The Bum's 2016 NBA Best Bets-Trends-News-Stats !

[StarDust Bum]

Hoop Trends - Thursday
January 19, 2017


ATS TREND OF THE DAY:

-- The Suns are 0-13 ATS (-10.85 ppg) as a 8+ dog with more than one day of rest off a home game since Apr 02, 2004.

OU TREND OF THE DAY:

-- The Nuggets are 10-0 OU (15.00 ppg) after they had 6+ double digit scorers since Dec 12, 2016.

PLAYER TREND OF THE DAY:

-- The Cavaliers are 0-7 ATS (-8.64 ppg) since Jan 05, 2013 at home after Kyrie Irving had at least 5 turnovers on the road.

CHOICE TREND:

-- The Timberwolves are 0-10 ATS (-7.15 ppg) with less than two days rest after a game as a road dog in which they had 6+ double digit scorers since Mar 20, 2014.

ACTIVE TRENDS:

-- The Clippers are 9-0 OU (16.11 ppg) with rest after they had 6+ double digit scorers since Apr 29, 2016.

[StarDust Bum]

Russ-Harden MVP debate fun at midway point

We’ve reached the halfway point of the NBA season, which means it’s time to break off some awards.

MVP: Oklahoma City’s Russell Westbrook racked up 20 triple-doubles, so he’s earned this award. The Thunder would be lost without him. I’ll go on record as saying that when I’m doing these come April, I expect to have Houston’s James Harden in this space, but you can’t deny Westbrook’s greatness through 41.

He’s played so hard that it appears inevitable he’ll run out of gas and fall short of joining Oscar Robertson as the only players in league history to average a triple-double, but through 42, he was at 30.9-10.5-10.7. OKC is on the heels of a superior Utah team and in the hunt for a top-four seed in the Western Conference despite losing a top-five player in Kevin Durant. Harden has been fantastic and has led the Rockets to the third-best winning percentage in the NBA, delivering in the clutch while becoming more of a distributor. He should be a co-winner, but splitting an award is lame. For now, he’s waiting in the wings and would be who I’d invest in at this point. Just giving his Westbrook his well-deserved props.

Morey and D'Antoni have nicely executed their vision

Coach of the Year: This looks to be Houston's Mike D’Antoni in a runaway. The first-year Rockets coach came in with a plan and has executed it brilliantly. GM Daryl Morey gets the assist and would be the current Executive of the Year favorite too, signing Ryan Anderson and Eric Gordon, the top two shooters on the market, to equip the team’s vision with top tools.

D’Antoni’s work turning Harden into a point guard is what makes him a lock to win this come season’s end barring some unforeseen collapse. He’s established a connection and gotten through to his star. He’s also made the best of Patrick Beverley’s unique tools, allowing him to contribute despite not fitting the ideal profile of someone who would excel in his system. D’Antoni has found ways to win despite using top big man Clint Capela and has helped young athletes Montrezl Harrell and Sam Dekker become key contributors. Utah’s Quin Snyder deserves a mention for his great work, but this award belongs to D’Antoni. Morey should win his first Executive of the Year award too.

Rookie of the Year: Philadelphia’s Joel Embiid has been prohibited from playing in back-to-backs and been limited by a minutes restriction that has allowed him to play as many as 30 minutes only once, but the impact he’s made makes this award a runaway too. Entering Monday’s game at Milwaukee, he’d scored 20 or more points eight straight times and had the 76ers up in the minutes where he was on the floor alongside them. Without him, they were -243. He’ll be a unanimous winner.

Most Improved: There are many ways this can go. Boston’s Isaiah Thomas and Toronto’s DeMar DeRozan were All-Stars last season, but have taken a noticeable step forward in terms of consistency and explosiveness. Indiana’s Myles Turner, Washington’s Otto Porter and Denver’s Nikola Jokic embody what the winner of this award normally displays, taking a big leap in a larger role than they were in last year. All have had eye-opening games and been consistent.

But it’s impossible to go against Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo. The “Greek Freak” has to win something. Averaging 23.4 points, 5.7 rebounds and 8.7 assists, the Bucks star has been fantastic, overshadowing the tremendous improvement of standout teammate Jabari Parker, who is also a quality candidate for this. The 6-foot-11 marvel has been that special. He must be rewarded.

Defensive Player of the Year: Utah’s Rudy Gobert is the key to the entire operation for the Northwest Division leaders, putting his 7-foot-7 wingspan to work night in and night out. He’ll get the slight edge over Golden State’s Draymond Green, who has helped the Warriors win games thanks to his stops multiple times already and makes their superteam concept work by doing all the little things.

Top Sixth Man: Houston’s Gordon has a substantial lead on the field at the midway point, coming off the bench to lead the league in 3-pointers made. Both LA teams have terrific volume scorers in former winners Jamal Crawford and Lou Williams, but they’re currently behind Gordon here.

Best Cover Team: The Rockets and Raptors have been the most reliable teams to back thus far, amassing the top winning percentages against the number throughout most of the first 40 games. To break the tie, you have to take into account that Houston has gone 17-6 away from home, giving them the edge for biggest lock.

Most Consistent Fade: The books have done a nice job making it difficult to pick a team to bully on a nightly basis, but the Lakers and Timberwolves have fared the worst. Considering they’ve dealt with injuries and have been on the receiving end of some pretty big blowouts, L.A. gets the nod after opening 19-25-1.

Most reliable Over team: The Nuggets moved to 28-10-1 in delivering the over coming out of their Martin Luther King Day date with Orlando, following up dropping 140 points on the Pacers in London with a 125-112 victory over the Magic. They’re an easy call here.

Most deliberate Under team: The Bulls lack of consistent shooting has helped them come in under the posted total 27 times over the first 42, including a pretty reliable 15 of 21 times on the road.

[StarDust Bum]

THURSDAY, JANUARY 19

GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS

PHO at CLE 07:00 PM

PHO +12.5

U 220.5

DAL at MIA 07:30 PM

DAL +2.5

U 197.5

WAS at NY 08:00 PM

NY +2.5

O 219.5

DEN at SA 08:30 PM

SA -11.5

O 221.0

MIN at LAC 10:30 PM

MIN +1.0

O 207.5

[StarDust Bum]

Armadillo: Friday's six-pack

— Mark Trumbo gets $37.5M for three years from the Orioles.

— Reds traded P Dan Straily to the Marlins for three prospects.

— Giannis Antetokounmpo is the Bucks’ first All-Star Game starter since Sidney Moncrief in 1986.

— Pau Gasol broke his hand during pre-game warmups last night, is out indefinitely.

— Colts QB Andrew Luck had his shoulder operated on, is expected to miss most of Indy’s offseason program.

— Jets’ owner Woody Johnson is in line to be the new American ambassador to the UK.

**********

Armadillo: Friday's List of 13: Wrapping up a basketball Thursday…..

13) Maryland 84, Iowa 76— NFL ref Gene Steratore gets around; he worked the Ohio State-Nebraska basketball game Wednesday, then worked this game.

Seven of the ten starters in this game are freshmen.

12) Memphis 70, Houston 67 OT— Best game I saw Thursday, but it was a brickfest; Tigers won despite going 9-21 on the foul line. Teams combined to go 8-37 on the arc.

11) North Dakota State 89, Fort Wayne 83— Who said shooting is a lost art? Bison were 13-22 behind the arc in this game, Fort Wayne was 16-31. Tough night if you go 16-31 on 3’s and lose.

10) Oregon 86, Cal 63– Ducks are 4-0 at home in Pac-12, winning last three home games by 23-42-23 points, but lost Dillon Brooks again to another leg injury. Cal’s big man Ivan Rabb was 2-10 in this game; if thats all they’re going to get from him, Golden Bears won’t beat anyone who is any good.

9) UCLA 102, Arizona State 80— ASU fired Herb Sendek in 2015 and replaced him with Bobby Hurley; if they think that was an upgrade, they’re imbeciles. Arizona State is a tough job; Hurley will have to be a GREAT recruiter to make the Sun Devils a consistent winner.

As for UCLA, they’re great this year, but Lonzo Ball will be in the NBA next year; then what?

8) LaSalle 91, Davidson 83— Much-improved Explorers are 11-5, 5-1 in the A-14- they scored 84 pts/game during their 5-game win streak.

7) Random thought: How is Russell Westbrook not starting in the All-Star Game?

6) SMU 69, UConn 49— Rough year for the 7-12 Huskies; they trailed 41-17 at halftime.

5) Middle Tennessee State 65, FIU 52- Blue Raiders are only unbeaten (6-0) team left in Conference USA.

4) North Dakota 83, Weber State 77— Wildcats were last unbeaten team in Big Sky play.

3) Wizards 113, Knicks 110— Washington has won seven of its last eight games.

2) NC-Wilmington 65, Charleston 59— Seahawks win battle of unbeatens in CAA.

1— ESPN’s people like to put Gonzaga in late night slots; problem is, they’re so good that their games aren’t that much fun to watch. Gonzaga in the WCC is like UNLV was in the Big West during the Tark the Shark heyday 26-28 years ago, totally dominant.

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up

Friday, January 20

76ers won seven of last nine games, winning/covering last four at home. Sixers are 13-6 as home underdogs. Five of their last six games stayed under total. Trailblazers lost 11 of last 13 road games; they’re 4-2 as road favorites. Over is 10-5 in their last 15 road games. Portland won three of last four games with Philly; underdogs covered four of last five series games- teams split last four played here (over 3-1).

Toronto won four of its last five games, but lost five of last seven on road; they’re 1-7 vs spread in last eight road games. Over is 6-1 in their last seven games. Hornets lost five of last six games, but won seven of last eight at home (6-2 vs spread). Four of last five Charlotte games stayed under. Raptors won five of last six games with Charlotte; they lost three of last five visits here. Over is 7-3 in last ten series games.

Milwaukee lost five of its last seven games; they’re 2-1 vs spread as road favorites. Four of their last five games went over total. Magic lost seven of last eight games, are 1-8 vs spread as home underdogs; last four Orlando games went over the total. Bucks won four of last five games with Orlando; teams split last four series games played here. Over is 4-2 in last six series games.

Nets lost their last 11 games (3-8 vs spread); they’re 7-9-1 as road underdogs. Last three Brooklyn games went over. New Orleans won five of last six home games; they’re 6-9 as home favorites. Under is 8-2 in their last ten games. Pelicans won their last six games with Brooklyn; Nets lost by 9 at home to New Orleans eight days ago. Brooklyn lost last three visits here, by 2-6-5 points; dogs covered five of last six series games. Over is 7-3 in last ten series games.

Bulls lost eight of last ten road games but covered three of last four; they’re 9-9 as road underdogs. Last three Chicago games went over. Atlanta won nine of last 11 games, is 2-8 in its last ten games as a home favorite. Last three Hawk games went over. Hawks won seven of last eight games with Chicago, which lost last four visits here (0-4 vs spread). Three of last four series games stayed under.

Sacramento lost six of last seven games and now Rudy Gay is out for year; Kings covered three of last four road games, are 7-9 as road underdogs. Over is 8-4 in their last 12 games. Grizzlies lost three of last four games, are 5-6 as home favorites. Over is 6-2-1 in their last nine games. Memphis won five of last six games with Sacramento; under is 6-2 in last eight series games. Kings lost four of last five visits here (2-3 vs spread).

Golden State won its last five game (4-1 vs spread), beating Cavs/Thunder in last two games; Warriors are 2-6 in last eight games as a road favorite. Over is 5-3 in their last eight games. Houston lost three of last five games; they’re 13-2 in last 15 home games, 0-1 as home dogs. Over is 5-2 in their last seven games. Warriors won eight of last ten games with Houston; they won three of last four visits here (3-1 vs spread). Three of last four series games stayed under.

Utah won its last four games; they’re 0-5 vs spread in last five road games (2-3 SU). Five of his last seven games stayed under. Mavericks won three of last four games; they’re 5-6 SU in last 11 home games. Five of their last seven games stayed under the total. Jazz won three of last four games with Dallas, but lost three of last four visits here. Three of last four series games went over.

Pacers won seven of last eight games (only loss was in London); they’re 1-4 as road favorites. Seven of their last nine games went over total. Lakers lost last five games; they split last ten home games, are 7-8 as home dogs. Four of their last six games stayed under. Lakers lost eight of last ten games with Indiana; over is 4-2 in last six series games. Pacers won four of last five visits here (3-1-1 vs spread).

[StarDust Bum]

NBA

Friday, January 20

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

7:00 PM
MILWAUKEE vs. ORLANDO
Milwaukee is 7-14 ATS in its last 21 games when playing Orlando
Milwaukee is 3-7 ATS in its last 10 games when playing on the road against Orlando
Orlando is 19-2 SU in its last 21 games when playing at home against Milwaukee
Orlando is 3-10 SU in its last 13 games at home

7:00 PM
TORONTO vs. CHARLOTTE
Toronto is 3-8 ATS in its last 11 games when playing on the road against Charlotte
Toronto is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Charlotte
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Charlotte's last 5 games
Charlotte is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games

7:00 PM
PORTLAND vs. PHILADELPHIA
Portland is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games when playing Philadelphia
Portland is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games
Philadelphia is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games when playing Portland
Philadelphia is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games

8:00 PM
BROOKLYN vs. NEW ORLEANS
Brooklyn is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against New Orleans
Brooklyn is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of New Orleans's last 10 games
New Orleans is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home

8:00 PM
CHICAGO vs. ATLANTA
Chicago is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
Chicago is 2-8 SU in its last 10 games on the road
Atlanta is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Chicago
The total has gone UNDER in 15 of Atlanta's last 21 games when playing Chicago

8:00 PM
GOLDEN STATE vs. HOUSTON
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Golden State's last 11 games on the road
Golden State is 16-3 SU in its last 19 games when playing Houston
Houston is 3-7 ATS in its last 10 games when playing Golden State
Houston is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games when playing at home against Golden State

8:00 PM
SACRAMENTO vs. MEMPHIS
Sacramento is 3-8 ATS in its last 11 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Sacramento's last 6 games on the road
Memphis is 12-1 SU in its last 13 games when playing at home against Sacramento
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Memphis's last 13 games when playing Sacramento

8:30 PM
UTAH vs. DALLAS
Utah is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games
Utah is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
Dallas is 8-3-1 ATS in its last 12 games when playing Utah
Dallas is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Utah

10:30 PM
INDIANA vs. LA LAKERS
Indiana is 6-1 SU in their last 7 games when playing LA Lakers
Indiana is 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games when playing LA Lakers
The total has gone OVER in 11 of the LA Lakers last 16 games when playing Indiana
LA Lakers are 4-9 SU in their last 13 games at home

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Dunkel

Friday, January 20


Indiana @ LA Lakers

Game 867-868
January 20, 2017 @ 10:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Indiana
115.682
LA Lakers
115.549
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
LA Lakers
Even
214
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Indiana
by 3
220 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
LA Lakers
(+3); Under

Utah @ Dallas

Game 865-866
January 20, 2017 @ 8:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Utah
121.824
Dallas
120.418
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Utah
by 1 1/2
198
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Utah
No Line
N/A
Dunkel Pick:
Utah
N/A

Golden State @ Houston

Game 863-864
January 20, 2017 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Golden State
134.096
Houston
120.526
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Golden State
by 13 1/2
242
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Golden State
by 5
236 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Golden State
(-5); Over

Sacramento @ Memphis

Game 861-862
January 20, 2017 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Sacramento
118.078
Memphis
118.730
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Memphis
by 1
208
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Memphis
by 7
199 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Sacramento
(+7); Over

Chicago @ Atlanta

Game 859-860
January 20, 2017 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Chicago
118.359
Atlanta
121.376
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Atlanta
by 3
198
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Atlanta
by 5 1/2
203 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Chicago
(+5 1/2); Under

Brooklyn @ New Orleans

Game 857-858
January 20, 2017 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Brooklyn
106.730
New Orleans
121.713
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
New Orleans
by 15
215
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
New Orleans
No Line
N/A
Dunkel Pick:
New Orleans
N/A

Milwaukee @ Orlando

Game 855-856
January 20, 2017 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Milwaukee
114.225
Orlando
116.726
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Orlando
by 2 1/2
202
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Milwaukee
by 3 1/2
209 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Orlando
(+3 1/2); Under

Toronto @ Charlotte

Game 853-854
January 20, 2017 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Toronto
118.561
Charlotte
123.860
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Charlotte
by 5 1/2
209
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Charlotte
Pick
215 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Charlotte
Under

Portland @ Philadelphia

Game 851-852
January 20, 2017 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Portland
119.690
Philadelphia
116.858
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Portland
by 3
216
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Portland
by 1 1/2
209 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Portland
(-1 1/2); Over

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Long Sheet

Friday, January 20

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

PORTLAND (18 - 26) at PHILADELPHIA (14 - 26) - 1/20/2017, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PORTLAND is 6-14 ATS (-9.4 Units) in road games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 23-14 ATS (+7.6 Units) as an underdog this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 29-16 ATS (+11.4 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 115-155 ATS (-55.5 Units) in home games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game since 1996.

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

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

TORONTO (28 - 14) at CHARLOTTE (21 - 21) - 1/20/2017, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 26-15 ATS (+9.5 Units) in all games this season.
CHARLOTTE is 1-9 ATS (-8.9 Units) against Atlantic division opponents this season.

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

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

MILWAUKEE (20 - 21) at ORLANDO (17 - 27) - 1/20/2017, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MILWAUKEE is 21-38 ATS (-20.8 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 146-107 ATS (+28.3 Units) after 3 or more consecutive losses since 1996.
ORLANDO is 7-17 ATS (-11.7 Units) in January games over the last 2 seasons.

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

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

BROOKLYN (8 - 33) at NEW ORLEANS (17 - 26) - 1/20/2017, 8:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
NEW ORLEANS is 4-1 against the spread versus BROOKLYN over the last 3 seasons
NEW ORLEANS is 5-0 straight up against BROOKLYN over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

CHICAGO (21 - 22) at ATLANTA (24 - 18) - 1/20/2017, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO is 7-20 ATS (-15.0 Units) against Southeast division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO is 35-50 ATS (-20.0 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO is 84-50 ATS (+29.0 Units) in road games in January games since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 6-2 against the spread versus CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
ATLANTA is 7-1 straight up against CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
5 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

SACRAMENTO (16 - 25) at MEMPHIS (25 - 19) - 1/20/2017, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SACRAMENTO is 29-46 ATS (-21.6 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 3 seasons.
SACRAMENTO is 10-22 ATS (-14.2 Units) in road games revenging a home loss vs opponent over the last 3 seasons.
SACRAMENTO is 54-73 ATS (-26.3 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MEMPHIS is 5-3 against the spread versus SACRAMENTO over the last 3 seasons
MEMPHIS is 7-2 straight up against SACRAMENTO over the last 3 seasons
6 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

GOLDEN STATE (36 - 6) at HOUSTON (33 - 12) - 1/20/2017, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
GOLDEN STATE is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) against Southwest division opponents this season.
HOUSTON is 28-17 ATS (+9.3 Units) in all games this season.
HOUSTON is 24-14 ATS (+8.6 Units) when the total is greater than or equal to 210 this season.
HOUSTON is 29-17 ATS (+10.3 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 23-9 ATS (+13.1 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.
GOLDEN STATE is 134-109 ATS (+14.1 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 124-100 ATS (+14.0 Units) as a favorite over the last 3 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 33-17 ATS (+14.3 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 3 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 75-52 ATS (+17.8 Units) after a win by 10 points or more over the last 3 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 74-54 ATS (+14.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 65-47 ATS (+13.3 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 200-160 ATS (+24.0 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
GOLDEN STATE is 12-6 against the spread versus HOUSTON over the last 3 seasons
GOLDEN STATE is 15-3 straight up against HOUSTON over the last 3 seasons
11 of 18 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

UTAH (27 - 16) at DALLAS (14 - 28) - 1/20/2017, 8:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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

INDIANA (22 - 19) at LA LAKERS (15 - 31) - 1/20/2017, 10:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
INDIANA is 7-15 ATS (-9.5 Units) when the total is greater than or equal to 210 this season.
INDIANA is 17-29 ATS (-14.9 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
INDIANA is 8-18 ATS (-11.8 Units) in road games after scoring 105 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
INDIANA is 3-11 ATS (-9.1 Units) in road games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.
INDIANA is 207-154 ATS (+37.6 Units) on Friday nights since 1996.
LA LAKERS are 55-71 ATS (-23.1 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
LA LAKERS are 19-38 ATS (-22.8 Units) when the total is greater than or equal to 210 over the last 2 seasons.
LA LAKERS are 59-87 ATS (-36.7 Units) in a home game where the total is greater than or equal to 210 since 1996.
LA LAKERS are 17-30 ATS (-16.0 Units) after scoring 105 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
LA LAKERS are 38-54 ATS (-21.4 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
LA LAKERS are 60-79 ATS (-26.9 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game over the last 3 seasons.

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

[StarDust Bum]

NBA

Friday, January 20

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday’s NBA Game of the Day: Warriors at Rockets
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

James Harden and the Rockets are 7-0 ATS in their last 7 vs. NBA Pacific division opponents. They're 5.5-pt home pups vs the Warriors.

Golden State Warriors at Houston Rockets (+5.5, 236.5)

The Golden State Warriors had no trouble turning away a pair of playoff contenders in their last two games and are winners of five straight after sweeping a four-game homestand. The Warriors will try to keep that momentum going and avenge one of their few losses when they open a road-heavy portion of the schedule with a visit to the Houston Rockets on Friday.

Golden State faced one triple-double threat in Oklahoma City's Russell Westbrook on Wednesday and let him fill up the stat sheet a bit but also forced him into 10 turnovers and locked down on the defensive end in the second half of a 121-100 triumph. The Warriors held the Thunder to 8-of-28 from beyond the arc and lead the NBA in 3-point field-goal defense, limiting opponents to 32.1 percent. That should come in handy against the Rockets, who hoist an average of 40 3-point attempts and connect at a rate of 37 percent. Houston missed its first 10 attempts from beyond the arc on Wednesday but knocked down 14 of the next 30 and pulled away from the Milwaukee Bucks in a 111-92 win in which triple-double threat James Harden collected 38 points, eight assists and six rebounds.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, ESPN, CSN Bay Area (Golden State), ROOT (Houston)

LINE HISTORY: The Rockets opened as 4.5-home dogs against the defending Western Conference champions and that line has since been bet up a full point to +5.5. The total opened at 236.5 and has yet to move off that number.

WHAT SHARPS SAY: "Rare opportunity to lay a short number with the Warriors and it's a revenge spot to boot. But beware of the fact that Houston is 6-2 ATS as a dog this season!"

INJURY REPORT:

Warriors - PF David West (early Feb, thumb)

Rockets - PF Ryan Anderson (questionable, illness)

POWER RANKINGS: Warriors (-15.2) - Rockets (-9.4) + home court (-3) = Warriors -2.8

ABOUT THE WARRIORS (36-6 SU, 18-23-1 ATS, 19-23 O/U): Golden State star Kevin Durant dominated his former team on Wednesday and went 13-of-16 from the field en route to a season-high 40 points - one more than he managed in a 132-127 double-overtime home loss to the Rockets on Dec. 1. Durant's offensive efficiency is the perfect complement to the Warriors' offense, and he is shooting 61.4 percent from the field - 55.2 percent from 3-point range - over the last five games. Golden State will put its NBA-best record to the test over the next four weeks as they play 10 of the next 13 on the road, including trips to Houston, the Los Angeles Clippers, Memphis, and Durant's return to Oklahoma City on Feb. 11.

ABOUT THE ROCKETS (33-12 SU, 28-17 ATS, 25-20 O/U): Harden collected 29 points, 15 rebounds and 13 assists in that Dec. 1 win, and he managed seven triple-doubles in 11 games before coming up short in Wednesday's win. The star guard was 14-of-25 from the field on Wednesday but was more impressed with his team's effort on the other end of the floor after holding Milwaukee to 39.8 percent shooting. "We're realizing that in order for us to get to where we want to go, we're gonna have to get stops," Harden told reporters. "When we get stops, we are 10 times better because we get out, we get in transition and we get easy points, easy 3s and layups. (Wednesday) was a good start for us, we've just got to carry it over."

TRENDS:

* Warriors are 1-7 ATS in their last 8 road games.
* Rockets are 7-0 ATS in their last 7 vs. NBA Pacific.
* Rockets are 12-3 ATS in their last 15 Friday games.
* Under is 10-1 in Warriors last 11 road games.
* Over is 8-0 in Rockets last 8 vs. NBA Pacific.

CONSENSUS: 54 percent of the picks are siding with the road favorite Golden State Warriors and Over is picking up 59 percent of the totals wagers.

[StarDust Bum]

Friday's NBA Essentials
January 20, 2017

Game of the Night - Golden State at Houston (ESPN, 8:05 ET)

For drama’s sake, it’s too bad that Kevin Durant and James Harden have such a good relationship. The NBA is always at its best when Zaza Pachulia gets to play enforcer and the on-court banter is contentious.

The Rockets handed the Warriors one of their six losses this season, so there’s a revenge factor in play, but Harden, Durant, Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green all know each other well from Team USA duty and All-Star games and get along. There won’t be the bad blood element that made Golden State’s 121-100 Wednesday night win over Oklahoma City so juicy, but we may get a competitive game for longer than a half here.

That may largely depend on the health of Houston shooters Ryan Anderson (flu) and Eric Gordon (toe), who have each missed games over the past week-plus. Gordon missed a pair of games early last week due to the issue and then had a 3-for-17 shooting night in Tuesday’s 109-103 loss at Miami, shooting 1-for-10 from beyond the arc. He was able to rebound with a 25-point night in Wednesday’s win vs. Milwaukee, his second-highest scoring output since mid-December, by knocking down seven 3-pointers. If Anderson shakes off any sluggish effects from his illness, Harden will have all his weapons around him for this showdown between the NBA’s two highest-scoring teams.

Oddsmakers have set this total at 237.5, which makes it the highest of the season, eclipsing the 234.5 that was placed on the Jan. 15 Rockets-Nets game. Houston won in Brooklyn 137-112, delivering the ‘over.’ The Warriors’ previous highest total was set at 234 in their 135-90 win over Portland on Dec. 17. The first meeting between these teams on Dec. 1 at Oracle saw the total set at 232, a figure eclipsed in overtime of the Rockets’ 132-127 2OT win that ended even at 113 after regulation. Houston snapped a run of nine consecutive losses to Golden State.

Anderson matched Harden’s output of 29 points while Gordon added 23 off the bench in a game where both teams fired up 44 3-pointers, setting an NBA record. Harden added 15 boards and 13 assists, while Durant scored 39, his largest output prior to Wednesday night’s 40 points against the Thunder.

Thompson shot just 4-for-20, missing 10 of 13 3-pointers, so he’ll be looking to get loose in this one as Mike D’Antoni and Steve Kerr square off for the second time as head coaches after sharing an extensive history working together in Phoenix last decade. That alone promises a fast tempo. These teams rank second (103.1) and fourth (101.3) in pace, with the Warriors the faster of the two, trailing only Brooklyn (104.3).

Golden State owns the NBA’s longest win streak (5) and its best road record, coming in 16-3, but has covered just seven times outside Oakland. Houston has the league’s third-best winning percentage at home, having won 17 of 21. It’s 11-10 ATS at the Toyota Center. This will mark only the second time this season that the Rockets will be a home underdog, having fallen to San Antonio as a 1.5-point dog on Nov. 12. The Warriors have been favored in every game this season and are beginning a four-game swing that will take them through Orlando, Miami and Charlotte. The Rockets open a five-game road trip in Memphis tomorrow and won't play another home game until Jan. 31.

East potential playoff preview pick'em
If the Eastern Conference playoffs began today – a leap, since we’re at the halfway point – the Hornets and Raptors would be squaring off in the 2-7 pairing. While fully aware there’s a long way to go, it’s worth humoring a potential meeting for the sole reason that sportsbooks have labeled this a pick’em in Charlotte. Presumably, that means Toronto would be roughly a 6-point favorite at home in a series opener, which illustrates just how wide open the East playoffs may be outside of heavily-favored Cleveland.

While key Raptors forwards DeMarre Carroll (neck), Patrick Patterson (knee) and Lucas Nogueira (concussion) are all question marks and Charlotte may again be missing backup guard Jeremy Lamb, both teams will have their primary catalysts in play, making this a fun barometer game.

If it’s as entertaining as the first meeting, a 113-111 Toronto win that featured Kemba Walker scoring 40 and DeMar DeRozan dropping 34, you’re going to need to be sure you’ve got this game going on a tablet. That meeting also closed as a pick’em.

DeRozan was deservedly voted in as an All-Star starter alongside Cleveland guard Kyrie Irving in results announced Thursday, while teammate Kyle Lowry and Charlotte’s Walker and Nicolas Batum will all get support from coaches for reserve spots. Lowry has joined DeRozan as an All-Star in each of the last two seasons, but neither Walker nor Batum has ever been honored, making this a statement game for both.

Walker hit 7-of-12 from 3-point range in the Nov. 11 loss, grabbing 10 rebounds and dishing out six assists, while Batum finished with 18-10-6, so they’ll be quite comfortable in this matchup. Walker is shooting a career-best 46 percent from the field and .415 percent from 3-point range and his 23.0 points per game rank eighth in the East. With Boston’s Isaiah Thomas and Washington’s John Wall also playing at an All-Star level, it seems like they’ll only be room for either Walker or Lowry, not both.

Batum is one of the conference’s top two-way players and is averaging career-bests in points (15.0), rebounds (7.4) and assists (5.9). He’s struggled with his shot, shooting career-worst percentages from the field (.398) and 3-point range (.320), but he’s been invaluable and does all the little things coaches appreciate, so he’ll certainly be on the bubble. After missing losses in San Antonio and Houston due to knee issues, Batum has twice flirted with triple-doubles, but shot just 2-for-12 from 3-point range and less than 38 percent from the field. Straightening out his shot will be a huge variable in this one.

Charlotte is just 2-7 in its last nine, but comes off its first win since Jan. 4, a 107-85 rout of Portland. Toronto had its four-game winning streak snapped by the 76ers on Wednesday, ending Lowry's string of 14 consecutive wins against his hometown team. The 94-89 loss snapped a seven-game run of scoring 100 or more points in which the Raps averaged 117.4. They shot just 6-for-24 from 3-point range, but remain second in the entire league in offensive efficiency (113.3), just behind Golden State (113.4). Toronto leads the Eastern Conference and ranks third overall in scoring, averaging 111.0 points per contest. It has won five of the last six over Charlotte, including three straight. The ‘under’ has prevailed in four of the past five Hornets games.

Notable Head-to-Head Trends

-- The 76ers are looking to cover the number for the ninth time in 10 games, a streak that began on Dec. 30 and has seen the former league doormat go 7-2 outright. After not having a single three-game winning streak since Jan. 2014, Philadelphia could win three in a row for the second time this month if they defeat the Trail Blazers. The Sixers have won five straight games with Joel Embiid in the lineup and catch Portland in a slump since its lost three straight. The Blazers have won three of the last four in the series.

-- We'll see if Giannis Antetokounmpo can celebrate becoming a first-time All-Star by snapping Milwaukee's three-game losing streak. The Bucks have failed to cover in six of eight, but face a Magic squad they've beaten twice already this season. Orlando is playing at home for the first time since Jan. 6 and hasn't won at Amway Arena since Dec. 26. The Magic are 2-9 since, going 4-7 ATS, and have lost four of five in this series. Leading scorer Evan Fournier (16.5 ppg) remains out with a foot injury.

-- New Orleans has won six consecutive meetings against the Nets, last losing to Brooklyn in 2014. Anthony Davis' didn't play in the Pelicans' 104-95 win in Brooklyn on Jan. 12 but is expected to participate here despite leaving prematurely after getting banged up in each of the last two games. The Nets have lost a league-worst 11 straight, making them the only team winless in 2017. They've covered only once in that span.

-- Atlanta will look for its sixth straight victory over Chicago as it begins a three-game homestand on the heels of a dreadful 118-95 Wednesday loss at the Pistons. They haven't lost consecutive games since Dec. 5. The under has prevailed in five of the last six Chicago games. Forward Taj Gibson will be a game-time decision due to an ankle sprain but practiced Thursday.

-- On the same night that we get the Rockets-Warriors track meet, it's ironic that the teams tied in running the NBA's slowest pace (93.3) square off. There was no line set as of this writing early Friday morning due to doubt over whether Jazz point guard George Hill will play. He also participated in practice Thursday and should play despite being regarded as a game-time decision. Three of the last four meetings between these two typically low-scoring squads have actually gone 'over the posted total, which has hovered in the 182.5-187 range.

-- The Lakers own the Western Conference's longest losing streak (5) but could get Luol Deng back for this date with the Pacers in the second half of ESPN's doubleheader. Indiana has won six of seven against L.A., which has been tied to courting Paul George as a potential franchise player for the past few years. That could lead to some enthusiastic cheering for at least one of the visitors. George scored 30 against the Lakers at Staples last year and has scored 30 or more in two of the last three against them.

[StarDust Bum]

Friday's Tip Sheet
January 20, 2017

Favorites rolled to a perfect 5-0 record both straight-up and against the spread on Thursday, including home victories by the Cavaliers and Spurs, who meet up on Saturday. The Clippers had their seven-game winning streak snapped by the Timberwolves, 104-101, while the Heat ended Dallas’ three-game hot streak, 99-95.

Game of the Night – Warriors (-4 ½, 236 ½) at Rockets – 10:30 PM EST – ESPN

Two of the top three teams in the Western Conference meet up in Houston as the Warriors are coming off a perfect 4-0 homestand. Golden State (36-6 SU, 18-23-1 ATS) is fresh off a pair of victories over the two teams the Warriors faced in the final two rounds of the playoffs last season. Steve Kerr’s squad routed the Cavaliers in an NBA Finals rematch on Monday, 126-91 as nine-point favorites, while pulling away from the Thunder on Wednesday, 126-91 as Kevin Durant torched his former team for 40 points on 13-of-16 shooting.

The Warriors square off with their third straight playoff opponent from last season on Friday as Houston (33-12 SU, 28-17 ATS) lost to Golden State in five games of the first round in 2016. The Rockets bounced back from a surprising setback at Miami to beat Milwaukee at home on Wednesday, 111-92 as 6 ½-point favorites. Houston overcame an early deficit to outscore Milwaukee in the second quarter, 30-12, as James Harden led the Rockets with 38 points and six assists.

Both Harden and Golden State’s Stephen Curry were named as Western Conference All-Star starters as the two superstars match up for the second time this season. Houston outlasted Golden State in overtime at Oracle Arena on December 1 in overtime, 132-127 as 11-point underdogs to snap an 11-game skid in Oakland. The Rockets have struggled with the Warriors over the years by compiling a 3-16 SU and 6-13 ATS record in the past 19 matchups since February 2014.

Philadelphia Freedom

The 76ers won only 10 games last season, but have already eclipsed that win total by owning a 14-26 record through 40 games. To show how far Philadelphia has come, the Sixers have four fewer victories than the Blazers, a team who reached the Western Conference semifinals last season. Portland travels to the City of Brotherly Love looking to snap a three-game skid, as the Blazers play the third of a four-game road swing.

Philadelphia has won seven of its past nine games, while compiling an 8-1 ATS record in this span. The 76ers are starting to build a small home-court advantage at Wells Fargo Center by winning four straight, while limiting each of those opponents to 97 points or fewer. Philadelphia and Portland split a pair of matchups last season with the home team winning each time, including a 114-89 blowout by the 76ers last January.

Flying Back

The Hawks were blitzed early in Wednesday’s 118-95 setback to the Pistons as Detroit outscored Atlanta in the first quarter, 42-18. Atlanta is riding a six-game winning streak following a loss as the Bulls invade Philips Arena tonight for the teams’ second meeting this season. The Hawks held off the Bulls in the first matchup in Atlanta in early November, 115-107 to beat Chicago for the fifth straight time. Chicago lost in the final seconds to Dallas on Tuesday, as the Bulls look to improve on a 3-1 ATS mark in the past four as a road underdog.

Time to Sting

The Hornets snapped a five-game losing streak in Wednesday’s 107-85 rout of the Blazers as Charlotte attempts to build a winning streak. Charlotte plays host to Toronto, as the Raptors had their four-game hot streak come to an end in Wednesday’s five-point defeat at Philadelphia. Toronto has had its way with Charlotte by winning five of the past six matchups since April 2015, including a 113-111 triumph at Spectrum Center in mid-November.

Hitting the Highway

Sacramento begins an eight-game road swing following a 1-6 homestand, capped off by a second meltdown in a 106-100 setback to Indiana. The Kings head to Memphis tonight as Sacramento will be without forward Rudy Gay for the remainder of the season after rupturing his Achilles’ tendon on Wednesday. The Grizzlies have dropped three of their last four contests off Wednesday’s three-point defeat at Washington. The road team has won each of the first two meetings this season between Sacramento and Memphis, but the Grizzlies are 7-2 in the last nine matchups.

Purple Pain

The Lakers have fallen apart of late by dropping five in a row, while going 0-5 ATS in this stretch. Los Angeles hosts Indiana tonight as the Pacers are rolling of late by posting a 7-1 SU and 6-2 ATS mark in the past eight games. The Pacers erased a 22-point deficit to stun the Kings on Wednesday to improve to 3-7 in the last 10 games away from Bankers Life Fieldhouse. The Lakers have struggled in the underdog role of late by compiling a 1-7 SU/ATS in the last eight opportunities, but cashed at Indiana as nine-point ‘dogs in a 115-108 setback in November.

Head-to-Head Trends

Milwaukee has won four of the previous five matchups with Orlando, including the first two meetings this season. The Bucks travel to Orlando looking to snap a three-game losing streak, while the Magic have dropped seven of their past eight contests.

The Pelicans have seen plenty of success against the Nets recently by winning six straight against Brooklyn since March 2014. New Orleans rallied past Brooklyn at Barclays Center on January 12 without Anthony Davis, 104-95, while the Pelicans’ last three home victories over the Nets have come by six points or fewer.

Utah captured the first two matchups with Dallas at home this season, but visit American Airlines Center for the first time. The Mavericks are 15-2 in the past 17 home meetings with the Jazz since 2007, as Utah edged Dallas in overtime last season in Texas, 121-119.

[StarDust Bum]

Hoop Trends - Friday
January 20, 2017


ATS TREND OF THE DAY:

-- The Grizzlies are 15-0-2 ATS (6.82 ppg) as a favorite off a loss in a road game since Mar 09, 2015

OU TREND OF THE DAY:

-- The Pelicans are 14-0-1 OU (11.50 ppg) at home off a 10+ point win since Feb 23, 2015.

PLAYER TREND OF THE DAY:

-- The Warriors are 0-9 OU (-10.39 ppg) since Nov 04, 2016 on the road after Draymond Green took fewer than 10 shots

CHOICE TREND:

-- The Trail Blazers are 11-0 ATS (7.91 ppg) as a road favorite with rest since Jan 03, 2016.

ACTIVE TRENDS:

-- The Bucks are 12-0 OU (16.71 ppg) with less than two days rest off a 10+ point loss in a road game since Dec 18, 2015.

[StarDust Bum]

Armadillo: Saturday's six-pack

— Jazz 112, Mavericks 107 OT— Fun game to watch; had to switch to the Dallas TV guys. Utah announcers were so monotone, they had me falling asleep, and this was a fun game.

— 76ers 93, Trailblazers 92— Sixers won eight of their last ten games.

— Youngstown St 92, Green Bay 89— Pretty big upset in the Horizon League.

— Yale 75, Brown 74— Bulldogs were down a dozen at the half.

— Lakers lost D’Angelo Russell to an MCL sprain and a calf strain.

— Monmouth 82, Manhattan 71— Hawks lead St Peter’s by half-game in MAAC.

**********

Armadillo: Saturday's List of 13: Random stuff on a winter day

13) Packers-Falcons Sunday is the last football game at the Georgia Dome; Falcons get a new domed stadium next season. Georgia Dome is where the Rams won their Super Bowl; kind of sad to see it go. Plus, it isn’t that old, maybe 25 years old?

Braves/Falcons both get new stadiums in 2017; people in Georgia must pay lot of taxes.

12) Was fun watching some D-League on TV this week; every college player should be glued to it, to see how many really good college players aren’t in the NBA. Until your game is as refined as it can be, you’d be wise to stay in college, get your education as you prep for pro basketball.

11) To make the NBA, you have to be great at one thing; a player named Devondrick Walker from Texas A&M-Commerce was 12-12 on the arc in two games for the 76ers’ D-League team this week. Shooters are always marketable- maybe the Sixers will call him up.

10) The Texas high school football championship game drew 35,089 fans; thats more than 20 of the 40 college bowl games that were played this season.

9) Florida State’s basketball team is 5-1 in the ACC; opponents are shooting 46.1% outside the arc against the Seminoles, only 42.9% inside the arc. Very unusual set of numbers.

8) Over his last 13 games, totaling 316:00, Rajon Rondo has taken zero foul shots. None. Bupkus.

Over his last 17 games, covering 442:00, he is 0-2 on the charity stripe. How does this happen?

7) Washington Wizards’ Otto Porter didn’t play AAU ball as a kid; his parents wouldn’t let him. His dad was the all-time leading scorer at SE Missouri State, thought Otto would develop better as a player if he just worked on his game and he was right.

6) Speaking of the Wizards, they’re 17-7 in their last 24 games, after a 6-12 start. Glad for coach Scott Brooks, who got a raw deal in Oklahoma City.

5) I had no idea that Mississauga is the 6th-largest city in Canada. Now I know.

4) If you’re a student at U of Oregon, your student ID also serves as a free bus pass for the city of Eugene, so you’ve got that going for you.

3) I’m not sure which is more surprising, that someone didn’t vote for Ken Griffey Jr for the Hall of Fame last year, or that Tim Wakefield got a Hall of Fame vote this year.

2) Georgia leads the SEC, shooting 73.9% on the foul line as a team; there are five teams in the Southern Conference shooter higher than that from the line.

1— It still amuses me how close some fans are to the benches in NBA games; those tickets cost a lot of money, but they’re sitting right next to the trainer or an assistant coach. Have to be some interesting conversations that go on, ya think?

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up

Saturday, January 21

Portland lost its last four games, losing brutal 93-92 game in Philly last night; Blazers are 5-12 as a road underdog. Four of their last six games stayed under total. Celtics won seven of last nine games, are 10-7 as a home favorite. Over is 11-3-1 in their last 15 games. Trailblazers won five of last seven games with Boston, winning two of last three visits here. Three of last four series games stayed under.

Wizards won four games in row and 10 of last 13; they’re 6-5 as road underdogs. Over is 3-1-1 in their last five games. Pistons won last two games after a 4-11 skid; they’re 1-6 in last seven games as a home favorite- over is 6-3 in their last nine games. Washington won five of its last six games with Detroit, losing two of last three visits to Motor City. in series where home side won seven of last eight series games. Four of last six series games stayed under total.

Brooklyn snapped 11-game skid last night in New Orleans; they’re 5-8-1 in last 14 games as a road underdog, 2-2-1 if they played night before. Charlotte won eight of last nine home games, covering last three. Last four Hornet games stayed under the total. Hornets won five of last six games with Brooklyn; over is 4-1 in last five series games played here. Nets split last four visits here, but covered all four games.

Embiid (rest) will not play for 76ers tonite. Sixers won eight of last ten games, are 8-3 in last 11 games as a road underdog. Under is 6-1 in their last seven games. Hawks won 10 of last 12 games, are 3-1 in last four games as a home favorite. Three of last four Atlanta games went over. Philly lost nine of last ten games with Atlanta (2-7 vs spread in last nine); they lost last five visits here (2-3 vs spread). Four of last five series games went over total.

Milwaukee lost its last four games (0-4 vs spread), is 5-10 as a road underdog, 1-5 if they played night before. Over is 5-3 in their last eight road games. Heat won last two games, are 4-4 as a home favorite. Four of last five Miami games went over the total. Bucks won seven of last nine games with Miami, winning three of last four visits here. Three of last four series games went over total.

Phoenix lost four of last five games, is 3-7 in its last ten games as a road underdog. Suns’ last five games went over total. Knicks lost six of last eight games, are 10-3 as home favorites; last three New York games went over total. Suns won four of last six games with New York; they lost three of last four games in MSG, but are 3-1 vs spread in those games. Under is 6-2 in last eight series games.

Rockets lost four of last six games; they’re 10-6 as road favorites, 8-2 if they played night before. Rockets’ last three games stayed under. Grizzlies won/covered last four home games; they’re 6-4 as home underdogs. Over is 6-3-1 in their last ten games. Memphis won five of last seven games with Houston; over is 7-3 in last 10 series games. Rockets lost three of last five visits here.

San Antonio won six of its last eight games, is 2-0 as a road underdog. Over is 11-2 in their last 13 games. Cleveland lost three of last five overall, but they’re 19-3 SU at home, 9-4-1 in last 14 games as a home favorite. Under is 7-5 in their last 12 home games. Spurs won eight of last ten games with Cleveland (2-2 since Lebron came back to Cavs); San Antonio won four of last five visits here (3-2 vs spread). Over is 7-3 in last ten series games.

Sacramento lost seven of last eight games, is 7-10 as a road underdog. Under is 5-2 in their last seven road games. Chicago lost five of last seven games, is 3-10 in last 13 games as a home favorite. Three of Bulls’ last four games went over total. Bulls won last three games with Sacramento by 18-5-7 points; Kings lost last five visits to Windy City, but covered four of the five losses. Last six series games stayed under.

Indiana won seven of last nine games, is 5-8 as a road underdog, 1-6 if they played night before. Last three Pacer games stayed under total. Utah won its last five games but is 2-7 vs spread in its last nine; they’re 6-10 as a home favorite. Last three Jazz games went over total. Jazz won last two games with Indiana after losing six of previous seven series games. Pacers split last four visits here. Four of last six series games stayed under.

Clippers are without Paul/Griffin; LA won seven of last eight games, is 2-6 vs spread in last eight road games- under is 6-2-1 in their last nine overall. Denver won three of last four games, is 1-5 vs spread in its last six home games. Nuggets’ last nine games all went over the total. Clippers won six of last eight games with Denver, winning by 15-17 points in last two visits here. Eight of last nine series games stayed under.

[StarDust Bum]

NBA

Saturday, January 21

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

5:00 PM
PORTLAND vs. BOSTON
Portland is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing Boston
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Portland's last 6 games on the road
Boston is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games at home
Boston is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games

6:00 PM
WASHINGTON vs. DETROIT
Washington is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Washington's last 6 games when playing Detroit
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Detroit's last 6 games at home
Detroit is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games at home

7:00 PM
BROOKLYN vs. CHARLOTTE
The total has gone OVER in 17 of Brooklyn's last 23 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Brooklyn's last 5 games when playing on the road against Charlotte
Charlotte is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games at home
Charlotte is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Brooklyn

7:00 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. ATLANTA
Philadelphia is 5-20 SU in its last 25 games on the road
Philadelphia is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
Atlanta is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Philadelphia
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Atlanta's last 5 games when playing Philadelphia

7:30 PM
MILWAUKEE vs. MIAMI
Milwaukee is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 13 of Milwaukee's last 19 games when playing Miami
The total has gone UNDER in 13 of Miami's last 19 games when playing Milwaukee
Miami is 2-7 ATS in its last 9 games when playing Milwaukee

7:30 PM
PHOENIX vs. NEW YORK
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Phoenix's last 7 games when playing New York
Phoenix is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing New York
New York is 3-12 SU in its last 15 games
New York is 3-8 ATS in its last 11 games when playing Phoenix

8:00 PM
HOUSTON vs. MEMPHIS
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Houston's last 5 games when playing on the road against Memphis
Houston is 3-9 SU in its last 12 games when playing on the road against Memphis
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Memphis's last 6 games
Memphis is 9-3 SU in its last 12 games when playing at home against Houston

8:30 PM
SAN ANTONIO vs. CLEVELAND
San Antonio is 19-5 SU in its last 24 games
San Antonio is 17-4 SU in its last 21 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Cleveland's last 6 games at home
Cleveland is 10-4-1 ATS in its last 15 games at home

9:00 PM
INDIANA vs. UTAH
Indiana is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Utah
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Indiana's last 14 games
Utah is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Utah's last 5 games at home

9:00 PM
SACRAMENTO vs. CHICAGO
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Sacramento's last 5 games when playing Chicago
Sacramento is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
Chicago is 2-9 ATS in its last 11 games when playing at home against Sacramento
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Chicago's last 5 games when playing at home against Sacramento

9:00 PM
LA CLIPPERS vs. DENVER
LA Clippers are 1-5 SU in their last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of the LA Clippers last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Denver's last 9 games when playing LA Clippers
Denver is 2-6 SU in their last 8 games when playing LA Clippers