Announcement

**Udog** · 08-23-2020, 09:10 AM

Armadillo: Sunday's six-pack

Sunday’s 6-pack
Odds on the PGA’s Northern Trust tournament:
-550— Dustin Johnson
+1300— Scottie Scheffler
+1400— Harris English
+4100— Louis Oosthuizen
+5000— Daniel Berger
+15000— Danny Lee

Americans who have died from COVID-19: 175,380
Please wear a mask when you go out.

**********

Armadillo: Sunday's Den: Wrapping up a sports Saturday

13) Seth Ryan is a 26-year old quality control coach for the LA Chargers; he is also Rex Ryan’s son. The young man recently tested positive for COVID-19; we wish him the best, and hope that he gets healthy soon.

12) Major league starting pitchers are averaging 76.8 pitches/game this season, the lowest figure ever; next lowest was 84.6 pitches/game. This is certainly a different year.

11) In their last six games, five different San Diego Padres have hit a grand slam; Jake Cronenworth hit one against the Astros Saturday night.

10) Zac Gallen is a good young pitcher for Arizona; he is 0-0, 2.25 in six starts this year.
— He’s tied the record for most games allowing 3 earned runs or fewer to begin a career (21)
— He walked the first three batters in this game, but wound up allowing only four other baserunners in his six IP.
— Gallen wears glasses, is thin, doesn’t look overly athletic, but is smart. He has 42 strikeouts in 36 IP this season.

— One weird thing about him; he throws to first base every time someone gets to first, whether it is the backup catcher or the fastest guy on the team. Almost like he has to.

9) Stan Van Gundy was saying on TV Saturday that two things guarantee good team chemistry:
— Equality of effort amongst the players
— Teammates who share the basketball

8) From the fine sportswriter Tim Wilkin: Total money wagered on the races at Saratoga Saturday: $19,792,872. People like to bet on the ponies.

If you’ve never been to Saratoga, I highly recommend it; lot of history at the track. I live about 25 miles from there, been to the track many times over the years. I prefer the harness track down the street; the races run closer together and it is less crowded, but both are fun.

7) Former New Orleans Pelican head coach Alvin Gentry took a few media members to dinner Friday night for a final goodbye; classy move for a guy who just lost his job.

Back in 2002 or so, when they started doing reality TV shows, someone did one on the Clippers team that Gentry coached. He seemed like a genuinely nice person, low-key, smart, but that team wasn’t very good, and he got fired there after three years.

He was an assistant coach on the Warriors team that won the NBA title five years ago; he also went 54-28 coaching the Suns one year, 48-34 with the Pelicans another year. The guy can coach; hope he winds up on TV somewhere, so we can learn from him.

6) Most innings pitched this season without throwing a homer:
34— Fried, Atl
29.1— Greinke, Hst
25.2— Sheffield, Sea
24.2— Turnbull, Det
20— Kikuchi, Sea

NBA playoff games (all Game 3’s):
5) Milwaukee 121, Orlando 107 (Bucks lead 2-1)
— Milwaukee was up 34 at one point; Magic fought back to within 12.
— Janes Ennis, Marvin Williams were both tossed after a 2nd quarter scuffle.
— Bucks are +24 on boards in last two games; they were outrebounded 48-47 in Game 1.

4) Miami 124, Indiana 115 (Heat leads 3-0)
— Heat was 43-52 on foul line, Indiana 21-28
— Pacers weren’t happy about that.
— Indiana was +5 in 32:00 Justin Holiday played, minus-14 in 16:00 he sat out.

3) Oklahoma City 119, Houston 107 (OT) (Rockets lead 2-1)
— Rockets led 63-57 at the half, scored only 44 points in final 29:00
— Houston was -29 in 41:00 Gordon played; +17 in 12:00 he sat out.
— Schroder had 29 points in 39:00 off bench for the Thunder.

2) Lakers 116, Portland 108 (Lakers lead 2-1)
— Anthony Davis scored 23 of his 29 points in 2nd half.
— Lakers were down 4 at half, outscored Portland 40-29 in 3rd quarter.
— Damian Lillard scored 34 points in 43:00, playing with a dislocated finger on his left hand.

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- Toronto, Chicago

NL East- Miami, Atlanta
NL Central- Chicago, St Louis
NL West- Los Angeles, San Diego
NL Wild Cards- Colorado, Az/NYM

**Udog** · 08-23-2020, 09:11 AM

NBA public betting, line movement for August 23
Patrick Everson

Donovan Mitchell and the Jazz face the Nuggets on Sunday in Game 4 of their Western Conference series. The SuperBook opened Utah 3-point favorites and moved to -3.5.

NBA betting odds are up for the Sunday playoff feast of four conference quarterfinal Game 4s. The Denver Nuggets and Utah Jazz get the prime-time spotlight, and the defending champion Toronto Raptors can advance to the East semis with a win over the Brooklyn Nets.

The SuperBook at Westgate provided insights on NBA opening lines and early line movement, sharp money and public betting for Sunday’s matchups.

NBA line movement

After taking Games 2 and 3, sixth-seeded Utah has a 2-1 series lead on the third-seeded Nuggets. SuperBook oddsmakers have certainly seen enough, with the Jazz opening as 3-point favorites and moving to 3.5 for the 9 p.m. ET Game 4.

In the 6:30 p.m. ET tipoff, the second-seeded Raptors go for a sweep of the seventh-seeded Nets. The SuperBook opened Toronto a 13-point favorite, and the line was stable through Saturday night.

The Los Angeles Clippers and Dallas Mavericks meet at 3:30 p.m. ET, and a sprained ankle has Luka Doncic’s availability a game-time decision for the Mavs. The Clippers opened -8.5 at The SuperBook, dipped to -5.5 Saturday night, then quickly rebounded to -7.5.

NBA public betting

Eric Osterman, manager and oddsmaker at The SuperBook, said the Clippers-Mavs and Raptors-Nets matchups were getting some early interest.

“We’re getting some parlay money on the Clippers early. No sharp play yet. We have had some takers on the Mavericks moneyline, but it hasn't been anything big,” Osterman said. “And so far, it's been almost all Raptors action on the spread and the moneyline. Some very small tickets on the Nets moneyline, but that's it on them.”

The Mavs are +250 and the Nets +800 on the moneyline.

**Udog** · 08-23-2020, 09:17 AM

741BOSTON -742 PHILADELPHIA
PHILADELPHIA is 1-13 ATS (-13.3 Units) in road games versus good shooting teams - making >=46% of their shots - 2nd half of the season in the current season.

743LA CLIPPERS -744 DALLAS
DALLAS are 35-19 ATS (14.1 Units) in road games versus good ball handling teams - committing <=14 turnovers/game in the last 3 seasons.

747DENVER -748 UTAH
DENVER is 20-8 ATS (11.2 Units) after failing to cover 4 of their last 5 against the spread in the last 3 seasons.

747DENVER -748 UTAH
UTAH is 20-8 ATS (11.2 Units) in road games versus good shooting teams - making >=46% of their shots - 2nd half of the season in the last 3 seasons.

NBA
Long Sheet

Sunday, August 23

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BOSTON (51 - 24) vs. PHILADELPHIA (43 - 33) - 8/23/2020, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 43-28 ATS (+12.2 Units) in all games this season.
BOSTON is 13-3 ATS (+9.7 Units) after a division game this season.
BOSTON is 12-2 ATS (+9.8 Units) in the first round of the playoffs over the last 3 seasons.
BOSTON is 24-10 ATS (+13.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
BOSTON is 34-24 ATS (+7.6 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game this season.
BOSTON is 14-6 ATS (+7.4 Units) in road games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game - 2nd half of the season this season.
BOSTON is 32-23 ATS (+6.7 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game this season.
BOSTON is 14-6 ATS (+7.4 Units) in road games versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game - 2nd half of the season this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 32-40 ATS (-12.0 Units) in all games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 11-26 ATS (-17.6 Units) in road games vs. division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 5-15 ATS (-11.5 Units) in road games revenging a loss vs opponent this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 8-18 ATS (-11.8 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 23-34 ATS (-14.4 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 5-17 ATS (-13.7 Units) in road games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game - 2nd half of the season this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 10-25 ATS (-17.5 Units) in road games versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 5-17 ATS (-13.7 Units) in road games versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game - 2nd half of the season this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 15-5 against the spread versus PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
BOSTON is 14-6 straight up against PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
11 of 20 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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LA CLIPPERS (51 - 24) vs. DALLAS (44 - 34) - 8/23/2020, 3:30 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA CLIPPERS is 8-5 against the spread versus DALLAS over the last 3 seasons
LA CLIPPERS is 9-4 straight up against DALLAS over the last 3 seasons
7 of 13 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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TORONTO (56 - 19) vs. BROOKLYN (35 - 40) - 8/23/2020, 6:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BROOKLYN is 40-20 ATS (+18.0 Units) in road games after a division game since 1996.
BROOKLYN is 35-18 ATS (+15.2 Units) in road games revenging a home loss vs opponent over the last 3 seasons.
BROOKLYN is 55-35 ATS (+16.5 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
BROOKLYN is 34-20 ATS (+12.0 Units) in road games after allowing 115 points or more over the last 3 seasons.
BROOKLYN is 26-13 ATS (+11.7 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 33-23 ATS (+7.7 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game this season.
BROOKLYN is 69-51 ATS (+12.9 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
BROOKLYN is 25-14 ATS (+9.6 Units) in road games versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 42-31 ATS (+7.9 Units) in all games this season.
TORONTO is 32-22 ATS (+7.8 Units) as a favorite this season.
TORONTO is 69-46 ATS (+18.4 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
TORONTO is 22-13 ATS (+7.7 Units) in road games versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
TORONTO is 8-7 against the spread versus BROOKLYN over the last 3 seasons
TORONTO is 13-2 straight up against BROOKLYN over the last 3 seasons
8 of 15 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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DENVER (47 - 29) vs. UTAH (46 - 29) - 8/23/2020, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
UTAH is 103-74 ATS (+21.6 Units) on Sunday games since 1996.
UTAH is 98-76 ATS (+14.4 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
UTAH is 7-7 against the spread versus DENVER over the last 3 seasons
UTAH is 7-7 straight up against DENVER over the last 3 seasons
9 of 14 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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NBA

Sunday, August 23

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Trend Report
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Boston @ Philadelphia
Boston
Boston is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Boston's last 7 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
Philadelphia
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Philadelphia's last 7 games when playing at home against Boston
Philadelphia is 17-3 SU in its last 20 games at home

LA Clippers @ Dallas
LA Clippers
LA Clippers is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
LA Clippers is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games on the road
Dallas
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Dallas's last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Dallas's last 8 games

Toronto @ Brooklyn
Toronto
Toronto is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Toronto is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Brooklyn
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Brooklyn's last 6 games when playing at home against Toronto
Brooklyn is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games

Denver @ Utah
Denver
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Denver's last 11 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Denver's last 5 games on the road
Utah
Utah is 10-1 SU in its last 11 games when playing at home against Denver
Utah is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Denver

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**Udog** · 08-23-2020, 10:07 AM

NBA
Dunkel

Sunday, August 23

Boston @ Philadelphia

Game 741-742
August 23, 2020 @ 1:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Boston
130.867
Philadelphia
113.545
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Boston
by 17 1/2
222
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Boston
by 8
214
Dunkel Pick:
Boston
(-8); Over

LA Clippers @ Dallas

Game 743-744
August 23, 2020 @ 3:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
LA Clippers
121.353
Dallas
120.157
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
LA Clippers
by 1
230
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
LA Clippers
by 7 1/2
232 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Dallas
(+7 1/2); Under

Toronto @ Brooklyn

Game 745-746
August 23, 2020 @ 6:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Toronto
131.374
Brooklyn
111.335
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Toronto
by 20
222
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Toronto
by 13
217
Dunkel Pick:
Toronto
(-13); Over

Denver @ Utah

Game 747-748
August 23, 2020 @ 9:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Denver
111.130
Utah
121.721
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Utah
by 10 1/2
230
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Utah
by 3
217
Dunkel Pick:
Utah
(-3); Over

**Udog** · 08-23-2020, 10:11 AM

Game 4 Odds: Clippers vs. Mavericks
Micheal Crosson

The second-seeded Los Angeles Clippers will look to build on their 2-1 first-round series lead over the No. 7 Dallas Mavericks when the pair meet in Game 4 on Sunday afternoon from the NBA Bubble in Orlando, Florida.

Betting Resources

Matchup: Western Conference Game 4
1st Round Series: Clippers lead 2-1
Venue: ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex
Location: Orlando, Florida
Date: Sunday, Aug. 23, 2020
Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
TV: ABC

Paul George and the Clippers have been installed as very healthy favorites for their Game 4 matchup against the Mavericks. (AP)

Line Movements

With Luka Doncic being listed as questionable for the Maverick’s Game 4 tilt with the Los Angeles Clippers, Dallas enters Sunday’s contest as eight and a half point underdogs, already in a 2-1 hole against Doc Rivers team.

After averaging 237 total points per game so far in this series, the ‘over-under’ is set at OU 231.5 for Game 4, following ‘over’ tickets cashing in consecutive contests.

Dallas (+600) is currently listed as steep underdogs to advance to the second round of the playoffs, but if Luka is cleared to play Game 4, look for that line to move.

Spread: L.A. Clippers -9
Money-Line: L.A. Clippers -450, Dallas +350
Total: 231.5
Series Price: L.A. Clippers -1000, Dallas +600

Game 3 Recap

This series has been a back-and-forth affair so far, with the Mavs and Clippers trading off games to open the series, followed by LA’s 130-122 victory on Friday night.

Kawhi Leonard has picked up right where he left off last year’s NBA Finals, averaging 33.3 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game in the opening three games of this series, despite Paul George’s struggles.

The Claw is a world class scorer when he is on his A-game, and it has been on full display in his last two contests, going for 35+ in consecutive games. Kristaps Porzingis came into Game 3 banged up, playing with a bruised heel, but didn’t appear bothered as he went for 34 points and 13 boards on the Mavericks Game 3 loss.

Kristaps Porzingis may be okay, but Luka exited in the third quarter of Friday’s contest and will likely be a game-time decision for Game 4, drastically changing the landscape of this entire series. Luka’s status carries a heavy weight in the outcome of this game. Make sure to keep your eyes open for news regarding his injury.

Game 3 Betting Results

Outcome: Los Angeles 130 Dallas 122

What looked like another easy 'under' ticket on Friday turned out to be an easy 'over' winner. After combining for 46 in the first quarter, the two teams went off for 76, 65 and 65 combined points in the final 36 minutes.

L.A. exploded for 45 points in the second quarter and that was the difference but Dallas did close the game strong and its 37-28 effort in the last quarter helped bettors cash second-half tickets.

Game: Clippers Win, Clippers Cover (-5.5), Over 231.5
First Quarter: Tied (23-23), Mavs Cover (+1.5), Under (58)
First-Half: Clippers Win (68-54), Clippers Cover (-3), Over (118.5)
Second-Half: Mavs Win (68-62), Mavs Cover (-1.5), Over (115)

Clippers Betting Outlook

Inside the Stats

Overall: 52-23 SU, 43-32 ATS, 36-38-1 O/U
Bubble: 7-4 SU, 8-3 ATS, 7-4 O/U

It might be time to retire the nickname “Playoff-P” for the time being, as George has averaged just 12.5 points in his last two games for the Clippers.

Despite PG13’s struggles, Los Angeles still owns a 2-1 series lead, and is now eyeing a third victory against the banged-up Mavericks.

The Clippers are averaging 124 points in their playoff victories, and if a healthy Luka suits up on Sunday, Doc Rivers team is going to need more production out of #13 in what is likely to be considered a “must-win” game for the Mavs.

Ride Kawhi to go over 30.5 total points in this Game 4 matchup, as he has averaged 35.5 points over his last two contests.

Mavericks Betting Outlook

Inside the Stats

Overall: 44-32 SU, 38-37-3 ATS, 47-31 O/U
Bubble: 4-7 SU, 3-8 ATS, 7-4 O/U

If the Mavericks are going to even up this series on Sunday night, it is crucial for Doncic to be in the lineup for Dallas, even if it is as a floor spacer or decoy.

Luka has the highest usage rate in the NBA through the first three games of the playoffs (36.7%), and if he is unable to go in Game 4 it will be devastating for Rick Carlisle’s team.

Picking a side in this game if a tough call, because if Doncic is healthy and able to play, I like the Mavs to cover here and maybe even win; but if Luka doesn’t play, the Clippers should cake-walk to a 3-1 series lead.

My advice on the spread for this game is to stay away until the Doncic’s status becomes clear.

Key Injuries

L.A. Clippers

PG Patrick Beverley: Calf - Game Time Decision

Dallas

PF Kristaps Porzingis: Heel - Game Time Decision
PG Trey Burke: Ankle - Game Time Decision
PG Luka Doncic: Ankle - Game Time Decision
SG Courtney Lee: Calf - Out
C Dwight Powell: Achilles - Out

Porzingis is still listed on the injury report with a bruised heel for the second straight contest, but there isn’t much concern surrounding his status as he went off for 34 points on Friday. Luka is a different story though, as he is listed as questionable, and Dallas likely won’t reveal news regarding Doncic until closer to tip off.

There is also a chance the Clippers could get Patrick Beverley back, who has been recovering from a calf injury for the extent of this series, so keep an eye our for all injury news as we approach the start of this one.

**Udog** · 08-23-2020, 10:13 AM

Game 4 Odds: Nuggets vs. Jazz
Michael Crosson

The NBA Playoffs first round action continues on Sunday with four games and the finale will feature the No. 6 Jazz against the No. 3 Nuggets in their Western Conference opening series.

Denver captured Game 1 but Utah rebounded with back-to-back victories to hold a 2-1 lead as they meet in Game 4 from the NBA Bubble.

Betting Resources

Matchup: Western Conference Game 3
First Round Series: Jazz lead 2-1
Venue: AdventHealth Arena
Location: Orlando, Florida
Date: Sunday, Aug. 23, 2020
Time: 9:00 p.m. ET
TV: TNT

Line Movements

After opening as underdogs in the first three games of this Western Conference first round series, the Jazz (-140) opened as money line favorites for the first time against Denver (+130) following Donovan Mitchell and company’s second straight 19+ point victory.

The oddsmakers were cautious with the opening spread (Utah -2), but the public agrees with the swing in favoritism, as we have seen that line climb up to three points at most books.

The ‘over-under’ for this Game 3 tilt opened at 214 total points, but that number is quickly elevated to 216 points following the early action on the ‘over’ on Saturday morning, and continued to see movement throughout the day.

The Jazz fell all the way down to +400 underdogs following their 135-125 Game 1 overtime loss, but now head into Game 4 as -360 favorites as they have really made Denver look like the inferior team in the last two playoff matchups.

Spread: Utah -3
Money-Line: Utah -150 Denver +130
Total: 215
Series Odds: Utah -360, Denver +270

After losing Game 1, the Jazz have rebounded with back-to-back wins to take a 2-1 series lead over the Nuggets. (AP)

Game 3 Recap

The Nuggets were able to come from behind and steal Game 1 of this seven game set in overtime, and if it weren’t for that victory, Denver would be in grave danger of an UGLY four-game sweep in the opening round.

After their losing effort in Game 1, the Jazz rebounded with a dominant 124-105 Game 2 performance on Wednesday, which was followed by a 124-87 rout of Nikola Jokic and company in Game 3 on Friday.

Mike Conley returned to Utah’s starting lineup in Game 3, and it looked like a weight had been lifted off Donovan Mitchell’s shoulders as Conley tallied 27 points in his first game back since the birth of his son, while Mitchell sat out the majority pf the fourth quarter.

The Jazz own a 2-1 series lead heading into Game 4, who appear to just now be putting it all together as a team.

Game 3 Betting Results

Outcome: Utah 124 Denver 87

The Jazz posted a wire-to-wire victory in Game 3 for bettors, covering all stanzas of the matchup.

Due to any offensive punch from the Nuggets, the 'under' was never in doubt but total bettors chasing the 'over' in the second-half got there as Utah continued to fill it up.

Game: Jazz Win, Jazz Cover (-1), Under 217.5
First Quarter: Jazz Win (25-14), Jazz Cover (PK), Under (55)
First-Half: Jazz Win (59-42), Jazz Cover (-0.5), Under (112)
Second-Half: Jazz Win (65-45), Jazz Cover (+4.5), Over (107.5)

Nuggets Betting Outlook

Inside the Stats

Overall: 47-29 SU, 35-38-3 ATS, 40-35-1 O/U
Bubble: 4-7 SU, 5-6 ATS, 10-1 O/U

I’m not sure what is more frustrating for the Nuggets right now…the fact that they couldn’t stop a nosebleed on defense, or the fact that they couldn’t hit the broad-side of a barn on offense.

The Nuggets shot 37.5% from the field and 31.6% from 3-point territory in Game 3, and if they are going to give up 124 points on 51.2% shooting defensively, they are going to have to play much tighter defense than that.

Nikola Jokic had just 13 field goal attempts in Denver’s 124-87 loss on Friday, which is a monstrosity considering their final point tally. If the Nuggets want to turn this thing back around, they MUST get the ball to the Joker’s hands more and play MUCH better defense.

Jazz Betting Outlook

Inside the Stats

Utah: 46-29 SU, 41-34-2 ATS, 40-35 O/U
Bubble: 5-6 SU, 6-5 ATS, 7-4 O/U

Rudy Gobert is somebody who never gets talked about enough in this league, and he was phenomenal in Game 3 for the Jazz, tallying 24 points and 14 rebounds in Utah’s blowout victory on Friday, while putting out a DPOY-level defensive effort.

The Mitchell-Gobert-Conley trio combined for 71 points on 44.5% shooting last game, nearly outscoring the Nuggets as an entire team. The Jazz have primetime defensive talent, and it finally appeared to come together in Game 3, stifling the Nuggets to just 87 points.

Things will get very simple for Quin Snyder’s team moving forward if he is able to draw that kind of defensive effort out of his team on a nightly basis.

Key Injuries

Denver

SG Gary Harris: Hip - Out
SF Will Barton: Knee - Out
SF Vlatko Cancar: Foot- Out

Utah

PG Justin Wright-Foreman: Not Injury Related - Out
C Ed Davis: Knee - Out

The Jazz got Conley back following the birth of his son, but Denver will still be without Gary Harris and Will Barton who have left bigger holes in the Nuggets defensively than anticipated. If they want to take back control of this series, somebody is going to need to step up and guard Mitchell and Gobert.

Announcement

Sunday's NBA Trends and Indexes - 8/23

Sunday's NBA Trends and Indexes - 8/23

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