The Bum's Oct-Nov NBA Best Bets !

[StarDust Bum]

NBA

Monday, November 5

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Pacers at Spurs: What bettors need to know
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Indiana Pacers at San Antonio Spurs (-8, 196)

The San Antonio Spurs have never started an NBA season with four consecutive victories. The Spurs look for that first 4-0 start on Monday when they host the Indiana Pacers, a team they have beaten nine straight times. Indiana has dropped 10 straight games in San Antonio, dating back to the 2001-02 season when the Spurs still called the Alamodome home. Pacers forward Danny Granger is out indefinitely with a knee injury.

Indiana recorded a 106-98 double-overtime win over the Sacramento Kings on Saturday. David West (18 points, 18 rebounds), Paul George (16 points, career-high 17 rebounds) and Roy Hibbert (12 points, 10 rebounds, six blocks) all had double-doubles as the Pacers attempt to make up for Granger’s absence. San Antonio is the lone remaining unbeaten team in the Western Conference. The Spurs venture on a four-game West Coast road trip after playing Indiana.

TV: 8:30 p.m. ET, Fox Sports Indiana, Fox Sports Southwest (San Antonio)

LINE: The Spurs have been bet down from -8 to -7.5 at some books. The total has dropped to 196 from as high as 197.

ABOUT THE PACERS (2-1, 2-1 ATS): Guard George Hill is playing through a hip pointer and had his best game of the season against Sacramento when he had 18 points, eight rebounds and five assists in nearly 45 minutes. Hill figures to be pumped up to go up against former teammate Tony Parker in his second visit to San Antonio since the club shipped him to Indiana in the 2011 draft-day trade that allowed the Spurs to land Kawhi Leonard.

ABOUT THE SPURS (3-0, 1-1-1 ATS): Veteran guard Manu Ginobili (back) played for the first time this season in Saturday’s victory over the Utah Jazz and tallied eight points in 15-plus minutes off the bench. There is no need to rush Ginobili back into the starting lineup with Danny Green playing so well. Green scored 21 points against the Jazz, hitting 8-of-9 field-goal attempts and connecting on all three 3-pointers. Green is averaging 14.3 points and shooting 58.6 percent.

TRENDS:

* Home team is 4-0 ATS in the last four meetings.
* Over is 14-5 in the last 19 meetings.
* Over is 7-3 in the last 10 meetings in San Antonio.
* Pacers are 2-6 ATS in the last eight meetings in San Antonio.

BUZZER BEATERS:

1. San Antonio won the lone meeting last season with Tim Duncan contributing 23 points and 11 rebounds in a 112-103 victory.

2. Indiana has held each of its first three opponents to under 40 percent shooting from the field.

3. Spurs forward Tim Duncan has two double-doubles and is averaging 21.0 points, 10.0 rebounds and 3.0 blocks.

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Long Sheet

Monday, November 5

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NEW YORK (2 - 0) at PHILADELPHIA (1 - 1) - 11/5/2012, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 26-12 ATS (+12.8 Units) first half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
NEW YORK is 45-28 ATS (+14.2 Units) as an underdog over the last 3 seasons.
NEW YORK is 15-5 ATS (+9.5 Units) as a road underdog of 3.5 to 6 points over the last 3 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 67-103 ATS (-46.3 Units) as a home favorite of 3.5 to 6 points since 1996.
PHILADELPHIA is 17-29 ATS (-14.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
NEW YORK is 6-2 against the spread versus PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
NEW YORK is 5-3 straight up against PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
6 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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PHOENIX (1 - 2) at MIAMI (2 - 1) - 11/5/2012, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MIAMI is 2-14 ATS (-13.4 Units) in November games over the last 3 seasons.
MIAMI is 88-122 ATS (-46.2 Units) in home games first half of the season since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
MIAMI is 2-1 against the spread versus PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
MIAMI is 3-0 straight up against PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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MINNESOTA (1 - 1) at BROOKLYN (1 - 0) - 11/5/2012, 7:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 2-1 against the spread versus BROOKLYN over the last 3 seasons
MINNESOTA is 2-1 straight up against BROOKLYN over the last 3 seasons
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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UTAH (1 - 2) at MEMPHIS (1 - 1) - 11/5/2012, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MEMPHIS is 46-23 ATS (+20.7 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MEMPHIS is 4-3 against the spread versus UTAH over the last 3 seasons
UTAH is 4-3 straight up against MEMPHIS over the last 3 seasons
5 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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PORTLAND (2 - 1) at DALLAS (2 - 1) - 11/5/2012, 8:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PORTLAND is 1-11 ATS (-11.1 Units) in road games after a win by 10 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
DALLAS is 249-191 ATS (+38.9 Units) after a non-conference game since 1996.
DALLAS is 27-14 ATS (+11.6 Units) after a win by 10 points or more over the last 3 seasons.
DALLAS is 61-38 ATS (+19.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
DALLAS is 47-29 ATS (+15.1 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
DALLAS is 7-6 against the spread versus PORTLAND over the last 3 seasons
DALLAS is 8-5 straight up against PORTLAND over the last 3 seasons
8 of 13 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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INDIANA (2 - 1) at SAN ANTONIO (3 - 0) - 11/5/2012, 8:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SAN ANTONIO is 51-28 ATS (+20.2 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 41-20 ATS (+19.0 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 114-84 ATS (+21.6 Units) as a home favorite of 6.5 to 9 points since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 29-10 ATS (+18.0 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 128-96 ATS (+22.4 Units) in home games first half of the season since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 126-93 ATS (+23.7 Units) in home games in non-conference games since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 43-24 ATS (+16.6 Units) after a win by 10 points or more over the last 3 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 23-9 ATS (+13.1 Units) after scoring 105 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 26-10 ATS (+15.0 Units) after 3 or more consecutive wins over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 31-17 ATS (+12.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN ANTONIO is 2-1 against the spread versus INDIANA over the last 3 seasons
SAN ANTONIO is 3-0 straight up against INDIANA over the last 3 seasons
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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GOLDEN STATE (2 - 1) at SACRAMENTO (0 - 3) - 11/5/2012, 10:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
GOLDEN STATE is 24-11 ATS (+11.9 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 11-2 ATS (+8.8 Units) in a road game where where the total is between 200 and 204.5 points over the last 3 seasons.
SACRAMENTO is 2-13 ATS (-12.3 Units) in November games over the last 3 seasons.
SACRAMENTO is 10-25 ATS (-17.5 Units) first half of the season over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
SACRAMENTO is 4-4 against the spread versus GOLDEN STATE over the last 3 seasons
GOLDEN STATE is 5-3 straight up against SACRAMENTO over the last 3 seasons
5 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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CLEVELAND (1 - 2) at LA CLIPPERS (2 - 1) - 11/5/2012, 10:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LA CLIPPERS are 174-240 ATS (-90.0 Units) after allowing 105 points or more since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
CLEVELAND is 3-0 against the spread versus LA CLIPPERS over the last 3 seasons
CLEVELAND is 2-1 straight up against LA CLIPPERS over the last 3 seasons
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Short Sheet

Monday, November 5

New York at Philadelpia, 7:05 ET
New York: 15-5 ATS as a road underdog of 3.5 to 6 points
Philadelphia: 22-11 Under as a home favorite

Phoenix at Miami, 7:35 ET
Phoenix: 16-4 Under off a combined score of 205+ points
Miami: 2-14 ATS in November

Minnesota at Brookyln, 7:35 ET NBATV
Minnesota: 19-10 ATS vs. Brooklyn
Brooklyn: 22-41 ATS off an ATS win

Utah at Memphis, 8:05 ET
Utah: 10-24 ATS off BB road games
Memphis: 20-7 ATS at home off a road win by 10+ points

Portland at Dallas, 8:35 ET
Portland: 1-11 ATS away off a win by 10+ points
Dallas: 27-14 ATS off a win by 10+ points

Indiana at San Antonio, 8:35 ET
Indiana: 17-33 ATS off a home win
San Antonio: 29-10 ATS in home games

Golden State at Sacramento, 10:05 ET
Golden State: 10-1 ATS away off BB games allowing 100+ points
Sacramento: 2-13 ATS in November

Cleveland at LA Clippers, 10:35 ET
Cleveland: 12-3 ATS away off a road game
LA Clippers: 5-16 ATS off BB games scoring 100+ points

[StarDust Bum]

Monday, November 5

Game Score Status Pick Amount

New York 0 0th New York +2.5 500
Philadelphia 0 Under 184 500

Minnesota - 7:30 PM ET Minnesota +7.5 500
Brooklyn - Over 194.5 500

Phoenix - 7:30 PM ET Phoenix +13 500
Miami - Under 202.5 500

Utah - 8:00 PM ET Memphis -5 500
Memphis - Over 195.5 500

Portland - 8:30 PM ET Portland +4 500
Dallas - Under 198.5 500

Indiana - 8:30 PM ET San Antonio -8.5 500
San Antonio - Under 194.5 500

Golden State - 10:00 PM ET Golden State +2 500
Sacramento - Over 198.5 500

Cleveland - 10:30 PM ET Cleveland +10 500
L.A. Clippers - Over 198.5 500

[StarDust Bum]

Trio Of NBA Games On Election Day Betting Schedule

Orlando Magic at Chicago Bulls

NBA Betting Preview
Date: 11/6/2012 at 8:00 p.m. (ET)
Opening Lines: Chicago -9 ½, O/U 196
Television: Local Networks

Orlando Magic: Orlando (2-0 straight-up and against the spread) has had a good start to the post-Dwight Howard era with home wins and covers over Denver (102-89) and Phoenix (115-94). Glen Davis (25.5 points per game) and J.J. Redick (22.5 PPG) have come up huge so far, but this first road game will be played without starters Jameer Nelson (groin) and Hedo Turkoglu (hand).

Chicago Bulls: Chicago (2-1 SU, 1-2 ATS) is also learning how to play without a superstar as former NBA MVP Derrick Rose is recovering from his knee injury. The Bulls have four starters averaging between 13.3-14.7 PPG, but Rose’s replacement Kirk Hinrich (4.7 PPG, 26.3 percent shooting) is struggling so far.

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Toronto Raptors at Oklahoma City Thunder
NBA Betting Preview
Date: 11/6/2012 at 8:00 p.m. (ET) Opening Lines: Oklahoma City -10, O/U 199
Television: NBA-TV

Toronto Raptors: The Raptors (1-2 SU and ATS) have an explosive backcourt with Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan, who combined for 44 points in Sunday’s 105-86 home win over Minnesota. Their only road game was a 107-100 loss at Brooklyn as 5 ½-point underdogs last Saturday.

Oklahoma City Thunder: The Thunder (1-2 SU, 1-1-1 ATS) should be playing angry after losing 104-95 as 9-point home favorites last Sunday versus Atlanta. New addition Kevin Martin (20.7 PPG) has replaced James Harden’s scoring after the unpopular trade with Houston, but the team is still trying to find its new identity. The Thunder are 4-1 ATS in their last five home games against Toronto.

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Detroit Pistons at Denver Nuggets
NBA Betting Preview
Date: 11/6/2012 at 9:00 p.m. (ET)
Opening Lines: Denver -10, O/U 198
Television: Local Networks

Detroit Pistons: Both teams are 0-3 SU and 1-2 ATS this season. The Pistons have assembled some interesting young pieces, but a tough schedule along with the horrendous shooting of guard Rodney Stuckey (1-of-23) has hurt the cause. Stuckey is dealing with headaches but is listed as probable on the NBA injury report.

Denver Nuggets: The Nuggets are playing their home opener after losses at Philly (84-75), Orlando (102-89) and Miami (119-116). The Heat game last Saturday was a cover as 8 ½-point ‘dogs. Denver has plenty of talent beginning with Danilo Gallinari, Ty Lawson and the newly acquired Andre Iguodala. The "over" is 6-0 in the last six meetings between the Nuggets and Pistons.

[StarDust Bum]

Tuesday Tips

November 5, 2012

Entering the second week of the NBA season, obviously the Thunder, Lakers, and Celtics at 1-2 each have turned heads. One of the teams that were predicted to do very little this season is exceeding expectations so far as the Magic owns a perfect 2-0 record. Orlando will try to extend its winning streak to three on Tuesday with a light three-game schedule inside the league.

Magic at Bulls - 8:05 PM EST

When Dwight Howard exited Orlando and headed to Los Angeles in the offseason, many people believed this was the beginning of the end for the Magic. However, through two games this season, new head coach Jacque Vaughn has the Magic at 2-0 following victories over the Nuggets and Suns at home. Now, Orlando travels to Chicago to take on a Bulls' team that is still without its star until 2013.

The Bulls have started 2-1 without Derrick Rose, who is still rehabbing from a torn ACL suffered in the opening round of last season's playoffs. Chicago squeaked by Sacramento in the season opener, but failed to cover as 6 ½-point favorites in a 93-87 victory. The Bulls rebounded nicely in their first road game at Cleveland, drubbing the Cavs early and often in a 115-86 rout as three-point 'chalk.' On Saturday, Chicago couldn't take advantage of top pick Anthony Davis' absence from the New Orleans lineup in an 89-82 home defeat to the Hornets. Tom Thibodeau's club shot just 33% from the floor, while missing 14 of 17 three-point attempts in the loss.

Orlando stunned Denver in the season opener as six-point home underdogs, 102-89, as the Magic grabbed a 21-point halftime advantage. Glen Davis and J.J. Redick combined to score 50 points, as the Magic shot nearly 49% against the questionable defense of the the Nuggets. The Magic almost suffered a letdown on Sunday against the re-tooled Suns, trailing by 15 points in the third quarter. Orlando blitzed Phoenix by going on a ridiculous 36-11 run over a span of 8:30 minutes to put the game out of reach.

The road team won all three meetings last season, as the Magic took the lone matchup at the United Center as six-point 'dogs, 99-94. Since January 2011, Chicago owns a 5-1 SU and 4-2 ATS record against Orlando.

Raptors at Thunder - 8:05 PM EST

Oklahoma City has failed to win consecutive contests this season (granted through three games), as the Thunder wraps up a three-game homestand with the Raptors. The Hawks took care of the Thunder as 9 ½-point road 'dogs on Sunday, as Atlanta won without Josh Smith in the lineup. Early on, people are wondering if the Thunder made the right decision by dealing James Harden to the Rockets prior to the season, as OKC has scored 84 and 95 points in two losses.

Toronto finally broke through the win column on Sunday with a 105-86 blowout of Minnesota as 3 ½-point home favorites. The Raps hung tough in losses to the Pacers and Nets in the first two games, but failed to cover in each of those defeats. In the victory over the Wolves, the backcourt duo of Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan combined for 44 points, while Toronto nailed 10 treys in the win.

The Raptors picked up a 95-93 upset over the Thunder in March 2011 as 14 ½-point road underdogs, the first victory for Toronto in Oklahoma City since the Thunder moved from Seattle. OKC avenged that loss with a 91-75 home triumph this past April, barely covering as 12 ½-point favorites.

Pistons at Nuggets - 9:05 PM EST

Detroit and Denver own a combined 0-6 record, while covering just two games through the first week. The Nuggets are the last team to play their home opener following three losses on their trip to Philadelphia, Orlando, and Miami. George Karl's club managed a cover as an 8 ½-point underdog against the Heat on Saturday, falling short in a 119-116 defeat.

The Pistons have failed to break the 96-point mark in all three games, while losing the first two contests on their West Coast swing to the Suns and Lakers. In Sunday's blowout loss in Los Angeles, Detroit never competed against the previously winless Lakers, falling behind 34-13 after just one quarter. Detroit looks to snap a three-game skid at the Pepsi Center, even though the Pistons cashed as 8 ½-point 'dogs last season in a 116-115 shootout loss.

The Nuggets compiled a 21-12 SU record as a home favorite in 2012, but Denver cashed just 15 times in 33 tries in this role. As a double-digit favorite at Pepsi Center, the Nuggets profited slightly by covering six of 11 times, while splitting four games off a loss.

[StarDust Bum]

Hoop Trends - Tuesday

November 6, 2012

ATS TREND OF THE DAY:

-- The Pistons are 0-12 ATS (-10.6 ppg) since April 09, 2008 as a road dog with at most one day of rest after a loss in which they shot less than 40% from the field.

OU TREND OF THE DAY:

-- The Pistons are 11-0 OU (16.7 ppg) since February 24, 2009 as a road dog after a road loss in which they shot less than 40% from the field.

PLAYER TREND OF THE DAY:

-- The Nuggets are 0-8 OU (-11.8 ppg) since January 09, 2011 at home with at least a day of rest after a loss on the road in which Ty Lawson was not the Nuggets’ high scorer.

SBB’S CHOICE TREND:

-- The Nuggets are 0-12 OU (-9.7 ppg) since March 05, 2009 after a game on the road after a loss in which they made more baskets than their opponent.

ACTIVE TRENDS:

-- The Bulls are 6-0 OU (22.7 ppg) since February 16, 2010 at home after a loss in which Luol Deng was the Bulls’ high scorer.

-- The Raptors are 0-7 ATS (-9.4 ppg) since February 08, 2011 after a win in which they scored less than 15% of their points from the free throw line.

[StarDust Bum]

If your looking for Wednesday's NBA Picks...its in the College football best bets....i made a mistake posting.....sorry about that.....good luck !!

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Dunkel

Oklahoma City at Chicago
The Bulls look to take advantage of an Oklahoma City team that is 0-3-1 ATS in its last 4 road games. Chicago is the pick (+2) according to Dunkel, which has the Bulls favored by 3. Dunkel Pick: Chicago (+2). Here are all of today's picks

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8

Game 701-702: Oklahoma City at Chicago (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Oklahoma City 123.890; Chicago 126.637
Dunkel Line & Total: Chicago by 3; 194
Vegas Line & Total: Oklahoma City by 2; 191 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Chicago (+2); Over

Game 703-704: LA Clippers at Portland (10:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: LA Clippers 122.191; Portland 115.546
Dunkel Line & Total: LA Clippers by 6 1/2; 197
Vegas Line & Total: LA Clippers by 1; 202
Dunkel Pick: LA Clippers (-1 1/2); Under




NBA
Long Sheet

Thursday, November 8

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OKLAHOMA CITY (2 - 2) at CHICAGO (3 - 1) - 11/8/2012, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO is 99-74 ATS (+17.6 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
OKLAHOMA CITY is 2-1 against the spread versus CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
OKLAHOMA CITY is 2-1 straight up against CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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LA CLIPPERS (3 - 2) at PORTLAND (2 - 2) - 11/8/2012, 10:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
PORTLAND is 5-2 against the spread versus LA CLIPPERS over the last 3 seasons
PORTLAND is 4-3 straight up against LA CLIPPERS over the last 3 seasons
3 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up

Thursday, November 8

Hot Teams
-- Bulls won three of first four games, covering once; they're underdog for first time this season.
-- Clippers are 3-2, but all five games were at Staples, with only "road" game vs Lakers, so this is their first road trip.

Cold Teams
-- Oklahoma City is 2-2, losing only road game, by 2 at San Antonio.
-- Portland is 2-2, beating Lakers in only home game.

Totals
-- Three of four Thunder games stayed under the total.
-- Four of five Clipper games went over the total.

Last Year's Series Records
-- Bulls lost 92-78 at Oklahoma City in LY's only meeting.
-- Clippers won three of four vs Portland LY, splitting pair here.




NBA

Thursday, November 8

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Trend Report
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8:00 PM
OKLAHOMA CITY vs. CHICAGO
Oklahoma City is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games
Oklahoma City is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games on the road
Chicago is 3-6 ATS in its last 9 games
Chicago is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games

10:30 PM
LA CLIPPERS vs. PORTLAND
LA Clippers are 3-7 SU in their last 10 games on the road
LA Clippers are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games when playing Portland
Portland is 6-1 SU in their last 7 games when playing at home against LA Clippers
Portland is 13-5 SU in their last 18 games when playing LA Clippers


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NBA

Thursday, November 8

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NBA TNT doubleheader: What bettors need to know
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Oklahoma City Thunder at Chicago Bulls (+2, 191.5)

James Harden is lighting it up in Houston and Derrick Rose is on the sidelines, but Thursday game between Oklahoma City and Chicago is still an intriguing matchup. Both teams are learning how to win without a key player, although the adjustment hasn't been as smooth for the Thunder. Oklahoma City, which dealt Harden to the Rockets shortly before the season began, evened its record with a 108-88 victory over Toronto on Tuesday in the finale of a three-game homestand.

The Bulls will likely will be without Rose until after the All-Star break. Chicago handed Orlando its first loss of the season with a 99-93 win on Tuesday. The former league Most Valuable Player is recovering from a torn ACL sustained in Chicago's first-round playoff loss to Philadelphia.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, TNT.

ABOUT THE THUNDER (2-2): Kevin Martin, the key figure Oklahoma City received in the blockbuster trade, has replaced Harden as the sixth man. The veteran guard has provided a solid offensive punch, averaging 19.3 points and shooting 51.2 from the field. Martin has hit 61.9 percent of his 3-point attempts. Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook are averaging 20.8 points apiece, but the offense has struggled in the first four games. Oklahoma City is averaging 98.3 points after scoring 103.1 points last season.

ABOUT THE BULLS (3-1): Other than an unexpected loss to New Orleans in the home opener, Chicago has played well without its star. Coach Tom Thibodeau always stresses defense and that's paid off early in the season. The Bulls allow 88.8 points and force 16.7 turnovers game. Kirk Hinrich has taken over at point guard for Rose, but backup Nate Robinson has provided the biggest boost. Robinson is averaging 12.3 points and 5.3 assists while shooting 51.2 percent.

TRENDS:

* Under is 5-1 in the last six meetings.
* Thunder are 8-3 ATS in the last 11 meetings in Chicago.
* Thunder are 16-5-1 ATS in their last 22 Thursday games.
* Bulls are 1-6 ATS in their last seven vs. Western Conference.

BUZZER BEATERS:

1. Westbrook, who has been playing with a sore shoulder, is shooting 38.7 percent from the field and has made just 26.7 percent of his 3-point attempts.

2. The Bulls have six players averaging at least 9.0 points a game. Joakim Noah leads the team in points (16.0) and rebounds (8.8).

3. The Thunder beat the Bulls 92-78 at home in their only meeting last season. Oklahoma City led by 29 points going into the fourth quarter. The teams split six games over the previous three seasons.



Los Angeles Clippers at Portland Trail Blazers (+1, 201.5)

The Los Angeles Clippers travel to Portland to face the well-rested Trail Blazers on Thursday. The Clippers dominated San Antonio for a 106-84 home win on Wednesday. Blake Griffin (22 points, 10 rebounds), DeAndre Jordan (20 points, 11 rebounds) and Chris Paul (10 points, 12 assists) all had double-doubles as the Clippers handed the Spurs their first loss of the season. The lopsided win allowed coach Vinny Del Negro to rest his key players.

Portland hasn't played since Monday when it dropped a 114-91 decision at Dallas. Rookie guard Damian Lillard has been one of the early season surprises in the league. Lillard, the No. 6 overall pick in the draft from Weber State, is second on the team in scoring with a 19.3 average. LaMarcus Aldridge is scoring 22 points a game to lead the Trail Blazers.

TV: 10:30 p.m. ET, TNT.

ABOUT THE TRAIL BLAZERS (2-2): Portland has been outscored in the fourth quarter of each game so the Trail Blazers are fortunate to be .500. The least productive bench in the NBA has a lot to do with the problems. Portland's reserves have combined to score 51 points in four games. Rookie center Meyers Leonard, who has scored 14 points, and small forward Sasha Pavlovic, who has 10, are the only bench players to reach double figures for the season. Portland was outscored 31-12 in the fourth quarter of Monday's loss.

ABOUT THE CLIPPERS (3-2): Injuries have played a major role in the early going for Los Angeles. Griffin, the Clippers' All-Star forward, has been playing with a ruptured bursa sac in his right elbow and a strained neck. He's averaging 17.4 points and 8.4 rebounds. Veterans Chauncey Billups and Grant Hill have yet to play. Billups is still recovering from Achilles' tendon surgery last season while Hill has a bone bruise in his right knee. Jamal Crawford, who went into Wednesday averaging 24 points a game, was held to 10 against San Antonio.

TRENDS:

* Over is 8-1-2 in the last 11 meetings in Portland.
* Favorite is 6-1 ATS in the last seven meetings.
* Home team is 7-3 ATS in the last 10 meetings.
* Clippers are 2-5 ATS in the last seven meetings.
* Clippers are 1-4 ATS in the last five meetings in Portland.

BUZZER BEATERS:

1. The Clippers won three of the four meetings last season.

2. Portland held a 23-2 advantage in offensive rebounds against Dallas, but lost the game by 23 points.

3. Los Angeles committed 15 turnovers Wednesday after turning the ball over 25 times in Monday's loss to Cleveland.

[StarDust Bum]

Thunder-Bulls clash on Thursday night in Chicago

OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER (2-2)

at CHICAGO BULLS (3-1)


Tip-off: Thursday, 8:05 p.m. ET
Line: Oklahoma City -2, Total: 191.5

Kevin Durant and the Oklahoma City Thunder are looking for two wins in a row as they go into Chicago to face Tom Thibodeau’s 3-1 Bulls.

The Bulls have played very well to start the season and that is without their superstar Derrick Rose who is out indefinitely recovering from a torn ACL he suffered in 2011-2012. They completely buy into a team system and play tough defense (88.8 PPG, 41% FG allowed). On Thursday, however, they face an Oklahoma City team with tons of offensive weapons that has made 48.4% of its shots in the past three games.

Who will win this West versus East showdown? For the answer, connect to NBA Best Bets for all the Expert picks throughout the entire 2012-13 season. Last year, ******* Dave won 62% ATS Best Bets in the regular season and was 5-0 ATS in the NBA Finals. Entering Thursday, ******* Brian is 54% ATS Best Bets (7-6-1). As far as NBA Totals are concerned, two of the experts continue to profit, as ******* Scott is 10-3 (77%) on Totals for the season and ******* Brian is 11-5 (69%), going 9-3 on Totals since Friday.

The Thunder won their last game against the Raptors by 20 points on Tuesday, winning the rebounding margin by nine and holding Toronto to 35.7% FG. Newcomer Kevin Martin has stepped in nicely to fill in James Harden’s sixth-man role, averaging 19.3 PPG on 51% shooting and 13-of-21 threes (62%). Kevin Durant has been playing a more balanced brand of basketball this year, averaging 5.8 APG and 12.3 RPG to go along with his 20.8 PPG. He’s helping his team in more ways than he used to and is turning into a better basketball player doing it. Westbrook is also scoring 20.8 PPG, but is shooting just 38.7% FG. And after having more turnovers than assists in the season opener, Westbrook has 23 assists and just five turnovers in his past three games.

In Rose’s absence, the Bulls have looked good with five players averaging more than 12 points per game, but they’ll need one player to step up and score against Scott Brooks’ team and that player is unknown at this point. Going up against Durant specifically will be Luol Deng for the Bulls, as he's known as one of the premier wing defenders in the league. Deng is also averaging 15.8 PPG and 8.3 RPG early in the year for Chicago. The Bulls will also need contributions from Kirk Hinrich, their starting point guard until Rose comes back, and Rip Hamilton, who has been inconsistent since signing to be the starting shooting guard for the Bulls a season ago. Joakim Noah has been the anchor for the Bulls since Rose left, averaging a team-best 16.0 PPG, 8.8 RPG and 2.5 BPG this season. He brings consistent energy and will certainly have to do so against the Thunder if the Bulls are going to have any chance to pull it out at home.

[StarDust Bum]

Thursday Tips

November 7, 2012

Following last Thursday's postponement of the Knicks/Nets game, TNT will finally have its first Thursday doubleheader of the season this week. The Bulls open things up against the defending Western Conference champion Thunder, while the Blazers and Clippers finish the night at the Rose Garden. We'll begin in the Windy City with Oklahoma City attempting to break above the .500 mark for the first time in this young season.

Thunder at Bulls - 8:05 PM EST

In spite of playing with Derrick Rose on the sidelines, Chicago has found a way to win three of its first four games. Granted, the three victories are over the Kings, Cavaliers, and Magic, but Chicago is relying on the frontcourt of Luol Deng, Carlos Boozer, and Joakim Noah to lift them to this 3-1 record. The Bulls needed a moderate rally to knock off Orlando on Tuesday, 99-93, but Chicago failed to cover as nine-point favorites.

The Thunder bounced back from Sunday's home loss to the Hawks by beating the Raptors soundly, 108-88 as nine-point 'chalk.' Oklahoma City jumped out to a 30-17 lead after one quarter, while cruising to a 19-point halftime edge. The Raps shot just 35% from the floor, as Kyle Lowry left the game in the first half with a sprained ankle. Not one member of the Thunder scored more than 20 points, but six players finished in double-figures, including a game-high 19 points from Russell Westbrook.

The Bulls own an 0-3 ATS record at the United Center after not cashing against Sacramento and Orlando in close victories, while losing straight-up to New Orleans as nine-point favorites. In Chicago's six-point triumph over Orlando, the Bulls pulled off a 12-2 run to start the fourth quarter to take control of a game that was in doubt for three quarters. Tom Thibodeau's club held the Magic to 42% shooting from the floor, including a 7-22 effort from Glen Davis.

Oklahoma City won the lone meeting with Chicago last season, 92-78 as six-point home favorites. The two teams have split each of the previous four matchups at the United Center, including a 99-90 triumph by the Bulls in December 2010.

Clippers at Blazers - 10:30 PM EST

Los Angeles finishes off a tough back-to-back stretch after beating San Antonio at home on Wednesday. The Clippers head up the coast to the Rose Garden for a meeting with the Blazers, who return to Portland following a three-game road swing. The Blazers picked up only one victory on that trip, coming in overtime at Houston. In the two losses, Terry Stotts' team lost by 14 points or more at Oklahoma City and Dallas.

Portland's lone game at the Rose Garden turned out to be its best overall effort, a 116-106 whipping of the Lakers as short 'dogs. The Blazers have failed to capitalize on that win by scoring 100 points or less in each of the last three games. In Monday's setback at Dallas, the Blazers trailed by just four points heading into the final quarter, but the Mavs outscored Portland, 31-12 en route to a 114-91 blowout. Portland's bench scored just 17 points in the loss, while allowing Dallas to shoot a scorching 61% from the field.

The Clippers are leaving Los Angeles for the first time this season following five games at Staples Center (including a "road" contest against the Lakers). Vinny Del Negro's squad didn't look particularly sharp in home losses to the Warriors and Cavaliers as heavy 'chalk,' while being listed as an away favorite for the second time this season. The Clips have won 10 of their past 15 games when laying points on the road, including five of the last seven as an away favorite of three points or less.

Los Angeles captured three of four matchups last season, while rallying from 18 points down at the Rose Garden in a February 74-71 triumph. That victory by the Clippers snapped a six-game skid in Portland dating back to 2009.

[StarDust Bum]

Hoop Trends - Thursday

November 8, 2012


ATS TREND OF THE DAY:

-- The Thunder are 0-11 ATS (-7.4 ppg) since May 13, 2011 after a home win in which they outshot their opponent by at least 10 percent.

OU TREND OF THE DAY:

-- The Trailblazers are 0-10 OU (-11.2 ppg) since February 13, 2005 as a dog after a road loss in which their opponent stole the ball at least twelve times.

PLAYER TREND OF THE DAY:

-- The Thunder are 0-7 OU (-9.3 ppg) since March 14, 2011 on the road after a win in which Russell Westbrook was the Thunder’s high scorer.

CHOICE TREND:

-- The Bulls are 9-0 ATS (6.9 ppg) since April 13, 2009 as a dog with at least one day of rest off a win in which they trailed at the end of the third quarter.

ACTIVE TRENDS:

-- The Thunder are 0-5 OU (-10.9 ppg) since May 07, 2011 on the road with at least a day of rest after a win at home in which Kevin Durant had more turnovers than assists.

-- The Thunder are 10-0 ATS (3.8 ppg) since December 08, 2010 as a road favorite with at most one day of rest after a game in which they scored more than 25% of their points from the free throw line.

[StarDust Bum]

Thursday, November 8

Game Score Status Pick Amount

Oklahoma City - 8:00 PM ET Chicago +2.5 500
Chicago - Under 190.5 500

L.A. Clippers - 10:30 PM ET L.A. Clippers -1 500
Portland - Over 201.5 500

[StarDust Bum]

Sorry for the late post .....Some of us have real jobs.....

Friday, November 9

Game Score Status Pick Amount

Milwaukee 0 0th Milwaukee -3.5 500
Washington 0 Under 192 500

Brooklyn 0 0th Brooklyn -3 500
Orlando 0 Over 195 500

Philadelphia - 7:30 PM ET Philadelphia +5.5 500
Boston - Over 179.5 500

Dallas - 7:30 PM ET New York -6 500 POD
New York - Under 197 500

Miami - 7:30 PM ET Atlanta +5 500
Atlanta - Under 198 500

Houston - 8:00 PM ET Houston +7 500
Memphis - Over 194 500

Charlotte - 8:00 PM ET Charlotte +7 500
New Orleans - Over 182 500

Detroit - 8:00 PM ET Detroit +11.5 500
Oklahoma City - Under 198 500

Indiana - 8:00 PM ET Indiana +2 500
Minnesota - Under 183.5 500

Cleveland - 9:00 PM ET Cleveland +3 500
Phoenix - Over 200.5 500

San Antonio - 10:00 PM ET San Antonio -5.5 500
Sacramento - Over 199 500

Utah - 10:30 PM ET Utah +5.5 500
Denver - Under 203 500

Golden State - 10:30 PM ET Golden State +7.5 500
L.A. Lakers - Under 197.5 500

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up

Friday, November 9

Hot Teams
-- Bucks won two of their first three games.
-- Orlando won its two home games by 13-21 points.
-- Knicks are NBA's last unbeaten team, winning by 20-16-22 points. Dallas is 4-1, splitting pair on road.
-- Miami is 4-1, but lost only road game by 20 at New York. Atlanta won its last two games, allowing 90.5 ppg.
-- Memphis won its last three games, by 10-9-18 points.
-- Thunder won three of last four games; they're 2-1 as home faves.
-- Timberwolves won three of their first four games.
-- Spurs won four of five games, but are 0-2 as road favorites. Kings are 2-0 at home, winning both games by a hoop.
-- Denver covered last three games; they won only home game by 12.
-- Golden State is 3-2 this year (2-0-1 vs spread on road).

Cold Teams
-- Wizards lost first three games (2-1 as underdog).
-- Nets lost their last two games, by 11-30 points.
-- 76ers split their four games; last three were decided by 15+ points. Celtics split their four games, with both wins against the Wizards.
-- Rockets lost last two games, scoring 86 ppg; they've won both their road games.
-- Bobcats lost 25 of their last 26 games.
-- Hornets lost two of three home games; they scored 79.7 ppg in last three games overall.
-- Detroit lost first five games; they're 2-2 vs spread on road.
-- Pacers lost three of their last four games.
-- Cavaliers lost three of last four games (1-2 as road dogs). Suns failed to cover four of their five games.
-- Jazz are 0-3 on road, losing by 2-10-9 points.
-- Lakers lost four of their first five games.

Totals
-- Six of last seven Washington games stayed under total.
-- Brooklyn's last six road games stayed under the total.
-- Three of four Philly games stayed under the total.
-- All five Dallas games went over total. Seven of last ten New York games stayed under the total.
-- Five of last seven Miami games went over the total.
-- Five of last seven Houston games stayed under total. Three of four Grizzlies games went over.
-- Under is 8-4 in last twelve Charlotte games.
-- Four of five Oklahoma City games stayed under total.
-- Four of five Indiana games stayed under the total.
-- Last four Cleveland games went over the total.
-- Three of Spurs' last four games stayed under total.
-- Under is 8-3 in Utah's last eleven games.
-- Three of last four Golden State games went over total.