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

[StarDust Bum]

NBA Capsules
January 28, 2017

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) Stephen Curry scored 25 of his 43 points in the third quarter following his first halfcourt buzzer-beater of the season at the end of the first half to lead the Golden State Warriors to their ninth win in 10 games, 144-98 over the Los Angeles Clippers on Saturday night.

Curry's 51-foot shot was the spark on a night that began with his playing status in doubt because of a sore left quad. After testing his leg in warmups, Curry was cleared to play and showed no signs of being slowed by the injury, hitting nine 3-pointers.

Kevin Durant added 23 points, and Klay Thompson had 16 to give Golden State its eighth straight win over its Southern California rival. Blake Griffin scored 20 points for the struggling Clippers. They have lost four of five since star point guard Chris Paul went down with a torn ligament in left thumb.

CELTICS 112, BUCKS 108, OT

MILWAUKEE (AP) - Isaiah Thomas had 37 points, and Jae Crowder scored four of his 20 points on free throws in the final 28 seconds of overtime to help Boston beat Milwaukee.

Boston won its third straight after squandering a 16-point second half lead and a 42-point first quarter, its best of the season.

Giannis Antetokounmpo led Milwaukee with 21 points, and Greg Monroe had 14 points and 13 rebounds. The Bucks have lost three in a row and eight of nine.

HEAT 116, PISTONS 103

MIAMI (AP) - Goran Dragic scored 23 points and Miami beat Detriot to push the NBA's longest current winning streak to seven games.

Wayne Ellington added 19 points, James Johnson had 18, and Dion Waiters 17 for the Heat. They tied a season high with 14 3-pointers, with Ellington making three in less than two minutes in the final quarter. The Heat outscored Detroit 26-12 in the fourth.

Miami was 11-30 at the midway point of its season - and hasn't lost since.

Reggie Jackson scored 24 points for Detroit. Andre Drummond had 17 points and 20 rebounds.

TIMBERWOLVES 129, NETS 109

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - Karl-Anthony Towns had 37 points and 13 rebounds to lead Minnesota past Brooklyn.

Andrew Wiggins added 23 points and four assists, and Zach LaVine scored 20 points for the Timberwolves. They have won seven of their last 10 games.

Brook Lopez had 25 points and seven rebounds and hit 3 of 6 3-pointers for the Nets. They have lost five straight and 21 of their last 23 games.

KINGS 109, HORNETS 106

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) - DeMarcus Cousins had 35 points and 18 rebounds, and Sacramento handed Charlotte Hornets its fourth straight loss.

Cousins scored the go-ahead basket with 14.3 seconds left on a driving layup. The Hornets had a chance to take the lead in the closing seconds, but Frank Kaminsky shot an airball on a 3-pointer. Cousins grabbed the rebound and was fouled, making one free throw.

Darren Collison added 17 points for the Kings. Kemba Walker had 20 points of his 26 points in the third quarter for Charlotte.

NUGGETS 123, SUNS 112

PHOENIX (AP) - Danilo Gallinari scored 32 points and Denver took advantage of a third-quarter parade to the free throw line to beat Phoenix for the second time in three nights.

Kenneth Faried had 21 points and 13 rebounds for the Nuggets, winners of three straight and seven of their last nine. The Nuggets were 18 of 19 at the foul line in the third quarter, and finished 37 of 42.

Eric Bledsoe scored a career-high 41 for the Suns. Devin Booker added 23.

GRIZZLIES 102, JAZZ 95

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) - Zach Randolph scored a season-high 28 points in Memphis' victory over Utah.

Mike Conley added 23 points, and Marc Gasol had 18. Rodney Hood led the Jazz with 20 points.

[StarDust Bum]

Armadillo: Sunday's six-pack

— Jay Cutler threw a football 65 yards in the air during a Bears’ game this season, the longest any NFL pass was in the air in 2016.

— Pro wrestler Roman Reigns was a 3-year starter on the defensive line at Georgia Tech.

— VCU’s basketball team has sold out its last 94 home games.

— Since 2000, Patriots have drafted 78 players who were selected with picks acquired in a trade, by far the most in the NFL during that time.

— Memphis Grizzlies PG Mike Conley is the highest-paid player in the NBA this season, but has never appeared in an NBA All-Star Game.

— Golf is weird; other players do a commercial promoting Eldrick Woods’ return. They know their sport was way more lucrative when Woods was a force, but those days are gone.

**********

Armadillo: Sunday's List of 13: Wrapping up a basketball Saturday…….

13) Kansas 79, Kentucky 73— Michael Buffer announced the starting lineups, but Jayhawks KO’d the home team, handing Kentucky its second loss in a row.

12) Miami 77, North Carolina 62— Tar Heels jumped out to an 11-2 lead, then got their butts kicked by a Miami team that had been struggling the last couple of weeks. Playing Thursday, then again at 1pm on Saturday is an issue for college teams.

11) Duke 85, Wake Forest 83— Kennard scored 34 points, 30 in the second half, as Duke tore the Demon Deacons’ hearts out with a late comeback. Before scoring the GW basket, Duke’s last lead was 18-17- Wake Forest led by 10 at the half.

Danny Manning has his work cut out for him, pasting back together his team’s psyche; this was the first home sellout in eight years for Wake Forest- they went all-in and then had the game taken away from them. Curious to see how a young team responds to that.

10) Georgia Tech 62, Notre Dame 60— Yellow Jackets are 5-4 in ACC; they were picked to finish last by EVERYBODY. Assistant coach Eric Reveno has worked wonders with Lammers, the big kid inside— he’s been a force for Tech.

9) Wisconsin 61, Rutgers 54 OT— Scarlet Knights led by 9 with 3:15 left at Madison Square Garden, had an upset in their reach, but let it slip away.

8) San Diego 68, Portland 50— Cameron Neubauer is a sturdy forward for the Toreros, a very effective player— his grandfather Bob Fry was an offensive lineman in the NFL for 10 years, with the Rams/Cowboys, after he played for Bear Bryant at Kentucky.

San Diego is a well-coached team that needs another player or two so it has enough depth to compete with the big boys in the WCC.

7) Warriors 144, Clippers 98— Not exactly what ESPN had in mind for Saturday night entertainment. Who would watch this?

6) Upsets of the Day:
— UTEP (+15.5) 91, Marshall 68— Miners scored 91 points despite going 1-9 on the arc; Tim Floyd was an NBA coach- he’s very good. UTEP won four of its last five games after a rough start to the season.
— Georgetown (+11.5) 85, Butler 81
— Auburn (+9) 88, TCU 80
— Northern Arizona (+9) 68, North Dakota 67

5) Maryland 85, Minnesota 78— Terps are now 11-1 this season in games decided by 8 or less points. Minnesota lost its poise in last couple of minutes; they’ve lost five games in a row after a 15-2 start, with last four losses all by 7 or less points.

4) Wm & Mary 96, NC-Wilmington 78— First CAA loss for the Seahawks, who beat W&M by 24 in their first meeting this season.

3) Cal-Davis 74, Cal-Irvine 65— Home team was 35-46 on the foul line; road team was 11-16. Coach of the road team wasn’t happy. Irvine has a very young team; they’re going to be very good in the Big West next year and the year after.

2) Colorado 74, Oregon 65— Huge win for Buffs, who started season 0-7 in Pac-12 but won couple of home games this week. Loss was first for Oregon since mid-November.

1— Central Michigan 105, Kent State 98 OT— Chippewas are unusual; their two best scorers are both 5-9 guards, so they play fast. CMU was 14-36 on the arc; their two guards combined to score 67 points in a game Kent led by 5 at the half.

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Long Sheet

Sunday, January 29

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NEW YORK (21 - 27) at ATLANTA (27 - 20) - 1/29/2017, 3:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEW YORK is 208-164 ATS (+27.6 Units) revenging a home loss vs opponent since 1996.
NEW YORK is 18-9 ATS (+8.1 Units) after allowing 105 points or more this season.

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

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OKLAHOMA CITY (28 - 19) at CLEVELAND (31 - 14) - 1/29/2017, 3:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CLEVELAND is 2-11 ATS (-10.1 Units) in January games this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
CLEVELAND is 3-1 against the spread versus OKLAHOMA CITY over the last 3 seasons
CLEVELAND is 3-1 straight up against OKLAHOMA CITY 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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WASHINGTON (26 - 20) at NEW ORLEANS (19 - 28) - 1/29/2017, 6:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 17-8 ATS (+8.2 Units) when the total is greater than or equal to 210 this season.
WASHINGTON is 19-9 ATS (+9.1 Units) after scoring 105 points or more this season.
WASHINGTON is 23-13 ATS (+8.7 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.
WASHINGTON is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season this season.
WASHINGTON is 24-12 ATS (+10.8 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.
WASHINGTON is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season this season.
NEW ORLEANS is 16-29 ATS (-15.9 Units) off an upset win as an underdog over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 3-1 against the spread versus NEW ORLEANS over the last 3 seasons
WASHINGTON is 3-1 straight up against NEW ORLEANS 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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ORLANDO (18 - 30) at TORONTO (29 - 18) - 1/29/2017, 6:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
ORLANDO is 5-3 against the spread versus TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
TORONTO 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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HOUSTON (35 - 15) at INDIANA (24 - 22) - 1/29/2017, 6:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 48-30 ATS (+15.0 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 3 seasons.
HOUSTON is 313-255 ATS (+32.5 Units) in non-conference games since 1996.
HOUSTON is 20-11 ATS (+7.9 Units) after allowing 105 points or more this season.
HOUSTON is 24-13 ATS (+9.7 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.
INDIANA is 8-17 ATS (-10.7 Units) when the total is greater than or equal to 210 this season.
INDIANA is 18-31 ATS (-16.1 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.

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

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DALLAS (16 - 30) at SAN ANTONIO (36 - 10) - 1/29/2017, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DALLAS is 21-37 ATS (-19.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 28-17 ATS (+9.3 Units) in all games this season.
SAN ANTONIO is 72-53 ATS (+13.7 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 499-413 ATS (+44.7 Units) in home games since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 202-140 ATS (+48.0 Units) off a upset loss as a favorite since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 132-96 ATS (+26.4 Units) after a loss by 10 points or more since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 36-23 ATS (+10.7 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 22-12 ATS (+8.8 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.
DALLAS is 365-302 ATS (+32.8 Units) as an underdog since 1996.
DALLAS is 474-397 ATS (+37.3 Units) in road games since 1996.
DALLAS is 15-5 ATS (+9.5 Units) on Sunday games over the last 2 seasons.
DALLAS is 125-93 ATS (+22.7 Units) in road games vs. division opponents since 1996.
DALLAS is 191-150 ATS (+26.0 Units) in road games revenging a loss vs opponent since 1996.
DALLAS is 34-21 ATS (+10.9 Units) after allowing 105 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
DALLAS is 260-214 ATS (+24.6 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN ANTONIO is 5-5 against the spread versus DALLAS over the last 3 seasons
SAN ANTONIO is 8-2 straight up against DALLAS 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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PHILADELPHIA (17 - 28) at CHICAGO (23 - 25) - 1/29/2017, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 27-17 ATS (+8.3 Units) in all games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 27-15 ATS (+10.5 Units) as an underdog this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 11-2 ATS (+8.8 Units) in January games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 16-5 ATS (+10.5 Units) revenging a home loss vs opponent this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 23-13 ATS (+8.7 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 33-21 ATS (+9.9 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 22-12 ATS (+8.8 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.
CHICAGO is 57-72 ATS (-22.2 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO is 24-36 ATS (-15.6 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO is 14-23 ATS (-11.3 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO is 5-3 against the spread versus PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO is 8-0 straight up against PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
7 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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GOLDEN STATE (40 - 7) at PORTLAND (21 - 27) - 1/29/2017, 9:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
GOLDEN STATE is 11-4 against the spread versus PORTLAND over the last 3 seasons
GOLDEN STATE is 13-2 straight up against PORTLAND over the last 3 seasons
12 of 15 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up

Sunday, January 29

New York split its last six games; they’re 4-5 vs spread in last nine road games, Three of their last four games stayed under total. Atlanta also split its last six games; they’re 4-10 in last 14 games as a home favorite- over is 6-2 in their last eight games. Knicks are 4-6 in their last ten games against the Hawks; they’re 2-3 in last five visits to Atlanta- New York covered last five series games. Six of last eight series games went over.

Oklahoma City won/covered its last three games; they’re 3-5 in last eight games as a road underdog. Under is 6-3 in their last nine games. Cleveland lost six of its last nine games; they are 1-5 vs spread in last six home games- their last five games went over. Thunder lost their last three games with Cleveland by 10-4-23 points; Oklahoma City lost last two visits here by 10-4 points- they’re 0-4 vs spread in last four trips to Ohio. Under is 7-3 in their last ten games.

Washington won seven of its last eight games (7-0-1 vs spread); they’re 2-4 as road favorites. Over is 4-2-1 in their last seven games. New Orleans won seven of last ten home games; they’re 6-10 as home favorites- their last five games went over. Pelicans lost eight of last nine games with Washington; they’re 2-8 vs spread in last ten series games. Under is 8-2 in last ten series games. Wizards won four of last five visits to Bourbon Street; they’re 6-0 vs spread in last six visits here.

Orlando lost six of last seven games; they’re 3-7 in last ten games as a road underdog. Three of their last four games stayed under. Toronto lost five of last six games; they’re 5-3 vs spread in last eight home games. Under is 4-1-1 in their last six games. Raptors won nine of last ten games with Orlando, winning last four played here, by 5-13-4-15 points (2-2 vs spread). Five of last six series games stayed under.

Houston is 4-6 in its last ten games, 2-5 vs spread in its last seven road games. Five of their last seven games stayed under total. Pacers won six of their last seven home games; they’re 2-3 as home underdogs. Three of their last four games went over total. Rockets won four of last five games with Indiana (4-1 vs spread) but lost three of last four trips here. Three of last four series games went over total.

Dallas is 5-3 in its last eight games; they’re 10-13 as road underdogs. Under is 7-4 in their last 11 games. San Antonio won five of its last six games; they’re 10-2 vs spread in last dozen home games. Eight of their last nine games went over. Spurs won their last seven games with Dallas (4-3 vs spread); Mavericks lost last five visits to Alamo (3-2 vs spread). Eight of last ten series games stayed under total.

76ers are 8-3 in their last 11 games, 12-2 vs spread in their last 1r4; their last four games went over total. Sixers are 9-4 in last 13 games as a road dog. Chicago lost four of last six games; 2-12 in last 14 games as a home favorite. Under is 4-1 in their last five games. Bulls won their last ten games with Philly, covering four of last five; over is 8-2 in last ten series games. 76ers lost last four visits to Windy City (2-2 vs spread) losing by 10-19-7-10 points.

Warriors beat the Clippers by 46 last night; they’ve won nine of last ten games, are 4-1 vs spread in last five road games, but are 1-7 vs spread if they played night before. Under is 7-2 in their last nine games. Portland won its last three games; they’re 2-4 as home underdogs. Golden State won nine of its last ten games with Portland (7-3 vs spread); they won last two visits here, by 7-23 points. Eight of last ten series games went over.

[StarDust Bum]

NBA

Sunday, January 29

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Trend Report
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3:00 PM
NEW YORK vs. ATLANTA
New York is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
New York is 5-14 SU in its last 19 games
Atlanta is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against New York
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Atlanta's last 6 games when playing at home against New York

3:30 PM
OKLAHOMA CITY vs. CLEVELAND
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Oklahoma City's last 5 games when playing Cleveland
Oklahoma City is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Cleveland
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Cleveland's last 5 games
Cleveland is 1-5-1 ATS in its last 7 games at home

6:00 PM
HOUSTON vs. INDIANA
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Houston's last 13 games when playing on the road against Indiana
Houston is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Indiana
Indiana is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
Indiana is 9-4 SU in its last 13 games

6:00 PM
ORLANDO vs. TORONTO
Orlando is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games
Orlando is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Toronto
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Toronto's last 6 games when playing Orlando
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Toronto's last 7 games when playing at home against Orlando

6:00 PM
WASHINGTON vs. NEW ORLEANS
Washington is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Washington is 7-14 SU in its last 21 games on the road
New Orleans is 13-6 SU in its last 19 games when playing at home against Washington
The total has gone OVER in 5 of New Orleans's last 5 games at home

7:00 PM
DALLAS vs. SAN ANTONIO
Dallas is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing San Antonio
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Dallas's last 10 games when playing San Antonio
San Antonio is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Dallas
San Antonio is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games

7:00 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. CHICAGO
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Philadelphia's last 8 games when playing Chicago
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Philadelphia's last 7 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Chicago's last 5 games
Chicago is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Philadelphia

9:00 PM
GOLDEN STATE vs. PORTLAND
Golden State is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games
The total has gone OVER in 12 of Golden State's last 14 games when playing Portland
The total has gone OVER in 12 of Portland's last 14 games when playing Golden State
Portland is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Golden State

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Dunkel

Sunday, January 29


Golden State @ Portland

Game 845-846
January 29, 2017 @ 9:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Golden State
131.891
Portland
119.847
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Golden State
by 12
235
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Golden State
No Line
N/A
Dunkel Pick:
Golden State
N/A

Philadelphia @ Chicago

Game 843-844
January 29, 2017 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Philadelphia
118.737
Chicago
118.054
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Philadelphia
by 1
198
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Chicago
by 6 1/2
206
Dunkel Pick:
Philadelphia
(+1 1/2); Under

Dallas @ San Antonio

Game 841-842
January 29, 2017 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Dallas
112.970
San Antonio
132.507
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
San Antonio
by 19 1/2
202
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
San Antonio
by 13
195 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
San Antonio
(-13); Over

Houston @ Indiana

Game 839-840
January 29, 2017 @ 6:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Houston
124.549
Indiana
115.200
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Houston
by 9 1/2
220
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Houston
by 3
226
Dunkel Pick:
Houston
(-3); Under

Orlando @ Toronto

Game 837-838
January 29, 2017 @ 6:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Orlando
109.737
Toronto
121.762
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Toronto
by 12
211
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Toronto
No Line
N/A
Dunkel Pick:
Toronto
N/A

Washington @ New Orleans

Game 835-836
January 29, 2017 @ 6:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Washington
127.221
New Orleans
120.152
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Washington
by 7
223
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Washington
by 1
217 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Washington
(-1); Over

Oklahoma City @ Cleveland

Game 833-834
January 29, 2017 @ 3:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Oklahoma City
114.813
Cleveland
125.857
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Cleveland
by 11
215
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Cleveland
by 7
220 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Cleveland
(-7); Under

New York @ Atlanta

Game 831-832
January 29, 2017 @ 3:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
New York
118.752
Atlanta
119.450
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Atlanta
by 1
204
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Atlanta
by 6 1/2
211
Dunkel Pick:
New York
(+6 1/2); Under

[StarDust Bum]

Sunday's NBA Essentials
January 29, 2017

Game of the Night - Golden State at Portland (NBA TV, 9:05 ET)

The first time Damian Lillard felt he was snubbed from the All-Star Game, back in 2015, he posted an Instagram rant under the heading, "Be so good they can't ignore you," thanking everyone who felt he wasn't good enough. He felt disrespected, but ultimately made the Western Conference team as an injury replacement.

After being left off last year's All-Star team, Lillard put out a track called "They Sleep," stewed while the highest-scoring game in league history took place in Toronto, and was waiting for the Warriors in Portland, much like he is tonight, when action resumed after the break.

Lillard scored 51 points, dished out seven assists and nabbed six steals in a vendetta game, a 137-105 takedown of a team that came in 48-4 and went on to win 73. The Trail Blazers have seen Golden State 10 times since that night, winning only Game 3 of the Western Conference semifinals. They're 1-9, 0-3 against the Kevin Durant-infused version. Seven of their losses have come by double-digits, including two this season. This will be the final time these teams see each other this season unless they square off in the playoffs, a distinct possibility since they could very well be the 1-8 pairing.

Lillard was left out due to the inclusion of Klay Thompson and the likes of Gordon Hayward and DeAndre Jordan, so he definitely had a reason to feel slighted. Although the Blazers have taken a step backward, he's avergaging career-bests of 26.3 points and 4.8 rebounds and became the third player ever to be left off despite averaging 25-plus points per game.

His vengeance has already begun, as he went off for 33 points in Thursday's 112-109 win over Memphis, scoring 11 straight during a decisive run in the fourth. He didn't hide his displeasure over another dose of disrespect.

"Obviously you feel some kind of way about it because feel deprived of something that you worked hard for and that you earned, that you produced for," Lillard said. "But like I said, we got our own problems to worry about and that's what we need to be focused on."

Portland's major issue has been its porous defense, so more problems pour into the Moda Center in the form of a Warriors team that embarrassed the Clippers on national television on Saturday night, posting a 144-98 rout. Golden State wrapped it up by halftime and rode a Stephen Curry flurry to a 45-point third quarter, so no one put in more than 28-plus minutes of work, allowing them to be fairly fresh for this one. It's record coming in is 40-7 and it has a nine-game streak of double-digit wins surrounding Monday night's 105-102 loss in Miami. That loss came on the second night of a back-to-back, a situation which has tripped the Warriors up only twice in seven opportunities, though they are just 2-5 ATS.

The over is 2-1 in this season's meetings. A six-game under streak in Warriors games came to an end on Saturday night.

Lillard is averaging 25.5 points in two games against Golden State, while C.J. McCollum, also passed over by West coaches despite a scoring average of 23.4, us averaging 20.3 over three meetings. Durant has been unstoppable against Portland, shooting 66 percent from the field while averaging 28 points and 7 rebounds.

Curry has posted a scoring average of 27.3 and made 15 3-pointers over three contests, while Draymond Green is averaging 9 boards and 11 assists. The only one of the four All-Stars who has struggled against the Blazers has been Thompson, who has shot a brutal 2-for-18 from 3-point range. The fact the Warriors have won in spite of Thompson's failures by an average of 129-103.7 doesn't bode well for Portland's chances.

Unless, of course, Lillard has another vendetta game in him. McCollum joining in the vengeance would help too. The Blazers are 0-2 SU/ATS when chasing their fourth straight win, a streak that's eluded them all season going into Sunday night.

Game of the Afternoon - Oklahoma City at Cleveland (ABC, 3:35 ET)

The Thunder and Cavs will see each other twice over the next 12 days, which gives us an opportunity to see how much respect Russell Westbrook has for LeBron James and vice versa. Westbrook is averaging a triple-double, so bringing it nightly has been a given. Still, you can likely count on him packing a little extra for the defending champs, especially sicne Cleveland won both of last season's encounters. Westbrook averaged 23.5 points, 6.0 rebounds and 10.5 last season and has never recorded a triple-double against the Cavs.

James is 3-0 against Westbrook's Thunder since returning to Cleveland, missing OKC's win in 2015 due to left knee soreness. He recorded back-to-back triple-doubles in losses to New Orleans and Sacramento before scoring 31 points in Friday's win vs. Brooklyn, his second-highest output of 2017. Over his last five games, James has averaged 26.2 points, 8.6 rebounds and 11.2 assists, so we're likely to see the best from him as well.

The Cavs have gone 3-6 over their last nine games, covering only twice. Kyrie Irving has averaged 30.4 points over the team's last five, shooting nearly 45 percent from 3-point range. The over has connected in each of Cleveland's last five games, also prevailing OKC's last two.

Morbid Curiosity Bowl

If you're looking to avoid the NFL's Pro Bowl altogether until Warriors-Blazers, find a way to get two eyes on Philadelphia's visit to Chicago.

When we last saw the Bulls, they were being booed mercilessly by their fans after a 100-88 loss to Miami, their second straight home setback. They've lost four of six, have made no secret of neither the in-fighting within the group nor their lack of respect for head coach Fred Hoiberg.

Currently putting the fun in dysfunctional, Chicago has dropped five of six against the number. Jimmy Butler comes off a 1-for-13 shooting night in the loss to Heat, while Dwyane Wade isn't trying to satisfy younger teammates who wish he'd practice more, because he's 35.

The Bulls aren't going to hold a shootaround on Sunday. Whether it's because they don't want to deal with one another or the media, or both, they're skipping it. The team had a 40-minute airing of grievances earlier this week, then went out and lost to Miami as a 7-point favorite.

Philadelphia has won nine of 13, its most impressive run since 2011. The 76ers have won despite missing Joel Embiid and Jahlil Okafor on the same night twice, so not having Embiid isn't a dealbreaker in being able to pull out a win here, especially since they're currently the most cohesive group in this matchup. Embiid is resting so that he's available for Monday's duel at home against the DeMarcus Cousins-led Sacramento Kings.

Chicago has won 11 straight games in this series and 16 of 17 overall, but it wouldn't be surprising to see the Sixers snap that run despite being a 6.5-point underdog. If this occurs, the scene at United Center won't be pretty.

Notable Head-to-Head Trends

-- The Hawks are looking to claim the series over the Knicks by a 3-1 count, having won the last two encounters. They've been favored each time, but Sunday's spread will be the largest of the four games. Derrick Rose (ankle) is considered doubtful after leaving Friday's win over Charlotte.

-- Although Anthony Davis has had an incredibly long week dealing with lingering effects from a hip injury suffered during a nasty fall, he finished with 16 points and 22 rebounds in Friday's 119-103 upset of the Spurs. The Wizards have won three of four in this series, and are 10-2 SU/ATS since Jan. 6..

-- Orlando and Toronto may each be missing their starting guards for Sunday's meeting at the Air Canada Centre. Evan Fournier and All-Star DeMar DeRozan have been out all week. The Raptors have won 14 of 15 meetings in this series. The Magic last won in Toronto in March of 2012, losing their last seven trips up north.

-- The Rockets are hoping to close out a five-game road trip as a winner, coming in 2-2 after outlasting Philadelphia on Friday. The Pacers are 17-6 at home, while Houston is 18-10 on the road. Indiana is 3-7 in Houston. Eric Gordon (back) is a game-time decision.

-- San Antonio has beaten Dallas in 21 of the last 25 meetings between the Southwest Division rivals, including seven straight. The Mavs haven't won at the AT&T Center since Nov. 2010, a span of 12 games. This will be Dirk Nowitzki's first game agains the Spurs all season, having misssed the first two while injured. Wes Matthews (hip) will return to the lineup, but point guards Deron Williams (leg) and J.J. Barea (calf) will miss this contest.

[StarDust Bum]

SUNDAY, JANUARY 29

GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS

NY at ATL 03:00 PM

NY +6.5

U 210.0

OKC at CLE 03:30 PM

CLE -7.0

U 220.0

HOU at IND 06:00 PM

HOU -3.5

U 227.5

WAS at NO 06:00 PM

WAS -1.5

U 218.5

ORL at TOR 06:00 PM

TOR -9.0

PHI at CHI 07:00 PM

PHI +6.5

U 205.0

DAL at SA 07:00 PM

SA -12.5

O 196.5

GS at POR 09:00 PM

GS -8.0

O 229.0

[StarDust Bum]

Armadillo: Monday's six-pack

— 49ers surprised the NFL by hiring Hall of Fame safety John Lynch as their new GM. He had worked in the FOX TV booth the last few years.

— Xavier 82, St John’s 77— Musketeers lost star guard Edmund Somner in second half, then hung on; he’ll have an MRI tomorrow. This would be a big loss for them.

— Villanova 61, Virginia 59— Cavaliers led by double digits in second half; Wildcats got tip-in at buzzer for the win.

— Duke is 1-5 against the spread during Mike Krzyzewski’s absence.

— Brandon Moss gets $12M, two years from the Kansas City Royals.

— Hawks 142, Knicks 139, 4OT’s— Mike Dunleavy was +21 in 22:00 for the Hawks. No one else in the game was better than +6.

**********

Armadillo: Monday's List of 13: More Super Bowl prop bets……

More prop bets for this weekend’s Super Bowl from the Westgate SuperBook in Las Vegas:
13) Distance of first made field goal of game:
over 34.5 yards, -$130, under 34.5 yards, +$110

12) Total touchdowns by both teams:
over 6.5, -$150, under +$130

11) Largest lead of the game by either team:
over 16.5 points, -$130, under 16.5 points, +$110

10) Will the team that scores first win the game? yes, -$175, no +$155

9) Will there be a TD scored by the defense or special teams?
yes, +$145, no -$165

8) Which team will score last? Patriots -$130, Falcons +$110

7) Will there be a lead change in 4th quarter? yes +330, no -$400

6) Total passing yards for Tom Brady:
over 300.5 yards, -$110, under 300.5 yards, -$110

5) Total passing yards for Matt Ryan:
over 320.5 yards, -$110, under 320.5 yards, -$110

4) Total receiving yards by Julian Edelman:
over 100.5 yards, -$110, under 100.5 yards, -$110

3) Total points scored by the Falcons:
over 28, -$110, under 28, -$110

2) Total first downs by New England: over 23.5, -$110, under 23.5, -$110

1— What will happen first?
Falcons score, -$135, Falcons punt, +$115

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NBA
Long Sheet

Monday, January 30

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BROOKLYN (9 - 38) at MIAMI (18 - 30) - 1/30/2017, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BROOKLYN is 8-23 ATS (-17.3 Units) in January games over the last 2 seasons.
BROOKLYN is 4-13 ATS (-10.3 Units) after a non-conference game this season.
BROOKLYN is 21-33 ATS (-15.3 Units) after a loss by 10 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
BROOKLYN is 6-14 ATS (-9.4 Units) after 3 or more consecutive losses this season.
MIAMI is 58-44 ATS (+9.6 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 32-16 ATS (+14.4 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 64-47 ATS (+12.3 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 33-20 ATS (+11.0 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MIAMI is 8-1 against the spread versus BROOKLYN over the last 3 seasons
MIAMI is 8-1 straight up against BROOKLYN over the last 3 seasons
5 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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ORLANDO (19 - 30) at MINNESOTA (18 - 29) - 1/30/2017, 8:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
ORLANDO is 3-2 against the spread versus MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
ORLANDO is 4-1 straight up against MINNESOTA 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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DETROIT (21 - 26) at BOSTON (29 - 18) - 1/30/2017, 8:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 5-4 against the spread versus DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
BOSTON is 5-4 straight up against DETROIT 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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CLEVELAND (32 - 14) at DALLAS (17 - 30) - 1/30/2017, 8:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
DALLAS is 3-2 against the spread versus CLEVELAND over the last 3 seasons
CLEVELAND is 4-1 straight up against DALLAS 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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MEMPHIS (28 - 21) at PHOENIX (15 - 32) - 1/30/2017, 10:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PHOENIX is 23-11 ATS (+10.9 Units) in home games after allowing 105 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 31-17 ATS (+12.3 Units) after a loss by 10 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 168-131 ATS (+23.9 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season since 1996.
PHOENIX is 21-33 ATS (-15.3 Units) after scoring 105 points or more over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHOENIX is 4-3 against the spread versus MEMPHIS over the last 3 seasons
MEMPHIS is 5-2 straight up against PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
4 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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SACRAMENTO (19 - 28) at PHILADELPHIA (17 - 29) - 1/30/2017, 6:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SACRAMENTO is 156-196 ATS (-59.6 Units) in road games after a non-conference game since 1996.
PHILADELPHIA is 27-18 ATS (+7.2 Units) in all games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 27-16 ATS (+9.4 Units) as an underdog this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 17-8 ATS (+8.2 Units) in home games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) in January games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 32-16 ATS (+14.4 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 23-14 ATS (+7.6 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 22-13 ATS (+7.7 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 13-5 ATS (+7.5 Units) in home games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHILADELPHIA is 5-0 against the spread versus SACRAMENTO over the last 3 seasons
SACRAMENTO is 3-2 straight up against PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up

Monday, January 30

Nets lost their last five games but covered five of last seven; they’re 6-4 in last 10 games as a road underdog. Over is 7-2 in their last nine games. Heat won its last seven games (6-1 vs spread); they covered last three games as a home favorite. Under is 5-2 in their last seven games. Miami won nine of its last ten games with Brooklyn (8-2 vs spread); Nets lost four of last five visits to South Beach (2-3 vs spread). Four of last six series games went over total.

Magic lost six of last eight games; they’re 1-4 in last five games as a road underdog. Over is 6-3 in their last nine games. Minnesota won four of last five games, is 3-5 in last eight games as a home favorite- their last three games went over the total. Orlando won five of last six games with Minnesota, winning by 13-3 points in last two visits to Twin Cities. Under is 3-1 in last four series games played here.

Detroit lost four of its last five road games; they’re 5-12 as road underdogs- their last four games went over total. Celtics won/covered last three games; they’re 7-3 in last ten games as a home favorite. Five of their last six games went over the total. Road team won six of last eight Boston-Detroit games; Pistons won three of last four visits to Beantown. Four of last five series games stayed under.

Cleveland won its last two games but lost four of last five on road; they’re 6-10 as road favorites, 1-4 vs spread if they played day before. Dallas won three of last four games, covered four of last five; they’re 7-5 in last 12 games as a home underdog. Cavaliers won last four games with Dallas, but Mavericks covered seven of last nine series games; Cleveland won last two visits here, by 3-33 points. Three of last four series games went over total.

Grizzlies are 0-4 vs spread in game following their last four wins; they’re 4-2 as road favorites. Over is 4-2-2 in their last eight games. Phoenix lost its last three games; they covered last three games as a home underdog. Over is 8-2 in their last ten games. Memphis won eight of last ten games with Phoenix, but Suns covered four of last five in series. Grizzlies won five of last six visits to desert (under 4-2).

Kings won three of their last four games, covered four of last five, all on road- all four games went over the total. 76ers won six of last seven home games (7-0 vs spread); their last five games went over the total. Sacramento won three of last four games with Philly; Kings won two of last three visits here. Over is 3-1-1 in last five series games. Sixers are 4-6 vs spread if they played the night before.

[StarDust Bum]

NBA

Monday, January 30

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Report
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6:00 PM
SACRAMENTO vs. PHILADELPHIA
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Sacramento's last 5 games on the road
Sacramento is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
Philadelphia is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home
Philadelphia is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Sacramento

7:30 PM
BROOKLYN vs. MIAMI
Brooklyn is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
Brooklyn is 3-9 ATS in its last 12 games
Miami is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Miami's last 7 games

8:00 PM
ORLANDO vs. MINNESOTA
Orlando is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Minnesota
Orlando is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Minnesota is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Minnesota is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games when playing Orlando

8:00 PM
DETROIT vs. BOSTON
Detroit is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Detroit's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 17 of Boston's last 20 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Boston's last 5 games when playing Detroit

8:30 PM
CLEVELAND vs. DALLAS
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Cleveland's last 6 games when playing on the road against Dallas
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Cleveland's last 6 games
Dallas is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Cleveland
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Dallas's last 6 games when playing Cleveland

10:30 PM
MEMPHIS vs. PHOENIX
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Memphis's last 11 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Memphis's last 11 games when playing on the road against Phoenix
Phoenix is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games when playing at home against Memphis
Phoenix is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games at home

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Dunkel

Monday, January 30


Sacramento @ Philadelphia

Game 545-546
January 30, 2017 @ 6:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Sacramento
121.035
Philadelphia
114.673
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Sacramento
by 6 1/2
201
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Sacramento
by 2
205
Dunkel Pick:
Sacramento
(-2); Under

Memphis @ Phoenix

Game 509-510
January 30, 2017 @ 10:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Memphis
116.881
Phoenix
121.415
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Phoenix
by 4 1/2
216
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Memphis
by 4
208 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Phoenix
(+4); Over

Cleveland @ Dallas

Game 507-508
January 30, 2017 @ 8:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Cleveland
118.384
Dallas
124.739
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Dallas
by 6 1/2
217
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Cleveland
by 4 1/2
206
Dunkel Pick:
Dallas
(+4 1/2); Over

Detroit @ Boston

Game 505-506
January 30, 2017 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Detroit
118.864
Boston
119.769
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Boston
by 1
220
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Boston
by 6
213 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Detroit
(+6); Over

Orlando @ Minnesota

Game 503-504
January 30, 2017 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Orlando
111.908
Minnesota
124.418
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Minnesota
by 13 1/2
207
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Minnesota
by 8
211 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Minnesota
(-8); Under

Brooklyn @ Miami

Game 501-502
January 30, 2017 @ 7:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Brooklyn
114.203
Miami
118.313
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Miami
by 4
207
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Miami
by 9
217 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Brooklyn
(+9); Under

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Short Sheet

Monday, January 30

Brooklyn at Miami, 7:35 PM ET
Brooklyn: 4-13 ATS after a non-conference game
Miami: 8-1 ATS off a home win

Orlando at Minnesota, 8:05 PM ET
Orlando: 12-2 ATS in road games against Northwest division opponents
Minnesota: 0-8 ATS after a blowout win by 15 points or more

Detroit at Boston, 8:00 PM ET
Detroit: 4-14 ATS after a combined score of 205 points or more
Boston: 11-3 ATS after playing a game as an underdog

Cleveland at Dallas, 8:35 PM ET
Cleveland: 4-14 ATS after a non-conference game
Dallas: 13-4 ATS revenging a same season loss vs opponent

Memphis at Phoenix, 10:30 PM ET
Memphis: 8-19 ATS in a road game where the total is 200 to 209.5
Phoenix: 23-11 ATS in home games after allowing 105 points or more

Sacramento at Philadelphia, 6:00 PM ET
Sacramento: 7-19 ATS after scoring 100 points or more 4 straight games
Philadelphia: 17-7 ATS as a home underdog

[StarDust Bum]

Monday's NBA Essentials
January 30, 2017

Game of the Night - Memphis at Phoenix (TNT, 10:35 ET)

This is the second half of Monday's nationally-televised doubleheader, so the hope here is that it will provide a fun matchup to salvage what could potentially be a dud of a night. Of the six games on the schedule, there's only one matchup between teams that have both surpassed 20 wins, the opening game of TNT's twinbill, previewed below.

Of the 10 teams with the NBA's lowest winning percentages, eight will be in action on Monday. Only the Lakers and Pelicans are skipping the party.

The Grizzlies are the top Western Conference team playing Monday and come off an impressive 102-95 road win at Utah on the second night of a back-to-back. This will be the third leg of a six-game road trip, all against conference opponents, that continues against Denver, Oklahoma City and Minnesota. After spending most of the season with at least one regular out of the lineup -- more often three or more -- the Grizzlies will have everyone available.

Big forward/center Brandan Wright will make his season debut following ankle surgery. He's played just 12 games with Memphis, but is a strong rebounder and capable rim protector who should have an impact if he can stay healthy. Shooter Troy Daniels is back after undergoing knee pain and Chandler Parsons should play after resting on the second night of a back-to-back. With Zach Randolph coming off a season-high 28-point outburst over the Jazz and Vince Carter still effective despite now being on the other side of 40, a Grizzlies team that was once playing without All-Star Marc Gasol, point guard Mike Conley, Randolph, Parsons, Carter and Wright has a chance to be among the league's deepest heading into the break.

Since first-year head coach David Fizdale is just getting to know all these players, Parsons is still struggling to find his shot and Wright is just returning, there will definitely be more shuffling ahead. The next four games of this road trip give the Grizzlies opportunities to improve on the West's fourth-best conference mark, currently an impressive 19-10, but could also produce some spotty play since it's tough for new pieces to mesh on the road. Since the three renaining stops all feature teams playing better than the Suns, who have dropped three straight and bring up the rear in the entire West, it's important for Memphis to take care of business.

Randolph's 28-point game off the Griz bench is just the latest and best in a fantastic month where he's proven he can still be a force, averaging 15.9 points and 9.8 rebounds. Over the last three games, he's shooting nearly 66 percent and averaging 20 and 10. Gasol is averaging 30.4 points over his last five, so Phoenix has to hope Tyson Chandler can stay out of foul trouble or they'll have serious issues on defense.

The Suns have surrendered an average of 120.7 points during their current skid, which features a home loss to Minnesota and home-and-home sweep at the hands of Denver. They've lost five of seven and have allowed 103 or more points in each of their last 10.

Phoenix has lost five of its last six home games, with the lone win coming in an upset of San Antonio. This will be the first of three meetings over the next month between these teams, who split last year's four encounters, only one of which included Gasol.

Game of the Night II - Detroit at Boston (TNT, 8:05 ET)

Since Dec. 15, Detroit has gone 7-13 over a 20-game span, falling to the bottom of the Central Division. Stan Van Gundy has tried everything to try and push the right buttons, but after matching a season-high three-game winning streak, the Pistons lost at home to Sacramento and then got stomped in Miami despite four days off in between.

If nothing else, they'll have the fresher legs in this matchup, catching the Celtics on their fifth game in seven nights. They've won their last three despite missing two starters in F/C Al Horford (groin) and Avery Bradley (Achilles), most recently winning in Milwaukee after double-digit home wins over Houston and Orlando. Both players may return as early as tonight, so be sure to monitor news after shootaround. They're considered day-to-day and will likely be game-time decisions when they do return.

Marcus Smart has done tremendous defensive work filling in for Bradley, but he's shooting just 35 percent and definitely could benefit from a reduced workload. Kelly Olynyk picked up the offensive slack for Horford with 17 points in the win over the Bucks, but is also best in smaller doses. Getting Horford and Bradley back for the rest of Boston's homestand, which continues with an Atlantic Division showdown against Toronto on Wednesday and games against both LA teams this weekend, will give them an opportunity to hang on to a division lead they captured when the Raptors lost at home to Orlando on Sunday.

Isaiah Thomas has been the driving force, averaging 31.6 points over his last 22 games and is set to close out a second consecutive month averaging over 30 points. He's averaged 25.5 points in splitting the two contests the Celtics have played against Detroit, but will get a vastly different look here. Reggie Jackson, who excelled at Boston College, will be playing his first game in this series since he was injured to start the season, so he'll certainly bring it in his old college stomping grounds. The Celtics are favored for the fifth time in six games in this series, but Detroit has won two outright. Four of their last five meetings have gone under the posted total.

Matchup to Watch

Moisture postponed the Nov. 30 matchup between these teams, which could potentially work out as a bonus if Joel Embiid is able to play. Knee soreness has kept him out of most of Philadelphia's games of late, and he's been diagnosed with a bone bruise that may ultimately keep him out of this one.

If he's able to play, the fact he's further along now that he was late in the first full month of his rookie season means we could get a worthy sequel to their first meeting, when Embiid scored 25 points and grabbed eight rebounds but got his shot blocked as he pulled up on DeMarcus Cousins for a game-winner. Cousins, who won the game 102-100 with a 3-pointer with 20.9 seconds left in addition to the game-saving block, has led Sacramento to wins in three of four, pulling off upsets of Detroit, Cleveland and Charlotte.

The Kings have covered five consecutive games, all on the road. The 76ers have covered all seven of their home games in 2017, winning six outright before having that streak snapped in Friday's 123-118 loss to the Rockets, who were favored by 7.

Philadelphia lost 121-108 in Chicago on Sunday night, but has still won nine of 14, its most impressive run since 2011.

Notable Head-to-Head Trends

-- The Nets have lost eight of nine against the Heat and just blew a fourth-quarter lead last week in a 109-106 home loss. This matchup pits the team with the NBA's longest winning streak (Miami, 7) against the team with the longest run of losses. Brooklyn has dropped five straight and comes in 9-38, six games up on Phoenix for the league's worst record. Dion Waiters dished out a season-high eight assists against the Nets on Wednesday and hit the dagger 3-pointer to complete the comeback, finishing with 24 points. He's shockingly averaged 25.2 over his last five, shooting over 51 percent from the field and 3-point range.

-- The Magic and Wolves have nearly identical records, something that depresses both fan bases as they near the 50-game mark. Minnesota won the first meeting between these teams on Nov. 9, winning in Orlando 123-107 behind Zach LaVine's 37 points and Andrew Wiggins' 29. LaVine shot 7-for-9 from 3-point range, helping snap a five-game losing streak at the hands of the Magic. Minnesota has won just three times in 16 games in this series since '08-'09.

-- Dallas won five straight games over Cleveland without LeBron James in the lineup, but have lost the last four with him in the mix, including a 129-90 rout on Nov. 25. The Cavs shot 20-for-43 from 3-point range in that win, led by Kevin Love going 7-for-9 and finishing with 27 points and 10 rebounds in 28 minutes. Due to back spasms that knocked him out of Sunday's win over Oklahoma City, Love will be absent against the Mavs. James and Kyrie Irving made the trip to Dallas despite this game being on the second night of a back-to-back, so they're likely to play although a late audible is always a possibility.

Dallas is certain to be without Deron Williams (leg) and J.J. Barea (calf), in addition to probably missing Andrew Bogut, who hurt his hamstring in a stunning Dirk Nowitzki and Seth Curry-led upset of San Antonio last night. The Cavs are 3-5 SU/2-6 ATS on the second night of a back-to-back, while the Mavs are winless in nine games on the second night, covering just twice.