Announcement

**Udog** · 02-04-2019, 07:51 AM

Armadillo: Monday's six-pack

Someone named Andrew Miller posted his top six college QB’s for next year:

1. Trevor Lawrence, Clemson

2. Tua Tagovailoa, Alabama

3. D’Eriq King, Houston

4. Justin Herbert, Oregon

5. McKenzie Milton, Central Florida

6. Sam Ehlinger, Texas

**********

Armadillo: Monday's List of 13: Wrapping up a sullen Sunday

13) Patriots 13, Rams 3— New England wins its 6th Super Bowl title in a defensive struggle that was reminiscent of Super Bowls from the 70’s. Not a lot of offense.

12) 18 months ago, if you had told me that the Rams would lose this Super Bowl Sunday night, I would’ve suggested drug testing for you, after I thanked you for trying to cheer me up.

Sean McVay and GM Les Snead have a done a GREAT job making the Rams a prominent team; this was a disappointing end to a great season. Life goes on.

11) We live in a country full of frontrunners and know-it-alls; only way to silence the haters is to win all the time. But only one team carries that trophy home; everyone else is a “loser”

The Super Bowl is so hyped up that it magnifies the stuff that happens. Jared Goff’s job from this point on will be to play well, like he has for the last two years, but then when the Rams get back to the playoffs, he has to win a title, preferably in style.

The naysayers will be after him from this point on, until he shuts them up.

10) Sports are interesting because they’re unscripted; you can be a nerd like me and study trends and stats, but you never KNOW whats going to happen until it happens. Total for this game was 56, but it turned out to be the first Super Bowl with no TD’s in the first three quarters.

Go figure.

9) There was a 54-51 game this season and people complained about that. No defense.

Lot of people are complaining a lot about this 13-3 game. No offense.

There are lot of people who just like to complain.

8) Turns out I’m way behind on my pop culture knowledge; this guy Adam Levine sings at halftime of the game; he is in one of my favorite movies, Begin Again, where he played a singer, but I had no idea he actually IS a singer. Who knew? (everybody but me, apparently)

Halftimes are very long at the Super Bowl; wonder how that effects the players. It is almost like playing two separate games.

7) Do people actually watch commercials? I almost never do, but did a little bit during the Super Bowl because it is useless to turn the channel during the game. Not much else on.

6) This is what was on the ESPN family of networks at halftime of the game:

ESPN— Boxing
ESPN News— X Games
ESPNU— Women’s gymnastics
ESPN2— World Series of Poker

5) Alex Rodriguez was in a commercial with Mr Peanut?

4) Someday, people who broadcast football games on TV will realize that plays run is a more important stat than time of possession. Someday.

3) How much do you think it costs to open/close a retractable dome? They opened it during the National Anthem so people could see the flyover, then closed it again; that can’t be cheap.

2) Was looking thru Joe Lunardi’s Bracketology on ESPN.com; there are still six weeks until Selection Sunday in college basketball, but on Sunday morning, last four teams in field were: Arizona State, Florida, Indiana, Seton Hall.

1) On the bright side, it was over freezing in Albany Sunday and temps will be above freezing most of the week, creeping into the 50’s on Tuesday.

Spring training starts in two weeks.

**Udog** · 02-04-2019, 08:10 AM

NBA Power Poll
Tony Mejia

Division Rankings

1) Northwest
2) Southwest
3) Atlantic
4) Pacific
5) Central
6) Southeast

First Team All-NBA
F- Kawhi Leonard, Toronto
F- Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee
C- Joel Embiid, Philadelphia
G- Stephen Curry, Golden State
G- James Harden, Houston

Second Team All-NBA
F- LeBron James, L.A. Lakers
F- Kevin Durant, Golden State
C- Nikola Jokic, Denver
G- Damian Lillard, Portland
G- Russell Westbrook, OKC

Third Team All-NBA
F- Paul George, OKC
F- Blake Griffin, Detroit
C- Anthony Davis, New Orleans
G- Kyle Lowry, Toronto
G- Kyrie Irving, Boston

2018-19 NBA Finals Prediction

Golden State over Boston - Slow start aside, the Warriors will have an easier time getting out of the West than they did last season since they won't be facing elimination at any point. The East will supply the playoff drama thanks to a Game 7 between the Raptors and Celtics up in the newly renamed Scotiabank Arena that will wind up delivering the latest playoff heartache for Canadian basketball fans. In the Finals, the Dubs will handle the Celtics to secure a three-peat and their fourth title in a five-year span.

**Udog** · 02-04-2019, 08:13 AM

NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up

Monday, February 4

Nuggets won their last six games; they’re 0-4-1 vs spread in last five road games. Three of their last four games stayed under. Pistons lost five of their last seven games; they’re 1-3 vs spread in last four home games. Under is 10-2-1 in their last 13 games. Denver won six of last nine games with Detroit; they’re 2-3 vs spread in last five trips to the Motor City. Seven of last eight series games stayed under.

Hawks lost five of their last eight games; they’re 4-2 vs spread in last six road games. Six of their last seven games went over. Washington lost three of its last four games; they covered seven of last eight home games. Three of their last four games went over. Wizards won six of last nine games with Atlanta; under is 5-2 in last seven series games. Hawks are 2-2 vs spread in their last four visits to Washington.

Milwaukee won 16 of its last 19 games; they’re 6-1 vs spread in last seven road games. Under is 7-4 in their last 11 road games. Brooklyn lost three of last four games; they’re 4-2-1 vs spread in las seven home games. Under is 4-2 in their last six home games. Bucks won nine of last ten games with the Nets (7-3 vs spread); they covered three of last four trips to Brooklyn. Over is 5-5 in last ten series games.

Pacers are 1-4 since Oladipo got hurt, with road losses by 3-18-18 points. Seven of their last nine games stayed under. New Orleans lost five of its last six games; they’re 4-2 vs spread in last six home games. Six of their last nine home games stayed under. Pelicans won three of last four games with Indiana; eight of last ten series games stayed under the total. Pacers are 3-2 vs spread in last five visits to New Orleans.

Houston won four of its last six games; they’re 1-5 vs spread in last six road games. Nine of their last 12 games went over the total. Suns lost their last ten games; they’re 2-8-1 vs spread in last 11 home games. Four of their last five home game stayed under. Rockets won their last eight games with Phoenix (5-3 vs spread); they covered four of last five visits to the desert. Last three series games stayed under the total.

Spurs won their last five games (2-3 vs spread); they’re 7-2 vs spread in last nine road games. Five of their last six games went over. Sacramento won three of its last four games and covered its last six home games. Under is 11-1-1 in their last 13 games. San Antonio won nine of last ten games with the Kings; they’re 2-2-1 vs spread in their last five visits to Sacramento. Six of last eight series games went over the total.

**Udog** · 02-04-2019, 08:17 AM

NBA

Monday, February 4

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Trend Report
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Atlanta Hawks
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Atlanta's last 5 games
Atlanta is 8-17 SU in its last 25 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Atlanta's last 5 games on the road
Atlanta is 5-11 SU in its last 16 games when playing Washington
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Atlanta's last 7 games when playing Washington
Atlanta is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Washington
Atlanta is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Washington
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Atlanta's last 5 games when playing on the road against Washington
Washington Wizards
Washington is 11-5 ATS in its last 16 games
Washington is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Washington's last 6 games
Washington is 8-2 ATS in its last 10 games at home
Washington is 13-5 SU in its last 18 games at home
Washington is 11-5 SU in its last 16 games when playing Atlanta
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Washington's last 7 games when playing Atlanta
Washington is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Atlanta
Washington is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Atlanta
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Washington's last 5 games when playing at home against Atlanta

Denver Nuggets
Denver is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games
Denver is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Denver's last 11 games
Denver is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Denver is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Denver's last 6 games on the road
Denver is 12-4 SU in its last 16 games when playing Detroit
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Denver's last 8 games when playing Detroit
Denver is 5-10 ATS in its last 15 games when playing on the road against Detroit
Denver is 4-17 SU in its last 21 games when playing on the road against Detroit
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Denver's last 6 games when playing on the road against Detroit
Detroit Pistons
Detroit is 1-5-1 ATS in its last 7 games
Detroit is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Detroit's last 13 games
Detroit is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Detroit is 5-10 SU in its last 15 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Detroit's last 5 games at home
Detroit is 4-12 SU in its last 16 games when playing Denver
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Detroit's last 8 games when playing Denver
Detroit is 10-5 ATS in its last 15 games when playing at home against Denver
Detroit is 17-4 SU in its last 21 games when playing at home against Denver
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Detroit's last 6 games when playing at home against Denver

Milwaukee Bucks
Milwaukee is 13-5-1 ATS in its last 19 games
Milwaukee is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Milwaukee's last 13 games
Milwaukee is 5-1-1 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
Milwaukee is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Milwaukee's last 16 games on the road
Milwaukee is 8-4 ATS in its last 12 games when playing Brooklyn
Milwaukee is 11-1 SU in its last 12 games when playing Brooklyn
The total has gone OVER in 12 of Milwaukee's last 17 games when playing Brooklyn
Milwaukee is 13-2-1 ATS in its last 16 games when playing on the road against Brooklyn
Milwaukee is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Brooklyn
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Milwaukee's last 9 games when playing on the road against Brooklyn
Brooklyn Nets
Brooklyn is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 games
Brooklyn is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games
Brooklyn is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games at home
Brooklyn is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Brooklyn's last 6 games at home
Brooklyn is 4-10-1 ATS in its last 15 games when playing Milwaukee
Brooklyn is 1-11 SU in its last 12 games when playing Milwaukee
The total has gone OVER in 12 of Brooklyn's last 17 games when playing Milwaukee
Brooklyn is 2-13-1 ATS in its last 16 games when playing at home against Milwaukee
Brooklyn is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Milwaukee
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Brooklyn's last 9 games when playing at home against Milwaukee

Indiana Pacers
Indiana is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games
Indiana is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Indiana's last 9 games
Indiana is 2-7 ATS in its last 9 games on the road
Indiana is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Indiana's last 11 games on the road
Indiana is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games when playing New Orleans
Indiana is 11-3 SU in its last 14 games when playing New Orleans
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Indiana's last 6 games when playing New Orleans
Indiana is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games when playing on the road against New Orleans
Indiana is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against New Orleans
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Indiana's last 6 games when playing on the road against New Orleans
New Orleans Pelicans
New Orleans is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
New Orleans is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games
New Orleans is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of New Orleans's last 11 games at home
New Orleans is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Indiana
New Orleans is 3-11 SU in its last 14 games when playing Indiana
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of New Orleans's last 6 games when playing Indiana
New Orleans is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games when playing at home against Indiana
New Orleans is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Indiana
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of New Orleans's last 6 games when playing at home against Indiana

Houston Rockets
Houston is 2-7 ATS in its last 9 games
Houston is 17-8 SU in its last 25 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Houston's last 5 games
Houston is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Houston is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Houston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Phoenix
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Houston's last 14 games when playing Phoenix
Houston is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Phoenix
Houston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Phoenix
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Houston's last 11 games when playing on the road against Phoenix
Phoenix Suns
Phoenix is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games
Phoenix is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
Phoenix is 2-7 ATS in its last 9 games at home
Phoenix is 2-9 SU in its last 11 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Phoenix's last 5 games at home
Phoenix is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Houston
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Phoenix's last 14 games when playing Houston
Phoenix is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Houston
Phoenix is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Houston
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Phoenix's last 11 games when playing at home against Houston

San Antonio Spurs
San Antonio is 16-8 ATS in its last 24 games
San Antonio is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of San Antonio's last 6 games
San Antonio is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of San Antonio's last 5 games on the road
San Antonio is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Sacramento
San Antonio is 14-1 SU in its last 15 games when playing Sacramento
The total has gone OVER in 6 of San Antonio's last 8 games when playing Sacramento
San Antonio is 11-4-1 ATS in its last 16 games when playing on the road against Sacramento
San Antonio is 18-2 SU in its last 20 games when playing on the road against Sacramento
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of San Antonio's last 12 games when playing on the road against Sacramento
Sacramento Kings
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Sacramento's last 13 games
Sacramento is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Sacramento is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Sacramento's last 6 games at home
Sacramento is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing San Antonio
Sacramento is 1-14 SU in its last 15 games when playing San Antonio
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Sacramento's last 8 games when playing San Antonio
Sacramento is 2-5-1 ATS in its last 8 games when playing at home against San Antonio
Sacramento is 2-18 SU in its last 20 games when playing at home against San Antonio
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Sacramento's last 12 games when playing at home against San Antonio

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**Udog** · 02-04-2019, 08:53 AM

NBA
Long Sheet

Monday, February 4

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DENVER (37 - 15) at DETROIT (22 - 29) - 2/4/2019, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DENVER is 8-19 ATS (-12.9 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 2-11 ATS (-10.1 Units) in February games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 5-13 ATS (-9.3 Units) after a non-conference game this season.
DETROIT is 14-27 ATS (-15.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
DETROIT is 14-24 ATS (-12.4 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game this season.

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

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ATLANTA (17 - 35) at WASHINGTON (22 - 30) - 2/4/2019, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 17-29 ATS (-14.9 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 14-6 ATS (+7.4 Units) in home games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game this season.
WASHINGTON is 14-5 ATS (+8.5 Units) in home games versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game this season.
WASHINGTON is 60-77 ATS (-24.7 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 30-47 ATS (-21.7 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 22-39 ATS (-20.9 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 9-8 against the spread versus ATLANTA over the last 3 seasons
WASHINGTON is 11-6 straight up against ATLANTA over the last 3 seasons
11 of 17 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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MILWAUKEE (38 - 13) at BROOKLYN (28 - 26) - 2/4/2019, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MILWAUKEE is 379-461 ATS (-128.1 Units) in the second half of the season since 1996.
MILWAUKEE is 60-107 ATS (-57.7 Units) after 3 or more consecutive wins since 1996.
MILWAUKEE is 204-253 ATS (-74.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season since 1996.
BROOKLYN is 76-59 ATS (+11.1 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
BROOKLYN is 35-22 ATS (+10.8 Units) when the total is greater than or equal to 220 over the last 2 seasons.
BROOKLYN is 21-10 ATS (+10.0 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent this season.
BROOKLYN is 42-27 ATS (+12.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
BROOKLYN is 24-12 ATS (+10.8 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game this season.
MILWAUKEE is 29-20 ATS (+7.0 Units) in all games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 139-104 ATS (+24.6 Units) in road games against Atlantic division opponents since 1996.
MILWAUKEE is 16-4 ATS (+11.6 Units) in road games after allowing 115 points or more over the last 3 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 92-64 ATS (+21.6 Units) after playing 3 consecutive road games since 1996.
MILWAUKEE is 54-32 ATS (+18.8 Units) in road games versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game since 1996.

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

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INDIANA (33 - 19) at NEW ORLEANS (23 - 30) - 2/4/2019, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEW ORLEANS is 24-13 ATS (+9.7 Units) in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 19-9 ATS (+9.1 Units) after a division game over the last 2 seasons.
INDIANA is 77-62 ATS (+8.8 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
INDIANA is 25-12 ATS (+11.8 Units) in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
INDIANA is 49-36 ATS (+9.4 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
NEW ORLEANS is 4-0 against the spread versus INDIANA over the last 3 seasons
NEW ORLEANS is 3-1 straight up against INDIANA over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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HOUSTON (30 - 22) at PHOENIX (11 - 43) - 2/4/2019, 9:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 5-14 ATS (-10.4 Units) after scoring 115 points or more this season.
HOUSTON is 13-24 ATS (-13.4 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game this season.
PHOENIX is 60-74 ATS (-21.4 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 10-20 ATS (-12.0 Units) when the total is greater than or equal to 220 this season.
PHOENIX is 25-42 ATS (-21.2 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 3-11 ATS (-9.1 Units) in a home game where the total is greater than or equal to 220 this season.
PHOENIX is 11-22 ATS (-13.2 Units) after allowing 115 points or more this season.
PHOENIX is 32-46 ATS (-18.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 2-11 ATS (-10.1 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 31-45 ATS (-18.5 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 2-12 ATS (-11.2 Units) in home games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 18-28 ATS (-12.8 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game this season.
PHOENIX is 9-22 ATS (-15.2 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
HOUSTON is 5-3 against the spread versus PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
HOUSTON is 8-0 straight up against PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
5 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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SAN ANTONIO (32 - 22) at SACRAMENTO (27 - 25) - 2/4/2019, 10:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SACRAMENTO is 18-8 ATS (+9.2 Units) in home games this season.
SACRAMENTO is 16-7 ATS (+8.3 Units) in a home game where the total is greater than or equal to 220 this season.
SAN ANTONIO is 31-22 ATS (+6.8 Units) in all games this season.
SAN ANTONIO is 851-725 ATS (+53.5 Units) as a favorite since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 20-2 ATS (+17.8 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent this season.
SAN ANTONIO is 122-91 ATS (+21.9 Units) after playing 3 consecutive home games since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 23-13 ATS (+8.7 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game this season.
SACRAMENTO is 62-88 ATS (-34.8 Units) in home games off an upset win as an underdog since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN ANTONIO is 5-3 against the spread versus SACRAMENTO over the last 3 seasons
SAN ANTONIO is 8-1 straight up against SACRAMENTO over the last 3 seasons
6 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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**Udog** · 02-04-2019, 10:51 AM

NBA
Dunkel

Monday, February 4

Denver @ Denver

Game 531-532
February 4, 2019 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Denver
123.859
Denver
114.964
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Denver
by 9
203
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Denver
by 4
209
Dunkel Pick:
Denver
(-4); Under

Atlanta @ Washington

Game 533-534
February 4, 2019 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Atlanta
110.808
Washington
118.614
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Washington
by 8
234
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Washington
by 6
232 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Washington
(-6); Over

Milwaukee @ Brooklyn

Game 535-536
February 4, 2019 @ 7:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Milwaukee
127.815
Brooklyn
117.447
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Milwaukee
by 10 1/2
222
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Milwaukee
by 7
228 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Milwaukee
(-7); Under

Indiana @ New Orleans

Game 537-538
February 4, 2019 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Indiana
118.655
New Orleans
106.085
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Indiana
by 12 1/2
224
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Indiana
by 1 1/2
217 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Indiana
(-1 1/2); Over

Houston @ Phoenix

Game 539-540
February 4, 2019 @ 9:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Houston
122.368
Phoenix
106.353
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Houston
by 16
228
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Houston
by 8
229 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Houston
(-8); Under

San Antonio @ Sacramento

Game 541-542
February 4, 2019 @ 10:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
San Antonio
121.200
Sacramento
117.542
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
San Antonio
by 3 1/2
231
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
San Antonio
by 1 1/2
227
Dunkel Pick:
San Antonio
(-1 1/2); Over

**Udog** · 02-04-2019, 11:06 AM

Monday's Essentials
Tony Mejia

Game of the Night - San Antonio at Sacramento (-1.5, 227), 10:05 ET, NBATV

The Spurs weren’t supposed to be ahead in the Southwest Division when their annual “Rodeo Road Trip” came around this season, so they’ll be living out of their luggage playing with house money.

Don’t call it a free-roll though. There’s plenty at stake as the city’s pro basketball gets out of Dodge to make way for the annual San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo. This annual exodus has happened every year since 2003 and doubles as the time where Gregg Popovich likes to see his team truly gel in preparation for the latest title run after his group went 8-1 over the course of the first one, ultimately winning a championship.

With Kawhi Leonard out last season, the Spurs took the step back everyone had been expecting and prematurely counting on for years, so the trip has taken on a different feel. This season has come out of nowhere since not even Pop expected DeMar DeRozan to get so well acclimated immediately and the defensive capacity of Leonard and Danny Green to be adequately replaced.

Last season marked only the second losing “Rodeo trip” out of 18 excursions, producing a 2-4 finish in what was a brutal season by Spurs standards. They finished 47-35 and were swept out by Golden State and weren’t counted on to be among the Western Conference’s top-eight given LeBron James’ arrival and the expected emergence of teams like the Pelicans and Nuggets.

As this season’s eight-game roadie begins, the Spurs have won five consecutive contests and hold a one-game edge on the Rockets in the division. The rest of the division is stuck under .500 and few would expect the Pels, Mavs or Grizzlies to make a run, so it’s entirely conceivable that the Spurs will win the Southwest and potentially even open the playoffs at home. As the week opens, they rank fifth in the West and would play the Trail Blazers if the postseason opened today, but roughly 30 games remain for most and plenty remains to be decided.

With Chris Paul back and James Harden among the frontrunners for MVP, the Rockets will be expected to nose back out in front of San Antonio, which came into the season with 12-to-1 odds to win the Southwest Division according to the Westgate LV Superbook. Houston was a 1/10 favorite, which means you would’ve had to wager $1000 for every buck you wanted to win for it to come through. This would’ve been an awful bet and you’re being punished for making it if you did so.

For the rest of us, the Spurs’ resurgence has been a terrific story. Despite losing projected starting point guard Dejounte Murray in the preseason, Derrick White and Bryn Forbes have stepped up alongside veteran Patty Mills, while Rudy Gay has been incredibly efficient in his starting role alongside DeRozan and All-Star LaMarcus Aldridge, doing whatever has been asked of him.

San Antonio is 90-43 on this February roadie since ’03, which is absolutely remarkable considering what a challenge it is to win in opposing an arena. The Spurs’ winning percentage is .677.

For DeRozan, this annual trip will be a new experience, but most have already been through at least one of these roadies that Popovich counts on to improve camaraderie. Despite his team’s winning streak, the veteran head coach hasn’t been a happy camper, calling out his team for disrespecting the Suns with their lack of effort last week despite winning on a Gay jumper at the buzzer. San Antonio comes off a victory over depleted New Orleans, which had a chance to tie the game despite trailing by 22 points with just over five minutes remaining. The Pelicans have been victimized twice by the Spurs on their five-game run, while the team’s other wins have come against the Wizards, Nets and Suns. Only Brooklyn has a winning record among that group.

The level of competition intensifies since all but two of the eight opponents they’ll see before returning home to host the Pistons at the end of the month is currently over .500. After visiting the Kings, San Antonio will play at the Warriors, Trail Blazers, Jazz and Grizzlies prior to the All-Star break. The Spurs will resume action in Toronto on Feb. 22 before facing Brooklyn and New York on consecutive nights prior to returning to South Texas.

Getting off to a strong start in Sacramento is vital considering a back-to-back in Oakland and Portland awaits mid-week. The Spurs will be a heavy underdog in all their games this week with the exception of this one. They’re favored on the road for just the eighth time this season in this one and come in 4-3 SU/3-4 ATS in this situation.

San Antonio’s defense has slipped over the past month due to poor communication, so it’s not ideal that they’ll be without White, the point guard who has stepped up as an x-factor on both sides of the ball while serving as the team’s top on-ball defender. The Spurs have only held two opponents under 100 points over their last dozen games and will need their transition defense to come up a few notches to contain the Kings, who employ a pace faster than most NBA teams and bring a lot of athleticism to the mix, which is something the Spurs have struggled with.

Sacramento opens play this week just one game behind the Clippers for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference. It is a half-game up on the Lakers and look to continue making inroads on a six-game homestand that has opened with wins over the Hawks and 76ers.

The Rockets, Heat and Suns come into town after San Antonio, so this will be a crucial stretch for them as well. Rookie forward Marvin Bagley III has given the team a boost with his productive energy off the bench and is averaging 16.2 points and 10 rebounds over his last five games. After producing three triple-doubles between the start of the season and Jan. 12, Bagley has registered four over his last nine contests. Buddy Hield has also impressed in becoming a more consistent scorer and knocked down seven 3-pointers to help upset Philly on Saturday night, finishing with 34 points. Sacramento is 8-5 when he scored more than 25.

The Kings won the only meeting against the Spurs thus far this season, posting 104-99 win on Nov. 12 to snap a 14-game losing streak against San Antonio. They capitalized off turnovers, using their speed to create issues in overcoming DeRozan’s 23 points and eight boards. Bogdan Bogdanovic led Sacramento with 22 points. The ‘under’ connected in that game and has gone 11-1-1 over the last 13 Kings games. The Spurs have won an unbelievable 42 of 46 meetings between these teams since the last time they lost consecutive games – back in the 2006 first round of the playoffs. They’ll be look to avoid that fate tonight.

**Udog** · 02-04-2019, 02:02 PM

Hoop Trends - Monday
Vince Akins

ATS Play ON Trend of the Day:

-- The Bucks are 12-0 ATS (+15.50 ppg) on the road with less than two days rest off a double-digit win in which they scored at least fifteen points more in the first than in the second half and it is before the All-Star break.

ATS Play AGAINST Trend of the Day:

-- The Suns are 0-14 ATS (-9.04 ppg) as a dog off a home game in which they had at least five turnovers less than their season-to-date average and it is before the All-Star break.

OU Play OVER Trend of the Day:

-- The Pelicans are 9-0 OU (+17.44 ppg) off a road game in which they had at least five turnovers less than their season-to-date average and it is before the All-Star break.

OU Play UNDER Trend of the Day:

-- The Spurs are 0-16 OU (-11.00 ppg) when the line is within three of pick with less than two days rest off a win as a favorite and they are facing a team that is averaging more than 24 assists per game and it is before the All-Star break.

**Udog** · 02-04-2019, 03:51 PM

By: Monique Vág

What defense?

The Wizards host the Hawks with Washington listed as 6.5-point home favorites. The Wizards are coming off a 131-115 loss to Milwaukee on Saturday, and the Hawks are coming off a 118-112 win versus the Suns.

Both defenses rank in the bottom three of the NBA in points per game, surrendering over 115.6 a contest and allowing opponents to shoot over 47 percent from the floor. In what should be a high scoring affair played with minimal defense, back the game total Over 232.

What Offense?

Both the Nuggets and Pistons rank in the top 10 in opponent points per game, with Denver surrendering 106.1, and Detroit 108.3. Offensively, the Nuggets are averaging only 106.9 points per game away from home – substantially lower than their 116.5 at home.

With the Under hitting in five of the last six when playing at Little Caesars Arena, and seven of the last eight overall in the head-to-head, back the game total Under 211.

In for a big night against his former team

The Milwaukee Bucks travel to Brooklyn to take on the Nets having won nine of the last 10 games in the head-to-head, and 11 of their last 12 overall. The Nets have been playing well at home overall, posting a 16-11 record and winning five straight at Barclays Center.

Look for Bucks center Brook Lopez to have success today versus a Nets team surrendering an average of 25 points on 52.2 percent shooting, and 17.6 rebounds per game to opposing centers. Back Over his points, rebounds, assists total of 19.5.

Kicking them while they’re down

Indiana has lost four of their last five games while failing to score over 101 points in three straight contests. Today the Pacers take on a Pelicans team who have played well on their home court this season, posting a 15-9 record and averaging 117.6 points per game.

Although the Pels have lost two straight games they were versus quality teams in the Nuggets and Spurs and they should be happy to return home today. Take the 3-points with New Orleans as the Pacers have really struggled without Victor Oladipo.

Owning the head-to-head in Sac-town

The Spurs put their five-game winning streak on the line as they take on the Kings who have won 16 of 26 at home this season but have historically struggled versus San Antonio.
The Spurs have won 18 of the last 20 games when playing on the road at Sacramento.

With the Spurs' playing some of their best basketball of the season and scoring no less than 113 points over their last five contests, look for them to find success and continue to dominate the matchup versus the Kings. Back San Antonio on the money line as small favorites.

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Monday's NBA Trends and Indexes - 2/4

Monday's NBA Trends and Indexes - 2/4

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