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

[StarDust Bum]

TUESDAY, JANUARY 1
GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS

UTA at TOR 07:30 PM
UTA +2.5
O 210.5

DET at MIL 08:00 PM
DET +10.5
U 218.0

POR at SAC 09:00 PM
SAC +1.5
O 230.5

NY at DEN 09:00 PM
DEN -13.0
U 218.0

PHI at LAC 10:30 PM
PHI +3.0
U 233.0

[Udog]

Hoop Trends - Tuesday
Vince Akins

ATS Play ON Trend of the Day:

-- The Kings are 14-0 ATS (+8.79 ppg) with less than two days rest when they lost at least two straight vs their opponent.


ATS Play AGAINST Trend of the Day:

-- The Bucks are 0-19 ATS (-8.24 ppg) as a 8-plus point favorite off a home game when their opponent is seeking same-season revenge for a loss at home.


OU Play OVER Trend of the Day:

-- The Bucks are 14-0 OU (+12.25 ppg) as a home 8+ favorite when they won 2 straight vs current opponent.


OU Play UNDER Trend of the Day:

-- The Trailblazers are 0-12 OU (-16.88 ppg) as a road favorite with rest after a game in which they shot 50% or better from beyond the arc.

[StarDust Bum]

Leonard scores 45, Raptors beat Jazz
January 1, 2019
By The Associated Press

TORONTO (AP) Kawhi Leonard scored a career-high 45 points, Pascal Siakam had a career-best 28 points with 10 rebounds, and the Toronto Raptors beat the Utah Jazz 122-116 on Tuesday night.

Norman Powell scored a season-high 14 points, and the Raptors won their fourth straight at home.

Jae Crowder scored a career-high 30 points, Derrick Favors had 21 and Donovan Mitchell scored 19 as the Jazz dropped to 10-12 on the road and 18-20 overall.

Utah's Rudy Gobert scored 16 points, and Ricky Rubio had 14.

Leonard made all seven of his field-goal attempts in the third quarter and added five foul shots. His 19 points were the second most in any quarter by a Raptors player this season. Serge Ibaka scored 20 points in the first quarter of a Nov. 4 road win against the Los Angeles Lakers.

Leonard shot 16 for 22 overall, missing all three attempts from 3-point range. He went 13 for 17 at the free-throw line.

BUCKS 121, PISTONS 98

MILWAUKEE (AP) - Brook Lopez had 25 points, Giannis Antetokounmpo threw down a spectacular one-handed dunk and Milwaukee cruised past Detroit.

Khris Middleton had 22 points and Eric Bledsoe had 18 for Milwaukee. Antetokounmpo had just 15 points, but his slam over Jon Leuer was the highlight of the night. Antetokounmpo blew past Andre Drummond, jumped and reached his right arm over a leaping Leuer for the slam during the first quarter.

Milwaukee has won four straight and eight of nine. The Bucks are an NBA-best 26-10.

Blake Griffin had 29 points and nine rebounds, and Reggie Jackson scored 19 points for Detroit, which fell to 16-19.

NUGGETS 115, KNICKS 108

DENVER (AP) - Nikola Jokic had 19 points, 14 rebounds and 15 assists, including a late no-look pass to wrap things up, as Denver picked up its ninth straight home victory.

Reserve Malik Beasley added a career-high 23 points for the Western Conference-leading Nuggets, who have now knocked off the Knicks 11 straight times at the Pepsi Center. It was far from easy, though, with the Nuggets needing a big 3-pointer from Jokic with 2:55 remaining to finally gain some separation. The struggling Knicks have lost eight in a row.

Luke Kornet led the Knicks with 19 points, while reserve Enes Kanter scored 17 points and grabbed 12 points. Kanter's recently voiced his displeasure about his role with the Knicks.

TRAIL BLAZERS 113, KINGS 108, OT

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - Damian Lillard shook off a sluggish night shooting to score five of his 25 points in overtime, and Portland rallied after blowing a 14-point halftime lead.

Jusuf Nurkic had 24 points and a career-high 23 rebounds to help Portland to its fourth straight win over Sacramento. CJ McCollum added 16 points, and Maurice Harkless had 11 points and nine rebounds.

Buddy Hield scored 27 points for Sacramento. Nemanja Bjelica added 14 points and 16 rebounds, and Bogdan Bogdanovic had 19 points.

[StarDust Bum]

SCHEDULE FOR WEDNESDAY JANUARY 2, 2019
Time (ET) Away Home Site
7:05 PM Atlanta Hawks Washington Wizards Capital One Arena
7:05 PM Dallas Mavericks Charlotte Hornets Spectrum Center
7:05 PM Miami Heat Cleveland Cavaliers Quicken Loans Arena
7:35 PM New Orleans Pelicans Brooklyn Nets Barclays Center
8:05 PM Detroit Pistons Memphis Grizzlies FedExForum
8:05 PM Minnesota Timberwolves Boston Celtics TD Garden
8:05 PM Orlando Magic Chicago Bulls United Center
9:05 PM Philadelphia 76ers Phoenix Suns Talking Stick Resort Arena
10:35 PM Oklahoma City Thunder Los Angeles Lakers Staples Center


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


JANUARY'S OPINION AND BEST BETS !

DATE W-L-T % UNITS RECORD

01/01/2019 3-7-0 30.00% -23.50




NBA BEST BETS:

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

01/01/2019...........1 - 2...................-6.00.....................1 - 2..................-6.00...............-12.00

[StarDust Bum]

Wednesday’s 6-pack

NBA’s top six players free throw shooters (min 50 att):

6) JJ Redick, 76ers 109-120, 90.8%

5) Kevin Durant, Warriors 269-295, 91.2%

4) Stephen Curry, Warriors 130-142, 91.5%

3) Lou Williams, Clippers 169-184, 91.8%

2) Danilo Gallinari, Clippers 191-207, 92.3%

1) Malcolm Brogdon, Bucks 56-57, 98.2%

Quote of the Day
“We felt it important to extend and amend Lincoln’s contract at this time as we want him at the University of Oklahoma for a long time. He is a great coach and role model for our student-athletes. His record of success speaks for itself. Lincoln is also the right representative for our university in such a high-profile position. I am proud to work with him and anxious to support him as he takes our program into the future.”
Oklahoma president James Gallogly; lets see the Sooners go 7-5 a couple years in a row and see what a great role model they think Riley is.

Wednesday’s quiz
Who was the only NFL QB to take every offensive snap for his team this season?

Tuesday’s quiz
Shaquille O’Neal played his college basketball at LSU.

Monday’s quiz
Fred Dalton Thompson played a DA on Law and Order for five years, then later ran for the Republican nomination for President in 2008.

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

Wednesday’s List of 13: Wrapping up the first day of 2019

13) Forgot to mention this Monday, but NFL gets the Week 17 thing right; every game is a divisional rivalry game, and the most meaningful games are stuffed into the 4:25 window of games, to maximize drama. Makes handicapping more difficult, but so be it.

12) There are rumors going around Las Vegas these days that UNLV is going to have a new basketball coach next year, and that guy is coaching in Greece right now— Rick Pitino.

11) Kentucky 27, Penn State 24— Wildcats win 10+ games in same football season for first time since 1977. Kentucky led 27-7, were outgained 407-297, but hung on for the win- they ran a punt back for a touchdown, the first punt return Penn State allowed for a TD since 2012.

10) Houston snags football coach Dana Holgorsen away from West Virginia, giving him $20M over five years; not often a guy voluntarily leaves a Big X program for an AAC team, but money talks……

9) Of the 12 teams who made NFL playoffs this year, Rams played most games (4-3) against them this season. Bears (2-1), Ravens (1-2) played the fewest.

8) Jets could be a good over bet for wins next season; since 2000, here are the Jet head coaches, 1st year and then after……

2000 Al Groh First year: 9-7 Replaced after one year
2001 Herm Edwards: First year: 10-6 Rest of time: 29-35
2006: Eric Mangini: First year: 10-6 Rest of time: 13-19
2008: Rex Ryan: First year: 9-7 Rest of time: 37-43
2015: Todd Bowles: First year: 10-6 Rest of time: 14-34

7) Speaking of the Jets, how does the coach at Iowa Freakin’ State turn down an interview with an NFL team? Matt Campbell doesn’t want to coach in the NFL? Fine, but interviewing with an NFL team wouldn’t at least be a good experience for him? I laughed when I saw this note.

6) Agreed that Steve Alford/UCLA was an odd fit, but here is the list of coaches who made 3+ Sweet 16’s in the last five years:
Alford, Beilein, Calipari, Few, Huggins, Krzyzewski, Sean MIller, Self, Williams.

Firing Alford before conference play was insulting, and probably done to placate a big-money donor. Wonder if it’ll hurt them in finding a high-profile replacement.

5) Gambling is difficult: Monday, Weber State (-6.5) won 93-87 at Idaho. Weber was up 41-16 with 5:49 left in first half, led by 22 at the half, but didn’t cover. Idaho made 10-19 3-pointers but covered by only a half-point. Weber was the right side in the game, but not the winning side.

4) Ohio State 28, Washington 23— I wonder if Urban Meyer will ever coach again; hopefully he will never be on TV again, just a totally humorless, serious person who was a great coach but for Pete’s sake, tell a joke or say something sarcastic now and then- its not that hard.

3) LSU 40, Central Florida 32— Tigers’ QB Joe Burrow was 21-34 for 394 yards and four TD’s as LSU ended UCF’s 25-game winning streak. Burrow led LSU to a 10-3 record this season; he was the 3rd-string QB at Ohio State before this year. Think about that for a second.

2) Lions fired OC Jim Bob Cooter Tuesday; officially it is a “mutual parting of ways” which is a nice way of Matt Patricia saying, “Take a hike!!!!”

Jets/Cardinals need to look at Cooter to help develop their young QB’s.

1) Tuesday is usually garbage day in my neighborhood, but because of New Year’s Day, it got pushed back a day this week. Lot of my neighbors didn’t get the memo and put their garbage out Monday night, and it was really windy Tuesday morning, so the neighborhood was a mess Tuesday morning, lot of stuff everywhere. Not a great way to start 2019.

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Dunkel

Wednesday, January 2


Miami @ Cleveland

Game 501-502
January 2, 2019 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Miami
125.181
Cleveland
110.644
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Miami
by 14 1/2
207
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Miami
by 6
205
Dunkel Pick:
Miami
(-6); Over

Atlanta @ Washington

Game 503-504
January 2, 2019 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Atlanta
112.518
Washington
115.566
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Washington
by 3
211
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Washington
by 5 1/2
230
Dunkel Pick:
Atlanta
(+5 1/2); Under

Dallas @ Charlotte

Game 505-506
January 2, 2019 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Dallas
120.207
Charlotte
116.051
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Dallas
by 4
224
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Charlotte
by 2 1/2
222
Dunkel Pick:
Dallas
(+2); Over

New Orleans @ Brooklyn

Game 507-508
January 2, 2019 @ 7:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
New Orleans
121.117
Brooklyn
113.089
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
New Orleans
by 8
220
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
New Orleans
by 1
230 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
New Orleans
(-1); Under

Minnesota @ Boston

Game 509-510
January 2, 2019 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Minnesota
117.569
Boston
119.669
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Boston
by 2
200
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Boston
by 6
218 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Minnesota
(+6); Under

Detroit @ Memphis

Game 511-512
January 2, 2019 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Detroit
117.261
Memphis
116.918
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Detroit
Even
208
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Memphis
by 6
198 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Detroit
(+6); Over

Orlando @ Chicago

Game 513-514
January 2, 2019 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Orlando
115.349
Chicago
108.551
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Orlando
by 7 1/2
208
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Chicago
by 1 1/2
201 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Orlando
(+1 1/2); Over

Philadelphia @ Phoenix

Game 515-516
January 2, 2019 @ 9:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Philadelphia
116.503
Phoenix
106.375
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Philadelphia
by 10 1/2
219
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Philadelphia
by 5
228 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Philadelphia
(-5); Under

Oklahoma City @ LA Lakers

Game 517-518
January 2, 2019 @ 10:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Oklahoma City
124.702
LA Lakers
117.285
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Oklahoma City
by 7 1/2
231
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Oklahoma City
by 5
229 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Oklahoma City
(-5); Over

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Long Sheet

Wednesday, January 2

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

MIAMI (17 - 18) at CLEVELAND (8 - 29) - 1/2/2019, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MIAMI is 35-22 ATS (+10.8 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 10-1 ATS (+8.9 Units) in road games off a upset loss as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 228-182 ATS (+27.8 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a losing record since 1996.
MIAMI is 44-26 ATS (+15.4 Units) in road games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game since 1996.
CLEVELAND is 59-80 ATS (-29.0 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 24-45 ATS (-25.5 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 6-23 ATS (-19.3 Units) in January games over the last 3 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 7-19 ATS (-13.9 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 28-41 ATS (-17.1 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.

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

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

ATLANTA (11 - 25) at WASHINGTON (14 - 23) - 1/2/2019, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 12-24 ATS (-14.4 Units) in all games this season.
WASHINGTON is 27-45 ATS (-22.5 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 416-485 ATS (-117.5 Units) in home games since 1996.
WASHINGTON is 188-232 ATS (-67.2 Units) vs. division opponents since 1996.
WASHINGTON is 4-13 ATS (-10.3 Units) off an upset win as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 7-15 ATS (-9.5 Units) after allowing 115 points or more this season.
WASHINGTON is 77-106 ATS (-39.6 Units) after scoring 115 points or more since 1996.
WASHINGTON is 19-37 ATS (-21.7 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 26-40 ATS (-18.0 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 63-89 ATS (-34.9 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 8-8 against the spread versus ATLANTA over the last 3 seasons
WASHINGTON is 10-6 straight up against ATLANTA over the last 3 seasons
10 of 16 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

DALLAS (17 - 19) at CHARLOTTE (18 - 18) - 1/2/2019, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DALLAS is 47-34 ATS (+9.6 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
DALLAS is 511-434 ATS (+33.6 Units) in road games since 1996.
DALLAS is 20-6 ATS (+13.4 Units) after a loss by 10 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
CHARLOTTE is 51-81 ATS (-38.1 Units) against Southwest division opponents since 1996.
CHARLOTTE is 179-225 ATS (-68.5 Units) in non-conference games since 1996.

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

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

NEW ORLEANS (17 - 21) at BROOKLYN (17 - 21) - 1/2/2019, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEW ORLEANS is 7-15 ATS (-9.5 Units) after scoring 115 points or more this season.
BROOKLYN is 38-24 ATS (+11.6 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 72-43 ATS (+24.7 Units) in road games in January games since 1996.

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

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

MINNESOTA (17 - 20) at BOSTON (21 - 15) - 1/2/2019, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 78-55 ATS (+17.5 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 52-39 ATS (+9.1 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 40-24 ATS (+13.6 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 51-35 ATS (+12.5 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 134-171 ATS (-54.1 Units) in home games in non-conference games since 1996.

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

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

DETROIT (16 - 19) at MEMPHIS (18 - 18) - 1/2/2019, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MEMPHIS is 11-30 ATS (-22.0 Units) after a division game over the last 3 seasons.
MEMPHIS is 15-26 ATS (-13.6 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
MEMPHIS is 9-19 ATS (-11.9 Units) after a loss by 10 points or more over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MEMPHIS is 3-1 against the spread versus DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
MEMPHIS is 2-2 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

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

ORLANDO (16 - 20) at CHICAGO (10 - 27) - 1/2/2019, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ORLANDO is 12-25 ATS (-15.5 Units) after a division game over the last 3 seasons.
ORLANDO is 36-53 ATS (-22.3 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
CHICAGO is 19-5 ATS (+13.5 Units) against Southeast division opponents over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO is 7-2 against the spread versus ORLANDO over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO is 8-2 straight up against ORLANDO over the last 3 seasons
10 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

PHILADELPHIA (24 - 14) at PHOENIX (9 - 29) - 1/2/2019, 9:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PHOENIX is 19-8 ATS (+10.2 Units) against Atlantic division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
PHOENIX is 181-143 ATS (+23.7 Units) after allowing 115 points or more since 1996.
PHOENIX is 27-11 ATS (+14.9 Units) after allowing 130 points or more since 1996.
PHILADELPHIA is 120-91 ATS (+19.9 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 35-21 ATS (+11.9 Units) when the total is greater than or equal to 220 over the last 3 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 51-38 ATS (+9.2 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 20-8 ATS (+11.2 Units) in January games over the last 3 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 25-14 ATS (+9.6 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 44-26 ATS (+15.4 Units) in non-conference games over the last 3 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 54-35 ATS (+15.5 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 54-36 ATS (+14.4 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game over the last 3 seasons.
PHOENIX is 19-31 ATS (-15.1 Units) when the total is greater than or equal to 220 over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 23-36 ATS (-16.6 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 7-19 ATS (-13.9 Units) in a home game where the total is greater than or equal to 220 over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 8-22 ATS (-16.2 Units) in home games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 26-42 ATS (-20.2 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.

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

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

OKLAHOMA CITY (23 - 13) at LA LAKERS (21 - 16) - 1/2/2019, 10:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 41-56 ATS (-20.6 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
LA LAKERS are 35-21 ATS (+11.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

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

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up

Wednesday, January 2

Heat won six of their last eight games; they’re 10-3 vs spread in last 13 road games. Six of their last eight games went over. Cavaliers lost their last six games; they’re 2-5 vs spread in last seven home games. Six of their last seven home games went over. Home side won nine of last ten Miami-Cleveland games; Heat is 2-2 vs spread in last four trips to Ohio. Three of last four series games stayed under.

Hawks won five of their last seven games; they covered their last four road games. Three of their last four games went over. Washington lost nine of its last 12 games; they’re 1-4 vs spread in last five games as a favorite. Three of their last four games stayed under. Wizards are 5-3 in last eight games with Atlanta; four of last six games stayed under the total. Hawks covered two of last three visits to Washington.

Dallas lost eight of its last ten games; they’re 3-6 vs spread in last nine road games. Over is 6-2-1 in their last nine games. Hornets are 4-5 in their last nine games; they covered their last three home games. Four of their last five games went over. Road side won five of last six Dallas-Charlotte games; Mavericks covered for of last five visits to Tobacco Road. Under is 5-3 in last eight series games.

Pelicans lost five of their last seven games; they’re 0-4-1 vs spread in last five road games. Under is 7-3-2 in their last dozen games. Brooklyn is 2-3 in its last five games, 0-3 vs spread in last three home games. Four of their last six home games went over. New Orleans won nine of last ten games with the Nets (7-3 vs spread); Pelicans covered their last four visits to Brooklyn. Eight of last ten series games went over.

Minnesota lost eight of its last 12 games; they covered three of last four road games. Seven of their last eight games went over. Boston is 3-5 in its last eight games; they covered six of last eight home games. Celtics’ last ten games went over total. Celtics won/covered their last five games with Minnesota; six of last eight series games went over total. Timberwolves are 0-5 vs spread in their last five visits to Boston.

Detroit lost five of its last six games; they’re 0-3-1 vs spread in last four road games. Pistons’ last three games went over total. Memphis lost seven of its last nine games; they’re 0-4 vs spread in last four home games. Five of their last seven games stayed under. Grizzlies won seven of last ten games with the Pistons; over is 3-1-1 in last five series games. Detroit is 3-2 vs spread in its last five visits to Memphis.

Magic lost five of their last seven games; they’re 0-3 vs spread in last three true road games. Four of their last five games went over the total. Chicago won three of its last four games; they are 4-2 vs spread in last six road games. under is 8-4 since their coaching change. Bulls won six of last seven games with Orlando (5-2 vs spread); last ten series games stayed under total. Magic is 1-4 vs spread in their last five visits to Chicago.

76ers won four of their last six games; they’re 1-5 vs spread if they played night before. Four of their last six games went over the total. Phoenix lost five of its last six games; they’re 0-2-1 vs spread in last three home games. Four of their last six games went over. Philly won five of last seven games with the Suns; they’re 2-2 vs spread in last four visits to the desert. Eight of last ten series games went over.

Oklahoma City won six of its last nine games; they’re 3-6 vs spread in last nine road games. Under is 5-0-1 in their last six games. Lakers are 3-5 in their last eight games; they’re 6-3 vs spread in last nine home games. Five of their last seven games stayed under. Thunder won seven of last ten games with the Lakers but lost last two; OKC is 2-3 vs spread in last five series games played here. Six of last eight series games stayed under.

[StarDust Bum]

NBA

Wednesday, January 2

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

Miami Heat
Miami is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 games
Miami is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Miami's last 5 games
Miami is 8-1 ATS in its last 9 games on the road
Miami is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Miami's last 6 games on the road
Miami is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Cleveland
Miami is 19-6 SU in its last 25 games when playing Cleveland
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Miami's last 6 games when playing Cleveland
Miami is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Cleveland
Miami is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Cleveland
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Miami's last 5 games when playing on the road against Cleveland
Cleveland Cavaliers
Cleveland is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
Cleveland is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Miami
Cleveland is 6-19 SU in its last 25 games when playing Miami
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Cleveland's last 6 games when playing Miami
Cleveland is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games when playing at home against Miami
Cleveland is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Miami
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Cleveland's last 5 games when playing at home against Miami

Dallas Mavericks
Dallas is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games
Dallas is 2-8 SU in its last 10 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Dallas's last 9 games
Dallas is 3-6 ATS in its last 9 games on the road
Dallas is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Dallas's last 6 games on the road
Dallas is 19-6 SU in its last 25 games when playing Charlotte
Dallas is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Charlotte
Dallas is 10-2 ATS in its last 12 games when playing on the road against Charlotte
Dallas is 10-3 SU in its last 13 games when playing on the road against Charlotte
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Dallas's last 13 games when playing on the road against Charlotte
Charlotte Hornets
Charlotte is 3-7 ATS in its last 10 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Charlotte's last 5 games
Charlotte is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Dallas
Charlotte is 6-19 SU in its last 25 games when playing Dallas
Charlotte is 2-10 ATS in its last 12 games when playing at home against Dallas
Charlotte is 3-10 SU in its last 13 games when playing at home against Dallas
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Charlotte's last 13 games when playing at home against Dallas

Atlanta Hawks
Atlanta is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games
Atlanta is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
Atlanta is 8-17 SU in its last 25 games
Atlanta is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Atlanta is 4-13 SU in its last 17 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Atlanta's last 6 games on the road
Atlanta is 5-10 SU in its last 15 games when playing Washington
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Atlanta's last 6 games when playing Washington
Atlanta is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Washington
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Atlanta's last 8 games when playing on the road against Washington
Washington Wizards
Washington is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games
Washington is 3-9 SU in its last 12 games
Washington is 10-5 SU in its last 15 games when playing Atlanta
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Washington's last 6 games when playing Atlanta
Washington is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Atlanta
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Washington's last 8 games when playing at home against Atlanta

New Orleans Pelicans
New Orleans is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games
New Orleans is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of New Orleans's last 12 games
New Orleans is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
New Orleans is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
New Orleans is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 games when playing Brooklyn
New Orleans is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games when playing Brooklyn
The total has gone OVER in 13 of New Orleans's last 16 games when playing Brooklyn
New Orleans is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Brooklyn
New Orleans is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Brooklyn
Brooklyn Nets
Brooklyn is 9-4 ATS in its last 13 games
Brooklyn is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
Brooklyn is 9-3 SU in its last 12 games
Brooklyn is 3-7 ATS in its last 10 games when playing New Orleans
Brooklyn is 1-9 SU in its last 10 games when playing New Orleans
The total has gone OVER in 13 of Brooklyn's last 16 games when playing New Orleans
Brooklyn is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against New Orleans
Brooklyn is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against New Orleans

Orlando Magic
Orlando is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games
Orlando is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Orlando's last 5 games
Orlando is 7-18 SU in its last 25 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Orlando's last 5 games on the road
Orlando is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Chicago
Orlando is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing Chicago
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Orlando's last 5 games when playing Chicago
Orlando is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Chicago
Orlando is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Chicago
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Orlando's last 5 games when playing on the road against Chicago
Chicago Bulls
Chicago is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Chicago is 6-18 SU in its last 24 games
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Chicago's last 11 games
Chicago is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Chicago is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Chicago's last 5 games at home
Chicago is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Orlando
Chicago is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing Orlando
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Chicago's last 5 games when playing Orlando
Chicago is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Orlando
Chicago is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Orlando
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Chicago's last 5 games when playing at home against Orlando

Detroit Pistons
Detroit is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games
Detroit is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 12 of Detroit's last 17 games
Detroit is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Detroit is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games on the road
Detroit is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Memphis
Detroit is 3-14 SU in its last 17 games when playing Memphis
Detroit is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Memphis
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Detroit's last 10 games when playing on the road against Memphis
Memphis Grizzlies
Memphis is 1-8 ATS in its last 9 games
Memphis is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Memphis's last 7 games
Memphis is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games at home
Memphis is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games at home
Memphis is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Detroit
Memphis is 14-3 SU in its last 17 games when playing Detroit
Memphis is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Detroit
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Memphis's last 10 games when playing at home against Detroit

Minnesota Timberwolves
Minnesota is 4-8 SU in its last 12 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Minnesota's last 5 games
Minnesota is 5-17 SU in its last 22 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Minnesota's last 5 games on the road
Minnesota is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Boston
Minnesota is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Boston
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Minnesota's last 8 games when playing Boston
Minnesota is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Boston
Minnesota is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Boston
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Minnesota's last 15 games when playing on the road against Boston
Boston Celtics
Boston is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Minnesota
Boston is 11-5 ATS in its last 16 games
Boston is 11-5 SU in its last 16 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Boston's last 5 games
Boston is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games at home
Boston is 19-6 SU in its last 25 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Boston's last 5 games at home
Boston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Minnesota
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Boston's last 8 games when playing Minnesota
Boston is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Minnesota
Boston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Minnesota
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Boston's last 15 games when playing at home against Minnesota

Philadelphia 76ers
Philadelphia is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games
Philadelphia is 15-7 SU in its last 22 games
Philadelphia is 7-15 ATS in its last 22 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 5 games on the road
Philadelphia is 4-9 ATS in its last 13 games when playing Phoenix
Philadelphia is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing Phoenix
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Philadelphia's last 7 games when playing Phoenix
Philadelphia is 5-11 ATS in its last 16 games when playing on the road against Phoenix
Philadelphia is 7-17 SU in its last 24 games when playing on the road against Phoenix
Phoenix Suns
Phoenix is 8-2 ATS in its last 10 games
Phoenix is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Phoenix's last 6 games
Phoenix is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games at home
Phoenix is 2-9 SU in its last 11 games at home
Phoenix is 9-4 ATS in its last 13 games when playing Philadelphia
Phoenix is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing Philadelphia
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Phoenix's last 7 games when playing Philadelphia
Phoenix is 11-5 ATS in its last 16 games when playing at home against Philadelphia
Phoenix is 17-7 SU in its last 24 games when playing at home against Philadelphia

Oklahoma City Thunder
Oklahoma City is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games
Oklahoma City is 3-6 ATS in its last 9 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Oklahoma City's last 7 games on the road
Oklahoma City is 9-4 ATS in its last 13 games when playing LA Lakers
Oklahoma City is 12-3 SU in its last 15 games when playing LA Lakers
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Oklahoma City's last 5 games when playing LA Lakers
Oklahoma City is 3-7 ATS in its last 10 games when playing on the road against LA Lakers
Oklahoma City is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against LA Lakers
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Oklahoma City's last 7 games when playing on the road against LA Lakers
Los Angeles Lakers
LA Lakers is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of LA Lakers's last 7 games
LA Lakers is 6-3 ATS in its last 9 games at home
LA Lakers is 11-3 SU in its last 14 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of LA Lakers's last 11 games at home
LA Lakers is 4-9 ATS in its last 13 games when playing Oklahoma City
LA Lakers is 3-12 SU in its last 15 games when playing Oklahoma City
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of LA Lakers's last 5 games when playing Oklahoma City
LA Lakers is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 games when playing at home against Oklahoma City
LA Lakers is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Oklahoma City
The total has gone OVER in 5 of LA Lakers's last 7 games when playing at home against Oklahoma City

[StarDust Bum]

Wednesday's Tip Sheet
Kevin Rogers

Game of the Night: Thunder at Lakers – 10:35 PM EST

For the first time this season, Oklahoma City and Los Angeles are hooking up. Even though LeBron James is still sidelined due to a groin strain, the Lakers (21-16 SU, 16-20-1 ATS) remain in the top eight of the Western Conference. The Lakers lost their first two games with James sidelined, but rebounded on Sunday night by rallying past the Kings, 121-114 as 1 ½-point favorites. Los Angeles outscored Sacramento, 29-18 in the fourth quarter, while Kentavious Caldwell-Pope pumped in 26 points off the bench for the Lakers.

The Thunder (23-13 SU, 20-16 ATS) rebounded from a two-point setback to the Mavericks on Sunday as OKC routed Dallas on the second end of a back-to-back on Monday, 122-102 as seven-point favorites. OKC jumped out to a 17-point halftime advantage, led by Russell Westbrook’s 32 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists on 13-of-24 shooting. Westbrook rebounded from a 4-of-22 shooting effort in Sunday’s loss to produce his 10th triple-double of the season, while the Thunder improved to 13-4 at home.

Last season, the Lakers and Thunder split four matchups, but one win by Los Angeles came with Westbrook out of the lineup for Oklahoma City. The Lakers have dropped four consecutive games off a victory, while cashing the UNDER in nine of the past 11 games at Staples Center. The Thunder have struggled to cover numbers as a road favorite of late by compiling a 2-6 ATS mark as chalk in their last eight games away from Chesapeake Energy Arena.

Over Easy

The two teams that own the longest OVER streaks in the league meet up in Boston. The Timberwolves (17-20 SU, 19-18 ATS) have cashed the OVER in eight consecutive games, while the Celtics (21-15 SU, 18-18 ATS) are riding a six-game OVER streak. Boston won at Minnesota on December 1 as two-point underdogs, 118-109, while the contest easily drilled the OVER of 216 ½ thanks to a 66-point fourth quarter.

Minnesota has been one of the weaker road teams in the league at 5-14, but were riding a three-game away hot streak prior to Monday’s 123-114 setback at New Orleans. Granted, the Wolves were playing on a back-to-back following Sunday’s victory at Miami, but Minnesota allowed New Orleans to shoot 52% from the floor without Anthony Davis in the lineup, while the Pelicans drilled 14 three-pointers.

Boston wrapped up a three-game road trip by falling at San Antonio on Monday, 120-111 to finish 1-2 SU/ATS. The Celtics led the Spurs by six points at halftime, but San Antonio outscored Boston, 46-30 in the third quarter to drop their seventh consecutive visit to AT&T Center. Boston has won and covered six of its past seven games in the home favorite role, while posting a 5-0 SU/ATS record in its previous five matchups with Minnesota.

Highway to Hive

The Mavericks (17-19 SU, 22-14 ATS) continue their four-game road trip tonight in Charlotte as Dallas tries to repair a broken 2-16 record away from American Airlines Center. The latest setback came in Monday’s 20-point defeat at Oklahoma City, as Dallas posted an 0-8 road record in December. The loss to the Thunder also snapped a five-game ATS hot streak, which included three highway covers in that stretch.

The Hornets (18-18 SU, 19-17 ATS) have also had road issues this season (4-11), but have thrived at Spectrum Center by posting a 14-7 home ledger. Charlotte is fresh of a 125-100 blowout of Orlando on Monday, the fourth consecutive home win for the Hornets, all coming by double-digits. The Hornets have lost three of their past four home matchups with the Mavericks since 2014, as Dallas owns a perfect 4-0 ATS mark in its last four trips to North Carolina.

End of the Road

It’s been a rough trip for Detroit as the Pistons (16-19 SU, 16-18-1 ATS) are coming off three consecutive losses to the Pacers, Magic, and Bucks. The latest setback came in Tuesday’s 121-98 blowout defeat at Milwaukee as 10-point underdogs, marking the third loss to the Central division leaders this season. Since shocking Toronto at the buzzer in mid-November, the Pistons have compiled a dreadful 1-8 SU and 3-6 ATS mark in the last nine contests away from Little Caesars Arena.

The final stop on this away swing takes place in Memphis to face the struggling Grizzlies (18-18 SU, 17-19 ATS). Memphis has dropped seven of its past nine games, including Monday’s 113-101 defeat at Houston after falling behind by 23 points at halftime. The Grizzlies own a miserable 2-10 ATS record in the last 12 games, including a 1-5 ATS mark in this stretch at FedEx Forum.

Staring in a Mirror

Both the Pelicans and Nets own identical records heading into their first contest of 2019 as the two teams hook up at Barclays Center. New Orleans (17-21 SU, 16-22 ATS) picked up only its third win in the last nine games in Monday’s 123-114 triumph over Minnesota to cash as 5 ½-point favorites. The Pelicans won in spite of Anthony Davis not suiting up, but the All-Star is expected to play tonight in Brooklyn as New Orleans goes for the season sweep after defeating the Nets at home in late October.

The Nets (17-21 SU, 19-19 ATS) posted an impressive eight-game ATS hot streak in December, but Brooklyn limped towards the end of 2018 by covering once in its final five games. The latest two losses came on the highway in double-digit defeats at Charlotte and Milwaukee to suffer back-to-back setbacks for the first time since early December. The Nets have had their issues against Western Conference foes at home this season by losing seven of nine times, while dropping a double-overtime thriller to the Pelicans at Barclays Center last season.

[StarDust Bum]

Hoop Trends - Wednesday
Vince Akins

ATS Play ON Trend of the Day:

-- The Mavericks are 19-0 ATS (+10.24 ppg) when the line is within three of pick off a loss as a dog when they allowed 100+ points in each of their last two games and it is before the All-Star break.


ATS Play AGAINST Trend of the Day:

-- The Cavaliers are 0-13 ATS (-13.65 ppg) at home after they scored more than 50 points in the paint.


OU Play OVER Trend of the Day:

-- The Timberwolves are 9-0 OU (+18.17 ppg) on the road with less than two days rest when they are off a loss and they lost at least three straight vs their opponent.


OU Play UNDER Trend of the Day:

-- The Bulls are 0-14 OU (-10.64 ppg) with rest off a loss in a road game facing an opponent making less than 16 free throws per game.

[Udog]

By: Monique Vág



In a great spot

Washington has struggled this season with a 14-23 record, but are 6.5-point favorites tonight as they host the 11-25 Atlanta Hawks. The Wizards have been one of the worst teams defending opposing point guards allowing an average of 25.5 points a game on 44.6 percent shooting. Opposing point guards are contributing with three 3-pointers, along with six rebounds and 8.8 assists per game.

Atlanta Hawks point guard Trae Young is averaging 15.6 points a game, and has logged 11 games this year with 10 or more total assists. Look for him to find success and take Over his points, rebounds, assists total of 26.5.


Shining off the bench

Although Brooklyn guard Spencer Dinwiddie is not in the starting lineup, he is still averaging 28.9 minutes per game and has flourished in a bench role averaging 17.5 points a game. Today he is in an excellent spot as the Nets take on a Pelicans team surrendering 23.6 points, six rebounds and a league high 8.5 assists to opposing point guards.

With Allen Crabbe and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson out today with injuries, look for Dinwiddie to take advantage of potentially some extra playing time and take Over his points, rebounds, assists total of 27.5.


Owning the head-to-head

The Magic travel to Chicago to take on the Bulls as 1-point underdogs. The Magic have only won four of their most recent 10 games, and take on the Bulls at United Center, a venue they have not had much luck in.

The Bulls have dominated the head-to-head posting an 8-2 record over the last ten games with an average score of 101-88 in those contests. Orlando has lost the most recent five meetings on the road. Take Chicago on the moneyline.


Missing key pieces

Both the Timberwolves and Celtics will be without some key players today as they clash in Beantown. Minnesota will be without Derrick Rose, Jeff Teague, and Robert Covington, all doubtful with ankle injuries. The Celtics will be without Aron Baynes once again and most importantly Kyrie Irving.

Navigating the court without your starting point guard is tough, especially when he is your team's leading scorer with 23.1 points a game. Get this number on the Under quickly as both teams have enough notable players sitting out that the total should continue to drop. Take Under 217.


Pushing the pace early

Both the Lakers and Thunder rank near the top of the Association in first half points per game with the Lakers averaging 58, and OKC 56.6. Both teams are coming off games where they entered halftime scoring at least 60.

The pace of the game projects to be fast with lots of scoring opportunities as both teams average over 106 possessions per game. Back the first half game total Over 115.

[Udog]

NBA's Top ATS Teams (sorted by cover%):

1. Mavericks 22-14
2. Spurs 22-15-1
3. Bucks 20-14-2
t4. Clippers 21-16
t4. Pacers 21-16
t4. Kings 21-16
7. Heat 20-15
8. Thunder 20-16


NBA's Worst ATS Teams (sorted by cover %):

30. Wizards 13-24
t28. Pelicans 16-22
t28. Warriors 16-22
27. Knicks 16-21-1
26. Raptors 17-22
t24. Lakers 16-20-1
t24. Hawks 16-20-1
23. Suns 17-21


NBA's Top OVER Teams (sorted by Over %):

1. Kings 25-12
2. Celtics 23-13
3. Clippers 23-14
4. Wizards 22-15
t5. 76ers 22-16
t5. Knicks 22-16
7. Raptors 22-17
8. Spurs 21-16-1


NBA's Top UNDER Teams (based on Under %):

1. Bulls 24-12-1
2. Lakers 22-14-1
3. Pacers 22-15
t4. Grizzlies 21-15
t4. Magic 21-15
6. Nuggets 20-14
7. Suns 21-17
8. Cavaliers 20-17

[StarDust Bum]

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 2
GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS

DAL at CHA
DAL +1.5
O 223.0

MIA at CLE
MIA -5.5
O 203.0

ATL at WAS
ATL +6.0
U 230.5

NO at BK 07:30 PM
BK -1.0
O 230.0

ORL at CHI 08:00 PM
CHI +1.5
U 199.5

MIN at BOS 08:00 PM
BOS -6.0
O 215.0

DET at MEM 08:00 PM
MEM -6.5
O 198.0

PHI at PHO 09:00 PM
PHI -3.0
O 226.5

OKC at LAL 10:30 PM
OKC -5.5
U 229.0

[StarDust Bum]

Nets hold off Davis, Pelicans, 126-121
January 2, 2019
By The Associated Press

NEW YORK (AP) D'Angelo Russell had 22 points and 13 assists, and the Brooklyn Nets built up a big enough lead with a 73-point first half to withstand Anthony Davis' monstrous return to the lineup, beating the New Orleans Pelicans 126-121 on Wednesday night.

Davis finished with 34 points and a career-high 26 rebounds after a one-game absence, but there weren't enough rebounds to get in the first half, when the Nets opened a 24-point lead during their highest-scoring first half at home in 17 years.

Joe Harris added 21 points for the Nets, who had 105 points through three quarters, then got consecutive baskets by Harris when New Orleans trimmed the down to seven with under 5 minutes remaining.

The Nets made nine of their first 15 3-point attempts during their highest-scoring first half at home since getting 75 against Golden State on Feb. 19, 2002. They finished with seven players in double figures, with DeMarre Carroll (19) and Spencer Dinwiddie (18) leading strong efforts off the bench.

Elfrid Payton scored 25 points for New Orleans in his second game back after missing more than a month with a broken finger. Julius Randle had 21, and Jrue Holiday 20.

THUNDER 107, LAKERS 100

LOS ANGELES (AP) - Paul George scored 37 points while getting booed whenever he touched the ball by Lakers fans still angry he didn't choose their team in free agency, leading Oklahoma City over Los Angeles.

Russell Westbrook had 14 points, 16 rebounds and 10 assists despite 3-for-20 shooting, but his fellow Southern California native was the center of attention in the Thunder's only visit to the Lakers this season.

George scored nine points in the fourth quarter while the Thunder rallied from a five-point deficit and easily held on for their seventh win in 10 games.

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope scored 18 of his 25 points in the first half for the Lakers, who dropped to 1-3 during LeBron James' absence with a groin injury. Los Angeles has lost six of nine overall after its offense managed just six field goals in the fourth quarter, along with the Lakers' usual awful free-throw shooting.

76ERS 132, SUNS 127

PHOENIX (AP) - Joel Embiid, playing despite a sore left knee, matched his season high with 42 points, 30 in the first half, and grabbed 18 rebounds and Philadelphia held off Phoenix.

Ben Simmons added 29 points and J.J. Redick 27 for the 76ers, who were without Jimmy Butler and Wilson Chandler, both due to an upper respiratory infection. Devin Booker scored 37 points for the Suns. Deandre Ayton added 18 points and 11 boards and Josh Jackson scored 16 points.

Philadelphia led by 23 at halftime and as many as 30 in the third quarter. The Suns cut it to three points before Redick finally sealed the victory with a pair of free throws with 4.3 seconds to play.

CELTICS 115, TIMBERWOLVES 102

BOSTON (AP) - Gordon Hayward came off the bench to score a season-high 35 points in Boston's victory over Minnesota.

Terry Rozier scored 11 of his 16 points in the first quarter while making his third start of the season because Kyrie Irving scratched both of his eyes in Monday's game against San Antonio. Hayward took over from there, with 13 in the second quarter and 15 in the third to finish with his highest-scoring game with the Celtics.

Andrew Wiggins scored 31 points, and Karl-Anthony Towns had 20 of his 28 points - and grabbed five of his 12 rebounds - in the third quarter, when Minnesota trimmed a 22-point deficit to six points.

MAVERICKS 122, HORNETS 84

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) - Luka Doncic and Dennis Smith Jr. fueled an early long-range shooting spree and Dallas beat Charlotte to end a nine-game road skid.

Doncic and Smith each had 18 points, and Harrison Barnes added 17. The Mavericks hit 10 first-quarter 3-pointers - three from Doncic and two from Smith - and finished with 18 overall.

Dallas won for the first time on the road since Nov. 28. It entered the game with a NBA-worst 2-16 road record, compared to 15-3 at home.

Dwight Powell scored 15 points, Wesley Matthews had 11, and DeAndre Jordan had eight points and 13 rebounds. Doncic added 10 rebounds and Smith seven assists.

Kemba Walker led Charlotte with 11 points.

HEAT 117, CAVALIERS 92

CLEVELAND (AP) - Josh Richardson scored 24 points and Miami - playing with Dwyane Wade sidelined by an illness - rolled past Cleveland.

Miami hit 16 of 31 3-pointers. Tyler Johnson added 16 points, and Derrick Jones Jr. had 13. The Heat have won seven of nine to reach the .500 mark at 18-18.

Cleveland dropped to 8-30 - the worst record in the NBA - with its seventh straight loss.

Tristan Thompson and Rodney Hood returned from injuries and started for the Cavaliers, but it mattered little in their ninth loss in 10 games. Thompson had 14 points, and Hood added 13.

PISTONS 101, GRIZZLIES 94

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) - Blake Griffin had 26 points, eight rebounds and seven assists and Detroit beat Memphis to snap a three-game skid.

Griffin closed out a 13-0 Detroit run in the fourth quarter to put it out of reach, Reggie Jackson added 16 points, and Reggie Bullock and Luke Kennard had 13 each.

Jaren Jackson Jr. led Memphis with 26 points and 10 rebounds, and Kyle Anderson scored 15 points. Dillon Brooks finished with 14 points off the bench as the Grizzlies dropped their third straight.

WIZARDS 114, HAWKS 98

WASHINGTON (AP) - Bradley Beal had 24 points, Jeff Green added 22 and Thomas Bryant had 16 points and a career-high 15 rebounds in Washington's victory over Atlanta Hawks 114-98 on Wednesday night.

Tomas Satoransky had 14 points and a career-best 11 rebounds for the Wizards. Alex Len led Atlanya with a season-high 24 points and 11 rebounds. John Collins scored 21 points.

MAGIC 112, BULLS 84

CHICAGO (AP) - Nikola Vucevic had 22 points and 12 rebounds before sitting out the fourth quarter, Aaron Gordon added 18 points and a career-high nine assists, and Orlando routed Chicago.

Terrence Ross scored 15 off the bench and Evan Fournier had 13 points and seven assists for Orlando. The Magic shot 58 percent from the field.

Zach LaVine had 16 points, and Lauri Markkanen and Kris Dunn added 14 apiece for Chicago.