The Bum's NBA April's Best Bets Thru the Playoffs- Trends,News,Stats !

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Short Sheet

Sunday, April 13

Chicago at New York, 7:35 ET
Chicago: 15-7 ATS after a game where they made 85% of their free throws or better
New York: 3-10 ATS as a home underdog

Toronto at Detroit, 3:35 ET
Toronto: 10-1 ATS after allowing 100 points or more 2 straight games
Detroit: 8-18 ATS in home games revenging a loss vs opponent

Orlando at Brooklyn, 6:05 ET
Orlando: 5-15 ATS after having won 2 of their last 3 games
Brooklyn: 12-4 ATS in home games revenging a same season loss vs opponent

Oklahoma City at Indiana, 1:00 ET
Oklahoma City: 27-17 ATS after scoring 100 points or more 2 straight games
Indiana: 1-8 ATS after having lost 3 of their last 4

Golden State at Portland, 9:05 ET
Golden State: 8-18 ATS after a blowout win by 15 points or more
Portland: 15-7 ATS off a road win

Minnesota at Sacramento, 9:05 ET
Minnesota: 7-1 ATS off a close home win by 3 points or less
Sacramento: 28-50 ATS when playing 8 or more games in 14 days

Memphis at LA Lakers, 9:35 ET
Memphis: 15-3 ATS after scoring 100 points or more 2 straight games
LA Lakers: 3-11 ATS in home games after allowing 100 points or more 4 straight games

[StarDust Bum]

Sunday's Tips

April 13, 2014


Bulls at Knicks – 7:35 PM EST

Chicago: 47-32 SU, 40-38-1 ATS
New York: 34-45 SU, 35-44 ATS

The Knicks won’t be heading to the postseason after the Hawks clinched the final playoff berth in the Eastern Conference last night. However, New York still has three games remaining in this disastrous season as Chicago heads to Manhattan tonight. The home team has taken all three meetings this season, while the Bulls have won seven of the last eight in the series dating back to 2012.

The Bulls have a shot at grabbing the third seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs, sitting one game ahead of the Raptors heading into Sunday’s action. Chicago rallied from an 18-point deficit to stun Detroit on Friday night, 106-98 for its seventh consecutive victory, but the Bulls didn’t cash as 10-point home favorites. Since falling at Miami in late February, the Bulls have won eight of their past 10 on the highway, while going 4-1-1 ATS in the role of a road favorite.

The Knicks snapped a two-game skid in Friday’s 108-100 road triumph at Toronto as 5 ½-point underdogs, but a 5-5 record since an eight-game winning streak in March derailed any shot at the playoffs. Since March, New York has won five of seven games at Madison Square Garden, but the Knicks own a 1-6 SU and 2-5 ATS record in the last seven tries as a home underdog.

Warriors at Blazers – 9:05 PM EST

Golden State: 49-30 SU, 38-38-3 ATS
Portland: 52-28 SU, 43-37 ATS

Both the Blazers and Warriors are headed to the playoffs, as the two teams meet tonight in Portland to improve their seeding. The Blazers will likely face the Rockets in the opening round of the playoffs, but home-court will be decided over the next few days. The Warriors will likely draw the Thunder or the Clippers in the first round, as Golden State will start on the road in the postseason for the second straight year.

Golden State has won four of its past six games, including Friday’s 112-95 victory over the Lakers as 9 ½-point road favorites. The Warriors needed that win after blowing a 20-point lead in Thursday’s one-point home setback to the Nuggets, as Mark Jackson’s club has won eight of 12 road contests since the All-Star break. Golden State has taken two of three meetings from Portland this season, including a thrilling 113-112 triumph at the Moda Center in mid-March, but the Blazers covered as two-point home ‘dogs.

Portland has turned things up since a slumping March by winning seven of its past eight contests, while covering five times. Since that one-point defeat to Golden State last month, the Blazers have won five of their last six at the Moda Center, but are just 2-4 ATS, although three of those non-covers came as a favorite of at least 9 ½ points.

Grizzlies at Lakers – 9:35 PM EST

Memphis: 47-32 SU, 35-42-2 ATS
Los Angeles: 25-54 SU, 38-40-1 ATS

The Grizzlies are fighting it out with the Suns for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference, as Memphis owns a half-game lead heading into tonight’s action. Memphis heads to Phoenix tonight for basically a playoff contest, but the Grizzlies need to avoid a letdown spot tonight against the Lakers.

Los Angeles is playing its final home game of the season, owning a dreadful 14-26 SU and 18-21-1 ATS record at Staples Center. The Lakers come into tonight’s action at 5-11 ATS as an underdog of at least 11 points, while losing each of their last four home games by double-digits. Los Angeles has dropped eight of its past nine contests overall, while covering only twice in this span.

Memphis heads west coming off consecutive home wins over Miami and Philadelphia, while winning four of six since a brief two-game losing streak. The Grizzlies have put together an atrocious 1-9 ATS record away from FedEx Forum since mid-March, including a 1-5 ATS mark when laying points. Memphis has grabbed two of three meetings from Los Angeles this season, including an 89-86 win at Staples Center way back in November.

[StarDust Bum]

Record as of Saturday Night:

Aprils Best Bets:

20 - 16..........................*****

12 - 2..........................DOUBLE PLAYS

9 - 9 - 1...........................TRIPLE PLAYS



Sunday, April 13

Game Score Status Pick Amount

Oklahoma City - 1:00 PM ET Oklahoma City +2 500 *****
Indiana - Under 192 500

Toronto - 3:30 PM ET Detroit +6.5 500 *****
Detroit - Over 206 500 *****

Orlando - 6:00 PM ET Brooklyn -10.5 500 *****
Brooklyn - Under 196.5 500

Chicago - 7:30 PM ET Chicago -3.5 500 DOUBLE PLAY
New York - Under 183.5 500 DOUBLE PLAY

Golden State - 9:00 PM ET Portland -3 500 TRIPLE PLAY
Portland - Under 203.5 500

Minnesota - 9:00 PM ET Minnesota +1 500 TRIPLE PLAY
Sacramento - Under 205 500

Memphis - 9:30 PM ET Memphis -12 500
L.A. Lakers - Under 206.5 500

[Udog]

Glad to see you like the Thunder! I hit em hard! Good luck, Bum!

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Long Sheet

Monday, April 14

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BOSTON (25 - 55) at PHILADELPHIA (17 - 63) - 4/14/2014, 7:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHILADELPHIA is 10-7 against the spread versus BOSTON over the last 3 seasons
PHILADELPHIA is 9-8 straight up against BOSTON over the last 3 seasons
11 of 17 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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MIAMI (54 - 26) at WASHINGTON (42 - 38) - 4/14/2014, 7:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 5-5 against the spread versus MIAMI over the last 3 seasons
MIAMI is 6-4 straight up against WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
7 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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MILWAUKEE (15 - 65) at TORONTO (47 - 33) - 4/14/2014, 7:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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CHARLOTTE (41 - 39) at ATLANTA (37 - 43) - 4/14/2014, 7:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 9-2 against the spread versus CHARLOTTE over the last 3 seasons
ATLANTA is 11-0 straight up against CHARLOTTE over the last 3 seasons
9 of 11 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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OKLAHOMA CITY (58 - 22) at NEW ORLEANS (32 - 48) - 4/14/2014, 8:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
OKLAHOMA CITY is 6-3 against the spread versus NEW ORLEANS over the last 3 seasons
OKLAHOMA CITY is 9-0 straight up against NEW ORLEANS 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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SAN ANTONIO (62 - 18) at HOUSTON (53 - 27) - 4/14/2014, 8:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
HOUSTON is 7-4 against the spread versus SAN ANTONIO over the last 3 seasons
HOUSTON is 6-5 straight up against SAN ANTONIO over the last 3 seasons
7 of 11 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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ORLANDO (23 - 57) at CHICAGO (47 - 33) - 4/14/2014, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ORLANDO is 34-43 ATS (-13.3 Units) in all games this season.
ORLANDO is 13-25 ATS (-14.5 Units) in road games this season.
ORLANDO is 47-61 ATS (-20.1 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO is 90-64 ATS (+19.6 Units) in home games when playing on back-to-back days since 1996.
CHICAGO is 38-52 ATS (-19.2 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO is 34-52 ATS (-23.2 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO is 4-13 ATS (-10.3 Units) in home games after a loss by 10 points or more over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ORLANDO is 5-3 against the spread versus CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO is 7-2 straight up against ORLANDO 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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LA LAKERS (25 - 55) at UTAH (24 - 56) - 4/14/2014, 9:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LA LAKERS are 72-90 ATS (-27.0 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
LA LAKERS are 13-22 ATS (-11.2 Units) when the total is greater than or equal to 210 this season.
LA LAKERS are 48-71 ATS (-30.1 Units) in road games over the last 3 seasons.
LA LAKERS are 48-67 ATS (-25.7 Units) second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
UTAH is 111-82 ATS (+20.8 Units) in home games after a division game since 1996.
LA LAKERS are 23-14 ATS (+7.6 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
LA LAKERS are 92-64 ATS (+21.6 Units) in road games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season since 1996.
UTAH is 33-43 ATS (-14.3 Units) in all games this season.
UTAH is 11-20 ATS (-11.0 Units) second half of the season this season.
UTAH is 13-22 ATS (-11.2 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
UTAH is 17-30 ATS (-16.0 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.
UTAH is 8-18 ATS (-11.8 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
UTAH is 5-5 against the spread versus LA LAKERS over the last 3 seasons
UTAH is 6-4 straight up against LA LAKERS over the last 3 seasons
6 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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MEMPHIS (48 - 32) at PHOENIX (47 - 33) - 4/14/2014, 10:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PHOENIX is 51-28 ATS (+20.2 Units) in all games this season.
PHOENIX is 24-15 ATS (+7.5 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent this season.
PHOENIX is 22-11 ATS (+9.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
MEMPHIS is 93-78 ATS (+7.2 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MEMPHIS is 29-17 ATS (+10.3 Units) after a win by 10 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
MEMPHIS is 54-35 ATS (+15.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
MEMPHIS is 54-40 ATS (+10.0 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MEMPHIS is 5-4 against the spread versus PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
MEMPHIS is 6-4 straight up against PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
5 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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MINNESOTA (40 - 40) at GOLDEN STATE (49 - 31) - 4/14/2014, 10:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Dunkel

Memphis at Phoenix
The Grizzlies come into their contest with the Suns tonight carrying a 4-1 ATS record in the last 5 meetings between the two teams. Memphis is the pick (+3 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Grizzlies favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: Memphis (+3 1/2). Here are all of today's picks.

MONDAY, APRIL 14

Game 501-502: Boston at Philadelphia (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Boston 113.029; Philadelphia 116.482
Dunkel Line & Total: Philadelphia by 3 1/2; 206
Vegas Line & Total: Boston by 3 1/2; 212
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (+3 1/2); Under

Game 503-504: Miami at Washington (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Miami 123.848; Washington 120.659
Dunkel Line & Total: Miami by 3; 199
Vegas Line & Total: Washington by 3 1/2; 191 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Miami (+3 1/2); Over

Game 505-506: Milwaukee at Toronto (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Milwaukee 108.987; Toronto 124.806
Dunkel Line & Total: Toronto by 16; 209
Vegas Line & Total: Toronto by 11; 204
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (-11); Over

Game 507-508: Charlotte at Atlanta (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Charlotte 115.716; Atlanta 116.502
Dunkel Line & Total: Atlanta by 1; 203 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Charlotte by 3 1/2; 198
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (+3 1/2); Over

Game 509-510: Oklahoma City at New Orleans (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Oklahoma City 115.489; New Orleans 114.212
Dunkel Line & Total: Oklahoma City by 1 1/2; 200 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Oklahoma City by 7 1/2; 203 1/2
Dunkel Pick: New Orleans (+7 1/2); Under

Game 511-512: San Antonio at Houston (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Antonio 122.857; Houston 127.333
Dunkel Line & Total: Houston by 4 1/2; 209 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Houston by 6; 212
Dunkel Pick: San Antonio (+6); Under

Game 513-514: Orlando at Chicago (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Orlando 112.419; Chicago 130.517
Dunkel Line & Total: Chicago by 18; 190
Vegas Line & Total: Chicago by 12; 184
Dunkel Pick: Chicago (-12); Over

Game 515-516: LA Lakers at Utah (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: LA Lakers 102.644; Utah 116.481
Dunkel Line & Total: Utah by 14; 208
Vegas Line & Total: Utah by 5 1/2; 211 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Utah (-5 1/2); Under

Game 517-518: Memphis at Phoenix (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Memphis 126.135; Phoenix 125.173
Dunkel Line & Total: Memphis by 1; 204 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Phoenix by 3 1/2; 196 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Memphis (+3 1/2); Over

Game 519-520: Minnesota at Golden State (10:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota 119.508; Golden State 123.200
Dunkel Line & Total: Golden State by 3 1/2; 205
Vegas Line & Total: Golden State by 7 1/2; 208
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (+7 1/2); Under

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Short Sheet

Monday, April 14

Atlanta at Philadelphia, 7:05 ET
Santana: ATLANTA 11-1 off an upset win over a division rival as an underdog
Hernandez: PHILADELPHIA 11-22 after 2 or more consecutive wins

Washington at Miami, 7:10 ET
Zimmermann: 39-16 TSR when the total is 7 to 8.5
Hand: MIAMI 73-126 after a loss

Pittsburgh at Cincinnati, 7:10 ET
Rodriguez: PITTSBURGH 17-7 after 6 or more consecutive road games
Bailey: CINCINNATI 19-38 in home games after a win by 8 runs or more

St Louis at Milwaukee, 8:10 ET
Lynn: ST LOUIS 18-31 in road games after a win
Garza: MILWAUKEE 10-2 in all games

NY Mets at Arizona, 9:40 ET
Wheeler: NY METS 49-23 OVER as a road underdog of +100 to +150
Collmenter: ARIZONA 9-1 OVER after a loss

Colorado at San Diego, 10:10 ET
Lyles: COLORADO 24-54 as a road underdog
Stults: 14-7 TSR when the total is 7 or less

Tampa Bay at Baltimore, 7:05 ET
Archer: TAMPA BAY 5-16 after a loss by 6 runs or more
Chen: 18-11 TSR as an underdog

Seattle at Texas, 8:05 ET
Elias: n/a
Lewis: n/a

Oakland at LA Angels, 10:05 ET
Chavez: OAKLAND 122-79 after a win
Santiago: LA ANGELS 6-14 in home games after having won 3 of their last 4 games

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Short Sheet

Monday, April 14

Boston at Philadelphia, 7:05 ET
Boston: 14-6 ATS revenging a home loss vs opponent
Philadelphia: 3-12 ATS as a home underdog of 6 points or less

Miami at Washington, 7:05 ET
Miami: 13-2 ATS after having lost 3 of their last 4
Washington: 6-14 ATS after 2 or more consecutive wins

Milwaukee at Toronto, 7:05 ET
Milwaukee: 22-43 ATS revenging a home loss vs opponent
Toronto: 11-1 ATS after allowing 100 points or more 2 straight games

Charlotte at Atlanta, 7:35 ET
Charlotte: 8-0 ATS after playing 2 consecutive games as favorite
Atlanta: 0-8 ATS in home games off a home win against a division rival

Oklahoma City at New Orleans, 8:05 ET
Oklahoma City: 48-27 ATS after having won 2 of their last 3
New Orleans: 19-29 ATS revenging a loss vs opponent

San Antonio at Houston, 8:05 ET
San Antonio: 12-1 ATS after a game where they made 12 or more 3 point shots
Houston: HOUSTON is 5-13 ATS after 2 games where opponent was called for 25 or more fouls

Orlando at Chicago, 8:05 ET
Orlando: 12-23 ATS as a road underdog
Chicago: 14-6 ATS after having won 4 of their last 5 games

LA Lakers at Utah, 9:05 ET
LA Lakers: 48-71 ATS in road games
Utah: 53-31 ATS in home games off a loss against a division rival

Memphis at Phoenix, 10:05 ET
Memphis: 4-12 ATS after playing a game as a road favorite
Phoenix: 22-10 ATS after 1 or more consecutive losses

Minnesota at Golden State, 10:35 ET
Minnesota: 17-40 ATS off a close road loss of 3 points or less
Golden State: 28-13 ATS after a loss by 6 points or less

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up

Monday, April 14

Hot teams
-- Celtics won last two games, covered three of last four.
-- Raptors won five of their last six games.
-- Wizards won six of their last nine games.
-- Bobcats won six of their last seven games. Atlanta won five of its last six games.
-- Bulls won seven of their last eight games.
-- Spurs won 22 of last 24 games, covered seven of last nine. Rockets won 14 of their 15 home games.
-- Thunder won three of their last four games.
-- Grizzlies won four of their last five games.
-- Warriors covered four of their last five games.

Cold Teams
-- 76ers lost 32 of their last 34 games, but covered six of last eight.
-- Bucks lost seven of last eight games (3-5 vs spread).
-- Miami lost four of its last six games.
-- Magic lost five of their last seven games.
-- Pelicans lost last eight games, but covered three of last four.
-- Utah lost nine of last ten games. Lakers lost last seven games (0-4-1 vs spread in last five).
-- Suns lost four of their last seven games.
--- Minnesota lost five of its last six road games.

Series records
-- 76ers are 10-9 in last 19 games with Boston, 2-1 this season.
-- Raptors are 3-0 vs Milwaukee this year, winning by 7-22-4 points.
-- Heat won/covered five of last six games with Washington.
-- Hawks won their last eleven games with Charlotte.
-- Bulls won nine of last eleven games with Orlando.
-- Spurs lost their last four games with Houston.
-- Pelicans lost their last ten games with Oklahoma City.
-- Lakers lost six of last eight games with Utah.
-- Grizzlies won six of their last eight games.
-- Warriors won seven of last eight games with Minnesota.

Totals
-- Seven of last nine Boston games went over the total.
-- Four of last five Milwaukee games went over total.
-- Last five Washington games stayed under the total.
-- Nine of last eleven Bobcat-Hawk games went over.
-- Four of last five Orlando games stayed under.
-- Last seven Houston games went over the total.
-- Five of last seven New Orleans games went over.
-- Five of last six Laker games stayed under the total.
-- Under is 25-15 in Memphis road games this year.
-- 12 of last 15 Minnesota-Golden State games stayed under.

[StarDust Bum]

NBA

Monday, April 14

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Trend Report
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7:00 PM
MIAMI vs. WASHINGTON
Miami is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Miami's last 12 games
Washington is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Washington's last 6 games when playing at home against Miami

7:00 PM
MILWAUKEE vs. TORONTO
Milwaukee is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Toronto
Milwaukee is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Toronto's last 5 games
Toronto is 3-10 SU in its last 13 games when playing Milwaukee

7:00 PM
BOSTON vs. PHILADELPHIA
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Boston's last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Boston's last 7 games on the road
Philadelphia is 2-23 SU in its last 25 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Philadelphia's last 7 games when playing Boston

7:30 PM
CHARLOTTE vs. ATLANTA
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Charlotte's last 6 games on the road
Charlotte is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
Atlanta is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Charlotte
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Atlanta's last 8 games at home

8:00 PM
ORLANDO vs. CHICAGO
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Orlando's last 7 games when playing on the road against Chicago
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Orlando's last 15 games when playing Chicago
Chicago is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games
Chicago is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home

8:00 PM
SAN ANTONIO vs. HOUSTON
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of San Antonio's last 7 games on the road
San Antonio is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games on the road
Houston is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing San Antonio
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Houston's last 5 games

8:00 PM
OKLAHOMA CITY vs. NEW ORLEANS
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Oklahoma City's last 5 games when playing New Orleans
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Oklahoma City's last 7 games on the road
New Orleans is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Oklahoma City
New Orleans is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Oklahoma City

9:00 PM
LA LAKERS vs. UTAH
LA Lakers are 0-5 SU in their last 5 games
LA Lakers are 2-4 SU in their last 6 games when playing on the road against Utah
Utah is 4-2 SU in their last 6 games when playing at home against LA Lakers
Utah is 3-6 ATS in their last 9 games when playing at home against LA Lakers

10:00 PM
MEMPHIS vs. PHOENIX
Memphis is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Memphis is 6-18 SU in its last 24 games when playing on the road against Phoenix
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Phoenix's last 14 games
Phoenix is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home

10:30 PM
MINNESOTA vs. GOLDEN STATE
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Minnesota's last 7 games on the road
Minnesota is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Golden State's last 5 games when playing Minnesota
Golden State is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing Minnesota

[StarDust Bum]

NBA

Monday, April 14

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Three teams books don't want to win the NBA title
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Calling it a doomsday scenario is a bit of an exaggeration but there is certainly one matchup sportbooks don’t want to see come the NBA Finals in June: The Brooklyn Nets versus the Los Angeles Clippers.

“The Nets would be a very bad result for us if they win the East and eventually go on to win the NBA Title,” says Michael Stewart of CarbonSports.ag. “We took decent action on them to start the season. Then they got off to an awful start and their odds got as high as 200/1. When you’re taking action at those odds it doesn’t take much to get exposed, and we did.”

As for the Clippers, it seems to be as much about their proximity to Nevada as it is about their strong play this season.

“Being in Reno, we usually always have more exposure on the “local” teams such as the Warriors and Lakers,” explains Steve Mikkelson, sportsbook director of the Atlantis Casino. “This year with the Lakers being as bad as they are, the attention was shifted to the Clippers.”

However, the books do seem very sanguine about the chances of this matchup coming to fruition. As No. 3 and No. 5 seeds respectively, the Clips and Nets would have to go through some formidable opponents – Spurs, Thunder, Heat, and Pacers - without home-court advantage to meet for the right to raise the Larry O’Brien Trophy.

As for the favorites, the books are quite comfortable with their current positioning. In fact, Stewart says it is only the New York Knicks (besides the Nets) that has them exposed at all.

“I don’t understand the fascination our bettors had with this Knicks team but they were a bet on team for our customers most of the year and they lost money on them throughout the season,” says Stewart. “And they bet them to win both the East and the NBA Title. We’ve had some very high odds on them but we’re talking about a team that isn’t going to even make the playoffs.”

[StarDust Bum]

NBA

Monday, April 14

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Three NBA teams that would love to play postseason spoiler
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The NBA schedule is wrapping up Wednesday, which leaves plenty of time for teams to jockey for playoff positioning. But beware basketball bettors. There are a few non-postseason teams still playing out the home stretch that would relish the role of spoiler in the final games of the season.

We look at three potential spoiled sports that NBA bettors should watch out for:

New York Knicks

The race for third spot in the Eastern Conference will have as much to do with the play of the New York Knicks as it will of the Toronto Raptors or Chicago Bulls. That’s because the Knicks travel to Toronto tonight before hosting the Bulls Sunday, going to Brooklyn and then welcoming the Raps on Wednesday.

For their part the Knicks still have an outside shot at the postseason with the Atlanta Hawks, up by two games, still needing to face the Nets, Heat, and Bobcats before finishing off with the Milwaukee Bucks.

But if the Knicks are to make the playoffs they may not be able to rely on Carmelo Anthony’s scoring. Reports say the Knicks’ All-Star will play these final games despite a deeply bruised shoulder that has seen Melo go just 9-for-31 over his last couple games.

“If you’ve even been a shooter, if it’s tough to raise your shooting arm it’s tough,” coach Mike Woodson told reporters. “Only Melo knows the severity of his pain. All I can try to do is put him in the best position possible, and if he tells me he’s hurting and he can’t play, then it’s my job to sit him. But I don’t know if he’ll ever tell me that.”

Milwaukee Bucks

The NBA’s worst team could have lots of say in the Eastern Conference’s final playoff positions. The Bucks play the Washington Wizards (tied with the Charlotte Bobcats for sixth), Toronto Raptors (fighting the Bulls for third), and Atlanta Hawks (see above) before we put the season to bed.

The Wiz would like to secure sixth instead of having to play either the Pacers or Heat, the Raps would like to avoid fourth and the Brooklyn Nets, and the Hawks have a tough schedule but essentially need just one more win to see off the Knicks for the final playoff spot.

And looking at the Bucks they probably won’t provide too much resistance to any of the three. The Bucks have lost eight of their last 10, keeping only two of the eight under 102 points. Heck, this team couldn’t even beat a struggling Indiana Pacers team that sat all five starters. But in all seriousness, what else can you expect from a team with a starting frontline of Khris Middleton, Jeff Adrien, and Zaza Pachulia all playing at least 32 minutes.

Sacramento Kings

The race for the final two playoff spots in the Western Conference between the Phoenix Suns, Dallas Mavericks, and Memphis Grizzlies is fascinating mostly because everyone still has to play each other.

Looking at the standings one would think getting to 49 wins will get you one of the two spots and currently the Mavs sit on 48 wins with two games (Suns and Grizz) left. Memphis, on 46 wins has the Sixers, Lakers, Suns, and Mavs, while Phoenix is on 47 with San Antonio, Dallas, Memphis and Sacramento left to play.

Looking at those matchups it’s realistic that it could come down to those final matchups between Dallas and Memphis and Phoenix versus Sacramento. If that’s the case the Phoenix has the best chance of getting one of the two spots.

Sacramento, as dysfunctional as any team, is as dead in the water as any bird on Duck Dynasty. Rudy Gay and Isaiah Thomas are probably done for the year and Ben McLemore with 79 NBA games under his belt is the most experienced starter in the backcourt. Meanwhile, Travis Outlaw and his near 5.3 ppg are playing nearly 30 minutes per game.

[StarDust Bum]

NBA

Monday, April 14

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Game of the Day: Spurs vs. Rockets
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San Antonio Spurs vs. Houston Rockets (OFF)

The Houston Rockets wrap up what has been a phenomenal home performance when they host the San Antonio Spurs on Monday. Houston, which entered Sunday a game up on Portland in the battle for the fourth seed and homecourt advantage in the first round of the playoffs, is 32-8 at home and can tie the 2008-09 edition for the most wins at the Toyota Center with a victory in the finale. The Rockets rallied for a 111-104 triumph over New Orleans on Saturday to snap a two-game skid and remain ahead of the Trail Blazers.

The Spurs have nothing to play for in the standings, having already clinched the best record in the NBA, but they are one win shy of matching the franchise record of 63 established in 2005-06. Tony Parker returned from a back injury to score 18 points and complement Danny Green's career-best 33 in a 112-104 win over Phoenix on Friday. Forward Tim Duncan and guard Manu Ginobili both took the night off.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, NBATV, FSN Southwest (San Antonio), CSN Houston

LINE HISTORY: The line and total for this game are currently off the board.

INJURY REPORT: San Antonio: C Tim Duncan - questionable (knee), G Manu Ginobili - questionable (hamsting), F Matt Bonner - questionable (illness). Houston: F Chandler Parsons - questionable (wrist)

POWER RANKINGS: San Antonio (-14) - Houston (-12) + home court (-3) = Houston -1

WHY BET THE SPURS (62-18, 45-35 ATS): With the top spot in the Western Conference already clinched, San Antonio could have eyed Friday's game - the second half of a back-to-back and the third game in four nights - as a chance to take it easy. However, the Spurs outscored the Suns by 19 points in an impressive second half and appear primed to finish strong. "Those guys have a lot of pride," head coach Gregg Popovich said of his players, whose 30 road wins is five more than any other NBA team.

WHY BET THE ROCKETS (53-27, 39-39-2 ATS) : Center Dwight Howard and guard Patrick Beverley both returned from eight-game layoffs to help Houston secure the comeback win over New Orleans, but forward Chandler Parsons sat with wrist and hip ailments. James Harden shouldered the load with 33 points and 13 assists and produced four points and two assists in a game-ending 15-0 run that kept the Rockets from falling into a tie with Portland. "We needed this win more than anything," Harden told reporters.

TRENDS:

* Spurs are 0-5 ATS in the last five meetings.
* Underdog is 5-0 ATS in the last five meetings.
* Under is 9-1 in Spurs last 10 games following an ATS win.
* Over is 5-0 in Rockets last five games playing on one days rest.

[StarDust Bum]

NBA

Monday, April 14


Spurs' C Tim Duncan, questionable Monday

Duncan missed Friday's game with a knee injury and is questionable to play Monday against the Rockets.


Thunder guard Russell Westbrook, out Monday

Westbrook will get a scheduled day of rest on Monday and will not play against the Pelicans.

[StarDust Bum]

Hoop Trends - Monday

April 14, 2014


ATS TREND OF THE DAY:

-- The Bobcats are 11-0 ATS (9.23 ppg) since Nov 05, 2008 on the road after a game in which they had at least 15 fewer shot attempts than their opponent.

OU TREND OF THE DAY:

-- The 76ers are 10-0 OU (12.70 ppg) since Apr 28, 2012 with at least one day of rest after a loss on the road in which they had an assist to turnover ratio of at least two.

PLAYER TREND OF THE DAY:

-- The Suns are 11-0 OU (14.05 ppg) since Feb 22, 2013 at home when not more than a 10 point favorite, after PJ Tucker scored fewer than 10 points in a road loss.

CHOICE TREND:

-- The Spurs are 10-0 ATS (8.85 ppg) since Feb 05, 2014 with at least one day of rest after a win in which they had an assist to turnover ratio of at least two.

ACTIVE TRENDS:

-- The Heat are 7-0 OU (14.00 ppg) since Dec 05, 2003 after Dwyane Wade shot better than 66% from the field in a road loss.

-- The Suns are 7-0 ATS (7.36 ppg) since Dec 04, 2013 after Gerald Green took fewer than 10 shots on the road.