The Bum's December NBA Best Bets !e Bum's

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Short Sheet

Wednesday, December 19

Utah at Indiana, 7:05 ET
Utah: 34-19 Over in non-conference games
Indiana: 5-16 ATS after covering 3 of their last 4 against the spread

Detroit at Toronto, 7:05 ET
Detroit: 27-14 ATS off a home loss
Toronto: 10-23 ATS after scoring 105 points or more

Washington at Orlando, 7:05 ET
Washington: 16-35 ATS after covering 2 of their last 3 against the spread
Orlando: 14-3 ATS after a game where they made 95% of their free throws or better

Brooklyn at New York, 7:05 ET ESPN
Brooklyn: 29-43 ATS when playing 8 or more games in 14 days
New York: 8-1 ATS after 1 or more consecutive unders

Cleveland at Boston, 7:35 ET
Cleveland: 18-8 ATS in road games after one or more consecutive overs
Boston: 15-30 ATS when playing on back-to-back days

Oklahoma City at Atlanta, 7:35 ET
Oklahoma City: 19-7 ATS in road games in December
Atlanta: 18-38 ATS in home games after playing a game as favorite

Philadelphia at Houston, 8:05 ET
Philadelphia: 2-8 ATS after playing a game as an underdog
Houston: 9-2 ATS in non-conference games

Charlotte at Phoenix, 9:05 ET
Charlotte: 9-25 ATS revenging a same season loss vs opponent
Phoenix: 56-29 ATS after a game committing 8 or less turnovers

Milwaukee at Memphis, 9:35 ET ESPN
Milwaukee: 5-16 ATS revenging a home loss vs opponent
Memphis: 11-2 ATS after allowing 90 points or less 2 straight games

Golden State at Sacramento, 10:05 ET
Golden State: 7-1 ATS after a game where they failed to cover the spread
Sacramento: 17-38 ATS first half of the season

New Orleans at LA Clippers, 10:35 ET
New Orleans: 28-16 ATS in road games
LA Clippers: 4-14 ATS after playing 4 consecutive road games

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Long Sheet

Wednesday, December 19

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UTAH (14 - 12) at INDIANA (13 - 12) - 12/19/2012, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
UTAH is 44-73 ATS (-36.3 Units) in a road game where where the total is between 185 and 189.5 points since 1996.
INDIANA is 127-88 ATS (+30.2 Units) in home games in non-conference games since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
UTAH is 3-0 against the spread versus INDIANA over the last 3 seasons
UTAH is 2-1 straight up against INDIANA 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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DETROIT (7 - 20) at TORONTO (7 - 19) - 12/19/2012, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 10-23 ATS (-15.3 Units) after scoring 105 points or more over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
TORONTO is 4-4 against the spread versus DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
DETROIT is 6-2 straight up against TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
4 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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WASHINGTON (3 - 19) at ORLANDO (11 - 13) - 12/19/2012, 7:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
ORLANDO is 4-4 against the spread versus WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
ORLANDO is 7-1 straight up against WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
4 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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BROOKLYN (13 - 11) at NEW YORK (18 - 6) - 12/19/2012, 7:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
NEW YORK is 4-4 against the spread versus BROOKLYN over the last 3 seasons
NEW YORK is 7-2 straight up against BROOKLYN over the last 3 seasons
5 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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CLEVELAND (5 - 21) at BOSTON (12 - 12) - 12/19/2012, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CLEVELAND is 7-20 ATS (-15.0 Units) in December games over the last 3 seasons.
BOSTON is 15-30 ATS (-18.0 Units) when playing on back-to-back days over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CLEVELAND is 4-1 against the spread versus BOSTON over the last 3 seasons
BOSTON is 4-2 straight up against CLEVELAND 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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OKLAHOMA CITY (20 - 4) at ATLANTA (15 - 7) - 12/19/2012, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 17-4 ATS (+12.6 Units) when playing on back-to-back days over the last 2 seasons.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 61-47 ATS (+9.3 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 54-40 ATS (+10.0 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 106-76 ATS (+22.4 Units) in road games since 1996.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 19-7 ATS (+11.3 Units) in road games in December games since 1996.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 37-19 ATS (+16.1 Units) in road games first half of the season since 1996.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 73-49 ATS (+19.1 Units) in non-conference games since 1996.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 45-26 ATS (+16.4 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 3 seasons.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 19-6 ATS (+12.4 Units) in road games after playing 3 consecutive home games since 1996.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 9-1 ATS (+7.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 2-2 against the spread versus OKLAHOMA CITY over the last 3 seasons
ATLANTA is 2-2 straight up against OKLAHOMA CITY 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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PHILADELPHIA (12 - 13) at HOUSTON (12 - 12) - 12/19/2012, 8:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHILADELPHIA is 2-1 against the spread versus HOUSTON over the last 3 seasons
PHILADELPHIA is 2-1 straight up against HOUSTON 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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CHARLOTTE (7 - 17) at PHOENIX (10 - 15) - 12/19/2012, 9:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CHARLOTTE is 32-57 ATS (-30.7 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CHARLOTTE is 31-51 ATS (-25.1 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
CHARLOTTE is 9-20 ATS (-13.0 Units) when playing on back-to-back days over the last 2 seasons.
CHARLOTTE is 10-22 ATS (-14.2 Units) revenging a home loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
CHARLOTTE is 20-47 ATS (-31.7 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
CHARLOTTE is 18-35 ATS (-20.5 Units) after 3 or more consecutive losses over the last 2 seasons.
CHARLOTTE is 4-14 ATS (-11.4 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHARLOTTE is 3-1 against the spread versus PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
PHOENIX is 2-2 straight up against CHARLOTTE over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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MILWAUKEE (13 - 10) at MEMPHIS (16 - 6) - 12/19/2012, 9:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MILWAUKEE is 7-18 ATS (-12.8 Units) when playing on back-to-back days over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 18-37 ATS (-22.7 Units) in non-conference games over the last 3 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 5-16 ATS (-12.6 Units) revenging a home loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 14-26 ATS (-14.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
MEMPHIS is 105-81 ATS (+15.9 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
MEMPHIS is 56-37 ATS (+15.3 Units) in home games over the last 3 seasons.
MEMPHIS is 35-20 ATS (+13.0 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 3 seasons.
MEMPHIS is 9-1 ATS (+7.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
MEMPHIS is 3-1 against the spread versus MILWAUKEE over the last 3 seasons
MEMPHIS is 4-0 straight up against MILWAUKEE over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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GOLDEN STATE (17 - 8) at SACRAMENTO (7 - 17) - 12/19/2012, 10:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
SACRAMENTO is 4-4 against the spread versus GOLDEN STATE over the last 3 seasons
GOLDEN STATE is 5-4 straight up against SACRAMENTO over the last 3 seasons
5 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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NEW ORLEANS (5 - 19) at LA CLIPPERS (18 - 6) - 12/19/2012, 10:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEW ORLEANS is 126-167 ATS (-57.7 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game since 1996.
LA CLIPPERS are 28-16 ATS (+10.4 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 45-32 ATS (+9.8 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 28-16 ATS (+10.4 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 42-24 ATS (+15.6 Units) in road games after 3 or more consecutive losses since 1996.
LA CLIPPERS are 63-89 ATS (-34.9 Units) against Southwest division opponents since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
NEW ORLEANS is 5-2 against the spread versus LA CLIPPERS over the last 3 seasons
NEW ORLEANS is 4-3 straight up against LA CLIPPERS over the last 3 seasons
4 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

[StarDust Bum]

NBA

Wednesday, December 19

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Why these three NBA teams just can't cover
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Winning basketball games can be really broken down into three things: they don’t turn the ball over, they rebound on defense, and they hit their free throws.

If a team does those three things consistently, they’re a tough out. But if a team can’t hang on to the ball, gives up offensive boards, and throws up bricks from the stripe not only are they a loser – they’re a losing bet.

Here’s a look at three teams burning bettors through the first part of the NBA schedule and the reasons why. (Records are as of before Wednesday's games).


Dallas Mavericks (12-13 SU, 12-13 ATS)

Trouble: Turnovers

The Mavericks went 0-3 on their recent three-game road swing, losing at Minnesota, Toronto and Boston, while covering in just two of those games. Dallas has had turnover troubles all season but things got out of hand on this road run.

The Mavericks coughed the ball up 65 times during those games, including a 28-turnover fiasco in Boston. They barfed up 17 turnovers in a loss to the lowly Raptors and threw the ball away 20 times in an overtime loss to the T-Wolves.


Charlotte Bobcats (7-17 SU, 10-14 ATS)

Trouble: Defensive rebounding

The Bobcats’ list of faults rivals that of Santa’s naughty and nice count, but keeping teams off the offensive glass could be the most costly of those problems. Charlotte has watched foes pluck 13 offensive rebounds per game and boasts a 69.6 percent defensive rebound rate – worst in the NBA.

All those leaked second-chance opportunities aren’t doing Bobcats bettors any favors, even with the team getting plenty of points from oddsmakers most nights. A soft front court is to blame. Seven-footer Byron Mullens is the team’s top rebounder with just over seven boards per night.


Los Angeles Lakers (12-14 SU, 10-15-1 ATS)

Trouble: Foul shooting

Could solving the Lakers’ issues be as simple as knocking down a few free throws? When it comes to NBA bettors – yes. Los Angeles, despite its struggles, still gets respect from oddsmakers and backers need all the scoring they can get to cover those inflated spreads.

The Lakers get to the line more than any team in the league, attempting 30.3 foul shots per game. But, those points fly out the window with the team shooting a collective 68.7 percent - 29th in the NBA. That’s close to 10 points going MIA a night. Seeing that L.A.’s average margin of victory is only 2.8 points, those additional freebies would make a world of difference.

[StarDust Bum]

NBA

Wednesday, December 19

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Trend Report
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7:00 PM
DETROIT vs. TORONTO
Detroit is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Detroit's last 6 games when playing Toronto
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Toronto's last 6 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Toronto's last 6 games when playing Detroit

7:00 PM
BROOKLYN vs. NEW YORK
Brooklyn is 17-8 SU in its last 25 games when playing on the road against New York
Brooklyn is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against New York
The total has gone OVER in 6 of New York's last 7 games at home
New York is 11-1 SU in its last 12 games at home

7:00 PM
UTAH vs. INDIANA
Utah is 5-12 SU in its last 17 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Utah's last 9 games when playing on the road against Indiana
Indiana is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Utah
Indiana is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games at home

7:00 PM
WASHINGTON vs. ORLANDO
Washington is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Orlando
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Washington's last 10 games when playing on the road against Orlando
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Orlando's last 10 games when playing at home against Washington
Orlando is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Washington

7:30 PM
CLEVELAND vs. BOSTON
Cleveland is 1-12 SU in its last 13 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Cleveland's last 6 games on the road
Boston is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Cleveland
Boston is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home

7:30 PM
OKLAHOMA CITY vs. ATLANTA
Oklahoma City is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Oklahoma City is 12-5 SU in its last 17 games when playing Atlanta
Atlanta is 1-8 ATS in its last 9 games when playing at home against Oklahoma City
Atlanta is 3-14 ATS in its last 17 games when playing Oklahoma City

8:00 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. HOUSTON
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 6 games when playing Houston
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Philadelphia's last 12 games when playing Houston
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Houston's last 12 games when playing Philadelphia
Houston is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games at home

9:00 PM
CHARLOTTE vs. PHOENIX
Charlotte is 4-1-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Phoenix
Charlotte is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Phoenix
Phoenix is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games at home
Phoenix is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Charlotte

9:30 PM
MILWAUKEE vs. MEMPHIS
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Milwaukee's last 13 games when playing Memphis
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Milwaukee's last 13 games
Memphis is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Memphis's last 5 games

10:00 PM
GOLDEN STATE vs. SACRAMENTO
The total has gone UNDER in 13 of Golden State's last 18 games when playing on the road against Sacramento
Golden State is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Sacramento
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Sacramento's last 6 games when playing Golden State
Sacramento is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Golden State

10:30 PM
NEW ORLEANS vs. LA CLIPPERS
New Orleans is 17-3 SU in their last 20 games when playing LA Clippers
The total has gone OVER in 5 of New Orleans's last 7 games when playing on the road against LA Clippers
LA Clippers are 2-18 ATS in their last 20 games when playing New Orleans
The total has gone OVER in 5 of the LA Clippers last 6 games at home

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Dunkel

Oklahoma City at Atlanta
The Thunder look to take advantage of an Atlanta team that is 3-10-1 ATS in its last 14 home games. Oklahoma City is the pick (-6) according to Dunkel, which has the Thunder favored by 9 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Oklahoma City (-6). Here are all of today's picks.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19

Game 701-702: Utah at Indiana (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Utah 117.346; Indiana 118.035
Dunkel Line & Total: Indiana by 1; 191
Vegas Line & Total: Indiana by 3 1/2; 187 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Utah (+3 1/2); Over

Game 703-704: Detroit at Toronto (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit 112.719; Toronto 118.992
Dunkel Line & Total: Toronto by 6 1/2; 184
Vegas Line & Total: Toronto by 1 1/2; 187
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (-1 1/2); Under

Game 705-706: Washington at Orlando (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Washington 111.160; Orlando 123.147
Dunkel Line & Total: Orlando by 12; 193
Vegas Line & Total: Orlando by 6 1/2; 188 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Orlando (-6 1/2); Over

Game 707-708: Brooklyn at New York (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Brooklyn 116.469; New York 127.157
Dunkel Line & Total: New York by 10 1/2; 191
Vegas Line & Total: New York by 7 1/2; 195
Dunkel Pick: New York (-7 1/2); Under

Game 709-710: Cleveland at Boston (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cleveland 110.335; Boston 119.615
Dunkel Line & Total: Boston by 9 1/2; 196
Vegas Line & Total: Boston by 7 1/2; 193
Dunkel Pick: Boston (-7 1/2); Over

Game 711-712: Oklahoma City at Atlanta (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Oklahoma City 127.138; Atlanta 117.408
Dunkel Line & Total: Oklahoma City by 9 1/2; 194
Vegas Line & Total: Oklahoma City by 6; 199
Dunkel Pick: Oklahoma City (-6); Under

Game 713-714: Philadelphia at Houston (8:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia 111.753; Houston 123.701
Dunkel Line & Total: Houston by 12; 191
Vegas Line & Total: Houston by 4 1/2; 198 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Houston (-4 1/2); Under

Game 715-716: Charlotte at Phoenix (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Charlotte 109.550; Phoenix 116.795
Dunkel Line & Total: Phoenix by 7; 202
Vegas Line & Total: Phoenix by 9; 198
Dunkel Pick: Charlotte (+9); Over

Game 717-718: Milwaukee at Memphis (9:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Milwaukee 115.946; Memphis 126.081
Dunkel Line & Total: Memphis by 10; 181
Vegas Line & Total: Memphis by 9; 184 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Memphis (-9); Under

Game 719-720: Golden State at Sacramento (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Golden State 117.114; Sacramento 115.561
Dunkel Line & Total: Golden State by 1 1/2; 206
Vegas Line & Total: Golden State by 2 1/2; 200
Dunkel Pick: Sacramento (+2 1/2); Over

Game 721-722: New Orleans at LA Clippers (10:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: New Orleans 113.043; LA Clippers 129.100
Dunkel Line & Total: LA Clippers by 16; 188
Vegas Line & Total: LA Clippers by 13 1/2; 192
Dunkel Pick: LA Clippers (-13 1/2); Under

[StarDust Bum]

Wednesday, December 19

Game Score Status Pick Amount

Detroit - 7:00 PM ET Toronto -2.5 500 POD # 1
Toronto - Under 187 500

Brooklyn - 7:00 PM ET New York -6 500
New York - Over 192.5 500

Washington - 7:00 PM ET Washington +7.5 500
Orlando - Under 187.5 500

Utah - 7:00 PM ET Utah +3.5 500 POD # 2
Indiana - Over 187 500

Cleveland - 7:30 PM ET Cleveland +8.5 500
Boston - Under 192 500

Oklahoma City - 7:30 PM ET Atlanta +6 500
Atlanta - Over 198.5 500 Total of the Day

Philadelphia - 8:00 PM ET Houston -7.5 500
Houston - Under 199.5 500

Charlotte - 9:00 PM ET Phoenix -9 500
Phoenix - Under 199 500

Milwaukee - 9:30 PM ET Milwaukee +9 500
Memphis - Over 187.5 500

Golden State - 10:00 PM ET Golden State -3 500
Sacramento - Under 199 500

New Orleans - 10:30 PM ET New Orleans +13.5 500
L.A. Clippers - Over 189.5 500

[StarDust Bum]

Thursday, December 20

Game Score Status Pick Amount

Oklahoma City - 7:00 PM ET ( Minnesota +2.5 500 POD )
Minnesota - Under 201.5 500

Miami - 9:30 PM ET Miami -5.5 500
Dallas - Under 200.5 500

Denver - 10:00 PM ET Portland +6 500
Portland - Under 200 500

[StarDust Bum]

Thunder Roll Into Minnesota As Hottest Team In NBA

Oklahoma City Thunder at Minnesota Timberwolves
NBA Betting Preview
Date: 12/20/2012 at 7:00 p.m. (ET)
Opening Lines: OKC -3½, O/U 198
Television: TNT

Oklahoma City Thunder: Oklahoma City (21-4 straight-up, 16-8-1 against the spread) is the hottest team in the NBA with a 12-game winning streak. The Thunder have only played nine road games this year, going 7-2 SU and 6-2-1 ATS. They are 5-0 SU and 3-2 ATS in the second half of a back-to-back situation.

Minnesota Timberwolves: The Timberwolves (12-11 SU, 13-10 ATS) are looking for their first playoff appearance since 2004 and currently sit in eighth place in the Western Conference. They are coming off losses at Orlando (102-93) and Miami (103-92) but have gone 4-0 SU and 3-1 ATS in their last four at the Target Center. Minnesota has lost the last 12 games to Oklahoma City but covered the spread in each of the last five.

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Miami Heat at Dallas Mavericks
NBA Betting Preview
Date: 12/20/2012 at 9:30 p.m. (ET)
Opening Lines: Miami -5, O/U 203
Television: TNT

Miami Heat: Miami (16-6 SU, 11-11 ATS) is coming off a six-game homestand that finished with a 4-2 SU and ATS mark. The "under" went 4-0 in the final four, scoring an average of 100.3 points and allowing 88.3 per game. The Heat have only played one away game since Nov. 17, and the team owns a pedestrian 4-4 SU (3-5 ATS) road record this season.

Dallas Mavericks: The Mavericks (12-13 SU and ATS) most recently played on Tuesday, a 107-100 home win over Philly as 6-point favorites. They’re now 4-1 SU and ATS in their last five at home but could be without starting point guard Derek Fisher (doubtful, knee) and big man Elton Brand (questionable, groin), so make sure to check the NBA injury report. Coach Rick Carlisle has done a good job mixing and matching guys this year with star Dirk Nowitzki (knee) not playing a game yet. This is the first meeting between the teams this year. Miami has gotten some revenge (2-0 SU and ATS) in the two meetings since getting upset by the Mavs 4-2 in the 2011 NBA Finals.

[StarDust Bum]

Thunder aim for 13th straight win on Thursday

OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER (21-4)

at MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES (12-11)


Tip-off: Thursday, 7:05 p.m. ET
Line: Oklahoma City -3, Total: 200

The Thunder look to increase two long winning streaks on Thursday night when they visit Minnesota.

Oklahoma City is currently riding a 12-game winning streak (9-3 ATS), and has also beaten the Wolves in 12 straight meetings. However, Minnesota is 8-4 ATS during this series losing skid, including five consecutive ATS victories in close losses of 1, 8, 4, 9 and 5 points. The Wolves are riding a two-game losing skid, but they haven't lost at home since Nov. 21, going 4-0 SU (3-1 ATS) on their home floor.

Can the Timberwolves end the Thunder's long win streak? For the answer, connect to NBA Best Bets for all the Expert picks throughout the entire 2012-13 season. The experts were a perfect 5-0 ATS on Wednesday and are at 52% ATS (149-140-10) on Best Bets for the season. ******* Gary is 58% ATS (29-21-3) Best Bets for the year. ******* Scott is at 53% ATS (34-30) Best Bets for the season and ******* Brian is at 51.4% ATS (37-35-3) after going 5-2 ATS (71%) in the past six days. For NBA Totals, Scott is 39-24 (62%) for the season, while Gary is 8-6 (57%) in Totals since Dec. 13.

Thunder SF Durant has been outstanding during his team's 12-game win streak, pumping in 29.8 PPG on 55% FG and 43% threes. In Wednesday's 100-92 win in Atlanta, Durant scored 41 points (14-of-23 FG) and grabbed 13 rebounds. PG Russell Westbrook has also been playing at an extremely high level during the 12-game surge, averaging 21.0 PPG (40% threes) and 9.3 APG. He had a double-double against the Hawks with 27 points and 11 assists. And like Durant, Westbrook destroyed the Timberwolves last year when he scored a ridiculous 36.0 PPG on 53% FG and 96% FT (26-of-27) in three meetings. He should be able to have his way with the Wolves once again as Ricky Rubio is still not fully healed from his knee injury. Super sub SG Kevin Martin continues to provide scoring punch off the bench, posting 14.7 PPG (46% FG, 93% FT) during the 12-game ride, and PF Serge Ibaka continues to be one of the game's elite interior defenders with 3.0 BPG for the season (2nd in NBA) and 14.0 RPG over the past three contests.

For Minnesota to pull off the upset, it will have to put forth more effort on the defensive end of the court. The Timberwolves rank 7th in the NBA in points allowed (94.4 PPG), but have surrendered more than 100 points in five straight games (103.6 PPG). Minnesota is also a top-notch rebounding team (45.3 RPG, 3rd in NBA), especially with PF Kevin Love (14.2 RPG) back healthy. He has 9+ rebounds in all 13 of his games this season, but is shooting an anemic 32.1% FG with 9-of-40 three-pointers (22.5%) over his past nine games. Love made just 2-of-10 shots in Tuesday's 102-93 loss to Miami. But he didn't have any trouble scoring against Oklahoma City last year, posting 36.5 PPG and 13.0 RPG in the two meetings. PG Ricky Rubio is slowly recovering from last year's torn ACL and he did not play in Tuesday's game, which was the second part of a back-to-back. He does expect to suit up on Thursday though, which should be a big upgrade from PG Luke Ridnour who has just eight assists and seven turnovers in the past three games. The Wolves will try to establish the paint, but it's never easy scoring on Ibaka and C Kendrick Perkins. Minnesota C Nikola Pekovic has been outstanding in the past five games though (22.2 PPG on 56% FG, 9.8 RPG) and SF Andrei Kirilenko has been steady all season with 13.9 PPG (52% FG) and 7.4 RPG. He pumped in 22 points in the loss in Miami on Tuesday. Minnesota has four players out with knee injuries -- SF Chase Budinger (11.8 PPG), PF Josh Howard (6.7 PPG), SG Brandon Roy (5.8 PPG) and SG Malcolm Lee (4.9 PPG).

[StarDust Bum]

Heat take to the road to visit Mavericks on Thursday

MIAMI HEAT (16-6)

at DALLAS MAVERICKS (12-13)


Tip-off: Thursday, 9:35 p.m. ET
Line: Miami -5.5, Total: 201.5

After an up-and-down homestand, the Heat get back on the road Thursday when they fly west to Dallas, which is still missing Dirk Nowitzki.

Miami was 4-2 (SU and ATS) during its just-completed six-game homestand, with those losses coming to 9.5-point underdog New York and 8-point underdog Golden State. But the Heat have pounded the past two opponents, beating Washington by 30 and Minnesota by 11 on Tuesday. Dallas hasn't lost at home since Nov. 24 to the Lakers, but it has played eight of its past 11 contests on the road, going 2-6 SU (4-4 ATS) in those road tilts. In addition to Nowitzki (knee) being out, PF Elton Brand (groin) and SF Brandan Wright (ankle) are both questionable, while PG Derek Fisher (knee) is doubtful for this game.

Will the Heat be able to pull this one out on the road? For the answer, connect to NBA Best Bets for all the Expert picks throughout the entire 2012-13 season. The experts were a perfect 5-0 ATS on Wednesday and are at 52% ATS (149-140-10) on Best Bets for the season. ******* Gary is 58% ATS (29-21-3) Best Bets for the year. ******* Scott is at 53% ATS (34-30) Best Bets for the season and ******* Brian is at 51.4% ATS (37-35-3) after going 5-2 ATS (71%) in the past six days. For NBA Totals, Scott is 39-24 (62%) for the season, while Gary is 8-6 (57%) in Totals since Dec. 13.

The Heat are just 4-4 SU (3-5 ATS) on the road this season, scoring 96.7 PPG while giving up 100.0 PPG. But they have played just one away game in the past 11 contests, where they have surpassed 100 points in nine of these 11 games. SF LeBron James (25.2 PPG, 5th in NBA) is the first player since Karl Malone in 1989-1990 to score 20+ points in each of his team's first 22 games. James has also been incredible in his eight road games this year, averaging 25.8 PPG (51% FG), 8.8 RPG and 7.4 APG. In his last road game on Dec. 4 in Washington, James finished with a triple-double (26 pts, 13 reb, 11 ast). SG Dwyane Wade has been limited to fewer than 30 minutes in each of his past three games, but he has still thrived with 17.0 PPG (55% FG) and 5.0 APG. In Tuesday's win over Minnesota, Wade scored 24 points on 8-of-14 FG. He could see much more than 30 minutes on Thursday, as he has averaged 23.8 PPG (46% FG) and 5.7 APG in 13 career regular-season games with Dallas. PF Chris Bosh has 20.0 PPG and 9.7 RPG in 18 career meetings with the Mavs, but he was held to 11.5 PPG on 38.5% FG in the two meetings last year.

Dallas was happy to return home after a winless three-game road trip, as it shot a blistering 54.2% FG in a 107-100 win versus Philadelphia. SG O.J. Mayo led the way with 26 points (8-of-12 FG) and eight assists, while C Chris Kaman was a beast down low with 20 points on 9-of-15 FG. The Mavs outscored the Sixers 48-32 in the paint and came up with nine steals. Mayo is in the midst of an outstanding month of basketball, scoring 22.2 PPG on 51% FG and 53% threes in these nine December games. In seven career games versus Miami, he has 16.1 PPG on 49% FG and 35% threes. Kaman has 11 straight double-figure scoring games, averaging 15.0 PPG on 53% FG during this streak.

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Dunkel

Miami at Dallas
The Heat look to build on their 7-2-1 ATS record in their last 10 games in Dallas. Miami is the pick (-5) according to Dunkel, which has the Heat favored by 8. Dunkel Pick: Miami (-5). Here are all of today's picks.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20

Game 501-502: Oklahoma City at Minnesota (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Oklahoma City 126.965; Minnesota 121.408
Dunkel Line & Total: Oklahoma City by 5 1/2; 202
Vegas Line & Total: Oklahoma City by 3 1/2; 198
Dunkel Pick: Oklahoma City (-3 1/2); Over

Game 503-504: Miami at Dallas (9:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Miami 122.467; Dallas 114.667
Dunkel Line & Total: Miami by 8; 198
Vegas Line & Total: Miami by 5; 202 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Miami (-5); Under

Game 505-506: Denver at Portland (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Denver 121.829; Portland 114.685
Dunkel Line & Total: Denver by 7; 192
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A




NBA
Long Sheet

Thursday, December 20

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OKLAHOMA CITY (21 - 4) at MINNESOTA (12 - 11) - 12/20/2012, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 62-47 ATS (+10.3 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 55-40 ATS (+11.0 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 107-76 ATS (+23.4 Units) in road games since 1996.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 20-7 ATS (+12.3 Units) in road games in December games since 1996.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 75-51 ATS (+18.9 Units) first half of the season since 1996.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 10-1 ATS (+8.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 5-2 against the spread versus OKLAHOMA CITY over the last 3 seasons
OKLAHOMA CITY is 7-0 straight up against MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
5 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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MIAMI (16 - 6) at DALLAS (12 - 13) - 12/20/2012, 9:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DALLAS is 271-216 ATS (+33.4 Units) as an underdog since 1996.
DALLAS is 252-201 ATS (+30.9 Units) after a non-conference game since 1996.
DALLAS is 65-42 ATS (+18.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
DALLAS is 50-33 ATS (+13.7 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
DALLAS is 6-4 against the spread versus MIAMI over the last 3 seasons
DALLAS is 6-4 straight up against MIAMI over the last 3 seasons
6 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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DENVER (14 - 12) at PORTLAND (11 - 12) - 12/20/2012, 10:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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NBA

Thursday, December 20

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Trend Report
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7:00 PM
OKLAHOMA CITY vs. MINNESOTA
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Oklahoma City's last 6 games on the road
Oklahoma City is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games on the road
Minnesota is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Minnesota's last 6 games at home

9:30 PM
MIAMI vs. DALLAS
Miami is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Miami is 7-2-1 ATS in its last 10 games when playing on the road against Dallas
Dallas is 2-7-1 ATS in its last 10 games when playing at home against Miami
Dallas is 2-3-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Miami

10:00 PM
DENVER vs. PORTLAND
Denver is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Portland
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Denver's last 12 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Portland's last 5 games when playing at home against Denver
Portland is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Denver


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NBA

Thursday, December 20

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NBA TNT doubleheader: Thunder at T-Wolves, Heat at Mavs
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Oklahoma City Thunder at Minnesota Timberwolves (+4.5, 199.5)

Oklahoma City takes the best record in the league and a 12-game winning streak into Thursday road contest against Minnesota. Oklahoma City, which dropped two of three to begin the season, has won 20 of 22 and hasn't lost since Nov. 23. Kevin Durant scored a season-high 41 points in Wednesday's 100-92 victory over Atlanta. He scored 18 points in the fourth quarter, when the Thunder held off a late rally by the Hawks, and had 13 rebounds.

The Timberwolves will play their second straight game against a team that made last season's NBA Finals. Minnesota fell 103-92 win at Miami on Tuesday. Ricky Rubio is expected to play Thursday after sitting out against the Heat. The second-year point guard, who struggled in 16 scoreless minutes Monday against Orlando, won't play in back-to-back games for now as he comes back from knee surgery. He had eight points and nine assists in 18 minutes in his season debut Saturday against Dallas.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, TNT, Fox Sports Oklahoma (Oklahoma City)

ABOUT THE THUNDER (21-4, 16-8-1 ATS): Russell Westbrook didn't play like someone who had a bad wrist on Wednesday. He scored 27 points, including 21 in the first half, and 11 assists. Westbrook fell on his right wrist while driving to the basket late in Monday's win over San Antonio, but played 39 minutes against the Hawks. Westbrook has played in 337 consecutive games, the longest streak among active players. He's never missed an NBA game since being drafted out of UCLA in 2008.

ABOUT THE TIMBERWOLVES (12-11, 13-10 ATS): Minnesota began the week with a four-game winning streak, but that could soon be a distant memory. After playing the Thunder, the Timberwolves face a Saturday road game against the New York Knicks, who have the best record in the Eastern Conference. A second-half collapse on Monday led to more criticism from forward Kevin Love. A week after questioning the franchise's direction, Love said following the game that the Timberwolves must be more physical, especially on defense.

TRENDS:

* Over is 4-1 in the last five meetings.
* Thunder are 1-5 ATS in the last six meetings in Minnesota.
* Thunder are 0-5 ATS in the last five meetings.
* Underdog is 5-0 ATS in the last five meetings.

BUZZER BEATERS:

1. Minnesota C Nikola Pekovic, playing with a sore back against Miami, scored 18 points and had 12 rebounds, but committed six turnovers.

2. The Thunder's 12-game winning streak is the franchise's longest since it moved from Seattle to Oklahoma City in 2008. The Seattle SuperSonics had a 14-game winning streak in 1996.

3. Oklahoma City has 12 straight wins over Minnesota dating back to 2009.



Miami Heat at Dallas Mavericks (+5.5, 202)

While receiving good news regarding Dirk Nowitzki, the Dallas Mavericks may be shorthanded when they host the reigning champion Miami Heat on national television on Thursday. Nowitzki on Wednesday participated in his first practice since undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery on Oct. 19 and is hoping to make his season debut shortly after Christmas. However, Dallas will be without point guard Derek Fisher for its meeting with Miami and also could be missing Elton Brand and Brandan Wright. Both are game-time decisions.

Fisher hurt his right knee during an awkward fall in the first quarter of Tuesday's home triumph over Philadelphia, which halted Dallas' three-game skid. Brand suffered a groin injury and Wright sprained his right ankle in the same contest. The Mavericks begin a stretch of three games in four nights against the Heat, who completed a 4-2 homestand Tuesday with a 103-92 triumph over Minnesota. Miami has won four of five after losing consecutive games for the first time this season.

TV: 9:30 p.m. ET, TNT

ABOUT THE HEAT (16-6, 11-11 ATS): Miami continued its strong fourth-quarter play in the win over the Timberwolves. The Heat never trailed in the final period, marking the 10th time this season and fourth time in the last five games they maintained the lead throughout the quarter. Superstar LeBron James is the first player to score at least 20 points in each of his team's first 22 games since Utah's Karl Malone in 1989-90. James is averaging 30.4 points in his last seven regular-season meetings with the Mavericks. The Heat are looking for their first three-game winning streak against the Mavericks since capturing 16 in a row from 1992-99.

ABOUT THE MAVERICKS (12-13, 12-13 ATS): Nowitzki is cautiously optimistic about his prospects of returning to action before the end of the calendar year. "This is the first day we're stopping, pushing off, moving, and we'll just see how (the knee) reacts," he said. "I'm gonna do that a couple of times and do some contact for a while, and maybe anytime after Christmas I'll be fine." Coach Rick Carlisle refuses to speculate on when Nowitzki will suit up. "We don't know when he's gonna play," Carlisle said. "When it happens, it will happen. We hope it's sooner than later, but we don't have a time yet."

TRENDS:

* Over is 4-0 in the last 4 meetings.
* Heat are 7-2-1 ATS in the last 10 meetings in Dallas.
* Favorite is 3-1-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings.
* Road team is 15-5-2 ATS in the last 22 meetings.

BUZZER BEATERS:

1. The Mavericks have allowed fewer than 90 points only once this season.

2. The Heat are 22-29 overall in the all-time series and 10-15 at Dallas.

3. Dallas is 8-3 at home and has won three straight at American Airlines Center.

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Short Sheet

Thursday, December 20

Oklahoma City at Minnesota, 7:05 ET TNT
Oklahoma City: 26-12 ATS away after playing as a road favorite
Minnesota: 13-2 Over vs. division opponents

Miami at Dallas, 9:35 ET TNT
Miami: 21-6 Under after making 50%+ of their three point shots
Dallas: 20-9 ATS off ATS losses in 2 of their last 3 games

Denver at Portland, 10:05 ET
Denver: 6-1 ATS off BB wins
Portland: 0-6 ATS off ATS wins in 2 of their last 3 games

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up

Thursday, December 20

Hot Teams
-- Thunder won its last 12 games (6-2 as AF).
-- Miami won four of its last five games (2-5 as AF).
-- Portland won its last three games, allowing 86 ppg (3-1 as HU). Nuggets won four of last five games (4-4 as AF, 3-1 in last four).

Cold Teams
-- Minnesota lost last two games, by 10-11 points; favorites are 8-1-1 vs spread in its home games (0-2 as home dog).
-- Mavericks lost three of last four games (two losses in OT; they're 8-3 SU at home, 1-1 as home dogs).

Totals
-- Six of last eight Minnesota games went over the total.
-- Last four Miami games stayed under the total.
-- Three of last four Portland games stayed under total; three of last four Denver games went over.

Back-to-backs
-- Thunder is 3-2 vs spread if they played night before.

[Kaptain]

Bum

Thursday, December 20

Game Score Status Pick Amount

Oklahoma City - 7:00 PM ET ( Minnesota +2.5 500 POD )
Minnesota - Under 201.5 500

Miami - 9:30 PM ET Miami -5.5 500
Dallas - Under 200.5 500

Denver - 10:00 PM ET Portland +6 500
Portland - Under 200 500

give em hell and kick arse.....as always, thanks

[StarDust Bum]

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