Announcement

**Udog** · 12-24-2018, 09:08 AM

If any hoops info comes out today, I'll put it in here.

**Udog** · 12-24-2018, 09:09 AM

Armadillo: Monday's six-pack

Top 6 picks for Week 16 of Westgate SuperBook NFL handicapping contest:

1) Seattle Seahawks, +2.5 (884)- W

2) Los Angeles Chargers, -4.5 (777)- L

3) Chicago Bears, -4 (735)- W

4) Philadelphia Eagles, -2.5 (711)- L

5) Minnesota Vikings, -5.5 (670)- W

6) Baltimore Ravens, +4.5 (634)- W

Season record: 51-44-3

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

Saints 31, Steelers 28— Wth 4:11 left, Steelers had ball on their own 42, 4th-and-5, while leading 28-24. They faked a bleeping punt, and it failed. Football coaches have gone off the rails this season, going for it on 4th down, and all the ex-player TV analysts applaud them for it.

Here’s a hint, Mike Tomlin; your QB is going to the Hall of Fame, he’s really good. Steelers gained 429 yards in this game, converted 6-13 third down plays. How about putting the game in Roethlisberger’s hands, instead of a special teamer? Just a thought.

Should be mentioned that if the Steelers had punted and pinned the Saints back deep in their own territory, New Orleans had zero TD’s on their previous three drives, but Saints only had to drive 46 yards for the game-winning score. It is almost like Tomlin is trying to get fired.

Pittsburgh needs to beat the Bengals next week and hope that the Browns upset Baltimore, or else they’ll miss playoffs for first time since 2013.

Seahawks 38, Chiefs 31— Mirage sportsbook here in Las Vegas took a $220,000 wager on the Chiefs to cover this game as a 1-point favorite; whoops.

Seattle clinched a playoff spot and likely will play at Dallas in one of the Wild Card games; they ran ball for 210 yards in this game. Under Carroll, Seahawks are 13-5 as home underdogs. Six of last seven games for both teams went over the total.

Chiefs need to beat Oakland next week to claim the #1-seed and a first round bye in playoffs;

Eagles 32, Texans 30— Are we sure that Carson Wentz should be the Eagles’ starting QB? Nick Foles threw for 471 yards, four TD’s, and led a drive for the game-winning FG at the gun.

Houston scored pair of TD’s in 4th quarter to rally from a 29-16 deficit and looked to have ended the Eagles’ season, but they couldn’t hang on and slipped to the #3 seed in AFC, letting Patriots move ahead of them in the race for a first round bye.

Darren Sproles scored a TD and gave the ball to Mike Trout, who has season tickets just behind one end zone. Like Trout needs another souvenir for his trophy case.

Packers 44, Jets 38 OT— Late in this game, with Jets leading 35-20, I turned to guy next to me and said, “Can you believe a team led by Aaron Rodgers is going to go 0-8 on the road?” Well, not so fast, my friend.

Green Bay still trailed 35-23 with 7:00 left, but actually took a 38-35 lead before Jets tied game with 0:17 left- Rodgers ended things with a TD pass to Devante Adams in OT.

Jets lost eight of last nine games, but rookie QB Darnold threw for 341 yards and three TD’s. Gang Green averaged 8.7 yards/pass attempt, ran a kick back for a TD, but still lost.

Packers are 20-42 on third down their last three games.

Cowboys 27, Buccaneers 20— Tampa Bay is 5-10 this season; they lost seven of their last nine games, lost their last seven road games after winning opener 48-40 in the Superdome.

— In their five wins, Buccaneers are +4 in turnovers.
— In their ten losses, Buccaneers are -22 in turnovers.

If you had to make the call, would you pay Jameis Winston $20M a year to be the face of your franchise going forward, or would you move on to someone else? It is an interesting decision.

Dallas wins NFC East, will probably host Seattle in their first playoff game; they’ve won six of last seven games, finished 7-1 at home in the regular season.

Patriots 24, Bills 12— New England catches a huge break when the Texans lost in Philly; now the Patriots are the #2 seed in AFC and need only to beat the Jets next week for a first round bye.

Change in tactics for NE with WR Josh Gordon suspended by the NFL; Patriots ran ball 47 times for 273 yards, throwing only 25 passes. Teams combined to connect 5-25 on third down; both teams turned ball over three times.

Patriots are 33-4 in their last 37 games vs Buffalo; must be nice to have six games every freakin’ year against Jets-Bills-Miami.

Falcons 24, Panthers 10— Carolina lost last seven games (1-6 vs spread); backup QB Heinecke got KO’d for a while from his first NFL start but came back later. Even less experienced #3 QB Allen came in and was 4-4 passing for 38 yards.

— Carolina ran 84 plays for 436 yards; they scored 7 points on four red zone drives.
— Atlanta ran 48 plays for 427 yards; their two 2nd half TD’s were on plays of 75-44 yards.

Panthers turned ball over four times (-2) on 11 drives; rough end to their season- they’ve lost six of their last seven games with Atlanta.

Jaguars 17, Dolphins 7— Looked like Jacksonville knew the Dolphins’ play calls before Miami did; several times when the Dolphins tried misdirection, there was a Jaguar standing waiting for it, and one of those plays resulted in a crucial turnover.

Officials in this game might need rotator cuff surgery from throwing so many flags; both teams were called for 10 accepted penalties. Subtract penalty yardage and Jacksonville won yardage battle, but by 147-88 margin. This was an ugly game played in perfect weather.

Dolphins are 7 for their last 37 on third down; Ryan Tannehill is in his 6th year as an NFL QB; his career W-L record is 42-45. If I was a Miami fan, I’d be an unhappy human, with him as my team’s franchise quarterback- he was a WR until his junior year in college.

Colts 28, Giants 27— Indy is now 9-6 after starting season 1-5; they play Tennessee on Sunday night, in what is a play-in game for the #6 seed and likely a trip to LA to play the Chargers in the first round of the playoffs. Steelers’ loss in New Orleans opened the door for that to happen.

Jets and Giants both led 14-0 Sunday, and both lost; Giants finish season 6-1 vs spread as road underdogs. Six of their last seven games went over the total.

Vikings 27, Lions 9— On their first four series, Minnesota ran 12 plays for five yards, and trailed 9-0, even though Detroit was putrid in the red zone. On the last play of the first half, Vikings completed a 44-yard Hail Mary for a TD that gave Minnesota the lead- Detroit never scored again.

Vikings are the #6-seed in NFC right now; they play the Bears next week, while the Eagles are in Washington. This was Minnesota’s first win in their last four road games.

After going 36-28 in four years under Jim Caldwell, Detroit is 5-10 this year, proving that just because you know Tom Brady doesn’t mean you can win NFL games without him.

Browns 26, Bengals 18— Cleveland was eliminated from playoff hunt, but they’ve won five of last six games- Browns play Baltimore next week while trying for a winning season, a pretty big accomplishment for a team that was 4-44 the last three years. Backdoor cover here for Bengals; they trailed 23-0 after third quarter, but Cincinnati scored couple of TD’s in the last 5:00 to beat the spread.

Bengals lost six of last seven games overall but they covered five of last six games as underdogs vs divisional rival Cleveland.

Rams 31, Cardinals 9— Rams ran ball for 269 yards as they moved to 12-3 and got within one game of clinching a first round bye in playoffs- they won their two games vs Arizona this year by a combined score of 65-9. LA won in Glendale for 4th year in a row, even though Todd Gurley sat this game out with a knee problem. CJ Anderson was signed by the Rams on Tuesday, but ran ball for 167 yards and a touchdown.

In their last three games, Cardinals were outrushed 606-225.

Bears 14, 49ers 9— Chicago won/covered eight of its last nine games, are 3-3 SU on road, 2-3 as road favorite; they can still get first round bye if they win and Rams loss to San Francisco in the LA Coliseum. Otherwise, they’ll probably play either Vikings/Eagles in first playoff game.

Four of Chicago’s last five games stayed under the total; under is 6-3 in 49ers’ last nine games.

**Udog** · 12-24-2018, 06:28 PM

NBA
Long Sheet

Tuesday, December 25

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MILWAUKEE (22 - 10) at NEW YORK (9 - 25) - 12/25/2018, 12:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MILWAUKEE is 76-52 ATS (+18.8 Units) in road games on Tuesday nights since 1996.
MILWAUKEE is 137-104 ATS (+22.6 Units) in road games against Atlantic division opponents since 1996.
MILWAUKEE is 17-7 ATS (+9.3 Units) off a upset loss as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 49-30 ATS (+16.0 Units) in road games versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
NEW YORK is 6-3 against the spread versus MILWAUKEE over the last 3 seasons
MILWAUKEE is 7-2 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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OKLAHOMA CITY (21 - 11) at HOUSTON (17 - 15) - 12/25/2018, 3:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
HOUSTON is 7-6 against the spread versus OKLAHOMA CITY over the last 3 seasons
HOUSTON is 8-5 straight up against OKLAHOMA CITY over the last 3 seasons
8 of 13 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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PHILADELPHIA (22 - 12) at BOSTON (19 - 13) - 12/25/2018, 5:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 3-14 ATS (-12.4 Units) in road games vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 76-53 ATS (+17.7 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 50-37 ATS (+9.3 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 39-24 ATS (+12.6 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 12-3 ATS (+8.7 Units) in home games vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 40-27 ATS (+10.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 50-33 ATS (+13.7 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 118-89 ATS (+20.1 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 34-19 ATS (+13.1 Units) when the total is greater than or equal to 220 over the last 3 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 67-49 ATS (+13.1 Units) as an underdog over the last 3 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 25-12 ATS (+11.8 Units) when playing with 2 days rest over the last 3 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 69-46 ATS (+18.4 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 3 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 58-33 ATS (+21.7 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 8-6 against the spread versus PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
BOSTON is 11-3 straight up against PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
7 of 13 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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LA LAKERS (19 - 14) at GOLDEN STATE (23 - 11) - 12/25/2018, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LA LAKERS are 32-20 ATS (+10.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 59-75 ATS (-23.5 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 1-13 ATS (-13.3 Units) on Tuesday nights over the last 2 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 32-46 ATS (-18.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
GOLDEN STATE is 4-4 against the spread versus LA LAKERS over the last 3 seasons
GOLDEN STATE is 7-1 straight up against LA LAKERS over the last 3 seasons
4 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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PORTLAND (19 - 14) at UTAH (16 - 18) - 12/25/2018, 10:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
UTAH is 36-23 ATS (+10.7 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.

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

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NBA

Tuesday, December 25

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Trend Report
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Milwaukee Bucks
Milwaukee is 2-3-1 ATS in its last 6 games
Milwaukee is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Milwaukee's last 10 games
Milwaukee is 6-13-1 ATS in its last 20 games on the road
Milwaukee is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Milwaukee's last 6 games on the road
Milwaukee is 3-6-1 ATS in its last 10 games when playing New York
Milwaukee is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing New York
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Milwaukee's last 5 games when playing New York
Milwaukee is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against New York
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Milwaukee's last 14 games when playing on the road against New York
New York Knicks
New York is 2-8 ATS in its last 10 games
New York is 1-9 SU in its last 10 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of New York's last 7 games
New York is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games at home
New York is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games at home
New York is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing Milwaukee
The total has gone OVER in 4 of New York's last 5 games when playing Milwaukee
New York is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Milwaukee
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of New York's last 14 games when playing at home against Milwaukee

Oklahoma City Thunder
Oklahoma City is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Oklahoma City is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 17 of Oklahoma City's last 24 games on the road
Oklahoma City is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Houston
Oklahoma City is 6-12-1 ATS in its last 19 games when playing Houston
Oklahoma City is 4-8 SU in its last 12 games when playing Houston
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Oklahoma City's last 6 games when playing Houston
Oklahoma City is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Houston
Oklahoma City is 1-9 SU in its last 10 games when playing on the road against Houston
Houston Rockets
Houston is 5-1-1 ATS in its last 7 games
Houston is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Houston's last 10 games
Houston is 5-0-1 ATS in its last 6 games at home
Houston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Houston's last 9 games at home
Houston is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Oklahoma City
Houston is 8-4 SU in its last 12 games when playing Oklahoma City
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Houston's last 6 games when playing Oklahoma City
Houston is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Oklahoma City
Houston is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games when playing at home against Oklahoma City

Philadelphia 76ers
Philadelphia is 8-4 ATS in its last 12 games
Philadelphia is 13-5 SU in its last 18 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 6 games
Philadelphia is 5-13 ATS in its last 18 games on the road
Philadelphia is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Philadelphia is 6-12 SU in its last 18 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 15 of Philadelphia's last 22 games on the road
Philadelphia is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Boston
Philadelphia is 3-19 SU in its last 22 games when playing Boston
Philadelphia is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Boston
Philadelphia is 1-11 SU in its last 12 games when playing on the road against Boston
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Philadelphia's last 13 games when playing on the road against Boston
Boston Celtics
Boston is 9-3 ATS in its last 12 games
Boston is 9-3 SU in its last 12 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Boston's last 6 games
Boston is 18-7 ATS in its last 25 games at home
Boston is 19-6 SU in its last 25 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Boston's last 8 games at home
Boston is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Philadelphia
Boston is 19-3 SU in its last 22 games when playing Philadelphia
Boston is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Philadelphia
Boston is 11-1 SU in its last 12 games when playing at home against Philadelphia
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Boston's last 13 games when playing at home against Philadelphia

Los Angeles Lakers
LA Lakers is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games
LA Lakers is 15-8 SU in its last 23 games
LA Lakers is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 13 of LA Lakers's last 18 games
LA Lakers is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games on the road
LA Lakers is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of LA Lakers's last 6 games on the road
LA Lakers is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Golden State
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of LA Lakers's last 12 games when playing Golden State
LA Lakers is 3-8 ATS in its last 11 games when playing on the road against Golden State
LA Lakers is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Golden State
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of LA Lakers's last 6 games when playing on the road against Golden State
Golden State Warriors
Golden State is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games
Golden State is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Golden State is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games at home
Golden State is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games at home
Golden State is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing LA Lakers
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Golden State's last 12 games when playing LA Lakers
Golden State is 8-3 ATS in its last 11 games when playing at home against LA Lakers
Golden State is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against LA Lakers
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Golden State's last 6 games when playing at home against LA Lakers

Portland Trail Blazers
Portland is 5-12 ATS in its last 17 games
Portland is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Portland's last 10 games
Portland is 1-7 ATS in its last 8 games on the road
Portland is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Portland's last 9 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Portland's last 8 games when playing Utah
Portland is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Utah
Portland is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Utah
Utah Jazz
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Utah's last 5 games
Utah is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Utah is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Utah's last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Utah's last 8 games when playing Portland
Utah is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Portland
Utah is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Portland

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**Udog** · 12-24-2018, 06:32 PM

NCAAB
Long Sheet

Tuesday, December 25

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COLORADO (8 - 3) vs. CHARLOTTE (3 - 7) - 12/25/2018, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
COLORADO is 0-7 ATS (-7.7 Units) in road games in December games over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 2-9 ATS (-7.9 Units) in road games after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.
CHARLOTTE is 10-25 ATS (-17.5 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CHARLOTTE is 10-25 ATS (-17.5 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
CHARLOTTE is 9-23 ATS (-16.3 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
CHARLOTTE is 0-8 ATS (-8.8 Units) in road games when playing with one or less days rest over the last 3 seasons.
CHARLOTTE is 11-25 ATS (-16.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
CHARLOTTE is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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RHODE ISLAND (6 - 4) at HAWAII (7 - 5) - 12/25/2018, 3:30 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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UNLV (6 - 5) vs. BUCKNELL (5 - 6) - 12/25/2018, 6:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
UNLV is 9-19 ATS (-11.9 Units) when the total is 140 to 149.5 over the last 3 seasons.
UNLV is 77-52 ATS (+19.8 Units) in December games since 1997.
UNLV is 58-35 ATS (+19.5 Units) when playing with one or less days rest since 1997.
UNLV is 134-102 ATS (+21.8 Units) after a non-conference game since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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INDIANA ST (8 - 3) vs. TCU (10 - 1) - 12/25/2018, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
INDIANA ST is 1-9 ATS (-8.9 Units) as a neutral court underdog of 9.5 to 12 points since 1997.
TCU is 26-14 ATS (+10.6 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 3 seasons.
TCU is 184-232 ATS (-71.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
TCU is 1-0 against the spread versus INDIANA ST over the last 3 seasons
TCU is 1-0 straight up against INDIANA ST over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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**Udog** · 12-24-2018, 06:36 PM

NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up

Tuesday, December 25

Bucks won six of last eight games, are 6-8-1 vs spread on road this year. Eight of their last ten games stayed under. New York lost nine of its last ten games; they’re 0-5 vs spread in last five home games. Five of their last seven games went over. Knicks lost six of last seven games with Milwaukee; last four series games went over the total. Bucks are 2-3 vs spread in their last five visits to Manhattan.

Thunder won four of their last five games; they’re 9-7 vs spread on road this year. Under is 4-1-1 in their last six games. Houston won six of its last seven games; they’re 5-0-1 vs spread in last six home games. Under is 7-2-1 in their last ten games. Oklahoma City won three of last four games with the Rockets; Thunder is 3-2 vs spread in their last five visits to Houston. Five of last six series games stayed under.

Sixers won three of last four games; they’re 5-10 vs spread on road this year. Over is 5-3 in their last eight games. Boston lost three of its last four games; they’re 5-2 vs spread in last seven home games. Celtics’ last six games went over the total. Celtics won eight of last ten games with Philly; three of last four series games stayed under total. 76ers are 1-5 vs spread in their last six visits to Boston.

Lakers lost four of their last six games; they’re 3-7 vs spread in last ten road games. LA’s last three games stayed under the total. Golden State won eight of its last ten games; they’re 2-10 vs spread in last dozen home games. Under is 5-3 in their last eight home games. Warriors won their last seven games with the Lakers, but LA covered three of last four; Lakers are 1-4 vs spread in their last five visits to Oakland. Three of last four series games went over.

Portland lost four of its last seven games; they’re 4-2 vs spread in last six home games. Under is 6-3-1 in their last ten games. Utah lost five of its last eight games, is 4-1 vs spread in their last five home games. Last six Jazz games stayed under the total. Jazz is 5-3 in their last eight games with Portland (under 6-2). Trailblazers are 1-3 vs spread in their last four visits to Salt Lake City.

**Udog** · 12-24-2018, 06:42 PM

Christmas Games to Watch
YouWager

Whether you’ve got the Christmas spirit going full force or you’re in a Grinch-like mood for whatever reason, you’re going to get a trio of ‘merry’ NBA picks that is highlighted by the intriguing showdown between the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors. With all three Christmas Day contests going down in less than 24 hours, let’s get started bringing the holiday cheer.

Oklahoma City Thunder (21-11) at Houston Rockets (17-15)

Tuesday, December 25, 2018 at 3:00 PM ET
Toyota Center - Houston, Texas
TV: ABC
NBA Odds: Houston -1.5
Total: 220.5

Oklahoma City had their four-game winning streak snapped in their narrow 114-112 home loss against Minnesota on Sunday. Paul George scored a team-high 31 points and Russell Westbrook added a triple-double of 23 points, 10 assists and 11 rebounds, but the Thunder came up just short after getting outscored by 16 points in the third quarter. The Thunder are averaging 112 points (11th) and allow 105.6 points per game defensively (5th). Paul George is averaging a team-high 26.1 points per game.

Houston has won six of seven and comes into this contest off a 108-101 win over San Antonio on Saturday. James Harden scored a game-high 39 points and Clint Capela added 21 points and an insane 23 rebounds. The Rockets average 109.2 points per game (19th) while allowing 108.5 points per game defensively (11th). James Harden is averaging a team-high 32 points per game.

Prediction

For this Christmas Day showdown of Western Conference championship-hopefuls, I am going to advise you to back James Harden and company to get the super narrow home win over Paul George and the visiting Thunder for one big reason. Oklahoma City just won’t be able to deal with the blossoming Clint Capela and yes, I know they have a talented big man of their own in Steven Adams.

The Rockets have gone 5-0-1 ATS in their last 6 home games and 5-1-1 ATS in their last 7 games overall. Oklahoma City is 4-9 in their last 13 Tuesday games and even though they’re also 4-1 ATS in their last five dates against the Rockets, James Harden and company are playing their best basketball of the season right now and they’re playing at home on Christmas. Houston wins by at least a basket to cover!

Predicted Score: Houston Rockets 117, Oklahoma City Thunder 112

Los Angeles Lakers (19-14) at Golden State Warriors (23-11)

Tuesday, December 25, 2018 at 8:00 PM ET
Oracle Arena - Oakland, California
TV: ABC
NBA Odds: Golden State -9
Total: 235

The Golden State Warriors will face off against sure-fire future Hall of Famer LeBron James for the fourth consecutive Christmas, but this time, he won’t be suiting up for the Cleveland Cavaliers. Steph Curry says this now, annual holiday showdown will have a different feel to it.

"We've seen him a lot over the last four years," Curry said after scoring 42 points to help lift the Warriors to a 129-127 win over the Clippers. "It'll be a fun atmosphere. Played him and his team on Christmas I think the last four years, including this year.

James and Los Angeles lost four of their last six games and are coming off a 107-99 loss to Memphis on Sunday. L.A. is averaging 112.8 points per game (10th) while allowing 111.3 points per contest defensively (20th).

"We can't measure ourselves versus them," James told reporters of Golden State. "That's a team that's won three out of four championships, the last four years. You can't measure yourself versus them."

Golden State has won two straight and eight of their last 10games including their 129-127 win over the Clippers on Sunday night that saw Steph Curry and Kevin Durant go off for 42 and 35 points respectively.

"I really don't give a damn about him being in a Laker uniform," Draymond Green said. "That really don't matter to me. That is the team he is on and that is who we face. It obviously is going to be a tough challenge, they are playing well. They got a lot of guys playing well. Kuz [Kyle Kuzma] has really stepped up his game, Lonzo [Ball] is playing well."

Prediction

The Lakers have gone an uninspiring 7-9 on the road this season while Golden State has gone a stellar 15-3 at home. The Dubs are looking to start playing better now that they’ve gotten healthier and are moving further away from the rift that gave them their recent stretch of major dysfunction.

Golden State is playing at home and they definitely want to deliver a message to their young challengers that, should they meet in the playoffs, this is the kind of effort they can expect.

The Lakers are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games overall and just 2-6 ATS in their last 8 road games. Conversely, Golden State has gone 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games after scoring more than 125 points in their previous game while the Home team in this series has gone 8-2 ATS in the last 10 meetings. The Dubs win and cover people!

Predicted Score: Golden State Warriors 120, Los Angeles Lakers 109

Portland Trail Blazers (19-14) at Utah Jazz (16-18)

Tuesday, December 25, 2018 at 10:30 PM ET
Vivint Smart Home Arena - Salt Lake City, UT
TV: ESPN, ATRM, NSNW
NBA Odds: Utah -6
Total: 214.5

Portland has won six of their last 10 games including a 121-118 win over Dallas on Sunday. The Trail Blazers are averaging 111.4 points per game (12th) while allowing 110.7 points per contest defensively (16th). Damian Lillard is averaging a team-high 26.9 points per game while CJ McCollum is averaging 21.2 points per contest.

Utah has gone a modest 5-5 over their last 10 games, but the Jazz were on the wrong end of a crushing 107-106 home loss to Oklahoma City on Saturday. The Jazz are averaging a modest 106.9 points per game (23rd) while allowing 105.9 points per game defensively (6th).

Prediction

I’ll get right to the point with my pick on this matchup by saying that I’m going with the narrow 56 percent of public bettors that like Utah to win and cover the chalk in this one. The Jazz have a very good defense and I believe they’re more versatile offensively than Portland, which relies a bit too heavily on Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum if you ask me.

The Jazz have won four of their last five home games while going 4-1 ATS along the way. The Trail Blazers are 1-7 ATS in their last 8 road games and 5-11 ATS in their last 16 games overall. Spydah Mitchell leads the Jazz to narrow the Christmas Day win and cover at home.

Predicted Score: Utah Jazz 110, Portland Trail Blazers 102

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