The Bum's National Basketball League Apri's Picks/Trends/News Thru the Playoffs !!

[StarDust Bum]

NBA

Tuesday, April 5

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Trend Report
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7:00 PM
NEW ORLEANS vs. PHILADELPHIA
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of New Orleans's last 6 games
New Orleans is 6-13 SU in its last 19 games
Philadelphia is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games at home
Philadelphia is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games

7:30 PM
CHARLOTTE vs. TORONTO
Charlotte is 14-4 SU in its last 18 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Charlotte's last 7 games on the road
Toronto is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Charlotte
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Toronto's last 6 games at home

8:00 PM
DETROIT vs. MIAMI
Detroit is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Miami
Detroit is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Miami's last 13 games
Miami is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Detroit

8:00 PM
PHOENIX vs. ATLANTA
Phoenix is 9-4 SU in its last 13 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
Phoenix is 5-16 ATS in its last 21 games on the road
Atlanta is 7-17 SU in its last 24 games when playing Phoenix
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Atlanta's last 5 games when playing Phoenix

8:00 PM
CLEVELAND vs. MILWAUKEE
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Cleveland's last 5 games when playing on the road against Milwaukee
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Cleveland's last 5 games when playing Milwaukee
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Milwaukee's last 8 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Milwaukee's last 5 games when playing Cleveland

8:00 PM
CHICAGO vs. MEMPHIS
Chicago is 4-11 SU in its last 15 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Chicago's last 5 games on the road
Memphis is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Chicago
Memphis is 17-8 SU in its last 25 games at home

9:00 PM
SAN ANTONIO vs. UTAH
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of San Antonio's last 9 games on the road
San Antonio is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
Utah is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing San Antonio
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Utah's last 5 games at home

9:00 PM
OKLAHOMA CITY vs. DENVER
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Oklahoma City's last 6 games on the road
Oklahoma City is 6-12 SU in its last 18 games when playing on the road against Denver
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Denver's last 6 games at home
Denver is 12-6 SU in its last 18 games when playing at home against Oklahoma City

10:00 PM
PORTLAND vs. SACRAMENTO
Portland is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Portland's last 9 games when playing on the road against Sacramento
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Sacramento's last 9 games when playing at home against Portland
Sacramento is 7-15 SU in its last 22 games

10:30 PM
LA LAKERS vs. LA CLIPPERS
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of the LA Lakers last 5 games when playing on the road against LA Clippers
LA Lakers are 3-8 ATS in their last 11 games
LA Clippers are 2-4 ATS in their last 6 games when playing LA Lakers
LA Clippers are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games when playing LA Lakers

10:30 PM
MINNESOTA vs. GOLDEN STATE
Minnesota is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games
Minnesota is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Golden State
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Golden State's last 9 games when playing at home against Minnesota
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Golden State's last 5 games

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Dunkel

Tuesday, April 5


New Orleans @ Philadelphia

Game 701-702
April 5, 2016 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
New Orleans
116.738
Philadelphia
111.614
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
New Orleans
by 5
211
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
New Orleans
by 2 1/2
205
Dunkel Pick:
New Orleans
(-2 1/2); Over

Detroit @ Miami

Game 703-704
April 5, 2016 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Detroit
116.763
Miami
122.202
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Miami
by 5 1/2
199
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Miami
by 3
204
Dunkel Pick:
Miami
(-3); Under

Charlotte @ Toronto

Game 705-706
April 5, 2016 @ 7:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Charlotte
120.746
Toronto
123.609
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Toronto
by 3
209
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Toronto
by 5 1/2
202
Dunkel Pick:
Charlotte
(+5 1/2); Over

Phoenix @ Atlanta

Game 707-708
April 5, 2016 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Phoenix
109.675
Atlanta
120.993
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Atlanta
by 11 1/2
212
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Atlanta
by 14 1/2
207
Dunkel Pick:
Phoenix
(+14 1/2); Over

Chicago @ Memphis

Game 709-710
April 5, 2016 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Chicago
115.536
Memphis
117.449
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Memphis
by 2
196
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Chicago
by 2 1/2
201 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Memphis
(+2 1/2); Under

Cleveland @ Milwaukee

Game 711-712
April 5, 2016 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Cleveland
120.645
Milwaukee
117.449
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Cleveland
by 3
210
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Cleveland
by 6 1/2
204 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Milwaukee
(+6 1/2); Over

San Antonio @ Utah

Game 713-714
April 5, 2016 @ 9:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
San Antonio
127.427
Utah
121.447
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
San Antonio
by 6
190
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
San Antonio
by 3
183 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
San Antonio
(-3); Over

Oklahoma City @ Dallas

Game 715-716
April 5, 2016 @ 9:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Oklahoma City
125.386
Dallas
114.920
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Oklahoma City
by 10 1/2
221
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Oklahoma City
by 8 1/2
216 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Oklahoma City
(-8 1/2); Over

Portland @ Sacramento

Game 717-718
April 5, 2016 @ 10:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Portland
121.710
Sacramento
115.283
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Portland
by 5 1/2
217
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Portland
by 2 1/2
221 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Portland
(-2 1/2); Under

Minnesota @ Golden State

Game 719-720
April 5, 2016 @ 10:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Minnesota
113.449
Golden State
130.824
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Golden State
by 17 1/2
231
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Golden State
by 15 1/2
225
Dunkel Pick:
Golden State
(-15 1/2); Over

LA Lakers @ LA Clippers

Game 721-722
April 5, 2016 @ 10:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
LA Lakers
109.178
LA Clippers
120.626
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
LA Clippers
by 11 1/2
214
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
LA Clippers
by 14
207
Dunkel Pick:
LA Lakers
(+14); Over

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Short Sheet

Tuesday, April 5


New Orleans at Philadelphia, 7:05 ET
New Orleans: 48-22 ATS on road after playing 5 games as an underdog
Philadelphia: 7-15 ATS in home games revenging a same season loss vs opponent

Detroit at Miami, 7:35 ET
Detroit: 11-2 ATS after a division game
Miami: 6-16 ATS on Tuesday nights

Charlotte at Toronto, 7:35 ET
Charlotte: 18-7 ATS revenging a road loss vs opponent
Toronto: 8-17 ATS after 2 straight games with 19 or less assists

Phoenix at Atlanta, 8:05 ET
Phoenix: 11-23 ATS as a road underdog
Atlanta: 73-51 ATS after playing a game as favorite

Chicago at Memphis, 8:05 ET
Chicago: 2-12 ATS off a road win
Memphis: 18-5 ATS after allowing 105 points or more

Cleveland at Milwaukee, 8:05 ET
Cleveland: 11-23 ATS vs. division opponents
Milwaukee: 13-4 ATS in home games after having lost 4 or 5 of their last 6

San Antonio at Utah, 9:05 ET
San Antonio: 27-15 ATS after having won 4 of their last 5
Utah: 17-7 UNDER after a blowout win by 15 points or more

Oklahoma City at Denver, 9:05 ET
Oklahoma City: 5-13 ATS in road games after having won 5 or 6 of their last 7
Denver: 11-3 ATS after playing a game as a home favorite

Portland at Sacramento, 10:05 ET
Portland: 16-6 ATS after allowing 110 points or more
Sacramento: 3-12 ATS at home after allowing 100 pts or more 5 straight games

Minnesota at Golden State, 10:35 ET
Minnesota: 19-42 ATS after having lost 4 of their last 5
Golden State: 39-23 ATS after a blowout win by 15 points or more

LA Lakers at LA Clippers, 10:35 ET
LA Lakers: 21-7 ATS on road after 2 games where they attempted 90 or more shots
LA Clippers: 12-21 ATS after 3 straight games committing 14 or less turnovers

[StarDust Bum]

NBA

Tuesday, April 5

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Game of the Day: Pistons at Heat
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The Detroit Pistons roll into Miami in need of a win to extend their lead in the battle for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference..

Detroit Pistons at Miami Heat (-4, 202)

The Detroit Pistons look to build off perhaps their biggest victory in the last seven seasons when they visit the Miami Heat on Tuesday to start a two-game trip to the Sunshine State. The Pistons, who play at Orlando on Wednesday, won 94-90 at Chicago on Saturday to increase their lead over the ninth-place Bulls to two games in their quest to return to the playoffs for the first time since 2008-09.

Detroit is tied with Indiana for seventh in the Eastern Conference with five games left, including a pair against the playoff-bound Heat. “These are games you need to be in for your team to grow and learn,” Pistons coach Stan Van Gundy told the Detroit News. “Last year, at this time, we were just winding it up. It was coming to an end and it’s great to be playing in games that matter all the way through the season.” Miami clinched its 19th postseason appearance in the team’s 28 seasons after Detroit’s victory over Chicago, despite a 1-2 road swing capped by a 110-93 loss to Portland on Saturday. Heat leading scorer Dwyane Wade (neck, back) missed the last two games and is questionable for Tuesday.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, TNT, FSN Sun (Miami)

LINE HISTORY: The line was held back until Tuesday morning while everyone awaited the status of D. Wade. When a line was eventually released the Heat came out of the gates as 4.5-point favorites and the total was set at 195.5. By mid-morning the Heat were dropped to 4-point faves and the total rocketed up to 202.

INJURY REPORT:

Pistons - PG S. Dinwiddie (Questionable Tuesday, ankle), SG J. Meeks (Out Tuesday, foot).

Heat - SG D. Wade (Questionable Tuesday, neck), PF C. Bosh (Out Tuesday, leg).

POWER RANKINGS: Pistons (-2.7) - Heat (-5.5) + home court (-3) = Heat -5.8

MATCHUP CHART:



ABOUT THE PISTONS (41-36, 39-36-2 ATS, 39-38 O/U): Leading scorer Reggie Jackson (18.5) snapped out of a shooting slump with 22 points against Chicago while Marcus Morris continued his scoring surge with 16. Morris is averaging 23.7 points over the past three contests and has drained 32-of-51 from 3-point range over a 12-game span. Tobias Harris has contributed 18.3 points per game over the past four, but defensive stopper Kentavious Caldwell-Pope has struggled during the same stretch by making just 13-of-48 from the field.

ABOUT THE HEAT (44-32, 39-36-1 ATS, 32-43-1 O/U): Miami allowed 106 points per game on the road trip – 7.5 above its average – and has a difficult final six games as it battles three other teams for third place in the East. “Instead of just looking at the standings and where we’re going to end up at the end of the year, we’ve really got to focus on us and try to figure it out right now: How can we go into the postseason being at our best?” forward Luol Deng told reporters. Center Hassan Whiteside has been outstanding with 18 double-doubles in the last 22 games.

TRENDS:

* Pistons are 5-0-1 ATS in their last 6 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
* Heat are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 vs. NBA Central.
* Under is 6-0 in Pistons last 6 games playing on 2 days rest.
* Under is 7-1 in Heat last 8 games following a straight up loss of more than 10 points.

CONSENSUS: Early consensus data is coming in heavy on Miami (59 percent) and the Under (60 percent).

[StarDust Bum]

Tuesday's Top Action
April 5, 2016


CHICAGO BULLS (39-38) at MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES (41-36)

Sportsbook.ag Line: Bulls -2.5, Total: 200

The Bulls will be hoping to keep their playoff hopes alive with a win over the Grizzlies on Tuesday.

Chicago has played pretty well lately, winning three of its past four games and covering in four of its past five. The Bulls most recently took on the Bucks and came away with a 102-98 victory.

The Grizzlies, meanwhile, lost 119-107 as five-point underdogs in Orlando on Sunday. They have now lost six straight games and have only covered in two of those contests. These teams met earlier in the season and the Bulls won 98-85 as 4.5-point home favorites. They’re now 3-2 both SU and ATS in this series over the past three seasons. They’re also 2-0 both SU and ATS in Memphis in that span.

Chicago is a miserable 7-19 ATS after having won two of its past three games and that doesn’t bode well for the team, as Memphis is an impressive 9-1 ATS after a game where both teams scored 105 points or more this season.

PF Taj Gibson (Ribs) is expected to miss this game for the Bulls and PG Derrick Rose (Elbow) is questionable for the team. The Grizzlies, meanwhile, will be without PG Mike Conley (Achilles) for the next couple of weeks and are already without C Marc Gasol (Foot) and PF Brandan Wright (Knee) for the season.

The Bulls have played well over the past week and this team will likely need to win out in order to make it to the postseason. One reason this team has played better is because SG Jimmy Butler (21.2 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 4.6 APG, 1.7 SPG) has returned to form. Over the past two games, Butler is averaging 26.5 PPG, 11.0 RPG, 10.0 APG, 2.0 SPG and 1.5 BPG. He has put the team on his back and will need to continue to play like this moving forward.

C Pau Gasol (16.5 PPG, 11.0 RPG, 4.2 APG, 2.0 BPG) is going to need to start shooting the ball better for Chicago, though. Gasol is shooting just 42.7% from the field over the past five games and that is not going to cut it moving forward. He is one of the best post players in the league and the Bulls will be counting on him to win the battle inside on Tuesday.

PF Nikola Mirotic (11.3 PPG, 5.5 RPG) could be the x-factor in this game. Mirotic is averaging 17.2 PPG over the past five games and Chicago is very tough to beat when he is scoring.

The Grizzlies are really struggling lately and one guy that needs to start playing better is PF Zach Randolph (15.1 PPG, 7.9 RPG). Over the past three games, Randolph is shooting just 39.6% from the field and he needs to be more efficient moving forward. The Grizzlies do not have many scoring options, so he’ll need to be the guy that carries them the rest of the season.

Another guy that Memphis needs more out of is SG Lance Stephenson (8.0 PPG, 3.2 RPG). Over the past five games, Stephenson is averaging 11.2 PPG. He’s shooting just 39.0% from the floor in those contests and he needs to make better decisions the rest of the way. He’s at his best when attacking the basket, so it’s important that he gets himself some easy ones at the rim on Tuesday.

SF Matt Barnes (9.8 PPG, 5.4 RPG) will be the x-factor for Memphis. He had 24 points and six rebounds against the Magic on Sunday and will need to play a solid game on both ends of the floor Tuesday.

LOS ANGELES LAKERS (16-60) at LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS (48-28)

Sportsbook.ag Line: Clippers -14.0, Total: 206.5

The Lakers will be playing for pride when they face the Clippers on Tuesday night.

The Lakers have been miserable all season and not much has changed lately. This team has now lost two of its past 10 games and it has only shot better than 50% from the field in one of those contests. The Clippers, meanwhile, are coming off of a 114-109 victory as 6.5-point home favorites against the Wizards on Sunday.

The Lakers and Clippers have already met twice this season and the Clippers won both games by double digits. The Lakers did, however, cover the spread in each game. It is, however, worth noting that the Clippers are 9-1 SU in this head-to-head series over the past three seasons. They are also 5-0 SU when hosting the Lakers in that span. One trend that favors the Lakers is that they are 25-15 ATS when the total is 200 to 209.5 this season. They are also, however, a miserable 1-8 ATS after two straight games where both teams scored 100 points or more this season.

SG Lou Williams (Rest) and PF Brandon Bass (Rest) are both out for the season for the Lakers and SF Paul Pierce (Ankle) is expected to miss this one for the Clippers.

The Lakers have been extremely lousy lately, but one guy that will be looking forward to this one is SG Kobe Bryant (16.9 PPG). Bryant is coming off of a solid performance against the Celtics on Sunday, finishing with 34 points and three steals in 33 minutes of action. Bryant has just a few games left in his NBA career and he’ll certainly come out with a ton of fire in all of them.

Other guys to keep an eye on in this game are PF Julius Randle (11.7 PPG, 10.2 RPG) and PG D’Angelo Russell (13.4 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 3.4 APG, 1.2 SPG). Randle has played very well recently and is now averaging 12.4 PPG and 10.0 RPG over the past five contests. He’ll be matched up against a rusty Blake Griffin in this one, so he’ll need to attack the rim frequently. Russell, however, has struggled for the Lakers and needs to find his game. These final games are important for his development and he must hold his own against Chris Paul in this game.

The Clippers are playing well recently and they now get to face a far inferior Lakers team on Tuesday. One guy that should really be ready to go in this one is PG Chris Paul (19.9 PPG, 10.0 APG, 2.1 SPG). In two meetings with the Lakers, Paul is averaging 25.0 PPG and 6.5 APG on 59.5% shooting from the field. He is far too quick for any of the Lakers’ guards and he should dominate this one.

PF Blake Griffin (22.7 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 4.9 APG) is going to be playing in his second game after coming back from his hand injury. He had just six points and five boards in 25 minutes of action against the Wizards on Sunday, but he should be a lot better this time around.

C DeAndre Jordan (12.8 PPG, 13.9 RPG, 2.3 BPG) is also going to be a key factor in this game. Jordan is averaging 7.5 PPG, 15.5 RPG and 1.0 BPG in two meetings with the Lakers this season. He’ll just need to protect the rim and be active on the boards moving forward, as there’s less pressure on him to score with Griffin back.

[StarDust Bum]

Tuesday's Tip Sheet
April 5, 2016

Hornets at Raptors – 7:35 PM EST

Charlotte (44-32 SU, 39-36-1 ATS) has never won a division title in franchise history, as the Hornets sit one-half game behind Atlanta in the Southeast with six games remaining. Steve Clifford’s club heads north of the border looking to beat the Raptors for the second time in three tries this season. Charlotte knocked off Toronto in overtime in mid-December, but lost at the Air Canada Center on New Year’s Day, 104-94 as six-point underdogs. The Hornets have won seven straight games off a loss, coming off Sunday’s 112-103 defeat at Cleveland.

The Raptors (51-25 SU, 41-35 ATS) have split their last eight games, coming off Saturday’s 102-95 setback at San Antonio as 13-point underdogs. The backcourt of Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan sat out against the Spurs following Friday’s victory at Memphis, as Toronto has covered just three times in the past eight contests. The Raptors own a 4-2 ATS record in its past six games as a home favorite, while winning 18 of their last 21 contests at the Air Canada Center.

Pistons at Heat – 8:05 PM EST

Detroit (41-36 SU, 39-36-2 ATS) is sneaking closer towards its first playoff berth since 2009, as the Pistons are tied with the Pacers for the seventh spot in the Eastern Conference. The Pistons have split their last four contests since a five-game winning streak, coming off Saturday’s 94-90 victory as three-point underdogs at Chicago. Stan Van Gundy’s team is riding a four-game ‘under’ streak, while scoring 95 points or less in each game during this stretch. Detroit captured each of the first two matchups this season with Miami, including a 93-92 triumph as 2 ½-point road underdogs on December 22.

The Heat (44-32 SU, 39-36-1 ATS) return home from a 1-2 SU/ATS record on the west coast, falling at Portland on Saturday, 110-93 as 6 ½-point underdogs. Miami played without Dwyane Wade in each of the last two games due to neck and back injuries, as the Heat hope to get their All-Star guard back on Tuesday. Since losing to Golden State on February 24, Miami has won seven of its past eight contests at the American Airlines Arena, while cashing the ‘under’ in each of their last two home victories against the Magic and Nets.

Bulls at Grizzlies – 8:05 PM EST

In the game with the most meaning for each team involved on Tuesday, both Chicago and Memphis are in desperate need of a win. The Bulls (39-38 SU, 33-44 ATS) are sitting outside the top eight of the Eastern Conference behind the Pacers and Pistons, in spite of topping the Bucks on Sunday, 102-98. Chicago has won three straight games away from the United Center, while finishing ‘under’ the total in seven consecutive contests overall. The next three games for Fred Hoiberg’s team are against playoff squads, with a trip to Miami on Thursday followed by a critical home contest against Cleveland on Saturday.

Memphis (41-36 SU, 40-36-1 ATS) is wheezing to the finish line as the Grizzlies try to snap a six-game losing streak. In Sunday’s loss at Orlando, the Grizzlies allowed at least 100 points for the fifth time during this skid in a 119-107 setback to lose for the seventh time in the last eight games away from FedEx Forum. Memphis is currently sitting in fifth place inside the Western Conference, but Houston is in ninth place only three games behind the Grizzlies. Dave Joerger’s squad lost at the United Center in their previous meeting with the Bulls in December, 98-85, while dropping the last two home matchups with Chicago.

Spurs at Jazz – 9:05 PM EST

Last season, San Antonio (64-12 SU, 43-33 ATS) won 55 games, but finished as the sixth seed in the Western Conference and were eliminated in the first round by the Clippers. This season, the Spurs have an outside shot to win 70 games and still finish second in the West behind the Warriors. San Antonio goes for the season sweep of Utah after capturing the first three matchups by at least 18 points each, including a 98-76 triumph in Salt Lake City on February 25. Gregg Popovich’s team has struggled to cover numbers of late by posting a 1-4 ATS record the last five contests, although three of those ATS losses came as a double-digit favorite.

Utah (39-38 SU, 39-38 ATS) has had its share of problems with the top three teams in the Western Conference this season by compiling an 0-11 record against Golden State, San Antonio, and Oklahoma City. The Jazz have taken care of business against non-playoff squads of late with victories in four of their past five games, beating the Wolves twice, Lakers, and Suns to forge above the .500 mark with five games remaining. Quin Snyder’s club has stepped it up down the stretch with a 10-3 SU/ATS record in the last 13 games, while the ‘under’ has hit 10 times.

Wolves at Warriors – 10:35 PM EST

Minnesota (25-52 SU, 35-41-1 ATS) is making its first trip to Oracle Arena this season after losing twice to Golden State at home. The Wolves gave the Warriors fits in their last meeting at the Target Center last month before falling, 109-104 as 12 ½-point underdogs. Minnesota is currently not playing its best basketball by losing four of its past five games, while scoring 85 points or less in each of its last four defeats. Sam Mitchell’s team hasn’t cashed during this five-game stretch, including four losses in the underdog role.

The Warriors (69-8 SU, 42-33-2 ATS) sit one victory away from becoming the second team ever in NBA history to win at least 70 games in the regular season. Golden State bounced back from its first home loss of the season to Boston last Friday to crush Portland on Sunday, 136-111 as 11 ½-point favorites, as Stephen Curry knocked down nine treys and put up a game-high 39 points. In spite of the cover against the Blazers, Steve Kerr’s squad owns a 3-6 ATS record in the last nine games, including a 1-4 ATS mark in the past five contests at Oracle Arena.

[StarDust Bum]

TUESDAY, APRIL 5

GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS


NO at PHI 07:00 PM

NO +2.0

U 206.5


CHA at TOR 07:30 PM

CHA +4.0

U 200.5


CHI at MEM 08:00 PM

CHI -3.0

U 201.0


PHO at ATL 08:00 PM

PHO +14.5

U 207.0


DET at MIA 08:00 PM

DET +4.0

U 201.0


CLE at MIL 08:00 PM

MIL +7.5

O 202.5


OKC at DEN 09:00 PM

DEN +8.5

O 216.0


SA at UTA 09:00 PM

SA -3.5

U 183.5


POR at SAC 10:00 PM

SAC +3.0

O 223.0


MIN at GS 10:30 PM

GS -15.0

U 224.0


LAL at LAC 10:30 PM

LAL +14.5

U 208.0

[StarDust Bum]

Armadillo: Wednesday's six-pack

Some unusual prop bets for The Masters this week........

-- Winning score: 278.5 Over: -$170, Under: +$150

-- 36-hole cut: 149.5 Over: -$150, Under: +$130

-- Lowest completed round by any golfer: 65.5 Over: -$150, Under: +$130

-- Will there be a playoff? Yes: +$290, No -$350

-- Finish position by Phil Mickelson: 18.5 -$110 both ways

-- Will Day, Spieth or McIlroy win? Yes: +$200, No -$240

**********

Armadillo: Wednesday's List of 13: Happy Hump Day, everyone......

13) Minnesota 124, Golden State 117 OT-- At the start of the overtime, you could've gotten +$300 on the Timberwolves to win. Didn't see a big rush to the windows to bet them, but Wiggins was terrific and Minnesota is now 26-52. Steph Curry was 7-25 as Warriors lost second home game in last three tries.

12) Still confused why TV networks insist on interviewing the losing coach after a championship game. Do you enjoy watching people suffer? Thats really what it is, and unless there was controversy in the game, it isn't necessary.

11) White Sox 5, A's 4-- Season starts with my A's losing two one-run games, continuing last year's dismal trend, when Oakland was 19-35 in one-run games.

10) Staggering amount of betting options here at the Westgate for the golf this week at The Masters. You can lay 9-1 that Jordan Spieth won't miss the cut, you can take over/under 73.5 for Brandt Snedeker's first round score. Lot of options.

9) Dodgers 3, Padres 0-- San Diego still hasn't scored a run, third time in franchise history they were blanked in their first two games. Other two years, they went on to lose 96, 102 games. No bueno.

8) Phil Jackson is pushing for Kurt Rambis to be given a multi-year deal to coach the Knicks-- I'm confused by this, but I confuse easily. Why hasn't anyone hired Tom Thibobeau to coach their team and I'm including college teams in this?

7) Rookie SS Trevor Story hit his third homer in his second MLB game; he is the first player since 1889 to hit two homers in his first game, then homer again the next day. Just wait until he gets to Coors Field.

6) Tim Duncan won his 1,000th NBA game last night; he ranks behind Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (1,074) and Robert Parish (1,014) on the all-time list.

5) To put that into perspective, five NBA franchises haven't won 1,000 games yet.

4) If you're ever in the Westgate Casino, I highly recommend the cherry danish in the coffee area by the gift shop. Tremendous.

3) The new sliding rules around second base are going to be a problem early in the season; not everyone seems sure exactly what they are. They called Nick Markakis out on a slide Monday night and it looked perfectly legal. Go figure; they try to eliminate any injuries and they wind up screwing things up more than they were.

2) Do you think the Rays will move to Montreal? They put 106,000 fans into Olympic Stadium last weekend, for two exhibition games. Rays aren't supported well enough in the Bay Area.

1) I complained last year about the Westgate Sportsbook having cocktail waitresses old enough to be my mother and I am 56. I am here to report that this issue has been resolved and resolved in an emphatically positive way.

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up

Wednesday, April 6

Hot teams
-- Cleveland won seven of its last nine games (2-4 last 6AF). Indiana is 5-3 in its last eight games (3-4HU).
-- Pistons won seven of their last ten games (1-6 last 7AU). Orlando won four of its last five games (4-1 last 5HF).
-- Pelicans won three of their last five games (5-2 last 7AU). Boston is 6-2 in its last eight games (11-5 last 16HF).
-- Dallas won its last four games (0-3 last 3HU).
-- Portland won five of its last six games (7-6HU). Thunder won eight of last ten games (7-4 last 11AF).
-- Clippers won six of their last seven games (3-1 last 4HF).

Cold teams
-- Brooklyn lost its last five games (0-6 last 6AU). Washington lost five of its last seven games (5-3 last 8HF).
-- Hornets lost three of last five road games (6-1 last 7AF). Knicks lost four of their last five games (3-1 last 4HU).
-- Rockets lost five of their last eight games (6-8AF).
-- Lakers lost six of their last seven games (3-6 last 9HU).

Series records
-- Nets lost six of their last eight games with Washington.
-- Cavaliers won their last four games with Indiana.
-- Pistons won their last five games with Orlando.
-- Celtics won their last three games with New Orleans.
-- Knicks lost five of last six games with Charlotte.
-- Houston won seven of last nine games with Dallas.
-- Thunder won three of last four games with Portland.
-- Clippers won ten in row vs Lakers, covering one of last four.

Totals
-- Five of last six Brooklyn-Washington games stayed under.
-- Five of last seven Cleveland games stayed under the total.
-- Six of last seven Detroit-Orlando games went over total.
-- Last five New Orleans games stayed under the total.
-- Nine of last ten New York games stayed under the total.
-- Six of last eight Houston games stayed under the total.
-- Four of last five Thunder games went over the total.
-- Last five Laker-Clipper games stayed under the total.

Back/backs
-- Cavaliers covered two of last seven if they played night before.
-- Detroit covered seven of last eight if it played the night before.
-- Pelicans covered six of last nine if they played the night before.
-- Hornets won seven in row (5-2 vs spread) if they played night before.
-- Thunder is 1-4-1 vs spread last six games if they played nite before Portland covered four of last five if they played night before.
-- Clippers are 7-4 in last 11 games if they played night before. Lakers are 2-5 in last seven games if they played night before.

[StarDust Bum]

NBA

Wednesday, April 6

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Trend Report
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7:00 PM
CLEVELAND vs. INDIANA
Cleveland is 1-10 SU in its last 11 games when playing on the road against Indiana
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Cleveland's last 13 games when playing on the road against Indiana
Indiana is 17-7 SU in its last 24 games when playing Cleveland
Indiana is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Cleveland

7:00 PM
BROOKLYN vs. WASHINGTON
Brooklyn is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
Brooklyn is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Washington is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing Brooklyn
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Washington's last 6 games when playing Brooklyn

7:00 PM
DETROIT vs. ORLANDO
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Detroit's last 7 games when playing Orlando
Detroit7-2-1 SU in its last 10 games
Orlando is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Detroit
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Orlando's last 7 games when playing Detroit

7:30 PM
CHARLOTTE vs. NEW YORK
Charlotte14-4-1 SU in its last 19 games
Charlotte10-4-1 SU in its last 15 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of New York's last 6 games when playing at home against Charlotte
New York is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Charlotte

7:30 PM
NEW ORLEANS vs. BOSTON
New Orleans is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Boston
New Orleans is 2-8-1 SU in its last 11 games ,on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Boston's last 6 games when playing at home against New Orleans
Boston is 16-2 SU in its last 18 games at home

9:30 PM
HOUSTON vs. DALLAS
Houston is 7-18 SU in its last 25 games when playing on the road against Dallas
Houston is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Dallas
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Dallas's last 14 games at home
Dallas is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games at home

10:00 PM
OKLAHOMA CITY vs. PORTLAND
Oklahoma City is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Portland
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Oklahoma City's last 15 games when playing Portland
Portland is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Oklahoma City
Portland4-1-1 SU in its last 6 games

10:30 PM
LA CLIPPERS vs. LA LAKERS
The total has gone OVER in 9 of the LA Clippers last 11 games when playing on the road against LA Lakers
The total has gone OVER in 4 of the LA Clippers last 6 games on the road
LA Lakers are 0-4-1 SU in their last 5 games ,when playing LA Clippers
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of the LA Lakers last 14 games at home

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Long Sheet

Wednesday, April 6

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BROOKLYN (21 - 56) at WASHINGTON (37 - 40) - 4/6/2016, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 20-6 ATS (+13.4 Units) in April games over the last 3 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 361-432 ATS (-114.2 Units) in home games since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 6-2 against the spread versus BROOKLYN over the last 3 seasons
WASHINGTON is 6-2 straight up against BROOKLYN 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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CLEVELAND (56 - 22) at INDIANA (41 - 36) - 4/6/2016, 7:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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DETROIT (41 - 37) at ORLANDO (33 - 44) - 4/6/2016, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 8-19 ATS (-12.9 Units) in road games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.
ORLANDO is 43-33 ATS (+6.7 Units) in all games this season.
ORLANDO is 46-33 ATS (+9.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 58-88 ATS (-38.8 Units) in home games when playing with 2 days rest since 1996.

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

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NEW ORLEANS (29 - 48) at BOSTON (45 - 32) - 4/6/2016, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEW ORLEANS is 34-43 ATS (-13.3 Units) in all games this season.
NEW ORLEANS is 9-19 ATS (-11.9 Units) in non-conference games this season.
NEW ORLEANS is 16-25 ATS (-11.5 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent this season.
NEW ORLEANS is 63-89 ATS (-34.9 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season since 1996.
NEW ORLEANS is 102-134 ATS (-45.4 Units) in road games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game since 1996.
BOSTON is 88-72 ATS (+8.8 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) after playing 3 consecutive road games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 56-42 ATS (+9.8 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 53-37 ATS (+12.3 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 55-41 ATS (+9.9 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 18-40 ATS (-26.0 Units) in home games against Southwest division opponents since 1996.
BOSTON is 96-127 ATS (-43.7 Units) in home games after scoring 105 points or more since 1996.

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

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CHARLOTTE (44 - 33) at NEW YORK (31 - 47) - 4/6/2016, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEW YORK is 31-20 ATS (+9.0 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent this season.
NEW YORK is 5-16 ATS (-12.6 Units) as a home underdog of 3.5 to 6 points over the last 3 seasons.
NEW YORK is 4-13 ATS (-10.3 Units) in home games against Southeast division opponents over the last 2 seasons.

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

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HOUSTON (38 - 39) at DALLAS (39 - 38) - 4/6/2016, 9:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 34-43 ATS (-13.3 Units) in all games this season.
HOUSTON is 17-27 ATS (-12.7 Units) as a favorite this season.
HOUSTON is 16-27 ATS (-13.7 Units) after allowing 105 points or more this season.
HOUSTON is 18-27 ATS (-11.7 Units) after scoring 105 points or more this season.
DALLAS is 344-277 ATS (+39.3 Units) as an underdog since 1996.
HOUSTON is 17-4 ATS (+12.6 Units) when playing with 2 days rest over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 57-43 ATS (+9.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 38-21 ATS (+14.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
DALLAS is 25-38 ATS (-16.8 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
DALLAS is 10-21 ATS (-13.1 Units) when playing with 2 days rest over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
HOUSTON is 11-5 against the spread versus DALLAS over the last 3 seasons
HOUSTON is 11-5 straight up against DALLAS over the last 3 seasons
9 of 16 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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OKLAHOMA CITY (54 - 24) at PORTLAND (42 - 37) - 4/6/2016, 10:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
OKLAHOMA CITY is 6-5 against the spread versus PORTLAND over the last 3 seasons
PORTLAND is 6-5 straight up against OKLAHOMA CITY 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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LA CLIPPERS (49 - 28) at LA LAKERS (16 - 61) - 4/6/2016, 10:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LA CLIPPERS are 65-39 ATS (+22.1 Units) in road games after allowing 85 points or less since 1996.
LA LAKERS are 34-42 ATS (-12.2 Units) in all games this season.
LA LAKERS are 166-209 ATS (-63.9 Units) in home games second half of the season since 1996.
LA LAKERS are 191-235 ATS (-67.5 Units) after a division game since 1996.
LA LAKERS are 26-35 ATS (-12.5 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent this season.
LA LAKERS are 41-57 ATS (-21.7 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
LA LAKERS are 61-93 ATS (-41.3 Units) in home games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season since 1996.
LA LAKERS are 77-106 ATS (-39.6 Units) in home games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA CLIPPERS is 6-5 against the spread versus LA LAKERS over the last 3 seasons
LA CLIPPERS is 10-1 straight up against LA LAKERS over the last 3 seasons
8 of 11 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Dunkel

Wednesday, April 6


Brooklyn @ Washington

Game 501-502
April 6, 2016 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Brooklyn
108.051
Washington
119.594
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Washington
by 11 1/2
202
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Washington
by 14 1/2
208
Dunkel Pick:
Brooklyn
(+14 1/2); Under

Cleveland @ Indiana

Game 503-504
April 6, 2016 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Cleveland
118.128
Indiana
122.938
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Indiana
by 5
209
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Cleveland
by 3
201
Dunkel Pick:
Indiana
(+3); Over

Detroit @ Orlando

Game 505-506
April 6, 2016 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Detroit
116.288
Orlando
123.907
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Orlando
by 7 1/2
204
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Orlando
by 2
208 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Orlando
(-2); Under

New Orleans @ Boston

Game 507-508
April 6, 2016 @ 7:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
New Orleans
109.788
Boston
127.373
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Boston
by 17 1/2
216
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Boston
by 14
208 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Boston
(-14); Over

Charlotte @ New York

Game 509-510
April 6, 2016 @ 7:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Charlotte
120.233
New York
112.140
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Charlotte
by 8
202
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Charlotte
by 4
195 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Charlotte
(-4); Over

Houston @ Dallas

Game 511-512
April 6, 2016 @ 9:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Houston
123.052
Dallas
118.678
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Houston
by 4 1/2
203
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Houston
by 2
208 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Houston
(-2); Under

Oklahoma City @ Portland

Game 513-514
April 6, 2016 @ 10:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Oklahoma City
121.951
Portland
126.507
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Portland
by 4 1/2
215
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Oklahoma City
by 2 1/2
221 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Portland
(+2 1/2); Under

LA Clippers @ LA Lakers

Game 515-516
April 6, 2016 @ 10:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
LA Clippers
120.471
LA Lakers
112.433
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
LA Clippers
by 8
210
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
LA Clippers
by 11 1/2
204 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
LA Lakers
(+11 1/2); Over

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Short Sheet

Wednesday, April 6

Brooklyn at Washington, 7:05 ET
Brooklyn: 29-16 ATS revenging a loss vs opponent of 10 points or more
Washington: 33-48 ATS after playing a road game

Cleveland at Indiana, 7:05 ET
Cleveland: 5-1 ATS after allowing 80 points or less
Indiana: 1-6 ATS after playing 4 consecutive games as favorite

Detroit at Orlando, 7:05 ET
Detroit: 4-14 ATS in road games after playing a road game
Orlando: 23-13 ATS after playing a home game

New Orleans at Boston, 7:35 ET
New Orleans: 9-19 ATS in non-conference games
Boston: 13-4 ATS after playing 3 consecutive road games

Charlotte at New York, 7:35 ET
Charlotte: 11-3 ATS after a game committing 8 or less turnovers
New York: 4-13 ATS in home games against Southeast division opponents

Houston at Dallas, 9:35 ET
Houston: 17-4 ATS when playing with 2 days rest
Dallas: 9-22 ATS in home games off a road win

Oklahoma City at Portland, 10:05 ET
Oklahoma City: 2-8 ATS after playing 2 consecutive games as a road favorite
Portland: 11-5 ATS after having won 4 of their last 5 games

LA Clippers at LA Lakers, 10:35 ET
LA Clippers: 65-39 ATS in road games after allowing 85 points or less
LA Lakers: 12-23 ATS after having lost 3 of their last 4

[StarDust Bum]

Wednesday's Top Action

CLEVELAND CAVALIERS (56-22) at INDIANA PACERS (41-36)

Sportsbook.ag Line: Indiana -3, 208.5

The Cavaliers will be going for their fifth straight victory when they face the Pacers on Wednesday.

Cleveland has been playing very well lately and most recently defeated Milwaukee 109-80 as a 9.5-point road favorite on Tuesday. The Cavaliers have now won-and-covered in four straight games and five of their past six as well. Cleveland has been scorching hot offensively over the past two games, shooting 54% or better in each contest.

The Pacers, meanwhile, are coming off of a 92-87 victory as seven-point road favorites against the Knicks on Sunday. Indiana has won two straight games, but the team has lost five of its past seven ATS. Cleveland has gotten the best of Indiana on the season, going 3-0 SU in three meetings between the teams. The Pacers were, however, 3-0 ATS in those contests. They’re also 4-1 SU and 5-0 ATS when hosting the Cavaliers over the past three seasons.

One trend worth pointing out is that Cleveland is an impressive 10-3 ATS after allowing 80 points or less over the past three seasons.

SF Paul George (Ankle) is the only player listed on the injury report for this game, but he is probable for this one. The Cavaliers could, however, opt to rest their starters on any given night.

The Cavaliers are getting hot at the right time and SF LeBron James (25.0 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 6.8 APG, 1.4 SPG) has been playing extremely well for his team. Over the past three games, James is averaging 25.7 PPG, 10.0 APG, 9.7 RPG and 1.7 SPG. He’s shooting 57.9% from the floor in those contests and the team needs him to keep playing an efficient brand of basketball moving forward. James needs to play hard on both ends of the floor on Wednesday, though. If he can win his matchup with Paul George then there’s not much of a chance of Cleveland losing this one.

PF Kevin Love (16.0 PPG, 9.9 RPG) will also be important in this game. Love has been playing very well for the Cavaliers lately, averaging 17.8 PPG, 9.0 RPG and 2.6 APG over the past five contests. He is shooting 50.0% from the field and 45.9% from the outside in those games and if he can keep that up then Cleveland will be extremely tough to beat in the postseason. This is the Love that the Cavaliers thought they were acquiring a year ago and his play is making things a lot easier on James.

If the Pacers are going to come away with a victory over the Cavaliers then SF Paul George (23.3 PPG, 7.1 RPG, 4.1 APG, 1.9 SPG) is going to need to get hot for Indiana. George has played well recently, averaging 22.4 PPG and 9.0 RPG on 44.2% shooting from the floor. He is, however, averaging just 22.0 PPG on 40.4% shooting in three games against Cleveland this season. George needs to be more efficient offensively and he’ll also need to contain

Another guy who will need to come to play for the Pacers is SG Monta Ellis (14.0 PPG, 4.7 APG, 3.4 RPG, 1.9 SPG). Ellis is averaging just 12.6 PPG over the past five contests and Indiana is counting on him to do more. Ellis should, however, be able to find some success on Wednesday. He is averaging 22.3 PPG in three meetings with Cleveland this season and the Cavaliers do not have any shooting guards with the speed to stick with him.

[StarDust Bum]

Wednesday's Tip Sheet
April 6, 2016

Cavaliers at Pacers – 7:05 PM EST

Cleveland (56-22 SU, 36-39-3 ATS) is creeping closer towards wrapping up the top seed in the Eastern Conference after dominating Milwaukee last night, 109-80 to pick up their fourth straight win and cover. The Cavaliers jumped out to a 24-point halftime lead and never looked back, while evening their mark at 3-3 SU/ATS against division foes on the road this season. Cleveland goes for the season sweep of Indiana after capturing the first three meetings, but the Pacers have covered in two of three losses.

Indiana (41-36 SU, 37-39-1 ATS) received some help on Tuesday when both Detroit and Chicago lost on the road, as the Pacers moved all alone into seventh place in the Eastern Conference playoff race. As of now, the Pacers would avoid the Cavaliers in the opening round of the postseason, as Frank Vogel’s team has one game in hand on the Pistons. The Pacers return home after sweeping a pair of road contests at New York and Philadelphia, but Indiana is coming off an eight-game stretch against teams currently outside of the playoffs. Indiana has been unimpressive against the number recently at 3-7 ATS, including home losses to Oklahoma City, Toronto, and Chicago in this span.

Pistons at Magic – 7:05 PM EST

Four games remain for Detroit (41-37 SU, 39-37-2 ATS), who is seeking its first playoff appearance since 2009. The Pistons were flattened by the Heat on Tuesday, 107-89 as 4 ½-point underdogs, suffering their first loss to Miami this season in three matchups. Stan Van Gundy’s offense continues to struggle by scoring less than 95 points or less in five straight games, resulting in five consecutive ‘unders.’ Detroit owns a 5-0 SU/ATS record in the last five matchups with Orlando since 2014, including a pair of double-digit victories at the Palace of Auburn Hills this season.

Even though they won’t be headed to the playoffs, Orlando (33-44 SU, 43-33-1 ATS) is playing well down the stretch by winning four of its last five games. The Magic cruised past the Grizzlies on Sunday, 119-107 to pick up their fifth consecutive home cover. Scott Skiles’ club is scoring plenty of points of late by posting at least 110 points in each of their past five contests, while eclipsing the ‘over’ in four of the last five home games.

Hornets at Knicks – 7:35 PM EST

Charlotte (44-33 SU, 39-37-1 ATS) suffered a tough loss at Toronto last night, hurting its hopes to win the Southeast division after both Atlanta and Miami won at home. The Hornets lost their second straight game to a top-two team in the East after falling at Cleveland on Sunday, as Steve Clifford’s squad fell behind by 14 points at halftime and fell short in a 96-90 defeat at Toronto as five-point underdogs. Nicolas Batum missed Tuesday’s loss with a strained left knee and is questionable for tonight, as the Hornets dropped to 5-4 SU/ATS without the swingman in the lineup.

New York (31-47 SU, 42-36 ATS) has made strides since last year’s disastrous 17-65 campaign, but the Knicks are going to fall short of the playoffs for the fourth straight season. The Knicks have covered three consecutive games, coming off Sunday’s 92-87 home defeat to the Pacers as seven-point underdogs, even though both Carmelo Anthony and Kristaps Porzingis sat out. Anthony is expected back tonight while Porzingis is out with a shoulder injury, as the Knicks seek the season split with the Hornets after losing two of the first three meetings.

Rockets at Mavericks – 9:35 PM EST

A Texas-sized battle takes place at the American Airlines Center as these two division rivals hook up for an important game for seeding in the Western Conference playoffs. Houston (38-39 SU, 34-43 ATS) is currently on the outside looking in one season after playing for the Western Conference title. The Rockets sit one half-game behind the Jazz following Utah’s loss to San Antonio on Tuesday, as Houston has lost five straight games off a victory coming off Sunday’s home underdog triumph against Oklahoma City.

The Mavericks (39-38 SU, 42-34-1 ATS) have surged back into the top eight of the West following four consecutive victories, capped off by Sunday’s 88-78 win at Minnesota as 2 ½-point favorites. Dallas has slowed down the pace during this stretch with starting point guard Deron Williams sidelined as the Mavs have scored 98 points or fewer in all four wins. However, Rick Carlisle’s club has stepped up on the defensive side by allowing 89 points or less in each game during this hot streak, resulting in a 4-0 mark to the ‘under.’ The Mavs have dropped two of three matchups with the Rockets this season, including a 100-96 home setback in December.

Thunder at Blazers – 10:05 PM EST

Oklahoma City (54-24 SU, 34-43-1 ATS) locked up the third seed in the Western Conference playoffs after routing Denver on Tuesday, 124-102 as nine-point favorites. The Thunder have struggled with no rest by compiling a 6-8 SU/ATS record on the second of a back-to-back, including a 2-4 SU and 1-5 ATS mark in the last six road games with no rest. Billy Donovan’s team has won two of the first three meetings with the Blazers, including a 128-94 blowout as 7 ½-point home favorites on March 14.

If the playoffs started today (big if), the Blazers (42-37 SU, 44-35 ATS) would face the Thunder in the 3/6 matchup in the opening round. Portland returns home after rallying past Sacramento last night, 115-107 as four-point favorites to pull off the season sweep of the Kings. The Blazers haven’t performed well with no rest, winning just five times in 18 tries in this situation, including a 2-4 SU/ATS record at home. The ‘under’ has hit in six of the last eight games for Portland, even though the Blazers have scored at least 105 points seven times in this stretch.