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

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Long Sheet

Monday, January 23

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

WASHINGTON (23 - 20) at CHARLOTTE (23 - 21) - 1/23/2017, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 21-12 ATS (+7.8 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.

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

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

SACRAMENTO (16 - 27) at DETROIT (21 - 24) - 1/23/2017, 7:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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

SAN ANTONIO (34 - 9) at BROOKLYN (9 - 34) - 1/23/2017, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SAN ANTONIO is 26-16 ATS (+8.4 Units) in all games this season.
SAN ANTONIO is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) when the total is greater than or equal to 210 this season.
SAN ANTONIO is 71-52 ATS (+13.8 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 14-6 ATS (+7.4 Units) in road games this season.
SAN ANTONIO is 27-12 ATS (+13.8 Units) in a road game where the total is greater than or equal to 210 since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 30-16 ATS (+12.4 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 326-268 ATS (+31.2 Units) in non-conference games since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 302-240 ATS (+38.0 Units) after scoring 105 points or more since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 35-22 ATS (+10.8 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 20-11 ATS (+7.9 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.
SAN ANTONIO is 20-11 ATS (+7.9 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.
BROOKLYN is 7-20 ATS (-15.0 Units) in January games over the last 2 seasons.

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

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

GOLDEN STATE (38 - 6) at MIAMI (14 - 30) - 1/23/2017, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
GOLDEN STATE is 77-106 ATS (-39.6 Units) after 3 or more consecutive unders since 1996.
MIAMI is 28-16 ATS (+10.4 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 34-19 ATS (+13.1 Units) in home games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 18-6 ATS (+11.4 Units) in home games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 136-109 ATS (+16.1 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 126-100 ATS (+16.0 Units) as a favorite over the last 3 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 32-16 ATS (+14.4 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 77-52 ATS (+19.8 Units) after a win by 10 points or more over the last 3 seasons.

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

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

LA CLIPPERS (29 - 16) at ATLANTA (26 - 18) - 1/23/2017, 7:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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

HOUSTON (34 - 13) at MILWAUKEE (20 - 23) - 1/23/2017, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MILWAUKEE is 146-109 ATS (+26.1 Units) after 3 or more consecutive losses since 1996.
HOUSTON is 29-18 ATS (+9.2 Units) in all games this season.
HOUSTON is 25-15 ATS (+8.5 Units) when the total is greater than or equal to 210 this season.
HOUSTON is 18-7 ATS (+10.3 Units) in road games this season.
HOUSTON is 16-5 ATS (+10.5 Units) in a road game where the total is greater than or equal to 210 this season.
HOUSTON is 313-252 ATS (+35.8 Units) in non-conference games since 1996.
HOUSTON is 111-78 ATS (+25.2 Units) after 3 or more consecutive unders since 1996.
HOUSTON is 16-5 ATS (+10.5 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
HOUSTON is 24-10 ATS (+13.0 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.
HOUSTON is 13-3 ATS (+9.7 Units) in road games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.
MILWAUKEE is 245-299 ATS (-83.9 Units) in non-conference games since 1996.
MILWAUKEE is 21-39 ATS (-21.9 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 3 seasons.

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

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

CLEVELAND (30 - 12) at NEW ORLEANS (17 - 27) - 1/23/2017, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CLEVELAND is 20-36 ATS (-19.6 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.

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

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

NEW YORK (19 - 26) at INDIANA (22 - 21) - 1/23/2017, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEW YORK is 30-17 ATS (+11.3 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.
NEW YORK is 33-21 ATS (+9.9 Units) after allowing 105 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
INDIANA is 7-16 ATS (-10.6 Units) when the total is greater than or equal to 210 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

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

OKLAHOMA CITY (25 - 19) at UTAH (29 - 16) - 1/23/2017, 9:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 46-65 ATS (-25.5 Units) in road games over the last 3 seasons.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 4-13 ATS (-10.3 Units) in road games in January games over the last 2 seasons.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 167-122 ATS (+32.8 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
UTAH is 5-3 against the spread versus OKLAHOMA CITY over the last 3 seasons
OKLAHOMA CITY is 6-3 straight up against UTAH over the last 3 seasons
8 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up

Monday, January 23

Washington won seven of last nine games, is 7-5 as a road underdog. Over is 4-1-1 in their last six games. Charlotte won nine of last ten home games, is 7-2 in its last nine games as a home favorite. Hornets’ last five games stayed under the total. Home side won last six Washington-Charlotte games; Wizards lost last two visits here, by 14-4 points. Last four series games went over total.

Sacramento lost five in row, eight of last nine games; they’re 5-3 vs spread in last eight road games, 8-10 as road underdogs. Kings’ last three games stayed under total. Detroit won its last three games, is 1-7 in last eight games as a home favorite. Over is 7-3 in their last 10 games. Pistons won six of last eight games with the Kings, but lost 100-94 in Sacramento Jan 10; Kings lost last four visits to Motor City (1-2-1 vs spread). Six of last seven series games stayed under.

San Antonio won its last three games by 8-14-3 points; they’re 12-7 as road favorites. Over is 11-2 in their last 13 games. Brooklyn lost 12 of last 13 games but covered last three; they’re 10-9 as home underdogs. Four of their last five games went over. San Antonio won its last three games with the Nets by 27-27-29 points; Spurs lost two of last three visits here, in series where host won six of last seven meetings. Under is 7-2-1 in last ten series games.

Golden State won its last seven games (6-1 vs spread); they’re 12-10 as road favorites, but 1-6 vs spread if they played night before. Miami won/covered its last three home games; they’re 4-7 as home underdogs. Under is 5-1 in their last six games. Warriors won their last five games with Miami but Heat covered last three; Golden State won last four visits to South Beach (3-1 vs spread). Five of last seven series games went over.

Clippers are without Paul/Griffin here; they lost five of last seven games with Atlanta, losing four of last five visits here (1-4 vs spread, over 4-1). Clippers are 0-2 since Paul injured his thumb, losing by 3-25 points. Under is 5-1-1 in their last seven games. Hawks are 11-2 in their last 13 games (9-3 vs spread in last 12), covering five of last six home games. Four of their last five games went over the total.

Houston is 3-4 in its last seven games, splitting last four on road; Rockets are 11-6 vs spread as road favorites- their last four games stayed under. Milwaukee lost its last five games (0-5 vs spread); they’re 4-3 as home underdogs. Over is 5-2 in their last seven home games. Rockets won six of last seven games with Milwaukee, winning three of last four visits here (2-2 vs the spread, over 3-1).

Cleveland lost four of last six games, three of last four road; Cavaliers are 6-9 as road favorites. Three of their last four games went over. Pelicans lost three of last four games, are 4-2 as home underdogs. Under is 8-3 in their last 11 games. Home side won eight of last nine Cleveland-New Orleans games; Cavaliers lost last four visits to Bourbon Street (1-3 vs spread). Six of their last nine games went over total.

Knicks lost 13 of last 16 games, are 5-6 vs spread in last 11 road games. Three of their last four games went over. Indiana won its last five home games (4-1 vs spread); they’re 10-6 as a home favorite. Three of their last four games stayed under total. Pacers won eight of last nine games with New York, winning last five series games played here (4-1 vs spread). Under is 7-3 in last 10 series (0-2 in last two).

Oklahoma City lost three of last four games, is 2-5 in its last seven games as a road underdog. Four of their last six games stayed under total. Jazz won their last six games, are 4-2 vs spread in last six home games. Last four Utah games went over the total. Thunder won six of last eight games with Utah; teams split last four games played here. Eight of last nine series games stayed under.

[StarDust Bum]

NBA

Monday, January 23

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

7:00 PM
WASHINGTON vs. CHARLOTTE
Washington is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Charlotte
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Washington's last 6 games when playing Charlotte
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Charlotte's last 6 games when playing at home against Washington
Charlotte is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing Washington

7:30 PM
LA CLIPPERS vs. ATLANTA
The total has gone OVER in 7 of the LA Clippers last 9 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of the LA Clippers last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Atlanta's last 6 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Atlanta's last 5 games

7:30 PM
SAN ANTONIO vs. BROOKLYN
San Antonio is 11-3 SU in its last 14 games when playing on the road against Brooklyn
San Antonio is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Brooklyn is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing San Antonio
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Brooklyn's last 7 games when playing San Antonio

7:30 PM
SACRAMENTO vs. DETROIT
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Sacramento's last 8 games on the road
Sacramento is 3-11 SU in its last 14 games when playing Detroit
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Detroit's last 8 games when playing at home against Sacramento
Detroit is 3-5-1 ATS in its last 9 games when playing at home against Sacramento

7:30 PM
GOLDEN STATE vs. MIAMI
Golden State is 6-14 SU in its last 20 games when playing on the road against Miami
Golden State6-0-1 SU in its last 7 games
Miami is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games at home
Miami is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Golden State

8:00 PM
HOUSTON vs. MILWAUKEE
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Houston's last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 11 of Houston's last 16 games on the road
Milwaukee is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games when playing at home against Houston
Milwaukee is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games

8:00 PM
CLEVELAND vs. NEW ORLEANS
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Cleveland's last 15 games on the road
Cleveland is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing New Orleans
New Orleans is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games
New Orleans is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games at home

8:00 PM
NEW YORK vs. INDIANA
New York is 1-9 ATS in its last 10 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 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
Indiana is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against New York

9:00 PM
OKLAHOMA CITY vs. UTAH
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Oklahoma City's last 6 games
Oklahoma City is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games on the road
Utah is 5-12 ATS in its last 17 games
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Utah's last 9 games when playing Oklahoma City

[StarDust Bum]

NBA

Monday, January 23

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday’s NBA Game of the Day: Thunder at Jazz
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Russell Westbrook was off the mark (7-for-25) in a 20-point loss at Utah earlier this season.

Oklahoma City Thunder at Utah Jazz (-6, 203)

The Oklahoma City Thunder are limping toward the end of a long road trip and now must visit the hottest team in the NBA in the Utah Jazz on Monday night. The Thunder have dropped three of four to begin their six-game trip and two in a row by a total of 43 points, although they have been afforded four full days off since Wednesday's 122-100 setback at Golden State.

The hope is that more days of practice will help the squad establish some consistency. "It's really focusing on practice. We lost games we feel like we should have won," guard Anthony Morrow told the team website Saturday. "We just have to lock in on some things and clean some things up. There's no better way to do that than practice. Everybody came in focused today and locked in." Utah's six-game winning streak is its longest of the season and it has not lost at home since before Christmas. George Hill scored a season-high 30 points in Saturday's 109-100 win over Indiana as the Jazz inched closer toward to the top four spots in the Western Conference.

TV: 9 p.m. ET, FSN Oklahoma, ROOT Rocky Mountain (Utah)

LINE HISTORY: The Jazz opened as 6-point home favorites and that line has yet to move as of Sunday evening. The total hit the betting board at 202 and was bumped quickly to the current number of 203.

INJURY REPORT:

Thunder - C S. Adams (Questionable, concussion).

Jazz - SG R. Hood (Early Feb, knee).

POWER RANKINGS: Thunder (-3.8) - Jazz (-8.7) + home court (-3) = Jazz -7.9

ABOUT THE THUNDER (25-19 SU, 23-20-1 ATS, 19-25 O/U): Oklahoma City was outrebounded 46-36 at Golden State and awaits the return of center Steven Adams, who has missed two straight games due to a concussion and is questionable for this one. Russell Westbrook did his thing in the most recent loss with his NBA-high 21st triple-double (27 points, 15 rebounds and 13 assists) and Enes Kanter chipped in 22 points and nine boards off the bench. Westbrook was off the mark (7-for-25) in a 20-point loss at Utah earlier this season.

ABOUT THE JAZZ (29-16 SU, 21-23-1 ATS, 22-23 O/U): Center Rudy Gobert's streak of consecutive games with at least 10 rebounds reached 30 in the win over the Pacers, leaving him one shy of matching DeAndre Jordan (Dec. 12, 2013-Feb. 9, 2014) for the fifth-longest run since the start of the 1997-98 season. The big man has also hit on 39-of-53 shots over a six-game stretch. Hill, who missed the win over the Thunder earlier in the season, is shooting 54.4 percent from long range in 12 home games.

TRENDS:

* Thunder are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
* Jazz are 0-8 ATS in their last 8 vs. Western Conference.
* Under is 8-1 in Thunder last 9 vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
* Over is 7-1 in Jazz last 8 Monday games.
* Under is 5-0 in the last 5 meetings in Utah.

CONSENSUS: 65 percent of the picks are siding with the road underdog Oklahoma City Thunder and Under is picking up 60 percent of the totals wagers.

[StarDust Bum]

Monday's Tip Sheet
January 22, 2017

Game of the Night – Thunder at Jazz – 9:05 PM EST

The top two teams in the Northwest division meet in Salt Lake City as Utah owns a 3 ½-game edge over Oklahoma City. The Jazz (29-16 SU, 21-23-1 ATS) are riding a six-game winning streak following Friday’s 109-100 victory over the Pacers as seven-point home favorites. Jazz guard George Hill burned his former team for 30 points, while forward Gordon Hayward dropped 27 points to lift Utah to its sixth straight victory at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Utah snapped a three-game ATS skid with the cover in Friday’s win, while the Jazz own a 3-1 ATS mark in its last four home contests.

Oklahoma City (25-19 SU, 23-20-1 ATS) continues a six-game road trip, while coming off consecutive blowout losses to the Clippers and Warriors. The Thunder has been off since Thursday’s 121-100 setback at Golden State as 15-point underdogs, as Russell Westbrook posted a triple-double with 27 points, 15 rebounds, and 13 assists. However, Westbrook also committed 10 turnovers, while the Thunder dropped to 1-8 SU and 2-7 ATS the last nine games in the road underdog role.

Last season, the Thunder captured all four meetings with the Jazz, but Utah claimed the first matchups this season. The Jazz routed the Thunder on December 14 in Salt Lake, 109-89 as 7 ½-point favorites, led by Rodney Hood’s 25 points. Utah torched OKC from the floor by knocking down 58% of its shots, while connecting on 13-of-23 three-point attempts. However, the Thunder did play that game with no rest as Billy Donovan’s squad lost the night before in Portland, 114-95.

Staying Golden

Westbrook’s old buddy Kevin Durant and the Warriors cruised to another road victory on Sunday by trouncing the Magic, 118-98. Golden State and Orlando were tied at 50-50 at halftime, but the Warriors outscored the Magic, 42-24 in the third quarter to help secure a cover as 14-point favorites. Steve Kerr’s team has won seven consecutive games, including each of its last three away from Oracle Arena by double-digits.

Golden State travels south to Miami on Monday night to face the suddenly streaking Heat. Miami looks to close out its homestand with a perfect 4-0 record following victories over Houston, Dallas, and Milwaukee. The Heat have cashed in four of the past five games, including in a 107-95 setback at Golden State as 14 ½-point underdogs on January 10 in Oakland. Golden State has fared well at American Airlines Arena over the years by winning four straight in Miami, while topping the 114-point mark in each of the last three trips.

CP3 Straight Losses?

The Clippers have struggled without Chris Paul this season by compiling a 2-7 record with the All-Star point guard out. Los Angeles had won seven straight games prior to Paul’s thumb injury against Oklahoma City, but the Clippers have dropped two in a row with losses to the Timberwolves and Nuggets. The Clippers venture east to Atlanta to face a Hawks’ squad that has captured victories in 11 of its past 13 games. Since losing at home to Minnesota on December 21, Atlanta has won six of its previous eight games at Philips Arena, while covering in five of those victories. The Hawks have owned the Clippers recently by grabbing four of the past six matchups since November 2012, while winning three of the last four against Los Angeles at Philips Arena.

Buzzing Back

The Hornets began January by dropping seven of their first eight games, but Charlotte has rebounded of late with three consecutive victories. Charlotte continues a five-game homestand against Washington in a critical divisional matchup before Golden State comes to town on Wednesday. The Hornets’ offense has woken up by posting 107, 113, and 112 points during this hot streak, while cashing the UNDER in five consecutive games.

The Wizards had their four-game winning streak disappear at the buzzer in Saturday’s 113-112 setback at Detroit, but Washington managed a cover as two-point ‘dogs. Washington is riding a five-game ATS hot streak, while eclipsing the OVER in five of the past seven contests away from Verizon Center. The home team has won six consecutive meetings in this series, as Washington held off Charlotte as two-point home ‘dogs in mid-December, 109-106.

Not That Easy

The Cavaliers venture to New Orleans before returning home for three games as the Cavaliers try to bounce back from Saturday’s overtime setback to the Spurs. Cleveland has dropped three of its past four games away from Quicken Loans Arena, while scoring below 92 points in each of those defeats. The Cavs struggled offensively against the Pelicans in their last meeting earlier this month, holding off New Orleans, 90-82, but Kyrie Irving sat out for Cleveland.

The Pelicans are coming off their most embarrassing defensive performance of the season by allowing 143 points in a 29-point home loss to a Nets’ team who had lost their previous 11 games. However, New Orleans owns a solid 7-2 ATS mark as a home underdog this season, while winning the last five home matchups with Cleveland since 2010.

What the Buck?

Milwaukee is free-falling of late by losing five consecutive games, including all three on its most recent trip at Houston, Orlando, and Miami. The Bucks’ offense was nowhere to be found by getting held to 97 points in each of those defeats, while allowing at least 100 points in 10 straight contests. Milwaukee gets another shot at Houston for the second time in a week as the Rockets invade BMO Harris Bradley Center.

The Rockets have alternated wins and losses in each of their past six games, while coming off a 119-95 blowout of the Grizzlies on Saturday. Houston has rolled on the road of late by compiling a 10-3 SU and 9-4 ATS record in its previous 12 contests away from Toyota Center. The Rockets have had success in Wisconsin over the years by winning three of the past four visits to Milwaukee, but the Bucks came out with a 128-121 triumph as three-point ‘dogs last season.

Head-to-Head Trends

-- The Spurs have captured four of the last five meetings with the Nets, including a 130-101 home blowout last month. However, San Antonio has lost two of the last three visits to Barclays Center as the Spurs embark on a three-game road swing.

-- Detroit has won six of the past eight matchups with Sacramento since January 2013 as the two teams meet up at the Palace of Auburn Hills. The Kings knocked off the Pistons at Golden 1 Center earlier this month, 100-94 as Sacramento looks to end a six-game skid in the Motor City dating back to 2011.

-- The Pacers have had their way with the Knicks recently by winning eight of the last nine meetings since January 2015. However, the only victory by New York in this stretch came at home against Indiana in late December, 118-111. Indiana picked up revenge by lighting up New York in early January, 123-109.

[StarDust Bum]

MONDAY, JANUARY 23

GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS

WAS at CHA 07:00 PM

CHA -4.5

O 213.5

SA at BK 07:30 PM

SA -11.0

O 217.5

GS at MIA 07:30 PM

GS -12.0

U 217.0

SAC at DET 07:30 PM

DET -6.5

U 204.5

LAC at ATL 07:30 PM

ATL -7.5

O 206.5

HOU at MIL 08:00 PM

HOU -5.0

O 224.0

NY at IND 08:00 PM

NY +5.5

U 217.5

CLE at NO 08:00 PM

NO +7.0

U 216.5

OKC at UTA 09:00 PM

OKC +5.5

U 204.0

[StarDust Bum]

Armadillo: Tuesday's six-pack

Six facts about dolphins…….

— A group of dolphins is called a pod.

— The dolphin is the only mammal that gives birth with the tail first instead of the head.

— A dolphin may be able to dive up to 1,000 feet

— The average lifespan of a dolphin is 17 years. However, some of them that have been observed in the wild lived about 50 years.

— A dolphin needs to get air at different intervals. Some need air every 20 seconds but others only need it every 30 minutes.

— There are about 100 teeth in the mouth of a dolphin. They use the teeth to grab their prey but they don’t chew it. All food is swallowed whole.

**********

Armadillo: Tuesday's List of 13: Nobody asked me, but…….

13) Michigan Wolverines are having spring football practice….in Italy? Jim Harbaugh is very creative, a little weird. This has to cost a lot of money. Does it help them?

12) Floyd Mayweather has a guy in his entourage who walks around with a doctor’s bag that is filled with a ton of cash, in case he wants to bet. Last Thursday, he wanted to bet.

Mayweather wagered $100,000 on Gonzaga (-8, -$115) in the first half of its game at Santa Clara. His winning wager netted him $86,956. Not bad work for an hour.

11) Interesting baseball trade: Dodgers send pitching prospect Jose DeLeon to Tampa Bay for versatile IF Logan Forsythe.

24-year old DeLeon was 2-0, 6.35 in four starts (17 IP) for LA last year. 30-year old Forsythe hit .264 with 20 HR’s LY- he’s played all four infield positions, but was strictly at 2B LY.

10) Andy Iskoe is a really smart guy, an excellent handicapper. He points out that since Super Bowl ***, the team with the better regular season record is 1-14-1 vs spread in Super Bowls, the one cover being Tampa Bay in 2002 when Jon Gruden coached against his old team.

Underdogs won last five, and seven of last nine Super Bowls SU.

9) There are five ex-Browns, five ex-Redskins playing in this year’s Super Bowl.

8) Before this NFL season started, more people bet on Cleveland to win the Super Bowl than bet on the Falcons to win it. Gambling is difficult, but it isn’t that difficult.

7) For the first time ever, college football teams averaged over 30 pts/game (30.04) this year.

6) Northern Colorado University is located in Greeley, CO. Tom Norton is Greeley’s mayor; he has courtside seats at Northern Colorado’s hoop games- the coach is his neighbor.

Referees told Mayor Norton to take a hike Saturday when he came on the court to argue a call against his beloved Bears. The mayor later returned and sat in a different seat (further away from the court) as Northern Colorado lost 74-69 to Big Sky leader Weber State.

5) Back in 2005, when Nick Saban was coaching the Miami Dolphins, his defensive line coach was Dan Quinn, who will coach the Falcons in the Super Bowl next weekend.

4) There is a pro tennis player who wears a mouthpiece during matches, supposedly to help his balance. I’m not sure who came up with that idea, but if it helps, then it helps.

3) Chris Evert was saying that tennis players today are more isolated from each other now than they used to be; Evert told a story about she used to practice with rival Martina Navratilova and also have lunch with her before matches, which seems unusual.

Players today have so much more money, they have their own entourages and they hang out with them instead of other players.

The retractable roof at the Australian Open can be closed during a match if if rains, but once it is closed, it has to stay closed during the rest of that match.

2) NC State 84, Duke 82— Wolfpack lost by 51 in Chapel Hill, but they pulled the upset here as a 16-point underdog, rallying back from down 9 late in game. State had lost five of its last seven games coming in.

Last time the Wolfpack won in Durham was 1995, which is also the last time Coach Krzyzewski had back surgery.

1— Northwestern’s win at Ohio State Sunday was their first one since 1977, when the Wildcats’ coach was Tex Winter, who went on to be one of Phil Jackson’s assistants with the Chicago Bulls.

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Long Sheet

Tuesday, January 24

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

BOSTON (26 - 17) at WASHINGTON (24 - 20) - 1/24/2017, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) in a home game where the total is greater than or equal to 210 this season.
WASHINGTON is 17-7 ATS (+9.3 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent this season.
WASHINGTON is 14-4 ATS (+9.6 Units) in home games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.
WASHINGTON is 22-12 ATS (+8.8 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.
BOSTON is 51-37 ATS (+10.3 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) as a road favorite of 3 points or less this season.
BOSTON is 14-6 ATS (+7.4 Units) in road games this season.
BOSTON is 20-8 ATS (+11.2 Units) in a road game where the total is greater than or equal to 210 over the last 3 seasons.
BOSTON is 23-11 ATS (+10.9 Units) against Southeast division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 246-201 ATS (+24.9 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1996.

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

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

CHICAGO (22 - 23) at ORLANDO (18 - 28) - 1/24/2017, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO is 56-70 ATS (-21.0 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO is 7-21 ATS (-16.1 Units) against Southeast division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO is 7-15 ATS (-9.5 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
CHICAGO is 35-52 ATS (-22.2 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO is 84-51 ATS (+27.9 Units) in road games in January games since 1996.
ORLANDO is 8-18 ATS (-11.8 Units) in January games over the last 2 seasons.

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

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

SAN ANTONIO (35 - 9) at TORONTO (28 - 16) - 1/24/2017, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 26-17 ATS (+7.3 Units) in all games this season.
TORONTO is 30-18 ATS (+10.2 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 27-16 ATS (+9.4 Units) in all games this season.
SAN ANTONIO is 72-52 ATS (+14.8 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 15-6 ATS (+8.4 Units) in road games this season.
SAN ANTONIO is 148-104 ATS (+33.6 Units) on Tuesday nights since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 31-16 ATS (+13.4 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 327-268 ATS (+32.2 Units) in non-conference games since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 18-9 ATS (+8.1 Units) after scoring 105 points or more this season.
SAN ANTONIO is 21-11 ATS (+8.9 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.
SAN ANTONIO is 21-11 ATS (+8.9 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.
TORONTO is 5-15 ATS (-11.5 Units) after 3 or more consecutive unders over the last 3 seasons.
TORONTO is 178-223 ATS (-67.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season since 1996.
TORONTO is 112-147 ATS (-49.7 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season since 1996.

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

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

LA CLIPPERS (30 - 16) at PHILADELPHIA (15 - 27) - 1/24/2017, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 24-15 ATS (+7.5 Units) as an underdog this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 17-6 ATS (+10.4 Units) in home games in January games over the last 3 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 30-16 ATS (+12.4 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 27-51 ATS (-29.1 Units) in a home game where where the total is between 200 and 204.5 points since 1996.
PHILADELPHIA is 25-37 ATS (-15.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 116-155 ATS (-54.5 Units) in home games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game since 1996.

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

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

MINNESOTA (16 - 28) at PHOENIX (15 - 29) - 1/24/2017, 9:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 6-17 ATS (-12.7 Units) after a division game over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 19-35 ATS (-19.5 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 167-130 ATS (+24.0 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season since 1996.
MINNESOTA is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) in road games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 20-32 ATS (-15.2 Units) after scoring 105 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 20-32 ATS (-15.2 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.

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

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

UTAH (29 - 17) at DENVER (18 - 25) - 1/24/2017, 9:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
UTAH is 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) as an underdog this season.
UTAH is 49-73 ATS (-31.3 Units) in road games in January games since 1996.

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

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up

Tuesday, January 24

Boston lost its last two games after a 7-1 run; they covered their last five tries as a road favorite. Over is 5-2 in their last seven games. Wizards won five of last six games, won last 13 home games (11-1-1 vs spread). Over is 3-1-1 in their last five games. Celtics won five of last six games with Washington; they lost three of last five visits here, in series where home side won seven of last nine meetings. Under is 3-1 in last four series games played here.

Bulls lost nine of last 11 road games, are 2-2 vs spread as road favorites. Under is 4-1 in their last five road games. Orlando lost eight of last ten games, is 2-9 vs spread as a home underdog. Last four Magic home games stayed under the total. Home side won last five Chicago-Orlando games; Bulls are 2-3 in last five visits here (0-5 vs spread). Last four series games stayed under total.

San Antonio won its last four games, is 13-7 as a road favorite, 6-2 if they played night before. Six of their last seven games went over total. Raptors lost last three games, by 5-35-12 points; they’re 0-3 as home underdogs. Last three Toronto games stayed under the total. Home side won last six San Antonio-Toronto games; Spurs lost last two visits here, by 5-3 points. Over is 7-3 in last ten series games.

Clippers won 8 of last 10 games, are 1-2 since Paul got hurt; they’re 1-8 in last nine games as a road favorite. Under is 5-2-1 in their last eight games. 76ers won six of last eight games, covered last five at home. Under is 6-2 in their last eight games. Clippers won last nine games with the 76ers (8-1 vs spread); they won four of last five visits to Philly (4-1 vs spread). Three of last four series games went over. Embiid is doubtful here; Paul is out, Griffin also doubtful.

Minnesota won five of its last seven games; they’re 5-2 in last seven games as a road underdog. Under is 3-1-1 in their last five games. Suns are 5-4 in last nine games (7-2 vs spread); they’re 2-4 as a home favorite. Five of their last seven games went over. Minnesota won its last three games with Phoenix, by 5-13-7 points; T’wolves lost four of last five visits to desert (2-3 vs spread). Under is 5-2 in last seven series games.

Utah won six of last seven games; they’re 0-6 vs spread in last six road games (3-3 SU), 1-9 as a road underdog. Four of their last five games went over. Denver won four of last six games, is 7-8 as a home favorite. Over is 9-2 in their last 11 games (0-2 in last two). Utah won seven of last eight games with the Nuggets (6-2 vs spread); they won three of last five visits to Denver. Seven of last eight series games stayed under.

[StarDust Bum]

NBA

Tuesday, January 24

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

7:00 PM
LA CLIPPERS vs. PHILADELPHIA
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of the LA Clippers last 7 games on the road
LA Clippers are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games when playing Philadelphia
Philadelphia is 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games when playing at home against LA Clippers
Philadelphia is 0-5 SU in their last 5 games when playing at home against LA Clippers

7:00 PM
SAN ANTONIO vs. TORONTO
San Antonio is 1-3-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Toronto
San Antonio is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Toronto
The total has gone OVER in 12 of Toronto's last 17 games at home
Toronto is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against San Antonio

7:00 PM
BOSTON vs. WASHINGTON
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Boston's last 6 games on the road
Boston is 12-3-1 ATS in its last 16 games on the road
Washington is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Washington's last 6 games at home

7:00 PM
CHICAGO vs. ORLANDO
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Chicago's last 6 games when playing Orlando
Chicago is 15-6 SU in its last 21 games when playing Orlando
The total has gone UNDER in 13 of Orlando's last 17 games when playing at home against Chicago
Orlando is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games at home

9:00 PM
MINNESOTA vs. PHOENIX
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Minnesota's last 7 games when playing Phoenix
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Minnesota's last 5 games when playing on the road against Phoenix
Phoenix is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Minnesota
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Phoenix's last 7 games when playing Minnesota

9:00 PM
UTAH vs. DENVER
The total has gone UNDER in 16 of Utah's last 23 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Utah's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Denver's last 10 games when playing at home against Utah
Denver is 3-10-1 ATS in its last 14 games when playing Utah

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Dunkel

Tuesday, January 24


Utah @ Denver

Game 711-712
January 24, 2017 @ 9:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Utah
125.626
Denver
118.249
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Utah
by 7 1/2
218
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Denver
by 2 1/2
211 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Utah
(+2 1/2); Over

Minnesota @ Phoenix

Game 709-710
January 24, 2017 @ 9:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Minnesota
125.451
Phoenix
116.811
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Minnesota
by 8 1/2
221
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Phoenix
by 1 1/2
215
Dunkel Pick:
Minnesota
(+1 1/2); Over

LA Clippers @ Philadelphia

Game 707-708
January 24, 2017 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
LA Clippers
118.807
Philadelphia
121.060
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Philadelphia
by 2
190
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
LA Clippers
by 3 1/2
203 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Philadelphia
(+3 1/2); Under

San Antonio @ Toronto

Game 705-706
January 24, 2017 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
San Antonio
123.262
Toronto
123.082
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Toronto
Even
213
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
San Antonio
by 3
206
Dunkel Pick:
Toronto
(+3); Over

Chicago @ Orlando

Game 703-704
January 24, 2017 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Chicago
121.394
Orlando
112.819
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Chicago
by 8 1/2
212
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Chicago
by 2 1/2
206
Dunkel Pick:
Chicago
(-2 1/2); Over

Boston @ Washington

Game 701-702
January 24, 2017 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Boston
123.681
Washington
120.729
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Boston
by 3
221
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Boston
by 1 1/2
217 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Boston
(-1 1/2); Over

[StarDust Bum]

NBA

Tuesday, January 24

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday’s NBA Game of the Day: Spurs at Raptors
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Toronto's three-game skid matches its worst since November 2015, and not having DeRozan comes at a bad time with the powerful Spurs arriving in town.

San Antonio Spurs at Toronto Raptors (+3, 206)

The Toronto Raptors have dropped three consecutive games and will be without All-Star guard DeMar DeRozan for at least the next two contests with a sprained right ankle - including Tuesday's matchup with the visiting San Antonio Spurs. DeRozan was injured during the fourth quarter of Sunday's 115-103 setback against Phoenix, and the current plan is for him to be re-evaluated on Friday.

Toronto's three-game skid matches its worst since November 2015, and not having DeRozan comes at a bad time with the powerful Spurs arriving in town. "When it rains, it pours sometimes and ... once you get through that part of it, it always comes out to be worth it," DeRozan told reporters on Monday. "That's how I always look at it. I think I'm just an optimistic type of guy, and that's how I look at everything." San Antonio hopes to have star small forward Kawhi Leonard back in the lineup after he missed Monday's 112-86 trouncing of Brooklyn. Leonard injured his hand while pouring in a career-best 41 points during Saturday's 118-115 overtime victory over Cleveland.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, FSN Southwest (San Antonio), Sportsnet One (Toronto)

LINE HISTORY: The stuggling Raptors opened up as 2.5-point home underdogs and by Tuesday morning that number was up to +3. The total hit the board at 209 but with some injury issue on both sides that number was dropped down to 206. Check out the complete line history here.

INJURY REPORT:

Spurs - SG M. Ginobili (Questionable, back), SF K. Leonard (Questionable, hand), PG T. Parker (Out, foot), C P. Gasol (Early March, finger).

Raptors - PF P. Patterson (Questionable, knee), SG D. DeRozan (Out, ankle).

POWER RANKINGS: Spurs (-12.6) - Raptors (-11.1) + home court (-3) = Raptors -1.5

ABOUT THE SPURS (35-9 SU, 26-17-1 ATS, 27-17 O/U): Starting point guard Tony Parker (foot) will miss his fourth consecutive game, but Patty Mills stepped up in his absence on Monday with 20 points - marking the third time this season he reached the plateau. Mills drained four 3-pointers against Brooklyn and is 11-of-19 from long range over his last four games. "Everyone gets excited to be able to get the chance to get out there and play, but nothing changes," Mills told reporters. "The game plan's still the same, what's expected of us is the same, so it's just that opportunity. But there is that excitement when we do it the right way, play the right way, share the ball and everyone does their little piece."

ABOUT THE RAPTORS (28-16 SU, 26-17-1 ATS, 27-17 O/U): The home loss to the lowly Suns comes after a 113-78 drubbing against Charlotte and a loss to Philadelphia, and the locals are more than a bit concerned. "Everybody's in panic mode right now, it's not time to panic," Raptors coach Dwane Casey told reporters. "We're going through a tough time. This is part of the NBA. How you come out of this, how you fight against it, how you compete against it - that's the most important thing." DeRozan scored 26 points in a 110-82 road loss to San Antonio on Jan. 3, but point guard Kyle Lowry recorded a season-low six on 2-of-9 shooting - missing all seven of his 3-point attempts.

TRENDS:

* Spurs are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games playing on 0 days rest.
* Raptors are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
* Over is 10-2 in Spurs last 12 games following a straight up win.
* Over is 13-3 in Raptors last 16 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
* Over is 5-1 in the last 6 meetings in Toronto.

CONSENSUS: 59 percent of the picks are siding with the road favorite San Antonio Spurs and Over is picking up 62 percent of the totals wagers.

[StarDust Bum]

Inside the Paint - Tuesday
January 24, 2017

Money Monday

Underdogs had a banner night in the NBA on Monday, going 8-1 both straight up and against the spread. The Heat (+600) and Pelicans (+400) led the charge with impressive victories at home over the Warriors and Cavaliers respectively. The ‘under’ went 5-4.

Turning the Corner?

Minnesota (16-28 SU, 20-24 ATS) will be looking to complete a season sweep of Phoenix (15-29 SU, 23-20-1 ATS) tonight when they meet in the desert. The Timberwolves beat the Suns 98-95 in the first meeting on Nov. 25 and captured a 115-108 victory on Dec. 19 at home.

The Wolves have underachieved this season but they’re only 2 ½ games out of the eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference. Tom Thibodeau’s club has won five of their last seven and they enter Tuesday’s game with two straight wins.

Phoenix just wrapped up a three-game road trip which saw the team go 2-1 both SU and ATS. After losing to the Cavaliers, the Suns notched impressive wins over the Knicks and Raptors. Phoenix opened as a short home favorite (-1) over the Wolves and they've disappointed in that this role this season, going 2-4 both SU and ATS. Overall, the Suns have gone 8-12 SU and 11-9 ATS at Talking Stick Resort Arena this season.

10, 9, 8, 76ers…

Philadelphia (15-27 SU, 24-18 ATS) won’t be making a trip to the postseason but center Joel Embiid has provided hope for the faithful and brought back excitement to the hardwood despite their record.

Unfortunately for the 76ers, he’s listed as ‘out’ for Tuesday versus the Los Angeles Clippers (30-16 SU, 23-23 ATS) and will likely miss Wednesday’s game at Milwaukee as well. Without the big man in the lineup, they’ve gone 2-10 this season and the Clippers (-3 ½) are laying a short price tonight.

Los Angeles will get Blake Griffin back in the lineup tonight and VegasInsider.com NBA expert Tony Mejia provides all the details on his presence.

Los Angeles has won nine straight in this series and it has covered eight of those games. Five of the wins occurred in Philadelphia and three of them were decided by double digits.

Home Sweet Home

The Wizards started the season 7-13 and many pundits were putting a ton of heat on new head coach Scott Brooks, who was still trying to figure out the roster and rotation. Since losing to Orlando at home on Dec. 6, Washington has gone 17-7 and the majority of the damage has come in front of their fans. The Wizards have won 13 straight at the Verizon Center and bettors have watched them go 12-1 ATS during this streak.

On Tuesday, the Celtics pay a visit and the oddsmakers opened them as road favorites (-1). The line looks like a bit of a trap knowing how good Washington has been at home lately and Boston enters this game off back-to-back losses. Plus, the Celtics defense has been awful lately. They’ve surrendered 100-plus in 15 of their last 16 and that includes 117 and 127 in the aforementioned setbacks.

Washington earned a 108-99 win at Charlotte last night but has struggled to a 2-7 SU and 4-5 ATS mark this season when facing back-to-back spots. Total bettors should note that the ‘over’ has gone 8-1 in those games and both Boston (23-20) and Washington (27-16) have been solid high side looks.

The head-to-head series between the pair this season is even as Boston captured a 117-108 home win on Jan. 11 and Washington notched a 118-93 victory on Nov. 9 from the Verizon Center.

Dead Legs?

If part of your handicapping relies on fatigue and fading teams that encounter difficult scheduling spots, then you have not one but two situations to follow on Tuesday.

San Antonio at Toronto: The Spurs will be playing on no rest tonight after running past the Nets 112-86 on Monday as 8 ½-point road favorites. Not only will the matchup at the Air Canada Centre be on no rest, this will also be their fourth game in six nights. San Antonio blitzed Toronto 110-82 on Jan. 3 as a 5 ½-point home favorite and its only laying 2 ½ in the rematch, which seems short considering the Raptors aren’t expected to have DeMar DeRozan (ankle) available for Tuesday. Plus the Spurs enter this game with four straight wins while Toronto is mired in a three-game losing skid, their longest of the season.

Utah at Denver: The Jazz has their six-game winning streak snapped last night as they dropped a 97-95 decision to Oklahoma City at home. The team now heads to Denver on Tuesday, which will be their fourth game in five nights. Utah has gone 7-4 SU and 6-5 ATS when playing on no rest this season and one of those losses came against Denver on Nov. 20, a 101-95 road setback. After that defeat, Utah won the last two encounters at home versus the Nuggets and it has gone 8-2 in the last 10 overall meetings. Denver has been installed as a short favorite (-2) for the fourth installment and it enters this game with three straight wins and covers at the Pepsi Center. The Nuggets have seen the ‘under’ cash in two straight after watching the ‘over’ connect in nine consecutive games. The ‘under’ is on an 8-2 run in this series.

Leaning Low

Chicago (-2 ½) and Orlando square off tonight and it’s hard to make a case for either side but the total is definitely in play. The Bulls have watched the ‘under’ go 30-15 (67%) this season and that includes a 16-6 (72%) mark on the road. Chicago isn’t a great defensive team by any stretch, rather a weak offensive team that doesn’t have any consistent shooters. They’re ranked 28th in field goal shooting (43.3%) and dead last in 3-point shooting percentage (31.6%). Orlando doesn’t have any sharp shooters either, ranked 28th from downtown with a weak percentage (33.5%) as well. Chicago defeated Orlando 112-80 in early November at home and the ’under’ (198 ½) was never in doubt. This was also the fourth consecutive ‘under’ in this series. Most betting shops have the total listed between 206 and 207 as of Tuesday morning.

[StarDust Bum]

TUESDAY, JANUARY 24

GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS

SA at TOR 07:00 PM

TOR +3.5

O 206.0

BOS at WAS 07:00 PM

BOS -1.0

O 217.0

CHI at ORL 07:00 PM

CHI -2.5

O 206.5

LAC at PHI 07:00 PM

PHI +4.5

U 204.5

UTA at DEN 09:00 PM

UTA +2.5

O 211.0

MIN at PHO 09:00 PM

MIN +1.0

O 214.0

[StarDust Bum]

Armadillo: Wednesday's six-pack

— Ticket breakdown for the Super Bowl: NFL gets 25.2% of tickets, Patriots/Falcons 17.5% each, Texans 5%, other 29 teams 1.2% each.

— Houston’s Clint Capela has scored 90.9% of his points in the paint this year, highest percentage of any player in the NBA this year.

— 11 of the last 12 Super Bowl winners wore white jerseys in the game.

— If Joel Embiid didn’t play last night, why does he have to rest tonight? What exactly is he resting from?

— From Travis Branham: the last six years, 147 of 600 top 100 basketball prospects have transferred colleges; of those 147, only 66 transferred closer to home.

— Sonny Perdue, who has been nominated for Agriculture Secretary, had a bit part in the movie We Are Marshall, playing a football coach for East Carolina.

**********

Armadillo: Wednesday's List of 13: Quotes, tweets, other stuff…….

13) Tweet of the Day #1, from ESPN’s Seth Greenberg: “I seriously feel it is not in (Grayson) Allen’s best interest to play the remainder of the season. He surely is not himself and seems distracted!”

Grayson Allen isn’t playing well; not sure how sitting out would help anyone, but that was Seth Greenberg’s opinion and he was a D-I coach for a long time, so I respect that.

12) Tweet of the Day #2, from Evan Longoria on the Rays’ trade Monday: “I’m surprised and upset at losing a player, clubhouse presence and friend like Logan (Forsythe). He’s a rare player’’

What he means is, “I need some protection in the damn lineup or I’ll never see another fastball.”

11) Tweet of the Day, #3, from MGM Resorts sports book hub manager Jeff Stoneback, talking about the Super Bowl spread: ”It would take a minimum of a half-a-million (dollars) for us to move off 3, but we’ve got house players who can do it with one wager.”

10) Quote of the Day, #2: “Get it to a shooter!!! Instead, he got it to Solomon Hill”
New Orleans Pelicans TV guy Joel Meyers, at end of the Pelicans’ upset of Cleveland Monday night. Apparently Meyers doesn’t think much of Hill’s shooting (he made 1 of 2, Pelicans won)

9) Quote of the Day, #3: “Them skeezers ain’t going to be out for the bad teams.” Charles Barkley, on TNT Monday night, talking about why good teams may struggle on the road in certain cities, like Miami, New Orleans, New York and Los Angeles. Party cities.

The exact definition of “skeezers” wasn’t given, but apparently whoever they are, they don’t like to party with players from non-contending teams.

8) Quote of the Day, #4— “Seriously, why are we showing the Knicks?”
Barkley again, complaining (again) that the Knicks are on a TNT game

7) Quote of the Day, #5— “It’s like when you don’t have bodies. It’s tough. The bleeping grind of the regular season. We’re a top-heavy team. We have a top-heavy team. We top-heavy as shit. It’s me, [Kyrie Irving], [Kevin Love]. It’s top-heavy.”

“We need a bleeping playmaker. I’m not saying you can just go find one, like you can go outside and see trees. I didn’t say that.”
Lebron James after the Cavaliers lost in New Orleans

6) By whatever metric ESPN uses, Oklahoma has played the toughest basketball schedule in the country this season; they’re a very young team, so thats a bad combination.

5) Troy Aikman told a story Sunday about how Dallas center Mark Stepnoski once tore up his knee during a game, but he stayed in the game for five more plays before coming out and he wound up needing a total knee reconstruction. Football players are tough.

4) Was surprised Sunday that with 12:53 left in the game and Green Bay driving, Joe Buck made an Al Michaels-like reference to the over/under in the game. Never heard him do that before. People who bet the over can thank Aaron Rodgers’ competitive drive for cashing their bets.

3) Cleveland Cavaliers are 3-5 in their last eight games, all against Western Conference clubs. Not only do the Cavaliers need another point guard, they need to get back to playing the weaker Eastern Conference teams.

2) I wonder if Shaka Smart regrets leaving VCU? Other than the money, of course, but Texas doesn’t play anything like his VCU teams play— he could out-recruit teams in the A-14, but he can’t in the Big X and the people in Austin ain’t going to be happy for much longer with the lousy record the Longhorns have this season.

VCU could be like Gonzaga is out west and he would still be making over $1M a year, winning all the while. The Big X doesn’t have any bad teams, but somebody still has to finish last.

1— February 11 they’re going to have a TV show that will publicize who the top 16 seeds in the NCAA tournament would be if the season ended then. It doesn’t end then, so the show is irrelevant, but it’ll get people talking more about college basketball, which is a good thing.