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**Udog** · 12-17-2019, 08:12 AM

Armadillo: Tuesday's six-pack

Interesting Week 16 NFL games:

— Bills @ Patriots (-6.5)

— Texans (-3) @ Buccaneers

— Saints (-1.5) @ Titans

— Bengals @ Dolphins (-1)

— Cowboys (-2.5) @ Eagles

— Packers @ Vikings (-4.5)

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Armadillo: Tuesday's List of 13: Nobody asked me, but…..

13) Arizona Diamondbacks gave Madison Bumgarner $85M for five years, lot less than the $118M the Phillies gave Zack Wheeler for the same five years. Surprising.

12) Seahawks’ WR Josh Gordon has been suspended indefinitely for violating the NFL’s policies on performance-enhancing substances and substances of abuse.

If anyone else gives this guy a chance, they’re a moron; Gordon should be banned by the NFL. He’s been suspended six times since 2013. Enough already.

11) Jameis Winston is the first player EVER to throw for 450+ yards in consecutive regular-season games (Drew Brees did it in consecutive playoff games).

10) Carolina Panthers will start rookie QB Will Grier this week against Indianapolis; Carolina lost its last six games, has already fired their coach.

9) Saints 34, Colts 7:
— Horrible, non-competitive effort by the Colts, one of the worst Monday night games ever.
— New Orleans needs two wins and a Green Bay loss to earn a bye in playoffs.
— ESPN crew turned telecast into a Drew Brees infomercial; Brees was 29-30/307 with four TD passes.

— Booger McFarland called Tom Brady the best QB ever; so if he was drafting a team, with every QB ever (in his prime) available, and he had the first pick, he would take Brady over Elway, Marino, Montana and Peyton Manning? Seriously?

8) Sunday night was the first time the Buffalo Bills had been on Sunday Night Football since 2007; it was the first time they beat the Steelers since 1999.

7) Baseball stuff:
— Texas Rangers acquired 34-year old P Corey Kluber from Cleveland, for Delino DeShields Jr and a prospect.
— Minnesota signed reliever Sergio Romo.
— Tampa Bay signed Japanese OF/1B Yoshitomo Tsutsugo.

6) North Carolina lost four of its last five games after a 5-0 start; they lost to Wofford Sunday (for 2nd time in three years) after scoring 49-47 points in their previous two losses. Tar Heels have the #308 eFG%; they’re not shooting ball well (28.7% on arc (#304), 44.6% inside arc (#298), 63.2% on line (#317)).

Freshman Cole Anthony is their best player, and he is out indefinitely now with a knee injury. Carolina plays at Gonzaga Wednesday; they’ll be the underdog there.

5) Miami Heat are paying Dion Waiters $12,100,000 this year, $12,650,000 next year, but they have problems with him.

Miami suspended Waiters for the second time in three months when he called in sick, then later posted a picture of himself enjoying some time on a boat, one of more than a half dozen team violations by Waiters this season, including complaining on the bench during the preseason, refusing to do a required weigh-in and several inappropriate posts on social media.

4) Virginia Tech announced Tracy Claeys as the team’s new linebackers coach; Claeys was the DC at Washington State this year, but was the scapegoat and left his job after the Coogs lost 67-63 to UCLA, blowing a 49-17 third quarter lead.

3) Milwaukee Brewers signed OF Avasail Garcia to a 2-year contract for $20M; Garcia hit 20 HR’s with 72 RBI for the Rays LY, in what CBS Sports described as: “…….an uncharacteristically productive season.” Not exactly high praise there.

2) Kansas Jayhawks are the 5th #1 team in college basketball this season, the most #1 teams ever for this early in the season.

1) Out of 353 Division I college basketball teams, only four are still unbeaten; Liberty and Duquesne are two of them (Auburn, San Diego State are the others). Go figure.

**Udog** · 12-17-2019, 08:14 AM

501SACRAMENTO -502 CHARLOTTE
SACRAMENTO is 8-0 ATS (8 Units) in road games versus good passing teams, averaging >=23 assists/game in the current season.

501SACRAMENTO -502 CHARLOTTE
SACRAMENTO is 8-0 ATS (8 Units) in road games after 1 or more consecutive unders in the current season.

503LA LAKERS -504 INDIANA
LA LAKERS are 450-527 ATS (-129.7 Units) after 1 or more consecutive unders since 1996.

505ATLANTA -506 NEW YORK
NEW YORK is 4-17 ATS (-14.7 Units) off a road cover where the team lost straight up as an underdog in the last 3 seasons.

507BROOKLYN -508 NEW ORLEANS
NEW ORLEANS are 22-36 ATS (-17.6 Units) in home games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game in the last 3 seasons.

509ORLANDO -510 UTAH
UTAH is 211-167 ATS (27.3 Units) in home games versus poor pressure defensive teams - forcing <=14 turnovers/game since 1996.

511PHOENIX -512 LA CLIPPERS
LA CLIPPERS are 7-0 ATS (7 Units) in home games revenging a loss where opponent scored 110 or more points in the current season.

**Udog** · 12-17-2019, 08:16 AM

NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up

Tuesday, December 17

Kings–Hornets
Sacramento won four of last five games; they’re 6-9 SU on road, 2-1 ATS as a road favorite. Under is 4-1-1 in their last six games. Charlotte won three of last four games; they’re 5-5 ATS as a home underdog- under is 3-1 in their last four games.

Kings lost five of last six games with the Hornets; they’re 2-2 ATS in last four trips to Charlotte. Over is 6-3 in last nine series games.

Lakers–Pacers
Lakers won their last seven games; they’re 4-6 ATS in last ten games as a road favorite. Under is 6-3 in their last nine road games. Indiana won six of its last eight games; they’re 10-3 SU at home, 0-1 ATS as a home underdog. Under is 6-1 in their last seven games.

Home side won last seven Laker-Pacer games; LA are 2-3 ATS in last five trips to Indiana. Four of last five series games went under.

Hawks-Knicks
Atlanta lost its last four games; they’re 5-9 ATS as a road underdog. Hawks’ last four road games went over the total. New York is 2-3 SU, 4-1 ATS since changing coaches; they’re 3-10 SU at home, losing last six. Three of their last four games went over.

Hawks lost three of last four games with New York; they’re 3-2 ATS in last five visits to Manhattan. Four of last five series games went under.

Nets-Pelicans
Brooklyn won nine of last 13 games; they won five of last seven road games SU. Three of their last four games stayed under. New Orleans lost its last 12 games; they’re 3-4 ATS as a home underdog. Pelicans’ last three games went over.

Home side won four of last five Brooklyn-New Orleans games; they covered three of last four trips to Bourbon Street. Last six series games went over.

Magic-Jazz
Orlando lost three of last four games but covered five of last seven; they won four of last five road games SU. Over is 6-3 in their last nine road games. Utah won three of its last four games; they’re 10-3 SU at home TY. Four of their last five games went over.

Magic lost five of last six games wth the Jazz; they’re 3-2 ATS in last five visits to Utah. Last three series games went under the total.

Suns-Clippers
Phoenix lost four of its last five games, last two by total of 3 points; they lost by point at home to Portland Monday. Over is 4-2-1 in their last seven games. Clippers won four of last five games; they’re 7-6 ATS as a home favorite. Three of their last four home games went over.

Suns lost nine of last ten games with the Clippers (3-7 ATS); they’re 0-4 ATS in last four series games played here. Three of last four series games went over.

**Udog** · 12-17-2019, 08:20 AM

NBA

Tuesday, December 17

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Trend Report
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Indiana Pacers
Indiana is 6-3 ATS in its last 9 games
Indiana is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Indiana's last 7 games
Indiana is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games at home
Indiana is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home
Indiana is 2-7 ATS in its last 9 games when playing LA Lakers
Indiana is 8-4 SU in its last 12 games when playing LA Lakers
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Indiana's last 5 games when playing LA Lakers
Indiana is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against LA Lakers
Indiana is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against LA Lakers
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Indiana's last 11 games when playing at home against LA Lakers
Los Angeles Lakers
LA Lakers is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games
LA Lakers is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of LA Lakers's last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of LA Lakers's last 12 games
LA Lakers is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
LA Lakers is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of LA Lakers's last 9 games on the road
LA Lakers is 7-2 ATS in its last 9 games when playing Indiana
LA Lakers is 4-8 SU in its last 12 games when playing Indiana
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of LA Lakers's last 5 games when playing Indiana
LA Lakers is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Indiana
LA Lakers is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Indiana
The total has gone OVER in 9 of LA Lakers's last 11 games when playing on the road against Indiana

Charlotte Hornets
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Charlotte's last 8 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Charlotte's last 6 games at home
Charlotte is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Sacramento
Charlotte is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Sacramento
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Charlotte's last 9 games when playing Sacramento
Charlotte is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Sacramento
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Charlotte's last 5 games when playing at home against Sacramento
Sacramento Kings
Sacramento is 16-5 ATS in its last 21 games
Sacramento is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Sacramento's last 6 games
Sacramento is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 games on the road
Sacramento is 8-17 SU in its last 25 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Sacramento's last 10 games on the road
Sacramento is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Charlotte
Sacramento is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Charlotte
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Sacramento's last 9 games when playing Charlotte
Sacramento is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Charlotte
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Sacramento's last 5 games when playing on the road against Charlotte

New York Knicks
New York is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
New York is 2-11 SU in its last 13 games
New York is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 12 of New York's last 15 games at home
New York is 9-4 ATS in its last 13 games when playing Atlanta
New York is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Atlanta
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of New York's last 5 games when playing Atlanta
Atlanta Hawks
Atlanta is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games
Atlanta is 2-15 SU in its last 17 games
The total has gone OVER in 15 of Atlanta's last 20 games
Atlanta is 3-7 ATS in its last 10 games on the road
Atlanta is 1-9 SU in its last 10 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Atlanta's last 12 games on the road
Atlanta is 4-9 ATS in its last 13 games when playing New York
Atlanta is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing New York
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Atlanta's last 5 games when playing New York

New Orleans Pelicans
New Orleans is 1-8 ATS in its last 9 games
New Orleans is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of New Orleans's last 6 games
New Orleans is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games at home
New Orleans is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of New Orleans's last 8 games at home
New Orleans is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Brooklyn
New Orleans is 9-3 SU in its last 12 games when playing Brooklyn
The total has gone OVER in 5 of New Orleans's last 5 games when playing Brooklyn
New Orleans is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Brooklyn
The total has gone OVER in 5 of New Orleans's last 5 games when playing at home against Brooklyn
Brooklyn Nets
Brooklyn is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games
Brooklyn is 9-4 SU in its last 13 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Brooklyn's last 5 games
Brooklyn is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Brooklyn's last 6 games on the road
Brooklyn is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing New Orleans
Brooklyn is 3-9 SU in its last 12 games when playing New Orleans
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Brooklyn's last 5 games when playing New Orleans
Brooklyn is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against New Orleans
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Brooklyn's last 5 games when playing on the road against New Orleans

Utah Jazz
Utah is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Utah's last 5 games
Utah is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games at home
Utah is 19-4 SU in its last 23 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Utah's last 6 games at home
Utah is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Orlando
Utah is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Orlando
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Utah's last 6 games when playing Orlando
Utah is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games when playing at home against Orlando
Utah is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games when playing at home against Orlando
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Utah's last 7 games when playing at home against Orlando
Orlando Magic
Orlando is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games
Orlando is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Orlando is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Orlando is 4-10 SU in its last 14 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Orlando's last 9 games on the road
Orlando is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Utah
Orlando is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Utah
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Orlando's last 6 games when playing Utah
Orlando is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Utah
Orlando is 2-8 SU in its last 10 games when playing on the road against Utah
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Orlando's last 7 games when playing on the road against Utah

Los Angeles Clippers
LA Clippers is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
LA Clippers is 13-3 SU in its last 16 games
LA Clippers is 9-3 ATS in its last 12 games at home
LA Clippers is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
LA Clippers is 7-2 ATS in its last 9 games when playing Phoenix
LA Clippers is 12-1 SU in its last 13 games when playing Phoenix
LA Clippers is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Phoenix
LA Clippers is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Phoenix
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of LA Clippers's last 5 games when playing at home against Phoenix
Phoenix Suns
Phoenix is 4-1-1 ATS in its last 6 games
Phoenix is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 13 of Phoenix's last 19 games
Phoenix is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 games on the road
Phoenix is 8-17 SU in its last 25 games on the road
Phoenix is 2-7 ATS in its last 9 games when playing LA Clippers
Phoenix is 1-12 SU in its last 13 games when playing LA Clippers
Phoenix is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against LA Clippers
Phoenix is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against LA Clippers
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Phoenix's last 5 games when playing on the road against LA Clippers

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**Udog** · 12-17-2019, 09:05 AM

NBA
Long Sheet

Tuesday, December 17

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SACRAMENTO (12 - 14) at CHARLOTTE (12 - 17) - 12/17/2019, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SACRAMENTO is 61-46 ATS (+10.4 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SACRAMENTO is 37-25 ATS (+9.5 Units) in the first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
SACRAMENTO is 27-13 ATS (+12.7 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
CHARLOTTE is 192-242 ATS (-74.2 Units) in non-conference games since 1996.
CHARLOTTE is 17-32 ATS (-18.2 Units) after a loss by 10 points or more over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHARLOTTE is 3-2 against the spread versus SACRAMENTO over the last 3 seasons
CHARLOTTE is 4-1 straight up against SACRAMENTO over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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LA LAKERS (24 - 3) at INDIANA (18 - 9) - 12/17/2019, 7:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
INDIANA is 2-2 against the spread versus LA LAKERS over the last 3 seasons
INDIANA is 2-2 straight up against LA LAKERS 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 (6 - 21) at NEW YORK (6 - 21) - 12/17/2019, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 17-6 ATS (+10.4 Units) on Tuesday nights over the last 3 seasons.
ATLANTA is 19-9 ATS (+9.1 Units) after 3 or more consecutive losses over the last 2 seasons.
NEW YORK is 46-60 ATS (-20.0 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
NEW YORK is 19-32 ATS (-16.2 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
NEW YORK is 18-32 ATS (-17.2 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
NEW YORK is 32-49 ATS (-21.9 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
NEW YORK is 32-46 ATS (-18.6 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.

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

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BROOKLYN (14 - 12) at NEW ORLEANS (6 - 21) - 12/17/2019, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BROOKLYN is 59-38 ATS (+17.2 Units) in road games over the last 3 seasons.
BROOKLYN is 22-8 ATS (+13.2 Units) in road games on Tuesday nights since 1996.
BROOKLYN is 35-17 ATS (+16.3 Units) in road games after a division game since 1996.
BROOKLYN is 47-31 ATS (+12.9 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 8-17 ATS (-10.7 Units) in all games this season.
NEW ORLEANS is 0-7 ATS (-7.7 Units) in December games this season.
NEW ORLEANS is 8-17 ATS (-10.7 Units) in the first half of the season this season.
NEW ORLEANS is 12-26 ATS (-16.6 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 22-35 ATS (-16.5 Units) after scoring 115 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 8-19 ATS (-12.9 Units) after 3 or more consecutive losses over the last 2 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 33-47 ATS (-18.7 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 35-49 ATS (-18.9 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.

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

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ORLANDO (12 - 14) at UTAH (15 - 11) - 12/17/2019, 9:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ORLANDO is 18-8 ATS (+9.2 Units) after allowing 115 points or more over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
UTAH is 3-1 against the spread versus ORLANDO over the last 3 seasons
UTAH is 3-1 straight up against ORLANDO 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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PHOENIX (11 - 15) at LA CLIPPERS (20 - 8) - 12/17/2019, 10:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA CLIPPERS is 7-2 against the spread versus PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
LA CLIPPERS is 8-1 straight up against PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
5 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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**Udog** · 12-17-2019, 10:28 AM

Tuesday's Best Bets
Matt Blunt

Tuesday's NBA board has the two teams from LA book-ending the card, as the Lakers start things off with a game in Indiana, and the Clippers cap the evening off by hosting Phoenix.

The Clippers are in the better position given they aer at home and Phoenix is playing for the second straight night, but they've also got the much bigger point spread to hurdle over, and you've got to wonder if there is any inkling of them looking past the Suns and to their game with Houston on deck.

The Rockets nearly got caught looking ahead to that game last night when they needed a huge 2nd half comeback to get past San Antonio, and situationally, tonight's situation for the Clippers looks awfully similar. But with Phoenix on the latter half of a back-to-back, they aren't a side that's all that attractive either, so for those of you that do get involved in the nightcap this evening, I wish you good luck.

Instead, it's the Lakers game that has caught my attention, along with a side that comes with plenty of ugliness. Let's get to the plays:

L.A. Lakers at Indiana (NBA TV, 7:05 p.m. ET)

Best Bet #1: L.A. Lakers/Indiana Over 211

Lakers HC Frank Vogel returns to his former stomping grounds in Indiana tonight, but he spent three years in Orlando returning to this venue as the enemy, so there isn't much to make of any potential angle there. However, after the Lakers beat Atlanta 101-96 on Sunday, there is an angle that's live once again on this total, as it's something I brought up late last week when LA was in Miami.

Holding Atlanta to 96 points on Sunday brings up the spot where LA is now 8-1 O/U this year after holding a foe to a sub-100 point game, and all eight of those 'over's have seen 217 or more points. It worked with ease against the Heat last Friday, as that game finished with 223 points with the 4th quarter being the lowest scoring frame in the game. The pace was there from the outset, and based on how this situation has panned out for Lakers games this year, I do believe we are in for a similar pace of play tonight.

At the same time, the Pacers are coming off a win where they held their opponent to a sub-100 point effort for the first time in 13 tries and that's quite significant as well. Indiana's only managed to do that four other times this season and in their next outing, the Pacers have posted a 3-1 O/U record with an average point total of 222 points in those games. One of those outings did require OT, but even when you eliminate those 16 points that were scored in extra time (122-120 loss to Charlotte in early November), that average only drops to 218 points per game.

Together with the Lakers in a great 'over' situation as well, and both teams coming off those sub-100 point defensive efforts which will statistically force this number to open possibly lower then it should, has me looking to the high side here.

Remember, the Lakers have their own potential look-ahead spot to concern themselves with as they end this road trip in Milwaukee on Thursday, and if they do have a shot at getting caught in that tonight, it will show up on the defensive end more often then not. LA can rely on the talent they've got to win games late, and another 113-110 type game like we saw from them in Miami could end up being the final result once again.

Brooklyn at New Orleans (8:05 p.m. ET)

Best Bet #2: New Orleans ML +115

Going to bypass taking the +2 point spread on the Pelicans this evening, although this is also a play you could potentially wait on given that there won't be many bettors out there looking to back a team that's lost 12 games in a row (1-10-1 ATS). But that's the nature of the majority believing it's best to ride streaks in sports betting though, and you shouldn't hesitate to use that to your advantage when it seemingly fits.

This is the ultimate 'buy low' spot on the Pelicans because of that long losing streak, but more importantly, this is the ultimate 'sell high' spot on the Brooklyn Nets. Brooklyn is coming off a dominating performance where they beat Philadelphia by 20 points the other day, controlling the game from the outset and never looking back. Yes, they didn't have to deal with Joel Embiid that day, but a win over the Sixers is still highly impressive for a team like the Nets right now, and that's all the box score really shows.

But let's bet honest, when the majority of bettors see that result as the most recent one for Brooklyn and they know that New Orleans hasn't won a game since November 21st, this is going to be all about fading the Pelicans tonight against a Nets team that's got some solid current form going. After all, not only did the Nets blow out the Sixers last time out, but they've gone 6-2 ATS in their last eight.

Nobody wants to back a team in the depths of a slump like the Pelicans are currently in, but eventually things flip for teams like that. Had New Orleans had more 'average' results lately – say something like 4-8 SU over their last 12 games – there is little chance they'd be catching points here at all. Talent wise, the Pelicans are far better then their 6-21 SU record suggests, and with games (albeit all on the road) coming up against Minnesota, Golden State, and Portland, the Pelicans could be on the verge of starting a nice little winning streak going into their Christmas Day matchup with Denver.

Hopefully the start of a potential run like that starts tonight, as they snap this slide with a home victory this evening.

**Udog** · 12-17-2019, 10:56 AM

Weekly Essentials
Tony Mejia

Games to Watch

Tuesday - Lakers at Pacers
This will be a significant test of L.A.’s ability to remain unbeaten on the road since Anthony Davis will be nursing an ankle sprain. Kyle Kuzma will miss his fourth straight contest with an ankle sprain, so LeBron James could have to do the heavy lifting. The reigning Western Conference Player of the Week now is now talking about playing as much as he can as he closes out his career, but needs to be cautious with the anniversary of last year’s season-altering groin injury approaching.

L.A. has point guards Avery Bradley and Rajon Rondo back and have minutes restrictions loosening, but there are still a lot of moving parts in place that include Thursday’s matchup in Milwaukee as potential obstacles to getting over the hump. Indiana forward Domantas Sabonis is expected to play through a toe issue.

Wednesday – Heat at 76ers
Jimmy Butler called out Miami’s defensive effort after Monday’s loss in Memphis and hasn’t liked what he’s seen from teammates of late on that side of the ball. With Justise Winslow (back) and Goran Dragic (groin) sitting out games, the Heat are playing through reigning Eastern Conference Player of the Week Bam Adebayo and Butler more, which compromises their effect as two-way players. The Heat’s strength lies in its depth, so as Butler returns to Philly a second time following a 113-86 rout on Nov. 23, it’s worth seeing who lines up beside him.

Joel Embiid has been dealing with an upper respiratory infection but former Miami guard Josh Richardson is back to aid a perimeter defense featuring the dynamic Ben Simmons and superb rookie Matisse Thybulle, all of whom should see time against Butler, whose 4-for-13 shooting effort was his second-worst of the year.

Wednesday – Celtics at Mavericks
Marcus Smart is still dealing with an eye infection and has been greatly missed, and since the latest news had the affliction affecting both eyes on Monday, it’s hard to forecast him being a part of this one. Luka Doncic has been ruled out due to his ankle sprain and will likely miss the week despite being off crutches and out of a walking boot a little earlier than expected.

Dallas has gotten great play out of guard Jalen Brunson as the playmaker next to Kristaps Porzingis, who will be given every opportunity to step up as a No. 1 like he was with the Knicks. After pulling off an upset of the Bucks, it would be a mistake to write off Dallas simply because of the absence of their star. They won outright as an 11-point underdog despite Tim Hardaway, Jr. shooting 1-for-10, getting big shooting games from Seth Curry and Dorian Finney-Smith in addition to Porzingis going for 26 and 12. Dallas’ 10-2 road record ranks behind only L.A. and Milwaukee.

Thursday - Lakers at Bucks
The teams with the league’s top records square off in a game where no one is going to look past anybody, which means this one should be a classic. Davis is likely going to play here even if he sits Tuesday, so hopefully everyone makes it here intact as Los Angeles closes out a five-game road trip. Milwaukee won’t have point guard Eric Bledsoe due to a shin injury that could sideline him into January.

Giannis Antetokounmpo tried to prevent the Bucks’ 18-game winning streak from coming to an end with a 48-point, 14-rebound effort and is the even-money favorite at Westgate to earn MVP honors, so you know James and Davis will be coming for him in a statement game. The teams are joined by the Clippers as those considered your most likely NBA champions this season, so this game will be referenced for months.

Milwaukee destroyed L.A.’s other team 119-91 when they came into Fiserv Forum on Dec. 6 and these teams don’t meet again until March 6, so the Bucks could make a dent on their futures odds with another lopsided win. Westgate had Milwaukee at 7-to-2 to win the title in its latest odds update. James has won 14 of 18 career meetings against Antetokounmpo but has dropped two of three.

Thursday - Rockets at Clippers
After rallying from a 25-point deficit against the rival Spurs, the biggest comeback in franchise history, Houston hits the road for the beginning of a four-game West coast trip that culminates with their Christmas night clash with depleted Golden State. James Harden overcame 4-for-17 first-half shooting to help aid the second-half surge, but anyone who watched saw Russell Westbrook come through as the driving force. He’s taken a backseat so far, but the secret ingredient GM Daryl Morey is hoping emerges to finally make the Rockets a champion with this Harden-led group, Westbrook’s desire, really had an impact.

We’ll see if Houston can sustain its momentum as Westbrook reunites with Paul George again. These teams are playing for the third time, having split the first two contests, though George only played in the most recent game, a 122-119 comeback win where he shot 4-for-15. L.A. rallied from five points down in the final minute as George scored five points late and Kawhi Leonard nailed the go-ahead basket on a Jordan-esque jumper. Sure, we’ll take a second helping of that. Pesky PG Patrick Beverley will be hoping to be back from a concussion, while sixth man Lou Williams (calf) and key reserve JaMychal Green (tailbone) will be questionable.

Friday – Mavericks at 76ers
The Doncic-less Mavs continue their ambitious week with this matchup against Philadelphia, and since he shot 4-for-16 in last year’s loss, one of the uglier games of his rookie season, perhaps Dallas can compete without him. Porzingis is plenty familiar with Embiid since the two were linked as up-and-coming phenoms upon entering the league as the hopes of struggling Atlantic Division teams, but circumstances have obviously changed.

Al Horford entering the equation isn’t great news for Porzingis since he’s averaged just 12.8 points and 6.1 rebounds against the defensive standout, winning just three of nine individual matchups. Brunson, a Philly native and Villanova standout, will likely emerge as the driving force behind a Dallas’ upset bid here.

Saturday - Clippers at Spurs
San Antonio defeated Leonard in his last stop through town, pulling off a 107-97 victory by holding him to 8-for-23 shooting. He rose to the occasion upon getting love in Toronto, so maybe mercilessly booing him is the way to rattle the two-time Finals MVP. Gregg Popovich’s rotations down the stretch have been puzzling, so even the greatest coaches have trouble figuring things out, as has been the case this season for a San Antonio team that has underachieved. Blowing a massive lead like that against a division rival is another sign these aren’t your older brother’s Spurs. There’s still time to turn things around, but they’ll have to be better than just a .500 team in December to dig out of the hole they’ve created. They’re 2-2 as a home underdog, which they’ll likely be in this game.

Saturday – Rockets at Suns
After missing Devin Booker to open the week due to a forearm injury and dropping a one-point decision at home to the desperate Trail Blazers, Phoenix is hoping the end of its week will be far more gracious as it welcomes in Harden, who played his college ball at Arizona State and loves playing at Taking Stick Resort Arena. He’s scored 40 or more four times in 14 games and has a 12-2 record against Phoenix. Harden shot 3-for-17 in Houston in a 115-109 win on Dec. 7 against the suns, getting into it with Booker after a hard foul. This one should be spicy and should also feature former No. 1 pick Deandre Ayton, who is back from suspension.

Sunday – Mavericks at Raptors
Doncic won’t play here either, but Delon Wright, who was drafted by the Raptors and spent his early years trying to break into the rotation, will be motivated to help Brunson, Hardaway and Curry pick up the slack. Toronto is hoping guard Fred VanVleet will be back from a knee injury by this point, which will make Nick Nurse’s job of keeping everyone happy with minutes more complicated. Still, that’s always a good problem to have. Toronto has had one or two key cogs out of its rotation for well over a month and has remained in the hunt in the loaded Atlantic Division.

Sunday – Clippers at Thunder
Paul George will be back in OKC after seeking a trade, so don’t expect a great reception for him. That could fuel the star wing, who dominated in Indiana earlier this season after being booed almost every time he touched the ball in his second game there since being moved, scoring 36 points and making a season-high seven 3-pointers. Old friend Chris Paul has really hit his stride of late and will look for revenge after being held to just four assists in a 90-88 loss at Staples on Nov. 18. George won the game with a go-ahead 3-point shot with just 25 seconds left.

Sunday - Nuggets at Lakers
L.A. returns home from its Eastern swing to face the Northwest Division-leading Nuggets, who will be looking to return the favor after a 105-96 loss at Pepsi Center on Dec. 3.

Injuries to Monitor

Beyond those mentioned above, be aware that Andre Drummond’s eye issue due to an allergic reaction to an avocado down in Mexico has haunted him into the week. He should be back sooner than later, but the same can’t be said for Pistons teammate Blake Griffin, who is dealing with knee soreness… Jazz guard Mike Conley has missed a couple of games due to hamstring soreness but is expected to make his return this week… Nets guard Kyrie Irving (shoulder) remains out and should be close to the returning by week’s end, but it looks like Caris LeVert (thumb) is much closer to being back in the fold and could play early in the week… Wizards PG Isaiah Thomas (ankle) and OKC wing Terrance Ferguson (hip) returned on Monday and Magic center Nikola Vucevic (ankle) got back in action on Sunday, so this section has some good news on occasion. Back to the ominous… Paul Millsap was bothered by a quad injury entering the week and could wind up being better suited for a reserve role since Jerami Grant has played so well with Denver’s starters… Talented Hornets rookie P.J. Washington will miss the entire week with a finger injury while veterans Marvin Williams (knee) and Nicolas Batum (hand) are also struggling to get healthy… Just to end on a high note, Hawks power forward John Collins should return from his suspension next Monday.

**Udog** · 12-17-2019, 11:59 AM

NBA
Dunkel

Tuesday, December 17

Sacramento @ Charlotte

Game 501-502
December 17, 2019 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Sacramento
119.085
Charlotte
111.873
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Sacramento
by 7
203
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Sacramento
by 4 1/2
207
Dunkel Pick:
Sacramento
(-4 1/2); Under

LA Lakers @ Indiana

Game 503-504
December 17, 2019 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
LA Lakers
127.140
Indiana
120.922
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
LA Lakers
by 6
208
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
LA Lakers
by 3 1/2
211
Dunkel Pick:
LA Lakers
(-3 1/2); Under

Atlanta @ New York

Game 505-506
December 17, 2019 @ 7:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Atlanta
109.824
New York
109.031
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Atlanta
by 1
226
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
New York
by 2
223
Dunkel Pick:
Atlanta
(+2); Over

Brooklyn @ New Orleans

Game 507-508
December 17, 2019 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Brooklyn
115.449
New Orleans
115.505
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
New Orleans
Even
233
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Brooklyn
by 3
229 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
New Orleans
(+3); Over

Orlando @ Utah

Game 509-510
December 17, 2019 @ 9:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Orlando
116.786
Utah
115.411
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Orlando
by 1 1/2
204
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Utah
by 7
207
Dunkel Pick:
Orlando
(+7); Under

Phoenix @ LA Clippers

Game 511-512
December 17, 2019 @ 10:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Phoenix
114.142
LA Clippers
124.543
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
LA Clippers
by 10 1/2
223
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
LA Clippers
by 12 1/2
226 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Phoenix
(+12 1/2); Under

**Udog** · 12-17-2019, 01:23 PM

Hoop Trends - Tuesday
Vince Akins

ATS Play ON Trend of the Day:

-- The Suns are 10-0 ATS (5.90 ppg) off a home loss in which they scored fewer than 10 fast break points.

ATS Play AGAINST Trend of the Day:

-- The Hornets are 0-16-1 ATS (-6.97 ppg) as a dog off a game as a dog in which they had at least 25% of their points from free throws.

OU Play OVER Trend of the Day:

-- The Pelicans are 10-0 OU (16.30 ppg) with less than two days rest off a loss in which they had 30+ assists.

OU Play UNDER Trend of the Day:

-- The Hawks are 0-12 OU (-14.29 ppg) on the road after allowing 15+ points less than Vegas projected last game.

Announcement

Tuesday's NBA Trends and Indexes - 12/17

Tuesday's NBA Trends and Indexes - 12/17

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