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

[StarDust Bum]

MONDAY, MARCH 14

GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS

DAL at CHA 07:00 PM

CHA -5.5

O 209.5


DEN at MIA 07:30 PM

DEN +7.0

U 209.5


CHI at TOR 07:30 PM

CHI +9.0

O 207.0


DET at WAS 08:00 PM

DET +1.5

U 208.0


POR at OKC 08:00 PM

POR +7.5

U 218.5


MEM at HOU 08:00 PM

HOU -11.5

U 208.5


MIN at PHO 10:00 PM

MIN +1.0

U 220.0


CLE at UTA 10:30 PM

UTA +6.0

O 194.5


NO at GS 10:30 PM

NO +14.5

U 230.0

[StarDust Bum]

MONDAY, MARCH 14

GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS

JKST at SHSU 07:30 PM

SHSU -6.0

O 138.5


SCST at GRC 10:00 PM

SCST +13.0

U 151.5

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Celtics (39-27) at Pacers (35-31)
Date: March 15, 2016 7:00 PM EDT

Indiana failed in taking a step toward tracking down the team immediately in front of it in the Eastern Conference the last time out, and the Pacers didn't look capable of holding onto a playoff spot much less advancing their cause.

A five-game homestand begins Tuesday night against the Boston Celtics, who happen to be another of the teams within shouting distance and will be adjusting to life without a starting forward while possibly welcoming back another.

Indiana (35-31) fell 104-75 in Atlanta on Sunday and failed to score 20 points in three of four quarters after reaching that mark in its previous 23 12-minute segments. The Pacers shot 37.9 percent and hit 5 of 24 from 3-point range while going 4 of 7 from the foul line - a season low in makes and attempts.

The Celtics might be wise to listen to Paul George's postgame.

"It's been the toughest challenge for us is matching up with these spread teams, and a spread team got the best of us tonight," said George, who matched a season low with seven points on 3-of-15 shooting. "They turned the switch. They took it to another level."

It's been a struggle offensively over a 3-2 span with Indiana shooting 42.2 percent and making 31.6 from beyond the arc. George has been limited to 16.7 points on 31.4 percent shooting in his last three games, but he's averaged 25.0 in three games against the Celtics this season.

The Pacers, who play 11 of their last 16 at home, have won two of three with Boston (39-27) this season. That includes a 100-98 home victory on Nov. 4 as part of four wins in the last five played in Indiana since the start of 2013-14.

Boston, which is four games up on Indiana, plays nine of its last 16 on the road and faces a difficult back-to-back with Wednesday's home contest against Oklahoma City looming and a trip to Atlantic Division-leading Toronto two days after that.

George could have an easier time than he normally would against Boston with Jae Crowder out. Coach Brad Stevens is now charged with finding a way to contain not only George, but also forwards such as Kevin Durant and DeMar DeRozan in the near future with the key defensive component expected to miss two weeks with a sprained right ankle.

Kelly Olynyk could return from an 11-game absence due to a right shoulder sprain, but he's not the type of versatile defender Crowder is.

"It's a heck of a challenge when you look at our week ahead," Stevens, a former favorite in the state of Indiana while coaching Butler, told the team's official website. "That's why long, athletic, versatile guys are in such demand in this league. We may be a little bit smaller at times at the three and we may be bigger than we've been at times at the four. We'll see how it all plays itself out, but we've got a lot of good players and it's a great opportunity for them."

Granted, Boston has often had impressive offensive showings to fall back on lately. Friday's 102-98 home loss to Houston was its first in 10 games under 100 points, and the Celtics have averaged 111.0 over a 20-9 span since last failing to reach 100 in consecutive games.

Isaiah Thomas still managed to reach 30 points against the Rockets for the third time in five games while averaging 28.2 on 51.7 percent and 50.0 from 3-point range. In his last four starts against the Pacers, he's averaged 26.8, including a career high-matching 38 on Jan. 24, 2014, while with Sacramento.

The Pacers also have some injury concerns with George Hill (toe), Rodney Stuckey (toe) and Ty Lawson (foot) all questionable.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Nuggets (28-38) at Magic (28-37)
Date: March 15, 2016 7:00 PM EDT

The Denver Nuggets and Orlando Magic are still alive in the playoff race, but time is running out.

Kenneth Faried attempts to match the team record for consecutive baskets made while trying to help the Nuggets capitalize on a matchup with the collapsing Magic on Tuesday night.

Denver (28-39) is six games back of Houston and Dallas for the last two postseason positions in the Western Conference with 15 games to go, while Orlando (28-37) trails Chicago by five games for eighth in the East with 17 to play.

The Nuggets are at least finding a rhythm with a 116.3 scoring average during a 5-2 stretch, but they're surrendering 108.3 over that span. Denver gave up 59.5 percent shooting in Monday's 124-119 defeat at Miami.

Faried, though, is looking to build on an impressive performance. The forward had 24 points and 11 rebounds while connecting on all 11 of his attempts from the floor to match Oklahoma City's Enes Kanter for the best effort in the league this season.

"I just played basketball," Faried said. "Just trying to get a 'W.' We lost, so it's tough."

Faried will need to hit his next six tries in order to tie the Nuggets' consecutive shots made record set by Bobby Jones in December 1976.

He's been an abysmal 7 for 30 from the field while averaging 6.7 points during the last three meetings with Orlando. Faried missed 10 of 12 shots and finished with seven points in an 85-74 loss to the Magic on Dec. 8.

Rookie Emmanuel Mudiay had six points in that matchup, but he's averaging 20.1 in the past seven games after scoring 23 with 10 assists Monday.

The Magic are 9-24 since the start of the year and have dropped four of five after Saturday's 121-84 loss at Portland, their most lopsided defeat of the season. The listless performance, which included shooting 37.4 percent from the floor, came one day after they shot 51.9 percent in a 107-100 win at Sacramento.

"Our issue lately has been playing a pretty good game, getting a win and then following it up by not playing well at all," coach Scott Skiles said. "Not even resembling the team we were the night before. That's been our issue."

Evan Fournier is giving Orlando hope for the future over the last four games, averaging 18.5 points while sinking 51.0 percent from the field.

"He's still a young player learning what it takes in the NBA to be successful every night," Skiles said. "He's at a challenging position. Every night he's playing against a very talented player. He has been overall the most consistent offensive player we've had."

Fournier, however, had three points in December's meeting at Denver, the team he spent his first two seasons with.

Nikola Vucevic and Elfrid Payton had 18 points each in that matchup, but they're both expected to be out this time. Vucevic (groin) has missed the last four games and Payton (elbow) has been sidelined for the past two.

Denver has won three of four in Orlando after going 3-20 in its first 23 visits.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: 76ers (9-57) at Nets (18-48)
Date: March 15, 2016 7:30 PM EDT

The Brooklyn Nets are one of two Eastern Conference teams beaten by the Philadelphia 76ers this season, and the only such club to fall to them twice.

Those two victories are the 76ers' only ones over their last 20 games.

Looking to avoid a ninth straight road defeat, the 76ers can take the season series from the Nets for the first time in five years Tuesday night.

Philadelphia (9-57) snapped a 13-game losing streak with Friday's 95-89 win over Brooklyn. The 76ers' previous victory was 103-98 over the Nets (18-48) on Feb. 6.

After shooting 39.1 percent in a 100-91 loss at Brooklyn on Dec. 10, the Sixers hit 46.1 percent to win the next two meetings at home. Philadelphia held the Nets to 37.9 percent shooting and led by 19 on Friday.

"I think the reflection of how we try to play most nights was exemplified (Friday)," Sixers coach Brett Brown said. "It thought there was grit. I thought there was fight."

The 76ers are 3-38 against the East with the other victory being their most recent road win, against Orlando on Jan. 20. They last took a season series from the Nets with a sweep in 2010-11.

To do it again, Philadelphia must bounce back after allowing Detroit to shoot 53.8 percent in Saturday's 125-111 loss. Isaiah Canaan scored 22 and Carl Landry added 18 but the 76ers were outscored 35-24 in the fourth quarter.

Landry has totaled 34 points on 14-of-22 shooting in two games after being held to fewer than 10 in three of the previous four.

Philadelphia forward Robert Covington is expected to miss a second straight contest after he was taken off the court on a stretcher following an accidental kick to the face by teammate Jerami Grant on Friday.

"It definitely scared me more than anything," Covington said. "But I'm glad to be alright, and I let everyone else know that I'm OK, and I'll be back soon."

Grant was put through the NBA's concussion protocol and could be available for this contest.

Ex-Sixer Thaddeus Young has averaged 20.3 points and 10.0 rebounds in the three games against his former team this season. He had 21 while Brook Lopez led all scorers with 24 points as Brooklyn concluded a 3-6 road stretch Friday.

Being back home didn't help the Nets avoid a fourth loss in a row, 109-100 to Milwaukee on Sunday. Lopez recorded his sixth straight game with at least 20 points and Young had 17 and 10 rebounds as Brooklyn shot 55.7 percent for its second-best effort of 2015-16. However, the Bucks hit 50.6 percent, held a 66-42 point advantage in the paint and scored 33 points off 20 turnovers.

"We didn't take care of the ball," Lopez told the Nets' official website. "We have to be stronger with the ball and more confident and focused in our decision making."

Lopez has averaged 24.5 points and shot 58.5 percent in the past six.

It's uncertain if teammate Wayne Ellington will miss a second consecutive contest because of an upper respiratory infection.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Clippers (42-23) at Spurs (56-10)
Date: March 15, 2016 8:30 PM EDT

If it weren't for a headline-hogging run in the Bay Area, San Antonio's home winning streak would be getting significantly more attention. There might be a particular emphasis on the next home game, despite it having no immediate bearing on the streak's standing among the all-time greats.

Although it doesn't factor into the Spurs' 41-game run, the Los Angeles Clippers were the last visiting team to win a meaningful game in San Antonio. They won the last two in San Antonio in the Western Conference quarterfinals on their way to eliminating the Spurs, and Tuesday night they'll try to end the regular-season run a few games shy of matching Chicago for the second-best streak ever.

The Spurs (56-10) moved past Orlando for the third-best home streak with Saturday's 93-85 win over Oklahoma City in the second of a season-high five-game homestand that figures to test San Antonio's home fortitude like no other. It began Thursday with a 109-101 win over Chicago, and Portland and Golden State follow the Clippers.

"This is the best time of the year. These are the best tests that we can have to prepare us for the playoffs," guard Danny Green said. "Joking with (newly signed) Kevin Martin earlier, he thought he was going to come in and get some warmup games, but it's probably the toughest part of the schedule for us and he's thrown into the fire. So, good luck."

San Antonio has won its last three games despite continuing to struggle from the perimeter. It was 4 of 24 from 3-point range against the Thunder and is connecting on 20.5 percent over the past four games.

The Spurs typically hit 38.1 percent from outside, so it's no wonder the homestand has started with a pair of single-digit finals. They haven't had three such games in a row on the winning streak, during which their 16.4-point differential is actually better than the Warriors' margin on their historic run at home.

Individually, LaMarcus Aldridge has countered the outside struggles by averaging 26.3 points on 65.2 percent shooting in the last three games. Kawhi Leonard continues to produce, averaging 23.6 points in the last five games, but the league's No. 2 3-point shooter (46.5 percent) has been limited to 29.2 percent in that span.

A little improvement there would make it easier for the Spurs to track down the Bulls' 1995-96 streak of 44 straight home wins, which Golden State passed earlier this month.

The Clippers have been victimized once on San Antonio's streak, losing 115-107 on Dec. 18, but rolled to a 105-86 win Feb. 18 in the only other matchup. That was the first meeting at Staples Center since Los Angeles won Game 7 of the playoff series following pivotal road wins in Games 4 and 6, but those came with a healthy Blake Griffin on one side and Aldridge still with Portland.

Griffin hasn't played since Christmas, and while the Clippers (42-23) won that game and the first nine without him, reality has set in with a 16-10 record since. Sunday's 114-90 home loss to Cleveland came two nights after an uninspiring 101-94 home win over New York.

"(The Cavaliers) stopped us, they got out in transition and we let them be too comfortable," said Chris Paul, who has averaged 21.4 points and 12.1 assists while notching double-doubles in nine of his last 10 games.

It was Los Angeles' worst loss of the season, and while its home mediocrity remains a concern, it is one of four teams with at least 20 road wins. While Griffin remains out due to a quadriceps injury, Los Angeles embarks on a five-game trip that'll also take it to Houston, Memphis, New Orleans and Golden State.

"This trip stood out," said J.J. Redick, the only player ahead of Leonard in 3-point percentage at 47.8. "It is as difficult as you can get and we are still waiting on Blake to get back."

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Kings (25-40) at Lakers (14-53)
Date: March 15, 2016 10:30 PM EDT

There's less than a month remaining in Kobe Bryant's storied career, and he's looking forward to getting it over with.

For now he'll try to help the Los Angeles Lakers save face Tuesday night and avoid being swept in a season series by the Sacramento Kings for the first time.

Bryant's career is winding down in the midst of the Lakers' worst season. Los Angeles (14-53) has the lowest win percentage in franchise history at .209 and has 15 games left to avoid the team record for fewest wins - 19 while in Minneapolis in 1957-58.

That could be partly why Bryant is eager to finish the season.

"One month, 15 games. I'm ready. It's exciting," Bryant said. "These next 15 games should be fun and the last one should be the most fun."

A couple of high-profile matchups against friends have allowed Bryant to have some fun. He had 26 points in a 120-108 loss to Cleveland on Thursday in his last game against LeBron James before facing off with Carmelo Anthony one final time Sunday, scoring 14 on 5-for-15 shooting in a 90-87 loss to New York.

Bryant will try to bounce back as the Lakers look to end a six-game losing streak to Sacramento (25-40), their longest in the all-time series. They're surrendering an average of 115.7 points over that stretch and 120.7 in three meetings this season.

Bryant had 15 points as Los Angeles fell 112-93 at home Jan. 20.

D'Angelo Russell also struggled with 14 points while missing 10 of 15 from the field. The rookie guard was worse Sunday, going 1 for 7 and finishing with four points after averaging 23.3 over the previous eight games.

"You just bounce back with the next one," Bryant said of Russell's struggles against the Knicks. "You have games where you kind of go up and down. He's been playing so well. He's been playing consistently well. But you have a bad game every now and then. He'll bounce back the next one."

That may prove true despite Los Angeles' recent history with the Kings.

Sacramento is giving up an average of 114.0 points while losing 17 of 22, including nine of the last 10 to all but end its playoff hopes.

The Kings are also dealing with an unhappy DeMarcus Cousins, who was suspended for Friday's 107-100 defeat to Orlando after unleashing a tirade at coach George Karl in the fourth quarter of a loss to Cleveland two days earlier.

Cousins has been suspended eight times in six seasons, and he's still bothered by the latest one handed down by general manager Vlade Divac.

"That was no suspension from the organization. That was one from the head coach. There's a difference," Cousins said after the Kings' slide reached five with Sunday's 108-99 loss to Utah.

"There's been so much extra stuff this season. Extra, unnecessary stuff. There are a lot of battles between guys that should be on your side. I would say that this (loss) is one of the most frustrating ones."

While Cousins' attitude may be a problem, his recent production has been impressive. He's averaging 32.8 points over his last four games after scoring 31 on Sunday.

Cousins has totaled 65 points and 26 rebounds while connecting on 61.8 percent from the floor over the last two meetings with the Lakers.

[StarDust Bum]

NBA ATS

NBA > (537) TORONTO@ (538) MILWAUKEE | 2016-03-15 20:05:00 - 2016-03-15 20:05:00
Play AGAINST MILWAUKEE against the spread in Home games after 3 or more consecutive wins
The record is 18 Wins and 46 Losses for the since 1992 (-32.6 units)

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NBA MONEYLINE

NBA > (533) DENVER@ (534) ORLANDO | 2016-03-15 19:05:00 - 2016-03-15 19:05:00
Play AGAINST ORLANDO using money line in Home games when playing against a team with a losing record
The record is 13 Wins and 18 Losses for the last two seasons (-27.35 units)

NBA > (533) DENVER@ (534) ORLANDO | 2016-03-15 19:05:00 - 2016-03-15 19:05:00
Play AGAINST ORLANDO using money line in All games when playing against a team with a losing record - 2nd half of the season
The record is 9 Wins and 17 Losses for the last two seasons (-22.75 units)

NBA > (541) SACRAMENTO@ (542) LA LAKERS | 2016-03-15 22:35:00 - 2016-03-15 22:35:00
Play ON LA LAKERS using money line in Home games after playing 3 consecutive home games
The record is 60 Wins and 18 Losses for the since 1992 (+38.9 units)

NBA > (539) LA CLIPPERS@ (540) SAN ANTONIO | 2016-03-15 20:35:00 - 2016-03-15 20:35:00
Play ON SAN ANTONIO using money line in Home games in March games
The record is 14 Wins and 1 Losses for the last three seasons (+12.95 units)

NBA > (539) LA CLIPPERS@ (540) SAN ANTONIO | 2016-03-15 20:35:00 - 2016-03-15 20:35:00
Play ON SAN ANTONIO using money line in All games in March games
The record is 26 Wins and 3 Losses for the last three seasons (+21.05 units)

NBA > (541) SACRAMENTO@ (542) LA LAKERS | 2016-03-15 22:35:00 - 2016-03-15 22:35:00
Play AGAINST SACRAMENTO using money line in All games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game
The record is 17 Wins and 25 Losses for the this season (-21.2 units)

NBA > (537) TORONTO@ (538) MILWAUKEE | 2016-03-15 20:05:00 - 2016-03-15 20:05:00
Play ON MILWAUKEE using money line in Home games revenging a loss vs opponent
The record is 13 Wins and 6 Losses for the this season (+12.55 units)

NBA > (535) PHILADELPHIA@ (536) BROOKLYN | 2016-03-15 19:35:00 - 2016-03-15 19:35:00
Play AGAINST BROOKLYN using money line in Home games after 3 or more consecutive losses
The record is 7 Wins and 17 Losses for the last three seasons (-17.4 units)

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NBA FIRST HALF

NBA > (537) TORONTO@ (538) MILWAUKEE | 2016-03-15 20:05:00 - 2016-03-15 20:05:00
Play AGAINST MILWAUKEE ?>in the first halfin Home games after 3 or more consecutive wins
The record is 17 Wins and 46 Losses for the since 1992 (-33.6 units)

NBA > (531) BOSTON@ (532) INDIANA | 2016-03-15 19:05:00 - 2016-03-15 19:05:00
Play AGAINST INDIANA ?>in the first halfin All games in March games
The record is 10 Wins and 29 Losses for the last three seasons (-21.9 units)

NBA > (531) BOSTON@ (532) INDIANA | 2016-03-15 19:05:00 - 2016-03-15 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 26 Wins and 55 Losses for the last three seasons (-34.5 units)

NBA > (541) SACRAMENTO@ (542) LA LAKERS | 2016-03-15 22:35:00 - 2016-03-15 22:35:00
Play AGAINST LA LAKERS ?>in the first halfin All games revenging a loss vs opponent
The record is 19 Wins and 36 Losses for the this season (-20.6 units)

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NBA TOTALS

NBA > (539) LA CLIPPERS@ (540) SAN ANTONIO | 2016-03-15 20:35:00 - 2016-03-15 20:35:00
Play UNDER SAN ANTONIO on the totalin All games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game
The record is 34 Overs and 73 Unders for the last two seasons (+35.6 units)

NBA > (541) SACRAMENTO@ (542) LA LAKERS | 2016-03-15 22:35:00 - 2016-03-15 22:35:00
Play OVER SACRAMENTO on the totalin Road games after allowing 105 points or more
The record is 27 Overs and 8 Unders for the last two seasons (+18.2 units)

NBA > (531) BOSTON@ (532) INDIANA | 2016-03-15 19:05:00 - 2016-03-15 19:05:00
Play UNDER INDIANA on the totalin Home games after a loss by 10 points or more
The record is 3 Overs and 18 Unders for the last three seasons (+14.7 units)

NBA > (539) LA CLIPPERS@ (540) SAN ANTONIO | 2016-03-15 20:35:00 - 2016-03-15 20:35:00
Play UNDER SAN ANTONIO on the totalin All games after 3 or more consecutive wins
The record is 30 Overs and 68 Unders for the last three seasons (+35 units)

NBA > (531) BOSTON@ (532) INDIANA | 2016-03-15 19:05:00 - 2016-03-15 19:05:00
Play UNDER INDIANA on the totalin All games after a loss by 10 points or more
The record is 13 Overs and 37 Unders for the last three seasons (+22.7 units)

NBA > (533) DENVER@ (534) ORLANDO | 2016-03-15 19:05:00 - 2016-03-15 19:05:00
Play OVER DENVER on the totalin All games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game
The record is 31 Overs and 14 Unders for the this season (+15.6 units)

NBA > (533) DENVER@ (534) ORLANDO | 2016-03-15 19:05:00 - 2016-03-15 19:05:00
Play UNDER ORLANDO on the totalin All games when playing against a team with a losing record
The record is 7 Overs and 20 Unders for the this season (+12.3 units)

NBA > (537) TORONTO@ (538) MILWAUKEE | 2016-03-15 20:05:00 - 2016-03-15 20:05:00
Play UNDER MILWAUKEE on the totalin Home games after scoring 105 points or more
The record is 7 Overs and 23 Unders for the last three seasons (+15.3 units)

[StarDust Bum]

Armadillo: Tuesday's six-pack

-- Way back in 1950, CCNY won the NCAA tournament and the NIT in the same year. Back then, the NIT was the bigger of the two tournaments.

-- Last year was 4th time in last 29 years there were no upsets in 5-12 games in the NCAA tournament. That has never happened two years in a row.

-- Only 11 of 31 #1 seeds won their conference tournament.

-- Bad job: Secret Service agent for Donald Trump. High-risk proposition.

-- Bernie Sanders got $5M in campaign contributions in the first 24 hours after he won the Michigan primary. $5M in only 24 hours.

-- LSU passed on any postseason tournament; now the question becomes will Ben Simmons be the #1 pick in the NBA Draft?

**********

Armadillo: Tuesday's List of 13: Nobody asked me, but.........

13) Winning is fun and losing sucks, but some fans at New Mexico crossed the line, sending death threats to Lobos' PG Cullen Neal, who is also the coach's son- things are apparently so bad the young man will transfer to another school to finish his playing career and he's a good player. Doesn't help his dad's chances of keeping his job.

12) Duke has made 16 Final Fours but has never made a Final Four out of the West Region; in last 30 years, they've been in West Region four other times.....
-- 2003: 3-seed. Lost to Kansas in regional semi.
-- 2007: 6-seed: Lost to VCU in first round.
-- 2008: 2-seed: Lost to West Virginia in second round.
-- 2011: 1-seed: Lost to Arizona in regional semi.
-- 2015: 4-seed: ?????

11) Coaching carousel: Cornell-Tulane-TCU-James Madison-Stanford fired their coaches in last couple of days. Lets look at all five situations:
-- Cornell: Bill Courtney went 27-57 in Ivy League games, after inhertiing a program that went 38-4 the three years before he got there. .
-- James Madison: Dukes were 23-13 in CAA last two years, but made NCAAs only once in Matt Brady's eight years. Not many guys get fired after a 21-11 season.
-- Stanford: Johnny Dawkins also made one NCAA in eight years, won NIT LY, was 46-44 in Pac-12 last five years. Guess the NIT means absolutely nothing.
-- TCU-- Horned Frogs got a new arena built, but went 8-64 in the Big X under Trent Johnson. Boosters are rich people who expect results; 8-64 gets you fired, even if the Horned Frogs are in the very best league in the country.
-- Tulane: Ed Conroy got hosed when Green Wave failed to get in the Big East, it set his program back- they had good players coming in who then went elsewhere. Tulane was 9-27 in their first two years in the AAC. .

10) Pitt coach Jamie Dixon is a TCU alum; back in 2012, lot of people wanted the Frogs to hire him. Now, TCU may have to fight off UNLV to hire Dixon, who is in the NCAAs with Pittsburgh, but rumored to be way on his way out of there. .

9) Big X is a terrific league, but no Big X team has made a regional final since Kansas, Baylor in 2012. Since then, Big X teams are 0-5 in regional semifinal round.

8) Four AAC teams made the NCAAs, but none is higher than a 9-seed; SMU would've been a 4 or a 5-seed, so their absence hurts the league.

7) Last two years; double digit favorites in first round: 9-16 against spread.

6) You know how on NASCAR telecasts the drivers are miked? Why do they bleep out the drivers cursing? Thats the best part!!!! They're driving in close quarters at 150 mph-- I know people who curse driving in traffic at 40 mph- lets hear it!!!!

5) One thing I noticed about Selection Sunday; lot of these college teams have really nice mini-theaters for their players to watch film in. Comfortable chairs, lot of leg room, probably outlets to plug video games into, also.

4) Since 2003, underdogs are 31-21 vs spread in 8-9 first round games.

3) Charlotte Hornets gave away Jeremy Lin bobbleheads to first 7,500 fans Saturday night; there are already several of them on EBay, for anywhere from $32-$60. Michael Jordan's team is doing well at 37-29- they're looking at a 4 or 5 seed in playoffs.

2) This is third year in row Virginia/Michigan State are in same region; Spartans beat UVa the last two years, despite being the lower seed both years.

1) U of Denver hired alum Rodney Billups as its new coach; he is an assistant at Colorado right now and the brother of former NBA star Chauncey Billups.

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Dunkel

Tuesday, March 15


Boston @ Indiana

Game 531-532
March 15, 2016 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Boston
117.639
Indiana
121.673
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Indiana
by 4
211
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Indiana
by 1 1/2
207
Dunkel Pick:
Indiana
(-1 1/2); Over

Denver @ Orlando

Game 533-534
March 15, 2016 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Denver
113.259
Orlando
120.700
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Orlando
by 6 1/2
216
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Orlando
by 3 1/2
211
Dunkel Pick:
Orlando
(-3 1/2); Over

Philadelphia @ Brooklyn

Game 535-536
March 15, 2016 @ 7:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Philadelphia
108.845
Brooklyn
111.820
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Brooklyn
by 3
204
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Brooklyn
by 7
208 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Philadelphia
(+7); Under

Toronto @ Milwaukee

Game 537-538
March 15, 2016 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Toronto
120.451
Milwaukee
122.023
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Milwaukee
by 1 1/2
200
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Toronto
by 3 1/2
206 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Milwaukee
(+3 1/2); Under

LA Clippers @ San Antonio

Game 539-540
March 15, 2016 @ 8:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
LA Clippers
118.391
San Antonio
130.180
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
San Antonio
by 12
207
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
San Antonio
by 8 1/2
200
Dunkel Pick:
San Antonio
(-8 1/2); Over

Sacramento @ LA Lakers

Game 541-542
March 15, 2016 @ 10:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Sacramento
117.210
LA Lakers
112.514
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Sacramento
by 4 1/2
222
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Sacramento
by 2 1/2
217 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Sacramento
(-2 1/2); Over

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up

Tuesday, March 15

Hot teams
-- Celtics won six of their last eight games (2-6 last 8AU). Pacers won three of their last four (2-5 last 7HF).
-- Denver won four of its last five games (8-3 last 11AU).
-- Toronto won three of its last four games (1-4 last 5AF). Bucks won their last three games (6-4 last 10HU).
-- Spurs won nine of their last ten games (2-5 last 7HF).

Cold teams
-- Orlando lost four of its last five games (2-4 last 6HF).
-- 76ers lost nine of their last ten games (8-4 last 12AU). Brooklyn lost six of its last seven games (1-2HF).
-- Clippers lost three of last five games (1-4 vs spread).
-- Sacramento lost its last five games (1-4AF). Lakers lost seven of their last ten games (7-6 last 13HU).

Series records
-- Celtics lost three of last four visits to Indiana.
-- Nuggets won five of last six games with Orlando.
-- 76ers won their last two games with Brooklyn.
-- Raptors won nine of their last ten games with Milwaukee.
-- Clippers won four of last six games with San Antonio.
-- Lakers lost their last six games with Sacramento.

Totals
-- Last five Boston-Indiana games stayed under the total.
-- Five of last six Orlando games stayed under total.
-- Last eight Philly-Brooklyn games stayed under total.
-- Four of last five Raptor-Buck games stayed under.
-- Five of last seven Clipper games stayed under total.
-- Five of last seven Sacramento games stayed under.

Back/backs
-- Denver covered six of its last eight if it played night before.
-- Toronto is 6-3 vs spread on road if it played night before.

[StarDust Bum]

NBA

Tuesday, March 15

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Trend Report
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7:00 PM
DENVER vs. ORLANDO
Denver is 6-12-2 ATS in its last 20 games when playing on the road against Orlando
Denver is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Orlando
Orlando is 5-10 SU in its last 15 games at home
Orlando is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Denver

7:00 PM
BOSTON vs. INDIANA
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Boston's last 8 games when playing on the road against Indiana
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Boston's last 5 games on the road
Indiana is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Boston
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Indiana's last 8 games when playing at home against Boston

7:30 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. BROOKLYN
Philadelphia is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games when playing Brooklyn
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Philadelphia's last 5 games when playing Brooklyn
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Brooklyn's last 11 games at home
Brooklyn is 5-19 SU in its last 24 games at home

8:00 PM
TORONTO vs. MILWAUKEE
Toronto is 3-6 ATS in its last 9 games on the road
Toronto is 8-4 SU in its last 12 games on the road
Milwaukee is 2-4-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Toronto
Milwaukee is 1-9 SU in its last 10 games when playing Toronto

8:30 PM
LA CLIPPERS vs. SAN ANTONIO
LA Clippers are 4-2 SU in their last 6 games when playing San Antonio
LA Clippers are 5-20 SU in their last 25 games when playing on the road against San Antonio
San Antonio is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games
San Antonio is 11-1 SU in its last 12 games

10:30 PM
SACRAMENTO vs. LA LAKERS
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Sacramento's last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Sacramento's last 6 games when playing on the road against LA Lakers
LA Lakers are 5-14 SU in their last 19 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of the LA Lakers last 7 games at home

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Long Sheet

Tuesday, March 15

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BOSTON (39 - 27) at INDIANA (35 - 31) - 3/15/2016, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
INDIANA is 22-11 ATS (+9.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
INDIANA is 28-19 ATS (+7.1 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.
BOSTON is 84-65 ATS (+12.5 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 41-28 ATS (+10.2 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 45-30 ATS (+12.0 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 34-22 ATS (+9.8 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 238-192 ATS (+26.8 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1996.
BOSTON is 20-7 ATS (+12.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 53-36 ATS (+13.4 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 24-14 ATS (+8.6 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.
INDIANA is 13-26 ATS (-15.6 Units) in March games over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 6-5 against the spread versus INDIANA over the last 3 seasons
INDIANA is 7-4 straight up against BOSTON over the last 3 seasons
8 of 11 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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DENVER (28 - 39) at ORLANDO (28 - 37) - 3/15/2016, 7:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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PHILADELPHIA (9 - 57) at BROOKLYN (18 - 48) - 3/15/2016, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 26-36 ATS (-13.6 Units) as an underdog this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 9-19 ATS (-11.9 Units) vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 51-70 ATS (-26.0 Units) after allowing 105 points or more over the last 3 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 93-64 ATS (+22.6 Units) after playing 3 consecutive home games since 1996.

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

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TORONTO (44 - 21) at MILWAUKEE (29 - 38) - 3/15/2016, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 21-35 ATS (-17.5 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 128-164 ATS (-52.4 Units) in March games since 1996.
MILWAUKEE is 51-38 ATS (+9.2 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 339-404 ATS (-105.4 Units) second half of the season since 1996.
MILWAUKEE is 48-86 ATS (-46.6 Units) after 3 or more consecutive wins since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
TORONTO is 6-4 against the spread versus MILWAUKEE over the last 3 seasons
TORONTO is 9-1 straight up against MILWAUKEE over the last 3 seasons
5 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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LA CLIPPERS (42 - 23) at SAN ANTONIO (56 - 10) - 3/15/2016, 8:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LA CLIPPERS are 240-290 ATS (-79.0 Units) after allowing 105 points or more since 1996.
LA CLIPPERS are 210-259 ATS (-74.9 Units) after a loss by 10 points or more since 1996.
LA CLIPPERS are 185-246 ATS (-85.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 39-27 ATS (+9.3 Units) in all games this season.
SAN ANTONIO is 39-25 ATS (+11.5 Units) as a favorite this season.
SAN ANTONIO is 141-106 ATS (+24.4 Units) as a home favorite of 6.5 to 9 points since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 481-396 ATS (+45.4 Units) in home games since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 416-354 ATS (+26.6 Units) second half of the season since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 26-12 ATS (+12.8 Units) in March games over the last 3 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 142-97 ATS (+35.3 Units) on Tuesday nights since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 25-14 ATS (+9.6 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 265-218 ATS (+25.2 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 331-278 ATS (+25.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 30-21 ATS (+6.9 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.
SAN ANTONIO is 124-91 ATS (+23.9 Units) in home games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN ANTONIO is 9-7 against the spread versus LA CLIPPERS over the last 3 seasons
SAN ANTONIO is 8-8 straight up against LA CLIPPERS over the last 3 seasons
10 of 16 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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SACRAMENTO (25 - 40) at LA LAKERS (14 - 53) - 3/15/2016, 10:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SACRAMENTO is 27-37 ATS (-13.7 Units) in all games this season.
SACRAMENTO is 21-30 ATS (-12.0 Units) when the total is greater than or equal to 210 this season.
SACRAMENTO is 18-33 ATS (-18.3 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
SACRAMENTO is 5-13 ATS (-9.3 Units) second half of the season this season.
SACRAMENTO is 7-17 ATS (-11.7 Units) in March games over the last 2 seasons.
SACRAMENTO is 32-46 ATS (-18.6 Units) after allowing 105 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
SACRAMENTO is 9-19 ATS (-11.9 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
SACRAMENTO is 16-28 ATS (-14.8 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.
LA LAKERS are 163-205 ATS (-62.5 Units) in home games second half of the season since 1996.
LA LAKERS are 145-185 ATS (-58.5 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record since 1996.
LA LAKERS are 125-161 ATS (-52.1 Units) in home games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game since 1996.
LA LAKERS are 59-89 ATS (-38.9 Units) in home games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season since 1996.
LA LAKERS are 74-102 ATS (-38.2 Units) in home games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA LAKERS is 6-4 against the spread versus SACRAMENTO over the last 3 seasons
SACRAMENTO is 7-4 straight up against LA LAKERS over the last 3 seasons
6 of 11 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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Nba Yesterday: 1 - 4.........

Ytd: 52 - 45

[StarDust Bum]

TUESDAY, MARCH 15

GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS


DEN at ORL 07:00 PM

DEN +3.0


BOS at IND 07:00 PM

IND -2.5

O 209.5


PHI at BK 07:30 PM

BK -7.5

O 212.5


TOR at MIL 08:00 PM

TOR -2.0

U 206.0


LAC at SA 08:30 PM

SA -9.0

U 200.5


SAC at LAL 10:30 PM

LAL +5.0

O 219.0

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Mavericks (34-33) at Cavaliers (47-19)
Date: March 16, 2016 7:00 PM EDT

Fatigue may be starting to set in for the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The team is in the midst of a grueling stretch, and coach Tyronn Lue has said he'll try to find rest for some players as the Cavaliers play the first of three games in four days Wednesday night against the visiting Dallas Mavericks.

Cleveland (47-19) is coming off a back-to-back to end a four-game swing out West. It rolled to a 114-90 win over the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday before failing to complete a perfect trip with a 94-85 loss to Utah the next night.

"I thought just coming into it I felt we lost our legs, just try to keep motivating them, keep them going, keep them encouraged," said Lue, whose club visits Orlando on Friday and Miami on Saturday. "I just thought we just couldn't get that pace up."

It was the Cavaliers' lowest-scoring performance and worst shooting night (39.8 percent) since a 96-83 loss to Chicago on Jan. 23.

"I don't think it's a step back," said LeBron James, who had 23 points and 12 rebounds. "We still have an opportunity to get better in our next game."

James was 10 of 20 from the field while fellow starters Kevin Love, Kyrie Irving and J.R. Smith combined to shoot 28.3 percent (13 of 46). Cleveland took 42 3-pointers and hit just 10.

"We had our chance," James said. "We definitely settled for the outside shot too much tonight and didn't get into the paint."

The Cavaliers set a franchise record with 44 attempts from beyond the arc in the first meeting with Dallas (34-33) on Jan. 12. They converted 17 of those en route to a 110-107 overtime win behind 27 points from James and 22 from Irving.

Cleveland is among the NBA leaders with a 35.8 percentage on 3s, while the Mavericks rank in the top 10 in 3-point field-goal defense at 33.8.

Dallas ended a season-high five-game losing streak with a 107-96 win at Charlotte on Monday. The Mavericks snapped the Hornets' season-best seven-game run by using a smaller lineup, with guard Raymond Felton starting in place of center Zaza Pachulia.

"We just had really good energy, focus, togetherness," coach Rick Carlisle said. "We were playing relatively small, so we needed everybody to be very vigilant about being on the boards. That's our best chance to win and we did that tonight."

Chandler Parsons had 24 points and nine rebounds and Dirk Nowitzki added 23 and 11 to lead five Mavericks in double-figure scoring.

"We're playing for our playoff life," said Parsons, who scored 25 in the first matchup with the Cavaliers. "We'll keep working and try to build from this."

That's something Cleveland center Tristan Thompson is expecting Wednesday.

"These teams are going to give you everything they've got," Thompson said. "Dallas is in eighth right now, the Jazz are in ninth or whatever, they're all fighting each other to move up a spot so it's definitely kind of a playoff feel. ... But it's like that every night. We're the Cavaliers. We're going to get every team's best shot."

Dallas has held the Cavaliers to 94.0 points and 39.5 percent shooting while averaging 104.7 and 51.1 percent from the field in winning its last three visits to Cleveland.