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

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Long Sheet

Thursday, January 17

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NEW YORK (10 - 33) vs. WASHINGTON (18 - 26) - 1/17/2019, 3:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEW YORK is 236-182 ATS (+35.8 Units) revenging a home loss vs opponent since 1996.
WASHINGTON is 56-73 ATS (-24.3 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 28-45 ATS (-21.5 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 7-23 ATS (-18.3 Units) in road games against Atlantic division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 3-13 ATS (-11.3 Units) in road games after allowing 115 points or more this season.
WASHINGTON is 0-9 ATS (-9.9 Units) in road games after scoring 115 points or more this season.
WASHINGTON is 20-37 ATS (-20.7 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 3-14 ATS (-12.4 Units) in road games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game this season.
WASHINGTON is 5-14 ATS (-10.4 Units) in road games versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 7-2 against the spread versus NEW YORK over the last 3 seasons
WASHINGTON is 8-1 straight up against NEW YORK over the last 3 seasons
5 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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PHILADELPHIA (29 - 16) at INDIANA (29 - 14) - 1/17/2019, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 0-7 ATS (-7.7 Units) in road games after a win by 10 points or more this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 7-15 ATS (-9.5 Units) after scoring 115 points or more this season.
INDIANA is 74-56 ATS (+12.4 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
INDIANA is 39-26 ATS (+10.4 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
INDIANA is 19-9 ATS (+9.1 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
INDIANA is 47-31 ATS (+12.9 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
INDIANA is 19-9 ATS (+9.1 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
INDIANA is 41-28 ATS (+10.2 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 123-95 ATS (+18.5 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 27-15 ATS (+10.5 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 33-16 ATS (+15.4 Units) revenging a home loss vs opponent over the last 3 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 69-48 ATS (+16.2 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 3 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 62-39 ATS (+19.1 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game over the last 3 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 29-8 ATS (+20.2 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
INDIANA is 5-4 against the spread versus PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
INDIANA is 6-3 straight up against PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
5 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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SACRAMENTO (23 - 21) at CHARLOTTE (20 - 23) - 1/17/2019, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SACRAMENTO is 24-15 ATS (+7.5 Units) when the total is greater than or equal to 220 this season.
SACRAMENTO is 26-15 ATS (+9.5 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
SACRAMENTO is 14-4 ATS (+9.6 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
SACRAMENTO is 19-10 ATS (+8.0 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game this season.
CHARLOTTE is 89-111 ATS (-33.1 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
CHARLOTTE is 181-230 ATS (-72.0 Units) in non-conference games since 1996.

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

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PHOENIX (11 - 34) at TORONTO (33 - 13) - 1/17/2019, 7:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHOENIX is 5-0 against the spread versus TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
TORONTO is 3-2 straight up against PHOENIX 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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CHICAGO (10 - 34) at DENVER (29 - 14) - 1/17/2019, 9:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO is 90-56 ATS (+28.4 Units) in road games in January games since 1996.

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

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LA LAKERS (24 - 21) at OKLAHOMA CITY (26 - 17) - 1/17/2019, 9:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LA LAKERS are 58-83 ATS (-33.3 Units) in road games in January games since 1996.
LA LAKERS are 35-22 ATS (+10.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 43-60 ATS (-23.0 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.

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

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up

Thursday, January 17

New York lost 17 of its last 19 games, is 4-2 vs spread in last six; they’re without Kanter here- he has security issues, didn’t travel overseas. Under is 3-1 in NY’s last four games. Wizards are 5-3 in their last eight games, 2-4 vs spread in last six as a favorite; over is 3-1 in their last four games. Knicks lost nine of last ten games with Washington (2-8 vs spread); last three series games went under the total, but this game is in England- is entertainment a priority?

76ers won six of their last eight games; they’re 3-5 vs spread in last eight road games. Eight of last nine Philly games went over. Indiana won nine of its last 11 games; they covered three of last four home games. Pacers’ last nine games went over. Pacers won seven of last ten games with Philly, covering five of last seven; last four series games stayed under total. 76ers are 2-2 vs spread in last four visits to Indiana.

Kings won four of last five games, are 0-4 vs spread in last four road games. Sacramento’s last five games stayed under the total. Charlotte lost five of its last seven games; they’re 2-6-1 vs spread in last nine road games. Four of their last six games went over. Hornets won five of last seven games with Sacramento; seven of last ten series games went over the total. Kings covered three of last four visits to Charlotte.

Suns lost eight of their last ten games, are 601 vs spread in last seven road games. Three of their last four games stayed under. Toronto won five of its last six games; they’re 7-1 vs spread if they played night before. Seven of their last eight games went over. Raptors won their last three games with Phoenix, but Suns covered last 10 series games; over is 5-3 in last eight series games. Phoenix covered its last five trips to Canada.

Chicago lost its last seven games (2-5 vs spread); they’re 5-5 vs spread on road since the Bulls’ coaching change. Five of last six Chicago games went over total. Denver split its last six games; they’re 2-4 vs spread in last six home games. Over is 10-4 in their last 14 games. Nuggets won their last six games with the Bulls (4-2 vs spread); Chicago is 1-3 vs spread in its last four visits to Denver. Eight of last ten series games went over.

Lakers won three of their last four games, are 3-5 vs spread in last eight home games. LA’s last five games stayed under. Oklahoma City lost four of its last five games, giving app 136 ppg in last three; their last four games went over. OKC is 6-3-1 vs spread in their last ten home games. Thunder won seven of last ten games with the Lakers; LA covered only one of last five visits to Oklahoma. Seven of last nine series games stayed under.

[StarDust Bum]

NBA

Thursday, January 17

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Trend Report
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New York Knicks
New York is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games
New York is 6-13 ATS in its last 19 games
New York is 1-12 SU in its last 13 games
New York is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 13 of New York's last 19 games on the road
New York is 2-9 ATS in its last 11 games when playing Washington
New York is 1-10 SU in its last 11 games when playing Washington
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of New York's last 6 games when playing Washington
New York is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Washington
New York is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Washington
Washington Wizards
Washington is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Washington's last 6 games
Washington is 9-2 ATS in its last 11 games when playing New York
Washington is 10-1 SU in its last 11 games when playing New York
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Washington's last 6 games when playing New York
Washington is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against New York
Washington is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against New York

Philadelphia 76ers
Philadelphia is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games
Philadelphia is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 5 games
Philadelphia is 8-17 ATS in its last 25 games on the road
Philadelphia is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 6 games on the road
Philadelphia is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Indiana
Philadelphia is 4-15 SU in its last 19 games when playing Indiana
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 5 games when playing Indiana
Philadelphia is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Indiana
Philadelphia is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Indiana
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Philadelphia's last 6 games when playing on the road against Indiana
Indiana Pacers
Indiana is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games
Indiana is 9-2 SU in its last 11 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Indiana's last 5 games
Indiana is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Philadelphia
Indiana is 15-4 SU in its last 19 games when playing Philadelphia
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Indiana's last 5 games when playing Philadelphia
Indiana is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games when playing at home against Philadelphia
Indiana is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Philadelphia
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Indiana's last 6 games when playing at home against Philadelphia

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

Phoenix Suns
Phoenix is 2-8 SU in its last 10 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Phoenix's last 6 games
Phoenix is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
Phoenix is 4-17 SU in its last 21 games on the road
Phoenix is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Toronto
Phoenix is 17-8 SU in its last 25 games when playing Toronto
Phoenix is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Toronto
Phoenix is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Toronto
Phoenix is 10-3 SU in its last 13 games when playing on the road against Toronto
Toronto Raptors
Toronto is 5-11 ATS in its last 16 games
Toronto is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Toronto's last 8 games
Toronto is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games at home
Toronto is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Toronto's last 6 games at home
Toronto is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Phoenix
Toronto is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Phoenix
Toronto is 8-17 SU in its last 25 games when playing Phoenix
Toronto is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Phoenix
Toronto is 3-10 SU in its last 13 games when playing at home against Phoenix

Chicago Bulls
Chicago is 1-3-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Chicago is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Chicago's last 6 games
Chicago is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Chicago is 2-7 ATS in its last 9 games when playing Denver
Chicago is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Denver
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Chicago's last 6 games when playing Denver
Chicago is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Denver
Chicago is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Denver
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Chicago's last 6 games when playing on the road against Denver
Denver Nuggets
Denver is 4-9 ATS in its last 13 games
Denver is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Denver's last 10 games
Denver is 9-4 ATS in its last 13 games at home
Denver is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games at home
Denver is 12-1 SU in its last 13 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Denver's last 5 games at home
Denver is 7-2 ATS in its last 9 games when playing Chicago
Denver is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Chicago
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Denver's last 6 games when playing Chicago
Denver is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Chicago
Denver is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Chicago
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Denver's last 6 games when playing at home against Chicago

Los Angeles Lakers
LA Lakers is 2-5-1 ATS in its last 8 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of LA Lakers's last 5 games
LA Lakers is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of LA Lakers's last 6 games on the road
LA Lakers is 4-10 ATS in its last 14 games when playing Oklahoma City
LA Lakers is 3-13 SU in its last 16 games when playing Oklahoma City
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of LA Lakers's last 6 games when playing Oklahoma City
LA Lakers is 1-9 ATS in its last 10 games when playing on the road against Oklahoma City
LA Lakers is 1-14 SU in its last 15 games when playing on the road against Oklahoma City
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of LA Lakers's last 5 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 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Oklahoma City's last 5 games
Oklahoma City is 14-4 SU in its last 18 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Oklahoma City's last 6 games at home
Oklahoma City is 10-4 ATS in its last 14 games when playing LA Lakers
Oklahoma City is 13-3 SU in its last 16 games when playing LA Lakers
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Oklahoma City's last 6 games when playing LA Lakers
Oklahoma City is 9-1 ATS in its last 10 games when playing at home against LA Lakers
Oklahoma City is 14-1 SU in its last 15 games when playing at home against LA Lakers
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Oklahoma City's last 5 games when playing at home against LA Lakers

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Dunkel

Thursday, January 17


New York @ Washington

Game 541-542
January 17, 2019 @ 3:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
New York
109.667
Washington
123.607
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Washington
by 14
229
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Washington
by 7 1/2
227
Dunkel Pick:
Washington
(-7 1/2); Over

Philadelphia @ Indiana

Game 543-544
January 17, 2019 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Philadelphia
117.539
Indiana
124.242
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Indiana
by 6 1/2
227
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Indiana
by 2 1/2
224 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Indiana
(-2 1/2); Over

Sacramento @ Charlotte

Game 545-546
January 17, 2019 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Sacramento
109.843
Charlotte
115.352
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Charlotte
by 5 1/2
221
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Charlotte
by 3
229 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Charlotte
(-3); Under

Phoenix @ Toronto

Game 547-548
January 17, 2019 @ 7:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Phoenix
108.235
Toronto
118.038
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Toronto
by 10
227
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Toronto
by 11 1/2
225
Dunkel Pick:
Phoenix
(+11 1/2); Over

Chicago @ Denver

Game 549-550
January 17, 2019 @ 9:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Chicago
108.920
Denver
119.320
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Denver
by 10 1/2
219
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Denver
by 13
214
Dunkel Pick:
Chicago
(+13); Over

LA Lakers @ Oklahoma City

Game 551-552
January 17, 2019 @ 9:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
LA Lakers
114.922
Oklahoma City
123.547
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Oklahoma City
by 8 1/2
224
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Oklahoma City
by 10 1/2
226
Dunkel Pick:
LA Lakers
(+10 1/2); Under

[StarDust Bum]

Inside the Paint - Thursday
Chris David

Thursday’s NBA card starts off with an afternoon matchup at The O2 from London as the New York Knicks and Washington Wizards square off at 3:00 p.m. ET. The NBA isn’t really doing itself justice with this pair but I guess the fans in the United Kingdom would welcome any escape from reality these days. New York has played in London twice (1-1) while Washington is making its London debut. The last three regular season games played at this venue have seen the ‘over’ connect.

Outside of this early matchup, we have five other games slated on Thursday and below is my quick handicap on each contest.

Philadelphia (29-16 SU, 21-24 ATS) at Indiana (29-14 SU, 22-20-1 ATS)

This is easily the best matchup on the night and it will be the third meeting between the Eastern Conference contenders this season. The 76ers captured a 100-94 road win on Nov. 7 before the Pacers avenged that setback with a 113-101 win on Dec. 4 at Philadelphia.

The oddsmakers opened Indiana as a short favorite (-3) for the third installment and this game is a toss-up due to the similarities for both clubs. The Pacers (20-3) and 76ers (22-8) have both beaten up on teams below .500 this season and they’ve taken advantage of playing in the weaker of the two conferences. The Southeast Division is by far the worst group in the NBA and Indiana (8-1) and Philadelphia (8-3) have thrived against those five clubs.

Also, Philadelphia has racked up its win total with an 10-3 mark versus the Western Conference and it hasn’t played any of the heavyweights any of the division leaders (Nuggets, Warriors, Rockets).

One of those wins against a weaker squad from the West came last night as the 76ers snapped a three-game ATS losing skid with a 149-107 blowout win over Minnesota as a six-point home favorite.

At the same time, Indiana captured its second straight rout with a 131-97 win over Phoenix as a 10 ½-point home favorite on Tuesday. Last Friday, the Pacers diced up the Knicks 121-106 on the road and that victory snapped a 0-5 ATS drought.

Based on what we’ve seen in the first-half of the season, I would expect most bettors to lean to Indiana at home tonight. The Pacers (15-5 SU, 11-9 ATS) have been a tough out and they enter this game with a 9-1 record over their last 10 games. Plus, Philadelphia hasn’t been as sharp on the road (10-12 SU, 8-14 ATS) so far. Make a note that the 76ers have been better since they acquired Jimmy Butler from the Timberwolves, going 9-6 as a visitor.

At first glance I thought the opening total on this game was too high based on Indiana’s scoring defense (103 PPG), ranked second in the league. However, you can’t ignore the fact that the Pacers have seen the ‘over’ cash in nine straight and 10 of their last 11 games. The offense is averaging 117.8 PPG during this span and they’ll be facing a Philadelphia defense (112.4 PPG) that has been suspect.

TNT will provide national coverage of this game at 8:05 p.m. ET.

Sacramento (23-21 SU, 26-17-1 ATS) at Charlotte (20-23 SU, 21-22 ATS)

These teams just played last Saturday in California and Sacramento captured a 104-97 win as a 5 ½-point home favorite. On the East Coast, the Hornets are listed as three-point favorites for the rematch and that could be a tough sell. Even though Charlotte defeated San Antonio 108-93 on Monday, the first game back from a long road trip (6 games) is never easy. Plus, Sacramento has won four of its last five and is 5-1 ATS in its last six. Make a note that the one loss came on the road, and the Kings have surrendered four consecutive away defeats. Even though last Saturday’s result between the pair went ‘under’ (233 ½), the ‘over’ (230) could be a look tonight knowing Sacramento is 16-4 to the high side on the road.

Phoenix (11-34 SU, 20-25 ATS) at Toronto (33-13 SU, 19-26-1 ATS)

No overnight line was posted on this matchup with the speculation that Toronto will rest Kawhi Leonard after the club lost at Boston 117-108 last night. The Raptors opened as 10 ½-point home favorites this morning and the number was quickly pushed up to 11 ½. However, it was announced that Leonard and Kyle Lowry will be out and the Raptors are down to 9 ½ points. While the number looks a little rich, Toronto has gone 7-1 both SU and ATS on no rest this season. Plus, it’s cleaned up at home (18-4 SU, 10-12 ATS) and it owns a solid record (17-3) against losing teams. Phoenix is headed to the NBA Lottery again and backing them on the road (4-17 SU, 9-12 ATS) hasn’t been profitable. However, the four road wins all came against teams versus the Eastern Conference and their non-conference road mark (4-6 SU, 7-3 ATS) could give you reason to grab the points. Just hope they shoot a high percentage because it’s hard to back a team that’s allowing 117.6 points per game on the road. If you want another angle that could have you backing the ‘dog, then be aware that Toronto is 11-0 SU this season as a double-digit favorite but only 4-7 ATS in those games.

Chicago (10-34 SU, 20-23-1 ATS) at Denver (29-14 SU, 23-20 ATS)

The Nuggets were humbled 142-111 on Tuesday at home by Golden State in wire-to-wire fashion. The club will look to bounce back on Thursday as a heavy favorite (-12 ½) against Chicago, who has dropped eight straight games (3-4-1 ATS). Despite the loss to the Warriors, Denver owns an impressive 18-4 SU and 14-8 ATS mark at the Pepsi Center. Going back to last season, the Nuggets have won nine straight as double-digit home favorites and they’ve gone 6-3 ATS during this span. The Bulls have been catching big points all season and expecting a surprise would be foolish. Chicago is 0-13 SU and just 4-9 ATS this season when catching 10-plus points. The pair did play to a close call on Oct. 31 as the Nuggets nipped the Bulls 108-107 on the road, but failed to cover (-8) as road favorites.

L.A. Lakers (24-21 SU, 18-25-2 ATS) at Oklahoma City (26-17 SU, 23-20 ATS)

The late-night TNT (9:35 p.m. ET) matchup has the Thunder listed as a 10-point home favorite over the Lakers and this is certainly a headscratcher. Oklahoma City is 1-4 both SU and ATS in its last five games, which includes an embarrassing 142-126 loss at Atlanta on Tuesday as a 10-point road favorite. Do you lay the same price at home against the Lakers? Los Angeles (-7) is coming off a 107-100 home win over Chicago on Monday, which improved its record to 4-7 since LeBron James went down with an injury. The Lakers offense remains inconsistent (105.3 PPG) with the James and that’s helped the ‘under’ go 8-3 during his absence. One of those setbacks came to Oklahoma City, a 107-100 decision at the Staples Center on Jan. 2. The game went ‘under’ (229 ½) and the low side has now cashed in four straight encounters between the pair and seven of the last nine meetings.

[StarDust Bum]

NBA Betting Stats thus far in 2018-19 season:

Home Teams: 358-300-6 ATS (54.41%)
Favorites: 333-325-6 ATS (50.61%)
Road Faves: 102-127-1 ATS (44.54%)
Home Faves: 231-198-5 ATS (53.85%)

Over/Under: 339-321-4


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Raptors' Kyle Lowry (rest) and Kawhi Leonard (rest) will not play Thursday at home vs. the Phoenix Suns.
Pointspread: opened TOR -13, now TOR -8.5
Total: opened 225.5, now 222.5


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Hoop Trends - Thursday
Vince Akins

ATS Play ON Trend of the Day:

-- The Wizards are 10-0 ATS (+10.30 ppg) at home after a game in which they allowed 50-plus points in the paint.

ATS Play AGAINST Trend of the Day:

-- The 76ers are 0-19 ATS (-9.61 ppg) when the line is within 3 of pick off a win as a favorite and they are facing a team that is averaging less than ten offensive rebounds.

OU Play OVER Trend of the Day:

-- The Nuggets are 16-0 OU (+16.88 ppg) as a eight-plus favorite with less than two days rest off a loss in a home game when they are facing an opponent with an assist-to-turnover ratio less than 1.50.

OU Play UNDER Trend of the Day:

-- The Pacers are 0-14 OU (-14.64 ppg) when the line is within 3 of pick and they are off a win in which they has at least twice as many assists as turnovers.

[StarDust Bum]

Thursday's Top Wager
January 17, 2019
By Bookmaker

by Kyle Markus

NBA Game Preview - Philadelphia 76ers at Indiana Pacers

The Philadelphia 76ers played angry last time out and dominated the Timberwolves. Talent is not the question with this team, and a focused 76ers team would love to pick up a key Eastern Conference win next time out.

Philadelphia will be on the road against the Indiana Pacers, the team directly ahead of it in the standings. The 76ers have the bigger names but the Pacers have been super impressive all year. Indiana has been the better team halfway through the season and also has the home court advantage, which will make it the clear favorite in this game.

If the 76ers play like they did on Tuesday, though, they will have a real shot at the upset in NBA gambling.

This NBA basketball game between the Philadelphia 76ers and Indiana Pacers will be held at the Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana at 7 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 17th, 2019. The game will be nationally televised on TNT.

We'll have NBA basketball odds at BookMaker.eu available for every game of the 2019 NBA season.

Odds Analysis

The 76ers have a mark of 29-16 on the season. They have been very good overall but the games on the road have been a struggle, as Philadelphia has only 10 wins in 22 games away from home.

The Pacers have a mark of 29-14 overall. They have been much better than expected and continue to make their case among the top teams in the East alongside the 76ers, Celtics, Raptors and Bucks. Indiana has been impressive at home this year with a 15-5 record.

Indiana has a strong defense while the 76ers can put up a lot of points, so it will be interesting to see where the oddsmakers put the scoring total for this matchup in NBA betting.

Last Time Out

The 76ers easily dispatched Minnesota in their most recent game by a score of 149-107. Small forward Jimmy Butler was super motivated going against his former team and finished the contest with 19 points, four assists and two steals while shooting 80 percent from the field.

Joel Embiid was fantastic, scoring 31 points and adding 13 rebounds. Both wanted to win badly in the matchup and Philly got it done. The 76ers have the type of talent to challenge anyone in the NBA but has been a bit inconsistent on the season.

The Pacers are coming off an easy 131-97 win over the Suns at home. Indiana jumped out to a 19-point lead after one quarter and didn’t have much trouble putting away woeful Phoenix. Seven different players scored in double figures for the Pacers, and that depth has been a big reason why the team has exceeded expectations to this point.

Injury Report

The Pacers have gotten healthy of late. Point guard Darren Collison and center Myles Turner both missed some recent time due to injury but both played against the Suns. Collison had 15 points, seven assists and three steals in the win, while Turner added 18 points, six rebounds and a pair of blocks.

Turner, in particular, is important because he figures to match up against Embiid for long stretches of this matchup. Indiana was able to keep winning without two key pieces and should be at full strength for this matchup.

Free NBA ATS Picks

The 76ers might be the flashier team and get more headlines, but make no mistake about it: the Pacers have been the better team this year. Additionally, Indiana is at home. If the oddsmakers lean too far toward Philly, don’t be afraid to jump on the Pacers to both win this game and cover the spread in NBA gambling.

NBA ATS Pick: Indiana Pacers 113, Philadelphia 76ers 106

[StarDust Bum]

Thursday's Top Parlay
January 17, 2019
By BetDSI

by Tom Wilkinson

Lakers at Thunder ATS Picks

The Los Angeles Lakers are trying to stay competitive until they get LeBron James back from injury, but it has been tough for the Lakers without LeBron, especially on the road. The Lakers face a tough road test on Thursday night, as they visit the Oklahoma City Thunder in a game that can be seen on TNT. The Thunder come into this game at 26-17, including 14-6 at home. Let’s look at Thursday’s game and NBA picks.

Los Angeles Lakers at Oklahoma City Thunder
Date and Time: Thursday, January 17, 2019, 9:30 p.m. ET
Location: Chesapeake Energy Arena, Oklahoma City, OK
NBA Odds at BetDSI: Thunder -10.5, O/U 226
Lakers at Thunder TV Coverage: TNT

The Lakers will not have LeBron for this game on Thursday and they will also not have him for Saturday’s game in Houston. LeBron has been out with a groin injury since December 25 and he will not return until next week at the earliest. He has missed 11 games and the Lakers were 4-7 in those games. The Lakers have a tough three-game stretch, as they visit the Thunder and Rockets and then host the Warriors on Monday.

"It's a tough three-game stretch," Lakers forward Kyle Kuzma said to the media, "Super tough. Top-five teams in the league if you were to look at it from a year ago and even how they're playing right now. So for us, we got our hands full, and it's just more adversity we got to face, especially road games and coming home and playing on Martin Luther King Day."

The Lakers are 9-12 ATS on the road, with nine games going over the total and 12 games going under. They are averaging just over 111 points per game and giving up just over 110 per contest.

The Thunder are coming off a poor defensive effort on Tuesday, as they were beaten 142-126 by Atlanta. Five players scored in double figures for OKC, but the team played very little defense. The Thunder are 11-9 ATS at home, with 13 games going over and seven going under. The Thunder are averaging 113 points per game and giving up about 108 per contest.

Key Stats

The Lakers are 5-16 ATS in the last 21 meetings at Oklahoma City. This will be the second meeting between the teams this season. They played in early January and it was the Thunder winning 107-100 in Los Angeles. The Lakers are coming off a win against Chicago on Tuesday. The Lakers are 2-7-1 ATS in their last 10 games following a straight up win. The Lakers are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 vs. the Northwest. The Thunder are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 vs. the Pacific.

Looking at the total, the Under is 5-0 in the Lakers last 5 games playing on one day of rest. The Under is 5-0 in the Lakers last 5 vs. the Northwest. The Under is 5-1 in the Lakers last 6 road games. The Over is 4-0 in the Thunder’s last 4 overall. The Over is 5-1 in the Thunder’s last 6 home games. The Under is 6-0 in the last 6 meetings in this series at Oklahoma City.

Lakers at Thunder Free Picks

It is hard to see the Lakers winning this game on the road without LeBron. They may not even win at OKC with LeBron, but without him they are likely to struggle. I lean a little bit to OKC in this contest minus the points, but I think the better choice is to play the total.

The Lakers have been going under on a regular basis without LeBron, going under in 8 of their last 10, including their last six. They have also been going under on the road and against Northwest Division teams. It also helps that the last six meetings in this series at OKC have gone under. I will go under the total at BetDSI in this game on Thursday night.

Lakers at Thunder ATS Pick: Thunder -10.5 and Under 226
Lakers at Thunder Score Prediction: Thunder 112, Lakers 97

[Udog]

NBA's Top OVER Referees (based on Over %, min. 5 games):

1. Leroy Richardson 21-7
2. Michael Smith 23-9
3. Derek Richardson 20-9
4. Matt Boland 19-8
5. Tony Brown 22-12


NBA's Top UNDER Referees (based on Under %, min. 5 games):

1. Gediminas Petraitis 23-11
2. Rodney Mott 22-12
3. Courtney Kirkland 21-12
4. Sean Wright 22-13
5. Dedric Taylor 21-13

[Udog]

By: Monique Vág



Monitoring the injury report

Joel Embiid is in a favorable spot today in Indiana, as the Pacers have surrendered an average of 22.1 points per game on 49.8 percent shooting and 15.2 rebounds to opposing centers per game.

Embiid is averaging 27 points a game on 48.8 percent shooting and is connecting on 31 percent of shots from beyond the arc and will likely hit on a few from deep versus a Pacers team with an opponent 3-point percentage of 36. Take Over Embiid's points, rebounds, assists total if he starts tonight as early notes have him as questionable.


Making it two straight

Sacramento and Charlotte meet again shortly after the Kings came up victorious on their home court 104-97 last Saturday. Sacramento has won four of its last five games and has had success when playing in Charlotte, covering the spread in five of the last seven trips there.

Offensively, the Kings rank sixth in points per game with 114.7 per contest and take on a Hornets team which have surrendered 111.8 per contest. Look for Sacramento to keep it close and take the 3-points as small road underdogs.


A perfect 10

The Toronto Raptors are playing the tail end of a back-to-back but return home today to take on the 11-34 Phoenix Suns. The Suns have found success versus Toronto splitting their most recent 10 matchups straight up and covering the spread in all 10.

Going back even farther, the Suns have won 17 of the last 25 ATS in the head-to-head including posting a 10-3 SU record when playing on the road at Toronto. Back the trend and take Phoenix to keep it close, covering as 8.5-point road underdogs.


Struggling to score

The Bulls have yet to win in January posting a 0-7 record, and today won’t get any easier as they travel to Denver to take on the Nuggets, who are 18-4 at home. To make matters worse for the Bulls, as they will be without Wendell Carter Jr. out with a thumb injury.

Denver have been dominant on their home court and have held opponents to only 104 points a game on 45.9 percent shooting. The Bulls rank last in points per game and should comfortably be held in check. Take Under their team total of 100.


Defensive struggles

The Thunder are as high as 11-point favorites at home as they host the Lakers who have only won four of their most recent 10 games. The Lakers have historically struggled versus the Thunder posting a 3-13 record when playing Oklahoma City, and 1-14 SU when playing on the road at Chesapeake Energy Center.

Although the Lakers have struggled to put up points recently, the Thunder defense are coming off a game where they allowed the Hawks to put up 142 points and have surrendered an average of 136 points on 54.7 percent shooting over their last three. Take the Lakers Over their team total of 108.

[StarDust Bum]

THURSDAY, JANUARY 17
GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS

PHI at IND 07:00 PM
U 224.0

SAC at CHA 07:00 PM
O 229.0

PHO at TOR 07:30 PM
PHO +9.0
U 224.0

CHI at DEN 09:00 PM
DEN -13.5
O 213.0

LAL at OKC 09:30 PM
OKC -10.0
U 226.5

[StarDust Bum]

JANUARY'S OPINION AND BEST BETS !

DATE W-L-T % UNITS RECORD

01/17/2019 5-3-0 62.50% +8.50
01/16/2019 5-8-1 38.46% -19.00
01/15/2019 8-3-1 72.73% +23.50
01/14/2019 4-4-0 50.00% -2.00
01/13/2019...... 4-10-0 .....28.57%... -35.00
01/12/2019 2-11-0 15.38% -50.50
01/11/2019 12-6-0 66.67% +27.00
01/10/2019 3-4-0 42.85% -7.00
01/09/2019 10-8-1 55.56% +6.00
01/08/2019 8-8-0 50.00% -4.00
01/07/2019 7-9-0 43.75% -14.50
01/06/2019 4-7-0 36.36% -18.50
01/05/2019 9-7-0 56.25% +6.50
01/04/2019 10-7-0 58.82% +11.50
01/03/2019 4-2-0 66.67% +9.00
01/02/2019 13-5-0 72.22% +37.50
01/01/2019 3-7-0 30.00% -23.50


Totals..........111-107-0......50.91%%...-44.20


NBA BEST BETS:

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

01/17/2019...........2 - 1..................+4.50....................2 - 1.................+4.50.............+9.00
01/16/2019...........0 - 3..................-16.50...................4 - 4.................-2.00..............-18.50
01/15/2019...........0 - 3..................-16.50...................5 - 0.................+25.00...........+8.50
01/14/2019...........2 - 2..................-1.00.....................2 - 2..................-1.00.............-2.00
01/13/2019 ..........1 - 4..................-17.00...................1 - 4..................-17.00...........-34.00
01/12/2019...........0 - 4..................-22.00...................2 - 5..................-17.50............-39.50
01/11/2019...........3 - 1..................+9.50....................6 - 3.................+13.50...........+23.00
01/10/2019...........2 - 1..................+4.50....................1 - 3.................-11.50.............-7.00
01/09/2019...........1 - 2...................-6.00....................5 - 3.................+8.50..............+2.50
01/08/2019...........2 - 2...................-1.00....................3 - 3..................-1.50...............-2.50
01/07/2019...........4 - 2..................+9.00....................3 - 3..................-1.50...............+7.50
01/06/2019...........2 - 1..................+4.50....................2 - 3.................-6.50................-2.00
01/05/2019...........2 - 1..................+4.50....................3 - 8.................-12.50...............-8.00
01/04/2019...........0 - 3..................-16.50....................6 - 2.................+19.00............+2.50
01/03/2019...........3 - 0..................+15.00...................1 - 2.................-6.00...............+9.00
01/02/2019...........4 - 1..................+14.50...................6 - 2.................+19.00............+33.50
01/01/2019...........1 - 2...................-6.00.....................1 - 2..................-6.00...............-12.00


Totals.................29 - 35.................-36.50....................53 - 50..............+6.50..............-30.00

[StarDust Bum]

Wizards top Knicks in London on late call
January 17, 2019
By The Associated Press

LONDON (AP) Allonzo Trier goaltended on Thomas Bryant's layup with 0.4 seconds remaining, giving the Washington Wizards a 101-100 victory over the New York Knicks at The O2 Arena on Thursday night.

Bradley Beal had 26 points and nine rebounds, and Otto Porter Jr. added 20 points and 11 rebounds for the Wizards. They outscored the Knicks 24-11 in the fourth quarter.

Emmanuel Mudiay scored 25 points and Luke Kornet added 16 points for the Knicks in their fifth straight loss. New York center Enes Kanter did not travel with the team for the game because of fears over his safety as an outspoken critic of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

RAPTORS 111, SUNS 109

TORONTO (AP) - Pascal Siakam scored basket just before time expired to lift Toronto past Phoenix.

Siakam had 10 points and 12 rebounds, Ibaka scored 22 points and Kyle Lowry had 16 points and nine rebounds for the Raptors. They have won eight straight at home and six of seven overall.

Devin Booker scored 30 points for Phoenix, and Deandre Ayton had 15 points and 17 rebounds.

76ERS 120, PACERS 96

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - Joel Embiid had 22 points, 13 rebounds and eight assists to lead Philadelphia past Indiana for its seventh victory in nine games.

Jimmy Butler added 27 points, eight assists and five rebounds. Former 76ers player Thaddeus Young led Indiana with 27 points.

NUGGETS 135, BULLS 105

DENVER (AP) - Jamal Murray scored 22 of his 25 points in the third quarter, Nikola Jokic finished two rebounds shy of another triple-double and Denver routed Chicago.

Jokic had 18 points and 11 assists to help the Nuggets rebound from a 142-111 drubbing Tuesday night against Golden State. Lauri Markkanen scored 27 points for Chicago. The Bulls have lost nine a row.

HORNETS 114, KINGS 95

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) - Kemba Walker scored 23 points, surpassing 11,000 for his career, and Charlotte beat Sacramento.

Miles Bridges and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist each had 15 points and Willy Hernangomez added 11 points and 16 rebounds. Buddy Hield led the Kings with 24 points.

LAKERS 138, OKC 128 OT

[StarDust Bum]

Friday’s 6-pack

— Phil Mickelson shot a 60, leads the Desert Classic by three strokes.

— Seahawks signed QB Paxton Lynch to back up Russell Wilson.

— Bronx signed reliever Adam Ottavino to a 3-year, $27M deal.

— Diamondbacks signed utility guy Wilmer Flores to a 1-year deal.

— Texas QB Shane Buechele is transferring from the Longhorns’ program.

— TCU G Jaylen Fisher is leaving the Horned Frogs’ program, their 4th transfer this season.

Tweet of the Day
“Wes is a young offensive coach who knows Sean McVay, if anyone is looking for a head coach. He knows him really well.”
Wade Phillips, talking about his son Wes

Friday’s quiz
When was first time an AFL team beat an NFL team in the Super Bowl?

Thursday’s quiz
Drew Brees CAUGHT one TD pass in his career; Hall of Fame RB LaDanian Tomlinson threw the pass, when the two were teammates in San Diego.

Wednesday’s quiz
Hank Stram was the Chiefs’ coach for their only Super Bowl win; he later coached the New Orleans Saints.



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

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

13) Not that I’m paranoid or anything, but since 2012, Rams are 0-8 (0-2 this year) when Bill Vinovich’s crew referees their games (Saints are 5-3).

Vinovich is a good official (he’s also done the Final Four in college hoop) but would it kill the NFL to send him to the AFC game?

12) Those who don’t study history are doomed to repeat it: FOX signed Urban Meyer to be a college football analyst next season.

Meyer was an analyst on ESPN for a year before he went to Ohio State, and he was incapable of humor or laughter- I actually felt bad for the guy. We’ll see next fall if he’s lightened up at all.

11) Thursday night’s college hoop upsets:
— FIU (+12.5) 77, Western Kentucky 76
— Manhattan (+6) 58, St Peter’s 56
— Oregon (+4.5) 59, Arizona 54

10) Bill Belichick’s first NFL coaching job (assistant special teams coach) was with the Detroit Lions, in 1976; Also on that staff? Jerry Glanville, who went on to coach the Oilers/Falcons, one of the all-time great characters. Hard to imagine both of those guys in the same meeting.

Belichick was a special assistant with the ’75 Colts, but technically not a member of the staff.

9) For some reason, I became curious about this yesterday, so I looked it up. Last year, the average WNBA salary was $71,635, and this year will be closer to $75,000. The maximum veteran salary is $113,500.

8) Reason why VCU is a better college basketball job than most mid-majors: Rams have had 126 consecutive sellouts at home. Basketball is sports priority #1 at VCU, by far.

7) Sounds like Cam Newton has a chance to miss all of 2019 with shoulder issues, much like Andrew Luck missed all of 2017. If so, where do the Panthers turn for a new QB?

6) Former Alabama QB Jalen Hurts is taking his 26-2 record as a starting QB to Oklahoma, which should prove to be very interesting.

5) Speaking of Alabama’s football team, five of their assistant coaches from this past season have already found new jobs; was reading an article during bowl season- pro scouts were saying that this was Saban’s worst coaching staff in his many years with the Crimson Tide, so you wonder if guys jumped ship or got pushed overboard?

4) Jets’ DC Gregg Williams is now working for his ninth NFL team; he could write one hell of a book someday.

3) Once Oklahoma signed up Alabama transfer QB Jalen Hurts, they released backup QB Austin Kendall, who quickly bolted to West Virginia, where he will play against the Sooners next year.

2) Michigan Wolverines offered a college scholarship to a 7th grade QB in Michigan, which is highly unusual and even a little weird. What are the odds that Jim Harbaugh is still coaching there when the kid graduates from high school, five years from now?

1) Cincinnati basketball coach Mick Cronin got tossed from a game Tuesday when his team was winning; not sure I’ve ever seen that before. AAC had a rough week with its refs; Tulsa/UConn game the next night saw both head coaches get tossed at the same time, even stranger.

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Dunkel

Friday, January 18


Brooklyn @ Orlando

Game 553-554
January 18, 2019 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Brooklyn
120.241
Orlando
116.399
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Brooklyn
by 4
215
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Orlando
by 1
217 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Brooklyn
(+1); Under

Memphis @ Boston

Game 555-556
January 18, 2019 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Memphis
117.423
Boston
129.608
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Boston
by 12
205
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Boston
by 10 1/2
206 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Boston
(-10 1/2); Under

Miami @ Detroit

Game 557-558
January 18, 2019 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Miami
118.410
Detroit
114.316
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Miami
by 4
212
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Detroit
by 2
207 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Miami
(+2); Over

San Antonio @ Minnesota

Game 559-560
January 18, 2019 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
San Antonio
116.410
Minnesota
120.308
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Minnesota
by 4
227
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Minnesota
by 1
224 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Minnesota
(-1); Over

Cleveland @ Utah

Game 561-562
January 18, 2019 @ 9:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Cleveland
102.150
Utah
121.631
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Utah
by 19 1/2
213
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Utah
by 15
215
Dunkel Pick:
Utah
(-15); Under

New Orleans @ Portland

Game 563-564
January 18, 2019 @ 10:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
New Orleans
114.989
Portland
121.699
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Portland
by 6 1/2
235
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Portland
by 2 1/2
233 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Portland
(-2 1/2); Over

Golden State @ LA Clippers

Game 565-566
January 18, 2019 @ 10:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Golden State
122.378
LA Clippers
119.308
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Golden State
by 3
239
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Golden State
by 7
241 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
LA Clippers
(+7); Under