The Bum's February's NBA POD's Stats, Trends, News, & Game of the Year !

[Udog]

NBA
Dunkel

LA Clippers at Oklahoma City
The Thunder (43-13) host a Clippers team that is 0-6 ATS in its last 6 games against teams with a winning percentage above .600. Oklahoma City is the pick (-4 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Thunder favored by 8. Dunkel Pick: Oklahoma City (-4 1/2). Here are all of today's picks.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23

Game 801-802: LA Clippers at Oklahoma City (1:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: LA Clippers 120.743; Oklahoma City 128.600
Dunkel Line & Total: Oklahoma City by 8; 216
Vegas Line & Total: Oklahoma City by 4 1/2; 209 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Oklahoma City (-4 1/2); Over

Game 803-804: Chicago at Miami (3:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Chicago 122.788; Miami 124.129
Dunkel Line & Total: Miami by 1 1/2; 182
Vegas Line & Total: Miami by 7; 186 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Chicago (+7); Under

Game 805-806: Orlando at Toronto (6:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Orlando 119.501; Toronto 122.226
Dunkel Line & Total: Toronto by 8 1/2; 188
Vegas Line & Total: Toronto by 11; 194 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Orlando (+11); Under

Game 807-808: Washington at Cleveland (6:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Washington 119.501; Cleveland 116.899
Dunkel Line & Total: Washington by 2 1/2; 200
Vegas Line & Total: Washington by 1; 196
Dunkel Pick: Washington (-1); Over

Game 809-810: Sacramento at Denver (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Sacramento 112.456; Denver 118.923
Dunkel Line & Total: Denver by 6 1/2; 215
Vegas Line & Total: Denver by 3 1/2; 209 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Denver (-3 1/2); Over

Game 811-812: Houston at Phoenix (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Houston 121.038; Phoenix 125.897
Dunkel Line & Total: Phoenix by 5; 209
Vegas Line & Total: Houston by 2; 214
Dunkel Pick: Phoenix (+2); Under

Game 813-814: Minnesota at Portland (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota 116.511; Portland 124.727
Dunkel Line & Total: Portland by 8; 209
Vegas Line & Total: Portland by 4; 213 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Portland (-4); Under

Game 815-816: Brooklyn at LA Lakers (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Brooklyn 117.783; LA Lakers 117.540
Dunkel Line & Total: Even; 208
Vegas Line & Total: Brooklyn by 3; 204 1/2
Dunkel Pick: LA Lakers (+3); Over

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Clippers (37-20) at Thunder (43-13)

Date: February 23, 2014 1:00 PM EDT


Given Kevin Durant's spectacular season, many have already anointed him as the man to usurp LeBron James as MVP. And led by Durant's explosive scoring, the Oklahoma City Thunder have positioned themselves as one of the top challengers to end Miami's championship run.

Then both Durant and the Thunder were humbled by the Heat in a deflating setback.

Oklahoma City will try to bounce back from its worst loss in nearly three years Sunday when it hosts a Los Angeles Clippers team trying to avoid its first three-game losing streak of the season.

The Thunder (43-13) have compiled the NBA's best record, while Durant leads all players in scoring with 31.4 points per game. He's been riding a particularly torrid stretch of late, averaging 35.3 over his last 23 contests.

But both Durant and his squad were seemingly knocked down a peg in Thursday's 103-81 home loss to the Heat. Billed as a showdown between the league's top two players, Durant scored 28 points but was largely outshined by James, who scored 33 and set the tone with 16 in the first quarter alone as Miami started 13 of 14 from the floor.

Meanwhile, Durant was just 1 for 5 with two points in the first 12 minutes as Oklahoma City fell behind 34-17 on the way to its most lopsided defeat since a 23-point loss at Orlando on Feb. 25, 2011. Thursday's result also ended the club's nine-game home winning streak.

"When you don't have good rhythm, normally the three-ball can get you back into the game," said coach Scott Brooks, whose team was a season-worst 2 of 20 from beyond the arc.

Durant was 1 for 6 from distance and is 5 for 22 over his last three contests.

Russell Westbrook - returning after missing 27 games following right knee surgery - got off to a quick start with a breakaway dunk in the first minute. He finished with 16 points over 24 minutes, though he was just 4 of 12 from the field and had four turnovers compared to two assists.

The Thunder have won four of five from the Clippers (37-20), but split two meetings this season in November with each team winning at home. Durant totaled 61 points and 18 assists and is averaging 30.8 points over his last nine matchups.

Los Angeles fell to 14-15 away from home with a 102-96 loss at Memphis on Friday. The Clippers, who have dropped two in a row after taking a three-game winning streak into the All-Star break, shot 38.8 percent, their lowest mark in their last 24 contests.

Blake Griffin had 28 points and 13 rebounds but was 10 of 21 from the floor after shooting 66.2 percent over his previous four games. Chris Paul was 4 of 13 and Los Angeles' reserves were a combined 1 for 10 while being outscored 43-7 by their Grizzlies counterparts.

"It was just one of those games that we missed a lot of easy ones," said Griffin, who totaled 49 points and 22 rebounds over the first two meetings with Oklahoma City.

Paul sprained his right thumb in the final seconds Friday but is expected to play.

Oklahoma City's Kendrick Perkins is expected to be sidelined with a strained left groin he suffered in the third quarter versus Miami. Rookie Steven Adams will likely start in his place.

Westbrook totaled 31 points on 12-of-31 shooting with eight turnovers in the first two meetings.

The Thunder are 15-1 at home against Western Conference foes.


NBA HEAD TO HEAD

Nov 21, 2013 Score ATS Results
LAC 91 Under: 196
OKL « 105 Cover: 8.5
Tools: Recaps

Nov 13, 2013 Score ATS Results
OKL 103 Over: 214
LAC « 111 Cover: 3.5
Tools: Recaps

Mar 3, 2013 Score ATS Results
OKL « 108 Cover: 7
LAC 104 Over: 212
Tools: Recaps

Jan 22, 2013 Score ATS Results
OKL « 109 Cover: 9.5
LAC 97 Over: 206
Tools: Recaps

Nov 21, 2012 Score ATS Results
LAC 111 Over: 228
OKL « 117 Cover: 2
Tools: Recaps

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Bulls (29-25) at Heat (39-14)

Date: February 23, 2014 3:30 PM EDT


Several years ago, an injury to LeBron James' right elbow spawned a parity Twitter account dubbed 'LeBronsElbow' that still exists.

Something similar regarding James' nose could be in the works considering the good-natured ribbing the four-time league MVP is enduring now.

James will be a game-time decision for Sunday's marquee home matchup against a Chicago Bulls team searching for a season-high sixth straight victory.

During the 2009-10 season, James' right elbow injury resulted in a phony Twitter account that currently has nearly 23,000 followers and demonstrates the popularity of the NBA's brightest star.

Now it's another body part that is in the spotlight after James' nose was bloodied by Oklahoma City's Serge Ibaka on a drive in Thursday's 103-81 road win. James sat out the final six minutes, finishing with 33 points, seven rebounds and matching a season high with eight turnovers.

He looked groggy and wore a large bandage over the bridge of his swollen, broken nose Saturday as he sat out practice.

'It has been better," James said. "It's a little bit of everything - pain, headaches, whatever. I have to get past it and hopefully get better in the next day. I'm definitely not going to rush it.'

James was to be fitted for a protective mask and will likely wear it if he plays against the Bulls. That would result in more teasing from the Heat (39-14), who had fun at his expense Saturday.

Coach Erik Spoelstra said a doctor fixed James' nose Friday to 'make it look prettier.'

'You can't be sensitive in this locker room,' forward Chris Bosh said. 'He's still a good-looking guy. He's still married. I don't think his wife is going anywhere.'

Miami has won 10 of 12 as it faces a club it has eliminated in two of the last three postseasons that is also feeling confident. The Bulls (29-25) have been a thorn in the Heat's side in the past, and they would like to see Miami at full strength.

"Of course we want LeBron to play," Bulls center Joakim Noah said. "We hope his nose is OK. It's going to be a good game on Sunday."

These teams have split two meetings, with each winning at home. The Bulls are a different team now, having traded away Luol Deng since those matchups, but their belief remains high.

"We feel like we can compete against them; we've beaten them before," Noah said. "They're playing at a high level right now, they're playing really good basketball. They're locked in but we're locked in too so we're confident we can go out there and get it done."

James is shooting 42.9 percent against Chicago this year for his lowest mark against any team, with only two others holding him under 50.0. He has totaled only 38 points in the two meetings.

Chicago has limited foes to 85.6 points per game during this win streak capped by Friday's 117-89 home rout of Denver.

'We feel like we're playing at a high level,' forward Taj Gibson said. 'Our defense is phenomenal, I think.'

If James is healthy, Chicago's defense faces the ultimate test against a Miami team leading the NBA at 51.0 percent from the field. That mark is the league's highest since the 1994-95 Utah team shot 51.2 percent.

"The important thing is to not look backwards and to stay locked into getting ready for Miami," Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau said. "We gotta know them well. Obviously they're a great team, they're the defending champion, everybody's chasing them. So just be ready for Sunday, nothing more than that."

The Bulls are unsure of the status of starting guard Jimmy Butler, who left in the first quarter Friday with a rib injury.


NBA HEAD TO HEAD

Dec 5, 2013 Score ATS Results
MIA 87 Over: 194
CHI « 107 Cover: 24.5
Tools: Recaps

Oct 29, 2013 Score ATS Results
CHI 95 Over: 202
MIA « 107 Cover: 7
Tools: Recaps

May 15, 2013 Score ATS Results
CHI 91 Cover: 11
MIA « 94 Over: 185
Tools: Recaps

May 13, 2013 Score ATS Results
MIA « 88 Cover: 15
CHI 65 Under: 153
Tools: Recaps

May 10, 2013 Score ATS Results
MIA « 104 Cover: 1.5
CHI 94 Over: 198
Tools: Recaps

May 8, 2013 Score ATS Results
CHI 78 Over: 193
MIA « 115 Cover: 24
Tools: Recaps

May 6, 2013 Score ATS Results
CHI « 93 Cover: 20
MIA 86 Under: 179
Tools: Recaps

Apr 14, 2013 Score ATS Results
CHI 93 Over: 198
MIA « 105 Cover: 2
Tools: Recaps

Mar 27, 2013 Score ATS Results
MIA 97 Over: 198
CHI « 101 Cover: 10.5
Tools: Recaps

Feb 21, 2013 Score ATS Results
MIA « 86 Cover: 15.5
CHI 67 Under: 153
Tools: Recaps

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Wizards (27-28) at Cavaliers (22-34)

Date: February 23, 2014 6:00 PM EDT


A week ago, Kyrie Irving earned All-Star game MVP honors, while Eastern Conference teammate John Wall's soaring display highlighted the Slam Dunk Contest.

The high-scoring point guards will find themselves matched up against each other this time.

Irving and the Cleveland Cavaliers look to bounce back from their first loss in two weeks Sunday night when they host Wall and the Washington Wizards.

The considerable talents of Irving and Wall were evident last weekend in New Orleans.

Irving scored 31 points on 14 of 17 from the field to help the East to a 163-155 victory in the All-Star game, joining LeBron James as the only Cavaliers to win the MVP award. That came a day after Wall helped the East win the Slam Dunk Contest, delivering a reverse slam after leaping over the Wizards' mascot.

Now, Irving is more concerned with helping the Cavaliers (22-34) rebound from Friday's 98-91 loss at Toronto, ending their six-game winning streak which was the team's longest in nearly four years. A sluggish third quarter proved costly, as Cleveland allowed 37 points while the Raptors connected on 16 of 23 field goals.

"I feel like we've got to get better at stopping other teams' runs, just taking a stance at both ends of the floor," Irving said. "Especially when we come out flat and our offense isn't going, we've just got to rely on our defense. In the six wins we had, we've done that. This was the first night we kind of let it get away from us."

Irving missed 13 of 16 attempts from the floor while finishing with 17 points and nine assists Friday, but he could be in for a bounce-back performance against the Wizards (27-28).

Cleveland has won five of the past six meetings, and Irving has averaged 29.4 points in five of them. He had 23 points and 12 assists in a 115-113 victory at Washington on Feb. 7 to begin the Cavaliers' recent winning streak.

He did his part in the most recent home matchup Nov. 20, scoring 28 points while the rest of the starters totaled eight in a 98-91 loss.

Wall finished with 15 points, 10 assists and four steals in that win. Bradley Beal added 26 points and Nene had 24 with eight rebounds and six assists.

Wall, though, averages 20.8 points and 11.8 assists in his past five meetings with the Cavaliers, tallying 32 and 10 against them earlier this month.

He came up big Saturday, driving the lane before dishing off to Nene for a thunderous go-ahead dunk with 0.9 seconds left in regulation for a 94-93 win over New Orleans.

"I just prayed," said Nene, who tied his season high with 30 points. "I wanted to finish with the ball in my hands. They put the ball into my hands. John, he did amazing, penetration right there, he found me right there."

The center, averaging 20.3 points in three season meetings with the Cavaliers, likely won't have to deal with Anderson Varejao, who is expected to miss a sixth straight game with a sore back.

That injury could have been partly why Cleveland acquired center Spencer Hawes from Philadelphia before Thursday's trade deadline. Hawes had seven points, 10 boards and three blocks off the bench Friday.

"He's pretty smart and he was picking it up as we were going along," coach Mike Brown said.

Hawes is averaging 16.7 points and 14.3 rebounds in three games against Washington this season.


NBA HEAD TO HEAD

Feb 7, 2014 Score ATS Results
CLE « 115 Cover: 11.5
WAS 113 Over: 228
Tools: Recaps

Nov 20, 2013 Score ATS Results
WAS « 98 Cover: 10
CLE 91 Under: 189
Tools: Recaps

Nov 16, 2013 Score ATS Results
CLE « 103 Cover: 14.5
WAS 96 Over: 199
Tools: Recaps

Oct 23, 2013 Score ATS Results
WAS « 101 Cover: 23
CLE 82 Under: 183
Tools: Recaps

Mar 12, 2013 Score ATS Results
WAS 90 Under: 185
CLE « 95 Cover: 6
Tools: Recaps

Dec 26, 2012 Score ATS Results
CLE « 87 Cover: 4
WAS 84 Under: 171
Tools: Recaps

Oct 30, 2012 Score ATS Results
WAS 84 Under: 178
CLE « 94 Cover: 4
Tools: Recaps

Oct 13, 2012 Score ATS Results
WAS « 99 Cover: 9.5
CLE 95 Over: 194
Tools: Recaps

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Magic (17-40) at Raptors (30-25)

Date: February 23, 2014 6:00 PM EDT


Another strong defensive effort helped the Toronto Raptors bounce back from a rare defeat on their home floor.

It wouldn't seem they should have trouble getting another home win Sunday night against the Orlando Magic, who could be without leading scorer Arron Afflalo and haven't won a road game in more than two months.

While Atlantic Division-leading Toronto (30-25) has won 11 of 14 at home, the Southeast-worst Magic have lost 14 straight on the road since winning in Chicago on Dec. 16.

A 94-92 loss to the Bulls on Wednesday snapped the Raptors' three-game winning streak, but they responded by halting Cleveland's six-game run with a 98-91 home win Friday.

Terrence Ross led the way with 20 points and Jonas Valanciunas had 18, including 10 in the third quarter when Toronto outscored the Cavaliers 37-21 after totaling 39 first-half points.

The Raptors limited Cleveland to 39.0 percent shooting, and they've held their last four opponents to 90.3 points per game. All but three of the 13 teams to visit Toronto in 2014 have been held below 95 points.

"Just to pick up our defensive intensity, we can't let out offensive woes dictate our game," guard Kyle Lowry told the league's official website. "We have got to make sure we still play defense and get our defense into the game."

Toronto's defense was outstanding in the only meeting with the Magic this season, holding them to 33.3 percent from the field in a 98-83 home win Jan. 29. Lowry had a season-high 33 points and 11 assists, Amir Johnson added 22 points and 11 rebounds, and the Raptors never trailed despite DeMar DeRozan sitting out with a foot injury.

DeRozan, averaging a team-high 22.3 points, will try to regroup following a 14-point effort on 5-of-14 shooting Friday. He had scored more than 30 points in three of his previous five games.

The Magic (17-40) have been limited to an average of 88.4 points during a five-game losing streak in this series and 88.1 during their 14-game slide on the road. Another loss would bring them within one of the longest road skid in franchise history - 16 games Jan. 27-March 21, 2006.

Making matters worse, Afflalo could miss the opener of this four-game trip after suffering a sprained right ankle in Friday's 129-121 double-overtime victory over New York. Afflalo, averaging 19.7 points, scored 32 and hit all four of his 3-point attempts before stepping on Raymond Felton's foot in the second overtime.

Victor Oladipo may be able to pick up the slack after finishing with 30 points, a career-high 14 assists and nine rebounds to help the Magic rally from a 14-point deficit and end a three-game losing streak. The rookie totaled just 17 points during that skid, but he rejoined the starting lineup Friday after the club bought out the contract of Glen Davis earlier in the day.

"There's so much room for improvement. I can get so much better," Oladipo said. "I really feel like I haven't scratched the surface of how good I'm going to be. I honestly believe that."

Oladipo was held to 12 points on 3-of-14 shooting last month at Toronto, though Nikola Vucevic posted 16 points and 10 rebounds. The center has totaled 35 points and 24 boards in his last two meetings with the Raptors.


NBA HEAD TO HEAD

Jan 29, 2014 Score ATS Results
ORL 83 Under: 181
TOR « 98 Cover: 5.5
Tools: Recaps

Jan 24, 2013 Score ATS Results
TOR « 97 Cover: 6
ORL 95 Under: 192
Tools: Recaps

Dec 29, 2012 Score ATS Results
TOR « 123 Cover: 38.5
ORL 88 Over: 211
Tools: Recaps

Dec 21, 2012 Score ATS Results
ORL 90 Cover: 0.5
TOR « 93 Under: 183
Tools: Recaps

Nov 18, 2012 Score ATS Results
ORL 86 Under: 183
TOR « 97 Cover: 7
Tools: Recaps

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Kings (19-36) at Nuggets (25-29)

Date: February 23, 2014 8:00 PM EDT


With lopsided losses piling up and no timetable for the return of their best player, the Denver Nuggets' streak of postseason appearances looks all but over.

At least facing the woeful Sacramento Kings might provide a brief break from their struggles.

Denver seeks its 11th win in 12 meetings on Sunday night when it hosts Sacramento.

The Nuggets (25-29) have reached the playoffs each of the last 10 seasons - the second-longest active streak behind San Antonio's 16 straight appearances - but are 7 1/2 games back of Dallas for the eighth seed in the Western Conference.

They've also lost six of seven and it's unclear when scoring leader Ty Lawson (18.0 ppg) will return after missing the last five games with a broken left rib. Denver is 1-4 during that stretch and averaging 94.0 points on 41.0 percent shooting. The Nuggets had been averaging 101.8 points while shooting 45.0 percent.

"I don't know if he's getting close or if he's not," coach Brian Shaw said. "He says he's feeling better."

Five of Denver's last six losses have come by 17-plus points after it had suffered only three such defeats in the previous 47 contests. The latest was a 117-89 setback at Chicago on Friday. Aaron Brooks provided a spark with 17 points on 7-of-11 shooting in first game since being acquired from Houston a day earlier, but the Nuggets fell into a 32-12 hole early.

Randy Foye scored 23 points, while Kenneth Faried tallied just eight in 27 minutes after totaling 47 points over his previous two contests.

"It felt like tonight we had some guys who just decided they weren't going to play, they weren't going to put forth any effort to get the job done," Shaw said. "It's unfortunate."

Denver split two games in Sacramento earlier this season, most recently taking a 125-117 victory Jan. 26.

The Kings (19-36) are still tied for the worst record in the Western Conference despite winning two of their last three following a 105-98 home victory over Boston on Saturday. Rudy Gay tallied eight of his 22 points in the final six minutes while Isaiah Thomas finished with 21 points and 12 rebounds.

DeMarcus Cousins added 13 points after missing Wednesday's loss to Golden State with a hip injury. Sacramento claimed a 40-26 advantage in points in the paint after being outscored 52-32 without Cousins against the Warriors.

"We'll take the win, but we have to get a lot better," coach Michael Malone said after his team won despite committing 18 turnovers. The Kings turned the ball over 21 times versus Golden State.

Cousins has 54 points and 29 rebounds over his last two matchups with Denver, though he sat out the last meeting with an ankle injury.

He said the hip continues to bother him.

'I had to do a couple of exercises on the sideline just to loosen it back up,' he said. 'It tightened up on me during the game a few times. It's bothering me a lot right now. Just running up the floor was tough.'

The Kings announced Saturday that Jason Terry - acquired along with Reggie Evans from Brooklyn in exchange for Marcus Thornton on Thursday - would spend the remainder of the season rehabilitating his left knee. Terry has posted career lows in minutes (16.3) points (4.5) and field-goal percentage (36.2) for the Nets.

Darrell Arthur is listed as day-to-day for Denver with a strained hip suffered in the second quarter of Friday's loss.

The Nuggets have won eight in a row at home versus Sacramento.


NBA HEAD TO HEAD

Jan 26, 2014 Score ATS Results
DEN « 125 Cover: 4
SAC 117 Over: 242
Tools: Recaps

Oct 30, 2013 Score ATS Results
DEN 88 Cover: 0.5
SAC « 90 Under: 178
Tools: Recaps

Mar 23, 2013 Score ATS Results
SAC 95 Cover: 5.5
DEN « 101 Under: 196
Tools: Recaps

Mar 5, 2013 Score ATS Results
DEN « 120 Cover: 2
SAC 113 Over: 233
Tools: Recaps

Jan 26, 2013 Score ATS Results
SAC 93 Over: 214
DEN « 121 Cover: 15.5
Tools: Recaps

Dec 16, 2012 Score ATS Results
DEN « 122 Cover: 20.5
SAC 97 Over: 219
Tools: Recaps

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Nets (25-28) at Lakers (19-36)

Date: February 23, 2014 9:00 PM EDT


Nearly every contest of the Brooklyn Nets' 11-game losing streak to the Los Angeles Lakers came with Kobe Bryant on the floor.

While the Nets won't have to contend with Bryant this time, a face from the past will be trying to haunt them instead.

MarShon Brooks, coming off a solid Los Angeles debut, faces the team he began his career with for the first time Sunday night when he suits up for the Lakers, who expect top perimeter scorer Nick Young to return.

Bryant averaged 22.0 points while playing 10 games in Los Angeles' run against Brooklyn (25-28), but he remains sidelined by a knee injury.

The Nets instead will have to worry about Brooks, who played 112 regular-season games for them over the previous two seasons before he was part of the offseason deal that brought Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce to Brooklyn.

Brooks started this season with Boston and then went to Golden State, which dealt him and Kent Bazemore to Los Angeles (19-36) on Thursday. Those two players combined for 29 points in their first game with the Lakers, a 101-92 win over the Celtics on Friday.

"Me and Kent just wanted to come out here and play with some energy," Brooks said. "I was tired - real tired. But (coach Mike) D'Antoni gives you that confidence and he lets you go out there and play your game. So I felt free doing that."

Brooks and Bazemore received plenty of minutes in the absence of Young, who will return after missing five games due to a knee injury. Young, who has the colorful nickname 'Swagy P,' averages 16.9 points.

"I think we all know what's at stake here, we've all got a lot of one-year deals but my main thing is to just go out there and play as hard as I can and you know, swag out, have fun out there," Young said.

Young scored a game-high 26 points off the bench to help Los Angeles post a 99-94 victory at Brooklyn on Nov. 27, and said D'Antoni mentioned that effort recently.

"Just the other day, he was telling me to bring that energy I had from the beginning when I first played Brooklyn," Young said.

Brooklyn guard Deron Williams missed the first matchup with a sprained left ankle. He is back now, but is 0-18 as a starter against the Lakers at Staples Center, including eight playoff games.

Another advantage for Los Angeles is that the Nets are 2-10 in the second half of back-to-back sets after falling 93-86 at Golden State on Saturday.

It's not hard to see why since Brooklyn features aging veterans like Pierce, Garnett and Andrei Kirilenko. Still, Los Angeles remains wary of what to expect.

"If I am not mistaken, they moved Pierce to the four a lot, they're playing smaller, they spread the floor," D'Antoni said. "Obviously they're smart. Joe Johnson is playing well for them. They have a lot of weapons."

Brooklyn made just 2 of 21 attempts from beyond the arc and committed 16 turnovers against the Warriors.

"I thought we had a lot of good shots, they just didn't fall," Pierce said.

Nets guard Marcus Thornton sat out Saturday with a stomach illness. He has yet to play since being acquired from Sacramento on Wednesday.


NBA HEAD TO HEAD

Nov 27, 2013 Score ATS Results
LAL « 99 Cover: 7.5
NJN 94 Under: 193
Tools: Recaps

Feb 5, 2013 Score ATS Results
LAL « 92 Cover: 13
NJN 83 Under: 175
Tools: Recaps

Nov 20, 2012 Score ATS Results
NJN 90 Cover: 1.5
LAL « 95 Under: 185
Tools: Recaps

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Rockets (37-18) at Suns (33-21)

Date: February 23, 2014 9:00 PM EDT


Houston Rockets guard James Harden is coming off his highest-scoring game of the season, but it's possible he won't be available for an encore Sunday night.

With Harden having suffered a hyperextended right elbow, Houston could be without its backcourt star when it visits the red-hot Phoenix Suns.

Harden scored 34 of his 39 points after halftime in a 102-99 overtime loss to Golden State on Thursday. He was injured when he collided with teammate Jeremy Lin in the final minutes of regulation.

Though he stayed in the game, Harden underwent postgame X-rays and initially feared he had broken his arm.

"I couldn't really even grab the ball," said Harden, who's averaged 34.3 points in his last three contests. "I couldn't dribble with my right or do anything, so it was tough."

Despite the injury, Harden could play against the Suns, as he practiced Saturday.

The Rockets (37-18) will be trying to get back on track after having their eight-game winning streak snapped, with poor shooting a major culprit. Houston made 50.5 percent from the field during the eight straight wins before hitting 36.6 percent against the Warriors.

"It's OK, we're in a good place right now," Harden told the team's official website. "We didn't play well but we still had so many opportunities to win that game. They hit a couple tough shots ... We've got another game on Sunday and just have to get back on a roll."

Center Dwight Howard, who averaged 24.1 points and shot 60.6 percent during the win streak, scored 11 points and went 4 of 13 on Thursday. He did, however, have 21 rebounds and four blocks.

The Rockets will likely need Howard to bounce back if they're going to keep up with Phoenix, winner of four of five and 11 of 15. The Suns (33-21) have averaged 110.0 points in their last four victories and 108.6 in the past 15 games.

The latest win came in impressive fashion, with Phoenix routing visiting San Antonio 106-85 on Friday. The Suns shot a staggering 64.9 percent (37 for 57) on 2-point field goals, lifting them to the lopsided victory as they overcame a 5-for-25 effort from beyond the arc.

The Suns got 60 points from their reserves, led by Markieff Morris (21) and Ish Smith (career-high 15).

'The biggest thing with us is we want to play that pace," Smith said. "We want to constantly push the ball, push the ball. That's what makes us really good.'

Smith has helped the club overcome injuries to point guards Eric Bledsoe and Leandro Barbosa. Smith, who played for Houston in 2010-11 and has been with six teams in his four-year career, added seven rebounds and four assists as he continued to emerge as a key role player.

He has recorded 18 assists and nine turnovers in his last eight games.

"Ish is special. It's harder because he's so small and when he goes low, it's even harder to stay in front of him," starting point guard Goran Dragic said.

The Suns have won seven of the last eight matchups with the Rockets in Phoenix.

Harden struggled with his shooting in the first two games against the Suns this season, making 25.9 percent from the field and 20.0 percent from 3-point range while totaling 37 points. The teams split those contests, both in Houston.


NBA HEAD TO HEAD

Feb 5, 2014 Score ATS Results
PHO 108 Over: 230
HOU « 122 Cover: 6.5
Tools: Recaps

Dec 4, 2013 Score ATS Results
PHO « 97 Cover: 19
HOU 88 Under: 185
Tools: Recaps

Apr 15, 2013 Score ATS Results
HOU 112 Over: 231
PHO « 119 Cover: 15
Tools: Recaps

Apr 9, 2013 Score ATS Results
PHO 98 Cover: 11.5
HOU « 101 Under: 199
Tools: Recaps

Mar 13, 2013 Score ATS Results
PHO 81 Under: 192
HOU « 111 Cover: 18
Tools: Recaps

Mar 9, 2013 Score ATS Results
HOU 105 Over: 212
PHO « 107 Cover: 9
Tools: Recaps

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Timberwolves (27-28) at Trail Blazers (37-18)

Date: February 23, 2014 9:00 PM EDT


At Minnesota two weeks ago, LaMarcus Aldridge led Portland past a Timberwolves team missing its top three scorers.

In Sunday night's rematch in Portland, the Trail Blazers will not only be without Aldridge but will also have to figure out a way to slow down Kevin Love.

Portland looks to continue its dominance over the Timberwolves, who are riding a three-game win streak behind Love's sensational play.

Aldridge leads Portland with averages of 23.9 points and 11.4 rebounds, but he's expected to miss a third straight game with a nagging groin injury.

Damian Lillard has been picking up the scoring slack for the Trail Blazers (37-18), losers of seven of 11. The All-Star guard had 31 points in a 111-109 loss to San Antonio on Wednesday, but his 28 spurred a 102-94 victory over Utah two days later.

"I definitely feel like there's times I have to assert myself," said Lillard, second on the team with 21.0 points per game. "When you're going through a tough stretch, it's hard to get back on track sometimes. This win will get us back on track."

Facing Minnesota (27-28) may also help.

The Blazers have won 23 of the past 26 meetings with the Timberwolves, taking 15 of 16 at home following a 115-104 victory Jan. 25. They beat them on the road 117-110 on Feb. 8 behind Aldridge's 26 points and nine rebounds.

This time, however, Portland will have to contend with Love, who has missed four of the past six meetings due to injuries, including the one earlier this month.

The All-Star forward is averaging 34.6 points with 14.9 rebounds in seven games this month. He is averaging 37.0 points on 58.1 percent shooting in the last three contests for Minnesota, which is seeking its first four-game win streak since Dec. 7-15, 2012.

Love recorded his first career triple-double Saturday with 37 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists in a 121-104 win over the Jazz in the opener of a five-game road trip.

"I thought at some point it would happen. I've been very close. Happy it was tonight and more happy we got the win," Love said. "This is one I'll definitely remember."

The Timberwolves were also without Kevin Martin (19.0 ppg) and Nikola Pekovic (18.0 ppg) against Portland two weeks ago, but Pekovic may be back for this one. The center, who has missed the last 11 games with a bruised ankle, has totaled 53 points and 20 rebounds in two meetings with the Trail Blazers this season.

Portland's Wesley Matthews had 21 points in the last meeting, giving him an average of 20.3 over his last seven matchups. The forward is coming off a 24-point performance against Utah.

Robin Lopez had a career-high 18 rebounds while adding 12 points against the Jazz. The center is averaging 12.7 points and 12.8 rebounds in six games, but he missed 5 of 6 field goals to finish with seven points and 11 boards against Minnesota earlier this month.

Lillard scored 14 points in each of the last two meetings with Minnesota, making 8 of 27 from the floor overall. He had been averaging 25.8 points on 54.4 percent shooting over his first five matchups.


NBA HEAD TO HEAD

Feb 8, 2014 Score ATS Results
POR « 117 Cover: 3
MIN 110 Over: 227
Tools: Recaps

Jan 25, 2014 Score ATS Results
MIN 104 Push: 219
POR « 115 Cover: 4
Tools: Recaps

Dec 18, 2013 Score ATS Results
POR 109 Over: 229
MIN « 120 Cover: 8
Tools: Recaps

Mar 2, 2013 Score ATS Results
MIN 94 Over: 203
POR « 109 Cover: 7
Tools: Recaps

Feb 4, 2013 Score ATS Results
POR « 100 Cover: 6
MIN 98 Over: 198
Tools: Recaps

Jan 5, 2013 Score ATS Results
POR « 102 Cover: 11.5
MIN 97 Over: 199
Tools: Recaps

Nov 23, 2012 Score ATS Results
MIN 95 Over: 198
POR « 103 Cover: 6
Tools: Recaps

[StarDust Bum]

FEBRUARY'S RECORD:

30- 22 *****

14- 13 DOUBLE PLAY

11- 10 TRIPLE PLAY



Sunday, February 23

Game Score Status Pick Amount

L.A. Clippers - 1:00 PM ET Oklahoma City -5 500 NBA GOY
Oklahoma City - Under 211.5 500

Chicago - 3:30 PM ET Chicago +7.5 500 *****
Miami - Under 186 500

Washington - 6:00 PM ET Washington -1.5 500 *****
Cleveland - Under 196.5 500

Orlando - 6:00 PM ET Orlando +11 500
Toronto - Over 194 500

Sacramento - 8:00 PM ET Denver -4.5 500 *****
Denver - Over 210 500

Houston - 9:00 PM ET Houston -1 500 DOUBLE PLAY
Phoenix - Over 213.5 500

Brooklyn - 9:00 PM ET Brooklyn -2.5 500
L.A. Lakers - Under 205 500

Minnesota - 9:00 PM ET Portland -4 500 DOUBLE PLAY
Portland - Over 213.5 500

[StarDust Bum]

FEBRUARY'S RECORD:

31- 24 *****

16- 13 DOUBLE PLAY

11- 10 TRIPLE PLAY

0 - 1 NBA GOY

Nba picks tomorrow i got home late...

[StarDust Bum]

Fact or Fiction

February 21, 2014


Up until this point in the season, there was no certainty as to who was going to be on any roster on any given night. Now that the trade deadline has come and gone, we know what those rosters are going to look like for the rest of the campaign. Today, we'll look at the truths and the untruths for NBA betting fans about the deadline which just passed.

FACT

Andre Miller Makes the Washington Wizards the Third Best Team in the East: Miller fell out of favor with the Denver Nuggets, and he really had to be traded at the deadline. Miller went to Washington in exchange for very little, and if he brings his “A” game, he very well could be the difference maker this year for Washington. The road is clear to get to the Eastern Conference Semifinals, and don't think for one second that the familiarity the Wizards have with the Miami Heat make it totally impossible to make that a series if that's what it comes down to. Washington could be a force to be reckoned with.

The Los Angeles Lakers Were the Deadline's Biggest Losers: Sometimes it's about what you do. Sometimes it's about what you don't do. The Lakers had to move F Pau Gasol at the deadline, even if they only got a second round pick back for his services. Instead, what's left is a man that isn't going to be tendered in the offseason anyway in all likelihood, and even if he is, that's probably going to be as devastating of a deal as the Kobe Bryant deal was for the franchise. These Lakers just don't get it right now, and they are going to ultimately pay the price by being one of the lousier teams in the league for the next few seasons as a result.

The Cleveland Cavaliers Have No Clue What They're Doing: That's about right. If the Lakers were the worst losers of the West, the Cavs take that title in the East. They traded away a couple second round picks to get C Spencer Hawes. Now, though they are probably going to end up taking one of the last couple playoff spots in the East this year, this clearly isn't going to be the key to getting this franchise back to the top of the East. Instead, at the end of the year, Hawes and Luol Deng will both be gone, and Kyrie Irving probably isn't going to be all that far behind either. Trading assets for expendable players who are going to be gone at the end of the year isn't the key to success in this league for teams who aren't close to challenging.

FICTION

The Indiana Pacers Made Themselves Better By Picking Up Evan Turner: We just don't get it. Trading Danny Granger was something which could have easily been done, but what came back was supposed to really help out immediately. We fail to see where Turner really fits in here. Lance Stephenson has clearly locked down the starting shooting guard spot, and Turner's productivity has mostly come because of the amount of minutes which he played for the Philadelphia 76ers. We just don't see him doing that in Indiana with a much slower-paced team.

The 76ers Were Big Losers at the Deadline: Actually, the Sixers were the biggest winners as we see it. They probably aren't going to catch the Milwaukee Bucks for the most Ping-Pong balls in the NBA Draft lottery, but they're going to make sure they have the second most balls in the quest to get the #1 pick in the best looking NBA Draft in years. There is a great chance now to have four picks in the Top 40, including perhaps two picks in the Top 10. Evan Turner probably wasn't coming back to the team next year anyway, and neither was Spencer Hawes. The fact of the matter is that Danny Granger is probably going to be bought out, and that's fine as well. The Sixers are basically at the salary floor, they aren't going to be competitive this year anyway, and they have the big time assets there to reanimate the entire team in 2014-15.

The Kings Made the Right Moves By Holding Their Best Assets: Sacramento is in a tough spot right now. It isn't going to even remotely get into the playoffs this year, and it is trying to build a team that was warranted by staying in town instead of moving to Seattle. Here's the issue: We don't think that the Kings are really all that close. They do have some good players, but Rudy Gay is a liability because of his contract, and it probably prevents the team from resigning Isaiah Thomas in the offseason. Gay could have possibly been moved at the deadline, as could have Thomas. Instead, the Kings elected to trade for Jason Terry, which just doesn't seem to make all that much sense. It's not that particular move that bothers us. Instead, it's that Sacramento decided to just hold pat with everything else it had. It might make the team a little better now, but in the end, we wish the Kings would have either taken a big stance as buyers or sellers and not be stuck in limbo.

[StarDust Bum]

Hoop Trends - Tuesday

February 25, 2014


ATS TREND OF THE DAY:

-- The Hawks are 0-12 ATS (-13.00 ppg) since May 06, 2010 when seeking revenge for a loss in which they were out-rebounded by at least fifteen rebounds as a dog.

OU TREND OF THE DAY:

-- The Kings are 13-0 OU (14.23 ppg) since Nov 21, 2008 at home with at most one day of rest off a win in which they trailed by 10+ points.

PLAYER TREND OF THE DAY:

-- The Lakers are 11-0 OU (8.45 ppg) since Mar 25, 2013 after Pau Gasol played fewer than 30 minutes at home.

CHOICE TREND:

-- The Lakers are 11-0 OU (11.45 ppg) since Apr 09, 2007 as a dog after a loss in which they made more baskets than their opponent.

ACTIVE TRENDS:

-- The Raptors are 7-0 OU (12.43 ppg) since Jan 20, 2013 after Kyle Lowry had at least 5 turnovers.

-- The Timberwolves are 0-9 ATS (-5.50 ppg) since Mar 24, 2006 as a dog off a loss in which they led by 15+ points on the road.

[StarDust Bum]

Tuesday's Tip Sheet

February 25, 2014


L.A. Lakers (19-37 SU, 29-26 ATS) at Indiana Pacers (42-13 SU, 32-22 ATS)

Sportsbook.ag Line & Total: Indiana -13.5, Total: 206.5

The Lakers hit the road on Tuesday night to take on a Pacers team that is looking to win back-to-back games for the first time since Feb. 7.

Los Angeles is coming off of a 108-102 loss to the Nets Sunday in Brooklyn, making the team 3-12 SU (7-8 ATS) in its past five games. The Lakers' defense has been miserable this season, allowing 105.9 PPG (2nd-worst in NBA). Over the past five games it has been even worse, allowing 107.4 PPG.

Indiana opened the month with four straight wins, but has alternated wins and losses in each of the past six contests (1-4-1 ATS). But the Pacers have won two of their past three games, averaging 103.0 PPG during that span. They remain the NBA's best defensive team, allowing just 90.9 PPG on 41.3% FG (33.2% threes), so the style of play will not benefit the Lakers.

These teams last met on Jan. 28 when the Pacers defeated the Lakers 104-92 as 10.5-point road favorites, making them 3-1 (SU and ATS) in the past four meetings between these teams. Los Angeles is 7-0 ATS after trailing in its previous game by 15+ points at the half this season. They are, however, 5-15 ATS in road games off a home loss over the past three seasons. The Pacers are 8-1 ATS after two or more consecutive Overs this season.

Lakers SG Nick Young (knee) is doubtful for this game, but SG Evan Turner is likely to make his Pacers debut on Tuesday night.

The Los Angeles Lakers lost a close game in Brooklyn Sunday night (108-102) after a nice 101-92 home victory over the Celtics on Friday.

The team has undergone some changes in the past few weeks and one player who was acquired and is really coming on strong is SG Kent Bazemore (2.9 PPG). Bazemore saw very little time with the Warriors, but is averaging 16.0 PPG in 31.0 MPG in his two games with the Lakers. Bazemore has a real chance to show he can be a legitimate starter in this league, as a similar performance against the Pacers would be very impressive.

PF Pau Gasol (17.1 PPG, 10.1 RPG, 1.5 BPG) did everything he could to keep the Lakers in the game against Brooklyn, finishing with 22 points (8-of-12 FG), 11 rebounds and one block. Gasol will need to find a way to score despite being checked by the taller and thicker Roy Hibbert, who will be very physical with Gasol in this one.

PG Kendall Marshall (10.1 PPG, 9.6 APG) is averaging 7.5 APG over the past two contests, but is playing just 24.0 MPG in those games compared to the 32.2 MPG he’s getting on the season. His playmaking skills will need to be on point Tuesday if the Lakers are going to find any holes in the Pacers defense.

Indiana is coming off of a 110-100 victory in Milwaukee on Saturday, but the team has hit a bit of a rough patch for its own lofty standards. Indiana has alternated wins and losses over the past six games and will look to break that trend and stay hot in order to finish the season with the Eastern Conference’s top seed.

SF Paul George (22.7 PPG) has been on fire for the Pacers recently, averaging 33.5 PPG over his past two contests. The Lakers will have trouble with the All-Star, as they don’t have a small forward who can stick with George all game.

One player who must get back on track for Indiana is C Roy Hibbert (11.5 PPG, 7.6 RPG, 2.5 BPG). Hibbert is averaging just 4.0 PPG and 5.5 RPG over the past two contests and that must change if the Pacers are going to get back to their dominant ways.

PF David West (13.9 PPG, 6.5 RPG) has really stepped it up for Indiana, pouring in 30 points in the win over Milwaukee. He will be a matchup problem for the Lakers and could be an X-factor in determining who wins this contest. SG Evan Turner (17.4 PPG, 6.0 RPG) will make his Pacers debut on Tuesday and he could provide instant offense for the second unit.

Portland Trail Blazers (38-18 SU, 30-26 ATS) at Denver Nuggets (25-30 SU, 23-31 ATS)

Sportsbook.ag Line & Total:Portland -2.5, Total: 214.5

The struggling Nuggets host one of the top teams in the Western Conference on Tuesday when the Blazers travel to the Mile High City.

Portland has been one of the biggest surprises in the 2013-14 season, but has seemingly come back down to earth lately. The club is 5-7 (SU and ATS) over its past dozen contests, but has won its past two games by a combined 19 points. The Blazers defeated the Timberwolves by a score of 108-97 as 3.5-point favorites on Sunday night while holding the Wolves to just 39.4% FG in the victory.

The Nuggets were a streaky team at the beginning of the season, but have been on the losing side more often than not lately. Over the past 12 games, they have gone 3-9 SU (2-10 ATS) with two of their three wins coming against the Bucks, the worst team in the NBA. Denver hosted the 5.5-point underdog Kings on Sunday night and took a 109-95 loss while shooting just 37.5% from the floor and committing 19 turnovers.

The Blazers have put together a solid 17-11 record (SU and ATS) when facing teams on the road, while the Nuggets are 14-13 SU at home, but only 10-17 ATS.

When these teams met on Jan. 23 in Portland, the Blazers were able to pull out a 110-105 victory but were unable to cover the seven-point spread. The Nuggets shot much more efficiently than Portland in that game (49.4% FG to 43.2% FG), but turned the ball over 19 times compared to just nine miscues by the Blazers in the defeat. They also dominated the Nuggets very early on in the season on Nov. 1 with a 113-98 victory as 4.5-point underdogs. Denver is an impressive 26-7 SU (22-10-1 ATS) in this series since 1996, but Portland has dominated the spread over the past three seasons (7-2 ATS) while going 5-4 SU.

On the injury front for Portland, PF LaMarcus Aldridge (groin) has missed the past three games and remains out indefinitely for the team. The Nuggets roster is riddled with injuries as PG Ty Lawson (ribs) is questionable for this contest after missing the past six games, while PG Nate Robinson (knee) and SF Danilo Gallinari (knee) are out for the season.

The Blazers have had the NBA's top offense all season long and are currently averaging 107.8 PPG on 452% FG. They have actually done better (108.5 PPG on 45.1% FG) over their 13 divisional games. Portland needs to score all these points as its defense has given up the fourth- most points in the league (103.6 PPG) this season.

PG Damian Lillard (21.2 PPG, 5.8 APG) has become the leader of the team with LaMarcus Aldridge out, averaging 30.3 PPG in the three games that Aldridge has been absent. In Lillard's six career games against the Nuggets, he has averaged 18.5 PPG (45% FG) and 5.8 APG, but scored only 11 points in the last meeting.

SG Wesley Matthews (16.9 PPG, 3.9 RPG) is having a career season and has also increased his scoring output with Aldridge on the mend (19.7 PPG in three games) while shooting just 35% from the field over the past five games. His 22.5 PPG (54% FG) and 6.5 RPG in two games against Denver this season is a nice upgrade over his averages (14.1 PPG, 3.8 RPG) over 16 career games (11 starts).

SF Nicolas Batum (12.8 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 5.3 APG) is coming off a big performance against the Timberwolves (22 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 blocks) after averaging just 5.5 PPG on 3-of-12 shooting combined in the previous two contests. He has scored 11.2 PPG in 18 career games (16 starts) of this matchup, while shooting an impressive 41% from behind the arc.

The Nuggets are not the explosive offensive team from last season, and are averaging only 102.7 PPG this season (11th in the NBA). With the recent injury to star PG Ty Lawson, the team has been able to score just 96.4 PPG on 41.0% FG over the past five contests. They have also really struggled defensively in those games, allowing 109.0 PPG while giving up the third-most points (104.7 PPG) to their opponents on the season.

SF Wilson Chandler (14.0 PPG, 4.7 RPG) has played poorly over the past two games; scoring just 5.0 PPG while grabbing two combined rebounds. He scored 18 points on 7-of-11 shooting when he faced the Blazers earlier in the year while scoring just 13.2 PPG (42% FG) over 11 career games (8 starts) against them.

PG Aaron Brooks (7.2 PPG, 2.0 APG) was acquired at the trade deadline and has averaged 13.0 PPG and 4.5 APG in his two games with Denver. He has plenty of experience against the Blazers (18 career games, 10 starts) and has netted 11.1 PPG (46% FG) over that time.

PF Kenneth Faried (10.9 PPG, 7.5 RPG) has had two performances of 20+ points over his past five games and averaged 9.5 PPG and 8.5 RPG in two meetings with Portland this season.

[StarDust Bum]

Armadillo: Tuesday's List of 13: Nobody asked me, but.....

13) Was happy to see Dale Earnhardt Jr so excited Sunday night after he won the Daytona 500, his was pure joy. Lot of celebrities, they become too cool to show when they’re really, really happy, this was fun to watch.

12) There is too much speculation about who is in/out of the NCAA tournament, as if it were an ongoing selection process. ESPN reports Joe Lunardi’s stuff like it is fact; while he is usually very good with his analysis, it isn’t fact. “Oh, if Tennessee wins at Texas A&M, they’ll move into the field.” That type of “reporting” is just wrong. The committee will come up with the 68 teams in three weeks; those will be the facts.

11) Jadeveon Clowney ran a strong 40-yard dash at the Combine, somewhere between 4.47 and 4.53, depending on who you believe. Clowney didn’t have a strong senior year at South Carolina, but the success Vontaze Burfict had with the Bengals after a sub-par senior season at Arizona State will only help Clowney’s status. NFL Draft is May 8 and its going to be interesting.

10) Why wouldn’t a quarterback prospect throw at the Combine? What do they have to lose? Seems like agents are stifling the kids from showing their skills. If I was a prospect like Johnny Manziel, I’d want the whole league to see what I can do, let them know that I’m anxious to show off my skills. Guess that’s one of many reasons why I’m not an agent.

9) Lookalikes: golfer Victor Dubuisson and Brad Pitt, especially when they are wearing sun visors.

8) Included in Jim Boeheim’s post-game whining Saturday night was a complaint that the Orange had to play at Maryland last night after playing at Duke Saturday, while the Terrapins had Saturday off. Seems like a fair complaint, but the ACC ain’t trying do to Maryland any favors, seeing as they’re bolting the ACC for the Big Dozen. Sometimes things just happen.

7) On flip side of Boeheim’s meltdown was UNLV’s Dave Rice reacting like an adult to the Rebels getting hosed by a replay review at Boise State, which cost UNLV a game it had apparently already won.

My only question is this; if Rice was more of a bastard, prone to outbursts, would he have been more likely to get that call? Does yelling/working refs get you an extra call or two a game?

Would Bob Huggins or John Calipari have gotten that call? I’m just asking, and by the way, the basket UNLV scored should’ve counted, seeing as it was called good on the floor and no replay clearly showed it wasn’t good.

6) Its funny that Gene Simmons owns part of an Arena Football team, the LA Kiss; Simmons is highly skilled at making money, but he isn’t a sports fan, something he made clear on his reality TV show. Speaks well of the AFL that he invested in it though. His QB is likely to be Colt Brennan, who played college ball at Hawai’i.

5) In case you’re wondering, in an average NBA game, each team has the ball 96 or 97 times a game.

4) Syracuse 57, Maryland 55-- Terps outscored Orange 19-3 on foul line, but turned ball over 18 times (-7), wasting too many possessions to pull a big upset. Syracuse is very shaky right now; they play Virginia next.

3) Texas Rangers extended Ron Washington's contract thru the 2015 season, so he will not enter this year as a lame duck manager.

2) Sounds like the 49ers have a problem, in that Jim Harbaugh doesn’t get along well with the team’s other decision makers, to the point where he or some of the others may have to go.

Pat Riley wrote a book about how teams are constructed then either thrive or fall apart; this part he called “The Disease of Me” where people think they are the reason the team is winning, rather than the collective effort being the reason. Curious to see how this plays out, but how do the 49ers let Harbaugh walk?

1) RIP Harold Ramis. One of the great comedic minds of our time, Ramis was Bill Murray’s sidekick in Stripes, was a regular on Second City TV and was behind scenes in movies like Animal House, Ghostbusters, Groundhog Day, just a brilliant, funny mind. 69 is too young to go. Rest in peace, sir.