Announcement

Collapse
No announcement yet.

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

Collapse
X
 
  • Filter
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts

  • Wednesday’s six-pack

    Records in conference games, NCAA tourney games the last four years:

    Wisconsin 52-20 Big 14 games, 13-4 NCAA’s

    Maryland 38-16, 3-3 (only in Big 14 three years)

    Michigan State 47-25, 8-4

    Iowa 43-29, 2-3

    Purdue 43-29, 2-3

    Michigan 43-29, 6-3

    Ohio State 39-33, 1-2

    Indiana 38-34, 2-2

    Northwestern 30-42, 1-1

    Illinois 29-43, 0-0

    Nebraska 28-44, 0-1

    Minnesota 27-45, 0-1

    Penn State 23-49, 0-0

    Rutgers 11-61, 0-0

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

    Wednesday’s List of 13: Mid-week musings……..

    13) Revisionist historians were out at the NFL Draft last weekend; Bill Walsh didn’t “find” Joe Montana in the 1979 draft, he didn’t even want the 49ers to take him. Seriously.

    49ers had a scout named Tony Razzano who (along with former Denver coach John Ralston) wanted the Niners to draft Montana. Walsh wanted Steve Dils, whom he had coached at Stanford. The scouts won out and since then people have jostled for position to take credit for it.

    49ers took Montana in the third round; Dils wound up getting selected by Minnesota in the 4th round, lasted 10 years in the NFL, starting only 27 games (10-17).

    12) A football fan in San Francisco paid $30,000 to sit in the 49ers’ draft room last weekend.

    11) A 3-star basketball recruit from Georgia was all set to sign with Eastern Kentucky, until Duke jumped in and offered the kid a scholarship, which the kid took.

    Huh? Duke doesn’t pursue 3-star recruits, so what gives?

    Well, current Blue Devil Frank Jackson hasn’t withdrawn from the NBA Draft yet, and Trevon Duval hasn’t decided where his six months of college will happen— if neither of those two guards plays at Duke next year, then Jordan Goldwire will find himself as Duke’s point guard.

    If Jackson/Duval both attend Duke next year, then Goldwire will work hard in practice and never see the light of day in game situations that matter.

    10) So far this baseball season, Cubs’ starting pitchers have a 9.69 ERA in the first inning, which is very bad.

    9) Boston’s Chris Sale threw behind Manny Machado in the first inning last nite; both benches were warned. Machado later homered in the 7th inning off of Sale.

    Orioles turned a triple play in the bottom of the 8th inning of a 5-2 Boston win.

    8) Miami’s Edinson Volquez allowed three runs in 4.1 IP last nite; he walked 8, struck out 9 in a Little League-like appearance. Of the 24 batters he faced, 17 walked/struck out. He is only the second pitcher in last 100 years to walk 7+ hitters, strike out 9+ and not finish the 5th inning- he left with a blister problem.

    7) Phillies’ pitcher Vince Velasquez has good potential; he struck out 16 Padres in an April game LY, but in order to help the Phillies, he has to get deeper into games.

    Philly handed Velasquez a 7-0 lead in 2nd inning Monday, but he still lasted only five innings, throwing 98 pitches. That means the bullpen needed to get 12 outs in a game where they had a huge lead and should’ve been able to relax some.

    Over the course of a long six-month season, bullpens need some down time.

    6) When he was 11-12 years old. Tampa Bay Rays’ P Alex Cobb was a spring training batboy for the Dodgers in Vero Beach. Sounds like a fun job for a kid.

    5) Looks like Valparaiso will be replacing Wichita State in the Missouri Valley Conference; there was some though that the league would add three teams (Omaha, Murray State were mentioned) to get o 12 teams.

    4) Indians’ ace Corey Kluber left last night’s game with back discomfort, bad news for Cleveland.

    3) ESPN fired Ed Werder even though his contract runs thru April 2019; how does this make any sense? The guy is really good at his job, you have to pay him for two more years anyway, and you still fire him? It makes you wonder what really is in play here.

    2) Nick Saban got a contract extension this week. From ESPN.com:

    “Saban will receive a $4 million signing bonus and make $6.725 million in salary this year. He gets another $400,000 bonus for completing the season, bringing his total compensation for the year to $11.125 million. He has completion bonuses in each year of the contract, culminating in a $3.6 million payout after the 2021 season before going back down to $400,000 per year in subsequent seasons.”

    Saban is the 2nd-highest paid college coach in the country, behind Jim Harbaugh.

    1— The wife of talk show host Jimmy Kimmel gave birth to a little boy couple weeks ago; young man was born with some heart problems, but is doing better now. Kimmel started his show Monday nite with a monologue describing what happened and thanking all the people who helped. He had a list and read it, with lot of nurses/doctors’ names on it.

    Kimmel is a wealthy guy, but what if it was my kid or yours? Could I afford that kind of health care? Could you? The baby has already had one heart operation; he’ll need two more before the problem is totally behind him.

    One of Kimmel’s points in his monologue was this: No parent should have to decide whether he/she has enough money to save their child’s life. Good health care is for all Americans, not just the wealthy ones. Makes a lot of sense.
    Remember the 3 G's Gambling, Golf, Girls not in any particular order.....

    Comment


    • NBA knowledge

      Wednesday’s games


      All five Cleveland starters were at least +15 in Game 1 win- they led by 22 after third quarter. Cavaliers won six of last seven games with Toronto (over is 6-5 in last eleven series games). Raptors won/covered once in last six visits to Ohio. Toronto won/covered five of last seven road games overall. Under is 5-3 in Raptors’ last eight games. Cavaliers are 5-0 in playoffs (2-2-1 vs spread); they’re 3-2 in last five home games overall. Seven of their last nine games went over total. Cavaliers are 4-3 in this round with Lebron. This is only 3rd time Toronto has been in this round; they won two years ago, lost in 2001.

      Houston was 22-50 on arc in easy Game 1 win: their eFG% was 58.6%, which is crazy good. Every Rocket starter was at least +18. San Antonio won eight of last 11 games with Houston (6-5 vs spread); Rockets lost four of last six visits to the Alamo (3-3 vs spread). Under is 4-1-1 in last six series games. Houston won three of its last five road games overall. Spurs won/covered three of last four home games. Over is 8-1 in their last nine games. Over last 20 years, this is only 3rd time Rockets have been in this round (1-1); they won two years ago, lost in 2009. Spurs won five of last seven series in this round. Popovich has won six series after losing Game 1, second only to Phil Jackson (8) in NBA history.

      Second round playoff series:

      Boston-Washington
      Bos 123-111, -4.5, O216
      Bos 129-119 O, -5, O218.5

      Cleveland-Toronto
      Clev 116-105, -7, O211

      San Antonio-Houston
      Hst 126-99, +6, O215.5

      Golden State-Utah
      GState 106-94, -13, U206.5

      Favorites 3-2 (23-24-1)

      Over 4-1 (26-22)
      Remember the 3 G's Gambling, Golf, Girls not in any particular order.....

      Comment


      • Overall Picks of the Day:..........APRIL'S NBA PLAYOFF TOTALS
        Date W-L-T % Units Record

        Totals:.......43 -34..55.84%..+ 28.00

        Best Bets Daily:
        Sides / Totals

        Totals................21 - 17 - 2....55.26%..+ 2.30................19 - 19...50.00%..- 3.00

        ******************************
        May's Best Bets:
        Date W-L-T % Units Record

        05/02/2017.......... 4-0-0......... 100.00%........ +2000
        05/01/2017.......... 3-1-0.......... 75.00%........... +950

        Totals...................7 - 1...........87.50%..........+2950

        Best Bets Daily:
        Sides / Totals

        05/02/2017............2 - 0............100%.........+ 2.00.............2 - 0.......100%....+ 2.00
        05/01/2017............2 - 0............100 %........+ 2.00.............1 - 1.......50%......- 0.10

        Totals...................4 - 0.............100 %.......+ 4.00..............3 -1.......75%......+1.90
        Last edited by StarDust Bum; 05-03-2017, 12:48 PM.
        Remember the 3 G's Gambling, Golf, Girls not in any particular order.....

        Comment


        • NBA
          Long Sheet

          Wednesday, May 3


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

          TORONTO (55 - 34) at CLEVELAND (56 - 31) - 5/3/2017, 7:05 PM
          Top Trends for this game.
          TORONTO is 48-40 ATS (+4.0 Units) in all games this season.
          TORONTO is 13-5 ATS (+7.5 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
          CLEVELAND is 22-34 ATS (-15.4 Units) after 3 or more consecutive wins over the last 2 seasons.

          Head-to-Head Series History
          CLEVELAND is 10-8 against the spread versus TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
          CLEVELAND is 12-6 straight up against TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
          10 of 18 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

          HOUSTON (60 - 28) at SAN ANTONIO (65 - 24) - 5/3/2017, 9:35 PM
          Top Trends for this game.
          SAN ANTONIO is 1000-874 ATS (+38.6 Units) in all games since 1996.
          SAN ANTONIO is 804-685 ATS (+50.5 Units) as a favorite since 1996.
          SAN ANTONIO is 509-427 ATS (+39.3 Units) in home games since 1996.
          SAN ANTONIO is 80-52 ATS (+22.8 Units) in home games in all playoff games since 1996.
          SAN ANTONIO is 207-145 ATS (+47.5 Units) off a upset loss as a favorite since 1996.
          SAN ANTONIO is 74-49 ATS (+20.1 Units) in home games after a loss by 10 points or more since 1996.
          SAN ANTONIO is 180-133 ATS (+33.7 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season since 1996.
          SAN ANTONIO is 20-10 ATS (+9.0 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game this season.
          HOUSTON is 12-4 ATS (+7.6 Units) as an underdog this season.
          HOUSTON is 27-16 ATS (+9.4 Units) in road games this season.

          Head-to-Head Series History
          SAN ANTONIO is 7-6 against the spread versus HOUSTON over the last 3 seasons
          SAN ANTONIO is 9-4 straight up against HOUSTON over the last 3 seasons
          6 of 12 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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




          NBA
          Armadillo's Write-Up

          Wednesday, May 3


          All five Cleveland starters were at least +15 in Game 1 win- they led by 22 after third quarter. Cavaliers won six of last seven games with Toronto (over is 6-5 in last eleven series games). Raptors won/covered once in last six visits to Ohio. Toronto won/covered five of last seven road games overall. Under is 5-3 in Raptors’ last eight games. Cavaliers are 5-0 in playoffs (2-2-1 vs spread); they’re 3-2 in last five home games overall. Seven of their last nine games went over total. Cavaliers are 4-3 in this round with Lebron. This is only 3rd time Toronto has been in this round; they won two years ago, lost in 2001.

          Houston was 22-50 on arc in easy Game 1 win: their eFG% was 58.6%, which is crazy good. Every Rocket starter was at least +18. San Antonio won eight of last 11 games with Houston (6-5 vs spread); Rockets lost four of last six visits to the Alamo (3-3 vs spread). Under is 4-1-1 in last six series games. Houston won three of its last five road games overall. Spurs won/covered three of last four home games. Over is 8-1 in their last nine games. Over last 20 years, this is only 3rd time Rockets have been in this round (1-1); they won two years ago, lost in 2009. Spurs won five of last seven series in this round. Popovich has won six series after losing Game 1, second only to Phil Jackson (8) in NBA history.

          Second round playoff series:
          Boston-Washington
          Bos 123-111, -4.5, O216
          Bos 129-119 O, -5, O218.5

          Cleveland-Toronto
          Clev 116-105, -7, O211

          San Antonio-Houston
          Hst 126-99, +6, O215.5

          Golden State-Utah
          GState 106-94, -13, U206.5

          Favorites 3-2 (23-24-1)
          Over 4-1 (26-22)





          NBA

          Wednesday, May 3


          ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Trend Report
          ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

          7:00 PM
          TORONTO vs. CLEVELAND
          Toronto is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Cleveland
          Toronto is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Cleveland
          Cleveland is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games at home
          The total has gone OVER in 8 of Cleveland's last 9 games at home

          9:30 PM
          HOUSTON vs. SAN ANTONIO
          The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Houston's last 6 games when playing San Antonio
          Houston is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games on the road
          San Antonio is 18-5 SU in its last 23 games at home
          San Antonio is 12-4 SU in its last 16 games when playing at home against Houston
          Remember the 3 G's Gambling, Golf, Girls not in any particular order.....

          Comment


          • Wednesday’s NBA Playoffs Betting Preview and Odds

            Toronto Raptors at Cleveland Cavaliers (-7.5, 213.5)

            Cavs lead series 1-0

            ABOUT THE RAPTORS (55-34 SU, 48-40-1 ATS, 47-42 O/U): "We've just got to play defense and not let them go up and down and do what they do, play defense for 48 minutes," Raptors point guard Kyle Lowry told reporters after Game 1. "We got to find ways to limit their spurts." Toronto coach Dwane Casey bristled when it was suggested his team was dominated in Game 1 but the final margin of the contest didn't reflect Cleveland's supremacy. The Raptors trailed by 22 points after three quarters and cutting the deficit in half in a quarter in which the outcome was long decided left the impression on shooting guard DeMar DeRozan that the Game 2 effort needs to be substantially better. "We already got that foot in the hole and that's where we kick in and understand we fight well under adversity," DeRozan told reporters. "We have done it all year. That has been our mantra, so that's something we have to exploit next game."

            ABOUT THE CAVALIERS (56-31 SU, 39-45-3 ATS, 51-35-1 O/U): The Cleveland Cavaliers have yet to stumble in the postseason and aim for their sixth consecutive victory when they host the Toronto Raptors in Wednesday's Game 2 of the Eastern Conference semifinals. The defending champion Cavaliers jumped on the third-seeded Raptors from the outset of the series opener and rolled to a 116-105 victory. James contributed 35 points and 10 rebounds in the opener and needs just 25 points to pass Hall of Famer Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (5,762 points) for second place on the all-time postseason scoring list. Point guard Kyrie Irving also stood out in the opener with 24 points and a career playoff-best 10 assists while setting the tone for the victory. "We wanted to come out, make a conscious effort to move the basketball as well as get out in transition, keep the pace up, make them play our game and go from there," Irving told reporters. "Coach (Tyronn Lue) was right. It could have gone either way, but I'm glad it went in the direction of us getting out in transition and getting some easy shots as well as moving the basketball."

            LINE HISTORY: The Cavaliers opened as 7.5-point home favorites for Game 2. The total hit the betting board at 214 and was dropped slightly to 213.5 on Tuesday afternoon.

            INJURY REPORT:

            Raptors - No injuries to report.

            Cavaliers - SG J. Smith (Probable, thumb), PG K. Felder (Out Indefinitely, leg).

            TRENDS:

            * Raptors are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games following a straight up loss.
            * Cavaliers are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 home games.
            * Over is 4-0 in Raptors last 4 Conference Semifinals games.
            * Over is 8-1 in Cavaliers last 9 home games.
            * Road team is 5-1 ATS in the last 6 meetings.




            Houston Rockets at San Antonio Spurs (-5.5, 215)

            Rockets lead series 1-0

            ABOUT THE ROCKETS (60-28 SU, 46-42 ATS, 44-43-1 O/U): The Houston Rockets delivered a stunning beat down in the opener of their series with San Antonio and aim to take a 2-0 series lead when they visit the Spurs on Wednesday. The opening salvo from the Rockets included 22 3-point baskets and bolstered the club's already-high hopes of claiming the series from San Antonio. Star guard James Harden contributed 20 points, 14 assists and four steals in the opener and downplayed the large margin of victory. "We are going to have to be in sync and focused like this in every game," Harden told reporters. "San Antonio is a veteran team, and they are capable of getting hot at any moment. I have to limit them. We were just taking what their defense gave us. "It was important for us to get off to a really good start, especially on the road, and our energy level was up and we were very active." Forward Trevor Ariza added 23 points and knocked down five 3-pointers in an eye-opening performance after he averaged just 6.2 points in the five-game first-round series against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

            ABOUT THE SPURS (65-24 SU, 45-42-2 ATS, 49-38-2 O/U): The Spurs shot just 36.9 percent in Game 1 and had no answers on the defensive end during the highly disappointing effort. "We really have to step up, and it's hard to pinpoint something because we got outplayed in just about everything," San Antonio veteran guard Manu Ginobili told reporters. "We were not ready or attentive, and they were inspired - they played great." Star small forward Kawhi Leonard was just 5-of-14 shooting while registering 21 points and 11 rebounds in the opener and power forward LaMarcus Aldridge was inept with just four points on 2-of-7 shooting. "I just have to take my time," Aldridge said after Game 1. "I have to ask for the ball more for sure. And when I get it, take my time. I was trying to rush because there were so many mismatches on me." Point guard Tony Parker was unable to follow up his strong effort (27 points on 11-of-14 shooting) in the closeout win over the Memphis Grizzlies and had just 11 points on 3-of-9 shooting.

            LINE HISTORY: The Spurs opened as 5.5-point home favorites for Game 2. The total hit the board at 216.5 and has dropped to 215.

            INJURY REPORT:

            Rockets - PF C. Onuaku (Elig. Friday, suspension).

            Spurs - No injuries to report.

            TRENDS:

            * Rockets are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 vs. NBA Southwest.
            * Spurs are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 Conference Semifinals games.
            * Over is 7-1 in Rockets last 8 Conference Semifinals games.
            * Over is 5-0 in Spurs last 5 overall.
            * Road team is 6-0 ATS in the last 6 meetings.
            Remember the 3 G's Gambling, Golf, Girls not in any particular order.....

            Comment


            • NBA
              Dunkel

              Wednesday, May 3



              Houston @ San Antonio

              Game 733-734
              May 3, 2017 @ 9:30 pm

              Dunkel Rating:
              Houston
              118.175
              San Antonio
              125.727
              Dunkel Team:
              Dunkel Line:
              Dunkel Total:
              San Antonio
              by 7 1/2
              224
              Vegas Team:
              Vegas Line:
              Vegas Total:
              San Antonio
              by 5 1/2
              215
              Dunkel Pick:
              San Antonio
              (-5 1/2); Over

              Toronto @ Cleveland


              Game 731-732
              May 3, 2017 @ 7:00 pm

              Dunkel Rating:
              Toronto
              120.034
              Cleveland
              124.556
              Dunkel Team:
              Dunkel Line:
              Dunkel Total:
              Cleveland
              by 4 1/2
              208
              Vegas Team:
              Vegas Line:
              Vegas Total:
              Cleveland
              by 7 1/2
              214
              Dunkel Pick:
              Toronto
              (+7 1/2); Under
              Remember the 3 G's Gambling, Golf, Girls not in any particular order.....

              Comment


              • Wednesday's Tip Sheet
                May 2, 2017


                Eastern Conference Semifinals
                No. 3 Toronto at No. 2 Cleveland (TNT, 7:05 p.m. ET)

                2016-17 Regular Season (Cavaliers 3-1)
                Oct. 28 Cavaliers (-2.5) at Raptors 94-91 (Under 206)
                Nov. 15 Raptors at Cavaliers (-5.5) 121-117 (Over 209)
                Dec. 5 Cavaliers (+2) at Raptors 116-112 (Over 214.5)
                Apr. 12 Raptors (-3) at Cavaliers 98-83 (Under 201)

                2017 Posteason (Cavaliers 1-0)
                May 1 Raptors at Cavaliers (-7) 116-105 (Over 211)


                The Raptors have been no match for the Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena in the playoffs since last season’s Eastern Conference Finals. Cleveland picked up its four consecutive home playoff blowout of Toronto in Monday’s 116-105 victory in the conference semifinals opener as seven-point favorites.

                Although winning by 11 points may not seem like a blowout, the Cavaliers built a 22-point advantage after three quarters before the Raptors outscored Cleveland, 31-20 over the final 12 minutes. LeBron James continued his domination of Toronto with a 35-point, 10 rebound effort, while Kyrie Irving pumped in 24 points and 10 assists for the Cavaliers. Five different Cavaliers knocked down at least two three-pointers, including a trio of treys from Kevin Love, who scored 18 points.

                The only way the Raptors have a chance to beat the Cavaliers four times in this series is getting dynamic performances from the backcourt duo of Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan. The pair combined for 39 points on 14-of-29 shooting, while Lowry dished out 11 assists. In DeRozan’s first three games against the Cavaliers this season (he sat out finale), the All-Star guard posted 32, 26, and 31 points – all in losses. DeRozan scored only 19 points in Game 1, while putting up 22 points or less in four playoff defeats to Cleveland last season.

                The margin of victory by Cleveland over Toronto in the playoffs at home continues to be astounding dating back to last May with the wins coming by 21, 19, 38, and 11 points. In three of the four defeats, the Raptors have been limited to 89 points, while Toronto slipped to 3-8 SU and 4-7 ATS in the previous 11 matchups overall with Cleveland.

                With the loss on Monday, the Raptors dropped to 0-7 SU/ATS in their last seven playoff series openers since 2014. However, Dwane Casey’s squad has managed to win Game 2 in four of six opportunities during this span, but one of the two defeats came at Cleveland in last season’s conference finals. Toronto has also been terrible in the underdog role since 2014 by compiling a 5-12 ATS mark when receiving points in the last 17 postseason games.

                Cleveland has won six consecutive Game 2’s of a series after capturing the opener since 2015, while putting together a 4-2 ATS record in this span. Four of Cleveland’s first five playoff games have sailed OVER the total, including all three contests at Quicken Loans Arena. Tyronn Lue’s offense continues to shine at home in the postseason by scoring at least 108 points in nine of the past 10 at the “Q” since the 2016 semifinals.

                The ‘over’ (211) easily cashed in Game 1 and VegasInsider.com NBA analyst Chris David believes you should press wagers to the high side going forward, especially in Cleveland.

                He explained, “Even though the number on Game 2 has been pushed up to 213 ½ for Wednesday, I don’t see anybody slowing down the Cavaliers. They’ve been shooting lights out from the opening tip and are averaging 59.6 points in the first-half in this year’s postseason. The worst performance in the first two quarters thus far was 49 points and that came in Game 3 of the first round at Indiana but they bounced back with a 70-spot in the second-half of that game. The total for the first-half of Game 2 is listed at 108 ½ and Cleveland has eclipsed that number in each of its postseason matchups.”

                “I would also suggest giving Cleveland’s team total ‘over’ (110 ½) a serious look in Game 2 based on its current form and playoff history versus Toronto. Including last year’s results in the conference finals, Cleveland has scored 115, 108, 116 and 116 points at home against the Raptors.”

                After opening the series at -525 odds to advance to the conference finals, the Cavaliers have been pushed up to -800 (Bet $800 to win $100) at Sportsbook.ag to knock out the Raptors. Toronto moved from +400 on Sunday to +525, while the Cavaliers are still the overwhelming favorites to win the Eastern Conference title at 1/3 odds (Bet $300 to win $100).

                Western Conference Semifinals
                No. 3 Houston at No. 2 San Antonio (TNT, 9:35 p.m. ET)

                2016-17 Regular Season (Spurs 3-1)
                Nov. 9 Rockets (+8.5) at Spurs 101-99 (Under 212)
                Nov. 12 Spurs (-1.5) at Rockets 106-100 (Under 208)
                Dec. 20 Spurs (+1) at Rockets 102-100 (Under 213.5)
                Mar. 6 Rockets at Spurs (-3.5) 112-110 (Push 222)

                2017 Postseason (Rockets 1-0)
                May 1 Rockets (+6) at Spurs 126-99 (Over 215.5)


                San Antonio’s 13-game winning streak in home Game 1’s of the playoffs came to a crashing halt on Monday in a 126-99 blowout to Houston. The Rockets jumped out to a commanding 69-39 halftime lead and never looked back as Houston connected on 22-of-50 (yes 50) three-point attempts. Trevor Ariza hit five treys, while Ryan Anderson knocked down four three-pointers as six Rockets scored in double-figures.

                The Spurs didn’t play well from the opening tip-off as Gregg Popovich’s team shot just 37% from the floor and 9-of-29 from three-point range. San Antonio allowed a season-high 119 points in a loss at New Orleans in January, but the Spurs gave up at least 30 points in three quarters in Game 1, while the front-court trio of LaMarcus Aldridge, David Lee, and Pau Gasol combined for 14 points. Kawhi Leonard paced the Spurs with 21 points and 11 rebounds, as the MVP candidate averaged 31.6 points per game in the opening round series against Memphis.

                Where do the Spurs go from here? San Antonio last lost consecutive home playoff games in the 2010 conference semifinals to Phoenix, while going 7-4 SU and 6-5 ATS off a postseason loss at the AT&T Center since 2011. Off a home loss in the regular season, San Antonio compiled a 6-3 SU and 5-4 ATS record, while Houston improved to 3-0 ATS in three trips to the Alamo this season.

                David added his thoughts on the Spurs-Rockets total for Game 2 and what to expect on Wednesday.

                “Game 1 jumped ‘over’ the closing total of 215 ½ and Houston certainly was the main contributor with 126 points,” said David. “It wasn’t surprising to see the Rockets explode but doing so against the Spurs is certainly surprising considering they were ranked second in scoring defense (98.3 PPG).”

                “Knowing San Antonio is well coached makes you believe we’ll see a better defensive effort in Game 2 plus it’s hard to imagine Houston drilling another 22 bombs from 3-point land. I dug up the numbers and prior to Monday’s result, San Antonio only gave up 110 or more points in nine games this season. In the ensuing game, the Spurs held their opponents to 98.1 PPG and that bounce back effort helped the club go 7-2 (6-3 ATS). One example happened in the first round when Memphis beat San Antonio 110-108 in Game 4 at home and the Spurs responded with 116-103 victory in Game 5.

                “The team total for Houston in Game 2 is listed at 105 and Houston has eclipsed that number in six of its seven playoff games while posting exactly 105 in the other. San Antonio held Memphis to 89 PPG at home in the first round, which could have you believing even more that Monday’s offensive effort by the Rockets was an anomaly.”

                Houston moved to 4-10 in its last 14 road playoff contests with the Game 1 blowout, but the Rockets haven’t won consecutive away games in the postseason since 2005 against Dallas.

                Sportsbook.ag lists the Rockets at -120 favorites to win the series after starting at +200. If you see value in San Antonio advancing to the Western Conference finals, now is the time to jump on the Spurs at +100 for the series.
                Remember the 3 G's Gambling, Golf, Girls not in any particular order.....

                Comment


                • Hail to the king: Raptors coach says team can't watch LeBron
                  May 2, 2017


                  CLEVELAND (AP) LeBron James dazzled with soaring dunks, outside shots and even a beer chaser in Game 1.

                  And he did it all - 35 points, 10 rebounds, four assists and an amusing sideline exchange with the ''beer lady''- at the expense of the Raptors, who may have been guilty of admiring the latest royal performance by Cleveland's hoops king.

                  Toronto coach Dwane Casey has seen this happen before - with Michael Jordan.

                  A day after the Raptors fell into a familiar postseason hole with a 116-105 loss in the opener of the Eastern Conference semifinals, Casey was asked Tuesday if his players might be awed by James, the Jordan of this generation on a mission to make his seventh straight NBA Finals.

                  As an assistant coach with Seattle, Casey recalled urging his players not to bow to His Airness.

                  ''We used to have to tell Gary Payton and those guys, `Hey, he puts his pants on one leg (at a time),''' Casey said before the Raptors practiced inside an empty and quiet Quicken Loans Arena in anticipation of Game 2 on Wednesday. ''I think that's natural. It's human nature to watch a Michael Jordan or a Karl Malone, spectate until they hit you in the mouth.

                  ''When a guy hits you in the mouth a few times - now what are you going to do? That's the mentality we have to have, they punched us.''

                  The Cavs landed a vicious uppercut in Game 1, knocking back the Raptors, who lost their 10th straight series opener and are again facing an uphill postseason climb.

                  But Toronto has shown it can take a big shot and deliver one. A year ago, the Raptors were blown out in the first two games of the Eastern Conference finals by Cleveland before winning two straight at home. And while they were eventually eliminated in six games, the Raptors don't feel nearly as groggy as they did in 2016.

                  ''The way we lost last year, it hit a lot harder,'' said All-Star forward DeMar DeRozan, who scored 19 points while fighting off continuous traps in the opener. ''This time around, we have kind of that confidence and understanding of how to get back on our feet. We've been here before and we know what it takes, especially after Game 1, being down with our foot in a hole, so we've got to go out there and leave it out there.''

                  It starts with figuring out a way to slow down James.

                  Best of luck.

                  James nearly averaged a triple-double in the opening round against Indiana, and then reminded the Raptors that it's his crown and he's not giving it up easily.

                  The 32-year-old, with no visible signs of decline in his game, set the tone early on Monday by grabbing a pass off the backboard from Kyrie Irving - ''I told him to throw it to the sky'' - and dunking it left-handed. Later, he playfully grabbed a beer bottle from a courtside server and considered taking a swig before handing it back.

                  It was all so sensational, so amusing. To everyone, that is, but the Raptors.

                  James isn't the first superstar Casey has crossed paths with as a coach. Since breaking in as an assistant with the SuperSonics in 1994, he's dealt with his share of marquee players.

                  ''I've coached against the Magics (Johnson), the Jordans, all those guys are freaks of nature,'' said Casey, who could go with a smaller lineup in Game 2. ''This guy is no different but, it's a team game. There's some other things you can do to help against him, but he does some things extraordinary and that means we have to do our job extraordinary - anticipation, help, double-team, help, whatever it is to minimize or negate a little bit of that.

                  ''You're not going to stop a guy like that, he's got buddies out there and he's a great passer but our anticipation, our level of force has another gear to go to that we didn't display last night.''
                  Remember the 3 G's Gambling, Golf, Girls not in any particular order.....

                  Comment


                  • Spurs, Raptors look to rebound from routs
                    May 2, 2017


                    Even the San Antonio Spurs get blown out sometimes.

                    So do the Toronto Raptors, every time they play a postseason game in Cleveland.

                    But the huge deficits they faced on the scoreboard Monday have been erased, and the only deficit that matters now is a minor one.

                    No matter how bad it looked, it's still just 1-0.

                    ''We've been in all these situations before - won by a lot, lost by a lot,'' Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said. ''Everybody knows, they're all pros. You go to the next game and see if you can get it right.''

                    The Spurs' 126-99 loss to Houston to start the Western Conference semifinals was their worst ever under Popovich in a series opener. They trailed by as much as 39 points and were buried under an avalanche of 22 3-pointers by a Rockets team that made more than anyone in NBA history during the regular season.

                    ''It's definitely tough to take. You never want to lose a game like that, especially in the playoffs,'' Spurs guard Patty Mills said. ''But lose by 40, lose by two, at the end of the day, it's a loss. It's the first game of a long series.''

                    The Raptors' 116-105 loss to open the second round was their closest yet in Cleveland in the playoffs, after falling by 31, 19 and 38 during last year's Eastern Conference finals. Maybe that's why coach Dwane Casey was so easily able to downplay it Tuesday.

                    ''It wasn't as bad as it felt going through it. And it wasn't as bad - somebody last night said `dominated.' There are things we can do better to take away that feeling,'' Casey said. ''They're a very good team. We all know that. We're a good team, too. We had the same record. We have to go in with that confidence and that feeling and say, `Hey, they put their pants on one leg at a time, too, and one shoe at a time.'''

                    A look at the games on Wednesday's schedule:

                    ---

                    Raptors at Cavaliers, Cleveland leads 1-0. Game 2, 7 p.m., TNT

                    NEED TO KNOW:
                    The Cavaliers are 5-0 in this postseason and 29-4 against Eastern Conference opponents dating to 2015. The Raptors handed them two of those losses last year in Toronto but they've been overwhelmed in Cleveland, where the Cavaliers have won the four postseason matchups by an average of 24.8 points.

                    KEEP AN EYE ON: Who else? LeBron James. James scored 35 points in the opener and if he matches that would move into second place on a pair of postseason scoring lists. He's 24 points behind Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (5,762) in career points and tied with Kobe Bryant with 88 30-point games.

                    INJURY UPDATE: Cavs guard J.R. Smith said the team's medical staff told him there was no structural damage to his surgically repaired right thumb after he banged it in the first half of Game 1.

                    PRESSURE IS ON: DeMar DeRozan. His quiet 19 points Monday were more than eight under his regular-season average, and probably well below what the Raptors need to have a shot in the series.

                    ---

                    Rockets at Spurs, Houston leads 1-0. Game 2, 9:30 p.m., TNT

                    NEED TO KNOW:
                    The Rockets' rout in Game 1 was nothing like the season series between the Texas teams and Southwest Division rivals. San Antonio won by two, two and six points, while Houston's victory was also by two points. So the Rockets expect a much different game Wednesday. ''They'll respond,'' coach Mike D'Antoni said. ''Like I told the guys, we won one that's all that's happened, and now we have an opportunity. They've got to defend their home court again, we have an opportunity to really get into them, but there will be a reaction and we'll just see how tough we are, see if we can hang in there.''

                    KEEP AN EYE ON: The 3-point line. The Spurs largely took it away from the Rockets during the regular season, limiting them to 29.2 percent shooting. But if Houston can get free like it did in going 22 for 50 in Game 1, San Antonio will be in big trouble.

                    INJURY UPDATE: None to report.

                    PRESSURE IS ON: LaMarcus Aldridge. His four-point performance in Game 1 was his worst in the postseason since coming to San Antonio, and the Spurs have little hope of controlling the tempo if they can't count on their power forward.
                    Remember the 3 G's Gambling, Golf, Girls not in any particular order.....

                    Comment


                    • Garnett rejected Cavs' offer to return
                      May 2, 2017


                      Kevin Garnett rebuffed Tyronn Lue when the current coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers attempted to lure "KG" out of retirement for the playoffs.

                      Lue spent two seasons as an assistant coach with the Boston Celtics (2011-13) during Garnett's tenure with that franchise and thought he could entice his close friend to return.

                      Garnett, an analyst for TNT and NBA TV who was working as a consultant with the Milwaukee Bucks, turned down Lue's offer to join the Cavaliers and come off the bench. Lue's pitch came on the heels of a season-ending injury to Andrew Bogut.

                      Garnett turns 41 on May 19, and he retired following the 2015-16 season.

                      --The basketball fortunes of 2013 No. 1 overall NBA draft pick Anthony Bennett continue to slide in the wrong direction.

                      The 24-year-old Bennett, who washed out with four NBA teams, was cut by a team in Turkey during the EuroLeague playoffs.

                      Bennett averaged just 1.3 points and 1.0 rebound and shot 26.3 percent from the field in nine EuroLeague games for Fenerbahce of the Turkish Basketbol Super Ligi. He was cut to make room for former NBA player Pero Antic.

                      --Draymond Green said the Golden State Warriors are prepared to play the rest of the playoffs without head coach Steve Kerr, who is out indefinitely with lingering complications from two prior back surgeries.

                      Green, speaking to reporters Monday ahead of Tuesday night's Game 1 of their Western Conference semifinal series against the Utah Jazz, insists the team is rallying around assistant Mike Brown and the rest of the staff.

                      "I think the way we look at it is plan on him (Kerr) not coming back," Green said. "That's the way we're approaching this thing. ... Mike Brown is our coach, we have the rest of our staff, and that's who we're rolling with."

                      Kerr, 51, missed Games 3 and 4 of the Warriors' first-round series with the Portland Trail Blazers.
                      Remember the 3 G's Gambling, Golf, Girls not in any particular order.....

                      Comment


                      • Overall Picks of the Day:..........APRIL'S NBA PLAYOFF TOTALS
                        Date W-L-T % Units Record

                        Totals:.......43 -34..55.84%..+ 28.00

                        Best Bets Daily:
                        Sides / Totals

                        Totals................21 - 17 - 2....55.26%..+ 2.30................19 - 19...50.00%..- 3.00

                        ******************************
                        May's Best Bets:
                        Date W-L-T % Units Record

                        05/02/2017.......... 4-0-0......... 100.00%........ +2000
                        05/01/2017.......... 3-1-0.......... 75.00%........... +950

                        Totals...................7 - 1...........87.50%..........+2950

                        Best Bets Daily:
                        Sides / Totals

                        05/02/2017............2 - 0............100%.........+ 2.00.............2 - 0.......100%....+ 2.00
                        05/01/2017............2 - 0............100 %........+ 2.00.............1 - 1.......50%......- 0.10

                        Totals...................4 - 0.............100 %.......+ 4.00..............3 -1.......75%......+1.90
                        Remember the 3 G's Gambling, Golf, Girls not in any particular order.....

                        Comment


                        • WEDNESDAY, MAY 3

                          GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS


                          TOR at CLE 07:00 PM

                          CLE -7.0

                          O 214.0


                          HOU at SA 09:30 PM

                          HOU +5.5

                          O 216.5
                          Remember the 3 G's Gambling, Golf, Girls not in any particular order.....

                          Comment


                          • NBA roundup: Spurs even series with Rockets; Parker injured
                            May 4, 2017


                            SAN ANTONIO -- Kawhi Leonard recorded 34 points, eight assists and seven rebounds as the San Antonio Spurs rolled to a 121-96 victory over the Houston Rockets on Wednesday in Game 2 of their Western Conference semifinal playoff series.

                            The best-of-seven series is tied at 1-1 and moves to Houston for Games 3 and 4 on Friday and Sunday.

                            San Antonio's victory celebration was tempered, however, by an injury to guard Tony Parker. He was carried off the floor by teammates with 8:43 remaining after scoring 18 points, clutching his left knee as he lay on the floor.

                            LaMarcus Aldridge scored 15 points for the Spurs while James Harden recorded 13 points and 10 assists, and shot 3-for-17 from the field for the Rockets.

                            Cavaliers 125, Raptors 103

                            CLEVELAND -- LeBron James scorched Toronto for 39 points and became the NBA's second all-time leading scorer in the postseason as Cleveland rolled in Game 2.

                            James passed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (5,762 points) for second place on a 3-pointer in the third quarter. Michael Jordan is first with 5,987 playoff points. James also became the fourth player in NBA history (Ray Allen, Reggie Miller, Manu Ginobili) to make 300 playoff 3-pointers.

                            The Cavaliers own a commanding 2-0 lead in the Eastern Conference best-of-seven semifinal series with Game 3 in Toronto on Friday. Kyrie Irving added 22 points and 11 assists for Cleveland, which also received 18 points from Channing Frye.
                            Remember the 3 G's Gambling, Golf, Girls not in any particular order.....

                            Comment


                            • Spurs' Parker exits with knee injury
                              May 4, 2017


                              San Antonio guard Tony Parker was carried off the floor by teammates with 8:43 remaining in the Spurs' 121-96 victory over the Houston Rockets in Game 2 of their Western Conference semifinal series.

                              Parker, who scored 18 points, was clutching his left knee as he lay on the floor after missing a short shot.

                              Teammates and Houston players walked over to console him. He was carried off by teammates Dewayne Dedmon and Dejounte Murray, and did not look up as the crowd chanted his name.

                              Parker, 34, is in his 15th season and has helped the Spurs win five NBA titles.

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

                              Raptors' G Lowry sprains ankle in Game 2
                              May 3, 2017


                              CLEVELAND (AP) �� Toronto star guard Kyle Lowry sprained his left ankle Wednesday night in Game 2 against Cleveland.

                              Lowry crumpled to the floor in the first minute of the third quarter, grabbing his left leg. He stayed down under the basket for several moments in obvious pain before being helped to his feet. Lowry walked off on his own power and limped to the Raptors' locker room.

                              He returned a few minutes later and played in the third. But the Raptors fell behind by 30 points and Toronto coach Dwane Casey decided to rest him for Friday's Game 3.

                              Lowry finished with 20 points and five assists in 29 minutes.

                              He missed 21 games during the regular season following right wrist surgery.
                              Remember the 3 G's Gambling, Golf, Girls not in any particular order.....

                              Comment


                              • Armadillo:Thursday's six-pack

                                Odds to win the SEC football title this coming fall:
                                2-3: Alabama
                                7-2: LSU
                                5-1: Auburn, Georgia
                                9-1: Florida
                                11-1: Tennessee
                                18-1: Texas A&M
                                40-1: Arkansas
                                45-1: Mississippi State, Missouri
                                50-1: Kentucky, South Carolina
                                100-1: Vanderbilt
                                Ole Miss is ineligible this season

                                **********

                                Armadillo: Thursday's List of 13: Doing some thinking out loud……..

                                13) Why bad teams are always bad: Isaiah Thomas was the 60th (and last) pick of the 2011 NBA Draft, a brilliant move by the Sacramento Kings, who aren’t known for brilliance.

                                Here are the four players picked right ahead of Thomas in the draft:
                                56. Chukwudiebere Maduabum
                                57. Tanguy Ngombo
                                58. Ater Majok
                                59. Ádám Hanga

                                Brilliant draft pick by the Kings, but………

                                12) Three years later, Sacramento traded Thomas, who had just scored 20.3 pts/game during the 2013-14 season, to Phoenix, for Alex Oriakhi and a trade exception. Mr Oraikhi has yet to play in the NBA. Thomas just scored 53 points in a playoff game. Oy.

                                11) Brilliant move by Phoenix, but seven months later, the Suns did a 3-way deal with the Celtics and Detroit. Here is what each team got:

                                Boston: Isaiah Thomas, Jonas Jerebko, Gigi Datome
                                Detroit: Tayshaun Prince (he was 34 at the time)

                                Phoenix: Marcus Thornton, a 1st round draft pick

                                Boston GM Danny Ainge should’ve gone to confession after this theft.

                                10) Atlanta Hawks have been in the NBA playoffs 10 years in a row, but they fired their GM this week, supposedly because he wanted to rebuild the roster, while the owner and coach want to keep on their current course and hope they do better in the playoffs.

                                9) The offensive and defensive coordinators at Alabama make $1.3M and $1.2M a year; thats $2.5M a year for two ASSISTANT coaches- the strength coach makes $560,000 a year.

                                8) Being a major league manager can’t be as much fun these days; teams carry so many pitchers, they only have 3-4 bench players per game and one of those is a backup catcher who rarely is used. When Jose Reyes was doubled off second early in the Mets’ game Wednesday nite, in a blatant show of nonchalance/apathy, when he should have been yanked from the game, he couldn’t be, because it would make New York’s bench shorthanded the rest of the nite.

                                Reyes WALKED BACK TO SECOND BASE after a fly ball to right; the throw came in, and the Braves’ SS tagged him out from behind. Reyes might as well as turned and given Terry Collins the finger, thats how terrible a play it was. But he stayed in the game.

                                Reyes later knocked in five runs in the Mets’ 16-5 win; good for him, but he makes $22M a year- the least he could freaking do is pay attention.

                                7) How is Bill Belichick not the highest paid coach in the NFL? Pete Carroll/Sean Payton are, at $8M a year.

                                6) Only 7 of the world’s top 30 golfers are in North Carolina for the Wells Fargo event this week; the tournament is being played at a different course than usual, one more like Augusta National.

                                5) More tension in Boston last nite; Orioles’ starting pitcher Kevin Gausman was tossed in the second inning for hitting Xander Bogaerts- there had been a conference call before the game with the teams and MLB brass, to lay the law down on ending the BS of the last week, but Gausman hit Bogaerts with a curveball, so no way was it intentional.

                                In the 5th inning, Adam Jones got tossed for arguing balls/strikes. It is fair to say the Orioles aren’t enjoying their stay in Boston this week.

                                4) College basketball transfers:
                                — Carlton Bragg goes from Kansas to Arizona State
                                — Peter Kiss goes from Quinnipiac to Rutgers
                                — Jazz Johnson goes from Portland to Nevada.

                                Of the 12 players on Nevada’s roster today, nine of them are transfers.

                                3) Denver Broncos signed RB Jamaal Charles to a one-year deal, which will make their two games against their division rival Chiefs a little more interesting.

                                2) Another rough day for star pitchers: Cole Hamels and Cory Kluber are now on the shelf, Hamels for 2-3 months.

                                1— Colorado Rockies’ TV guys were talking about the movie Top Gun last nite; lot of it was filmed in the San Diego area and the Rockies are playing the Padres in Petco this week. Hard to believe the movie came out in 1986.

                                Top Gun cost $15M to make; in 31 years since, the movie has made over $350M worldwide.
                                Remember the 3 G's Gambling, Golf, Girls not in any particular order.....

                                Comment

                                Working...
                                X