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

[StarDust Bum]

NBA RECORD + BEST BETS: ( ALL BASED ON 5 UNITS )

OVERALL BETS AND OPINIONS
12/01/2016 7-5-0 58.33% +750
12/02/2016 7-10-0 41.18% -2000
12/03/2016 10-8-0 55.56% +600
12/04/2016 2-6-0 25.00% -2300
12/05/2016 12-8-0 60.00% +1600
12/06/2016 6-6-0 50.00% -300
12/07/2016 11-9-0 55.00% +550
12/08/2016 6-6-0 50.00% -300
12/09/2016 9-8-0 52.94% +100
12/10/2016 14-5-0 73.68% +4250
12/11/2016 6-4-0 60.00% +800
12/12/2016 8-6-0 57.14% +700
12/13/2016 4-8-0 33.33% -2400

WLT PCT UNITS

ATS Picks 174-175-7 49.86% -9250

O/U Picks 172-182-2 48.59% -14100

BEST BETS:

12/13 - 1 - 6 - 0 - 2800

ATS: 24- 22 - 100

TOTALS: 25 - 22 + 400

OCT/NOV
ATS: 98 - 93 - 4

OCT/NOV BIG PLAYS 4 - 3

DECEMBER BIG PLAYS: 21 -19

[StarDust Bum]

Wednesday's Tip Sheet
December 14, 2016

Underdogs cashed in four of six games in the NBA on Tuesday, including outright victories by the Magic, Suns, and Timberwolves. Minnesota erased a 21-point deficit to stun Chicago, 99-94 as 5 ½-point ‘dogs, while Phoenix slowed down New York in overtime, 113-111. The Warriors barely got by the Pelicans, 113-109 as they failed to cash as double-digit favorites for the fourth straight game. The UNDER hit in four of six contests, while the Knicks and Suns needed overtime to reach the OVER.

Game of the Night – Celtics at Spurs (-7 ½, 201) – 9:35 PM EST – ESPN

The expectations were high in Boston (13-11 SU, 12-11-1 ATS) following a 48-win campaign last season. The Celtics have gone through a bit of an uneven start so far, while coming off a pair of losses to the Raptors and Thunder over the last five days. Boston has played without leading scorer Isaiah Thomas (26.0 ppg) the past three games due to a groin injury, as the diminutive guard will sit out again tonight in San Antonio.

The Spurs (19-5 SU, 11-12-1 ATS) control to roll atop the Southwest division, coming off Saturday’s 130-101 blowout of the Nets as 15 ½-point home favorites. San Antonio hasn’t been great against the number recently by posting a 2-5 ATS mark the last seven games, while cashing in only two of its past nine contests at the AT&T Center.

San Antonio has owned Boston through the years by winning 10 straight meetings, including a 109-103 triumph at TD Garden on November 25. The Spurs cashed as three-point favorites as San Antonio erased an early 10-point deficit, while Kawhi Leonard led San Antonio with 25 points and 10 rebounds. The Celtics have dropped four straight visits to San Antonio with the last victory at the AT&T Center coming in March 2011.

Taking it Easy

The Cavaliers cruised past the Grizzlies on Tuesday, 103-86 to cover as 14-point home favorites. The two teams will finish a back-to-back set tonight in Memphis but the Cavs will leave their version of the “Big Three” back in Cleveland as LeBron James, Kyrie Irving, and Kevin Love won’t make the trip due to rest. This is the first time this season those three stars won’t play in the same game, while James is missing his second contest of the season as Cleveland lost that game in Indiana, 103-93 on November 16.

Thunder Road

Oklahoma City and Utah enter tonight’s Northwest division battle in Salt Lake City with exact 15-10 records after the Thunder lost in Portland last night, 114-95. The Thunder were limited to 38% shooting from the floor, while scoring below 100 points for the third straight game. OKC is riding a five-game streak to the UNDER, while the Thunder is 4-1 to the UNDER in five games with no rest this season.

The Jazz have been off for three days since routing the Kings, 104-84 as six-point favorites as Utah has won eight of their previous 10 contests. Utah will be looking to end its woes against OKC after losing all four meetings to the Thunder last season.

Southeast Slugfest

The Hornets continue their five-game road swing in Washington tonight as Charlotte tries to end a two-game slide. Charlotte’s defense has been lit up during the first two games of this trip, allowing 116 points at Cleveland and 110 points at Indiana on Monday. Washington has been an early disappointment at 9-14 as the Wizards fell short in Monday’s 112-101 loss at Miami to drop to 2-4 against division opponents. The Hornets and Wizards are meeting for the first time this season as the home team won all four matchups last season.

Motor City Bounce-Back

The Pistons were handed a stunning 97-79 home loss by the 76ers on Sunday as 12-point favorites as Detroit has now alternated wins and losses in its past six games. Detroit has won four straight games off a defeat as the Pistons travel to Dallas to face the 6-18 Mavericks. Dallas rolled past Denver on Monday, 112-92 as 2 ½-point underdogs to improve to 6-3 ATS the previous nine contests. However, the Mavs have won back-to-back games only once this season.

Southwest Travels

Sacramento heads out on a three-game road trip against Southwest division opponents, starting with a visit to Houston tonight. The Kings look to avenge a 117-104 home defeat to the Rockets on November 25 as the Rockets attempted an NBA record 50 three-pointers in that victory. Sacramento owns a solid 5-2 ATS mark as an underdog of five points or more this season, as the Kings opened as 9 ½-point ‘dogs in Houston. The Rockets are riding a seven-game winning streak, while capturing victories in seven of its last eight games at Toyota Center.

Head-to-Head Trends

-- The Raptors have won 13 consecutive meetings against the 76ers, while covering each of the last six as the two division rivals meet in Philadelphia.

-- Indiana and Miami split their four-game season series last season with the home team winning each time as the two squads hook up in South Florida. Miami has grabbed the last three meetings at home with two of those victories coming in overtime last season.

-- The Clippers have won five straight meetings with the Magic since 2014, while going 4-1 in the past five visits to Orlando. Six of the last seven matchups have finished UNDER the total, while Los Angeles has eclipsed the 100-point mark in the past five meetings.

-- The Lakers and Nets hook up for the second time this season after Los Angeles held off Brooklyn in the first go-around at Staples Center, 125-118 in November. Los Angeles has owned Brooklyn of late by winning the last three matchups, including a 104-98 victory at Barclays Center last season.

[StarDust Bum]

Three-pointer: West Wannabes
December 14, 2016

Through the first 20-plus games of the NBA season, we’ve already seen drastic separation between the haves and have-nots.

I’m not writing about it being Cleveland, Golden State and everyone else, since it’s too early to write off most of the league. In the East, Toronto looks like a team that could again reach the conference finals and the Cavs’ division is filled entirely with teams that entered the week at .500 are better until the Bucks got handed a beating by the Raptors, so it’s not exactly a cakewalk for the defending champs.

In the Western Conference, the Spurs, Clippers and Rockets all look formidable enough to give the Warriors some trouble.

The separation I’m referring to is what we’re already seeing shake out if you take an early look at the playoff picture. The fact the entire Central Division had at least as many wins as they did until Milwaukee’s Monday night loss has been made possible by there being only five other teams in the entire Eastern Conference that can say the same. In the West, there are seven teams that have compiled winning percentages of .600 or better as we approach mid-December, which could make the first few months of 2017 all about positioning for seeding and a race for No. 8 for everybody else.

Currently, a slumping Portland squad that broke through last year by reaching the second round with an upset of the Clippers inhabits that final playoff spot, which means Oakland native Damian Lillard could run into his hometown team for a second consecutive year. They’ll be in the mix as the likely No. 8 seed since he and CJ McCollum form one of the league’s top backcourts, but a lack of defense seems like it will be an issue all season.

The Trail Blazers pulled off an impressive 114-95 win over Oklahoma City on Tuesday but remain 13-14 and most vulnerable among the Western Conference’s postseason contenders. For wagering purposes, we have to start looking for value in projecting what teams can get things turned around to make the Blazers pay for their dip in production. Sure, one could argue drawing Golden State in a playoff series would be the ultimate booby prize, but each of the teams would sign up for the challenge this very second. Not only does it add to playoff revenue and bonuses, but everyone hunting down Portland with the exception of injury-ravaged Dallas is hoping to end a playoff drought of multiple years.

Dallas is bringing up the rear in the West, threatening to miss the playoffs for just the second time in 17 seasons. The Mavs' likely absence creates a vacancy for someone to crash the party. Of those on the chase, New Orleans is the last to appear, earning the No. 8 seed in 2015. Anthony Davis was supposed to be a fixture in the playoffs but guided his team to a 30-52 season last year and has fallen 10 games under .500.

The Lakers have been out of the spotlight since 2013, doomed by the Kobe Bryant retirement tour. That was the last year Denver qualified too. Phoenix hasn’t made the playoffs since 2010. Sacramento hasn’t reached the postseason since ’06. Minnesota has been absent since ’04.

Since this is a 3-pointer, we’ll break down my top three contenders.

Minnesota Timberwolves

The Timberwolves have to appear on this list due to the amazing amount of talent in place. No one expected Tom Thibodeau to start his tenure so poorly, but Sunday’s 116-108 loss to Golden State was a microcosm of just how frustrating the season has been. The Wolves led the Warriors by 10 points entering the fourth quarter and were outscored 38-20 to drop a fourth straight game.

That they fell behind 26-6 to open Thibodeau’s return to Chicago as a head coach on Tuesday night was alarming. That they rebounded from a 21-point mid-second quarter deficit was rather incredible when you consider they held a veteran Bulls squad down at home and had Dwyane Wade so frustrated that he was ejected before game’s end.

“It’s bad losing at home, anytime,” a salty Wade said afterward, “but when you lose against a team you shouldn’t lose to, it feels worse.”

The Wolves are young. They’re going to get under people’s skin and they’re going to have more missteps and learning experiences along the way.

Still, they’re so irresistably talented. Ricky Rubio and Zack LaVine are growing into a more consistent starting backcourt. Karl-Anthony Towns is already among the NBA’s top 10 players. Andrew Wiggins has scored more than 20 points in three of the last four after doing so twice in his previous 10. He appears to have broken out of a shooting slump that saw him go 8-for-37 from 3-point range during that 10-game stretch by hitting 6 of 14 from beyond the arc entering Friday’s date with the Rockets.

Minnesota’s home record of 3-9 is the worst in the NBA, but maybe having the Warriors on the ropes and staging a massive comeback against the Bulls will help fuel the confidence of a team that can only turn the corner once all the pieces finally come together. With six of their next nine between now and New Year’s scheduled at Target Center, a long-awaited run could be coming. Thibodeau’s Wolves still haven’t won consecutive games, a streak they’ll look to break against Houston.

Denver Nuggets

The Nuggets wrapped up a season-long six-game road trip on Monday night in Dallas and have already played more road games than every team in the NBA, tying OKC, Houston and Portland with 15. Since all those teams are ahead of them, it’s essential that they make Pepsi Center a feared stop again.

Denver has typically enjoyed one of the top homecourt edges in the league due to the altitude. Being forced to play there on the second night of a back-to-back is considered the most grueling task, schedule-wise, by many coaches.

The George Karl-led squad that won 57 games went 38-3 in Denver, so he knew how to take advantage of the edge before being fired. Since that run, the Nuggets are 62-71 after opening 3-7 entering Wednesday’s hosting of Portland. They’ve had consecutive losing seasons at home. The current roster that has been assembled is probably the best-built to make homecourt advantage count since it boast some real quality depth, albeit young, for the first time since they won 57 games in ’13.

Six of the Nuggets’ next eight games to close out the calendar year will be played at home, starting with this week’s games against the Blazers, Knicks and Mavs. They’ll close out the month against the Wolves and 76ers, so the schedule will definitely be an ally for them to make a move.

Emmanuel Mudiay returned from an ankle sprain that cost him a game last week and scored 17 points in Monday’s win over Dallas, his largest ouput since Nov. 27. He’s shooting 28 percent from 3-point range on the season and will need to make a significant jump in order to take advantage of his physical gifts. It’s also going to be crucial for Gary Harris to hit the ground running when he returns from a foot injury that has cost him all but five games. He’s scheduled to get back in the rotation this week, so it will be interesting to see how head coach Michael Malone handles minutes. Kenneth Faried received a DNP-CD last week.

Sacramento Kings

Malone’s former employer remains maddingly inconsistent, but they just blew the Lakers out, so they’ll squeak into this column. The Kings’ last four wins have come by an astounding 77-point margin, an average of 19.3. They’ve also lost the last four games they’ve played in decided by single-digits.

Fun.

It’s the same mix of DeMarcus Cousins-led madness since Dave Joerger took over for Ty Corbin, who took over Karl. Hat tip to getting him in this column twice. Like all head coaches working new gigs, he deserves a grace period and may actually stumble upon the right formula to get his team playing to their maximum efficiency for longer stretches, both in games and within the schedule.

Being at home is going to be key to Sacramento’s long-term success given their spiffy new arena, but they’re going to have to find the form that took down the Clippers and Raptors in a three-night span on the road if they want to be successful between now and Christmas. The Kings have only one home game among their six, facing the Blazers on Dec. 20. They’ll see Portland again on the 28th, so they’ve got a shot to make some inroads against the team they’re chasing.

It’s on Cousins, of course. He’s got such little room for error given the lack of depth on the roster that it’s not fair to blame him when he comes up short. He’s got to keep his head cool and he’s got to make the right decisions or it all falls apart because there isn’t enough to keep it afloat otherwise. It’s just the way it is. Cousins has shot 50 percent or better in those four blowout wins, averaging 32 points and 13.5 boards. In their four December losses, he’s shot 31-for-104 (29.8 pct) from the field.

Sacramento is 7-4 when he shoots .500 or better and 2-11 when he doesn’t. Can he lock in? The 4.8 assists per game he’s averaging this month would be the highest total of his career if he can keep that pace and teammates repay his trust. Second-leading scorer Rudy Gay has been slumping and may not be available as the Kings start this week’s three-game road trip due to a hip ailment, so even more of the burden is on Cousins’ shoulders. If his team is going to linger around in the race for the No. 8 seed by the time we close in on the midway point of the schedule around this time next month. Life comes at you fast.

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up

Tuesday, December 14

Memphis won its last six games, even without injured PG Conley; Grizzlies covered four of last five games as a road underdog. Last three Memphis games stayed under. Cleveland won/covered its last four games; they covered five of last six games as a home favorite. Over is 8-2 in their last ten games. Cavaliers won three of last four games with Memphis; they covered seven of last ten series games. Teams split last four games played here. Over is 6-4 in last ten series games.

Magic lost their last three games, but covered six of last seven games as a road underdog. Three of last four Orlando games went over. Hawks won last two games but lost three of last four at home; they’re 0-3-1 vs spread in last four home games. Under is 12-3 in their last 15 games. Orlando won its last two games with Atlanta after losing six of previous seven series games; Magic lost three of last four visits here (3-1 vs spread). Four of last six series games stayed under the total.

Minnesota lost four in row, seven of last eight games; they’re 3-5 as road underdogs. Over is 7-2 in last nine Timberwolves games. Chicago won last two games by 4-5 points; they’re 3-4 as home favorites. Over is 3-1 in their last four home games. Minnesota won last two games with Chicago by 7-9 points; teams split last four games played here (Minnesota 3-1 vs spread). Under is 4-2 in last six series games.

Warriors won five of last six games but are 0-3 vs spread in last three; they’re 7-7 as road favorites (0-3 in last three). Under is 3-1 in last four Golden State games. Pelicans lost five of last six games; they’re 3-1 as home underdogs. Three of last four New Orleans games went over. Golden State won its last nine games with New Orleans (4-2 vs spread in last six); Warriors won last four visits to Bourbon Street (2-2 vs spread) winning by 8-14-11-4 points. Last four series games went over total.

New York won six of its last seven games; they’re 5-6 SU on road, 1-0 vs spread as road favorites. Three of last four Knick games went over. Phoenix lost six of last eight games; they’re 4-3 as home underdogs. Six of last seven Suns games went over total. Knicks won last two games with Phoenix by 18-31 points; teams split last four games played here (Suns 2-1-1 vs spread). Six of last seven series games stayed under.

Portland lost tough game in Staples Center last night, Trailblazers’ 4ht straight loss; Blazers won/covered five of last seven home games. Over is 8-2 in Portland’s last ten games. Oklahoma City won seven of last eight games, winning last three road tilts. Last four Thunder games stayed under the total. Home side won last six Oklahoma City-Portland games; Thunder lost last four visits here, by 5-5-3-17 points. Over is 5-2 in last seven series games.

[StarDust Bum]

NBA

Tuesday, December 14

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Trend Report
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7:00 PM
LA CLIPPERS vs. ORLANDO
LA Clippers are 4-10 ATS in their last 14 games
LA Clippers are 18-7 SU in their last 25 games
Orlando is 0-5 SU in their last 5 games when playing LA Clippers
Orlando is 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games when playing LA Clippers

7:00 PM
TORONTO vs. PHILADELPHIA
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Toronto's last 6 games when playing Philadelphia
Toronto is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games
Philadelphia is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Toronto
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Philadelphia's last 6 games

7:00 PM
INDIANA vs. MIAMI
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Indiana's last 9 games when playing on the road against Miami
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Indiana's last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Miami's last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Miami's last 9 games when playing at home against Indiana

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

7:30 PM
LA LAKERS vs. BROOKLYN
The total has gone OVER in 4 of the LA Lakers last 6 games when playing Brooklyn
LA Lakers are 1-7 SU in their last 8 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Brooklyn's last 10 games when playing at home against LA Lakers
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Brooklyn's last 6 games when playing LA Lakers

8:00 PM
SACRAMENTO vs. HOUSTON
Sacramento is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Houston
Sacramento is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Houston
Houston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Sacramento
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Houston's last 11 games

8:00 PM
CLEVELAND vs. MEMPHIS
Cleveland is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Memphis
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Cleveland's last 11 games
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Memphis's last 11 games when playing at home against Cleveland
Memphis is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Cleveland

8:30 PM
DETROIT vs. DALLAS
Detroit is 5-11 SU in its last 16 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Detroit's last 5 games on the road
Dallas is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Detroit
Dallas is 12-3 SU in its last 15 games when playing Detroit

9:00 PM
OKLAHOMA CITY vs. UTAH
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Oklahoma City's last 16 games on the road
Oklahoma City is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games
Utah is 6-1-1 ATS in its last 8 games at home
Utah is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games at home

9:30 PM
BOSTON vs. SAN ANTONIO
Boston is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing San Antonio
Boston is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against San Antonio
San Antonio is 14-2 SU in its last 16 games
San Antonio is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Boston

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Dunkel

Wednesday, December 14

Boston @ San Antonio

Game 519-520
December 14, 2016 @ 9:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Boston
122.954
San Antonio
124.035
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
San Antonio
by 1
193
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
San Antonio
by 8
201 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Boston
(+8); Under

Oklahoma City @ Utah

Game 517-518
December 14, 2016 @ 9:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Oklahoma City
117.046
Utah
128.978
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Utah
by 12
207
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Utah
No Line
N/A
Dunkel Pick:
Utah
N/A

Detroit @ Dallas

Game 515-516
December 14, 2016 @ 8:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Detroit
119.156
Dallas
119.483
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Dallas
Even
193
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Detroit
by 4 1/2
189 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Dallas
(+4 1/2); Over

Sacramento @ Houston

Game 513-514
December 14, 2016 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Sacramento
123.157
Houston
123.575
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Sacramento
Even
212
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Houston
by 9 1/2
217
Dunkel Pick:
Sacramento
(+9 1/2); Under

Cleveland @ Memphis

Game 511-512
December 14, 2016 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Cleveland
127.150
Memphis
124.019
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Cleveland
by 3
207
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Cleveland
by 7 1/2
203
Dunkel Pick:
Memphis
(+7 1/2); Over

LA Lakers @ Brooklyn

Game 509-510
December 14, 2016 @ 7:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
LA Lakers
113.625
Brooklyn
108.432
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
LA Lakers
by 5
219
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Brooklyn
by 1 1/2
228
Dunkel Pick:
LA Lakers
(+1 1/2); Under

Charlotte @ Washington

Game 507-508
December 14, 2016 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Charlotte
116.957
Washington
119.471
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Washington
by 2 1/2
222
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Washington
Pick
212 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Washington
Over

LA Clippers @ Orlando

Game 505-506
December 14, 2016 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
LA Clippers
127.054
Orlando
113.179
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
LA Clippers
by 14
203
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
LA Clippers
No Line
N/A
Dunkel Pick:
LA Clippers
N/A

Toronto @ Philadelphia

Game 503-504
December 14, 2016 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Toronto
134.156
Philadelphia
116.224
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Toronto
by 18
201
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Toronto
by 8 1/2
206 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Toronto
(-8 1/2); Under

Indiana @ Miami

Game 501-502
December 14, 2016 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Indiana
113.559
Miami
123.275
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Miami
by 9 1/2
212
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Miami
by 1 1/2
205
Dunkel Pick:
Miami
(-1 1/2); Over

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Long Sheet

Wednesday, December 14

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INDIANA (13 - 12) at MIAMI (8 - 17) - 12/14/2016, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MIAMI is 29-17 ATS (+10.3 Units) in home games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 123-165 ATS (-58.5 Units) in home games first half of the season since 1996.

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

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TORONTO (17 - 7) at PHILADELPHIA (6 - 18) - 12/14/2016, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 17-6 ATS (+10.4 Units) in all games this season.
TORONTO is 17-6 ATS (+10.4 Units) first half of the season this season.
TORONTO is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) after scoring 105 points or more this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 38-66 ATS (-34.6 Units) in home games in December games since 1996.
PHILADELPHIA is 10-24 ATS (-16.4 Units) vs. division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 21-34 ATS (-16.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 111-152 ATS (-56.2 Units) in home games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
TORONTO is 7-2 against the spread versus PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
TORONTO is 9-0 straight up against PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
6 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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LA CLIPPERS (18 - 7) at ORLANDO (11 - 15) - 12/14/2016, 7:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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CHARLOTTE (14 - 11) at WASHINGTON (9 - 14) - 12/14/2016, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CHARLOTTE is 11-23 ATS (-14.3 Units) in road games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 56-82 ATS (-34.2 Units) as a home underdog of 3 points or less since 1996.
WASHINGTON is 370-439 ATS (-112.9 Units) in home games since 1996.
WASHINGTON is 171-213 ATS (-63.3 Units) vs. division opponents since 1996.
WASHINGTON is 90-123 ATS (-45.3 Units) in home games after a loss by 10 points or more since 1996.

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

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LA LAKERS (10 - 17) at BROOKLYN (6 - 17) - 12/14/2016, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LA LAKERS are 14-29 ATS (-17.9 Units) when the total is greater than or equal to 210 over the last 2 seasons.
LA LAKERS are 6-16 ATS (-11.6 Units) in a road game where the total is greater than or equal to 210 over the last 2 seasons.
LA LAKERS are 0-7 ATS (-7.7 Units) in December games this season.
LA LAKERS are 195-239 ATS (-67.9 Units) after a division game since 1996.
LA LAKERS are 49-70 ATS (-28.0 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 3 seasons.

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

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CLEVELAND (18 - 5) at MEMPHIS (17 - 9) - 12/14/2016, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CLEVELAND is 16-28 ATS (-14.8 Units) after 3 or more consecutive wins over the last 2 seasons.
MEMPHIS is 17-7 ATS (+9.3 Units) when playing on back-to-back days over the last 2 seasons.
MEMPHIS is 1-9 ATS (-8.9 Units) after 3 or more consecutive unders over the last 2 seasons.

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

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SACRAMENTO (9 - 15) at HOUSTON (18 - 7) - 12/14/2016, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SACRAMENTO is 9-23 ATS (-16.3 Units) in December games over the last 3 seasons.
HOUSTON is 17-8 ATS (+8.2 Units) in all games this season.
HOUSTON is 14-6 ATS (+7.4 Units) when the total is greater than or equal to 210 this season.
HOUSTON is 17-8 ATS (+8.2 Units) first half of the season this season.
HOUSTON is 25-13 ATS (+10.7 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 11-2 ATS (+8.8 Units) after allowing 105 points or more this season.
HOUSTON is 12-3 ATS (+8.7 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.
HOUSTON is 100-132 ATS (-45.2 Units) in home games against Pacific division opponents since 1996.

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

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DETROIT (13 - 13) at DALLAS (6 - 18) - 12/14/2016, 8:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 14-25 ATS (-13.5 Units) in road games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
DALLAS is 357-295 ATS (+32.5 Units) as an underdog since 1996.
DETROIT is 15-4 ATS (+10.6 Units) off a upset loss as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.

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

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OKLAHOMA CITY (15 - 10) at UTAH (15 - 10) - 12/14/2016, 9:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
UTAH is 4-3 against the spread versus OKLAHOMA CITY over the last 3 seasons
OKLAHOMA CITY is 6-2 straight up against UTAH over the last 3 seasons
7 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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BOSTON (13 - 11) at SAN ANTONIO (19 - 5) - 12/14/2016, 9:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SAN ANTONIO is 966-844 ATS (+37.6 Units) in all games since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 774-656 ATS (+52.4 Units) as a favorite since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 143-110 ATS (+22.0 Units) as a home favorite of 6.5 to 9 points since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 490-411 ATS (+37.9 Units) in home games since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 35-22 ATS (+10.8 Units) first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 326-256 ATS (+44.4 Units) after a non-conference game since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 321-266 ATS (+28.4 Units) in non-conference games since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 198-154 ATS (+28.6 Units) in home games after a win by 10 points or more since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 289-237 ATS (+28.3 Units) after scoring 105 points or more since 1996.
BOSTON is 19-9 ATS (+9.1 Units) in road games first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 30-16 ATS (+12.4 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN ANTONIO is 4-1 against the spread versus BOSTON over the last 3 seasons
SAN ANTONIO is 5-0 straight up against BOSTON over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

[StarDust Bum]

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14

GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS

CHA at WAS

WAS +1.5 *****

O 210.0

TOR at PHI

TOR -8.0 *****

O 205.0

IND at MIA

MIA +1.0

U 203.5 *****

LAC at ORL

ORL +9.0

O 210.0 *****

LAL at BK 07:30 PM

BK +1.0

O 228.0

[StarDust Bum]

CLE at MEM 08:00 PM

MEM -7.5 *****

U 189.5

SAC at HOU 08:00 PM

HOU -13.5

O 213.0 ***** ( TOTAL OF THE NIGHT )

DET at DAL 08:30 PM

DET -5.5

U 188.5 *****

OKC at UTA 09:00 PM

UTA -7.5 *****

U 199.5 *****

BOS at SA 09:30 PM

SA -6.5 *****

U 195.0 *****

[StarDust Bum]

NBA Capsules
December 15, 2016

WASHINGTON (AP) John Wall and Bradley Beal combined for 19 of their 45 points in the third quarter, Washington's highest-scoring period this season, and the Wizards came back to beat the Charlotte Hornets 109-106 Wednesday night, handing the Southeast Division leaders their third consecutive loss.

Wall, wearing bright orange neon shoes, outplayed Hornets star Kemba Walker, finishing with more points (25-17) and assists (10-9), along with seven steals to become Washington's franchise leader in that category.

Beal, 0 for 6 in the first half, took over for part of the third, scoring 11 points, mostly via a trio of 3s, and finished with 20 points and a career-high nine assists.

Charlotte got within two on Cody Zeller's layup with 10.6 seconds remaining. Wall made one of two free throws a second later, and Nicolas Batum and Walker both missed 3s that would have tied it.

In the third, Washington went from trailing by 10 points to leading 79-71 thanks to a 23-5 burst, part of a 38-23 edge in the quarter.

Charlotte (14-12) is 0-3 to start a five-game road trip.

GRIZZLIES 93, CAVALIERS 85

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) - Troy Daniels scored 20 points and Marc Gasol had 17 points and 11 rebounds to lead Memphis over the short-handed Cleveland Cavaliers, who left their top three players at home to rest.

Tony Allen added 16 points, eight rebounds and three steals as the Grizzlies won for the seventh time in eight games. The only loss during that stretch was a 110-89 defeat Tuesday night in Cleveland.

LeBron James, Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love did not make the trip for the Cavs, leaving an average of more than 70 points per game back in Cleveland.

The result was the Cavaliers setting a season low for points and hitting only nine 3-pointers - matching their fewest in a game this season.

James Jones led Cleveland with 15 points.

JAZZ 109, THUNDER 89

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) - Rodney Hood scored 25 points and Utah defeated Oklahoma City to break a tie between the teams atop the Northwest Division.

Utah led from start to finish behind 58.3 percent shooting and showed why it's one of the best defensive teams in the NBA, holding the Thunder to 36.6 percent from the field.

Gordon Hayward scored 17 for the Jazz, who have won nine of 11. Rudy Gobert added 12 points, 12 rebounds and three blocks.

Russell Westbrook paced the Thunder with 27 points, six rebounds and five assists. He shot 7 for 25 from the floor.

Enes Kanter scored 19 for Oklahoma City against his former team.

SPURS 108, CELTICS 101

SAN ANTONIO (AP) - Kawhi Leonard scored 26 points and San Antonio played its second consecutive solid home game in holding off Boston.

Spurs point guard Tony Parker had 16 points, including 10 in the final period.

Pau Gasol had 17 points and 13 rebounds for San Antonio, which has won three straight at the AT&T Center after dropping three of its first four at home. The Spurs (20-5) are 7-4 at home after matching an NBA record with a 40-1 mark last season.

The Spurs had 33 assists on 44 field goals while shooting 55 percent from the field and winning their 11th straight over Boston.

Boston was without injured leading scorer Isaiah Thomas. San Antonio rested starting power forward LaMarcus Aldridge, and both teams showed off their depth.

Avery Bradley had 25 points and 10 assists for the Celtics.

HEAT 95, PACERS 89

MIAMI (AP) - Hassan Whiteside had 26 points and 22 rebounds, Tyler Johnson scored 15 off the bench and Miami beat Indiana.

James Johnson added 14 points for the Heat, who outrebounded Indiana 58-38 and won consecutive games at home for the first time all season.

Paul George scored 22 for the Pacers, who were hoping for a season-best third straight win and instead managed just 10 points in the fourth quarter.

RAPTORS 123, 76ERS 114

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - DeMar DeRozan scored 31 points and Kyle Lowry added 20 in his Philadelphia homecoming to help Toronto win its fourth straight.

DeRozan had 31 points through three quarters in his second consecutive 30-point game. The Atlantic Division-leading Raptors (18-7) have won 10 of 11 and are 11 games over .500 for the first time this season.

The 76ers were trying to win three straight games for the first time since taking four in a row from Dec. 29, 2013-Jan. 4, 2014.

Robert Covington led the Sixers with 26 points.

CLIPPERS 113, MAGIC 108

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) - Austin Rivers made seven 3-pointers and scored 25 points in his return from a concussion to help Los Angeles beat Orlando for its third straight victory.

Rivers hit the key shot when he buried a 3 from the corner with 2 minutes left to give the Clippers a nine-point lead.

Blake Griffin added 23 points, and DeAndre Jordan had 22 points and 12 rebounds. Jordan, who often struggles from the foul line, made 12 of 18 free throws.

Aaron Gordon had 33 points for the Magic, and Evan Fournier added 24.

ROCKETS 132, KINGS 98

HOUSTON (AP) - James Harden had a triple-double - 15 points, 14 assists and 11 rebounds - in just three quarters to lead Houston past depleted Sacramento for its eighth straight win.

The Rockets have the longest current winning streak in the NBA and the team's longest since 2014.

It was Harden's fifth triple-double this season and the 14th of his career, which ties him with Hakeem Olajuwon for most in franchise history.

The Kings played without three starters: Rudy Gay (hip flexor strain) and Ben McLemore (left quadriceps contusion) were out with injuries, and DeMarcus Cousins received a planned day of rest. Sacramento was led by Garrett Temple's 20 points.

Ryan Anderson had 22 points and Sam Dekker scored a career-high 19 for Houston.

NETS 107, LAKERS 97

NEW YORK (AP) - Bojan Bogdanovic scored 23 points, Sean Kilpatrick had 22 and Brooklyn sent Los Angeles to its eighth straight loss.

Brook Lopez added 20 points for the Nets, who played without Jeremy Lin again but avoided a third consecutive defeat. Trevor Booker grabbed a season-high 18 rebounds.

Lou Williams scored 16 points for the Lakers, who have fallen from a .500 team early in Luke Walton's first season as coach to one that is 10-18. They shot 38.5 percent from the field and were dismal as well from 3-point range (22 percent) and the free throw line (61.8).

PISTONS 95, MAVERICKS 85

DALLAS (AP) - Reggie Jackson scored 20 points and Andre Drummond led a dominant rebounding effort with 17 as Detroit topped Dallas.

Jon Leuer had a season-high 19 points off the bench as the Pistons beat the team with the worst record in the Western Conference three nights after losing to Philadelphia, the last-place team in the East.

Drummond had 10 rebounds in the first 7 1/2 minutes and the Pistons had a 29-9 edge on the boards at halftime and 50-30 for the game.

Harrison Barnes led the Mavericks with 19 points.

[StarDust Bum]

Thursday’s games

Bulls won four of last five games with Milwaukee; under is 5-2 in last seven series games. Chicago won three of last five games in this building. Bulls lost four of last six games; they’re 5-1 in last six games as a road underdog. Three of Bulls’ last four games stayed under. Bucks lost last three games by 4-5-22 points; they’re 3-5 as home favorites. Last four Milwaukee games went over the total.

Pacers won their last ten games with New Orleans (8-1 vs spread in last nine); Indiana won last five visits to Bourbon Street (5-0 vs spread). Under is 6-1 in last seven series games. Pacers are 3-9 on road, 2-4 as road underdog; over is 9-3 in their road games. Pelicans lost six of their last seven games; they’re 5-9 at home, losing last four. Over is 9-4-1 in New Orleans home games.

Portland won nine of last ten games with Denver; Trailblazers won four of last five visits here. Over is 8-2 in last ten series games. Portland lost four of last five games; they’re 2-9 in last 11 road tilts. Over is 8-3 in Trailblazers’ last 11 games. Nuggets lost three of last four games, are 3-7 at home, losing last three at home. Over is 8-1-1 in Denver’s last ten games overall.

Spurs won last seven games with Phoenix (4-2-1 vs spread); San Antonio won last three games in desert, by 27-28-7 points. Under is 6-2 in last eight series games. Spurs beat Boston last night; they’re 9-4 as road favorites, 4-1 vs spread on road if they played night before. Over is 7-1 in their last eight games. Suns are 4-7 at home, 5-3 as a road underdog. Seven of last eight Phoenix games went over total.

Knicks lost six of last seven games with Golden State, losing four of last five visits to Oakland (1-4 vs spread). Four of last five series games stayed under. New York won four of last five road games, covered five of last six; they covered last four tries as a road underdog. Over is 4-1 in Knicks’ last five games. Golden State won six of last seven games; they’re 5-6 as home favorites. Four of Warriors’ last five games stayed under.

[StarDust Bum]

NBA BETTING TRENDS
ATS

9:05 pm 12/15/2016
(707) PORTLAND @(708) DENVER
Play AGAINST DENVER against the spread in Home games after a loss by 10 points or more.
The record is 6 Wins and 22 Losses for the last three seasons (-18.2 units)
BET NOW!

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

NBA BETTING TRENDS
Money Line

10:35 pm 12/15/2016
(709) NEW YORK @(710) GOLDEN STATE
Play ON GOLDEN STATE using the money line in Home games against Atlantic division opponents.
The record is 69 Wins and 34 Losses since 1996 (+38.65 units)
BET NOW!

9:05 pm 12/15/2016
(707) PORTLAND @(708) DENVER
Play AGAINST DENVER using the money line in Home games when playing against a team with a losing record.
The record is 17 Wins and 19 Losses for the last three seasons (-28.9 units)
BET NOW!

9:05 pm 12/15/2016
(707) PORTLAND @(708) DENVER
Play AGAINST DENVER using the money line in Home games after a loss by 10 points or more.
The record is 7 Wins and 22 Losses for the last three seasons (-23 units)
BET NOW!

8:05 pm 12/15/2016
(701) INDIANA @(702) NEW ORLEANS
Play AGAINST NEW ORLEANS using the money line in All games as a favorite.
The record is 13 Wins and 18 Losses for the last two seasons (-22.1 units)
BET NOW!

8:05 pm 12/15/2016
(701) INDIANA @(702) NEW ORLEANS
Play ON INDIANA using the money line in All games in non-conference games.
The record is 7 Wins and 3 Losses this season (+13.6 units)
BET NOW!

8:05 pm 12/15/2016
(703) CHICAGO @(704) MILWAUKEE
Play AGAINST CHICAGO using the money line in All games in a road game where where the total is between 205 and 209.5 points.
The record is 16 Wins and 39 Losses since 1996 (-32.95 units)
BET NOW!

[StarDust Bum]

NBA BETTING TRENDS
Half Time Over

10:35 pm 12/15/2016
(709) NEW YORK @(710) GOLDEN STATE
Play OVER NEW YORK on the first half total in All games when playing against a team with a winning record.
The record is 10 Overs and 1 Unders this season (+8.9 units)
BET NOW!

9:05 pm 12/15/2016
(707) PORTLAND @(708) DENVER
Play OVER PORTLAND on the first half total in Road games when playing against a team with a losing record.
The record is 21 Overs and 5 Unders for the last two seasons (+15.5 units)
BET NOW!

9:05 pm 12/15/2016
(707) PORTLAND @(708) DENVER
Play OVER PORTLAND on the first half total in All games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game.
The record is 17 Overs and 4 Unders this season (+12.6 units)
BET NOW!

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

NBA BETTING TRENDS
Half Time Under

10:35 pm 12/15/2016
(709) NEW YORK @(710) GOLDEN STATE
Play UNDER NEW YORK on the first half total in All games after playing 3 consecutive road games.
The record is 2 Overs and 14 Unders for the last three seasons (+11.8 units)
BET NOW!

9:05 pm 12/15/2016
(705) SAN ANTONIO @(706) PHOENIX
Play UNDER SAN ANTONIO on the first half total in All games as a road favorite of 3.5 to 5 points vs. the 1rst half line.
The record is 2 Overs and 20 Unders for the last three seasons (+17.8 units)
BET NOW!

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

NBA BETTING TRENDS
Over

9:05 pm 12/15/2016
(707) PORTLAND @(708) DENVER
Play OVER DENVER on the total in All games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game.
The record is 47 Overs and 22 Unders for the last two seasons (+22.8 units)
BET NOW!

9:05 pm 12/15/2016
(705) SAN ANTONIO @(706) PHOENIX
Play OVER PHOENIX on the total in All games when playing against a team with a winning record.
The record is 9 Overs and 0 Unders this season (+9 units)
BET NOW!

9:05 pm 12/15/2016
(707) PORTLAND @(708) DENVER
Play OVER DENVER on the total in Home games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game.
The record is 26 Overs and 8 Unders for the last two seasons (+17.2 units)
BET NOW!

8:05 pm 12/15/2016
(703) CHICAGO @(704) MILWAUKEE
Play OVER MILWAUKEE on the total in All games after a loss by 10 points or more.
The record is 23 Overs and 8 Unders for the last two seasons (+14.2 units)
BET NOW!

8:05 pm 12/15/2016
(701) INDIANA @(702) NEW ORLEANS
Play OVER NEW ORLEANS on the total in All games in home games.
The record is 40 Overs and 15 Unders for the last two seasons (+23.5 units)
BET NOW!

[StarDust Bum]

NBA RECORD + BEST BETS: ( ALL BASED ON 5 UNITS )

OVERALL BETS AND OPINIONS
12/01/2016 7-5-0 58.33% +750
12/02/2016 7-10-0 41.18% -2000
12/03/2016 10-8-0 55.56% +600
12/04/2016 2-6-0 25.00% -2300
12/05/2016 12-8-0 60.00% +1600
12/06/2016 6-6-0 50.00% -300
12/07/2016 11-9-0 55.00% +550
12/08/2016 6-6-0 50.00% -300
12/09/2016 9-8-0 52.94% +100
12/10/2016 14-5-0 73.68% +4250
12/11/2016 6-4-0 60.00% +800
12/12/2016 8-6-0 57.14% +700
12/13/2016 4-8-0 33.33% -2400
12/14/2016 18-2-0 90.00% +7900

WLT PCT UNITS

ATS Picks 184-175-7 51.25% -4250

O/U Picks 180-184-2 49.45% -11200

BEST BETS:

12/14 - 10 - 1 - 0 + 4450

ATS: 29- 22 +2 2400

TOTALS: 30 - 23 + 2350

OCT/NOV
ATS: 98 - 93 - 4

OCT/NOV BIG PLAYS 4 - 3

DECEMBER BIG PLAYS: 31 -20

[StarDust Bum]

Armadillo: Thursday's six-pack

Some NFL trends with Week 15 upon us…….

— Rams are 1-6-2 vs spread in their last nine games.

— Minnesota covered nine of last ten games as a home favorite.

— Browns are 0-6-1 vs spread in their last seven games.

— Philadelphia is 2-8 vs spread in its last ten games.

— 49ers are 2-10 vs spread in their last twelve games.

— Green Bay is 15-7 in last 22 games as an NFC North road favorite.

**********

Armadillo: Thursday's List of 13: Bottom 5, top 8 in NFL

32) Browns— Two weeks from now, will they have an idea of who their QB of the future is? If not, what did they accomplish this season?

31) 49ers— Were outscored 39-0 in second half of last two games, vs Bears/Jets, when 49ers were favored to win both games.

30) Jaguars— I wish the Rams had their receivers; seriously, they’re not bad. Unsure why they’ve got such a poor record.

29) Rams— Can’t blame the coach anymore; he’s gone. Now it is on the players; the next coach is going to dump a lot of them, too. How they play in the next three games will help decide who stays and who goes.

28) Bears— Playing football when it is one degree outside can’t be much fun.

8) Steelers— Pittsburgh has had three head coaches since 1969. Think about that.

7) Buccaneers– Tampa Bay and Tennessee are both doing well this year with 2nd-year QB’s. Bucs jump into the national spotlight Sunday night.

6) Giants— Ethical question of the day: if you’re a football coach and a friend of yours wants to give you the game plan for this week’s opponent, do you take it? Apparently this may have happened down at Wake Forest.

5) Seahawks— I’m guessing Seattle thought they’d get a hell of a lot more competition in their own division than they did this season.

4) Raiders— Would be sad if this week is the last time the Raiders ever play in San Diego.

3) Chiefs— They’re not a great #3 team but they don’t make mistakes and they swept Oakland.

2) Cowboys— Dallas is 11-2, having a great year but if they lose to the Bucs Sunday, all hell is going to break loose and a QB controversy will exist.

1) Patriots— Hopefully Josh McDaniels will go to Jacksonville and the Rams hire the Shanahan family. I’m skeptical of anyone made wealthy by Tom Brady— Rams don’t have a Brady.