Announcement

**Udog** · 01-25-2020, 08:53 AM

Armadillo: Saturday's six-pack

Over/under win totals for first season of the XFL:

7.5— Tampa Bay Vipers

6— Dallas Renegades, Houston /Roughnecks

5.5— DC Defenders

4— Los Angeles Wildcats, New York Guardians

3.5— St Louis Battlehawks, Seattle Dragons

**********

Armadillo: Saturday's Den: Ranking the months of the year, and some other stuff…….

These days, there are no bad months, but some are better than others.

12) January— Living in upstate NY, 31 days of potentially horrendous weather; Sundays are lot slower once the NFL regular season is over. If I ever get smart and move to Las Vegas, then January would move up a few spots on the list.

11) February— Ranked ahead of January because it is three fewer days (this year, only two fewer days). Spring training starts in February, never a bad thing.

T9) April/May— Baseball season starts, NBA/NHL playoffs, NFL Draft, weather gets normal, a good time of year.

8) December— I’m in Las Vegas for Christmas most years; NFL regular season bowl games, college hoop, lot of good stuff, offsetting the potential for cruddy weather.

7) October— Good time for a trip to Las Vegas; baseball playoffs, football season, the college basketball magazines come out.

6) September— When I was a kid, September was by far the worst month of the year- back to school. Now? Not so much. Football season starts and the weather is still warm.

T4) June, July, August— Nothing bad about these three months in upstate New York; warm weather, lot of baseball to watch.

3) November — Busiest month of the year; college football/basketball, NBA/NFL, lot of research and studying to do. When I had an actual job, this was a great month— three days off— Election Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving. Now, every day is a day off. ��

1) March— Weather is getting better, lot of college basketball to watch and I try to throw a trip to the desert onto the schedule. Daytime TV’s best month; exhibition baseball every day.

Elsewhere on a winter Friday night……
a) Butler 89, Marquette 85 OT— Tremendous game to watch; Butler plays without its PG and wins, snapping a 3-game skid.

There was a weird moment in this game; tie game with 0:20 left, and Marquette fouls a Butler player who is shooting 85% on line- it looked intentional, and it looked like Wojciechowski told the kid to foul— why????? The SCORE WAS TIED!!!

b) Suns 103, Spurs 99— Phoenix is 10-10 on the road, a much-improved team

c) Bucks 116, Hornets 103— This game was played in Paris..

d) Siena 70, Marist 57— Saints are 8-0 at home, 0-9 on road; this was their first MAAC cover this season (1-8 ATS).

**Udog** · 01-25-2020, 08:59 AM

501DALLAS -502 UTAH
DALLAS are 8-0 ATS (8 Units) in road games versus good 3 point shooting teams - making >=36% of their attempts in the current season.

501DALLAS -502 UTAH
DALLAS are 8-0 ATS (8 Units) in road games after scoring 105 points or more 3 straight games in the current season.

503BROOKLYN -504 DETROIT
DETROIT is 17-31 ATS (-17.1 Units) when the total >=220 in the last 3 seasons.

505CHICAGO -506 CLEVELAND
CLEVELAND is 14-40 ATS (-30 Units) in a home game where the total is 210 to 219.5 in the last 3 seasons.

507OKLAHOMA CITY -508 MINNESOTA
MINNESOTA is 3-12 ATS (-10.2 Units) in home games versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game in the current season.

509LA LAKERS -510 PHILADELPHIA
LA LAKERS are 10-1 ATS (8.9 Units) in road games versus poor pressure defensive teams - forcing <=14 turnovers/game in the current season.

NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up

Saturday, January 25

Mavericks-Jazz
Dallas won five of its last six games; they’re 7-3 ATS as a road underdog. Three of their last four games went over. Utah won 18 of its last 20 games; they covered their last seven home games. Over is 7-2 in their last nine games.

Mavericks lost six of last seven games with the Jazz; they’re 2-3 ATS in last five visits to Utah. Over is 8-2 in last ten series games.

Nets-Pistons
Brooklyn lost its last five games (0-5 ATS); they’re 0-6 ATS in last six road games. Four of their last five games went over. Detroit lost five of its last eight games; they’re 2-8 ATS in last ten home games. Over is 7-2 in their last nine games.

Nets lost six of last nine games with the Pistons, but they covered four of last five visits to Detroit. Under is 8-2 in last ten series games.

Bulls-Cavaliers
Chicago split its last eight games; they’re 1-5-1 ATS in last seven road games. Bulls’ last four road games stayed under the total. Cleveland lost its last five games; they’re 1-4 ATS in last five home games. Five of their last six home games went over.

Bulls won four of last six games with the Cavaliers; they covered four of last five visits to Ohio. Over is 5-3 in last eight series games.

Thunder-Timberwolves
OKC won/covered its last four games; they’re 12-2 ATS in last 14 road games. Seven of their last eight games went over. Minnesota lost its last eight games; they’re 3-14 ATS in last 17 home games. Over is 6-2 in their last eight games.

Thunder won their last three games with Minnesota; they’re 1-4 ATS in last five visits to the Twin Cities. Over is 9-1 in last ten series games.

Lakers-76ers
Lakers won 12 of their last 14 games; thrywon six of last seven road games SU. Over is 7-1 in their last eight games. Philly won four of its last five games; they covered their last six home games. Under is 6-2 in their last eight games.

Lakers lost four of last five games with the 76ers; they’re 3-2 ATS in last five visits to Philly. Under is 5-3 in last eight series games.

NBA

Saturday, January 25

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Trend Report
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Utah Jazz
Utah is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 games
Utah is 13-1 SU in its last 14 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Utah's last 6 games
Utah is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Utah is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Utah's last 13 games at home
Utah is 7-13-1 ATS in its last 21 games when playing Dallas
Utah is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing Dallas
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Utah's last 5 games when playing Dallas
Utah is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Dallas
Utah is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Dallas
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Utah's last 5 games when playing at home against Dallas
Dallas Mavericks
Dallas is 4-1-1 ATS in its last 6 games
Dallas is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
Dallas is 17-5-1 ATS in its last 23 games on the road
Dallas is 11-3 SU in its last 14 games on the road
Dallas is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing Utah
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Dallas's last 5 games when playing Utah
Dallas is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Utah
Dallas is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Utah
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Dallas's last 5 games when playing on the road against Utah

Detroit Pistons
Detroit is 6-14 ATS in its last 20 games
Detroit is 6-14 SU in its last 20 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Detroit's last 6 games
Detroit is 2-9 ATS in its last 11 games at home
Detroit is 2-9 SU in its last 11 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Detroit's last 8 games at home
Detroit is 6-13 ATS in its last 19 games when playing Brooklyn
Detroit is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Brooklyn
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Detroit's last 5 games when playing Brooklyn
Detroit is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Brooklyn
Detroit is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Brooklyn
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Detroit's last 5 games when playing at home against Brooklyn
Brooklyn Nets
Brooklyn is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games
Brooklyn is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Brooklyn's last 5 games
Brooklyn is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Brooklyn is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Brooklyn's last 6 games on the road
Brooklyn is 13-6 ATS in its last 19 games when playing Detroit
Brooklyn is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Detroit
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Brooklyn's last 5 games when playing Detroit
Brooklyn is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Detroit
Brooklyn is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Detroit
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Brooklyn's last 5 games when playing on the road against Detroit

Minnesota Timberwolves
Minnesota is 1-7 ATS in its last 8 games
Minnesota is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Minnesota's last 5 games
Minnesota is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Minnesota is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games at home
Minnesota is 8-2 ATS in its last 10 games when playing Oklahoma City
Minnesota is 8-17 SU in its last 25 games when playing Oklahoma City
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Minnesota's last 5 games when playing Oklahoma City
Minnesota is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Oklahoma City
Minnesota is 7-15 SU in its last 22 games when playing at home against Oklahoma City
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Minnesota's last 5 games when playing at home against Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City Thunder
Oklahoma City is 13-3 ATS in its last 16 games
Oklahoma City is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Oklahoma City's last 8 games
Oklahoma City is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Oklahoma City is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Oklahoma City's last 6 games on the road
Oklahoma City is 2-8 ATS in its last 10 games when playing Minnesota
Oklahoma City is 17-8 SU in its last 25 games when playing Minnesota
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Oklahoma City's last 5 games when playing Minnesota
Oklahoma City is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Minnesota
Oklahoma City is 15-7 SU in its last 22 games when playing on the road against Minnesota
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Oklahoma City's last 5 games when playing on the road against Minnesota

Cleveland Cavaliers
Cleveland is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games
Cleveland is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Cleveland's last 12 games
Cleveland is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games at home
Cleveland is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Cleveland's last 7 games at home
Cleveland is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Chicago
Cleveland is 5-12 ATS in its last 17 games when playing Chicago
Cleveland is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Chicago
Cleveland is 1-9 ATS in its last 10 games when playing at home against Chicago
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Cleveland's last 6 games when playing at home against Chicago
Chicago Bulls
Chicago is 4-9-1 ATS in its last 14 games
Chicago is 4-10 SU in its last 14 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Chicago's last 8 games
Chicago is 2-4-1 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
Chicago is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Chicago's last 5 games on the road
Chicago is 12-5 ATS in its last 17 games when playing Cleveland
Chicago is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Cleveland
Chicago is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Cleveland
Chicago is 9-1 ATS in its last 10 games when playing on the road against Cleveland
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Chicago's last 6 games when playing on the road against Cleveland

Philadelphia 76ers
Philadelphia is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Philadelphia's last 8 games
Philadelphia is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games at home
Philadelphia is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Philadelphia's last 9 games at home
Philadelphia is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing LA Lakers
Philadelphia is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing LA Lakers
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Philadelphia's last 12 games when playing LA Lakers
Philadelphia is 3-9 ATS in its last 12 games when playing at home against LA Lakers
Philadelphia is 3-9 SU in its last 12 games when playing at home against LA Lakers
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 6 games when playing at home against LA Lakers
Los Angeles Lakers
LA Lakers is 6-3 ATS in its last 9 games
LA Lakers is 12-2 SU in its last 14 games
The total has gone OVER in 7 of LA Lakers's last 8 games
LA Lakers is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
LA Lakers is 20-3 SU in its last 23 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 6 of LA Lakers's last 7 games on the road
LA Lakers is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Philadelphia
LA Lakers is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Philadelphia
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of LA Lakers's last 12 games when playing Philadelphia
LA Lakers is 9-3 ATS in its last 12 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
LA Lakers is 9-3 SU in its last 12 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of LA Lakers's last 6 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia

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**Udog** · 01-25-2020, 09:37 AM

NBA
Long Sheet

Saturday, January 25

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DALLAS (28 - 16) at UTAH (31 - 13) - 1/25/2020, 5:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
UTAH is 12-4 ATS (+7.6 Units) when the total is greater than or equal to 220 this season.
UTAH is 63-43 ATS (+15.7 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
UTAH is 42-24 ATS (+15.6 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
UTAH is 42-25 ATS (+14.5 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
DALLAS is 72-52 ATS (+14.8 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
DALLAS is 17-8 ATS (+8.2 Units) when the total is greater than or equal to 220 this season.
DALLAS is 38-24 ATS (+11.6 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
DALLAS is 16-4 ATS (+11.6 Units) in road games this season.
DALLAS is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) in a road game where the total is greater than or equal to 220 this season.
DALLAS is 26-15 ATS (+9.5 Units) after allowing 115 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
DALLAS is 72-46 ATS (+21.4 Units) in road games after scoring 115 points or more since 1996.
DALLAS is 65-44 ATS (+16.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
DALLAS is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) in road games versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
UTAH is 4-3 against the spread versus DALLAS over the last 3 seasons
UTAH is 6-1 straight up against DALLAS over the last 3 seasons
5 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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BROOKLYN (18 - 25) at DETROIT (17 - 29) - 1/25/2020, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BROOKLYN is 16-5 ATS (+10.5 Units) in road games against Central division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
BROOKLYN is 41-28 ATS (+10.2 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 17-27 ATS (-12.7 Units) in all games this season.
DETROIT is 16-29 ATS (-15.9 Units) when the total is greater than or equal to 220 over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 28-43 ATS (-19.3 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 64-94 ATS (-39.4 Units) in home games in January games since 1996.
DETROIT is 72-104 ATS (-42.4 Units) in home games when playing on back-to-back days since 1996.
DETROIT is 11-21 ATS (-12.1 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game this season.
DETROIT is 38-55 ATS (-22.5 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.

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

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CHICAGO (17 - 30) at CLEVELAND (12 - 33) - 1/25/2020, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO is 14-27 ATS (-15.7 Units) on Saturday games over the last 3 seasons.
CHICAGO is 95-61 ATS (+27.9 Units) in road games in January games since 1996.
CHICAGO is 17-7 ATS (+9.3 Units) in road games after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 97-128 ATS (-43.8 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 44-69 ATS (-31.9 Units) in home games over the last 3 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 13-27 ATS (-16.7 Units) in January games over the last 3 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 224-273 ATS (-76.3 Units) after a loss by 10 points or more since 1996.
CLEVELAND is 19-34 ATS (-18.4 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 58-78 ATS (-27.8 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CLEVELAND is 5-5 against the spread versus CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
CLEVELAND is 6-4 straight up against CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
6 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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OKLAHOMA CITY (27 - 19) at MINNESOTA (15 - 30) - 1/25/2020, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 30-15 ATS (+13.5 Units) in all games this season.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 12-2 ATS (+9.8 Units) when the total is greater than or equal to 220 this season.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 17-5 ATS (+11.5 Units) in road games this season.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) in road games in January games this season.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) when playing on back-to-back days this season.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 15-7 ATS (+7.3 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 21-9 ATS (+11.1 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game this season.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 22-13 ATS (+7.7 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game this season.
MINNESOTA is 17-26 ATS (-11.6 Units) in all games this season.
MINNESOTA is 10-21 ATS (-13.1 Units) when the total is greater than or equal to 220 this season.
MINNESOTA is 5-16 ATS (-12.6 Units) in home games this season.
MINNESOTA is 2-13 ATS (-12.3 Units) in a home game where the total is greater than or equal to 220 this season.
MINNESOTA is 6-15 ATS (-10.5 Units) after allowing 115 points or more this season.
MINNESOTA is 5-15 ATS (-11.5 Units) after allowing 130 points or more over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 77-114 ATS (-48.4 Units) after scoring 115 points or more since 1996.
MINNESOTA is 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
MINNESOTA is 12-21 ATS (-11.1 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game this season.
MINNESOTA is 10-20 ATS (-12.0 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 8-2 against the spread versus OKLAHOMA CITY over the last 3 seasons
MINNESOTA is 6-4 straight up against OKLAHOMA CITY over the last 3 seasons
9 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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LA LAKERS (36 - 9) at PHILADELPHIA (29 - 17) - 1/25/2020, 8:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LA LAKERS are 3-12 ATS (-10.2 Units) against Atlantic division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
LA LAKERS are 16-31 ATS (-18.1 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 67-45 ATS (+17.5 Units) in home games over the last 3 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 24-12 ATS (+10.8 Units) after a division game over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 39-24 ATS (+12.6 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 44-28 ATS (+13.2 Units) in home games versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game over the last 3 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 35-19 ATS (+14.1 Units) in home games versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game - 2nd half of the season since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHILADELPHIA is 3-1 against the spread versus LA LAKERS over the last 3 seasons
PHILADELPHIA is 3-1 straight up against LA LAKERS 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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**Udog** · 01-25-2020, 11:53 AM

NBA
Dunkel

Saturday, January 25

Dallas @ Utah

Game 501-502
January 25, 2020 @ 5:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Dallas
125.807
Utah
125.072
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Dallas
by 1
223
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Utah
by 4
225
Dunkel Pick:
Dallas
(+4); Under

Brooklyn @ Detroit

Game 503-504
January 25, 2020 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Brooklyn
112.248
Detroit
118.648
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Detroit
by 6 1/2
223
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Brooklyn
by 1 1/2
226
Dunkel Pick:
Detroit
(+1 1/2); Under

Chicago @ Cleveland

Game 505-506
January 25, 2020 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Chicago
111.499
Cleveland
106.000
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Chicago
by 5 1/2
222
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Chicago
by 1
217
Dunkel Pick:
Chicago
(-1); Over

Oklahoma City @ Minnesota

Game 507-508
January 25, 2020 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Oklahoma City
122.720
Minnesota
112.585
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Oklahoma City
by 10
232
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Oklahoma City
by 2
226 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Oklahoma City
(-2); Over

LA Lakers @ Philadelphia

Game 509-510
January 25, 2020 @ 8:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
LA Lakers
118.899
Philadelphia
119.650
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Philadelphia
by 1
206
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
LA Lakers
by 4 1/2
218 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Philadelphia
(+4 1/2); Under

**Udog** · 01-25-2020, 12:00 PM

Preview: Lakers (36-9) at 76ers (29-17)
Tony Mejia

Betting Odds Breakdown

The Lakers opened as a 4.5-point road favorite with a total of 220.

Eye Test

The Lakers just got Anthony Davis back on Monday after surviving his five-game absence by finishing 4-1 but they’re 2-1 with him back. L.A. is sporting the Western Conference’s top record, up 4.5 games on the Jazz and Clippers. The Lakers own the best road mark in the NBA (20-4), moving one victory ahead of Milwaukee after sweeping the Knicks and Nets on consecutive nights.

The 76ers had their four-game winning streak snapped in Toronto on Wednesday. Philadelphia is now 2.5 games behind Toronto in the Atlantic and are two back of Boston. The Sixers have been a completely different team at home and can match the Bucks for the NBA’s top mark on their home floor by improving to 21-2 here. Although Joel Embiid has begun practicing, he’ll miss his ninth consecutive game due to a torn ligament in his left hand. Shooting guard Josh Richardson is out for a few weeks due to a hamstring issue so Philly’s depth will be tested.

Current Form

The Lakers bounced back from a blowout loss in Boston on Monday by surviving the Knicks’ upset bid at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday, winning 100-92 after being even with lowly New York at the break. L.A. is now 3-1 on its current road trip after bouncing Brooklyn 128-113 behind another triple-double from LeBron James (27 points, 11 rebounds, 10 assists). L.A. has won 12 of their last 14 since Dec. 29 (8-5-1 ATS).

Philadelphia held off Brooklyn on Monday behind Ben Simmons' first 30-point game of his career. The former No. 1 overall pick scored 34 and added 12 rebounds, 12 assists and five steals in a 117-111 triumph over the Nets. He came up with 17 points and team-highs of 10 rebounds and eight assists in Wednesday’s 107-95 loss to the Raptors. The 76ers are 6-4 in January.

Head-to-Head

This is the first meeting of the season between these teams, who will square off again at Staples Center on March 3. The 76ers have won four of five in the series, posting a 143-120 victory on Feb. 10 of 2019. Kyle Kuzma scored 39 points on 14-for-21 shooting and JaVale McGee added 21 points and 13 boards on 10-for-15 shooting. James had 18 points, 10 bards and nine assists. Embiid led the way with 37 points and 14 rebounds while Simmons struggled, shooting just 3-for-13. James didn’t play in the Lakers’ 121-105 at Staples last January.

Inside the Stats (Away/Home)

Points Per Game:
L.A. Lakers 114.0 (114.6)
Philadelphia 108.4 (111.4)

Points Allowed:
L.A. Lakers 106.2 (108.8)
Philadelphia 105.1 (101.5)

Away-Home Records

-- L.A. Lakers 20-4 SU, 13-11
-- Philadelphia 20-2 SU, 12-9-1 ATS

Situational (Interconference Matchup)

The Lakers are 14-2 SU (7-9 ATS) in the role of road favorite outside of Staples, so that number excludes their “away” setback against the Clippers on opening night. It does include this week’s games on the East Coast, which L.A. won’t see again until its final road trip of the season from March 21-30 where visits to Charlotte and Washington are on the docket.

The 76ers have only not been favored at home twice all season. Philly crushed the Bucks on Christmas Day 121-109 as a three-point underdog and beat the Celtics in a pick’em on Jan. 9, posting a 109-98 victory.

Betcha Didn’t Know

This will be the fifth instance where the Lakers are closing out a road trip. They’ve won four of the five games but have only covered in two of the contests. James is 17 points shy of passing Kobe Bryant for third all-time in scoring, which means he’s likely to accomplish the feat in the Laker legend’s hometown. He comes in with 33,626 points.

With Richardson and Embiid both out, the 76ers have become relatively easy to defend due to Simmons’ inability and reluctance to shoot from beyond the arc. If Tobias Harris and Al Horford are out of sync, the Lakers could put together a very strong defensive performance with Anthony Davis leading the way by protecting the paint. Look for the low side to prevail here.

Best Bet: Under

Total Talk (Over-Under)

L.A. Lakers: 22-23 (Away, 12-11 Under)
Philadelphia: 20-25-1 (Home, 11-9-1 Over)

The Lakers saw their run of six consecutive games where the ‘over’ prevailed end at MSG on Wednesday, but got right back on track at Barclays Center. The high side is now 6-1 in their last six road games and has connected in seven of eight overall.

The 76ers have seen 'unders' go 6-2 over the past eight, and the high side has connected in seven of the past nine home games.

**Udog** · 01-25-2020, 01:22 PM

Hoop Trends - Saturday
Vince Akins

ATS Play ON Trend of the Day:

-- The Thunder are 12-0-1 ATS (7.81 ppg) on the road with less than two days rest.

ATS Play AGAINST Trend of the Day:

-- The Cavaliers are 0-10 ATS (-11.35 ppg) at home off a 10+ point loss as a home favorite.

OU Play OVER Trend of the Day:

-- The Jazz are 16-0 OU (16.47 ppg) after a game as a road favorite in which they scored 15+ points more than Vegas projected.

OU Play UNDER Trend of the Day:

-- The Nets are 0-10-1 OU (-11.77 ppg) on the road with rest after they had assists on at least 75 percent of their field goals.

Announcement

Saturday's NBA Trends and Indexes - 1/25

Saturday's NBA Trends and Indexes - 1/25

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