The Bum's National Basketball Association Best Bets !!

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Long Sheet

Sunday, March 3

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MIAMI (42 - 14) at NEW YORK (35 - 20) - 3/3/2013, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEW YORK is 51-31 ATS (+16.9 Units) as an underdog over the last 3 seasons.
NEW YORK is 21-8 ATS (+12.2 Units) in home games second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 19-7 ATS (+11.3 Units) after a non-conference game this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
NEW YORK is 7-6 against the spread versus MIAMI over the last 3 seasons
MIAMI is 9-5 straight up against NEW YORK over the last 3 seasons
10 of 13 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

OKLAHOMA CITY (42 - 16) at LA CLIPPERS (43 - 18) - 3/3/2013, 3:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LA CLIPPERS are 35-26 ATS (+6.4 Units) in all games this season.
LA CLIPPERS are 14-4 ATS (+9.6 Units) on Sunday games over the last 2 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 13-3 ATS (+9.7 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent this season.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 34-22 ATS (+9.8 Units) in all games this season.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 23-12 ATS (+9.8 Units) against Pacific division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 22-8 ATS (+13.2 Units) off a upset loss as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 65-99 ATS (-43.9 Units) after 3 or more consecutive unders since 1996.
LA CLIPPERS are 142-193 ATS (-70.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season since 1996.
LA CLIPPERS are 93-127 ATS (-46.7 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA CLIPPERS is 6-4 against the spread versus OKLAHOMA CITY over the last 3 seasons
LA CLIPPERS is 5-5 straight up against OKLAHOMA CITY over the last 3 seasons
7 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CHARLOTTE (13 - 45) at SACRAMENTO (20 - 40) - 3/3/2013, 6:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CHARLOTTE is 19-38 ATS (-22.8 Units) in all games this season.
CHARLOTTE is 18-33 ATS (-18.3 Units) as an underdog this season.
CHARLOTTE is 24-38 ATS (-17.8 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
CHARLOTTE is 18-38 ATS (-23.8 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
CHARLOTTE is 5-20 ATS (-17.0 Units) in non-conference games this season.
CHARLOTTE is 14-35 ATS (-24.5 Units) revenging a home loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
CHARLOTTE is 15-32 ATS (-20.2 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent this season.
CHARLOTTE is 7-16 ATS (-10.6 Units) after a loss by 10 points or more this season.
CHARLOTTE is 11-24 ATS (-15.4 Units) after scoring 85 points or less over the last 2 seasons.
CHARLOTTE is 8-19 ATS (-12.9 Units) after 3 or more consecutive losses this season.
CHARLOTTE is 6-14 ATS (-9.4 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
CHARLOTTE is 4-13 ATS (-10.3 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.
CHARLOTTE is 2-11 ATS (-10.1 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
SACRAMENTO is 54-70 ATS (-23.0 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SACRAMENTO is 11-23 ATS (-14.3 Units) in home games in non-conference games over the last 3 seasons.

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PHILADELPHIA (23 - 34) at WASHINGTON (18 - 39) - 3/3/2013, 6:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHILADELPHIA is 8-1 against the spread versus WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
PHILADELPHIA is 6-3 straight up against WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
6 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MEMPHIS (38 - 19) at ORLANDO (16 - 43) - 3/3/2013, 6:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

DETROIT (23 - 38) at SAN ANTONIO (46 - 14) - 3/3/2013, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 2-13 ATS (-12.3 Units) as a road underdog of 9.5 to 12 points over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 1-9 ATS (-8.9 Units) in road games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 83-52 ATS (+25.8 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 68-41 ATS (+22.9 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 42-20 ATS (+20.0 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 39-15 ATS (+22.5 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 146-106 ATS (+29.4 Units) in March games since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 17-7 ATS (+9.3 Units) in non-conference games this season.
SAN ANTONIO is 36-24 ATS (+9.6 Units) after a win by 10 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 18-7 ATS (+10.3 Units) after scoring 105 points or more this season.
SAN ANTONIO is 35-22 ATS (+10.8 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 42-27 ATS (+12.3 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 3 seasons.

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

DALLAS (26 - 32) at HOUSTON (32 - 28) - 3/3/2013, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 37-24 ATS (+10.6 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 28-15 ATS (+11.5 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
DALLAS is 33-24 ATS (+6.6 Units) in all games this season.
DALLAS is 54-35 ATS (+15.5 Units) as an underdog over the last 3 seasons.
DALLAS is 69-46 ATS (+18.4 Units) in road games over the last 3 seasons.
DALLAS is 105-75 ATS (+22.5 Units) in road games vs. division opponents since 1996.
DALLAS is 256-204 ATS (+31.6 Units) after a non-conference game since 1996.
DALLAS is 76-49 ATS (+22.1 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
DALLAS is 43-25 ATS (+15.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
DALLAS is 25-12 ATS (+11.8 Units) in road games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 3 seasons.
DALLAS is 30-13 ATS (+15.7 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
DALLAS is 57-40 ATS (+13.0 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game over the last 3 seasons.
DALLAS is 18-7 ATS (+10.3 Units) in road games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
DALLAS is 8-1 against the spread versus HOUSTON over the last 3 seasons
DALLAS is 9-0 straight up against HOUSTON over the last 3 seasons
5 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CHICAGO (34 - 25) at INDIANA (37 - 22) - 3/3/2013, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
INDIANA is 34-25 ATS (+6.5 Units) in all games this season.
INDIANA is 25-12 ATS (+11.8 Units) as a favorite this season.
INDIANA is 14-6 ATS (+7.4 Units) after a win by 10 points or more this season.
INDIANA is 12-4 ATS (+7.6 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
CHICAGO is 39-24 ATS (+12.6 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO is 58-40 ATS (+14.0 Units) second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
CHICAGO is 20-8 ATS (+11.2 Units) after playing 3 consecutive home games over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
INDIANA is 7-7 against the spread versus CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO is 9-5 straight up against INDIANA over the last 3 seasons
9 of 14 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ATLANTA (33 - 24) at LA LAKERS (29 - 30) - 3/3/2013, 9:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LA LAKERS are 24-35 ATS (-14.5 Units) in all games this season.
LA LAKERS are 48-66 ATS (-24.6 Units) in home games over the last 3 seasons.
LA LAKERS are 14-26 ATS (-14.6 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
LA LAKERS are 11-23 ATS (-14.3 Units) in home games after a win by 10 points or more over the last 3 seasons.
LA LAKERS are 12-26 ATS (-16.6 Units) after scoring 105 points or more over the last 2 seasons.

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

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Dunkel

Oklahoma City at LA Clippers
The Thunder look to bounce back from their 105-103 loss to Denver on Friday and build on their 7-2 ATS record in their last 9 games following a SU defeat. Oklahoma City is the pick (+2 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Thunder favored by 5. Dunkel Pick: Oklahoma City (+2 1/2). Here are all of today's picks.

SUNDAY, MARCH 3

Game 801-802: Miami at New York (1:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Miami 127.865; New York 125.171
Dunkel Line & Total: Miami by 2 1/2; 204
Vegas Line & Total: Miami by 4 1/2; 198
Dunkel Pick: New York (+4 1/2); Over

Game 803-804: Oklahoma City at LA Clippers (3:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Oklahoma City 128.524; LA Clippers 123.328
Dunkel Line & Total: Oklahoma City by 5; 200
Vegas Line & Total: LA Clippers by 2 1/2; 204 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Oklahoma City (+2 1/2); Under

Game 805-806: Charlotte at Sacramento (6:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Charlotte 109.474; Sacramento 113.910
Dunkel Line & Total: Sacramento by 4 1/2; 212
Vegas Line & Total: Sacramento by 8; 206 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Charlotte (+8); Over

Game 807-808: Philadelphia at Washington (6:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia 108.512; Washington 124.234
Dunkel Line & Total: Washington by 15 1/2; 182
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 809-810: Memphis at Orlando (6:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Memphis 120.145; Orlando 110.277
Dunkel Line & Total: Memphis by 10; 200
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 811-812: Detroit at San Antonio (6:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit 112.761; San Antonio 127.218
Dunkel Line & Total: San Antonio by 14 1/2; 195
Vegas Line & Total: San Antonio by 11 1/2; 199 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Antonio (-11 1/2); Under

Game 813-814: Dallas at Houston (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Dallas 117.237; Houston 125.622
Dunkel Line & Total: Houston by 8 1/2; 212
Vegas Line & Total: Houston by 5; 217
Dunkel Pick: Houston (-5); Under

Game 815-816: Chicago at Indiana (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Chicago 117.947; Indiana 130.739
Dunkel Line & Total: Indiana by 13; 183
Vegas Line & Total: Indiana by 7; 179
Dunkel Pick: Indiana (-7); Over

Game 817-818: Atlanta at LA Lakers (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta 117.190; LA Lakers 124.204
Dunkel Line & Total: LA Lakers by 7; 200
Vegas Line & Total: LA Lakers by 5 1/2; 206 1/2
Dunkel Pick: LA Lakers (-5 1/2); Under

[StarDust Bum]

NBA

Sunday, March 3

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Heat at Knicks: What bettors need to know
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Miami Heat at New York Knicks (+4.5, 198)

When the Miami Heat last tasted defeat, they were clinging to a half-game lead over the New York Knicks for the top spot in the Eastern Conference. Things have taken a dramatic turn since. The Heat will enter Sunday's matinee showdown at Madison Square Garden riding a 13-game winning streak and holding a comfortable 6 1/2-game edge over the Knicks. Miami still has some unfinished business with New York, which has won both meetings between the teams this season - each by a 20-point margin.

The Heat overcame a sub-par outing by LeBron James to keep the win streak intact with a gritty 98-91 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday night. Miami has won five in a row away from home, all coming by double digits. The Knicks used a strong fourth quarter to knock off the Washington Wizards on Friday night. It was the third consecutive victory following a four-game skid for New York, which is tied with the Indiana Pacers for the second seed in the East.

TV: 1 p.m. ET, ABC

ABOUT THE HEAT (42-14): While James earned his fourth consecutive Eastern Conference Player of the Month Friday, teammate Dwyane Wade is quietly putting together his own stellar stretch. Wade scored a team-high 22 points against the Grizzlies and is averaging 29.5 points in his last four games. Wade is shooting a blistering 63.1 percent and has added eight steals and five blocked shots during that span. He is averaging 27.3 points in his career vs. the Knicks despite scoring a combined 28 points in the two meetings this season.

ABOUT THE KNICKS (35-20): New York routed the Heat in Miami on Dec. 6 without leading scorer Carmelo Anthony, who is on a scoring spree of his own. Anthony put up 30 points against the Wizards and is averaging 31.5 points in the last four games. But he continues to struggle from 3-point range, connecting on just 20 percent of his attempts (8 of 40) over the past six games.

TRENDS:

* Heat are 5-0 ATS in their last five road games.
* Knicks are 1-7-1 ATS in their last nine games overall.
* Over is 4-0 in Heat’s last four overall.
* Over is 4-1 in Knicks’ last five overall.

BUZZER BEATERS:

1. A victory Sunday will allow Miami to match the longest winning streak in franchise history, set during the 2004-05 season.

2. The Knicks have buried 37 3-pointers in the two wins over the Heat.

3. Miami ousted New York in five games in last season's playoffs, not allowing more than 94 points.

[StarDust Bum]

NBA

Sunday, March 3

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Report
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1:00 PM
MIAMI vs. NEW YORK
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Miami's last 5 games when playing on the road against New York
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Miami's last 12 games when playing New York
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of New York's last 7 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of New York's last 5 games when playing at home against Miami

3:30 PM
OKLAHOMA CITY vs. LA CLIPPERS
Oklahoma City is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Oklahoma City is 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games when playing on the road against LA Clippers
LA Clippers are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing at home against Oklahoma City
The total has gone OVER in 6 of the LA Clippers last 7 games when playing Oklahoma City

6:00 PM
CHARLOTTE vs. SACRAMENTO
Charlotte is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
Charlotte is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing Sacramento
The total has gone OVER in 11 of Sacramento's last 15 games at home
Sacramento is 3-6 ATS in its last 9 games when playing Charlotte

6:00 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. WASHINGTON
Philadelphia is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Philadelphia's last 9 games on the road
Washington is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games when playing at home against Philadelphia
Washington is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Philadelphia

6:00 PM
MEMPHIS vs. ORLANDO
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Memphis's last 5 games when playing on the road against Orlando
Memphis is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Orlando
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Orlando's last 9 games when playing Memphis
Orlando is 2-9 ATS in its last 11 games at home

7:00 PM
DETROIT vs. SAN ANTONIO
Detroit is 4-14 SU in its last 18 games when playing on the road against San Antonio
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Detroit's last 7 games
San Antonio is 14-4 SU in its last 18 games when playing at home against Detroit
San Antonio is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Detroit

7:00 PM
DALLAS vs. HOUSTON
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Dallas's last 5 games
Dallas is 6-13 SU in its last 19 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Houston's last 6 games when playing at home against Dallas
Houston is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Dallas

8:00 PM
CHICAGO vs. INDIANA
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Chicago's last 5 games when playing Indiana
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Chicago's last 7 games when playing on the road against Indiana
Indiana is 18-7 SU in its last 25 games when playing at home against Chicago
Indiana is 6-12 SU in its last 18 games when playing Chicago

9:30 PM
ATLANTA vs. LA LAKERS
Atlanta is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Atlanta is 1-4 SU in their last 5 games when playing LA Lakers
The total has gone OVER in 5 of the LA Lakers last 6 games
LA Lakers are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games

[StarDust Bum]

Sunday, March 3

Game Score Status Pick Amount

Miami - 1:00 PM ET Miami -4 500
New York - Over 197.5 500

Oklahoma City - 3:30 PM ET Oklahoma City +2.5 500
L.A. Clippers - Over 204.5 500

Philadelphia - 6:00 PM ET Washington -5.5 500
Washington - Under 186.5 500

Memphis - 6:00 PM ET Orlando +8 500
Orlando - Under 185.5 500

Charlotte - 6:00 PM ET Sacramento -7.5 500
Sacramento - Over 206.5 500

Dallas - 7:00 PM ET Dallas +5 500
Houston - Over 217.5 500

Detroit - 7:00 PM ET Detroit +12 500 POD
San Antonio - Under 199.5 500

Chicago - 8:00 PM ET Indiana -7.5 500 POD
Indiana - Under 179 500

Atlanta - 9:30 PM ET L.A. Lakers -5.5 500 POD
L.A. Lakers - Under 206.5 500

[StarDust Bum]

Armadillo: Monday's List of 13: Wrapping up a sports weekend.....

13) UCLA coach Ben Howland put an end to the Shabazz Muhammad era in Westwood this weekend, saying the kid was going to the NBA next year. Muhammad has played well, UCLA is 23-8, for Howland to quickly send a star player on his way tells us one of two things.......
a) The kid is a pain in the butt, but considering UCLA had Reeves Nelson a couple years ago, this option is less likely than........
b) Had Muhammad returned, the NCAA would've come calling, and when the NCAA comes calling, often times the coach loses his job.

Either way, Howland has to recruit like a junior college coach; tremendous amount of turnover in his program.

12) Sunday night at 11pm, replay of a White Sox-Padre spring training game, with the great Dick Enberg on the mike. Thats quality entertainment.

11) Erik Compton is one of my heroes; guy has had two heart transplants, and he still plays on the PGA Tour. Compton finished T5 at Honda Classic this weekend in Florida, his first top 10 finish. Will somebody please make a movie about this guy?

10) Sportsbook.com posted 43.5 as the over/under for any major leaguer hitting home runs this season, the lowest such total since 1996. The bet is whether or not you think any hitter will hit 44 HRs this season. Anyone.

9) MAAC basketball tournament is next weekend in Springfield, MA, but there are no MAAC teams in Massachusetts, only one in Connecticut. What genius came up with this idea?

Geographic breakdown of the MAAC:
-- two teams in eastern NY (Marist/Siena)
-- two teams in Buffalo area (Niagara/Canisius)
-- two teams in New Jersey (Rider/St Peter's)
-- two teams in Westchester/Bronx (Iona/Manhattan)
-- Fairfield is in Connecticut, Loyola is in Maryland.

I am sure Springfield is a terrific place, but who is going to go to watch the MAAC tournament, when there are no local teams in it?

8) Further examination of Joe Flacco's contract show a $29M payment in 2016, which means the contract will get re-done after 2015, making it, in effect, a 3-year deal. Still a very lucrative deal.

7) There are bitter defeats, then there is Baylor's loss at home to Kansas State Saturday night. Game was tied with 0:01 left, Baylor had the ball out of bounds, 95 feet from the basket. Worst they can do is overtime, right?

Baylor throws a baseball pass length of court, but it goes out of bounds with no one touching it, so K-State gets it under their offensive basket- they set up a play, McGruder drains a 3 at the buzzer, and Baylor might be headed to the NIT as a result. Horrendous way to lose a game.

6) Since 1985, only two teams won the NCAA tournament without having had at least one winning streak of 6+ games during the season: Arizona in 1997, Michigan State in 2000. We'll monitor that later this month.

5) Virginia beats Duke, then loses at Boston College. Of course they did.

4) Providence won six of last seven games, after starting Big East play 2-7; credit to Ed Cooley, who seems to have things going in the right direction with his Friars. Have to win recruiting battles before you can win games, and Cooley is an excellent recruiter.

3) Was watching the European Tour on Golf Channel Sunday morning, and the 4th hole was a 685-yard par 5. 685 yards!!!! Hole wasn't too tough- the scoring average on it was something like 4.48.

2) Tampa Bay Buccaneers have 24 assistant coaches; three other teams have 23. NFL teams only have 53 active players each week. Seems like overkill, but in fairness, three of the 24 Buc assistants are strength coaches. Still, thats a lot of assistants. What do they do all winter?

1) Pretty good pair of games at Staples Center Sunday, with Thunder edging the Clippers and Lakers beating Atlanta by a point. Impossible to know, but wonder how many people were at both games?

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up

Monday, March 4

Hot Teams
-- Knicks won three of last four games (4-8-1 last 13 AF). Cleveland won four of its last six games (6-9 last 15 HU).
-- Miami won its last 14 games (7-1 last eight AF).
-- Bucks won last three games, all by 5 or less points or in OT (1-7 last eight HF).
-- Hawks covered seven of last nine games (6-3 SU, 5-1 last six AU). Denver won its last four games, last two by hoop each (5-1 last six HF).

Cold Teams
-- Magic lost eight of its last nine games (3-7 last 10 AU). Hornets lost five of their last seven games (5-2 last seven HF).
-- Minnesota lost its last five games, last two by 15-22 points (3-6-1 last 10 HU).
-- Jazz lost three of its last four games (2-6 last eight AU).
-- Portland lost eight of its last ten games (3-6 last nine HF). Bobcats lost last six games, four of last five by 22+ (12-17 AU).
-- Toronto lost five of its last six games (5-1 last six AU). Warriors lost their last four games (10-6 HF, 2-4 last six).

Totals
-- Five of last six Cleveland home games stayed under the total.
-- Four of last five Orlando games went over the total.
-- Seven of last ten Miami games went over the total.
-- Under is 7-2-1 in last ten Milwaukee games.
-- Under is 5-2-1 in last eight Atlanta games.
-- Eight of last ten Charlotte games stayed under the total.
-- Six of last eight Toronto games stayed under the total.

Back-to-backs
-- Knicks are 2-4 vs spread on road if they played night before.
-- Orlando is 4-2 vs spread on road if it played night before.
-- Miami is 4-2 vs spread on road if it played night before.
-- Atlanta is 4-2 vs spread on road if it played night before.
-- Charlotte is 5-10 vs spread if it played night before.




NBA

Monday, March 4

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Report
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

7:00 PM
NEW YORK vs. CLEVELAND
The total has gone OVER in 4 of New York's last 6 games when playing on the road against Cleveland
New York is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Cleveland
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Cleveland's last 6 games when playing at home against New York
Cleveland is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games

8:00 PM
MIAMI vs. MINNESOTA
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Miami's last 6 games on the road
Miami is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Minnesota is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Miami
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Minnesota's last 5 games at home

8:00 PM
UTAH vs. MILWAUKEE
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Utah's last 5 games when playing Milwaukee
Utah is 13-2 SU in its last 15 games when playing Milwaukee
Milwaukee is 3-6 ATS in its last 9 games when playing at home against Utah
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Milwaukee's last 5 games when playing Utah

8:00 PM
ORLANDO vs. NEW ORLEANS
Orlando is 2-20 SU in its last 22 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Orlando's last 5 games
New Orleans is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games
New Orleans is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Orlando

9:00 PM
ATLANTA vs. DENVER
Atlanta is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
Atlanta is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Denver
Denver is 4-8 ATS in its last 12 games when playing at home against Atlanta
Denver is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Atlanta

10:00 PM
CHARLOTTE vs. PORTLAND
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Charlotte's last 5 games when playing on the road against Portland
Charlotte is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Portland
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Portland's last 12 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Portland's last 7 games at home

10:30 PM
TORONTO vs. GOLDEN STATE
Toronto is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing Golden State
Toronto is 7-18 SU in its last 25 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 13 of Golden State's last 19 games
Golden State is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------




NBA

Monday, March 4

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bank shots: NBA betting news and notes
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

For the week of February 24-March 2.

Hottest ATS

Los Angeles Clippers (3-0 SU, 3-0 ATS)

After a mid-season slump, the Clippers appear to be gaining momentum for the stretch run. Los Angeles has picked up wins in four straight games and eight of its last nine. The Clippers have also covered in four consecutive games heading into Sunday’s home tilt with the Thunder.

Coldest ATS

Toronto Raptors (0-4 SU, 0-4 ATS)

The Raptors have dropped four straight (0-4 ATS) after winning six of their previous seven contests. Rudy Gay, who is averaging over 21 points per game since being acquired by the Raptors, is dealing with back spasms and now Toronto plays three tough road games against the Warriors, Suns and Lakers.

Best over play

Sacramento Kings (1-3 SU, 4-0 over/under)

The Kings played over the total in every contest of their recent five-game road trip. Sacramento’s defense was a disgrace on the trip, allowing opponents to score an average of 120.8 points per game. The Kings return home for games with the Bobcats and over-friendly Nuggets this week.

Best under play

Dallas Mavericks (1-3 SU, 0-4 over/under)

The Mavericks have gone low in four straight games after posting an 11-3 O/U mark in their previous 14 contests. Dallas is averaging 101 points per game this season, but is scoring 92.75 per contest during its current under run. The Mavericks play the first half of a home-and-home with the Rockets in Houston on Sunday.

Scouting the schedule:

-The Chicago Bulls are entering a very tough portion of their schedule. Chicago visits Indiana and San Antonio this week before heading home for a clash with Utah. The Bulls then travel west for three games against the Lakers, Kings and Warriors. Chicago has been a pretty good bet on the road (17-11 ATS) and a horrible bet at home (9-22 ATS).

-The Utah Jazz head east for a four-game road trip beginning Monday in Milwaukee. The Jazz have been fade material on the road (10-18-1 ATS) but a great play at home (18-12 ATS) this season. Utah will also visit Cleveland, Chicago and New York this week.

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Long Sheet

Monday, March 4

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NEW YORK (35 - 21) at CLEVELAND (20 - 39) - 3/4/2013, 7:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
CLEVELAND is 6-3 against the spread versus NEW YORK over the last 3 seasons
CLEVELAND is 5-4 straight up against NEW YORK over the last 3 seasons
6 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ORLANDO (16 - 44) at NEW ORLEANS (21 - 39) - 3/4/2013, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ORLANDO is 25-34 ATS (-12.4 Units) in all games this season.
ORLANDO is 23-43 ATS (-24.3 Units) in road games after 3 or more consecutive overs since 1996.
ORLANDO is 13-23 ATS (-12.3 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent this season.
ORLANDO is 7-21 ATS (-16.1 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
ORLANDO is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record - 2nd half of the season this season.
ORLANDO is 15-5 ATS (+9.5 Units) in road games after a loss by 10 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 3-17 ATS (-15.7 Units) in home games after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 5-15 ATS (-11.5 Units) in home games in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
NEW ORLEANS is 4-0 against the spread versus ORLANDO over the last 3 seasons
NEW ORLEANS is 4-0 straight up against ORLANDO over the last 3 seasons
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MIAMI (43 - 14) at MINNESOTA (20 - 36) - 3/4/2013, 8:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

UTAH (32 - 27) at MILWAUKEE (29 - 28) - 3/4/2013, 8:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ATLANTA (33 - 25) at DENVER (38 - 22) - 3/4/2013, 9:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DENVER is 35-25 ATS (+7.5 Units) in all games this season.
DENVER is 11-1 ATS (+9.9 Units) when the total is greater than or equal to 210 this season.
DENVER is 19-9 ATS (+9.1 Units) in home games this season.
DENVER is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) in a home game where the total is greater than or equal to 210 this season.
DENVER is 29-13 ATS (+14.7 Units) in home games against Southeast division opponents since 1996.
ATLANTA is 22-9 ATS (+12.1 Units) when playing on back-to-back days over the last 2 seasons.

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CHARLOTTE (13 - 46) at PORTLAND (27 - 31) - 3/4/2013, 10:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CHARLOTTE is 19-39 ATS (-23.9 Units) in all games this season.
CHARLOTTE is 18-34 ATS (-19.4 Units) as an underdog this season.
CHARLOTTE is 24-39 ATS (-18.9 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
CHARLOTTE is 3-11 ATS (-9.1 Units) second half of the season this season.
CHARLOTTE is 10-27 ATS (-19.7 Units) when playing on back-to-back days over the last 2 seasons.
CHARLOTTE is 2-11 ATS (-10.1 Units) against Northwest division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
CHARLOTTE is 5-21 ATS (-18.1 Units) in non-conference games this season.
CHARLOTTE is 9-18 ATS (-10.8 Units) revenging a home loss vs opponent this season.
CHARLOTTE is 15-33 ATS (-21.3 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent this season.
CHARLOTTE is 6-16 ATS (-11.6 Units) after allowing 105 points or more this season.
CHARLOTTE is 7-17 ATS (-11.7 Units) after a loss by 10 points or more this season.
CHARLOTTE is 11-25 ATS (-16.5 Units) after scoring 85 points or less over the last 2 seasons.
CHARLOTTE is 7-18 ATS (-12.8 Units) after playing 3 consecutive road games over the last 3 seasons.
CHARLOTTE is 8-20 ATS (-14.0 Units) after 3 or more consecutive losses this season.
CHARLOTTE is 6-15 ATS (-10.5 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
CHARLOTTE is 4-14 ATS (-11.4 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.
CHARLOTTE is 2-12 ATS (-11.2 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
PORTLAND is 9-19 ATS (-11.9 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

TORONTO (23 - 37) at GOLDEN STATE (33 - 27) - 3/4/2013, 10:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

[StarDust Bum]

Monday, March 4

Game Score Status Pick Amount

New York 0 0th Cleveland +3 500
Cleveland 0 Over 203.5 500

Utah - 8:00 PM ET Milwaukee -4.5 500
Milwaukee - Under 199.5 500

Orlando - 8:00 PM ET New Orleans -9 500
New Orleans - Over 194.5 500

Miami - 8:00 PM ET Minnesota +9.5 500
Minnesota - Under 196.5 500

Atlanta - 9:00 PM ET Atlanta +9 500
Denver - Over 212 500

Charlotte - 10:00 PM ET Portland -13.5 500 POD
Portland - Under 197.5 500

Toronto - 10:30 PM ET Golden State -6 500
Golden State - Over 205.5 500

[StarDust Bum]

Fact or Fiction

March 5, 2013

NBA Fact or Fiction is back here at VegasInsider.com, and we're taking a look at some of the most pressing questions at hand and asking whether they are totally legitimate or complete bunk.

FACT

These Bobcats Might be As Bad As Those Bobcats: Poor Charlotte. The team is 0-7 straight up and against the spread in its last seven games, and it’s going nowhere in a hurry. The epically bad 2012 Bobcats went 7-59 SU and 23-43 ATS, and they were outscored by 13.9 points per game. These Bobcats over the course of their last 48 games are now 6-42 SU, 14-33-1 ATS, and have been outscored by 12.1 points per game. The margin of defeat isn't as bad, but the ATS percentage is actually worse than last year's insanely bad team.

The Nuggets Might Win the Western Conference: It's going to take getting home court advantage in some of these series, but the Nuggs really could ultimately win the West this year. We think that teams like the Grizzlies and the Jazz killed themselves at the trade deadline, and these were the teams that were supposed to be rid of Denver early in the playoffs before it could get rolling. However, this team is now 29-11 SU and 25-14-1 ATS in its last 40 games, and its win over the Thunder this past week was a real indication that this is going to be a team that is tough to knock out of the second season.

Getting to .500 is Just What the Lakers Needed: It's been a long haul back to .500 for the Lakers from a team that was 17-25, but they have gotten the job done and are back to 30-30. They still aren't in the playoffs quite yet, but they are right on the verge of it, and if we were some of the top teams in the West, we would be scared, to say the least. G Kobe Bryant and the Lakers are on a roll right now, and they're going to be tough to stop.

FICTION

The Kings' Streak of 100+ Point Games: Sacramento has scored at least 100 points in 10 of its last 11 games, and we just aren't buying it. The Kings aren't getting good contributions out of F Patrick Patterson, and there is a point that this team is just going to fall apart at the seams. There is a reason that in spite of this run of good scoring games, the Kings still aren't averaging 100+ points for the season.

Toronto's Recent Swoon: The Raptors have failed to cover five straight games and haven't picked up an SU win since Feb. 22. There have been some tough games along the way, including losing in overtime in Milwaukee and by seven at Golden State on Monday after just running out of gas in the fourth quarter. The Raptors aren't going to get into the playoffs this year, but they are at least going to be a competent team down the stretch.

Orlando's Pre-Trade Skid: Is it possible that the Magic really made themselves a better team at the trade deadline by getting rid of G JJ Redick? We're starting to believe that the possibility is there. The team has had some awful, awful games in this stretch, but a win in New Orleans, a competitive fight against Houston, a win in Philadelphia… This isn't a mistake. Tobias Harris has been a nice contributor to the team since coming over from Milwaukee, averaging 16.8 points and 6.2 boards per game, and the possibility is there that he is evolving into the best player on the team. Once the Magic start to get healthy, they could really be taking some steps in the right direction in spite of their horrid SU and ATS records.

[StarDust Bum]

Hoop Trends - Tuesday

March 5, 2013

ATS TREND OF THE DAY:

-- The Lakers are 11-0 ATS (9.9 ppg) since December 09, 2005 as a road dog with at least one day of rest after a win in which they scored less than 15% of their points from the free throw line.

OU TREND OF THE DAY:

-- The Lakers are 8-0 OU (10.9 ppg) since November 03, 2004 as a dog after a win in which their field goal attempt per turnover ratio was less than four.

PLAYER TREND OF THE DAY:

-- The Celtics are 0-9 OU (-9.7 ppg) since April 13, 2010 on the road after a win in which Kevin Garnett scored fewer than 10 points.

CHOICE TREND:

-- The Celtics are 0-12 ATS (-7.6 ppg) since December 30, 2008 as a favorite after a game in which they allowed a shoot- ing percentage at least 10 percentage points lower than their season-to-date average.

ACTIVE TRENDS:

-- The Lakers are 0-7 OU (-13.8 ppg) since April 01, 2011 after two home wins in which Kobe Bryant took more than 20 shots in each.

-- The Thunder are 7-0 ATS (12.4 ppg) since March 21, 2012 at home after losing the previous matchup in which Russell Westbrook took more than 20 shots.

[StarDust Bum]

Inside the Paint - Tuesday

March 5, 2013

Will the Los Angeles Lakers make the playoffs?

Even though Los Angeles (30-30 straight up, 24-36 against the spread) got back to the .500 mark on Sunday after beating Atlanta 99-98 at the Staples Center, the oddsmakers aren’t buying the “Purple and Gold” just yet.

Sportsbook.ag is allowing bettors to answer the above question in their NBA Prop Wagers.

Los Angeles Lakers - What Will Happen in the 2012/13 Season?
Lakers Miss Playoffs 10/11 (Bet $110 to win $100)
Lakers Lose in 1st Round of Playoffs 6/5 (Bet $100 to win $120)
Lakers Lose in 2nd Round of Playoffs 7/1 (Bet $100 to win $700)
Lakers Lose in Conference Finals 10/1 (Bet $100 to win $1,000)
Lakers Lose in NBA Championship 10/1 (Bet $100 to win $1,000)
Lakers Win NBA Championship 20/1 (Bet $100 to win $2,000)

Looking at the above numbers, the Lakers missing the playoffs is the top choice. The second option is the Lakers losing in the first round and that might be a sound future investment at a plus-120 price.

If Los Angeles does make the playoffs, it will more than likely be the sixth, seventh or eighth seed. Barring a collapse by the Spurs, Thunder or Clippers, those three teams will be the top seeds in the West. So far this season, Los Angeles is 1-7 against that trio and it’s safe to say that all three of those teams would be at least 1/3 (Bet $300 to win $100) favorites over the Lakers in a best-of-seven series. So if you can get 6/5 odds now, that’s certainly screams value.

The Lakers still trail the Jazz by two games for the final spot in the Western Conference but they have started the second-half with a 5-1 record. Three of those wins came against teams with losing records and the loss was against a quality playoff club in Denver (108-119). On Tuesday the Lakers face another serious contender on the road, Oklahoma City (43-16 SU, 35-23 ATS).

Books were slow to open on this game due to the status of Thunder forward Serge Ibaka, who threw a low-blow to the Clippers’ Blake Griffin on Sunday during OKC’s 108-104 road win over Los Angeles. Despite the possibility of not having a starter, Oklahoma City opened as an 8 ½-point favorite, which tells you again what the oddsmakers think of Los Angeles.

L.A. is playing better lately but it’s hard to ignore the fact that the team is 10-19 both SU and ATS on the road and that includes three straight double-digit losses against teams with winning records.

Oklahoma City has been a beast at home this season, going 26-4 SU and 19-10 ATS. Three of those four losses came against the Eastern Conference (Hawks, Nets, Heat) with Memphis being the only team in the West to capture a win at OKC (107-97), which occurred on Nov. 14.

This will be the fourth and final meeting between the pair this season. Oklahoma City won the first two affairs but Los Angeles captured a 105-96 win on Jan. 27 as a 3 ½-point home underdog. In that win, the Lakers shot a blistering 55 percent from the floor and outscored the Thunder 30-21 in the fourth quarter.
Los Angeles will need that type of effort tonight considering OKC has won 18 straight versus teams in the West at Chesapeake Energy Arena and the Lakers have dropped five straight at this venue.

Total players are looking at an opening number of 214. OKC has watched the ‘over’ go 17-12 (59%) at home but the last two games have gone ‘under’ as the defense allowed 74 and 72 points. The Lakers have scored 100-plus points in five of their six games since the All-Star break, which helped the ‘over’ go 4-2.

After this contest, the Lakers faces the Hornets in New Orleans on zero days rest tomorrow. The Thunder will head to Madison Square Garden for a primetime battle against New York on Thursday.

Tip-off is slated for 9:35 p.m. ET with TNT providing coverage.

There are two other games on Tuesday’s card and both contests has the road team open as favorites.

Boston (31-27 SU, 25-30 ATS) at Philadelphia (23-35 SU, 27-31 ATS): After going 2-2 on a West Coast trip to start the second-half of the season, Boston avoided a letdown last Friday at home and beat Golden State, 94-86. The Celtics had three days off before that victory and will be playing with the same amount of rest again tonight. Philadelphia snapped a seven-game slide on Saturday by beating the aforementioned Warriors (104-97) but lost the next night in Washington, 90-87. The problem with Philly is its offense (92 PPG), which is the second-worst in the league. However, the 76ers have gotten 17 of their 23 victories at home and Boston’s road record (10-18) is tough to put money behind. Total players should note that despite an inconsistent attack, the 76ers have seen the ‘over’ go 20-12 at home. Philadelphia has won and covered two of its first three encounters against Boston this season but it’s listed as a home ‘dog (+2.5) at most books tonight. TNT will provide coverage of this tip at 7:05 p.m. ET.

Denver (39-22 SU, 36-25 ATS) at Sacramento (21-40 SU, 26-34 ATS): Similar to the Celtics, the Kings avoided a home trap on Sunday after a long road trip on the opposite coast. Sacramento went 1-4 SU and 2-3 ATS during that span but took its anger out on Charlotte with a 36-point (119-83) romp as a 7 ½-point favorite. Can the Kings win two straight? Considering they’ve only won back-to-back games six times this season and their longest winning streak is three, it’s hard to answer yes. Even though the Bobcats were held to 83, the previous 10 opponents put up over 100 points against the Kings and Tuesday’s opponent is no stranger to the scoreboard. The Nuggets have started the second-half with a 4-1 mark (3-2 ATS) and two of those wins came on the road. If there is a doubt betting on Denver as a road favorite (-5) tonight, gamblers can point to its defense (101.8 PPG) which is the fifth worst in the league. Who’s the worst? Sacramento (104.9 PPG). When you see those numbers, it’s easy to see a total open at 221 ½ and that might be too low for this matchup. The last four in this series has gone ‘over’ the number and Denver already dropped 122 and 121 on the Kings in the first two meetings this season. Sacramento only posted 97 and 93 in those losses, which means you’ll need a better effort tonight if you’re looking at the high side of this number. Tip-of is set for 10:05 p.m. ET from Power Balance Pavilion.

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up

Tuesday, March 5

Hot Teams
-- Celtics won three of last four games (1-5 last six AF).
-- Lakers won five of their last seven games (4-8 AU). Thunder won four of last five (10-1 last 11 HF).
-- Nuggets won last five games, three by 11+ points (6-4-1 last 11 AF).

Cold Teams
-- 76ers lost eight of their last nine games (4-8 last 12 AU).
-- Sacramento lost seven of last nine games (7-8 HU).

Totals
-- Three of last four Philly games stayed under the total.
-- Five of Lakers' last seven games went over the total.
-- Seven of last ten Denver games went over the total.

Back-to-backs
-- Nuggets are 4-1 vs spread on road if they were at home nite before.


NBA

Tuesday, March 5

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Report
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

7:00 PM
BOSTON vs. PHILADELPHIA
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Boston's last 5 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Boston's last 12 games when playing Philadelphia
Philadelphia is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Boston
Philadelphia is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games at home

9:30 PM
LA LAKERS vs. OKLAHOMA CITY
LA Lakers are 5-11 SU in their last 16 games on the road
LA Lakers are 5-11 ATS in their last 16 games on the road
Oklahoma City is 5-0 SU in their last 5 games when playing at home against LA Lakers
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Oklahoma City's last 6 games when playing LA Lakers

10:00 PM
DENVER vs. SACRAMENTO
The total has gone OVER in 18 of Denver's last 23 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Denver's last 5 games when playing Sacramento
Sacramento is 1-5-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Denver
Sacramento is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Denver

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Dunkel

Denver at Sacramento
The Nuggets look to build on their 5-1-1 ATS record in their last 7 games against the Kings. Denver is the pick (-4 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Nuggets favored by 9 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Denver (-4 1/2). Here are all of today's picks.

TUESDAY, MARCH 5

Game 501-502: Boston at Philadelphia (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Boston 118.835; Philadelphia 112.512
Dunkel Line & Total: Boston by 6 1/2; 181
Vegas Line & Total: Boston by 1 1/2; 185
Dunkel Pick: Boston (-1 1/2); Under

Game 503-504: LA Lakers at Oklahoma City (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: LA Lakers 118.862; Oklahoma City 127.524
Dunkel Line & Total: Oklahoma City by 8 1/2; 218
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 505-506: Denver at Sacramento (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Denver 123.238; Sacramento 113.910
Dunkel Line & Total: Denver by 9 1/2; 217
Vegas Line & Total: Denver by 4 1/2; 221 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Denver (-4 1/2); Under




NBA
Long Sheet

Tuesday, March 5

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BOSTON (31 - 27) at PHILADELPHIA (23 - 35) - 3/5/2013, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 27-44 ATS (-21.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHILADELPHIA is 11-6 against the spread versus BOSTON over the last 3 seasons
BOSTON is 9-8 straight up against PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
9 of 17 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

LA LAKERS (30 - 30) at OKLAHOMA CITY (43 - 16) - 3/5/2013, 9:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
OKLAHOMA CITY is 7-6 against the spread versus LA LAKERS over the last 3 seasons
OKLAHOMA CITY is 9-5 straight up against LA LAKERS over the last 3 seasons
7 of 13 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

DENVER (39 - 22) at SACRAMENTO (21 - 40) - 3/5/2013, 10:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DENVER is 139-182 ATS (-61.2 Units) when playing on back-to-back days since 1996.
DENVER is 36-25 ATS (+8.5 Units) in all games this season.
DENVER is 12-1 ATS (+10.9 Units) when the total is greater than or equal to 210 this season.
DENVER is 66-47 ATS (+14.3 Units) in road games over the last 3 seasons.
DENVER is 19-6 ATS (+12.4 Units) in a road game where the total is greater than or equal to 210 over the last 3 seasons.
DENVER is 33-18 ATS (+13.2 Units) in road games second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
DENVER is 23-11 ATS (+10.9 Units) in road games after a win by 10 points or more over the last 3 seasons.
DENVER is 15-6 ATS (+8.4 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.
SACRAMENTO is 55-70 ATS (-22.0 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SACRAMENTO is 42-55 ATS (-18.5 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
DENVER is 6-3 against the spread versus SACRAMENTO over the last 3 seasons
DENVER is 8-1 straight up against SACRAMENTO over the last 3 seasons
4 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

[StarDust Bum]

NBA

Tuesday, March 5

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lakers at Thunder: What bettors need to know
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Los Angeles Lakers at Oklahoma City Thunder (-9.5, 210)

The Los Angeles Lakers have finally reached the .500 mark for the first time since late December and need to beat the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday to keep from falling right back below it. Los Angeles is back at the break-even mark for the first time since being 15-15 as it makes a run at landing a Western Conference playoff spot. Oklahoma City has won four of five and has the second-best record in the West.

The Thunder are 2-1 against the Lakers this season and forward Kevin Durant has scored at least 35 points in all three contests. Durant is averaging 37.7 points against Los Angeles this season with a high outing of 42. He has a career average of 27.4 in 20 regular-season contests against Los Angeles. The Lakers have won 13 of their last 18 games and are two games behind the eighth-place Utah Jazz in the Western Conference playoff chase. “We’re playing much, much better,” guard Kobe Bryant said after Sunday’s victory over the Atlanta Hawks. “It’s going to be a big test for us on Tuesday in a building where it’s going to be a playoff-like atmosphere and one of the teams we could see in the first round of the playoffs. I’m excited for that.”

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

ABOUT THE LAKERS (30-30, 24-35-1 ATS): Bryant has returned to a scoring emphasis and is averaging 34.8 points over the last five games. He has scored at least 29 points in each game and had 34 in Sunday’s win over the Hawks. Bryant is averaging 28 points in the three games against Oklahoma City. He has scored 30 or more points 25 times this season. Point guard Steve Nash had 15 points and 10 assists against the Hawks for his first double-double since Feb. 3. Nash is averaging 15.3 points over the last four games.

ABOUT THE THUNDER (43-16, 35-22-2 ATS): Point guard Russell Westbrook had 29 points and 10 assists in Sunday’s victory over the Los Angeles Clippers to continue his stellar play. Westbrook has scored 20 or more points in nine straight outings and 13 of the last 14. He has shot better than 50 percent from the field in 10 of the 14 games. Westbrook’s run began after enduring a 6-of-22 shooting night in a loss to the Lakers on Jan. 27. He scored just 17 points in that contest but is averaging 25.7 against Los Angeles this season. Westbrook scored 33 and 27 points in Oklahoma City’s two wins over the Lakers.

TRENDS:

* Lakers are 5-11 ATS in their last 16 road games.
* Thunder are 19-7 ATS in their last 26 home games.
* Over is 5-2 in Lakers last seven overall.
* Over is 15-7 in Thunder last 22 vs. NBA Pacific.

BUZZER BEATERS:

1. Los Angeles has a 4-3 regular-season mark in Oklahoma City.

2. The Thunder are 26-4 (21-9 ATS) at home, while the Lakers are 10-19 (10-18-1 ATS) on the road.

3. Oklahoma City had 12 steals in the victory over the Clippers.