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

[StarDust Bum]

NBA

Tuesday, April 12

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Report
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

7:00 PM
NEW YORK vs. INDIANA
New York is 1-7 ATS in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Indiana
New York is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Indiana
Indiana is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games at home
Indiana is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games

7:30 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. TORONTO
Philadelphia is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Toronto
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Philadelphia's last 12 games when playing Toronto
Toronto is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Toronto's last 6 games

7:30 PM
MIAMI vs. DETROIT
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Miami's last 9 games
Miami is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Detroit
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Detroit's last 6 games
Detroit is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Miami

8:00 PM
OKLAHOMA CITY vs. SAN ANTONIO
Oklahoma City is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against San Antonio
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Oklahoma City's last 7 games on the road
San Antonio is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games at home
San Antonio is 24-1 SU in its last 25 games at home

10:30 PM
MEMPHIS vs. LA CLIPPERS
Memphis is 9-4 SU in their last 13 games when playing LA Clippers
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Memphis's last 5 games when playing LA Clippers
LA Clippers are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games at home
LA Clippers are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games when playing Memphis

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Dunkel

Tuesday, April 12


Miami @ Detroit

Game 503-504
April 12, 2016 @ 7:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Miami
123.397
Detroit
122.168
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Miami
by 1
195
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Detroit
by 2 1/2
201
Dunkel Pick:
Miami
(+2 1/2); Under

Philadelphia @ Toronto

Game 505-506
April 12, 2016 @ 7:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Philadelphia
110.870
Toronto
126.000
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Toronto
by 15
210
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Toronto
by 12
204
Dunkel Pick:
Toronto
(-12); Over

Oklahoma City @ San Antonio

Game 507-508
April 12, 2016 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Oklahoma City
119.609
San Antonio
129.811
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
San Antonio
by 10
212
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
San Antonio
by 7 1/2
204 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
San Antonio
(-7 1/2); Over

Memphis @ LA Clippers

Game 509-510
April 12, 2016 @ 10:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Memphis
115.982
LA Clippers
128.468
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
LA Clippers
by 12 1/2
202
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
LA Clippers
by 7 1/2
197 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
LA Clippers
(-7 1/2); Over

New York @ Indiana

Game 501-502
April 12, 2016 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
New York
114.302
Indiana
121.290
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Indiana
by 7
184
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Indiana
by 9 1/2
199 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
New York
(+9 1/2); Under




NBA
Long Sheet

Tuesday, April 12

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

NEW YORK (32 - 49) at INDIANA (43 - 37) - 4/12/2016, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEW YORK is 15-5 ATS (+9.5 Units) in April games over the last 3 seasons.
NEW YORK is 200-159 ATS (+25.1 Units) revenging a home loss vs opponent since 1996.
NEW YORK is 32-21 ATS (+8.9 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent this season.

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

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

MIAMI (47 - 33) at DETROIT (43 - 37) - 4/12/2016, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MIAMI is 4-13 ATS (-10.3 Units) in road games against Central division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 24-14 ATS (+8.6 Units) in home games this season.
MIAMI is 152-116 ATS (+24.4 Units) in road games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game since 1996.
MIAMI is 21-12 ATS (+7.8 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season this season.
DETROIT is 21-39 ATS (-21.9 Units) in a home game where where the total is between 200 and 204.5 points since 1996.

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

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

PHILADELPHIA (10 - 70) at TORONTO (54 - 26) - 4/12/2016, 7:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
TORONTO is 8-3 against the spread versus PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
TORONTO is 11-0 straight up against PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
7 of 11 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

OKLAHOMA CITY (55 - 26) at SAN ANTONIO (65 - 15) - 4/12/2016, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 34-44 ATS (-14.4 Units) in all games this season.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 14-24 ATS (-12.4 Units) in road games this season.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 22-31 ATS (-12.1 Units) after scoring 105 points or more this season.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 21-31 ATS (-13.1 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.
SAN ANTONIO is 948-827 ATS (+38.3 Units) in all games since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 43-32 ATS (+7.8 Units) as a favorite this season.
SAN ANTONIO is 484-401 ATS (+42.9 Units) in home games since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 143-98 ATS (+35.2 Units) on Tuesday nights since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 19-8 ATS (+10.2 Units) in home games revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 30-16 ATS (+12.4 Units) off a upset loss as a favorite over the last 3 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 169-123 ATS (+33.7 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 66-52 ATS (+8.8 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 127-96 ATS (+21.4 Units) in home games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 12-21 ATS (-11.1 Units) second half of the season this season.
SAN ANTONIO is 11-21 ATS (-12.1 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
OKLAHOMA CITY is 10-6 against the spread versus SAN ANTONIO over the last 3 seasons
OKLAHOMA CITY is 9-7 straight up against SAN ANTONIO over the last 3 seasons
9 of 16 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

MEMPHIS (42 - 38) at LA CLIPPERS (52 - 28) - 4/12/2016, 10:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LA CLIPPERS are 19-9 ATS (+9.1 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent this season.
LA CLIPPERS are 14-27 ATS (-15.7 Units) in home games after 3 or more consecutive wins over the last 3 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 189-250 ATS (-86.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
MEMPHIS is 7-2 against the spread versus LA CLIPPERS over the last 3 seasons
MEMPHIS is 5-4 straight up against LA CLIPPERS over the last 3 seasons
5 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

[StarDust Bum]

Injury-riddled Grizzlies grinding their way into postseason
April 12, 2016

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) The Memphis Grizzlies are about to make NBA history in a season where they took their mantra of grit and grind to the extreme.

No team in league history has ever reached the postseason having used more than 23 players, and Memphis will be the first having already used a record 28 in an injury-riddled season. The Grizzlies head into Tuesday night's game at the Clippers and Wednesday's regular season finale at the Warriors with only their seeding in question.

In a season dominated by Golden State's chase of the league's single-season wins record, Warriors coach Steve Kerr calls what the Grizzlies have accomplished simply remarkable.

''I think it's one of the most impressive stories in the NBA this year,'' Kerr said.

A total of 12 different Grizzlies have missed a combined 291 games to injuries or illness this season, according to STATS, second only New Orleans.

''We've gotten hit over the head with everything you can get hit with,'' Grizzlies coach Dave Joerger said.

The unrelenting injuries have forced Memphis to cobble together a constantly changing roster through trades and moves including eight different players signed to 10-day contracts. Four of those started, while Jordan Farmar, Xavier Munford and now Bryce Cotton wound up signed for what remains of the season under the NBA's hardship rules.

The biggest loss obviously was center Marc Gasol, who signed his big deal last July. Gasol broke his right foot Feb. 8 and had season-ending surgery Feb. 20.

Point guard Mike Conley, who still leads the NBA in assist-to-turnover ratio, hasn't played since March 6 with tendinitis in his left Achilles tendon. Conley wore a boot with Gasol in a matching boot and still on crutches cheering on their teammates in a 100-99 loss to Golden State in Memphis' home finale Saturday night.

Mario Chalmers, brought in via a trade to back up Conley, ruptured his right Achilles tendon March 9 in a loss at Boston. He doesn't count against the games lost to injury since then because Memphis had to waive him to add another player.

''That one took our heart for a little while,'' Joerger said. ''For two reasons. I think one he was our point guard and two, every athlete's scariest injury is an Achilles. You know it when you see it, and the guy knows it when he feels it.''

Yet the Grizzlies (42-38) are assured of a winning record for a sixth straight season - behind only San Antonio (19) and Oklahoma City (7) for the longest streaks in the league. That coincides with a franchise-record six straight playoff appearances.

Memphis sat in the No. 5 spot in the Western Conference much of the season. Now the Grizzlies have lost two straight and eight of their last 10, dropping to the sixth seed going into Monday night's games.

''Emotionally, there have been times where we are just kind of out of gas,'' Joerger said. `You can't be high for every single game. We took a couple hits in some games where you wish they had been closer or we had given ourselves a chance to win.''

With players coming and going, learning names has been a challenge at times, let alone Joerger and his assistants having time to teach more than a handful of plays to the newcomers. So many players have come through, several have never had a permanent locker, instead using auxiliary spots used during the preseason when the roster is expanded.

Joerger credits veterans Zach Randolph, Tony Allen, Matt Barnes and Vince Carter for helping Memphis through the rotating cast both by playing better individually and embracing their new teammates.

First Barnes, then Randolph turned in the first triple-double of their careers in March. Allen knocked down all 12 shots in a win at the Lakers on March 27 for a career-best performance. Carter has averaged at least 10 points over the past 23 games.

Randolph said this season has been tough, yet the Grizzlies know nobody in the NBA feels sorry for them.

''We got to start the playoffs,'' Randolph said. ''We ain't got our team, and we made the playoffs. Everybody count us out and look where we are now.''

[StarDust Bum]

Rockets stay alive with win over Wolves
April 11, 2016

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) With almost no margin for error, James Harden, Dwight Howard and the Houston Rockets finally delivered the kind of effort everyone has been waiting to see all season long.

It came at the expense of the young Minnesota Timberwolves, who were just starting to feel good about themselves.

Harden scored 34 points and Howard had 19 points and eight rebounds to keep the Rockets' playoff hopes alive with a 129-105 victory over the Timberwolves on Monday night.

Harden made 12 of 21 shots in three quarters, Trevor Ariza scored 21 points and the Rockets made 15 of 30 3-pointers.

Houston (40-41) entered the game in ninth place in the Western Conference and could have been eliminated with a loss and a win by the Utah Jazz over Dallas.

''It was important for us,'' Harden said. ''This is our playoff opportunity. We want to come out this entire game and just put the pressure on from the beginning of the game. We got out to a big jump and just rode that wave the whole game.''

The Mavericks beat the Jazz later on Monday night. If the Rockets beat the Kings at home on Wednesday in the season finale, they will be in the playoffs.

''See you in Golden State,'' Rockets veteran Jason Terry said as he left Target Center, referring to a potential 1-8 matchup with the Warriors.

Shabazz Muhammad scored 23 points and Zach LaVine scored 21 for the Timberwolves, who were looking for their first four-game winning streak since 2012. Karl-Anthony Towns was held to 12 points and five rebounds, Andrew Wiggins had 12 on 3-for-7 shooting and Minnesota was just 5 for 21 from 3-point range.

''On a night when your young guys just don't have,'' Wolves coach Sam Mitchell said, ''we've just got no place to go.''

A drama-filled season has come down to the final two games for the Rockets. It was a startling position to be in for a team that advanced to the Western Conference finals last season, but Harden and Howard made sure the Rockets would head to their season finale against Sacramento on Wednesday with something to play for.

For once in this uninspiring season, the Rockets played with a sense of urgency. Howard and Harden set the tone from the opening tip, hammering the Wolves in the paint and racking up 38 points in the first quarter.

The Wolves came into the game on a high after winning three straight on the road, including stunning victories at Golden State and Portland.

But the Wolves have been a much better team on the road (15-26) than they have been at home (13-27) all season, and that trend continued in a woeful effort against the Rockets. Minnesota shot 25 percent in the first quarter and gave up layup after layup to make the Rockets feel very comfortable.

Clint Capela had 10 points and 10 rebounds and Patrick Beverley added 11 points, five rebounds and four assists for Houston, which shot 55.8 percent.

''We're trying to make the playoffs. The fire is under us and it's lit,'' Beverley said. ''It's not how we wanted it to be at the end of the season where we start to try to do the right things, but better late than never.''

HOWARD'S PRESENCE

Howard dominated Towns in the post, outmuscling Towns and getting to the rim for dunks and putbacks with ease. It was one of the very few poor games Towns has played all season. He started 1 for 7 and played tentative for most of the night.

''He's that good still,'' Rockets coach J.B. Bickerstaff said. ''His impact can be felt all over the floor whether it's in the paint, whether it's setting screens, whether it's defending, blocking shots, rebounding. He can do all those things. I think it's just a rhythm standpoint for anybody. It's hard when you go four minutes without touching it. ... He touches it early, he feels a part of it early, it just helps his psyche.''

TIP-INS

Rockets: This was the two-year anniversary of Corey Brewer's 51-point game at Target Center. Brewer had that game for the Timberwolves, against the Rockets. ... Brewer played with a sleeve on his bothersome right elbow. ... F Terrence Jones played in garbage time, his first minutes since Feb. 29.

Timberwolves: Nemanja Bjelica had 11 points and 14 rebounds. Towns passed Christian Laettner for the franchise's rookie scoring record with 1,475 points. ... Team president Chris Wright celebrated 25 years with the organization on Monday.

UP NEXT

Rockets: Host Sacramento on Wednesday.

Timberwolves: Host New Orleans on Wednesday.

[StarDust Bum]

Mavs clinch playoff spot by topping Jazz
April 11, 2016

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) The Dallas Mavericks clinched a Western Conference playoff spot for the third consecutive season and the 15th time in the last 16 years.

Dirk Nowitzki scored 22 and the Mavericks earned the No. 7 spot Monday with a 101-92 win over the Utah Jazz, leaving one remaining postseason slot.

The postseason is nothing new for the organization, but the team seemed to be in dire straits when it dropped 10 of 12 during a stretch in March and lost Chandler Parsons for the season after surgery on his right knee on March 25.

Dallas made a playoff push by winning seven of its last eight games.

''Well, it's been a lot of work,'' Mavs coach Rick Carlisle said. ''It's been an amazing two weeks. Our guys looked like they were down and out, and we all dug in. Everyone dug in, especially the players, and we found a way to get into the playoffs.

''Tonight was game seven. That's the way we approached it.''

Utah (40-41) lost control of its own destiny and needs to beat the Lakers on Wednesday and for the Rockets (40-41) to lose to the Kings. Houston holds the tiebreaker against the Jazz if they finish with the same record.

Dallas (42-39) rode its two biggest stars to victory as Nowitzki hit four 3-pointers and added 11 rebounds. Deron Williams scored 23 of his own against his former team.

''Coming in here, we knew it was going to be like a playoff atmosphere,'' said William, who was booed throughout. ''In a sense, (it) was a playoff game because there was so much at stake.

''(The boos) got me going out there a little bit. Not only the booing, but the stuff that was being said when I was sitting on the bench, at dead balls, stuff like that.''

Gordon Hayward finished with 26, but was 1 for 9 from 3-point range. The Jazz struggled to shoot the ball and were 2 for 18 from behind the arc in the second half.

''We just didn't play that good,'' Jazz coach Quin Snyder said. ''I don't think we made a perimeter shot until about five minutes left in the game. It just puts a lot of pressure on you.

''We talked about the last 20 games or so to try to be in a playoff race and find ourselves in this position. Unfortunately, Dallas was a better team tonight. We looked like a team that's the youngest team in the league. And that's what we are. This is a good experience for us. It hurts right now.''

The Mavs took a 50-46 lead into halftime after leading by as much as eight in the first half. The Jazz struggled to keep up with Nowitzki in the first quarter, in which he scored 10, and Williams in the second, when he scored 16.

''We just weren't staying within the offense,'' Jazz forward Derrick Favors said. ''We missed a lot of shots that we normally make. (Rodney Hood) normally makes most of the shots he takes. It was just a tough offensive night for us.

''Wasn't any nervousness. Just (missed) a lot of shots that we normally make.''

TIP-INS

Mavericks: Nowitzki hit four 3-pointers and now has 1,700 in his career to become the 15th player in NBA history with at least 1,700 career triples. ... Nowitzki needs two made free throws to become the seventh player in NBA history - and the first 7-footer - with 7,000 career made free throws.

Jazz: Starting center Rudy Gobert hit the floor with when he rolled his right ankle fighting for a rebound. He immediately went to the locker room and did not return. He was on crutches and in a walking boot after the game. ... Trey Lyles started his second consecutive game with Derrick Favors dealing with right knee soreness. Favors played but clearly wasn't fully healthy.

SAAVY VETERANS

The Mavericks are the second most experienced team in the NBA and the Jazz are the least. Mavs coach Rick Carlisle said before the game that helps his team. ''Experience is valuable,'' Carlisle said. ''We've got a lot of guys that have been in a lot of playoff games and a lot of big regular season games. There were some things you can remind them of. But as the second-most experienced team in the league, I don't think there's a lot I need to say to them.''

UP NEXT

The Mavericks host the Spurs on Wednesday.

The Jazz travel to face the Lakers on Wednesday.

[StarDust Bum]

NBA MONEYLINE

NBA > (507) OKLAHOMA CITY@ (508) SAN ANTONIO | 2016-04-12 20:05:00 - 2016-04-12 20:05:00
Play ON SAN ANTONIO using money line in Home games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game
The record is 19 Wins and 1 Losses for the this season (+17.35 units)

NBA > (507) OKLAHOMA CITY@ (508) SAN ANTONIO | 2016-04-12 20:05:00 - 2016-04-12 20:05:00
Play ON SAN ANTONIO using money line in Home games when playing against a team with a winning record
The record is 17 Wins and 1 Losses for the this season (+15.35 units)

NBA > (505) PHILADELPHIA@ (506) TORONTO | 2016-04-12 19:35:00 - 2016-04-12 19:35:00
Play AGAINST PHILADELPHIA using money line in All games second half of the season
The record is 3 Wins and 23 Losses for the this season (-19.95 units)

NBA > (503) MIAMI@ (504) DETROIT | 2016-04-12 19:35:00 - 2016-04-12 19:35:00
Play AGAINST DETROIT using money line in All games in a home game where where the total is between 200 and 204.5 points
The record is 7 Wins and 15 Losses for the last three seasons (-19.3 units)

NBA > (505) PHILADELPHIA@ (506) TORONTO | 2016-04-12 19:35:00 - 2016-04-12 19:35:00
Play AGAINST PHILADELPHIA using money line in All games in all games
The record is 10 Wins and 55 Losses for the this season (-34.75 units)

NBA > (509) MEMPHIS@ (510) LA CLIPPERS | 2016-04-12 22:35:00 - 2016-04-12 22:35:00
Play ON MEMPHIS using money line in All games on Tuesday nights
The record is 20 Wins and 7 Losses for the last three seasons (+15.2 units)

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

NBA FIRST HALF

NBA > (503) MIAMI@ (504) DETROIT | 2016-04-12 19:35:00 - 2016-04-12 19:35:00
Play ON MIAMI ?>in the first halfin Road games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game
The record is 21 Wins and 8 Losses for the this season (+12.2 units)

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

NBA TOTALS

NBA > (501) NEW YORK@ (502) INDIANA | 2016-04-12 19:05:00 - 2016-04-12 19:05:00
Play UNDER NEW YORK on the totalin All games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season
The record is 8 Overs and 23 Unders for the this season (+14.2 units)

NBA > (507) OKLAHOMA CITY@ (508) SAN ANTONIO | 2016-04-12 20:05:00 - 2016-04-12 20:05:00
Play UNDER SAN ANTONIO on the totalin All games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game
The record is 65 Overs and 122 Unders for the last three seasons (+50.5 units)

NBA > (509) MEMPHIS@ (510) LA CLIPPERS | 2016-04-12 22:35:00 - 2016-04-12 22:35:00
Play UNDER LA CLIPPERS on the totalin Home games second half of the season
The record is 8 Overs and 24 Unders for the last two seasons (+15.2 units)

NBA > (505) PHILADELPHIA@ (506) TORONTO | 2016-04-12 19:35:00 - 2016-04-12 19:35:00
Play OVER PHILADELPHIA on the totalin All games in April games
The record is 11 Overs and 1 Unders for the last two seasons (+9.9 units)

[StarDust Bum]

4/11- Results: 2 - 6
Overall : 42 -45


TUESDAY, APRIL 12

GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS

NY at IND 07:00 PM

NY +11.5

U 197.5

MIA at DET 07:30 PM

MIA +2.0

O 200.0

PHI at TOR 07:30 PM

TOR -11.5

O 203.5

OKC at SA 08:00 PM

OKC +11.5

U 202.0

MEM at LAC 10:30 PM

LAC -8.0

U 198.0

[StarDust Bum]

LeBron: 'I got to witness some history'
April 11, 2016

INDEPENDENCE, Ohio (AP) Like just about every fan, LeBron James is impressed by Golden State's golden run to 72 wins.

The Cavaliers' star said Monday he appreciates what the Warriors have done in matching the NBA record for regular-season wins set by Michael Jordan and the 1995-96 Chicago Bulls. Golden State (72-9) can break the mark with a win Wednesday against Memphis.

''I can say that I actually got to witness some history,'' James said following shootaround as the Cavs prepared to play the Atlanta Hawks.

James was 11 and idolizing Jordan when he and the Bulls set a record some thought untouchable.

''I remember the `95-96 team, but I wasn't watching every game, wasn't fortunate enough to watch every game,'' said James, who lost twice to the Warriors this season. ''So, I knew about it. I kind of watched the Bulls from afar but to actually be in the league now while they're setting this record, have the opportunity to set this record, it would be something I can talk about later in life.''

The Warriors tied Chicago's hallowed record Sunday night with a 92-86 at San Antonio, which rested All-Star center Tim Duncan. The historic win also ended Golden State's 33-game losing skid in San Antonio, a skid stretching back to 1997.

It would be understandable if James harbored some resentment toward the Warriors. After all, Golden State denied James a third league title by beating the Cavs in last year's Finals.

James, though, expressed admiration of the accomplishment.

While there has been some debate as whether Golden State has been too focused on the wins record, James feels they've handled the pursuit properly.

''I feel like they've . just played their game. You can't fault anyone for winning and then say, `Oh, they were tired because they lost late.' You don't get that opportunity if you don't win,'' he said. ''You don't even get the opportunity to play for a championship if you don't win. ... I don't think they're worried about being tired at this point.''

The Cavs, meanwhile, have their own focus this week. A win over the Hawks would clinch the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference and give them home-court advantage in the playoffs. Cleveland has a two-game lead over Toronto.

James diminished the importance of Cleveland securing the top seed.

''All our importance is on continuing to play well,'' he said. ''The No. 1 seed, the No. 2 seed, whatever the seeds, it hasn't been a focus of ours, it's just about us continuing to work our process, work our habits, and live with the results.''

[StarDust Bum]

Kemba Walker has Hornets back in playoffs
April 12, 2016

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) Charlotte is back in the NBA playoffs thanks in large part to the improved play of Kemba Walker.

The fifth-year point guard has improved dramatically in nearly every statistical category this season for the Hornets, who are tied with Boston for the fifth-best record in the Eastern Conference at 47-34.

Not bad for a team that only won 33 games last season.

Just as Walker has improved, so have the Hornets - the correlation in their success is undeniable.

Walker has upped his scoring average to 21.1 points per game this season - 15th-best in the NBA - compared to 17.3 in 2014-15. The biggest improvement has come in his 3-point shooting which has improved to 37.4 percent after shooting 30.4 percent last season. His true shooting percentage is up 7 percent to 48.6 percent, and even his rebounding numbers and free throw percentage have climbed.

''He's playing at an All-Star level,'' teammate Nicolas Batum said.

Walker's notable improvement over last season prompted the Hornets public relations staff to put together an online spoof based off this year's political campaigns featuring Walker as a prime ''candidate'' to win the NBA's Most Improved Player.

NBA on TNT basketball analyst Greg Anthony said Walker belongs in the conversation with Portland's C.J. McCollum, Denver's Will Barton and Golden State's Stephen Curry, who has improved his scoring output even after winning league MVP honors last season.

''You can talk about the stats all you want, but from a leadership perspective he has taken the bull by the horns, ''Anthony said of Walker. ''He has been bounced back and played with a lot of fire and has become a real factor in the league.''

Hornets coach Steve Clifford said Walker's competitiveness is ''contagious'' and he's never met anyone who has worked harder in an effort to take his game to the next level.

''He's done everything he could to make himself a better player,'' Clifford said.

It started last May when Walker received a text message from assistant coach Steve Hetzel asking if he was ready to start working on his game. Walker eagerly texted back with a promise he would be in a practice the following day, vowing that nobody would outwork him.

Clifford attributed Walker's improvement to three things: his willingness to change in his shooting mechanics, learning how to better set up pick and rolls, and from playing in a one-in, four-out offensive system full time this season - something that has created better spacing and more shot opportunities.

That system ''makes a big difference,'' Clifford said.

The shortest player on the Hornets roster at 6-foot-1, Walker said he's more confident than ever shooting the basketball.

The 25-year-old Bronx native worked with Hornets first-year shooting coach Bruce Kreutzer on breaking down his shot over the summer. Kreutzer ultimately moved Walker's release point three or four inches to the right, which in turn forced him to keep his right elbow from flaring out.

Walker struggled with the new form at first.

He nearly abandoned the stroke altogether when he got off to a slow start this season, but with Kreutzer's support and advice stuck with it and persevered.

Then, shots started falling.

''That just gave me a lot of confidence,'' Walker said.

He scored a career-high 52 points in a win over the Utah Jazz in January and he's registered 13 30-point games this season. Last week he had seven 3s against the New York Knicks. Walker said he's finally found the consistency he lacked during his first four NBA seasons.

He's scored 20 or more points in 40 games this season, doubling last year's total. He's one of only five NBA players with at least 1,600 points, 400 assists, 300 rebounds, 100 3-pointers and 100 steals.

''The last couple of years, I have always had stretches where I have played pretty well, but this year I have had multiple stretches where I was just on fire - just playing really well for a long period of time,'' said Walker, a former first-round draft pick who led Connecticut to a national championship in 2011.

Walker's production hasn't gone unnoticed.

''His shot selection has really improved,'' Anthony said. ''A lot of times you look at guys and it's all about the ability to take good shots. That comes from the trust he has on the floor with his teammates. He is proving again that he's a winner. He did in it college, and is now he's doing it again as a professional.''

[StarDust Bum]

Heat signs free agent Dorell Wright
April 12, 2016

MIAMI (AP) Dorell Wright is back with the Miami Heat.

Wright signed with the Heat as a free agent on Tuesday, a long-expected move that couldn't be executed until some logistical issues related to him playing in China this season were completed.

Wright was Miami's first-round pick in the 2004 NBA draft and spent six seasons with the Heat, including their first championship year in 2006.

Wright has also played for Golden State, Philadelphia and Portland in his NBA career.

He is with the Heat for their game at Detroit on Tuesday night and will be postseason-eligible.

The Heat now have a full 15-player roster.

[StarDust Bum]

Angels RP Smith stuns Steph Curry in P-I-G
April 12, 2016

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) Joe Smith made a blind, backward, over-the-head free throw that Stephen Curry couldn't match. Then, the Angels relief pitcher stymied the reigning NBA MVP on a left-handed 3-pointer and had suddenly beaten arguably the world's best basketball player at a good-natured game of PIG.

''That was fun. I loved it,'' a giddy Smith said afterward. ''I'm not that bad. I ain't that good either. Sometimes a little bit of luck, a lot bit of luck.''

Whether Curry brought his absolute best stuff to the post-practice contest, we'll never know. It sure made Smith's day to walk away a winner from the defending champion Golden State Warriors' practice. Smith, infielder Cliff Pennington and sluggers Albert Pujols and Mike Trout attended practice Tuesday before their night game against the Oakland Athletics some 10 minutes down the freeway at the Coliseum.

At the ballpark, Smith was still riding high from his improbable feat.

''I mean, I'll play him again,'' he said.

Curry made 90 of 100 3-pointers during the practice before playing PIG, so the Angels felt pretty fortunate. Pennington, who gave Curry a `P' in the PIG game with a shot from the right wing just inside the 3-point arc, caught 28 in a row on video.

''Hey, a letter's a letter,'' Pennington said, smiling. ''It took all four of us to strategically beat him.''

And what a day to be there, with Golden State (72-9) trying to beat the 1995-96 Chicago Bulls' all-time wins record in Wednesday night's regular-season finale against Memphis at Oracle Arena.

Smith took his win in stride. He received handshakes and hugs from Curry.

''Well, you don't go into something expecting you're going to lose, that ain't how you become a professional athlete,'' cracked Smith. ''Everything you do you want to win. But that was pretty cool. Like I told him, we positioned everybody the right way. I just got lucky, I was in front of him and there were four guys. All of his tough shots, everybody else missed. We knew somebody had to beat him. We couldn't walk out of here without a win, you know? That's not making ESPN.''

Oh, and Trout dunked and also topped Draymond Green in a separate game. The slugger regularly shot long 3s ala Curry.

''It's cool to try to take the shots he usually takes,'' said Trout, who praised Smith's shot-making, noting: ''He's got all the tricks up his sleeve. He gets me mainly on his lefty shot.''

Curry got a kick out of having the Angels in the house.

''I've watched Albert Pujols for years and never met him before so that's pretty cool and obviously Mike Trout and the rest of the teammates, talented guys in their trade, so it's pretty cool that they'd come out and watch us practice and get to chop it up for a little bit.''

But, he did say all this before losing to Smith.

''That was fun,'' Pujols said. ''We had a good time.''

Angels manager Mike Scioscia was thrilled for his players getting such a fun experience and learning how the best NBA team operates on a daily basis. He knows Smith will build from the monumental victory, too.

''I'm hoping he carries the momentum from a tremendous morning if he pitches tonight,'' Scioscia said. ''Confidence comes in a lot of different ways.''

[StarDust Bum]

Kobe says farewell after 20 years
April 12, 2016

LOS ANGELES (AP) Kobe Bryant is down to one last shot, and everybody knows he's going to take it.

After two decades spent dazzling the world, Bryant will end his basketball career at home with the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday night. He'll walk off the court in front of his devoted fans in the building where he hung five championship banners.

He retires this week as the third-leading scorer in league history. Nobody ever got to spend 20 seasons with one NBA team before the 37-year-old Bryant, and he intends to thank Los Angeles with one last display of his transcendent talent.

''It means everything'' to finish at home, Bryant said.

''I grew up a die-hard Laker fan, so it's like a dream come true for a kid to grow up and play for his favorite team, and play here for 20 years, his entire career,'' he added. ''I've seen the city grow. I've seen the city develop, and vice versa. There's no place I'd rather end my career.''

Tickets are reselling for hefty sums, and merchandise commemorating the day is moving briskly. Fans without seats will gather downtown to show love for Bryant, a globally admired athlete who both fearlessly represented and strongly resembled LA.

Flashy. Confident. Clever. Combative. Bursting with ambition.

And always entertaining.

''I've grown up in front of this crowd from the age of 17,'' Bryant said. ''A lot of faces that I saw in the crowd in my very first game are still here. That's very special. Kids that are sitting there now, that were kids when I first came in, now come to the game with their kids. You know, that's pretty cool to see.''

While Bryant's fellow Nike athletes around the globe wear shoes honoring the event they've dubbed ''Mamba Day,'' the Lakers will attempt to send Bryant out in style against the Utah Jazz, who could be eliminated from the playoff race shortly before tipoff.

Coach Byron Scott expects Bryant to play more than 37 minutes, and Kobe's teammates will be feeding the ball to him on practically every possession - admittedly not much of a change from most games during this otherwise horrific season.

With two 30-point performances this month, Bryant has proven he's still capable. He'll have every opportunity to run up the score one last time.

''I think it's going to be crazy,'' Scott said. ''We got a chance to celebrate one of the greatest to ever play the game this season, and I think we did it the right way.''

Although some things went very wrong, they turned out all right for Kobe.

Bryant said last week that every season is a failure unless it ends with a title. The 15th such failure of his career has been comically bad, yet the ineptitude of the worst team in Lakers history (16-65) actually has made it easier to enjoy his farewell tour.

''We're not playing for a championship, and I'm pretty black-and-white on where I stand with that sort of stuff,'' Bryant said. ''I've allowed myself to take the blinders off and enjoy the fans, enjoy the crowd. Laugh a little bit more. Engage a little bit more.''

Indeed, the Lakers' recent games effectively have been tribute evenings for Bryant, with opponents shaking his hand and lining up for turns to guard a player who profoundly inspired most of the current NBA.

''It is hard to be great for that long,'' said Miami's Dwyane Wade, his U.S. Olympic teammate. ''He has been great for maybe 19 out of 20 years. To do it at that level for so many years, with guys coming after you, I have a tremendous amount of respect for that. He's had a lot of injuries along the way, and he just came back stronger and stronger.''

When Bryant was asked to name his greatest basketball accomplishment Monday, he didn't cite his rings. Instead, he chose his ability to find the motivation to return from three consecutive season-ending injuries from 2013-15.

Bryant hasn't had a major health setback this season, although he sat out 16 games, constantly iced his joints, rarely practiced and hardly ever attended morning shootarounds.

He reached the finish line on his feet.

''He didn't take nights off,'' Scott said. ''I think his competitive nature and the way he went about his business gained him a lot of respect around the world.''

Scott calls Bryant's farewell tour ''much-deserved and much-needed.'' He has even fantasized about the perfect walk-away moment for Bryant: A patented fallaway jumper in the final seconds of a tied game.

''I would love for that to be the ending of the story,'' Scott said.

Bryant knows he can't have an ideal finish because he isn't playing for a championship in his final game. He won't join Peyton Manning, Joe DiMaggio, Bill Russell, John Elway, Ray Bourque, David Robinson, John Wooden or the other sports icons who ended their careers at the pinnacle.

Instead, Bryant's finale is the conclusion of a 20-year competition with himself.

One last time, Kobe just wants to play.

''For me, it's coming out in front of the fans and competing hard, and playing against Utah and them not taking it easy at all,'' Bryant said. ''To me, that is the greatest form of competition. That's the best last game to have. A very competitive one. A physical one. That's the way basketball should be.''

[StarDust Bum]

Armadillo: Wednesday's six-pack

Odds to win the Stanley Cup.........

3-1--- Washington

6-1-- Los Angeles

7-1-- Chicago

8-1-- Pittsburgh

10-1-- Anaheim, St Louis

12-1-- Florida

16-1-- NY Rangers

18-1-- San Jose

20-1-- Nashville

25-1-- Tampa Bay, Minnesota, NY Islanders, Philadelphia

30-1-- Detroit

**********

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

13) NBA betting prop: Golden State's over/under for playoff losses: 5.5

12) Golfer Jason Bohn is playing golf on Hilton Head this weekend, seven weeks after he ha a heart attack after a round on Tour.

11) Orioles 9, Red Sox 5-- Baltimore is 7-0, already 4.5 games ahead of the Blue Jays in AL East.

10) Only took Carl Crawford six days to land on the DL- guy makes $20M a year and hardly plays and isn't that good when he does play.

9) Whats up with Arizona's road uniforms? Dark gray with copper and turquiose trim; I'm guessing they look better in person than on TV.

8) Mets are 1-4 at home vs Philly/Miami; they're 3.5 games behind Wasington already. New York scored nine runs total in its five losses.

7) Tampa Bay is 0-7, when it comes to the 5-inning betting prop.

6) Braves/Twins are still winless; Jhoulys Chacin pitched really well for Atlanta last night, but you need to score runs to win.

5) Angels 5, A's 4-- Bitter loss for my A's- their bullpen imploded in 8th/9th innings. Have to win games like this if you ant to contend.

4) Pitchers with worst batting average on their pitches, only when they're put in play: Archer .478, JDe La Rosa .440, Cashner .429.

3) NCAA renewed their deal for the NCAA basketball tournament with CBS/Turner until 2032. Hope I'm around to see that one.

2) Florida Gulf Coast head coach Joe Dooley is bolting the Eagles to become an assistant coach at NC State, where he'll make more money. Dooley replaces Bobby Lutz, who is going to Georgia Tech to help out Josh Pastner.

1) When the Warriors beat San Antonio Sunday night, people in the Westgate sportsbook here gave Golden State a respectful round of applause for getting to 70 wins. People like the way the Warriors play.

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up

Wednesday, April 13

Hot teams
-- Kings are 6-4 in their last ten games (3-0 last 3AU). Houston is 4-3 in its last seven games (1-5 last 6HF).
-- Dallas won seven of its last eight games (6-5HU).
-- Raptors won six of their last eight games (3-5 last 8AF).
-- Hawks won three of last four games (6-4 last 10AF). Washington won three of its last four games (3-1 last 4AU).
-- Pacers won five of their last six games (2-5 last 7AF).
-- Cleveland won five of their last seven games (6-4 last 10HF). Pistons are 6-4 in their last ten games (3-6 last 9AU).
-- Bulls are 5-3 in their last eight games (4-2 last 6HF).
-- Miami won four of its last five games (0-4 last 4AU).
-- Orlando won six of its last nine games (1-4 last 5AU). Charlotte won three of its last four games (0-4 last 4HF).
-- Golden State won eight of its last ten games (2-5 last 7HF).
-- Portland won six of its last eight games (2-5 last 7HF).
-- Clippers won their last six games (1-3 last 4AF).

Cold teams
-- Spurs lost three of last four games (1-9 vs spread in last 10 games).
-- New Orleans lost four of its last five games (4-1 last 5AU). Wolves won three of their last four games (5-10HF).
-- Brooklyn lost its last nine games (1-8 vs spread).
-- Bucks lost four of their last five games (1-6 last 7HU).
-- 76ers lost nine of their last ten games (4-1 last 5AU).
-- Boston lost last two games, by 11-14 points (9-6 last 15HF).
-- Jazz lost three of its last four games (5-0 last 5AF). Lakers lost their last six games (4-2 last 6HU).
-- Memphis lost nine of its last ten games (2-4 last 6AU).
-- Denver lost six of its last eight games (3-6 last 9AU).
-- Suns lost eight of their last ten games (4-7 last 11HU).

Series records
-- Rockets won seven of last eight games with Sacramento.
-- Spurs won their last four gaes with Dallas.
-- Pelicans won seven of its last eight games with Minnesota.
-- Raptors won five of last seven games with Brooklyn.
-- Hawks won five of last six games with Washington.
-- Pacers won seven of last ten games with Milwaukee.
-- Cavaliers won seven of last ten games with Detroit.
-- Bulls won their las tnine games with Philly (3-6 vs spread).
-- Celtics won three of last four games with Miami.
-- Charlotte won four of last five games with Orlando.
-- Lakers lost their last four games with Utah.
-- Warriors won last six games (5-1 vs spread) with Memphis.
-- Portland won nine of last ten games with Denver.
-- Clippers won nine of last ten games with Phoenix.

Totals
-- Four of last five Sacramento-Houston games went over.
-- Six of last seven San Antonio-Dallas games stayed under.
-- Four of last five New Orleans-Minnesota games went over.
-- Last four Brooklyn games went over the total.
-- Five of last seven Hawk-Wizard games went over the total.
-- Four of last five Indiana-Milwaukee games went over.
-- Six of last eight Detroit games stayed under the total.
-- Last six Philly-Chicago games went over the total.
-- Five of last six Miami-Boston games stayed under.
-- Over is 7-3 in last ten Charlotte-Orlando games.
-- Five of last seven Utah games stayed under the total.
-- Eight of last nine Memphis-Golden State games stayed under.
-- Six of last seven Denver-Portland games went over the total.
-- Four of last five Clipper games stayed under the total.

Back/backs
-- Spurs are 2-7 vs spread last nine times they played night before.
-- Toronto covered seven of its last eight if they played night before.
-- Indiana is 6-10 vs spread if it played the night before.
-- Pistons covered nine of last ten if they played night before.
-- 76ers are 7-10 vs spread if they played the night before.
-- Miami covered covered five of last seven if they played nite before.
-- Memphis is 12-5 vs spread if it played the night before.
-- Clippers are 7-5 in last 12 games if they played night before.

[StarDust Bum]

NBA

Wednesday, April 13

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Report
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

8:00 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. CHICAGO
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Philadelphia's last 7 games when playing on the road against Chicago
Philadelphia is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Chicago
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Chicago's last 11 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Chicago's last 7 games when playing at home against Philadelphia

8:00 PM
NEW ORLEANS vs. MINNESOTA
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of New Orleans's last 5 games on the road
New Orleans is 2-10 SU in its last 12 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Minnesota's last 7 games at home
Minnesota is 6-12 SU in its last 18 games when playing at home against New Orleans

8:00 PM
ATLANTA vs. WASHINGTON
Atlanta is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games
Atlanta is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games on the road
Washington is 11-3 SU in its last 14 games at home
Washington is 4-9-1 ATS in its last 14 games when playing Atlanta

8:00 PM
SACRAMENTO vs. HOUSTON
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Sacramento's last 7 games when playing on the road against Houston
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Sacramento's last 6 games on the road
Houston is 4-8 ATS in its last 12 games at home
Houston is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing Sacramento

8:00 PM
ORLANDO vs. CHARLOTTE
Orlando is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Charlotte
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Orlando's last 11 games on the road
Charlotte is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Orlando
Charlotte is 4-13 SU in its last 17 games when playing at home against Orlando

8:00 PM
TORONTO vs. BROOKLYN
Toronto is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing Brooklyn
Toronto15-7-1 SU in its last 23 games
Brooklyn is 1-8 ATS in its last 9 games
The total has gone OVER in 13 of Brooklyn's last 17 games at home

8:00 PM
INDIANA vs. MILWAUKEE
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Indiana's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Indiana's last 6 games when playing on the road against Milwaukee
Milwaukee is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
Milwaukee is 1-3-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Indiana

8:00 PM
SAN ANTONIO vs. DALLAS
San Antonio is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Dallas
San Antonio18-6-1 SU in its last 25 games
Dallas is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing San Antonio
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Dallas's last 8 games

8:00 PM
DETROIT vs. CLEVELAND
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Detroit's last 12 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Detroit's last 7 games when playing on the road against Cleveland
Cleveland is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Detroit
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Cleveland's last 7 games when playing at home against Detroit

8:00 PM
MIAMI vs. BOSTON
Miami is 3-9 ATS in its last 12 games when playing Boston
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Miami's last 6 games when playing Boston
Boston is 18-5 SU in its last 23 games when playing at home against Miami
Boston is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games

10:30 PM
LA CLIPPERS vs. PHOENIX
The total has gone UNDER in 14 of the LA Clippers last 21 games when playing Phoenix
LA Clippers are 9-1 SU in their last 10 games when playing Phoenix
Phoenix is 2-8 SU in its last 10 games
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Phoenix's last 15 games

10:30 PM
MEMPHIS vs. GOLDEN STATE
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Memphis's last 5 games when playing on the road against Golden State
Memphis is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Golden State
Golden State is 23-2 SU in its last 25 games at home
Golden State is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Memphis

10:30 PM
DENVER vs. PORTLAND
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Denver's last 10 games on the road
Denver is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Portland
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Portland's last 10 games when playing at home against Denver
Portland is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Denver

10:30 PM
UTAH vs. LA LAKERS
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Utah's last 5 games when playing on the road against LA Lakers
Utah is 5-2 SU in their last 7 games when playing on the road against LA Lakers
LA Lakers are 2-5 SU in their last 7 games when playing at home against Utah
LA Lakers are 19-6 SU in their last 25 games when playing at home against Utah