The Bum's February NBA Best Bets !

[StarDust Bum]

Hoop Trends - Tuesday

February 19, 2013

ATS TREND OF THE DAY:

-- The Jazz are 11-0-1 ATS (10.7 ppg) since November 19, 2002 at home off a win of four points or fewer on the road in which they held a double digit lead.

OU TREND OF THE DAY:

-- The Trailblazers are 0-10 OU (-13.1 ppg) since November 24, 2008 at home with at least one day of rest after a double digit loss in which they shot less than 40% from the field.

PLAYER TREND OF THE DAY:

-- The Magic are 11-0 OU (17.9 ppg) since December 07, 2005 with at least a day of rest after a loss at home in which Ja- meer Nelson was the Magic’s high scorer.

CHOICE TREND:

-- The Raptors are 0-11 OU (-15.5 ppg) since January 09, 2009 with at least a day of rest after a win on the road in which Andrea Bargnani had more turnovers than assists.

ACTIVE TRENDS:

-- The Nuggets are 6-0 ATS (10.5 ppg) since April 06, 2012 at home after a loss in which Ty Lawson was the Nuggets’ high scorer.

-- The Trailblazers are 9-0 ATS (9.3 ppg) since March 01, 2007 at home after a road loss in which their DPS was minus 15 points or less.

[StarDust Bum]

Inside the Paint - Tuesday
February 19, 2013
By Chris David
VegasInsider.com Share
Even though the NBA playoffs are still two months away, you can argue that the 14 of the 16 playoff spots are locked up.
In the Eastern Conference, Milwaukee currently holds a 4 ½-game lead over Philadelphia for the eighth and final playoff spot. When you consider the Bucks already own the head-to-head tiebreaker over the 76ers, you might want to pencil in Milwaukee already.

The Western Conference should have a little more drama and that’s expected when you have the Los Angeles Lakers looking to make a move. The “Purple and Gold” trail the Rockets by 3 ½-games for the 8th seed in the West. Houston has already defeated Los Angeles in two of their three matchups this season. The final meeting takes place at the Staples Center on Apr. 17, which is the last regular season game for both teams.

We’re still going to get teams jockeying for playoff seeds but barring any key injuries, you can already forecast possible conference semifinal and championship matchups.

Sportsbook.ag still has Miami listed as the favorite (3/2) to win the NBA Finals and based on their numbers, Oklahoma City (9/2), the Los Angeles Clippers (7/1) and San Antonio (8/1) are the only legit contenders to unseat the defending champions.

In case you’re wondering, the Heat are 4-1 against those Western Conference clubs with a battle at San Antonio looming on Mar. 31.

Below is a quick handicap for tonight’s slate.

Toronto at Washington: The Raptors have won five of seven and four straight games since they acquired Rudy Gay from Memphis. Two of those wins came on the road, which included a 92-88 victory over New York on Feb. 13. Washington closed the first-half of the season with an 11-point (85-96) loss at Detroit. Prior to that setback, the Wizards had won four and covered four straight games. This will be the first meeting between the pair this season. Make a note that the home team has won nine in a row in this series.

Charlotte at Orlando: This contest has “Pass” written all over it. Charlotte has gone 2-8 SU and 3-7 ATS in its last 10 while Orlando closed the first-half with a 1-9 SU and 2-8 ATS record. This will be the third meeting of the season between the pair and for what it’s worth, the visitor has won and covered each of the first two affairs. The ‘over’ went 2-0 in those games.

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Milwaukee at Brooklyn: Bettors have another tough game to gauge here. The Bucks have failed to cover in eight straight games (2-6 SU) yet they’ve been a solid investment on the road (14-11 ATS) this season. Brooklyn is a tad banged up but it did win and cover its last two games of the first-half and the wins came against quality opponents in Indiana (89-84) and Denver (119-108). Milwaukee has already defeated Brooklyn twice this season and these teams will conclude the series on Wednesday when they finish up a home-and-home at the Bradley Center.

Memphis at Detroit: You could play the emotional angle here as Tayshuan Prince will face his former team at The Palace. Since the Grizzlies acquired Prince and Austin Daye from Detroit, they’ve gone 4-2 with them in the lineup. The Pistons received Toronto point guard Jose Calderon as part of the three-way trade. With the Spanish product in the lineup, Detroit has gone 3-3 and if you watch the team, you can tell that the chemistry is off and it’s hard to see Calderon in the long-term picture. Total players could be scratching their heads here too. Memphis, who likes to grind, has watched the ‘over’ go 8-2 in its last 10. Meanwhile, Detroit’s fast-paced tempo hasn’t been flourishing lately, which has produced a 6-1 record to the ‘under’ in the last seven games. The Grizzlies have won and covered six straight games against the Pistons, which includes a 90-78 home win on Nov. 30 this season.

Chicago at New Orleans: The Bulls are listed as short road favorites (-2) and they could be in trouble here. The Hornets closed the first-half by winning and covering four of their last five games and all of the victories came by nine points or more. Even though New Orleans has played better, its home record (9-15) isn’t impressive at all. Meanwhile, Chicago has gone 15-10 on the road and it will be looking to avenge an 89-82 home loss to the Hornets on Nov. 3. Prior to this setback, the Bulls had won eight straight (6-2 ATS) against the Hornets. Chicago will meet Miami on Thursday in a nationally televised battle, which could set up the look-ahead angle.

Boston at Denver: Quick rematch here as the Nuggets look to avenge a 118-114 triple-overtime loss to the Celtics at TD Garden on Feb. 10. Boston kept forcing the extra sessions and eventually pulled away for the home win and miraculous cover as a two-point favorite thanks to Jason Terry’s meaningless layup as the game ended. Prior to this loss, Denver had won nine straight (8-1 ATS) games but it closed the first-half with three losses in a row. The Nuggets didn’t have Dainilo Gallinari or Andre Iguodala in the lineup the last two setbacks but both are expected to play Tuesday. At home, Denver has produced an eye opening 22-3 SU and 17-8 ATS mark. Boston has dealt with the injury bug too, in particular the loss of point guard Rajon Rondo. However, the team has rallied to an 8-1 record (7-2 ATS) without the All-Star. Including the aforementioned outcome between the two, the home team has now won and covered six consecutive games in this series.

Golden State at Utah: The Warriors were the biggest surprise of the first-half but they’ll start the second-half with a five-game losing streak intact. The defense has been awful during this stretch, along 118 points per game. Golden State beat Utah 94-83 in Salt Lake City on Dec. 26 as a 4 ½-point underdog. Despite that loss, the Jazz have been a great team to back at home (20-6 SU, 16-10 ATS). High total (203) for this game but bettors should be aware that the ‘under’ has cashed in nine of the last 10 encounters between these teams.

Phoenix at Portland: Similar to the Bobcats-Magic matchup above, this game could go either way. The Suns are 2-8 in their last 10 while the Trail Blazers are 3-7. Normally, I would fade Portland in its first game at home after the long road trip but the All-Star break has to be taken into play. If you base your bet on numbers, the Blazers are the look at home (17-8) and the Suns haven’t been good on the road (5-23). The home team has won six straight and eight of nine in this series.

San Antonio at Sacramento: It’s definitely tempting to back the Kings at home (14-12 SU) tonight, considering they’re rested and they start a five-game road trip after this matchup. However, it’s hard to bet against the team with the best record in the NBA. San Antonio has gone 42-12 and that includes a league-best 20-10 road record. Plus this is a team that has sat out starters often and most would believe that a couple regulars might sit here, especially with road games versus the Clippers and Warriors on deck. The best look in this matchup could be the total. The Kings have seen the ‘over’ go 17-8 (68%) at home this season and San Antonio has watched the ‘over’ go 17-12 in its road games.

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Dunkel

Boston at Denver
The Nuggets look to take advantage of a Boston team that is 1-7 ATS in its last 8 games in Denver. Denver is the pick (-8) according to Dunkel, which has the Nuggets favored by 12 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Denver (-8). Here are all of today's picks.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19

Game 501-502: Toronto at Washington (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Toronto 120.007; Washington 120.778
Dunkel Line & Total: Washington by 1; 194
Vegas Line & Total: Washington by 3; 189 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (+3); Over

Game 503-504: Charlotte at Orlando (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Charlotte 107.272; Orlando 113.231
Dunkel Line & Total: Orlando by 6; 193
Vegas Line & Total: Orlando by 4 1/2; 197
Dunkel Pick: Orlando (-4 1/2); Under

Game 505-506: Milwaukee at Brooklyn (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Milwaukee 113.937; Brooklyn 121.843
Dunkel Line & Total: Brooklyn by 8; 191
Vegas Line & Total: Brooklyn by 4 1/2; 195
Dunkel Pick: Brooklyn (-4 1/2); Under

Game 507-508: Memphis at Detroit (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Memphis 117.949; Detroit 113.640
Dunkel Line & Total: Memphis by 4 1/2; 191
Vegas Line & Total: Memphis by 2; 186
Dunkel Pick: Memphis (-2); Over

Game 509-510: Chicago at New Orleans (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Chicago 117.434; New Orleans 124.970
Dunkel Line & Total: New Orleans by 7 1/2; 185
Vegas Line & Total: Chicago by 2; 181
Dunkel Pick: New Orleans (+2); Over

Game 511-512: Boston at Denver (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Boston 117.832; Denver 130.332
Dunkel Line & Total: Denver by 12 1/2; 200
Vegas Line & Total: Denver by 8; 203
Dunkel Pick: Denver (-8); Under

Game 513-514: Golden State at Utah (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Golden State 113.408; Utah 121.797
Dunkel Line & Total: Utah by 8 1/2; 200
Vegas Line & Total: Utah by 3; 203
Dunkel Pick: Utah (-3); Under

Game 515-516: Phoenix at Portland (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Phoenix 110.677; Portland 120.625
Dunkel Line & Total: Portland by 10; 199
Vegas Line & Total: Portland by 5 1/2; 195 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Portland (-5 1/2); Over

Game 517-518: San Antonio at Sacramento (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Antonio 125.225; Sacramento 110.985
Dunkel Line & Total: San Antonio by 14; 205
Vegas Line & Total: San Antonio by 8 1/2; 209
Dunkel Pick: San Antonio (-8); Under

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Long Sheet

Tuesday, February 19

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TORONTO (21 - 32) at WASHINGTON (15 - 36) - 2/19/2013, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 32-18 ATS (+12.2 Units) in all games this season.
TORONTO is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) after a division game this season.
WASHINGTON is 295-357 ATS (-97.7 Units) in home games since 1996.
WASHINGTON is 15-28 ATS (-15.8 Units) against Atlantic division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 73-107 ATS (-44.7 Units) in home games after a loss by 10 points or more since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
TORONTO is 6-2 against the spread versus WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
WASHINGTON is 4-4 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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CHARLOTTE (12 - 40) at ORLANDO (15 - 37) - 2/19/2013, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CHARLOTTE is 18-33 ATS (-18.3 Units) in all games this season.
CHARLOTTE is 17-28 ATS (-13.8 Units) as an underdog this season.
CHARLOTTE is 23-36 ATS (-16.6 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
CHARLOTTE is 17-33 ATS (-19.3 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
CHARLOTTE is 19-37 ATS (-21.7 Units) after a loss by 10 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
CHARLOTTE is 10-22 ATS (-14.2 Units) after scoring 85 points or less over the last 2 seasons.
CHARLOTTE is 5-13 ATS (-9.3 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
CHARLOTTE is 3-11 ATS (-9.1 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.
CHARLOTTE is 1-9 ATS (-8.9 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 1-9 ATS (-8.9 Units) as a favorite this season.
ORLANDO is 8-18 ATS (-11.8 Units) in home games this season.
ORLANDO is 7-17 ATS (-11.7 Units) vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 5-14 ATS (-10.4 Units) in home games revenging a loss vs opponent this season.
ORLANDO is 6-17 ATS (-12.7 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
ORLANDO is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) in home games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHARLOTTE is 6-4 against the spread versus ORLANDO over the last 3 seasons
ORLANDO is 8-2 straight up against CHARLOTTE over the last 3 seasons
6 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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MILWAUKEE (26 - 25) at BROOKLYN (31 - 22) - 2/19/2013, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MILWAUKEE is 0-7 ATS (-7.7 Units) in February games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 0-7 ATS (-7.7 Units) second half of the season this season.
MILWAUKEE is 0-9 ATS (-9.9 Units) after 3 or more consecutive unders over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 20-34 ATS (-17.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 1-13 ATS (-13.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in a road game where where the total is between 190 and 194.5 points this season.
MILWAUKEE is 31-14 ATS (+15.6 Units) against Atlantic division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
BROOKLYN is 22-37 ATS (-18.7 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
BROOKLYN is 4-14 ATS (-11.4 Units) in home games in February games over the last 3 seasons.
BROOKLYN is 8-20 ATS (-14.0 Units) in home games second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
BROOKLYN is 41-63 ATS (-28.3 Units) in home games on Tuesday nights since 1996.
BROOKLYN is 3-12 ATS (-10.2 Units) in home games against Central division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
BROOKLYN is 7-19 ATS (-13.9 Units) in home games revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
BROOKLYN is 9-19 ATS (-11.9 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MILWAUKEE is 8-0 against the spread versus BROOKLYN over the last 3 seasons
MILWAUKEE is 8-0 straight up against BROOKLYN 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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MEMPHIS (33 - 18) at DETROIT (21 - 33) - 2/19/2013, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 16-6 ATS (+9.4 Units) in February games over the last 2 seasons.
MEMPHIS is 29-20 ATS (+7.0 Units) in all games this season.
MEMPHIS is 183-145 ATS (+23.5 Units) in non-conference games since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
MEMPHIS is 5-0 against the spread versus DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
MEMPHIS is 5-0 straight up against DETROIT 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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CHICAGO (30 - 22) at NEW ORLEANS (19 - 34) - 2/19/2013, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO is 9-19 ATS (-11.9 Units) as a favorite this season.
CHICAGO is 5-14 ATS (-10.4 Units) in non-conference games this season.
CHICAGO is 5-13 ATS (-9.3 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent this season.
NEW ORLEANS is 58-40 ATS (+14.0 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO is 37-23 ATS (+11.7 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO is 18-6 ATS (+11.4 Units) in a road game where where the total is between 180 and 184.5 points over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO is 54-37 ATS (+13.3 Units) second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 4-13 ATS (-10.3 Units) in home games in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.

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

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BOSTON (28 - 24) at DENVER (33 - 21) - 2/19/2013, 9:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DENVER is 32-22 ATS (+7.8 Units) in all games this season.
DENVER is 17-8 ATS (+8.2 Units) in home games this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
DENVER is 2-2 against the spread versus BOSTON over the last 3 seasons
DENVER is 2-2 straight up against BOSTON 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 (30 - 22) at UTAH (30 - 24) - 2/19/2013, 9:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
UTAH is 36-24 ATS (+9.6 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
UTAH is 103-74 ATS (+21.6 Units) in home games after a division game since 1996.
GOLDEN STATE is 16-5 ATS (+10.5 Units) in a road game where where the total is between 200 and 204.5 points over the last 3 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 10-1 ATS (+8.9 Units) in road games after 3 or more consecutive losses over the last 2 seasons.

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

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PHOENIX (17 - 36) at PORTLAND (25 - 28) - 2/19/2013, 10:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PHOENIX is 21-30 ATS (-12.0 Units) in all games this season.
PHOENIX is 9-18 ATS (-10.8 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent this season.
PORTLAND is 54-87 ATS (-41.7 Units) as a home favorite of 3.5 to 6 points since 1996.
PORTLAND is 7-18 ATS (-12.8 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
PORTLAND is 6-14 ATS (-9.4 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHOENIX is 5-4 against the spread versus PORTLAND over the last 3 seasons
PORTLAND is 5-4 straight up against PHOENIX 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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SAN ANTONIO (42 - 12) at SACRAMENTO (19 - 35) - 2/19/2013, 10:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SAN ANTONIO is 80-49 ATS (+26.1 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 66-38 ATS (+24.2 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 65-47 ATS (+13.3 Units) in road games over the last 3 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 36-12 ATS (+22.8 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 122-83 ATS (+30.7 Units) on Tuesday nights since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 11-2 ATS (+8.8 Units) in road games against Pacific division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 265-203 ATS (+41.7 Units) after a non-conference game since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 39-19 ATS (+18.1 Units) after 3 or more consecutive wins over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 33-20 ATS (+11.0 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 49-31 ATS (+14.9 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 3 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 22-9 ATS (+12.1 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
SACRAMENTO is 51-67 ATS (-22.7 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SACRAMENTO is 39-52 ATS (-18.2 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
SACRAMENTO is 40-57 ATS (-22.7 Units) in home games over the last 3 seasons.
SACRAMENTO is 7-18 ATS (-12.8 Units) against Southwest division opponents over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN ANTONIO is 5-2 against the spread versus SACRAMENTO over the last 3 seasons
SAN ANTONIO is 6-1 straight up against SACRAMENTO over the last 3 seasons
5 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up

Tuesday, February 19

Hot Teams
-- Wizards won four of last five games (3-1 last four HF). Toronto won its last four games (6-1-1 last eight AU).
-- Nets won last two games, after losing six of previous nine (6-4-1 HF with Carlesimo as HC).
-- Grizzlies won last three games (5-2 last seven AF). Detroit won three of its last four games (5-1 last six HU).
-- Hornets won four of last five games (5-9-1 HU).
-- Celtics won eight of their last nine games (6-7-2 AU).
-- Jazz won five of last six home games (6-4 last ten HF).
-- Spurs won 14 of their last 15 games (5-7 last 12 AF).

Cold Teams
-- Orlando lost 13 of its last 14 games (0-8 last eight HF). Bobcats lost eight of last nine games (11-14 AU).
-- Bucks lost six of last eight games (1-5 last six AU).
-- Bulls lost four of last five games (0-3 last three AF).
-- Nuggets lost last three games of road trip, but won last seven home games (5-1 last six HF).
-- Golden State lost its last five games (0-6 last six AU).
-- Portland lost its last five games (1-5 last six HF). Suns lost six of their last seven games (4-7-1 last 12 AU).
-- Kings lost six of their last eight games (6-8 HU).

Totals
-- Eight of last ten Washington games stayed under the total.
-- Eight of last nine Charlotte games stayed under the total.
-- Last four Milwaukee games stayed under the total.
-- Nine of last eleven Memphis games went over the total; six of last seven Detroit games stayed under.
-- Four of last five New Orleans games stayed under total.
-- 16 of last 19 Denver games went over the total.
-- Nine of last eleven Golden State games went over total.
-- Six of last seven Portland games went over the total.
-- Last four Sacramento games went over the total.

Back-to-backs
-- None.

[StarDust Bum]

NBA

Tuesday, February 19

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Trend Report
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7:00 PM
TORONTO vs. WASHINGTON
The total has gone OVER in 16 of Toronto's last 24 games when playing Washington
Toronto is 6-16 SU in its last 22 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 16 of Washington's last 24 games when playing Toronto
Washington is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Toronto

7:00 PM
CHARLOTTE vs. ORLANDO
Charlotte is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Charlotte's last 9 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Orlando's last 6 games when playing at home against Charlotte
Orlando is 19-3 SU in its last 22 games when playing Charlotte

7:30 PM
MEMPHIS vs. DETROIT
Memphis is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Detroit
Memphis is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Detroit's last 10 games when playing Memphis
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Detroit's last 6 games when playing at home against Memphis

7:30 PM
MILWAUKEE vs. BROOKLYN
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Milwaukee's last 6 games on the road
Milwaukee is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Brooklyn is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Brooklyn is 10-3 SU in its last 13 games at home

8:00 PM
CHICAGO vs. NEW ORLEANS
Chicago is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against New Orleans
Chicago is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
New Orleans is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Chicago
The total has gone UNDER in 13 of New Orleans's last 19 games at home

9:00 PM
BOSTON vs. DENVER
Boston is 1-7 ATS in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Denver
Boston is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Denver
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Denver's last 10 games
Denver is 9-3 SU in its last 12 games

9:00 PM
GOLDEN STATE vs. UTAH
Golden State is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Golden State's last 12 games when playing Utah
Utah is 11-5 SU in its last 16 games
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Utah's last 12 games when playing Golden State

10:00 PM
SAN ANTONIO vs. SACRAMENTO
The total has gone OVER in 4 of San Antonio's last 6 games on the road
San Antonio is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games on the road
Sacramento is 1-15 SU in its last 16 games when playing San Antonio
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Sacramento's last 11 games when playing San Antonio

10:00 PM
PHOENIX vs. PORTLAND
Phoenix is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Portland
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Phoenix's last 7 games when playing on the road against Portland
Portland is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
Portland is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games

[StarDust Bum]

NBA

Tuesday, February 19

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Celtics at Nuggets: What bettors need to know
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Boston Celtics at Denver Nuggets (-8.5, 203)

Most teams enjoyed a fairly quiet All-Star weekend, but the Boston Celtics managed to make news when center Kevin Garnett said he will not waive his no-trade clause with Thursday’s trade deadline fast approaching. As a result, Garnett is fully expected to accompany the Celtics on Tuesday when they visit the Denver Nuggets, who entered the All-Star break on a three-game losing streak.

Boston is 8-1 since losing point guard Rajon Rondo with a season-ending knee injury and stands a season-high four games above. 500. Despite its recent skid, Denver is fifth in the Western Conference standings and boasts an impressive 22-3 home record. The teams combined for one of the most memorable games of the season at TD Garden on Feb. 10, when Paul Pierce recorded a triple-double with 27 points, 14 rebounds and 14 assists in the Celtics’ 118-114 triple overtime win.

TV: 9 p.m. ET, Comcast SportsNet New England (Boston), Altitude (Denver), NBATV

ABOUT THE CELTICS (28-24, 21-28-3 ATS): In addition to losing Rondo, the Celtics have also been hit with season-ending injuries to rookie Jared Sullinger and veteran Leandro Barbosa over the past three weeks. The team has responded by focusing on its defense in recent weeks, including the Celtics’ 71-69 win over Chicago in the final game before the All-Star break. Boston forced 22 turnovers and held the Bulls to 36.5 percent shooting in the win. Forward Jeff Green has stepped up his play with Rondo out, and he's averaging 13.8 points, 3.9 rebounds and 1.4 assists in the last nine games. Garnett should be rested after playing only six minutes in the All-Star game on Sunday.

ABOUT THE NUGGETS (33-21, 32-22-0 ATS): Denver, which has won three straight at home against the Celtics, appears content to stand pat at the trade deadline with one of the deepest rosters in the NBA. Forward Kenneth Faried was selected the MVP of the Rising Stars Challenge on Friday after scoring a game-high 40 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. Faried also competed Saturday in the dunk contest, where he scored a perfect score on his second dunk before falling to eventual winner Terrence Ross of Toronto. The second-year forward is averaging 12.3 points and 9.7 rebounds while starting all 54 games. Point guard Ty Lawson, averaging 15.8 points and 7.1 assists, had 29 points and nine rebounds against Boston two weeks ago.

TRENDS:

* Favorite is 6-1 ATS in the last 7 meetings.
* Home team is 16-5 ATS in the last 21 meetings.
* Celtics are 1-7 ATS in the last 8 meetings in Denver.
* Over is 16-5 in Nuggets last 21 overall.
* Nuggets are 9-3 ATS in their last 12 games overall.
* Celtics are 1-4 ATS in their last five road games.

BUZZER BEATERS:

1. Boston is beginning a five-game road trip and won’t return to the TD Center until March 1 against Golden State.

2. Andre Iguodala (neck) and Gallinari (sinus infection) each missed Denver’s final game before the All-Star break, but both are expected to return against Boston.

3. Denver is 241-81 (74.8 percent) at the Pepsi Center under coach George Karl.

[StarDust Bum]

NBA

Tuesday, February 19

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Best and worst NBA ATS trends at the break
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With the NBA taking a timeout for the All-Star break, there is no better time than the present to examine the condition of each team in the league at this stage of the season. From the surprise teams to the disappointments, the run to the 2013 playoffs is about to take off.

Here’s a quick look at the very best and the very worst pointspread records to date on every team in games played this season through the All-Star break. In addition, I also present a noteworthy most recent trend on each team. All results are SU (Straight Up), ATS (Against The Spread) or O/U (Over Under in exact sequence), unless stated otherwise.

ATLANTA

Best: 3-0 ATS when dogs of seven or more points.

Worst: 0-8 ATS off an ATS win of 13 or more points.

Trending: Hawks are struggling with good teams off a spread loss, going 0-7 SU/ATS.

BOSTON

Best: 4-0-1 ATS in double no-rest games.

Worst: 0-7 SU/ATS when coming off a loss of 13 or more points.

Trending: Celtics are playing down to the level of their opponents, going 1-7 ATS versus sub .250 opposition.

BROOKLYN

Best: 7-1-1 ATS as favorites off back-to-back wins.

Worst: 0-5 ATS at home versus foes coming off a double-digit win.

Trending: Nets are having trouble in games off one loss-exact, going 2-9 ATS

CHARLOTTE

Best: 3-0 ATS when coming off SU favorite loss.

Worst: 1-9 ATS away from home versus foes coming off SU/ATS loss.

Trending: Bobcats have played under in all 10 games as dogs of 11 or more points.

CHICAGO

Best: 5-1 ATS away in division games.

Worst: 0-11 ATS with no rest off a SU/ATS win.

Trending: Bulls have struggled laying more than eight points, going 0-7 ATS.

CLEVELAND

Best: 5-0 ATS as dogs of more than 10 points.

Worst: 0-5 ATS as favorites versus non-rested opponents.

Trending: Cavs struggle at home off road games, going 4-12 SU/ATS, including 0-5 SU/ATS as favorites.

DALLAS

Best: 5-0 ATS versus conference opponent off a SU dog win.

Worst: 0-4 ATS off back-to-back losses, the last as a favorite.

Trending: Mavs are 17-8 ATS since the return of Dirk Nowitzki to the lineup, including 14-3 ATS the last 17 games.

DENVER

Best: 6-0 ATS at home off back-to-back wins.

Worst: 0-4 ATS with revenge versus non-conference opponents.

Trending: Nuggets have struck gold at home against conference foes, going 14-1 SU and 13-2 ATS.

DETROIT

Best: 8-1 ATS off back-to-back SU/ATS losses.

Worst: 1-5 ATS at home off a win versus an opponent off a loss.

Trending: Pistons are misfiring as dogs of more than eight points, going 1-6 ATS.

GOLDEN STATE

Best: 4-0 SU/ATS at home versus opponent off double-digit loss.

Worst: 0-6 ATS on the road off back-to-back SU/ATS wins.

Trending: Warriors are cleaning up against foes off SU dog wins, going 4-0 ATS as dogs and 4-0 ATS away.

HOUSTON

Best: 13-1 ATS at home versus opponent coming off a loss.

Worst: 1-10 ATS off a loss versus opponent off SU/ATS win

Trending: After hitting a 1-8 SU and 0-9 ATS wall in mid-January, Rockets closed 7-4 SU and 9-2 ATS in last 11 games into the break.

INDIANA

Best: 7-0 ATS at home coming off a division game.

Worst: 0-4 ATS away versus greater than .666 opponents.

Trending: Indiana has trouble keeping pace as dogs in games off back-to-back wins, going 1-7 ATS.

LA CLIPPERS

Best: 5-1 ATS off a SU dog win.

Worst: 0-5 ATS as favorites of 13 or more points.

Trending: One is not enough for the Clippers, who are 7-1 SU/ATS in games off one win-exact.

LA LAKERS

Best: 5-1 ATS as favorites in games off a double-digit loss.

Worst: 0-5 ATS off back-to-back SU/ATS wins.

Trending: Once great Lakers dog log is howling at 0-9 SU and 1-8 ATS when taking points in games off a loss.

MEMPHIS

Best: 5-0-1 ATS off SU dog win.

Worst: 0-3 SU/ATS off ATS loss 20 or more points.

Trending: Sleepy Grizzles are dangerous, going 6-1-1 ATS with no rest.

MIAMI

Best: 5-0 ATS off back-to- back SU/ATS wins versus foe off back-to-back SU/ATS losses.

Worst: 1-7 ATS off division game.

Trending: The defending champs shine at home, going 8-1 SU/ATS as favorites of less than seven points and 7-1 SU/ATS versus greater than .667 opponents.

MILWAUKEE

Best: 4-0 ATS as favorites off a loss of 15 or more points.

Worst: 0-9 ATS versus conference opponent off a win.

Trending: Bucks are gracious hosts, going 1-8-1 ATS versus foes coming off a win.

MINNESOTA

Best: 5-0 ATS versus opponent coming off back-to-back SU/ATS losses

Worst: 2-11 SU and 1-12 ATS home versus opponent off a win.

Trending: Wolves waltz in games with O/U total 196 or more, going 3-13 under, including 0-6 under if total 201 or more.

NEW ORLEANS

Best: 5-0 ATS off back-to-back SU/ATS losses.

Worst: 0-3 ATS at home versus opponent off SU favorite loss.

Trending: Hornets stirred things up in final 21 games, going 12-9 SU and 15-6 ATS.

NEW YORK

Best: 4-0 ATS as conference dogs.

Worst: 1-5-1 ATS as road favorites versus opponent off SU/ATS loss.

Trending: Knicks raise their level of play depending on opposition, going 6-1 SU/ATS versus .750 or greater foes, including 4-0 ATS at home.

OKLAHOMA CITY

Best: 9-1 ATS off a non-division loss.

Worst: 1-6 ATS versus .333 or less opponent off back-to-back losses.

Trending: Thunder playing up and down to the level of opposition, going 4-1-1 ATS versus greater than .750 foes and 0-6 ATS versus less than .285 opponents.

ORLANDO

Best: 6-1 ATS as double-digits dogs.

Worst: 1-9 ATS as favorites.

Trending: Magic act disappeared after 12-13 start, going 3-24 SU and 9-18 ATS over their last 27 games.

PHILADELPHIA

Best: 4-0 ATS away with three or more days of rest.

Worst: 0-6 ATS with no rest versus opponent off SU/ATS loss.

Trending: Sixers play according to the level of their opposition, going 8-3 SU/ATS versus sub .333 opponents and 1-7 SU and 2-6 ATS versus greater than .666 foes.

PHOENIX

Best: 3-0-1 ATS off back-to-back SU/ATS wins.

Worst: 0-9 SU and 1-8 ATS versus opponents coming off a double-digit loss.

Trending: Suns set against non-conference foes off a SU/ATS loss, going 1-8 ATS, including 0-6 ATS at home.

PORTLAND

Best: 6-1 ATS versus opponents coming off a SU favorite loss.

Worst: 0-6 ATS off back-to-back SU/ATS wins.

Trending: Over/under total dictates Blazers success, going 9-1 SU and 8-2 ATS in games in which the total is less than 192, and 2-6 SU and 2-5-1 ATS in games in which the total is 202 or higher.

SACRAMENTO

Best: 4-0 ATS coming off a division game versus an opponent coming off a win.

Worst: 1-7 ATS versus opponent coming off a SU favorite loss.

Trending: Kings get crowned in matchups of both teams playing off SU/ATS losses, going 0-6 ATS at home.

SAN ANTONIO

Best: 5-0 ATS versus opponents coming off a loss of 20 or more points.

Worst: 1-6 ATS versus an opponent coming off a double-digit win.

Trending: Spurs have struggled at both ends of the spectrum, going 1-5-1 ATS versus .250 or less opponents and 1-6 ATS versus greater than .666 opponents.

TORONTO

Best: 8-1 ATS when coming off a divisional game.

Worst: 0-3 ATS at home when coming off a SU favorite loss.

Trending: Raptors run well without rest, going 11-2 ATS, including 4-0 ATS at home.

UTAH

Best: 5-0 ATS as home dogs.

Worst: 1-7-1 ATS away off back-to-back wins.

Trending: Flip sides to Jazz records, going 5-1 ATS off back-to-back SU/ATS losses and 0-6 ATS versus foes coming off back-to-back SU/ATS losses.

WASHINGTON

Best: 8-1-1 ATS when coming off a win versus an opponent also coming off a win.

Worst: 1-4 ATS at home versus non-division opponens coming off a double-digit loss.

Trending: Wizards work magic in games against foes coming off an ATS win, going 14-4-1 ATS, including 11-0 ATS the last eleven.

FYI: Teams that have responded exceptionally well in same season revenge affairs this season include the Thunder (5-1 SU/ATS) and the Heat (5-2 SU/ATS, including 4-1 ATS home), while the teams that have struggled mightily in these same payback situations include the Timberwolves (3-9 SU and 3-8-1 ATS, including 0-7 ATS versus an opponent off a win), the Magic (2-15 SU and 5-12 ATS).

I’ve done my homework. Now, you do yours and we’ll both enjoy the second half of the season.

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Short Sheet

Tuesday, February 19

Toronto at Washington, 7:05 ET
Toronto: 8-1 ATS off a division game
Washington: 4-15 ATS after being outrebounded by 20+

Charlotte at Orlando, 7:05 ET
Charlotte: 9-21 ATS off BB Unders
Orlando: 13-3 Over off a home loss

Milwaukee at Brooklyn, 7:35 ET
Milwaukee: 13-2 ATS away with a total of 190 to 199.5 points
Brooklyn: 4-15 ATS at home revenging a road loss

Memphis at Detroit, 7:35 ET
Memphis: 18-7 Under vs. Central Division opponents
Detroit: 16-6 ATS in February

Chicago at New Orleans, 8:05 ET
Chicago: 5-14 ATS vs. non-conference opponents
New Orleans: 12-1 ATS after winning 3 of their last 4 games

Boston at Denver, 9:05 ET NBATV
Boston: 10-22 ATS away off an ATS loss
Denver: 11-2 ATS off 4+ road games

Golden State at Utah, 9:05 ET
Golden State: 18-2 ATS away off BB losses
Utah: 13-4 Under at home with a total of 200+ points

Phoenix at Portland, 10:05 ET
Phoenix: 4-12 ATS revenging a road loss
Portland: 13-3 ATS after scoring 80 points or less

San Antonio at Sacramento, 10:05 ET
San Antonio: 13-4 ATS off a SU win / ATS loss
Sacramento: 3-14 ATS at home off 4+ games allowing 100+ points

[StarDust Bum]

Tuesday, February 19

Game Score Status Pick Amount

Toronto - 7:00 PM ET Washington -3 500
Washington - Over 190.5 500

Charlotte - 7:00 PM ET Charlotte +5 500
Orlando - Over 199.5 500

Milwaukee - 7:30 PM ET Brooklyn -5 500
Brooklyn - Over 194 500

Memphis - 7:30 PM ET Detroit +2.5 500
Detroit - Under 187.5 500

Chicago - 8:00 PM ET Chicago -1.5 500 POD
New Orleans - Over 181.5 500

Boston - 9:00 PM ET Boston +8.5 500
Denver - Over 204.5 500

Golden State - 9:00 PM ET Utah -3.5 500
Utah - Under 203.5 500

San Antonio - 10:00 PM ET Sacramento +9 500 POD # 2
Sacramento - Over 209 500

Phoenix - 10:00 PM ET Phoenix +6.5 500
Portland - Under 194 500

[StarDust Bum]

Wednesday, February 20

Game Score Status Pick Amount

Memphis - 7:00 PM ET Toronto -1.5 500
Toronto - Under 185.5 500

Detroit - 7:00 PM ET Charlotte +3 500
Charlotte - Over 195 500

New York - 7:00 PM ET Indiana -3.5 500
Indiana - Under 185.5 500

New Orleans - 8:00 PM ET Cleveland -2.5 500
Cleveland - Over 196.5 500

Miami - 8:00 PM ET Miami -4.5 500
Atlanta - Over 197 500

Brooklyn - 8:00 PM ET Milwaukee -3.5 500
Milwaukee - Over 193 500

Oklahoma City - 8:00 PM ET Houston +3 500
Houston - Over 220 500

Philadelphia - 8:00 PM ET Minnesota -3 500
Minnesota - Under 187.5 500

Orlando - 8:30 PM ET Orlando +10.5 500 POD # 1
Dallas - Over 206 500

Boston - 10:30 PM ET L. A. Lakers -7 500 POD
L.A. Lakers - Under 196.5 500

Phoenix - 10:30 PM ET Golden State -8.5 500
Golden State - Under 203.5 500

[StarDust Bum]

Thursday Tips

February 20, 2013

The two games on the Thursday NBA card involve rematches of playoff series over the last two seasons. The Spurs swept out the Clippers in the second round of the 2012 postseason, while the Heat eliminated the Bulls in five games of the 2011 Eastern Conference Finals. So far this season, the losing clubs from those series have exacted revenge with victories in the opening matchups. Will that trend keep up on Thursday night?

Heat at Bulls – 8:05 PM EST

Miami makes its first trip to the Windy City this season as the Heat plays with no rest on Thursday. The defending champions are coming off Wednesday's comeback win at Atlanta, while looking to avenge an earlier loss to the Bulls. Chicago is fighting tooth-and-nail atop the Central Division with Indiana, as the Bulls enter Thursday's action just 1 ½ games out of first place.

The Bulls are coming off a 96-87 victory at New Orleans to start the second half, while easily cashing as one-point road favorites. The Chicago frontcourt stepped up as Luol Deng, Carlos Boozer, and Joakim Noah combined to score 52 points and pull down 32 rebounds in the win. In spite of two low-scoring quarters in the second and fourth, a 52-point third quarter helped push the game 'over' the total of 181 ½. That contest ended a stretch of eight games in nine different cities since January 30 for Chicago, but the Bulls head back to the highway for road matchups with Charlotte (Friday) and Oklahoma City (Sunday).

The last time the Heat faced the Bulls in South Florida, Chicago pulled out a 96-89 triumph as 7 ½-point underdogs on January 4. Boozer owned the paint with 27 points on 12-of-17 shooting, while LeBron James led all scorers with 30 points. However, past James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh, the rest of the Heat supporting cast scored just 23 points in the loss. The victory by Chicago was the first at the American Airlines Arena since March 2011, improving to 2-9 in the last 11 trips to Miami.

Tom Thibodeau's club has won five of their last seven games away from the Windy City, while posting a 2-3 ATS record as a home underdog this season. The Heat is rolling on the highway after a slow start by winning and cashing in seven of the past 10 contests on the road, including last night's 103-90 triumph at Atlanta by dropping 40 points in the fourth quarter.

Spurs at Clippers - 10:35 PM EST

Los Angeles couldn't figure out San Antonio last May in the playoffs, but the Clippers found a way to beat the Spurs twice already this season. These two teams could be on a collision course to meet again in the playoffs this spring, but the Clippers will have to prove that the two November victories over San Antonio was not a fluke.

The Clips dominated the Spurs in the first matchup since the playoff sweep in a 106-84 rout on November 7. Seven Clippers scored in double-figures, while L.A shot a blistering 55% from the floor as Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan combined to put up 42 points. Tony Parker was limited to only four points on 2-of-7 shooting as the Spurs converted 41% of their shots from the field.

San Antonio built a 10-point lead early in the next meeting on November 19 at home, but the Clippers outscored the Spurs, 29-14 in the second quarter to take the lead for good in a 92-87 triumph. Los Angeles cashed outright as 4 ½-point road 'dogs, despite shooting 1-of-12 from three-point range and missing eight free throws. The Spurs struggled again from the floor by hitting just 35% of their field goal attempts.

The Spurs continue their never-ending Rodeo trip in which Gregg Popovich's club has won five of the first six contests of a nine-game swing. San Antonio failed to cover in each of the last two victories at Cleveland and Sacramento, but the Spurs did grab a win in their lone opportunity as an underdog at Chicago on February 11.

The Clippers have won 16 of their last 18 home games dating back to Thanksgiving, but L.A. owns a 1-5 ATS record the previous six trips to the home court. Vinny Del Negro's team has allowed less than 100 points in seven of the last 10 home contests, while the 'over' is 5-5 in this span.

[StarDust Bum]

Hoop Trends - Thursday

February 21, 2013

ATS TREND OF THE DAY:

-- The Bulls are 12-0 ATS (12.8 ppg) since January 10, 2004 as a home dog after a game in which the percentage of their baskets that were assisted was at least ten percentage points higher than their season-to-date average.

OU TREND OF THE DAY:

-- The Spurs are 11-0 OU (16.0 ppg) since February 11, 2003 as a road dog when they won their last two games and both were on the road.

PLAYER TREND OF THE DAY:

-- The Bulls are 0-11 ATS (-12.4 ppg) since March 07, 2011 at home with at home a day of rest after a win in which Carlos Boozer had a double double.

CHOICE TREND:

-- The Clippers are 0-14OU (-14.6 ppg) since April 16, 2001 at home with at least one day of rest and at least as much rest as their opponent after a road win in which they shot at least 50% from the field.

ACTIVE TRENDS:

-- The Bulls are 0-7 ATS (-10.6 ppg) since December 18, 2010 at home after a win on the road in which Luol Deng had more turnovers than assists.

-- The Bulls are 0-7-1 OU (-20.1 ppg) since February 02, 2010 at home after a win on the road in which Joakim Noah had more rebounds than points.

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Long Sheet

Thursday, February 21

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MIAMI (37 - 14) at CHICAGO (31 - 22) - 2/21/2013, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO is 55-37 ATS (+14.3 Units) second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
CHICAGO is 41-26 ATS (+12.4 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 3 seasons.
CHICAGO is 7-20 ATS (-15.0 Units) in home games this season.

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

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SAN ANTONIO (43 - 12) at LA CLIPPERS (39 - 17) - 2/21/2013, 10:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SAN ANTONIO is 80-50 ATS (+25.0 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 36-13 ATS (+21.7 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 29-16 ATS (+11.4 Units) against Pacific division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 17-6 ATS (+10.4 Units) after scoring 105 points or more this season.
SAN ANTONIO is 39-20 ATS (+17.0 Units) after 3 or more consecutive wins over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 42-27 ATS (+12.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 82-122 ATS (-52.2 Units) in February games since 1996.
LA CLIPPERS are 274-328 ATS (-86.8 Units) second half of the season since 1996.
LA CLIPPERS are 140-192 ATS (-71.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season since 1996.
LA CLIPPERS are 93-126 ATS (-45.6 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA CLIPPERS is 6-6 against the spread versus SAN ANTONIO over the last 3 seasons
SAN ANTONIO is 8-4 straight up against LA CLIPPERS over the last 3 seasons
6 of 12 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up

Thursday, February 21

Hot Teams
-- Miami won last eight games, covered last five (6-3 last nine AF).
-- Spurs won 15 of their last 16 games (3-3 AU). Clippers won their last four games, all by 10+ points (1-4 last five HF).

Cold Teams
-- Bulls lost four of their last six games (2-3 HU).

Totals
-- Five of last six Miami games went over the total.
-- Over is 3-1-1 in last five San Antonio games.

Back-to-backs
-- Miami is 3-2 vs spread on road if it played night before.




NBA

Thursday, February 21

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Trend Report
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8:00 PM
MIAMI vs. CHICAGO
Miami is 6-16 ATS in its last 22 games when playing on the road against Chicago
Miami is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Chicago is 7-18 ATS in its last 25 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Chicago's last 12 games when playing at home against Miami

10:30 PM
SAN ANTONIO vs. LA CLIPPERS
The total has gone UNDER in 21 of San Antonio's last 25 games when playing on the road against LA Clippers
San Antonio is 21-4 SU in their last 25 games when playing LA Clippers
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of the LA Clippers last 6 games at home
LA Clippers are 4-21 SU in their last 25 games when playing San Antonio


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NBA

Thursday, February 21

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NBA TNT doubleheader: Heat at Bulls, Spurs at Clippers
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Miami Heat at Chicago Bulls (+2.5, 186.5)

The streaking Miami Heat sent a loud message to the rest of the league with a dominating road win over the Oklahoma City Thunder in their final game before the All-Star break. The Heat made another statement with a scintillating comeback in Atlanta on Wednesday night and will carry a season-high, eight-game winning streak into Thursday night's matchup at the Chicago Bulls. Miami blitzed the Hawks with 40 points in the fourth quarter to erase a 10-point deficit and notch their fifth straight win by double digits.

Chicago has played eight of its last nine away from home and will hit the road for two more games following Thursday's matchup. The Bulls rebounded from an ugly offensive performance in a 71-69 loss at Boston prior to the break with a solid effort in a 96-87 win at New Orleans on Tuesday night. While Derrick Rose continues to practice and make steady progress in his comeback from knee surgery, the return of point guard Kirk Hinrich gave Chicago its starting lineup intact for the first time in eight games.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, TNT

ABOUT THE HEAT (37-14, 27-24-0 ATS): Miami typically relies on LeBron James and running mates Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, but the bench made the difference in Wednesday's win at Atlanta. Ray Allen and Shane Battier combined for 24 points and five 3-pointers in the fourth quarter as the Heat shot a blistering 14 of 18 overall during the final 12 minutes. Battier was 5-of-8 from behind the arc to continue a torrid six-game stretch that has seen him connect on 60 percent (21 of 35) of his 3-point attempts. Allen is averaging 14 points in his last three games after failing to top seven points in his previous six outings.

ABOUT THE BULLS (31-22, 23-30-0 ATS): Rose practiced 5-on-5 for the second time this week but coach Tom Thibodeau said there is no timetable for his star point guard's return. Hinrich handed out 10 assists in his return to the lineup and provided a smoother offensive flow. "He's a huge part of what we do, and it just feels good to have Kirk back," center Joakim Noah said. "What he brings to our team, it's hard to measure." Noah, who missed three games earlier this month while battling a foot injury, has registered three double-doubles in the last four games, including a 15-point, 17-rebound effort vs. New Orleans.

TRENDS:

* Under is 5-1 in the last six meetings.
* Under is 9-3 in the last 12 meetings in Chicago.
* Heat are 6-14-2 ATS in the last 22 meetings in Chicago.
* Heat are 1-4 ATS in the last five meetings.

BUZZER BEATERS:

1. Chicago won at Miami 96-89 on Jan. 4 and has taken the last four home matchups with the Heat.

2. James had his franchise-record streak of 30-point games snapped at seven Wednesday night.

3. Heat F Mike Miller sat out Wednesday due to ear and sinus infections and backup C Chris Andersen sprained his foot in the game.



San Antonio Spurs at Los Angeles Clippers (-3, 200)

Fresh off his MVP performance in Sunday’s NBA All-Star game, Chris Paul will be trying to guide the Los Angeles Clippers to a fifth straight win when they host the Western Conference-leading San Antonio Spurs on Thursday. The Clippers have had a full week off since demolishing the Los Angeles Lakers and are hoping their momentum carries through the long break. The Spurs got back to their rodeo road trip on Tuesday and have won four straight.

San Antonio has won 15 of its last 16 games to ascend to the top of the West but has had a tough time against Los Angeles in two previous meetings. The Clippers handed the Spurs their worst loss of the season 106-84 in Los Angeles on Nov. 7 and suffered a rare home loss to the Clippers 92-87 only 12 days later. Los Angeles has looked dangerous since Paul returned to full health before the break and have won by an average of 16.3 points during their four-game winning streak.

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

ABOUT THE SPURS (43-12, 30-23-2 ATS): San Antonio is 5-1 through the first six games of its nine-game road trip and has been at its best against the better teams on the trip in double-digit victories over the Chicago Bulls and Brooklyn Nets. The Spurs showed a tendency to play down to the level of competition on the rest of the stops, including a loss at Detroit, a one-point victory at Cleveland and a 108-102 victory in Sacramento on Tuesday. All-Star Tony Parker has become an even bigger part of the offense recently and is averaging 29 points and nine assists in his last five games. Parker has scored at least 20 points in 12 of his last 13 starts to help the Spurs cover over some nagging injuries to the likes of Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili. All three of San Antonio’s stars should be healthy and ready to go on Thursday.

ABOUT THE CLIPPERS (39-17, 31-25-0 ATS): Paul collected 20 points and 15 assists in Sunday’s All-Star game and seemed to be in complete control of a Western Conference roster that also included Parker, Duncan, Kobe Bryant and Kevin Durant. The All-Star point guard’s return to full health after a knee injury has been the biggest reason for Los Angeles’ latest surge. Paul had 24 points and 13 assists in last Thursday’s 125-101 drubbing of the Lakers and has averaged 10.5 assists during the four-game winning streak. The Clippers have been one of the most talked-about teams in advance of Thursday’s trade deadline but reportedly are not looking to move backup point guard Eric Bledsoe or center DeAndre Jordan - the two pieces most coveted by potential trading partners.

TRENDS:

* Under is 19-4-1 in the last 24 meetings in Los Angeles.
* Under is 4-1 in the last five meetings.
* Spurs are 10-4 ATS in the last 14 meetings in Los Angeles.
* Spurs are 14-6 ATS in the last 20 meetings.

BUZZER BEATERS:

1. Parker has been held to a total of 15 points in the two losses to the Clippers this season.

2. Paul has averaged 19.3 points and 8.4 assists in 26 career games against San Antonio.

3. Los Angeles is 21-5 at home and has won its last three at Staples Center, including last week’s win as the road team against the Lakers.

[StarDust Bum]

Thursday, February 21

Game Score Status Pick Amount

Miami - 8:00 PM ET Chicago +2.5 500
Chicago - Over 186.5 500

San Antonio - 10:30 PM ET L.A. Clippers -3 500
L.A. Clippers - Under 200 500