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

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Mavericks (18-13) at Wizards (14-14)

Date: January 01, 2014 6:00 PM EDT


The Dallas Mavericks seem to have turned things around on the road, and a visit to the nation's capital would appear to give them a good chance to continue that success.

The Washington Wizards, though, are playing some of their best basketball of the season.

Dallas completes a three-game trip Wednesday night as it looks to win four in a row on the road for the first time in nearly three years with a fifth straight victory in Washington.

The Mavericks (18-13) are a solid team at home with 11 wins in 15 games, but they began the season with just four victories in their first 13 away from home before winning the last three on the road.

Dallas has played particularly well on this trip, beating Chicago 105-83 on Saturday and holding off Minnesota 100-98 on Monday behind Shawn Marion's clutch play down the stretch.

Marion scored 32 points - his most since he had 34 against the Bulls while with Toronto in April 2009 - hit two huge 3-pointers in the fourth quarter and swatted away Kevin Love's 21-foot jumper at the buzzer.

"I'm all about winning games, man," Marion said. "Whatever it takes."

Marion, who made 14 of 19 shots to go with six rebounds and three assists, had 14 points, 13 boards and a season-best plus-21 rating Saturday in Chicago.

"Shawn was the key to the game, no question about it," coach Rick Carlisle said. "If we're giving out game balls, it'd be two game balls in a row for him. Activity was great. Played both ends of the floor. Didn't run one play for him. He just produced."

Dallas will now try to win four straight away from home for the first time since March 16-30, 2011, while also going for an eighth consecutive victory over Washington (14-14).

The Wizards have won two straight and five of six, with five of those games coming on the road. They swept a home-and-home series against Detroit with a 106-99 victory in Auburn Hills on Monday.

John Wall had 29 points and seven assists to help Washington get to .500 after 28 games for the first time since finishing the 2007-08 season 43-39.

"It's big, and we know where we want to be," swingman Martell Webster said. "At this point in the year, it's a time we've got to get rolling. When teams start to click, the offensive and defensive schemes start to be all muscle memory."

Washington scores 99.6 points per game, but that number has jumped to 105.2 during this 5-1 stretch due in large part to the team's shooting. The Wizards are making 48.2 percent of their attempts and are 55 for 118 (46.6) from 3-point range.

Wall has been the catalyst, averaging 22.9 points and shooting 50.9 percent over the last seven games while scoring at least 20 in each contest.

"I'm really happy how we're playing, but the main thing with us is we have to play one way," Wall said. "... Be aggressive and play the right way."

Dallas had five players score in double figures in a 105-95 win over visiting Washington on Nov. 12.



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NBA HEAD TO HEAD

Nov 12, 2013 Score ATS Results
WAS 95 Under: 200
DAL « 105 Cover: 4.5
Tools: Recaps

Jan 1, 2013 Score ATS Results
DAL « 103 Cover: 5
WAS 94 Over: 197
Tools: Recaps

Nov 14, 2012 Score ATS Results
WAS 101 Cover: 2.5
DAL « 107 Over: 208

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Pacers (24-5) at Raptors (13-15)

Date: January 01, 2014 7:00 PM EDT


The Indiana Pacers and Toronto Raptors turned in defensive clinics in the fourth quarters to rally for victories in their most recent games.

One night later, the Pacers will put their five-game win streak on the line Wednesday when they visit a Raptors team that has won a season-high three in a row.

Indiana (25-5) harassed Cleveland into 18.8 percent (3 of 16) shooting in the fourth quarter of Tuesday's 91-76 home win. The Pacers trailed by one entering the final 12 minutes.

"We played better defense, played smart and hit the open man," guard Lance Stephenson said. "We were protecting the rim."

Toronto (14-15) limited Chicago to 16.7 percent (4 of 24) from the field in the fourth quarter of Tuesday's 85-79 road victory. The Raptors entered the period down five.

"It was a grind-it-out game," coach Dwane Casey said. "These kind of games are the kind of games you have to play if you're going to be serious about being a playoff team."

The Pacers are allowing a league-low 89.0 points per game. They lowered the NBA's best defensive field goal percentage to 41.1 on a night leading scorer Paul George had 21 points despite missing nine of 11 3-point shots against the Cavaliers. Roy Hibbert scored 19 and George Hill had 13.

"Tonight's game was a perfect example of how you can still go out and win a basketball game when your shot's not falling," coach Frank Vogel said. "Aside from George Hill, it seemed like nobody could make a perimeter shot and it was just one of those nights offensively from the field so you got to win the game in other ways."

Toronto has seen vast improvement since Dec. 13 - when the majority of the players acquired from Sacramento in the Rudy Gay deal made their club debuts. The Raptors are limiting opponents to 42.5 percent from the field in a 7-2 run since that date after that figure was at 46.6 in the first 20 games.

"No one's trying to do anything they can't do," guard Kyle Lowry said. "Everything that everyone's doing out there is what they know how to do."

The trade means that Indiana's 91-84 home win over Toronto on Nov. 8 means very little since Gay led all players with 30 points. Indiana has taken nine of the last 12 meetings, including four straight on the road.

The Pacers are winning by an average of 21.2 points over their last five games while the Raptors can reach .500 for the first time since they were 2-2.

Jonas Valanciunas is averaging 13.1 points and 10.6 rebounds in his last nine games and will match up with Hibbert, who outscored him 20-4 in the first meeting.

This contest figures to be a challenge for DeMar DeRozan, who scored 11 points on 3-of-12 shooting against the Bulls.

His only lower output came in the first matchup with the Pacers as he made 2 of 15 shots for six points. DeRozan has failed to score in double digits three times in his last 53 games - twice versus Indiana.

The Raptors are 4-2 in the second half of back-to-back games while the Pacers are 5-3.

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NBA HEAD TO HEAD

Nov 8, 2013 Score ATS Results
TOR 84 Cover: 1.5
IND « 91 Under: 175
Tools: Recaps

Mar 1, 2013 Score ATS Results
IND « 93 Cover: 10
TOR 81 Under: 174
Tools: Recaps

Feb 8, 2013 Score ATS Results
TOR 98 Cover: 7.5
IND « 98 Over: 196
Tools: Recaps

Nov 13, 2012 Score ATS Results
TOR « 74 Cover: 11
IND 72 Under: 146
Tools: Recaps

Oct 31, 2012 Score ATS Results
IND « 90 Cover: 0.5
TOR 88 Under: 178
Tools: Recaps

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Pelicans (14-15) at Timberwolves (15-16)

Date: January 01, 2014 8:00 PM EDT


The New Orleans Pelicans are coming off one of their most impressive wins of the season and are in position to climb back to .500.

They'll go for a fourth win in five games Wednesday night at Minnesota as they try to start 2014 as they ended 2013.

The Pelicans (14-15) got a season-high 31 points and 13 assists from Jrue Holiday in a 110-108 home win over Portland on Monday.

New Orleans shot 53.9 percent, held the NBA's top-scoring team to 44.3 percent, outrebounded the Trail Blazers 47-38 and turned the ball over just nine times.

"We definitely think we're getting a lot more confident in each other defensively," Holiday told the team's official website. "We're still learning each other. We're still young. Going into the new year, it's good to get a home win. As a team collectively, we know how good we can be. We know that it's a process and we need to kind of piggyback off this win."

The first-year Pelican went 7 for 12 in the fourth quarter after a 1-of-9 shooting night in Saturday's 107-98 loss at Houston.

"He was excellent in the fourth quarter," teammate Tyreke Evans said. "He was in control. That's what he's here for."

Anthony Davis had 27 points on 13-of-19 shooting to go with 12 rebounds and five blocks in his sixth game back from a broken hand. The Pelicans are 3-2 with Davis back in the starting lineup with the losses coming on the road against Portland and Houston by single digits.

They still aren't entirely healthy. New Orleans has played the last three games without starting guard Eric Gordon due to a bruised right hip, while center Jason Smith has missed four of five games with shoulder and knee injuries.

The Pelicans now open a four-game road trip against a Timberwolves team that's also hovering around .500.

Minnesota (15-16) started a three-game homestand Monday with a 100-98 loss to Dallas, falling to 0-8 when failing to score 100 points.

The Wolves had won their previous two games against Washington and Milwaukee by an average of 22.0 points, but they fell behind by 19 at halftime against the Mavericks before tying the game entering the fourth quarter.

"If we play like we did in the second half, we are going to get through this, it's just disappointing," coach Rick Adelman told the Wolves' official website. "We got back (to .500) and we just couldn't get over it."

Kevin Love led the way with 36 points and 11 rebounds. It was his third-highest point total of the season, but Minnesota is 0-3 in those games.

Center Nikola Pekovic had his fifth straight double-double with 18 points and 10 rebounds as Minnesota failed to win three straight for the first time since opening the season 3-0.

"We just can't get over the hump, it's tough for us," Pekovic said. "But like coach said, we are on the right course, we just need to keep fighting, keep playing better."

The Wolves have won the last two meetings with the Pelicans, both coming in Minnesota without Love in the lineup.

The Pelicans waived reserve forward Lou Amundson on Tuesday. The eight-year veteran played in 18 games for New Orleans this season, averaging 2.1 points, 3.1 rebounds and 0.6 blocks in 10.2 minutes.

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NBA HEAD TO HEAD

Mar 17, 2013 Score ATS Results
NOR 95 Over: 192
MIN « 97 Cover: 0.5
Tools: Recaps

Feb 2, 2013 Score ATS Results
NOR 86 Over: 201
MIN « 115 Cover: 25
Tools: Recaps

Jan 11, 2013 Score ATS Results
MIN 92 Over: 196
NOR « 104 Cover: 9
Tools: Recaps

Dec 14, 2012 Score ATS Results
MIN « 113 Cover: 6.5
NOR 102 Over: 215
Tools: Recaps

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: 76ers (9-21) at Nuggets (14-16)

Date: January 01, 2014 9:00 PM EDT


A season after finishing with the NBA's best home record, the Denver Nuggets haven't been able to stop the bleeding there during their current skid.

Perhaps they'll be able to turn things around against one of the league's worst road teams.

Denver looks to end its longest losing streak in 11 years while the Philadelphia 76ers try to build on their first win away from home in almost two months Wednesday night.

The Nuggets (14-16) finished a franchise-best 38-3 in Denver in 2012-13, including 23 straight wins to close out the regular season. That kind of home dominance, however, has eluded the slumping club this season.

Denver, 7-7 at the Pepsi Center, has dropped four straight there and seven in a row overall following a 97-94 loss to Miami on Monday. The losing streak is the Nuggets' longest since dropping the final eight games in 2002-03.

"I think we're starting to get it," forward Darrell Arthur said. "We're trying to turn this thing around. Obviously, we're on a seven-game losing streak but hopefully we can turn this thing around and get back over .500.'

After averaging 102.0 points and shooting 37.8 percent from 3-point range in the first 10 games on its own court, Denver has struggled to find a rhythm with 91.8 points per game on 29.0 percent shooting from beyond the arc during the home skid.

Ty Lawson, averaging a team-best 17.8 points, was a bright spot with 26 and seven assists Monday. He made 5 of 8 from 3-point range while the rest of the team shot 3 for 12.

Since scoring 12.1 per game on 35.2 percent shooting over a seven-game stretch, Lawson has totaled 46 points on 16-of-29 shooting in the last two.

With Lawson out due to a hamstring injury, Nate Robinson stepped up with 20 points to lead Denver to a 103-92 win in Philadelphia on Dec. 7. Tony Wroten had 20 points for the 76ers (9-21) while filling in for starter Michael Carter-Williams, who was sidelined with right knee soreness.

Carter-Williams has averaged 18.5 points, 8.3 assists and 3.0 steals in four contests since returning from a seven-game absence. He scored 13 on Sunday to help last-place Philadelphia snap a 13-game road losing streak with a 111-104 win over the Los Angeles Lakers.

Evan Turner, averaging a team-high 19.4 points, scored 22 after missing one game due to a sore right knee. Thaddeus Young paced the effort with 25 points and Spencer Hawes added 19 as the 76ers snagged their first road win since Nov. 1 and sixth overall in 27 games.

'We've been playing hard all season long," Young said. "Our record doesn't say we're going out there and doing the job, but we're working to get better every time.'

Young certainly has been on a roll, averaging 27.5 points while hitting 11 of 17 from 3-point range over the last four games. In the most recent meeting in Denver, Young had 18 points and Hawes added 17 and 12 rebounds in a 101-100 loss March 21.

While the 76ers have scored 109.8 points per game in their last four, they're allowing a league-high 111.5 on the season - including 120.7 over the last six.

Philadelphia has lost three of four meetings.

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NBA HEAD TO HEAD

Dec 7, 2013 Score ATS Results
DEN « 103 Cover: 4.5
PHI 92 Under: 195
Tools: Recaps

Mar 21, 2013 Score ATS Results
PHI 100 Cover: 13.5
DEN « 101 Under: 201
Tools: Recaps

Oct 31, 2012 Score ATS Results
DEN 75 Under: 159
PHI « 84 Cover: 11
Tools: Recaps

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Bobcats (14-18) at Clippers (21-12)

Date: January 01, 2014 9:30 PM EDT


Looking to bounce back from their most lopsided loss of the season, the Los Angeles Clippers should have a good chance to get back on track at home after their winning streak there was snapped.

The first-place Clippers seek their sixth straight victory over the Charlotte Bobcats, who will try to avoid a 17th consecutive road loss to a Western Conference opponent Wednesday night.

Los Angeles (21-12) saw its five-game run at Staples Center end as Phoenix closed to within a half-game of the Pacific Division leaders with a 107-88 victory Monday.

The Clippers committed 20 turnovers and shot a season-worst 36.5 percent, losing for the third time in four games overall. They had averaged 110.6 points and 46.4 percent shooting in their previous five home games.

'On a night like this when our offense isn't going, we have to be able to rely on our defense," guard Chris Paul said. "We couldn't."

After allowing the Suns to shoot 48.2 percent with 12 3-pointers, Los Angeles may be able to tighten things up against a Charlotte team that ranks near the bottom of the league with 92.5 points per game, a 42.1 field-goal percentage and a 32.5 mark from 3-point range.

Paul and Blake Griffin hope to regroup after combining for 26 points and shooting 10 of 29. Griffin had totaled 75 and shot 59.6 from the field in the previous two contests, while Paul scored 55 and made 53.3 percent.

Though Paul was held to seven points and 3-of-7 shooting in a 106-84 win over visiting Charlotte on Feb. 26, Griffin made 11 of 14 shots en route to a team-high 24 points.

While the Bobcats (14-18) have improved this season, they're looking to avoid a season-worst fourth straight loss after dropping their first two on a season-high five-game trip.

Charlotte's last six losses have come by an average of 3.3 points, but it's lost 16 consecutive road games to West foes by a 19.2 margin dating to last season.

The Bobcats fell to 0-4 in such matchups this season after Utah's Trey Burke made a go-ahead layup over Kemba Walker with 19 seconds left in Monday's 83-80 loss. Charlotte's Gerald Henderson finished with 19 points.

'It's a make-or-miss league and they made it and we missed," said coach Steve Clifford after his club's fourth loss in five games. "That's happened to us the last three nights. We've gotten good shots by the right people and if we're going to win, they're going to have to go in the basket."

They didn't for Walker and Jefferson, who shot a combined 14 for 40 from the field (35.0 percent) as the Bobcats made 36.9 percent overall.

Though he was 8 for 23 on Monday, Jefferson has played well with 22.5 points and 14.5 rebounds per game in his last four on the road.

Walker, averaging a team-high 18.6 points, has shot just 29.6 percent in his last three games despite going 6 for 11 from 3-point range. He had 15 points while making 5 of 15 from the field but Henderson scored 24 in the February loss at Los Angeles.

For the first time in franchise history, the Clippers are heading into New Year's Day without a losing streak of more than two games in a full season.

They've won six of eight meetings in Los Angeles.

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NBA HEAD TO HEAD

Feb 26, 2013 Score ATS Results
CHA 84 Under: 190
LAC « 106 Cover: 5
Tools: Recaps

Dec 12, 2012 Score ATS Results
LAC « 100 Under: 194
CHA 94 Cover: 2.5
Tools: Recaps

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Dunkel

Dallas at Washington
The Wizards host Dallas today coming off a 106-99 win at Detroit and carrying a 5-1 ATS record in their last 6 games after scoring 100 points or more in the previous game. Washington is the pick (-1) according to Dunkel, which has the Wizards favored by 5. Dunkel Pick: Washington (-1). Here are all of today's picks.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 1

Game 701-702: Dallas at Washington (6:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Dallas 116.773; Washington 121.770
Dunkel Line & Total: Washington by 5; 211
Vegas Line & Total: Washington by 1; 205 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Washington (-1); Over

Game 703-704: Indiana at Toronto (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Indiana 127.620; Toronto 119.450
Dunkel Line & Total: Indiana by 8; 188
Vegas Line & Total: Indiana by 5 1/2; 193
Dunkel Pick: Indiana (-5 1/2); Under

Game 705-706: New Orleans at Minnesota (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: New Orleans 118.231; Minnesota 121.998
Dunkel Line & Total: Minnesota by 3 1/2; 218
Vegas Line & Total: Minnesota by 6; 212
Dunkel Pick: New Orleans (+6); Over

Game 707-708: Philadelphia at Denver (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia 107.431; Denver 114.866
Dunkel Line & Total: Denver by 7 1/2; 207
Vegas Line & Total: Denver by 9 1/2; 211 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (+9 1/2); Under

Game 709-710: Charlotte at LA Clippers (9:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Charlotte 116.166; LA Clippers 129.856
Dunkel Line & Total: LA Clippers by 13 1/2; 191
Vegas Line & Total: LA Clippers by 10 1/2; 196
Dunkel Pick: LA Clippers (-10 1/2); Under




NBA
Long Sheet

Wednesday, January 1

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DALLAS (18 - 13) at WASHINGTON (14 - 14) - 1/1/2014, 6:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 62-46 ATS (+11.4 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 32-20 ATS (+10.0 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 24-13 ATS (+9.7 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 16-6 ATS (+9.4 Units) after scoring 105 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 18-7 ATS (+10.3 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
DALLAS is 64-48 ATS (+11.2 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
DALLAS is 296-232 ATS (+40.8 Units) as an underdog since 1996.
DALLAS is 60-38 ATS (+18.2 Units) as a road underdog of 3 points or less since 1996.
DALLAS is 36-20 ATS (+14.0 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
DALLAS is 12-3 ATS (+8.7 Units) in January games over the last 2 seasons.
DALLAS is 33-17 ATS (+14.3 Units) in road games against Southeast division opponents since 1996.
DALLAS is 29-16 ATS (+11.4 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
DALLAS is 138-104 ATS (+23.6 Units) in road games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game since 1996.

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

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INDIANA (25 - 5) at TORONTO (14 - 15) - 1/1/2014, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
INDIANA is 22-8 ATS (+13.2 Units) in all games this season.
INDIANA is 18-5 ATS (+12.5 Units) as a favorite this season.
INDIANA is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) in road games this season.
INDIANA is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) after 3 or more consecutive wins this season.
INDIANA is 12-4 ATS (+7.6 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
TORONTO is 5-3 against the spread versus INDIANA over the last 3 seasons
INDIANA is 6-2 straight up against TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
5 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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NEW ORLEANS (14 - 15) at MINNESOTA (15 - 16) - 1/1/2014, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEW ORLEANS is 143-191 ATS (-67.1 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game since 1996.
NEW ORLEANS is 52-28 ATS (+21.2 Units) in road games in January games since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 4-3 against the spread versus NEW ORLEANS over the last 3 seasons
MINNESOTA is 4-3 straight up against NEW ORLEANS 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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PHILADELPHIA (9 - 21) at DENVER (14 - 16) - 1/1/2014, 9:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 19-36 ATS (-20.6 Units) when the total is greater than or equal to 210 since 1996.
PHILADELPHIA is 15-26 ATS (-13.6 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 2-11 ATS (-10.1 Units) in road games revenging a home loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 5-13 ATS (-9.3 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 5-14 ATS (-10.4 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.
DENVER is 22-11 ATS (+9.9 Units) when the total is greater than or equal to 210 over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 51-27 ATS (+21.3 Units) as a road underdog of 9.5 to 12 points since 1996.
PHILADELPHIA is 117-87 ATS (+21.3 Units) when playing with 2 days rest since 1996.

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

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CHARLOTTE (14 - 18) at LA CLIPPERS (21 - 12) - 1/1/2014, 9:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CHARLOTTE is 49-63 ATS (-20.3 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CHARLOTTE is 10-23 ATS (-15.3 Units) in January games over the last 3 seasons.
CHARLOTTE is 9-29 ATS (-22.9 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
CHARLOTTE is 12-25 ATS (-15.5 Units) after 3 or more consecutive losses over the last 2 seasons.
CHARLOTTE is 32-52 ATS (-25.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
CHARLOTTE is 20-35 ATS (-18.5 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 3 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 76-50 ATS (+21.0 Units) in home games in January games since 1996.
CHARLOTTE is 16-6 ATS (+9.4 Units) as an underdog this season.
CHARLOTTE is 11-2 ATS (+8.8 Units) in road games this season.
CHARLOTTE is 9-1 ATS (+7.9 Units) after scoring 85 points or less this season.
LA CLIPPERS are 193-250 ATS (-82.0 Units) after allowing 105 points or more since 1996.
LA CLIPPERS are 193-246 ATS (-77.6 Units) after a loss by 10 points or more since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA CLIPPERS is 2-1 against the spread versus CHARLOTTE over the last 3 seasons
LA CLIPPERS is 3-0 straight up against CHARLOTTE 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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NBA

Wednesday, January 1

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Trend Report
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6:00 PM
DALLAS vs. WASHINGTON
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Dallas's last 8 games
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Dallas's last 15 games when playing Washington
Washington is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Dallas
Washington is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Dallas

7:00 PM
INDIANA vs. TORONTO
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Indiana's last 5 games when playing Toronto
Indiana is 7-17 ATS in its last 24 games when playing on the road against Toronto
Toronto is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games when playing Indiana
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Toronto's last 5 games when playing Indiana

8:00 PM
NEW ORLEANS vs. MINNESOTA
New Orleans is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Minnesota
The total has gone OVER in 4 of New Orleans's last 5 games when playing Minnesota
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Minnesota's last 15 games when playing New Orleans
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Minnesota's last 5 games when playing New Orleans

9:00 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. DENVER
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Philadelphia's last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 6 games when playing Denver
Denver is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games when playing at home against Philadelphia
Denver is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games at home

9:30 PM
CHARLOTTE vs. LA CLIPPERS
The total has gone UNDER in 17 of Charlotte's last 25 games
Charlotte is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
LA Clippers are 6-2 SU in their last 8 games when playing at home against Charlotte
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of the LA Clippers last 5 games when playing Charlotte

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Short Sheet

Wednesday, January 1

Dallas at Washington, 6:05 ET
Dallas: 18-4 OVER against Southeast division opponents
Washington: 8-1 ATS when the line is +3 to -3

Indiana at Toronto, 7:05 ET
Indiana: 8-1 ATS as a road favorite
Toronto: 41-23 UNDER revenging a road loss vs opponent

New Orleans at Minnesota, 8:05 ET
New Orleans: 23-35 ATS after one or more consecutive overs
Minnesota: 8-0 ATS after allowing 60 points or more in the first half last game

Philadelphia at Denver, 9:05 ET
Philadelphia: 8-17 ATS when the total is greater than or equal to 200
Denver: 22-11 ATS when the total is greater than or equal to 210

Charlotte at LA Clippers, 9:35 ET
Charlotte: 11-2 ATS as a road underdog
LA Clippers: 49-78 ATS after trailing in their previous game by 15 or more points at the half

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up

Wednesday, January 1

Hot teams
-- Mavericks won three of last four games (7-1 last eight AU). Wizards won five of their last six (4-2 last six HF).
-- Pacers won their last five games, covered last six. Raptors won seven of last nine games.
-- Pelicans won three of their last four games (5-5 AU). Minnesota won three of its last four home games (6-4 last 10 HF).

Cold Teams
-- Denver lost its last seven games. 76ers covered twice in their last nine games as a road underdog.
-- Bobcats lost four of last five games; they're 11-1-2 vs spread on road. Clippers lost three of their last four games.

Series records
-- Mavericks won their last seven games with Washington.
-- Pacers won nine of last 12 games with Toronto.
-- Timberwolves won three of last four games with New Orleans.
-- Nuggets won three of last four games with Philadelphia.
-- Clippers won their last five games with Charlotte. Bobcats lost last three visits here, by 4-15-22 points.

Totals
-- Six of last eight Dallas games went over the total.
-- Last five Toronto home games went over the total; four of last five Indiana games stayed under.
-- Six of last eight Minnesota home games stayed under.
-- Nine of last ten Denver games stayed under the total. Over is 5-1-1 in last seven Philadelphia games.
-- Four of last five Clipper home games stayed under the total.

[StarDust Bum]

NBA DECEMBER RECORD:

50 - 34..........................*****

16 - 13..........................DOUBLE PLAYS

17 - 8 - 1.......................TRIPLE PLAYS


Wednesday, January 1

Game Score Status Pick Amount

Dallas - 6:00 PM ET Washington -2 500 *****

Washington - Under 205 500

Indiana - 7:00 PM ET Indiana -5.5 500 TRIPLE PLAY

Toronto - Over 193 500

New Orleans - 8:00 PM ET Minnesota -5.5 500 TRIPLE PLAY

Minnesota - Over 213 500 DOUBLE PLAY

Philadelphia - 9:00 PM ET Philadelphia +9.5 500 *****

Denver - Over 211 500 DOUBLE PLAY

Charlotte - 9:30 PM ET Charlotte +11 500 *****

L.A. Clippers - Under 195.5 500 DOUBLE PLAY

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Hoop Trends - Thursday

January 2, 2014


ATS TREND OF THE DAY:

-- The Celtics are 11-0 ATS (10.55 ppg) since Dec 13, 2004 as a road dog after a game in which their opponent shot at least twenty three-pointers and made less than 25% of them.

OU TREND OF THE DAY:

-- The Kings are 9-0 OU (20.06 ppg) since Feb 04, 2011 when their opponent is playing in at least their third straight road game and has no rest.

PLAYER TREND OF THE DAY:

-- The Spurs are 0-15 ATS (-13.37 ppg) since Feb 22, 2013 after Boris Diaw shot better than 66% from the field in a win by less than 30.

CHOICE TREND:

-- The Trail Blazers are 11-0 ATS (11.09 ppg) since Mar 04, 2002 at home after a win on the road in which their field goal attempt per turnover ratio was at least eight.

ACTIVE TRENDS:

-- The Bulls are 0-8 ATS (-9.19 ppg) since Apr 16, 2011 at home after Carlos Boozer shot worse than 33% from the field at home.

-- The Suns are 6-0 ATS (11.17 ppg) since Nov 05, 2008 after Goran Dragic shot better than 66% from the field in a road win.

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Long Sheet

Thursday, January 2

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ORLANDO (10 - 21) at CLEVELAND (10 - 21) - 1/2/2014, 7:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
CLEVELAND is 5-3 against the spread versus ORLANDO over the last 3 seasons
CLEVELAND is 4-4 straight up against ORLANDO over the last 3 seasons
5 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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GOLDEN STATE (20 - 13) at MIAMI (24 - 7) - 1/2/2014, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MIAMI is 41-26 ATS (+12.4 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 3 seasons.
MIAMI is 0-9 ATS (-9.9 Units) in home games after playing 3 consecutive road games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
GOLDEN STATE is 2-1 against the spread versus MIAMI over the last 3 seasons
GOLDEN STATE is 2-1 straight up against MIAMI 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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BOSTON (13 - 18) at CHICAGO (12 - 18) - 1/2/2014, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 7-18 ATS (-12.8 Units) against Central division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 7-17 ATS (-11.7 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO is 52-71 ATS (-26.1 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO is 4-13 ATS (-10.3 Units) as a favorite this season.
CHICAGO is 3-12 ATS (-10.2 Units) as a home favorite of 3.5 to 6 points over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO is 19-41 ATS (-26.1 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO is 2-12 ATS (-11.2 Units) in a home game where where the total is between 180 and 184.5 points over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO is 18-30 ATS (-15.0 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO is 6-2 against the spread versus BOSTON over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO is 5-3 straight up against BOSTON over the last 3 seasons
5 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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BROOKLYN (10 - 21) at OKLAHOMA CITY (25 - 6) - 1/2/2014, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BROOKLYN is 22-35 ATS (-16.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 68-54 ATS (+8.6 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 63-46 ATS (+12.4 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 16-6 ATS (+9.4 Units) off a upset loss as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
OKLAHOMA CITY is 2-1 against the spread versus BROOKLYN over the last 3 seasons
OKLAHOMA CITY is 2-1 straight up against BROOKLYN 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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NEW YORK (9 - 21) at SAN ANTONIO (25 - 7) - 1/2/2014, 8:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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MILWAUKEE (7 - 24) at UTAH (10 - 24) - 1/2/2014, 9:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MILWAUKEE is 49-67 ATS (-24.7 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 31-57 ATS (-31.7 Units) against Northwest division opponents since 1996.
MILWAUKEE is 197-254 ATS (-82.4 Units) in non-conference games since 1996.
UTAH is 19-8 ATS (+10.2 Units) in home games in non-conference games over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
UTAH is 3-0 against the spread versus MILWAUKEE over the last 3 seasons
UTAH is 2-1 straight up against MILWAUKEE 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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MEMPHIS (13 - 17) at PHOENIX (19 - 11) - 1/2/2014, 9:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MEMPHIS is 10-19 ATS (-10.9 Units) in all games this season.
MEMPHIS is 3-11 ATS (-9.1 Units) as an underdog this season.
PHOENIX is 22-7 ATS (+14.3 Units) in all games this season.

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

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CHARLOTTE (14 - 19) at PORTLAND (25 - 7) - 1/2/2014, 10:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CHARLOTTE is 49-64 ATS (-21.4 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CHARLOTTE is 10-24 ATS (-16.4 Units) in January games over the last 3 seasons.
CHARLOTTE is 17-35 ATS (-21.5 Units) when playing on back-to-back days over the last 3 seasons.
CHARLOTTE is 2-11 ATS (-10.1 Units) against Northwest division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
CHARLOTTE is 9-30 ATS (-24.0 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
CHARLOTTE is 22-37 ATS (-18.7 Units) after allowing 105 points or more over the last 3 seasons.
CHARLOTTE is 30-49 ATS (-23.9 Units) after a loss by 10 points or more over the last 3 seasons.
CHARLOTTE is 12-26 ATS (-16.6 Units) after 3 or more consecutive losses over the last 2 seasons.
CHARLOTTE is 32-53 ATS (-26.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
CHARLOTTE is 20-36 ATS (-19.6 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 3 seasons.
CHARLOTTE is 16-7 ATS (+8.3 Units) as an underdog this season.
CHARLOTTE is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) in road games this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
PORTLAND is 3-0 against the spread versus CHARLOTTE over the last 3 seasons
PORTLAND is 3-0 straight up against CHARLOTTE 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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PHILADELPHIA (10 - 21) at SACRAMENTO (10 - 20) - 1/2/2014, 10:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 6-16 ATS (-11.6 Units) as a road underdog of 6.5 to 9 points over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 6-14 ATS (-9.4 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.
SACRAMENTO is 0-7 ATS (-7.7 Units) as a favorite this season.

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

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up

Thursday, January 2

Hot teams
-- Warriors won their last six games (5-3 AU). Miami won eight of its last nine games (4-6 last ten HF).
-- Thunder is 7-4 vs spread in its last eleven home games.
-- Suns won eight of their last ten games (5-0 last five HF).
-- Utah is 6-5 in last 11 games after a 4-19 start (0-2 HF).
-- 76ers won three of their last five games (3-7 last 10 AU).

Cold Teams
-- Cleveland lost its last six games (2-5 HF). Magic lost six of last nine games (6-4 last 10 AU).
-- Chicago covered once in its last eight games as a home favorite. Celtics lost four of their last five games (7-4 last 11 AU).
-- Nets lost six of their last seven games (0-3 last three AU).
-- Knicks lost last three games, by 31-12-15 points (1-7 last eight AU). Spurs covered twice in their last 11 home games.
-- Grizzlies lost three of last four on road (3-6 AU).
-- Milwaukee lost eight of last ten games (3-1 last four AU).
-- Portland covered once in its last five home games. Bobcats lost last four games, three by four or less points.
-- Sacramento is 0-8 vs spread as a home favorite.

Series records
-- Cavaliers won their last four games with Orlando.
-- Warriors lost seven of last nine games with Miami.
-- Bulls won seven of their last ten games with Boston.
-- Thunder won seven of last eight games with Brooklyn.
-- Knicks are 3-1-1 vs spread in last five visits to San Antonio.
-- Grizzlies lost three of last four visits to Phoenix.
-- Bucks lost four of last five games with Utah.
-- Bobcats lost seven of their last eight games with Charlotte.
-- Kings lost eight of their last nine games with Philly.

Totals
-- Last five Orlando road games stayed under the total; eight of last ten Cleveland games went over.
-- Last seven Miami home games went over the total.
-- Five of last six Boston road games stayed under total.
-- Over is 4-1-1 in Brooklyn's last six road games.
-- Five of Knicks' last six road games went over total.
-- Over is 8-2-1 in last eleven Phoenix home games.
-- Seven of last eight Milwaukee road games went over.
-- Last eight Portland home games went over the total.
-- Last seven Sacramento games went over the total.

[StarDust Bum]

NBA

Thursday, January 2

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Trend Report
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7:00 PM
ORLANDO vs. CLEVELAND
Orlando is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Cleveland
Orlando is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Cleveland
Cleveland is 5-10 ATS in its last 15 games when playing at home against Orlando
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Cleveland's last 11 games

7:30 PM
GOLDEN STATE vs. MIAMI
Golden State is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Golden State's last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Miami's last 12 games when playing Golden State
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Miami's last 10 games when playing at home against Golden State

8:00 PM
BROOKLYN vs. OKLAHOMA CITY
Brooklyn is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Brooklyn's last 6 games when playing Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Oklahoma City is 14-2 SU in its last 16 games at home

8:00 PM
BOSTON vs. CHICAGO
Boston is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Chicago
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Boston's last 6 games on the road
Chicago is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Boston
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Chicago's last 5 games at home

8:30 PM
NEW YORK vs. SAN ANTONIO
The total has gone OVER in 4 of New York's last 6 games when playing San Antonio
New York is 1-3-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against San Antonio
San Antonio is 17-5 SU in its last 22 games at home
San Antonio is 2-7 ATS in its last 9 games at home

9:00 PM
MEMPHIS vs. PHOENIX
Memphis is 3-11 SU in its last 14 games when playing on the road against Phoenix
Memphis is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games on the road
Phoenix is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Memphis
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Phoenix's last 5 games when playing at home against Memphis

9:00 PM
MILWAUKEE vs. UTAH
Milwaukee is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Utah
Milwaukee is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Utah
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Utah's last 11 games when playing at home against Milwaukee
Utah is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Milwaukee

10:00 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. SACRAMENTO
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Philadelphia's last 8 games
Philadelphia is 5-17 SU in its last 22 games
Sacramento is 6-13 SU in its last 19 games
Sacramento is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Philadelphia

10:00 PM
CHARLOTTE vs. PORTLAND
Charlotte is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Portland
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Charlotte's last 6 games on the road
Portland is 20-5 SU in its last 25 games
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Portland's last 10 games

[StarDust Bum]

NBA

Thursday, January 2

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Warriors at Heat: What bettors need to know
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Golden State Warriors at Miami Heat (-4, 204.5)

The Golden State Warriors will put their six-game winning streak on the line with their toughest test of a lengthy road trip at the Miami Heat on Thursday. The Warriors took the first two of a seven-game trip and are enjoying their longest winning streak in six years while thriving at the defensive end. Golden State will need to be at its best at that end against the Heat, who have won eight of nine and are returning home after a four-game trip.

The Warriors do not get a lot of credit for their defense but are one of the best in the league at limiting opponents. “We’ve had moments where we weren’t as effective as we’d like to be,” coach Mark Jackson said. “But, when you look at the numbers, holding a team under 40 (percent shooting), that’s the 14th time all year. Only Indiana has done it 15 times. So, we’ve got to get some recognition as far as the way that these guys defend on a high level.” Miami will test that defense with a healthy LeBron James, who returned from a one-game absence due to a groin injury and put up 26 points and 10 assists in 40 minutes at Denver on Monday.

TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, CSN Bay Area (Golden State), Sun Sports (Miami)

LINE: The Heat opened as 4-point faves. The total opened at 204.5.

POWER RANKINGS: Golden State (-9.5) - Miami (-14.5) + home court (-3) = Miami -8

ABOUT THE WARRIORS (20-13, 15-16-2 ATS): Golden State has gotten some strong performances from Stephen Curry during its winning streak and leaned on the interior and the bench in a 94-81 victory in Orlando on Tuesday. Andrew Bogut and David Lee provide a matchup issue for the Heat, and the Warriors figure to use their advantage on the inside. “We need to bring the same intensity (against Miami),” Curry said. “We feel like if we play the way we are supposed to play, we can beat everybody in this league. That is the mindset that we have and it is nice to have everybody healthy and ready to go to finish out this road trip and keep the momentum that we have.”

ABOUT THE HEAT (24-7, 14-17 ATS): James returned but Dwyane Wade went down with back spasms against the Nuggets and is considered day-to-day. Miami has been cautious with Wade all season and the team is used to playing without the All-Star, especially if Chris Bosh can maintain his current level of play. The veteran forward was named the Eastern Conference Player of the Week on Monday after putting up 22.3 points and eight rebounds in four games, and followed it up with 17 points on 8-of-12 shooting in Monday’s 97-94 triumph that closed out a 3-1 trip.

TRENDS:

* Warriors are 4-0-1 ATS in the last five meetings in Miami.
* Over is 7-3 in the last 10 meetings in Miami.
* Underdog is 6-2-1 ATS in the last nine meetings.
* Road team is 12-3-2 ATS in the last 17 meetings.

BUZZER BEATERS:

1. The Warriors won their lone trip to the Heat last season 97-95 behind 27 points from Klay Thompson.

2. Miami G Norris Cole (face) took a hard fall and left Monday’s game but is expected to play Thursday.

3. Lee has gone three straight without a double-double after posting 10 in a row.

[StarDust Bum]

Thursday's Tip Sheet

January 1, 2014


Warriors at Heat - 7:35 PM EST

Golden State: 20-13 SU, 15-16-2 ATS
Miami: 24-7 SU, 14-17 ATS

The Warriors continue their road trip on the East Coast as Golden State heads to South Florida on Thursday. Mark Jackson's club is 2-0 on its current seven-game away swing, including victories over Cleveland and Orlando. The Warriors ran out the Magic early in Sunday's 94-81 triumph has six-point favorites to win their sixth consecutive contest. Golden State is listed as an underdog for the first time since December 6, as the Warriors have covered four of the last six times when receiving points.

The Heat returns home following a 3-1 road swing win which Miami pulled out a narrow victory at Denver to close the trip. Miami has failed to cash in its last four opportunities as a favorite, including three times out west during the Christmas break. Erik Spoelstra's club has several streaks on the line heading into Thursday as the Heat has won five consecutive games at the American Airlines Arena, while cashing the 'over' in seven straight home contests.

Celtics at Bulls - 8:05 PM EST

Boston: 13-18 SU, 15-15-1 ATS
Chicago: 12-18 SU, 11-19 ATS

The Celtics weren't expected to do much this season, but were leading the weak Atlantic Division in December. However, Boston has lost four of its last five games, including three home defeats has knocked the C's off the right track. The Celtics built 18-point leads against the Hawks and Wizards, and even a 21-point advantage against the Pistons recently, but threw away all three games at home. Boston is hitting the highway for just the fifth time since Thanksgiving, posting a 1-3 SU/ATS record, while cashing the 'under' three times.

The Bulls lost their sixth consecutive game when playing with no rest in Tuesday's home defeat to the Raptors, an 85-79 setback as a one-point favorite. Chicago continues to struggle at the United Center, dropping six of its past seven home games, while scoring 83 points or less in all six losses. Since blowing out the Pacers in mid-November, the Bulls are a dreadful 1-11 ATS the last 12 games in the favorite role, including 1-9 ATS without Derrick Rose in this stretch.

Grizzlies at Suns - 9:05 PM EST

Memphis: 13-17 SU, 10-19-1 ATS
Phoenix: 19-11 SU, 22-7-1 ATS

The Grizzlies hit the road for three games, as Memphis goes for its second victory over Phoenix this season. In the previous matchup at FedEx Forum on December 3, Memphis overcame an eight-point halftime deficit by outscoring Phoenix, 64-37 in the second half of a 110-91 blowout. The Grizzlies limited Suns' guard Eric Bledsoe to just nine points, while Memphis had seven players score in double-figures. Memphis has played well on the road recently with wins in six of its past eight away contests, but the Grizzlies are just 2-4 ATS this season as a road underdog of six points or less.

The Suns began the season with a posted win total of 21 ½, but Jeff Hornacek's club is two victories shy of busting that number with 52 games remaining. Phoenix has won 11 of 15 contests at U.S. Airways Center, including six of the past seven. The Suns pulled off one of their most solid efforts in Monday's 107-88 rout of the Clippers as eight-point road 'dogs, while putting together a 10-2 ATS run since the loss at Memphis last month.

Bobcats at Blazers - 10:05 PM EST

Charlotte: 14-18 SU, 19-11-2 ATS
Portland: 25-7 SU, 19-13 ATS

The Bobcats have been impressive against the number as a road underdog this season, covering 11 of 14 times, including four games when receiving at least nine points. Charlotte plays the third of a five-game Western Conference road swing, while covering each of its past three contests on the highway with no rest, coming off Wednesday's game against the Clippers. The Bobcats have lost each of their last five visits to the Moda Center, as Charlotte's most recent victory at Portland came in March 2008.

Portland beat division rival Oklahoma City for the second time this season in Tuesday's 98-94 triumph as six-point road underdogs. The Blazers erased a 16-point deficit and won in spite of shooting 39% from the floor. Probably the biggest positive drawn from that victory was limiting an opponent to below 100 points for the first time in 10 games, while Portland snapped a seven-game ATS skid. The Blazers will try to get on track from an ATS standpoint at home, covering just one of their last five games at the Moda Center.