The Bum's NBA Best Bets For January !

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NCAAB
Armadillo's Write-Up

Tuesday, January 8

-- UConn won its last seven games vs DePaul, last four by 14+ points; Blue Demons lost last three visits here, by 5-7-26 points. Huskies are 7-0 vs teams outside top 100, with four wins by 8 or less points. DePaul got rare Big East road win at Providence Saturday; they're 4-0 on road, with wins at Arizona State/Auburn as well as Providence. Big East home favorites are 3-5 vs spread in conference play.
-- Drexel won last five games vs Northeastern, winning last three here, by 2-14-18 points; 5-9 Dragons are 3-6 vs teams outside top 100, 1-3 in last four home games. Huskies won their first two league games by 10-4 points; they're 3-1 on road, with only loss by 20 at UAB. CAA home favorites are 2-6 againtst the spread in conference play.
-- Duke won four in row, 11 of last 13 games vs Clemson, winning last six at Cameron by 26-8-2-13-11-12 points; Blue Devils are 7-0 against top 100 teams, but don't play true road game until Saturday at NC State. Clemson won at Furman/South Carolina, lost by 23 at Coastal Carolina, so this is Tigers' first game outside Palmetto State; loss at Coastal was their only loss out of five that was by more than 12 points.

-- Missouri won four of six vs top 60 teams, losing only to Louisville, UCLA, with wins by 8-9-2-3 points; this is Tigers' first SEC game, vs Alabama team that lost five of last seven games, with four losses by 7 or less points. Tide is 1-2 on road, with win at #231 Texas Tech. Mizzou is #4 offensive rebounding team in country, grabbing 43.4% of misses.
-- Baylor won eight of last ten games vs Texas Tech, winning last three visits to Lubbock by 18-12-13 points; Bears won by 9 at Kentucky, lost by 7 at Gonzaga in their only two road games. Tech won its last three in row, but all vs teams ranked #253 or lower; they're 0-2 vs top 100 clubs, losing by 28 to Arizona, 4 to Alabama, both at home.
-- Creighton beat Drake three times LY, by 17-8-7 points; Bulldogs lost last three visits to Omaha, by 4-16-17 points. Drake lost first three tilts in conference by 10-12-12 points after 6-5 start; they're 0-4 vs top 100 teams, losing by 3-15-9-12 points. Bluejays won last eight games, with first three wins in Valley by 17-7-13 points. MVC home favorites of 9+ points are 1-4 against the spread.
-- Purdue-Ohio State split eight meetings; Buckeyes won twice LY, by 3-17 points, but they've lost three of last four visits to Mackey. Purdue is just 7-7, 2-4 vs top 100 teams, losing by 5-8-13-23 points. Buckeyes are 0-2 in true road games, losing by 5 at Duke, 19 at Illinois- they're 0-3 vs top 100 teams- best win is over #102 Washington. Home teams are 7-3 vs spread in Big Dozen play (3-2 HU).

-- Pitt won five of last seven games with Georgetown, but lost to Hoyas in LY's Big East tourney; Panthers are 3-2 in last five visits here, but are 0-2 to start Big East play this year, scoring 61-62 points, with loss at Rutgers their first road game of year. Hoyas are 3-2 vs top 100 teams after 49-48 loss at Marquette Saturday. Big East home favorites of less than 5 points are 0-3.
-- Illinois State is 8-3 in last 11 games vs Missouri State, going 3-2 in last five visits here, with wins by 1-3-8 points. Redbirds started Valley play 0-3 after 9-3 non-conference record; they have experienced players with a rookie HC. Missouri State is 2-1 in MVC after going 0-10 vs D-I clubs in non-league play- they're 0-3 vs top 100 teams, losing by 20-8-16 points. Home teams are 6-9 vs spread in MVC play, 2-3 as home dogs.
-- Wofford won its last five games vs Appalachian State, but State is 3-1 in last four visits here-- Wofford beat them in two of last three SoCon tourneys. Terriers have played #19 schedule; they're shooting 39.8% on 2-point shots, turning ball over 22.6% of time. State is 0-3 vs teams in top 200, losing by 16-11-10 points. SoCon home teams are 2-9 against spread, 1-5 when favored.

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NCAAB

Tuesday, January 8

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Trend Report
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7:00 PM
NIAGARA vs. BROWN
Niagara is 1-10 ATS in its last 11 games on the road
Niagara is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games on the road
Brown is 4-10 SU in its last 14 games at home
Brown is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games

7:00 PM
NORTHEASTERN vs. DREXEL
Northeastern is 4-9 SU in its last 13 games on the road
Northeastern is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Drexel's last 8 games when playing at home against Northeastern
Drexel is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games at home

7:00 PM
BAYLOR vs. TEXAS TECH
Baylor is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Texas Tech
Baylor is 4-11 SU in its last 15 games when playing on the road against Texas Tech
Texas Tech is 1-3-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Baylor
Texas Tech is 11-4 SU in its last 15 games when playing at home against Baylor

7:00 PM
ALABAMA vs. MISSOURI
Alabama is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games on the road
Missouri is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Missouri is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games

7:00 PM
ARMY vs. DARTMOUTH
No trends available
Dartmouth is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing Army
Dartmouth is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games

7:00 PM
DEPAUL vs. CONNECTICUT
DePaul is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Connecticut
DePaul is 8-17 SU in its last 25 games on the road
Connecticut is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home
Connecticut is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games

7:00 PM
CLEMSON vs. DUKE
Clemson is 1-16 SU in its last 17 games when playing on the road against Duke
Clemson is 4-10 SU in its last 14 games on the road
Duke is 23-2 SU in its last 25 games when playing Clemson
Duke is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Clemson

7:00 PM
APPALACHIAN STATE vs. WOFFORD
Appalachian State is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games on the road
Wofford is 4-0-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Appalachian State
Wofford is 14-2 SU in its last 16 games at home

7:00 PM
COLUMBIA vs. HOLY CROSS
Columbia is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games on the road
No trends available

7:30 PM
LAFAYETTE vs. PENNSYLVANIA
No trends available
Pennsylvania is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games at home
Pennsylvania is 12-2 SU in its last 14 games when playing Lafayette

8:05 PM
DRAKE vs. CREIGHTON
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Drake's last 7 games when playing on the road against Creighton
Drake is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games on the road
Creighton is 4-8 ATS in its last 12 games when playing Drake
Creighton is 15-3 SU in its last 18 games when playing at home against Drake

8:05 PM
ILLINOIS STATE vs. MISSOURI STATE
Illinois State is 7-18 SU in its last 25 games on the road
Illinois State is 5-0-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Missouri State
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Missouri State's last 5 games when playing Illinois State
Missouri State is 3-8 SU in its last 11 games when playing Illinois State

9:00 PM
OHIO STATE vs. PURDUE
Ohio State is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Purdue
Ohio State is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Purdue is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games at home
Purdue is 3-10 ATS in its last 13 games when playing at home against Ohio State

9:00 PM
PITTSBURGH vs. GEORGETOWN
Pittsburgh is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Pittsburgh is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Georgetown is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing Pittsburgh
Georgetown is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home

10:00 PM
NEW ORLEANS vs. SAN JOSE STATE
No trends available
San Jose State is 2-4-1 ATS in its last 7 games
San Jose State is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games

[StarDust Bum]

NCAAB

Tuesday, January 8

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NCAAB game of the day: Pitt at Georgetown
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Pittsburgh at Georgetown (-2)

Both Georgetown and Pittsburgh will be seeking their first Big East victory this season when the longtime foes meet Tuesday at the Verizon Center. It will be the Big East home opener for the Hoyas, who fell 49-48 at Marquette on Saturday. Greg Whittington missed the third of three free throws with 2.3 seconds left as Georgetown fell in its first road game of the season. It was the sixth time in the last eight games that the Hoyas had held an opponent to 50 points or less, but they got zero points from their bench and made only seven free throws in another rough offensive showing. Georgetown averages just 65.1 points, better than only one team (South Florida) in the 15-team Big East. The Panthers enter as one of just two 0-2 teams in the league after falling to Rutgers on Saturday.

TV: 9 p.m. ET, ESPNU

ABOUT PITTSBURGH (12-3, 0-2 Big East): After eight straight wins vaulted the Panthers into the national rankings, they dropped their league opener at home to Cincinnati before losing at the Scarlet Knights, 67-62. Pitt trailed by 14 points just minutes into the contest and could not complete a second-half rally in continuing a troubling trend for head coach James Dixon's crew, which dropped its first seven Big East games last season and could wind up 0-3 this time around if it gives the same effort against Georgetown. J.J. Moore scored 14 points off the bench to pace the Panthers against Rutgers. Tray Woodall added 11 points and eight assists.

ABOUT GEORGETOWN (10-2, 0-1): Markel Starks had 18 points and a season-high seven assists in the losing effort Saturday in Milwaukee. Otto Porter Jr. and Whittington had 13 points apiece for the Hoyas, who showed some rust while playing their first game since Dec. 22. Georgetown had just one basket in the final seven-plus minutes. The Hoyas used only seven players and the two that came off the bench -- Jabril Trawick and freshman D'Vauntes Smith-Rivera -- combined to go 0-for-4 from the floor, 0-for-3 from 3-point range and commit three of the team's 10 turnovers. Starks has made 8 of 14 3-pointers (57.1 percent) over his last four games.

TRENDS:

* Panthers are 1-4 ATS in their last five road games.
* Hoyas are 1-4 ATS in their last five home games.
* Hoyas are 0-5 ATS in their last five games following an ATS win.
* Panthers are 1-6 ATS in their last seven games vs. a team with a winning record.

TIP-INS:

1. Pitt leading scorer Talib Zanna was limited to nine points and a season-low one rebound against Rutgers before fouling out on a flagrant foul in the closing minutes.

2. Hoyas junior F Nate Lubick had zero points and four fouls in 32 minutes against Marquette.

3. Georgetown has a 41-35 series advantage but the Panthers are 17-9 in the last 26 meetings.

[StarDust Bum]

NCAAB

Tuesday, January 8

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Study group: Tuesday's NCAAB betting notes
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Alabama at (12) Missouri (-10.5)

Missouri coach Frank Haith doesn’t think junior forward Tony Criswell - a valued energy guy off the bench - will be ready for Tuesday. Criswell has missed Missouri's last two games with a broken finger on his left (non-shooting) hand. Keep in mind the Tigers are nasty on the boards, averaging a nation-best 46.7 per game. Alabama is 1-4 ATS in its last five overall and 0-4 ATS in its last four contests vs. a team with a winning record.

Clemson at (1) Duke (-18)

While the sharpshooting of Ryan Kelly (13.5 points per game) and Seth Curry (16.6) from the perimeter is deadly, the Blue Devils like to work the interior through Mason Plumlee (18.4 points, 11.3 rebounds) and play well defensively. Clemson also relies heavily on its 14th-ranked defense (56.2) points per game and is 4-1 ATS in its last five games after a loss.

Drake at (11) Creighton (-21)

Creighton is enjoying its best start in Missouri Valley Conference play since the 2003-04 season. The Blue Jays will look to continue that momentum by winning their ninth contest overall when they welcome Drake. Reigning MVC Player of the Year Doug McDermott showed why he is one of the top scorers in the nation by collecting 25 points and nine rebounds as Creighton recorded a 79-66 victory over Indiana State on Saturday. Drake suffered its third straight loss with a 77-65 setback to Missouri State on Saturday. The Bulldogs are 0-5 ATS in their last five games following an ATS loss.

(14) Ohio St. at Purdue (+6.5)

The Buckeyes were clobbered 74-55 at Illinois on Saturday, shooting just 33 percent from the field (including 21 percent from 3-point range), turning the ball over 16 times (six more than their average) and getting outrebounded 39-28. Purdue also suffered a setback Saturday, falling 84-61 to Michigan State after beating Illinois in its Big Ten opener on Wednesday. Ohio State is 6-1 ATS in its last seven games following a loss and the Boilermakers are 1-6 ATS in their last seven overall.

Pittsburgh at (22) Georgetown (-2)

Georgetown averages just 65.1 points, better than only one team (South Florida) in the 15-team Big East, but boasts a defense that has held six of its last eight opponents to 50 or fewer points. The Panthers enter as one of just two 0-2 teams in the league after falling to Rutgers on Saturday. Pitt leading scorer Talib Zanna was limited to nine points and a season-low one rebound in the loss before fouling out on a flagrant in the closing minutes. The Hoyas are 1-4 ATS in their last five home games.

[StarDust Bum]

NCAAB
Top 25 Short Sheet

Tuesday, January 8

Clemson at Duke, 7:00 ET ESPNU
Clemson: 19-8 Over away off BB games with 10+ steals
Duke: 1-8 ATS at home off a conference win

Alabama at Missouri, 7:00 ET ESPN
Alabama: 6-18 ATS after playing 3+ games as a home favorite
Missouri: 13-4 ATS off a home win

Drake at Creighton, 8:00 ET
Drake: 2-11 ATS away after playing as a home favorite
Creighton: 7-0 ATS off a home game

Pittsburgh at Georgetown, 9:00 ET ESPNU
Pittsburgh: 8-3 ATS as a road underdog
Georgetown: 4-14 ATS after scoring and allowing 65 points or less

Ohio State at Purdue, 9:00 ET ESPN
Ohio State: 21-9 ATS off a SU conference loss as a favorite
Purdue: 16-5 Over off a conference game

[StarDust Bum]

Tuesday, January 8

Game Score Status Pick Amount

Niagara - 7:00 PM ET Niagara -5.5 500
Brown -

Northeastern - 7:00 PM ET Drexel -5.5 500
Drexel -

Appalachian St. - 7:00 PM ET Appalachian St. +9 500
Wofford -

Baylor - 7:00 PM ET Baylor -10 500 POD
Texas Tech - Over 151 500

Alabama - 7:00 PM ET Alabama +8.5 500
Missouri - Under 132.5 500

DePaul - 7:00 PM ET DePaul +9 500
Connecticut -

Clemson - 7:00 PM ET Clemson +15.5 500
Duke - Over 132 500

Drake - 8:05 PM ET Drake +17 500
Creighton -

Illinois St. - 8:05 PM ET Missouri St. +9.5 500
Missouri St. -

Ohio St. - 9:00 PM ET Purdue +8 500
Purdue - Under 134 500

Pittsburgh - 9:00 PM ET Pittsburgh +1 500
Georgetown - Under 116 500

[StarDust Bum]

Wednesday, January 9

Game Score Status Pick Amount

Philadelphia - 7:00 PM ET Philadelphia +4.5 500
Toronto - Over 188 500

Utah - 7:00 PM ET Charlotte +4.5 500
Charlotte - Over 198 500

Atlanta - 7:00 PM ET Cleveland +4 500
Cleveland - Over 193 500

Phoenix - 7:30 PM ET Phoenix +8.5 500
Boston - Under 191.5 500

Milwaukee - 8:00 PM ET Chicago -6 500
Chicago - Over 188 500

Houston - 8:00 PM ET Houston -3 500
New Orleans - Over 201 500

L.A. Lakers - 8:00 PM ET San Antonio -13 500
San Antonio - Under 212.5 500

Minnesota - 8:00 PM ET Oklahoma City -11.5 500
Oklahoma City - Under 200.5 500

Orlando - 9:00 PM ET Denver -11.5 500
Denver - Over 206 500

Dallas - 10:30 PM ET L.A. Clippers -10.5 500
L.A. Clippers - Under 200.5 500

Memphis - 10:30 PM ET Memphis +2 500 POD
Golden State - Under 189 500

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up

Wednesday, January 9

Hot Teams
-- Jazz won three of last four games (3-3 AF).
-- Celtics won/covered last three games (6-3 last nine HF).
-- Spurs won eight of last ten games (9-5-1 HF).
-- Thunder won five of last seven games (8-5-1 last 14 HF).
-- Rockets won/covered 10 of last 12 games (1-1 AF). New Orleans won four of last seven games (2-9-1 last 12 HU).
-- Bulls won last three games, allowing 91.7 ppg (3-12 HF).
-- Nuggets won five of last seven games (6-1 last seven HF).
-- Grizzlies won three of last four games (3-3 AU). Golden State won four of last five games (8-2 HF).
-- Clippers won 19 of last 21 games (9-1 last ten HF).

Cold Teams
-- Hawks lost four of last five games (3-5 AF). Cavaliers lost five of last six games (3-8 HU).
-- 76ers lost six of last seven games (3-9 last last AU). Toronto last last two games, by 9-12 points (4-3 HF).
-- Bobcats lost 19 of last 21 games, covered three of four (6-7 HU).
-- Suns lost nine of last ten games (5-8 AU).
-- Lakers lost five of last six games (2-4 AU).
-- Minnesota lost four of last five games (6-2 AU of 5+ points).
-- Bucks lost four of last five games (7-4 AU).
-- Orlando lost last nine games, covered three of last four (8-1 last nine AU).
-- Mavericks lost nine of last ten games (4-1 AU 10+ points).

Totals
-- Four of last five Cleveland home games went over the total.
-- Seven of last nine Toronto home games stayed under total.
-- Over is 9-2-1 in Charlotte's last twelve home games.
-- 11 of last 15 Phoenix games stayed under the total.
-- Six of Spurs' last eight home games stayed under the total.
-- Five of last seven Thunder games went over the total.
-- Four of last five Houston road games went over the total.
-- Nine of last eleven Milwaukee road games stayed under.
-- Four of last five Orlando road games went over the total.
-- Seven of last nine Golden State home games went over total.
-- 11 of last 16 Dallas games went over the total.

Back-to-backs
-- Hawks are 7-2 vs spread (3-0 on road) if they played night before.
-- 76ers are 2-8 vs spread (2-6 on road) if they played night before.
-- Suns are 1-6 vs spread (1-3 on road) if they played night before.
-- Lakers are 2-3-1 vs spread (all on road) if they played night before.
-- Minnesota is 4-4 vs spread (3-4 on road) if it played night before.
-- Houston is 3-5 vs spread (2-2 on road) if it played night before.
-- Bucks are 1-7 vs spread (1-2 on road) if they played night before.

[StarDust Bum]

NBA

Wednesday, January 9

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Trend Report
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7:00 PM
ATLANTA vs. CLEVELAND
Atlanta is 6-13 SU in its last 19 games when playing on the road against Cleveland
Atlanta is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Cleveland's last 6 games
Cleveland is 6-14 ATS in its last 20 games

7:00 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. TORONTO
Philadelphia is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Philadelphia is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing Toronto
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Toronto's last 12 games when playing at home against Philadelphia
Toronto is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing Philadelphia

7:00 PM
UTAH vs. CHARLOTTE
Utah is 1-4-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Charlotte
Utah is 4-1-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Charlotte
Charlotte is 3-9 ATS in its last 12 games at home
Charlotte is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games at home

7:30 PM
PHOENIX vs. BOSTON
Phoenix is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Boston
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Phoenix's last 6 games when playing Boston
Boston is 3-7 ATS in its last 10 games when playing at home against Phoenix
Boston is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games at home

8:00 PM
LA LAKERS vs. SAN ANTONIO
The total has gone OVER in 5 of the LA Lakers last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of the LA Lakers last 12 games when playing San Antonio
San Antonio is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of San Antonio's last 8 games at home

8:00 PM
MINNESOTA vs. OKLAHOMA CITY
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Minnesota's last 9 games
Minnesota is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games
Oklahoma City is 17-4 SU in its last 21 games
Oklahoma City is 13-1 SU in its last 14 games at home

8:00 PM
MILWAUKEE vs. CHICAGO
Milwaukee is 2-12 SU in its last 14 games when playing on the road against Chicago
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Milwaukee's last 6 games on the road
Chicago is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games when playing Milwaukee
Chicago is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games

8:00 PM
HOUSTON vs. NEW ORLEANS
Houston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 13 of Houston's last 18 games when playing New Orleans
New Orleans is 4-14 SU in its last 18 games
New Orleans is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games

9:00 PM
ORLANDO vs. DENVER
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Orlando's last 5 games
Orlando is 6-16 SU in its last 22 games on the road
Denver is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Orlando
Denver is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games at home

10:30 PM
DALLAS vs. LA CLIPPERS
Dallas is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games on the road
Dallas is 1-9 SU in its last 10 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of the LA Clippers last 5 games at home
LA Clippers are 2-5 SU in their last 7 games when playing at home against Dallas

10:30 PM
MEMPHIS vs. GOLDEN STATE
Memphis is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
Memphis is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Golden State
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Golden State's last 6 games at home
Golden State is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Long Sheet

Wednesday, January 9

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ATLANTA (20 - 13) at CLEVELAND (8 - 28) - 1/9/2013, 7:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 6-2 against the spread versus CLEVELAND over the last 3 seasons
ATLANTA is 7-1 straight up against CLEVELAND 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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PHILADELPHIA (15 - 21) at TORONTO (12 - 22) - 1/9/2013, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 51-33 ATS (+14.7 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHILADELPHIA is 5-4 against the spread versus TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
PHILADELPHIA is 6-3 straight up against TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
7 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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UTAH (18 - 18) at CHARLOTTE (9 - 24) - 1/9/2013, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
UTAH is 21-33 ATS (-15.3 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
CHARLOTTE is 34-63 ATS (-35.3 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CHARLOTTE is 33-56 ATS (-28.6 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
CHARLOTTE is 15-34 ATS (-22.4 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
CHARLOTTE is 10-22 ATS (-14.2 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
UTAH is 2-1 against the spread versus CHARLOTTE over the last 3 seasons
UTAH is 3-0 straight up against CHARLOTTE 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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PHOENIX (12 - 24) at BOSTON (17 - 17) - 1/9/2013, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 96-128 ATS (-44.8 Units) in home games in non-conference games since 1996.
BOSTON is 39-66 ATS (-33.6 Units) in home games off an upset win as an underdog since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHOENIX is 2-1 against the spread versus BOSTON over the last 3 seasons
PHOENIX is 2-1 straight up against BOSTON 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 LAKERS (15 - 19) at SAN ANTONIO (27 - 10) - 1/9/2013, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LA LAKERS are 44-66 ATS (-28.6 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
LA LAKERS are 18-36 ATS (-21.6 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
LA LAKERS are 8-21 ATS (-15.1 Units) after scoring 105 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 72-41 ATS (+26.9 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 60-31 ATS (+25.9 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 38-15 ATS (+21.5 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 17-7 ATS (+9.3 Units) against Pacific division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 18-4 ATS (+13.6 Units) after a division game over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 63-39 ATS (+20.1 Units) in home games after 3 or more consecutive unders since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 157-115 ATS (+30.5 Units) off a upset loss as a favorite since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
SAN ANTONIO is 47-28 ATS (+16.2 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 3 seasons.
LA LAKERS are 109-72 ATS (+29.8 Units) after 3 or more consecutive overs since 1996.

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

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MINNESOTA (16 - 15) at OKLAHOMA CITY (26 - 8) - 1/9/2013, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 18-32 ATS (-17.2 Units) after scoring 105 points or more over the last 3 seasons.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 66-52 ATS (+8.8 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 59-44 ATS (+10.6 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 46-28 ATS (+15.2 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 3 seasons.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 16-6 ATS (+9.4 Units) off a upset loss as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 16-6 ATS (+9.4 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 6-2 against the spread versus OKLAHOMA CITY over the last 3 seasons
OKLAHOMA CITY is 7-1 straight up against MINNESOTA 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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HOUSTON (21 - 14) at NEW ORLEANS (9 - 25) - 1/9/2013, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 3-13 ATS (-11.3 Units) in road games after allowing 105 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 49-36 ATS (+9.4 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 9-1 ATS (+7.9 Units) in home games vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 128-169 ATS (-57.9 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
NEW ORLEANS is 6-2 against the spread versus HOUSTON over the last 3 seasons
NEW ORLEANS is 4-4 straight up against HOUSTON over the last 3 seasons
5 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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MILWAUKEE (17 - 16) at CHICAGO (19 - 13) - 1/9/2013, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MILWAUKEE is 8-21 ATS (-15.1 Units) when playing on back-to-back days over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 17-30 ATS (-16.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO is 4-14 ATS (-11.4 Units) in home games this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO is 7-3 against the spread versus MILWAUKEE over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO is 9-1 straight up against MILWAUKEE over the last 3 seasons
5 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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ORLANDO (12 - 22) at DENVER (20 - 16) - 1/9/2013, 9:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ORLANDO is 21-42 ATS (-25.2 Units) in road games after 3 or more consecutive overs since 1996.
DENVER is 62-47 ATS (+10.3 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
DENVER is 29-11 ATS (+16.9 Units) in home games against Southeast division opponents since 1996.
DENVER is 37-22 ATS (+12.8 Units) in non-conference games over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
DENVER is 4-1 against the spread versus ORLANDO over the last 3 seasons
DENVER is 3-2 straight up against ORLANDO 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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MEMPHIS (22 - 10) at GOLDEN STATE (22 - 11) - 1/9/2013, 10:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
GOLDEN STATE is 56-42 ATS (+9.8 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
MEMPHIS is 110-85 ATS (+16.5 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
MEMPHIS is 48-31 ATS (+13.9 Units) as an underdog over the last 3 seasons.
MEMPHIS is 65-47 ATS (+13.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
MEMPHIS is 54-25 ATS (+26.5 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
GOLDEN STATE is 4-4 against the spread versus MEMPHIS over the last 3 seasons
MEMPHIS is 7-1 straight up against GOLDEN STATE 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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DALLAS (13 - 22) at LA CLIPPERS (27 - 8) - 1/9/2013, 10:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LA CLIPPERS are 22-13 ATS (+7.7 Units) in all games this season.
LA CLIPPERS are 15-5 ATS (+9.5 Units) in home games this season.
LA CLIPPERS are 11-2 ATS (+8.8 Units) in home games in January games over the last 2 seasons.
DALLAS is 273-221 ATS (+29.9 Units) as an underdog since 1996.
DALLAS is 67-46 ATS (+16.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
DALLAS is 31-13 ATS (+16.7 Units) in road games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game over the last 3 seasons.

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

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Dunkel

Utah at Charlotte
The Jazz look to build on their 5-1 ATS record in their last 6 games against teams with a winning percentage below .400. Utah is the pick (-4 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Jazz favored by 9 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Utah (-4 1/2). Here are all of today's picks.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 9

Game 701-702: Atlanta at Cleveland (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta 115.838; Cleveland 114.186
Dunkel Line & Total: Atlanta by 1 1/2; 177
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 703-704: Philadelphia at Toronto (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia 116.612; Toronto 119.794
Dunkel Line & Total: Toronto by 3; 192
Vegas Line & Total: Toronto by 5; 188
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (+5); Over

Game 705-706: Utah at Charlotte (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Utah 120.101; Charlotte 110.409
Dunkel Line & Total: Utah by 9 1/2; 194
Vegas Line & Total: Utah by 4 1/2; 198 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Utah (-4 1/2); Under

Game 707-708: Phoenix at Boston (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Phoenix 113.476; Boston 121.100
Dunkel Line & Total: Boston by 7 1/2; 195
Vegas Line & Total: Boston by 9; 191 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Phoenix (+9); Over

Game 709-710: LA Lakers at San Antonio (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: LA Lakers 117.233; San Antonio 127.673
Dunkel Line & Total: San Antonio by 10 1/2; 219
Vegas Line & Total: San Antonio by 13 1/2; 213
Dunkel Pick: LA Lakers (+13 1/2); Over

Game 711-712: Minnesota at Oklahoma City (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota 116.212; Oklahoma City 132.218
Dunkel Line & Total: Oklahoma City by 16; 199
Vegas Line & Total: Oklahoma City by 11 1/2; 201
Dunkel Pick: Oklahoma City (-11 1/2); Under

Game 713-714: Houston at New Orleans (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Houston 124.311; New Orleans 119.430
Dunkel Line & Total: Houston by 5; 197
Vegas Line & Total: Houston by 3; 201
Dunkel Pick: Houston (-3); Under

Game 715-716: Milwaukee at Chicago (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Milwaukee 114.909; Chicago 122.401
Dunkel Line & Total: Chicago by 7 1/2; 191
Vegas Line & Total: Chicago by 6; 187 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Chicago (-6); Over

Game 717-718: Orlando at Denver (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Orlando 111.381; Denver 127.676
Dunkel Line & Total: Denver by 16 1/2; 202
Vegas Line & Total: Denver by 11; 206
Dunkel Pick: Denver (-11); Under

Game 719-720: Memphis at Golden State (10:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Memphis 121.902; Golden State 120.402
Dunkel Line & Total: Memphis by 1 1/2; 193
Vegas Line & Total: Golden State by 2; 189
Dunkel Pick: Memphis (+2); Over

Game 721-722: Dallas at LA Clippers (10:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Dallas 110.956; LA Clippers 129.640
Dunkel Line & Total: LA Clippers by 18 1/2; 197
Vegas Line & Total: LA Clippers by 10; 200 1/2
Dunkel Pick: LA Clippers (-10); Under

[StarDust Bum]

NBA

Wednesday, January 9

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Lakers at Spurs: What bettors need to know
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Los Angeles Lakers at San Antonio Spurs (-13.5, 214)

The Los Angeles Lakers are dragging along with a four-game losing skid and things don’t figure to get better when they face the angry San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday. San Antonio had won eight of nine games before succumbing to the lowly New Orleans Hornets on Monday, a loss that makes for bad timing for Los Angeles to show up in town. The Lakers are just 5-11 on the road and the Spurs are 14-2 at home.

San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich succinctly described the loss to the Hornets this way: “They did a great job at both ends of the court. They just whipped us.” The Spurs committed 19 turnovers in the sloppy, uncharacteristic effort. Los Angeles will again be without center Dwight Howard (shoulder) and forwards Pau Gasol (concussion) and Jordan Hill (hip). The shorthanded Lakers played well early in Tuesday’s 125-112 loss to the Houston Rockets before wilting over the final 17 minutes. “We could offer up a number of excuses,” said point guard Steve Nash, “but what is troubling is when we were healthy, we weren’t stopping people, either.”

TV: 8 p.m. ET, ESPN, Time Warner Cable SportsNet (Los Angeles), KENS (San Antonio)

ABOUT THE LAKERS (15-19, 13-20-1 ATS): L.A. is 1-9 against the spread as an underdog this year after failing to cover at Houston last night as an 8-point dog. That was the biggest underdog line the Lakers had seen all season until tonight where they're a 13.5-point dog. Los Angeles doesn’t yet know long it will be without Howard, who matched his career-high with 26 rebounds in Sunday’s loss to the Denver Nuggets before the severity of his shoulder injury was discovered the next day. Rookie Robert Sacre started in his place against Houston and had 10 points and four blocked shots but grabbed just three rebounds. Forward Metta World Peace scored a season-high 24 points against the Rockets and is miffed over the team’s troubles. “I thought we had the better team,” World Peace said while comparing his injury riddled team with the Rockets. “We definitely had the better team, but every night we have the better team and it’s just not translating to wins.” Kobe Bryant scored 20 points to end a streak of 17 consecutive games with 27 or more points.

ABOUT THE SPURS (27-10, 22-14-1 ATS): San Antonio has won 10 consecutive home games dating back to Nov. 19 when they lost to the Los Angeles Clippers. The Spurs defeated the Lakers 84-82 on Nov. 11 in Los Angeles when guard Danny Green hit the game-winning 3-point basket with 9.3 seconds remaining. Green has struggled of late and missed all five of his shots while going scoreless in the loss to New Orleans. Green has reached double digits just once in the last six games. Veteran guard Manu Ginobili has averaged 20 points and made 56.5 percent of his field-goal attempts over the past two games to raise his season average to 12.7.

TRENDS:

* Lakers are 1-9 ATS as an underdog this season
* Favorite is 4-1 ATS in the last five meetings.
* Under is 19-7 in the last 26 meetings in San Antonio.
* Under is 19-7 in the last 26 meetings.
* Road team is 5-2 ATS in the last seven meetings.

BUZZER BEATERS:

1. San Antonio has won the last three regular-season meetings with the Lakers.

2. The Spurs are 17-4 when forcing 15 or more turnovers.

3. Gasol will be re-examined Thursday in hopes of determining a return date. He suffered the concussion on Sunday

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Short Sheet

Wednesday, January 9

Atlanta at Cleveland, 7:05 ET
Atlanta: 20-6 ATS when playing on back-to-back days
Cleveland: 3-12 ATS in home games

Philadelphia at Toronto, 7:05 ET
Philadelphia: 14-6 Over after 1 or more consecutive losses
Toronto: 9-1 ATS in home games after playing a game as an underdog

Utah at Charlotte, 7:05 ET
Utah: 36-20 Over in non-conference games
Charlotte: 2-11 ATS after playing a road game

Phoenix at Boston, 7:35 ET
Phoenix: 27-14 Under after one or more consecutive overs
Boston: 39-66 ATS in home games off an upset win as an underdog

LA Lakers at San Antonio, 8:05 ET ESPN
LA Lakers: 5-14 ATS after one or more consecutive overs
San Antonio: 60-35 ATS after having won 6 or 7 of their last 8 games

Minnesota at Oklahoma City, 8:05 ET
Minnesota: 18-32 ATS after scoring 105 points or more
Oklahoma City: 12-4 ATS after one or more consecutive overs

Houston at New Orleans, 8:05 ET
Houston: 3-13 ATS in road games after allowing 105 points or more
New Orleans: 9-1 ATS in home games vs. division opponents

Milwaukee at Chicago, 8:05 ET
Milwaukee: 8-21 ATS when playing on back-to-back days
Chicago: 80-51 ATS after having won 4 or 5 of their last 6 games

Orlando at Denver, 9:05 ET
Orlando: 21-42 ATS in road games after 3 or more consecutive overs
Denver: 29-11 ATS in home games against Southeast division opponents

Memphis at Golden State, 10:35 ET
Memphis: 15-4 ATS after allowing 90 points or less 2 straight games
Golden State: 7-0 ATS as a home favorite of 6 points or less

Dallas at LA Clippers, 10:35 ET ESPN
Dallas: 20-9 Over in road games after playing a road game
LA Clippers: 15-5 ATS in home games

[StarDust Bum]

Thursday, January 10

Game Score Status Pick Amount

New York - 8:00 PM ET New York +5.5 500
Indiana - Over 183.5 500

Dallas - 10:00 PM ET ( Dallas +2.5 500 POD )
Sacramento - Under 205.5 500

Miami - 10:30 PM ET Portland +3.5 500
Portland - Under 194.5 500

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Dunkel

Dallas at Sacramento
The Mavericks look to take advantage of a Sacramento team that is 0-9 ATS in its last 9 games against Southwest Division teams. Dallas is the pick (+2) according to Dunkel, which has the game Even. Dunkel Pick: Dallas (+2). Here are all of today's picks.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 10

Game 501-502: New York at Indiana (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: New York 116.542; Indiana 123.235
Dunkel Line & Total: Indiana by 6 1/2; 191
Vegas Line & Total: Indiana by 4 1/2; No Total
Dunkel Pick: Indiana (-4 1/2); N/A

Game 503-504: Dallas at Sacramento (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Dallas 111.977; Sacramento 111.789
Dunkel Line & Total: Even; 210
Vegas Line & Total: Sacramento by 2; 205 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Dallas (+2); Over

Game 505-506: Miami at Portland (10:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Miami 121.199; Portland 116.001
Dunkel Line & Total: Miami by 5; 192
Vegas Line & Total: Miami by 3 1/2; 196
Dunkel Pick: Miami (-3 1/2); Under




NBA
Long Sheet

Thursday, January 10

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NEW YORK (23 - 11) at INDIANA (21 - 14) - 1/10/2013, 8:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
INDIANA is 4-4 against the spread versus NEW YORK over the last 3 seasons
NEW YORK is 5-3 straight up against INDIANA over the last 3 seasons
5 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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DALLAS (13 - 23) at SACRAMENTO (13 - 22) - 1/10/2013, 10:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DALLAS is 274-221 ATS (+30.9 Units) as an underdog since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
DALLAS is 4-3 against the spread versus SACRAMENTO over the last 3 seasons
DALLAS is 6-1 straight up against SACRAMENTO over the last 3 seasons
6 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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MIAMI (23 - 10) at PORTLAND (19 - 15) - 1/10/2013, 10:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up

Thursday, January 10

Hot Teams
-- Pacers won 11 of last 14 games (7-3 HF).
-- Kings won four of last five at home, but it came out yesterday that team will probably move to Seattle next year-- this will be a sad night for Kings squad that is 4-2-1 HF.
-- Portland won five of last six games (4-1 HU).

Cold Teams
-- Knicks are 5-6 in last eleven games (3-3 AU).
-- Dallas lost four in row, 10 of last 11 games (9-6 last 15 AU).
-- Miami is 3-4 in its last seven games (4-9 AF).

Totals
-- Four of last five New York games went over the total; seven of Pacers' last eight games stayed under.
-- Eight of last nine Sacramento games went over total
-- Seven of last ten Miami games stayed under the total.

Back-to-backs
-- Mavericks are 5-4 vs spread if they played night before.




NBA

Thursday, January 10

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Trend Report
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8:00 PM
NEW YORK vs. INDIANA
New York is 3-6 ATS in its last 9 games
New York is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Indiana
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Indiana's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Indiana's last 5 games at home

10:00 PM
DALLAS vs. SACRAMENTO
Dallas is 1-10 SU in its last 11 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Dallas's last 5 games when playing on the road against Sacramento
Sacramento is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
Sacramento is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Dallas

10:30 PM
MIAMI vs. PORTLAND
Miami is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Miami's last 5 games when playing Portland
Portland is 2-7 ATS in its last 9 games when playing at home against Miami
Portland is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games when playing Miami


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NBA

Thursday, January 10

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NBA betting: Toughest and easiest schedules prior to the All-Star break
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Taking a given team’s schedule into consideration is a vital aspect of sports handicapping.

The NBA All-Star game is just over a month away, so we thought it would be beneficial to examine which teams have the easiest and toughest schedules prior to the break beginning Feb. 15.

Easiest schedules

Denver Nuggets (20-16 SU, 22-14 ATS)

The Nuggets are entering a friendly portion of their schedule Wednesday when they host the Magic. Denver plays 12 of its next 14 games at home and has covered in three of its last four games overall. This is important to bettors because the Nuggets boast an impressive 10-3 ATS mark at the Pepsi Center.

Philadelphia 76ers (15-21 SU, 15-21 ATS)

NBA schedule-makers saddled the Sixers with a daunting road schedule early in the season, but now Philly enjoys a stretch where it plays 12 of its next 15 games at the friendly confines of the Wells Fargo Center against relatively weak opposition. The Sixers play the Raptors and Bucks twice in that span and will also have the chance to beat up on the Magic, Bobcats, Wizards and Hornets prior to the break.

Atlanta Hawks (20-13 SU, 13-19-1 ATS)

Atlanta’s 20-13 SU record hasn’t translated into ATS success (13-19-1) this season, but the Hawks will have the opportunity to improve on that mark in coming weeks. Atlanta only plays one back-to-back set (Brooklyn, San Antonio) and has good balance to its schedule with no more than two consecutive games on the road or at home prior to the break. The Hawks have been a better road bet (8-8 ATS) than at Philips Arena (5-11-1).


Toughest schedules

Los Angeles Clippers (27-8 SU, 22-13 ATS)

The Clippers have an impressive 15-5 home ATS mark but are slightly under .500 ATS on the road (7-8). Los Angeles will be road warriors prior to the All-Star break, playing 14 of its next 20 away from La La Land. The Clippers embark on a season-high eight-game road swing predominantly against Eastern foes beginning in Minnesota on Jan. 30.

Houston Rockets (21-14 SU, 21-13-1 ATS)

The Rockets boast one of the top offenses in the Association thanks to the addition of James Harden, but they’ll be tested with a vigorous schedule in the next month or so. Houston hits the road for 13 of its next 20 games, including stops in tough venues such as Los Angeles, Golden State, Utah, Boston and Indiana. The Rockets are the hottest bet in the league, covering in 11 of their last 12 games.

Oklahoma City Thunder (26-8 SU, 20-13-1 ATS)

It’s no secret the Thunder have some of the top talent in the league and are one of the better bets this season. But Oklahoma City begins a stretch where it plays nine of its next 10 away from home beginning Friday in Los Angeles. The Thunder will play three times at the Staples Center (twice vs. the Lakers, once vs. the Clippers) during that stretch.

*All stats prior to action on Jan. 9.