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

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Long Sheet

Saturday, March 5

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UTAH (28 - 33) at NEW ORLEANS (23 - 37) - 3/5/2016, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
UTAH is 17-26 ATS (-11.6 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.
UTAH is 52-25 ATS (+24.5 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
UTAH is 8-0 ATS (+8.0 Units) off a upset loss as a favorite this season.

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

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BOSTON (38 - 25) at CLEVELAND (43 - 17) - 3/5/2016, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 83-63 ATS (+13.7 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) when the total is greater than or equal to 210 this season.
BOSTON is 41-27 ATS (+11.3 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 101-72 ATS (+21.8 Units) as a road underdog of 6.5 to 9 points since 1996.
BOSTON is 45-29 ATS (+13.1 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 13-1 ATS (+11.9 Units) in a road game where the total is greater than or equal to 210 over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 33-20 ATS (+11.0 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 15-5 ATS (+9.5 Units) in road games on Saturday games over the last 3 seasons.
BOSTON is 23-8 ATS (+14.2 Units) when playing on back-to-back days over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 24-13 ATS (+9.7 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 19-6 ATS (+12.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 23-12 ATS (+9.8 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.
CLEVELAND is 21-31 ATS (-13.1 Units) as a favorite this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 7-6 against the spread versus CLEVELAND over the last 3 seasons
CLEVELAND is 7-6 straight up against BOSTON over the last 3 seasons
9 of 13 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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INDIANA (32 - 30) at WASHINGTON (30 - 31) - 3/5/2016, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
INDIANA is 10-25 ATS (-17.5 Units) in March games over the last 3 seasons.
INDIANA is 115-149 ATS (-48.9 Units) on Saturday games since 1996.
INDIANA is 3-11 ATS (-9.1 Units) revenging a home loss vs opponent this season.
WASHINGTON is 358-429 ATS (-113.9 Units) in home games since 1996.
WASHINGTON is 86-121 ATS (-47.1 Units) in home games after a loss by 10 points or more since 1996.
WASHINGTON is 54-80 ATS (-34.0 Units) in home games after scoring 85 points or less since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
INDIANA is 8-7 against the spread versus WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
INDIANA is 9-6 straight up against WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
8 of 15 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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DETROIT (31 - 30) at NEW YORK (25 - 38) - 3/5/2016, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 5-16 ATS (-12.6 Units) in road games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.
NEW YORK is 25-15 ATS (+8.5 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent this season.
NEW YORK is 4-15 ATS (-12.5 Units) as a home underdog of 3.5 to 6 points over the last 3 seasons.
NEW YORK is 48-67 ATS (-25.7 Units) in home games over the last 3 seasons.
NEW YORK is 12-25 ATS (-15.5 Units) in home games after 3 or more consecutive losses over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 5-4 against the spread versus NEW YORK over the last 3 seasons
DETROIT is 6-3 straight up against NEW YORK 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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BROOKLYN (18 - 44) at MINNESOTA (19 - 43) - 3/5/2016, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BROOKLYN is 43-30 ATS (+10.0 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
BROOKLYN is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) in road games in non-conference games this season.
BROOKLYN is 26-15 ATS (+9.5 Units) in road games revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
BROOKLYN is 15-6 ATS (+8.4 Units) in road games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.
BROOKLYN is 27-15 ATS (+10.5 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 61-80 ATS (-27.0 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 4-12 ATS (-9.2 Units) as a favorite this season.
MINNESOTA is 10-20 ATS (-12.0 Units) in home games this season.
MINNESOTA is 332-394 ATS (-101.4 Units) second half of the season since 1996.
MINNESOTA is 11-23 ATS (-14.3 Units) in March games over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 18-33 ATS (-18.3 Units) when playing on back-to-back days over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 9-19 ATS (-11.9 Units) in home games after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 9-20 ATS (-13.0 Units) in home games in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 11-22 ATS (-13.2 Units) after allowing 105 points or more this season.
MINNESOTA is 22-34 ATS (-15.4 Units) after a loss by 10 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 8-20 ATS (-14.0 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
MINNESOTA is 1-10 ATS (-10.0 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 16-28 ATS (-14.8 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.

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

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SACRAMENTO (25 - 35) at SAN ANTONIO (52 - 9) - 3/5/2016, 8:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SACRAMENTO is 57-79 ATS (-29.9 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SACRAMENTO is 17-30 ATS (-16.0 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
SACRAMENTO is 3-13 ATS (-11.3 Units) revenging a home loss vs opponent this season.
SACRAMENTO is 35-52 ATS (-22.2 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
SACRAMENTO is 7-17 ATS (-11.7 Units) off an upset win as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
SACRAMENTO is 9-22 ATS (-15.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
SACRAMENTO is 33-49 ATS (-20.9 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
SACRAMENTO is 11-24 ATS (-15.4 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 38-23 ATS (+12.7 Units) in all games this season.
SAN ANTONIO is 38-21 ATS (+14.9 Units) as a favorite this season.
SAN ANTONIO is 20-9 ATS (+10.1 Units) in home games this season.
SAN ANTONIO is 415-350 ATS (+30.0 Units) second half of the season since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 25-8 ATS (+16.2 Units) in March games over the last 3 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 150-115 ATS (+23.5 Units) on Saturday games since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 20-11 ATS (+7.9 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
SAN ANTONIO is 29-17 ATS (+10.3 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.
SAN ANTONIO is 14-6 ATS (+7.4 Units) in home games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.
SAN ANTONIO is 124-88 ATS (+27.2 Units) in home games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN ANTONIO is 5-4 against the spread versus SACRAMENTO over the last 3 seasons
SAN ANTONIO is 8-1 straight up against SACRAMENTO over the last 3 seasons
6 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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HOUSTON (30 - 31) at CHICAGO (30 - 30) - 3/5/2016, 8:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 26-35 ATS (-12.5 Units) in all games this season.
HOUSTON is 6-14 ATS (-9.4 Units) in non-conference games this season.
HOUSTON is 14-3 ATS (+10.7 Units) when playing with 2 days rest over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO is 23-37 ATS (-17.7 Units) in all games this season.
CHICAGO is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) on Saturday games this season.
CHICAGO is 117-158 ATS (-56.8 Units) in home games in non-conference games since 1996.
CHICAGO is 28-43 ATS (-19.3 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO is 15-24 ATS (-11.4 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.

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

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ATLANTA (34 - 28) at LA CLIPPERS (40 - 20) - 3/5/2016, 10:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 48-72 ATS (-31.2 Units) in road games on Saturday games since 1996.
LA CLIPPERS are 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) against Southeast division opponents this season.
ATLANTA is 86-70 ATS (+9.0 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 67-44 ATS (+18.6 Units) in a road game where where the total is between 200 and 204.5 points since 1996.
ATLANTA is 42-25 ATS (+14.5 Units) after a win by 10 points or more over the last 3 seasons.
ATLANTA is 47-29 ATS (+15.1 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 13-26 ATS (-15.6 Units) in home games after 3 or more consecutive wins over the last 3 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 184-243 ATS (-83.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season since 1996.

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

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up

Saturday, March 5

Hot teams
-- Celtics won their last five games (2-5 last 7AU). Cleveland won seven of last ten games (3-6HF with Lue).
-- Washington won four of its last five games (3-6 last 9HF).
-- Detroit won four of its last five games (3-8AF).
-- Spurs won their last seven games (12-6 last 18HF).
-- Clippers won four of their last five games (7-5 last 12HF).

Cold teams
-- Utah lost eight of its last ten games (3-9 last 12AU). Pelicans lost four of last five games (1-6 last 7HF).
-- Indiana lost four of its last five games (3-1 last 4AU).
-- Knicks lost nine of their last 11 games (0-5 last 5HU).
-- Brooklyn lost four of its last six games (9-6 last 15AU). Minnesota lost five of its last seven games (3-9HF).
-- Sacramento lost four of its last five games (1-5 last 6AU).
-- Houston lost six of its last nine games (5-7AF). Chicago lost its last four games (2-3HU).
-- Atlanta lost six of its last nine games (6-6AU).

Series records
-- Pelicans won six of last nine games with Utah.
-- Cavaliers won five of last six games with Boston.
-- Pacers won three of last four games with Washington.
-- Knicks lost five of last seven games with Detroit.
-- Nets lost five of last eight games with Minnesota.
-- Spurs won nine of last te games with Sacramento.
-- Rockets won five of last seven games with Chicago.
-- Clippers lost four of last six games with Atlanta.

Totals
-- Eight of last ten Utah-New Orleans games went over.
-- Eight of last nine Boston-Cleveland games stayed under.
-- Last six Indiana-Washington games went over the total.
-- Five of last six New York-Detroit games went over.
-- Over is 8-1-1 in Minnesota games if it Wolves played night before.
-- Six of last eight Sacramento-San Antonio games stayed under.
-- Six of last eight Houston games went over the total.
-- Six of last seven Clipper games stayed under the total.

Back/backs
-- Utah is 7-5 vs spread if it played the night before.
-- Cleveland is 3-5-1 as a favorite if it played night before. Celtics are 9-5 vs spread if they played night before.
-- Wizards covered two of last seven gmes if they played night before. Indiana covered twice in last nine games if it played night before.
-- New York is 7-6 vs spread if it played night before.
-- Minnesota is 2-6 vs spread in last eight games if it played nite before. Nets covered one of last five games if they played night before.
-- Atlanta is 3-8 vs spread in lsst 11 games if it played night before.

[StarDust Bum]

NBA

Saturday, March 5

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Trend Report
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7:00 PM
INDIANA vs. WASHINGTON
Indiana is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
Indiana is 18-7 SU in its last 25 games when playing Washington
Washington is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Washington is 7-18 SU in its last 25 games when playing Indiana

7:00 PM
BOSTON vs. CLEVELAND
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Boston's last 5 games when playing on the road against Cleveland
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Boston's last 5 games on the road
Cleveland is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games at home
Cleveland is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games

7:00 PM
DETROIT vs. NEW YORK
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Detroit's last 6 games on the road
Detroit is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of New York's last 5 games
New York is 1-7-1 ATS in its last 9 games at home

7:00 PM
UTAH vs. NEW ORLEANS
Utah is 4-1-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against New Orleans
Utah is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against New Orleans
New Orleans is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Utah
The total has gone OVER in 5 of New Orleans's last 5 games when playing at home against Utah

8:00 PM
BROOKLYN vs. MINNESOTA
Brooklyn is 2-9 SU in its last 11 games when playing on the road against Minnesota
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Brooklyn's last 6 games when playing Minnesota
Minnesota is 16-6-1 ATS in its last 23 games when playing Brooklyn
Minnesota is 9-4 SU in its last 13 games when playing Brooklyn

8:30 PM
SACRAMENTO vs. SAN ANTONIO
Sacramento is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing San Antonio
Sacramento is 2-7-1 ATS in its last 10 games on the road
San Antonio is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Sacramento
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of San Antonio's last 8 games when playing Sacramento

8:30 PM
HOUSTON vs. CHICAGO
Houston is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Houston's last 5 games on the road
Chicago is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Houston
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Chicago's last 5 games when playing at home against Houston

10:30 PM
ATLANTA vs. LA CLIPPERS
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Atlanta's last 6 games on the road
Atlanta is 9-4 SU in their last 13 games when playing LA Clippers
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of the LA Clippers last 5 games when playing at home against Atlanta
LA Clippers are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games when playing at home against Atlanta

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Dunkel

Saturday, March 5


Utah @ New Orleans

Game 501-502
March 5, 2016 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Utah
119.256
New Orleans
116.313
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Utah
by 3
193
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
New Orleans
by 2
199
Dunkel Pick:
Utah
(+2); Under

Boston @ Cleveland

Game 503-504
March 5, 2016 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Boston
123.585
Cleveland
127.129
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Cleveland
by 3 1/2
206
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Cleveland
by 7
212
Dunkel Pick:
Boston
(+7); Under

Indiana @ Washington

Game 505-506
March 5, 2016 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Indiana
116.561
Washington
120.943
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Washington
by 4 1/2
211
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Washington
by 2
207 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Washington
(-2); Over

Detroit @ New York

Game 507-508
March 5, 2016 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Detroit
120.846
New York
112.393
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Detroit
by 8 1/2
206
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Detroit
by 4
198 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Detroit
(-4); Over

Brooklyn @ Minnesota

Game 509-510
March 5, 2016 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Brooklyn
109.314
Minnesota
115.663
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Minnesota
by 6 1/2
209
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Minnesota
by 4 1/2
214
Dunkel Pick:
Minnesota
(-4 1/2); Under

Sacramento @ San Antonio

Game 511-512
March 5, 2016 @ 8:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Sacramento
115.029
San Antonio
130.970
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
San Antonio
by 16
204
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
San Antonio
by 12 1/2
211 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
San Antonio
(-12 1/2); Under

Houston @ Chicago

Game 513-514
March 5, 2016 @ 8:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Houston
118.834
Chicago
116.214
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Houston
by 2 1/2
220
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Chicago
by 1
216
Dunkel Pick:
Houston
(+1); Over

Atlanta @ LA Clippers

Game 515-516
March 5, 2016 @ 10:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Atlanta
122.500
LA Clippers
125.928
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
LA Clippers
by 3 1/2
209
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
LA Clippers
by 6
201 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Atlanta
(+6); Over

[StarDust Bum]

Saturday's Tip Sheet
March 5, 2016

Jazz at Pelicans – 7:05 PM EST

The road woes continue for Utah (28-33 SU, 28-33 ATS), who fell short at Memphis on Friday, 94-88 to drop their fifth consecutive game overall and suffer their sixth straight road defeat. The Jazz can’t score on a consistent basis as they were held to below 96 points for the fifth time during this cold streak, while putting up just 11 points in the second quarter last night. Quin Snyder’s team owns a 4-4 SU/ATS record on the road with no rest this season, which includes a 100-96 setback at New Orleans prior to the All-Star break.

New Orleans (23-37 SU, 26-34 ATS) suffered a heartbreaking loss to division rival San Antonio on Thursday, allowing the Spurs to score the final 12 points in a 94-86 defeat. The Pelicans managed to cover as 9 ½-point underdogs, but lost for the third consecutive game and fall to 1-4 since winning their first two games following the All-Star break. Alvin Gentry’s squad hasn’t fared well in the favorite role recently by posting a 1-5 ATS mark in the last six when laying points, but that lone cover came against Utah on February 10 as 1 ½-point favorites.

Celtics at Cavaliers – 7:05 PM EST

Both these teams are coming off home victories on Friday, but in different fashion. The Cavaliers (43-17 SU, 26-31-3 ATS) routed the Wizards, 108-83 to easily cash as 8 ½-point favorites as forward Kevin Love sat out to rest. Cleveland snapped a three-game ATS skid with the cover, while winning its seventh game in the last eight tries at Quicken Loans Arena. Tyronn Lue’s team continues to play solid defense at home by allowing 96 points or less in five of the past six contests at the Q. The Cavs will be looking to avenge a buzzer-beating loss to the Celtics on February 5, dropping a 104-103 decision as seven-point home chalk.

It wasn’t easy, but Boston (38-25 SU, 35-27-1 ATS) managed to sneak past New York, 105-104 to grab its 13th consecutive victory at TD Garden. The Celtics didn’t cash as 10-point favorites, but Brad Stevens’ club finished ‘under’ the total for the fourth straight game. Boston has covered in both opportunities as an underdog of seven points or more this season, including in the victory at Cleveland last month. The C’s own a 4-2 ATS mark as a road underdog with no rest this season, while going 14-2 ATS in this situation since January 2015.

Pacers at Wizards – 7:05 PM EST

Indiana (32-30 SU, 30-31-1 ATS) continues to go backwards of late, losing to Charlotte for the third time in a month in Friday’s 108-101 defeat as three-point underdogs. Frank Vogel’s team has lost four of their last five games, while Indiana owns a dreadful 2-5 ATS record in its last seven contests overall. The Pacers haven’t fared well as a short road underdog lately, going 0-6 SU/ATS the past six opportunities as a 3 ½-point away ‘dog or fewer. However, Indiana won at Washington as three-point ‘dogs on November 24 in a shootout, 123-106.

Washington (30-31 SU, 32-29 ATS) saw its four-game winning streak come to an end in last night’s 108-83 blowout loss at Cleveland. The Wizards didn’t exactly light up the world during its hot streak by beating the 76ers twice, the Wolves, and the Cavaliers without LeBron James, as Randy Wittman’s club owns a 2-5 SU/ATS record in the last seven games with no rest. Washington has taken back advantage of its home court of late by winning six straight at the Verizon Center, while covering five times in this span.

Rockets at Bulls – 8:35 PM EST

Two teams with high expectations when the season began have fallen flat through 60 games. Chicago (30-30 SU, 23-37 ATS) has suffered through a 3-8 run in the last 11 games, but that coincided with leading scorer Jimmy Butler sitting out due to a knee injury. The Bulls’ All-Star guard is expected to return to the lineup on Saturday after Chicago was blown out in a pair of games in the Sunshine State, losing at Miami and Orlando to start March.

Chicago has allowed at least 100 points in 15 consecutive games, but the ‘over’ has hit only eight times in this stretch. Fred Hoiberg’s club lost five straight home contests to close out the first half, but the Bulls have won three of their last four games at the United Center, including underdog victories over the Raptors and Wizards.

The Rockets (30-31 SU, 26-35 ATS) own a 5-9 record since a three-game winning streak in late January, while coming off a 100-95 home victory over the Pelicans on Wednesday. Houston was dreadful from three-point range, knocking down just 3-of-34 three-point attempts, including a combined 1-of-15 from James Harden and Trevor Ariza. The Rockets have dropped six of their last nine games away from the Toyota Center, while losing in each of their past two visits to Chicago.

Hawks at Clippers – 10:35 PM EST

Atlanta (34-28 SU, 31-30-1 ATS) finishes off its two-game set at Staples Center after routing the Lakers, 106-77 as 10 ½-point favorites on Friday. Mike Budenholzer’s team has suddenly covered four straight games since a 1-5 ATS run in early February, including three consecutive road ATS wins. The last time the Hawks faced the Clippers at Philips Arena in late January, Los Angeles edged Atlanta, 85-83 as five-point underdogs. The Hawks have dropped three of the past four road meetings with the Clippers, but won at Los Angeles last season, 107-98 as 5 ½-point underdogs.

The Clippers (40-20 SU, 30-27-3 ATS) erased a late double-digit deficit to stun the Thunder on Wednesday, 103-98 to win its third straight game. Los Angeles has cashed the ‘under’ in eight of the past 10 contests, while allowing seven of those opponents to less than 98 points. Doc Rivers’ club has played a bit uneven at home recently by going 4-3 in the last seven at Staples Center with wins over the Thunder and Spurs, but losses to the Nuggets and Wolves.

[StarDust Bum]

Hoop Trends - Saturday
March 5, 2016


ATS TREND OF THE DAY:

-- The Celtics are 15-0 ATS (7.47 ppg) since Nov 08, 2013 as a dog off a win as a home favorite.

OU TREND OF THE DAY:

-- The Jazz are 12-0 OU (14.50 ppg) since Mar 03, 2014 as a dog after a loss in which they led by double digits.

PLAYER TREND OF THE DAY:

-- The Rockets are 11-0-1 OU (15.38 ppg) since Dec 26, 2015 on the road after James Harden was the Rockets’ high scorer.

CHOICE TREND:

-- The Bulls are 0-12 ATS (-10.54 ppg) since Jan 24, 2014 as a dog off a game as a dog in which they has at least twice as many assists as turnovers.

ACTIVE TRENDS:

-- The Knicks are 0-7 ATS (-13.79 ppg) since Jan 22, 2016 at home after Carmelo Anthony was the Knicks’ high scorer.

[StarDust Bum]

NBA ATS

NBA > (503) BOSTON@ (504) CLEVELAND | 2016-03-05 19:05:00 - 2016-03-05 19:05:00
Play ON BOSTON against the spread in All games when the total is greater than or equal to 210
The record is 23 Wins and 5 Losses for the last two seasons (+17.5 units)

NBA > (503) BOSTON@ (504) CLEVELAND | 2016-03-05 19:05:00 - 2016-03-05 19:05:00
Play ON BOSTON against the spread in All games in a road game where the total is greater than or equal to 210
The record is 13 Wins and 1 Losses for the last two seasons (+11.9 units)

NBA > (509) BROOKLYN@ (510) MINNESOTA | 2016-03-05 20:05:00 - 2016-03-05 20:05:00
Play AGAINST MINNESOTA against the spread in Home games when playing against a team with a losing record
The record is 7 Wins and 25 Losses for the last two seasons (-20.5 units)

NBA > (503) BOSTON@ (504) CLEVELAND | 2016-03-05 19:05:00 - 2016-03-05 19:05:00
Play ON BOSTON against the spread in Road games when playing on back-to-back days
The record is 30 Wins and 9 Losses for the last three seasons (+20.1 units)

NBA > (501) UTAH@ (502) NEW ORLEANS | 2016-03-05 19:05:00 - 2016-03-05 19:05:00
Play ON UTAH against the spread in All games revenging a loss vs opponent
The record is 52 Wins and 25 Losses for the last two seasons (+24.5 units)

NBA > (513) HOUSTON@ (514) CHICAGO | 2016-03-05 20:35:00 - 2016-03-05 20:35:00
Play AGAINST CHICAGO against the spread in All games on Saturday games
The record is 5 Wins and 19 Losses for the last two seasons (-15.9 units)

NBA > (511) SACRAMENTO@ (512) SAN ANTONIO | 2016-03-05 20:35:00 - 2016-03-05 20:35:00
Play ON SAN ANTONIO against the spread in All games in March games
The record is 25 Wins and 8 Losses for the last three seasons (+16.2 units)

NBA > (503) BOSTON@ (504) CLEVELAND | 2016-03-05 19:05:00 - 2016-03-05 19:05:00
Play ON BOSTON against the spread in All games when playing on back-to-back days
The record is 23 Wins and 8 Losses for the last two seasons (+14.2 units)


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

NBA MONEYLINE

NBA > (509) BROOKLYN@ (510) MINNESOTA | 2016-03-05 20:05:00 - 2016-03-05 20:05:00
Play AGAINST MINNESOTA using money line in All games in a home game where the total is greater than or equal to 210
The record is 11 Wins and 21 Losses for the last three seasons (-30.6 units)

NBA > (511) SACRAMENTO@ (512) SAN ANTONIO | 2016-03-05 20:35:00 - 2016-03-05 20:35:00
Play AGAINST SACRAMENTO using money line in All games revenging a home loss vs opponent
The record is 3 Wins and 12 Losses for the this season (-15.8 units)

NBA > (501) UTAH@ (502) NEW ORLEANS | 2016-03-05 19:05:00 - 2016-03-05 19:05:00
Play ON NEW ORLEANS using money line in All games in a home game where where the total is between 195 and 199.5 points
The record is 20 Wins and 4 Losses for the last three seasons (+18.5 units)

NBA > (505) INDIANA@ (506) WASHINGTON | 2016-03-05 19:05:00 - 2016-03-05 19:05:00
Play AGAINST INDIANA using money line in All games revenging a home loss vs opponent
The record is 2 Wins and 12 Losses for the this season (-13.55 units)

NBA > (503) BOSTON@ (504) CLEVELAND | 2016-03-05 19:05:00 - 2016-03-05 19:05:00
Play ON BOSTON using money line in Road games when playing on back-to-back days
The record is 15 Wins and 8 Losses for the last two seasons (+19.8 units)

NBA > (515) ATLANTA@ (516) LA CLIPPERS | 2016-03-05 22:35:00 - 2016-03-05 22:35:00
Play AGAINST ATLANTA using money line in Road games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season
The record is 9 Wins and 24 Losses for the last three seasons (-25.15 units)

NBA > (511) SACRAMENTO@ (512) SAN ANTONIO | 2016-03-05 20:35:00 - 2016-03-05 20:35:00
Play AGAINST SACRAMENTO using money line in Road games against Southwest division opponents
The record is 16 Wins and 85 Losses for the since 1992 (-61.15 units)

NBA > (515) ATLANTA@ (516) LA CLIPPERS | 2016-03-05 22:35:00 - 2016-03-05 22:35:00
Play AGAINST ATLANTA using money line in All games revenging a loss vs opponent
The record is 11 Wins and 15 Losses for the this season (-20.7 units)

NBA > (513) HOUSTON@ (514) CHICAGO | 2016-03-05 20:35:00 - 2016-03-05 20:35:00
Play AGAINST CHICAGO using money line in All games when playing against a team with a losing record
The record is 39 Wins and 29 Losses for the last two seasons (-43.3 units)

NBA > (513) HOUSTON@ (514) CHICAGO | 2016-03-05 20:35:00 - 2016-03-05 20:35:00
Play AGAINST CHICAGO using money line in Home games when playing against a team with a losing record
The record is 20 Wins and 12 Losses for the last two seasons (-34.4 units)

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

NBA FIRST HALF

NBA > (511) SACRAMENTO@ (512) SAN ANTONIO | 2016-03-05 20:35:00 - 2016-03-05 20:35:00
Play ON SAN ANTONIO ?>in the first halfin All games in March games
The record is 26 Wins and 7 Losses for the last three seasons (+18.3 units)

NBA > (505) INDIANA@ (506) WASHINGTON | 2016-03-05 19:05:00 - 2016-03-05 19:05:00
Play AGAINST INDIANA ?>in the first halfin All games in March games
The record is 8 Wins and 27 Losses for the last three seasons (-21.7 units)

NBA > (509) BROOKLYN@ (510) MINNESOTA | 2016-03-05 20:05:00 - 2016-03-05 20:05:00
Play AGAINST MINNESOTA ?>in the first halfin All games after a loss by 10 points or more
The record is 15 Wins and 36 Losses for the last two seasons (-24.6 units)

NBA > (503) BOSTON@ (504) CLEVELAND | 2016-03-05 19:05:00 - 2016-03-05 19:05:00
Play ON CLEVELAND ?>in the first halfin All games when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season
The record is 29 Wins and 11 Losses for the last two seasons (+16.9 units)

NBA > (505) INDIANA@ (506) WASHINGTON | 2016-03-05 19:05:00 - 2016-03-05 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 24 Wins and 53 Losses for the last three seasons (-34.3 units)

NBA > (503) BOSTON@ (504) CLEVELAND | 2016-03-05 19:05:00 - 2016-03-05 19:05:00
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 40 Wins and 18 Losses for the last two seasons (+20.2 units)

NBA > (509) BROOKLYN@ (510) MINNESOTA | 2016-03-05 20:05:00 - 2016-03-05 20:05:00
Play AGAINST MINNESOTA ?>in the first halfin Home games after allowing 105 points or more
The record is 10 Wins and 27 Losses for the last two seasons (-19.7 units)

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

NBA TOTALS

NBA > (501) UTAH@ (502) NEW ORLEANS | 2016-03-05 19:05:00 - 2016-03-05 19:05:00
Play UNDER UTAH on the totalin Road games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game
The record is 14 Overs and 55 Unders for the last three seasons (+39.6 units)

NBA > (515) ATLANTA@ (516) LA CLIPPERS | 2016-03-05 22:35:00 - 2016-03-05 22:35:00
Play UNDER ATLANTA on the totalin All games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game
The record is 8 Overs and 30 Unders for the this season (+21.2 units)

NBA > (515) ATLANTA@ (516) LA CLIPPERS | 2016-03-05 22:35:00 - 2016-03-05 22:35:00
Play UNDER ATLANTA on the totalin All games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season
The record is 1 Overs and 14 Unders for the this season (+12.9 units)

NBA > (513) HOUSTON@ (514) CHICAGO | 2016-03-05 20:35:00 - 2016-03-05 20:35:00
Play OVER HOUSTON on the totalin All games after a division game
The record is 12 Overs and 1 Unders for the this season (+10.9 units)

NBA > (511) SACRAMENTO@ (512) SAN ANTONIO | 2016-03-05 20:35:00 - 2016-03-05 20:35:00
Play UNDER SAN ANTONIO on the totalin All games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game
The record is 32 Overs and 70 Unders for the last two seasons (+34.8 units)

NBA > (505) INDIANA@ (506) WASHINGTON | 2016-03-05 19:05:00 - 2016-03-05 19:05:00
Play UNDER INDIANA on the totalin Road games against Southeast division opponents
The record is 7 Overs and 27 Unders for the last three seasons (+19.3 units)

NBA > (511) SACRAMENTO@ (512) SAN ANTONIO | 2016-03-05 20:35:00 - 2016-03-05 20:35:00
Play UNDER SAN ANTONIO on the totalin All games after 3 or more consecutive wins
The record is 29 Overs and 67 Unders for the last three seasons (+35.1 units)

NBA > (501) UTAH@ (502) NEW ORLEANS | 2016-03-05 19:05:00 - 2016-03-05 19:05:00
Play OVER NEW ORLEANS on the totalin Home games when playing against a team with a losing record
The record is 33 Overs and 11 Unders for the last three seasons (+20.9 units)

NBA > (505) INDIANA@ (506) WASHINGTON | 2016-03-05 19:05:00 - 2016-03-05 19:05:00
Play UNDER INDIANA on the totalin Road games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season
The record is 8 Overs and 27 Unders for the last three seasons (+18.2 units)

NBA > (503) BOSTON@ (504) CLEVELAND | 2016-03-05 19:05:00 - 2016-03-05 19:05:00
Play UNDER BOSTON on the totalin All games versus the 1rst half line in road games
The record is 23 Overs and 49 Unders for the last two seasons (+23.7 units)

NBA > (509) BROOKLYN@ (510) MINNESOTA | 2016-03-05 20:05:00 - 2016-03-05 20:05:00
Play UNDER BROOKLYN on the totalin Road games on Saturday games
The record is 4 Overs and 17 Unders for the last two seasons (+12.6 units)

[StarDust Bum]

NBA YESTERDAY : 10 - 7
YTD: 23 -21

SATURDAY, MARCH 5

GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS


DET at NY 07:00 PM

NY +5.5

O 200.0


UTA at NO 07:00 PM

UTA +1.5

O 196.0


IND at WAS 07:00 PM

IND +2.5

O 208.5


BOS at CLE 07:00 PM

CLE -7.5

O 210.5


BK at MIN 08:00 PM

BK +6.0

O 212.5


SAC at SA 08:30 PM

SA -13.0

U 210.0


HOU at CHI 08:30 PM

HOU +1.0

O 214.5


ATL at LAC 10:30 PM

LAC -6.0

U 200.0

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Warriors (55-5) at Lakers (12-51)
Date: March 06, 2016 3:30 PM EDT

For all of the eye-popping and impressive numbers the Golden State Warriors have amassed in chasing the 72-win Chicago Bulls, one stands out specifically against the Los Angeles Lakers this season.

And fittingly, that number is three.

That is the total combined minutes Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green have played in the fourth quarter of their three victories over Los Angeles, and another such lopsided win Sunday would further enhance Golden State's chances of setting that new league standard.

Golden State's march toward surpassing the 1995-96 Bulls picked up steam with two wins over Oklahoma City in its last three games. That included a 121-106 victory Thursday night in which the Warriors (55-5) rallied from nine down in the third quarter to blow past a tired Thunder team playing for a second consecutive night.

Stephen Curry, who sat out Tuesday's victory over Atlanta with an ankle injury, scored 33 points as the Warriors matched that Bulls juggernaut with their NBA record-tying 44th consecutive home win. The bench provided 32 as Marreese Speights and Shaun Livingston fueled a decisive fourth-quarter spurt.

'We're confident coming off the bench,' Livingston said. 'They have a good team. But we have a deeper team. We try to come in and all do our parts and do our jobs and hopefully overwhelm them over a 48-minute game.'

Golden State has made quick work of Los Angeles, winning all three meetings by a combined 73 points. The Warriors hit 36 3-pointers in the first three quarters and averaged 89.0 points - 53.3 from Curry, Thompson and Green.

Thompson is the only one to see any action in the fourth quarter of those contests, a pedestrian three minutes of a 109-88 rout Jan. 5 in which he didn't take a shot.

Blowout wins are a key reason the Warriors have a chance to be two games clear of the Bulls' pace through 61 games with a victory. The trio has enjoyed the final 12 minutes from the bench seven times this season, though it hasn't happened since a 120-90 rout of San Antonio on Jan. 25.

Already the owner of the NBA's single-season record for 3-pointers made, Curry is seven shy of 300. He's hit that many in a game 17 times and made 8 of 16 from beyond the arc in a 116-98 win over the Lakers on Jan. 14 in the most recent game between the teams.

Kobe Bryant is questionable for what would be his final game against the Warriors due to a sore shoulder. He didn't play along with fellow injured top scorers Jordan Clarkson (15.6 points per game) and Lou Williams (15.3) on Friday night when the Lakers (12-51) were overrun 106-77 at home by Atlanta for their 24th loss in 28 games.

"You're missing your three guys that do the bulk of your scoring," coach Byron Scott told the team's official website. "(We were) just searching tonight to try to find somebody to have some consistency on that end of the floor."

Williams has been ruled out of this game, while Clarkson is questionable.

Trying to carry the offensive load proved too much for rookie D'Angelo Russell, who shot 3 of 16 and finished with seven points. The No. 2 overall pick had averaged 26.8 points in the previous four games.

Bryant has averaged 27.3 points in 66 lifetime games against Golden State, matching his highest against any opponent. Ten of his 121 40-point games in the regular season have come versus the Warriors, who are looking to pull off a season sweep of the Lakers for the first time since 1993-94.

It seems likely Bryant will at least be in the building to see the league's best team - even if he can't play - after not even going to Staples Center for Friday's game.

'A lot of times he stays home to get treatment and he's resting,' Scott said.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Thunder (42-20) at Bucks (26-36)
Date: March 06, 2016 3:30 PM EDT

Regardless of how solid the Oklahoma City Thunder's standing in the Western Conference might be, their post-All-Star break struggles have Kevin Durant and company doing some soul searching.

Looking to avoid a third straight defeat, the visiting Thunder hope to begin their turnaround Sunday against the Milwaukee Bucks.

Third in the West, Oklahoma City (42-20) has a 9 1/2-game lead in the Northwest Division and is set to return to the playoffs after missing last season. However, the Thunder have gone 2-6 during a grueling post-All-Star break schedule that's featured two games with Golden State and only two sub-.500 opponents.

They've also had to deal with the passing of part-owner Aubrey McClendon, who was killed in a single-car crash Wednesday.

'We've definitely got to get it under control,' said Durant, who has averaged 31.6 points and 11.4 rebounds in the last five games. 'I'm not happy with the way we're playing. Obviously we want to win, but this is where you see what you're made of.

"Our backs are against the wall right now as far as where we want to be as a team."

While the recent issues against some of league's better teams are concerning, Oklahoma City also allowed a New Orleans club that's well below .500 to shoot 52.2 percent in a 123-119 loss Feb. 25.

The Thunder have allowed an average of 112.9 points since the break.

"When we're losing, that's when you've really got to show your character and who you are," Durant told the NBA's official website. "We're going to keep our heads up. All our guys are going to continue to stay positive, keep working, and learn from it."

The Thunder, who dropped a season-high three straight from Nov. 2-5, must again learn how to hold a lead.

One night after a blowing a 22-point lead in a loss to the Los Angeles Clippers, Oklahoma City failed to hold a nine-point, third-quarter advantage in Thursday's 121-106 defeat to the Warriors. It was the second time in six days the Thunder couldn't keep a lead heading into the fourth against Golden State.

Their 10 defeats when leading after three quarters are tied with Philadelphia for most in the NBA.

"Next game. The next game," Durant after having nine turnovers Thursday. "That's the only opportunity we've got. We've got to go out there and win. That's what it's all about."

Oklahoma City has beaten the Bucks (26-36) six straight times when Durant has played, including a 131-123 victory Dec. 29. Durant and Russell Westbrook both missed the Thunder's only defeat in the last five meetings overall and the most recent in Milwaukee, 85-78 in November 2014.

Westbrook has averaged 27 points in his last three against the Bucks.

Khris Middleton scored a career-high 36 and Giannis Antetokounmpo added 27 with 10 rebounds against the Thunder in December. Middleton scored 32 and Antetokounmpo just missed his third triple-double in six games with 27 points, 12 assists and nine rebounds in Friday's 116-101 home win over Minnesota.

"It doesn't matter (about a triple double), we got the win," said Antetokounmpo, who has averaged 18.9 points and 11 rebounds in the past nine games. "We've got to build on this and move forward."

He's taken over the point guard duties recently, averaging 8.5 assists in the last six games while the Bucks have shot 50.7 percent. They're scoring 109.4 points per game since the All-Star break, 10 above their season average.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Suns (16-46) at Grizzlies (37-24)
Date: March 06, 2016 4:00 PM EDT

The Memphis Grizzlies have thrived even with a pair of starters missing but couldn't get past the lowly Phoenix Suns last weekend.

That's the only sub-.500 team in the past six weeks to beat the Grizzlies, who will try to turn the tables when the teams meet again Sunday in Memphis.

The Grizzlies (37-24) are 7-2 since losing top scorer Marc Gasol for the rest of the season to a broken foot. They've also played the last seven games without their top defender, swingman Tony Allen (sore knee).

Zach Randolph provided 25 points - one shy of his season high - and grabbed four of his eight rebounds in the final 30 seconds Friday in their third straight win, 94-88 over Utah.

"Every night's going to be like that because we're short-handed," said Randolph, whose team is 4-0 at home during Gasol's absence. "Everybody has written us off and said we don't have a chance. That we might not make the playoffs, so it's definitely a challenge."

That seems unlikely with the Grizzlies entrenched in the Western Conference's top five after going 12-4 since Jan. 25 - only Golden State and San Antonio have fewer losses in that span. Memphis' only defeat during that stretch to a team not in playoff position was Saturday's 111-106 loss in Phoenix.

Alex Len had 22 points and 16 rebounds as the Suns ended a 13-game losing streak, which matched a single-season franchise record, and an eight-game slide against Memphis.

Len had a career-high 31 points and 15 boards Friday as Phoenix (16-46) ended a franchise record-tying 17-game road skid with a 102-84 victory over Orlando. It was the first time in 10 games they held an opponent below 105 points.

"We're trying to get better every day, play consistent because sometimes we'll win then the next game we'll lose by 20 or 30," said Len, averaging 19.0 points and 11.9 rebounds in his last seven games. "We have just have to play consistent, bring effort and try to get better. The rest is going to take care of itself."

The Suns have lost four straight in Memphis but came close in the last two, falling 95-93 on Dec. 6 on a last-second basket and in double overtime last season. The Grizzlies have won 16 of 19 at home.

Randolph will try to keep Phoenix from earning back-to-back road wins for the first time in exactly one year while improving on his 19.1-point average in the last 11 games. He was averaging 13.8 points in his first 45 contests.

Randolph and Conley each had a team-high 19 points last weekend in Phoenix but combined to shoot 12 for 31. Conley shot below 38 percent for the third time in four games with his 4-of-13 performance Friday.

Conley is averaging 19.7 points, including 41.0 percent from 3-point range, in his last nine games against Phoenix. Only his 20.1 scoring average against Dallas is higher versus one opponent in the past three seasons.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Mavericks (33-29) at Nuggets (24-38)
Date: March 06, 2016 5:00 PM EDT

Dallas' failed attempt at beating a sub-.500 team to complete its homestand has a real possibility to haunt it down the road as it tries to hang on to a playoff spot in the Western Conference.

That's mostly because after visiting the Denver Nuggets on Sunday, the Mavericks won't see another non-postseason contender for nearly three weeks.

Dallas (33-29) is clinging to sixth place in the West one-half game head of Portland, but an extended slump could wind up pushing it out of playoff position altogether. Instead of taking advantage of a Sacramento team playing the second night of a back-to-back and entering 11 games under .500, the Mavericks fell 104-101 on Thursday to finish 4-2 on their homestand.

Chandler Parsons scored 28 points and is averaging 25.3 while shooting 62.3 percent from the field - 51.9 from 3-point range - over his last four, with Dallas winning the previous three. It shot just 24.1 percent from 3 against the Kings, though, and fell behind by as many as 14.

'This is a team that we should beat, that we're playing for something much bigger and more than they are,' Parsons said. 'This is the type of loss that kind of bites you in the butt, that you wish you could have back in a couple of weeks.'

Dirk Nowitzki missed all five of his 3s while finishing with 16 points and five turnovers. He's shooting 21.4 percent from long range over his last four.

"We've got to salvage this with what we did well and go to Denver, making sure we take care of that one," said Wesley Matthews, who had four points while hitting 2 of 9 from the floor. "We've got another home stretch that we need to take care of."

Indeed the Mavericks return home for three straight after facing the Nuggets (24-38), but the teams visiting aren't pushovers. The Los Angeles Clippers come in to finish Dallas' back-to-back set Monday, followed by East playoff contenders Detroit on Wednesday and Indiana on Saturday.

The Mavericks then face Charlotte, East-leading Cleveland and NBA-best Golden State before a home-and-home with Portland to complete their difficult stretch. Not until a rematch with Sacramento on March 27 will Dallas play another team currently below .500.

It'll try not to look past the Nuggets after winning the previous two meetings this season at home. The last matchup in Denver finished with the Mavericks winning a wild 144-143 double-overtime thriller April 10 despite a career-high 47 points from Danilo Gallinari.

Gallinari, though, has sat out the last three and is expected to miss at least a month with an ankle injury. That's bad news for an already thin Nuggets team that has dropped six of its last eight.

Denver has lost two of three to open a seven-game homestand after Brook Lopez tapped in a teammates' miss with 0.4 seconds left in overtime to give Brooklyn a 121-120 victory Friday.

Emmanuel Mudiay finished with 25 points and Gary Harris added a career high-tying 21, but the Nuggets allowed the Nets to shoot 50.5 percent from the field.

"Our defense was awful (in the first half). It was a joke how badly we defended," coach Michael Malone said. "Second half was much better, but when are we going to learn our lesson? You cannot pick and choose when you are going to defend.'

Parsons scored 27 points in the last meeting, but he's averaging just 12.8 in five career games in Denver.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: 76ers (8-54) at Heat (36-26)
Date: March 06, 2016 6:00 PM EDT

Despite so much changing since the All-Star break, the Miami Heat are at a pretty high comfort level.

Especially Hassan Whiteside.

No player has grabbed more rebounds or blocked more shots since the break, and the 7-footer has even been hitting most of his free throws for a Miami team which can post its longest win streak in two years by completing a home-and-home sweep of the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday night.

Hosting the league's worst team gives the Heat (36-26) a prime opportunity to win a fifth consecutive game, something they haven't done since the LeBron James era - an eight-game run Feb. 11-March 3, 2014. After all, Miami did just win Friday in Philadelphia despite blowing an early 16-point cushion, leading by as many as 18 in the fourth quarter of a 112-102 victory.

Whiteside had 19 points and 19 rebounds for his seventh double-double since the break. He was 7 of 8 from the foul line and has gone 28 for 30 in the last six games, fairly astonishing for a career 55.6-percent free-throw shooter.

'You know when it's a rainy day and you get hot chocolate and you put a nice movie on and you tuck yourself in?' Whiteside explained. 'That's how comfortable I feel at the free-throw line.'

Whiteside is averaging 18.5 points, 15.5 boards and 3.8 blocks in eight games since being suspended for Miami's first game after the break for throwing an elbow at San Antonio center Boban Marjanovic.

'After the All-Star break, he came back a different person on the basketball floor," star Dwyane Wade said. "He's really focused on being dominant night in and night out.'

Wade hasn't been too shabby himself with 23.8 points per game in the last six. Even with him missing the first two games after the break for a sore knee and Chris Bosh missing them all due to a blood clot, only Golden State and San Antonio have better records since All-Star weekend than Miami's 7-2 mark.

That distinction is particularly impressive considering that span has included plenty of roster turnover. Beno Udrih was lost to a foot injury before getting waived, Chris Andersen and Jarnell Stokes were traded away and veteran Joe Johnson was signed. Miami is 4-0 since landing Johnson, averaging 14.2 points on 62.2 percent shooting in a Heat uniform.

"I think adding a player like Joe and with guys coming out of the All-Star break having to play without Chris has really built the confidence in everyone," Wade said. "And it's all come together.'

The opposite has been true of the 76ers (8-54), losers of 11 straight. Top big men Jahlil Okafor (shin) and Nerlens Noel (knee) sat out Friday, as did reserves Nick Stauskas and Kendall Marshall due to illness, and all of them have been ruled out of this game.

That could lead to more minutes for 36-year-old Elton Brand, who had eight points and four rebounds Friday in his 76ers debut. He's trying to set a good example for a young team which is likely to finish with fewer than 20 wins for a third straight season.

"You might not be as fast or as athletic, but you can want it, you can just play hard," Brand said. "That's what our fans and this city is about, hard work."

Whiteside thinks they've shown that.

"They really play hard," he said. "... You can't come in here and try to disrespect them and think they're gonna just give you the game."

The 76ers, though, have allowed an average of 117.9 points in their last 10.

The Heat have held their last eight opponents to 40.7 percent from the field.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Trail Blazers (33-30) at Pistons (31-30)
Date: March 06, 2016 6:00 PM EDT

Portland's hottest stretch of the season fizzled under the extinguisher this week, but nothing seems to be cooling down Damian Lillard these days.

While the snubbed All-Star looks to continue his sizzling stretch, his Trail Blazers hope to avoid a third straight loss when they close a lengthy trip with Sunday night's visit to the Detroit Pistons.

Lillard's scoring ramped up at the tail end of Portland's 18-4 stretch from Jan. 10-March 1, and it nearly peaked when the Trail Blazers (33-30) suffered their second consecutive loss on Friday, 117-115 at Toronto, dropping them to 3-2 on a season-high six-game trip.

Lillard poured in 50 points, one shy of his career high set in a 137-105 win over league-leading Golden State on Feb. 19. He made 16 of 28 shots and 6 of 13 3-pointers, scoring 22 points in the fourth quarter alone.

His second 50-point outing in two weeks made Lillard the second Blazer ever with that many in a career, joining Geoff Petrie. He also became the first with three 40-point games in a season since Brandon Roy in 2009-10.

However, Lillard also joined Damon Stoudamire as the only Portland players with 50-point games in a loss.

Nobody's going to blame him.

After backcourt mate C.J. McCollum's 24 points, no other Blazer cracked double figures while the remaining nine who logged minutes shot 39.5 percent.

Lillard has carried a heavy scoring load, averaging 33.3 points in 11 games since Feb. 8. He scored at least 30 points in nine of those contests, a stretch that came shortly after he was left out of the All-Star game for the first time since his 2012-13 rookie season.

While Lillard remains a constant, Portland's defense has wavered this week. Opponents averaged 100.1 points in 21 previous games before Boston and the Raptors handed the Trail Blazers their seventh and eighth games allowing at least 115.

"It comes down to the defensive end for us," coach Terry Stotts said. "We've made good strides since mid-January because of our defense. ... Going forward, for us to make a playoff push, our defense has to be a little bit more consistent."

Detroit (31-31) is a top 10 defensive team, but offensive woes have led to consecutive defeats. The Pistons couldn't manage 90 points in losses of 97-81 at San Antonio on Wednesday and 102-89 at New York on Saturday.

Andre Drummond finished with 21 points and 16 rebounds against the Knicks, and Tobias Harris added 18 and eight. However, leading scorer Reggie Jackson made only 3 of 17 shots for eight points.

'We made one run in the entire game. I was not impressed,' coach Stan Van Gundy said.

Jodie Meeks was available to play for the first time since breaking his right foot on Oct. 28, but he wasn't activated.

The Pistons, who are 18-11 at home, snapped the Blazers' five-game win streak in this series with a 120-103 victory on Nov. 8 in Portland.

Jackson scored a career-high 40 points and Drummond had 29 with 27 rebounds. Lillard finished with 26 points and 11 assists but committed five turnovers.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Rockets (30-31) at Raptors (41-19)
Date: March 06, 2016 6:30 PM EDT

The Eastern Conference's best team over the past two months, the Toronto Raptors are on such a roll that not even an epic scoring effort could knock them off course.

They'll again face a player capable of such a performance Sunday night when James Harden and the Houston Rockets try to end their historic home winning streak.

Looking to move closer to the top of the East, the Raptors will chase their 13th consecutive home win by dealing Houston its ninth straight loss north of the border.

Toronto (41-19) improved to 2-0 on its seven-game homestand with an improbable 117-115 victory over Portland on Friday, overcoming a 50-point night by Damian Lillard and leaving coach Dwane Casey somewhat bewildered.

"Our guys are working at it as far as getting better defensively, and completing the play so to speak with a rebound," Casey said after his club outrebounded Portland 38-36 but allowed 114 points or more for the second time in the past three games.

DeMar DeRozan countered with a sensational effort of his own, finishing with 38 points and setting an NBA record with 24 consecutive free throws made in one game.

Backcourt mate and former Rocket Kyle Lowry scored 28 and hit 9 of 15 from the foul line to help Toronto set franchise marks in both free throws made (43) and attempted (54) en route to a team-record 12th straight win at Air Canada Centre.

Jonas Valanciunas added 17 points and 10 rebounds for the Raptors, who have averaged 109.5 points in their past six games. Lowry has scored 34.3 over his past four.

Only San Antonio (23-3) and Golden State (22-3) have better records than Toronto (20-4) since Jan. 6.

Now the Raptors will try to keep a close watch on Harden with a chance to move within two games of East-leading Cleveland.

Houston's All-Star guard is second in the NBA with 28.8 points per game and has averaged 36 in his last six. His 26.3 scoring average in four career visits to Toronto in his highest of any opposing venue.

The Rockets rank fifth in the league with 105.5 points per game but they've shot 42.3 percent and 12 for 70 (17.1 percent) from 3-point range in their last two.

"Any time he's on the floor, (Harden) can go off," Casey said. "The ball usually ends up in his hands, so we've got to have four other guys locked in on him. That's going to be a huge key."

Harden was a one-man show with 36 points and eight assists Saturday, though he also had nine turnovers in a 108-100 loss at Chicago. Dwight Howard scored eight and was 3 of 9 from the field after averaging 18.3 on 63 percent shooting over his previous nine.

The Rockets (30-32) had their lead in the race for the West's eighth and final playoff spot sliced to one with the loss and Utah's victory at New Orleans.

"It's frustrating, I know our guys are frustrated," interim coach J.B. Bickerstaff said.

Houston has split the series each of the past nine seasons but hasn't won in Toronto since 2006-07. Harden scored 31 on March 30 when the Rockets were without Howard, Donatas Motiejunas and Patrick Beverley in a 99-96 loss in the last road meeting.

DeRozan had 42 points and 11 rebounds for the Raptors, who are one win from tying the franchise record for victories against Western Conference teams with 16.