The Bum's Thursday's Best Bets MLB - NBA !

[StarDust Bum]

OK Gang of all days to not to post cuz i came home late from work............your going to hate seeing this.....I got home late and couldn't post this..............


Date WLT Pct Net Units Record

04/25/12 10-*0-*0 100.00% +*5000

Daily Pick record for 04/25/2012

Sport Game Score Pick Amount Result Units

NBA Charlotte 95 Charlotte +13.5 500 WON +500
Orlando 102 Over 186.5 500 WON +500

NBA Washington 96 Washington +2 500 WON +500
Cleveland 85 Under 196.5 500 WON +500

NBA L.A. Clippers 93 New York -2.5 500 WON +500
New York 99 Under 192.5 500 WON +500

NBA Philadelphia 90 Philadelphia +6.5 500 WON +500
Milwaukee 85 Under 197 500 WON +500

NBA San Antonio 110 San Antonio +2.5 500 WON +500
Phoenix 106 Over 207.5 500 WON +500

[StarDust Bum]

Red Sox And White Sox Open Series in Chicago

A little more than 10 percent of the 2012 schedule is in the books as baseball heads towards its fourth weekend of action. Thursday's MLB odds card includes eight games, seven of which wrap up series and one that will begin a 4-game set.

We'll look at that series opener in a bit, but first focus on the series-ender in New York between the Mets and Miami Marlins. First pitch at Citi Field for this getaway contest is at 1:10 p.m. (ET) and features a mound matchup between Miami righty Ricky Nolasco and New York southpaw Jonathon Niese.

The Mets opened proceedings with a 2-1 victory on Tuesday as small home pups (+115). Johan Santana and Josh Johnson delivered on the promise of a fine pitching duel, each hurling into the seventh and allowing just a run on three hits before turning things over to their respective bullpens. New York's win followed Monday's doubleheader defeat to the Giants; the loss was Miami's third straight and dropped the Fish into a tie for fourth in the NL East with the Philadelphia Phillies.

Game 2 was still pending at press with the Marlins -125 behind veteran lefty Mark Buehrle. RA Dickey was on the hill for New York with a 7-run total.

Both the Mets and Marlins have started the 2012 campaign a bit offensively challenged, something we expected to see from New York but not from Miami. The Mets ranked 26th in the majors averaging 3.41 runs per game heading into Wednesday's clash, while the Marlins were just a bit higher in 21st (3.62 RPG).

Former Met Jose Reyes is off to a dismal start at the top of Miami's order, batting just .215 with an unacceptable .278 on-base mark. The biggest underachievers in Ozzie Guillen's lineup are RF Giancarlo Stanton and 1B Gaby Sanchez, hitting just .236 between them with nary a long ball.

Nolasco hasn't really had an 'A' game in any of this three starts, but neither Guillen nor Miami backers will argue with the results as the Marlins have won all three. The last two assignments have been against the Astros and Cubs, not exactly formidable lineups, and Nolasco was charged with five earned runs in the 10-1/3 combined innings of work.

New York came out on top in both of Nolasco's starts vs. the Metropolitans a year ago, but the Marlins were 3-1 in his four 2010 assignments against their NL East rivals.

Injuries are starting to mount for the Mets, the latest two players to hit the disabled list being starting pitcher Mike Pelfrey and LF Jason Bay. Pelfrey could be done for the season with a partial ligament tear in his right elbow. Bay fractured a rib trying to make a diving catch in the opener of Monday's twinbill vs. San Francisco, and no timetable has been established for his return.

Niese started off pitching the Mets to wins over Atlanta and Philadelphia, each time as the underdog, before taking the 4-3 loss last Friday at home to Barry Zito and the Giants. New York was laying -140 in that contest with Niese tossing six and allowing three of San Fran's runs. This will be his first go at the Marlins since April 2011, and the Mets are 2-4 in his previous six tries vs. Miami.

Humber Opens Double Sox Series In Chicago
The one game on Thursday that doesn't end a series will take place in Chicago between a pair of mismatched Sox as Boston comes to the Windy City to face the Pale Hose. The South Side crowd will be welcoming back hero Philip Humber who makes his first start since tossing the 21st perfect game in major league history last Saturday in Seattle.

Boston will send left-hander Felix Doubront to the mound for the 8:10 p.m. (ET) start at US Cellular Field. Both teams were winding up road series on Wednesday, with the White Sox -130 chalk for their matinee in Oakland and the Red Sox -120 in their contest under the lights in Minnesota.

Doubront has yet to pick up a decision in three starts, and could be 3-0 with a little luck. He worked five innings each of his first two times out, with Boston scoring after he departed to win both of those games at Toronto and home against Tampa Bay. The Venezuelan left his outing vs. the Yankees last Saturday with a 9-1 lead through six innings, and looked to be a lock for the dubya until New York tallied seven runs in both the seventh and eighth frames to pull off the 15-9 shocker after trailing nine-zip.

This will be his career cherry vs. the White Sox who are just 2-3 this season when facing southpaw starters.

Humber left the ChiSox earlier this week to head home to Chicago to be with his wife who was expecting to deliver a child on Tuesday. His only two assignments vs. Boston came last season with the results split, a win in Beantown and a loss at home. Combined, Humber pitched 12-1/3 innings while allowing eight earned runs.

Chicago has been a thorn in Boston's side the past two seasons, winning 10 of the 13 played since the beginning of the 2010 schedule. The White Sox are 7-4 at home the past three seasons.

[StarDust Bum]

Mavericks & Hawks Top Final Day Of Season

When Thursday’s two late games, being played, er, 'tanked' in Golden State and Sacramento conclude, this crazy, lockout-shortened NBA regular season will officially be over!

The scheduling could not be described as anything less than hectic and exhausting. Due to lack of rest and playing several games over a short span of days, the overall level of play suffered more often than not. Injuries began to take their toll towards the end of the season and will play a huge roll in who advances out of the first playoff rounds.

With 13 games on Thursday’s final card, I will humbly attempt to scribe worthwhile comments on three games starting with Dallas in Atlanta where the Mavericks are jockeying for seeding and the Hawks need to win to secure home-court advantage vs. the Celtics in Round 1.

Dallas severely miscalculated how the absence of Tyson Chandler would affect the defending champ’s play this season. Atlanta has closed the season strong winning seven of its last 10 (6-4 ATS) but the run of eight straight games going 'over' the posted should entice bettors to the window. 'Over' again Thursday night in Atlanta is the pick.

San Antonio and Chicago each play on back-to-back nights beginning Wednesday. Both teams have locked up the No. 1 seed in their respective conferences. Both teams would like nothing more than to secure the best overall record in the NBA, which would guarantee the home-court edge in the NBA Finals.

Don’t expect either team to pile minutes on their starters with the playoffs right around the corner, but don’t think for a minute these teams will not be trying to win out.

The Spurs travel to Oakland to face the Golden State Warriors. Due to the flawed NBA lottery system and the way needy teams tank games down the stretch, attempting to manipulate that very same NBA lottery system, Golden State will lose this game, period. San Antonio reserves will easily and finally put the Warriors out of their misery. Back the Spurs in this spot.

Chicago wraps up its season vs. a Cavaliers team they have blown out twice this season by an average of 30 points, with both games played in Cleveland. Cavs rookie sensation Kyrie Irving is expected to miss the season finale in Chicago. Irving’s contribution to the Cavaliers' limited success this season has been substantial, leading the team in scoring (18.8) and assists (5.5).

From a betting perspective, Cleveland is a woeful 3-13 straight up but a surprising 8-5 ATS in games Irving has missed this season.

Chicago learned to play, and win, without their scoring leader as well. Derrick Rose has been plagued all season by various injuries with the latest ailment being described as a strained foot. In the Bulls' last 20 games; Rose has only appeared in four. During that stretch, Chicago is 13-7 straight up and 10-9-1 against the spread.

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Armadillo's Write-Up

Thursday, April 26

Hot pitchers
-- Nolasco is 2-0, 3.93 in three starts this season. Niese is 2-0, 3.20 in his three outings this season.

-- Humber pitched a perfect game at Seattle in his last start.

Cold pitchers
-- Bailey is 1-2, 5.30 in three starts this season. Giants lost both times Vogelsong started (0-1, 3.38).
-- Padres are 0-4 when Volquez starts (0-2, 4.70). EJackson is 1-1, 4.26 in three starts this season.

-- Mendoza is 0-2, 9.69 in three starts this season. Tomlin is 1-1, 3.46 in two starts this season.
-- Porcello allowed nine runs while getting three outs in his last start. Noesi is 1-2, 9.49 in three starts this season.
-- Williams has a 7.72 RA in two starts this season. Moore is 0-1, 5.12 in his three starts this season.
-- Matusz is 0-3, 9.20 in three starts this season. Hutchison allowed five runs in 5.1 IP in his first MLB start, but he won.
-- Doubrant is 0-0, 3.94 in three starts this season.

Hot teams
-- Reds won five of their last six games.
-- Mets won their last two games, allowing two runs.
-- Nationals won their last four games, allowing five runs.

-- Indians won eight of their last eleven games.
-- Mariners won last two games, scoring 16 runs.
-- Orioles won their last three games, allowing three runs.
-- Tampa Bay won seven of its eight home games.
-- Red Sox won their last three games, scoring 24 runs.

Cold teams
-- Giants lost their last four games, outscored 13-4.
-- Miami lost its last six road games.
-- Padres lost six of their last eight games.

-- Royals lost their 12 of last 13 games.
-- Detroit lost five of its last six games.
-- Toronto lost its last two games, scoring one run.
-- Angels lost six of their last seven road games.
-- White Sox lost four of their last five home games.

Totals
-- Five of last seven Cincinnati games went over the total.
-- Under is 7-2-1 in games at Citi Field this season.
-- Six of last nine San Diego home games stayed under.

-- Six of last seven Cleveland games stayed under the total.
-- Under is 10-4-1 in last fifteen Detroit games.
-- Under is 5-1-1 in Angels' last seven games.
-- Over is 9-4-1 in last fourteen Toronto games.
-- Four of last five Boston road games went over the total.

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up

Thursday, April 26

Keep in mind, the NBA season ends tonight; losing teams are looking forward to the season ending. Winning teams have an eye on the playoffs this weekend.

Hot Teams
-- Hawks covered seven of their last nine games.
-- Chicago won/covered four of its last five home games. Cavaliers are 5-3 vs spread in last eight road games.
-- Hornets won eight of their last twelve games.
-- 76ers won/covered their last four games, all on the road.
-- Memphis won its last ten home games (5-4 vs spread) they win here and they get home court in first round of playoffs.
-- Knicks won/covered four of their last five games.
-- Washington won/covered its last five games.
-- Celtics are 9-2-1 vs spread in their last dozen home games.
-- Nuggets won five of their last six games.
-- Jazz won last five home games, covered three of last four.
-- Lakers won six of their last eight games.
-- Spurs won/covered last nine games; they won last night in Phoenix without three starters and their coach.

Cold Teams
-- Mavericks lost their last three road games.
-- Rockets lost seven of their last eight games.
-- Pistons lost five of their last seven games.
-- Orlando lost four of its last five road games.
-- Bobcats lost their last 22 games (6-16 vs spread).
-- Miami is 3-5 in its last eight away games.
-- Bucks lost six of their last nine games.
-- Toronto is 4-8 vs spread in its last twelve home games. Nets lost their last five games (1-4 vs spread).
-- Minnesota lost its last seven home games (1-6 vs spread).
-- Blazers lost their last six games (2-4 vs spread).
-- Kings failed to cover their last five games as a home dog.
-- Golden State lost seven of its last eight games.

Wear-and-Tear
-- Mavericks: Last 4 nites off. Hawks: 3rd game/5 nites.
-- Cavaliers: 4th game/5 nites. Bulls: 2nd in row after three off.
-- Hornets: 3rd game/5 nites. Rockets: Last three nites off.
-- 76ers: 7th game/11 nites. Pistons: Last two nites off.
-- Magic: 4th game/6 nites. Grizzlies: Last two nites off.
-- Knicks: 2nd in row after two off. Bobcats: 4th game/5 nites.
-- Heat: 10th game/15 nites. Wizards: 3rd game/4 nites.
-- Bucks: 3rd game/4 nites. Celtics: 2nd game/6 nites.
-- Nets: Last two nites off. Raptors: Last two nites off.
-- Nuggets: 2nd in row after two off. T'wolves: Last three nites off.
-- Blazers: Last two nites off. Jazz: 2nd game/5 nites.
-- Lakers: Last three nites off. Kings: 3rd game/5 nites.
-- Spurs: 8th game/11 nites. Warriors: 5th game/7 nites.

Totals
-- Over is 3-1-1 in last five Dallas road games.
-- Last three Cleveland road games went over the total.
-- Three of last four New Orleans games went over total.
-- Five of last six Philly games went over the total.
-- Four of last five Orlando games went over the total.
-- Six of last nine New York road games went over the total.
-- Four of last five Miami road games stayed under total.
-- Last five Milwaukee road games went over the total.
-- Last four New Jersey road games stayed under the total.
-- Six of last seven Denver games stayed under the total.
-- Seven of last nine Portland road games went over the total.
-- Over is 10-2 in Lakers' last dozen road games.
-- Last five Golden State games stayed under the total.

Back-to-Back
-- Cavaliers are 3-5 vs spread on road if they played at home the night before. Chicago is 2-5-1 vs spread at home if they played the nite before at home.
-- 76ers are 5-3 vs spread if they won the night before.
-- Magic is 3-6 vs spread on road if they won the night before.
-- Knicks are 6-2 vs spread on road if they played at home night before. Charlotte is 2-6 vs spread at home if they played the night before.
-- Wizards are 3-0 vs spread at home if they won the night before.
-- Milwaukee is 3-5 vs spread on road if they played night before.
-- Denver is 3-0-1 vs spread if playing second nite in row on road.
-- Spurs are 4-9-1 vs spread on road if they played night before.

[StarDust Bum]

Date WLT Pct Net Units Record

04/25/12 15-*17-*0 46.88% -*1485 Detail
04/24/12 13-*17-*0 43.33% -*2500 Detail
04/23/12 5-*15-*0 25.00% -*5555 Detail
04/22/12 12-*12-*0 50.00% -*380 Detail
04/21/12 21-*11-*0 65.63% +*4910 Detail
04/20/12 15-*11-*1 57.69% +*1380 Detail
04/19/12 17-*6-*1 73.91% +*5910 Detail
04/18/12 16-*14-*0 53.33% +*1125 Detail
04/17/12 16-*13-*1 55.17% +*445 Detail
04/16/12 11-*8-*1 57.89% +*1135 Detail
04/15/12 15-*15-*0 50.00% -*605 Detail
04/14/12 17-*11-*2 60.71% +*3405 Detail
04/13/12 13-*17-*0 43.33% -*2560 Detail
04/12/12 9-*8-*1 52.94% +*20 Detail
04/11/12 16-*14-*0 53.33% +*1145 Detail
04/10/12 13-*7-*1 65.00% +*2885 Detail
04/09/12 13-*10-*0 56.52% +*1880 Detail
04/08/12 13-*14-*0 48.15% -*640 Detail
04/07/12 15-*14-*0 51.72% -*440 Detail
04/06/12 3-*6-*1 33.33% -*1775 Detail

Totals 268-*240-*9 52.76% +8300

Thursday, April 26

Game Score Status Pick Amount

Kansas City 0 Bot 0 Cleveland -155 500
Cleveland 0 Under 8.5 500

San Francisco - 12:35 PM ET San Francisco +111 500
Cincinnati - Under 8 500

Seattle - 1:05 PM ET Seattle +191 500
Detroit - Under 9 500

LA Angels - 1:10 PM ET Tampa Bay -152 500
Tampa Bay - Over 8.5 500

Miami - 1:10 PM ET NY Mets -108 500
NY Mets - Over 7.5 500

Toronto - 7:05 PM ET Toronto -116 500
Baltimore - Over 9 500

Boston - 8:10 PM ET Boston +104 500
Chi. White Sox - Under 8 500

Washington - 10:05 PM ET Washington -110 500
San Diego - Under 6.5 500

[Kaptain]

get those last 3 in for us BUM

[StarDust Bum]

Date WLT Pct Net Units Record

04/25/12 10-*0-*0 100.00% +*5000 Detail

04/24/12 6-*4-*0 60.00% +*800 Detail
04/23/12 6-*6-*0 50.00% -*300 Detail
04/22/12 10-*8-*0 55.56% +*600 Detail
04/21/12 12-*3-*1 80.00% +*4350 Detail
04/20/12 5-*7-*0 41.67% -*1350 Detail
04/19/12 8-*2-*0 80.00% +*2900 Detail
04/18/12 17-*11-*0 60.71% +*2450 Detail
04/17/12 4-*6-*0 40.00% -*1300 Detail
04/16/12 11-*11-*0 50.00% -*550 Detail
04/15/12 6-*12-*0 33.33% -*3600 Detail
04/14/12 6-*8-*0 42.86% -*1400 Detail
04/13/12 8-*16-*0 33.33% -*4800 Detail
04/12/12 3-*7-*0 30.00% -*2350 Detail
04/11/12 13-*9-*0 59.09% +*1550 Detail
04/10/12 6-*6-*0 50.00% -*300 Detail
04/09/12 8-*12-*0 40.00% -*2600 Detail
04/08/12 4-*9-*1 30.77% -*2950 Detail
04/07/12 11-*7-*0 61.11% +*1650 Detail
04/06/12 14-*8-*0 63.64% +*2600 Detail
04/05/12 0-*3-*1 0.00% -*1650 Detail
04/04/12 7-*6-*1 53.85% +*200 Detail
04/03/12 8-*8-*0 50.00% -*400 Detail
04/02/12 6-*4-*0 60.00% +*800 Detail
04/01/12 4-*12-*0 25.00% -*4600 Detail

Totals 193-*185-*4 51.06% -*5250

Thursday, April 26

Game Score Status Pick Amount

New Jersey - 7:00 PM ET Toronto -7.5 500
Toronto - Under 183.5 500

Philadelphia - 8:00 PM ET Philadelphia +9 500
Detroit - Under 184 500

Milwaukee - 8:00 PM ET Boston -9.5 500
Boston - Under 190.5 500

Miami - 8:00 PM ET Washington -7 500
Washington - Under 185 500

New York - 8:00 PM ET New York -5 500
Charlotte - Over 190.5 500

Dallas - 8:00 PM ET Atlanta -5 500
Atlanta - Under 194 500

Cleveland - 8:00 PM ET Chicago -15 500
Chicago - Under 185.5 500

Orlando - 8:00 PM ET Orlando + 14.5 500
Memphis - Under 187 500

New Orleans - 8:00 PM ET New Orleans +5 500
Houston - Over 189 500

Denver - 8:00 PM ET Denver -8 500
Minnesota - Under 208.5 500

Portland - 8:00 PM ET Utah -6 500
Utah - Under 197 500

L.A. Lakers - 10:30 PM ET Sacramento -6 500
Sacramento - Under 204 500

San Antonio - 10:30 PM ET San Antonio -5 500
Golden State - Under 207 500

[StarDust Bum]

Spurs play final tune-up Thursday in Oakland


SAN ANTONIO SPURS (49-16)

at GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS (23-42)


Tip-off: Thursday, 10:35 p.m. ET
Line: San Antonio -6, Total: 206½

With the top spot in the Western Conference clinched, the Spurs will probably take it easy again in their regular season finale when they visit Golden State.

San Antonio, winners of nine straight, has been strategically resting their aging stars all season, and Thursday should be no different since they have nothing to play for. Will the Spurs continue their win streak in Thursday’s season finale? For the answer, connect to the NBA Three-at-Three Pass for ATS picks covering all the marquee NBA games each day. The NBA Pass is a superb 39-23-1 ATS (63%) in April.

Once the playoffs begin, check out NBA Playoffs Best Bets for all the Expert picks.

The Spurs won in Phoenix on Wednesday, 110-106, playing essentially their second unit (Phoenix also played Steve Nash just 17 minutes). PF Tim Duncan (15.4 PPG, 9.0 RPG), PG Tony Parker (18.3 PPG, 7.7 APG) and SG Manu Ginobili (12.9 PPG) all sat out, and SG Danny Green (9.2 PPG, 43.3% from three) and SF Kawhi Leonard (7.9 PPG) played just 17 minutes apiece.

PG Patty Mills (8.7 PPG) led the way with 27 points, and C Tiago Splitter (9.4 PPG on 62.2% FG, 5.2 RPG) added 26 on 10-for-13 FG in just 20 minutes off the bench. C DeJuan Blair (9.3 PPG on 53.4% FG, 5.4 RPG) also added 10 points and eight rebounds. This rare four-star FoxSheets trend expects the Spurs to finish the season strong:

Play On - Favorites of 3.5 to 9.5 points (SAN ANTONIO) - an excellent offensive team (>=102 PPG) against a poor defensive team (98-102 PPG), after a combined score of 205 points or more 4 straight games. (42-12 since 1996.) (77.8%, +28.8 units. Rating = 4*).

Golden State nearly had a win on Tuesday, leading by five in New Orleans with less than two minutes left, but managed to give up a game-ending 7-0 run. With PF David Lee (20.1 PPG, 9.6 RPG) and PG Stephen Curry (14.7 PPG, 5.3 APG) out and sixth man Nate Robinson (11.2 PPG, 4.5 APG) doubtful for the season finale, SG Klay Thompson (12.4 PPG) will continue to carry the offense. Thompson is averaging 18.7 PPG over 27 games since moving into the starting lineup after Monta Ellis was traded. That included a 29-point performance against the Spurs 10 days ago. Another rookie, PG Charles Jenkins (5.6 PPG), has stepped up of late as well, averaging 15.0 PPG and 9.3 APG in four games over the past week. SG Brandon Rush (9.8 PPG) has played well during that span too, averaging 18.3 PPG on 63.3% FG and 55.0% shooting from three. The FoxSheets provide this two-star trend backing the Warriors:

Play On - Home underdogs of 3.5 to 9.5 points (GOLDEN STATE) - in a game involving two average defensive teams (43.5-45.5%), good ball handling team (<=14.5 TO's) against a poor pressure defensive team (<=14.5 TO's). (68-33 since 1996.) (67.3%, +31.7 units. Rating = 2*).

[StarDust Bum]

Bobcats try to avoid worst record ever Thursday

NEW YORK KNICKS (35-30)

at CHARLOTTE BOBCATS (7-58)


Tip-off: Thursday, 8:05 p.m. ET
Line: New York -4½, Total: 189

The Bobcats have one last chance to avoid infamy when their miserable season wraps up with a home game against New York on Thursday.

Losers of 22 in a row SU, Charlotte must win to avoid setting the new all-time mark for worst single-season winning percentage (.110, held by the 1972-73 76ers). The Knicks have nothing to play for except the No. 7 seed in the East. Can the Bobcats avoid the all-time futility mark? For the answer, connect to the NBA Three-at-Three Pass for ATS picks covering all the marquee NBA games each day. The NBA Pass is a superb 39-23-1 ATS (63%) in April.

Once the playoffs begin, check out NBA Playoffs Best Bets for all the Expert picks.

The Knicks held off the Chris Paul-less Clippers at home on Wednesday night, 99-93. C Tyson Chandler (11.3 PPG, 9.9 RPG) came back after a day off against the Hawks on Sunday to play 32 minutes on Wednesday. Though the Knicks might choose to rest him and PF Amar’e Stoudemire (17.4 PPG, 7.9 RPG), at least, in an essentially meaningless season-ending back-to-back. SF Carmelo Anthony (22.6 PPG) has also been carrying a big load since PG Jeremy Lin (14.6 PPG, 6.2 APG) went down and is also a candidate for a night off.

New York wouldn’t be completely hopeless without its stars though, especially considering the bench played well on Wednesday. SG J.R. Smith (12.2 PPG), PF Steve Novak (8.8 PPG, 47.1% from three) and SF Landry Fields (8.8 PPG) combined to score 43 points on 15-for-29 FG (51.7%) and 7-for-14 from three. The FoxSheets show this four-star trend favoring the Knicks:

CHARLOTTE is 6-23 ATS (20.7%, -19.3 Units) revenging a same season loss vs. opponent this season. The average score was CHARLOTTE 86.6, OPPONENT 103.5 - (Rating = 4*).

The Bobcats are certainly not good defensively, but their complete lack of offense is what’s made them truly abysmal. They’ve averaged 86.1 PPG on 40.9% FG during their losing streak. However, on Wednesday night they showed some signs of life in Orlando. The Bobcats scored 95 points, their most since April 7, and attacked the basket enough to get to the line 32 times. PG D.J. Augustin (11.1 PPG on 37.7% FG, 6.4 APG) had 23 points and six assists, while SG Gerald Henderson (15.0 PPG) scored 17 while going 7-for-7 from the line. PF Tyrus Thomas (5.6 PPG) came off the bench to score 13 and make 9-of-10 free throws. Henderson has been one of their few offensive bright spots of late, averaging 19.9 PPG over his past seven contests. This two-star FoxSheets trend expects the Bobcats to end the dreadful season on a high note.

Play On - Home underdogs (CHARLOTTE) - cold team - failing to cover the spread in 8 or more of their last 10 against opponent after having covered 5 or 6 of their last 7 against the spread. (65-31 since 1996.) (67.7%, +30.9 units. Rating = 2*).

[StarDust Bum]

Jazz seek 5th straight win to close season

PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS (28-37)

at UTAH JAZZ (35-30)


Tip-off: Thursday, 8:05 p.m. ET
Line: Utah -5½, Total: 196½

The Jazz try to close the regular season with a fifth straight win when it hosts the slumping Blazers in Thursday’s finale for both clubs.

The Blazers have lost eight of nine SU, including six straight, but this game means very little to the playoff-bound Jazz, who will not be going all-out to win this matchup. Can the Blazers finish the season on a high note? For the answer, connect to the NBA Three-at-Three Pass for ATS picks covering all the marquee NBA games each day. The NBA Pass is a superb 39-23-1 ATS (63%) in April.

Once the playoffs begin, check out NBA Playoffs Best Bets for all the Expert picks.

Portland has been horrible in all facets during its six-game SU skid. The Blazers have scored just 95.5 PPG on 42.5% FG, including 89.7 PPG on 38% FG in the past three defeats. Defensively, they’ve surrendered 109.2 PPG on 51% FG (45.5% threes) during the losing skid.

In Monday’s 124-89 loss in San Antonio, Portland was outshot 59.3% FG to 38.5% FG and certainly could’ve used SG Jamal Crawford (14.0 PPG, 2nd on team) and SF Nicolas Batum (13.9 PPG, 3rd on team) who will both likely miss Thursday games with knee and quad injuries, respectively. PG Raymond Felton (11.4 PPG, 6.5 APG) is also hurting with an Achilles injury, but does expect to be in uniform on Thursday night. After missing three games, Felton returned to action Monday and had 13 points and seven assists, but shot just 5-for-16 from the floor. SG Wesley Matthews (13.7 PPG) was the big scorer with a game-high 24 points, but he took 24 shots (9-of-24 FG) to get there. Matthews has scored 15+ points in each of his past seven games though, averaging 20.6 PPG on 50% threes (22-for-44). This two-star FoxSheets trend sides with the Blazers:

Play On - Road teams (PORTLAND) - after a blowout loss by 20 points or more against opponent after scoring 100 points or more 4 straight games. (52-23 since 1996.) (69.3%, +26.7 units. Rating = 2*).

Utah’s offense has been sizzling during the four-game win streak, scoring triple-digits in each contest and averaging 113.0 PPG on 47% FG (46% threes) during the surge. The Jazz own a 24-8 home record (19-12-1 ATS) this season, scoring 102.1 PPG on 47% FG at EnergySolutions Arena.

The big-man duo of C Al Jefferson (19.4 PPG, 9.7 RPG) and PF Paul Millsap (16.6 PPG, 8.8 RPG) continue to lead this club. Jefferson had 18 points and 16 rebounds in Tuesday’s playoff-clinching, 100-88 win over Phoenix, giving him four straight double-doubles (19.5 PPG, 15.5 RPG). Millsap poured in 26 points and 15 boards against the Suns, giving him 18.6 PPG and 9.1 RPG in his past eight contests. He has also destroyed Portland this season, averaging 18.7 PPG and 11.3 RPG in the three meetings, all Utah victories. PG Devin Harris (11.5 PPG, 5.0 APG) is also playing his best basketball of the season, averaging 21.0 PPG (17-of-38 threes) and 5.4 APG in the past five games. He’s also scored 16.3 PPG on 55.2% FG (6-of-13 threes) in three meetings with Portland this season. The FoxSheets provide this three-star trend backing the Jazz:

PORTLAND is 2-15 ATS (11.8%, -14.5 Units) revenging a loss where opponent scored 110 or more points over the last 3 seasons. The average score was PORTLAND 94.4, OPPONENT 103.5 - (Rating = 3*).

[StarDust Bum]

Playoff races going down to final day

MIAMI (AP) - There's one day left in the NBA's truncated regular season, and only two of the eight first-round postseason matchups opening this weekend have all the particulars decided.

Indiana has home-court over Orlando, and San Antonio has it against Utah.

Just about everything else related to the playoff bracket - plus the scoring race and Charlotte's quest to avoid becoming the NBA's worst team ever - gets decided over the course of 13 games Thursday night. Anyone want to play the Chicago Bulls or Miami Heat? Who'll host Game 1s in the Celtics-Hawks and Clippers-Grizzlies series? Will Dallas open its title defense against Oklahoma City in a Western Conference finals rematch?

When the season's final whistle blows, all those answers will be known. The first-round schedules will come out Thursday night.

``When the playoffs begin and these teams have at it, people will look back and say, `Well, they got here,''' NBA Commissioner David Stern said Wednesday. ``And we are glad they got here with a 66-game schedule rather than a 50-game schedule.''

First, a look at the conference races, starting with the East:

-Chicago is the No. 1 seed, Miami is No. 2, and those teams will face either New York or Philadelphia in the first round.

For the Knicks, a win over Charlotte would lock up a first-round meeting with the Heat, one that would surely rekindle memories of New York's upset of Miami during the 1999 playoffs, the last season shortened by labor strife.

``In my mind, we're playing the Knicks,'' Heat guard Dwyane Wade said Wednesday. ``That's the mindset I have.''

The Knicks left for Charlotte on Wednesday night after beating the Los Angeles Clippers at home, with players told to pack for a few days on the road. Not only is the opponent unknown, so is the first-round schedule, meaning the Knicks could find themselves facing a Game 1 in Chicago or Miami as early as Saturday afternoon.

``I'm ready to go on. I'm ready for the playoffs,'' Knicks center Tyson Chandler said. ``This season has been long, long enough. It's time.''

If the Knicks lose in Charlotte, that opens the door for Philadelphia to grab the No. 7 seed and a date with Miami. A Knicks loss and 76ers win in Detroit means Philadelphia would meet Miami for the second straight year in the first round. The 76ers - 1-11 against the Heat since the start of last season - are resting Andre Iguodala, Elton Brand, Lou Williams and Thaddeus Young.

No. 4 seed Boston will open against No. 5 Atlanta. But if either the Hawks win on Thursday against Dallas or if the Celtics fall in their finale against Milwaukee, it'll be Atlanta with home-court advantage, despite having the lower seed.

Orlando wrapped up No. 6 by beating Charlotte on Wednesday. The Magic went 3-1 against Indiana this season, though all those games were before center Dwight Howard was lost for the season because of back surgery. Making matters worse, the Magic saw Glen Davis leave Wednesday's game with what the team said was a sprained right ankle.

-In the West, San Antonio and Utah will meet in the 1-versus-8 series. Much like in the East, everything else remains a bit muddled.

The Spurs stayed alive in the race with Chicago for the No. 1 overall record by beating Phoenix on Wednesday night, despite sending Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker home earlier in the day to rest. The Spurs will be without them Thursday at Golden State as well. Also missing: Spurs coach Gregg Popovich, who is tending to a personal matter.

The Clippers and Memphis will play in a 4-versus-5 matchup. If the Grizzlies beat Orlando on Thursday, they'll have home-court edge against the Clippers.

No. 2 Oklahoma City may meet Denver or Dallas. If the Nuggets beat Minnesota, that will pin the defending champion Mavericks to the No. 7 seed and a series with the Thunder.

So the Dallas-Atlanta game will be big on plenty of levels, since it may have implications for not only the Mavericks and Hawks, but the Celtics, Thunder, Nuggets and Los Angeles Lakers as well.

Kobe Bryant's Lakers will be the No. 3 seed, and they'll face Denver if the Nuggets win or Mavericks lose.

-There's more on the docket than games with just playoff ramifications.

Charlotte is trying to avoid infamy.

Now losers of 22 straight after falling 102-95 at Orlando on Wednesday night, the Bobcats are 7-58 on the season. A victory over the Knicks on Thursday would lift their winning percentage for the season to .121 - still terrible, but good enough to avoid finishing behind the 1972-73 Philadelphia 76ers (9-73, .110) as the worst team in league history. Another loss, and the Bobcats' final percentage would be .106.

-Then there's the other races, of the individual variety.

Kevin Durant scored 32 points for Oklahoma City on Wednesday, ending his season at 28.03 points per game. If Bryant plays Thursday in the Lakers' finale, he would need 38 points to claim his third scoring crown. Otherwise, Durant wins his third straight title.

Most of the other stat races are wrapped up. Howard will be the league's leading rebounder for the fourth time in five years. Boston's Rajon Rondo will be tops in assists per game, and Oklahoma City's Serge Ibaka will easily claim the blocks-per-game crown.

-Finally, farewell to the ``New Jersey'' Nets. They visit Toronto on Thursday, the franchise's last game before moving to Brooklyn next season.

[StarDust Bum]

Hoop Trends - Thursday

April 26, 2012

SU TREND OF THE DAY:


The Timberwolves are 0-11 ATS (-7.9 ppg) since December 20, 2008 as a dog with at least one day of rest when their DPS was minus 15 points or less in their previous game.


OU TREND OF THE DAY:


The Bucks are 11-0 OU (11.9 ppg) since January 21, 2008 after a game at home in which their opponent stole the ball at least twelve times.


PLAYER TREND OF THE DAY:


The Rockets are 11-0 ATS (9.9 ppg) since February 26, 2010 at home with at least a day of rest after a loss in which Luis Scola played fewer than 30 minutes.


CHOICE TREND:


The Warriors are 12-0 ATS (13.8 ppg) since February 27, 2002 at home with at most one day of rest off a loss as a home dog in which they led at the end of the third quarter.


TODAY’S TRENDS:


The Grizzlies are 10-0 ATS (7.8 ppg) since March 17, 2006 at home with at least one day of rest off a win in which their leading scrorer for that game had fewer than 20 points.

The Knicks are 0-9 OU (-14.6 ppg) since March 18, 2011 with no rest after a win in which Amare Stoudemire was not the Knicks’ high scorer.