The Bum's NBA Regular and Playoff Season's Best Bets !!

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Short Sheet

Tuesday, April 23

First Round, Miami Leads (1-0)
Milwaukee at Miami, 7:30 ET NBATV
Milwaukee: 9-20 ATS off BB Unders
Miami: 12-4 ATS off BB wins by 10+ points

First Round, Miami Leads (1-0)
Boston at New York, 8:00 ET TNT
Boston: 11-23 ATS away playing with same-season revenge
New York: 20-9 ATS at home after winning 2 of their last 3 games

First Round, Denver Leads (1-0)
Golden State at Denver, 10:30 ET TNT
Golden State: 2-10 ATS away off BB ATS wins
Denver: 11-2 ATS off ATS losses in 4 or 5 of their last 6 games

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Short Sheet

Tuesday, April 23

First Round, Miami Leads (1-0)
Milwaukee at Miami, 7:30 ET NBATV
Milwaukee: 9-20 ATS off BB Unders
Miami: 12-4 ATS off BB wins by 10+ points

First Round, Miami Leads (1-0)
Boston at New York, 8:00 ET TNT
Boston: 11-23 ATS away playing with same-season revenge
New York: 20-9 ATS at home after winning 2 of their last 3 games

First Round, Denver Leads (1-0)
Golden State at Denver, 10:30 ET TNT
Golden State: 2-10 ATS away off BB ATS wins
Denver: 11-2 ATS off ATS losses in 4 or 5 of their last 6 games

[StarDust Bum]

Tuesday, April 23

Game Score Status Pick Amount

Milwaukee - 7:30 PM ET Milwaukee +14.5 500

Miami - Over 197 500



Boston - 8:00 PM ET Boston +7 500 POD # 1

New York - Over 185.5 500 POD # 4



Golden State - 10:30 PM ET Denver -8 500 POD # 2

Denver - Over 207.5 500 POD # 3

[StarDust Bum]

Wednesday Playoff Tips
April 24, 2013
By Kevin Rogers
VegasInsider.com



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The first home team finally fell last night as the Nuggets were run by the Warriors at the Pepsi Center. Three road clubs look to break through tonight and even up their series as the Rockets, Hawks, and Lakers all look to rebound from double-digit defeats. We'll start in Oklahoma City with the defending Western Conference champions seeking another blowout.

Rockets at Thunder (-11, 212) - 7:05 PM EST

Three seasons ago, Oklahoma City qualified for the playoffs as the eighth seed before getting eliminated by the Lakers. Now, the Thunder is the team to beat in the Western Conference as OKC looks for a 2-0 edge in the first round after a 120-91 rout of Houston to cash as 10 ½-point favorites. OKC jumped out to a 13-2 edge, but the Rockets rallied back to tie things up at 38-38 apiece halfway through the second quarter. However, the Thunder started the runaway with a 22-9 run over the final six minutes of the half to open up a 13-point edge and would never look back.

James Harden scored a team-high 20 points on 6-of-19 shooting against his former team, but the Rockets received just 13 points from Jeremy Lin and Chandler Parsons combined. The Thunder had its way against the Rockets from the floor, knocking down 53% of their shots, including 10 three-pointers. Past Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook putting up a total of 43 points, six other members of the Thunder scored at least eight points in the rout.

Oklahoma City has now taken three of four meetings from Houston this season by at least 20 points, but finished 'under' the total for the first time. The Rockets own a dreadful 2-5 SU and 1-6 ATS record the last seven games, while compiling a 1-4 ATS record the previous five opportunities as a road underdog. The Thunder has put together an incredible 12-2 ATS mark the last 14 games as a double-digit home favorite, while not losing once at home when laying that amount of points this season.

Hawks at Pacers (-7, 187) - 7:35 PM EST

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Atlanta faltered down the stretch to avoid Brooklyn (and potentially Miami in the second round), dropping the Hawks to the sixth seed. Maybe the Hawks want to re-think that strategy after getting chased by the Pacers in the series opener, 107-90 as seven-point road underdogs. Atlanta shot 50% from the floor, but Indiana countered that by down knocking down 30-of-34 from the free throw line.

Paul George compiled his first career triple-double for the Pacers with 23 points, 11 rebounds, and 12 assists, while being the benefactor of plenty of fouls by the Hawks by hitting 17-of-18 foul shots. All five Pacers' starters put up double-figures, but the contributions off the bench from Tyler Hansbrough (9 points) and Gerald Green (11 points) helped finish off the victory. Josh Smith sprained his ankle in the second half of Sunday's loss, but the Hawks' forward is expected to play tonight.

The home team has won nine of the last 10 meetings in the series, including a 5-0 SU and 3-2 ATS record this season. The 'over' has hit in four straight matchups between the Hawks and Pacers, while Indiana is riding a 7-2 stretch to the 'over' the last nine games overall. Even though Indiana was on cruise control to wrap up the regular season, Sunday's cover was just the second in the last nine games. Atlanta hasn't much better lately with a 2-8 ATS record the past 10 trips to the court, but six of those ATS losses came in the role of a favorite.

Lakers at Spurs (-8 ½, 187) - 9:35 PM EST

Los Angeles thought the hardest part of the season was making the playoffs after starting 17-25. The Lakers found a way to put together an impressive run to qualify for the postseason, but playing without leading scorer Kobe Bryant is a whole new task after getting limited to 79 points in the series opening loss at San Antonio.

The Spurs cruised to a 91-79 victory to take a 1-0 series advantage over Los Angeles, while grabbing their first cover in eight games. San Antonio didn't shoot particularly well from the floor (37%), but received solid contributions off the bench from Manu Ginobili (18 points) and Matt Bonner (10 points). The Lakers' reserves provided basically no help with just 10 points total, but Pau Gasol and Dwight Howard did combine for 31 rebounds in the Los Angeles frontcourt.

With or without Bryant, the Lakers struggled all season in the role of a road underdog, owning a 5-15 ATS record when receiving points on the highway. The 79-point output in Game 1 was the fewest scored on the road this season for the Lakers and the second-fewest overall (77 points vs. Indiana in late November). San Antonio improved to 4-15 ATS the last 19 games, but that's a tough record to take at face value due to the Spurs relegated themselves to the second seed in the West.

[StarDust Bum]

2013 NBA Playoff Results

April 24, 2013


2012 Playoff Results

NBA First Round

-- Home teams are 11-2
-- Favorites are 11-2 straight up
-- Favorites are 7-6 against the spread
-- The Under has gone 8-5

Away Home Score ATS Result Total Result

Saturday Apr. 20, 2013


Boston New York (-7.5) 85-78 Underdog Under (189)

Golden State Denver (-7.5) 97-95 Underdog Under (211.5)

Chicago Brooklyn (-4.5) 106-89 Favorite Over (181.5)

Memphis L.A. Clippers (-5.5) 112-91 Favorite Over (178.5)

Sunday Apr. 21, 2013

Atlanta Indiana (-7) 107-90 Favorite Over (185.5)

L.A. Lakers San Antonio (-9) 91-79 Favorite Under (191)

Milwaukee Miami (-13.5) 110-87 Favorite Under (197.5)

Houston Oklahoma City (-10.5) 120-91 Favorite Under (214)

Monday Apr. 22, 2013

Chicago (+5.5, +190) Brooklyn 90-82 Underdog Under (183)

Memphis L.A. Clippers (-5.5) 93-91 Underdog Over (180.5)

Tuesday Apr. 23, 2013

Milwaukee Miami (-14) 98-86 Underdog Under (197)

Boston New York (-6.5) 87-71 Favorite Under (186.5)

Golden State (+8.5, +350) Denver 131-117 Underdog Over (208.5)

Wednesday Apr. 24, 2013
Houston Oklahoma City - - -
Atlanta Indiana - - -
L.A. Lakers San Antonio - - -

Thursday Apr. 25, 2013
Miami Milwaukee - - -
Brooklyn Chicago - - -
L.A. Clippers Memphis - - -

Friday Apr. 26, 2013
New York Boston - - -
San Antonio L.A. Lakers - - -
Denver Golden State - - -

Saturday Apr. 27, 2013
Brooklyn Chicago - - -
L.A. Clippers Memphis - - -
Indiana Atlanta - - -
Oklahoma City Houston - - -

Sunday Apr. 28, 2013
New York Boston - - -
Miami Milwaukee - - -
San Antonio L.A. Lakers - - -
Denver Golden State - - -

Monday Apr. 29, 2013
Indiana Atlanta - - -
*Chicago Brooklyn - - -
Oklahoma City Houston - - -

Tuesday Apr. 30, 2013
*Milwaukee Miami - - -
*L.A. Lakers San Antonio - - -
*Golden State Denver - - -
*Memphis L.A. Clippers - - -

Wednesday May 1, 2013
*Boston New York - - -
*Atlanta Indiana - - -
*Houston Oklahoma City - - -

Thursday May 2, 2013
*Miami Milwaukee - - -
*Brooklyn Chicago - - -
*San Antonio L.A. Lakers - - -
*Denver Golden State - - -

Friday May 3, 2013
*New York Boston - - -
*Indiana Atlanta - - -
*Oklahoma City Houston - - -

Saturday May 4, 2013
*Milwaukee Miami - - -
*Chicago Brooklyn - - -
*L.A. Lakers San Antonio - - -
*Golden State Denver - - -

Sunday May 5, 2013
*Boston New York - - -
*Atlanta Indiana - - -
*Houston Oklahoma City - - -
*Memphis L.A. Clippers - - -

*If Neccessary

[StarDust Bum]

Wednesday, April 24

Game Score Status Pick Amount

Houston - 7:00 PM ET Oklahoma City -11.5 500 POD # 1

Oklahoma City - Over 213 500

Atlanta - 7:30 PM ET Indiana -7.5 500 POD # 2

Indiana - Under 187 500 POD # 4


L.A. Lakers - 9:30 PM ET L.A. Lakers +9 500

San Antonio - Under 188.5 500 POD # 3

[StarDust Bum]

Thursday's Tips

April 24, 2013


**Miami at Milwaukee**

--Miami (68-16 straight up, 47-37 against the spread) took a 2-0 series advantage with Tuesday’s 98-86 win over Milwaukee as a 14-point home favorite. The Heat led by only three points going into the fourth quarter, but a 30-14 run saw it take a 98-79 lead with 2:15 remaining. However, the Bucks hooked up their backers with a backdoor cover by scoring the last seven points of the game, including an essential Mike Dunleavy 3-pointer with 33 ticks left.

--Dwyane Wade was the catalyst in Game 2, scoring a team-high 21 points to go with seven rebounds, three assists and a pair of steals. LeBron James added 19 points, eight rebounds and six assists, while Chris ‘Birdman’ Andersen came off the bench and provided a key spark with 10 points and six boards.

--Erik Spoelstra’s squad won Game 1 by a 110-87 count as a 13.5-point home favorite. The 197 combined points resulted in a push for wagers on the total. James led the way with 27 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists as Miami outscored Milwaukee by 16 points in the second half.

--Milwaukee guard Brandon Jennings scored 26 points in Game 1, but he made just 3-of-15 shots in Game 2 and finished with merely eight points. In a similar fashion, Monta Ellis had 22 points in the series opener, but he was held to just seven points in Game 2.

--As of early Wednesday night, most betting shops had the Heat installed as a 7.5-point road favorite with a total of 194.5. Gamblers can take the Bucks to win outright for a +300 return (risk $100 to win $300). Miami is favored by four in first-half wagers and the total is 97.5.

--Milwaukee (38-46 SU, 38-46 ATS) has struggled at home, going 21-20 SU and 16-25 ATS.

--Miami has won 10 consecutive games while compiling an 8-2 spread record.

--Sportsbook.ag is currently showing the Heat as the -220 ‘chalk’ to win the NBA title (risk $220 to win $100).

--The ‘over’ is 42-40-2 overall for Miami, but the ‘under’ is 23-18 in its 41 road assignments.

--The ‘under’ is 42-39-3 overall for the Bucks, but the ‘over’ is 22-18-1 in their home games.

--The ‘under’ is 4-0-1 in the last five head-to-head meetings between these clubs.

--Tip-off on TNT is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. Eastern.

**Brooklyn at Chicago**

--With the series knotted at 1-1, this best-of-seven matchup moves to the Windy City for Game 3. Most books are listing Chicago (46-38 SU, 37-47 ATS) as a 3.5-point ‘chalk’ with a total of 181. Bettors can take the Nets on the money line for a +145 payout (risk $100 to win $145). The Bulls are favored by two in the first half with a total of 91.5.

--Brooklyn (50-34 SU, 40-41-3 ATS) won the series opener in blowout fashion, cruising to a 106-89 victory as a 4.5-point home favorite. The 195 combined points soared ‘over’ the 181-point tally. Deron Williams led six Nets in double figures with 22 points and seven assists. Brook Lopez added 21 points, five rebounds and three blocked shots. In the losing effort, Carlos Boozer scored a game-high 25 points.

--Chicago played with more energy and urgency in Game 2, capturing a 90-82 win as a 5.5-point underdog. The Bulls hooked up money-line backers with a +200 return, while the 172 combined points stayed ‘under’ the 183-point total. Luol Deng paced the winners with 15 points and 10 rebounds, while Boozer finished with 13 points and 12 boards. Joakim Noah also had a double-double with 11 points, 10 rebounds, three assists and two blocked shots.

--In the Game 2 defeat, Lopez scored a game-high 21 points for the Nets.

--Brooklyn’s Joe Johnson is struggling with plantar fasciitus but is listed as ‘probable’ for Game 3 (as of early Wednesday night). Johnson averages 16.3 points, 3.5 assists and 3.0 rebounds per game.

--P.J. Carlesimo’s team has thrived in road underdog situations recently, posting a 9-3 spread record with eight outright victories in its last 12 such spots.

--The ‘over’ is 42-41-1 overall for the Nets, 20-20-1 in their road contests.

--The ‘under’ is 45-38-1 overall for the Bulls, 24-16-1 in their home games.

--Sportsbook.ag has Brooklyn and Chicago with 75/1 and 100/1 odds, respectively, to win the NBA title. However, the offshore website has the Bulls with -115 odds to win this series, while the Nets are carrying a -105 price.

--NBA-TV will provide television coverage at 8:30 p.m. Eastern.

**Los Angeles Clippers at Memphis**

--Los Angeles (58-26 SU, 46-38 ATS) took a 2-0 series lead thanks to Chris Paul’s game-winning leaner that kissed home off the glass with 0.1 seconds remaining in Game 2. The shot lifted the Clippers to a 93-91 home win but the Grizzlies took the money as 5.5-point underdogs. Paul finished with 24 points and nine assists compared to only one turnover. Blake Griffin scored 21 points and pulled down eight boards, while Jamal Crawford contributed 15 points off the bench.

--Memphis dropped Game 2 despite a spectacular effort from Mike Conley, who finished with 28 points and nine assists, including a gorgeous ‘dime’ to Marc Gasol for the tying bucket that preceded Paul’s game-winning heroics. Gasol finished with 17 points, seven rebounds and three blocked shots, while Tony Allen had 16 points and 10 boards.

--For Game 3, most spots have tabbed Memphis (56-28 SU, 47-35-2 ATS) as a 4.5-point favorite with a total of 179.5. Gamblers can take the Clippers on the money line for a +175 payout. The Grizzlies are three-point ‘chalk’ for first-half bets, while the total is 90.5.

--Vinny Del Negro’s team has won nine in a row and hasn’t tasted defeat since April 1. The Clippers have now won five of six head-to-head meetings against the Grizz this year.

--The ‘over’ is 47-37 overall for the Clippers, but the ‘under’ is 21-20 in their road assignments.

--The ‘under’ is 50-33-1 overall for Memphis, 27-14 in its home games.

--Going into Game 3, Sportsbook.ag has the Clippers with 15/1 odds to win the NBA title. The Grizzlies have 100/1 odds. Sportsbook has the updated series price as the Clippers -650 compared to Memphis at +450.

--Tip-off is slated for 9:30 p.m. Eastern on TNT.

[StarDust Bum]

2013 NBA Playoff Results

April 25, 2013


2012 Playoff Results

NBA First Round

-- Home teams are 14-2
-- Favorites are 14-2 straight up
-- Favorites are 9-7 against the spread
-- The Under has gone 9-7

Away Home Score ATS Result Total Result

Saturday Apr. 20, 2013

Boston New York (-7.5) 85-78 Underdog Under (189)

Golden State Denver (-7.5) 97-95 Underdog Under (211.5)

Chicago Brooklyn (-4.5) 106-89 Favorite Over (181.5)

Memphis L.A. Clippers (-5.5) 112-91 Favorite Over (178.5)

Sunday Apr. 21, 2013

Atlanta Indiana (-7) 107-90 Favorite Over (185.5)

L.A. Lakers San Antonio (-9) 91-79 Favorite Under (191)

Milwaukee Miami (-13.5) 110-87 Favorite Under (197.5)

Houston Oklahoma City (-10.5) 120-91 Favorite Under (214)

Monday Apr. 22, 2013

Chicago (+5.5, +190) Brooklyn 90-82 Underdog Under (183)

Memphis L.A. Clippers (-5.5) 93-91 Underdog Over (180.5)

Tuesday Apr. 23, 2013

Milwaukee Miami (-14) 98-86 Underdog Under (197)

Boston New York (-6.5) 87-71 Favorite Under (186.5)

Golden State (+8.5, +350) Denver 131-117 Underdog Over (208.5)

Wednesday Apr. 24, 2013

Houston Oklahoma City (-11) 105-102 Underdog Under (213.5)

Atlanta Indiana (-7) 113-98 Favorite Over (187)

L.A. Lakers San Antonio (-9) 102-91 Favorite Over (188.5)

Thursday Apr. 25, 2013
Miami Milwaukee - - -
Brooklyn Chicago - - -
L.A. Clippers Memphis - - -

Friday Apr. 26, 2013
New York Boston - - -
San Antonio L.A. Lakers - - -
Denver Golden State - - -

Saturday Apr. 27, 2013
Brooklyn Chicago - - -
L.A. Clippers Memphis - - -
Indiana Atlanta - - -
Oklahoma City Houston - - -

Sunday Apr. 28, 2013
New York Boston - - -
Miami Milwaukee - - -
San Antonio L.A. Lakers - - -
Denver Golden State - - -

Monday Apr. 29, 2013
Indiana Atlanta - - -
*Chicago Brooklyn - - -
Oklahoma City Houston - - -

Tuesday Apr. 30, 2013
*Milwaukee Miami - - -
*L.A. Lakers San Antonio - - -
*Golden State Denver - - -

*Memphis L.A. Clippers - - -
Wednesday May 1, 2013
*Boston New York - - -
*Atlanta Indiana - - -
*Houston Oklahoma City - - -

Thursday May 2, 2013
*Miami Milwaukee - - -
*Brooklyn Chicago - - -
*San Antonio L.A. Lakers - - -
*Denver Golden State - - -

Friday May 3, 2013
*New York Boston - - -
*Indiana Atlanta - - -
*Oklahoma City Houston - - -

Saturday May 4, 2013
*Milwaukee Miami - - -
*Chicago Brooklyn - - -
*L.A. Lakers San Antonio - - -
*Golden State Denver - - -

Sunday May 5, 2013
*Boston New York - - -
*Atlanta Indiana - - -
*Houston Oklahoma City - - -
*Memphis L.A. Clippers - - -

*If Neccessary

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Dunkel

Brooklyn at Chicago
The Nets look to bounce back from their 90-82 loss in Game 2 and build on their 8-2 ATS record in their last 10 games following an ATS defeat in the previous game. Brooklyn is the pick (+3 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Bulls favored by only 1 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Brooklyn (+3 1/2). Here are all of today's picks.

THURSDAY, APRIL 25

Game 733-734: Miami at Milwaukee (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Miami 124.193; Milwaukee 114.595
Dunkel Line & Total: Miami by 9 1/2; 190
Vegas Line & Total: Miami by 7 1/2; 194 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Miami (-7 1/2); Under

Game 735-736: Brooklyn at Chicago (8:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Brooklyn 118.200; Chicago 119.510
Dunkel Line & Total: Chicago by 1 1/2; 186
Vegas Line & Total: Chicago by 3 1/2; 181
Dunkel Pick: Brooklyn (+3 1/2); Over

Game 737-738: LA Clippers at Memphis (9:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: LA Clippers 122.972; Memphis 128.757
Dunkel Line & Total: Memphis by 6; 176
Vegas Line & Total: Memphis by 4 1/2; 180
Dunkel Pick: Memphis (-4 1/2); Under




NBA
Long Sheet

Thursday, April 25

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MIAMI (68 - 16) at MILWAUKEE (38 - 46) - 4/25/2013, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MILWAUKEE is 43-25 ATS (+15.5 Units) in home games after playing 3 consecutive road games since 1996.
MIAMI is 47-37 ATS (+6.3 Units) in all games this season.
MIAMI is 26-16 ATS (+8.4 Units) second half of the season this season.
MIAMI is 26-17 ATS (+7.3 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
MIAMI is 19-8 ATS (+10.2 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a losing record - 2nd half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
MIAMI is 11-2 ATS (+8.8 Units) in road games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.
MILWAUKEE is 37-46 ATS (-13.6 Units) in all games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 15-25 ATS (-12.5 Units) in home games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 1-9 ATS (-8.9 Units) in a home game where where the total is between 190 and 194.5 points over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 14-26 ATS (-14.6 Units) second half of the season this season.
MILWAUKEE is 13-24 ATS (-13.4 Units) against Southeast division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) after 3 or more consecutive unders this season.
MILWAUKEE is 30-48 ATS (-22.8 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 28-46 ATS (-22.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 9-25 ATS (-18.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MILWAUKEE is 7-6 against the spread versus MIAMI over the last 3 seasons
MIAMI is 9-4 straight up against MILWAUKEE 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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BROOKLYN (50 - 34) at CHICAGO (46 - 38) - 4/25/2013, 8:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BROOKLYN is 15-25 ATS (-12.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
CHICAGO is 37-46 ATS (-13.6 Units) in all games this season.
CHICAGO is 15-28 ATS (-15.8 Units) as a favorite this season.
CHICAGO is 13-28 ATS (-17.8 Units) in home games this season.
CHICAGO is 6-14 ATS (-9.4 Units) when playing with 2 days rest this season.
CHICAGO is 48-74 ATS (-33.4 Units) in home games off an upset win as an underdog since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO is 7-6 against the spread versus BROOKLYN over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO is 9-4 straight up against BROOKLYN over the last 3 seasons
7 of 13 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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LA CLIPPERS (58 - 26) at MEMPHIS (56 - 28) - 4/25/2013, 9:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LA CLIPPERS are 70-97 ATS (-36.7 Units) against Southwest division opponents since 1996.
LA CLIPPERS are 158-199 ATS (-60.9 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1996.
LA CLIPPERS are 147-201 ATS (-74.1 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season since 1996.
LA CLIPPERS are 75-106 ATS (-41.6 Units) versus good defensive teams - allowing <=91 points/game since 1996.
MEMPHIS is 48-33 ATS (+11.7 Units) in all games this season.
MEMPHIS is 36-24 ATS (+9.6 Units) as a favorite this season.
MEMPHIS is 71-50 ATS (+16.0 Units) in home games over the last 3 seasons.
MEMPHIS is 62-41 ATS (+16.9 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 3 seasons.
MEMPHIS is 78-59 ATS (+13.1 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
MEMPHIS is 65-35 ATS (+26.5 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game over the last 3 seasons.
MEMPHIS is 35-21 ATS (+11.9 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 12-4 ATS (+7.6 Units) when playing with 2 days rest this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA CLIPPERS is 11-8 against the spread versus MEMPHIS over the last 3 seasons
LA CLIPPERS is 13-7 straight up against MEMPHIS over the last 3 seasons
12 of 19 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up

Thursday, April 25

Milwaukee lost 17 of last 23 games; can they even win a game in series? Bucks upset Heat 104-85 at home Dec 29, forcing 20 turnovers (+15), but lost other five meetings by 7-13-11-23-12 points, with under 4-0-1 in last five series games. Bucks played better in Game 2, making 50% on night, holding Heat to 44.9%, but they got outscored 22-10 on foul line and are just 11-44 from arc themselves in series. Miami was 4-3 as road favorite in LY's playoffs; they lost first road game in three of four series they played in playoffs last spring.

Three of five Chicago-Brooklyn games this season were decided by 4 or less points; Nets shot 55.8% in Game 1, 35.4% in Game 2, as Brooklyn guards were 7-27 from floor. Other than Lopez, other Net starters made 10-37 form floor. Bulls do not shoot ball well, (28-45 from line, 5-20 on arc in series) but they defend like hell and are very well coached. Have to give coaching edge in series to Thobodeau. Nets won three of last four road games, with wins at Indiana/Boston. So far in playoffs, home teams are 9-7 vs spread, 5-3 in East; under is 8-7-1, 4-3-1 in East.

Clippers pulled out 93-91 win in Game 2, when their bench was +43 in game, Memphis bench -34; LA led both games by six at half, have made 9-34 from arc in series. Clips led Memphis 3-1 in LY's playoffs, wound up having to win Game 7 Im Memphis to advance, so Grizzlies are still alive here; they closed rebounding gap to 40-38 in Game 2, after it was 47-23 in Game 1. Clippers won five of six meetings vs Memphis this year, with wins here, by 26-4 points. Conley exploded for 28 points in Game 2; Memphis lost first two games despite getting to line 59 times, compared to 53 for the Clippers.




NBA

Thursday, April 25

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Trend Report
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7:00 PM
MIAMI vs. MILWAUKEE
Miami is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Miami is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing Milwaukee
Milwaukee is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing Miami
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Milwaukee's last 5 games when playing Miami

8:30 PM
BROOKLYN vs. CHICAGO
Brooklyn is 3-8 SU in its last 11 games when playing Chicago
Brooklyn is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Chicago
Chicago is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Brooklyn
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Chicago's last 6 games at home

9:30 PM
LA CLIPPERS vs. MEMPHIS
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of the LA Clippers last 9 games when playing Memphis
LA Clippers are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Memphis's last 11 games
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Memphis's last 12 games at home


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NBA

Thursday, April 25

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Thursday's NBA playoff action: What bettors need to know
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Miami Heat at Milwaukee Bucks (+7.5, 194)

Miami leads series 2-0.

The Milwaukee Bucks put in a better effort in Game 2 but could not figure out a way around the Miami Heat in the fourth quarter. The Bucks will be looking to avoid a 3-0 hole when the series shifts to Milwaukee for Game 3 on Thursday. LeBron James and Dwyane Wade have gotten plenty of help from the likes of Chris Andersen and Ray Allen in winning the first two games and the Heat have shown no signs that they are ready to lose a game.

Milwaukee leaned on Monta Ellis and Brandon Jennings for production while neglecting the frontcourt in getting blown out during Game 1. The Bucks switched tactics in Game 2 and went inside to Ersan Ilyasova and Larry Sanders during the first three quarters, keeping Miami off balance and keeping the game close. The Heat’s big run at the start of the fourth caused Milwaukee to abandon that strategy, and Miami had no trouble pulling away. The Heat have won 10 straight going back to the regular season and need 14 more wins to lock up their second straight championship.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, Sun Sports (Miami), Fox SportsNet Wisconsin (Milwaukee), TNT

ABOUT THE HEAT: Miami was clinging to a three-point lead entering the fourth quarter of Game 2 and coach Erik Spoelstra decided to switch things up, sending James out with four reserves to start the fourth. James usually sits out the first couple minutes of the fourth quarter but instead combined with Andersen and Norris Cole on a 12-0 burst that put the Heat in control and allowed them to cruise to the end. James went 9-for-11 from the field in Game 1 before “slumping” to 19 points on 6-of-14 shooting in Game 2, ending a streak of 22 straight postseason games with at least 20 points. But he made his impact during the decisive run with a layup, a pair of rebounds and an assist on Cole’s 3-pointer that capped the burst. “We held court,” Spoelstra said. “We protected (home court) for two games. We did what we were supposed to do, and that’s it.”

ABOUT THE BUCKS: Milwaukee’s big advantage on paper is in the frontcourt with Ilyasova, Sanders, Luc Richard Mbah a Moute and Marquis Daniels off the bench. But the Bucks have been outrebounded in each of the first two games and abandoned any offense from the frontcourt in favor of tough shots off the dribble from Jennings and Ellis in Game 1. The second game was a different story, with Ilyasova and Sanders combining for 35 points on 15-of-21 shooting, but the struggles of Ellis and Jennings kept the offense from getting into a flow. The backcourt duo combined to shoot 5-for-22, including 0-for-10 from 3-point range in the loss. Jennings had predicted a Milwaukee series win in six games.

TRENDS:

* Under is 4-0-1 in the last five meetings.
* Over is 15-6 in the last 21 meetings in Milwaukee.
* Bucks are 6-14 ATS in their last 20 home games.
* Heat are 19-7 ATS in their last 26 road games.

BUZZER BEATERS:

1. Sanders and Heat F Shane Battier collided in the fourth quarter of Game 2 and hit the ground hard. Battier required stitches on his chin and Sanders injured his ankle. Both are expected to play Thursday.

2. Milwaukee beat Miami at home 104-85 on Dec. 29 despite James and Wade combining for 50 points.

3. Allen (315) needs five 3-pointers to match Reggie Miller’s postseason career record.



Brooklyn Nets at Chicago Bulls (-3.5, 181)

Series tied 1-1.

The Chicago Bulls have wrestled home-court advantage away from Brooklyn and look to take a 2-1 lead in the series when they host the Nets when the first-round Eastern Conference matchup resumes on Thursday. Chicago notched a 90-82 victory in Monday’s Game 2 after suffering a 17-point loss in the opener. The Bulls clamped down on Nets star Deron Williams and had three different players record double-doubles while evening the series.

Chicago managed quite a turnaround in the second game in Brooklyn. Now the quest becomes matching that stellar effort. “After a win in the playoffs, you’re sky high and feeling good about yourself,” Bulls center Joakim Noah told reporters. “You’ve got to stay focused and know a lot of basketball is left. Anything can happen. Sometimes you play well, sometimes not.” Nets coach P.J. Carlesimo dissected the game tape closely on Tuesday and that only confirmed his postgame sentiments that it was a combination of poor play from his squad and a solid performance by the Bulls. “I think our guys all feel we let ourselves down and we didn’t play as well as we’re capable of playing,” Carlesimo said. Brooklyn guard Joe Johnson is questionable with a foot injury.

TV: 8:30 p.m. ET, WWOR (Brooklyn), Comcast SportsNet Chicago, NBATV

ABOUT THE NETS: Williams had only eight points on 1-of-9 shooting in Game 2 after scoring 22 points in the opener. He was harassed by Chicago point guard Kirk Hinrich and never found his shooting rhythm. Williams vowed that things will be much different in Game 3. “I’m not going to play like this again,” Williams said. “They did some different things and they tried to keep me on one side of the court. They definitely stayed with me longer on pick-and-rolls and tried to trap me a little bit. I’ll look at the film and see where I can improve. I didn’t go to the basket enough.”

ABOUT THE BULLS: Frontcourt performers Luol Deng (15 points, 10 rebounds) and Carlos Boozer (13 points, 12 rebounds) had solid Game 2 performances but the catalyst was Noah, who is playing through a bout of plantar fasciitis in his right foot. He struggled mightily in the opener but was strong down the stretch in Game 2 while finishing with 11 points and 10 rebounds and sideswiping the pain. “I thought Jo was very rusty in the first game but willed it, and I thought he willed it again and we needed every bit of it,” Chicago coach Tom Thibodeau said afterward. “To me, it’s obvious we’re a much better team with him on the floor.”

TRENDS:

* Under is 5-2 in the last seven meetings in Chicago.
* Underdog is 5-2 ATS in the last seven meetings.
* Road team is 6-2 ATS in the last eight meetings.
* Nets are 1-4 ATS in the last five meetings.

BUZZER BEATERS:

1. The Nets set a franchise mark with a 23-18 road mark in the regular season.

2. Boozer is averaging 19 points and 10 rebounds in the series.

3. Brooklyn C Brook Lopez had 21 points, five rebounds and three blocks in each of the first two games.



Los Angeles Clippers at Memphis Grizzlies (-4.5, 179.5)

Los Angeles leads series 2-0.

The Memphis Grizzlies have no margin for error entering Thursday’s Game 3 of their first-round Western Conference series with the visiting Los Angeles Clippers. Memphis is in an 0-2 hole and has lost its last three home contests against the Clippers. The Grizzlies won a franchise-record 32 home games but Los Angeles is streaking with nine consecutive victories after recording a 93-91 victory in Monday’s Game 2 on Chris Paul’s driving bank shot with one-tenth of a second remaining.

The Clippers ousted the Grizzlies from last season’s playoffs and can close in on doing so again with a third straight win in the series. “We’ve had success in Memphis,” Los Angeles coach Vinny Del Negro said. “We’re going there with the right mindset but we have to execute better than we did (Monday), especially on the defensive end.” The Grizzlies are taking the position that the series can be evened up now that the scene has shifted to Memphis. “We’ve got to come here and take care of business,” Grizzlies coach Lionel Hollins said. “We have two games at home. We almost got one out in L.A. but it wasn’t to be. We have to come home and try to win two and hold court.”

TV: 9:30 p.m. ET, TNT, Prime Ticket (Los Angeles), SportSouth (Memphis)

ABOUT THE CLIPPERS: Paul is in the running for Most Valuable Player honors and he again displayed why with his Game 2 heroics. He was able to shed defensive standout Tony Allen to sink the game-winning hoop and cap a 24-point effort. “Not all great players are clutch,” Los Angeles guard Chauncey Billups said. “But Chris has proven to be one of the best clutch players in the game. Anytime we get in those positions, he’s our closer.” Paul is averaging 23.5 points, eight assists and shooting 57.1 percent from the field. Forward Blake Griffin bounced back with 21 points in Game 2 after struggling to 10 points in the opener.

ABOUT THE GRIZZLIES: Center Marc Gasol was named NBA Defensive Player of the Year on Wednesday. The 7-foot-1 Gasol averaged 1.7 blocks and one steal during the regular season as Memphis allowed a league-low 88.7 points per game. The Grizzlies are allowing 102.5 through two games against the Clippers and are aiming to reduce that figure. Gasol is averaging 16.5 points but just 4.5 rebounds in the series. Point guard Mike Conley had 28 points and nine assists in Game 2 and is averaging 20 points and seven assists. Power forward Zach Randolph is averaging 13 points and six rebounds and has been a relative non-factor.

TRENDS:

* Under is 4-0 in the last four meetings in Memphis.
* Clippers are 4-1-1 ATS in the last six meetings in Memphis.
* Clippers are 5-2-1 ATS in the last eight meetings.
* Underdog is 4-1 ATS in the last five meetings.
* Road team is 4-1 ATS in the last five meetings.

BUZZER BEATERS:

1. Los Angeles has won six of its last seven games against Memphis, counting the regular season and postseason.

2. The Grizzlies are 7-for-23 from 3-point range in the series.

3. Clippers backup PG Eric Bledsoe is averaging 11.5 points on 10-of-13 shooting in the series.

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Short Sheet

Thursday, April 25

First Round, Miami Leads (2-0)
Miami at Milwaukee, 7:05 ET TNT
Miami: 14-6 ATS away after winning 15+ of their last 20 games
Milwaukee: 16-30 ATS playing with same-season revenge

First Round, Series Tied (1-1)
Brooklyn at Chicago, 8:35 ET NBATV
Brooklyn: 10-1 ATS away playing their second game in five days
Chicago: 1-8 ATS at home after playing BB games as an underdog

First Round, Los Angeles Leads (2-0)
LA Clippers at Memphis, 9:35 ET TNT
LA Clippers: 23-11 ATS off 4+ home games
Memphis: 9-19 ATS at home off ATS wins in 2 of their last 3 games

[StarDust Bum]

NBA hasn't been kind to me....So thread lightly until things change.........

Date WLT Pct Net Units Record

04/24/13 1-*5-*0 16.67% -*2250 Detail
04/23/13 2-*4-*0 33.33% -*1200 Detail
04/22/13 2-*2-*0 50.00% -*100 Detail
04/21/13 3-*5-*0 37.50% -*1250 Detail
04/20/13 3-*4-*1 42.86% -*700 Detai

04/25/13 11-20-1 55.00% -5500


Thursday, April 25

Game Score Status Pick Amount

Miami - 7:00 PM ET Miami -7 500 POD # 2

Milwaukee - Over 195 500



Brooklyn - 8:30 PM ET Chicago -3.5 500 POD # 1

Chicago - Under 182 500 POD # 4



L.A. Clippers - 9:30 PM ET Memphis -4.5 500

Memphis - Under 179 500 POD # 3

[StarDust Bum]

CORRECTION THE THE % TOTAL......35.48%

SORRY ABOUT THAT......

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Dunkel

New York at Boston
The Celtics look to bounce back from their 87-71 loss in Game 2 and take advantage of a New York team that is 5-14 ATS in its last 19 games after allowing less than 75 points in their previous game. Boston is the pick (-3) according to Dunkel, which has the Celtics favored by 3. Dunkel Pick: Boston (-3). Here are all of today's picks.

FRIDAY, APRIL 26

Game 739-740: New York at Boston (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: New York 118.584; Boston 123.580
Dunkel Line & Total: Boston by 5; 178
Vegas Line & Total: Boston by 3; 183
Dunkel Pick: Boston (-3); Under

Game 741-742: San Antonio at LA Lakers (10:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Antonio 119.341; LA Lakers 120.739
Dunkel Line & Total: LA Lakers by 1 1/2; 190
Vegas Line & Total: San Antonio by 5; 187 1/2
Dunkel Pick: LA Lakers (+5); Over

Game 743-744: Denver at Golden State (10:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Denver 124.657; Golden State 122.735
Dunkel Line & Total: Denver by 2; 218
Vegas Line & Total: Golden State by 1 1/2; 212 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Denver (+1 1/2); Over




NBA
Long Sheet

Friday, April 26

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NEW YORK (56 - 28) at BOSTON (41 - 42) - 4/26/2013, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 24-13 ATS (+9.7 Units) in home games second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 9-1 ATS (+7.9 Units) in home games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
NEW YORK is 48-35 ATS (+9.5 Units) in all games this season.
NEW YORK is 58-36 ATS (+18.4 Units) as an underdog over the last 3 seasons.
NEW YORK is 25-15 ATS (+8.5 Units) second half of the season this season.
NEW YORK is 21-10 ATS (+10.0 Units) after a win by 10 points or more this season.
NEW YORK is 21-9 ATS (+11.1 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
NEW YORK is 10-8 against the spread versus BOSTON over the last 3 seasons
BOSTON is 11-7 straight up against NEW YORK over the last 3 seasons
10 of 18 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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SAN ANTONIO (60 - 24) at LA LAKERS (45 - 39) - 4/26/2013, 10:30 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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DENVER (58 - 26) at GOLDEN STATE (48 - 36) - 4/26/2013, 10:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DENVER is 49-35 ATS (+10.5 Units) in all games this season.
DENVER is 19-4 ATS (+14.6 Units) when the total is greater than or equal to 210 this season.
DENVER is 31-19 ATS (+10.1 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
DENVER is 71-51 ATS (+14.9 Units) in road games over the last 3 seasons.
DENVER is 22-7 ATS (+14.3 Units) in a road game where the total is greater than or equal to 210 over the last 3 seasons.
DENVER is 70-51 ATS (+13.9 Units) second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
DENVER is 25-16 ATS (+7.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
DENVER is 15-7 ATS (+7.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season this season.
DENVER is 19-10 ATS (+8.0 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
DENVER is 7-5 against the spread versus GOLDEN STATE over the last 3 seasons
DENVER is 7-5 straight up against GOLDEN STATE 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
Short Sheet

Friday, April 26

First Round, New York Leads (2-0)
New York at Boston, 8:05 ET ESPN
New York: 3-15 ATS away after winning 6 or 7 of their last 8 games
Boston: 13-3 ATS off a division road loss

First Round, San Antonio Leads (2-0)
San Antonio at LA Lakers, 10:35 ET ESPN
San Antonio: 20-8 ATS away vs. Pacific Division opponents
LA Lakers: 8-18 ATS as an underdog

First Round, Series Tied (1-1)
Denver at Golden State, 10:35 ET ESPN2
Denver: 22-40 ATS away after playing 4+ games as a favorite
Golden State: 15-6 ATS playing their second game in five days




NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up

Friday, April 26

Boston led 53-49/48-42 at halftime of first two games, then went out in second half and scored 25-23 points; thats 48 points in 48:00 in second half of games in this series. Knicks won last five games with Celtics, by 3-15-19-7-16 points, they made just 16-56 behind arc in two visits to Boston, winning by 3-15 points. Boston's dilemma is that Knicks have three PGs better than anyone playing for Celtics. Playing at home will help C's, but gaps between games helps NY as much as Boston, since they're both old teams. Five of six series games this year stayed under the total, including both games in this series.

Golden State shot 64.4% from floor, 14-25 behind arc, as they whacked Nuggets 131-117 in Game 2, winning without Lee, who is out for season (hip flexor). Denver bench was +5 in Game 2- they outscored Warriors 28-15 on foul line, but when a team's eFG% is 73.4%, they ain't losing. Question now is, what do they for encore as scene shifts to Oakland for Game 3? Denver won four of six vs Golden State this season, splitting pair here, with games decided by total of seven points. Denver got to the foul line 65 times in first two games, compared to 35 for Golden State, but Nuggets are just 12-42 behind arc so far in series.

Nash is hurt, Blake is hurt, Bryant is hurt, Lakers lost first two series games by 12-11 points, trailing both by 8 at half. Spurs shot under 39% in three of five games vs Lakers, but are 4-1 in those games, winning by 2-3-12-11 points; they split pair with Lakers in Staples, with two games decided by total of seven points. LA is +20 in FT's tried in five series games this year, but its bench is -78 in series so far. Ginobili was +38 in last two games, with +19 in 19 minutes in both games. Hard to gauge the Spurs on road, since they rested guys so much during season; opposite will be true here- they'll be gung-ho to get sweep and gets some time off before next series, against much more formidable opponent.




NBA

Friday, April 26

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Trend Report
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8:00 PM
NEW YORK vs. BOSTON
New York is 8-15 SU in its last 23 games when playing Boston
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of New York's last 6 games when playing on the road against Boston
Boston is 15-8 SU in its last 23 games when playing New York
Boston is 14-4 SU in its last 18 games at home

10:30 PM
DENVER vs. GOLDEN STATE
The total has gone OVER in 17 of Denver's last 22 games when playing on the road against Golden State
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Denver's last 6 games when playing Golden State
Golden State is 16-7 SU in its last 23 games at home
Golden State is 5-13 SU in its last 18 games when playing Denver

10:30 PM
SAN ANTONIO vs. LA LAKERS
San Antonio is 6-1 SU in their last 7 games when playing LA Lakers
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of San Antonio's last 5 games when playing LA Lakers
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of the LA Lakers last 8 games when playing at home against San Antonio
LA Lakers are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games when playing at home against San Antonio


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NBA

Friday, April 26

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Friday's NBA playoff action: What bettors need to know
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New York Knicks at Boston Celtics (-3, 182.5)

New York leads series 2-0.

The New York Knicks feature the league's leading scorer in Carmelo Anthony, but it's the team's defense that has driven home one point to the Boston Celtics: You can't win if you can't score. Boston will attempt to dig out of a 2-0 hole in the best-of-seven Eastern Conference series when they host the Knicks on Friday night. It figures to be an emotionally charged atmosphere in the first home game for the Celtics since the Boston Marathon bombings.

Anthony has done his part by pouring in 70 points in the first two games, but New York has taken control by suffocating Boston in the second half of each contest. The Celtics are averaging a meager 74.5 points and have been limited to 25 and 23 points, respectively, after halftime. The latter mark tied an NBA postseason record for the fewest points scored in a half. "We know when we really buckle down on the defensive end, it's been hard for teams," Anthony understated.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, ESPN, MSG (New York), CSNNE (Boston)

ABOUT THE KNICKS: Anthony has continued his brilliant play by scoring at least 30 points in nine of his last 10 games and Sixth Man of the Year J.R. Smith is delivering his typical spark off the bench to carry New York's offense. Still, one of the biggest keys for the Knicks has been guard Raymond Felton, who has totaled 29 points and is the only other player on the team to score in double figures in both games. "He's killing us," Celtics coach Doc Rivers said. "Getting into the paint, attacking us. ... We have to do a better job on that. Wish I could make a better statement. We have to keep him out of the paint."

ABOUT THE CELTICS: One of Boston's biggest question marks entering the series was the health of center Kevin Garnett, who missed 10 of the final 13 games of the regular season with a sprained ankle. Garnett has scored 22 points in the first two games and was saddled with foul trouble throughout Tuesday's 87-71 loss. Complicating matters is that the Garnett suffered a hip injury in Game 2, which Rivers likened to a hip-pointer in football. Rivers pronounced Garnett is "good to go," while noting how problematic the early fouls were in Game 2. "It hurt us, it was clear," Rivers said. "He really never was allowed to get his rhythm again."

TRENDS:

* Under is 5-0 in the last five meetings.
* Under is 5-1 in the last six meetings in Boston.
* Knicks are 5-1 ATS in the last six meetings in Boston.
* Knicks are 4-1 ATS in the last five meetings.
* Road team is 10-4 ATS in the last 14 meetings.

BUZZER BEATERS:

1. New York is averaging 86 points in the series, 14 below its regular-season mark.

2. The Celtics have shot a combined 14-of-62 (22.6 percent) in the second half of the first two contests.

3. Knicks backup C Kenyon Martin has been a force on the backboards, averaging 10 rebounds in the series.



San Antonio Spurs at Los Angeles Lakers (+4.5, 187.5)

San Antonio leads series 2-0.

The Los Angeles Lakers are in dire need of a victory entering Friday's Game 3 of their Western Conference playoff series against the San Antonio Spurs. However, their home court may not prove be much of an advantage if they are unable to get their guard unit out of the infirmary. Los Angeles is expected to be without its top four backcourt players Friday after starting guards Steve Nash and Steve Blake suffered hamstring injuries in Wednesday's Game 2.

The Lakers are already without superstar Kobe Bryant and top reserve guard Jodie Meeks missed Game 2 with a sprained ankle, making a comeback against the Spurs even more daunting. San Antonio had its own injury concerns entering the series, but ailing guards Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili appear to be on the mend after both were hobbled down the stretch. Parker's performance on Wednesday could be an ominous sign for Los Angeles after he broke loose for 24 of his 28 points in the second half to break the game open.

TV: 10:30 p.m. ET, ESPN, Fox Sports Southwest (San Antonio), Time Warner Cable SportsNet (Los Angeles)

ABOUT THE SPURS: Parker was having the best season of his career until suffering a severely sprained ankle on March 1. He was the driving force during a scintillating stretch in which San Antonio won 16 of 17 games, scoring at least 30 points six times in a span of nine games to elevate himself into MVP consideration. Parker has also been fighting knee, shin and neck injuries, but he dominated the second half Wednesday and later admitted it was the best he's felt "by far" since hurting his ankle. "He's getting his rhythm back," teammate Tim Duncan said after the game. "He felt good tonight. He shot the ball well tonight. He looked like Tony of midseason tonight and that's great for us."

ABOUT THE LAKERS: Blake has been ruled out and Nash and Meeks are listed as doubtful for Friday, which fill force the Lakers to rely on second-year guards Darius Morris and Andrew Goudelock along with journeyman Chris Duhon, who did not even play Wednesday. The strategy of forcing the offense through the big men failed when center Dwight Howard encountered foul trouble and scored only six of his 16 points after halftime in Game 2. Forward Pau Gasol also disappeared in the second half, managing only three points and one rebound following a 16-point, 16-board performance in the opener. Blake could wind up being the hardest player to replace after he buried 17 3-pointers in his last five games.

TRENDS:

* Under is 9-2 in the last 11 meetings in Los Angeles.
* Under is 20-7 in the last 27 meetings.
* Spurs are 5-2 ATS in the last seven meetings.
* Favorite is 5-2 ATS in the last seven meetings.

BUZZER BEATERS:

1. Duncan - who turned 37 Thursday - and coach Gregg Popovich surpassed Bryant and Phil Jackson on Wednesday for the most career postseason wins by a player-coach duo with 119.

2. Mike D'Antoni is the first coach in franchise history to lose his first two playoff games with the Lakers.

3. San Antonio has a 72-34 edge in bench points through the first two games.



Denver Nuggets at Golden State Warriors (-1, 212.5)

Series tied 1-1.

No David Lee, no problem for the Golden State Warriors. The Warriors won without their All-Star in Game 2 and will be looking to take the series lead when they host the Denver Nuggets in Game 3 on Friday. Golden State became the first team to win in Denver since January by shooting 64.6 percent in Game 2 and getting 30 points and 13 assists from Stephen Curry. The Nuggets will need to adjust to the Warriors’ smaller lineup.

Denver edged the Warriors in Game 1 on a last-second shot by Andre Miller but could not figure out a way around Golden State in Game 2. Instead of moving Carl Landry into the starting lineup when Lee went down with a torn hip flexor in Game 1, Warriors coach Mark Jackson decided to feature a three-guard attack with Jarrett Jack in the starting lineup and Harrison Barnes pushing over to power forward. The quicker lineup was able to match the Nuggets’ pace and its superior outside shooting led to a relatively easy 131-117 triumph. As long as Curry is healthy, that shooting should be a feature for Game 3.

TV: 10:30 p.m. ET, Altitude (Denver), Comcast SportsNet Bay Area (Golden State), ESPN2

ABOUT THE NUGGETS: Denver struggled on the glass even with Lee out and could not get out on the break in Game 2. The easy points in the paint the team thrives on were taken away, and the Nuggets struggled to 9-for-26 from beyond the arc. Kenneth Faried missed Game 1 with an ankle injury and came off the bench in Game 2 without the explosiveness that usually highlights his game. Faried getting his feet back under him would help Denver even up the rebounding discrepancy and provide someone else that can finish in the paint and make Barnes work harder on the defensive end. The Nuggets’ best performers in the opening two games have been the point guards Miller and Ty Lawson. Miller’s heroics saved Game 1 and the two combined for 37 points on Tuesday.

ABOUT THE WARRIORS: Curry rolled his left ankle late in the third quarter of Game 3 but came back for the start of the fourth and finished strong. The ankle swelled up after the game, and Golden State’s leading scorer sat out Thursday’s practice. Curry told reporters he would not have been able to play if the game were held on Thursday, but is still confident that he’ll be ready by tip off on Friday. Losing Curry would be a huge blow to the Warriors without Lee around. “We’re a resilient team,“ Curry said after Game 2. “When guys go down, other guys step up.” Curry, Jack and Klay Thompson overwhelmed the Nuggets on the perimeter in Game 2, totaling 77 points and 22 assists while going 10-for-17 from beyond the arc. Denver did not have an answer for Barnes’ quickness at the No. 4 spot and the rookie provided some highlight drives and dunks.

TRENDS:

* Over is 16-5 in the last 21 meetings in Golden State.
* Nuggets are 10-3 ATS in their last 13 vs. NBA Pacific.
* Warriors are 5-0 ATS in their last five games overall.
* Over is 11-3-1 in Nuggets' last 15 road games.

BUZZER BEATERS:

1. The teams split the two meetings at Golden State during the regular season, with the Nuggets grabbing a 107-101 overtime victory on Nov. 10 and the Warriors responding with a 106-105 triumph 19 days later.

2. Golden State’s 64.6-percent shooting effort was the highest in a playoff game since the Utah Jazz shot 65.1 percent in a win over Phoenix on April 25, 1991.

3. Faried could move back into the starting lineup in Game 3.

[StarDust Bum]

Friday Playoff Tips

April 25, 2013


Three series shift venues on Friday night with two clubs looking to grab their first win of the playoffs. The Nuggets and Warriors are deadlocked at one game apiece with the action heading to Oakland, as Golden State is potentially one stop away from being up 2-0. In the other two series, the home squad tries to avenge a pair of double-digit road losses, starting with the first game back in Boston since the tragedies last Monday.

Knicks at Celtics (-3, 183) - 8:00 PM EST

New York hasn't advanced past the first round since 2000, as the Knicks are two victories away from the conference semifinals. Mike Woodson's club put together two stifling defensive efforts in each second half of the first two wins, limiting Boston to just 23 points in the final 24 minutes of Game 2. The Knicks overcame a poor second quarter to chase the Celtics, 87-71 to cash as 6 ½-point favorites, while the game finished 'under' the total for the second straight contest.

Boston received a better contribution off the bench in Game 2 from Jason Terry and Jordan Crawford, who combined to score 19 points (0 points in Game 1). The Knicks outscored the Celtics, 24-4 to start the third quarter, while Boston put up just six points in the first eight minutes of the second half. The victory was the fifth straight by New York over Boston, including the third consecutive triumph at Madison Square Garden.

Now the series heads to TD Garden, in which the Celtics haven't played since before the bombings at the Boston Marathon on April 15. Doc Rivers' squad owns a 2-4 ATS record the last six games as a home favorite, while losing four of their past seven contests at TD Garden. The Knicks have won seven of their previous nine away from home, as one of those losses came without all their stars at Charlotte towards the end of the season. New York is rolling in the role of a road underdog, cashing six straight when receiving points away from MSG.

Spurs (-5, 188) at Lakers - 10:00 PM EST

Los Angeles managed to make the playoffs without Kobe Bryant by beating San Antonio and Houston in the final two games of the season. However, the Lakers may not even win one postseason contest as they head home down 2-0 after getting smoked at San Antonio twice. The Spurs took control of Game 2 on Wednesday in the second half to grab a two-game advantage, 102-91 as nine-point favorites, while cashing the 'over' of 189.

After struggling from the field in the series opener, the Spurs rebounded by shooting 51% from the floor in Game 2, including a game-high 28 points from Tony Parker. The Lakers were led by Steve Blake and Dwight Howard, who each put up 16 points, but Howard was mired in foul trouble for most of the night. Following a clear-cut 'under' in Game 1, the 'over' was destined to hit thanks to a 104-point first half. However, 'over' bettors had to sweat things out in the final minutes after a slow third quarter and relatively low-scoring fourth until some easy baskets in the waning minutes.

San Antonio now has the seemingly difficult task to win on the highway, as the Spurs have dropped seven straight road games with their last away victory coming at Phoenix on February 24. The Spurs were limited to less than 100 points in seven of the past eight away games, resulting in a 7-1 mark to the 'under.' Since losing to the Clippers on Valentine's Day, the Lakers have won 13 of their last 14 home contests, but they were listed as an underdog only twice in this stretch. L.A. will be short several guards on Friday as Blake and Steve Nash are both out with hamstring injuries.

Nuggets at Warriors (-1, 212 ½) - 10:30 PM EST

One of the two series that saw a split through the first two games heads to Oakland on Friday. Denver's 24-game home winning streak went up in smoke in Tuesday's Game 2 defeat to Golden State, 131-117, as the Warriors cashed outright as 8 ½-point underdogs (+350 on the moneyline). The game easily eclipsed the 'over' of 208 thanks to a 60-point second quarter and 62-point third quarter, while Golden State torched the nets with 65% shooting from the floor.

Four Warriors' starters (Jarrett Jack, Stephen Curry, Harrison Barnes, and Klay Thompson) combined to score 101 points, but Curry left the game with a sprained ankle. Six different Nuggets put up at least 14 points, while Kenneth Faried returned to the lineup for the first time in three games, scoring just four points in 20 minutes off the bench.

Golden State is riding a five-game ATS hot streak, while winning six of its last nine at Oracle Arena. The Warriors have split a pair of home contests with the Nuggets this season, including a thrilling 106-105 triumph in late November as short 'dogs. Since a four-game road skid in February, the Nuggets have compiled an 8-3 SU and 6-4-1 ATS record away from the Pepsi Center.

[StarDust Bum]

2013 NBA Playoff Results

April 26, 2013


2012 Playoff Results

NBA First Round

-- Home teams are 16-3
-- Favorites are 17-2 straight up
-- Favorites are 11-8 against the spread
-- The Under has gone 12-7

Away Home Score ATS Result Total Result

Saturday Apr. 20, 2013

Boston New York (-7.5) 85-78 Underdog Under (189)

Golden State Denver (-7.5) 97-95 Underdog Under (211.5)

Chicago Brooklyn (-4.5) 106-89 Favorite Over (181.5)

Memphis L.A. Clippers (-5.5) 112-91 Favorite Over (178.5)

Sunday Apr. 21, 2013

Atlanta Indiana (-7) 107-90 Favorite Over (185.5)

L.A. Lakers San Antonio (-9) 91-79 Favorite Under (191)

Milwaukee Miami (-13.5) 110-87 Favorite Under (197.5)

Houston Oklahoma City (-10.5) 120-91 Favorite Under (214)

Monday Apr. 22, 2013

Chicago (+5.5, +190) Brooklyn 90-82 Underdog Under (183)

Memphis L.A. Clippers (-5.5) 93-91 Underdog Over (180.5)

Tuesday Apr. 23, 2013

Milwaukee Miami (-14) 98-86 Underdog Under (197)

Boston New York (-6.5) 87-71 Favorite Under (186.5)

Golden State (+8.5, +350) Denver 131-117 Underdog Over (208.5)

Wednesday Apr. 24, 2013

Houston Oklahoma City (-11) 105-102 Underdog Under (213.5)

Atlanta Indiana (-7) 113-98 Favorite Over (187)

L.A. Lakers San Antonio (-9) 102-91 Favorite Over (188.5)

Thursday Apr. 25, 2013
Miami (-7) Milwaukee 104-91 Favorite Under (195.5)

Brooklyn Chicago (-3.5) 79-76 Underdog Under (182)

L.A. Clippers Memphis (-4.5) 94-82

Favorite
Under (178.5)

Friday Apr. 26, 2013
New York Boston - - -
San Antonio L.A. Lakers - - -
Denver Golden State - - -

Saturday Apr. 27, 2013
Brooklyn Chicago - - -
L.A. Clippers Memphis - - -
Indiana Atlanta - - -
Oklahoma City Houston - - -

Sunday Apr. 28, 2013
New York Boston - - -
Miami Milwaukee - - -
San Antonio L.A. Lakers - - -
Denver Golden State - - -

Monday Apr. 29, 2013
Indiana Atlanta - - -
*Chicago Brooklyn - - -
Oklahoma City Houston - - -

Tuesday Apr. 30, 2013
*Milwaukee Miami - - -
*L.A. Lakers San Antonio - - -
*Golden State Denver - - -
*Memphis L.A. Clippers - - -

Wednesday May 1, 2013
*Boston New York - - -
*Atlanta Indiana - - -
*Houston Oklahoma City - - -

Thursday May 2, 2013
*Miami Milwaukee - - -
*Brooklyn Chicago - - -
*San Antonio L.A. Lakers - - -
*Denver Golden State - - -

Friday May 3, 2013
*New York Boston - - -
*Indiana Atlanta - - -
*Oklahoma City Houston - - -

Saturday May 4, 2013
*Milwaukee Miami - - -
*Chicago Brooklyn - - -
*L.A. Lakers San Antonio - - -
*Golden State Denver - - -

Sunday May 5, 2013
*Boston New York - - -
*Atlanta Indiana - - -
*Houston Oklahoma City - - -
*Memphis L.A. Clippers - - -

*If Neccessary