The Bum's March National Basketball Association News-Trends-Picks !

[StarDust Bum]

NBA

Wednesday, March 19


Favorites have a tough night in the Association

It was a tough night in the Association for favorites. They went just 1-4 against the spread Tuesday night, only hitting at a mark of 20 percent.

Road favorites had an even worse night going 0-3 ATS.

The Heat, Wizards, Blazers and Raptors all failed to cover as favorites.


Heat pitiful against the spread vs. Celtics

Despite getting a lot of media attention and playing some good basketball this season, the Miami Heat have not been consistent for bettors. The Heat have a sub-.500 winning percentage (29-33-2) against the spread this season.

That record gets even worse when the Heat challenge the Boston Celtics. In the past 58 meetings the Heat are 19-39 ATS, a span that date backs to Dec. 2002. The Heat have increased problems at TD Gardens, going 3-13 ATS in Boston.

The Heat open as 6.5-point road favorites against the Celtics Wednesday.


History says expect low score in Jazz-Grizzlies matchup

The Utah Jazz are going to be visiting Memphis Wednesday night and that's a good thing for bettors. The Jazz and Grizzlies are both streaking towards the under both this season and beyond.

The Utah Jazz have an over/under record of 14-21 so far on the road this season. The more impressive trend is the Jazz were 11-10 O/U at one point this season, but have gone Under in 11 of their past 14 on the road.

As an added benefit to the Under trend, the Jazz and Grizzlies have gone under in 16 of their past 21 in the FedEx Forum.

The total for the game is currently at 188.


Cavs' Irving optimistic about return this season

Cleveland Cavaliers point guard Kyrie Irving hopes his season is not over.

After it was announced Monday that the All-Star will miss at least two weeks and eight games with a strained biceps tendon, Irving is encouraged that the injury will not require surgery.

"If you could take a positive from the situation, obviously that would be one, that at this point, I don't have to get surgery, which is tremendous," Irving said at the shootaround before the Cavaliers' game against the Miami Heat on Tuesday night.

"We'll see in two weeks. I'm not going to give a definitive answer (on his return) because I don't know that answer. At this point, I'm just going to continue to support my teammates and be on the sideline. Whatever the medical team needs me to do and whatever's in my best interests, I'm going to do."

Tests showed that the Cavaliers' leading scorer has a strained tendon but not a tear.

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Short Sheet

Wednesday, March 19

Chicago at Philadelphia, 7:05 ET
Chicago: 14-4 ATS in road games after a loss by 10 points or more
Philadelphia: 0-7 ATS in home games after 2 or more consecutive

Miami at Boston, 7:35 ET
Miami: 13-3 ATS after failing to cover 6 or 7 of their last 8 against the spread
Boston: 10-2 UNDER after 2 games where opponent was called for 18 or less fouls

Charlotte at Brooklyn, 7:35 ET
Charlotte: 9-21 ATS in road games second half of the season
Brooklyn: 15-6 ATS in home games after playing a game as favorite

Indiana at NY Knicks, 8:05 ET
Indiana: 3-11 ATS in road games after playing 5 consecutive games as favorite
NY Knicks: 29-8 ATS after scoring 105 points or more 3 straight games

Toronto at New Orleans, 8:05 ET
Toronto: 12-2 ATS off a road loss
New Orleans: 13-25 ATS revenging a loss vs opponent

Utah at Memphis, 8:05 ET
Utah: 3-11 ATS after playing 2 consecutive games as a road underdog
Memphis: 13-4 ATS off a road win by 10 points or more

Minnesota at Dallas, 8:35 ET
Minnesota: 5-16 ATS after 3 or more consecutive unders
Dallas: 15-3 ATS after a game being outrebounded by opponent by 15 or more

Detroit at Denver, 9:05 ET
Detroit: 6-14 ATS off a home loss
Denver: 26-15 ATS after a win by 10 points or more

Orlando at Phoenix, 10:05 ET
Orlando: 8-17 ATS in non-conference games
Phoenix: 20-10 ATS after allowing 100 points or more 2 straight games

San Antonio at LA Lakers, 10:35 ET
San Antonio: 17-8 ATS in road games after playing 2 games as favorite
LA LAkers: 18-9 OVER after 2 or more consecutive losses

[StarDust Bum]

NBA

Wednesday, March 19


Jonas Valanciunas, Toronto Raptors - Doub Wed

Valanciunas suffered a lower back sprain against the Hawks on Tuesday and is not expected to play Wednesday against the Pelicans.


Injury to sideline Bucks' Sanders for season

Milwaukee Bucks center Larry Sanders will miss the remainder of the season while recovering from a fractured orbital bone.

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel confirmed with Sanders that he will not return this season as a result of the injury that required surgery.

The 6-foot-11 Sanders was hurt on Feb. 8 during a game against Houston when he was elbowed by Rockets guard James Harden on a rebound. He told the Journal Sentinel that his recovery is progressing and he hopes to be healthy for the 2014-15 season

It was not a good season for the 25-year-old Sanders. He suffered a hand injury in a bar fight and missed a month with a thumb injury. The injuries limited Sanders to 23 games in which he averaged 7.7 points, 7.2 rebounds and 1.7 blocked shots for the struggling Bucks.

Those numbers were down from a career season in 2012-13 when he averaged 9.8 points, 9.5 rebounds and 2.8 blocked shots.


76ers can move closer to futility mark

The Philadelphia 76ers have now lost 21-straight basketball games and can move closer to the record of 26 - set by the 2010-11 Cleveland Cavaliers - with a loss versus the Chicago Bulls Wednesday evening.

During the current, horrific stretch of basketball, the Sixers have covered just six times for bettors.

Philly will be on its home floor as a 13-point dog Wednesday evening. The teams have met twice thus far during the season, each covering the spread once.

[StarDust Bum]

Hoop Trends - Wednesday

March 19, 2014


ATS TREND OF THE DAY:

The Lakers are 0-11 ATS (-12.00 ppg) since Mar 17, 2005 as a dog when they suffered a double digit ATS loss for two straight games.

OU TREND OF THE DAY:

The Pelicans are 0-10 OU (-6.65 ppg) since Jan 27, 2012 as a home dog when they allowed one-hundred-plus points for two straight games.

PLAYER TREND OF THE DAY:

The Pacers are 0-12 OU (-9.38 ppg) since May 16, 2013 after Roy Hibbert scored fewer than 10 points in a home win.

CHOICE TREND:

The Celtics are 0-10 ATS (-5.25 ppg) since Mar 11, 1998 with at least one day of rest after a loss in which they had at least 20 offensive rebounds.

ACTIVE TRENDS:

The Pistons are 10-0 OU (10.20 ppg) since Mar 31, 2013 on the road after Greg Monroe had a double double in a loss.

The Nuggets are 0-6 OU (-13.25 ppg) since Jan 05, 2013 at home after Ty Lawson took fewer than 10 shots at home.

[StarDust Bum]

Wednesday's Tips

March 18, 2014


Bobcats at Nets – 7:35 PM EST

Charlotte: 33-35 SU, 38-27-3 ATS
Brooklyn: 34-31 SU, 35-30 ATS

The Bobcats crashed back to Earth on Monday night, losing their 11th straight game to the Hawks since 2012 as Charlotte fell, 97-83. Now, Charlotte will try to get back on track against a Brooklyn squad that has won nine straight games at Barclays Center since the start of February. One of those victories for the Nets came against the Bobcats prior to the All-Star break, 105-89 as 7 ½-point favorites, the fifth consecutive road loss in the series for Charlotte.

Brooklyn took care of Phoenix in wire-to-wire fashion on Monday, 108-95, to win its eighth game in 10 tries. The Nets are still three games behind the Raptors for the top spot in the Atlantic Division, but Jason Kidd’s team owns a spectacular 12-5 ATS record since February 9. Since allowing 124 points at Portland last month, the Nets have limited nine of their past 10 opponents to less than 100 points. Charlotte is currently riding a five-game ‘under’ streak, as the Bobcats have given up 98 points or less each time during this stretch.

Pacers at Knicks – 8:05 PM EST

Indiana: 50-17 SU, 34-32-1 ATS
New York: 27-40 SU, 29-38 ATS

One day after officially announcing Phil Jackson as the new president of the Knicks, New York goes for its seventh straight victory in its march to the postseason following a slow start. The Knicks blew out the hapless Bucks on Saturday, 115-94, the sixth consecutive game in which New York surpassed the 100-point plateau (5-1 to ‘over’). Mike Woodson’s club has put together a dreadful 2-10 ATS record as a home underdog this season, while playing with double-revenge against the Pacers.

Indiana outlasted New York in overtime back in November, but the Pacers took care of the Knicks at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in January, 117-89. Recently, Frank Vogel’s squad has been horrific against the number, failing to cash in 12 of the past 14 games, including Monday’s 99-90 home win over the 76ers as 19-point chalk. In the last nine road contests, the Pacers have covered just once, coming in last Saturday’s 112-104 overtime triumph at Detroit as five-point favorites, while overcoming a 25-point deficit for the stunning front-door cover.

Wolves at Mavericks – 8:35 PM EST

Minnesota: 33-32 SU, 32-33 ATS
Dallas: 41-27 SU, 38-30 ATS

The Wolves finally busted the .500 mark after holding off the Kings on Sunday night, 104-102. Minnesota failed to cover as 9 ½-point favorites, the fourth straight ATS defeat for Rick Adelman’s club, as the Wolves’ defense has yielded at least 100 points in seven consecutive contests. Now, the Wolves head to the Lone Star State for a back-to-back set with the Mavs and Rockets, as Minnesota has covered just three of its past eight games in the road underdog role.

Dallas lost the first two meetings with Minnesota this season, but knocked off the Wolves at the Target Center in late December, 100-98 as four-point underdogs. The Mavs are back on track following a three-game skid earlier this month, as Rick Carlisle’s team has won five of their past six contests. The defense has stepped up the last two victories, holding both the Thunder and Celtics to below 89 points apiece. Dallas failed to cover as 11 ½-point favorites on Monday against Boston, but the Mavs own a solid 12-2 ATS record since early January coming off an ATS loss.

Spurs at Lakers – 10:35 PM EST

San Antonio: 50-16 SU, 34-32 ATS
Los Angeles: 22-44 SU, 34-31-1 ATS

The Lakers limp back to Staples Center after having their head handed to them in the last two losses to the Thunder and Spurs. Los Angeles was outscored by a combined 63 points in those two defeats, while not coming close to covering as an underdog of 16 ½ points at Oklahoma City and 17 ½ points at San Antonio. Now, the Lakers return home where they have lost 14 of their past 18 games, but Los Angeles did shock OKC on March 9 as 12-point ‘dogs, 114-110.

The Spurs have won six straight meetings with the Lakers, which includes the easy four-game sweep in the opening round of last season’s playoffs. This season, San Antonio fought off L.A. for a 91-85 road triumph in November, followed up by last week’s 119-85 thrashing at the AT&T Center. The Spurs are rolling with a 10-game winning streak, while starting their last significant road trip (three games) prior to the postseason. Gregg Popovich’s squad is just 4-6 ATS the past 10 opportunities as a double-digit favorite, while going 1-1 ATS in two tries when laying at least 10 points on the highway this season.

[StarDust Bum]

Wednesday, March 19

Game Score Status Pick Amount

Chicago - 7:00 PM ET Philadelphia +13 500
Philadelphia - Under 195.5 500

Miami - 7:30 PM ET Boston +6.5 500 *****
Boston - Under 197.5 500

Charlotte - 7:30 PM ET Charlotte +6 500 DOUBLE PLAY
Brooklyn - Over 193 500

Utah - 8:00 PM ET Memphis -11.5 500 *****
Memphis - Over 187 500

Toronto - 8:00 PM ET Toronto +1.5 500 DOUBLE PLAY
New Orleans - Over 198.5 500

Indiana - 8:00 PM ET New York +1.5 500
New York - Over 192 500

Minnesota - 8:30 PM ET Minnesota +5 500 TRIPLE PLAY
Dallas - Over 210 500

Detroit - 9:00 PM ET Denver -6 500
Denver - Under 218 500

Orlando - 10:00 PM ET Phoenix -11.5 500 *****
Phoenix - Under 210.5 500

San Antonio - 10:30 PM ET San Antonio -13 500 TRIPLE PLAY
L.A. Lakers - Over 220 500

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Long Sheet

Thursday, March 20

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OKLAHOMA CITY (49 - 18) at CLEVELAND (26 - 42) - 3/20/2014, 7:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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MINNESOTA (34 - 32) at HOUSTON (45 - 22) - 3/20/2014, 8:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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WASHINGTON (35 - 32) at PORTLAND (44 - 24) - 3/20/2014, 10:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 80-66 ATS (+7.4 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 59-37 ATS (+18.3 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 22-12 ATS (+8.8 Units) in road games this season.
WASHINGTON is 35-20 ATS (+13.0 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 34-21 ATS (+10.9 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 14-6 ATS (+7.4 Units) after allowing 105 points or more this season.
WASHINGTON is 16-6 ATS (+9.4 Units) in road games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.
WASHINGTON is 13-5 ATS (+7.5 Units) in road games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.
PORTLAND is 56-92 ATS (-45.2 Units) as a home favorite of 3.5 to 6 points since 1996.
PORTLAND is 20-34 ATS (-17.4 Units) after allowing 105 points or more over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 4-1 against the spread versus PORTLAND over the last 3 seasons
WASHINGTON is 4-1 straight up against PORTLAND over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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MILWAUKEE (13 - 55) at GOLDEN STATE (43 - 26) - 3/20/2014, 10:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MILWAUKEE is 67-85 ATS (-26.5 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 206-263 ATS (-83.3 Units) in non-conference games since 1996.
MILWAUKEE is 20-39 ATS (-22.9 Units) revenging a home loss vs opponent over the last 3 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 39-55 ATS (-21.5 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 25-40 ATS (-19.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 15-30 ATS (-18.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 25-37 ATS (-15.7 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 32-17 ATS (+13.3 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 15-6 ATS (+8.4 Units) second half of the season this season.
MILWAUKEE is 127-96 ATS (+21.4 Units) after 3 or more consecutive losses since 1996.

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

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NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up

Thursday, March 20

Hot teams
-- Thunder won three of their last four games.
-- Timberwolves won seven of their last ten games.
-- Wizards won four of their last six road games.
-- Golden State won seven of its last nine games.

Cold Teams
-- Cleveland lost six of its last eight games.
-- Houston lost three of its last four games.
-- Trailblazers lost five of their last seven games.
-- Bucks lost eight of last nine games, covered five of last seven.

Series records
-- Cavaliers won three of last four games with Oklahoma City.
-- Rockets won four of last five games with Minnesota.
-- Wizards won four of last five games with Portland.
-- Bucks won seven of last nine games with Golden State.

Totals
-- Four of last five Thunder games stayed under total.
-- Last five Minnesota-Houston games stayed under.
-- Five of last six Washington road games went over.
-- Under is 7-2-1 in last ten Golden State games.




NBA

Thursday, March 20

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Trend Report
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7:00 PM
OKLAHOMA CITY vs. CLEVELAND
Oklahoma City is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Oklahoma City's last 8 games when playing on the road against Cleveland
Cleveland is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games
The total has gone UNDER in 13 of Cleveland's last 18 games at home

8:00 PM
MINNESOTA vs. HOUSTON
Minnesota is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Houston
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Minnesota's last 5 games when playing Houston
Houston is 16-5 SU in its last 21 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Houston's last 5 games

10:00 PM
WASHINGTON vs. PORTLAND
Washington is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Washington's last 6 games on the road
Portland is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Portland's last 8 games at home

10:30 PM
MILWAUKEE vs. GOLDEN STATE
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Milwaukee's last 7 games when playing Golden State
Milwaukee is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Golden State's last 7 games at home
Golden State is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games when playing Milwaukee


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NBA

Thursday, March 20


Over has big night on harwood

The Over went 7-3 in 10 games in the NBA Wednesday. The Utah Jazz-Memphis Grizzlies, Indiana Pacers-New York Knicks and Orlando Magic-Phoenix Suns were the only three matchups to stay under the total.

Over the past two nights, the Over has produced a record of 11-4 for bettors.

Thursday sees four games on the board and two have available totals. The Washington Wizards are visiting the Portland Trail Blazers (206.5) and the Golden State Warriors host the Milwaukee Bucks (204.5)


Trail Blazers hot Under trend fading fast

The Portland Trail Blazers have had a history of going Under after a loss against the spread, but that trend has tailed of recently.

Portland had been on a hot 3-9-1 O/U record after an ATS loss until recently. Following their previous four ATS losses, the Trail Blazers have gone Under only once and have gone to overtime twice in that span.

The Trail Blazers are also welcoming the Washington Wizards who is has a 21-13 O/U record on the road this season.

Portland opens as 4.5-point favorites against Washington Thursday.


Bucks surprisingly strong play for bettors at Golden State

The Milwaukee Bucks have been atrocious all year, but they have provided value for bettors when they play the Warriors. The Bucks are 5-1-1 against the spread in their past seven against the Warriors.

Milwaukee has also covered their past four games at Golden State, three of which were straight up wins for the Bucks. To add an extra wrinkle, the road team is 7-1-1 ATS in the last nine between the Bucks and Warriors.

The Bucks will be 14-point dogs against the Warriors Thursday.

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Dunkel

Washington at Portland
The Wizards head to Portland tonight with an 0-4 ATS record in their last 4 road games. Portland is the pick (-4 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Blazers favored by 6 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Portland (-4 1/2). Here are all of today's picks.

THURSDAY, MARCH 20

Game 701-702: Oklahoma City at Cleveland (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Oklahoma City 121.209; Cleveland 117.751
Dunkel Line & Total: Oklahoma City by 3 1/2; 193
Vegas Line & Total: Oklahoma City by 9 1/2; 200 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Cleveland (+9 1/2); Under

Game 703-704: Minnesota at Houston (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota 116.113; Houston 126.446
Dunkel Line & Total: Houston by 10 1/2; 210
Vegas Line & Total: Houston by 8; 213 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Houston (-8); Under

Game 705-706: Washington at Portland (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Washington 116.099; Portland 122.673
Dunkel Line & Total: Portland by 6 1/2; 202
Vegas Line & Total: Portland by 4 1/2; 206
Dunkel Pick: Portland (-4 1/2); Under

Game 707-708: Milwaukee at Golden State (10:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Milwaukee 110.692; Golden State 121.314
Dunkel Line & Total: Golden State by 10 1/2; 214
Vegas Line & Total: Golden State by 14; 204 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Milwaukee (+14); Over

[StarDust Bum]

Hoop Trends - Thursday

March 20, 2014


ATS TREND OF THE DAY:

The Trail Blazers are 0-12 ATS (-11.33 ppg) since Apr 18, 2009 with less than three days at home after a win at home in which they scored more than 30% of their points from the three-point line.

OU TREND OF THE DAY:

The Bucks are 13-0 OU (14.00 ppg) since Jan 17, 2009 after a game in which they were whistled for at least 30 personal fouls.

PLAYER TREND OF THE DAY:

The Warriors are 0-12-2 OU (-12.50 ppg) since Dec 31, 2013 with a total under 208 after Stephen Curry was the Warriors’ high scorer.

CHOICE TREND:

The Wizards are 0-10-1 ATS (-7.55 ppg) since Mar 24, 2010 with at most one day of rest off an overtime loss.

ACTIVE TRENDS:

The Warriors are 8-0 OU (9.00 ppg) since Jan 19, 2011 at home after David Lee shot better than 66% from the field in a home win.

The Wizards are 6-0 ATS (12.92 ppg) since Jan 07, 2014 on the road after Bradley Beal shot worse than 33% from the field.

BONUS NCAA TREND:

Colorado is 8-0 (+11.8 ppg) when not more than an eight-point dog, if they scored less than 54 points last game.

[StarDust Bum]

NBA Power Poll

Division Rankings

The bottom six teams in these rankings went a combined 0-21 in between Wednesday updates. Among that list are the Celtics and Lakers, who will miss the playoffs in the same season for the first time since 1994 and only the second time in 65 seasons. While fans of both teams aren't used to rock bottom, it's not a bad year to be in the lottery. NCAA Tournament TV ratings should see a boost in Boston and L.A., especially when Kansas and Duke are on. With David Stern's tenure as commissioner over, NBA conspiracy theorists will soon openly wonder about the Adam Silver regime's involvement in making sure the league's pre-eminent franchises aren't down long. Bravo for tradition.

1) Southwest
2) Pacific
3) Northwest
4) Southeast
5) Central
6) Atlantic

Playoff Projections

Eastern Conference
1) Indiana
2) Miami
3) Chicago
4) Toronto
5) Washington
6) Brooklyn
7) Charlotte
8)Atlanta

Western Conference
1) Oklahoma City
2) L.A. Clippers
3) Houston
4) San Antonio
5) Memphis
6) Golden State
7) Portland
8) Dallas

First Team All-NBA
F- LeBron James, Miami
F- Kevin Durant, OKC
F- LaMarcus Aldridge, Portland
G- Chris Paul, L.A. Clippers
G/F- Paul George, Indiana

Second Team All-NBA
F- Carmelo Anthony, New York
F- Kevin Love, Minnesota
C- Joakim Noah, Chicago
G- Stephen Curry, Golden State
G- Tony Parker, San Antonio

Third Team All-NBA
F- Blake Griffin, L.A. Clippers
F- Chris Bosh, Miami
C- Dwight Howard, Houston
G- Damian Lillard, Portland
G- James Harden, Houston

2013-14 NBA Finals Prediction

Miami over L.A. Clippers - Spurs haters don't want to see a reprisal of last year's classic series and although a Heat/Thunder rematch would be epic, this one would draw the highest ratings, trolling disgusted Lakers fans in the process. Can Doc Rivers take down the Big Three with a younger, more athletic team after failing to do so with Boston? Are Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan prepared to take advantage of the Heat's biggest weakness to hang an invading banner at Staples? Will Joakim Noah boycott tuning in because these NBA Finals would take "Hollywood as hell" to an unwatchable extreme? Drama.

Power Rankings

Rank Team Betting Notes Last Week

1 San Antonio Spurs (50-16 SU, 35-31 ATS) 2

2 Miami Heat (46-19 SU, 29-34-2 ATS) 1

3 Los Angeles Clippers (48-21 SU, 38-30-1 ATS) 3

4 Oklahoma City Thunder (49-18 SU, 37-30 ATS) 4

5 Indiana Pacers (50-17 SU, 34-32-1 ATS) 6

6 Houston Rockets (45-22 SU, 34-31-2 ATS) 5

7 Dallas Mavericks (41-27 SU, 38-30 ATS) 9

8 Memphis Grizzlies (39-27 SU, 31-33-2 ATS) 7

9 Golden State Warriors (43-26 SU, 33-34-2 ATS) 8

10 Portland Trail Blazers (44-24 SU, 37-31 ATS) 10

11 Chicago Bulls (37-30 SU, 34-33 ATS) 11

12 Brooklyn Nets (34-31 SU, 35-30 ATS) 14

13 Phoenix Suns (38-29 SU, 43-22-2 ATS) 13

14 Washington Wizards (35-32, 34-31-2 ATS) 12

15 Atlanta Hawks (31-35 SU, 30-35-1 ATS) 24

16 Toronto Raptors (37-29 SU, 39-27 ATS) 15

17 Charlotte Bobcats (33-35 SU, 37-29-2 ATS) 17

18 Minnesota Timberwolves (33-32 SU, 32-33 ATS) 16

19 Denver Nuggets (30-37 SU, 30-36-1 ATS) 19

20 New York Knicks (27-40 SU, 29-38 ATS) 20

21 New Orleans Pelicans (27-39 SU, 27-35-4 ATS) 18

22 Cleveland Cavaliers (26-42 SU, 31-37 ATS) 25

23 Detroit Pistons (25-41 SU, 29-37 ATS) 23

24 Sacramento Kings (24-44 SU, 31-35-2 ATS) 26

25 Boston Celtics (22-46 SU, 33-34-1 ATS) 21

26 Los Angeles Lakers (22-44 SU, 34-31-1 ATS) 22

27 Utah Jazz (22-46 SU, 29-36-3 ATS) 27

28 Milwaukee Bucks (13-55 SU, 30-37-1 ATS) 28

29 Orlando Magic (19-49 SU, 28-38-2 ATS) 29

30 Philadelphia 76ers (15-52 SU, 24-43 ATS) 30

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Thunder (49-18) at Cavaliers (26-42)

Date: March 20, 2014 7:00 PM EDT


As the Oklahoma City Thunder begin another back-to-back set, coach Scott Brooks may stick to his plan of keeping Russell Westbrook from playing in some of those situations.

With a matchup at Toronto the following evening, the Thunder might decide to rest the star guard Thursday night when they visit a Cleveland Cavaliers team that could be missing what are arguably its top two players.

Brooks hasn't played Westbrook for more than 31 minutes in the past 11 games since he returned from another knee surgery. The coach also said last week that he would rest the three-time All-Star occasionally in the wake of that procedure - his third since injuring the knee in April during the playoffs.

That was the case last weekend when Westbrook sat out the team's most lopsided defeat of the season, 109-86 to visiting Dallas on Sunday, before he nearly posted a triple-double in Monday's 97-85 victory at Chicago. Westbrook ended up with 17 points, nine assists and nine rebounds, though he went 5 of 14 from the field.

The Mavericks and Bulls games were the first of three back-to-backs on the Oklahoma City schedule by next Tuesday. The second begins with a favorable road matchup against the short-handed Cavaliers (26-42) before a visit to first-place Toronto on Friday.

Should Brooks decided to rest Westbrook, the Thunder (49-18) are likely to give Reggie Jackson another start. He's averaged 14.3 points while helping Oklahoma City win 22 of 31 without Westbrook (21.4 points per game) this season.

Kevin Durant scored 35.0 per game - 3.2 more than his league-high average - during Westbrook's recent 27-game absence. He also had 30 points against the Mavericks before finishing with 35 and 12 rebounds in Monday's win.

Durant has scored 25 or more in 32 consecutive games, the longest such streak since Michael Jordan did it in 40 straight in 1986-87.

'I just go out there and ... play to win,' Durant said. 'If all that stuff comes with it, then that's cool.'

The All-Star forward had 28 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists while Westbrook scored 24 with nine assists, but the Thunder lost 114-104 at home to the Cavaliers on Feb. 26.

Kyrie Irving led the way with 31 points and nine assists in that game, but the All-Star guard is expected to miss two weeks due to a strained biceps tendon. Cleveland also could be without forward Luol Deng after he missed Tuesday's 100-96 home loss to Miami because of a sprained ankle.

Jarrett Jack scored 22 points and went 4 of 6 from 3-point range against the Heat, while Dion Waiters added a career-high 11 assists and Anderson Varejao scored 16 with 11 rebounds.

'Our guys hung in there and they competed,' coach Mike Brown said of his injury-ravaged club.

With a 4-9 mark in their last 13, the Cavaliers have fallen six games behind Atlanta for the final Eastern Conference playoff spot. Now they'll try to avoid losing four straight at home for the first time all season.

Although Waiters and Varejao missed the first meeting with Oklahoma City due to injury, Jack scored 21 points to help Cleveland win its second in a row in the series.

The Northwest Division-leading Thunder will be missing two starters of their own in Kendrick Perkins and Thabo Sefolosha on Thursday.

Oklahoma City has dropped six of the last seven meetings in Cleveland.

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Preview: Timberwolves (34-32) at Rockets (45-22)

Date: March 20, 2014 8:00 PM EDT


A spectacular performance helped the Houston Rockets end their longest skid of the season despite playing without Dwight Howard.

With Howard likely out again, Houston might need another big offensive night as the club vies for its 10th straight home win Thursday night against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The Rockets (45-22) dropped each game of a difficult trip that included visits to Oklahoma City, Chicago and Miami. Sunday's 113-104 loss to the Heat was particularly biting considering Houston was outscored 15-2 over the final 4:26.

Facing Utah - which owns the West's worst record - was the perfect antidote in a 124-86 home victory on Monday. The 38-point margin was the Rockets' most lopsided win of the season, and they also set season highs with 58.2 percent shooting and 30 fast-break points.

"We've been playing well and we're confident in each other and how we've been playing," said James Harden, who scored 15 points in 27 minutes after playing 43-plus minutes in three of the previous four contests. "The last three games have been a slip up, but overall I think we're in a good place."

Houston, which trails the Clippers for third place in the conference by 3 1/2 games, had averaged 96.3 points on 42.1 percent shooting with 17.3 assists during its three-game slide. The Rockets were credited with 31 assists against the Jazz.

Terrence Jones scored 30 on 11-of-15 shooting to lead six players with at least 12 points, including Omer Asik, who had 12 and 11 rebounds while starting in place of Howard. Howard had been the team's lone player to start every game before being sidelined by a mild strain to his left ankle. According to the team's Twitter feed, coach Kevin McHale doesn't expect Howard to play Thursday when the Rockets aim for their longest home winning streak since taking 12 straight from Jan. 31-March 8, 2009.

Houston held Utah to just 34 points in the paint without Howard. Limiting the Timberwolves will likely prove to be a bigger challenge with Minnesota tallying 50 or more in the paint in four of six.

The Timberwolves (34-32) nearly put an end to their already-slim playoff hopes by squandering a 22-point first-half lead Wednesday in Dallas, but they eventually claimed a 123-22 victory in overtime. Kevin Love scored 35, including the winning basket on a jump hook with 17 seconds left.

Ricky Rubio also had 22 points, 15 assists and 10 rebounds for his third career triple-double for Minnesota, which is 5 1/2 games behind Dallas for the West's final playoff spot with 16 games remaining.

"It was a big game against a tough team who is fighting for the playoffs, too," Rubio said. "We want to try to catch up to them."

Houston could be primed for another excellent shooting performance. Even in the Timberwolves' last five wins, opponents are shooting 48.5 percent and their 44.5 percent field-goal defense in victories this season is the worst in the NBA.

The Rockets have won four of the last five meetings and were 28 of 58 from 3-point range while taking the first two matchups this season. Love totaled 58 points in those contests and has scored 25 or more in six of his last seven games versus Houston.

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Preview: Wizards (35-32) at Trail Blazers (44-24)

Date: March 20, 2014 10:00 PM EDT


The Portland Trail Blazers have struggled in LaMarcus Aldridge's most recent absence as they fight to earn home-court advantage in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs.

The Washington Wizards are battling for that same goal in the East, and they'll look to win a fourth straight meeting with host Portland as Aldridge is expected to sit out a fourth straight game.

Portland is 6-2 overall this season without Aldridge, but it's hardly played well in its last two as the All-Star big man continues to nurse a back contusion.

After beating New Orleans on Friday, the Blazers (44-24) blew an 18-point lead in Sunday's 113-112 loss to Golden State before struggling to beat NBA-worst Milwaukee 120-115 in overtime on Tuesday.

Aldridge, averaging career highs of 23.4 points and 11.1 rebounds, is doubtful to play in this contest but could return Saturday against Charlotte. Portland sits in fifth place in the West, 1 1/2 games behind Houston.

Wesley Matthews finished with 26 points, Nicolas Batum had 21 points, nine boards and nine assists while Mo Williams added a season-high 23 points off the bench Tuesday.

The Blazers had dropped five of their previous six.

"We're always going to take a win. Ugly, pretty, it doesn't matter," Matthews said. "But we're not happy with the way that we played. We've got to come out with urgency because every game matters for us and that's how we've got to play going into the postseason."

Portland was one off its season high for 3-point attempts with 39, hitting just 12. Coach Terry Stotts realizes it may be difficult for his team to get energized for a contest against the league's worst team, but he's hoping it can regroup against a solid Wizards club.

"We didn't come out with the urgency that we needed," Stotts said. "We struggled to shoot the ball from three. Obviously a couple of guys struggled to shoot. We understand that we were very fortunate to win the game."

Damian Lillard finished with a game-high 25 points in the first meeting with Washington on Feb. 3, but John Wall scored 22 and Trevor Ariza added 20 in the Wizards' 100-90 victory.

Washington (35-32) is fighting to earn one of the East's top four seeds as it prepares to make its first playoff appearance since 2007-08.

The Wizards didn't get a four-game West Coast trip off to a good start, though, falling 117-111 in overtime to Sacramento on Tuesday. They had won 10 of 13 but squandered an 11-point fourth-quarter lead.

'We were up five points (with 24 seconds left) and celebrating like we had already won the game,' said Marcin Gortat, who had 19 points and 14 rebounds. 'We loosened up way too much. We got punished for being too cocky.'

Wall had 14 points and five turnovers before fouling out after averaging 25.7 points over his previous three. The Wizards had won six of seven on the road.

"You've just got to play better in clutch time, and at the end of the day we get punished," Gortat said. "We get punished for being too confident. We've got to pay the price now."

Washington has won the last two meetings in Portland after dropping the previous six.

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Preview: Bucks (13-55) at Warriors (43-26)

Date: March 20, 2014 10:30 PM EDT


OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) - Golden State Warriors coach Mark Jackson has been joking about 'getting my Pop on' every time he sits a key player with a nagging injury the past couple of weeks.

The reference is to San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich, who has famously - and often successfully - rested his regulars at times during the NBA's marathon season. After the Warriors wore down in the second round of the playoffs against the Spurs last year, Jackson isn't taking any chances.

The third-year coach is trying to give his banged-up players breaks during the stretch run in hopes of getting healthier for the most important games of the year. The strategy is one the Warriors (43-26) have rarely had the luxury to consider, and Jackson knows some fans could criticize him if it backfires.

'If Pop rests guys and they lose, it's Pop. If I rest guys and I lose, I'm on the hot seat,' Jackson said, chuckling. 'So I don't think it's the same thing.'

Some injuries are more pressing than others.

Starting swingman Andre Iguodala missed Tuesday night's win over Orlando because of tendinitis in his right knee, the first of at least three straight games he is expected to miss. He has been shut down from all basketball activity.

Center Andrew Bogut sat out against the Magic with inflammation in his surgically repaired left ankle, and backup Jermaine O'Neal got the night off to rest. Both big men participated in Wednesday's light practice.

While Bogut and O'Neal could return for Thursday night's home game against the Milwaukee Bucks (13-55) or Saturday's showdown with San Antonio, an oddity in the schedule gives Jackson the option to prolong their rest. The Warriors have five days off between hosting the Spurs and a visit by Memphis on March 28.

'It's crazy, because we probably looked at the schedule when it was handed out and said, `Why in the world would we have a five-day break at the end of the year?'' Jackson said. 'Then you look now and you say, `It's much-needed.' We're a no-excuse team, but we've got guys who have been beaten up.

'We've been trying to mix and match, create lineups, play guys extended minutes, go longer with different groups. There's a method to the madness, and now I think it's important for us to do whatever we can to continue to win and get to that extended break where we can recover.'

At this point, playoff seeding is no longer paramount.

The Warriors are in sixth place in the jammed Western Conference and believe no matter where they finish - so long as they finish in one of the eight playoff seeds - the road to the NBA Finals will be just as difficult. They're 12-4 since the All-Star break and would have to completely collapse over the final 13 games to miss the playoffs, regardless of who's on the floor.

'You always teach that no-excuse, next-man-up mentality,' guard Stephen Curry said.

The Warriors showed just how dangerous they could be in the postseason when they were healthy last year. They finished 47-35 to earn the conference's sixth seed and upset Denver in the opening round before losing in six games to San Antonio, which was eliminated by Miami in the finals.

Curry and Bogut battled ankle injuries throughout the playoffs, often needing to take anti-inflammatory injections just to play. David Lee missed time with a torn right hip flexor and was limited when he returned. And backup center Festus Ezeli played through a right knee injury that required surgery, which has sidelined him all of this season, though the team is hoping he can come back soon.

'It'd be nice to be in a scenario,' Lee said, 'that we can get a spot somewhat secured so coach can use his discretion the final couple games.'

The Bucks have no such concerns with the NBA's worst record.

Milwaukee opened a four-game trip with its fifth straight loss Tuesday, 120-115 in overtime to Portland. The Bucks have dropped six in a row on the road, where they're 5-28, and are 2-24 overall against West teams.

'The guys played really hard for four quarters, even in overtime,' coach Larry Drew said. 'I thought we did some really good things. I told them after the game I was really proud of their effort.'

Golden State won 101-80 in Milwaukee on Jan. 7 for just its second victory in the last nine meetings.

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MARCH RECORD

............................. 22 - 11 - 1 *****

............................. 11 - 12 - DOUBLE PLAYS

............................. 10 - 9 TRIPLE PLAYS


Thursday, March 20

Game Score Status Pick Amount

Oklahoma City - 7:00 PM ET Cleveland +9.5 500 *****
Cleveland - Under 200.5 500

Minnesota - 8:00 PM ET Minnesota +7.5 500 DOUBLE PLAY
Houston - Over 215 500

Washington - 10:00 PM ET Portland -4.5 500 *****
Portland - Under 207 500

Milwaukee - 10:30 PM ET Golden State -12.5 500 TRIPLE PLAY
Golden State - Under 206 500