The Bum's December's NBA POD'S-Trends-Stats-News !

[StarDust Bum]

Thursday Tips

December 19, 2013


Bulls at Thunder - 8:00 PM EST

Chicago: 9-15 SU, 7-17 ATS
Oklahoma City: 20-4 SU, 14-10 ATS

The Bulls continue to struggle after last night's 109-94 setback at Houston, as Chicago travels to Oklahoma City tonight. Tom Thibodeau's club has failed to cover in seven straight games and nine of the last 10 trips to the court, including an 0-4 SU/ATS mark the past four games away from the United Center. The biggest issue for the Bulls has been lack of scoring, as this team has scored 94 points or less in seven consecutive contests, resulting in five 'unders.'

The Thunder enters tonight's action as the only unbeaten team at home in the NBA, posting a 12-0 record at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Oklahoma City owns a 7-5 ATS record on its home court, while being listed as a double-digit home favorite for the fifth time this season (2-2 ATS). Scott Brooks' squad has eclipsed the 100-point mark in eight straight games, including Tuesday's 105-93 triumph at Denver as 2 ½-point road favorites. Kevin Durant busted the 30-point mark for the fourth time in six games on Tuesday, while pulling down at least six rebounds for the 15th consecutive contest.

Oklahoma City swept the season series from Chicago last season, including a 30-point blowout at home. The Thunder snuck by the Bulls at the United Center last November, 97-91 to cash as short 2 ½-point favorites, but the second game was barely competitive three months later. OKC dominated Chicago, 102-72 as nine-point home favorites, while limiting the Bulls to 29% shooting from the floor.

For just the third time in 13 games, the Thunder is seeing a total below 200, as OKC eclipsed the 'over' in the last two instances against Memphis and Indiana. In fact, the Thunder has hit the 'over' in five of seven opportunities with a total listed under 200 this season. The Bulls are 3-1 to the 'over' in totals above 190, while allowing at least 107 points in three of those contests.

Spurs at Warriors - 10:30 PM EST

San Antonio: 20-5 SU, 13-12 ATS
Golden State: 14-12 SU, 11-13-2 ATS

The Spurs finish off a four-game road trip tonight, as San Antonio matches up with Golden State for the second time this season. Last night, the Spurs took care of the Suns, 108-101 to cash as 3 ½-point road favorites, in spite of point guard Tony Parker sitting out with a shin injury. Manu Ginobili stepped up off the bench to score a game-high 24 for San Antonio, while Tim Duncan put up a double-double with 17 points and 13 rebounds.

The Warriors snapped a two-game losing streak in Tuesday's 104-93 home victory over the Pelicans, as Golden State picked up the money as nine-point favorites. Golden State limited New Orleans to 37% shooting from the floor, while Stephen Curry and David Lee combined to score 49 points in the win. Andre Iguodala returned to the Warriors' lineup after missing 12 games with a hamstring injury, but scored only two points in 17 minutes of action. The victory over New Orleans ended a five-game ATS skid for Golden State, as the Warriors own a 2-6 ATS record the last eight contests at Oracle Arena.

In the first meeting this season, the Spurs edged the Warriors, 76-74 at the AT&T Center in early November. Golden State cashed as 5 ½-point road underdogs, as both teams shot below 40% from the field, while Parker led the Spurs with 18 points. San Antonio eliminated Golden State in six games of the second round of last season's playoffs, as five of the previous six matchups have finished 'under' the total.

Parker will sit out again tonight with that shin injury suffered in Monday's blowout loss to the Clippers, but the Spurs have fared well with no rest by compiling a 5-2 SU and 4-3 ATS record. San Antonio is 3-1 SU/ATS on the road in the second end of a back-to-back this season, while being listed as an underdog for just the second time this season, falling at Oklahoma City on November 27.

[StarDust Bum]

Hoop Trends - Thursday

December 19, 2013


ATS TREND OF THE DAY:

-- The Bulls are 10-0 ATS (9.5 ppg) since Dec 04, 2004 as a dog with no rest after a loss by less than 25 in which they allowed at least 50% from the field.

OU TREND OF THE DAY:

-- The Warriors are 0-11 OU (-12.14 ppg) since Apr 02, 2011 when their opponent is playing in at least their fourth straight road game.

PLAYER TREND OF THE DAY:

-- The Spurs are 11-0 ATS (14.86 ppg) since Mar 21, 2012 after Daniel Green shot better than 66% from the field on the road.

CHOICE TREND:

-- The Warriors are 0-10 ATS (-9.95 ppg) since Mar 06, 2013 at home after Harrison Barnes played fewer than 30 minutes in a win.

ACTIVE TRENDS:

-- The Bulls are 9-0-1 ATS (10.95 ppg) since Jan 11, 2013 on the road after Joakim Noah had more rebounds than points in a loss.

-- The Spurs are 0-7 OU (-6.14 ppg) since Feb 22, 2013 on the road after Tim Duncan was not the Spurs’ high scorer in a road win.

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Dunkel

Chicago at Oklahoma City
The Thunder host the Bulls tonight looking to build on their 11-6 ATS record in their last 17 games as a home favorite of 12 1/2 to 15 points. Oklahoma City is the pick (-13) according to Dunkel, which has the Thunder favored by 21. Dunkel Pick: Oklahoma City (-13). Here are all of today's picks.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19

Game 501-502: Chicago at Oklahoma City (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Chicago 110.418; Oklahoma City 131.450
Dunkel Line & Total: Oklahoma City by 21; 187
Vegas Line & Total: Oklahoma City by 13; 192
Dunkel Pick: Oklahoma City (-13); Under

Game 503-504: San Antonio at Golden State (10:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Antonio 120.314; Golden State 125.874
Dunkel Line & Total: Golden State by 5 1/2; 208
Vegas Line & Total: Golden State by 3 1/2; 202 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Golden State (-3 1/2); Over




NBA
Long Sheet

Thursday, December 19

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CHICAGO (9 - 15) at OKLAHOMA CITY (20 - 4) - 12/19/2013, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO is 7-17 ATS (-11.7 Units) in all games this season.
CHICAGO is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) in December games this season.
CHICAGO is 7-17 ATS (-11.7 Units) first half of the season this season.
CHICAGO is 12-25 ATS (-15.5 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 65-50 ATS (+10.0 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 61-42 ATS (+14.8 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 91-64 ATS (+20.6 Units) first half of the season since 1996.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 19-9 ATS (+9.1 Units) in home games after a win by 10 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 37-20 ATS (+15.0 Units) after scoring 105 points or more over the last 2 seasons.

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

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SAN ANTONIO (20 - 5) at GOLDEN STATE (14 - 12) - 12/19/2013, 10:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SAN ANTONIO is 116-87 ATS (+20.3 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 31-17 ATS (+12.3 Units) after scoring 105 points or more over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
GOLDEN STATE is 8-6 against the spread versus SAN ANTONIO over the last 3 seasons
SAN ANTONIO is 10-4 straight up against GOLDEN STATE over the last 3 seasons
8 of 14 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up

Thursday, December 19

Hot teams
-- Thunder won their last seven games (6-1 vs spread).
-- Spurs won five of their last six games; they're 4-7 vs spread at home.

Cold Teams
-- Bulls lost six of their last seven games.

Totals
-- Five of last seven Chicago games stayed under the total.
-- Eight of last ten San Antonio games went over the total.

Series records
-- Bulls lost last three visits to Oklahoma by 11-14-30 points.
-- Spurs won last three games vs Golden State by 18-12-2 points.




NBA

Thursday, December 19

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Trend Report
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8:00 PM
CHICAGO vs. OKLAHOMA CITY
Chicago is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Oklahoma City
Chicago is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
Oklahoma City is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Oklahoma City's last 8 games when playing Chicago

10:30 PM
SAN ANTONIO vs. GOLDEN STATE
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of San Antonio's last 6 games when playing Golden State
San Antonio is 21-4 SU in its last 25 games when playing Golden State
Golden State is 3-9 SU in its last 12 games when playing at home against San Antonio
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Golden State's last 7 games


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NBA

Thursday, December 19

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NBA TNT doubleheader: Bulls at Thunder, Spurs at Warriors
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Chicago Bulls at Oklahoma City Thunder (-13, 192.5)

One of the NBA’s hottest squads plays one that is sinking fast when the Oklahoma City Thunder hosts the Chicago Bulls on Thursday. Oklahoma City was won seven straight games – the longest active streak in the league – and 15 of its last 16 contests as it welcomes a Chicago club that has been reeling since former MVP Derrick Rose suffered a season-ending knee injury. The Bulls have lost 12 of their last 15 games and are six games below .500.

Chicago has failed to reach 100 points in any of its last seven games, including Wednesday’s 109-94 loss to the Houston Rockets. The powerful Thunder are on the other end of the spectrum by topping the century mark in eight consecutive games and averaging 109.5 points during the stretch. Oklahoma City is also the lone team in the NBA not to lose at home (12-0) and its 20-4 start is the second-best in franchise history behind the 21-3 opening stretch of the Seattle SuperSonics in 1993-94.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, TNT

POWER RANKINGS: Bulls (-5.2) - Thunder (-14.0) - Home Court (-3.0) = Thunder -11.8

ABOUT THE BULLS (9-15, 7-17 ATS): Veteran point guard D.J. Augustin was recently added to the roster due to the injury issues and his ball-handling has been solid over the past two outings. Augustin had nine assists in the loss to Houston and has 17 assists against three turnovers over the past two games. His shooting has been poor in four games since joining Chicago – he’s 8-of-31 from the field – but he’s just happy to be in position to contribute. “Just go out there and try to give a spark,” Augustin recently told reporters. “Whenever Coach (Tom Thibodeau) puts me in, just try to bring a spark and play hard, do whatever it takes to help the team win.”

ABOUT THE THUNDER (20-4, 14-10 ATS): Forward Kevin Durant continues to be superb and six of his NBA-high 30-point outings have come in December. The perennial All-Star leads the NBA with a 28.6 scoring average and has made 32-of-54 shots over the past three games. Running mate Russell Westbrook has three straight double-doubles and the last two have been of the point-rebound variety as the standout point guard has grabbed 25 total rebounds in back-to-back wins over Orlando and Denver. Westbrook is fully sound after offseason knee surgery and is averaging 21 points per game.

TRENDS:

* Under is 4-0 in the last four meetings.
* Favorite is 5-0 ATS in the last five meetings.
* Under is 4-1 in the last five meetings in Oklahoma City.
* Bulls are 1-4 ATS in the last five meetings.

BUZZER BEATERS:

1. Oklahoma City swept last season’s two meetings and has won three straight overall against the Bulls.

2. Thunder PF Serge Ibaka has five double-doubles over the past eight contests.

3. Bulls PG Kirk Hinrich (back) could miss his fourth consecutive game.



San Antonio Spurs at Golden State Warriors (N/A)

The Golden State Warriors got Andre Iguodala back on Tuesday and looked like a totally different team in cruising past the New Orleans Pelicans. Iguodala will make his second straight start when the host Warriors search for some redemption against the Tony Parker-less San Antonio Spurs on Thursday. Golden State lost to the Spurs in the Western Conference semifinals last spring and put up a season-low scoring total in a 76-74 loss at San Antonio last month.

The Warriors went 5-7 in the 12 games Iguodala missed with a hamstring strain and only needed him for 17 minutes on Tuesday to change the tone of the game. “He’s a guy that makes it so much easier with his ability to make plays, read and react,” Golden State coach Mark Jackson said. “We missed him and we are glad to have him back. It was also a carryover effect because other guys began to read, react and make plays.” The Spurs have a guy like that in Parker, but the star point guard has already been ruled out of the contest due to a shin contusion.

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

POWER RANKINGS: Spurs (-13.8) - Warriors (-9.5) + Home Court (-3.0) = Spurs -1.3

ABOUT THE SPURS (20-5, 13-12 ATS): San Antonio did not need Parker to get past the Phoenix Suns 108-101 on Wednesday, leaning on Manu Ginobili and Tim Duncan to pick up the win. Duncan picked up his fifth straight double-double in the win and is averaging 17.8 points and 13.2 rebounds in that span, though coach Gregg Popovich seems typically unimpressed with his whole team. “We have the same team we always have,” Popovich said. “...Usually at this point in the season we are OK, a little bit above average, but not the best for sure.”

ABOUT THE WARRIORS (14-12, 11-13-2 ATS): Iguodala played in the first meeting with the Spurs but Stephen Curry sat out, robbing the team of its best scorer in the tight loss. Curry went for 28 points and 12 assists in the win over the Pelicans on Tuesday and is averaging 30.8 points and 9.4 assists in the last five games - but is still looking for more from himself and his team. “We need to come out with energy and effort to start games,” Curry said. “We are a good team when we have the lead so we need to figure out a way to separate from teams early, especially at home, so we can put ourselves in a better position to not have to work so hard and try to get over the hump.”

TRENDS:

* Under is 5-1 in the last six meetings.
* Under is 4-1-1 in the last six meetings in Golden State.
* Spurs are 7-3-2 ATS in the last 12 meetings in Golden State.
* Underdog is 5-2 ATS in the last seven meetings.

BUZZER BEATERS:

1. The Warriors took both meetings at home during the 2012-13 regular season but lost two to the Spurs in their own arena during the playoffs.

2. Ginobili is 17-for-28 from the field over the last two games.

3. Golden State F David Lee has recorded a double-double in six straight games.

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Short Sheet

Thursday, December 19

Chicago at Oklahoma City, 8:00 ET
Chicago: 4-12 ATS after a game where they failed to cover the spread
Oklahoma City: 19-9 ATS in home games after a win by 10 points or more

San Antonio at Golden State, 10:35 ET
San Antonio: 31-17 ATS after scoring 105 points or more
Golden State: 10-22 ATS in home games after failing to cover 2 of their last 3 against the spread

[StarDust Bum]

December Record:

26 - 22*****

8 - 7 Double Pod

3 - 0 Triple Pod

Thursday, December 19

Game Score Status Pick Amount

Chicago - 8:00 PM ET Chicago +13 500 *****

Oklahoma City - Over 192 500 *****

San Antonio - 10:30 PM ET Golden State -3 500 *****

Golden State - Under 203.5 500 *****

[StarDust Bum]

Hoop Trends - Friday

December 20, 2013


ATS TREND OF THE DAY:

-- The 76ers are 0-9 ATS (-13.39 ppg) since Mar 29, 2006 at home after a loss in which they had at least 12 steals.

OU TREND OF THE DAY:

-- The Hawks are 10-0 OU (17.25 ppg) since Apr 06, 2012 as a favorite after a win in which they had at least thirty assists.

PLAYER TREND OF THE DAY:

-- The Pacers are 11-0 ATS (9.45 ppg) since Jan 06, 2012 after Paul George played more than 40 minutes in a road loss.

CHOICE TREND:

-- The 76ers are 0-11 OU (-14.18 ppg) since Feb 17, 2012 after playing on the road if Evan Turner scored fewer than 10 points the last two games.

ACTIVE TRENDS:

-- The Raptors are 0-9 ATS (-7.94 ppg) since Nov 27, 2012 after Amir Johnson had more rebounds than points in a home loss.

-- The Raptors are 8-0 OU (21.06 ppg) since Nov 20, 2012 on the road after Terrence Ross shot worse than 33% from the field at home.

[StarDust Bum]

Friday Tips

December 20, 2013


Bobcats at Pistons - 7:35 PM EST

Charlotte: 12-14 SU, 16-9-1 ATS
Detroit: 13-14 SU, 13-13-1 ATS

In spite of both these teams sitting below the .500 mark, the Bobcats and Pistons have turned into two of the biggest surprises in the Eastern Conference this season. Charlotte pulled off a sweep of a back-to-back set against Sacramento and Toronto earlier this week, including a buzzer-beating victory over the Raptors as seven-point underdogs. The Bobcats have been the most impressive road 'dog in the league so far, posting a 9-1-1 ATS record in this role.

The Pistons return to the Palace of Auburn Hills after impressive road wins over the Pacers and Celtics. Detroit overcame an early 21-point deficit to shock Boston on Wednesday, 107-106, as Brandon Jennings filled the scoresheet with 28 points and 14 assists for the Pistons. The streak of 'overs' has reached seven in a row overall for Detroit, including six straight 'overs' at the Palace. The Pistons have stumbled of late at home from an ATS standpoint, covering just two of their last seven in Auburn Hills.

Rockets at Pacers - 8:05 PM EST

Houston: 17-9 SU, 14-11-1 ATS
Indiana: 20-5 SU, 17-8 ATS

For the first time this season, the Pacers are riding a losing streak, albeit two games. Indiana blew a 15-point lead in Wednesday's hotly-contested setback at Miami, but the Pacers did cash as four-point underdogs. The Pacers lost their first home game on Monday to the Pistons, as Indiana tries to improve on its 11-1 record at Bankers' Life Fieldhouse this season. Indiana has failed to break the 100-point mark in its last five games, but the Pacers have somehow finished 'over' the total four times in this span.

The Rockets have alternated wins and losses in each of their past five trips to the court, coming off Wednesday's 109-94 thumping of the Bulls. Houston owns a 3-5 ATS record in December, while posting a 3-3 ATS mark this season in the role of a road underdog. In 12 away games for Kevin McHale's club, the Rockets have finished 'over' the total nine times, while allowing at least 100 points ten times away from the Toyota Center.

Raptors at Mavericks - 8:35 PM EST

Toronto: 9-14 SU, 10-13 ATS
Dallas: 15-10 SU, 14-11 ATS

The Raptors squandered a 13-point lead in Wednesday's overtime setback to the Bobcats, as Toronto fell to 3-2 SU/ATS since the trade of Rudy Gay to Sacramento. Two of those wins came on the road against the Lakers and Bulls as an underdog, as Toronto will receive points again on Friday at Dallas. Toronto has done a solid job as an away 'dog recently, cashing in five of the last seven in this situation, as the Raps begin a brutal four-game road trip that continues to Oklahoma City and San Antonio.

The Mavericks finish their three-game homestand after picking up double-digit victories over the Bucks and Grizzlies. Dallas has won four of its past five contests at the American Airlines Center, while cashing in five of its last six trips to the court overall. Rick Carlisle's club owns the Raptors at home of late, capturing four of the last five home matchups, with the lone loss coming in December 2010 when Dirk Nowitzki missed the game due to injury.

Suns at Nuggets - 9:05 PM EST

Phoenix: 14-10 SU, 17-6-1 ATS
Denver: 14-10 SU, 12-12 ATS

The Suns saw their five-game winning streak disappear in Wednesday's home setback to the Spurs as short 'dogs. Phoenix heads to the Pepsi Center to take on Denver for the second time this season. In the first meeting, the Suns burned the Nuggets, 114-103 as 1 ½-point home favorites in early November, as twins Markieff and Marcus Morris combined for 39 points and 18 rebounds off the bench. The Suns have dominated as a road 'dog by posting a 9-2 ATS record in this role, including outright wins over the Pelicans, Rockets, and Lakers.

Ty Lawson is listed as questionable for tonight's contest with flu-like symptoms, as the Denver point guard put up a game-high 29 points in the November defeat at Phoenix. The Nuggets conclude a rocky four-game homestand, which includes division losses to the Jazz and Thunder, while falling on Tuesday in a 105-93 defeat to Oklahoma City. The normally uptempo Nuggets are trending towards the 'under' of late, putting up five consecutive 'unders.'

Wolves at Lakers - 10:35 PM EST

Minnesota: 13-13 SU, 14-12 ATS
Los Angeles: 12-13 SU, 14-10-1 ATS

This season for the Lakers has been ravaged by injuries, starting with Kobe Bryant recovering from a torn Achilles tendon at the end of last season. Bryant returned earlier this month for six games, but the former MVP suffered a knee injury in Tuesday's victory at Memphis, sidelining him for at least six weeks. The Lakers posted a 2-4 SU/ATS record with Bryant in the lineup, but held their own without Bryant as a home underdog, going 5-2-1 ATS. Los Angeles is playing with revenge tonight after getting run out by Minnesota last month in a 113-90 home blowout, as the Wolves dropped 47 points in the opening quarter.

Minnesota is coming off probably its most impressive victory of the season, silencing a red-hot Portland squad in Wednesday's 120-109 triumph. The Wolves scored 69 points in the first half, while leading the Blazers by 32 at one point to pick up just their second division win in five tries. After winning two of their first three road games, Rick Adelman's club has dropped eight of their past 11 away from the Target Center. Minnesota has struggled recently off a home victory, going 0-4 SU/ATS the last four times in this situation, while allowing at least 100 points in each of those defeats.

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Dunkel

Minnesota at LA Lakers
The Lakers host a Minnesota team that is coming off a 120-109 win over Portland and is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games following an ATS victory. LA is the pick (+6 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the game Even. Dunkel Pick: LA Lakers (+6 1/2). Here are all of today's picks.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20

Game 801-802: Brooklyn at Philadelphia (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Brooklyn 112.540; Philadelphia 112.470
Dunkel Line & Total: Even; 215
Vegas Line & Total: Brooklyn by 6 1/2; 209 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (+6 1/2); Over

Game 803-804: Milwaukee at Cleveland (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Milwaukee 108.450; Cleveland 121.441
Dunkel Line & Total: Cleveland by 13; 188
Vegas Line & Total: Cleveland by 8 1/2; 192 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Cleveland (-8 1/2); Under

Game 805-806: Utah at Atlanta (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Utah 118.723; Atlanta 120.486
Dunkel Line & Total: Atlanta by 1 1/2; 204
Vegas Line & Total: Atlanta by 7 1/2; 198 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Utah (+7 1/2); Over

Game 807-808: Sacramento at Miami (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Sacramento 114.068; Miami 128.526
Dunkel Line & Total: Miami by 14 1/2; 201
Vegas Line & Total: Miami by 10 1/2; 206
Dunkel Pick: Miami (-10 1/2); Under

Game 809-810: Charlotte at Detroit (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Charlotte 113.810; Detroit 122.087
Dunkel Line & Total: Detroit by 8 1/2; 188
Vegas Line & Total: Detroit by 5 1/2; 192 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (-5 1/2); Under

Game 811-812: Houston at Indiana (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Houston 122.651; Indiana 125.492
Dunkel Line & Total: Indiana by 3; 207
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 813-814: Toronto at Dallas (8:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Toronto 116.034; Dallas 123.260
Dunkel Line & Total: Dallas by 7; 196
Vegas Line & Total: Dallas by 6; 201 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Dallas (-6); Under

Game 815-816: Phoenix at Denver (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Phoenix 119.256; Denver 120.886
Dunkel Line & Total: Denver by 1 1/2; 212
Vegas Line & Total: Denver by 4 1/2; 206
Dunkel Pick: Phoenix (+4 1/2); Over

Game 817-818: Minnesota at LA Lakers (10:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota 118.326; LA Lakers 118.662
Dunkel Line & Total: Even; 215
Vegas Line & Total: Minnesota by 6 1/2; 210
Dunkel Pick: LA Lakers (+6 1/2); Over

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Long Sheet

Friday, December 20

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BROOKLYN (9 - 16) at PHILADELPHIA (7 - 19) - 12/20/2013, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BROOKLYN is 100-72 ATS (+20.8 Units) in road games vs. division opponents since 1996.
PHILADELPHIA is 17-35 ATS (-21.5 Units) when the total is greater than or equal to 210 since 1996.
PHILADELPHIA is 5-19 ATS (-15.9 Units) in a home game where the total is greater than or equal to 210 since 1996.
PHILADELPHIA is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) in December games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 91-123 ATS (-44.3 Units) in home games first half of the season since 1996.
PHILADELPHIA is 4-12 ATS (-9.2 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 3-12 ATS (-10.2 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.

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

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MILWAUKEE (5 - 20) at CLEVELAND (9 - 15) - 12/20/2013, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MILWAUKEE is 8-17 ATS (-10.7 Units) in all games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 8-17 ATS (-10.7 Units) first half of the season this season.
MILWAUKEE is 1-9 ATS (-8.9 Units) after 3 or more consecutive losses this season.
MILWAUKEE is 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.
CLEVELAND is 3-14 ATS (-12.4 Units) in home games on Friday nights over the last 3 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 11-23 ATS (-14.3 Units) vs. division opponents over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CLEVELAND is 4-4 against the spread versus MILWAUKEE over the last 3 seasons
MILWAUKEE is 7-2 straight up against CLEVELAND over the last 3 seasons
6 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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UTAH (7 - 21) at ATLANTA (14 - 12) - 12/20/2013, 7:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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SACRAMENTO (7 - 17) at MIAMI (19 - 6) - 12/20/2013, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SACRAMENTO is 33-53 ATS (-25.3 Units) against Southeast division opponents since 1996.
MIAMI is 14-4 ATS (+9.6 Units) after 3 or more consecutive overs over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 102-136 ATS (-47.6 Units) in home games first half of the season since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
SACRAMENTO is 2-1 against the spread versus MIAMI over the last 3 seasons
MIAMI is 3-0 straight up against SACRAMENTO over the last 3 seasons
3 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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CHARLOTTE (12 - 14) at DETROIT (13 - 14) - 12/20/2013, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CHARLOTTE is 46-60 ATS (-20.0 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CHARLOTTE is 11-27 ATS (-18.7 Units) on Friday nights over the last 3 seasons.
CHARLOTTE is 5-18 ATS (-14.8 Units) off an upset win as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
CHARLOTTE is 18-32 ATS (-17.2 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 3 seasons.
CHARLOTTE is 13-5 ATS (+7.5 Units) as an underdog this season.
CHARLOTTE is 9-1 ATS (+7.9 Units) in road games this season.
CHARLOTTE is 9-1 ATS (+7.9 Units) in road games first half of the season this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 6-2 against the spread versus CHARLOTTE over the last 3 seasons
DETROIT is 7-1 straight up against CHARLOTTE over the last 3 seasons
6 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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HOUSTON (17 - 9) at INDIANA (20 - 5) - 12/20/2013, 8:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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TORONTO (9 - 14) at DALLAS (15 - 10) - 12/20/2013, 8:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DALLAS is 61-45 ATS (+11.5 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.

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

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PHOENIX (14 - 10) at DENVER (14 - 10) - 12/20/2013, 9:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PHOENIX is 17-6 ATS (+10.4 Units) in all games this season.
PHOENIX is 13-3 ATS (+9.7 Units) as an underdog this season.
PHOENIX is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) in road games this season.
PHOENIX is 17-6 ATS (+10.4 Units) first half of the season this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
DENVER is 5-2 against the spread versus PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
DENVER is 5-2 straight up against PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
4 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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MINNESOTA (13 - 13) at LA LAKERS (12 - 13) - 12/20/2013, 10:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LA LAKERS are 79-106 ATS (-37.6 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA LAKERS is 4-3 against the spread versus MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
LA LAKERS is 7-1 straight up against MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
6 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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NBA
Short Sheet

Friday, December 20

Brooklyn at Philadelphia, 7:05 ET
Brooklyn: 21-8 Over after covering in 4 or 5 of last six games
Philadelphia: 1-9 ATS after a SU road loss this year

Milwaukee at Cleveland, 7:35 ET
Milwaukee: 1-9 ATS after 3 or more SU losses
Cleveland: 13-3 Under at home off SU home loss

Utah at Atlanta, 7:35 ET
Utah: 1-10 ATS away off SU away win
Atlanta: 8-0 ATS after a game when 205 total points scored

Sacramento at Miami, 7:35 ET
Sacramento: 16-40 ATS playing 8 or more games in 14 days
Miami: 15-5 Over at home off home SU win but ATS loss

Charlotte at Detroit, 7:35 ET
Charlotte: 9-1 ATS away this season
Detroit: 10-1 Over in December games this year

Houston at Indiana, 8:05 ET
Houston: 9-3 Over this year away
Indiana: 11-5 ATS home off away with home game next

Toronto at Dallas, 8:35 ET
Toronto: 8-1 Over in non-conference games this year
Dallas: 22-9 ATS as home favorite of 6-12 points

Phoenix at Denver, 9:05 ET
Phoenix: 10-2 ATS away this season
Denver: 12-2 Under home after playing a division game

Minnesota at LA Lakers, 10:35 ET
Minnesota: 15-5 Over after a SU win by 10 or more points
LA Lakers: 16-31 ATS as dogs of 3-9 points

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NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up

Friday, December 20

Hot teams
-- Nets covered five of last six games, but are 2-5 as road favorites.
-- Jazz covered seven of last ten as a road underdog. Hawks won five of last seven games (7-4 as HF).
-- Bobcats are 9-1-1 vs spread on road. Detroit won three of its last four games.
-- Miami won five of last six games, covered one of last four.
-- Toronto covered five of last seven games as a road underdog.
-- Phoenix won five of its last six games.
-- Minnesota covered three of last four as a road favorite.

Cold Teams
-- 76ers lost their last seven games (1-6 vs spread).
-- Cavaliers lost last two games; they're 2-3 as home faves. Milwaukee lost its last four games (1-3 vs spread).
-- Kings lost four of last five games (1-4 ATS).
-- Rockets lost three of their last four road games. Pacers lost last two games after a 20-3 start.
-- Mavericks are 3-5 in last eight games as home favorites.
-- Nuggets are 2-5 vs spread as home favorite.
-- Lakers lost their last three home games.

Totals
-- Six of last eight Philly home games went over the total.
-- Five of last six Atlanta home games went over the total.
-- Four of last five Milwaukee road games went over total.
-- Last six Detroit home games went over the total.
-- Last five Miami home games went over the total.
-- Nine of last eleven Houston road games went over total; under is 9-3 in Indiana's home games
-- Six of last eight Dallas games went over the total.
-- Last six Denver home games stayed under the total; eight of Suns' last ten games went over.
-- Six of last nine Laker games went over the total.

Series records
-- Nets won four of last five games with Philly (won 130-94 Monday).
-- Hawks won seven of last eight games with Utah.
-- Bucks won ten of last twelve games with Cleveland.
-- Bobcats lost eight of last nine games with Detroit.
-- Kings lost last nine games with Miami (2-7 vs spread).
-- Pacers won seven of last nine games with Houston.
-- Mavericks won three of their last four games with Toronto.
-- Suns lost eight of last ten games with Denver.
-- Lakers won 18 of last 19 games with Minnesota.

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NBA

Friday, December 20

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Trend Report
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7:00 PM
BROOKLYN vs. PHILADELPHIA
Brooklyn is 7-14 SU in its last 21 games
Brooklyn is 5-12 SU in its last 17 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 12 of Philadelphia's last 18 games
Philadelphia is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games

7:30 PM
UTAH vs. ATLANTA
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Utah's last 6 games when playing Atlanta
The total has gone OVER in 13 of Utah's last 19 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
The total has gone OVER in 13 of Atlanta's last 19 games when playing at home against Utah
Atlanta is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Utah

7:30 PM
CHARLOTTE vs. DETROIT
The total has gone UNDER in 14 of Charlotte's last 19 games
Charlotte is 5-20 SU in its last 25 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Detroit's last 5 games at home
Detroit is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Charlotte

7:30 PM
SACRAMENTO vs. MIAMI
Sacramento is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Miami
Sacramento is 3-16 ATS in its last 19 games when playing Miami
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Miami's last 5 games
Miami is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games

7:30 PM
MILWAUKEE vs. CLEVELAND
Milwaukee is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games on the road
Milwaukee is 4-20 SU in its last 24 games on the road
Cleveland is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Milwaukee
Cleveland is 15-5 SU in its last 20 games when playing at home against Milwaukee

8:00 PM
HOUSTON vs. INDIANA
Houston is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Indiana
Houston is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Indiana
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Indiana's last 6 games
Indiana is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Houston

8:30 PM
TORONTO vs. DALLAS
Toronto is 4-14 SU in its last 18 games when playing Dallas
Toronto is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Dallas's last 5 games
Dallas is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games

9:00 PM
PHOENIX vs. DENVER
Phoenix is 0-4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Denver
Phoenix is 2-7-1 ATS in its last 10 games when playing Denver
Denver is 4-0-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Phoenix
Denver is 10-4 SU in its last 14 games

10:30 PM
MINNESOTA vs. LA LAKERS
Minnesota is 1-13 SU in their last 14 games when playing on the road against LA Lakers
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Minnesota's last 11 games when playing on the road against LA Lakers
LA Lakers are 22-1 SU in their last 23 games when playing Minnesota
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of the LA Lakers last 11 games when playing at home against Minnesota

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NBA

Friday, December 20

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Game of the day: Houston Rockets at Indiana Pacers
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Houston Rockets at Indiana Pacers (-6.5, 195)

The Indiana Pacers are staring at their longest losing streak and are showing some cracks in their NBA-best defense. The Houston Rockets, who own the NBA’s second-best scoring offense, will take aim at those cracks when they visit the Pacers on Friday. Indiana had a win in hand over the rival Miami Heat on Wednesday before a breakdown in the last few minutes handed them back-to-back losses for the first time this season.

Indiana was outscored 12-2 in the final minutes at Miami to suffer a 97-94 loss but quickly turned the page to focus on the Rockets at practice on Thursday. “I don’t look at their record,” coach Frank Vogel said of Houston. “I look at them as a championship contender. … They’re very capable of putting it all together to beat a team that comes out of the West.” The Rockets surround Dwight Howard with 3-point shooters and drive-and-kick specialists and will see how that style plays against a pair of big front lines in their two-game trip through Indiana and Detroit.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, ESPN, CSN Houston, FSN Indiana

POWER RANKINGS: Rockets (-10.5) - Pacers (-14.3) + Home Court (-3.0) = Pacers -6.8

ABOUT THE ROCKETS (17-9, 14-11-1 ATS): Houston has traded wins and losses over the last five games but is coming off a 109-94 victory over the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday in which Howard went for 23 points and nine rebounds while appearing to have little issue with the Bulls’ frontcourt. “We have to make sure we play our style of basketball, especially against teams that want to grind you to a pulp,” Rockets coach Kevin McHale said. That style includes pushing the pace and not letting teams like Chicago and Indiana get set in a half-court defense, and running Howard and James Harden through a series of pick-and-rolls.

ABOUT THE PACERS (20-5, 17-8-0 ATS): Indiana leads the NBA in scoring defense, holding opponents to an average of 90.2 points, but is allowing 98.3 points while going 4-4 over the last eight contests. The Pacers defense was missing a key component for long stretches on Wednesday with center Roy Hibbert dealing with foul problems, and Hibbert is struggling to averages of six points and three rebounds in the last two games. “It’ll be a tough game against the best center in the league right now,” Hibbert told reporters of the meeting with Howard. “He’s going to be a handful, I just have to keep him out of easy points and no easy dunks for him.”

TRENDS:

* Under is 7-3 in the last 10 meetings in Indiana.
* Under is 15-7 in the last 22 meetings.
* Rockets are 2-7 ATS in the last nine meetings.
* Rockets are 1-6 ATS in the last seven meetings in Indiana.

BUZZER BEATERS:

1. The Pacers have taken three straight in the series and took the two meetings last season by an average of 9.5 points.

2. Houston G Jeremy Lin (back) missed the last two games but returned to practice on Thursday and is expected back on Friday.

3. Indiana F Danny Granger (calf) is expected to make his season debut and will come off the bench.

[StarDust Bum]

December Record:

28 - 24*****

8 - 7 Double Pod

3 - 0 Triple Pod

Friday, December 20

Game Score Status Pick Amount

Brooklyn - 7:00 PM ET Philadelphia +6 500
Philadelphia - Over 211.5 500

Utah - 7:30 PM ET Utah +7.5 500*****
Atlanta - Over 198.5 500

Milwaukee - 7:30 PM ET Cleveland -7.5 500 *****
Cleveland - Under 191 500

Charlotte - 7:30 PM ET Charlotte +6.5 500 DOUBLE PLAY
Detroit - Over 192.5 500

Sacramento - 7:30 PM ET Miami -10 500
Miami - Over 208.5 500

Houston - 8:00 PM ET Indiana -5.5 500 DOUBLE PLAY
Indiana - Under 199 500

Toronto - 8:30 PM ET Toronto +6 500
Dallas - Over 203 500

Phoenix - 9:00 PM ET Denver -4 500 *****
Denver - Over 205 500

Minnesota - 10:30 PM ET L.A. Lakers +5.5 500 *****
L.A. Lakers - Under 208 500

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NBA
Dunkel

New Orleans at Portland
The Blazers look to bounce back from their 120-109 loss to Minnesota on Wednesday and take advantage of a New Orleans team that is 7-19 ATS in its last 26 road games. Portland is the pick (-9) according to Dunkel, which has the Blazers favored by 16. Dunkel Pick: Portland (-9). Here are all of today's picks.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 21

Game 501-502: Memphis at New York (12:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Memphis 113.741; New York 113.749
Dunkel Line & Total: Even;
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 503-504: Washington at Boston (1:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Washington 114.408; Boston 122.239
Dunkel Line & Total: Boston by 8; 188
Vegas Line & Total: Boston by 1; 193 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Boston (-1); Under

Game 505-506: Sacramento at Orlando (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Sacramento 117.059; Orlando 115.969
Dunkel Line & Total: Sacramento by 1; 207
Vegas Line & Total: Orlando by 3 1/2; 202
Dunkel Pick: Sacramento (+3 1/2); Over

Game 507-508: Utah at Charlotte (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Utah 113.620; Charlotte 122.136
Dunkel Line & Total: Charlotte by 8 1/2; 183
Vegas Line & Total: Charlotte by 4 1/2; 188
Dunkel Pick: Charlotte (-4 1/2); Under

Game 509-510: Houston at Detroit (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Houston 122.054; Detroit 117.730
Dunkel Line & Total: Houston by 4 1/2; 208
Vegas Line & Total: Houston by 2 1/2; 211 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Houston (-2 1/2); Under

Game 511-512: Cleveland at Chicago (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cleveland 117.441; Chicago 114.418
Dunkel Line & Total: Cleveland by 3; 197
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 513-514: Philadelphia at Milwaukee (8:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia 103.791; Milwaukee 113.155
Dunkel Line & Total: Milwaukee by 9 1/2; 196
Vegas Line & Total: Milwaukee by 2; 201 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Milwaukee (-2); Under

Game 515-516: Oklahoma City at San Antonio (8:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Oklahoma City 128.766; San Antonio 127.910
Dunkel Line & Total: Oklahoma City by 1; 216
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 517-518: Dallas at Phoenix (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Dallas 118.227; Phoenix 118.404
Dunkel Line & Total: Even; 214
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 519-520: New Orleans at Portland (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: New Orleans 114.365; Portland 130.409
Dunkel Line & Total: Portland by 16; 205
Vegas Line & Total: Portland by 9; 210 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Portland (-9); Under

Game 521-522: Denver at LA Clippers (10:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Denver 116.886; LA Clippers 127.801
Dunkel Line & Total: LA Clippers by 11; 197
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 523-524: LA Lakers at Golden State (10:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: LA Lakers 116.315; Golden State 122.007
Dunkel Line & Total: Golden State by 5 1/2; 212
Vegas Line & Total: Golden State by 13; 206 1/2
Dunkel Pick: LA Lakers (+13); Over