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

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Dunkel

Sunday, April 8


Dallas @ Philadelphia

Game 501-502
April 8, 2018 @ 1:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Dallas
114.893
Philadelphia
124.761
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Philadelphia
by 10
226
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Philadelphia
by 13
213
Dunkel Pick:
Dallas
(+13); Over

Indiana @ Charlotte

Game 503-504
April 8, 2018 @ 1:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Indiana
119.409
Charlotte
120.561
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Charlotte
by 1
205
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Indiana
by 2 1/2
213 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Charlotte
(+2 1/2); Under

Atlanta @ Boston

Game 505-506
April 8, 2018 @ 1:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Atlanta
108.772
Boston
122.421
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Boston
by 13 1/2
208
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Boston
by 9 1/2
201
Dunkel Pick:
Boston
(-9 1/2); Over

Detroit @ Memphis

Game 507-508
April 8, 2018 @ 3:35 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Detroit
121.319
Memphis
108.685
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Detroit
by 12 1/2
211
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Detroit
by 5 1/2
202
Dunkel Pick:
Detroit
(-5 1/2); Over

Orlando @ Toronto

Game 509-510
April 8, 2018 @ 6:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Orlando
112.310
Toronto
122.449
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Toronto
by 10
203
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Toronto
by 13
210 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Orlando
(+13); Under

Utah @ LA Lakers

Game 511-512
April 8, 2018 @ 6:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Utah
121.812
LA Lakers
118.776
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Utah
by 3
213
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Utah
by 6
210
Dunkel Pick:
LA Lakers
(+6); Over

Golden State @ Phoenix

Game 513-514
April 8, 2018 @ 9:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Golden State
122.657
Phoenix
106.572
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Golden State
by 16
221
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Golden State
by 13 1/2
217
Dunkel Pick:
Golden State
(-13 1/2); Over

[StarDust Bum]

Sunday's Essentials
April 8, 2018

Game of the Night - Utah at L.A. Lakers, AT&T SportsNet, 6:05 ET

The Jazz probably entered Saturday with expectations that they would have additional breathing room in their bid to make the playoffs. If the Pelicans and Spurs had each lost, they would’ve clinched a second consecutive postseason appearance on the heels of watching their franchise player walk away via free agency.

Instead, four of the five teams currently behind Utah entering the final few games of the regular season picked up victories. Oklahoma City and New Orleans pulled off road upsets the league’s top teams to notch their 46th win. San Antonio used a big fourth quarter to hold off No. 3 Portland. Denver eliminated the Clippers but tightened things up by matching idle Minnesota at 45-35.

The Jazz can still miss the playoffs, but the Trail Blazers losing to the Spurs kept the possibility of finishing as high as third and winning the Northwest alive. They’ll need help from Denver on Monday night but would control their own destiny on the road in Portland on Wednesday if they get that result and take care of business tonight and at home against Golden State on Tuesday.

It won't be easy, but entering Game 80 with a shot at a division title is a deal Coach of the Year candidate Quin Snyder and his staff would've gladly signed up for when the season began.

Utah is searching for its fifth straight win and will be looking to defeat the Lakers for the second time this week, having registered a 117-110 home victory on Tuesday. Ricky Rubio led the Jazz with 31 points on 10-for-15 shooting in addition to six boards and eight assists, so it wouldn’t be ideal if he’s unable to take part in this rematch. A hamstring issue that the Jazz know they have to be cautious with has put the Spanish guard’s availability in jeopardy for this one.

Soreness developed in Thursday’s 117-95 rout of the Clippers, forcing him to leave after just eight minutes. The Jazz are hoping that this injury won’t derail his momentum since he’s been dominant in April’s wins, shooting 63 percent from the field, including 10-for-15 from 3-point range. The Jazz are expected to determine his availability after shootaround.

Lakers rookie Kyle Kuzma, a University of Utah product, scored 26 points but is considered doubtful to play due to a sprained ankle. With Brandon Ingram out with a concussion and Lonzo Ball unlikely to play again this season due to knee soreness, the Lakers will likely depend on Julius Randle as the catalyst in this one. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope shot 5-for-9 from 3-point range and finished with 28 points for the Lakers in Salt Lake City, so he’ll also play a large role here.

Rookie Alex Caruso is starting at point guard for L.A., but Tyler Ennis has played better of late and should get more minutes. Josh Hart and Brook Lopez would likely get more looks if Kuzma can’t go.

Donovan Mitchell scored 26 points and is putting the finishing touches on his Rookie of the Year campaign, which would obviously be enhanced if he can add leading the Jazz to a division title on the resume in Game 82. He had a 10-game run of scoring 20 or more points snapped when he finished with 19 against the Clippers, shooting just 6-for-15.

Rudy Gobert scored 15 points and grabbed 10 rebounds in Thursday’s win over the Clippers that saw Dante Exum and Alec Burks rise up to combine with forward Jonas Jerebko for 36 points off the bench to provide a boost after Rubio’s early exit. Jae Crowder played fewer than five minutes due to a head injury but has been cleared to participate and should be back in a reserve role.

Utah is looking to sweep the Lakers for the second consecutive series and own a streak of six straight victories over L.A. The Jazz have won 10 of 11 in the series.

The over is 7-1 over Utah’s last seven. The Jazz surrendered 110 points in Tuesday’s home win against the Lakers but have only given up fewer than 100 in the five games surrounding that one. They lead the Western Conference in defensive efficiency, ranking only behind Boston and Philadelphia.

Injury report

Dallas is in Philly to battle the 76ers and has yet to make a decision on the availability of rookie point guard Dennis Smith Jr., power forward Dwight Powell and small forward Doug McDermott, but are committed to seeing guys they haven't gotten a long look at yet. That means two-way players Johnathan Motley and Jalen Jones will join point guard Kyle Collinsworth and Aaron Harrison on the floor in crunch time. Dirk Nowitzki and J.J. Barea have seen their last action this season.

The Pacers close with a home-and-home against the Hornets, who have opted to try and finish strong despite being eliminated. As a result, the odds have this as basically a pick'em as we await word on whether Nate McMillan will rest any of his Pacers or continue chasing an unlikely Central Division title.

Boston should get Jayson Tatum back in the lineup against the Hawks after giving him the night off against Chicago on Friday but will again give Marcus Morris the night off. Guards Dennis Schroder and Malcolm Delaney should miss another game, but that hasn't stopped Atlanta from being competitive with Isaiah Taylor and Damion Lee filling in. The Hawks have covered in three of four.

Marc Gasol will likely be rested as the Grizzlies strap on their tank gear for another home date against Detroit. JaMychal Green and Andrew Harrison are also expected to join Tyreke Evans, Chandler Parsons, Jarell Martin and Wayne Selden in suits on the bench. Marshon Brooks, Dillon Brooks and Ivan Rabb are getting long looks with the depleted Grizzlies.

Orlando will welcome back Terrence Ross for his first action since November, so the fact he's making his return in Toronto where he should receive a nice ovation provides a nice touch. According to the Orlando Sentinel, Frank Vogel wants to get him back in the mix since he felt it helped to get Paul George work back when he was returning from a broken leg in his Indy days. Although the Magic are tanking as well, Aaron Gordon (calf) and Nikola Vucevic (back) are also returning to challenge the Raptors.

Toronto has held its last two opponents in the 70s and will be playing its home regular-season finale having already wrapped up the Eastern Conference's top seed.

Tonight's finale sees Phoenix playing Golden State for the second straight Sunday night, hosting this time. Devin Booker and T.J. Warren will again be absent in addition to Tyson Chandler, Elfrid Payton and Alan Williams. Impressive rookie wing Josh Jackson, forward Marquese Chriss and shooter Troy Daniels are all questionable with nagging injuries. The Suns are in pole position to earn the No. 1 pick in the talent-filled '18 NBA Draft, having amassed the league's worst record through 80 games. They should lose No. 61 here given their depleted state, but we'll see what Steve Kerr does with his personnel coming off a home loss to New Orleans on Saturday night. Andre Iguodala has already been ruled out.

[StarDust Bum]

SUNDAY, APRIL 8
GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS

IND at CHA 01:00 PM
IND -2.0
O 213.5

DAL at PHI 01:00 PM
PHI -13.0
O 215.0

ATL at BOS 01:00 PM
BOS -9.5
U 202.0

DET at MEM 03:30 PM
DET -6.5
U 202.5

UTA at LAL 06:00 PM
UTA -7.5
U 210.5

ORL at TOR 06:00 PM
ORL +12.5
O 210.5

GS at PHO 09:00 PM
PHO +13.5
O 217.0

[StarDust Bum]

Sixers beat Mavs for 14th straight win
April 8, 2018

PHILADELPHIA (AP) J.J. Redick scored 18 points, and the surging Philadelphia 76ers matched a franchise record with their 14th consecutive victory, 109-97 over the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday.

Ben Simmons added 16 points, nine assists and seven rebounds, and Robert Covington had 15 points and 10 rebounds. Two years after going 10-72, the Sixers (50-30) clinched home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs and secured their first 50-win season since Allen Iverson's 2000-01 team, which lost in the NBA Finals.

The only other time the Sixers won 14 straight in a single season, Dr. J and Moses Malone delivered Philadelphia its last NBA title in 1983.

Harrison Barnes scored 21 points on 9-of-25 shooting, and Dennis Smith Jr. added 20 points for the Mavericks, who have lost three straight and six of seven.

JAZZ 112 , LAKERS 97

LOS ANGELES (AP) - Donovan Mitchell scored 28 points and the Utah Jazz clinched a playoff berth with a 112-97 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday.

Utah is the fourth team in the crowded Western Conference to lock up a postseason spot, with five clubs still in the running for the other four positions before the regular season ends Wednesday.

Mitchell also had nine rebounds and eight assists, and Joe Ingles had 22 points on 9-of-12 shooting along with 10 assists. Jae Crowder added 18.

Josh Hart had 25 points for Los Angeles. The Clippers have lost six of eight.

WARRIORS 117, SUNS 100

PHOENIX (AP) - Klay Thompson scored 22 of his 34 points in the first quarter and Golden State beat Phoenix for the 15th consecutive time.

Kevin Durant added 17 points and nine assists for the Warriors, whose winning streak against Phoenix is a franchise record for a single opponent.

With the loss, and Memphis' win over Detroit, Phoenix - at 20-61 - is assured the worst record in the NBA and, consequently, the most ping pong balls in the May 15 draft lottery.

Danuel House scored a career-high 22 for Phoenix.

RAPTORS 112, MAGIC 101

TORONTO (AP) - C.J. Miles scored 22 points, OG Anunoby had a career-high 21 for Toronto.

Serge Ibaka scored 13 points, and Jakob Poeltl and Delon Wright each had 12. The Raptors closed out their home schedule by extending their franchise records for wins (58) and home wins (34).

After clinching the top spot in the Eastern Conference on Friday night with a win over Indiana, the Raptors gave guard DeMar DeRozan and center Jonas Valanciunas the night off. Toronto will rest players again Monday night at Detroit, then return to full strength Wednesday night for the regular-season finale at Miami.

Aaron Gordon scored 16 points, and Mario Hezonja had 14 for Orlando. The Magic lost for the eighth time in 11 games.

PACERS 123, HORNETS 117

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) - Domantas Sabonis scored a career-high 30 points, Victor Oladipo had 27 points on 12-of-15 shooting and the Pacers beat the Hornets to keep alive their slim hopes of winning the Central Division title.

Lance Stephenson, a former Hornet, had 10 rebounds, 10 assists and eight points for the Pacers, who have won seven of their last nine games.

Rookie Malik Monk led the Hornets with 22 points in their final home game of the season.

For Indiana (48-33) to win the Central and earn home-court advantage for the first round of the NBA playoffs, it needs to beat Charlotte on Tuesday night and have the Cleveland Cavaliers (49-31) lose their final two games against the New York Knicks. The Pacers have the tiebreaker advantage over the Cavaliers after taking three of four in the season series, including a 124-107 win in November.

HAWKS 112, CELTICS 106

BOSTON (AP) - Taurean Prince scored 33 points, and the Hawks rallied for the road win.

Isaiah Taylor and Dewayne Dedmon scored nine straight points for the Hawks after they trailed 103-101 with 2 minutes remaining. With the No. 2 spot in the Eastern Conference already locked up, Celtics coach Brad Stevens left Al Horford, Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown and Terry Rozier on the bench for the entire fourth quarter.

Rozier had 10 points, nine assists and eight rebounds for Boston, which had beaten Atlanta in the other three meetings this season. Tatum scored 19, Horford had 16 and Greg Monroe scored 17 as the Celtics lost for the third time in four games.

GRIZZLIES 130, PISTONS 117

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) - MarShon Brooks scored 25 points, Dillon Brooks added 22 and Memphis beat Detroit to snap a four-game losing streak.

Marc Gasol and Kobi Simmons added 20 points apiece for Memphis. Gasol also had nine rebounds and nine assists. Anthony Tolliver led the Pistons with 19 points, and Luke Kennard added 18.

[StarDust Bum]

Utah clinches, Philly locks up home-court for first round
April 8, 2018

A look at the NBA playoff picture, with three days remaining in the regular season:

EAST UPDATE

Philadelphia will open the playoffs at home for the first time since 2003, after clinching no worse than the No. 4 seed with its win over Dallas. The 76ers - now winners of 14 consecutive games - will finish No. 3 in the East if they close with wins over Atlanta and Milwaukee.

Indiana remained in the mix for a top-four seed as well with its win over Charlotte.

To reach No. 4, the Pacers will need to win their finale against Charlotte, and need Cleveland to lose both of its remaining games against New York. Otherwise, Indiana will be the No. 5 seed.

No. 1 seed Toronto beat Orlando in a game where the Raptors departed with some injury concerns - Lucas Nogueira strained a hamstring, and Fred Van Vleet left with what the team said was relatively minor back tightness. But the Raptors remained ahead of Golden State in the race for the NBA's second-best record (and potentially home-court in the NBA Finals if Houston falls).

---

WEST UPDATE

Utah clinched its playoff spot with a win over the Los Angeles Lakers, and will finish with the No. 3 seed if it wins its final two games.

That means now it's down to five teams - Oklahoma City, San Antonio, New Orleans, Minnesota and Denver - vying for the final four Western Conference spots.

And the only seeds that are locked up remain at the top, No. 1 Houston and No. 2 Golden State.

The Jazz haven't played a Game 1 of any series at home since the West semifinals in 2007, and haven't played Game 1 of the first round at home since 2001. And after losing Gordon Hayward last summer, plus starting this year 19-28, this postseason berth represents nothing but an amazing job by Jazz coach Quin Snyder.

Plenty of clarity in the West race should come on Monday. Oklahoma City, San Antonio and New Orleans can all clinch spots with victories, and Minnesota can also secure its first postseason spot since 2004 with a win and some help.

---

MONDAY'S GAMES

- Toronto at Detroit: The Raptors held DeMar DeRozan and Jonas Valanciunas out Sunday, and more resting of regulars is likely.

- Oklahoma City at Miami: There will be playoff intensity. Thunder trying to clinch their spot with a win, Heat trying to hold No. 6.

- Cleveland at New York: Cavaliers finish No. 3 with two wins over New York and a 76ers loss; LeBron James is 19-8 all-time at MSG.

- Orlando at Milwaukee: Bucks may get to No. 6 in the East with a win and some help. Wednesday in Philly will be big for both teams.

- Memphis at Minnesota: Timberwolves can clinch a postseason berth with a win, a San Antonio win and a Portland win over Denver.

- Sacramento at San Antonio: Spurs clinch their 21st consecutive playoff spot with a victory, or a Memphis win, or a Portland win.

- Portland at Denver: Nuggets need at least one win in their final two games to have a chance, and the home finale might loom vital.

- New Orleans at L.A. Clippers: Doc Rivers says the eliminated Clippers will play it straight, knowing Pelicans clinch spot with a win.

- Chicago at Brooklyn: No playoff implications.

---

CURRENT BRACKET

First-round matchups if the season ended Sunday ...

East: 1-Toronto vs. 8-Washington, 2-Boston vs. 7-Milwaukee, 3-Philadelphia vs. 6-Miami, 4-Cleveland vs. 5-Indiana.

West: 1-Houston vs. 8-Minnesota, 2-Golden State vs. 7-Oklahoma City, 3-Portland vs. 6-San Antonio, 4-Utah vs. 5-New Orleans.

---

NOTE OF THE DAY

Philadelphia has won 14 consecutive games. From March 27, 2015, through Dec. 6, 2016, the 76ers won 14 times in a span of 114 games.

---

QUOTE OF THE DAY

''Bench play is going to be huge for us going into the playoffs without a full roster.'' - Boston coach Brad Stevens, on why he left four starters on the bench for the fourth quarter in the Celtics' loss to Atlanta.

[StarDust Bum]

SCHEDULE FOR MONDAY APRIL 9, 2018
Time (ET) Away Home Site
7:00 PM Toronto Raptors Detroit Pistons Little Caesars Arena
7:30 PM Chicago Bulls Brooklyn Nets Barclays Center
7:30 PM Cleveland Cavaliers New York Knicks Madison Square Garden
7:30 PM Oklahoma City Thunder Miami Heat AmericanAirlines Arena
8:00 PM Memphis Grizzlies Minnesota Timberwolves Target Center
8:00 PM Orlando Magic Milwaukee Bucks BMO Harris Bradley Center
8:30 PM Sacramento Kings San Antonio Spurs AT&T Center
9:00 PM Portland Trail Blazers Denver Nuggets Pepsi Center
10:30 PM New Orleans Pelicans Los Angeles Clippers Staples Center


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

DATE W-L-T % UNITS RECORD

04/08/2018 6-7-1 46.15% -8.50
04/07/2018 6-6-0 50.00% -3.00
04/06/2018 10-9-0 52.63% +0.50
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...............45-43-1......50.00%.....- 11.50

[StarDust Bum]

Armadillo: Monday's six-pack

First seven picks in the 2008 MLB Draft:

1) Rays— Tim Beckham— Made majors, but is marginal player

2) Pirates— Pedro Alvarez— He and Beckham are both Orioles now

3) Royals— Eric Hosmer— KC hits the jackpot here.

4) Orioles— Brian Matusz— Made the majors, but……

5) Giants— Buster Posey—.…….they could’ve had this guy.

6) Marlins— Kyle Skipworth— Whoops.

7) Reds— Yonder Alonso— Good player who has bounced around a lot.

**********

Armadillo: Monday's List of 13: Wrapping up a sports weekend

13) Arizona 4, St Louis 1— Odd situation in this game; Arizona batter gets called out on strikes, D’Backs manager Tory Lovullo comes out to protect his hitter, but says his two cents and gets tossed for arguing balls/strikes.

In the meantime, he gestures towards St Louis catcher Yadier Molina, says something about Molina stealing strikes by how he frames pitches and Molina gets really mad and comes after Lovullo— the umpire stepped in between them and Molina shoved the umpire. Benches emptied, and then things quieted down.

12) When Andrew McCutchen hit his walk-off homer Saturday night, it was on the 12th pitch of the at-bat, his only at-bat of 12+ pitches in 5,861 plate appearances in the major leagues.

11) Medical trivia: Tommy John surgery is called Tommy John surgery because Tommy John was the first person to have the surgery, in the mid-70’s.

The second person to have the surgery? Current Astros’ pitching coach Brent Strom.

10) Saw a list today someone wrote on the Interweb of the 25 most re-watchable movies of all-time; I’ve only seen eight of them.

Thats what makes the world interesting; different people like different stuff, but how Moneyball wasn’t on that list is beyond me.

9) Before this week, Patrick Reed had worn a red shirt at all five of his PGA Tour wins; but Reed has an endorsement contract with Nike, and Nike wouldn’t let him wear a red shirt this week— I guess Eldrick Woods must actually own the color red.

Reed wore a pink shirt Sunday, and he won The Masters anyway. Go figure.

8) 76ers have won their last 14 games, the longest win streak in franchise history. Their last nine wins were by double digits; the NBA record for consecutive double digit wins is 10 in a row.

7) Mitch Kupchak is the new general manager of the Charlotte Hornets; still not sure why the Lakers canned him as GM, but he went to North Carolina and Michael Jordan hired him.

6) If a run scores because of an error, it is an unearned run on the pitcher’s record, but if the pitcher is the person who made the error, it shouldn’t be unearned, since it was his fault. Just one of my pet peeves that doesn’t matter very much.

5) Braves 4, Rockies 0— Sean Newcomb is just the third pitcher in Coors Field history to strike out 9+ hitters and not walk anyone while throwing 6+ scoreless innings.

4) 99-year-old Phil Coyne, a Pittsburgh Pirates usher who has been working home games for the team since 1936, is retiring. He turns 100 later this month. Can you believe he was working Pirate games in freakin’ 1936?!?!?!?!

3) Koby McEwen was Utah State’s best player the last two years; he scored 15.6 ppg last year, but when the Aggies changed coaches last month, McEwen announced that he is bolting. McEwen’s final three teams are Creighton, Grand Canyon and Marquette— two Big East teams and…..Grand Canyon????? The Antelopes are coached by former NBA player Dan Majerle.

2) Questions about this year’s Angels:
a) Is Shohei Ohtani going to pitch every Sunday?
b) If so, how will the other Angel pitchers feel about this?
c) If he keeps pitching this well, ain’t no one gonna say a freakin’ word.
d) If the Angels make the playoffs with a 6-man rotation, how long before more teams do it?

1— If the NBA playoffs started today:
East: Wizards-Raptors, Bucks-Celtics, Heat-76ers, Pacers-Cavaliers
West: Wolves-Rockets, Thunder-Warriors, Spurs-Blazers, Pelicans-Jazz

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up

Monday, April 9

Toronto won its last five games with Detroit; they’re 3-2 vs spread in last five visits to the Motor City. Over is 3-1 in last four series games played here. Raptors won their last three games; they are 3-4 vs spread in last seven games as road favorites. Three of their last four games stayed under. Pistons won eight of their last 11 games; they’re 6-6 as home underdogs. Over is 6-2 in their last eight games.

Cavaliers won nine of last ten games with New York, are 5-2 vs spread in last seven; they’re 3-2 vs spread in last five visits to Manhattan. Under is 7-2-1 in last ten series games. Cleveland won eight of its last ten games; they’re 2-4 in last six games as road favorites. Five of their last seven games stayed under. Knicks lost five of their last six games; they’re 4-2 in last six games as home underdogs. Three of their last four games went over.

Nets won three of last four games with the Bulls; they just beat ‘em by 28 in Chicago Saturday. Bulls are 3-2 vs spread in last five visits to Brooklyn. Last six series games stayed under total. Chicago lost seven of its last ten games; they’re 4-12 in last 16 games as road underdogs. Under is 4-2-1 in their last seven games. Brooklyn won of its last six games; they’re 5-7 as home favorites this year. Three of their last four games stayed under.

Thunder won their last four games with Miami; they covered three of last four visits to South Beach. Last eight series games stayed under the total. Oklahoma City lost four of its last six games; they’re 4-2 in last six games as road favorites. Seven of their last eight games stayed under total. Heat won four of their last six games; they covered last three games as a home underdog. Four of their last six games stayed under.

Grizzlies won their last four games with Minnesota; they’re 3-2 vs spread in last five visits to Twin Cities. Four of last five series games stayed under the total. Memphis lost four of its last five games; they’re 3-5 in last eight games as road underdogs. Four of their last five games went over total. Timberwolves are 3-4 in their last seven games; they’re 6-3-1 in last 10 games as a home favorite. Three of their last four games stayed under.

Bucks won six of last nine games with Orlando; over is 6-4 in last ten series games. Magic is 2-2 vs spread in last four visits to Wisconsin. Orlando lost five of its last seven games; they’re 3-5-1 in last nine games as road underdogs. Last three Magic games went over total. Milwaukee won six of its last nine games; they’re 1-10 vs spread in last 11 games as home favorites. Over is 9-1 in their last ten games.

Spurs won their last 10 games with Sacramento, covered last four; Kings are 2-2 vs spread in last four visits to the Alamo. Last six series games went over the total. Sacramento lost five of its last seven games; they’re 3-5 in last eight games as road underdogs. Eight of their last nine games stayed under. San Antonio won/covered its last six home games. Six of their last eight games went over the total.

Trailblazers won seven of last ten games with the Nuggets; they’re 2-1-1 vs spread in last four visits to Denver. Last three series games stayed under. Portland lost its last three games; they covered their last six tries as road underdogs. Three of their last four games went over. Denver won its last five games; they’re 2-7 in last nine games as home favorites. Four of their last six games went over.

New Orleans won three of last four games with the Clippers; they’re 2-2 vs spread in last four series games played here. Three of last four series games stayed under. Pelicans won their last three games; they covered their last five games as road favorites. Last three New Orleans games went over total. Clippers lost four of their last five games; they’re 4-5 as home underdogs this season. LA’s last four games all went over.

[StarDust Bum]

NBA

Monday, April 9

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Trend Report
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Toronto Raptors
Toronto is 2-9-1 ATS in its last 12 games
Toronto is 17-5 SU in its last 22 games
Toronto is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Toronto is 9-3 SU in its last 12 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 16 of Toronto's last 24 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Toronto's last 6 games on the road
Toronto is 4-8-1 ATS in its last 13 games when playing Detroit
Toronto is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Detroit
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Toronto's last 15 games when playing Detroit
Toronto is 2-3-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Detroit
Toronto is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Detroit
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Toronto's last 8 games when playing on the road against Detroit
Detroit Pistons
Detroit is 9-2 ATS in its last 11 games
Detroit is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Detroit's last 5 games
Detroit is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 games at home
Detroit is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Detroit's last 5 games at home
Detroit is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Toronto
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Detroit's last 15 games when playing Toronto
Detroit is 3-7-1 ATS in its last 11 games when playing at home against Toronto
Detroit is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Toronto
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Detroit's last 8 games when playing at home against Toronto


Chicago Bulls
Chicago is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games
Chicago is 3-9 SU in its last 12 games
Chicago is 4-12 ATS in its last 16 games on the road
Chicago is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Chicago's last 6 games on the road
Chicago is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Brooklyn
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Chicago's last 5 games when playing Brooklyn
Chicago is 11-5 ATS in its last 16 games when playing on the road against Brooklyn
Chicago is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Brooklyn
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Chicago's last 8 games when playing on the road against Brooklyn
Brooklyn Nets
Brooklyn is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games
Brooklyn is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
Brooklyn is 8-17 SU in its last 25 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Brooklyn's last 6 games
Brooklyn is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games at home
Brooklyn is 3-11 SU in its last 14 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Brooklyn's last 10 games at home
Brooklyn is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Chicago
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Brooklyn's last 5 games when playing Chicago
Brooklyn is 5-11 ATS in its last 16 games when playing at home against Chicago
Brooklyn is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Chicago
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Brooklyn's last 8 games when playing at home against Chicago


Cleveland Cavaliers
Cleveland is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games
Cleveland is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Cleveland's last 7 games
Cleveland is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games when playing New York
Cleveland is 11-1 SU in its last 12 games when playing New York
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Cleveland's last 13 games when playing New York
Cleveland is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against New York
Cleveland is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against New York
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Cleveland's last 7 games when playing on the road against New York
New York Knicks
New York is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
New York is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of New York's last 6 games
New York is 6-14 ATS in its last 20 games at home
New York is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 9 of New York's last 13 games at home
New York is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Cleveland
New York is 1-11 SU in its last 12 games when playing Cleveland
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of New York's last 13 games when playing Cleveland
New York is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Cleveland
New York is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Cleveland
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of New York's last 7 games when playing at home against Cleveland


Oklahoma City Thunder
Oklahoma City is 2-5-1 ATS in its last 8 games
Oklahoma City is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Oklahoma City's last 8 games
Oklahoma City is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Oklahoma City is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Oklahoma City's last 5 games on the road
Oklahoma City is 5-1-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Miami
Oklahoma City is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing Miami
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Oklahoma City's last 5 games when playing Miami
Oklahoma City is 3-6 ATS in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Miami
Oklahoma City is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Miami
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Oklahoma City's last 5 games when playing on the road against Miami
Miami Heat
Miami is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
Miami is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Miami's last 6 games
Miami is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 games at home
Miami is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games at home
Miami is 1-5-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Oklahoma City
Miami is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing Oklahoma City
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Miami's last 5 games when playing Oklahoma City
Miami is 6-3 ATS in its last 9 games when playing at home against Oklahoma City
Miami is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Oklahoma City
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Miami's last 5 games when playing at home against Oklahoma City


Memphis Grizzlies
Memphis is 5-1-1 ATS in its last 7 games
Memphis is 4-21 SU in its last 25 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Memphis's last 6 games
Memphis is 5-10-1 ATS in its last 16 games on the road
Memphis is 1-20 SU in its last 21 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Memphis's last 7 games on the road
Memphis is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Minnesota
Memphis is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Minnesota
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Memphis's last 5 games when playing Minnesota
Memphis is 10-4 SU in its last 14 games when playing on the road against Minnesota
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Memphis's last 6 games when playing on the road against Minnesota
Minnesota Timberwolves
Minnesota is 2-5-1 ATS in its last 8 games
The total has gone OVER in 17 of Minnesota's last 25 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Minnesota's last 6 games
Minnesota is 1-3-1 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Minnesota is 18-5 SU in its last 23 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Minnesota's last 12 games at home
Minnesota is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Memphis
Minnesota is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Memphis
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Minnesota's last 5 games when playing Memphis
Minnesota is 4-10 SU in its last 14 games when playing at home against Memphis
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Minnesota's last 6 games when playing at home against Memphis


Orlando Magic
Orlando is 2-6-1 ATS in its last 9 games
Orlando is 4-13 SU in its last 17 games
The total has gone UNDER in 12 of Orlando's last 18 games
Orlando is 12-5-1 ATS in its last 18 games on the road
Orlando is 2-3-1 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Orlando is 1-10 SU in its last 11 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Orlando's last 9 games on the road
Orlando is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Milwaukee
Orlando is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Milwaukee
Orlando is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Milwaukee
Orlando is 1-9 SU in its last 10 games when playing on the road against Milwaukee
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Orlando's last 7 games when playing on the road against Milwaukee
Milwaukee Bucks
Milwaukee is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games
Milwaukee is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Milwaukee's last 5 games
Milwaukee is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games at home
Milwaukee is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Milwaukee's last 5 games at home
Milwaukee is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Orlando
Milwaukee is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Orlando
Milwaukee is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Orlando
Milwaukee is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games when playing at home against Orlando
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Milwaukee's last 7 games when playing at home against Orlando


Sacramento Kings
Sacramento is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games
Sacramento is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Sacramento's last 9 games
Sacramento is 11-5 ATS in its last 16 games on the road
Sacramento is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Sacramento's last 6 games on the road
Sacramento is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing San Antonio
Sacramento is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing San Antonio
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Sacramento's last 5 games when playing San Antonio
Sacramento is 6-3 ATS in its last 9 games when playing on the road against San Antonio
Sacramento is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against San Antonio
The total has gone OVER in 11 of Sacramento's last 15 games when playing on the road against San Antonio
San Antonio Spurs
San Antonio is 9-4 ATS in its last 13 games
San Antonio is 9-4 SU in its last 13 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of San Antonio's last 8 games
San Antonio is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games at home
San Antonio is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of San Antonio's last 10 games at home
San Antonio is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Sacramento
San Antonio is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Sacramento
The total has gone OVER in 5 of San Antonio's last 5 games when playing Sacramento
San Antonio is 3-6 ATS in its last 9 games when playing at home against Sacramento
San Antonio is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Sacramento
The total has gone OVER in 11 of San Antonio's last 15 games when playing at home against Sacramento


Portland Trail Blazers
Portland is 14-4-2 ATS in its last 20 games
Portland is 2-3-1 ATS in its last 6 games
Portland is 17-6 SU in its last 23 games
Portland is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Portland's last 6 games
Portland is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Portland is 2-3-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Denver
Portland is 15-4 SU in its last 19 games when playing Denver
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Portland's last 12 games when playing Denver
Portland is 2-3-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Denver
Portland is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Denver
Portland is 7-18 SU in its last 25 games when playing on the road against Denver
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Portland's last 5 games when playing on the road against Denver
Denver Nuggets
Denver is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Denver is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 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 12 games at home
Denver is 4-15 SU in its last 19 games when playing Portland
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Denver's last 12 games when playing Portland
Denver is 3-7-1 ATS in its last 11 games when playing at home against Portland
Denver is 18-7 SU in its last 25 games when playing at home against Portland
Denver is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Portland
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Denver's last 5 games when playing at home against Portland


New Orleans Pelicans
New Orleans is 8-4 ATS in its last 12 games
New Orleans is 17-8 SU in its last 25 games
New Orleans is 9-3 ATS in its last 12 games on the road
New Orleans is 9-3 SU in its last 12 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of New Orleans's last 6 games on the road
New Orleans is 6-14 SU in its last 20 games when playing LA Clippers
New Orleans is 3-6 ATS in its last 9 games when playing on the road against LA Clippers
New Orleans is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games when playing on the road against LA Clippers
The total has gone OVER in 5 of New Orleans's last 6 games when playing on the road against LA Clippers
Los Angeles Clippers
LA Clippers is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
LA Clippers is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of LA Clippers's last 5 games
LA Clippers is 5-11 ATS in its last 16 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of LA Clippers's last 6 games at home
LA Clippers is 14-6 SU in its last 20 games when playing New Orleans
LA Clippers is 6-3 ATS in its last 9 games when playing at home against New Orleans
LA Clippers is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against New Orleans
The total has gone OVER in 5 of LA Clippers's last 6 games when playing at home against New Orleans

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Long Sheet

Monday, April 9

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TORONTO (58 - 22) at DETROIT (38 - 42) - 4/9/2018, 7:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 5-5 against the spread versus TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
TORONTO is 8-2 straight up against DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
6 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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CLEVELAND (49 - 31) at NEW YORK (28 - 52) - 4/9/2018, 7:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
NEW YORK is 5-5 against the spread versus CLEVELAND over the last 3 seasons
CLEVELAND is 9-1 straight up against NEW YORK over the last 3 seasons
8 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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CHICAGO (27 - 53) at BROOKLYN (27 - 53) - 4/9/2018, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BROOKLYN is 45-34 ATS (+7.6 Units) in all games this season.
BROOKLYN is 3-11 ATS (-9.1 Units) in home games in the second half of the season this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
BROOKLYN is 5-4 against the spread versus CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO is 5-4 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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OKLAHOMA CITY (46 - 34) at MIAMI (43 - 37) - 4/9/2018, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 32-46 ATS (-18.6 Units) in all games this season.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 23-40 ATS (-21.0 Units) as a favorite this season.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 4-13 ATS (-10.3 Units) in road games after 3 or more consecutive unders over the last 2 seasons.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 15-25 ATS (-12.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
MIAMI is 89-69 ATS (+13.1 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 54-34 ATS (+16.6 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 37-23 ATS (+11.7 Units) in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 46-32 ATS (+10.8 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 27-12 ATS (+13.8 Units) off a upset loss as a favorite over the last 3 seasons.
MIAMI is 42-29 ATS (+10.1 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 23-7 ATS (+15.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 21-10 ATS (+10.0 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.

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

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MEMPHIS (22 - 58) at MINNESOTA (45 - 35) - 4/9/2018, 8:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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ORLANDO (24 - 56) at MILWAUKEE (43 - 37) - 4/9/2018, 8:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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SACRAMENTO (26 - 54) at SAN ANTONIO (46 - 34) - 4/9/2018, 8:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SACRAMENTO is 8-18 ATS (-11.8 Units) when playing with 2 days rest over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 1045-914 ATS (+39.6 Units) in all games since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 835-710 ATS (+54.0 Units) as a favorite since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 26-13 ATS (+11.7 Units) in home games this season.
SAN ANTONIO is 214-163 ATS (+34.7 Units) in home games after a win by 10 points or more since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 422-340 ATS (+48.0 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN ANTONIO is 7-2 against the spread versus SACRAMENTO over the last 3 seasons
SAN ANTONIO is 10-0 straight up against SACRAMENTO over the last 3 seasons
6 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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PORTLAND (48 - 32) at DENVER (45 - 35) - 4/9/2018, 9:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PORTLAND is 44-29 ATS (+12.1 Units) in all games this season.
PORTLAND is 19-8 ATS (+10.2 Units) in the second half of the season this season.
PORTLAND is 20-9 ATS (+10.1 Units) vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
PORTLAND is 15-4 ATS (+10.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season this season.
PORTLAND is 24-14 ATS (+8.6 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game this season.
PORTLAND is 15-2 ATS (+12.8 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game - 2nd half of the season this season.
PORTLAND is 24-13 ATS (+9.7 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game this season.
PORTLAND is 15-2 ATS (+12.8 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game - 2nd half of the season this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
DENVER is 5-5 against the spread versus PORTLAND over the last 3 seasons
PORTLAND is 7-4 straight up against DENVER over the last 3 seasons
7 of 11 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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NEW ORLEANS (46 - 34) at LA CLIPPERS (42 - 38) - 4/9/2018, 10:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LA CLIPPERS are 24-12 ATS (+10.8 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game this season.
NEW ORLEANS is 25-15 ATS (+8.5 Units) in road games this season.
LA CLIPPERS are 168-212 ATS (-65.2 Units) in home games in the second half of the season since 1996.
LA CLIPPERS are 226-276 ATS (-77.6 Units) after a loss by 10 points or more since 1996.
LA CLIPPERS are 221-278 ATS (-84.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA CLIPPERS is 5-5 against the spread versus NEW ORLEANS over the last 3 seasons
LA CLIPPERS is 6-4 straight up against NEW ORLEANS 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
Tony Mejia

Game of the Night - Portland at Denver (-4, 218), Altitude, 9:05 ET

Games like these are what make the 82-game marathon worth it. It checks all boxes, featuring division rivals with plenty of history while carrying stakes that are through the roof. The course of the season for both teams is on the line.

The Nuggets just want to be playing when the playoffs begin this weekend. For the visitors, it's a bit more complicated.

After being soundly outplayed in the second half of a Saturday night loss in San Antonio, the Trail Blazers are suddenly in danger of losing a Northwest Division that they’ve been in control of since firing off 13 straight wins from Feb. 14-March 18. They’re in danger of losing four straight if they fail to win on the road in Denver, which would put them in jeopardy of collapsing down the stretch since the Jazz are scheduled to come into town on Wednesday to close out the regular season.

Portland would love nothing more than to treat its fans to a boring regular-season finale that night, complete with Damian Lillard, C.J. McCollum and Jusuf Nurkic suiting up for abbreviated stints if they’re in the mix at all. To get that accomplished, it will have to deal the Nuggets a serious blow to their postseason chances, which have improved thanks to a well-timed five-game winning streak.

If the Trail Blazers fail to end that tonight and Utah extends its own prosperous run to six games by defeating Golden State on Tuesday, the No. 3 seed could switch hands with a loss in Game No. 82, potentially resulting in the Blazers winding up on the road to open the playoffs. Given the strides they’ve made over the next two months, that would be a disaster.

The Nuggets eliminated the Clippers from playoff contention on Saturday afternoon with an impressive 134-115 win and hope to reach the final night of the regular-season with a chance at finishing top-eight by winning at Minnesota. Head coach Michael Malone told reporters his team is playing “get-it-done basketball” at the moment, having raised their level when it has mattered most. Following losses on consecutive nights in Philadelphia and Toronto, Denver closed out a season-long seven-game road trip with a resilient 126-125 victory in Oklahoma City and has yet to lose in April, claiming home wins over the Bucks, Pacers and Timberwolves prior to their rout in L.A.

Portland hasn’t been getting it done, but a part of that has had to do with injury concerns. Not only did they lose starting wing Moe Harkless to a knee surgery that he’s hoping to return from later this month, but Damian Lillard has been playing through significant ankle soreness that the team had hoped rest would alleviate, giving him a night off even after he returned from paternity leave. Now Lillard doesn’t feel he can rest, though it’s likely he’d be absent on Wednesday if his team leaves Pepsi Center victorious.

The Nuggets have been without one of their top two-way players, Gary Harris, for the last 11 games and have upgraded him to “doubtful” for this one. Jamal Murray has emerged in his absence and has scored in double-figures in 16 straight, averaging 18.9 points in that span. He’s at a 20-points-per-game clip in April and has become Denver’s most reliable shooter, regularly playing 35-plus minutes.

Guard Will Barton has also continued to thrive, excelling in his playmaker role on the wing and keying the Clippers blowout with a season-high 31 points on 11-for-15 shooting. He’s connected on five 3-pointers in three of his last eight games and opened the month with his first two 10-rebound nights of the season, so he’s clearly stepped things up. The former Blazers second-round find has really come into his own in his seventh year as a pro and is poised to make a large impact here.

Nurkic, who Denver acquired from the Bulls on a draft night deal back in 2014, is wrapping up his first full season with the Trail Blazers and probably has a little extra invested in this one too. The 7-foot center is also playing his best down the stretch and is poised to have a big influence on a playoff team for the first time. He was able to play in only one postseason game last year after suffering a non-displaced fracture of his right leg just before April. The 33 points he scored against his former team just days before that bad break remain his career-high, but he’s had success against Jokic, who essentially beat him out in Denver, rendering him a disposable backup ultimately dealt away because Mason Plumlee was deemed to be a better fit.

Nurkic has averaged 15.3 points in the three meetings with his former team this season, but Denver has emerged with victories twice. Since March 5, he’s come up with 11 double-doubles in 17 games, including three straight despite back issues.

Jokic has averaged 26 points, 12.7 rebounds and 7.6 assists over his last six games, shooting 50 percent or better five times. He’s averaged just 16.3 points and 9.3 rebounds while shooting just 40 percent, all figures below his usual production, in the three games against Portland. Paul Millsap looked like a shell of himself upon returning on Feb. 27, but has worked the rust off, making life easier on Jokic by commanding attention while working at least 30 minutes in each of the last seven games, averaging 19.9 points and 7.3 boards. He’s only faced the Blazers once with his new team, shooting just 6-for-16 in a 99-82 road loss back on Nov. 13.

Another of the x-factors here will be Blazers guard C.J. McCollum snapping out of a slump that has seen him shoot under 40 percent over his last five games, averaging just 16.4 points, including just 5-for-28 from 3-point range. Denver isn’t the ideal team to rebound against given that he’s averaged 14.7 points in three meetings against him, his lowest output against any NBA team this season. He’s shot 39.5 percent from the field. If that doesn’t change, Portland may be facing the daunting prospect of being involved in Wednesday’s most attractive clash as well. You’ll understand the Trail Blazers feeling that it’s a little too early for all that drama.

Portland will look to split its four meetings with Denver this season but are in danger of losing the season series for the first time since 2012-13. The Blazers have won 15 of the last 19 between the division rivals but haven't won in the Mile High City since Oct. 2016. The Nuggets have surrendered 100 or more points in 30 of their last 31 games but have scored at least 103 in 29 of those. The ‘over’ is 22-8-1 in Denver games since Jan. 29.

Game of the Night Too - Oklahoma City (-3, 214) at Miami, Fox Sports OK/FL, 9:05 ET

There’s only one other game on Monday’s schedule where both teams are invested in the result for playoff purposes. That statement wouldn’t be accurate if we were talking tanking, but we’ll keep it simple by telling you that Thunder-Heat is definitely the game most worth keeping an eye on in the early block.

The Heat own the No. 6 seed and would play Philadelphia if the current playoff standings hold. Like everyone else in the East, their preference would be to finish 7th in order to open the playoffs against depleted Boston, but both Washington and Milwaukee are better-positioned to make that happen. A Southeast Division title may wind up being their consolation prize, which can be secured by ruining Oklahoma City’s trip to South Florida.

The Thunder are still in danger of missing the playoffs altogether but would be in position to potentially finish top-four and secure homecourt advantage in the first round since Memphis comes to town on Wednesday. In order to make that happen, they’ll need to follow up an impressive upset of Houston with a big win in Miami.

Oklahoma City won at home 105-99 on March 23 in the only other meeting this season, rallying to win thanks to a 41-point fourth quarter. Russell Westbrook was dominant with 29 points, 13 rebounds and eight assists while Steven Adams added 24 points and 12 boards. The Thunder won despite Paul George and Carmelo Anthony combining to shoot 5-for-24, including 0-for-10 from 3-point range.

With center Hassan Whiteside back, the Heat should be better able to match up with Adams in the paint and will be looking to snap a four-game losing streak at the hands of OKC. Miami has won its last two games as a home underdog, impressively crushing Cleveland and Philadelphia.

Both teams are healthy enough that only shooting guards, Andre Roberson and Dion Waiters, each out for the season, are on the injury report. The under has prevailed in seven of the last eight Heat games.

Injury report

Guard DeMar DeRozan and center Jonas Valanciunas sat out Sunday’s home win over Toronto but should participate in Detroit. Serge Ibaka is likely to rest and it’s safe to assume conversations will be had over whether to keep Kyle Lowry out too. Of course, he may be forced to play a few minutes out of necessity with Fred Van Vleet banged up, having left the Magic game with lower back tightness. If were a DFS player, Delon Wright would be worth a long look. Backup shooting guard Norman Powell also departed last night’s win with an ankle sprain that apparently looked more serious than it ended up being.

With Toronto locked into the East’s No. 1 spot, the only thing it is playing for is homecourt advantage in a potential NBA Finals meeting with Golden State, who it was swept by during the regular season. A win here would keep the Raptors a game up on the defending champs with one to go. They’ve already set the franchise record for most single-season victories. Detroit may hold out Reggie Jackson, who is dealing with an illness. The Pistons lost in Memphis on Sunday afternoon despite connecting on 23 3-pointers.

The Cavs are still chasing the No. 3 seed, so LeBron James will definitely grace Madison S quare Garden by playing in Game No. 81. Rodney Hood has also been upgraded to probable despite his achilles issue, but point guards George Hill (ankle) and Jose Calderon (hamstring) remain questionable. Both missed a couple of games last week. The Knicks are unlikely to have Enes Kanter (back), Tim Hardaway, Jr. (ankle) or Emmanuel Mudiay (concussion) in the mix, which leaves Trey Burke and Michael Beasley as the primary offensive options.

The Cavs are still chasing the No. 3 seed, so LeBron James will definitely grace Madison S quare Garden by playing in Game No. 81. Rodney Hood has also been upgraded to probable despite his achilles issue, but point guards George Hill (ankle) and Jose Calderon (hamstring) remain questionable. Both missed a couple of games last week. The Knicks are unlikely to have Enes Kanter (back), Tim Hardaway, Jr. (ankle) or Emmanuel Mudiay (concussion) in the mix, which leaves Trey Burke and Michael Beasley as the primary offensive options.

The Grizzlies treated their home fans to a rare win yesterday as Marc Gasol participated and Marshon Brooks and Dillon Brooks each shined but are unlikely to provide as much resistance in Minnesota. It’s highly unlikely that their star center plays on the second night of a back-to-back, while the Timberwolves are in must-win mode and have Jimmy Butler back ready to play in his second straight contest.

Giannis Anteokounmpo sat out Saturday night’s win over New York with ankle soreness, so it remains to be seen if he makes it back tonight against Orlando. Malcolm Brogdon will make his highly anticipated return from a knee injury, while Tony Snell and John Henson should participate in what will be the final regular-season game at Bradley Center before the team moves into a new downtown arena to open next season. The Magic will be much easier to handle if Aaron Gordon, Nikola Vucevic and Terrence Ross are held out on the second night of a back-to-back after returning from injuries yesterday.

The Pelicans find themselves in a must-win situation against the Clippers, so it’s no surprise that they’re hoping to get Ian Clark back from an ankle injury and plan on playing Nikola Mirotic after rolling his ankle in a huge upset over Golden State. L.A. is likely to be without Lou Williams due to a sprain and may opt to sit center DeAndre Jordan due to ankle soreness that has been affecting him, according to Doc Rivers.

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Dunkel

Monday, April 9


Toronto @ Detroit

Game 701-702
April 9, 2018 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Toronto
123.869
Detroit
117.901
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Toronto
by 6
203
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Toronto
by 3 1/2
209 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Toronto
(-3 1/2); Under

Cleveland @ New York

Game 703-704
April 9, 2018 @ 7:35 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Cleveland
125.617
New York
110.553
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Cleveland
by 15
229
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Cleveland
by 11 1/2
223 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Cleveland
(-11 1/2); Over

Chicago @ Brooklyn

Game 705-706
April 9, 2018 @ 7:35 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Chicago
111.561
Brooklyn
115.998
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Brooklyn
by 4 1/2
213
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Brooklyn
by 8 1/2
220 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Chicago
(+8 1/2); Under

Oklahoma City @ Miami

Game 707-708
April 9, 2018 @ 7:35 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Oklahoma City
119.241
Miami
119.005
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Miami
Even
210
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Oklahoma City
by 3 1/2
214
Dunkel Pick:
Miami
(+3 1/2); Under

Memphis @ Minnesota

Game 709-710
April 9, 2018 @ 8:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Memphis
107.856
Minnesota
124.904
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Minnesota
by 17
211
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Minnesota
by 15
213
Dunkel Pick:
Minnesota
(-15); Under

Orlando @ Milwaukee

Game 711-712
April 9, 2018 @ 8:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Orlando
106.712
Milwaukee
120.634
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Milwaukee
by 14
226
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Milwaukee
by 10
208 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Milwaukee
(-10); Over

Sacramento @ San Antonio

Game 713-714
April 9, 2018 @ 8:35 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Sacramento
114.501
San Antonio
124.672
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
San Antonio
by 10
195
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
San Antonio
by 13 1/2
200 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Sacramento
(+13 1/2); Under

Portland @ Denver

Game 715-716
April 9, 2018 @ 9:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Portland
121.304
Denver
122.875
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Denver
by 1 1/2
211
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Denver
by 4 1/2
218
Dunkel Pick:
Portland
(+4 1/2); Under

New Orleans @ LA Clippers

Game 717-718
April 9, 2018 @ 10:35 pm

Dunkel Rating:
New Orleans
123.881
LA Clippers
113.767
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
New Orleans
by 10
222
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
New Orleans
by 7 1/2
227 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
New Orleans
(-7 1/2); Under

[StarDust Bum]

D'Antoni, Harden and Paul poised to capture trio's 1st title
April 9, 2018

HOUSTON (AP) Chris Paul has a long history of playoff heartbreak.

So does James Harden.

And Mike D'Antoni has more than either of them combined.

Separately, they've never gotten it done at playoff time. Together, their fortunes might change. They've led the Houston Rockets to the NBA's best record going into these playoffs, and in a league that Golden State and Cleveland have dominated in recent years, it may not be overly surprising to see the Paul-Harden-D'Antoni triumvirate win it all this spring.

With two regular-season games left, the Rockets have already piled up a franchise-record 64 wins to secure the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference. But this group - perhaps fueled by past playoff shortcomings - knows it has much more work to do.

''The ultimate goal is holding that trophy up,'' Harden said. ''So until we do that there's no celebrations ... we haven't done anything yet.''

D'Antoni, who'll turn 67 next month and would be the oldest coach to win an NBA title if Houston gets it done, has revived his career in Houston. He got the Rockets to the West semifinals in his first year with them last season. And on the eve of these playoffs, D'Antoni insists he won't spend a second thinking about all the times things went wrong in his previous postseason trips.

''Zero,'' he said when asked how much he thinks about his playoff failures. ''Twenty-nine teams look back every year. It's hard to win.''

D'Antoni might know that better than most.

In 2004-05, his Phoenix Suns won 62 games in the regular season and reached the conference finals before losing to eventual champion San Antonio in five games. The Suns advanced to the conference finals again the following year, but were eliminated by Dallas in six games. They lost in the second round in 2007, the first round in 2008.

More failures followed in his stints with New York and the Los Angeles Lakers.

The Knicks were swept by Boston in 2011, the Lakers swept by the Spurs in 2013, both of those coming in the first round. Before last season, D'Antoni hadn't won a playoff game in nine years.

''We've had a great regular season, but it doesn't matter,'' he said. ''But what it does mean is that we're pretty good and if we make big shots and do what we're supposed to do ... then we'll see if we can do it.''

Paul's failures in the postseason may be even more scrutinized. The nine-time All-Star, who came to Houston in an offseason trade, has made nine playoff trips without advancing past the second round. The worst of those flops came in 2015, ironically against Houston, when Paul and the Clippers had a 3-1 lead in the conference semifinals. They got blown out in Game 5, wasted a 19-point second-half lead in Los Angeles in Game 6, then fell in Game 7 at Houston.

That was then, Paul said.

''It is cool when you stop and think about it,'' Paul said. ''But for us right now we're trying to enjoy the moment. Trying to enjoy the process and not worry about all that stuff. Maybe after it's all said and done you can reflect on it.''

Harden knows playoff pain as well. His splendid 2016-17 season was so promising, especially after Houston routed San Antonio, on the road, in Game 1 of the West semifinals. The Spurs won four of the next five, including a 114-75 embarrassing series-clincher in Houston where Harden was held to 10 points.

''These last few years I've learned that obviously you can't do it by yourself,'' Harden said. ''You need guys to step up, make big shots, make big plays and so we have enough guys in here on any given night that can change a playoff series. So that's what you need. That's what puts you over the top.''

Paul might be the topper Harden needed.

From the moment Paul arrived in Houston, Harden raved about what he would bring to the team. After playing with him for a season, the normally reserved Harden was even more effusive in his praise of the fellow guard.

''I don't mean to sound too mushy or what-not but it was like love at first sight,'' Harden said. ''It was just meant to be.''

This will be Harden's ninth playoff appearance after three trips with the Thunder and five in Houston. He's led the Rockets to the postseason in each of his seasons in Houston, but his failure to shine in big games has dogged him for years.

Bringing a title to Houston, which hasn't seen the Rockets hoisting a Larry O'Brien Trophy since the back-to-back crowns in 1994 and 1995, will render all those criticisms moot.

''We're all in this together,'' Harden said. ''That's what it's all about. We talk about it every single day. We're in this together and if one fails we all fail. So we're going to ride this thing out together.''

[StarDust Bum]

EASTERN CONFERENCE W L PCT GB HOME ROAD CONF DIV STREAK L10

1 z-Toronto 58 22 0.725 - 34-7 24-15 39-11 12-4 W3 6-4

2 x-Boston 54 26 0.675 4 26-14 28-12 32-18 11-4 L1 7-3

3 x-Philadelphia 50 30 0.625 8 29-11 21-19 32-18 9-7 W14 10-0

4 x-Cleveland 49 31 0.612 9 29-11 20-20 34-16 11-5 L1 8-2

5 x-Indiana 48 33 0.593 10½ 27-13 21-20 32-19 10-6 W1 7-3

6 x-Miami 43 37 0.538 15 25-14 18-23 30-21 11-5 L1 6-4

7 x-Milwaukee 43 37 0.538 15 24-16 19-21 26-24 6-10 W1 6-4

8 x-Washington 42 38 0.525 16 22-18 20-20 27-23 8-7 L4 2-8


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


WESTERN CONFERENCE W L PCT GB HOME ROAD CONF DIV STREAK L10

1 z-Houston 64 16 0.800 - 34-7 30-9 40-10 12-4 L1 8-2

2 y-Golden St. 58 23 0.716 6½ 29-12 29-11 34-17 13-3 W1 5-5

3 x-Portland 48 32 0.600 16 27-13 21-19 30-20 8-6 L3 4-6

4 x-Utah 47 33 0.588 17 27-13 20-20 33-17 7-8 W5 7-3

5 New Orleans 46 34 0.575 18 23-17 23-17 25-25 8-7 W3 6-4

6 San Antonio 46 34 0.575 18 32-8 14-26 28-22 9-6 W1 6-4

7 Oklahoma City 46 34 0.575 18 26-14 20-20 27-24 5-11 W1 5-5

8 Minnesota 45 35 0.562 19 28-11 17-24 32-18 9-6 W1 5-5

Denver 45 35 0.562 19 30-10 15-25 27-23 8-6 W5 7-3


x-clinched playoff berth
y-denotes division winner
z-clinched top seed in conference
o-eliminated from playoff contention

[StarDust Bum]

MONDAY, APRIL 9
GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS

TOR at DET 07:00 PM
TOR -4.5
U 209.0

OKC at MIA 07:30 PM
MIA +3.5
U 213.5

CHI at BK 07:30 PM
BK -7.5
O 218.5

CLE at NY 07:30 PM
CLE -12.5
O 223.5

MEM at MIN 08:00 PM
MEM +15.5
O 213.0

ORL at MIL 08:00 PM
MIL -12.0
O 210.0

SAC at SA 08:30 PM
SA -13.5
U 202.0

POR at DEN 09:00 PM
DEN -4.5
O 219.0

NO at LAC 10:30 PM
NO -7.5
U 224.5