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**Udog** · 02-22-2019, 09:28 AM

Armadillo: Friday's six-pack

Hitters who knocked in highest %age of runners in from 3rd base LY (min, 200 PA)

1) Lourdes Gurriel, Tor 14-21 (66.7%)

2) Jake Lamb, 14-23 (60.9%)

3) Yuli Gurriel, Hst 34-61 (55.7%)

4) Andrelton Simmons, LAA 35-63 (55.6%)

5) Matt Wieters, Wsh 15-27 (55.6%)

6) Jedd Gyorko 21-39 (53.8%)

**********

Armadillo: Friday's List of 13: Random stuff with the weekend here…….

13) Zion Williamson supposedly has a Grade 1 sprained knee; no one is saying how long he is out for. “Day-to-day” is the official word; seemed to me Wednesday that his injury wasn’t a minor thing. Hope the young man does what is best for him; he has a lot of money sitting on the table, waiting for him to grab it this spring/summer.

Then there is the other side of the coin…….

Kenyon Martin played college ball at Cincinnati; he was the #1 pick in the 2000 NBA draft. Martin broke his leg in the C-USA tournament his senior season, a situation not unlike Williamson’s Wednesday.

Martin went on to earn $113,035,975 in his NBA career, so most injuries do heal.

12) Bucks 98, Celtics 97— Is Milwaukee the quietest 44-14 team ever?

11) Cavaliers 111, Suns 98— Phoenix and the Knicks both have 11 wins; they play each other March 6. Will either team win a game before then?

10) Pittsburgh Steelers let star RB Le’Veon Bell walk; he will be a free agent when the new NFL year starts next month. Looks like Steelers will be without Bell and Antonio Brown, which means a much different offensive look for them next fall.

9) Western Kentucky is getting coach Rick Stansbury back this weekend; he had back surgery last weekend and has missed the last four games.

8) Steve Stricker will be the captain of the American team the next time they hold the Ryder Cup; he will be the first American captain ever who hasn’t won a major tournament.

7) Upsets of the night in college hoop:
— SIU-Edwardsville (+6.5) 85, Tennessee State 84
— UL-Monroe (+5.5) 63, Texas State 60
— San Francisco (+4) 77, BYU 71

6) Saw an old film clip today of the great QB Sonny Jurgensen back when he was playing for the Eagles in the early 60’s; while being rushed, he throws a pass behind his back, and completes it to a running back in the left flat.

Apparently it was an exhibition game in 1961 against the college all-stars; back then, the NFL champs played the college all-stars in the first exhibition game the next summer. Jurgensen was a really good QB and also a bit of a character.

5) Statistic I never would’ve guessed; who has scored the most runs this decade? How about Ian Kinsler, with 851. I would’ve sat here for an hour and not come up with that one.

4) Arena Football League has expanded to six teams for this season, adding Atlantic City and Columbus, OH to the league, joining Philadelphia, Washington, Baltimore and Albany.

3) AA Eastern League is moving to a split-season format, meaning the first/second half champs will meet in the playoffs. You wonder if the major leagues will consider something like that down the road someday, to re-boot interest in losing teams during the summer.

2) In case you were wondering, before the All-Star break, James Harden dribbled the ball 29,055 times, more than anyone else in the NBA.

1) Every time it snows here in beautiful upstate New York, I price condos in Las Vegas, but this week, it has snowed twice in Las Vegas, with the snow Wednesday night enough that there was a chance schools would be closed on Thursday. Their last school closing for snow was in 2008.

In case you were wondering, the city of Las Vegas owns two snow plows. Two.

**Udog** · 02-22-2019, 09:42 AM

Stretch Run Snapshot
Tony Mejia

The NBA will ramp back up for a final seven-week stretch featuring roughly 25 games. While some teams will be openly tanking for the best chance at a Duke freshman, there are other teams desperate to improve their playoff position or qualify for the postseason in the first place. Here’s a look at where the value lies, who to fade and where to get in on the MVP race.

Fire at Will

Milwaukee Bucks: One of the top acquisitions at the trade deadline, sharp-shooting forward Nikola Mirotic, will finally debut after the break after dealing with a calf injury. Considering how seamlessly he’s expected to fit in if healthy, the Bucks are going to be able to put on the blinders and make a run at the NBA’s top record, which is the only way they’re getting through the East and into the Finals without the benefit of having won a single playoff series since 2001, falling in the first round eight straight times. The Bucks were 23-5 at the new Fiserv Forum coming out of All-Star, trailing only the Nuggets and Raptors in home winning percentage. They’ve won three of four over Toronto and own the tie-breaker in the East, so I’m expecting them to wind up the No. 1 seed in the conference when the playoff begins. Look for Giannis Antetokounmpo to chase the MVP, so I don’t see much to fade here, especially with a very manageable schedule.

Orlando Magic: After pulling within a single game of the Southeast Division lead, the Magic are eyeing their first playoff appearance since 2012 and have a schedule they can take advantage of to make It happen. Orlando had covered seven of eight entering Friday’s home date vs. the Bulls and play the Knicks, Hawks, Grizzlies and Cavs twice. With second-year forward Jonathan Isaac starting to hit his stride to help elevate Orlando’s level of play, the Magic need their questionable decisions to hang on to unrestricted free agents Nikola Vucevic and Terrence Ross to pay off in helping their young nucleus pick up some postseason experience. Improving guard play would provide a boost, but it appears that D.J. Augustin and rookie Isaiah Briscoe will have to hold the fort down since it’s unlikely Markelle Fultz will aid the cause this season.

Toronto Raptors: With the Bucks setting the pace, expect the Raptors to be hot on their trail as they look to emerge as the East’s top seed for a second straight season. With Kawhi Leonard leading the way and LeBron James finally in a different conference, this will be the Raptors’ best opportunity to finally break through with the franchise’s first Finals appearance. They’ll have to finish a game ahead of Milwaukee to finish No. 1 but will only be outside of Canada for 11 more regular-season games, saddled with a trip longer than two road dates only once. The Raps should be able to help newcomers Marc Gasol and Jeremy Lin settle in since they’ll be home or across the street in Detroit between now and March 8.

Utah Jazz: Since the Western Conference is loaded, there aren’t many teams who can claim an easy schedule. The Jazz are an exception, having already finished up with the Warriors, Rockets, Raptors, Celtics and 76ers. They’ll get two games with the Suns, Grizzlies, Wizards, Clippers and Lakers and count home dates with the Bucks, Thunder and Nuggets as the matchups that look toughest on paper. Considering Donovan Mitchell was a slow starter this season and Rudy Gobert spent the break stewing over his All-Star snub on a tropical beach, Utah has a great opportunity to work its way up the standings after opening the unofficial second half of the season just one game up on eighth in the conference. It wouldn’t be surprising to see them wind up with a top-four spot and homecourt advantage.

Fade City

Charlotte Hornets: The Hornets hosted the All-Star game, but that will likely be the highlight of the season since the team has already started their crash and the hold they have on the Southeast Division title lead isn’t one they’re destined to cling on to. After dropping its last two games prior to the break, Charlotte has now lost four of five and is under pressure to start fast on a four-game homestand that will be the longest it has left. Seven of its next eight will be played at Spectrum Center, but the Warriors, Rockets and Trail Blazers are among the visitors. The Hornets have to play Golden State, Houston and Toronto twice more and will also visit Milwaukee and Utah. Kemba Walker is going to have to weigh whether he’ll stay put without the benefit of another playoff run, which doesn’t bode well for the team’s chances unless Michael Jordan can be really persuasive.

Cleveland Cavs: The Cavs seem to be well-positioned whenever a generational talent becomes available, so even though the Suns, Knicks and Bulls are fully engaged in tanking protocol, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Cleveland find a way to out-lose them all. Kevin Love is returning to the fold but isn’t likely to go too hard, so a combination of Larry Nance, Jr., Tristan Thompson, Ante Zizic and Marquese Chriss will help Love man the four and five. Rookie Collin Sexton, Jordan Clarkson, Brandon Knight, David Nwaba, Nik Stauskas and Turkish small forward Cedi Osman will play the bulk of the minutes at the point and along the perimeter, so you can expect a team that shows up and essentially scrimmages, putting on a good show before losing down the stretch. The Cavs entered Thursday’s home date with the Suns on a 4-23 run and won’t win another five games this season, which means they’ll drop over 65.

Indiana Pacers: After losing their first four games without Victor Oladipo, the Pacers opened February with six victories, covering in five of their wins. They had the Bucks on the ropes before being caught from behind in the fourth just before the break and picked up standout defender Wes Matthews in the buyout market to help fill the vacancy in their starting lineup. While those are good things, Indiana will play 13 of its final 23 on the road and will stop through Milwaukee, Philadelphia, Denver, Portland, L.A., Golden State, Oklahoma City and Boston in March. Their schedule next month is too tough to overcome, so count on the Pacers falling out of the No. 3 spot where they reside coming ou of the break, ultimately opening the playoffs on the road in either Boston or Philly.

Los Angeles Lakers: L.A. hopes to get point guard Lonzo Ball back from an ankle injury in March, which is important since another five-game trip awaits where it has to play in Toronto and Milwaukee. The month also sees the Lakers host the Bucks on March 1, followed by the Clippers, Nuggets, Celtics, Nets and Kings, Wizards and Hornets. None of those games can be deemed locks. The team’s April slate consists entirely of teams that would currently make the playoffs – OKC, Golden State, the Clippers, Utah, and Portland. Westgate has a will-they or won’t-they make the playoffs prop in play offering +120 odds if you’re still a believer while laying a -140 tag on ‘no’ since that’s currently chalk with the Clippers a full three games on them in the race for the eighth and final spot in the Western Conference. Although I fully expected the Lakers to make the playoffs when the season began, the challenges they’ll have to overcome over the next seven weeks makes it difficult to forecast a positive outcome.

Proceed with Caution

Boston Celtics: Considering Kyrie Irving is feuding with teammates and he just spent the entire All-Star Weekend seemingly plotting joining forces with good friend Kevin Durant, a lack of harmony may become insurmountable for the team that has now been replaced as the Eastern Conference favorite by the Raptors and Bucks (2/1), coming into Thursday’s resumption of action, coming in with 11/4 odds. Irving has said that he and backup Terry Rozier no have a contentious dynamic since they’re fighting for minutes, so it remains to be seen whether this is a situation that Brad Stevens can help boss Dany Ainge salvage. There are reasons to like Boston, from Al Horford’s great form and good health to the fact Gordon Hayward is clearly also feeling more comfortable than he did trying to regain his rhythm at the start of the season, but the schedule works against them. Of the Celtics’ final 24 games, 14 will come on the road. Portland, Houston, Sacramento, Denver and San Antonio will all make its only trips into TD Garden, so the home slate isn’t an easy one. It’s hard to imagine Boston finishing ahead of even Philadelphia in the Atlantic, much less Toronto, so it is likely looking at a No. 4 seed.

Brooklyn Nets: While it’s hard to envision the Nets missing the playoffs after such a strong start, their first playoff appearance since 2015 isn’t guaranteed. It’s fantastic that Caris LeVert was able to get back before the break and he should be a factor in March and April, but a ridiculously long seven-game road trip awaits from March 13-28 with no pushovers on the dockets whatsoever. Brooklyn will then return home to face the Celtics, Bucks and Raptors in consecutive games before heading back on the road for a rematch in Milwaukee and a game at Indiana the following night. Getting to the finish line won’t be easy.

Denver Nuggets: Paul Millsap looks like he’s healthier than he’s been all season after being victimized by a broken toe and an array of ankle injuries. His surgically-repaired wrist has held up and it’s no coincidence that his final performance prior to the All-Star break saw him match a season-high with 25 points while adding 13 boards in a win over Sacramento. Isaiah Thomas has also debuted and promises to be an asset off the bench behind Jamal Murray, who also missed a couple of weeks. Despite guard Gary Harris and wing Will Barton also being out for substantial portions of the season, the Nuggets have been among the Western Conference’s top teams and would ordinarily be worth backing now that they’re closer to full strength if it weren’t for the challenging schedule that awaits. Denver faces Oklahoma City, Portland, Utah, San Antonio and Indiana twice. The Nuggets have still got games at Golden State and Houston left and will be on the road for 12 of their final 20, which ramps up the pressure for them to do well on next week’s four-game homestand which features three teams that would currently reach the playoffs (Clips, OKC, Jazz) coming into town.

Oklahoma City Thunder: Although they were upset by the Pelicans in the final game before the break, the Thunder still open action after All-Star on an 11-2 run as they welcome Utah into town. The hope is that top perimeter defender Andre Roberson is able to return at some point and Markieff Morris was acquired via the buyout market to significantly upgrade front court depth, but the remaining schedule will be a chore. The OKC will play two games against the Jazz, Nuggets and Raptors in addition to single game with the 76ers, Warriors , Rockets and a season-finale at the Bucks. Although Paul George is a legitimate MVP candidate, Russell Westbrook’s shooting woes make it difficult to feel very comfortable expecting Oklahoma City to seamlessly manage the final quarter of the schedule well enough to pass Golden State or Denver in the standings in order to secure homecourt advantage.

MVP Race

Westgate’s NBA MVP odds has Antetokoumpo and James Harden as co-favorites (10/11). Paul George, who hopefully you got in on in December when he was a 250-to-1 shot instead of an 8-to-1 choice. He’s certainly made quite the push over the past six weeks and bears watching since he’s done such a nice job balancing out Westbrook’s shooting struggles while being inspired to similarly stuff the stat-sheet. While Antetokounmpo is my likely MVP, if you’re looking to get rich, I’d take a flier on Toronto’s Leonard, who is currently available at 50-to-1.

If the Raps have a great run against a manageable schedule and beat out the Bucks for the East’s top seed, Leonard could command a late surge of first-place votes with a great final few weeks, especially if he starts playing in back-to-backs. Embiid (30/1) is already dealing with knee soreness and Stephen Curry (30/1), LeBron (30/1), Kevin Durant (50/1) and Nikola Jokic (60/1) all have a ceiling, so I’d ride Kawhi for a big payday and put down a nice chunk on the “Greek Freak” to cover my bases since I think Harden’s usage rate will ultimately work against him when all is said and done.

**Udog** · 02-22-2019, 09:46 AM

NBA
Long Sheet

Friday, February 22

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WASHINGTON (24 - 34) at CHARLOTTE (27 - 30) - 2/22/2019, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 62-80 ATS (-26.0 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 8-21 ATS (-15.1 Units) in road games this season.
WASHINGTON is 6-17 ATS (-12.7 Units) in a road game where the total is greater than or equal to 220 this season.
WASHINGTON is 157-210 ATS (-74.0 Units) on Friday nights since 1996.
WASHINGTON is 4-17 ATS (-14.7 Units) in road games after allowing 115 points or more this season.
WASHINGTON is 2-13 ATS (-12.3 Units) in road games after scoring 115 points or more this season.
WASHINGTON is 24-41 ATS (-21.1 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 5-19 ATS (-15.9 Units) in road games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game this season.
WASHINGTON is 5-18 ATS (-14.8 Units) in road games versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game this season.
WASHINGTON is 14-29 ATS (-17.9 Units) in road games versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game - 2nd half of the season since 1996.
CHARLOTTE is 15-5 ATS (+9.5 Units) in home games vs. division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
CHARLOTTE is 60-74 ATS (-21.4 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CHARLOTTE is 31-44 ATS (-17.4 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
CHARLOTTE is 15-28 ATS (-15.8 Units) after allowing 115 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
CHARLOTTE is 10-23 ATS (-15.3 Units) after a loss by 10 points or more over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 5-4 against the spread versus CHARLOTTE over the last 3 seasons
WASHINGTON is 5-4 straight up against CHARLOTTE 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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NEW ORLEANS (26 - 33) at INDIANA (38 - 20) - 2/22/2019, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEW ORLEANS is 1-9 ATS (-8.9 Units) on Friday nights this season.
NEW ORLEANS is 10-21 ATS (-13.1 Units) after scoring 115 points or more this season.
INDIANA is 81-64 ATS (+10.6 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
INDIANA is 44-30 ATS (+11.0 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
INDIANA is 29-14 ATS (+13.6 Units) in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
INDIANA is 229-170 ATS (+42.0 Units) on Friday nights since 1996.
INDIANA is 173-136 ATS (+23.4 Units) in home games in non-conference games since 1996.
INDIANA is 53-38 ATS (+11.2 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 27-14 ATS (+11.6 Units) in road games in non-conference games over the last 3 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 41-26 ATS (+12.4 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 26-14 ATS (+10.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.

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

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CHICAGO (14 - 44) at ORLANDO (27 - 32) - 2/22/2019, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO is 16-25 ATS (-11.5 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game this season.
ORLANDO is 12-4 ATS (+7.6 Units) after scoring 115 points or more this season.
ORLANDO is 44-64 ATS (-26.4 Units) in home games over the last 3 seasons.
ORLANDO is 7-19 ATS (-13.9 Units) on Friday nights over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 20-37 ATS (-20.7 Units) in home games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO is 7-3 against the spread versus ORLANDO over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO is 8-3 straight up against ORLANDO over the last 3 seasons
11 of 11 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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SAN ANTONIO (33 - 26) at TORONTO (43 - 16) - 2/22/2019, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SAN ANTONIO is 6-16 ATS (-11.6 Units) in road games in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 13-25 ATS (-14.5 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 17-29 ATS (-14.9 Units) in road games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 16-29 ATS (-15.9 Units) in road games versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 1078-946 ATS (+37.4 Units) in all games since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 24-8 ATS (+15.2 Units) on Friday nights over the last 3 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 357-293 ATS (+34.7 Units) in non-conference games since 1996.
TORONTO is 204-256 ATS (-77.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN ANTONIO is 5-0 against the spread versus TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
SAN ANTONIO is 4-1 straight up against TORONTO 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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MINNESOTA (27 - 30) at NEW YORK (11 - 47) - 2/22/2019, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 377-442 ATS (-109.2 Units) in the second half of the season since 1996.
MINNESOTA is 66-98 ATS (-41.8 Units) after scoring 115 points or more since 1996.
NEW YORK is 4-13 ATS (-10.3 Units) in February games over the last 2 seasons.
NEW YORK is 13-24 ATS (-13.4 Units) in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
NEW YORK is 7-17 ATS (-11.7 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
NEW YORK is 5-15 ATS (-11.5 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record - 2nd half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
NEW YORK is 17-26 ATS (-11.6 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game this season.

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

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DETROIT (26 - 30) at ATLANTA (19 - 39) - 2/22/2019, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 35-55 ATS (-25.5 Units) in road games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game since 1996.
DETROIT is 16-25 ATS (-11.5 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game this season.
ATLANTA is 8-18 ATS (-11.8 Units) in home games this season.
ATLANTA is 7-17 ATS (-11.7 Units) in a home game where the total is greater than or equal to 220 this season.
ATLANTA is 16-29 ATS (-15.9 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
ATLANTA is 6-15 ATS (-10.5 Units) in home games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 5-4 against the spread versus DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
DETROIT is 6-3 straight up against ATLANTA 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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LA CLIPPERS (32 - 27) at MEMPHIS (23 - 36) - 2/22/2019, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LA CLIPPERS are 20-9 ATS (+10.1 Units) as a favorite this season.
LA CLIPPERS are 15-5 ATS (+9.5 Units) in road games in February games over the last 3 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 16-5 ATS (+10.5 Units) on Friday nights over the last 2 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 18-8 ATS (+9.2 Units) after a division game over the last 2 seasons.
MEMPHIS is 61-76 ATS (-22.6 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MEMPHIS is 12-25 ATS (-15.5 Units) after a loss by 10 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
MEMPHIS is 35-49 ATS (-18.9 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA CLIPPERS is 6-3 against the spread versus MEMPHIS over the last 3 seasons
LA CLIPPERS is 6-4 straight up against MEMPHIS over the last 3 seasons
7 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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DENVER (39 - 18) at DALLAS (26 - 31) - 2/22/2019, 8:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DENVER is 27-40 ATS (-17.0 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
DENVER is 9-21 ATS (-14.1 Units) against Southwest division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
DENVER is 3-12 ATS (-10.2 Units) in road games after scoring 115 points or more this season.
DENVER is 8-20 ATS (-14.0 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
DENVER is 7-15 ATS (-9.5 Units) in road games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game this season.
DALLAS is 35-22 ATS (+10.8 Units) in all games this season.
DALLAS is 22-12 ATS (+8.8 Units) as an underdog this season.
DALLAS is 20-9 ATS (+10.1 Units) in home games this season.
DALLAS is 13-3 ATS (+9.7 Units) in home games against Northwest division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
DALLAS is 346-291 ATS (+25.9 Units) after a non-conference game since 1996.
DALLAS is 24-13 ATS (+9.7 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent this season.
DALLAS is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) after a loss by 10 points or more this season.
DALLAS is 48-30 ATS (+15.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
DALLAS is 30-15 ATS (+13.5 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game this season.
DALLAS is 30-18 ATS (+10.2 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
DALLAS is 5-4 against the spread versus DENVER over the last 3 seasons
DENVER is 6-3 straight up against DALLAS 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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UTAH (32 - 25) at OKLAHOMA CITY (37 - 20) - 2/22/2019, 9:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 33-24 ATS (+6.6 Units) in all games this season.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 21-10 ATS (+10.0 Units) after scoring 115 points or more this season.
UTAH is 23-11 ATS (+10.9 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
UTAH is 49-32 ATS (+13.8 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
UTAH is 23-12 ATS (+9.8 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
UTAH is 26-13 ATS (+11.7 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 10-21 ATS (-13.1 Units) vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
OKLAHOMA CITY is 10-6 against the spread versus UTAH over the last 3 seasons
OKLAHOMA CITY is 10-6 straight up against UTAH over the last 3 seasons
10 of 16 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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**Udog** · 02-22-2019, 09:47 AM

NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up

Friday, February 22

Wizards lost seven of their last ten games; they’re 1-4 vs spread in last five road games. Their last seven games all went over. Hornets lost four of their last five games; they’re 3-2-1 vs spread in last six home games. Four of their last six games went over. Home side won six of last seven Washington-Charlotte games; Wizards are 1-3 vs spread in last four visits to Tobacco Road. Five of last six series games went over.

Pelicans lost 10 of their last 15 games; they covered five of last six road games. Over is 5-3 in their last eight road games. Indiana won/covered six of last seven games; they’re 4-1 vs spread in last five home games. Seven of their last eight games stayed under. Pacers won seven of last ten games with New Orleans; under is 8-2 in last ten series games. Pelicans are covered their last three visits to Indiana.

Chicago lost eight of its last 11 games; they’re 4-2 vs spread in last six road games. Five of their last six games went over. Orlando won/covered seven of last eight games; they’re 4-1 vs spread in last five home games. Four of their last six games went over. Bulls won six of their last eight games with the Magic; they’re 3-2 vs spread in last five visits to Orlando. Last ten series games stayed under the total.

DeMar DeRozan returns to Toronto here. Spurs lost four of last five games; they’re 0-8 vs spread in last eight. 10 of their last 11 games went over. Toronto won its last six games; they’re 4-5 vs spread in last nine home games. Five of their last seven games stayed under. Home side won nine of last ten Spur-Raptor games; San Antonio won five of last six meetings, covering last five- they’re 2-2 vs spread in last four visits to Canada.

Minnesota won its last two games; they’re 5-4 vs spread on road since the coaching change. Last five Wolves’ games went over total. New York lost 18 of its last 19 games; they’re 1-5 vs spread in last six home games. Under is 10-3 in their last 13 games. Timberwolves/Knicks split there last ten games; road team is 6-4 in those games (over 6-4). Minnesota is 2-3 vs spread in its last five visits to Manhattan.

Detroit won four of its last five games; they’re 5-7-1 vs spread in last 13 road games. Four of their last five games went over. Atlanta lost four of its last five games; they’re 2-5 vs spread in last seven home games. Over is 12-5 in their last 17 games. Pistons won five of last seven games with the Hawks; they’re 3-2 vs spread in last five visits to Atlanta. Six of last nine series games went over.

Clippers are 4-5 in their last nine games; they’re 8-4-1 vs spread in last 13 road games. Four of their last five games went over. Grizzlies lost three of last four games; they covered their last five home games. Six of their last nine games stayed under. Clippers won three of last four games with Memphis; they’re 3-1-1 vs spread in last five visits to Tennessee. Seven of last nine series games went over.

Nuggets won eight of last 11 games; they’re 0-7-1 vs spread in last eight road games. Four of their last six road games stayed under. Mavericks lost three of last four games; they’re 4-2-1 vs spread in last seven home games. Under is 5-2-1 in their last eight games. Home side won eight of last nine Denver-Dallas games; Nuggets are 1-3 vs spread in last four visits to Dallas, three of which went over the total.

Jazz split their last six games; they’re 5-2 vs spread in last seven road games. Five of their last seven games went over the total. Oklahoma City won 11 of its last 13 games; they’re 6-1 vs spread in last seven home games. Over is 5-2-1 in their last eight games. Thunder won three of last four games with Utah (under 3-1); Jazz covered once in their last five visits to Oklahoma.

**Udog** · 02-22-2019, 09:51 AM

NBA

Friday, February 22

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Trend Report
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Washington Wizards
Washington is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Washington's last 5 games
Washington is 5-12 ATS in its last 17 games on the road
Washington is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Washington's last 5 games on the road
Washington is 8-4 ATS in its last 12 games when playing Charlotte
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Washington's last 6 games when playing Charlotte
Washington is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Charlotte
Washington is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Charlotte
Charlotte Hornets
Charlotte is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
Charlotte is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Charlotte's last 6 games
Charlotte is 4-8 ATS in its last 12 games when playing Washington
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Charlotte's last 6 games when playing Washington
Charlotte is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Washington
Charlotte is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Washington

New Orleans Pelicans
New Orleans is 6-3 ATS in its last 9 games
New Orleans is 4-8 SU in its last 12 games
New Orleans is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
New Orleans is 7-17 SU in its last 24 games on the road
New Orleans is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Indiana
New Orleans is 3-12 SU in its last 15 games when playing Indiana
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of New Orleans's last 7 games when playing Indiana
New Orleans is 6-3 ATS in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Indiana
New Orleans is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Indiana
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of New Orleans's last 5 games when playing on the road against Indiana
Indiana Pacers
Indiana is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Indiana is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Indiana's last 9 games
Indiana is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games when playing New Orleans
Indiana is 12-3 SU in its last 15 games when playing New Orleans
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Indiana's last 7 games when playing New Orleans
Indiana is 3-6 ATS in its last 9 games when playing at home against New Orleans
Indiana is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against New Orleans
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Indiana's last 5 games when playing at home against New Orleans

Chicago Bulls
Chicago is 6-12-1 ATS in its last 19 games
Chicago is 4-18 SU in its last 22 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Chicago's last 6 games
Chicago is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Chicago is 6-18 SU in its last 24 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Chicago's last 10 games on the road
Chicago is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing Orlando
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Chicago's last 5 games when playing Orlando
Chicago is 3-7 ATS in its last 10 games when playing on the road against Orlando
Chicago is 11-5 SU in its last 16 games when playing on the road against Orlando
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Chicago's last 5 games when playing on the road against Orlando
Orlando Magic
Orlando is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games
Orlando is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Orlando's last 6 games
Orlando is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games when playing Chicago
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Orlando's last 5 games when playing Chicago
Orlando is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 games when playing at home against Chicago
Orlando is 5-11 SU in its last 16 games when playing at home against Chicago
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Orlando's last 5 games when playing at home against Chicago

San Antonio Spurs
San Antonio is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games
San Antonio is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of San Antonio's last 5 games
San Antonio is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
San Antonio is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of San Antonio's last 5 games on the road
San Antonio is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Toronto
San Antonio is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Toronto
The total has gone OVER in 10 of San Antonio's last 15 games when playing Toronto
The total has gone OVER in 6 of San Antonio's last 8 games when playing on the road against Toronto
Toronto Raptors
Toronto is 3-6 ATS in its last 9 games
Toronto is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Toronto's last 7 games
Toronto is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games when playing San Antonio
Toronto is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing San Antonio
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Toronto's last 15 games when playing San Antonio
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Toronto's last 8 games when playing at home against San Antonio

Detroit Pistons
Detroit is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Detroit is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Detroit's last 5 games
Detroit is 5-14 SU in its last 19 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Detroit's last 11 games on the road
Detroit is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Atlanta
Detroit is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing Atlanta
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Detroit's last 14 games when playing Atlanta
Detroit is 5-15 SU in its last 20 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Detroit's last 7 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
Atlanta Hawks
Atlanta is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
Atlanta is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
Atlanta is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games at home
Atlanta is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games at home
Atlanta is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Detroit
Atlanta is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing Detroit
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Atlanta's last 14 games when playing Detroit
Atlanta is 2-4-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing at home against Detroit
Atlanta is 15-5 SU in its last 20 games when playing at home against Detroit
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Atlanta's last 7 games when playing at home against Detroit

Minnesota Timberwolves
Minnesota is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Minnesota's last 5 games
Minnesota is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Minnesota is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 11 of Minnesota's last 14 games on the road
Minnesota is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing New York
Minnesota is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing New York
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Minnesota's last 9 games when playing on the road against New York
New York Knicks
New York is 2-6-1 ATS in its last 9 games
New York is 1-18 SU in its last 19 games
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of New York's last 13 games
New York is 1-5-1 ATS in its last 7 games at home
New York is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of New York's last 8 games at home
New York is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Minnesota
New York is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Minnesota
The total has gone OVER in 6 of New York's last 9 games when playing at home against Minnesota

Los Angeles Clippers
The total has gone OVER in 4 of LA Clippers's last 5 games
LA Clippers is 10-5 ATS in its last 15 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of LA Clippers's last 13 games on the road
LA Clippers is 10-5 SU in its last 15 games when playing Memphis
The total has gone OVER in 7 of LA Clippers's last 9 games when playing Memphis
Memphis Grizzlies
Memphis is 7-2-1 ATS in its last 10 games
Memphis is 5-20 SU in its last 25 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Memphis's last 9 games
Memphis is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Memphis is 4-9 SU in its last 13 games at home
Memphis is 5-10 SU in its last 15 games when playing LA Clippers
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Memphis's last 9 games when playing LA Clippers

Denver Nuggets
Denver is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
Denver is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games
The total has gone OVER in 11 of Denver's last 16 games
Denver is 1-7 ATS in its last 8 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Denver's last 6 games on the road
Denver is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Dallas
Denver is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing Dallas
Denver is 1-5-2 ATS in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Dallas
Denver is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Dallas
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Denver's last 5 games when playing on the road against Dallas
Dallas Mavericks
Dallas is 6-3 ATS in its last 9 games
The total has gone UNDER in 14 of Dallas's last 21 games
Dallas is 17-7-1 ATS in its last 25 games at home
Dallas is 18-7 SU in its last 25 games at home
Dallas is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Denver
Dallas is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games when playing Denver
Dallas is 4-1-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Denver
Dallas is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Denver
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Dallas's last 5 games when playing at home against Denver

Utah Jazz
Utah is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Utah is 12-4 SU in its last 16 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Utah's last 7 games
Utah is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Utah's last 8 games on the road
Utah is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Oklahoma City
Utah is 6-14 SU in its last 20 games when playing Oklahoma City
The total has gone UNDER in 17 of Utah's last 24 games when playing Oklahoma City
Utah is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Oklahoma City
Utah is 1-17 SU in its last 18 games when playing on the road against Oklahoma City
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Utah's last 6 games when playing on the road against Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City Thunder
Oklahoma City is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Oklahoma City is 11-2 SU in its last 13 games
The total has gone OVER in 13 of Oklahoma City's last 18 games
Oklahoma City is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games at home
Oklahoma City is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Oklahoma City's last 9 games at home
Oklahoma City is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Utah
Oklahoma City is 14-6 SU in its last 20 games when playing Utah
The total has gone UNDER in 17 of Oklahoma City's last 24 games when playing Utah
Oklahoma City is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Utah
Oklahoma City is 17-1 SU in its last 18 games when playing at home against Utah
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Oklahoma City's last 6 games when playing at home against Utah

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**Udog** · 02-22-2019, 11:23 AM

NBA
Dunkel

Friday, February 22

Washington @ Charlotte

Game 513-514
February 22, 2019 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Washington
116.082
Charlotte
112.900
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Washington
by 3
216
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Charlotte
by 5 1/2
230
Dunkel Pick:
Washington
(+5 1/2); Under

New Orleans @ Indiana

Game 515-516
February 22, 2019 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
New Orleans
116.807
Indiana
120.488
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Indiana
by 3 1/2
204
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Indiana
by 6
221
Dunkel Pick:
New Orleans
(+6); Under

Chicago @ Orlando

Game 517-518
February 22, 2019 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Chicago
115.258
Orlando
130.442
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Orlando
by 15
220
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Orlando
by 8
216 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Orlando
(-8); Over

San Antonio @ Toronto

Game 519-520
February 22, 2019 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
San Antonio
113.452
Toronto
124.027
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Toronto
by 10 1/2
230
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Toronto
by 7
227
Dunkel Pick:
Toronto
(-7); Over

Minnesota @ New York

Game 521-522
February 22, 2019 @ 7:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Minnesota
116.557
New York
112.929
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Minnesota
by 3 1/2
225
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Minnesota
by 7
219 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
New York
(+7); Over

Detroit @ Atlanta

Game 523-524
February 22, 2019 @ 7:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Detroit
114.465
Atlanta
114.697
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Atlanta
Even
228
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Detroit
by 4
223
Dunkel Pick:
Atlanta
(+4); Over

LA Clippers @ Memphis

Game 525-526
February 22, 2019 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
LA Clippers
117.333
Memphis
112.562
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
LA Clippers
by 5
209
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
LA Clippers
by 2
214
Dunkel Pick:
LA Clippers
(-2); Under

Denver @ Dallas

Game 527-528
February 22, 2019 @ 8:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Denver
120.604
Dallas
114.215
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Denver
by 6 1/2
209
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Denver
by 3
219
Dunkel Pick:
Denver
(-3); Under

Utah @ Oklahoma City

Game 529-530
February 22, 2019 @ 9:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Utah
120.480
Oklahoma City
122.051
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Oklahoma City
by 1 1/2
238
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Oklahoma City
by 4
225 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Utah
(+4); Over

**Udog** · 02-22-2019, 12:00 PM

Friday's Essentials
Tony Mejia

Game of the Night - San Antonio at Toronto (-7.5, 228), 7:05 ET, ESPN

DeMar DeRozan lit up the Raptors when they came through San Antonio on Jan. 3. When he went to bed that night, it’s a safe bet he let his mind wander to the Feb. 22 rematch and undoubtedly hoped that his return to Toronto would go as smoothly as that first game did. It’s time to find out whether that wish comes true.

DeRozan’s first career triple-double helped deliver a 125-107 Spurs win as he played conquering hero while San Antonio fans let Kawhi Leonard have it every time he touched the ball, booing him mercilessly. The dynamic will be different for DeRozan in Toronto since he never issued a trade demand or wanted out in any capacity, ultimately sacrificed in favor of acquiring a better player despite nine years of service and four All-Star appearances.

He’s the Raptors’ all-time leader in games (675), minutes (22,986), wins (353), points (13,296), field goals (4,716) and free-throws (3,539).

Canadian basketball fans will almost certainly give him a pre-game standing ovation and won’t be booing him every time he touches the ball, but a different type of challenge awaits DeRozan as he looks to help the Spurs sweep the Raptors on the season. For one, Leonard didn’t perform well amid the vitriol he faced back in Texas, scoring 21 points but finishing with a season-low one rebound. He’ll be better at the Scotiabank Arena, where he’s averaging 27.1 points, 7.6 rebounds and is shooting over 50 percent from the field.

At 24-5, the Raptors share the top home record in the East with the Bucks, one game behind the Nuggets (25-4) for the best mark in the league. For as much love as DeRozan is going to get from grateful Toronto fans who will welcome him back with open arms, they’re still going to want their Raps to come out on top. San Antonio has been terrible on the road, winning just 11 of 30 games, the sixth-worst away record in the West.

This is the resumption of their Rodeo road trip, which has produced just one Spurs’ win in five tries thus far and will culminate with a Sunday-Monday back-to-back against the Knicks and Nets. Despite the struggles, Gregg Popovich’s team opens action a half-game behind the Rockets for first place in the Southwest Division.

DeRozan (21.4 ppg) is San Antonio’s leading scorer despite struggling with ankle and knee soreness over the past few weeks. He’s expected to be as close to full strength as he can possibly be considering that he missed the All-Star game for just the second time in six seasons and the first time since 2015 after not making the Western Conference squad. Count on him being ready for this one, a game he’s circled on his calendar and required a standing-room-only press conference at the team hotel.

The Spurs will have LaMarcus Aldridge available despite an illness, but won’t have point guard Derrick White back even though he’s getting close to returning from a heel injury that has kept him out since Feb. 4. Patty Mills came off the bench to score 22 points in a 108-107 win in Memphis just before the break to snap a four-game skid on the Rodeo road trip.

Toronto owns the NBA’s longest winning streak at six games and is the only team with a perfect record this month. The Raptors traded center Jonas Valanciunas and Delon Wright to Memphis for Marc Gasol, setting up another meeting between him and older brother Pau in this one. The Raptors are down to just seven players who were still on the roster alongside DeRozan at this time last season, chief among them former backcourt mate Kyle Lowry, one of his best friends. Lowry, who made his fifth straight All-Star team last weekend, still isn’t talking to general manager Masai Ujiri, who reportedly shopped him prior to the trade deadline in exploring packages.

There’s no loyalty involved when the window to win is perceived to be a short one, and Ujiri’s primary objective this season is to keep Leonard in town via a long-term contract. Odds are good that a deep playoff run may be able to sway him, especially if Toronto can emerge with the Eastern Conference’s top regular-season record for a second straight year and is able to make better use of playoff homecourt advantage than it has in the past. With LeBron James finally out of the conference, there’s never been a better opportunity for the Raptors to break through and reach their first NBA Finals.

The Raptors are without backup point guard Fred VanVleet due to a thumb injury but signed Jeremy Lin after he reached a buyout with Atlanta and saw him debut seamlessly just before the break.

Toronto last lost to Milwaukee on Jan. 31, scoring only 92 points. That was the only time in 21 games since Jan. 1 were the Raps failed to top the century mark, producing at least 104 points in every other contest. Despite this, the ‘under’ is 9-4 in the last 13 Raptors’ games. San Antonio has seen the ‘over’ prevail in 10 of its last 11 game an has topped the 100-point mark in 11 straight, but they’ve allowed at least that many in 17 consecutive games and 24 of 26.

The Spurs’ defense has given up 119 or more points in nine of their last 17 and badly miss White, who had quickly become their top perimeter defender. San Antonio has won 13 of its last 16 meetings against Toronto since 2011. The Raptors have only shot better than 40 percent from 3-point range in one of those matchups and shot 6-of-30 on Jan. 3. Over the last 10 encounters, Toronto is just 63-for-224 (28.1 percent) from beyond the arc against the Spurs.

Best of the Rest

New Orleans at Indiana, 7:05 p.m. ET: The soap opera surrounding the Pelicans will continue as Anthony Davis will suit up and start, continuing a saga that has already seen them loaf through one outing and leave another game while it was still being played in order to get an MRI on his shoulder. Davis had an All-Star game cameo, playing just five minutes, but is expected to play his normal allotment of minutes barring any physical setbacks. New Orleans could therefore become a dangerous spoiler since Julius Randle is also healthy again and young center Jahlil Okafor and forwards Kenrich Williams and Cheick Diallo got extended run in their absence. Point guard Elfrid Payton is also expected to make his return from an ankle injury that has kept him out since Jan. 29. Shooter Darius Miller is expected to be absent due to his own ankle trouble. The Pacers list center Myles Turner (hip) and sixth man Tyreke Evans (ankle) as questionable but did sign Wes Matthews just before the All-Star break to take Victor Oladipo’s spot in the lineup since he’ll be out for the remainder of the season due to a horrific knee injury. The Pacers are 6-5 since he went down. Eight of their last nine games have gone ‘under’ the posted total. Indiana has won 12 of the last 15 meetings with the Pelicans, having prevailed in 10 straight matchups between 2012-16.

Denver at Dallas, 8:35 p.m. ET: Although the Lakers, Kings, Pelicans and Timberwolves get more attention in their pursuit of the playoffs, the Mavericks are in the mix despite seemingly giving up on contending this season in dealing former starters DeAndre Jordan, Matthews and Harrison Barnes away to better position themselves for the future. Even with J.J. Barea out for the season and the newly-acquired Kristaps Porzingis unlikely to participate this season, Dallas will still get Luka Doncic valuable experience of competing in the NBA’s stretch run as they open action five games behind the Clippers for the West’s No. 8 seed. Denver is situated in the No. 2 spot and can become the fourth team in the league to reach 40 wins this season if it can take care of business on the road. With guard Gary Harris available after dealing a knee injury, the Nuggets are close to full strength now that Paul Millsap, Will Barton, Jamal Murray and Isaiah Thomas all available to play. Only Trey Lyles (undisclosed), is expected to miss Friday’s contest. Denver is just 14-14 on the road, while Dallas is a very solid 20-9 at the American Airlines Center.

Utah at Oklahoma City, 9:35 p.m. ET, ESPN: The Thunder edged the Jazz 107-106 when the teams squared off in Salt Lake City on Dec. 22, riding Paul George’s 43 points and 14 rebounds. Oklahoma City was out-assisted 35-19 but won the rebounding battle 51-44. Utah must claim tonight’s road game and a home date on March 11 just to split the season series but is in much better physical shape than the banged-up Thunder, potentially getting backup point guard Dante Exum back from an ankle issue that has cost him the past 17 games. If he’s able to play, Utah, which stunningly eliminated OKC in the first round last April, will be at full strength. The Thunder will get sixth man Dennis Schroder back from paternity leave and could see newly acquired power forward Markieff Morris make his team debut if he’s able to overcome a sore neck. Jerami Grant, the team’s usual starter at the four, missed a pair of games before the break due to a lingering ankle injury. If everyone suits up, we’ll get a preview of what the Thunder are going to look like over the coming weeks.

**Udog** · 02-22-2019, 05:14 PM

By: Monique Vág

Shooting efficiently

The Pacers' Darren Collison has stepped his game up since the Victor Oladipo injury and has been attempting more shots, averaging double digit attempts in six of the last eight games. Today, he is in a favorable spot versus a Pelicans team surrendering an average of 23.7 points on 45.8 percent shooting and 6.1 rebounds, and 8.8 assists to opposing point guards.

Last time these two teams met in early February, Collison shot an efficient 9 of 14 from the floor for 22 points and logged four boards and six assists. Look for similar numbers today and back Over his points, rebounds, assists total of 23.5.

The day is finally here

Despite the Spurs struggling losing four of their most recent five games, they should be feeling confident traveling to Toronto to face a Raptors team they have won five of the last six games against, and seven of the most recent 10.

Look for DeMar DeRozan to play a factor in tonight's matchup in his first return to Toronto since the trade. He has been shooting the ball more consistently since returning from injury and has logged two games with 20 or more point over the most recent three. Take Over his points total of 22.5.

Taking on the league's worst defense

The Pistons have been a good team to back as favorites this season as they have posted a 16-5 record. Today, they travel to Atlanta to take on a Hawks team that have lost four of their most recent five games but have played well historically versus the Pistons winning 15 of the most recent 20 home games.

Over their most recent three games the Pistons have averaged 117 points a game and have shot the ball at 47.8 percent. With the Hawks surrendering a league high 118.2 points a game, look for Detroit to find success offensively and back Over their team total of 113.

Building off prior success

The Nuggets have played well as favorites this season posting a 31-9 record. They're taking on the Mavericks tonight who have won seven of the most recent eight home games against Denver, and 18 of the most recent 25 overall at home.

In their prior meeting this season, Denver's Jamal Murray logged a double-double shooting 10 of 18 from the field for 22 points and posted 15 assists and seven rebounds. Look for Murray to find success today versus a Mavs team surrendering 23.1 points and 8.2 dimes to opposing point guards and back Over his points, rebounds, assists total of 24.5.

Non-winners in OKC since 2010

Two of the Association's hottest teams face off as the Jazz, winners of 12 of their most recent 16 games, travel to Oklahoma City to take on a Thunder team who have won 11 of their last 13.

Historically, Utah has struggled playing in Oklahoma City winning only six of the last 20 meetings there and posting a 1-17 record when playing on the road versus the Thunder. Numbers like that won't cut it versus a Thunder team who have been dominating at home going 20-7 and averaging 116.3 points a game. Take the Thunder to cover as 4-point favorites.

**Udog** · 02-22-2019, 05:20 PM

Hoop Trends - Friday
Vince Akins

ATS Play ON Trend of the Day:

-- The Mavericks are 18-0 ATS (+10.67 ppg) as a dog off a double-digit loss.

ATS Play AGAINST Trend of the Day:

-- The Raptors are 0-14 ATS (-6.75 ppg) as a favorite with rest when they are off two games in which they allowed 110+ points.

OU Play OVER Trend of the Day:

-- The Wizards are 14-0 OU (+13.39 ppg) on the road with more than one day of rest when they are off a road game and they are facing an opponent averaging more than 5 blocks per game.

OU Play UNDER Trend of the Day:

-- The Grizzlies are 0-12 OU (-19.17 ppg) when the line is within 3 of pick after playing as a road dog.

Announcement

Friday's NBA Trends and Indexes - 2/22

Friday's NBA Trends and Indexes - 2/22

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