Cnotes National Basketball League December Picks/Trends/News !!

[CNOTES]

MONDAY, DECEMBER 28


GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS




ATL at IND 07:00 PM

IND -1.0 TRIPLE PLAY


O 204.5




LAL at CHA 07:00 PM


CHA -12.0 *****


U 202.5




LAC at WAS 07:00 PM


WAS -1.5


U 206.5




NO at ORL 07:00 PM


NO +4.5 TRIPLE PLAY


O 204.5




BK at MIA 07:30 PM


BK +7.5


O 195.5




TOR at CHI 08:00 PM


TOR +1.5 DOUBLE PLAY


U 198.0




MIN at SA 08:30 PM

MIN +14.5 TRIPLE PLAY


U 195.0




MIL at DAL 08:30 PM


DAL -6.5 DOUBLE PLAY


U 202.5 DOUBLE PLAY




PHI at UTA 09:00 PM


UTA -10.5


U 197.0 DOUBLE PLAY




CLE at PHO 09:00 PM


CLE -9.0


U 199.0




SAC at GS 10:30 PM


GS -14.0 DOUBLE PLAY


O 220.0 DOUBLE PLAY

 

[CNOTES]

Armadillo: Tuesday's six-pack

Six of Week 17's more interesting NFL games.........


-- Jets (-3) @ Buffalo-- Rex Ryan can knock his old team out of playoffs.


-- Jaguars @ Texans (-6.5)-- Houston wins division unless nine things happen, one of which is losing this game.


-- Steelers (-10) @ Browns-- Pittsburgh needs a win and a Jet loss.


-- Titans @ Colts (NL)-- Indy is basically out of healthy quarterbacks, but they're not dead in playoff race yet. Miami alum Stephen Morris could play QB.


-- Chargers @ Denver (-7.5)--- Broncos win AFC West with a win here.


-- Vikings @ Packers (-3)-- Winner gets home game in playoffs next week.


**********


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


13) Broncos 20, Bengals 17 OT-- Highly entertaining game that put Denver in the playoffs; on their first three drives, Bengals gained 205 yards on 38 plays, scoring 14 points but missing a FG at end of the third drive, when they led 14-0.


From that point on, Cincinnati gained 90 yards on 35 plays over seven drives, scoring three points. Andy Dalton's thumb better start healing faster.


12) Navy 44, Pittsburgh 28--- Last college game for Navy QB Reynolds, who was a great player in his Middie career. This was first bowl win this year for the AAC.


11) Minnesota 21, Central Michigan 14-- Three 5-7 teams got to bowl games this year, because there are too many bowls and not enough good teams. Oddly, all three of the 5-7 teams won their bowl games and two of them covered as favorites. MAC ends this bowl season 3-4, after being 4-12 in bowls the previous three years.


10) Reds traded closer Aroldis Chapman to Bronx for four minor league prospects, none of whom are considered elite prospects. Chapman made $8M LY and is eligible for arbitration this winter, so this was mostly a salary dump by Cincinnati.


9) Phoenix Suns fired two assistant coaches, as they search for scapegoats for their terrible 12-21 start that won't get better soon since Eric Bledsoe just got hurt. Losing to a 2-30 Sixers squad that has Mike D'antoni as an assistant coach was probably the straw that broke the camel's back. Suns never should've fired D'Antoni as coach.


8) My flight home from Las Vegas Saturday night seemed so much shorter because I bought a John Grisham book and read most of it by time we landed here in beautiful upstate New York. Grisham is a great writer; he's written over 30 books and if you like to read, they're well worth your time.


7) Speaking of upstate New York, it is snowing outside as I type this, first time this fall/winter it has snowed at Armadillo World HQ. 76 days until Selection Sunday, 97 until Opening Day of baseball season. Snow is evil.


6) How times have changed: NFL teams used to play six preseason games. In 1976, Dick Vermeil's first year with the Eagles, Philly had two-a-day practices six weeks in a row. Now, I'm not sure two-a-days are even allowed.


5) Indianapolis Colts have a miniscule chance of making the playoffs, but they do have a chance. Problem is, Andrew Luck is still hurt; so is Matt Hasselbeck and they ruled out 3rd-stringer Charlie Whitehurst (hamstring), which leaves them with Miami alum Stephen Morris, who has never played in an NFL game, to be its QB Sunday.


4) NFL schedule trivia: After Sunday night's NFL game, the 2016 schedule will be established, as far as who plays who and where. The when is what makes the whole thing interesting; that gets released in April, but for instance, the loser of the Giants-Eagles game Sunday plays the Rams in London next year.


The winner of this week's Chicago-Detroit game hosts the Rams next fall.


3) Arizona Cardinals have 14 takeways (+12) in their last five games.


2) Guy named Mike Black is a spotter for Monday Night Football on ESPN; he was a kicker at Boise State in college and kicked for several teams in the Arena League, one of which was the Iowa Barnstormers, where his holder was a guy named Kurt Warner.


1) RIP Dave Henderson, who died of cardiac arrest this weekend at age 57. He was a key member of the A's 1989 World Series champs, and hit .298 with seven HRs in 36 career postseason games. From 1988-91 he hit 84 HRs for the A's and was an All-Star in 1991. He always played the game with great enthusiasm. RIP, sir.

 

[CNOTES]

Tuesday's Tip Sheet
December 29, 2015


Pistons at Knicks – 7:35 PM EST


For the seventh time this season, Detroit (17-14 SU, 17-13-1 ATS) is listed as a road favorite. The Pistons have lost in four of their first six opportunities in this role, but cashed in their last chance at Philadelphia as nine-point favorites in mid-December, 107-95. Stan Van Gundy’s squad looks to snap a two-game losing streak after dropping a 99-93 home decision to the Celtics on Saturday. Detroit has won four straight games when coming off consecutive losses, while winning three of their past four games away from the Palace of Auburn Hills.


Since winning four in a row earlier this month, the Knicks (14-18 SU, 18-14 ATS) have gone backwards of late with four consecutive defeats. New York dropped all three games on its recent road trip, capped off by a 100-91 setback at Boston on Sunday as 8 ½-point underdogs. Derek Fisher’s club has won four of their last six games at Madison Square Garden, but is 0-3 SU/ATS in their last three tries as a home underdog. The Knicks lost three of four meetings with the Pistons last season, including both matchups at the Garden.


Heat at Grizzlies – 8:05 PM EST


Miami (18-12 SU, 14-15-1 ATS) melted down in the second half of Monday’s 111-105 home loss to Brooklyn, blowing a 14-point halftime lead. The Heat shocked the Grizzlies with an 11-0 run in the final 90 seconds the last time these teams met at the American Airlines Arena earlier this month as Miami won, 100-97. Miami has won in each of its past two opportunities as a road underdog with no rest, beating Orlando and Atlanta in December. Erik Spoelstra’s team is facing a Western Conference squad on the highway for only the second time this season, knocking off the Wolves in early November, 96-84.


It’s been a very up and down month for Memphis (17-16 SU, 14-18-1 ATS), who are 7-8 in December with one game remaining. The Grizzlies cruised past the Lakers on Sunday night, 112-96 as each of the past four wins by Memphis have come by double-digits. Dave Joerger’s squad has won each of the previous four home meetings with the Heat since 2010, including a 103-87 triumph at FedEx Forum last December.


Bucks at Thunder – 8:05 PM EST


The road has been a tough place to find success for Milwaukee (12-19 SU, 15-16 ATS) this season, owning a 3-14 record away from BMO Harris Center. The most recent loss came last night at Dallas, as the Bucks fell to 3-3 ATS in the last six road contests. Milwaukee has lost six of seven away games against Western Conference competition with the only victory coming at Phoenix on December 20 as 7 ½-point underdogs, 101-95. The Bucks have dropped each of their past two visits to Chesapeake Energy Arena, losing each time by double-digits.


Oklahoma City (21-10 SU, 13-18 ATS) has compiled a 10-2 SU and 6-6 ATS record since losing consecutive games at Atlanta and Miami. Four of those ATS losses came as a favorite of nine points or more, as OKC owns a 5-4 ATS mark this season when laying double-digits. Billy Donovan’s team is coming off its second worst home defensive effort of the season in a 122-112 victory over Denver on Sunday, but the Thunder shot nearly 58% from the floor in the win.

Hawks at Rockets – 8:05 PM EST


Atlanta (20-13 SU, 16-16-1 ATS) had its six-game winning streak snapped in a 93-87 setback at Indiana on Monday. The Hawks were limited to below 100 points for the first time since a 100-88 home loss to Miami on December 14, as Mike Budenholtzer’s club was outscored 31-13 in the second quarter by the Pacers last night. Atlanta also cashed the ‘under’ for the first time in seven contests, as the Hawks have struggled with no rest on the road this season by posting an 0-3 SU/ATS record.


Consistency has been a hard thing to accomplish for Houston (16-16 SU, 13-19 ATS) this season, who has yet to get to two games above the .500 mark. The Rockets were tripped up at New Orleans on Saturday, 110-108, one night after stunning the Spurs as home underdogs on Christmas. Houston is rolling at home, winning seven straight games at the Toyota Center, while limiting its last four opponents to less than 100 points at home. The Rockets lost both meetings with the Hawks last season, including a 104-97 home defeat as five-point favorites.

Cavaliers at Nuggets – 9:05 PM EST


It wasn’t easy, but Cleveland (20-9 SU, 12-17 ATS) became the first team to 20 wins in the Eastern Conference by holding off Phoenix last night, 101-97 to end a two-game losing streak. The Cavaliers failed to cover as 9 ½-point road favorites, but Cleveland knocked down 17 three-pointers to win for the seventh time in nine games. Kyrie Irving will sit tonight after scoring 22 points against the Suns, but the Cavaliers’ point guard vows this will be the final game he will rest this season. David Blatt’s team has compiled a 1-3 SU/ATS record on the road with no rest this season, which includes a 105-76 loss at Portland earlier on this trip.


The Nuggets (12-19 SU, 14-16-1 ATS) have gone backwards since a three-game winning streak earlier this month by dropping five of their last six contests. Denver suffered a pair of double-digit road losses to San Antonio and Oklahoma City, but managed a cover as 16 ½-point underdogs in Sunday’s 10-point defeat to the Thunder. Mike Malone’s club has struggled as a home ‘dog recently, posting a 1-5 SU/ATS record in the last six tries when getting points at the Pepsi Center.

 

[CNOTES]

Preview: Pistons (17-14) at Knicks (14-18)
Date: December 29, 2015 7:30 PM EDT

Carmelo Anthony insists the New York Knicks are keeping their heads up during a four-game losing streak. After a skid that's only half that long, the Detroit Pistons somehow sound more fatalistic.


A look at their upcoming schedule might make the Knicks a bit more despondent, though, with Tuesday night's home date with the Pistons serving as perhaps their best chance to keep their rough patch from spiraling out of control.


New York has been vastly improved from last season's 17-win disaster, but there have been signs of a lengthy backslide in the past five weeks. The Knicks (14-18) are currently on their third four-game skid in that stretch, and they're averaging just 93.0 points in this one after a four-game winning streak in which they never scored less than 107.


They shot 37.1 percent in Sunday's 100-91 loss at Boston, the second time on their three-game road trip they shot under 40. New York has connected on just 27.9 percent of its 3s in the past six games.


'It's more stress than anything because you're praying (for them) to go in, you're hoping them to go in,' said Anthony, the offensive outlier at 53.3 percent in his last four. 'It's not confident when you're shooting the ball.'


Kristaps Porzingis is shooting 31.8 percent in his last 10, but Anthony isn't going to let the rookie or anyone else feel sorry for themselves.


"We have a positive attitude, we've just gotta figure out a way to win basketball games," Anthony said. "The attitude is not going anywhere. I won't allow that."


It could be tough to stay that optimistic. The Pistons (17-14) are New York's sixth opponent in a stretch of 11 straight against above .500 teams, and Chicago, Miami, San Antonio and two games with Atlanta await.


Detroit has its own issues to sort out, though. It has followed a 5-1 stretch with losses to Atlanta and Boston, and slow starts have hurt the Pistons. They trailed by 15 at the half against the Hawks, then committed 13 first-half turnovers while digging themselves an eight-point deficit late in the second quarter Saturday against the Celtics.


'Right now, our starters aren't giving us a thing, and our bench is having to try to save us,' coach Stan Van Gundy told the team's official website. 'We've had awful starts in the last three games, and (Saturday) we had an awful third quarter. They had yesterday off, but they played like they practiced for 6 1/2 hours.'


A lack of ball movement has been a problem. The Pistons, already assisting on a league-low 48.2 percent of their field goals, have seen that drop to 45.2 in their past six games.


"When the ball doesn't move and there's no crispness and there's no energy, that's what ends up happening," Van Gundy said. "It's just all products of the same thing."


Both Van Gundy and Andre Drummond think Detroit's defense must improve. The Pistons are 10-4 when holding their opponent to 45 percent shooting or worse, but they're allowing 104.3 points per 100 possessions in their last six after that number was at 99.1 through 25 games.


"I feel like we've lost our identity a little bit," Drummond said. "Now that our shots are falling a little bit more, we've taken a step back defensively and it starts with me. I feel like I haven't been staying on the guys about different things defensively and I've got to be better, as well, being the anchor."


Being stingy hasn't been a problem against the Knicks. Detroit has won four of five in the series - the last three without Anthony - while holding New York to 89.2 regulation points per game.

 

[CNOTES]

Preview: Hawks (20-13) at Rockets (16-16)
Date: December 29, 2015 8:00 PM EDT

J.B. Bickerstaff thinks the Houston Rockets need to solve some fundamental problems in order to turn around what has been a frustrating season.


The interim Houston coach is sick of watching what he called the "ugly Rockets."


Three days after going on a rant for his team's poor play, Bickerstaff's Rockets return to the court Tuesday night looking to snap a three-game losing streak to the Atlanta Hawks, who travel to Houston for the second contest of a back-to-back.


The Rockets are 12-9 since Bickerstaff took over after a 4-7 start under Kevin McHale, but they remain plagued by uneven play.


The reigning Southwest Division champions won 88-84 in San Antonio on Christmas Day, holding the division-leading Spurs to a season low in points. But Houston (16-16) lost to another one of the Western Conference's disappointing teams, falling 110-108 at New Orleans on Saturday after getting outscored 16-5 over the final eight minutes.


Four of Houston's last five losses have come to Brooklyn, Denver, Sacramento and the Pelicans - teams with a combined .350 winning percentage.


"We have to solve our core issues," Bickerstaff said. "There's a reason why this team is so up and down. We come out here tonight, things aren't easy, things don't go our way and we turn into the ugly Rockets. It's frustrating for me. It's frustrating for all of us.


"Over and over again, we've disrespected the game," he continued. "Our priorities need to be clear and I need to do a better job playing people whose priorities are clear. Winning is the only priority."


James Harden's play has exemplified the team's seesaw season. The Rockets star has shot 35.7 percent from the floor over the past two games, but 45 percent or better in six of the last 10. He was 8 of 21 against the Pelicans, but made 5 of 11 from 3-point range and scored 25. The Rockets finished 15 for 33 from behind the arc, but missed 14 of their last 18 long-range attempts.


Harden said he agrees with Bickerstaff that the Rockets are "just not bringing it every single night."


"Every single night, no matter who we are playing, we've got to be ready to go," he said after Monday's practice, though he couldn't pinpoint a reason for the up-and-down play.


"If we knew that," Harden said, "then it wouldn't be happening."


Atlanta (20-13) had a six-game winning streak snapped in a 93-87 loss to Indiana on Monday to open a three-game road trip.


The Hawks averaged 111.5 points and shot 51.2 percent during their win streak but were 6 of 25 on 3-pointers against Indiana and turned the ball over a season-high 22 times. After getting outscored 31-13 in the second quarter, they forged a few ties in the third but were never closer than three in the fourth.


'Tonight's game was a game of spurts and they were better,' Hawks coach Mike Budenholzer said. 'Collectively we didn't play well enough.'


Paul Millsap led Atlanta with 24 points, but backup point guard Dennis Schroder, who helped key the team's win streak by averaging 14.0 points on 50.8 percent shooting, scored just four on 2 for 8 from the field.


The Hawks have won the last three meetings with the Rockets, including both matchups last season, but Houston was without Harden and Dwight Howard for the second one.

 

[CNOTES]

Preview: Bucks (12-20) at Thunder (21-10)
Date: December 29, 2015 8:00 PM EDT

Dunks by 6-foot-11 backup centers usually don't mean much. But Enes Kanter's fourth-quarter throwdown may have sparked something in the Oklahoma City Thunder, who look to further their momentum Tuesday night against the Milwaukee Bucks.


Kanter has been a valuable contributor off the bench for Oklahoma City (21-10), averaging 11.7 points and a team-high 8.2 rebounds. He was one of 13 players averaging at least 3.0 offensive rebounds entering play Monday, but his 20.5 minutes per game were the fewest of that group.


"I just want to help my team win," said Kanter, whose game has flourished since arriving via trade from Utah last season. "It doesn't matter, off the bench, play one minute or 48. When I'm out there, coach tells me to bring energy and just go after rebounds and I'm just trying to do that."


Kanter had nine of his 21 points in a game-breaking 13-5 fourth-quarter run of Sunday's 122-112 victory over Denver, highlighted by a one-handed dunk over 6-10 Nikola Jokic off a feed from Russell Westbrook that led to a three-point play. The Thunder fed on that momentum-swinging play as Westbrook and Serge Ibaka also charged the rim for slams before Kanter capped the surge with another one at the 4:32 mark.


"Enes did a great job of coming in and being aggressive and being strong in the paint," said Westbrook, who combined with Kevin Durant for 56 points and 22 assists as Oklahoma City shot a season-best 57.8 percent.


The Thunder, who bounced back from a Christmas Day home loss to Chicago, have won 10 of 12.


Kanter's prowess on the offensive boards could prove troublesome for the Bucks, whose average of 11.7 offensive rebounds allowed is among the highest in the league. He has proven to be a handful for Milwaukee, totaling 50 points and 30 rebounds - nine on the offensive end - in his last two matchups.


Rebounding wasn't the issue for the Bucks (12-20) on Monday in Dallas - they allowed only six offensive rebounds and amassed a 52-34 edge on the boards - but a slow-rotating defense contributed to a 103-93 setback.


Milwaukee failed to force a first-half turnover, induced an NBA season-low four overall and were outscored 26-0 in points scored off turnovers, becoming the first team this season to be shutout in that stat. The Bucks didn't help themselves defensively on the perimeter as the Mavs went 10 for 22 from 3-point range, falling to 1-13 when opponents hit at least 10 3s from beyond the arc.


The Bucks, who have lost 13 of their last 14 on the road, did have one positive as Jerryd Bayless had 19 points and seven assists off the bench after missing 11 games with a sprained left ankle.


"Usually, your rhythm is not going to be what it was before you got injured; there's a process of getting back in the flow," Bucks interim coach Joe Prunty said. "I thought he did a very nice job of not only getting himself going but getting the team going."


The home team won both games last season, with Oklahoma City owning a 54-31 rebounding edge in a 114-101 victory Dec. 9, 2014, as Westbrook scored 28 points and Durant added 23. The Thunder, though, did most of their damage on the fast break, outscoring the Bucks 25-3 in transition.

 

[CNOTES]

Preview: Heat (18-12) at Grizzlies (17-16)
Date: December 29, 2015 8:00 PM EDT

The Memphis Grizzlies will no doubt enjoy being the more rested club Tuesday night when they look to split their season series with the Miami Heat.


This matchup pits the teams that have played the most and fewest such sets, with the Heat traveling to Memphis on the heels of a disappointing loss.


Due to the vagaries of the NBA schedule, Memphis (17-16) has played the most back-to-back sets with 10 to this point. The Grizzlies won't have to worry about that this time since they beat the Los Angeles Lakers 112-96 on Sunday.


Miami (18-12) will complete its fourth such set, which will match Charlotte and Chicago for the fewest.


The Heat fell 111-105 at home to Brooklyn on Monday. Chris Bosh made all five 3-pointers for 24 points and 12 rebounds, Dwyane Wade scored 24 and Hassan Whiteside had 18 points and 11 boards, but Miami allowed 27 second-chance points on 16 offensive rebounds and 12 3-pointers.


Wade was critical of the Heat's season to date.


"Thirty games together. We ain't figured it out yet," Wade said. "We haven't played together long enough to figure it out. Either this is going to be our season like this, either we're going to figure it out or we're not.


"We're a good team. If we're satisfied with being a good team, then we'll keep playing like this throughout the year. If we want to be a great team, then we'll put it together. There's only one way to find out. About 52 games away from that."


The Grizzlies should be extra fresh since Sunday's game against the Western Conference's worst team amounted to an organized scrimmage. Mike Conley scored 19 points in 24 minutes and Zach Randolph had 16 in 20 as Memphis shot 56.3 percent.


"I thought it was a good team victory," coach Dave Joerger said. "I thought we played with a lot of passion and a lot of emotion."


Memphis will try to win a fifth straight home meeting with Miami and avenge a 100-97 defeat Dec. 13. The Grizzlies blew a 16-point, third-quarter lead as the Heat scored the game's final 11 points in the last 2:34.


Wade made the go-ahead jumper with 22 seconds left as part of a 14-point effort. Bosh led Miami with 22 points.


Jeff Green scored 26 points and Matt Barnes added 13 and 13 rebounds for Memphis.


Barnes won't be available for the rematch since he is serving a two-game suspension. It's for a "physical altercation" with Derek Fisher for "threatening" the New York Knicks coach in an incident in October.


Miami's 9-1 record against West foes is the East's best mark.


The comeback victory marked the first matchup between these clubs since their four-player deal Nov. 10, in which Mario Chalmers and James Ennis were sent to Memphis for Beno Udrih and Jarnell Stokes. Chalmers scored 12 points in his return to Miami.


The Grizzlies' Marc Gasol leads the NBA with an average of 12.9 elbow touches while Bosh entered Monday among the league's best at 7.8. Bosh is averaging 25.4 points on 53.9 percent shooting in his last five games.


Heat rookie Justise Winslow missed his first game Monday with an ankle injury.

 

[CNOTES]

Preview: Cavaliers (20-9) at Nuggets (12-19)
Date: December 29, 2015 9:00 PM EDT

If LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers are looking for any incentive to beat the short-handed Denver Nuggets, maybe this contest will mean more to Timofey Mozgov and J.R. Smith.


Those former Nuggets return to the Mile High City on Tuesday night looking to help the Cavaliers salvage a four-game split of this grueling road trip without the services of Kyrie Irving.


Cleveland (20-9) is completing a five-day stretch comprised of two back-to-back sets. The Cavaliers fell 89-83 to Golden State on Friday and 105-76 at Portland the next night before recovering for Monday's 101-97 win over Phoenix.


While James was off his game Monday with 14 points and seven assists, Irving picked up the slack with a team-high 22 points, including a 3-pointer with 21.9 seconds left and the shot clock expiring that gave the Cavaliers a four-point edge.


'It is a great feeling having the kid back,' James said. 'He does so much for our team.'


That won't be the case Tuesday as Irving sits out while working his way back from knee surgery. It will be the third time he will sit out the second of back-to-back games since his return Dec. 20, and he doesn't expect the Cavaliers to miss a beat.


"We have an incredible team and everyone understands that roles are going to change throughout the season no matter what," Irving said.


James - who turns 31 on Wednesday - has not been at his best on this trip, shooting 36.7 percent and averaging 17.0 points and 4.7 assists. He's shooting 41.3 percent and averaging 21.8 points in the second half of back-to-back sets, with Cleveland splitting four such games with the superstar in the lineup.


If James isn't up to par in the high altitude of Denver, Mozgov and Smith may be up for this contest.


Mozgov returns to Denver for the first time since being traded to Cleveland on Jan. 7. He started 35 games for the Nuggets in 2014-15 in his fifth season seeing some action for the club.


Smith is winless in two games in Denver since he played for the team between 2006-11. He made five 3-pointers and scored 17 points against the Suns.


The Nuggets (12-19) will be without leading scorer Danilo Gallinari and rookie point guard Emmanuel Mudiay as they try to spring the upset.


Denver will be happy not to see Irving after it allowed Russell Westbrook to finish with 30 points and 12 assists Sunday in a 122-112 loss at Oklahoma City. The Nuggets also gave up 26 points and 10 assists to Kevin Durant.


The Thunder's 57.8 percent shooting was the worst allowed by the Nuggets in three seasons.


"We didn't defend at all tonight," coach Michael Malone said. "Our offense was terrific, but that is a losing proposition if you try to outscore the Thunder on their home court with the firepower they have."


Kenneth Faried had 25 points and 11 rebounds for the Nuggets, losers of five of six.


James had 22 points in each meeting last season as these teams split by winning on the road.

 

[CNOTES]

NBA
Dunkel

Tuesday, December 29


Detroit @ New York

Game 501-502
December 29, 2015 @ 7:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Detroit
117.621
New York
119.039
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
New York
by 1 1/2
206
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Detroit
by 1 1/2
198
Dunkel Pick:
New York
(+1 1/2); Over

Miami @ Memphis

Game 503-504
December 29, 2015 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Miami
117.521
Memphis
118.360
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Memphis
by 1
201
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Memphis
No Line
N/A
Dunkel Pick:
Memphis
N/A

Milwaukee @ Oklahoma City

Game 505-506
December 29, 2015 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Milwaukee
112.725
Oklahoma City
128.740
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Oklahoma City
by 16
199
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Oklahoma City
by 13 1/2
204
Dunkel Pick:
Oklahoma City
(-13 1/2); Under

Atlanta @ Houston

Game 507-508
December 29, 2015 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Atlanta
120.069
Houston
125.197
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Houston
by 5
202
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Houston
by 2 1/2
209 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Houston
(-2 1/2); Under

Cleveland @ Denver

Game 509-510
December 29, 2015 @ 9:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Cleveland
122.865
Denver
112.878
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Cleveland
by 10
204
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Cleveland
by 6
197
Dunkel Pick:
Cleveland
(-6); Over




NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up

Tuesday, December 29

Hot teams
-- Thunder won 10 of its last 12 games (4-9 last 13HF).
-- Houston is 9-5 in its last 14 games (4-0 last four HF). Hawks won six of their last seven games (4-4AU).
-- Cavaliers won seven of their last nine games (3-8AF).

Cold teams
-- Pistons lost last two games, by 7-6 points (2-4AF). New York lost its last four games (2-5HU).
-- Memphis is 4-6 in its last ten games (5-7HF). Miami lost four of its last six games (2-3AU).
-- Bucks lost five of their last seven games (4-8 last 12 AU).
-- Denver lost five of its last six games (4-6HU).

Series records
-- Knicks lost four of last five games with Detroit.
-- Grizzlies won three of last four games with Miami.
-- Thunder won five of last seven games with Milwaukee.
-- Hawks won their last three games with Houston.
-- Cavaliers won three of last four games with denver.

Totals
-- Last five New York home games went over total.
-- Eight of ten Miami road games stayed under total.
-- Under is 7-2 in last nine Oklahoma City home games.
-- Six of last seven Atlanta games went over the total.
-- Seven of last eight Cleveland games stayed under.

Back/backs
-- Miami is 2-1 vs spread if it played night before.
-- Bucks are 6-1 vs sread if they played night before.
-- Atlanta is 0-3 vs spread on road if it played night before.
-- Cavaliers are 1-4 vs spread if they layed night before.




NBA

Tuesday, December 29

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

7:30 PM
DETROIT vs. NEW YORK
Detroit is 2-8 SU in its last 10 games when playing on the road against New York
Detroit is 6-13 SU in its last 19 games when playing New York
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of New York's last 10 games when playing Detroit
New York is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Detroit

8:00 PM
MIAMI vs. MEMPHIS
Miami is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Memphis
Miami is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Memphis
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Memphis's last 7 games when playing at home against Miami
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Memphis's last 6 games when playing Miami

8:00 PM
ATLANTA vs. HOUSTON
Atlanta is 5-15-1 ATS in its last 21 games when playing on the road against Houston
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Atlanta's last 7 games
Houston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Houston's last 6 games at home

8:00 PM
MILWAUKEE vs. OKLAHOMA CITY
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Milwaukee's last 5 games when playing Oklahoma City
Milwaukee is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City is 16-4 SU in its last 20 games when playing at home against Milwaukee
Oklahoma City is 4-9 ATS in its last 13 games at home

9:00 PM
CLEVELAND vs. DENVER
Cleveland is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Cleveland's last 5 games
Denver is 12-6 SU in its last 18 games when playing Cleveland
Denver is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Cleveland

 

[CNOTES]

NBA
Long Sheet

Tuesday, December 29

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

DETROIT (17 - 14) at NEW YORK (14 - 18) - 12/29/2015, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEW YORK is 40-57 ATS (-22.7 Units) in home games over the last 3 seasons.
NEW YORK is 14-33 ATS (-22.3 Units) in home games first half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
NEW YORK is 10-22 ATS (-14.2 Units) in home games after 3 or more consecutive losses over the last 3 seasons.

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

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

MIAMI (18 - 12) at MEMPHIS (17 - 16) - 12/29/2015, 8:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
MEMPHIS is 2-1 against the spread versus MIAMI over the last 3 seasons
MEMPHIS is 3-2 straight up against MIAMI over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

MILWAUKEE (12 - 20) at OKLAHOMA CITY (21 - 10) - 12/29/2015, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MILWAUKEE is 43-65 ATS (-28.5 Units) against Northwest division opponents since 1996.
MILWAUKEE is 229-286 ATS (-85.6 Units) in non-conference games since 1996.
MILWAUKEE is 23-11 ATS (+10.9 Units) in road games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.

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

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

ATLANTA (20 - 13) at HOUSTON (16 - 16) - 12/29/2015, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 15-5 ATS (+9.5 Units) on Tuesday nights over the last 3 seasons.
HOUSTON is 20-8 ATS (+11.2 Units) when playing with 2 days rest over the last 3 seasons.
HOUSTON is 295-235 ATS (+36.5 Units) in non-conference games since 1996.
HOUSTON is 38-22 ATS (+13.8 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
ATLANTA is 71-56 ATS (+9.4 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) off a upset loss as a favorite this season.

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

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

CLEVELAND (20 - 9) at DENVER (12 - 19) - 12/29/2015, 9:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CLEVELAND is 24-37 ATS (-16.7 Units) first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 14-30 ATS (-19.0 Units) in road games after a non-conference game over the last 3 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 3-11 ATS (-9.1 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
DENVER is 18-32 ATS (-17.2 Units) in home games after allowing 105 points or more over the last 3 seasons.
DENVER is 15-26 ATS (-13.6 Units) after a loss by 10 points or more over the last 2 seasons.

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

 

[CNOTES]

NBA ATS


NBA > (507) ATLANTA@ (508) HOUSTON | 2015-12-29 20:05:00 - 2015-12-29 20:05:00
Play ON HOUSTON against the spread in Home games when playing with 2 days rest
The record is 16 Wins and 3 Losses for the last three seasons (+12.7 units)


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


NBA MONEYLINE


NBA > (509) CLEVELAND@ (510) DENVER | 2015-12-29 21:05:00 - 2015-12-29 21:05:00
Play AGAINST DENVER using money line in Home games after a loss by 10 points or more
The record is 9 Wins and 26 Losses for the last three seasons (-27.7 units)


NBA > (509) CLEVELAND@ (510) DENVER | 2015-12-29 21:05:00 - 2015-12-29 21:05:00
Play AGAINST DENVER using money line in Home games after playing 3 consecutive road games
The record is 3 Wins and 9 Losses for the last three seasons (-17.95 units)

NBA > (501) DETROIT@ (502) NEW YORK | 2015-12-29 19:35:00 - 2015-12-29 19:35:00
Play AGAINST NEW YORK using money line in Home games first half of the season
The record is 14 Wins and 33 Losses for the last three seasons (-30 units)


NBA > (505) MILWAUKEE@ (506) OKLAHOMA CITY | 2015-12-29 20:05:00 - 2015-12-29 20:05:00
Play ON OKLAHOMA CITY using money line in Home games when playing against a team with a losing record
The record is 18 Wins and 2 Losses for the last two seasons (+15.3 units)

NBA > (503) MIAMI@ (504) MEMPHIS | 2015-12-29 20:05:00 - 2015-12-29 20:05:00
Play ON MEMPHIS using money line in All games on Tuesday nights
The record is 18 Wins and 5 Losses for the last three seasons (+15.3 units)


NBA > (501) DETROIT@ (502) NEW YORK | 2015-12-29 19:35:00 - 2015-12-29 19:35:00
Play AGAINST NEW YORK using money line in Home games after 3 or more consecutive losses
The record is 7 Wins and 22 Losses for the last three seasons (-19.65 units)


NBA > (507) ATLANTA@ (508) HOUSTON | 2015-12-29 20:05:00 - 2015-12-29 20:05:00
Play AGAINST HOUSTON using money line in All games as a favorite
The record is 10 Wins and 10 Losses for the this season (-21 units)


NBA > (507) ATLANTA@ (508) HOUSTON | 2015-12-29 20:05:00 - 2015-12-29 20:05:00
Play ON ATLANTA using money line in Road games in December games
The record is 10 Wins and 2 Losses for the last two seasons (+11.3 units)


NBA > (503) MIAMI@ (504) MEMPHIS | 2015-12-29 20:05:00 - 2015-12-29 20:05:00
Play ON MIAMI using money line in Road games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game
The record is 152 Wins and 88 Losses for the since 1992 (+62.2 units)


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


NBA FIRST HALF


NBA > (509) CLEVELAND@ (510) DENVER | 2015-12-29 21:05:00 - 2015-12-29 21:05:00
Play AGAINST CLEVELAND ?>in the first halfin Road games first half of the season
The record is 10 Wins and 34 Losses for the last three seasons (-27.4 units)


NBA > (509) CLEVELAND@ (510) DENVER | 2015-12-29 21:05:00 - 2015-12-29 21:05:00
Play AGAINST CLEVELAND ?>in the first halfin Road games when playing against a team with a losing record
The record is 16 Wins and 39 Losses for the last three seasons (-26.9 units)


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


NBA TOTALS


NBA > (507) ATLANTA@ (508) HOUSTON | 2015-12-29 20:05:00 - 2015-12-29 20:05:00
Play UNDER ATLANTA on the totalin All games against Southwest division opponents
The record is 4 Overs and 22 Unders for the last three seasons (+17.6 units)


NBA > (507) ATLANTA@ (508) HOUSTON | 2015-12-29 20:05:00 - 2015-12-29 20:05:00
Play UNDER ATLANTA on the totalin All games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game
The record is 34 Overs and 72 Unders for the last three seasons (+34.6 units)


NBA > (509) CLEVELAND@ (510) DENVER | 2015-12-29 21:05:00 - 2015-12-29 21:05:00
Play UNDER DENVER on the totalin All games as a home underdog of 3.5 to 5 points vs. the 1rst half line
The record is 16 Overs and 42 Unders for the since 1992 (+24.4 units)

 

[CNOTES]

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 29


GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS




DET at NY 07:30 PM


NY +1.5 DOUBLE PLAY


U 198.0






MIL at OKC 08:00 PM


OKC -13.5


O 205.0 DOUBLE PLAY






MIA at MEM 08:00 PM


MEM -4.5 TRIPLE PLAY

U 189.0






ATL at HOU 08:00 PM


HOU -3.0 BLOW OUT

U 208.0 DOUBLE PLAY




CLE at DEN 09:00 PM


CLE -6.0 TRIPLE PLAY


U 195.5

 

[CNOTES]

Preview: Nets (9-22) at Magic (18-13)
Date: December 30, 2015 7:00 PM EDT

The Orlando Magic are hitting their stride on offense.


It's what Tobias Harris hoped would happen following a recent win over the Brooklyn Nets.


Harris and the Magic will aim for a second win this month against the Nets as they wrap up a four-game homestand Wednesday night.


Orlando (18-13) shot 53.9 percent from the field and led by as many as 26 points during a 105-82 win in Brooklyn on Dec. 14, outscoring the Nets 53-37 in the second half to snap a four-game losing streak in the series.


"We played great basketball today and we've got to keep it going," Harris said afterward. "We've got to play like this consistently."


The offense has.


Starting with the victory over Brooklyn, the Magic have averaged 104.5 points and shot 51.9 percent from the field while going 6-2. That roll continued Monday with an easy 104-89 win over New Orleans as Orlando shot 54.9 percent - its fourth straight game at 51 percent or better.


Nikola Vucevic scored a season-high 28 points to lead Orlando, which is an Eastern Conference-best 12-5 since Nov. 25.


"We got a 9-0 lead at the start of the game, strictly by moving the ball and seeing people," said Magic coach Scott Skiles, whose team has a 2.36 assist-to-turnover ratio the past four games - well above its season mark of 1.57. "At one point, we were 14 for 19 from the field when we had three or more passes on a possession. It's easy to see how good we can be when we're playing that way."


While the offense has thrived, Orlando's defense has wilted some.


The Magic allowed an average of 100.0 points over their past five games, up nearly nine over their previous three.


"We're not exactly sure what is happening," Skiles said. "The fact we've had an uptick in shot-making and scoring shouldn't be a reason to quit on the defensive end and have all kinds of breakdowns. We're trying to teach these guys that it's important to play well at both ends."


The Nets (9-22) rallied from 16 points down early in the third quarter for a 111-105 win at Miami on Monday, just their second victory in their last nine games.


Reserve guard Wayne Ellington tied a career high by making seven 3-pointers en route to a season-high 26 points, and Brook Lopez also scored 26 in Brooklyn's biggest comeback of the season and largest second-half rally in almost a year.


It was the first time in 18 games this season the Nets shot worse than their opponent and won.


Ellington's previous game with seven 3s also came against the Heat on Nov. 11, 2012, when he played for Memphis.


"I get a little hot against the Heat, I guess," said Ellington, who was 7 of 9 from long range.


The teams play each other again in Brooklyn on Jan. 8.


The status of Magic point guard Elfrid Payton is unknown after he missed practice on Tuesday with an ankle injury.

 

[CNOTES]

Preview: Clippers (19-13) at Hornets (17-13)
Date: December 30, 2015 7:00 PM EDT

The Los Angeles Clippers have been able to weather the loss of their biggest offensive weapon by getting outsized contributions from their bench.


The Clippers will look for more production from their reserves as they try to win a third straight game without Blake Griffin while extending a recent history of success against the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday night.


Chris Paul had 23 points and the Clippers led all the way in a 108-91 victory at Washington on Monday, extending their winning streak to three games, one off their season best.


Los Angeles (19-13) led by double digits most of the game, allowing Paul and the rest of the starters to sit the entire fourth quarter. The Clippers still managed to outscore the Wizards in the final 12 minutes as the bench finished with 54 points, led by Jamal Crawford's 21.


The reserves have averaged 49 points in Griffin's absence, up from 26 in the previous four games. Crawford, Wesley Johnson and Paul Pierce have been the biggest contributors, combining to score 84 of the 98 points.


Griffin, who is averaging 23.2 points, 8.7 rebounds and 5.0 assists per game, is out at least two weeks with a partially torn left quadriceps tendon.


"Our bench was amazing tonight," Paul said. "I was probably the biggest cheerleader because I was saying I didn't want any more action."


Charlotte (17-13) is seeking a third consecutive win as it wraps up a four-game homestand.


Kemba Walker scored 18 of his 38 points in the fourth quarter to lead the Hornets to a 108-98 win over the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday. Walker played 42 minutes, including the entire fourth quarter, and is among the NBA leaders in minutes per game.


"We were up four and he said, 'I'm good,'" coach Steve Clifford said. "We can't keep doing that with him and Nic (Batum), but at this part of the season where you want to get a cushion, especially with your January (schedule), you leave him in there and let him go."


The Clippers have won eight of the last nine meetings with Charlotte, including both last season. Griffin was a big factor in those victories, averaging 20.5 points and 13.5 rebounds, but Paul has had historic success against the club.


The veteran point guard is one of only three players since the 1985-86 season to average 15 or more points and 10 or more assists against Charlotte, posting 16.8 and 10.9 in 19 games.


Charlotte has shot just 41.2 percent from the field in the last nine meetings against the Clippers, including 26.8 percent from 3-point range. That's a bad omen for a team leading the Eastern Conference in 3-point attempts this season.


Indeed, the Hornets continued shooting 3s even after Clifford griped about his players' tendency to fire from long range. They were just 6 of 25 from behind the arc against the Lakers.


Batum (hand), Jeremy Lin (ankle) and Spencer Hawes (back) are questionable to play for the Hornets. The Clippers traded Hawes and Matt Barnes to Charlotte in June for Lance Stephenson.


Stephenson returns to face the Hornets after one disappointing season with the team. He averaged 8.2 points, 4.5 rebounds and 3.2 assists in 61 games for Charlotte in 2014-15.

 

[CNOTES]

Preview: Wizards (14-15) at Raptors (19-13)
Date: December 30, 2015 7:30 PM EDT

The last time the Washington Wizards faced the Toronto Raptors on the road, John Wall and Bradley Beal dominated to give them a 2-0 series lead in the opening round of the playoffs.


An injury will keep Beal from playing Wednesday night while Wall looks to continue his strong stretch on the road and lead depleted Washington to another win at Toronto.


The Wizards (14-15) swept the Raptors (19-13) in the playoffs last season, averaging 110.3 points. They took both matchups in Toronto with Beal delivering 28 points on 12-of-21 shooting in a 117-106 win April 21.


Wall chipped in with 26 points and 17 assists, connecting on half of his 16 shots from the field.


Beal, who averaged 20.8 points in that series, will miss a 10th straight game with a stress reaction in his right leg.


Washington is also without reserve forwards Nene and Drew Gooden (both calf strains) and guard Gary Neal (quadriceps).


Wall had 23 points with 11 assists in Washington's 108-91 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday, snapping a season-best four-game win streak. Otto Porter added 21 points and eight rebounds off the bench in his second game since missing three with a left thigh bruise.


"We're short-handed," said Porter, who has started all but the last two games. "And I'm just trying to help the guys out any way I can."


Wall is averaging 23.0 points and 11.1 assists over the last seven road games. He had 18 and five before backup guard Cory Joseph knocked down a 3 at the buzzer to give the Raptors an 84-82 win at Washington to open the season series Nov. 28.


Toronto has won eight of nine and four straight regular-season matchups. The Raptors head into this three-game homestand winning five of six there while holding opponents to 91.5 points per game - 5.1 lower than their season mark.


They weren't as sound defensively at Chicago on Monday, falling 104-97 for their fourth loss in seven games overall.


Kyle Lowry had one of his best games of the month, scoring 28 points on 9-of-15 shooting and adding nine assists and six rebounds. He had 27 points at Washington last month after averaging just 12.3 points on 31.6 percent shooting - 5 for 23 from 3-point range - in last season's playoff series. He totaled 13 points in the two home games.


DeMar DeRozan was much better with 20.3 points per game in the playoffs against the Wizards. He scored 20 in the nation's capital Nov. 28.


Jonas Valanciunas missed that matchup with a broken left hand, which sidelined him for 17 games. The center returned Monday with nine points, four rebounds and two blocks.


"He's getting his sea legs back, getting the rust off," coach Dwane Casey said. "He's going to be OK. Jonas is the least of our worries, getting him back in."

 

[CNOTES]

Preview: Pacers (18-12) at Bulls (17-12)
Date: December 30, 2015 8:00 PM EDT

The Chicago Bulls have made a habit of playing up to elite competition and down to the lesser of late.


It seems the Indiana Pacers are rejoining the former, especially now that they're winning even when Paul George struggles.


The Bulls seek consecutive wins for the first time in two weeks when they host the rejuvenated Pacers on Wednesday night.


Chicago (17-12) has stumbled through a tough December, which features two three-game losing streaks and the well-documented critical comments from All-Star Jimmy Butler on new coach Fred Hoiberg.


The Bulls, though, do have five wins this season over division leaders - two over Oklahoma City and one apiece against Cleveland, San Antonio and Toronto - but they've lost to under-.500 teams Phoenix, New York and Brooklyn this month.


'It's all about effort and energy,' point guard Derrick Rose said. 'We have that when we play the best teams and sometimes we don't against the lesser teams.'


Rose has averaged 21.3 points as the Bulls have won two of three games - beating the Thunder and Raptors - following a three-game skid which included losses to the Knicks and Nets.


The common thread to Friday's 105-96 win in Oklahoma City and Monday's 104-97 victory over Toronto was good defense, holding those teams to a combined 40.8 percent shooting. Opponents are averaging 92.5 points on 39.9 percent shooting in Chicago's wins, compared to 110.6 points and 44.5 percent in losses.


The Bulls have seen mixed results against the Pacers (18-12), with each team winning once at home in November, but couldn't keep George in check either time. He totaled 59 points while making 8 of 15 from 3-point range, but the former All-Star enters this matchup stuck in his worst stretch of the season.


George is averaging 11.5 points in his last four games while shooting 25.4 percent. He scored nine points on 3-of-14 shooting in a 93-87 win over Atlanta on Monday.


"It's a long season," George said. "I'd rather go through this now than late in the year."


Indiana had been 2-7 when he failed to score at least 19 points before winning its last two games without him doing so.


Monta Ellis has picked up the slack by averaging 23.0 points on 54.2 percent shooting in the last three games, including a season-high 26 on Monday.


George breaking his slump will take another big effort against Butler, an All-Defensive second-team pick last season. George has averaged 20.5 points in six games against the Bulls since Butler became a full-time starter in the 2013-14 season.


"I know Jimmy's one of the best defenders in this league," George said. "But it's him being locked in defensively that might get me going offensively."


The Pacers have certainly had Pau Gasol's number this season, limiting him to a combined 14 points on 6-of-27 shooting. Gasol, though, has averaged 22.2 points in his last five games.


Both teams are banged up with the Bulls still missing Mike Dunleavy (back) and Joakim Noah (shoulder sprain) while Doug McDermott is day-to-day with a sprained knee. While Jordan Hill (tooth infection) has been ruled out for the Pacers, it's unclear if Myles Turner (thumb) or C.J. Miles (back) will play.


Indiana has lost five of the last six meetings in Chicago.


The Bulls are 0-5 at home when giving up more than 100 points and 12-0 when they don't.

 

[CNOTES]

Preview: Jazz (13-16) at Timberwolves (11-20)
Date: December 30, 2015 8:00 PM EDT

The injury-plagued Utah Jazz had just enough to fend off the league's worst team in their first game without Alec Burks.


With Derrick Favors' status unknown, the Jazz will seek to end a four-game road skid when they face the slumping Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday night.


Utah (13-16) was already missing a pair of starters, Dante Exum and Rudy Gobert, because of knee injuries when Burks - its top bench scorer - fractured his lower left leg Saturday in a 109-104 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers.


The guard has elected to undergo surgery to try to get back sooner than the reported six-week timetable.


Favors also sat out for a second straight game because of back spasms Monday against Philadelphia. The forward is averaging a career-best 16.8 points and 8.6 rebounds, putting him second on the team to Gobert's 10.9.


The Jazz blew a 19-point lead in the third quarter against the two-win 76ers and needed Gordon Hayward's 3-pointer with 33.5 seconds left to take the lead for good.


"We're playing without Derrick. We're playing without Alec. We're playing without Rudy. We're playing without Dante. At some point, you've got to admire these guys' competitiveness," coach Quin Snyder said. "It wasn't a pretty game, but I'm glad we had a chance to win."


The Jazz will next face a team that's dropped four in a row for the fourth time this season.


After dropping its previous three by a combined 17.7 points, Minnesota (11-20) hung with a short-handed San Antonio team that was missing Tim Duncan on Monday. The Timberwolves led by 12 in the early going but finally succumbed to a 101-95 defeat, their 12th in 15 games.


"It's tough, but one day they're going to get it. Until they get it, we've got to continue to coach them and coach them hard, keep teaching, keep watching film and keep working on it," interim coach Sam Mitchell said. "That's what we've going to do. We've got to continue to get better."


Utah has won four of the last five meetings with the Timberwolves and the past three in Minnesota. The Jazz won by a combined 32 points in their two visits last season and claimed a 104-84 victory in the most recent March 30.


Former Timberwolves draft pick Trey Burke is averaging 24.2 points in the last five games against Minnesota. He was selected ninth overall in 2013 then shipped to Utah for Shabazz Muhammad and Gorgui Dieng.


Burke is averaging 26.3 points on 51.9 percent shooting in his past three games in Minnesota but is averaging a career-low 11.2 points this season while coming off the bench. He started 111 of his 146 games in his first two seasons in the league.


The Timberwolves needed overtime for their most recent win in the series, a 106-104 victory March 23.


The Jazz would tie their longest win streak in Minnesota with a fourth consecutive victory. They've pulled off that feat twice, most recently Dec. 14, 1994-March 10, 1996.

 

[CNOTES]

Preview: Warriors (29-1) at Mavericks (18-13)
Date: December 30, 2015 8:30 PM EDT

There's no more fitting image for the NBA in 2015 than a member of the Golden State Warriors - usually Stephen Curry - nailing a 3-pointer to either fire up Oracle Arena or turn a road venue silent.


To close out the best year in franchise history 30 games over .500, they'll have to beat a pair of teams equally happy to fire away from long distance.


Two tough challenges await the Warriors before the calendar flips to 2016 as they open a two-game Texas trip Wednesday night against a Dallas Mavericks team that's been lighting it up behind the arc.


That's exactly what Golden State (29-1) did in its last home game of a year that saw it finish a 67-win regular season and earn the franchise's first championship in 40 years while producing its first MVP since Wilt Chamberlain. Curry hit five 3-pointers in the final 3:15 of the first half - a quarter of the Warriors' 20 3s - on his way to a triple-double in Monday's 122-103 victory over Sacramento.


But the Kings hit 13 3s in 31 attempts, nine during a first half in which they put up 61 points and drew the ire of both recovering coach Steve Kerr at intermission and their current bench boss after it was over.


"Even though we can beat teams in a pick-up style game where the ball is getting slung around and guys are just catching and shooting, we need to work on being champions," Luke Walton said. "That's executing on offense, that's protecting the ball and that's competing on the defensive end."


The Warriors could have their hands full defending the arc again against Dallas (18-13) and Houston, where they visit Thursday. Both teams have attempted more 3s per game in December than the Warriors' 30.1, and the Mavericks' 12.1 average makes since Dec. 6 lead the league while their 39.3 percentage trails only Washington and New Orleans.


Dallas hasn't been able to approach the Warriors' efficiency beyond the arc in recent meetings. Golden State has won the last seven, outscoring the Mavericks 279-153 from deep.


As they cap one of the best calendar years in NBA history, there are a few more milestones on the table for the Warriors in Texas. With a win Tuesday, they'll match the 2012 Spurs for the most wins in one year (72) since the 1996 Bulls won an NBA-record 74. And with victories in both Dallas and Houston, they'll be the first team to be 30 games over .500 on Jan. 1 since the 1971-72 Lakers were 36-3.


"It doesn't sound right," Curry said of the Warriors' many milestones. "We've been playing this game for many, many years and we're just trying not to focus on the numbers but just how we're playing."


The Mavericks had to focus on the one team that beat Golden State before getting a crack at the champs themselves, and they made it three straight wins by beating Milwaukee 103-93 on Monday while forcing 18 turnovers and committing just four.


"We weren't even thinking about Golden State," Wesley Matthews said after scoring a game-high 22. "You know, it was Chicago, and then it was Milwaukee. We can't overlook any team. We're not in a position to, and our margin for error is too small to do anything like that."


Both teams are banged up. Deron Williams has missed the last three games with a hamstring injury and is uncertain for Wednesday, though J.J. Barea has averaged 22 points and hit 13 3s in his absence.


Curry is dealing with a calf injury he calls "part of the regular-season grind," while Festus Ezeli came out of the Kings game with a foot injury but is expected to face the Mavs.


Leandro Barbosa (shoulder) and Harrison Barnes (ankle) won't play on this trip, though Barnes is nearing a return.

 

[CNOTES]

Preview: Suns (12-21) at Spurs (27-6)
Date: December 30, 2015 8:30 PM EDT

As much as this game appears to be a mismatch, the San Antonio Spurs were just made very aware they can't take any team lightly and the Phoenix Suns just showed they still have a chance to beat anyone.


Still, Phoenix winning in San Antonio on Wednesday night would be arguably the biggest stunner of the season.


Whereas the Spurs have won a franchise-record 27 consecutive home games and have lost once in their last 10 overall, the beleaguered Suns have dropped five straight and are missing their top scorer.


The Spurs (27-6) have won all four meetings in 2015, holding the usually high-scoring Suns to an average of 86 points. San Antonio is allowing a league-low 88.8 per game this season, and Phoenix (12-21) is surrendering an average of 105.2 and an NBA-worst 46.8 percent shooting.


However, the Spurs know all the numbers don't matter if they have the same mindset they did Monday, when they trailed by as many as 12 points and struggled to beat Minnesota 101-95.


"I thought we came out and didn't respect them the way they're supposed to be respected as a pro team," said forward David West, who looked ahead to the Suns game seeing the need for a better effort.


"... It's the same sorta deal, younger team with a bunch of athletes. We're just gonna have to be more sound and more solid than we were tonight."


While the Timberwolves had lost 20 of their previous 21 visits to San Antonio, the Suns have won only once in their last 11 there.


"Phoenix is a very dangerous team just like Minnesota," guard Danny Green said. "Any given night in this league you can lose if you're not on top of your game."


Monday's victory made San Antonio the third West team to open 18-0 at home, joining the 1985-86 Houston Rockets and the 1977-78 Portland Trail Blazers.


Little-used rookie Boban Marjanovic excited the crowd with 17 points, hitting all seven of his field-goal attempts.


'Yeah, it's amazing. The fans are amazing,' the 7-foot-3 center said. 'Tonight - every night - but tonight they really gave us support. It was like six players on the court."


San Antonio hasn't dropped a regular-season home game since a March 12 overtime loss to Cleveland, the same team Phoenix just gave a scare.


Brandon Knight's 3-pointer with 1:28 left put the Suns within one point, but the Eastern Conference leaders emerged with a 101-97 road victory.


'We came out and fought the game all the way down to the last minute,' Knight said. 'So I think we put ourselves in a position to win or at least try to win."


It was Phoenix's first game since learning Eric Bledsoe had a torn meniscus, and the team announced Tuesday that he would miss the remainder of the season following surgery. Devin Booker had 10 points starting in his place, and T.J. Warren scored 23 to lead five Suns in double figures.


"It's encouraging that we're without Eric, we're out there a lot of time with Alex (Len) and Devin and T.J., some of our young guys - that's a good effort," coach Jeff Hornacek said. "You can't fault that."


Bledsoe also missed the only matchup with the Spurs this season, a 98-84 road loss Nov. 23 when the Suns committed a season-high 28 turnovers.


Maybe the only reason the game wasn't a total blowout was Markieff Morris scoring a season-high 28 points. It's unclear if Morris will play Wednesday despite completing a two-game suspension for throwing a towel at Hornacek, with reports surfacing that he must apologize to the team if he wants to return.


He's long been rumored to be unhappy with the Suns and asked to be traded.

 

[CNOTES]

Preview: 76ers (2-31) at Kings (12-19)
Date: December 30, 2015 10:00 PM EDT

The Philadelphia 76ers have produced some encouraging results despite the absence of their expected franchise player.


The Sacramento Kings are simply hoping they'll have theirs available when they host the NBA's least successful team Wednesday night.


Sacramento played much of Monday's 122-103 loss at Golden State without DeMarcus Cousins after he was ejected early in the second half, an incident that potentially could draw additional discipline from the NBA given the volatile center's history. Cousins, tied with Blake Griffin for the league lead with 16 technical fouls over the past three seasons, has been suspended five times by the NBA and once by the Kings since 2012-13.


Ahead by two points when Cousins was tossed early in the third quarter, Sacramento (12-19) was outscored 26-9 by the defending NBA champions over the remainder of the period. The 2015 All-Star finished with a season-low seven points in 12 minutes.


"With Cuz out we never could find an offensive rhythm in the third quarter, which is where we lost the game," coach George Karl said.


The Kings are already thin at center with rookie Willie Cauley-Stein sidelined with a dislocated finger and Kosta Koufos having missed Monday's game with gastroenteritis.


Jahlil Okafor could miss a third straight game for Philadelphia (2-31) due to a knee injury, though the 76ers have actually fared relatively well without him. After snapping a 23-game road skid with Saturday's 111-104 victory over Phoenix, they led Utah in the final minute before falling 95-91 on Monday.


Nerlens Noel is 14 of 16 from the field since moving to center with Okafor out, while newcomer Ish Smith has tallied 36 points and 16 assists in two games since being acquired from New Orleans. Smith had 22 points and 11 assists against the Jazz, Noel recorded 18 points and a season-high five blocks and rookie Richaun Holmes added a career-high 18 points on 8-of-11 shooting.


"So many positives," coach Brett Brown said. "You look at what Nerlens did. You look at what Richaun Holmes did. You look at Ish third period. All over the place it was a great team effort. I think the carryover from the Phoenix game is evident that something is brewing here."


Though they've lost 40 of 42 on the road, the Sixers had won six straight in Sacramento prior to a 107-106 defeat on March 24. Cousins amassed 33 points and 17 rebounds that night and had 39 and 24 in a 114-107 loss at Philadelphia on March 13.


With Cousins' status in question and Rudy Gay struggling, the Kings may rely on Omri Casspi after his brilliant shooting effort against Golden State. The Israeli forward tied a franchise record with nine 3-pointers and ended with a career-high 36 points.


Casspi leads the NBA with a 48.7 percent success rate on 3s and is averaging 21.7 points over a three-game stretch. He's 14 of 21 from beyond the arc during that span.


Gay is shooting just 37.7 percent over his last four and finished 6 of 16 from the field on Monday, following a 2 of 12, seven-point effort in Sunday's 98-94 home loss to Portland.