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

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Dunkel

Wednesday, April 4


Boston @ Toronto

Game 501-502
April 4, 2018 @ 8:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Boston
117.734
Toronto
127.619
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Toronto
by 10
204
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Toronto
by 7 1/2
206
Dunkel Pick:
Toronto
(-7 1/2); Under

Philadelphia @ Detroit

Game 503-504
April 4, 2018 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Philadelphia
127.096
Detroit
121.401
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Philadelphia
by 5 1/2
215
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Philadelphia
by 1 1/2
210
Dunkel Pick:
Philadelphia
(-1 1/2); Over

Dallas @ Orlando

Game 505-506
April 4, 2018 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Dallas
114.089
Orlando
115.125
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Orlando
by 1
204
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Dallas
by 1 1/2
202 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Orlando
(+1 1/2); Over

Miami @ Atlanta

Game 507-508
April 4, 2018 @ 7:35 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Miami
118.502
Atlanta
112.447
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Miami
by 6
209
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Miami
by 8 1/2
205
Dunkel Pick:
Atlanta
(+8 1/2); Over

Memphis @ New Orleans

Game 509-510
April 4, 2018 @ 8:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Memphis
107.645
New Orleans
122.713
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
New Orleans
by 15
213
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
New Orleans
by 12
216 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
New Orleans
(-12); Under

San Antonio @ LA Lakers

Game 511-512
April 4, 2018 @ 10:35 pm

Dunkel Rating:
San Antonio
124.462
LA Lakers
116.895
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
San Antonio
by 7 1/2
211
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
San Antonio
by 6
208
Dunkel Pick:
San Antonio
(-6); Over

[StarDust Bum]

Wednesday's Tip Sheet
April 4, 2018

Game of the Night: Celtics at Raptors (-7 ½, 206) – 8:00 PM EST

The top spot in the Atlantic division (along with the number one seed in the Eastern Conference) is still up for grabs heading into the final week of the season. The Raptors (55-22 SU, 40-37 ATS) are not doing a good job of closing out, as Toronto has dropped five of its past eight games, while failing to cover in nine consecutive contests.

Toronto is coming off a pair of road losses at Boston and Cleveland, as the Raptors have fallen twice at Quicken Loans Arena in the last two weeks. The most recent setback came in Tuesday’s 112-106 defeat as 1 ½-point underdogs to the Cavs, as guard Kyle Lowry was limited to five points on 2-of-11 shooting from the floor. Dwane Casey’s team dropped to 2-4 against Boston and Cleveland this season as both victories came at Air Canada Center.

The Celtics (53-24 SU, 48-27-2 ATS) are also playing with no rest following Tuesday’s 106-102 defeat at Milwaukee to snap a six-game winning streak. Boston barely covered as 4 ½-point underdogs, while Al Horford led the Celtics with 24 points in the defeat. Since the All-Star break, Brad Stevens’ club owns a 13-5 SU and 14-4 ATS mark, including five consecutive covers in the ‘dog role.

This series has been owned by the home team recently with the home squad compiling a 9-1 mark the last 10 meetings dating back to January 2016. The Celtics haven’t won at Air Canada Center since April 2015, a victory which came by one point, as Toronto is riding a five-game home winning streak against Boston, while covering each time.

Steamrolling Sixers

Toronto may not be playing its best basketball at the moment, but Philadelphia has certainly turned the corner of late. The 76ers (47-30 SU, 45-30-2 ATS) have won 11 straight games, while covering in each of the last nine opportunities. The most recent victory occurred in Tuesday’s 121-95 blowout of Brooklyn, while cashing their fourth consecutive UNDER. Philadelphia has also pulled out five straight road victories, although none of the teams it beat during this stretch are currently above the .500 mark.

The Sixers will draw another below .500 squad this evening with a trip to Detroit to face the surging Pistons (37-40 SU, 38-37-2 ATS). Although Detroit is barely breathing for a playoff spot in the East, the Pistons are closing strong by winning five straight and seven of their past eight games with the lone loss coming in overtime at Houston. Stan Van Gundy’s team is riding an 8-0 ATS run the last eight games, while posting a 5-1 SU and 6-0 ATS mark in their past six contests at Little Caesars Arena.

Road Woes

The good news for the Spurs (45-33 SU, 41-35-2 ATS) is they didn’t have to travel for tonight’s contest in Los Angeles. The bad news is, San Antonio suffered its 10th loss in the past 11 road games following Tuesday’s 113-110 setback to the Clippers at Staples Center. The Spurs squandered a 14-point lead after the first quarter and allowed the Clippers to outscore them, 41-27 in the final quarter. Don’t put the blame on LaMarcus Aldridge, as the Spurs’ forward scored 35 points in 13-of-21 shooting, but the Clippers were aided by hitting 34-of-43 free throws.

The second leg of the L.A. trip takes place against the Lakers (33-44 SU, 40-37 ATS), who managed a cover as 11-point underdogs in Tuesday’s 117-110 defeat at Utah. The loss was the third in a row for the Lakers, who play their final five games at Staples Center to close the season. Surprisingly, the Lakers have defeated the Spurs twice this season, including a 116-112 triumph at AT&T Center as six-point underdogs last month.

Scratching the Surface

It’s been a nightmare season for the Grizzlies (21-56 SU, 33-42-2 ATS), who fired their head coach in November and lost star guard Mike Conley to an injury early on. Memphis has actually been a decent team to back down the stretch by covering four straight games. The latest ATS victory came in Sunday’s 113-98 loss at Portland, but Memphis picked up the cover as 16-point underdogs, its third straight ATS win when receiving at least 10 points.

The Grizzlies travel to New Orleans to face a Pelicans’ (43-34 SU, 40-36-1 ATS) squad in desperate need of a win. The Pelicans are going backwards at the wrong time by losing four straight, all to teams that will be in the playoffs (Houston, Portland, Cleveland, Oklahoma City). The offense has dried up as well by scoring 104 points or fewer in each of those defeats, which is seven points lower than their season average.

The Pelicans have yet to be listed as a double-digit favorite this season, while posting a 1-4 ATS mark when laying at least nine points. Memphis has captured two of three meetings this season, while the Grizzlies own a perfect 3-0 ATS mark against the Pelicans.

[StarDust Bum]

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 4
GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS

DAL at ORL 07:00 PM
DAL +3.5
O 198.5

PHI at DET 07:00 PM
PHI -2.0

MIA at ATL 07:30 PM
ATL +8.0

BOS at TOR 08:00 PM
BOS +7.0

MEM at NO 08:00 PM
MEM +13.0
O 215.5

SA at LAL 10:30 PM
LAL +6.5
U 208.5

[StarDust Bum]

Raptors beat Celtics to close in on top seed in East
April 4, 2018

TORONTO (AP) DeMar DeRozan scored 16 points, Fred VanVleet and Serge Ibaka each had 15 and the Toronto Raptors moved closer to clinching the top seed in the Eastern Conference by beating the Boston Celtics 96-78 on Wednesday night.

Toronto increased its lead over second-place Boston to three games. Both teams have four games left.

Kyle Lowry scored 13 points for the Raptors, who earned a split in the season series with the Celtics and clinched the tiebreaker over Boston, based on each team's record in conference play. Toronto is 37-11 against the East, while Boston is 31-17.

With its 56th win of the season, Toronto matched the franchise record set in 2015-16.

Marcus Morris scored 21 points for Boston in its lowest-sciring ggame of the season.

The Celtics shot 3 for 22 from 3-point range.

76ERS 115, PISTONS 108

DETROIT (AP) - JJ Redick scored 25 points, and Philadelphia won its 12th straight game, eliminating Detroit from playoff contention.

The Pistons had their five-game winning streak snapped, and their defeat clinched a postseason spot for the Milwaukee Bucks.

Anthony Tolliver scored 25 points for the Pistons and went 7 of 8 from 3-point range. Detroit was without star forward Blake Griffin (bruised right ankle) and the 76ers were missing center Joel Embiid (concussion, orbital fracture).

HEAT 115, HAWKS 86

ATLANTA (AP) - Kelly Olynyk scored 19 points, including 15 on five 3-pointers when Miami took the lead for good in the second period, and the Heat beat Atlanta, capping a sweep of back-to-back games between Southeast Division rivals.

Miami rested Dwyane Wade, Goran Dragic and James Johnson one day after clinching a playoff berth by beating the Hawks in Miami. Josh Richardson also had 19 points, and Justise Winslow had 18 for Miami.

Taurean Prince led Atlanta with 20 points.

PELICANS 123, GRIZZLIES 95

NEW ORLEANS (AP) - E'Twaun Moore scored 30 points, and Anthony Davis had 28 points and 12 rebounds in a return to form to help New Orleans rout Memphis.

Davis struggled in the previous two games after twisting an ankle in a loss to Portland on March 27. He made 8 of 13 field goals, 11 of 13 free throws and had three blocks and two steals.

The eighth-place Pelicans ended a season-worst four-game losing streak and increased their lead over idle Denver to a full game for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference.

MarShon Brooks scored 25 points for the Grizzlies.

MAGIC 105, MAVERICKS 100

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) - Rookie Jamel Artis had 18 points for his second straight career high for Orlando.

Artis was coming off a 16-point game Tuesday night in a victory at New York. Aaron Gordon led the Magic with 20 points without playing in the fourth quarter.

Jalen Jones led Dallas with 15 points. The Mavericks listed seven players out with injuries including Dirk Nowitzki, the 19-year veteran who missed only his second game of the season.

[StarDust Bum]

SCHEDULE FOR THURSDAY APRIL 5, 2018
Time (ET) Away Home Site
7:00 PM Golden State Warriors Indiana Pacers Bankers Life Fieldhouse
8:00 PM Brooklyn Nets Milwaukee Bucks BMO Harris Bradley Center
8:00 PM Portland Trail Blazers Houston Rockets Toyota Center
8:00 PM Washington Wizards Cleveland Cavaliers Quicken Loans Arena
9:00 PM Los Angeles Clippers Utah Jazz Vivint Smart Home Arena
10:30 PM Minnesota Timberwolves Denver Nuggets Pepsi Center


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DATE W-L-T % UNITS RECORD

04/04/2018 4-5-0 44.44% -7.50
04/01/2018 15-8-1 65.22% +31.00

Total...............19-13-1......59.37%.....+23.50

[StarDust Bum]

Thursday’s 6-pack

Betting props for the Masters:

— Will Eldrick Woods make the cut? Yes -$170, No +$140

— Will Jordan Spieth hit a ball in water on 12th hole this week? Yes +$140, No -$190

— Most strokes recorded on any hole by any player: 8 Yes/No both -$115

— Lowest round by any player in any round: 65.5 Over/under both -$115

— Highest round by any player in any round: 82.5 Over/under both -$115

— Will there be a playoff in The Masters? Yes +$235, No —$285

Quote of the Day
“What’s right isn’t always popular and what’s popular isn’t always right.”
John Calipari

Thursday’s quiz
Which National League starting pitcher was once a backup QB at Michigan?

Wednesday’s quiz
Luxor is the Las Vegas hotel/casino that is shaped like a pyramid.

Tuesday’s quiz
Toronto catcher Russell Martin broke into the major leagues with the Dodgers.

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

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

13) One of the basic truths of life: Baseball players get hurt a lot. Season started with 113 players on the disabled list, little less than four players per team.

12) There were 925 sacrifice bunts in the major leagues LY, fewest of any season since 1900.

11) When Ichiro Suzuki gets inducted into the Hall of Fame someday, it’ll a proud day for retired P Ryan Vogelsong. Ichiro was 0-15 in his career against Vogelsong.

10) New England now has four of the first 63 picks in the NFL Draft in three weeks. This is the first time since 1998 the Patriots have two 1st-round picks and two 2nd-round picks in a draft.

9) 80-year old Jim Harrick, who won a national title at UCLA in 1995, will be on Mark Gottfried’s staff at Cal-Northridge next winter. Gottfried was an assistant on that UCLA staff in ’95, with Lorenzo Romar and Steve Lavin.

8) Most NCAA tournament wins since 2000:
Kansas 49, North Carolina 48, Duke 46, Mich State/Kentucky 42

7) Dodgers pitchers allowed 8 bases-loaded walks all of last season; they issued three in the 7th inning alone Tuesday night in Arizona.

6) They had the par-3 tournament at Augusta National Wednesday; guys can have whoever they want caddy for them, and Jack Nicklaus had one of his grandsons caddy for him. They let the caddies hit a few shots, and the 15-year old grandson gets a hole-in-one, his first ever. Wow.

5) Pro golfer Tony Finau also got a hole-in-one Wednesday, but he dislocated his ankle while he was celebrating the ace. He put the ankle back in place and finished his round. Was odd to see; he just reached down and put the ankle back in place.

4) Thursday, Baltimore Ravens’ GM/coach Ozzie Newsome and John Harbaugh will be questioned under oath as part of the Colin Kaepernick collusion grievance.

Wednesday, the Ravens gave QB Robert Griffin III a one-year, $1M contract for 2018.

Maybe I watch too many movies, but I’m thinking this isn’t a coincidence.

3) College basketball coaching carousel:
— St Peter’s coach John Donne stays in the MAAC, but moves to Marist.
— Rhode Island promoted assistant David Cox to head coach.
— East Carolina signed Florida Gulf Coast coach Joe Dooley as its new coach.
— South Dakota hired Grand Canyon assistant Todd Lee as its new coach.

2) Cardinals led off Tuesday’s game with back/back homers off of Chase Anderson; last time the Redbirds started a game that way was when Curt Flood and Gene Freese led off with home runs off a guy named Sandy Koufax, on August 17, 1958.

1— Colorado Rockies gave Charlie Blackmon a 6-year, $108M contract, so he is staying in the friendly confines of Coors Field and will never, ever get traded in our fantasy league.

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Long Sheet

Thursday, April 5

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GOLDEN STATE (57 - 21) at INDIANA (46 - 32) - 4/5/2018, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
GOLDEN STATE is 32-43 ATS (-15.3 Units) in all games this season.
GOLDEN STATE is 31-39 ATS (-11.9 Units) as a favorite this season.
GOLDEN STATE is 8-17 ATS (-10.7 Units) after 3 or more consecutive wins this season.
GOLDEN STATE is 14-24 ATS (-12.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
GOLDEN STATE is 4-13 ATS (-10.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season this season.
INDIANA is 45-33 ATS (+8.7 Units) in all games this season.
INDIANA is 10-1 ATS (+8.9 Units) in April games over the last 2 seasons.
INDIANA is 73-50 ATS (+18.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
INDIANA is 21-11 ATS (+8.9 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game this season.
GOLDEN STATE is 128-92 ATS (+26.8 Units) in April games since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
GOLDEN STATE is 3-2 against the spread versus INDIANA over the last 3 seasons
GOLDEN STATE is 4-1 straight up against INDIANA 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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PORTLAND (48 - 30) at HOUSTON (63 - 15) - 4/5/2018, 8:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
PORTLAND is 5-4 against the spread versus HOUSTON over the last 3 seasons
HOUSTON is 7-3 straight up against PORTLAND 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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WASHINGTON (42 - 36) at CLEVELAND (48 - 30) - 4/5/2018, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 34-42 ATS (-12.2 Units) in all games this season.
WASHINGTON is 22-40 ATS (-22.0 Units) in road games versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game since 1996.
WASHINGTON is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) in road games against Central division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 30-47 ATS (-21.7 Units) in all games this season.
CLEVELAND is 18-41 ATS (-27.1 Units) as a favorite this season.
CLEVELAND is 13-25 ATS (-14.5 Units) in home games this season.
CLEVELAND is 12-22 ATS (-12.2 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game this season.

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

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BROOKLYN (25 - 53) at MILWAUKEE (42 - 36) - 4/5/2018, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BROOKLYN is 43-34 ATS (+5.6 Units) in all games this season.
BROOKLYN is 35-26 ATS (+6.4 Units) as an underdog this season.
BROOKLYN is 25-13 ATS (+10.7 Units) in road games this season.
BROOKLYN is 20-9 ATS (+10.1 Units) in road games in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
BROOKLYN is 27-13 ATS (+12.7 Units) in road games revenging a home loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
BROOKLYN is 27-17 ATS (+8.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
BROOKLYN is 15-5 ATS (+9.5 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
BROOKLYN is 14-5 ATS (+8.5 Units) in road games versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game this season.
MILWAUKEE is 72-89 ATS (-25.9 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 35-48 ATS (-17.8 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 12-24 ATS (-14.4 Units) in home games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 2-11 ATS (-10.1 Units) in home games in the second half of the season this season.
MILWAUKEE is 10-24 ATS (-16.4 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 86-118 ATS (-43.8 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record - 2nd half of the season since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
MILWAUKEE is 6-3 against the spread versus BROOKLYN over the last 3 seasons
MILWAUKEE is 9-0 straight up against BROOKLYN 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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LA CLIPPERS (42 - 36) at UTAH (45 - 33) - 4/5/2018, 9:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LA CLIPPERS are 221-276 ATS (-82.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season since 1996.
UTAH is 36-24 ATS (+9.6 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 24-15 ATS (+7.5 Units) in road games this season.
LA CLIPPERS are 26-15 ATS (+9.5 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
UTAH is 9-8 against the spread versus LA CLIPPERS over the last 3 seasons
LA CLIPPERS is 9-8 straight up against UTAH over the last 3 seasons
9 of 17 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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MINNESOTA (44 - 34) at DENVER (43 - 35) - 4/5/2018, 10:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 71-86 ATS (-23.6 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 32-46 ATS (-18.6 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 368-436 ATS (-111.6 Units) in the second half of the season since 1996.
DENVER is 52-35 ATS (+13.5 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 3 seasons.
DENVER is 19-9 ATS (+9.1 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.

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

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

NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up

Thursday, April 5

Golden State won six of last eight games with Indiana; Warriors are 3-2 vs spread in last five visits here. Under is 3-1 in last four series games played here. Golden State won its last three games; they’re 3-6 vs spread in last nine games as road favorites. Under is 5-3 in their last eight games. Pacers won five of their last six games; they’re 5-6 as home underdogs. Under is 5-3 in their last eight games.

Rockets won six of last seven games with Portland; over is 7-1 in last eight series games. Blazers 2-2 vs spread in last four games in Houston. Portland won four of its last six games; they’re 5-0 vs spread in last five games as road underdogs. Over is 6-3 in last nine series games. Houston won nine of its last ten games; they’re 5-2 in last seven games as home favorites. Five of their last seven games stayed under.

Road team won last six Washington-Cleveland games; Wizards covered three of their last four visits to Ohio (under 3-1). Wizards lost six of their last eight games; they’re 11-5 as road underdogs. Under is 5-2-1 in their last eight games. Cavaliers won nine of their last ten games; they covered last three games as home favorites. Last five Cleveland games stayed under the total.

Bucks won their last ten games with Brooklyn (7-3 vs spread); Nets are 2-3 vs spread in last five visits to Milwaukee. Four of last five series games stayed under. Brooklyn lost five of its last seven games; they’re 2-4 in last six games as road underdogs. Three of their last four games stayed under. Bucks won five of their last seven games; they’re 0-10 vs spread in last 10 games as home favorites. Over is 9-1 in their last ten games.

Clippers lost five of last seven games with the Jazz; they’re 2-2 vs spread in last four visits to Utah. Three of last four series games went over. Clippers won four of their last six games; they’re 2-5 in last seven games as road underdogs. Under is 5-2 in their last seven games. Utah won four of its last five games; they’re 0-5 vs spread in last five games as home favorites. Six of last seven Jazz games went over.

Minnesota won its last four games with the Nuggets; they’re 4-1 vs spread in last five visits to Denver. Under is 5-2 in last seven series games. Timberwolves are 4-5 in their last nine games; they’re 2-7 in last nine games as road underdogs. Over is 7-3 in their last ten games. Nuggets won their last three games by total of 7 points; they’re 2-6 in last eight games as home favorites. Over is 5-2-1 in their last eight games.


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NBA

Thursday, April 5

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Trend Report
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Golden State Warriors
Golden State is 5-12 ATS in its last 17 games
Golden State is 16-8 SU in its last 24 games
The total has gone UNDER in 12 of Golden State's last 17 games
Golden State is 5-10 ATS in its last 15 games on the road
Golden State is 18-7 SU in its last 25 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Golden State's last 5 games on the road
Golden State is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Indiana
Golden State is 4-12 ATS in its last 16 games when playing on the road against Indiana
Golden State is 4-12 SU in its last 16 games when playing on the road against Indiana
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Golden State's last 8 games when playing on the road against Indiana
Indiana Pacers
Indiana is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games
Indiana is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 14 of Indiana's last 18 games
Indiana is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Indiana is 13-3 SU in its last 16 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Indiana's last 7 games at home
Indiana is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Golden State
Indiana is 12-4 ATS in its last 16 games when playing at home against Golden State
Indiana is 12-4 SU in its last 16 games when playing at home against Golden State
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Indiana's last 8 games when playing at home against Golden State


Washington Wizards
Washington is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games
Washington is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games
Washington is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Washington is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Washington's last 6 games on the road
Washington is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Cleveland
Washington is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing Cleveland
Washington is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Cleveland
Washington is 8-17 SU in its last 25 games when playing on the road against Cleveland
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Washington's last 12 games when playing on the road against Cleveland
Cleveland Cavaliers
Cleveland is 8-1 ATS in its last 9 games
Cleveland is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Cleveland's last 5 games
Cleveland is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Cleveland is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Cleveland's last 5 games at home
Cleveland is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Washington
Cleveland is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing Washington
Cleveland is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Washington
Cleveland is 17-8 SU in its last 25 games when playing at home against Washington
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Cleveland's last 12 games when playing at home against Washington


Portland Trail Blazers
Portland is 13-3-2 ATS in its last 18 games
Portland is 17-4 SU in its last 21 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Portland's last 9 games
Portland is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Portland is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Portland's last 15 games on the road
Portland is 2-4-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Houston
Portland is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing Houston
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Portland's last 8 games when playing Houston
Portland is 6-18 SU in its last 24 games when playing on the road against Houston
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Portland's last 6 games when playing on the road against Houston
Houston Rockets
Houston is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games
Houston is 12-1 SU in its last 13 games
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Houston's last 15 games
Houston is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Houston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Houston's last 8 games at home
Houston is 4-7-1 ATS in its last 12 games when playing Portland
Houston is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing Portland
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Houston's last 8 games when playing Portland
Houston is 18-6 SU in its last 24 games when playing at home against Portland
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Houston's last 6 games when playing at home against Portland


Brooklyn Nets
Brooklyn is 6-19 SU in its last 25 games
Brooklyn is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 games on the road
Brooklyn is 3-13 SU in its last 16 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Brooklyn's last 10 games on the road
Brooklyn is 3-9-1 ATS in its last 13 games when playing Milwaukee
Brooklyn is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Milwaukee
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Brooklyn's last 15 games when playing Milwaukee
Brooklyn is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Milwaukee
Brooklyn is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Milwaukee
Milwaukee Bucks
Milwaukee is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games
Milwaukee is 8-15 ATS in its last 23 games
Milwaukee is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 12 of Milwaukee's last 13 games
Milwaukee is 2-11 ATS in its last 13 games at home
Milwaukee is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Milwaukee's last 5 games at home
Milwaukee is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 games when playing Brooklyn
Milwaukee is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Brooklyn
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Milwaukee's last 15 games when playing Brooklyn
Milwaukee is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Brooklyn
Milwaukee is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Brooklyn


Los Angeles Clippers
LA Clippers is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games
LA Clippers is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of LA Clippers's last 7 games
LA Clippers is 15-7 ATS in its last 22 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of LA Clippers's last 5 games on the road
LA Clippers is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Utah
LA Clippers is 17-8 SU in its last 25 games when playing Utah
LA Clippers is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing Utah
LA Clippers is 7-16-2 ATS in its last 25 games when playing on the road against Utah
LA Clippers is 11-3 SU in its last 14 games when playing on the road against Utah
The total has gone OVER in 4 of LA Clippers's last 5 games when playing on the road against Utah
Utah Jazz
Utah is 2-7 ATS in its last 9 games
Utah is 14-3 SU in its last 17 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Utah's last 7 games
Utah is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Utah is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Utah's last 13 games at home
Utah is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games when playing LA Clippers
Utah is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing LA Clippers
Utah is 8-17 SU in its last 25 games when playing LA Clippers
Utah is 3-11 SU in its last 14 games when playing at home against LA Clippers
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Utah's last 5 games when playing at home against LA Clippers


Minnesota Timberwolves
Minnesota is 0-4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 17 of Minnesota's last 23 games
Minnesota is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
Minnesota is 5-15 SU in its last 20 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Minnesota's last 6 games on the road
Minnesota is 3-6 ATS in its last 9 games when playing Denver
Minnesota is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Denver
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Minnesota's last 7 games when playing Denver
Minnesota is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Denver
Minnesota is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Denver
Minnesota is 7-15 SU in its last 22 games when playing on the road against Denver
Denver Nuggets
Denver is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 17 of Denver's last 25 games
Denver is 2-7 ATS in its last 9 games at home
Denver is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Denver's last 11 games at home
Denver is 6-3 ATS in its last 9 games when playing Minnesota
Denver is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Minnesota
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Denver's last 7 games when playing Minnesota
Denver is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games when playing at home against Minnesota
Denver is 15-7 SU in its last 22 games when playing at home against Minnesota
Denver is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Minnesota

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Dunkel

Thursday, April 5


Boston @ Toronto

Game 501-502
April 4, 2018 @ 8:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Boston
117.734
Toronto
127.619
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Toronto
by 10
204
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Toronto
by 7 1/2
206
Dunkel Pick:
Toronto
(-7 1/2); Under

Philadelphia @ Detroit

Game 503-504
April 4, 2018 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Philadelphia
127.096
Detroit
121.401
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Philadelphia
by 5 1/2
215
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Philadelphia
by 1 1/2
210
Dunkel Pick:
Philadelphia
(-1 1/2); Over

Dallas @ Orlando

Game 505-506
April 4, 2018 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Dallas
114.089
Orlando
115.125
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Orlando
by 1
204
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Dallas
by 1 1/2
202 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Orlando
(+1 1/2); Over

Miami @ Atlanta

Game 507-508
April 4, 2018 @ 7:35 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Miami
118.502
Atlanta
112.447
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Miami
by 6
209
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Miami
by 8 1/2
205
Dunkel Pick:
Atlanta
(+8 1/2); Over

Memphis @ New Orleans

Game 509-510
April 4, 2018 @ 8:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Memphis
107.645
New Orleans
122.713
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
New Orleans
by 15
213
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
New Orleans
by 12
216 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
New Orleans
(-12); Under

San Antonio @ LA Lakers

Game 511-512
April 4, 2018 @ 10:35 pm

Dunkel Rating:
San Antonio
124.462
LA Lakers
116.895
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
San Antonio
by 7 1/2
211
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
San Antonio
by 6
208
Dunkel Pick:
San Antonio
(-6); Over

[StarDust Bum]

Hoop Trends - Thursday
April 5, 2018

ATS TREND OF THE DAY:

-- The Bucks are 0-11-1 ATS (-7.21 ppg) as a 8+ point favorite after they scored more than 50 points in the paint.

OU TREND OF THE DAY:

-- The Wizards are 13-0 OU (16.77 ppg) with less than two days rest off a road game in which they shot over 50% from the field.

PLAYER TREND OF THE DAY:

-- The Bucks are 0-11 ATS (-5.73 ppg) at home coming off a home game in which Giannis Antetokounmpo was their high scorer had a negative plus/minus.

CHOICE TREND:

-- The Timberwolves are 10-0 ATS (13.70 ppg) on the road with rest off a home game in which their opponent shot over 55% from the field.

ACTIVE TRENDS:

-- The Rockets are 0-9 OU (-11.17 ppg) off a win in a home game in which James Harden made at least five three pointers.

-- The Timberwolves are 9-0 ATS (10.67 ppg) off a loss as a home dog in which Andrew Wiggins was the high scorer.

[StarDust Bum]

Thursday's Best Bet
April 5, 2018

Thursday NBA Best Bet

Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Denver Nuggets

Some of the most legitimate NBA title contenders are out on the floor tonight as Golden State, Cleveland, and Houston all find themselves in action. The Rockets are laying the most points out of the three but do have the toughest caliber of opponent with Portland in town, but it's teams like them that have already clinched spots etc (although not all is solved for Cleveland just yet), that become tough to handicap this time of year because who really knows how motivated they'll be with the playoffs right around the corner.

That leads me to the game I'm focusing on tonight as the playoffs aren't a certainty for either Minnesota or Denver right now, as the latter is currently on the outside looking in, while Minnesota holds just a one-game lead over the Nuggets. This is a game that should have the look and feel of a playoff contest tonight and with motivation on either side not going to be a concern, it's here where I am investing some units.

Denver (-4.5); Total set at 223.5

What's interesting to note already about this game is the fact that many are expecting a playoff atmosphere for this game and looking for the respective defenses to show up. This total has dropped from it's opening number of 226.5 to where it sits now, and given what's at stake for both sides it's rather expected that the 'under' would see some movement here. Both of the previous meetings this year have cashed 'over' tickets (one going to OT), so I wouldn't be going all-in on a total play or anything. In fact, I believe there is much more value in the side.

Minnesota won both of those prior meetings (going 1-1 ATS) with the road underdog covering the number each time out. Tonight it's Minnesota catching points once again as they have really been burning bettors money of late (0-5-1 ATS last six) and coming off a 24-point blowout loss on their own floor last time out. That game against Utah on Sunday was a disaster from start to finish for the T-Wolves, and you've got to believe they'll be much better tonight.

While a loss hurts Minnesota's playoff chances, it basically doesn't eliminate them in the same fashion it does for Denver tonight. The Nuggets absolutely need this game to stay alive and that “must-win” narrative is already showing signs of showing up tonight. More than 85% of the action on the side is on Denver minus the points, as bettors clearly want to side with the hotter team (Denver's won three straight) as they buy into the notion that a team always plays their best when in a “must-win” spot.

Yet, the fact is, that's simply not the case and often times couldn't be further from the truth. Those “must-win” spots that everyone talks about bring so much added pressure that guys start playing tight and start to look unrecognizable to their coach with their actions on the floor. That hasn't seemed to hurt Denver much of late on the surface with three straight wins, but take a look deeper and you'll see signs of the immense pressure starting to wear the Nuggets down.

Denver's three wins have come by a combined seven points and two of them were decided in OT. That's some high stakes basketball being played right there and with games against the likes of Toronto, Philadelphia, and Washington prior to this three-game winning streak starting (against three likely playoff teams too), fatigue is going to start catching up to the Nuggets and the ultimate “flat spot” is coming. Denver fans are hoping they can get into the playoffs before that happens, but the continued push to just get in is going to take it's toll sooner or later on this Nuggets squad.

That's why I'm grabbing the points with Minnesota tonight as they are the ones playing with a bit more house money in regards to the standings right now, and should be able to play much looser (and in turn, better) because of it. Yes, a loss would put them back a bit, but they'd still hold the tiebreaker over New Orleans and Denver for a playoff spot, and they've got two very winnable games on deck (Lakers, Grizzlies), before closing the season out with a home game against Denver in what could have even bigger stakes by the time we get there.

Minnesota could put a bit of that to rest with a victory tonight, and while they've been a money burner of late and are only really getting ML support tonight, I'm taking the safer route with these points. The last meeting between these two needed extra time to be decided, and tonight's game should be very similar with one possession deciding it either way.

Best Bet: Minnesota +4.5

[StarDust Bum]

Thursday's Essentials
April 5, 2018

Game of the Night - Minnesota at Denver (-5, 225), TNT, 10:35 ET

With four games remaining, there’s no room for error for the Nuggets and Clippers, the teams currently on the outside looking in the race for the Western Conference’s final five playoff spots. Only the Rockets, Warriors and Trail Blazers can rest easy entering Thursday night’s action.

Denver and Minnesota are separated by a single game and will play twice in the next week, squaring off again in Minneapolis to close the regular season next Wednesday. The Timberwolves hoped to have Jimmy Butler back from a knee injury for this first clash but will likely have to hang on without his services since he’s considered doubtful.

The Nuggets have been without one of their top two-way players, Gary Harris, for the last nine games. He won’t be back tonight either, but after losing the first two without him in the lineup, Denver has won five of seven. Will Barton has stepped up on the wing, while Paul Millsap has played his way into a rhythm and is making the type of contributions the team envisioned getting down the stretch when they signed him this offseason.

Center Nikola Jokic’s brilliance has been the one constant, similar to how the Timberwolves’ most stable presence without Butler has been young forward Karl-Anthony Towns. Both teams play through the post, ranking around the middle-of-the-pack in the league in pace but among the bottom-five in defensive efficiency. It would be strange to see this crucial game wind up low-scoring, even though desperation often does yield unexpected results.

The Nuggets have surrendered 100 or more points in 29 straight games but have scored at least 103 in 28 of those. The ‘over’ is 21-7-1 in those contests, and there’s no reason to expect that they’ll slow things down at home since they like to take advantage of their familiarity with the altitude. Both meetings with the Wolves have topped the posted total, though Denver did lose at home, 112-104, on Dec. 20. Harris and Millsap were absent for that one too, while Minnesota has had Butler for both encounters and have ridden his 32-point scoring average to a pair of wins.

Towns has shot over 60 percent and is averaging 19.5 points and 11.5 rebounds against the Nuggets, but he’ll now have to produce as the focal point of the offense. He scored a career-high 56 points against Atlanta last week but is just 23-for-62 from the field in the other four games of this 2-3 stretch that has put the Wolves’ playoff status in doubt.

Jokic has made 47 of his 84 shot attempts from the field over his last four games, including 10-for-24 from 3-point range. He's averaged 29.2 points, 12.8 rebounds and 6.5 assists, bouncing back with a vengeance after a rough outing against Joel Embiid. Millsap looked like a shell of himself since returning on Feb. 27, demonstrating only glimpses of the version we're used to seeing. He appears to have worked the rust off, working at least 30 minutes in each of the last five games and averaging 22.4 points and 8.4 boards.

Minnesota hasn’t covered in a game since beating the Clippers on March 20 and is on a 1-7-1 run against the spread. Butler has been out since just after the All-Star break and it’s been obvious that Tom Thibodeau’s regulars haven’t had a lot in the tank after playing so many minutes looking to make up for their All-Star wing’s absence.

The Timberwolves have failed to hit the century mark in three of their last four games, something that hadn’t happened this season. They’ve only had one other instance where they didn’t hit 100 points in consecutive games and rebounded for a 116-98 win against the Pelicans on Jan. 6. Squaring off against a team that isn’t likely to bog them down may aid their cause. They’ve won four straight in the series, including the last two at Pepsi Center, averaging over 115 points per game in sweeping all of 2017’s encounters over the course of last season and this one.

Game of the Night Too - L.A. Clippers at Utah (-7, 211), Prime Ticket, 9:05 ET

Tonight’s card is fantastic in that it features only one sub-.500 team participating in the six-pack of games, but only one other offering can match the desperation we’re likely to see from the teams above. After salvaging their season with a thrilling comeback win over suddenly vulnerable San Antonio on Tuesday, the Clippers remain alive, albeit needing to run the table while getting some help.

Still, it’s better than the alternative, which nearly became reality since they were down seven points entering the final few minutes before rallying to upset the Spurs. Austin Rivers drilled a huge 3-pointer to erase a deficit inside the final 30 seconds and Lou Williams continued his fourth-quarter brilliance to keep hope alive.

Now L.A. just has to survive its final road game of the season and it will realistically have a chance to claw back into the final eight since the Nuggets and Pelicans have to come to Staples over the weekend. There can be no looking ahead since the Jazz own a three-game winning streak that has it in the driver’s seat for the No. 4 seed, the final available spot that secures homecourt advantage in the first round.

Danilo Gallinari won’t be available, ruled out due to his injured hand again, so the Clippers will have to rely on a rotation that feature rookies Tyrone Wallace, C.J. Williams and Sindarius Thornton in heightened roles on the win. Lou Williams, DeAndre Jordan, Tobias Harris, Rivers and Montrezl Harrell are all playing well enough to trust that they’ll at least be able to hang around in Salt Lake City.

L.A. won the first meeting 102-84 way back on Oct. 24 but has dropped the last two games against the Jazz by double-digits. Blake Griffin was a part of two of the three contests, including the most recent encounter on Jan. 20. Jordan didn’t play in the 125-113 loss due to a sprained ankle, so there’s little that can be taken from the game outside of Williams exploding for 31 points, 10 steals and seven assists.

Gobert has played in two of the games and has shot 79 percent while Rookie of the Year candidate Donovan Mitchell has participated in all three and has averaged 22 points. The 21-year-old guard has scored 21 or more points in 10 straight to boost his season average to 20.4, tops among all first-year players.

The over is 6-1 over Utah’s last seven. The Jazz surrendered 110 points in Tuesday’s home win against the Lakers but have only given up 100 in consecutive games once since Jan. 21 and lead the Western Conference in defensive efficiency, ranking only behind Boston in Philadelphia.

Injury report

The Warriors are locked into the No. 2 seed in the West, so it's no surprise they're being cautious with Andre Iguodala's knee as they remain on the road following Tuesday's win in Oklahoma City by making their lone appearance in Indiana. The Pacers won in Oakland, 92-81, on March 27, but will now have to deal with Kevin Durant, Draymond Green and Klay Thompson, all of whom missed that game. Stephen Curry remains sidelined and won't return until late in the first round at the earliest.

The Cavs have a fun back-to-back to play as they attempt to secure a top-four seed beginning at home tonight against the Wizards. Head coach Tyronn Lue will be back on the sideline for Cleveland, which enters action even with the 76ers for the East's No. 3 spot and visits Philadelphia tomorrow night looking to snap their newest contender to throne's 12-game winning streak. LeBron James has played in only one April back-to-back since the 2014-15 season but has a chance to play all 82 games this season, so it will be interesting to see how he handles this situation.

George Hill is questionable with an ankle injury, while Washington counterpart John Wall has returned and is looking to play his way back into a rhythm. The Heat have moved into first place in the Southeast Division by a half-game to edge into sixth place in the East. For more, read this Wizards at Cavs preview from BookMaker.eu.

Damian Lillard is unlikely to play for Portland in Houston after aggravating an ankle sprain the other night. With the Blazers looking like a lock for No. 3, we may not see Lillard at all the rest of the regular season unless Terry Stotts throws him out there for a spell in the finale just so he doesn't accumulate rust. Chris Paul and James Harden are back for the Rockets, who will have almost everyone available with exception of Ryan Anderson, considered doubtful due to his own ankle issue.

The Bucks won't have to deal with Brooklyn forward DeMarre Carroll due to a hip injury, but will face Nets sniper Allen Crabbe, whose absence was clearly felt against the Sixers last time out.

[StarDust Bum]

THURSDAY, APRIL 5
GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS

GS at IND 07:00 PM
GS -2.0
O 209.5

WAS at CLE 08:00 PM
CLE -6.0
U 218.0

BK at MIL 08:00 PM
BK +8.5
U 220.0

POR at HOU 08:00 PM
HOU -10.5
O 213.5

LAC at UTA 09:00 PM
LAC +7.5
U 211.5

MIN at DEN 10:30 PM
MIN +5.0
U 224.5

[StarDust Bum]

LeBron keys Cavs' comeback win vs. Wiz
April 5, 2018

CLEVELAND (AP) LeBron James scored 13 of his 33 points in the fourth quarter and brought Cleveland Cavaliers back from a 17-point deficit to stun the Washington Wizards 119-115 on Thursday night and maintain the No. 3 playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

The Cavs trailed 104-87 with 7:35 left before storming back behind James, who added 14 assists, nine rebounds to give coach Tyronn Lue a win in his return after missing nine games due to health reasons.

Jeff Green added 21 points and Kevin Love had 16 for the Cavs, who are 10-1 since March 17, when Lue was forced to leave a game in Chicago with ''piercing'' chest pains.

It took another of those patented James' comebacks to down the Wizards, who have dropped seven of nine and are in a three-way battle with Milwaukee and Miami for playoff positioning.

Washington's John Wall looked more like his speedy All-Star self in his third game back from knee surgery, scoring 28 points with 14 assists. But he had a costly turnover in the closing seconds and the Wizards couldn't put away the Cavs down the stretch.

A basket by Markieff Morris gave the Wizards a 110-100 lead with 3:16 left, but James scored six straight, fed Green for layup, and Rodney Hood made two free throws to complete a 10-0 run by the Cavs.

Green's two free throws - on a tough call against Washington - gave the Cavs a 116-115 lead, but after Walls missed a short jumper, James split a pair of three throws, giving Washington one last chance.

Wall drove the lane but his twisting pass back outside was stolen by rookie Cedi Osman, who made two free throws to close it out.

ROCKETS 96, TRAIL BLAZERS 94

HOUSTON (AP) - Chris Paul hit an off-balance layup with 0.8 seconds left to lift Houston past Portland.

Paul scored 27 points to help Houston get its second straight victory since a loss to San Antonio. The Rockets swept their four-game season series with Portland.

Portland's Damian Lillard sat out after spraining his left ankle Tuesday against Dallas.

The Rockets led by 24 in the second quarter and still had a big lead with about five minutes left before the Trail Blazers went on a 19-2 run to tie it at 94-all with 6.1 seconds left.

James Harden, who finished with 24 points, missed two free throws with 13.3 seconds left before Pat Connaughton tied it with a short basket.

Paul made the winner before crashing to the court. It gave Houston its first points since Harden made a basket with just less than four minutes left. Portland had a chance to win it at the buzzer, but C.J. McCollum's 3-point attempt was off. McCollum led the Trail Blazers with 16 points.

PACERS 126, WARRIORS 106

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - Bojan Bogdanovic had 28 points, Victor Oladipo scored 14 of his 21 points in the second half and the playoff-bound Indiana beat Golden State.

The Pacers have won six of seven, including twice against the short-handed defending NBA champions. It's their first season sweep over the Warriors since 2011-12.

Kevin Durant had 27 points, five rebounds and seven assists, but Golden State's three-game winning streak ended. Klay Thompson had 16 points before being shut out in the second half. The Warriors were swept by an Eastern Conference team for the first time since Charlotte did it in 2013-14.

NETS 119, BUCKS 111

MILWAUKEE (AP) - Allen Crabbe scored 25 points and hit two 3-pointers in the closing minutes of a tight game, and Brooklyn Nets shot 48 percent from behind the arc to beat Milwaukee.

The sharpshooting Nets were 19 of 39 from 3-point range, dealing a blow to the Bucks' hopes of moving up from the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference playoff race.

Crabbe was clutch by hitting two of his five 3s over the final three minutes, the second coming with 1:18 left to give the Nets a six-point lead that sent Bucks fans to the exits.

Khris Middleton scored 31 points, and Giannis Antetokounmpo had 19 points and 10 rebounds for Milwaukee.

JAZZ 117, CLIPPERS 95

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) - Donovan Mitchell scored 19 points, Rudy Gobert had 15 point and 10 rebounds and Utah beat Los Angeles for its fourth straight victory.

Derrick Favors scored 16 points, and Jonas Jerebko and Alec Burks each had 13.

The Clippers were playing for their playoff lives but the Jazz displayed the intensity and urgency from the opening tip and never trailed. L.A. trails eighth-place New Orleans by 2 1/2 games with just three to play. ustin Rivers led Los Angeles with 19 points, and Montrezl Harrell had 17.

[StarDust Bum]

DATE W-L-T % UNITS RECORD

04/05/2018 4-8-0 33.33% -24.00
04/04/2018 4-5-0 44.44% -7.50
04/01/2018 15-8-1 65.22% +31.00

Total...............23-21-1......52.27%.....- 0.50


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


SCHEDULE FOR FRIDAY APRIL 6, 2018
Time (ET) Away Home Site
7:00 PM Atlanta Hawks Washington Wizards Capital One Arena
7:00 PM Charlotte Hornets Orlando Magic Amway Center
7:00 PM Cleveland Cavaliers Philadelphia 76ers Wells Fargo Center
7:00 PM Dallas Mavericks Detroit Pistons Little Caesars Arena
7:30 PM Chicago Bulls Boston Celtics TD Garden
7:30 PM Indiana Pacers Toronto Raptors Air Canada Centre
7:30 PM Miami Heat New York Knicks Madison Square Garden
8:00 PM Sacramento Kings Memphis Grizzlies FedExForum
10:00 PM New Orleans Pelicans Phoenix Suns Talking Stick Resort Arena
10:30 PM Minnesota Timberwolves Los Angeles Lakers Staples Center

[StarDust Bum]

Friday’s 6-pack

Major league batting averages the last seven years, for lefty hitters who pull the ball on the ground. Shifting has forced lefty batters to hit the ball in the air more.

2017 – .197

2016 – .193

2015 – .207

2014 – .208

2013 – .222

2012 – .221

2011 – .235

Quote of the Day
“It’s the first time in my career where I make a 13 without missing a shot. Simple as that. I felt like I hit a lot of good shots and unfortunately the ball just didn’t want to stop. It’s just unfortunate, but that’s what it is.”
Sergio Garcia, after shooting 81 Thursday, including a 13 on the 15th hole

Friday’s quiz
Which major league team played in Kansas City before the Royals existed?

Thursday’s quiz
Clayton Richard of the Padres was once a backup QB at Michigan.

Wednesday’s quiz
Luxor is the Las Vegas hotel/casino that is shaped like a pyramid.

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

Friday’s List of 13: Random stuff with weekend here…….

13) With 20 more days until the NFL Draft, it is beginning to look like Lamar Jackson will be the most interesting player to follow.

The Louisville QB was a really good college player- he won the freakin’ Heisman Trophy, but his Wonderlic score wasn’t good and there are reports that when he was analyzing plays/concepts on the white board with coaches, he didn’t do well either, both major red flags for QB prospects.

Then there’s the thing about his mother being his manager which hasn’t helped anything.

12) Lot of outfielders now carry an index card in their back pocket to help them position themselves for different hitters.

11) Fresno State hired San Diego State assistant Justin Hutson as its new coach; he spent the last 12 years as an assistant in the Mountain West, for the Aztecs and at UNLV. He is considered to be a great recruiter— basketball people on Twitter were very enthusiastic about this hire.

10) I mentioned couple weeks ago how Texas-Arlington fired coach/alum Scott Cross despite his team going 72-33 the last three years; now it turns out the Mavericks’ basketball budget is in the lower half…..of the Sun Belt Conference!!!!

School’s AD says he wants the basketball team to be like Gonzaga, but the school spends money like it is a bottom 50 team. No bueno.

Texas-Arlington’s basketball budget is $1.5M; Gonzaga’s is $7M.

9) Pretty good basketball tournament Nov 22-23 at Orleans Arena in Las Vegas; Michigan State, North Carolina, UCLA and Texas.

8) Oakland A’s did a logical thing and acquired OF Trayce Thompson off waivers from New York. Trayce will live in Oakland with his brother Klay, who plays across the parking lot from the Oakland Coliseum with the Warriors.

Trayce Thompson will likely only be in Oakland for 10 days or so, unless he makes a positive impression before the A’s need a 5th starting pitcher on April 17.

7) Oddsmakers put out over/unders for individual team totals for each NFL game; say Team A is a 3-point favorite over Team B and the total of 41, then Team A’s total would be 22 and Team B’s would be 19. You wager on stuff like this, if you live somewhere that has legal wagering (ahem).

Last year the Chargers led the NFL by allowing 4.59 points less per week than their opponents’ over/under; Vikings were next at -3.88 per week.

6) Houston Texans allowed 4.2 ppg more than their opponents’ total each week; Denver was 31st in the NFL, at +2.98 ppg.

5) As far as offense goes, he Rams scored 5.75 more ppg than the oddsmakers estimated to lead the league; Jacksonville was next, at +4.72 ppg.

4) Most disappointing offensive teams were Oakland at -4.14 ppg and Atlanta (-4.06).

3) I’m not a “Get off my lawn!!!” guy on this subject, but this is an interesting fact, with the strikeout becoming so prevalent now.

In 1950, Yogi Berra went to the plate 656 times and struck out 12 times. Twelve.

He hit 28 homers, knocked in 124 runs and struck out 12 times.

2) Sergio Garcia had a rough day; he hit five balls in the water on the 15th hole and got a 13. He shot an 81, which isn’t good. Garcia can’t even go home when he misses the cut Friday; since he is the defending champ, he’ll present this year’s champ with the green jacket Sunday.

No one in Masters history had even gotten worse than an 11 on the 15th hole; Ben Crenshaw is one of the guys who got an 11 on #15.

To his credit, Garcia played the last three holes in -1.

1) Brewers’ closer Corey Knebel hurt his hamstring in the 9th inning of Milwaukee’s loss to the Cubs last night. It didn’t look good. The game was 8-0 Cubs when he got hurt.