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
12/14/2016 18-2-0 90.00% +7900
12/15/2016 7-2-1 77.78% +2400
12/16/2016 12-8-0 60.00% +1600
12/17/2016 7-6-1 53.85% +200
12/18/2016 6-6-2 50.00% -300
12/19/2016 4-6-0 40.00% -1300
12/20/2016 12-10-0 54.55% +500
12/21/2016 7-9-0 43.75% -1450
12/22/2016 4-6-0 40.00% -1300
12/23/2016 12-16-0 42.86% -2800
12/25/2016 3-7-0 30.00% -2350
12/27/2016 3-5-0 37.50% -1250
12/28/2016 8-12-0 40.00% -2600
12/29/2016 8-4-0 66.67% +1800
12/30/2016 8-12-0 40.00% -2600

WLT PCT UNITS

ATS Picks 229-236-8 49.25% -15300

O/U Picks 236-232-5 50.43% -9600

BEST BETS:

12/30/16 - 4 - 7 - 0 - 1850

ATS: 49- 55 - 2 - 5600

TOTALS: 57 - 46 + 3200

OCT/NOV
ATS: 98 - 93 - 4

OCT/NOV BIG PLAYS 4 - 3

DECEMBER BIG PLAYS: 36 -28

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Long Sheet

Saturday, December 31

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MEMPHIS (21 - 14) at SACRAMENTO (14 - 18) - 12/31/2016, 5:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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CLEVELAND (24 - 7) at CHARLOTTE (19 - 14) - 12/31/2016, 7:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
CLEVELAND is 6-2 against the spread versus CHARLOTTE over the last 3 seasons
CLEVELAND is 8-1 straight up against CHARLOTTE over the last 3 seasons
5 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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MILWAUKEE (15 - 16) at CHICAGO (16 - 17) - 12/31/2016, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MILWAUKEE is 140-183 ATS (-61.3 Units) on Saturday games since 1996.
MILWAUKEE is 9-19 ATS (-11.9 Units) in road games after allowing 105 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO is 50-64 ATS (-20.4 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO is 4-12 ATS (-9.2 Units) in December games this season.
CHICAGO is 257-312 ATS (-86.2 Units) first half of the season since 1996.
CHICAGO is 11-24 ATS (-15.4 Units) on Saturday games over the last 3 seasons.
CHICAGO is 41-59 ATS (-23.9 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
CHICAGO is 30-46 ATS (-20.6 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO is 10-6 against the spread versus MILWAUKEE over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO is 10-6 straight up against MILWAUKEE over the last 3 seasons
12 of 16 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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NEW YORK (16 - 16) at HOUSTON (25 - 9) - 12/31/2016, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 23-11 ATS (+10.9 Units) in all games this season.
HOUSTON is 19-8 ATS (+10.2 Units) when the total is greater than or equal to 210 this season.
HOUSTON is 23-11 ATS (+10.9 Units) first half of the season this season.
HOUSTON is 308-249 ATS (+34.1 Units) in non-conference games since 1996.
HOUSTON is 15-4 ATS (+10.6 Units) after allowing 105 points or more this season.
HOUSTON is 39-24 ATS (+12.6 Units) after a win by 10 points or more over the last 3 seasons.
HOUSTON is 18-4 ATS (+13.6 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.
HOUSTON is 15-7 ATS (+7.3 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.
NEW YORK is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) after a non-conference game this season.
NEW YORK is 205-164 ATS (+24.6 Units) revenging a home loss vs opponent since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
HOUSTON is 3-2 against the spread versus NEW YORK over the last 3 seasons
HOUSTON is 4-1 straight up against NEW YORK 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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PHOENIX (10 - 23) at UTAH (20 - 13) - 12/31/2016, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PHOENIX is 23-35 ATS (-15.5 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 10-21 ATS (-13.1 Units) in December games over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 14-26 ATS (-14.6 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 12-23 ATS (-13.3 Units) in road games revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 4-14 ATS (-11.4 Units) off an upset win as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
UTAH is 38-25 ATS (+10.5 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
UTAH is 35-22 ATS (+10.8 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
UTAH is 5-2 against the spread versus PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
UTAH is 6-2 straight up against PHOENIX 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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LA CLIPPERS (22 - 13) at OKLAHOMA CITY (20 - 13) - 12/31/2016, 8:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up

Saturday, December 31

Grizzlies are 3-2 in last five games but lost three of last four on road; they’re 8-4 vs spread in last 12 road games. Over is 6-2 in their last eight road games. Kings won four of last five games, are 5-2 in last seven home games. Under is 10-5 in their last fifteen games. Memphis won eight of last ten games with Sacramento, covering four of last five; Grizzlies are 3-1 in last four visits here. Under is 8-2 in last ten series games.

Cleveland won six of its last seven games; they’re 4-5 in last nine road games (3-6 vs spread). Three of last four Cars games stayed under total. Hornets won five of last six games; they’re 4-1 vs spread in last five home games. Under is 8-4 in last 12 Charlotte games. Cavaliers won eight of last nine games with Charlotte (6-1-1 vs spread in last eight); they won two of last three games in this building. Four of last five series games went over.

Milwaukee lost five of last seven road games; they’re 3-8 as road underdogs. Five of Bucks’ last six games went over the total. Chicago is 3-7 in its last ten games but won three of last four at home; Bulls are 2-7 in last nine games as a home favorite. Bucks won last two games with Chicago by 11-26 points; teams split last four games here. Under is 7-2 in last nine series games. Milwaukee

New York lost three in row, six of last eight games; they’re 6-2 in last eight games as a road underdog, 1-4 if they played night before. Under is 3-1 in their last four games. Houston won eight of last nine home games, is 8-5 as a home favorite. Over is 8-1 in their last nine games. Knicks lost nine of last ten games with Houston; New York lost four of last five visits here, but covered last three. Three of last four series games went over total.

Utah is 9-4 in its last 13 home games, 5-8 vs spread as a home favorite. Five of their last six games stayed under the total. Phoenix is 4-14 on road, 0-4 in last four tries as a road underdog. Six of Suns’ last seven games went over the total. Jazz won five in row, eight of last ten games with Phoenix; under is 5-2 in last seven series games. Suns lost last five visits to Salt Lake City (0-4-1 vs spread).

Clippers gave up 140 points in Houston last night; they’ve lost five games in row, are 3-2 as a road underdog. Four of last five LA games stayed under total. Westbrook got tossed from last game Thursday; he should be hyped here. Thunder won four of last five games; they’re 10-5 as a home favorite. Under is 5-3 in their last eight home games. Clippers lost three of last four games with Oklahoma City; they lost three of last five games in this arena. Three of last four series games went over total.

[StarDust Bum]

NBA

Saturday, December 31

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Trend Report
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5:00 PM
MEMPHIS vs. SACRAMENTO
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Memphis's last 6 games
Memphis is 13-2 SU in its last 15 games when playing Sacramento
Sacramento is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Memphis
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Sacramento's last 7 games when playing Memphis

7:00 PM
CLEVELAND vs. CHARLOTTE
Cleveland is 6-1-1 ATS in its last 8 games when playing Charlotte
Cleveland is 9-3-1 ATS in its last 13 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Charlotte's last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Charlotte's last 5 games when playing at home against Cleveland

7:00 PM
MILWAUKEE vs. CHICAGO
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Milwaukee's last 5 games when playing on the road against Chicago
Milwaukee is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Chicago
Chicago is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games at home
Chicago is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games

8:00 PM
NEW YORK vs. HOUSTON
New York is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
New York is 4-15 ATS in its last 19 games when playing Houston
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Houston's last 6 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Houston's last 5 games

8:00 PM
PHOENIX vs. UTAH
Phoenix is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Utah
Phoenix is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Utah
Utah is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Utah's last 7 games when playing Phoenix

8:00 PM
LA CLIPPERS vs. OKLAHOMA CITY
LA Clippers are 2-5 SU in their last 7 games when playing on the road against Oklahoma City
The total has gone OVER in 11 of the LA Clippers last 16 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Oklahoma City's last 5 games when playing at home against LA Clippers
Oklahoma City is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games at home

[StarDust Bum]

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31

GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS

MEM at SAC 05:00 PM

SAC -1.0 *****

U 194.0

CLE at CHA 07:00 PM

CLE -3.5 *****

O 213.5

MIL at CHI 07:00 PM

MIL +2.5

U 202.0 *****

NY at HOU 08:00 PM

HOU -10.0 *****

O 222.0 *****

PHO at UTA 08:00 PM

UTA -11.0

U 206.0 *****

LAC at OKC 08:00 PM

LAC +6.0

O 208.0 *****

[StarDust Bum]

NBA roundup: Antetokounmpo leads Bucks past Bulls
December 31, 2016

HOUSTON -- James Harden recorded a 50-point triple-double while Ryan Anderson played a capable second fiddle as the Houston Rockets outlasted the game New York Knicks 129-122 on Saturday night.

Harden finished with a career-high 53 points, 16 rebounds and a career-high-tying 17 assists to carry the Rockets through another lackadaisical defensive effort. Houston matched its franchise record for wins in a month (15) set in Nov. 1996, while sending the Knicks to a fourth consecutive loss.

Anderson added 25 points and six rebounds for the Rockets, who led by as many as 19 points yet were in a battle down the stretch when the Knicks cut the deficit to three points multiple times in the fourth quarter. Houston reeled off a 7-0 spurt to seize control for good, capped by a Trevor Ariza layup.

The Knicks were without starters Kristaps Porzingis and Courtney Lee and reserve forward Kyle O'Quinn, while Forward Carmelo Anthony did not return for the second half, succumbing to a sore knee. Brandon Jennings filled in admirably, scoring 32 points and adding seven assists and Derrick Rose paired 21 points with seven assists.

Bucks 116, Bulls 96

CHICAGO -- Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 35 points and Jabari Parker added 27 as Milwaukee took charge in the second half to pull away Chicago.

Greg Monroe scored 15 points and pulled down 12 rebounds and rookie Malcolm Brogdon had 15 points and 11 boards as the Bucks (16-16) outscored Chicago 36-20 in the fourth quarter and beat the Bulls (16-18) for the third time in three tries this season.

Jimmy Butler scored 26 points for Chicago, which lost its second straight and for the eighth time in 11 games. Robin Lopez had a gritty night, scoring 12 points and grabbing 10 rebounds.

Antetokounmpo added nine rebounds, seven assists and blocked seven shots and was dominant as Milwaukee took charge late in what had been a tight, physical game.

Cavaliers 121, Hornets 109

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- LeBron James scored 32 points, including 17 in the first quarter, and Kevin Love added 28 points and 10 rebounds in Cleveland's victory over Charlotte.

Kyrie Irving missed the game with a hamstring injury and Jordan McRae was coach Tyronn Lue's surprise replacement. McRae scored a season-high 20 points in his second career start and first this season.

Guard Kemba Walker did his best to keep the Hornets close with 37 points, but he didn't get enough help. Frank Kaminsky scored 15 points off the bench, Nicolas Batum had 13 points and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist contributed 12 points and eight rebounds.

Grizzlies 112, Kings 98

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Mike Conley scored 22 points in his return from a two-game absence, and Memphis overcame the absence of Marc Gasol for much for the second half with lights-out shooting in the victory over Sacramento.

Memphis canned a franchise-record 17 3-pointers, including 11 in the third quarter and kicked off a four-game California road trip with its second straight win. Conley, who missed two straight games with a toe injury, played 29 minutes in his return and made 8 of 11 shots from the field but Gasol left the game less than three minutes into the third quarter and suffered a sprained ankle.

DeMarcus Cousins finished with 26 points, eight assists, five steals and four rebounds, but the Kings dropped their second straight after a season-best four-game winning streak. Matt Barnes added a season-best 20 points and made five 3-pointers for Sacramento.

Thunder 114, Clippers 88

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Russell Westbrook collected his 16th triple-double of the season to lead Oklahoma City to the victory over the Los Angeles Clippers.

Westbrook posted 17 points, 12 rebounds and 14 assists. He actually hit the triple-double mark in less than 20 minutes in the first half and is now two triple-doubles away from matching his total from all of last season. Enes Kanter came off the bench to score 23 points.

Brandon Bass had 18 points and Marreese Speights added 18 off the bench. Chris Paul was sidelined with a hamstring injury.

Jazz 91, Suns 86

SALT LAKE CITY -- Rudy Gobert recorded 18 points and 13 rebounds for his 23rd double-double of the season and helped Utah escape with the victory over Phoenix.

Gordon Hayward added 18 points and nine rebounds and Rodney Hood chipped in 13 points for the Jazz. Utah earned its sixth straight victory over Phoenix after sweeping the Suns last season.

Devin Booker scored 20 points and Eric Bledsoe added 19 points, eight rebounds and eight assists to lead the Suns. Phoenix shot 7 for 22 from the floor in the fourth quarter and scored only one basket over the final 6:45.

[StarDust Bum]

Sunday’s 6-pack

Week 17’s most popular selections in the Westgate SuperContest:

6) Carolina Panthers +6 (350)

5) Denver Broncos -1 (374)

4) Baltimore Ravens +2 (389)

3) Detroit Lions +3.5 (405)

2) Miami Dolphins +9.5 (417)

1) Green Bay Packers -3.5 (538)

Nine things that have to happen for Tampa Bay to make the NFL playoffs

— Chiefs beat Denver— DONE
— Cowboys beat Detroit- DONE
— Buccaneers beat Carolina
— Lions over Green Bay
— Giants tie Washington
— Cowboys over Philadelphia
— 49ers over Seattle
— Titans over Houston
— Colts over Jacksonville

Sunday’s List of 13: Random thoughts as 2016 comes to an end

Random thoughts on as 2016 comes to an end……..
13) Virginia Tech 89, Duke 75— Blue Devils get tripped up in Blacksburg in first game of the Grayson Allen suspension.

Georgia Tech 75, North Carolina 63— Rough day for the bluebloods of the ACC.

12) When Lane Kiffin got fired by USC, he sold his house in Manhattan Beach to actor Vince Vaughn for $6.5M; his next-door neighbor was the guy who created the TV show Duck Dynasty. Sounds like a pretty good neighborhood to live in.

11) Bill Parcells used to say he was against drafting any QB unless the kid started for three years in college, which would make us skeptical of North Carolina’s Mitch Trubisky, who started for only one season at North Carolina— he is expected to declare for April’s draft.

10) Rumors on the Interweb have the 49ers totally cleaning house after tomorrow’s game, with coach and GM both getting told to take a hike. Apparently their season sweep of the Rams didn’t impress ownership very much.

9) Bowl game tallies to this point: favorites are 13-23 vs spread. Over is 15-21.

8) Nevada basketball player Jordan Caroline is the son of former NFL lineman Simeon Rice, who won a Super Bowl as a defensive end for the Buccaneers.

7) Good grief, Jennifer Garner is in a lot of TV commercials. Whats in your wallet?

6) Villanova 80, Creighton 70— 5th straight time Wildcats beat Creighton, third straight win for Villanova in Omaha, handing the Bluejays their first loss this season.

5) Big West was 13th-ranked conference each of last two years; this year, they’ve slipped all the way to #26, with #180 Cal-Irvine their top-ranked team right now. There isn’t one good team in the league; you can almost pencil in their conference tourney champ for a play-in game already.

4) LSU 29, Louisville 9— I still can’t believe LSU fired Les Miles and replaced him with Ed Orgeron; just a totally baffling move. If you’ve ever read the book Meat Market, which dealt with Orgeron’s tenure at Ole Miss, you’ll know what I’m talking about.

3) Alabama 24, Washington 7— Huskies were held to 194 yards; Alabama scored their 11th defensive TD of the season in what wasn’t an interesting game.

Two jobs you do not want; replacing Nick Saban at Alabama, Mike Krzyzewski at Duke; will be virtually impossible for the next guy to satisfy those fanbases.

2) Clemson 31, Ohio State 0— Last six years, Big 14 teams have been favored in only 13 of their 55 bowl games; think about that for a second.

Since 2011, Big 14 teams are 5-7-1 vs spread when favored in a bowl game.

1— As far as 2017 is concerned, I hope people in this country become more tolerant of each other and of differing opinions. We’re a very diverse country and we need to respect each other more. Diversity should be a strength, not a weakness. It is OK to agree to disagree.

Happy New Year, everyone. Thanks for reading.

[StarDust Bum]

Sunday’s games

Orlando won five of its last seven road games, is 8-2 in last 10 games as a road underdog. Over is 9-4 in Orlando’s last 13 games. Indiana lost four of last five games; they covered five of last seven home games. Over is 3-1-1 in their last five games. Pacers won eight of last nine games with Orlando; four of last five series games stayed under the total. Magic lost four of last five visits to Indiana (1-4 vs spread).

Detroit lost seven of its last eight games; they’re 4-9 vs spread as road underdogs. Under is 9-4-1 in their last 14 games. Miami lost seven of last eight games; they’re 3-4 as home favorites. Six of Heat’s last nine games stayed under the total. Pistons won four of last six games with Miami; four of last five series games stayed under total. Teams split last four visits to South Beach (under 3-1).

San Antonio won/covered eight of its last nine games; they’re 11-5 as road favorites. Over is 7-2 in Spurs’ last nine games. Hawks won three of last four games; they’re 1-7-1 vs spread in their last nine home games. Under is 3-1-1 in their last five games. Spurs won their last ten games with Atlanta, covering four of last five; under is 4-1 in last five series games played here. San Antonio won/covered last five visits here.

Trailblazers lost 11 of last 13 games; they’re 3-10 vs spread as a road underdog. Four of last five Portland games stayed under total. Timberwolves are 4-3 in their last seven games, 4-3 as home favorites. Over is 5-2 in Minnesota’s last seven home games. Portland won four of last five games with Minnesota; under is 6-3 in last nine series games. Blazers won by 5-6 points in last two visits here.

Raptors lost their last two games after a, 13-2 run; Toronto is 3-4 as a road favorite. Over is 10-5 in their last fifteen games. Lakers lost 13 of last 16 games, are 6-5 as home underdogs. Last four LA games stayed under the total. Lakers lost last four games with Toronto; they lost by 33 in Toronto four weeks ago. Last four series games stayed under the total. Teams split last four series games played here.

[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
12/15/2016 7-2-1 77.78% +2400
12/16/2016 12-8-0 60.00% +1600
12/17/2016 7-6-1 53.85% +200
12/18/2016 6-6-2 50.00% -300
12/19/2016 4-6-0 40.00% -1300
12/20/2016 12-10-0 54.55% +500
12/21/2016 7-9-0 43.75% -1450
12/22/2016 4-6-0 40.00% -1300
12/23/2016 12-16-0 42.86% -2800
12/25/2016 3-7-0 30.00% -2350
12/27/2016 3-5-0 37.50% -1250
12/28/2016 8-12-0 40.00% -2600
12/29/2016 8-4-0 66.67% +1800
12/30/2016 8-12-0 40.00% -2600
12/31/2016 5-7-0 41.67% -1350


WLT PCT UNITS

ATS Picks 231-240-8 49.04% -16500

O/U Picks 239-235-5 50.42% -9750

BEST BETS:

12/31/16 - 3 - 4 - 0 - 700

ATS: 50- 57 - 2 - 6200

TOTALS: 59 - 48 + 3100

OCT/NOV
ATS: 98 - 93 - 4

OCT/NOV BIG PLAYS 4 - 3

DECEMBER BIG PLAYS: 36 -28

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Dunkel

Sunday, January 1

Toronto @ LA Lakers

Game 709-710
January 1, 2017 @ 10:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Toronto
121.249
LA Lakers
116.796
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Toronto
by 4 1/2
207
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Toronto
by 9
218
Dunkel Pick:
LA Lakers
(+9); Under

Portland @ Minnesota

Game 707-708
January 1, 2017 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Portland
114.410
Minnesota
124.621
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Minnesota
by 10
201
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Minnesota
No Line
N/A
Dunkel Pick:
Minnesota
N/A

San Antonio @ Atlanta

Game 705-706
January 1, 2017 @ 6:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
San Antonio
127.424
Atlanta
117.901
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
San Antonio
by 9 1/2
203
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
San Antonio
No Line
N/A
Dunkel Pick:
San Antonio
N/A

Detroit @ Miami

Game 703-704
January 1, 2017 @ 6:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Detroit
112.045
Miami
118.573
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Miami
by 6 1/2
205
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Miami
No Line
N/A
Dunkel Pick:
Detroit

Orlando @ Indiana

Game 701-702
January 1, 2017 @ 6:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Orlando
114.755
Indiana
119.209
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Indiana
by 4 1/2
215
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Indiana
No Line
N/A
Dunkel Pick:
Indiana
N/A




NBA
Long Sheet

Sunday, January 1

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ORLANDO (15 - 19) at INDIANA (16 - 18) - 1/1/2017, 6:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
INDIANA is 7-1 against the spread versus ORLANDO over the last 3 seasons
INDIANA is 7-1 straight up against ORLANDO 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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DETROIT (15 - 20) at MIAMI (10 - 24) - 1/1/2017, 6:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 5-3 against the spread versus MIAMI over the last 3 seasons
DETROIT is 5-3 straight up against MIAMI 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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SAN ANTONIO (27 - 6) at ATLANTA (17 - 16) - 1/1/2017, 6:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN ANTONIO is 3-1 against the spread versus ATLANTA over the last 3 seasons
SAN ANTONIO is 4-0 straight up against ATLANTA 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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PORTLAND (14 - 21) at MINNESOTA (11 - 22) - 1/1/2017, 7:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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TORONTO (22 - 10) at LA LAKERS (12 - 24) - 1/1/2017, 9:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 20-11 ATS (+7.9 Units) in all games this season.
LA LAKERS are 17-31 ATS (-17.1 Units) when the total is greater than or equal to 210 over the last 2 seasons.
LA LAKERS are 57-83 ATS (-34.3 Units) in a home game where the total is greater than or equal to 210 since 1996.
LA LAKERS are 53-74 ATS (-28.4 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
TORONTO is 3-2 against the spread versus LA LAKERS over the last 3 seasons
TORONTO is 4-1 straight up against LA LAKERS over the last 3 seasons
4 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up

Sunday, January 1

Orlando won five of its last seven road games, is 8-2 in last 10 games as a road underdog. Over is 9-4 in Orlando’s last 13 games. Indiana lost four of last five games; they covered five of last seven home games. Over is 3-1-1 in their last five games. Pacers won eight of last nine games with Orlando; four of last five series games stayed under the total. Magic lost four of last five visits to Indiana (1-4 vs spread).

Detroit lost seven of its last eight games; they’re 4-9 vs spread as road underdogs. Under is 9-4-1 in their last 14 games. Miami lost seven of last eight games; they’re 3-4 as home favorites. Six of Heat’s last nine games stayed under the total. Pistons won four of last six games with Miami; four of last five series games stayed under total. Teams split last four visits to South Beach (under 3-1).

San Antonio won/covered eight of its last nine games; they’re 11-5 as road favorites. Over is 7-2 in Spurs’ last nine games. Hawks won three of last four games; they’re 1-7-1 vs spread in their last nine home games. Under is 3-1-1 in their last five games. Spurs won their last ten games with Atlanta, covering four of last five; under is 4-1 in last five series games played here. San Antonio won/covered last five visits here.

Trailblazers lost 11 of last 13 games; they’re 3-10 vs spread as a road underdog. Four of last five Portland games stayed under total. Timberwolves are 4-3 in their last seven games, 4-3 as home favorites. Over is 5-2 in Minnesota’s last seven home games. Portland won four of last five games with Minnesota; under is 6-3 in last nine series games. Blazers won by 5-6 points in last two visits here.

Raptors lost their last two games after a, 13-2 run; Toronto is 3-4 as a road favorite. Over is 10-5 in their last fifteen games. Lakers lost 13 of last 16 games, are 6-5 as home underdogs. Last four LA games stayed under the total. Lakers lost last four games with Toronto; they lost by 33 in Toronto four weeks ago. Last four series games stayed under the total. Teams split last four series games played here.




NBA

Sunday, January 1

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Trend Report
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6:00 PM
DETROIT vs. MIAMI
Detroit is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games
Detroit is 7-15 SU in its last 22 games when playing Miami
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Miami's last 6 games at home
Miami is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games

6:00 PM
ORLANDO vs. INDIANA
Orlando is 1-8 ATS in its last 9 games when playing Indiana
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Orlando's last 5 games when playing Indiana
Indiana is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Indiana's last 6 games

6:00 PM
SAN ANTONIO vs. ATLANTA
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of San Antonio's last 8 games on the road
San Antonio is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Atlanta's last 7 games at home
Atlanta is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games

7:00 PM
PORTLAND vs. MINNESOTA
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Portland's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Portland's last 9 games when playing on the road against Minnesota
Minnesota is 4-14 ATS in its last 18 games when playing at home against Portland
Minnesota is 4-13 SU in its last 17 games when playing at home against Portland

9:30 PM
TORONTO vs. LA LAKERS
Toronto is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Toronto's last 5 games when playing LA Lakers
LA Lakers are 4-10-1 ATS in their last 15 games when playing Toronto
LA Lakers are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games when playing at home against Toronto

[StarDust Bum]

Total Talk - Week 17
December 31, 2016

The scoreboard operators put in some work during the holiday weekend as 25 of 32 teams put up 20-plus points and the New York Jets were the only team not to score a touchdown. That offensive effort helped the ‘over’ post an eye-opening 12-3-1 record in Week 15 and that was the best result for the high side this season. Through 16 weeks, the ‘over’ has gone 124-111-2 this season.

Handicapping Week 17

The last week of the regular season is often the most difficult to handicap for both sides and totals. With that being said, I’d urge you to tread lightly on the meaningless matchups.

WEEK 17 TOTAL RESULTS (2011-2015)
Year Over/Under
2015 5-11
2014 6-10
2013 6-10
2012 8-8
2011 9-7

I dug up the numbers from the last five seasons and looking above, you can see that the ‘under’ has produced better overall numbers in Week 17 and that includes an 11-5 mark last season.

Based on playoff implications, there are nine meaningless matchups in Week 17 and I’m including the Tampa Bay-Carolina matchup because the Buccaneers can only earn a spot if they win, the Redskins and Giants end in a tie and a quartet of other teams need to win too.

Houston at Tennessee: The ‘over’ has cashed in seven of the past 10 in this series.

Buffalo at N.Y. Jets: Five of the last six played in New York have gone to the high side, with the Jets averaging 30.6 PPG at home during this span.

Baltimore at Cincinnati: The Ravens have seen the ‘over’ connect in their last four but the Cincy defense (16.6 PPG) has helped the team close with a 6-1 ‘under’ run over its last seven.

Jacksonville at Indianapolis: High total (47) and Colts have put up some serious offensive numbers (30.7 PPG) off a loss this season but the last five played in Indy between the pair have all gone ‘under.’

Dallas at Philadelphia: The Eagles have seen the ‘over’ go 2-0 in their last two at Lincoln Financial Field before the first five went ‘under.’

Chicago at Minnesota: The ‘under’ is 8-2 in the last 10 meetings between the pair and Minnesota has watched the ‘under’ go 15-9 at home since Mike Zimmer took over in 2014.

Carolina at Tampa Bay: The Panthers and Bucs have posted identical total records (7-7-1) this season. The ‘over’ is 2-1 in the last three played at Raymond James Stadium between the pair, with Carolina averaging 29.3 points per game.

Cleveland at Pittsburgh: The ‘under’ is 5-0 in the last five games Pittsburgh lined up without Ben Roethlisberger at quarterback. Browns have seen the ‘under’ go 6-1 in the second-half.

Arizona at Los Angeles: The Cardinals have seen the ‘over’ go 7-0 on the road this season.

Meaningful Matchups

Hopefully you’ll be able to survive the first wave of action on Sunday and still be alive for the meaningful matchups in Week 17.

New England at Miami: This game kicks at 1:00 p.m. ET and something has to give here with New England 6-1 to the ‘under’ on the road and Miami 6-1 to the ‘over’ at home. As I wrote about last week, the Dolphins offense is all about big plays but they’ll be facing the top scoring defense in New England, who is allowing 15.7 PPG. The first meeting between the pair at Foxboro went ‘over’ but three of the last four encounters in South Florida have stayed ‘under’ the number.

N.Y. Giants at Washington: This is another ‘over’ vs. ‘under’ matchup with Washington leaning to the high side (12-3) while the Giants have been the best ‘under’ (11-4) wager in the league. Washington beat New York 29-27 on the road in Week 3 and the ‘over’ (47) connected but the number for the rematch is 45. Knowing Washington needs a win to stay alive for a playoff spot, the tempo of the game will be determined by the score. Despite being in the playoffs, the Giants announced that their regulars are going to start.

Green Bay at Detroit: (See Below)

New Orleans at Atlanta: This total (56 ½) is the highest number we’ve seen all season and even though it’s inflated, it’s hard to make a case for the ‘under.’ Atlanta owns the best ‘over’ record (12-2-1) and that includes a 7-0 mark at the Georgia Dome. New Orleans enters this game off 48 and 31-point performances from its offense nd the Falcons defense (24.9 PPG) doesn’t have the horses to slow them down. This series was on a good ‘under’ run (5-1-1) but the pair squashed that trend in late September when Atlanta defeated New Orleans 45-32 in a Week 4 matchup on Monday Night Football. I expect both teams to get at least five scores and barring a ton of field goals, the high side will be threatened.

Kansas City at San Diego: The ‘under’ is 4-1 in the last five meetings between the pair and the one ‘over’ occurred this season when the Chiefs rallied past the Chargers for a 33-27 overtime victory in Week 1. San Diego led 21-3 at halftime before collapsing in the second-half, which burnt ‘under’ bettors. The Chiefs remain a solid ‘under’ bet (10-5) behind their defense (18.9 PPG) and that unit will be facing a San Diego offense that’s run out of gas the last three weeks (16.3 PPG) and that’s resulted in three ‘under’ tickets.

Seattle at San Francisco: This total opened as high as 44 ½ and is as low as 42 as of Saturday afternoon. The Seahawks defense was embarrassed at home last week (34-31) against the Cardinals and most would expect a big rebound. Seattle blasted San Francisco 37-18 in Week 3 at home and the 49ers defense is ranked last in total defense (408 yards per game) and scoring (30.3 PPG). Before you back Seattle and the ‘over’ on Sunday make a note that the ‘under’ has gone 4-0 in the last four meetings between the pair in San Francisco and the average combined score is just 25 PPPG.

Oakland at Denver: There will be plenty of backup quarterbacks on the field for this one as Oakland starts Matt McGloin for the injured Derek Carr. He hasn’t started a game since 2003 but in six career appearances, he’s helped his club average 23.6 PPG. Denver announced that it’s going with two quarterbacks in the finale and that’s never a good thing, especially for an offense averaging 10.8 PPG over its last four games.

Under the Lights

Even though bookmakers haven’t been pleased with this year’s NFL betting results as a whole, I’m guessing they’re relieved that the ‘under’ went 27-23-1 in the primetime games. As we head into Week 17’s matchup, the guys behind the betting counter will be cheering for another ticket to the low side.

Oddsmakers sent out a total of 46 ½ between the Packers and Lions last Sunday and that number has jumped up to 49 ½ six days later.

The Green Bay-Over combination is receiving an enormous amount of support and the books are hoping the Lions can pull off the upset in an ugly game. The Packers have covered and gone ‘over’ in five of their first 15 games this season and that includes their 34-27 win over Detroit on Sept. 25 as 6 ½-point home favorites.

The Packers have gone 5-2 to the ‘over’ on the road this season and their defense (28.9 PPG) has helped the cause. Make a note that Green Bay has played in five night games this season and it’s seen the ‘under’ go 4-1.

Prior to last Monday’s 42-21 blowout loss at Dallas, the Lions had seen the ‘under’ cash in eight straight games and the defense held seven of those opponents under 20 points. Detroit’s secondary could be missing two starters including corner back Darius Slay (hamstring).

The ‘over’ is on a 3-1 run in this series and that includes last year’s 27-23 win by Green Bay over Detroit at Ford Field that ended with the infamous Hail Mary touchdown from the Pack.

For bettors that lean on historical angles, listed below are the Week 17 SNF matchups dating back to 2008.

2015 - Minnesota 20 at Green Bay 13 (Under 44)
2014 – Pittsburgh 27 vs. Cincinnati 17 (Under 49)
2013 – Philadelphia 24 at Dallas 22 (Under 54 ½)
2012 – Washington 28 vs. Dallas 18 (Under 48)
2011 – N.Y. Giants 31 vs. Dallas 14 (Under 48)
2010 – Seattle 16 vs. St. Louis 6 (Under 42 ½)
2009 – N.Y. Jets 37 vs. Cincinnati 0 (Over 33 ½)
2008 – San Diego 52 vs. Denver 21 (Over 50)

The ‘under’ has cashed in six straight SNF finales and six of the last eight games that have been flexed to the Sunday Night spot have been decided by double digits.

Only two road teams managed to win this game during this span. The Vikings stopped the Packers last season and the Eagles barely defeated the Tony Romo-less Cowboys in 2013.

Coincidentally, both Minnesota and Philadelphia earned home playoff games with those wins and they both lost in the postseason by a combined three points to Seattle (10-9) and New Orleans (26-24) respectively.

Fearless Predictions

We turned a solid profit ($190) last week and even though the bankroll sits slightly in the red ($300) through 16 weeks, I’m feeling good headed into the finale. As always, Press, Pass or Fade but in the end – Good Luck and Happy New Year to you and yours!

Best Over: Oakland-Denver 40 ½

Best Under: Seattle-San Francisco 43

Best Team Total: Over Detroit 23 ½

Three-Team Total Teaser (9-Point, +100)
Over 47 New Orleans-Atlanta
Over 31 ½ Oakland-Denver
Over 35 ½ New England-Miami

[StarDust Bum]

Pick Six - Week 17
December 31, 2016

Week 16 Record: 3-3 SU, 3-3 ATS

Overall Record: 45-47 SU, 42-50-2 ATS

Panthers at Buccaneers (-4 ½, 46) – 1:00 PM EST

Carolina
Record: 6-9 SU, 5-9-1 ATS

The Panthers finished last season without a home loss in 10 tries, but suffered their fourth home defeat last week in a 33-16 setback to the Falcons. Carolina stumbled to a 2-5 record away from Bank of America Stadium as only one of those victories came in the underdog role at Washington in Week 15. The Panthers look to avenge a 17-14 home defeat to the Buccaneers back in Week 5 as Cam Newton missed that loss due to injury. Carolina has won straight visits to Raymond James Stadium, while holding Tampa Bay to 17 points or less in each victory.

Tampa Bay
Record: 8-7 SU, 9-6 ATS

Two weeks ago, the Buccaneers were right in the mix of the NFC playoff picture, but back-to-back road losses at New Orleans and Dallas have put Tampa Bay on the brink of elimination. The Bucs need to win on Sunday plus have a multitude scenarios work in their favor, as Tampa Bay has covered in six of its past seven games. After starting the season at 0-4 at Raymond James Stadium, the Bucs are riding a three-game home winning streak, while allowing a total of 26 points in those victories.

Best Bet: Carolina +4 ½

Patriots (-9 ½, 45) at Dolphins – 1:00 PM EST

New England
Record: 13-2 SU, 12-3 ATS

The Patriots control their own destiny for home-field advantage in the AFC playoff by picking up a victory over the Dolphins. If New England loses, the Patriots need the Raiders to lose at Denver to still capture the top AFC seed. The Pats picked up their sixth consecutive win in last Saturday’s 41-3 rout of the Jets as 17-point favorites. New England has cashed in five of six opportunities in the road favorite role this season, but the Patriots have lost three straight visits to Hard Rock Stadium, including a 20-10 defeat in last season’s Week 17 contest.

Miami
Record: 10-5 SU, 9-6 ATS

The Dolphins held off the Bills in overtime last Saturday, 34-31 to wrap up their first playoff appearance since 2008. Miami won in spite of allowing 589 yards to Buffalo, but the Dolphins picked up its first sweep of Buffalo and New York in the same season since 2003. Matt Moore will start once again in place of the injured Ryan Tannehill at quarterback as the Dolphins have scored 34 points in each of his first two appearances. Miami is currently on an 8-1 run to the OVER, including four straight OVERS at Hard Rock Stadium.

Best Bet: Miami +9 ½

Saints at Falcons (-8, 56 ½) – 4:25 PM EST

New Orleans
Record: 7-8 SU, 10-5 ATS

The Saints have been the best underdog in the NFL this season by compiling a 7-1 ATS mark when receiving points. New Orleans is riding a two-game winning streak following a 31-24 home victory over Tampa Bay last Saturday as three-point favorites. The Saints have scored 79 points the past two weeks, while putting up at least 31 points in six of seven wins this season. New Orleans posted 32 points in its last meeting with Atlanta at the Superdome in Week 3, but the Saints fell to the Falcons, 45-32.

Atlanta
Record: 10-5 SU, 10-5 ATS

The Falcons picked up their third straight win to wrap up the NFC South title in last week’s 33-16 blowout of the Panthers as three-point favorites. Atlanta owns a 2-4 ATS mark in the home favorite role this season, while sailing OVER the total in all seven games at the Georgia Dome. The favorite has struggled in this series recently by going 0-6 ATS since 2013, as the last three meetings in Atlanta have been decided by four points or less.

Best Bet: New Orleans +8

Giants at Redskins (-7 ½, 44 ½) – 4:25 PM EST

New York
Record: 10-5 SU, 8-6-1 ATS

The Giants have wrapped up a playoff spot and are looking to get through Week 17 without any injuries. New York fell behind early at Philadelphia and came up short in a 24-19 setback last Thursday night to lose its second consecutive road contest. The Giants are playing with revenge after blowing an early 14-3 lead in a 29-27 home defeat to the Redskins in Week 3 as 3 ½-point favorites. New York owns a 1-3-1 ATS mark as a road underdog this season, while going 6-1 to the UNDER away from Met Life Stadium.

Washington
Record: 8-6-1 SU, 10-5 ATS

The Redskins control their own destiny for the final playoff berth in the NFC by picking up a victory on Sunday. Washington helped itself with a 41-21 rout of Chicago last Saturday as three-point road favorites, while intercepting Matt Barkley five times. The Redskins moved to 7-1 to the OVER in their past eight games, while owning a 6-1 OVER mark in six contests at FedEx Field. Washington has won and covered six of its last eight December contests, as the Redskins go for their first home favorite win over the Giants since 2005.

Best Bet: Washington -7 ½

Chiefs (-4 ½, 44 ½) at Chargers – 4:25 PM EST

Kansas City
Record: 11-4 SU, 8-7 ATS

The Chiefs have an excellent opportunity to capture their first AFC West title since 2010 with a win at San Diego plus an Oakland loss. Kansas City rebounded from a last-second loss to Tennessee by pounding Denver last Sunday night, 33-10 as 3 ½-point favorites. The Chiefs are seeking a perfect 6-0 record inside the AFC West as Kansas City erased a 24-3 deficit to San Diego in a 33-27 overtime triumph back in Week 1 at Arrowhead Stadium.

San Diego
Record: 5-10 SU, 7-8 ATS

The Lightning Bolts are losing their charge late in the season by dropping four consecutive games, including a humiliating 20-17 setback to the previously winless Browns. San Diego hasn’t scored more than 21 points in any of its past four losses, while dropping three consecutive games at Qualcomm Stadium. The Chargers are 1-1 SU/ATS as a home underdog this season, as San Diego goes for its second division win in its past 14 tries.

Best Bet: San Diego +4 ½

Raiders at Broncos (-1 ½, 40 ½) – 4:25 PM EST

Oakland
Record: 12-3 SU, 10-5 ATS

The Raiders took a major hit in last Saturday’s 33-25 home victory over the Colts as quarterback Derek Carr suffered a broken fibula and will be out for the rest of the season. Matt McGloin takes over for Carr as the former Penn State standout will make his first NFL start since 2013. Oakland has fared well on the road by compiling a 6-1 SU/ATS mark away from the Black Hole, as the Raiders go for the sweep of the Broncos following a 30-20 home triumph back in November.

Denver
Record: 8-7 SU, 8-7 ATS

The defending champion Broncos won’t return to the postseason as Denver has stumbled down the stretch by losing three straight games. The offense has been non-existent by scoring a total of 23 points, while getting outgained in last week’s loss at Kansas City, 484-246. The Broncos will shake things up the season finale as both Trevor Siemian and Paxton Lynch will see time under center as Denver tries to avoid losing four home games in a season for the first time since 2011.

Best Bet: Oakland +1 ½

[StarDust Bum]

SuperContest Picks - Week 17
December 31, 2016

The Westgate Las Vegas SuperContest is the biggest, most prestigious, challenging pro football handicapping contest in the country. The fees are $1,500 per entry.

Contestants must pick 5 pro football games against the spread each week for the entire 17-week season. The individual that has the best record after the season will be deemed the winner.

The LVH Casino at Westgate Las Vegas Resort is a hotel, casino, and convention center, which is located in Las Vegas, Nevada. LVH SuperBook vice-president Jay Kornegay is in charge of the SuperContest.

This year's contest has 1,854 entries, which is an all-time record.

Each week throughout the season, we'll post the Top 5 Consensus Picks in the SuperContest on Saturday afternoon and list all of the selections for each matchup.

Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3 | Week 4 | Week 5 | Week 6 | Week 7 | Week 8 | Week 9

Week 10 | Week 11 | Week 12 | Week 13 | Week 14 | Week 15 | Week 16


Week 17

1) Green Bay -3.5 (538)

2) Miami +9.5 (417)

3) Detroit +3.5 (405)

4) Baltimore +2 (389)

5) Denver -1 (374)

SUPERCONTEST WEEK 17 MATCHUPS & ODDS

Away Team Selections Home Team Selections

Houston (+3.5) 244 Tennessee (-3.5) 155

Buffalo (-3.5) 196 N.Y. Jets (+3.5) 178

Baltimore (+2) 389 Cincinnati (-2) 147

N.Y. Giants (+7.5) 318 Washington (-7.5) 226

Green Bay (-3.5) 538 Detroit (+3.5) 405

Jacksonville (+4.5) 184 Indianapolis (-4.5) 318

Dallas (+4) 168 Philadelphia (-4) 240

Chicago (+5) 180 Minnesota (-5) 189

Carolina (+6) 350 Tampa Bay (-6) 134

Cleveland (+6) 140 Pittsburgh (-6) 251

New Orleans (+6.5) 313 Atlanta (-6.5) 318

New England (-9.5) 172 Miami (+9.5) 417

Arizona (-6) 244 Los Angeles (+6) 101

Kansas City (-6) 320 San Diego (+6) 271

Seattle (-9.5) 272 San Francisco (+9.5) 102

Oakland (+1) 221 Denver (-1) 374


WEEKLY AND OVERALL CONSENSUS RECORDS

Week Consensus Record Overall Record Percentage

1 3-2 3-2 60%
2 0-5 3-7 30%
3 0-5 3-12 20%
4 1-4 4-16 20%
5 3-2 7-18 28%
6 1-3-1 8-21-1 28%
7 3-2 11-23-1 32%
8 3-2 14-25-1 35%
9 2-3 16-28-1 36%
10 0-5 16-33-1 32%
11 3-2 19-35-1 35%
12 5-0 24-35-1 40%
13 3-2 27-37-1 42%
14 4-0-1 31-37-2 46%
15 2-2-1 33-39-3 46%
16 4-1 37-40-3 48%

[StarDust Bum]

NBA Capsules
January 1, 2017

ATLANTA (AP) Tim Hardaway Jr. made a tying 3-pointer with 3.3 seconds remaining in regulation and scored nine points in overtime, including the go-ahead free throw, to lift the Atlanta Hawks to a 114-112 victory over the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday night.

Hardaway made the first of two free throws with 10.8 seconds remaining in overtime for a 113-112 lead. Paul Millsap grabbed the missed free throw before Dennis Schroder also made only one of two attempts with 3.9 seconds remaining.

Millsap scored a season-high 32 points and had 13 rebounds for the Hawks, who snapped a string of 11 straight losses to San Antonio since 2010.

Kawhi Leonard missed a last-second layup for San Antonio in overtime. Leonard also had a potential winning short jumper spin around the rim before falling out to end regulation.

Mike Budenholzer, in his fourth season as Atlanta's coach, finally earned his first win over San Antonio, where he was a former longtime assistant under Gregg Popovich.

LaMarcus Aldridge had 27 points and 13 rebounds to lead San Antonio.

RAPTORS 123, LAKERS 114

LOS ANGELES (AP) - Kyle Lowry scored 20 of his season-high 41 points in the fourth quarter, and the Raptors held on to stop a two-game skid with the victory over Los Angeles.

Lowry also had nine rebounds and seven assists, while DeMar DeRozan scored 31 points in another big game in his hometown as the Atlantic Division-leading Raptors got back in winning form on the fifth stop of their six-game trip.

Nick Young hit seven 3-pointers and scored 26 points for the Lakers. They emerged from a miserable December with their 15th loss in 17 games.

TRAIL BLAZERS 95, TIMBERWOLVES 89

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - C.J. McCollum scored a career-high 43 points and Portland overcame a 14-point first-half deficit to beat Minnesota.

Mason Plumlee had 18 points and eight rebounds for the Blazers. They were without star point guard Damian Lillard for the fourth straight game because of a sprained left ankle. McCollum made 16 of 25 shots, including a 30-foot 3-pointer with just over 2:30 to play to put the game out of reach.

Andrew Wiggins scored 24 points for the Timberwolves.

PISTONS 107, HEAT 98

MIAMI (AP) - Reggie Jackson scored 27 points, Andre Drummond finished with 25 points and 18 rebounds and Detroit wore down depleted Miami.

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope added 23 points for Detroit.

James Johnson scored 20 points and Wayne Ellington had 18 for Miami. The Heat were without what could have been a starting lineup - Goran Dragic (back), Dion Waiters (groin), Justise Winslow (shoulder), Josh McRoberts (foot) and Hassan Whiteside (eye).

PACERS 117, MAGIC 104

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - Myles Turner had 23 points and 12 rebounds to lead Indiana past Orlando Magic on Sunday.

Paul George added 19 points for the Pacers. They have won two straight after a season-worst four-game losing streak. Nikola Vucevic had 18 points and 11 rebounds for Orlando.

[StarDust Bum]

New year will bring more games on more nights in the NBA
January 2, 2017

NEW YORK (AP) With 2016 over and the NFL regular season as well, it's about time for the NBA to start showing up more often on more nights.

The new year will feature a new night of national TV games, one of the highlights of a busy January, when there are nearly half as many nationally televised games as in the previous two months combined.

TNT's new Monday night package debuts where last season ends, with the second NBA Finals rematch between Golden State and Cleveland on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The Jan. 16 doubleheader concludes with Oklahoma City at the Los Angeles Clippers.

The second season of ABC's Saturday night prime-time coverage then returns at the end of that week with San Antonio visiting Cleveland.

There are 49 nationally televised games in January, including 17 NBA TV telecasts. There were 104 such games through Dec. 31.

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Steve Clifford painted a bleak picture for Eastern Conference teams late last season when it came to competing with the Cavaliers.

''If they play well, it'll be difficult for anybody in the East to beat them four times,'' the Charlotte coach said. ''Somebody can beat them once or twice maybe, but not four times in my opinion.''

He was right. Cleveland swept the first two rounds and then beat Toronto 4-2 in the Eastern Conference finals.

The Cavs enter the new year much sharper than they did in 2016, when they were sometimes wobbly under David Blatt and still hadn't figured out how to properly use Kevin Love. Now Love is thriving, averaging 22.2 points and nearly 11 rebounds, and the Cavs seems firmly in control of the conference.

But Clifford won't concede anything yet the way he seemed to do then, praising the Raptors as well - though Cleveland has handled them in all three meetings this season.

''Love is playing, I think, at a different level, more comfortable. They're going to him more, he's getting the ball in the post more, also,'' Clifford said. ''But I mean, there's 50-something games to play, so health ... is always a big part of it. But I mean they're playing at a really high level.''

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THINGS TO WATCH THIS WEEK

MVP! MVP!: It's Russell Westbrook vs. James Harden on Thursday when Oklahoma City visits Houston. Winner pads what so far are the two leading MVP resumes.

BIG MAN BATTLE: Karl-Anthony Towns vs. Joel Embiid could be a big-man battle to watch for years, and Round 2 comes Tuesday in Philadelphia. Towns (25 points, 10 rebounds) and the Timberwolves rolled over Embiid (10 and 10) and the 76ers in November.

TERRIFIC THOMAS: Isaiah Thomas finished his dazzling December with a career-best, 52-point performance in a victory over Miami, and he opens January on Tuesday against the Utah Jazz, who went into the new year allowing a league-low 94.7 points per game.

END OF THE ROAD: Toronto wraps up a difficult six-game Western Conference trip on Tuesday at San Antonio. It's the third stop on the trip, joining Utah and Golden State, where the Raptors played a team that starts this week as a division leader.

HELP ON THE WAY?: Teams looking to fill roster spots have another option starting Thursday, when 10-day contracts can be signed.

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STAT LINE OF THE WEEK: James Harden, Rockets: 53 points, 17 assists and 16 rebounds in a 129-122 victory over the New York Knicks on Saturday. In his second straight triple-double, Harden became the first player in NBA history to have at least 50 points, 15 assists and 15 rebounds in a single game, according to information provided by the Rockets from the Elias Sport Bureau.