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

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Long Sheet

Thursday, February 25

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GOLDEN STATE (51 - 5) at ORLANDO (25 - 30) - 2/25/2016, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ORLANDO is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) in February games over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 15-5 ATS (+9.5 Units) in non-conference games this season.
GOLDEN STATE is 88-65 ATS (+16.5 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 49-34 ATS (+11.6 Units) when the total is greater than or equal to 210 over the last 2 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 81-59 ATS (+16.1 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 21-9 ATS (+11.1 Units) when playing on back-to-back days over the last 2 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 15-6 ATS (+8.4 Units) after a non-conference game this season.
GOLDEN STATE is 51-38 ATS (+9.2 Units) after 3 or more consecutive wins over the last 2 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 22-13 ATS (+7.7 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.
GOLDEN STATE is 48-32 ATS (+12.8 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 3-1 against the spread versus ORLANDO over the last 3 seasons
GOLDEN STATE is 4-0 straight up against ORLANDO over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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MILWAUKEE (24 - 33) at BOSTON (33 - 25) - 2/25/2016, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MILWAUKEE is 333-401 ATS (-108.1 Units) second half of the season since 1996.
MILWAUKEE is 13-25 ATS (-14.5 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 81-61 ATS (+13.9 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 11-2 ATS (+8.8 Units) when the total is greater than or equal to 210 this season.
BOSTON is 31-18 ATS (+11.2 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 50-32 ATS (+14.8 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 12-2 ATS (+9.8 Units) after playing 3 consecutive road games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 51-33 ATS (+14.7 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 121-87 ATS (+25.3 Units) in road games against Atlantic division opponents since 1996.
BOSTON is 92-128 ATS (-48.8 Units) in home games after allowing 105 points or more since 1996.
BOSTON is 93-124 ATS (-43.4 Units) in home games after scoring 105 points or more since 1996.

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

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OKLAHOMA CITY (41 - 16) at NEW ORLEANS (22 - 34) - 2/25/2016, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 22-34 ATS (-15.4 Units) in all games this season.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 9-19 ATS (-11.9 Units) when the total is greater than or equal to 210 this season.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 21-30 ATS (-12.0 Units) as a favorite this season.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 7-17 ATS (-11.7 Units) in road games this season.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 13-23 ATS (-12.3 Units) after scoring 105 points or more this season.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 9-19 ATS (-11.9 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 15-26 ATS (-13.6 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 11-22 ATS (-13.2 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.
NEW ORLEANS is 23-33 ATS (-13.3 Units) in all games this season.
NEW ORLEANS is 9-21 ATS (-14.1 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent this season.
NEW ORLEANS is 3-11 ATS (-9.1 Units) after a loss by 10 points or more this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
NEW ORLEANS is 5-4 against the spread versus OKLAHOMA CITY over the last 3 seasons
OKLAHOMA CITY is 5-4 straight up against NEW ORLEANS 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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BROOKLYN (15 - 42) at PHOENIX (14 - 43) - 2/25/2016, 9:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PHOENIX is 22-10 ATS (+11.0 Units) in a home game where where the total is between 205 and 209.5 points over the last 3 seasons.
PHOENIX is 19-8 ATS (+10.2 Units) against Atlantic division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
PHOENIX is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) in home games after a loss by 10 points or more this season.
BROOKLYN is 19-8 ATS (+10.2 Units) against Pacific division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
PHOENIX is 22-35 ATS (-16.5 Units) in all games this season.
PHOENIX is 14-23 ATS (-11.3 Units) as an underdog this season.
PHOENIX is 4-16 ATS (-13.6 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.

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

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HOUSTON (28 - 29) at PORTLAND (30 - 27) - 2/25/2016, 10:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 11-21 ATS (-12.1 Units) after allowing 105 points or more this season.
PORTLAND is 50-36 ATS (+10.4 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 37-24 ATS (+10.6 Units) when the total is greater than or equal to 210 over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 29-17 ATS (+10.3 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 30-16 ATS (+12.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 32-20 ATS (+10.0 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
PORTLAND is 69-101 ATS (-42.1 Units) as a home favorite of 3.5 to 6 points since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
PORTLAND is 9-7 against the spread versus HOUSTON over the last 3 seasons
PORTLAND is 9-7 straight up against HOUSTON over the last 3 seasons
12 of 16 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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SAN ANTONIO (48 - 9) at UTAH (28 - 28) - 2/25/2016, 10:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN ANTONIO is 5-4 against the spread versus UTAH over the last 3 seasons
SAN ANTONIO 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

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Dunkel

Thursday, February 25


Golden State @ Orlando

Game 701-702
February 25, 2016 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Golden State
126.157
Orlando
116.106
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Golden State
by 10
227
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Golden State
by 7 1/2
221 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Golden State
(-7 1/2); Over

Milwaukee @ Boston

Game 703-704
February 25, 2016 @ 7:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Milwaukee
113.149
Boston
123.585
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Boston
by 10 1/2
222
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Boston
by 8
216
Dunkel Pick:
Boston
(-8); Over

Oklahoma City @ New Orleans

Game 705-706
February 25, 2016 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Oklahoma City
119.803
New Orleans
117.888
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Oklahoma City
by 2
214
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Oklahoma City
by 6
221 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
New Orleans
(+6); Under

Brooklyn @ Phoenix

Game 707-708
February 25, 2016 @ 9:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Brooklyn
110.241
Phoenix
111.053
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Phoenix
by 1
204
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Brooklyn
by 2
209
Dunkel Pick:
Phoenix
(+2); Under

Houston @ Portland

Game 709-710
February 25, 2016 @ 10:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Houston
116.931
Portland
129.413
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Portland
by 12 1/2
228
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Portland
by 4 1/2
222
Dunkel Pick:
Portland
(-4 1/2); Over

San Antonio @ Utah

Game 711-712
February 25, 2016 @ 10:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
San Antonio
130.009
Utah
124.095
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
San Antonio
by 6
212
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
San Antonio
by 3
No Total
Dunkel Pick:
San Antonio
(-3); N/A

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Short Sheet

Thursday, February 25

Golden State at Orlando, 7:05 ET
Golden State: 41-26 ATS as a favorite of 3.5 to 9.5 points
Orlando: 22-7 OVER after 2 games forcing opp to commit 20 or + turnovers

Milwaukee at Boston, 7:35 ET
Milwaukee: 1-10 ATS after playing a game as favorite
Boston: 11-2 ATS when the total is greater than or equal to 210

Oklahoma City at New Orleans, 8:05 ET
Oklahoma City: 7-17 ATS in road games
New Orleans: 34-20 ATS after failing to cover 2 of their last 3 against the spread

Brooklyn at Pheonix, 9:05 ET
Brooklyn: 17-5 ATS in road games off a road loss
Phoenix: 13-23 ATS after playing a game as an underdog

Houston at Portland, 10:05 ET
Houston: 29-16 ATS revenging a loss where opponent scored 110 or more points
Portland: 10-22 ATS after allowing 100 points or more 4 straight games

San Antonio at Utah, 10:35 ET
San Antonio: 1-5 ATS off 2 or more consecutive road wins
Utah: 5-1 ATS as a home underdog

[StarDust Bum]

NBA ATS

NBA > (703) MILWAUKEE@ (704) BOSTON | 2016-02-25 19:35:00 - 2016-02-25 19:35:00
Play ON BOSTON against the spread in All games when the total is greater than or equal to 210
The record is 22 Wins and 5 Losses for the last three seasons (+16.5 units)

NBA > (711) SAN ANTONIO@ (712) UTAH | 2016-02-25 22:35:00 - 2016-02-25 22:35:00
Play ON UTAH against the spread in All games revenging a loss vs opponent
The record is 52 Wins and 24 Losses for the last two seasons (+25.6 units)

NBA > (707) BROOKLYN@ (708) PHOENIX | 2016-02-25 21:05:00 - 2016-02-25 21:05:00
Play AGAINST PHOENIX against the spread in All games when playing against a team with a losing record
The record is 4 Wins and 16 Losses for the this season (-13.6 units)

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NBA MONEYLINE

NBA > (707) BROOKLYN@ (708) PHOENIX | 2016-02-25 21:05:00 - 2016-02-25 21:05:00
Play AGAINST PHOENIX using money line in Home games in non-conference games
The record is 10 Wins and 15 Losses for the last two seasons (-26.55 units)

NBA > (703) MILWAUKEE@ (704) BOSTON | 2016-02-25 19:35:00 - 2016-02-25 19:35:00
Play ON BOSTON using money line in All games when the total is greater than or equal to 210
The record is 12 Wins and 2 Losses for the this season (+11.55 units)

NBA > (709) HOUSTON@ (710) PORTLAND | 2016-02-25 22:35:00 - 2016-02-25 22:35:00
Play ON PORTLAND using money line in Home games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game
The record is 29 Wins and 10 Losses for the last two seasons (+19.95 units)

NBA > (709) HOUSTON@ (710) PORTLAND | 2016-02-25 22:35:00 - 2016-02-25 22:35:00
Play ON PORTLAND using money line in All games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season
The record is 9 Wins and 1 Losses for the this season (+10.25 units)

NBA > (711) SAN ANTONIO@ (712) UTAH | 2016-02-25 22:35:00 - 2016-02-25 22:35:00
Play ON SAN ANTONIO using money line in All games when playing on back-to-back days
The record is 34 Wins and 11 Losses for the last three seasons (+22.1 units)

NBA > (701) GOLDEN STATE@ (702) ORLANDO | 2016-02-25 19:05:00 - 2016-02-25 19:05:00
Play ON GOLDEN STATE using money line in All games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game
The record is 27 Wins and 3 Losses for the this season (+19.95 units)

NBA > (705) OKLAHOMA CITY@ (706) NEW ORLEANS | 2016-02-25 20:05:00 - 2016-02-25 20:05:00
Play AGAINST OKLAHOMA CITY using money line in Road games second half of the season
The record is 15 Wins and 19 Losses for the last three seasons (-23.9 units)

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NBA FIRST HALF

NBA > (709) HOUSTON@ (710) PORTLAND | 2016-02-25 22:35:00 - 2016-02-25 22:35:00
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 15 Wins and 2 Losses for the last two seasons (+12.8 units)

NBA > (707) BROOKLYN@ (708) PHOENIX | 2016-02-25 21:05:00 - 2016-02-25 21:05:00
Play AGAINST PHOENIX ?>in the first halfin All games as an underdog vs. the 1rst half line
The record is 11 Wins and 26 Losses for the this season (-17.6 units)

NBA > (711) SAN ANTONIO@ (712) UTAH | 2016-02-25 22:35:00 - 2016-02-25 22:35:00
Play ON SAN ANTONIO ?>in the first halfin All games when playing on back-to-back days
The record is 36 Wins and 14 Losses for the last three seasons (+20.6 units)

NBA > (707) BROOKLYN@ (708) PHOENIX | 2016-02-25 21:05:00 - 2016-02-25 21:05:00
Play AGAINST PHOENIX ?>in the first halfin All games versus the first half line in all games
The record is 19 Wins and 37 Losses for the this season (-21.7 units)

NBA > (701) GOLDEN STATE@ (702) ORLANDO | 2016-02-25 19:05:00 - 2016-02-25 19:05:00
Play ON GOLDEN STATE ?>in the first halfin All games when the first half total >= 105.5
The record is 27 Wins and 12 Losses for the this season (+13.8 units)

NBA > (703) MILWAUKEE@ (704) BOSTON | 2016-02-25 19:35:00 - 2016-02-25 19:35:00
Play ON BOSTON ?>in the first halfin Home games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game
The record is 45 Wins and 20 Losses for the last three seasons (+23 units)

NBA > (709) HOUSTON@ (710) PORTLAND | 2016-02-25 22:35:00 - 2016-02-25 22:35:00
Play ON PORTLAND ?>in the first halfin All games as a favorite vs. the 1rst half line
The record is 18 Wins and 6 Losses for the this season (+11.4 units)

NBA > (711) SAN ANTONIO@ (712) UTAH | 2016-02-25 22:35:00 - 2016-02-25 22:35:00
Play ON SAN ANTONIO ?>in the first halfin All games second half of the season
The record is 34 Wins and 15 Losses for the last two seasons (+17.5 units)

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NBA TOTALS

NBA > (701) GOLDEN STATE@ (702) ORLANDO | 2016-02-25 19:05:00 - 2016-02-25 19:05:00
Play UNDER ORLANDO on the totalin Home games after allowing 105 points or more
The record is 0 Overs and 10 Unders for the this season (+10 units)

NBA > (711) SAN ANTONIO@ (712) UTAH | 2016-02-25 22:35:00 - 2016-02-25 22:35:00
Play UNDER SAN ANTONIO on the totalin Road games after 3 or more consecutive wins
The record is 12 Overs and 38 Unders for the last three seasons (+24.8 units)

NBA > (711) SAN ANTONIO@ (712) UTAH | 2016-02-25 22:35:00 - 2016-02-25 22:35:00
Play UNDER UTAH on the totalin All games versus the first half line in all games
The record is 44 Overs and 88 Unders for the last two seasons (+39.6 units)

NBA > (711) SAN ANTONIO@ (712) UTAH | 2016-02-25 22:35:00 - 2016-02-25 22:35:00
Play UNDER UTAH on the totalin All games second half of the season
The record is 11 Overs and 32 Unders for the last two seasons (+19.9 units)

NBA > (709) HOUSTON@ (710) PORTLAND | 2016-02-25 22:35:00 - 2016-02-25 22:35:00
Play OVER HOUSTON on the totalin Road games after 3 or more consecutive overs
The record is 17 Overs and 3 Unders for the last three seasons (+13.7 units)

NBA > (705) OKLAHOMA CITY@ (706) NEW ORLEANS | 2016-02-25 20:05:00 - 2016-02-25 20:05:00
Play OVER NEW ORLEANS on the totalin Home games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game
The record is 16 Overs and 4 Unders for the this season (+11.6 units)

NBA > (705) OKLAHOMA CITY@ (706) NEW ORLEANS | 2016-02-25 20:05:00 - 2016-02-25 20:05:00
Play OVER OKLAHOMA CITY on the totalin All games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game
The record is 56 Overs and 28 Unders for the last two seasons (+25.2 units)

NBA > (701) GOLDEN STATE@ (702) ORLANDO | 2016-02-25 19:05:00 - 2016-02-25 19:05:00
Play OVER GOLDEN STATE on the totalin All games when the first half total >= 105.5
The record is 28 Overs and 13 Unders for the this season (+13.7 units)

NBA > (705) OKLAHOMA CITY@ (706) NEW ORLEANS | 2016-02-25 20:05:00 - 2016-02-25 20:05:00
Play OVER OKLAHOMA CITY on the totalin All games when the first half total >= 105.5
The record is 37 Overs and 17 Unders for the last two seasons (+18.3 units)

NBA > (703) MILWAUKEE@ (704) BOSTON | 2016-02-25 19:35:00 - 2016-02-25 19:35:00
Play UNDER BOSTON on the totalin All games revenging a loss vs opponent
The record is 28 Overs and 53 Unders for the last two seasons (+22.2 units)

NBA > (703) MILWAUKEE@ (704) BOSTON | 2016-02-25 19:35:00 - 2016-02-25 19:35:00
Play UNDER BOSTON on the totalin All games versus the first half line in all games
The record is 53 Overs and 88 Unders for the last two seasons (+29.7 units)

[StarDust Bum]

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25

GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS


GS at ORL 07:00 PM

ORL +8.5 BEST BET

O 223.5 BEST BET


MIL at BOS 07:30 PM

MIL +7.5


OKC at NO 08:00 PM

NO +5.5


BK at PHO 09:00 PM

PHO -1.5 BEST BET


HOU at POR 10:30 PM

POR -3.5 BEST BET


SA at UTA 10:30 PM

UTA +3.0

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Wizards (26-30) at 76ers (8-49)
Date: February 26, 2016 7:00 PM EDT

There's a distinct difference of opinion on whether the Washington Wizards are overlooking short-handed opponents after another disappointing defeat.

They could be in danger of looking past their next opponent whether its at full strength or not.

The Wizards face the league's worst team twice in a four-day span beginning Friday night at the Philadelphia 76ers.

Washington (26-30) dropped its third straight on the road, 109-104 to Chicago on Wednesday. The Bulls shot 50.0 percent despite playing without Derrick Rose and Jimmy Butler.

An exasperated coach Randy Wittman seemed to reference a 20-point loss Saturday to a Miami team without Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh to express his displeasure.

"It's happened to us numerous times," Wittman said. "If you don't learn from it, then that's our fault. If you don't learn from it, this happens all the time to this team, this group of guys, last year, year before that, last week."

Star John Wall, who had 16 points and seven assists, insisted that the Wizards did not take the short-handed Bulls for granted.

"We know that's when teams are at their toughest because you've got to worry about so much more," Wall said. "Usually the ball would be in Derrick Rose's hands and Jimmy Butler's hands a lot but without those guys in there, there's a lot more ball movement."

The only notable absence Friday for Philadelphia (8-49) could be rookie reserve guard T.J. McConnell, who missed his first game with an ankle sprain that kept him out of Wednesday's 111-91 defeat to Detroit.

Of course, if there's reason for the Wizards to overlook anyone Friday it will be because of the 76ers' awful record and what figures to be a drab atmosphere with Philadelphia last in the Eastern Conference in average home attendance.

Losers of six straight and 10 of 11, the 76ers fell behind by 13 points after one quarter against the Pistons and never recovered. Philadelphia trailed by as many as 30.

'We had that good stretch before the All-Star break, and it earned us some respect,' guard Ish Smith said. 'The problem is that we've lost what we had, so teams are taking us seriously and beating the crap out of us. That's what the Pistons did tonight.'

Philadelphia is allowing an average of 121.3 points and 40.9 percent 3-point shooting in four games since the All-Star break.

Jahlil Okafor is averaging 17.3 points as he is in a tight race with Minnesota's Karl-Anthony Towns to finish as the league's top rookie scorer.

Smith may have a chip on his shoulder Friday since he was cut by the Wizards in training camp. He scored a team-high 22 in the Sixers' 106-94 loss at Washington on Feb. 5, with Wall recording his first triple-double of the season with 18 points, 10 assists and 13 boards.

The Wizards got a boost Wednesday with the season debut of Alan Anderson after left ankle surgery. He finished with nine points in 16 minutes.

"I just had to be patient and just be ready," Anderson said. "I didn't know how I was going to play, when I was going to play, I just had to be patient and when I got out there."

Washington has taken seven of the last eight meetings.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Hornets (29-27) at Pacers (31-26)
Date: February 26, 2016 7:00 PM EDT

Myles Turner's emergence has given the Indiana Pacers a defensive presence inside while allowing Paul George to move more freely at the other end of the floor.

Turner wasn't at his best against Charlotte two weeks ago, though, and the Hornets took advantage.

Charlotte is fresh off having its winning streak snapped and looks to subdue Turner and the Pacers again as it continues a road trip Friday night.

Turner missed all but eight games over the first two months because of a fractured left thumb after being selected with the 11th pick in June's draft, then saw limited action through mid-January.

Coach Frank Vogel inserted Turner into the starting lineup for the last 12, though, and the 6-foot-11 forward had his best game in that stretch Wednesday, scoring 24 points while hitting 10 of 20 from the field as the Pacers (31-26) beat New York 108-105.

'Coach wants me to be aggressive and take those shots and I'm not drawing back,' said Turner, who is averaging 17.0 points and shooting 55.6 percent over his last four. "That's just the mentality I have to start taking.'

George has benefited from the move, too. He finished with 27 points against the Knicks and has scored at least 20 in eight straight after adjusting through the first four with Turner in the starting lineup.

Indiana's new starting five has scored 102.2 points per 100 possessions when on the court together while giving up 85.2.

"Defensively, we get stops and rebounds. Myles gives us that presence," George said. "You still get that stretch offensively, with Myles being able to spread the floor. We still get that small-ball spacing, but we're still big. That's been enjoyable with this group."

Turner struggled against the Hornets on Feb. 10, going 4 of 11 from the field and scoring 10 points with a team-worst minus-18 rating in a 117-95 defeat that snapped the Pacers' 12-game home winning streak in the series.

That victory was part of a five-game win streak for Charlotte (29-27), but it had that run and a four-game road winning streak snapped with Wednesday's 114-103 loss to Cleveland. The defensive effort wasn't nearly as good following an eight-game stretch during which it allowed an average of 94.8 points.

"We've just got to lock back in and forget about this one," guard Kemba Walker said. "We'll learn from our mistakes and go to Indy and try to pull out a big win."

Walker is averaging 25.2 points over his last six - including having 25 in the first meeting with the Pacers - and shooting 55.3 percent over his past three. He's been the catalyst for Charlotte, which leads Detroit by one game for the Eastern Conference's final playoff spot but is 1 1/2 behind Indiana for fifth.

The Hornets are 2-1 on a five-game, post-All-Star break trip that ends Sunday against Atlanta.

'For us, we wanted to make the playoffs. Our goals are A, to qualify for the playoffs, and B, be playing at a level to be a factor in the playoffs," coach Steve Clifford said. "There will be two to three teams in the conference that take off and play a lot better from here on out. We want to be one of them.'

Pacers guard Rodney Stuckey, who hasn't played since Jan. 12 because of a foot injury, could return.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Cavaliers (41-15) at Raptors (38-18)
Date: February 26, 2016 7:30 PM EDT

It's been nearly two months since the Toronto Raptors lost at home, and the Cleveland Cavaliers are taking notice.

Only three games separate the Eastern Conference's top two teams, a deficit the Raptors have a chance to trim when the Cavaliers visit Air Canada Centre on Friday night.

Toronto (38-18) hasn't allowed the Cavaliers to distance themselves by winning 17 times in a 20-game stretch for the first time in team history. The Raptors have been unbeatable at home over that period, winning nine straight to match a single-season franchise record established from March 7-April 4, 1999.

After extending the streak with Wednesday's 114-105 victory over Minnesota, Toronto can tie the club mark for consecutive home wins set between the 2001-02 and 2002-03 seasons.

Cleveland (41-15) has been able to maintain its hold on the top spot by winning 11 of 14 since losing coach Tyronn Lue's debut on Jan. 23. It had a five-game winning streak halted with Monday's 96-88 home loss to Detroit, but recovered strongly in Wednesday's 114-103 victory over surging Charlotte.

Held to a season low-tying 12 points on 5-of-18 shooting by the Pistons, LeBron James bounced back by scoring 10 of his 23 in the first quarter and helping the Cavaliers to a season-high 40 in the second.

"It was fortunate for us that LeBron was able to attack early and set the tone for us," Lue said.

Kyrie Irving also had 23 points and Channing Frye went 4 of 8 from 3-point range in recording 15 in his second game since being acquired from Orlando at last week's trade deadline.

"He adds another dynamic piece to our team we hadn't had up to this point," James said of Frye.

Frye, a career 38.7 percent 3-point shooter, does add another outside threat to a Cleveland team that's had much success from the perimeter in two prior 2015-16 meetings with Toronto. The Cavaliers were 14 of 29 from beyond the arc in a 103-99 loss at Air Canada Centre on Nov. 25 and finished 17 of 33 in a 122-100 home rout on Jan. 4.

Irving's return from last June's fractured kneecap has also made a difference. He had 25 points in the last matchup after missing the first and is averaging 24.3 points on 52.8 percent shooting over his last seven games.

The Raptors continue to be led by their All-Star backcourt of DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry. The duo combined for 52 points against Minnesota and hit two critical 3-pointers each in the final 3 1/2 minutes as Toronto closed the game on a 13-4 run.

"It was a gutsy win. We found a way to win defensively and DeMar DeRozan made some big plays down the stretch," coach Dwane Casey said.

DeRozan ended with 31 points and is averaging 25.3 over his last 11, while Lowry scored 12 of his 21 in the fourth quarter and didn't have a turnover. He's had six giveaways during a five-game stretch in which the Raptors are averaging a league-low 9.6 per game.

Cleveland, which has won four of five against Toronto, did a better job taking care of the ball Wednesday. After committing 18 turnovers - six from James - that led to 23 Detroit points, the Cavaliers had nine against Charlotte.

The Cavaliers will be without guard Mo Williams for at least the next two games so he can receive treatment on his injured left knee.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Bulls (30-26) at Hawks (31-27)
Date: February 26, 2016 8:00 PM EDT

Unexpected contributors have enabled the Chicago Bulls to reverse their recent misfortunes.

The Atlanta Hawks, on the other hand, remain searching for answers to their prolonged struggles.

Though virtually tied in the Eastern Conference standings, the teams have been heading in opposite directions leading into Friday night's matchup in Atlanta.

The Bulls' season appeared to be sinking a week ago following a season-high fifth consecutive loss, but they've won three straight since despite continued absences from All-Star Jimmy Butler and Nikola Mirotic. A resurgence from Derrick Rose has helped trigger the turnaround, as has increased production from a number of players called upon for greater roles.

Rose recorded a third straight game of at least 24 points in Sunday's 126-115 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers but sat out Wednesday against Washington to rest a tender right hamstring. The offense still didn't skip a beat, as seven players finished in double figures in a 109-104 win.

Tony Snell scored 16 points starting in Rose's place and E'Twaun Moore had 17 three days after recording 24 on 10-of-14 shooting against the Lakers. Doug McDermott, averaging 20.0 points on a 67.6 field goal rate during the streak, added 14 off the bench.

'It's the next man up mentality,' coach Fred Hoiberg said. 'It's not an ideal situation, but it's what guys like Justin Holiday, Tony Snell, E'Twaun Moore, it's why you play this game. It's for opportunities like this when your main players aren't out there.'

The Bulls (30-26) have averaged 117.0 points during the surge and shot 50 percent or better in all three wins. They were a combined 40.9 percent while failing to top 95 points in their previous three losses.

Chicago will see if it can maintain that success on the road, where it's lost four straight, and against a Hawks team it's lost handily to in two prior 2015-16 meetings.

Atlanta (31-27) has been unable to build on a 113-90 rout at the United Center on Feb. 10 that seemed to signal a return to form, however. The Hawks have emerged from the All-Star break with three consecutive home losses while continuing be inconsistent on both ends.

There were some encouraging signs out of Monday's 102-92 defeat to league-leading Golden State. The Hawks outscored the Warriors 36-18 in the third quarter and used a 33-6 run to take an 80-76 lead early in the fourth before the defending NBA champions rallied for their 50th win.

"Obviously we're in a little bit of a tough spot, but there's some positives to build on from (Monday)," coach Mike Budenholzer said.

Al Horford and Dennis Schroder have continued to play well for Atlanta, which is trying to avoid its first five-game home skid since December 2006. Horford had 23 points and 16 rebounds against Golden State and is averaging 19.4 points over his last five. Schroder followed a career-high 25-point, near triple-double in Saturday's double-overtime loss to Milwaukee with 18 on 8-of-12 shooting on Monday.

Both have given the Bulls problems this season. Horford's season-high 33 points carried the Hawks to a 120-105 home win on Jan. 9 and Schroder had 18 in this month's first meeting.

Atlanta has won four of the series' past five matchups.

Kirk Hinrich, acquired from the Bulls in a three-team trade at last week's deadline, has yet to appear in any of Atlanta's three games following the swap.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Nuggets (23-35) at Mavericks (30-28)
Date: February 26, 2016 8:30 PM EDT

Dallas is entering the third of a six-game homestand on which the schedule lines up for it to regain some of the ground it's dropped this month, but wasting the opportune stretch is beginning to seem just as likely given the team's recent play.

Denver is next up Friday night in the span of five of six under-.500 teams visiting with the Mavericks seeking a fourth straight win in the series.

Dallas (30-28) has lost six of eight in February to fall into a group along with Portland, Utah and Houston battling for the Western Conference's last three postseason berths. The homestand started with Sunday's 129-103 win over Philadelphia, then regressed with Wednesday's 116-103 loss to Oklahoma City.

The good news for Dallas is the Nuggets (23-35) are followed to town by Minnesota, Orlando and Sacramento. The bad is the Mavericks' 2-6 span has teams averaging 110.1 points and shooting 47.8 percent. Factor in a minus-7.4 rebounding differential and their own 42.7 percent shooting mark, and their coach is understandably more concerned with game-to-game issues than their place in the West.

"I don't look at the standings that much. I'm looking at how we're playing," coach Rick Carlisle told the team's official website. "I didn't like the way we played in the first and fourth quarters tonight. And those are pretty important quarters, so we've got to pick it up. And these games at home are a precious commodity. Oklahoma City is a terrific team, but we can do better than what we did tonight."

Dirk Nowitzki scored 33 points on 10-of-16 shooting, but the rest of the starting five was 16 of 44. Wesley Matthews had 15 points but was 5 of 16 from the field, and the guard has been limited to 9.7 points on 35.9 percent in his last 12 games.

In three of the last four contests, the Mavericks have been outscored in the fourth quarter by at least seven points. The two before Wednesday were overtime losses after entering the fourth with nine-point leads.

"We've got to finish games," Matthews said. "... We had a little slippage, and that seems to be the trend for us this season. We're too good of a team to be doing that, and this loss hurts. But we've got to get back and get one Friday."

There's been no such trend against the Nuggets while winning four of five, including three straight overall and in Dallas after a 92-81 home win on Nov. 28.

Denver is seeking consecutive victories after Wednesday's 87-81 win at the Los Angeles Clippers - an unlikely winning scoreline for the Nuggets after giving up an average of 117.0 points on 49.8 percent on a preceding three-game losing streak. The Clippers put up 46 3-point attempts - more than they'd ever attempted and more than the Nuggets had ever faced - but only 13 fell as Denver had one of its best defensive efforts of the season by limiting Los Angeles to 35.3 percent overall.

"We have beaten some of the best teams in the NBA when we defend, and this is the first game, post All-Star break, where we defended for four quarters," coach Michael Malone said. "Hopefully we can get back to defending at a high level like we were before the break."

Their 37.8 percent mark at the other end was their second lowest winning shooting effort of the season, and a 6-of-24 effort from 3-point range has them at 30.5 percent from deep over a 4-5 span.

Kenneth Faried, however, had 21 points on 10 of 15 and is shooting 65.1 percent in 10 games this month.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Clippers (37-20) at Kings (24-32)
Date: February 26, 2016 10:00 PM EDT

Straying from what had been working resulted in one of the Los Angeles Clippers' poorest offensive performances their last time out.

Facing the high-scoring Sacramento Kings on Friday night, a repeat effort would likely spell further trouble.

Los Angeles (37-20) had been rolling offensively behind a game plan balancing its strong outside shooting with high-percentage looks to DeAndre Jordan in the post. It deviated sharply from that strategy Wednesday against Denver with a franchise-record 46 attempts from 3-point range while Jordan, the NBA's field-goal percentage leader (69.1), had just five shots.

The Clippers made 13 of those 3s and shot 35.3 percent overall - their second-lowest mark of the season - in losing 87-81 at home to the non-contending Nuggets.

"You have to give them a lot of credit for playing hard, but at the same time, we have to win games like this," point guard Chris Paul said. "It was kind of flat out there, kind of dead. In these tight games, we have to win."

Coach Doc Rivers didn't have much of an issue with his team's shot selection, attributing the outcome to simply an off night.

"We played with the right intentions," he said. "We missed wide-open shot after wide-open shot. It's going to happen."

Los Angeles went 13 of 24 from beyond the arc in Monday's 124-84 rout of Phoenix and had shot 43.5 percent from deep in its previous four games.

Another perimeter-oriented approach may in the works Friday, considering Sacramento (24-32) has allowed a league-high 598 3-pointers and the Clippers are still without Blake Griffin, who totaled 70 points in two October wins over the Kings but missed a 110-103 home loss Jan. 16 due to a partially torn quadriceps.

Los Angeles will have to hit those shots, however, to succeed against the league's third-highest scoring team. That wasn't the case in the previous meeting, when the Clippers shot 39.6 percent after making a combined 51.9 percent of their attempts in the two wins.

The Clippers have won six straight in Sacramento and 18 of the series' last 22 matchups, and they're an NBA-best 12-3 on the road since Christmas.

Sacramento averaged 114.7 points during a three-game win streak it brought into Wednesday's matchup with San Antonio, but it had a far tougher time against the Spurs' stout defense in a 108-92 loss. DeMarcus Cousins was held to 22 points on 8-of-23 shooting after the All-Star center scored 37 and 39 in consecutive victories over Denver out of the All-Star break.

"You're looking at a championship team that's probably going to play for the Western Conference finals," coach George Karl said. "Their defense is in the top echelon of the league, maybe the best defense in the league right now."

The Clippers have been very solid in that area as well, having limited 10 of their last 13 opponents to 93 points or less. They're second in the NBA in scoring defense (96.5) and third in field-goal percentage defense (42.7) during that stretch.

Sacramento stands on the other side of the spectrum, surrendering a league-high 109.1 points per game. The Kings have allowed 107 or more in 13 straight.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Grizzlies (33-23) at Lakers (11-48)
Date: February 26, 2016 10:30 PM EDT

The Memphis Grizzlies are known for stingy defensive play that compensates for their lack of offense.

That hasn't been the case for the past six weeks.

The Grizzlies look to build on their best offensive showing of the season and continue their dominance of the Los Angeles Lakers with a sweep of this home-and-home set Friday night.

Memphis ranks sixth in the league in scoring defense (99.5), but it's been the offense that's keyed a 12-4 run. The Grizzlies (33-23) are averaging 105.6 points during that stretch, a major improvement from their 95.9 over the first 40 games.

"It's a lot different," guard Mike Conley said. "We're taking the wide-open shot. We're not just settling. ... I think everybody's having a lot of fun. And, as you can see, when you have fun, we put up points."

Fun is something the Grizzlies have had a lot of lately against the Lakers (11-48), averaging 107.8 points during an eight-game winning streak - their longest in series history.

They set a season high in points and shot 56.5 percent - their second-best mark of the season - in Wednesday's 128-119 home victory. Memphis set a season high with 13 3-pointers, getting five from Matt Barnes, who had his most productive game of 2015-16 with 25 points on 9-of-14 shooting and eight rebounds.

Conley added 24 points, eight assists and six boards, and is averaging 20.8 points on 52.0 percent from the floor over the last five games. He's scored 20 per game on 55.8 in his past seven against Los Angeles.

The Western Conference-worst Lakers are playing out the remainder of a dreadful season, having lost 21 of 24 as Kobe Bryant's retirement tour continues.

With 23 games remaining, they're on pace to break the team record for fewest wins in a season - 19 in 1957-58 when the team was located in Minneapolis.

Los Angeles has been particularly awful during a seven-game skid, allowing 120.2 points and 47.6 percent from 3-point range in the last five contests.

"The last three games especially, we just haven"t been able to guard anyone," coach Byron Scott said. "Teams are pretty much scoring at will."

Jordan Clarkson has been one of the few bright spots of late, averaging 21 points and making 19 of 32 from long range in the last five games. He had 28 points Wednesday and set a career-high with six 3-pointers.

Clarkson has scored 21.7 in his last three meetings with Memphis.

Bryant has had a tough time over the last two games, shooting 8 of 26 and totaling 28 points after finishing with 13 against the Grizzlies. He was averaging 24.5 points over the previous eight games.

D'Angelo Russell is looking to build on his 22 points and eight assists from Wednesday. The rookie guard, though, is averaging 10.7 and 3.3 at home.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Magic (25-30) at Knicks (24-35)
Date: February 26, 2016 7:30 PM EDT

Kristaps Porzingis thinks the New York Knicks are building toward a championship even as they spiral out of playoff contention.

The Knicks will try to win for the third time in 16 games Friday night against the Orlando Magic at Madison Square Garden.

Porzingis has been a major bright spot for New York (24-35) after the organization was heavily criticized for taking the 20-year-old forward fourth overall last summer. His average of 14.1 points is the highest by a Knicks rookie since Patrick Ewing scored 20.0 in 1985-86, and his 110 blocks is already a club record for first-year players.

Despite Porzingis emerging as a key building block for the future, the Knicks have lost 13 of 15 after showing promise with a 22-22 record while sitting one-half game out of eighth place in the Eastern Conference.

New York is now 6 1/2 back, but Porzingis claims it's all part of the process.

"This is our first year together. This is my first year in the NBA," he said. "I think I'll grow as a player every season. We'll grow as a team. We have Carmelo (Anthony) to guide us; the young guys. I believe we have a group in the future to be something special.

"That's what I believe in. This is going to make us stronger mentally so when we get to that moment to be a championship team, we'll be ready for it."

Porzingis led the Knicks with 22 points and Anthony missed a potential game-tying 3 at the buzzer of Wednesday's 108-105 loss at Indiana.

"Everybody has to get connected," said interim coach Kurt Rambis, who is 1-4 since replacing the fired Derek Fisher. "We're really not connected as a team yet."

Anthony is averaging 23.8 points in six games since sitting out one with a sore knee. However, he scored 14 while missing 15 of 20 shots Wednesday.

Anthony has averaged 29.4 points while hitting 16 of 28 3-pointers over his last five meetings with the Orlando. He scored 23 while Porzingis was held to nine on 3-for-12 shooting in a 107-99 loss to the Magic (25-31) on Dec. 21. That came after Porzingis went 3 for 13 from the field in a 100-91 defeat at Orlando on Nov. 25.

New York is trying to avoid being swept in the three-game season series, which would be its longest slide against the Magic since dropping six straight from 2009-11.

Orlando, four games out of the East's final playoff spot, has won four of seven following a 2-15 stretch. The Magic, though, allowed Stephen Curry to score 51 points while falling 130-114 to Golden State on Thursday.

They've let opponents average 109.9 points and shoot 47.4 percent over the last 15 games.

"We gotta do a better job of getting stops, doing a better job of playing collective defense," guard Victor Oladipo said.

Evan Fournier led Orlando with 20 points, and he's averaging 21.3 over the last three games - 7.0 higher than his career-best season mark.

The swingman had 16 points at New York in December, while center Nikola Vucevic scored 26.

Vucevic has averaged 24.4 points and 14.0 rebounds over his last five matchups with the Knicks. He enters this one with 23.1 points and 11.3 boards per game over the past seven.

[StarDust Bum]

NBA MONEYLINE

NBA > (849) CHICAGO@ (850) ATLANTA | 2016-02-26 20:05:00 - 2016-02-26 20:05:00
Play ON CHICAGO using money line in All games revenging a home loss vs opponent
The record is 20 Wins and 7 Losses for the last two seasons (+20.85 units)

NBA > (849) CHICAGO@ (850) ATLANTA | 2016-02-26 20:05:00 - 2016-02-26 20:05:00
Play ON CHICAGO using money line in All games revenging a loss vs opponent
The record is 44 Wins and 16 Losses for the last two seasons (+30.95 units)

NBA > (851) DENVER@ (852) DALLAS | 2016-02-26 20:35:00 - 2016-02-26 20:35:00
Play ON DENVER using money line in Road games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game
The record is 10 Wins and 6 Losses for the this season (+18 units)

NBA > (841) WASHINGTON@ (842) PHILADELPHIA | 2016-02-26 19:05:00 - 2016-02-26 19:05:00
Play AGAINST WASHINGTON using money line in Road games in February games
The record is 1 Wins and 11 Losses for the last two seasons (-12.9 units)

NBA > (851) DENVER@ (852) DALLAS | 2016-02-26 20:35:00 - 2016-02-26 20:35:00
Play ON DENVER using money line in All games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game
The record is 20 Wins and 18 Losses for the this season (+21.25 units)

NBA > (843) CHARLOTTE@ (844) INDIANA | 2016-02-26 19:05:00 - 2016-02-26 19:05:00
Play AGAINST INDIANA using money line in All games revenging a home loss vs opponent
The record is 1 Wins and 9 Losses for the this season (-10.8 units)

NBA > (855) MEMPHIS@ (856) LA LAKERS | 2016-02-26 22:35:00 - 2016-02-26 22:35:00
Play ON MEMPHIS using money line in All games after scoring 105 points or more
The record is 27 Wins and 9 Losses for the last two seasons (+17.2 units)

NBA > (853) LA CLIPPERS@ (854) SACRAMENTO | 2016-02-26 22:05:00 - 2016-02-26 22:05:00
Play AGAINST SACRAMENTO using money line in All games on Friday nights
The record is 10 Wins and 30 Losses for the last three seasons (-23.3 units)

NBA > (847) CLEVELAND@ (848) TORONTO | 2016-02-26 19:35:00 - 2016-02-26 19:35:00
Play ON CLEVELAND using money line in All games when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season
The record is 28 Wins and 10 Losses for the last two seasons (+17.25 units)

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

NBA FIRST HALF

NBA > (847) CLEVELAND@ (848) TORONTO | 2016-02-26 19:35:00 - 2016-02-26 19:35:00
Play AGAINST TORONTO ?>in the first halfin Home games in February games
The record is 0 Wins and 13 Losses for the last three seasons (-14.3 units)

NBA > (847) CLEVELAND@ (848) TORONTO | 2016-02-26 19:35:00 - 2016-02-26 19:35:00
Play ON CLEVELAND ?>in the first halfin All games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season
The record is 38 Wins and 16 Losses for the last two seasons (+20.4 units)


NBA > (843) CHARLOTTE@ (844) INDIANA | 2016-02-26 19:05:00 - 2016-02-26 19:05:00
Play AGAINST INDIANA ?>in the first halfin All games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season
The record is 22 Wins and 50 Losses for the last three seasons (-33 units)

NBA > (841) WASHINGTON@ (842) PHILADELPHIA | 2016-02-26 19:05:00 - 2016-02-26 19:05:00
Play AGAINST PHILADELPHIA ?>in the first halfin All games against Southeast division opponents
The record is 6 Wins and 20 Losses for the last two seasons (-16 units)

NBA > (849) CHICAGO@ (850) ATLANTA | 2016-02-26 20:05:00 - 2016-02-26 20:05:00
Play ON CHICAGO ?>in the first halfin Road games revenging a loss vs opponent
The record is 20 Wins and 6 Losses for the last two seasons (+13.4 units)

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

NBA TOTALS

NBA > (849) CHICAGO@ (850) ATLANTA | 2016-02-26 20:05:00 - 2016-02-26 20:05:00
Play UNDER ATLANTA on the totalin All games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game
The record is 26 Overs and 60 Unders for the last two seasons (+31.4 units)

NBA > (843) CHARLOTTE@ (844) INDIANA | 2016-02-26 19:05:00 - 2016-02-26 19:05:00
Play UNDER INDIANA on the totalin All games against Southeast division opponents
The record is 7 Overs and 23 Unders for the last two seasons (+15.3 units)

NBA > (853) LA CLIPPERS@ (854) SACRAMENTO | 2016-02-26 22:05:00 - 2016-02-26 22:05:00
Play UNDER LA CLIPPERS on the totalin Road games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game
The record is 3 Overs and 14 Unders for the this season (+10.7 units)

NBA > (851) DENVER@ (852) DALLAS | 2016-02-26 20:35:00 - 2016-02-26 20:35:00
Play OVER DENVER on the totalin All games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game
The record is 26 Overs and 11 Unders for the this season (+13.9 units)

NBA > (851) DENVER@ (852) DALLAS | 2016-02-26 20:35:00 - 2016-02-26 20:35:00
Play OVER DENVER on the totalin All games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game
The record is 28 Overs and 13 Unders for the this season (+13.7 units)

NBA > (845) ORLANDO@ (846) NEW YORK | 2016-02-26 19:35:00 - 2016-02-26 19:35:00
Play UNDER ORLANDO on the totalin Road games on Friday nights
The record is 1 Overs and 11 Unders for the last two seasons (+9.9 units)

NBA > (853) LA CLIPPERS@ (854) SACRAMENTO | 2016-02-26 22:05:00 - 2016-02-26 22:05:00
Play UNDER SACRAMENTO on the totalin Home games when playing against a team with a winning record
The record is 1 Overs and 10 Unders for the this season (+8.9 units)

[StarDust Bum]

Friday's Tip Sheet
February 26, 2016

Hornets at Pacers – 7:05 PM EST

These two teams are meeting up for the second this month as Charlotte ripped Indiana in the last matchup at Bankers Life Fieldhouse, 117-95 as 3 ½-point underdogs on February 10. The Hornets (29-27 SU, 28-27-1 ATS) saw their five-game winning streak snapped at Cleveland on Wednesday in a 114-103 defeat, allowing at least 100 points for just the second time in the last nine games. Charlotte has posted a 3-5 SU and 4-4 ATS record in the past eight opportunities as a road underdog as four of the straight-up losses have come by double-digits.

Indiana (31-26 SU, 28-28-1 ATS) has won three of four games since the All-Star break with the lone loss coming in overtime at Miami on Monday. The Pacers squeezed past the Knicks on Wednesday, 108-105, but failed to cash as 6 ½-point favorites to fall to 0-3 ATS in the last three home contests. Frank Vogel’s club is riding a strong ‘over’ run at home recently by eclipsing the ‘over’ in eight of the past 10 games at Bankers Life Fieldhouse, while allowing at least 100 points in five of the previous six home contests.

Cavaliers at Raptors – 7:35 PM EST

The top two squads in the Eastern Conference hook up at the Air Canada Center as Cleveland enters play owning a three-game edge over Toronto for the top spot. The Cavaliers (41-15 SU, 25-28-3 ATS) have won six of seven since a two-game skid earlier this month, while pulling away from the Hornets on Wednesday, 114-103 as 8 ½-point favorites. Tyronn Lue’s club improved to 3-5-1 ATS the last nine games in the favorite role, as Cleveland owns an impressive 11-2 SU and 5-5-3 ATS mark in the past 13 road contests.

The Raptors (38-18 SU, 31-25 ATS) rebounded from consecutive road losses to the Wolves and Bulls by capturing three straight wins to maintain a healthy lead over the Celtics in the Atlantic. Toronto continues to score plenty of points by cashing the ‘over’ in six of the past eight games, while busting the 100-point mark in 16 of the last 18 contests.

The Raptors and Cavaliers have split a pair of matchups this season with the home team winning each time. Toronto held off Cleveland at the Air Canada Center in late November, 103-99 as three-point underdogs, but the Cavs exacted revenge in early January, 122-100. Each of the past four meetings between the Raptors and Cavs have finished ‘over’ the total, as Cleveland knocked down 17 three-pointers in last month’s home blowout of Toronto.

Bulls at Hawks – 8:05 PM EST

Chicago (30-26 SU, 23-33 ATS) is the definition of the “walking wounded” at this point with leading scorer Jimmy Butler sidelined and point guard Derrick Rose suffering from a hamstring injury. Somehow, the Bulls have managed to win three consecutive games at home, including victories over the Raptors and Wizards in the last week. Defensively, Chicago has continued to struggle by allowing at least 100 points in 11 straight games, resulting in seven ‘overs.’

The Hawks (31-27 SU, 27-30-1 ATS) haven’t found last year’s magic which saw them run away with the Eastern Conference. Atlanta still has a fantastic chance to win the Southeast division, but Mike Budenholzer’s team has lost four straight games at Philips Arena, while dropping six home contests all of last season. The most recent setback came against Golden State in Monday’s 102-92 defeat as six-point underdogs, even though the Hawks erased a 23-point deficit and actually led in the fourth quarter.

The Bulls haven’t had much luck with the Hawks this season, losing each of the first two meetings. Atlanta dominated Chicago at Philips Arena, 120-105 on January 9 to easily cash as 2 ½-point favorites as Al Horford and Paul Millsap combined to score 51 points and pull down 18 rebounds. The Hawks cruised past the Bulls prior to the All-Star break at the United Center, 113-90 as eight Atlanta players finished in double-figures.

Clippers at Kings – 10:05 PM EST

These two Pacific division rivals meet for the fourth and final time this season as Los Angeles goes for the series victory. The Clippers (37-20 SU, 28-26-3 ATS) captured the first two meetings in the first week of the season, but the Kings (24-32 SU, 25-31 ATS) knocked off Los Angeles at Staples Center in early January, 110-103 as four-point underdogs. Doc Rivers’ team has alternated wins and losses in the last six games, coming off an ugly home loss to the Nuggets as 11-point favorites on Wednesday, 87-81, the second-lowest scoring output of the season.

Sacramento continues a brutal homestand after falling to San Antonio on Wednesday, 108-92 to snap a three-game winning streak. DeMarcus Cousins struggled from the floor by failing to hit a shot in 10 attempts in the first half, while finishing 8-of-23 for 22 points. The Kings finished ‘under’ the total for the first time in seven games, while not reaching the 100-point mark at home for the first time since beating Atlanta on January 21 by a 91-88 count. George Karl’s squad has put together a 3-7 SU and 4-6 ATS record as a home underdog, while losing six straight home matchups with the Clippers since 2013.

Grizzlies at Lakers – 10:35 PM EST

This series has been dominated recently by Memphis (33-23 SU, 28-27-1 ATS), who has beaten Los Angeles eight consecutive times. These teams are finishing up a home-and-home set after the Grizzlies held off the Lakers at FedEx Forum on Wednesday, 128-119 as 8 ½-point favorites. In spite of losing center Marc Gasol to a season-ending foot injury, the Grizzlies received some luck from the schedule-makers by facing the Lakers, Suns, and Nuggets on this road trip, all teams that are out of playoff contention.

The Lakers (11-48 SU, 28-31 ATS) are continuing the Kobe Bryant farewell tour, but it hasn’t translated into many victories as L.A. has lost seven straight games. The good news for Byron Scott’s club is the Lakers have covered seven of their last nine games, including each of their past two at Staples Center. The bad news is the defense is still horrible, allowing at least 108 points in each of the last five games as the ‘over’ has hit four times in this stretch.