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**StarDust Bum** · 10-27-2014, 10:38 PM

NBA Futures - Best Bets

October 27, 2014

NBA Finals "Longshot" - Los Angeles Clippers

According to oddsmakers at Sportsbook.ag, the Clippers have the fifth-best odds to win the 2014 NBA Championship behind the Cavs, Spurs, Bulls, and Thunder.

There are plenty of concerns among the four teams ahead of the Clippers and questions that need to be answered. How will the Cavs mesh in the first year with three superstars?

Will Derrick Rose be the player he was three years ago?

How will the Thunder respond without Durant in the lineup for an extended period?

Will the Spurs finally start to slow down with an aging roster?

While those answers aren’t clear at this time, it’s fair to say that Los Angeles is the only squad without major questions surrounding the team heading into the season.

They ended 2013 as the third best team in the West last year, finishing five games behind San Antonio and two games behind OKC.

The Clippers were one of the favorites to compete for the 2013 NBA Finals once the playoffs began and they were headed in the right direction, up 2-1 against the Warriors in the 1st Round, when the Donald Sterling controversy came to light. The media storm surrounding Sterling was inescapable for the team, the league, and its fans. The emotional fallout forced the LAC-GS series to go longer than necessary and took its toll on the team.

Even then, the Clippers survived the Warriors in seven games and were right there with OKC in the 2nd Round. LAC won Game 1 and with the series tied at 2-2, OKC squeaked out a home win, 105-104, shifting the series momentum in the Thunder's favor.

They entered the offseason not knowing who their owner would be or what kind of drastic measures it might take to get away from Sterling. Ultimately the Clippers truly grew closer over the course of last season and the offseason and chemistry wise, the Clippers have never been better.

There weren't a ton of improvements to be made on last year's roster, but the Clips did a nice job of upgrading their bench. They brought in Jordan Farmar to replace Darren Collison as the backup point guard. Farmar is an underrated shooter and can run the offense off the bench. He's a great fit with this roster and is an upgrade over what Collison brought to the table in 2013.

LAC also brought back Glen Davis and acquired Spencer Hawes to solidify the frontcourt depth. Hawes can function as a rebounder and can spread the floor as a stretch 4/5, and will be a nice change of pace from DeAndre Jordan.

LAC, in the second year under proven head coach Doc Rivers, will be better than last year's version and are a great under-the-radar bet to win the 2014 NBA Finals.

OVER 32.5 Wins - Indiana Pacers

The Pacers have the biggest change in win totals from last season, when they were slated to win 54.5 games, to this season, where they are slated to win just 32.5 and finish nine games below .500. The 22-game difference can be attributed to the fact that Indiana lost its two best offensive players in the offseason when Lance Stephenson left in free agency and when Paul George suffered a broken leg while participating on Team USA in the FIBA World Cup.

The offense will struggle without Stephenson or George in the lineup, but the defense will allow them to compete. Frank Vogel's squad has had one of the top defensive systems in the NBA over the last few seasons, a system will be even more defense-oriented in 2014.

The Pacers of 2014 will resemble that of the Chicago Bulls sans Derrick Rose in the lineup. The Rose-less Bulls of 2012 & 2013 were slow (4th slowest pace in '12, 2nd slowest in '13), bad offensively (last in PPG in '12 & '13), and great defensively (3rd in PPG allowed in '12, 1st in PPG allowed in '13).

Chicago finished with 48 wins in 2013 and 45 in 2012. Expect that Indiana will use a similar formula in 2014 that will allow them to compete for a playoff spot in a subpar Eastern Conference.

Don't expect the Pacers to fall too far and take Indiana to win OVER 32.5 games.

UNDER 48.5 Wins - Portland Trailblazers

Last season the young Blazers rode a red hot 22-4 start to the season to a playoff berth and an overall record of 54-28 in the regular season. It was a remarkable turnaround for the Blazers who had won just 61 total games in the previous season.

In fact, the 21 more wins they had last season compared to the previous season was the biggest turnaround in the NBA last season. A big reason for Portland's success last season was the fact they had the second fewest lost minutes (injuries) by starters for the year.

The Blazers won't be sneaking up on anyone this season and of course they play in the much tougher Western Conference. Interestingly enough, of the Blazers 54 regular season wins last season, 23 came by 7-points or less so obviously when a few of those games don't go their way this season they won't threaten their win total of 48.5 games.

Don't get me wrong we love the young Blazers roster with LaMarcus Aldridge, Nicolas Batum, Damian Lillard, Wesley Mathews and Robin Lopez but we don't expect a team that was 19th in defensive efficiency allowing 1.043 points per possession last season to finish with 50+ wins.

**StarDust Bum** · 10-27-2014, 10:42 PM

2014-15 Win Total Best Bets

October 27, 2014

The 2014-15 NBA season begins this week and we asked our stable of pro basketball handicappers to provide their Best win total opinions on the upcoming season based on the odds that opened at the Las Vegas Hotel & Casino (LVH) SuperBook. Each expert chose one Over and Under to watch.

The highest total on the board belongs to the Cleveland Cavaliers at 58 ½ after LeBron James returned home following four seasons in Miami. Not only did the Cavs sign James, but they also acquired Kevin Love from the Timberwolves, as Cleveland will no doubt improve on its 33-49 record from last season.

The lowest total posted for the second straight season is Philadelphia at 15, a slight drop from 16 ½ in 2013-14. The Sixers began last season at 3-0, but won just 16 games the rest of the way, barely cashing an OVER. This season doesn’t have a lot of hope in the City of Brotherly Love, as top pick Joel Embiid will likely sit out most of the campaign with a fracture in his right foot.

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Several teams that made big jumps from last season in the win total department include the Raptors (48), Wizards (48), Hornets (44), and Suns (43 ½), while the Pacers dropped to 33 with the season-ending leg injury to Paul George and the Timberwolves (28) fell with Love’s departure to Cleveland.

VegasInsider.com handicapper Joe Nelson isn’t going to bail on Minnesota, as he expects this team to exceed its win total of 28, “The Wolves have seemingly been on the verge of a breakthrough season for years and while last season was the best season for the franchise since 2004-05, it was still a losing season at 40-42 and it has been 10 consecutive seasons without a playoff appearance. The loss of Kevin Love looms as big shoes to fill after another great statistical season but Minnesota won 31 games in 2012-13 with Love only playing 18 games. In the Love era, the Wolves were terrible in close games and Love often has been a player that performs well in the box score but not down the stretch to close out games as he is really just a one-way threat.”

The Blazers (48 ½) advanced to the second round of the playoffs last season, as handicapper Antony Dinero feels this club will continue that momentum in 2015, “The Trail Blazers won 54 games last season, their second under head coach Terry Stotts. They saw LaMarcus Aldridge and Damian Lillard reach a new level of stardom, Robin Lopez make an immediate impact defensively and glue guys Nicolas Batum and Wesley Matthews continue to improve. Nice pieces Steve Blake and Chris Kaman come aboard to add depth to an improving bench. C.J. McCollum should finally be a factor. Portland should be better, having drawn confidence from last season's playoff advancement, which will prove to be invaluable to its continued progress. With the number set at 48.5, the call here is that this bunch wins at least 50 and probably makes a run at Oklahoma City for Northwest Division supremacy with Kevin Durant sidelined early.”

The Rockets lost to the Blazers in an exciting first round playoff series last season, as Jimmy Boyd doesn’t see Houston passing its 49 victory total, “While the Rockets still have two big time superstars in Dwight Howard and James Harden, I don't believe Houston did enough to make up for the loss of Chandler Parsons, who is one of the best kept secrets in the league. The Rockets were just 4-4 in the 8 games that Parsons' missed last year. They also parted ways with Jeremy Lin, Omer Asik and Omri Casspi. Between Parsons and Lin alone, they have to replace 29.1 ppg, 8.1 rpg and 8.1 apg. Not to mention they were two of their best 3-point shooters. If Howard or Harden misses significant time, this team is going to struggle to make the playoffs in the loaded Western Conference.”

As far as under the radar teams go, the Bucks suffered plenty of injuries and limped to a league-worst 15-67 record last season. However, veteran handicapper Stephen Nover feels Milwaukee (24) has nowhere to go but up this season, “There is an optimistic outlook with new ownership and new coach Jason Kidd that hadn't been felt for years. Jabari Parker is likely to win Rookie of the Year honors while making everyone around him better. Everyone knows about Parker, but Giannis Antetokounmpo is less heralded yet he has star potential, too, that started to surface last year. The Bucks are particularly underrated at point guard with Brandon Knight, who could thrive under Kidd, and Kendall Marshall. Only Chris Paul had more assists per game than Marshall last season.”

Listed below are the Win Total selections from our handicappers. Be sure to check out their daily pro basketball winners all season long on VegasInsider.com!

NBA Win Total Predictions

Andy Iskoe Detroit Pistons
Over 36 Brooklyn Nets
Under 55

Antony Dinero Portland Trailblazers
Over 48 ½ New York Knicks
Under 40 ½

ASA Indiana Pacers
Over 36 ½ Portland Trailblazers
Under 48 ½

Bill Marzano Dallas Mavericks
Over 50 ½ Chicago Bulls
Under 55

Bruce Marshall Miami Heat
Over 44 Los Angeles Lakers
Under 29 ½

Dave Cokin New Orleans Pelicans
Over 43 ½ Atlanta Hawks
Under 41 ½

Don Anthony Portland Trailblazers
Over 48 ½ New Orleans Pelicans
Under 43 ½

Jimmy Boyd New York Knicks
Over 40 ½ Houston Rockets
Under 49

Joe Nelson Minnesota Timberwolves
Over 28 Miami Heat
Under 44

Joe Williams Cleveland Cavaliers
Over 58 ½ Oklahoma City Thunder
Under 54

Kevin Rogers Detroit Pistons
Over 36 Orlando Magic
Under 27

Kyle Hunter Golden State Warriors
Over 51 Atlanta Hawks
Under 41 ½

Marc Lawrence Indiana Pacers
Over 33 Cleveland Cavaliers
Under 58 ½

Mark Franco Chicago Bulls
Over 55 Indiana Pacers
Under 33

Mike Rose Washington Wizards
Over 48 San Antonio Spurs
Under 57 ½

Stephen Nover Milwaukee Bucks
Over 24 Washington Wizards
Under 48

The SportsBoss New York Knicks
Over 40 ½ Sacramento Kings
Under 30

Vince Akins Utah Jazz
Over 26 ½ Toronto Raptors
Under 48

**StarDust Bum** · 10-27-2014, 10:44 PM

2014-15 Props Outlook

October 24, 2014

With the NBA regular season set to tip, time to get your futures in is running out. Publicist Jimmy Shapiro has dropped all of Bovada.lv's many available options this week, so I'll strap on my Halloween costume early -- there's a Santa cap involved -- and supply a bunch of treats into your goodie bags. You didn't even have to dress up and ring my doorbell.

2014-15 Rookie of the Year

Favorites: Jabari Parker (MIL) 5/2, Andrew Wiggins (MIN) 15/4, Nerlens Noel (PHI) 11/2, Julius Randle (LAL) 7/1, Doug McDermott (CHI) 9/1

Solid options: Marcus Smart (BOS) 12/1, Elfrid Payton (ORL) 15/1

Top longshots: Shabazz Napier (MIA) 30/1, Cleanthony Early (NYK) 30/1, Kostas Papanikolaou (HOU) 50/1, Adreian Payne (ATL) 55/1, K.J. McDaniels (PHI) 65/1, Mitch McGary (OKC) 65/1

Bank on: Parker is the choice here. He'll get the most opportunities to be the primary catalyst, which helped last year's winner, Michael Carter-Williams, run away from the rest of a fairly weak crop. Philadelphia's Noel would be my second choice, but he'll have ups and downs with foul trouble that could derail him. Boston's Smart and Orlando's Payton could pay huge dividends since both should get long leashes and will defend from Day 1.

2014-15 Coach of the Year

Favorites: Gregg Popovich (SA) 3/1, David Blatt (CLE) 9/2, Tom Thibodeau (CHI) 7/1, Doc Rivers (LAC) 10/1, Steve Kerr (GSW) 10/1

Solid options: Jeff Hornacek (PHX) 12/1, Rick Carlisle (DAL) 15/1, Dwane Casey (TOR) 15/1, Steve Clifford (CHA) 20/1, Terry Stotts (POR) 20/1

Top longshots: Erik Spoelstra (MIA) 35/1, Monty Williams (NO) 35/1, Lionel Hollins (BKN) 35/1, Randy Wittman (WAS) 45/1, David Joerger (MEM) 100/1

Bank on: I'd definitely fade Pop and Blatt since expectations are so high. Thibodeau and Rivers coach the teams I'm projecting to finish with the top records in their respective conferences, so your choice should be one of those two. I don't believe the Heat will fall flat, so backing Spo to rally the troops at a handsome rate wouldn't be a bad investment. Wittman can also win that Southeast Division if injury-prone key pieces Nene and Bradley Beal can hang around. To his credit, he's improved as a strategist over the past two seasons.

2014-15 Points per game leader

Favorites: Kevin Durant (OKC) 3/2, Carmelo Anthony (NY) 2/1, LeBron James (CLE) 11/4, James Harden (HOU) 13/2, Russell Westbrook (OAK) 12/1

Solid options: Kobe Bryant (LAL) 25/1, Blake Griffin (LAC) 25/1

Top longshots: Derrick Rose (CHI) 40/1, LaMarcus Aldridge (POR) 40/1, Anthony Davis (NOP) 40/1, DeMarcus Cousins (SAC) 60/1, Jabari Parker (MIL) 250/1

Bank on: Melo. He'll only double your money, but with Durant likely requiring an adjustment period upon his return from foot surgery and Westbrook sure to see a dip when that occurs, Anthony is a heavy favorite. James is going to share the rock in an attempt to make the game easier for his new teammates, while Harden will have to feed Dwight Howard to keep him happy. Every name listed in the other column above has a great shot at a top-three spot, but I don't see anybody getting to 30 per game. Bryant is most likely to make a determined run at it, because of course he is. The rookie at 250-to-1? Fun. It's highly unlikely, but he can put the ball in the basket.

2014-15 Rebounds per game leader

Favorites: Andre Drummond (DET) 9/5, DeAndre Jordan (LAC) 2/1, Dwight Howard (HOU) 4/1, Kevin Love (CLE) 5/1, DeMarcus Cousins (SAC) 14/1

Solid options: Nikola Vucevic (ORL) 16/1, Joakim Noah (CHI) 20/1

Top longshots: Omer Asik (NOP) 30/1, LaMarcus Aldridge (POR) 30/1, Anthony Davis (NOP) 30/1, Al Jefferson (CHA) 35/1, Blake Griffin (LAC) 50/1

Bank on: Drummond and Howard may be two of the NBA's worst free-throw shooters, but they're beasts on the boards, physically imposing their will on a nightly basis. Howard looks 100 percent and stronger than ever, so since he has less glass-eating competition than Drummond on his own team, we'll ride with him. Vucevic replaced him in Orlando, just got extended and really likes to get after it, so he'd be a strong play if you want to take a shot. Elite rebounders Asik and Davis will affect one another's production in New Orleans, which is why the odds on them appear so attractive.

2014-15 Assists per game leader

Favorites: Chris Paul (LAC) 2/3, Rajon Rondo (BOS) 2/1, John Wall (WAS) 8/1

Solid options: Ricky Rubio (MIN) 14/1, Ty Lawson (DEN) 16/1

Top longshots: Kyle Lowry (TOR) 40/1, Deron Williams (BKN) 40/1, Jrue Holiday (NOP) 40/1, Derrick Rose (CHI) 40/1, Michael Carter-Williams (PHI) 50/1

Bank on: Paul is the favorite for a reason. He'll take the assists title if he stays healthy, but we'll give you a couple of guys with more favorable odds to get behind. Lawson won his battle with Brian Shaw to play at an increased tempo last year and should do his best to keep teammates happy by pushing the pace and distributing. Lowry is another point guard coming into his own that could challenge if he continues improving and becoming more efficient.

Props to Bet

Will Kobe score 50 points in any single regular-season game? Yes +1000 (10/1), No -2000 (1/20)

Bank on: Sure, take a shot. It's probably on his mental to-do list. Wishful thinking? Not necessarily. I've heard he's done it before.

Will Rajon Rondo get traded during the 2014-2015 season? Yes -175 (7/4), No +125 (5/4)

Bank on: He'll be a free agent at season's end and is rushing back to try and make Boston's opener. Odds are he'll be wearing multiple uniforms since a suitor will likely pounce with an offer Danny Ainge signs off on well before the trade deadline.

Will Josh Smith get traded during the 2014-2015 season? Yes EVEN (1/1), No -140 (5/7)

Bank on: He's due $14 million annually through 2017. Unless Stan Van Gundy is willing to take on someone else's problem, odds are he'll try and rein in J-Smoove's shot selection and live with a headache capable of defending at a high level. He stays.

How many Cavaliers will be starters in the 2015 All Star Game? Over 2.5 -250 (2/5), Under 2.5 +175 (7/4)

Bank on: LeBron and Love are locks, sure to team with Carmelo Anthony in the East frontcourt. The backcourt is where this will be decided. I'd take a shot that fans vote for Rose, Wade and Wall enough to make Kyrie Irving sweat this out. Irving finished behind Wade last year with over 860,000 votes, more than double the output of Wall. Rose should be the leading vote-getter at guard if he stays healthy.

Who will start more games? Anderson Varejao (CLE) -160 (5/8), Tristan Thompson (CLE) +120 (6/5)

Bank on: Varejao played in 65 games last season, but participated in just 81 of 246 possible games from 2010-13. He'll start Game 1, but my money is on Thompson making more starts when all is said and done.

Will any Spurs player average 30 regular-season minutes per game or more? Yes -200 (1/2), No +150 (3/2)

Bank on: Keep in mind that nobody did it last season, since Tony Parker, Tim Duncan and Kawhi Leonard were all over 29, but under 29.5. Still, the likelihood is that the 22-year-old Leonard emerges as an even larger piece, topping the 30-minute mark. Parker might even get back over the hurdle, since last year marked his lowest mpg clip since his rookie season. Duncan has only topped 30 once in the last four years.

Which splash brother will have the highest regular-season 3-PT shooting pct. during the 2014-2015 Regular Season? Stephen Curry -130 (10/13), Klay Thompson EVEN (1/1)

Bank on: Wouldn't touch this one. Curry has been tops between the duo three years running, but last season, the gap narrowed to .424-.417. With Kerr on board, this looks like a coin flip worth avoiding.

Will the Brooklyn Nets be sold during the 2014-2015 Regular Season? Yes +400 (4/1) No -600 (1/6)

Bank on: The Nets bled money last season, losing $131 million more than any other team according to Grantland, but Mikhail Prokhorov knows he's in an amazing market at a time where NBA franchises have never been more valuable. It will truly take an offer he can't refuse for him to sell. Ride no.

Will Kevin Garnett play in NBA game in the 2015-2016 Season? Yes +125 (5/4), No -175 (4/7)

Bank on: This is it for the future Hall of Famer we used to call "the Kid." Now 38 years old and in his 20th year of service, he's playing out the final year of a contract paying $12 million and is too proud to return for a fraction of that even if he did have another season in him. No is the rightful favorite, well worth the juice.

Will Andrew Wiggins participate in the 2015 Slam Dunk contest? Yes +200 (2/1), No -300 (1/3)

Bank on: The hope is that he will, but even at 2-to-1, there are too many moving parts to like this at all.

Will Wiggins win the 2015 Slam Dunk Contest? Yes +600 (6/1), No -1000 (1/6)

Bank on: The Magic 8 ball says, "better not tell you now." Piece of junk.

How many regular season games will Derrick Rose play? Over/Under: 68.5

Bank on: He's already playing back-to-backs, so I don't see him taking too many nights off. The Bulls have 19 sets of games on consecutive days, so even if he misses half of those, he'd still top this number. Add in a game or two for an ankle sprain, consider the fact his head coach is Tom Thibodeau and I like him getting in at least 70. Wouldn't touch this, but the optimistic over is my hopeful call here.

How many regular season games will Dwyane Wade play? Over/Under: 70.5

Bank on: Miami has the fewest back-to-backs, playing just 16, and while we will probably some Wade "maintenance" this season, he's a proud guy looking for a special bounce-back season for obvious reasons. While few who have watched him closely the past few years would be comfortable going over, I'll leave this one alone by saying I wouldn't feel confident going under either.

How many regular season games will Andrew Bogut play? Over/Under: 70.5

Bank on: He's looked spry in the preseason, but he's 7-feet tall and never shies away from contact. He started 67 times in 2013-14, but hasn't played more than 70 regular-season games since 2007-08. Considering he's only done it twice in nine seasons and turns 30 years old on Nov. 28, the under is a lock.

Will Minnesota rookie Zach LaVine participate in the 2015 Slam Dunk contest? Yes -140 (5/7), No EVEN (1/1)

Bank on: The young UCLA product will have a better shot if Wiggins passes, but I'm with the 8 ball here. "Cannot predict now." Seriously? "Ask again later."

Which young Sacramento wing will have the higher regular-season scoring average? Ben McLemore EVEN (1/1), Nik Stauskas -140 (5/7)

Bank on: McLemore averaged just 8.8 points as a rookie, but scored in double-figures in his final five games, dropping a career-high 31 points on the Suns in the regular-season finale. He and Stauskas may end up splitting minutes, but I think he'll nip the Canadian rookie long-range threat to help cash a neat prop.

**StarDust Bum** · 10-27-2014, 11:38 PM

NBA roundup: Pacers' Hill out three weeks

The Indiana Pacers will be without guard George Hill for at least three weeks and guard C.J. Watson for at least two weeks, the team revealed Monday.

Forward David West also will miss at least three games with a sprained right ankle.

Hill suffered a left knee contusion in a preseason game last week and Watson has been dealing with a bruised right foot.

The Pacers, already without All-Star Paul George (foot) for the season, open the season Wednesday against the Philadelphia 76ers.

--Former NBA player Mookie Blaylock pleaded guilty to vehicular homicide, accepting a plea deal that means he will serve three years of a 15-year sentence for killing a woman in 2013.

Blaylock, 47,admitted to killing Monica Murphy, a mother of five, in a head-on collision in Atlanta on May 31, 2013.

The 15-year sentence was reduced to seven years in prison and eight on probation and allows him to be released from prison after three years.

--The Philadelphia 76ers acquired a second-round draft pick from the New York Knicks in 2019 and forward Travis Outlaw in exchange for forward Arnett Moultrie.

Additionally, the 76ers acquired the right to swap the Los Angeles Clippers' second-round pick (which the Sixers currently own) in 2018 with the Knicks' own second-round pick in that draft.

The Knicks made the deal to keep undrafted rookie forward Travis Wear.

ESPN.com sources said the Sixers plan to waive Outlaw. Moultrie was waived by the Knicks.

The 76ers also signed free agent forward Malcolm Thomas.

--The Denver Nuggets waived forward Quincy Miller, the team announced.

Miller, who was drafted by Denver with a second-round pick in the 2012 NBA Draft, appeared in 59 games for the Nuggets over the past two seasons, averaging 4.5 points and 2.5 rebounds in 13.8 minutes per game.

--The Utah Jazz claimed fourth-year forward/guard Jordan Hamilton and rookie forward Joe Ingles off waivers, the team announced.

Hamilton, 24, was waived by the Toronto Raptors on Saturday after appearing in six preseason games with the Raptors.

Hamilton has appeared in 126 career NBA games over three seasons with Denver and Houston.

The 6-foot-8 Ingles was waived by the Los Angeles Clippers on Saturday after playing in five preseason games (one start). Ingles, 27, played for the Australian National Team in the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup and averaged 11.4 points and 3.4 assists.

--The Portland Trail Blazers declined to pick up the fourth-year option, $4.6 million, on Thomas Robinson's contract, Yahoo! Sports reported. That means Robinson will be a free agent next summer.

The Blazers did pick up their fourth-year option on center Meyers Leonard and third-year option on guard C.J. McCollum.

**StarDust Bum** · 10-27-2014, 11:39 PM

NBA
Dunkel

Houston at LA Lakers
The Rockets open up the season on the road against the Lakers and come into the contest with a 10-4 ATS record in their last 14 games versus Los Angeles. Houston is the pick (-6) according to Dunkel, which has the Rockets favored by 8 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Houston (-6). Here are all of today's NBA picks.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28

Game 501-502: Dallas at San Antonio (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Dallas 127.910; San Antonio 129.537
Dunkel Line & Total: San Antonio by 1 1/2; 202
Vegas Line & Total: San Antonio by 4 1/2; 206
Dunkel Pick: Dallas (+4 1/2); Under

Game 503-504: Orlando at New Orleans (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Orlando 109.725; New Orleans 121.690
Dunkel Line & Total: New Orleans by 12; 203
Vegas Line & Total: New Orleans by 9 1/2; 196
Dunkel Pick: New Orleans (-9 1/2); Over

Game 505-506: Houston at LA Lakers (10:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Houston 124.716; LA Lakers 116.185
Dunkel Line & Total: Houston by 8 1/2; 212
Vegas Line & Total: Houston by 6; 206 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Houston (-6); Over

NBA
Long Sheet

Tuesday, October 28

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DALLAS (52 - 37) at SAN ANTONIO (78 - 27) - 10/28/2014, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SAN ANTONIO is 860-748 ATS (+37.2 Units) in all games since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 680-577 ATS (+45.3 Units) as a favorite since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 439-364 ATS (+38.6 Units) in home games since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 133-90 ATS (+34.0 Units) on Tuesday nights since 1996.
DALLAS is 97-73 ATS (+16.7 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
DALLAS is 24-13 ATS (+9.7 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
DALLAS is 30-15 ATS (+13.5 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
DALLAS is 130-98 ATS (+22.2 Units) in road games first half of the season since 1996.
DALLAS is 218-169 ATS (+32.1 Units) vs. division opponents since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
DALLAS is 8-7 against the spread versus SAN ANTONIO over the last 3 seasons
SAN ANTONIO is 12-3 straight up against DALLAS over the last 3 seasons
10 of 15 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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ORLANDO (23 - 59) at NEW ORLEANS (34 - 48) - 10/28/2014, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ORLANDO is 70-90 ATS (-29.0 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
ORLANDO is 13-26 ATS (-15.6 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 0-8 ATS (-8.8 Units) in home games on Tuesday nights over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
NEW ORLEANS is 2-2 against the spread versus ORLANDO over the last 3 seasons
NEW ORLEANS is 2-2 straight up against ORLANDO 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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HOUSTON (56 - 32) at LA LAKERS (27 - 55) - 10/28/2014, 10:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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NBA
Short Sheet

Tuesday, October 28

Dallas at San Antonio, 8:05 ET
Dallas: 20-8 ATS as a road underdog
San Antonio: 83-58 ATS in a home game where the total is greater than or equal to 200

Orlando at New Orleans, 8:05 ET
Orlando: 12-24 ATS as a road underdog
New Orleans: 25-12 OVER as a home favorite

Houston at LA Lakers, 10:35 ET
Houston: 18-22 ATS as a road favorite
LA Lakers: 36-17 OVER as an underdog of 3.5 to 9.5 points

NBA

Tuesday, October 28

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Trend Report
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8:00 PM
ORLANDO vs. NEW ORLEANS
Orlando is 2-8 ATS in its last 10 games when playing New Orleans
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Orlando's last 8 games on the road
New Orleans is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games at home
New Orleans is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Orlando

8:00 PM
DALLAS vs. SAN ANTONIO
Dallas is 3-13 SU in its last 16 games when playing San Antonio
Dallas is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of San Antonio's last 6 games when playing Dallas
San Antonio is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Dallas

10:30 PM
HOUSTON vs. LA LAKERS
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Houston's last 8 games on the road
Houston is 4-9-1 ATS in its last 14 games on the road
LA Lakers are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games when playing Houston
LA Lakers are 0-4-1 ATS in their last 5 games at home

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NBA

Tuesday, October 28

Magic ice cold ATS vs. New Orleans

The Orlando Magic have been struggling to cover the spread in games against New Orleans, going 2-8 ATS in their last 10 versus the Pelicans.

The two clubs will renew acquaintances in the Bayou State during NBA season-opening action Tuesday.

The Pellies are presently -9.5 home favorites for the affair. The total is currently 196.

Underdogs the hot bet in Spurs-Mavs contests

The 2014-15 NBA season gets underway on Tuesday, with the reigning champion San Antonio Spurs hosting Dirk Nowitzki and the Dallas Mavericks.

Recent history is showing when the Mavs and the Spurs get together, the underdogs have been coming out on top. Dogs are 8-1 ATS in the last nine meetings between the two squads.

San Antonio is currently 4.5-point home faves with the total set at 205.

Faves coming through in Lakers-Rockets matchups

James Harden and the Houston Rockets kick off the brand new NBA campaign Tuesday night in Tinsel Town against the Los Angeles Lakers.

Trends are showing the favorites have been coming out on top in previous clashes between the two, evidenced by the faves going 7-1 ATS in their last eight matchups.

The Rockets are currently 6-point road faves with a total of 207.5.

**StarDust Bum** · 10-28-2014, 05:44 PM

OPENING NIGHT NBA HOOPS:

Tuesday, October 28

Game Score Status Pick Amount

Dallas - 8:00 PM ET Dallas +3.5 500 *****
San Antonio - Over 202 500 *****

Orlando - 8:00 PM ET New Orleans -9.5 500 TRIPLE PLAY
New Orleans - Under 192 500

Houston - 10:30 PM ET Houston -7 500 DOUBLE PLAY
L.A. Lakers - Under 207 500 SLAM DUNK

**StarDust Bum** · 10-29-2014, 02:04 AM

RATED PLAYS

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

1 - 0.............................DOUBLE PLAY

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

1 - 0 ............................SLAM DUNK

RATED PLAYS AND OPINONS

Date WLT Pct Net Units Record

10/28/14 5-*1-*0 83.33% +*1950 Detail

Totals 5-*1-*0 83.33% +1950

**StarDust Bum** · 10-29-2014, 05:12 PM

Armadillo: Wednesday's six-pack

Some NFL trends with Week 9 coming up this weekend.......

-- Saints covered only three of their last 15 road games.

-- New England covered 13 of last 17 when getting points.

-- Redskins are 2-7 vs spread in last nine non-divisional games.

-- Oakland is 2-5 in last seven games as a double digit underdog.

-- Baltimore covered one of last six divisional road games.

-- Colts covered eight of last nine as a road favorite.

**********

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

13) College Football Playoff selection committee announced its first-ever top 25 rankings on Tuesday with Miss State, Florida State, Auburn and Ole Miss the four teams. This will play itself out, but the initial reaction is that strength of schedule is going to be stressed and thats going to make future Septembers more fun to watch, as teams will be forced to upgrade their non-league schedules.

12) Baylor is 13th in the rankings; upgrade your schedule. Bears were favored by 34+ points in their first three games this season.

11) Redskin-Cowboy game was highest-rated Monday night game in four years.

10) That said, did ESPN even show Redskin owner Daniel Snyder once? Jerry Jones had an in-game interview, had to be on camera 25 times, but no sign of Snyder that I can remember-- they were more interested in showing Colt McCoy's dad.

9) ESPN did show Tony Wyllie, the Redskins' PR guy, pulling McCoy away from an ESPN Desportes reporter, grabbing him by the jersey. Apparently the TV business is also a contact sport-- there is a protocol to when/where players do interviews and Tony Wyllie takes that protocol seriously. Don't mess with him.

8) Jackass update: Bears' DE Lamarr Houston tore his ACL while celebrating a sack of the Patriots' backup QB when New England was winning by 25 points. He is the second NFL player to do that this season. It is not smart.

7) Dodgers, Padres, Rockies, Diamondbacks all have new general managers, which means the Giants are only NL West team that hasn't changed GMs this year.

6) San Diego hired scouting director Logan White away from the Dodgers-- he has a very good reputation as a talent evaluator. San Diego seems to be doing smart things as far as beefing up their scouting department-- its the best way for smaller market teams to become competitive, and then stay that way.

5) Hawai'i fired basketball coach Gib Arnold Tuesday, not the best thing to do on October 28, but an indication the NCAA may come calling soon. An assistant coach also got the boot. Have a nice season, fellas.

4) We all have worked for bosses we don't like much; imagine how hard it must be for an NFL QB, if he doesn't get along with his head coach or offensive coordinator?

3) San Antonio 101, Dallas 100-- Tremendous game. Seriously. Someday, when the NBA cuts back to 64 or 68-game schedule, you'll see a lot more games like this, when both sides have fresh legs more often.

2) Marv Albert is 73 years old and still going strong calling NBA games. When FOX resorts to showing Erin Andrews interviewing a couple who just had a baby during a World Series game, they're telling me to put the Spurs game on. In the 4th inning.

1) Grant Hill is now teamed with Albert and Greg Anthony on TNT; does every Duke alum have to be on television? When does Greg Koubek get his TV gig?

**StarDust Bum** · 10-29-2014, 05:13 PM

NBA
Dunkel

Washington at Miami
The Wizards open up their season in Miami tonight and come into the contest with a 27-10 ATS record in their last 37 road games. Washington is the pick (+4 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Heat favored by only 1. Dunkel Pick: Washington (+4 1/2). Here are all of today's NBA picks.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29

Game 701-702: Milwaukee at Charlotte (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Milwaukee 109.454; Charlotte 120.866
Dunkel Line & Total: Charlotte by 11 1/2; 185
Vegas Line & Total: Charlotte by 9; 190 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Charlotte (-9); Under

Game 703-704: Philadelphia at Indiana (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia 112.335; Indiana 122.451
Dunkel Line & Total: Indiana by 10; 195
Vegas Line & Total: Indiana by 6 1/2; 190 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Indiana (-6 1/2); Over

Game 705-706: Brooklyn at Boston (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Brooklyn 120.903; Boston 114.472
Dunkel Line & Total: Brooklyn by 6 1/2;
Vegas Line & Total: Brooklyn by 3 1/2; 192 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Brooklyn (-3 1/2); Under

Game 707-708: Atlanta at Toronto (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta 119.507; Toronto 120.962
Dunkel Line & Total: Toronto by 1 1/2; 205
Vegas Line & Total: Toronto by 4 1/2; 200 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (+4 1/2); Over

Game 709-710: Washington at Miami (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Washington 121.669; Miami 122.654
Dunkel Line & Total: Miami by 1; 185
Vegas Line & Total: Miami by 4 1/2; 191
Dunkel Pick: Washington (+4 1/2); Under

Game 711-712: Chicago at New York (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Chicago 123.958; New York 117.296
Dunkel Line & Total: Chicago by 6 1/2; 192
Vegas Line & Total: Chicago by 4; 187 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Chicago (-4); Over

Game 713-714: Minnesota at Memphis (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota 113.040; Memphis 123.407
Dunkel Line & Total: Memphis by 10 1/2; 199
Vegas Line & Total: Memphis by 8; 196
Dunkel Pick: Memphis (-8); Over

Game 715-716: Detroit at Denver (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit 115.656; Denver 120.116
Dunkel Line & Total: Denver by 4 1/2; 202
Vegas Line & Total: Denver by 7; 208 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (+7); Under

Game 717-718: Houston at Utah (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Houston 118.066; Utah 119.225
Dunkel Line & Total: Utah by 1; 196
Vegas Line & Total: Houston by 3; 201 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Utah (+3); Under

Game 719-720: LA Lakers at Phoenix (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: LA Lakers 113.836; Phoenix 121.497
Dunkel Line & Total: Phoenix by 7 1/2; 213
Vegas Line & Total: Phoenix by 10 1/2; 208
Dunkel Pick: LA Lakers (+10 1/2); Over

Game 721-722: Golden State at Sacramento (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Golden State 125.295; Sacramento 118.152
Dunkel Line & Total: Golden State by 7; 210
Vegas Line & Total: Golden State by 4 1/2; 205
Dunkel Pick: Golden State (-4 1/2); Over

Game 723-724: Oklahoma City at Portland (10:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Oklahoma City 115.753; Portland 125.995
Dunkel Line & Total: Portland by 10; 196
Vegas Line & Total: Portland by 8; 201
Dunkel Pick: Portland (-8); Under

**StarDust Bum** · 10-29-2014, 05:14 PM

NBA
Long Sheet

Wednesday, October 29

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

MILWAUKEE (15 - 67) at CHARLOTTE (43 - 43) - 10/29/2014, 7:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHARLOTTE is 5-3 against the spread versus MILWAUKEE over the last 3 seasons
CHARLOTTE is 6-2 straight up against MILWAUKEE over the last 3 seasons
4 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

PHILADELPHIA (19 - 63) at INDIANA (66 - 35) - 10/29/2014, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
INDIANA is 22-8 ATS (+13.2 Units) first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.

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

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

BROOKLYN (49 - 45) at BOSTON (25 - 57) - 10/29/2014, 7:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
BROOKLYN is 5-2 against the spread versus BOSTON over the last 3 seasons
BROOKLYN is 6-2 straight up against BOSTON over the last 3 seasons
4 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

ATLANTA (41 - 48) at TORONTO (51 - 38) - 10/29/2014, 7:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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

WASHINGTON (50 - 43) at MIAMI (67 - 35) - 10/29/2014, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 30-17 ATS (+11.3 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) as a road underdog of 3.5 to 6 points over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 32-15 ATS (+15.5 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 103-137 ATS (-47.7 Units) in home games first half of the season since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
MIAMI is 4-4 against the spread versus WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
MIAMI is 5-3 straight up against WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
4 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

CHICAGO (49 - 38) at NEW YORK (37 - 45) - 10/29/2014, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO is 21-38 ATS (-20.8 Units) first half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
NEW YORK is 3-13 ATS (-11.3 Units) in home games first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO is 5-3 against the spread versus NEW YORK over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO is 6-2 straight up against NEW YORK over the last 3 seasons
5 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

MINNESOTA (40 - 42) at MEMPHIS (53 - 36) - 10/29/2014, 8:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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

DETROIT (29 - 53) at DENVER (36 - 46) - 10/29/2014, 9:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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

HOUSTON (56 - 32) at UTAH (25 - 57) - 10/29/2014, 9:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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

LA LAKERS (27 - 55) at PHOENIX (48 - 34) - 10/29/2014, 10:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PHOENIX is 52-29 ATS (+20.1 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 22-7 ATS (+14.3 Units) first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 40-63 ATS (-29.3 Units) as a home favorite of 9.5 to 12 points since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHOENIX is 5-3 against the spread versus LA LAKERS over the last 3 seasons
PHOENIX is 5-3 straight up against LA LAKERS over the last 3 seasons
5 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

GOLDEN STATE (54 - 35) at SACRAMENTO (28 - 54) - 10/29/2014, 10:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
SACRAMENTO is 4-2 against the spread versus GOLDEN STATE over the last 3 seasons
GOLDEN STATE is 5-3 straight up against SACRAMENTO over the last 3 seasons
6 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

OKLAHOMA CITY (69 - 32) at PORTLAND (59 - 34) - 10/29/2014, 10:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 295-244 ATS (+26.6 Units) in all games since 1996.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 48-27 ATS (+18.3 Units) in road games first half of the season since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
OKLAHOMA CITY is 5-2 against the spread versus PORTLAND over the last 3 seasons
OKLAHOMA CITY is 6-2 straight up against PORTLAND over the last 3 seasons
7 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

**StarDust Bum** · 10-29-2014, 05:15 PM

NBA

Wednesday, October 29

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

7:00 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. INDIANA
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Philadelphia's last 10 games when playing Indiana
Philadelphia is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Indiana
Indiana is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Indiana's last 6 games

7:00 PM
MILWAUKEE vs. CHARLOTTE
Milwaukee is 1-3-1 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Milwaukee is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Charlotte is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games when playing at home against Milwaukee
Charlotte is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games

7:30 PM
WASHINGTON vs. MIAMI
Washington is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Miami
Washington is 10-5 SU in its last 15 games
Miami is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games at home
Miami is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Washington

7:30 PM
ATLANTA vs. TORONTO
Atlanta is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Toronto
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Atlanta's last 7 games when playing on the road against Toronto
The total has gone OVER in 11 of Toronto's last 15 games
Toronto is 0-3-2 ATS in its last 5 games at home

7:30 PM
BROOKLYN vs. BOSTON
Brooklyn is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Boston
Brooklyn is 8-17 SU in its last 25 games when playing Boston
Boston is 17-8 SU in its last 25 games when playing Brooklyn
Boston is 3-6-1 ATS in its last 10 games

8:00 PM
CHICAGO vs. NEW YORK
Chicago is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against New York
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Chicago's last 6 games when playing on the road against New York
The total has gone OVER in 5 of New York's last 7 games when playing Chicago
The total has gone OVER in 4 of New York's last 5 games

8:00 PM
MINNESOTA vs. MEMPHIS
Minnesota is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Memphis
Minnesota is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games on the road
Memphis is 6-11-2 ATS in its last 19 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Memphis's last 6 games

9:00 PM
DETROIT vs. DENVER
Detroit is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Denver
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Detroit's last 5 games when playing on the road against Denver
Denver is 4-8 SU in its last 12 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Denver's last 6 games

9:00 PM
HOUSTON vs. UTAH
Houston is 7-18 SU in its last 25 games when playing on the road against Utah
Houston is 5-9-1 ATS in its last 15 games on the road
Utah is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games at home
Utah is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Houston

10:00 PM
GOLDEN STATE vs. SACRAMENTO
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Golden State's last 10 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Golden State's last 6 games when playing Sacramento
Sacramento is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 14 of Sacramento's last 21 games when playing at home against Golden State

10:00 PM
LA LAKERS vs. PHOENIX
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of the LA Lakers last 7 games when playing Phoenix
LA Lakers are 0-5 SU in their last 5 games when playing on the road against Phoenix
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Phoenix's last 6 games at home
Phoenix is 5-0 SU in their last 5 games when playing at home against LA Lakers

10:30 PM
OKLAHOMA CITY vs. PORTLAND
Oklahoma City is 9-2 SU in its last 11 games when playing Portland
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Oklahoma City's last 8 games when playing Portland
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Portland's last 7 games at home
Portland is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games at home

**StarDust Bum** · 10-29-2014, 05:16 PM

NBA

Wednesday, October 29

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Game of the Day: Bulls at Knicks
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chicago Bulls at New York Knicks (+4, 187.5)

The Chicago Bulls are the popular preseason pick to challenge LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference – as long as Derrick Rose manages to stay healthy and productive. The New York Knicks, who host the Bulls in the season opener for both teams on Wednesday, are also hoping to join the race at the top of the conference after a disappointing 2013-14 campaign. Rose made it through the summer healthy and will start at the point against the Knicks.

Phil Jackson is an 11-time champion as a head coach but is getting his first shot at roster building with New York and scored his first big win over the summer when Carmelo Anthony chose to spurn the Bulls, amongst other suitors, and remain with the Knicks on a max contract. “I am focused on building this thing in New York,” Anthony told reporters. “I can’t be worried about them and saying this is what could have been (if I had chosen Chicago).” Chicago quickly reversed course in free agency and picked up Pau Gasol to beef up the already-stout frontcourt.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, ESPN, CSN Chicago, MSG (New York)

LINE HISTORY: The line opened with the Knicks +4 and a total of 187.5.

ABOUT THE BULLS (2013-14: 48-34): Rose has played just 10 games in the last two seasons and missed the playoffs in each of those campaigns, leaving Chicago defense-first and a little short on the offensive end. The 2010-11 MVP showed off his old explosiveness over the summer and continued to impress during the preseason as the Bulls worked Gasol and rookie Doug McDermott into the offense. “I feel like I’m in a good place,” Rose told reporters. “Just missing two years, coming back, being able to play again against all these great players and really go against them.”

ABOUT THE KNICKS (2013-14: 37-45): Jackson’s second-biggest move was hiring a new head coach, and the decision maker went with a familiar face in Derek Fisher, who ran Jackson’s triangle offense with the Los Angeles Lakers. “We want to be consistent in who we are, so when we get rebounds and stops we can get out into the open floor and attack before the defense is set up,” Fisher told reporters of the new New York offense. “That’s not the triangle offense, that’s transition offense.” Pushing the pace will be a pair of new point guards in veteran Jose Calderon and Shane Larkin, who saw limited time as a rookie in Dallas last season.

TRENDS:

*Bulls are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 vs. Eastern Conference.
*Knicks are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games overall.
*Over is 5-1 in the last 6 meetings in New York.

CONSENSUS: 62.6 percent of users are backing the Bulls -4 with 56 percent on the over.

**StarDust Bum** · 10-29-2014, 05:17 PM

NBA

Wednesday, October 29

The under was hot on Opening Night

NBA basketball is back, but teams might have been missing the scoring touch early on as the under was a hot play Opening Night.

The under hit in all three games Tuesday night and we will have to see if that trend continues Wednesday with 12 more games on the schedule.

Closing last season, Timberwolves hottest over play

Closing out last season, the Minnesota Timberwolves threw defense to the wind and just started outscoring teams. In the last four games of the 2013-14 season the T-Wolves went over every game.

Those four games saw Minny score an average of 116 points while allowing 120 points against.

76ers surprisingly strong ATS against Indiana

The Philadelphia 76ers were terrible last season, both straight-up and against the spread, but they are oddly strong against Indiana. In the past five contests against the Pacers, the 76ers are 5-0 ATS.

Philly was never less than a 15-point dog during those five games, but covered by an average of nine points.

Bulls' Butler questionable for opener

Bulls swingman Jimmy Butler remains questionable for Wednesday night's regular-season opener against the New York Knicks because of sprained ligaments in his thumb. Butler did not practice on Tuesday, but he did continue taking jumpers with a taped-up thumb.

Brook Lopez "doubtful" for Opening Night

Brook Lopez participated in the non-contact portion of the Nets final preseason practice, but afterwards, the team listed the 7-footer as "doubtful" for Opening Night. A final decision will be made Wednesday in Boston, where the Nets take on the Celtics at 7:30 p.m.

**StarDust Bum** · 10-29-2014, 05:17 PM

NBA
Short Sheet

Wednesday, October 29

Milwaukee at Charlotte, 7:05 ET
Milwaukee: 44-31 OVER as an underdog
Charlotte: 14-3 ATS against Central division opponents

Philadelphia at Indiana, 7:05 ET
Philadelphia: 31-47 ATS as an underdog of 3.5 to 9.5 points
Indiana: 22-8 ATS first half of the season

Brooklyn at Boston, 7:35 ET
Brooklyn: 105-77 ATS in road games vs. division opponents
Boston: 100-120 ATS as a home underdog

Atlanta at Toronto, 7:35 ET
Atlanta: 263-326 ATS as a road underdog
Toronto: 24-13 OVER as a home favorite

Washington at Miami, 7:35 ET
Washington: 24-12 ATS as a road underdog
Miami: 52-38 OVER as a favorite

Chicago at NY Knicks, 8:05 ET
Chicago: 19-40 ATS as a favorite of 3.5 to 9.5 points
NY Knicks: 114-83 OVER as a home underdog of 6 points or less

Minnesota at Memphis, 8:05 ET
Minnesota: 27-32 ATS as a road underdog
Memphis: 64-38 UNDER as a home favorite of 6.5 to 9 points

Detroit at Denver, 9:05 ET
Detroit: 55-26 OVER in all games
Denver: 74-65 OVER when the total is greater than or equal to 200

Houston at Utah, 9:05 ET
Houston: 197-157 ATS in road games after playing a road game
Utah: 165-208 ATS as an underdog of 3.5 to 9.5 points

Los Angeles at Phoenix, 10:05 ET
Los Angeles: 67-94 ATS after a game where their opponent was called for 30 or more fouls
Phoenix: 52-29 ATS in all games

Golden State at Sacramento, 10:05 ET
Golden State: 40-24 UNDER as a favorite
Sacramento: 65-40 OVER as a home underdog of 3.5 to 6 points

Oklahoma City at Portland, 10:35 ET
Oklahoma City: 19-6 OVER as a road underdog of 6.5 to 9 points
Portland: 53-40 OVER in all games

Announcement

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

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

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