANTONIO over the last 3 seasons
SAN ANTONIO is 8-2 straight up against LA LAKERS over the last 3 seasons
5 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

BOSTON (32 - 23) at UTAH (26 - 27) - 2/19/2016, 10:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
UTAH is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) off a upset loss as a favorite this season.
BOSTON is 80-59 ATS (+15.1 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 44-27 ATS (+14.3 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 30-16 ATS (+12.4 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.

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

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Dunkel

Friday, February 19


New York @ Brooklyn

Game 845-846
February 19, 2016 @ 7:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
New York
114.413
Brooklyn
115.590
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Brooklyn
by 1
198
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
New York
by 3 1/2
202
Dunkel Pick:
Brooklyn
(+3 1/2); Under

Boston @ Utah

Game 867-868
February 19, 2016 @ 10:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Boston
121.582
Utah
119.165
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Boston
by 2 1/2
201
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Utah
by 1
196
Dunkel Pick:
Boston
(+1); Over

Philadelphia @ New Orleans

Game 847-848
February 19, 2016 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Philadelphia
111.057
New Orleans
117.175
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
New Orleans
by 6
204
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
New Orleans
by 10
209 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Philadelphia
(+10); Under

Miami @ Atlanta

Game 849-850
February 19, 2016 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Miami
115.876
Atlanta
122.336
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Atlanta
by 6 1/2
202
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Atlanta
by 9 1/2
196 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Miami
(+9 1/2); Over

Indiana @ Oklahoma City

Game 851-852
February 19, 2016 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Indiana
115.393
Oklahoma City
121.995
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Oklahoma City
by 6 1/2
222
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Oklahoma City
by 9
215
Dunkel Pick:
Indiana
(+9); Over

Minnesota @ Memphis

Game 853-854
February 19, 2016 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Minnesota
115.118
Memphis
125.080
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Memphis
by 10
197
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Memphis
by 4 1/2
203 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Memphis
(-4 1/2); Under

Toronto @ Chicago

Game 855-856
February 19, 2016 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Toronto
121.186
Chicago
111.633
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Toronto
by 9 1/2
196
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Toronto
by 5
202
Dunkel Pick:
Toronto
(-5); Under

Charlotte @ Milwaukee

Game 857-858
February 19, 2016 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Charlotte
122.573
Milwaukee
119.056
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Charlotte
by 3 1/2
208
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Charlotte
Pick
202
Dunkel Pick:
Charlotte
Over

Houston @ Phoenix

Game 859-860
February 19, 2016 @ 9:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Houston
115.839
Phoenix
105.904
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Houston
by 10
223
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Houston
by 8
215
Dunkel Pick:
Houston
(-8); Over

Denver @ Sacramento

Game 861-862
February 19, 2016 @ 10:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Denver
119.466
Sacramento
117.488
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Denver
by 2
212
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Sacramento
by 4
218
Dunkel Pick:
Denver
(+4); Under

Detroit @ Washington

Game 841-842
February 19, 2016 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Detroit
115.578
Washington
121.169
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Washington
by 5 1/2
218
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Washington
by 1
211
Dunkel Pick:
Washington
(-1); Over

Golden State @ Portland

Game 863-864
February 19, 2016 @ 10:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Golden State
129.305
Portland
127.130
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Golden State
by 2
214
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Golden State
by 9
221
Dunkel Pick:
Portland
(+9); Under

Dallas @ Orlando

Game 843-844
February 19, 2016 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Dallas
121.131
Orlando
117.504
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Dallas
by 3 1/2
208
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Dallas
Pick
200
Dunkel Pick:
Dallas
Over

San Antonio @ LA Lakers

Game 865-866
February 19, 2016 @ 10:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
San Antonio
124.436
LA Lakers
116.830
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
San Antonio
by 7 1/2
210
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
San Antonio
by 14
205
Dunkel Pick:
LA Lakers
(+14); Over

[StarDust Bum]

NBA ATS

NBA > (843) DALLAS@ (844) ORLANDO | 2016-02-19 19:05:00 - 2016-02-19 19:05:00
Play AGAINST DALLAS against the spread in Road games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season
The record is 3 Wins and 16 Losses for the last two seasons (-14.6 units)

NBA > (841) DETROIT@ (842) WASHINGTON | 2016-02-19 19:05:00 - 2016-02-19 19:05:00
Play AGAINST DETROIT against the spread in Road games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game
The record is 4 Wins and 15 Losses for the this season (-12.5 units)

NBA > (861) DENVER@ (862) SACRAMENTO | 2016-02-19 22:05:00 - 2016-02-19 22:05:00
Play ON DENVER against the spread in Road games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game
The record is 15 Wins and 4 Losses for the this season (+10.6 units)

NBA > (859) HOUSTON@ (860) PHOENIX | 2016-02-19 21:35:00 - 2016-02-19 21:35:00
Play AGAINST PHOENIX against the spread in All games when playing against a team with a losing record
The record is 4 Wins and 15 Losses for the this season (-12.5 units)

NBA > (851) INDIANA@ (852) OKLAHOMA CITY | 2016-02-19 20:05:00 - 2016-02-19 20:05:00
Play ON INDIANA against the spread in All games when playing against a team with a winning record
The record is 18 Wins and 6 Losses for the this season (+11.4 units)

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

NBA MONEYLINE

NBA > (859) HOUSTON@ (860) PHOENIX | 2016-02-19 21:35:00 - 2016-02-19 21:35:00
Play AGAINST PHOENIX using money line in Home games after 3 or more consecutive losses
The record is 4 Wins and 12 Losses for the last two seasons (-19.5 units)

NBA > (863) GOLDEN STATE@ (864) PORTLAND | 2016-02-19 22:05:00 - 2016-02-19 22:05:00
Play ON GOLDEN STATE using money line in All games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game
The record is 25 Wins and 2 Losses for the this season (+21.25 units)

NBA > (859) HOUSTON@ (860) PHOENIX | 2016-02-19 21:35:00 - 2016-02-19 21:35:00
Play AGAINST PHOENIX using money line in All games when playing against a team with a losing record
The record is 23 Wins and 28 Losses for the last two seasons (-38.25 units)

NBA > (841) DETROIT@ (842) WASHINGTON | 2016-02-19 19:05:00 - 2016-02-19 19:05:00
Play ON DETROIT using money line in All games off a upset loss as a favorite
The record is 9 Wins and 1 Losses for the this season (+11.25 units)

NBA > (843) DALLAS@ (844) ORLANDO | 2016-02-19 19:05:00 - 2016-02-19 19:05:00
Play ON DALLAS using money line in Road games when playing against a team with a losing record
The record is 36 Wins and 11 Losses for the last three seasons (+25.4 units)

NBA > (853) MINNESOTA@ (854) MEMPHIS | 2016-02-19 20:05:00 - 2016-02-19 20:05:00
Play AGAINST MINNESOTA using money line in All games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game
The record is 17 Wins and 60 Losses for the last two seasons (-41.45 units)

NBA > (857) CHARLOTTE@ (858) MILWAUKEE | 2016-02-19 20:05:00 - 2016-02-19 20:05:00
Play ON MILWAUKEE using money line in Home games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game
The record is 12 Wins and 3 Losses for the this season (+12.1 units)

NBA > (861) DENVER@ (862) SACRAMENTO | 2016-02-19 22:05:00 - 2016-02-19 22:05:00
Play ON DENVER using money line in All games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game
The record is 19 Wins and 15 Losses for the this season (+20.15 units)

NBA > (865) SAN ANTONIO@ (866) LA LAKERS | 2016-02-19 22:35:00 - 2016-02-19 22:35:00
Play ON SAN ANTONIO using money line in All games when playing on back-to-back days
The record is 20 Wins and 6 Losses for the last two seasons (+15.5 units)

NBA > (861) DENVER@ (862) SACRAMENTO | 2016-02-19 22:05:00 - 2016-02-19 22:05:00
Play AGAINST SACRAMENTO using money line in All games on Friday nights
The record is 9 Wins and 30 Losses for the last three seasons (-24.3 units)

NBA > (847) PHILADELPHIA@ (848) NEW ORLEANS | 2016-02-19 20:05:00 - 2016-02-19 20:05:00
Play ON NEW ORLEANS using money line in Home games on Friday nights
The record is 20 Wins and 6 Losses for the last three seasons (+16.25 units)

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

NBA FIRST HALF

NBA > (841) DETROIT@ (842) WASHINGTON | 2016-02-19 19:05:00 - 2016-02-19 19:05:00
Play ON DETROIT ?>in the first halfin All games off a upset loss as a favorite
The record is 10 Wins and 0 Losses for the this season (+10 units)

NBA > (863) GOLDEN STATE@ (864) PORTLAND | 2016-02-19 22:05:00 - 2016-02-19 22:05:00
Play ON PORTLAND ?>in the first halfin Home games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season
The record is 13 Wins and 2 Losses for the last two seasons (+10.8 units)

NBA > (865) SAN ANTONIO@ (866) LA LAKERS | 2016-02-19 22:35:00 - 2016-02-19 22:35:00
Play ON SAN ANTONIO ?>in the first halfin All games when playing on back-to-back days
The record is 35 Wins and 14 Losses for the last three seasons (+19.6 units)

NBA > (863) GOLDEN STATE@ (864) PORTLAND | 2016-02-19 22:05:00 - 2016-02-19 22:05:00
Play ON GOLDEN STATE ?>in the first halfin All games when the first half total >= 105.5
The record is 25 Wins and 11 Losses for the this season (+12.9 units)

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

NBA TOTALS

NBA > (867) BOSTON@ (868) UTAH | 2016-02-19 22:35:00 - 2016-02-19 22:35:00
Play UNDER UTAH on the totalin All games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season
The record is 7 Overs and 33 Unders for the last two seasons (+25.3 units)

NBA > (865) SAN ANTONIO@ (866) LA LAKERS | 2016-02-19 22:35:00 - 2016-02-19 22:35:00
Play UNDER SAN ANTONIO on the totalin Road games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game
The record is 10 Overs and 39 Unders for the last two seasons (+28 units)

NBA > (867) BOSTON@ (868) UTAH | 2016-02-19 22:35:00 - 2016-02-19 22:35:00
Play UNDER UTAH on the totalin All games after a non-conference game
The record is 10 Overs and 38 Unders for the last two seasons (+27 units)

NBA > (849) MIAMI@ (850) ATLANTA | 2016-02-19 20:05:00 - 2016-02-19 20:05:00
Play UNDER MIAMI on the totalin All games after a non-conference game
The record is 12 Overs and 39 Unders for the last two seasons (+25.8 units)

NBA > (849) MIAMI@ (850) ATLANTA | 2016-02-19 20:05:00 - 2016-02-19 20:05:00
Play UNDER MIAMI on the totalin Road games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game
The record is 8 Overs and 29 Unders for the last two seasons (+20.2 units)

NBA > (865) SAN ANTONIO@ (866) LA LAKERS | 2016-02-19 22:35:00 - 2016-02-19 22:35:00
Play UNDER SAN ANTONIO on the totalin Road games when playing against a team with a losing record - 2nd half of the season
The record is 2 Overs and 17 Unders for the last three seasons (+14.8 units)

NBA > (849) MIAMI@ (850) ATLANTA | 2016-02-19 20:05:00 - 2016-02-19 20:05:00
Play UNDER ATLANTA on the totalin All games in February games
The record is 2 Overs and 15 Unders for the last two seasons (+12.8 units)

NBA > (849) MIAMI@ (850) ATLANTA | 2016-02-19 20:05:00 - 2016-02-19 20:05:00
Play UNDER ATLANTA on the totalin All games as a favorite vs. the 1rst half line
The record is 37 Overs and 76 Unders for the last two seasons (+35.3 units)

NBA > (855) TORONTO@ (856) CHICAGO | 2016-02-19 20:05:00 - 2016-02-19 20:05:00
Play OVER CHICAGO on the totalin All games against Atlantic division opponents
The record is 22 Overs and 6 Unders for the last two seasons (+15.4 units)

NBA > (859) HOUSTON@ (860) PHOENIX | 2016-02-19 21:35:00 - 2016-02-19 21:35:00
Play UNDER PHOENIX on the totalin Home games after allowing 105 points or more
The record is 6 Overs and 22 Unders for the last two seasons (+15.4 units)

[StarDust Bum]

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 19

GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS


DAL at ORL 07:00 PM

ORL -1.5


DET at WAS 07:00 PM

DET +1.5


NY at BK 07:30 PM

NY -4.5 BEST BET


IND at OKC 08:00 PM

IND +8.0


MIN at MEM 08:00 PM

MEM -4.5

U 205.0 BEST BET


MIA at ATL 08:00 PM

MIA +8.5


PHI at NO 08:00 PM

PHI +8.5 BEST BET


CHA at MIL 08:00 PM

MIL +1.5 BEST BET


TOR at CHI 08:00 PM

TOR -7.5


HOU at PHO 09:30 PM

PHO +8.0


GS at POR 10:00 PM

GS -8.5 BEST BET

U 224.5 BEST BET


DEN at SAC 10:00 PM

SAC -4.0 BEST BET

U 217.0 BEST BET


BOS at UTA 10:30 PM

UTA +1.0

O 195.0 BEST BET


SA at LAL 10:30 PM

SA -10.5 BEST BET

U 201.5

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Wizards (24-28) at Heat (29-24)
Date: February 20, 2016 7:30 PM EDT

Dwyane Wade never has played a full season in his 13-year career because of an injury history that has taken its toll on nearly every part of his body.

That trend is something the Miami Heat have come to expect, but the serious medical condition of Chris Bosh and the uncertainty that accompanies it has left them even more shorthanded.

The Heat hope to have Wade back in the lineup with the previously suspended Hassan Whiteside on Saturday night when they host a Washington Wizards team completing the NBA's only three-games-in-three-nights stretch of the season.

Wade has played through hip and shoulder soreness to average 18.7 points per game while shooting 45.8 percent from the field. He hasn't averaged fewer points since scoring 16.2 per contest in his 2003-04 rookie season and has never shot worse than the 46.5 percent mark he had that same year.

Now he's being bothered by soreness in the back of his left knee that kept him out of Friday's matchup with Atlanta. The Heat (30-24), who moved percentage points ahead of the Hawks for the Southeast Division lead with a 115-111 win, already were without Bosh because of another battle with blood clots that forced him to miss the final part of last season following the All-Star break.

Whiteside served a one-game suspension for throwing an elbow at San Antonio center Boban Marjanovic's head on Feb. 9, but he's expected to be back against the Wizards (25-28). Miami played with nine players after trading Chris Andersen and Jarnell Stokes in cost-cutting moves before Thursday's deadline.

Wade will have an MRI in the morning to determine if he'll be able to go.

'Obviously it's never a good time (to miss games), but if you say there's a bad time, this is a bad time,' Wade said. "It's nothing I'm overly concerned about. I just want to make sure everything's good.'

The Heat snapped a two-game skid behind Luol Deng, who finished with season highs of 30 points and 11 rebounds. Josh McRoberts also set season highs with 19 points and 10 assists.

'We easily could have said we had guys out, we could have said we lost this game, that's the reason for it,' Deng said. 'But we came out and played hard.'

Wade missed the last meeting as John Wall finished with 18 points and 10 assists in Washington's 106-87 victory Jan. 20, the Wizards' fifth victory over the Heat in the last six matchups.

Wall had 22 points in Friday's 98-86 win over Detroit to give the Wizards back-to-back victories following the All-Star break. Washington held the Pistons to 42.7 percent shooting after Utah shot 40.3 percent in Thursday's 103-89 win.

'We've been saying it half of the season - play defense," Wall said of the Wizards, who came in 24th in the league in scoring defense allowing an average of 105.1 points per game. "It's great to see that we're back to doing what we used to do.'

The NBA no longer is scheduling teams to play back-to-back-to-back, but Washington is in that unique situation because the Jazz game was rescheduled after the original meeting Jan. 23 was postponed because of a snow storm.

The Wizards are 3 1/2 games back of Charlotte and Chicago for the Eastern Conference's final playoff spot and acquired Markieff Morris at the trade deadline to help their playoff push. Morris scored six points in 22 minutes in his debut.

After turmoil surrounded his tenure with Phoenix, Morris is happy to be reunited with former Suns teammates Marcin Gortat and Jared Dudley.

'It's just guys that actually know me and not on the outside looking in,' Morris said. 'Getting compliments from those guys means a lot.'

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Bucks (22-33) at Hawks (31-25)
Date: February 20, 2016 7:30 PM EDT

While he still believes the Atlanta Hawks can rediscover last season's form, coach Mike Budenholzer knows at some point his players have to start showing it on the floor.

After a troubling defeat to open the second half, the Hawks will try to avoid their longest home skid in nearly two years and deal the Milwaukee Bucks a seventh straight road loss Saturday night.

With the club far off last year's record-setting 60-win pace, Al Horford and Jeff Teague were the subject of trade rumors prior to Thursday's deadline before Atlanta opted to stick with its core.

The Hawks (31-25) did little to instill faith in a potential surge upon returning from the All-Star break. They committed 21 turnovers and lost sole possession of the Southeast Division lead with Friday's 115-111 home defeat to a Miami team that played without All-Stars Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh.

"I do believe in the character of our group, but at some point it has to happen on the court," Budenholzer said after Atlanta lost for the eighth time in 13 games. "That character has to come out on the court. It has to come out in the games, and I believe it will."

It'll have to if the Hawks hope to avoid losing three straight at home for the first time since March 2014. They haven't had much trouble there versus Milwaukee, winning 12 of the past 14 meetings.

The Bucks (22-33) have dropped six in a row and 23 of 28 on the road. They've averaged 93.3 points - well below their 98.1 on the season - during their away skid.

Milwaukee couldn't hold on to a 13-point third-quarter lead as its two-game winning streak ended in Friday's 98-95 home loss to Charlotte. It committed nine of its 22 turnovers in the fourth.

"We have to take care of the ball," coach Jason Kidd said. "We get offensive rebounds, and we throw it out of bounds. We have to be able to take care of the ball to get a shot in."

Jabari Parker had season highs of 23 points and 11 rebounds, Middleton added 20 points but also had a team-high six turnovers, and Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 18 with 11 boards.

Antetokounmpo has averaged 18.2 points and 8.3 rebounds in his last 16 games. He's also been tough on Atlanta, scoring 21.7 per game on 57.1 percent shooting in the past three meetings.

The third-year forward led the way with 28 points, 16 rebounds and three blocks in a 108-101 overtime home win in the first matchup Jan. 15. Middleton also came up big with 26 points, though he's scuffled with 7.3 per game on 30.6 percent shooting in three career trips to Atlanta.

Paul Millsap finished with 23 points and 10 rebounds in that contest, while Horford contributed 18 and eight. They'll look to bounce back after totaling 26 points on 8-of-24 shooting against the Heat.

Teague has averaged 21.3 points while hitting 10 of 21 from 3-point range in his last four games, but he's totaled 17 on 6-of-21 shooting with eight turnovers in his past two versus Milwaukee.

Jerryd Bayless remains out for the Bucks due to a sprained knee, while Kirk Hinrich, obtained from Chicago on Thursday, is expected to make his debut with the Hawks.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Knicks (23-33) at Timberwolves (17-38)
Date: February 20, 2016 8:00 PM EDT

The New York Knicks hit a new low during a dismal stretch this week, but maybe a matchup against one of the NBA's worst teams will help.

Of course, it could also result in another rock bottom.

The reeling Knicks seek only their second win in the last month when they visit the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday night.

New York (23-33) followed six straight losses before the All-Star break with Friday's 109-98 defeat at Brooklyn, the club's seventh straight road loss to the Eastern Conference's second-worst team.

The seven-game overall skid is the Knicks' longest of the season and drops them to 1-11 since a 118-111 overtime win over Utah on Jan. 20.

The drought resulted in the firing of Derek Fisher on Feb. 8, though interim coach Kurt Rambis insists the Knicks still have playoff aspirations this season. They have plummeted six games back of Charlotte and Chicago for the eighth seed in the East.

Performances like Friday's won't help as New York's 16 turnovers turned into 21 points for the Nets, who dominated inside with a 48-32 scoring advantage in the paint.

"That's the game right there," said Carmelo Anthony, who finished with 22 points, seven rebounds and six assists. "We can't be giving away games like this. It's crunch time now."

It's hard to pinpoint if it's the offense or defense that has resulted in New York's demise. The Knicks' 42.2 field-goal percentage and 97.1 points per game since Jan. 22 each rank toward the bottom of the league, and their opponents are shooting 46.4 percent in that stretch, including 40.8 from 3-point range.

New York might soon get a shot in the arm offensively, but it won't come in this game. The Knicks announced Friday that they plan to sign guard Jimmer Fredette to a 10-day contract on Monday.

Fredette is a former college player of the year at BYU and has played well for New York's Development League team, though he has averaged just 6 points for three NBA teams since Milwaukee took him with the 10th pick of the 2011 draft.

Rambis has lost both his games since taking over for Fisher and faces his former team on Saturday. He coached the Timberwolves to a 32-132 record from 2009-11.

Minnesota (17-38) entered the break with wins in three of four games but returned with Friday's 109-104 loss at Memphis.

The Timberwolves, who have won four of six at Target Center, have averaged 109.7 points over their previous six games overall but allowed 110.5 in the same span.

Turnovers also doomed the Wolves in their latest loss with their 22 against the Grizzlies marking their most since matching that number Dec. 26.

"We were a little careless with the ball and the outlet passes," said Zach LaVine, who made 4 of 6 from 3-point range and scored 22 points. "We were making some dumb passes. You know, just not the right ones."

The Knicks' 107-102 win at Madison Square Garden on Dec. 16 snapped Minnesota's two-game streak in this series.

Anthony fell one assist shy of a triple-double with 20 points and 15 rebounds, while Ricky Rubio had 12 assists, 10 boards, nine points and eight steals for the Wolves.

Arron Afflalo had 29 points for the Knicks, and Karl-Anthony Towns finished with 25 points and 10 rebounds for Minnesota.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Warriors (48-5) at Clippers (36-18)
Date: February 20, 2016 8:30 PM EDT

The Los Angeles Clippers acquired Jeff Green prior to the trade deadline hoping he will eventually make a difference in a potential playoff series with the Golden State Warriors.

They will get a glimpse of that Saturday night when Green makes his Clippers debut against a Warriors team coming off a stunning loss.

The Clippers (36-18) are highly unlikely to overcome a 12 1/2-game deficit and catch Golden State (48-5) in the Pacific Division. However, they're looking ahead to the postseason, where they could meet as early as the second round.

Getting Green for Lance Stephenson and a draft pick in a trade-deadline deal with Memphis on Thursday was done for exactly that reason.

"I really wanted more length," coach Doc Rivers told the team's official website. "When you look at the teams we have to beat, we need to get longer, more athletic, and we need to increase our shooting. I think with Jeff we did all three of those things."

Green was averaging 19.9 points and 5.3 rebounds while coming off the bench in his final eight games with the Grizzlies. He's capable of playing either forward position - a huge help with Blake Griffin still out with a broken hand.

"As a player, as a competitor, all I want to do is win," said Green, who played under Rivers in Boston from 2011-13. "That's what this organization is about, and that's what this team's trying to do. I'm happy to be a part of that."

Green joins a team on a 20-5 run, with all but one win coming without Griffin.

The Clippers turned in perhaps their most impressive performance of that stretch Thursday, getting 28 points and 12 assists from Chris Paul in a 105-86 rout of San Antonio.

Paul is averaging 24.1 points over the past eight games.

"Chris' leadership has been through the roof," said guard Jamal Crawford, who is averaging 21.0 points in a seven-game stretch, 7.4 higher than his season average.

Paul has scored 28.7 on 53.7 percent shooting in his last three matchups with Golden State, including 35 in a 124-117 home loss Nov. 19.

That was the Clippers' fourth straight loss in the series, and the Warriors have scored 113.0 points and hit 45.5 percent from 3-point range during that span.

Golden State is trying to avoid consecutive losses for the first time since April after it was blown out 137-105 at Portland on Friday - its most lopsided defeat in nearly four years.

'This is the NBA, so there's going to be nights where the other team gets hot,' said coach Steve Kerr, whose team committed 13 of its 20 turnovers in the third quarter. "I'm OK with the other team making shots. What I'm not OK with is losing our poise in the third quarter.'

Stephen Curry reached 30 points for the 24th time this season, scoring 31 with 7 of 13 from long range. The league's leading scorer is averaging 33.8 points over the past five games, and his 29.8 season average is the highest by a Warrior since Ricky Barry's 30.6 in 1974-75.

Curry has totaled 71 points in two season meetings with the Clippers, including 40 at Los Angeles in November.

Draymond Green, who could find himself matched up with Jeff Green, fell two assists shy of a triple-double Friday. He finished with 14 points, 12 rebounds and a career-high nine turnovers.

Green had 19 points, nine assists and six boards in the last meeting with the Clippers.

[StarDust Bum]

Armadillo: Saturday's six-pack

Six of the best minor league prospects for the Washington Nationals:

1) Lucas Giolito, P-- Made eight starts in AA last year as a 21-year old.

2) Trea Turner, SS-- Hit .322 in minors; got his first 40 MLB at-bats LY.

4) Erick Fedde, P-- UNLV alum has already had Tommy John surgery.

7) AJ Cole, P-- Nats traded him away in 2011, got him back 16 months later.

21) Rhett Wiseman OF-- Why does Vanderbilt have such a good baseball program?

29) Mariano Rivera Jr, P-- Allowed 51 hits in 33 IP in his first pro season.

**********

Armadillo: Saturday's List of 13: Clearing out a cluttered mind.......

13) RIP Tony Phillps-- He played 18 years in major leagues, nine with the A's-- he was a big reason they won the '89 World Series. Today he would've made a lot more money-- his level of versatility wasn't valued as much then as it is now. Had a career OB% of .374, which is pretty damn good. RIP, sir.

12) Was watching Charlotte-Marshall game Thursday night; Mike D'Antoni's brother coaches Marshall, and they're pretty good. So they interview this senior citizen in the stands-- it is Mike/Dan D'Antoni's father- the guy is 102 years old!!!!. Still sharp too-- apparently he was a really good coach back in the day. Good stuff.

11) I've talked a little bit here about the soon-to be-vacant UNLV basketball job; has no one brought up Tom Thibodeau's name for this job? Thibodeau is a hoop genius; he would be a great college coach-- he was one of Jerry Tarkanian's assistants during Tark's brief foray into NBA coaching (with the Spurs). He'd be a good hire there.

10) Ole Miss drew 10,129 fans for its baseball season opener. Wow.

9) Top 5 college college basketball teams have already lost 33 games this season; 20 of those 33 losses were to teams not in the top 25 at the time of their upset win.

8) When North Carolina lost to Duke Wednesday, Brice Johnson didn't take a shot in the last 4:44 of the game- his last hoop put UNC up by 4. You'd think you'd want your best player taking shots down the stretch, but that did not happen.

7) Clippers are 17-13 this season when Blake Griffin plays, 19-5 when he doesn't. This is a case where a statistic taken out of context becomes misleading; obviously the Clippers are better when they have Griffin. Clippers host Golden State tonight, night after the Warriors got crushed by 31 in Portland.

6) Los Angeles Rams cleared $24M of cap room by releasing three veteran players, including MLB James Lauranitis, which surprised me. When you haven't had a year above .500 since 2003, everyone is expendable, especially the older players.

5) Underrated basketball analyst-- Jon Crispin on Big Ten Network-- he is smart, he talks about the game and he can be funny. Better than 90% of ESPN's analysts.

4) Cleveland Indians signed Juan Uribe to a contract to play 3B this year; Uribe will be 37 next month- he has played for six teams- he played for three just last year.

3) Wake Forest suspended its best player for two games, tossed another kid off the team for breaking team rules, Cornelius Hudson is the kid who got tossed; he is the younger brother of NFL wide receiver Michael Crabtree, who played at Texas Tech, so you wonder if he'll wind up at Ark-Little Rock, since UALR coach Chris Beard was a Tech assistant when Crabtree went there.

2) Knicks signed Jimmer Fredette to a 10-day contract. He can't make things worse.

1) March is going to be a great month; Championship Week is going to have more meaning than it has in any year since the NCAAs went to 64 teams. There are zero great teams, but a ton of really good ones who can get lucky and win it all.

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up

Saturday, February 20

Hot teams
-- Washington won three of last four games (7-3 last 10AU). Miami won seven of its last ten games (4-7 last 11HF). .
-- Minnesota won three of its last five games (3-8HF).
-- Warriors won 11 of their last 12 games (3-5 last 8AF). Clippers won four of their last five games (1-2HU).

Cold teams
-- Milwaukee lost eight of last 11 games (1-5 last 6AU). Atlanta lost three of its last four games (5-3 last 8HF).
-- Knicks lost their last seven games (7-5 last 12AU).

Series records
-- Wizards won five of last six games with Miami.
-- Hawks won eight of last ten games with Milwaukee.
-- Knicks won six of last nine games with Minnesota.
-- Clippers lost their last four games with Golden State.

Totals
-- Three of last four Miami games stayed under total.
-- Four of last five Atlanta-Milwaukee games stayed under.
-- Over is 7-0-1 in Minnesota games if it played night before.
-- Four of last five Clipper games satyed under the total.

Back/backs
-- Washington is playing third night in row because of a makeup game Thursday; they're 5-3 vs spread last eight times they played nite before. Miami is 5-4 vs spread if it played night before.
-- Bucks are 9-5 vs spread if they played nite before, 0-3 in last three. Atlanta is 3-7 vs spread last ten times they played night before.
-- Knicks lost three of last four if they played night before. Minnesota is 4-4 vs spread if it played night before (1-7SU).
-- Golden State is 9-3 vs spread if it played the night before.




NBA

Saturday, February 20

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Trend Report
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7:30 PM
MILWAUKEE vs. ATLANTA
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Milwaukee's last 5 games when playing Atlanta
Milwaukee is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Atlanta is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Milwaukee
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Atlanta's last 5 games when playing Milwaukee

7:30 PM
WASHINGTON vs. MIAMI
Washington is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 12 of Washington's last 16 games on the road
Miami is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Miami's last 5 games at home

8:00 PM
NEW YORK vs. MINNESOTA
New York is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games when playing Minnesota
New York is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Minnesota's last 5 games at home
Minnesota is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games at home

8:30 PM
GOLDEN STATE vs. LA CLIPPERS
Golden State is 3-7 SU in their last 10 games when playing on the road against LA Clippers
Golden State is 5-1 SU in their last 6 games when playing LA Clippers
LA Clippers are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 9 of the LA Clippers last 12 games when playing at home against Golden State

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Long Sheet

Saturday, February 20

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WASHINGTON (25 - 28) at MIAMI (30 - 24) - 2/20/2016, 7:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 6-5 against the spread versus MIAMI over the last 3 seasons
WASHINGTON is 7-4 straight up against MIAMI 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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MILWAUKEE (22 - 33) at ATLANTA (31 - 25) - 2/20/2016, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MILWAUKEE is 332-400 ATS (-108.0 Units) second half of the season since 1996.
MILWAUKEE is 135-178 ATS (-60.8 Units) on Saturday games since 1996.
MILWAUKEE is 12-25 ATS (-15.5 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 82-68 ATS (+7.2 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 35-18 ATS (+15.2 Units) in a home game where where the total is between 205 and 209.5 points since 1996.
ATLANTA is 22-11 ATS (+9.9 Units) off a upset loss as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 4-3 against the spread versus MILWAUKEE over the last 3 seasons
ATLANTA is 6-2 straight up against MILWAUKEE 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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NEW YORK (23 - 33) at MINNESOTA (17 - 38) - 2/20/2016, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEW YORK is 21-33 ATS (-15.3 Units) after 3 or more consecutive losses over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 58-76 ATS (-25.6 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 7-18 ATS (-12.8 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 9-18 ATS (-10.8 Units) in home games this season.
MINNESOTA is 329-390 ATS (-100.0 Units) second half of the season since 1996.
MINNESOTA is 8-18 ATS (-11.8 Units) in home games in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 6-15 ATS (-10.5 Units) in home games revenging a loss vs opponent this season.
MINNESOTA is 9-19 ATS (-11.9 Units) after allowing 105 points or more this season.
MINNESOTA is 7-17 ATS (-11.7 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
MINNESOTA is 14-24 ATS (-12.4 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.

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

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GOLDEN STATE (48 - 5) at LA CLIPPERS (36 - 18) - 2/20/2016, 8:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
GOLDEN STATE is 30-21 ATS (+6.9 Units) in all games this season.
GOLDEN STATE is 23-14 ATS (+7.6 Units) when the total is greater than or equal to 210 this season.
GOLDEN STATE is 80-57 ATS (+17.3 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 15-7 ATS (+7.3 Units) in a road game where the total is greater than or equal to 210 this season.
GOLDEN STATE is 21-8 ATS (+12.2 Units) when playing on back-to-back days over the last 2 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 18-8 ATS (+9.2 Units) vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 18-6 ATS (+11.4 Units) after a loss by 10 points or more over the last 3 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 47-32 ATS (+11.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 21-12 ATS (+7.8 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.
GOLDEN STATE is 47-31 ATS (+12.9 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 99-137 ATS (-51.7 Units) in February games since 1996.
LA CLIPPERS are 182-243 ATS (-85.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
GOLDEN STATE is 9-7 against the spread versus LA CLIPPERS over the last 3 seasons
GOLDEN STATE is 10-7 straight up against LA CLIPPERS over the last 3 seasons
10 of 17 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons