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

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Long Sheet

Monday, March 21

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PHILADELPHIA (9 - 61) at INDIANA (36 - 33) - 3/21/2016, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 28-38 ATS (-13.8 Units) as an underdog this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 16-25 ATS (-11.5 Units) after allowing 105 points or more this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 12-22 ATS (-12.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 93-65 ATS (+21.5 Units) after playing 3 consecutive home games since 1996.
INDIANA is 14-28 ATS (-16.8 Units) in March games over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
INDIANA is 4-4 against the spread versus PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
INDIANA is 7-1 straight up against PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
4 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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DENVER (29 - 41) at CLEVELAND (49 - 20) - 3/21/2016, 7:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
CLEVELAND is 3-1 against the spread versus DENVER over the last 3 seasons
CLEVELAND is 4-1 straight up against DENVER 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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SAN ANTONIO (59 - 10) at CHARLOTTE (39 - 30) - 3/21/2016, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CHARLOTTE is 59-37 ATS (+18.3 Units) in home games in March games since 1996.
CHARLOTTE is 35-19 ATS (+14.1 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 41-28 ATS (+10.2 Units) in all games this season.
SAN ANTONIO is 41-26 ATS (+12.4 Units) as a favorite this season.
SAN ANTONIO is 418-355 ATS (+27.5 Units) second half of the season since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 28-13 ATS (+13.7 Units) in March games over the last 3 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 80-45 ATS (+30.5 Units) against Southeast division opponents since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 315-258 ATS (+31.2 Units) in non-conference games since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 106-76 ATS (+22.4 Units) after playing 3 consecutive home games since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 333-279 ATS (+26.1 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 32-22 ATS (+7.8 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.
CHARLOTTE is 42-69 ATS (-33.9 Units) against Southwest division opponents since 1996.
CHARLOTTE is 149-190 ATS (-60.0 Units) in non-conference games since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN ANTONIO is 3-2 against the spread versus CHARLOTTE over the last 3 seasons
SAN ANTONIO is 5-0 straight up against CHARLOTTE over the last 3 seasons
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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MILWAUKEE (30 - 40) at DETROIT (36 - 34) - 3/21/2016, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MILWAUKEE is 339-407 ATS (-108.7 Units) second half of the season since 1996.
MILWAUKEE is 17-30 ATS (-16.0 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 20-11 ATS (+7.9 Units) in home games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 11-2 ATS (+8.8 Units) in a road game where where the total is between 205 and 209.5 points over the last 3 seasons.

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

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ORLANDO (29 - 40) at BOSTON (40 - 30) - 3/21/2016, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 85-68 ATS (+10.2 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 25-10 ATS (+14.0 Units) when the total is greater than or equal to 210 over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 23-10 ATS (+12.0 Units) when playing on back-to-back days over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 51-34 ATS (+13.6 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 54-38 ATS (+12.2 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 50-34 ATS (+12.6 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 39-29 ATS (+7.1 Units) in all games this season.
ORLANDO is 44-30 ATS (+11.0 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 12-4 ATS (+7.6 Units) against Atlantic division opponents this season.
ORLANDO is 43-30 ATS (+10.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 94-129 ATS (-47.9 Units) in home games after allowing 105 points or more since 1996.
BOSTON is 94-127 ATS (-45.7 Units) in home games after scoring 105 points or more since 1996.

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

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WASHINGTON (34 - 35) at ATLANTA (41 - 29) - 3/21/2016, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 5-17 ATS (-13.7 Units) in road games in March games over the last 3 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 165-208 ATS (-63.8 Units) vs. division opponents since 1996.
ATLANTA is 92-72 ATS (+12.8 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 69-53 ATS (+10.7 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 36-19 ATS (+15.1 Units) in a home game where where the total is between 205 and 209.5 points since 1996.
ATLANTA is 35-20 ATS (+13.0 Units) after a win by 10 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 31-18 ATS (+11.2 Units) after 3 or more consecutive wins over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 30-18 ATS (+10.2 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.
ATLANTA is 56-41 ATS (+10.9 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 8-6 against the spread versus WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
ATLANTA is 9-6 straight up against WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
11 of 15 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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SACRAMENTO (27 - 42) at CHICAGO (35 - 33) - 3/21/2016, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SACRAMENTO is 29-38 ATS (-12.8 Units) in all games this season.
SACRAMENTO is 29-43 ATS (-18.3 Units) when the total is greater than or equal to 210 over the last 2 seasons.
SACRAMENTO is 20-35 ATS (-18.5 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
SACRAMENTO is 21-35 ATS (-17.5 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.
SACRAMENTO is 20-35 ATS (-18.5 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
SACRAMENTO is 4-13 ATS (-10.3 Units) revenging a home loss vs opponent this season.
SACRAMENTO is 36-55 ATS (-24.5 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
SACRAMENTO is 10-23 ATS (-15.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
SACRAMENTO is 18-29 ATS (-13.9 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.
SACRAMENTO is 19-29 ATS (-12.9 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.
SACRAMENTO is 6-14 ATS (-9.4 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season this season.
CHICAGO is 29-39 ATS (-13.9 Units) in all games this season.
CHICAGO is 8-17 ATS (-10.7 Units) after a non-conference game this season.
CHICAGO is 119-158 ATS (-54.8 Units) in home games in non-conference games since 1996.

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

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GOLDEN STATE (62 - 7) at MINNESOTA (22 - 47) - 3/21/2016, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 47-26 ATS (+18.4 Units) revenging a home loss vs opponent over the last 3 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 38-28 ATS (+7.2 Units) in all games this season.
GOLDEN STATE is 30-21 ATS (+6.9 Units) when the total is greater than or equal to 210 this season.
GOLDEN STATE is 36-27 ATS (+6.3 Units) as a favorite this season.
GOLDEN STATE is 21-12 ATS (+7.8 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
GOLDEN STATE is 91-71 ATS (+12.9 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 3 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 28-17 ATS (+9.3 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.
GOLDEN STATE is 54-36 ATS (+14.4 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 66-82 ATS (-24.2 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 7-20 ATS (-15.0 Units) as a home underdog of 9.5 to 12 points since 1996.
MINNESOTA is 11-21 ATS (-12.1 Units) in home games this season.
MINNESOTA is 337-396 ATS (-98.6 Units) second half of the season since 1996.
MINNESOTA is 7-17 ATS (-11.7 Units) in home games revenging a loss vs opponent this season.
MINNESOTA is 6-15 ATS (-10.5 Units) in home games after allowing 105 points or more this season.
MINNESOTA is 185-233 ATS (-71.3 Units) after scoring 105 points or more since 1996.
MINNESOTA is 192-237 ATS (-68.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season since 1996.
MINNESOTA is 39-55 ATS (-21.5 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 4-4 against the spread versus GOLDEN STATE over the last 3 seasons
GOLDEN STATE is 7-1 straight up against MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
5 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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MEMPHIS (40 - 30) at PHOENIX (19 - 50) - 3/21/2016, 10:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MEMPHIS is 117-87 ATS (+21.3 Units) off an upset win as an underdog since 1996.
MEMPHIS is 149-113 ATS (+24.7 Units) after a win by 10 points or more since 1996.
MEMPHIS is 25-13 ATS (+10.7 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
PHOENIX is 28-41 ATS (-17.1 Units) in all games this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
MEMPHIS is 6-4 against the spread versus PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
MEMPHIS is 8-2 straight up against PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
6 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

[StarDust Bum]

Yesterday's Result: 3 - 3
March Record: 72 - 58



MONDAY, MARCH 21

GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS

DEN at CLE 07:00 PM

DEN +12.0

U 213.5


SA at CHA 07:00 PM

CHA +6.0

U 197.0


PHI at IND 07:00 PM

PHI +15.0

U 211.0


MIL at DET 07:30 PM

MIL +7.5

U 206.0

ORL at BOS 07:30 PM

BOS -8.5

U 217.5


GS at MIN 08:00 PM

GS -12.5

U 233.0


WAS at ATL 08:00 PM

ATL -6.5

U 207.5


SAC at CHI 08:00 PM

CHI -8.0

U 219.0


MEM at PHO 10:00 PM

MEM -2.5

O 204.5

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Hornets (39-30) at Nets (19-50)
Date: March 22, 2016 7:30 PM EDT

The Charlotte Hornets pulled off one of their biggest wins of the season despite Kemba Walker being mostly off target.

The Bronx native had his shares of struggles in Brooklyn until he finally broke out the last time he visited the borough.

Walker and the Hornets begin a four-game trip Tuesday night against a Nets team expected to have leading scorer Brook Lopez back in the lineup.

Charlotte (40-30) trailed 30-7 early in the second quarter Monday before rallying for a stunning 91-88 victory over a powerhouse San Antonio team seeking its 60th win. It came even though Walker made 2 of 11 shots for six points for his second-lowest output.

The Hornets overcame his woes because Jeremy Lin was spectacular with 15 of his 29 points in a fourth quarter in which Charlotte outscored San Antonio 24-16.

'We just turned it up,' Lin said. 'We just played hard. I'm so thankful to God because I've been struggling so much. We lost one the other night we felt like we shouldn't have lost. So to come out here and get this win is a huge boost for us.'

Lin was referring to Saturday's 101-93 home defeat to Denver that came two days after a huge 109-106 win in Miami. The Hornets are trying to avoid a similar outcome versus the lowly Nets.

"Last time we beat Miami, we had a great game against Miami, we had a letdown against Denver so gotta learn from it," guard Nicolas Batum said. "So tomorrow we've gotta be ready right from the start and beat this team."

Charlotte, which trails the Heat and Atlanta by one-half game in the Southeast Division, has won seven of nine on the road. Its 10-2 record this month matches Golden State for the NBA's best.

The Hornets, who play nine of their final 12 away from Charlotte, had been 0-6 in road games against the Nets (19-50) that Walker played in, including a 0-4 mark in Brooklyn before he scored 28 on 11-of-18 shooting in a 104-96 victory Feb. 21. Walker averaged 8.8 points on 29.5 percent shooting in his first four games at Barclays Center.

Brooklyn has dropped six of seven, but should receive a boost since Lopez is expected back after he sat out Saturday's 115-103 loss at Detroit with a virus.

The Nets have received some solid recent performances from unheralded guards Bojan Bogdanovic and Sean Kilpatrick. Bogdanovic is averaging 29.7 points on 56.7 percent shooting in his last three games and Kilpatrick is averaging 16.3 and shooting 59.5 in his last four.

"They're both in a great place as far as reading things, when to shoot, when not to and moving the basketball and being able to drive it when that presents itself," interim coach Tony Brown said. "Both guys are in a great comfort zone right now and that's why you see the production that they're giving."

Charlotte has drilled 21 3-pointers in two wins over Brooklyn this season. The Hornets average 29.3 attempts to top the Eastern Conference while the Nets have the league's third-lowest mark at 17.8.

The Hornets' 8-4 record in the second half of back-to-backs is the East's best winning percentage.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Rockets (35-35) at Thunder (48-22)
Date: March 22, 2016 8:00 PM EDT

With a chance to move up in the playoff race, the Houston Rockets face a steep climb on the road with their star's status uncertain against the red-hot Oklahoma City Thunder.

Things could get worse depending how a sticky situation plays out involving Dwight Howard.

James Harden will likely do all he can to avoid missing his first game due to injury in two seasons Tuesday night when Houston tries to snap Oklahoma City's four-game winning streak.

Harden, second in the NBA with 28.6 points per game, twisted his ankle Saturday when he stepped on a teammate's foot in the third quarter of a 109-97 loss at Atlanta. He struggled through only about seven minutes of playing time in the fourth and wasn't able to practice Monday.

While the All-Star guard is questionable to face his former team, he hasn't been one to sit often. The only game he's missed over the past two seasons was because of a suspension last March.

Harden has averaged 35.5 points over his last four meetings with Oklahoma City, and the Rockets (35-35) don't have much room for error with 12 games remaining. They have an opportunity to move into a tie for sixth in the Western Conference with a win or fall to eighth with a loss.

"We've got to win some games - it's that simple," interim coach J.B. Bickerstaff said. "Obviously, winning them all is the objective and is the goal. (This) will be a big game."

Bickerstaff said he hasn't been notified of any disciplinary action after Howard was caught using a sticky substance on his hands Saturday. The NBA is reviewing the matter after Atlanta's Paul Millsap complained about the ball while shooting free throws in the first quarter.

'I just think that it's getting overblown, like I'm doing something crazy,' said Howard, who admits he's used a sticky spray the past five years. 'I've never been a cheater, never been the type of player that has to do something illegal to win. It's upsetting, but I can't control it now.'

The Thunder (48-22) had their own problems during a recent 4-8 stretch, but they've come together to win their last four to solidify their hold on the West's third seed. Kevin Durant led the way with 33 points, 13 rebounds and eight assists in Saturday's 115-111 win at Indiana.

'It feels like we're getting into a good groove,' the All-Star forward said.

Durant, third in the league with 28.0 points per game, has been doing it all by averaging 29.5 points, 10.0 rebounds and 6.6 assists over his past 13. He's certainly played well against Houston, averaging 32.1 points while hitting 23 for 47 from 3-point range in his last seven meetings.

Russell Westbrook had his second straight triple-double Saturday with 14 points, 14 assists and 11 boards despite missing 13 of 17 shots. His 14 triple-doubles are the most in one season since Magic Johnson had 17 in 1988-89.

The star guard had 26, 14 and 10 against the Rockets on Jan. 29 when Durant scored 33 in a 116-108 home win that snapped a five-game slide in the series.

Oklahoma City has averaged 121.0 points on 52.6 percent shooting during its run. That doesn't bode well for Houston, which has allowed 114.0 points per game and a 52.2 field-goal percentage in its last three.

Michael Beasley has provided a spark for the Rockets, averaging 17.8 points on 57.5 percent shooting in his last six games. He finished with 30 points and nine rebounds against Atlanta.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Heat (40-29) at Pelicans (26-43)
Date: March 22, 2016 8:00 PM EDT

Anthony Davis and Chris Bosh turned in big performances as the Miami Heat downed the New Orleans Pelicans in overtime on Christmas Day.

Neither will take the court in a rematch that will look far different as the Heat continue to push for a division title when they visit the all-but-eliminated Pelicans on Tuesday night.

While Bosh is sidelined without a timetable to return for Miami (40-29) after blood clots in his leg were discovered at the All-Star break, New Orleans (26-43) just decided to shut Davis down for the season as it's faded from contention.

Sitting 8 1/2 games out of the eighth seed and with four teams to leapfrog, the Pelicans announced Monday that their All-Star forward will undergo procedures to repair a recent knee injury along with a torn labrum in his left shoulder.

Davis had been burdened by his ailing shoulder most of the season, and he left Friday's 117-112 loss to Portland before halftime with an unspecified knee problem after a collision while setting a screen.

The fourth-year pro averaged 24.3 points, 10.3 rebounds and 2.1 blocks in 61 games, and his availability to play for the U.S. Olympic team this summer is in question.

Although the most prominent, it's just the most recent in a long list of injuries for the Pelicans. Key contributors Tyreke Evans (knee), Eric Gordon (broken finger), Quincy Pondexter (knee), Omer Asik (various) and Norris Cole (various) have missed extended time.

'This is the most frustrating season I've ever been through,' said first-year coach Alvin Gentry, a top assistant for Golden State's championship team in 2014-15. 'When I left Golden State to come here, I thought it was the best job available."

New Orleans beat the Los Angeles Clippers 109-105 on Sunday in its first game without Davis while also resting second-leading scorer Ryan Anderson. Jrue Holiday scored 22 points while Asik set a season high with 15 and matched another with 14 rebounds.

Dante Cunningham and Tim Frazier added season highs with 19 and 17 points, respectively.

Davis had 29 points, 15 boards and three blocks against the Heat in December, but the rest of the team shot 37.7 percent in a 94-88 overtime loss that snapped the Pelicans' three-game win streak in the series.

Bosh finished with 30 points and 10 rebounds, but his teammates shot 38 percent. The Heat, however, are 11-5 without Bosh and have shot better than 50 percent in seven of those games to challenge Atlanta in the Southeast Division.

They made 55.9 percent from the field on a 2-1 homestand, hitting 54.8 in Saturday's 122-101 win over Eastern Conference-leading Cleveland. Miami made 11 of 19 3-pointers and have hit 47.2 percent from behind the arc over the last seven games.

It was the Heat's 10th straight 100-point effort, their longest such run since 1994.

Late February acquisition Joe Johnson continued to pay dividends in filling the void left by Bosh - who has been working out with the Heat coaching staff but isn't close to a return. Johnson went 4 of 6 on 3s and scored 18 to raise his average to 15.7 in 11 games with Miami. He has gone 23 of 39 from beyond the arc since arriving from Brooklyn.

Dwyane Wade led the Heat with 24 points and rookie Josh Richardson added 19. Wade became the 41st player to reach 20,000 points and the ninth active one.

'It was great to see,' coach Erik Spoelstra said. 'Dwyane's the face of the franchise.'

[StarDust Bum]

NBA MONEYLINE

NBA > (655) MIAMI@ (656) NEW ORLEANS | 2016-03-22 20:05:00 - 2016-03-22 20:05:00
Play AGAINST NEW ORLEANS using money line in All games revenging a loss vs opponent
The record is 9 Wins and 26 Losses for the this season (-21 units)

NBA > (655) MIAMI@ (656) NEW ORLEANS | 2016-03-22 20:05:00 - 2016-03-22 20:05:00
Play ON MIAMI using money line in Road games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game
The record is 29 Wins and 19 Losses for the last two seasons (+24.9 units)

NBA > (657) MEMPHIS@ (658) LA LAKERS | 2016-03-22 22:35:00 - 2016-03-22 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 20 Losses for the since 1992 (+36.15 units)

NBA > (653) HOUSTON@ (654) OKLAHOMA CITY | 2016-03-22 20:05:00 - 2016-03-22 20:05:00
Play ON HOUSTON using money line in All games after a non-conference game
The record is 60 Wins and 23 Losses for the last three seasons (+32.25 units)

NBA > (657) MEMPHIS@ (658) LA LAKERS | 2016-03-22 22:35:00 - 2016-03-22 22:35:00
Play ON MEMPHIS using money line in All games on Tuesday nights
The record is 19 Wins and 6 Losses for the last three seasons (+15.3 units)

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NBA FIRST HALF

NBA > (657) MEMPHIS@ (658) LA LAKERS | 2016-03-22 22:35:00 - 2016-03-22 22:35:00
Play AGAINST LA LAKERS ?>in the first halfin Home games revenging a loss vs opponent
The record is 7 Wins and 20 Losses for the this season (-15 units)

NBA > (657) MEMPHIS@ (658) LA LAKERS | 2016-03-22 22:35:00 - 2016-03-22 22:35:00
Play AGAINST LA LAKERS ?>in the first halfin All games revenging a loss vs opponent
The record is 19 Wins and 37 Losses for the this season (-21.7 units)

NBA > (651) CHARLOTTE@ (652) BROOKLYN | 2016-03-22 19:35:00 - 2016-03-22 19:35:00
Play ON CHARLOTTE ?>in the first halfin Road games against Atlantic division opponents
The record is 11 Wins and 1 Losses for the last two seasons (+9.9 units)

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NBA TOTALS

NBA > (655) MIAMI@ (656) NEW ORLEANS | 2016-03-22 20:05:00 - 2016-03-22 20:05:00
Play OVER NEW ORLEANS on the totalin All games in home games
The record is 26 Overs and 8 Unders for the this season (+17.2 units)

NBA > (653) HOUSTON@ (654) OKLAHOMA CITY | 2016-03-22 20:05:00 - 2016-03-22 20:05:00
Play OVER HOUSTON on the totalin All games versus the 1rst half line in road games
The record is 26 Overs and 10 Unders for the this season (+15 units)

NBA > (657) MEMPHIS@ (658) LA LAKERS | 2016-03-22 22:35:00 - 2016-03-22 22:35:00
Play UNDER LA LAKERS on the totalin Home games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game
The record is 6 Overs and 19 Unders for the this season (+12.4 units)

NBA > (657) MEMPHIS@ (658) LA LAKERS | 2016-03-22 22:35:00 - 2016-03-22 22:35:00
Play UNDER LA LAKERS on the totalin Home games revenging a loss vs opponent
The record is 7 Overs and 20 Unders for the this season (+12.3 units)

[StarDust Bum]

Howard upset by being called a cheater
March 21, 2016

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) Dwight Howard is surprised and disappointed that he's being labeled a cheater.

The NBA is reviewing the Rockets center's use of a sticky substance on his hands during Houston's loss to the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday. Atlanta's Paul Millsap complained about the ball while shooting free throws with 3:36 remaining in the first quarter. Howard had made a layup before Millsap's free throws.

Howard said Monday that he doesn't understand what all the fuss is about.

''I just think that it's getting overblown, like I'm doing something crazy,'' he said. ''But again, I've never been a cheater, never been the type of player that has to do something illegal to win. It's upsetting, but I can't control it now.''

After the incident, referees gave warnings to each bench and then approached the scorer's table, where they were directed to a can covered with white tape. The can was removed, and one of the officials told the scorer to alert him if it was seen again.

Howard noted that many players use sprays and powders on their hands during games.

''I've been using the spray for the last five years,'' he said. ''I never hid the spray. I never did anything to try to hide what I was doing. It was just something to make my hands dry.''

There was no penalty issued during the game. Rockets coach J.B. Bickerstaff said the league interviewed him Sunday night, but he hasn't been notified of any disciplinary action. The Rockets play the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday.

Bickerstaff was surprised that anyone asked about the can, and by reports that the team tried to hide it from the officials.

''Every time Dwight goes into the game, it's the same routine,'' he said. ''It was no cover-up on my part.''

Bickerstaff said Howard has done nothing wrong.

''He's never run to the back in the locker room to try to trick anyone,'' he said. ''It was never brought to our attention. No one's ever said anything to us about it. If you go back, you can watch every single one of our games for the past three years, it's (the can) there. So we were obviously surprised by the attention it has drawn.''

[StarDust Bum]

Pelicans PF Anthony Davis out for season
March 20, 2016

NEW ORLEANS (AP) The New Orleans Pelicans have decided to shut down All-Star forward Anthony Davis for the rest of this season, and his future with U.S. Olympic team for this summer's Rio Games is in doubt as well.

Coach Alvin Gentry said Sunday that Davis needs to repair a recent knee injury and a lingering shoulder problem that has bothered him for much of the season.

With New Orleans virtually eliminated from playoff contention, Gentry said the club is taking a long-term approach to Davis' injuries and that shutting him down now should ensure his return by next training camp.

Gentry said Davis, who was not available to speak with reporters on Sunday, is disappointed, but added, ''He's a smart kid and he understands that it's better to go ahead and any problems that you have, you get them taken care of now and you've basically got seven months before training camp starts again.''

''That gives you a big window to do whatever you have to do and move forward with it,'' Gentry added.

Davis left New Orleans' previous game - a loss to Portland on Friday night - shortly before halftime with a left knee injury that appeared to be caused by a collision with Trail Blazers guard C.J. McCollum and Pelicans guard Jrue Holiday while Davis was setting a screen. Gentry said Davis has been playing with his shoulder injury nearly the entire season, during which he averaged 24.3 points, 10.3 rebounds and 2.1 blocks.

Asked if Davis' injury would prevent him from playing for the United States in the Summer Olympics, Gentry responded, ''That I don't know, but if I was a betting man, probably so.''

Davis, a fourth-year pro who turned 23 this month, has embraced opportunities to represent the United States in international competitions. He was a reserve for the U.S. team that won the gold medal at the London Games in 2012. When Team USA won the 2014 FIBA World Cup, Davis emerged as one its top players, ranking third on the team in scoring with 12.3 points per game, second in rebounds with 6.6 and first in blocks with 2.1.

Gentry did not specify precisely what Davis' injuries were. Team spokesman Matt Ryan said both injuries would require corrective medical procedures, but said he could not immediately specify what doctors had planned.

Team officials said Davis was expected to discuss his health and offseason plans after Monday's scheduled practice at team headquarters.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Grizzlies (41-30) at Lakers (14-55)
Date: March 22, 2016 10:30 PM EDT

It's become a guessing game whether Kobe Bryant will play on a given night for the Los Angeles Lakers, and there are signs pointing to him sitting out again Tuesday night.

The Memphis Grizzlies probably wouldn't mind seeing the NBA's worst shooter on the court since Tony Allen has been tough on Bryant in the past.

The Grizzlies have beaten the Lakers nine straight times and have shredded their defense in three victories this season heading into this matchup at Staples Center.

Bryant has sat out the last two games due to his ongoing shoulder problems and coach Byron Scott continues to say that the retiring superstar is 50-50 for each contest.

"I don't mind it, I just don't have answers for you guys," Scott told the media at Monday's practice. "I wish I did. I don't know sometimes until game day. Or game time, really."

Bryant has sat out six of the last nine home games while playing in the Lakers' last eight on the road. Los Angeles (14-55) is starting a back-to-back set with Wednesday's game in Phoenix representing Bryant's last game in the desert.

The guard is shooting 35.6 percent - the worst mark in a single season by a qualifying player since Hot Rod Hundley shot 35.1 percent in 1960-61.

Bryant said earlier this season that Allen was the toughest defender he has faced so it would make even more sense to sit this one out.

"I'd love for him to play in all the games, just like you guys would and just like I know the fans would, but sometimes I don't think that's possible," Scott said.

The Grizzlies have shot 54.4 percent against the Lakers this season for their best mark against anyone. They've outscored Los Angeles by an average of 14.0 points and posted 67-point first halves in two February wins.

Memphis (41-30) is getting healthier with consecutive victories since veterans Zach Randolph and Vince Carter returned Saturday after a four-game slide. Point guard Mike Conley is expected to miss his 10th consecutive game with tendinitis.

The Grizzlies trailed by as many as 13 in Monday's 103-97 victory over Phoenix. Lance Stephenson scored 12 of his 16 points in the fourth quarter, including a go-ahead basket with 31 seconds left as part of an 8-0 closing run.

'It was defense,' Stephenson said. 'Tony Allen came in and we got incredible stops. We were playing together defensively. We were aware."

Randolph had 14 points and 13 boards while former Lakers guard Jordan Farmar scored 12 off the bench in his club debut after signing a 10-day contract earlier in the day.

Farmar played the entire fourth quarter over Ray McCallum, who has started the last two games at point guard.

They will match up with struggling Lakers rookie D'Angelo Russell, averaging 9.0 points on 26.9 percent shooting in his last three games while sitting out the entire fourth quarter twice.

"In this league, a lot goes on with no explanation," Russell said. "And there will probably never be any explanation, especially for a rookie. When things like that go on, you've just gotta stick to your craft and trust the process."

Memphis has lost four of its last five in the second half of a back-to-back set.

[StarDust Bum]

NBA

Tuesday, March 22

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Game of the Day: Rockets at Thunder
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Oklahoma City already clinched its playoff spot and is in tune-up mode with a 4 1/2-game lead over the Clippers for the No. 3 spot.

Houston Rockets at Oklahoma City Thunder (OFF)

The Houston Rockets are clinging to a playoff spot in the Western Conference as four teams battle for the final three slots. The Rockets aren’t getting much help from the schedule in their quest to move up the standings and will visit Russell Westbrook and the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday.

Houston fell at the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday and is one game ahead of the ninth-place Utah Jazz, who visit the Rockets on Wednesday. Starting with the loss to Atlanta on Saturday, Houston is playing a stretch of nine straight games against teams currently in the top eight of their respective conferences. The Thunder sit comfortably in third place in the West thanks to the heroics of Kevin Durant and Westbrook, who would likely be the leading MVP candidate if Golden State’s Stephen Curry weren’t enjoying a historic season. Westbrook picked up his 14th triple-double of the season with 14 points, 14 assists and 11 rebounds in a 115-111 win at Indiana on Saturday and has recorded five triple-doubles in the last eight games to help Oklahoma City gain some separation from the fourth-place Los Angeles Clippers in the standings.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, TNT

LINE HISTORY: n/a

INJURY REPORT:

Rockets - SG J. Harden (Questionable Tuesday, ankle)

Thunder - SF K. Durant (Probable Tuesday, elbow)
C S. Adams (Probable Tuesday, elbow)
SF K. Singler (Questionable Tuesday, back)

POWER RANKINGS: Rockets (-2) - Thunder (-9.8) + home court (-3) = Thunder -10.8

ABOUT THE ROCKETS (35-35): Houston is tied with the Dallas Mavericks for seventh place in the West, one game ahead of the Jazz and a half-game behind the sixth-place Portland Trail Blazers. The Rockets not only suffered a 109-97 loss to the Hawks on Saturday but also got involved in some controversy when center Dwight Howard was caught putting stickum on the basketball, and they were dealt a blow when James Harden sprained his ankle in the third quarter. Harden, who averages 28.6 points, reportedly could sit out practice on Monday and is day-to-day.

ABOUT THE THUNDER (48-22): Oklahoma City already clinched its playoff spot and is in tune-up mode with a 4 1/2-game lead over the Clippers for the No. 3 spot. Westbrook is in a bit of a shooting slump and went 4-of-17 from the field on Saturday, but keeps finding ways to help the team win. “I’m just trying to insert myself into the game,” Westbrook told reporters. “I know some nights shots won’t fall for me. I’m one of the only guys who can do different things on the floor - rebound, pass or defend – on a night-in, night-out basis. That’s what I try to do.”

TRENDS:

* Rockets are 4-0 ATS in the last 4 meetings.
* Thunder are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games playing on 2 days rest.
* Over is 7-0 in Rockets last 7 games following a straight up loss of more than 10 points.
* Under is 5-0 in Thunder last 5 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Dunkel

Tuesday, March 22

Charlotte @ Brooklyn

Game 651-652
March 22, 2016 @ 7:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Charlotte
121.095
Brooklyn
114.287
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Charlotte
by 7
201
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Charlotte
No Line
N/A
Dunkel Pick:
Charlotte
N/A

Houston @ Oklahoma City

Game 653-654
March 22, 2016 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Houston
118.103
Oklahoma City
128.330
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Oklahoma City
by 10
233
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Oklahoma City
No Line
N/A
Dunkel Pick:
Oklahoma City
N/A

Miami @ New Orleans

Game 655-656
March 22, 2016 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Miami
123.732
New Orleans
119.872
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Miami
by 4
218
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Miami
No Line
N/A
Dunkel Pick:
Miami
N/A

Memphis @ LA Lakers

Game 657-658
March 22, 2016 @ 10:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Memphis
115.563
LA Lakers
114.449
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Memphis
by 1
197
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Memphis
No Line
N/A
Dunkel Pick:
Memphis
N/A




NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up

Tuesday, March 22

Hot teams
-- Hornets won 10 of last 12 games; they upset the Spurs last nite at home (4-0 last 4AF).
-- Thunder won six of their last eight games (10-3 last 13HF).
-- Miami won seven of its last ten games (7-3 last 10AF).

Cold teams
-- Brooklyn lost six of its last seven games (6-12 last 18HU).
-- Rockets lost three of their last five games (8-12AU).
-- Pelicans lost five of last seven games; star Davis is now out for year (6-3 last 9HU).
-- Lakers lost six of their last eight games (3-2HF). Grizzlies lost four of their last six games (8-8AU).

Series records
-- Nets lost three of last four games with Charlotte.
-- Thunder lost five of last six games with Houston.
-- Pelicans won three of last four games with Miami.
-- Lakers lost their last nine games with Memphis.

Totals
-- Five of last seven Charlotte-Brooklyn games went over.
-- Six of last eight Houston games went over the total.
-- Last six Miami games went over the total.
-- Six of last seven Laker games stayed under the total.

Back/backs
-- Charlotte covered three of last four if it played night before.
-- Grizzlies are 10-4 vs spread if they played night before.




NBA

Tuesday, March 22

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Trend Report
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7:30 PM
CHARLOTTE vs. BROOKLYN
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Charlotte's last 7 games when playing Brooklyn
Charlotte is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Brooklyn
The total has gone OVER in 11 of Brooklyn's last 12 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Brooklyn's last 5 games

8:00 PM
MIAMI vs. NEW ORLEANS
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Miami's last 8 games when playing New Orleans
Miami is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games
The total has gone OVER in 8 of New Orleans's last 9 games
The total has gone OVER in 10 of New Orleans's last 12 games when playing at home against Miami

8:00 PM
HOUSTON vs. OKLAHOMA CITY
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Houston's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Houston's last 8 games when playing on the road against Oklahoma City
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Oklahoma City's last 6 games when playing Houston
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Oklahoma City's last 8 games when playing at home against Houston

10:30 PM
MEMPHIS vs. LA LAKERS
Memphis is 1-4-1 SU in its last 6 games ,
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Memphis's last 6 games when playing on the road against LA Lakers
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of the LA Lakers last 7 games
LA Lakers are 0-5 SU in their last 5 games when playing Memphis

[StarDust Bum]

Opening odds and early betting action on NCAA Sweet 16 matchups

“We've booked more action on North Carolina to win it all than any other team. Bettors have also been backing them each round and the Sweet 16 is no different,” says Bookmaker.eu.

After an opening weekend filled with upset stunners and heartbreaking losses, the NCAA tournament’s Sweet 16 is set. And for such a thrilling four days of “Big Dance” action, the remaining eight matchups are void of a true Cinderella team.

The biggest seeds left standing face off in a No. 10 versus No. 11 showdown, when the Syracuse Orange take on the Gonzaga Bulldogs in the Midwest Regional semifinals. But while these teams are double-digit draws this year, it’s tough to call two power programs, like Syracuse and Gonzaga, true Cinderellas.

Oddsmakers opened with the No. 11 Bulldogs as low as 4-point favorites in Chicago Friday, with that number quickly being bet up to -4.5. In Las Vegas, sportsbook operator CG Technology opened the Zags as 5-point chalk.

According to online book CarbonGaming.ag, which opened Gonzaga -4.5, they’ve seen early money on the underdog.

“The Orange are getting 54 percent of the early action,” says Michael Stewart of CarbonGaming.ag, following Syracuse’s dominant 25-point win against Middle Tennessee State.

Outside of that meeting between double-digit seeds, the tournament has trickled down as many expected – for the most part.

No. 7 Wisconsin shocked No. 2 Xavier with a last-second shot Sunday, setting up the Badgers with No. 6 Notre Dame in the Sweet 16. Oddsmakers opened this game a pick’em and early money sided with the Fighting Irish, moving this spread to -1.5. Notre Dame avoided an upset of its own with a 76-75 victory over Stephen F. Austin in the Round of 32.

No. 2 Villanova Wildcats vs. No. 3 Miami Hurricanes - Open: +4, Move: +5, +4.5

The bottom half of the South Regional has the No. 2 Wildcats facing the No. 3 Hurricanes. Oddsmakers opened Villanova as low as -4 and watched action bet the line up as high as -5 before buyback on Miami, trimmed a half a point from that spread.

“We initially took Nova money from a lot of the public and one player we respect. We moved the spread to +5 but then quickly got action from some smart bettors so we moved back to the opener of -4.5,” John Lester, line manager for Bookmaker.eu says. “It will be interesting to see where this goes but there haven't been a lot of Hurricanes backers in the tournament thus far.”

Villanova has rolled through its first two tournament opponents, crushing UNC-Asheville and Iowa to advance to the Sweet 16. Miami, on the other hand, was challenged by Buffalo in the opening round but looked sound against Wichita State in the Round of 32.

No. 1 North Carolina Tar Heels vs. No. 5 Indiana Hoosiers – Open: +4.5, Move: +6

Online books opened North Carolina as low as -4.5 versus Indiana, but according to CG Technology some of their oddsmakers wanted the spread even lower for this East Regional semifinal Friday.

“Indiana versus UNC is, in my opinion, the most intriguing matchup and it was a tricky one to make a line for,” Jason Simbal, vice president of risk management for CG Technology, tells Covers. “Our team ranged from 3.5 to 6 and we went with the higher end based on the expectation of a lot of public bets on the Tar Heels coming Saturday.”

The move to six has been pushed by public money, says Bookmaker.eu. Wiseguys have yet to have an opinion on this name-brand Sweet 16 showdown. North Carolina has been one of the biggest public draws of the NCAA tournament, for games and outright winner futures as well.

“We've booked more action on North Carolina to win it all than any other team. Bettors have also been backing them each round and the Sweet 16 is no different,” says Lester. “We opened Tar Heels -4.5 and have moved to -6 currently. It's mostly public money at this point but if the sharps get involved on that side, we'll really need a Hoosiers cover.”

No. 1 Virginia Cavaliers vs. No. 4 Iowa State Cyclones – Open: +6, Move: +5

The No. 1 Cavaliers opened as 6-point favorites for their meeting with the No. 4 Cyclones in Chicago Thursday, and according to CG Technology early money is siding with the underdog. Simbal says the second most money wagered for the Sweet 16 is on Iowa State, trimming a half a point from their opener.

Online books, like CarbonGaming.ag, are down to Virginia -5 with 60 percent of the early money grabbing the points with the underdog.

The Cyclones breezed past Iona in the Round of 64 and rolled Arkansas-Little Rock in the Round of 32, scoring a total of 172 points in those contests. Iowa State ranks 14th in the nation in scoring, averaging 82.1 points per game, and now faces a methodical Virginia program that thrives on defense and extending possessions.

The Cavaliers play the slowest tempo in the country, according to KenPom.com, leaving books to set Thursday's total at 141 points – the lowest number for an Iowa State game all season. According to Stewart, early total bettors are expecting Virginia to dictate the pace, with 92 percent of the early handle siding with the Under.

Remaining NCAA Sweet 16 odds:

No. 3 Texas A&M Aggies vs. No. 2 Oklahoma Sooners (-2, 145)
No. 5 Maryland Terrapins vs. No. 1 Kansas Jayhawks (-7, 147)
No. 4 Duke Blue Devils vs. No. 1 Oregon Ducks (-2.5, 156)

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Long Sheet

Tuesday, March 22

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CHARLOTTE (40 - 30) at BROOKLYN (19 - 50) - 3/22/2016, 7:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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HOUSTON (35 - 35) at OKLAHOMA CITY (48 - 22) - 3/22/2016, 8:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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

MIAMI (40 - 29) at NEW ORLEANS (26 - 43) - 3/22/2016, 8:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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

MEMPHIS (41 - 30) at LA LAKERS (14 - 55) - 3/22/2016, 10:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA LAKERS is 6-3 against the spread versus MEMPHIS over the last 3 seasons
MEMPHIS is 10-1 straight up against LA LAKERS over the last 3 seasons
6 of 11 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

[StarDust Bum]

Yesterday's Results: 1 - 4
YTD: 73 - 62

[StarDust Bum]

TUESDAY, MARCH 22

GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS


CHA at BK 07:30 PM

BK +6.0

O 208.0


HOU at OKC 08:00 PM

OKC -9.5

O 224.0


MIA at NO 08:00 PM

NO +9.5

O 209.0


MEM at LAL 10:30 PM

LAL +3.0

U 201.0