The Bum's February NBA Best Bets !

[StarDust Bum]

Friday, February 22

Game Score Status Pick Amount

New York - 7:00 PM ET New York -1 500
Toronto - Under 193.5 500

Denver 0 0th Denver -3 500
Washington 0 Over 204 500

Chicago 0 0th Charlotte +6.5 500
Charlotte 0 Under 185 500

Detroit - 7:00 PM ET Indiana -9 500
Indiana - Over 190 500

Houston - 7:30 PM ET Brooklyn +1.5 500 POD
Brooklyn - Under 208 500

Sacramento - 7:30 PM ET Atlanta -8 500
Atlanta - Over 205 500

Orlando - 8:00 PM ET Orlando +14 500
Memphis - Over 186 500

Dallas - 8:00 PM ET New Orleans +1 500 POD
New Orleans - Over 199 500

Minnesota - 8:00 PM ET Oklahoma City -13.5 500
Oklahoma City - Over 205 500

Boston - 9:00 PM ET Boston -2.5 500
Phoenix - Under 186.5 500

Portland - 10:30 PM ET L.A. Lakers -9.5 500
L.A. Lakers - Under 203 500

San Antonio - 10:30 PM ET Golden State +3.5 500 POD
Golden State - Over 208 500

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Long Sheet

Saturday, February 23

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HOUSTON (31 - 26) at WASHINGTON (16 - 37) - 2/23/2013, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 33-19 ATS (+12.1 Units) in all games this season.
WASHINGTON is 30-15 ATS (+13.5 Units) as an underdog this season.
WASHINGTON is 11-2 ATS (+8.8 Units) when playing on back-to-back days this season.
WASHINGTON is 15-5 ATS (+9.5 Units) after a non-conference game this season.
WASHINGTON is 16-5 ATS (+10.5 Units) in non-conference games this season.
WASHINGTON is 23-14 ATS (+7.6 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent this season.
WASHINGTON is 19-7 ATS (+11.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
HOUSTON is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in February games this season.
HOUSTON is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) second half of the season this season.
HOUSTON is 18-6 ATS (+11.4 Units) in non-conference games this season.
HOUSTON is 13-5 ATS (+7.5 Units) after a win by 10 points or more this season.
WASHINGTON is 43-67 ATS (-30.7 Units) as a home underdog of 3 points or less since 1996.
WASHINGTON is 296-358 ATS (-97.8 Units) in home games since 1996.
WASHINGTON is 99-133 ATS (-47.3 Units) on Saturday games since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 3-2 against the spread versus HOUSTON over the last 3 seasons
HOUSTON is 4-1 straight up against WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
4 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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DENVER (34 - 22) at CHARLOTTE (13 - 42) - 2/23/2013, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DENVER is 138-182 ATS (-62.2 Units) when playing on back-to-back days since 1996.
DENVER is 72-57 ATS (+9.3 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
DENVER is 65-46 ATS (+14.4 Units) in road games over the last 3 seasons.
DENVER is 32-17 ATS (+13.3 Units) in road games second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
DENVER is 13-5 ATS (+7.5 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.
CHARLOTTE is 19-35 ATS (-19.5 Units) in all games this season.
CHARLOTTE is 18-30 ATS (-15.0 Units) as an underdog this season.
CHARLOTTE is 8-19 ATS (-12.9 Units) in home games this season.
CHARLOTTE is 18-35 ATS (-20.5 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
CHARLOTTE is 10-26 ATS (-18.6 Units) when playing on back-to-back days over the last 2 seasons.
CHARLOTTE is 5-16 ATS (-12.6 Units) against Northwest division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
CHARLOTTE is 5-17 ATS (-13.7 Units) in non-conference games this season.
CHARLOTTE is 15-29 ATS (-16.9 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent this season.
CHARLOTTE is 13-27 ATS (-16.7 Units) after allowing 105 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
CHARLOTTE is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) in home games after a loss by 10 points or more this season.
CHARLOTTE is 11-22 ATS (-13.2 Units) after scoring 85 points or less over the last 2 seasons.
CHARLOTTE is 20-41 ATS (-25.1 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
CHARLOTTE is 6-22 ATS (-18.2 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.

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

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CLEVELAND (17 - 37) at ORLANDO (15 - 40) - 2/23/2013, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ORLANDO is 107-76 ATS (+23.4 Units) on Saturday games since 1996.
CLEVELAND is 9-1 ATS (+7.9 Units) against Southeast division opponents this season.
CLEVELAND is 11-1 ATS (+9.9 Units) in road games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 95-117 ATS (-33.7 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
ORLANDO is 8-19 ATS (-12.9 Units) in home games this season.
ORLANDO is 5-15 ATS (-11.5 Units) in home games revenging a loss vs opponent this season.
ORLANDO is 6-19 ATS (-14.9 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
ORLANDO is 1-9 ATS (-8.9 Units) in home games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
ORLANDO is 5-4 against the spread versus CLEVELAND over the last 3 seasons
ORLANDO is 8-1 straight up against CLEVELAND 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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INDIANA (34 - 21) at DETROIT (22 - 35) - 2/23/2013, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 12-4 ATS (+7.6 Units) after allowing 105 points or more this season.
INDIANA is 22-11 ATS (+9.9 Units) as a favorite this season.
INDIANA is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) after a division game this season.
DETROIT is 51-84 ATS (-41.4 Units) in home games when playing on back-to-back days since 1996.
DETROIT is 14-27 ATS (-15.7 Units) after a division game over the last 3 seasons.
DETROIT is 13-22 ATS (-11.2 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 5-5 against the spread versus INDIANA over the last 3 seasons
INDIANA is 7-3 straight up against DETROIT 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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MIAMI (38 - 14) at PHILADELPHIA (22 - 30) - 2/23/2013, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 115-84 ATS (+22.6 Units) when playing with 2 days rest since 1996.
PHILADELPHIA is 25-42 ATS (-21.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 7-17 ATS (-11.7 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MIAMI is 7-5 against the spread versus PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
MIAMI is 11-1 straight up against PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
7 of 12 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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ATLANTA (30 - 23) at MILWAUKEE (26 - 27) - 2/23/2013, 8:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 58-84 ATS (-34.4 Units) as a road underdog of 3.5 to 6 points since 1996.
ATLANTA is 38-59 ATS (-26.9 Units) in road games on Saturday games since 1996.
ATLANTA is 21-9 ATS (+11.1 Units) when playing on back-to-back days over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 22-37 ATS (-18.7 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 1-9 ATS (-8.9 Units) in a home game where where the total is between 200 and 204.5 points over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) in February games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) second half of the season this season.
MILWAUKEE is 111-148 ATS (-51.8 Units) on Saturday games since 1996.
MILWAUKEE is 21-35 ATS (-17.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 2-14 ATS (-13.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 4-3 against the spread versus MILWAUKEE over the last 3 seasons
ATLANTA is 4-3 straight up against MILWAUKEE 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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UTAH (31 - 24) at LA CLIPPERS (39 - 18) - 2/23/2013, 10:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
UTAH is 24-37 ATS (-16.7 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
UTAH is 7-19 ATS (-13.9 Units) in road games revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
UTAH is 8-19 ATS (-12.9 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 82-123 ATS (-53.3 Units) in February games since 1996.
LA CLIPPERS are 274-329 ATS (-87.9 Units) second half of the season since 1996.
LA CLIPPERS are 179-246 ATS (-91.6 Units) after allowing 105 points or more since 1996.
LA CLIPPERS are 188-240 ATS (-76.0 Units) after a loss by 10 points or more since 1996.
LA CLIPPERS are 140-193 ATS (-72.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season since 1996.

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

[StarDust Bum]

NBA

Saturday, February 23

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Trend Report
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7:00 PM
HOUSTON vs. WASHINGTON
Houston is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Washington
Houston is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Washington is 9-2 SU in its last 11 games at home
Washington is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Houston

7:00 PM
CLEVELAND vs. ORLANDO
Cleveland is 7-16-1 ATS in its last 24 games when playing Orlando
Cleveland is 1-10 SU in its last 11 games when playing Orlando
Orlando is 16-7-1 ATS in its last 24 games when playing Cleveland
Orlando is 10-1 SU in its last 11 games when playing Cleveland

7:00 PM
DENVER vs. CHARLOTTE
Denver is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Denver's last 5 games on the road
Charlotte is 2-19 SU in its last 21 games at home
Charlotte is 2-10 SU in its last 12 games

7:30 PM
MIAMI vs. PHILADELPHIA
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Miami's last 6 games on the road
Miami is 6-12 ATS in its last 18 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Philadelphia's last 12 games when playing at home against Miami
Philadelphia is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Miami

7:30 PM
INDIANA vs. DETROIT
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Indiana's last 7 games on the road
Indiana is 4-11 SU in its last 15 games when playing on the road against Detroit
Detroit is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Detroit's last 6 games at home

8:30 PM
ATLANTA vs. MILWAUKEE
Atlanta is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Atlanta's last 7 games
Milwaukee is 18-7 SU in its last 25 games when playing at home against Atlanta
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Milwaukee's last 5 games when playing Atlanta

10:30 PM
UTAH vs. LA CLIPPERS
Utah is 0-5 SU in their last 5 games when playing LA Clippers
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Utah's last 5 games when playing LA Clippers
The total has gone OVER in 5 of the LA Clippers last 5 games when playing at home against Utah
LA Clippers are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Dunkel

Utah at LA Clippers
The Clippers look to bounce back from their 116-90 loss to San Antonio on Thursday and build on their 4-1 ATS record in their last 5 games following a double-digit loss at home. LA is the pick (-9) according to Dunkel, which has the Clippers favored by 14. Dunkel Pick: LA Clippers (-9). Here are all of today's picks.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 23

Game 501-502: Houston at Washington (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Houston 124.111; Washington 121.590
Dunkel Line & Total: Houston by 2 1/2; 212
Vegas Line & Total: Houston by 1 1/2; 208 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Houston (-1 1/2); Over

Game 503-504: Denver at Charlotte (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Denver 124.877; Charlotte 110.971
Dunkel Line & Total: Denver by 14; 202
Vegas Line & Total: Denver by 8 1/2; 209
Dunkel Pick: Denver (-8 1/2); Under

Game 505-506: Cleveland at Orlando (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cleveland 114.455; Orlando 113.231
Dunkel Line & Total: Cleveland by 1; 202
Vegas Line & Total: Cleveland by 5 1/2; 197 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Orlando (+5 1/2); Over

Game 507-508: Indiana at Detroit (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Indiana 126.208; Detroit 116.462
Dunkel Line & Total: Indiana by 9 1/2; 181
Vegas Line & Total: Indiana by 3 1/2; 188 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Indiana (-3 1/2); Under

Game 509-510: Miami at Philadelphia (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Miami 124.726; Philadelphia 120.809
Dunkel Line & Total: Miami by 4; 192
Vegas Line & Total: Miami by 7 1/2; 185
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (+7 1/2); Over

Game 511-512: Atlanta at Milwaukee (8:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta 118.916; Milwaukee 118.207
Dunkel Line & Total: Atlanta by 1; 200
Vegas Line & Total: Milwaukee by 4 1/2; 204
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (+4 1/2); Under

Game 513-514: Utah at LA Clippers (10:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Utah 114.282; LA Clippers 127.495
Dunkel Line & Total: LA Clippers by 13; 192
Vegas Line & Total: LA Clippers by 9; 197
Dunkel Pick: LA Clippers (-9); Under

[StarDust Bum]

NBA

Saturday, February 23

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Rim rattlers: Saturday's NBA news and betting notes
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Houston Rockets at Washington Wizards (+1.5, 208.5)

Playing shorthanded doesn't seem to faze the Houston Rockets, who posted a pair of impressive victories since the trade of four players on Wednesday. The Rockets have made 31 3-pointers in two wins over the Thunder and Nets. Much like Houston, the Wizards turned in an impressive offensive performance in Friday's 119-113 win over the visiting Denver Nuggets. Seven players scored in double figures and Emeka Okafor, John Wall and rookie Bradley Beal all notched double-doubles as Washington improved to 9-2 in its last 11 home games. The Rockets are 4-0 ATS in their last four games overall.

Denver Nuggets at Charlotte Bobcats (+9, 209)

The Nuggets will be looking to snap a four-game road losing streak when they visit the lowly Charlotte Bobcats. Charlotte is coming off a 30-point home loss to the Chicago Bulls on Friday that marked the third time in the last six games that the team had failed to reach even 80 points. The Bobcats own the worst home record in the league at 7-21. The under is 8-0 in the Bobcats’ last eight games following an ATS loss.

Cleveland Cavaliers at Orlando Magic (+5.5, 198)

Cleveland is beginning a three-game road trip and last played Wednesday when it defeated the New Orleans Hornets. The Cavaliers beat the Magic 119-108 on Feb 8. Orlando hopes to have newcomers Tobias Harris, Doron Lamb and Beno Udrih available against the Cavaliers. Udrih could see a lot of playing time with Nelson (knee) slated to sit out again on Saturday. The contest is the fourth in five nights for the Magic, who have lost four straight and 16 of 17 games. The over is 6-0 in the Magic’s last six Saturday games.

Miami Heat at Philadelphia 76ers (+7, 185)

The Heat will be looking to post their 10th straight win when they close out a four-game road trip in Philadelphia. The 76ers have lost three straight to fall 3 1/2 games behind the Milwaukee Bucks for the No. 8 spot in the Eastern Conference. Philadelphia has been held to an average of 84.6 points in seven games this month and was dominated on the boards in a loss at Minnesota on Wednesday. Miami is still the worst rebounding team in the NBA but is coming off one of its best defensive performances and has won each of its last six by double figures. The Heat are 6-0 ATS in their last six games overall.

Indiana Pacers at Detroit Pistons (+3.5, 188.5)

The Indiana Pacers have won their last three games by an average of 30 points and look to rout the Detroit Pistons for the second consecutive night when the teams meet Saturday in the Motor City. Indiana dominated Detroit from the outset on Friday while posting a 114-82 home victory. Pacers F Danny Granger (knee) traveled with the team and could make his season debut. Indiana is 10-1 ATS in its last 11 after scoring 100 points or more in its previous game.

Atlanta Hawks at Milwaukee Bucks (-4, 204)

Guard J.J. Redick will make his Milwaukee debut when the Bucks host the Atlanta Hawks. Although the Bucks hold a 3 1/2-game lead over Philadelphia for the final playoff spot in the East, they have been trending in the wrong direction, having lost two straight and eight of 10 to fall below .500. Hawks F Josh Smith averaged 24.3 points and 16.7 boards in three meetings with the Bucks last season and has five straight double-doubles against them. Atlanta is 5-1 ATS in its last six road games and Milwaukee is 0-6 ATS in its last 6 home contests.

Utah Jazz at L.A. Clippers (-9, 197)

The Los Angeles Clippers seek to bounce back from a disastrous showing when they attempt to finish off a four-game series sweep of the Utah Jazz. Los Angeles was outclassed by the San Antonio Spurs 116-90 in a nationally televised contest on Thursday in its first game since the All-Star break. Utah is well-rested and hasn’t played since defeating the Golden State Warriors 115-101 on Tuesday. The Jazz have won three straight games. The Clippers have averaged 109.3 points in their three victories over Utah this season.

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Short Sheet

Saturday, February 23

Houston at Washington, 7:05 ET
Houston: 22-10 ATS away off BB wins
Washington: 14-6 Under off a non-conference game

Denver at Charlotte, 7:05 ET
Denver: 8-1 Over after scoring 60+ first-half points
Charlotte: 2-14 ATS playing their fourth game in five days

Cleveland at Orlando, 7:05 ET
Cleveland: 9-1 ATS vs. Southeast Division opponents
Orlando: 3-11 ATS off a loss by 6 points or less

Indiana at Detroit, 7:35 ET
Indiana: 8-1 ATS off a division game
Detroit: 11-29 ATS at home off a division loss by 10+ points

Miami at Philadelphia, 7:35 ET
Miami: 8-0 ATS off BB wins by 10+ points
Philadelphia: 9-18 ATS after playing as an underdog

Atlanta at Milwaukee, 8:35 ET NBATV
Atlanta: 17-7 ATS away after playing as a home favorite
Milwaukee: 1-8 ATS in February

Utah at LA Clippers, 10:35 ET
Utah: 6-14 ATS as a road underdog
LA Clippers: 18-7 ATS as a favorite of 3.5 to 9.5 points

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up

Saturday, February 23

Hot Teams
-- Rockets won three of their last four games (2-5 AF). Washington won five of its last seven games (12-6-2 HU).
-- Pacers won last three games, by 24-34-32 points (8-2 AF).
-- Miami won last nine games, covered last six (7-3 last ten AF).
-- Hawks won three of last four games (3-1 last four AU).
-- Utah won last three games, by 15-4-14 points (6-14-1 AU). Clippers won four of last five games (1-5 last six HF).

Cold Teams
-- Charlotte lost eight of its last ten games (5-10 last 15 HU). Nuggets won four of their last five games (6-6 HU).
-- Cavaliers lost three of last four games (3-4 as F, all at home). Orlando lost last four games, three by 13+ points (6-10 HU).
-- Detroit lost three of last five games (all three losses by 14+).
-- 76ers lost four of last five games (5-4 HU).
-- Bucks lost eight of last ten games (0-6 last six HF).

Totals
-- Six of last eight Houston games went over the total.
-- Eight of last ten Denver games went over the total; six of last seven Bobcat games stayed under.
-- Cavaliers won last four over, lost last three unders; under is 3-1 in last four games for both Cleveland/Orlando. .
-- Six of Pacers' last nine games went over the total.
-- Five of last seven Miami games went over the total. Seven of last eight Philly games stayed under.
-- Five of last six Milwaukee games stayed under the total; five of last seven Hawk games went over.
-- Over is 3-1 in last four games for both Utah/Clippers.

Back-to-backs
-- Rockets are 6-8 vs spread when they played night before. Washington is 9-3 vs spread when it played night before.
-- Nuggets are 1-4-1 vs spread when playing second night in row on road. Charlotte is 5-9 when it played night before.
-- Orlando is 4-4 vs spread when it played night before.
-- Pacers are 4-5 vs spread on road if they played night before. Detroit is 1-3 vs spread at home if it played night before.
-- 76ers are 2-9 vs spread if they played night before.
-- Atlanta is 8-5 vs spread if it played night before, 3-2 on road.

[StarDust Bum]

NBA

Saturday, February 23

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Rim rattlers: Saturday's NBA news and betting notes
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Houston Rockets at Washington Wizards (+1.5, 208.5)

Playing shorthanded doesn't seem to faze the Houston Rockets, who posted a pair of impressive victories since the trade of four players on Wednesday. The Rockets have made 31 3-pointers in two wins over the Thunder and Nets. Much like Houston, the Wizards turned in an impressive offensive performance in Friday's 119-113 win over the visiting Denver Nuggets. Seven players scored in double figures and Emeka Okafor, John Wall and rookie Bradley Beal all notched double-doubles as Washington improved to 9-2 in its last 11 home games. The Rockets are 4-0 ATS in their last four games overall.

Denver Nuggets at Charlotte Bobcats (+9, 209)

The Nuggets will be looking to snap a four-game road losing streak when they visit the lowly Charlotte Bobcats. Charlotte is coming off a 30-point home loss to the Chicago Bulls on Friday that marked the third time in the last six games that the team had failed to reach even 80 points. The Bobcats own the worst home record in the league at 7-21. The under is 8-0 in the Bobcats’ last eight games following an ATS loss.

Cleveland Cavaliers at Orlando Magic (+5.5, 198)

Cleveland is beginning a three-game road trip and last played Wednesday when it defeated the New Orleans Hornets. The Cavaliers beat the Magic 119-108 on Feb 8. Orlando hopes to have newcomers Tobias Harris, Doron Lamb and Beno Udrih available against the Cavaliers. Udrih could see a lot of playing time with Nelson (knee) slated to sit out again on Saturday. The contest is the fourth in five nights for the Magic, who have lost four straight and 16 of 17 games. The over is 6-0 in the Magic’s last six Saturday games.

Miami Heat at Philadelphia 76ers (+7, 185)

The Heat will be looking to post their 10th straight win when they close out a four-game road trip in Philadelphia. The 76ers have lost three straight to fall 3 1/2 games behind the Milwaukee Bucks for the No. 8 spot in the Eastern Conference. Philadelphia has been held to an average of 84.6 points in seven games this month and was dominated on the boards in a loss at Minnesota on Wednesday. Miami is still the worst rebounding team in the NBA but is coming off one of its best defensive performances and has won each of its last six by double figures. The Heat are 6-0 ATS in their last six games overall.

Indiana Pacers at Detroit Pistons (+3.5, 188.5)

The Indiana Pacers have won their last three games by an average of 30 points and look to rout the Detroit Pistons for the second consecutive night when the teams meet Saturday in the Motor City. Indiana dominated Detroit from the outset on Friday while posting a 114-82 home victory. Pacers F Danny Granger (knee) traveled with the team and could make his season debut. Indiana is 10-1 ATS in its last 11 after scoring 100 points or more in its previous game.

Atlanta Hawks at Milwaukee Bucks (-4, 204)

Guard J.J. Redick will make his Milwaukee debut when the Bucks host the Atlanta Hawks. Although the Bucks hold a 3 1/2-game lead over Philadelphia for the final playoff spot in the East, they have been trending in the wrong direction, having lost two straight and eight of 10 to fall below .500. Hawks F Josh Smith averaged 24.3 points and 16.7 boards in three meetings with the Bucks last season and has five straight double-doubles against them. Atlanta is 5-1 ATS in its last six road games and Milwaukee is 0-6 ATS in its last 6 home contests.

Utah Jazz at L.A. Clippers (-9, 197)

The Los Angeles Clippers seek to bounce back from a disastrous showing when they attempt to finish off a four-game series sweep of the Utah Jazz. Los Angeles was outclassed by the San Antonio Spurs 116-90 in a nationally televised contest on Thursday in its first game since the All-Star break. Utah is well-rested and hasn’t played since defeating the Golden State Warriors 115-101 on Tuesday. The Jazz have won three straight games. The Clippers have averaged 109.3 points in their three victories over Utah this season.

[StarDust Bum]

Saturday, February 23

Game Score Status Pick Amount

Houston 0 0th Washington +1.5 500
Washington 0 Under 210.5 500

Denver 0 0th Charlotte +10 500
Charlotte 0 Under 208.5 500

Cleveland 0 0th Cleveland -5 500
Orlando 0 Over 200.5 500

Miami - 7:30 PM ET Philadelphia +8.5 500 POD
Philadelphia - Under 185 500

Indiana - 7:30 PM ET Indiana -5 500 POD
Detroit - Over 188 500

Atlanta - 8:30 PM ET Atlanta +4.5 500
Milwaukee - Under 205 500

Utah - 10:30 PM ET Utah +9 500 POD
L.A. Clippers - Under 198 500

[StarDust Bum]

Sunday, February 24

Game Score Status Pick Amount

L.A. Lakers - 1:00 PM ET Dallas -3 500
Dallas - Over 211.5 500

Golden State - 3:30 PM ET Golden State -2 500
Minnesota - Over 204.5 500

Cleveland - 6:00 PM ET Miami -12.5 500 POD
Miami - Under 205 500

Sacramento - 6:00 PM ET New Orleans -7 500
New Orleans - Over 203.5 500

Memphis - 7:00 PM ET Memphis -2.5 500
Brooklyn - Under 179.5 500

Philadelphia - 7:00 PM ET New York -10.5 500 POD
New York - Over 189 500

San Antonio - 8:00 PM ET San Antonio -8.5 500
Phoenix - Under 199 500

Boston - 9:00 PM ET Portland -2 500
Portland - Under 191.5 500

Chicago - 9:30 PM ET Oklahoma City -9 500 POD
Oklahoma City - Under 195 500

[StarDust Bum]

Inside the Paint - Sunday

February 24, 2013

Sunday’s pro basketball slate features nine games and seven of those contests will be played this evening. ESPN will offer up a primetime double-header, with Memphis visiting Brooklyn in the opener before the Bulls and Thunder tangle from Oklahoma City in the night cap.

With the help from a handful of VegasInsider.com handicappers, let’s take a closer look at some of the key games on tap.

Sacramento at New Orleans: This matchup isn’t exactly intriguing but it does fit into a solid total trend that I’ve been playing for years. Anytime you have non-playoff teams squaring off in the second-half of the season, the style tends to be looser and the defense is horrible. Since the All-Star break, we’ve had a handful of these matchups and the ‘over’ has produced profits. For example, the Cavaliers and Magic rolled the ball out Saturday and they combined for 212 points on a closing total of 200. On Friday, the Mavs and Hornets went ‘over’ and New Orleans also went ‘over’ on Wednesday versus the Cavaliers. Tonight’s number opened at 202 ½ and it’s already up to 204. It’s not going to be 100 percent but if you like the ‘over’ already then this should give you more confidence with your wager.

Cleveland at Miami: Another system that we’ve mentioned in our “Inside the Paint” columns is fading a team at home in their first game back from a road trip of three or more games. Tonight’s play would be on the Cavaliers, who face the Heat after a three-game road trip. VI handicapper Bruce Marshall is leaning Cleveland as well. He explains, “At American Airlines Arena on Nov. 24, the Cavaliers nearly pulled a major upset in narrow 110-108 loss to Miami. Full-strength Heat needed almost all of King James’ 30 points to survive that night vs. an aroused Cleveland side that was minus then-hurting All-Star PG Kyrie Irving, in the midst of his finger-injury absence. Miami’s win streak has reached 10, and Heat scoring 107.6 PPG and shooting 51.4% from floor in latest win streak, but Cavs playing better lately, too, winners in seven of their last 12.

Philadelphia at New York: It’s hard to imagine the Knicks laying double digits to anybody right now, considering they’ve lost four straight. However, the line could be too small when you realize the opponents is Philadelphia, who has also dropped four games in a row. Do you lay the wood? Take the points? Or perhaps pass all together? VI expert Dave Cokin has an opinion. “New York is playing lousy ball right now, but this is the most likely spot for them to get the wheels back in motion. The play here is against the 76ers. Philly is awful playing the second of back-to-back games, standing a woeful 2-10 both outright and against the line. The 76ers are also below par when playing away from home off a loss. So there are some substantially strong current trends that indicate a Philly fade is the right move,” said Cokin.

Boston at Portland: Since All-Star point guard Rajon Rondo (knee) was ruled ‘out’ for the season, the Celtics have gone 9-3 both SU and ATS. Keep in mind that six of those wins came at TD Garden and playing outside of Massachusetts hasn’t been kind to Boston according to VI handicapper Stephen Nover. He explained his analysis, “Boston has failed to cover 13 of its last 19 road games and is 1-7 straight up when playing Western Conference foes on the road. That lone win came against Phoenix this past Friday, the worst team in the West. Also, the Celtics have multiple injuries and their key players are old and this marks their fourth road game in six days.”

All those facts definitely make you lean Portland but can you really back a team that has lost seven straight (1-6 ATS) games? Nover still believes in the Trail Blazers at home. “Portland doesn't have a strong bench, but Wesley Matthews has returned from an injury and the Trail Blazers are playing for just the third time in 11 days. Portland has one of the toughest venues to play at, the Rose Garden. The Trail Blazers have won four of their last five home games, including defeating the Pacers, Clippers, Mavericks and Jazz during this span. The Trail Blazers did lose in their last home game, a surprising 102-98 loss to the Suns this past Tuesday.”

Chicago at Oklahoma City: If you follow the Association daily and bet totals like myself, then you’re probably aware that the ‘over’ has gone 14-5 (74%) the past two nights. Will the shootouts continue? I’ve said it before that all things balance out in the long run and this nationally televised game sets for an ‘under’ look and VI expert Jimmy Boyd has great trends to back that thought. He said, “You should play the under on a game where one team, Chicago, has allowed 90 points or less in three straight games is playing against an opponent, Oklahoma City, scoring 100 points or more in three straight games. This trend is 28-8 (77.8%) over the last five seasons. Chicago is also 23-11 to the under versus good teams that are outscoring their opponents by 3 or more points per game over the last 2 seasons.”

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Hoop Trends - Sunday

February 24, 2013


ATS TREND OF THE DAY:

-- The Knicks are 0-11 ATS (-12.6 ppg) since April 04, 2007 as a favorite when seeking revenge for a double-digit road loss.

OU TREND OF THE DAY:

-- The Timberwolves are 12-0 OU (14.3 ppg) since January 18, 2010 as a dog after a game on the road in which their DPA was at least plus 15 points.

PLAYER TREND OF THE DAY:

-- The 76ers are 0-11 ATS (-7.1 ppg) since February 22, 2012 with no rest after a loss in which Lavoy Allen was not the 76ers’ high scorer.

CHOICE TREND:

-- The Celtics are 0-10 OU (-15.1 ppg) since February 22, 2006 on the road after a road win in which they shot at least 55% from the field.

ACTIVE TRENDS:

-- The Lakers are 9-0 OU (14.2 ppg) since January 21, 2009 on the road after a win at home in which Kobe Bryant had at least 5 turnovers.

-- The Nets are 0-8 ATS (-8.7 ppg) since March 18, 2011 after losing the previous matchup on the road in which Brook Lopez was the Nets’ high scorer.

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NBA

Sunday, February 24

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Bank shots: NBA betting news and notes
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Last week’s edition was put on hold because of the NBA All-Star Weekend, so we’ve expanded this week’s article to include games from Feb. 11-23.

Hottest ATS

Miami Heat (5-0 SU, 5-0 ATS)

The Heat are on an absolute tear, picking up wins in 10 straight games. LeBron and Co. have also ripped off seven consecutive covers heading into Sunday’s clash with the Cavaliers. Sacramento and Memphis visit South Beach later this week.


Coldest ATS

Milwaukee Bucks (1-4 SU, 1-4 ATS)

The Bucks have been fade material for the entire month of February, posting a 1-9 ATS mark. However, Milwaukee has been a great bet on the road (15-11 ATS). The Bucks have a tough back-to-back in Dallas and Houston on Tuesday and Wednesday before returning home for a pair of games.


Best over play

Oklahoma City Thunder (1-3 SU, 4-0 over/under)

The Thunder halted a season-high three-game losing streak with a 127-111 win over the lowly T-Wolves Friday. Oklahoma City has played over the number in four straight and six of its last seven contests thanks to its potent offense, which averages 106.7 points per game. Chicago visits Sunday before OKC hosts the Hornets Wednesday.


Best under play

Washington Wizards (3-2 SU, 1-4 over/under)

It’s no secret the Wizards are a great bet with a 33-19-2 ATS mark, but Washington is also satisfying under bettors with its 21-31-2 O/U record. The Wiz shipped Jordan Crawford to the Celtics at the trade deadline, putting even more pressure on John Wall and Bradley Beal to carry the offense moving forward. Washington is at red-hot Toronto Monday before returning home for three games.

Scouting the schedule:

-The Atlanta Hawks edged the Bucks 103-102 Saturday in the first contest of their current six-game road trip. The Hawks are in Detroit Monday before heading west for four tough games in Utah, Phoenix, L.A. (Lakers) and Denver. Atlanta has been a better bet on the road (14-12 ATS) than it has at home (10-16-2 ATS) this season.

-The Portland Trail Blazers are mired in a seven-game losing skid and will try to stop the bleeding when Boston visits Sunday. The Blazers are a much better team at home, posting a 17-9 SU record at the Rose Garden. Denver, Minnesota and Charlotte will also visit the Rose Garden over the next eight days.

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NBA
Short Sheet

Sunday, February 24

LA Lakers at Dallas, 1:00 ET ABC
LA Lakers: 3-11 ATS as a road underdog
Dallas: 16-4 ATS in home games after a division game

(TC) Memphis at Brooklyn, 7:05 ET ESPN
Memphis: 15-7 ATS in non-conference games
Brooklyn: 3-11 ATS revenging a loss vs opponent

Golden State at Minnesota, 3:35 ET
Golden State: 36-19 ATS after 1 or more consecutive unders
Minnesota: 2-12 ATS in home games against Pacific division opponents

Sacramento at New Orleans, 6:05 ET
Sacramento: 7-15 ATS after failing to cover 2 of their last 3 against the spread
New Orleans: 7-0 ATS after failing to cover 3 of their last 4 against the spread

Cleveland at Miami, 6:05 ET
Cleveland: 61-87 ATS in road games after covering 3 of their last 4 against the spread
Miami: 17-7 ATS in February games

Philadelphia at New York, 7:05 ET
Philadelphia: 52-30 ATS as an underdog of 10 or more points
New York: 1-9 ATS when playing 5 or less games in 14 days

San Antonio at Phoenix, 8:05 ET
San Antonio: 19-6 ATS in road games against Pacific division opponents
Phoenix: 5-14 ATS revenging a road loss vs opponent

Boston at Portland, 9:05 ET
Boston: 17-6 ATS on Sunday
Portland: 2-10 ATS after 2 or more consecutive overs

Chicago at Oklahoma City, 9:05 ET ESPN
Chicago: 6-14 ATS in non-conference games
Oklahoma City: 18-9 ATS after playing a home game


(TC) = Time Change

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NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up

Sunday, February 24

Hot Teams
-- Lakers won seven of last ten games (3-7 AU). Dallas won five of its last six games (10-3 last 13 HF).
-- Grizzlies won their last six games (7-2 last nine AF). Nets won four of last five games (1-4 last five HU).
-- Cavaliers are 5-3 in their last eight games (7-5 last 12 AU). Miami won its last ten games, winning three since All-Star break by 13-19-24 points (5-2 last seven HF).
-- Last game of 9-game rodeo road trip for Spurs, who won five of last six games (3-7 last ten AF).

Cold Teams
-- Minnesota lost six of its last eight games (2-6-1 HU). Warriors lost last five road games, four by 14+ points (4-2-1 AF).
-- New Orleans is 0-3 vs All-Star break, losing by 4-5-9 points (5-4-1 as HF). Sacramento lost eight of last ten games (3-8 last 11 AU).
-- 76ers lost five of last six games (2-7 last nine AU). Knicks lost four in a row, scoring 88 points in losing last two home games (6-11 L17 HF).
-- Suns lost six of last seven games (2-5 last seven HU).
-- Celtics lost three of last five games (6-8-2 AU). Portland lost its last seven games (1-6 last seven HF).
-- Oklahoma City lost three of last four games (8-2 last ten HF). Bulls lost five of last eight games (8-2 last ten AU).

Totals
-- Four of last five Laker games went over the total.
-- Six of last eight Memphis games went over the total.
-- Seven of last nine Golden State games went over total.
-- Over is 5-0-1 in last six Sacramento games.
-- Six of last eight Miami games went over the total.
-- This is ***************.com. Enjoy your weekend.......
-- Seven of last nine Philly games stayed under the total.
-- Seven of last ten Phoenix games went over the total.
-- Eight of last nine Portland games went over the total.
-- Six of last seven Thunder games went over the total.

Back-to-backs
-- Cleveland is 6-4 vs spread if it played night before. Miami is 4-4, 1-2 at home, if it played night before.