The Bum's NBA October - Novemberr Best Bets-Trends,Stats,News !

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Long Sheet

Thursday, November 20

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LA CLIPPERS (6 - 4) at MIAMI (6 - 5) - 11/20/2014, 8:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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CHICAGO (8 - 3) at SACRAMENTO (6 - 5) - 11/20/2014, 10:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up

Thursday, November 20

Hot Teams
-- Bulls won seven of their last nine games (2-2 AF).

Cold Teams
-- Miami lost three of last four games. Clippers are 0-4 in game following their last four wins.
-- Sacramento lost four of its last five games (2-1 HU).

Series Records
-- Clippers lost last five visits to Miami by 24-11-18-22-5 points.
-- Chicago won nine of last 12 against the Kings, but lost last two visits to Sacramento by 32-29 points.

Totals
-- Five of last seven Clipper games went over total.
-- Five of last seven Sacramento games went over total.

Back-to-Backs
--

East vs West
SU: West 36-16 ATS: West 30-22
East teams HF vs West: 8-12
East teams HU vs West: 5-5
West teams HF vs East: 9-9
West teams HU vs East: 4-0




NBA

Thursday, November 20

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Trend Report
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8:00 PM
LA CLIPPERS vs. MIAMI
The total has gone OVER in 12 of the LA Clippers last 16 games when playing Miami
The total has gone OVER in 5 of the LA Clippers last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 12 of Miami's last 16 games when playing LA Clippers
Miami is 4-2 SU in their last 6 games when playing LA Clippers

10:30 PM
CHICAGO vs. SACRAMENTO
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Chicago's last 6 games
Chicago is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing Sacramento
Sacramento is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games when playing at home against Chicago
Sacramento is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Chicago


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NBA

Thursday, November 20

Heat F Luol Deng, doubtful Thursday

Deng has a wrist injury and missed Monday's game. He is unlikely to play Thursday against the Clippers.


Mavs, Bucks continue ATS run, are NBA's best bets

The Dallas Mavericks and Milwaukee Bucks extended their winning streaks straight up and against the spread Wednesday night and are now the NBA's best bets.

The Mavericks held on for a 105-102 win against the Washington Wizards, barely covering as 2.5-point road faves. It was their fifth win and cover in a row and are now 9-3 ATS on the season.

The bigger surprise is clearly the Bucks. They won 122-118 straight up, as 6.5-point road dogs in Jason Kidd's return to Brooklyn. It was their sixth cover in their last seven games and they are also 9-3 ATS.


Road teams come through for backers Wednesday night

Teams in the visiting locker rooms had the upper hand on Wednesday night and came through for backers in a big way.

Road teams went 7-2-2 against the spread last night, good for a success rate of almost 78 percent. Road favorites went 3-1 ATS and road underdogs went 4-1-2 ATS.

With just two games on tap Thursday the Los Angeles Clippers and the Chicago Bulls will try to keep the trend going in Miami and Sacramento respectively.

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Dunkel

LA Clippers at Miami
The Clippers travel to Miami tonight to face a Heat team that is 3-9 ATS in its last 12 games versus Western Conference opponents. LA is the pick (-3 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Clippers favored by 6 1/2. Dunkel Pick: LA Clippers (-3 1/2). Here are all of today's NBA picks.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20

Game 701-702: LA Clippers at Miami (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: LA Clippers 124.212; Miami 117.588
Dunkel Line & Total: LA Clippers by 6 1/2; 204
Vegas Line & Total: LA Clippers by 3 1/2; 198 1/2
Dunkel Pick: LA Clippers (-3 1/2); Over

Game 703-704: Chicago at Sacramento (10:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Chicago 124.918; Sacramento 123.303
Dunkel Line & Total: Chicago by 1 1/2; 202
Vegas Line & Total: Sacramento by 1 1/2; 196
Dunkel Pick: Chicago (+1 1/2); Over




NBA
Short Sheet

Thursday, November 20

Los Angeles at Miami, 8:05 ET
Los Angeles: 16-5 ATS as a road favorite of 3.5 to 6 points
Miami: 16-29 ATS in home games after playing a road game

Chicago at Sacramento, 10:35 ET
Chicago: 8-20 ATS after scoring 105 points or more
Sacramento: 23-12 ATS after allowing 105 points or more

[StarDust Bum]

NBA

Thursday, November 20


Bulls C Pau Gasol, out Thursday

Gasol is dealing with a strained left calf and did not play Monday. He will miss Thursday's game against the Kings.


Bulls PG Derrick Rose, out Thursday

Rose has missed the last two games with a left hamstring injury and will not return Thursday against the Kings.


Heat F Luol Deng, questionable Thursday

Deng has a wrist injury and missed Monday's game. He participated in practice Thursday and could play against the Clippers.


Clippers, Kings open as faves in Thursday doubleheader

The Los Angeles Clippers and the Sacramento Kings opened as favorites for the Thursday night doubleheader.

The Clippers (6-4 SU, 2-8 ATS) opened as 4-point road favorites versus the Heat (6-5 SU/ATS) in Miami. The Clippers have been bet down to -3.

Sacramento (6-5 SU, 7-4 ATS), meanwhile opened as a slight 1-point home favorites with the Chicago Bulls (8-3 SU, 5-6 ATS) in town.

[StarDust Bum]

Hoop Trends - Thursday

November 20, 2014



ATS TREND OF THE DAY:

-- The Heat are 8-0 ATS (7.25 ppg) since Feb 22, 2011 with 2+ days of rest after a road game where at least 25% of their points came at the foul line.

OU TREND OF THE DAY:

-- The Bulls are 0-10 OU (-14.3 ppg) since Jan 17, 2009 after a win as an underdog where they trailed by double digits in the game but not by more than two points after three quarters.

NBA BIBLE ACTIVE TREND:

-- None

ACTIVE TRENDS:

-- The Bulls are 0-7 ATS (-9.07 ppg) since Dec 31, 2012 with rest after a double digit win where they committed fewer than 10 turnovers.

-- The Bulls are 0-8 ATS (-10.38 ppg) since Apr 20, 2014 after a game on the road.

[StarDust Bum]

Inside the Paint - Thursday

November 20, 2014


Thursday’s pro basketball slate offers up another double-header on TNT, which features not one but two non-conference affairs. Before we break down the matchups, I wanted to bring up the developing total trend that I mentioned in last week’s “Total Talk” installment.

TNT has had eight games featured on national television this regular season and all eight have gone ‘under’ the total, which includes both results last Thursday.

Tuesday, Oct. 28
Dallas 100 San Antonio 101 (Under 203)
Houston 108 L.A. Lakers 90 (Under 207)

Thursday, Oct. 30
New York 95 Cleveland 90 (Under 204)
Oklahoma City 90 L.A. Clippers 93 (Under 205.5)

Thursday, Nov. 6
San Antonio 81 Houston 98 (Under 179)
Dallas 87 Portland 108 (Under 209.5)

Thursday, Nov. 13
Chicago 100 Toronto 93 (Under 196.5)
Brooklyn 99 Golden State 107 (Under 210.5)

There hasn’t been a great lean for choosing sides as we’ve seen home teams produce a 5-3 record.

Point-spreads have mattered in the televised matchup, with favorites going 6-2 straight up and 4-4 against the spread.

There has only been one game pitting the East vs. West and the Warriors took care of business in last week’s win over the Nets.

Neither game for Thursday had overnight numbers posted due to key injuries, which we’ll touch on below.

L.A. Clippers (6-4 SU, 2-8 ATS) at Miami (6-5 SU, 6-5 ATS)

This particular non-conference matchup is tough to handicap because of injuries and the recent history between the pair isn’t a factor since LeBron James isn’t with the Heat anymore. With that being said, I would use current form and situations.

After running past Orlando 114-90 on Wednesday as five-point road favorites, the Clippers will be facing a back-to-back spot. Los Angeles has only played on zero days rest once this season and it beat the Lakers 118-111 on Oct. 31 but failed to cover as 12-point road favorites.

Covering numbers has been a major issue for the Clippers this season, who are 2-8 ATS. Prior to last night's victory, their first cover came last Saturday in a 120-107 victory at home against Phoenix. Unfortunately, Doc Rivers’ team was humbled two nights later to the Bulls (105-89).

This will be the second game of a seven-game road trip for the Clippers and the latest quotes from their head coach could have you scratching your head.

“I’ll tell you in seven games,” Rivers said. “Really, I do like going on the road. I think it is an opportunity to find yourself. You can also lose yourself on the road. So we’ll see.”

Including last night’s meeting, Los Angeles has gone 2-1 SU and 1-2 ATS on the road and one of those wins came at the Staples Center versus the Lakers.

Miami snapped a three-game losing skid on Monday with a 95-83 victory at Brooklyn as an eight-point underdog. The Heat didn’t have Dwyane Wade (hamstring) and Luol Deng (wrist) in the lineup on Monday and both players are currently listed as ‘doubtful’ for Thursday.

Wade has already missed three games this season and the team has gone 1-2 in those contests. With the All-Star active, the Heat are 5-3.

Total bettors looking for a lean in this game could go ‘under’ in this spot. Miami has shot the ball well from the field (46.5%) and 3-point land (38.8%) too but the pace has been super slow. The Heat are averaging 75.1 shots per game, which is the lowest in the league. Los Angeles is at 79.2 attempts, which is ranked 26th.

Miami has gone 3-3 both SU and ATS at home this season and will enter tonight’s game looking to snap a two-game skid at American Airlines Arena. The Heat have gone 2-1 both SU and ATS versus the West his season.

As mentioned above, past history shouldn’t be used strongly but make a note that the Heat have won the last three encounters against the Clippers.

Oddsmakers sent out Los Angeles as a four-point road favorite this morning and the number has dropped to 3 at most shops. The total is hovering between 198 and 199 points.

Chicago (8-3 SU, 5-6 ATS) at Sacramento (6-5 SU, 7-4 ATS)

The Bulls began their annual circus trip on Monday with a dominating 105-89 victory over the Clipppers as seven-point underdogs. Chicago trailed 50-48 at halftime but outscored L.A. 57-39 in the final two quarters. What was even more impressive about the Bulls’ win on Monday is that Derrick Rose (hamstring) and Pau Gasol (calf) sat out. Both players are expected to miss tonight's game as well.

Sacramento opened some eyes this season by starting off with a 5-1 record. Unfortunately, this year’s Kings have looked like the same-old Kings lately as they’ve dropped four of their last five and some of the losses were ugly. In setbacks to the Mavericks and Grizzlies last week, Sacramento blew 20-point leads on the road in both contests.

This past Tuesday, Sacramento opened up a 54-45 halftime lead against New Orleans at home. Unfortunately they ran out of gas again and lost 106-100 to the Pelicans as three-point home favorites.

DeMarcus Cousins (22.5 PPG, 11.6 RPG) and Rudy Gay (21.8 PPG) have been playing at a high level for the Kings this season and you could argue that they form the best frontcourt in the league, ranked second in points (69.4 PPG) and first in boards(37.9 RPG). Gay has been deemed 'questionable' for Thursday due to an Achilles injury.

The main issue for the Kings is depth in their backcourt. Darren Collison was a nice pickup at point guard but second-year player Ben McLemore is still raw and the loss of Isiah Thomas to the Suns has been their gain. The Kings backcourt is averaging 33.2 PPG, which is ranked 29th in the NBA.

Chicago continues to impress me each season and it’s easy to see why head coach Tom Thobodeau is considered one of the best in the game. The Bulls have six players averaging double figures and All-Star center Joakim Noah (8.2 PPG) isn’t one of them. Derrick Rose has only played in five games, never more than 32 minutes, and the Bulls are 4-1 in those games. Without Rose, the team is 4-2.

If you want to find a good NBA team, then look for one that wins on the road. Chicago is 6-0 as a visitor this season and it captured closed calls against inferior teams in Minnesota (106-105) and Philadelphia (118-115), which is a sign of a good team to me.

Kings should have confidence for this matchup since they destroyed the Bulls in their last two meetings at home by 42 and 29 points.

Sacramento has been installed as a short one-point home favorite over Chicago. The total is 196.

[StarDust Bum]

Armadillo: Friday's six-pack

-- Raiders 24, Chiefs 20-- Oakland ends 16-game losing skid on a rainy night.

-- Clippers 110, Heat 93-- LA wins first two games of eastern swing.

-- Cal 73, Syracuse 59-- Could be long year for inexperienced Orange

-- Texas 71, Iowa 57-- Hawkeyes led by six at the half.

-- Indiana 74, SMU 68-- When do the Mustangs start winning?

-- Niagara 61, St Peter's 59-- Purple Eagles win first conference tilt of year.

**********


Armadillo: Friday's List of 13: Things I'm looking for this weekend......

13) Jets-Bills game was moved to Detroit; game will be 7:00 Monday night. Bills haven't practiced the last two days- there's still a driving ban in parts of Buffalo. Jim Kelly said there is as much as seven feet of snow at his house in suburban Buffalo.

12) Arizona has been one of the most interesting teams this season, lot of close finishes. Wildcats are at Utah this week, a week after Utes won in OT at Stanford.

11) Broncos have been strong after a loss in Manning era; Miami won four of its last five games and looks to be catching a break with weather (sunny/43 is forecasted) on Sunday. Interesting game in Denver.

10) Arkansas got the SEC monkey off Bret Bielema’s back last week; now he goes for two in a row, but the Ole Miss offense is better than LSU’s. Not many easy outs (Vandy, maybe Kentucky now) in the SEC this season.

9) Giants lost their last five games and haven’t covered any of them; now the hated Cowboys come calling a few weeks after they beat Big Blue 31-21 in JerryWorld. How much did the bye week help Romo’s ailing back?

8) Miami went all-out last week and came up short against Florida State; much like LSU last week at Arkansas, the Hurricanes go on road this week to face a lesser but dangerous opponent in Virginia. Winning a letdown road game with a freshman QB has never been an easy day in college football.

7) I’ve basically given up predicting how the Bengals will play from week/week; they’re so erratic. Houston is improved this year at 5-5, winning Mallett’s first start last week in Cleveland. Dalton played college ball at TCU; will a trip back to the Lone Star State help his game any?

6) Saturday night, the 0-11 76ers visit the 3-10 Knicks, in Philly’s best chance in a while to actually win a game. Why are the Knicks paying Phil Jackson $12M a year? How are they any better now than they were the last two years?

5) Saints lost their last two home games, now host a Raven squad that won the Super Bowl last time they visited Bourbon Street. This should be a fun game to watch.

4) Stanford-Cal is a fierce rivalry; Cardinal seem to be declining, while Golden Bears are getting better, though only on offense. Speaking of Cal, shouldn’t Jack Nicklaus’ grandson have gone to Cal instead of Florida State? After all, he is the Golden Bear.

3) Lions head to Foxboro after they were held without a TD by the Cardinals. New England has been a juggernaut since Gronkowski got healthy, scoring 40+ points in their last three games.

2) USC-UCLA is a terrific rivalry; neither team wears white jerseys. UCLA always wears the light blue jerseys, Trojans wear the cardinal and gold. Third different HC in three years for USC, but Sarkisian looks a guy who will get their ship headed back towards the top, once he gets back to 85 scholarship players.

1) 9-1 Cardinals are getting 6.5 points from a 6-4 Seattle team this week. Redbirds won in Seattle in Week 16 LY. Going to be interesting to see how they fare out in the elements this year. Drew Stanton is a real good backup QB, but if something happens to him, the wheels are going to fall off the Redbird Express.

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up

Friday, November 21

Hot Teams
-- Toronto won seven of last eight games (6-2 HF). Bucks won five of last six games (5-2 AU).
-- Wizards won seven of last nine games (0-3 U).
-- Memphis won four of last five games (2-4 HF).
-- Spurs won/covered five of their last six games (1-2 AF).
-- Mavericks won/covered their last five games (4-2 HF). Lakers are 2-0 with Nick Young back in lineup (4-0 last four AU).
-- New Orleans won five of last seven games (2-3A, 0-0 AF). Nuggets won three of last four games (0-1 HU).
-- Warriors won eight of first ten games (3-2 HF). Utah covered seven of its last ten games (4-3 AU).
-- Portland won last five games (5-2 HF). Bulls won seven of their last ten games (2-1 AU).

Cold Teams
-- Hawks lost last two games, allowing 120.5 ppg (1-3-1 HF). Detroit lost six of last seven games, but covered last three on road.
-- Cleveland lost last two games, by 9-2 points (1-3 AF).
-- Celtics lost three of last four games (2-1 AU).
-- Minnesota lost five of its last six games (1-0 HU).
-- Oklahoma City lost last four games (0-1 HF). Nets lost their last five games (1-4 vs spread).

Series Records
-- Pistons lost ten of last eleven visits to Atlanta (5-3-1 last nine against the spread).
-- Raptors were 4-0 vs Milwaukee LY, winning by 7-22-4-10 points.
-- Cavaliers won five of last seven games with Washington.
-- Grizzlies won last four games vs Boston by 10-4-7-7 points.
-- Spurs lost four of last five visits to Minnesota.
-- Thunder lost three of last four games with Brooklyn.
-- Lakers were 0-3 vs Dallas LY, losing by 19-23-12 points.
-- Home side won last nine Pelican-Hugget games; New Orleans lost last five visits to Denver, by 13-24-15-9-30 points.
-- Warriors won all four games with Utah LY by average of 14 points.
-- Bulls lost six in a row to the Blazers; they've lost last five visits to Portland, losing by 42-4-6-8-3 points.

Totals
-- Last three Atlanta games went over the total.
-- Six of last nine Milwaukee games stayed under.
-- Over is 3-1-1 in Cleveland road games.
-- Seven of last eight Boston games went over.
-- Under is 9-2 in Spur games. Last four Minnesota games went over.
-- Under is 9-3-1 in Thunder games. Five of last seven Brooklyn games went over.
-- Six of last eight Dallas games stayed under. Eight of last 12 Laker tilts went over.
-- Over is 6-2-1 in last nine Denver games.
-- Three of last four Warrior games went over.
-- Six of eight Portland home games stayed under.

Back-to-Backs
--

East vs West
SU: West 38-16 ATS: West 32-22
East teams HF vs West: 8-12
East teams HU vs West: 5-6
West teams HF vs East: 9-9
West teams HU vs East: 5-0

[StarDust Bum]

NBA

Friday, November 21

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Trend Report
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7:00 PM
PHOENIX vs. PHILADELPHIA
Phoenix is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Phoenix's last 10 games
Philadelphia is 8-15 SU in its last 23 games when playing Phoenix
Philadelphia is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Phoenix

7:00 PM
ORLANDO vs. CHARLOTTE
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Orlando's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Orlando's last 16 games on the road
Charlotte is 17-6 SU in its last 23 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Charlotte's last 16 games when playing at home against Orlando

7:30 PM
MILWAUKEE vs. TORONTO
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Milwaukee's last 5 games on the road
Milwaukee is 10-4 SU in its last 14 games when playing Toronto
Toronto is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Milwaukee
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Toronto's last 7 games when playing Milwaukee

7:30 PM
DETROIT vs. ATLANTA
Detroit is 4-9 SU in its last 13 games when playing Atlanta
Detroit is 4-8 ATS in its last 12 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Atlanta's last 6 games when playing at home against Detroit
Atlanta is 10-1 SU in its last 11 games when playing at home against Detroit

8:00 PM
BOSTON vs. MEMPHIS
Boston is 3-16 SU in its last 19 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 12 of Boston's last 15 games when playing Memphis
Memphis is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games when playing at home against Boston
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Memphis's last 7 games when playing at home against Boston

8:00 PM
CLEVELAND vs. WASHINGTON
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Cleveland's last 9 games on the road
Cleveland is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
Washington is 3-8 ATS in its last 11 games when playing Cleveland
Washington is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games

8:00 PM
SAN ANTONIO vs. MINNESOTA
San Antonio is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Minnesota
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of San Antonio's last 13 games
Minnesota is 5-20 SU in its last 25 games when playing San Antonio
Minnesota is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games

8:00 PM
BROOKLYN vs. OKLAHOMA CITY
Brooklyn is 3-8 SU in its last 11 games when playing Oklahoma City
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Brooklyn's last 5 games when playing Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Brooklyn
Oklahoma City is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games

8:30 PM
LA LAKERS vs. DALLAS
LA Lakers are 4-2 SU in their last 6 games when playing on the road against Dallas
LA Lakers are 5-16 SU in their last 21 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Dallas's last 8 games
Dallas is 2-4 ATS in their last 6 games when playing at home against LA Lakers

9:00 PM
NEW ORLEANS vs. DENVER
New Orleans is 2-9 SU in its last 11 games on the road
New Orleans is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Denver
Denver is 1-5-1 ATS in its last 7 games at home
Denver is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against New Orleans

10:30 PM
UTAH vs. GOLDEN STATE
Utah is 7-17 SU in its last 24 games
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Utah's last 13 games when playing on the road against Golden State
Golden State is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Golden State's last 13 games when playing at home against Utah

10:30 PM
CHICAGO vs. PORTLAND
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Chicago's last 14 games when playing Portland
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Chicago's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Portland's last 6 games
Portland is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home

[StarDust Bum]

Friday's Tip Sheet

November 21, 2014

Bucks at Raptors (-8 ½, 198) – 7:35 PM EST

Two of the more profitable teams through the first three weeks of the season hook up at the Air Canada Center. Milwaukee won its fifth game in six tries in Wednesday’s wild 122-118 victory at Brooklyn in triple overtime as 6 ½-point underdogs. The Bucks had gone seven straight games cashing the ‘under’ prior to back-to-back ‘overs’ against the Knicks and Nets. Jason Kidd’s team owns a solid 5-2 ATS record away from BMO Harris Center, which includes three outright wins as an underdog.

The Raptors conclude a seven-game homestand, looking for a 6-1 finish before heading to Cleveland on Saturday night. Toronto rallied past a short-handed Memphis squad in Wednesday’s 96-92 triumph, just the second time in 11 games the Raps have been limited to below 100 points. Since starting the season at 6-1 ATS, Dwane Casey’s club has failed to cover in three of the past four games, while the Raptors attempt to maintain their domination of the Bucks after winning all four meetings last season.

Cavaliers (-1 ½, 205) at Wizards – 8:05 PM EST

The Cavs and Wizards restart a rivalry that saw Cleveland knock out Washington in three consecutive postseasons from 2005-2007. Cleveland hits the highway following consecutive home losses to Denver and San Antonio, as the Cavs fell in the final seconds to the Spurs on Wednesday in a potential NBA Finals matchup, 92-90. LeBron James turned the ball over on the final possession as the Cavs fell to 5-5 SU and 4-6 ATS on the season, which includes a 1-3 ATS mark as a road favorite.

Washington saw its three-game winning streak come to a halt in Wednesday’s 105-102 home defeat to Dallas as 2 ½-point underdogs. Bradley Beal returned after missing the first nine games with a wrist injury, scoring a team-high 21 points on 9-of-17 shooting off the bench. The Wizards have struggled to cover numbers of late, going 1-5 ATS the last six games, including four straight non-covers at Verizon Center.

Lakers at Mavericks (-9 ½, 217 ½) – 8:35 PM EST

Los Angeles started the season at 1-9, but the Lakers have caught fire of late with back-to-back road underdog wins at Atlanta and Houston. The Lakers cashed as 10-point underdogs in a 98-92 victory over the Rockets on Wednesday, as Nick Young averaged 16.5 points per game in the two wins in the back-to-back set. Not only did the Lakers cash their first ‘under’ in six tries on the road, but Byron Scott’s team allowed less than 100 points for the first time away from Staples Center.

The Mavericks won their fifth straight game in Wednesday’s three-point triumph at Washington, as Dallas returns home for just one contest prior to Saturday’s showdown in Houston with the Rockets. Rick Carlisle’s club has covered five in a row, while going 4-2 ATS this season as a favorite of seven points or more. The Mavs cruised past the Lakers in all three meetings last season, winning each matchup by double-digits.

Pelicans (-2 ½, 211 ½) at Nuggets – 9:05 PM EST

New Orleans continues its four-game road swing after splitting the first two contests at Portland and Sacramento. The Pelicans rallied past the Kings on Tuesday, 106-100 to win their second away game of the season in five tries. Anthony Davis keeps putting up MVP-type numbers by scoring 28 points and pulling down nine rebounds against the Kings, as New Orleans cashed the ‘over’ for the sixth time in seven games.

The Nuggets are slowly coming back to life following a 1-6 start, as Denver has won three of its past four contests. Brian Shaw’s team avenged an early season loss to the Thunder by beating Oklahoma City on Wednesday at home, 107-100, while eclipsing the 100-point mark for the eighth time in the past nine games. Denver has beaten New Orleans five straight times at the Pepsi Center dating back to March 2012, while these two teams split four meetings last season.

Jazz at Warriors (-11 ½, 209) – 10:35 PM EST

Golden State is playing for the first time since Sunday, when the Warriors knocked off the Lakers at Staples Center, 136-115 as eight-point road favorites. The Warriors hit the East Coast after tonight’s game against the Jazz, as Steve Kerr’s squad hopes to avoid a letdown spot. Golden State is 4-1 at Oracle Arena this season, but is 2-2 ATS as a favorite of eight points or more. Last season, the Warriors pulled off the four-game sweep of the Jazz, as Utah broke the 90-point mark just once.

The Jazz have seen their ups and downs during a 5-7 start, going 0-4 SU and 1-3 ATS off a win. Utah is in that position tonight after beating Oklahoma City on Tuesday, 98-81 as three-point home favorites, limiting the Thunder to 35% shooting from the floor. The Jazz are playing their third road game against a Western Conference foe tonight following a recent five-game trip through the Eastern Conference, as Quin Snyder’s team is 2-4 SU and 3-3 ATS against the West.

Bulls at Blazers – 10:35 PM EST

Chicago travels up the West Coast for the second of a back-to-back set after falling at Sacramento last night, 103-88 as three-point underdogs. Derrick Rose and Pau Gasol sat out with injury, as both Chicago starters are questionable for tonight. The Bulls suffered their first road loss in seven tries, while Tom Thibodeau’s club hasn’t dropped consecutive games yet this season. Rose returns to the scene where he ripped up his knee last November at the Moda Center, putting him on the shelf for the remainder of the 2014 season.

The Blazers have quietly won five straight games, while owning a solid 7-1 record at home. Terry Stotts’ squad is a covering machine of late, cashing seven of the past eight games overall, including Monday’s comeback victory over New Orleans, erasing a 16-point deficit in a 102-93 victory as 2 ½-point favorites. Portland hasn’t allowed more than 100 points at home this season, which has equated into a 6-2 mark to the ‘under’ at the Moda Center.

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Short Sheet

Friday, November 21

Phoenix at Philadelphia, 7:05 ET
Phoenix: 30-15 ATS in road games
Philadelphia: 16-29 ATS in home games

Orlando at Charlotte, 7:05 ET
Orlando: 11-2 ATS after 2 or more consecutive overs
Charlotte: 40-65 ATS after playing 2 consecutive games as an underdog

Detroit at Atlanta, 7:35 ET
Detroit: 32-19 OVER as an underdog
Atlanta: 3-15 ATS when playing with 2 days rest

Milwaukee at Toronto, 7:35 ET
Milwaukee: 112-83 ATS in road games against Atlantic division opponents
Toronto: 73-101 ATS after having won 4 of their last 5 games

Cleveland at Washington, 8:05 ET
Cleveland: 25-12 ATS against Southeast division opponents
Washington: 18-30 ATS in home games

Boston at Memphis, 8:05 ET
Boston: n/a
Memphis: n/a

San Antonio at Minnesota, 8:05 ET
San Antonio: 14-3 UNDER in road games after successfully covering the spread in 2 or more consecutive games
Minnesota: 21-9 UNDER as a home underdog

Brooklyn at Oklahoma City, 8:05 ET
Brooklyn: 7-20 ATS after a loss by 6 points or less
Oklahoma City: 60-42 ATS in home games

Los Angeles at Dallas, 8:35 ET
Los Angeles: 43-25 OVER as a road underdog
Dallas: 58-40 OVER after 1 or more consecutive wins

New Orleans at Denver, 9:05 ET
New Orleans: 9-21 ATS in a road game where the total is greater than or equal to 200
Denver: 133-92 ATS in home games after having won 2 of their last 3 games

Utah at Golden State, 10:35 ET
Utah: 11-23 ATS after covering 3 of their last 4 against the spread
Golden State: 26-10 ATS in home games after covering 2 of their last 3 against the spread

Chicago at Portland, 10:35 ET
Chicago: n/a
Portland: n/a

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Long Sheet

Friday, November 21

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PHOENIX (7 - 5) at PHILADELPHIA (0 - 11) - 11/21/2014, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PHOENIX is 57-35 ATS (+18.5 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 30-15 ATS (+13.5 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 27-13 ATS (+12.7 Units) first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 34-19 ATS (+13.1 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 39-53 ATS (-19.3 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 37-51 ATS (-19.1 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 16-29 ATS (-15.9 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 94-125 ATS (-43.5 Units) in home games first half of the season since 1996.
PHILADELPHIA is 10-23 ATS (-15.3 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 21-33 ATS (-15.3 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 14-27 ATS (-15.7 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHOENIX is 4-0 against the spread versus PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
PHOENIX is 3-1 straight up against PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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ORLANDO (5 - 8) at CHARLOTTE (4 - 8) - 11/21/2014, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ORLANDO is 7-17 ATS (-11.7 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 6-17 ATS (-12.7 Units) in road games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 25-11 ATS (+12.9 Units) in road games first half of the season over the last 3 seasons.

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

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DETROIT (3 - 9) at ATLANTA (5 - 5) - 11/21/2014, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 40-54 ATS (-19.4 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 3-15 ATS (-13.5 Units) when playing with 2 days rest over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 14-27 ATS (-15.7 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.

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

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MILWAUKEE (7 - 5) at TORONTO (9 - 2) - 11/21/2014, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MILWAUKEE is 46-77 ATS (-38.7 Units) after 3 or more consecutive wins since 1996.
TORONTO is 55-42 ATS (+8.8 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 28-15 ATS (+11.5 Units) on Friday nights over the last 3 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 112-83 ATS (+20.7 Units) in road games against Atlantic division opponents since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
MILWAUKEE is 5-2 against the spread versus TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
TORONTO is 4-3 straight up against MILWAUKEE over the last 3 seasons
5 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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CLEVELAND (5 - 5) at WASHINGTON (7 - 3) - 11/21/2014, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CLEVELAND is 13-24 ATS (-13.4 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 6-18 ATS (-13.8 Units) in November games over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 12-23 ATS (-13.3 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 67-42 ATS (+20.8 Units) as an underdog over the last 3 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 25-12 ATS (+11.8 Units) against Southeast division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 48-73 ATS (-32.3 Units) as a home underdog of 3 points or less since 1996.
WASHINGTON is 18-30 ATS (-15.0 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 92-131 ATS (-52.1 Units) in November games since 1996.
WASHINGTON is 124-164 ATS (-56.4 Units) on Friday nights since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
CLEVELAND is 5-2 against the spread versus WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
CLEVELAND is 5-2 straight up against WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
5 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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BOSTON (4 - 6) at MEMPHIS (10 - 2) - 11/21/2014, 8:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
MEMPHIS is 2-2 against the spread versus BOSTON over the last 3 seasons
MEMPHIS is 4-0 straight up against BOSTON 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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SAN ANTONIO (7 - 4) at MINNESOTA (3 - 7) - 11/21/2014, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SAN ANTONIO is 865-754 ATS (+35.6 Units) in all games since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 682-581 ATS (+42.9 Units) as a favorite since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 289-228 ATS (+38.2 Units) after a non-conference game since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 344-278 ATS (+38.2 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record since 1996.
MINNESOTA is 18-30 ATS (-15.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

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

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BROOKLYN (4 - 7) at OKLAHOMA CITY (3 - 10) - 11/21/2014, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 301-250 ATS (+26.0 Units) in all games since 1996.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 60-42 ATS (+13.8 Units) in home games over the last 3 seasons.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 123-83 ATS (+31.7 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent since 1996.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 35-20 ATS (+13.0 Units) after allowing 105 points or more over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
BROOKLYN is 3-2 against the spread versus OKLAHOMA CITY over the last 3 seasons
BROOKLYN is 3-2 straight up against OKLAHOMA CITY over the last 3 seasons
4 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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LA LAKERS (3 - 9) at DALLAS (9 - 3) - 11/21/2014, 8:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LA LAKERS are 34-53 ATS (-24.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
DALLAS is 57-42 ATS (+10.8 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
DALLAS is 277-224 ATS (+30.6 Units) after a non-conference game since 1996.
DALLAS is 54-32 ATS (+18.8 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 3 seasons.

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

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NEW ORLEANS (6 - 4) at DENVER (4 - 7) - 11/21/2014, 9:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEW ORLEANS is 162-212 ATS (-71.2 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game since 1996.
DENVER is 4-16 ATS (-13.6 Units) on Friday nights over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
DENVER is 4-3 against the spread versus NEW ORLEANS over the last 3 seasons
DENVER is 4-3 straight up against NEW ORLEANS over the last 3 seasons
4 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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UTAH (5 - 7) at GOLDEN STATE (8 - 2) - 11/21/2014, 10:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
GOLDEN STATE is 61-42 ATS (+14.8 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
UTAH is 4-3 against the spread versus GOLDEN STATE over the last 3 seasons
GOLDEN STATE is 5-2 straight up against UTAH over the last 3 seasons
5 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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CHICAGO (8 - 4) at PORTLAND (8 - 3) - 11/21/2014, 10:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
PORTLAND is 3-1 against the spread versus CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
PORTLAND is 4-0 straight up against CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

[StarDust Bum]

NBA

Friday, November 21


Trail Blazers the hottest ATS play in the league

There may be no hotter team in the NBA than the Portland Trail Blazers. In the past eight games, the Blazers are 7-1 straight up and against the spread.

Portland has been dominating teams and have an average margin of victory of +11.25 over the eight game streak.


Magic have been stellar against the spread

The Orlando Magic may be inconsistent on the court, but there is no doubt they have been dominant at the window. Orlando is 7-1 against the spread in their last eight games.

The Magic have covered games by an average of nine points during their hot ATS streak.


Pau Gasol, Chicago - Ques Fri

Gasol is dealing with a strained left calf and has missed the last two games. He is questionable Friday against the Trail Blazers.


Derrick Rose, Chicago - Ques Fri

Rose has missed the last three games with a left hamstring injury and is questionable to return Friday against the Trail Blazers.


Dwyane Wade, Miami - Ques Sat

Wade has missed the last four games with a hamstring injury and is questionable to return Saturday against the Hornets.


Stomach virus could force seven Griz players out

A stomach virus has hit the Memphis Grizzlies' locker room, and as a result, there's a good chance they're going to be shorthanded once again when they host the Boston Celtics in Tennessee Friday.

Five Grizzlies players were forced to sit out of Wednesday's 96-92 loss to the Toronto Raptors, and according to CBS Boston, that number could reach seven Friday. Courtney Lee, Tony Allen, Beno Udrih, Jon Leuer and Jarnell Stokes were the five that were unable to participate versus the Raps, and now Kosta Koufos and Quincy Pondexter have been affected and are listed as questionable ahead of tip-off.

The Griz (10-2 SU) sit atop of the Western Conference ahead of the contest and have covered half of their games so far this season. The Celtics are currently 6-point road dogs with a total of 199.

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Dunkel

New Orleans at Denver
The Pelicans head to Denver tonight to face a Nuggets team that is 0-8-1 ATS in its last 9 games versus Western Conference opponents. New Orleans is the pick (-2) according to Dunkel, which has the Pelicans favored by 4 1/2. Dunkel Pick: New Orleans (-2). Here are all of today's NBA picks.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 21

Game 501-502: Phoenix at Philadelphia (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Phoenix 119.492; Philadelphia 108.153
Dunkel Line & Total: Phoenix by 11 1/2; 210
Vegas Line & Total: Phoenix by 9 1/2; 206 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Phoenix (-9 1/2); Over

Game 503-504: Orlando at Charlotte (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Orlando 114.312; Charlotte 115.796
Dunkel Line & Total: Charlotte by 1 1/2; 185
Vegas Line & Total: Charlotte by 4; 190
Dunkel Pick: Orlando (+4); Under

Game 505-506: Detroit at Atlanta (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit 113.011; Atlanta 122.998
Dunkel Line & Total: Atlanta by 10; 207
Vegas Line & Total: Atlanta by 6 1/2; 199 11/2
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (-6 1/2); Over

Game 507-508: Milwaukee at Toronto (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Milwaukee 117.176; Toronto 123.721
Dunkel Line & Total: Toronto by 6 1/2; 209
Vegas Line & Total: Toronto by 8 1/2; 200
Dunkel Pick: Milwaukee (+8 1/2); Over

Game 509-510: Cleveland at Washington (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cleveland 119.012; Washington 123.096
Dunkel Line & Total: Washington by 4; 211
Vegas Line & Total: Cleveland by 2; 205
Dunkel Pick: Washington (+2); Over

Game 511-512: Boston at Memphis (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Boston 115.005; Memphis 126.606
Dunkel Line & Total: Memphis by 11 1/2; 194
Vegas Line & Total: Memphis by 6; 199
Dunkel Pick: Memphis (-6); Under

Game 513-514: San Antonio at Minnesota (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Antonio 121.397; Minnesota 114.682
Dunkel Line & Total: San Antonio by 6 1/2; 207
Vegas Line & Total: San Antonio by 8 1/2; 200
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (+8 1/2); Over

Game 515-516: Brooklyn at Oklahoma City (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Brooklyn 115.214; Oklahoma City 118.453
Dunkel Line & Total: Oklahoma Cit by 3; 182
Vegas Line & Total: Oklahoma City by 1; 188 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Oklahoma City (-1); Under

Game 517-518: LA Lakers at Dallas (8:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: LA Lakers 119.434; Dallas 126.381
Dunkel Line & Total: Dallas by 7; 221
Vegas Line & Total: Dallas by 9 1/2; 216 1/2
Dunkel Pick: LA Lakers (+9 1/2); Over

Game 519-520: New Orleans at Denver (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: New Orleans 123.895; Denver 119.303
Dunkel Line & Total: New Orleans by 4 1/2; 208
Vegas Line & Total: New Orleans by 2; 212
Dunkel Pick: New Orleans (-2); Under

Game 521-522: Utah at Golden State (10:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Utah 117.309; Golden State 126.789
Dunkel Line & Total: Golden State by 9 1/2; 212
Vegas Line & Total: Golden State by 11 1/2; 207
Dunkel Pick: Utah (+11 1/2); Over

Game 523-524: Chicago at Portland (10:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Chicago 118.183; Portland 128.859
Dunkel Line & Total: Portland by 10 1/2; 199
Vegas Line & Total: Portland by 7 1/2; 195
Dunkel Pick: Portland (-7 1/2); Over

[StarDust Bum]

Hoop Trends - Friday

November 21, 2014


TREND OF THE DAY:

-- The 76ers are 0-15 ATS (-7.63 ppg) as a dog when their opponent is playing in at least their third straight road game.

OU TREND OF THE DAY:

-- The Celtics are 0-12 OU (-10.33 ppg) since Apr 13, 2012 on the road after a game where at least 75% of their baskets were assisted.

PLAYER TREND OF THE DAY:

-- The Jazz are 0-7 OU (-14.79 ppg) since Mar 13, 2013 on the road after Gordon Hayward played fewer than 30 minutes last game.

NBA BIBLE ACTIVE TREND:

-- The Warriors are 0-11 ATS (-7.82 ppg) as a favorite when they won and covered as a favorite in each of their last two games.

ACTIVE TRENDS:

-- The Lakers are 7-0 OU (11.36 ppg) since Jan 23, 2013 and on the road after Kobe Bryant took more than 20 shots on the road last game.

[StarDust Bum]

Armadillo: Saturday's six-pack

-- Washington 91, Cleveland 78-- Cavaliers are 5-6; 5-0 when game goes over total, 0-6 when it stays under (0-5) or pushes the total (0-1).

-- Texas PG Isaiah Taylor is out 4-6 weeks with broken wrist; Longhorns beat Cal without him, winning the 2K Classic at Madison Square Garden.

-- Adam Laroche goes to the White Sox: $25M for two years, which makes Ryan Zimmerman the Nationals' new 1B.

-- Gardner-Webb 72, Clemson 70-- Tigers lost to Winthrop the other night; could be a long year in Littlejohn Coliseum.

-- West Virginia 70, Boston College 66-- Mountaineers face UConn in Puerto Rico final Sunday night; they were down 11 at half in this game.

-- Hawai'i 74, Pittsburgh70-- Bad loss for Panthers; good win for the Big West.

**********


Armadillo: Saturday's List of 13: Random stuff with weekend here.........

13) Knicks’ PG Jose Calderon hasn’t played yet but he practiced Friday and is expected to play tonight against the 0-12 76ers. Calderon will help the Knicks but they're 3-10, which means they have multiple problems that go beyond point guard, but he will help move the ball better.

12) In case you care about such things, over is 26-9 in NFL primetime games.

11) 16 of 32 NFL teams have started their backup QB at least once this season and there are still six weeks left.

10) Patriots signed RB LaGarrette Blount about 45 seconds after the Steelers released him. Blount has a fairly long rap sheet of not being a great guy, not sure why the Pats want him (again), especially since they’re not playing the Steelers this year unless they meet in the playoffs. Not sure if he’s a big help on special teams, that could be part of it.

9) Closer look at Giancarlo Stanton’s contract: $10M a year for the first three years, then it ramps up to $26M a year for the next three and $32M a year for the seven after that. Maybe Jeffrey Loria plans to sell and won’t be around to give Stanton the really big bucks, or maybe he’ll just trade him to the Dodgers (Stanton is from LA and would no doubt waive his no-trade to go back there) once time comes.

8) Bovada has Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy as the betting favorite to replace Will Muschamp as the next football coach at Florida.

7) Next Cuban baseball sensation is OF named Yasmani Tomas, who will capitalize on the Cespedes/Abreu success to make very big money when he signs. Lot of teams have been prominently mentioned as suitors, most notably the Phillies and recently the Braves.

6) These are facts, do with them what you want: Redskins are averaging 347 yards a game when RGIII plays, 394 when someone else plays.

5) Just realized that former Ohio State football coach Jim Tressel now works at Youngstown State, where he was a highly successful coach; he’s not coaching there anymore, he’s not the AD, he’s the freakin’ school President. Saw a pic of him with a kid in a Penguin costume, which caught my eye.

4) Golfer named John Hahn picked a great time, the last day of European Tour Q School, to shoot a 58 and get his Tour card for next year. He was using preferred lies, but 58 is 58. Good for him.

3) This is what my Las Vegas trips sometimes wind up like: It is Tuesday morning, I’m waiting to go to the airport to go home, sitting by myself at a casino bar, playing video poker and listening to Jeff Van Gundy broadcast the Northern Iowa-SF Austin game. How cool is it that Van Gundy was in Nacogdoches, TX doing an obscure college game on a Tuesday morning?

2) Never realized until this week that Alex Rodriguez signed two separate 10-year contracts in his career, which were worth a combined $527M. How about that? Its good to be him, or his agent.

1) I’m not much for politics, but I’d feel better for our country if we did as much for soldiers returning from active duty as we do for illegal immigrants—I’m pretty sure they deserve it.