Cnotes 2020-2021 nba trends, news, best bets and opinions thru the playoffs !

[StarDust Bum]

Monday’s 6-pack
Over/under major league win totals (from DraftKings):
102.5— Dodgers
95.5— Bronx Bombers
94.5— Padres
91.5— Braves, White Sox
90.5— Mets
88.5— Twins

Americans who have died from COVID-19: 510,658
PLEASE wear a mask (over your nose/mouth) when you go out.

Quote of the Day
“Never miss a good chance to shut up.”
Will Rogers

Monday’s quiz
Which NBA team used to play its home games in St Louis?

Sunday’s quiz
Virginia won the last NCAA Tournament, two years ago; they beat Texas Tech in the final.

Saturday’s quiz
Clint Hurdle managed the Colorado Rockies, in their one World Series appearance.

***********************

Monday’s Den: Wrapping up a sports weekend

13) Quick piece of advice: don’t bet on spring training games this year.

They have some unusual rules this year; one of the weird ones is if a pitcher throws 20+ pitches in an inning, his manager can simply end the inning, just by saying so.

Up 5-2 in top of 6th Sunday, Angels had bases loaded, but the SF pitcher had reached 20 pitches that inning, so Gabe Kapler just told the umpire the half-inning was over. MLB is trying to prevent pitchers from overworking themselves this spring.

Some games are 5 innings, some 7, others 9, at least until March 13, when they’re expected to go back to all nine-inning games.

12) If you were born on February 29, when do you celebrate your birthday? The 28th? March 1? Must be odd having a birthday once every four years.

11) There is a basketball player at South Alabama named Kayo Goncalves: here are his shooting stats for this year, his senior season:

— 2-point shots: 7-19, 36.8%
— foul shots: 9-14, 64.3%
— 3-point shots: 65-168, 36.7%

He mustn’t dribble very much, just catch/shoot. Jaguars are 16-10 overall this season, 23-14 in Sun Belt play the last two seasons. Sun Belt basketball is fun to watch.

10) Knicks 109, Pistons 90— Knicks are 18-17, first time since 2013 that they’ve been over .500 after 35 games. Tom Thibodeau is a very good coach.

9) QB Allen Bowman is transferring from Texas Tech to Michigan; Jim Harbaugh had a young QB play for him last year and it didn’t go well, so he grabs another transfer. Bowman threw for 2,600+ yards the last two seasons.

8) It was great to watch actual baseball games Sunday, even meaningless exhibition games. Regular season starts April 1st, four weeks from Thursday.

7) Marcus Semien got $18M to play for Toronto this season, but he is also moving from SS to second base, and he’ll play most of his home games on artificial turf.

Blue Jays will stay in Florida for their first two homestands, and they’ll play it by ear from there, as far as COVID protocols go. Blue Jays played their home games in Buffalo last year, but you don’t want to play outdoors in Buffalo in April.

6) Butler 73, Villanova 61— Villanova shot 2-27 from the arc; they’re shooting 36.1% for the season behind the arc. This is the kind of game teams will have to avoid in the tournament; you lay an egg there and your season ends quickly.

5) Iowa 73, Ohio State 57— In reality, NCAA Tournament will have three #1-seeds (Gonzaga, Baylor, Michigan) and five #2-seeds, just that one of the five will be named as a #1-seed, but who will it be? Buckeyes had a shot, but they’ve lost three in a row now, so that won’t happen.

4) Victor Oladipo rejected a 2-year, $45.2M contract extension from the Houston Rockets; you know your life is going well when $45.2M isn’t a good deal. He wants a contract that is longer than two years, and if he stays healthy, he’ll probably get it.

3) Charlotte 127, Sacramento 126:
— Sacramento led by 8 with 0:55 left.
— Kings missed five foul shots in the last 1:09.
— Charlotte’s best player, Gordon Hayward, didn’t play.
— Sacramento has lost 10 of its last 11 games.

2) RIP to Irv Cross, 81, who passed away Sunday. Cross was a DB in the NFL for nine years (Eagles, Rams) but was better known as a popular person on the NFL Today pregame show for many years, with Brent Musburger, Phyllis George and Jimmy the Greek. RIP, sir.

1) Sunday was the 38th anniversary of the last episode of M*A*S*H, one of the all-time great TV shows. Spent many an hour watching M*A*S*H re-runs on weekday afternoons; the episodes with MacLean Stevenson were my favorites.

[StarDust Bum]

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 28
GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS

LAC at MIL 03:30 PM
MIL -1.0..........100 - 105......WINNER
O 233.5................LOSER

WAS at BOS 07:00 PM
WAS +6.5.............110 - 111....WINNER
O 233.0...................LOSER

CHI at TOR 07:00 PM
CHI +4.5...............PPD
U 223.0

ATL at MIA 08:00 PM
MIA -6.0...........99 - 109....WINNER
O 220.0...............LOSER

GS at LAL 08:00 PM
GS +3.0...............91 - 117...LOSER
U 220.5

MEM at HOU 08:00 PM
HOU +4.0..........133 - 84
U 223.5...............WINNER

NY at DET 08:00 PM
NY +1.0
U 211.0

PHO at MIN 09:00 PM
PHO -10.5............118 - 99.....WINNER
O 225.5...............LOSER

CHA at SAC 10:00 PM
CHA +1.0.................127 - 126....WINNER
O 239.0....................WINNER



NBA DAILY RECORD BEST BETS:

Feb.282021............7 - 4........+13.00
Feb.27,2021...........6 - 4.......+8.00
Feb.26,2021...........2 - 13.....-61.50
Feb.25,2021...........4 - 6.......-13.00
Feb.24,2021...........6 - 8.......-14.00
Feb.23,2021...........6 - 10......-25.00
Feb.22,2021...........3 - 6........-18.00
Feb.21,2021...........7 - 6........+2.00
Feb.20,2021...........7 - 2........+24.00
Feb.19,2021...........8 - 8.........-4.00
Feb.18,2021...........3 - 3.........-1.50
Feb.17,2021...........9 - 5........+17.50
Feb.16, 2021...........3 - 5.........-12.50
Feb.15, 2021...........6 - 5.........+2.50
Feb.14, 2021...........8 - 5.........+12.50
Feb 13, 2021...........5 - 2........+14.00
Feb.12.2021...........9 - 7.........+6.50
Feb.11, 2021..........5 - 3.........+8.50
Feb.10, 2021..........6 - 5.........+ 2.50
Feb.09, 2021..........3 - 5.........- 12.50
Feb.08, 2021..........4 - 4.........- 2.00
Feb.07, 2021..........6 - 2.........+19.00
Feb.06, 2021..........7 - 5.........+ 7.50
Feb.05, 2021..........5 - 6.........- 8.00
Feb.04, 2021..........4 - 2.........+ 9.00
Feb.03, 2021..........3 - 7.........- 23.50
Feb.02, 2021..........4 - 2.........+ 9.00
Feb.01, 2021......... 3 - 4..........- 7.00

TOTALS.................144 - 141.....-57.50


January Best Bets Totals............64 Wins..........65 Loses.........49.61%........- 41.00


****************************************

December's Best Bet Record:....4 - 6......40%......- 13.00

[StarDust Bum]

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 28
GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS

LAC at MIL 03:30 PM
MIL -1.0
O 233.5

WAS at BOS 07:00 PM
WAS +6.5
O 233.0

CHI at TOR 07:00 PM
CHI +4.5
U 223.0

ATL at MIA 08:00 PM
MIA -6.0
O 220.0

GS at LAL 08:00 PM
GS +3.0
U 220.5

MEM at HOU 08:00 PM
HOU +4.0
U 223.5

NY at DET 08:00 PM
NY +1.0
U 211.0

PHO at MIN 09:00 PM
PHO -10.5
O 225.5

CHA at SAC 10:00 PM
CHA +1.0
O 239.0



NBA DAILY RECORD BEST BETS:

Feb.27,2021...........6 - 4.......+8.00
Feb.26,2021...........2 - 13.....-61.50
Feb.25,2021...........4 - 6.......-13.00
Feb.24,2021...........6 - 8.......-14.00
Feb.23,2021...........6 - 10......-25.00
Feb.22,2021...........3 - 6........-18.00
Feb.21,2021...........7 - 6........+2.00
Feb.20,2021...........7 - 2........+24.00
Feb.19,2021...........8 - 8.........-4.00
Feb.18,2021...........3 - 3.........-1.50
Feb.17,2021...........9 - 5........+17.50
Feb.16, 2021...........3 - 5.........-12.50
Feb.15, 2021...........6 - 5.........+2.50
Feb.14, 2021...........8 - 5.........+12.50
Feb 13, 2021...........5 - 2........+14.00
Feb.12.2021...........9 - 7.........+6.50
Feb.11, 2021..........5 - 3.........+8.50
Feb.10, 2021..........6 - 5.........+ 2.50
Feb.09, 2021..........3 - 5.........- 12.50
Feb.08, 2021..........4 - 4.........- 2.00
Feb.07, 2021..........6 - 2.........+19.00
Feb.06, 2021..........7 - 5.........+ 7.50
Feb.05, 2021..........5 - 6.........- 8.00
Feb.04, 2021..........4 - 2.........+ 9.00
Feb.03, 2021..........3 - 7.........- 23.50
Feb.02, 2021..........4 - 2.........+ 9.00
Feb.01, 2021......... 3 - 4..........- 7.00

TOTALS.................137 - 137.....-70.50


January Best Bets Totals............64 Wins..........65 Loses.........49.61%........- 41.00


****************************************

December's Best Bet Record:....4 - 6......40%......- 13.00

[StarDust Bum]

563LA CLIPPERS -564 MILWAUKEE
LA CLIPPERS are 62-40 ATS (18 Units) versus good ball handling teams - committing <=14 turnovers/game in the last 3 seasons.

565CHICAGO -566 TORONTO
CHICAGO is 11-1 ATS (9.9 Units) in road games after 2 consecutive non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.

567NEW YORK -568 DETROIT
DETROIT is 8-0 ATS (8 Units) off a home loss in the current season.

569ATLANTA -570 MIAMI
ATLANTA is 9-27 ATS (-20.7 Units) in road games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.

571WASHINGTON -572 BOSTON
BOSTON is 9-1 ATS (7.9 Units) in home games after allowing 105 points or more 3 straight games over the last 2 seasons.

575GOLDEN STATE -576 LA LAKERS
GOLDEN STATE is 3-14 ATS (-12.4 Units) after covering 5 or 6 of their last 7 against the spread in the last 3 seasons.

577PHOENIX -578 MINNESOTA
MINNESOTA is 8-23 ATS (-17.3 Units) after failing to cover 6 or 7 of their last 8 against the spread in the last 3 seasons.

579CHARLOTTE -580 SACRAMENTO
CHARLOTTE is 13-2 ATS (10.8 Units) in road games after allowing 105 points or more 3 straight games over the last 2 seasons.


****************************


NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up

Sunday, February 28

LA Clippers @ Milwaukee
Clippers (24-11)
— Clippers won seven of their last ten games overall.
— Clippers are 6-3 ATS in last nine road games.
— Under is 3-1 in their last four games.

Bucks (20-13)
— Milwaukee won last four games (3-1 ATS), after an 0-5 skid.
— Bucks are 11-7 ATS at home this season.
— Over is 7-2 in Milwaukee’s last nine home games

— Bucks won last three series games.
— Clippers are 2-2-1 ATS in last five visits to Milwaukee.
— Three of last four series games went over.

Chicago vs Toronto (@ Tampa)
Bulls (15-17)
— Chicago won five of its last seven games SU.
— Bulls are 11-4 ATS on the road this season.
— Over is 7-4 in their last 11 road games.

Raptors (17-17)
— Toronto won five of its last its seven games.
— Raptors are 6-9 ATS at home this season.
— Under is 4-2 in last six Toronto games.

— Toronto won last 10 series games (6-3 ATS last nine)
— Bulls covered three of last four road series games.
— Under is 5-2 in last seven series games.

Washington @ Boston
Wizards (13-18)
— Wizards won/covered seven of their last eight games overall.
— Washington is 4-1 ATS in its last five road games.
— Under is 6-2 in their last eight road games.

Celtics (16-17)
— Boston is 4-8 SU in its last 12 games.
— Celtics are 10-4 ATS at home this season.
— Over is 5-1 in last six Boston games.

— Washington won three of last four series games.
— Wizards are 1-3-1 ATS in last five visits to Boston.
— Last four series games stayed under the total.

New York @ Detroit
Knicks (17-17)
— New York won six of last eight games (9-3 ATS last 12).
— Knicks are 3-4 ATS if they played night before.
— Under is 3-1-1 in New York’s last five games.

Pistons (9-24)
— Detroit lost 10 of its last 14 games (6-5 ATS last 11)
— Pistons are 5-2 ATS in last seven home games.
— Under is 5-1 in Detroit’s last six games.

— Knicks won last two series games, after losing previous eight.
— New York is 3-2 ATS in last five visits to Detroit.
— Three of last four series games stayed under the total.

Atlanta @ Miami
Hawks (14-19)
— Atlanta lost seven of its last ten games.
— Hawks are 4-8 ATS in their last 12 road games.
— 11 of Atlanta’s 13 games went over the total.

Heat (16-17)
— Miami won five in row, nine of its last 12 games overall.
— Heat is 3-1 ATS in last four home games.
— Over is 5-2 in their last seven games.

— Heat won four of last five series games.
— Hawks are 3-2 ATS in last five visits to Miami.
— Over is 5-3 in last eight series games.

Memphis @ Houston
Grizzlies (14-15)
— Memphis lost three of its last four games.
— Grizzlies are 1-4 ATS in last five road games.
— Under is 5-0 in their last five games.

Rockets (11-20)
— Houston lost its last ten games (1-9 ATS).
— Rockets covered once in their last eight home games.
— Under is 10-0-1 in their last 11 home games.

— Rockets won eight of last ten series games.
— Memphis is 0-4 ATS in last four visits to Houston.
— Three of last four series games stayed under.

Golden State @ LA Lakers
Warriors (19-15)
— Golden State won/covered five of its last seven games.
— Warriors are 5-3 ATS in their last eight road games.
— Under is 5-1 in their last six road games.

Lakers (23-11)
— Lakers lost five of last seven games, are 3-8 ATS in last 11.
— Lakers are 2-6 ATS in their last eight home games.
— Under is 5-1 in their last six games.
— Anthony Davis is still out here.

— Lakers won three of last four series games.
— Warriors covered three of last four series games played here.
— Under is 6-3 in last nine series games.

Phoenix @ Minnesota
Suns (21-11)
— Phoenix won/covered 13 of its last 16 games.
— Suns are 5-1 ATS in their last six road games.
— Over is 7-3 in their last ten games.

Timberwolves (7-27)
— Minnesota lost 11 of last 12, 21 of its last 25 games.
— Wolves are 0-7 ATS in their last seven games overall.
— Over is 3-0 in their last three games.

— Teams split last ten series games.
— Suns are 3-0-1 ATS in last four visits to Minnesota.
— Over is 5-5 in last ten series games.

Charlotte @ Sacramento
Hornets (15-17)
— Charlotte lost four of its last seven games.
— Hornets are 2-4 ATS in their last six road games.
— Over is 8-2 in Charlotte’s last ten road games.

Kings (13-20)
— Sacramento is 1-9 SU/ATS in last ten games overall.
— Kings are 0-5 ATS in their last five home games.
— Over is 8-1 in Sacramento’s last nine games.

— Charlotte won six of last seven series games.
— Hornets covered four of last five visits to Sacramento.
— Over is 7-3 in last ten series games.


****************************


NBA

Sunday, February 28

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Report
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

Washington @ Boston
Washington
Washington is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 games
Washington is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games
Boston
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Boston's last 6 games
Boston is 12-2-1 ATS in its last 15 games when playing at home against Washington

Chicago @ Toronto
Chicago
Chicago is 10-2 ATS in its last 12 games when playing on the road against Toronto
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Chicago's last 9 games when playing on the road against Toronto
Toronto
Toronto is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Chicago
Toronto is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Chicago

New York @ Detroit
New York
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of New York's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of New York's last 5 games when playing on the road against Detroit
Detroit
Detroit is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against New York
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Detroit's last 6 games

Atlanta @ Miami
Atlanta
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Atlanta's last 11 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Atlanta's last 6 games on the road
Miami
Miami is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games
Miami is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games

Memphis @ Houston
Memphis
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Memphis's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Memphis's last 8 games on the road
Houston
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Houston's last 5 games at home
Houston is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Memphis

Golden State @ LA Lakers
Golden State
Golden State is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against LA Lakers
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Golden State's last 6 games on the road
LA Lakers
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of LA Lakers's last 6 games
LA Lakers is 17-8 SU in its last 25 games

Phoenix @ Minnesota
Phoenix
Phoenix is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
Phoenix is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games on the road
Minnesota
Minnesota is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Phoenix
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Minnesota's last 10 games when playing at home against Phoenix

Charlotte @ Sacramento
Charlotte
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Charlotte's last 5 games on the road
Charlotte is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing Sacramento
Sacramento
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Sacramento's last 9 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Sacramento's last 7 games at home


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


NBA
Dunkel

Sunday, February 28








****************************


NBA
Long Sheet

Sunday, February 28

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

LA CLIPPERS (24 - 11) at MILWAUKEE (20 - 13) - 2/28/2021, 3:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MILWAUKEE is 58-38 ATS (+16.2 Units) in home games over the last 3 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 45-29 ATS (+13.1 Units) in home games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game over the last 3 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 301-362 ATS (-97.2 Units) in non-conference games since 1996.
MILWAUKEE is 88-140 ATS (-66.0 Units) after 3 or more consecutive wins since 1996.

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

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

CHICAGO (15 - 17) at TORONTO (17 - 17) - 2/28/2021, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO is 12-4 ATS (+7.6 Units) after a non-conference game this season.
CHICAGO is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) in road games versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game this season.
TORONTO is 23-41 ATS (-22.1 Units) in a home game where the total is greater than or equal to 220 since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
TORONTO is 4-3 against the spread versus CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
TORONTO is 7-0 straight up against CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
5 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

NEW YORK (17 - 17) at DETROIT (9 - 24) - 2/28/2021, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEW YORK is 17-8 ATS (+8.2 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 4-3 against the spread versus NEW YORK over the last 3 seasons
DETROIT is 5-2 straight up against NEW YORK over the last 3 seasons
4 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

ATLANTA (14 - 19) at MIAMI (16 - 17) - 2/28/2021, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 18-31 ATS (-16.1 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 16-28 ATS (-14.8 Units) in a road game where the total is greater than or equal to 220 over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 4-13 ATS (-10.3 Units) in road games after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 9-27 ATS (-20.7 Units) in road games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 12-23 ATS (-13.3 Units) in road games versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 5-3 against the spread versus MIAMI over the last 3 seasons
MIAMI is 4-4 straight up against ATLANTA over the last 3 seasons
5 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

WASHINGTON (13 - 18) at BOSTON (16 - 17) - 2/28/2021, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 59-86 ATS (-35.6 Units) in road games after scoring 115 points or more since 1996.
WASHINGTON is 17-32 ATS (-18.2 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 26-48 ATS (-26.8 Units) in road games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game over the last 3 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 27-47 ATS (-24.7 Units) in road games versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game over the last 3 seasons.
BOSTON is 66-52 ATS (+8.8 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 24-9 ATS (+14.1 Units) when playing on back-to-back days over the last 3 seasons.

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

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

MEMPHIS (14 - 15) at HOUSTON (11 - 20) - 2/28/2021, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 11-20 ATS (-11.0 Units) in all games this season.
HOUSTON is 12-25 ATS (-15.5 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 16-31 ATS (-18.1 Units) after allowing 115 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 4-12 ATS (-9.2 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
HOUSTON is 40-56 ATS (-21.6 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.

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

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

GOLDEN STATE (19 - 15) at LA LAKERS (23 - 11) - 2/28/2021, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LA LAKERS are 15-5 ATS (+9.5 Units) revenging a home loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA LAKERS is 4-4 against the spread versus GOLDEN STATE over the last 3 seasons
LA LAKERS is 4-4 straight up against GOLDEN STATE over the last 3 seasons
5 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

PHOENIX (21 - 11) at MINNESOTA (7 - 27) - 2/28/2021, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PHOENIX is 21-11 ATS (+8.9 Units) in all games this season.
PHOENIX is 45-32 ATS (+9.8 Units) when the total is greater than or equal to 220 over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 30-16 ATS (+12.4 Units) in road games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 29-15 ATS (+12.5 Units) in road games versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 37-58 ATS (-26.8 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 28-52 ATS (-29.2 Units) when the total is greater than or equal to 220 over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 28-43 ATS (-19.3 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 14-32 ATS (-21.2 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 9-29 ATS (-22.9 Units) in a home game where the total is greater than or equal to 220 over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 4-14 ATS (-11.4 Units) against Pacific division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 19-36 ATS (-20.6 Units) after allowing 115 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 11-22 ATS (-13.2 Units) after a loss by 10 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 12-24 ATS (-14.4 Units) after 3 or more consecutive losses over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 5-15 ATS (-11.5 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 30-50 ATS (-25.0 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 25-45 ATS (-24.5 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.

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

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

CHARLOTTE (15 - 17) at SACRAMENTO (13 - 20) - 2/28/2021, 10:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CHARLOTTE is 206-257 ATS (-76.7 Units) in non-conference games since 1996.
CHARLOTTE is 40-62 ATS (-28.2 Units) in road games after allowing 115 points or more since 1996.
CHARLOTTE is 44-28 ATS (+13.2 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.

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

[StarDust Bum]

Armadillo: Sunday's six-pack

Six guys who were student managers for their college hoop teams:
— Auburn coach Bruce Pearl (Boston College)
— LSU coach Will Wade (Clemson)
— Clippers’ executive Lawrence Frank (Indiana)
— Thunder coach Mar Daigneault (UConn)
— Texas Tech coach Chris Beard (Texas)
— Iowa State coach Steve Prohm (Alabama)

Americans who have died from COVID-19: 510,658
PLEASE wear a mask (over your nose/mouth) when you go out.


**********

Armadillo: Sunday's Den: Wrapping up a basketball Saturday……

13) Will any of this season’s scheduling oddities become normal in the future? Will playing two games at one site over 2-3 days, which reduces travel, become the new normal, or will things go back to the way they were last year?

Friday nights have always been a slow night for college hoop, but this year, Fridays have been busier than Wednesday/Thursdays. I’m guessing the TV people would prefer leaving Fridays to the NBA and getting college games back to mid-week dates, but that remains to be seen.

12) Alabama basketball coach Nate Oats recently signed a contract extension that will pay him $3.225M/year, not bad for a guy who, eight years ago, was a high school Math teacher and the basketball coach at a Michigan HS. He taught at the school for 11 years; now he’s rich.

Alabama is 19-6 this year, 14-2 in the SEC; they’ll be a high seed in the NCAA’s.

11) Oklahoma State 94, Oklahoma 90, OT— Cade Cunningham scored 40 points for OSU, in an impressive one-man show. Cunningham’s brother was hired as an assistant coach by the Cowboys last year, as an inducement for his brother to come to Stillwater.

Whatever they’re paying the brother, it ain’t enough. Oklahoma State will play in the NCAA’s before they get their probation from the NCAAs. Cunningham will be a walking advertisement for the Oklahoma State program when he plays in the NBA.

10) Louisville 80, Duke 73 OT
— Cardinals blew a 12-point lead, but pulled away for the OT win.
— ESPN’s Jay Bilas (a Duke alum) calls most Duke games, but he was at Kansas-Baylor, so ESPN showed they give Duke no special treatment— Chris Spatola was the analyst. He is Coach K’s son-in-law.

Oy.

9) Kansas 71, Baylor 58— Bears lose for first time in 18 games; this was their second game back after a 21-day COVID pause. Selection Sunday is two weeks from today, so their first game in the NCAA Tournament is 18-19 days away. Will they have their legs back by then?

8) North Carolina 78, Florida State 70
— This was Roy Williams’ 900th career win; 482 at Carolina, 418 at Kansas.
— Florida State led this game by 16 in the first half.
— Peaks/valleys: Carolina got hammered at home by Marquette during the week.

7) Upsets of the Day:
— Tennessee Tech (+10.5) 71, Murray State 61
— Northridge (+10) 90, Bakersfield 87
— Rider (+9.5) 78, Saint Peter’s 65
— Vanderbilt (+9.5) 75, Ole Miss 70
— Auburn (+8) 77, Tennessee 72
— Bradley (+8) 67, Drake 61
— Oregon State (+7) 73, Stanford 62
— Boston College (+7) 94, Notre Dame 90

6) Texas Tech 68, Texas 59:
— Longhorns are 4-6 in their last ten games, after a 10-1 start.
— Tech’s win snaps a 3-game losing skid.

5) Morehead State 89, Belmont 82, OT
— Belmont lost twice this week, after starting the season 24-1.
— Morehead was 31-39 on foul line, Belmont 14-19.

4) Auburn 77, Tennessee 72— Tigers pull the upset without star G Sherife Cooper, who is out for the year. Excellent coaching job by Bruce Pearl, but also a disturbing loss for Tennessee, which looked lackluster in defeat. When network TV guys say it on the air, it had to be obvious.

3) Arkansas 83, LSU 75— Razorbacks have won six in row, nine of last ten games. LSU takes lot of quick shots and doesn’t pass the ball so much- they’re 4-6 in their last ten games, after they started the season 10-2.

2) Gonzaga 86, LMU 69— Gonzaga is the last unbeaten team in the country which puts the target right on their backs. Zags have one single-digit win the entire season (December 2nd vs West Virginia); when they have to play a close game in the NCAA’s, will that hurt them?

1) There are a lot of teams who are capable of beating anyone on a given day, but it seems like there are very few teams who are consistently good. Winning a national title takes six wins a row, the last four (or five) over strong teams.

The eventual national champ this year may be a team that gets help from upsets elsewhere in their bracket, not unlike Kansas in 1988.

[StarDust Bum]

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 27
GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS

MIN at WAS 07:00 PM
WAS -4.0.........112 - 128......WINNER
O 237.5..............................WINNER

CLE at PHI 07:00 PM
CLE +11.0.................112 - 109...WINNER
O 223.0..................LOSER

IND at NY 08:00 PM
NY +1.5.........107 - 110.....WINNER
O 218.0

DEN at OKC 08:00 PM
OKC +7.0...........126 - 96
O 220.5.................LOSER

NO at SA 08:00 PM
NO -3.0..........114 - 117.....PUSH
O 231.0.....................WINNER

UTA at ORL 08:00 PM
UTA -10.5............124 - 109
U 221.5.............LOSER

DAL at BK 08:30 PM
DAL +4.0..........115 - 98.....WINNER
O 236.0.........................LOSER



NBA DAILY RECORD BEST BETS:

Feb.27,2021...........6 - 4.......+8.00
Feb.26,2021...........2 - 13.....-61.50
Feb.25,2021...........4 - 6.......-13.00
Feb.24,2021...........6 - 8.......-14.00
Feb.23,2021...........6 - 10......-25.00
Feb.22,2021...........3 - 6........-18.00
Feb.21,2021...........7 - 6........+2.00
Feb.20,2021...........7 - 2........+24.00
Feb.19,2021...........8 - 8.........-4.00
Feb.18,2021...........3 - 3.........-1.50
Feb.17,2021...........9 - 5........+17.50
Feb.16, 2021...........3 - 5.........-12.50
Feb.15, 2021...........6 - 5.........+2.50
Feb.14, 2021...........8 - 5.........+12.50
Feb 13, 2021...........5 - 2........+14.00
Feb.12.2021...........9 - 7.........+6.50
Feb.11, 2021..........5 - 3.........+8.50
Feb.10, 2021..........6 - 5.........+ 2.50
Feb.09, 2021..........3 - 5.........- 12.50
Feb.08, 2021..........4 - 4.........- 2.00
Feb.07, 2021..........6 - 2.........+19.00
Feb.06, 2021..........7 - 5.........+ 7.50
Feb.05, 2021..........5 - 6.........- 8.00
Feb.04, 2021..........4 - 2.........+ 9.00
Feb.03, 2021..........3 - 7.........- 23.50
Feb.02, 2021..........4 - 2.........+ 9.00
Feb.01, 2021......... 3 - 4..........- 7.00

TOTALS.................137 - 137.....-70.50


January Best Bets Totals............64 Wins..........65 Loses.........49.61%........- 41.00


****************************************

December's Best Bet Record:....4 - 6......40%......- 13.00

[StarDust Bum]

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 27
GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS

MIN at WAS 07:00 PM
WAS -4.0
O 237.5

CLE at PHI 07:00 PM
CLE +11.0
O 223.0

IND at NY 08:00 PM
NY +1.5
O 218.0

DEN at OKC 08:00 PM
OKC +7.0
O 220.5

NO at SA 08:00 PM
NO -3.0
O 231.0

UTA at ORL 08:00 PM
UTA -10.5
U 221.5

DAL at BK 08:30 PM
DAL +4.0
O 236.0



NBA DAILY RECORD BEST BETS:

Feb.26,2021...........2 - 13.....-61.50
Feb.25,2021...........4 - 6.......-13.00
Feb.24,2021...........6 - 8.......-14.00
Feb.23,2021...........6 - 10......-25.00
Feb.22,2021...........3 - 6........-18.00
Feb.21,2021...........7 - 6........+2.00
Feb.20,2021...........7 - 2........+24.00
Feb.19,2021...........8 - 8.........-4.00
Feb.18,2021...........3 - 3.........-1.50
Feb.17,2021...........9 - 5........+17.50
Feb.16, 2021...........3 - 5.........-12.50
Feb.15, 2021...........6 - 5.........+2.50
Feb.14, 2021...........8 - 5.........+12.50
Feb 13, 2021...........5 - 2........+14.00
Feb.12.2021...........9 - 7.........+6.50
Feb.11, 2021..........5 - 3.........+8.50
Feb.10, 2021..........6 - 5.........+ 2.50
Feb.09, 2021..........3 - 5.........- 12.50
Feb.08, 2021..........4 - 4.........- 2.00
Feb.07, 2021..........6 - 2.........+19.00
Feb.06, 2021..........7 - 5.........+ 7.50
Feb.05, 2021..........5 - 6.........- 8.00
Feb.04, 2021..........4 - 2.........+ 9.00
Feb.03, 2021..........3 - 7.........- 23.50
Feb.02, 2021..........4 - 2.........+ 9.00
Feb.01, 2021......... 3 - 4..........- 7.00

TOTALS.................131 - 133.....-76.50


January Best Bets Totals............64 Wins..........65 Loses.........49.61%........- 41.00


****************************************

December's Best Bet Record:....4 - 6......40%......- 13.00

[StarDust Bum]

549CLEVELAND -550 PHILADELPHIA
CLEVELAND is 1-10 ATS (-10 Units) in road games vs. winning teams in the current season.

551NEW ORLEANS -552 SAN ANTONIO
SAN ANTONIO is 44-15 ATS (27.5 Units) revenging a road loss vs opponent in the last 3 seasons.

553UTAH -554 ORLANDO
UTAH is 14-1 ATS (12.9 Units) after covering 6 or 7 of their last 8 against the spread in the current season.

555MINNESOTA -556 WASHINGTON
MINNESOTA is 1-13 ATS (-13.3 Units) after a game where they allowed a shooting pct. of 55% or higher in the last 3 seasons.

557INDIANA -558 NEW YORK
INDIANA is 2-11 ATS (-10.1 Units) versus poor pressure defensive teams - forcing <=14 turnovers/game in the current season.

559DENVER -560 OKLAHOMA CITY
OKLAHOMA CITY is 8-1 ATS (6.9 Units) revenging a same season loss vs opponent in the current season.

561DALLAS -562 BROOKLYN
BROOKLYN is 11-3 ATS (7.7 Units) in non-conference games in the current season.


************************


NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up

Saturday, February 27

Cleveland @ Philadelphia
Cavaliers (11-21)
— Cleveland won last two games, after an 0-10 skid (2-13 ATS last 15).
— Cavaliers are 0-9 ATS in their last nine road games.
— Last five Cleveland games stayed under the total.

76ers (22-11)
— 76ers won four of their last five games.
— Sixers are 11-4 ATS in their last 15 home games.
— Under is 4-0 in Philly’s last four games.

— Cleveland won last two meetings, after losing previous eight.
— Cavaliers covered four of last five visits to Philly.
— Under is 5-1 in last six series games.

Minnesota @ Washington
Timberwolves (7-26)
— Minnesota lost 10 of last 11, 20 of its last 24 games.
— Wolves are 1-4 ATS in their last five road games.
— Over is 5-2 in their last seven road games.

Wizards (12-18)
— Wizards won/covered six of their last seven games overall.
— Washington is 6-4 ATS in last ten home games.
— Over is 5-2 in their last seven home games.

— Teams split last eight series games.
— Minnesota is 3-2 ATS in last five visits to Washington.
— Over is 9-1 in last ten series games.

New Orleans @ San Antonio
Pelicans (14-18)
— New Orleans lost six of its last nine games overall.
— Pelicans are 3-6 ATS in their last nine road games.
— Over is 17-2-2 in their last 21 games.

Spurs (16-12)
— San Antonio won five of its last seven games overall.
— Spurs are 1-4 ATS in their last five home games.
— Under is 5-2 in Spurs’ last seven games.

— Spurs won/covered four of last five series games.
— New Orleans is 2-2 ATS in last four trips to the Alamo.
— Three of last four series games stayed under.

Indiana @ New York
Pacers (16-16)
— Indiana lost seven of its last ten games.
— Pacers are 8-6 ATS on the road this season.
— Over is 4-1 in Indiana’s last five games.

Knicks (16-17)
— New York won five of last seven games (8-3 ATS last 11).
— Knicks are 7-3 ATS in last ten home games.
— Under is 3-1 in New York’s last four games.

— Indiana won eight of last ten series games.
— Pacers covered three of last four visits to Manhattan.
— Under is 5-1 in last six series games.

Utah @ Orlando
Jazz (26-7)
— Utah won 22 of its last 25 games (21-3-1 ATS).
— Jazz is 8-3 ATS in its last 11 road games.
— Utah is 3-1 ATS if it played the night before.
— Over is 8-4-1 in Utah’s last 13 road games.

Magic (13-20)
— Orlando lost 10 of its last 14 games.
— Magic is 4-2 ATS in last six home games.
— Under is 8-1 in their last nine games.

— Utah won seven of last eight series games (6-2 ATS)
— Jazz is 3-2 ATS in last five visits to Orlando.
— Under is 4-1 in last five series games.

Denver @ Oklahoma City
Nuggets (17-15)
— Denver lost four of its last six games overall.
— Nuggets are 1-6 ATS in last seven road games.
— Under is 3-1 in Denver’s last four games.

Thunder (14-19)
— Thunder won three of its last four games.
— OKC is 6-9-1 ATS at home this season.
— Thunder is 1-4-1 ATS if they played night before.
— Under is 7-2 in their last nine games.

— Denver won nine of last ten series games.
— Nuggets covered four of last five trips to Oklahoma.
— Over is 4-2 in last six series games.

Dallas @ Brooklyn
Mavericks (15-16)
— Mavericks won six of its last eight games.
— Mavericks are 1-3 ATS in last four road games.
— Under is 3-0 in last three Dallas games.

Nets (22-12)
— Brooklyn won/covered their last eight games.
— Nets are 6-2 ATS in last eight home games.
— Three of last four Brooklyn games stayed under.

— Teams split last six series games.
— Dallas covered once in last four trips to Brooklyn.
— Over is 5-1 in last six series games.


****************************


NBA

Saturday, February 27

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Report
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cleveland @ Philadelphia
Cleveland
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Cleveland's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Cleveland's last 6 games when playing Philadelphia
Philadelphia
Philadelphia is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Philadelphia's last 6 games when playing Cleveland

Minnesota @ Washington
Minnesota
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Minnesota's last 5 games when playing on the road against Washington
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Minnesota's last 5 games when playing Washington
Washington
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Washington's last 5 games when playing at home against Minnesota
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Washington's last 5 games when playing Minnesota

Indiana @ New York
Indiana
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Indiana's last 6 games when playing on the road against New York
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Indiana's last 6 games when playing New York
New York
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of New York's last 6 games when playing Indiana
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of New York's last 6 games when playing at home against Indiana

New Orleans @ San Antonio
New Orleans
The total has gone OVER in 5 of New Orleans's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of New Orleans's last 5 games
San Antonio
San Antonio is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against New Orleans
San Antonio is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing New Orleans

Utah @ Orlando
Utah
Utah is 22-3 SU in its last 25 games
Utah is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing Orlando
Orlando
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Orlando's last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Orlando's last 5 games when playing Utah

Denver @ Oklahoma City
Denver
Denver is 10-1 SU in its last 11 games when playing Oklahoma City
Denver is 12-2 ATS in its last 14 games when playing Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Oklahoma City's last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Oklahoma City's last 5 games

Dallas @ Brooklyn
Dallas
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Dallas's last 6 games when playing Brooklyn
Dallas is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games
Brooklyn
Brooklyn is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games
Brooklyn is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games


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


NBA
Long Sheet

Saturday, February 27

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

CLEVELAND (12 - 21) at PHILADELPHIA (22 - 11) - 2/27/2021, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CLEVELAND is 12-21 ATS (-11.1 Units) in all games this season.
CLEVELAND is 3-12 ATS (-10.2 Units) in road games this season.
CLEVELAND is 3-11 ATS (-9.1 Units) after a non-conference game this season.
CLEVELAND is 5-15 ATS (-11.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
CLEVELAND is 8-20 ATS (-14.0 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game this season.
CLEVELAND is 8-19 ATS (-12.9 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 29-15 ATS (+12.5 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 15-4 ATS (+10.6 Units) in a home game where the total is greater than or equal to 220 over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 79-51 ATS (+22.9 Units) in home games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game since 1996.

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

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

NEW ORLEANS (14 - 18) at SAN ANTONIO (16 - 12) - 2/27/2021, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SAN ANTONIO is 1139-1011 ATS (+26.9 Units) in all games since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 580-491 ATS (+39.9 Units) in home games since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 31-19 ATS (+10.1 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 232-167 ATS (+48.3 Units) off a upset loss as a favorite since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 458-384 ATS (+35.6 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN ANTONIO is 5-2 against the spread versus NEW ORLEANS over the last 3 seasons
SAN ANTONIO is 5-2 straight up against NEW ORLEANS over the last 3 seasons
4 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

UTAH (26 - 7) at ORLANDO (13 - 20) - 2/27/2021, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
UTAH is 24-9 ATS (+14.1 Units) in all games this season.
UTAH is 22-9 ATS (+12.1 Units) as a favorite this season.
UTAH is 15-1 ATS (+13.9 Units) after a non-conference game this season.
UTAH is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) in non-conference games this season.
UTAH is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) after scoring 115 points or more this season.
UTAH is 12-3 ATS (+8.7 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
UTAH is 21-5 ATS (+15.5 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game this season.
ORLANDO is 25-38 ATS (-16.8 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 18-31 ATS (-16.1 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

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

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

MINNESOTA (7 - 26) at WASHINGTON (12 - 18) - 2/27/2021, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 37-57 ATS (-25.7 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 28-51 ATS (-28.1 Units) when the total is greater than or equal to 220 over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 8-21 ATS (-15.1 Units) when the total is greater than or equal to 230 over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 28-42 ATS (-18.2 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 63-94 ATS (-40.4 Units) against Southeast division opponents since 1996.
MINNESOTA is 19-35 ATS (-19.5 Units) after allowing 115 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 3-15 ATS (-13.5 Units) after allowing 130 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 13-25 ATS (-14.5 Units) after scoring 115 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 12-23 ATS (-13.3 Units) after 3 or more consecutive losses over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 30-49 ATS (-23.9 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 25-44 ATS (-23.4 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 350-412 ATS (-103.2 Units) as a favorite since 1996.
WASHINGTON is 148-191 ATS (-62.1 Units) off an upset win as an underdog since 1996.

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

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

INDIANA (15 - 16) at NEW YORK (16 - 17) - 2/27/2021, 8:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
NEW YORK is 5-3 against the spread versus INDIANA over the last 3 seasons
INDIANA is 7-2 straight up against NEW YORK over the last 3 seasons
7 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

DENVER (17 - 15) at OKLAHOMA CITY (14 - 19) - 2/27/2021, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DENVER is 6-16 ATS (-11.6 Units) when the total is greater than or equal to 220 this season.
DENVER is 8-17 ATS (-10.7 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game this season.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 65-44 ATS (+16.6 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 46-27 ATS (+16.3 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 33-17 ATS (+14.3 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 69-44 ATS (+20.6 Units) after playing 3 consecutive home games since 1996.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 34-20 ATS (+12.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 49-36 ATS (+9.4 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
DENVER is 7-2 against the spread versus OKLAHOMA CITY over the last 3 seasons
DENVER is 8-1 straight up against OKLAHOMA CITY over the last 3 seasons
5 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

DALLAS (15 - 16) at BROOKLYN (22 - 12) - 2/27/2021, 8:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BROOKLYN is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) in non-conference games this season.
BROOKLYN is 83-61 ATS (+15.9 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game over the last 3 seasons.
DALLAS is 463-379 ATS (+46.1 Units) as an underdog since 1996.
DALLAS is 31-17 ATS (+12.3 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
DALLAS is 16-6 ATS (+9.4 Units) in road games after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.
DALLAS is 193-152 ATS (+25.8 Units) in road games in non-conference games since 1996.
DALLAS is 588-509 ATS (+28.1 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record since 1996.
DALLAS is 48-32 ATS (+12.8 Units) in road games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game over the last 3 seasons.

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

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


NBA
Dunkel

Saturday, February 27

[StarDust Bum]

Saturday’s 6-pack
Six of the Washington Nationals’ best prospects:
1) Cade Cavalli, P
3) Cole Henry, P
4) Yasel Antuna, SS
5) Andry Lara, P
7) Tim Cate, P
8) Eddy Yean, P

Americans who have died from COVID-19: 508,750
PLEASE wear a mask (over your nose/mouth) when you go out.

Quote of the Day
“It’s not the referee’s fault when you run into a guy shooting a 3. I told the guys I don’t want anymore reactions to calls period. I’m going to screw calls up in practice on purpose just to see if you can move on to the next play.”
Nate Oats

Saturday’s quiz
Who managed the Colorado Rockies, in their one World Series appearance?

Friday’s quiz
Oakland A’s have won four World Series, under three different managers; two of the three are in the Hall of Fame (Dick Williams (1972-73), Tony LaRussa (1989)). Alvin Dark was the A’s manager when they won it all in 1974.

Thursday’s quiz
Last time a Pac-12 team won the national title in basketball was 1995, when UCLA won.

*******************

Saturday’s Den: NCAA tourney notes, and random thoughts on a winter night

13) Lady Gaga’s two French bulldogs, stolen Thursday by thieves who shot and wounded a dog walker,, were recovered unharmed Friday in Los Angeles. The dog walker is expected to recover from his gunshot wounds; they didn’t say if the woman who returned the dogs banked the $500,000 reward Lady Gaga posted.

12) Georgia State 84, South Alabama 81— When ESPN first started 40 years ago, they showed a lot of Sun Belt games early on. I’m thinking they should give the league a weekly time slot now, either on Friday nights or Sundays:

a) They play good basketball; this game was fun to watch.
b) to show appreciation for helping ESPN get off the ground 40 years ago

This loss snapped South Alabama’s 8-game winning streak.

11) Gonzaga, Baylor, Michigan are heavy favorites to be #1-seeds in the NCAA Tournament, but it is totally unclear who the fourth #1-seed will be.

10) Saint Louis 72, Richmond 67— Teams in A-14 are cannibalizing each other; I’m not even sure the A-14 will get more than one team in the tournament. Top six teams in the standings all have either three or four conference losses.

9) New Mexico fired basketball coach Paul Weir, but he’ll finish the season. Lobos are 16-36 in Mountain West games the last three years. Firing a coach after this screwed-up season could be judged as hasty; Lobos are very inexperienced this year, a bad season for that to happen.

8) Wichita State removed the interim tag from basketball coach Isaac Brown’s job title, named him the full-time head coach. Shockers have won five in a row, are 13-4 this season.

7) Random fact: actor Jim Belushi owns a cannabis farm in Oregon.

Some notes to remember for the upcoming NCAA tournament:
6) Last three years, #1-seeds are 5-7 ATS in first round, 4-7 ATS in second round

5) Last four years, #2-seeds are 9-6-1 ATS in first round, 6-10 ATS in second round.

4) Last six years, in 2nd round games in #4-5 seeds’ bracket, favorites are 19-5 ATS.

3) Last four years, underdogs are 11-5 ATS in Sweet 16 games.

2) Last six tournaments (obviously, there was no tournament LY), underdogs are 16-8 ATS in Elite 8 games.

1) Last nine years, underdogs are 10-8 ATS in national semifinals, but favorites covered six of last nine national title games.

[StarDust Bum]

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26
GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS

HOU at TOR 07:30 PM
TOR -8.0.............111 - 122.....WINNER
U 220.0

IND at BOS 07:30 PM
IND +2.5.........112- 118
O 219.0....................WINNER

LAC at MEM 08:00 PM
MEM +6.5............119 - 99.....LOSER
O 225.0.......LOSER

UTA at MIA 08:00 PM
UTA -6.5.......116 - 124....LOSER
U 218.5.........LOSER

ATL at OKC 08:00 PM
OKC +5.0........109 -118
O 228.0..........LOSER

PHO at CHI 08:00 PM
PHO -7.0........100 - 97.....LOSER
O 226.0.......LOSER

SAC at DET 08:00 PM
DET +2.0.........110 - 107....LOSER
O 227.5.........LOSER

CHA at GS 10:00 PM
GS -6.0..........121 - 130...WINNER
U 233.5..........LOSER

POR at LAL 10:00 PM
POR +5.0.........93 - 102.......LOSER
O 222.0..............LOSER


NBA DAILY RECORD BEST BETS:

Feb.26,2021...........2 - 13.....-61.50
Feb.25,2021...........4 - 6.......-13.00
Feb.24,2021...........6 - 8.......-14.00
Feb.23,2021...........6 - 10......-25.00
Feb.22,2021...........3 - 6........-18.00
Feb.21,2021...........7 - 6........+2.00
Feb.20,2021...........7 - 2........+24.00
Feb.19,2021...........8 - 8.........-4.00
Feb.18,2021...........3 - 3.........-1.50
Feb.17,2021...........9 - 5........+17.50
Feb.16, 2021...........3 - 5.........-12.50
Feb.15, 2021...........6 - 5.........+2.50
Feb.14, 2021...........8 - 5.........+12.50
Feb 13, 2021...........5 - 2........+14.00
Feb.12.2021...........9 - 7.........+6.50
Feb.11, 2021..........5 - 3.........+8.50
Feb.10, 2021..........6 - 5.........+ 2.50
Feb.09, 2021..........3 - 5.........- 12.50
Feb.08, 2021..........4 - 4.........- 2.00
Feb.07, 2021..........6 - 2.........+19.00
Feb.06, 2021..........7 - 5.........+ 7.50
Feb.05, 2021..........5 - 6.........- 8.00
Feb.04, 2021..........4 - 2.........+ 9.00
Feb.03, 2021..........3 - 7.........- 23.50
Feb.02, 2021..........4 - 2.........+ 9.00
Feb.01, 2021......... 3 - 4..........- 7.00

TOTALS.................131 - 133.....-76.50


January Best Bets Totals............64 Wins..........65 Loses.........49.61%........- 41.00


****************************************

December's Best Bet Record:....4 - 6......40%......- 13.00

[StarDust Bum]

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26
GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS

HOU at TOR 07:30 PM
TOR -8.0
U 220.0

IND at BOS 07:30 PM
IND +2.5
O 219.0

LAC at MEM 08:00 PM
MEM +6.5
O 225.0

UTA at MIA 08:00 PM
UTA -6.5
U 218.5

ATL at OKC 08:00 PM
OKC +5.0
O 228.0

PHO at CHI 08:00 PM
PHO -7.0
O 226.0

SAC at DET 08:00 PM
DET +2.0
O 227.5

CHA at GS 10:00 PM
GS -6.0
U 233.5

POR at LAL 10:00 PM
POR +5.0
O 222.0


NBA DAILY RECORD BEST BETS:

Feb.25,2021...........4 - 6.......-13.00
Feb.24,2021...........6 - 8.......-14.00
Feb.23,2021...........6 - 10......-25.00
Feb.22,2021...........3 - 6........-18.00
Feb.21,2021...........7 - 6........+2.00
Feb.20,2021...........7 - 2........+24.00
Feb.19,2021...........8 - 8.........-4.00
Feb.18,2021...........3 - 3.........-1.50
Feb.17,2021...........9 - 5........+17.50
Feb.16, 2021...........3 - 5.........-12.50
Feb.15, 2021...........6 - 5.........+2.50
Feb.14, 2021...........8 - 5.........+12.50
Feb 13, 2021...........5 - 2........+14.00
Feb.12.2021...........9 - 7.........+6.50
Feb.11, 2021..........5 - 3.........+8.50
Feb.10, 2021..........6 - 5.........+ 2.50
Feb.09, 2021..........3 - 5.........- 12.50
Feb.08, 2021..........4 - 4.........- 2.00
Feb.07, 2021..........6 - 2.........+19.00
Feb.06, 2021..........7 - 5.........+ 7.50
Feb.05, 2021..........5 - 6.........- 8.00
Feb.04, 2021..........4 - 2.........+ 9.00
Feb.03, 2021..........3 - 7.........- 23.50
Feb.02, 2021..........4 - 2.........+ 9.00
Feb.01, 2021......... 3 - 4..........- 7.00

TOTALS.................129 - 120.....-15.00


January Best Bets Totals............64 Wins..........65 Loses.........49.61%........- 41.00


****************************************

December's Best Bet Record:....4 - 6......40%......- 13.00

[StarDust Bum]

531SACRAMENTO -532 DETROIT
SACRAMENTO is 5-15 ATS (-11.5 Units) versus terrible defensive teams - allowing 110+ points/game in the current season.

533INDIANA -534 BOSTON
INDIANA is 3-11 ATS (-9.1 Units) versus good 3 point shooting teams - making >=36% of their attempts in the current season.

535HOUSTON -536 TORONTO
HOUSTON is 11-25 ATS (-16.5 Units) after 2 straight games where they attempted 90 or more shots in the last 3 seasons.

537PHOENIX -538 CHICAGO
CHICAGO is 8-1 ATS (6.9 Units) after 2 consecutive non-conference games in the current season.

539LA CLIPPERS -540 MEMPHIS
MEMPHIS are 72-48 ATS (19.2 Units) in home games versus very good teams - outscoring their opponents by 6+ points/game since 1996.

541UTAH -542 MIAMI
UTAH is 14-1 ATS (12.9 Units) after covering 6 or 7 of their last 8 against the spread in the current season.

543ATLANTA -544 OKLAHOMA CITY
ATLANTA is 3-12 ATS (-10.2 Units) in road games versus poor pressure defensive teams - forcing <=14 turnovers/game over the last 2 seasons.

545PORTLAND -546 LA LAKERS
LA LAKERS are 14-5 ATS (8.5 Units) revenging a home loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.

547CHARLOTTE -548 GOLDEN STATE
GOLDEN STATE is 10-24 ATS (-16.4 Units) after successfully covering the spread in 2 or more consecutive games in the last 3 seasons.


**************************


NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up

Friday, February 26

Indiana @ Boston
Pacers (15-15)
— Indiana lost six of its last nine games.
— Pacers are 8-5 ATS on the road this season.
— Over is 3-1 in Indiana’s last four games.

Celtics (15-17)
— Boston is 3-8 SU in its last 11 games.
— Celtics are 9-4 ATS at home this season.
— Over is 4-1 in last five Boston games.

— Celtics won eight of last ten series games.
— Pacers are 1-1-1 ATS in last three visits to Boston.
— Over is 4-1 in last five series games.

Houston @ Toronto
Rockets (11-19)
— Houston lost its last nine games (1-8 ATS).
— Rockets covered twice in their last eight road games.
— Over is 4-1 in their last five road games.

Raptors (16-17)
— Toronto split last its eight games, is 9-5 SU in last 14.
— Raptors are 5-9 ATS at home this season.
— Under is 4-1 in last five Toronto games.

— Houston won six of last nine series games.
— Rockets covered four of last six road series games.
— Three of last four series games stayed under the total.

Sacramento @ Detroit
Kings (12-20)
— Sacramento is 0-9 SU/ATS in last nine games overall.
— Kings are 2-4 ATS if they played the night before.
— Over is 8-0 in Sacramento’s last eight games.

Pistons (9-23)
— Detroit lost nine of its last 13 games (6-4 ATS last ten)
— Pistons are 5-1 ATS in last six home games.
— Under is 4-1 in Detroit’s last five games.

— Sacramento won three of last four series games.
— Kings are 2-1-2 ATS in last five visits to Detroit.
— Four of last five series games stayed under total.

Utah @ Miami
Jazz (26-6)
— Utah won 22 of its last 24 games (21-2-1 ATS).
— Jazz is 8-2 ATS in its last ten road games.
— Over is 7-4-1 in Utah’s last dozen road games.

Heat (15-17)
— Miami won four in row, eight of its last 11 games overall.
— Heat is 2-8-1 ATS in last 11 home games.
— Under is 4-2 in their last six home games.

— Jazz won three of last four series games.
— Utah covered three of last four visits to Miami.
— Under is 4-1 in last five series games.

Phoenix @ Chicago
Suns (20-11)
— Phoenix won/covered 12 of its last 15 games.
— Suns are 4-1 ATS in their last five road games.
— Over is 7-2 in their last nine games.

Bulls (15-16)
— Chicago won five of its last six games SU.
— Bulls are 3-1-1 ATS in their last five home games.
— Over is 4-1 in their last five home games.

— Phoenix won five of last eight series games.
— Suns covered four of last six visits to Chicago.
— Three of last four series games stayed under.

LA Clippers @ Memphis
Clippers (23-11)
— Clippers won six of their last nine games overall.
— Clippers are 5-3 ATS in last eight road games.
— Over is 10-4 in their last 14 games.

Grizzlies (14-14)
— Memphis is 5-8 SU in its last 13 games.
— Grizzlies are 7-8-1 ATS at home this season.
— Under is 4-0 in their last four games.

— Clippers lost 122-94 here last night.
— Clippers won seven of last ten series games.
— LA is 2-3-1 ATS in last six visits to Memphis.
— Over is 6-5 in last 11 series games.

Atlanta @ Oklahoma City
Hawks (14-18)
— Atlanta won three of its last five games.
— Hawks are 4-7 ATS in their last 11 road games.
— 10 of Atlanta’s 12 games went over the total.

Thunder (13-19)
— Thunder lost seven of last ten games (2-4 ATS last six)
— OKC is 5-9-1 ATS at home this season.
— Under is 7-1 in their last eight games.

— Thunder won six of last eight series games.
— Hawks are 2-4 ATS in last six visits to Oklahoma.
— Last six series games went over the total.

Charlotte @ Golden State
Hornets (15-16)
— Charlotte won five of its last eight games.
— Hornets are 2-3 ATS in their last five road games.
— Over is 7-2 in Charlotte’s last nine road games.

Warriors (17-15)
— Golden State won six of its last nine games SU.
— Warriors are 10-6 ATS in their last 16 home games.
— Under is 4-2 in their last six home games.

— Charlotte won/covered last three series games.
— Hornets are 3-1-1 ATS in last five visits to the Bay Area.
— Nine of last ten series games stayed under the total.

Portland @ LA Lakers
Trailblazers (18-13)
— Portland lost its last three games, after an 8-1 run.
— Blazers are 12-5 ATS on the road this season.
— Over is 11-7 in Portland’s last 18 games.
— Starting G McCollum/C Nurkic are both out

Lakers (22-11)
— Lakers lost five of last six games, are 2-8 ATS in last ten.
— Lakers are 1-6 ATS in their last seven home games.
— Under is 4-1 in their last five games.

— Lakers won four of last five series games.
— Trailblazers are 4-2 ATS in last six series games played here.
— Four of last six series games stayed under.


**************************


NBA

Friday, February 26

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Report
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Indiana @ Boston
Indiana
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Indiana's last 5 games when playing Boston
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Indiana's last 10 games when playing on the road against Boston
Boston
Boston is 9-2 SU in its last 11 games when playing Indiana
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Boston's last 5 games

Houston @ Toronto
Houston
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Houston's last 5 games on the road
Houston is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Toronto
Toronto
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Toronto's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Toronto's last 9 games at home

Sacramento @ Detroit
Sacramento
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Sacramento's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Sacramento's last 5 games on the road
Detroit
Detroit is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games at home
Detroit is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games when playing at home against Sacramento

Phoenix @ Chicago
Phoenix
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Phoenix's last 5 games
Phoenix is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Chicago
Chicago is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
Chicago is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home

LA Clippers @ Memphis
LA Clippers
LA Clippers is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games on the road
LA Clippers is 17-7 SU in its last 24 games
Memphis
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Memphis's last 7 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Memphis's last 10 games

Utah @ Miami
Utah
Utah is 11-1 SU in its last 12 games
Utah is 10-1 ATS in its last 11 games
Miami
Miami is 13-3 SU in its last 16 games when playing at home against Utah
Miami is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games

Atlanta @ Oklahoma City
Atlanta
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Atlanta's last 5 games when playing Oklahoma City
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Atlanta's last 10 games
Oklahoma City
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Oklahoma City's last 5 games when playing Atlanta
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Oklahoma City's last 8 games

Charlotte @ Golden State
Charlotte
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Charlotte's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Charlotte's last 5 games when playing Golden State
Golden State
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Golden State's last 5 games when playing Charlotte
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Golden State's last 7 games when playing at home against Charlotte

Portland @ LA Lakers
Portland
Portland is 14-3 ATS in its last 17 games when playing on the road against LA Lakers
Portland is 13-3 SU in its last 16 games when playing on the road against LA Lakers
LA Lakers
LA Lakers is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Portland
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of LA Lakers's last 5 games


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


NBA
Long Sheet

Friday, February 26

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

SACRAMENTO (12 - 20) at DETROIT (9 - 23) - 2/26/2021, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SACRAMENTO is 6-16 ATS (-11.6 Units) after allowing 115 points or more this season.
SACRAMENTO is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) after 3 or more consecutive losses this season.
DETROIT is 14-25 ATS (-13.5 Units) when the total is greater than or equal to 220 over the last 2 seasons.

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

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

INDIANA (15 - 15) at BOSTON (15 - 17) - 2/26/2021, 7:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
INDIANA is 102-70 ATS (+25.0 Units) in road games off a upset loss as a favorite since 1996.
INDIANA is 21-10 ATS (+10.0 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.

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

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

HOUSTON (11 - 19) at TORONTO (16 - 17) - 2/26/2021, 7:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 50-64 ATS (-20.4 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 12-24 ATS (-14.4 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 20-35 ATS (-18.5 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 40-55 ATS (-20.5 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 114-81 ATS (+24.9 Units) in road games off a upset loss as a favorite since 1996.
HOUSTON is 58-34 ATS (+20.6 Units) in road games after 3 or more consecutive losses since 1996.
TORONTO is 23-41 ATS (-22.1 Units) in a home game where the total is greater than or equal to 220 since 1996.

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

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

PHOENIX (20 - 11) at CHICAGO (15 - 16) - 2/26/2021, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO is 12-3 ATS (+8.7 Units) after a non-conference game this season.
CHICAGO is 12-4 ATS (+7.6 Units) in non-conference games this season.
CHICAGO is 15-7 ATS (+7.3 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game this season.
PHOENIX is 20-11 ATS (+7.9 Units) in all games this season.
PHOENIX is 14-3 ATS (+10.7 Units) in road games after scoring 115 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 29-16 ATS (+11.4 Units) in road games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 28-15 ATS (+11.5 Units) in road games versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO is 36-53 ATS (-22.3 Units) in home games over the last 3 seasons.
CHICAGO is 51-76 ATS (-32.6 Units) in home games against Pacific division opponents since 1996.
CHICAGO is 12-25 ATS (-15.5 Units) in home games after allowing 115 points or more over the last 3 seasons.
CHICAGO is 7-18 ATS (-12.8 Units) in home games after scoring 115 points or more over the last 3 seasons.
CHICAGO is 12-25 ATS (-15.5 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
CHICAGO is 25-43 ATS (-22.3 Units) in home games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game over the last 3 seasons.

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

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

LA CLIPPERS (23 - 11) at MEMPHIS (14 - 14) - 2/26/2021, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MEMPHIS is 185-142 ATS (+28.8 Units) after a win by 10 points or more since 1996.
LA CLIPPERS are 82-59 ATS (+17.1 Units) as a favorite over the last 3 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 19-9 ATS (+9.1 Units) off a upset loss as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.

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

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

UTAH (26 - 6) at MIAMI (15 - 17) - 2/26/2021, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
UTAH is 24-8 ATS (+15.2 Units) in all games this season.
UTAH is 22-8 ATS (+13.2 Units) as a favorite this season.
UTAH is 10-1 ATS (+8.9 Units) against Southeast division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
UTAH is 13-3 ATS (+9.7 Units) in non-conference games this season.
UTAH is 17-4 ATS (+12.6 Units) after a win by 10 points or more this season.
UTAH is 12-2 ATS (+9.8 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
UTAH is 21-4 ATS (+16.6 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game this season.
UTAH is 21-5 ATS (+15.5 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game this season.

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

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

ATLANTA (14 - 18) at OKLAHOMA CITY (13 - 19) - 2/26/2021, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 18-30 ATS (-15.0 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 9-26 ATS (-19.6 Units) in road games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 64-44 ATS (+15.6 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 45-27 ATS (+15.3 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.

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

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

PORTLAND (18 - 13) at LA LAKERS (22 - 11) - 2/26/2021, 10:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PORTLAND is 12-4 ATS (+7.6 Units) in a road game where the total is greater than or equal to 220 this season.
PORTLAND is 12-4 ATS (+7.6 Units) in road games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game this season.
PORTLAND is 12-4 ATS (+7.6 Units) in road games versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA LAKERS is 7-5 against the spread versus PORTLAND over the last 3 seasons
LA LAKERS is 8-5 straight up against PORTLAND over the last 3 seasons
7 of 12 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

CHARLOTTE (15 - 16) at GOLDEN STATE (18 - 15) - 2/26/2021, 10:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CHARLOTTE is 206-256 ATS (-75.6 Units) in non-conference games since 1996.
CHARLOTTE is 44-27 ATS (+14.3 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 70-97 ATS (-36.7 Units) in home games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game since 1996.

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

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


NBA
Dunkel

Friday, February 26






**************************


Hoop Trends for Friday February 26
Vince Akins

ATS Play ON Trend of the Day
Matchup: Utah at MIami (8:05 p.m. ET)

--The Jazz are 20-0 ATS (9.50 ppg) as a favorite coming off a win.

ATS Play AGAINST Trend of the Day
Matchup: Portland at L.A. Lakers (10:05 p.m. ET)

--The Lakers are 0-11 ATS (-8.09 ppg) at home after Lebron James was their high scorer and had a negative plus/minus last game.

OU Play OVER Trend of the Day
Matchup: Sacramento at Detroit (8:05 p.m. ET)

--The Pistons are 13-0 OU (9.27 ppg) at home with rest after being outscored in the paint by double digits last game.

OU Play UNDER Trend of the Day
Matchup: Phoenix at Chicago (8:05 p.m. ET)

-- The Bulls are 0-12 OU (-21.58 ppg) coming off a win as a favorite in which Zach Lavine was their high scorer.

Trends are verified using Sports Data Query Language (SDQL)

[StarDust Bum]

Friday’s 6-pack
Six of the Boston Red Sox’ best prospects:
1) Triston Casas, 1B
3) Bobby Dalbec, 1B/3B
4) Bryan Mata, P
5) Jarren Duran, OF
7) Gilberto Jimenez, OF
8) Tanner Houck, P

Americans who have died from COVID-19: 507,803
PLEASE wear a mask (over your nose/mouth) when you go out.

Quote of the Day
“He who cannot be a good follower,, cannot be a good leader.”
Aristotle

Friday’s quiz
Oakland A’s have won four World Series, under three different managers; two of the three are in the Hall of Fame (Dick Williams, Tony LaRussa). Who is the third manager?

Thursday’s quiz
Last time a Pac-12 team won the national title in basketball was 1995, when UCLA won.

Wednesday’s quiz
Before heading to the NBA, Brad Stevens led Butler to two Final Fours.

***********************

Friday’s Den: Random stuff with weekend here…….

13) Read a good story this week, we don’t hear enough positive stuff these days.

Matthew Berry writes for ESPN, mostly about fantasy sports, but his first job out of college was production assistant for The George Carlin Show. It was uplifting when Berry wrote an article saying what a great guy Carlin was, and how nice the great comedian was to Berry .

There is too much hostility in our world; we need to be nicer to each other. Seriously.

12) NBA TV showed the replay of a 1977 Jazz-Knicks game from New Orleans, when the great Pete Maravich hung 68 points on the Knicks- this was before there were 3-pointers.

I remember watching the game with my dad, who was a big Knicks fan. It was fun watching the replay; Maravich would dribble up the floor and take a lot of quick, pull-up jumpers. Picture Steph Curry time traveling back 44 years; that’s what it was like.

Knicks had some interesting subs that year:
— Phil Jackson obviously became one of the NBA’s best-ever coaches.
— Tom McMillen wound up as a US Congressman for six years.
— Ticky Burden was one of the best-ever basketball players from here in Albany.
— Dean Meminger was the first head coach of the Albany Patroons of the CBA, a team that Phil Jackson would later coach, before his great run in the NBA.

11) Michigan 79, Iowa 57:
— Michigan is 17-1; they’ve won six in a row. Wolverines are very good.

10) Michigan State 71, Ohio State 67:
— Spartans won last three games, are 13-9; imagine the #1-seed who is going to see the Spartans in their bracket, in a potential 2nd-round game?

— Michigan State scored 65 or less points in six of their last seven losses; they scored 78-81-71 points in their last three games.

9) Cincinnati Bearcats won five of their last six games; none of the five wins was by more than three points. They still don’t shoot well, but they’ve saved their season.

8) Horizon tournament opened last night; three of the four home teams won. Fort Wayne was the only road winner; they won 89-84 in double OT at Green Bay, after trailing by 8 points in the second half. Mastodons made 10-21 3-pointers; they won for only second time in their last 11 games.

7) Illinois star Ayo Dosunmu broke his nose, is out for a while; he’ll probably be wearing a mask when he comes back. Dosumnu is Illinois’ best player, a 40% shooter on the arc; this isn’t great timing for the Illini.

6) Colorado 80, USC 62— Buffaloes are an experienced team with good guards, but they play better against the good teams than weak sisters. Thats not a good recipe for March. Colorado has now won six games in a row over USC, which lost for only second time in their last 10 games.

5) Upsets of the Night:
— Tennessee Tech (+8.5) 81, Austin Peay 76
— Eastern Kentucky (+8) 81, Belmont 67
— SE Missouri State (+6) 94, Eastern Illinois 88
— Fort Wayne (+5.5) 89, Green Bay 94, 2OT
— Northwestern (+4.5) 67, Minnesota 59
— LMU (+4.5) 81, Pepperdine 74

4) Bad Beat of the Night: San Diego State (-6) 78, Boise State 66, OT— Aztecs led by 17 early in the second half, blew the lead, then covered in overtime. Boise was 12-40 on the arc, 12-26 inside the arc.

3) Shin-Soo Choo retired from the major leagues and went home to Korea, where he’ll play for the Wyverns in the KBO this season. Choo had a .377 on-base %age in 16 big league seasons, and now he gets to finish his career at home. Good for him.

2) Sportsbooks in New Jersey banked an $82.6M profit in January; sportsbooks in Nevada raked in $52.4M. Tough times for gamblers; too many variables. I’m not picking games on this site these days because I don’t think there is a realistic expectation of coming out ahead right now, and I like coming out ahead.

1) There is a good program on ESPN2 most weekdays; Daily Wager, that talks about gambling and handicapping. Handicapping is a grind, it is fun, but there are ups and downs, and dealing with those determines who wins and who loses over the long haul. It is well worth watching.

[StarDust Bum]

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25
GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS

DAL at PHI 07:00 PM
PHI -5.0........97 - 111......WINNER
O 229.0.........LOSER

SAC at NY 07:30 PM
SAC +1.5...........121 - 140........LOSER
U 224.5..........LOSER

ORL at BK 07:30 PM
BK -8.5...........92 - 129
U 229.0.............WINNER

LAC at MEM 08:00 PM
MEM +8.0...........94 - 122....WINNER
O 225.5...........LOSER

WAS at DEN 09:00 PM
DEN -7.5............112 - 110
O 238.0...........LOSER

NO at MIL 09:30 PM
MIL -9.0.........125 - 129....WINNER
U 242.5.............LOSER



NBA DAILY RECORD BEST BETS:

Feb.25,2021...........4 - 6.......-13.00
Feb.24,2021...........6 - 8.......-14.00
Feb.23,2021...........6 - 10......-25.00
Feb.22,2021...........3 - 6........-18.00
Feb.21,2021...........7 - 6........+2.00
Feb.20,2021...........7 - 2........+24.00
Feb.19,2021...........8 - 8.........-4.00
Feb.18,2021...........3 - 3.........-1.50
Feb.17,2021...........9 - 5........+17.50
Feb.16, 2021...........3 - 5.........-12.50
Feb.15, 2021...........6 - 5.........+2.50
Feb.14, 2021...........8 - 5.........+12.50
Feb 13, 2021...........5 - 2........+14.00
Feb.12.2021...........9 - 7.........+6.50
Feb.11, 2021..........5 - 3.........+8.50
Feb.10, 2021..........6 - 5.........+ 2.50
Feb.09, 2021..........3 - 5.........- 12.50
Feb.08, 2021..........4 - 4.........- 2.00
Feb.07, 2021..........6 - 2.........+19.00
Feb.06, 2021..........7 - 5.........+ 7.50
Feb.05, 2021..........5 - 6.........- 8.00
Feb.04, 2021..........4 - 2.........+ 9.00
Feb.03, 2021..........3 - 7.........- 23.50
Feb.02, 2021..........4 - 2.........+ 9.00
Feb.01, 2021......... 3 - 4..........- 7.00

TOTALS.................129 - 120.....-15.00


January Best Bets Totals............64 Wins..........65 Loses.........49.61%........- 41.00


****************************************

December's Best Bet Record:....4 - 6......40%......- 13.00

[StarDust Bum]

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25
GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS

DAL at PHI 07:00 PM
PHI -5.0
O 229.0

SAC at NY 07:30 PM
SAC +1.5
U 224.5

ORL at BK 07:30 PM
BK -8.5
U 229.0

LAC at MEM 08:00 PM
MEM +8.0
O 225.5

WAS at DEN 09:00 PM
DEN -7.5
O 238.0

NO at MIL 09:30 PM
MIL -9.0
U 242.5



NBA DAILY RECORD BEST BETS:

Feb.24,2021...........6 - 8.......-14.00
Feb.23,2021...........6 - 10......-25.00
Feb.22,2021...........3 - 6........-18.00
Feb.21,2021...........7 - 6........+2.00
Feb.20,2021...........7 - 2........+24.00
Feb.19,2021...........8 - 8.........-4.00
Feb.18,2021...........3 - 3.........-1.50
Feb.17,2021...........9 - 5........+17.50
Feb.16, 2021...........3 - 5.........-12.50
Feb.15, 2021...........6 - 5.........+2.50
Feb.14, 2021...........8 - 5.........+12.50
Feb 13, 2021...........5 - 2........+14.00
Feb.12.2021...........9 - 7.........+6.50
Feb.11, 2021..........5 - 3.........+8.50
Feb.10, 2021..........6 - 5.........+ 2.50
Feb.09, 2021..........3 - 5.........- 12.50
Feb.08, 2021..........4 - 4.........- 2.00
Feb.07, 2021..........6 - 2.........+19.00
Feb.06, 2021..........7 - 5.........+ 7.50
Feb.05, 2021..........5 - 6.........- 8.00
Feb.04, 2021..........4 - 2.........+ 9.00
Feb.03, 2021..........3 - 7.........- 23.50
Feb.02, 2021..........4 - 2.........+ 9.00
Feb.01, 2021......... 3 - 4..........- 7.00

TOTALS.................125 - 114.....-2.00


January Best Bets Totals............64 Wins..........65 Loses.........49.61%........- 41.00


****************************************

December's Best Bet Record:....4 - 6......40%......- 13.00