Announcement

**Udog** · 04-23-2017, 10:02 AM

Armadillo:Sunday's six-pack

— Max Scherzer pitches against the Mets tonight; he is 12-0 in his last 13 starts against NL East teams- Nationals won the 13th game, too.

— Blues 4, Wild 3 OT— St Louis advances, faces Nashville in next round.

— George Springer left the Astros’ game last night with a tight hamstring, much like Troy Tulowitzki did in Toronto’s game Friday. Hamstring usually equals a trip to the DL. Miguel Cabrera is also on the DL in Detroit.

— Hawks 116, Wizards 98— Atlanta was winning this game, 35-13.

— Grizzlies 110, Spurs 108 OT— Series is 2-2; home side won all four games.

— Warriors 119, Trailblazers 113- Steve Kerr was ill, Mike Brown coached the Warriors, who trailed by 17 at one point.

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

13) When Giants open their 2017 season in Dallas against the Cowboys, it’ll be the 4th time in last five years these rivals opened the season against each other.

12) Chicago White Sox were shut out in Jose Quintana’s last two starts; in 18 of his last 26 losses, the Pale Hose either got shut out or scored one run.

11) Blake Griffin is out for the season with an injury to his big toe; those can be tough, since you push off with that part of your foot. Jack Lambert was a damn tough linebacker for the Steelers; his career ended because of an injury to his big toe.

10) Chicago Blackhawks were first #1 conference seed swept in an NHL first-round series since 1993, when the St Louis Blues swept Chicago.

9) Something to remember in September: Over the last 20 years, New Jersey Jets are 15-5 against the spread in their first road game of the season. Jets open this year in Buffalo.

8) Was nice of the Mets’ TV guys to crush the Washington Nationals’ 3B coach when Daniel Murphy got thrown out at the plate Saturday on a throw from right field.

If that happens to the Mets, those guys wouldn’t say boo; maybe they’ll call it questionable to send the guy but no way do they bash the 3B coach.

7) Toronto Blue Jays have already used seven starting pitchers in the first three weeks of the season; they used seven starting pitchers all of last season.

6) Buffalo Bills play Miami twice a year, since they’re division rivals, but their two meetings this year are in Weeks 15-17, very late in the season. Unusual.

5) Kevin Chappell has a one-shot lead after 54 holes of the Valero Open; he is the sixth golfer this year to lead by one stroke after 54 holes- none of the other five won that tournament.

Chappell has never won on Tour, but he has finished 2nd six times, which also adds up to a lot of cash.

4) Thru Thursday’s major league games, 70 calls had been overturned already this season by instant replay— 44% of plays reviewed were overturned. Replay is a useful tool.

3) Former Tennessee Vols RB Jalen Hurd is transferring to Baylor, where he can play in 2018 and is expected to be a wide receiver then.

2) Cleveland Browns/Jacksonville Jaguars are only two NFL teams who won’t be on this season in prime-time- they both get a Sunday morning game from England.

1— I neither know nor care who the NBA’s MVP will be; it is the most overrated topic in sports today. That said, I know damn well WHO THE BEST PLAYER in the NBA is.

He wears number 23 for the Cavaliers. Used to play for Miami. Great, great player. The best player right now.

**Udog** · 04-23-2017, 10:02 AM

NBA
Dunkel

Sunday, April 23

LA Clippers @ Utah

Game 515-516
April 23, 2017 @ 9:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
LA Clippers
126.868
Utah
127.889
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Utah
by 1
192
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Utah
by 2 1/2
198 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
LA Clippers
(+2 1/2); Under

Boston @ Chicago

Game 513-514
April 23, 2017 @ 6:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Boston
126.545
Chicago
119.300
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Boston
by 7
208
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Boston
by 2 1/2
203 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Boston
(-2 1/2); Over

Houston @ Oklahoma City

Game 511-512
April 23, 2017 @ 3:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Houston
116.059
Oklahoma City
124.119
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Oklahoma City
by 8
219
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Oklahoma City
by 1
224 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Oklahoma City
(-1); Under

Cleveland @ Indiana

Game 509-510
April 23, 2017 @ 1:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Cleveland
119.997
Indiana
123.224
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Indiana
by 3 1/2
221
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Cleveland
by 4
212 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Indiana
(+4); Over

NBA
Long Sheet

Sunday, April 23

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CLEVELAND (54 - 31) at INDIANA (42 - 43) - 4/23/2017, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CLEVELAND is 37-45 ATS (-12.5 Units) in all games this season.
CLEVELAND is 13-26 ATS (-15.6 Units) vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 21-34 ATS (-16.4 Units) after 3 or more consecutive wins over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 7-15 ATS (-9.5 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
INDIANA is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in April games this season.
INDIANA is 11-2 ATS (+8.8 Units) in home games on Sunday games over the last 3 seasons.
INDIANA is 24-11 ATS (+11.9 Units) vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
INDIANA is 49-33 ATS (+12.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
INDIANA is 11-4 against the spread versus CLEVELAND over the last 3 seasons
CLEVELAND is 11-4 straight up against INDIANA over the last 3 seasons
10 of 15 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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HOUSTON (57 - 28) at OKLAHOMA CITY (48 - 37) - 4/23/2017, 3:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 46-38 ATS (+4.2 Units) in all games this season.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 31-19 ATS (+10.1 Units) as a favorite this season.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 26-15 ATS (+9.5 Units) in home games this season.
HOUSTON is 25-16 ATS (+7.4 Units) in road games this season.
HOUSTON is 12-2 ATS (+9.8 Units) in road games revenging a loss vs opponent this season.
HOUSTON is 12-4 ATS (+7.6 Units) in road games after allowing 115 points or more this season.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 13-26 ATS (-15.6 Units) when the total is greater than or equal to 220 over the last 2 seasons.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 17-30 ATS (-16.0 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 7-15 ATS (-9.5 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game - 2nd half of the season this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
HOUSTON is 11-3 against the spread versus OKLAHOMA CITY over the last 3 seasons
HOUSTON is 10-4 straight up against OKLAHOMA CITY over the last 3 seasons
8 of 14 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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BOSTON (54 - 31) at CHICAGO (43 - 42) - 4/23/2017, 6:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO is 28-18 ATS (+8.2 Units) as an underdog this season.
CHICAGO is 22-9 ATS (+12.1 Units) in home games after a loss by 10 points or more over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO is 7-7 against the spread versus BOSTON over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO is 8-6 straight up against BOSTON over the last 3 seasons
8 of 13 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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LA CLIPPERS (53 - 32) at UTAH (52 - 33) - 4/23/2017, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LA CLIPPERS are 208-261 ATS (-79.1 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season since 1996.
UTAH is 90-64 ATS (+19.6 Units) on Sunday games since 1996.
UTAH is 37-16 ATS (+19.4 Units) revenging a home loss vs opponent over the last 3 seasons.
UTAH is 73-49 ATS (+19.1 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
UTAH is 7-7 against the spread versus LA CLIPPERS over the last 3 seasons
LA CLIPPERS is 11-3 straight up against UTAH over the last 3 seasons
7 of 14 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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NBA
Short Sheet

Sunday, April 23

Eastern Conference – Round 1 – Best of 7 – Game 4 – CLE Leads 3-0

Cleveland at Indiana, 1:00 PM ET
Cleveland: 6-17 ATS in road games after scoring 105 points or more 3 straight games
Indiana: 7-0 ATS in home games after having lost 3 of their last 4

Western Conference – Round 1 – Best of 7 – Game 4 – HOU Leads 2-1

Houston at Oklahoma City, 3:30 PM ET
Houston: 13-4 ATS on the road when the line is +3 to -3
Oklahoma City: 13-26 ATS when the total is greater than or equal to 220

Eastern Conference – Round 1 – Best of 7 – Game 4 – CHI Leads 2-1

Boston at Chicago, 3:30 PM ET
Boston: 3-11 ATS when playing 4 or less games in 10 days
Chicago: 22-9 ATS in home games after a loss by 10 points or more

Western Conference – Round 1 – Best of 7 – Game 4 – LAC Leads 2-1

LA Clippers at Utah, 9:00 PM ET
Los Angeles: 40-24 UNDER after having won 2 of their last 3 games
Utah: 37-16 ATS revenging a home loss vs opponent

NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up

Sunday, April 23

Cleveland won first two games of series by 1-6 points, then rallied back from down 25 at half to win with Irving/Love riding pine in 4th quarter. Road team covered all three series games. Cavaliers won their last six games with Indiana, with last four wins by total of 17 points. Cavaliers are 3-2 in last five series games played here. Indiana won five of its last eight games, covered eight of last nine- over is 13-4 in their last 17 games. Cleveland was 21-44 on arc last game, 18-43 inside arc. Nine of Cavaliers’ last 11 games went over the total- they shot 53.8/55.3% from floor in first two games, hen 44.8% in Game 3.

Houston won five of seven games with Oklahoma City this year; five of the seven were decided by 4 or less points, with Rockets winning five of last six. Houston was +26/+10/+5 in 2nd half in this series; Thunder had better balance in Game 3, with four starters in double figures. Five of last seven Thunder games stayed under the total- OKC lost four of its last seven home games. Houston is 4-6 in its last ten road games; under is 7-5 in their last dozen games. OKC shot 37% from floor in Game 1, 41.2% in Game 2, 55.4% in Game 3, which is unusual. Harden had 44 points last gam, Beverley had 1- Rockets could obviously use more from him.

Celtics are now 3-10 in playoffs under Stevens; Rondo’s broken thumb seems to have bailed them out of hole they dug losing first two series games at home. Boston won Game 3 easily, gain to foul line only seven (5-7) times. Celtics were 41-108 on arc in first three games; they’re 10-5 in last 14 games overall, 5-5 in last nine road tilts- over is 4-2-1 in their last seven. Chicago is now 9-3 in its last 12 games; six of their last eight games stayed under the total. Bulls won six of last eight home games; over is 2-6 in last eight Chicago games. Home side lost all three games in this series.

Gobert/Griffin are now out, which cancels each other out. Clippers shot 52%+ from floor in winning last two games- they were 22-33 on line in Game 3, after going 5-8 in Game 2. LA won nine of its last ten games (5-4-1 vs spread); over is 8-7 in their last 15 games, 1-2 in this series. Jazz is 2-5 against the Clippers this year, going 1-2 here- LA is 5-1 overall in last six visits to Salt Lake City. LA is just 21-63 on arc in series but with Gobert out, they should be able to attack basket more. Under is 7-4 in last 11 Utah games. Clippers are 5-6 in last 11 road games; four of their last six games overall stayed under the total.

First round playoff series:
Boston-Chicago
Chi 106-102, +7, O207
Chi 111-97, +7.5, O206.5
Bos 104-87, -2.5, U206

Cleveland-Indiana
Clev 109-108, -9, O208.5
Clev 117-111, -9, O210
Clev 119-114, –1.5, O210

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

Washington-Atlanta
Wash 114-107, -5.5, O209.5
Wash 109-101, -6.5, U211.5
All 110-108, -2.5, O211

Golden State-Portland
GState 121-109, -15.5, O220
GState 110-81, –12, U219
GState 119-113, -5, O217.5

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

Houston-Oklahoma City
Hst 118-87 -7.5, U227.5
Hst 115-111, -7.5, O225.5
OC 115-113, -2.5, O224

LA Clippers-Utah
Utah 97-95, +6, U198.5
LAC 99-91, -9, U200
LAC 111-106, -1.5, O197.5

Favorites: 12-14 vs spread
Over: 16-10

NBA

Sunday, April 23

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Trend Report
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1:00 PM
CLEVELAND vs. INDIANA
Cleveland is 3-12 SU in its last 15 games when playing on the road against Indiana
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Cleveland's last 7 games
Indiana is 9-3 SU in its last 12 games at home
Indiana is 12-3 SU in its last 15 games when playing at home against Cleveland

3:30 PM
HOUSTON vs. OKLAHOMA CITY
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Houston's last 5 games when playing Oklahoma City
Houston is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City is 0-4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Houston
Oklahoma City is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games at home

6:30 PM
BOSTON vs. CHICAGO
Boston is 8-14-1 ATS in its last 23 games when playing Chicago
Boston is 8-15 SU in its last 23 games when playing Chicago
Chicago is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Chicago's last 7 games when playing Boston

9:00 PM
LA CLIPPERS vs. UTAH
LA Clippers are 20-3 SU in their last 23 games when playing Utah
LA Clippers are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games on the road
Utah is 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games when playing at home against LA Clippers
Utah is 3-20 SU in their last 23 games when playing LA Clippers

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**Udog** · 04-23-2017, 10:48 AM

MLB

Sunday, April 23

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Sunday’s NBA Playoffs Betting Preview and Odds
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Cleveland Cavaliers at Indiana Pacers (+3.5, 212.5)

Cavs lead series 3-0

ABOUT THE CAVALIERS (54-31 SU, 37-45-3 ATS, 50-34-1 O/U): LeBron James (5,669) moved into third place on the NBA's postseason scoring list -- passing Kobe Bryant -- with his latest big outing and is averaging 32.7 points, 10.7 assists and 9.7 rebounds in the series. He knocked down six 3-pointers as Cleveland went 21-of-44 from 3-point range with swingman Kyle Korver and shooting guard J.R. Smith also making four apiece. Point guard Kyrie Irving had just 13 points on 4-of-17 shooting in Game 3 after averaging 30 points over the first two games.

ABOUT THE PACERS (42-43 SU, 39-46 ATS, 42-41-2 O/U): Forward Paul George is averaging 32.3 points in the series and his 97 points through the first three games prompted memories of former Indiana scoring star Reggie Miller, who tallied 95 in the first three games of the 1994-95 postseason. George had 36 points and a postseason career-best 15 rebounds in Game 3 for the Pacers' first 30-point, 15-rebound showing since Jermaine O'Neal contributed 37 points and 15 rebounds in the 2006 first-round series against the then-New Jersey Nets. Point guard Jeff Teague is among the players talking the good fight, saying "we're playing for pride now. We're all competitors in here and we all believe in one another. We're not getting swept."

LINE HISTORY: The Pacers opened as 3-point home dogs for Game 4 and by Sunday morning they were up to +3.5. The total hit the betting board at 211.5 and has been bet up a full-point to 212.5.

INJURY REPORT:

Cavaliers - PG Kay Felder (Questionable Sunday, leg).

Pacers - C Al Jefferson (Questionable Sunday, ankle).

TRENDS:

* Cavaliers are 1-4-1 ATS in their last 6 games following a ATS win.
* Pacers are 8-1 ATS in their last 9 games overall
* Over is 7-1 in Cavaliers last 8 games following a straight up win.
* Over is 6-1 in Pacers last 7 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
* Over is 4-0 in the last 4 meetings.

Houston Rockets at Oklahoma City Thunder (-1, 224)

Rockets lead series 2-1

ABOUT THE ROCKETS: (57-28 SU, 44-41-0 ATS, 43-41-1 O/U): Houston looked like it was going to steamroll the Thunder when it won by 31 points in the opener but the last two games were tight and the Rockets know they are in for a battle. "We've got to come out desperate," Harden told reporters on Saturday. "Come out on the defensive end with a sense of urgency and, offensively, continue to do what we do. Get our shots, get to the rim and be unselfish." Harden has scored at least 35 points in each game in the series and is averaging 38.7 points and 7.7 assists.

ABOUT THE THUNDER (48-37 SU, 46-38-1 ATS, 39-45-1 O/U): Russell Westbrook is averaging 35 points, 11.3 rebounds and 10.3 assists in the series but when his 51-point splurge in Game 2 didn't result in a victory, he altered his approach for Game 3 and got more people involved. Power forward Taj Gibson erupted for 20 points on 10-of-13 shooting and shooting guard Victor Oladipo tallied 12 points after being 5-of-26 shooting over the first two games but Westbrook doesn't want to hear his teammates referred to as the "supporting cast." "Well, for one, we are all one team. I don't have a cast, or other guys," Westbrook told reporters. "We're all in this together. My teammates have been doing a great job all season long, the last few games as well, and we'll continue to trust in each other and our be able to stay a team."

LINE HISTORY: The Thunder opened as 1-point home chalk for Game 4 and that number hasn’t moved off the opening number. The total hit the betting board at 225 and has dropped slightly to 224.

INJURY REPORT:

Rockets - SF Sam Dekker (Early May, hand)

Thunder - No injuries to report

TRENDS:

* Thunder are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 home games.
* Over is 9-2-1 in Rockets last 12 games following a ATS win.
* Over is 5-1 in Thunder last 6 Conference Quarterfinals games.
* Rockets are 6-0 ATS in the last 6 meetings in Oklahoma City.
* Rockets are 11-2 ATS in the last 13 meetings.

Boston Celtics at Chicago Bulls (+2.5, 204)

Bulls lead series 2-1

ABOUT THE CELTICS (54-31 SU, 41-42-2 ATS, 41-40-4 O/U): Isaiah Thomas scored 16 points in Game 3 - nearly 13 below his season average - but handed out nine assists as others around him became more involved offensively, namely fellow guard Avery Bradley (15 points, 4-of-6 from 3-point range). "Avery did a lot of good things. I couldn’t take him out of the game," coach Brad Stevens said of his shooting guard, who also had seven rebounds, seven assists and spent much of the game shutting down Butler and Wade on the defensive end. Backup point guard Terry Rozier was a non-factor in the games in Boston but emerged in Game 3 to provide 11 points in 23 minutes off the bench.

ABOUT THE BULLS (43-42 SU, 44-41 ATS, 34-50-1 O/U): Coach Fred Hoiberg was asked after Friday's game if he would run the offense more through Butler and veteran Dwyane Wade and rely less on Rondo's backups, Jerian Grant and Michael Carter-Williams, who combined for eight points, three assists and seven turnovers. "We'll see," Hoiberg told the media. "We'll go back and watch it and get together with the film session with our team [Saturday]. Get them back in the gym, and then make that decision before the game on Sunday." Center Robin Lopez has been around to clean up many of the messes around him and has 16 offensive rebounds in the series, which has helped him average 14.7 points on 70.4 percent shooting.

LINE HISTORY: Oddsmakers opened the Bulls as 2.5-point home dogs for Game 4 and set the total at 204, as of Saturday afternoon neither has moved off the opening number.

INJURY REPORT:

Celtics - No injuries to report

Bulls - PG Rajon Rondo (Out indefinitely, thumb)

TRENDS:

* Celtics are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games following a ATS win.
* Bulls are 7-0 ATS in their last 7 games following a straight up loss.
* Under is 4-1-1 in Celtics last 6 games following a straight up win.
* Under is 9-1 in Bulls last 10 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
* Under is 4-0 in the last 4 meetings in Chicago.

L.A. Clippers at Utah Jazz (-2.5, 198.5)

Clippers lead series 2-1

ABOUT THE CLIPPERS: (53-32 SU, 41-43-1 ATS, 45-39-1 O/U): Utah has had no answer for Chris Paul, who is averaging 26.7 points and 10.3 assists in the series while shooting 55.4 percent from the floor. Paul scored nine straight points to cap a 15-0 run during the fourth quarter of Friday's 111-106 win, stealing the spotlight from Hayward, who had only one fourth-quarter basket in the closing seconds. "He has an amazing will," coach Doc Rivers told reporters. "He's just a tough guy. He's stubborn in a very, very positive way. All the great ones have that in them. They're stubborn like they aren't going to lose. And that's how he felt. And you could feel that. His energy and that kind of rubbed off on everybody on the team."

ABOUT THE JAZZ (52–33 SU, 38-43–4 ATS, 43-42 O/U): Utah was in the driver's seat after a Game 1 win on the road but now knows it is one defeat away from having its back against the wall, and desperation has begun to set in. "Yes, it's a must-win situation for us," Hill told the media of Game 4. "You never want to go down 3-1, especially going back to their home court (for Game 5)." Forward Derrick Favors, who has started the last two games in place of Gobert, was held to two points in 38 minutes Friday night.

LINE HISTORY:

Oddsmakers have opened the Jazz as 2-point home favorites for Game 4 and the spread has bumped slightly overnight to -2.5. The total hit the board at 197.5 and has been bet up one point to the current number of 198.5

INJURY REPORT:

Clippers - PG Austin Rivers (Questionable Sunday, hamstring), PF Blake Griffin (Questionable Sunday, toe), C Diamond Stone (Out indefinitely, knee)

Jazz - C Rudy Robert (Doubtful Sunday, knee), SG Alec Burks (Doubtful Sunday, knee)

TRENDS:

* Clippers are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.
* Clippers are 4-1-1 ATS in their last 6 games following a straight up win.
* Over is 4-1 in Jazz last 5 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
* Over is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings in Utah.
* Clippers are 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings in Utah.

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**Udog** · 04-23-2017, 12:59 PM

NBA

Sunday, April 23

Updated NBA Playoffs 2017 betting stats heading into Sunday:
Faves: 19-7 SU/12-14 ATS
Totals: 16-10 Over/Under

Announcement

Sunday's NBA Trends and Indexes - 4/23

Sunday's NBA Trends and Indexes - 4/23

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