The Bum's Monday's NBA-NHL Best Bets !

[StarDust Bum]

Ok Guys and Gals The Last Two Day's a bout with the flu had kicked my butt....I thought i had escaped this winter FLU BUG.....But it got to me and put me down so its back to getting some winners......Good luck to you this evening all.......

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Celtics Begin Road Trip In Los Angeles

Two former NBA championship teams looking to make moves before Thursday’s trade deadline will square off on Sunday in a nationally televised ABC matchup when the Boston Celtics visit the Los Angeles Lakers at 3:30 p.m. (ET).

While most basketball fans will be eagerly anticipating the unveiling of the NCAA tournament brackets on Selection Sunday and the real start of March Madness, the Celtics (21-18) and Lakers (24-16) are simply hoping to build off wins on Friday and improve their playoff seeding for April.

Boston bounced back from its worst loss of the season on the road against the Atlantic Division-leading Philadelphia 76ers (24-17) on Wednesday, 103-71, with one of its best wins at home two days later, routing the Portland Trail Blazers in a 104-86 victory that was not even that close. The team jumped out to a 60-23 lead on the Blazers (19-21), scoring 32 of the first 38 points in the second quarter before letting their reserves play the entire fourth.

The Celtics have been playing inspired lately despite the fact that point guard Rajon Rondo has been the subject of trade rumors, winning six of seven after tying a season high with a five-game losing streak. The ‘over’ is 5-1 in their last six games as they have topped the century mark in scoring four times during that stretch.

The Lakers will be happy to be back home at Staples Center, where they have won seven in a row, capped by a 93-83 win over the Miami Heat (30-9) last Sunday on national TV. They closed a rough three-game road trip on a positive note with a 105-102 victory against the Minnesota Timberwolves (21-20) following consecutive brutal losses to the Detroit Pistons (14-26) and Washington Wizards (9-29), who rallied back from a 21-point deficit in a 106-101 win on Wednesday.

Los Angeles has been abysmal away from home this season with a 7-14 record straight up and 6-15 mark against the spread. The Lakers have been as good at home as they have been bad on the road though, going 17-2 SU and 13-6 ATS. They are looking to add some backcourt help and have been mentioned as a potential suitor for Rondo, who is averaging 11.5 points and 11.3 assists in the last six games, including a pair of triple doubles.

After facing the Lakers, Boston will play its second straight game in LA on Monday against the Clippers (23-15), which will be televised on ESPN at 10:30 p.m. Like the Lakers, the Clippers will be back home at Staples Center following a long road trip that saw them go 3-3.

The highlight for the Clips was a 120-108 victory against the San Antonio Spurs (26-13) on Friday, the team’s first on the road in the series in a decade. They will be coming off a home game against the Golden State Warriors (15-21) at 9:30 p.m. on Sunday and are virtually tied with the Lakers for the lead in the Pacific.

Another key matchup on Sunday features the 76ers visiting the New York Knicks (18-22) in a clash of two teams battling for the Atlantic Division title. The game will tip off at noon and be televised on NBA-TV. Philadelphia has won two straight games at home after losing two in a row to Central foes, and is coming off a 104-91 victory against the Utah Jazz (19-20) on Friday. The Sixers are just 8-9 on the road compared to 16-8 at home.

New York has lost some of since luster since the height of the Jeremy Lin craze, returning home following a disappointing 0-4 road trip that saw them fail to cover the spread in each game. However, Lin has not been the problem, as the second-year player out of Harvard averaged 17 points and seven assists in those losses.

The Knicks have won the last three meetings with Philly and covered the past four, and they will have to hit the road again Monday for a nationally televised game against the Chicago Bulls (33-9) at 8:00 p.m. on ESPN. The Eastern Conference-leading Bulls will be coming off a home game against the Jazz on Saturday after seeing their eight-game winning streak end with a 99-94 home loss Thursday to the Orlando Magic.

Chicago All-Star forward Luol Deng is still dealing with a painful wrist injury that could sideline him again for a few games. He has a torn ligament that caused him to miss seven games earlier this year and will likely require surgery in the offseason. The Bulls are 4-3 without Deng in the lineup, going 3-4 ATS, including a 105-102 victory at New York in the last meeting on February 2.

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Hoop Trends - Monday

March 12, 2012

SU TREND OF THE DAY:

The Hornets are 0-11 ATS (-10.9 ppg) since April 08, 2009 at home with at most one day of rest after a win in which they scored less than 15% of their points from the free throw line.

OU TREND OF THE DAY:

The Suns are 0-10 OU (-18.3 ppg) since December 31, 2010 with at most one day of rest after a game at home in which they scored less than 15% of their points from the free throw line.

PLAYER TREND OF THE DAY:

The Timberwolves are 0-9 ATS (-5.6 ppg) since November 19, 2010 as a dog after losing the previous matchup on the road in which Kevin Love was the Timberwolves’ high scorer.

TODAY’S TRENDS:

The Clippers are 9-0 ATS (4.6 ppg) since January 29, 2011 at home after a loss in which Blake Griffin had a double double.The Suns are 9-0-2 ATS (6.0 ppg) since March 04, 2011 after winning the previous matchup in which Steve Nash had at least 10 assists.

CHOICE TREND:

The Wizards are 0-12 OU (-11.5 ppg) since January 02, 2010 after a double digit loss in which their field goal attempt per turnover ratio was at least eight.

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Preview: Bucks (17-24) at Nets (14-28)

Date: March 12, 2012 7:30 PM EDT

A big week by Ersan Ilyasova has given the short-handed Milwaukee Bucks a lift.

If his last visit to New Jersey was any indication, Ilyasova could be in for another big night Monday.

Ilyasova will try to help the Bucks win their 10th straight against the host Nets, who could be without Deron Williams.

Despite being seven games below .500, Milwaukee (17-24) is within one game of New York for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. The Bucks (17-24) have won three of four, with the lone defeat in that span coming by two points to NBA-leading Chicago.

Ilyasova had 31 points and 12 rebounds in a 105-99 win over Toronto on Sunday - one point shy of the career high he set Wednesday in the loss to the Bulls.

The Turkish forward has averaged 29.7 points and 8.3 rebounds in his last three games, and played a career-high 44 minutes in Sunday's victory with the Bucks down to 10 healthy players.

"We were short-handed and I couldn't really get him a blow,' coach Scott Skiles said. "I had to keep him out there. He did what he's been doing all year. He made his jumper, made his shots around the basket, he was on the boards. Another productive night for him.'

Ilyasova had one of his most impressive nights against the Nets on Feb. 19, finishing with 29 points and a career-high 25 rebounds in Milwaukee's 92-85 road victory - its ninth consecutive win in this series.

If the Bucks are to make it 10 straight over the Nets, they'll probably have to do it without Shaun Livingston (sprained left ankle) and Luc Richard Mbah a Moute (right knee), who did not play Sunday after getting injured in Friday's win over New York. Skiles said neither Mbah a Moute nor Livingston is expected back Monday.

Stephen Jackson has been sidelined by a sore right hamstring since Feb. 19.

Although Skiles has been pleased with how Ilyasova has stepped up, Brandon Jennings - Milwaukee's leading scorer with 18.9 points per game - has been held to 11 in two of his last three contests. He shot 4 of 14 Sunday.

While the Bucks know they'll be undermanned again, the Nets (14-28) hope Williams can return after missing a 112-106 loss to Houston on Saturday due to a strained right calf. He was expected to be re-evaluated Monday and is listed as day to day.

New Jersey had won its previous two, but Gerald Green inadvertently tipped in Houston's go-ahead shot with 63 seconds left and the Nets went scoreless over the final minute.

Despite missing their leading scorer, New Jersey shot 53.1 percent and produced its most points since January. Green finished with 26 points and Marshon Brooks added 23.

"Our guys really played hard," coach Avery Johnson said. "To get six guys in double figures and shoot 53 percent from the field, that's good. It's just that our defense wasn't very good."

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Preview: Bobcats (5-34) at Hornets (10-31)

Date: March 12, 2012 8:00 PM EDT

The New Orleans Hornets haven't had the chance to experience too many winning streaks during their difficult season.

The Hornets, though, have an excellent shot at one when they host the woeful Charlotte Bobcats on Monday night.

New Orleans (10-31) has won two or more in a row only twice this season, but has the chance for one of those rare streaks following a 95-89 victory in Minnesota on Saturday.

The Hornets had 28 assists - their second-highest total this season - while snapping a four-game skid. Chris Kaman led the way with 20 points - New Orleans is 5-0 when he hits that number - while Jarrett Jack had 17 points and a team-high seven assists.

"We're in no position to look at any win as anything other than a jewel,' coach Monty Williams said. "To come out and win on the road after a back-to-back says a lot about our young guys. We needed it, but we need them all."

Williams' team will try to sustain that momentum against the Bobcats (5-34), owners of the league's the worst record and losers of three in a row.

Charlotte suffered its first two defeats during that skid by single digits before a 122-95 drubbing at Oklahoma City on Saturday.

Looking for a positive, Bobcats coach Paul Silas pointed to a first quarter his team ended trailing by only three points. Charlotte, however, was outscored 30-15 over the next 12.

"I think if our first unit continues to play like that against most teams, that are not this good, then we will be (leading) like we were in the first quarter," Silas said.

Corey Maggette had 21 points and is averaging 23.6 over the past five games, but perhaps the most encouraging sign was D.J. Augustin's play. Augustin had a team-high 22 points, an effort the Bobcats hope is a sign of things to come after he averaged 8.8 on 33.0 percent shooting over his first 10 games back from an inflamed toe.

There's certainly plenty of room for Charlotte to improve on the road. The Bobcats have been outscored by an average of 17.3 points while going 2-19 away from home, and they've dropped their last four by an average of 26.8.

Charlotte, which hasn't faced New Orleans this season, is 1-6 in road games against that franchise and has dropped 10 of the past 13 overall matchups.

The Bobcats averaged 77.0 points in two losses to New Orleans in 2010-11, their fewest against any opponent. They scored 31 second-half points in an 89-73 loss in Louisiana on Dec. 1, 2010.

The Hornets are seeking their third win in five home games after losing 14 of their first 16, and Kaman will try to help by continuing his solid play against Charlotte. The New Orleans big man has averaged 16.0 points and 11.8 rebounds in his last four matchups with the Bobcats.

Augustin, meanwhile, has averaged 15.2 points on 53.6 percent shooting in six all-time meetings with the Hornets. Only his 15.3-point average against Cleveland is better.

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Preview: Knicks (18-23) at Bulls (34-9)

Date: March 12, 2012 8:00 PM EDT

While a five-game losing streak has quieted the New York Knicks and "Linsanity", Derrick Rose and the Chicago Bulls haven't lost a step despite injuries.

The Bulls hope to have at least one of three missing starters back when they host the Knicks on Monday night.

Chicago (34-9) owns the best record in the NBA, having won nine of 10. That success is all the more impressive considering the injuries the Bulls (34-9) have sustained.

Rose has missed 10 games this season, Luol Deng has missed eight and Richard Hamilton, expected to be a starter when he was signed in the offseason, has been limited to 16 games.

Deng (wrist), Hamilton (shoulder) and Joakim Noah (illness) all sat out Chicago's 111-97 home win over Utah on Saturday. Of the three, Noah has the greatest chance of playing Monday.

Despite missing the three starters - as well as key reserve C.J. Watson (sprained ankle) - the Bulls easily defeated the Jazz. Rose finished with 24 points and 13 assists while Kyle Korver, making his fifth start, shot 6 of 11 from 3-point range to finish with a season-high 26 points. He also had seven rebounds and six assists.

"Everybody stepped up," said Carlos Boozer, who had 27 points and eight rebounds. "We've got a group of guys that believe in each other and that no matter who's out there, we can win."

The Bulls were also without Deng and Hamilton when they defeated the Knicks 105-102 on Feb. 2 at Madison Square Garden. It's uncertain if either will be back anytime this week as Chicago opens a tough stretch with Miami visiting on Wednesday before back-to-back home games against Portland and Philadelphia.

"We try to find a new way to answer this question every day," Korver said. "I think a couple guys might come back on Monday, but if not, we'll just keep on plugging it in."

While the Bulls held on to beat New York last month behind 32 points and 13 assists from Rose, this will be their first time facing Jeremy Lin, who didn't appear in the first meeting.

Lin reinvigorated the Knicks (18-23) in early February, helping lead them to seven straight wins, but he and his teammates now find themselves in the midst of a five-game losing streak, including a 106-94 home defeat to Philadelphia on Sunday.

Carmelo Anthony scored 22 points but didn't make a field goal over the final three quarters. Lin added 14 points, but shot just 5 of 18 and had six turnovers for the Knicks, who shot 41.3 percent and trailed by as many as 21 points. They've trailed by at least 15 during each game of the losing streak.

Coach Mike D'Antoni insisted he wasn't sending a message by sitting Anthony and Amare Stoudemire the entire fourth quarter, but a lack of energy is certainly plaguing the Knicks.

New York is giving up an average of 110.6 points during its March skid, with the last three opponents combining to shoot 51.0 percent. Those numbers may not improve against the Bulls and Rose, who is averaging 27.0 points in his last seven games against New York.

The losing streak has left New York just one game ahead of Milwaukee for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

"Yeah, it's definitely not easy,' said Stoudemire, who scored 34 points against the Bulls last month. "Tough game in Chicago. A lot of games within this month against tough, competitive teams. So it's up to us as players to want to do better out there.'

Chicago is seeking its third consecutive victory in this series.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Wizards (9-30) at Spurs (26-13)

Date: March 12, 2012 8:30 PM EDT

Since wrapping up one of the best road trips in NBA history, the San Antonio Spurs have struggled at the AT&T Center.

A game against the Washington Wizards should help, especially with Tony Parker back on the court.

Coming off a disappointing loss without Parker, the Southwest Division-leading Spurs look to continue their dominance over the Wizards on Monday night.

San Antonio (26-13) went 8-1 on a trip leading into the All-Star break establishing an NBA record for wins on a nine-game trip, but it has dropped three of five upon its return. Its two wins have come over Charlotte, owner of the league's worst record, and slumping New York.

Parker had 32 points in Wednesday's 118-105 win over the Knicks, but played through a strained right quadriceps and a bothersome right calf. Gregg Popovich decided to give Parker the night off Friday against the Los Angeles Clippers, and Chris Paul and company took advantage.

Paul had 36 points and the Clippers shot 51.2 percent and made 14 of 27 3-pointers in handing the Spurs a 120-108 loss.

"We always say we're a defensive team, but there was just no way (Friday),' said Manu Ginobili, who had a team-best 22 points on 6-of-10 shooting in his third game back from a strained stomach muscle. "They beat us in every aspect.'

Popovich conceded that Parker could've played if needed, but he chose to give him some extra time off. The four-time All-Star, who averages team highs of 19.5 points and 7.9 assists, will return Monday for the Spurs, who conclude a seven-game homestand Wednesday against Orlando before hitting the road for a difficult two-game trip versus Oklahoma City and Dallas.

"We want to take care of home court and we've given some games away," said Parker, who combined for 38 points and 22 assists in last season's two wins over the Wizards. "It would be nice to finish strong."

San Antonio should be able to bounce back against Washington (9-30), which has lost four straight road games and is 3-14 away from the nation's capital.

The Spurs have won 11 straight over the Wizards by an average of 17.7 points since a 110-95 loss in Washington on Nov. 12, 2005. They've also won the last 11 meetings in San Antonio since a 99-89 loss Dec. 11, 1999.

Washington arrives in San Antonio to open a season-high six-game road trip after losing to Portland 110-99 on Saturday. The Wizards were coming off an encouraging 106-101 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday and were trying to win back-to-back games for just the second time this season. Their defense, however, failed to slow the Trail Blazers, who shot 51.3 percent.

"We couldn't get stops together when we needed to,' Wizards coach Randy Wittman said. "We've got to become more committed defensively as a group. You've got to be able in that fourth quarter to put two, three, four stops in a row together to get over that hump.'

Washington has lost eight of 10, allowing an average of 110.8 points in those defeats.

John Wall, who averages a team-best 17.4 points, scored 25 Saturday after finishing with four points on 1-of-8 shooting against the Lakers. As a rookie last season, Wall combined for 12 points on 5-of-18 shooting in the games versus San Antonio.

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Preview: Pistons (15-26) at Jazz (19-21)

Date: March 12, 2012 9:00 PM EDT

After a miserable start to this season, the Detroit Pistons have quietly moved into contention for a playoff berth. A grueling stretch over the next 19 days might determine whether they can remain competitive in that race.

Detroit will play its next 10 games in 10 different cities beginning with Monday night's visit to the Utah Jazz, who haven't lost a home game to the Pistons in nearly a decade.

Detroit (15-26) opened its first season under coach Lawrence Frank by losing 20 of 24 but has won 11 of 17 heading into Monday's game. That stretch has helped the Pistons draw within three games of eighth-place New York in the Eastern Conference.

Detroit recorded its third straight win, one shy of matching a season high, with a 105-86 victory over visiting Toronto on Saturday. After winning the first two games of its streak by a combined four points, the Pistons had six players score in double figures and shot 52.7 percent against the Raptors.

Rodney Stuckey led the way with 20 points and has averaged 22.8 on 51.9 percent shooting over the past five games.

He'll try to continue that success in the opener of a season-high, five-game trip. The Pistons return home March 23 to face Miami and head out for four more road games March 24-30.

Detroit is 3-15 on the road, where it has lost three straight.

"We've been playing really good basketball. We've got to continue to keep playing like that," Stuckey told the team's official website. "It'll be a test, but I think we're up for the challenge."

The Pistons usually haven't been ready to play in Utah, having dropped 19 of 21 there dating back to the start of the 1989-90 season. They have also lost in their last eight visits but suffered a close defeat in their previous trip to Salt Lake City on Jan. 3, 2011.

Tayshaun Prince had 26 points in that game but the Jazz had six in double figures during a 102-97 victory. One of those players was Raja Bell, who scored five points over the final minute.

Bell also scored in double figures in Detroit on Feb. 26, 2011, but couldn't prevent the Pistons from ending an 11-game skid in the series. Stuckey had 28 points and made a key steal in the final minute to lead his team to a 120-116 win.

Paul Millsap had a team-best 23 points for Utah in that game and led the way with 26 in Chicago on Saturday. However, he couldn't keep the Jazz from suffering a second straight defeat, 111-97, to end its five-game trip with a 2-3 record.

"They're just a better basketball team," Millsap said. "Their defensive philosophy, they get at it, they stick to what they do. Offensively, they set screens for each other, help each other out. Things we want to get to for the future."

Starting guard Devin Harris missed that game with a stomach virus and Bell was away for undisclosed reasons. Coach Tyrone Corbin deemed it "an internal matter" and hoped to resolve it soon.

While that gets sorted out, the Jazz (19-21) will try to make a push in the West playoff race. They'll face three sub-.500 opponents over the next four games and play three of four at home, where they're 14-6.

Utah will try to get some help from Millsap to get that stretch off to a strong start. The forward has averaged 18.7 points on 67.7 percent shooting (21 of 31) and 10.0 rebounds over the last three games against Detroit.

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Preview: Timberwolves (21-21) at Suns (19-21)

Date: March 12, 2012 10:00 PM EDT

The Minnesota Timberwolves' first game without Ricky Rubio didn't evoke much optimism.

It's not going to get any easier as the Timberwolves embark on a season-high seven-game road trip Monday night against a surging Phoenix Suns team that has won nine straight in the series.

With Rubio and All-Star Kevin Love leading the way, it appeared Minnesota (21-21) could earn its first playoff berth since 2004. It entered Friday's game against the Los Angeles Lakers tied with Houston for eighth place in the Western Conference, but its playoff hopes now appear grim.

Rubio's left knee buckled with 16 seconds remaining in the 105-102 loss to the Lakers, and a day later an MRI confirmed that the point guard tore his ACL and is done for the season. The 21-year-old was averaging 10.6 points, 8.2 assists and was third in the league with 2.2 steals per game.

With its floor leader sidelined, Minnesota's playoff push didn't get off to an encouraging start.

Hosting New Orleans on Saturday, the Timberwolves committed 17 turnovers - their most in eight games - and shot 21.7 percent from 3-point range (5 of 23) in suffering a 95-89 loss to the West's worst team.

"It's like we reverted back to a long time ago,' coach Rick Adelman said. "We're not going to get it done that way.'

Kevin Love returned after missing the Laker game because of back spasms and finished with 31 points and 16 rebounds, while Nikola Pekovic had 21 points and 11 boards, but Minnesota's new backcourt starter struggled.

Martell Webster started at shooting guard while Luke Ridnour moved from off the ball to start at the point. Ridnour finished with 14 points and 10 assists but Webster had two points on 1-of-5 shooting.

"We can't feel sorry for ourselves," said Love, who is averaging 35.3 points and 14.8 rebounds in his last four games. "We got to accept it and move on."

That could be tough with the Timberwolves on the road until returning to host Denver on March 25.

"I hate to put more pressure on us," Love said, "but this is make or break time."

Minnesota begins its trek against the Suns (19-21), whose current five-game home winning streak began with a 104-95 victory over the Timberwolves on March 1. Minnesota has been outscored by an average of 13.7 points in losing nine straight to the Suns since a 105-103 win Jan. 16, 2009, their lone victory in the last 11 meetings in Phoenix.

Last week's meeting featured the anticipated matchup between Rubio and two-time MVP Steve Nash.

The 38-year-old Nash outplayed the flashy rookie, finishing with 13 points, matching a season high with 17 assists and leading his team with eight rebounds. Another veteran paced the Suns, as 39-year-old Grant Hill scored 15 of his 20 points in the second half.

Rubio finished with 13 points and two assists, while Love had 23 points but missed 17 of 25 shots

The Suns are coming off Saturday's 98-91 win over Memphis, their fifth victory in six games. Jared Dudley scored 19 points to lead six scorers in double figures as the Suns came back from 11 down. They've faced double-digit deficits in each of their last five wins.

"I think we're adjusting as the game goes along and finding ways to get ourselves going and usually someone gives us a lift,' said Nash, who had 11 points and 15 assists.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Celtics (21-19) at Clippers (23-16)

Date: March 12, 2012 10:30 PM EDT

Struggles on the road are one reason the Boston Celtics aren't in their customary position atop the Atlantic Division.

A visit to the Los Angeles Clippers may have spelled more trouble earlier in the season, but it doesn't look so intimidating right now.

The Celtics look to rebound from their latest road defeat as they continue their eight-game road trip Monday night against a sputtering Clippers team that just lost its grip on the top spot in the Pacific.

Boston (21-19) has cruised to four straight division titles, but adding to that run is proving problematic, due partially to a 5-11 road record. That includes a dismal 1-7 stretch, during which the Celtics are averaging 82.9 points and shooting 42.8 percent from the floor.

The Celtics, who trail Philadelphia by three games in the Atlantic, fell 97-94 to the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday afternoon to open their longest road trip of the season. Paul Pierce's 3-point attempt was blocked by Kobe Bryant before Rajon Rondo missed another shot in the final second.

"They made shots down the stretch, and we didn't," said Rondo, who finished with 24 points and 10 assists. "We had some good looks at the rim, but the shots didn't fall and we couldn't get a stop the last couple of minutes. ... It's not difficult to win on the road. We're just not getting it done. We just have to close out quarters better and continue to work on our execution."

Rondo and the Celtics may find Sunday's matchup more favorable since the Clippers (23-16) have dropped four of their last six at Staples Center, including a 97-93 defeat to Golden State on Sunday night to open a season-high six-game homestand mere hours after the Lakers beat the Celtics on the same court.

That combination of results dropped the Clippers out of the Pacific Division lead, one game behind the Lakers. Now, the Clippers will try to avoid their first three-game home skid since Dec. 8-12, 2010. They had only themselves to blame Sunday after missing 16 of 35 free throws versus the Warriors.

"That's the real story of this. We beat ourselves," said guard Chris Paul, who had 23 points but went 3 of 6 from the line. "The bad part of it is how we started out. We dug ourselves our own hole. We were getting a lot of open shots, but at some point, you can't hope they miss. You've got to make yours."

Paul is shooting 59.2 percent from the floor over his last three games while averaging 27.0 points and 8.7 assists. He'll likely play a second consecutive game with a clear protective mask after suffering a nasal fracture in the first quarter of Friday's 120-108 win at San Antonio.

"It's different, but it doesn't inhibit anything," said Paul, who missed all nine of his field goal attempts and finished with four points and 15 assists in a loss to Boston with New Orleans on March 19, 2011.

Boston won last season's visit to play the Clippers on Feb. 26, 2011, getting 24 points from Paul Pierce and 22 from Ray Allen while Rondo dished out 11 assists.

Pierce has struggled over his last three road games, averaging 13.7 points while hitting just 34.2 percent from the field overall and shooting- 3 for 13 from 3-point range.

[StarDust Bum]

Bulls favored big over Knicks Monday


NEW YORK KNICKS (18-23)

at CHICAGO BULLS (34-9)


Tip-off: Monday, 8:05 p.m. ET
Line: Chicago -8½, Total: 198½

The Knicks’ nightmare March schedule continues as they travel to Chicago on Monday night.

With Sunday’s 12-point home loss to Philadelphia, the Knicks dropped to 0-5 SU and ATS so far in March. They’ve also failed to cover in their past six road games (1-5 SU). But Chicago could be without SF Luol Deng (questionable with a wrist injury). Can the Bulls still win handily over the Knicks on Monday night? For the answer, connect to the NBA Weekday Pass for ATS picks covering all the marquee NBA games each day.

The Knicks haven’t been up to the task since the difficult part of their schedule began. Since getting hammered in Miami in their last game before the All-Star break, their only win has come at home against Cleveland.

Part of it has been their inconsistency on the offensive end. After early success against various NBA bottom-feeders, PG Jeremy Lin (15.0 PPG, 6.3 APG) has averaged 15.6 PPG on 37.4% shooting, 7.4 APG and 4.1 TOPG over his past seven games. And he’s averaging 15.2 PPG on 37.7% shooting, 6.4 APG and 4.4 TOPG over his past five road contests. He’s also been repeatedly exposed defensively by top point guards.

PF Amar’e Stoudemire (17.9 PPG, 8.2 RPG) continues to disappear for stretches, following up a 27-point, 11-rebound night in Milwaukee with a nine-point, five-rebound game against the 76ers on Sunday. The key to a potential upset on Monday could be SF Carmelo Anthony (21.3 PPG on 40.1% FG), especially if Deng is out. Anthony is averaging just 18.8 PPG alongside Lin, but he’s topped 20 in each of his past three games. The FoxSheets have a trend working in their favor:

Play On - Road underdogs (NEW YORK) - extremely tired team - playing their 5th game in 7 days against opponent extremely tired team - playing 9 or more games in 14 days. (47-19 since 1996.) (71.2%, +26.1 units. Rating = 2*).

Deng’s wrist is the big concern for Chicago, as he’s the best defender on a very good defensive team. He didn’t play in Saturday’s easy home win over Utah, and early reports are that he’ll miss Monday night’s game as well.

With Deng out, the Bulls went with offense by starting SG Kyle Korver (7.9 PPG) in his place. Korver responded by scoring 26 points on 10-for-16 shooting from the field, including 6-for-11 from three. PF Carlos Boozer (15.6 PPG, 8.1 RPG) added 17 on 13-for-17 shooting, and PG Derrick Rose (22.5 PPG, 8.0 APG) had 24 points and 13 assists. Rose has torched the Knicks over the past three seasons, averaging 25.9 PPG on 51.8% shooting and 7.5 APG.

But while they could be missing Deng, Chicago is likely to have C Joakim Noah (9.9 PPG, 10.4 RPG) back in the lineup on Monday. He missed Saturday’s win over Utah because he was running a fever. One of the league’s best pick-and-roll defenders, he’ll be key in stopping Lin. The FoxSheets provide this trend backing the Bulls:

Play Against - Road underdogs of 3.5 to 9.5 points (NEW YORK) - after going over the total by 54 or more points total in their last ten games, in March games. (44-17 over the last 5 seasons.) (72.1%, +25.3 units. Rating = 2*).

[StarDust Bum]

Jazz return home to face Pistons Monday


DETROIT PISTONS (15-26)

at UTAH JAZZ (19-21)


Tip-off: Monday, 9:05 p.m. ET
Line: Utah -7½, Total: 191½

The Jazz return home from another unsuccessful road swing to host the streaking Pistons on Monday night.

But while the Jazz went just 2-3 SU and ATS and lost their past two on this recent road trip, they’ve been a much better team at home where they’re 14-6 SU and 12-7-1 ATS on the season. And while Detroit has won three in a row SU and ATS, they were all at home. Can Utah cover this moderate point spread? For the answer, connect to the NBA Weekday Pass for ATS picks covering all the marquee NBA games each day.

The Pistons just finished a successful three-game homestand, beating the Lakers, Atlanta and Toronto SU and ATS. SG Rodney Stuckey (15.5 PPG) has been absolutely on fire of late, averaging 22.8 PPG on 51.9% FG over his past five games. PF Jason Maxiell (6.2 PPG, 5.3 RPG) was big during their three-game homestand, averaging 13.7 PPG on 62.5% shooting and 9.7 RPG.

But the Pistons have struggled desperately to score on the road all season, where they’re averaging just 86.2 PPG on 41.8% FG and 29.7% shooting from three on the year. Stuckey is shooting just 38.5% from the field away from home, and SF Tayshaun Prince (12.2 PPG) is at 40.4%. Really, only C Greg Monroe (16.3 PPG, 10.0 RPG) has had consistent success outside of Michigan, where he’s averaged 17.6 PPG on 51.2% FG and 10.3 RPG. The FoxSheets have a trend backing the Pistons:

Play On - Road underdogs of 3.5 to 9.5 points (DETROIT) - poor defensive team - shooting pct defense of >=46% on the season against opponent after a game - allowing a shooting pct. of 55% or higher. (67-32 since 1996.) (67.7%, +31.8 units. Rating = 2*).

Utah’s road trip didn’t end well, with SU and ATS losses at Philadelphia and Chicago to wrap things up. The only SU wins on the five-game trip came against bottom-feeders Charlotte and Cleveland. But the last home game was a surprising win over Miami on March 2. On the year, the Jazz average 99.6 PPG at home and just 93.9 on the road.

PG Devin Harris (9.6 PPG, 4.4 APG) is expected back after missing Saturday’s loss at Chicago with the flu. That should help a frontcourt that’s played well so far this month. C Al Jefferson (18.8 PPG, 9.2 RPG) is averaging 19.5 PPG and 8.7 RPG in March while PF Paul Millsap (15.9 PPG, 8.8 RPG) has added 17.0 PPG and 7.3 RPG. PF Derrick Favors (8.1 PPG, 5.3 RPG) has come off the bench to average 9.2 PPG on 57.1% shooting from the field. The FoxSheets have a strong trend working against Detroit:

Play Against - Road underdogs of 3.5 to 9.5 points (DETROIT) - poor foul drawing team - attempting <=24 free throws/game, in March games. (92-48 over the last 5 seasons, 65.7%, +39.2 units. Rating = 2*).

[StarDust Bum]

Celtics stay in L.A. to face Clippers Monday night


BOSTON CELTICS (21-19)

at LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS (23-16)


Tip-off: Monday, 10:35 p.m. ET
Line: L.A. Clippers -5½, Total: 185

The Celtics spend a second straight game in Los Angeles when they play the Clippers on Monday night.

Boston’s road struggles continued on Sunday, as they blew a five-point lead in the final three minutes of a 97-94 loss to the Lakers. The Celtics have dropped seven of eight road games SU, though they did cover on Sunday, snapping an eight-game ATS road losing streak. The Clippers are also coming off a disappointing home loss to Golden State on Sunday. Which team will bounce back with a victory? For the answer, connect to the NBA Weekday Pass for ATS picks covering all the marquee NBA games each day.

The Celtics looked worn down heading into this past weekend, but they managed to blow out Portland at home and had Sunday’s game against the Lakers in hand until late. Their new starting five (PF Brandon Bass stepping in for the injured C Jermaine O’Neal with Kevin Garnett sliding to center) has started to gel. SG Ray Allen (14.8 PPG, 47.1% shooting from three) has averaged 19.5 PPG on 53.8% shooting and hit 7-for-15 from three over the past two games. PG Rajon Rondo (13.9 PPG, 10.0 APG) bounced back from a disappointing showing in a blowout loss at Philadelphia on Wednesday, averaging 16.0 PPG and 7.5 APG while putting up a combined plus/minus of +20 over the past two contests. Garnett (14.7 PPG, 8.2 RPG) has adjusted well to the five spot, averaging 16.6 PPG on 55.0% FG and 9.8 RPG over nine starts there.

They’ll need to get SF Paul Pierce (18.2 PPG) going after the L.A. native had a disappointing 13-point performance (4-for-14 from the field) against the Lakers on Sunday. The FoxSheets have a strong coaching trend supporting the Celtics:

Doc Rivers is 109-67 ATS (61.9%, +35.3 Units) in road games versus good ball handling teams - committing <=14 turnovers/game as the coach of BOSTON. The average score was BOSTON 96.2, OPPONENT 95.9 - (Rating = 2*).

There’s been no problem with the Clippers' headliners. Even with a nasal fracture, PG Chris Paul (20.3 PPG, 8.4 APG) followed up a 36-point performance in San Antonio with 23 on 10-for-18 shooting against the Warriors. PF Blake Griffin (21.4 PPG, 11.2 RPG) is averaging 24.0 PPG on 54.5% FG and 12.5 RPG over his past four games, including 27 and 12 against Golden State.

But the rest of the team has struggled, especially on the offensive end. SF Caron Butler (12.7 PPG) missed all six of his field goals and scored one point in the Warriors loss. He’s now averaging 6.9 PPG on 27.8% FG since the All-Star break. Sixth man Mo Williams (13.8 PPG) had 33 points and hit 7-of-9 threes in the Spurs win, but followed it up with three points on 1-for-8 shooting on Sunday night.

The only good news from the Clippers on Sunday was the fact that after sleep-walking through the first 36 minutes, they managed to wake up and outscore Golden State 29-19 in the fourth quarter. The FoxSheets have a trend working against the C’s:

Play Against - Road underdogs of 3.5 to 9.5 points (BOSTON) - poor foul drawing team - attempting <=24 free throws/game, in March games. (92-48 over the last 5 seasons, 65.7%, +39.2 units. Rating = 2*).

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up

Monday, March 12

Hot Teams
-- Bucks won three of last four games, covered six of last seven.
-- Bulls won eight of last ten home games (4-5-1 vs spread).
-- Pistons won four of their last five games. Utah won six of its last nine home games.
-- Suns won/covered seven of their last eight home games. Minnesota is 12-6 against the spread on the road this season.

Cold Teams
-- Nets are 1-6-1 vs spread in their last eight home games.
-- Knicks lost last five games (0-6 vs spread last six on road).
-- New Orleans lost eight of its last ten home games. Bobcats lost last four road games (0-4 against spread).
-- San Antonio lost four of its last seven games. Wizards lost eight of last ten games (1-3 vs spread last four on road).
-- Celtics lost seven of their last eight road games. Clippers lost four of their last six home games (1-5 vs spread).

Wear-and-Tear
-- Bucks: 3rd game/4 nites. Nets: 5th game/7 nites.
-- Knicks: 5th game/7 nites. Bulls: 6th game/9 nites.
-- Bobcats: 5th game/7 nites. Hornets: 3rd game/4 nites.
-- Wizards: 2nd game/3 nites. Spurs: Last two nites off.
-- Pistons: 3rd game/4 nites. Jazz: 3rd game/4 nites.
-- T'wolves: 3rd game/4 nites. Suns: 4th game/6 nites.
-- Celtics: 5th game/7 nites. Clippers: 3rd game/4 nites.

Totals
-- Last nine Milwaukee games went over the total.
-- Five of last six New York games went over the total.
-- Five of last seven Charlotte road games went over total.
-- Over is 5-0-1 in Washington's last six home games.
-- Seven of last eight Detroit road games went over total.
-- Five of last six Phoenix games stayed under the total.
-- Six of last seven Boston games went over the total.

Back-to-Back
-- Milwaukee is 3-9-1 vs spread if it played night before.
-- Knicks are 2-4 vs spread if they lost the day/nite before.
-- Clippers are 4-1 vs spread at home if they played the night before. Boston is 0-6 vs spread on road if it played the day/nite before.

[StarDust Bum]

NHL
Short Sheet

Monday, March 12

MONTREAL at BUFFALO, 7:05 PM ET
MONTREAL: 6-0 SU Away off BB non-conference games
BUFFALO: 0-5 SU at home if total is 5 or less

ANAHEIM at COLORADO, 9:05 PM ET NBC Sports
ANAHEIM: 1-10 SU off road loss by 3+ goals
COLORADO: 12-7 SU off 1 goal loss

SAN JOSE at EDMONTON, 9:35 PM ET
SAN JOSE: 13-3 off road loss by 3+ goals
EDMONTON: 8-23 SU off division loss

NASHVILLE at PHOENIX, 10:05 PM ET
NASHVILLE: 19-11 SU playing w/ revenge
PHOENIX: 6-15 SU at home off win by 2+ goals

** (TC) Denotes Time Change