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**StarDust Bum** · 02-21-2012, 01:50 PM

Pistons Firing On All Cylinders, Face Cavs Next

The Detroit Pistons are quietly one of the hottest teams in the league, both straight up and against the spread. They visit the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday as part of a 5-game slate.

Detroit is just 11-22 SU on the season (15-17-1 ATS), but 7-2 in its last nine following a 96-81 home win over Boston on Sunday. This is a mixture of veterans and young talent, and everyone seems to be buying into what coach Lawrence Frank is selling right now.

NBA betting statistics have also changed dramatically at 9-1 ATS in the last 10, compared to 6-16-1 ATS to start the season. That makes the Pistons one of the hottest ATS teams in the league (see chart). The other two scorching squads also play Tuesday.

Cleveland (12-17 SU, 16-13 ATS) is in the midst of a 9-game homestand that has started 3-3 SU and ATS. Point guard Kyrie Irving has averaged 20.7 PPG the last three games since missing three with a concussion. However, the Cavs have still scored just 90.5 PPG the last four overall, with the ‘under’ 4-0.

Tuesday's 7:00 p.m. (ET) tip at Quicken Loans arena is the second meeting between the division rivals this season. The Cavs beat the Pistons 105-89 in Detroit on Dec. 28 as 5½-point underdogs, the third consecutive win and cover for Cleveland in the series.

TEAM ATS STREAK
Miami 6-0

Detroit 9-1

San Antonio 9-1-1

New Orleans Hornets at Indiana Pacers
7:00 p.m. (ET) on Regional Broadcasts

The Hornets (7-23 SU, 13-17 ATS) are as banged up as any team in the league, playing without Eric Gordon, Emeka Okafor and Carl Landry. They’re remarkably 3-0 SU and ATS their last three pending a tough Monday game at Oklahoma City. The ‘under’ is 3-0 in those contests, scoring 89 PPG and allowing 84.7 PPG.

The Pacers (19-12 SU, 14-17 ATS) got a much-needed 108-73 home win over Charlotte on Sunday as 10½-point favorites. It was their second-straight win, but first cover in nine games. The ‘under’ is 4-0 in their last four, although playing some anemic offenses like Charlotte, New Jersey and Cleveland has helped.

New Orleans is 3-1 SU and 4-0 ATS the last four against the Pacers, 1-1 SU and 2-0 ATS in Indiana.

Sacramento Kings at Miami Heat
7:30 p.m. (ET) on NBA-TV

Sacramento (10-21 SU, 15-16 ATS) is on a 5-game losing streak (2-3 ATS), the last four on the road as part of a 6-game trip. The Kings allow more points than any team in the league (101.4 PPG), but have improved offensively in February (98.3 PPG), albeit on a feast-or-famine basis.

Miami (25-7 SU, 17-15 ATS) is taking no prisoners lately with a 6-game winning streak, both SU and ATS. The smallest margin of victory was 12 points at home against Orlando (90-78) on Sunday. This will certainly be a double-digit spread and the Heat are 3-3 ATS in that situation this year at home.

The Kings are 0-10 ATS in their last 10 in South Beach and an incredible 2-19 ATS in the last 21 versus the Heat overall.

Philadelphia 76ers at Memphis Grizzlies
8:00 p.m. (ET) on Regional Broadcasts

The 76ers (20-12 SU, 18-13-1 ATS) lost 92-91 at Minnesota on Sunday as 1-point favorites. They’ve now lost 3-straight games and 4-straight ATS. Philly lacks a superstar with Lou Williams the leading scorer at just 15.9 PPG and scoring has been way down in February (89.7 PPG) versus January (96.2 PPG).

Memphis (18-14 SU, 15-17 ATS) has a 4-game winning streak (2-2 ATS) pending Monday at Houston. The last two home games were close wins over Golden State (104-103) and Denver (103-102), failing to cover either. Balanced scoring the last three games (104 PPG) has helped the ‘over’ go 3-0.

This is the first meeting this season. Memphis is 5-1 ATS in the last six against Philly. The ‘over’ is 4-1 in the last five.

San Antonio Spurs at Portland Trail Blazers
10:00 p.m. (ET) on NBA-TV

San Antonio (22-9 SU, 18-12-1 ATS) is on a 10-game winning streak pending Monday’s result at Utah. The last six have come on the road as part of a massive 9-game trip. The ATS mark has also been great, 9-1-1 in the last 11. Manu Ginobili (oblique) and Tiago Splitter (calf) could be out Monday and Tuesday, so Tony Parker (25.8 PPG this month) will have to keep stepping up.

The Trail Blazers (17-15 SU, 17-14-1 ATS) will be playing the second-half of a back-to-back after visiting the Lakers on Monday. They’ve been a very good home team at 12-5 SU and 11-5-1 ATS. They’re also fully healthy after getting LaMarcus Aldridge (ankle) back last game after a 2-game absence.

The Spurs won the only meeting this year in January, 99-83 as 1½-point home favorites. They’ve lost their last six games in Portland, going 1-7 ATS in the last eight there.

**StarDust Bum** · 02-21-2012, 01:52 PM

Nashville Predators At Home To Meet Canucks

Sunday’s win over the San Jose Sharks gave the Detroit Red Wings their NHL-record 23rd straight win at home. The Red Wings will be back at home to try and extend their home winning streak Thursday, but first they’ll hit the road for a one-game road trip to Chicago to take on the Blackhawks Tuesday night at 8:00 p.m. (ET). The game will be televised nationally on the NBC Sports Network.

Detroit has the best record in the Western Conference at 41-17-2, but the Red Wings are a pedestrian 15-15-1 away from home. After losing nine straight, Chicago (32-21-7) is streaking in the right direction all of a sudden, racking up three straight wins while outscoring its opponents 13-4 over that span. The Blackhawks have been a strong home team this season with a 20-6-4 record in the Windy City.

With two Top-5 offenses clashing, the ‘over’ may seem like a smart play, but all three games between these two division rivals this season have stayed ‘under’ the total with final scores of 3-2. Detroit has won each of the last two meetings in overtime after Chicago won the first one.

Two of the Western conference’s best teams will meet in Nashville Tuesday night at 8:00 p.m. (ET) when the Nashville Predators host the Vancouver Canucks. Vancouver (38-15-6) has earned points in 13 straight games with a 10-0-3 record in its last three games and is currently on a four-game winning streak. Ranking in the top six in the NHL in offense (3.2 goals per game), defense (2.3 goals against per game), power play (22.3%) and penalty kill (86.5%), Vancouver has no apparent weaknesses at this point.

Nashville (34-19-6) is just 3-5 on the moneyline (3-3-2) so far in February. The Canucks topped the Preds at home earlier this month 3-2 in a shootout.

The Eastern Conference’s top team will get a tough road test Tuesday night when the New York Rangers travel to take on the Pittsburgh Penguins at 7:00 p.m. (ET). New York (38-14-5) is 7-2-0 in the month of February and 10-2-1 in its last 13 road games. After winning eight straight to close out the month of January, Pittsburgh (33-21-5) has cooled off a bit at 4-4-1 in its last nine games. The Rangers currently lead the season series against Pittsburgh 2-1 with a win at Pittsburgh and a split in two games at home.

Plenty of games with major playoff implications will also take place Tuesday night, including the New Jersey Devils (34-20-4) at Toronto Maple Leafs at 7:00 p.m. (ET), the Philadelphia Flyers (32-19-7) at Winnipeg Jets at 7:00 p.m. (ET), and the Los Angeles Kings at Phoenix Coyotes (29-21-9) at 9:00 p.m. (ET).

The Maple Leafs (29-24-6) and Jets (29-26-6) both currently have 64 points and are fighting for the Eastern Conference’s eighth and final playoff spot.

The Kings (27-21-11) entered Monday on the outside looking in for a playoff spot, but could move into a tie with Phoenix at 67 points with a win over the Coyotes in regulation. The total has gone ‘under’ in seven of Los Angeles’s last eight games, including back-to-back 1-0 shutout losses heading into Tuesday.

**StarDust Bum** · 02-21-2012, 01:55 PM

Tuesday's Tip Sheet

February 21, 2012

North Carolina (23-4 SU, 14-12 ATS) at N.C. State (18-9 SU, 10-13 ATS)

North Carolina has been on a serious roll since it collapsed to Duke (84-85) at home on Feb. 8. The Tar Heels have won and covered three straight behind a defense that has allowed an average of 56 points per game during this stretch.

The Tar Heels have won four straight on the road in conference play, all coming by nine points or more. Tonight, they’re laying six points to N.C. State and they already notched a 19-point (74-55) victory against them on Jan. 26.

The total in the first meeting between the pair closed at 159 and it was never threatened. With the recent play of UNC’s defense, the books have tonight’s ‘over/under’ much lower (149.5).

N.C. State does have something in common with UNC, it also collapsed to Duke and it was probably worse than the ‘Heels. The Wolfpack led by as many 20 points against the Blue Devils in the second-half but couldn’t hold on in the end, losing 77-73 at Cameron last Thursday. They did cover as 10-point road underdogs.

The Wolpack had a chance to rebound from the Duke setback but they came out flat on Saturday and got beat by another ranked ACC school in Florida State, 76-62.

Can N.C. State get the formula right tonight? The venue should be jumping at RBC Center as the school will honor the 1988-89 team that featured Chris Corchiani and Tom Gugliotta, who were both ejected from Saturday’s home game against FSU for excessive behavior. Let’s see what happens tonight against UNC.

Virginia (20-6 SU, 13-8 ATS) at Virginia Tech (15-12 SU, 7-15 ATS)

This intrastate rivalry has had some tight affairs recently and the oddsmakers believe we’ll have another one tonight, listing Virginia as a two-point road favorite.

The Cavaliers will be looking to avenge a 47-45 loss to the Hokies on Jan. 22. They shot 33 percent from the floor and were just 1-of-14 from 3-point land. When Virginia scores 60 or more point this season, the team has gone 16-0.

Will the offense show up in Blacksburg tonight? In conference play, Virginia has dropped three straight on the road and is 2-4 (4-2 ATS) outside of Charlottesville.

V-Tech is off a 74-73 overtime win against Georgia Tech on Saturday. Including the win over the Yellow Jackets, the Hokies have gone 2-1 SU and 1-2 ATS in their last three, and all of the games were decided by exactly one point.

Instead of choosing a side here, the ‘under’ might be worth a look just based on the trends. Virginia (18-3) and Virginia Tech (14-9) have both leaned to the ‘under’ this season, plus the last four encounters between the pair have gone ‘under’ as well. The total is hovering between 114 and 115 points.

Kentucky (26-1 SU, 11-14 ATS) at Mississippi State (19-8 SU, 11-14 ATS)

How do you bet against Kentucky these days? The school is hands down the best in the country and they’re dominating teams on both ends of the court. The Wildcats are giving 9 ½-points on the road and that line seems too small when you realize Kentucky has won 21 of its 26 games by double digits.

In conference play on the road, Kentucky has gone 6-0 SU and 4-2 ATS. In those games, bettors might look at the outcomes against Tennessee (65-62) and Vanderbilt (69-63) as reasons to back Mississippi State tonight.

The Bulldogs have the talent to compete yet it’s hard to back a team that comes into this game with three straight losses albeit two were in overtime.

Miss State has gone 15-2 SU and 6-10 ATS at home this season. Most of the wins came against inferior opponents and the Bulldogs have only been underdogs once, which resulted in a win over Alabama (56-52) as a 1 ½-point pup.

Rather than betting on Kentucky each night, the better investment is taking the school to win this year’s championship. Right now, you can bet the Wildcats as high as 3/1 odds at some offshore outfits. The school will be favored here on out you’ll be presented with plenty of hedge and middle opportunities. Even against another contender like Syracuse, the ‘Cats will be giving six or more points on a neutral court.

New Mexico (22-4 SU, 17-5 ATS) at Colorado State (16-9 SU, 12-10 ATS)

Gamblers riding the Lobos have been seeing the cashier early and often lately. New Mexico has won and covered seven straight games and that includes back-to-back impressive victories over San Diego State (77-67) and UNLV (65-45) last week.

Tonight, New Mexico has been made a 5 ½-point road favorite at Colorado State. The Rams have been a solid investment at home, going 12-1 SU and 5-5 ATS. The lone loss occurred in mid-November to Southern Mississippi (58-79), who shot lights out from the floor.

CSU has only been a home ‘dog once this season and it defeated San Diego State 77-60 on Jan. 28.

You could look at the revenge factor here too with the Rams, since New Mexico blasted Colorado State 85-52 on Jan. 25, easily cover as an 11 ½-point home favorite.

The Mountain West Conference is expected to see three teams earn bids for the upcoming NCAA Tournament. CSU isn’t in that group but a win here would certainly help its cause. The money-line price on the Rams is plus-200 (Bet $100 to win $200).

The total opened at 134 and spiked to 135 ½ at most shops. The ‘under’ has cashed in the last four head-to-head affairs, including the first meeting this season.

**StarDust Bum** · 02-21-2012, 01:58 PM

Preview: Spurs (23-9) at Trail Blazers (17-16)

Date: February 21, 2012 10:00 PM EDT

For the second straight season, the San Antonio Spurs have a chance to win 12 straight games. In order to repeat that feat, however, they must find a way to win in Portland.

The Spurs look to extend the NBA's longest winning stretch of the season and snap a six-game road skid against the Trail Blazers on Tuesday night.

Tony Parker had 23 points with 11 assists, Tim Duncan added 20 and Richard Jefferson hit a 3-pointer with 6.5 seconds left to seal San Antonio's 11th consecutive victory, 106-102 at Utah on Monday. The Spurs (23-9), winners of 12 straight from Nov. 1-24, 2010, have won eight in a row on the road, including the first seven on a nine-game trip that ends Thursday in Denver.

The Spurs, who last won nine straight away from home Jan. 16-Feb. 12, 2006, have averaged 107.3 points in the last three games. They also continue to win the close ones, with the last four decided by seven or fewer points.

San Antonio overcame a 10-point third-quarter deficit to extend a winning streak that dates to a 101-100 overtime loss at Dallas on Jan. 29.

"Persistence,' said Duncan, averaging 16.2 points in the last 10 games. "It kind of shows the character of this team, how we've been playing over the last 10-15 games. We're really starting to turn that corner.'

San Antonio, however, has averaged 90.3 points during a six-game skid at Portland that dates to a 72-65 win April 6, 2008. It's the team's longest current losing streak to a single opponent.

Parker had 20 points and nine assists in San Antonio's 99-83 home win over the Trail Blazers on Jan. 13, but he's averaged 10.8 and 3.8 assists in the last four at Portland.

The veteran point guard has averaged 25.5 points in the last 10 games overall, including 29.0 and 11.7 assists over the last three.

"Tony's an All-Star,' coach Gregg Popovich said. "He had another magnificent game (Monday) - scoring, finding people, playing tough, being a leader. He was good.'

The Spurs continue to succeed despite playing without injured contributors Manu Ginobili (oblique) and Tiago Splitter (calf), both expected to miss two weeks.

"When you have guys that go down, I think sometimes it helps guys re-focus knowing you have less room for error,' Jefferson said. "Everybody has to contribute.'

Though the Spurs have had their problems in Portland, the Trail Blazers (17-16) have lost four of five at home since winning 11 of their first 12 at the Rose Garden. Portland snapped a four-game home skid with a 97-77 win over Atlanta on Saturday, but fell 103-92 to the Lakers in Los Angeles on Monday.

LaMarcus Aldridge and Nicolas Batum each had 18 points as the Trail Blazers were unable to overcome a 29-7 first-quarter deficit Monday. It was the lowest-scoring first quarter in club history.

"We have to have everyone ready," Aldridge said. "We all have to be ready to play our best game. (Monday) it wasn't there."

Despite his team's inconsistency, Batum has averaged 21.8 points on 51.2 percent shooting (43 of 84) in the last five games since entering the starting lineup.

Aldridge, who had 29 points at San Antonio earlier this season, has averaged 23.2 during the Trail Blazers' home winning streak in the series.

**StarDust Bum** · 02-21-2012, 01:59 PM

Preview: Pistons (11-22) at Cavaliers (12-17)

Date: February 21, 2012 7:00 PM EDT

The Detroit Pistons' improved defensive effort continues to pay off.

Detroit goes for its fourth straight victory overall and first three-game road winning streak in more than three years Tuesday night when it visits the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The Pistons are in last place in the Central Division but have won seven of nine and three straight, including two victories over Boston last week.

Detroit (11-22) is coming off a 96-81 win over the Celtics on Sunday. The Pistons shot 37.8 percent, but scored 40 points off 24 Boston turnovers.

"I was happy with our guys," coach Lawrence Frank said. "Their intensity, the ability through defense (being) able to create offensive opportunities, the deflections to active hands."

Prior to its recent run Detroit had lost seven straight while giving up an average of 102.4 points. In the last nine games, however, it has allowed 91.7 points per game.

A big effort on the glass has been key as the Pistons have held a 5.4-rebound-per-game edge in that span. Jason Maxiell, whose move into the starting lineup coincides with the turnaround, had six points and 10 boards Sunday.

"I think we've found our effort, focus and intensity," said Greg Monroe, who finished with 17 points and 10 rebounds. "Everyone on this team understands their role now, and we're all working."

Detroit also got another solid effort from Rodney Stuckey, who held Ray Allen to two first-half points. Stuckey shot just 2 of 10, but still averaged 25.0 points in four games last week.

While the Pistons are playing at their highest level of the season, Cleveland (12-17) is looking to win back-to-back games for the first time since Jan. 1 and 3.

The Cavaliers are coming off a 93-92 victory over Sacramento on Sunday. The Kings' DeMarcus Cousins scored with 2.9 seconds remaining, but Kyrie Irving was fouled with 0.4 seconds left and hit two free throws to cap a 23-point game.

"Even if they didn't call a foul, I saw the lane open up a little bit and I was going to go for a layup," Irving said. "(Tyreke Evans) fouled me. It was a unique situation."

Cleveland shot 36.0 percent - its second straight game below 40 - but held Sacramento to 37.6 percent.

The Cavaliers have gotten consecutive good performances from rookie Tristan Thompson, who recorded his first double-double with 15 points and 12 rebounds Sunday. He also had three blocks.

Thompson, who had 12 points and six boards against Miami two nights earlier, missed four games earlier this month with an ankle injury.

"I thought he played pretty good (against Miami) and I thought he started to get his confidence back," coach Byron Scott said. "I think the ankle is starting to get to a point where it's not a problem."

Cleveland beat Detroit 105-89 on Dec. 28 at the Palace, shooting a season-high 57.1 percent and putting six players in double figures. The Cavaliers have won three straight and 10 of 12 between the two.

The Pistons, who have won consecutive road games following a 1-12 start, haven't won three straight away from Auburn Hills since Jan. 19-Feb. 7, 2009.

**StarDust Bum** · 02-21-2012, 02:01 PM

Preview: Hornets (7-24) at Pacers (19-12)

Date: February 21, 2012 7:00 PM EDT

A favorable stretch against some inferior opponents has allowed the Indiana Pacers to regroup following their longest losing streak of the season.

The Pacers look for a third consecutive victory when they host the lowly New Orleans Hornets on Tuesday night.

Indiana (19-12) snapped a five-game skid with a 93-88 win over New Jersey on Thursday, then followed with a 108-73 rout of Charlotte on Sunday.

Consecutive victories over a pair of teams with a combined 14 wins has the Pacers back on track. They have a chance to make further progress with games against New Orleans (7-24) and the four-win Bobcats before this weekend's All-Star break.

Roy Hibbert had 18 points with 14 rebounds while Danny Granger and former Hornet David West each scored 14 as the Pacers went 39 of 78 from the field Sunday. The 73 points allowed were the fewest by Indiana since an 86-73 win over the Los Angeles Clippers on Nov. 25, 2010.

"I wish we could win them all like that,' Pacers coach Frank Vogel said.

That's very much possible with their two remaining games this week.

Though the Pacers have lost six of seven to the Hornets, New Orleans is last in the Western Conference and looks to bounce back after its season-high three-game winning streak was snapped with a 101-93 loss at Oklahoma City on Monday.

Tuesday's contest marks West's first game against the team he spent the previous eight seasons with before signing with Indiana in December. Though West (12.5 points, 6.8 rebounds per game) has seen his scoring and rebounding production slip because he's surrounded with more talented players like Granger and Hibbert, he's averaged 16.1 points and 7.4 boards in the last seven games.

Headed to his first All-Star game, Hibbert is averaging 16.0 points and 11.0 rebounds in the last three. Despite being held to two and three rebounds in a 94-93 home win over the Hornets on Dec. 20, 2010, Hibbert has averaged 16.0 points in three career contests versus New Orleans at Bankers Life Fieldhouse.

Indiana also could receive a boost if defensive stalwart George Hill returns Tuesday from an 11-game absence due to an ankle injury.

The Pacers are 14-5 with Hill on the court, allowing an average of 90.5 points and 41.6 percent shooting in those contests. They've given up 94.8 points per game on 44.5 percent shooting while going 5-7 without him this season.

"He's a sound basketball player," Vogel told the Pacers' official website. "He's a guy that's in his help spots all the time. He's a guy that's very good on the ball. Just his solid fundamentals defensively in transition and the halfcourt, as well, have been a factor."

Ex-Pacer Jarrett Jack had 18 points, five assists and five rebounds Monday as the Hornets fell to 2-1 on a six-game road stretch that continues after the All-Star break.

"It's a learning process for a young team like us,' said second-year guard Greivis Vasquez, who had 15 points against the Thunder. "It doesn't come overnight.'

Jack is averaging a career-high 14.9 points, but has totaled 18 on 6-of-23 shooting in three games at Indiana since he spent the 2008-09 season with the Pacers.

**StarDust Bum** · 02-21-2012, 02:04 PM

Preview: Kings (10-21) at Heat (25-7)

Date: February 21, 2012 7:30 PM EDT

MIAMI (AP) - Dwyane Wade finished his workout Monday and approached about a dozen reporters, one of the smallest media turnouts at a Miami Heat practice this season.

These days, the team with the NBA's best record almost seems like an afterthought.

"If it was packed in here right now, it would mean we were losing,' Wade said. "When we look over and see a lot of people in here, we're not playing well.'

And that certainly isn't the case.

Winners of six straight, all by at least 12 points, the Heat are in their best stretch of the season. The midpoint of the regular-season schedule awaits Tuesday when Miami (25-7) hosts Sacramento (10-21), losers of five straight. Here's one example of how wildly different things have gone for those clubs: Miami has led by at least 20 points in each of its last six games, while the Kings have only enjoyed that margin once this season - for all of 37 seconds.

If the spotlight is going to shine elsewhere these days, the Heat are fine with that arrangement.

"It's quiet as hell around here and we're doing pretty good,' forward Chris Bosh said. "But that's to be expected. And we wouldn't have it any other way. That's just the name of the game. That's the business. That's how it's always going to be. You're more of a story when you have controversy.'

Or a phenomenon.

Already in Miami - and to the team's chagrin, given that Sacramento is next on the schedule and therefore supposed to be the focus - there's no shortage of talk about Thursday night's home game against the New York Knicks, and none of that buzz is surrounding the years-old rivalry between the teams.

No, the Jeremy Lin craze is going strong, with ticket demand for Thursday rivaling what was going on during last season's NBA finals against Dallas.

So as Linsanity reigns, other NBA story lines like the Heat passing Chicago for the NBA's best record, San Antonio taking a 10-game winning streak into its game Monday night, even the looming All-Star weekend seem almost forgotten.

"We don't know if people get bored (with Miami winning) or not,' forward LeBron James said. "We just know there's a lot more going on. I guess there's other, better story lines right now going on in the league, so we can go out and just play the game and just try to do it at a high level. Let everybody else get the headlines right now and just play Miami Heat basketball.'

Miami's numbers of late, including this six-game winning streak, are flirting with absurd.

Wade has connected on at least half his shots in 10 straight games, his longest run since doing that 11 straight times as a rookie. The Heat are shooting 49.2 percent over their last six games - the second-best mark in the league since Feb. 10, 0.1 percent off Oklahoma City's pace - while holding teams to an NBA-best 39.3 percent mark from the floor over that span.

Things are going so well for Miami, neither Wade nor James have been asked to play much in fourth quarters lately.

"Getting tired of sitting down in the fourth quarter, personally,' James said Monday, the look on his face making it clear that he wasn't being entirely serious. "It's messing up my averages.'

James and Wade might not have to play much in the fourth Tuesday, either. Sacramento is 3-16 on the road - 0-4 thus far on a six-game trip - and has lost its last three against the Heat by at least 20 points.

The Kings have lost six in a row and 14 of 15 in the series, and their nine consecutive losses in South Beach have been by an average of 17.8 points.

James scored 31 points in 30 minutes in the Heat's 117-97 home win over Sacramento last Feb. 22.

James has been talked about as an MVP frontrunner for weeks already and was at the center of a huge story last week when he said he would not rule out one day maybe returning to Cleveland as a player. The Heat are sending six representatives to All-Star weekend, where the second half of the season, the chase for the 2012 championship - and the loss in the 2011 finals - are sure to be popular topics.

So when the all-about-Miami craze returns, the Heat say they'll be ready.

"We're comfortable in our world now,' Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said Monday. "There can be a lot of noise. It can be relatively minimal noise. I think we're able now to compartmentalize and focus on what's real, our team and trying to improve and trying to get ourselves ready to play at our optimal level during the playoffs. That's the only thing that matters.'

Wade almost said he's welcoming the break, both in terms of getting some late-game minutes off, and without the levels of all-the-time scrutiny that has seemed to follow the Heat since he, Bosh and James teamed up in 2010.

"It's great,' Wade said. "We're focusing on what we need to do. The only attention we're thinking about is giving each other the attention that we need as a team and making sure that everyone in here knows how they important they are to our success and what our goal is. Our goal is to be the best team in the NBA at the end of the year and not right now.'

**StarDust Bum** · 02-21-2012, 02:06 PM

Preview: 76ers (20-12) at Grizzlies (18-15)

Date: February 21, 2012 8:00 PM EDT

The Philadelphia 76ers are assured of heading into this weekend's All-Star break with the Atlantic Division lead.

It could have been a much larger advantage had they been better in close games.

Philadelphia will try to snap a season-high three-game losing streak Tuesday night when it visits the Memphis Grizzlies, who are looking to bounce back from their first loss in five games.

While 76ers coach Doug Collins is proud of his team's perseverance through a recent rough portion of its schedule, he's still concerned about his players' ability to close out games. Philadelphia (20-12) has lost seven times this season by seven points or fewer including Sunday's 92-91 defeat at Minnesota.

Kevin Love hit two game-winning free throws with 0.1 seconds left following a foul on Philadelphia forward Andre Iguodala.

"It's a shame we haven't been able to get that critical stop," said Collins, whose team holds a 4 1/2-game divisional lead over New York and Boston.

The league's best scoring defense (87.3 points per game) has helped Philadelphia win seven times by at least 20 points, but the team has come out on top just four times in games decided by fewer than 10.

"We've just got to find a way to regroup and find a way to finish these games off," forward Elton Brand said.

The 76ers are now trying to avoid dropping four in a row for the first time since a five-game skid Nov. 10-17, 2010.

The Grizzlies (18-15) were hoping to carry a five-game winning streak into this contest, but they lost 97-93 at Houston on Monday.

Memphis' four consecutive wins were all decided by 10 points or fewer, including consecutive one-point victories Friday and Saturday on tip-ins in the closing seconds.

"We played it right to the end,' coach Lionel Hollins said.

The Grizzlies, who are playing their final game before the All-Star break, go for their third consecutive victory over Philadelphia as these teams meet for the only time in 2011-12. Memphis completed its first season sweep of the 76ers since 2004-05 with a 102-91 victory at FedExForum on Feb. 15, 2011.

Mike Conley scored all 22 of his points in the second half of that game as the Grizzlies avoided a fourth straight home loss in the series.

On the downside for Memphis in that contest, Rudy Gay was lost for the rest of the season after injuring his left shoulder on a foul by Philadelphia's Evan Turner.

Gay is scoring 21.1 points per game - 2.1 more than his season average - over his last eight games, six of them Grizzlies wins.

Power forward Marreese Speights is averaging 12.5 points and 10.4 rebounds in that stretch, providing a huge lift with Zach Randolph still trying to return from a torn MCL. Speights will face his former Sixers teammates for the first time since being traded to Memphis on Jan. 4 in a three-team swap.

Speights and All-Star center Marc Gasol won't have to contend with 76ers center Spencer Hawes, who will miss his eighth straight game with a strained left Achilles'. Hawes is not expected back until after the All-Star break.

"Our offense is not the same without Spencer," Collins said following Monday's practice. "... What's happened now is the floor has shrunk on us a little bit, and we end up having to shoot a lot of jump shots."

The 76ers are averaging 88.1 points on 41.4 percent shooting over their last seven games.

**StarDust Bum** · 02-21-2012, 02:08 PM

No. 1 Kentucky travels to Starkville Tuesday

KENTUCKY WILDCATS (26-1)

at MISSISSIPPI STATE BULLDOGS (19-8)

Tip-off: Tuesday, 9:00 p.m. EDT
Line: Kentucky -8½, Total: 140½

Another school will get a chance to knock off the top team in the nation when Mississippi State plays host to No. 1 Kentucky at Humphrey Coliseum on Tuesday night.

Although the Wildcats have had trouble ATS this season overall (11-15), they have been rolling with a 6-1 ATS mark in their past seven games, including a perfect 4-0 ATS on the road. But MSU is 8-4-1 ATS in this series since 2002. Can the Wildcats cover the hefty spread on the road? For the answer, check out the College Basketball Weekday 6-Pack for picks covering all the big games in college basketball each weekday.

Kentucky has four truly elite scoring threats, all of whom can lead the team on a given night. Doron Lamb (13.8 PPG) has been particularly strong as of late with two consecutive 16-point performances and two straight 18-point performances before that. Freshman center Anthony Davis (13.9 PPG, 9.7 RPG) leads the team in scoring, however, and is a monster on the interior as the team leader in boards. He is also the best shot blocker in Division I (4.9 BPG), which has continued with 5.8 BPG over the team’s past four contests. Terrence Jones (12.3 PPG) and Michael Kidd-Gilchirst (12.0 PPG, 7.7 RPG) round out the team’s double-digit scoring threats that should give the Bulldogs fits. Also, watch out for Darius Miller (9.9 PPG) and Marquis Teague (9.6 PPG) who leads the team with 4.8 APG. This FoxSheets trend also likes the Wildcats to win big on Tuesday.

Play Against - Home teams as an underdog or pick (MISSISSIPPI STATE) - poor pressure defensive team - forcing <=14 turnovers/game, on Tuesday nights. (102-56 over the last 5 seasons.) (64.6%, +40.4 units. Rating = 2*).

Despite the recent scoring slump, the Bulldogs are a talented offensive team, averaging 72.5 PPG this season. Arnett Moultrie (16.5 PPG, 10.8 RPG) has proven to be a force on the inside with his 6-foot-11 frame, showing throughout the season he can compete with anybody. Facing a premier post defender like Davis, though, he’ll need help scoring from his teammates, such as Dee Bost (15.8 PPG, 5.0 APG). The senior point guard knocks down 2.2 threes per game and will be needed to stretch out that Kentucky defense. Beyond that duo, Rodney Hood (11.1 PPG) and Renardo Sidney (10.4 PPG) will have to step up. Sidney has been out recently with a back injury and is questionable for the game – his health could be a major factor. This FoxSheets trend also sides with the Bulldogs.

MISSISSIPPI STATE is 31-11 ATS (73.8%, +18.9 Units) vs. dominant rebounding teams - outrebounding opponents by 7+ per game since 1997. The average score was MISSISSIPPI STATE 70.9, OPPONENT 67.0 - (Rating = 2*).

**StarDust Bum** · 02-21-2012, 02:10 PM

No. 8 OSU tries to add to Illini woes on Tuesday

ILLINOIS FIGHTING ILLINI (16-11)

at OHIO STATE BUCKEYES (22-5)

Tip-off: Tuesday, 7:00 p.m. EDT
Line: Ohio State -16, Total: 128

Ice-cold Illinois is looking for its first win this month when it heads to Columbus on Tuesday to face No. 8 Ohio State.

The Illini are 0-5 (SU and ATS) in February and have lost eight of their past nine games overall (SU and ATS). The Buckeyes are also slumping, losing two of three SU and going 1-3 ATS in their past four games. When these teams met on Jan. 10 in Champaign, OSU had no answer for Brandon Paul whose 43 points propelled his team to a 79-74 victory. Although Illinois is struggling to win games, the team has lost by five points or less in five of its eight most recent defeats. And OSU hasn’t blown anybody out in February, winning its three games this month by just 6, 3 and 10 points. The pick here is ILLINOIS to win ATS.

This pair of three-star FoxSheets trends also expects the Illini to hang around in this game:

Play On - Underdogs of 10 or more points (ILLINOIS) - after being beaten by the spread by more than 18 points in their previous game, in February games. (43-13 over the last 5 seasons.) (76.8%, +28.7 units. Rating = 3*).

Play Against - Home favorites of 10 or more points (OHIO ST) - average 3PT shooting team (32-36.5%) against a poor 3PT shooting team (<=32%) after 15+ games, good ball handling team (<=14.5 TO's) against a poor pressure defensive team (<=14.5 TO's). (155-79 since 1997.) (66.2%, +68.1 units. Rating = 3*).

The Illini hit rock bottom on Saturday, losing 80-57 at Nebraska. The Cornhuskers went on a 36-4 run in that game which started in the first half and ended in the second half. Paul leads the team with 14.9 PPG, but had just two points on 1-of-7 shooting in Saturday’s loss. This broke a string of 15 straight double-figure scoring outputs, which included his 43 points (11-of-15 FG, 8-of-10 threes) versus Ohio State. The key to the Illini keeping this score close is C Meyers Leonard (12.9 PPG, 8.0 RPG). After averaging 19.0 PPG in the first two games this month, he has not been assertive on the offensive end, attempting a total of just 18 shots (10-of-18 FG) in his past three contests. His defense will also be vital in containing Buckeyes star PF Jared Sullinger. Junior guard D.J. Richardson also averages double-figures (12.1 PPG) and he led Illinois with 15 points in Saturday’s loss. This was quite an improvement from his zero points in 38 minutes versus Purdue on Wednesday.

OSU has been held to 49.5 PPG in its past two defeats, but Deshaun Thomas had no trouble scoring in Saturday’s 56-51 loss at Michigan. He pumped in 25 of his team’s 51 points and also grabbed 13 rebounds. Thomas also had a team-high 23 points (8-of-12 FG) in the loss to Illinois this season. Sullinger (17.5 PPG, 9.2 RPG) scored 21 points against the Illini on Jan. 10, but grabbed only five rebounds in 38 minutes of action. Speaking of minutes, Sullinger hasn’t gotten much rest this month, averaging nearly 37 minutes per game in five February contests. But if the Buckeyes are going to make a deep run in March, senior guard William Buford has to start playing well against quality schools. In six conference meetings with Top 25-ranked schools (Indiana, Wisconsin, Michigan St. and Michigan), Buford is averaging just 8.8 PPG on 31% FG. But on the flip side, Buford has been torching non-ranked opponents (like Illinois is) recently with 15+ points (19.6 PPG) in each of his past five such games. This includes his 15 points (7-of-18 FG) in the loss in Champaign this year.

**StarDust Bum** · 02-21-2012, 02:12 PM

Heat seek another big win over Kings Tuesday

SACRAMENTO KINGS (10-21)

at MIAMI HEAT (25-7)

Tip-off: Tuesday, 7:35 p.m. ET
Line: Miami -14, Total: 204

The Heat look to continue their dominance of Sacramento when they host the Kings on Tuesday night.

Miami has won six in a row and 14 of 15 over the Kings, SU and ATS. That includes two blowout wins over Sacramento last season, by 21 points in Sacto and 20 in South Beach. Can the Heat roll to another lopsided victory on Tuesday? To find out, connect to the NBA Three at Three Pass for ATS picks covering all the marquee NBA games each day. NBA Pass continues to roll, posting a 14-7 ATS record (67%) since Feb. 13.

This will be the fifth of Sacramento’s six-game road trip to finish up the first half. They’ve lost their first four games of the trip SU (extending their overall SU losing streak to five) but did manage to cover at Chicago (sans Derrick Rose) and at Cleveland. However, they’ve also given up 107.0 PPG on 46.1% FG over the first four games of the road trip.

The Kings recently moved 5-foot-9 rookie combo guard Isaiah Thomas (7.9 PPG) into the starting lineup. In two games, he’s averaged 18.0 PPG on 54.5% shooting, 6.0 RPG and 7.5 APG, posting a plus/minus of +12. In Cleveland on Sunday, Thomas played 43 minutes and had 23 points, eight boards and 11 assists in a 93-92 loss. It’s added more firepower to a small lineup that has PG Tyreke Evans (17.0 PPG, 5.2 APG) and SG Marcus Thornton (17.9 PPG). C DeMarcus Cousins (16.7 PPG, 11.3 RPG) has been the focal point of the offense on this road trip, averaging 22.0 PPG and 11.3 RPG over the four games. The FoxSheets provide a four-star trend siding with the Kings:

Play Against - Home favorites of 10 or more points (MIAMI) - a very good team (>=+7 PPG differential) against a terrible team (<=-7 PPG differential), after allowing 85 points or less. (27-4 since 1996.) (87.1%, +22.6 units. Rating = 4*).

After winning five straight on the road, the Heat came home and breezed past Orlando, 90-78, on Sunday. SF LeBron James (27.9 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 6.8 APG) has played at an elite level all season, and he’s averaging 25.3 PPG on 56.1% shooting, 8.0 RPG and 6.3 APG despite playing only 32.7 MPG due to the non-competiveness of their six-game win streak. But the big difference for the Heat of late has been SG Dwyane Wade (22.1 PPG, 4.6 APG) getting back to 100 percent. Wade is averaging 22.3 PPG on 57.1% shooting in limited minutes (27.0 MPG) in his past six contests. During their six-game winning streak, James has an average plus/minus of +21.8 and Wade is at +17.7. The FoxSheets have a trend working against the Kings:

SACRAMENTO is 4-20 ATS (-18.0 Units) in road games after 2 straight losses by 6 points or less since 1996. The average score was SACRAMENTO 97.5, OPPONENT 111.5 - (Rating = 2*).

**StarDust Bum** · 02-21-2012, 02:24 PM

NCAAB
Armadillo's Write-Up

Tuesday, February 21

#89 UMass lost last two games, with LaSalle loss their first home loss this season; Minutemen allowed 72+ points in four of last five games. Xavier won four of its last five games, with three of the four wins by 4 or less points; Musketeers are now 3-3 on A-14 road, losing at LaSalle-Dayton-Temple- they're 3-8 in their last 11 games against teams ranked in top 100. Atlantic 14 home teams are 8-6 vs spread when number is 2 or less points. Xavier is 0-3-2 vs spread as an A-14 road favorite.

Georgia Tech (+9) lost 64-62 at Clemson Jan 21, despite Tech's Rice Jr scoring 19 points in 26 minutes off bench, but Rice Jr is suspended for this game; Tech had 22 turnovers that nite (-9). ACC home underdogs of 5 or less points are 3-6 against the spread. Tech lost three games in row, by 9-9-1 point- they're 1-9 in last 10 games overall, 1-3 as a home dog. Clemson lost five of six ACC road games, with four of five losses by 4 or less points. Tigers covered their last two games as a favorite.

Missouri's first loss of season was 75-59 at Kansas State (-1.5) Jan 7, when Tigers shot 32.7% from floor and trailed 44-25 at half. Tigers won last seven games overall, are 6-1 as Big X home favorite, winning home games by 38-11-19-13-3-15-18 points. Big X single digit home favorites are 13-10 against the spread. K-State is 1-3 as road underdog, losing its conference road games by 18-9-2-11 points (3-4 SU). Wildcats are 3-4 in last seven games, with three of four losses by 6 or less points.

Georgetown won seven of last nine games, but is just 4-3 on road, losing last three road games vs top 100 teams. #47 Seton Hall is 5-2 at home in Big East, losing to Notre Dame/Louisville, winning its last two, against Pitt/St John's. Pirates won three of last four games overall, covering all four. Big East home teams are 15-17 against the spread if the number is 3 or less points. Seton Hall lost its last five games vs top 50 teams- their last five wins are against teams ranked #96 or lower.

Michigan won its last three games, allowing 52.7 ppg, with upset win over Ohio State in last game; Wolverines are just 2-4 on Big Dozen road, winning at Penn State and by hoop at Purdue. Northwestern (+7.5) lost 66-64 in OT at Michigan Jan 11, holding Wolverines to 33% for night, 7-30 from arc; Wildcats won last three at home by 10-19-11 points- they covered five of last six games overall. Big Dozen home favorites of 3 or less points are 2-6 against the spread.

Miami (+9.5) lost 71-67 at Kent, Jan 11; Flashes scoring last six points of game that Miami led by 4 at half. Red Hawks lost three of last four games, losing Bracket Buster game to Tennessee State Saturday, just as Kent did to Charleston. Miami is 3-3 at home in MAC, losing by 3-8-2 points. Kent had 7-game win streak snapped Saturday; they've won last three road games, by 16-7-4 points. MAC home underdogs of 5 or less points are 8-3 against the spread.

Creighton scored 88-81 points in winning last two games, after they had lost previous three games; Bluejays (-5.5) got upset 65-57 at Evansville two weeks ago. Purple Aces held Bluejays to 40.4% from floor, 4-22 on arc, while turning ball over only nine times (+7). MVC home favorites of 8+ points are 15-9 against the spread. Evansville is 7-0 against spread as an MVC underdog, 5-0 on road, losing five of its eight away games by 2-2-12-1-24 points. Creighton won tough game vs Long Beach Saturday.

Green Bay (+10) lost 78-68 at Cleveland State Jan 20, despite Vikings turning ball over 21 times (-8); UWGB won five of last seven games, is 6-1-1 vs spread as a Horizon home dog, 6-2 SU at home, losing only to Detroit by 7, Milwaukee by 6. Horizon home teams are 15-10 vs spread when number is 3 or less points. Cleveland State lost its last four games, scoring less than 50 points in three of the four; Vikings are 6-2 on road in conference play, losing only at Valparaiso/Milwaukee.

Maryland (+10) lost 90-86 in double OT at Miami Feb 1, in wild game where Hurricanes blew 16-point lead, had three players foul out, but it was Maryland coach Turgeon who was ejected for getting two technical fouls. Miami is 5-0-1 vs spread on ACC road, 3-3 SU with win at Duke; they're 4-3 as ACC favorites, 2-0 on road. ACC home teams are 6-10 vs spread if number is less than 5 points. Maryland is 4-2 in its ACC home games, losing only to Duke/North Carolina.

NC State (+13) lost 74-55 at North Carolina Jan 26, shooting 37% from floor in its 11th straight loss to Tar Heels. Wolfpack are just 3-3 in their ACC home games, despite being favored in all six games- they covered their other two games as an ACC dog, other than the loss in Chapel Hill. ACC home underdogs of 6+ points are 10-4 against the spread. Carolina won/covered its last three games since blowing late lead to Duke-- Heels are 4-1 on ACC road, with wins by 14-15-9-9 points (2-3 as AF).

Virginia Tech (+8) won 47-45 at Virginia Jan 22, as Cavaliers shot 33% from floor, 1-14 from arc; UVa outscored Hokies 14-4 from foul line; it wasn't enough. Virginia lost its last three road games, scoring average of 55-52-48 points. ACC home teams are 6-10 vs spread if number is less than 5 points. Hokies won their last three home games by total of four points- only one of their last five games overall was won by more than a basket. Virginia is 6-0 when it scores 60+, 1-5 when it doesn't.

Mississippi State is talented but erratic; they've lost last three games, by 2-2-10 points, and were favored in all three games, but they've covered five of six when an underdog this season, winning SU at Vandy, losing by hoop to Miss State, beating Arizona/Texas A&M on neutral floors. Kentucky is 12-0 in SEC, covering six of last seven games; they're 4-2 as an SEC road favorite, winning away games by 15-3-13-24-34-6 points. SEC home underdogs of 4+ points are 5-11 against the spread.

Colorado State (+11.5) got crushed 85-52 at New Mexico Jan 25, after Lobos had just lost to Aztecs/UNLV; now they face New Mexico after they've beaten those two teams and at home, where Rams are 5-0 so far in conference play. Home side is 8-2 vs spread in State's MWC games. MWC home underdogs are 8-6 against the spread. Rams shot 37% and turned ball over 20 times in first meeting, mkaing just 3-14 from the arc; they won Saturday with leading scorer Eikmeyer scoring only 4 points.

**StarDust Bum** · 02-21-2012, 02:27 PM

NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up

Tuesday, February 21

Hot Teams
-- Hornets won three of last four games, covering all four.
-- Pistons won seven of last nine games (8-1 vs spread).
-- Miami won/covered its last six games.
-- Grizzlies won four of their last five home games.
-- Spurs won their last 11 games (9-2 vs spread).

Cold Teams
-- Indiana covered one of its last six home games.
-- Cavaliers are 0-6 (0-4-2 vs spread) in game following last six wins.
-- Kings lost their last five road games, but covered six of last eight.
-- 76ers lost last three games, by 16-7-1 point.
-- Portland lost four of its last five home games.

Wear and Tear
-- Hornets: 2nd nite in row, after two off. Pacers: 2nd/5 nites.
-- Pistons: 3rd game/5 nites. Cavaliers: 3rd game/5 nites.
-- Kings: 3rd game/5 nites. Heat: 3rd game/5 nites.
-- 76ers: 3rd game/5 nites. Grizzlies: 6th game/8 nites.
-- Spurs: 3rd game/4 nites. Trailblazers: 6th game/8 nites.

Totals
-- Last four Indiana games stayed under the total.
-- Five of last seven Detroit games went over the total. Cavaliers' last four games stayed under.
-- Under is 13-4 in Sacramento's last 17 road games.
-- Last four Memphis games went over the total.
-- Five of last six San Antonio games went over total.

**StarDust Bum** · 02-21-2012, 02:31 PM

NHL
Armadillo's Write-Up

Tuesday, February 21

Hot teams
-- Devils won their last five road games.
-- Pittsburgh won six of its last seven home games. Rangers won four of their last five road games.
-- Islanders won six of their last eight road games.
-- Winnipeg won its last three games, outscoring foes 13-6.
-- Ducks won four of their last five games. Tampa Bay won six of its last nine home games.
-- Nashville won seven of its last eight home games. Canucks won six of their last seven road games.
-- Detroit won its last six games, allowing 10 goals (all at home). Blackhawks won their last three games, allowing four goals.
-- Flames won three of their last four games.
-- Coyotes won their last five home games.

Cold teams
-- Toronto lost five of its last six games.
-- Sabres lost four of their last five games.
-- Philadelphia lost six of its last eight games.
-- Sharks lost eight of their last nine road games. Blue Jackets lost three of their last four games.
-- Montreal lost five of its last seven home games. Dallas Stars lost five of their last six games overall.
-- Edmonton lost five of its last six games.
-- Kings lost four of last five games, last two by 1-0 scores.

Totals
-- Under is 4-1-1 in last six New Jersey games.
-- Four of last five Pittsburgh games went over the total.
-- Last three Islander games went over the total.
-- Flyers' last eight games all went over the total.
-- Seven of last ten San Jose games went over the total.
-- 11 of last 13 Anaheim road games stayed under the total.
-- Three of last four Montreal games went over the total.
-- Over is 3-0-1 in Vancouver's last four road games.
-- Four of last five Detroit games stayed under the total.
-- Under is 3-1-1 in last five Calgary home games. Seven of Edmonton's last eight games went over.
-- 10 of last 11 Los Angeles games stayed under the total.

Series records
-- Devils won three of their last four games against Toronto.
-- Rangers won four of their last five games against Pittsburgh.
-- Islanders won six of their last eight games against Buffalo.
-- Jets won six in row, 10 of last 11 games against Philadelphia.
-- Sharks won last four games with Columbus, outscoring them 13-4.
-- Ducks won their last three games against Tampa Bay.
-- Home side won four of last five Dallas-Montreal games.
-- Canucks won seven of last ten games against Nashville.
-- Red Wings won three of last four games against Chicago.
-- Flames won nine in row, 16 of last 17 games against Edmonton.
-- Kings won five of last seven games against Phoenix.

Back-to-Back
-- Islanders are 3-1 on the road if they played day/night before.

Announcement

The Bum's Tuesday's Best Bets NCAAB - NBA - NHL ....College Hoops 7 - 1 Yester

The Bum's Tuesday's Best Bets NCAAB - NBA - NHL ....College Hoops 7 - 1 Yester

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