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

[StarDust Bum]

Hoop Trends - Saturday
April 1, 2017

ATS TREND OF THE DAY:

-- The Timberwolves are 0-12 ATS (-9.96 ppg) as a favorite with rest off a win in a home game in which they has at least twice as many assists as turnovers since Mar 19, 2008.

OU TREND OF THE DAY:

-- The Lakers are 10-0-1 OU (14.36 ppg) as a 8+ dog with rest after they scored 15 or more points in the first than the second half since Jan 08, 2013.

PLAYER TREND OF THE DAY:

-- The Timberwolves are 0-14-1 ATS (-9.00 ppg) after a game as a home favorite in which Karl Anthony Towns was not the high scorer since Dec 05, 2015.

CHOICE TREND:

-- The Lakers are 0-10 ATS (-13.45 ppg) on the road with rest off a loss in which they scored more than 50 points in the paint since May 08, 2011.

ACTIVE TRENDS:

-- The Bulls are 0-8 ATS (-9.69 ppg) as a home favorite off a win in which Jimmy Butler was not the high scorer since Mar 21, 2016.

[StarDust Bum]

2016-17 NBA CONFERENCE STANDINGS

EASTERN CONFERENCE W L PCT GB HOME ROAD CONF DIV STREAK L10

1 x-Boston 49 27 0.645 - 28-10 21-17 32-14 9-5 W1 8-2

2 y-Cleveland 48 27 0.640 ½ 29-8 19-19 32-13 7-8 W1 5-5

3 y-Washington 46 30 0.605 3 29-10 17-20 29-18 7-6 L2 5-5

4 x-Toronto 46 30 0.605 3 26-13 20-17 29-17 12-2 W1 8-2

5 Milwaukee 40 36 0.526 9 22-17 18-19 25-23 10-5 W3 8-2

6 Atlanta 39 36 0.520 9½ 20-18 19-18 26-19 5-10 W2 3-7

7 Miami 37 39 0.487 12 21-17 16-22 23-24 6-7 L1 5-5

8 Indiana 37 39 0.487 12 26-12 11-27 21-25 7-7 L3 3-7

Chicago 36 39 0.480 12½ 22-16 14-23 24-22 9-7 W2 5-5

Charlotte 35 41 0.461 14 22-17 13-24 22-25 10-3 W2 6-4

Detroit 35 42 0.455 14½ 24-15 11-27 21-28 5-11 L1 2-8

o-New York 29 47 0.382 20 17-19 12-28 20-27 4-9 W1 3-7

o-Philadelphia 28 48 0.368 21 17-20 11-28 19-27 7-6 L2 4-6

o-Orlando 27 49 0.355 22 14-24 13-25 18-28 7-9 L3 3-7

o-Brooklyn 16 59 0.213 32½ 10-28 6-31 7-38 2-12 L2 4-6


WESTERN CONFERENCE W L PCT GB HOME ROAD CONF DIV STREAK L10

1 y-Golden St. 62 14 0.816 - 32-4 30-10 38-9 12-2 W10 10-0

2 y-San Antonio 58 17 0.773 3½ 29-8 29-9 33-12 9-5 W1 7-3

3 x-Houston 51 25 0.671 11 28-10 23-15 32-15 10-6 L3 6-4

4 x-Utah 47 29 0.618 15 26-12 21-17 27-19 6-7 W3 6-4

5 x-L.A. Clippers 46 31 0.597 16½ 25-12 21-19 26-21 8-6 W2 6-4

6 x-Oklahoma City 43 32 0.573 18½ 27-11 16-21 26-21 8-5 L1 7-3

7 x-Memphis 42 34 0.553 20 23-14 19-20 28-20 8-6 W2 6-4

8 Portland 37 38 0.493 24½ 21-15 16-23 24-21 9-3 W5 8-2

Denver 35 40 0.467 26½ 21-18 14-22 20-26 5-9 L3 5-5

New Orleans 33 43 0.434 29 21-18 12-25 19-28 6-10 W2 7-3

Dallas 31 44 0.413 30½ 21-18 10-26 18-28 4-10 L4 3-7

Minnesota 30 44 0.405 31 19-19 11-25 17-27 4-8 W2 3-7

o-Sacramento 29 47 0.382 33 15-23 14-24 18-28 6-7 L2 4-6

o-Phoenix 22 54 0.289 40 13-24 9-30 9-37 3-11 L10 0-10

o-L.A. Lakers 21 54 0.280 40½ 13-24 8-30 11-34 5-8 L3 1-9


x-clinched playoff berth
y-denotes division winner
z-clinched top seed in conference
o-eliminated from playoff contention

[StarDust Bum]

SATURDAY, APRIL 1

GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS

LAL at LAC 03:30 PM

LAC -14.5

O 221.0

ATL at CHI 05:00 PM

ATL +4.5

U 201.5

ORL at BK 06:00 PM

BK -2.5

O 221.0

SAC at MIN 08:00 PM

MIN -11.5

U 208.0

PHO at POR 10:00 PM

POR -11.0

U 221.5

[StarDust Bum]

NBA Capsules
April 1, 2017

CHICAGO (AP) Jimmy Butler scored 33 points and hit two free throws with 2.1 seconds left to lift the Chicago Bulls to a 106-104 victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday.

Butler scored the Bulls' final nine points. His free throws gave the Bulls a two-point lead and capped a 15-4 run.

Tim Hardaway Jr. then missed a 3-pointer for Atlanta as time expired, giving the Bulls their third straight win. That put them in a tie with Miami and Indiana for the final two playoff spots in the Eastern Conference. The sixth-place Hawks, who had won two straight after dropping seven in a row, trail Milwaukee by a game.

Rajon Rondo had a season-high 25 points and added 11 rebounds. Denzel Valentine scored 13 points as the Bulls stopped a seven-game losing streak to Atlanta.

Dennis Schroder led the Hawks with 29 points while Hardaway scored 20.

CLIPPERS 115, LAKERS 104

LOS ANGELES (AP) - Blake Griffin scored 36 points, Chris Paul added 29 and the Clippers beat the Lakers, giving coach Doc Rivers his 800th career victory.

J.J. Redick added 19 points for the Clippers, who moved within a game of the idle Jazz for the No. 4 playoff seed in the West. The Clippers have won three in a row and seven of nine.

The series between the Staples Center co-tenants has been dominated by the Clippers of late. They've won 18 of 20 since the start of the 2012-13 season.

Rookie David Nwaba scored 19 points and Brandon Ingram had 10 of his 18 points in the fourth quarter for the Lakers. They have lost 18 of 20 since the All-Star break. D'Angelo Russell, the team's leading scorer at 15.7 points, had two points on 1-of-9 shooting while missing six 3-point attempts.

TRAIL BLAZERS 130, SUNS 117

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - Damian Lillard scored 31 points and Portland continued its late-season push for the playoffs with a sixth straight victory, beating Phoenix.

CJ McCollum added 29 points for Portland, which holds the eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference. The Blazers (38-38) led by as many as 25 points and got back to .500 for the first time since they were 12-12 on Dec. 9.

Devin Booker had 31 for the Suns, who lost their 11th straight for the fifth-longest losing streak in franchise history. The Suns were just ahead of the Lakers at the bottom of the Western Conference.

The Blazers were playing their first game without Jusuf Nurkic since announcing that he had a fractured right leg and will miss the rest of the regular season.

NETS 121, MAGIC 111

NEW YORK (AP) - Brook Lopez scored 30 points, Trevor Booker had a season-high 23 and Brooklyn beat Orlando.

Sean Kilpatrick added 15 points for the Nets, who snapped a two-game losing streak. Brooklyn had a season-high 72 points in the paint.

Elfrid Payton had 20 points, 11 assists and 11 rebounds for his fifth triple-double of the season for Orlando, which has lost four straight games. Nikola Vucevic had 27 points and 11 rebounds, while Aaron Gordon finished with 22 points and 15 boards.

Brooklyn opened the fourth quarter on an 11-0 run to take a 100-89 lead and never looked back.

KINGS 123, TIMBERWOLVES 117

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - Buddy Hield tied a career high with 22 points, going 4 of 6 from 3-point range, and Sacramento got 66 points from its bench in a victory over Minnesota.

Reserve point guard Ty Lawson had 21 points and 11 assists. Langston Galloway added 17 points and Aaron Afflalo scored 16 off the bench as the Kings recovered after losing by 28 points a night earlier at New Orleans against former Sacramento star DeMarcus Cousins.

Playing its fifth game in seven nights, Sacramento shot a season-high 56.4 percent to win for the sixth time in 15 games since trading Cousins on Feb. 21.

Andrew Wiggins scored 32 points for Minnesota, which had won five of its previous six homes games. A game after scoring a career-high 33 points, Ricky Rubio had 11 points on just 1-of-10 shooting, and added 13 assists.

[StarDust Bum]

Sunday’s six-pack

— If I’m an NFL team interested in drafting Deshaun Watson, I’d want to know why the Clemson QB was in a bar in Alabama. His choice, but I’d just like to know why.

— Bill Self, Tracy McGrady and George McGinnis were among 11 basketball greats elected to the Naismith Hall of Fame Saturday.

— Bruins 5, Florida 2— Boston has a 4-point lead for the last Wild Card spot in the East.

— Clippers 115, Lakers 104— Clippers ran out to a 17-0 lead, then trailed 32-31.

— Portland 130, Phoenix 117— Trailblazers even their record at 38-38.

— At some point, Phil Mickelson paid off a $2M gambling debt. I’d seriously be curious to see how that debt was accumulated; what games over what period of time? I’m a curious guy.

********************

Sunday’s List of 13: Wrapping up Final Four Saturday

13) Gonzaga 77, South Carolina 73— Were you not entertained? Not often a team goes on a 16-0 run and loses; Gamecocks fought their hearts out, but their bench was outscored 22-14 and Bulldogs advance to play for their first national title Monday night.

12) North Carolina 77, Oregon 76— Ducks shot under 30% from arc in four of their six losses this year; this 7-26 performance was their worst since November losses to Baylor/Georgetown. Oregon held UNC to 36.2% inside the arc, but couldn’t rebound two missed foul shots when it mattered most, and now their great season is over.

11) Charles Barkley predicted Gonzaga to win Monday night before the second game last night was over. I’m predicting the game will get excellent TV ratings.

10) Other than Kentucky/Duke, is recruiting one/done players a good idea? Here are some recent one/done’s and how their coaches made out:

— Dennis Smith, NC State— Mark Gottfried got fired this year.
— Ben Simmons, LSU— Johnny Jones got fired this year, a year after Simmons left.
— Markelle Fultz, Washington— Lorenzo Romar got fired this year.
— Stephen Zimmerman, UNLV- Dave Rice was fired during the season last year.

9) Former VCU/Alabama coach Anthony Grant is the new coach at Dayton; he had been with the Oklahoma City Thunder as an assistant under Billy Donovan.

8) Quote of the Day, Part II: “Players, if anything, need a mental break sometimes. And sorry, they’re human. They go through so much every single day. There are so many obligations off the court that you don’t know about. … It might not be a physical break, it might just be a reset mentally, and I get that.”
Kevin Durant

This made me want to puke, seriously. The regular season is six months long, playoffs run another 6-7 weeks, for the really good teams. You mean to tell me you need a break from playing three games a week for six months a year, but not for physical reasons, but MENTAL ones?

Good God almighty.

7) The key word in all of that is “obligations”. I’d be curious to know what Durant considers his “obligations” to be, and what makes them so demanding that he needs to take games off.

6) Final Four drew 77,612 fans in the Cardinals’ domed stadium last night. They drew 39,380 in San Francisco for an A’s-Giants exhibition game Thursday night. Sports are popular.

5) If NCAA wanted to, they could have the entire March Madness in Las Vegas, with regional games in UNLV’s arena, Mandalay Bay, MGM Grand and T-Mobile Arena. The Final Four could be in the Raiders’ new domed stadium, when it gets built.

4) New Mexico fired basketball coach Craig Neal, which was kind of expected after his point guard son Cullen bolted the Lobos for Ole Miss after last season.

3) Grant Hill is throwing out the first ball at the Diamondbacks’ season opener today. There are three games on the baseball schedule. AmericA’S team (the A’s) open on Monday night.

2) One thing about sitting in a Las Vegas casino and I’ll have a lot more on this tomorrow; this is a very diverse set of bettors here in Las Vegas. You meet all kinds of people, you bond over sports and food and you realize that we’re a lot more alike that some people want to admit.

1— Early line for Monday night’s game: UNC -2, total of 154 (getting bet up as we speak).

[StarDust Bum]

Sunday’s games

Celtics won eight of last ten games; they’re 1-5 vs spread in last six road games. Four of their last five games went over total. New York lost six of last eight games but covered five of last seven, four of last five on road. Under is 4-1 in their last five games. Knicks lost four of last five games with Boston; under is 5-3 in last eight series tilts. Celtics won four of last five visits to Manhattan.

Charlotte won six of its last eight games; they’re 6-3 vs spread in last nine road games. Last six Hornet games went over total. Oklahoma City split its last six games; they’re 11-4 vs spread in last 15 home games. Over is 7-5 in their last 12 games. Thunder won nine of last ten games with Charlotte; Hornets lost their last five games here (0-5 vs spread). Three of last four series games played here stayed under.

Mavericks lost its last four games; they’re 4-6 vs spread in last ten road games. Five of their last six games stayed under. Bucks won six of last seven games; they’re 0-3 vs spread in last three home games. Three of their last four games went over the total. Dallas won seven of last eight games with Milwaukee; they won three of last four games in this building. Last three series games stayed under total.

San Antonio won six of its last seven games; they’re 6-3 vs spread in last nine road games. Five of their last six games stayed under. Jazz won four of last five games; they’re 5-3 vs spread in last eight home games. Four of their last six home games went over. Spurs won five of last six games with Utah; they won last three visits to SLC, by 18-2-14 points. Four of last six series games went over total.

Grizzlies lost their last four road games (1-3 vs spread); they’re 4-7 vs spread in last 11 games on road. Under is 7-2 in their last nine games. Lakers lost their last four games, are 2-4 vs spread in last six games at Staples. Over is 5-2 in their last seven games. Memphis won eight of last ten games with the Lakers, covered four of last six; they lost by 7-14 in last two games with Lakers here at Staples. Over is 4-1-1 in last six series games.

Denver lost its last three games; they’re 5-2 vs spread in last seven road games. Five of their last six games went over. Heat is 3-4 in their last seven games; they’re 1-3 vs spread in last four home games. Five of their last six games stayed under. Miami won seven of last nine games with Denver; Nuggets lost three of last four visits here, but covered three of four. Under is 5-3 in last eight series games.

Indiana lost its last seven road games (0-7 vs spread); they lost five of last six games overall. Seven of their last eight games went over. Cleveland lost three of last four games; they’re 2-6 vs spread in last eight games. Over is 5-2 in their last seven games. Home side won eight of last ten Pacer-Cavalier games; Cleveland won six of last eight series games, including last four here, but Indiana covered three of those four (under 3-1).

Hawks lost eight of last ten games; they covered last three road games. Under is 8-1 in their last nine games. Brooklyn is 4-3 in its last seven games, 3-1 vs spread in last four home games. Three of their last four games stayed under the total. Nets lost six of last eight games with Atlanta; teams split last four series games played here. Last seven series games stayed under the total. Hawks

Chicago won five of its last seven games; they covered four of last five road tilts. Four of their last six games went over. Pelicans won six of last eight games, covered five of last six home games. Four of their last six games stayed under the total. Bulls won their last five games with New Orleans; they won three of last four games on Bourbon Street. Three of last four series games stayed under.

76ers lost three of last four games, are 7-3 vs spread in last ten road games. Three of their last four road games stayed under. Raptors won seven of last eight games, are 6-3 vs spread in last nine home games. Five of their last seven games went over the total. Toronto won nine of last ten games with Philly; they covered last three series home games. Six of last eight series games went over total.

Washington lost their last two games by 9-7 points; they’re 2-5 vs spread in last nine games on foreign soil. Four of their last five games went over. Golden State won its last ten games, are 4-1 vs spread in last five home games. Under is 18-1 in their last 19 games. Warriors won eight of last ten games with Washington, are 5-4 vs spread in last nine series games. Wizards lost three of last four visits to Oakland (2-2 vs spread). Three of last four series games stayed under.

Houston lost its last three games; they’re 1-3 vs spread in last four road games. Last three Houston games stayed under. Phoenix lost its last 11 games (3-8 vs spread); they’re 1-4 vs spread in last five home games. Five of their last six games went over. Rockets are 8-2 in last ten games with the Suns (D’Antoni’s old team); road team won seven of last nine series games. Eight of last nine series games went over total.

[StarDust Bum]

Pro Basketball Trend Report

BOSTON (49 - 27) at NEW YORK (29 - 47) - 4/2/2017, 1:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 6-5 against the spread versus NEW YORK over the last 3 seasons
BOSTON is 8-3 straight up against NEW YORK over the last 3 seasons
6 of 11 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

CHARLOTTE (35 - 41) at OKLAHOMA CITY (43 - 32) - 4/2/2017, 3:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CHARLOTTE is 21-41 ATS (-24.1 Units) in road games against Northwest division opponents since 1996.
CHARLOTTE is 77-106 ATS (-39.6 Units) in road games in non-conference games since 1996.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 41-33 ATS (+4.7 Units) in all games this season.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 29-15 ATS (+12.5 Units) as a favorite this season.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 25-12 ATS (+11.8 Units) in home games this season.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 175-128 ATS (+34.2 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent since 1996.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 24-13 ATS (+9.7 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
CHARLOTTE is 32-16 ATS (+14.4 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game - 2nd half of the season since 1996.

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

DALLAS (31 - 44) at MILWAUKEE (40 - 36) - 4/2/2017, 3:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DALLAS is 377-310 ATS (+36.0 Units) as an underdog since 1996.
DALLAS is 480-403 ATS (+36.7 Units) in road games since 1996.
DALLAS is 9-0 ATS (+9.0 Units) on Sunday games this season.
DALLAS is 263-216 ATS (+25.4 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1996.
MILWAUKEE is 34-42 ATS (-12.2 Units) in all games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 358-429 ATS (-113.9 Units) in the second half of the season since 1996.
MILWAUKEE is 252-308 ATS (-86.8 Units) in non-conference games since 1996.
MILWAUKEE is 52-93 ATS (-50.3 Units) after 3 or more consecutive wins since 1996.
MILWAUKEE is 16-25 ATS (-11.5 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
MILWAUKEE is 203-284 ATS (-109.4 Units) versus poor offensive teams - scoring <=98 points/game - 2nd half of the season since 1996.

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

UTAH (47 - 29) at SAN ANTONIO (58 - 17) - 4/2/2017, 3:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN ANTONIO is 5-4 against the spread versus UTAH over the last 3 seasons
SAN ANTONIO is 6-3 straight up against UTAH over the last 3 seasons
5 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

MEMPHIS (42 - 34) at LA LAKERS (21 - 55) - 4/2/2017, 3:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA LAKERS is 6-4 against the spread versus MEMPHIS over the last 3 seasons
MEMPHIS is 8-2 straight up against LA LAKERS over the last 3 seasons
7 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

DENVER (35 - 40) at MIAMI (37 - 39) - 4/2/2017, 6:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MIAMI is 46-30 ATS (+13.0 Units) in all games this season.
MIAMI is 51-34 ATS (+13.6 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 51-34 ATS (+13.6 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 19-8 ATS (+10.2 Units) in the second half of the season this season.
MIAMI is 18-8 ATS (+9.2 Units) off a upset loss as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 23-13 ATS (+8.7 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
MIAMI is 15-7 ATS (+7.3 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record - 2nd half of the season this season.
MIAMI is 12-4 ATS (+7.6 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game - 2nd half of the season this season.
DENVER is 36-21 ATS (+12.9 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.

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

INDIANA (37 - 39) at CLEVELAND (48 - 27) - 4/2/2017, 6:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
INDIANA is 33-42 ATS (-13.2 Units) in all games this season.
INDIANA is 13-24 ATS (-13.4 Units) in road games this season.
INDIANA is 14-26 ATS (-14.6 Units) in road games revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
INDIANA is 9-18 ATS (-10.8 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game this season.
CLEVELAND is 12-23 ATS (-13.3 Units) vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 14-23 ATS (-11.3 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
INDIANA is 8-3 against the spread versus CLEVELAND over the last 3 seasons
CLEVELAND is 7-4 straight up against INDIANA over the last 3 seasons
6 of 11 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

ATLANTA (39 - 37) at BROOKLYN (17 - 59) - 4/2/2017, 6:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
BROOKLYN is 8-8 against the spread versus ATLANTA over the last 3 seasons
ATLANTA is 12-4 straight up against BROOKLYN over the last 3 seasons
11 of 16 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO (37 - 39) at NEW ORLEANS (33 - 43) - 4/2/2017, 6:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO is 13-22 ATS (-11.2 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.

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

PHILADELPHIA (28 - 48) at TORONTO (46 - 30) - 4/2/2017, 6:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 42-33 ATS (+5.7 Units) in all games this season.
TORONTO is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) vs. division opponents this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 47-28 ATS (+16.2 Units) in all games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 47-26 ATS (+18.4 Units) as an underdog this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 19-10 ATS (+8.0 Units) in the second half of the season this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) vs. division opponents this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 18-7 ATS (+10.3 Units) after a loss by 10 points or more this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 22-9 ATS (+12.1 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 14-2 ATS (+11.8 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game - 2nd half of the season this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
TORONTO is 8-3 against the spread versus PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
TORONTO is 10-1 straight up against PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
7 of 11 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

WASHINGTON (46 - 30) at GOLDEN STATE (62 - 14) - 4/2/2017, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 14-29 ATS (-17.9 Units) in road games versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game since 1996.
GOLDEN STATE is 151-124 ATS (+14.6 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 139-114 ATS (+13.6 Units) as a favorite over the last 3 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 80-58 ATS (+16.2 Units) in home games over the last 3 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 120-88 ATS (+23.2 Units) in April games since 1996.
GOLDEN STATE is 21-10 ATS (+10.0 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 20-11 ATS (+7.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
GOLDEN STATE is 57-39 ATS (+14.1 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 33-19 ATS (+12.1 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game over the last 3 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 49-26 ATS (+20.4 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game - 2nd half of the season since 1996.
WASHINGTON is 14-4 ATS (+9.6 Units) in April games over the last 3 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 35-22 ATS (+10.8 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.

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

HOUSTON (51 - 25) at PHOENIX (22 - 55) - 4/2/2017, 9:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PHOENIX is 151-110 ATS (+30.0 Units) after allowing 115 points or more since 1996.
PHOENIX is 22-8 ATS (+13.2 Units) after allowing 130 points or more since 1996.
PHOENIX is 38-23 ATS (+12.7 Units) after a loss by 10 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 23-12 ATS (+9.8 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 42-33 ATS (+5.7 Units) in all games this season.
HOUSTON is 24-13 ATS (+9.7 Units) in road games this season.
HOUSTON is 23-11 ATS (+10.9 Units) in a road game where the total is greater than or equal to 220 over the last 3 seasons.
HOUSTON is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) against Pacific division opponents this season.
HOUSTON is 111-79 ATS (+24.1 Units) after 3 or more consecutive unders since 1996.
HOUSTON is 53-27 ATS (+23.3 Units) in road games after 3 or more consecutive losses since 1996.
HOUSTON is 25-12 ATS (+11.8 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
HOUSTON is 26-12 ATS (+12.8 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.

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

[StarDust Bum]

Pro Basketball Injury Report

ATLANTA
[F] 04/01/2017 - Thabo Sefolosha "?" Sunday vs. Brooklyn ( Groin )
(!)[F] 03/27/2017 - Paul Millsap out indefinitely ( Knee )

BOSTON
(!)[PG] 04/01/2017 - Avery Bradley is downgraded to doubtful Sunday vs. New York ( Illness )
[F] 04/01/2017 - Amir Johnson injured last game, "?" Sunday vs. New York ( Ankle )

BROOKLYN
[G] 03/05/2017 - Joe Harris out indefinitely ( Concussion )

CHARLOTTE
[PG] 02/06/2017 - Ramon Sessions out indefinitely ( Knee )

CHICAGO
(!)[G] 03/16/2017 - Dwyane Wade out for regular season ( Elbow )
[G] 04/01/2017 - Cameron Payne "?" Sunday vs. New Orleans ( Undisclosed )

CLEVELAND
[F] 04/01/2017 - Richard Jefferson "?" Sunday vs. Indiana ( Knee )
[C] 03/06/2017 - Andrew Bogut out for season ( Leg )
[G] 03/27/2017 - Kyle Korver out indefinitely ( Foot )
[F] 12/16/2016 - Chris Andersen out for season ( ACL )
DALLAS
[G] 04/01/2017 - Seth Curry is downgraded to expected to miss Sunday vs. Milwaukee ( Shoulder )

DENVER
(!)[F] 04/01/2017 - Danilo Gallinari probable Sunday vs. Miami ( Knee )
[C] 04/01/2017 - Mason Plumlee "?" Sunday vs. Miami ( Abdominal )
[F] 04/01/2017 - Darrell Arthur "?" Sunday vs. Miami ( Knee )
[F] 04/01/2017 - Will Barton "?" Sunday vs. Miami ( Foot )
[PG] 04/01/2017 - Jameer Nelson injured last game, "?" Sunday vs. Miami ( Calf )
[G] 03/04/2017 - Mo Williams out for season ( Knee )

DETROIT
[F] 03/31/2017 - Reggie Bullock "?" ( Foot )
[PG] 03/31/2017 - Reggie Jackson "?" ( Knee )

GOLDEN STATE
(!)[F] 03/01/2017 - Kevin Durant out indefinitely ( Knee )

HOUSTON
[F] 03/26/2017 - Ryan Anderson out indefinitely ( Ankle )
(!)[G] 04/01/2017 - James Harden probable Sunday vs. Phoenix ( Wrist )
[PG] 04/02/2017 - Patrick Beverley "?" Sunday vs. Phoenix ( Ankle )

INDIANA
[G] 04/01/2017 - Lance Stephenson probable Sunday vs. Cleveland ( Acquired )
[C] 03/27/2017 - Al Jefferson out indefinitely ( Ankle )
[G] 03/24/2017 - Glenn Robinson III out indefinitely ( Calf )

LA CLIPPERS
[PG] 03/30/2017 - Austin Rivers out indefinitely ( Hamstring )

LA LAKERS
[F] 03/15/2017 - Luol Deng out for season ( None )
[C] 03/14/2017 - Timofey Mozgov out for season ( None )
[C] 03/31/2017 - Ivica Zubac out for season ( Ankle )
[F] 04/01/2017 - Nick Young out indefinitely ( Ankle )

MEMPHIS
[F] 04/01/2017 - JaMychal Green is downgraded to expected to miss Sunday vs. LA Lakers ( Shoulder )
[G] 04/01/2017 - Vince Carter expected to miss Sunday vs. LA Lakers ( Rest )
(!)[C] 04/01/2017 - Marc Gasol is downgraded to expected to miss Sunday vs. LA Lakers ( Foot )
[PG] 04/01/2017 - Andrew Harrison "?" Sunday vs. LA Lakers ( Ankle )
[F] 03/31/2017 - Chandler Parsons out for season ( Knee )

MIAMI
[G] 03/18/2017 - Dion Waiters out indefinitely ( Ankle )
[F] 01/04/2017 - Justise Winslow out for season ( Shoulder )
[F] 12/27/2016 - Josh McRoberts out indefinitely ( Foot )
(!)[F] 10/22/2016 - Chris Bosh out for season ( Blood Clot )

MILWAUKEE
(!)[F] 02/09/2017 - Jabari Parker out for season ( ACL )
[F] 03/25/2017 - John Henson out indefinitely ( Thumb )
[G] 04/01/2017 - Malcolm Brogdon "?" Sunday vs. Dallas ( Back )

MINNESOTA
[F] 03/16/2017 - Nemanja Bjelica out for season ( Ankle )
(!)[PG] 02/05/2017 - Zach LaVine out for season ( Ankle )
[C] 10/22/2016 - Nikola Pekovic out for season ( Ankle )

NEW ORLEANS
[F] 10/22/2016 - Quincy Pondexter out for season ( Knee )
[C] 03/17/2017 - Omer Asik out for season ( Illness )
[C] 04/01/2017 - Alexis Ajinca doubtful Sunday vs. Chicago ( Hip )

NEW YORK
(!)[F] 04/01/2017 - Carmelo Anthony "?" Sunday vs. Boston ( Back )
[F] 04/01/2017 - Lance Thomas "?" Sunday vs. Boston ( Hip )
(!)[PG] 04/01/2017 - Derrick Rose "?" Sunday vs. Boston ( Knee )
[C] 03/20/2017 - Joakim Noah out for season ( Knee )

OKLAHOMA CITY
[F] 04/01/2017 - Taj Gibson probable Sunday vs. Charlotte ( Illness )
ORLANDO
[F] 04/01/2017 - Jeff Green "?" Tuesday vs. Brooklyn ( Back )

PHILADELPHIA
[F] 03/31/2017 - Robert Covington out for season ( Knee )
[C] 03/31/2017 - Jahlil Okafor out for season ( Knee )
[PG] 03/28/2017 - Sergio Rodriguez out indefinitely ( Hamstring )
(!)[C] 03/01/2017 - Joel Embiid out for season ( Knee )
(!)[F] 02/24/2017 - Ben Simmons out for season ( Knee )
[PG] 12/15/2016 - Jerryd Bayless out for season ( Wrist )

PHOENIX
(!)[PG] 03/16/2017 - Eric Bledsoe out for season ( Knee )
[C] 03/17/2017 - Tyson Chandler out for season ( None )
[PG] 03/16/2017 - Brandon Knight out for season ( Back )
[G] 04/01/2017 - Leandro Barbosa "?" Sunday vs. Houston ( Hamstring )

PORTLAND
(!)[C] 03/31/2017 - Jusuf Nurkic out indefinitely ( Leg )
[C] 03/18/2017 - Festus Ezeli out for season ( Knee )
[F] 03/01/2017 - Ed Davis out for season ( Shoulder )

SACRAMENTO
[G] 02/16/2017 - Malachi Richardson out for season ( Hamstring )
(!)[F] 03/13/2017 - Rudy Gay out for season ( Achilles )

SAN ANTONIO
[PG] 03/19/2017 - Dejounte Murray out indefinitely ( Groin )
[G] 04/01/2017 - Danny Green expected to miss Sunday vs. Utah ( Quad )
(!)[F] 04/01/2017 - LaMarcus Aldridge expected to miss Sunday vs. Utah ( Thumb )
[G] 04/01/2017 - Manu Ginobili expected to miss Sunday vs. Utah ( Rest )

TORONTO
(!)[PG] 03/03/2017 - Kyle Lowry out indefinitely ( Wrist )
UTAH
[F] 03/13/2017 - Derrick Favors out indefinitely ( Knee )
(!)[PG] 04/01/2017 - George Hill is downgraded to expected to miss Sunday vs. San Antonio ( Groin )

WASHINGTON
[F] 04/02/2017 - Markieff Morris "?" Sunday vs. Golden State ( Ankle )
©

[StarDust Bum]

NBA (PROFESSIONAL)

DUNKEL'S HIGHLIGHTED GAME

Washington at Golden State - Sunday April 2, 2017
The Wizards head to Golden State tonight to face a Warriors team that is 3-7 ATS in its last 10 games versus Eastern Conference opponents. Washington is the pick (+11) according to Dunkel, which has the Warriors favored by only 8 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Washington (+11).

SUNDAY APRIL 2, 2017

Houston
@
Phoenix
Game 523-524
April 2, 2017 @ 9:00 pm

Dunkel Rating: Houston
126.490
Phoenix
110.660
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total: Houston
by 16
240
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total: Houston
by 11 1/2
234
Dunkel Pick: Houston
(-11 1/2); Over

Washington
@
Golden State
Game 521-522
April 2, 2017 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating: Washington
118.660
Golden State
126.939
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total: Golden State
by 8 1/2
226
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total: Golden State
by 11
223
Dunkel Pick: Washington
(+11); Over

Philadelphia
@
Toronto
Game 519-520
April 2, 2017 @ 6:00 pm

Dunkel Rating: Philadelphia
111.713
Toronto
117.354
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total: Toronto
by 5 1/2
216
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total: Toronto
by 11
211 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia
(+11); Over

Chicago
@
New Orleans
Game 517-518
April 2, 2017 @ 6:00 pm

Dunkel Rating: Chicago
106.072
New Orleans
121.826
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total: New Orleans
by 16
202
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total: New Orleans
by 6
209 1/2
Dunkel Pick: New Orleans
(-6); Under

Atlanta
@
Brooklyn
Game 515-516
April 2, 2017 @ 6:00 pm

Dunkel Rating: Atlanta
113.816
Brooklyn
118.966
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total: Brooklyn
by 5
217
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total: Brooklyn
No Line
N/A
Dunkel Pick: Brooklyn
N/A

Indiana
@
Cleveland
Game 513-514
April 2, 2017 @ 6:00 pm

Dunkel Rating: Indiana
118.640
Cleveland
130.949
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total: Cleveland
by 12 1/2
219
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total: Cleveland
by 8 1/2
214
Dunkel Pick: Cleveland
(-8 1/2); Over

Denver
@
Miami
Game 511-512
April 2, 2017 @ 6:00 pm

Dunkel Rating: Denver
125.490
Miami
122.873
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total: Denver
by 2 1/2
225
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total: Miami
by 4
219
Dunkel Pick: Denver
(+4); Over

Memphis
@
LA Lakers
Game 509-510
April 2, 2017 @ 3:30 pm

Dunkel Rating: Memphis
119.780
LA Lakers
113.404
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total: Memphis
by 6 1/2
207
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total: Memphis
No Line
N/A
Dunkel Pick: Memphis
N/A

Utah
@
San Antonio
Game 507-508
April 2, 2017 @ 3:30 pm

Dunkel Rating: Utah
122.200
San Antonio
127.810
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total: San Antonio
by 5 1/2
197
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total: San Antonio
No Line
N/A
Dunkel Pick: San Antonio
N/A

Dallas
@
Milwaukee
Game 505-506
April 2, 2017 @ 3:30 pm

Dunkel Rating: Dallas
114.845
Milwaukee
122.858
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total: Milwaukee
by 8
192
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total: Milwaukee
by 6
197
Dunkel Pick: Milwaukee
(-6); Under

Charlotte
@
Oklahoma City
Game 503-504
April 2, 2017 @ 3:00 pm

Dunkel Rating: Charlotte
117.252
Oklahoma City
125.400
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total: Oklahoma City
by 8
210
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total: Oklahoma City
by 5 1/2
215
Dunkel Pick: Oklahoma City
(-5 1/2); Under

Boston
@
New York
Game 501-502
April 2, 2017 @ 1:00 pm

Dunkel Rating: Boston
118.655
New York
117.406
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total: Boston
by 1
217
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total: Boston
No Line
N/A
Dunkel Pick: Boston
N/A

[StarDust Bum]

NBA BASKETBALL BETTING TRENDS - APRIL, 2017

BOSTONGAMECENTERNEW YORK

Boston is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Boston's last 11 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of New York's last 8 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of New York's last 5 games

CHARLOTTEGAMECENTEROKLAHOMA CITY

The total has gone OVER in 5 of Charlotte's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Charlotte's last 10 games when playing on the road against Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Charlotte
Oklahoma City is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Charlotte

MEMPHISGAMECENTERLA LAKERS

The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Memphis's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Memphis's last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of LA Lakers's last 6 games when playing Memphis
The total has gone OVER in 4 of LA Lakers's last 5 games at home

DALLASGAMECENTERMILWAUKEE

Dallas is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing Milwaukee
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Dallas's last 6 games
Milwaukee is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games at home
Milwaukee is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games

UTAHGAMECENTERSAN ANTONIO

The total has gone OVER in 7 of Utah's last 8 games when playing on the road against San Antonio
Utah is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
San Antonio is 12-1 SU in its last 13 games when playing at home against Utah
The total has gone OVER in 7 of San Antonio's last 8 games when playing at home against Utah

ATLANTAGAMECENTERBROOKLYN

The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Atlanta's last 5 games when playing Brooklyn
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Atlanta's last 9 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Brooklyn's last 5 games when playing Atlanta
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Brooklyn's last 5 games when playing at home against Atlanta

INDIANAGAMECENTERCLEVELAND

The total has gone OVER in 7 of Indiana's last 8 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Indiana's last 5 games on the road
Cleveland is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Indiana
Cleveland is 10-3 SU in its last 13 games at home

DENVERGAMECENTERMIAMI

The total has gone OVER in 5 of Denver's last 6 games
Denver is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Miami
Miami is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Denver
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Miami's last 6 games

CHICAGOGAMECENTERNEW ORLEANS

Chicago is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing New Orleans
Chicago is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against New Orleans
New Orleans is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
New Orleans is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games at home

PHILADELPHIAGAMECENTERTORONTO

The total has gone OVER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 5 games when playing Toronto
Philadelphia is 11-4 ATS in its last 15 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Toronto's last 5 games at home
Toronto is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Philadelphia

WASHINGTONGAMECENTERGOLDEN STATE

The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Washington's last 5 games when playing on the road against Golden State
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Washington's last 5 games
Golden State is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Golden State's last 5 games at home

HOUSTONGAMECENTERPHOENIX

Houston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Phoenix
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Houston's last 5 games when playing Phoenix
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Phoenix's last 5 games when playing Houston
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Phoenix's last 8 games when playing at home against Houston

[StarDust Bum]

Sunday's Tip Sheet
April 2, 2017

Game of the Night – Wizards at Warriors – 8:05 PM EST

Washington (46-30 SU, 39-36-1 ATS) closes out its final extended road trip of the season as the Wizards try to snap a two-game skid at Oracle Arena against Golden State. The Wizards won the first two contests against the Cavaliers and Lakers to wrap up their first division title since 1979. However, Scott Brooks’ team has suffered defeats in the last two games to the Clippers and Jazz as the Wizards try to avoid their first three-game losing streak since mid-November.

The Warriors (62-14 SU, 36-38-2 ATS) are in the midst of their second winning streak of at least 10 games this season after knocking off the Rockets on Friday, 107-98. Golden State’s defense stepped up in the final quarter by limiting Houston to 13 points over the final 12 minutes as the Rockets shot just 37% from the floor. After cashing 11 consecutive UNDERS, the Warriors barely hit the OVER in their massive rally against San Antonio on Wednesday, but got back on the UNDER track Friday as the 232 total was never threatened.

The last time these teams hooked up in D.C. on February 28, Kevin Durant suffered a knee injury in the opening minute of play as the future looked bleak for Golden State. Durant is still sidelined as the Warriors lost that night to the Wizards, 112-108, in spite of erasing a 19-point deficit and taking the lead in the fourth quarter. By the way, Golden State has won 13 of 17 games with Durant not in the lineup, while beating Washington in seven of the nine matchups at Oracle Arena.

Putrid Pacers

Indiana is going backwards at the wrong time as the Pacers have lost five of their last six games. The task doesn’t get easier as Indiana travels to Cleveland to face the Cavaliers. The Pacers have allowed at least 110 points during each contest of a current three-game losing streak, while coming off a 111-100 defeat at Toronto on Friday. Nate McMillan’s team is in a three-way tie with Chicago and Miami at 37-39 for the seventh spot in the Eastern Conference, but the Pacers split with the Bulls and lost the regular season series with the Heat.

The Cavaliers bounced back from a three-game slide by blowing out the 76ers on Friday, 122-105 as 12 ½-point favorites. Cleveland enters Sunday’s action one-half game behind Boston for the top seed in the Eastern Conference, while seeking back-to-back wins for only the second time since late February. Indiana captured the first matchup with Cleveland in November as LeBron James sat out, but the Cavaliers have won each of the past two meetings with the Pacers.

Grounded Rockets

Houston closes out a three-game road swing tonight in Phoenix looking to snap a three-game skid. During this losing streak, the Rockets have lost twice to the Warriors and also fallen to the Blazers, but Mike D’Antoni’s squad is still firmly in the third playoff position in the Western Conference with six games remaining. The Rockets have owned the Suns this season by winning all three matchups by 14 points or more, while all three contests sailed OVER the total.

The Suns are taking the court for the third time in four nights, coming off a 130-117 defeat at Portland on Saturday to suffer their 11th consecutive setback. Phoenix has dropped six consecutive games at Talking Stick Resort Arena, but the Suns have posted a solid 6-1 ATS record in its last seven opportunities as a home underdog.

Bulling Back

Chicago rallied late to stun Atlanta, 106-104 on Saturday to capture its third consecutive victory to remain in the mix for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. The Bulls travel to the Big Easy to face New Orleans as Chicago has been terrific in the underdog role recently by cashing six straight when receiving points. Since getting blown out at Boston on March 12, the Bulls have covered four consecutive contests away from the United Center.

The Pelicans have cleaned up at home of late by winning six straight games at Smoothie King Center, while coming off a 117-89 blowout of the Kings on Friday as 11-point favorites. In five of the six wins during this home hot streak, New Orleans has won by double-digits, while compiling a 5-1 ATS mark. The Pelicans have dropped five meetings in a row to the Bulls, including a 107-99 setback at Chicago in mid-January.

No Sunday Funday

The Heat have turned into the best story in the NBA this season following an 11-30 start by winning 26 of their last 35 games. Miami is firmly in the playoff hunt in the East in spite of suffering a tough loss to a short-handed New York squad on Friday, 98-94 as 10 ½-point home favorites. The Heat host the Nuggets this evening as Miami has been awful on Sundays this season by failing to win in seven tries on the first day of the week.

Denver continues a five-game road swing after squandering a 12-point third quarter lead in Friday’s 122-114 defeat at Charlotte. Things are slipping away fast for the Nuggets, who are in a 2 ½-game hole to Portland for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference with seven games remaining. Denver has failed to beat Miami in the last four matchups, including a 106-98 home loss in late November.

Head-to-Head Trends

-- Philadelphia snapped a 14-game losing streak to Toronto in mid-January as the 76ers battle the Raptors for the final time this season. The Sixers have lost in their last seven visits to the Air Canada Center, while Toronto has covered in its last three home victories as a double-digit favorite against Philadelphia.

-- Atlanta plays with immediate revenge against Brooklyn after the Nets tripped up the Hawks, 92-86 last Sunday. The Hawks own a solid 10-5 SU/ATS record with no rest following Saturday’s loss to the Bulls, while winning two of three meetings with Brooklyn this season. Brooklyn looks to capitalize off Saturday’s victory over Orlando as the Nets seek their first win on no rest in 14 tries this season.

[StarDust Bum]

Hoop Trends - Sunday
April 2, 2017

ATS TREND OF THE DAY:

-- The Bulls are 16-0 ATS (9.34 ppg) as a dog off a home game in which they had at least 30% of their points from threes since Mar 19, 2005.

OU TREND OF THE DAY:

-- The Nuggets are 13-0 OU (11.77 ppg) off a loss in which they has at least twice as many assists as turnovers since Apr 02, 2016.

PLAYER TREND OF THE DAY:

-- The Hawks are 0-11 OU (-11.18 ppg) off a game as a dog in which Dwight Howard had a double double since Dec 05, 2016.

CHOICE TREND:

-- The Rockets are 11-0 OU (8.27 ppg) on the road with less than two days rest off a loss as a road dog in which they shot under 40% from the field since Mar 21, 2008.

ACTIVE TRENDS:

-- The Cavaliers are 9-0 ATS (5.83 ppg) as a favorite off a game as a favorite in which Lebron James was the high scorer since Jan 29, 2017.

[StarDust Bum]

76ers play at Toronto with short bench
April 2, 2017

TORONTO -- Not only will the Philadelphia 76ers be without Robert Covington and Jahlil Okafor when they face the Toronto Raptors on Sunday at the Air Canada Centre, but they will not have them for the rest of the season.

The 76ers, also have six games left in the season, made the announcement before they lost to the Cavaliers in Cleveland, 122-105, on Friday night.

"I think at this stage of the year, it seems like it's the right thing to do," 76ers coach Brett Brown said after the game Friday. "I know they're very disappointed about not being here with the team and (not) being able to see this through, but I think it's borderline zero doubt that this is the right thing to do."

The 76ers (28-48) will complete a stretch of 11 of 14 games on the road when they play the Raptors.

With the latest injuries, the Sixers had only nine players available on Friday. Sergio Rodriguez missed his third straight game because of a strained left hamstring and is scheduled to be re-evaluated Monday.

"It's just unfortunate in like the last 10, 15, 20 games of the year that we really have been undermanned and hadn't had the full roster," 76ers guard Nik Stauskas said.

Covington sustained what was termed a slight tear of the lateral meniscus in his right knee on Tuesday against the Brooklyn Nets. The forward will week a second opinion to see if surgery is required.

As for Okafor, he has missed the four consecutive games and 11 overall this season with a sore right knee. The center has experienced soreness since undergoing surgery for a slight meniscus tear in his knee March 22, 2016.

They joined Joel Embiid (torn meniscus in his left knee), Ben Simmons (fractured right foot) and Jerryd Bayless (torn ligaments in his left wrist) as 76ers with season-ending injuries.

The 76ers intend to sign power forward Alex Poythress, according to The Vertical.

Poythress is 6-8, 235-pounds and was undrafted out of Kentucky last year. He has averaged 18.5 points, 7.1 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.4 blocked shots this season with the Fort Wayne Mad Ants of the NBA Development League. He was a D-League All-Star.

The Raptors, without point guard Kyle Lowry who is out for the rest of the regular season after wrist surgery, defeated the Indiana Pacers, 111-100, on Friday and have won seven of their last eight games.

The Raptors (46-30) are tied for third in the Eastern Conference with the Washington Wizards, but hold the tiebreaker.

DeMar DeRozan scored 40 points for the Raptors, the seventh time this season that he has scored 40 or more. It also was the 30th time this season that he has scored at least 30 points in a game, matching Vince Carter's club record set in 2000-01.

"Every record is an honor," DeRozan said. "It's big and I don't believe it. I go home and I still don't believe it, so it's great. Maybe after I finish playing I'll look back at it and be amazed."

The Raptors are 14-6 without Lowry and the way DeRozan has played is a big reason for that.

"Put a little bit more thought in the overall game, understanding not just getting myself going but getting everybody else going," DeRozan said when asked about the difference it makes playing without Lowry.

"With Kyle out there, we lean on him for a lot, he's does things for us a lot of times and it makes the game come easier for a lot of us. Without him, I try to do the same as if I was Kyle, and try to think for everybody else, try to get easy things going on both ends."

The Raptors have won two of the three meetings with the 76ers this season. The 76ers won, 94-89, at Philadelphia on Jan. 18 and the Raptors won, 122-95, on Nov. 28 at Toronto and, 123-114, at Philadelphia on Dec. 14.

[StarDust Bum]

Hawks can't afford a slip-up versus Nets
April 2, 2017

NEW YORK -- The Atlanta Hawks find themselves in a position where three games separate five teams in the crowded Eastern Conference playoff race.

With six games remaining, the Hawks are 39-37. They are in sixth place, one game behind the surging Milwaukee Bucks and two up on the Chicago Bulls, Miami Heat and Indiana Pacers.

If there are more slip-ups, the situation might become less secure for the Hawks, who visit the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday night.

Atlanta is in this position because of its inconsistencies since opening night. The Hawks began this season 9-2, dropped 14 of 20 and went 22-13 to reach a 37-29 mark on March 11.

Since its 17-point road victory over the Memphis Grizzlies, Atlanta is 2-8 in its last 10 games. One of those defeats was last Sunday's 107-92 home loss to the Nets.

Another occurred Saturday, when the Hawks wasted two 10-point leads early in the fourth quarter and were handed a 106-104 road loss to the Chicago Bulls.

"They hit some tough shots," Atlanta center Dwight Howard said. "That's how they got the win. We should have won that game though. Any game we lose it's hard to take. Tonight, that was a game we definitely should have won. We went up big and we should have capitalized on it."

Atlanta shot 36 percent in the fourth quarter but still led inn the final minute on a pull-up jumper by Dennis Schroder with 35.8 seconds remaining. Then they gave up a layup to Jimmy Butler, Schroder stepped out of bounds, Butler hit two free throws and Tim Hardaway Jr. missed a game-winning 3-pointer just before the buzzer.

Those plays left the Hawks lamenting about poor execution down the stretch.

"We need to execute better in crunch time," Schroder said after scoring 29 points.

"We didn't make enough plays down the stretch that we had to," Atlanta coach Mike Budenholzer said.

The Hawks are faltering while All-Star forward Paul Millsap is recovering from a left knee injury. Millsap missed his eighth straight game and is making progress but is unlikely to play Sunday.

Millsap's progress consisted of a pregame workout Saturday and practice Friday. The Hawks could opt to sit him again since they have three days off before hosting the Boston Celtics on Thursday.

"We are being aggressively cautious," Budenholzer said. "We are definitely aware that if the doesn't play then he has three more days. We are not going to do anything to compromise the big picture."

Last Sunday's win in Atlanta is part of a respectable month for the Nets. From Dec. 28 to Feb. 25, Brooklyn lost 27 of 28 games.

Starting with a nine-point victory at Sacramento that snapped a 16-game skid, the Nets are 8-10 in their last 18 games.

"We definitely want to finish the season strong," Brooklyn reserve forward Trevor Booker said. "It'll give us something to build off of over the summer going into next season."

The Nets look to win both ends of a back-to-back set for the first time since March 31-April 1, 2015 after getting a 121-111 home win over the Orlando Magic on Saturday. Brooklyn is 0-13 on the second night of a back-to-back this season and 0-21 on the second night of a back-to-back since Dec. 21, 2015 at Chicago.

Brook Lopez scored 30 points on 12 of 22 shooting Saturday. He is averaging 21.2 points and shooting 48.4 percent in his last 17 games and unlike last season will not be shut down for the final weeks of the season.

The Nets topped 120 points for the 10th time and are 9-1 when doing so. Brooklyn also shot better than 50 percent for the 10th time and is 6-4 when hitting at least half its shots.

The effective performance featured 72 points in the paint and occurred after two disappointing showings down the stretch in close losses to the Philadelphia 76ers and Detroit Pistons.

"It was very important, very big," Lopez said. "We just continually talked about no slippage until the very end of the season but we want to continue to improve and take every opportunity we can to get better as a team."

The Hawks are 9-2 in the last 11 meetings since a 127-110 loss in London on Jan. 16, 2014. In their 110-105 home victory March 8, Schroder scored 31 and Millsap added 24 and in their 117-97 win in Brooklyn on Jan. 10, six players reached double figures.

[StarDust Bum]

76ers sign F Poythress
April 2, 2017

The Philadelphia 76ers signed forward Alex Poythress from the Fort Wayne Mad Ants of the NBA Development League on Sunday.

The Sixers were able to add a player to the roster due to the NBA's injury hardship exception.

Poythress, 23, appeared in 46 games (45 starts) for Fort Wayne this season, averaging 18.5 points, 7.1 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.4 block in 31 minutes per contest. He shot 57 percent from the field and 40 percent from beyond the 3-point line.

Poythress, a 2017 NBA D-League All Star selection, ranked in the top 15 in the D-League in points, field goals made and attempted, offensive rebounds and blocks per game.

The 6-foot-7, 238-pound Poythress appeared in 112 career games at the University of Kentucky, finishing his four-year career. He went undrafted in 2016.