Announcement

**Udog** · 08-09-2020, 09:37 AM

Armadillo: Sunday's six-pack

Odds to make the NFL playoffs this fall:
— Cowboys yes -260, no +220
— Broncos yes +170, no -190
— Lions yes +270, no -330
— Packers yes -130, no +110
— Texans yes +175, no -200
— Colts yes -200, no +175

Americans who have died from COVID-19: 162,038
Please wear a mask when you go out.

**********

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

13) Mavericks 136, Bucks 132 OT— NBA games down in Orlando have been better than most people thought they would be, highly competitive games, solid entertainment.

Dallas bench outscored Milwaukee’s 37-22; Luka Doncic scored 36 for Dallas, Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 34 for the Bucks.

12) Cubs-Cardinals was supposed to be the Sunday night ESPN game tonight, but since that series was cancelled, MLB moved Indians-White Sox into that primetime slot.

11) The new extra innings rule they’re using this season puts a lot of pressure on hitters to deliver in the clutch, you can just sense it watching the games. Sacrifice bunting is a bad play, I think; you can’t make an out on purpose in that situation. My idea is that hitting the ball to the right side to get the runner to third base has a much higher upside.

10) Major league rosters dropped from 30 guys to 28 on Thursday, which is where they’ll stay for the rest of the season. Originally they were going to go down to 26 players on August 20, but that’s not going to happen.

9) 76ers’ guard Ben Simmons is having knee surgery after he dislocated his kneecap earlier this week. Big loss for Philadelphia; he is a great passer.

8) Cleveland Indians had a great draft in 2016; Shane Bieber, Aaron Civale and Zach Plesac, all solid members of their starting rotation now.

7) Mid-American Conference cancelled football for this fall, an ominous sign for the future of college football this fall. Once the big-money schools cancelled their non-conference games, that meant a lot of big paydays for MAC teams went down the drain, so it became fiscally irresponsible to play this season.

As former Giants’ GM George Young said a long time ago, “When you’re wondering what its about, remember, its always about the money”

6) Milwaukee’s Christian Yelich had a weird game the other night; he walked four times and had an inside-the-park home run. I’m guessing not too many guys have done that in the same game.

5) Veteran OF Nick Markakis hit a walk-off for the Braves in his first game back for Atlanta, after originally opting out of this season.

4) If you’re on Twitter, you should follow former NBA player Rex Chapman; he comes up with some of the best videos out there and it is uplifting, funny stuff.

3) Weird how the Miami Marlins have won two World Series, but have never won a division title. Marlins’ schedule is now heavily backloaded; they’re scheduled to play four twinbills in a 10-day span in September, to make up all the games they’ve missed.

2) A strange baseball streak ended this week, when the Bronx Bombers lost 5-4 in Philly Thursday. It ended New York’s 10-game winning streak when Will Little was umpiring home plate in one of their games.

Jed Lowrie has been in the major leagues for 13 years; the only game he was ever thrown out of was an Oakland-Bronx game a few years ago when Little worked his magic behind the plate on a Saturday afternoon.

1) Funny thing, when I had my cataract surgery Tuesday, they ask you the same questions several times. One of the questions they asked was “How is your blood pressure?”

The 3rd or 4th time they asked me Tuesday, I finally smiled and said that my blood pressure is fine, unless the A’s or Rams are losing. The nurse gave me an odd look ��

**Udog** · 08-09-2020, 09:39 AM

NBA public betting, line movement for August 9
Patrick Everson

Damian Lillard and the Trail Blazers face a tough Sunday test against the 76ers inside the NBA Bubble in Orlando. FanDuel Sportsbook opened Portland a 2-point favorite and moved to -2.5.

NBA betting odds are posted and drawing dollars for a full Sunday in the NBA Bubble, with seven games on the docket. Among the key contests: the Philadelphia 76ers take on the Portland Trail Blazers, who are making a push for the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference.

Multiple oddsmakers provided insights on NBA opening lines and early line movement, sharp money and public betting for Sunday’s matchups.

NBA line movement

The Blazers have a short turnaround, coming off a tough 122-117 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers on Saturday where Portland was outscored 12-2 over the final 1:39 of the fourth quarter. Still, FanDuel Sportsbook opened the Blazers as two-point favorites and moved them to -2.5 late Saturday night for a 6:30 p.m. ET tipoff.

In what might serve as an elimination game for the loser, the San Antonio Spurs meet the New Orleans Pelicans as both try to find a way into the Western Conference playoffs. FanDuel opened Zion Williamson and the Pelicans -3 and stuck there Saturday night for a 3 p.m. ET meeting.

And in the 9 p.m. ET nightcap, the Clippers can strengthen their grip on the West’s No. 2 seed with a win over the Brooklyn Nets. Los Angeles opened 13-point chalk at FanDuel and ticked to -12.5 overnight.

NBA public betting

Consensus indicates the public has no aversion to taking the Trail Blazers on a back-to-back, with Portland landing 73 percent of early picks against the 76ers. The Spurs are drawing 63 percent of Consensus picks against the Pelicans.

**Udog** · 08-09-2020, 09:41 AM

723WASHINGTON -724 OKLAHOMA CITY
OKLAHOMA CITY is 9-0 ATS (9 Units) on Sunday games in the current season.

727SAN ANTONIO -728 NEW ORLEANS
SAN ANTONIO is 9-23 ATS (-16.3 Units) after scoring 105 points or more 5 straight games in the last 3 seasons.

729ORLANDO -730 BOSTON
BOSTON is 10-1 ATS (8.9 Units) after a blowout win by 20 points or more in the current season.

731PHILADELPHIA -732 PORTLAND
PHILADELPHIA is 13-33 ATS (-23.3 Units) in road games after 2 or more consecutive wins in the last 3 seasons.

733HOUSTON -734 SACRAMENTO
SACRAMENTO is 14-1 ATS (12.9 Units) in road games after 1 or more consecutive unders in the current season.

**Udog** · 08-09-2020, 09:43 AM

NBA
Dunkel

Sunday, August 9

Washington @ Oklahoma City

Game 723-724
August 9, 2020 @ 12:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Washington
105.624
Oklahoma City
122.843
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Oklahoma City
by 17
214
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Oklahoma City
by 9
224 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Oklahoma City
(-9); Under

Memphis @ Toronto

Game 725-726
August 9, 2020 @ 2:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Memphis
121.462
Toronto
119.890
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Memphis
by 1 1/2
225
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Toronto
by 7
222
Dunkel Pick:
Memphis
(+7); Over

San Antonio @ New Orleans

Game 727-728
August 9, 2020 @ 3:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
San Antonio
118.475
New Orleans
116.043
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
San Antonio
by 2 1/2
232
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
New Orleans
by 3
240
Dunkel Pick:
San Antonio
(+3); Under

Orlando @ Boston

Game 729-730
August 9, 2020 @ 5:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Orlando
116.385
Boston
126.006
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Boston
by 9 1/2
232
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Boston
by 6 1/2
222 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Boston
(-6 1/2); Over

Philadelphia @ Portland

Game 731-732
August 9, 2020 @ 6:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Philadelphia
120.292
Portland
118.681
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Philadelphia
by 1 1/2
238
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Portland
by 2
229
Dunkel Pick:
Philadelphia
(+2); Over

Houston @ Sacramento

Game 733-734
August 9, 2020 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Houston
118.315
Sacramento
116.196
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Houston
by 2
228
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Houston
by 5
231 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Sacramento
(+5); Under

Brooklyn @ LA Clippers

Game 735-736
August 9, 2020 @ 9:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Brooklyn
117.767
LA Clippers
125.817
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
LA Clippers
by 8
234
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
LA Clippers
by 12 1/2
231 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Brooklyn
(+12 1/2); Over

**Udog** · 08-09-2020, 09:45 AM

NBA

Sunday, August 9

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Trend Report
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Washington @ Oklahoma City
Washington
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Washington's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 15 of Washington's last 21 games on the road
Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City is 9-2 SU in its last 11 games when playing at home against Washington
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Oklahoma City's last 5 games

Memphis @ Toronto
Memphis
The total has gone UNDER in 14 of Memphis's last 16 games when playing on the road against Toronto
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Memphis's last 12 games
Toronto
Toronto is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Memphis
Toronto is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Memphis

San Antonio @ New Orleans
San Antonio
San Antonio is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing New Orleans
The total has gone OVER in 4 of San Antonio's last 5 games when playing on the road against New Orleans
New Orleans
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of New Orleans's last 7 games
New Orleans is 15-3 ATS in its last 18 games when playing at home against San Antonio

Orlando @ Boston
Orlando
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Orlando's last 10 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 15 of Orlando's last 17 games
Boston
Boston is 16-3 SU in its last 19 games when playing at home against Orlando
Boston is 10-4 ATS in its last 14 games when playing at home against Orlando

Philadelphia @ Portland
Philadelphia
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Philadelphia's last 6 games on the road
Philadelphia is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Portland
Portland is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Philadelphia
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Portland's last 5 games

Houston @ Sacramento
Houston
Houston is 19-3 SU in its last 22 games when playing Sacramento
Houston is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Sacramento
Sacramento
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Sacramento's last 5 games when playing at home against Houston
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Sacramento's last 5 games at home

Brooklyn @ LA Clippers
Brooklyn
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Brooklyn's last 7 games when playing on the road against LA Clippers
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Brooklyn's last 6 games when playing LA Clippers
LA Clippers
LA Clippers is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Brooklyn
LA Clippers is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing Brooklyn

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

**Udog** · 08-09-2020, 10:12 AM

NBA
Long Sheet

Sunday, August 9

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WASHINGTON (24 - 45) vs. OKLAHOMA CITY (42 - 26) - 8/9/2020, 12:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 11-22 ATS (-13.2 Units) in road games after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 16-33 ATS (-20.3 Units) in road games after allowing 115 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 19-39 ATS (-23.9 Units) in road games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 8-17 ATS (-10.7 Units) in road games versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game this season.
WASHINGTON is 22-41 ATS (-23.1 Units) in road games versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game - 2nd half of the season since 1996.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 41-26 ATS (+12.4 Units) in all games this season.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 9-0 ATS (+9.0 Units) on Sunday games this season.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 28-14 ATS (+12.6 Units) in road games in non-conference games over the last 3 seasons.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 39-26 ATS (+10.4 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 14-5 ATS (+8.5 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 31-20 ATS (+9.0 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 3-2 against the spread versus OKLAHOMA CITY over the last 3 seasons
WASHINGTON is 3-2 straight up against OKLAHOMA CITY 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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MEMPHIS (33 - 37) vs. TORONTO (49 - 19) - 8/9/2020, 2:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MEMPHIS is 33-49 ATS (-20.9 Units) in non-conference games over the last 3 seasons.
MEMPHIS is 11-24 ATS (-15.4 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 29-20 ATS (+7.0 Units) as a favorite this season.
TORONTO is 21-10 ATS (+10.0 Units) in road games in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 66-45 ATS (+16.5 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
MEMPHIS is 59-37 ATS (+18.3 Units) in road games against Atlantic division opponents since 1996.
MEMPHIS is 182-136 ATS (+32.4 Units) after a win by 10 points or more since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
TORONTO is 4-0 against the spread versus MEMPHIS over the last 3 seasons
TORONTO is 4-0 straight up against MEMPHIS over the last 3 seasons
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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SAN ANTONIO (30 - 38) vs. NEW ORLEANS (30 - 39) - 8/9/2020, 3:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SAN ANTONIO is 27-39 ATS (-15.9 Units) in all games this season.
SAN ANTONIO is 24-38 ATS (-17.8 Units) after scoring 115 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 24-33 ATS (-12.3 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game this season.
NEW ORLEANS is 32-18 ATS (+12.2 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 19-7 ATS (+11.3 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a losing record - 2nd half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 21-9 ATS (+11.1 Units) in road games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 19-9 ATS (+9.1 Units) in road games versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 452-379 ATS (+35.1 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record since 1996.
NEW ORLEANS is 53-79 ATS (-33.9 Units) in road games after a win by 10 points or more since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
NEW ORLEANS is 5-4 against the spread versus SAN ANTONIO over the last 3 seasons
SAN ANTONIO is 5-4 straight up against NEW ORLEANS 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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ORLANDO (32 - 38) vs. BOSTON (46 - 23) - 8/9/2020, 5:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ORLANDO is 9-22 ATS (-15.2 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent this season.
ORLANDO is 9-21 ATS (-14.1 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
ORLANDO is 2-11 ATS (-10.1 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season this season.
BOSTON is 39-26 ATS (+10.4 Units) in all games this season.
BOSTON is 187-148 ATS (+24.2 Units) against Southeast division opponents since 1996.
BOSTON is 11-2 ATS (+8.8 Units) after a division game this season.
BOSTON is 24-8 ATS (+15.2 Units) off an upset win as an underdog over the last 3 seasons.
BOSTON is 27-14 ATS (+11.6 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record - 2nd half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
BOSTON is 19-8 ATS (+10.2 Units) in road games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game this season.
BOSTON is 101-79 ATS (+14.1 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 5-4 against the spread versus ORLANDO over the last 3 seasons
BOSTON is 5-4 straight up against ORLANDO 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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PHILADELPHIA (42 - 27) vs. PORTLAND (32 - 39) - 8/9/2020, 6:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 8-20 ATS (-14.0 Units) in road games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 3-12 ATS (-10.2 Units) in road games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game - 2nd half of the season this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 8-20 ATS (-14.0 Units) in road games versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 3-12 ATS (-10.2 Units) in road games versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game - 2nd half of the season this season.
PORTLAND is 24-33 ATS (-12.3 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game this season.
PORTLAND is 20-31 ATS (-14.1 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game this season.

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

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HOUSTON (43 - 25) vs. SACRAMENTO (29 - 40) - 8/9/2020, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 15-26 ATS (-13.6 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
SACRAMENTO is 35-19 ATS (+14.1 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 134-98 ATS (+26.2 Units) after 3 or more consecutive unders since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
HOUSTON is 5-4 against the spread versus SACRAMENTO over the last 3 seasons
HOUSTON is 7-2 straight up against SACRAMENTO 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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BROOKLYN (33 - 36) vs. LA CLIPPERS (47 - 22) - 8/9/2020, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LA CLIPPERS are 86-69 ATS (+10.1 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 42-28 ATS (+11.2 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 93-72 ATS (+13.8 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game over the last 3 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 23-12 ATS (+9.8 Units) in road games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 49-31 ATS (+14.9 Units) in road games versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game over the last 3 seasons.
BROOKLYN is 49-27 ATS (+19.3 Units) against Pacific division opponents since 1996.
BROOKLYN is 24-11 ATS (+11.9 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
BROOKLYN is 65-49 ATS (+11.1 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
BROOKLYN is 29-15 ATS (+12.5 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
LA CLIPPERS is 2-2 against the spread versus BROOKLYN over the last 3 seasons
LA CLIPPERS is 4-0 straight up against BROOKLYN over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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**Udog** · 08-09-2020, 10:23 AM

NBA Bubble Bets - Sunday
Kevin Rogers

Memphis Grizzlies vs. Toronto Raptors – 2:35 PM ET
MEM: 33-37 Straight-Up, 35-34-1 Against the Spread
TOR: 49-19 Straight-Up, 38-29-1 Against the Spread

Entering Friday’s action, the Grizzlies had yet to win a game in the bubble and the Raptors had yet to lose a game. Both those trends came to a screeching halt in similar fashion as Memphis ripped Oklahoma City, 121-92, while Toronto was steamrolled by Boston, 122-100.

Starting with the Grizzlies, who were in desperate need of a win to keep hold of the eighth spot in the Western Conference. Memphis dropped its first four contests since the NBA’s restart and were facing a fifth consecutive defeat after falling into 12-point hole against OKC after one quarter. However, the Grizzlies took over in the final three quarters by outscoring the Thunder, 96-55 to pull out the victory as three-point underdogs. Not only did the Grizzlies finally win a game, they also broke through with an ATS victory for the first time since March 7.

Toronto is still in control of the second seed in the Eastern Conference in spite of the 22-point setback to Boston on Friday. The Celtics built a 109-69 lead in the fourth quarter in by far Toronto’s worst defensive performance inside the bubble. The Raptors had not allowed more than 103 points in any of their first three victories, but the Celtics beat Toronto for the third time this season behind 49% shooting from the floor.

The Grizzlies own a slim half-game lead over the Blazers and one-game edge over the Spurs for the eighth playoff spot in the West heading into Sunday. Memphis struggled against Toronto in its last meeting north of the border in mid-January as the Raptors routed the Grizzlies, 119-90 as 10 ½-point favorites for their eighth straight win in the series.

San Antonio Spurs vs. New Orleans Pelicans – 3:05 PM ET
SA: 30-38 Straight-Up, 28-39-1 Against the Spread
NO: 30-39 Straight-Up, 35-32-2 Against the Spread

A pivotal game for the ninth spot in the Western Conference playoff race takes place on Sunday in Orlando. The Spurs have posted a 3-2 record in the bubble to creep within two games of Memphis for eighth in the West and sit only a half-game behind the Blazers for ninth. The Pelicans have won two of three since dropping their first two in the bubble, but still have to jump San Antonio and Portland for an opportunity to participate in the play-in series against Memphis.

San Antonio picked up a pair of crucial victories in the underdog role against Sacramento and Memphis to begin the restart. However, the Spurs couldn’t finish off a rally in a two-point setback to the 76ers followed by a six-point loss to the Nuggets. San Antonio rebounded on Friday against an undermanned Utah squad in a 119-111 triumph, while capping off its third consecutive OVER.

The Pelicans let a golden opportunity to pick up ground on the Grizzlies slip through their fingers on Thursday in a 140-125 defeat to the Kings as four-point favorites. New Orleans bounced back with no rest on Friday to rally past Washington, 118-107 to pick up the cover as eight-point favorites. Rookie sensation Zion Williamson didn’t suit up on the second end of the back-to-back, but guard Jrue Holiday picked up the slack by leading New Orleans with 28 points on 11-of-16 shooting from the floor.

In the lone matchup this season, the Spurs topped the Pelicans in New Orleans, 121-117 as 3 ½-point underdogs in Williamson’s pro debut. The former Duke standout posted 22 points, including knocking down all four three-point attempts, but couldn’t overcome a 12-point deficit heading into the fourth quarter.

Philadelphia 76ers vs. Portland Trail Blazers – 6:35 PM ET
PHI: 42-27 Straight-Up, 29-36-4 Against the Spread
POR: 32-38 Straight-Up, 30-37-3 Against the Spread

There has been plenty of conversation that the Blazers may square off with the Lakers in the 1/8 matchup in the Western Conference. However, Portland took a step back from that goal in Saturday’s 122-117 loss to the Clippers as four-point favorites, falling 1 ½ games behind Memphis for the eighth spot. Kawhi Leonard didn’t suit up for the Clippers on Saturday, but L.A.’s defense clamped down in the second half by allowing Portland to score 42 second half points.

Damian Lillard torched the Nuggets for 45 points on Thursday, including knocking down 11 three-pointers. However, the Blazers’ All-Star guard scored half that total on Saturday with 22 points on 2-of-10 shooting from three-point range, while missing a pair of go-ahead free throws down one point in the final minute. C.J. McCollum and Carmelo Anthony combined to score 50 points for Portland, but the Blazers slipped to 3-2 inside the bubble.

The 76ers will be without Ben Simmons for the remainder of the seeding round and at least the beginning of the playoffs with a knee injury. Philadelphia has quietly won three straight games since losing its bubble opener to Indiana, capped off by Friday’s 108-101 victory over Orlando as five-point favorites. The Sixers have limited the Wizards and Magic each to 42% shooting from the floor in the last two wins, but Philadelphia remains one half-game behind Indiana for the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference playoff race.

Philadelphia and Portland met only once this season way back on November 2 at Moda Center. The Sixers edged the Blazers, 129-128, while overcoming an 11-point fourth quarter deficit and did so with leading scorer Joel Embiid sidelined.

Houston Rockets vs. Sacramento Kings – 8:05 PM ET
HOU: 43-25 Straight-Up, 32-36 Against the Spread
SAC: 29-40 Straight-Up, 35-32-2 Against the Spread

The Rockets have jumped all the way to the fourth seed in the Western Conference after winning three of their first four games in the bubble. After an eight-point defeat to the Blazers, the Rockets cruised past the Lakers, 113-97 on Thursday night to easily cash as 3 ½-point favorites. LeBron James sat out for the Lakers, but Russell Westbrook was sidelined for Houston as the 2017 MVP is expected to rest once again on Sunday with a quadricep injury.

James Harden shredded the Lakers with 39 points, while Ben McLemore filled in for Westbrook by scoring 20 points, as both Rockets’ guards drilled five three-pointers apiece. Houston held an opponent to less than 100 points for the first time since December 28 against Brooklyn in a 108-98 win, snapped a 35-game streak of giving up 100 points or more.

Sacramento has won only once in the bubble in five tries, while dropping a 119-106 decision to Brooklyn on Friday as 5 ½-point favorites. The Kings couldn’t capitalize off their lone victory the day before against the Pelicans in which they dropped 140 points, as Brooklyn held Sacramento to 43% shooting from the floor. Sacramento has covered in two of three opportunities in the underdog role, but has faced only one team with a winning record so far (Dallas).

The Kings and Rockets split a pair of matchups this season as Sacramento stunned Houston at Toyota Center in early December, 119-118 as 12-point underdogs. The Rockets rebounded at Golden 1 Center two weeks later in a 113-104 victory as six-point favorites to improve to 5-1 SU/ATS the last six meetings with the Kings.

Brooklyn Nets vs. Los Angeles Clippers – 9:05 PM ET
BKN: 33-36 Straight-Up, 34-35 Against the Spread
LAC: 47-22 Straight-Up, 39-30 Against the Spread

The Clippers wrap up the night after outlasting the Blazers on Saturday, 122-117 without Kawhi Leonard in the lineup. Leonard sat out on the front end of a back-to-back and is expected to play this evening. The rest of the Clippers’ lineup picked up the slack without last year’s NBA Finals MVP with six players scoring in double-figures, led by Paul George’s 21 points. The Clippers improved to 4-1 ATS inside the bubble, while topping the 122-point mark for the third time.

The Nets are headed to the playoffs, but don’t know their seeding yet as they will face either the Bucks or Raptors in the opening round. Brooklyn has put together a respectable 3-2 record in the bubble in spite of a decimated roster and pulled off the biggest upset of the season last week by knocking off Milwaukee as 18 ½-point underdogs. The Nets are fresh off a 119-106 triumph over the Kings as 5 ½-point underdogs, highlighted by 17 made three-pointers including six players hitting two treys apiece.

Brooklyn is listed as a double-digit underdog for the second time in bubble as teams receiving 10 points or more since the restart are 2-0 ATS. The Clippers own a 6-4 SU and 4-6 ATS mark with no rest this season and are facing the Nets for the first time since March 2019 when L.A. edged Brooklyn, 119-116 as 5 ½-point favorites.

**Udog** · 08-09-2020, 11:43 AM

Hoop Trends for Sunday August 9
Vince Akins

ATS Play ON Trend of the Day
Matchup: Memphis vs. Toronto (2:05 p.m. ET)

-- The Grizzlies are 11-0 ATS (7.95 ppg) after they had a field goal percentage of at least 50% and a free throw percentage of at least 85% last game

ATS Play AGAINST Trend of the Day
Matchup: Houston vs. Sacramento (8:05 p.m. ET)

-- The Kings are 0-12-2 ATS (-8.82 ppg) with rest off a game as a favorite in which they had 3 or fewer double-digit scorers.

OU Play OVER Trend of the Day
Matchup: Orlando vs. Boston (5:05 p.m. ET)

-- The Magic are 11-0 OU (12.95 ppg) after Nikola Vucevic had a positive plus/minus last game.

OU Play UNDER Trend of the Day
Matchup: Orlando vs. Boston (5:05 p.m. ET)

-- The Celtics are 0-10-1 OU (-8.77 ppg) off a win in which they had at least 10 more three point attempts than their season-to-date average.

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Sunday's NBA Trends and Indexes - 8/9

Sunday's NBA Trends and Indexes - 8/9

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