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

[StarDust Bum]

SUNDAY, APRIL 2

GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS

BOS at NY 01:00 PM

NY +7.5

O 208.0

CHA at OKC 03:00 PM

CHA +5.0

UTA at SA 03:30 PM

SA -5.5

O 189.5

MEM at LAL 03:30 PM

MEM -7.5

U 205.5

DAL at MIL 03:30 PM

DAL +6.5

U 195.0

IND at CLE 06:00 PM

CLE -8.5

U 214.5

ATL at BK 06:00 PM

U 215.0

DEN at MIA 06:00 PM

DEN +3.5

O 219.0

CHI at NO 06:00 PM

CHI +7.5

O 209.5

PHI at TOR 06:00 PM

PHI +10.5

U 211.5

WAS at GS 08:00 PM

U 220.5

HOU at PHO 09:00 PM

PHO +11.5

U 236.5

[StarDust Bum]

Armadillo: Monday's six-pack

Prop bets for tonight’s national championship game:

— points scored by Luke Maye: over/under 6.5

— points scored by Joel Berry: over/under 14.5

— points scored by Jonathan Williams: over/under 9.5

— points scored by Zach Collins: over/under 9.5

— points scored in first half by Gonzaga: over/under 36

— points scored in first half by North Carolina: over/under 36.5

**********

Armadillo: Monday's List of 13: Happy Opening Day!!!

13) Diamondbacks 6, Giants 5— SF bullpen blew two saves on Opening Day, ruining a great day by Madison Bumgarner, who struck out 11 and homered twice, the first pitcher ever to do that on Opening Day.

12) Sat next to a guy Friday night who bet Mississippi State on the money line against UConn in the girls’ basketball semifinals. He put $10 on a parlay with MSU and South Carolina and he pocketed $345. He is a good guy and was excited; takes onions to bet against UConn.

11) Some genius at a William Hill sports book risked $7,000 to win $100 making the exact opposite bet, taking UConn on the money line. I’m sure he assumed it was an easy $100, but he was wrong, with a capital W.

If someone ever writes a book on how NOT to gamble, this should be in Chapter 1.

10) Watched the second half of the game without sound in the SouthPoint sports book; ESPN kept showing this guy cheering wildly for Miss State, I’m assuming it is a player’s husband, brother or boyfriend- turns out it was Dak Prescott, the Cowboys’ QB/Miss State alum. He was excited, even moreso than the guy who won $335 on the parlay.

9) If you’re in Las Vegas, the sports book here at South Point is excellent, I’d rank it #2 in town behind the Westgate, but the food options are better here and the hotel is nicer.

8) San Diego Padres are apparently starting the season with three Rule 5 players on their roster; those are minor leaguers plucked from other teams, but they have to stay in the majors all year or get offered back to their original team. Basically, they’re prospects who aren’t ready yet.

ESPN’s Keith Law says the only other team to carry three Rule 5 guys in one year were the 2003 Tigers, who went 43-119, but were in the playoffs three years later.

7) Colorado Rockies start season with seven guys on the DL, which seems excessive even for baseball, where guys drop like flies.

6) TV ratings for the Final Four Saturday were a huge success; much better games than last year. Gonzaga-UNC game figures to get good ratings, too.

5) San Antonio Spurs have had a winning road record 20 years in a row, which is remarkable.

4) If they ever make a movie about Utah Jazz coach Quin Snyder, Andrew McCarthy has to play Snyder- they look so much alike they could be brothers.

3) College hoop referee Ted Valentine worked his 10th Final Four Saturday, but his first since 2010; does that make him Comeback Ref of the Year?

2) Youngest teams in the major leagues? Cincinnati Reds, then the Padres.

1— Madison Bumgarner has 16 career homers, most of any active pitcher; he has hit two HR’s off of two pitchers— Clayton Kershaw and Zack Greinke. Not bad.

Happy Opening Day, everyone!!!!

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up

Monday, April 3

Portland won six of last seven games with Minnesota; they won last three visits to Twin Cities, by 5-6-6 points. Last four series games stayed under total. Trailblazers won/covered its last six games; five of their last seven games stayed under total. Portland is 6-1 vs spread in las seven road games. Minnesota lost seven of last nine games, is 5-2 vs spread in last seven home tilts. Over is 8-2 in their last ten games.




NBA

Monday, April 3

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

7:00 PM
PORTLAND vs. MINNESOTA
Portland is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing Minnesota
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Portland's last 6 games on the road
Minnesota is 4-15 ATS in its last 19 games when playing at home against Portland
Minnesota is 4-14 SU in its last 18 games when playing at home against Portland

[StarDust Bum]

Pro Basketball Trend Report

PORTLAND (38 - 38) at MINNESOTA (30 - 45) - 4/3/2017, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 27-15 ATS (+10.5 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 25-40 ATS (-19.0 Units) as a favorite over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 49-69 ATS (-26.9 Units) in home games over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 38-63 ATS (-31.3 Units) in home games in April games since 1996.
MINNESOTA is 2-11 ATS (-10.1 Units) in home games after scoring 115 points or more over the last 2 seasons.

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

[StarDust Bum]

NBA (PROFESSIONAL)

DUNKEL'S HIGHLIGHTED GAME

Portland at Minnesota - Monday April 3, 2017

The Blazers head to Minnesota tonight to face a Timberwolves team that is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 home games. Minnesota is the pick (-1 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Timberwolves favored by 9. Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (-1 1/2).


MONDAY APRIL 3, 2017

Portland
@
Minnesota
Game 801-802
April 3, 2017 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating: Portland
115.100
Minnesota
123.981
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total: Minnesota
by 9
212
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total: Minnesota
by 1 1/2
217 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota
(-1 1/2); Under

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Trail Blazers (38-38) at Timberwolves (30-45)
Date: April 03, 2017 7:00 PM EDT

MINNEAPOLIS -- With a win Saturday, the Portland Trail Blazers officially knocked the Minnesota Timberwolves out of the playoffs.

The two teams face off just two days later.

Monday's game in Minneapolis is a makeup of a game that was originally scheduled for March 6. The Trail Blazers and Timberwolves never took to the court that night, though, as condensation on the Target Center court led to unsafe conditions.

That moisture was the result of unseasonably warm temperatures in Minneapolis, coupled with an ice rink underneath the basketball court. The rink was being used for Disney on Ice and a college hockey tournament, which bookended the NBA game.

"The safety of the players has to come first," Timberwolves coach Tom Thibodeau said that night. "It's unfortunate, but it's the right thing to do."

At the time of that postponed game, Minnesota was chasing Portland in the standings. The Timberwolves were hoping to become the eighth and final team to secure a playoff spot in the Western Conference despite a sub-.500 record.

Minnesota trailed the Blazers by just one game back on March 6. Now, entering Monday's matchup, Portland is 38-38, in the eighth spot in the West and riding a six-game winning streak. Following a loss Saturday to Sacramento, the Timberwolves are 30-45 and out of the playoff picture.

The Blazers are two games ahead of the Denver Nuggets for the West's final postseason spot, but there still is work to be done to secure it.

"To battle back and be in the eighth spot was an accomplishment to a degree (and) getting back to .500," Blazers coach Terry Stotts told The Oregonian. "But again our work's not done,"

If Portland hopes to make it to the postseason, it'll have to do so without big man Jusuf Nurkic. The third-year center fractured his right leg and will miss the remainder of the regular season. Saturday's win for the Trail Blazers was their first since Nurkic was sidelined. He averaged 15.2 points and 10.4 rebounds in 20 games since joining Portland from Denver via trade.

Even without Nurkic, the Blazers have a chance to get above .500 with a win over a Timberwolves team that struggled defensively against the Kings on Saturday.

"We feel like we're the team right now that we should have been all along, the way we're playing," Portland guard Damian Lillard told Blazers.com. "But all that matters is getting a playoff spot. I guess it's good to be .500 but nobody comes into the season saying, 'Let's play .500 basketball.'"

Minnesota and Portland will see each other twice in four days, as the Blazers will host the Timberwolves on Thursday. Even though Minnesota is not playing for a playoff spot, its young roster knows it has to show signs of improvement heading into the offseason.

That will start on the defensive end.

"We're capable. We've done it multiple times," Timberwolves forward Andrew Wiggins said of his team's defense. "We've got to stay consistent with it."

[StarDust Bum]

Brandon Jennings: Warriors tried to embarrass Wizards
April 3, 2017

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) Washington guard Brandon Jennings accused Golden State of trying to embarrass the Wizards in Sunday night's 139-115 loss.

Jennings also didn't back down after shoving JaVale McGee after the Warriors backup center shot a 3-pointer in the final seconds.

''It's just a rule. I learned it when I first came into the league not to do that,'' Jennings said. ''You're already up 20 almost, and then for him to do it, it was like, `All right, come on. Chill out. Now you're trying to embarrass us.''

The Warriors were comfortably ahead by 14 late in the fourth quarter but still had two starters - Draymond Green and Stephen Curry - on the floor. Curry scored five points in the final three minutes to finish with 42, while Green made a 3-poointer with 2:17 left to complete a triple-double.

That both were still playing with the outcome not in doubt miffed several Wizards players. When McGee tried a 3-pointer with the Warriors up 137-115 with 6.9 seconds remaining, Jennings had enough and gave McGee a hard two-handed shove after the ball was shot.

Officials reviewed the play and called a flagrant-1 foul on Jennings.

Warriors coach Steve Kerr later said he was unhappy with McGee's decision to shoot the ball in that situation and apologized to Wizards coach Scott Brooks.

John Wall said Jennings was justified.

''Whenever a team's up like that, you're supposed to just hold the ball and take a shot clock violation,'' Wall said. ''What Brandon did, I don't think it was dirty. I think it was the right play. You don't let nobody try to embarrass you. I think that's what they were trying to do.''

Jennings called himself an old-school player and said McGee and the Warriors were being disrespectful to the Wizards.

''Thank God he didn't go to the rack,'' Jennings said. ''It probably would have been worse for him. At a time like that, I think you should just let the clock run out. I think it was already disrespectful that they were trying to get Draymond Green his triple-double and Steph was out there with 40. I just felt it was disrespectful.

''I'm old school. Like I said, he better be glad he shot that 3 and didn't go to the rack.''

[StarDust Bum]

MONDAY, APRIL 3

GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS

POR at MIN 07:00 PM

POR +2.0

O 215.5

[StarDust Bum]

Armadillo: Tuesday's six-pack

Individual betting matchups for the Masters this week:

— Dustin Johnson -$130 vs Rory McIlroy +$110

— Rory McIlroy -$170 vs Jordan Spieth +$110

— Jordan Spieth -$160 vs Hideki Matsuyama +$140

— Phil Mickelson -$115 vs Henrik Stenson -$105

— Henrik Stenson -$110 vs Adam Scott -$110

— Adam Scott -$130 vs Justin Thomas +$110

**********

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

13) North Carolina 71, Gonzaga 65— Ton of missed shots led to a game with lot of whistles; both teams shot under 36% for the game. Zags had the lead in last 2:00- they missed an awful lot of shots in the paint. Tar Heels win a title this year, after losing at the buzzer LY. As for Gonzaga, they had a great season that had a disappointing ending.

12) 25 guys on the San Diego Padres’ Opening Day roster make a total of $28.13M this season. Clayton Kershaw makes $33M, all by himself.

11) Dodgers and Detroit Tigers have baseball’s highest payrolls this season.

10) Indians play in Arizona this weekend, which means no DH; I’m hoping they use Carlos Santana in the outfield for a game; then he becomes eligible in the outfield all season for my fantasy team. Would be a big help to the Armadillos.

9) Eagles and Redskins are only teams that will be playing both Rams/Chargers in Los Angeles this season; Eagles would like those games in consecutive weeks.

8) Cincinnati Bengals haven’t opened a season at home since 2009; they want to open at home this season.

7) Duke has had two basketball players transfer since their season ended two weeks ago; it is not a good optic. It almost seems like that if you’re not good enough to jump to the NBA or start for the Blue Devils, then they tell you to take a hike.

6) First meal when I got to Las Vegas: Steak ’n Shake. Tastes good and doesn’t cost much. Also had my first-ever chicken quesadilla Monday night- it will not be my last one.

5) This 10-day disabled list in baseball is going to take some getting used to- has been 15 days for a long time— it was 21 before that.

4) Rangers’ SS Elvis Andrus learned English by listening to Rascal Flatts songs. Really, he did.

3) Oklahoma City Thunder is 31-9 when Russell Westbrook gets a triple/double, 13-24 when he does not.

2) Since 1970, most pitches thrown in an Opening Day start: Jack Morris (144) 1992, Roger Clemens (135) 1988, Randy Johnson (133) 2000 and 2001.

1a) North Carolina won the national title in men’s basketball.
1b) South Carolina won the women’s national title.
1c) Coastal Carolina’s cheerleaders were suspended after they were anonymously accused of being involved in a prostitution ring, amongst other things.

Big year in the Carolinas. Oy.

[StarDust Bum]

NBA knowledge

Tuesday’s games

Nets are 5-3 in their last eight games; they’re 8-3 vs spread in last 11 road games. Four of their last five games stayed under. Philly lost four of last five games, is 15-3 vs spread in their last 18 home tilts. Sixers’ last four home games stayed under the total. 76ers won five of last six games with Brooklyn; under is 8-1-1 in las ten series games. Nets lost last three games in Philly (1-2 vs spread).

Orlando lost its last four games- they’re 2-5 vs spread in last seven road games. Six of their last seven games went over. Cleveland is 4-5 in its last nine games; they’re 2-5-1 vs spread in last eight home games. Six of last eight Cleveland games went over total. Cavaliers won their last ten games with Orlando (8-2 vs spread); under is 3-1 in last four series games played here. Magic lost last four visits to Ohio (1-3 vs spread).

Toronto won eight of last nine games, is 6-3 vs spread in last nine road games. Six of their last eight games went over total. Pacers lost their last four games, are 5-2-1 vs spread in last eight home games. Eight of their last nine games wen over the total. Home side won last six Toronto-Indiana games; Raptors lost last two visits here, by 17-18 points. Six of last nine series games stayed under.

Charlotte won six of its last eight games; they’re 7-3 vs spread in last ten road games. Six of their last seven games went over total. Wizards lost last three games, all on road; they’re 1-5 vs spread in last six home games. Five of their last six games went over total. Home side won seven of last eight Charlotte-Washington games; Hornets lost last four games in this building (0-3 vs spread in last three, over 4-0 in last four).

Bulls won last four games, covered seven of last nine; they’re 5-1 vs spread in last six games on road. Five of their last seven games went over. New York lost seven of last nine games, are 1-3 vs spread in last four home games. Last four New York games stayed under. Knicks won their last four games with Chicago; Bulls lost last three games in Manhattan, are 3-7 vs spread in last ten series games (over 6-3-1).

Milwaukee won six of its last eight games; they covered last four road games. Four of their last five games went over total. Oklahoma City is 3-4 in its last seven games; they lost three of last four home games. Three of their last four games stayed under. Home side won five of last six Buck-Thunder games; OKC won five of last seven series games. Under is 6-2 in last eight series games. Milwaukee lost its last three visits here (1-2 vs spread).

Nuggets lost three of last four games; they’re 6-2 vs spread in last eight road games. Six of their last seven games went over. New Orleans won six of last seven home games; they’re 7-3 vs spread in last ten home games. Three of their last four games went over. Road team won six of last eight Nugget-Pelican games; Denver won four of last five games on Bourbon Street. Four of last six series games went over.

Grizzlies lost their last five road games (1-4 vs spread); they lost five of last seven games overall. Under is 7-3 in their last ten games. San Antonio won seven of last eight games; they’re 5-8 vs spread in last 13 home games. Under is 5-2 in their last seven games. Spurs won eight of last ten games with Memphis; six of last eight series games stayed under the total. Grizzlies lost last four visits to the Alamo (2-2 vs spread).

Dallas lost four of last five games, is 5-3 vs spread in last eight road games. Under is 5-2 in their last seven games. Sacramento lost six of last nine games, is 3-6-1 vs spread in last ten games on road. Five of their last six games stayed under the total. Kings won three of last four games with Dallas; Mavericks lost by 14-22 points in last two games here. Under is 7-3 in last ten series games.

Timberwolves lost seven of last eight road games (1-6 vs spread in last seven); five of their last six games went over. Golden State won its last 11 games, covered its last five; they’re 5-1 vs spread in last six home games. Under is 18-2 in their last 20 games. Warriors won eight of last ten games with Minnesota; Wolves covered eight of last nine series games. Eight of last ten series games stayed under.

Portland won six of last seven games (7-0 vs spread); five of their last eight games stayed under total. Portland is 7-1 vs spread in last eight road games. Jazz won three of last four games, are 4-2 vs spread in last six home games. Over is 5-2 in their last seven games. Home side won last five Portland-Utah games; Trailblazers lost by 13-23 points in last couple visits here. Six of last eight series games went over.

[StarDust Bum]

Pro Basketball Trend Report

BROOKLYN (18 - 59) at PHILADELPHIA (28 - 49) - 4/4/2017, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 48-28 ATS (+17.2 Units) in all games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) when the total is greater than or equal to 220 this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 25-11 ATS (+12.9 Units) in home games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 20-10 ATS (+9.0 Units) in the second half of the season this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 11-2 ATS (+8.8 Units) vs. division opponents this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 25-13 ATS (+10.7 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.

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

ORLANDO (27 - 50) at CLEVELAND (49 - 27) - 4/4/2017, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ORLANDO is 31-45 ATS (-18.5 Units) in all games this season.
ORLANDO is 9-18 ATS (-10.8 Units) in the second half of the season this season.
ORLANDO is 6-15 ATS (-10.5 Units) after allowing 115 points or more this season.
ORLANDO is 7-19 ATS (-13.9 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game this season.
ORLANDO is 1-11 ATS (-11.1 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game - 2nd half of the season this season.
CLEVELAND is 14-24 ATS (-12.4 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
CLEVELAND is 7-2 against the spread versus ORLANDO over the last 3 seasons
CLEVELAND is 9-0 straight up against ORLANDO over the last 3 seasons
5 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

TORONTO (47 - 30) at INDIANA (37 - 40) - 4/4/2017, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 42-34 ATS (+4.6 Units) in all games this season.
INDIANA is 34-42 ATS (-12.2 Units) in all games this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
TORONTO is 10-6 against the spread versus INDIANA over the last 3 seasons
TORONTO is 12-4 straight up against INDIANA over the last 3 seasons
8 of 16 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

CHARLOTTE (36 - 41) at WASHINGTON (46 - 31) - 4/4/2017, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 35-23 ATS (+9.7 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 22-12 ATS (+8.8 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent this season.
CHARLOTTE is 33-16 ATS (+15.4 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game - 2nd half of the season since 1996.
WASHINGTON is 174-216 ATS (-63.6 Units) vs. division opponents since 1996.
WASHINGTON is 93-124 ATS (-43.4 Units) in home games after a loss by 10 points or more since 1996.

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

CHICAGO (38 - 39) at NEW YORK (29 - 48) - 4/4/2017, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO is 29-43 ATS (-18.3 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO is 16-29 ATS (-15.9 Units) off an upset win as an underdog over the last 3 seasons.
CHICAGO is 49-70 ATS (-28.0 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
NEW YORK is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) in home games against Central division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
NEW YORK is 20-9 ATS (+10.1 Units) after a division game over the last 2 seasons.

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

MILWAUKEE (40 - 37) at OKLAHOMA CITY (43 - 33) - 4/4/2017, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MILWAUKEE is 34-43 ATS (-13.3 Units) in all games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 358-430 ATS (-115.0 Units) in the second half of the season since 1996.
MILWAUKEE is 21-39 ATS (-21.9 Units) in road games against Northwest division opponents since 1996.
MILWAUKEE is 252-309 ATS (-87.9 Units) in non-conference games since 1996.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 29-16 ATS (+11.4 Units) as a favorite this season.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 25-13 ATS (+10.7 Units) in home games this season.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 175-129 ATS (+33.1 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent since 1996.
MILWAUKEE is 73-47 ATS (+21.3 Units) in road games on Tuesday nights since 1996.
MILWAUKEE is 54-33 ATS (+17.7 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game since 1996.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 22-35 ATS (-16.5 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.

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

DENVER (36 - 40) at NEW ORLEANS (33 - 44) - 4/4/2017, 8:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

MEMPHIS (42 - 35) at SAN ANTONIO (59 - 17) - 4/4/2017, 8:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MEMPHIS is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) on Tuesday nights this season.
MEMPHIS is 13-25 ATS (-14.5 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 995-867 ATS (+41.3 Units) in all games since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 85-69 ATS (+9.1 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 506-423 ATS (+40.7 Units) in home games since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 151-104 ATS (+36.6 Units) on Tuesday nights since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 279-231 ATS (+24.9 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 177-130 ATS (+34.0 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN ANTONIO is 8-7 against the spread versus MEMPHIS over the last 3 seasons
SAN ANTONIO is 11-4 straight up against MEMPHIS over the last 3 seasons
9 of 15 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

DALLAS (32 - 44) at SACRAMENTO (30 - 47) - 4/4/2017, 10:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DALLAS is 42-34 ATS (+4.6 Units) in all games this season.
DALLAS is 378-310 ATS (+37.0 Units) as an underdog since 1996.
DALLAS is 481-403 ATS (+37.7 Units) in road games since 1996.
DALLAS is 319-266 ATS (+26.4 Units) after a non-conference game since 1996.
SACRAMENTO is 49-67 ATS (-24.7 Units) in home games over the last 3 seasons.
SACRAMENTO is 4-13 ATS (-10.3 Units) when playing with 2 days rest over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
SACRAMENTO is 6-2 against the spread versus DALLAS over the last 3 seasons
DALLAS is 5-4 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

MINNESOTA (31 - 45) at GOLDEN STATE (63 - 14) - 4/4/2017, 10:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 34-42 ATS (-12.2 Units) in all games this season.
MINNESOTA is 14-28 ATS (-16.8 Units) after a division game over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 10-22 ATS (-14.2 Units) after 3 or more consecutive overs over the last 3 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 152-124 ATS (+15.6 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 140-114 ATS (+14.6 Units) as a favorite over the last 3 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 81-58 ATS (+17.2 Units) in home games over the last 3 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 121-88 ATS (+24.2 Units) in April games since 1996.
GOLDEN STATE is 22-10 ATS (+11.0 Units) in home games against Northwest division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 40-23 ATS (+14.7 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 22-10 ATS (+11.0 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 86-61 ATS (+18.9 Units) after a win by 10 points or more over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 23-10 ATS (+12.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 35-20 ATS (+13.0 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game over the last 3 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 11-24 ATS (-15.4 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
GOLDEN STATE is 16-33 ATS (-20.3 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record - 2nd half of the season over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 7-3 against the spread versus GOLDEN STATE over the last 3 seasons
GOLDEN STATE is 8-2 straight up against MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
8 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

PORTLAND (38 - 39) at UTAH (47 - 30) - 4/4/2017, 10:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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NBA (PROFESSIONAL)

DUNKEL'S HIGHLIGHTED GAME

Chicago at New York - Tuesday April 4, 2017
The Bulls head to New York tonight to face the Knicks and come into the contest with a 5-0 ATS record in their last 5 road games. Chicago is the pick (-3) according to Dunkel, which has the Knicks favored by 8. Dunkel Pick: Chicago (-3).

TUESDAY APRIL 4,

Portland
@
Utah
Game 721-722
April 4, 2017 @ 9:00 pm

Dunkel Rating: Portland
117.599
Utah
126.493
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total: Utah
by 9
192
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total: Utah
by 6 1/2
205
Dunkel Pick: Utah
(-6 1/2); Under

Minnesota
@
Golden State
Game 719-720
April 4, 2017 @ 10:30 pm

Dunkel Rating: Minnesota
121.611
Golden State
128.585
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total: Golden State
by 7
225
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total: Golden State
by 13 1/2
220 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota
(+13 1/2); Over

Dallas
@
Sacramento
Game 717-718
April 4, 2017 @ 10:30 pm

Dunkel Rating: Dallas
115.205
Sacramento
111.099
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total: Dallas
by 4
190
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total: Sacramento
by 2 1/2
195
Dunkel Pick: Dallas
(+2 1/2); Over

Memphis
@
San Antonio
Game 715-716
April 4, 2017 @ 8:30 pm

Dunkel Rating: Memphis
120.829
San Antonio
126.646
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total: San Antonio
by 6
187
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total: San Antonio
by 9
193
Dunkel Pick: Memphis
(+9); Under

Denver
@
New Orleans
Game 713-714
April 4, 2017 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating: Denver
118.631
New Orleans
127.211
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total: New Orleans
by 8 1/2
226
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total: New Orleans
by 2 1/2
228
Dunkel Pick: New Orleans
(-2 1/2); Under

Milwaukee
@
Oklahoma City
Game 711-712
April 4, 2017 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating: Milwaukee
119.737
Oklahoma City
121.827
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total: Oklahoma City
by 2
217
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total: Oklahoma City
by 4 1/2
211
Dunkel Pick: Milwaukee
(+4 1/2); Over

Chicago
@
New York
Game 709-710
April 4, 2017 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating: Chicago
119.849
New York
111.982
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total: Chicago
by 8
202
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total: Chicago
by 3
207
Dunkel Pick: Chicago
(-3); Under

Charlotte
@
Washington
Game 707-708
April 4, 2017 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating: Charlotte
117.361
Washington
127.646
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total: Washington
by 9 1/2
211
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total: Washington
by 4
217 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Washington
(-4); Under

Toronto
@
Indiana
Game 705-706
April 4, 2017 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating: Toronto
120.609
Indiana
115.414
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total: Toronto
by 5
202
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total: Indiana
by 2 1/2
206 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Toronto
(+2 1/2); Under

Orlando
@
Cleveland
Game 703-704
April 4, 2017 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating: Orlando
114.056
Cleveland
120.040
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total: Cleveland
by 6
226
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total: Cleveland
by 9 1/2
221 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Orlando
(+9 1/2); Over

Brooklyn
@
Philadelphia
Game 701-702
April 4, 2017 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating: Brooklyn
113.966
Philadelphia
116.782
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total: Philadelphia
by 3
214
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total: Philadelphia
by 1
221
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia
(-1); Under

[StarDust Bum]

Inside the Paint - Tuesday
April 4, 2017

Now that the college basketball season is over, the NBA will start to flex its muscle on the hardwood with the postseason less than two weeks away. Tuesday’s slate has 11 games on the board and below is my quick handicap.

Eastern Conference Outlook

Only four of the eight seeds in the Eastern Conference have been locked up and Milwaukee is very close to becoming the fifth. With that being said, there are six teams mathematically alive for the final three spots and three of them are playing Tuesday.

EASTERN CONFERENCE PLAYOFF RACE
Position Team Record Games Back
5 Milwaukee 40-37 -
6 Atlanta 39-38 -
7 Chicago 38-39 -
8 Miami 37-40 -
9 Indiana 37-40 -
10 Charlotte 36-41 1
11 Detroit 35-42 2

Charlotte is one game out but it’s playing its best basketball of the season right now. The Hornets have gone 7-3 in their last 10 and they bring a three-game winning streak to Washington on Tuesday. They just beat the Wizards 98-93 at home on Mar. 18 and they’re fortunate to catch Washington coming back from a long five-game road trip that saw them lose their final three contests. The Hornets are averaging 111.2 points per game in their last eight and that’s helped the ‘over’ go 7-1. Washington is one of the best home teams (29-10 SU, 22-17 ATS) but the travel factor could play a difference tonight.

Indiana is tied with Miami for the eighth spot but are on the outside looking in since the Heat own the head-to-head tiebreaker. The Pacers can only blame themselves if they miss the playoffs, losers in four straight and seven of their last 10. The defense is a mess lately and it’s translated into an 8-1 ‘over’ run. Toronto visits tonight and the line tells you that Indiana (-2 ½) is the play. The Pacers have been better at home (26-12 SU, 20-18 ATS) but the Raptors have won eight of their last nine games, which includes a 111-100 home win over Indiana this past Friday. When you consider the form, the Raptors appear to be a no-brainer but be careful of that number.

Chicago has turned it on of late with four consecutive wins, two of them coming on the road as healthy underdogs as well. Sunday’s 117-110 victory at New Orleans was a serious statement and they were playing that game on no rest as well. A letdown on Tuesday could be expected against a New York squad that is playing with second stringers. The Knicks have covered three of their last five games and for what it’s worth, New York is 2-0 both SU and ATS versus Chicago this season and those wins came by double digits. Based on the casualties for the Knicks, you would expect the Bulls (-3) to be laying a tad more but the hesitation from the oddsmakers is justified. Make a note that Chicago is averaging 108.5 PPG since Dwyane Wade has been ruled ‘out’ for the season and that’s led to a 7-2 ‘over’ mark.

Western Conference Outlook

Seven of the eight spots in the West are locked up but the seeds are still up in the air. Portland (38-39) holds a 1 ½-game lead over Denver (36-40) for the eighth and final spot, plus the Trail Blazers hold the head-to-head tiebreaker over the Nuggets.

Portland had to play a make-up game last night at Minnesota and it dropped a tough 110-109 decision, which snapped a six-game winning streak for the club. The Trail Blazers (+1 ½) managed to cover and are 7-0 ATS in their last seven. They head to Utah tonight and the game means something to the Jazz, who are trying to earn the No. 4 seed in the West over the Los Angeles Clippers. The Trail Blazers have won and covered seven straight games on no rest but they’ve dropped their last two at Salt Lake City, which includes a 111-88 setback on Feb. 15.

Denver has a solid shot to close the gap tonight when it visits New Orleans, who could be without All-Star forward Anthony Davis (ankle). The Nuggets snapped a three-game skid on Sunday with a 116-113 win at Miami. If you’re leaning to Denver, then you better hope they shoot well considering how bad the defense has been lately. They’re allowing an eye-opening 115.1 PPG in their last 10 and it’s amazing that they’ve gone .500 (5-5) during this span. The ‘over’ is 8-2. This head-to-head series has watched the visitor win seven of the last eight meetings between the pair, which includes Denver’s 107-102 win at New Orleans on opening night.

Golden Tickets

A lot of pundits wrote off the Golden State Warriors last month after the club had dropped five of seven games, which includes a 107-85 loss at San Antonio on Mar. 11 when they rested four key players. After the setback, it appeared that San Antonio was going to steal the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference.

Golden State started the second-half of the season with a dreadful 1-10 record against the spread and they just didn’t look the same without Kevin Durant in the lineupe.

Rather than try to fill the void of the injured All-Star, head coach Steve Kerr focused on defense and that mindset has turned things around quickly. Since the 2-5 drought, the Warriors have won 11 straight and the team has regained the confidence of bettors with an 8-2-1 ATS mark during this streak while the defense (98.7 PPG) has been super.

In the same span, San Antonio has gone a respectable 8-3 and one of those losses came to the Warriors (110-98) at home on Mar. 29. With all that being said, Golden State has a magic number of four with seven games to play and it’s expected to dig into that number when the Timberwolves (+13 ½) visit on Tuesday. Minnesota has gone 5-7 SU and 7-5 ATS on no rest this season but it will be facing a Golden State team looking to avenge a 103-102 loss to the Timberwolves at the Target Center on Mar. 10.

With Golden State close to locking up the No. 1 seed, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Gregg Popovich take the next two weeks off knowing they have the No. 2 sealed up already. Memphis (+8) visits San Antonio on Tuesday and the Grizzlies have gone 2-1 SU and 3-0 ATS in the three meetings this season. Make a note that Memphis enters this game with five straight losses on the road and is 3-7 in its last 10 away games.

Tuesday’s Trends to Watch

Philadelphia has won and covered all three meetings against Brooklyn this season while the ‘under’ has gone 3-0 in all three games.

Cleveland has won 16 straight games versus Orlando and even more impressive, the Cavaliers have gone 14-2 ATS during this streak.

Milwaukee is coming off a 109-105 home loss to Dallas on Sunday as it visits Oklahoma City on Tuesday. The Bucks are 6-1 in their last seven games off a loss, the last two-game slide coming on Mar. 1.

Sticking with Dallas, the Mavericks haven’t won two straight games since Mar. 11 and are 0-4 in their last four games off a win. The Kings (-2 ½) listed as favorites sort of sets the tone for this meaningless matchup from Sacrmento.

[StarDust Bum]

TUESDAY, APRIL 4

GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS

CHA at WAS 07:00 PM

CHA +3.0

TOR at IND 07:00 PM

TOR +2.5

U 203.0

BK at PHI 07:00 PM

PHI +2.0

U 222.5

ORL at CLE 07:00 PM

ORL +11.0

U 222.0

MIL at OKC 08:00 PM

OKC -5.5

O 210.0

DEN at NO 08:00 PM

DEN +2.0

O 228.0

CHI at NY 08:00 PM

CHI -3.0

O 204.0

MEM at SA 08:30 PM

MEM +10.0

O 194.5

POR at UTA 09:00 PM

UTA -6.0

U 201.5

MIN at GS 10:30 PM

GS -14.0

U 217.0

DAL at SAC 10:30 PM

DAL +2.0

O 196.5

[StarDust Bum]

NBA Capsules
April 4, 2017

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) Klay Thompson scored 41 points for his 10th career 40-point game, Stephen Curry had 19 points and nine assists, and the playoff-ready Golden State Warriors ran their winning streak to 12 by beating the Minnesota Timberwolves 121-107 on Tuesday night.

Golden State could wrap up the West's No. 1 seed as soon as Wednesday night with a win at Phoenix and a Spurs' loss at home to the Lakers.

Andrew Wiggins scored 24 points for Minnesota, which couldn't keep up with Golden State's spiffy passing and contributions from so many players on both ends of the floor.

In his highest-scoring performance since getting 60 on Dec. 5, Thompson hit 7 of 14 3-pointers - giving him at least four 3s in a career-best six consecutive games. His 262 3s rank as eighth-most ever for a single season after he had 276 last season.

PACERS 108, RAPTORS 90

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - Paul George scored 18 of his 35 points in the third quarter, leading Indiana to a big win.

The Pacers (38-40) stopped a four-game losing streak that dropped them out of a tie for the No. 5 seed in the Eastern Conference to the very real possibility of missing the postseason.

DeMar DeRozan scored 27 points for Toronto (47-31), which had won two in a row. Jonas Valanciunas had 10 points and 10 rebounds.

The Pacers trailed by 19 in the first half, but they opened the fourth quarter with an 11-2 run for an 88-77 lead.

The game was marred by a shoving match between Indiana's Lance Stephenson and DeRozan with 3.3 seconds left. The melee spilled down the sideline and into the Pacers' bench, where Toronto's P.J. Tucker was still jawing with Pacers players.

Stephenson, Tucker and DeRozan all received technical fouls.

THUNDER 110, BUCKS 79

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Russell Westbrook matched Oscar Robertson's single-season record with his 41st triple-double, leading Oklahoma City to the victory.

Westbrook clinched his seventh straight triple-double on an assist to Taj Gibson with 9:17 left in the third quarter. The crowd stood and chanted ''MVP! MVP!'' long after the assist. He later waved to the crowd after play stopped. He finished with 12 points, 13 rebounds and 13 assists.

Robertson set the record during the 1961-62 season, and Westbrook can break it Wednesday in Memphis. Westbrook also moved into a tie with Wilt Chamberlain for fourth on the career list with his 78th triple-double.

Michael Beasley scored 14 points for Milwaukee, and Giannis Antetokounmpo added 11 points and 10 rebounds.

JAZZ 106, TRAIL BLAZERS 87

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) - Gordon Hayward scored 30 points for Utah, and Rudy Gobert added 20 points and 11 rebounds.

The Jazz controlled the game most of the night with a defensive effort that bottled up everyone not named C.J. McCollum, and the Blazers never found a consistent offensive flow.

On the other end, Hayward was an efficient 12 for 20 from the floor, including 4 for 6 from behind the arc. Gobert recorded his 57th double-double.

McCollum scored 25 points for the Blazers, and Damian Lillard finished with 16.

SPURS 95, GRIZZLIES 89, OT

SAN ANTONIO (AP) - Kawhi Leonard had 32 points and 12 rebounds, and the Spurs topped the Grizzlies in a matchup of likely first-round playoff opponents.

LaMarcus Aldridge added 15 points, including the tying basket with 1.6 seconds left in the fourth quarter.

Memphis point guard Mike Conley left with 3:42 remaining in regulation after bumping heads with Leonard under the basket. Conley, who finished with 19 points, took one continuous stitch under his right eyelid rather than ''13.'' He is unsure if he will play Wednesday against Oklahoma City.

Pau Gasol added 12 points and 11 rebounds in San Antonio's third straight win.

WIZARDS 118, HORNETS 111

WASHINGTON (AP) - John Wall scored 14 of his 23 points in the third quarter, helping Washington hurt Charlotte's playoff chances.

The Wizards (47-31) returned from a five-game trip and stopped a three-game slide. Tying Toronto for the third seed in the Eastern Conference, Washington dealt Charlotte a significant blow after it had crept closer to a playoff spot with a three-game win streak.

Kemba Walker scored 37 points, but the All-Star guard went cold in the third quarter along with the rest of the Hornets (36-42). After making 26 of their first 42 shots, they went 6 for their next 18 as the game slipped away.

Washington won for the 17th time this season when trailing by double digits.

CAVALIERS 122, MAGIC 102

CLEVELAND (AP) - LeBron James notched his second straight triple-double, Kevin Love scored 28 points and Cleveland warmed up for a big game in Boston by dropping 18 3-pointers in a victory against Orlando.

Kyrie Irving added 24 points and J.R. Smith had 19 for the Cavs, who made nine 3s and scored 43 in the third quarter to turn a tight game into a blowout and beat Orlando for the 17th straight time.

Cleveland didn't have any on-court issues following an emotional, double-overtime victory Sunday and won its third straight. The defending champions also moved into a tie with the Celtics atop the Eastern Conference. The teams meet Wednesday for first place and temporary ownership of the top seed and home-court advantage until the NBA Finals.

Evan Fournier scored 21 for the Magic, who have lost five in a row and six of seven.

NUGGETS 134, PELICANS 131

NEW ORLEANS (AP) - Danilo Gallinari scored 28 points, and the Nuggets eliminated the Pelicans from playoff contention.

Gary Harris added 23 points, including a contested 3-pointer that gave Denver an eight-point lead inside the final three minutes. Nikola Jokic had 21 points and 12 rebounds to help the Nuggets remain on Portland's heels for the final Western Conference playoff spot.

New Orleans star Anthony Davis scored 41 points, and DeMarcus Cousins had 30 points and 14 rebounds. Jrue Holiday finished with 18 points and 13 assists, but turned the ball over twice in the last 30 seconds - leading to Denver free throws - and missed a 3-pointer as time expired.

KINGS 98, MAVERICKS 87

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - Ben McLemore scored 21 of his 22 points in the second half, leading Sacramento to the victory.

Limited to one free throw in the first half, McLemore scored 11 straight points to end the third quarter, and then helped the Kings pull away in the fourth.

Willie Cauley-Stein had 12 points and 16 rebounds for the Kings.

Nicolas Brussino had a season-high 13 points along with seven rebounds and five assists for Dallas, which played without Dirk Nowitzki. The Mavericks have lost five straight.

KNICKS 100, BULLS 91

NEW YORK (AP) - Carmelo Anthony scored 23 points, and the Knicks snapped the Bulls' four-game win streak.

Courtney Lee had 14 points for New York, and Maurice Ndour added 13 points and 12 rebounds. The Knicks (30-48) had dropped seven of nine.

The Bulls (38-40) shot just 38.1 percent from the field and committed 15 turnovers. They dropped into a tie with Indiana for the seventh spot in the Eastern Conference, just a half-game ahead of idle Miami.

All-Star Jimmy Butler scored 26 points for Chicago, and Nikola Mirotic had 21 points and 10 rebounds.

NETS 141, 76ERS 118

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - Brook Lopez and Jeremy Lin each scored 16 points to lead Brooklyn to a rare rout.

The 19-win Nets have been buried in last place in the NBA standings for most of the season and not even a recent surge could budge them out of the cellar.

Against the Sixers, Brooklyn scored buckets in the first half at the rapid rate of an All-Star Game. The Nets matched a franchise record for points in a first half with 81.

Brooklyn has won six of the last nine games and is a respectable 10-10 since March 1.

Philadelphia forward Dario Saric, one of the top contenders for NBA Rookie of the Year, only scored 10 points in 19 minutes; his playing time limited by plantar fasciitis in his left foot.