2008/2009 NBA Dunkel Index Record

[thaikarate1]

I am going try to keep a record of this index and see if we can benefit from it. Everything will be in this thread.

NBA
Dunkel Index (10/28)

Cleveland at Boston
The defending champs open up at home where they are 10-5 ATS over the past three seasons when favored between 6 1/2 and 9 points. Boston is the pick (-6 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Celtics favored by 8. Dunkel Pick: Boston (-6 1/2). Here are all of today's games.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28

Game 501-502: Cleveland at Boston
Dunkel Ratings: Cleveland 121.876; Boston 130.154
Dunkel Line & Total: Boston by 8; 176
Vegas Line & Total: Boston by 6 1/2; 179 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Boston (-6 1/2); Under (L,W)

Game 503-504: Milwaukee at Chicago
Dunkel Ratings: Milwaukee 106.849; Milwaukee 113.986
Dunkel Line & Total: Chicago by 7; 197 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Chicago by 6; 194 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Chicago (-6); Over (W,W)

Game 505-506: Portland at LA Lakers
Dunkel Ratings: Portland 119.562; LA Lakers 124.443
Dunkel Line & Total: LA Lakers by 5; 191 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: LA Lakers by 7 1/2; 196 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Portland (+7 1/2); Under (L,W)

Side YTD: 1-2, POD: 0-1
Total YTD: 3-0



NBA


Tuesday, October 28

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Tips and Trends
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Cleveland Cavaliers at Boston Celtics [TNT | 8 PM ET]

Cavs: Cleveland visits Boston for the first time since last year's epic second-round series, and LeBron James may just have added the sidekick he needs to help him take the title away from the defending NBA champs. Mo Williams joins James after averaging 17.2 points per game with the Bucks last season. Williams could be the missing link for a team that took the Celtics to the limit a year ago in the playoffs and will get the opportunity to prove his worth right away against Boston's Rajon Rondo.

Cavs are 7-1 ATS in the last 8 meetings.
The UNDER is 8-3 in Boston's last 11 games vs. Atlantic Division.

Key Injuries - F Darnell Jackson (wrist) is OUT.

PROJECTED SCORE: 88 (Side Play of the Day) - Win

Celtics (-7, O/U 179.5): The biggest issue for Boston in defending the NBA crown will be age, as the "Big Three" of Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen are all more than 30 years old. The team's depth has also been impacted by the defection of defensive stopper James Posey, who left as a free agent and signed with the Hornets. A healthy Tony Allen figures to replace Posey in that key role off the bench after coming back from knee surgery.

Celtics are 15-5 ATS in their last 20 home games.
Celtics are 7-0 ATS in their last 7 games overall.

Key Injuries - G Rajon Rondo (ankle) is questionable.

PROJECTED SCORE: 92


Portland Trail Blazers at Los Angeles Lakers [TNT | 10:30 PM ET]

Blazers: Portland has the youngest team in the NBA but seems to be ready to take that next step and become a playoff team this year. Former #1 overall pick Greg Oden is set to return for the Blazers after missing all of last season following knee surgery, and leading scorer Brandon Roy also is coming off knee surgery. If Oden can make an immediate impact like most insiders believe he can, Portland will have one of the best frontcourts in the West.

Blazers are 21-5 ATS in the last 26 meetings.
The UNDER is 10-3 in Portland's last 13 games overall.

Key Injuries - G/F Martell Webster (foot) is OUT.

PROJECTED SCORE: 92 (UNDER - Total Play of the Day) - Win

Lakers (-7.5, O/U 196.5): The defending Western Conference champs didn't make any significant moves in the offseason, but they will be getting one key player back in center Andrew Bynum. LA will also have forward Pau Gasol for a full season to play alongside Bynum, who dislocated his left kneecap in January. Gasol was criticized for playing soft in the NBA Finals against the Celtics but will be able to play power forward with Bynum returning. The Lakers are hoping that combo inside will provide the perfect complement for Kobe Bryant and be the difference this year in winning a championship.

Lakers are 0-6 ATS in their last 6 games overall.
The UNDER is 8-3 in LA's last 11 games overall.

Key Injuries - G Kobe Bryant (knee) is probable.

PROJECTED SCORE: 101

Side YTD: 1-0
Total YTD: 1-0

[thaikarate1]

Lets add this one in here too.

I am going try to keep a record of this index and see if we can benefit from it. Everything will be in this thread.

NBA
Dunkel Index (10/28)

Cleveland at Boston
The defending champs open up at home where they are 10-5 ATS over the past three seasons when favored between 6 1/2 and 9 points. Boston is the pick (-6 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Celtics favored by 8. Dunkel Pick: Boston (-6 1/2). Here are all of today's games.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28

Game 501-502: Cleveland at Boston
Dunkel Ratings: Cleveland 121.876; Boston 130.154
Dunkel Line & Total: Boston by 8; 176
Vegas Line & Total: Boston by 6 1/2; 179 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Boston (-6 1/2); Under (L,W)

Game 503-504: Milwaukee at Chicago
Dunkel Ratings: Milwaukee 106.849; Milwaukee 113.986
Dunkel Line & Total: Chicago by 7; 197 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Chicago by 6; 194 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Chicago (-6); Over (W,W)

Game 505-506: Portland at LA Lakers
Dunkel Ratings: Portland 119.562; LA Lakers 124.443
Dunkel Line & Total: LA Lakers by 5; 191 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: LA Lakers by 7 1/2; 196 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Portland (+7 1/2); Under (L,W)

Side YTD: 1-2, POD: 0-1
Total YTD: 3-0



NBA


Tuesday, October 28

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Tips and Trends
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cleveland Cavaliers at Boston Celtics [TNT | 8 PM ET]

Cavs: Cleveland visits Boston for the first time since last year's epic second-round series, and LeBron James may just have added the sidekick he needs to help him take the title away from the defending NBA champs. Mo Williams joins James after averaging 17.2 points per game with the Bucks last season. Williams could be the missing link for a team that took the Celtics to the limit a year ago in the playoffs and will get the opportunity to prove his worth right away against Boston's Rajon Rondo.

Cavs are 7-1 ATS in the last 8 meetings.
The UNDER is 8-3 in Boston's last 11 games vs. Atlantic Division.

Key Injuries - F Darnell Jackson (wrist) is OUT.

PROJECTED SCORE: 88 (Side Play of the Day) - Win

Celtics (-7, O/U 179.5): The biggest issue for Boston in defending the NBA crown will be age, as the "Big Three" of Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen are all more than 30 years old. The team's depth has also been impacted by the defection of defensive stopper James Posey, who left as a free agent and signed with the Hornets. A healthy Tony Allen figures to replace Posey in that key role off the bench after coming back from knee surgery.

Celtics are 15-5 ATS in their last 20 home games.
Celtics are 7-0 ATS in their last 7 games overall.

Key Injuries - G Rajon Rondo (ankle) is questionable.

PROJECTED SCORE: 92


Portland Trail Blazers at Los Angeles Lakers [TNT | 10:30 PM ET]

Blazers: Portland has the youngest team in the NBA but seems to be ready to take that next step and become a playoff team this year. Former #1 overall pick Greg Oden is set to return for the Blazers after missing all of last season following knee surgery, and leading scorer Brandon Roy also is coming off knee surgery. If Oden can make an immediate impact like most insiders believe he can, Portland will have one of the best frontcourts in the West.

Blazers are 21-5 ATS in the last 26 meetings.
The UNDER is 10-3 in Portland's last 13 games overall.

Key Injuries - G/F Martell Webster (foot) is OUT.

PROJECTED SCORE: 92 (UNDER - Total Play of the Day) - Win

Lakers (-7.5, O/U 196.5): The defending Western Conference champs didn't make any significant moves in the offseason, but they will be getting one key player back in center Andrew Bynum. LA will also have forward Pau Gasol for a full season to play alongside Bynum, who dislocated his left kneecap in January. Gasol was criticized for playing soft in the NBA Finals against the Celtics but will be able to play power forward with Bynum returning. The Lakers are hoping that combo inside will provide the perfect complement for Kobe Bryant and be the difference this year in winning a championship.

Lakers are 0-6 ATS in their last 6 games overall.
The UNDER is 8-3 in LA's last 11 games overall.

Key Injuries - G Kobe Bryant (knee) is probable.

PROJECTED SCORE: 101

Side YTD: 1-0
Total YTD: 1-0

Tuesday, October 28

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Pick ‘n’ Roll: Best NBA bets
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Portland Trail Blazers at Los Angeles Lakers (-7.5, 196.5)

You can't ask for a better team to start this Pick 'n' Roll section than the Laker show. I get goosebumps just thinking about this one. Now before you jump the gun and start muttering to yourself about my Laker allegiance, let me assure you that I really like the Blazers in this spot. I know the preseason can resemble a faulty gauge, but I like what I saw in this Portland team.

Therefore, instead of rambling on about Los Angeles, I will just say that Portland will be a team to be reckoned with this season. They've got their work cut out for them at the Staples Center, but what a great opportunity for them to show that they mean business.

Tuesday we'll get to see if Greg Oden can beat his nerves and show L.A. that he's NBA-ready after spending the whole season last year on the shelf. I believe there'll be fireworks when Oden and Bynum and Aldridge and Gasol collide. Plus, we have the apprentice taking on (or is more like learning from?) the master, as Roy tries to keep up pace with Kobe - who will be jacked to finally be able to play with Bynum, Gasol and Odom all at the same time. It's like planets have finally aligned.

It should be a ripper of an opening night and although the Zen Master should steer his team to their first win of the season, I believe the young and talented Blazers will keep this within the number

Pick: Blazers +7.5 - L

YTD: 1-0

[thaikarate1]

Tuesday, October 28

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pick ‘n’ Roll: Best NBA bets
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Portland Trail Blazers at Los Angeles Lakers (-7.5, 196.5)

You can't ask for a better team to start this Pick 'n' Roll section than the Laker show. I get goosebumps just thinking about this one. Now before you jump the gun and start muttering to yourself about my Laker allegiance, let me assure you that I really like the Blazers in this spot. I know the preseason can resemble a faulty gauge, but I like what I saw in this Portland team.

Therefore, instead of rambling on about Los Angeles, I will just say that Portland will be a team to be reckoned with this season. They've got their work cut out for them at the Staples Center, but what a great opportunity for them to show that they mean business.

Tuesday we'll get to see if Greg Oden can beat his nerves and show L.A. that he's NBA-ready after spending the whole season last year on the shelf. I believe there'll be fireworks when Oden and Bynum and Aldridge and Gasol collide. Plus, we have the apprentice taking on (or is more like learning from?) the master, as Roy tries to keep up pace with Kobe - who will be jacked to finally be able to play with Bynum, Gasol and Odom all at the same time. It's like planets have finally aligned.

It should be a ripper of an opening night and although the Zen Master should steer his team to their first win of the season, I believe the young and talented Blazers will keep this within the number

Pick: Blazers +7.5 - L

YTD: 1-0

make that YTD : 0-1

[flarendep1]

Good idea, TK, Thanks!

[thaikarate1]

NBA
Dunkel


Denver at Utah
The Jazz open up at home against the Nuggets, who are just 2-6 ATS versus Utah over the last three seasons. Utah is the pick (-7) according to Dunkel, which has the Jazz favored by 11. Dunkel Pick: Utah (-7). Here are all of today's games.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29

Game 701-702: Toronto at Philadelphia
Dunkel Ratings: Toronto 117.541; Philadelphia 120.325
Dunkel Line & Total: Philadelphia by 3; 192
Vegas Line & Total: Philadelphia by 5 1/2; 190
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (+5 1/2); Over (W,L)

Game 703-704: Atlanta at Orlando
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta 115.085; Orlando 126.013
Dunkel Line & Total: Orlando by 11; 206
Vegas Line & Total: Orlando by 7 1/2; 202
Dunkel Pick: Orlando (-7 1/2); Over (L,L)

Game 705-706: New Jersey at Washington
Dunkel Ratings: New Jersey 111.746; Washington 119.238
Dunkel Line & Total: Washington by 7 1/2; 190
Vegas Line & Total: Washington by 6; 192 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Washington (-6); Under (L,W)

Game 707-708: Miami at New York
Dunkel Ratings: Miami 108.322; New York 113.146
Dunkel Line & Total: New York by 5; 212
Vegas Line & Total: New York by 3; 208
Dunkel Pick: New York (-3); Over (W,W)

Game 709-710: Indiana at Detroit
Dunkel Ratings: Indiana 119.448; Detroit 126.190
Dunkel Line & Total: Detroit by 7; 181 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Detroit by 10; 187
Dunkel Pick: Indiana (+10); Under (W,L)

Game 711-712: Milwaukee at Oklahoma City
Dunkel Ratings: Milwaukee 107.525; Oklahoma City 113.061
Dunkel Line & Total: Oklahoma City by 5 1/2; 200
Vegas Line & Total: Oklahoma City by 2; 198
Dunkel Pick: Oklahoma City (-2); Over (L,L)

Game 713-714: Sacramento at Minnesota
Dunkel Ratings: Sacramento 114.425; Minnesota 116.326
Dunkel Line & Total: Minnesota by 2; 198
Vegas Line & Total: Minnesota by 5 1/2; 202 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Sacramento (+5 1/2); Under (W,W)

Game 715-716: Phoenix at San Antonio
Dunkel Ratings: Phoenix 123.603; San Antonio 128.988
Dunkel Line & Total: San Antonio by 5 1/2; 185 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: San Antonio by 2; 187 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Antonio (-2); Under (L,L)

Game 717-718: Memphis at Houston
Dunkel Ratings: Memphis 109.268; Houston 127.683
Dunkel Line & Total: Houston by 18 1/2; 188
Vegas Line & Total: Houston by 12; 191
Dunkel Pick: Houston (-12); Under (L,W)

Game 719-720: Denver at Utah
Dunkel Ratings: Denver 119.337; Utah 130.206
Dunkel Line & Total: Utah by 11; 207
Vegas Line & Total: Utah by 7; 210 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Utah (-7); Under (L,W)

Game 721-722: New Orleans at Golden State
Dunkel Ratings: New Orleans 124.112; Golden State 121.079
Dunkel Line & Total: New Orleans by 3; 204
Vegas Line & Total: New Orleans by 5 1/2; 207
Dunkel Pick: Golden State (+5 1/2); Under (W,L)

Game 723-724: LA Lakers at LA Clippers
Dunkel Ratings: LA Lakers 124.662; LA Clippers 110.684
Dunkel Line & Total: LA Lakers by 14; 207
Vegas Line & Total: LA Lakers by 9; 203
Dunkel Pick: LA Lakers (-9); Over (W,L)

Side YTD: 7-8, POD: 0-2
Total YTD: 8-7


Wednesday, October 29

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Tips and Trends
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Phoenix Suns at San Antonio Spurs [ESPN | 8 PM ET]

Suns: Phoenix did not get the opportunity to play with a full squad for most of the preseason due to a rash of injuries, as Amare Stoudemire missed five games, Leandro Barbosa missed four and Shaquille O'Neal and Steve Nash each sat out three. That gives new head coach Terry Porter a big challenge right out of the gates. O'Neal will also get an immediate opportunity to get revenge against a Spurs team that he felt was cowardly in last year's playoffs.

Suns are 7-19-3 ATS in their last 29 Wednesday games.
Underdog is 6-2-1 ATS in the last 9 meetings.

Key Injuries - C Amare Stoudemire (finger) is probable.

PROJECTED SCORE: 90

Spurs (-2, O/U 187.5): Time is running out for San Antonio to put together one more NBA championship run as the NBA's oldest team centered around 32-year-old Tim Duncan. The good news is that the Spurs have won titles in the last three odd-numbered years this decade. The bad news is that they will need to figure out a way to win early in the season without Manu Ginobili, who is coming offseason heel/ankle surgery and won't be back until December at the earliest.

The UNDER is 9-0 in San Antonio's last 9 games overall.
The UNDER is 8-3 in San Antonio's last 11 Wednesday games.

Key Injuries - G Manu Ginobili (ankle) is OUT.

PROJECTED SCORE: 97 (Side Play of the Day) - Loss



Los Angeles Lakers at Los Angeles Clippers [ESPN | 10:30 PM ET]

Lakers (-8.5, O/U 203): The Lakers opened up the season with a 96-76 rout of the Blazers on Tuesday night behind 23 points from Kobe Bryant and 15 from Pau Gasol. Andrew Bynum made his return to the starting lineup for the first time since January due to a dislocated kneecap and totaled eight points and three rebounds. Bynum's highly-anticipated showdown with Portland's Greg Oden never really materialized because Oden left late in the first half with a foot injury.

Lakers are 19-5 ATS in their last 24 games vs. Pacific Division.
The UNDER is 9-3 in LA's last 12 games overall.

Key Injuries - NONE

PROJECTED SCORE: 104 (UNDER - Total Play of the Day) - WIn

Clippers: The newest addition to the team will be counted on from the start of the season regardless of whether or not he is dealing with a painful finger injury. Insiders expect Baron Davis to play in the team's season opener and should instantly make his teammates better, most notably small forward Al Thornton, who will be his main running mate up and down the floor. Thornton was named to the All-Rookie first team a year ago and will be a full-time starter, replacing the oft-injured Corey Maggette.

Clippers are 2-12 ATS in their last 14 home games.
The UNDER is 21-8 in LA's last 29 games vs. Pacific Division.

Key Injuries - PG Baron Davis (finger) is probable.
F Tim Thomas (groin) is doubtful.
C Marcus Camby (foot) is OUT.

PROJECTED SCORE: 95


Side YTD: 1-1
Total YTD: 2-0


Wednesday, October 29


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Pick 'n' Roll: Wednesday's best NBA bets
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Phoenix Suns at San Antonio Spurs (-2.5, 187.5)

It could be a season of change for the Phoenix Suns. Mike D’Antoni, the mastermind behind Phoenix’s run-and-gun attack, skipped town for the Big Apple in the offseason. Now, Jerry Porter is in charge and making his mark on the team already, implementing a more defensively-responsible game plan with more minutes for the bench.

There’s still plenty of offense to go around with Steve Nash, Shaq, Amare Stoudemire, and Co, but the days of “seven seconds to shoot” are over in the dessert. It may take a while to work all the kinks out and get everybody on board with the new philosophy.

Pick: San Antonio


Denver Nuggets at Utah Jazz (-7, 210.5)

Two big-name superstars won’t be suiting up for this one. Utah point guard Deron Williams will likely miss at least the team’s first two games as he re**** from a sprained ankle, while Denver’s Carmelo Anthony serves a two-game suspension stemming from his DUI back in April.

Allen Iverson is another concern for Denver. Even though the veteran guard insists he’s good to go for the opener, he only played in three preseason games because of a bad ankle and managed just 5.3 points per game when he did suit up. So Iverson’s conditioning could be an issue early on, especially if he’s trying to pick up the slack for Melo’s absence.

Outside of that issue, Denver got a whole lot younger in the offseason by parting ways with 30-somethings Marcus Camby and Eduardo Najera, hoping that Nene, J.R. Smith, and Linas Kleiza are ready for bigger roles. That remains to be seen.

Pick: Utah - Loss

YTD: 0-2

[Udog]

This is a great idea, thai!! Thanks a million! Just a heads-up: We include Pick 'n Roll and Ice Picks more for the content of the write-ups than the picks. As picks, they traditionally do not do well.

The Sides and Totals of the Day are the ones!! Totals of the day are on a 16 or 17 - 0 run right now!

I'll be following with great interest! Thanks again, thai!

[Udog]

That should be 13-0 for Totals of the Day now. I just checked.

[thaikarate1]

That should be 13-0 for Totals of the Day now. I just checked.

Are they from the NHL?

[Udog]

No, tk, the Sides and Totals of the Day will be, exclusively, out of NBA and NCAAFB. Starting Tuesday, we can see them in NCAABB picks, too.

As of the end of play last night, Totals of the Day are now on a 14-0 run. These have all been from NBA and NCAAFB.

Sides and Totals of the Day have also included MLB but I don't think any MLB totals are included in this latest run.

The guys who make these picks do not do NHL. MLB, NFL, NBA, NCAAFB and NCAABB are where they concentrate their efforts.

[thaikarate1]

NBA Thursday, October 30
Dunkel Index

Houston at Dallas

Houston looks to spoil the Mavericks' opener and take advantage of Dallas' 6-8 ATS record over the last three years as a home favorite between 3 1/2 and 6 points. The Rockets are the underdog pick (+4) according to Dunkel, which has the game even. Dunkel Pick: Houston (+4). Here are all of today's games.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 30

Game 501-502: Charlotte at Cleveland
Dunkel Ratings: Charlotte 114.265; Cleveland 126.629
Dunkel Line & Total: Cleveland by 12 1/2; 187
Vegas Line & Total: Cleveland by 9 1/2; 184
Dunkel Pick: Cleveland(-9 1/2); Over (W,L)

Game 503-504: Houston at Dallas
Dunkel Ratings: Houston 123.583; Dallas 123.792
Dunkel Line & Total: Even; 187
Vegas Line & Total: Dallas by 4; 191
Dunkel Pick: Houston (+4); Under (W,L)

Game 505-506: New Orleans at Phoenix
Dunkel Ratings: New Orleans 124.026; Phoenix 128.122
Dunkel Line & Total: Phoenix by 4; 192
Vegas Line & Total: Phoenix by 2; 196
Dunkel Pick: Phoenix (-2); Under (L,L)


Side YTD: 9-9, POD: 1-2
Total YTD: 8-10


NBA


Thursday, October 30

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tips and Trends
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Charlotte Bobcats at Cleveland Cavaliers [7 PM ET]

Bobcats: The Larry Brown era begins in Charlotte, and the Bobcats also hope they will get big contributions at some point from Sean May and Adam Morrison, who are both coming off knee injuries. Brown saw his new team go 0-8 in the preseason, and his experience as the only coach to win both college and pro championships may or may not rub off on the players. Charlotte did play Cleveland very tough last season with all four meetings decided by seven points or less.

Bobcats are 3-6 ATS in their last 9 games overall.
The UNDER is 9-3 in Charlotte's last 12 road games.

Key Injuries - F Sean May (knee) is doubtful.

PROJECTED SCORE: 84 (UNDER - Total Play of the Day) -L

Cavs (-9.5, O/U 183.5): Cleveland is coming off a somewhat disappointing 90-85 loss at Boston in the season opener on Tuesday. Despite covering the spread for the eighth time in nine meetings with the Celtics, the Cavs blew a 50-43 halftime lead and committed 21 turnovers. New addition Mo Williams had four of the turnovers and will take some time to blend into the offense. Williams totaled 12 points in his Cleveland debut while LeBron James led the team in scoring with 22.

Cavs are 8-1 ATS in their last 9 games overall.
The UNDER is 20-7 in Cleveland's last 27 home games.

Key Injuries - F Darnell Jackson (wrist) is OUT.

PROJECTED SCORE: 94

Houston Rockets at Dallas Mavericks [TNT | 8 PM ET]

Rockets: Houston is coming off an 82-71 home win over Memphis on Wednesday night, as Ron Artest and Tracy McGrady each scored 16 points while Yao Ming led the team with 21 points and 10 rebounds. The Rockets won despite shooting less than 37 percent from the field, making the Grizzlies miss all 13 of their 3-point attempts. Houston started the game strong - racing out to an 11-2 lead - and then outscored Memphis 24-14 in the fourth quarter.

Rockets are 1-6 ATS in the last 7 meetings.
The UNDER is 9-3 in Houston's last 12 games overall.

Key Injuries - F Shane Battier (foot) is day-to-day.

PROJECTED SCORE: 95 (Side Play of the Day) - W

Mavs (-5, O/U 191): Dallas will have a different look this season with point guard Jason Kidd back for a full season while new head coach Rick Carlisle hopes to lead the rest of the roster back to its former status as one of the best teams in the Western Conference. That could prove to be a difficult task since Kidd is clearly on the downside of his career, but he may have just enough in the tank to get the Mavs into the playoffs yet again. Time will tell.

Mavs are 2-6 SU in their last 8 games overall.
Mavs are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 games overall.

Key Injuries - F Devean George (hand) is questionable.

PROJECTED SCORE: 97



New Orleans Hornets at Phoenix Suns [TNT | 10:30 PM ET]

Hornets: New Orleans picked up where the team left off in the preseason, earning a 108-103 victory at Golden State in the regular-season opener. The Hornets went a perfect 7-0 in the preseason, the first time in six years that an NBA team had accomplished that feat. Chris Paul led the way against the Warriors with 21 points and 11 assists, including the go-ahead basket with 19.4 seconds remaining.

Hornets are 1-11 ATS in their last 12 Thursday games.
The OVER is 6-2 in New Orleans' last 8 Thursday games.

Key Injuries - F Julian Wright (ankle) is day-to-day.

PROJECTED SCORE: 98

Suns (-1.5, O/U 197): Phoenix started the Terry Porter era with an impressive road victory at San Antonio on Wednesday night behind 22 points from Amare Stoudemire, who scored half of them in the fourth quarter alone on perfect 5-of-5 shooting. Steve Nash added 13 points and dished out 13 assists. “Amare was huge for us down the stretch,” Porter said. “(Nash) also made a couple of big plays. It was a solid win for us and just a great way to start the season.”

Suns are 9-3 ATS in their last 12 home games.
The UNDER is 9-3 in the last 12 meetings.

Key Injuries - F Alando Tucker (hamstring) is day-to-day.

PROJECTED SCORE: 99

Side YTD: 2-1
Total YTD: 2-1


Thursday, October 30

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Pick ‘n’ Roll: Best NBA bets
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Hornets vs. Suns

The excitement machine from the desert is back as Phoenix chucks the coach but brings back seven ball handlers from their last season.

Incoming coach Terry Porter will need some luck as he endeavors to bring some sense to the Suns' defense. That team loves to run and keep the scoreboard ablaze - that's what they've always done. But can anyone blame them?

Think of Amare Stoudemire, Steve Nash, Raja Bell, Grant Hill, Leandro Barbosa and the new addition of run ‘n’ gun Matt Barnes and it'll be very hard to not expect triple figures when the Suns are playing.

Add to this equation the visiting snipers, namely CP3 (Chris Paul), David West and Peja Stojakovic and you'd have to be out of your mind not to take the over. During the offseason, the Hornets couldn't miss their 3-pointers, even if they tried.

Both teams are coming off a game Wednesday night and defense might not take on top priority in this back-to-back situation.

Pick: over - W



Bobcats vs. Cleveland

That last minute against Boston must have been a killer for Cavs fans Tuesday night. King James couldn't bring it to within a point after Maurice Williams (Mo) hit a 3-pointer to bring the Cavs within three.

But such is the staunch defense of the Green Machine, where even the best of the best struggle to bucket a “simple" lay up.

Cleveland also really struggled with the outside shot, making only three out of 18 3-pointers because of the perimeter pressure that Boston applies.

We doubt if Lebron, Mo, Zydrunas Ilgauskas and Anderson Varejao will face a similar defensive wall from Larry Brown's team. This should be a free flowing game with both teams boasting plenty of scoring options.

Do we even need to mention that Jason Richardson made the most 3-pointers last season? We also believe that Ray Felton and Matt Carroll should improve their offseason shooting percentage.

Pick: over - L

YTD: 1-3

[thaikarate1]

oops double post!

[thaikarate1]

NBA FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31
Dunkel


New York at Philadelphia
The Sixers look to bounce back from their opening night loss and take advantage of a New York team that is 0-4 ATS in Philadelphia over the last three seasons. Philadelphia is the pick (-8) according to Dunkel, which has the Sixers favored by 10. Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (-8). Here are all of today's games.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31

Game 701-702: Golden State at Toronto
Dunkel Ratings: Golden State 116.814; Toronto 122.077
Dunkel Line & Total: Toronto by 5; 210
Vegas Line & Total: Toronto by 7 1/2; 205
Dunkel Pick: Golden State (+7 1/2); Over (W,W)

Game 703-704: New York at Philadelphia
Dunkel Ratings: New York 112.146; Philadelphia 122.132
Dunkel Line & Total: Philadelphia by 10; 220
Vegas Line & Total: Philadelphia by 8; 217 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (-8); Over (W,L)

Game 705-706: Sacramento at Miami
Dunkel Ratings: Sacramento 112.322; Miami 115.631
Dunkel Line & Total: Miami by 3; 200
Vegas Line & Total: Miami by 5 1/2; 205
Dunkel Pick: Sacramento (+5 1/2); Under (L,W)

Game 707-708: Orlando at Memphis
Dunkel Ratings: Orlando 121.149; Memphis 112.461
Dunkel Line & Total: Orlando by 8 1/2; 187
Vegas Line & Total: Orlando by 6 1/2; 190
Dunkel Pick: Orlando (-6 1/2); Under (L,W)

Game 709-710: Chicago at Boston
Dunkel Ratings: Chicago 113.632; Boston 130.057
Dunkel Line & Total: Boston by 16 1/2; 185
Vegas Line & Total: Boston by 9; 191
Dunkel Pick: Boston (-9); Under (W,W)

Game 711-712: Denver at LA Clippers
Dunkel Ratings: Denver 116.445; LA Clippers 110.684
Dunkel Line & Total: Denver by 6; 196
Vegas Line & Total: Denver by 1 1/2; 199 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Denver (-1 1/2); Under (W,L)

Game 713-714: San Antonio at Portland
Dunkel Ratings: San Antonio 125.671; Portland 119.786
Dunkel Line & Total: San Antonio by 6; 174
Vegas Line & Total: San Antonio by 2; 178
Dunkel Pick: San Antonio (-2); Under (L,L)

Side YTD: 13-12, POD: 2-2
Total YTD: 12-13


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Tips and Trends
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

New York Knicks at Philadelphia 76ers [MSG | 7 PM ET]

Knicks: The only negative part of head coach Mike D'Antoni's debut with New York on Wednesday came on the defensive end, but that's really no surprise for anybody who followed him with the Suns. D'Antoni saw a much improved offensive performance in a 120-115 win over Miami in the season opener, but his Knicks nearly blew a 23-point lead. The Heat pulled within three points in the final minute, but New York held on for the victory. Point guard Stephon Marbury and center Eddy Curry both did not play in the game and don't appear to fit in D'Antoni's plans.

Knicks are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 Friday games.
The OVER is 7-1 in New York's last 8 road games.

Key Injuries - C Eddy Curry (knee) is questionable.

PROJECTED SCORE: 104

76ers (-8.5, O/U 217): As hot as the Knicks were in their season opener, Philly was about as cold as the weather during the World Series. The 76ers shot just 34.5 percent from the field in a 95-84 home loss to Toronto on Wednesday, missing 15 of 20 attempts from 3-point range. Elton Brand totaled 14 points and 13 rebounds in his first game with the team, and Philadelphia has won the last seven meetings at home along with nine of 11 overall.

76ers are 5-1 ATS in the last 6 meetings.
The UNDER is 16-5 in Philadelphia's last 21 home games.

Key Injuries - G Royal Ivey (suspension) is OUT.

PROJECTED SCORE: 112



Chicago Bulls at Boston Celtics [ESPN | 8 PM ET]

Bulls: Rookie point guard Derrick Rose may not have filled up the stat line like some would expect from the #1 overall pick in the draft, but it's how he made his teammates better that caught the attention of insiders. Rose totaled 11 points and nine assists in a 108-95 win over Milwaukee on Wednesday while Luol Deng and Tyrus Thomas combined for 36 points and 14 rebounds running alongside him. That helped make a winner of new head coach Vinny Del Negro in his debut in front of the home fans.

Bulls are 0-5 ATS in the last 5 meetings.
The UNDER is 6-2 in the last 8 meetings.

Key Injuries - G Larry Hughes (shoulder) is OUT.

PROJECTED SCORE: 88 (UNDER - Total Play of the Day) - Win

Celtics (-9.5, O/U 191): NBA experts expect Boston to play more loose after surviving a close call in the season opener against Cleveland on Tuesday. The Celtics used a 24-13 third quarter to overtake the Cavs after trailing by double digits in the first half, as they were led by reigning NBA Finals MVP Paul Pierce with 27 points in an eventual 90-85 victory. Boston won all four meetings with Chicago last season by at least 11 points.

Celtics are 15-6 ATS in their last 21 home games.
Celtics are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 games overall.

Key Injuries - NONE

PROJECTED SCORE: 98



San Antonio Spurs at Portland Trail Blazers [ESPN | 10:30 PM ET]

Spurs: The NBA's oldest team visits the youngest in the league, and both teams will face an early test here. San Antonio is looking to bounce back from a 103-98 home loss to Phoenix on Wednesday despite 32 points apiece from Tim Duncan and Tony Parker. The problem is, Roger Mason was the only other Spur to score in double figures with 12. Kurt Thomas filled in at center for Fabricio Oberto (irregular heartbeat) and scored just two points while Michael Finley and Bruce Bowen combined for eight.

Spurs are 3-10 ATS in their last 13 road games.
The UNDER is 8-0 in San Antonio's last games overall.

Key Injuries - G Manu Ginobili (ankle) is OUT.
C Fabricio Oberto (irregular heartbeat) is OUT.

PROJECTED SCORE: 87

Blazers (-1, O/U 178): Portland got off to a disappointing start to the season on Tuesday in a 96-76 road loss to the Lakers. Not only did they struggle to shoot the ball (35 percent from the field), but rookie C Greg Oden sprained his right foot late in the second quarter. Big things are expected from Oden - the #1 pick in the 2007 NBA draft - but he is expected to miss 2-4 weeks with the injury. How his teammates respond during that stretch could go a long way to showing how good they can be this year.

Blazers are 1-4 ATS in the last 5 home meetings.
The UNDER is 12-4 in Portland's last 16 Friday games.

Key Injuries - C Greg Oden (foot) is OUT.
G Martell Webster (foot) is OUT.

PROJECTED SCORE: 91 (Side Play of the Day) - Win


Side YTD: 3-1
Total YTD: 3-1



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Pick 'n' Roll: Friday's best NBA bets
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New York Knicks at Philadelphia 76ers (-8, 217.5)

This is a perfect spot to fade the 76ers at home against an unpopular Knicks team. The Sixers are viewed by most as a much-improved after signing Elton Brand in the offseason. The public is most likely see Philly’s lost to Toronto as a fluke and figure the team bounces back against New York.

This "new Suns" team under coach Mike D'Antoni looked impressive Wednesday night. It’s apparent D’Antoni’s offensive philosophies have been adopted by the New York players. The former Phoenix coach left high-priced players like Stephon Marbury and Eddy Curry the bench in the season opener and it doesn’t look like either player will join the rotation anytime soon.

Philly looked out of sorts against Toronto, and both Brand and Andre Iguodala struggling to find the rim. Maurice Cheeks’ club will be lost against a fast-paced Knicks’ team that excels playing on the road (covered safely in seven of last eight away games).

Pick: Knicks - Loss



Golden State Warriors at Toronto Raptors (-7.5, 205)

The Warriors’ inexperience was a key reason they dropped their first game of the season against the New Orleans Hornets. The news wasn’t all bad for Golden State backers. Free agent pickup Corey Maggette netted 27 points and eight rebounds in his first game as a Warrior.

The Raptors, meanwhile, added a big name of their own this summer. Jermaine O’Neal meshed well in a frontcourt pairing of Chris Bosh. The Raptors strong outside shooting gives the two big men room to operate in the paint.

The Raps and Warriors both like to run and shoot the three ball. This game should produce lots of points and few defensive stops.

Pick: Over - Win

YTD: 2-4

[thaikarate1]

NBA SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 1
Dunkel


Miami at Charlotte
The Bobcats look for their first win of the season and come into the contest with a 12-4 ATS record over the last three seasons as a home favorite of 3 points or less. Charlotte is the pick (-2 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Bobcats favored by 6 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Charlotte (-2 1/2). Here are all of today's games.



Game 501-502: Philadelphia at Atlanta
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia 113.226; Atlanta 121.399
Dunkel Line & Total: Atlanta by 8; 190
Vegas Line & Total: Atlanta by 3 1/2; 194 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (-3 1/2); Under (W,W)

Game 503-504: Miami at Charlotte
Dunkel Ratings: Miami 112.417; Charlotte 118.763
Dunkel Line & Total: Charlotte by 6 1/2; 187
Vegas Line & Total: Charlotte by 2 1/2; 192
Dunkel Pick: Charlotte (-2 1/2); Under (W,W)

Game 505-506: Boston at Indiana
Dunkel Ratings: Boston 126.057; Indiana 123.074
Dunkel Line & Total: Boston by 3; 186
Vegas Line & Total: Boston by 5 1/2; 191 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Indiana (+5 1/2); Under (W,W)

Game 507-508: Sacramento at Orlando
Dunkel Ratings: Sacramento 112.457; Orlando 127.200
Dunkel Line & Total: Orlando by 15; 197
Vegas Line & Total: Orlando by 9 1/2; 202
Dunkel Pick: Orlando (-9 1/2); Under (W,L)

Game 509-510: Golden State at New Jersey
Dunkel Ratings: Golden State 116.812; New Jersey 117.267
Dunkel Line & Total: Even; 210
Vegas Line & Total: New Jersey by 5 1/2; 207
Dunkel Pick: Golden State (+5 1/2); Over (W,L)

Game 511-512: Washington at Detroit
Dunkel Ratings: Washington 114.156; Detroit 126.585
Dunkel Line & Total: Detroit by 12 1/2; 174
Vegas Line & Total: Detroit by 10 1/2; 180
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (-10 1/2); Under (L,L)

Game 513-514: Dallas at Minnesota
Dunkel Ratings: Dallas 118.960; Minnesota 116.862
Dunkel Line & Total: Dallas by 2; 199
Vegas Line & Total: Dallas by 4; 204
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (+4); Under (L,W)

Game 515-516: Cleveland at New Orleans
Dunkel Ratings: Cleveland 121.876; New Orleans 128.908
Dunkel Line & Total: New Orleans by 7; 193
Vegas Line & Total: New Orleans by 4; 189
Dunkel Pick: New Orleans (-4); Over (W,W)

Game 517-518: Toronto at Milwaukee
Dunkel Ratings: Toronto 117.279; Milwaukee 112.879
Dunkel Line & Total: Toronto by 4 1/2; 188
Vegas Line & Total: Pick; 193 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Toronto; Under (W,W)

Game 519-520: Memphis at Chicago
Dunkel Ratings: Memphis 108.811; Chicago 116.195
Dunkel Line & Total: Chicago by 7; 190
Vegas Line & Total: Chicago by 9; 193 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Memphis (+9); Under (L,W)

Game 521-522: Oklahoma City at Houston
Dunkel Ratings: Oklahoma City 109.061; Houston 127.583
Dunkel Line & Total: Houston by 18 1/2; 181
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 523-524: LA Clippers at Utah
Dunkel Ratings: LA Clippers 106.128; Utah 124.223
Dunkel Line & Total: Utah by 18; 188
Vegas Line & Total: Utah by 11; 193
Dunkel Pick: Utah (-11); Under (W,W)

Game 525-526: LA Lakers at Denver
Dunkel Ratings: LA Lakers 126.154; Denver 122.820
Dunkel Line & Total: LA Lakers by 3 1/2; 217
Vegas Line & Total: LA Lakers by 8; 209 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Denver (+8); Over (W,L)

Game 527-528: Portland at Phoenix
Dunkel Ratings: Portland 115.991; Phoenix 127.958
Dunkel Line & Total: Phoenix by 12;189
Vegas Line & Total: Phoenix by 8; 191
Dunkel Pick: Phoenix (-8); Under (W,L)


Side YTD: 23-15, POD: 3-2
Total YTD: 20-18

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Tips and Trends
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cleveland Cavaliers at New Orleans Hornets [8 PM ET]

Cavs: Cleveland star LeBron James led the NBA in scoring last year but was held to 21 points on 40 percent shooting in two losses to New Orleans last season. James had the luxury of only playing 30 minutes in a 96-79 rout of Charlotte on Thursday, totaling 22 points, nine rebounds and nine assists. He was lucky enough to play 30 minutes or less only twice all of last season. "We had a lot of guys contribute and I got a lot of rest,” James said Thursday. “Coach believes in our roster and I believe in our roster. I don’t have to average 42 minutes like I have in the past because of our depth.”

Cavs are 7-0 ATS in their last 7 games overall.
The UNDER is 15-6 in Cleveland's last 21 games overall.

Key Injuries - F Darnell Jackson (wrist) is OUT.

PROJECTED SCORE: 92

Hornets (-4.5, O/U 189): The most valuable signing of the offseason may have very well been James Posey, who could end up starting for Peja Stojakovic after winning a championship with the Celtics last year. Posey scored 13 points in Thursday's 108-95 win at Phoenix, and head coach Byron Scott is happy to have him on his side. “He’s like a few players in this league that can affect a game without scoring,” Scott said. “He’s going to take the charge, he’s going to guard the best players, he’s going to communicate at all times." Posey is also expected to play a key role defending Cleveland's James.

Home team is 11-4 ATS in the last 15 meetings.
Hornets are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games vs. Central Division.

Key Injuries - C Tyson Chandler (ankle) is doubtful.
F Peja Stojakovic (ankle) is doubtful.
F Julian Wright (ankle) is doubtful.

PROJECTED SCORE: 96

No Play:

Side YTD: 3-1
Total YTD: 3-1[/B]


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Pick 'n' Roll: Saturday's best NBA bets
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Miami Heat at Charlotte Bobcats (-2.5, 192)

The Heat will look for their first road victory of the season on Saturday night when they face a young Bobcats team that's struggling under new coach Larry Brown.

With star guard Dwyane Wade battling injuries and a roster in disarray for much of last season, the Heat - just two years removed from an NBA championship - lost a league-high 67 games to match the franchise worst set in 1988-89, the team's inaugural campaign.

They already look like a much different club this season after dominating Sacramento for a 103-77 win in their home opener on Friday night. Wade had 20 points and eight assists in just 27 minutes, while rookie Michael Beasley added 17 points and nine rebounds.

Miami can't be much worse than it was on the road last season. The Heat went 6-35 outside of South Florida, winning just two of their last 28 on the road to close the season. They lost twice at Charlotte by a combined 27 points, and they've now dropped five of their last six to the Bobcats after winning nine of their first 10 against the expansion team.

But the Bobcats (0-1) struggled in Brown's debut on Thursday, shooting 34 percent from the field and scoring only 33 points in the first half of a 96-79 loss at Cleveland.

Taking over his ninth NBA team, Brown appears to have one of his biggest challenges ahead as he looks to turn around a young franchise that went 32-50 last season and is a combined 109-220 in four-plus seasons of existence.

The Bobcats went 0-8 in the preseason, and Brown said Thursday that he doesn't think his team is ready.

"I'm not surprised with what's going on," Brown said. "The big people we're playing against seem to be more athletic and getting things done. A lot of our shots are tough shots. We're settling for long jumpers. When we do penetrate, we penetrate so deep, we get a lot of shots blocked. They penetrate and kick it out.

"We didn't expect it to be easy."

Pick: Miami -Loss



Dallas Mavericks at Minnesota Timberwolves (+4, 204)

The Mavericks look to bounce back from their season-opening loss as they try to win their ninth straight game over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday.

Dallas lost to Houston 112-102 on Thursday in coach Rick Carlisle's Mavericks debut. Dallas opened the fourth quarter with a one-point lead, but allowed the Rockets to put away the game with a 16-2 run late in the period.

The Mavericks shot just 6-of-24 in the fourth, as top scorers Dirk Nowitzki and Josh Howard combined for three points on 1-of-6 shooting in the final 12 minutes."We will figure it out," Carlisle said. "You got to be careful about overreacting to one game."

Overall, the defense was not up to par for a team that was sixth in scoring defense (95.9 points per game) and fourth in defensive field goal percentage (44.3 percent) last season. Dallas allowed Houston to make 7-of-14 shots from 3-point range and score 38 points in the paint.

"We put up enough points but we didn't stop anybody," said Jason Kidd, who had seven points, seven rebounds and 12 assists. "This was a lesson learned."

While the defense failed to stop the Rockets, Carlisle's up-tempo offense flourished. The Mavericks scored 37 fast-break points Thursday after scoring more than 33 in transition just once last season.

"It was fun," Howard said. "Guys got out and ran. We just got to get the ball to J-Kidd and he will take care of the rest."

The Mavericks have won eight straight over the Timberwolves by an average of 12.4 points since a 91-78 loss on Jan. 4, 2006. Dallas has also won six of its last seven games at the Target Center.

Minnesota opened the 2008-09 season with a 98-96 win over Sacramento on Wednesday - an encouraging start for a team that opened last season 5-34.

Pick: Dallas - Win

YTD: 3-5

[BettorsChat]

That should be 13-0 for Totals of the Day now. I just checked.

Where are you getting the POD for them? Or can someone point these plays out on here?

[Udog]

BC,

Those come from the Pregame Buzz page at pregame dotcom.