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

[StarDust Bum]

Overall Picks of the Day:
Date W-L-T % Units Record

04/27/2017 2-2-0 50.00% -100
04/26/2017 1-1-0 50.00% -50
04/25/2017 2 - 1 66.66% +450
04/24/2017 NO PLAYS
04/23/2017 4-4-0 50.00% -200
04/22/2017 5-2-1 71.43% +1400
04/21/2017 2-3-1 40.00% -650
04/20/2017 3-3-0 50.00% -150
04/19/2017 3-3-0 50.00% -150
04/18/2017 5-1-0 83.33% +1950
04/17/2017 1-3-0 25.00% -1150
04/16/2017 3-5-0 37.50% -1250
04/15/2017 6-2-0 75.00% +1900


Best Bets Daily:
Sides / Totals

04/27/2017..................0 - 2..............- 2.20.................2 - 0 +2.00
04/26/2017..................1 - 0..............+1.00.................0 - 1 -1.10
04/25/2017..................2 - 1..............+0.90.................0 - 3 -3.30
04/24/2017 NO PLAYS
04/23/2017..................2 - 2...............-0.20..................2 - 2 -0.20
04/22/2017..................2 - 1 - 1.........+0.90..................3 - 1+1.90
04/21/2017..................1 - 1 - 1..........-0.10..................1 - 1 -1.20
04/20/2017..................0 - 3...............-3.30..................3 - 0+3.00
04/19/2017..................1 - 2...............-1.20..................1 - 2 -1.20
04/18/2017..................3 - 0..............+3.00..................2 - 1+0.90
04/17/2017..................1 - 1...............-1.10..................0 - 2- 2.20
04/16/2017 .................2 - 2..............- 0.20..................1 - 2 -1.20
04/15/2017..................3 - 0.............+ 3.00..................1 - 2 -1.20

[StarDust Bum]

FRIDAY, APRIL 28

GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS

WAS at ATL 07:30 PM

ATL -2.5

U 210.0

BOS at CHI 08:00 PM

CHI +3.0

U 202.5

LAC at UTA 10:30 PM

LAC +5.5

U 194.0

[StarDust Bum]

NBA roundup: Celtics, Wizards advance
April 28, 2017

CHICAGO -- Avery Bradley scored 23 points and all five Boston starters reached double figures as the Celtics blew out the Chicago Bulls 105-83 in Game 6 to close out their Eastern Conference playoff series Friday night.

The Celtics advance to face the Washington Wizards, who eliminated the Atlanta Hawks with a 115-99 victory.

Gerald Green scored 16 points for the Celtics, who also got 12 points from Jae Crowder, Isaiah Thomas and Al Horford.

Jimmy Butler, hobbled by knee soreness, led Chicago with 23 points. Robin Lopez also scored 10 points for the Bulls, who dropped the final four games of the best-of-seven series after grabbing a 2-0 lead with a pair of lopsided victories in Boston.

Dwyane Wade appeared to aggravate an elbow injury he sustained late in the regular season. The veteran struggled, hitting only 1 of 10 shots from the field.

Wizards 115, Hawks 99

ATLANTA -- John Wall and Bradley Beal combined for 73 points and Washington defeated Atlanta to win their first-round Eastern Conference playoff series.

Washington took the series four games to two and advances to the second round to meet Boston, which eliminated Chicago in six games.

Wall scored 20 points in the first half and finished with 42 points on 16-of-25 shooting from the field. Beal had 17 in the first half and finished with 31 points on 11-of-17 shooting. Wall also had eight assists.

Atlanta was led by Paul Millsap, who totaled 31 points, nine rebounds and seven assists. Dennis Schroder had 26 points and 10 assists, his second straight double-double.

Clippers 98, Jazz 93

SALT LAKE CITY -- Chris Paul scored 29 points while DeAndre Jordan added 13 points and 18 rebounds to help Los Angeles stave off elimination with a victory over Utah in Game 6 of their Western Conference first-round series.

The series is tied at 3-3, with Game 7 scheduled for Sunday in Los Angeles.

With Los Angeles ahead by three points, Utah's Joe Johnson had a chance to tie it in the closing seconds, but he missed a 3-pointer with about six seconds remaining.

Paul hit a pair of free throws with 1.0 second left to clinch the win.

[StarDust Bum]

Cavs, Warriors sweeps mean time to rest, get mental breather
April 28, 2017

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) Kevin Durant can take some pressure off that tender left calf. LeBron James has extra time to recoup after barely leaving the floor in the first round.

Golden State coach Steve Kerr scheduled some medical appointments as he deals with debilitating symptoms still affecting him nearly two years after complications from a pair of back surgeries.

The two star-studded teams expected by many to face off once more in the NBA Finals each swept through their respective first-round playoff series in four games, leaving ample time for the Cavaliers and Warriors to rest up, heal up and prepare for the next opponent.

''It gives me a mental break. As far as physically, I am who I am,'' James said. ''I've played so many games over the years, the best break for me is probably when I'm done.''

Of course guys like James and Draymond Green are already eager to get back on the court.

Cleveland now knows its next opponent is Toronto, while the Warriors were still waiting out the Clippers-Jazz series.

''Definitely have gotten antsy to play,'' Green said Friday. ''But you see that break and you're excited about it, just to get that time to rest and get everybody back as close to 100 (percent) as possible for the next round. At the same time you do get antsy to get back on the floor and back in the rhythm of things. I think it's been a good week for us to sweep and get this time off.''

Durant, still receiving treatment on his left leg and knee, spent Thursday at a San Francisco Giants baseball game. Cavs coach Tyronn Lue threw a huge watch party Thursday night so players and members of the organization could see the Raptors close out the Bucks in six games.

Golden State scrimmaged Friday to stay sharp, while Cleveland players have competed in such ways as racing on cardiovascular machines in the weight room to stay fresh and motivated.

James led the league in minutes during the regular season then played nearly 44 per game in the first-round sweep of Indiana - familiar territory after the Cavs also swept Detroit in the first round last season, then followed by eliminating Atlanta in the minimum four games.

''I'm ready to get this thing going, but obviously I'm not going to rush the process,'' James said. ''... But, yeah, I don't like the way I feel when we're not playing.''

In 2015, when the Warriors captured their first championship in 40 years, Cleveland's Kyrie Irving suffered a freak Game 1 injury when he fractured his left kneecap, and Kevin Love was already lost to a dislocated left shoulder.

Last June, Stephen Curry had returned from a knee injury but never fully got healthy and the thought was the Warriors wore down after chasing and breaking the Chicago Bulls' regular-season wins record with 73 victories.

''If you could sweep every series that would be perfect,'' Durant said, ''because you just want to play well and then you'll worry about the rest afterward. That's the situation we're in. We've got a lot of guys banged up, so it's good to have a few days to get your bodies right and your mind right and just get back to the drawing board in terms of individual work, team work.''

In the Warriors' case, it also has meant more time working with Mike Brown as acting head coach while Kerr is away. The reigning NBA Coach of the Year missed Games 3 and 4 at Portland because he was in such discomfort, having dealt with headaches, neck pain and nausea that recently became worse.

While Spurs coach Gregg Popovich is most known for sitting several star players at once without regard to anything but his team's best interest, others have caught on and replicated the strategy of spelling players in order to pace for the long haul.

In March 2015, the Warriors lost at Denver with Curry watching - along with Klay Thompson, Andre Iguodala and Andrew Bogut - in the first game of a back-to-back. Oh, did Kerr take heat for it, even personally answering a few emails. And the Warriors reached out to other upset fans and sent along care packages.

''As a coach your responsibility is to keep your players healthy and there are times when guys need a night off,'' Kerr said.

In December, Cleveland caused an uproar by resting James, Love and Irving in a loss at Memphis. Lue then sat several starters for the final game of the regular season against Toronto, and the teams will meet again in the Eastern Conference semifinals starting Monday.

Now, the Cleveland coach insists, James can handle the heavy minutes when it matters most.

''His body can take it,'' Lue said, ''so I'm not worried about what outside people say.''

[StarDust Bum]

NBA notebook: Bird resigns as Pacers president of basketball operations
April 28, 2017

Indiana Pacers president of basketball operations Larry Bird is stepping down from his position with the team, according to multiple reports Friday.

The 60-year-old basketball legend is expected to continue on as a consultant with the Pacers, The Vertical's Adrian Wojnarowski reported. General manager Kevin Pritchard will take over the team's basketball operations.

No reason for Bird's departure was given, but sources told ESPN that the plan always had been for Bird to suggest to owner Herb Simon that Pritchard take over as president when Bird eventually stepped down. Bird's preference over the years has been to have year-to-year contracts.

The Pacers declined comment, noting that Bird has a scheduled news conference on Monday, according to the Indianapolis Star.

Pritchard served as general manager of the Portland Trail Blazers from 2008-2010. He joined the Pacers in 2011 as director of player personnel and was promoted to general manager in 2012.

--Boston Celtics point guard Isaiah Thomas plans to travel home to Washington state after Friday night's Game 6 against the Chicago Bulls to attend his sister's funeral.

Thomas is scheduled to fly from Chicago to Tacoma to attend his sister's funeral at noon on Saturday, according to the Boston Globe.

His younger sister, 22-year-old Chyna Thomas, died following a single-vehicle accident in Federal Way, Wash., on April 15.

This will be Thomas' second trip home since his sister's death. He traveled to Tacoma for two days after Game 2 to be with his family and friends.

--The top three shoe and apparel companies are passing on an endorsement deal with former UCLA point guard and future NBA lottery pick Lonzo Ball.

Ball's father, LaVar, confirmed that Nike, Under Armour and Adidas each informed him that they were not interested in completing a deal with his son.

LaVar Ball, who has been outspoken about his son's future and endorsement opportunities, previously said he wanted a package shoe deal for his sons that would be worth $1 billion that would be in conjunction with his Big Baller Brand, a company that sells hats and T-shirts ranging from $38 to $100 on its website.

Lonzo Ball declared for the draft after one season at UCLA following the Bruins' loss to Kentucky in the NCAA Tournament's Sweet 16 last month. He averaged 14.6 points, 6.0 rebounds and an NCAA-best 7.6 assists per game, earning first-team All-American honors.

[StarDust Bum]

Overall Picks of the Day:
Date W-L-T % Units Record

04/28/2017 3-3-0 50.00% -150
04/27/2017 2-2-0 50.00% -100
04/26/2017 1-1-0 50.00% -50
04/25/2017 2 - 1 66.66% +450
04/24/2017 NO PLAYS
04/23/2017 4-4-0 50.00% -200
04/22/2017 5-2-1 71.43% +1400
04/21/2017 2-3-1 40.00% -650
04/20/2017 3-3-0 50.00% -150
04/19/2017 3-3-0 50.00% -150
04/18/2017 5-1-0 83.33% +1950
04/17/2017 1-3-0 25.00% -1150
04/16/2017 3-5-0 37.50% -1250
04/15/2017 6-2-0 75.00% +1900


Best Bets Daily:
Sides / Totals

04/28/2017..................1 - 2...............-1.20.................2 - 1 +0.90
04/27/2017..................0 - 2..............- 2.20.................2 - 0 +2.00
04/26/2017..................1 - 0..............+1.00.................0 - 1 -1.10
04/25/2017..................2 - 1..............+0.90.................0 - 3 -3.30
04/24/2017 NO PLAYS
04/23/2017..................2 - 2...............-0.20..................2 - 2 -0.20
04/22/2017..................2 - 1 - 1.........+0.90..................3 - 1+1.90
04/21/2017..................1 - 1 - 1..........-0.10..................1 - 1 -1.20
04/20/2017..................0 - 3...............-3.30..................3 - 0+3.00
04/19/2017..................1 - 2...............-1.20..................1 - 2 -1.20
04/18/2017..................3 - 0..............+3.00..................2 - 1+0.90
04/17/2017..................1 - 1...............-1.10..................0 - 2- 2.20
04/16/2017 .................2 - 2..............- 0.20..................1 - 2 -1.20
04/15/2017..................3 - 0.............+ 3.00..................1 - 2 -1.20

[StarDust Bum]

Saturday’s six-pack

— Clippers 98, Jazz 93— Game 7 is in Staples Center Sunday afternoon.

— Boston eliminated the Bulls, Wizards ousted the Hawks, both on the road.

— Blues 2, Predators 1— Nashville’s first loss in six playoff games this spring.

— Oilers 2, Ducks 1— Edmonton wins first two series games, both on the road.

— Arizona P Shelby Miller tore his UCL, is done for the year.

— Larry Bird stepped down from running the Pacers Friday; playing the game and running a franchise are two different skills.

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

Saturday’s List of 13: Random stuff with the weekend here……..

13) Apparently our politicians make a boatload of money; I’ve heard of three groups involved with buying the Miami Marlins— one includes Jeb Bush, one includes Ivanka Trump’s brother-in-law and another one involving Mitt Romney’s son.

Must be nice to be rich.

12) Florida State’s Dalvin Cook finally got drafted by the Vikings with the #41 pick; apparently there are concerns about some of his friends, who he hangs out with.

With lot of players, the concerns aren’t about during the season, it is about the off-season, when their free time combined with having a lot of money can turn into problems. Hopefully things will work out of the best for Cook— he’s an excellent player.

From watching the Showtime show on Florida State football last fall, Cook also seemed like a good kid.

11) With the #48 pick, the Bengals took Oklahoma RB Joe Mixon, who dropped in the draft because he broke his girlfriend’s jaw (on camera) three years ago. It was reported Friday nite that only four teams considered drafting Mixon.

10) Chicago Bears beat the 49ers 26-6 last December, which is why they had the #3 pick, not the #2 pick in the draft. That win cost them two draft picks, the picks they sent to SF to switch spots Thursday night.

9) Bronx 14, Baltimore 11 (10)— Orioles led 11-4 in the middle of the 7th inning. These teams are now tied for first place in the AL East.

8) It is April 29 and the White Sox are in first place in the AL Central. Surprising.

7) Mets are 9-13; Syndergaard is hurt, Cespedes is hurt. Been a rough month.

6) There are 2.5 games separating first and last place in the NL Central.

5) Jason Terry is a substitute guard for the Bucks; he’s played 17 years in the NBA. Last summer, he interviewed for the vacant UAB head coaching job. I’m guessing he would’ve had to take a pay cut if UAB hired him.

4) If I ever write a book, one of the chapters will be “Baseball players get hurt a lot.”

3) I have a team in a 16-team fantasy baseball league; 25 guys on a team, can have minor leaguers on the roster.

As I type this this, there are 42 players on the DL, only 3.5 weeks into the season, and thats not counting the guys who got cut because they might be out for the year or most of the year.

2) Was watching the Toronto-Milwaukee NBA game Thursday night; was cool to see players from the Milwaukee Brewers watching the game together in a suite in the arena. Players live together for 7-8 months; bonding events like this one must make the season more fun.

1— This is old news, but bears reporting: St Peter’s went 10-0 vs spread in their MAAC road games this past winter. Very hard to do that; they didn’t cover either of their games in the MAAC tournament, but they finished the season 23-13 with the #34 experience team in the country.

[StarDust Bum]

NBA knowledge
Saturday’s games

No games on Saturday.

First round playoff series:
Boston-Chicago
Chi 106-102, +7, O207
Chi 111-97, +7.5, O206.5
Bos 104-87, -2.5, U206
Bos 104-95, -1.5, U204
Bos 108-97, –7.5, U205.5
Bos 105-83, -2, U203
Celtics win series 4-2

Cleveland-Indiana
Clev 109-108, -9, O208.5
Clev 117-111, -9, O210
Clev 119-114, –1.5, O210
Clev 106-102, -4, U214
Cavaliers win series, 4-0

Toronto-Milwaukee
Mil 97-83, +7.5, U197.5
Tor 106-100, -8, O195
Mil 104-77, –2, U197
Tor 87-76, +2.5, U194
Tor 118-93, -6, O193
Tor 92-89, +1.5, U196.5
Raptors win series, 4-2

Washington-Atlanta
Wash 114-107, -5.5, O209.5
Wash 109-101, -6.5, U211.5
All 110-108, -2.5, O211
Atl 111-101, -2.5 U212.5
Wash 103-99, -6.5, U212
Wash 115-99, +3, O208.5
Wizards win series, 4-2

Golden State-Portland
GState 121-109, -15.5, O220
GState 110-81, –12, U219
GState 119-113, -5, O217.5
GState 128-103, -9, O222.5
Warriors win series, 4-0

San Antonio-Memphis
SA 111-82, -9.5, O190.5
SA 96-82, -10.5, U189
Mem 105-94, +3.5, O188
Mem 110-108, +5.5, O187
SA 116-103, -10.5, O188.5
SA 103-96, -5.5, O190.5
Spurs win series, 4-2

Houston-Oklahoma City
Hst 118-87 -7.5, U227.5
Hst 115-111, -7.5, O225.5
OC 115-113, -2.5, O224
Hst 113-109, +1, U223.5
Hst 105-99, -7.5, U223.5
Rockets win series, 4-1

LA Clippers-Utah
Utah 97-95, +6, U198.5
LAC 99-91, -9, U200
LAC 111-106, -1.5, O197.5
Utah 105-98, -5, O196
Utah 96-92, +3, U195.5
LAC 96-93, +5.5, U195.5

Favorites: 19-23-1 vs spread
Over: 22-21

[StarDust Bum]

NBA Playoffs - Game 7 Facts
April 29, 2017

Game 7 Quick Facts

-- The NBA has had 125 Game 7’s in playoff history

-- The home team is 101-25 (80%) in those games

-- The 2016 NBA playoffs had five Game 7's played and the home team won four games (3-2 ATS), two of the victories coming by double digits.

Eastern Conference First Round - Miami 106 vs. Charlotte 73
Eastern Conference First Round - Toronto 89 vs. Indiana 84
Eastern Conference Semifinals - Toronto 116 vs. Miami 89
Western Conference Finals - Golden State 96 Oklahoma City 88
NBA Finals - Cleveland 93 Golden State 89

-- The 2015 postseason featured two Game 7's. The home team went 2-0 with the Los Angeles Clippers and Houston Rockets capturing victories.

-- The 2014 postseason featured five Game 7's. The home team went 4-1 in those games and the lone visitor to win was Brooklyn, who defeated Toronto 104-103 in overtime.

Utah Game 7 Recent History
2007 Western Conference First Round
Utah 103 at Houston 99

Los Angeles Game 7 Recent History
2015 Western Conference Semifinals
L.A. Clippers 100 at Houston 113

2015 Western Conference First Round
L.A. Clippers 111 vs. San Antonio 109

ALL-TIME GAME 7 ROAD WINNERS
Year Road Team Home Team Round
2016 Cleveland 93 Golden State 89 NBA Finals
2014 Brooklyn 104 Toronto 103 First round
2013 Chicago 99 Brooklyn 93 First round
2012 L.A. Clippers 82 Memphis 72 First round
2009 Orlando 101 Boston 82 Conference semifinals
2007 San Antonio 91 New Orleans 82 Conference semifinals
2007 Utah 103 Houston 99 First round
2006 *Dallas 119 San Antonio 111 Conference semifinals
2005 Detroit 88 Miami 82 Conference finals
2005 Indiana 97 Boston 70 First round
2002 *L.A. Lakers 112 Sacramento 106 Conference finals
2000 New York 83 Miami 82 Conference semifinals
1995 Indiana 97 New York 95 Conference semifinals
1995 Houston 115 Phoenix 114 Conference semifinals
1982 Philadelphia 120 Boston 106 Conference finals
1981 Kansas City 95 Phoenix 88 Conference semifinals
1981 Houston 105 San Antonio 100 Conference semifinals
1978 Washington 105 Seattle 99 NBA Finals
1976 Phoenix 94 Golden State 86 Conference finals
1974 Boston 102 Milwaukee 87 NBA Finals
1973 New York 94 Boston 78 Conference finals
1971 Baltimore 93 New York 91 Conference finals
1969 Boston 108 L.A. Lakers 106 NBA Finals
1968 Boston 100 Philadelphia 96 Division finals
1948 Philadelphia 85 St Louis 46 Semifinals
(*) Asterisk denotes overtime

[StarDust Bum]

NBA Note - Atlanta Hawks Millsap, Paul
April 30, 2017

Four-time All-Star F Paul Millsap said Saturday that he "probably will opt out" of his contract and become an unrestricted free agent, one day after the Atlanta Hawks were bounced from the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs. Millsap has a $21.4 million option for next season, but likely will make more in a new long-term deal should he become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. "I think we all know the answer to do that," Millsap told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution when asked directly about his intention. "... Eventually I probably will opt out, yes. But I want to be here. I think talks have been pretty good, so we'll see what happens." Hawks principal owner Tony Ressler told the newspaper last week that team will make "every effort imaginable" to keep the 32-year-old Millsap, who averaged a team-leading 18.1 points and 34.0 minutes to go along with 7.7 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.30 steals and 0.9 blocks. Mike Budenholzer, the coach and head of basketball operations, echoed that sentiment. "You always want to hope for the best," Budenholzer said. "Without a doubt what is best for us is to keep Paul. We've got to do everything we can to make that happen. I think that is our intention. Free agency is not an easy thing for the player or for the organization. There are a lot of things that go into it. We are incredibly optimistic and incredibly committed to Paul."

[StarDust Bum]

Paul wills Clippers to deciding Game 7
April 29, 2017

LOS ANGELES (AP) The opening round of the NBA playoffs is down to the Utah Jazz and Los Angeles Clippers, the only series to be extended to seven games.

The Clippers can finish off the Jazz on Sunday and advance to the Western Conference semifinals against Golden State, which has been waiting since Wednesday to find out its next opponent.

Whoever wins won't have any rest. The Warriors host the series opener on Tuesday.

Now in his 12th season, nine-time Clippers All-Star Chris Paul has yet to play in a conference finals.

''He is as competitive of a human being that I've ever been around,'' Clippers coach Doc Rivers said. ''When you put that with the talent and will, that's why he has performances like this in big games.''

Paul had 28 points, eight assists, three rebounds and four turnovers playing 38 minutes in a 98-93 win on Friday.

''Doc said go out there and give yourself a chance,'' Paul said.

During a timeout, he looked over at 39-year-old teammate Paul Pierce, who plans to retire at the end of the season, his 19th.

''I said, `You're not ending your career in Utah,''' Paul said. ''We just said we're going to keep this thing going for him.''

With Paul doing the heavy lifting, Jamal Crawford, Luc Mbah a Moute and Austin Rivers combined to score 38 points while making up for the loss of Blake Griffin, who is out for the rest of the season with a big-toe injury.

Without Griffin, Paul has been forced into doing the majority of the ball handling, and he appeared tired near the end of the Clippers' loss in Game 5. Doc Rivers changed things up in Game 6 and surrounded Paul with fellow guards Crawford, Austin Rivers and Raymond Felton.

''That helped a lot,'' Paul said.

The first six games between the fourth-seeded Clippers and No. 5 Utah have been decided by eight points or less. It's been so close that the teams are averaging 98 points each. They had identical 51-31 records in the regular season.

''This series has been a roller coaster for both teams,'' Jazz coach Quin Snyder said.

The Clippers can draw on past experience heading into Game 7.

Two years ago, they won an elimination game in San Antonio and came home to win Game 7 by two points in the first round. In 2014, they beat the Warriors in a Game 7 at home in the first round.

The young Jazz isn't as playoff-tested, which is why they brought in veterans Joe Johnson, Boris Diaw and George Hill to surround Gordon Hayward and Joe Ingles.

''We know what they're going to run and they know what we're going to run,'' Hayward said. ''It's about execution. It's about who wants it more, so we've got to be the team that wants it more.''

Jazz at Clippers, Series tied 3-3, 3:30 p.m. Sunday, ESPN

NEED TO KNOW: The Clippers are 3-3 all-time in Game 7s. The Jazz is 1-0 all-time in Game 7s in the first round. They haven't won a playoff series since 2010.

KEEP AN EYE ON: Johnson. Utah's big-shot specialist watched an off-balance, potential game-tying 3-pointer clank off the rim late in Game 6. It was one of his few misses under pressure in the series. He hit the winning shot in Game 1, scored 28 points in Game 4 and took over in the fourth quarter of Game 5. Iso Joe may not be done yet.

INJURY UPDATE: Gobert sustained a mild ankle sprain Friday. X-rays were negative and he's expected to be fine for Sunday.

PRESSURE IS ON: The Clippers. Since 2013, they've been eliminated from the playoffs after owning leads in every series. If they lose, Griffin and Paul will be one step closer to being able to opt out of their contracts and J.J. Redick will become a free agent this summer.

[StarDust Bum]

Wade: Future with Bulls uncertain
April 29, 2017

CHICAGO (AP) Dwyane Wade wasn't ready to make any declarations about his future with the Chicago Bulls.

The 12-time All-Star and three-time champion is waiting for management to set the direction of the franchise. Then he'll make up his mind: Stay with his hometown team for $23.8 million or look elsewhere.

''I don't need to ring chase, but I can,'' he said on Saturday. ''It's a great luxury to have if I want to do. Or I can be a part of passing down my knowledge to younger players.''

Wade's contract option is one of the biggest issues hanging over the Bulls as they head into the offseason following a 41-win season and first-round playoff exit against Boston, though it's not at the top of the list.

Jimmy Butler has a comfortable spot there. The Bulls need to decide if they're going to build with him or go all in on a tear-down and trade one of the league's best two-way players.

They also have a contract option on Rajon Rondo and need to build a roster that suits the more open offense coach Fred Hoiberg prefers.

As much as anything, perhaps, they need to settle on a clear direction. The Bulls tried to walk the line between staying competitive and getting younger last season, and it led to a .500 season and an exit in Game 6 after they made the playoffs on a tiebreaker.

Here are some things to know as Chicago sets its offseason course.

BUILD OR BYE

The Jimmy Butler Rumor Season figures to be an active one.

Butler's name has been coming up in trade talk for a year with Boston mentioned as a possible destination. But the Bulls could also make a strong case for building with him.

Butler met with management on Saturday but declined to speak to the media.

STAY OR GO

Wade wants to hear a defined direction for the organization from management.

He plans to meet with Bulls executives John Paxson and Gar Forman in a few weeks and will then figure out whether to exercise his contract option or look elsewhere. The Bulls' intentions with Butler will be ''a huge component'' in his decision but not the only one.

Wade could be staring at limited options or a huge pay cut if he decides to leave. But he also might have an opportunity to play for a contender.

Either way, he insisted he has no regrets about the two-year deal he signed to leave Miami last summer for his hometown team.

''The biggest thing is I came here and I was embraced,'' Wade said. ''Not only by the city, by up top. I was embraced by the coaches, the players, and it was some good moments and some bad moments, just like every season. But I don't regret my decision at all.''

Wade averaged 18.3 points in 60 games. He also found himself at the center of a big blowup in January when he and Butler criticized the team's effort and Rondo fired back at them. That resulted in fines for the three veterans.

''My message was just about trying to make sure that guys understand how important this is,'' Wade said. ''And maybe because I'm at Year 14 of my career, maybe I see it different and I do it different.''

ON POINT

Rondo ended an up-and-down season on a high note. But was it good enough to convince the Bulls to exercise their option on him?

In and out of the rotation for much of the regular season, he played well down the stretch and was a huge factor in winning the first two playoff games at Boston. The Bulls weren't the same with the four-time All-Star sitting out the final four games because of a broken right thumb.

ON THE BENCH

Chicago is 83-81 with one playoff appearance in two seasons under coach Fred Hoiberg and some fans were chanting for the Bulls to fire him on Friday.

''Sure I understand the frustration,'' he said. ''It was a frustrating game to go out this way.''

Wade thought those chants were misguided.

''Talent makes all of us look better,'' he said. ''Fred was dealt a young team and a team that didn't really have an identity. It was kind of unfair, in the sense, in his second year to get a whole new team and say, `Be great with it.' It takes a while. It takes time.''

OUCH

Forward Bobby Portis revealed he suffered a third-degree burn on his left foot from a heating pad in early March and is still experiencing pain.

''I had my headphones in; I didn't feel it burning through,'' he said.

[StarDust Bum]

Sunday's Tip Sheet
April 29, 2017

Eastern Conference Semifinals
No. 4 Washington at No. 1 Boston (ABC, 1:00 p.m. ET)

2016-17 Regular Season (Tied 2-2)
Nov. 9 Celtics at Wizards (-1.5) 118-93 (Under 212.5)
Jan. 11 Wizards at Celtics (-5.5) 117-108 (Over 218)
Jan. 24 Celtics at Wizards (+1) 123-108 (Over 216.5)
Mar. 20 Wizards at Celtics (-4) 110-102 (Under 216.5)

The Celtics fell into a 2-0 hole against the Bulls in spite of finishing as the top seed in the Eastern Conference. Following a pair of flat performances at home, Boston rebounded in a big way when heading to the Windy City by grabbing a pair of victories at the United Center to even the series at 2-2. The Celtics finished off the feisty Bulls with consecutive double-digit wins to advance past the first round for the first time under head coach Brad Stevens.

In the first two losses to Chicago, the Celtics yielded 106 and 111 points. However, Boston’s defense stepped up in the final four games (aided by former Celtic Rajon Rondo being sidelined for Chicago) by limiting the Bulls to 97 points or fewer in victories from Game 3-6. Celtics’ leading scorer Isaiah Thomas didn’t have a great series by posting 24 points or fewer in four games, while scoring 12 points in the series clincher on Friday.

Washington advanced to the second round for the third time in the last four seasons by knocking out Atlanta in six games. The home team won the first five contests, but the Wizards broke that trend in Game 6, led by All-Star guard John Wall, who torched the Hawks for 42 points on 16-of-25 shooting. Washington held off Atlanta in the series clincher, 115-99 as three-point underdogs to improve to 11-3 ATS as a postseason road ‘dog since 2014.

The Wizards topped the 109-point mark in each of the first two victories against the Hawks before scoring 101 points or less in the two losses at Philips Arena. Washington’s best offensive output in the series came in Game 6 with 115 points as Scott Brooks’ club cashed the OVER in two of three road games at Atlanta.

Boston and Washington split its four-game season series as the home team won each time. The Wizards routed the Celtics in the first meeting at the Verizon Center in November, 118-93, highlighted by a 34-8 first quarter. Wall and Bradley Beal struggled from the floor by combining for 22 points, but Washington managed to shoot 50% from the field. The Celtics picked up revenge in the next meeting at TD Garden in January with a 117-108 win as Thomas came out on top with a 38-point effort.

Two weeks later back in D.C., the Wizards continued their mastery at home by picking up their 14th straight win at the Verizon Center by cruising past the Celtics, 123-108. Wall and Beal put up their best combined game against Boston with 58 total points, while the Wizards shot a scorching 57% from the field. Boston captured the finale with Washington in late March, 110-102 as four-point home favorites, as the C’s outrebounded the Wizards, 58-39.

VegasInsider.com NBA expert Tony Mejia points out Wall’s struggles against Boston this season, “Wall averaged just 17.8 points and shot just 37.3 percent against the Celtics, who frustrated him like few have. Only four teams held Wall to a worse shooting clip, and he shot 15 percent from 3-point range against the Celtics, so this series will test whether he can carry over his groove.”

Meanwhile, Mejia mentions Wall’s backcourt mate can make a major impact in this series, “Beal was much more effective, averaging 22 points against the Celtics. Since a 6-for-20 effort in a Game 3 loss to the Hawks, Beal averaged 30 points per game and should have advantages since he'll see a lot of the smaller Isaiah Thomas since they typically utilize Avery Bradley on Wall. The backcourts will decide this series.”

Sportsbook.ag opened the Celtics as -165 favorites to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals (Bet $165 to win $100), while the Wizards are set as +145 underdogs to win this series. Both Boston (9/2) and Washington (8/1) are behind Cleveland to capture the Eastern Conference championship.

Western Conference First Round
No. 5 Utah at No. 4 L.A. Clippers (ABC, 3:30 p.m. ET)

2016-17 Posteason (Tied 3-3)
Apr. 15 Jazz (+5.5) at Clippers 97-95 (Under 198)
Apr. 18 Jazz at Clippers (-9) 99-91 (Under 199.5)
Apr. 21 Clippers (-1.5) at Jazz 111-106 (Over 197.5)
Apr. 23 Clippers at Jazz (-5) 105-98 (Over 196)
Apr. 25 Jazz (+3) at Clippers 96-92 (Under 196)
Apr. 28 Clippers (+5.5) at Jazz 98-93 (Under 193.5)

Only one series in the opening round will reach the limit as the Clippers and Jazz return to Staples Center tied at 3-3. This series has seen many twists and turns with injuries to key players, notably Clippers’ forward Blake Griffin, who is sidelined with a toe injury. Los Angeles is playing in its first Game 7 since its meltdown to Houston in the 2015 conference semifinals after leading that series, 3-1. The Clippers last hosted a Game 7 that same season by edging the Spurs on a late Chris Paul layup in the final seconds.

The Jazz were in a prime spot to close out the Clippers on Friday in Game 6 back in Salt Lake City, but Los Angeles did enough to hold off Utah, 98-93 as 5 ½-point underdogs. Paul paced the Clippers with 29 points, while Los Angeles limited to 41% shooting from the floor. Jazz forward Gordon Hayward led all scorers with 31 points, but Utah struggled from downtown by hitting only 7-of-26 attempts.

Utah won’t be intimidated by playing a Game 7 on the road as the Jazz have won twice already at Staples Center in this series. In all three games in L.A., Quin Snyder’s club has limited the Clippers to 99 points or fewer, but Paul has dominated Utah by averaging 27.3 points per game.

Last postseason, home teams in Game 7 posted a 4-1 SU and 3-2 ATS record as the only squad to lose in this situation was Golden State to Cleveland in the NBA Finals. The last road team to win a Game 7 on the road in the opening round was Brooklyn back in 2014 when the Nets edged the Raptors, 104-103.

Mejia checks in with his view on Game 7, “Even though L.A. gets this deciding game at home, the absence of Griffin gives them an underdog feel since it looks to be such a chore for them on offense. Luc Richard Mbah a Moute gave the Clips a scoring boost in the first half and Austin Rivers proved invaluable, validating Doc's decision to start his son by playing nearly 35 minutes as more asset than liability. Those two become the Game 7 X-factors since they're also tasked with defending Utah's larger wings in Hayward and Joe Johnson.”

[StarDust Bum]

Sunday’s six-pack

— Nationals’ OF Adam Eaton tore his ACL Friday; is done for the season.

— Ottawa 6, NY Rangers 5 OT— Senators head to NYC with series tied 1-1.

— Dolphins didn’t pick an offensive player until the 5th round, latest of any team.

— Michigan had 11 players drafted by the NFL this weekend, most of any school- remember, they were Brady Hoke’s recruits, not Jim Harbaugh’s.

— 53 SEC players were drafted, 11th year in a row SEC had the most players taken.

— Dodgers 6, Phillies 5– LA hit three consecutive HR’s in bottom of 9th inning to tie game, then scored on a Philly error to win it.

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Sunday’s List of 13: Wrapping up a sports Saturday……

13) Ominous note for the Atlanta Falcons: Last team to lose the Super Bowl and get back to the Super Bowl the next year? Buffalo Bills, in 1993.

12) There is only one Game 7 in the first round of the NBA playoffs; there were none in the first round of the NHL playoffs, which seems unusual.

11) What time do garbagemen begin their work day? They switched my garbage collection day from Monday to Tuesday; truck came thru my neighborhood at 5:55am last week- thats a lot of noise for 5:55am.

10) It is snowing in Colorado this weekend; if the Rockies had been scheduled at home this weekend, they wouldn’t be playing.

9) Washington Redskins had the most passing yards to tight ends LY, which explains why the Rams drafted TE Gerald Everett from South Alabama— Sean McVay obviously isn’t too impressed with the Rams’ TE’s from last year.

Rams drafted two guys from Eastern Washington, which went 12-2 LY and lost in national semifinals at the I-AA level.

8) Raiders drafted T David Sharpe from Florida in the 4th round. Florida’s QB LY was Luke Del Rio, son of Raiders’ coach Jack Del Rio.

7) Those 100 or so people ESPN fired this week; what do they do now? You figure some of them will hook up with other TV networks, but probably not that many— how many openings can there be? There have to be a lot of people wondering what direction their life will take next.

6) Minnesota Vikings had only two games started by rookies LY, fewest in the NFL.

5) 49ers drafted QB CJ Beathard from Iowa, grandson of former Redskins’ GM Bobby Beathard. From ESPN.com:

“Beathard lacks an elite physical skill, but he is an unselfish leader and tireless worker — all of which may allow him to overcome his physical deficiencies. He possesses a strong combination of competitiveness, toughness and football IQ to potentially develop into a serviceable backup.” Kevin Weidl

4) From everything said on TV, Philadelphia did a great job hosting the NFL Draft; they had a ton of people there Thursday/Friday night.

3) Nike, adidas, UnderArmour all passed on endorsement deals with UCLA PG Lonzo Ball; this becomes more interesting if the kid is the #1 pick in the NBA Draft. Been a while since a father’s big mouth cost his son this much money.

2) Denver drafted Jim Kelly’s nephew (Ole Miss QB Chad) with the last pick in the draft. I’ll make a prediction that Mr Kelly winds up (maybe in 2018) as the Broncos’ starting QB.

1— If every American did his/her job as well as Mel Kiper Jr does his job, this would be a better country. The man is totally prepared.

[StarDust Bum]

NBA knowledge
Sunday’s games

Wizards won Game 6 in Atlanta Friday nite, have quick turnaround here in Boston, where they lost last four visits (0-4 vs spread). Home side won eight of last ten series games; under is 3-2 in last five meetings. Washington lost three of last four road tilts; over is 4-2-1 in their last seven games overall. Celtics were down 2-0 to Bulls, then Rondo broke his thumb and Boston won four straight. C’s are 2-3 vs spread in last five home games; three of their last four games stayed under total. This is first time Boston is past 1st round since 2012; Celtics are 4-3 in last seven 2nd round series.

Utah bench was -48 in Game 6 home loss, shooting 8-29 from floor, when they could’ve finished off series; they had outscored Clipper subs 102-53 in Games 4-5, but were outscored 26-20 last game- Crawford had 12 points for LA. Road team is 4-2 SU in this series; under is 4-2. Gobert turned his ankle late in game, his status here is ??able. Underdogs covered four of six series games; Utah split last four games here vs Clippers- they covered their last four road tilts overall. LA is 4-2 in last six first round series. Jazz last won a playoff series in 2010; this is first time they have been even been in playoffs in five years. Griffin is out for the Clippers.