Announcement

**Udog** · 10-17-2018, 09:58 AM

Armadillo: Wednesday's six-pack

Six top college football teams, in terms of Las Vegas bookmakers’ ranking:

— Alabama 137.3

— Clemson 128.3

— Ohio State 127.1

— Michigan 124.8

— Georgia 124.0

— Oklahoma 123.8

**********

Armadillo: Wednesday's List of 13: Mid-week musings…….

13) Buffalo Bills’ rookie QB Josh Allen has an injured elbow, may need Tommy John surgery, which would obviously finish him for this season; best-case scenario is that he’ll miss several weeks, which leaves newly-signed Derek Anderson or Nathan Peterman as the new starter.

Word out of Buffalo is that the Bills’ players don’t want Peterman playing, probably because they prefer winning- he’s thrown 10 INT’s in 82 career passes.

12) Ohio State’s star DE Nick Bosa has withdrawn from college and will prepare for next spring’s NFL Draft; Bosa was injured anyway and probably wouldn’t have returned until next month at the earliest, so the announcement wasn’t a big surprise.

11) Tampa Bay Buccaneers told defensive coordinator Mike Smith to take a hike Monday, after Bucs allowed 40-21-30-48-34 points in their first five games. Only once in five games did the Bucs hold an opponent under 8.2 yards/pass attempt- they had zero takeaways in their last two games, just five for the season (-7 TO ratio).

10) Not only are Titans-Chargers playing in England Sunday, they’re playing at 9:30am ET, which is 6:30am for Charger fans in California. Whats the point of that?

Last week’s Colorado-USC game ended around 2:20am ET; if that happens again this week, not a lot of time to sleep before the 9:30 kickoff. Guess I’ll just have to sleep faster.

9) David Price allowed four runs in less than five innings Sunday night, and got a standing ovation as he walked to the dugout; the bar isn’t real high for Price these days in Beantown.

8) This is the definition of a bad day:

Police in Bristol, TN say a 76-year old man was run over with a lawn mower while trying to kill his son with a chainsaw- the older man had to have his leg amputated.

Can’t we all just get along?

7) Teddy Valentine is out as a Big 14 basketball ref; he’ll still work AAC, ACC and SEC games, but a guy who has worked 28 NCAA tournaments and 10 Final Fours isn’t good enough anymore to work in the Big 14.

6) 20 years ago, when he was coaching the Lakers, Pat Riley trademarkedthe term “three-peat,” so if Golden State wins its third straight NBA title next spring, Riley will cash in on it, too.

There have been three “3-peats” since Riley trademarked the term; the Jordan-Bulls did it twice, and the Shaq-Kobe Lakers did it, too.

Random stats: Warriors led the NBA last year, making 39.1% of their 3’s and 81.5% of their foul shots.

5) Derek Carr threw 31 passes for Oakland Sunday in their 27-3 loss to Seattle in London; only five of those 31 passes travelled more than five yards downfield, and he completed only two of those five passes. No bueno.

4) Josh McCown and Julius Peppers are the only two players still active from the 2002 NFL Draft.

3) I don’t give a rat’s ass about the royal family, and I’m not sure why anyone does. The young lady who recently married the prince was on one of my favorite TV shows, Suits. Still don’t care about the royal family; what exactly do they even do?

2) Interesting how crew chiefs are behind the plate for Games 3, 7 for divisional series, then World Series; Joe West doing the plate for Game 7 of the ALCS could be good theater.

1) Patriots set an NFL record Sunday night; they’re the first team in the Super Bowl era to not punt or commit a penalty in an entire game- they scored 43 points at home but still couldn’t cover the spread. Awesome.

**Udog** · 10-17-2018, 10:01 AM

NBA
Dunkel

Wednesday, October 17

Memphis @ Indiana

Game 701-702
October 17, 2018 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Memphis
110.695
Indiana
120.047
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Indiana
by 9 1/2
222
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Indiana
by 6 1/2
206 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Indiana
(-6 1/2); Over

Milwaukee @ Charlotte

Game 703-704
October 17, 2018 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Milwaukee
121.140
Charlotte
116.554
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Milwaukee
by 4 1/2
225
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Milwaukee
by 2
217
Dunkel Pick:
Milwaukee
(-2); Over

Miami @ Orlando

Game 705-706
October 17, 2018 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Miami
113.261
Orlando
114.731
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Orlando
by 1 1/2
213
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Miami
by 2 1/2
210
Dunkel Pick:
Orlando
(+2 1/2); Over

Brooklyn @ Detroit

Game 707-708
October 17, 2018 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Brooklyn
117.105
Detroit
119.224
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Detroit
by 2
213
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Detroit
by 5
212
Dunkel Pick:
Brooklyn
(+5); Over

Atlanta @ New York

Game 709-710
October 17, 2018 @ 7:35 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Atlanta
114.677
New York
115.464
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
New York
by 1
216
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
New York
by 3 1/2
213 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Atlanta
(+3 1/2); Over

Cleveland @ Toronto

Game 711-712
October 17, 2018 @ 7:35 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Cleveland
116.137
Toronto
117.046
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Toronto
by 1
217
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Toronto
by 12
214
Dunkel Pick:
Cleveland
(+12); Over

New Orleans @ Houston

Game 713-714
October 17, 2018 @ 8:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
New Orleans
119.899
Houston
124.028
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Houston
by 4
202
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Houston
by 7 1/2
228 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
New Orleans
(+7 1/2); Under

Minnesota @ San Antonio

Game 715-716
October 17, 2018 @ 8:35 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Minnesota
115.980
San Antonio
115.720
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Minnesota
Even
203
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
San Antonio
by 3
211
Dunkel Pick:
Minnesota
(+3); Under

Utah @ Sacramento

Game 717-718
October 17, 2018 @ 10:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Utah
120.671
Sacramento
114.824
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Utah
by 6
205
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Utah
by 8 1/2
207 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Sacramento
(+8 1/2); Under

Dallas @ Phoenix

Game 719-720
October 17, 2018 @ 10:35 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Dallas
113.644
Phoenix
107.198
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Dallas
by 6 1/2
215
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Phoenix
by 2
215
Dunkel Pick:
Dallas
(+2); Under

Denver @ LA Clippers

Game 721-722
October 17, 2018 @ 10:35 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Denver
121.297
LA Clippers
112.851
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Denver
by 8 1/2
218
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Denver
by 1
226
Dunkel Pick:
Denver
(-1); Under

**Udog** · 10-17-2018, 10:04 AM

NBA
Long Sheet

Wednesday, October 17

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

MEMPHIS (22 - 60) at INDIANA (51 - 38) - 10/17/2018, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MEMPHIS is 22-37 ATS (-18.7 Units) in non-conference games over the last 3 seasons.
INDIANA is 52-36 ATS (+12.4 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
INDIANA is 25-13 ATS (+10.7 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.

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

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

MILWAUKEE (47 - 42) at CHARLOTTE (36 - 46) - 10/17/2018, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MILWAUKEE is 11-23 ATS (-14.3 Units) against Southeast division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
CHARLOTTE is 68-89 ATS (-29.9 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
CHARLOTTE is 10-24 ATS (-16.4 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.

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

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

MIAMI (45 - 42) at ORLANDO (25 - 57) - 10/17/2018, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MIAMI is 50-32 ATS (+14.8 Units) in road games over the last 3 seasons.
MIAMI is 127-96 ATS (+21.4 Units) in road games vs. division opponents since 1996.
ORLANDO is 69-92 ATS (-32.2 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
ORLANDO is 30-50 ATS (-25.0 Units) in home games over the last 3 seasons.
ORLANDO is 11-23 ATS (-14.3 Units) in home games in the first half of the season over the last 3 seasons.

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

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

BROOKLYN (28 - 54) at DETROIT (39 - 43) - 10/17/2018, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BROOKLYN is 27-14 ATS (+11.6 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 4-14 ATS (-11.4 Units) in home games against Atlantic division opponents over the last 3 seasons.

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

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

ATLANTA (24 - 58) at NEW YORK (29 - 53) - 10/17/2018, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEW YORK is 26-11 ATS (+13.9 Units) in home games in the first half of the season over the last 3 seasons.

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

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

CLEVELAND (62 - 42) at TORONTO (63 - 29) - 10/17/2018, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CLEVELAND is 41-61 ATS (-26.1 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 11-24 ATS (-15.4 Units) in the first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 40-25 ATS (+12.5 Units) in the first half of the season over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CLEVELAND is 10-4 against the spread versus TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
CLEVELAND is 13-2 straight up against TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
10 of 15 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

NEW ORLEANS (53 - 38) at HOUSTON (76 - 23) - 10/17/2018, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEW ORLEANS is 52-38 ATS (+10.2 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 30-16 ATS (+12.4 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.

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

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

MINNESOTA (48 - 39) at SAN ANTONIO (48 - 39) - 10/17/2018, 8:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SAN ANTONIO is 1047-919 ATS (+36.1 Units) in all games since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 835-711 ATS (+52.9 Units) as a favorite since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 27-15 ATS (+10.5 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 335-274 ATS (+33.6 Units) in the first half of the season since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 88-61 ATS (+20.9 Units) in home games against Northwest division opponents since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN ANTONIO is 4-3 against the spread versus MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
SAN ANTONIO is 6-1 straight up against MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
4 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

UTAH (53 - 40) at SACRAMENTO (27 - 55) - 10/17/2018, 10:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
SACRAMENTO is 4-3 against the spread versus UTAH over the last 3 seasons
UTAH is 6-1 straight up against SACRAMENTO over the last 3 seasons
4 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

DALLAS (24 - 58) at PHOENIX (21 - 61) - 10/17/2018, 10:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DALLAS is 412-337 ATS (+41.3 Units) as an underdog since 1996.
DALLAS is 503-424 ATS (+36.6 Units) in road games since 1996.
DALLAS is 167-130 ATS (+24.0 Units) in road games in the first half of the season since 1996.
PHOENIX is 14-26 ATS (-14.6 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHOENIX is 6-1 against the spread versus DALLAS over the last 3 seasons
PHOENIX is 6-1 straight up against DALLAS over the last 3 seasons
4 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

DENVER (46 - 36) at LA CLIPPERS (42 - 40) - 10/17/2018, 10:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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

**Udog** · 10-17-2018, 10:05 AM

NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up

Wednesday, October 17

Not a lot to go on for the first week or so, but I’ll give you the info I’ve got…….

Indiana won three of last four games with Memphis; last three series games went over the total. Grizzlies are 2-3 in last five visits to Indiana, losing last two, 102-92/105-101.

Magic won five of last seven games with Miami; over is 8-2 in last ten series games. Road team is 5-3 in last eight series games; Heat split its last four visits to Orlando.

Home side won last five Milwaukee-Charlotte games; Bucks lost last two visits here, both by five points. Over is 6-2 in last eight series games.

Pistons won four of last five games with Brooklyn; under is 5-1 in last six series games. Nets lost four of last five visits to the Motor City, with losses by 9-12-1-14 points.

Atlanta won five of last six games with the Knicks; Hawks are 2-3 in last five visits to Manhattan, with losses by 4-10-14 points. Four of last five series games went over.

Cavaliers won last six games with Toronto; they won four of last five visits to Canada, but they had Lebron James then. Over is 7-3 in last ten series games.

Rockets won eight of last ten games with New Orleans, but Pelicans covered three of last four; NO lost its last five visits to Houston (2-3 vs spread). Under is 7-2 in last nine series games.

Spurs won nine of last ten games with Minnesota, but are 3-3 vs spread in last six. Wolves lost their last five visits to the Alamo (over 4-1), but covered three of them.

Jazz won its last five games with Sacramento, but Kings covered four of last six series games. Jazz won their last five visits here (3-2 vs spread). Under is 5-3 in last eight series games.

Denver won four of last six games with the Clippers; they split last six series games played here (2-4 vs spread). Three of last four series games went over the total.

Suns won/covered their last five games with Dallas; teams split last four series games played in desert. Six of last nine series games stayed under the total.

**Udog** · 10-17-2018, 10:12 AM

NBA

Wednesday, October 17

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

Memphis Grizzlies
Memphis is 6-2-1 ATS in its last 9 games
Memphis is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Memphis's last 8 games
Memphis is 6-11-1 ATS in its last 18 games on the road
Memphis is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Memphis's last 5 games on the road
Memphis is 7-2 ATS in its last 9 games when playing Indiana
Memphis is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games when playing Indiana
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Memphis's last 6 games when playing Indiana
Memphis is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 games when playing on the road against Indiana
Memphis is 5-16 SU in its last 21 games when playing on the road against Indiana
The total has gone UNDER in 12 of Memphis's last 18 games when playing on the road against Indiana
Indiana Pacers
Indiana is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games
Indiana is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Indiana's last 8 games
Indiana is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games at home
Indiana is 16-5 SU in its last 21 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Indiana's last 12 games at home
Indiana is 2-7 ATS in its last 9 games when playing Memphis
Indiana is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games when playing Memphis
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Indiana's last 6 games when playing Memphis
Indiana is 3-7 ATS in its last 10 games when playing at home against Memphis
Indiana is 16-5 SU in its last 21 games when playing at home against Memphis
The total has gone UNDER in 12 of Indiana's last 18 games when playing at home against Memphis

Milwaukee Bucks
Milwaukee is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games
The total has gone OVER in 20 of Milwaukee's last 24 games
Milwaukee is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Milwaukee is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Milwaukee's last 9 games on the road
Milwaukee is 3-5-1 ATS in its last 9 games when playing Charlotte
Milwaukee is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Charlotte
Milwaukee is 6-13 SU in its last 19 games when playing Charlotte
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Milwaukee's last 8 games when playing Charlotte
Milwaukee is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Charlotte
Milwaukee is 4-13 SU in its last 17 games when playing on the road against Charlotte
Charlotte Hornets
Charlotte is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games
Charlotte is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games
Charlotte is 1-7 ATS in its last 8 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Charlotte's last 9 games at home
Charlotte is 2-3-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Milwaukee
Charlotte is 13-6 SU in its last 19 games when playing Milwaukee
Charlotte is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Milwaukee
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Charlotte's last 8 games when playing Milwaukee
Charlotte is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games when playing at home against Milwaukee
Charlotte is 13-4 SU in its last 17 games when playing at home against Milwaukee

Miami Heat
Miami is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
Miami is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
Miami is 3-6-2 ATS in its last 11 games on the road
Miami is 3-14 SU in its last 17 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Miami's last 15 games on the road
Miami is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Orlando
Miami is 18-7 SU in its last 25 games when playing Orlando
Miami is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing Orlando
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Miami's last 10 games when playing Orlando
Miami is 9-3 SU in its last 12 games when playing on the road against Orlando
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Miami's last 6 games when playing on the road against Orlando
Orlando Magic
Orlando is 3-7-1 ATS in its last 11 games
Orlando is 5-14 SU in its last 19 games
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Orlando's last 10 games
Orlando is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games at home
Orlando is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Orlando's last 6 games at home
Orlando is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Miami
Orlando is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing Miami
Orlando is 7-18 SU in its last 25 games when playing Miami
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Orlando's last 10 games when playing Miami
Orlando is 3-9 SU in its last 12 games when playing at home against Miami
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Orlando's last 6 games when playing at home against Miami

Brooklyn Nets
Brooklyn is 9-2 ATS in its last 11 games on the road
Brooklyn is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Brooklyn is 5-14 SU in its last 19 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Brooklyn's last 13 games on the road
Brooklyn is 11-4 ATS in its last 15 games when playing Detroit
Brooklyn is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Detroit
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Brooklyn's last 6 games when playing Detroit
Brooklyn is 8-3 ATS in its last 11 games when playing on the road against Detroit
Brooklyn is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Detroit
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Brooklyn's last 7 games when playing on the road against Detroit
Detroit Pistons
Detroit is 10-3 ATS in its last 13 games
Detroit is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games
Detroit is 7-2 ATS in its last 9 games at home
Detroit is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Detroit's last 6 games at home
Detroit is 4-11 ATS in its last 15 games when playing Brooklyn
Detroit is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Brooklyn
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Detroit's last 6 games when playing Brooklyn
Detroit is 3-8 ATS in its last 11 games when playing at home against Brooklyn
Detroit is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Brooklyn
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Detroit's last 7 games when playing at home against Brooklyn

Cleveland Cavaliers
Cleveland is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
Cleveland is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Cleveland is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Cleveland's last 6 games on the road
Cleveland is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Toronto
Cleveland is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Toronto
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Cleveland's last 8 games when playing Toronto
Cleveland is 6-1-1 ATS in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Toronto
Cleveland is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Toronto
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Cleveland's last 6 games when playing on the road against Toronto
Toronto Raptors
Toronto is 8-15-1 ATS in its last 24 games
Toronto is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
Toronto is 20-5 SU in its last 25 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Toronto's last 6 games at home
Toronto is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Cleveland
Toronto is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Cleveland
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Toronto's last 8 games when playing Cleveland
Toronto is 1-6-1 ATS in its last 8 games when playing at home against Cleveland
Toronto is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Cleveland
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Toronto's last 6 games when playing at home against Cleveland

Atlanta Hawks
Atlanta is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games
Atlanta is 4-14 SU in its last 18 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Atlanta's last 7 games
Atlanta is 3-12 SU in its last 15 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Atlanta's last 16 games on the road
Atlanta is 3-6 ATS in its last 9 games when playing New York
Atlanta is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing New York
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Atlanta's last 5 games when playing New York
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Atlanta's last 6 games when playing on the road against New York
New York Knicks
New York is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games
New York is 5-17 SU in its last 22 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of New York's last 6 games
New York is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games at home
New York is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of New York's last 5 games at home
New York is 6-3 ATS in its last 9 games when playing Atlanta
New York is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Atlanta
The total has gone OVER in 4 of New York's last 5 games when playing Atlanta
The total has gone OVER in 4 of New York's last 6 games when playing at home against Atlanta

New Orleans Pelicans
New Orleans is 12-2 ATS in its last 14 games
New Orleans is 10-4 SU in its last 14 games
New Orleans is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
New Orleans is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 games on the road
New Orleans is 12-6 SU in its last 18 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of New Orleans's last 6 games on the road
New Orleans is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Houston
New Orleans is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Houston
The total has gone UNDER in 16 of New Orleans's last 23 games when playing Houston
New Orleans is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Houston
New Orleans is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Houston
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of New Orleans's last 6 games when playing on the road against Houston
Houston Rockets
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Houston's last 5 games
Houston is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games at home
Houston is 21-4 SU in its last 25 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 17 of Houston's last 24 games at home
Houston is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing New Orleans
Houston is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing New Orleans
The total has gone UNDER in 16 of Houston's last 23 games when playing New Orleans
Houston is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games when playing at home against New Orleans
Houston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against New Orleans
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Houston's last 6 games when playing at home against New Orleans

Minnesota Timberwolves
Minnesota is 6-3 ATS in its last 9 games
Minnesota is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Minnesota's last 6 games
Minnesota is 7-18 ATS in its last 25 games on the road
Minnesota is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Minnesota's last 6 games on the road
Minnesota is 4-10 ATS in its last 14 games when playing San Antonio
Minnesota is 1-13 SU in its last 14 games when playing San Antonio
Minnesota is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against San Antonio
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Minnesota's last 7 games when playing on the road against San Antonio
San Antonio Spurs
San Antonio is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games
San Antonio is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games
San Antonio is 10-2 ATS in its last 12 games at home
San Antonio is 12-1 SU in its last 13 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of San Antonio's last 13 games at home
San Antonio is 10-4 ATS in its last 14 games when playing Minnesota
San Antonio is 13-1 SU in its last 14 games when playing Minnesota
San Antonio is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Minnesota
The total has gone OVER in 6 of San Antonio's last 7 games when playing at home against Minnesota

Utah Jazz
Utah is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games
Utah is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Utah's last 7 games
Utah is 15-7-1 ATS in its last 23 games on the road
Utah is 17-6 SU in its last 23 games on the road
Utah is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Utah's last 13 games on the road
Utah is 2-3-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Sacramento
Utah is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Sacramento
Utah is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Sacramento
Sacramento Kings
Sacramento is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Sacramento's last 5 games
Sacramento is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Sacramento's last 7 games at home
Sacramento is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Utah
Sacramento is 1-3-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Utah
Sacramento is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Utah

Denver Nuggets
Denver is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games
Denver is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
Denver is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
Denver is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing LA Clippers
Denver is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against LA Clippers
Denver is 3-9 SU in its last 12 games when playing on the road against LA Clippers
The total has gone UNDER in 19 of Denver's last 25 games when playing on the road against LA Clippers
Los Angeles Clippers
LA Clippers is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games
LA Clippers is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of LA Clippers's last 6 games
LA Clippers is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games at home
LA Clippers is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of LA Clippers's last 5 games at home
LA Clippers is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Denver
LA Clippers is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Denver
LA Clippers is 9-3 SU in its last 12 games when playing at home against Denver
The total has gone UNDER in 19 of LA Clippers's last 25 games when playing at home against Denver

Dallas Mavericks
Dallas is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games
Dallas is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Dallas's last 5 games
Dallas is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Dallas is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Dallas's last 6 games on the road
Dallas is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Phoenix
Dallas is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Phoenix
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Dallas's last 9 games when playing Phoenix
Dallas is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Phoenix
Dallas is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Phoenix
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Dallas's last 9 games when playing on the road against Phoenix
Phoenix Suns
Phoenix is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games
Phoenix is 2-17 SU in its last 19 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Phoenix's last 5 games
Phoenix is 2-7 ATS in its last 9 games at home
Phoenix is 1-14 SU in its last 15 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Phoenix's last 15 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Phoenix's last 6 games at home
Phoenix is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Dallas
Phoenix is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Dallas
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Phoenix's last 9 games when playing Dallas
Phoenix is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Dallas
Phoenix is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Dallas
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Phoenix's last 9 games when playing at home against Dallas

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

**Udog** · 10-17-2018, 12:03 PM

Wednesday's Essentials
Tony Mejia

Game of the Night - New Orleans at Houston (-7.5/229), ESPN, 8:05 ET

These teams have met twice since DeMarcus Cousins tore his achilles in the closing seconds of a Pelicans’ win late last January, a moment that forever altered the future of New Orleans’ franchise. Losing the All-Star center they envisioned playing next to Anthony Davis into the next decade forced them to go out and acquire Nikola Mirotic, whose ability to spread the floor made for a more efficient brand of ball as Alvin Gentry got the team to play at the faster tempo he prefers, ultimately leading to a playoff berth.

Although they made a lukewarm offer to Cousins, the Pels were ready to move on when he passed on the deal and are excited about adding Julius Randle as a replacement in addition to keeping Mirotic in the fold. Rajon Rondo left for the Lakers, so Elfrid Payton was signed to try and fill the role next to Jrue Holiday so that Gentry always has playmakers on the floor looking to push and feed Davis, who has made no secret of his desire to emerge as MVP this season.

That type of push is possible, especially if the Pelicans can find a way to overcome the Southwest Divisions top team, a Rockets squad that has surpassed the Spurs as the team to beat in what’s been the NBA’s most loaded division over the past two decades. The Northwest is vying for that distinction now, but there’s still plenty of quality for New Orleans to overcome with the Spurs still a factor and the Mavericks and Grizzlies looking improved to start the season. Houston is the team to beat, however, and opens at home looking to bounce back from a demoralizing end to their championship pursuit last May. Had Chris Paul not blown a hamstring in Game 5 of the Western Conference finals, the Rockets probably would’ve opened on Tuesday and hosted a “Ring Night.” Instead, they’ll tip off looking to see this season’s roster take shape given a number of tweaks.

Paul returns alongside reigning MVP James Harden and center Clint Capela, who just missed out on an All-Star spot but signed a five-year, $90 million extension nonetheless. Carmelo Anthony has come on board to serve as the team’s sixth man, making the transition after being unwilling to come off the bench in Oklahoma City, where he wore down over the course of last season, eroding into a liablity come playoffs. James Ennis III will start at small forward alongside holdovers P.J. Tucker and Capela up front, while the departure of standout defenders Trevor Ariza and Luc Mbah a Moute require guys like Michael Carter-Williams and Marquese Chriss to step their games up off the bench. Shooter Brandon Knight is also on board, but will join Chriss and forward Zhou Qi in missing this game due to injury.

New Orleans is healthy, but lost three of four against Houston last season and hasn’t won a season series against its division rival since 2011. The Rockets have scored over 100 points against New Orleans in 13 straight, winning 10 of those matchups outright. Mike D’Antoni and Gentry are great friends who believe in getting up and down the floor, so it’s no surprise to see this total as high as it is, approaching 230. Despite their preference for playing at a fast pace, the ‘over’ was just 2-2 last season.

Memphis at Indiana(-6.5/207), 7:05 p.m. ET: Mike Conley looked sharp this preseason after missing the first 70 games last season due to a torn Achilles, ending the Grizzlies’ realistic chances of contending before they really got started. Losing him so early ended up costing David Fizdale his job after he clashed with Marc Gasol amid all the losing, altering the direction of the franchise. J.B. Bickerstaff ended up being hired as head coach after an interim stint and gets Conley, Gasol and Chandler Parsons back at 100 percent, so there’s optimism that this group can return to playoff contention. No. 4 pick Jaren Jackson, Jr. struggled with foul trouble in exhibitions but only turned 19 last month and is likely to provide rollercoaster rides as he gets acclimated. Although Gasol and Conley can still be one of the top defenders at their positions when they’re right, the Griz no longer employ the “grit and grind” style that delivered results when those two were younger and they had Zach Randolph to play through in the post and Tony Allen to lock people up on the perimeter, so we’ll see how this group adapts over the long haul should everyone stay healthy.

Indiana won’t sneak up on anyone like it did last season when Victor Oladipo emerged as one of the top guards in the East. He’s got all major contributors back around him with the exception of Lance Stephenson. Tyreke Evans should provide an upgrade on the wing after choosing the Pacers among a number of suitors, while shooter Doug McDermott and center Kyle O’Quinn add quality depth to an already deep roster. Thaddeus Young put together 16 points and 10 rebounds in 29 minutes in the preseason tune-up after sitting out most of the last few weeks with a bruised right foot. His opting in to the final year of his contract rivals Evans’ acquisition as the most important move of the offseason. Cory Joseph (Canada) and Bojan Bogdanovic (Croatia) played for national teams this summer so they should be in shape to play key roles in Nate McMillan’s rotation. According to the Indianapolis Star’s J. Michael, the Pacers shot just 32.7 from 3-point range this preseason. Indiana has gone 56-26 at home over the last two seasons and have averaged 135 points in wins over its last two home openers. Myles Turner has played major roles in both wins. He signed an extension to open the week and will play despite an ankle tweak. Indiana swept Memphis last season. The Griz were just 6-35 on the road.

Milwaukee (-2/217) at Charlotte, 7:05 p.m. ET: Former Spurs top assistants Mike Budenholzer and James Borrego debut as head coaches of their new teams. Budenholzer arrives after leaving Atlanta following a five-year run, while Borrego, who had an interim stint in the head seat with the Magic back in 2015, will be in the head seat for his first season opener. Both want to play with pace and will look to push whenever possible, placing movement without the ball and sharing it via the extra pass above all else. The Bucks averaged 124.8 points this preseason, an average aided by one overtime game but nonetheless impressive and indicative of the style Bud wants to employ. Giannis Antetokounmpo led Milwaukee in scoring in all three games he played, averaging 24 points and 11.6 rebounds. He’ll be an MVP candidate this season and has a familiar supporting cast around him, welcoming in center Brook Lopez and forward Ersan Ilyasova to spread the floor. They’ve got John Henson shooting 3s too. We’ll see how that goes.

The Hornets likely need to get off to a good start to avoid being blown up, so it will be interesting to see how they attack this season. There’s an initiative to play Kemba Walker off the ball more, allowing young shooting guards Jeremy Lamb and Malik Monk more freedom. Borrego wants the ball to stick less and is hoping to see Walker thrive without being so ball-dominant. The Charlotte Observer's Rick Bonnell reported that Borrego instituted a 12-second shot clock at practices in an effort to play faster, resulting in the team averaging 118.3 points over their last three preseason games, all wins. The Hornets and Bucks played four times last season, but all games took place by Christmas. Khris Middleton averaged 30.5 points against Charlotte as the teams split 2-2, but with Dwight Howard gone and two new coaches in place, you can’t trust much from last season.

Miami (-2.5/210.5) at Orlando, 7:05 p.m. ET: Florida’s franchises square off after dueling in the preseason nine days ago, playing a sloppy 90-89 game where both teams shot poorly, combining to shoot 30 percent from 3-point range (27-for-56) in Miami. We’ll see if the teams can find the range in Orlando as the Steve Clifford era tips off in Central Florida as the Heat and Magic open up against one another for the third straight year. The teams have split the last two meetings with the Orlando winning last October. Erik Spoelstra opens his 10th season at the helm in Miami and will be facing his sixth Magic head coach in that span, a familiar face who has coached in the Southeast Division for the past five years in Charlotte and was an assistant with Orlando from ’07-’12. Spoelstra’s Heat beat Clifford’s Hornets the first eight times the teams played and went 22-9 against them during his stint in Charlotte, which includes winning the last six.

The Heat have dangled key pieces in an effort to try and pry Jimmy Butler out of Minnesota, so there are few players on the roster who can feel safe outside of team legends Dwyane Wade and Udonis Haslem, each entering their final season with the franchise. Goran Dragic and Josh Richardson have each been a fixture in rumors and should make up the starting backcourt, while Orlando is expected to give D.J. Augustin first crack at point guard ahead of Jerian Grant. He and shooting guard Evan Fournier combined to shoot 3-for-18 (16.7%) in the Oct. 8 exhibition loss. Heat centers Hassan Whiteside and Bam Adebayo will look to make Orlando lottery pick Mo Bamba’s debut a forgettable one when he enters for Nikola Vucevic, who is likely to be moved by the trade deadline. The Heat and Magic split last season’s series after Orlando won three of four in 2016-17, the first season where they managed to win more than they lost against Miami since 2009. Forward James Johnson (hernia) and guard Dion Waiters (ankle) are rout, while wing Justise Winslow (hamstring) is doubtful to play. Dragic (knee) is a go.

Brooklyn at Detroit (-5/212), 7:05 p.m. ET:The Pistons couldn’t pay off opening a new downtown arena with a playoff appearance despite making an in-season trade for Blake Griffin, so Stan Van Gundy was ultimately not retained. Although Michigan head coach John Beilein was a serious candidate, reigning Coach of the Year Dwane Casey was ultimately hired and gets back Reggie Jackson to run the point. Had he not missed 37 games due to an injured ankle last season, Van Gundy may have finished better than 39-43 and wouldn’t have lost his spot. It’s easy to forget that Detroit won 14 of its first 20 last season. Van Gundy made a soft landing at ESPN, while Casey, shown the door by Toronto after failing to get past LeBron James, makes the short trip across the border.

Andre Drummond had a productive preseason but shot just 6-for-21 against Brooklyn when the teams met in Detroit on Oct. 8. Jackson played just 16 minutes and shot 2-for-7 while Griffin scored 17 points in 21 minutes as both saw their first exhibition action, so don’t glean much from that result. D’Angelo Russell did score 25 points in the 110-108 OT win that also saw Caris LeVert flirt with a triple-double. His emergence is a key x-factor for Brooklyn, who hopes he’ll take a step forward alongside Russell. With Rondae Hollis-Jefferson out indefinitely with a hip ailment and Allen Crabbe nursing an ankle injury, the play of LeVert and a heavily bearded Joe Harris will be vital. Backup point guard Shabazz Napier is also likely sidelined. Detroit is healthier, listing only starting SF Stanley Johnson (sore toe) as a question mark. He should play.

Atlanta at New York (-3.5/215), 7:35 p.m. ET: It wouldn’t be surprising to see these teams vying for the No. 1 pick come April, so it’s easy to joke that we could see some tanking early. All kidding aside, both Fizdale and Atlanta’s Lloyd Pierce would love to see their seasons get off to good starts as they begin their respective head-coaching tenures in this opener. Opportunities to win will be few and far between, so don’t expect to see the Knicks favored in too many games until Kristaps Porzingis makes his return after All-Star break, which isn’t necessarily set in stone. Tim Hardaway, Jr. will likely be tasked with being the primary scoring option until the Latvian star returns but comes into this one nursing an ankle injury. He led the team in scoring in New York’s last three preseason games from the wing, while center Enes Kanter and rookie Kevin Knox should also play major roles. Fizdale likes Emmanuel Mudiay’s length and views him as a backcourt fixture, but he will miss tonight’s game with an ankle injury. A neck issue has shooting guard Courtney Lee listed as doubtful, so Trey Burke, Frank Ntilikina and Ron Baker are likely in for extended runs. Lance Thomas will start alongside Knox and Kanter up front and is expected to serve in a glue-guy role.

The Hawks are hoping for big things out of second-year forward John Collins but aren’t going to throw him out there with an ankle that’s less than 100 percent, so he won’t play. Center Dewayne Dedmon (ankle) is also out, so look for former Phoenix lottery pick Alex Len and Miles Plumlee to play the bulk of the minutes inside. Len has extended his range out to the 3-point line and may play a larger role for Atlanta than most expect, but I’d also look for them to go small whenever possible. Rookie point guard Trae Young will get the keys from the jump and looks to get out and run alongside promising forward Taurean Prince and Collins once healthy. 41-year-old Vince Carter will start opposite Kent Bazemore on the wing.

Cleveland at Toronto (-12/214), 7:35 p.m. ET: The post-LeBron James era begins with Cleveland as a double-digit underdog, a role that it hasn’t seen much of over the past few years but could become the norm. Pride figures to go a long way for the Cavs, especially at home, but they could be in a trouble spot here given where the league’s schedule-makers have them opening up. Toronto will have no mercy, especially since it lost six of seven meetings last season, getting swept out of the Eastern Conference semifinals to close out the Casey/DeMar DeRozan era. Point guard Kyle Lowry is among those most bitter about how things ended, but the majority of last year’s team returns intact and will be coached by Nick Nurse, a top assistant who will look to put his own spin on things while preserving continuity.

Kawhi Leonard will debut for the Raptors after being acquired in a package for DeRozan and impressed in the preseason, showing no signs of the injury that caused so much disharmony in San Antonio, ultimately ending his time there. Only guard Delon Wright (thigh) is listed as questionable for a Raptors roster that ranks right up there with the Celtics as the East’s deepest. The Cavs will build around Kevin Love, who was dealing with a sore foot but will play and be the focal point on the offensive end. Larry Nance, Jr. just got extended and will help Tristan Thompson in the paint, while last year’s midseason acquisitions, guards George Hill, Jordan Clarkson and wing Rodney Hood, will all look for increased touches to find more of a comfort zone with James gone. Hood shot poorly in the preseason and is nursing an ankle tweak but should play. Same goes for Nance, while J.R. Smith is doubtful with an elbow injury. Lottery pick Collin Sexton impressed throughout camp but will be tasked with making an impact off the bench to open his career since Ty Lue has decided on Hill as the starting point.

Minnesota at San Antonio (-3/210.5), 8:35 p.m. ET: Neither Popovich nor Tom Thibodeau could’ve had much peace of mind as their head hit the pillow on Tuesday night, which is assuming they managed to sleep at all. It’s hard to imagine guys who are meticulous in their preparation and obsess over every detail can be comfortable with how their seasons are starting, but the moment of truth has arrived following tumultuous offseasons. The Spurs moved on from Leonard and long-time guards Tony Parker (departed via free agency), Manu Ginobili (retirement) and Danny Green (traded) while adding DeRozan and new starting center Jakob Poeltl. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the end of their roster turnover since promising point guard Dejounte Murray (ACL) and rookie wing Lonnie Walker IV (MCL) were lost for the season due to torn ligaments. Derrick White was slated to take over for Murray could potentially miss two months because of a heel injury. The cursed start will lead to shooter Bryn Forbes starting and veteran Patty Mills getting the bulk of the work off the bench for a roster whose depth used to be a major strength. Rudy Gay’s bout with a heel issue went better than White’s, so he’ll be starting next to LaMarcus Aldridge and Poeltl up front. Pau Gasol will come off the bench.

The Timberwolves will bring awkward to new levels since Jimmy Butler is expected to start next to teammates he blew up last week in an effort to get himself dealt out of town. Upset that Karl-Anthony Towns as given a lucrative extension despite flopping in the playoffs, Butler doesn’t feel owner Glen Taylor is invested in his future and will play for Thibodeau only as long as it takes to get his ticket out of town. Count on Butler giving his normal effort out on the floor, but it’s got to be concerning that there’s such little harmony among this group, potentially affecting chemistry. Butler didn’t accompany the Timberwolves to Milwaukee for their preseason finale, so it’s anyone’s guess how things will go in San Antonio, where at least Butler won’t have to hear boos like he probably would’ve in Minneapolis. It’s likely we’ll see Thibs open with the same starting five (Andrew Wiggins, Taj Gibson, Towns, Jeff Teague, Butler) that was utilized most of last season, including a Western Conference first-round series that featured the Wolves being blown out by 18 points or more in three of their contests against Houston.

**Udog** · 10-17-2018, 06:27 PM

MIDDLETON GETS A BUZZ VS THIS FOE

Milwaukee Bucks’ sharpshooter Khris Middleton loves playing the Charlotte Hornets and it doesn’t matter if it’s on the road or at home. Middleton has lit up the scoreboard through each of the Bucks' previous four starts against the Hornets, putting up point totals of 20, 28, 31, and 43.

Although Middleton shot just shy of 47 percent from the field in those games, and his season average was 45, it was the volume of shots attempts per game (23) which really contributed to his success. Take the Over 19 at -110 for his point total.

SLOW AND LOW

Last season, the Grizzlies were the second-worst team in points per game at just 99, and that number was almost a full point lower on the road. The problem? Their slow place. They lack playmakers and now face a team of the same ilk in their opener when they visit the Pacers on Wednesday night. Their two offenses ranked 28th and 29th in possessions per game.

On the other side of the ball, both Memphis and Indiana surprisingly were in the upper half of teams defensively, allowing a low total of opponent points per game with 103.4 and 105.5. Look for a low-scoring contest as the Pacers Under has gone 10-3 in their last 13 home games dating back to last season, and the total has gone Under in 12 of the Grizzlies’ last 18 games at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. With the total set at 206.5, there's value with the Under.

FRIENDLY COMPETITION

Although Nikola Mirotic and Julius Randle are projected to split some minutes for the New Orleans Pelicans this season, it’s Mirotic who's listed as the starter for Wednesday's contest at Houston. Although the Rockets ranked in the Top 5 defensively in opponents rebounding per game, they were one of the worst at allowing opposing power forwards to rebound.

Mirotic averaged 5.7 rebounds per game last season but did have 14 games of 10 or more rebounds. With extra incentive from Randle, expect Mirotic to be active on both ends of the floor. Take the Over 7.5 rebounds at -140.

WELCOME BACK CP3

Houston point guard Chris Paul missed Games 6 and 7 of the Western Conference finals due to a hamstring injury and his shooting, especially from deep, was missed as the Rockets only managed 7 of 44 made 3-point shots.

Although point guards versus the Pelicans were usually a favorable matchup for scoring points, they did hold them to 40 percent shooting. Take the Under 32.5 points, rebounds and assists for Paul at EVEN money. Paul may need more time getting readjusted following injury.

NO ROOKIE HANGOVER HERE

The Phoenix Suns were the worst team last year versus opposing point guards, surrendering an average of 27 points per game, while allowing opponents to shoot 47 percent from the field and 38 percent from beyond the arc. That has Mavericks’ point guard Dennis Smith Jr. licking his chops for tonight’s matchup.

Smith Jr. averaged 15.2 points, 3.8 rebounds and 5.2 assists per game last season. He also averaged 13.8 field goals per game, but saw his attempts and production steadily increase as he became more comfortable on the court. He ended his final 10 games averaging 16.1 attempts per game. Look at the Over 27.5 (-120) for total points, rebounds and assists for Smith Jr.

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Wednesday's NBA Trends and Indexes - 10/17

Wednesday's NBA Trends and Indexes - 10/17

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