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**Udog** · 06-08-2020, 08:06 AM

Understanding the Season Restart Plans

NBA betting recap and understanding the season restart plans
Jason Logan

Veteran guard Chris Paul and the Oklahoma City Thunder have been ATS darlings this NBA season, and could provide good value at +10,000 to win the NBA Championship.

Sweet, the NBA is coming back with 22 teams getting a golden ticket to restart the 2019-20 season on July 31. That’s plenty of time to get your NBA betting ducks in a row.

The NBA Championship odds were refreshed to feature those 22 clubs - 13 in the West and nine in the East - but where do we start when it comes to capping the Association’s comeback?

We run down the NBA restart format and look at each team, their odds to win the 2020 NBA title and how they performed against the NBA odds (against the spread and Over/Under) before the COVID-19 shutdown.
When does the 2019-20 NBA season restart?

The NBA plans to restart its 2019-20 season on Friday, July 31 when the qualifying 22 teams tip off an eight-game regular-season finale at the Walt Disney Resort in Orlando, Florida. From there, the top eight teams in each conference will advance to the NBA Playoffs.

What is the NBA play-in tournament?

Should there be four or fewer points separating the No. 8 and No. 9 teams in the standings for each conference, there will be a play-in tournament between those eight and nine seeds. The format is a best-of-two series, with the No. 9 team needing to win two games to bump the No. 8 team out and qualify for the postseason.

Looking at the current standings in the East, the six top teams have secured playoff spots, leaving only two postseason passes for three remaining teams. The Brooklyn Nets are seventh, followed by the Orlando Magic in eighth and the Washington Wizards as the nine seed.

There are also just two remaining playoff spots in the West, with the top six teams in the conference already securing passage to the tournament. The Dallas Mavericks are seventh, followed by the Memphis Grizzlies in eighth, leaving five other Western Conference teams to fight their way into the Top 8.

Are the NBA Playoffs different?

Nope. The NBA Playoffs will stick with 16 teams (Top 8 from each conference) and a best-of-seven format for all rounds: conference quarters, conference semis, conference finals, and NBA Finals.

NBA Eastern Conference betting overview

Milwaukee, Toronto, Boston, Miami, Indiana and Philadelphia are all locked into the postseason, so motivation during their eight-game restart schedule should be monitored. Brooklyn is an interesting team to watch outside of those six contenders, due to the possibility of getting star guard Kyrie Irving back, to go with a roster that also currently has Spencer Dinwiddie and Caris LeVert.

The Celtics were the best bet against the NBA point spreads before the shutdown while also paying out for Under bettors, while the Heat topped the total most often as the best Over team in the East.

Seed Team NBA Title Odds Win/Loss ATS Record Over/Under
1 Milwaukee Bucks +240 53-12 36-29-0 (55.4%) 30-34-1
2 Toronto Raptors +2,400 46-18 35-28-1 (55.6%) 34-29-1
3 Boston Celtics +2,000 43-21 38-23-3 (62.3%) 30-34-0
4 Miami Heat +2,700 41-24 33-30-2 (52.4%) 39-25-1
5 Indiana Pacers +10,000 39-26 34-28-3 (54.8%) 35-29-1
6 Philadelphia 76ers +2,700 39-26 28-33-4 (45.9%) 34-30-1
7 Brooklyn Nets +6,000 30-34 31-33-0 (48.4%) 31-32-1
8 Orlando Magic +25,000 30-35 31-32-2 (49.2%) 33-29-3
9 Washington Wizards +25,000 24-20 32-30-2 (51.6%) 37-26-1

NBA Western Conference betting overview

The two L.A. teams, Denver, Utah, Oklahoma City and Houston already made the playoff cut and Dallas looks like a lock to secure a spot as well. Memphis has a 3.5-game buffer between it and Portland at No. 9, and New Orleans is hovering at No. 10. The Pelicans at 12/1 are certainly priced like they're going to make the cut with Zion Williamson drawing plenty of attention.

The Thunder were the best bet against the spread in the NBA before the pandemic, while the Spurs made money for Over backers and the Rockets stayed Under more than any team in the Association.

Seed Team NBA Title Odds Win/Loss ATS Record Over/Under
1 Los Angeles Lakers +270 49-14 35-27-1 (56.5%) 30-33-0
2 Los Angeles Clippers +340 42-20 35-29-0 (54.7%) 29-34-1
3 Denver Nuggets +2,500 43-22 29-32-4 (47.5%) 30-34-1
4 Utah Jazz +2,900 41-23 30-32-2 (48.4%) 33-31-0
5 Oklahoma City Thunder +10,000 40-24 40-24-0 (62.5%) 30-33-1
6 Houston Rockets +1,200 40-24 29-35-0 (45.3%) 28-36-0
7 Dallas Mavericks +3,600 40-27 35-29-3 (54.7%) 40-27-0
8 Memphis Grizzlies +21,000 32-33 34-30-1 (53.1%) 30-35-0
9 Portland Trail Blazers +16,000 29-37 27-37-2 (42.2%) 37-29-0
10 New Orleans Pelicans +12,000 28-36 33-29-2 (53.2%) 36-28-0
11 Sacramento Kings +25,000 28-36 33-29-2 (53.2%) 34-30-0
12 San Antonio Spurs +21,000 27-36 25-37-1 (40.3%) 38-24-1
13 Phoenix Suns +25,000 26-39 29-35-1 (45.3%) 33-32-0

**BettorsChat** · 06-08-2020, 01:08 PM

Rance any word on when the playoffs begin?

**Udog** · 06-08-2020, 04:35 PM

Well, I've been looking around and I can't find a projected date for the playoffs, Monte. I have seen that the plan is for the Finals to finish no later than October 12. I guess it's hard to know for sure if there might be a need for a play-in or not after the 8 game regular season finish.

They must be planning to play those last 8 regular season games out very quickly, though. The whole thing starts July 31 and they want to be finished by October 12 and all playoff series will be best-of-7. So, if you figure they take 2 weeks to play out the season, the playoffs should be starting somewhere in the middle of August if there's no need for a play-in.

I'm liking how a 7 game series with no travel days sounds. If you take travel time out of it, a series could wrap up a lot quicker. I'll bet tv still makes em stall, though.

**BettorsChat** · 06-08-2020, 09:13 PM

Originally posted by Udog View Post

Well, I've been looking around and I can't find a projected date for the playoffs, Monte. I have seen that the plan is for the Finals to finish no later than October 12. I guess it's hard to know for sure if there might be a need for a play-in or not after the 8 game regular season finish.

They must be planning to play those last 8 regular season games out very quickly, though. The whole thing starts July 31 and they want to be finished by October 12 and all playoff series will be best-of-7. So, if you figure they take 2 weeks to play out the season, the playoffs should be starting somewhere in the middle of August if there's no need for a play-in.

I'm liking how a 7 game series with no travel days sounds. If you take travel time out of it, a series could wrap up a lot quicker. I'll bet tv still makes em stall, though.

Rance I agree I don't see the need for them to finish the regular season as I believe that the NHL is done and going to go straight to the playoffs. And I'm sure the TV stations will want to drag it out as a lot of people will be tuning in to watch the playoffs.

**Udog** · 06-09-2020, 11:22 AM

NHL might be real interesting. They're starting up with the playoffs but with 24 teams instead of the usual 16. Not a bad idea. I haven't seen a projected start date yet. I don't think the league has cleared the teams to resume activity.

**BettorsChat** · 06-09-2020, 01:00 PM

Originally posted by Udog View Post

NHL might be real interesting. They're starting up with the playoffs but with 24 teams instead of the usual 16. Not a bad idea. I haven't seen a projected start date yet. I don't think the league has cleared the teams to resume activity.

24 teams? I thought 16 was enough in the past. The NBA has almost half of it's teams in the playoffs as well.

**Udog** · 06-09-2020, 01:29 PM

Originally posted by BettorsChat View Post

24 teams? I thought 16 was enough in the past. The NBA has almost half of it's teams in the playoffs as well.

I guess that's how they're compensating for the remaining regular season games. Instead of playing those, they're just putting everybody in the playoffs.

**BettorsChat** · 06-09-2020, 08:13 PM

Originally posted by Udog View Post

I guess that's how they're compensating for the remaining regular season games. Instead of playing those, they're just putting everybody in the playoffs.

I guess so and it's going to be interesting. I mean the stadiums are going to be empty I would imagine.

Then who knows when the NFL is going to start.

**Udog** · 06-26-2020, 09:10 AM

Three stats for NBA betting success during season restart
Jason Logan

The Dallas Mavericks and San Antonio Spurs will be among the teams to keep an eye on for point-spread value when NBA betting resumes.

NBA betting is inching closer to a restart at the end of July, even with COVID-19 cases growing rapidly in Florida, where the league plans to complete the 2019-20 schedule.

The current NBA restart schedule sees teams back on the court for regular season play between July 30 and August 14, with a possible play-in series scheduled for August 15-16 and the playoffs tipping off August 16.

This has us thinking about our NBA picks and predictions, and which teams are best suited for this season’s sudden restart. Given the frantic pace of play and neutral-court setup, these three stats could hold the key to NBA betting success when the Association resumes:

Bench scoring

Teams will need to get in shape quickly and contend with a packed calendar, playing every other night to wrap the eight-game regular season. And then come the playoffs.

Some playoff-bound teams may lean more on their subs than others, and with likely injuries (and possible COVID-19 cases) taking their toll, reserves could be the difference between winning and losing your NBA picks and parlays.

These are the top-scoring benches competing in the NBA restart:
Team Bench PPG,% of Offense
Los Angeles Clippers 51.5, 44%
Washington Wizards 49.6, 43%
San Antonio Spurs 45.1, 40%
Memphis Grizzlies 41.4, 37%
Miami Heat 41.3, 37%

Turnover percentage/Points off turnovers

If you bring the season to a screeching halt then ask guys to start back up again in a few months, within a foreign environment, things could get ugly.

Any flow or chemistry cooked up during the season has likely gone cold, so limiting turnovers and capitalizing on opponents’ mistakes could be huge when the NBA restarts in late July.

These are the top turnover percentages of teams competing in the NBA restart:
Team TO%
San Antonio Spurs 12.1%
Dallas Mavericks 12.7%
Orlando Magic 12.7%
Portland Trail Blazers 12.8%
Indiana Pacers 13.2%

As well, here are the top points off turnovers:
Team PPG off TOs
Toronto Raptors 19.6
Los Angeles Lakers 18.9
Washington Wizards 18.8
Phoenix Suns 18.7
Houston Rockets 18.5

Road effective field goal percentage

There’s no home-court edge in this NBA restart, so teams will need to get settled into their foreign and empty surroundings. Shooting in a smaller venue is sometimes easier, versus the range of depth in cavernous arenas, so we could see strong-shooting teams excel.

If we’re looking for which teams could adjust quickest to the setup in Orlando, and therefore provide some added value out of the gates, the top road shooting clubs are a good start. These are the best teams in road effective field goal percentage:

Team Road EFG%
Utah Jazz* 55.4%
Dallas Mavericks 55.0%
Los Angeles Lakers 55.0%
Houston Rockets 54.4%
Milwaukee Bucks 54.1%

*Jazz will be without leading 3-point shooter Bojan Bogdanovic (wrist injury).

Teams to watch

Given these three categories above, we see a few teams bubbling up to the top of the potential NBA point-spread picks.

The two sleeper teams to keep an eye on as the season resumes are the Spurs and Wizards (although the Wiz will be without top reserve Davis Bertans). Neither one is expected to make the postseason and will be an underdog almost every night, at least to start the schedule. Despite their shortcomings, it may be tough to ignore all those points.

Another NBA team that could provide extra point-spread pop (given the above stats) is Dallas, which sits seventh in the West and currently owns the best offensive rating in NBA history. The Mavericks (35-29-3 ATS) don’t have too much to worry about behind them but do have a chance to improve their postseason position, only four games back of the Clippers in the No. 2 spot.

**Udog** · 06-26-2020, 09:27 AM

NBA Eighth-Seed Picks, Predictions, Odds for Restart
Matt Blunt

Who will be the No. 8 Seed?

With the plan to get back on the court fully realized in the NBA now, bettors now have an opportunity to figure out what type of results this unique format will bring.

That's because this format that the NBA came out with, one where it was only fair to give all those teams lurking for a playoff spot in the West a shot at getting in, ultimately ran into some fairness problems, and now we get this interesting market where betting on the final team in the playoffs becomes a highly intriguing question.

See, once the NBA decided that a #8 vs #9 play-in series was possible for a 9th seed that finished within four games of the 8th seed, you automatically have to have at least nine teams from each conference involved. So an idea that was hatched to give Western teams like Portland, New Orleans, and Sacramento a shot at playing themselves in, actually forced that Western field of teams to grow because the league needed that 9th place team from the East – Washington – to be involved.

That in turn forced the league to come up with the statement/rule that any team that was within six games of the final playoff spot in their conference would be continuing the season, bringing San Antonio and Phoenix to the bubble life as well.

In the end, we get a three-team race in the East, and a seven-team race in the West, and from a betting perspective, they couldn't require more different strategies. And even still, this is still going to be a situation that's entirely different then anything we've ever seen before, and who knows how any of these teams will react to playing basketball in a bubble with no fans. That in itself could lead to some surprising betting results in the end, and maybe one of those occurs in these races for eighth.

Eastern Conference
Race for 8th Predictions

Odds to win the 8th Seed

Brooklyn (-110)
Orlando (+100)
Washington (+2500)

Brooklyn and Orlando enter the restart separated by just a half-game, and it's quite likely that they'll be the last two playoff teams in the East as these odds suggest. Yet, it's the unique format that actually makes Washington the play at this price, because them getting into that 8th seed isn't as absurd as that +2500 price suggests.

Again, the complete unknown here is how teams will react to this new world of basketball in an empty arena on a neutral site, and that by itself can lend itself to chaos. Eight games left in the year doesn't leave a whole lot of wiggle room for the Wizards to make up at least two games on one of these teams, but that's all that's needed for them to get into that 8 vs 9 showdown where they'll just have to win two straight. All of that does sound like a lot, but I would suggest it happens more then the sub-4% of the time the line of Washington suggests.

Furthermore, team schedules are still likely to potentially change, but early reports have Washington getting a head-to-head matchup with Brooklyn, while the Nets and Magic will meet twice. The potential for Brooklyn to lose all three of those games definitely exists and that's already one of those two games Washington needs to pick up right there.

And even when two games against Milwaukee can be viewed as a negative for Washington, what if at least one of those happens near the end when Milwaukee's already sitting pretty with that #1 seed. Do you think they are going to risk suiting up some of their best guys in this environment for a meaningless game?

Now, all this is somewhat conveniently looking past the fact that Washington was far from a good basketball team on the floor all season, and may be one of those teams that doesn't react well to being in this environment, especially when they've got little chance to stay there awhile. But the format is so unique that strictly from a pricing standpoint, a play on the Wizards makes quite a bit of sense if they do decide that they are there in the quarantine bubble anyways, they might as well try to see how far they can take things.

It's not a bet I'd expect to win often, but in a situation like this where it's about as neutral as neutral sites get for everyone, it's a bet at this price I definitely want a piece of. The format almost suggests it's a must take in some ways.

Eastern Conference

No. 8 Futures Pick
Washington +2500

NBA Restart
Possible Schedules

Brooklyn Nets
vs. Clippers, Kings, Wizards, Celtics, Magic, Clippers, Magic, Blazers

Orlando Magic
vs. Pacers, Kings, Nets, Nets, Pelicans, 76ers, Raptors, Lakers or Trail Blazers

Washington Wizards
vs. Celtics, Thunder, 76ers, Nets, Bucks, Celtics, Suns, Bucks

Western Conference
Race for 8th Predictions

Odds to win the 8th Seed

Memphis (-120)
New Orleans (+275)
Portland (+450)
Sacramento (+1200)
San Antonio (+2500)
Phoenix (+20000)
Dallas (+100000)

Handicapping the Western Conference is completely different in that the format and pricing really suggests no discernible angle in the same fashion it does with Washington over in the East. This is more about the typical handicapping approach in terms of breaking down the players on the floor and what to expect from them. But again, knowing what to expect from these guys in this situation is tough. For example, will the long layoff going to hurt older teams more as they take longer to get into “game shape?” or will younger teams/players look more lost out there not being able to feed off of the noise and energy in the building they are so accustomed to hearing?

That being said, there are a few teams you can comfortably omit from consideration for the 8th spot in the West, and it begins with the two teams from Texas; Dallas and San Antonio.

Dallas has a seven-game lead on Memphis in that 7/8 race, meaning the Mavericks would really have to choke things out in the restart to find themselves in a battle for a playoff spot. With the talent that they've got, that just won't happen and they are more likely to move up a spot or two in the playoffs then even make a battle for eighth a reality.

San Antonio is on the other side of that equation as they'll need a strong run to overtake all those teams ahead of them, but they'll have to do so without LaMarcus Aldridge. Aldridge is done for the year after going under the knife, and for the long-term prospects of his career it was likely the right thing to do. But it kills the Spurs chances of being a realistic selection here.

A lot of bettors believe Zion Williamson are going to make a good run at the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference. (AP)
A lot of bettors believe Zion Williamson are going to make a good run at the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference. (AP)
Phoenix is likely too far back as well, although if there weren't so many teams in front of them and they had a situation similar to what the Wizards are facing in the East, the Suns would at least garner a long second look. They've just got too many hurdles in terms of teams ahead of them to overcome.

That leaves the four favorites in terms of price left to choose from here, and while all the networks have to be salivating for a Memphis/New Orleans play-in series between last year's top two selections in the draft, neither of those two teams appear to be very appealing from a betting perspective.

Too many things could go wrong for the Grizzlies in these 8+ games to be taking them at a -110 price, as a rough restart could lead the Grizzlies to being in a play-in series as the #9 squad, let alone if they were to lose it as the #8 team. And even if Memphis ends up holding serve, there are too many unknowns in this situation where taking -110 here makes a whole lot of sense. It never hurts a bankroll to pass on a winner either.

In the Pelicans case, they are far too overvalued relative to the Blazers and Kings here, as all three of those teams are essentially tied going into the restart at 3.5 games back of that final playoff spot. Not sure I'd really want to take a team at +275 when I can get +450 or even +1200 on two other teams that essentially have to do the exact same thing in this scenario. That's even if the overall team New Orleans has looks/is better on paper then what Portland or Sacramento bring. The price point just doesn't invite an investment in the Pelicans.

Which does appear to make the decision in the West between Portland and Sacramento for wagering on that 8th spot. Again, probably not a bet you should expect to cash a high majority of the time, but both do already start the restart within that four-game threshold of #8, and just holding serve in that range will at least give the Blazers and/or Kings a shot at it.

From the on-court perspective, it would be backing Portland that brings more confidence, as their back court is one of the best in the game, and with the way Lillard and McCollum can shoot the basketball, it's not like seeing the Blazers get extremely hot for a five-plus game stretch is anything out of the ordinary.

Again, the price point on Sacramento as +1200 keeps them as a consideration on that price alone given Portland or New Orleans has to do the same thing as the Kings would do to get that spot, I'm just not sure that younger team is capable of going on the necessary run in this environment to get the job done.

Western Conference

No. 8 Futures Pick
Portland +450

NBA Restart Possible Schedules

Dallas Mavericks
vs. Suns, Clippers, Kings, Blazers, Suns, Rockets, Jazz, Bucks

Memphis Grizzlies
vs. Blazers, Jazz, Spurs, Thunder, Bucks, Pelicans, Pelicans, Celtics

New Orleans Pelicans
vs. Kings, Jazz, Clippers, Spurs, Grizzlies, Kings, Grizzlies, Magic

Phoenix Suns
vs. Mavericks, Pacers, Clippers, Mavericks, 76ers, Wizards, Heat, Thunder

Portland Trail Blazers
vs. Grizzlies, Rockets, Mavericks, 76ers, Celtics, Nets, Lakers, Heat or Magic

Sacramento Kings
vs. Pelicans, Nets, Mavericks, Rockets, Magic, Pelicans, Pacers, Spurs

San Antonio Spurs
vs. Nuggets, Grizzlies, Pelicans, Jazz, Jazz, Nuggets, Kings, 76ers

**Udog** · 07-02-2020, 09:34 AM

NBA betting: Eight seeding games to bet when NBA returns
Rohit Ponnaiya

The battle of Los Angeles, between the Lakers and the Clippers, kicks off the NBA's restart schedule and is one of our must-bet contests during the league's seeding phase of games.

NBA betting is back on the board with the NBA season restarting in Orlando after the COVID-19 shutdown. From July 30-August 14, the 22 remaining teams with NBA Championship aspirations will face off against each other to determine playoff seeding, so get ready for some exciting matchups.

We take a look at eight must-bet NBA seeding games to watch as the league returns to action.

Clippers vs Lakers (-1.5, 218.5), July 30, 9 p.m. ET

When the Los Angeles Lakers, led by LeBron James and Anthony Davis, taking on Kawhi Leonard, Paul George and the Los Angeles Clippers, the NBA doesn't get much better than this. Opening day and Christmas Day also featured this marquee matchup and the opening night of the restart in Orlando will mark the fourth time this season that these LA rivals have faced off.

The Lakers are third in the NBA in scoring defense, allowing 106.9 points per game, while the Clippers hold opponents to just 43.6 percent shooting from the field, also third-best in the league.

Betting trend to watch: The Clips won the first two meetings between these sides this season, while the Lakers won the last one in March. The Under hit in each of those contests with an average score of 108.7-106.7 in favor of the Clippers. With both teams coming in off lengthy breaks, there may be some rust on the offensive end of the floor making the Under 218.5 an intriguing play.

Celtics vs Bucks (-5, 217.5), July 31, 6:30 p.m. ET

Barring an absolute collapse, the Milwaukee Bucks will wrap up the No. 1 seed in the East, but they will still likely want to play MVP front-runner Giannis Antetokounmpo in this one just to shake off the cobwebs after the break.

This could be a preview of the Eastern Conference Finals and it will be interesting to see how Boston Celtics point guard Kemba Walker looks after being hampered by knee issues following the All-Star break. Boston split the series with Milwaukee during the season and Walker torched the Bucks both times, scoring 32 points against them in November and putting up 40 on them in January.

Betting trend to watch: Milwaukee opened as a five-point favorite, with the total set at 217.5, but don't count out the Celtics, who have gone an impressive 14-4 ATS as an underdog this season.

Rockets vs Mavericks (+1.5, 225.5), July 31, 9 p.m. ET

The battle between James Harden and Luka Doncic will be a treat for basketball fans, but the Houston Rockets and Dallas Mavericks have plenty of firepower in addition to their All-NBA guards.

With the full game total for this contest opening at a reasonable 225.5, keep an eye on the first half total when it drops.

Betting trend to watch: Fast starts have been a trend for both squads, with Houston leading the league with 59.9 first-half points per game and Dallas second with 59.3 ppg. For good measure, the Rockets also rank 25th in the NBA in first-half scoring defense, surrendering 58.1 ppg.

Heat vs Nuggets (-1, 212.5), August 1, 1 p.m ET

Both the Miami Heat and the Denver Nuggets could see their seeding change dramatically based on how they perform in Orlando. Miami has an absolute gauntlet to run through with its first four games against Denver, Toronto, Boston and Milwaukee.

The Nuggets have long had a massive edge at home, due to the increased elevation at the Pepsi Center, and losing that advantage in Orlando could hurt. Then again, Miami could be in the same boat considering that they posted an average scoring margin of plus-9.3 ppg at home — and that plummeted to minus-2.7 in away contests.

Betting trend to watch: The Heat have been one of the highest-scoring teams in the league during the first quarter, but have really struggled to put the ball in the hoop at the end of games, averaging just 26 ppg in the fourth quarter. With Denver holding opponents to just 26.2 fourth-quarter points per game on the road, this is a trend you'll want to consider when live betting in the final 12 minutes.

Bucks vs Rockets, August 2, 8:30 p.m. ET

It's always a blast watching two MVP favorites face off against each other, and after Harden came up short against Antetokounmpo last year there seems to be a lack of respect between the two superstars. The Greek Freak took a potshot at Harden when he selected his team during All-Star weekend, with the Rockets guard responding with, "I wish I could be 7 feet and run and just dunk. Like, that takes no skill at all."

Betting trend to watch: Unfortunately for the small-ball Rockets, defending in the paint is their biggest weakness, especially after trading away Clint Capela left them with the 6-foot-5 PJ Tucker often manning the center position. Houston allows 51.5 ppg in the paint, sixth-worst in the league, and Giannis is the most dominant inside scorer since Shaq, putting up 29.6 ppg this season.

Grizzlies vs Pelicans, August 3, 6:30 p.m. ET

Not only will this matchup feature the two best rookies in the league in Ja Morant and Zion Williamson, but it will also be a prime spot for the New Orleans Pelicans to gain ground on the Memphis Grizzlies for the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference.

New Orleans was impressive on offense even without Zion and have become even more unstoppable since the first-overall draft pick joined the team on January 22. Once Zion joined the fold the Pelicans averaged 120.1 ppg and played at the fastest pace in the league.

Betting trend to watch: Thanks in large part to Morant, Memphis also looks good on the offensive end of the floor, ranking seventh in the league in both possessions per game and shooting percentage. With both teams electrifying on offense - and terrible on defense - this should be a very fun game with the Over worth looking at.

Trail Blazers vs Nuggets, August 6, 8 p.m ET

There might not a more dangerous team currently outside a playoff spot than the Portland Trail Blazers, who arguably boast the second-best backcourt out of all 22 teams in Orlando and will also get center Jusuf Nurkic back from a broken leg. The Nuggets are third in the West but sit only 1.5 games behind the Clippers and 1.5 games ahead of the Jazz, so every game matters.

This is a rematch of last year's Western Conference semifinals, where the Blazers upset the Nuggets in seven games. In three games head-to-head this year the Nuggets went 3-0 SU and ATS.

Betting trend to watch: Blazers All-Star Damian Lillard has struggled against Denver, averaging 21.6 ppg on 37.7 percent shooting over his last seven regular-season games against the Nuggets. Although he played better during the playoff series last season, it was CJ McCollum who carried the Blazers offense, especially in Game 7 when Lillard went 3-17 from the field.

Raptors vs 76ers, August 12, 6:30 p.m. ET

There might not be much on the line if the Toronto Raptors have already secured a seed by this time, but if their nerve-wracking seven-game playoff series against the Philadelphia 76ers last year is any indication, this should still be a great game.

Betting trend to watch: It will be interesting to see how these teams play on neutral ground. Toronto has been one of the best teams in the league away from home, going 23-9 SU and 16-15 ATS and posting an average scoring margin of plus-4.2 ppg. On the other hand, the 76ers have been terrible on the road, going 10-24 SU, 9-23 ATS and posting a scoring margin of minus-5.3.

**Udog** · 07-02-2020, 09:47 AM

NBA Bubble Rankings
Tony Mejia

1. Los Angeles Clippers

Record: 44-20 SU, 35-29 ATS
Futures: West 9/5, Championship 33/10
Schedule strength analysis: Manageable

Kawhi Leonard and Paul George had started cooking before the league went on pause, producing victories in seven of the last eight games they played in together (6-2 ATS). The Lakers were the only team to hand them a loss (March 8), taking advantage of starters not named Leonard or George managing just eight points on 2-for-16 shooting.

With center Joakim Noah on board and versatile forward Marcus Morris, Sr. now getting more practice time to get acclimated, Doc Rivers has the NBA’s deepest roster at his disposal.

2. Los Angeles Lakers

Record: 49-14 SU, 35-27-1 ATS
Futures: West 8/5, Championship 12/5
Schedule strength analysis: Tough

LeBron James and Anthony Davis will be rested and ready, but Avery Bradley won’t play. He was the x-factor in that 112-103 win over the Clips, scoring 24 points and shooting 6-for-12 from 3-point range while excelling as one of L.A.’s top defenders.

It doesn’t sound like Dwight Howard will be backing out, but the Lakers’ depth took a hit during the hiatus, knocking them off their perch in these rankings.

3. Milwaukee Bucks

Record: 53-12 SU, 36-29 ATS
Futures: East 3/5, Championship 5/2
Schedule strength analysis: Manageable

Giannis Antetokounmpo enters the bubble as the clubhouse leader in the MVP race, while Khris Middleton now gets a chance to join the 50-40-90 club if he adjusts quickly to the rims at Disney’s Wide World of Sports.

The Bucks will open the playoffs as the East’s No. 1 seed and will have a few chances to flex their muscles against the Celtics, Rockets and Raptors, but finishing out the slate will be all about adjusting to the bubble. Milwaukee lost its last four road games and is the team most affected by not having a homecourt advantage since it was 28-3 at Fiserv Forum and was poised to start every series there throughout the duration of its playoff run.

4. Houston Rockets

Record: 40-24 SU, 29-35 ATS
Futures: West 7/1, Championship 13/1
Schedule strength analysis: Challenging

It will be much easier for the Rockets to impose their will through small ball with fresher legs. James Harden may be in the best physical shape of his career and the injuries that were hampering Russell Westbrook on his jumpers have had time to heal.

Tyson Chandler is the only player taller than 6-foot-9 on the roster and will likely be used sparsely, so success will hinge on how effective role players P.J. Tucker, Robert Covington, Danuel House, Jeff Green, DeMarre Carroll and Bruno Caboclo are in holding down the frontcourt.

5. Boston Celtics

Record: 43-21 SU, 38-23-3 ATS
Futures: East 7/1, Championship 20/1
Schedule strength analysis: Easy

The Celtics will have ample time to prepare for the Bucks and a nationally televised debut between the two East teams with the best odds to win a championship. Boston looks pretty deep now that everyone is healthy, but will need Jayson Tatum to pick up where he left off before the stoppage if it is to emerge out of the East.

Glue guys Marcus Smart and Daniel Theis should play large roles with Brad Stevens likely to deploy them as x-factors come postseason. The team’s top-seven has only been healthy for eight games this season. Entering “seeding games,” that’s expected to change.

6. Toronto Raptors

Record: 46-18 SU, 35-28-1 ATS
Futures: East 7/1, Championship 22/1
Schedule strength analysis: Tough

The big news around the defending champs is how svelte center Marc Gasol looks. One of the league’s deepest teams is expected to be healthy and takes the NBA’s longest win streak into the bubble.

The Raptors will have a sizeable chip on their shoulder since their schedule is downright grueling. Seeing former tormentor LeBron James out of the gate should help fuel the Raps’ preparation and gives them a chance to make a statement early. Toronto’s schedule is filled with quality frontcourts. Pascal Siakam, OG Anunoby and Serge Ibaka will all benefit from Gasol’s availability considering he’s missed nearly half the season.

7. Denver Nuggets

Record: 43-22 SU, 29-32-4 ATS
Futures: West 12/1, Championship 25/1
Schedule strength analysis: Challenging

Denver isn’t sweating star center Nikola Jokic being stricken with COVID-19, knowing he’s got time to recover in Serbia and should receive clearance to return to the U.S. before the team leaves for the Disney bubble. While not ideal, Jokic looked slimmer than he did in March, when he was playing some of his best basketball of the season after working himself into shape over the first few months.

Forwards Jerami Grant and Michael Porter, Jr. could make an already loaded frontcourt truly special if they’re able to increase their production consistently. Facing the Jazz, Lakers, Clippers and Raptors to end the “seeding” games portion of the schedule should ensure the Nuggets are ready for the playoffs but could lead to a top-three seed slipping away if they struggle.

8. Philadelphia 76ers

Record: 39-26 SU, 28-33-4 ATS
Futures: East 9/1, Championship 28/1
Schedule strength analysis: Easy

Unless Ben Simmons taught himself how to shoot over the past few months, the best news the 76ers have received is that Joel Embiid used his time off constructively, working out and getting into excellent shape.

Both young Philly stars were dealing with injuries in March, so this restart benefits this group more than most. Given that they’ve gotten a lighter load of “seeding games” than anyone else, Philadelphia can generate confidence and make a run at the coveted No. 3 seed. Brett Brown is probably coaching for his job over the next few months.

9. Miami Heat

Record: 41-24 SU, 33-30-2 ATS
Futures: East 9/1, Championship 30/1
Schedule strength analysis: Tough

Despite Miami-Dade becoming one of the nation’s hot spots for the coronavirus, only springy forward Derrick Jones, Jr. has been tested positive. He plans on playing, so Erik Spoelstra should be able to count on one of his top defenders.

The Heat shot the ball much better from beyond the arc at home than they did on the road and rely on young wings Duncan Robinson and Tyler Herro to fill it up from 3-point range and space the floor, so it’s vital that they get comfortable in the surreal environment that awaits them in Central Florida.

10. Utah Jazz

Record: 41-23 SU, 30-32-2 ATS
Futures: West 14/1, Championship 33/1
Schedule strength analysis: Manageable

Rudy Gobert stated that he still doesn’t feel like he’s fully recovered from the coronavirus and has fences to mend with a number of his teammates, including star guard Donovan Mitchell, who caught the illness too.

Top shooter Bojan Bogdanovic is done due to wrist surgery, so it can be argued that few teams have regressed more since the March 11 announcement that Gobert had contracted COVID-19 shook the world. Mike Conley, Joe Ingles and Jordan Clarkson have to help bring their teammates together and should take some pressure off Mitchell with their ballhandling while helping absorb some of the scoring hit caused by Bogdanovic’s absence.

11. Dallas Mavericks

Record: 40-27 SU, 35-29-3 ATS
Futures: West 20/1, Championship 40/1
Schedule strength analysis: Manageable

Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis returned from overseas and are expected to be in the mix as they each make the first playoff appearance of their careers. The Mavs won’t have center Willie Cauley-Stein, who opted to sit out due to having a baby on the way.

They already had lost Dwight Powell, Jalen Brunson and Courtney Lee to season-ending injuries. Rick Carlisle should be able to identify a rotation he can lean on over the course of eight games but getting off to a good start will dictate whether Dallas can overtake the Rockets for a Southwest Division title.

12. New Orleans Pelicans

Record: 28-36 SU, 33-29-2 ATS
Futures: West 66/1, Championship 125/1
Schedule strength analysis: Easy

Rookie Zion Williamson was able to spend most of this hiatus at the Pelicans’ practice facility since he was still working his way back from knee surgery, so he’s expected to be a force in Orlando. Remember, he scored 35 points against the Lakers to open March and was averaging roughly 25 points per game since getting acclimated and shedding some of the minutes restrictions.

Jrue Holiday is one of the NBA’s top two-way guards and forward Brandon Ingram will be a restricted free agent and should help his chances of receiving a large offer sheet if he can continue his surge. Given its light schedule, New Orleans should be considered the favorite to wind up opposite Memphis in the play-in 8-9 series.

13. Oklahoma City Thunder

Record: 40-24 SU, 40-24 ATS
Futures: West 40/1, Championship 100/1
Schedule strength analysis: Challenging

The Thunder were 17-5 over their last 22 games prior to the stoppage and were done no favors by the schedule. The Lakers replaced a second game with Denver among the adjustments the NBA made, so OKC is 6-10 against teams they’ll run into in the bubble.

Avoiding the Clippers and matching up with a Rockets team that they’ve won two of three against is the Thunder’s chief objective, so I’d expect they won’t be resting players as they try to finish at least sixth in the West. Standout defender Andre Roberson could finally be healthy enough to play for the first time since January 2018.

14. Indiana Pacers

Record: 39-26 SU, 34-28-3 ATS
Futures: East 33/1, Championship 100/1
Schedule strength analysis: Manageable

Word on whether Victor Oladipo will play in Orlando is expected to come down this week, while backcourt mate Malcolm Brogdon is expected to recover from contracting the coronavirus in June. With Indiana likely to employ a collective approach to tackling the remaining regular-season schedule, it wouldn’t be surprising to see it slip down to No. 6 unless it fares well in its two head-to-head meetings with Miami.

With shooting guard Jeremy Lamb already done for the season, Oladipo uncertain and Brogdon working his way back, brothers Justin Holiday and Aaron Holiday may be in for major roles. Domantas Sabonis would be most affected by a reduction of minutes since he's such a factor at both ends.

15. Portland Trail Blazers

Record: 29-37 SU, 27-37-2 ATS
Futures: West 80/1, Championship 150/1
Schedule strength analysis: Challenging

The Blazers will have guards Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum healthy and fresh, which makes this group a threat. It definitely hurts that Trevor Ariza opted not to play, especially with Rodney Hood nowhere near ready to return from an Achilles tear.

Carmelo Anthony struggles too much on defense to be trusted to take many minutes on the wing, so a few of the kids will likely have to step up. Head coach Terry Stotts must also figure out how to dispense minutes up front with Jusuf Nurkic and Zack Collins returning and Hassan Whiteside commanding significant playing time at in the middle.

16. Memphis Grizzlies

Record: 32-33 SU, 34-30-1 ATS
Futures: West 120/1, Championship 250/1
Schedule strength analysis: Tough

It’s going to take an epic collapse for the Grizzlies to drop out of the play-in series, but there’s no question they must be wary of fumbling away the No. 8 seed. The No. 9 faces an uphill climb in that they have to win multiple games with no room for error to reach the playoffs, so Memphis has to find a way to win at least a couple of games in Orlando to hang on to that advantage.

Rookie of the Year favorite Ja Morant will have a bigger stage to shine on while young forwards Jaren Jackson, Jr. and Brandon Clarke will be available after dealing with injuries in March. The same can be said for trade acquisition Justise Winslow, who hasn’t suited up since coming over from Miami.

17. Orlando Magic

Record: 30-35 SU, 31-32-2 ATS
Record: 30-35 SU, 29-35-1 ATS | Futures: East 100/1, Championship 300/1
Schedule strength analysis: Manageable

The Magic would be far more dangerous if Jonathan Isaac were healthy enough to play, but it’s doubtful that he’d rush back from a knee injury if he’s not at 100 percent.

Orlando still has talented pieces in Nikola Vucevic Aaron Gordon, Evan Fournier and Markelle Fultz to challenge opponents but becomes a different animal when Isaac is available to wreak havoc on defense. Playing the Nets twice means the Magic can dictate whether they wind up in seventh or eighth.

18. Sacramento Kings

Record: 28-36 SU, 33-29-2 ATS
Futures: West 250/1, Championship 500/1
Schedule strength analysis: Manageable

Former No. 2 overall pick Marvin Bagley III should be at 100 percent for this restart, so he’s hoping to salvage a sophomore season gone wrong since he hasn’t played since Jan. 10 and has gotten into just 13 games. Second-leading scorer Buddy Hield was stricken with coronavirus but is expected to play, filling out a talented backcourt trio led by De’Aaron Fox and Bogdan Bogdanovic.

Recent acquisitions Jabari Parker and Alex Len were also afflicted with COVID-19, so head coach Luke Walton will have a lot of moving parts in play.

19. Phoenix Suns

Record: 26-39 SU, 29-35-1 ATS
Futures: West 250/1, Championship 500/1
Schedule strength analysis: Manageable

Getting former No. 1 pick DeAndre Ayton his first meaningful action is enormous for his development, so the last Western Conference team invited to the bubble party has already won just by being included. Ayton will square off with Indiana’s Myles Turner, Miami’s Bam Adebayo, OKC’s Steven Adams and Philadelphia’s Embiid in consecutive games towards the end of the event, so he’ll have a huge impact on Phoenix’s ability to surprise.

It hurts the cause that Kelly Oubre Jr. won’t play, but that does give young wings Mikal Bridges and Cameron Johnson opportunities to carve out larger roles.

20. San Antonio Spurs

Record: 27-36 SU, 25-37-1 ATS |
Futures: West 250/1, Championship 500/1
Schedule strength analysis: Manageable

The Spurs are likely going to be in youth movement mode in Orlando. With LaMarcus Aldridge out following shoulder surgery, Gregg Popovich will ride DeMar DeRozan, Rudy Gay and the kids.

Dejounte Murray has worked his way back gingerly from an ACL tear but should be able to impose his will more given the time off. Lonnie Walker IV, Derrick White, Bryn Forbes and Trey Lyles should get plenty of reps.

21. Brooklyn Nets

Record: 30-34 SU, 31-33 ATS
Futures: East 100/1, Championship 300/1
Schedule strength analysis: Manageable

Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving won’t be suiting up until the 2020-21 season opens in December, so these Nets belong to guard Spencer Dinwiddie and wing Caris LeVert. Dinwiddie tested positive for the coronavirus and may not play.

Brooklyn coach Kenny Atkinson resigned on March 7, so Jacque Vaughn will guide this group on an interim basis. DeAndre Jordan also tested positive for COVID-19 and won't participate, so this will be a great chance for Jarrett Allen to take a step forward in terms of consistency.

22. Washington Wizards

Record: 24-40 SU, 32-30-2 ATS
Futures: East 150/1, Championship 300/1
Schedule strength analysis: Challenging

The already tall task of overcoming a huge edge that Brooklyn and Orlando hold over the Wizards became insurmountable when free agent-to-be Davis Bertans decided not to play, citing health risks.

John Wall will take a few more months to get right, so Bradley Beal should expect to see plenty of double-teams. Rookie Rui Hachimura showed a few flashes of brilliance so it would be nice to see whether his game has blossomed over the past few months.

**Udog** · 07-12-2020, 07:18 PM

I can't imagine that any stats or trends prior to the shutdown are going to mean anything going forward. We still don't know who'll hold out or how teams will respond under drastically different conditions. We're starting all over with a clean slate. However, this stuff is up and I'm bored....

NBA
Dunkel

Thursday, July 30

Utah @ New Orleans

Game 701-702
July 30, 2020 @ 6:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Utah
116.614
New Orleans
120.771
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
New Orleans
by 4
217
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
New Orleans
by 1
220 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
New Orleans
(-1); Under

LA Clippers @ LA Lakers

Game 703-704
July 30, 2020 @ 9:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
LA Clippers
128.091
LA Lakers
124.430
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
LA Clippers
by 3 1/2
227
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
LA Clippers
Even
218 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
LA Clippers
Over

Friday, July 31

Orlando @ Brooklyn

Game 705-706
July 31, 2020 @ 2:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Orlando
116.615
Brooklyn
118.502
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Brooklyn
by 2
209
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Orlando
by 2
213 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Brooklyn
(+2); Under

Memphis @ Portland

Game 707-708
July 31, 2020 @ 4:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Memphis
119.902
Portland
117.279
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Memphis
by 2
232
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Portland
by 1
223
Dunkel Pick:
Memphis
(+1); Over

Phoenix @ Washington

Game 709-710
July 31, 2020 @ 4:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Phoenix
118.548
Washington
109.184
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Phoenix
by 9 1/2
234
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Phoenix
by 3
230
Dunkel Pick:
Phoenix
(-3); Over

Boston @ Milwaukee

Game 711-712
July 31, 2020 @ 6:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Boston
115.474
Milwaukee
124.334
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Milwaukee
by 9
214
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Milwaukee
by 5 1/2
218
Dunkel Pick:
Milwaukee
(-5 1/2); Under

Sacramento @ San Antonio

Game 713-714
July 31, 2020 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Sacramento
116.609
San Antonio
116.143
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
San Antonio
Even
213
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Sacramento
by 3
216 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
San Antonio
(+3); Under

Houston @ Dallas

Game 715-716
July 31, 2020 @ 9:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Houston
114.986
Dallas
120.721
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Dallas
by 6
229
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Houston
by 1 1/2
226
Dunkel Pick:
Dallas
(+1 1/2); Over

NBA
Long Sheet

Thursday, July 30

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UTAH (41 - 23) vs. NEW ORLEANS (28 - 36) - 7/30/2020, 6:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEW ORLEANS is 18-7 ATS (+10.3 Units) in road games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
UTAH is 93-70 ATS (+16.0 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game over the last 3 seasons.
UTAH is 25-12 ATS (+11.8 Units) in road games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
UTAH is 25-12 ATS (+11.8 Units) in road games versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 52-78 ATS (-33.8 Units) in road games after a win by 10 points or more since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
UTAH is 6-4 against the spread versus NEW ORLEANS over the last 3 seasons
UTAH is 7-3 straight up against NEW ORLEANS 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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LA CLIPPERS (44 - 20) vs. LA LAKERS (49 - 14) - 7/30/2020, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LA CLIPPERS are 238-297 ATS (-88.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season since 1996.
LA LAKERS are 30-20 ATS (+8.0 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game this season.
LA LAKERS are 29-20 ATS (+7.0 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game this season.
LA CLIPPERS are 82-68 ATS (+7.2 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) in road games vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 38-24 ATS (+11.6 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 48-29 ATS (+16.1 Units) in road games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game over the last 3 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 26-13 ATS (+11.7 Units) in road games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA CLIPPERS is 7-4 against the spread versus LA LAKERS over the last 3 seasons
LA CLIPPERS is 7-4 straight up against LA LAKERS over the last 3 seasons
6 of 11 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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Friday, July 31

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ORLANDO (30 - 35) vs. BROOKLYN (30 - 34) - 7/31/2020, 2:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BROOKLYN is 33-17 ATS (+14.3 Units) in road games revenging a home loss vs opponent over the last 3 seasons.
BROOKLYN is 50-33 ATS (+13.7 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
BROOKLYN is 62-47 ATS (+10.3 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
BROOKLYN is 26-13 ATS (+11.7 Units) in road games versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
ORLANDO is 17-6 ATS (+10.4 Units) after 3 or more consecutive overs over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 25-13 ATS (+10.7 Units) after allowing 115 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 27-14 ATS (+11.6 Units) after scoring 115 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 21-10 ATS (+10.0 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
ORLANDO is 18-9 ATS (+8.1 Units) in road games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
BROOKLYN is 5-4 against the spread versus ORLANDO over the last 3 seasons
BROOKLYN is 5-4 straight up against ORLANDO over the last 3 seasons
5 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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MEMPHIS (32 - 33) vs. PORTLAND (29 - 37) - 7/31/2020, 4:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MEMPHIS is 3-11 ATS (-9.1 Units) on Friday nights this season.
MEMPHIS is 20-9 ATS (+10.1 Units) against Northwest division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
MEMPHIS is 31-20 ATS (+9.0 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game this season.
PORTLAND is 27-37 ATS (-13.7 Units) in all games this season.
PORTLAND is 21-31 ATS (-13.1 Units) when the total is greater than or equal to 220 this season.
PORTLAND is 21-32 ATS (-14.2 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game this season.
PORTLAND is 17-30 ATS (-16.0 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
MEMPHIS is 5-4 against the spread versus PORTLAND over the last 3 seasons
MEMPHIS is 5-4 straight up against PORTLAND over the last 3 seasons
6 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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PHOENIX (26 - 39) vs. WASHINGTON (24 - 40) - 7/31/2020, 4:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PHOENIX is 65-81 ATS (-24.1 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 51-69 ATS (-24.9 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 7-15 ATS (-9.5 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game - 2nd half of the season this season.
PHOENIX is 49-69 ATS (-26.9 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 20-33 ATS (-16.3 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 14-6 ATS (+7.4 Units) in road games revenging a loss vs opponent this season.
WASHINGTON is 167-219 ATS (-73.9 Units) on Friday nights since 1996.
WASHINGTON is 16-30 ATS (-17.0 Units) in road games after allowing 115 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 11-25 ATS (-16.5 Units) in road games after scoring 115 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 49-67 ATS (-24.7 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 18-35 ATS (-20.5 Units) in road games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 18-34 ATS (-19.4 Units) in road games versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.

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

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BOSTON (43 - 21) vs. MILWAUKEE (53 - 12) - 7/31/2020, 6:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MILWAUKEE is 93-66 ATS (+20.4 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 82-58 ATS (+18.2 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 147-109 ATS (+27.1 Units) in road games against Atlantic division opponents since 1996.
MILWAUKEE is 98-70 ATS (+21.0 Units) after playing 3 consecutive road games since 1996.
MILWAUKEE is 151-113 ATS (+26.7 Units) after 3 or more consecutive losses since 1996.
MILWAUKEE is 74-52 ATS (+16.8 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 72-51 ATS (+15.9 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 37-25 ATS (+9.5 Units) in all games this season.
BOSTON is 45-27 ATS (+15.3 Units) as an underdog over the last 3 seasons.
BOSTON is 15-7 ATS (+7.3 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent this season.
BOSTON is 20-9 ATS (+10.1 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
BOSTON is 17-7 ATS (+9.3 Units) in road games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game this season.
BOSTON is 99-78 ATS (+13.2 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 13-8 against the spread versus MILWAUKEE over the last 3 seasons
MILWAUKEE is 12-9 straight up against BOSTON over the last 3 seasons
13 of 21 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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SACRAMENTO (28 - 36) vs. SAN ANTONIO (27 - 36) - 7/31/2020, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SAN ANTONIO is 45-22 ATS (+20.8 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 450-379 ATS (+33.1 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record since 1996.
SACRAMENTO is 79-65 ATS (+7.5 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SACRAMENTO is 34-18 ATS (+14.2 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.
SACRAMENTO is 42-26 ATS (+13.4 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 24-37 ATS (-16.7 Units) in all games this season.
SAN ANTONIO is 22-36 ATS (-17.6 Units) after scoring 115 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 21-31 ATS (-13.1 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game this season.
SAN ANTONIO is 20-29 ATS (-11.9 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
SACRAMENTO is 6-3 against the spread versus SAN ANTONIO over the last 3 seasons
SAN ANTONIO is 5-4 straight up against SACRAMENTO over the last 3 seasons
5 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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HOUSTON (40 - 24) vs. DALLAS (40 - 27) - 7/31/2020, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DALLAS is 38-29 ATS (+6.1 Units) in all games this season.
DALLAS is 27-17 ATS (+8.3 Units) when the total is greater than or equal to 220 this season.
DALLAS is 41-27 ATS (+11.3 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
DALLAS is 17-6 ATS (+10.4 Units) in road games vs. division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
DALLAS is 48-35 ATS (+9.5 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
DALLAS is 69-48 ATS (+16.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
DALLAS is 31-19 ATS (+10.1 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game this season.
DALLAS is 68-50 ATS (+13.0 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 46-29 ATS (+14.1 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 48-32 ATS (+12.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season over the last 3 seasons.

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

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Saturday, August 1

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MIAMI (41 - 24) vs. DENVER (43 - 22) - 8/1/2020, 1:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
DENVER is 3-2 against the spread versus MIAMI over the last 3 seasons
DENVER is 4-1 straight up against MIAMI 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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UTAH (41 - 23) vs. OKLAHOMA CITY (40 - 24) - 8/1/2020, 3:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 39-24 ATS (+12.6 Units) in all games this season.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 23-10 ATS (+12.0 Units) as an underdog this season.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 29-18 ATS (+9.2 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game this season.
UTAH is 93-70 ATS (+16.0 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game over the last 3 seasons.
UTAH is 25-12 ATS (+11.8 Units) in road games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
UTAH is 25-12 ATS (+11.8 Units) in road games versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 3 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
11 of 16 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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NEW ORLEANS (28 - 36) vs. LA CLIPPERS (44 - 20) - 8/1/2020, 6:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LA CLIPPERS are 82-68 ATS (+7.2 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 58-37 ATS (+17.3 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 40-27 ATS (+10.3 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 48-29 ATS (+16.1 Units) in road games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game over the last 3 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 26-13 ATS (+11.7 Units) in road games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 18-7 ATS (+10.3 Units) in road games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.

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

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PHILADELPHIA (39 - 26) vs. INDIANA (39 - 26) - 8/1/2020, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) in road games revenging a loss vs opponent this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 16-28 ATS (-14.8 Units) after a win by 10 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 29-42 ATS (-17.2 Units) after scoring 115 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 6-14 ATS (-9.4 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 7-17 ATS (-11.7 Units) in road games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 7-17 ATS (-11.7 Units) in road games versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game this season.
INDIANA is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) on Saturday games this season.

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

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LA LAKERS (49 - 14) vs. TORONTO (46 - 18) - 8/1/2020, 8:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LA LAKERS are 4-15 ATS (-12.5 Units) against Atlantic division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
LA LAKERS are 18-34 ATS (-19.4 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
LA LAKERS are 10-1 ATS (+8.9 Units) revenging a home loss vs opponent this season.
LA LAKERS are 30-20 ATS (+8.0 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game this season.
LA LAKERS are 29-20 ATS (+7.0 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game this season.
TORONTO is 223-274 ATS (-78.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
TORONTO is 5-0 against the spread versus LA LAKERS over the last 3 seasons
TORONTO is 5-0 straight up against LA LAKERS 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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NBA

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Trend Report
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Thursday, July 30

New Orleans Pelicans
New Orleans is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 11 of New Orleans's last 16 games at home
New Orleans is 7-15-3 ATS in its last 25 games when playing Utah
New Orleans is 3-11 SU in its last 14 games when playing Utah
The total has gone OVER in 6 of New Orleans's last 8 games when playing Utah
New Orleans is 3-10-1 ATS in its last 14 games when playing at home against Utah
New Orleans is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Utah
The total has gone OVER in 12 of New Orleans's last 13 games when playing at home against Utah
Utah Jazz
Utah is 2-8 ATS in its last 10 games
Utah is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
Utah is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Utah is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Utah's last 14 games on the road
Utah is 11-3 SU in its last 14 games when playing New Orleans
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Utah's last 8 games when playing New Orleans
Utah is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games when playing on the road against New Orleans
Utah is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against New Orleans
The total has gone OVER in 12 of Utah's last 13 games when playing on the road against New Orleans

Los Angeles Lakers
LA Lakers is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
LA Lakers is 11-2 SU in its last 13 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of LA Lakers's last 8 games
LA Lakers is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games at home
LA Lakers is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of LA Lakers's last 8 games at home
LA Lakers is 5-20 SU in its last 25 games when playing LA Clippers
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of LA Lakers's last 5 games when playing LA Clippers
LA Lakers is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against LA Clippers
LA Lakers is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against LA Clippers
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of LA Lakers's last 5 games when playing at home against LA Clippers
Los Angeles Clippers
LA Clippers is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games
LA Clippers is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of LA Clippers's last 9 games
LA Clippers is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
LA Clippers is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of LA Clippers's last 7 games on the road
LA Clippers is 20-5 SU in its last 25 games when playing LA Lakers
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of LA Clippers's last 5 games when playing LA Lakers
LA Clippers is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against LA Lakers
LA Clippers is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against LA Lakers
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of LA Clippers's last 5 games when playing on the road against LA Lakers

Friday, July 31

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

Portland Trail Blazers
Portland is 4-8 ATS in its last 12 games
Portland is 4-8 SU in its last 12 games
The total has gone OVER in 17 of Portland's last 24 games
Portland is 2-4-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Memphis
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Portland's last 5 games when playing Memphis
Portland is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Memphis
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Portland's last 6 games when playing at home against Memphis
Memphis Grizzlies
Memphis is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games
Memphis is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Memphis's last 7 games
Memphis is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
Memphis is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Memphis's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Memphis's last 5 games when playing Portland
Memphis is 1-3-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Portland
Memphis is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Portland
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Memphis's last 6 games when playing on the road against Portland

Washington Wizards
Washington is 6-3 ATS in its last 9 games
Washington is 7-15 ATS in its last 22 games when playing Phoenix
Washington is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games when playing Phoenix
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Washington's last 6 games when playing Phoenix
Washington is 2-11 ATS in its last 13 games when playing at home against Phoenix
Washington is 4-9 SU in its last 13 games when playing at home against Phoenix
Phoenix Suns
Phoenix is 5-13 ATS in its last 18 games
Phoenix is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Phoenix's last 6 games
Phoenix is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games on the road
Phoenix is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Phoenix's last 5 games on the road
Phoenix is 15-7 ATS in its last 22 games when playing Washington
Phoenix is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games when playing Washington
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Phoenix's last 6 games when playing Washington
Phoenix is 11-2 ATS in its last 13 games when playing on the road against Washington
Phoenix is 9-4 SU in its last 13 games when playing on the road against Washington

Milwaukee Bucks
Milwaukee is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games
Milwaukee is 19-6 SU in its last 25 games
Milwaukee is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Milwaukee's last 8 games
Milwaukee is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Boston
Milwaukee is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Boston
Milwaukee is 6-13-1 ATS in its last 20 games when playing at home against Boston
Milwaukee is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Boston
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Milwaukee's last 6 games when playing at home against Boston
Boston Celtics
Boston is 1-3-2 ATS in its last 6 games
Boston is 16-7 SU in its last 23 games
Boston is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
Boston is 5-0-1 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Boston is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Boston's last 6 games on the road
Boston is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Milwaukee
Boston is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Milwaukee
Boston is 11-5 ATS in its last 16 games when playing on the road against Milwaukee
Boston is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Milwaukee
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Boston's last 6 games when playing on the road against Milwaukee

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**Udog** · 07-27-2020, 11:57 AM

How to Bet the NBA Reseeding Games
Matt Blunt

Handicapping the Bubble
Reseeding Games

NBA games will be here before you know it, and with the eight-game sprint to the finish of the “regular” season, the scheduling angles are always interesting to look at. I'm not talking about the strength of schedule discussions either as those can go on for awhile with some teams.

But the fact that every game but one, for every team, is on a single's day rest, we can at least take a look at how these teams did in that specific scenario. Granted, the season that produced these numbers feels like a lifetime ago, but the rosters haven't really changed and their may be some edges to be had.

This whole bubble ordeal will pull out some interesting numbers that could be potentially used as the best baseline ones for future seasons that resemble past ones (with fans, travel etc) because this is about as perfect of a controlled variable state you'll get for a sports league. It's the same thing for every team across the board (no travel, same accommodations, no fans) and some of the league average numbers this eight-game sprint produces will be interesting to ******.

But with seven of the eight games for everybody being in a spot that's got some decent data from the year, and the lone outlier being a unique scenario too with it always being a back-to-back, there are plenty of talking points for the best and worst of the bunch in those spots this year, and if you're a fan of the defending champs, wagering on your favorite team shouldn't be that hard to do.

NBA SU & ATS Results
One Day of Rest

The Best of the Best

Toronto 25-13 (65.8%)
Oklahoma City 25-16 (61%)
Indiana 26-17-3 (60.5%)
Boston 24-16-2 (60%)
L.A. Clippers 23-16 (59%)

Canadian Cash?

The Toronto Raptors being the best team against the spread (ATS) with one day off will be tested in this bubble, as they are a team that got dealt one of the tougher hands from a strength of schedule perspective.

However, it could present some decent numbers on a team that understands how to be at their best in this situation. Toronto is already lined at +4 for their opener vs the Lakers – although that's not technically a game with a lone day off before, and will be catching points against a few other teams as well. The Raptors were 2nd in straight up (SU) winning percentage in this spot when compared to the rest of the field, as a 30-8 SU record in those contests (79%) trailed only Milwaukee's 35-8 SU mark.

Taking it a step further, Toronto's also got the 4th best 'over' percentage of the remaining teams in games after a single's day rest at 60.5% (23-15 O/U). I'm not sure if playing the Raptors ATS and Raptors games 'over' the number as standing wagers for these six games is the best way to go about it, but I'm sure there are plenty of Raptors fans who will have no problem going that route. There's at least some quality numbers in support of that method if that's the case.

Looking at the rest of the teams on the list above, it is interesting to see five teams total at 59% or better. Boston and Toronto only play each other of the teams listed, so that's six games where each will have the ATS edge historically in these games with one day in-between. The L.A. Clippers will only see Oklahoma City, and vice versa – it's also the last game for both – while Indiana has no crossovers and will always have a case to be made for taking them with their 60.5% success rate ATS.

Other Notes for 1 day off games

If bettors are looking for another team to hone in on and potentially double up their wagers on both side and total in the restart, San Antonio games would be a good place to start. The Spurs tied with New Orleans for the lowest outright winning percentage off a day off at 34.2%, were the worst against the number at 16-24-1 ATS, and finished 3rd in 'over' percentage at 63.4% (26-15 O/U).

Looking at going 'over' the number in Spurs games and backing San Antonio's opponent would historically be the way to go there, and with San Antonio's chances of hanging around for longer than eight games already slim, this could be an angle that pays off quite well.

The Lakers are a team that will get more coverage in the back-to-back spot, but they were the best 'under' team of the bunch during the regular season (56.4%). Even the Houston Rockets, a team most wouldn't typically associate with 'unders' clocked in 4th in that regard at 19-22 O/U (53.7%), as they had put up quite the stat line.

Houston was 28-13 SU with a day off, but 19-22 ATS and 19-22 O/U in those 41 games. So if you are ever looking to fade a team that might not cover a favorite spread that feels a little high, Houston's likely a good candidate.

Over-Under Results
One Day of Rest

Back-to-Back Spots

All 22 NBA teams in the Orlando bubble will play one game on zero days rest during their eight-game slate in the reseeding matchups.

NBA ATS Records
Zero Days Off (2019-20)

L.A. Lakers 7-1
Oklahoma City 8-2
Washington 7-2-1
New Orleans 7-2-1
Sacramento 7-2-1
Memphis 7-3
Milwaukee 7-3

Obviously these are going to be a much smaller sample size and numbers will look a bit better, but with how the schedule works, these are literally games you can mark off right now as potential leans. The Los Angeles Lakers were a perfect 8-0 SU for instance, and their 2nd opponent in as many nights is Houston on August 6th.

The Rockets were that team I mentioned that won SU way more often than they covered ATS in those single day off spots, and here they face one of the best teams in the league in general, in their best role on the season. Interesting to see what number gets posted there for sure.

Seeing a team like Washington make that list is also interesting in the sense that who knows how interested the Wizards are in giving their all considering their long shot odds to hang around, and they do face Indiana on August 3rd in their back-to-back spot. The Pacers were a team who made that earlier list so it's strength on strength historically, but the 'over' may actually be the way to go for that game. Indiana was 26-20 O/U in their specific role, while Washington put up a 6-3 O/U record in their role.

Going through all the rest of the schedules can be fun as well, but how big the number Milwaukee lays in their back-to-back will be interesting. The Bucks have Washington to deal with in this spot, so you already know a first vs worst battle brings a lofty spread. The Bucks 7-3 ATS record is probably worth a at least a bit of shade, and whether or not the Wizards have already packed it in on August 11th has to be considered as well.

But Milwaukee's opponent the day prior just happens to be the Toronto Raptors, and the seeds of that budding rivalry have already been planted. Remember, Milwaukee may have things already wrapped up by then too, so make sure to consider all the context you can when that line rolls out to the board.

Other Notes for Back-to-Backs

Philadelphia wasn't among the best ATS records at 5-3-2, but they were 8-2 SU in those games during the year, and went 7-2-1 O/U in those spots as well. The Sixers get to face Toronto in their second game in as many nights, and I've already noted that the Raptors were one of the better 'over' teams with a day off too.

Toronto and Philly went 0-2-1 O/U in their three regular season meetings, but this unique set-up for their fourth might be the best opportunity to flip the script on those totals yet. Philly's 77% over clip made them the best 'over' bet of the remaining teams in the latter half of a back-to-back, while their Atlantic Division rival Brooklyn was the worst with a 2-7 O/U record in those spots. The Nets play Boston the night after facing Milwaukee when they are up here, so keep that Nets/Celtics 'under' on the tip of your tongue as well.

Finally, this is not meant to look like I'm picking on the Houston Rockets, but at 3-6 SU and ATS in their back-to-back's during the year, they've found themselves in a losing role for their outlier game as well. Those numbers from this season would suggest looking to fade Houston as a general place to start could likely turn out profitable, and they'll have do deal with Indiana in their time on this clock, and we already know market results prefer the Pacers in their 1-day off role as it is.

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