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

[StarDust Bum]

SCHEDULE FOR WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 20, 2017
Time (ET) Away Home Site
7:00 PM Toronto Raptors Charlotte Hornets Spectrum Center
7:30 PM Indiana Pacers Atlanta Hawks Philips Arena
7:30 PM Miami Heat Boston Celtics TD Garden
7:30 PM Sacramento Kings Brooklyn Nets Barclays Center
8:00 PM Los Angeles Lakers Houston Rockets Toyota Center
8:00 PM Orlando Magic Chicago Bulls United Center
8:00 PM Utah Jazz Oklahoma City Thunder Chesapeake Energy Arena
8:30 PM Detroit Pistons Dallas Mavericks American Airlines Center
9:00 PM Minnesota Timberwolves Denver Nuggets Pepsi Center
10:00 PM San Antonio Spurs Portland Trail Blazers Moda Center at the Rose Quarter
10:30 PM Memphis Grizzlies Golden State Warriors ORACLE Arena
10:30 PM Phoenix Suns Los Angeles Clippers Staples Center


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

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

DATE W-L-T % UNITS RECORD

12/19/2017 3-3-0 50.00% -1.50
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.........88 - 116- 1......42,92%.......-198.00

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

12/19/2017..................1 - 2.........................-6.00..................................2 - 1.......................+4.50
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....................31 - 47 - 3........................-103.50......................41 - 32- 1.......................+7.50

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Long Sheet

Wednesday, December 20

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TORONTO (20 - 8) at CHARLOTTE (11 - 19) - 12/20/2017, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 36-23 ATS (+10.7 Units) in the first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
CHARLOTTE is 5-16 ATS (-12.6 Units) against Atlantic division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
CHARLOTTE is 22-37 ATS (-18.7 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHARLOTTE is 4-4 against the spread versus TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
TORONTO is 5-3 straight up against CHARLOTTE over the last 3 seasons
5 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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SACRAMENTO (10 - 20) at BROOKLYN (11 - 18) - 12/20/2017, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SACRAMENTO is 162-203 ATS (-61.3 Units) in road games after a non-conference game since 1996.
BROOKLYN is 35-18 ATS (+15.2 Units) against Pacific division opponents since 1996.
BROOKLYN is 22-39 ATS (-20.9 Units) after 3 or more consecutive losses over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
BROOKLYN is 3-1 against the spread versus SACRAMENTO over the last 3 seasons
BROOKLYN is 2-2 straight up against SACRAMENTO over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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INDIANA (17 - 14) at ATLANTA (7 - 23) - 12/20/2017, 7:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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MIAMI (15 - 15) at BOSTON (26 - 7) - 12/20/2017, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 21-10 ATS (+10.0 Units) in all games this season.
BOSTON is 21-10 ATS (+10.0 Units) in the first half of the season this season.
BOSTON is 35-20 ATS (+13.0 Units) against Southeast division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
BOSTON is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 6-3 against the spread versus MIAMI over the last 3 seasons
BOSTON is 8-1 straight up against MIAMI 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 - 17) at OKLAHOMA CITY (15 - 15) - 12/20/2017, 8:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
OKLAHOMA CITY is 5-4 against the spread versus UTAH over the last 3 seasons
OKLAHOMA CITY is 8-2 straight up against UTAH over the last 3 seasons
7 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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LA LAKERS (10 - 18) at HOUSTON (25 - 4) - 12/20/2017, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LA LAKERS are 4-14 ATS (-11.4 Units) in road games against Southwest division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
LA LAKERS are 201-248 ATS (-71.8 Units) after a division game since 1996.
HOUSTON is 39-24 ATS (+12.6 Units) in the first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
LA LAKERS are 130-94 ATS (+26.6 Units) after 3 or more consecutive overs since 1996.
HOUSTON is 17-33 ATS (-19.3 Units) as a home favorite of 12.5 to 18 points since 1996.
HOUSTON is 18-34 ATS (-19.4 Units) as a home favorite of 12.5 or more points since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
HOUSTON is 7-1 against the spread versus LA LAKERS over the last 3 seasons
HOUSTON is 7-1 straight up against LA LAKERS 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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ORLANDO (11 - 20) at CHICAGO (9 - 20) - 12/20/2017, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ORLANDO is 45-66 ATS (-27.6 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 34-48 ATS (-18.8 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 21-34 ATS (-16.4 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 12-30 ATS (-21.0 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO is 64-97 ATS (-42.7 Units) in home games off an upset win as an underdog since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO is 4-4 against the spread versus ORLANDO over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO is 5-3 straight up against ORLANDO over the last 3 seasons
8 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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DETROIT (17 - 13) at DALLAS (8 - 23) - 12/20/2017, 8:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 3-1 against the spread versus DALLAS over the last 3 seasons
DETROIT is 3-1 straight up against DALLAS over the last 3 seasons
4 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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MINNESOTA (18 - 13) at DENVER (16 - 14) - 12/20/2017, 9:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 27-14 ATS (+11.6 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.

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

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SAN ANTONIO (21 - 10) at PORTLAND (16 - 14) - 12/20/2017, 10:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SAN ANTONIO is 1019-893 ATS (+36.7 Units) in all games since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 816-695 ATS (+51.5 Units) as a favorite since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 27-13 ATS (+12.7 Units) in December games over the last 3 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 58-37 ATS (+17.3 Units) in the first half of the season over the last 3 seasons.

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

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MEMPHIS (9 - 21) at GOLDEN STATE (24 - 6) - 12/20/2017, 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 5-4 against the spread versus MEMPHIS over the last 3 seasons
GOLDEN STATE is 6-3 straight up against MEMPHIS over the last 3 seasons
6 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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PHOENIX (11 - 21) at LA CLIPPERS (11 - 18) - 12/20/2017, 10:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up

Wednesday, December 20

Raptors won seven of their last ten games with Charlotte; Toronto is 2-2 vs spread in last four trips to Charlotte. Five of their last eight games went over the total. Toronto won nine of its last ten games; they’re 4-4 as road favorites. Four of their last five games stayed under total. Charlotte lost 10 of last 12 games; they’re 1-3 as home underdogs. Under is 5-1 in their last six games.

Nets won seven of last ten games with Sacramento; five of their last six games went over total. Kings are 1-4 vs spread in last five visits here. Sacramento split its last six games; they’re 6-2 vs spread in last eight games as a road underdog. Four of their last five games stayed under total. Brooklyn lost four of its last five games; they’re 2-3 as home favorites. Under is 9-2 in their last eleven games.

Hawks are 6-4 in heir last ten games with Indiana; last five series games stayed under total. Indiana is 2-3 vs spread in last five visits to Georgia. Pacers lost three of their last four games; they’re 3-1 vs spread as road favorites. Five of their last seven games stayed under total. Atlanta lost four of last five games; they’re 5-6 as home underdogs. Five of their last seven games went over total.

Celtics won eight of their last nine games with Miami; three of last four series games went over total. Heat are 3-2 vs spread in their last five visits to Beantown. Miami won four of its last six games; they’re 7-4 vs spread as road underdogs. Five of their last six games stayed under total. Celtics won three of last four games; they’re 7-5-2 as home favorites. Over is 3-0-1 in their last four games.

Thunder won eight of last ten games with Utah; under is 7-3 in last ten series games. Jazz are 2-3 vs spread in last five visits here. Utah lost six of its last seven games; they’re 4-7 vs spread as road underdogs. Five of their last six games went over total. Oklahoma City won three of last four games; they’re 0-6 vs spread in last six tries as a home favorite. Four of their last six games went over the total.

Houston won/covered eight of last nine games with the Lakers; five of last six series games went over total. Lakers are 0-4 vs spread in last four games in this building. Houston won its last 14 games; they’re 8-8 as home favorites. Six of their last seven games went over total. Lakers lost eight of their last ten games; they’re 6-6 as road underdogs. Last three Laker games went over the total.

Bulls won four of last five games with Orlando; last eight series games stayed under. Magic is 1-2 vs spread in last three visits to the Windy City. Chicago won its last six games; they’re 9-5 vs spread at home, 1-0 as favorites. Five of Bulls’ last six games went over total. Orlando lost its last five games; they’re 1-5 vs spread in last six games as a road underdog. Under is 5-3 in their last eight games.

Pistons won four of last five games with Dallas; road team won six of last seven series games. Last five series games stayed under the total. Detroit won its last three games, by 14-6-4 points; they’re 9-4 as road underdogs. Nine of their last ten games stayed under total. Dallas lost six of its last seven games; they’re 3-4 as home favorites. Mavericks’ last five games stayed under the total.

Wolves won last two games with Denver after losing previous five; Minnesota is 4-1 vs spread in its last five visits here. Seven of last nine series games stayed under total. Minnesota won four of its last six games; they’re 4-4 as road underdogs. Over is 7-3 in their last ten games. Denver is 3-5 in its last eight games; they’re 5-1 vs spread in last six games as a home favorite. Over is 5-3 in their last eight games.

Portland won last two games with the Spurs after losing previous five; eight of last ten series games went over total. Spurs are 2-2 vs spread in last four visits to Oregon. San Antonio won 10 of its last 13 games; they’re 2-6 as road favorites. Under is 7-1-1 in their last nine road games. Portland won three of its last four games; they’re 2-0 as home underdogs. Four of their last five games stayed under.

Warriors won seven of last ten games with Memphis; six of last nine series games went under the total. Grizzlies are 1-3 vs spread in last four visits to Oakland. Memphis lost six of its last seven games; they’re 6-4 as road underdogs. Under is 3-0-1 in their last four games. Golden State won its last nine games; they’re 6-3 vs spread in last nine tries as a home favorite. Four of their last five games stayed under the total.

Clippers won their last five games with Phoenix (4-1 vs spread); four of last six series games went over total. Suns 0-4 vs spread in last four series games played here. Suns won their last two games after an 0-5 skid; Phoenix is 4-1 vs spread in last five tries as a road underdog. Five of their last six games stayed under total. Clippers lost seven of last ten games; they’re 5-4 as home favorites. Four of their last five games stayed under total.

[StarDust Bum]

NBA

Wednesday, December 20

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Trend Report
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TORONTO @ CHARLOTTE
Toronto is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Toronto's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Charlotte's last 8 games at home
Charlotte is 10-2 SU in its last 12 games when playing at home against Toronto

INDIANA @ ATLANTA
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Indiana's last 5 games when playing Atlanta
Indiana is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Atlanta's last 5 games when playing Indiana
Atlanta is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games

MIAMI @ BOSTON
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Miami's last 13 games
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Miami's last 10 games on the road
Boston is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games when playing Miami
Boston is 13-2 SU in its last 15 games at home

SACRAMENTO @ BROOKLYN
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Sacramento's last 6 games when playing on the road against Brooklyn
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Sacramento's last 6 games when playing Brooklyn
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Brooklyn's last 8 games
Brooklyn is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 games when playing at home against Sacramento

ORLANDO @ CHICAGO
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Orlando's last 5 games when playing Chicago
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Orlando's last 5 games when playing on the road against Chicago
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Chicago's last 5 games when playing Orlando
Chicago is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games

UTAH @ OKLAHOMA CITY
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Utah's last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Utah's last 5 games on the road
Oklahoma City is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Utah
Oklahoma City is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home

LA LAKERS @ HOUSTON
The total has gone OVER in 5 of LA Lakers's last 6 games when playing Houston
LA Lakers is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Houston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Houston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home

DETROIT @ DALLAS
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Detroit's last 5 games when playing Dallas
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Detroit's last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Dallas's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Dallas's last 5 games when playing Detroit

MINNESOTA @ DENVER
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Minnesota's last 5 games when playing Denver
Minnesota is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Denver
Denver is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Denver's last 5 games when playing Minnesota

SAN ANTONIO @ PORTLAND
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of San Antonio's last 9 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 9 of San Antonio's last 11 games when playing Portland
Portland is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Portland's last 11 games when playing San Antonio

MEMPHIS @ GOLDEN STATE
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Memphis's last 7 games when playing on the road against Golden State
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Memphis's last 16 games
Golden State is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Golden State is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games at home

PHOENIX @ LA CLIPPERS
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Phoenix's last 6 games
Phoenix is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
LA Clippers is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Phoenix
LA Clippers is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Phoenix

[StarDust Bum]

NBA (PROFESSIONAL)
DUNKEL'S HIGHLIGHTED GAME

Memphis at Golden State - Wednesday December 20, 2017

The Grizzlies head to Golden State tonight where they are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games versus the Warriors. Golden State is the pick (-10 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Warriors favored by 15 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Golden State (-10 1/2).

WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 20, 2017

Toronto
@
Charlotte
Game 701-702
December 20, 2017 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating: Toronto
124.762
Charlotte
117.298
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total: Toronto
by 7 1/2
205
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total: Toronto
by 1
211 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Toronto
(-1); Under

Sacramento
@
Brooklyn
Game 703-704
December 20, 2017 @ 7:35 pm

Dunkel Rating: Sacramento
109.237
Brooklyn
118.342
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total: Brooklyn
by 9
212
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total: Brooklyn
by 4 1/2
206 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Brooklyn
(-4 1/2); Over

Indiana
@
Atlanta
Game 705-706
December 20, 2017 @ 7:35 pm

Dunkel Rating: Indiana
117.852
Atlanta
119.349
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total: Atlanta
by 1 1/2
218
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total: Indiana
by 4 1/2
213
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta
(+4 1/2); Over

Miami
@
Boston
Game 707-708
December 20, 2017 @ 8:35 pm

Dunkel Rating: Miami
119..034
Boston
123.129
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total: Boston
by 4
196
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total: Boston
by 8
201
Dunkel Pick: Miami
(+8); Under

Utah
@
Oklahoma City
Game 709-710
December 20, 2017 @ 8:05 pm

Dunkel Rating: Utah
117.489
Oklahoma City
121.904
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total: Oklahoma City
by 4 1/2
204
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total: Oklahoma City
by 7 1/2
199 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Utah
(+7 1/2); Over

LA Lakers
@
Houston
Game 711-712
December 20, 2017 @ 8:05 pm

Dunkel Rating: LA Lakers
118.233
Houston
127.834
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total: Houston
by 9 1/2
220
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total: Houston
by 14
225 1/2
Dunkel Pick: LA Lakers
(+14); Under

Orlando
@
Chicago
Game 713-714
December 20, 2017 @ 8:05 pm

Dunkel Rating: Orlando
110.562
Chicago
119.499
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total: Chicago
by 9
219
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total: Chicago
by 5
210
Dunkel Pick: Chicago
(-5); Over

Detroit
@
Dallas
Game 715-716
December 20, 2017 @ 8:35 pm

Dunkel Rating: Detroit
120.435
Dallas
116.892
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total: Detroit
by 3 1/2
192
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total: Detroit
by 1
197
Dunkel Pick: Detroit
(-1); Under

Minnesota
@
Denver
Game 717-718
December 20, 2017 @ 9:05 pm

Dunkel Rating: Minnesota
117.609
Denver
117.822
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total: Minnesota
Even
221
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total: Denver
by 2 1/2
215
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota
(+2 1/2); Over

San Antonio
@
Portland
Game 719-720
December 20, 2017 @ 10:05 pm

Dunkel Rating: San Antonio
121.102
Portland
119.233
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total: San Antonio
by 2
194
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total: Portland
by 2
198 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Antonio
(+2); Under

Memphis
@
Golden State
Game 721-722
December 20, 2017 @ 10:35 pm

Dunkel Rating: Memphis
113.407
Golden State
128.882
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total: Golden State
by 15 1/2
204
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total: Golden State
by 10 1/2
207
Dunkel Pick: Golden State
(-10 1/2); Under

Phoenix
@
LA Clippers
Game 723-724
December 20, 2017 @ 10:35 pm

Dunkel Rating: Phoenix
111.729
LA Clippers
118.902
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total: LA Clippers
by 7
217
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total: LA Clippers
by 4
211
Dunkel Pick: LA Clippers
(-4); Over

[StarDust Bum]

NBA notebook: Portland's Lillard target of gay slurs
December 19, 2017

Portland Trail Blazers star guard Damian Lillard was the target of two anti-gay slurs allegedly shouted by a pair of fans following a game against the Timberwolves in Minnesota on Monday night, ESPN reported Tuesday.

The fans reportedly shouted the slurs at Lillard as he was walking to the team bus after the Trail Blazers' 108-107 loss at Target Center. A mobile phone video showed Lillard confronting the hecklers and asking, "Which one of you all said that?"

The video purportedly shows an accused individual apologizing.

Lillard had 17 points and 13 assists in the loss to Minnesota. The two-time All-Star is averaging 25.5 points, 6.5 assists and 5.1 rebounds for Portland this season, his sixth in the NBA.

--Los Angeles Lakers center Brook Lopez has a moderate right ankle sprain and will be re-evaluated in three weeks.

Lopez rolled his ankle while contesting a shot from behind in the second quarter of Monday's 116-114 overtime loss to the Golden State Warriors.

X-rays were negative and an MRI exam confirmed the severity of the injury for Lopez, who exited Staples Center wearing a walking boot and using crutches. Lopez is averaging 12.8 points and 4.3 rebounds in 28 games this season since being acquired in a trade from the Brooklyn Nets in June.

--Detroit Pistons guard Avery Bradley will be sidelined at least one week with a groin injury, coach Stan Van Gundy announced.

Bradley has missed his team's last two games with a right adductor strain. The 27-year-old will be examined again by team doctors after one week.

Bradley is averaging 15.7 points, 2.4 rebounds and 2.0 assists in 28 games during his first season with the Pistons. He spent his previous seven campaigns with the Boston Celtics.

[StarDust Bum]

Wednesday's Tip Sheet
December 20, 2017

Game of the Night: Lakers at Rockets – 8:05 PM EST

Houston (25-4 SU, 16-12-1 ATS) became the fastest team to 25 victories this season as the Rockets rallied past the Jazz on Monday, 120-99. After trailing by five points heading into the final quarter, Houston silenced Utah with a 41-15 fourth quarter spurt to easily cash as 12-point favorites. Eric Gordon drilled seven three-pointers off the bench to lead Houston with 33 points, while big man Clint Capela posted a solid 24-point, 20-rebound effort for the Rockets, who won their 14th consecutive game.

The Lakers (10-18 SU, 14-14 ATS) dropped their third straight game on Monday, falling in overtime to the Warriors, 116-114. Los Angeles managed a cover as 5 ½-point home underdogs, as the Lakers held the banged-up Warriors to 40% shooting from the floor. In spite of the defeat, the Lakers improved to 4-1 ATS in the past five games, while cashing the OVER in three consecutive contests.

This series has been all Rockets since January 2015 as Houston owns an 8-1 SU/ATS record in the past nine matchups with Los Angeles. The Rockets ripped the Lakers at Staples Center on December 3 as 12-point favorites, 118-95, led by James Harden’s 36 points. Lakers’ rookie guard Lonzo Ball was held to two points in 22 minutes of action, while his counterpart, Chris Paul put up 21 points in his first appearance at Staples Center since getting traded from the Clippers in the offseason.

Blazin’ Home

At one point this season, the Blazers (16-14 SU, 14-13-3 ATS) stumbled to a 2-8-1 ATS stretch over 11 games in late October through mid-November. Portland is currently riding a 6-0 ATS run after covering all five games on its recent road trip. The Blazers finished 3-2 after dropping a one-point decision at Minnesota on Monday, but Portland cashed as 4 ½-point underdogs to cover its seventh straight game away from the Moda Center.

Portland faces San Antonio for the first time this season after splitting four games with the Spurs last season. The Spurs (21-10 SU, 15-15-1 ATS) rebounded from a blowout loss at Houston to win consecutive home games over the Mavericks and Clippers. Gregg Popovich’s squad has hit the UNDER in 11 of 14 road contests this season, while the Spurs have scored less than 100 points in nine of the past 12 road games. However, the Spurs will be without their top player as Kawhi Leonard will sit to rest his quad injury.

Not Feeling OK

The Thunder (15-15 SU, 10-20 ATS) managed another close victory on Monday by rallying past the Nuggets, 95-94, but Oklahoma City failed to cash as five-point favorites. OKC dropped to 4-19 ATS this season as a single-digit favorite, as the Thunder will be in that pointspread situation on Wednesday against Utah. Billy Donovan’s team has won eight of their last 10 home contests, but the Thunder have slipped to 0-6 ATS in their last six opportunities as a home favorite.

A rough six-game road swing for the Jazz (14-17 SU, 17-14 ATS) comes to an end on Wednesday, two nights after getting chased in the fourth quarter at Houston. Utah fell to 3-12 on the road following that 21-point setback at the Toyota Center, while cashing the OVER for the fourth time on this road trip. The Jazz and Thunder have split a pair of games this season with the home team winning each time as Utah has lost 13 consecutive visits to Chesapeake Energy Arena since 2011.

Hitting the Highway

Following an up and down homestand, the Wolves (18-13 SU, 12-17-2 ATS) begin a three-game road swing at Denver. Only one the past five games for Minnesota was decided by double-digits, as the Wolves split four contests that were decided by six points or less. After getting tripped up by the Suns as 12-point favorites, the Wolves rebounded by edging the Blazers, 108-107 as 4 ½-point favorites on Monday. Jimmy Butler led Minnesota with 37 points as the Wolves slipped to 2-6 ATS the last eight games.

Denver (16-14 SU, 13-16-1 ATS) has excelled at home this season by winning 11 of 13 games at Pepsi Center, including eight in a row. The Nuggets couldn’t hold onto a double-digit lead in the fourth quarter of Monday’s one-point setback at Oklahoma City, but Denver covered to improve to 4-1-1 ATS the last six games. Denver and Minnesota split four meetings last season, while all four games finished UNDER the total.

Seventh Heaven?

Two weeks ago, the Bulls (9-20 SU, 16-12-1 ATS) owned a dreadful 3-20 record. Chicago has turned things around recently by winning six consecutive games, while covering seven straight overall. During this six-game hot stretch, Chicago has won four times at the United Center, including underdog victories over Philadelphia, Utah, Boston, and New York.

The Bulls welcome in the struggling Magic (11-20 SU, 12-18-1 ATS), who have dropped five in a row and 16 of their past 19 games. Orlando picked up a backdoor cover in Sunday’s 114-110 setback at Detroit as 8 ½-point underdogs, snapping a six-game ATS slide. Frank Vogel’s squad owns a horrific 1-10 record the past 11 games on the highway, while looking to avenge a 22-point home loss to Chicago on November 3.

Comeback Kids

The Celtics (26-7 SU, 21-10-2 ATS) jumped out to big leads in each of their last two games on the road only to see those advantages disappear. Boston pulled away from Memphis on Saturday, 102-93, while blowing a 19-point edge on Monday at Indiana. However, the Celtics rallied from a five-point deficit in the final 30 seconds to stun the Pacers, 112-111, but Boston failed to cash as 2 ½-point favorites. Boston has slumped to a 3-6-1 ATS record the last 10 games as the C’s try to avenge a November loss to Miami.

Last month, the Heat (15-15 SU, 11-17-2 ATS) ended Boston’s 16-game winning streak as Miami ventures to TD Garden tonight. The short-handed Heat fell to the Hawks on Monday, 110-104 as point guard Goran Dragic and forward Justise Winslow were sidelined due to injury. In two visits to Boston last season, the Heat lost each time, but picked up covers twice in the underdog role.

Fast Break

-- The Raptors have won nine of their past 10 games as they travel to Charlotte. The Hornets snapped a three-game skid in Monday’s blowout of the Knicks, as Charlotte lost at Toronto in its first meeting of the season, 126-113 as 7 ½-point underdogs in late November.

-- The Pacers and Hawks used to be an annual playoff matchup, but that isn’t the case anymore. Indiana has been a pleasant surprise at 17-14, but has dropped three of four since a four-game winning streak. Atlanta ended a four-game skid in Monday’s victory over Miami as the Hawks lost two of three meetings with the Pacers last season.

-- The Kings reached the 10-win mark in Tuesday’s six-point triumph at Philadelphia, improving their road record to 5-13. Sacramento travels to Brooklyn with no rest to face a Nets’ squad that has lost three straight games. The road team won each of the two meetings between these clubs last season, including a 17-point blowout by Sacramento at Barclays Center.

-- The Pistons have turned things around since a seven-game skid by picking up three consecutive victories. Detroit heads to Dallas to face a Mavericks’ team that has dropped six of seven, while riding a five-game UNDER streak. Each of the past five matchups between Detroit and Dallas have gone UNDER the total, while the Pistons swept the Mavericks last season.

-- Memphis seeks its second victory over Golden State this season after upsetting the Warriors, 111-101 as 8 ½-point underdogs on October 21. The Grizzlies haven’t been the same since Mike Conley’s injury by losing 17 of the past 19 games, including seven consecutive road setbacks. The Warriors slipped by the Lakers on Monday in overtime to improve to 9-0 in the past nine games as seven of those victories came on the road.

-- Past Golden State, the other four teams in the Pacific division all sit under the .500 mark. Two of those meet at Staples Center as the Clippers entertain the Suns. Phoenix is coming off consecutive wins at Minnesota and Dallas, while covering in seven of the past nine games. The Clippers dropped the last three games of their four-game road swing, as L.A. seeks its sixth consecutive win over the Suns since 2016.

[StarDust Bum]

Hoop Trends - Wednesday
December 20, 2017

ATS TREND OF THE DAY:

-- The Pacers are 13-0 ATS (10.35 ppg) as a favorite with rest off a loss as a dog in which they scored at least 25% of their points from free throws.

OU TREND OF THE DAY:

-- The Pistons are 0-13 OU (-16.69 ppg) on the road coming off a home game in which they scored at least 30% of their points from threes.

PLAYER TREND OF THE DAY:

-- The Thunder are 0-10 OU (-14.00 ppg) off a home game in which Russell Westbrook took more than 20 shots.

CHOICE TREND:

-- The Clippers are 11-0 ATS (10.64 ppg) at home after they scored less than 15% of their points from free throws last game.

ACTIVE TRENDS:

-- The Celtics are 0-10 ATS (-10.50 ppg) at home after a game in which they shot over 55% from the field.

-- The Hornets are 0-8 OU (-10.12 ppg) off a game as a favorite in which Kemba Walker shot worse than 33 percent.

[StarDust Bum]

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 20
GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS

TOR at CHA
TOR -2.5
O 212.5

IND at ATL 07:30 PM
IND -5.0 (POD )

SAC at BK 07:30 PM
SAC +5.5
U 206.0

MIA at BOS 07:30 PM
BOS -9.0

UTA at OKC 08:00 PM
UTA +7.5

LAL at HOU 08:00 PM
LAL +14.5
O 226.5

ORL at CHI 08:00 PM
CHI -5.5
O 210.5

DET at DAL 08:30 PM
DAL -1.5
U 198.0

MIN at DEN 09:00 PM
MIN +2.0
O 216.5

SA at POR 10:00 PM
SA +2.5

PHO at LAC 10:30 PM
LAC -5.0
U 215.0

MEM at GS 10:30 PM
MEM +10.0
U 205.0

[StarDust Bum]

Kuzma, Lakers overcome Harden's 51 to end Rockets' streak
December 20, 2017

HOUSTON (AP) Rookie forward Kyle Kuzma set career highs with 38 points and seven 3-pointers, and the Los Angeles Lakers overcame 51 points from James Harden to end the Houston Rockets' 14-game winning streak with a 122-116 victory Wednesday night.

It was Houston's first loss since Nov. 14 and snapped a three-game skid for the Lakers.

The game was tied before Los Angeles scored 10 straight points - while Houston missed seven shots in a row - to go up 110-100 with about four minutes left.

Houston ended an almost four-minute scoring drought when Harden made a free throw, and he added three more after being fouled on a 3-point attempt a few seconds later to cut it to 110-104. But former Rocket Corey Brewer made a 3-pointer before Lonzo Ball hit two free throws to make it 115-104.

Harden powered Houston on a night when Chris Paul had just eight points before leaving early in the fourth quarter with a sore left leg.

HEAT 90, CELTICS 89

BOSTON (AP) - Kelly Olynyk scored a career-high 32 points in his rousing return to Boston, and undermanned Miami hung on a victory.

On a night when the Celtics honored their former forward in his first game back, the popular Olynyk received a standing ovation from Boston fans and led the Heat to another win against the top team in the Eastern Conference. Josh Richardson had 19 points and six assists for Miami, which took two of three in the season series. The Heat ended Boston's 16-game winning streak earlier this season with a victory at home.

Olynyk signed with Miami as a free agent during the offseason. His previous high was 30 points on Dec. 15, 2014.

Kyrie Irving paced the Celtics with 33 points, but missed a jumper from the right wing that bounced off the rim at the buzzer.

WARRIORS 97, GRIZZLIES 84

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) - Klay Thompson scored 27 of his 29 points in the first half and made his first nine field goal attempts, leading undermanned Golden State past Memphis for its 10th straight win.

Kevin Durant added 22 points and eight rebounds for the defending NBA champions, who were down five regulars again. Two-time MVP Stephen Curry sat out his sixth straight game with a sprained right ankle.

Thompson shot 10 for 16 overall and didn't miss until a 3-point try with 6:10 left before halftime.

Marc Gasol had 21 points, nine rebounds and five assists for Memphis, which started a stretch with seven of eight games on the road. The Grizzlies were 10 of 44 in the second half and committed 17 turnovers overall.

BULLS 112, MAGIC 94

CHICAGO (AP) - Denzel Valentine had 16 points and 10 rebounds, Nikola Mirotic had 15 points and 10 rebounds, and Chicago beat Orlando for its seventh straight win.

The Bulls had lost 10 straight with Mirotic out of the lineup prior to his return Dec. 8, and they haven't lost since to improve to 10-20.

Nikola Vucevic scored 18 points for Orlando, which lost its sixth in a row.

Facing the league's fourth-worst scoring defense, the Bulls took a 43-27 lead with 9:05 left in the second quarter on Mirotic's layup, one of many easy baskets.

SPURS 93, TRAIL BLAZERS 91

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - LaMarcus Aldridge scored 22 points, and Pau Gasol had 20 points and a season-high 17 rebounds in San Antonio's victory over Portland.

Aldridge hit 10 of 17 shots against his former team. Gasol and Aldridge each scored 16 points during the first half to help the Spurs (22-10) win their third consecutive game.

The short-handed Spurs were without Kawhi Leonard and Tony Parker. Both were rested on the first night of a back-to-back. Leonard and Parker are recovering from quadriceps injuries.

Portland, coming off a 3-2 road trip, lost its fifth consecutive home game. The Trail Blazers (16-15) are the only NBA team with a winning overall record but a losing mark at home.

Damian Lillard led Portland with 17 points. C.J. McCollum shot 5 of 22.

TIMBERWOLVES 112, NUGGETS 104

DENVER (AP) - Karl-Anthony Towns had 25 points and 10 rebounds, Jimmy Butler also scored 25 and Minnesota beat Denver.

Jamal Crawford added 20 points and seven assists off the bench for the Timberwolves, who rallied from 14 down to end Denver's eight-game home winning streak.

The Nuggets were without leading scorer Gary Harris and backup point guard Emmanuel Mudiay, forcing coach Michael Malone to use his 13th different starting lineup. Malone went with a bigger group and started Nikola Jokic and Mason Plumlee together for the first time this season.

It worked for most of the game, but the Nuggets faltered after taking an 80-66 lead late in the third quarter.

Jamal Murray led Denver with 30 points. Plumlee added 17 points and 10 rebounds, and Jokic had 22 points, six rebounds and 10 turnovers.

THUNDER 107, JAZZ 79

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Russell Westbrook had 24 points and 10 rebounds to help the Oklahoma City Thunder roll past the Utah Jazz 107-79 on Wednesday night.

Westbrook made 10 of 13 shots and had seven assists and four steals. Oklahoma City has won eight of 11 after a rough start to the season. The Thunder (16-15) are above .500 for the first time since early November.

Paul George scored 10 of his 18 points in the third quarter and Carmelo Anthony also scored 18 for Oklahoma City.

Rodney Hood scored 17 points for the Jazz, who have lost six of seven.

Breakout rookie Donovan Mitchell sat out with a right big toe contusion.

RAPTORS 129, HORNETS 111

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) - DeMar DeRozan scored 18 of his 28 points after halftime and Toronto overcame a slow start to beat Charlotte for its fourth straight win.

Serge Ibaka scored 15 of his 24 points in the first half for Toronto, and OG Anunoby shot 6 of 7 from beyond the arc while scoring 20 points. Toronto has won 10 of 11 and is in third place in the Eastern Conference.

The Hornets got a career-best 32 points from reserve Jeremy Lamb but lost for the 11th time in 13 games.

PACERS 105, HAWKS 95

ATLANTA (AP) - Victor Oladipo scored 23 points, Myles Turner had 20 and Indiana beat Atlanta.

Bojan Bogdanovic had 19 points as Indiana won for the second time in five games. The Pacers rallied from a sluggish start to shoot 48.8 percent.

Atlanta has yet to win consecutive games this season and dropped to 7-24. The Hawks bench outscored Indiana's 46-28, led by 18 points and nine rebounds from John Collins.

KINGS 104, NETS 99

NEW YORK (AP) - George Hill scored 22 points, Zach Randolph added 21 and Sacramento completed its first back-to-back sweep of the season by beating Brooklyn.

The Kings got off to a sizzling start following their victory in Philadelphia a night earlier, then held on after Brooklyn cut a 21-point lead to two with just over a minute to play.

The Nets missed a flurry of chances to tie before Hill finished it off with two free throws with 2.8 seconds remaining. Spencer Dinwiddie scored 16 points but was among the many Nets with poor-shooting nights.

MAVERICKS 110, PISTONS 93

DALLAS (AP) - Harrison Barnes scored 25 points, rookie Dennis Smith Jr. had 15 points and five assists in his return from a hip injury and Dallas beat Detroit.

The Mavericks, last in the Western Conference, won for just the second time in eight games while ending a three-game Detroit winning streak that followed seven straight losses by the Pistons.

Anthony Tolliver led Detroit with a season-high 18 points, going 4 of 6 from 3-point range.

CLIPPERS 108, SUNS 94

LOS ANGELES (AP) - Austin Rivers scored 21 points, DeAndre Jordan grabbed 20 rebounds and Los Angeles beat Phoenix to end a three-game skid.

Back home from a 1-4 road trip, the injury-depleted Clippers had lost seven of 10 before leading all the way against a young Suns team that has its own injury woes.

T.J. Warren led Phoenix with 22 points and 10 rebounds, and Josh Jackson added 17 points. The Suns dropped their ninth in a row to the Clippers at Staples Center.

[StarDust Bum]

SCHEDULE FOR THURSDAY DECEMBER 21, 2017
Time (ET) Away Home Site
7:00 PM Chicago Bulls Cleveland Cavaliers Quicken Loans Arena
7:00 PM Toronto Raptors Philadelphia 76ers Wells Fargo Center
8:00 PM Boston Celtics New York Knicks Madison Square Garden
9:00 PM Memphis Grizzlies Phoenix Suns Talking Stick Resort Arena
10:30 PM San Antonio Spurs Utah Jazz Vivint Smart Home Arena

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

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

DATE W-L-T % UNITS RECORD

12/20/2017 14-6-0 70.00% +37.00
12/19/2017 3-3-0 50.00% -1.50
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.........102 - 122- 1......45.53%.......-161.00

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

12/20/2017..................7 - 2........................+24.00................... ............4 - 2........................+9.00
12/19/2017..................1 - 2.........................-6.00..................................2 - 1.......................+4.50
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....................38 - 49 - 3........................-79.50......................45 - 34- 1.......................+16.50

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Long Sheet

Thursday, December 21

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TORONTO (21 - 8) at PHILADELPHIA (14 - 16) - 12/21/2017, 7:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
TORONTO is 7-2 against the spread versus PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
TORONTO is 8-1 straight up against PHILADELPHIA 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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CHICAGO (10 - 20) at CLEVELAND (23 - 9) - 12/21/2017, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in December games this season.
CLEVELAND is 11-20 ATS (-11.0 Units) in all games this season.
CLEVELAND is 5-20 ATS (-17.0 Units) as a favorite this season.
CLEVELAND is 2-14 ATS (-13.4 Units) in home games this season.
CLEVELAND is 11-20 ATS (-11.0 Units) in the first half of the season this season.
CLEVELAND is 16-30 ATS (-17.0 Units) vs. division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 0-8 ATS (-8.8 Units) in home games after scoring 115 points or more this season.
CLEVELAND is 3-13 ATS (-11.3 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO is 8-2 against the spread versus CLEVELAND over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO is 7-3 straight up against CLEVELAND over the last 3 seasons
6 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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BOSTON (26 - 8) at NEW YORK (16 - 14) - 12/21/2017, 8:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 6-3 against the spread versus NEW YORK over the last 3 seasons
BOSTON is 7-2 straight up against NEW YORK over the last 3 seasons
6 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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MEMPHIS (9 - 22) at PHOENIX (11 - 22) - 12/21/2017, 9:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MEMPHIS is 10-20 ATS (-12.0 Units) in all games this season.
MEMPHIS is 10-20 ATS (-12.0 Units) in the first half of the season this season.
MEMPHIS is 4-18 ATS (-15.8 Units) after 3 or more consecutive unders over the last 2 seasons.
MEMPHIS is 1-9 ATS (-8.9 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
PHOENIX is 45-28 ATS (+14.2 Units) after a loss by 10 points or more over the last 3 seasons.
PHOENIX is 35-53 ATS (-23.3 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.

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

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SAN ANTONIO (22 - 10) at UTAH (14 - 18) - 12/21/2017, 10:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN ANTONIO is 5-2 against the spread versus UTAH over the last 3 seasons
SAN ANTONIO is 6-2 straight up against UTAH 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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NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up

Thursday, December 21

Embiid (back) is a ?? here- check status. 76ers lost nine of last ten games with Toronto; over is 8-2 in those games. Raptors are 4-1 vs spread in last five visits here. Raptors won nine of last 11 games; they’re 9-7 vs spread on road, 5-2 as an underdog. Four of their last six games stayed under total. 76ers lost seven of last eight games; they’re 6-5 as a home favorite. Four of their last five games went over total.

Bulls are 7-3 in last ten games with Cleveland, but Cavaliers won last two; Chicago is 5-0 vs spread in last five visits here. Under is 6-4 in last ten series games. Chicago won its last seven games, covered last eight; they’re 8-6-1 as road underdogs. Five of their last seven games went over total. Cleveland is 18-2 in its last 20 games; they’re 4-13 as home favorites. Under is 6-3 in their last nine games.

Celtics won eight of their last ten games with New York; they covered last three visits to Madison Square Garden. Under is 7-3 in last ten series games. Celtics split their last eight games; they’re 11-4 vs spread on road. Over is 3-1-1 in their last five games. New York won four of its last five games; they’re 14-5 vs spread at home. Five of their last six games went over the total.

Memphis won eight of its last ten games with Phoenix; they’re 3-2 vs spread in last five visits here. Four of last six series games went over the total. Memphis lost 18 of its last 20 games; they’re 7-6 vs spread on road, 0-2 as favorites. Under is 4-0-1 in their last five games. Phoenix lost six of last eight games; they’re 4-8 as home dogs. Six of their last seven games stayed under total.

Spurs won six of last eight games with Utah; they’re 2-2-1 vs spread in last five visits to SLC. Six of last eight series games went over the total. Spurs won seven of last nine games; they’re 2-5 vs spread if they played the night before. Four of their last six games stayed under total. Banged-up Utah lost seven of last eight games; they’re 3-2 as home underdogs. Five of their last seven games went over.




NBA

Thursday, December 21

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Trend Report
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CHICAGO @ CLEVELAND
Chicago is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games
Chicago is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Cleveland is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Cleveland is 18-2 SU in its last 20 games

TORONTO @ PHILADELPHIA
Toronto is 16-1 SU in its last 17 games when playing Philadelphia
Toronto is 10-1 SU in its last 11 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Philadelphia's last 7 games when playing Toronto
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 5 games when playing at home against Toronto

BOSTON @ NEW YORK
Boston is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing New York
Boston is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against New York
New York is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of New York's last 6 games

MEMPHIS @ PHOENIX
Memphis is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Phoenix
Memphis is 12-2 SU in its last 14 games when playing Phoenix
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Phoenix's last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Phoenix's last 12 games when playing at home against Memphis

SAN ANTONIO @ UTAH
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of San Antonio's last 10 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of San Antonio's last 5 games when playing Utah
Utah is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games at home
Utah is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home

[StarDust Bum]

Inside the Paint - Thursday
December 21, 2017

It’s been a very busy week in the NBA due to the holiday schedule and the pace doesn’t slow down Thursday with five games on tap. All 30 teams will be off this Sunday for Christmas Eve and another 20 will catch breaks on Christmas as well.

The fatigue factor is never an easy handicap but it should be noted that seven of the 10 teams in action tonight are playing on no rest. There straight up, against the spread and total (O/U) records are listed below and something to keep an eye on tonight.

Chicago: 1-4 SU, 1-3-1 ATS, 3-2 O/U
Toronto: 2-1 SU, 2-1 ATS, 1-2 O/U
Boston: 3-2 SU, 2-3 ATS, 3-1-1 O/U
Memphis: 1-4 SU, 2-3 ATS, 3-1-1 O/U
Phoenix: 3-5 SU, 5-3 ATS, 5-3 O/U
San Antonio: 5-2 SU, 2-5 ATS, 3-5 O/U
Utah: 4-3 SU, 6-1 ATS, 4-3 O/U

Yesterday’s action in the NBA was lively and it featured the biggest upset of the season to date as the Lakers knocked off the Rockets 122-116 as 15-point road underdogs(+925 ML). Houston saw its 14-game winning streak come while Los Angeles earned more stripes during this next to impossible four-game span versus the top three teams in the league. If the Lakers hang at Golden State tomorrow, then look out for the ‘Purple and Gold.’

Since Sunday, favorites are 19-10 SU and 14-15 ATS which reminds you again that points do matter when placing wagers on this sport. Total bettors have practically seen a stalemate with the ‘under’ holding a 15-14 edge over the same span.

Three of the five games tonight didn’t have overnight numbers sent out due to the status of key players.

Toronto (21-8 SU, 17-12 ATS at Philadelphia (14-16 SU, 16-14 ATS)

The Raptors have quietly been one of the best teams in the league recently, winning four straight and 10 of their last 11 games (7-4 ATS). They’ve gone 5-1 on the road during this span and that includes last night’s wire-to-wire 129-111 win at Charlotte.

While Toronto has been hot, Philadelphia has cooled off after a solid 13-9 start. The 76ers are 1-7 in their last eight games and 2-10 ATS in their last 12. Joel Embiid has missed the last two games and it’s been reported that he won’t suit up until Christmas. He’s on pace to miss 20 games this season and that would be promising considering his past injury issues. Philadelphia is 1-6 without the big man this season.

This has been a one-sided series with Toronto winning 17 of the last 20 encounters against Philadelphia and that includes a 128-94 blowout victory on Oct. 21 as a nine-point home favorite. Total players should note that the ‘over’ is on a 6-1 run between the pair and the Raptors have busted 120-plus points on four occasions during this span. Toronto has been shooting the ball well and despite playing on no rest, it's hard to see the 76ers slowing them down on Thursday. The total was sent out at 216 and was pushed up to 217 quickly. Toronto opened as a 3 ½-point road favorite.

Chicago (10-20 SU, 17-11-2 ATS) at Cleveland (23-9 SU, 13-4 ATS)

Even though we have a huge disparity in records, this is a tough game to handicap. The Bulls have won and covered seven straight game since Nikola Mirotic returned to the court and the offense is averaging 111.1 points per game during this stretch. They blasted the Magic 112-94 last night and the blowout allowed Fred Hoiberg to go deep into his bench early.

The Cavaliers opened as 11 ½-point favorites and they’ve been just as hot as Chicago, winners in 18 of their last 20 games. Cleveland is coming off a 119-116 loss at Milwaukee on Tuesday but it hasn’t dropped back-to-back games since it lost four in a row early in the season.

The Cavaliers have gone 2-0 against the Bulls this season but failed to cover the number in one of the victories. Cleveland didn’t have any issue scoring in the wins, posting 119 and 113 points.

I’d be surprised if the Bulls kept their win streak alive in this spot but knowing Cleveland is 0-10 ATS (6-4 SU) as a double-digit home favorite could have you sitting out this matchup.

Boston (26-8 SU, 21-11-2 ATS) at New York (16-14 SU, 14-5 ATS)

The Knicks are expected to get Kristaps Porzingis in the lineup tonight and that’s a good for New York since it has gone 1-5 without him this season. New York opened as a short home underdog (+2 ½) tonight and it’s gone 6-5 SU and 7-4 ATS in that role from Madison Square Garden this season.

After a ridiculous run (22-4), Boston has gone 4-4 in its last eight games. The Celtics were nipped 90-89 at home last night to Miami and scoring has been an issue in their last four setbacks (92.8 PPG).

Boston has won six of the last seven against New York, which includes three straight victories at Madison Square Garden. The Celtics blasted the Knicks 110-89 on Oct. 24 as seven-point home favorites.

This game is slated to tip at 8:05 p.m. ET with TNT providing national coverage.

Memphis (9-22 SU, 10-20-1 ATS) at Phoenix (11-22 SU, 16-16-1 ATS)

This game opened at pick ‘em but the Grizzlies have been installed as short road favorites (-2) as of this morning. Both clubs will be playing on no rest and some pros are expecting an ugly affair, knocking the opening total of 204 down to 202. Both of these clubs are dealing with key injuries to their guards, Mike Conley for Memphis and Devin Booker for Phoenix. The Suns are a 6-1 to the ‘under’ since Booker went out with an injury and Memphis remains one of the best ‘under’ teams (21-9) in the NBA.

You certainly want to tread lightly on the head-to-head history for this game due to the many new faces but for what it’s worth, Memphis has won and covered four straight against Phoenix and that includes all three victories last season by double digits.

San Antonio (22-10 SU, 16-15-1 ATS) at Utah (14-18 SU, 17-15 ATS)

The injury bug has hurt both of these clubs and until you know the starting lineups for this matchup, it’s almost impossible to handicap this game. Kawhi Leonard and Tony Parker sat out San Antonio’s 93-91 win at Portland last night, which would make you believe they suit up here but there still on limited minutes. San Antonio opened as a 3 ½-point road favorite with a total of 198, the lowest number on Thursday's board.

Utah was ripped 107-79 last night at Oklahoma City and it didn’t have its leading scorer in action, rookie Donovan Mitchell (toe). He’s ‘questionable’ for tonight and he leads the Jazz and all rookies in scoring with 17.7 PPG. The Jazz have been a solid bet on no rest but it’s hard to ignore the current form of the club (1-7 SU, 3-5 ATS).

San Antonio’s success in past seasons was often attributed to its great road records but that’s not the case this season. The Spurs are just 7-8 as visitors and they’ve burned bettors with a 5-10 ATS mark.

The pair split their four regular season meetings last season with each club capturing a win on the road while the ‘over’ connected in each contest.

TNT will provide coverage of this game at 10:35 p.m. ET.

[StarDust Bum]

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21
GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS

CHI at CLE 07:00 PM
CHI +10.5
U 214.5

TOR at PHI 07:00 PM
PHI +2.0
O 218.5

BOS at NY 08:00 PM
BOS -2.5
U 203.0

MEM at PHO 09:00 PM
PHO +3.0
U 202.5

SA at UTA 10:30 PM
SA -2.5
O 196.5

[StarDust Bum]

NBA roundup: Cavs halt Bulls' seven-game win streak
December 21, 2017

CLEVELAND -- LeBron James scored 34 points and the Cleveland Cavaliers outlasted the Chicago Bulls 115-112 on Thursday night.

Kevin Love added 27 points and seven rebounds for Cleveland, which doesn't play again until their NBA Finals rematch with Golden State on Christmas. They've won 19 of 21 games and have scored at least 100 points in 26 straight.

Chicago, led by Lauri Markkanen's 25 points, had a seven-game win streak halted.

There were 24 lead changes by the end of the third quarter and 26 in the game. James scored 11 in the fourth quarter, and his two free throws with 11.1 seconds left put the Cavaliers ahead by three.

Raptors 114, 76ers 109

PHILADELPHIA -- DeMar DeRozan scored a career-high 45 points, including five in a pivotal 10-2 flurry late in the game, as Toronto rallied for a victory over short-handed Philadelphia.

DeRozan was 6 of 9 on 3-point attempts. His six triples were a career high.

Kyle Lowry added 23 points for the Raptors, who erased a 22-point third-quarter deficit to win its fifth straight and 11th in 12 games.

Ben Simmons had 20 points to lead the Sixers, who were without center Joel Embiid, the team's leading scorer and rebounder, for the third straight game because of back tightness. Starting guard J.J. Redick also sat out with hamstring tightness.

Knicks 102, Celtics 93

NEW YORK -- Michael Beasley had 32 points and 12 rebounds, and Enes Kanter added 14 points and 10 rebounds as New York beat Boston.

Kyrie Irving scored 32 points and Jayson Tatum had 17 for the Celtics, who are 4-5 since a 22-4 start and have dropped consecutive games for the first time this season.

Kristaps Porzingis returned from a two-game absence with one of the worst outings of his career, an 0-of-11 shooting effort. The Knicks, who have won five of six, went on a 15-6 run in the fourth quarter to take control of what had been a back-and-forth game.

Jazz 100, Spurs 89

SALT LAKE CITY -- Rodney Hood scored 29 points and made several critical fourth-quarter baskets to lift Utah past San Antonio.

Derrick Favors added 14 points and nine rebounds, and Ricky Rubio chipped in 11 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists for the Jazz, who snapped a three-game losing streak and won for just the second time in the last nine games.

Bryn Forbes led the Spurs with 12 points. Four other players each scored 11 points as San Antonio had a three-game winning streak end.

Suns 97, Grizzlies 95

PHOENIX -- TJ Warren scored 27 points and Troy Daniels hit the go-ahead 3-pointer with 17 seconds left to give Phoenix a win over Memphis.

The Suns outscored the Grizzlies 18-14 in an ugly fourth quarter, but Phoenix got the basket that counted. Greg Monroe ran down a missed 3-pointer, turned and found Daniels, a former Memphis player, alone in front of the Grizzlies' bench for Phoenix's 10th 3-pointer of the night.

Daniels finished with 14 points for the Suns, who have won three of their past four games and won at home for the first time since Nov. 19.

Evans had 23 points, nine rebounds and five assists for Memphis, which had all five starters score in double figures but has lost nine straight on the road dating to Nov. 7 at Portland and 19 of their past 21 games overall.