The Bum's 2017 WNBA Picks-Trends-News !

[StarDust Bum]

SUNDAY, AUGUST 13

GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS

LA at NY 03:00 PM

NY +2.5

U 158.5

[StarDust Bum]

Liberty use big run to top Sparks by 14
August 13, 2017

NEW YORK (AP) Tina Charles scored 21 points and the New York Liberty used their biggest run of the season to defeat the Los Angeles Sparks 83-69 on Sunday for their third-straight win.

Shavonte Zellous added 19 points and Epiphanny Prince 18 for the Liberty (15-12), who used a 20-0 run in the second quarter to lead 44-35 at the half.

Odyssey Sims had 18 points and Chelsea Gray 15 for the Sparks (19-8). Candace Parker added 14 points, 10 in the first quarter when Los Angeles hit its first six shots and 7 of 9 overall to take a 27-16 lead.

Kia Vaughn started the comeback with a layup and Prince hit a 3-pointer for a 34-33 lead. Neka Ogwumike's layup with 32 seconds left ended the Los Angeles drought. The Liberty held the Sparks to eight points in the quarter, the best defensive quarter for New York and worse on offense for Los Angeles this season.

The Sparks got within five several times in the third quarter and trailed by six entering the fourth quarter but never put together a challenge.

[StarDust Bum]

SCHEDULE FOR TUESDAY AUGUST 15, 2017
Time (ET) Away Home Site
7:00 PM Connecticut Sun Atlanta Dream McCamish Pavilion

SCHEDULE FOR WEDNESDAY AUGUST 16, 2017
Time (ET) Away Home Site
7:00 PM Los Angeles Sparks Washington Mystics Verizon Center
10:00 PM Minnesota Lynx Seattle Storm KeyArena

SCHEDULE FOR FRIDAY AUGUST 18, 2017
Time (ET) Away Home Site
7:00 PM New York Liberty Connecticut Sun Mohegan Sun Arena
7:00 PM Phoenix Mercury Washington Mystics Verizon Center
8:00 PM Indiana Fever Minnesota Lynx Target Center
8:30 PM Los Angeles Sparks Chicago Sky Allstate Arena
10:00 PM San Antonio Stars Seattle Storm KeyArena

SCHEDULE FOR SATURDAY AUGUST 19, 2017
Time (ET) Away Home Site
8:00 PM Atlanta Dream Dallas Wings College Park Center

Updated Sun Aug 13 11:04 PM EDT

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

LEAGUE STANDINGS

Rank Team W L PCT GB CONF HOME ROAD L-10 STREAK

#1 Minnesota Lynx - x21 4 0.840 - 11-1 11-2 10-2 8-2 L 1

#2 Los Angeles Sparks - x19 8 0.704 3 9-4 12-1 7-7 7-3 L 1

#3 Connecticut Sun - x17 9 0.654 4.5 8-4 10-3 7-6 8-2 W 5

#4 Washington Mystics16 10 0.615 5.5 11-2 10-2 6-8 6-4 W 2

#5 New York Liberty15 12 0.556 7 7-5 9-4 6-8 7-3 W 3

#6 Phoenix Mercury14 13 0.519 8 6-7 7-7 7-6 3-7 L 1

#7 Dallas Wings13 16 0.448 10 7-9 9-6 4-10 4-6 L 2

#8 Chicago Sky11 16 0.407 11 5-9 4-9 7-7 6-4 W 3

#9 Seattle Storm11 16 0.407 11 6-7 8-6 3-10 3-7 W 1

#10 Atlanta Dream10 18 0.357 12.5 4-10 7-7 3-11 2-8 L 7

#11 Indiana Fever9 19 0.321 13.5 4-9 6-7 3-12 2-8 L 2

#12 San Antonio Stars7 22 0.241 16 1-12 6-10 1-12 5-5 W 1

[StarDust Bum]

WNBA August Record: Best Bets ( BASED ON 5 UNITS )

DATE W-L-T % UNITS

08/13/2017..............2-0-0...........100.00%..................+10.00
08/12/2017..............5-3-0.............62.50%...................+8.50
08/11/2017..............1-3-0.............25.00%...................-1150
08/10/2017..............1-3-0.............25.00%...................-1150
08/08/2017..............3-3-0..............50.00%...................-1.50
08/06/2017..............4-2-0..............66.67%..................+9.00
08/05/2017..............3-1-0..............75.00%..................+9.50
08/04/2017..............4-6-0..............40.00%..................-13.00
08/03/2017..............0-2-0................0.00%..................-11.00


Totals...................23 - 23 - 0...........100.00%..................-11.50


DATE.......................ATS................TOTA L............OU................TOTAL

08/13/2017..............1 - 0..........+ 5.00..........1 -0.................+ 5.00
08/12/2017..............2 - 2..........- 1.00...........3 - 1...............+ 9.50
08/11/2017..............1 - 1..........- 0.50...........0 - 2................- 11.00
08/10/2017..............0 - 2..........- 11.00..........1 - 1................- 0.50
08/08/2017..............3 - 0...........+15.00........0 - 3................- 16.50
08/06/2017..............2 - 1...........+ 4.50.........2 - 1.................+ 4.50
08/05/2017..............2 - 0...........+10.00........1 - 1...................- 0.50
08/04/2017..............3 - 2............+ 4.00........1 - 4..................-17.00
08/03/2017..............0 - 1.............- 5.50........0 - 1...................- 5.50


Totals....................14 - 8 - 0........+ 20.50.........8 - 14.................-32.00

[StarDust Bum]

Monday’s six-pack

— Bryce Harper has a bad bone bruise but no ligament damage; he is on the DL.

— Padres extended manager Andy Green’s contract thru 2021.

— Nationals 6, Giants 2– Washington salvages a twinbill split with Howie Kendrick hitting a walk-off homer.

— San Diego State’s football team has had an outbreak of chicken pox this week.

— Alex Mack of the Falcons lost 12 pounds during a practice this weekend. Oy.

— DL happenings:

Milwaukee put P Brent Suter (shoulder) on DL

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

Monday’s Den: Notes on NFC teams…….

Random notes on NFC teams:

Arizona— Carson Palmer turns 38 on Dec 27; only 27 NFL QB’s have thrown 200+ passes at age 38 or older— 13 of those 17 are or will be in the Hall of Fame. Arizona had the oldest offense in the NFL last year; their time to win a Super Bowl is this year, or else. Over is 13-3 in Arizona road games the last two years; since 2014, under is 14-9-1 in Cardinal home games.

Atlanta— Blew a 28-3 lead in the Super Bowl, fired their DC, lost their OC, have a new stadium this year. Falcons scored 58 TD’s last year, punted 48 times with only 11 turnovers— they were only the third team since 1996 to score a TD on more than 33.3% of their drives. Now what? Underdogs are 13-3 vs spread in Falcon home games, since Quinn has been coach.

Carolina— How is Cam Newton’s shoulder? That is Question #1. Panthers were -2 in turnovers LY (6-10), after being +20/+3/+11 the three years before that (15-1/7-8-1/12-4). Over last four years, Carolina is 4-10-1 vs spread as a road favorite- their front office had in-fighting this winter— the GM got fired— will that affect the players?

Chicago— QB Mike Glennon played QB at NC State after Russell Wilson bolted for Wisconsin; then he went 5-13 over two years as a starter in Tampa Bay before they drafted Jameis Winston. He’s thrown 11 passes the last two years, is now renting the Bears’ #1 job until they decide that #1 pick Mitch Trubisky is ready to be the starter. Awkward situation.

Dallas— Dak Prescott makes $540K this year, $630K next year, which bails Dallas out of a lot of its salary cap quandries. Cowboys ran the ball 59.4% of time on 1st down LY, averaged 5.1 yds/rush on those runs, and averaged 8.9 yds/pass on play action passes. As a result, Cowboys faced 3rd-lowest number of 3rd downs in NFL. Will Prescott fight the sophomore jinx this year?

Detroit— As a Ram fan, I was frustrated by how bad OT Greg Robinson was for the Rams the last few years; now he is a Lion and is the LT, protecting Matthew Stafford’s blind side. Detroit’s backup QB’s are Jake Rudock/Brad Kaaya. Lions have lost nine playoff games in a row- their last playoff win was in 1991. If Detroit makes the playoffs this year, I’ll be very surprised.

Green Bay— Since 1992, Packers have had Favre/Rodgers at QB, two first-ballot Hall of Famers. They won Super Bowl in ’96 and ’10, lost in ’97- should they be winning more than they have? Pack made playoffs last 7 years and 14 of last 20 years, but are just 13-13 in playoff games since Favre won his Super Bowl. Last three years, Green Bay is 14-7-2 vs spread as a home favorite.

LA Rams— 31-year old Sean McVay was hired to develop Jared Goff as a QB, but before that, they have to put together an offensive line that can protect him. 35-year old Andrew Whitwroth was brought in from Cincinnati to play LT and fortify the line. Rams were 4-5 LY, led Miami 10-0 with 5:00 to go in Goff’s debut in Game #10— had they won that game, Jeff Fisher would likely still be the Rams’ coach.

Minnesota— Vikings went 8-8 with a +11 turnover ratio; no bueno; they had 54 third-and-1’s last year, converted 11-15 (73.3%) times when they threw the ball, 25-39 (64.1%) when they ran it. Sam Bradford is 32-45-1 as an NFL starter, 14-15 since leaving the Rams. Minnesota hasn’t won a playoff game since 2009; since ’05, they’re 1-4 in playoff games. Vikings have had eight #1 QB’s over the last 12 years. Bridgewater’s knee injury last summer was incredibly bad luck.

NJ Giants— Giants have had one #1 QB since 2005; Eli Manning has played all 192 games, and that is his greatest strength— he shows up to work every week. Giants won Super Bowl after 2007/2011 seasons, going 4-0 in playoffs both years; other than those two years, since 2001, Big Blue is 0-5 in playoff games. Have been in playoffs twice in last eight years, are 1-5 in Week 1 the last six years- they open vs Dallas this year for 5th time in last six years.

New Orleans— Does signing Adrian Peterson mean Saints will run ball more to protect a poor defense and a 38-year old QB? NO scored 400+ points the last six years, but made playoffs only once in last five years, going 7-9 in other four. Last three years, Saints are 5-13-1 vs spread as a home favorite, 5-0 as home dogs- they’re 3-8 in last 11 tries as a road favorite. Over is 16-8 in Superdome games the last three years; over is 13-11 in NO road games during that time.

Philadelphia— Eagles missed playoffs five of last six years; their last playoff win was in 2008, but they had to be happy with rookie QB Wentz LY. This will be first time since 2012 that Iggles had same #1 QB as year before (Michael Vick). Philly was 4-1 vs spread as a home underdog LY, after being 1-10 in that role from 2007-15. Eagles were favored in only two of their eight home games LY; the last five years, they’re 5-9-1 vs spread in home games vs divisional rivals.

San Francisco— Four head coaches in four years is never good; they’re 7-25 since Jim Harbaugh took his act to Ann Arbor. Over last five years, 49ers have averaged 3.96 starts per draft pick, which is poor, so John Lynch runs franchise now; smart guy, but he’s never done this before. As of June 3, 51 of 90 players on roster were acquired since Lynch took over- they let 27 of 31 free agents walk. Kyle Shanahan is the new coach, after helping Falcons win NFC title last season.

Seattle— Seahawks are 56-23-1 the last five years; they’ve won at least one playoff game in 8 of last 10 seasons, but throwing that INT on goal line at end of Super Bowl will haunt them until they win another Super Bowl. Russell Wilson is 8-4 in playoff games; he was a 3rd-round pick, just like Joe Montana, who was 16-7 in playoff games. Seattle is 6-10 vs spread as a road favorite the last three years; under Carroll, they’re 26-11 vs spread as a home favorite.

Tampa Bay— Bucs haven’t made playoffs since 2007; their last playoff win was the Super Bowl 15 years ago- they were 9-7 LY, their first winning season since ’10. Adding DeSean Jackson will give Jameis Winston another explosive option; listening to the first episode of Hard Knocks, this is a confident team that expects to make the playoffs, but they’ll need to play better at home. Last three years, Tampa Bay is 8-16 vs spread at home, 2-6 in divisional home games.

Washington— Sean McVay is in LA; they fired their DC, so two new coordinators this season for Jay Gruden, who goes back to calling plays. Skins were 17-14-1 the last two years; since 2006, they are 0-3 in playoff games. Last time Washington was a playoff game, Joe Gibbs was coach. Gruden is 4-8 vs spread as a home favorite; last two years, Washington is 9-4 vs spread coming off a loss. Last five years, over is 25-14-1 in Redskin road games.

[StarDust Bum]

WNBA Betting Recap - 8/7-8/13

League Betting Notes (Monday, Aug. 7 through Sunday, Aug. 13)

-- Favorites/underdogs went 6-6 straight up (SU)
-- Underdogs went 8-4 against the spread (ATS)
-- Home teams posted a 7-5 SU record
-- Road teams posted a 7-5 ATS record
-- The 'under' went 6-5-1

Team Betting Notes

-- The slide for Atlanta (10-18) continues, as the dropped each of their three games in the past week. Their losing streak has reached seven, and they're also an imperfect 7-0 ATS during the skid. Bettors fading the Dream have benefitted, but so too have 'under' bettors. The under is 4-1-1 over the past six outings for the Dream.

-- Chicago (11-16) continues its upward ascent, winning and covering for the third consecutive outing.They're a rather impressive 8-4 ATS over the past 12 outings, including 4-2 ATS over their past six at home. The 'over' is also 5-1 over their past six outings at home.

-- The roll continues to Connecticut (17-9), as they remain atop the Eastern Conference with a one-game lead on Washington (16-10). While he Sun have rattled off five straight wins, they're rather hard to figure in terms of the number and total. They've alternated covers and losses in each of the past four, and the same holds true with the total. They'll hit the road for Atlanta on Friday. The Sun is 6-3 SU/ATS over their past nine away from home.

-- Dallas (13-16) suffered a loss in their only game in the past week, dropping one in Connecticut. They covered for the third time in the past four games, going 3-1 ATS after an 0-4 ATS slid from July 19-30.

-- Indiana (9-19) has sunk to the bottom of the Eastern Conference, and they have the second-worst record in the WNBA. They have dropped two in a row, and 12 of their past 14 games overall. While the Fever are doing playing well, they're at least covering. They are a respectable 5-4 ATS over the past nine.

-- Los Angeles (19-8) has hit a bump in the road lately on their trip east. They have dropped two of the past three, while also going 1-2 ATS during the span. While they've been good at home, they're a rather ordinary 2-4 SU/ATS across their past six games away from home. They will continue their road trip Wednesday in D.C. before hitting Chicago on Friday. The Sparks will be looking for revenge after losing 82-80 at home July 20 against the Sky as 12-point favorites.

-- It has been a rare trying time for Minnesota (21-4) lately. The Lynx still hold a three-game lead over L.A. despite going 1-2 SU/ATS over their past three outings. They're just 2-4 ATS across their past six outings at home.

-- New York (15-12) has pulled into third place in the East, and they're just 2 1/2 games back of the Sun for first place after their three-game winning streak. The Liberty's most impressive win of the season cames against the Sparks on Sunday despite entering as short 'dogs at home. They next face a showdown with the Sun in Connecticut on Friday.

-- Phoenix (14-13) has been banged up this season, and they continue to spin their wheels out west. The Mercury have dropped three of their past four outings, and they're just 3-7 SU and 5-5 ATS across the past 10. It's not a great time for a long road trip, starting Friday in D.C. A healthy Mercury team dropped the Mystics 88-80 on July 5.

-- San Antonio (7-22) has turned things around with a 4-1 SU/ATS mark over their past five outings, including a 16-point beating of the Dream on Saturday. They'll look to stay hot as they hit the road in Seattle (11-16) on Friday. They lost their first trip to Seattle on June 18 by a 75-57 score, while splitting a pair in Texas.

-- The Storm is back home on Wednesday against the Lynx, but it hasn't exactly been home sweet home. Seattle is just 4-6 SU and 3-7 ATS over their past 10 games in the Pacific Northwest.

[StarDust Bum]

WNBA

Tuesday, August 15

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

7:00 PM
CONNECTICUT vs. ATLANTA
The total has gone UNDER in 15 of Connecticut's last 22 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
Connecticut is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
Atlanta is 15-1 SU in its last 16 games when playing Connecticut
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Atlanta's last 6 games when playing Connecticut

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

WNBA (WOMEN'S PROFESSIONAL)

DUNKEL'S HIGHLIGHTED GAME

Connecticut at Atlanta - Tuesday August 15, 2017

The Sun head to Atlanta tonight to face the Dream and come into the contest with an 11-3 ATS record in their last 14 road games. Connecticut is the pick (-3 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Sun favored by 5. Dunkel Pick: Connecticut (-3 1/2).


TUESDAY AUGUST 15, 2017
Connecticut
@
Atlanta

Game 651-652
August 15, 2017 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating: Connecticut
114.132
Atlanta
108.911
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total: Connecticut
by 5
172
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total: Connecticut
by 3 1/2
166 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Connecticut
(-3 1/2); Over

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

WNBA Basketball Trend Report

CONNECTICUT (17 - 9) at ATLANTA (10 - 18) - 8/15/2017, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.

CONNECTICUT is 17-9 ATS (+7.1 Units) in all games this season.
CONNECTICUT is 10-3 ATS (+6.7 Units) in road games this season.
CONNECTICUT is 10-3 ATS (+6.7 Units) in a road game where where the total is greater than or equal to 150 this season.
CONNECTICUT is 13-5 ATS (+7.5 Units) when playing with 2 days rest over the last 2 seasons.
CONNECTICUT is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) vs. division opponents this season.
CONNECTICUT is 14-6 ATS (+7.4 Units) after allowing 75 points or more this season.
CONNECTICUT is 15-8 ATS (+6.2 Units) after scoring 75 points or more this season.
CONNECTICUT is 21-8 ATS (+12.2 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
CONNECTICUT is 14-2 ATS (+11.8 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record after 15+ games after 15+ games over the last 2 seasons.
CONNECTICUT is 28-15 ATS (+11.5 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 77+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
CONNECTICUT is 29-14 ATS (+13.6 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 10-19 ATS (-10.9 Units) vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.

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

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Sun (17-9) at Dream (10-18)
Date: August 15, 2017 7:00 PM EDT

The Connecticut Sun are headed to the playoffs for the first time since 2012.

The Atlanta Dream are in danger of missing the postseason for the second time in three years.

The two Eastern Conference foes tangle Tuesday night at McCamish Pavilion in Atlanta.

Connecticut (17-9) clinched a spot in the eight-team playoff with Saturday's 96-88 win over the Dallas Wings. Alyssa Thomas and Jonquel Jones each recorded double-doubles in the victory.

"We knew it was going to take some time with a young team, and ultimately we're excited," Connecticut coach Curt Miller told reporters after Saturday's win. "That locker room certainly has bigger goals, so now we'll fight for a position in a very, very important potential bye for the four teams that get byes in the first round."

That fight continues Tuesday against a struggling Dream squad that's dropped seven in a row, including a disappointing 84-68 blowout loss to the San Antonio Stars on Saturday. Atlanta rookie guard Brittney Sykes scored a season-high 28 points and forward Elizabeth Williams added 16, but the other three Dream starters combined for just six points.

Forward Tiffany Hayes, an All-Star and Atlanta's leading scorer, played just four minutes and scored only four points. Veteran point guard Layshia Clarendon finished with just one point and missed all five of her field-goal attempts.

"We've got to come out with really good energy and effort, like we've been playing in the fourth quarters of some of those games," Clarendon said Monday. "We've got to start the game like that and then sustain their runs, stay up and stay together and not hang our heads and get down."

The Dream (10-18) and Sun split the two previous meetings this season, both in Connecticut. Atlanta beat the Sun 81-74 in the season opener for both teams. Connecticut got revenge in early June in a 104-71 rout of the Dream. Jones had 20 points and all five Sun starters finished in double figures in the win.

Jones told reporters after Saturday's win that the Sun remain focused, even after clinching the playoff berth.

"It's something that people probably didn't believe in when the season started, but we knew it," Jones told reporters after the win over Dallas. "So I think that's all that matters. And once our fans and coaches are behind us, that's all we need."

WNB HEAD TO HEAD

Jun 10, 2017 Score ATS Results
ATL 71 Over: 175
CONN « 104 Cover: 29.5
Tools: Recaps

May 13, 2017 Score ATS Results
ATL « 81 Cover: 12
CONN 74 Under: 155
Tools: Recaps

[StarDust Bum]

TUESDAY, AUGUST 15

GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS

CONN at ATL 07:00 PM

CONN -4.0

O 166.5

[StarDust Bum]

Sun top Dream, 96-75 for 6th straight win
August 15, 2017

ATLANTA (AP) Jonquel Jones had 20 points and 13 rebounds for her seventh straight double-double, and the Connecticut Sun beat the short-handed Atlanta Dream 96-75 on Tuesday night.

Connecticut (18-9), winners of six straight, won in Atlanta for the first time since June 7, 2015.

Jasmine Thomas made four 3-pointers and added 18 points for Connecticut (18-9), which clinched its first playoff spot since 2012 last Saturday. Courtney Williams scored 12 points.

Atlanta (10-19) was without its leading scorer Tiffany Hayes because of a rib injury.

Brittney Sykes scored 23 points for her fifth 20-plus game in her rookie season with the Dream. She scored a season-best 28 points in her previous game. Layshia Clarendon missed all eight of her field-goal attempts but had 11 assists.

Connecticut opened the game on a 10-0 run and led by 17 points at halftime behind Jones' 16 points.

[StarDust Bum]

Wednesday’s six-pack

Bears coach John Fox’s coaching resume, from 1978-88:

1978— San Diego State

1979— US International

1980— Boise State

1981— Long Beach State

1982— Kansas

1983— Utah

1984— Iowa State

1986-88— Pitt

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

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

13) One thing Cubs’ manager Joe Maddon has changed in baseball is that he introduced “themed” road trips, where players dress up in outfits that correspond to where they’re going, breaking up the monotony of a long season.

For instance, the Diamondbacks flew to Houston last nite, so they all dressed up like astronauts, with helmets and all. When some teams go to Toronto, they all wear NHL jerseys. Sounds goofy, but it make people laugh, and laughter is healthy. Winning also helps.

12) Houston Astros swing at the first pitch of an at-bat more than any other team; they’ve hit 47 first-pitch homers this year, most in the major leagues.

11) 64 players have 20+ homers this season; in 2014, 57 players hit 20+. It is only August 16.

10) Vic Fangio is defensive coordinator for the Bears; he coached under Jim Mora Sr with the Philly/Baltimore Stars in the old USFL in 1984-5. He must have some excellent stories.

9) Buffalo Bills haven’t made the playoffs since 1999; they’ve been 8-8 three times, 9-7 twice during that stretch, but no postseason games. They’re 24-24 the last three years, but now with a new GM are stockpiling draft picks for the next few years, which could very well be the start of the post-Brady era in the AFC East.

8) Battle for Atlantis is a very good hoop tournament in November. 1st-round matchups:
— Villanova vs Western Kentucky
— Purdue vs Tennessee
— SMU vs Northern Iowa
— NC State vs Arizona

7) Jose Altuve is hitting “only” .305 on the road this year with six homers; on the road, he is batting .417, with 12 homers. Go figure.

6) St Joseph’s College in Connecticut is starting a basketball program in 2018-19; one of the candidates for the head coaching job is former UConn coach Jim Calhoun, who is 75. He isn’t working on ESPN anymore and says he is interested in the position; his wife apparently has the last word on whether he takes the job or not.

5) Mike Shula is Carolina’s offensive coordinator; he was Alabama’s head coach from 2003-6, just before Nick Saban, but other than that, has never coached college football— he’s been an NFL assistant coach for 26 of the last 30 years.

4) Lets not forget that Nick Saban left college ball briefly for the NFL; he went 48-16 at LSU, is 114-19 at Alabama, but in between, he went 15-17 as coach of the Dolphins in 2005-6, famously choosing Daunte Culpepper over Drew Brees as a free agent QB signing. No one’s perfect.

3) In my opinion, Buck Showalter is a great manager; his Orioles are 21-10 in games this season where the winning run scored after the 6th inning- they’re 38-50 in other games. Last two years Baltimore is 71-53 in games decided by 1 or 2 runs.

Look at their pitching staff and explain how they’re in contention.

In his career, Showalter is 1,488-1,375 as a big league skipper; New York and Arizona won World Series right after he left. He is 606-542 in Baltimore, making playoffs three of last six years. They hadn’t made the playoffs for 13 years before he got to Camden Yards.

2) Milwaukee is 13-22 this season in games where winning run scores from 7th inning on; they’re 61-59 overall, which makes them 48-37 otherwise. Brewers have legit shot to be a Cinderella playoff team, but they need to be better in the late innings.

1) The bar is low for new Rams’ coach Sean McVay; the 2003 Rams went 12-4. Since then, they’ve gone 8-8 twice and lost 10+ games in 7 of the other 11 years, with three 7-9 years and a 7-8-1 season thrown in. No winning seasons since 2003; we’re not asking for much!!!!

[StarDust Bum]

SCHEDULE FOR WEDNESDAY AUGUST 16, 2017
Time (ET) Away Home Site
7:00 PM Los Angeles Sparks Washington Mystics Verizon Center
10:00 PM Minnesota Lynx Seattle Storm KeyArena

SCHEDULE FOR FRIDAY AUGUST 18, 2017
Time (ET) Away Home Site
7:00 PM New York Liberty Connecticut Sun Mohegan Sun Arena
7:00 PM Phoenix Mercury Washington Mystics Verizon Center
8:00 PM Indiana Fever Minnesota Lynx Target Center
8:30 PM Los Angeles Sparks Chicago Sky Allstate Arena
10:00 PM San Antonio Stars Seattle Storm KeyArena

SCHEDULE FOR SATURDAY AUGUST 19, 2017
Time (ET) Away Home Site
8:00 PM Atlanta Dream Dallas Wings College Park Center

SCHEDULE FOR SUNDAY AUGUST 20, 2017
Time (ET) Away Home Site
3:00 PM Minnesota Lynx New York Liberty Madison Square Garden
3:00 PM Phoenix Mercury Connecticut Sun Mohegan Sun Arena
5:00 PM Washington Mystics Indiana Fever Bankers Life Fieldhouse
6:00 PM Seattle Storm Chicago Sky Allstate Arena

SCHEDULE FOR TUESDAY AUGUST 22, 2017
Time (ET) Away Home Site
8:00 PM Phoenix Mercury Minnesota Lynx Target Center
10:30 PM San Antonio Stars Los Angeles Sparks Staples Center

Updated Wed Aug 16 1:04 AM EDT

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

LEAGUE STANDINGS

Rank Team W L PCT GB CONF HOME ROAD L-10 STREAK

#1 Minnesota Lynx - x21 4 0.840 - 11-1 11-2 10-2 8-2 L 1

#2 Los Angeles Sparks - x19 8 0.704 3 9-4 12-1 7-7 7-3 L 1

#3 Connecticut Sun - x18 9 0.667 4 9-4 10-3 8-6 8-2 W 6

#4 Washington Mystics16 10 0.615 5.5 11-2 10-2 6-8 6-4 W 2

#5 New York Liberty15 12 0.556 7 7-5 9-4 6-8 7-3 W 3

#6 Phoenix Mercury14 13 0.519 8 6-7 7-7 7-6 3-7 L 1

#7 Dallas Wings13 16 0.448 10 7-9 9-6 4-10 4-6 L 2

#8 Chicago Sky11 16 0.407 11 5-9 4-9 7-7 6-4 W 3

#9 Seattle Storm11 16 0.407 11 6-7 8-6 3-10 3-7 W 1

#10 Atlanta Dream10 19 0.345 13 4-11 7-8 3-11 1-9 L 8

#11 Indiana Fever9 19 0.321 13.5 4-9 6-7 3-12 2-8 L 2

#12 San Antonio Stars7 22 0.241 16 1-12 6-10 1-12 5-5 W 1

[StarDust Bum]

WNBA

Wednesday, August 16

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

7:00 PM
LOS ANGELES vs. WASHINGTON
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Los Angeles's last 6 games on the road
Los Angeles is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Washington's last 7 games when playing Los Angeles
Washington is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games when playing at home against Los Angeles

10:00 PM
MINNESOTA vs. SEATTLE
Minnesota is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Seattle
Minnesota is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Seattle
Seattle is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Seattle's last 6 games


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

WNBA
Long Sheet

Wednesday, August 16

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

LOS ANGELES (19 - 8) at WASHINGTON (16 - 10) - 8/16/2017, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LOS ANGELES is 89-122 ATS (-45.2 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 77+ points/game since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 0-8 ATS (-8.8 Units) as an underdog this season.
WASHINGTON is 34-56 ATS (-27.6 Units) in home games when playing with 3 or more days rest since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 179-226 ATS (-69.6 Units) after a division game since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
LOS ANGELES is 6-1 against the spread versus WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
LOS ANGELES is 6-1 straight up against WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
6 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

MINNESOTA (21 - 4) at SEATTLE (11 - 16) - 8/16/2017, 10:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SEATTLE is 120-81 ATS (+30.9 Units) in home games vs. division opponents since 1997.
SEATTLE is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15+ games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) when playing with 3 or more days rest this season.
MINNESOTA is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) in road games versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game this season.
SEATTLE is 1-7 ATS (-6.7 Units) in home games revenging a loss versus opponent this season.
SEATTLE is 37-60 ATS (-29.0 Units) off an upset win as an underdog since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
SEATTLE is 6-5 against the spread versus MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
MINNESOTA is 10-1 straight up against SEATTLE over the last 3 seasons
6 of 11 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

WNBA
Dunkel

Wednesday, August 16


Minnesota @ Seattle

Game 655-656
August 16, 2017 @ 10:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Minnesota
120.541
Seattle
106.413
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Minnesota
by 14
151
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Minnesota
by 6
165
Dunkel Pick:
Minnesota
(-6); Under

Los Angeles @ Washington

Game 653-654
August 16, 2017 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Los Angeles
117.568
Washington
110.998
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Los Angeles
by 6 1/2
153
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Los Angeles
by 4
158 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Los Angeles
(-4); Under

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Sparks (19-8) at Mystics (16-10)
Date: August 16, 2017 7:00 PM EDT

The Washington Mystics poured on the offense in their latest home game after yet another indoor rain delay. The next challenge, beyond patching up the arena roof, is slowing down the Los Angeles Sparks.

Two of the top four teams in the WNBA standings meet Wednesday in Washington when the defending league champion Sparks (19-8) face the Mystics (16-10) for the third time this season. Los Angeles won the previous two matchups, both at home.

Despite the absence of All-Star Elena Delle Donne (thumb surgery) and loss of second-leading scorer Tayler Hill (knee surgery), the Mystics have won two in a row.

The latest victory, 100-80 over the Indiana Fever on a rainy Saturday night, came despite a lengthy delay at halftime caused by leaks in the roof.

"Neither team has gone through that kind of stuff before," Mystics coach Mike Thibault said. "You just come out and get loose, and you stick to your game plan."

Washington previously dealt with a postponement and rescheduling of the June 28 home game with Connecticut for a similar leaky reason. Against the Fever, the game resumed with the Mystics already leading 49-36 at halftime. The figurative dousing continued in the second half. Krystal Thomas scored a season-high 20 points and grabbed 14 rebounds. Emma Meesseman had 15 points.

Washington is 1 1/2 games ahead of the New York Liberty for fourth place in the WNBA. The top four teams receive a bye into the second round of the playoffs.

"We definitely have confidence, but at the same time, we definitely have to work on things and get better as a team," veteran Washington guard Ivory Latta said. "As long as we continue to have that confidence and believe in each other, some good things could happen."

Not much good happened in the previous two meetings with the Sparks, who are second in the WNBA standings, three games behind the first-place Minnesota Lynx. Los Angeles won the first game 99-89 on May 19 and the second 76-69 on July 2 despite trailing 47-30 at halftime.

"We talk about how every game is a series, and we have played Washington twice now and gone 2-0," said Sparks forward Candace Parker, who had 17 points and 11 rebounds in the second meeting with the Mystics. "So we just want to win every series."

The Sparks are 7-3 in their past 10 games, but they are coming off an 83-69 loss at the New York Liberty on Sunday. Parker had 14 points, but 10 came in the first quarter as Los Angeles led 27-16. However, the Sparks trailed 44-35 at halftime after the Liberty went on a 20-0 run, and Los Angeles didn't close the gap much from there.

"I think, just in general in the second half, I didn't have a lot of rhythm," said Parker, who finished 4 of 12 from the field.

Odyssey Sims led Los Angeles with 18 points. Essence Carson (right elbow strain) and Riquna Williams (left knee strain) did not play for the Sparks.


WNB HEAD TO HEAD

Jul 2, 2017 Score ATS Results
WAS 69 Under: 145
LOS « 76 Cover: 0.5
Tools: Recaps

May 19, 2017 Score ATS Results
WAS 89 Over: 188
LOS « 99 Cover: 5
Tools: Recaps

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Lynx (21-4) at Storm (11-16)
Date: August 16, 2017 10:00 PM EDT

Good news: The Seattle Storm won their first game under interim head coach Gary Kloppenburg.

Good news: The team returns home after a five-game road trip.

Not-so-good news: The Storm's opponent on Wednesday evening at KeyArena in Seattle is the first-place Minnesota Lynx (21-4).

The Storm (11-16) beat Phoenix 98-89 on Saturday, two days after Kloppenburg was promoted after the firing of head coach Jenny Boucek.

The win ended a four-game losing streak for Seattle and puts the team even with the Chicago Sky for the WNBA's eighth and final playoff spot.

"We had a lot of stuff happen, and only one good practice, and then there we are. Like an eight-game season," Kloppenburg told the website The Summit.

The Storm features the past two WNBA Rookies of the year, but they help.

Breanna Stewart (20.4 points per game) and Jewell Loyd (17.3) account for almost 46 percent of Seattle's scoring this year.

Kloppenburg is focused on his offensive setup.

"We are a good shooting team," he said. "So, if we can move the ball and not turn it over, we can get good shots. We can make shots, so we were happy to see that."

The Storm lead the league in field goal percentage at 47.5. In Saturday's win, the team had 28 assists, well above its 19.2 per-game average.

"I thought we did a really good job, and I think we had four players with five assists; we were just very happy," Kloppenburg said after the game.

The Lynx lost just two of their first 22 games this season. Since point guard Lindsay Whalen broke a bone in her hand, they've lost two of three.

Minnesota had its worst offensive performance this season on Friday night in a 70-64 home loss to second-place Los Angeles.

"Clearly, our problem was our offense -- the third quarter in particular," Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve told the (St. Paul) Pioneer Press. "It just kind of snowballed, our frustration. Give L.A. credit, they were very, very physical and we didn't respond very well. ... We just couldn't find our flow."

The Sparks blew open a game that was tied at halftime, outscoring Minnesota 21-8 in the third quarter.

Despite the recent losses, the Lynx still sit atop the WNBA standings, three games ahead of Los Angeles.

"We're not in a place where we are unhappy because we are a good team and we do some good things, but there are some places where we can improve," Reeve said after practice Monday, according to the team's website. "That's really what we looked at in those two games. In order for us to be the best that we can be and the healthiest we can be from a basketball standpoint in the playoffs is to use those two games and improve."

Minnesota will be back home on Friday to host Indiana.

Seattle hosts San Antonio on Friday in their second-to-last home game of the season. Four of the Storm's final five games will be on the road.


WNB HEAD TO HEAD

Jul 30, 2017 Score ATS Results
SEA 82 Cover: 0.5
MIN « 93 Over: 175
Tools: Recaps

Jun 3, 2017 Score ATS Results
MIN « 100 Cover: 20
SEA 77 Over: 177
Tools: Recaps