Cnotes January's NBA POD'S - Trends - Stats - News !

[CNOTES]

Friday Tips

January 3, 2014


Raptors at Wizards - 7:05 PM EST

Toronto: 15-15 SU, 16-14 ATS
Washington: 14-15 SU, 17-12 ATS

Previous result: The Raptors rallied past the Pacers on Wednesday, 95-82 as 5 ½-point home underdogs to win their fourth straight game. The Wizards saw their modest two-game winning streak end in Wednesday's 87-78 home defeat as two-point favorites.

Last meeting: Toronto outlasted Washington, 96-88 in last November as 4 ½-point home favorites. The Raps built a 16-point lead, but trailed heading into the fourth quarter prior to a 30-18 outburst in the final 12 minutes.

Current betting streaks: The Raptors have covered six of their last seven games, while the Wizards have compiled a 7-3 ATS record the past 10 contests.

Pelicans at Celtics - 7:35 PM EST

New Orleans: 14-16 SU, 13-15-2 ATS
Boston: 13-18 SU, 15-15-1 ATS

Previous result: The Pelicans began a four-game road trip with a 124-112 defeat at Minnesota on Wednesday, allowing a season-high in points in a regulation contest. The Celtics' offense struggled again in last night's 94-82 setback at Chicago, their third consecutive road defeat.

Last meeting: These teams hook up for the first time this season, as the Celtics were swept by New Orleans last season, while the 'under' cashed each time.

Current betting streaks: Since sweeping a three-game away swing in early December, New Orleans has lost six of its past seven contests on the highway. The Celtics have failed to cover in each of their last six games, while cashing the 'under' in seven of the past eight away contests.

Warriors at Hawks - 7:35 PM EST

Golden State: 21-13 SU, 16-16-2 ATS
Atlanta: 18-14 SU, 18-14 ATS
t
Previous result: The Hawks rallied from an 18-point deficit in Tuesday's 92-91 victory at Boston, the sixth win in the last eight trips to the court. The Warriors shot lights out in last night's 123-114 triumph at Miami, the seventh straight victory for Mark Jackson's team.

Last meeting: Golden State grabbed both matchups with Atlanta last season, including a 115-93 blowout of the Hawks at Philips Arena as a 6 ½-point underdogs last December.

Current betting streaks: Atlanta has hit the 'over' in nine of the past 10 games, including five straight at home. Golden State owns a 1-4 SU and 2-3 ATS record with no rest as all five of those games came away from Oracle Arena.

Knicks at Rockets - 8:05 PM EST

New York: 10-21 SU, 11-20 ATS
Houston: 21-13 SU, 17-15-2 ATS

Previous result: The Rockets couldn't figure out the Kings for the second time in two weeks as Houston fell at home to Sacramento, 116-110 as 10-point favorites on New Year's Eve. The Knicks snapped a three-game skid in Thursday's 105-101 victory at San Antonio to cash as 11 ½-point road underdogs.

Last meeting: Houston outlasted New York at Madison Square Garden, 109-106 in mid-November as 1 ½-point road favorites. The Rockets have won eight consecutive matchups with the Knicks since 2010.

Current betting streaks: The Knicks have hit the 'over' in four straight road contests, while the Rockets have cashed the 'under' in four of the past five games.

Clippers at Mavericks - 8:35 PM EST

Los Angeles: 22-12 SU, 20-14 ATS
Dallas: 19-13 SU, 18-14 ATS

Previous result: The Clippers blew out the Bobcats, 112-85 to close out a three-game homestand, while covering as 10 ½-point 'chalk.' The Mavericks finished off a perfect 3-0 SU/ATS road trip by knocking off the Wizards, 87-78 to cash outright as two-point 'dogs.

Last meeting: These Western Conference rivals are hooking up for the first time this season, but the Clippers won two of three matchups last season. The lone game played in Dallas went to the Mavs in a 109-102 overtime triumph as short 'dogs.

Current betting streaks: Los Angeles has covered five of its last six road contests, while hitting the 'under' in three straight games away from Staples Center. Dallas has drilled the 'over' in four consecutive home contests, while winning four of its past five overall.

Grizzlies at Nuggets - 9:05 PM EST

Memphis: 13-17 SU, 10-19-1 ATS
Denver: 14-17 SU, 13-18 ATS

Previous result: The Grizzlies held off the Suns, 99-91 to cash as five-point road underdogs last night in a game that saw plenty of swings in the second half. The Nuggets have been a disaster recently, losing eight consecutive contests after getting trampled by the lowly 76ers, 114-106 as nine-point favorites.

Last meeting: Memphis destroyed Denver at FedEx Forum last Saturday, 120-99 to easily cover as three-point home favorites. Each of the last three meetings at the Pepsi Center has finished 'under' the total.

Current betting streaks: The Grizzlies have alternated wins and losses in each of their last five games, while hitting the 'under' in three straight road contests. Denver has covered just once during this eight-game skid, coming as a home 'dog to Miami earlier this week.

Jazz at Lakers - 10:35 PM EST

Utah: 11-24 SU, 15-18-2 ATS
Los Angeles: 13-19 SU, 17-14-1 ATS

Previous result: The Jazz won their second straight game, knocking off the woeful Bucks last night, 96-87 as 5 ½-point home favorites. The Lakers continue to struggle without Kobe Bryant as Los Angeles lost its sixth consecutive game in Tuesday's 94-79 home defeat to Milwaukee.

Last meeting: Utah held off Los Angeles last Friday at home, 105-103, but the Lakers took the money as 3 ½-point underdogs. The Jazz has won two of their past three visits to Staples Center, including a 117-110 triumph last December.

Current betting streaks: After a slow start, the Jazz have been extremely competitive on the road by splitting their last eight away contests (5-3 ATS). The Lakers' offense is struggling right now as evidenced by a 7-1 run to the 'under,' while scoring 95 points or less in four of the past six games.

 

[CNOTES]

NBA
Dunkel

LA Clippers at Dallas
The Clippers come into Dallas tonight looking to take advantage of the Mavericks' 2-7 ATS record in their last 9 home games. LA is the pick (-1) according to Dunkel, which has the Clippers favored by 3 1/2. Dunkel Pick: LA Clippers (-1). Here are all of today's picks.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 3

Game 801-802: Toronto at Washington (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Toronto 123.044; Washington 121.027
Dunkel Line & Total: Toronto by 2; 191
Vegas Line & Total: Washington by 3; 194
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (+3); Under

Game 803-804: New Orleans at Boston (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: New Orleans 117.319; Boston 112.300
Dunkel Line & Total: New Orleans by 5; 205
Vegas Line & Total: New Orleans by 3; 199
Dunkel Pick: New Orleans (-3); Over

Game 805-806: Golden State at Atlanta (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Golden State 125.661; Atlanta 120.668
Dunkel Line & Total: Golden State by 5; 201
Vegas Line & Total: Golden State by 1 1/2; 205 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Golden State (-1 1/2); Under

Game 807-808: New York at Houston (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: New York 110.277; Houston 125.533
Dunkel Line & Total: Houston by 15 1/2; 214
Vegas Line & Total: Houston by 11; 207 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Houston (-11); Over

Game 809-810: LA Clippers at Dallas (8:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: LA Clippers 124.104; Dallas 120.386
Dunkel Line & Total: LA Clippers by 3 1/2; 198
Vegas Line & Total: LA Clippers by 1; 203
Dunkel Pick: LA Clippers (-1); Under

Game 811-812: Memphis at Denver (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Memphis 118.092; Denver 113.761
Dunkel Line & Total: Memphis by 4 1/2; 197
Vegas Line & Total: Denver by 4 1/2; 191
Dunkel Pick: Memphis (+4 1/2); Over

Game 813-814: Utah at LA Lakers (10:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Utah 113.336; LA Lakers 118.262
Dunkel Line & Total: LA Lakers by 5; 201
Vegas Line & Total: LA Lakers by 3 1/2; 197
Dunkel Pick: LA Lakers (-3 1/2); Over

 

[CNOTES]

NBA
Long Sheet

Friday, January 3

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TORONTO (15 - 15) at WASHINGTON (14 - 15) - 1/3/2014, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 62-47 ATS (+10.3 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 25-13 ATS (+10.7 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 61-39 ATS (+18.1 Units) in a road game where where the total is between 190 and 194.5 points since 1996.
WASHINGTON is 311-369 ATS (-94.9 Units) in home games since 1996.
WASHINGTON is 119-156 ATS (-52.6 Units) on Friday nights since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
TORONTO is 6-3 against the spread versus WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
TORONTO is 5-4 straight up against WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
6 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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NEW ORLEANS (14 - 16) at BOSTON (13 - 19) - 1/3/2014, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEW ORLEANS is 52-29 ATS (+20.1 Units) in road games in January games since 1996.
BOSTON is 13-32 ATS (-22.2 Units) in home games against Southwest division opponents since 1996.

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

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GOLDEN STATE (21 - 13) at ATLANTA (18 - 14) - 1/3/2014, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
GOLDEN STATE is 34-20 ATS (+12.0 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
ATLANTA is 3-14 ATS (-12.4 Units) when playing with 2 days rest over the last 2 seasons.

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

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NEW YORK (10 - 21) at HOUSTON (21 - 13) - 1/3/2014, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEW YORK is 11-20 ATS (-11.0 Units) in all games this season.
NEW YORK is 4-12 ATS (-9.2 Units) as an underdog this season.
HOUSTON is 21-9 ATS (+11.1 Units) in home games in non-conference games over the last 3 seasons.

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

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LA CLIPPERS (22 - 12) at DALLAS (19 - 13) - 1/3/2014, 8:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LA CLIPPERS are 4-13 ATS (-10.3 Units) as a road favorite of 3 points or less over the last 2 seasons.
DALLAS is 65-48 ATS (+12.2 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
DALLAS is 297-232 ATS (+41.8 Units) as an underdog since 1996.
DALLAS is 13-3 ATS (+9.7 Units) in January games over the last 2 seasons.
DALLAS is 266-214 ATS (+30.6 Units) after a non-conference game since 1996.
DALLAS is 432-364 ATS (+31.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record since 1996.
DALLAS is 30-16 ATS (+12.4 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
DALLAS is 46-69 ATS (-29.9 Units) in a home game where where the total is between 200 and 204.5 points since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA CLIPPERS is 3-2 against the spread versus DALLAS over the last 3 seasons
LA CLIPPERS is 4-2 straight up against DALLAS over the last 3 seasons
4 of 6 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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MEMPHIS (14 - 17) at DENVER (14 - 17) - 1/3/2014, 9:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MEMPHIS is 69-55 ATS (+8.5 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MEMPHIS is 36-24 ATS (+9.6 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
MEMPHIS is 100-71 ATS (+21.9 Units) off an upset win as an underdog since 1996.

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

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UTAH (11 - 24) at LA LAKERS (13 - 19) - 1/3/2014, 10:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LA LAKERS are 51-65 ATS (-20.5 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
LA LAKERS are 4-14 ATS (-11.4 Units) in a home game where where the total is between 195 and 199.5 points over the last 3 seasons.
LA LAKERS are 4-15 ATS (-12.5 Units) off a upset loss as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
LA LAKERS are 125-163 ATS (-54.3 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA LAKERS is 4-4 against the spread versus UTAH over the last 3 seasons
UTAH 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

 

[CNOTES]

NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up

Friday, January 3

Hot teams
-- Raptors won eight of their last ten games (5-1 last six AU). Wizards won five of its last seven (4-5 HF).
-- Atlanta won six of its last eight games (8-5 HF). Warriors won their last seven games (6-2 last eight AU).
-- Mavericks won four of last five games (0-2 HU).
-- Grizzlies won four of last six games (4-6 AU).
-- Jazz won three of its last four games (9-5 last 14 AU).

Cold Teams
-- Boston lost five of its last six games (0-3 last three HF). Pelicans lost six of last seven road games (2-4 last six AU).
-- Knicks lost four of last six games (2-7 last nine AU). Houston lost its last two games, allowing 113.5 ppg (8-4 last 12 HF).
-- Clippers lost three of last five games (6-3 last nine AF).
-- Denver lost its last eight games, five of last six by 8+.
-- Lakers lost their last six games (2-3 HF).

Series records
-- Raptors lost five of last six visits to Washington.
-- Warriors won last three games with Atlanta by 3-4-22 points.
-- Pelicans won five of their last six games with Boston.
-- Knicks lost their last eight games with Houston.
-- Clippers won four of last six games with Dallas.
-- Home team won ten of last twelve Denver-Memphis games.
-- Lakers lost four of their last five games with Utah.

Totals
-- Five of last seven Toronto road games stayed under.
-- Last five Atlanta home games went over the total.
-- Six of last nine Boston games stayed under the total.
-- Six of last seven New York road games went over total.
-- Five of last six Dallas home games went over the total.
-- Nine of last ten Denver home games stayed under total.
-- Seven of last eight Laker games stayed under the total.

 

[CNOTES]

NBA

Friday, January 3

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Trend Report
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7:00 PM
TORONTO vs. WASHINGTON
Toronto is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Washington
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Toronto's last 7 games on the road
Washington is 16-8 SU in its last 24 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Washington's last 6 games at home

7:30 PM
NEW ORLEANS vs. BOSTON
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of New Orleans's last 7 games when playing on the road against Boston
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of New Orleans's last 9 games when playing Boston
Boston is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Boston is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games

7:30 PM
GOLDEN STATE vs. ATLANTA
Golden State is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 15 of Golden State's last 19 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
Atlanta is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Atlanta's last 5 games at home

8:00 PM
NEW YORK vs. HOUSTON
The total has gone OVER in 6 of New York's last 7 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of New York's last 5 games when playing on the road against Houston
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Houston's last 10 games when playing New York
Houston is 2-3-1 ATS in its last 6 games

8:30 PM
LA CLIPPERS vs. DALLAS
LA Clippers are 7-3 SU in their last 10 games
LA Clippers are 1-4-1 ATS in their last 6 games when playing on the road against Dallas
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Dallas's last 9 games
Dallas is 18-5 SU in their last 23 games when playing LA Clippers

9:00 PM
MEMPHIS vs. DENVER
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Memphis's last 6 games when playing Denver
Memphis is 7-15 SU in its last 22 games when playing Denver
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Denver's last 6 games when playing Memphis
Denver is 23-2 SU in its last 25 games when playing at home against Memphis

10:30 PM
UTAH vs. LA LAKERS
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Utah's last 6 games
Utah is 7-14-1 ATS in their last 22 games when playing on the road against LA Lakers
The total has gone OVER in 17 of the LA Lakers last 25 games when playing at home against Utah
LA Lakers are 19-3 SU in their last 22 games when playing at home against Utah

 

[CNOTES]

NBA

Friday, January 3

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Clippers at Mavericks: What bettors need to know
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Los Angeles Clippers at Dallas Mavericks (+1.5, 203)

After shaking off a run of three losses in four games with a thrashing over Charlotte on Wednesday, the Los Angeles Clippers travel to Dallas on Friday for a tilt with the Mavericks. Los Angeles snuck in a win over lowly Utah on Saturday but hadn't been clicking in nearly two weeks before dominating the Bobcats. Coach Doc Rivers told reporters it was refreshing to see the Clippers returning to form, saying, "The ball was flying around the floor (against Charlotte) and that makes us really good."

Dallas is enjoying a three-game winning streak, but Wednesday's victory at Washington left the Mavericks less than satisfied. "We set the NBA back a couple years," forward Dirk Nowitzki told the Dallas Morning News of the 87-78 win, in which Dallas equaled its season low in points. Monta Ellis led the Mavericks with 23 points against the Wizards in what coach Rick Carlisle called the guard's best game since coming to Dallas as a free agent last summer.

TV: 8:30 p.m. ET, Prime Ticket (Los Angeles), FSN Southwest (Dallas)

LINE: The Mavericks opened as 1.5-point home dogs. The total opened at 204.5 and has moved down to 203.

POWER RANKINGS: Los Angeles (-12.5) - Dallas (-8.2) + home court (-3) = Dallas -1.3

ABOUT THE CLIPPERS (22-12, 20-14 ATS): Forward Jared Dudley, who had been shooting at less than 39 percent from the field in a six-game stretch prior to Wednesday's win, knocked down 7-of-10, including 6-of-9 3-pointers, for 20 points against Charlotte. The jolt in production should provide a major lift in morale for the seventh-year pro, who told reporters after the game, "For me, to see the ball go in once or twice breeds confidence." Los Angeles dished out a season-high 36 assists against the Bobcats, led by 14 from Chris Paul, whose 11.3 assists per game leads the NBA.

ABOUT THE MAVERICKS (19-13, 18-14 ATS): Dallas overcame an eight-point third quarter deficit against Washington, limiting the Wizards to 17 points in the fourth quarter to win an ugly one. "It ain't always going to be perfect," forward Shawn Marion said, "but a win is a win." Ellis knocked down six free throws in the waning seconds Wednesday, prompting Carlisle to sing his praises for a well-rounded effort, saying, "He had such great command of the game. He made big plays and his string of free throws at the end of the game was the decisive factor."

TRENDS:

* Home team is 5-2 ATS in the last seven meetings.
* Favorite is 9-4 ATS in the last 13 meetings.
* Clippers are 3-10 ATS in the last 13 meetings.
* Clippers are 1-5 ATS in the last six meetings in Dallas.

BUZZER BEATERS:

1. Los Angeles (104.7 points per game) and Dallas (103.3) each rank among the NBA's top 10 in scoring.

2. Nowitzki and PG Jose Calderon combined to shoot 6-of-28 from the field Wednesday and Calderon is shooting less than 35 percent in his last four games.

3. Clippers SG J.J. Redick had a cast removed from his right hand but is still at least three weeks away from returning to the lineup, recovering from a broken wrist.

 

[CNOTES]

NBA
Short Sheet

Friday, January 3

Toronto at Washington, 7:05 ET
Toronto: 59-88 ATS after having won 4 of their last 5
Washington: 25-13 ATS after a non-conference game

New Orleans at Boston, 7:35 ET
New Orleans: 8-0 ATS after allowing 100 points or more 3 straight games
Boston: 13-32 ATS in home games against Southwest division opponents

Golden State at Atlanta, 7:35 ET
Golden State: 39-25 ATS when the total is 200 to 209.5
Atlanta: 3-14 ATS when playing with 2 days rest

New York at Houston, 8:05 ET
New York: 4-12 ATS as an underdog
Houston: 21-9 ATS in home games in non-conference games

LA Clippers at Dallas, 8:35 ET
LA Clippers: 4-13 ATS as a road favorite of 3 points or less
Dallas: 22-9 ATS when the line is +3 to -3

Memphis at Denver, 9:05 ET
Memphis: 36-24 ATS in road games
Denver: 70-44 OVER off an upset loss as a home favorite

Utah at LA Lakers, 10:35 ET
Utah: 6-16 ATS after 2 or more consecutive wins
LA Lakers: 16-5 ATS after a blowout loss by 15 points or more

 

[CNOTES]

NBA DECEMBER RECORD:

50 - 34..........................*****

16 - 13..........................DOUBLE PLAYS

17 - 8 - 1.......................TRIPLE PLAYS

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

January's Record

*****............. 1 - 2

DOUBLE PLAYS....1 - 1

TRIPLE PLAYS.....0 - 2

Friday, January 3

Game Score Status Pick Amount

Toronto - 7:00 PM ET Toronto +3 500 *****
Washington - Over 192.5 500

Golden State - 7:30 PM ET Golden State -3 500 DOUBLE PLAY
Atlanta - Under 208 500

New Orleans - 7:30 PM ET Boston +3.5 500 *****
Boston - Over 200.5 500

New York - 8:00 PM ET New York +11.5 500
Houston - Over 205.5 500

L.A. Clippers - 8:30 PM ET Dallas +3 500 *****
Dallas - Over 204 500

Memphis - 9:00 PM ET Denver -4.5 500
Denver - Over 193 500 *****

Utah - 10:30 PM ET Utah +3.5 500 DOUBLE PLAY
L.A. Lakers - Over 196 500 TRIPLE PLAY

 

[CNOTES]

Hoop Trends - Saturday

January 4, 2014


ATS TREND OF THE DAY:

-- The Bulls are 0-10 ATS (-10.50 ppg) since Feb 18, 2012 at home with at least one day of rest after a win in which more than 70% of their baskets were assisted.

OU TREND OF THE DAY:

-- The Trailblazers are 12-0 OU (16.29 ppg) since Nov 17, 2013 after a win in which their DPA was positive.

PLAYER TREND OF THE DAY:

-- The Pelicans are 11-0 OU (16.18 ppg) since Jan 19, 2013 after Anthony Davis shot better than 66% from the field.

CHOICE TREND:

-- The Cavaliers are 10-0-1 OU (12.77 ppg) since Apr 21, 2008 with at least one day of rest after a win in which they shot less than 40% from the field.

ACTIVE TRENDS:

-- The Pacers are 9-0-1 ATS (7.90 ppg) since Jan 11, 2012 at home after Paul George had at least 5 turnovers on the road.

-- The Pelicans are 8-0 ATS (8.44 ppg) since Feb 06, 2013 after Anthony Davis was the Pelicans’ high scorer on the road.

 

[CNOTES]

NBA
Long Sheet

Saturday, January 4

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MIAMI (24 - 8) at ORLANDO (10 - 22) - 1/4/2014, 7:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
ORLANDO is 5-5 against the spread versus MIAMI over the last 3 seasons
MIAMI is 8-2 straight up against ORLANDO 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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NEW ORLEANS (15 - 16) at INDIANA (25 - 6) - 1/4/2014, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEW ORLEANS is 21-35 ATS (-17.5 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 3 seasons.
INDIANA is 22-9 ATS (+12.1 Units) in all games this season.
INDIANA is 18-6 ATS (+11.4 Units) as a favorite this season.
INDIANA is 41-25 ATS (+13.5 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
INDIANA is 12-2 ATS (+9.8 Units) against Southwest division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
INDIANA is 135-92 ATS (+33.8 Units) in home games in non-conference games since 1996.
INDIANA is 17-5 ATS (+11.5 Units) after a loss by 10 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
INDIANA is 33-20 ATS (+11.0 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
INDIANA is 27-14 ATS (+11.6 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 52-30 ATS (+19.0 Units) in road games in January games since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
INDIANA is 4-1 against the spread versus NEW ORLEANS over the last 3 seasons
INDIANA is 5-0 straight up against NEW ORLEANS over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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CLEVELAND (11 - 21) at BROOKLYN (11 - 21) - 1/4/2014, 7:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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ATLANTA (18 - 15) at CHICAGO (13 - 18) - 1/4/2014, 8:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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OKLAHOMA CITY (25 - 7) at MINNESOTA (16 - 16) - 1/4/2014, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 260-212 ATS (+26.8 Units) in all games since 1996.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 133-101 ATS (+21.9 Units) in road games since 1996.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 28-12 ATS (+14.8 Units) off a upset loss as a favorite over the last 3 seasons.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 23-8 ATS (+14.2 Units) in road games after playing 3 consecutive home games since 1996.

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

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LA CLIPPERS (23 - 12) at SAN ANTONIO (25 - 8) - 1/4/2014, 8:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LA CLIPPERS are 194-250 ATS (-81.0 Units) after allowing 105 points or more since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 120-91 ATS (+19.9 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 97-73 ATS (+16.7 Units) as a favorite over the last 3 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 416-350 ATS (+31.0 Units) in home games since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 277-216 ATS (+39.4 Units) after a non-conference game since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 18-6 ATS (+11.4 Units) off a upset loss as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 14-4 ATS (+9.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN ANTONIO is 6-6 against the spread versus LA CLIPPERS over the last 3 seasons
SAN ANTONIO is 8-4 straight up against LA CLIPPERS over the last 3 seasons
8 of 12 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

MILWAUKEE (7 - 25) at PHOENIX (19 - 12) - 1/4/2014, 9:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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

PHILADELPHIA (11 - 21) at PORTLAND (26 - 7) - 1/4/2014, 10:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 37-56 ATS (-24.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
PORTLAND is 13-5 ATS (+7.5 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.

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

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

CHARLOTTE (14 - 20) at SACRAMENTO (10 - 21) - 1/4/2014, 10:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CHARLOTTE is 49-65 ATS (-22.5 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CHARLOTTE is 64-93 ATS (-38.3 Units) as an underdog over the last 3 seasons.
CHARLOTTE is 10-25 ATS (-17.5 Units) in January games over the last 3 seasons.
CHARLOTTE is 9-31 ATS (-25.1 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
CHARLOTTE is 22-38 ATS (-19.8 Units) after allowing 105 points or more over the last 3 seasons.
CHARLOTTE is 30-50 ATS (-25.0 Units) after a loss by 10 points or more over the last 3 seasons.
CHARLOTTE is 12-27 ATS (-17.7 Units) after 3 or more consecutive losses over the last 2 seasons.
CHARLOTTE is 20-37 ATS (-20.7 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 3 seasons.
SACRAMENTO is 0-8 ATS (-8.8 Units) as a favorite this season.
SACRAMENTO is 17-34 ATS (-20.4 Units) in home games on Saturday games since 1996.
SACRAMENTO is 7-17 ATS (-11.7 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.

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

 

[CNOTES]

NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up

Saturday, January 4

Hot teams
-- Indiana won five of its last six games (7-2 last nine HF). Pelicans won four of last six games (2-4 last six AU).
-- Heat won eight of last ten games (0-4 last four AF).
-- Hawks won six of their last nine games.
-- Minnesota won three of its last four games (3-1 last four HF).
-- Clippers won three of last four games (5-1 AU). Spurs won three of their last four games (2-10 last 12 HF).
-- Suns won five of last seven games (10-5-1 vs spread at home).
-- 76ers won last three games, all as underdogs of 7+ points. Portland won seven of its last ten games (2-4 last six HF).

Cold Teams
-- Magic lost five of its last seven games (1-5 last six HU).
-- Cavaliers lost six of their last seven games (4-2 last six AU). Nets lost six of last eight games (4-6 HF).
-- Bulls lost four of last six at home (6-9 vs spread at home).
-- Thunder lost last two games by total of six points (2-3 AU).
-- Bucks lost four of their last five games (3-6 last nine AU).
-- Bobcats lost their last five games (11-3-2 vs spread on road, 0-2 in last two games). Kings lost six of last nine games (0-9 as HF).

Series records
-- Pacers won last four games with New Orleans, winning last three here either by one point or in OT.
-- Heat won last three visits to Orlando by 2-14-28 points.
-- Nets won eight of last ten games with Cleveland.
-- Bulls won nine of last twelve games with Atlanta.
-- Thunder won 15 of last 17 games with Minnesota.
-- Clippers lost 16 of last 20 games with San Antonio.
-- Bucks swept Phoenix 2-0 LY, after going 1-8 in previous nine against the Suns.
-- Trailblazers won four of last five games with Philly.
-- Kings won three of last four games with Charlotte.

Totals
-- 12 of 16 Indiana home games stayed under.
-- Eight of last ten Miami games went over the total.
-- Eight of last eleven Cleveland road games went over.
-- Under is 12-3 in Chicago home games. Six of last seven Atlanta road games went over.
-- Last four Thunder games stayed under the total; four of Minnesota's last five games went over.
-- Over is 11-2-1 in last four San Antonio home games.
-- Seven of last nine Milwaukee road games went over.
-- Last nine Portland home games went over total.
-- Five of last seven Sacramento home games went over.

 

[CNOTES]

NBA

Saturday, January 4

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

7:00 PM
MIAMI vs. ORLANDO
Miami is 10-3 SU in its last 13 games on the road
Miami is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Orlando
Orlando is 10-5 SU in its last 15 games when playing at home against Miami
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Orlando's last 6 games when playing Miami

7:00 PM
NEW ORLEANS vs. INDIANA
New Orleans is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of New Orleans's last 6 games when playing Indiana
Indiana is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Indiana's last 6 games

7:30 PM
CLEVELAND vs. BROOKLYN
Cleveland is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Brooklyn
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Cleveland's last 5 games when playing on the road against Brooklyn
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Brooklyn's last 7 games when playing Cleveland
Brooklyn is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Cleveland

8:00 PM
ATLANTA vs. CHICAGO
Atlanta is 1-3-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Chicago
Atlanta is 0-5 SU in its 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 Atlanta
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Chicago's last 5 games at home

8:00 PM
OKLAHOMA CITY vs. MINNESOTA
Oklahoma City is 20-4 SU in its last 24 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Oklahoma City's last 5 games when playing on the road against Minnesota
Minnesota is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
Minnesota is 3-15 SU in its last 18 games when playing Oklahoma City

8:30 PM
LA CLIPPERS vs. SAN ANTONIO
The total has gone OVER in 5 of the LA Clippers last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 10 of the LA Clippers last 13 games when playing on the road against San Antonio
The total has gone OVER in 4 of San Antonio's last 6 games when playing LA Clippers
San Antonio is 20-2 SU in their last 22 games when playing at home against LA Clippers

9:00 PM
MILWAUKEE vs. PHOENIX
Milwaukee is 5-20 SU in its last 25 games when playing Phoenix
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Milwaukee's last 10 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 20-5 SU in its last 25 games when playing Milwaukee

10:00 PM
CHARLOTTE vs. SACRAMENTO
Charlotte is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Charlotte's last 6 games when playing Sacramento
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Sacramento's last 6 games when playing Charlotte
Sacramento is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games when playing Charlotte

10:00 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. PORTLAND
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Philadelphia's last 9 games
Philadelphia is 1-3-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Portland
Portland is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games at home
Portland is 2-7 ATS in its last 9 games

 

[CNOTES]

NBA
Dunkel

Oklahoma City at Minnesota
The Thunder try to snap a 2-game losing streak as they face a Minnesota team that is coming off a 124-112 win over New Orleans and is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games following a SU victory of more than 10 points. Oklahoma City is the pick (+2) according to Dunkel, which has the Thunder favored by 6 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Oklahoma City (+2). Here are all of today's picks.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 4

Game 501-502: Miami at Orlando (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Miami 121.037; Orlando 118.706
Dunkel Line & Total: Miami by 2 1/2; 207
Vegas Line & Total: Miami by 9 1/2; 200 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Orlando (+9 1/2); Over

Game 503-504: New Orleans at Indiana (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: New Orleans 117.217; Indiana 130.620
Dunkel Line & Total: Indiana by 13 1/2; 188
Vegas Line & Total: Indiana by 11; 193
Dunkel Pick: Indiana (-11); Under

Game 505-506: Cleveland at Brooklyn (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cleveland 114.002; Brooklyn 119.090
Dunkel Line & Total: Brooklyn by 5; 197
Vegas Line & Total: Brooklyn by 8 1/2; 193
Dunkel Pick: Cleveland (+8 1/2); Over

Game 507-508: Atlanta at Chicago (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta 119.268; Chicago 120.252
Dunkel Line & Total: Chicago by 1; 182
Vegas Line & Total: Chicago by 5; 189
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (+5); Under

Game 509-510: Oklahoma City at Minnesota (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Oklahoma City 129.115; Minnesota 122.379
Dunkel Line & Total: Oklahoma City by 6 1/2; 213
Vegas Line & Total: Minnesota by 2; 208
Dunkel Pick: Oklahoma City (+2); Over

Game 511-512: LA Clippers at San Antonio (8:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: LA Clippers 122.608; San Antonio 122.973
Dunkel Line & Total: Even; 202
Vegas Line & Total: San Antonio by 8; 206 1/2
Dunkel Pick: LA Clippers (+8); Under

Game 513-514: Milwaukee at Phoenix (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Milwaukee 110.530; Phoenix 124.555
Dunkel Line & Total: Phoenix by 14; 207
Vegas Line & Total: Phoenix by 9; 200
Dunkel Pick: Phoenix (-9); Over

Game 515-516: Philadelphia at Portland (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia 112.766; Portland 121.355
Dunkel Line & Total: Portland by 8 1/2; 222
Vegas Line & Total: Portland by 13; 225
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (+13); Under

Game 517-518: Charlotte at Sacramento (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Charlotte 111.842; Sacramento 120.115
Dunkel Line & Total: Sacramento by 8 1/2; 206
Vegas Line & Total: Sacramento by 5; 200 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Sacramento (-5); Over

 

[CNOTES]

NBA
Short Sheet

Saturday, January 4

Miami at Orlando, 7:05 ET
Miami: 17-6 ATS after 3 consecutive non-conference games
Orlando: 1-6 ATS after 2 or more consecutive unders

New Orleans at Indiana, 7:05 ET
New Orleans: 8-1 OVER after a non-conference game
Indiana: 24-7 ATS off a road loss

Cleveland at Brooklyn, 7:35 ET
Cleveland: 3-12 ATS after having lost 2 of their last 3 games
Brooklyn: 12-7 ATS revenging a straight up loss vs opponent as a favorite

Atlanta at Chicago, 8:05 ET
Atlanta: 10-2 ATS
Chicago: 1-5 ATS after playing 2 consecutive home games

Oklahoma City at Minnesota, 8:05 ET
Oklahoma City: 47-25 ATS off a home loss
Minnesota: 17-6 UNDER in a home game where the total is 200 to 209.5

LA Clippers at San Antonio, 8:35 ET
LA Clippers: 54-89 ATS after allowing 60 points or more in the first half last game
San Antonio: 11-1 ATS off a home loss

Milwaukee at Phoenix, 9:05 ET
Milwaukee: 1-5 ATS when playing 6 or less games in 14 days
Phoenix: 11-3 ATS after playing a home game

Philadelphia at Portland, 10:05 ET
Philadelphia: 58-34 ATS as an underdog of 10 or more points
Portland: 1-10 ATS after a game where opponent was called for 13 or less fouls

Charlotte at Sacramento, 10:05 ET
Charlotte: 9-31 ATS in non-conference games
Sacramento: 24-9 ATS at home after a game wh

 

[CNOTES]

NBA DECEMBER RECORD:

50 - 34..........................*****

16 - 13..........................DOUBLE PLAYS

17 - 8 - 1.......................TRIPLE PLAYS

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

January's Record

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

DOUBLE PLAYS....2 - 2

TRIPLE PLAYS.....1 - 2


Saturday, January 4

Game Score Status Pick Amount

New Orleans - 7:00 PM ET New Orleans +11.5 500
Indiana - Over 192.5 500

Miami - 7:00 PM ET Miami -9 500 *****
Orlando - Under 199 500

Cleveland - 7:30 PM ET Brooklyn -6.5 500
Brooklyn - Over 193.5 500

Atlanta - 8:00 PM ET Chicago -5 500 TRIPLE PLAY
Chicago - Under 191 500

Oklahoma City - 8:00 PM ET Oklahoma City +2 500
Minnesota - Over 208 500

L.A. Clippers - 8:30 PM ET L.A. Clippers +9 500
San Antonio - Over 205.5 500

Milwaukee - 9:00 PM ET Phoenix -8 500 TRIPLE PLAY
Phoenix - Over 198 500

Philadelphia - 10:00 PM ET Portland -12.5 500
Portland - Over 224 500 DOUBLE PLAY

Charlotte - 10:00 PM ET Charlotte +5 500 DOUBLE PLAY
Sacramento - Over 199 500

 

[CNOTES]

Preview: Grizzlies (14-18) at Pistons (14-19)

Date: January 05, 2014 1:00 PM EDT


If the Detroit Pistons are going to end a three-game losing streak, they need to beat a team they've had no success against since 2009.

Though the Memphis Grizzlies have just about matched the Pistons' futility this season, they'll be going for their ninth straight win against them Sunday in Detroit.

The Pistons (14-19) are also out to end a four-game home skid after closing 2013 on Monday with a 106-99 loss to Washington at the Palace of Auburn Hills. They were outscored 28-12 in the fourth quarter, marking the third time in their last four at home that they've let a lead slip away in the final period.

"We had a nice game going for about three and a half quarters," coach Maurice Cheeks said. "In the fourth quarter, we just got stagnant. We didn't keep playing the way we had played for those three quarters. They ran pick-and-roll; they kept scoring. We didn't keep scoring for whatever reason."

Forward Greg Monroe led the Pistons with 22 points and 10 rebounds, while center Andre Drummond scored 16 and pulled down 16 boards.

Detroit fell to 6-11 at home and had five days off to think about getting things right as it opens the new year with what appears to be a favorable stretch. After hosting the Grizzlies (14-18), the Pistons - a surprising 8-8 on the road - travel to New York, Toronto and Philadelphia.

But after the loss to the Wizards, Cheeks said that kind of mentality is what got the Pistons in trouble when their current skid started in Orlando on Dec. 27.

"We weren't in a position to think about a team with a lesser record that we're going to have a letdown," he said. "We talked about that in Orlando. We're not in that position to think like that. Maybe these five days are coming at a time when we can sit back and relax and work on some things that we need to work on and just try to get ourselves better over these next few days and go from there."

Against Washington, Detroit's league-worst free-throw shooting (66.5 percent) was again one of its biggest problems. The Pistons went 21 of 35 from the line and are shooting 62.6 percent over a 1-5 stretch.

Likewise, hitting just one more from the stripe in regulation in a 111-108 overtime loss at Memphis on Nov. 1 could have snapped Detroit's losing streak to the Grizzlies. The Pistons, who led 75-70 early in the fourth, went 17 for 24 from the line in the loss.

Guard Rodney Stuckey scored 19 points off the bench in that contest, though he missed Monday's game with a shoulder injury and was limited in practice late this week.

Memphis continues to struggle without center Marc Gasol, who has been out since suffering a sprained MCL on Nov. 22 against San Antonio. The Grizzlies were 7-5 with him and had won four straight before the injury. Including the loss to the Spurs, they're 7-13 without the reigning defensive player of the year after falling 111-108 Friday in Denver.

"We didn't guard well," Memphis coach David Joerger said. "They got the loose balls. They got the offensive rebounds and we didn't convert on fast breaks. We gave up too many easy baskets."

Forward Zach Randolph had 25 points and 13 rebounds, and guard Mike Conley scored 23 with eight assists. Conley scored 22 in the win over the Pistons earlier this season, and he's shooting 63.6 percent in his last three games against them.

The Grizzlies are 7-4 on the road since losing their first three away from home this season.

 

[CNOTES]

Preview: Raptors (16-15) at Heat (25-8)

Date: January 05, 2014 6:00 PM EDT


The Miami Heat may own 13 straight wins over the Toronto Raptors, but they know two November victories in the series don't mean much now.

The Heat will be out to end the new-look Raptors' five-game win streak Sunday night at home.

LeBron James combined for 62 points on 62.2 percent shooting in road wins over Toronto (16-15) two months ago.

The Raptors are a different team now as winners of nine of 11 since Dec. 13 - the date when the majority of the players acquired from Sacramento in the Rudy Gay deal made their club debuts.

"We've been noticing," Miami coach Erik Spoelstra said. "They've been playing very good basketball. We mentioned that about the Eastern Conference. It is way too premature to figure out where teams are. There are teams that have higher ceilings, and they're one of them."

Toronto used to employ Gay primarily to defend James. With the swingman gone, coach Dwane Casey named more than half of his roster when asked who he would use Sunday, and even made a reference to a position that doesn't exist in a reference to James.

"They've got a power forward that's really a point guard, two-guard, three-guard all in one so you've got to do some special things to try to contain him," Casey said.

Miami (25-8) could be without starting forward Shane Battier, who sat out Saturday's 110-94 victory at Orlando to rest a sore quadriceps. Rashard Lewis replaced him in his first start since Nov. 27, and scored a season-high 18.

"We're a veteran team and I'm used to it after playing last year. You just have to be mentally ready to go when your name is called upon," Lewis said. "With the type of team we have you might play 20 minutes and you might play 5 minutes. You've just got to be ready."

Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh each scored 20 points and James added 15 with eight rebounds and eight assists.

Bosh, who made all nine shots from the field Saturday, is 8-0 in the games he has played against his former team. He missed the season's first meeting and scored four points for his worst output against Toronto in a 90-83 victory Nov. 29.

The forward is averaging 20.6 points on 58.0 percent shooting in his last 11 games.

Fatigue shouldn't be a factor for Miami, with no player reaching 36 minutes in Orlando. The Heat are 4-1 in the second half of back-to-back games.

The Raptors last won six in a row March 22-April 4, 2009. DeMar DeRozan is averaging 20.4 points during this win streak while Kyle Lowry is averaging 18.4 points and 10.6 assists.

Toronto, which hasn't defeated Miami since Jan. 27, 2010, is limiting foes to an average of 86.4 points in its last five games compared to 99.4 before the win streak.

"It's fun winning," forward Amir Johnson said. "Pretty much nobody has no worries, everybody's just on a cloud right now having fun, winning games. It's almost starting to feel kind of natural."

The Raptors held John Wall to 11 points to key Friday's 101-88 win at Washington. DeRozan scored 20 and Lowry had 19 and 11 assists.

 

[CNOTES]

Preview: Warriors (22-13) at Wizards (14-16)

Date: January 05, 2014 6:00 PM EDT


Coach Mark Jackson believes the Golden State Warriors have the potential to be great, and it's difficult to argue the point with the team on the verge of its longest winning streak in over 38 years.

The Warriors seek their ninth consecutive victory as they continue their road trip against the struggling Washington Wizards on Sunday night.

Trailing by 15 with 6:48 remaining Friday at Atlanta, Golden State (22-13) stormed back and stunned the Hawks 101-100 on Andre Iguodala's 3-pointer as time expired.

The Warriors, who have won the first four on their seven-game trip and five straight away from home overall, were coming off a 123-114 victory over Miami the previous night.

Golden State hasn't won nine straight since a 10-game run from Dec. 6-23, 1975, and it hasn't won six consecutive road games since March 12-April 6, 2005.

"Great teams don't make excuses. And we're trying to become great, which makes me even more proud of them," Jackson said. "They could have easily said, 'We're 3-0 on this trip, we lost to the Hawks after a big win last night.' But this team has no quit. They are high character (guys), they enjoy one another, and when you do the right things, great things happen."

David Lee scored a game-high 23 points, Stephen Curry added 22 despite shooting 1 of 7 from 3-point range, and Klay Thompson finished with 21 for the Warriors, who haven't lost since falling to San Antonio on a last-second shot Dec. 19.

"We have a lot of confidence. When we were down no one was panicking or quitting on the game," said Curry, who scored 36 points the previous night. "So for us to make the plays down the stretch, get the stops and get the rebounds to give ourselves a shot, and then Andre taking over, that's a credit to every single guy on the floor."

Curry scored 35 points as the Warriors beat Washington 101-92 in the most recent meeting March 23, marking their fifth straight victory in the series.

The Wizards (14-16) have dropped five of six at home after losing 101-88 to Toronto on Friday, a result that left the crowd booing and coach Randy Wittman fuming.

"More selfish play than we've had. We can't play that way. We've proven over the last couple years we can't play that way," Wittman said. "Getting concerned with, `Why am I coming out? How many minutes am I getting? How many shots am I getting?' Rather than: `What is the team doing?' ... We're not good enough to do it that way."

John Wall had averaged 22.8 points over his previous eight games, but he shot 4 of 15 from the field and finished with 11 points Friday. He disagreed with Wittman's assessment.

"I don't see that at all. I think we're playing the right way," Wall said. "We tried to do the right thing, but shots weren't falling. We didn't have enough space. You couldn't penetrate if you wanted to. You couldn't get open shots."

Forward Trevor Booker then disagreed with Wall.

"At times, it looked like we didn't want to play," said Booker, who had eight points and 13 rebounds. "It's pretty embarrassing, especially when they started booing us."

The Wizards, who have shot only 39.4 percent over their last two games, have lost three straight home meetings with Golden State.

 

[CNOTES]

Preview: Pacers (26-6) at Cavaliers (11-22)

Date: January 05, 2014 6:00 PM EDT


The Indiana Pacers beat the Cleveland Cavaliers earlier this week, but losing Kyrie Irving may have been an even greater blow.

Irving's status may not matter in another meeting.

The Pacers look to continue their dominance over the Cavaliers on Sunday night, while Irving is uncertain to play.

Indiana (26-6) owns the best record in the NBA, and that includes two wins over Cleveland (11-22).

The Pacers cruised to a 91-76 win in the latest matchup on New Year's Eve, but the Cavaliers lost Irving in the third quarter to a bruised left knee.

Irving - the Cavs leader with averages of 22.2 points and 6.1 assists - has missed two games since, and it's unclear if he'll be back Sunday. He scored 17.4 points per game in seven career meetings with Indiana.

Irving's status may not matter since the Pacers have won eight straight games in the series while allowing an average of 85.6 points and 38.8 percent shooting - 26.2 from beyond the arc. They've also won 14 of the last 15 between the teams.

The Pacers have thrived on their suffocating defensive play, allowing an NBA-low average of 88.9 points while limiting opponents to 41.3 percent from the field. That has continued in winning six of their last seven games, holding opponents to 84.3 points per game and 40.8 percent shooting - including 28.5 percent from 3-point range.

The Pacers extended that stretch after a slow start Saturday, beating New Orleans 99-82 after falling behind by 14 points early.

"We knew eventually that the shots we were going to fall," said Paul George, who had 24 points and 10 rebounds. "We just play so well defensively, we know that's going to keep us in the game. We just stuck to our defense."

George's production usually helps. The guard is averaging a career-high 23.5 points, but had 21 against the Cavaliers on Tuesday and has averaged 19.0 points on 35.1 percent shooting the last three games.

Roy Hibbert had 19 points in the win over Cleveland, but he managed six while missing 5 of 7 attempts from the field Saturday.

Cleveland has dropped seven of eight games while averaging 93.8 points. The Cavaliers missed Irving on Saturday, when they hit just 36.7 percent of their field goals in a 89-82 defeat at Brooklyn.

"He's our best player, especially when it comes to scoring the basketball. So you miss his 22 points a game," coach Mike Brown said. "But I give our guys credit. They competed in the second half. We had a chance to win it. We took the lead, we just couldn't hold on.

"You miss a guy of his capabilities especially down the stretch in situations like this."

Dion Waiters is looking for some consistency after scoring 26 points while connecting on 9-of-18 shots against the Nets. The second-year guard hit 31.3 percent of his shots while averaging 13.5 points over the four previous games.

He's averaged 11.0 points in four meetings with the Pacers.

C.J. Miles had 19 points and eight rebounds Saturday, but he had only five points on New Year's Eve.

Irving also sat out a 111-90 home loss to Indiana on March 18 due to a shoulder injury as Miles had 21 points, but Waiters was held to four.

 

[CNOTES]

Preview: Celtics (13-20) at Thunder (26-7)

Date: January 05, 2014 7:00 PM EDT


The Oklahoma City Thunder haven't dropped three straight regular-season home games since their first season in town after moving from Seattle.

The Thunder will be favored to avoid such a fate Sunday night, but there are signs that this matchup with the Boston Celtics might be tougher than expected.

Oklahoma City (26-7) avoided a third straight loss overall Saturday by rallying from 13 down in the fourth quarter for a 115-111 win at Minnesota. The Thunder fell 98-94 at home to Portland on Tuesday and 95-93 to Brooklyn two days later.

The last time the club lost three straight at home was during the 23-59 season in 2008-09. It has been a contender ever since.

One problem Sunday for the Thunder is that they are 1-3 in the second half of back-to-back contests. And although it doesn't seem that the lowly Celtics (13-20) have any similarities with the Kevin Durant-led Thunder, that isn't totally the case.

Boston is among the league leaders in limiting opponents to 32.5 percent on 3-pointers, with Oklahoma City not far behind at 33.0.

This matchup features teams that lead the NBA in field goal percentage from between 10-14 feet. The Celtics were shooting a league-best 47.0 percent from that range with the Thunder second at 45.4 entering play Saturday.

That figure for Oklahoma City is deceiving since the injured Russell Westbrook shoots at 47.1 percent from that range.

One mistake the Celtics do not want to make is to talk trash late in the game to Durant, who responded with 23 of his season-high 48 points in the fourth quarter to key Saturday's win after the Timberwolves apparently ran their mouths.

"I just hear a lot of stuff and I just wanted to come through for my team in the fourth quarter," said Durant, averaging 7.2 points in that period.

He'll have to make sure he has something left for Sunday since he is averaging 23.8 points on 42.2 percent shooting in the second half of back-to-backs. Those figures are at 29.2 and 49.7 for the season.

The rebuilding Celtics are losers of six of seven with three of those defeats coming by three points or fewer, including Friday's 95-92 defeat to New Orleans.

"Yeah, it's frustrating, three one-point losses in the last three weeks," coach Brad Stevens said. "So that's a hard thing to swallow, but at the same time it's not like they're laying down."

Boston has dropped 17 of its last 19 road games against Western Conference foes, including all four this season. This is the start of a five-game West trip.

"You can't dwell on the past, we are headed on a five or six-game road trip," forward Gerald Wallace said. "We just got to try to figure out what's the problem and move forward."

The Celtics are led by former Thunder forward Jeff Green, averaging a team-best 15.8 points but just 11.9 on 37.1 percent shooting in his last nine games.

Green made 2 of 11 shots for eight points in his lone trip to Oklahoma City as a visitor, a 91-79 loss March 10. The Celtics have lost four of the last five meetings.

New England sports fans may be familiar with Westbrook's replacement, Reggie Jackson. The third-year Boston College product is averaging 11.4 points on 36.5 percent shooting along with 5.2 assists per game in the last five as a starter.