The Bum's 2018 NBA Trends/Stats/Best Bets Thru The Playoffs !

[StarDust Bum]

SuperContest Picks - Week 14
December 8, 2018
By VI News

The Westgate Las Vegas SuperContest is the biggest, most prestigious, challenging pro football handicapping contest in the country. The fees are $1,500 per entry.

Contestants must pick 5 pro football games against the spread each week for the entire 17-week season. The individual that has the best record after the season will be deemed the winner.

The LVH Casino at Westgate Las Vegas Resort is a hotel, casino, and convention center, which is located in Las Vegas, Nevada. LVH SuperBook vice-president Jay Kornegay is in charge of the SuperContest.

This year's contest has 3,123 entries.

Each week throughout the season, we'll post the Top 5 Consensus Picks in the SuperContest on Saturday afternoon and list all of the selections for each matchup.

Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3 | Week 4 | Week 5 | Week 6 | Week 7 | Week 8

Week 9 | Week 10 | Week 11 | Week 12 | Week 13

Week 14

1) Indianapolis +5 (988)
2) Kansas City -6.5 (797)
3) L.A. Rams -3 (791)
4) Buffalo -3 (761)
5) N.Y. Giants -3.5 (711)

SUPERCONTEST WEEK 14 MATCHUPS & ODDS
Away Team Selections Home Team Selections
Jacksonville (+4.5) 108 Tennessee (-4.5) 188
Baltimore (+6.5) 486 Kansas City (-6.5) 797
Indianapolis (+5) 988 Houston (-5) 470
Carolina (-2.5) 357 Cleveland (+2.5) 659
Atlanta (+5.5) 267 Green Bay (-5.5) 534
New Orleans (-8) 581 Tampa Bay (+8) 312
N.Y. Jets (+3) 133 Buffalo (-3) 761
New England (-7.5) 366 Miami (+7.5) 596
L.A. Rams (-3) 791 Chicago (+3) 694
N.Y. Giants (-3.5) 711 Washington (+3.5) 189
Denver (-4.5) 531 San Francisco (+4.5) 605
Cincinnati (+14) 130 L.A. Chargers (-14) 317
Detroit (-2.5) 283 Arizona (+2.5) 311
Philadelphia (+3.5) 663 Dallas (-3.5) 539
Pittsburgh (-10.5) 189 Oakland (+10.5) 526
Minnesota (+3.5) 580 Seattle (-3.5) 573


WEEKLY AND OVERALL CONSENSUS RECORDS
Week Consensus Record Overall Record Percentage
1 4-1 4-1 80%
2 0-5 4-6 40%
3 3-2 7-8 47%
4 3-2 10-10 50%
5 1-4 11-14 44%
6 1-4 12-18 40%
7 4-1 16-19 46%
8 5-0 21-19 53%
9 5-0 26-19 58%
10 2-3 28-22 56%
11 2-3 30-25 55%
12 2-3 32-28 53%
13 2-3 34-31 52%
14 - - -
15 - - -
16 - - -
17 - - -

[Udog]

Hoop Trends - Sunday
Vince Akins

ATS Play ON Trend of the Day:

The Jazz are 15-0 ATS (+11.97 ppg) as a road favorite off a home win when they are facing a team that is averaging less than 20 fouls per game.

ATS Play AGAINST Trend of the Day:

The Bucks are 0-10 ATS (-12.15 ppg) as a road dog off a home game when their opponent is seeking same-season revenge for a road loss.

OU Play OVER Trend of the Day:

The Bucks are 16-0 OU (+15.78 ppg) as a dog with less than two days rest off a double-digit loss when they are facing an opponent that is averaging more than 45 rebounds per game and it is before the All-Star break.

OU Play UNDER Trend of the Day:

The Pelicans are 0-14 OU (-12.18 ppg) on the road with rest off a home loss when they are facing an opponent that is averaging less than four blocks per game.

[Udog]

NBA
Dunkel

Sunday, December 9


New Orleans @ Detroit

Game 501-502
December 9, 2018 @ 3:35 pm

Dunkel Rating:
New Orleans
121.123
Detroit
116.525
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
New Orleans
by 4 1/2
222
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
New Orleans
by 1
228
Dunkel Pick:
New Orleans
(-1); Under

Milwaukee @ Toronto

Game 503-504
December 9, 2018 @ 6:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Milwaukee
121.740
Toronto
122.876
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Toronto
by 1
234
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Toronto
by 5 1/2
229
Dunkel Pick:
Milwaukee
(+5 1/2); Over

Utah @ San Antonio

Game 505-506
December 9, 2018 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Utah
122.223
San Antonio
113.219
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Utah
by 9
216
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Utah
by 2 1/2
219
Dunkel Pick:
Utah
(-2 1/2); Under

Charlotte @ New York

Game 507-508
December 9, 2018 @ 7:35 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Charlotte
122.044
New York
106.530
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Charlotte
by 15 1/2
229
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Charlotte
by 5 1/2
224 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Charlotte
(-5 1/2); Over




NBA
Long Sheet

Sunday, December 9

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

NEW ORLEANS (13 - 14) at DETROIT (13 - 10) - 12/9/2018, 3:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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

MILWAUKEE (16 - 8) at TORONTO (21 - 6) - 12/9/2018, 6:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MILWAUKEE is 47-28 ATS (+16.2 Units) in road games versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
TORONTO is 7-7 against the spread versus MILWAUKEE over the last 3 seasons
TORONTO is 9-5 straight up against MILWAUKEE over the last 3 seasons
7 of 14 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

UTAH (13 - 13) at SAN ANTONIO (12 - 14) - 12/9/2018, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SAN ANTONIO is 1059-932 ATS (+33.8 Units) in all games since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 34-20 ATS (+12.0 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 13-3 ATS (+9.7 Units) in home games in December games over the last 3 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 347-287 ATS (+31.3 Units) in the first half of the season since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 90-61 ATS (+22.9 Units) in home games against Northwest division opponents since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent this season.
SAN ANTONIO is 215-165 ATS (+33.5 Units) in home games after a win by 10 points or more since 1996.
UTAH is 100-69 ATS (+24.1 Units) on Sunday games since 1996.
UTAH is 26-14 ATS (+10.6 Units) after a win by 10 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
UTAH is 33-21 ATS (+9.9 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.

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

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

CHARLOTTE (12 - 13) at NEW YORK (8 - 18) - 12/9/2018, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CHARLOTTE is 11-29 ATS (-20.9 Units) against Atlantic division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
NEW YORK is 21-10 ATS (+10.0 Units) in home games in the first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
NEW YORK is 6-1 against the spread versus CHARLOTTE over the last 3 seasons
NEW YORK is 4-3 straight up against CHARLOTTE over the last 3 seasons
5 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

NEW ORLEANS (13 - 14) at DETROIT (13 - 10) - 12/9/2018, 3:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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

MILWAUKEE (16 - 8) at TORONTO (21 - 6) - 12/9/2018, 6:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MILWAUKEE is 47-28 ATS (+16.2 Units) in road games versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
TORONTO is 7-7 against the spread versus MILWAUKEE over the last 3 seasons
TORONTO is 9-5 straight up against MILWAUKEE over the last 3 seasons
7 of 14 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

UTAH (13 - 13) at SAN ANTONIO (12 - 14) - 12/9/2018, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SAN ANTONIO is 1059-932 ATS (+33.8 Units) in all games since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 34-20 ATS (+12.0 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 13-3 ATS (+9.7 Units) in home games in December games over the last 3 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 347-287 ATS (+31.3 Units) in the first half of the season since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 90-61 ATS (+22.9 Units) in home games against Northwest division opponents since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent this season.
SAN ANTONIO is 215-165 ATS (+33.5 Units) in home games after a win by 10 points or more since 1996.
UTAH is 100-69 ATS (+24.1 Units) on Sunday games since 1996.
UTAH is 26-14 ATS (+10.6 Units) after a win by 10 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
UTAH is 33-21 ATS (+9.9 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.

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

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

CHARLOTTE (12 - 13) at NEW YORK (8 - 19) - 12/9/2018, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CHARLOTTE is 11-29 ATS (-20.9 Units) against Atlantic division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
NEW YORK is 32-16 ATS (+14.4 Units) in home games in the first half of the season over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
NEW YORK is 6-1 against the spread versus CHARLOTTE over the last 3 seasons
NEW YORK is 4-3 straight up against CHARLOTTE over the last 3 seasons
5 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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




NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up

Sunday, December 9

New Orleans lost seven of its last ten games; they lost five of their last six road games. Six of their last nine games stayed under. Pistons lost their last three games, by 27-23-6 points; they are 2-3 as HU. Four of their last five games stayed under. Pelicans won nine of last ten games with Detroit (7-3 vs spread); they covered four of their last five visits to the Motor City. Four of last six series games went over.

Milwaukee is 8-9 in its last 17 games; they’re 1-6 vs spread in last seven, 2-1 as AU. Over is 5-3 in their last eight games. Raptors won nine of their last 11 games; they’re 2-5 vs spread in last seven home games. Toronto’s last four games stayed under. Bucks won last two games with Toronto after losing previous five; Milwaukee covered four of its last five visits to Canada. Five of last six series games went over.

Utah beat the Spurs by 34 at home Tuesday; they won/covered five of last seven games, are 4-4 as AF. Under is 7-4 in their last 11 road games. San Antonio lost four of its last six games; they’re 8-4 SU at home this season. 10 of their last 11 games went over. Jazz won five of last six games with San Antonio; Utah is 2-2 vs spread in their last four visits to the Alamo. Eight of last nine series games went over.

Charlotte lost three of its last four games; they lost eight of last nine road games SU. Three of their last four games went over. New York lost five of its last six games; they’re 4-3 as HU. Three of their last four home games stayed under. Home side won last seven Hornet-Knick games; Charlotte is 1-5 vs spread in its last six visits to Manhattan. Seven of last eight series games went over.




NBA

Sunday, December 9

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Report
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

New Orleans Pelicans
New Orleans is 3-6 ATS in its last 9 games
New Orleans is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of New Orleans's last 6 games
New Orleans is 3-8 ATS in its last 11 games on the road
New Orleans is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of New Orleans's last 6 games on the road
New Orleans is 9-3 ATS in its last 12 games when playing Detroit
New Orleans is 11-1 SU in its last 12 games when playing Detroit
The total has gone OVER in 4 of New Orleans's last 6 games when playing Detroit
New Orleans is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Detroit
New Orleans is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Detroit
The total has gone OVER in 9 of New Orleans's last 13 games when playing on the road against Detroit
Detroit Pistons
Detroit is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Detroit's last 5 games
Detroit is 3-9 ATS in its last 12 games when playing New Orleans
Detroit is 1-11 SU in its last 12 games when playing New Orleans
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Detroit's last 6 games when playing New Orleans
Detroit is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against New Orleans
Detroit is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against New Orleans
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Detroit's last 13 games when playing at home against New Orleans

Milwaukee Bucks
Milwaukee is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games
Milwaukee is 16-8 SU in its last 24 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Milwaukee's last 5 games
Milwaukee is 3-11 ATS in its last 14 games on the road
Milwaukee is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Milwaukee's last 5 games on the road
Milwaukee is 6-19 SU in its last 25 games when playing Toronto
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Milwaukee's last 6 games when playing Toronto
Milwaukee is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Toronto
Milwaukee is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Toronto
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Milwaukee's last 5 games when playing on the road against Toronto
Toronto Raptors
Toronto is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
Toronto is 9-2 SU in its last 11 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Toronto's last 5 games
Toronto is 19-6 SU in its last 25 games when playing Milwaukee
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Toronto's last 6 games when playing Milwaukee
Toronto is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Milwaukee
Toronto is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Milwaukee
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Toronto's last 5 games when playing at home against Milwaukee

Utah Jazz
Utah is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Utah is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Utah is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing San Antonio
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Utah's last 9 games when playing San Antonio
Utah is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games when playing on the road against San Antonio
Utah is 2-14 SU in its last 16 games when playing on the road against San Antonio
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Utah's last 5 games when playing on the road against San Antonio
San Antonio Spurs
San Antonio is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games
San Antonio is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of San Antonio's last 5 games
San Antonio is 17-7 ATS in its last 24 games at home
San Antonio is 20-5 SU in its last 25 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of San Antonio's last 5 games at home
San Antonio is 2-3-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Utah
San Antonio is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Utah
The total has gone OVER in 8 of San Antonio's last 9 games when playing Utah
San Antonio is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games when playing at home against Utah
San Antonio is 14-2 SU in its last 16 games when playing at home against Utah
The total has gone OVER in 5 of San Antonio's last 5 games when playing at home against Utah

Charlotte Hornets
Charlotte is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games on the road
Charlotte is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games when playing New York
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Charlotte's last 8 games when playing New York
Charlotte is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against New York
Charlotte is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against New York
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Charlotte's last 5 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
New York is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of New York's last 6 games at home
New York is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Charlotte
The total has gone OVER in 7 of New York's last 8 games when playing Charlotte
New York is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Charlotte
New York is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Charlotte
The total has gone OVER in 5 of New York's last 5 games when playing at home against Charlotte


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

[StarDust Bum]

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 9
GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS

NO at DET 03:30 PM
DET +1.5
O 225.0

MIL at TOR 06:00 PM
TOR -5.5
U 231.0

UTA at SA 07:00 PM
O 217.5

CHA at NY 07:30 PM
NY +6.0
O 224.0

[StarDust Bum]

Brogdon's 3-pointers lift Bucks past Raptors 104-99
December 9, 2018
By The Associated Press

TORONTO (AP) Malcolm Brogdon hit tying and go-ahead 3-pointers in the final 67 seconds and the Milwaukee Bucks held on to beat the Toronto Raptors 104-99 on Sunday night.

Brogdon scored 18 points, Giannis Antetokounmpo had 19 points and matched a season high with 19 rebounds, and Brook Lopez had 19 points for the Bucks, the first team to beat Toronto twice this season.

Serge Ibaka scored 22 points and Kawhi Leonard had 20 for the Raptors, who have lost two straight, the second time this season they've suffered consecutive defeats. Toronto, which lost 106-105 at Brooklyn on Friday, dropped three straight from Nov. 12 to 16, losing at home to New Orleans and Detroit before an overtime defeat at Boston.

Fred VanVleet scored 19 points and Pascal Siakam had 17 for the Raptors, whose 21-7 record is best in the NBA.

Toronto's Kyle Lowry shot 0 for 5 and didn't score for the first time this season. Lowry led the Raptors with seven assists.

PELICANS 116, PISTONS 108

DETROIT (AP) - Jrue Holiday scored 37 points and Julius Randle added 28 as New Orleans dealt Detroit its fourth straight loss.

Pelicans star Anthony Davis left with a right hip injury after a first-quarter collision with Blake Griffin. Davis returned early in the third quarter, but finished with only six points - three before the injury. He also had five blocks and nine rebounds.

Griffin scored 35 points for Detroit, Andre Drummond had 23 points and 19 rebounds, and Langston Galloway added a season-best 24 off the bench.

SPURS 110, JAZZ 97

SAN ANTONIO (AP) - DeMar DeRozan had 26 points and eight rebounds and Rudy Gay added 23 points and 15 rebounds as San Antonio won its second straight after dropping four of five.

LaMarcus Aldridge scored 20 points for the Spurs.

Donovan Mitchell scored 27 points, all in the second half, and Ricky Rubio added 26 for the Jazz. Rudy Gobert was the only other player in double figures, with 12 points, as Utah had its two-game winning streak halted.

HORNETS 119, KNICKS 107

NEW YORK (AP) - Kemba Walker scored 25 points and Jeremy Lamb added 19 to lead Charlotte past New York.

Tony Parker scored 16 points, Marvin Williams had 13 and Cody Zeller finished with 12 as Charlotte led by as many as 28 points in a game it never trailed.

Knicks rookie Kevin Knox tied a season high with 26 points and set a career high with 15 rebounds, while Tim Hardaway Jr. added 21 points.

[StarDust Bum]

SCHEDULE FOR MONDAY DECEMBER 10, 2018
Time (ET) Away Home Site
7:05 PM Detroit Pistons Philadelphia 76ers Wells Fargo Center
7:05 PM Washington Wizards Indiana Pacers Bankers Life Fieldhouse
7:35 PM New Orleans Pelicans Boston Celtics TD Garden
8:05 PM Cleveland Cavaliers Milwaukee Bucks Fiserv Forum
8:05 PM Sacramento Kings Chicago Bulls United Center
8:05 PM Utah Jazz Oklahoma City Thunder Chesapeake Energy Arena
8:35 PM Orlando Magic Dallas Mavericks American Airlines Center
9:05 PM Los Angeles Clippers Phoenix Suns Talking Stick Resort Arena
9:05 PM Memphis Grizzlies Denver Nuggets Pepsi Center
10:35 PM Miami Heat Los Angeles Lakers Staples Center
10:35 PM Minnesota Timberwolves Golden State Warriors ORACLE Arena


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


NBA RECORD AND BEST BETS:


DATE W-L-T % UNITS RECORD

12/09/2018 2-5-0 28.57% -17.50
12/08/2018 2-0-0 100.00% +10.00
12/07/2018 12-7-0 63.16% +21.50
12/06/2018 2-4-0 33.33% -12.00
12/05/2018 9-6-0 60.00% +12.00
12/04/2018 6-4-0 60.00% +8.00
12/03/2018 3-9-0 25.00% -34.50
12/02/2018 6-6-0 50.00% -3.00
12/01/2018 7-7-0 50.00% -3.50

Record:..........49-48-0.......50.51%--- -19.00


NBA BEST BETS:

DATE......................ATS...................UN ITS...................O/U...................UNITS..............TOTAL

12/09/2018............0 - 1..................-5.50....................2 - 2.................-1.00................-6.50
12/08/2018............1 - 0..................+5.00..................1 - 0..................+5.00...............+10.00
12/07/2018............0 - 3..................-16.50..................5 - 0.................+25.00.............+8.50
12/06/2018............1 - 2..................-6.00....................1 - 2.................-6.00................-12.00
12/05/2018............2 - 2..................-1.00....................6 - 4................+8.00................+7.00
12/04/2018............2 - 1.................+4.50...................1 - 2..................-6.00................-1.50
12/03/2018............1 - 3.................-11.50...................1 - 2.................-6.00.................17.50
12/02/2018............1 - 3.................-11.50...................2 - 1.................+4.50................-7.00
12/01/2018............2 - 2.................- 1.00....................3 - 4..................-7.00................-8.00

Record:.................10 - 17................-43.50.................22 - 17...............+16.50...............-27.00

[StarDust Bum]

Monday’s 6-pack

Top 6 picks for Week 14 of Westgate SuperBook NFL handicapping contest (3,123 entries)

1) Indianapolis Colts +5 (988)- W

2) Kansas City Chiefs -6.5 (797)- L

3) Los Angeles Rams -3 (791)-L

4) Buffalo Bills -3 (761)- L

5) New Jersey Giants -3.5 (711)- W

6) Chicago Bears +3 (694)-w

Season record: 42-37-3

Quote of the Day
“In southern California, it takes 45 minutes to get out of your driveway.”
Al Michaels

Monday’s quiz
Matt Prater (then with the Broncos) holds the record for the longest FG in NFL history (64 yards); who did he kick it against?

Sunday’s quiz
Dwyane Wade played his college basketball at Marquette.

Saturday’s quiz
Tom Coughlin was the first coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars.


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

Monday’s Den: Wrapping up an NFL Sunday…..

Chiefs 27, Ravens 24 OT— Chiefs converted a 4th-and-9 with 1:20 left that would’ve ended game, then they tied game with 0:53 left, and won it with a FG on first down of OT, followed by a defensive stop. This was a playoff-quality game. Lamar Jackson got hurt at the end of OT; not sure how severe the injury is, but Robert Griffin III played the last two plays of the game.

Ravens ran ball for 198 yards, but were outgained 441-321.

There are four teams at 7-6 in AFC, which is second Wild Card spot, so last three weeks are going to be fun. Denver’s (6-7) loss in San Francisco could be a crippler for them.

Dolphins 34, Patriots 33— One of wildest endings ever; Miami had ball on its own 31-yard line with 0:02 left, down 33-28. They complete a pass over middle about 20 yards down field, toss two fairly short laterals, and they score the game-winning TD. New England’s defense doesn’t have lot of real fast guys. Really a shocking ending.

Patriots have now lost five of their last six visits to Miami; home team won 11 of last 12 series games. New England is 3-4 on road this year; Miami is 6-1 at home. Dolphins are 8-3-1 vs spread in last dozen games as home underdogs. Dolphins’ playoff hopes are still alive.

Saints 28, Buccaneers 14— Tampa Bay’s special teams totally screwed this game up; they missed two pretty easy FG’s (46, 40 yards) when they were ahead, had a punt blocked in 3rd quarter when they led 14-3 and New Orleans looked dead.

Saints’ first six drives: 28 plays, 108 yards, 3 points
Saints’ last four drives (after blocked punt): 33 plays, 175 yards, 25 points

First time these teams played, when Bucs won 48-40 in Week 1, there were 15 plays of 20+ yards; there were only four such plays in this game.

Last five years, Saints are 15-8 vs spread coming off a loss; they’re 17-6 vs spread in last 23 road games, 6-1 this year.

Colts 24, Texans 21— Andrew Luck is Comeback Player of the Year; Indy won six of last seven games after a 1-5 start. Ravens’ loss, coupled with this result and Miami’s win, totally jumble race for second Wild Card in AFC.

Houston could’ve claimed #2 spot in AFC with win here; their 9-game win streak ends. Texans ran for only 89 yards in this game.

Browns 26, Panthers 20— Carolina was inside 10-yard line in last minute, but Newton threw two incomplete passes and Cleveland held on to improve to 5-7-1, while Panthers lost their 5th game in row- they’re 1-6 on road this season.

Carolina had 12-yard edge in field position, was +1 in turnovers, but lost. Scoring 20 points (two TDs, two FGs) on five red zone drives isn’t good enough. Cleveland is 5-7-1; how do you not consider Gregg Williams for the permanent head coaching position?

Packers 34, Falcons 20— Green Bay started this game by losing two replay challenges in first 1:23, which just never happens, but then they whacked Atlanta, scoring five of the first six times they had the ball, and also adding a defensive TD.

Falcons lost their lost their last five games, scoring 17 ppg; they’re 0-7 this season scoring 20 or less points, 4-2 scoring more- they’re 1-5 on road. If you own the Falcons, do you stay the course with this coach and this QB? They’ve got injuries, but they also look like a team that has quit.

Jets 27, Bills 23— 49ers, Raiders both won; had the Jets lost this game, they would’ve had inside track to #1 pick in the draft.

With 1:22 left and Bills up 23-20, Jets had 4th-and goal inside 1-yard line; they went for it and ran ball in for a TD. TV guys had been babbling about how Jets HAD TO GO for it— why? Where does it say that you have to?

Jets had a 20-yard edge in field position in this game; they were outgained 368-248, but snapped a 6-game losing streak. Allen was just 18-37 passing- he did run for 101 yards.

If they re-did the 2018 draft today, Mayfield/Barkley would probably still be top two picks, but what about Darnold/Allen/Rosen? How do they stack up now?

Giants 40, Redskins 16— Pet peeve of mine; NFL is a multi-billon dollar business, yet they cheap out when it comes to QB’s. Every NFL team should have three QB’s active every week, even if the #3 QB is a separate part of the roster. Why? So you don’t get situations like the Redskins have, with two QB’s on roster, neither of whom has been with the team for two weeks yet. It kills the quality of the product; you cannot compete without a QB who knows the plays.

Giants’ rookie RB Barkley only ran ball 14 times, but for 170 yards; he is definitely on a pitch count- his backup ran ball 14 times, too. Giants won four of last five games, but three of the four wins were vs backup QB’s (4th win was vs Ryan Fitzpatrick, who is now a backup). This was a horrendous day for the Redskins.

Which the score 40-16 and Washington driving with about 4:30 left, Redskins’ WR Doctson got a taunting penalty after he made a 20-yard catch; penalty took ball from 2-yard to the 17, then Washington threw an INT on next play. Grow the bleep up, shut up and play!!! Winning teams aren’t stupid. Losing teams do stuff like this all the time.

49ers 20, Broncos 14— Kyle Shanahan beats the team his dad led to two Super Bowl titles. Loss drops Denver to 6-7, a game behind four teams for the 6-seed in the AFC. Game was 20-0 at the half. Broncos converted 2-15 on third down, averaged 3.9 yards per pass attempt.

49ers are 3-3 at home; last five Denver games, four of last six 49er games stayed under total.

Chargers 26, Bengals 21— Bolts won nine of their last ten games, head to Arrowhead this week with chance to tie for AFC West lead. Cincy lost five games in row, seven of last eight- they actually outgained LA 295-288.

Lions 17, Cardinals 3— Arizona’s offense was on the field for 65 plays in this game; they were outscored on those plays 7-3 by the Detroit defense. Total yardage in this slugfest was 279-218 Arizona and it was played in a dome; there was only one play in this game (out of 120) that gained more than 17 yards, by either team.

Cardinals stayed under their team total in six of their last seven games. Six of last seven Detroit games stayed under total; under is 5-2 in Arizona home games. This snaps the Lions’s 8-game losing streak in the desert; their last previous win here was in 1993.

Raiders 24, Steelers 21— Third loss in row for Pittsburgh,, which maintains a half-game lead over Baltimore in AFC East. Roethlisberger missed the first four drives of the second half with a rib injury, then returned to lead two drives, one which put Steelers ahead, other which ended with a missed FG at the gun. Under is 6-1 in Steeler road games this season.

Cowboys 29, Eagles 23 OT— Dallas traded a first-round pick for Amari Cooper; that investment paid off here, with Cooper catching 10 passes for 217 yards and three TD’s, including the GW score in OT, catching a deflected pass and running it in.

Dallas has now won/covered five games in a row; if you had Philly/under, the gambling gods owe you one (or two). Over is now 3-1 in Philly’s road games this season, 5-1 in last six Dallas home games.

There were nine one-score games Sunday, just a great day of football.

Bears 15, Rams 6
— Excellent defensive game for the Bears, who had four takeaways.
— Second week in row Rams gave up a TD pass to an offensive lineman, which is odd.
— New Orleans takes over the #1 seed in the NFC.
— Chicago won six of its last seven games; they’re 9-2-2 in last 13 games as a home dog.

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Long Sheet

Monday, December 10

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

WASHINGTON (11 - 15) at INDIANA (16 - 10) - 12/10/2018, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 48-63 ATS (-21.3 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 26-50 ATS (-29.0 Units) in road games versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game since 1996.
INDIANA is 64-49 ATS (+10.1 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
INDIANA is 37-25 ATS (+9.5 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.

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

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

DETROIT (13 - 11) at PHILADELPHIA (18 - 9) - 12/10/2018, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 114-86 ATS (+19.4 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 32-16 ATS (+14.4 Units) when the total is greater than or equal to 220 over the last 3 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 38-21 ATS (+14.9 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 151-115 ATS (+24.5 Units) when playing with 2 days rest since 1996.
PHILADELPHIA is 22-10 ATS (+11.0 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 21-10 ATS (+10.0 Units) in home games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 20-9 ATS (+10.1 Units) in home games versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 40-74 ATS (-41.4 Units) in home games in December games since 1996.

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

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

NEW ORLEANS (14 - 14) at BOSTON (15 - 10) - 12/10/2018, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 72-50 ATS (+17.0 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 36-22 ATS (+11.8 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 23-12 ATS (+9.8 Units) after 3 or more consecutive wins over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 46-31 ATS (+11.9 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 36-24 ATS (+9.6 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 33-21 ATS (+9.9 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 24-45 ATS (-25.5 Units) in home games against Southwest division opponents since 1996.
BOSTON is 133-170 ATS (-54.0 Units) in home games in non-conference games since 1996.

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

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

CLEVELAND (6 - 20) at MILWAUKEE (17 - 8) - 12/10/2018, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CLEVELAND is 54-74 ATS (-27.4 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 24-37 ATS (-16.7 Units) in the first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 412-483 ATS (-119.3 Units) in home games since 1996.
MILWAUKEE is 3-12 ATS (-10.2 Units) off an upset win as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 13-28 ATS (-17.8 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.

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

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

UTAH (13 - 14) at OKLAHOMA CITY (16 - 8) - 12/10/2018, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 36-50 ATS (-19.0 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 5-18 ATS (-14.8 Units) vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
OKLAHOMA CITY is 8-6 against the spread versus UTAH over the last 3 seasons
OKLAHOMA CITY is 8-6 straight up against UTAH over the last 3 seasons
9 of 14 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

SACRAMENTO (13 - 12) at CHICAGO (6 - 21) - 12/10/2018, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO is 15-4 ATS (+10.6 Units) in December games over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO is 135-178 ATS (-60.8 Units) in home games in non-conference games since 1996.

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

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

ORLANDO (12 - 14) at DALLAS (13 - 11) - 12/10/2018, 8:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ORLANDO is 4-14 ATS (-11.4 Units) in December games over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 120-156 ATS (-51.6 Units) when playing with 2 days rest since 1996.
DALLAS is 11-2 ATS (+8.8 Units) in home games this season.
DALLAS is 11-2 ATS (+8.8 Units) in home games in the first half of the season this season.
ORLANDO is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) in road games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game this season.

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

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

LA CLIPPERS (16 - 9) at PHOENIX (4 - 22) - 12/10/2018, 9:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LA CLIPPERS are 227-280 ATS (-81.0 Units) after a loss by 10 points or more since 1996.
PHOENIX is 178-140 ATS (+24.0 Units) after allowing 115 points or more since 1996.
LA CLIPPERS are 15-4 ATS (+10.6 Units) vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 36-21 ATS (+12.9 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 8-18 ATS (-11.8 Units) in all games this season.
PHOENIX is 15-29 ATS (-16.9 Units) when the total is greater than or equal to 220 over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 8-17 ATS (-10.7 Units) as an underdog this season.
PHOENIX is 19-34 ATS (-18.4 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 6-17 ATS (-12.7 Units) in a home game where the total is greater than or equal to 220 over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 8-18 ATS (-11.8 Units) in the first half of the season this season.
PHOENIX is 5-16 ATS (-12.6 Units) vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 7-15 ATS (-9.5 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent this season.
PHOENIX is 25-38 ATS (-16.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 5-14 ATS (-10.4 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game this season.
PHOENIX is 4-15 ATS (-12.5 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA CLIPPERS is 8-1 against the spread versus PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
LA CLIPPERS is 9-0 straight up against PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
5 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

MEMPHIS (15 - 10) at DENVER (17 - 9) - 12/10/2018, 9:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MEMPHIS is 7-22 ATS (-17.2 Units) after 3 or more consecutive unders over the last 3 seasons.
DENVER is 6-16 ATS (-11.6 Units) against Southwest division opponents over the last 2 seasons.

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

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

MINNESOTA (13 - 13) at GOLDEN STATE (18 - 9) - 12/10/2018, 10:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 36-22 ATS (+11.8 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 4-3 against the spread versus GOLDEN STATE over the last 3 seasons
GOLDEN STATE is 6-2 straight up against MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
6 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

MIAMI (11 - 14) at LA LAKERS (16 - 10) - 12/10/2018, 10:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MIAMI is 4-14 ATS (-11.4 Units) after a win by 10 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 61-43 ATS (+13.7 Units) as an underdog over the last 3 seasons.
MIAMI is 57-36 ATS (+17.4 Units) in road games over the last 3 seasons.
MIAMI is 28-15 ATS (+11.5 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
MIAMI is 18-8 ATS (+9.2 Units) in road games versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
LA LAKERS are 165-211 ATS (-67.1 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record since 1996.

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

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up

Monday, December 10

Wizards win three of their last four games; they’re 2-6 vs spread as AU. Under is 5-3 in their last eight games. Indiana won five of its last seven games; they’re 2-6 vs spread in last eight games as a HF. Pacers’ last six games stayed under the total. Washington won five of last six games with the Pacers; Wizards covered their last four visits to Indiana. Seven of last ten series games went over.

Detroit lost its last four games (0-4 vs spread); they lost by 6 at home to Sixers Friday. Pistons are 4-2 as AU this season. Five of their last six games stayed under. Philly won nine of its last 11 games; they’re 8-6 vs spread at home this year. Four of their last five games stayed under. 76ers won six of their last seven games with Detroit; three of last four series games went over the total. Pistons are 1-3 vs spread in their last four visits to Philly.

Pelicans lost seven of their last ten games; they’re 5-4 vs spread as AU. Five of their last seven games stayed under. Boston won/covered its last five home games; they’re 5-2 vs spread in last seven home games. Five of their last six games went over. Celtics won six of last nine games with New Orleans; three of last four series games went over the total. Pelicans are 2-2 vs spread in their last four visits to Beantown.

Milwaukee is 1-8 vs spread in game following its last nine wins; they’re 1-4 vs spread in last five home games. Bucks’ last three games stayed under. Cleveland lost six of its last eight games; they’re 6-6 vs spread as AU. Four of their last six games went over. Cavaliers won eight of last ten games with the Bucks; Cleveland is 3-2 vs spread in their last five visits to Milwaukee. Seven of last eight series games went over.

Utah is 5-3 in its last eight games; they’re 4-3 vs spread as AU. Three of their last four games stayed under. Oklahoma City won four of its last five games; they covered seven of their last nine hime games. Three of their last four games went over. Home side won eight of last ten Jazz-Thunder games; Utah is 2-3 vs spread in their last five trips to Oklahoma. Seven of last ten series games stayed under.

Sacramento won three of its last four games; they’re 3-0 as an AF this season. Nine of their last 11 games went over. Chicago lost eight of its last nine games; they lost by 56 at home Saturday. Bulls are 2-4 vs spread in last six games as HU. Under is 8-3 in their last 11 home games. Bulls won five of last seven games with Sacramento; under is 8-2 in last ten series games. Kings are 3-1-1 vs spread in their last five visits to Chicago.

Magic lost six of its last nine games; they covered their last five road games. Three of their last four games stayed under. Mavericks won 10 of their last 13 games; they covered their last nine home games. Four of their last five games stayed under. Dallas won seven of its last ten games with Orlando; five of last seven series games went over. Magic covered once in its last five visits to Dallas.

Clippers lost three of their last four games; they’re 4-1 vs spread as road favorites this season. Five of their last seven games stayed under. Suns lost their last eight game (0-8 vs spread); they are 5-8 vs spread at home this year. Six of their last seven games stayed under. Clippers won their last nine games with Phoenix (8-1 vs spread); they’re 3-2 vs spread in last five visits to the desert. Four of last five series games stayed under.

Memphis is 3-5 in its last eight games; they covered five of their last seven road games. Grizzlies’ last four games stayed under the total. Nuggets lost last two games after a 7-0 run; they’ve got couple guys out hurt. Under is 7-3 in their last ten games. Grizzlies are 6-4 in last ten games with Denver, covering last three; Memphis is 3-2 vs spread in its last five visits to Colorado. Last six series games stayed under.

Minnesota won six of its last eight games; they’re 2-5 vs spread as AU this season. Under is 14-3-1 in their last 18 games. Golden State won six of its last eight games; they’re 1-6 vs spread in last seven home games. Six of their last eight games went over. Warriors won six of their last eight games with Minnesota; seven of last ten series games stayed under. Timberwolves are 0-3-1 vs spread in their last four visits to Oakland.

Miami won four of last five games, covered six of last eight; they’re 6-2 vs spread in last eight road games. Under is 8-3 in their last 11 games. Lakers won/covered five of last six games; they are 6-1 vs spread in last seven home games. Under is 15-4 in their last 19 games. Lakers won four of last six games with Miami; six of last nine series games stayed under total. Heat is 2-2 vs spread in last four series games played here.

[StarDust Bum]

NBA

Monday, December 10

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Report
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Washington Wizards
Washington is 5-20 ATS in its last 25 games on the road
Washington is 4-19 SU in its last 23 games on the road
Washington is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Indiana
Washington is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Indiana
The total has gone OVER in 11 of Washington's last 14 games when playing Indiana
Washington is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Indiana
Washington is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Indiana
Washington is 6-15 SU in its last 21 games when playing on the road against Indiana
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Washington's last 6 games when playing on the road against Indiana
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Washington's last 6 games
Indiana Pacers
Indiana is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Indiana's last 10 games at home
Indiana is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Washington
Indiana is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Washington
The total has gone OVER in 11 of Indiana's last 14 games when playing Washington
Indiana is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Washington
Indiana is 15-6 SU in its last 21 games when playing at home against Washington
Indiana is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Washington
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Indiana's last 6 games when playing at home against Washington
Indiana is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Indiana's last 5 games

Detroit Pistons
Detroit is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Detroit's last 6 games on the road
Detroit is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Philadelphia
Detroit is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing Philadelphia
Detroit is 3-6 ATS in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
Detroit is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
Detroit is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
Detroit is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Detroit's last 6 games
Philadelphia 76ers
Philadelphia is 14-1 SU in its last 15 games at home
Philadelphia is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Detroit
Philadelphia is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing Detroit
Philadelphia is 6-3 ATS in its last 9 games when playing at home against Detroit
Philadelphia is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Detroit
Philadelphia is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Philadelphia is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Philadelphia's last 15 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 5 games

New Orleans Pelicans
New Orleans is 4-8 ATS in its last 12 games on the road
New Orleans is 3-10 SU in its last 13 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of New Orleans's last 5 games on the road
New Orleans is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Boston
New Orleans is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games when playing Boston
The total has gone UNDER in 14 of New Orleans's last 19 games when playing on the road against Boston
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of New Orleans's last 7 games
Boston Celtics
Boston is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing New Orleans
Boston is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games when playing New Orleans
The total has gone UNDER in 14 of Boston's last 19 games when playing at home against New Orleans
Boston is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games
Boston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Boston's last 6 games
Boston is 17-5 ATS in its last 22 games at home
Boston is 18-4 SU in its last 22 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Boston's last 5 games at home

Sacramento Kings
Sacramento is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Sacramento's last 9 games on the road
Sacramento is 9-3-1 ATS in its last 13 games when playing Chicago
Sacramento is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing Chicago
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Sacramento's last 10 games when playing Chicago
Sacramento is 10-2-1 ATS in its last 13 games when playing on the road against Chicago
Sacramento is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Chicago
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Sacramento's last 6 games when playing on the road against Chicago
Sacramento is 6-3 ATS in its last 9 games
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Sacramento's last 11 games
Chicago Bulls
Chicago is 3-9 SU in its last 12 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Chicago's last 11 games at home
Chicago is 1-3-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Sacramento
Chicago is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing Sacramento
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Chicago's last 10 games when playing Sacramento
Chicago is 1-5-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing at home against Sacramento
Chicago is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Sacramento
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Chicago's last 6 games when playing at home against Sacramento
Chicago is 5-10 ATS in its last 15 games
Chicago is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games
The total has gone UNDER in 14 of Chicago's last 20 games

Cleveland Cavaliers
Cleveland is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Cleveland is 2-12 SU in its last 14 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Cleveland's last 10 games on the road
Cleveland is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing Milwaukee
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Cleveland's last 8 games when playing Milwaukee
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Cleveland's last 10 games when playing on the road against Milwaukee
Cleveland is 6-19 SU in its last 25 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Cleveland's last 6 games
Milwaukee Bucks
Milwaukee is 2-4-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Cleveland
Milwaukee is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing Cleveland
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Milwaukee's last 8 games when playing Cleveland
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Milwaukee's last 10 games when playing at home against Cleveland
Milwaukee is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games
Milwaukee is 17-8 SU in its last 25 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Milwaukee's last 6 games
Milwaukee is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Milwaukee is 16-3 SU in its last 19 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 17 of Milwaukee's last 25 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Milwaukee's last 5 games at home

Utah Jazz
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Utah's last 6 games on the road
Utah is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Oklahoma City
Utah is 6-12 SU in its last 18 games when playing Oklahoma City
The total has gone UNDER in 16 of Utah's last 22 games when playing Oklahoma City
Utah is 4-12-1 ATS in its last 17 games when playing on the road against Oklahoma City
Utah is 1-16 SU in its last 17 games when playing on the road against Oklahoma City
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Utah's last 5 games when playing on the road against Oklahoma City
Utah is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games
Utah is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Utah's last 6 games
Oklahoma City Thunder
Oklahoma City is 12-6 SU in its last 18 games when playing Utah
Oklahoma City is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Utah
The total has gone UNDER in 16 of Oklahoma City's last 22 games when playing Utah
Oklahoma City is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games when playing at home against Utah
Oklahoma City is 16-1 SU in its last 17 games when playing at home against Utah
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Oklahoma City's last 5 games when playing at home against Utah
Oklahoma City is 13-6 ATS in its last 19 games
Oklahoma City is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Oklahoma City is 7-2 ATS in its last 9 games at home
Oklahoma City is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games at home

Orlando Magic
Orlando is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Orlando is 7-17 SU in its last 24 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 15 of Orlando's last 22 games on the road
Orlando is 4-9 ATS in its last 13 games when playing Dallas
Orlando is 3-10 SU in its last 13 games when playing Dallas
The total has gone OVER in 11 of Orlando's last 15 games when playing Dallas
Orlando is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Dallas
Orlando is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Dallas
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Orlando's last 13 games when playing on the road against Dallas
Orlando is 9-3 ATS in its last 12 games
Orlando is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Orlando's last 9 games
Dallas Mavericks
Dallas is 9-4 ATS in its last 13 games when playing Orlando
Dallas is 10-3 SU in its last 13 games when playing Orlando
The total has gone OVER in 11 of Dallas's last 15 games when playing Orlando
Dallas is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Orlando
Dallas is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Orlando
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Dallas's last 13 games when playing at home against Orlando
Dallas is 10-3 ATS in its last 13 games
Dallas is 10-3 SU in its last 13 games
Dallas is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Dallas is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home

Memphis Grizzlies
Memphis is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
Memphis is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games on the road
Memphis is 8-17 SU in its last 25 games on the road
Memphis is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Denver
Memphis is 10-4 SU in its last 14 games when playing Denver
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Memphis's last 5 games when playing Denver
Memphis is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Denver
Memphis is 7-18 SU in its last 25 games when playing on the road against Denver
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Memphis's last 5 games when playing on the road against Denver
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Memphis's last 5 games
Denver Nuggets
Denver is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Memphis
Denver is 4-10 SU in its last 14 games when playing Memphis
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Denver's last 5 games when playing Memphis
Denver is 18-7 SU in its last 25 games when playing at home against Memphis
Denver is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Memphis
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Denver's last 5 games when playing at home against Memphis
Denver is 7-2 ATS in its last 9 games
Denver is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Denver's last 10 games
Denver is 9-4 ATS in its last 13 games at home
Denver is 16-3 SU in its last 19 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Denver's last 15 games at home

Los Angeles Clippers
LA Clippers is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Phoenix
LA Clippers is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Phoenix
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of LA Clippers's last 5 games when playing Phoenix
LA Clippers is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 games when playing on the road against Phoenix
LA Clippers is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Phoenix
The total has gone OVER in 6 of LA Clippers's last 7 games when playing on the road against Phoenix
LA Clippers is 10-4 SU in its last 14 games
Phoenix Suns
Phoenix is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Phoenix is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Phoenix's last 11 games at home
Phoenix is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games when playing LA Clippers
Phoenix is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing LA Clippers
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Phoenix's last 5 games when playing LA Clippers
Phoenix is 3-7 ATS in its last 10 games when playing at home against LA Clippers
Phoenix is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against LA Clippers
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Phoenix's last 7 games when playing at home against LA Clippers
Phoenix is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games
Phoenix is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Phoenix's last 7 games

Miami Heat
Miami is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
Miami is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Miami's last 10 games on the road
Miami is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing LA Lakers
Miami is 13-5 SU in its last 18 games when playing LA Lakers
Miami is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing LA Lakers
The total has gone UNDER in 12 of Miami's last 17 games when playing LA Lakers
Miami is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against LA Lakers
Miami is 8-16 SU in its last 24 games when playing on the road against LA Lakers
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Miami's last 8 games when playing on the road against LA Lakers
Miami is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Miami is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Miami's last 5 games
Los Angeles Lakers
LA Lakers is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games at home
LA Lakers is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of LA Lakers's last 6 games at home
LA Lakers is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Miami
LA Lakers is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Miami
LA Lakers is 5-13 SU in its last 18 games when playing Miami
The total has gone UNDER in 12 of LA Lakers's last 17 games when playing Miami
LA Lakers is 16-8 SU in its last 24 games when playing at home against Miami
LA Lakers is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Miami
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of LA Lakers's last 8 games when playing at home against Miami
LA Lakers is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games
LA Lakers is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of LA Lakers's last 11 games

Minnesota Timberwolves
Minnesota is 4-9 ATS in its last 13 games on the road
Minnesota is 2-12 SU in its last 14 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Minnesota's last 5 games on the road
Minnesota is 1-3-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Golden State
Minnesota is 4-20 SU in its last 24 games when playing Golden State
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Minnesota's last 8 games when playing Golden State
Minnesota is 0-4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Golden State
Minnesota is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Golden State
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Minnesota's last 15 games when playing on the road against Golden State
Minnesota is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games
Minnesota is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games
The total has gone UNDER in 14 of Minnesota's last 18 games
Golden State Warriors
Golden State is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Golden State is 14-2 SU in its last 16 games at home
Golden State is 20-4 SU in its last 24 games when playing Minnesota
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Golden State's last 8 games when playing Minnesota
Golden State is 4-0-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Minnesota
Golden State is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Minnesota
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Golden State's last 15 games when playing at home against Minnesota
Golden State is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Golden State is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Golden State's last 8 games

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Dunkel

Monday, December 10


Washington @ Indiana

Game 509-510
December 10, 2018 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Washington
112.712
Indiana
121.999
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Indiana
by 9
218
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Indiana
by 6
214 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Indiana
(-6); Over

Detroit @ Philadelphia

Game 511-512
December 10, 2018 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Detroit
111.125
Philadelphia
125.855
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Philadelphia
by 14 1/2
218
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Philadelphia
by 7
222 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Philadelphia
(-7); Under

New Orleans @ Boston

Game 513-514
December 10, 2018 @ 7:35 pm

Dunkel Rating:
New Orleans
121.523
Boston
130.447
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Boston
by 9
233
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Boston
by 6
228
Dunkel Pick:
Boston
(-6); Over

Cleveland @ Milwaukee

Game 515-516
December 10, 2018 @ 8:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Cleveland
111.541
Milwaukee
122.762
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Milwaukee
by 11
224
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Milwaukee
by 14
221
Dunkel Pick:
Cleveland
(+14); Over

Utah @ Oklahoma City

Game 517-518
December 10, 2018 @ 8:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Utah
119.298
Oklahoma City
122.835
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Oklahoma City
by 3 1/2
214
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Oklahoma City
by 6
218 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Utah
(+6); Under

Sacramento @ Chicago

Game 519-520
December 10, 2018 @ 8:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Sacramento
111.221
Chicago
111.320
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Chicago
Even
211
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Sacramento
by 2 1/2
225
Dunkel Pick:
Chicago
(+2 1/2); Under

Orlando @ Dallas

Game 521-522
December 10, 2018 @ 8:35 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Orlando
116.171
Dallas
117.306
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Dallas
by 1
219
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Dallas
by 5 1/2
211 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Orlando
(+5 1/2); Over

LA Clippers @ Phoenix

Game 523-524
December 10, 2018 @ 9:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
LA Clippers
114.662
Phoenix
105.422
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
LA Clippers
by 9
212
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
LA Clippers
by 11
220
Dunkel Pick:
Phoenix
(+11); Under

Memphis @ Denver

Game 525-526
December 10, 2018 @ 9:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Memphis
116.870
Denver
120.421
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Denver
by 3 1/2
215
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Denver
by 1 1/2
198 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Denver
(-1 1/2); Over

Minnesota @ Golden State

Game 527-528
December 10, 2018 @ 10:35 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Minnesota
116.813
Golden State
128.926
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Golden State
by 12
233
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Golden State
by 10
226
Dunkel Pick:
Golden State
(-10); Over

Miami @ LA Lakers

Game 529-530
December 10, 2018 @ 10:35 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Miami
113.593
LA Lakers
127.194
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
LA Lakers
by 13 1/2
219
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
LA Lakers
by 5
218
Dunkel Pick:
LA Lakers
(-5); Over

[StarDust Bum]

Monday's Essentials
Tony Mejia

Game of the Night - Miami at L.A. Lakers (-8, 204.5), NBA TV, 10:35 ET

Anthony Davis potentially playing in front of a Boston crowd has to take a back seat. Have some respect.

Davis may not even be on the floor to receive the recruiting catcalls and adulation that would spice up tonight's matchup at T.D. Garden since he took a Blake Griffin knee to his hip on Sunday.

The Jazz and Thunder may emerge as the top teams in the Northwest Division and square off in Oklahoma City. They would ordinarily have a great shot at being the night’s can’t-miss contest. Same goes for Minnesota, suddenly one of the NBA’s hottest teams since moving Jimmy Butler, visiting Golden State.

They’re all excellent candidates and are touched on below, but LeBron James and Dwyane Wade will presumably play on an NBA floor in a game that counts for the final time since the Heat star has already announced he’s retiring when Miami’s season is over, dubbing this final ride “One Last Dance”. Take your hat off and salute.

The duo changed basketball as we know it. They didn’t invent the divisive concept of a super team, so spare the venom. They merely perfected it. James will continue on as one of the game’s greats for a few more years, but Wade’s ride is complete once his team is eliminated. While there will likely be a playoff appearance to bow out through, neither the Heat nor the Lakers are making the Finals.

The teams have already squared off in Miami back on Nov. 18, so this will be it for James and Wade, great friends and competitors. The Heat will look to gain a split after losing 113-97 while Wade was out on paternity leave and will have to rely on the guy that’s been the face of the franchise since arriving in 2003 in order to do so, which makes for a nice touch.

The Heat are short-handed on this West Coast road trip, which hasn’t stopped them from opening 2-0 with consecutive blowout victories over the Suns and Clippers. Point guard Goran Dragic has returned from his knee injury but missed Saturday’s win at Staples Center to avoid playing the second of a back-to-back. Shooting guard Wayne Ellington missed both games due to bereavement leave, while center Hassan Whiteside has been absent in order to witness the birth of his first child.

Ellington will return tonight but Whiteside remains away. Wing Josh Richardson and guard Tyler Johnson, who started at the point Saturday night, are both questionable after suffering in-game injuries, so Wade is likely going to play major minutes. He’s mired in a December slump, shooting 31 percent. Although he missed 10 of his first 13 3-pointers this month, he shot 5-for-10 from beyond the arc on the same floor he’ll play on tonight against the Clippers, sparking a huge fourth-quarter rally to finish with 25 points, six rebounds and six assists.

Miami center Bam Adebayo and forward Justise Winslow have also stepped up on the trip, contributing 77 points and 32 rebounds to the two wins, so the Heat are starting to figure some things out and the chatter over whether they’re significantly better without Whiteside figures to intensify. Due to how awful the Southeast Division has been, the Heat are only one game behind first-place Charlotte entering the week.

James has the Lakers 1.5 games behind the Warriors and firmly in the mix in a loaded Western Conference, so even though there has been the expected adjustment period, those that felt L.A. wouldn’t make the playoffs can’t be too thrilled with what has transpired thus far. In leading his team to victories in six of seven, James has averaged 30.8 points while shooting close to 55 percent.

Considering this is the final game before the Lakers hit the road to play six of eight outside Staples, there’s plenty of incentive to get this one. LeBron scored 51 points in South Florida to fuel a blowout win, shooting 19-for-31 while making six 3-pointers, both season-bests. If Richardson can’t go, Winslow and James Johnson should draw the assignment of covering him most.

The Lakers remain without wing Brandon Ingram, who injured his ankle in a win over Spurs on Dec. 5 and aren’t likely to have him back this week. Rajon Rondo and Michael Beasley are also sidelined. L.A. is on an 15-4 ‘under’ run since Halloween, really improving defensively when Tyson Chandler joined JaVale McGee on the roster to help protect the rim. Eight of Miami’s last 11 games have also come in below the posted total. The Heat have covered in six of eight, while the Lakers are on a 4-1-1 ATS streak.

Best of the Rest

Detroit at Philadelphia, 7:05 p.m. ET: Friday night’s nationally-televised meeting was a fun one despite Joel Embiid sitting out to get some rest, but it was somewhat lost in the weekend news cycle that he criticized head coach Brett Brown for using him to spread the floor too much, pulling him away from the basket. The 76ers haven’t played since, so it will be interesting to see what they look like coming off a 117-111 win in which Jimmy Butler finished with 38 points. Detroit lost again on Sunday, dropping another tight high-scoring game at home to New Orleans despite Andre Drummond and Blake Griffin combining for 58 points and 24 rebounds in a 116-108 loss. The duo combined for 52 points and 22 boards against Philly and aren’t getting enough support.

The teams split their first two meetings prior to Friday’s. Andre Drummond landed in foul trouble in the most recent meeting against Embiid on Nov. 3, playing just 21 minutes. Embiid has averaged 36 points and 14 boards in the two games against the Pistons thus far. Considering Griffin has a 50-point game against the 76ers and Butler comes off a Friday masterpiece, it will be intriguing to see who imposes their will here with everyone expected to be in play.

New Orleans at Boston, 7:35 p.m. ET: Davis returned and was moving around well after his hip injury in Detroit, but it remains to be seen how his hip reacted overnight and whether the Pelicans will risk his long-term health on the second night of a back-to-back. If he plays, Celtics fans may very well cheer every time he touches the ball. Boston comes off its largest win in franchise history, having destroyed the Bulls 133-77 on Saturday night. Gordon Hayward is starting to look like himself and really benefiting from the wide open looks teammates are generating for him. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown have also been more efficient of late, so the Celtics winning and covering in each of their last five games has been no fluke. Jrue Holiday comes off a season-high 37 points on Sunday, draining six 3-pointers.

Utah at Oklahoma City, 8:05 p.m. ET: The Thunder played two teams coming in on eight-game losing streaks last week. They overcame a massive deficit against the Nets on a Paul George buzzer-beater and lost to a Bulls team that went on fall by 56 points the next night. There's no question that the Thunder needed the weekend to get refocused since they played down to their level of competition.

OKC has won 16 of 20 games and have seen Russell Westbrook and Paul George co-exist about as well as conceivably possible, so there's not much to be concerned with, but it will be interesting to see who shows more fight here since the Jazz come off a lopsided loss in San Antonio where they could've been accused of looking ahead to this one since they had crushed the Spurs earlier in the week. This is the first meeting between the Northwest Division rivals. Utah has lost six of seven in the series, the last two decisively by double-digits.

[StarDust Bum]

Games to Watch - Week 9

After another big week of NBA action, normal order has been restored in the Western Conference, with the Golden State Warriors back on top, albeit by the slimmest of margins. Over in the East, the Toronto Raptors had themselves a bit of a rough week, seeing their lead at the top reduced to 2 ½ games.

As we do every week, we are going to look ahead at the next few days to pick out the best games on tap in the NBA. We have four great looking games for you guys this week, which we will look at a little closer.

Monday - Miami Heat at Los Angeles Lakers

It’s Fanny Pack Giveaway Night at the Staples Center, but the question here is whether the Lakers will be in a giving mood when LeBron’s old team comes to town. This will be the second meeting between these two teams this season, with the Lakers winning 113-97 on the road in the previous game. The Lakers have been hot of late, winning 7 of their last 10, and they have been outstanding at home, posting a 10-4 record to this point. The Heat are just below the playoff line in the East and moving up with back-to-back wins. I don’t see them making it three in a row here.

Tuesday - Toronto Raptors at Los Angeles Clippers

Both of these teams are very much in the conference title picture in their respective conferences, but both are coming off a bit of a sloppy week. The Raptors and the Clippers both ended last week with back-to-back losses, so expect them both to come out looking for a win and a return to form here. The Clippers had the better of this match-up last season, winning both games, but I think they will find it a little tougher this time around. Given how well Toronto have started the season, it’s tough to imagine them losing three in a row.

Wednesday - Toronto Raptors at Golden State Warriors

The Raptors have a tough week ahead of them, with the toughest part coming on Wednesday night when they head into Oakland to face a Warriors team that have forced their way back to the top of the Western Conference. The Warriors are winners of three straight and are starting to once again look like the team that we expected them to be. They are certainly going to have their hands full with the Eastern Conference leaders, but you need to look at the Warriors 11-2 record at home. They just seldom lose there, which is why I think they win this one.

Thursday - Los Angeles Lakers at Houston Rockets

You would be sitting on a nice little pile of cash if you had wagered on the Houston Rockets to be sitting second bottom in the Western Conference at this stage of the season. The reigning champions of the West are in trouble and have just three wins in their last 10 games. The positive here is that the race in the West is tight, which means that Houston are just six games out of the lead and 2 ½ back of the final playoff spot. They need to start winning now, though, and I don’t see them doing that against the red-hot Lakers on Thursday night.

[Udog]

Hoop Trends - Monday
Vince Akins

ATS Play ON Trend of the Day:

-- The Kings are 13-0 ATS (+12.19 ppg) with less than two days rest after a game as a road dog in which they scored less than 16% of their points from free throws and it is before the All-Star break.

ATS Play AGAINST Trend of the Day:

-- The Celtics are 0-16 ATS (-9.88 ppg) as a favorite with less than two days rest off a double-digit win as a road favorite in which they shot over 50% from the field.

OU Play OVER Trend of the Day:

-- The Bulls are 16-0 OU (+19.06 ppg) as a dog with less than two days rest off a game as a dog in which they scored fewer than 85 points.

OU Play UNDER Trend of the Day:

-- The Lakers are 0-16 OU (-17.91 ppg) as a home favorite off a win in a road game in which they had six-plus double digit scorers and it is before the All-Star break.



Celtics will be without Kyrie Irving (shoulder) tonight at home vs. the Pelicans.
Also listed as "Doubtful" are Gordon Hayward (illness) and Al Horford (knee).
Current Pointspread: Celtics -4
Current Total: 224


Wizards' John Wall (heel) will not play Monday in Indiana against the Pacers.
Washington is 1-0 SU and ATS without Wall this season.
Current Pointspread: Pacers -6
Current Total: 217


Hassan Whiteside (personal) is listed as OUT for Monday's game in Los Angeles against the Lakers.
The Heat are 3-0 SU and ATS without Whiteside this season.
Current Pointspread: Lakers -6.5
Current Total: 221

[StarDust Bum]

MONDAY, DECEMBER 10
GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS

WAS at IND 07:00 PM
WAS +6.0
O 217.0

DET at PHI 07:00 PM
PHI -11.5
U 219.0

NO at BOS 07:30 PM
O 223.5

UTA at OKC 08:00 PM
U 218.0

SAC at CHI 08:00 PM
SAC -2.0

CLE at MIL 08:00 PM
O 219.0

ORL at DAL 08:30 PM
O 210.5

LAC at PHO 09:00 PM
LAC -9.5

MEM at DEN 09:00 PM
DEN -2.0
U 197.0

MIA at LAL 10:30 PM
MIA +5.5
O 221.5

MIN at GS 10:30 PM
GS -10.0
U 229.0