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

[CNOTES]

Hornets' Jefferson draws 5-gm suspension
December 9, 2015


CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) The Charlotte Hornets will be without Al Jefferson for an additional five games once he returns from a leg injury after the veteran center was suspended without pay for violating the terms of the NBA/NBPA Anti-Drug Program.


Jefferson is currently out with a strained left calf and can't begin serving the five-game suspension until he's healthy, the league announced Wednesday.


Team officials said on Nov. 30 that Jefferson would miss ''two to three weeks'' with the injury, so it is unclear exactly when Jefferson will be eligible to return to action.


''I just feel so low right now for every little boy and every little girl who looks at me as somebody they look up to,'' Jefferson said an hour before the Hornets hosted Miami. ''For me to make mistakes like this, it's not cool. It's not cool for them and it's not cool for me. That kills me more than anything.''


The Hornets released a statement saying they're ''disappointed in Al's decisions that led to this suspension. As an organization, we do not condone this behavior.''


The banned substance Jefferson used has not been disclosed. When a reporter asked Jefferson if the substance was marijuana, he declined to answer.


''I failed a drug test,'' he said.


The team said it has addressed the situation with Jefferson and he's ''regretful and understands that we expect him to learn from this mistake.''


Jefferson released a statement through the team apologizing to the organization, owner Michael Jordan, his teammates and fans for what he called a ''poor decision.''


Jefferson, who said he lost 25 pounds this offseason, was averaging 13.7 points and 6.4 rebounds per game this season for the Hornets, below his career averages of 16.9 points and nine rebounds per game. Jefferson said he first learned of the positive drug test ''about two weeks ago.''


He's in the final season of a three-year contract.

 

[CNOTES]

NBA MONEYLINE


NBA > (507) NEW YORK@ (508) SACRAMENTO | 2015-12-10 22:35:00 - 2015-12-10 22:35:00
Play AGAINST SACRAMENTO using money line in All games in December games
The record is 5 Wins and 14 Losses for the last two seasons (-14.5 units)


NBA > (507) NEW YORK@ (508) SACRAMENTO | 2015-12-10 22:35:00 - 2015-12-10 22:35:00
Play AGAINST NEW YORK using money line in All games when playing against a team with a losing record
The record is 34 Wins and 61 Losses for the last three seasons (-37.8 units)


NBA > (503) ATLANTA@ (504) OKLAHOMA CITY | 2015-12-10 20:05:00 - 2015-12-10 20:05:00
Play ON ATLANTA using money line in Road games in December games
The record is 8 Wins and 1 Losses for the last two seasons (+9.85 units)


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




NBA FIRST HALF


NBA > (505) LA CLIPPERS@ (506) CHICAGO | 2015-12-10 20:05:00 - 2015-12-10 20:05:00
Play AGAINST CHICAGO ?>in the first halfin All games in a home game where where the first half total is 100.5 to 103
The record is 0 Wins and 9 Losses for the last two seasons (-9.9 units)


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


NBA TOTALS


NBA > (507) NEW YORK@ (508) SACRAMENTO | 2015-12-10 22:35:00 - 2015-12-10 22:35:00
Play UNDER NEW YORK on the totalin All games after scoring 85 points or less
The record is 5 Overs and 23 Unders for the last two seasons (+17.5 units)


NBA > (503) ATLANTA@ (504) OKLAHOMA CITY | 2015-12-10 20:05:00 - 2015-12-10 20:05:00
Play UNDER ATLANTA on the totalin All games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game
The record is 32 Overs and 67 Unders for the last three seasons (+31.8 units)


NBA > (503) ATLANTA@ (504) OKLAHOMA CITY | 2015-12-10 20:05:00 - 2015-12-10 20:05:00
Play UNDER ATLANTA on the totalin All games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game
The record is 21 Overs and 44 Unders for the last two seasons (+20.9 units)


NBA > (501) PHILADELPHIA@ (502) BROOKLYN | 2015-12-10 19:35:00 - 2015-12-10 19:35:00
Play OVER PHILADELPHIA on the totalin All games when playing with 2 days rest
The record is 16 Overs and 3 Unders for the last three seasons (+12.7 units)

 

[CNOTES]

Preview: 76ers (1-21) at Nets (6-15)
Date: December 10, 2015 7:30 PM EDT

The Philadelphia 76ers made about as bad a first impression possible on Jerry Colangelo's initial day as a team advisor.


Coming off a 51-point loss at home, the stumbling 76ers visit the site of one of their two road wins of this calendar year in Thursday night's matchup with the Brooklyn Nets.


Hours after being introduced as the team's new chairman of basketball operations, Colangelo - a four-time NBA executive of the year with Phoenix and current chairman of USA Basketball - saw a first-hand account of the Sixers' extensive rebuilding job during Monday's embarrassing 119-68 loss to San Antonio. The 51-point margin of defeat was the fifth-largest in franchise history.


The Spurs shot 61.8 percent and led by 44 points after three quarters despite resting Kawhi Leonard, Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili.


"We played against a team that is the best defensive team in the NBA as we speak and we felt every bit of that," said coach Brett Brown, a former Spurs assistant. "I'm going to push this game aside and that's really all I have to say about this game."


Philadelphia (1-21) now heads back to the road, where it's lost 17 straight and 33 of 34 since a 90-88 win at Barclays Center on Jan. 9. The Sixers, 0-12 as the visitor this season, had dropped their first five games in Brooklyn.


Owners of the Eastern Conference's second-worst record, the Nets (6-15) aren't nearly on the level of the powerful Spurs. However, they've won three of five and improved to 5-1 in their last six at home after Tuesday's 110-105 decision over Houston.


The Nets had one of their best all-around performances in completing a season sweep of the Rockets. Brooklyn shot a season-high 55.6 percent, had three players score at least 20 points and forced 24 turnovers.


Brook Lopez finished with 24 points and Joe Johnson tied a season high with 22 while scoring 15 in the fourth quarter.


'That's what Joe does,' Lopez said. "We know we can go to him time and time again in the crunch time. He's going to deliver.'


Thaddeus Young added 20 points on 10-of-13 shooting and grabbed 12 rebounds for his third consecutive double-double. The former 76er is averaging 21.0 points and 12.3 rebounds over that stretch.


Young had 21 points and nine rebounds in a 94-87 win in Philadelphia on March 14 that gave Brooklyn a 3-1 advantage in the 2014-15 season series.


Lopez, averaging 21.5 points over his last eight, gets his first head-to-head matchup with Jahlil Okafor, who looked rusty in returning to the court Monday. The rookie center, suspended two games by the 76ers for his involvement in a nightclub fight in Boston following a Nov. 25 loss to the Celtics, made 3 of 14 shots for 10 points.


Robert Covington had 13 points against San Antonio and is averaging 17.1 during a nine-game stretch. The third-year small forward is shooting 45.8 percent (22 for 48) from 3-point range over his last six.


Philadelphia shot 40.2 percent from 3 during a five-game sequence that preceded Monday's 4-for-24 effort.

 

[CNOTES]

Preview: Clippers (13-9) at Bulls (11-8)
Date: December 10, 2015 8:00 PM EDT

Following an uncharacteristic rough stretch last month, the Los Angeles Clippers continue to shine late in games during their recent turnaround.


That doesn't bode well for a Chicago Bulls team that is on the verge of its longest losing streak in two years because of its fourth quarter blues.


Blake Griffin looks to extend his dominance in this series Thursday night when the Clippers go after their seven straight victory at the United Center.


Los Angeles (13-9) was looking for answers during a 2-7 stretch in which it shot 40.8 percent in the fourth quarter, hitting just 28.6 percent from 3-point range.


The Clippers have worked out those late-game woes, shooting 51.2 percent and 41.7 from long range over the final 12 minutes while winning seven of the past nine.


After scoring a season-high 39 while hitting all 15 free-throw attempts in the fourth quarter of Monday's 110-106 win at Minnesota, Los Angeles shot 55.6 percent and outscored Milwaukee 34-27 in Wednesday's 109-95 victory.


J.J. Redick had a season-high 31 points and hit 6 of 9 from 3-point range in the team's third straight win. Chris Paul added 18 points and a season-high 18 assists and Griffin had 21 points and 14 rebounds.


"We're not going to say we've perfected anything," Paul said. "We know it's been a struggle for us early in the season, but we're finding a little rhythm."


Jamal Crawford had averaged 12.3 points and made 6 of 11 from beyond the arc in the fourth quarter of his previous three games before scoring five on 2-of-4 shooting while playing all 12 minutes Wednesday.


Los Angeles might be able to continue its late success as it looks to win its first three on a five-game road swing. Chicago (11-8) has faded in its last three games, getting outscored 102-70 in the final 12 minutes.


The Bulls shot 36.4 percent in the fourth quarter of Saturday's 102-96 home loss to Charlotte before getting outscored 42-24 in Monday's 103-101 loss to visiting Phoenix. On Wednesday, they let the Celtics put up 30 in the final 12 minutes of a 105-100 loss.


Derrick Rose has missed 18 of 22 shots in the fourth quarter over his last five games for Chicago, which hasn't dropped four in a row since December 2013.


'This is our first time really going through it,' Rose said. 'The nucleus of this team, we've been together for a long time. We're just trying to figure things out.'


Jimmy Butler was a bright spot Wednesday with a career-high 36 points, while Pau Gasol added 16 points and 15 rebounds. Butler has struggled in his last two home games versus Los Angeles, totaling 19 points on 6-of-24 shooting.


Gasol scored four points on 2-of-13 shooting in a 96-86 loss March 1 in the most recent meeting at the United Center. Rose hasn't faced the Clippers since December 2011, missing the past six meetings due to various injuries.


Chicago hasn't had much success at home, losing 12 of the past 14 meetings.


Paul led the way with 28 points and 12 assists in the March victory, while DeAndre Jordan pulled down 26 rebounds. Griffin did not play in that contest, but his 25.4 scoring average against Chicago is his highest versus any opponent.

 

[CNOTES]

Preview: Hawks (14-9) at Thunder (13-8)
Date: December 10, 2015 8:00 PM EDT

While the Oklahoma City Thunder saw a glimpse of the offense that could make them a contender in the Western Conference, the Atlanta Hawks' defense is helping them eye a return to that discussion in the East.


The Thunder seek their seventh win in nine games Thursday night as the visiting Hawks look to extend a rare winning streak to three.


Oklahoma City (13-8) orchestrated a 125-88 blowout win at Memphis on Tuesday with quick, efficient offense. Kevin Durant finished 11 of 14 from the field for 32 points, Russell Westbrook had 13 points on seven shots to go with 16 assists and four others scored in double figures.


The Thunder had 31 assists after failing to crack 20 in their previous four games.


'When we play together like that, we make the game easier,' Durant said. 'We were just playing smooth basketball. It was beautiful to watch. It was a fun game to play.'


The Thunder, who shot 41.5 percent over their previous three games, finished at a season-high 56 percent shooting. They made 13 of 26 shots from downtown after making just 29.6 percent of their 3s in the previous four games.


Oklahoma City improved to 4-0 when Westbrook scores under 20 points after going 6-8 in that situation last season.


'I can't say enough about what Russell did,' coach Billy Donovan said. 'In my opinion, he's one of the rare guys in this league that can dominate a game without scoring.'


He dominated Nov. 30 in Atlanta by doing exactly the opposite, pouring in half of his 34 points in the fourth quarter and finishing with 11 rebounds and seven assists. But Jeff Teague scored six of his 25 in a critical late stretch to help the Hawks win 106-100.


Atlanta (14-9) opened the season 7-1 while looking much like the team that rose to the top of the East a year ago. The Hawks, though, dragged through a 5-8 lull without two wins in a row.


The Hawks finally found another winning streak, though, after a 100-87 home victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday and, after four days off, Wednesday's 98-95 win at Dallas.


Atlanta has held opponents under 40 percent shooting in its last three victories. The Mavericks shot 36 percent from the field, a season low for a Hawks opponent.


'Our contests and our effort to get to their shooters was good,' coach Mike Budenholzer said. 'I didn't think anybody got into a rhythm. So, a couple times when they were open, maybe they didn't feel good and maybe didn't have as much confidence.'


Paul Millsap had 20 points, 11 rebounds, five assists and three steals, while Al Horford chipped in 14 points and eight boards. Tiago Splitter, who missed the previous seven games with a sore hip, had four points and three rebounds in 12 minutes.


Millsap has averaged 22.6 points in five meetings with Oklahoma City since joining the Hawks.

 

[CNOTES]

Preview: Knicks (10-13) at Kings (8-15)
Date: December 10, 2015 10:30 PM EDT

With the Knicks on the brink of a five-game road losing streak, coach Derek Fisher is exploring changes to New York's lineup.


George Karl may be forced into one for the Sacramento Kings.


After opening this three-game trip with their most lopsided loss of the season, the Knicks seek a bounce-back effort against the Kings on Thursday night.


New York (10-13) has dropped seven of its last nine games, including four straight on the road while averaging 86.3 points and shooting 37.7 percent.


The Knicks were 7-34 as the visitor last season, and they're coming off perhaps their worst performance anywhere in 2015-16. They shot 39.7 percent and trailed by as many as 33 in Wednesday's 106-85 loss at Utah, only leading on Kristaps Porzingis' jumper to go up 2-0.


Fisher was concerned with the Knicks' starters - Porzingis, Carmelo Anthony, Robin Lopez, Arron Afflalo and Jose Calderon - totaling a season-low 31 points.


"I didn't see anything from those guys that started the game," Fisher said. "This is three nights in a row for that group and we will have to consider if that can stay the same at the moment."


While it's unclear where Fisher could switch things up, Anthony isn't likely to be a candidate to hit the bench despite averaging 15.7 over his last three games and shooting 32.6 percent after Wednesday's 3-for-11 effort.


Porzingis wasn't any better with a season-low four points in 13 minutes after scoring 28 in a 104-97 loss to Dallas on Monday.


Anthony has 36 points in each of his last three meetings with Sacramento (8-15).


While Fisher tries to jump-start New York, Karl is dealing with a banged up DeMarcus Cousins.


"I think he has a back and an ankle that are sore," Karl said. "It's just the process of being a big guy in this league and the way he plays and the way he bangs. I think we have to be careful how we rest him."


Cousins fouled out Tuesday after scoring 12 points with 12 rebounds and six assists in a 114-106 win over the Jazz. He was averaging 18.5 points on 29.9 percent shooting - 3 of 19 from long range - over the previous four games after missing three with a sore back.


Cousins has scored 31.0 points per game with 12.0 boards over the last three meetings with the Knicks. He had 22 and 10 in a 124-86 romp in New York on March 3.


Rudy Gay chipped in with a game-high 25 points in that matchup after scoring 29 in a 135-129 overtime win against the Knicks on Dec. 27. The forward has totaled 43 points over the last two games, connecting on 10 of 13 from the field Tuesday.


Omri Casspi is looking to remain in the lineup for a fourth straight game in place of the injured Willie Cauley-Stein after scoring 19 points in a season-high 41 minutes Tuesday.


"Everyone in this league wants to start and play 40 minutes," Casspi said. "I'm happy to start; I love it. But when Willie comes back I'll be happy to come off the bench again."

 

[CNOTES]

Recapping last nights action:


NBA............... 4 - 1


CBB................4 - 2 - 0


NHL................1 - 4

 

[CNOTES]

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10


GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS


PHI at BK 07:30 PM

BK -7.0 SLAM DUNK


O 197.5 SLAM DUNK




LAC at CHI 08:00 PM


CHI +1.5 SLAM DUNK


U 202.5




ATL at OKC 08:00 PM


ATL +7.5


U 210.5 SLAM DUNK




NY at SAC 10:30 PM


NY +6.0 SLAM DUNK


U 209.0

 

[CNOTES]

Armadillo: Friday's six-pack


-- JJ Watt broke his left hand in practice this week, is expected to play Sunday.


-- NBA commish Adam Silver gave the 76ers' owner a list of names of people who could help him rescue his hideous team; 76-year old Jerry Colangelo was at the top of the list-- thats how Colangelo is now working (and part-owner?) of the Sixers.


-- Cal football coach Sonny Dykes parlayed rumors of his wanting to leave Cal into a contract extension with the school as well as raises for his assistants.


-- Iowa State 83, Iowa 82-- Hawkeyes had their hearts ripped out, after leading by 20 in second half. Veteran teams cannot lose games like this- it'll leave a scar.


-- Cardinals 23, Vikings 20-- Arizona clinched playoff berth, appears headed to #2 seed in NFC playoffs.


-- Our thoughts/prayers to Jay Cutler's family; his wife's brother passed away this week in Utah, at age 30. He had been missing for a couple of weeks.


**********


Armadillo: Friday's List of 13: Baseball thoughts on a mid-December day


Baseball's Winter Meetings were this week so with that in mind, some baseball stuff to ponder, with spring training a little over two months away.......


13) Houston Astros used the most (151) different lineups LY and made the playoffs; KC Royals used the fewest (83) and won World Series. No other big league team used less than 108 (Pirates) lineups.


12) Every NL team issued at least 28 intentional walks LY-- pitchers bat in the NL, so you often walk the #8 hitter to get to the pitcher. Nine of 15 AL teams issued less than 28 intentional walks- Bronx (16), Astros (17) issued the fewest.


Angels (45), Mariners (41) issued most intentional walks of the AL teams.


11) Every NL team attempted at least 48 sacrifice bunts; 11 of 15 AL teams tried fewer than 48 LY, with Oakland (17), Baltimore (26) trying the fewest.


Pirates (81), Braves (80) tried bunting the most; of the AL teams, Rangers (66) tried the most sacrifices. Texas manager Banister used to be Clint Hurdle's right-hand man.


10) Most major league managers are former catchers; Seattle (30) pitched out the most LY, followed by the Reds (28- managed by a former pitcher). Mets, Nationals had only one pitch-out each last year.


9) Every NL team pinch-hit at least 225 (Washington) times; San Diego (311) used the most pinch-hitters. Tampa Bay (219) pinch-hit 58 more times than any other team in the American League (Oakland, 161).


Platooning is an unfortunate epidemic in baseball these days.


8) I read an article that gave Billy Butler a 9% chance of getting to 3,000 career hits; he currently has 1,408 hits and has been putrid the last two years. If Butler has a 9% shot at 3,000 hits, then I have a 9% chance of dating Pamela Anderson, whose sons were once batboys for the Pepperdine baseball team, so you never know........


7) There were 44% more runs scored in Colorado home games than road tilts LY.


6) There were 15% fewer runs scored in Giant home games than road tilts LY.


5) Over last three years, Fenway Park has been friendliest to righty hitters; Camden Yards has been friendliest for lefty hitters (Chris Davis, take note).


4) Batters who came up with most men on base LY, and % of those runners he knocked in:
Carlos Santana 480 (13.8%)...Todd Frazier 468 (11.5%)....Eric Hosmer 457 (16.4%)


3) Of batters with 250+ PA, those who knocked in highest percantage of runners from third base:
1) Ryan Zimmerman (27-45, 60%), 2) Mookie Betts (33-58, 56.9%), 3) Juan Lagares (14-26, 53.8%).


2) Of batters with 250+ PA, those who knocked in lowest percantage of runners from third base:
295) Chris Coghlan (6-42, 14.3%), 294) Justin Maxwell (4-23, 17.4%), 293) Joc Pederson (9-50, 18%).


1) Best record in one-run games LY:
Pirates 36-17, Angels 35-17, Cubs 34-21, Braves 28-18.


Worst record in one-run games LY:
Blue Jays 15-28, A's 19-35, Phillies 16-27, Reds 18-29

 

[CNOTES]

Friday's NBA Tip Sheet
December 11, 2015




Heat at Pacers (-5, 195.5) – 7:05 ET, ESPN


After falling out of first place in the Southeast for the first time since before Thanksgiving, the Heat got more bad news on the second leg of this short two-game road swing when center Hassan Whiteside didn’t practice Thursday due to an ankle sprain, putting his availability for this one in question. He leads Miami in rebounding (10.4) and the entire NBA in blocks (4.4), so not having him available against a team that has guards who attack the rim would certainly be detrimental. It would also adversely affect which way to go on the total, since the ‘under’ is 16-4 in Heat games primarily because of Whiteside’s rim protection. The Heat have lost consecutive games for the first time all season and are seeing old rival Indiana for the second time, having lost 90-87 on Nov. 6 as a 1-point favorite.


The Pacers have dropped three straight despite Paul George continuing a tear that has seen him average 33.6 points over his last seven. Indiana has seen its last three games go ‘over’ the posted total and are well-rested, having last played Tuesday in a 131-123 loss to Golden State. Monta Ellis is really struggling, shooting 7-for-23 and averaging 5.7 points per game during Indy’s current losing streak.


Cavs (-3, 197) at Magic – 7:05 ET


There’s a chance we could see starting guards Kyrie Irving (fractured kneecap) and Iman Shumpert (wrist) for the first time all season here, though those decisions won’t be made until closer to tipoff. Head coach David Blatt told reporters it would depend on how they’re feeling, but the minutes are certainly there since J.R. Smith didn’t travel to Central Florida due to illness. LeBron James helped snap a three-game losing streak in Cleveland’s last game, a 105-100 comeback win over Portland where he scored 33 points and grabbed 10 rebounds. The Magic will be looking for revenge after losing to the Cavs 117-103 on Nov. 23 despite James scoring just 15 points and missing 4-of-5 free throws. They’re back in Orlando for the first time since Nov. 29, coming off a successful Western road trip where they went 3-2, suffering narrow losses against the Clippers and Suns. Victor Oladipo has been coming off the bench to provide a spark, but wing Evan Fournier, still leading the team in scoring (15.5) is mired in a shooting slump and has scored just 10.0 points per game in December.


Warriors at Celtics – 7:35 ET


Klay Thompson will be a game-time decision with an ankle injury suffered in Tuesday’s win but told reporters he’d play if he has a good shootaround and his ankle doesn’t stiffen up. After a slow start to the season, Thompson is starting to hit his stride and has averaged 26.8 points this month after posting a season-high 39 points, hitting 10 3-pointers, including eight in the first half. Reigning MVP Stephen Curry has done the heavy lifting all season, averaging a league-best 33.4 points. Over the last seven games, he’s shot 45-for-75 (60 pct) on 3-pointers. The Warriors won’t see another team that currently has a record over .500 between now and their Christmas Day clash against Cleveland, so it may be up to the Celtics to stop their remarkable 23-0 starts before it grows even larger. Boston has won four of five games to move within one-half game of Toronto for the Atlantic Division lead, losing only a tight game to the Spurs within that span. They’re 5-0 ATS in those games. Boston has a 7-4 home record, covering in six of those contests. Golden State is 13-0 outside Oakland and on the sixth leg of a seven-game road trip that ends in Milwaukee on Saturday. The Warrriors are 10-3 ATS on the road and have beaten Boston four straight times, last losing March 1, 2013.


Hornets at Grizzlies (-3.5, 193.5) – 8:05 ET


After an impressive 99-81 win over Miami on Wednesday, Charlotte enters the night in sole possession of first place in the Southeast Division, riding a three-game winning streak. Since Al Jefferson left an 87-82 win over the Bucks five minutes in due to a strained left calf, the Hornets have gone 4-1 (3-2 ATS). Over their last 10 games, their only losses have come to last year’s Finals participants, Cleveland and Golden State. Cody Zeller has replaced Jefferson in the starting lineup, while Nicolas Batum is averaging 16.8 points, 7.2 rebounds and 6.4 assists during the 10-game run, coming off a triple-double over the Heat. He’ll likely see a lot of Matt Barnes, who delivered Memphis from what would’ve been its second straight loss with a halfcourt shot against Detroit on Wednesday night. Marc Gasol played through an ankle injury suffered in Tuesday’s 125-88 loss to OKC and managed 19 points and 12 rebounds, just his fifth double-double of the season. The Griz have beaten Charlotte in six of the last seven meetings.

Thunder (-2.5, 204) at Jazz – 9:05 ET


OKC is hitting its stride, owning a three-game winning streak and victories in seven of nine. The Hawks became the Thunder’s latest victim on Thursday night, losing 107-94. It was a complete performance for first-year coach Billy Donovan’s team, out-rebounding Atlanta 52-34 and shooting 9-for-17 from 3-point range. With a victory, OKC would go up four games in the Northwest and everyone else in the division would be under .500. The Thunder won in Salt Lake City 111-89 on Nov. 23 to snap a three-game losing streak at Energy Solutions Arena. The ‘under’ has prevailed in seven of OKC’s last eight. Utah has gone 2-2 since losing Rudy Gobert for at least a month after he sprained his MCL on Dec. 2. The Jazz surrendered an average of 112 points in their first three games without him before Wednesday’s 106-85 win over the Knicks, snapping a run of four straight ‘overs.’ OKC didn’t score over 100 points against Utah in any of last year’s four meetings, but shot nearly 55 percent from the field and hit 11 3-pointers in the win just over two weeks ago. These teams will turn around and play in Oklahoma City on Sunday.


Lakers at Spurs (-14.5, 194) – 9:35 ET, ESPN


Kobe Bryant will make his first of two scheduled visits to San Antonio as a crowd that once booed him mercilessly gets to pay homage to a former rival before he retires. For the first time since beginning his farewell tour on Dec. 1, Bryant allowed the Lakers kids to perform down the stretch, sitting out the fourth quarter and OT of 123-122 loss in Minnesota. It will be interesting to see how he handles this contest considering he’s felt ill on this trip and there’s another game in Houston tomorrow, the last of L.A.’s season-long eight-game roadie. They’re 1-5 on it so far, but have covered three times. Altogether, the Lakers have lost 11 of 12 and are a Western Conference-worst 3-19 SU (8-14 ATS). Point guard Jordan Clarkson, a San Antonio native, is questionable for this one with an ankle injury. The Spurs come off a loss to Toronto on Wednesday, but have still won 15 of 18 games. They’re a perfect 11-0 at home (7-4 ATS) and 8-0 (5-3 ATS) as a double-digit favorite..

 

[CNOTES]

NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up


Friday, December 11


Hot teams
-- Orlando won five of its last seven games (5-0HU).
-- 23-0 Warriors are 10-3 as road favorites; Thompson tweaked an ankle in last game, check status here. Boston won six of its last eight games (1-1HU).
-- Raptors won seven of their last nine games (0-4 last four HF).
-- Hornets won their last three games (4-3AU). Memphis won six of its last nine games (3-6HF).
-- Thunder won seven of their last nine games (2-4AF).
-- San Antonio won eight of its last ten games (7-4 vs spread).
-- Suns won last two games, after losing seven of previous eight (4-5HF).


Cold teams
-- 1-22 Sixers are 2-7 as a home underdog. Detroit lost its last four home games (1-4AF).
-- Indiana lost last three games, allowing 125.3 ppg (3-2HF). Miami lost four of its last seven games (0-2AU).
-- Cavaliers lost three of last four games (1-6AF).
-- Bucks lost six of their last nine games (1-6 last seven AU).
-- New Orleans lost five of its last six games (2-3HF). Wizards lost seven of their last ten games (3-4AU).
-- Jazz lost three of its last five games (2-0HU).
-- Minnesota lost four of its last five games (0-0AF). Denver lost eight of its last ten games (2-6HU).
-- Lakers lost nine of last ten games, are 4-3 vs spread/last seven.
-- Trailblazers lost four of their last six games (6-4AU).


Series records
-- 76ers won four of last five games with Detroit.
-- Home side won eight of last nine Miami-Indiana games.
-- Cavaliers won last 10 games with Orlando (9-0-1 vs spread).
-- Warriors won their last four games with Boston.
-- Raptors won seven of last eight games with Milwaukee.
-- Pelicans lost their last seven games with Washington.
-- Grizzlies won six of last seven games with Charlotte.
-- Thunder won three of last four games with Utah.
-- Timberwolves won last three of last four visits to Denver.
-- Lakers lost eight of last ten games with Spurs (3-6-1 vs spread).
-- Suns won five of last eight games with Portland.

Totals
-- Eight of last ten Philly games stayed under the total.
-- Seven of last nine Miami games stayed under total.
-- Three of last four Orlando games went over the total.
-- Last seven Golden State games went over the total.
-- Over is 3-1 in last four games for both Raptors/Bucks.
-- Over is 3-1-1 in last five Washington games.
-- Five of last seven Charlotte games stayed under.
-- Seven of last eight Oklahoma City games stayed under.
-- Four of last five Minnesota games went over total.
-- Six of last eight Laker-San Antonio games stayed under.
-- Eight of last ten Portland-Phoenix games stayed under.

 

[CNOTES]

NBA

Friday, December 11

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Report
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7:00 PM
CLEVELAND vs. ORLANDO
Cleveland is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Cleveland is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Orlando
Orlando is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games at home
Orlando is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games

7:00 PM
DETROIT vs. PHILADELPHIA
Detroit is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Detroit's last 9 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
Philadelphia is 1-24 SU in its last 25 games
Philadelphia is 1-3-1 ATS in its last 5 games

7:00 PM
MIAMI vs. INDIANA
Miami is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Indiana
Miami is 1-9 SU in its last 10 games when playing on the road against Indiana
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Indiana's last 5 games
Indiana is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games when playing at home against Miami

7:30 PM
MILWAUKEE vs. TORONTO
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Milwaukee's last 10 games when playing on the road against Toronto
Milwaukee is 1-3-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Toronto
Toronto is 7-13-1 ATS in its last 21 games when playing Milwaukee
Toronto is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Milwaukee

7:30 PM
GOLDEN STATE vs. BOSTON
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Golden State's last 5 games when playing on the road against Boston
Golden State is 3-8 SU in its last 11 games when playing on the road against Boston
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Boston's last 5 games when playing at home against Golden State
Boston is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home

8:00 PM
WASHINGTON vs. NEW ORLEANS
Washington is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against New Orleans
Washington is 6-12 SU in its last 18 games when playing on the road against New Orleans
New Orleans is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games when playing Washington
New Orleans is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Washington

8:00 PM
CHARLOTTE vs. MEMPHIS
Charlotte is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing Memphis
Charlotte is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Memphis
Memphis is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games at home
Memphis is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games at home

9:00 PM
MINNESOTA vs. DENVER
Minnesota is 8-16 SU in its last 24 games on the road
Minnesota is 5-13 SU in its last 18 games when playing on the road against Denver
Denver is 0-4-1 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Denver is 13-5 SU in its last 18 games when playing at home against Minnesota

9:00 PM
OKLAHOMA CITY vs. UTAH
The total has gone OVER in 15 of Oklahoma City's last 23 games on the road
Oklahoma City is 3-6 ATS in its last 9 games on the road
Utah is 5-14 SU in its last 19 games when playing Oklahoma City
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Utah's last 5 games when playing Oklahoma City

9:30 PM
LA LAKERS vs. SAN ANTONIO
LA Lakers are 2-6 SU in their last 8 games when playing on the road against San Antonio
LA Lakers are 2-3-1 ATS in their last 6 games when playing on the road against San Antonio
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of San Antonio's last 8 games when playing LA Lakers
San Antonio is 9-2 SU in their last 11 games when playing LA Lakers

9:30 PM
PORTLAND vs. PHOENIX
Portland is 5-12 SU in its last 17 games
Portland is 4-10 ATS in its last 14 games when playing Phoenix
Phoenix is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Portland
Phoenix is 3-8 ATS in its last 11 games

 

[CNOTES]

NBA


Friday, December 11


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Game of the Day: Warriors at Celtics
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


The Warriors have a pair of games on their seven-game road trip and have gone 3-2 ATS in five games thus far.


Golden State Warriors at Boston Celtics (Off)


Golden State's phenomenal unbeaten streak will be put to the test Friday night at a surging Boston team, especially if sharpshooter Klay Thompson is unable to participate. Thompson, who suffered a sprained ankle near the end of a 39-point performance in a 131-123 win at Indiana on Tuesday, told reporters Thursday he was at about "70 percent" and hoped to play against the Celtics.


If he is absent the 23-0 Warriors will miss a player who has scored at least 20 points in five straight games while burying 27 3-pointers. Golden State's winning streak is 27 dating to last season, which is tied with the 2012-13 Miami Heat for the second-longest run in NBA history and just six behind the Los Angeles Lakers' record of 33 set in 1971-72. Even if Thompson is available, the Celtics are one team that might be able to keep pace; they pulled into Thursday third in the NBA in shots per game (87.8) and 3-pointers per game (28), which is just a shade below Golden State's league-leading pace. Boston has won six of eight games and has scored at least 105 points in five straight contests.


TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, CSN Bay Area (Golden State), CSN New England (Boston)


LINE HISTORY: The line and total for this game are currently off the board.


INJURY REPORT:


Warriors - SG Klay Thompson (Probable, ankle), SG Leandro Barbosa (Questionable, illness), SF Harrison Barnes (Mid December, ankle), SF Kevon Looney (Late January, hip).


Celtics - SG R.J. Hunter (Questionable, undisclosed), PG Marcus Smart (Early January, knee).


POWER RANKINGS: Warriors (-19.5) + Celtics (-8.5) + home court (-3.0) = Celtics +8.0


WHAT CAPPERS SAY: "The oddsmakers simply cannot catch up with this team, who is a remarkable 12-4 ATS its L16 game despite laying at least 5.5 points in all of them. An argument could be made that the Celtics are the East's best. They have the best per game point differential and nine wins by 15 or more points (trails only Golden State)."


ABOUT THE WARRIORS (23-0, 16-7 ATS, 14-9 O/U): Losing Thompson would mean that Golden State is without two of its top three scorers, since forward Harrison Barnes is expected to miss his seventh straight contest with an ankle injury. In addition, reserve guard Leandro Barbosa - who missed the win in Indiana due to an illness - was unable to practice with the team Thursday and remains a question mark. Veteran Brandon Rush has seen an increase to his role on the team's five-game road trip and had 13 points in a season-high 25 minutes against the Pacers.


ABOUT THE CELTICS (13-9, 13-9 ATS, 10-12 ATS): There's quite a buzz in Boston around this one, as it is seen by many as a potential launching point for an organization showing plenty of life in coach Brad Stevens' third year. "I feel like it's just another game for us," guard Avery Bradley told reporters. "[The Warriors] are playing great as a team right now but we can't go out there thinking like this is the championship. It's not." Eight Celtics finished in double figures in a 105-100 victory over Chicago on Wednesday.


TRENDS:


* Under is 5-1 in the last six meetings.
* Warriors are 10-4 ATS in the last 14 meetings in Boston.
* Warriors are 12-3 ATS in their last 15 road games.
* Celtics are 5-0 ATS in their last five games overall.

 

[CNOTES]

NBA
Dunkel

Friday, December 11


Golden State @ Boston

Game 707-708
December 11, 2015 @ 7:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Golden State
130.858
Boston
121.435
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Golden State
by 9 1/2
193
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Golden State
by 7
No Total
Dunkel Pick:
Golden State
(-7); N/A

Milwaukee @ Toronto

Game 709-710
December 11, 2015 @ 7:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Milwaukee
113.773
Toronto
125.419
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Toronto
by 11 1/2
190
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Toronto
by 7 1/2
194
Dunkel Pick:
Toronto
(-7 1/2); Under

Washington @ New Orleans

Game 711-712
December 11, 2015 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Washington
116.430
New Orleans
115.294
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Washington
by 1
209
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
New Orleans
by 3
216
Dunkel Pick:
Washington
(+3); Under

Charlotte @ Memphis

Game 713-714
December 11, 2015 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Charlotte
118.951
Memphis
124.731
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Memphis
by 6
197
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Memphis
by 3 1/2
193 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Memphis
(-3 1/2); Over

Oklahoma City @ Utah

Game 715-716
December 11, 2015 @ 9:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Oklahoma City
125.603
Utah
120.734
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Oklahoma City
by 5
210
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Oklahoma City
by 2 1/2
204
Dunkel Pick:
Oklahoma City
(-2 1/2); Over

Minnesota @ Denver

Game 717-718
December 11, 2015 @ 9:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Minnesota
116.587
Denver
114.150
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Minnesota
by 2 1/2
209
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Minnesota
Pick
202
Dunkel Pick:
Minnesota
Over

LA Lakers @ San Antonio

Game 719-720
December 11, 2015 @ 9:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
LA Lakers
109.781
San Antonio
132.372
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
San Antonio
by 22 1/2
189
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
San Antonio
by 14 1/2
194
Dunkel Pick:
San Antonio
(-14 1/2); Under

Portland @ Phoenix

Game 721-722
December 11, 2015 @ 9:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Portland
116.275
Phoenix
121.921
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Phoenix
by 5 1/2
206
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Phoenix
by 4
209
Dunkel Pick:
Phoenix
(-4); Under

Detroit @ Philadelphia

Game 701-702
December 11, 2015 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Detroit
114.698
Philadelphia
110.209
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Detroit
by 4 1/2
187
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Detroit
by 8
193
Dunkel Pick:
Philadelphia
(+8); Under

Miami @ Indiana

Game 703-704
December 11, 2015 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Miami
120.016
Indiana
122.503
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Indiana
by 2 1/2
202
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Indiana
by 5
195 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Miami
(+5); Over

Cleveland @ Orlando

Game 705-706
December 11, 2015 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Cleveland
116.445
Orlando
124.380
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Orlando
by 8
201
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Cleveland
by 3
197
Dunkel Pick:
Orlando
(+3); Over

 

[CNOTES]

NBA
Long Sheet

Friday, December 11

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

DETROIT (12 - 11) at PHILADELPHIA (1 - 22) - 12/11/2015, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 27-46 ATS (-23.6 Units) as a home underdog of 6.5 to 9 points since 1996.
PHILADELPHIA is 37-61 ATS (-30.1 Units) in home games in December games since 1996.
PHILADELPHIA is 102-135 ATS (-46.5 Units) in home games first half of the season since 1996.

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

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

MIAMI (12 - 8) at INDIANA (12 - 8) - 12/11/2015, 7:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
INDIANA is 9-6 against the spread versus MIAMI over the last 3 seasons
INDIANA is 8-7 straight up against MIAMI over the last 3 seasons
8 of 14 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

CLEVELAND (14 - 7) at ORLANDO (12 - 10) - 12/11/2015, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CLEVELAND is 5-13 ATS (-9.3 Units) as a favorite this season.
CLEVELAND is 5-16 ATS (-12.6 Units) in December games over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 19-34 ATS (-18.4 Units) first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 13-28 ATS (-17.8 Units) in road games after a non-conference game over the last 3 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 8-18 ATS (-11.8 Units) in road games after scoring 105 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 15-6 ATS (+8.4 Units) in all games this season.
ORLANDO is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) as an underdog this season.
ORLANDO is 15-6 ATS (+8.4 Units) first half of the season this season.
ORLANDO is 28-16 ATS (+10.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CLEVELAND is 8-0 against the spread versus ORLANDO over the last 3 seasons
CLEVELAND is 8-0 straight up against ORLANDO over the last 3 seasons
4 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

GOLDEN STATE (23 - 0) at BOSTON (13 - 9) - 12/11/2015, 7:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 3-1 against the spread versus GOLDEN STATE over the last 3 seasons
GOLDEN STATE is 4-0 straight up against BOSTON over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

MILWAUKEE (9 - 14) at TORONTO (14 - 9) - 12/11/2015, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 33-21 ATS (+9.9 Units) first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 120-86 ATS (+25.4 Units) in road games against Atlantic division opponents since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
TORONTO is 5-3 against the spread versus MILWAUKEE over the last 3 seasons
TORONTO is 7-1 straight up against MILWAUKEE over the last 3 seasons
4 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

WASHINGTON (9 - 11) at NEW ORLEANS (5 - 16) - 12/11/2015, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 132-176 ATS (-61.6 Units) on Friday nights since 1996.
WASHINGTON is 7-17 ATS (-11.7 Units) in road games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 11-2 ATS (+8.8 Units) in home games on Friday nights over the last 2 seasons.

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

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

CHARLOTTE (13 - 8) at MEMPHIS (13 - 10) - 12/11/2015, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CHARLOTTE is 37-67 ATS (-36.7 Units) against Southwest division opponents since 1996.
CHARLOTTE is 139-177 ATS (-55.7 Units) in non-conference games since 1996.
MEMPHIS is 113-83 ATS (+21.7 Units) off an upset win as an underdog since 1996.
CHARLOTTE is 18-5 ATS (+12.5 Units) as a road underdog of 3.5 to 6 points over the last 3 seasons.
MEMPHIS is 16-31 ATS (-18.1 Units) in home games first half of the season over the last 3 seasons.

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

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

OKLAHOMA CITY (14 - 8) at UTAH (10 - 10) - 12/11/2015, 9:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
UTAH is 57-42 ATS (+10.8 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
UTAH is 40-25 ATS (+12.5 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
UTAH is 24-3 ATS (+20.7 Units) revenging a home loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
UTAH is 43-15 ATS (+26.5 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.

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

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

MINNESOTA (9 - 12) at DENVER (8 - 14) - 12/11/2015, 9:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 36-54 ATS (-23.4 Units) after allowing 105 points or more over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 26-42 ATS (-20.2 Units) after scoring 105 points or more over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 9-0 ATS (+9.0 Units) in road games this season.
MINNESOTA is 9-0 ATS (+9.0 Units) in road games first half of the season this season.
DENVER is 14-27 ATS (-15.7 Units) on Friday nights over the last 3 seasons.
DENVER is 2-14 ATS (-13.4 Units) when playing with 2 days rest over the last 2 seasons.
DENVER is 13-26 ATS (-15.6 Units) after a loss by 10 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
DENVER is 5-15 ATS (-11.5 Units) after scoring 85 points or less over the last 3 seasons.
DENVER is 10-23 ATS (-15.3 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
DENVER is 9-19 ATS (-11.9 Units) in home games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.

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

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

LA LAKERS (3 - 19) at SAN ANTONIO (18 - 5) - 12/11/2015, 9:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SAN ANTONIO is 919-799 ATS (+40.1 Units) in all games since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 729-617 ATS (+50.3 Units) as a favorite since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 468-388 ATS (+41.2 Units) in home games since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 78-54 ATS (+18.6 Units) in a home game where where the total is between 190 and 194.5 points since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 310-244 ATS (+41.6 Units) after a non-conference game since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 191-133 ATS (+44.7 Units) off a upset loss as a favorite since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 28-16 ATS (+10.4 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 44-28 ATS (+13.2 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.

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

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

PORTLAND (9 - 14) at PHOENIX (10 - 13) - 12/11/2015, 9:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PHOENIX is 104-79 ATS (+17.1 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
PHOENIX is 20-7 ATS (+12.3 Units) in a home game where where the total is between 205 and 209.5 points over the last 3 seasons.
PHOENIX is 52-33 ATS (+15.7 Units) first half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
PHOENIX is 62-44 ATS (+13.6 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHOENIX is 6-4 against the spread versus PORTLAND over the last 3 seasons
PHOENIX is 6-4 straight up against PORTLAND over the last 3 seasons
8 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

 

[CNOTES]

Preview: Cavaliers (14-7) at Magic (12-10)
Date: December 11, 2015 7:00 PM EDT

(AP) - Kyrie Irving's getting on a plane with the Cleveland Cavaliers. His next trip could be onto the floor.


The All-Star point guard, who hasn't played since breaking his left kneecap in Game 1 of last season's NBA Finals, could make his much-anticipated 2015-16 debut in the next few days.


Coach David Blatt said Thursday that Irving - and starting guard Iman Shumpert, who has been out with a right wrist injury - will travel with the team and may play either Friday against the Orlando Magic or Tuesday in Boston.


"There's a chance that one of the two or both will play on the trip, but there's also a chance they don't," Blatt said following practice at Cleveland Clinic Courts. "We'll see how they're feeling."


Irving and Shumpert both made it through their third full practices Thursday and will accompany the team on the two-game swing. Blatt stressed the team will stay cautious. Cleveland's eyeing a return to the Finals and the Cavs don't want to unnecessarily rush back two of their best players.


"We're in December," Blatt said. "Not a normal situation. Both of them are coming back from pretty serious injuries, but they are progressing."


Irving played in a career-high 75 games last season before getting hurt while making a move in the finals against Golden State, which defeated the Cavs in six games.


Cleveland leads the Eastern Conference with a 14-7 record, quite an accomplishment considering the Cavs have been without two starters. Once Irving and Shumpert return, Cleveland will be as healthy as it has been since the beginning of last spring's playoffs.


Irving will give the Cavs another playmaker and scorer, while Shumpert provides them with a perimeter defender who can match up with the opponent's best wing player.


"They give us a real boost, a real shoot in the arm because of their particular skills and what they bring to the table for us," Blatt said.


With Shumpert out, J.R. Smith has been starting alongside Mo Williams. Blatt said he has yet to decide if Shumpert will return to the starting lineup.


Whenever Irving and Shumpert return, Blatt promised to ease them back before increasing their minutes to normal levels.


"I'd like to see them be able to come and play significant minutes or at least minutes that give them the chance to feel the court long enough to contribute or get something out of it," Blatt said.


The Cavs still have LeBron James to lean on. After resting in Saturday's loss at Miami, James had 33 points and 10 rebounds as Cleveland rallied from an 18-point deficit in Tuesday's 105-100 win over Portland that snapped a three-game skid.


Irving finished with 33 points in a 123-108 win March 15 in the most recent meeting in Orlando. Kevin Love scored 34 and hit six 3-pointers Nov. 23, while J.R. Smith added 26 with six 3s in a 117-103 victory in the first matchup this season.


The Cavs have won the past 11 games against the Magic by an average of 14.1 points.


After riding a five-game winning streak, Orlando dropped two of the last three on a five-game road swing. Nikola Vucevic had 21 points and 11 rebounds Wednesday, but the Magic (12-10) struggled down the stretch in a 107-104 loss at Phoenix.


"In order for us to turn the corner, we have to be consistent night in and night out," forward Tobias Harris said.


Orlando will try to bounce back at home, where it has won seven of its past eight.

 

[CNOTES]

Preview: Pistons (12-11) at 76ers (1-22)
Date: December 11, 2015 7:00 PM EDT

The Detroit Pistons appear to have a good chance to rebound from a heartbreaking loss, though nothing has come easy for them against the Philadelphia 76ers.


As they try to avoid a fifth straight road defeat, the inconsistent Pistons look to end their inexplicable struggles in their series with the woeful 76ers on Friday night.


Although Detroit (12-11) has been tough to beat at home, it had a five-game winning streak there snapped Wednesday when Matt Barnes hit a half-court shot with 1.1 seconds left to give Memphis a stunning 93-92 victory.


Andre Drummond finished with 18 points and 19 rebounds, while Reggie Jackson contributed 18 points and seven assists. The Pistons held the lead throughout the second half but were outscored 26-18 in the fourth quarter in their second straight defeat.


'It's the toughest loss all season,' Jackson said. 'It was a good basketball game, just with something unimaginable and unexplainable happening at the end.'


Detroit has been solid offensively at home, averaging 109.6 points on 46.3 percent shooting in its last five games. The production has waned on the road, where the Pistons have scored 89.6 on 38.8 percent shooting while dropping eight of nine.


Jackson has averaged 22.5 points and made 20 of 47 (42.6 percent) from 3-point range in 11 home games, but he's only scored 10.2 while missing 21 of 26 from 3 over his last six on the road. The point guard appeared to injure his leg late in the first half Wednesday before playing the final two quarters with a brace on his knee.


Jackson, averaging a team-high 19.3 points, has scored 10.3 on 31.8 percent shooting in his last four against Philadelphia dating to his time with Oklahoma City.


The Pistons should be able to end their road woes against Philadelphia, but the 76ers have had more success against them than any other opponent over the past 20 months. They've won four of five meetings, including three in a row at home.


NBA-worst Philadelphia (1-22) beat Detroit last season after a 1-18 start and is hoping to do it again while ending a deadlock with the 1993-94 Dallas Mavericks and 1970-71 Cleveland Cavaliers for the worst start in league history.


After suffering the fifth-largest defeat (51 points) in franchise history to San Antonio on Monday, the 76ers couldn't hold on after taking a four-point lead into the fourth quarter of Thursday's 100-91 loss at Brooklyn.


Jahlil Okafor had 22 points and 10 rebounds in his second game since returning from a two-game suspension. Robert Covington, though, was held to six points on 3-of-10 shooting after averaging 17.1 over his previous nine.


'I'm trying to play more games and just getting (my) flow back," Okafor said. "I'm going to try to keep getting better and play every game.'


Philadelphia, which shot 39.1 percent and 4 for 31 (12.9 percent) from 3-point range, ranks last in the NBA with 90.8 points per game and a minus-5.2 rebounding margin.


Although they have the league's leading rebounder in Drummond (16.7), the Pistons have been outworked 110-84 on the glass in their last two games. Drummond has only averaged 7.6 points and 10.0 boards in his last five against Philadelphia.


The Pistons have scuffled offensively in this series, shooting 37.1 percent - including 29.6 from beyond the arc - in the past five meetings.

 

[CNOTES]

Preview: Heat (12-8) at Pacers (12-8)
Date: December 11, 2015 7:00 PM EDT

It's no secret the Indiana Pacers missed Paul George during a disappointing campaign last season, and he made a point to come back better than ever to help them become contenders again in the Eastern Conference.


Although he's putting up the best numbers of his career, even George's impressive efforts haven't been enough lately.


The Pacers look to avoid a fourth consecutive defeat by winning a ninth straight regular-season home meeting with the Miami Heat on Friday night.


George missed all but the final six games of 2014-15 after suffering a freak leg injury in a USA Basketball exhibition, but he's gotten back to being his old self and the No. 1 offensive option for the Pacers (12-8).


He's averaging 27.9 points, 8.2 rebounds and 4.3 assists, all per-game numbers that project to be career highs. George has six 30-point games over his last seven, a stretch during which he's averaging 33.6.


Indiana, though, has dropped the last three, including Saturday when George scored a career-high 48 points in a 122-119 overtime loss to Utah and 33 in a 131-123 defeat to Golden State on Tuesday.


The Pacers rallied to trim a 32-point deficit to six in the final minute but couldn't get any closer. They tied a franchise worst by allowing 44 points in the first quarter and allowed their most total points since a 132-89 loss to New York on Jan. 3, 2010.


Indiana gave up an average of 95.3 points over its first 17 but has allowed 125.3 per game during its losing streak.


The Pacers were much better defensively in the first meeting with Miami (12-8) on Nov. 6, holding Dwyane Wade to nine points on 4-of-15 shooting in a 90-87 home victory.


George finished with 36 points and 12 rebounds for the Pacers, who haven't lost in the regular season to Miami at Bankers Life Fieldhouse since Feb. 14, 2012.


"Every team is different from the first time seeing them to now," George said. "We're a different team now (as well). Everybody gets more locked in, more dialed in to what they're doing. It's going to be a different ballgame. We can't come out here and expect that we're going to beat them easily because we beat them already. It's going to be an even tougher game for us."


The Heat also appear much improved after going 37-45 and missing the playoffs in its first season in five years without LeBron James while also dealing with Chris Bosh missing most of that season with a blood clot in his lungs.


Bosh struggled Wednesday, though, scoring a season-low seven points in a 99-81 loss to Charlotte. Miami suffered its second straight defeat while shooting just 38.7 percent and tying its season low for total points.


Tyler Johnson scored a career-high 20 off the bench, and Wade and Gerald Green added 11 apiece. Luol Deng scored five points off the bench in his first action since missing six games with a left hamstring strain.


Wade felt the Heat looked out of sorts.


'Everybody means well,' Wade said. 'On the road, you can't come out and spar with them offensively. You've got to get to your game right away. Not that it's going to guarantee a win, but it'll settle us and let us get better shots.'


Bosh had 21 points and 11 rebounds in the first meeting for the Heat, who are 2-4 on the road.

 

[CNOTES]

Preview: Warriors (23-0) at Celtics (13-9)
Date: December 11, 2015 7:30 PM EDT

As the Golden State Warriors continue to pile up wins, they're beginning to lose healthy bodies.


It's uncertain whether Klay Thompson will play as the unbeaten Warriors attempt to reach another milestone Friday night against the Boston Celtics.


Golden State (23-0) matched the 2012-13 Miami Heat for the second-longest streak in NBA history with a 27th consecutive regular-season victory on Tuesday. Its 131-123 win at Indiana may have come with a cost, however, after Thompson rolled his right ankle in the latter stages.


The injury isn't believed to be serious, but the Warriors could still hold Thompson out with the team playing consecutive nights. Golden State concludes a seven-game trip Saturday in Milwaukee.


Golden State has already withstood Harrison Barnes' six-game absence due to an ankle injury that will sideline him at least another week.


"One of the great things about this team is our guys are confident all the way down the line," interim coach Luke Walton said. "We've seen that consistently with Brandon (Rush) and Ian (Clark) filling in for Harrison."


Thompson would be tougher to replace, however, especially with the 2015 All-Star coming off a season-high 39 points on Tuesday. He's shot 51.9 percent on 3-pointers, highlighted by a 10-for-16 effort against the Pacers, while averaging 25.4 points over his last five games.


'It was one of those nights where I got a lot of great looks," Thompson said. "Going in I felt great. 'I felt like I was due for a game like that.'


Backup guard Leandro Barbosa also is questionable with an illness that kept him out against Indiana, potentially leaving the Warriors further short-handed against a Celtics team that's won four of five and may be able to match the defending NBA champs' offensive prowess.


Boston (13-9) has averaged 108.0 points during the five-game surge and had eight players finish in double figures in Wednesday's 105-100 win over Chicago. Among them was former Warrior David Lee, who tallied 12 points and six rebounds in 18 minutes after missing the previous two games with a bruised right heel.


Lee, traded by Golden State to the Celtics in July to clear salary cap space, averaged 16.7 points and 9.3 rebounds in five seasons with the Warriors.


Isaiah Thomas scored all 20 of his points in the second half in Boston's fourth straight home win. The explosive point guard is one of four Celtics, along with Avery Bradley, Jae Crowder and Kelly Olynyk, averaging at least 14.8 points and shooting over 43 percent from 3-point range over the past four.


"Just knowing any given night you don't know who's going to be that guy, that's the strength of this team," Thomas said. "You can't just focus in on one guy because we've got so many other guys who can put the ball in the basket and make plays."


That depth has the Celtics believing they can match up with Golden State, which can extend the best road start in NBA history with a 14th consecutive win.


'They're in the same league as us,' said center Jared Sullinger, who's grabbed 36 rebounds during Boston's two-game win streak. 'They get paid on the first and 15th just like us.'


Golden State has won four straight in the series, with Thompson finishing with 31 points in a 114-111 home victory Jan. 25 and Stephen Curry scoring 37 in a 106-101 win at Boston on March 1.

 

[CNOTES]

Preview: Bucks (9-14) at Raptors (14-9)
Date: December 11, 2015 7:30 PM EDT

Beating the league's best team outside the Bay Area didn't do much to excite Toronto Raptors coach Dwane Casey.


A win over the last-place Milwaukee Bucks, however, would give him some delight.


The Raptors look to end a disturbing trend of following encouraging victories over good teams with losses to lesser opponents Friday night when they host a Bucks club trying to avoid a ninth straight road loss.


San Antonio arrived in Toronto for Wednesday's matchup riding a four-game winning streak and boasting the league's top defense, but Casey's club became the first team this season to make more than half its shots against the Spurs in a 97-94 victory.


DeMar DeRozan had 28 points and Kyle Lowry added 19 as Toronto (14-9) shot a season-high 57.8 percent on 64 shots - its fewest in a win since December 2009 - and never trailed.


Although the Raptors dropped the Spurs to 18-5, Casey won't be completely satisfied until he sees his team replicate that performance.


Already this season, Toronto has followed victories at Oklahoma City, at Washington and at Atlanta with defeats at Orlando, and home against Phoenix and Denver.


'We have to build a consistent identity of playing this way if we're serious about doing anything,' Casey said. 'We can be up and down and get happy on the farm and do all this on one night and come back and lay an egg the next night.


'We have to make sure we tend to our business and keep this same concentration, execution in the next game.'


One of Toronto's biggest problems in its defeats has been its 3-point defense, as it's gone 2-6 when opponents make at least 10 3s. It is 12-3 when holding teams to nine or fewer 3-pointers.


Limiting the damage from the perimeter shouldn't be a problem against Milwaukee, which has been outscored by an average of 17.9 points during its eight-game road skid and is averaging just 84.6 points in the last five.


The Bucks (9-14) were 2 of 10 from 3-point range in Wednesday's 109-95 home loss to the Los Angeles Clippers and are shooting 25.0 percent on 3s in their last three road games. Their average of 11.8 3-point attempts in five December games is the fewest in the league.


'Right now we're not a team that takes a lot of 3s,' Bucks coach Jason Kidd said. 'You play to your strength and ours is in the paint.'


The Bucks are averaging 46.9 points in the paint for the Eastern Conference's second-best mark, but they're not particularly efficient converting there. Their 56.3 shooting percentage from less than five feet from the basket is in the bottom half of the league.


Visiting Toronto on Nov. 1, the Raptors outscored the Bucks 52-44 in the paint in a 106-87 home victory - their seventh win in the last eight meetings. Toronto made 11 of 25 3-pointers while the Bucks were 5 of 19.


Michael Carter-Williams had 12 points on 3-of-10 shooting with seven assists and four turnovers in that game and has alternated good and bad performances in the last four contests. He has totaled 40 points on 56.3 percent shooting with 16 assists and four turnovers in the two good ones but has combined for 14 points on 29.4 percent shooting with 12 assists and nine turnovers in the other two.


Toronto's starting backcourt of backcourt duo of DeRozan and Lowry are averaging 49.0 points on 47.5 percent shooting in five games this month.