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  • Saturday's NBA Trends and Indexes - 8/8

    Trends and Indexes

    Saturday, August 8

    Good Luck on day #221 of 2020!

    NOTE: As information becomes available, we will attempt to post the trends and indexes as soon as possible.Information is posted from what we believe are reliable sources.Any opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the posting member or BettorsChat.

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

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    Sports Matchups

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

  • #2
    Armadillo: Saturday's six-pack

    Odds to make the NFL playoffs this fall:
    — Arizona Cardinals yes +210, no -250
    — Atlanta Falcons yes +240, no -280
    — Baltimore Ravens yes -900, no +600
    — Buffalo Bills yes -190, no +170
    — Carolina Panthers yes +450, no -600
    — Chicago Bears yes +150, no -170

    Americans who have died from COVID-19: 160,157
    Please wear a mask when you go out.


    **********

    Armadillo: Saturday's Den: Clearing out a cluttered mind…….

    13) Story of the sports summer so far: it is August 8, and Don Mattingly may have already wrapped up Manager of the Year- his Miami Marlins are off to a 7-1 start.

    — They’re first team since 1904 to start eight different pitchers in their first eight games.
    — In 67 innings in the field, they’ve already used 25 different pitchers.
    — They turned over 60% of their roster five or six days ago.

    12) Marlins’ SS Eddy Alvarez is a 30-year old rookie who once took three years off from baseball and was a speed skater; he won a silver medal at the 2014 Winter Olympics.

    11) A gambler in New Jersey risked $54,000 to win $30,000 Friday that Jason Day would have a better day than Martin Kaymer at the PGA Championship. Day shot a 69, Kaymer shot a freakin’ 82. Hmmmmm…….

    10) Cubs-Cardinals are off for the weekend, after two more Cardinals tested positive for the coronavirus. St Louis has now had nine players test positive.

    9) Maybe the Cubs can use their free time this weekend to figure out who to bat leadoff; they’re trying to force Kris Bryant into the leadoff spot this season, but he is hitting .184 with a .295 OB%. No bueno. Chicago used 10 different leadoff hitters last season.

    8) Cardboard Cutout of the Week; Kansas City Royals had a cardboard cutout of Terry Kiser’s character from the classic movie Weekend at Bernie’s, complete with sunglasses and blue windbreaker. Bernie was sitting right behind home plate.

    7) Mets’ OF Brandon Nimmo has reached base safely in 29 consecutive games, the longest active streak in the major leagues. The all-time record is held by Ted Williams (84 games in a row)

    6) White Sox’ 1B Jose Abreu has always been a hell of a hitter, but so far this season, batting third in the lineup, he is 0-13 with a walk in the first inning of games.

    5) Toronto 4, Columbus 3, OT- This was only third time in Maple Leafs’ history that they tied a playoff game after trailing by 3+ goals in the third period- the other two were in 1936, 2001. This series ia now tied 2-2.

    4) When Dodgers’ LF Chris Taylor threw out the tying run at the plate to end the game in San Diego Thursday, it was the first time that happened in a big league game since May 14, 2016.

    3) Coming into Friday night’s games, these teams’ hitters wee seeing the most pitches per plate appearance:
    4.16- Cleveland
    4.13- Tampa Bay, Chicago Cubs

    2) Disappointing that Thursday night would’ve been the Hall of Fame football game from Canton; no idea if there will even be a football season. 2020 hasn’t been a very good year.

    1) In the last 100 years, the lowest batting average for all of the majors for one season was in 1968, when batters hit a combined .237. This season has a chance to break that dubious record.

    Comment


    • #3
      NBA line movement for August 8
      Patrick Everson

      LeBron James sat out Thursday in a loss to the Rockets, and the Lakers star is questionable for Saturday's game against the Pacers. Despite that, DraftKings opened the Lakers 8-point favorites.

      NBA betting odds are posted and seeing money for Saturday’s five-game slate. The marquee matchup in the NBA Bubble is an East-West clash between the Pacers and the Lakers, though Los Angeles might again be without LeBron James as he rests a sore groin.

      Multiple oddsmakers provided insights on NBA opening lines and early line movement, sharp money and public betting for Saturday’s matchups. Covers will update this action report with NBA sharp picks vs. public bets and line movement throughout the day.

      NBA line movement

      James sat out Thursday’s 113-97 loss to the Rockets, and he’s questionable for Saturday’s 6 p.m. ET tipoff. As such, and with Los Angeles having already wrapped up the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference, Lakers-Pacers wasn’t on the board at most books Friday night. However, DraftKings had L.A. up at -8, with no early moves.

      Oddsmakers face a challenge with LeBron and other stars resting ahead of the playoffs.

      “It’s gonna be a wild bubble ride these last few regular-season games,” CG Technology risk analyst Dave Sharapan said. “With spots clinched and guys using ‘load management,’ the lines are going to be all over the place.”

      The Bucks and Mavericks play the nightcap at 8:30 p.m. ET, but much like the Lakers, Milwaukee already has the top seed clinched in the Eastern Conference. That has many books waiting to post a number, seeking clarity on who will be in the Bucks’ lineup. DraftKings went ahead and posted Bucks -5.5 and saw no moves on Friday.

      Meanwhile, the Suns are the only unbeaten bubble team, at 4-0 SU and ATS, as they try to navigate an unlikely path to the Western Conference playoffs. Phoenix, 2.5 games behind eighth-place Memphis but with three other teams in the way, has a 7:30 p.m. ET date with the Heat. DraftKings opened Miami -2.5, and there was no line movement Friday.

      Comment


      • #4
        717LA LAKERS -718 INDIANA
        LA LAKERS are 14-4 ATS (9.6 Units) in road games versus poor pressure defensive teams - forcing <=14 turnovers/game in the current season.

        719PHOENIX -720 MIAMI
        MIAMI is 2-12 ATS (-11.2 Units) in road games versus terrible defensive teams - allowing 110+ points/game in the current season.

        721MILWAUKEE -722 DALLAS
        MILWAUKEE is 65-45 ATS (15.5 Units) versus up-tempo teams averaging 88 or more shots/game in the last 3 seasons.




        NBA

        Saturday, August 8


        ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Trend Report
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        LA Clippers @ Portland
        LA Clippers
        LA Clippers is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
        The total has gone UNDER in 6 of LA Clippers's last 7 games when playing Portland
        Portland
        The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Portland's last 7 games when playing LA Clippers
        Portland is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games at home

        Utah @ Denver
        Utah
        The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Utah's last 5 games when playing on the road against Denver
        The total has gone UNDER in 16 of Utah's last 19 games when playing Denver
        Denver
        The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Denver's last 5 games when playing at home against Utah
        Denver is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing at home against Utah

        LA Lakers @ Indiana
        LA Lakers
        The total has gone UNDER in 7 of LA Lakers's last 8 games
        The total has gone UNDER in 5 of LA Lakers's last 6 games when playing Indiana
        Indiana
        Indiana is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against LA Lakers
        The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Indiana's last 6 games when playing LA Lakers

        Phoenix @ Miami
        Phoenix
        The total has gone OVER in 5 of Phoenix's last 5 games when playing Miami
        Phoenix is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games
        Miami
        The total has gone OVER in 5 of Miami's last 5 games when playing Phoenix
        Miami is 17-2 SU in its last 19 games when playing Phoenix

        Milwaukee @ Dallas
        Milwaukee
        The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Milwaukee's last 7 games on the road
        Milwaukee is 17-8 SU in its last 25 games
        Dallas
        Dallas is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Milwaukee
        Dallas is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Milwaukee


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

        Comment


        • #5
          NBA
          Dunkel

          Saturday, August 8


          LA Clippers @ Portland

          Game 713-714
          August 8, 2020 @ 1:00 pm

          Dunkel Rating:
          LA Clippers
          128.071
          Portland
          118.526
          Dunkel Team:
          Dunkel Line:
          Dunkel Total:
          LA Clippers
          by 9 1/2
          228
          Vegas Team:
          Vegas Line:
          Vegas Total:
          LA Clippers
          by 3
          232 1/2
          Dunkel Pick:
          LA Clippers
          (-3); Under

          Utah @ Denver


          Game 715-716
          August 8, 2020 @ 3:30 pm

          Dunkel Rating:
          Utah
          114.577
          Denver
          118.132
          Dunkel Team:
          Dunkel Line:
          Dunkel Total:
          Denver
          by 3 1/2
          232
          Vegas Team:
          Vegas Line:
          Vegas Total:
          Utah
          by 1
          222 1/2
          Dunkel Pick:
          Denver
          (+1); Over

          LA Lakers @ Indiana


          Game 717-718
          August 8, 2020 @ 6:00 pm

          Dunkel Rating:
          LA Lakers
          116.754
          Indiana
          119.629
          Dunkel Team:
          Dunkel Line:
          Dunkel Total:
          Indiana
          by 3
          210
          Vegas Team:
          Vegas Line:
          Vegas Total:
          LA Lakers
          by 8
          219 1/2
          Dunkel Pick:
          Indiana
          (+8); Under

          Phoenix @ Miami


          Game 719-720
          August 8, 2020 @ 7:30 pm

          Dunkel Rating:
          Phoenix
          121.657
          Miami
          116.976
          Dunkel Team:
          Dunkel Line:
          Dunkel Total:
          Phoenix
          by 4 1/2
          229
          Vegas Team:
          Vegas Line:
          Vegas Total:
          Miami
          by 2 1/2
          225 1/2
          Dunkel Pick:
          Phoenix
          (+2 1/2); Over

          Milwaukee @ Dallas


          Game 721-722
          August 8, 2020 @ 8:30 pm

          Dunkel Rating:
          Milwaukee
          120.039
          Dallas
          118.932
          Dunkel Team:
          Dunkel Line:
          Dunkel Total:
          Milwaukee
          by 1
          229
          Vegas Team:
          Vegas Line:
          Vegas Total:
          Milwaukee
          by 5 1/2
          236 1/2
          Dunkel Pick:
          Dallas
          (+5 1/2); Under





          NBA
          Long Sheet

          Saturday, August 8


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

          LA CLIPPERS (46 - 22) vs. PORTLAND (32 - 38) - 8/8/2020, 1:00 PM
          Top Trends for this game.
          LA CLIPPERS are 85-69 ATS (+9.1 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
          LA CLIPPERS are 60-38 ATS (+18.2 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
          LA CLIPPERS are 41-28 ATS (+10.2 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
          LA CLIPPERS are 51-30 ATS (+18.0 Units) in road games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game over the last 3 seasons.
          LA CLIPPERS are 29-14 ATS (+13.6 Units) in road games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
          LA CLIPPERS are 48-31 ATS (+13.9 Units) in road games versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game over the last 3 seasons.
          PORTLAND is 20-30 ATS (-13.0 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game this season.

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

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

          UTAH (43 - 26) vs. DENVER (45 - 24) - 8/8/2020, 3:30 PM
          Top Trends for this game.
          UTAH is 95-73 ATS (+14.7 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game over the last 3 seasons.
          DENVER is 21-34 ATS (-16.4 Units) after scoring 115 points or more over the last 2 seasons.

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

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

          LA LAKERS (51 - 17) vs. INDIANA (42 - 27) - 8/8/2020, 6:00 PM
          Top Trends for this game.
          LA LAKERS are 18-35 ATS (-20.5 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
          INDIANA is 97-69 ATS (+21.1 Units) in road games off a upset loss as a favorite since 1996.

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

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

          PHOENIX (30 - 39) vs. MIAMI (43 - 26) - 8/8/2020, 7:30 PM
          Top Trends for this game.
          PHOENIX is 55-69 ATS (-20.9 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
          PHOENIX is 53-69 ATS (-22.9 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
          PHOENIX is 30-48 ATS (-22.8 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
          PHOENIX is 16-7 ATS (+8.3 Units) revenging a home loss vs opponent this season.
          PHOENIX is 17-6 ATS (+10.4 Units) in road games revenging a loss vs opponent this season.
          MIAMI is 10-19 ATS (-10.9 Units) after scoring 115 points or more this season.

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

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

          MILWAUKEE (55 - 14) vs. DALLAS (41 - 30) - 8/8/2020, 8:30 PM
          Top Trends for this game.
          MILWAUKEE is 295-352 ATS (-92.2 Units) in non-conference games since 1996.
          DALLAS is 84-67 ATS (+10.3 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
          DALLAS is 74-55 ATS (+13.5 Units) as an underdog over the last 3 seasons.
          DALLAS is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) against Central division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
          DALLAS is 188-149 ATS (+24.1 Units) in road games in non-conference games since 1996.
          DALLAS is 34-19 ATS (+13.1 Units) after allowing 115 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
          DALLAS is 31-16 ATS (+13.4 Units) after a loss by 10 points or more over the last 3 seasons.
          DALLAS is 69-50 ATS (+14.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
          DALLAS is 70-48 ATS (+17.2 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
          DALLAS is 68-54 ATS (+8.6 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
          MILWAUKEE is 94-68 ATS (+19.2 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
          MILWAUKEE is 83-60 ATS (+17.0 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
          MILWAUKEE is 11-2 ATS (+8.8 Units) on Saturday games this season.
          MILWAUKEE is 31-17 ATS (+12.3 Units) after allowing 115 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
          MILWAUKEE is 51-35 ATS (+12.5 Units) after a win by 10 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
          MILWAUKEE is 75-54 ATS (+15.6 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
          MILWAUKEE is 73-53 ATS (+14.7 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.

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

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

          Comment


          • #6
            NBA Bubble Bets - Saturday
            Tony Mejia

            Los Angeles Clippers vs. Portland Trail Blazers

            Time/Venue: 1:05 p.m, HP Field House
            Records/Bubble Records (SU/ATS): Clippers 46-22/2-2 (37-31, 3-1); Blazers 32-38/3-1 (30-37-3, 3-0-1)
            Line: LAC -3.5/233, LAC ML -156, POR +132


            Line Analysis: The Blazers have yet to be taken down against the spread but still aren’t getting much respect here since I expected this line to be closer to a pick’em considering the Clippers remain shorthanded and don’t need this game as much as Portland does, essentially being locked into the No. 2 or No. 3 seed with another win since they’re unable to catch the Lakers for No. 1.

            Injuries/Rotational Adjustments to Watch: The assumption is that reserve forward Montrezl Harrell will soon join the team upon exiting quarantine since he’s been away from the bubble due to a family crisis, but he won’t play here. Patrick Beverley is also sidelined by a calf injury, so he won’t be available to try and slow down a sizzling Damian Lillard. Kawhi Leonard will be getting the day off today as well, so Portland will have to guard against complacency.

            Handicapping Notes: The Clippers have lost both games that came down to the wire, falling when Paul George’s game-winning attempt against the Lakers failed on the opening night of bubble action and losing on Devin Booker’s impressive game-winner earlier this week. Portland lost both regular-season meetings against the Clippers, but the teams last played on Dec. 3. Having Nurkic for the first time against another of the West’s top teams provides a great litmus test for this suddenly deep Portland squad.

            Nothin’ But Bet: A slimmer Carmelo Anthony has been really active throughout his time in Orlando, which includes posting a double-double with 11 boards against Houston. That’s given the Blazers’ forward a 6.5-rebound average. However, a prop that he’ll surpass 5.5 boards, available at FanDuel (-142) sounds like a loser to me given the talent L.A. has up front. Ride the under there.

            Utah Jazz vs. Denver Nuggets

            Time/Venue: 3:35 p.m. ET, ESPN Wide World of Sports Arena
            Records/Bubble Records (SU/ATS): Jazz 43-26/3-1 (37-28-4, 3-0-1); Nuggets 45-24/2-2 (31-34-4, 2-2)
            Line: UTA -1/***, UTA -112 ML, DEN +104


            Line Analysis: The Jazz are favored here on the second day of a back-to-back since they rested most of their main rotation in Friday’s loss to San Antonio. Only Joe Ingles and Jordan Clarkson really saw significant action while the others rested. Injury-riddled Denver has been an underdog in all but one of its games in this bubble and have seen the ‘over’ prevail in all of its outings.

            Injuries/Rotational Adjustments to Watch: Will Barton (knee) and Gary Harris (hip) haven’t played at all in Orlando and will again watch from the sidelines. Point guard Jamal Murray (hamstring) and shooter Troy Daniels (hip) are considered questionable and have been for the past few games. Murray has been warming up and appears close, but the Nuggets could continue to exercise caution with him since they’ve still got all of next week to get him ready for the playoffs.

            Handicapping Notes: Although they’re still playing through Nikola Jokic, this Nuggets squad has a much different look with Michael Porter, Jr. aggressively looking for his shot and thriving with heavier usage. It’s also clear that Jerami Grant has improved his shooting over the hiatus and is setting himself up for a nice payday since Paul Millsap is taking a step back to rest and the absence of Murray, Barton and Harris has freed up considerably more touches. Utah can close within a game of Denver for the Northwest Division lead and move to 3-3 in the bubble following a rough start. These rivals didn’t play one another until Jan. 30 and Feb. 5. Utah won a pair of tight, low-scoring games as a favorite, failing to cover each time.

            Nothin’ But Bet: Look for Donovan Mitchell to aggressively drive to the paint and facilitate for teammates, particularly early. Sucking defenders in to set up kickouts remains effective for Utah despite the absence of injured sniper Bojan Bogdanovic. Mitchell averaged 4.5 assists in the two wins over Denver. Not coincidentally, that’s the number FanDuel is using for its prop on him. Expect him to surpass that in this one at a nice return rate of +114.

            Los Angeles Lakers vs. Indiana Pacers

            Time/Venue: 6:05 p.m. ET, HP Field House
            Records/Bubble Records (SU/ATS): Lakers 51-17/2-3 (36-31-1, 1-4); Pacers 42-27/3-1 (37-29-3, 3-1)
            Line: LAL -6/*** LAL -250 ML, IND +205


            Line Analysis: The return of LeBron James from a sore right groin was baked into the original line, but he’s still listed as questionable as of Saturday morning. The Lakers went from -8 to -6 and downgraded from -340 to -250 on the money line. Indiana went from +275 to +205. L.A. is going to be the top seed out West, so there isn’t much reason for him to push through an injury that set him back in his first season in Purple and Gold when he tried to return to soon. The Pacers were a one-point home underdog when L.A. came through Indy on Dec. 17 and won 105-102. That game went ‘under’ the posted total of 213.

            Injuries/Rotational Adjustments to Watch: In addition to the uncertainty surrounding James, Alex Caruso is also listed as ‘questionable’ with a neck injury and Rajon Rondo still isn’t ready to return from his thumb fracture. Avery Bradley opted not to join the team in the bubble, so L.A. is without its top three point guards from earlier this season. Center JaVale McGee received a DNP-Coaches Decision in the loss to Houston but would play here unless something is up. Anthony Davis scored 42 points against Utah earlier this week but hasn’t looked as decisive without James at the controls. Pacers head coach Nate McMillan hinted that a number of Pacers would have to sit this one out, so it’s not really safe to take the points until you know who will be missing. Domantas Sabonis remains out with plantar fasciitis.

            Handicapping Notes: The Pacers have seen Malcolm Brogdon and Victor Oladipo ramp up after injuries and both have performed better than expected. Goga Bitadze also returned and is moving around well, while T.J. Warren has been the MVP of Indiana’s bubble experience, averaging over 36 points and seven rebounds. The Pacers would certainly be a live dog here unless they’re down multiple key players since they’re in a race for the No. 4 seed, just one game back of Miami while even with Philadelphia.

            Nothin’ But Bet: Props at FanDuel weren’t available due to roster uncertainty.

            Miami Heat vs. Phoenix Suns

            Time/Venue: 7:35 p.m. ET, Visa Athletic Center
            Records/Bubble Records (SU/ATS): Heat 43-26/2-2 (35-32-2, 2-2); Suns 30-39/4-0 (33-35-1, 4-0)
            Line: PHX -1/***, PHX ML -120, MIA +102


            Line Analysis: The Suns not being favored here initially is a credit to the respect oddsmakers have for Miami’s depth, but injuries have definitely taken away some of the Heat’s bite. Before adjusting things, Miami was a 2.5-point ‘chalk’ with a money line of -142. The Suns were getting +120 before being switched to a 1-point favorite. With the Suns coming in unbeaten in Orlando and plenty to play for as they chase down a berth in the play-in for the West’s No. 8 seed, they look like an extremely live dog.

            Injuries/Rotational Adjustments to Watch: The Heat will likely be cautious with injured leaders Jimmy Butler and Goran Dragic, who they should have back for the playoffs provided they’re given ample time to rest. Kendrick Nunn left the bubble on Friday and returned, so although details are just surfacing on that, the reality is he won’t be available as he serves a quarantine period following his departure. Look for Heat rookie Tyler Herro and shooter Duncan Robinson to continue serving in large roles.

            Handicapping Notes: The Heat surrendered 130 points to the Bucks, squandering an impressive first-half performance that saw them up double-digits at the break on the East’s top seed. We’ll see what that collapse does to their confidence, particularly in a depleted state. Between Booker’s heroics and the steady, effective play from key young cogs like Deandre Ayton, Mikal Bridges and rookie Cam Johnson, there’s no need to be worried about where the Suns currently are from a morale standpoint. They held a team under 100 points for just the second time since Jan. 26, a span of 24 games, in beating Indiana on Thursday.

            Nothin’ But Bet: While many Suns deserve credit for this wonderful run they’re on, the improvement of rookie Cam Johnson is being overshadowed by bigger names. Look for him to surpass the 12.5 points expected from him at FanDuel (+100).

            Milwaukee Bucks vs. Dallas Mavericks

            Time/Venue: 8:35 p.m. ET, ESPN Wide World of Sports Arena
            Records/Bubble Records (SU/ATS): Bucks 55-14/2-2 (38-31, 2-2); Mavs 41-30/1-3 (35-33-3, 0-4)
            Line: MIL -5.5/***, MIL ML -250, DAL +205


            Line Analysis: The 5.5-point spread is exactly where I had this line opening before multiple books put it out there. As of this writing, there still wasn’t a total, but I set it in the 233-234 range provided everyone that has been playing for both teams suits up.

            Injuries/Rotational Adjustments to Watch: The Mavericks have struggled in the bubble but are working without Seth Curry, who really added a dimension with one of the more unheralded seasons a shooter has put together in 2019-20. Tim Hardaway Jr. has also been fantastic but teams have been able to concentrate on defending him more with Curry unavailable. The Bucks rested starters in the second half of the Nets game and have nothing to play for as the East’s top seed but seem to be playing everyone their normal minutes to get Eric Bledsoe back on track after he reported late following a bout with COVID-19.

            Handicapping Notes: The Bucks are a pedestrian 4-6 in their last 10 and have seen the ‘over’ cash in three of their four games in Orlando thus far, topping 116 points each time out. Dallas is surrendering 126.5 points per game and have failed to cover in eight of its last 10 games dating back to early March.

            Nothin’ But Bet: Luka Doncic and Dorian Finney-Smith have been far more active on the glass during bubble play. Look for Doncic to flirt with a triple-double against the Bucks by securing more than 8.5 rebounds (-138, FanDuel).

            NBA Daily
            Free Pick


            Although I expect Herro to have a big game as he continues to blossom and Bam Adebayo to make Ayton work hard in the post, the fact the Suns were an underdog up until this morning means there’s still significant value in riding them to move to 5-0 in Orlando. Ride Phoenix on a short money line to avoid laying a point or two.

            Last edited by Udog; 08-08-2020, 11:31 AM.

            Comment


            • #7
              Hoop Trends for Saturday August 8
              Vince Akins

              ATS Play ON Trend of the Day
              Matchup: Utah at Denver (3:35 p.m. ET)

              -- The Nuggets are 15-0 ATS (8.50 ppg) with rest off a 10+ point loss as a dog in which they scored 15 or more points in the second than the first half.


              ATS Play AGAINST Trend of the Day
              Matchup: Phoenix at Miami (7:35 p.m. ET)

              -- The Heat are 0-11 ATS (-8.50 ppg) with rest after rebounding less than 20% of their own misses last game.


              OU Play OVER Trend of the Day
              Matchup: L.A. Clippers at Portland (1:05 p.m. ET)

              -- The Clippers are 10-0 OU (11.00 ppg) with rest off a 10+ point win as a favorite in which they had less than 10% of their points from free throws.


              OU Play UNDER Trend of the Day
              Matchup: Utah at Denver (3:35 p.m. ET)

              -- The Nuggets are 0-11-1 OU (-11.38 ppg) after Nikola Jokic had fewer than 10 points last game

              Comment

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