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

[StarDust Bum]

Saturday’s 6-pack

NFL trends for this weekend’s games:

— Jets are 7-3-1 in last 11 games as a home underdog.

— Denver covered six of its last eight games.

— Eagles covered one of their last six road games.

— Atlanta covered twice in its last 11 games.

— Giants are 4-0-1 vs spread in their last five games.

— Chicago covered its last five games as a home favorite.

Quote of the Day
“The touchdown to Mike, our first touchdown, was that same play. We dressed it up a little bit, put Travis [Benjamin] over there, put all three receivers together, motioned Travis, and he ran to the other side. [We we’re hoping] they wouldn’t recognize it and they busted a coverage.”
Philip Rivers, talking about the game-winning 2-point play Thursday night.

Saturday’s quiz
Which NFL owner also owns the Denver Nuggets in the NBA and the Colorado Avalanche in the NHL?

Friday’s quiz
Philip Rivers played his college football at NC State.

Thursday’s quiz
Steph Curry played his college basketball at Davidson.

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Saturday’s List of 13: Clearing out a cluttered mind…….

13) Interesting discussion on MLB Network during the Winter Meetings about the money guys get paid and might get paid soon— former GM John Hart was saying that “good clubhouse guys” don’t get extra consideration anymore in this age of analytics.

Think about it; these guys live/work/travel together for 7+ months; the Mariners imploded last year, with a post-game brawl in the clubhouse in front of the media. Being a good teammate is an important thing, and teams that diminish the importance of that are missing out.

12) But to a lot of teams, it is all about numbers, like my fantasy league. Last year, in one 3-game stretch, Nick Williams batted 5th one day, 3rd the next game, 8th the game after that, and the third game wasn’t against a lefty, so it wasn’t a platoon decision.

No matter what your numbers say, athletes have self-doubts too; screwing with their heads by jerking them around the lineup every day is not the way to maximize their production.

There is a middle ground between analytics and old-school thinking; the smart teams live on that middle ground.

11) Apparently they have a trade show at the Winter Meetings; you can buy a hat/jersey from any major/minor league team. That would be an expensive week for me.

10) Kansas City Chiefs lost their last six home playoff games; their last playoff win at Arrowhead was in 1993, when Joe Montana was their QB. They’ll get a chance to end that hideous streak next month.

9) Temple’s new football coach Manny Diaz used to be a production assistant at ESPN, at the same time Bill Parcells was doing a studio show there, 20 or so years ago. The two men would talk about football and how Diaz wanted to get into coaching— Parcells helped jumpstart his coaching career, with Florida State his first stop.

Diaz wound up being an assistant at eight colleges over the last 20 years, and now he is a head coach at Temple. His last stop was as an assistant at Miami; Diaz’ father used to be the mayor of Miami. Owls will be fun to follow going forward.

8) From the great NFL guru Gil Brandt:

Since 2000, there were 2,058 instances in which an NFL team trailed by 14+ points with 5:00 or less to play, and only once before had a team come from behind to pull out the win. Thats how rare the Chargers win in Kansas City was Thursday night.

7) I had always heard that NBA star Allen Iverson was a terrific high school football player, but I had never seen film of him playing until the other day.

He reminded me of Oklahoma QB Kyler Murray; fast as hell, pretty good arm, now this is in high school, and back when he was in high school, college teams didn’t pass as much as they do know, but Iverson has to watch today’s game and wonder where he would have fit in.

6) Spencer Dinwiddie gets a three-year, $34M contract extension from the Nets.

5) He is scoring 10.7 ppg in 27.4 mpg in his rookie season for the LA Clippers, but until this week, 20-year old Shai Gilgeous-Alexander didn’t have his driver’s license- he got it this week.

4) The Carlos Santana era in Seattle didn’t last long; ten days in December. Mariners got him from Philly, then dealt him back to Cleveland, where he played from 2010-17.

3) No one asked me, but if the money was equal, I’d rather have Bryce Harper than Manny Machado. If you have one of those guys on your fantasy team, you’re a little queasy about where they’re going to wind up. Machado is leaving a hitter’s paradise in Baltimore.

Machado’s brother-in-law is Yonder Alonso, who seems expendable now in Cleveland with the acquisition of Santana and Jake Bauers. Will they wind up on the same team? The baseball team in the Bronx needs a first baseman, and they supposedly want to sign Machado.

Update: Alonso apparently got traded to the White Sox Friday night.

2) San Diego Padres signed 2B Ian Kinsler, giving him $8M for two years.

1) Bowl season starts today, so thats fun. 39 bowls in all; they’re all going to be written up on this website eventually, so check out our college football page.

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up

Saturday, December 15

Jazz is 5-3 in its last eight games; they’re 4-7 vs spread in last 11 games away from home. Four of their last ix games stayed under. Magic lost three of their last four games; they’re 9-4 vs spread in last 13 games as an underdog. Five of their last six games stayed under. Utah won its last four games with Orlando (3-1 vs spread); five of last seven series games went over the total. This game is in Mexico.

Lakers won six of their last eight games; they’re 2-2 vs spread as AF this season. 16 of their last 21 games stayed under. Charlotte won three of its last four games; they lost in OT to NY Friday. Four of their last five games went over. Hornets won six of their last seven games with the Lakers; four of last five series games stayed under the total. Lakers covered their last five visits to Tobacco Road.

Boston won/covered its last eight games; they’re 5-5 vs spread as road favorites this season. Seven of their last nine games went over the total. Pistons lost their last six games (1-5 vs spread); they’re 3-4 as home underdogs this season. Seven of heir last eight games stayed under. Celtics won eight of their last ten games with Detroit; they covered their last five visits to the Motor City (under 4-0-1).

Houston won its last two games, after a 2-7 skid; they lost six of their last seven road games, are 3-7 vs spread as AF. Four of their last five games stayed under. Memphis lost three of its last four games; they’re 1-2 vs spread as HU. Five of their last seven games stayed under. Rockets won four of their last six games with the Grizzlies; they’re 3-2 vs spread in last five visits to Memphis. Six of last seven series games stayed under the total.

Bulls lost 10 of their last 11 games, are 2-6 vs spread in last eight road games. Under is 4-1 in Bulls’ games since their coaching change. San Antonio won/covered its last four games; they’re 8-4 vs spread as HF. Spurs’ last three games stayed under. Spurs won their last four games with Chicago. Bulls covered once in their last four visits to the Alamo, with all four games going over the total.

Clippers lost four of last five games, losing last two by 24-38 points; they’re 3-7 vs spread as AU. Over is 6-4 in their last ten road games. Oklahoma City lost three of its last four games; they’re 8-2 s spread in last ten home games. Over is 3-1-1 in their last five games. Thunder won four of last five games with the Clippers; five of last six series games went over the total. LA covered once in their last six visits to Oklahoma.

Minnesota lost its last three games, by 8-8-11 points; 2-3 vs spread as AF. Under is 15-4-1 in their last 20 games. Suns snapped a 10-game losing skid Thursday; they’re 7-8 vs spread at home this year. Eight of their last ten games stayed under. Timberwolves won six of last eight games with Phoenix; they’re 2-3 vs spread in their last five trips to the desert. Four of last six series games went over the total.

[StarDust Bum]

NBA

Saturday, December 15

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Trend Report
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Utah Jazz
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Utah's last 6 games
Utah is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Orlando
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Utah's last 7 games when playing Orlando
Utah is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Orlando
Utah is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Orlando
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Utah's last 7 games when playing on the road against Orlando
Orlando Magic
Orlando is 10-4 ATS in its last 14 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Orlando's last 6 games
Orlando is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Utah
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Orlando's last 7 games when playing Utah
Orlando is 1-7 ATS in its last 8 games when playing at home against Utah
Orlando is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Utah
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Orlando's last 7 games when playing at home against Utah

Los Angeles Lakers
LA Lakers is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of LA Lakers's last 13 games
LA Lakers is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of LA Lakers's last 6 games on the road
LA Lakers is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing Charlotte
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of LA Lakers's last 5 games when playing Charlotte
LA Lakers is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Charlotte
LA Lakers is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Charlotte
Charlotte Hornets
Charlotte is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Charlotte's last 6 games
Charlotte is 2-5-1 ATS in its last 8 games when playing LA Lakers
Charlotte is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing LA Lakers
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Charlotte's last 5 games when playing LA Lakers
Charlotte is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against LA Lakers
Charlotte is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against LA Lakers

Boston Celtics
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 6 of Boston's last 8 games
Boston is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Boston is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Boston's last 5 games on the road
Boston is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Detroit
Boston is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing Detroit
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Boston's last 6 games when playing Detroit
Boston is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Detroit
Boston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Detroit
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Boston's last 5 games when playing on the road against Detroit
Detroit Pistons
Detroit is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games
Detroit is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Detroit's last 8 games
Detroit is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Boston
Detroit is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing Boston
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Detroit's last 6 games when playing Boston
Detroit is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Boston
Detroit is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Boston
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Detroit's last 5 games when playing at home against Boston

Houston Rockets
Houston is 4-8 ATS in its last 12 games
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Houston's last 13 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Houston's last 5 games
Houston is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
Houston is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Houston's last 12 games on the road
Houston is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Memphis
Houston is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Memphis
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Houston's last 7 games when playing Memphis
Houston is 5-10 ATS in its last 15 games when playing on the road against Memphis
Houston is 5-10 SU in its last 15 games when playing on the road against Memphis
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Houston's last 6 games when playing on the road against Memphis
Memphis Grizzlies
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Memphis's last 7 games
Memphis is 12-5 ATS in its last 17 games at home
Memphis is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games at home
Memphis is 10-5 SU in its last 15 games at home
Memphis is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Memphis's last 7 games at home
Memphis is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Houston
Memphis is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Houston
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Memphis's last 7 games when playing Houston
Memphis is 10-5 ATS in its last 15 games when playing at home against Houston
Memphis is 10-5 SU in its last 15 games when playing at home against Houston
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Memphis's last 6 games when playing at home against Houston

Chicago Bulls
Chicago is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games
Chicago is 1-10 SU in its last 11 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Chicago's last 5 games
Chicago is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games on the road
Chicago is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Chicago's last 6 games on the road
Chicago is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games when playing San Antonio
Chicago is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing San Antonio
Chicago is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against San Antonio
Chicago is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against San Antonio
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Chicago's last 5 games when playing on the road against San Antonio
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Chicago's last 12 games when playing on the road against San Antonio
San Antonio Spurs
San Antonio is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
San Antonio is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 10 of San Antonio's last 14 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
San Antonio is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Chicago
San Antonio is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Chicago
San Antonio is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Chicago
San Antonio is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Chicago
The total has gone OVER in 4 of San Antonio's last 5 games when playing at home against Chicago
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of San Antonio's last 12 games when playing at home against Chicago

Los Angeles Clippers
LA Clippers is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games
LA Clippers is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
LA Clippers is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
LA Clippers is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Oklahoma City
LA Clippers is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Oklahoma City
The total has gone OVER in 5 of LA Clippers's last 6 games when playing Oklahoma City
LA Clippers is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Oklahoma City
LA Clippers is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Oklahoma City
The total has gone OVER in 8 of LA Clippers's last 9 games when playing on the road against Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City Thunder
Oklahoma City is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
Oklahoma City is 17-6 SU in its last 23 games
Oklahoma City is 8-2 ATS in its last 10 games at home
Oklahoma City is 10-1 SU in its last 11 games at home
Oklahoma City is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing LA Clippers
Oklahoma City is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing LA Clippers
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Oklahoma City's last 6 games when playing LA Clippers
Oklahoma City is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against LA Clippers
Oklahoma City is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against LA Clippers
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Oklahoma City's last 9 games when playing at home against LA Clippers

Minnesota Timberwolves
Minnesota is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 games
Minnesota is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 15 of Minnesota's last 20 games
Minnesota is 5-10 ATS in its last 15 games on the road
Minnesota is 2-14 SU in its last 16 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Minnesota's last 11 games on the road
Minnesota is 1-3-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Phoenix
Minnesota is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing Phoenix
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Minnesota's last 6 games when playing Phoenix
Minnesota is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Phoenix
Minnesota is 7-16 SU in its last 23 games when playing on the road against Phoenix
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Minnesota's last 8 games when playing on the road against Phoenix
Phoenix Suns
Phoenix is 2-9 ATS in its last 11 games
Phoenix is 1-10 SU in its last 11 games
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Phoenix's last 10 games
Phoenix is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games at home
Phoenix is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Phoenix's last 13 games at home
Phoenix is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games when playing Minnesota
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Phoenix's last 6 games when playing Minnesota
Phoenix is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games when playing at home against Minnesota
Phoenix is 16-7 SU in its last 23 games when playing at home against Minnesota
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Phoenix's last 8 games when playing at home against Minnesota

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Long Sheet

Saturday, December 15

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UTAH (14 - 15) vs. ORLANDO (13 - 15) - 12/15/2018, 5:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
UTAH is 26-15 ATS (+9.5 Units) after a win by 10 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
UTAH is 34-22 ATS (+9.8 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 4-15 ATS (-12.5 Units) in December games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
UTAH is 3-1 against the spread versus ORLANDO over the last 3 seasons
UTAH is 4-0 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

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LA LAKERS (17 - 11) at CHARLOTTE (14 - 14) - 12/15/2018, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CHARLOTTE is 10-22 ATS (-14.2 Units) on Saturday games over the last 3 seasons.
CHARLOTTE is 179-224 ATS (-67.4 Units) in non-conference games since 1996.

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

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BOSTON (18 - 10) at DETROIT (13 - 13) - 12/15/2018, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 75-50 ATS (+20.0 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 49-35 ATS (+10.5 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 65-46 ATS (+14.4 Units) in road games over the last 3 seasons.
BOSTON is 21-9 ATS (+11.1 Units) on Saturday games over the last 3 seasons.
BOSTON is 25-14 ATS (+9.6 Units) after a win by 10 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 26-12 ATS (+12.8 Units) after 3 or more consecutive wins over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 45-31 ATS (+10.9 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 49-31 ATS (+14.9 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 2-12 ATS (-11.2 Units) in home games against Atlantic division opponents over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 5-4 against the spread versus DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
BOSTON is 7-2 straight up against DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
4 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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HOUSTON (13 - 14) at MEMPHIS (16 - 12) - 12/15/2018, 8:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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CHICAGO (6 - 23) at SAN ANTONIO (15 - 14) - 12/15/2018, 8:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SAN ANTONIO is 1062-932 ATS (+36.8 Units) in all games since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 842-718 ATS (+52.2 Units) as a favorite since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 37-20 ATS (+15.0 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 16-3 ATS (+12.7 Units) in home games in December games over the last 3 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 23-10 ATS (+12.0 Units) in home games in the first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 350-290 ATS (+31.0 Units) in non-conference games since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 218-165 ATS (+36.5 Units) in home games after a win by 10 points or more since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 119-89 ATS (+21.1 Units) after playing 3 consecutive home games since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 427-349 ATS (+43.1 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record since 1996.
CHICAGO is 15-5 ATS (+9.5 Units) in December games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN ANTONIO is 2-2 against the spread versus CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
SAN ANTONIO is 4-1 straight up against CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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MINNESOTA (13 - 15) at PHOENIX (5 - 24) - 12/15/2018, 9:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 16-31 ATS (-18.1 Units) after scoring 115 points or more over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 37-23 ATS (+11.7 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 10-19 ATS (-10.9 Units) in all games this season.
PHOENIX is 21-34 ATS (-16.4 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 10-19 ATS (-10.9 Units) in the first half of the season this season.
PHOENIX is 7-15 ATS (-9.5 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game this season.
PHOENIX is 6-16 ATS (-11.6 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game this season.

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

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LA CLIPPERS (17 - 11) at OKLAHOMA CITY (17 - 10) - 12/15/2018, 9:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LA CLIPPERS are 227-282 ATS (-83.2 Units) after a loss by 10 points or more since 1996.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 23-9 ATS (+13.1 Units) in home games on Saturday games since 1996.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 37-52 ATS (-20.2 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
OKLAHOMA CITY is 7-2 against the spread versus LA CLIPPERS over the last 3 seasons
OKLAHOMA CITY is 6-3 straight up against LA CLIPPERS over the last 3 seasons
5 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

[StarDust Bum]

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 15
GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS

UTA at ORL 05:00 PM
ORL +5.5
O 205.5

LAL at CHA 07:00 PM
LAL -2.0
O 227.0

BOS at DET 07:00 PM
DET +2.5

HOU at MEM 08:00 PM
HOU -3.5

CHI at SA 08:30 PM
SA -11.0
U 212.0

LAC at OKC 09:00 PM
LAC +6.0
O 226.0

MIN at PHO 09:00 PM
PHO +8.0
O 214.0

[StarDust Bum]

James, Ball get triple-doubles; Lakers win
December 15, 2018
By The Associated Press

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) LeBron James and Lonzo Ball gave the Lakers multiple triple-doubles in a game for just the second time, and Los Angeles routed the Charlotte Hornets 128-100 on Saturday night for its third win in four games.

James had 24 points, 12 rebounds and 11 assists, while Ball had 16 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists. Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar are the only other Lakers to accomplish that feat in the same game, doing so on Jan. 22, 1982.

James continued his dominance over Charlotte, improving to 27-1 in his last 28 games.

He was unstoppable throughout on penetration, helping the Lakers outscore the Hornets 40-17 in the third quarter and build a 30-point lead with his second triple-double of the season and 75th of his career. He did not play in the fourth quarter with the game out of reach.

PISTONS 113, CELTICS 104

DETROIT (AP) - Blake Griffin scored 27 points and Andre Drummond added 19 points and 20 rebounds to help Detroit beat Boston, snapping the Celtics' eight-game winning streak.

Detroit also ended its own six-game skid with a solid 48-minute effort. The Pistons took control with a 13-0 run in the third quarter and played well at the start of the fourth as well.

Kyrie Irving led Boston with 26 points.

Both teams shot over 60 percent from the field in the first quarter, and the game was still tight at halftime, with Detroit up 57-56. Drummond punctuated his team's 13-point run in the third with a dunk that put the Pistons ahead 76-66.

ROCKETS 105, GRIZZLIES 97

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) - James Harden had 32 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists for his second consecutive triple-double, and Houston held off a fourth-quarter burst to beat Memphis.

Harden, who had 50 points in a triple-double in the Rockets' victory over the Lakers on Thursday, was 9 of 14 from the field, including 3 of 7 from outside the arc as Houston won its third straight.

Clint Capela finished with 26 points and 10 rebounds, while Gerald Green scored 17 points.

Mike Conley led Memphis with 22 points and six assists, while Marc Gasol added 17 points and nine rebounds. JaMychal Green had 13 points.

MAGIC 96, JAZZ 89

MEXICO CITY (AP) - Evan Fournier scored 24 points, Terrence Ross came off the bench to add 10 of his 19 in the fourth quarter, and Orlando rallied from an 11-point deficit to beat Utah and sweep its two-game homestand in Mexico City.

Ross shot 8 of 9 from the field and Nikola Vucevic added 15 points and a season-high 19 rebounds for the Magic (13-15), who beat the Chicago Bulls 97-91 on Thursday.

Orlando won despite 22 turnovers, 15 in the first half, and is in second place in the Southeast Division behind the Charlotte Hornets.

Donovan Mitchell scored 24 points and Derrick Favors added 21 for the struggling Jazz (14-15), who lost for the third time in their last four games.

BULLS 98, SPURS 93

SUNS 107, TIMBERWOLVES 99

THUNDER 110, CLIPPLERS 104

[StarDust Bum]

SCHEDULE FOR SUNDAY DECEMBER 16, 2018
Time (ET) Away Home Site
3:05 PM Atlanta Hawks Brooklyn Nets Barclays Center
3:35 PM Philadelphia 76ers Cleveland Cavaliers Quicken Loans Arena
5:05 PM New York Knicks Indiana Pacers Bankers Life Fieldhouse
6:05 PM Los Angeles Lakers Washington Wizards Capital One Arena
7:05 PM Miami Heat New Orleans Pelicans Smoothie King Center
7:05 PM Sacramento Kings Dallas Mavericks American Airlines Center
8:05 PM Toronto Raptors Denver Nuggets Pepsi Center


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NBA RECORD AND BEST BETS:


DATE W-L-T % UNITS RECORD

12/15/2018 7-4-1 63.64% +13.00
12/14/2018 10-6-0 62.50% +17.00
12/13/2018 3-5-0 37.50% -12.50
12/12/2018 9-13-0 40.91% -26.50
12/11/2018 3-3-0 50.00% -1.50
12/10/2018 6-10-0 37.50% -25.00
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:..........87-89-0.......49.43%--- -54.50


NBA BEST BETS:

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

12/15/2018............3 - 0.................+15.00.................2 - 3..................-6.50...............+8.50
12/14/2018............3 - 1.................+9.50...................3 - 1..................+9.50.............+19.00
12/13/2018............2 - 1.................+4.50...................0 - 4..................-22.00.............-17.50
12/12/2018............2 - 5..................-17.50.................2 - 4...................-12.00.............-29.50
12/11/2018............1 - 1..................-0.50...................0 - 2..................-11.00..............-11.50
12/10/2018............3 - 2..................+4.00..................1 - 3..................-11.50..............-7.50
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:...............23 - 27................-28.50.................30 - 34...............-37.00................-65.50

[StarDust Bum]

Saturday’s 6-pack

Top 6 picks for Week 15 of Westgate SuperBook NFL handicapping contest:

1) Indianapolis Colts -3 (999)

2) Tennessee Titans +2.5 (911)

3) Seattle Seahawks -4.5 (877)

4) New England Patriots -2.5 (865)

5) Green Bay Packers +6 (743)

6) Cleveland Browns +3 (701)- W

Season record: 44-38-3

Las Vegas Fact of the Day
“Alcohol can be detrimental to anyone hoping to beat the house.”
C. Trent Rosencrans, explaining why casinos sometimes give out free drinks

Sunday’s quiz
Where is Baylor University located?

Saturday’s quiz
Los Angeles Rams’ owner Stan Kroenke also owns the Denver Nuggets in the NBA and the Colorado Avalanche in the NHL.

Friday’s quiz
Philip Rivers played his college football at NC State.

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

Sunday’s Den: Wrapping up a sports Saturday…….

Noon-2pm:
— Kansas 74, Villanova 71— Villanova’s bench (3 guys) scored zero points, was 0-4 from floor in 29 combined minutes. Wildcats were 8-28 on the arc, still hung tough but fell short.
— Tennessee 102, Memphis 92— Vols were 39-46 on foul line, Memphis 16-22.
— SMU 81, Georgetown 73— Patrick Ewing in his 2nd year as the Hoyas’ coach; they lost seven of last nine games LY, finished 15-15. Georgetown is 7-3 now, vs schedule #255- this loss ain’t going to look good on Selection Sunday. Coach Ewing needs a big guy like Ewing the player.
— Tulane 41, Louisiana 24- First bowl of the season is the Cure Bowl in Orlando. Shouldn’t these teams be playing in Shreveport or New Orleans? Green Wave banks its first bowl win since 2002; good win for the AAC.

2pm-4pm:
— Notre Dame 88, Purdue 80— Boilermakers lost for fifth time in last seven games.
— Seton Hall 72, Rutgers 66— Underrated rivalry from the Garden State. Rutgers lost its 4th game in a row; they were outscored 21-10 on foul line.
— Utah State 52, North Texas 13— Utah State plays New Mexico every year, every other year in this stadium; Aggies lost their coach to Texas Tech, sometimes teams like that don’t react well in this situation, but Utah State led 38-7 at halftime in a commanding performance, showing that they really did deserve to be in a better bowl.

4pm-6pm:
— Indiana 71, Butler 68— Hoosiers were holding ball for last shot and kind of screwed things up, so kid jacks a 35-footer at the buzzer and drains it. Not the play anyone drew up, but it was a game-winner. Exciting ballgame.
— Kentucky 88, Utah 61— Pac-12 is really struggling so far this season.
— Belmont 74, UCLA 72— UCLA went 9-24 on foul line in second half.
— Texans 29, Jets 22— Houston scored 10 points in last 2:15 of game

6pm-8pm:
— Arizona State 76, Georgia 74— Sun Devils were down 47-33 at halftime.
— North Carolina 103. Gonzaga 90— Probably Zags’ last loss until March.
— Fresno State 31, Arizona State 20— Herm Edwards finishes his first year at ASU 7-6. I went to Las Vegas Bowl few years ago and damn near froze my butt off; had to move around stadium and stay in sun. Didn’t dress warm enough.
— Georgia Southern 23, Eastern Michigan 21— Georgia Southern ran ball for 331 yards.

8pm-10pm:
— If you like college basketball, I recommend you get ESPN+; its only $5 a month, and you get ton of games in mid-major and low-major leagues, so that is fun. I have it and will cancel it as soon as basketball season is over, then get it again next winter.
— Mississippi State 70, Cincinnati 59— 9-1 Bulldogs made 12-23 on arc; Cincy was 3-14.
— Oklahoma 81, USC 70— Trojans shot 34.8% from floor, turned ball over 18 times.
— Browns 17, Broncos 16— Cleveland has won four of its last five games. If you want to be an NFL head coach, I’m guessing John Elway will be accepting applications soon.

10pm-midnight:
— Appalachian State 45, Middle Tennessee State 13— How would you like to be the coach in charge of bed checks at the New Orleans Bowl? Good luck there.
— UNLV 92, BYU 90 OT— Rebels blew a 17-point halftime lead, needed a 3-pointer at buzzer in OT to pull out this win at T-Mobile Arena.
— Thunder 110, Clippers 104— Clippers lost five of their last six games.
— Carson Wentz (back) is definitely out for the Eagles’ game in LA Sunday night.

Elsewhere……
6) Upsets of the Day:
— Oral Roberts (+11) 59, Richmond 52
— Old Dominion (+10.5) 68, Syracuse 62
— Belmont (+7.5) 74, UCLA 72
— Charleston (+7) 83, VCU 79
— Mississippi State (+5) 70, Cincinnati 59
— Notre Dame (+4.5) 88, Purdue 80
— SMU (+4.5) 81, Georgetown 73

5) Boston Red Sox went $40M over the tax threshold, so they owe $11,951,091 in luxury tax for going so far over the limit. Only other team that owes money is the Washington Nationals, who didn’t make the playoffs last year, but still owe $2,386,097, Whoops.

If you have to pay a luxury tax and still miss the playoffs, either the GM or manager (or both) should be fired, right? Somebody screwed up.

Boston’s top draft pick in June’s amateur draft also got dropped ten spots as a penalty.

4) This was the first time in 16 years the Bronx Bombers finished under the tax threshold; seeing the Red Sox lift the World Series trophy this past October will probably spur Bronx to spend ridiculous amounts of money this coming season.

3) Providence freshman guard AJ Reeves, the Friars’ 2nd-leading scorer, will miss four to six weeks because of a foot injury.

2) Former ESPN guy Charlie Steiner signed a 3-year extension to continue as the Dodgers’ radio voice. Do yourself a favor, go to YouTube and look up “Charlie Steiner outtakes” when he gets laughing and can’t stop several times while doing SportsCenter. Good stuff.

1) The line in my neighborhood deli was out the door at noontime Saturday, so good for them, its a terrific place (Pellegrino’s on Central Ave) but I’m not a fan of waiting on line, so had to go elsewhere for lunch. Too bad, they have terrific subs.

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Long Sheet

Sunday, December 16

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ATLANTA (6 - 22) at BROOKLYN (12 - 18) - 12/16/2018, 3:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 7-17 ATS (-11.7 Units) against Atlantic division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
BROOKLYN is 17-6 ATS (+10.4 Units) against Southeast division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
BROOKLYN is 35-22 ATS (+10.8 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) in road games after allowing 115 points or more over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
BROOKLYN is 6-2 against the spread versus ATLANTA over the last 3 seasons
BROOKLYN is 5-3 straight up against ATLANTA over the last 3 seasons
7 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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PHILADELPHIA (19 - 11) at CLEVELAND (7 - 22) - 12/16/2018, 3:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 115-88 ATS (+18.2 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 32-16 ATS (+14.4 Units) revenging a home loss vs opponent over the last 3 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 67-46 ATS (+16.4 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 3 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 30-16 ATS (+12.4 Units) after a loss by 10 points or more over the last 3 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 55-76 ATS (-28.6 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 24-43 ATS (-23.3 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 25-39 ATS (-17.9 Units) in the first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 20-37 ATS (-20.7 Units) after a loss by 10 points or more over the last 3 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 10-22 ATS (-14.2 Units) in home games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.

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

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NEW YORK (9 - 21) at INDIANA (19 - 10) - 12/16/2018, 5:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
INDIANA is 67-49 ATS (+13.1 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
INDIANA is 33-21 ATS (+9.9 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
INDIANA is 22-7 ATS (+14.3 Units) on Sunday games over the last 3 seasons.
INDIANA is 40-25 ATS (+12.5 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
NEW YORK is 34-20 ATS (+12.0 Units) revenging a home loss vs opponent over the last 3 seasons.

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

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LA LAKERS (18 - 11) at WASHINGTON (11 - 18) - 12/16/2018, 6:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 48-66 ATS (-24.6 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 414-483 ATS (-117.3 Units) in home games since 1996.

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

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SACRAMENTO (15 - 13) at DALLAS (15 - 12) - 12/16/2018, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DALLAS is 12-3 ATS (+8.7 Units) in home games this season.
DALLAS is 12-3 ATS (+8.7 Units) in home games in the first half of the season this season.
DALLAS is 121-89 ATS (+23.1 Units) on Sunday games since 1996.
DALLAS is 14-4 ATS (+9.6 Units) when playing with 2 days rest over the last 2 seasons.
DALLAS is 20-5 ATS (+14.5 Units) after a loss by 10 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
DALLAS is 39-20 ATS (+17.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
SACRAMENTO is 17-7 ATS (+9.3 Units) when the total is greater than or equal to 220 this season.
SACRAMENTO is 12-4 ATS (+7.6 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game this season.

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

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MIAMI (12 - 16) at NEW ORLEANS (15 - 15) - 12/16/2018, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEW ORLEANS is 34-22 ATS (+9.8 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 63-44 ATS (+14.6 Units) as an underdog over the last 3 seasons.
MIAMI is 59-37 ATS (+18.3 Units) in road games over the last 3 seasons.
MIAMI is 23-11 ATS (+10.9 Units) in road games in non-conference games over the last 3 seasons.
MIAMI is 19-9 ATS (+9.1 Units) in road games versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MIAMI is 4-1 against the spread versus NEW ORLEANS over the last 3 seasons
NEW ORLEANS is 3-2 straight up against MIAMI over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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TORONTO (23 - 8) at DENVER (19 - 9) - 12/16/2018, 8:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
DENVER is 5-0 against the spread versus TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
TORONTO is 3-2 straight up against DENVER over the last 3 seasons
4 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up

Sunday, December 16

Hawks lost six of their last seven games; they’re 7-8 vs spread on road this season. Six of their last nine games went over. Brooklyn won its last four games, covered its last five; they covered their last three home games. Over is 9-5 in their last 14 home games. Nets won five of last six games with Atlanta; under is 8-1-1 in last ten series games. Hawks are 2-3 vs spread in last five visits to Brooklyn.

76ers are 2-3 in their last five games; they’re 4-9 vs spread in last 13 road games. Six of their last eight games stayed under total. Cleveland lost eight of its last 11 games; they’re 7-9 vs spread at home. Four of their last six games went over the total. Cavaliers won eight of last ten games with Philly, covering five of last six; 76ers are 1-3 vs spread in their last four visits to Cleveland (under 3-1).

Knicks lost seven of their last nine gams; they’re 1-4 vs spread in last five road games. Four of their last five games went over total. Indiana won its last six games, covered last five; they’re 5-3 vs spread in last eight home games. Indiana’s last nine games stayed under the total. Pacers won/covered their last three games with New York (under 3-0). Knicks are 1-4 vs spread in their last five visits to Indiana.

Lakers won seven of their last nine games; they’re 6-8 vs spread on road this season. Four of their last six games went over. Washington lost its last four games (0-4 vs spread); Wizards are 4-1 vs spread in last five home games. Four of their last five games went over. Lakers lost eight of their last ten games with Washington; they’re 3-2 vs spread in their last five visits here. Under is 3-2 in last five series games.

Sacramento won five of its last seven games, is 8-3 vs spread in last 11; Kings covered five of their last six road games. 11 of their last 14 games went over. Dallas won 12 of its last 16 games; they covered 10 of their last 11 home games. Seven of their last eight games stayed under. Kings won six of last nine games with the Mavericks; they covered five of their last six visits to Dallas. Four of last six series games stayed under total.

Miami is 5-3 in its last eight games; they’re 8-3 vs spread in last 11 games, 6-2 in last eight road tilts. Under is 10-4 in their last 14 games. New Orleans is 0-4 vs spread in game following its last four wins; they’re 5-3 vs spread in last eight home games. Under is 3-0-1 in their last four games. Home side won six of last eight Heat-Pelican games; Miami is is 2-2 vs spread in last four trips to Bourbon Street- over is 4-1 in last five series games played here.

Raptors are 3-4 SU in their last seven games; they’re 7-5-1 vs spread in last 13 road games. Six of their last eight games stayed under. Nuggets won nine of their last 11 games; they covered their last five home games. Under is 8-4 in their last dozen games. Toronto is 6-4 in its last ten games with Denver; Raptors lost by 3 at home to the Nuggets 13 days ago- they’re 2-3 vs spread in their last five visits to Denver. Over is 7-1-1 in last nine series games.

[StarDust Bum]

NBA

Sunday, December 16

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Report
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Atlanta Hawks
Atlanta is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games
Atlanta is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Atlanta's last 6 games
Atlanta is 1-11 SU in its last 12 games on the road
Atlanta is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Brooklyn
Atlanta is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Brooklyn
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Atlanta's last 12 games when playing Brooklyn
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Atlanta's last 6 games when playing on the road against Brooklyn
Brooklyn Nets
Brooklyn is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games
Brooklyn is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Brooklyn is 4-8 SU in its last 12 games
Brooklyn is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Atlanta
Brooklyn is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Atlanta
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Brooklyn's last 12 games when playing Atlanta
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Brooklyn's last 6 games when playing at home against Atlanta

Philadelphia 76ers
Philadelphia is 10-4 SU in its last 14 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Philadelphia's last 8 games
Philadelphia is 4-12 ATS in its last 16 games on the road
Philadelphia is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Philadelphia is 5-11 SU in its last 16 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Philadelphia's last 7 games on the road
Philadelphia is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Cleveland
Philadelphia is 2-12 SU in its last 14 games when playing Cleveland
The total has gone UNDER in 16 of Philadelphia's last 23 games when playing Cleveland
Philadelphia is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Cleveland
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Philadelphia's last 8 games when playing on the road against Cleveland
Cleveland Cavaliers
Cleveland is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games
Cleveland is 3-8 SU in its last 11 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Cleveland's last 6 games
Cleveland is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Philadelphia
Cleveland is 12-2 SU in its last 14 games when playing Philadelphia
The total has gone UNDER in 16 of Cleveland's last 23 games when playing Philadelphia
Cleveland is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Philadelphia
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Cleveland's last 8 games when playing at home against Philadelphia

New York Knicks
New York is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games
New York is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of New York's last 5 games
New York is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 9 of New York's last 11 games on the road
New York is 5-14 SU in its last 19 games when playing Indiana
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of New York's last 16 games when playing Indiana
New York is 2-11 ATS in its last 13 games when playing on the road against Indiana
New York is 1-14 SU in its last 15 games when playing on the road against Indiana
Indiana Pacers
Indiana is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games
Indiana is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Indiana's last 5 games
Indiana is 2-3-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing New York
Indiana is 14-5 SU in its last 19 games when playing New York
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Indiana's last 16 games when playing New York
Indiana is 11-2 ATS in its last 13 games when playing at home against New York
Indiana is 14-1 SU in its last 15 games when playing at home against New York

Los Angeles Lakers
LA Lakers is 6-3 ATS in its last 9 games
LA Lakers is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of LA Lakers's last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 16 of LA Lakers's last 22 games
LA Lakers is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
LA Lakers is 2-9 SU in its last 11 games when playing Washington
LA Lakers is 12-6 ATS in its last 18 games when playing on the road against Washington
LA Lakers is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Washington
Washington Wizards
Washington is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
Washington is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Washington's last 5 games
Washington is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Washington is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Washington's last 6 games at home
Washington is 9-2 SU in its last 11 games when playing LA Lakers
Washington is 6-12 ATS in its last 18 games when playing at home against LA Lakers
Washington is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against LA Lakers

Sacramento Kings
Sacramento is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games
Sacramento is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 11 of Sacramento's last 14 games
Sacramento is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Sacramento is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Sacramento's last 10 games on the road
Sacramento is 8-3 ATS in its last 11 games when playing Dallas
Sacramento is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games when playing Dallas
Sacramento is 8-15 SU in its last 23 games when playing Dallas
The total has gone UNDER in 12 of Sacramento's last 17 games when playing Dallas
Sacramento is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Dallas
Sacramento is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Dallas
Sacramento is 4-21 SU in its last 25 games when playing on the road against Dallas
The total has gone OVER in 16 of Sacramento's last 24 games when playing on the road against Dallas
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Sacramento's last 9 games when playing on the road against Dallas
Dallas Mavericks
Dallas is 11-5 ATS in its last 16 games
Dallas is 12-4 SU in its last 16 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Dallas's last 6 games
Dallas is 10-1 ATS in its last 11 games at home
Dallas is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Dallas's last 5 games at home
Dallas is 4-13-1 ATS in its last 18 games when playing Sacramento
Dallas is 15-8 SU in its last 23 games when playing Sacramento
Dallas is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games when playing Sacramento
The total has gone UNDER in 12 of Dallas's last 17 games when playing Sacramento
Dallas is 1-7-1 ATS in its last 9 games when playing at home against Sacramento
Dallas is 21-4 SU in its last 25 games when playing at home against Sacramento
Dallas is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Sacramento
The total has gone OVER in 16 of Dallas's last 24 games when playing at home against Sacramento
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Dallas's last 9 games when playing at home against Sacramento

Miami Heat
Miami is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Miami's last 8 games
Miami is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
Miami is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing New Orleans
Miami is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against New Orleans
Miami is 7-17-1 ATS in its last 25 games when playing on the road against New Orleans
Miami is 4-21 SU in its last 25 games when playing on the road against New Orleans
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Miami's last 7 games when playing on the road against New Orleans
New Orleans Pelicans
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of New Orleans's last 5 games
New Orleans is 16-5 SU in its last 21 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 6 of New Orleans's last 9 games at home
New Orleans is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Miami
New Orleans is 17-7-1 ATS in its last 25 games when playing at home against Miami
New Orleans is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Miami
New Orleans is 21-4 SU in its last 25 games when playing at home against Miami
The total has gone OVER in 6 of New Orleans's last 7 games when playing at home against Miami

Toronto Raptors
Toronto is 3-6 ATS in its last 9 games
Toronto is 11-4 SU in its last 15 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Toronto's last 8 games
Toronto is 11-3 SU in its last 14 games on the road
Toronto is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Denver
Toronto is 8-15 SU in its last 23 games when playing Denver
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Toronto's last 13 games when playing Denver
Toronto is 3-8 ATS in its last 11 games when playing on the road against Denver
Toronto is 3-11 SU in its last 14 games when playing on the road against Denver
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Toronto's last 6 games when playing on the road against Denver
Denver Nuggets
Denver is 9-2 ATS in its last 11 games
Denver is 9-2 SU in its last 11 games
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Denver's last 12 games
Denver is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Denver is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Denver's last 6 games at home
Denver is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Toronto
Denver is 15-8 SU in its last 23 games when playing Toronto
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Denver's last 13 games when playing Toronto
Denver is 8-3 ATS in its last 11 games when playing at home against Toronto
Denver is 11-3 SU in its last 14 games when playing at home against Toronto
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Denver's last 6 games when playing at home against Toronto

[StarDust Bum]

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 16
GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS

ATL at BK 03:00 PM
BK -7.5
O 226.0

PHI at CLE 03:30 PM
CLE +8.0
O 217.5

NY at IND 05:00 PM
IND -12.0
U 214.5

LAL at WAS 06:00 PM
LAL -2.5
O 231.5

MIA at NO 07:00 PM
MIA +6.5
O 222.5

SAC at DAL 07:00 PM
DAL -5.5
U 224.5

TOR at DEN 08:00 PM
TOR -3.5
O 212.5

[StarDust Bum]

Simmons has triple-double, 76ers rout Cavs
December 16, 2018
By The Associated Press

CLEVELAND (AP) Ben Simmons had 22 points, 11 rebounds and 14 assists for his third triple-double of the season, Joel Embiid scored 24 points and the Philadelphia 76ers won in Jimmy Butler's return, routing Cleveland Cavaliers 128-105 on Sunday.

Butler scored 19 points after missing two games - both losses - with a strained groin.

Landry Shamet added 16 points for Philadelphia, J.J. Redick had 14 points and Wilson Chandler 11.

Cedi Osman and Jordan Clarkson each scored 18 points for Cleveland. Rodney Hood and Matthew Dellavedova each had 13 points, and rookie point guard Collin Sexton added 12.

Philadelphia broke it open after Cleveland cut a 13-point lead to 86-85 late in the third quarter.

The Sixers led 86-73 midway through the quarter, but Cleveland scored 12 straight points and trailed by one on after Larry Nance Jr.'s dunk. Wilson Chandler hit a 3-pointer from the corner as time ran out in the period, starting the deciding run.

WIZARDS 128, LAKERS 110

WASHINGTON (AP) - Amid all of his team's losses and infighting and roster flux, John Wall showed just how well he's capable of playing, producing 40 points and 14 assists to lead Washington past a sluggish LeBron James and Los Angeles.

A day after he and Lonzo Ball each registered a triple-double in a win at Charlotte, James was limited to a season-low 13 points, along with six rebounds and three assists, while making just five of 16 shots. The four-time NBA MVP sat out the fourth quarter.

The Wizards emphatically ended a four-game losing streak, going up by as many as 18 in the first quarter and 27 in the third.

The Lakers opened Sunday's game by going 5 for 19, 0 for 8 on 3s. Washington, meanwhile, made its first five shots and 13 of its first 18, taking a 26-8 lead on Wall's layup.

NUGGETS 95, RAPTORS 86

DENVER (AP) - Nikola Jokic scored 26 points, Jamal Murray had 15 of his 19 in the fourth quarter and banged-up Denver rallied past equally banged-up Toronto in a contest between conference leaders.

Trailing 70-57 in the third quarter, the Nuggets went on a 23-2 run to send them to their 10th win in 12 games and retain a slim lead over Golden State in the Western Conference. This marks the latest the Nuggets (20-9) have been in first place in the West since Dec. 18, 1984, according to information by Elias Sports Bureau.

Kawhi Leonard had 29 points and 14 rebounds for the Eastern Conference-leading Raptors, who finished 2-2 on their trip. They still own the league's best mark at 23-9.

Murray led the charge with eight straight points early in the fourth. The defense stepped up, too, as the Raptors didn't score their first field goal in the final quarter until Leonard's dunk with 7:42 remaining.

HEAT 102, PELICANS 96

NEW ORLEANS (AP) - Josh Richardson scored 22 points, Dwyane Wade added 19 in what was likely his final game in New Orleans, and Miami beat the Pelicans.

Hassan Whiteside had 17 points and 12 rebounds in his matchup with Anthony Davis.

Davis had 27 points, 12 rebounds, three blocks and three steals, but curiously did not take his first shot of the second half until hitting a 3-pointer with 5:43 left in the fourth quarter.

KINGS 120, MAVERICKS 113

DALLAS (AP) - Buddy Hield and De'Aaron Fox each scored 28 points and Sacramento ended Dallas' 11-game home winning streak.

The Kings also spoiled the return of Dirk Nowitzki to the American Airlines Center. The 21-year veteran played his first home game after missing the first 26 games of the season while recovering from ankle surgery. He played six minutes at Phoenix on Thursday and scored three points in eight minutes Sunday.

Sacramento led for the entire second half, closing the third quarter on an 11-4 run to lead 93-83.

Luka Doncic had 28 points and nine assists, but no other Dallas player scored more than 15. DeAndre Jordan tied his season high with 23 rebounds but Dallas was hampered by poor 3-point shooting, making only 9 of 35 (26 percent).

PACERS 110, KNICKS 99

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - Victor Oladipo scored 26 points, Myles Turner had 24 and Indiana beat New York for its seventh straight victory.

Oladipo added eight rebounds and seven assists, while Turner finished with six rebounds and two blocks. He also halted the Knicks' momentum on a fast break in the fourth quarter, sprinting across the court to disrupt Emmanuel Mudiay's layup attempt that would have cut the Pacers' lead to four points late in the game.

Enes Kanter finished with 20 points and 15 rebounds for the Knicks. Tim Hardaway Jr. scored 19 points and Mudiay finished with 18.

NETS 144, HAWKS 127

NEW YORK (AP) - D'Angelo Russell scored 32 points, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson had 18 and Brooklyn beat Atlanta for its fifth straight victory.

Joe Harris had 16 points and Spencer Dinwiddie added 15. The Nets have won five straight for the first time since March 25-April 2, 2015.

John Collins scored 29 points and Dewayne Dedmon had 24 points and 12 rebounds for the Hawks. The have lost three straight and seven of eight.

[StarDust Bum]

SCHEDULE FOR MONDAY DECEMBER 17, 2018
Time (ET) Away Home Site
7:05 PM Milwaukee Bucks Detroit Pistons Little Caesars Arena
7:35 PM Phoenix Suns New York Knicks Madison Square Garden
8:05 PM Chicago Bulls Oklahoma City Thunder Chesapeake Energy Arena
8:05 PM Sacramento Kings Minnesota Timberwolves Target Center
8:05 PM Utah Jazz Houston Rockets Toyota Center
8:35 PM Philadelphia 76ers San Antonio Spurs AT&T Center
10:35 PM Memphis Grizzlies Golden State Warriors ORACLE Arena
10:35 PM Portland Trail Blazers Los Angeles Clippers Staples Center


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DATE W-L-T % UNITS RECORD

12/16/2018 6-8-0 42.86% -14.00
12/15/2018 7-4-1 63.64% +13.00
12/14/2018 10-6-0 62.50% +17.00
12/13/2018 3-5-0 37.50% -12.50
12/12/2018 9-13-0 40.91% -26.50
12/11/2018 3-3-0 50.00% -1.50
12/10/2018 6-10-0 37.50% -25.00
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:..........93-97-0.......48.94%--- -68.50


NBA BEST BETS:

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

12/16/2018............1 - 3.................-11.50..................3 - 2..................+4.00..............-7.50
12/15/2018............3 - 0.................+15.00.................2 - 3..................-6.50...............+8.50
12/14/2018............3 - 1.................+9.50...................3 - 1..................+9.50.............+19.00
12/13/2018............2 - 1.................+4.50...................0 - 4..................-22.00.............-17.50
12/12/2018............2 - 5..................-17.50.................2 - 4...................-12.00.............-29.50
12/11/2018............1 - 1..................-0.50...................0 - 2..................-11.00..............-11.50
12/10/2018............3 - 2..................+4.00..................1 - 3..................-11.50..............-7.50
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:...............24 - 30................-40.00.................33 - 36...............-33.00................-73.00

[StarDust Bum]

Monday’s 6-pack

Top 6 picks for Week 15 of Westgate SuperBook NFL handicapping contest:

1) Indianapolis Colts -3 (999)- W

2) Tennessee Titans +2.5 (911)- W

3) Seattle Seahawks -4.5 (877)- L

4) New England Patriots -2.5 (865)- L

5) Green Bay Packers +6 (743)- L

6) Cleveland Browns +3 (701)- W

Season record: 46-41-3

Quote of the Day
“He’s our kicker from start to finish and I liked the way he came back and banged that next opportunity, and that is what this thing [football] is about. You are going to be tested, we are going to be tested, sometimes you are going to fail but you better pass enough of them.”
Steelers coach Mike Tomlin, talking about kicker Chris Boswell

Monday’s quiz
What city was the old TV show Homicide set in?

Sunday’s quiz
Baylor University is located in Waco, TX

Saturday’s quiz
Los Angeles Rams’ owner Stan Kroenke also owns the Denver Nuggets in the NBA and the Colorado Avalanche in the NHL.


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Monday’s List of 13: Wrapping up an NFL Sunday……

Colts 23, Cowboys 0— Indy won for 7th time in its last eight games; Dallas had their five-game win streak snapped. Cowboys are 2-5 on road this season; they had ball twice in red zone, turned it over both times, and had a 47-yard FG blocked on their first drive of the game.

Colts are tied with Ravens/Titans for #6 seed in AFC with two weeks left; they ran ball for 178 yards in this game. Andrew Luck has to be Comeback Player of the Year, yes?

Vikings 41, Dolphins 17— Minnesota went right down field first three times they had ball, scoring on TD drives of 76-60-70 yards, then Cousins threw a pick-6 on 4th drive and things got a little dicey, but Vikings pulled away late.

Vikings had nine sacks; Miami had 12 first downs and only 37 net passing yards. Yardage in this game was 418-193. Minnesota is 5-2 as a home favorite this year, 22-7 under Zimmer. Miami is 7-14 as road underdogs under Gase- they lost their last six road games.

Bengals 30, Raiders 16— 1:00 games were lackluster Sunday; 14 of the 18 teams stayed under their team total for the game. Bengals out rushed Oakland 171-68; two of their three TD drives were less than 50 yards (45-21 yards)- they scored 30 points but gained only 294 yards.

Bengals snapped a 5-game losing streak with this win; they won their home finale the last seven years. Oakland heads home for what is likely their last-ever game in Oakland next Sunday. Cincy QB Driskel gets his first NFL win as a starting QB. Over is 5-2 in Bengals’ last seven games.

Ravens 20, Buccaneers 12— Lamar Jackson is now 4-1 as a starting QB; Ravens ran ball for 242 yards, running 27 more plays (74-47) than Tampa Bay on a rainy day in Maryland. Tampa Bay went for two after its first TD and failed, then never scored another TD all day.

Buccaneers lost their last six road games; they’re 2-4-1 as road underdogs. Ravens are 5-2 SU at home- they’re tied with Colts/Titans for last playoff spot in AFC.

Bills 14, Lions 13— Buffalo is 3-2 in its last five games; they scored winning TD with 10:26 left and now they’re now- their win total for season is 6.5, so they’d have to win in Foxboro next week to have a shot at going over and that ain’t happening. Buffalo actually ran out of running backs in this game; all their active RB’s got hurt.

Detroit lost six of its last eight games; they scored 15.5 ppg the last four games. How is a team that pays its QB $28M a year this bad on offense? They have same offensive coaches they had last year; was Golden Tate that important a player for them? Seven of Lions’ last eight games stayed under the total.

Bears 24, Packers 17— Just third win in last 17 series games for Chicago, as Bears clinch the NFC North for first time since 2010, going 7-1 at home for first time since ’05. Chicago is 10-0 this year when they allow less than 24 points. Chicago had a 10-yard edge in field position.

Packers lost six of their last eight games- they’re 0-7 on road, 1-3-1 as road underdogs. Interesting to see with Packers eliminated, if Aaron Rodgers plays the last two games.

Titans 17, Giants 0— Tennessee ran ball for 215 yards on a rainy, dismal day in Swamp Stadium. Titans have now won three games in row; this was only second loss in last six games for Giants.

This was the Titans’ first shutout since a Christmas Day win over Dallas in 2000. Tennessee is tied for last playoff spot; those two 1-point losses back in October have to sting now. Titns are 8-6; this was only 4th time the season they led at halftime.

Redskins 16, Jaguars 13— Josh Johnson’s last NFL start was December 4, 2011, a 38-19 loss for Tampa Bay against the Panthers. Seven years later, he gets his first win (1-5) as an NFL starter, and the Redskins are still alive in the playoff race.- they’re half-game behind Minnesota for the #6 seed. Washington is 7-0 when they allow 17 or fewer points, 0-7 when they allow more.

Jacksonville had 20 net passing yards in this game, averaging 0.9 yards per attempt. Jaguars lost nine of their last ten games; they’ve scored one TD on their last 30 drives, and stayed under their team total in eight of last ten games. They should draft Kyler Murray.

Falcons 40, Cardinals 7— Atlanta took out its frustrations on the Cardinals as they snapped a 5-game losing skid; Falcons ran ball for 215 yards, outgained Arizona 435-253 and were +3 in turnovers. Atlanta also scored a defensive TD in breaking its 5-game losing streak.

Redbirds are 5-11 in last 16 games as road underdogs, 3-4 this year; they’ve lost by 10-33 points in their two games on artificial turf this season.

49ers 26, Seahawks 23 OT— Seattle went right down field and scored on their first drive, then missed PAT, 49ers ran kickoff back for a TD and Seahawks never led again. Seattle was flagged 14 times for 148 yards. Loss ends Seattle’s 4-game win streak.

49ers are 3-3 with Mullens at QB; do they keep him this winter, or get a pretty good draft pick for him in a trade? Seattle is now 3-8-1 in last dozen games as a road favorite.

Steelers 17, Patriots 10— New England finishes 3-5 on road, and were favored in all eight games; right now, they’re game behind Houston for #2 seed and first round bye in playoffs.

Patriots had ball in red zone on their last three drives, but scored total of 3 points, coming up empty on last two drives. Steelers snapped a 3-game skid with this win, stay ahead of Ravens in the AFC North. Six of last seven Patriot games, four of last five Steeler games stayed under.

Eagles 30, Rams 23:
— Philly hangs on for dear life, evens it record at 7-7.
— Eagles are half-game behind Minnesota for last playoff spot in NFC.
— Someone at The Mirage in Las Vegas bet $180,000 on the Rams’ money line; there was a $115,000 bet made on over 26 points in the first half. Neither bet won.
— Rams turned ball over nine times in three games since their bye; they’ll need to win out to get the #2 seed and the first round bye in the playoffs.