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

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Long Sheet

Monday, December 23

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

NEW YORK (8 - 18) at ORLANDO (8 - 19) - 12/23/2013, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ORLANDO is 17-36 ATS (-22.6 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 7-17 ATS (-11.7 Units) against Atlantic division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 10-28 ATS (-20.8 Units) in home games revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 16-33 ATS (-20.3 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.

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

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

MILWAUKEE (6 - 21) at CHARLOTTE (13 - 15) - 12/23/2013, 7:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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

DETROIT (13 - 16) at CLEVELAND (10 - 16) - 12/23/2013, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CLEVELAND is 6-16 ATS (-11.6 Units) vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 10-23 ATS (-15.3 Units) after scoring 85 points or less over the last 3 seasons.

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

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

ATLANTA (15 - 12) at MIAMI (20 - 6) - 12/23/2013, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 42-65 ATS (-29.5 Units) in road games in December games since 1996.
ATLANTA is 2-13 ATS (-12.3 Units) when playing with 2 days rest over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 151-191 ATS (-59.1 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1996.
MIAMI is 27-14 ATS (+11.6 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 15-4 ATS (+10.6 Units) after 3 or more consecutive overs over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 103-136 ATS (-46.6 Units) in home games first half of the season since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
MIAMI is 7-2 against the spread versus ATLANTA over the last 3 seasons
MIAMI is 8-1 straight up against ATLANTA over the last 3 seasons
7 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

INDIANA (22 - 5) at BROOKLYN (9 - 17) - 12/23/2013, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
INDIANA is 19-8 ATS (+10.2 Units) in all games this season.
INDIANA is 15-5 ATS (+9.5 Units) as a favorite this season.
INDIANA is 19-8 ATS (+10.2 Units) first half of the season this season.
INDIANA is 17-6 ATS (+10.4 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
BROOKLYN is 33-54 ATS (-26.4 Units) in home games over the last 3 seasons.
BROOKLYN is 5-19 ATS (-15.9 Units) in home games against Central division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
BROOKLYN is 12-29 ATS (-19.9 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.

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

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

DALLAS (15 - 12) at HOUSTON (18 - 10) - 12/23/2013, 8:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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

UTAH (8 - 22) at MEMPHIS (11 - 15) - 12/23/2013, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
UTAH is 47-77 ATS (-37.7 Units) in a road game where where the total is between 185 and 189.5 points since 1996.
MEMPHIS is 46-32 ATS (+10.8 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
MEMPHIS is 99-71 ATS (+20.9 Units) off an upset win as an underdog since 1996.
MEMPHIS is 8-17 ATS (-10.7 Units) in all games this season.
MEMPHIS is 3-12 ATS (-10.2 Units) in home games this season.
MEMPHIS is 8-17 ATS (-10.7 Units) first half of the season this season.

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

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

TORONTO (11 - 14) at SAN ANTONIO (21 - 6) - 12/23/2013, 8:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SAN ANTONIO is 117-88 ATS (+20.2 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 94-70 ATS (+17.0 Units) as a favorite over the last 3 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 414-347 ATS (+32.3 Units) in home games since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 31-16 ATS (+13.4 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 22-10 ATS (+11.0 Units) after 3 or more consecutive overs over the last 3 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 16-6 ATS (+9.4 Units) off a upset loss as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 119-80 ATS (+31.0 Units) after a loss by 10 points or more since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 328-265 ATS (+36.5 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN ANTONIO is 2-1 against the spread versus TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
SAN ANTONIO is 4-0 straight up against TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

GOLDEN STATE (15 - 13) at DENVER (14 - 12) - 12/23/2013, 9:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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

LA LAKERS (13 - 14) at PHOENIX (16 - 10) - 12/23/2013, 9:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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

NEW ORLEANS (11 - 14) at SACRAMENTO (8 - 18) - 12/23/2013, 10:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEW ORLEANS is 140-191 ATS (-70.1 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game since 1996.

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

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up

Monday, December 23

Hot teams
-- Bobcats won three of their last four games (3-5 HF).
-- Detroit won six of its last seven road games.
-- Knicks are 3-0 as road favorite; faves covered nine of their 12 games on foreign soil.
-- Pacers covered ten of their thirteen road games.
-- Miami won its last four games (2-4 last six as HF). Hawks won six of their last eight games.
-- Rockets covered seven of last nine games as a home favorite.
-- Jazz covered eight of last twelve as a road underdog.
-- San Antonio won six of last eight games, is 0-6 vs spread in last six at home. Raptors won/covered four of their last five games.
-- Phoenix won/covered seven of its last eight games. Lakers covered six of last nine as a road underdog.

Cold Teams
-- Bucks lost five of last six games.
-- Cavaliers lost three of their last four games.
-- Orlando lost nine of its last eleven games.
-- Nets lost three of their last four games.
-- Dallas lost four of last six games, covered five of last six as road dog.
-- Grizzlies lost five of their last six games.
-- Denver lost four of its last five games. Warriors covered twice in their last seven games.
-- Sacramento lost five of its last seven games. Pelicans lost their last four games, three by 9+ points.

Series records
-- Bobcats won last three games with Milwaukee by 10-24-16 points.
-- Pistons won their last six games with Cleveland.
-- Knicks won their last seven games with Orlando.
-- Nets won four of last five games with Indiana.
-- Heat won 14 of their last 16 games with Atlanta.
-- Mavericks won 11 of last 12 games with Houston.
-- Grizzlies won four of last five games with Utah.
-- Spurs won their last six games with Toronto.
-- Nuggets won four of last five games with Golden State.
-- Lakers lost five of last seven games with Phoenix.
-- Pelicans won three of last four games with Sacramento.

Totals
-- Under is 10-1-1 in last dozen Charlotte home games. Five of last six Milwaukee road games went over total.
-- Last nine Detroit games went over the total.
-- Six of last eight Orlando games stayed under total.
-- Six of eight Brooklyn home games went over the total.
-- Last six Miami home games went over the total; their last six games with Atlanta stayed under.
-- Six of last eight Houston home games stayed under; six of last eight Dallas games went over.
-- Five of last six Memphis home games stayed under.
-- Last eight San Antonio home games went over total.
-- 10 of last 14 Golden State road games stayed under total.
-- Eight of last nine Phoenix home games went over total.
-- Seven of last ten New Orleans road games went over.

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Short Sheet

Monday, December 23

NY Knicks at Orlando, 7:05 ET
NY Knicks: 8-1 UNDER as a road underdog
Orlando: 7-17 ATS against Atlantic division opponents

Milwaukee at Charlotte, 7:05 ET
Milwaukee: 1-5 ATS revenging a loss where team scored less than 85 points
Charlotte: 7-1 ATS against Central division opponents

Detroit at Cleveland, 7:05 ET
Detroit: 19-8 ATS after failing to cover the spread in 2 or more consecutive games
Cleveland: 10-23 ATS after scoring 85 points or less

Atlanta at Miami, 7:35 ET
Atlanta: 2-13 ATS when playing with 2 days rest
Miami: 19-9 ATS off 2 or more consecutive home wins

Indiana at Brooklyn, 7:35 ET
Indiana: 15-5 ATS as a favorite
Brooklyn: 4-13 ATS after a loss by 6 points or less

Dallas at Houston, 8:05 ET
Dallas: 20-6 ATS after a blowout loss by 15 points or more
Houston: 14-20 ATS vs. division opponents

Utah at Memphis, 8:05 ET
Utah: 1-11 ATS in road games off a road win
Memphis: 46-32 ATS as a favorite

Toronto at San Antonio, 8:35 ET
Toronto: 57-87 ATS after having won 4 of their last 5
San Antonio: 22-10 ATS after 3 or more consecutive overs

Golden State at Denver, 9:05 ET
Golden State: 9-15 ATS off a home win by 10 points or more
Denver: 12-6 ATS after a game where they made 20% of their 3 point shots or worse

LA Lakers at Phoenix, 9:05 ET
LA Lakers: 22-40 ATS when playing 8 or more games in 14 days
Phoenix: 6-1 ATS after having won 3 of their last 4 games

New Orleans at Sacramento, 10:05 ET
New Orleans: 31-14 ATS in road games after 4 or more consecutive losses
Sacramento: 0-7 ATS as a home favorite

[StarDust Bum]

December Record:

32 - 28*****

10 - 8 Double Pod

4 - 2 Triple Pod


Monday, December 23

Game Score Status Pick Amount

Milwaukee - 7:00 PM ET Milwaukee +6.5 500
Charlotte - Over 186 500

Detroit - 7:00 PM ET Detroit +1 500 *****
Cleveland - Over 203 500 *****

New York - 7:00 PM ET New York -1.5 500
Orlando - Over 192 500

Indiana - 7:30 PM ET Indiana -6 500 DOUBLE PLAY
Brooklyn - Under 193 500

Atlanta - 7:30 PM ET Miami -8 500 TRIPLE PLAY
Miami - Under 207 500

Dallas - 8:00 PM ET Dallas +4.5 500
Houston - Over 211 500

Utah - 8:00 PM ET Memphis -6 500
Memphis - Under 186 500

Toronto - 8:30 PM ET San Antonio -11.5 500
San Antonio - Under 203 500 *****

Golden State - 9:00 PM ET Golden State +1.5 500 *****
Denver - Under 207.5 500

L.A. Lakers - 9:00 PM ET Phoenix -8 500
Phoenix - Under 208 500

New Orleans - 10:00 PM ET New Orleans -1 500 TRIPLE PLAY
Sacramento - Over 209.5 500

[StarDust Bum]

NBA on Christmas Day: Betting stats and trends


'Twas an NBA day of Christmas when all through the sport, fans are stirring with no less than five games to sort.

Like Miley Cyrus the league speaks not a word and goes straight to work, looking to stuff their stockings while trying not to twerk.

With presents delivered under the Christmas tree, here's my gift to you, for all to see.

With the Bulls and Nets taking off in flight, Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!

Christmases past

Here is a breakdown of the 10 teams playing on Christmas this season and how they’ve performed on Dec. 25 since 1990:

• Brooklyn (New Jersey): 1-1 SU and 1-1 ATS and 1-1 O/U
Trending: 0-1 ATS last year

• Chicago: 7-2 SU and 5-4 ATS and 3-6 O/U
Trending: 0-3 ATS last three games

• Golden State: 1-1 SU and 1-1 ATS and 1-1 O/U
Trending: 0-1 ATS last year

• Houston: 2-3 SU and 4-1 ATS and 2-1-2 O/U
Trending: 4-0 ATS last four games

• L.A. Clippers: 2-3 SU and 2-3 ATS and 2-3 O/U
Trending: 2-0 ATS last two games

• L.A. Lakers: 7-9 SU and 9-6-1 ATS and 5-10-1 O/U
Trending: 4-0 ATS last four as a dog

• Miami: 7-2 SU and 5-4 ATS and 2-7 O/U
Trending: 1-6 UNDER last seven games

• New York: 3-5 SU and 2-6 ATS and 4-4 O/U
Trending: 0-4 ATS last four as a dog

• Oklahoma City: 2-3 SU and 1-4 ATS and 1-4 O/U
Trending: visitor 0-5 ATS Thunder/Xmas games

• San Antonio: 3-2 SU and 3-1-1 ATS and 1-4 O/U
Trending: 3-0-1 ATS vs. Western Conference foes

What have you done for me lately?

Noteworthy team trends wrapped inside each Christmas Day game…

• Bulls: 1-8 SU and 3-6 ATS away Wednesdays / 3-12 ATS last fifteen games in December

• Nets: playoff revenge from last season / 0-5 SUATS Wednesdays this season

• Thunder: 13-6 ATS away December / 2-5 SUATS away Wednesdays

• Knicks: 14-3 SU and 12-5 ATS home Wednesdays

• Heat: 18-2 SU on Wednesdays / 4-9 ATS December

• Lakers: 1-9 ATS last 10 games in this series / 7-13 ATS home December

• Rockets: 11-6 ATS last seventeen games here

• Spurs: 18-2 SU December / 0-4 ATS home Wednesdays

• Clippers: 10-2 SU and 9-3 ATS Wednesdays / 15-4 SU away December

• Warriors: 8-3 ATS last eleven games in this series

Defending champion doldrums

Christmas day has not been a gifting experience for NBA’s defending champions.

That’s confirmed by their lousy 0-5 SU and ATS mark since 2000 when facing an opponent playing with one day-exact rest.

The Lakers hope to add to that number when they host the Heat at the Staples Center.

Under the Christmas Tree

Non-conference games certainly bring the best defensive effort out in teams on Christmas Day.

Thirteen of the 16 games played on Dec. 25 since 1991 involving Eastern and Western Conference foes have played under the total.

Six of the seven games involving a team off loss have stayed under the total.

The gift that keeps on giving

The L. A. Lakers are 17-1 SU at home during December.

[StarDust Bum]

NBA Top 4: Popular Christmas Day attractions


While most North Americans get to spend Christmas Day tearing through wrapping paper and gorging themselves on turkey and stuffing, a handful of men and women are forced to work - and that includes professional basketball players.

The annual Christmas Day NBA schedule is full of marquee teams and fierce rivalries, more often than not resulting in entertaining games. Some teams have become fixtures on the holiday schedule, due to the quality of the roster or the size of the market.

Here's a look at four of the most popular Christmas Day attractions (records since 1990-91):

Chicago Bulls (8-2 SU, 5-4-1 ATS, 4-6 O/U)

No team has spread more holiday cheer than the Michael Jordan-led Bulls of the 1990s, who ripped through opponents with no regard for human life. The Bulls won all seven Christmas Day games they played in the 1990s, while covering the spread five times over that span. The Bulls were pulled off the Christmas schedule following Jordan's "retirement" and subsequent relocation to Washington, but resurfaced after building a solid two-way team led by point guard Derrick Rose. Chicago hasn't fared as well over the last three holiday games, going 1-2 SU and 0-3 ATS. The Bulls visit Brooklyn on Wednesday.

Miami Heat (7-2 SU, 5-4 ATS, 2-7 O/U)

The holiday season seems to bring out the best in the Heat, who have been one of the showcase Christmas Day teams since the turn of the century - and with good reason. From the days of Shaquille O'Neal and Dwyane Wade to the present three-headed monster of Wade, LeBron James and Chris Bosh, Miami has represented must-see-NBA-TV for the better part of a decade. Their Christmas Day performances have been sensational - they have won their last four Dec. 25 contests, covering the spread in each one. Miami tangles with the host Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday.

Los Angeles Lakers (6-8 SU, 8-5-1 ATS, 5-9 O/U)

The franchise once known as "Showtime" has been anything but when it comes to performing on Christmas Day. The Lakers have struggled SU on Dec. 25, having dropped seven of their last 10 games despite performing well ATS over that span (6-4). They have also had remarkable success as an "under" play, going below the total in five consecutive games and seven of the last eight. Armed with a threadbare roster and dealing with a long-term injury to franchise centerpiece Kobe Bryant, expect that trend to continue.

New York Knicks (3-5 SU, 2-6 ATS, 4-4 O/U)

No team has appeared in more Christmas Day games than the Knicks (47), but they've only recently returned to prominence after spending most of the 2000s on the holiday sidelines. The acquisition of superstar Carmelo Anthony has livened things up at Madison Square Garden, but that hasn't translated to success on Dec. 25. New York is 2-2 SU in its last four holiday outings, and has covered the spread just once over that span. Low-scoring games have also been the rule, with the "under" converting in the three of the past four years. New York hosts Oklahoma City on Wednesday.

[StarDust Bum]

Could NBA Xmas Day jerseys slow down shooters?


LeBron James hopes the NBA kept the receipt for those short-sleeve Christmas Day jerseys, with many of his team’s perimeter shooters voicing their dislike of the Dec. 25 outfit.

James blasted the new-look jerseys ahead of Miami’s Xmas Day showdown with the Los Angeles Lakers, according to Joseph Goodman of the Miami Herald, saying the Heat’s shooters “are already upset about” the short-sleeve shirts.

“I can’t have my shooters out there worrying about some sleeves and not shooting the ball,” James told reporters.

Odds have been out for the Christmas Day NBA games since the schedule was released. Miami opened as a 6-point road favorite against the Lakers.

The Heat are currently 20-6 SU, 13-13 ATS and 16-10 O/U. Miami is shooting a combined 51.5 percent from the floor – first in the NBA – and 38.3 percent from 3-point range – fifth in the league. If any team could be hindered by the tight-fitting apparel, it would be the Heat.

Teams have been wearing the short-sleeve style jerseys since last season when the Golden State Warriors introduced them. There’s been no evidence that the form-fitting shirts have impacted shooting percentages in those limited appearances and the NBA has said that the shirt style does not limit range of motion.

Last Christmas, the five NBA games played to a 2-3 O/U record with the traditional singlet-style jerseys. Miami defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 103-97, shooting 47.5 percent from the floor, 28.6 percent from beyond the arc (8 for 28) and played Under the 203-point total.

[StarDust Bum]

Essential betting tidbits for Christmas' NBA action


Here at Covers, we want to wish you a Merry Christmas and what would be a better gift from us to you, than a stocking stuffed full of all the best NBA betting tidbits for Wednesday's action.

Chicago Bulls at Brooklyn Nets (-3, 188)

The Bulls have not only struggled to win games since Derrick Rose went down with yet another knee injury, they have struggled to keep games close. They are just 4-11 SU and ATS without Rose in the lineup.

Brook Lopez's foot injury really hurt the Nets. Including the game Lopez got injured, the Nets are averaging just 32.6 total rebounds per game.That is four less than the worst rebounding team in the NBA.

Oklahoma City Thunder at New York Knicks (+8, 200)

The Thunder sport an impressive 8-5 mark ATS on the road this season. But recent visits to Madison Square Garden haven't been kind to the Thunder, who haven't covered in their last four trips there.

The Knicks already rank 25th in the NBA in scoring at 95 points per game and could be without their best player. Carmelo Anthony is questionable with a sprained ankle, he is averaging 26.3 points per game.

Miami Heat at Los Angeles Lakes (+8.5, 206.5)

It's crazy to think, but LeBron James may be getting better. He is shooting a ridiculous .599 from the floor this season and leads the Heat in scoring (25.4), rebounds (6.9) and assists (6.6) per game.

If you were told in October that Nick Johnson would be the leading scorer for the Lakers at this point in the season, you probably would have laughed. Don't. He is, at 15.6 points per game.

Houston Rockets at San Antonio Spurs (-7, 209)

If the Rockets want to be included in the list of elite teams in the West, they will have to improve at the defensive end of the floor. Of all the current playoff teams they allow the most points per game at 102.4.

The Spurs are not surprisingly 22-6, but have had a bit of trouble against top competition. Their last three losses have come against the Thunder, Clippers and Pacers and all have been by more than 10 points.

Los Angeles Clippers at Golden State Warriors (-2, 205)

The Clippers are looking for their sixth win in a row Wednesday. They have scored 113.6, while only giving up 98.2 points per game during their current win streak.

It's hard to beleive the Warriors would be the eighth seed in the Western Conference if the playoffs started today. Their last four losses have been by four points or less.

[StarDust Bum]

Bad luck leaves NBA weak Christmas slate

December 24, 2013



NEW YORK (AP) - If the NBA had a Christmas wish, it might be for a different holiday schedule.

The one that was drawn up seemed strong enough when it was released, a potentially dynamite five-game treat from noon through night, packed with superstar scorers and championship contenders.

But like an old Christmas sweater, it doesn't look nearly as good now that time has passed.

Back luck and bad play have wrecked a number of teams the league picked to showcase. Derrick Rose, Kobe Bryant and Brook Lopez are all sitting out, as are Indiana and Portland, who share the NBA's best record.

But hey, there's two 9-18 teams and one that's 10-16.

The Miami Heat and Los Angeles Lakers got the late afternoon marquee time slot, but it's certainly no marquee attraction now that it won't feature a LeBron James-Bryant duel.

''That's probably not the matchup they wanted,'' Clippers coach Doc Rivers said.

The schedule is such a letdown that not until the fourth game will two winning teams meet, when Houston visits San Antonio. Rivers' team travels to Golden State in the nightcap.

Before that, Chicago, Brooklyn and New York all get TV time, all chosen for the honor long before anyone could have known they would sometimes look unwatchable.

''Those things are done way ahead of time. You just hope for the best matchups. Unfortunately, the Derrick Rose injury puts Chicago in a tough spot. Brooklyn and New York have not played particularly well,'' said Jeff Van Gundy, who will work the Heat-Lakers game on ABC.

''But I still think people will watch. It's Christmas Day, and people still care deeply about the Bulls and about the Knicks, even though they haven't played particularly well of late.''

Christmas is something of a second opening day for the NBA, often the first time a national audience begins paying attention as football nears its conclusion. The league decided to capitalize a few years back by increasing to a five-game schedule that begins at noon EST.

The Christmas games have averaged more than 33 million U.S. viewers over the last three years, so Van Gundy is probably right about the fans still tuning in, even for a matchup that looks as ugly as those sleeved jerseys the players will be wearing.

''On the NFL, I've seen plenty of weak Thanksgiving games, but we still watch,'' Rivers said. ''Now it's becoming basketball on Christmas. That's the good part, that the NBA has found that niche.''

After Chicago (10-16) and Brooklyn (9-18) meet in the opener, Oklahoma City visits New York, matching the NBA's top two scorers in Kevin Durant and Carmelo Anthony - provided Anthony's left ankle is OK after he sprained it Monday at Orlando. The Knicks are a Christmas tradition, making their league-high 49th appearance, and the league hopes they'll provide a big audience despite their 9-18 record.

Injuries have hit hard around the NBA and the Christmas lineup is no exception. With Rose and the Lakers' Steve Nash out, two of the six players in the league's holiday jingle ad touting the games and the special uniforms won't be playing.

With Bryant also injured and unable to extend his NBA record for Christmas Day appearances to 16, it's a chance for the lesser-known Lakers to enjoy the spotlight during what's shaping up as a rare season of irrelevance for one of the league's storied franchises.

''Any time a team plays on the Christmas schedule, teams have an opportunity to display their talent - whoever is suiting up for you,'' ESPN analyst Hubie Brown said. ''It just seems that teams play, even though they might not be playing to a high won-loss record, they will play to their maximum potential because of the audience that is expected to watch the games on Christmas.''

So maybe Wednesday one of those lowly East teams finally plays to its reputation - even if only to spare themselves embarrassment in front of viewership they may not earn again this season.

''Christmas is a special day,'' Brooklyn's Jason Terry said. ''This is a great opportunity to come up in here against a team like Chicago who is going to make you play hard each and every possession.''

[StarDust Bum]

Christmas Day Tips

December 24, 2013


Bulls at Nets - 12:00 PM EST

Chicago: 10-16 SU, 9-17 ATS
Brooklyn: 9-18 SU, 11-16 ATS

A beat-up Bulls' squad went into Barclays Center last May and knocked the Nets out of the first round of the playoffs in seven games. Now, the two struggling teams meet for the first time since then, as each club tries to jump-start their season heading into the New Year.

Chicago snapped a four-game skid in Saturday's home blowout of Cleveland, 100-84 to easily cash as three-point favorites. The Bulls covered as a favorite for the first time in 11 tries, as all five starters scored in double-figures, while Chicago busted the 100-point plateau for the first time since December 7 (a span of nine games). Tom Thibodeau's team has dropped eight of their past 10 games away from the United Center, including five losses by double-digits.

The Nets started to turn things around earlier this month by winning four of five games following a 30-point home blowout at the hands of the Knicks, but Brooklyn has dropped three consecutive contests. The latest setback for Jason Kidd's club came in Monday's 103-86 defeat to red-hot Indiana, the second loss to the Pacers at Barclays Center this season. Brooklyn has cashed just three of the past 11 home contests, including 2-4 ATS when laying points.

The Bulls have won six of the last nine meetings with the Nets, while covering five times in this span. The last four matchups have finished 'over' the total, but all four of those games saw totals of 183 ½ or below.

Thunder at Knicks - 2:30 PM EST

Oklahoma City: 22-5 SU, 15-12 ATS
New York: 9-18 SU, 10-17 ATS

The Thunder saw its nine-game winning streak crash on Sunday night in a 104-98 home defeat to the Raptors. Oklahoma City failed to score 100 points for the first time in 12 games, as the Thunder hits the road for a mini-two game road trip to New York and Charlotte. Scott Brooks' club started the season at 0-3 ATS, but owns a 7-2 ATS record the last nine games off a non-cover. OKC has performed well on the road against Eastern Conference foes, posting a 4-0 SU/ATS mark, winning each game by at least nine points.

The Knicks are a beat-up squad right now, as Raymond Felton suffered a hamstring injury in Monday's victory at Orlando, keeping the point guard out for Wednesday's contest. Also, Carmelo Anthony sprained his ankle against the Magic, as the Knicks' leading scorer is listed as questionable, while not missing a game yet this season. New York held off Orlando on Monday, 103-98 to cash as 1 ½-point road favorites, but the Knicks have compiled a dreadful 1-8 ATS record off a cover.

In Oklahoma City's last visit to Madison Square Garden, Anthony sat out due to injury, as the Thunder escaped past the Knicks, 95-94 as eight-point road favorites. J.R. Smith put up 36 points off the bench for New York, while Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook combined to shoot 17-of-42 from the field. OKC has won six of the last eight meetings with New York, while the Knicks have covered each of the past four home matchups in the series.

Heat at Lakers - 5:00 PM EST

Miami: 21-6 SU, 13-14 ATS
Los Angeles: 13-15 SU, 15-12-1 ATS

This matchup used to be the highlight contest on Christmas Day, but the loss of Kobe Bryant to a knee injury has watered down this Lakers' squad. Miami finished off a perfect 5-0 homestand with Monday's comeback overtime triumph over Atlanta, 121-119, but the Heat didn't take the money as 7 ½-point favorites. Dwyane Wade missed his seventh game of the season due to knee soreness, as LeBron James took over with 38 points and eight rebounds to give Miami its 14th home win in 16 tries.

The Lakers are coming off consecutive road blowout losses at Golden State and Phoenix, but Los Angeles has put together a 6-2 ATS record as a home underdog this season. Mike D'Antoni's team is riding a four-game 'under' streak, while the Lakers have won two of three home contests against Eastern Conference foes. Los Angeles has fared well off consecutive losses this season, winning four of five times, including two of those victories at Staples Center.

The Heat has won six of the last seven meetings with the Lakers, while Miami is facing Los Angeles on Christmas for the first time since 2010. Five of the past six matchups have finished 'under' the total, while the Heat is 2-1 SU/ATS at Staples Center since the Big Three formed in 2010.

[StarDust Bum]

Hoop Trends - Christmas

December 25, 2013


ATS TREND OF THE DAY:

-- The Bulls are 0-10 ATS (-8.65 ppg) since Mar 07, 2012 when the total is at least 170 after a win at home in which they shot at least ten three-pointers and made at least half of them.

OU TREND OF THE DAY:

-- The Heat are 10-0 OU (19.70 ppg) since Dec 20, 2008 off a win of four points or fewer in which they held a double digit lead at home.

PLAYER TREND OF THE DAY:

-- The Clippers are 0-12 OU (-9.25 ppg) since Apr 09, 2012 on the road with rest after Blake Griffin was the Clippers’ high scorer at home.

CHOICE TREND:

-- The Heat are 11-0 OU (10.68 ppg) since Nov 05, 2012 with at least one day of rest and with their opponent having less than five days of rest when their DPA was at least plus 15 points in their previous game.

ACTIVE TRENDS:

-- The Thunder are 7-0 ATS (10.50 ppg) since Mar 18, 2012 after Reggie Jackson shot worse than 33% from the field in a loss.

-- The Clippers are 7-0 OU (12.86 ppg) since Jan 05, 2013 after Chris Paul played more than 40 minutes at home.

[StarDust Bum]

Christmas Night Tips

December 25, 2013



Rockets at Spurs - 8:00 PM EST

Houston: 18-11 SU, 15-13-1 ATS
San Antonio: 22-6 SU, 15-13 ATS

These Lone Star State rivals tip off the night action on Christmas from the AT&T Center in San Antonio as the Spurs wrap up a three-game homestand. Following a 13-point setback to Oklahoma City, the Spurs took care of the upset-minded Raptors, 112-99 on Monday to cash as 11 ½-point favorites. Tony Parker led the way with 26 points, as San Antonio overcame a poor shooting night from Tim Duncan (4-for-15) to improve to 6-0 SU and 5-1 ATS off a loss this season.

The Rockets have been a roller-coaster ride of late, alternating wins and losses in each of their last eight games. Houston's looks to bounce back off of Monday's 111-104 home defeat to Dallas, as James Harden missed his second straight game with a sprained ankle. The Rockets built an 11-point lead before the Mavericks blew away Houston in the second half, but Dwight Howard put up his second straight solid stat-line by scoring 29 points and pulling down 15 rebounds in the loss.

In the only meeting this season between the Rockets and Spurs, Houston went into San Antonio and grabbed a 112-106 victory in late November to cash outright as 6 ½-point underdogs. The Rockets shot just 44% from the floor, but Harden led the way with 31 points and Chandler Parsons added 25. The win snapped a seven-game skid at the AT&T Center for Houston, dating back 2010, while the Rockets have won just two of the last six meetings overall in the series.

San Antonio is riding a five-game 'over' streak overall, while finishing 'over' the total in nine consecutive contests at home. The Rockets have been a mediocre team when receiving points on the road, posting a 3-4 ATS record as an away underdog. Kevin McHale's team has lost five of their past six games when allowing at least 100 points, including four of the last five away from the Toyota Center.

Clippers at Warriors - 10:30 PM EST

Los Angeles: 20-9 SU, 17-12 ATS
Golden State: 16-13 SU, 13-14-2 ATS

The night wraps up in the Bay Area with a Pacific Division battle as the Clippers go for their sixth straight victory. Los Angeles held off Minnesota in overtime on Sunday night, 120-116, but failed to cover as five-point favorites. Blake Griffin paced the Clippers with 32 points, as Los Angeles finished off a perfect 4-0 homestand at Staples Center. Now, the Clippers go for their second win over the Warriors this season after dominating Golden State on Halloween night, 126-115 in Los Angeles.

The Warriors have been up and down of late, but picked up a key road victory at Denver on Monday night, 89-81 to grab their second consecutive win. Golden State depended on its starters to carry them to a victory, as David Lee scored 28 points and pulled down 10 rebounds, while the Warriors limited the Nuggets to just 15 points in the final quarter. Since late November, Golden State has split eight games at Oracle Arena, while busting the 100-point mark in four straight home contests. Mark Jackson's team has failed to cover in all five home games as a favorite of six points or less this season, with the lone victory coming at the buzzer in a one-point triumph over Oklahoma City.

The home team has won each of the last four meetings, while the Warriors have grabbed each of the last three matchups at Oracle Arena. The 'over' is 6-0 in the past six meetings, while the winning team has scored at least 106 points each time.

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Dunkel

Houston at San Antonio
The Spurs host at Rockets team that is coming off a 111-104 loss to Dallas on Monday and is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games after scoring 100 points or more in the previous game. San Antonio is the pick (-7) according to Dunkel, which has the Spurs favored by 11. Dunkel Pick: San Antonio (-7). Here are all of today's picks.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 25

Game 801-802: Chicago at Brooklyn (12:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Chicago 113.907; Brooklyn 113.672
Dunkel Line & Total: Even; 193
Vegas Line & Total: Brooklyn by 3 1/2; 187
Dunkel Pick: Chicago (+3 1/2); Over

Game 803-804: Oklahoma City at New York (2:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Oklahoma City 128.040; New York 116.795
Dunkel Line & Total: Oklahoma City by 11; 194
Vegas Line & Total: Oklahoma City by 8 1/2; 200
Dunkel Pick: Oklahoma City (-8 1/2); Under

Game 805-806: Miami at LA Lakers (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Miami 122.729; LA Lakers 120.315
Dunkel Line & Total: Miami by 2 1/2; 211
Vegas Line & Total: Miami by 9; 206 1/2
Dunkel Pick: LA Lakers (+9); Over

Game 807-808: Houston at San Antonio (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Houston 117.223; San Antonio 128.314
Dunkel Line & Total: San Antonio by 11; 204
Vegas Line & Total: San Antonio by 7; 209 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Antonio (-7); Under

Game 809-810: LA Clippers at Golden State (10:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: LA Clippers 120.010; Golden State 125.216
Dunkel Line & Total: Golden State by 5; 200
Vegas Line & Total: Golden State by 2; 205 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Golden State (-2); Under




NBA
Long Sheet

Wednesday, December 25

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

CHICAGO (10 - 16) at BROOKLYN (9 - 18) - 12/25/2013, 12:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO is 50-69 ATS (-25.9 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO is 38-59 ATS (-26.9 Units) in road games in December games since 1996.
CHICAGO is 19-36 ATS (-20.6 Units) first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO is 16-29 ATS (-15.9 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
BROOKLYN is 33-55 ATS (-27.5 Units) in home games over the last 3 seasons.
BROOKLYN is 1-12 ATS (-12.2 Units) in a home game where where the total is between 185 and 189.5 points over the last 3 seasons.
BROOKLYN is 8-18 ATS (-11.8 Units) in December games over the last 2 seasons.
BROOKLYN is 5-20 ATS (-17.0 Units) in home games against Central division opponents over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO is 8-6 against the spread versus BROOKLYN over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO is 9-5 straight up against BROOKLYN over the last 3 seasons
9 of 14 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

OKLAHOMA CITY (22 - 5) at NEW YORK (9 - 18) - 12/25/2013, 2:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 66-52 ATS (+8.8 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 61-44 ATS (+12.6 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 132-100 ATS (+22.0 Units) in road games since 1996.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 26-11 ATS (+13.9 Units) in road games in December games since 1996.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 47-26 ATS (+18.4 Units) in road games first half of the season since 1996.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 27-11 ATS (+14.9 Units) off a upset loss as a favorite over the last 3 seasons.
NEW YORK is 3-11 ATS (-9.1 Units) in home games this season.
NEW YORK is 3-11 ATS (-9.1 Units) in home games first half of the season this season.

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

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

MIAMI (21 - 6) at LA LAKERS (13 - 15) - 12/25/2013, 5:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MIAMI is 13-2 ATS (+10.8 Units) as a road favorite of 6.5 to 9 points over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 37-25 ATS (+9.5 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 15-5 ATS (+9.5 Units) after 3 or more consecutive overs over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 18-8 ATS (+9.2 Units) in road games after 3 or more consecutive wins over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 20-8 ATS (+11.2 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 16-2 ATS (+13.8 Units) in road games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
LA LAKERS are 49-63 ATS (-20.3 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
LA LAKERS are 173-217 ATS (-65.7 Units) after a division game since 1996.
LA LAKERS are 20-35 ATS (-18.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

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

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

HOUSTON (18 - 11) at SAN ANTONIO (22 - 6) - 12/25/2013, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SAN ANTONIO is 118-88 ATS (+21.2 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 95-70 ATS (+18.0 Units) as a favorite over the last 3 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 124-92 ATS (+22.8 Units) as a home favorite of 6.5 to 9 points since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 415-347 ATS (+33.3 Units) in home games since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 277-214 ATS (+41.6 Units) after a non-conference game since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 23-10 ATS (+12.0 Units) after 3 or more consecutive overs over the last 3 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 165-126 ATS (+26.4 Units) in home games after a win by 10 points or more since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 32-17 ATS (+13.3 Units) after scoring 105 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 81-50 ATS (+26.0 Units) in road games off a upset loss as a favorite since 1996.
HOUSTON is 98-58 ATS (+34.2 Units) in road games after allowing 105 points or more since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
HOUSTON is 5-4 against the spread versus SAN ANTONIO over the last 3 seasons
SAN ANTONIO is 5-4 straight up against HOUSTON over the last 3 seasons
5 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

LA CLIPPERS (20 - 9) at GOLDEN STATE (16 - 13) - 12/25/2013, 10:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LA CLIPPERS are 191-249 ATS (-82.9 Units) after allowing 105 points or more since 1996.
GOLDEN STATE is 9-1 ATS (+7.9 Units) in a home game where where the total is between 205 and 209.5 points over the last 2 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 19-9 ATS (+9.1 Units) in December games over the last 2 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 37-23 ATS (+11.7 Units) first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.

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

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




NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up

Wednesday, December 25

Hot teams
-- Thunder won 17 of last 19 games (6-2 AF).
-- Miami won seven of its last eight games (7-3 AF).
-- Spurs won seven of last nine games (1-6 vs spread last seven at home) Rockets are 6-1 vs spread in game following last seven losses.
-- Clippers won their last five games (4-1 vs spread). Golden State won three of last four.

Cold Teams
-- Bulls lost seven of their last nine games; Nets lost four of last five.
-- Knicks covered three of their 14 home games.
-- Lakers lost six of their last nine games (6-1-1 HU).

Series records
-- Bulls are 11-5 in last 16 games against Brooklyn; they beat Nets LY in seven games in playoffs.
-- Thunder won six of last eight games with New York.
-- Lakers lost six of last seven games with Miami.
-- Rockets lost their last seven visits to the Alamo.
-- Clippers lost six of last seven visits to Oakland.

Totals
-- Four of last five Brooklyn games went over total.
-- Over is 9-4 in New York's last thirteen home games.
-- Four of last five Laker home games stayed under.
-- Ten of last thirteen Houston road games went over.
-- Five of last six Clipper road games stayed under total.




NBA

Wednesday, December 25

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

12:00 PM
CHICAGO vs. BROOKLYN
The total has gone OVER in 14 of Chicago's last 19 games when playing on the road against Brooklyn
Chicago is 2-7 ATS in its last 9 games
Brooklyn is 3-8 SU in its last 11 games at home
Brooklyn is 3-8 ATS in its last 11 games at home

2:30 PM
OKLAHOMA CITY vs. NEW YORK
Oklahoma City is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games
Oklahoma City is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games on the road
New York is 6-14 SU in its last 20 games
New York is 3-10 SU in its last 13 games at home

5:00 PM
MIAMI vs. LA LAKERS
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Miami's last 6 games on the road
Miami is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of the LA Lakers last 6 games when playing at home against Miami
LA Lakers are 3-6 SU in their last 9 games

8:00 PM
HOUSTON vs. SAN ANTONIO
Houston is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Houston is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against San Antonio
The total has gone OVER in 5 of San Antonio's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 16 of San Antonio's last 23 games when playing at home against Houston

10:30 PM
LA CLIPPERS vs. GOLDEN STATE
The total has gone OVER in 5 of the LA Clippers last 5 games when playing Golden State
LA Clippers are 4-2 SU in their last 6 games on the road
Golden State is 14-6 SU in its last 20 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Golden State's last 5 games when playing LA Clippers

[StarDust Bum]

NBA

Wednesday, December 25

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bulls at Nets: What bettors need to know
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chicago Bulls at Brooklyn Nets (-2.5, 187.5)

The NBA’s schedule-makers likely had a battle of Eastern Conference powers in mind when the Chicago Bulls and the host Brooklyn Nets were selected for the league’s Christmas slate, but that's far from the case when the teams meet Wednesday to begin the annual holiday showcase. The Bulls have won just twice in the past nine games and will be looking for their first winning streak in more than a month. The Nets, meanwhile, have lost three in a row, including Monday's 103-86 loss to Indiana.

Of course, injuries are a big reason why both teams have not lived up to their lofty expectations. Chicago is 4-12 since 2011 NBA MVP Derrick Rose suffered his second major knee injury in as many seasons on Nov. 22. Brooklyn has had to shuffle its rotation throughout the season, but the big blow came late last week when leading scorer Brook Lopez was ruled out for the season with a broken right foot.

TV: Noon ET, ESPN, WGN (Chicago), YES (Brooklyn)

LINE: The Nets opened as 3-point faves and now sit at -2.5. The total has gone down slightly from 188 to 187.5.

POWER RANKINGS: Chicago (-4) - Brooklyn (-3.6) + home court (-3) = Brooklyn -3.4

ABOUT THE BULLS (10-16, 9-17 ATS): Rose is far from the only player missing from coach Tom Thibodeau’s ideal rotation. Kirk Hinrich (back stiffness), Luol Deng (Achilles) and Jimmy Butler (ankle) all sat out Chicago’s 100-84 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday, and the trio's status for Wednesday’s game remains up in the air. "It's just one of those seasons,” Deng said of the rash of injuries. “I think we just got to hang in there. … We know what we're capable of when everybody's healthy.”

ABOUT THE NETS (9-18, 11-16 ATS): After a very rocky start to the season, Brooklyn appeared to be turning a corner earlier this month with four wins in five games, but the current skid and Lopez’s injury have chased away any positive vibes. "I think it's getting very close to just accepting losing," coach Jason Kidd said after the loss to the Pacers. The Nets did receive a bit of good news when reserve guard Jason Terry returned to action Monday after missing the previous 15 games with a knee injury, scoring 11 points.

TRENDS:

* Over is 4-0 in the last four meetings.
* Bulls are 6-2 ATS in the last eight meetings in Brooklyn.
* Over is is 14-5 in the last 19 meetings in Brooklyn.
* Road team in 9-4 ATS in the last 13 meetings.

BUZZER BEATERS:

1. This is the fourth year in a row the Bulls are playing on Christmas, and Chicago is 1-2 in the previous three games.

2. Brooklyn is hosting a Christmas game for the second straight season after losing 93-76 to the Boston Celtics — featuring current Nets Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Terry — last year.

3. Bulls G D.J. Augustin, acquired from Toronto earlier this month, is averaging 13.8 points and eight assists in 37.5 minutes over the past four games.

[StarDust Bum]

NBA

Wednesday, December 25

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

Oklahoma City Thunder at New York Knicks (+8.5, 200)

The last time Oklahoma City had a long winning streak snap, it answered with an even longer one. The Thunder will try to come back strong again when they hit the road for a Christmas Day contest with the New York Knicks on Wednesday. Oklahoma City has won 17 of its last 19 but had its nine-game winning streak end with a 104-98 home loss to Toronto on Sunday.

The Knicks held on for a 103-98 win at Orlando on Monday but it came at a cost, as star Carmelo Anthony (ankle) and point guard Raymond Felton (groin) left with injuries. Felton's injury came in his first game back after missing six contests with a strained hamstring. "I'm concerned (about Anthony) but I'm not as worried about him as I'm worried about Ray, the way he came back and then to go down again," reserve guard J.R. Smith told reporters. "It's tough. He's our point guard, for sure." The Knicks are 0-8 against Western Conference teams including an 0-5 mark at home, while the Thunder are 7-1 against the Eastern Conference.

TV: 2:30 p.m. ET, ABC, TSN

LINE: The Thunder opened as 8-point road faves and now sit at -8.5. The total has stayed put at 200.

POWER RANKINGS: Oklahoma City (-14) - New York (-3) + home court (-3) = Oklahoma City -8

ABOUT THE THUNDER (22-5, 15-12 ATS): Oklahoma City finished with more turnovers (19) than assists (17) and faded in the fourth quarter against the Raptors, perhaps a result of playing the second game of a back-to-back after a big win at San Antonio. That's far from the norm for a team that boasts two dominant players in Kevin Durant (28.1 points, 8.1 rebounds, 4.7 assists) and Russell Westbrook (21.6 points, 6.8 assists, 5.7 rebounds) and a developing supporting cast. Getting to the foul line is pivotal to the Thunder's success, as they lead the NBA at 82.6 percent from the line.

ABOUT THE KNICKS (9-18, 10-17 ATS): The mounting injuries already were a concern for New York with reserve guard Pablo Prigioni (broken toe) and forward Kenyon Martin (abdominal strain) out for prolonged periods and forward Metta World Peace (knee) having missed the past two games. Losing Anthony (26.3 points, 8.8 rebounds) for any amount of time would be crushing, as he has led or tied for the team lead in scoring in every game. Felton (10.5 points, 5.1 assists) also would be a big loss for an already thin backcourt, and the Knicks will need Smith (11.5 points) to step up his production if either player misses more time.

TRENDS:

* Under is 4-1 in the last five meetings.
* Home team is 7-2 ATS in the last nine meetings.
* Thunder are 1-5 ATS in the last six meetings.
* Thunder are 0-4 ATS in the last four meetings in New York.

BUZZER BEATERS:

1. Oklahoma City is 17-2 when outrebounding its opponent.

2. The Knicks have been outscored by 66 points in the paint over their last four games.

3. The Thunder have won 51 of 53 games since the start of last season when holding the opposition to 42 percent or lower from the field.