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

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Dunkel

Monday, February 26


Detroit @ Toronto

Game 701-702
February 26, 2018 @ 7:35 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Detroit
112.376
Toronto
127.587
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Toronto
by 15
214
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Toronto
by 10 1/2
218 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Toronto
(-10 1/2); Under

Chicago @ Brooklyn

Game 703-704
February 26, 2018 @ 7:35 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Chicago
112.674
Brooklyn
118.758
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Brooklyn
by 6
212
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Brooklyn
by 1 1/2
216 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Brooklyn
(-1 1/2); Under

Memphis @ Boston

Game 705-706
February 26, 2018 @ 7:35 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Memphis
112.318
Boston
120.734
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Boston
by 8 1/2
209
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Boston
by 11 1/2
200
Dunkel Pick:
Memphis
(+11 1/2); Over

LA Lakers @ Atlanta

Game 707-708
February 26, 2018 @ 7:35 pm

Dunkel Rating:
LA Lakers
115.218
Atlanta
116.734
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Atlanta
by 1 1/2
228
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
LA Lakers
by 2 1/2
223 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Atlanta
(+2 1/2); Over

Golden State @ New York

Game 709-710
February 26, 2018 @ 7:35 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Golden State
126.411
New York
113.598
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Golden State
by 13
223
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Golden State
by 11 1/2
230
Dunkel Pick:
Golden State
(-11 1/2); Under

Phoenix @ New Orleans

Game 711-712
February 26, 2018 @ 8:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Phoenix
109.235
New Orleans
121.673
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
New Orleans
by 12 1/2
224
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
New Orleans
by 7
231 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
New Orleans
(-7); Under

Orlando @ Oklahoma City

Game 713-714
February 26, 2018 @ 8:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Orlando
113.562
Oklahoma City
118.619
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Oklahoma City
by 5
226
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Oklahoma City
by 10 1/2
220
Dunkel Pick:
Orlando
(+10 1/2); Over

Indiana @ Dallas

Game 715-716
February 26, 2018 @ 8:35 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Indiana
117.775
Dallas
116..612
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Indiana
by 1
215
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Indiana
by 3
210
Dunkel Pick:
Dallas
(+3); Over

Houston @ Utah

Game 717-718
February 26, 2018 @ 9:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Houston
128.734
Utah
122.665
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Houston
by 6
208
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Houston
by 2 1/2
212
Dunkel Pick:
Houston
(-2 1/2); Under

Minnesota @ Sacramento

Game 719-720
February 26, 2018 @ 10:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Minnesota
121.873
Sacramento
113.445
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Minnesota
by 8 1/2
210
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Minnesota
by 5 1/2
215 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Minnesota
(-5 1/2); Under

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Dunkel

Monday, February 26


Detroit @ Toronto

Game 701-702
February 26, 2018 @ 7:35 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Detroit
112.376
Toronto
127.587
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Toronto
by 15
214
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Toronto
by 10 1/2
218 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Toronto
(-10 1/2); Under

Chicago @ Brooklyn

Game 703-704
February 26, 2018 @ 7:35 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Chicago
112.674
Brooklyn
118.758
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Brooklyn
by 6
212
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Brooklyn
by 1 1/2
216 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Brooklyn
(-1 1/2); Under

Memphis @ Boston

Game 705-706
February 26, 2018 @ 7:35 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Memphis
112.318
Boston
120.734
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Boston
by 8 1/2
209
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Boston
by 11 1/2
200
Dunkel Pick:
Memphis
(+11 1/2); Over

LA Lakers @ Atlanta

Game 707-708
February 26, 2018 @ 7:35 pm

Dunkel Rating:
LA Lakers
115.218
Atlanta
116.734
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Atlanta
by 1 1/2
228
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
LA Lakers
by 2 1/2
223 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Atlanta
(+2 1/2); Over

Golden State @ New York

Game 709-710
February 26, 2018 @ 7:35 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Golden State
126.411
New York
113.598
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Golden State
by 13
223
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Golden State
by 11 1/2
230
Dunkel Pick:
Golden State
(-11 1/2); Under

Phoenix @ New Orleans

Game 711-712
February 26, 2018 @ 8:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Phoenix
109.235
New Orleans
121.673
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
New Orleans
by 12 1/2
224
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
New Orleans
by 7
231 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
New Orleans
(-7); Under

Orlando @ Oklahoma City

Game 713-714
February 26, 2018 @ 8:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Orlando
113.562
Oklahoma City
118.619
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Oklahoma City
by 5
226
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Oklahoma City
by 10 1/2
220
Dunkel Pick:
Orlando
(+10 1/2); Over

Indiana @ Dallas

Game 715-716
February 26, 2018 @ 8:35 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Indiana
117.775
Dallas
116..612
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Indiana
by 1
215
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Indiana
by 3
210
Dunkel Pick:
Dallas
(+3); Over

Houston @ Utah

Game 717-718
February 26, 2018 @ 9:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Houston
128.734
Utah
122.665
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Houston
by 6
208
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Houston
by 2 1/2
212
Dunkel Pick:
Houston
(-2 1/2); Under

Minnesota @ Sacramento

Game 719-720
February 26, 2018 @ 10:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Minnesota
121.873
Sacramento
113.445
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Minnesota
by 8 1/2
210
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Minnesota
by 5 1/2
215 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Minnesota
(-5 1/2); Under

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Long Sheet

Monday, February 26

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DETROIT (28 - 31) at TORONTO (41 - 17) - 2/26/2018, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 1-9 ATS (-8.9 Units) in February games this season.
DETROIT is 1-9 ATS (-8.9 Units) in the second half of the season this season.
TORONTO is 18-9 ATS (+8.1 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
TORONTO is 4-4 against the spread versus DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
TORONTO is 6-2 straight up against DETROIT 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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CHICAGO (20 - 39) at BROOKLYN (19 - 41) - 2/26/2018, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BROOKLYN is 28-45 ATS (-21.5 Units) after 3 or more consecutive losses over the last 3 seasons.
BROOKLYN is 6-16 ATS (-11.6 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO is 4-3 against the spread versus BROOKLYN over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO is 5-2 straight up against BROOKLYN 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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MEMPHIS (18 - 40) at BOSTON (42 - 19) - 2/26/2018, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MEMPHIS is 4-13 ATS (-10.3 Units) against Atlantic division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
MEMPHIS is 19-32 ATS (-16.2 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
MEMPHIS is 4-13 ATS (-10.3 Units) after 3 or more consecutive losses this season.
BOSTON is 35-23 ATS (+9.7 Units) in all games this season.
BOSTON is 24-44 ATS (-24.4 Units) in home games against Southwest division opponents since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 4-1 against the spread versus MEMPHIS over the last 3 seasons
BOSTON is 4-1 straight up against MEMPHIS over the last 3 seasons
4 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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LA LAKERS (25 - 34) at ATLANTA (18 - 42) - 2/26/2018, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 15-5 ATS (+9.5 Units) in non-conference games this season.
LA LAKERS are 135-96 ATS (+29.4 Units) after 3 or more consecutive overs since 1996.

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

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GOLDEN STATE (46 - 14) at NEW YORK (24 - 37) - 2/26/2018, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
GOLDEN STATE is 4-13 ATS (-10.3 Units) against Atlantic division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 12-23 ATS (-13.3 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
NEW YORK is 18-4 ATS (+13.6 Units) in home games after a division game over the last 3 seasons.
NEW YORK is 8-22 ATS (-16.2 Units) in February games over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
NEW YORK is 3-2 against the spread versus GOLDEN STATE over the last 3 seasons
GOLDEN STATE is 5-0 straight up against NEW YORK over the last 3 seasons
4 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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PHOENIX (18 - 43) at NEW ORLEANS (33 - 26) - 2/26/2018, 8:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
NEW ORLEANS is 5-4 against the spread versus PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
NEW ORLEANS is 6-3 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

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ORLANDO (18 - 41) at OKLAHOMA CITY (34 - 27) - 2/26/2018, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ORLANDO is 60-79 ATS (-26.9 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 10-22 ATS (-14.2 Units) in road games after allowing 115 points or more over the last 3 seasons.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 24-36 ATS (-15.6 Units) in all games this season.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 16-32 ATS (-19.2 Units) when the total is greater than or equal to 220 over the last 3 seasons.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 18-33 ATS (-18.3 Units) as a favorite this season.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 8-17 ATS (-10.7 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
ORLANDO is 4-1 against the spread versus OKLAHOMA CITY over the last 3 seasons
OKLAHOMA CITY is 3-2 straight up against ORLANDO over the last 3 seasons
4 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

INDIANA (34 - 25) at DALLAS (18 - 42) - 2/26/2018, 8:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DALLAS is 403-329 ATS (+41.1 Units) as an underdog since 1996.
DALLAS is 23-13 ATS (+8.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
INDIANA is 18-9 ATS (+8.1 Units) as a favorite this season.
INDIANA is 14-4 ATS (+9.6 Units) in road games when playing with 2 days rest over the last 3 seasons.

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

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HOUSTON (46 - 13) at UTAH (31 - 29) - 2/26/2018, 9:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 46-28 ATS (+15.2 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) against Northwest division opponents this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
HOUSTON is 6-4 against the spread versus UTAH over the last 3 seasons
HOUSTON is 6-4 straight up against UTAH over the last 3 seasons
8 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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MINNESOTA (37 - 26) at SACRAMENTO (18 - 41) - 2/26/2018, 10:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 363-426 ATS (-105.6 Units) in the second half of the season since 1996.
MINNESOTA is 11-22 ATS (-13.2 Units) after scoring 115 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 25-38 ATS (-16.8 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 8-19 ATS (-12.9 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 6-4 against the spread versus SACRAMENTO over the last 3 seasons
MINNESOTA is 7-3 straight up against SACRAMENTO over the last 3 seasons
5 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

[StarDust Bum]

Monday's Essentials
February 26, 2018

Game of the Night - Houston at Utah, FS-Southwest, 9:05 ET

After successfully holding off Denver’s comeback attempt in the fourth quarter last night, the team with the NBA’s best record made a short trip to Salt Lake City for a date with the Jazz, continuing a stretch that appears to be the Rockets’ most challenging of the season.

After defeating Minnesota at home coming out of the All-Star break, Houston won in Denver on Sunday, will play in Utah tonight and then squares off against the Clippers in L.A. on Wednesday. They’ll have a few days off before hosting Boston on March 3 and then hit the road for four more, stopping in Oklahoma City, Milwaukee, Toronto and Dallas. In all, the Rockets are navigating a 15-game stretch where 13 of the opponents are currently above .500, playing 10 of the games on the road.

They’re just at the beginning of the run and have managed to not only win the first few games, but cover them as well. Last night’s 119-114 win got dicey since the Nuggets were able to make it a one-possession game in the final minute, but Joe Johnson and Chris Paul nailed clutch free-throws to hold off Denver and simultaneously cover a spread that closed at -4.5.

Will Houston succumb to fatigue at some point? It’s likely that the franchise-record 22-game run they made a decade ago is safe, but the Rockets do have a lot going for them suggesting they can carry this success into March.

Despite not making a conventional move at the trade deadline, they got stronger earlier this month by adding waived veterans Johnson and Brandan Wright, both of whom got minutes in last night’s win in Denver. Trevor Ariza returned from a lengthy absence, which cuts into the minutes of wings P.J. Tucker and Luc Mbah a Moute, but keeps that frontcourt rotation fresh since Ryan Anderson, Nene and Tarik Black are all capable.

Eric Gordon hasn’t even played the last two games due to illness, so getting him back probably pushes Houston past Golden State as the deepest team in the league. It remains to be seen whether that will help combat fatigue as they try and come through this stretch in position to remain ahead of the Warriors for homecourt advantage in the Western Conference. The Rockets entered Monday’s action one half-game up in the race for the West’s top seed, even with the defending champs at a league-best 46 wins.

An argument can be made that of all the challenges that await between now and when the schedule eases back up in late March, tonight’s visit to Utah might be the toughest. For starters, it comes on the second night of a back-to-back. It was no picnic having to play in Denver’s altitude, and it appeared the team felt the strain down the stretch. The Nuggets won the fourth quarter 35-27 and would’ve likely ended Houston’s run if it hadn’t been for Harden’s brilliance.

The MVP favorite finished with 41 points, eight rebounds and seven assists, but did play a team-high 37 minutes. Will he feel the effects tonight in Salt Lake City? The Rockets have won five of eight on the second night of back-to-backs, though one of the losses came against the Warriors with Harden sidelined. Still, he’s shot just 41.4 percent in those games and went 6-for-19 against the Kings the last time he had to work on consecutive evenings.

There’s also the fact that the Jazz are blistering hot themselves, although a 100-81 Friday night home loss to Portland was a bit of a buzzkill. The setback ended Utah’s 11-game winning streak, so it remains to be seen whether hitting the pause button for the All-Star break killed off its groove. A win over the Mavs on Saturday night was rather sloppy, although prized rookie Donovan Mitchell continues to show no signs of wearing down, scoring 25 points.

The slam dunk champ might finally hit the wall in February, but he’s been getting stronger as the season has gone along and is 8-for-18 from 3-point range coming out of the break. Considering he went in on a 13-for-40 slump, if he’s rediscovered his stroke from the perimeter, Ben Simmons’ Rookie of the Year aspirations could play victim. Mitchell is indefensible if he’s got his jump shot working, and has Ricky Rubio back in the fold to play table-setter.

The Spanish point guard is still working his way back from a hip injury with just two games under his belt, but had averaged 27.7 points over the three games prior to getting hurt. If Rubio can get back to that level, Utah has plenty of ammunition to chase down Jimmy Butler-less Minnesota in the Northwest Division. Although the Jazz are currently bringing up the rear, they’re only 4.5 games back of first place entering tonight. They could make a statement by pulling off a home upset.

Houston was installed as a 2.5-point favorite, which marks on the 10th time all season that the Jazz will be getting points at home. Utah is 7-2 in those games, straight up and against the spread. The Rockets were one of the teams that managed to hold serve, winning 112-101 on Dec. 7. They’re looking for a 4-0 sweep of a team it may very well run into in the first round of the playoffs, and have won all three meetings thus far by double-digits. Each game also went over the posted total, but the teams haven’t seen each other since Dec. 18. We’ll see if the Jazz have improved enough to make a dent this time around.

Detroit at Toronto, FS-Detroit, 7:35

Outside of the night’s featured matchup, this is not a particularly attractive 10-game NBA card despite the volume. Since the Jazz are currently 10th in the Western Conference standings, there are no matchups between teams that both would qualify for the playoffs if they were to start today.

The only other game that’s even remotely close involves the East-leading Raptors, who would face No. 8-seed Miami. Detroit is running ninth and heavily invested in closing the gap to reach the postseason after acquiring Blake Griffin prior to the trade deadline.

After going on a run upon acquiring the five-time All-Star, Detroit has dropped five of six, which includes Sunday’s 114-98 loss in Charlotte that dropped the team to just 0-2 on the road since acquiring Griffin. Because they had a stretch of 13 home games in 15 dates between Jan. 19-Feb. 23, the Pistons now face a large portion of the next few weeks on the road, playing 13 of 16 outside their fancy new downtown arena. The Pistons haven’t covered a game in any of their last seven outings, winning just twice outright.

Detroit plays Toronto twice more this season, so finding a way to be productive tonight will likely be crucial to the team’s playoff aspirations. They just announced that point guard Reggie Jackson is in the closing stage of his rehab, beginning and shooting drills, but he’s still probably another week away. With important games against the Raptors, Bucks, Heat and Cavs on tap over the next 10 days, the Pistons are going to need Ish Smith and Jameer Nelson to hold down the fort to keep the season from really getting away from them.

We’ll see how they respond in a desperate situation in Toronto, but it doesn’t bode well that they’ve lost on the second of a back-to-back in blowout fashion the last two times they’ve taken the floor, although only one of those instances came with Griffin on board.

The Raptors lost to open play after All-Star, falling 122-119 in OT against Milwaukee. They’ve only lost consecutive games twice since December 1 and have covered six of their last eight.

Injury Report

Golden State star Stephen Curry is expected to make his lone appaearance at Madison Square Garden this season despite not flying with the team to New York. He didn't practice in Manhattan on Sunday night but is expected to be in the mix come game-time against the Knicks. Rookie forward Jordan Bell may also return from an ankle injury after missing the past few weeks.

Minnesota got "good" news regarding Jimmy Butler this weekend since he's expected to return from knee surgery before the playoffs, but won the first game without him at home against the Bulls 122-104 on Saturday night. Nemanja Bjelica has moved into the starting lineup, while Jamal Crawford is now likley in line for more touches and minutes off the bench. Sacramento has been better at home of late and has rookie point guard De'Aaron Fox back from a bout with conjunctivitis.

The Bulls will be visiitng Brooklyn in one of only two meetings featuring two definite non-playoff teams, so we'll see whether their matchup turns into a tank-fest. It's already rumored that Chicago guard Zach LaVine may get the night off. The Nets will be healthier than they've been all month since Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (groin) and Caris LeVert (knee) are set to rejoin the rotation for the first time in weeks.

Memphis won't have Tyreke Evans available due to a rib injury sufferend late last week that's likely to cost him significant time. The Grizzlies have already ruled out wings Wayne Selden and Chandler Parsons once again, so we'll see whether fatigue becomes a factor in Boston. The Celtics list center Aron Baynes as questionable due to an elbow issue, though his absence has allowed German rookie Daniel Theis to flourish in an enhanced role.

Lonzo Ball should play for the Lakers in Atlanta after resting on the second night of a back-to-back following his return to action on Friday night. The Hawks have ruled out backup point guard Malcolm Delaney (knee), which could be problematic since starter Dennis Schroder has been dealing with a back issue.

[StarDust Bum]

Dinero Tracker - Feb. 26
February 26, 2018

Read the Dinero Tracker's mission statement here
Last night's ATS Records
NBA: 5-3 | NCAA BB: 3-9

Following up a 29-11 day in college by going 3-9 wasn't ideal. There were some heinous finishes in the mix, so you can find the best details below. Following up an 8-1 night in NBA with a 5-3 was a decent follow-up, but the 76ers unexpectedly slumped on the road to keep it from being far better. Both sets of guarantees came in for a third straight day. Here is Sunday's recap, complete with some of the highlights (and lowlights):

MONDAY'S FREE SELECTION

The pick: Lakers ML -118
Although the danger existed that the young impressionable Laker lads might get swallowed up by Atlanta's evening delights, everyone should be in the mix to try and continue a road trip that hits Miami and San Antonio next. They'll have a few days in South Florida to monitor before the next move, but I like them to continue a surge that will produce their fourth winning streak of at least three games since 2018 began. They failed to win more than consecutive games over the season's first three months, but are clearly playing much better and won't regress with Lonzo Ball back. Atlanta just bought out Ersan Ilyasova, will be missing key backup Malcolm Delaney and have to deal with the reality that there are more Lakers fans in Philips Arena tonight than Hawks faithful. Ride L.A. on the money line to avoid laying the 1.5 on the road.

SUNDAY'S FREE SELECTION

The pick: Rockets/Nuggets OVER 228
Houston opens a stretch where it will play seven of its next eight games on the road, so the NBA’s current longest winning streak (11) isn’t likely to be extended too much longer since it will be up against three Western Conference playoff contenders over the next four nights. Denver opened with a clutch win over San Antonio and has won seven of eight outright, the last six of which have all come in games that eclipsed the posted total. There have been at least 223 combined points scored in each of the Nuggets’ last eight contests, a run which includes a 130-104 loss in Houston on Feb. 9. The Rockets also won at home 125-95 on Nov. 22, but will find this first venture into the Mile-High city this season to be far more challenging. They’ll still score a bunch, but Denver is better suited to keep pace, especially with Nikola Jokic dominating, having posted three straight triple-doubles. Expect both teams to fill it up in a competitive affair and ride the over

Result: The freebie came through in a big way, especially since the line moved significantly after I posted this column, so bettors who drove the number down are clearly not fans. Fortunately, the Nuggets didn't hang their heads against the Rockets, which gave them a chance to play catch-up in the fourth, increasing the pace to try and get the altitude to play a role in their comeback.

SUNDAY'S LOCK

The pick: Bucks/Pelicans OVER 220.5
With Eric Bledsoe officially set to be a part of this one, this is officially Sunday's NBA lock. The Bucks can now push to take advantage of the presence of guys like Nikola Vucevic on the floor. Coming off a thrilling OT win over Milwaukee, the Bucks run into Anthony Davis in the midst of a ridiculous run. He's rested and looks as healthy as he's been all season, coming off 45 points on 34 shots, 17 rebounds, five steals and five blocks against Miami. Given how he's playing, there's no way I'm fading him even though that spread looks manageable. Ride the over, guaranteed.

Result: The Bucks were really sharp defensively in the first half, so there was a point where I questioned if I hadn't made the wrong decision by riding a total instead of Milwaukee's side. Fortunately, Jrue Holiday was tremendous and Rajon Rondo really got everyone in a flow in a 38-19 third quarter that flipped this game into the competitive affair I hoped for in the fourth. The 'over' came in without the need for OT, but the teams played on another five minutes in an eventual 123-121 New Orleans win.

SUNDAY'S OTHER LOCK

The pick: Nebraska/Penn State OVER 137.5
The Nittany Lions need a strong showing to continue their push as they try to land on the right side of the bubble, while the Huskers are hoping improve to 13-5 in conference play to cement lock status. Count on this being competitive, which in the Big Ten often means a race to 65. These teams are each better offensively than they often get credit for, so expect a brisker pace and game extension to deliver a fun one. Ride the over, guaranteed.

Result: I couldn't have been more wrong here, so it's incredibly fortunate that the college lock run survived on a day where most close calls went the other way. Penn State sputtered out of the gate, so the 'Huskers had this one under control 34-17 at the break and it looked like this was going to wind up in the 65-50 range. Fortunately, Tony Carr got cooking, the Nittany Lions pushed tempo and pressed throughout the final minutes and those on the under took an awful beat. The line closed in the 138-138.5 range, so everyone on board prevailed when Nazeer Bostick put down an uncontested dunk with less than 10 seconds left to close out a 76-64 final

BAD BEAT BULLETIN

The pick: Temple/UCF UNDER 130
Despite no longer having Tacko Fall and his 8-foot wingspan patrolling the paint, UCF has managed to remain in the top-half of the American and really has maintained its defensive identity, practicing solid principles and being mindful of tempo. Look for this battle in Philly against Temple to wind up being a race to 65, which means you want in on the under.

Result: The Owls raced out to a 16-0 lead, which was unfortunate for my Knights, but made me feel really good about this total call. UCF typically trusts its defense to get it back in games and wasn't going to turn on a press or come out of its tempo, but the Owls were unexpectedly aggressive and efficient. They attacked the paint as if celebrating Fall's absence, doing so early enough in possessions they would've ordinarily milked clock on that it made me wonder if there was anything personal there. Ultimately, that put us in position to lose a game that should've been in control given how it played out. Lots of fouls, too. Temple won 75-56. Yep, lost by 1.

TOTAL RECALL

The pick: St. Peter's/Siena UNDER 122.5
The Saints have resorted to slow-down tactics given the loss of their top two guards, so Jimmy Patsos will likely welcome the grinder that is to come here. Although the Peacocks don't seem to be as physical as recent versions have been, they still work on clock and attempt to contest and deny on every possession. Expect a race to 60 and ride the under.

Result: The Peacocks scored 65, but their second-half dominance helped prevent much game extension, even though Siena did try to press unnecessarily for a few minutes late. The 65-48 result was nonetheless comfortable throughout.

UPSET CITY

The pick: UCLA ML -130
This line opened with the Buffs getting four points, so it was quickly bet down to a bucket as money piles on the home team since they already beat the Bruins in Pauley earlier this season and now catch them in the altitude in Boulder coming off a loss at Utah. Don't discount Aaron Holiday's ability to be a driving force here alongside Jaylen Hands. Look for one of those guards to make a big play down the stretch in helping secure the team's 20th win. Ride UCLA on the money line to avoid laying the bucket on the road.

Result: I hated myself for this call after the first 10 minutes or so. Colorado took full advantage of depth, mismatches and elevation in an 80-76 win that shouldn't have even been that close since the Bruins made a desperate run late. Bad call.

CARDIAC ATTACK

The pick: N.C. State/Florida State OVER 165.5
This is a big one in the ACC, but don't expect your typical reaction to meaningful college game since this is more likely to speed up instead of slowing down since it better fits the personality of both teams. Kevin Keatts' Wolfpack definitely feels more comfortable at home due to their guards settling in, but FSU is deeper and more athletic, so they'll hang with a fast tempo. Ride the over in a game likely to be extended.

Result: The Wolfpack blew away the Seminoles and sustained their pace throughout, getting a big game from Allerik Freeman and seeing Sam Hunt go unconscious from the perimeter. It was a party, and I wish it could've been more festive for me since the Pack executed with a precision that would've easily seen them top the century mark if they were pushed. Instead, FSU shot 0-for-15 from 3-point range and single-handedly kept us from getting where we needed to with this score. N.C. State won 92-72, leaving us a bucket short. Sickening.

SWING AND A MISS

The pick: 76ers +2, Wizards/76ers OVER 213
The Wizards have scored over 100 points in 12 straight games, so the over is 8-4 in that stretch for them. The 76ers have played in three straight games that have topped the posted total and have cleared the century mark in seven straight. The first three meetings between these teams have all gone ‘over,’ with the last two totals set in the same ballpark as tonight’s number (212.5).
Washington will be looking to split the season series with a victory here after dropping the last two meetings, both of which were played without Wall. With Joel Embiid in the mix, look for the 76ers to win on the road. Ride Philadelphia and the over for the in-game parlay.

Result: The 76ers shot the ball poorly, which blew this up. Washington won 109-94, getting an impressive performance from Otto Porter. Philadelphia shot 36 percent, making 9-for-33 from 3-point range. As impressive and Embiid and Simmons can be, the 76ers must knock down the long ball to make the most of the spacing they provide. JJ Redick, Dario Saric and Robert Covington were a combined 5-for-20.

PROOF OF CLAIRVOYANCE

The pick: Houston -21
Look for a name-your-score situation here against a small Pirates team that is down their biggest player with 6-10 senior Jabari Craig sidelined with a foot issue. Kentrell Barkley got himself suspended again, so the Pirates come in with a six-man rotation against a Cougs squad that can embarrass you and won the first meeting 65-49 in a game that wasn't even that close. Ride Houston and lay the points.  

Result: The Cougs led 62-13 at the break and won 109-58. So, yeah, 21 wasn't too many points to lay.

[StarDust Bum]

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 26
GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS

CHI at BK 07:30 PM
CHI +5.0
U 215.5

MEM at BOS 07:30 PM
BOS -12.0
U 203.5

DET at TOR 07:30 PM
DET +10.0
O 217.5

GS at NY 07:30 PM
NY +11.5
O 228.0

LAL at ATL 07:30 PM
LAL -1.5
U 221.5

ORL at OKC 08:00 PM
ORL +10.0
O 218.0

PHO at NO 08:00 PM
PHO +7.5
O 236.0

IND at DAL 08:30 PM
IND -3.0
U 210.5

HOU at UTA 09:00 PM
UTA +1.5
U 211.0

MIN at SAC 10:00 PM
SAC +5.0
O 216.0

[StarDust Bum]

Thompson, Curry lead Warriors past Knicks 125-111
February 26, 2018

NEW YORK (AP) Klay Thompson had 26 points and Stephen Curry scored 14 of his 21 in the third quarter, when the Golden State Warriors ran another opponent off the floor on their way to a 125-111 victory over the New York Knicks on Monday night.

Kevin Durant added 22 points and nine rebounds for Golden State, which trailed by one at halftime before outscoring New York 39-18 in the third.

The Warriors improved to 3-0 since the All-Star break and beat the Knicks for the eighth straight time, one shy of their longest winning streak in the series. They won nine straight in 1963-64.

A night shy of the five-year anniversary of Curry's 54-point Madison Square Garden masterpiece, the Warriors showed how many weapons they have around him now, making 15 3-pointers and putting six players in double figures.

Emmanuel Mudiay scored 20 points for the Knicks.

ROCKETS 96, JAZZ 85

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) - James Harden had 26 points and Luc Mbah a Moute scored 15 of his 17 in the fourth quarter to send Houston past Utah for its 13th straight victory.

Playing the second game of a back-to-back set at high altitude, nothing seemed to come easy for the Rockets. But the Jazz committed 22 turnovers, many of them unforced, to ease the pressure.

Mbah a Moute went 7 for 7 and Chris Paul added 15 points for the streaking Rockets, who trailed by 15 in the first half.

Coming in, it was a matchup of two of the hottest teams in the NBA. The Jazz had won 12 of 13.

Rudy Gobert scored 17 and Donovan Mitchell had 16 to lead the Jazz, who were 7 of 29 from 3-point range.

RAPTORS 123, PISTONS 94

TORONTO (AP) - DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry each scored 20 points, Serge Ibaka had 19 and Toronto routed Detroit for its seventh win in eight games.

Pascal Siakam added 11 points as the Raptors improved to 25-5 at home, the best record in the NBA.

The Eastern Conference leaders bounced back from Friday's overtime loss against Milwaukee, using spurts at the start of the second and third quarters to hand the slumping Pistons their third straight defeat and sixth in seven games.

Andre Drummond had 18 points and 18 rebounds but Detroit lost its fourth consecutive meeting with Toronto. The Pistons fell three games behind idle Miami for the final playoff spot in the East.

CELTICS 109, GRIZZLIES 98

BOSTON (AP) - Kyrie Irving scored 25 points in three quarters of work and Boston beat Memphis.

Boston has won all three games coming out of the All-Star break. Terry Rozier finished with 15 points, and Jaylen Brown added 13.

After scoring a basket early in the second quarter, the Grizzlies went nearly eight minutes without a field goal. The Celtics rallied during Memphis' drought and used a 22-6 run to increase their lead to 55-30.

Boston (43-19) led by as many as 28 in the second half.

JaMychal Green had 21 points and 11 rebounds to lead the Grizzlies. Marc Gasol added 17 points, eight rebounds and eight assists.

Memphis (18-41) has lost 10 straight games and 10 consecutive on the road. The Grizzlies are also 0-10 on the road this season against the Eastern Conference. They remain the only NBA team with a road victory against the East.

NETS 104, BULLS 87

Alan Crabbe scored 21 points and Brooklyn snapped an eight-game losing streak with a win over Chicago.

Jarrett Allen and DeMarre Carroll each had 18 points for the Nets, and Joe Harris added 15.

Kris Dunn led the Bulls with 23 points and Lauri Markkanen had 19. Chicago has lost four straight and 13 of 16.

LAKERS 123, HAWKS 104

ATLANTA (AP) - Brandon Ingram had 21 points and 10 rebounds, leading nine Los Angeles scorers in double figures, and the Lakers beat Atlanta for their third straight win.

Julius Randle added 19 points and 10 rebounds as the Lakers overcame 23 turnovers to keep their lead in double figures throughout the second half. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope had 14 rebounds and 10 points.

Taurean Prince scored 24 for the Hawks in their fourth straight loss.

PELICANS 125, SUNS 116

NEW ORLEANS (AP) - Anthony Davis scored a season-high 53 points, grabbed 18 rebounds and blocked five shots as New Orleans extended its winning streak to six games with a victory over hapless Phoenix.

Jrue Holiday scored 20 points for the Pelicans, whose season-best unbeaten run has pulled them into a tie with Portland for fifth place in the Western Conference despite being without All-Star big man DeMarcus Cousins, who was lost for the season Jan. 26 with a torn Achilles.

Emeka Okafor, brought back to the NBA for the first time since 2013 about a week after Cousins' injury, scored 14 points.

Devin Booker had 40 points and 10 rebounds for the Suns, who lost their 10th straight and still haven't won this month. Josh Jackson added 20 points and 12 rebounds for Phoenix, which led by as many as 17 in the second quarter but fell behind for good with about five minutes left in the fourth quarter.

THUNDER 112, MAGIC 105

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Paul George scored 26 points to help Oklahoma City defeat Orlando.

George, who scored just five points on 1-for-14 shooting in a blowout loss to Golden State on Saturday, shot 9 of 20 against the Magic and Frank Vogel, his coach when he played for the Indiana Pacers.

Steven Adams scored 16 points and Russell Westbrook had eight points, 12 rebounds and 11 assists for the Thunder.

Evan Fournier and Jonathon Simmons each scored 19 for Orlando, which lost its sixth in a row.

MAVERICKS 109, PACERS 103

DALLAS (AP) - Harrison Barnes scored 21 points, J.J. Barea added 19 and Dallas beat Indiana.

The Mavericks ended a four-game losing streak and stopped Indiana's four-game winning streak. They also swept the two-game season series.

Doug McDermott had 15 points for Dallas, and Dwight Powell added 10 points and 14 rebounds.

Myles Turner led Indiana with 24 points and 11 rebounds. Turner played high school ball nearby at Euless Trinity and his only college season at Texas.

Victor Oladipo scored 21 for the Pacers despite playing only 23 minutes because of foul trouble.

[StarDust Bum]

Tuesday’s 6-pack

Six top prospects for the Chicago White Sox:

1) Eloy Jimenez, OF— Hit .353 in 18 games in the Southern League LY.

2) Michael Kopech, P— Has 344 strikeouts in 269 career IP

5) Dane Dunning, P— florida alum has 2.76 ERA in two years in A ball.

9) Zach Collins, C— Supposedly a good hitter, but hit .229 in first two years.

9) Gavin Sheets, 1B— Wake Forest alum is son of former big leaguer Larry Sheets

13) Carson Fulmer, P— Vandy alum was 3-1, 3.86 in seven big league games (5 starts) LY.

Quote of the Day
“Like I said, I retweeted on Twitter, you’re going to make me cry. It’s emotional even thinking about that, that his parents felt that, buried him in my jersey was something that he wanted. I take pride in what I’ve done in this state and what I’ve meant for the youth. I appreciate it.”
Dwyane Wade, after hearing one of the kids who died in the Florida school shooting was buried wearing a Wade Miami Heat jersey

Tuesday’s quiz
Whose picture is on the $50 bill?

Monday’s quiz
Andrew Jackson’s picture is on the $20 bill.

Sunday’s quiz
The late Martin Landau played the law professor in the poker movie, Rounders.

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

Tuesday’s List of 13: Nobody asked me, but…….

13) There are reports out of Los Angeles that the Dodgers are having $$$ problems and are looking for minority investors (25%??). You’d think the Dodgers are one team that wouldn’t have money problems, but these are weird times– you never know.

Dodgers paid over $48M last year to players who never played for them, otherwise known as dead money.

12) Thinking ahead; since the NCAA’s went to 68 teams, the 11-seeds who advance with Tuesday/Wednesday play-in wins are 8-6 vs spread in their first-round games that they play on short rest. 13 of those 14 teams were underdogs; Tennessee (-4) covered as the lone favorite in the next round, back in 2014.

11) Red Sox were 15-3 in extra inning games last year, most extra inning games played in the major leagues last season.

10) Five major leaguers played every game last season:
Joey Votto, Freddy Galvis, Rougned Odor, Eric Hosmer and Alcides Escobar.

Galvis and Hosmer left their 2017 teams and will be teammates on the Padres this year.

9) Golfer Justin Thomas has won 7 of the last 31 PGA tournaments he entered.

7 of the last 15 PGA tournaments went to a playoff, but hey, Eldrick Woods finished 12th.

8) Quinnipiac lost seven of its last eight games heading into the MAAC tournament, but three of those seven losses were in double overtime. Mike Dunleavy’s son Baker is the coach there; this is his first season. Teams are shooting 40.8% behind the arc vs Quinnipiac this year, 4th-highest %age against any team in the country.

7) JD Martinez will make $22M a year for the Red Sox; he has played more than 123 games in a season ONCE in his career!!!!

If JD Martinez spends 120+ days on the DL with Boston, Red Sox will get some salary relief later in his contract. Martinez knocked in 104 runs in 119 games for Detroit/Arizona LY, which is a lot of production, but he does get hurt a lot.

6) Conference tournament knowledge: #1 seed has won the last seven Big Sky tournaments. Last four Atlantic 14 tournaments were won by teams seeded #3 or worse.

5) NC State won its last four basketball games; in those games, backup G Sam Hunt made 14-17 behind the arc. Hunt has had an interesting career; he played a year at Jacksonville, then two years at North Carolina A&T- in those three seasons, he made 34.3% of his 3-pointers. This year, playing as a senior in the ACC, Hunt is making 41.8% (46-110) behind the arc.

4) Los Angeles Rams got CB Marcus Peters from the Chiefs, sending 2nd/4th round picks to KC. Rams also get a 6th-round pick in the deal.

3) It is weird to me that the Big 14 tournament is this week instead of next week; having it in New York City doesn’t matter much to me, since TV is TV, but having it at the same time as Arch Madness and the MAAC tourney and the WCC is just so different.

2) Doing some conference tournament research: over the last six years, in the semis/finals of the OVC tournament, the underdogs are 12-5 vs spread- one game had no line. Favorites are 15-8-1 vs spread in the first two rounds.

1— Colleges who have already fired their basketball coach:
Charlotte
Colorado State
East Carolina
Eastern Kentucky
Ole Miss
Cal-Riverside
UTEP

[StarDust Bum]

Monday's Result + Feb. Record

DATE W-L-T % UNITS RECORD

02/26/2018 7-13-0 35.00% -36.50

02/25/2018 5-4-1 55.56% +3.00

02/24/2018 6-10-0 37.50% -25.00

02/23/2018 12-8-1 60.00% +16.00

02/22/2018 6-6-0 50.00% -3.00

02/14/2018 10-7-0 58.82% +11.50

02/11/2018 6-4-0 60.00% +8.00

02/10/2018 6-8-0 42.86% -14.00

02/09/2018 7-7-0 50.00% -3.50

02/07/2018 3-5-0 37.50% -12.50

02/01/2018 4-6-0 40.00% -13.00

Totals...............72 - 78......48.00%.......-69.00

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Dunkel

Tuesday, February 27


Chicago @ Charlotte

Game 501-502
February 27, 2018 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Chicago
112.813
Charlotte
120.775
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Charlotte
by 8
221
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Charlotte
by 10 1/2
215 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Chicago
(+10 1/2); Over

Brooklyn @ Cleveland

Game 503-504
February 27, 2018 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Brooklyn
113.458
Cleveland
122.516
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Cleveland
by 9
226
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Cleveland
by 11 1/2
220 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Brooklyn
(+11 1/2); Over

Philadelphia @ Miami

Game 505-506
February 27, 2018 @ 7:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Philadelphia
122.986
Miami
119.462
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Philadelphia
by 3 1/2
201
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Philadelphia
by 1
206
Dunkel Pick:
Philadelphia
(-1); Under

Washington @ Milwaukee

Game 507-508
February 27, 2018 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Washington
118.231
Milwaukee
123.187
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Milwaukee
by 5
207
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Milwaukee
by 3
211 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Milwaukee
(-3); Under

Sacramento @ Portland

Game 509-510
February 27, 2018 @ 10:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Sacramento
111.562
Portland
125.609
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Portland
by 14
205
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Portland
by 11 1/2
210 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Portland
(-11 1/2); Under

LA Clippers @ Denver

Game 511-512
February 27, 2018 @ 10:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
LA Clippers
117.231
Denver
123.764
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Denver
by 6 1/2
227
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Denver
by 4
232 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Denver
(-4); Under

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up

Tuesday, February 27

Bulls won their last four games with the Hornets; they’re 2-3 vs spread in last five visits here. Last four series games went over total. Chicago lost nine of its last 11 games; they’re 0-5 in last five tries as a road underdog. Three of their last four games went over total. Charlotte won its last four games; they’re 6-3 in last nine games as home favorites. Under is 4-2-1 in their last seven games.

Nets lost seven of last nine games with Cleveland; they’re 7-2-1 vs spread in last 10 series games. Under is 7-2-1 in last ten series games. Brooklyn lost eight of its last nine games; they’re 2-4 in last six games as road underdogs. Nets’ last three games stayed under total. Cleveland won five of its last seven games; they’re 2-5 in last seven games as home favorites. Cavaliers’ last three games stayed under.

Home side won last seven Philly-Miami games; 76ers are 2-2 vs spread in their last four visits here. Four of last five series games went over total. Sixers won seven of their last eight games; they’re 4-5 as road favorites. Three of their last four games went over the total. Heat lost eight of its last ten games; they’re 2-5 as home underdogs. Seven of last eight Miami games went over the total.

Road team won last four Milwaukee-Washington games; Wizards are 2-2 vs spread in last four visits to Wisconsin. Last five series games stayed under total. Washington won four of its last five games; they’re 11-3 as road underdogs. Over is 5-3 in their last eight games. Bucks won six of their last nine games; they’re 2-6 in last eight games as home favorites. Four of their last five games went over.

Portland won eight of last ten games with Sacramento; Kings are 2-2-1 vs spread in last five visits to Oregon. Seven of last ten series games stayed under total. Sacramento lost eight of its last ten games; they’re 7-2 in last nine games as road underdogs. Over is 5-1-1 in their last seven games. Portland won five of its last six games; they’re 4-2 in last six games as home favorites. Under is 5-3 in their last eight games.

Denver won three of last four games with the Clippers; eight of last ten series games stayed under the total. LA is 2-2 vs spread in last four visits to Denver. Clippers won six of their last eight games; they’re 10-3 vs spread in last 13 games as road underdogs. Last three LA games went over total. Nuggets won seven of their last nine games; they’re 4-6 in last 10 games as home favorites. Over is 9-1 in last ten Denver games.

[StarDust Bum]

NBA

Tuesday, February 27

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Report
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BROOKLYN @ CLEVELAND
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Brooklyn's last 5 games on the road
Brooklyn is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Cleveland
Cleveland is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Brooklyn
Cleveland is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Brooklyn

CHICAGO @ CHARLOTTE
Chicago is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Charlotte
Chicago is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Charlotte
Charlotte is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Charlotte is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home

PHILADELPHIA @ MIAMI
Philadelphia is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 5 games when playing Miami
Miami is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games
Miami is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Philadelphia

WASHINGTON @ MILWAUKEE
Washington is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
Washington is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Milwaukee's last 5 games when playing Washington
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Milwaukee's last 5 games

SACRAMENTO @ PORTLAND
The total has gone UNDER in 15 of Sacramento's last 17 games when playing on the road against Portland
Sacramento is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 games on the road
Portland is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Sacramento
Portland is 10-1 SU in its last 11 games at home

LA CLIPPERS @ DENVER
LA Clippers is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 games on the road
LA Clippers is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Denver's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Denver's last 7 games at home

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Long Sheet

Tuesday, February 27

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CHICAGO (20 - 40) at CHARLOTTE (27 - 33) - 2/27/2018, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) against Southeast division opponents this season.
CHARLOTTE is 59-76 ATS (-24.6 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CHARLOTTE is 12-22 ATS (-12.2 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent this season.

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

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BROOKLYN (20 - 41) at CLEVELAND (35 - 24) - 2/27/2018, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BROOKLYN is 10-1 ATS (+8.9 Units) after allowing 90 points or less over the last 3 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 19-39 ATS (-23.9 Units) in all games this season.
CLEVELAND is 7-17 ATS (-11.7 Units) when the total is greater than or equal to 220 this season.
CLEVELAND is 10-34 ATS (-27.4 Units) as a favorite this season.
CLEVELAND is 6-22 ATS (-18.2 Units) in home games this season.
CLEVELAND is 20-34 ATS (-17.4 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 3-11 ATS (-9.1 Units) after a loss by 10 points or more this season.
CLEVELAND is 6-20 ATS (-16.0 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
CLEVELAND is 6-17 ATS (-12.7 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
BROOKLYN is 6-3 against the spread versus CLEVELAND over the last 3 seasons
CLEVELAND is 7-2 straight up against BROOKLYN 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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PHILADELPHIA (32 - 26) at MIAMI (31 - 29) - 2/27/2018, 7:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MIAMI is 80-60 ATS (+14.0 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 51-32 ATS (+15.8 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 147-109 ATS (+27.1 Units) in February games since 1996.
MIAMI is 28-14 ATS (+12.6 Units) in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 41-25 ATS (+13.5 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 19-4 ATS (+14.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 81-58 ATS (+17.2 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHILADELPHIA is 5-4 against the spread versus MIAMI over the last 3 seasons
MIAMI is 5-4 straight up against PHILADELPHIA 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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WASHINGTON (35 - 25) at MILWAUKEE (33 - 26) - 2/27/2018, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 15-7 ATS (+7.3 Units) as an underdog this season.
WASHINGTON is 12-2 ATS (+9.8 Units) in road games against Central division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 398-468 ATS (-116.8 Units) in home games since 1996.
MILWAUKEE is 54-89 ATS (-43.9 Units) in home games in February games since 1996.
MILWAUKEE is 367-442 ATS (-119.2 Units) in the second half of the season since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 6-5 against the spread versus MILWAUKEE over the last 3 seasons
WASHINGTON is 7-4 straight up against MILWAUKEE over the last 3 seasons
5 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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SACRAMENTO (18 - 42) at PORTLAND (34 - 26) - 2/27/2018, 10:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PORTLAND is 17-7 ATS (+9.3 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
PORTLAND is 5-4 against the spread versus SACRAMENTO over the last 3 seasons
PORTLAND is 8-2 straight up against SACRAMENTO 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 CLIPPERS (31 - 27) at DENVER (33 - 27) - 2/27/2018, 10:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LA CLIPPERS are 214-268 ATS (-80.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season since 1996.
LA CLIPPERS are 33-24 ATS (+6.6 Units) in all games this season.
LA CLIPPERS are 19-10 ATS (+8.0 Units) in road games this season.
LA CLIPPERS are 11-2 ATS (+8.8 Units) in road games in February games over the last 2 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 11-2 ATS (+8.8 Units) after a division game this season.
LA CLIPPERS are 12-4 ATS (+7.6 Units) after a win by 10 points or more this season.
LA CLIPPERS are 22-11 ATS (+9.9 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 18-6 ATS (+11.4 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game this season.

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

[StarDust Bum]

Dinero Tracker - Feb. 27
February 27, 2018


Read the Dinero Tracker's mission statement here
Last night's ATS Records
NBA: 2-3 | NCAA BB: 4-3

Following up a 29-11 day in college by going 3-9 wasn't ideal. There were some heinous finishes in the mix, so you can find the best details below. Following up an 8-1 night in NBA with a 5-3 was a decent follow-up, but the 76ers unexpectedly slumped on the road to keep it from being far better. Both sets of guarantees came in for a third straight day. Here is Sunday's recap, complete with some of the highlights (and lowlights):

TUESDAY'S FREE SELECTION

The pick: Bulls +10.5
The Hornets have come out of the All-Star break with great purpose, running their streak of wins by 15 or more points to three games by taking care of the Wizards and Pistons. Buzz City should continue its push with a victory here, but the additional points the Bulls are getting coming in on the second night of a back-to-back may be too generous. Zach LaVine didn't play last night and will participate here, while the team's depth should give Fred Hoiberg fresh options to throw out there at Charlotte. Dwight Howard has been fantastic, but we can always count on him to leave a few points behind at the free-throw line. Either by hanging around for 48 minutes or slithering in through an open back door, I'm bullish on Chicago covering. Take the points.

MONDAY'S FREE SELECTION

The pick: Lakers ML -118
Although the danger existed that the young impressionable Laker lads might get swallowed up by Atlanta's evening delights, everyone should be in the mix to try and continue a road trip that hits Miami and San Antonio next. They'll have a few days in South Florida to monitor before the next move, but I like them to continue a surge that will produce their fourth winning streak of at least three games since 2018 began. They failed to win more than consecutive games over the season's first three months, but are clearly playing much better and won't regress with Lonzo Ball back. Atlanta just bought out Ersan Ilyasova, will be missing key backup Malcolm Delaney and have to deal with the reality that there are more Lakers fans in Philips Arena tonight than Hawks faithful. Ride L.A. on the money line to avoid laying the 1.5 on the road.

Result: The freebie is on a nice little run, so lunch is on you next time we meet. The Lakers got off to a strong start and never trailed after the 3:14 mark of the first quarter, rolling to a 123-104 win. The Lakers overcame 23 turnovers by hitting 15 3-pointers and shooting 52 percent. L.A. also outrebounded Atlanta 59-41. We'll see if the Lakers can avoid the South Beach flu next time out. They're suddenly pretty deep.

MONDAY'S LOCK

The pick: Raptors -10
The Pistons have seen Blake Griffin slump of late and they didn't play well at all in yesterday's visit to Charlotte. Although they're just north of Detroit across the border, the Pistons are again going to struggle in an opposing arena, especially against a team with multiple point guards who can take advantage of Reggie Jackson's continued absence. The Raptors had won their five February games at Air Canada Centre by an average of nearly 24 points prior to Friday's loss to Milwaukee and own the league's best home record. They should crush Detroit. Ride Toronto, guaranteed.

Result: The Raptors won every quarter and turned a six-point halftime lead into a commanding 22-point edge before the third quarter was halfway through, ultimately winning 123-94. The NBA guarantee is on a 7-for-8 run, coming in for a fourth straight day after this one.

LOCK THAT DIDN'T CLICK

The pick: Kansas -10.5
Mo Bamba is nursing an injured toe and is now dealing with controversy over extra benefits, so it remains to be seen whether he's played his last game at Texas. The future lottery pick is the key to Texas' success at both ends of the floor given the fact attrition has limited its quality depth, so his absence is a complete deal-breaker on taking the points. Considering it's also Senior Night in Lawrence and the team can celebrate another Big 12 title, conditions are ripe for a blowout. Lay the points and ride Kansas, guaranteed.

Result: My run of six straight college locks came to an end in painful fashion here. Although the number started at 9, the number reached 12 as news of Bamba's absence became official, so Kansas' 80-70 win just missed delivering on the cover. The Longhorns won the second half 38-35, showing heart in a game they were really never in after the first few minutes. Texas connected on a few huge open 3-pointers down the stretch and should be commended for not hanging its head despite being shorthanded. When Dylan Osetkowski fouled out, I thought this was in the bag. Coming up just short was a tough way to see the streak end.

BAD BEAT BULLETIN

The pick: Celtics/Grizzlies UNDER 203.5
The Celtics will have Aron Baynes back in the lineup and got quality contributions from Daniel Theis in his absence, so they'll have options against Marc Gasol, who will return to the lineup after a rest day. With Andrew Harrison set to pester Kyrie Irving, this has the makings of a sloppy game and will likely be non-competitive down the stretch. Typically, you need two teams to reach a total. Ride the under.

Result: I was channeling that Leo DiCaprio "Wolf of Wall Street" meme where he's losing his mind after this one failed to land safely. Despite Boston scoring 67 first-half points, we were still in position to come out a winner here due to how lopsided this was, but Memphis scored 57 second-half points as JaMychal Green couldn't miss a shot and Shane Larkin was having fun running the Celtics offense. With under four minutes left, the Celtics' lead was down to 98-85, which put us in great position to come in under the posted total with a few misses and some milking of the shot clock. Instead, nine of the next 11 possessions resulted in points. That put this game at 107-93 entering the final minute, so we still had a shot. Abdel Nader hit two free throws, Jarrell Martin hit a 3-pointer and Brice Johnson got a dunk that actually helped cover the 11.5-point spread in a 109-98 loss. Condolences to any Celtics-backers. My under beat was equally as painful.

TOTAL RECALL

The pick: Lipscomb/Stetson OVER 158.5
Lipscomb should advance in this A-Sun Tournament quarterfinal, but the No. 2 seed is being saddled with a 12-point spread, which could be problematic to cover since the Hatters do shoot the ball well. Casey Alexander will have his team pushing at all costs -- one of the reasons they average 81.7 poins -- so look for Stetson to be able to put up points as well since they're unlikely to be able to get this pace slowed down to their liking. Ride the over.  

Result: I was extremely tempted by laying points with the Bison, but just thought the dozen was too rich. It kept me from an in-game parlay, because the teams came through on clearing the total. Lipscomb won 89-73.

UPSET CITY

The pick: North Florida +6.5
The Ospreys have a number of guards who can really push tempo and fill it up, and they won't be lacking for confidence considering they just won at home over NJIT 86-75 on Feb. 17. UNF lost to the Highlanders in Jersey 91-59 in their first visit this season, but that game seems to have influenced this spread too much. Look for an aggressive performance from the visitors and ride North Florida and the over in this Atlantic Sun quarterfinal.

Result: North Florida got off to a tremendous start, capitalizing on an awful early offensive effort to build a 39-19 halftime lead at NJIT. The Highlanders predictably rallied, but couldn't get even and fell 80-76 in a 5-over-4 upset. We just missed on this in-game parlay, coming up a 3-pointer short.

CARDIAC ATTACK

The pick: Georgetown/Marquette OVER 157.5
This feels like a game where the team that has the ball last will wind up pulling out the win. With Marquette getting guard Markus Howard back, they'll have enough shotmakers to win on the road, but will have to overcome Marcus Derrickson's ability to go inside-outside and a likely big night from Jesse Govan in the post. Ride the over.

Result: While there were some unfortunate moments on Monday, we were blessed with some good luck too. The Hoyas and Golden Eagles were on track to deliver this total all night until the final few minutes of regulation, where both teams hit a lull. Sam Hauser hit a 3-pointer with 2.9 seconds left to make it 78-76 and it looked like this bet was toast, but Hoyas guard Jonathan Mulmore somehow raced down the court inside three ticks for an uncontested layup that bought us an extra five minutes. Did they start the clock late? It was incredible. Marquette ended up with a 90-86 OT win, draining 18 3-pointers.

SWING AND A MISS

The pick: Kennesaw State +3.5
The Dolphins have been pounded today, going from a pick’em when this line was unveiled to where this line is right now, where you can get more than a possession approaching the start of this A-Sun Tournament. Although the Dolphins will be at home, they have lost key guard JD Notae, a capable defender and one of the team’s best shooters. Al Skinner coaches the Owls and got some improvement from his group down the stretch. It wouldn’t be surprising to see them win this outright. Ride Kennesaw State plus the points.

Result: The betting markets had this one right. Notae's absence was overcome effectively by JU, which held serve at home 87-68. I've been to Swisher Gym a number of times in my life, and every instance was far more entertaining that what I saw via stream last night. Still, it can never be said that I don't love the A-Sun!

PROOF OF CLAIRVOYANCE

The pick: Duke/Virginia Tech UNDER 155
Both teams are likely to ride their zone heavily, so the key to this game winding up lower-scoring than expected will be avoiding any shooters catching fire and ensuring the Hokies don't get going in transition. Avoiding overtime obviously is key too, but otherwise, the under is a solid total play.

Result: This was never in doubt, so all we had to do was avoid overtime as Duke melted down in the final minutes. Virginia Tech won 64-63 in a game where both teams committed to zone, resulting in this final score falling 28 points shy of the posted total.

[StarDust Bum]

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 27
GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS

BK at CLE 07:00 PM
BK +10.0
U 221.5

CHI at CHA 07:00 PM
CHI +11.0
O 218.0

PHI at MIA 07:30 PM
PHI +1.0
U 205.0

WAS at MIL 08:00 PM
MIL -3.0
U 212.0

SAC at POR 10:00 PM
POR -12.0
U 208.5

LAC at DEN 10:30 PM
DEN -5.0
U 229.5