Cnotes April's National Basketball Association Trends - Stats - News !!

[CNOTES]

NBA

Friday, April 10

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Game of the Day: Spurs at Rockets
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San Antonio Spurs at Houston Rockets (+2.5, 205)

The red-hot San Antonio Spurs are looking to rise up the Western Conference as they attempt to complete a back-to-back sweep of the host Houston Rockets on Friday. San Antonio has posted nine straight victories – including a 110-98 win over Houston on Wednesday – and suddenly sits a half-game behind the Rockets and Memphis Grizzlies for second place in the West.

The Spurs are currently tied for fifth with the Los Angeles Clippers after winning 19 of their past 22 games. Point guard Tony Parker starred with 27 points and forward Kawhi Leonard added 20 as San Antonio controlled Wednesday’s game. Leonard has scored 20 or more points in six of the past seven games, while Houston star James Harden was held to 22 points after topping 30 in three of the previous four games as the Rockets took a hurtful loss. “We’ve just got to play our basketball,” Harden told reporters. “Not worry about what’s going on in the standings and things like that. Just focus on ourselves and we’ll be all right.”

TV: 8 p.m. ET, NBATV, KENS (San Antonio), ROOT (Houston)

LINE HISTORY: Books offshore and in Vegas opened at Houston +2.5 with a total of 205.

INJURY REPORT: Spurs - G Marco Belinelli (Ques-Grion), C Tiago Splitter (Ques-Calf) Rockets - F Kostas Papanikolaou (Ques-Ankle)

POWER RANKINGS: Spurs (-11.2) + Rockets (-8.3) + Homecourt (-3) = Rockets -0.1

ABOUT THE SPURS (53-24 SU, 41-36-3 ATS, 37-42 O/U): Parker didn’t appear limited in the least while making 13-of-18 shots one night after playing just 16 minutes after injuring his right Achilles’ tendon against Oklahoma City. Parker said he had a lot of energy after not playing a lot and he was determined to aggressively carry the team and it showed. “He played a really great floor game,” San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich told reporters. “He showed really good patience in distributing the ball, looking for his shots, going to the bucket. He was tough for them to guard.”

ABOUT THE ROCKETS (52-26 SU, 45-33 ATS, 37-41 O/U): Center Dwight Howard (knee) is still on a minutes limit and power forward Donatas Motiejunas has been ruled out for the season due to lower back pain. Motiejunas has missed the last seven games but Houston was holding out hope he might return for the playoffs before it was determined during Wednesday’s re-evaluation that his condition wasn’t improving. Howard is averaging 19 points and 9.5 rebounds and shooting 17-of-25 from the field over the last two games.

TRENDS:

*Spurs are 18-4 ATS in their last 22 games overall.
*Over is 4-0 in Rockets last 4 home games.
*Home team is 5-0 ATS in the last 5 meetings.
*Under is 4-0 in the last 4 meetings in Houston.

CONSENSUS: 55.56 percent of users are backing the Spurs -2.5.

 

[CNOTES]

NBA

Friday, April 10


Rudy Gay, Sacramento - Out Fri

Gay is dealing with a concussion and missed the last game. He will not play Friday against the Thunder.


Hawks' Sefolosha suffered season-ending injury in arrest

Atlanta Hawks forward Thabo Sefolosha reportedly suffered a leg injury during his arrest at a New York City nightclub on Wednesday and is expected to miss the rest of the season.

Sefolosha's injury has been reported as either a broken ankle or broken tibia.

According to RealGM.com and ESPN.com, he was injured early Wednesday when he and teammate Pero Antic interfered with police as they investigated the stabbing of Indiana Pacers forward Chris Copeland at the nightclub.

Sefolosha, 30, was charged with disorderly conduct and resisting arrest.

Sefolosha missed 23 games earlier this season due to a calf injury. He has averaged 5.3 points and 4.3 rebounds while keying Atlanta's defense.

The Hawks acquired Sefolosha from the Oklahoma City Thunder last summer.

 

[CNOTES]

NBA

Friday, April 10


Magic a hot Under bet with Williams officiating

The Orlando Magic have cashed Under bets in the past seven games when referee James Williams is part of the officiating crew, including four games this season.

Along with Leon Wood and Marc Davis, Williams be calling the game between the Magic and Toronto Raptors Friday evening.

Oddsmakers have a total of 201 on the board for Friday's matchup.


Spurs closing the season in fine fashion

The San Antonio Spurs head into Friday's showdown with the Houston Rockets as a red-hot wager, covering and winning nine straight games. Most recently, the Spurs dismantled these very Rockets 110-98 as 6.5-point home favorites Wednesday night.

The Spurs, not surprisingly, are doing what they always do, playing their best basketball leading up to the playoffs and bettors have been the benefactor. In addition to being 9-0 ATS in their last nine games, the Spurs are 18-4 ATS in their last 22 games overall.

San Antonio plays the second half of a home-and-home series with Rockets when they travel to Houston Friday. The Spurs are presently 3-point road favorites.

 

[CNOTES]

NBA

Friday, April 10


Suns new defensive focus a boon for under plays

The Phoenix Suns have gone under in 14 of their past 17 contests after the team completely changed their style of play. The Suns have averaged 92.9 points while allowing 96.6 over the past 17 contests, which is 21.7 points less than their season average.

76 percent of totals during the past 17 have been over 200, despite an average 184.5 points scored.

Phoenix travels to visit New Orleans Friday.

 

[CNOTES]

Friday's Tip Sheet


April 9, 2015


Celtics at Cavaliers – 7:35 PM EST


Cleveland has wrapped up the second seed in the Eastern Conference and the Central Division title, as the Cavs are playing out the string the final four games of the regular season. LeBron James will likely sit out in the first of a home-and-home set with the Celtics, while his status for Saturday’s matchup at Boston is also up in the air. The Cavs held off the Bucks on Wednesday to capture their first division championship since 2010 in a 104-99 victory, but failed to cash as 6 ½-point road favorites. David Blatt’s club owns a 1-4 ATS record the past five games, while James is sitting his first home game since a January 28 victory over Portland when Kyrie Irving torched the Blazers for a career-best 55 points.


The Celtics are riding a five-game road winning streak after Wednesday’s 113-103 victory at Detroit as two-point favorites. Isaiah Thomas came off the bench to pump in 34 points for Boston, who is tied with Brooklyn for the seventh spot in the Eastern Conference playoffs with four games remaining. Since the All-Star break, the C’s have covered 10 of 14 times in the underdog role, but one of those losses came in blowout fashion at Cleveland in early March, 110-79 as 11-point ‘dogs.


Wizards at Nets – 7:35 PM EST


Washington took care of business without John Wall in Wednesday’s 119-90 rout of Philadelphia to pick up its fourth straight win. The Wizards easily covered as 4 ½-point favorites, as Randy Wittman’s club has an outside shot at grabbing the third seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs, but lose the tiebreaker with the Raptors. Washington is on track to finish fifth, where it would likely face Chicago for the second straight postseason after knocking the Bulls out of the first round in 2014.


The Nets suffered a tough defeat to the Hawks on Wednesday night, 114-111 as 4 ½-point favorites, but Brooklyn is still holding onto the eighth spot in the East. In spite of that setback, Brooklyn owns a solid 9-3 SU and 6-4-2 ATS record the past 12 games, which includes a 6-1 run to the ‘over’ the last seven contests. The Nets have lost two of three matchups with the Wizards this season, including a 99-90 defeat at Barclays Center in mid-January as 5 ½-point underdogs.


Suns at Pelicans – 8:05 PM EST


Phoenix’s slim playoff hopes evaporated in Wednesday’s 107-104 loss at Dallas as the Suns won’t be heading to the postseason for the fifth straight season. Jeff Hornacek’s squad covered as 8 ½-point underdogs, but the Suns have lost seven of their last eight games, including four straight on the highway. Even though Phoenix’s roster has seen plenty of turnover the past few seasons, the Suns have taken six of the last seven matchups with New Orleans, while the home team has split a pair of meetings this season.


The Pelicans rallied past the Warriors on Tuesday as a home underdog in a 103-100 triumph, but were humbled the next night in a 110-74 rout at the hands of the Grizzlies. New Orleans has won nine of its previous 12 games at Smoothie King Center since the All-Star break, but own a 3-5 ATS record as a home favorite in this stretch. The Pelicans begin Friday’s action tied with the Thunder for the eighth playoff spot in the West, as New Orleans owns the tiebreaker, beating Oklahoma City in three of four tries.


Spurs at Rockets – 8:05 PM EST


Don’t ever count out San Antonio, even if they are heading to the playoffs. The Spurs seemed to be locked into the sixth seed in the West, but the defending champions have run off nine consecutive wins to pull within one-half game of both Memphis and Houston for the top spot in the Southwest Division. The latest victory came at home on Wednesday over the Rockets, 110-98, as the Spurs easily covered as 6 ½-point favorites. San Antonio erased an early nine-point deficit thanks to Tony Parker’s 27 points on 13-of-18 shooting from the floor, as the Spurs shot 50% from the field.


The Rockets had four players score in double-figures at San Antonio, led by James Harden’s 22 points. However, Houston put up a combined 38 points in the second and third quarters as Kevin McHale’s squad saw its three-game winning streak snapped. The Rockets couldn’t quite pull off the three-game sweep on their road trip, coming off impressive victories at Dallas and Oklahoma City. Houston has played well at home of late, winning five of the past six at the Toyota Center, but all five of those victories came against teams that will not be headed to the playoffs (Sacramento, Minnesota, Denver, Orlando, and Detroit).


Houston has claimed each of the past four matchups at home against San Antonio, including a 98-81 triumph in early November as 6 ½-point favorites. The Spurs haven’t busted the 98-point mark in their previous four visits to the Toyota Center, as San Antonio’s last win in Houston came in overtime back in December 2012 in a 134-126 victory.


Total Notes


Chris David of VegasInsider.com provides us with his quick handicap on Friday’s totals.


Since we only have seven days left in the regular season, I would strong advise you to tread lightly since a lot of these games are next to impossible to handicap.


With that being said, I jotted down quick total notes on seven of the 12 matchups.


Boston and Cleveland have played to a pair of shootouts this season but I’d be surprised to see another one on Friday, especially with LeBron James expected to sit out. He’s sat out 11 games for the Cavaliers this season and the team has averaged 91.3 PPG. No overnight line posted but I would go ‘under’ on anything at 194 or lower.


Charlotte and Atlanta have met twice this season and both games easily went ‘over’ with a combined 241 and 215 points scored. These outcomes weren’t a coincidence either. Including these results, the ‘over’ is 12-2 in the last 14 matchups between the pair. The game opened 193 ½ and quickly got pushed up to 196. Al Jefferson still ‘doubtful’ for Charlotte and that should open up the paint and keep the pace moving.


The Nets and Wizards have seen the ‘under’ go 7-2 in their last nine meetings, which includes two winning ‘under’ tickets this season. Those results were blowouts, which helped the cause. John Wall missed the last game for Washington and could sit again on Friday.


The Kings and Thunder have seen the ‘under’ cash in their last six meetings and neither team is at full strength for this matchup. Sacramento has gone up-tempo since the All-Star break when George Karl took over the coaching duties, which has translated into a 16-8 ‘over’ record. This is the highest total for Friday and if the shots fall, it’s doable.


I thought the Spurs and Rockets would tighten up their defense on Wednesday when they met at AT&T Center but that wasn’t the case. San Antonio earned a 110-98 win, its second time beating Houston this season and also the second time they scored 110. This game is very important for playoff seeding with the winner improving their chances to claim the No. 2 seed. With that being said, I would expect a tighter contest but it’s hard to bet the ‘under’ in Houston matchups just based on their 3-point philosophy. The Rockets lead the league with 33 attempts per game and they’re connecting at a respectable 34.8 percent. The total opened 205 and has dropped a tad (204) which tells me the early money agrees with my thoughts.


It’s rare to see a NBA total listed in the seventies but that’s the case with the Grizzlies-Jazz on Friday and this number is actually justified. The opener was 178 ½ and it’s been bet up to 180. Memphis enters this game on a 5-0-1 run to the ‘under’ in its last six games and the defense has really clamped down the last four games (85.2 PPG). Utah has scored 100-plus in its last two games albeit against Sacramento. Playing the Grizzlies is a big step-up in class defensively and I’d be surprised if the Jazz get over 90 in this game. The ‘under’ has gone 2-1 in the three encounters between the pair this season.


If you’re looking for the “Roll the Ball Out” game on Friday, then check out the Wolves-Lakers game. The total opened 204 ½ and is already up to 206 ½. My feel is that this is a game that could see 180 points or 240. It’s just a matter of making shots, which will be open, because neither team plays defense. The Timberwolves (106.2 PPG) are ranked last in scoring defense and the Lakers are ranked 29th (105 PPG). If you like the ‘over’ like I do, play it now, because once again the Lakers are on national television (NBATV) and these games usually get juiced up.

 

[CNOTES]

Armadillo: Saturday's six-pack

Anatomy of a marathon; notes on the 19-inning game in the Bronx Friday:

-- Red Sox won 6-5 in 19 innings, after blowing leads in 9th, 16th and 18th innings.

-- Game took 6:49-- it started at 7:24pm, ended at 2:13am.

-- Red Sox left 20 men on base; Mike Napoli was 0-8 with four Ks.

-- Carlos Beltran, Didi Gregorius both went 1-6; neither guy started.

-- Total of 628 pitches were thrown; quick turnaround for umpires, who don't get to sit down during game. Saturday's game is at 1:05.

-- 249 pitches were called a ball; only 247 of the 628 pitches were swung at, with 132 pitches called strikes.

**********

Armadillo: Saturday's List of 13: Doing some thinking out loud...........

13) Tampa Bay's new manager is Kevin Cash. Bottom 8th in Miami last night, Marlins have go-ahead run on second, two out, Giancarlo Stanton up in an 8-8 game. Mike Morse is on deck. A drunken monkey knows you walk Stanton and pitch to Morse, but no, they didn't and Stanton gets the go-ahead single.

There is no defense for such hideous strategy; Rays had rallied from down 8-1 to tie game- they wound up losing 10-9 in the ninth. Cash is a rookie manager, for sure, but he'll never become a veteran manager unless he wakes up.

12) Adrian Gonzalez had knocked in a run in six straight plate appearances; since 1950, the holder of the record in this category is Jermaine Dye, with seven in 1999.

11) Cincinnati Reds are 4-0, with all four wins in their final at-bat.

10) Oakland A's have played five games; five different guys batted 2nd.

9) In their first four games, Bronx Bombers have been outscored 12-1 in the first five innings.

8) Calgary Flames are in NHL playoffs for first time in six years; Winnipeg has a team in playoffs for first time since 1996. People there are VERY happy.

7) Texas football coach Charlie Strong forgot his quarterback's first name during a deposition of a lawsuit between the Longhorns and Oklahoma State. Lot of coaches would forget their wife's name before their QB's.

6) Part of the reason Bobby Hurley bolted Buffalo for Arizona State was that Buffalo AD wouldn't negotiate with Hurley's agent. That and the maximum possible weather upgrade, moving from western New York to Tempe.

5) If I'm Danny Hurley, I get my brother on the phone, schedule a road game in the Arizona desert this year, with a return trip to URI next year. Even if ASU doesn't give the Rams a return game, URI should be better than the Sun Devils this coming season.

4) As I'm typing this, I can hear a guy outside walking down the street, cursing out whoever he is talking to on his cellphone. Keep it classy, Colonie.....

3) Friday's Cubs-Rockies game was the 12th game in major league history where both pitchers batted 8th; I'm just not a fan of this, but managers keep doing it. DJ LaMahieu went 3-4 in 9-hole for Colorado, but scored only once.

2) Best wishes to Iowa State basketball coach Fred Hoiberg, who will undergo open heart surgery soon to repair a valve in his heart. Hoiberg is so calm, he seems like the last guy who would have heart problems. Get well soon, sir.

1) What a week for Jim Nantz; Final Four last weekend, Masters this week. Wonder which event he prefers doing?

 

[CNOTES]

NBA
Long Sheet

Saturday, April 11

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NEW YORK (15 - 63) at ORLANDO (25 - 53) - 4/11/2015, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEW YORK is 31-45 ATS (-18.5 Units) in all games this season.
NEW YORK is 28-40 ATS (-16.0 Units) as an underdog this season.
NEW YORK is 18-7 ATS (+10.3 Units) in April games over the last 3 seasons.
ORLANDO is 11-26 ATS (-17.6 Units) as a favorite over the last 3 seasons.
ORLANDO is 14-23 ATS (-11.3 Units) in home games this season.
ORLANDO is 2-11 ATS (-10.1 Units) in home games on Saturday games over the last 3 seasons.
ORLANDO is 30-45 ATS (-19.5 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 33-46 ATS (-17.6 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
NEW YORK is 7-2 against the spread versus ORLANDO over the last 3 seasons
NEW YORK is 7-3 straight up against ORLANDO over the last 3 seasons
8 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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TORONTO (46 - 32) at MIAMI (35 - 44) - 4/11/2015, 7:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
MIAMI is 6-3 against the spread versus TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
MIAMI is 8-1 straight up against TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
5 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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PHILADELPHIA (18 - 61) at CHICAGO (47 - 32) - 4/11/2015, 8:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHILADELPHIA is 5-4 against the spread versus CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO is 8-1 straight up against PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
5 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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MEMPHIS (53 - 25) at LA CLIPPERS (53 - 26) - 4/11/2015, 10:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MEMPHIS is 83-56 ATS (+21.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 75-110 ATS (-46.0 Units) after 3 or more consecutive unders since 1996.
LA CLIPPERS are 8-18 ATS (-11.8 Units) in home games after 3 or more consecutive wins over the last 2 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 170-233 ATS (-86.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
MEMPHIS is 10-6 against the spread versus LA CLIPPERS over the last 3 seasons
MEMPHIS is 9-7 straight up against LA CLIPPERS over the last 3 seasons
8 of 15 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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UTAH (36 - 42) at PORTLAND (51 - 28) - 4/11/2015, 10:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
UTAH is 53-83 ATS (-38.3 Units) in a road game where where the total is between 185 and 189.5 points since 1996.
UTAH is 42-34 ATS (+4.6 Units) in all games this season.
UTAH is 31-22 ATS (+6.8 Units) as an underdog this season.
UTAH is 19-3 ATS (+15.7 Units) revenging a home loss vs opponent this season.
UTAH is 35-14 ATS (+19.6 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent this season.
PORTLAND is 3-13 ATS (-11.3 Units) in home games in April games over the last 3 seasons.
PORTLAND is 7-18 ATS (-12.8 Units) in home games after a loss by 10 points or more over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
PORTLAND is 5-5 against the spread versus UTAH over the last 3 seasons
PORTLAND is 7-4 straight up against UTAH over the last 3 seasons
7 of 11 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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MINNESOTA (16 - 62) at GOLDEN STATE (64 - 15) - 4/11/2015, 10:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 32-44 ATS (-16.4 Units) in all games this season.
MINNESOTA is 324-385 ATS (-99.5 Units) second half of the season since 1996.
MINNESOTA is 16-26 ATS (-12.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
MINNESOTA is 179-232 ATS (-76.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season since 1996.
MINNESOTA is 41-54 ATS (-18.4 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 46-29 ATS (+14.1 Units) in all games this season.
GOLDEN STATE is 23-13 ATS (+8.7 Units) when the total is greater than or equal to 210 this season.
GOLDEN STATE is 42-23 ATS (+16.7 Units) as a favorite this season.
GOLDEN STATE is 26-10 ATS (+15.0 Units) in home games this season.
GOLDEN STATE is 14-4 ATS (+9.6 Units) in a home game where the total is greater than or equal to 210 this season.
GOLDEN STATE is 22-10 ATS (+11.0 Units) in April games over the last 3 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 22-11 ATS (+9.9 Units) in home games second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 11-2 ATS (+8.8 Units) on Saturday games this season.
GOLDEN STATE is 20-9 ATS (+10.1 Units) in home games after allowing 105 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 28-14 ATS (+12.6 Units) after a win by 10 points or more this season.
GOLDEN STATE is 33-19 ATS (+12.1 Units) after scoring 105 points or more this season.
GOLDEN STATE is 62-45 ATS (+12.5 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 34-22 ATS (+9.8 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 30-15 ATS (+13.5 Units) revenging a home loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
GOLDEN STATE is 6-4 against the spread versus MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
GOLDEN STATE is 9-1 straight up against MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
7 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

 

[CNOTES]

NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up

Saturday, April 11

Hot Teams
-- Orlando won three of last four games, covering all four.
-- Toronto won five of its last seven games (2-6 last eight AU).
-- Bulls won last five home games, covering four of them.
-- Memphis won three of its last four games (3-1 last four AU). Clippers won 11 of their last 12 games (1-4 last five HF).
-- Utah won five of last seven games, covering six of them (0-3 last three AU). Portland won seven of its last ten (7-4 last 11 HF).
-- Warriors won 12 of their last 14 games (5-1 last six HF).

Cold Teams
-- Knicks lost 11 of last 12 games, covered five of last seven.
-- Miami lost five of its last six games (4-1 last five HF).
-- 76ers lost their last seven games (2-5 vs spread).
-- Minnesota lost its last nine games (2-7 vs spread).

Series Records
-- Knicks lost three of last four games with Orlando.
-- Heat won nine of last ten games (7-3 vs spread) with Toronto.
-- 76ers lost last five games (3-2 vs spread) with Chicago.
-- Clippers won/covered only two of last ten with Memphis.
-- Portland won six of last seven games with the Jazz.
-- Warriors won nine of last ten (6-4 vs spread) with Minnesota.

Totals
-- Eight of last nine NY-Orlando games went over total.
-- Four of last five Toronto-Miami games stayed under.
-- Three of last four Philly-Chicago games went over.
-- Under is 3-1-1 in last five Memphis-Clipper games.
-- Seven of last ten Utah-Portland games went over.
-- Seven of last nine Minnesota-Golden State games stayed under.

Back-to-Backs
-- Knicks are 5-10-1 on road if they played night before. Orlando is 10-5 if it played night before.
-- Toronto is 8-5 on road if it played night before.
-- Memphis is 6-8 on road if it played night before.
-- Utah is 7-4 vs spread if it lost the night before.
-- Minnesota is 5-3 on road if it played night before.

East vs West
SU: West 241-176 ATS: West 214-200-3
East teams HF vs West: 55-57
East teams HU vs West: 45-52
West teams HF vs East: 81-79-3
West teams HU vs East: 24-21

 

[CNOTES]

NBA

Saturday, April 11

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Trend Report
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7:00 PM
NEW YORK vs. ORLANDO
New York is 9-3 SU in its last 12 games when playing Orlando
New York is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Orlando
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Orlando's last 10 games when playing at home against New York
Orlando is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against New York

7:30 PM
TORONTO vs. MIAMI
Toronto is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Miami
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Toronto's last 6 games when playing on the road against Miami
Miami is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Miami's last 6 games when playing at home against Toronto

8:00 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. CHICAGO
Philadelphia is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Philadelphia's last 5 games when playing on the road against Chicago
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Chicago's last 5 games when playing at home against Philadelphia
Chicago is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Philadelphia

10:00 PM
UTAH vs. PORTLAND
Utah is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
Utah is 5-1-1 ATS in its last 7 games
Portland is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing Utah
Portland is 3-8 ATS in its last 11 games when playing at home against Utah

10:00 PM
MEMPHIS vs. LA CLIPPERS
Memphis is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Memphis's last 7 games
LA Clippers are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games at home
LA Clippers are 11-1 SU in their last 12 games

10:30 PM
MINNESOTA vs. GOLDEN STATE
The total has gone UNDER in 15 of Minnesota's last 19 games when playing Golden State
Minnesota is 1-11 SU in its last 12 games when playing Golden State
Golden State is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Golden State is 13-2 SU in its last 15 games

 

[CNOTES]

NBA

Saturday, April 11

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Game of the Day: Grizzlies at Clippers
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Memphis Grizzlies at Los Angeles Clippers (-8, 196.5)

The Clippers have won four straight games and hold the No. 5 position in the West but are just one game behind the Grizzlies. Los Angeles is itching for the playoffs to arrive as it has won 11 of its past 12 games. “We’ve been about business,” power forward Blake Griffin told reporters. “I like our attitude and resolve going into games.” The Grizzlies have won four of their past five games, and a Monday visit to play the Golden State Warriors looms after the contest against the Clippers.

TV: 10 p.m. ET, NBATV, SportSouth (Memphis), Prime Ticket (Los Angeles)

LINE HISTORY: Most shops opened the Clips as a 7-point favorite, but that's since risen to -8 at the time of writing.

INJURY REPORT: Grizzlies - Conley, questionable (foot), Allen, mid-April (hamstring). Clippers - N/A

POWER RANKINGS: Grizzlies (-8) + Clippers (-11.5) + Homecourt (-3) = Clippers -6.5

ABOUT THE GRIZZLIES (54-25): Point guard Mike Conley sat out the Utah contest with a sprained right foot and it is uncertain whether or not he will play against Los Angeles. Beno Udrih stepped into the starting lineup and scored 20 points on 9-of-13 shooting and is averaging 17 points on 14-of-21 shooting over the past two games. Center Marc Gasol had a solid all-around game against Jazz with 22 points, seven rebounds and six assists.

ABOUT THE CLIPPERS (53-26): A priority over the final three games is getting sharpshooter Jamal Crawford back on track. The backup guard missed 17 games due to a calf injury and was rusty in his return against the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday when he scored four points in 19 minutes, and he said his return was timed with the playoffs in mind. “Do I feel like I’m in rhythm and my timing is there and I’m in tip-top shape? No, not at all,” Crawford told reporters. “But I don’t have that luxury right now. I have to try to get it back as best as I can in games.”

TRENDS:

*Clippers are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 home games.
*Over is 5-1 in Grizzlies last 6 road games.
*Under is 4-1 in Clippers last 5 overall.
*Grizzlies are 9-2 ATS in the last 11 meetings.

CONSENSUS: According to Consensus, 58 percent of the public is backing the underdog Grizzlies.

 

[CNOTES]

NBA

Saturday, April 11


Mike Conley, Memphis - Ques Sat

Conley missed the last game due to a sprained right foot and is questionable to play Saturday against the Clippers.


Knicks have been embarrassing on the road

The New York Knicks have gone 0-6 straight up and 0-5-1 against the spread in their past six on the road. The average score of those six games has been 107-86.7, with the Knicks losing by an average of 20.3 ppg.

The Knicks visit the Orlando Magic Saturday

 

[CNOTES]

NBA
Dunkel

Saturday, April 11


Utah Jazz @ Portland Trail Blazers

Game 509-510
April 11, 2015 @ 10:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Utah Jazz
122.099
Portland Trail Bl
123.199
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Portland Trail Bl
by 1
188
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Portland Trail Bl
by 6 1/2
184
Dunkel Pick:
Utah Jazz
(+6 1/2); Over

Minnesota Timberwolves @ Golden State Warriors

Game 511-512
April 11, 2015 @ 10:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Minnesota Timberw
110.682
Golden State Warr
125.370
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Golden State Warr
by 15
221
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Golden State Warr
by 19 1/2
214
Dunkel Pick:
Minnesota Timberw
(+19 1/2); Over

New York Knicks @ Orlando Magic

Game 501-502
April 11, 2015 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
New York Knicks
103.068
Orlando Magic
112.293
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Orlando Magic
by 9
196
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Orlando Magic
by 11
192 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
New York Knicks
(+11); Over

Toronto Raptors @ Miami Heat

Game 503-504
April 11, 2015 @ 7:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Toronto Raptors
123.217
Miami Heat
121.793
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Toronto Raptors
by 1 1/2
192
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Miami Heat
by 3 1/2
196 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Toronto Raptors
(+3 1/2); Under

Philadelphia 76ers @ Chicago Bulls

Game 505-506
April 11, 2015 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Philadelphia 76er
109.760
Chicago Bulls
129.717
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Chicago Bulls
by 20
198
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Chicago Bulls
by 13
191
Dunkel Pick:
Chicago Bulls
(-13); Over

Memphis Grizzlies @ Los Angeles Clippers

Game 507-508
April 11, 2015 @ 10:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Memphis Grizzlies
121.370
Los Angeles Clipp
131.172
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Los Angeles Clipp
by 10
212
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Los Angeles Clipp
by 8
196
Dunkel Pick:
Los Angeles Clipp
(-8); Over

 

[CNOTES]

Armadillo: Sunday's six-pack

-- Arizona 6, Dodgers 0-- Archie Bradley was brilliant in his D'back debut.

-- Padres 10, Giants 2-- When was last time San Diego had 20 hits?

-- Braves 5, Mets 3-- Mets also lost closer Mejia for 80 games (PEDs)

-- Phillies 3, Nats 2 (10)-- Phils are 3-2, haven't led after five innings yet.

-- Rays 2, Marlins 0-- Miami has stumbled out of blocks with 1-4 start.

-- Brewers 6, Pirates 0-- Milwaukee was last team to win a game.

**********

Armadillo: Sunday's List of 13: Clearing out a cluttered mind..........

13) Alex Rodriguez tried to play first base yesterday; he looked like a nervous 11-year old every time a ball came near him.

What do ballplayers do in spring training? Aren't they supposed to practice playing baseball? What the hell was ARod doing down in Florida? I was not a good baseball player, not even in Little League, but my footwork at first base was a hell of a lot better than ARod's Saturday. Who coaches this team?

12) You think Chase Headley was happy to get a throwing error on a ball that Ryan Howard would've caught? Howard is about as mobile as a statue right now, but ARod makes him look like freakin' JT Snow.

My point is that it is not real hard to get footwork down at first base. ARod is still a pretty good athlete; he should be at least average at first base.

11) Speaking of ARod, he is owed another $6M as soon as he gets to 660 home runs, which will tie him with Willie Mays on the all-time HR list. His employers are going to try and weasel out of paying him the $6M-- good luck there. Just because they can't profit from the event doesn't void his contract.

10) While we're talking about weasels, Angels are risking imploding their own clubhouse by turning their back on Josh Hamilton, whose personal problems were well-known before the Angels traded for him. But now that he seemingly can't play anymore, they're trying to duck out of paying him the remaining $$ on his contract. Ha!!! Just pay him, get him counseling and pretend you care, thats their easiest way out of this mess.

9) Five Canadian teams made NHL playoffs for first time since 2004.

8) LA Clippers will have their pick of playoff dates, since Kings/Lakers will be playing golf soon. Clippers always complain about being treated like second class citizens in their own arena, so this is a good chance to make some hay on their local rivals.

7) Knicks won in Orlando Saturday but not before the two teams combined for the lowest-scoring quarter in recent NBA history. Knicks 8, Magic 7 in the second quarter made James Naismith turn over in his grave.

6) Milwaukee Bucks are 39-40, currently the #6 seed in the east. Houston is the #6 seed in the west; they're 53-26. Not sure how to fix this imbalance with east/west other than re-seeding all 16 teams before the playoffs, or not letting sub-.500 teams in the playoffs. Doubt either option will ever happen.

5) Mets' closer Jennry Mejia gets 80 games for steroids; of course he has no idea how they got into his system. David Wright threw Mejia under the bus, for some reason, which should make the Mets' clubhouse a fun place when Mejia returns in July.

4) Two-time NFL MVP Kurt Warner is going to be offensive coordinator of the high school team his son plays on this fall. Brett Favre is a high school OC in Mississippi; curious how much of an advantage they have, if they have one.

3) Congrats to Mark Buehrle on his 200th win Friday night; pretty quiet 200 wins, but he stays healthy and has been very consistent.

2) San Diego State-U San Diego are going to play an outdoor hoop game at Petco Park in December; court will be between third base and home plate.

1) Buffalo Bulls replaced Bobby Hurley with assistant Nate Oats, who came to Buffalo in a package deal with Justin Moss, their best player. Osts won a lot of games coaching high school ball in Michigan. Also means that Hurley has to find a new right-hand man in Tempe for his new job.

 

[CNOTES]

NBA

Sunday, April 12

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

3:00 PM
CLEVELAND vs. BOSTON
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Cleveland's last 6 games
Cleveland is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Boston is 13-6 SU in its last 19 games when playing Cleveland
Boston is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games

3:00 PM
BROOKLYN vs. MILWAUKEE
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Brooklyn's last 8 games
Brooklyn is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games
Milwaukee is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games when playing at home against Brooklyn
Milwaukee is 4-6-2 ATS in its last 12 games

3:30 PM
CHARLOTTE vs. DETROIT
Charlotte is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Detroit
Charlotte is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Detroit is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
Detroit is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games at home

5:00 PM
SACRAMENTO vs. DENVER
Sacramento is 5-9-1 ATS in its last 15 games when playing Denver
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Sacramento's last 12 games on the road
Denver is 6-14 SU in its last 20 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Denver's last 7 games at home

6:00 PM
OKLAHOMA CITY vs. INDIANA
The total has gone OVER in 15 of Oklahoma City's last 22 games
Oklahoma City is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Indiana is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Indiana is 10-4 SU in its last 14 games at home

6:00 PM
ATLANTA vs. WASHINGTON
Atlanta is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Atlanta is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Washington is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Washington's last 9 games at home

7:00 PM
PHOENIX vs. SAN ANTONIO
Phoenix is 2-4-2 ATS in its last 8 games when playing on the road against San Antonio
Phoenix is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games when playing on the road against San Antonio
San Antonio is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of San Antonio's last 9 games

7:00 PM
NEW ORLEANS vs. HOUSTON
New Orleans is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of New Orleans's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Houston's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Houston's last 5 games at home

9:30 PM
DALLAS vs. LA LAKERS
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Dallas's last 6 games
Dallas is 4-13 ATS in its last 17 games
LA Lakers are 2-4 ATS in their last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of the LA Lakers last 7 games at home

 

[CNOTES]

NBA

Sunday, April 12


Al Jefferson, Charlotte - Out Sun

Jefferson has missed the last four games with right knee soreness and will not play Sunday against the Pistons.


Nets-Bucks lighting up scoreboards, cashing overs

The Brooklyn Nets and the Milwaukee Bucks have topped the closing total in their past five contests against one another. The two teams have combined for an average of 219.6 points per game despite the highest total being 198.5.

Both teams have been trending toward the under this season with a combined over/under record of 71-87 on the year.

The Nets will travel to Milwaukee Sunday.


Slumping Pelicans offense a boon for under plays

The New Orleans Pelicans have gone under in their past five games. Through those five games the Pelicans have averaged 91.6 points per game, which is almost eight points less than their season average.

The totals have been fairly low, at an average of 192.6, but the past five games the Pelicans have played have seen a combined average of 187.4 ppg.

New Orleans visits the Houston Rockets Sunday.


Pistons becoming one of the hottest total teams

The Detroit Pistons have an over/under record of 9-2 in their past 11. The Pistons have an average combined score of 200.4 during their past 11 games, which is slightly higher than their season average but totals have been lowered to 196.4 per game.

Detroit has hit the triple-digit mark in eight of those 11 contests, with a stingy defense only allowing opponents to hit the century mark on five occasions.

The Pistons host the Charlotte Hornets Sunday.

 

[CNOTES]

NBA

Sunday, April 12


Kings Cousins, Gay to miss last 3 games

Center DeMarcus Cousins and forward Rudy Gay of the Sacramento Kings will miss the last three games of the regular season, the Kings announced on Saturday.

Cousins was examined in Los Angeles by Dr. Richard Ferkel, who determined that he has sustained multiple lower leg injuries over the course of the season, including ankle sprains and a calf strain.

In 59 games this season, Cousins averaged 24.1 points, 12.7 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.53 steals and 1.76 blocked shots.

Cousins is expected to be ready for training camp.

Gay sustained a concussion on March 30 and was held out of the next three games and after returning earlier this week, he experienced further symptoms.

In 68 games, Gay averaged a career-high 21.1 points, 5.9 rebounds, a career-best 3.7 assists and 1.04 steals.

 

[CNOTES]

Team Open Line Movements Current Moneyline Halftime Scores




3:05 PM EDT
701 BROOKLYN NETS 198 +1 +04 / -1 / -1 -28 -1.5 -15 -125
702 MILWAUKEE BUCKS -1 198 / 198.5 201.5 +105
TV: FS-Wisconsin, YES, DTV: 631, 669
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3:05 PM EDT
703 CLEVELAND CAVALIERS
704 BOSTON CELTICS
CLE-G-Kyrie Irving-? | CLE-F-LeBron James-Doubtful | TV: CSN-New Engalnd, FS-Ohio, DTV: 630, 661
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3:35 PM EDT
705 CHARLOTTE HORNETS 191 190.5 / 191.5 / 192.5 193 +285
706 DETROIT PISTONS -6 -6.5 -15 / -6.5 -34 / -7 -15 -7.5 -15 -345
CHA-F-Al Jefferson-Doubtful | DET-G-Brandon Jennings-OUT | TV: FS-Detroit, SportsSouth, DTV: 646, 663
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5:05 PM EDT
707 SACRAMENTO KINGS 216.5 216.5 +435
708 DENVER NUGGETS -8.5 -8.5 / -9 -15 / -10 -05 -10 -575
SAC-C-DeMarcus Cousins-OUT | SAC-F-Rudy Gay-OUT | SAC-G-Darren Collison-OUT | TV: Altitude, CSN-California, DTV: 681, 698
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6:05 PM EDT
709 ATLANTA HAWKS
710 WASHINGTON WIZARDS
ATL-F-Paul Millsap-OUT | TV: CSN-DC, NBA TV, SportsSouth, DTV: 216, 643, 646
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6:05 PM EDT
711 OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER 208.5 208.5 / 208 / 207.5 207 +151
712 INDIANA PACERS -2 -2.5 -15 / -2.5 -21 / -3 -15 -3.5 -167
OKC-F-Serge Ibaka-OUT | OKC-F-Kevin Durant-OUT | TV: FS-Oklahoma, DTV: 676
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7:05 PM EDT
713 NEW ORLEANS PELICANS 200 200 +195
714 HOUSTON ROCKETS -3.5 -05 -4.5 / -4.5 -15 / -5 -5.5 -15 -218
NWO-FC-Anthony Davis-Probable | TV: ROOT-Southwest, DTV: 674
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7:05 PM EDT
715 PHOENIX SUNS 202 202 / 202.5 201 +1800
716 SAN ANTONIO SPURS -14.5 -14.5 / -15 -15 -15.5 -3600
PHO-G-Brandon Knight-OUT | TV: FS-Arizona, FS-Southwest, DTV: 676, 686
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9:35 PM EDT
717 DALLAS MAVERICKS
718 LOS ANGELES LAKERS
DAL-F-Chandler Parsons-Doubtful | LAL-G-Kobe Bryant-OUT | TV: FS-Southwest, NBA TV, DTV: 216, 676
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[CNOTES]

Preview: Bucks (39-40) at 76ers (18-62)


Date: April 13, 2015 7:00 PM EDT

In a season defined by massive defensive improvement, it was only fitting that the Milwaukee Bucks clinched a playoff spot with a lockdown performance.


Shutting down the depleted Philadelphia 76ers shouldn't be too difficult on Monday night.


The Bucks (40-40) clinched their third playoff berth in nine seasons with Sunday's 96-73 victory over Brooklyn. They're the first team to reach the postseason a year after finishing with the league's worst record since Miami in 2008-09, and Jason Kidd became the first coach to lead two teams to the playoffs in his first two years as coach.


"Our goal was to go to the playoffs, from Day 1," said Giannis Antetokounmpo, who had 13 points, nine rebounds and seven assists. "Everybody believed in it. I started believing in it and we made it."


Milwaukee is locked into the sixth seed and will play either Toronto or Chicago in the first round. The Bucks are 1-2 against the Raptors and 1-3 against the Bulls, but figure to have a fighting chance because of their defense.


They give up 99.4 points per 100 possessions, ranking second in the NBA after finishing 29th last season at 108.9. They're also forcing a league-high 17.2 turnovers after generating 14.1 per game in 2014-15.


Milwaukee's impressive defense was on full display against Brooklyn, holding it to 32.5 percent shooting and forcing 21 turnovers.


Philadelphia, losers of eight straight, ranks last in field-goal percentage (40.8) and 29th in scoring (91.8).


The Bucks were led offensively Sunday by Ersan Ilyasova, who scored 21 on 8-of-12 shooting after going 3 for 14 in his previous two games. Khris Middleton enjoyed another efficient performance, hitting 7 of 11 for 16 points to improve to 23 for 37 (62.2 percent) over his last three. He has averaged 18.2 points on 62.1 percent shooting in his last five versus Philadelphia.


Milwaukee is aiming for a third straight road win after dropping 11 straight away from home. The Bucks, who won the season's first three meetings by an average of 16.0 points, can also match their longest winning streak in the series with a sixth straight victory for the first time since Jan. 29, 1971-Jan. 28, 1972. These teams have combined for 47.0 turnovers per game in the season series.


Philadelphia (18-62) lost 114-107 at Chicago on Saturday night, extending its second-longest losing streak of the season. The banged-up 76ers dressed only nine players.


"I just felt like we took the circumstance and we tried to make it work as best we could," coach Brett Brown said. "To do that with no point guards and have our guys respond the way they did, I really can't ask much more from them."


Nerlens Noel (ankle) and Ish Smith (groin) are questionable after sitting out, while Isaiah Canaan is expected to miss a fifth straight game due to a sprained right foot. Luc Richard Mbah a Moute, dealing with a strained left shoulder, has been sidelined four times in the last nine games


"We're hurting," Brown said. "We're left with nine players. Other than that, we're doing great."


This is former 76ers guard Michael Carter-Williams' first game back in Philadelphia after landing in Milwaukee via a three-team trade at the deadline. He had seven points and eight assists in 18 minutes against the Sixers in his first game in a Bucks uniform on Feb. 25.


Carter-Williams has averaged 20.3 points and shot 61.4 percent in his last three games.

 

[CNOTES]

Preview: Pistons (30-49) at Cavaliers (51-28)


Date: April 13, 2015 7:00 PM EDT

With their first-round opponent the only mystery remaining in terms of their postseason fate, the Cleveland Cavaliers essentially punted a game by resting four starters.


They'll be back at full strength for at least one more regular-season contest Monday night when they host the Detroit Pistons.


Already assured of a Central Division title and the Eastern Conference's second seed, the Cavaliers (51-29) gave LeBron James, Kyrie Irving, Kevin Love and J.R. Smith the day off Sunday at Boston, leaving Timofey Mozgov as the only active regular starter in a 117-78 loss.


James and Irving rank among the league's leaders in minutes per game, and the rest was likely especially beneficial for Irving, who also sat out Friday's 99-90 loss to the Celtics with a sore hip. James and Love didn't play in the final quarter of that defeat.


Coach David Blatt didn't seem to be fazed by Cleveland's most lopsided loss of the season.


"Honestly, we're worried about ourselves right now and about trying to deal and balance to diametrically opposed things," he told the team's official website. "One is to keep guys in shape and the other one is to rest them. The result of the games are a little less important because we've finished in second place in the Eastern Conference and we've won the division, and that's not going to change one way or another."


Three teams are still in play to meet the Cavaliers in the first round, though Boston is the front-runner after knocking them off twice in three days.


"We'll be ready if we play them,' said Iman Shumpert, who had 15 points and 10 rebounds for his second career double-double in his first start since being traded from New York.


Blatt said all four who sat will play Monday, though, as Cleveland tries to avoid dropping three in a row for the first time since a season-worst six-game skid from Jan. 4-13. The Cavaliers finish against Washington at home on Wednesday night.


The Pistons (31-49) figure to be feeling good after their largest win of the season, a 116-77 victory over Charlotte on Sunday, though it's only consolatory for a team missing the playoffs for a sixth straight year. They were one game out of eighth place after Feb. 23 but have gone 8-16 since.


"It's been frustrating for everyone involved, but I'm really proud of our players," coach Stan Van Gundy told the team's official website. "They've really hung in there and played hard and I think our fans have been tremendous."


Jodie Meeks scored 24 and has averaged 17.3 on 75.0 percent shooting over his last three games, going 9 of 13 from 3-point range. Andre Drummond had 15 points and 19 rebounds for his fifth consecutive double-double and is averaging 17.7 points with 15.6 rebounds in his last 11.


The Cavaliers have won five of six in the series, taking two in Detroit after dropping the season's first meeting at home 103-80 Dec. 28.


Irving hit six 3-pointers and scored 38 in a 103-95 win Jan. 27.

 

[CNOTES]

Preview: Magic (25-55) at Heat (35-45)


Date: April 13, 2015 7:30 PM EDT

On the brink of missing the playoffs for the first time in seven seasons, the Miami Heat will try their best to close out this disappointing campaign on a positive note.


The Heat host the Orlando Magic on Monday night and must win their final two games to have any chance of reaching the postseason.


Barring a miraculous turn of events, Miami (35-45) won't get an opportunity to reach a fifth consecutive NBA Finals. Following Saturday's 107-104 defeat to visiting Toronto, the Heat will miss the playoffs with either one more loss or one more win by Brooklyn. The Nets host Chicago on Monday before closing the season Wednesday versus the visiting Magic. The Heat finish up in Philadelphia on Wednesday.


"Nobody needs to feel sorry for any of us," coach Erik Spoelstra said. "'This is what you sign up for in this business. You don't know what's going to happen ... and this year has had its challenges for all of us. But we've been grinding and fighting."


Injuries and illness have played a major role in the Heat's lackluster showing, most notably Chris Bosh's blood clots in his lungs. Josh McRoberts and Shabazz Napier are recovering from surgery, and Henry Walker has been dealing with soreness in his left elbow.


Hassan Whiteside has attempted to play with 10 stitches in his right hand. He made six of eight shots from the field while finishing with 16 points and 18 rebounds in Miami's sixth loss in seven games, but missed 12 of 16 from the free throw line.


"Injuries are part of the game. It's not always who is the most talented team. It's who can stay the healthiest and we weren't able to do that this year to give ourselves a chance," said guard Dwyane Wade, who scored 30 points.


Wade will try next to lead the Heat to a 12th win in 13 meetings with the Magic (25-55).


Orlando won 102-101 at Miami on Dec. 29, and took the Heat to overtime in a 93-90 loss in the latest matchup Feb. 25.


The Magic have dropped back-to-back games by a combined three points after winning a season high-tying three straight. They couldn't overcome one of their worst offensive performances of the season in an 80-79 defeat to New York on Saturday.


Despite shooting 35.7 percent, Orlando rallied from a 12-point deficit in the fourth quarter to take a lead with 4:21 left but gave up the go-ahead 3-pointer with 13 seconds to go in its home finale.


"It's a disappointing effort, disappointing game," interim coach James Borrego said. "It's a learning moment for us all. It's a hurdle we have to get through, and for us to make the next step, we've got to figure out how to win a game like this."


Magic center Nikola Vucevic is averaging 28.3 points in three games against the Heat this season, his best mark against any team in 2014-15.