Announcement

**Udog** · 01-17-2019, 09:25 AM

Armadillo: Thursday's six-pack

Odds for the PGA Tour event this week:

13-2: Jon Rahm

9-1: Justin Rose

16-1: Patrick Cantlay

20-1: Charles Howell III

25-1: Adam Hadwin, Andrew Putnam

33-1: Aaron Wise, Abraham Ancer, Chez Reavie

**********

Armadillo: Thursday's List of 13: Doing some thinking out loud…….

13) Tulsa 88, UConn 80— Both head coaches got tossed at the same time in this game, which doesn’t happen a whole lot. Don’t think I’ve ever heard of it before.

Tulsa led 61-47 with 11:19 left in the game when the refs lost control of things; the delay wound up being 6-7 minutes, with both coaches pleading their cases to stay on the bench, but the refs clearly had enough of listening to them.

Tulsa was 26-36 on foul line in this game, Huskies 12-15.

12) Iowa State 68, Texas Tech 64— Kansas’ top two challengers in the Big X hooked up here; these are two really good teams. This easily could’ve been an Elite 8 or Final Four game.

Cyclones led 41-33 at halftime; they didn’t turn ball over once the whole half.

11) St John’s 81, Creighton 66— Bluejays are in top 5 in country in 3-point shooting, but were just 11-35 in this game, and they lost their 4th game in a row. Ponds scored 22 for St John’s after he missed the Red Storm’s last game

10) South Carolina 74, Vanderbilt 71— Commodores led 68-63 with 1:38 left before a technical foul for taunting on Vandy helped swing this foul-filled game, where both teams took 35+ foul shots.

Gamecocks are a surprising 4-0 in SEC, after a 5-7 pre-conference record; their bench outscored Vandy’s subs 28-12.

9) Illinois State 59, Southern Illinois 58— Redbirds blew a 16-point second half lead, then outscored SIU 8-5 over final 4:55 for the win. State’s last three games were decided by a total of five points.

8) Drake 69, Bradley 52— Homestanding Braves went 5-33 in first half of this game; they’re now 0-5 in MVC, despite being one of most experienced teams in league.

7) Upsets of the Week:
Tuesday:
— Wake Forest (+9.5) 71, NC State 67
— Central Michigan (+7) 78, Northern Illinois 69
— St Joe’s (+5) 61, Davidson 60
— Kent State (+5) 66, Ohio U 52
— LSU (+5) 83, Ole Miss 69

Wednesday:
— Kansas State (+6.5) 74, Oklahoma 61
— George Washington (+6) 59, LaSalle 56
— Iowa State (+5) 68, Texas Tech 64
— South Carolina (+5) 74, Vanderbilt 71

6) Warriors 142, Nuggets 111— Golden State scored 51 points in the first QUARTER.

5) Nevada 72, Boise State 71— Red flag for the Wolf Pack, who were life/death here after losing at New Mexico earlier this month. Nevada isn’t playing that well away from Reno- they take bad shots.

4) Iowa 89, Penn State 82— Iowa ended this game on an 8-0 run. Nittany Lions are 0-7 in conference; their coach got suspended for a game for shoving a player during a timeout. Sounds like they’re not having much fun.

3) Campbell 70, NC-Asheville 53— Camels get a win on a Wednesday (Hump Day).

2) Temple 85, East Carolina 74— Owls are quietly 14-3 this season, 4-1 in AAC.

1) Nets 145, Rockets 142 OT— James Harden scored 57-58 points in his last two games.

**Udog** · 01-17-2019, 09:35 AM

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

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**Udog** · 01-17-2019, 09:36 AM

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.

**Udog** · 01-17-2019, 09:39 AM

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

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**Udog** · 01-17-2019, 11:32 AM

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

**Udog** · 01-17-2019, 11:46 AM

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.

**Udog** · 01-17-2019, 12:03 PM

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

**Udog** · 01-17-2019, 12:58 PM

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

**Udog** · 01-17-2019, 01:28 PM

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.

**Udog** · 01-17-2019, 05:22 PM

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** · 01-17-2019, 05:34 PM

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.

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Thursday's NBA Trends and Indexes - 1/17

Thursday's NBA Trends and Indexes - 1/17

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