Da Bum's 2014 NBA Playoff Best Bets- News,Stats-Trends !

[Udog]

Good start to the playoffs, Bum! Good luck tonight!

[StarDust Bum]

Sunday's NBA playoffs betting news and notes


Dallas Mavericks at San Antonio Spurs (-9.5, 205.5)

Mavericks forwards Dirk Nowitzki and Shawn Marion are the only remaining members of the 2011 title team but combined with the steady hand of point guard Jose Calderon and Ellis, who averaged 19 points and 5.7 assists, to coalesce into a dangerous team in the second half. Beginning Jan. 31, they went 23-12 (with two of the losses coming against San Antonio) and won 12 of their final 17 games on the road.

The Spurs, who are looking to repeat as Western Conference champions and seek their fifth NBA title under coach Gregg Popovich, won their final 15 home games of the regular season and have taken nine straight meetings with their in-state rivals. Included in that run of dominance was a 109-100 win at Dallas on April 10 that helped push the Mavericks to the undesirable eighth seed in the West.

TRENDS:

* Under is 8-3 in the last 11 meetings in San Antonio.
* Spurs are 4-0 ATS in their last four Conference Quarterfinals games.
* Over is 4-1 in Mavericks last five Conference Quarterfinals games.


Charlotte Bobcats at Miami Heat (-9.5, 188.5)

The No. 7 seed Bobcats finished strong with a 20-9 mark after the All-Star break and have won eight of their last nine games. Nobody is forecasting Charlotte winning the series but the Bobcats could make things a bit interesting if the supporting cast steps up to help center Al Jefferson. Jefferson is the main reason why Charlotte is part of the postseason fun for the first time since 2010 as he averaged 21.8 points and 10.8 rebounds while posting 42 double-doubles.

The second-seeded Heat are 15-0 against Charlotte since LeBron James joined the squad, including a four-game sweep this season capped by James scoring a career-high 61 points on March 3. Miami wasn’t so stout down the stretch, losing its last three outings and six of its final eight. Part of that was due to resting players with the expectation that the two-time defending champions will still be playing in June for the fourth straight season.

TRENDS:

* Bobcats are 1-5 ATS in the last six meetings.
* Heat are 4-1 ATS in their last five Conference Quarterfinals games.
* Over is 9-2 in Heat last 11 vs. NBA Southeast.


Washington Wizards at Chicago Bulls (-4.5, 180.5)

Washington is appearing in the playoffs for the first time since the 2007-2008 season and could have finished as low as seventh before winning four straight to close the regular season and jumping to No. 5 in the final game. Bradley Beal scored 27 points in the 118-102 win over the Boston Celtics in the finale and put up an average of 21 in the final four games to boost his season mark to 17.1. The Wizards took two of three from the Bulls in the regular season but dropped the last meeting, 96-78 at home on April 5.

Chicago’s season was supposed to go into a tailspin when Derrick Rose was lost due to a knee injury but Joakim Noah emerged not just as the anchor to the defense but as a facilitator in the post while leading the team in assists. Noah put up 21 points and 12 rebounds in the April 5 meeting and finished the season with 11 straight double-doubles, including one of the points-assists variety, one rebounds-assists effort and one triple-double.

TRENDS:

* Under is 21-5 in the last 26 meetings.
* Wizards are 4-0 ATS in their last four vs. Eastern Conference.
* Over is 4-0 in Bulls last four Conference Quarterfinals games.


Portland Trail Blazers at Houston Rockets (-5, 214.5)

The Trail Blazers have been eliminated in the first round in each of their last six playoff appearances but ended the season strong with five straight victories after regaining their stride once All-Star forward LaMarcus Aldridge (23.2 points, 11.1 rebounds) returned from a back injury. Portland improved its victory total by 21 over last season as second-year pro Damian Lillard (20.7 points) elevated into one of the NBA’s top all-around guards.

Houston averaged a league-best 9.5 3-pointers with star guard James Harden knocking down 177 while finishing fifth in the league with a 25.4 scoring average. Center Dwight Howard averaged 18.3 points and ranked fourth in the league in rebounding (12.2) while having a drama-free campaign with the Rockets. Harden averaged 30.3 points and 7.3 rebounds against Portland this season, while Aldridge checked in with 26.8 points and 15.5 rebounds against Houston.

TRENDS:

* Over is 7-0 in the last seven meetings.
* Trail Blazers are 1-9-1 ATS in their last 11 Conference Quarterfinals games.
* Under is 9-1 in Rockets last 10 Conference Quarterfinals games.

[StarDust Bum]

Action Report: Sharps behind Spurs, Bulls, Heat in Sunday's games


Lines for all of the opening games in the first round of the NBA Playoffs have been out since Thursday so bettors have had ample time to cap and place their wagers on Sunday's series openers.

Mike Perry of SportsBook.com gives us the skinny on the action that they've been seeing for Sunday's matchups on the hardwood.

The San Antonio Spurs opened as 9-point home faves against the Dallas Mavericks. Sharps backed the Spurs at that number, but action has been fairly divided.

"We got Sharp play on the Spurs at -9 so we moved to -9.5," Perry says. "Fifty-two percent of cash and 51 percent of bets are on the Mavs."

The Charlotte Bobcats might have closed the season out on a hot clip, but the Miami Heat are the defending champs and opened as large faves and have seen their share of action.

"A wiseguy played Miami -9 so we moved to -9.5," Perry tells Covers. "Fifty-three percent of cash and 59 percent of bets are on the champs."

Sharp money has been behind the Chicago Bulls as they open their playoffs versus the Washington Wizards, but it's the road team who is seeing the majority of action.

"Sharp action on Chicago -2 (buying a half point) and -3, so we moved to current number of -4.5," Perry confirms. "Fifty-nine percent of cash & 57 percent of bets are on Wiz."

The nightcap featuring the Portland Trail Blazers and Houston Rockets has held firm all week according to Perry. The oddsmaker says 58 percent of cash and 60 percent of bets have been on the Rockets.

[StarDust Bum]

Wizards containment of Noah critical to bettors

The Washington Wizards have covered in six of their last eight games against the Chicago Bulls. The key to those covers have come from the Wizards ability to stop Joakim Noah's offensive output.

In the six games that the Wizards have covered, Noah played in five and missed one with injury. Noah averaged 6.4 points and 9.8 rebounds per game in those five contests that Washington has covered. That is compared to the two games the Wizards failed to cash over for ATS bettors, were Noah averaged 15 points and 12 rebounds.

The Wizards (+4.5) will hope to contain Noah and the Bulls when they kick-off their series Sunday.

[StarDust Bum]

Rockets, Howard will look to capitalize in paint

If the Houston Rockets want to continue their dominance over the Portland Trail Blazers, 3-1 straight up and 2-2 against the spread, they will be looking towards Dwight Howard and the paint.

In the four meetings this season between the Rockets and Trail Blazers, Howard has averaged 25.5 points per game and 13.5 rebounds per game. Portland also enters the game giving up 45.6 paint points per game, which is the worst of any playoff team.

Howard and the Rockets are 5-point home favorites Sunday, and they have beaten Portland by five twice this season.

[StarDust Bum]

Sunday's playoff prop bets


The second day of the NBA playoffs is set to go with four more games on the board. If you're looking for a little more than just the spread and/or total, have a look at what the LVH SuperBook is offering for proposition bets:


MAVERICKS at SPURS - GAME 1

LARGEST LEAD OF THE GAME BY: EITHER TEAM

OVER 18.5 -110
UNDER 18.5 -110

TOTAL 3 POINT FIELD GOALS MADE BY: BOTH TEAMS

OVER 16.0 -110
UNDER 16.0 -110

TOTAL POINTS BY: DIRK NOWITZKI (DAL)

OVER 21.5 -110
UNDER 21.5 -110

TOTAL POINTS BY: TIM DUNCAN (SA)

OVER 16.5 -110
UNDER 16.5 -110


BOBCATS at HEAT - GAME 1

LARGEST LEAD OF THE GAME BY: EITHER TEAM

OVER 18.0 -110
UNDER 18.0 -110

TOTAL 3 POINT FIELD GOALS MADE BY: BOTH TEAMS

OVER 14.5 -110
UNDER 14.5 -110

TOTAL POINTS BY: AL JEFFERSON (CHA)

OVER 22.5 -110
UNDER 22.5 -110

TOTAL POINTS BY: LEBRON JAMES (MIA)

OVER 28.5 -110
UNDER 28.5 -110


WIZARDS at BULLS - GAME 1

LARGEST LEAD OF THE GAME BY: EITHER TEAM

OVER 15.0 -110
UNDER 15.0 -110

TOTAL 3 POINT FIELD GOALS MADE BY: BOTH TEAMS

OVER 14.0 -110
UNDER 14.0 -110

TOTAL POINTS BY: JOHN WALL (WAS)

OVER 19.5 -110
UNDER 19.5 -110

TOTAL POINTS BY: JOAKIM NOAH (CHI)

OVER 13.5 -110
UNDER 13.5 -110


BLAZERS at ROCKETS - GAME 1

LARGEST LEAD OF THE GAME BY: EITHER TEAM

OVER 16.0 -110
UNDER 16.0 -110

TOTAL 3 POINT FIELD GOALS MADE BY: BOTH TEAMS

OVER 17.5 -110
UNDER 17.5 -110

TOTAL POINTS BY: LAMARCUS ALDRIDGE (POR)

OVER 23.5 -110
UNDER 23.5 -110

TOTAL POINTS BY: JAMES HARDEN (HOU)

OVER 25.0 -110
UNDER 25.0 -110

[StarDust Bum]

Mavs-Spurs have history of close game in playoffs

Many people have already penciled in the San Antonio Spurs into Round 2 of the NBA Playoffs, but the Dallas Mavericks and Spurs have always played incredibly tight games in the postseason.

Since 2000-01, the Mavs and Spurs have met in the playoffs 29 times - the second most meetings during that span. In those 29 games, the Spurs and Mavs are separated by 33 points combined. That means that whoever wins in the postseason between the Spurs and Mavs have won by an average of 1.14-points.

Maybe this won't greatly affect the direction many feel the series takes, but bettors must be aware because the Mavs are opening as 9.5-point road dogs Sunday.

[StarDust Bum]

NBA playoff favorites cover in 77 percent of games they win

If you heed one piece of advice betting on the NBA Playoffs this spring, it should probably be bet the team you think will win.

As recent NBA postseasons have shown, putting your faith – and money – into the team you think will win the game straight up is a proven handicapping practice, and the pointspread will sort itself out.

Last season, favorites covered the spread in 75 percent of NBA playoff games they won (42-14-3) after going 73.5 percent in the regular season. They were even more lucrative in 2012, covering 87.5 percent of the time (49-7-0) when winning on the scoreboard after going 73.7 percent in the regular season.

And, looking back over the past five NBA postseasons (2009 to 2013), favorites have been victorious ATS 77 percent of the time (221-64-6) when winning the game outright. Looking back at the regular season results in that span, favorites covered in games they won 72.48 percent of the time between 2009 and 2013.

[StarDust Bum]

Armadillo: Sunday's six-pack

-- Its worth price of Extra Innings package just to watch Giancarlo Stanton take his hacks at the plate, but if Miami doesn't put a decent hitter behind him, he's going to wind up walking 150 times. Or more.

-- St Louis Blues scored with 0:06 left, beat Chicago in OT for second game in a row, as NHL playoffs prove once again to be a tremendous show.

-- Five defensemen scored in that game, first time that happened in a playoff game since May 3, 1994.

-- Greedy bastard update: they raised price to $3.89 a gallon at the Mobil station closest to my house, $3.87 at one a mile away. Oil company execs are thieves.

-- Cole Hamels is coming off DL to make his first start of the year Wednesday in Los Angeles. Struggling Phillies can use him.

-- Miami Marlins have 588 bobbleheads in their Bobblehead Museum, which has to be great fun to walk through and look at.

*****

Armadillo: Sunday's List of 13: Wrapping up a sports Saturday.......

13) One of the weird effects instant replay is having on baseball is that fielders are now keeping tags on sliding players at all times, in the hope that the runner will briefly slide off the base and be declared out after a replay review.

You'll probably wind up seeing an increased emphasis on sliding in spring training next year; anything that improves fundamentals is good.

12) Masai Ujiri is the GM of the Toronto Raptors; he's good at his job, having done very good work for the Nuggets until moving to Toronto last summer, but he put his foot in his mouth when he shouted "(Eff) Brooklyn!!!" during a pregame rally Saturday. People carry recording devices everywhere now. Whoops.

Apparently the Raptors took offense to Brooklyn tanking games so they could play the Raptors instead of the Chicago Bulls. Now everyone is offended-- great!!!!

11) In Yu Darvish's first three starts this season, the scores after the fifth inning have been 0-0/0-0/0-2-- the Rangers haven't scored for him in the first five innings.

10) If you're a college football fan watching these spring scrimmages, do you want your team's offense to score a lot of points? After all, the defense knows what the plays are; if they can't stop them, how good can they be?

9) Red Sox closer Koji Uehara went 42.2 innings in between walks. Wow.

8) San Francisco Giants have 13 pitchers, 12 batters on their roster right now, so manager Bruce Bochy doesn't have lot of moves to make, considering the backup catcher usually doesn't get into games, so that makes it three position player subs, and they pinch-hit for pitchers in NL games.

7) Marshall transfer Kareem Canty, who scored 16.3 ppg as a freshman LY, will be playing for Auburn in two years, as Bruce Pearl acts quickly to shore up Tigers' talent base. Think of how well Iowa State did with DeAndre Kane this past year, another Marshall transfer.

6) This is how far BJ Upton's career has slipped; I'm in a 16-team keeper fantasy league with 25 guys on a team, 26 if you have someone on the DL; its a pretty deep league, but no one has Upton. There are guys in the freakin' Southern League that are on teams in our league, but no BJ, he's been that bad.

5) NBA salary cap is going up $5M next year; I'm not kidding when I say the NBA is way more popular around the world than it is here- they're making a killing all over the world, they just can't get people in Atlanta or Detroit to come to games.

4) Brooklyn Nets are an old team, so the hideously drawn out playoff schedule has to help them a lot; if the series goes seven games, Game 7 will be fifteen days after Game 1. Lot of days to rest in between games.

3) Miami Marlins are 5-1 vs lefty pitchers, 3-9 vs righties.

2) Washington manager Matt Williams yanked Bryce Harper for jogging to first after he bounced back to the pitcher Saturday. Harper is supposedly nursing a leg injury, so there has to be more to it than just that. Williams is a rookie manager who was a very good player-- this will be interesting to watch moving forward.

1) So the Orioles-Red Sox play on ESPN Sunday night, then at 11am Monday, in the annual Patriot Day game? What genius thought this was a good idea? They did move the Sunday night game up an hour to 7:00, but still.....

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Dunkel

Washington at Chicago
The Wizards come into Game 1 of the series tonight carrying a 4-0 ATS record in their last 4 games in Chicago. Washington is the pick (+5) according to Dunkel, which has the Bulls favored by only 2 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Washington (+5). Here are all of today's playoff picks.

SUNDAY, APRIL 20

Game 709-710: Dallas at San Antonio (1:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Dallas 119.548; San Antonio 131.022
Dunkel Line & Total: San Antonio by 11 1/2; 201
Vegas Line & Total: San Antonio by 9; 205 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Antonio (-9); Under

Game 711-712: Charlotte at Miami (3:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Charlotte 116.262; Miami 127.660
Dunkel Line & Total: Miami by 11 1/2; 196
Vegas Line & Total: Miami by 9 1/2; 188 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Miami (-9 1/2); Over

Game 713-714: Washington at Chicago (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Washington 118.292; Chicago 120.918
Dunkel Line & Total: Chicago by 2 1/2; 189
Vegas Line & Total: Chicago by 5; 181
Dunkel Pick: Washington (+5); Over

Game 715-716: Portland at Houston (9:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Portland 120.618; Houston 123.824
Dunkel Line & Total: Houston by 3; 207 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Houston by 5 1/2; 214 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Portland (+5 1/2); Under




NBA
Long Sheet

Sunday, April 20

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

DALLAS (49 - 33) at SAN ANTONIO (62 - 20) - 4/20/2014, 1:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SAN ANTONIO is 45-37 ATS (+4.3 Units) in all games this season.
SAN ANTONIO is 40-32 ATS (+4.8 Units) as a favorite this season.
SAN ANTONIO is 430-360 ATS (+34.0 Units) in home games since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 23-13 ATS (+8.7 Units) second half of the season this season.
SAN ANTONIO is 23-9 ATS (+13.1 Units) off a upset loss as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 17-7 ATS (+9.3 Units) after allowing 105 points or more this season.
SAN ANTONIO is 123-84 ATS (+30.6 Units) after a loss by 10 points or more since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 81-60 ATS (+15.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 50-33 ATS (+13.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
DALLAS is 91-72 ATS (+11.8 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
DALLAS is 43-29 ATS (+11.1 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
DALLAS is 27-14 ATS (+11.6 Units) in road games this season.
DALLAS is 23-10 ATS (+12.0 Units) in road games second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
DALLAS is 212-168 ATS (+27.2 Units) vs. division opponents since 1996.
DALLAS is 162-123 ATS (+26.7 Units) in road games revenging a loss vs opponent since 1996.
DALLAS is 14-6 ATS (+7.4 Units) in road games after allowing 105 points or more this season.
DALLAS is 25-13 ATS (+10.7 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
DALLAS is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
DALLAS is 18-8 ATS (+9.2 Units) in road games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN ANTONIO is 9-3 against the spread versus DALLAS over the last 3 seasons
SAN ANTONIO is 10-2 straight up against DALLAS over the last 3 seasons
7 of 12 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

CHARLOTTE (43 - 39) at MIAMI (54 - 28) - 4/20/2014, 3:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CHARLOTTE is 62-98 ATS (-45.8 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 3 seasons.
MIAMI is 46-32 ATS (+10.8 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 18-8 ATS (+9.2 Units) on Sunday games over the last 2 seasons.
CHARLOTTE is 47-32 ATS (+11.8 Units) in all games this season.
CHARLOTTE is 32-21 ATS (+8.9 Units) as an underdog this season.
CHARLOTTE is 21-12 ATS (+7.8 Units) second half of the season this season.
CHARLOTTE is 24-11 ATS (+11.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
CHARLOTTE is 15-6 ATS (+8.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
MIAMI is 8-3 against the spread versus CHARLOTTE over the last 3 seasons
MIAMI is 11-0 straight up against CHARLOTTE over the last 3 seasons
7 of 11 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

WASHINGTON (44 - 38) at CHICAGO (48 - 34) - 4/20/2014, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 12-26 ATS (-16.6 Units) in road games when playing with 3 or more days rest since 1996.
WASHINGTON is 88-73 ATS (+7.7 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 61-40 ATS (+17.0 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 26-15 ATS (+9.5 Units) in road games this season.
WASHINGTON is 27-11 ATS (+14.9 Units) revenging a home loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 55-40 ATS (+11.0 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO is 39-52 ATS (-18.2 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO is 35-52 ATS (-22.2 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 6-4 against the spread versus CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO is 5-5 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

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

PORTLAND (54 - 28) at HOUSTON (54 - 28) - 4/20/2014, 9:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PORTLAND is 12-23 ATS (-13.3 Units) against Southwest division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 12-4 ATS (+7.6 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
PORTLAND is 25-16 ATS (+7.4 Units) in road games this season.
HOUSTON is 6-18 ATS (-13.8 Units) on Sunday games over the last 3 seasons.

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

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




NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up

Sunday, April 20

Mavericks are trying beat Spurs best-of-7, team they've lost to last nine in a row (2-7 vs spread). Dallas won five of last seven games, is 27-14 vs spread on road this year- they won NBA title in 2011, but haven't won playoff series since. San Antonio has veteran nucleus that has four rings; last of which was in 2007; they're 14-3 last 17 first round series. Spurs were just 3-4 in their last seven games, as they readied for this-- Dallas lost its last seven visits to Alamo.

Are Bobcats just happy to be in playoffs, or will they compete against Miami team thats beaten them 15 times in row (Heat covered eight of last ten in series)? This is Charlotte's second winning season out of 10 in NBA- they got swept 4-0 by Orlando in only other appearance (2010). Bobcats are 23-16-2 vs spread on road; five of their last seven games stayed under total. Miami coasted to 11-14 finish in last 25 games; only two teams have won NBA title after being under .500 in last 25 games- '95 Rockets were last team to do that.

Washington is in playoffs for first time since '08; their last series win was in '05, but with John Wall playing 82 games, they're good. Wizards won two of three vs Chicago this season, is 5-3 in last eight meetings, as 13 of last 16 series games stayed under total. Chicago is in playoffs for 9th time in last 10 years; they're 3-5 in last eight first round series. Noah is playing with heavy heart after his mentor/second dad passed away this week. Wizards are 26-15 vs spread on road this season; they split last four visits to United Center.

Portland missed playoffs last two years, lost last six first round series; last time they won playoff series was 2000. Blazers won nine of last ten games; they're 25-16 vs spread on road this season; Portland lost five of last six games with Rockets-- last seven tilts in series went over total. Portland lost its last three visits to Houston by 15-13-5 points. Rockets are 1-7 in first round series since losing finals in '97- they're 22-17-1 vs spread at home this season. This is only second time Houston has been in playoffs in last five years, so pair of hungry franchises in this series.




NBA

Sunday, April 20

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

1:00 PM
DALLAS vs. SAN ANTONIO
Dallas is 3-12 ATS in its last 15 games when playing San Antonio
Dallas is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing San Antonio
San Antonio is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Dallas
San Antonio is 15-1 SU in its last 16 games at home

3:30 PM
CHARLOTTE vs. MIAMI
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Charlotte's last 9 games when playing Miami
Charlotte is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Miami
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Miami's last 9 games when playing Charlotte
Miami is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Charlotte

7:00 PM
WASHINGTON vs. CHICAGO
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Washington's last 7 games
Washington is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 13 of Chicago's last 16 games when playing Washington
Chicago is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games

9:30 PM
PORTLAND vs. HOUSTON
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Portland's last 6 games on the road
Portland is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Houston
Houston is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Houston's last 9 games


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




NBA

Sunday, April 20

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday's NBA playoffs betting news and notes
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dallas Mavericks at San Antonio Spurs (-9.5, 205.5)

Mavericks forwards Dirk Nowitzki and Shawn Marion are the only remaining members of the 2011 title team but combined with the steady hand of point guard Jose Calderon and Ellis, who averaged 19 points and 5.7 assists, to coalesce into a dangerous team in the second half. Beginning Jan. 31, they went 23-12 (with two of the losses coming against San Antonio) and won 12 of their final 17 games on the road.

The Spurs, who are looking to repeat as Western Conference champions and seek their fifth NBA title under coach Gregg Popovich, won their final 15 home games of the regular season and have taken nine straight meetings with their in-state rivals. Included in that run of dominance was a 109-100 win at Dallas on April 10 that helped push the Mavericks to the undesirable eighth seed in the West.

TRENDS:

* Under is 8-3 in the last 11 meetings in San Antonio.
* Spurs are 4-0 ATS in their last four Conference Quarterfinals games.
* Over is 4-1 in Mavericks last five Conference Quarterfinals games.


Charlotte Bobcats at Miami Heat (-9.5, 188.5)

The No. 7 seed Bobcats finished strong with a 20-9 mark after the All-Star break and have won eight of their last nine games. Nobody is forecasting Charlotte winning the series but the Bobcats could make things a bit interesting if the supporting cast steps up to help center Al Jefferson. Jefferson is the main reason why Charlotte is part of the postseason fun for the first time since 2010 as he averaged 21.8 points and 10.8 rebounds while posting 42 double-doubles.

The second-seeded Heat are 15-0 against Charlotte since LeBron James joined the squad, including a four-game sweep this season capped by James scoring a career-high 61 points on March 3. Miami wasn’t so stout down the stretch, losing its last three outings and six of its final eight. Part of that was due to resting players with the expectation that the two-time defending champions will still be playing in June for the fourth straight season.

TRENDS:

* Bobcats are 1-5 ATS in the last six meetings.
* Heat are 4-1 ATS in their last five Conference Quarterfinals games.
* Over is 9-2 in Heat last 11 vs. NBA Southeast.


Washington Wizards at Chicago Bulls (-4.5, 180.5)

Washington is appearing in the playoffs for the first time since the 2007-2008 season and could have finished as low as seventh before winning four straight to close the regular season and jumping to No. 5 in the final game. Bradley Beal scored 27 points in the 118-102 win over the Boston Celtics in the finale and put up an average of 21 in the final four games to boost his season mark to 17.1. The Wizards took two of three from the Bulls in the regular season but dropped the last meeting, 96-78 at home on April 5.

Chicago’s season was supposed to go into a tailspin when Derrick Rose was lost due to a knee injury but Joakim Noah emerged not just as the anchor to the defense but as a facilitator in the post while leading the team in assists. Noah put up 21 points and 12 rebounds in the April 5 meeting and finished the season with 11 straight double-doubles, including one of the points-assists variety, one rebounds-assists effort and one triple-double.

TRENDS:

* Under is 21-5 in the last 26 meetings.
* Wizards are 4-0 ATS in their last four vs. Eastern Conference.
* Over is 4-0 in Bulls last four Conference Quarterfinals games.


Portland Trail Blazers at Houston Rockets (-5, 214.5)

The Trail Blazers have been eliminated in the first round in each of their last six playoff appearances but ended the season strong with five straight victories after regaining their stride once All-Star forward LaMarcus Aldridge (23.2 points, 11.1 rebounds) returned from a back injury. Portland improved its victory total by 21 over last season as second-year pro Damian Lillard (20.7 points) elevated into one of the NBA’s top all-around guards.

Houston averaged a league-best 9.5 3-pointers with star guard James Harden knocking down 177 while finishing fifth in the league with a 25.4 scoring average. Center Dwight Howard averaged 18.3 points and ranked fourth in the league in rebounding (12.2) while having a drama-free campaign with the Rockets. Harden averaged 30.3 points and 7.3 rebounds against Portland this season, while Aldridge checked in with 26.8 points and 15.5 rebounds against Houston.

TRENDS:

* Over is 7-0 in the last seven meetings.
* Trail Blazers are 1-9-1 ATS in their last 11 Conference Quarterfinals games.
* Under is 9-1 in Rockets last 10 Conference Quarterfinals games.

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Short Sheet

Sunday, April 20

Dallas at San Antonio, 1:05 ET
Dallas: 17-7 ATS as a road underdog
San Antonio: 40-32 OVER as a favorite

Charlotte at Miami, 3:30 ET
Charlotte: 32-21 ATS as an underdog
Miami: 22-31 ATS as a favorite of 3.5 to 9.5 points

Washington at Chicago, 7:05 ET
Washington: 27-11 ATS revenging a home loss vs opponent
Chicago: 26-41 ATS as a home favorite

Portland at Houston, 9:35 ET
Portland: 12-23 ATS against Southwest division opponents
Houston: 20-11 ATS as a favorite of 3.5 to 9.5 points

[StarDust Bum]

NBA


Sunday, April 20


Rockets, Howard will look to capitalize in paint

If the Houston Rockets want to continue their dominance over the Portland Trail Blazers, 3-1 straight up and 2-2 against the spread, they will be looking towards Dwight Howard and the paint.

In the four meetings this season between the Rockets and Trail Blazers, Howard has averaged 25.5 points per game and 13.5 rebounds per game. Portland also enters the game giving up 45.6 paint points per game, which is the worst of any playoff team.

Howard and the Rockets are 5-point home favorites Sunday, and they have beaten Portland by five twice this season.


Wizards containment of Noah critical to bettors

The Washington Wizards have covered in six of their last eight games against the Chicago Bulls. The key to those covers have come from the Wizards ability to stop Joakim Noah's offensive output.

In the six games that the Wizards have covered, Noah played in five and missed one with injury. Noah averaged 6.4 points and 9.8 rebounds per game in those five contests that Washington has covered. That is compared to the two games the Wizards failed to cash over for ATS bettors, were Noah averaged 15 points and 12 rebounds.

The Wizards (+4.5) will hope to contain Noah and the Bulls when they kick-off their series Sunday.


Dogs get off to solid start in NBA playoffs

Underdogs had a solid start to the NBA playoffs, going 3-1 straight up and against the spread Saturday.

The only favorite to win and cover were the Oklahoma City Thunder. They were 8-point faves against Memphis.

There are four more playoff games on tap for Sunday.


Mavs-Spurs have history of close game in playoffs

Many people have already penciled in the San Antonio Spurs into Round 2 of the NBA Playoffs, but the Dallas Mavericks and Spurs have always played incredibly tight games in the postseason.

Since 2000-01, the Mavs and Spurs have met in the playoffs 29 times - the second most meetings during that span. In those 29 games, the Spurs and Mavs are separated by 33 points combined. That means that whoever wins in the postseason between the Spurs and Mavs have won by an average of 1.14-points.

Maybe this won't greatly affect the direction many feel the series takes, but bettors must be aware because the Mavs are opening as 9.5-point road dogs Sunday.

[StarDust Bum]

RECORD IN THE PLAYOFFS:

3 - 1 ..............................*****

3 - 0 ..............................DOUBLE PLAY

0 - 1...............................TRIPLE PLAY

Date WLT Pct Net Units Record

04/19/14 6-*2-*0 75.00% +*1900 DetaiL


Sunday, April 20

Game Score Status Pick Amount

Dallas - 1:00 PM ET Dallas +9.5 500 *****

San Antonio - Under 204.5 500 *****

Charlotte - 3:30 PM ET Miami -10 500 *****

Miami - Over 186.5 500 DOUBLE PLAY

Washington - 7:00 PM ET Washington +4.5 500 TRIPLE PLAY

Chicago - Over 180.5 500

Portland - 9:30 PM ET Portland +5.5 500 TRIPLE PLAY

Houston - Under 214.5 500 *****

[StarDust Bum]

Armadillo: Monday's six-pack

-- LaMarcus Aldridge scored 46 points, grabbed 18 reobunds in Portland's OT win at Houston. Blazers got only seven points from its bench in the win.

-- Wizards outscored Bulls 30-18 in 4th quarter, Wiz wins 102-93 in Chicago.

-- Road teams won five of the eight Game 1's in NBA's first round.

-- Matt Kuchar chipped in on 18 to win PGA event on Hilton Head; he had shot a combined +10 in his last five Sunday rounds-- he was -7 Sunday.

-- Miami beat Seattle 3-2; Marlins are 9-4 at home, 0-6 on road.

-- Orioles led 5-0 in sixth inning at Fenway, lost 6-5 on 9th inning throwing error-- in first three weeks of season, there has been some horrendous defensive play.

*****

Armadillo: Monday's List of 13: Wrapping up a sports weekend......

13) Can you remember a team falling apart as badly within a season as the Indiana Pacers are right now? Not many top seeds have lost in the first round of the NBA playoffs, but who has a lot of confidence that these Pacers will advance?

12) Charlotte Bobcats went back home after losing Game 1 in Miami, with Game 2 not scheduled until Wednesday; Michael Jordan doesn't want his guys hanging around South Beach with time on their hands.

11) Clippers/Warriors looks like it'll be a fun series to watch; over last 37 years, these franchises combined to win only seven playoff series.

10) Tampa Bay Rays scored 27 runs Friday/Saturday, after scoring total of 16 runs in their previous 10 games, then they scored one run Sunday. Feast or famine.

9) If they ever make a movie about Ike Davis' life, Ben Affleck has to play Davis; they look an awful lot alike, even talk a little bit the same.

8) Every time I see Evan Gattis play for the Braves, I can't help but think of the old wrestler Ivan Putski. Short, very powerful arms.

7) Speaking of the Braves, Mike Minor is supposed to get back in their rotation this coming weekend; he threw 80 pitches in a rehab start this past weekend.

6) Cleveland Indians are only big league team that hasn't scored in first inning of a home game (0-9); Houston Astros are only team that hasn't scored in first inning on the road (0-9).

5) Minnesota Twins claimed OF Sam Fuld on waivers from the A's; he's not the best hitter but he's a terrific fielder, can run, an outstanding 4th outfielder.

4) Ivan Nova is on the DL with a UCL tear, could be headed under the knife for Tommy John surgery. Lot of those this spring.

3) Orlando Antigua is the new hoop coach at South Florida; he recruited for John Calipari, so its not a surprise we're seeing USF listed on recruits' short lists.

We talked yesterday about point guard Kareem Canty transferring from Marshall to Auburn; turns out that may not happen, with USF now suddenly in the picture. If Antigua turns out to be a bigtime recruiter as a head coach, USF is going to become a force in the AAC, especially with Louisville now out of the league.

2) Cincinnati Bengals brought one QB to their facility to work out this spring; not Manziel, not Bortles, Bridgewater or Carr. Pitt QB Tom Savage; go figure.

1) NHL playoffs provide great drama; how about St Louis Blues winning first two games of their playoff series in OT, after tying both games in last 2:00 of regulation? Blues have only won one playoff series the last eight years- they're playing NHL's defending champ Chicago Blackhawks, who won two of last four Stanley Cups.

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Long Sheet

Monday, April 21

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

MEMPHIS (50 - 33) at OKLAHOMA CITY (60 - 23) - 4/21/2014, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MEMPHIS is 36-44 ATS (-12.4 Units) in all games this season.
MEMPHIS is 5-13 ATS (-9.3 Units) in road games revenging a loss vs opponent this season.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 95-78 ATS (+9.2 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 83-67 ATS (+9.3 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 52-36 ATS (+12.4 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
MEMPHIS is 55-37 ATS (+14.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
MEMPHIS is 55-42 ATS (+8.8 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MEMPHIS is 11-6 against the spread versus OKLAHOMA CITY over the last 3 seasons
OKLAHOMA CITY is 9-8 straight up against MEMPHIS over the last 3 seasons
9 of 17 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

GOLDEN STATE (52 - 31) at LA CLIPPERS (57 - 26) - 4/21/2014, 10:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LA CLIPPERS are 46-36 ATS (+6.4 Units) in all games this season.
LA CLIPPERS are 34-20 ATS (+12.0 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 12-2 ATS (+9.8 Units) off a upset loss as a favorite this season.
LA CLIPPERS are 22-13 ATS (+7.7 Units) after allowing 105 points or more this season.
LA CLIPPERS are 30-21 ATS (+6.9 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.
GOLDEN STATE is 94-80 ATS (+6.0 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 67-49 ATS (+13.1 Units) as an underdog over the last 3 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 23-11 ATS (+10.9 Units) as a road underdog of 6.5 to 9 points over the last 3 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 70-51 ATS (+13.9 Units) in road games over the last 3 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 18-5 ATS (+12.5 Units) in April games over the last 2 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 12-1 ATS (+10.9 Units) in the first round of the playoffs since 1996.
GOLDEN STATE is 33-19 ATS (+12.1 Units) after allowing 105 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 54-38 ATS (+12.2 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 20-10 ATS (+9.0 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season this season.
GOLDEN STATE is 52-38 ATS (+10.2 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 33-20 ATS (+11.0 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 156-215 ATS (-80.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season since 1996.
LA CLIPPERS are 111-148 ATS (-51.8 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
GOLDEN STATE is 8-5 against the spread versus LA CLIPPERS over the last 3 seasons
GOLDEN STATE is 8-5 straight up against LA CLIPPERS over the last 3 seasons
9 of 13 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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




NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up

Monday, April 21

Thunder led Memphis by 22 at half in Game 1, withstood rally in third quarter, won by 14; red flag for OC is 6-22 shooting by its bench, with Durant/Westbrook taking 44 of their 76 shots, no one else taking more than Ibaka's eight. Memphis subs were 9-27; Griz shot 36.3% for game; they covered once in last six games as an underdog. Thunder won four of five vs Memphis this year, winning three games here by 9-6-14 points; OC won 10 of last 11 at home (8-2-1 vs spread).

Refs choked on critical call against Paul that turned Game 1 in Warriors' favor; LA was just 23-35 on foul line (Jordan 3-8). Clippers need more from Crawford (2-11 from floor, -15 in 22:00). Home side won seven of last eight series games; Golden State lost three of last four visits here by 26-11-13 points. LA won seven of its last 11 games, with nine of those 11 going over total. Warriors won six of last eight games overall; under is 47-34 in their games this year, 25-17 on road.




NBA

Monday, April 21

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

8:00 PM
MEMPHIS vs. OKLAHOMA CITY
Memphis is 1-3-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Oklahoma City
Memphis is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Oklahoma City
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Oklahoma City's last 6 games when playing at home against Memphis
Oklahoma City is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Memphis

10:30 PM
GOLDEN STATE vs. LA CLIPPERS
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Golden State's last 7 games on the road
Golden State is 4-2 SU in their last 6 games when playing LA Clippers
LA Clippers are 4-8 ATS in their last 12 games when playing Golden State
LA Clippers are 2-4 SU in their last 6 games when playing Golden State


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




NBA

Monday, April 21

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday's NBA playoffs betting news and notes
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Memphis Grizzlies at Oklahoma City Thunder (-7, 189.5)

Memphis needs better performances from big men Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol, who were a combined 14-of-40 from the field in the opener. Randolph had 21 points and 11 rebounds but was just 7-of-21 shooting and also missed five free throws while Gasol (16 points) was mostly a nonfactor while going 7-of-19 from the field.Memphis dominated the first 15-plus minutes of the second half as it cut a 22-point halftime deficit to two early in the fourth quarter.

Point guard Russell Westbrook missed the second-round series in which Memphis disposed of Oklahoma City in five games last season and was intent on making a difference in the opener. Westbrook scored 16 of his 23 points in the first half when the Thunder led by as many 25 points and finished with 10 rebounds. He was displeased with his third-quarter performance but was back on his game in the fourth when Oklahoma City reasserted control. Forward Kevin Durant started the series strong with 33 points, eight rebounds and seven assists.

TRENDS:

* Favorite is 4-0-1 ATS in the last five meetings.
* Home team is 3-0-1 ATS in the last four meetings.
* Over is 14-6 in the last 20 meetings in Oklahoma City.


Golden State Warriors at Los Angeles Clippers (-8, 212.5)

Golden State committed 23 turnovers and squandered an 11-point fourth-quarter lead but held the Clippers scoreless over the final 1:30 to lock up the win. Curry was hounded the entire game and finished with 14 points but Harrison Barnes and Draymond Green both hit big shots and Klay Thompson went for 22 points. The Warriors are without center Andrew Bogut (broken rib) in the series but still managed a 48-42 advantage on the glass as Lee grabbed 13 boards.

Blake Griffin scored 16 points in only 19 minutes and fouled out on a loose ball call in the final minute as the referees whistled a total of 51 fouls. Chris Paul hit a pair of big 3-pointers to get Los Angeles back into the game late in the fourth but committed six turnovers and five fouls while trying to contain Curry and Thompson. Los Angeles has dropped five straight postseason games.

TRENDS:

* Over is 5-1 in the last six meetings in Los Angeles.
* Over is 8-2 in the last 10 meetings.
* Home team is 6-2 ATS in the last eight meetings.