The Bum's 2017 NBA Best Bets-Trends-News Thru Playoffs !

[StarDust Bum]

NBA roundup: Bullock, Pistons topple Magic
December 17, 2017

WASHINGTON -- LeBron James registered his fourth triple-double in five games with 20 points, 12 rebounds and 15 assists as the streaking Cleveland Cavaliers beat the Washington Wizards 106-99 on Sunday night.

Kevin Love led the Cavaliers with 25 points, while Jeff Green had 15 points. Cleveland has won 18 of 19 games, including the past five.

Little separated the Eastern Conference contenders for much of the game as the teams were tied at the end of the second and third quarters. James's 3-pointer early in the fourth quarter put the Cavaliers in front for good and sparked an 8-0 run. Green's three-point play capped the surge as Cleveland led 95-89 with 6:55 remaining.

Bradley Beal scored 27 points for the Wizards, who had won two in a row. John Wall had 15 points and 10 rebounds. Washington made 12 3-pointers but finished 9 of 16 on free throws.

Pistons 114, Magic 110

DETROIT -- Reggie Bullock scored a career-high 20 points, and Detroit held off a late surge by undermanned Orlando.

Bullock, who was inserted into the starting lineup four games ago, made 8 of 10 field-goal attempts. His previous scoring high was 17 points last season, also against the Magic.

Tobias Harris, Reggie Jackson and Anthony Tolliver scored 17 points apiece for the Pistons, who have won three straight following a seven-game losing streak. Mario Hezonja scored 28 points to led Orlando, which got 24 points and 14 rebounds from Nikola Vucevic.

Raptors 108, Kings 93

TORONTO -- DeMar DeRozan led a balanced offense with 21 points as Toronto defeated Sacramento.

The Raptors also defeated the Kings last Sunday in Sacramento.

Kyle Lowry scored 16 points and added seven assists and five rebounds for the Raptors, who have won nine of their past 10 games. Garrett Temple and Bogdan Bodganovic each scored 18 points for the Kings.

Pacers 109, Nets 97

NEW YORK -- Victor Oladipo scored 26 points as Indiana beat Brooklyn.

Oladipo led the Pacers in scoring for the 21st time this season and produced his 26th game with at least 20 points. After shooting a combined 35.4 percent (17 of 48) in Indiana's losses to Oklahoma City and Detroit, Oladipo went 9 of 14 on Sunday.

Five Indiana players reached double figures as the Pacers shot 56.6 percent and won for the fifth time in seven games. Allen Crabbe scored 17 points for the Nets.

[StarDust Bum]

SCHEDULE FOR MONDAY DECEMBER 18, 2017
Time (ET) Away Home Site
7:00 PM Boston Celtics Indiana Pacers Bankers Life Fieldhouse
7:00 PM New York Knicks Charlotte Hornets Spectrum Center
7:30 PM Miami Heat Atlanta Hawks Philips Arena
8:00 PM Denver Nuggets Oklahoma City Thunder Chesapeake Energy Arena
8:00 PM Philadelphia 76ers Chicago Bulls United Center
8:00 PM Portland Trail Blazers Minnesota Timberwolves Target Center
8:00 PM Utah Jazz Houston Rockets Toyota Center
8:30 PM Los Angeles Clippers San Antonio Spurs AT&T Center
8:30 PM Phoenix Suns Dallas Mavericks American Airlines Center
10:30 PM Golden State Warriors Los Angeles Lakers Staples Center


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

DECEMBER NBA BEST BETS & OPINIONS (BASED ON 5 UNITS )

DATE W-L-T % UNITS RECORD

12/17/2017 3-5-0 37.50% -12.50
12/16/2017..........NO PLAYS
12/15/2017 13-6-0 68.42% +32.00
12/14/2017 5-5-0 50.00% -2.50
12/13/2017 3-6-0 33.33% -18.00
12/12/2017 5-9-0 35.71% -24.50
12/11/2017......... NO PLAYS
12/10/2017 6-6-0 50.00% -3.00
12/09/2017 6-13-0 31.58% -41.50
12/08/2017 7-9-0 43.75% -14.50
12/07/2017 3-5-0 37.50% -12.50
12/06/2017 10-8-2 55.55% +6.00
12/05/2017 5-1-0 83.33% +19.50
12/04/2017 6-10-0 37.50% -25.00
12/03/2017 5-5-0 50.00% -2.50
12/02/2017 7-8-1 46.66% -9.00
12/01/2017 4-12-0 30.00% -46.00

Totals.........78 - 100- 1......43.82%.......-160.00

BEST BETS:.......................ATS................... ......UNITS...........................O/U............................UNITS

12/17/2-17...................2 - 2 ........................-1.00.................................1 - 2 ........................-6.00
12/16/2017......................................N O P L A Y S................................................. ...............
12/15/2017..................4 - 1..........................+14.50................. ............4 - 3........................+3.50
12/14/2017....................2 - 0..........................+10.00................. ...........2 - 2........................-1.00
12/13/2017....................1 - 3..........................-11.50.............................1- 2.........................-6.00
12/12/2017..................1 - 4...........................-17.00............................3 - 2.........................+4.00
12/11/2017...................................... N O P L A Y S................................................. .............
12/10/2017.................1 - 3...........................-11.50............................3 - 0.........................+15.00
12/09/2017...................1 - 6...........................-28.00............................3 -1..........................+4.50
12/08/2017....................3 - 2...........................+4.00................. ..........3 - 3..........................-1.50
12/07/2017....................0 - 2...........................-11.00...........................2 - 1.........................+4.50
12/06/2017................2 - 2 - 1.........................-1.00..........................4 - 1 - 1......................+14.50
12/05/2017..................2 - 1...........................+4.50................. ..........3 - 0.........................+15.00
12/04/2017..................4 - 4...........................-2.00.............................1 - 3..........................-11.50
12/03/2017..................2 - 2...........................-1.00............................ 2 - 1..........................+4.50
12/02/2017..................1 - 3 - 1......................-11.50...........................4 - 3..........................+3.50
12/01/2017..................2 - 5 - 1......................-17.50...........................1 - 3..........................-11.50

Totals....................28 - 40 - 3........................-80.00......................37 - 24- 1.......................+31.50

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Dunkel

Monday, December 18

New York @ Charlotte

Game 701-702
December 18, 2017 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
New York
118.762
Charlotte
116.599
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
New York
by 2
200
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
New York
No Line
N/A
Dunkel Pick:
New York
N/A

Boston @ Indiana

Game 703-704
December 18, 2017 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Boston
122.204
Indiana
123.785
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Indiana
by 1 1/2
210
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Boston
by 3
206
Dunkel Pick:
Indiana
(+3); Over

Miami @ Atlanta

Game 705-706
December 18, 2017 @ 7:35 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Miami
119.872
Atlanta
112.498
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Miami
by 7 1/2
208
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Miami
by 2 1/2
201 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Miami
(-2 1/2); Over

Philadelphia @ Chicago

Game 707-708
December 18, 2017 @ 8:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Philadelphia
120.905
Chicago
113.512
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Philadelphia
by 7 1/2
203
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Philadelphia
by 1 1/2
209 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Philadelphia
(-1 1/2); Under

Denver @ Oklahoma City

Game 709-710
December 18, 2017 @ 8:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Denver
120.498
Oklahoma City
119.017
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Denver
by 1 1/2
198
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Denver
No Line
N/A
Dunkel Pick:
Denver
N/A

Utah @ Houston

Game 711-712
December 18, 2017 @ 8:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Utah
122.446
Houston
128.512
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Houston
by 6
224
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Houston
No Line
N/A
Dunkel Pick:
Houston
N/A

Portland @ Minnesota

Game 713-714
December 18, 2017 @ 8:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Portland
115.398
Minnesota
123.896
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Minnesota
by 8 1/2
218
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Minnesota
No Line
N/A
Dunkel Pick:
Minnesota
N/A

Phoenix @ Dallas

Game 715-716
December 18, 2017 @ 8:35 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Phoenix
110.786
Dallas
119.673
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Dallas
by 9
203
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Dallas
by 6
208 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Dallas
(-6); Under

LA Clippers @ San Antonio

Game 717-718
December 18, 2017 @ 8:35 pm

Dunkel Rating:
LA Clippers
115.677
San Antonio
122.564
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
San Antonio
by 7
209
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
San Antonio
by 11 1/2
202 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
LA Clippers
(+11 1/2); Over

Golden State @ LA Lakers

Game 719-720
December 18, 2017 @ 10:35 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Golden State
124.566
LA Lakers
120.416
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Golden State
by 4
209
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Golden State
No Line
N/A
Dunkel Pick:
Golden State
N/A

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up

Monday, December 18

Home side won eight of last nine Knick-Hornet games; New York covered three of last four games in Charlotte. Last five series games went over the total. New York won its last four games, is 2-8 vs spread on road, 0-2 as a favorite. Knicks’ last five games went over the total. Charlotte lost 10 of last 12 games; they’re 8-6 vs spread at home, 1-3 as an underdog. Under is 7-2 in Hornets’ last nine games.

Celtics won their last four games with Indiana; they’re 4-2 vs spread in last six visits here. Last three series games went over the total. Boston split its last six games; they’re 7-3 vs spread as road favorites. Over is 11-4-1 in their last 16 games. Pacers won five of their last seven games; they’re 3-3 vs spread as home underdogs. Five of their last six games stayed under the total.

Miami won six of last eight games with the Hawks; they covered their last four games in this building. Eight of their last ten games stayed under the total. Miami won four of its last five games; they’re 2-3 as road favorites. Heat’s last five games went under the total. Atlanta lost eight of its last ten games; they’re 4-6 as home underdogs. Four of their last six games went over the total.

76ers lost nine of last ten games with Chicago; they’re 2-3 vs spread in last five visits to the Windy City. Eight of last ten series games went over total. 76ers lost five of their last six games; they’re 2-1 as road favorites. Last three Philly games went over the total. Chicago won its last five games, covered its last six; they’re 6-2 vs spread in last eight tries as a home underdog. Four of Bulls’ last five games went over total.

Nuggets won last two games with the Thunder after losing previous eight; 2-3 vs spread in last five visits here. Last three series games stayed under total. Denver is 3-4 in its last seven games; they’re 3-5-1 as road underdogs. Five of their last seven games went over the total. Oklahoma City won six of its last nine games; they’re 0-5-1 vs spread in last six games as a home favorite. Four of their last five games went over.

Houston is 6-4 in its last ten games with Utah; over is 7-1 in last eight series games. Jazz is 2-4 vs spread in last six visits here. Utah lost five of last six games and now Goobers is hurt; they’re 4-2 in last six games as a road underdog. Four of last five Jazz games went over the total. Houston won its last 13 games; they are 6-7 as home favorites. Five of their last six games went over total.

Portland won seven of its last nine games with Minnesota; they’re 4-0 vs spread in last four trips to Twin Cities. Under is 5-1 in last six series games. Portland won its last three games, by 7-7-2 points; they’re 4-2-1 as road underdogs. Seven of their last nine games stayed under total. Minnesota is 7-8 in its last 15 games; they’re 1-8 vs spread in last nine games as a home favorite. Six of their last nine games went over.

Suns won three of last four games with Dallas; they’re 3-2 vs spread in last five visits here. Four of last six series stayed under the total. Phoenix lost five of its last six games; they’re 5-2 vs spread in last seven games as a road dog. Four of their last five games stayed under the total. Dallas lost five of its last six games; they’re 3-3 as home favorites. Six of their last eight games stayed under the total.

Clippers are 6-4 in their last ten games with the Spurs; they’re 3-3 vs spread in last six visits to the Alamo. Over is 5-5 in last ten series games. Clippers lost six of their last nine games; they covered last five games, are 5-6 vs spread as road underdogs. LA’s last four games stayed under the total. San Antonio won five of its last seven games; they’re 8-6 as home favorites. Three of their last four games stayed under.

Lakers lost their last four games with Golden State; Warriors are 1-3 vs spread in last four visits here. Seven of their last nine games stayed under the total. Golden State won its last eight games; they’re 8-8 as road favorites. Warriors’ last four games all stayed under the total. Lakers lost seven of their last nine games; they’re 5-6 vs spread as home underdogs. Four of their last six games stayed under.

[StarDust Bum]

NBA

Monday, December 18

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Trend Report
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BOSTON @ INDIANA
Boston is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Indiana
Boston is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Indiana
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Indiana's last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Indiana's last 5 games at home

NEW YORK @ CHARLOTTE
The total has gone OVER in 5 of New York's last 5 games when playing Charlotte
The total has gone OVER in 5 of New York's last 5 games
Charlotte is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against New York
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Charlotte's last 5 games when playing New York

MIAMI @ ATLANTA
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Miami's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Miami's last 9 games on the road
Atlanta is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Atlanta's last 11 games when playing Miami

PHILADELPHIA @ CHICAGO
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Philadelphia's last 5 games when playing on the road against Chicago
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Philadelphia's last 11 games when playing Chicago
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Chicago's last 5 games when playing at home against Philadelphia
Chicago is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games

DENVER @ OKLAHOMA CITY
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Denver's last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Denver's last 12 games when playing Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Denver
Oklahoma City is 9-2 SU in its last 11 games when playing Denver

UTAH @ HOUSTON
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Utah's last 5 games when playing Houston
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Utah's last 6 games when playing on the road against Houston
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Houston's last 5 games when playing Utah
Houston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home

PORTLAND @ MINNESOTA
Portland is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Portland's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Minnesota's last 6 games when playing Portland
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Minnesota's last 11 games when playing at home against Portland

PHOENIX @ DALLAS
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Phoenix's last 5 games when playing on the road against Dallas
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Phoenix's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Dallas's last 6 games
Dallas is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games at home

LA CLIPPERS @ SAN ANTONIO
LA Clippers is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of LA Clippers's last 6 games on the road
San Antonio is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
San Antonio is 9-3 SU in its last 12 games

GOLDEN STATE @ LA LAKERS
Golden State is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Golden State is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of LA Lakers's last 5 games when playing at home against Golden State
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of LA Lakers's last 9 games when playing Golden State

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Long Sheet

Monday, December 18

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NEW YORK (16 - 13) at CHARLOTTE (10 - 19) - 12/18/2017, 7:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
NEW YORK is 6-2 against the spread versus CHARLOTTE over the last 3 seasons
CHARLOTTE is 4-4 straight up against NEW YORK over the last 3 seasons
6 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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BOSTON (25 - 7) at INDIANA (17 - 13) - 12/18/2017, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
INDIANA is 57-39 ATS (+14.1 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
BOSTON is 21-9 ATS (+11.1 Units) in all games this season.
BOSTON is 12-4 ATS (+7.6 Units) in road games this season.
BOSTON is 21-9 ATS (+11.1 Units) in the first half of the season this season.
BOSTON is 15-3 ATS (+11.7 Units) in road games against Central division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
BOSTON is 10-1 ATS (+8.9 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 5-3 against the spread versus INDIANA over the last 3 seasons
BOSTON is 5-3 straight up against INDIANA over the last 3 seasons
5 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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MIAMI (15 - 14) at ATLANTA (6 - 23) - 12/18/2017, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MIAMI is 34-22 ATS (+9.8 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 30-17 ATS (+11.3 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 4-13 ATS (-10.3 Units) in home games after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MIAMI is 7-1 against the spread versus ATLANTA over the last 3 seasons
MIAMI is 6-3 straight up against ATLANTA over the last 3 seasons
7 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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PHILADELPHIA (14 - 14) at CHICAGO (8 - 20) - 12/18/2017, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 65-44 ATS (+16.6 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 30-14 ATS (+14.6 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 32-20 ATS (+10.0 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO is 271-324 ATS (-85.4 Units) in the first half of the season since 1996.
CHICAGO is 63-97 ATS (-43.7 Units) in home games off an upset win as an underdog since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO is 6-2 against the spread versus PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO is 7-1 straight up against PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
6 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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DENVER (16 - 13) at OKLAHOMA CITY (14 - 15) - 12/18/2017, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 183-140 ATS (+29.0 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent since 1996.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 9-19 ATS (-11.9 Units) in all games this season.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 7-19 ATS (-13.9 Units) as a favorite this season.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 9-19 ATS (-11.9 Units) in the first half of the season this season.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 0-7 ATS (-7.7 Units) vs. division opponents this season.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 27-44 ATS (-21.4 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
OKLAHOMA CITY is 5-4 against the spread versus DENVER over the last 3 seasons
OKLAHOMA CITY is 7-2 straight up against DENVER over the last 3 seasons
5 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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UTAH (14 - 16) at HOUSTON (24 - 4) - 12/18/2017, 8:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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PORTLAND (16 - 13) at MINNESOTA (17 - 13) - 12/18/2017, 8:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
PORTLAND is 6-2 against the spread versus MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
PORTLAND is 6-2 straight up against MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
4 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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PHOENIX (10 - 21) at DALLAS (8 - 22) - 12/18/2017, 8:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PHOENIX is 34-52 ATS (-23.2 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
DALLAS is 4-3 against the spread versus PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
DALLAS is 4-3 straight up against PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
4 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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LA CLIPPERS (11 - 17) at SAN ANTONIO (20 - 10) - 12/18/2017, 8:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LA CLIPPERS are 90-121 ATS (-43.1 Units) after 3 or more consecutive unders since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 1018-893 ATS (+35.7 Units) in all games since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 815-695 ATS (+50.5 Units) as a favorite since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 520-435 ATS (+41.5 Units) in home games since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 26-13 ATS (+11.7 Units) in December games over the last 3 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 57-37 ATS (+16.3 Units) in the first half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 413-332 ATS (+47.8 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN ANTONIO is 4-4 against the spread versus LA CLIPPERS over the last 3 seasons
SAN ANTONIO is 4-4 straight up against LA CLIPPERS over the last 3 seasons
4 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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GOLDEN STATE (23 - 6) at LA LAKERS (10 - 17) - 12/18/2017, 10:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
GOLDEN STATE is 5-3 against the spread versus LA LAKERS over the last 3 seasons
GOLDEN STATE is 7-2 straight up against LA LAKERS over the last 3 seasons
7 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

[StarDust Bum]

Monday's NBA Essentials
December 18, 2017

Game of the Night - Portland at Minnesota, (FS North, 8:05 ET)

After opening a five-game road trip with a 111-104 loss in Oakland against the Warriors, the Trail Blazers won three games in four nights against the Heat, Magic and Hornets before arriving in Minneapolis for an opportunity to head back home with the Northwest Division lead. They’ve regained the services of center Jusuf Nurkic and are the healthiest they’ve been all season, setting up a great opportunity to salvage a month that opened with four straight losses and looked like it could be disastrous given the trip East.

Since Portland has a four-day break between games on Dec. 23 at the Lakers and Dec. 28 against the 76ers, the team can really settle in for a festive holiday if it continues its strong play this week in games against Minnesota, San Antonio, Denver and L.A.

Tonight’s game against the Timberwolves had no line as of early this morning due to the status of star wing Jimmy Butler, who is listed as questionable with a back issue. If he’s able to be cleared, we’re likely looking at Minnesota being favored by 4-to-6 points despite coming off a puzzling loss to Phoenix where they were done in by G-League import Isaiah Canaan.

Butler was in visible pain against the Suns, leaving for the locker room before returning for the finish, where he was angered by a lack of consistency on the defensive end that contributed greatly to an upset as a 12-point favorite.

This game will close out a five-game homestand for the Timberwolves on which they’ve gone 2-2, dropping games against the 76ers and Suns in which they were shredded while clamping down to defeat the Mavs and Kings. Considering those two entered Monday with a combined record of 17-42, firmly entrenched as two of the bottom three out West, one can hardly say that Minnesota has been playing well. Philadelphia is the only team it has faced with a winning record all month until tonight’s encounter with Portland.

The Blazers had a five-game run of holding opponents to 95 or fewer points this time last month and will be looking to pull that off four a fourth straight time on this trip. In addition to steady backcourt with Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum performing well, Portland has gotten strong contributions from glue guys like forwards Al-Farouq Aminu, Evan Turner, Ed Davis and Noah Vonleh.

Nurkic’s return from a three-game absence due to an ankle sprain saw him grab 11 rebounds while adding two blocks in Orlando and he played 25 minutes the next night, banging with Dwight Howard in Charlotte, so the team is confident he’s healthy. Meyers Leonard went from starting at center in his absence to joining Mo Harkless in slipping out of the frontcourt rotation as younger guys Jake Layman and Zach Collins have begun getting run, so a healthy spirit of competition has produced results.

The opposite can be said about the Timberwolves, where criticism over head coach Tom Thibodeau’s doling out of minutes have been a central theme all month. Butler, who shot 5-for-18 against Phoenix, had played 40 or more minutes in December’s first six games before that streak ended last Thursday. He played 37 minutes despite Saturday night’s discomfort. Forward Taj Gibson has played 40 in two of the last three, which has given Gorgui Dieng less opportunities to play his way into a rhythm. He’s made five of his last 17 shots as his time has been cut.

Reserve guard Jamal Crawford has made no secret of his frustration over playing less than 18 minutes per night and blames the lack of game reps on a current run that has seen him shoot 4-for-17, which includes going 1-for-9 from 3-point range. Despite an impressive 14-6 conference mark and a first-place standing, all is not exactly peachy in Minnesota.

Portland, sporting an impressive 9-5 road mark that ranks fifth-best in the NBA behind heavyweights Houston (12-1), Golden State (13-3), Boston (12-4) and Cleveland (10-4), will attempt to take advantage in the first meeting between these Northwest rivals this season. Hopefully Butler can play without limitations, as his inclusion would give us a first glimpse at how these teams intend to match up against one another.

If Butler is out, look for this game to be closer to a pick’em, since the Timberwolves are 0-2 when he’s been missing from the lineup, falling 130-107 to Indiana and 122-101 to Detroit. Even with him in the mix, Minnesota ranks 25th in defensive rating, which you know is keeping Tom Thibodeau without sleep.

Portland ranks fourth, surrendering 101.5 points per 100 possessions, which is certainly a surprise considering head coach Terry Stotts is considered an offensive guru. The ‘under’ has prevailed in four straight Blazers games and is now 21-8 for the season thanks to a run nine n a row from Nov. 5-22.

The Trail Blazers won three of four games in the season series against Minnesota in each of the last two seasons and have won 32 of the last 39 meetings over the past decade, taking 16 straight from 2007-12.

Injury Concerns

New York pulled off an impressive 111-96 win over Oklahoma City on Saturday night without Kristaps Porzingis (knee), spoiling Carmelo Anthony's return to Madison Square Garden. Michael Beasley filled in and scored 30 points to spoil his friend's big night as seven Knicks managed to score at least nine points. With Tim Hardaway, Jr. (leg) also sidelined, Doug McDermott and Ron Baker got in the mix and combined to shoot 6-for-9 from 3-point range. Hardaway is likely still out at least another week with a stress injury, but Porzingis, who tweaked the knee against the Nets, is listed as questionable to return against Charlotte. New York is 1-4 when the Unicorn is absent, but on the bright side, is on a winning streak without him.

Hassan Whiteside remains out with a knee injury for Miami, who has also lost key forward James Johnson for a few weeks due to an ankle issue. Justise Winslow (knee) will travel but s also unlikely to play against the Hawks, which means more playing time is in store for newcomer Kelly Olynyk and young big men Bam Adebayo and Jordan Mickey against the Hawks. Atlanta got back promising rookie John Collins late last week, but remains without starting center Dewayne Dedmon and stretch-four Mike Muscala.

The Thunder have a winning record without center Steven Adams this season, but all you have to do is watch to see how vital he is to everything they do. OKC may have to make due without him against Denver's collection of big men if he doesn't clear protocol, but haven't ruled him out officially yet. Dakari Johnson started for him against New York. Defensive catalyst Andre Roberson returned to the Thunder over the weekend.

The Nuggets got Nikola Jokic back in the fold after missing more than two weeks due to a severe ankle sprain and can add him to a frontcourt that has seen Trey Lyles emerge as an offensive weapon in his absence. Both small forward Will Barton and shooting guard Gary Harris surpassed Jokic for the team scoring lead in his absence. Backup guard Emmanuel Mudiay is questionable vs. OKC.

Houston survived a double-OT test against the Bucks 115-111 on Thursday night to earn their 13th straight win, but won without center Clint Capela, who comes into the week leading the NBA in both field goal percentage and defensive rating. He's questionable against the Jazz with a bruised left heel, while James Harden is expected to play through knee soreness.

The Jazz have been cursed by injuries all season and saw Rudy Gobert lost until mid-January after suffering a Grade 1 MCL sprain and a bone bruise in his tibia after fellow big man Derrick Favors accidentally rolled into his knee on Friday. Favors is listed as questionable against the Rockets due to an eye injury.

Draymond Green will miss another game for Golden State due to a lingering shoulder issue, but Nick Young is expected to play against his ex-mates with the Lakers after clearing concussion protocol. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, who was absent against Cleveland due to a legal order that prohibits him from leaving the state of California, is expected back in the starting lineup for L.A.

Golden State is already without starters Steph Curry (ankle) and Zaza Pachulia (shoulder) in addition to Green, and will also be without key reserve Shaun Livingston (knee). Despite all the attrition, Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson have done the heavy lifting as the defending champs roll into Staples on an eight-game winning streak. This will be the Warriors' last road game until Jan. 3, as they'll be at Oracle Arena for the next seven games, highlighted by the Christmas Day clash with the Cavs.

[StarDust Bum]

Hoop Trends - Monday
December 18, 2017

ATS TREND OF THE DAY:

-- The Mavericks are 11-0 ATS (7.77 ppg) after a loss as a road dog in which they led by 15+ points.

OU TREND OF THE DAY:

-- The Clippers are 11-0 OU (12.45 ppg) as a dog after allowing 15-plus points less than Vegas projected last game.

PLAYER TREND OF THE DAY:

-- The Thunder are 0-10 ATS (-9.85 ppg) as a favorite after Russell Westbrook was their high scorer last game.

CHOICE TREND:

-- The Thunder are 0-13-1 ATS (-7.93 ppg) with rest off a loss in a road game in which they scored less than 15% of their points from free throws.

ACTIVE TRENDS:

-- The Trail Blazers are 0-12 OU (-14.79 ppg) with rest coming off a win.

-- The Timberwolves are 8-0 OU (12.81 ppg) off a loss in a home game in which Karl Anthony Towns had a double double.

[StarDust Bum]

MONDAY, DECEMBER 18
GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS

BOS at IND
BOS -2.5
U 206.5

NY at CHA
CHA -8.0
O 205.5

MIA at ATL 07:30 PM
MIA +1.5
U 201.5

[StarDust Bum]

DEN at OKC 08:00 PM
DEN +5.0
O 210.5

POR at MIN 08:00 PM
POR +4.0
U 207.5

UTA at HOU 08:00 PM
HOU -12.0
O 217.0

PHI at CHI 08:00 PM
PHI -2.0
O 209.5

LAC at SA 08:30 PM
SA -11.5
U 199.5

PHO at DAL 08:30 PM
DAL -7.0
O 209.0

GS at LAL 10:30 PM
GS -5.5
U 218.0

[StarDust Bum]

NBA roundup: Rozier's basket lifts Celtics over Pacers
December 19, 2017

INDIANAPOLIS -- A Terry Rozier steal and go-ahead layup with 1.2 seconds remaining gave the Boston Celtics a wild win over the Indiana Pacers on Monday night.

Boston gave up a 19-point lead to the Pacers late in the fourth quarter, but a furious late rally was capped by Rozier's steal and game-winner, giving the Celtics a 112-111 victory.

Kyrie Irving led the Celtics with 30 points. Al Horford flirted with a triple-double, scoring 14 points, grabbing 10 rebounds and dishing out nine assists. Jayson Tatum chipped in 16 points and Marcus Smart added 15.

Indiana was paced by Victor Oladipo's 38 points, 30 of which came after halftime. Domantas Sabonis scored 18 points off the bench. Center Myles Turner had a season-low 2 points.

Hitting their first 10 shots from the floor, the Celtics led into the game's final minutes.

Rockets 120, Jazz 99

HOUSTON -- Eric Gordon hit a career-high seven 3-pointers and carried Houston over Utah.

Gordon finished with 33 points, including 17 in the fourth quarter. With the Jazz leading 91-83, Gordon drilled three consecutive 3-pointers to spark a 15-0 run that ultimately lifted the Rockets to their 14th consecutive victory.

James Harden chipped in 26 points, six rebounds and six assists while Chris Paul finished a rebound shy of a triple-double with 18 points, nine boards and 10 assists.

Rodney Hood paced Utah with 26 points but scored just two in the fourth quarter. Joe Ingles added 17 points while Joe Johnson tallied 12.

Timberwolves 108, Trail Blazers 107

MINNEAPOLIS -- Jimmy Butler hit a pair of free throws with 2.5 seconds left and Damian Lillard's 3-point shot at the buzzer was off the mark as Minnesota came from behind to beat Portland.

Butler scored 37 points for Minnesota, which finished a five-game homestand 3-2 after the comeback. Jamal Crawford had a season-high 23 points, including 16 in the fourth quarter, off the bench for the Wolves. Karl-Anthony Towns had 16 points and eight rebounds for Minnesota.

Lillard fell two rebounds shy of his first career triple-double after posting 17 points and 13 assists. Jusuf Nurkic and C.J. McCollum each scored 20 points for Portland, which had its three-game winning streak snapped.

Hornets 109, Knicks 91

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Frank Kaminsky came off the bench to score 24 points and Charlotte snapped a three-game losing streak with a victory over short-handed New York.

Michael Kidd-Gilchrist added 15 points and 10 rebounds. Marvin Williams scored 12, and Dwight Howard finished with 11 points and 10 rebounds. The Hornets raced to a 25-point lead in the first half.

New York, which had a four-game winning streak snapped, was without leading scorer Kristaps Porzingis for the second straight game because of a sore left knee. Michael Beasley led the Knicks with 23 points.

Bulls 117, 76ers 115

CHICAGO -- Nikola Mirotic and Kris Dunn each scored 22 points as Chicago rallied from a nine-point fourth-quarter deficit to defeat Philadelphia for its sixth straight win.

Chicago also got 20 points from Justin Holiday, 12 from Bobby Portis and 10 apiece from Denzel Valentine and Lauri Markkanen. Mirotic grabbed 13 rebounds, and Portis pulled down 10.

Dario Saric led Philadelphia with 27 points, Ben Simmons scored 19 and Richaun Holmes added 14. J.J. Redick scored 12 points for the 76ers.

Hawks 110, Heat 104

ATLANTA -- Taurean Price tied his career high with 24 points, Dennis Schroder scored 23 and Atlanta defeated injury-ravaged Miami.

The Heat cut a 14-point Atlanta lead down to a point with just over a minute left, but Kent Bazemore (16 points) made two decisive baskets at crunch time as the Hawks held on.

Josh Richardson had 26 points for the Heat, who had only nine players available, and Dion Waiters scored 23 despite missing the morning shootaround because of a stomach virus.

Thunder 95, Nuggets 94

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Russell Westbrook hit one of two free throws, and Denver missed a last-second shot as the Oklahoma City Thunder came back for the win.

The Nuggets had a chance to win after Westbrook's free throw, but Gary Harris's desperation shot at the buzzer was wide.

Westbrook scored a season-high 38 points on 16-of-28 shooting. Westbrook hadn't shot better than 50 percent from the field since Oct. 27.

Harris led the Nuggets with 17 points.

Spurs 109, Clippers 91

SAN ANTONIO -- LaMarcus Aldridge scored a workmanlike 19 points and Tony Parker added 16 as the San Antonio cruised to a win over injury-depleted Los Angeles.

Los Angeles cut the San Antonio lead to 67-65 on a 3-pointer by Jamil Wilson with 5:33 to play in the third quarter but the Spurs responded by scoring 18 of the final 23 points in the period and taking an 85-70 advantage to the fourth quarter.

Jamil Wilson and DeAndre Jordan scored 13 points each to lead the Clippers.

Suns 97, Mavericks 91

DALLAS -- Newly acquired point guard Isaiah Canaan scored 11 of his 17 points in the fourth quarter to lead Phoenix Suns back from a double-digit deficit en route to a win over Dallas.

TJ Warren, who finished with a team-high 19 points, made three of four free throws in the final five seconds to seal the victory.

Harris Barnes led five Mavericks in double figures with 26 points.

[StarDust Bum]

NBA notebook: Knicks' Porzingis ruled out
December 18, 2017

New York Knicks star forward Kristaps Porzingis was ruled out of Monday night's game against the Charlotte Hornets due to lingering soreness in his injured left knee.

The Knicks ruled Porzingis out approximately 90 minutes prior to tipoff.

Porzingis injured the knee in last Thursday's contest against the Brooklyn Nets. Monday's game is the second that he has missed due to the ailment.

His status for this Thursday's game against the Boston Celtics is uncertain. The 7-foot-3 Porzingis is averaging 25.5 points and 6.6 rebounds

--Milwaukee Bucks forward Jabari Parker was assigned to the Wisconsin Herd of the G League as part of the process in his return from an ACL injury.

The transaction allows Parker to practice with the Herd in Milwaukee on Monday and Tuesday. Parker hopes to return to the Bucks in mid-February, about one year after he tore the ACL in his left knee for the season time.

Parker was excelling with averages of 20.1 points and 6.2 rebounds in 51 games last season before suffering the injury on Feb. 8.

--Atlanta Hawks rookie free-agent signee Tyler Cavanaugh saw his status upgraded when he signed a multi-year contract, the team announced. Yahoo! Sports reported the deal is for two years.

Cavanaugh went undrafted after being a college standout for George Washington and wasn't even invited to the NBA Combine. He led George Washington to the 2016 NIT crown and was named the tournament's Most Outstanding Player.

Cavanaugh quickly became part of Atlanta's rotation and is averaging 5.5 points, 3.2 rebounds and 13.8 minutes in 19 games. He is shooting 40.9 percent from 3-point range.

[StarDust Bum]

SCHEDULE FOR TUESDAY DECEMBER 19, 2017
Time (ET) Away Home Site
7:00 PM New Orleans Pelicans Washington Wizards Capital One Arena
7:00 PM Sacramento Kings Philadelphia 76ers Wells Fargo Center
8:00 PM Cleveland Cavaliers Milwaukee Bucks BMO Harris Bradley Center


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


DECEMBER NBA BEST BETS & OPINIONS (BASED ON 5 UNITS )

DATE W-L-T % UNITS RECORD

12/18/2017 7-13-0 35.00% -36.50
12/17/2017 3-5-0 37.50% -12.50
12/16/2017..........NO PLAYS
12/15/2017 13-6-0 68.42% +32.00
12/14/2017 5-5-0 50.00% -2.50
12/13/2017 3-6-0 33.33% -18.00
12/12/2017 5-9-0 35.71% -24.50
12/11/2017......... NO PLAYS
12/10/2017 6-6-0 50.00% -3.00
12/09/2017 6-13-0 31.58% -41.50
12/08/2017 7-9-0 43.75% -14.50
12/07/2017 3-5-0 37.50% -12.50
12/06/2017 10-8-2 55.55% +6.00
12/05/2017 5-1-0 83.33% +19.50
12/04/2017 6-10-0 37.50% -25.00
12/03/2017 5-5-0 50.00% -2.50
12/02/2017 7-8-1 46.66% -9.00
12/01/2017 4-12-0 30.00% -46.00

Totals.........85 - 113- 1......42,92%.......-196.50

BEST BETS:.......................ATS................... ......UNITS...........................O/U............................UNITS

12/18/2017..................2 - 5.........................-17.50................................2 - 7.......................-28.50
12/17/2-17...................2 - 2 ........................-1.00.................................1 - 2 ........................-6.00
12/16/2017......................................N O P L A Y S................................................. ...............
12/15/2017..................4 - 1..........................+14.50................. ............4 - 3........................+3.50
12/14/2017....................2 - 0..........................+10.00................. ...........2 - 2........................-1.00
12/13/2017....................1 - 3..........................-11.50.............................1- 2.........................-6.00
12/12/2017..................1 - 4...........................-17.00............................3 - 2.........................+4.00
12/11/2017...................................... N O P L A Y S................................................. .............
12/10/2017.................1 - 3...........................-11.50............................3 - 0.........................+15.00
12/09/2017...................1 - 6...........................-28.00............................3 -1..........................+4.50
12/08/2017....................3 - 2...........................+4.00................. ..........3 - 3..........................-1.50
12/07/2017....................0 - 2...........................-11.00...........................2 - 1.........................+4.50
12/06/2017................2 - 2 - 1.........................-1.00..........................4 - 1 - 1......................+14.50
12/05/2017..................2 - 1...........................+4.50................. ..........3 - 0.........................+15.00
12/04/2017..................4 - 4...........................-2.00.............................1 - 3..........................-11.50
12/03/2017..................2 - 2...........................-1.00............................ 2 - 1..........................+4.50
12/02/2017..................1 - 3 - 1......................-11.50...........................4 - 3..........................+3.50
12/01/2017..................2 - 5 - 1......................-17.50...........................1 - 3..........................-11.50

Totals....................30 - 45 - 3........................-97.500......................39 - 31- 1.......................+3.00

[StarDust Bum]

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 19
GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS

NO at WAS 07:00 PM
WAS -3.0
O 218.0

SAC at PHI 07:00 PM
PHI -9.5
O 207.5

CLE at MIL 08:00 PM
CLE -1.0
O 215.5

[StarDust Bum]

NBA roundup: Bucks turn back Cavaliers
December 19, 2017

MILWAUKEE -- Giannis Antetokounmpo's three-point play with 5.9 seconds left capped a 27-point night and halted a furious comeback attempt as the Milwaukee Bucks snapped a three-game losing streak with a 119-116 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday night at the Bradley Center.

LeBron James led the Cavaliers with 39 points but wasn't on the floor in the fourth quarter as Cleveland used a 24-2 run to dig out of a deep deficit. Jeff Green and Dwyane Wade scored nine each in the final quarter, finishing with 13 and 14, respectively.

Eric Bledsoe had a big night for Milwaukee, scoring 26 points on 10-of-16 shooting, including two 3-pointers, as the Bucks made 11 of 29 from distance and shot 52.4 percent overall.

Wizards 116, Pelicans 106

WASHINGTON -- Bradley Beal scored 22 of his 26 points during the second half of a game loaded with massive point swings as Washington outlasted New Orleans.

Mike Scott had 24 points on 11-of-15 shooting for the Wizards, who rebounded from Sunday's 106-99 loss to Cleveland. John Wall finished with 18 points and 10 assists.

Anthony Davis scored 22 of his 37 points in the first half for the Pelicans, who have dropped three of four. DeMarcus Cousins had 26 points and 13 rebounds.

Kings 101, 76ers 95

PHILADELPHIA -- Zach Randolph, taking advantage of the absence of Joel Embiid, scored 27 points as Sacramento rallied for a victory over Philadelphia.

Buddy Hield added 10 of his 24 points in the fourth quarter for the Kings, who erased a 16-point third-quarter deficit to end a two-game losing streak. Frank Mason Jr. chipped in with 16 points.

Robert Covington scored 17 points to lead the Sixers, who lost their third straight and their seventh in eight games. Jerryd Bayless added 15 points, and Ben Simmons had 13 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists.

Embiid, the team's leading scorer and rebounder, missed his second straight game with lower back soreness. Philadelphia is 1-6 without Embiid this season.