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**Udog** · 08-18-2020, 08:36 AM

Armadillo: Tuesday's six-pack

Odds to win golf’s Fed Ex Cup:
7-2— Justin Thomas
5-1— Bryson DeChambeau
6-1— Collin Morikawa
12-1— McIlroy, Rahm, Simpson
20-1— Dustin Johnson
25-1— Berger, Im, Reed, Schauffele

Americans who have died from COVID-19: 170,281
Please wear a mask when you go out.

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Armadillo: Tuesday's Den: Nobody asked me, but……..

13) Authorities in Australia fined a Sydney casino the equivalent of $64,500 for allowing three minors to gamble in their casino; one of the gamblers was a 12-year old girl, who was playing video poker with her parents. Not exactly sure what the parents were thinking.

12) Can’t remember if I mentioned this or not, but when I had my cataract surgery two weeks ago, I was wearing jeans and sneakers throughout the operation- they give you a gown to wear over your clothes, but it is kind of like going to the dentist, minus the pain.

I’m guessing not many cataract patients wear black Pumas during their operation.

11) Cleveland Indians have beaten Detroit 20 times in a row; yikes.

10) Arizona Diamondbacks took Robbie Ray out of the game Sunday while he was pitching a no-hitter; problem is, he had walked six guys, and thrown 95 pitches thru those five innings.

9) 124 major leaguers homered in their first-ever big league at-bat. Dodgers’ C Keibert Ruiz is the latest to do that; he homered in Anaheim the other day.

8) Kansas City Chiefs announced Monday that they’ll try and play home games with 22% of their fans allowed to attend, so if their stadium seats 72,000, then 16,000 fans can go to the game.

7) Giancarlo Stanton, Aaron Judge, DJ Lemahieu are all on the IL: that is $38,684,300 worth of salary sitting out, just those three guys.

Oakland’s whole payroll this season? $89,135,833

6) Dodgers 11, Mariners 9— Both Seager brothers homered in this game, the first time they played against each other in the majors.

NBA playoff games (all Game 1’s):
5) Denver 135, Utah 125 OT
— Bad beat if you took 4.5 points with Utah.
— Denver made 22-41 3-pointers.
— Donovan Mitchell scored 57 for the Jazz.

4) Toronto 134, Brooklyn 110
— Why did the Nets fire Kenny Atkinson? Guy is a good coach.

3) Boston 109, Philadelphia 101
— Celtics were +11 in turnovers (7-18)
— Tatum had 32 points, 13 rebounds for Boston.
— Boston’s bench scored only 8 points in this game.

2) LA Clippers 118, Dallas 110
— Kristaps Porzingis got bounced for this game, getting two technicals.
— Clippers were +10 in turnovers (11-21)
— LA’s starters were +87, their subs minus-47

1) If the baseball playoffs started today (they do not):
AL East- New York, Tampa Bay
AL Central- Minnesota, Cleveland
AL West- Oakland, Houston
AL Wild Cards- Baltimore, Chicago

NL East- Miami, Atlanta
NL Central- Chicago, Milwaukee
NL West- Los Angeles, Colorado
NL Wild Cards- Arizona, SD/StL

**Udog** · 08-18-2020, 08:38 AM

NBA public betting, line movement, sharp money for August 18
Patrick Everson

Damian Lillard and Anthony Davis will see plenty of each other the next several days, in the Trail Blazers-Lakers playoff series. The Lakers are 5.5-point favorites in Game 1 on Tuesday night.

NBA betting odds are on the board and drawing dollars as four more postseason series take the floor. The marquee matchup on Tuesday’s NBA playoffs schedule is the last one, with the top-seeded Lakers facing the No. 8 Trail Blazers in the Western Conference quarterfinals.

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

NBA line movement

Portland had to win its way through the NBA regular-season bubble to nab the eighth seed, including a Saturday play-in game against the Memphis Grizzlies. Damian Lillard has been electric, and for the moment, the line is stagnant for a 9 p.m. ET tipoff. Circa Sports risk supervisor Nick Kalikas said the Lakers opened -5.5, where they were Monday night, while the total moved from 228.5 to 229.5.

The Rockets and Thunder meet in the preceding game, at 6:30 p.m. ET, in the West’s 4-5 matchup. That line is also stable at Circa, with the Thunder -1.5. And in the day’s first game, at 1:30 p.m. ET, the Bucks moved from -11 to -12 against the Magic in the East’s 1-vs.-8 series.

NBA sharp money

The Magic-Bucks series got some early professional attention, leading to that 1-point move at Circa Sports.

“Despite the high opening price, we still got hit with early sharp action on the Bucks -11,” Kalikas said.

NBA public betting

Along with the sharp Milwaukee play, there’s no shortage of Bucks believers among public bettors.

“Our parlay liability is already pretty heavy on the Bucks, as well,” Kalikas said. “It looks like we’ll be hoping for the Magic to play well.”

As for Blazers-Lakers, Kalikas said there’s limited two-way action so far, and while the total is up a point to 229.5, it’s not really a big liability yet. Likewise, action on Rockets-Thunder Game 1 is light so far.

“We’re seeing a little more action on Rockets moneyline early on, so we’ve adjusted our price accordingly a few pennies,” Kalikas said.

**Udog** · 08-18-2020, 08:43 AM

761ORLANDO -762 MILWAUKEE
ORLANDO is 21-5 ATS (15.5 Units) after scoring 120 points or more over the last 2 seasons.

767PORTLAND -768 LA LAKERS
LA LAKERS are 8-0 ATS (8 Units) in road games versus teams who average 7 or less steals/game on the season in the current season.

769MIAMI -770 INDIANA
INDIANA is 13-3 ATS (9.7 Units) in road games versus good ball handling teams - committing <=14 turnovers/game in the current season.

771OKLAHOMA CITY -772 HOUSTON
HOUSTON is 8-0 ATS (8 Units) after 3 straight games being outrebounded by opponent by 5 or more in the current season.

NBA
Dunkel

Tuesday, August 18

Orlando @ Milwaukee

Game 761-762
August 18, 2020 @ 1:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Orlando
110.311
Milwaukee
124.777
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Milwaukee
by 14 1/2
220
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Milwaukee
by 11 1/2
224 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Milwaukee
(-11 1/2); Under

Miami @ Indiana

Game 769-770
August 18, 2020 @ 4:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Miami
117.276
Indiana
119.413
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Indiana
by 2
219
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Miami
by 3 1/2
216
Dunkel Pick:
Indiana
(+3 1/2); Over

Oklahoma City @ Houston

Game 771-772
August 18, 2020 @ 6:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Oklahoma City
118.500
Houston
112.421
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Oklahoma City
by 6
219
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Oklahoma City
by 1 1/2
225
Dunkel Pick:
Oklahoma City
(-1 1/2); Under

Portland @ LA Lakers

Game 767-768
August 18, 2020 @ 9:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Portland
120.952
LA Lakers
115.345
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Portland
by 5 1/2
249
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
LA Lakers
by 5 1/2
228 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Portland
(+5 1/2); Over

NBA

Tuesday, August 18

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Trend Report
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Orlando @ Milwaukee
Orlando
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Orlando's last 5 games when playing on the road against Milwaukee
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Orlando's last 11 games on the road
Milwaukee
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Milwaukee's last 5 games when playing at home against Orlando
Milwaukee is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Orlando

Miami @ Indiana
Miami
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Miami's last 6 games when playing Indiana
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Miami's last 9 games on the road
Indiana
Indiana is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games at home
Indiana is 14-3 SU in its last 17 games when playing at home against Miami

Oklahoma City @ Houston
Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Houston
Oklahoma City is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Houston
Houston
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Houston's last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Houston's last 7 games

Portland @ LA Lakers
Portland
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Portland's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Portland's last 5 games
LA Lakers
LA Lakers is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Portland
The total has gone OVER in 4 of LA Lakers's last 5 games when playing Portland

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**Udog** · 08-18-2020, 10:33 AM

NBA
Long Sheet

Tuesday, August 18

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ORLANDO (33 - 40) vs. MILWAUKEE (56 - 17) - 8/18/2020, 1:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ORLANDO is 10-22 ATS (-14.2 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent this season.
ORLANDO is 10-21 ATS (-13.1 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
ORLANDO is 3-11 ATS (-9.1 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season this season.
MILWAUKEE is 95-71 ATS (+16.9 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 79-59 ATS (+14.1 Units) when the total is greater than or equal to 220 over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 84-62 ATS (+15.8 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 13-3 ATS (+9.7 Units) on Tuesday nights over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 31-19 ATS (+10.1 Units) after allowing 115 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 51-34 ATS (+13.6 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 23-11 ATS (+10.9 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a losing record - 2nd half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 76-57 ATS (+13.3 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 74-56 ATS (+12.4 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 29-16 ATS (+11.4 Units) after scoring 115 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 22-13 ATS (+7.7 Units) in road games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game this season.
MILWAUKEE is 5-13 ATS (-9.3 Units) in road games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game - 2nd half of the season this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
MILWAUKEE is 6-4 against the spread versus ORLANDO over the last 3 seasons
MILWAUKEE is 9-2 straight up against ORLANDO over the last 3 seasons
7 of 11 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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PORTLAND (36 - 39) vs. LA LAKERS (52 - 19) - 8/18/2020, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PORTLAND is 32-40 ATS (-12.0 Units) in all games this season.
PORTLAND is 133-170 ATS (-54.0 Units) on Tuesday nights since 1996.
PORTLAND is 26-35 ATS (-12.5 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game this season.
PORTLAND is 22-33 ATS (-14.3 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game this season.
LA LAKERS are 142-106 ATS (+25.4 Units) after 3 or more consecutive overs since 1996.

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

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MIAMI (44 - 29) vs. INDIANA (45 - 28) - 8/18/2020, 4:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MIAMI is 11-20 ATS (-11.0 Units) in road games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game this season.
MIAMI is 9-18 ATS (-10.8 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game - 2nd half of the season this season.
INDIANA is 39-30 ATS (+6.0 Units) in all games this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
INDIANA is 8-3 against the spread versus MIAMI over the last 3 seasons
INDIANA is 6-5 straight up against MIAMI over the last 3 seasons
7 of 11 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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OKLAHOMA CITY (44 - 28) vs. HOUSTON (44 - 28) - 8/18/2020, 6:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 16-6 ATS (+9.4 Units) after 3 or more consecutive unders over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 111-74 ATS (+29.6 Units) in road games off a upset loss as a favorite since 1996.
HOUSTON is 55-30 ATS (+22.0 Units) in road games after 3 or more consecutive losses since 1996.
HOUSTON is 49-31 ATS (+14.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 51-34 ATS (+13.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 43-28 ATS (+12.2 Units) in all games this season.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 33-22 ATS (+8.8 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game this season.
HOUSTON is 20-33 ATS (-16.3 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 11-20 ATS (-11.0 Units) after allowing 115 points or more this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
OKLAHOMA CITY is 8-2 against the spread versus HOUSTON over the last 3 seasons
OKLAHOMA CITY is 7-3 straight up against HOUSTON over the last 3 seasons
7 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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**Udog** · 08-18-2020, 01:02 PM

Game 1 Odds: Magic vs. Bucks
Michael Crosson

The top team in the Eastern Conference, the Milwaukee Bucks, will open their series with the bottom seeded Orlando Magic on Tuesday afternoon in a matchup that is projected to be a lopsided affair, Milwaukee opening as -8000 favorites to advance to the second round of the playoffs.

Betting Resources

Matchup: Game 1
Venue: ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex
Location: Orlando, Florida
Date: Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2020
Time: 1:30 p.m. ET
TV: TNT

Betting Odds – Magic vs Bucks

Milwaukee entered this game as 10-point favorites, but early action on the Bucks resulted in them quickly shifting to 12-point favorites for this Game 1 matchup.

The total (over/under) for this Game 1 tilt opened at 224.5, and we haven’t seen much movement in that total, and I expect it to stay that way Tuesday morning as most books have the line set at 225.

Line Movements

Point-Spread Odds

Orlando +12
Milwaukee -12

Money Line Odds

Orlando +650
Milwaukee -910

Total Odds

Over 224.5
Under 224.5

Series Odds

Orlando +1800
Milwaukee -8000

Orlando didn't have any success against Milwaukee this season and the oddsmakers don't expect that to change in the NBA Bubble Playoffs. (AP)

Inside The Betting Stats

Overall

Orlando: 33-40 SU, 35-36-2
Milwaukee: 56-17 SU, 39-34 ATS

Bubble

Orlando: 3-5 SU, 4-4 ATS
Milwaukee: 3-5 SU, 3-5 ATS

Milwaukee enters this series with the best record in the NBA (56-17) and 10-point favorites against the Magic in Tuesday’s playoff opener in Orlando. The Bucks have struggled inside the bubble, going 3-5 SU in the NBA reseeding games, after being favorites in seven of their eight games, but judging by the opening spread, the oddsmakers are not worried about Giannis and company, and the two-point sway in the line favoring Bucks indicates the public isn’t worried either.

Orlando comes into this game on a 1-5 skid, with its only win in its last six games coming against the Pelicans in a contest that was played without Brandon Ingram, Zion Williamson, Jrue Holiday, and Lonzo Ball. While Orlando has struggled SU in the bubble, they have still been decent ATS, splitting four out of its eight reseeding games.

Head-to-Head – Milwaukee vs Orlando

2019-20 Regular Season

February 8: Milwaukee (-8.5) 112 Orlando 95, Under 221.5
December 28: Milwaukee (-6) 111, Orlando 100, Under 216.5
December 9: Milwaukee (-13) 110, Orlando 101, Under 217.5
November 1: Milwaukee (-4.5) 123, Orlando 91, Push 214

The Bucks are 4-0 SU against the Magic this year, and have covered the spread in three of the four meetings between these teams. In the games leading up to the NBA shutdown and in their eight games in the bubble, this typically long, defensive-minded Orlando Magic team has ramped up their pace of play dramatically and have played much less defense, and so far it hasn’t worked out going 2-8 SU in their last 10 contests.

Reigning-MVP, Giannis Antetokounmpo averaged 26.3 points, 15.7 rebounds, and 7.7 assists against the slower-paced version of this team, and I expect him to get solid upticks in volume compared to these team’s previous meetings. Watch for Giannis to go over his total points + rebounds line in this potential Game 1 track meet.

Evan Fournier has averaged 20.5 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.3 assists, tallying just 29.8 mpg in matchups with Milwaukee this season. With the Magic backcourt being a little banged up, and the Bucks being the highest scoring team in the NBA this regular season, I like Fournier to go over his total stats line in Game 1, especially if some of Orlando’s key players are unable to go in this one

Over-Under Total Notes

Overall

Orlando: 38-32-3 O/U
Milwaukee: 34-37-2

Bubble

Orlando: 5-3 O/U
Milwaukee: 5-3 O/U

Like I previously touched on above, Orlando has had a complete reversal in strategic mindset in the weeks leading up to the NBA shutdown, converting from a slower-paced, defensive style of play to a ramped up, run-and-gun offense, causing 17 of its last 20 games to soar over the total points OU.

Milwaukee plays at the fastest pace in the NBA (105.5 attempts), and that kind of tempo should be on full display against an Orlando team that has recently fallen in love with a high-speed style of play.

The under is 3-0-1 in matchups between these two teams, so I expect the bets to come in on this total relatively even without much line movement throughout the day, barring somebody significant gets scratched.

Key Injuries

GTD - Game Time Decision

Milwaukee

Wesley Matthews: Hip - GTD
Ersan Illyasova: Elbow – GTD

Orlando

Michael Carter-Williams: Foot - GTD
Terrence Ross: Personal - GTD
Aaron Gordon: Hamstring - GTD
Evan Fournier: Illness – GTD

Evan Fournier and Terrence Ross have both been upgraded to probable for Orlando’s Game 1 matchup with the Bucks. If Gordon or Ross are unable to go in this one, look for Fournier to absorb their shot attempts.

Wesley Mathews and Ersan Illyasova are also both expected to play in the Bucks playoff opener in the bubble, but if Matthews is unable to go on Tuesday afternoon, look for Khris Middleton and Donte DiVincenzio to pick up the slack in 3-point volume and minutes for Milwaukee.

**Udog** · 08-18-2020, 01:06 PM

Game 1 Odds: Heat vs. Pacers
Michael Crosson

Red-hot TJ Warren and the (4) Indiana Pacers will take on Jimmy Butler and the (5) Miami Heat in the second game of Tuesday’s NBA Playoff slate in Disney’s Wide World of Sports in Orlando, Florida.

Betting Resources

Matchup: Eastern Conference Game 1
Venue: ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex
Location: Orlando, Florida
Date: Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2020
Time: 4:00 p.m. ET
TV: TNT

Betting Odds – Pacers vs Heat

Despite Indiana being the higher seed in this matchup, Miami entered Game 1 as a five-point favorite after splitting its games in the bubble, but that line is slowly starting to swing back towards the Pacers direction as it now sits at -4 at most books as of Tuesday morning.

The total opened at 217.5, but that number is slowly falling. The Westgate SuperBook in Las Vegas was the first major book to drop the line down to 216 on Monday night.

Line Movements

Point-Spread Odds

Indiana +4
Miami -4

Money Line Odds

Indiana +148
Miami -177

Total Odds

Over 216.5
Under 216.5

Series Odds

Indiana +250
Miami -325

Despite being the higher seed, the Miami Heat have been installed as favorites over the Indiana Pacers in their opening round series. (AP)

Inside The Betting Stats

Overall

Miami: 44-29 SU, 36-36-1 ATS
Indiana: 45-28 SU, 39-29-5 ATS

Bubble

Miami: 3-5 SU, 3-5 ATS
Indiana: 6-2 SU, 6-2 ATS

Indiana enters this series as a healthy underdog, despite its typical key players getting healthier by the day and the explosive emergence of TJ Warren onto the scene in the bubble.

The Pacers enter Game 1 of this first round series boasting a 6-2 SU record in the bubble, with their only losses coming in contests against Devin Booker and the untouchable Phoenix Suns, and in Jimmy Butler’s grudge match with TJ Warren following their fireworks pre-quarantine.

Miami enters this contest on a 3-5 SU skid, which ultimately led to its fate as the 5th seed in the East, but there is no need for concern as Jimmy Butler sat out during four of Miami’s eight reseeding games and is healthy now along with other additional key players for Miami.

Pacers vs Heat – Head-to-Head

Aug. 14: Indiana (+1.5) 109 vs. Miami 92, Under 221
Aug. 10: Miami (-4) 114 vs. Indiana, Under 223.5
Jan. 8: Miami (+1) 122 at Indiana 108, Over 210
Dec. 27: MIami (-5) 113 vs. Indiana 112, Over 210

2019-20 Regular Season

Prior to the NBA shutdown, fireworks erupted as Warren and Butler exchanged words, resulting in the ejection of the Pacers forward and Butler calling him “trash” in and interview.

Miami and Indiana split two games in the bubble. Butler and company dominated in the long-awaited grudge match before Indiana captured its 8th and final game against the Heat that would ultimately determine who gets to wear home jerseys for Game 7 if there is one.

Warren has been phenomenal for the Pacers inside the bubble thus far, scoring 32+ points in four of his six contests in the restart, but was only able to muster up 12 points against Butler in his matchup with the Heat. If he receives a player prop total stats line similar to his averages in the bubble, look for him to stay under in this Game 1 contest.

Over-Under Total Notes

Overall

Miami: 43-30 O/U
Indiana: 37-34-2 O/U

Bubble

Miami: 4-4 O/U
Indiana: 3-5 O/U

The total between the Pacers and the Heat this season split 2-2, and Tuesday's number has stooped down to 216 for this Game 1 contest after countering consecutive ‘overs’ with consecutive ‘unders’ in four matchups between these teams.

The first matchup between these teams in the bubble was set at 224 based on their first two matchups in the regular season. Both matchups between these two teams in the bubble went 'under' as the first matchup resulted in a blowout win for the Heat in which the Pacers tallied just 92 points, similarly to the Heats total of just 92 points in the final game between these teams.

On the contrary, the two regular season matchups between these teams went 'over' their totals, and both games would’ve cleared the total of 216 as well.

Key Injuries

Derrick Jones Jr.: Neck Questionable

Pacers

Domontas Sabonis: Foot – Out

There is a handful of guys listed as game-time decisions for this Pacers-Heat series opener, but the only one that appears to actually be missing this game is Domantas Sabonis, who is a huge gap to fill for the Pacers inside. Don’t necessarily look to the Pacers big men to receive the missing volume for Sabonis, it should be sprinkled across the Pacers electric guard tandem.

**Udog** · 08-18-2020, 01:09 PM

Thunder vs. Rockets Game 1 Odds, Preview
Kevin Rogers

Betting Resources

Matchup: Game 1
Venue: ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex
Location: Orlando, Florida
Date: Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2020
Time: 6:30 p.m. ET
TV: TNT

Betting Odds - Thunder vs. Rockets

Point-Spread Odds

Thunder -1.5
Rockets +1.5

Money-Line Odds

Thunder -125 (Bet $100 to win $80)
Rockets +105 (Bet $100 to win $105)

Total Odds

Over 225.5
Under 225.5

Series Odds

Rockets -155
Thunder +135

The Thunder are favored in Game 1 but Oklahoma City is listed as an underdog to win the series. (AP)

Inside the Betting Stats

Overall

Oklahoma City: 44-28 SU, 44-28 ATS
Houston: 48-28 SU, 33-39 ATS

Bubble

Oklahoma City: 4-4 SU, 4-4 ATS
Houston: 4-4 SU, 4-4 ATS

The Rockets and Thunder finished with the same exact record on the season, although Houston is listed as the fourth seed. It's no surprise that the Rockets were a top-four seed in the Western Conference, but the Thunder entered the season with a win total of 32 after the departures of Russell Westbrook and Paul George in the offseason.

However, Chris Paul reignited his career after getting traded from Houston to Oklahoma City for Westbrook and will see his former team in the opening round of the playoffs. The Thunder also put together the best ATS record in the league at 44-28, which included 26 covers away from Oklahoma City. Inside the bubble, the Thunder won three games by double-digits, including an impressive blowouts of the Lakers and Jazz. Also, OKC lost two games in overtime to the Nuggets and Clippers, as the Thunder finished 1.5 games behind Denver for the third seed in the West.

Houston has advanced past the first round of the playoffs in each of the last three seasons, as the Rockets are seeded in the top four of the West for the fourth straight season. Westbrook is sidelined with a quad injury for at least the series opener against his old squad and is questionable for Game 2. The combination of Westbrook and James Harden put up over 60 points per game, which is the highest among any scoring duo in the league. Harden led the NBA in scoring at 34.3 ppg for the third consecutive season, while topping the 40-point mark twice in the bubble. The Rockets began the bubble with wins in four of their first five games, but dropped their final three contests, including the final two without Westbrook.

Over-Under Total Notes

Totals Report

Overall

Oklahoma City: 34-37-1 O/U
Houston: 30-42 O/U

Bubble

Oklahoma City: 4-4 O/U
Houston: 2-6 O/U

The Thunder allowed 94 points to the Jazz and 86 points to the Lakers, resulting in an early 2-1 mark to the 'under.' OKC gave up 121 points or more in three of the eight bubble games, including losing two games by 25 points or more to the Suns and Grizzlies. Amazingly, the Thunder had the rare 'under' in an overtime contest in the season finale loss to the Clippers in a 107-103 setback on a 225 total.

The Rockets deal with high totals all the time due to their living and dying by the three-point attempt. Houston cashed the 'under' in three games with totals of 239 points or more, while only one contest sailed 'over' the total in regulation, coming against Sacramento in a 129-112 win on a 235 total. The Rockets also hit an 'over' in the bubble opener against the Mavericks in a 153-149 overtime triumph, but that game was easily on an 'over' pace as Dallas led, 85-75 at halftime.

Thunder vs. Rockets Head-to-Head

2019-20 Regular Season

Jan. 20, 2020: Oklahoma City (+7.5) 112 at Houston 107, Under 230.5
Jan. 9, 2020: Oklahoma City (+3.5) 113 vs. Houston 92, Under 227.5
Oct. 28, 2019: Houston (-10) 116 vs. Oklahoma City 112, Over 227.5

The Thunder cashed in all three regular season matchups with the Rockets, including two outright victories in the underdog role. Houston's lone win over Oklahoma City came in the opening meeting in late October, 116-112 at Toyota Center. The Thunder jumped out to a 13-point advantage after one quarter and a 10-point halftime edge, but the Rockets took over in the third quarter by outscoring OKC, 39-18. OKC grabbed the cover as 10-point 'dogs, in spite of Harden scoring 40 points for the Rockets, 21 of which came at the foul line.

Oklahoma City rolled past Houston in the second matchup in early January, 113-92 as 3.5-point home 'dogs behind a 37-21 lead after the first quarter. Harden struggled from the floor by shooting 5-of-17 and scored 17 points, but Westbrook put up a solid showing in his return to Oklahoma City with 34 points. Paul scored 18 points for the Thunder, while Danilo Gallinari paced OKC with 23 points and 11 rebounds.

The Thunder picked up the season series victory less than two weeks later by holding off Houston, 112-107 at Toyota Center as 7.5-point 'dogs. The Rockets were cruising along by holding a 16-point lead heading to the fourth quarter before OKC rallied back to outscore Houston, 41-20 in the final 12 minutes as Paul put together a 28-point effort in the win. Harden scored 29 points, but misfired on 16-of-17 three-point attempts, while Westbrook posted a triple-double in the loss (32 points, 11 rebounds, 12 assists).

Key Injuries

Oklahoma City

None

Houston

Russell Westbrook: Quad - Out

The loss of Westbrook for at least Game 1 definitely puts a damper on this series with the former MVP unable to face his old team early on. Westbrook sustained the quad injury against the Blazers on August 4 and missed the following two game, a pair of blowout wins over the Lakers and Kings. The Rockets' guard played 28 minutes in a loss to the Spurs and sat out the final two games of the restart. Eric Gordon will likely start in Westbrook's place for Game 1, while early indications are Westbrook's earliest return will be Saturday for Game 3.

**Udog** · 08-18-2020, 01:13 PM

Trail Blazers vs. Lakers Game 1 Odds, Preview
Tony Mejia

The final contest on the second day of NBA playoff action delivers the West's 1-8 matchup at AdventHealth Arena.

The No. 1-seeded Los Angeles Lakers meet the No. 8 seed Portland Trail Blazers in Game 1 of their best-of-seven first-round series.

Betting Resources

Matchup: Game 1
Venue: ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex
Location: Orlando, Florida
Date: Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2020
Time: 9:00 p.m. ET
TV: ESPN

Betting Odds - Trail Blazers vs. Lakers

The L.A. Lakers opened as a six-point favorite at DraftKings but were quickly bet to 5.5, which is where the line has remained as of Tuesday mornning.

The total opened at 229 at DraftKings, dipped to 228.5 and has since hovered in the 229.5 range since. Be sure to follow all the line movements.

Point-Spread Odds

Lakers -5.5
Trail Blazers +5.5

Money-Line Odds

Lakers -250 (Bet $100 to win $40)
Blazers +205 (Bet $100 to win $205)

Total Odds

Over 229.5
Under 229.5

Series Odds

Lakers -455
Blazers +340

Inside the Betting Stats

Overall

Portland: 35-39 SU, 32-40-3 ATS
Los Angeles: 52-19 SU, 36-34-1 ATS

Bubble

Portland: 7-2 SU, 5-3-1 ATS
Los Angeles: 3-5 SU, 1-7 ATS

The Lakers have been one of the favorites to claim this season's NBA title all season. They were favored all but seven times in their games this season and were last an underdog against the Rockets on Aug. 6. They failed to cover in seven of eight seeding contests.

Thanks to the play-in game against Memphis, Portland tied Dallas in playing the most games (75) of any team this season. They entered the bubble as just one of the teams in the mix chasing the Grizzlies for the No. 8 seed and finished 7-2.

Over-Under Total Notes

Totals Report

Overall

Portland: 45-30 O/U
Los Angeles: 34-37 O/U

Bubble

Portland: 8-1 O/U
Los Angeles: 4-4 O/U

The Blazers gave up 121 or more points in six of their eight seeding games, which includes surrendering 135 points against Memphis in their opener.The high side connected in all but one of the Blazers games.

The Lakers lost to the Thunder, Rockets, Lakers and Kings over their last five games despite having LeBron James and Anthony Davis in the mix for most of those contests.

Blazers vs. Lakers Head-to-Head

2019-20 Regular Season

Jan. 31, 2020: Portland (+13) 127 at L.A. Lakers 119, Over 232.5

Dec. 28, 2019: L.A. Lakers (-5) 128 at Portland 120, Over 223

Dec. 6, 2019: L.A. Lakers (-5) 136 at Portland 113, Over 225

Damian Lillard led Portland to an upset as a 13-point underdog in the first game at Staples Center following the death of Kobe Bryant. Mourners were lined up outside paying their respects as Lillard did so inside the building, honoring one of his idols by knocking down seven 3-pointers in coming up with 48 points.

Lillard scored 29 and 31 points in his team's two December losses. Kyle Kuzma led L.A. with 24 points in its win back in late December, while LeBron James added 21 points and 16 assists. Anthony Davis led the way with 39 points while James added 31 in the first matchup. Portland center Jusuf Nurkic didn't play in any of the contests.

Key Injuries

Portland

: Ankle – Out

L.A. Lakers

LeBron James: Groin - Probable
Anthony Davis: Knee - Probable
Avery Bradley: Personal - Out
Rajon Rondo: Hand - Out

Blazers power forward Zach Collins is sidelined for this one, which means the Blazers will utilize younger pieces like Wenyen Gabril in this contest.

James and Davis were listed on the injury report with nagging ailments but are otherwise fine. Bradley opted not to play in the bubble, while Rondo is still recovering from surgery and isn't expected to play in the series.

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Tuesday's NBA Trends and Indexes - 8/18

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