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[StarDust Bum]

NBA All-Star Game betting preview

This season’s NBA All-Star Game shouldn’t lack for plots. Tip-off is Sunday at 5:25 p.m. PT from Staples Center in Los Angeles with TNT broadcasting.

Unlike the NFL’s Pro Bowl, fans and bettors actually care about this all-star game.

Oddsmakers opened the game ‘pick’ or East minus one with an ‘over/under’ of 266, easily the highest total of the season.

Sure, there isn’t going to be any defense played – at least until the final minute – but the stars will be playing hard. Kobe Bryant would like to be named the game’s Most Valuable Player a fourth time, especially on his home court.

Blake Griffin also should shine since the Los Angeles Clippers play at Staples Center, too. Griffin and former UCLA stars Russell Westbrook and Kevin Love are playing in their first All-Star Game. They all should be highly motivated.

Carmelo Anthony wouldn’t mind seizing the national stage to tantalize would be suitors since he wants to leave Denver.

LeBron James always is tough in this game averaging 23.7 points, five rebounds and five assists in six all-star performances, while twice being selected MVP.

It was Dwayne Wade, though, who captured MVP honors in last year’s game. Wade scored 28 points and pulled down 11 rebounds in helping the East beat the West, 141-139, as one-point favorites at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The combined 280 points went ‘over’ the 262-point total.

The West won two years ago, 146-119, as 3 ½-point ‘chalk.’ The combined 265 points snuck ‘over’ the 263-point total.

The East is averaging 129.2 points during the last seven all-star games. The West is averaging 133.8 points in the last seven years. The ‘over’ has cashed in three of the past four games.

The East is 4-2 ATS in the last six matchups.

Boston’s Doc Rivers and San Antonio’s Gregg Popovich are the head coaches for the game.

Rivers’ East squad is composed mainly of players from the Celtics, Miami Heat and Atlanta Hawks with Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, Rajon Rondo, Wade, James, Chris Bosh, Joe Johnson and Al Horford all chosen. They total nine of the 12 players picked with the others being Derrick Rose, Amare Stoudamire and Dwight Howard.

That could mean more cohesion with these players used to their teammates. Every player on the East has been chosen for at least one all-star team. The West has three first-year all-stars and two others playing in their second all-star game.

The East also figures to have an advantage with Howard inside and James creating mismatches. Howard is averaging 16.5 points and nine rebounds in four all-star appearances.

Stoudamire is dealing with a sore toe, but he’s played well during five all-star games for the West when he was with Phoenix. He’s averaged 17 points, shot 58 percent from the floor and hauled down eight rebounds per game in his all-star history.

Stoudamire has become even more of an offensive force with the New York Knicks ranking No. 2 in the league in scoring at 26.1 points per game.

The West can’t match Howard in the middle. Tim Duncan is going to start at center for the West for the 12th consecutive year. Duncan is a shoo-in for the Hall of Fame, but this season the aging star is averaging a career-low 13.4 points and 9.2 rebounds.

The strength of the West will be its front line scoring with NBA scoring leader Kevin Durant, Anthony, Dirk Nowitzki and Pau Gasol.

The backcourt of the West isn’t too shabby either with Bryant, Chris Paul, Deron Williams and the much underrated Westbrook.

[StarDust Bum]

Purdue, Ohio State in Big Ten betting clash


Revenge is on the minds of the Purdue Boilermakers, not to mention a chance to beat a second consecutive top-10 team, when they host the Ohio State Buckeyes. Sunday's contest from West Lafayette's Mackey Arena tips at 10 a.m. with CBS televising the matchup.

Purdue (21-5 straight up, 14-7-1 against the spread) beating another top-10 school isn't that big of a stretch since the Boilermakers are 11th in both the coaches and AP rankings. Gaining revenge for a whipping in Columbus nearly four weeks ago might prove to be a different story, however. A 7½-point underdog on the road, Purdue was beaten in just about every facet of the game when the Buckeyes hung a 23-point margin of victory, 87-64, on the Boilers.

Ohio State (25-1 SU, 11-12 ATS) came out smoking and was up by 15 about midway through the first half, eventually taking a 20-point lead into the locker room. The Buckeyes controlled the glass, hit their shots and would open up a 30-point gap over Purdue in the second half.

One factor in Purdue's favor is home-court advantage. The Boilermakers have won 15 consecutive contests at Mackey, including all 14 this season. The most recent was Wednesday's win against Wisconsin, 70-62, as five-point chalk. The Badgers almost seemed assured of a letdown in that game after handing these Buckeyes their one and only defeat last weekend in Madison.

The Boilermakers didn't shoot all that well in the win, which was also a case of exacting revenge for a 66-59 loss on the Badgers' home floor on Feb. 1. Matt Painter's team did take care of the ball on offense, turning it over just four times, and canned 17 of their 19 tosses from the charity stripe.

Ohio State was not intimidated on the West Lafayette hardwood last season, coming away with a 70-66 triumph over the Boilermakers in Jan. 2010 as nine-point underdogs. Thad Matta's troops also bounced right back from their loss at Wisconsin by slapping down Michigan State this past Tuesday, 71-61.

The Buckeyes were challenged by the Spartans for the first 28 minutes of the game before pulling away for the 10-point win that missed covering the 12-point spread. Jon Diebler's marksmanship from the free-throw line (6-of-6) was a key component in the win as were the game-high 23 points scored by William Buford.

Purdue trails Ohio State by two games in the Big Ten standings, and a loss here would all but give the regular season title to the Buckeyes who would have a three-game lead with four to play. Defending their home floor becomes even more critical for the Boilermakers who will be on the road for three of their final four while Ohio State is home for three of its games before the Big Ten Tournament.

Having the crowd behind them is certainly key for the Boilermakers, but they are also going to have to play much better defense than they did in Columbus on Jan. 25 and someone besides JaJuan Johnson has to contribute on offense. Johnson scored 22 of Purdue's 64 points in that game while the rest of the team shot under 33 percent from the field (15-for-46), guard E'Twaun Moore a chief culprit with a 4-for-13 effort.

I expect the defense will be there for Purdue this time, but the offense? I'm not so sure.

Purdue's begins their final two weeks of the regular season on the road next Wednesday in Indiana against the Hoosiers, with that contest followed by a trip to East Lansing next Sunday to face Michigan State. Both of Ohio State's games next week are at home, first on Tuesday versus Illinois and then Sunday against Indiana

[StarDust Bum]

Killing off penalties key to NHL betting

Identifying which teams spend an exorbitant amount of time in the penalty box and which are adroit at killing penalties are two important ingredients bettors use when handicapping hockey games.

Ironically, the Pittsburgh Penguins top both lists.

Pittsburgh is just five points behind the first-place Philadelphia Flyers in the Atlantic Division despite leading the league with 1,122 penalty minutes through its first 59 games.

Fortunately for the Penguins, they also lead the league by successfully killing 87.6 percent of the opposition’s power play. The Penguins are ranked 13th on their own power play with an 18.3 percent success rate.

The Nashville Predators are utilizing the league’s second-best penalty killing unit to their advantage. The Preds are in second place in the Central Division thanks to fighting off 86.3 percent of their opponent’s power play opportunities.

A proficient penalty killing unit isn’t that imperative for the Predators, as they have accumulated just 519 penalty minutes through their first 58 games. That is the 28th fewest penalty minutes in the league.

The Florida Panthers are sitting in the Southeast Division basement, but it isn’t due to their penalty killing unit. The Panthers own the league’s third best mark when they are shorthanded with an 85.9 percent success rate.

It also helps that the Panthers have just 474 penalty minutes through their first 57 games, which is the fewest in the league. Florida is next-to-last on its own power play, connecting on just 13.5 percent of its opportunities.

The Washington Capitals are fourth in killing penalties with an 85.5 percent success rate, which has surely helped their ninth-ranked defense. The Caps have amassed 703 penalty minutes, which is 16th fewest in the league.

Prior to the season, experts predicted the Caps would enjoy one of the league’s most proficient power play units. That has yet to come to fruition, as the Caps rank a poor 23rd with the man advantage at 16.5 percent.

The league-leading Vancouver Canucks round out the top-five best penalty killing units. Vancouver is tops in the league defensively (2.3 GPG) thanks largely to a penalty killing unit that is enjoying an 85.3 percent success rate.

Vancouver also ranks first on its own power play by connecting on 25.2 percent of its chances with the man advantage. Reinforcing the theory that little things win hockey games, the Canucks are also first in the faceoff circle with a 55.4 percent success rate.

The other end of the spectrum finds the Edmonton Oilers with the poorest penalty killing unit at 75.5 percent. The leaky defense has much to do with the Oilers owning the fewest points (44) in the NHL. It also hasn’t helped that the Oilers have collected the third-most penalty minutes in the league at 870.

Edmonton also ranks last on its own power play, connecting on just 11.8 percent of its chances with the man advantage.

Atlanta has killed off 76.5 percent of its penalties, which is the league’s 29th poorest mark. The Thrashers have been whistled for 647 penalty minutes through their first 59 encounters (23rd).

Toronto and Colorado round out the league’s top-four poorest penalty killing units. The Maple Leafs have a 77.8 percent success rate while shorthanded, with the Avs close behind at 78.0 percent.

[StarDust Bum]

All-Star Game History
February 20, 2011



All-Star Game History

Year Location Result Most Valuable Player

2010 Dallas East 141, West 139 Dwayne Wade, Miami Heat
2009 Phoenix West 146, East 119 Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers; Shaquille O'Neal, Phoenix
2008 New Orleans East 134, West 128 LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers
2007 Las Vegas West 153, East 132 Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers
2006 Houston East 122, West 120 LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers
2005 Denver East 125, West 115 Allen Iverson, Philadelphia
2004 Los Angeles West 136, East 132 Shaquille O'Neal, L.A. Lakers
2003 Atlanta West 155, East 145 (2OT) Kevin Garnett, Minnesota
2002 Philadelphia West 135, East 120 Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers
2001 Washington East 111, West 110 Allen Iverson, Philadelphia
2000 Oakland West 137, East 126 Tim Duncan, San Antonio; Shaquille O'Neal, L.A. Lakers
1998 New York East 135, West 114 Michael Jordan, Chicago
1997 Cleveland East 132, West 120 Glen Rice, Charlotte
1996 San Antonio East 129, West 118 Michael Jordan, Chicago
1995 Phoenix West 139, East 112 Mitch Richmond, Sacramento
1994 Minneapolis East 127, West 118 Scottie Pippen, Chicago
1993 Salt Lake City West 135, East 132 Karl Malone, Utah; John Stockton, Utah
1992 Orlando West 153, East 113 Earvin Johnson, Los Angeles
1991 Charlotte East 116, West 114 Charles Barkley, Philadelphia
1990 Miami East 130, West 113 Earvin Johnson, Los Angeles
1989 Houston West 143, East 134 Karl Malone, Utah
1988 Chicago East 138, West 133 Michael Jordan, Chicago
1987 Seattle West 154, East 149 (OT) Tom Chambers, Seattle
1986 Dallas East 139, West 132 Isiah Thomas, Detroit
1985 Indianapolis West 140, East 129 Ralph Sampson, Houston
1984 Denver East 154, West 145 (OT) Isiah Thomas, Detroit
1983 Los Angeles East 132, West 123 Julius Erving, Philadelphia
1982 New Jersey East 120, West 118 Larry Bird, Boston
1981 Cleveland East 123, West 120 Nate Archibald, Boston
1980 Washington East 144, West 136 (OT) George Gervin, San Antonio
1979 Detroit West 134, East 129 David Thompson, Denver
1978 Atlanta East 133, West 125 Randy Smith, Buffalo
1977 Milwaukee West 125, East 124 Julius Erving, Philadelphia
1976 Philadelphia East 123, West 109 Dave Bing, Washington
1975 Phoenix East 108, West 102 Walt Frazier, New York
1974 Seattle West 134, East 123 Bob Lanier, Detroit
1973 Chicago East 104, West 84 Dave Cowens, Boston
1972 Los Angeles West 112, East 110 Jerry West, Los Angeles
1971 San Diego West 108, East 107 Lenny Wilkens, Seattle
1970 Philadelphia East 142, West 135 Willis Reed, New York
1969 Baltimore East 123, West 112 Oscar Robertson, Cincinnati
1968 New York East 144, West 124 Hal Greer, Philadelphia
1967 San Francisco West 135, East 120 Rick Barry, San Francisco
1966 Cincinnati East 137, West 97 Adrian Smith, Cincinnati
1965 St. Louis East 124, West 123 Jerry Lucas, Cincinnati
1964 Boston East 111, West 107 Oscar Robertson, Cincinnati
1963 Los Angeles East 115, West 108 Bill Russell, Boston
1962 St. Louis West 150, East 130 Bob Pettit, St. Louis
1961 Syracuse West 153, East 131 Oscar Robertson, Cincinnati
1960 Philadelphia East 125, West 115 Wilt Chamberlin, Philadelphia
1959 Detroit West 124, East 108 Elgin Baylor, Minneapolis; Bob Pettit, St. Louis
1958 St. Louis East 130, West 118 Bob Pettit, St. Louis
1957 Boston East 109, West 97 Bob Cousy, Boston
1956 Rochester West 108, East 94 Bob Pettit, St. Louis
1955 New York East 100, West 91 Bill Sharman, Boston
1954 New York East 98, West 93 Bob Cousy, Boston
1953 Ft. Wayne West 79, East 75 George Mikan, Minneapolis
1952 Boston East 108, West 91 Paul Arizin, Philadelphia
1951 Boston East 111, West 94 Ed Macauley, Boston

[StarDust Bum]

At the Break - Future Looks

February 17, 2011

NBA WIN TOTAL ANALYSIS - Lines from 5Dimes.com

Team Over/Under Projected Wins Projected Result

Atlanta 46½ 51 OVER
Boston 54½ 61 OVER
Charlotte 39½ 35 UNDER
Chicago 46½ 57 OVER
Cleveland 30½ 15 UNDER
Dallas 49½ 58 OVER
Denver 46½ 46 UNDER
Detroit 30½ 30 UNDER
Golden State 30½ 39 OVER
Houston 48½ 37 UNDER
Indiana 33½ 36 OVER
L.A. Clippers 36½ 31 UNDER
L.A. Lakers 57½ 55 UNDER
Memphis 38½ 45 OVER
Miami 64½ 60 UNDER
Milwaukee 45½ 31 UNDER
Minnesota 23½ 19 UNDER
New Jersey 24½ 24 OVER
New Orleans 41½ 47 OVER
New York 35½ 43 OVER
Oklahoma City 50½ 53 OVER
Orlando 55½ 52 UNDER
Philadelphia 35½ 40 OVER
Phoenix 41½ 42 OVER
Portland 51½ 47 UNDER
Sacramento 27½ 20 UNDER
San Antonio 50½ 69 OVER
Toronto 26½ 18 UNDER
Utah 49½ 45 UNDER
Washington 33½ 23 UNDER

[StarDust Bum]

Weekly Notes - West

February 19, 2011


(Straight-Up, Against the Spread, Over/Under)

1) San Antonio (46-10, 34-20-2, 27-29)

Season Recap: The Rodeo trip turned into a major success for the Spurs by going 6-3 SU/ATS despite Thursday's loss at Chicago. The Spurs are the top ATS team in the league, while owning a 20-8 ATS mark on the highway. Gregg Popovich's club owned three separate winning streaks of eight games or more, as the Spurs covered at least four straight games on five separate occasions.

Weekly Outlook: The Spurs return home for three games starting Wednesday against Oklahoma City. San Antonio hosts New Jersey on Friday, as the Nets will be coming in with eight days of rest. The week concludes on Sunday evening against unrested Memphis, as the Spurs squeaked by the Grizzlies in overtime back in mid-December.

2) Dallas (40-16, 31-23-2, 33-23)

Season Recap: The hottest team in the Western Conference is rolling with wins in 13 of their last 14 games. It's amazing that the Mavs are sitting in this spot even with Dirk Nowitzki missing nine games (2-7 SU/ATS) and Caron Butler lost for the season since January 2. Dallas started the season at 10-0 ATS as a road underdog, while compiling a 13-4 ATS ledger when receiving points on the highway. Since Dirk's return to the lineup, the 'over' is hitting at a 13-5 clip.

Weekly Outlook: The Mavs hit the court again on Wednesday at home against the struggling Jazz, going for their third victory over Utah this season. Dallas heads on the road for a three-game trip beginning Saturday in Washington against the woeful Wizards. The Mavs make the quick turnaround on Sunday north of the border to battle the Raptors.

3) L.A. Lakers (38-19, 25-31-1, 23-34)

Season Recap: It was a long plane ride home for the two-time defending champs after getting tripped up by the lowly Cavs as 11-point road favorites, 104-99. Phil Jackson's squad started the season at 13-2 SU and 9-6 ATS, but has fallen on hard times from a pointspread standpoint. The Lakers are 16-25-1 ATS since Thanksgiving, including SU losses in this span to the Clippers, Kings, Bucks, and Pacers. Over the last 20 home games, the Lakers have cashed the 'under' 14 times, while going 7-13 ATS.

Weekly Outlook: With the All-Star Game being played at Staples Center, the Lakers (except for Kobe Bryant) can relax the next few days prior to a Tuesday home contest against the Hawks. Los Angeles heads up the West Coast to Portland on Wednesday, followed by a home meeting with the Clippers on Friday. The week wraps up at Oklahoma City against the surging Thunder on Sunday.

4) Oklahoma City (35-19, 27-27, 33-21)

Season Recap: The Thunder began the season as pointspread poison by failing to cover seven of their first nine games. OKC responded with five consecutive SU/ATS victories, one of three SU/ATS winning streaks of at least four games. The 'over' hit like fire in 12 of the first 13 games with Kevin Durant healthy, as last year's scoring champion missed two early November games. Despite leading the Northwest, Oklahoma City backers have been struck down recently with a 5-9 ATS run.

Weekly Outlook: It's going to be a challenging week for the Thunder, with the only non-playoff team on the slate being the Clippers at home on Tuesday. Oklahoma City heads to San Antonio on Wednesday, as the Thunder are 6-4 ATS with no rest. The Thunder travels to Orlando on Friday, while the week finishes up at home on Sunday against the Lakers.

5) Portland (32-24, 28-25-3, 26-29-1)

Season Recap: One team flying under the radar in the Western Conference is the Blazers, who concluded the first half with six straight wins. Brandon Roy has missed 33 games with a knee injury, while Marcus Camby has been out since late January after knee surgery. The Blazers own a 7-10 ATS mark as a road underdog, but Portland has pulled off home 'dog victories over Orlando, Chicago, and San Antonio.

Weekly Outlook: Portland continues a five-game homestand with a visit from the Lakers on Wednesday, looking to avenge a 121-96 blowout loss in early November. The Blazers host the Nuggets on Friday, the third straight game against a team with no rest. The Hawks invade the Rose Garden on Sunday as Atlanta plays the fourth game of their West Coast swing.

6) New Orleans (33-25, 27-30-1, 21-37)

Season Recap: It's tough to figure out the Hornets as this team won 10 straight games in January. However, New Orleans has dropped nine of 11 since that hot streak, including road setbacks at Golden State and Portland. Monty Williams' team isn't exactly helping backers by going 1-10 ATS the last 11 games, the worst run in the league. The Hornets have compiled an 8-2 ATS record as a road 'dog against teams off a loss, as there are eight potential opportunities to back New Orleans in the second half (3/2 at NY, 3/4 at Mem, 3/7 at Chi in the next two weeks).

Weekly Outlook: The schedule eases up after the break for the Hornets, who host the unrested Clippers on Wednesday. New Orleans heads to Minnesota on Friday, looking to avenge a pair of losses to the Wolves. The week ends back in the Big Easy on Sunday when the Hornets hook up with the Rockets.

7) Denver (32-25, 24-30-3, 30-26-1)

Season Recap: The clock on Carmelo Anthony's time with the Nuggets continues to tick with the February 24 trading deadline approaching. Denver dropped a pair of games at Memphis and Houston before holding off Milwaukee in a 94-87 triumph. The Nuggets finished the first half on a 4-7 SU/ATS run, while allowing at least 100 points in 16 of the last 18 games ('Over' hitting at a 12-6 clip). Denver is 2-5 SU/ATS on the road with no rest off a loss, with four opportunities coming up in the final two months.

Weekly Outlook: Four of the next five games for the Nuggets take place at the Pepsi Center, starting with a Tuesday visit from the Grizzlies. Denver hosts Boston on Thursday, as Anthony missed a 105-89 loss at TD Garden on December 8. The Nuggets travel to the Pacific Northwest on Friday to battle the Blazers, as the home team has won each of the first three meetings this season.

8) Utah (31-26, 25-31-1, 29-28)

Season Recap: Since the resignation of Jerry Sloan, the Jazz are winless, while losing four of the last five games. Over the last month, Utah is 4-13 SU and 5-12 ATS as the Jazz fell to the Suns and Warriors. To make matters worse, the Jazz have covered just three of the last 14 games at Energy Solutions Arena, including a five-game ATS skid at home. Utah has struggled to score as a home favorite off a loss, compiling a 9-2 'under' record.

Weekly Outlook: Utah tries to improve on a 2-7 SU mark the last nine games as the Jazz embark on a three-game road trip that begins in Dallas on Wednesday. The Jazz travels to Indiana on Friday, followed by a visit to the Palace to take on the Pistons, as Detroit plays its fourth game in five nights.

9) Memphis (31-26, 35-21-1, 27-30)

Season Recap: The Grizzlies are riding high with a four-game winning streak after knocking off the Nuggets and Sixers at home. The good news is that guard O.J. Mayo returned from a 10-game suspension against Philadelphia. The bad news is that dynamic forward Rudy Gay is out four weeks with a shoulder injury suffered in the first half of the win over the Sixers. The key for Memphis' surge is the 16-5 ATS record as a road underdog, including a 13-2 ATS run since the start of December. Playing as a home favorite, the Grizzlies are 11-2 SU and 9-4 ATS the last 13 games.

Weekly Outlook: Memphis is loaded with four games that start with a back-to-back set at Denver (Tuesday) and Minnesota (Wednesday). The Grizzlies return home to host Sacramento on Saturday, as the Kings play their fourth game in five nights. Memphis wraps up the week in San Antonio on Sunday, the first of a home-and-home against the league's top team.

10) Phoenix (27-27, 23-29-2, 27-27)

Season Recap: The Suns aren't dead yet in the Western Conference playoff race by capturing seven of their last 10 games. Since a 3-8 SU and 4-7 ATS start after acquiring Vince Carter, the Suns are rolling with a 12-6 SU and 11-5 ATS mark over the last five weeks. Phoenix owns a profitable 9-6-1 ATS record on the highway since November 22, including outright wins at Oklahoma City, New York, and Utah.

Weekly Outlook: Phoenix wraps up a four-game homestand against Atlanta on Wednesday, looking to beat the Hawks for a second time this season. The Suns hit the highway for a crucial six-game road swing that begins in Toronto on Friday. Phoenix heads to Indiana on Sunday, as Alvin Gentry's club is 5-2 ATS the last seven games away from the Valley.

11) Golden State (26-29, 29-25-1, 25-30)

Season Recap: The Warriors weren't expected to be much of a factor in the Western Conference when the season began, but Keith Smart's club has won seven of nine to creep closer to the .500 mark. Golden State's has held six of those opponents to 100 points or less, resulting in eight 'unders.' Playing as a favorite at Oracle Arena has helped the Warriors, who have cashed 10 of the last 15 times when laying points at home. Things haven't worked out so well as home 'dogs, going 3-6 ATS and 2-7 SU.

Weekly Outlook: The Warriors will be tested with a pair of home games against Eastern Conference powers when the Celtics (Tuesday) and Hawks (Friday) invade the Bay. Golden State hits the highway for seven games on Sunday, as the trip begins in Minnesota with the Warriors trying to beat the Wolves for the third time this season.

12) Houston (26-31, 28-27-2, 29-28)

Season Recap: A 4-12 start buried the Rockets early in the difficult Southwest Division, while Yao Ming played only five games before getting shut down for the season. Houston bounced back with an 11-4 run to get above the .500 mark in late December. Things went backwards again by dropping seven of eight to begin January, but Houston finished the first half on a 9-8 spurt. The Rockets turned into road warriors starting in mid-December by going 10-4-1 ATS on the highway, while beating Boston, Atlanta, and Denver in this stretch.

Weekly Outlook: Houston takes the court four times this week with three very winnable games out of the gate. The Rockets head to Detroit (Tuesday) and Cleveland (Wednesday) for a back-to-back, followed by a home game against the unrested Nets on Saturday. Houston turns around on Sunday for a trip to New Orleans, looking to knock off the Hornets for the first time in three tries.

13) L.A. Clippers (21-35, 27-28-1, 29-26-1)

Season Recap: The Clips have made plenty of strides from a relevancy standpoint with the emergence of Blake Griffin this season. The top pick from two seasons ago is carrying this Clips' squad, while making the highlight dunks all season long. Vinny Del Negro's team overcame a 1-13 start by going on an 11-4 run from mid-December through mid-January, including a nine-game home winning streak. Los Angeles is 7-5 ATS the last 12 games at Staples Center, while going 3-9 ATS the past 12 road contests.

Weekly Outlook: The seemingly never-ending road trip continues in Oklahoma City on Tuesday, followed by a visit to New Orleans on Wednesday. The Clippers return to Staples Center for an "away" game against the Lakers on Friday, while wrapping up the week at home against the Celtics on Saturday.

14) Sacramento (13-40, 22-30-1, 27-26)

Season Recap: A surprising 3-1 start by the Kings lent some optimism to Paul Westphal's young squad. However, dropping 22 of the next 24 games shattered any dreams of a surprising run in Sacramento. Tyreke Evans' half-court buzzer beater against Memphis on December 29 sparked a 12-6 ATS run for the Kings, making them a viable play as an underdog. Unfortunately, a 1-6 finish to the first half put a damper on some momentum, even though the Kings covered four of six games on their latest homestand.

Weekly Outlook: The Kings head out east for four games, beginning with a Sunshine State swing in Miami (Tuesday) and Orlando (Wednesday). Sacramento plays another back-to-back set on Friday in Charlotte, followed by a Saturday trip to Memphis.

15) Minnesota (13-43, 24-32, 26-30)

Season Recap: The Wolves failed to cover six of their first seven games, but Minnesota cashed in 17 of their next 28 contests. Most of that damage came as road underdog, including an 11-6 ATS run when getting points on the highway. Things wrapped up with a 6-15 ATS stretch, while losing three straight home games to the Sixers, Blazers, and Clippers to finish the first half.

Weekly Outlook: Minnesota makes the short trip to Milwaukee on Tuesday, followed by a four-game homestand that debuts with Memphis invading the Target Center on Wednesday. The Wolves host the Hornets on Friday, while taking on the Warriors on Sunday, as Minnesota is 0-5 ATS the last five games at home.

[StarDust Bum]

2011 All-Star Game Starting Lineups
EAST

Dwyane Wade, SG
Heat
(2,048,175 Votes) Derrick Rose, PG
Bulls
(1,914,996) LeBron James, SF
Heat
(2,053,011) Amar'e Stoudemire, PF Knicks
(1,674,995) Dwight Howard, C
Magic
(2,099,204)



WEST

Kobe Bryant, SG
Lakers
(2,380,016 Votes) Chris Paul, PG
Hornets
(1,281,591) Carmelo Anthony, SF
Nuggets
(1,299,849) Kevin Durant, F
Thunder
(1,736,728) * Yao Ming, C
Rockets
(1,146,426)

*Replaced due to injury | Full Event Rosters
2011 All-Star Game Reserves
East
Player Team Position Ht. PPG
Rajon Rondo Celtics PG 6-1 171
Ray Allen Celtics SF 6-5 205
Joe Johnson Hawks SG 6-7 240
Paul Pierce Celtics SF 6-7 235
Kevin Garnett Celtics PF 6-11 253
Chris Bosh Heat PF 6-11 235
Al Horford Hawks C 6-10 245
-- - - - -
Head Coach: Doc Rivers, Celtics
* Replaced due to injury
West
Player Team Position Ht. PPG
R. Westbrook Thunder PG 6-3 187
Manu Ginobili Spurs SG 6-6 205
Deron Williams Jazz PG 6-3 209
Tim Duncan Spurs PF 6-11 255
Dirk Nowitzki Mavericks PF 7-0 245
Blake Griffin Clippers PF 6-10 251
Pau Gasol Lakers PF 7-0 250
Kevin Love Timberwolves PF 6-10 260
Head Coach: Gregg Popovich, Spurs
* Replaced due to injury

[StarDust Bum]

NBA

Sunday, February 20Game Score Status Pick Amount

Eastern Conference - 8:00 PM ET Western Conference +2 500
Western Conference - Over 269.5 500



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NHL

Sunday, February 20Game Score Status Pick Amount

Philadelphia - 12:30 PM ET Philadelphia -119 500
NY Rangers - Over 5.5 500

Washington - 12:30 PM ET Washington +105 500
Buffalo - Over 5.5 500

Detroit - 12:30 PM ET Minnesota +125 500
Minnesota - Over 5.5 500

Pittsburgh - 3:30 PM ET Pittsburgh +158 500
Chicago - Under 5.5 500

Montreal - 6:00 PM ET Calgary -143 500
Calgary - Over 5 500



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NCAAB

Sunday, February 20Game Score Status Pick Amount

Florida - 1:00 PM ET Louisiana State +10.5 500
Louisiana State - Under 123 500

Ohio St. - 1:00 PM ET Ohio St. +1 500
Purdue - Over 137 500

Cleveland St. - 1:00 PM ET Old Dominion -6 500
Old Dominion - Over 125 500

St. Bonaventure - 3:00 PM ET St. Bonaventure +9.5 500
Richmond - Under 137 500

South Alabama - 3:00 PM ET Denver -10 500
Denver - Over 126.5 500

Clemson - 3:30 PM ET Clemson +1 500
Miami - Florida - Over 131.5 500

St. Joseph's - 4:00 PM ET St. Joseph's +15.5 500
Temple - Under 131 500

N.C. State - 5:30 PM ET Maryland -10.5 500
Maryland - Over 144 500

Penn St. - 6:00 PM ET Wisconsin -11.5 500
Wisconsin - Under 119 500

Georgia Tech - 7:45 PM ET Georgia Tech +21 500
Duke - Under 144 500

UCLA - 10:00 PM ET UCLA +0 500
California - Under 143.5 500

[StarDust Bum]

Purdue favored by 1 over Ohio State
B

OHIO STATE BUCKEYES (25-1, 12-1 in Big Ten)

at PURDUE BOILERMAKERS (21-5, 10-3 in Big Ten)


Tip-off: Sunday, 1:00 p.m. EDT
Line: Purdue -1, Total: 136.5

No. 11 Purdue looks to inch closer to Big Ten-leading Ohio State when it hosts the Buckeyes on Sunday afternoon.

The Boilermakers trail Ohio State by two games in the conference standings and have already lost to OSU, 87-64, in Columbus on Jan. 25. But Sunday's meeting takes place at Mackey Arena, where Purdue is 14-0 this season and owns a 15-game overall win streak. This contest features two of the best big men in the league -- and in the nation -- in the Boilers' JaJuan Johnson (20.7 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 50.0 FG%) and the Buckeyes' Jared Sullinger (17.8 PPG, 10.0 RPG, 56.4 FG%). Johnson, who is scoring 22.8 PPG over the past 10 contests, and E'Twaun Moore (17.9 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 3.0 APG, 40.1% three-pointers) have combined for an average of 38.6 PPG. Purdue won its third straight decision with a 70-62 victory over Wisconsin on Wednesday, as Johnson led the way with 20 points, 10 rebounds and four blocks, while Moore chipped in with 19 and Lewis Jackson (7.6 PPG) added a season-high 18. The Boilermakers lead the Big Ten with 73.1 PPG in league play, and have scored at least 76 points 13 times this season. They've won 37 straight games when scoring 70 or more points.

No. 2 Ohio State is second nationally in scoring margin (20.0 PPG), third in field-goal percentage (49.5%) and sixth in scoring defense (57.8 PPG). Sullinger has scored in double digits in 24 of 26 games, including 15 straight contests. But he was held to just 11 points on 3-of-8 shooting, his lowest scoring output since December, in a 71-61 victory over Michigan State on Tuesday. William Buford (14.2 PPG, 44.8% three-pointers) has reached double figures in six straight games, including a 23-point effort against the Spartans, his second straight 20-point game. Buford is Ohio State's top scorer versus Purdue with 15.3 PPG in six matchups. He had 19 points, while Sullinger added 17, in the Buckeyes' victory last month over the Boilermakers. In that game, Ohio State jumped out a 20-point halftime lead and shot 55.2% FG (32-of-58) for the game and 11-of-19 on three-pointers (57.9%).

Purdue is 53-24 versus Ohio State in West Lafayette, but the Buckeyes have won two of the past three overall meetings versus the Boilermakers. OSU defeated Purdue at Mackey Arena last season, 70-66, outscoring the Boilers 41-25 in the second half. The Buckeyes are 19-5 ATS (79%) in the series since 1997, including a dominating 9-2 ATS advantage at Purdue. OSU has extra motivation to win this game, as it will surely be No. 1 in the nation with Kansas and Texas both losing this week. The pick here is Ohio State and these three FoxSheets trends also side with the Buckeyes to leave town with a big win.

Matta is 18-5 ATS (78.3%, +12.5 Units) after 2 straight games where they attempted 50 or less shots as the coach of OHIO STATE. The average score was OHIO STATE 69.4, OPPONENT 59.6 - (Rating = 3*).

OHIO STATE is 16-4 ATS (80.0%, +11.6 Units) after a game where they made 78% of their free throws or better over the last 3 seasons. The average score was OHIO STATE 70.0, OPPONENT 62.2 - (Rating = 2*).

OHIO STATE is 15-6 ATS (71.4%, +8.4 Units) versus excellent teams - shooting >=45% with a defense of <=42% over the last 2 seasons. The average score was OHIO STATE 74.3, OPPONENT 64.4 - (Rating = 1*).

This highly-rated FoxSheets coaching trend favors the Under on Sunday.

Thad Matta is 10-1 UNDER (+8.9 Units) after 2 straight games committing 8 or less turnovers as the coach of OHIO STATE. The average score was OHIO STATE 68.3, OPPONENT 57.0 - (Rating = 3*).

[StarDust Bum]

Total set at 267 for NBA All-Star Game


NBA ALL-STAR GAME
Tip-off: Sunday, 8:00 p.m. EDT
Line: Even, Total: 267
Basketball’s biggest exhibition game tips off in Hollywood on Sunday night, as the NBA’s best meet at the Staples Center for the All-Star Game.

This is the sixth time in seven seasons that the All-Star Game has been hosted by a Western Conference city (the 2007 game was held in Las Vegas, which has no team). The conferences have alternated victories each of the past five years, with the East winning in Arlington, Texas last season.

It’s the fifth time that L.A. has hosted the game, and the second time it’s been held at the Staples Center. In 2004, the West won 136-132 with hometown star Shaquille O’Neal taking MVP honors.

Normally, the players will defer to the hometown heroes, and the West has the game’s brightest star in Kobe Bryant. But Bryant and the Lakers hit a nasty bump in the road at the end of their seven-game East Coast swing, losing by double-digits in Orlando and Charlotte before a stunning upset loss against lowly Cleveland. Bryant shot a horrible 38.7% from the field and 21.4% from three in those losses.

Also representing L.A. on Sunday will be Lakers big man Pau Gasol and Clippers rookie Blake Griffin. Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich will lead the West.

The joke around the Eastern Conference squad is that Celtics head coach Doc Rivers will hold back rival Heat players, including LeBron James and reigning All-Star game MVP Dwyane Wade.

There have been 325 inter-conference games this regular season, with the Western Conference winning 57.5% of those match-ups. The All-Star teams combined for 280 points last year, but fell short of Sunday’s 267 total each of the two previous years (265 in ’09, 262 in ’08).

For long spurts, the NBA All-Star game often looks like a glorified pick-up game, and I think the fates (and the players, and the refs) will be on Kobe’s side on Sunday. He has a chance to tie Bob Pettit with a record fourth All-Star game MVP, and I think he’ll do it while leading the West to a victory.