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  • Warriors agree to deal with Varejao
    February 22, 2016

    OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) The Golden State Warriors agreed Sunday night to a contract with recently released center Anderson Varejao for the rest of the season.

    A person with knowledge of the deal confirmed that Varejao will join the Warriors. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the team had not announced the deal. Yahoo Sports first reported the move.

    Varejao had spent all 12 seasons of his NBA career with Cleveland before being dealt last week to Portland in a three-team trade that sent Channing Frye from Orlando to the Cavaliers. The Trail Blazers immediately cut the Brazilian, leaving him able to sign with any team.

    Despite a 49-5 record, the Warriors had a need for another big body to play center. Starter Andrew Bogut missed Saturday's game with a strained right Achilles and key backup Festus Ezeli is out until at least late March with an injured left knee.

    Coach Steve Kerr has few other proven options up front with Marreese Speights being inconsistent all season, James Michael McAdoo out since December with a sprained toe and rookie Kevon Looney having barely played all season.

    Golden State waived the ineffective Jason Thompson on Monday to make room for the 33-year-old Varejao, who saw his playing time dwindle significantly this season as he all but dropped out of the rotation in Cleveland. He played just 31 games, averaging 2.6 points, 2.9 rebounds and 10 minutes.

    For his career, Varejao has averaged 7.6 points and 7.5 rebounds. He has also played 71 playoff games but missed last year's postseason for Cleveland because of a torn left Achilles.

    Thompson averaged 2.1 points and 1.9 rebounds in 28 games this season.
    Remember the 3 G's Gambling, Golf, Girls not in any particular order.....

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    • Monday's Top Action
      February 22, 2016


      GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS (49-5) at ATLANTA HAWKS (31-26)

      Sportsbook.ag Line: Golden State -7.0

      The Hawks will be looking to avoid a three-game losing streak when they host the Warriors on Monday.

      The Warriors responded nicely to their loss against the Blazers by beating the Clippers 115-112 as four-point favorites in Los Angeles on Saturday. Golden State was in command the entire game and would have covered if it weren’t for a late run by Los Angeles. The Warriors got a bit lazy towards the end of the game and will just need to regain their focus for this one against the Hawks.

      Atlanta, meanwhile, has now lost two straight games and four of its past five after losing 117-109 as an eight-point home favorite against Milwaukee on Saturday. The Hawks have turned the ball over 18.5 times per game over the past two contests and will need to take much better care of the basketball moving forward. These two teams met twice last season and each team won-and-covered when playing at home. Over the past three seasons, though, the Warriors are 3-1 SU in this head-to-head series.

      One thing favoring Golden State in this game is the fact that the team is 16-7 ATS off of a road win this season. The Warriors are, however, a miserable 5-19 ATS after a combined score of 215 points or more in two straight games over the past two seasons.

      C Andrew Bogut (Achilles) is questionable for Golden State in this game and PG Jeff Teague (Wrist) is probable for Atlanta.

      The Warriors are coming off of a win over the Clippers on Saturday and PG Stephen Curry (29.7 PPG, 6.6 APG, 5.3 RPG, 2.2 SPG) struggled in that one. Curry finished the game just 5-for-15 from the field and 3-for-8 from the outside. He should, however, be able to rebound against the Hawks on Monday. He is too good of a shooter to struggle for too long and he knows that he’ll need to outplay Jeff Teague in this game.

      SG Klay Thompson (21.5 PPG) should have no issues getting it going on Monday. Thompson torched the Hawks last year, going for 29 points, five assists, four boards and two steals in his only meeting with the team. He is much more athletic than the guys that will be thrown at him on Monday and that should allow him to get himself open for some open shots.

      PF Draymond Green (14.2 PPG, 9.6 RPG, 7.3 APG, 1.3 SPG, 1.2 BPG) just may be the most important player for the Warriors in this game, though. Green is going to need to bring it defensively, as the Hawks have one of the best frontcourts in basketball. If he does not play well on that end then the Warriors just may be heading towards their second loss in three games. Offensively, the Warriors will just need more of the same from Green. He had a triple-double (18 points, 11 rebounds, 10 assists) against the Clippers on Saturday and is really in a zone for Golden State.

      The Hawks are not playing good basketball right now, but they should be able to get up for this meeting with the Warriors on Monday. One guy that will really need to step his game up in this one is PG Jeff Teague (15.1 PPG, 5.5 APG, 1.3 SPG). Teague was lousy against the Bucks on Saturday, going 2-for-8 from the field and finishing with just five points in 18 minutes of play. He had 23 points and seven assists in 29 minutes against the Heat the game before and Atlanta will need that Teague to show up on Monday. If he does not hold his own against Stephen Curry then the Hawks have pretty much no chance of winning this one.

      PF Paul Millsap (17.8 PPG, 8.7 RPG, 1.8 SPG, 1.4 BPG) is another guy that has to play well in his individual matchup. Millsap can’t afford to get shut down by Draymond Green or the Hawks will have too few of options offensively. He is, however, coming off of a 27-point, 11-rebound performance against the Bucks on Saturday and there is no reason to believe that he is going to play poorly in this one.

      C Al Horford (15.3 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 3.1 APG, 1.5 BPG) could potentially do a lot of damage in this one. The Warriors are depleted in their frontcourt and Horford’s size could be very disruptive. He will need to be a bit more aggressive near the basket and not fall in love with his midrange shot, even if that is the strongest part of his game.

      PHOENIX SUNS (14-42) at LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS (36-19)

      Sportsbook.ag Line: Los Angeles -16.0

      The Clippers will be hoping to pick up a victory when they face a Suns team that has lost 11 straight games heading into Monday’s meeting.

      The Suns have been one of the worst teams in basketball all season, but the team will be hoping to upset the Clippers on Monday. Phoenix has covered in two of the past three seasons, so the team is improving a bit. The Suns most recently hosted the Spurs on Sunday and lost 118-111, but the game was close all the way through. They’ll just need to be a bit better defensively against Los Angeles, as they allowed San Antonio to shoot 52.4% from the field on Sunday.

      The Clippers, meanwhile, have now lost two of their past three games. They hosted the Warriors on Saturday night and lost 115-112 as four-point home underdogs. Los Angeles has now allowed two of its past three opponents to shoot 49% or better from the field and will need to be better defensively moving forward.

      The Suns defeated the Clippers 118-104 the last time these teams played, but that game was in Phoenix and the team was a lot healthier back then. The Clippers are still 8-2 SU in this series over the past three seasons and the teams have split victories ATS in that span.

      Los Angeles is, however, a lousy 7-17 ATS in home games after covering in two of their past three over the past two seasons. Fortunately for the Clippers, the Suns are 0-7 ATS in road games after having lost 12 or more of their past 15 games this season.

      C Tyson Chandler (Shoulder) is questionable for Phoenix, which is already without SF T.J. Warren (Foot/Ankle), PG Brandon Knight (Groin) and PG Eric Bledsoe (Knee) for the rest of the season. The Clippers, meanwhile, remain without PF Blake Griffin (Hand) and PG Austin Rivers (Hand) indefinitely.

      The Suns have not been winning games recently, but they are a bit more competitive as of late. One guy that will need to play better if they are going to get back into the win column is SG Devin Booker (10.6 PPG). Booker is averaging just 10.0 PPG on 6-for-20 shooting from the field in the past two contests. Phoenix is counting on him to be the top option offensively and he needs to start making some shots moving forward. He should be able to find some success against the Clippers, as they are weakest defensively at the shooting guard position.

      One guy that has stepped it up offensively is PF Mirza Teletovic (10.4 PPG, 3.1 RPG). Teletovic is going to need to play well in this game, as the Suns can really struggle to score at times. Over the past five games, the Phoenix big man is averaging 17.0 PPG on 47.4% shooting from the field and 42.9% shooting from the outside. Teletovic must be aggressive in this game and find a way to put pressure on the Clippers.

      C Alex Len (7.2 PPG, 6.3 RPG) can also give the Suns a lift in this one. He had 23 points and 13 rebounds against the Spurs on Sunday and will need to hold his own against DeAndre Jordan in this one. If he is killed on the glass and can’t find a way to be effective then the Suns will likely get blown out.

      The Clippers are coming off of a loss to the Warriors and will now be hungry to get a win against an inferior Suns team on Monday. One guy that should be able to completely take over this game is PG Chris Paul (19.6 PPG, 9.4 APG, 2.1 SPG). Paul will be going up against a Suns team that is extremely weak at the point guard position and he has been on a tear recently. Over the past five games, Paul is averaging 24.0 PPG and 10.8 APG on 50.6% shooting from the field and 41.9% shooting from the outside. If he can get it going on Monday then it’s unlikely that the Suns will be able to keep this game close.

      Los Angeles can also use a good game from C DeAndre Jordan (12.2 PPG, 14.2 RPG, 2.3 BPG) in this one. Jordan is coming off of a 16-point, 21-rebound and two-block performance against Golden State on Saturday. He will need to grab all of the rebounds he can and also protect the rim in this one.

      It’d also be nice for the Clippers if SF Jeff Green (12.1 PPG, 4.5 RPG) can get it going against the Suns. Green had just five points on 2-for-7 shooting from the field in his Clippers debut, but he will be more comfortable the more he plays with this team. Los Angeles can really use some consistency at forward and it’d be huge if he can provide it.
      Remember the 3 G's Gambling, Golf, Girls not in any particular order.....

      Comment


      • Monday's NBA Essentials
        February 22, 2016


        Pistons at Cavaliers (-10, 207) – 7:05 ET

        The Cavs put together Sunday’s most brilliant outing, squashing the Thunder 115-92 in Oklahoma City. They won in spite of missing top perimeter defender Iman Shumpert (shoulder) and losing Kyrie Irving to effects from a nasty flu bug after just nine minutes of action. LeBron James finished with 25 points and 11 assists, while Kevin Love relished in increased opportunities with Irving gone and finished with 29 points and 11 rebounds. Despite Love missing all four of his shots from beyond the arc, Cleveland shot 10-for-23 on 3-pointers and doled out 25 assists in moving the ball beautifully.

        Detroit is also playing on the second night of a back-to-back, surrendering Anthony Davis’ 59-point, 20-rebound masterpiece in Sunday afternoon’s 111-106 home loss to New Orleans. The Pistons have lost five consecutive games dating back to their last win on Feb. 4, failing against the spread each time out. Stan Van Gundy took full blame for his team’s inability to stop Davis, saying he should’ve altered coverages more and figured something out. Van Gundy has had a tough time this month, forced to toil without starting shooting guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, who sat with a groin injury but has returned following the All-Star break and is just 5-for-26 from the field through two losses, shooting 2-for-13 from 3-point range. Tobias Harris has hit the ground running since arriving from Orlando, averaging 18.5 points off the Pistons bench. He’s already taken 29 shots, wasting no time embracing his role as the second unit’s catalyst. This begins a stretch of eight of 11 on the road for the Pistons.

        Meanwhile, Cleveland trade deadline acquisition Channing Frye has yet to suit up. His status, along with the availability of Irving and Shumpert, won’t be determined until later in the day. Forward Anthony Tolliver didn't make the trip to Cleveland, leaving the Pistons further short-handed since their deal with Houston for F/C Donatas Motiejunas and SG Marcus Thornton has been held up due to concerns over Motiejunas' long-term health. These teams have split the first two meetings, both of which were played in Auburn Hills. Each game surpassed the posted total. The over hit in Detroit's loss yesterday, snapping a run of three straight unders. The under has prevailed in four of the last six Cavs games, including yesterday's win.

        Pacers at Heat (-1, 199) – 7:35 ET

        Indiana has won consecutive games on the road coming out of the break, thriving down the stretch to win games at Oklahoma City and Orlando that came down to final few possessions. On Sunday against the Magic, the Pacers forced a Victor Oladipo miss in a one-point game with three seconds left, hanging on for a 105-102 win. The Pacers overcame a seven-point deficit in the final 3:00 against the Thunder on Friday, knocking down four 3-pointers, the last of which Monta Ellis delivered with 18.8 seconds remaining. Ellis finished with a team-high 27 points at OKC, his second-highest output in this first season in Indiana. In Orlando he added a game-high 21 and again made a huge shot from beyond the arc down the stretch. The 14.3 points he’s averaging is his lowest since his rookie season, so If Ellis can continue this surge, Indy may really take a step forward.

        The Heat are on a post-All-Star winning streak as well, pulling out high-scoring wins over Southeast Division rivals Atlanta (115-111) and Washington (114-94) despite playing without injured starters Dwyane Wade (knee) and Chris Bosh (calf). Transitioning from the halfcourt style head coach Erik Spoelstra is most comfortable with to a faster pace that better suits his personnel’s strengths has gotten the most out of point guard Goran Dragic and forward Luol Deng, who have combined for an eye-popping 98 points, 33 rebounds and 22 assists. Center Hassan Whiteside returned from suspension to dominate with 25 points and 23 rebounds off the bench against the Wizards, while PF Josh McRoberts had 19 points, six boards and 10 assists in beating the Hawks, giving Miami another option it can play through.

        An MRI on Wade's injured knee came back negative over the weekend, but he'll be listed as questionable despite being a full participant in shootaround on Monday morning. Bosh remains out indefinitely with his blood clot issue a concern. Indiana’s Rodney Stuckey has been out with a right foot injury and isn't expected to return here. C.J. Miles returned against Orlando after sitting in OKC due to a stomach virus and his 6-of-8 shots, scoring 14 points in 13 minutes before leaving with a calf injury that has him listed as doubtful. PG George Hill is questionable with a right elbow sprain. These teams are meeting for the third and final time this regular season and have each won three-point decisions on their home floor.

        Raptors (-4, 199.5) at Knicks – 7:35 ET

        The Raptors pulled out a 98-85 win over Memphis to avoid a three-game losing streak as Toronto celebrated its first home game of the month by pulling away in the second half. They’ll be at the Air Canada Centre for 10 of the next 12 after this one, giving them a great opportunity to make a run at Cleveland, which visits Feb. 26. The Raps won despite shooting just 33-for-81 from the field, but held the Grizzlies to 36.8 percent shooting (3-for-20 on 3s). Toronto’s bench made a huge impact, combining for 39 points and 21 rebounds. DeMar DeRozan led the way with a game-high 21 points and is averaging a team-high 22.6 in February. They’ve split the season series with the Knicks so far despite both games being at the Air Canada Centre.

        New York snapped a seven-game losing streak with a 103-95 Saturday night win at Minnesota. They enter this contest on a 2-11 run, but have seen Carmelo Anthony begin to snap out of a slump that followed him into this month due to his chronic knee issues. Melo scored 33 points, his highest output of 2016, in a Feb. 9 loss to the Wizards right before the break, and comes off a 30-point, 11-rebound effort against the Timberwolves. He’s shot 52.4 percent and averaged 28.7 points and 10.3 rebounds over the last three games, but there obviously haven’t been any back-to-backs involved. We’ll see how his legs hold up. Kristaps Porzingis played just 12 minutes in Minneapolis due to foul trouble as his trend of playing poorly on the road continued. No one will be happier to see the Madison Square Garden floor, as Porzingis is averaging 15.1 points and shooting over 45 percent at home compared to 12.5 points and a 39 percent clip in opposing gyms. The Rookie of the Year candidate had a rough time in his only game against Toronto, shooting 3-for-11 and scoring just 8 on Nov. 10. He missed New York’s 103-93 loss on Jan. 28 with an upper respiratory illness, the only time he’s been absent this season. Anthony and Jose Calderon also missed the game.

        Toronto SF DeMarre Carroll (knee), is drawing closer to a return but likely won’t play for at least another week. New York lists no injuries. The Raptors are 8-1 against Atlantic Division opposition and 30-11 dating back to 2013. They’ve won 24 straight games when holding teams under 100 points.

        Warriors at Hawks (-7, 224) – 8:05 ET, NBA TV

        Golden State bounced back from a 32-point loss in Portland by beating the Clippers 115-112 on Saturday night to improve to an NBA-best 49-5, still one game ahead of the pace maintained by the ’95-’96 Bulls, who finished with a league-record 72 victories. The Warriors dominated L.A. at Staples, but surrendered a remarkable 13-0 run in the final 1:50 of garbage time to fumble away the cover as a 4-point favorite. Despite the near-collapse, the Warriors controlled a game where Stephen Curry shot just 5-for-15, tying for his second-lowest percentage of the season. Klay Thompson picked up his Splash brother with a game-high 32 points while Draymond Green recorded his league-best 11th triple-double (18-11-10). The Warriors will now begin their East Coast portion of this seven-game road swing they’re embarked upon, following up this visit to Atlanta with mid-week games at Miami and Orlando before closing the stretch at Oklahoma City on Saturday night. GSW will next be back home to face these same Hawks on March 1. This will mark the first meeting of the season between these two, which will leave only the Magic as a team the Warriors haven’t seen yet.

        The Hawks have dropped consecutive games against Miami and Milwaukee to begin this five-game homestand despite being substantial favorites in both. They’ve surrendered an average of 116 points in the defeats, although the Bucks game did go OT and would’ve gone under the posted total had it ended in regulation. Offensively, Atlanta has topped the century mark in seven of eight games in February but are just 4-4 on the month and have fallen behind the Heat in the Southeast Division standings. Point guard Jeff Teague has been nursing a wrist injury that limited him to just 17 minutes in the loss to the Bucks. He shot 2-for-8 from the field and felt pain, ultimately being replaced by Dennis Schroder, who scored 25 points and dished out 10 assists in 40 minutes. Teague is expected to play on Monday night, but how effective he can be remains to be seen.

        Center is Golden State's primary area of concern injury-wise, though that's unlikely to be a factor against a Hawks squad that lost 7-footer Tiago Splitter (hip) for the season and typically goes small. Andrew Bogut is nursing an Achilles injury and missed the Clips win, while Festus Ezeli remains out indefinitely with a knee injury. These teams split last year's meetings as the Hawks held serve in Atlanta 124-116. Golden State won the most recent meeting 114-95 on March 18 and has won six of the last seven in the series. All-time, the Hawks hold a razor-thin 142-141 edge.

        Suns at Clippers (-15.5, 212) – 10:35 ET, NBA TV

        The Clippers are in the midst of a stretch where they’ll play seven of eight at Staples Center between now and March 5, never even leaving California since the lone road game will be played Friday night in Sacramento. After opening the homestand in style with a rout of Kawhi Leonard-less San Antonio, L.A. fell 115-112 to Golden State in a result that was nowhere near as close as the final score indicated, much to the chagrin of anyone saddled with that Warriors’ bad beat. PG Chris Paul was pulled by Doc Rivers due to a thigh bruise that may linger, though the All-Star point guard insisted over the weekend that he’d be fine and wouldn’t miss any time. It remains to be seen whether Rivers employs him as normal are opts to give him the night off or restrict minutes. Center DeAndre Jordan scored 16 points and grabbed 21 rebounds in the loss to the Warriors and has yet to be tested via Hack-a-Shaq since the break, attempting just six free throws over the two games. It’s the least his weakness has been tested since md-December, so making part of this one may be part of Earl Watson’s game plan.

        The Suns’ interim head coach still doesn’t have a victory since taking over for the fired Jeff Hornacek on Feb. 1, but yesterday’s 118-111 home loss to San Antonio did improve his mark to 4-3 ATS, which suggests he’s at least getting his young team to play hard. Since Phoenix has been at home throughout his entire seven-game stint, this will be his first road game at the helm. Rookie teenager Devin Booker has averaged a team-best 14.7 points this month, but is mired in a 12-for-39 (30.7 pct) shooting slump and is just 4-for-16 (25 pct) from 3-point range. Center Alex Len scored a season 23 points and added 13 rebounds in Sunday’s loss to the Spurs, benefiting from extra time since Tyson Chandler sat with a shoulder injury that has him questionable for this one. Phoenix topped the Clips 118-104 last time these teams got together way back on Nov. 12, snapping an eight-game losing streak in the series. Brandon Knight and Eric Bledsoe, both currently injured, combined for 63 points on 23-for-35 shooting. Tonight’s guard rotation, Booker, Archie Goodwin and Ronnie Price, went scoreless in that game, playing a combined 12 minutes.


        Total Notes

        Chris David of VegasInsider.com provides his quick ‘over/under’ notes for Monday’s slate.

        The ‘over’ express continued Sunday with a 7-3 record to the high side and most of those results were never in doubt, plus a couple of the ‘under’ winners barely connected. Bettors have now seen the ‘over’ go 19-9 (68%) the last three days and while I never recommend the due factor, I expect a few low-scoring affairs on Monday.

        Seven of the 14 teams in action tonight are facing back-to-back spots and a handful of teams are playing three games in four nights.

        Detroit has watched the ‘over’ cash in six of its last seven games on zero days rest as it visits Cleveland tonight. However, the Cavaliers have been a great ‘under’ bet (7-3) in back-to-back situations this season. Even though Cleveland could be without Kyrie Irving (flu) tonight, I’d probably lean to the high side just based on the offensive production (108 PPG) under Lue as head coach.

        The Pacers complete the Sunshine State swing in Miami after beating Orlando 105-102 on Sunday. Indiana has seen the ‘under’ go 3-0 in its last three road games on no rest and the Heat continue to be the best ‘under’ (35-20) team in the NBA.

        Toronto heads to New York tonight and it’s shown the ability to play fast on zero days rest. The Raptors have seen the ‘over’ go 7-3 in B2B spots this season and they enjoy playing against the Knicks, averaging 107 PPG in the last five encounters.

        If you’re looking for an expected shootout Monday, then turn your attention to the Atlanta-Golden State matchup. The total opened 223 ½ and it certainly seems doable since you know what you’re getting from the Warriors. Plus, the Hawks just gave up 115 and 117 in recent loss to the Heat and Bucks respectively. Last season, Atlanta earned a 124-116 home win over Golden State and the ‘over’ (213) easily cashed.

        Another contest that caught some early attention was the Lakers-Bucks matchup. The game opened 205 and has been bumped up to 208 as of Monday morning. Los Angeles has been a solid ‘over’ bet (8-4) on zero days rest this season, largely because it doesn’t guard anybody. In all of the games on no rest, all 12 opponents have busted the century mark against them and somebody Is expecting Milwaukee to follow suit tonight.
        Remember the 3 G's Gambling, Golf, Girls not in any particular order.....

        Comment


        • MONDAY, FEBRUARY 22

          GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS


          DET at CLE 07:00 PM

          DET +9.5 BEST BET


          TOR at NY 07:30 PM

          TOR -3.5 BEST BET


          IND at MIA 07:30 PM

          IND +2.0 BEST BET


          GS at ATL 08:00 PM

          GS -6.5


          BOS at MIN 08:00 PM

          BOS -4.5 BEST BET


          LAL at MIL 08:00 PM

          MIL -9.0 BEST BET


          PHO at LAC 10:30 PM

          LAC -15.5
          Remember the 3 G's Gambling, Golf, Girls not in any particular order.....

          Comment


          • Preview: Magic (24-30) at 76ers (8-47)
            Date: February 23, 2016 7:00 PM EDT

            In the wake of a move he hopes will get the Orlando Magic closer to the playoffs, coach Scott Skiles faces the difficult challenge of mixing in newcomers in the middle of the pursuit.

            In a road matchup he says they "can't afford to lose," Skiles will try to find the right mix Tuesday night when the Magic look to avoid a second straight loss to the NBA-worst Philadelphia 76ers.

            Orlando had visions of its first postseason appearance in four years during a 19-13 start, but the front office felt it needed to make a change last week after the club dropped 16 of its next 20.

            The Magic, 4 1/2 games out of the Eastern Conference's final playoff spot, traded Tobias Harris to Detroit for Brandon Jennings and Ersan Ilyasova. The move paid immediate dividends Friday when the additions teamed for 34 points in a 110-104 overtime home win over Dallas.

            Jennings and Ilyasova, however, couldn't match that effort Sunday when they scored 19 on 7-of-18 shooting in a 105-102 loss to visiting Indiana. The Magic (24-30) have played a league-high 14 games decided by three points or fewer, and have lost nine of those contests.

            Skiles says Jennings compliments starter Elfrid Payton well, though now he's also trying to find minutes for C.J. Watson. He's played just 18 in his first two games since early November due to a calf injury.

            "This is not the ideal way that you'd like to be (working guys into the lineup), right in the middle of the season when you're trying to play well - but it happens," Skiles said.

            Since surrendering an average of 111.6 points over a 1-7 stretch, the Magic have tightened things up by allowing 102.2 on 43.8 percent shooting in their last five. They've been tougher down the stretch over the past two, limiting Dallas and Indiana to a combined 34.1 mark in the fourth quarter.

            "When we haven't guarded, we've given ourselves no chance to win hardly," Skiles said.

            Orlando now seeks its fourth win in six games overall and fourth in a row at Philadelphia. It'll certainly have to keep a watch on rookie center Jahlil Okafor and former Magic point guard Ish Smith after they loomed large in a 96-87 loss to the 76ers on Jan. 20.

            Okafor led the way with 20 points and Smith added 13 with 11 assists as the 76ers (8-47) shot 48.6 percent and hit 9 for 19 from 3-point range. Okafor has shined in the last five games, averaging 21.4 points and 9.8 rebounds after scoring a season-high 31 in Sunday's 129-103 loss at Dallas.

            'The team was giving me the ball in great position to score, and I was just trying to keep being aggressive,' said Okafor after Philadelphia's fourth straight loss and eighth in nine games.

            The 76ers have averaged 109.0 points and hit 43.3 percent from 3 in the last three, but they've allowed 121.3 points per game.

            Payton has played well for Orlando in the season series, totaling 41 points and 15 assists. He led the way with 20 points in a 105-97 win in the most recent meeting at Philadelphia on Nov. 7.

            Former 76ers center Nikola Vucevic, who did not play in that contest, has averaged 22.0 points and 12.8 rebounds over four consecutive double-doubles.
            Remember the 3 G's Gambling, Golf, Girls not in any particular order.....

            Comment


            • Preview: Pelicans (22-33) at Wizards (25-29)
              Date: February 23, 2016 7:00 PM EDT

              Coach Alvin Gentry could not enjoy Anthony Davis' historic performance over the weekend until it was over and his team had won. All that matters to Gentry, Davis and the rest of the New Orleans Pelicans is that they continue to progress.

              They can improve to 3-0 since the All-Star Break by keeping the Washington Wizards from a season-high fourth consecutive home victory Tuesday night.

              Davis scored a franchise-record 59 points and pulled down 20 rebounds as New Orleans (22-33) won for the fourth time in five games, 111-106 at Detroit on Sunday.

              "I did as much as I can to help the team win," said Davis, who two days prior scored 34 in 38 minutes of a 121-114 win over Philadelphia. "After a while it felt like anything you threw up was going to go in."

              Eclipsing Jamal Mashburn's team-record 50-point effort set exactly 13 years ago to the day and joining Shaquille O'Neal and Chris Webber as the only players with 50 and 20 boards in a game since 1983, Davis went 24 of 34 from the field and scored 19 in the fourth quarter.

              When it was finished, Gentry could finally feel good about the show Davis put on.

              "After, you really appreciate what he's done and the magnitude of which he played and some of the things he did," Gentry said.

              Sitting 11th in the Western Conference and 5 1/2 games out of the final playoff spot, New Orleans needs a serious run for a chance to even flirt with the postseason. While Davis' dominance provided some entertainment, Gentry's only concern is piling up the victories.

              "Use the 29 games after the All-Star break as our own season and try to see if we can be a playoff team," Gentry said.

              The Pelicans have shot 49.1 percent in the two contests since the break and Sunday won for the first time in eight road games this season against an opponent from the East. New Orleans has dropped three straight at Washington, but the last two were by a combined four points. It snapped a seven-game overall series skid with a 107-105 win Dec. 11.

              Though the Wizards (25-29) hit half of their 80 field-goal attempts, the Pelicans made 16 of 27 3-pointers and overcame a nine-point fourth-quarter hole. Tyreke Evans scored 27, but has since undergone season-ending knee surgery.

              Davis, who had 18 with 11 boards in that contest, has shot 11 of 18 each time while totaling 56 points plus 24 rebounds in the last two at Washington.

              Fellow star John Wall had 26 points, 12 assists and seven rebounds against the Pelicans in December.

              Like the rest of his team, Wall struggled to sustain some energy while scoring 12 points on 5-of-17 shooting as the Wizards failed to win a rare three games in three days with Saturday's 114-94 loss at Miami. Washington was facing such a daunting stretch because Thursday's 103-89 win over Utah was originally scheduled Jan. 23 when a severe snow storm blanketed the East Coast.

              "If you can win two of three out of it you can feel good about yourself," Wall said. "To get three would have been great for us. But we get two days off to rest and look forward to Tuesday."

              Washington has shot 49.2 percent while holding its last three home opponents to an average of 89.7 points and 41.9 percent shooting.
              Remember the 3 G's Gambling, Golf, Girls not in any particular order.....

              Comment


              • Preview: Kings (23-31) at Nuggets (22-34)
                Date: February 23, 2016 9:00 PM EDT

                The Sacramento Kings have had another nice layoff since returning from the All-Star break with a home win over the Denver Nuggets, who followed that meeting with a 20-point loss.

                Their second matchup in five days comes Tuesday night with the Kings seeking a fifth win in seven games in the series, while both teams' coaches try to defeat their former employers.

                Sacramento's 116-110 win over the Nuggets (22-34) on Friday has it averaging 115.0 points in consecutive victories after a crippling span of eight losses in nine games. The Kings (23-31) have shot 50.0 percent in the two wins, but they've also allowed at least 104 points in every game of the 3-8 span. Opponents have averaged 116.6 points and shot 48.2 percent while hitting 44.4 from 3-point range, though for a game at least, that was overshadowed by an individual performance.

                DeMarcus Cousins had 37 points and 20 rebounds on 12-of-20 shooting, notching his ninth career double-double with 20-plus points and rebounds to break the previous franchise record set by Chris Webber.

                "(Cousins) was flat-out amazing. They couldn't stop him," backup point guard Darren Collison said. "He's been playing like that all season."

                Cousins hasn't been held under 30 points in his last three games against the Nuggets, all of which have been double-doubles with averages of 33.0 points and 14.7 rebounds.

                Rajon Rondo also had a big game, coming one assist short of his sixth triple-double with 24 points and 10 rebounds. The point guard has increased his offense in the last 10 games, averaging 14.6 points on 47.1 percent shooting while remaining consistent around his season average with 12.0 assists.

                "I thought Rondo had great control of the game, not only down the stretch, (but) I think understanding who we were playing and what we had to do to be successful," coach George Karl said.

                This is Karl's second trip back to Denver since being fired by the Nuggets in June 2013 and hired in Sacramento last February. The first was a 122-111 Nuggets victory April 12, though the Kings were without Cousins and Rudy Gay.

                After Sunday's 121-101 home loss to Boston, the Nuggets have allowed 108.5 points over a 1-3 span with opponents shooting 48.1 percent and 39.4 from 3-point range.

                "Our defense is still somewhere in the Caribbean," said Mike Malone, who's seeking his first win against his former team after coaching Sacramento in 2013-14 and through 24 games last season. "It was a lot more than just a lack of energy. It was a lack of fight, a lack of togetherness. ... I thought we were a very selfish team, two things that I hate to see from any team, so hopefully we can find a way to straighten that out in the very near future."

                What happened against the Celtics had plenty to do with Boston outrebounding Denver 48-36, including 15-6 on the offensive glass, as well as the Nuggets matching a season high with 24 turnovers.

                The issues on the glass might have had something to do with top rebounder Kenneth Faried being limited to 13 minutes due to illness.

                Rookie Nikola Jokic handled much of the interior load, finishing with 23 points and 13 rebounds. It was his sixth double-double in the last 12 games, over which he's averaged 11.9 points and 8.3 rebounds.

                The Kings will have Marco Belinelli back, and fellow reserve Omri Casspi practiced Monday after both were sidelined Friday because of tooth extractions during the break.
                Remember the 3 G's Gambling, Golf, Girls not in any particular order.....

                Comment


                • Preview: Rockets (28-28) at Jazz (27-28)
                  Date: February 23, 2016 9:00 PM EDT

                  While the Houston Rockets are treating the season's second half like a fresh start, the Utah Jazz want to regain the momentum they carried into the All-Star break.

                  Both look to start a push to separate themselves from the Western Conference's bubble Tuesday night when the visiting Rockets seek a fourth straight win over the Jazz.

                  Houston (28-28) was one of the NBA's bigger disappointments in the opening three and a half months and stumbled into the break with three consecutive double-digit losses at the tail end of a 2-6 slump. Utah (27-28) took advantage with wins in seven of eight during that stretch, leapfrogging the Rockets for the West's No. 8 spot.

                  But that order reversed again last week when Houston returned with Friday's 116-100 win at Phoenix while the Jazz opened the second half with losses in two of three games.

                  Interim coach J.B. Bickerstaff, who took over for the fired Kevin McHale in November, called the Rockets a "broken team" prior to the hiatus, but he acknowledged that the win over the lowly Suns was a good start fueled by tight defense and domination in the paint, improving Houston to 12-15 away from home.

                  The Rockets held Phoenix to 36.6 percent shooting and forced 21 turnovers while holding a 56-30 scoring advantage in the paint and 51-40 edge on the boards.

                  "We've got an opportunity in the second half to make a push," said James Harden, who had 27 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists. "That's one of (26) left. A good start."

                  The Rockets seemed poised for a turnaround the last time they faced Utah, sweeping an home-and-home set in early January to open a season-high five-game win streak.

                  While Houston shot 50.3 percent between the two games - a 93-91 win at Utah on Jan. 4 and a 103-94 home victory three days later - Utah finished at 44.4 with 35 turnovers. Harden totaled 63 points, but he had 12 turnovers and was 4 of 19 from 3-point range.

                  The victories gave the Rockets three straight in this series and a 10-2 mark since December 2012, including wins in four of six in Salt Lake City.

                  The latest matchup will include one of their leading scorers after it appeared he'd been traded away. Detroit, though, rescinded a three-team deal Monday after Donatas Motiejunas was not cleared medically, sending him and Marcus Thornton back to Houston.

                  Thornton is the Rockets' fourth-leading scorer with 10 points per game over 47 contests, but Motiejunas hasn't played since Dec. 31 due to back problems that stem from surgery last April. That issue ultimately voided a deal in which the Rockets had acquired veteran Joel Anthony and a protected, first-round draft pick from the Pistons as well as the draft rights of forward Chukwudiebere Maduabum from Philadelphia.

                  Utah's acquisition at the deadline, Shelvin Mack, made an immediate impact in his first action, though the Jazz fell 115-111 at Portland on Sunday for their third loss in four games to follow a seven-game winning streak from Jan. 27-Feb. 9.

                  Mack finished with season highs of 16 points and six assists after coming over from Atlanta last week for a second-round pick.

                  "I felt comfortable," the point guard said. "It is a similar system to what we ran in Atlanta."

                  Utah, which has won its last six home games to improve to 18-10 at Vivint Smart Home Arena, is one of the league's top defensive teams by allowing 96.8 points per game, but the Trail Blazers shot 46.7 percent and scored 68 in the second half.
                  Remember the 3 G's Gambling, Golf, Girls not in any particular order.....

                  Comment


                  • Preview: Nets (15-41) at Trail Blazers (29-27)
                    Date: February 23, 2016 10:00 PM EDT

                    Damian Lillard has been nearly unstoppable during the Portland Trail Blazers' midseason tear, though the turnaround hasn't completely been a one-man show.

                    The NBA's hottest team has a chance to earn a season-high sixth straight win and further its playoff case Tuesday night against the visiting Brooklyn Nets.

                    Lillard has been on a mission since his early January return from plantar fasciitis, and his team has as well during a 14-3 stretch that's moved Portland (29-27) within a half-game of sixth place in the Western Conference.

                    A perceived All-Star snub has only increased that determination, as the Blazers proved with Friday's 137-105 rout of league-leading Golden State behind a career-high 51 points from their standout guard.

                    Portland maintained its focus Sunday against surging Utah, rallying from a 13-point second-half deficit to record a 115-111 victory for its 10th win in 11 games.

                    Lillard finished with 30 points to become the first Blazer since Clyde Drexler in 1991 to reach that number in four straight, while C.J. McCollum capped a 31-point night with two game-sealing free throws in the final seconds. The backcourt duo combined for five 3-pointers during a 15-1 third-quarter run that got Portland back in it.

                    'If one gets going, a team can load up on him,' Lillard said. '(Both of us) kind of kept them off balance.'

                    Maurice Harkless' recent production has made the Trail Blazers, averaging 120.0 points over their past four, even tougher to defend. Out of the rotation at the start of February, the forward has shot 63.0 percent over five consecutive double-digit scoring efforts.

                    'He's been huge,' Lillard said of Harkless, who added 17 points against Utah. 'He's changing every game for us.'

                    Lillard's scoring binge seems to have a good chance of continuing. He's averaged 32.3 points and shot 55.6 percent from 3-point range in the last three meetings with Brooklyn (15-41), among the NBA's worst teams in field-goal percentage defense (47.0).

                    The Blazers shot 50.5 percent in a 116-104 win at Barclays Center on Jan. 15, with Lillard scoring 14 of his 33 points in the fourth quarter.

                    After splitting their last four at home, the Nets embark on a season-high nine-game trip that runs through March 11. They've dropped six straight on road, are 4-19 as the visitor this season and have lost 16 of 19 in Portland.

                    The Nets will likely need a proficient offensive performance to end those struggles, as they've lost 21 straight when scoring under 100 points since a 94-91 win over Phoenix on Dec. 1. That streak was extended with Sunday's 104-96 defeat to Charlotte.

                    Brooklyn was able to trim a 15-point deficit to four with 4:42 left before the Hornets used a 9-0 run to pull away.

                    "When we started to get aggressive on defense, things started to change for us," interim coach Tony Brown said. "That got us back in the ball game in the second half, but offensively we weren't really in sync. We just didn't make enough plays on offense to get back in the game and take the lead."

                    The Nets finished 5 of 22 on 3-point tries after hitting 50.5 percent over their previous five games. Bojan Bogdanovic was 15 of 23 during that stretch but was 1 of 9 from the field for three points against Charlotte.

                    Brooklyn should be able to rely on Brook Lopez, who had 25 points in the last matchup and is averaging 26.5 in his past four against Portland.
                    Remember the 3 G's Gambling, Golf, Girls not in any particular order.....

                    Comment


                    • Tuesday's Tip Sheet
                      February 22, 2016

                      Magic at 76ers – 7:05 PM EST

                      Orlando (24-30 SU, 30-23-1 ATS) wrapped up a three-game homestand at 1-2 SU and 2-1 ATS after dropping a 105-102 decision to Indiana on Sunday. In spite of the that loss, the Magic have put together a 7-2 ATS record the last nine games, including three straight road covers at San Antonio, Oklahoma City, and Atlanta. Scott Skiles’ club has split a pair of matchups with the 76ers this season with the road team winning each time, including Orlando picking up a 105-97 victory at Philadelphia in November.

                      Through 55 games, the 76ers (8-47 SU, 26-28-1 ATS) are two wins shy of the double-digit mark. Philadelphia has lost eight of its past nine games, including road setbacks to start the second half at New Orleans and Dallas. The 76ers have been impressive at home since January by posting an 8-2 ATS record in the last 10 games at the Wells Fargo Center, but have lost five straight games in the role of a home underdog. Philadelphia has scored at least 100 points in three consecutive contests, but also allowed at least 114 points in each defeat, resulting in three straight ‘overs.’

                      Pelicans at Wizards – 7:05 PM EST

                      Even though reaching the playoffs may not be in the cards this season, New Orleans (22-33 SU, 23-32 ATS) is coming back to life after a four-game skid by winning four of its past five contests. Anthony Davis lit up the Pistons in Sunday’s 111-106 victory as five-point underdogs by scoring a career-high 59 points and pulling down 20 rebounds. However, the Pelicans have lost four of their last six games away from Smoothie King Center with three of those defeats coming at Oklahoma City, Cleveland, and San Antonio.

                      The Wizards (25-29 SU, 28-26 ATS) have been off for two days since playing three games in three nights. Washington won the first two contests in that set at home against Utah and Detroit, but showed signs of fatigue in Saturday’s 114-94 setback at Miami. Randy Wittman’s squad has split its last six games at the Verizon Center, while allowing 94 points or less in each of the past three home victories. The Wizards are looking to avenge a 107-105 loss at New Orleans as 3 ½-point underdogs in December, snapping a seven-game winning streak against the Pelicans that dated back to 2012.

                      Rockets at Jazz – 9:05 PM EST

                      Following a seven-game winning streak, Utah (27-28 SU, 28-27 ATS) has fallen back to Earth by dropping three of its past four contests. The Jazz squandered a 13-point second half lead in Sunday’s 115-111 setback at Portland, as the Blazers squeezed out a cover as three-point favorites. Quin Snyder’s team has allowed at least 100 points in five straight games, while cashing the ‘over’ four times in this span. Utah begins a three-game homestand as the Jazz play with double-revenge against the Rockets, while losing six of the past seven matchups with Houston since 2014.

                      The Rockets (28-28 SU, 24-32 ATS) snapped a three-game losing streak by cruising past the Suns, 116-100 on Friday as 7 ½-point favorites. Houston continues its road trip as it looks to stay in the top eight of the Western Conference playoff race, while trying to improve on a 2-4 record in its past six away games (both wins against Phoenix). Nine of the last 10 road contests for the Rockets have eclipsed the ‘over,’ while Houston is seeing its lowest away total since sailing ‘over’ 196 ½ in a 107-91 win at Memphis on January 12.

                      Kings at Nuggets – 9:05 PM EST

                      Sacramento (23-31 SU, 24-30 ATS) begins a killer homestand on Wednesday when the Kings host the Spurs, followed by the Clippers and Thunder invading Sleep Train Arena over the next week. However, George Karl’s team hits the road on Tuesday to face the Nuggets for the second time in four days after Sacramento outlasted Denver at home on Friday, 116-110. The Kings have allowed at least 100 points in 11 straight games, resulting in a 9-2 mark to the ‘over’ in this stretch.

                      The momentum built at the end of the first half for the Nuggets (22-34 SU, 30-34-2) hasn’t carried over to the second half yet as Denver has lost to Sacramento and Boston. In Sunday’s home setback to the Celtics, the Nuggets fell behind by 18 points after the first quarter and never recovered as Denver fell to 3-4 in the past seven games at the Pepsi Center. The Nuggets split a pair of home matchups with the Kings last season, as Mike Malone’s club has lost four of their last five home games against Western Conference opponents.

                      Nets at Blazers – 10:05 PM EST

                      It will be a nice getaway for Brooklyn (15-41 SU, 27-28-1 ATS), who embarks on a nine-game road trip with the first seven games taking place against Western Conference foes. The Nets have alternated wins and losses in each of the past seven contests, coming off a 104-96 home defeat to Charlotte on Sunday as seven-point underdogs. Brooklyn has dropped six consecutive games away from the Barclays Center, while going 1-4 ATS as a road underdog of eight points or more in this stretch.

                      The Blazers (29-27 SU, 32-24 ATS) have turned the corner in a major way since January by winning 14 of their last 17 games, including posting a 10-2 mark at the Moda Center in this stretch. Portland rallied past Utah on Sunday night, 115-111 to pick up their fifth straight win and cover as Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum combined for 61 points in the victory. The Blazers go for the season sweep of the Nets after beating Brooklyn at the Barclays Center, 116-104 last month, while Portland has won four of the past five meetings.
                      Remember the 3 G's Gambling, Golf, Girls not in any particular order.....

                      Comment


                      • NBA ATS

                        NBA > (705) HOUSTON@ (706) UTAH | 2016-02-23 21:05:00 - 2016-02-23 21:05:00
                        Play ON UTAH against the spread in All games revenging a loss vs opponent
                        The record is 52 Wins and 23 Losses for the last two seasons (+26.7 units)

                        NBA > (709) BROOKLYN@ (710) PORTLAND | 2016-02-23 22:05:00 - 2016-02-23 22:05:00
                        Play AGAINST BROOKLYN against the spread in All games after playing 3 consecutive home games
                        The record is 3 Wins and 15 Losses for the last two seasons (-13.5 units)

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

                        NBA MONEYLINE

                        NBA > (707) SACRAMENTO@ (708) DENVER | 2016-02-23 21:05:00 - 2016-02-23 21:05:00
                        Play AGAINST DENVER using money line in Home games after a loss by 10 points or more
                        The record is 5 Wins and 18 Losses for the last two seasons (-19.15 units)

                        NBA > (709) BROOKLYN@ (710) PORTLAND | 2016-02-23 22:05:00 - 2016-02-23 22:05:00
                        Play ON PORTLAND using money line in Home games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game
                        The record is 28 Wins and 10 Losses for the last two seasons (+18.95 units)

                        NBA > (701) ORLANDO@ (702) PHILADELPHIA | 2016-02-23 19:05:00 - 2016-02-23 19:05:00
                        Play AGAINST ORLANDO using money line in All games in a road game where where the total is between 205 and 209.5 points
                        The record is 18 Wins and 55 Losses for the since 1992 (-40.7 units)

                        NBA > (703) NEW ORLEANS@ (704) WASHINGTON | 2016-02-23 19:05:00 - 2016-02-23 19:05:00
                        Play AGAINST NEW ORLEANS using money line in Road games off an upset win as an underdog
                        The record is 2 Wins and 14 Losses for the last three seasons (-14.15 units)

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

                        NBA FIRST HALF

                        NBA > (709) BROOKLYN@ (710) PORTLAND | 2016-02-23 22:05:00 - 2016-02-23 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 14 Wins and 2 Losses for the last two seasons (+11.8 units)

                        NBA > (703) NEW ORLEANS@ (704) WASHINGTON | 2016-02-23 19:05:00 - 2016-02-23 19:05:00
                        Play AGAINST NEW ORLEANS ?>in the first halfin Road games off an upset win as an underdog
                        The record is 1 Wins and 11 Losses for the last two seasons (-11.1 units)

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

                        NBA TOTALS

                        NBA > (705) HOUSTON@ (706) UTAH | 2016-02-23 21:05:00 - 2016-02-23 21:05:00
                        Play UNDER UTAH on the totalin All games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season
                        The record is 8 Overs and 33 Unders for the last two seasons (+24.2 units)

                        NBA > (703) NEW ORLEANS@ (704) WASHINGTON | 2016-02-23 19:05:00 - 2016-02-23 19:05:00
                        Play UNDER NEW ORLEANS on the totalin Road games against Southeast division opponents
                        The record is 0 Overs and 13 Unders for the last three seasons (+13 units)

                        NBA > (705) HOUSTON@ (706) UTAH | 2016-02-23 21:05:00 - 2016-02-23 21:05:00
                        Play UNDER UTAH on the totalin All games as a favorite vs. the 1rst half line
                        The record is 12 Overs and 38 Unders for the last two seasons (+24.8 units)

                        NBA > (707) SACRAMENTO@ (708) DENVER | 2016-02-23 21:05:00 - 2016-02-23 21:05:00
                        Play OVER SACRAMENTO on the totalin Road games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season
                        The record is 16 Overs and 2 Unders for the last two seasons (+13.8 units)

                        NBA > (707) SACRAMENTO@ (708) DENVER | 2016-02-23 21:05:00 - 2016-02-23 21:05:00
                        Play OVER SACRAMENTO on the totalin Road games after allowing 105 points or more
                        The record is 26 Overs and 7 Unders for the last two seasons (+18.3 units)
                        Remember the 3 G's Gambling, Golf, Girls not in any particular order.....

                        Comment


                        • Armadillo: Tuesday's six-pack

                          Six of the best minor league prospects for the Los Angeles Angels:

                          1) Taylor Ward, C-- Fresnoo State alum hit .348 in his first pro season.

                          3) Nate Smith, P-- Furman alum did well in AA, got hammered in AAA debut

                          8) Kaleb Cowart, 3B-- Went 8-46 in 34 big league games LY.

                          10) Chad Hinshaw, OF-- Stole 27 bases in 32 tries in AA last summer.

                          19) Austin Adams, P-- Jumped from A ball to AAA during year LY.

                          30) Hunter Green, P-- Missed last two years with back, elbow injuries.

                          **********

                          Armadillo: Tuesday's List of 13: Handicapping the UNLV job, plus more....

                          Here are my top seven candidates for the UNLV basketball coaching job.........
                          1) Tom Thibodeau-- Went 278-167 as coach of the Bulls; was an NBA assistant for 20 years before that. Players whined that he worked them too hard-- he is a great coach, but his last college coaching job was as an assistant at Harvard in 1989. From a purely X's and O's standpoint, he would be the #1 choice.

                          Sidebar: Thibodeau's first NBA coaching job was in Minnesota for Bill Musselman, whose son Eric is now the coach at Nevada. Eric Musselman's college roommate at San Diego was George Tarkanian. Later on, Thibodeau was an assistant for the Spurs when Jerry Tarkanian was coach there. It is a small world sometimes.

                          2) Kevin Keatts-- Former Pitino assistant is 39-20 in two years at NC-Wilmington; his Seahawks press, play unselfishly and use lot of guys. They have to at least give Keatts an interview-- plus, if they hire him, the Stacey Augmon/race card claim goes out the window. If I am AD at UNLV, I have to strongly consider a minority coach, but quality is the most important factor and Keatts is obviously a quality coach.

                          Sidebar: UNLV'a last two coaches were Lon Kruger and Dave Rice, two terrific guys but they're both as bland as Jeb Bush. It is Las Vegas-- hire someone who plays a style that has some style!!!

                          3) Reggie Theus-- One of UNLV's greatest players; has been college coach at both New Mexico State, Cal-Northridge-- he is struggling at Northridge, but had Aggies in NCAAs in his second year there. He also was coach of the Sacramento Kings, and in his playing career, scored over 19,000 points in the NBA. If Tark was alive, I'm pretty sure he'd choose Theus to be the next coach-- Tark said he would've hired him the last time UNLV hired a head coach.

                          Sidebar: Again, unfortunately race could become an issue here. Hiring Theus defuses a lot of concerns, plus he is an alumnus who has coaching experience. He is much better qualified for this job than Stacey Augmon, who apparently isn't very personable with the press or the boosters. Theus would be my choice for this job.

                          4) Todd Simon-- 35-year old interim coach who is working like hell to keep the team afloat despite a crippling string of injuries. Was head coach at Findlay Prep for one year, was an assistant there for six years before that. His resume just isn't as good as other candidates.

                          Side bar: Firing college coaches during the season is a bad idea, unless the guy you want to hire permanently is available immediately.

                          5) Rick Pitino-- This would be the stuff of movies; Pitino is one of the greatest hoop coaches of all-time, on the surface an absolute coup of epic proportions, but if you get him, it means you're probably also getting his son Richard as coach-in-waiting.

                          Rick Pitino is 64 years old; if you got him for eight years, he is very intriguing, but I would need a commitment of at least 5-6 years before I considered hiring him.

                          Sidebar: Richard Pitino is 68-61 in his fourth year as a college coach-- he is 15-35 in league games at Minnesota. 15-35 ain't good- he was 18-14 in one year at FIU, which was a big improvement over his predecessor, Isiah Thomas.

                          6) Archie Miller-- Is 111-52 at Dayton, been in NCAAs last two years, is 50-30 in conference games. Is a quality coach, would be a good hire for sure, but why would he leave Dayton for UNLV? If he turned down Florida last spring, why would he leave Dayton now? Shaka Smart didn't leave VCU until the big $$$ (Texas) came calling and Brad Stevens didn't leave Butler until the Celtics wanted to hire him.

                          Sidebar: Archie is Sean Miller's brother; does he want to recruit against his brother? I'm thinking Archie's next move will be to a Power 5 conference or Big East/AAC, maybe at Rutgers, Illinois or Memphis. Maybe he's just content at Dayton.

                          7) Russell Turner-- In his sixth year as coach at Cal-Irvine, where he is 44-18 in Big West games the last four years- the Anteaters had very little basketball tradition, so Turner has built a league power out of virtually nothing. Turner spent six years as an assistant with the Golden State Warriors- if UNLV hires him, lot of people wouldn't be that familiar with him, but Turner would put a quality team on the floor.

                          Sidebar: In 1999-2000, Turner was an assistant womens' coach at San Francisco, before he hooked up with Mike Montgomery at Stanford.

                          Elsewhere in the world............
                          8) Mountain West looks like a one-bid league this year; San Diego State (#60) is only team in KenPom's top 100. From 2005-09, Mountain West got only two teams a year and also in 2014- they've had 3+ teams every other year since 2003.

                          9) Minnesota is 1-13 in the Big 14, yet they're a 12.5-point favorite tonight against Rutgers, which is 0-14. Rutgers is the state university of New Jersey- there are a lot of good high school players in New Jersey-- how are they this bad?

                          10) The US Congress has a 10% approval rating; who exactly is this 10% that thinks they're doing a good job?

                          11) White Sox signed 37-year old Jimmy Rollins to a contract; how is he an upgrade over Alexei Ramirez, their last shortstop? Rollins hit .224 last year.

                          12) My non-sports hero is probably the great comedian/actor Steve Martin; just got a copy of his 2007 memoir in the mail today, so I'm enjoying reading that. Unsure how I didn't know about the book sooner than this.

                          13) The actor who played the offensive coordinator in the football movie Any Given Sunday is now playing the President of the US in a new movie called London Is Falling. Apparently his career is on an upswing.
                          Remember the 3 G's Gambling, Golf, Girls not in any particular order.....

                          Comment


                          • NBA
                            Dunkel

                            Tuesday, February 23

                            Houston @ Utah

                            Game 705-706
                            February 23, 2016 @ 9:00 pm

                            Dunkel Rating:
                            Houston
                            116.906
                            Utah
                            124.121
                            Dunkel Team:
                            Dunkel Line:
                            Dunkel Total:
                            Utah
                            by 7
                            211
                            Vegas Team:
                            Vegas Line:
                            Vegas Total:
                            Utah
                            by 4 1/2
                            200 1/2
                            Dunkel Pick:
                            Utah
                            (-4 1/2); Over

                            Sacramento @ Denver

                            Game 707-708
                            February 23, 2016 @ 9:00 pm

                            Dunkel Rating:
                            Sacramento
                            115.085
                            Denver
                            119.595
                            Dunkel Team:
                            Dunkel Line:
                            Dunkel Total:
                            Denver
                            by 4 1/2
                            224
                            Vegas Team:
                            Vegas Line:
                            Vegas Total:
                            Denver
                            No Line
                            N/A
                            Dunkel Pick:
                            Denver
                            N/A

                            Brooklyn @ Portland

                            Game 709-710
                            February 23, 2016 @ 10:00 pm

                            Dunkel Rating:
                            Brooklyn
                            113.512
                            Portland
                            130.160
                            Dunkel Team:
                            Dunkel Line:
                            Dunkel Total:
                            Portland
                            by 16 1/2
                            216
                            Vegas Team:
                            Vegas Line:
                            Vegas Total:
                            Portland
                            by 11 1/2
                            209 1/2
                            Dunkel Pick:
                            Portland
                            (-11 1/2); Over

                            Orlando @ Philadelphia

                            Game 701-702
                            February 23, 2016 @ 7:00 pm

                            Dunkel Rating:
                            Orlando
                            115.028
                            Philadelphia
                            112.689
                            Dunkel Team:
                            Dunkel Line:
                            Dunkel Total:
                            Orlando
                            by 2 1/2
                            202
                            Vegas Team:
                            Vegas Line:
                            Vegas Total:
                            Orlando
                            by 6
                            209
                            Dunkel Pick:
                            Philadelphia
                            (+6); Under

                            New Orleans @ Washington

                            Game 703-704
                            February 23, 2016 @ 7:00 pm

                            Dunkel Rating:
                            New Orleans
                            116.733
                            Washington
                            119.395
                            Dunkel Team:
                            Dunkel Line:
                            Dunkel Total:
                            Washington
                            by 2 1/2
                            207
                            Vegas Team:
                            Vegas Line:
                            Vegas Total:
                            Washington
                            by 5
                            213 1/2
                            Dunkel Pick:
                            New Orleans
                            (+5); Under




                            NBA
                            Long Sheet

                            Tuesday, February 23

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

                            ORLANDO (24 - 30) at PHILADELPHIA (8 - 47) - 2/23/2016, 7:05 PM
                            Top Trends for this game.
                            ORLANDO is 41-59 ATS (-23.9 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
                            ORLANDO is 4-15 ATS (-12.5 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a losing record - 2nd half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
                            ORLANDO is 39-26 ATS (+10.4 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
                            PHILADELPHIA is 88-120 ATS (-44.0 Units) in home games after allowing 105 points or more since 1996.
                            PHILADELPHIA is 101-142 ATS (-55.2 Units) in home games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game since 1996.

                            Head-to-Head Series History
                            ORLANDO is 5-4 against the spread versus PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
                            ORLANDO is 6-3 straight up against PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
                            6 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

                            NEW ORLEANS (22 - 33) at WASHINGTON (25 - 29) - 2/23/2016, 7:05 PM
                            Top Trends for this game.
                            NEW ORLEANS is 23-32 ATS (-12.2 Units) in all games this season.
                            NEW ORLEANS is 3-13 ATS (-11.3 Units) in road games off an upset win as an underdog over the last 3 seasons.
                            WASHINGTON is 356-428 ATS (-114.8 Units) in home games since 1996.
                            WASHINGTON is 85-121 ATS (-48.1 Units) in home games after a loss by 10 points or more since 1996.

                            Head-to-Head Series History
                            WASHINGTON is 3-2 against the spread versus NEW ORLEANS over the last 3 seasons
                            WASHINGTON is 4-1 straight up against NEW ORLEANS over the last 3 seasons
                            3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

                            HOUSTON (28 - 28) at UTAH (27 - 28) - 2/23/2016, 9:05 PM
                            Top Trends for this game.
                            UTAH is 52-23 ATS (+26.7 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
                            UTAH is 34-18 ATS (+14.2 Units) after allowing 105 points or more over the last 3 seasons.
                            HOUSTON is 12-3 ATS (+8.7 Units) on Tuesday nights over the last 2 seasons.
                            HOUSTON is 28-15 ATS (+11.5 Units) after a win by 10 points or more over the last 2 seasons.

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

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

                            SACRAMENTO (23 - 31) at DENVER (22 - 34) - 2/23/2016, 9:05 PM
                            There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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

                            BROOKLYN (15 - 41) at PORTLAND (29 - 27) - 2/23/2016, 10:05 PM
                            Top Trends for this game.
                            BROOKLYN is 3-15 ATS (-13.5 Units) after playing 3 consecutive home games over the last 2 seasons.
                            PORTLAND is 23-14 ATS (+7.6 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.

                            Head-to-Head Series History
                            PORTLAND is 4-1 against the spread versus BROOKLYN over the last 3 seasons
                            PORTLAND is 4-1 straight up against BROOKLYN over the last 3 seasons
                            3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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




                            NBA
                            Armadillo's Write-Up

                            Tuesday, February 23

                            Hot teams
                            -- Washington won its last three home games (3-5 last 8HF). New Orleans won four of its last five games (6-3 last 9AU).
                            -- Kings won last two games after losing seven of previous eight (0-4 last 4AU).
                            -- Portland won nine of its last ten games (9-2 last 11HF).

                            Cold teams
                            -- Orlando lost three of last four road games (4-0AF). 76ers are 1-8 in their last nine games (7-2 last 9HU).
                            -- Rockets lost three of their last four games (3-7 last 10AU). Jazz lost three of last four games.
                            -- Denver lost three of its last four games (1-5HF).
                            -- Brooklyn lost seven of its last ten games (2-5 last 7AU).

                            Series records
                            -- 76ers lost five of last seven games with Orlando.
                            -- Wizards won seven of last eight games with New Orleans.
                            -- Rockets won six of last seven games with Utah.
                            -- Kings won four of their last six games with Denver.
                            -- Trailblazers won four of last five games with Brooklyn.

                            Totals
                            -- Five of last seven Philly-Orlando games stayed under.
                            -- Four of last five New Orleans games went over total.
                            -- Eight of last ten Houston games went over the total.
                            -- Last five Sacramento-Denver games went over total.
                            -- Six of last eight Brooklyn games went over the total.

                            Back/backs
                            -- None




                            NBA

                            Tuesday, February 23

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

                            7:00 PM
                            NEW ORLEANS vs. WASHINGTON
                            The total has gone UNDER in 4 of New Orleans's last 5 games when playing on the road against Washington
                            New Orleans is 2-7 ATS in its last 9 games when playing Washington
                            Washington is 10-4 SU in its last 14 games when playing at home against New Orleans
                            Washington is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing New Orleans

                            7:00 PM
                            ORLANDO vs. PHILADELPHIA
                            The total has gone OVER in 9 of Orlando's last 13 games
                            The total has gone OVER in 5 of Orlando's last 6 games on the road
                            Philadelphia is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games
                            Philadelphia is 5-13 ATS in its last 18 games when playing Orlando

                            9:00 PM
                            SACRAMENTO vs. DENVER
                            The total has gone OVER in 5 of Sacramento's last 5 games on the road
                            Sacramento is 0-4-1 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
                            The total has gone OVER in 4 of Denver's last 6 games when playing at home against Sacramento
                            Denver is 10-2 SU in its last 12 games when playing at home against Sacramento

                            9:00 PM
                            HOUSTON vs. UTAH
                            Houston is 3-5-1 ATS in its last 9 games
                            Houston is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games on the road
                            Utah is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
                            The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Utah's last 9 games when playing at home against Houston

                            10:00 PM
                            BROOKLYN vs. PORTLAND
                            Brooklyn is 4-8 ATS in its last 12 games when playing on the road against Portland
                            The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Brooklyn's last 8 games on the road
                            Portland is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Brooklyn
                            Portland is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
                            Remember the 3 G's Gambling, Golf, Girls not in any particular order.....

                            Comment


                            • TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 23

                              GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS


                              ORL at PHI 07:00 PM

                              PHI +5.5 BEST BET



                              NO at WAS 07:00 PM

                              NO +4.5 BEST BET



                              HOU at UTA 09:00 PM

                              UTA -5.0 BEST BET


                              SAC at DEN 09:00 PM

                              SAC +1.5


                              BK at POR 10:00 PM

                              POR -11.5 BEST BET
                              Remember the 3 G's Gambling, Golf, Girls not in any particular order.....

                              Comment


                              • Preview: Knicks (24-34) at Pacers (30-26)
                                Date: February 24, 2016 7:00 PM EDT

                                The Indiana Pacers were left lamenting a costly defeat in their quest for home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs their last time out.

                                That advantage has been evident when they have faced the New York Knicks.

                                The Pacers have beaten the Knicks nine straight times at home including the postseason heading into Wednesday night's first 2015-16 matchup between these clubs.

                                Indiana (30-26) fell short in its bid for a perfect three-game trip with Monday's 101-93 overtime loss to Miami. The Pacers blew an early 14-point lead and fell two games behind the Heat and Boston - teams they are chasing for a top-four Eastern Conference finish.

                                'We control the game for so long and then it's always late in the game where it gets away from us," star forward Paul George said. "It's always been the story and really our history here.'

                                The Pacers' recent history against New York (24-34) has been kinder with a four-game sweep last season that included two more wins in Indianapolis. Indiana's nine-game run at home in this series includes three victories in the 2013 conference semifinals.

                                Indiana only faced Carmelo Anthony once a season ago and is getting its first look at Kristaps Porzingis, who is third among rookies with 13.9 points per game.

                                Porzingis has been a bright spot during a stretch in which New York has dropped eight of nine and 12 of 14. The Knicks were blown out at home Monday by Toronto 122-95.

                                "We just weren't connected defensively all night," interim coach Kurt Rambis said.

                                The Knicks allowed the Raptors to shoot 52.9 percent and spent a good portion of Tuesday's practice working on defense, with team president Phil Jackson observing. They have struggled to defend the 3-point arc in the last four games, allowing foes to make 40 of 80 attempts.

                                Prior to this dismal stretch, New York was in contention for a playoff spot and now seems likely to miss out for the third straight season. This is its fifth game since Rambis replaced Derek Fisher as coach.

                                "Regardless of the record, just losing, accepting that, it is hard to accept that," Anthony said. "You can't be satisfied with losing basketball games."

                                Porzingis is averaging 16.5 points on 46.4 percent shooting in his last six games. His worst effort in that span was a six-point performance in Saturday's 103-95 win over Minnesota that ended New York's seven-game road slide.

                                It won't be easy for New York to prevail in Wednesday's return to Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Its last win there was a 102-88 victory March 17, 2012, that came when Jeremy Lin was enjoying his flash-in-the-pan success for the Knicks.

                                George is averaging 25.3 points in his last seven after scoring 31 with 11 rebounds against the Heat. The Pacers were hurt by Monta Ellis going 2 of 17 for seven points after he totaled 48 in the first two games of the trip as Indiana dropped to 0-6 in road games on the second of back-to-back days.

                                "I thought late in the game we were a little fatigued," George said. "Guys were banged up. We tried, this is a game that we felt we should've won."
                                Remember the 3 G's Gambling, Golf, Girls not in any particular order.....

                                Comment

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