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

[CNOTES]

Preview: Pacers (21-16) at Celtics (19-18)
Date: January 13, 2016 8:00 PM EDT

The Boston Celtics are searching for answers during their longest losing streak of the season. They may not find them against an opponent that's had their number.


The Celtics limp home looking to end a frustrating four-game skid in Wednesday night's matchup with the Indiana Pacers.


An inability to win close games has Boston (19-19) at .500 for the first time since it was 7-7 on Nov. 24. The Celtics have lost four times by six points or less during a 1-6 stretch that began with home defeats to two of the league's worst teams, the Los Angeles Lakers and Brooklyn.


'Very frustrating, especially when they're winnable games,' guard Isaiah Thomas said. 'We're just not doing enough of the little things to win these games."


Offensive woes have been the biggest contributor to the tailspin, though the Celtics were let down by their usually reliable defense in Tuesday's 120-114 loss at New York. The Knicks were 13 of 18 from the field during a 35-point fourth quarter and shot 53.1 percent overall, the second-highest mark by a Boston opponent this season.


"It's hard not to think that basket's bigger than it is because of the way we defended them," coach Brad Stevens said.


The Celtics shot 38.3 percent and averaged 94.7 points over their previous three losses, and they've been woeful from the 3-point line throughout their seven-game slump, making 25.5 percent.


Those numbers don't match up well against Indiana (22-16), among the NBA's top defensive teams. The Pacers have been especially stingy during the new calendar year, limiting opponents to 93.5 points per game and 39.2 percent shooting while winning four of six.


They improved to 19-3 when allowing less than 100 points with Tuesday's 116-97 victory over depleted Phoenix. The Pacers showed some offensive skill as well, particularly during a fourth quarter in which they outscored the Suns 36-21 while hitting 14 of 21 shots.


"We have a lot of guys that can score the ball," said George Hill, who had 20 points on 8-of-13 shooting. "It's on us. When we have those bad shooting nights, it's because we're forcing, not making the extra pass and playing the right way."


Hill is 18 of 31 from 3-point range while averaging 15.6 points over a seven-game span.


Boston has received plenty of production from Thomas, who followed up a 35-point effort in Sunday's 101-98 loss at Memphis with 34 against the Knicks. Marcus Smart is shooting 21.6 percent over his last four, however, and Evan Turner was 7 of 24 while averaging 5.7 points over the team's 0-3 trip.


Turner had 20 points on 9-of-13 shooting in Indiana's Nov. 11 visit to TD Garden, but the Pacers held Thomas to 14 in earning a 102-91 win. Paul George finished with 26 points and 10 rebounds that night and had the same line in Indiana's 100-98 home victory over Boston a week earlier.


Boston, which has lost three straight and six of eight at home, has dropped seven of 10 in the series.


Indiana's Rodney Stuckey is questionable for the game after exiting Tuesday's contest with a right foot injury.

 

[CNOTES]

Preview: Warriors (36-2) at Nuggets (14-24)
Date: January 13, 2016 9:00 PM EDT

On pace to shatter the NBA's season wins record, the Golden State Warriors are starting to look ahead to the bigger prize.


With Draymond Green not expected to play, the Warriors vie for an eighth consecutive victory Wednesday night against the Denver Nuggets.


Golden State will play its fourth game in six days when it visits Denver and hosts the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday, a grueling stretch that has interim coach Luke Walton contemplating resting some key players. Among those is Green, averaging a team-high 34.9 minutes while playing in all 38 games.


Walton also mentioned giving breaks to veterans Andre Iguodala and Shaun Livingston during the back-to-back sequence.


"They always want to play but they also understand the big picture," Walton said during Tuesday's practice. "I think earlier in the season it was tough to have them included in the conversation, but this is a hard part of the season. Guys are worn down and I think they understand now if we come to them with the training staff, if they think it's a smart idea to give them a night or two off here or there, then they'll be more receptive to that."


Green was forced into heavier minutes with Harrison Barnes sidelined 16 games by a sprained ankle and Stephen Curry missing two with a shin injury. Both have since returned to give Walton the option of reducing the versatile forward's court time.


"Now that we have Harrison back (Green's) definitely a guy we can look into giving a little bit of time off to," Walton said.


Depth has been a prime reason why Golden State (36-2) is halfway to the 1996-97 Chicago Bulls' league mark of 72 wins three games prior to the season's midpoint. It was again a factor in Monday's 111-103 victory over Miami, with the bench sparking a pivotal 12-4 run to begin the fourth quarter after the Heat pulled within 80-77 after three.


'They came in and took control of the game and got us to the finish line," said Curry, who combined with backcourt mate Klay Thompson for a 17-of-42 shooting effort.


Barnes contributed 12 points in his fifth game back and totaled 38 in two of the Warriors' three wins over Denver (14-24) this season. He sat out a 111-108 overtime victory in Oakland on Jan. 2 in which Curry was limited to 14 minutes and Green compiled 29 points, 17 rebounds and 14 assists.


That loss was part of a seven-game skid for the Nuggets, but they've since won two of three as they've gotten healthier. Leading scorer Danilo Gallinari is averaging 25.8 points in five games since returning from a sprained ankle, while rookie Emmanuel Mudiay (ankle) had 11 and six assists in his first game back from a month-long absence during Sunday's 95-92 win over slumping Charlotte.


Gallinari recorded 27 points and the Nuggets held on despite going scoreless over the final 4:17.


'It was kind of an ugly win at the end,' he said. 'I'll take it. We needed one.'


Denver was without Kenneth Faried (personal) for a second straight game and Jameer Nelson sat out with a hip injury, though both are expected to play Wednesday.


The Nuggets, playing the second of a season-high eight-game homestand, have lost four straight and six of seven in the series. Golden State earned a 118-103 win at Denver on Nov. 22.


The Warriors have 40, 35 and 34 assists in the season series, three of their top seven totals in 2015-16.

 

[CNOTES]

Preview: Jazz (17-20) at Trail Blazers (16-24)
Date: January 13, 2016 10:00 PM EDT

The Utah Jazz are after their longest win streak of the season with Rudy Gobert back patrolling the middle. It'll be no easy task against Portland's high-scoring backcourt.


With Derrick Favors likely a game-time decision, the visiting Jazz will try to win three straight for the first time Wednesday night with their second victory in three meetings against the Trail Blazers.


Utah (17-20) certainly seemed to miss Gobert while he was sidelined 18 games due to a sprained left MCL. The club allowed an average of 100.8 points on 46.3 percent shooting while going 7-11 without the 7-foot-1 center, who leads the team with 9.7 rebounds and 2.6 blocks per game.


The Jazz, however, are 2-0 since he returned to the starting lineup. Gobert had seven blocks while helping Utah limit Miami and the Los Angeles Lakers to an average of 78.5 points and a 36.8 field-goal percentage. The Jazz are 10-6 while holding foes to 91.7 points per game on 43.4 percent shooting when he starts.


Favors, the team's second-leading scorer at 16.8 per game, could return after missing 10 games because of a back injury. Alec Burks, though, isn't expected to return before the All-Star break following ankle surgery, and Dante Exum hasn't played after suffering an ACL tear in August.


"We've been going through adversity. But this group, we never quit. We're just going to keep fighting," Gobert said. "The good thing (about) the coaches is that they don't give up on us."


Gordon Hayward has carried the load offensively, totaling 59 points in the past two games. He scored 25 on Sunday when Utah snapped a seven-game road skid with an 86-74 win over the Lakers at Staples Center.


Coach Quin Snyder's club is bracing for a more difficult challenge as it seeks its first three-game win streak since March 28-April 1. Portland star Damian Lillard enters the third meeting on a tear after totaling 71 points, 14 3-pointers and 19 assists over his last two games.


The point guard finished with 31 points, a career high-tying eight 3s - including five in the last 3:07 - nine assists and seven rebounds, while backcourt mate C.J. McCollum scored 22 in Sunday's 115-110 home win over Oklahoma City that snapped a three-game losing streak.


"You just keep competing," coach Terry Stotts said after his team made a season-high 19 3s on a franchise-record 44 attempts. "It was a rough week, no question, and we knew it was going to be a rough week. To come out and get a win against one of the top teams... I'm happy for our guys."


Portland (16-24) has allowed an average of 108.8 points in its last six games, though Stotts said he did like some of the things the team did defensively Sunday. The Blazers didn't make things difficult enough on the Jazz in a 109-96 loss in Salt Lake City in the most recent meeting Dec. 31.


Utah's Trey Burke had 27 points, Hayward added 23 and Hood scored 18. McCollum finished with 32 points and six 3-pointers for Portland, which did not have Lillard due to plantar fasciitis.


Lillard led the way with 35 points and McCollum had 27 in a 108-92 road win Nov. 4. Hayward scored 19 for the Jazz, while Burke contributed 17 off the bench.


Utah snapped a three-game losing streak at Portland with a 111-105 victory April 11.

 

[CNOTES]

Preview: Heat (22-16) at Clippers (25-13)
Date: January 13, 2016 10:30 PM EDT

Chris Paul feels the Los Angeles Clippers' surge without Blake Griffin is just a bonus until their leading scorer returns from injury.


After all, it's not as if the Clippers are beating up on the best teams in the league during their nine-game winning streak.


Los Angeles faces its first .500 team of the run when the Miami Heat visit Staples Center looking to win for the fifth time in six meetings Wednesday night.


Griffin has missed the last eight with a partially torn quadriceps tendon that likely will keep him out at least another week, but the Clippers (25-13) have gotten by just fine without him so far.


Paul has increased his scoring average from 16.8 through his first 23 to 21.1 over his last 10 and finished with 25 for the second straight game in Sunday's 114-111 overtime win over a New Orleans team missing Anthony Davis.


Paul also added 11 assists to help Los Angeles earn its fourth winning streak of at least nine games over the last four seasons. The Clippers are 20-8 when Griffin sits out in his career, not counting when he missed the entire first season because of injury after being drafted No. 1 overall in 2009.


That doesn't mean they aren't missing him this time around, though. The Clippers have won four times by six points or fewer during their streak despite every opponent currently sitting below the .500 mark.


'We're happy that we're winning games, and we want to continue to try to keep winning and build up the team as much as possible. But this is not our team until 32 gets back,' Paul said.


'When you lose somebody as important as Blake, everybody knew they had to step up. A lot of times we just throw it to him and watch him go to work, and now we're having to do a lot more. But our defense has come together, and we just keep trying to hold it down until he gets back.'


The Heat (22-16) didn't have much trouble beating the Clippers with Griffin in the last meeting, getting 34 points from Chris Bosh and 17 and 10 assists from Dwyane Wade in a 104-90 road win Jan. 11, 2015.


Hassan Whiteside finished with 23 points and 16 rebounds, but his availability for this contest is unclear. Whiteside sat out Monday's 111-103 loss to Golden State with a right knee injury after being listed as a game-time decision, and as of now has that same status for this matchup.


Justise Winslow made the first start of his career in Whiteside's place and finished with seven points, but he wasn't a match for Whiteside's inside presence.


Wade had 20 points and 11 assists, while Bosh finished with 15 and 12 rebounds.


Miami has dropped three of four overall and is 1-2 on a six-game trip that ends Sunday against Oklahoma City. Wade played through a strained left shoulder that he suffered in Friday's loss to Utah and had it wrapped in ice after the game.


"You've just got to fight and give your team whatever you have," said Wade, who is 9 for 37 from the field over the last two and shooting what would be a career-low 45.2 percent on the season. "Everyone in this locker room is going through something. I just try to battle, get some rest and go on to the next one."

 

[CNOTES]

Preview: Bucks (16-24) at Wizards (17-19)
Date: January 13, 2016 7:00 PM EDT

A pair of road wins have the injury-riddled Washington Wizards building momentum as they try to avoid their longest home losing streak in two years.


A matchup with the Milwaukee Bucks could be just what they need.


The Wizards attempt to snap their four-game home losing streak by continuing their success against the Bucks on Wednesday night.


Washington (17-19) is without Bradley Beal (right leg) and Kris Humphries (right knee), while Marcin Gortat's sore left knee could sideline him a second straight game.


Scoring depth was key to overcoming those absences Monday, with seven Wizards reaching double figures in a 114-100 win at Chicago.


"I believe in these guys," said guard John Wall, who had 17 points and 10 assists. "I see these guys put in work every day, and I put in the work every day also, and if these guys get open, I believe they're going to make shots."


Washington could get a lift if Gortat returns. The center averages 13.4 points and 9.7 rebounds but was scratched Monday after getting 12 and 10 in Saturday's 105-99 win at Orlando.


"I don't know if it's a staph infection. Just a small cut on his knee from diving on the floor, and something got in there," coach Randy Wittman said, "and it swelled up and he had a high temperature. So we know it's an infection of some kind, we just got to do the treatment."


If Gortat is out, Nene would start at center again after scoring 14 points while making 7 of 11 from the field against the Bulls.


The Wizards, though, are averaging 92.7 points while losing three straight games at home, and they last dropped four straight there from Jan. 1-11, 2014.


But Washington has won nine of its last 11 matchups with Milwaukee (16-24), including a 115-86 rout in the nation's capital Nov. 17. Six Wizards scored in double digits, with Wall and Otto Porter leading the way with 19 points apiece.


Washington has won three straight at home over the Bucks by an average of 17.7 points.


Milwaukee is trying to build on its own win over the Bulls, a 106-101 victory Tuesday thanks in large part to Giannis Antetokounmpo. The forward had 29 points, 10 rebounds and five assists after totaling 13, 15 and six over the two previous games.


"That's what we need from him," said Greg Monroe, who added 17 points and 12 boards. "He's at his best when he's attacking the rim and getting into the lane."


Antetokounmpo had no trouble doing that against the Wizards on Oct. 30, scoring 27 points with nine rebounds in a 118-113 home loss. He struggled in the defeat at Washington, scoring nine points on 3-for-13 shooting.


Monroe also had a tough time at Verizon Center, finishing with a season-low four points while missing 5 of 6 from the floor. He had 22 against the Wizards at home in October, and enters this meeting averaging 20.8 points over the last four road games.


Khris Middleton leads the Bucks with 16.9 points per game, but he's putting up 23.8 while connecting on 49.6 percent from the floor - 47.7 from 3-point range - over the past eight contests.

 

[CNOTES]

Preview: Knicks (20-20) at Nets (10-28)
Date: January 13, 2016 7:30 PM EDT

The New York Knicks haven't owned a winning record in almost two months. Getting there might require overcoming Carmelo Anthony's absence.


While Anthony's status is unknown, the Knicks look to continue their surge and send the Brooklyn Nets to an 11th straight home loss Wednesday night.


New York (20-20) has followed a four-game slide by winning six of eight. The Knicks have a chance to move above .500 for the first time since they were 8-7 following a loss at Miami on Nov. 23.


They may have to do it without Anthony, who suffered a sprained right ankle when he ran into a referee heading up the floor before halftime of Tuesday's 120-114 win over Boston. He left 19 seconds into the third quarter and X-rays were negative.


New York also won despite Kristaps Porzingis, who finished with 26 points, fouling out in the fourth quarter.


"There's turning points in seasons, and I think this is a good turning point for us," said forward Derrick Williams, who had 15 points and a season-high 10 rebounds. "When KP fouls out and Melo got injured, things like that happen. It's a team effort, and it gives those guys confidence in us that we can pull out games even when they're not on the court."


That confidence will be vital if Anthony is out. He leads the team with 21.6 points per game and had 28 in a 108-91 home win over the Nets on Dec. 4 after the Knicks lost all four matchups last season.


Porzingis contributed 19 points and 10 rebounds. The rookie forward is averaging 23.0 points on 52.0 percent from the floor - 8 for 21 from beyond the arc - over the last three games.


The Knicks have split six visits to Brooklyn, losing the last two after falling 92-88 on Feb. 6. However, they should like their chances this time since the Nets (10-28) have lost 10 straight for their longest slide at Barclays Center.


It's also the second-longest in franchise history. They dropped 14 in a row in New Jersey from Jan. 29-March 22, 2010.


The current losing streak was in no danger of ending Monday when the Nets were thumped 106-79 by San Antonio, one day after the firings of general manager Billy King and coach Lionel Hollins.


"We ran into a sledgehammer of a team," interim coach Tony Brown said. "They definitely know how to play together and that's something we're going to strive and try to do here."


Brook Lopez was again a bright spot, averaging a team-high 19.7 points and 8.5 rebounds. He led the way with 18 points against the Spurs, while the rest of the starters combined for 35.


The center has averaged 23.0 points on 55.4 percent shooting over his last five home meetings with New York. He scored 22 while adding nine rebounds and six blocks off the bench Feb. 6.


Brown may opt to start Wayne Ellington and Donald Sloan in the back court again, but they combined for 10 points on 4-of-12 shooting Monday. Sloan got the nod ahead of Shane Larkin, who started the previous four games after Jarrett Jack was lost for the season with a torn ACL.

 

[CNOTES]

Preview: Mavericks (22-17) at Thunder (27-12)
Date: January 13, 2016 8:00 PM EDT

After succumbing to a long night against LeBron James and Kyrie Irving, now the Dallas Mavericks must face Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook.


The visiting Mavericks figure to be the more tired team after an overtime loss although the Oklahoma City Thunder are also playing the second half of a back-to-back set Wednesday night.


Dallas (22-17) fell 110-107 at home to Cleveland on Tuesday. James had three points and an assist on Irving's 3-pointer in a 6-2 run over the final minute of the extra session, and they combined for 49 points.


"We can't hang our heads," forward Chandler Parsons told the Mavericks' official website. "We've got the same type of monster tomorrow night in OKC, dealing with similar personnel with Westbrook and Durant. It's not going to get easier going forward, so we've got to lock in get back at it tomorrow."


Three Mavericks logged at least 40 minutes, including the starting backcourt of Deron Williams and Wesley Matthews. Dallas built an early 16-point lead.


'We knew we weren't going to blow them out. We knew that the lead at some point was going to get chipped away,' Matthews said. 'But this was our game. We should have won it and we didn't.'


Fatigue will be a factor versus the Thunder, who won 101-96 at Minnesota on Tuesday. Durant scored Oklahoma City's final 12 points over the last 2:54 in a 30-point effort.


'It felt like I need to get it going in the first three quarters,' he said. 'I can't just come out and try to save the game and make shots in the fourth. I've got to get it going earlier. I've got to make shots, man. That's what it's about.'


Westbrook added 22 points, 11 assists and seven rebounds as Oklahoma City (27-12) won for the seventh time in nine games.


The Mavericks will face Durant for the first time since he was out when the Thunder won 117-114 on Nov. 22. Westbrook had 31 points and 11 assists, scoring Oklahoma City's final six points as it held on down the stretch.


Williams and Matthews combined for 38 points that night.


Dallas is 6-3 in the second half of back-to-backs and Oklahoma City is 2-4. It's not clear who will even play for the Mavericks after Tuesday's grueling loss.


Last Tuesday, Dallas won in two overtimes at home over Sacramento. The next night, coach Rick Carlisle rested Williams, Matthews, Dirk Nowitzki and Zaza Pachulia in a 100-91 win at New Orleans. Parsons was the only regular starter who remained in the lineup.


Parsons led Dallas with a season-high 25 points on 10-of-14 shooting Tuesday. Nowitzki had 17 points and 11 boards.


Nowitzki entered Tuesday averaging 8.0 points on catch-and-shoot attempts to rank third in the NBA. Oklahoma City's Serge Ibaka was seventh at 7.1 per game.


The Thunder have won nine of their last 11 at home over the Mavs, including two playoff wins. Tuesday's victory completed their longest trip of the season to this point at 2-1.


"It was a good trip for us, we won more than we lost," Durant said. "We're looking forward to coming home and playing in front of our great fans."


Dallas is opening a three-game trip that includes matchups with Chicago and San Antonio.

 

[CNOTES]

Preview: Timberwolves (12-27) at Rockets (20-19)
Date: January 13, 2016 8:00 PM EDT

The Houston Rockets have their swagger back, and it's showing during a four-game winning streak.


They'll have a chance for another confidence-building result when the floundering Minnesota Timberwolves visit Toyota Center on Wednesday night.


After failing to meet expectations over the season's first two months, Houston (20-19) has begun to resemble the free-wheeling team that reached the 2015 Western Conference finals in matching its longest unbeaten run of this campaign. Improved efficiency on both ends has triggered the turnaround, with the Rockets having regained their touch from the 3-point arc and shored up a defense that was often non-existent during their sluggish start.


Those strides were evident in Tuesday's 107-91 win at rival Memphis, where Houston was 18 of 35 on 3s and outscored the Grizzlies 24-8 over the final 7:13.


"I think our guys are in a great spot right now," interim coach J.B. Bickerstaff said. "There's confidence, there's belief, there's togetherness, there's poise, all those things that we talked about in October are starting to come to fruition. When things kept coming, times got hard, we didn't fracture, we stayed together."


The Rockets have shot 43.0 percent from 3 over the last nine games after a 33.5 percent rate over the first 30. They're allowing 95.8 points per game during the win streak after permitting 116.5 in losing their previous four.


Houston is 16-12 since Bickerstaff replaced Kevin McHale on Nov. 18 and can move two games over .500 for the first time this season by extending the Timberwolves' losing streak to eight games.


Minnesota (12-27) has dropped 11 of 12 overall and eight of nine on the road, though there were a few encouraging signs in Tuesday's 101-96 home loss to Northwest Division-leading Oklahoma City. With second-year pros Andrew Wiggins and Zach LaVine leading the way, the Timberwolves cut an 18-point third-quarter deficit down to three in the final minute.


"OKC's a really good team and got off to a really quick start on us, but everyone played well tonight,' said forward Shabazz Muhammad. "We have to carry that on to tomorrow night."


Wiggins scored 16 of his 22 points in the second half and is averaging 26.0 over his last three games. Muhammad is averaging 19.3 during that stretch after recording 20 on Tuesday.


LaVine added 21 points to break out of a horrendous seven-game slump in which the 20-year-old managed 21 total while shooting 20.5 percent.


"He slowed down, he was patient, he found his rhythm shooting the ball," coach Sam Mitchell said. "The thing we've been telling Zach is just focus on running a basketball team, playing defense and everything else will come. I thought he played his best game."


The Timberwolves still failed to score 100 points for a 12th consecutive game and could have trouble keeping up with the high-powered Rockets, fourth in the league at 104.0 points per game. Minnesota hasn't had a longer stretch of games without reaching the century mark since going 16 in a row in 2004.


The Timberwolves also have to defend the perimeter better after allowing opponents to shoot 40.4 percent on 3-pointers over their last four. Houston's Patrick Beverley is 17 of 27 from 3 over his last eight and Trevor Ariza 7 of 14 in the last two.


Minnesota wasn't able to stop James Harden last season, as the 2015 MVP runner-up averaged 31.3 points in leading Houston to a four-game sweep. The Rockets have won eight of nine in the series and five straight at home.

 

[CNOTES]

Preview: Pelicans (11-26) at Kings (15-22)
Date: January 13, 2016 10:00 PM EDT

It's not too early for the Sacramento Kings to think that this week represents a crucial stretch in their bid to earn a playoff spot for the first time in 10 seasons.


They start an important back-to-back set Wednesday night when they host a struggling New Orleans Pelicans team that may be without star forward Anthony Davis.


Sacramento (15-22) is in ninth place in the Western Conference standings, two games behind Utah. Both teams play Wednesday before they meet Thursday in Salt Lake City.


Coach George Karl emphasized Monday how important sweeping this set would be.


"I told the team today that every season comes down to a tiebreaker, every season comes down to a one game situation," Karl told the Kings' official website. "We can put a foot forward in that situation if we take care of business starting Wednesday."


The Kings' chances of winning will be greater if Davis misses a third straight game because of a bruised back. Davis, who leads the club with averages of 22.8 points and 10.8 rebounds, was injured when he dove over the first row of seats chasing a loose ball early in a 91-86 home loss to Indiana on Friday.


Coach Alvin Gentry said the club is being cautious and decided not to play him in Tuesday's 95-91 road loss to the Los Angeles Lakers. New Orleans (11-26) has now lost four straight and fell to 0-5 without Davis after getting outscored 10-2 in the final 2:14.


The coach didn't want to use the superstar's absence as an excuse.


"It's about playing hard and competing, that's what it's about," Gentry said. "If we play hard and compete and then we don't have enough talent, then we'll talk about that."


The absence of Davis would make Sacramento's DeMarcus Cousins clearly the best player on the floor. Cousins leads all NBA players with an average of 32.4 points in 2016, shooting 51.4 percent in that five-game stretch in which he is also averaging 13.0 rebounds.


The sixth-year power forward is eager for his first taste of the postseason.


"It's been a better feeling, a better vibe," Cousins said. "It's the best vibe I've seen since I've been in Sacramento."


He had 33 points and 10 rebounds in Saturday's 128-116 home defeat to Golden State. Rudy Gay added 23 points and Rajon Rondo handed out 12 assists.


The Kings may get a major weapon back in Omri Casspi, who has returned to practice after missing the last four games with a sore upper back. Casspi is fourth in the league in 3-point shooting at 47.7 percent.


Former Sacramento guard Tyreke Evans is averaging 22.3 points, 8.5 rebounds and 8.5 assists as a visitor to Sleep Train Arena, with the Pelicans going 3-1.


Evans scored 21 on Tuesday for New Orleans, which is shooting 39.1 percent in this losing streak. The Pelicans are 1-7 in the second of back-to-back games.


'You just have to decide if you are going to play hard every night and if we want to have a good team,' Gentry said. 'That's the bottom line. It doesn't involve soul-searching. It involves looking in the mirror and being able to say, `I gave the best effort that I could tonight.' That's not what we are getting.'

 

[CNOTES]

Wednesday's Tip Sheet
January 13, 2016


Hawks at Hornets – 7:05 PM EST


The coldest team in the Eastern Conference returns home from an 0-4 road trip as Charlotte (17-20 SU, 16-20-1 ATS) looks to snap a seven-game losing streak. The Hornets shot 36% from the floor in Sunday’s 95-92 loss at Denver, including an 0-for-8 effort from guard Jeremy Lin off the bench. Steve Clifford’s club has been miserable against the number recently by posting a 1-7 ATS record, while scoring less than 94 points or less four times during this current seven-game skid. Charlotte is playing with double-revenge after losing to Atlanta twice during the opening week of the season in a pair of games decided by a total of five points.


The Hawks (23-15 SU, 19-18-1 ATS) have pulled back into first place of the Southeast thanks to consecutive double-digit wins over the 76ers and Bulls. Atlanta is riding a 11-1 streak to the ‘over,’ while Mike Budenholtzer’s team has put up at least 100 points ten times during this stretch. The Hawks have won four of their last six games away from Philips Arena, while winning and covering three of their past four in the road favorite role. Each of the first two matchups with the Hornets finished ‘under’ the total, as Atlanta held Charlotte to less than 94 points in both wins.


Pacers at Celtics – 8:05 PM EST


When the calendar flipped to 2016, big things were expected for Boston. However, the Celtics (19-19 SU, 19-18-1 ATS) have fallen apart of late by losing four straight games and six of the past seven. The latest defeat came last night in a 120-114 setback at New York, as the Celtics allowed its most points in regulation this season. Brad Stevens’ club has been pointspread poison of late, compiling a 1-6 ATS record in the past seven contests, including an 0-3 SU/ATS mark in the last three games at TD Garden.


Indiana (22-16 SU, 22-16 ATS) travels to Boston with no rest after pulling away from Phoenix on Tuesday at home, 116-97 to cash as 12-point favorites. Frank Vogel’s team has lost five straight games in the role of a road underdog, while covering only once in this stretch. The Pacers have seen success against the Celtics this season with a 2-0 mark, including a 102-91 triumph at TD Garden in mid-November as 3 ½-point underdogs. Since Christmas, the Pacers have cashed seven of the last 10 games, but their three road wins came at New Orleans, Orlando, and Minnesota.


Mavericks at Thunder – 8:05 PM EST


There’s no rest for Dallas (22-17 SU, 23-15-1 ATS) after falling in overtime at home to Cleveland on Tuesday, 110-97. The Mavericks managed a cover as six-point underdogs, but allowed the Cavaliers to knock down 17 three-pointers in the loss. Rick Carlisle’s squad has performed well on the second of a back-to-back set this season, especially on the road by posting a 5-2 SU and 6-1 ATS record in this situation. The Mavs will be looking to avenge a 117-114 setback at Oklahoma City in late November, but the Thunder played without leading scorer Kevin Durant.


Oklahoma City (27-12 SU, 15-24 ATS) also plays with no rest after holding off Minnesota on Tuesday, 101-96. The Thunder failed to cover as 10 ½-point road favorites to fall to 2-8 ATS since Christmas Day, which includes a 1-5 ATS mark at home. Billy Donovan’s team has eclipsed the 100-point mark in nine straight games, as the Thunder own a 7-2 mark to the ‘over’ in this stretch. Since the start of last season, the Thunder and Mavericks have played several high-scoring affairs, resulting in four ‘overs’ in the past five matchups.


Jazz at Blazers – 10:05 PM EST


The Thunder is running away with the Northwest division less than three months into the season as the two teams trailing OKC hook up in Portland. Utah (17-20 SU, 20-17 ATS) has won consecutive games seven times this season, but Quin Snyder’s club has yet to string together three straight victories. The Jazz are coming off a pair of low-scoring wins over the Heat and Lakers, as Utah has yet to bust the 100-point mark in 2016, a span of six games.


The Blazers (16-24 SU, 20-20 ATS) used a late flurry of three-pointers by Damian Lillard to stun the Thunder on Sunday, 115-110 to cash as seven-point home underdogs. Portland attempted 100 field goals in that win, including 44 shots from three-point range, as the Blazers sailed ‘over’ the total for the sixth time in seven games. The Blazers and Jazz have split a pair of meetings this season, both in Salt Lake City with Portland losing the previous meeting on New Year’s Eve, 109-96 as three-point underdogs.


Heat at Clippers – 10:35 PM EST


Miami (22-16 SU, 19-18-1 ATS) continues a six-game road trip after losing at Utah and Golden State the last two times out. The Heat picked up a cover at Oracle Arena as 14-point underdogs in Monday’s 111-103 defeat, as center Hassan Whiteside sat out with a knee injury. Whiteside is listed as questionable for tonight’s contest, as Miami is trying to avoid its second three-game losing streak of the season. The Heat have been up and down in the road underdog role by compiling a 3-4 SU and 4-3 ATS record, but Erik Spoelstra’s team has won five of its past eight games away from South Florida.


For as well as the Warriors and Spurs have played this season, many people are forgetting about the Clippers. Los Angeles (25-13 SU, 17-18-3 ATS) continues to play without Blake Griffin, but the Clips have run off nine straight victories, including each of the past eight with their All-Star forward sidelined due to a quad injury. The Clippers continue a five-game homestand after holding off the Pelicans on Sunday in overtime, 114-111 as 9 ½-point favorites, snapping a seven-game ATS hot streak. Los Angeles has lost its last two home matchups with Miami, including a 104-90 setback last season as 10-point favorites.

 

[CNOTES]

Armadillo: Wednesday's six-pack


Six teams in country that play the best eFG% defense...........


6) San Diego State-- 42.0%-- Defense is never a problem for the Aztecs.


5) Louisville-- 41.9%-- Put Clemson on line 44 times in Sunday's upset loss.


4) Memphis-- 41.6%-- Tigers do great job at not fouling (#2 in US).


3) Vanderbilt-- 41.4%-- Commodores got off schneid in SEC last night.


2) Purdue-- 40.6%-- Key for Boilers is how well their guards play.


1) Michigan State-- 40.0%-- Izzo's team just got star Valentine back.


**********


Armadillo: Wednesday's List of 13: Random thoughts with Rams off to LA....


13) I've been a Ram fan since I was six years old, watching them lose to the Packers on our black/white TV with my dad-- I loved their helmets, and became a huge fan as coach George Allen turned them into a contender.


Roman Gabriel, Deacon Jones, Dick Bass, Jack Snow- the heroes of my youth.


Tuesday night's news that the Rams are heading back to LA brought mixed emotions; I live in New York, so it really didn't matter where they wound up-- I just wanted the situation resolved so players/coaches can get settled and get about the job of winning.


12) I was at the 2000 NFC title game when the Rams beat Tampa Bay to made it to the Super Bowl; it was an awesome weekend. St Louis is a very friendly place, so it is sad to see them lose a team. Hopefully they'll get another team soon, but the fact it that St Louis is a baseball-first (and second) town, so they'll get over this.


11) Rams owner Stan Kroenke is called "Silent Stan"; he seldom speaks publicly, but in July 2010, I talked to him at the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas- he also owns the Denver Nuggets. He is a businessman first, a really rich guy who knows how to make deals. I took him off guard that day in 2010, but he was polite and talked to me for 10 minutes or so. Was interesting hearing him talk at the press conference last nite.


10) I am not wealthy and do not understand business, so how this all happened is out of my realm, but here is the fallout: Chargers have a year to decide whether to join the Rams in LA or stay in San Diego- if they stay in San Diego, then the Raiders have a year to decide if they want to return to LA or go somewhere else.


As far as 2016 goes, the Rams will be in LA, probably at the Coliseum, the other two teams are in limbo right now.


9) When Clemson scored with 0:12 left Monday night to make final score 45-40, it caused a $10M swing in Las Vegas, with the line at Alabama, -6.5. Nothing like the reactions in the sportsbook when stuff like that happens-- great theater.


8) 40 bowl games this year; over was 26-14 in those forty games.


7) Alabama's nine assistant coaches banked a combined $1.1M in bonuses when they won Monday night; the players got free hats and t-shirts. SEC wound up 9-2 in bowl games this season.


6) Ben Roethlisberger has torn ligaments in his shoulder, will be interesting to see if he plays Sunday (I think he will) and how effective he can be in Denver if he does.


5) Miami Marlins signed P Wei-Yin Chen for five years, $80M. Good move.


4) There is a 16-year old Cuban OF named Lazarito Armentrano who is now a free agent and will be highly sought after by big league teams.


3) Colorado Rockies gave Gerardo Parra a 3-year deal, now will try to deal one of its other OFs for pitching, maybe to the Orioles. If you have a pitcher on your fantasy team who gets traded to the Rockies, it is a very unhappy day.


2) Minnesota Vikings fired their offensive line coach Tuesday; guess it was his fault the kicker missed that short field goal.


1) RIP Andrew Smith, who passed away yesterday at age 25; he played for Butler when they played in back/back national title games a few years back. A damn shame when someone passes away so young. RIP, sir

 

[CNOTES]

This Week's Best Spot Bets


Letdown spot


Even the best teams in the NBA are susceptible to a letdown, especially after playing another of the NBA’s elite. The Cleveland Cavaliers visit Western rivals the San Antonio Spurs Thursday, in a possible Finals preview. LeBron James has plenty of history with San Antonio going back to his original stint with Cleveland and his Miami days and this will be a huge litmus test for the Cavs as they get their lineup back to form.


Following this stop in San Antonio, Cleveland takes the court at the Toyota Center in Houston the very next night. The Rockets play the seventh–fastest pace in the NBA and could take advantage of a tired Cavaliers squad coming off a big game. If this contest opens up and turns into a shootout, Houston could have the edge at home.


Lookahead spot


The San Diego Toreros have a big WCC meeting with Gonzaga this weekend, traveling up the coast to face the Bulldogs in Spokane Saturday. San Diego hits the road for an extended trip after losing four in a row, including the last two inside Jenny Craig Pavilion. A strong effort against Gonzaga could snap the Toreros out of this funk but it could also be setting them for a lookahead spot.


San Diego is in Portland two days earlier, playing the Pilots Thursday. Portland is coming off a loss at Gonzaga and is mired in a losing skid itself, dropping three in a row – all coming away from home. The Pilots haven’t played at home since before Christmas and could catch San Diego looking past them and to the WCC gatekeeper.


Schedule spot


The Ottawa Senators could be looking ahead to their upcoming West Coast road trip, if just to get away from the bitter Canadian cold and the equally chilly Ottawa media. The Senators have alternated wins and losses in their last four and have just three victories in their last 10 games heading into Wednesday’s opener in Anaheim.


Following the clash with the Ducks, Ottawa takes on Los Angeles and San Jose, then comes back East to play at New Jersey on Jan. 21. Last year, this California swing served as a launch pad for the Sens’ second-half push, sweeping Anaheim, L.A., and San Jose as part of a 15-1-1 winning streak. Can the warm weather once again thaw Ottawa for a big run?

 

[CNOTES]

NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up


Wednesday, January 13

Hot teams
-- Hawks won nine of their last 12 games (2-4 last six AF).
-- Knicks won five of last six games, covering all six.
-- Pacers won three of their last four games (1-4 last five AU).
-- Warriors won their last seven games (13-5-1AF).
-- Thunder won seven of their last nine games (1-6 last 7HF).
-- Houston won its last four games (6-2 last eight HF).
-- Clippers won their last nine games (4-2 last six HF).


Cold teams
-- Charlotte lost its last seven games (1-6 vs spread).
-- Washington lost its last three home games (1-7 last 8HF). Bucks lost three of last five games (10-11AU).
-- Nets lost their last five games (0-5 vs spread).
-- Celtics lost six of their last seven games (0-3 last three HF).
-- Mavericks are 3-4 in last seven games (8-6AU).
-- Minnesota lost its last seven games (1-6 vs spread).
-- Denver lost seven of its last nine games (3-0-1 last four HU).
-- New Orleans lost six of last seven games (4-8 last 12AU). Kings are 3-5 in their last eight games (1-3 last four HF).
-- Utah lost seven of its last eight road games (1-4 last five AU). Portland lost three of last four games (4-4HF).
-- Miami lost three of its last four games (4-1 last five AU).

Series records
-- Hawks won four of last five games with Charlotte.
-- Wizards won six of last seven games with Milwaukee.
-- Knicks lost four of last five games with Brooklyn.
-- Pacers won seven of their last ten games with Boston.
-- Dallas won five of last seven games with Oklahoma City.
-- Rockets won eight of last nine games with Minnesota.
-- Warriors won last four games with Denver, but Nuggets are 4-1 vs spread in last five.
-- Pelicans won three of last four games with Sacramento.
-- Jazz lost seven of last ten games with Portland.
-- Clippers lost four of last five games with Miami.


Totals
-- 11 of last 12 Atlanta games went over the total.
-- Three of last four Washington games went over.
-- Last six Brooklyn games stayed under the total.
-- Last four Indiana-Boston games stayed under.
-- Five of last six Maverick-Thunder games went over.
-- Last six Houston-Minnesota games went over total.
-- Last five Golden State-Denver games went over total.
-- Six of last seven New Orleans games stayed under.
-- Six of last seven Utah-Portland games went over.
-- Three of last four Clipper games went over total.


Back/backs
-- Milwaukee is 7-2 vs spread if it played night before.
-- Knicks are 5-3 vs spread if they played night before.
-- Indiana is 2-6 vs spread if it played night before; Boston is 3-4.
-- Dallas is 6-2 vs spread if it played night before; Thunder is 2-4.
-- Pelicans are 4-4 vs spread if they played the night before.

 

[CNOTES]

NBA

Wednesday, January 13

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

7:00 PM
ATLANTA vs. CHARLOTTE
The total has gone OVER in 12 of Atlanta's last 15 games when playing on the road against Charlotte
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Atlanta's last 5 games when playing Charlotte
Charlotte is 5-12-1 ATS in its last 18 games when playing Atlanta
Charlotte is 3-15 SU in its last 18 games when playing Atlanta

7:00 PM
MILWAUKEE vs. WASHINGTON
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Milwaukee's last 5 games when playing Washington
Milwaukee is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing Washington
Washington is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Washington's last 7 games at home

7:30 PM
NEW YORK vs. BROOKLYN
New York4-1-1 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of New York's last 5 games when playing on the road against Brooklyn
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Brooklyn's last 5 games
Brooklyn is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games

8:00 PM
DALLAS vs. OKLAHOMA CITY
Dallas is 2-9 SU in its last 11 games when playing on the road against Oklahoma City
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Dallas's last 5 games on the road
Oklahoma City is 9-2 SU in its last 11 games when playing at home against Dallas
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Oklahoma City's last 6 games when playing at home against Dallas

8:00 PM
INDIANA vs. BOSTON
The total has gone UNDER in 17 of Indiana's last 24 games when playing on the road against Boston
Indiana is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games when playing Boston
Boston is 14-5 SU in its last 19 games when playing at home against Indiana
The total has gone UNDER in 17 of Boston's last 24 games when playing at home against Indiana

8:00 PM
MINNESOTA vs. HOUSTON
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Minnesota's last 6 games on the road
Minnesota is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Houston's last 5 games when playing Minnesota
Houston is 9-2 SU in its last 11 games at home

9:00 PM
GOLDEN STATE vs. DENVER
Golden State is 0-4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Denver
Golden State is 20-2 SU in its last 22 games on the road
Denver is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Golden State
Denver is 1-5-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing at home against Golden State

10:00 PM
NEW ORLEANS vs. SACRAMENTO
New Orleans is 1-5-1 SU in its last 7 games ,
New Orleans is 4-17-1 ATS in its last 22 games when playing on the road against Sacramento
The total has gone OVER in 11 of Sacramento's last 16 games when playing at home against New Orleans
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Sacramento's last 6 games when playing New Orleans

10:00 PM
UTAH vs. PORTLAND
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Utah's last 6 games
Utah is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Portland's last 7 games
Portland is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games

10:30 PM
MIAMI vs. LA CLIPPERS
Miami is 3-8 SU in their last 11 games when playing on the road against LA Clippers
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Miami's last 9 games when playing on the road against LA Clippers
LA Clippers are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games at home
LA Clippers are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games

 

[CNOTES]

NBA
Dunkel

Wednesday, January 13


New Orleans @ Sacramento

Game 515-516
January 13, 2016 @ 10:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
New Orleans
115.685
Sacramento
121.605
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Sacramento
by 6
197
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Sacramento
No Line
N/A
Dunkel Pick:
Sacramento
N/A

Utah @ Portland

Game 517-518
January 13, 2016 @ 10:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Utah
114.204
Portland
118.797
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Portland
by 4 1/2
185
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Portland
by 2
No Total
Dunkel Pick:
Portland
(-2); N/A

Miami @ LA Clippers

Game 519-520
January 13, 2016 @ 10:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Miami
118.154
LA Clippers
127.732
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
LA Clippers
by 9 1/2
196
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
LA Clippers
No Line
N/A
Dunkel Pick:
LA Clippers
N/A

Atlanta @ Charlotte

Game 501-502
January 13, 2016 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Atlanta
122.527
Charlotte
116.358
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Atlanta
by 6 1/2
212
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Atlanta
by 2 1/2
205 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Atlanta
(-2 1/2); Over

Milwaukee @ Washington

Game 503-504
January 13, 2016 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Milwaukee
115.815
Washington
123.243
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Washington
by 7 1/2
212
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Washington
by 4 1/2
208 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Washington
(-4 1/2); Over

New York @ Brooklyn

Game 505-506
January 13, 2016 @ 7:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
New York
117.673
Brooklyn
115.181
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
New York
by 2 1/2
186
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
New York
by 5 1/2
192 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Brooklyn
(+5 1/2); Under

Indiana @ Boston

Game 507-508
January 13, 2016 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Indiana
121.049
Boston
119.509
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Indiana
by 1 1/2
194
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Boston
by 2
202 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Indiana
(+2); Under

Dallas @ Oklahoma City

Game 509-510
January 13, 2016 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Dallas
118.110
Oklahoma City
123.253
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Oklahoma City
by 5
218
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Oklahoma City
by 9 1/2
211 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Dallas
(+9 1/2); Over

Minnesota @ Houston

Game 511-512
January 13, 2016 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Minnesota
109.622
Houston
117.306
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Houston
by 7 1/2
216
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Houston
by 10
206 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Minnesota
(+10); Over

Golden State @ Denver

Game 513-514
January 13, 2016 @ 9:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Golden State
127.061
Denver
113.510
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Golden State
by 13 1/2
206
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Golden State
by 9 1/2
211
Dunkel Pick:
Golden State
(-9 1/2); Under

 

[CNOTES]

NBA
Long Sheet

Wednesday, January 13

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

ATLANTA (23 - 15) at CHARLOTTE (17 - 20) - 1/13/2016, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 74-58 ATS (+10.2 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 12-3 ATS (+8.7 Units) in a road game where where the total is between 200 and 204.5 points over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 16-5 ATS (+10.5 Units) in January games over the last 2 seasons.
CHARLOTTE is 0-7 ATS (-7.7 Units) in a home game where where the total is between 200 and 204.5 points this season.
CHARLOTTE is 14-25 ATS (-13.5 Units) in home games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 5-4 against the spread versus CHARLOTTE over the last 3 seasons
ATLANTA is 7-3 straight up against CHARLOTTE over the last 3 seasons
6 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

MILWAUKEE (16 - 24) at WASHINGTON (17 - 19) - 1/13/2016, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MILWAUKEE is 35-22 ATS (+10.8 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 25-13 ATS (+10.7 Units) in road games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 352-422 ATS (-112.2 Units) in home games since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 6-3 against the spread versus MILWAUKEE over the last 3 seasons
WASHINGTON is 7-2 straight up against MILWAUKEE over the last 3 seasons
7 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

NEW YORK (20 - 20) at BROOKLYN (10 - 28) - 1/13/2016, 7:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEW YORK is 25-15 ATS (+8.5 Units) in all games this season.
NEW YORK is 17-8 ATS (+8.2 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.
BROOKLYN is 1-10 ATS (-10.0 Units) in home games in January games over the last 2 seasons.

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

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

INDIANA (22 - 16) at BOSTON (19 - 19) - 1/13/2016, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 68-54 ATS (+8.6 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 18-7 ATS (+10.3 Units) when playing on back-to-back days over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 43-30 ATS (+10.0 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 37-25 ATS (+9.5 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
INDIANA is 17-6 ATS (+10.4 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.
BOSTON is 89-128 ATS (-51.8 Units) in home games after allowing 105 points or more since 1996.
BOSTON is 89-123 ATS (-46.3 Units) in home games after scoring 105 points or more since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 5-5 against the spread versus INDIANA over the last 3 seasons
INDIANA is 7-3 straight up against BOSTON over the last 3 seasons
7 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

DALLAS (22 - 17) at OKLAHOMA CITY (27 - 12) - 1/13/2016, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DALLAS is 334-266 ATS (+41.4 Units) as an underdog since 1996.
DALLAS is 452-373 ATS (+41.7 Units) in road games since 1996.
DALLAS is 66-44 ATS (+17.6 Units) in road games against Northwest division opponents since 1996.
DALLAS is 299-243 ATS (+31.7 Units) after a non-conference game since 1996.
DALLAS is 176-137 ATS (+25.3 Units) in road games revenging a loss vs opponent since 1996.
DALLAS is 130-98 ATS (+22.2 Units) in road games after allowing 105 points or more since 1996.
DALLAS is 168-131 ATS (+23.9 Units) in road games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game since 1996.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 14-24 ATS (-12.4 Units) in all games this season.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 8-17 ATS (-10.7 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 5-13 ATS (-9.3 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.

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

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

MINNESOTA (12 - 27) at HOUSTON (20 - 19) - 1/13/2016, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 49-69 ATS (-26.9 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 16-30 ATS (-17.0 Units) when playing on back-to-back days over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 5-16 ATS (-12.6 Units) after a division game over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 43-62 ATS (-25.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 8-18 ATS (-11.8 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.
HOUSTON is 54-34 ATS (+16.6 Units) in home games after 3 or more consecutive overs since 1996.
HOUSTON is 27-12 ATS (+13.8 Units) after a win by 10 points or more over the last 2 seasons.

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

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

GOLDEN STATE (36 - 2) at DENVER (14 - 24) - 1/13/2016, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
GOLDEN STATE is 23-14 ATS (+7.6 Units) in all games this season.
GOLDEN STATE is 16-7 ATS (+8.3 Units) when the total is greater than or equal to 210 this season.
GOLDEN STATE is 74-50 ATS (+19.0 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 14-5 ATS (+8.5 Units) in road games this season.
GOLDEN STATE is 11-2 ATS (+8.8 Units) in a road game where the total is greater than or equal to 210 this season.
GOLDEN STATE is 46-33 ATS (+9.7 Units) after 3 or more consecutive wins over the last 2 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 15-6 ATS (+8.4 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
GOLDEN STATE is 79-59 ATS (+14.1 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 3 seasons.
DENVER is 6-16 ATS (-11.6 Units) when playing with 2 days rest over the last 2 seasons.

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

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

NEW ORLEANS (11 - 26) at SACRAMENTO (15 - 22) - 1/13/2016, 10:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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

UTAH (17 - 20) at PORTLAND (16 - 24) - 1/13/2016, 10:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PORTLAND is 21-9 ATS (+11.1 Units) off an upset win as an underdog over the last 3 seasons.
UTAH is 65-50 ATS (+10.0 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
UTAH is 44-31 ATS (+9.9 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
PORTLAND is 5-5 against the spread versus UTAH over the last 3 seasons
PORTLAND is 7-3 straight up against UTAH over the last 3 seasons
7 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

MIAMI (22 - 16) at LA CLIPPERS (25 - 13) - 1/13/2016, 10:30 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

 

[CNOTES]

NBA MONEYLINE


NBA > (511) MINNESOTA@ (512) HOUSTON | 2016-01-13 20:00:00 - 2016-01-13 20:00:00
Play AGAINST MINNESOTA using money line in All games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game
The record is 41 Wins and 77 Losses for the last three seasons (-57 units)


NBA > (507) INDIANA@ (508) BOSTON | 2016-01-13 20:00:00 - 2016-01-13 20:00:00
Play AGAINST BOSTON using money line in All games in January games
The record is 8 Wins and 29 Losses for the last three seasons (-23.75 units)


NBA > (505) NEW YORK@ (506) BROOKLYN | 2016-01-13 19:30:00 - 2016-01-13 19:30:00
Play AGAINST BROOKLYN using money line in Home games after 3 or more consecutive losses
The record is 3 Wins and 10 Losses for the last two seasons (-14.75 units)


NBA > (519) MIAMI@ (520) LA CLIPPERS | 2016-01-13 22:30:00 - 2016-01-13 22:30:00
Play ON MIAMI using money line in All games against Pacific division opponents
The record is 10 Wins and 2 Losses for the last two seasons (+11.75 units)


NBA > (507) INDIANA@ (508) BOSTON | 2016-01-13 20:00:00 - 2016-01-13 20:00:00
Play AGAINST BOSTON using money line in Home games in January games
The record is 1 Wins and 7 Losses for the last two seasons (-11.45 units)


NBA > (517) UTAH@ (518) PORTLAND | 2016-01-13 22:00:00 - 2016-01-13 22:00:00
Play ON PORTLAND using money line in All games off an upset win as an underdog
The record is 20 Wins and 9 Losses for the last three seasons (+15.85 units)


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


NBA FIRST HALF


NBA > (517) UTAH@ (518) PORTLAND | 2016-01-13 22:00:00 - 2016-01-13 22:00:00
Play AGAINST PORTLAND ?>in the first halfin Home games in January games
The record is 1 Wins and 11 Losses for the last two seasons (-11.1 units)


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


NBA TOTALS


NBA > (517) UTAH@ (518) PORTLAND | 2016-01-13 22:00:00 - 2016-01-13 22:00:00
Play UNDER UTAH on the totalin Road games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game
The record is 12 Overs and 47 Unders for the last three seasons (+33.8 units)


NBA > (519) MIAMI@ (520) LA CLIPPERS | 2016-01-13 22:30:00 - 2016-01-13 22:30:00
Play UNDER LA CLIPPERS on the totalin All games after scoring 105 points or more
The record is 2 Overs and 16 Unders for the this season (+13.8 units)


NBA > (519) MIAMI@ (520) LA CLIPPERS | 2016-01-13 22:30:00 - 2016-01-13 22:30:00
Play UNDER MIAMI on the totalin All games after a non-conference game
The record is 10 Overs and 34 Unders for the last two seasons (+23 units)


NBA > (515) NEW ORLEANS@ (516) SACRAMENTO | 2016-01-13 22:00:00 - 2016-01-13 22:00:00
Play UNDER NEW ORLEANS on the totalin All games versus the 1rst half line in road games
The record is 27 Overs and 73 Unders for the last three seasons (+43.3 units)


NBA > (507) INDIANA@ (508) BOSTON | 2016-01-13 20:00:00 - 2016-01-13 20:00:00
Play UNDER BOSTON on the totalin All games in January games
The record is 3 Overs and 17 Unders for the last two seasons (+13.7 units)


NBA > (507) INDIANA@ (508) BOSTON | 2016-01-13 20:00:00 - 2016-01-13 20:00:00
Play UNDER BOSTON on the totalin All games versus the first half line in all games
The record is 40 Overs and 80 Unders for the last two seasons (+36 units)


NBA > (515) NEW ORLEANS@ (516) SACRAMENTO | 2016-01-13 22:00:00 - 2016-01-13 22:00:00
Play UNDER NEW ORLEANS on the totalin All games in road games
The record is 4 Overs and 16 Unders for the this season (+11.6 units)


NBA > (519) MIAMI@ (520) LA CLIPPERS | 2016-01-13 22:30:00 - 2016-01-13 22:30:00
Play UNDER MIAMI on the totalin Road games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game
The record is 7 Overs and 23 Unders for the last two seasons (+15.3 units)

NBA > (517) UTAH@ (518) PORTLAND | 2016-01-13 22:00:00 - 2016-01-13 22:00:00
Play UNDER UTAH on the totalin All games after allowing 85 points or less
The record is 5 Overs and 19 Unders for the last two seasons (+13.5 units)

NBA > (501) ATLANTA@ (502) CHARLOTTE | 2016-01-13 19:00:00 - 2016-01-13 19:00:00
Play OVER CHARLOTTE on the totalin All games versus the first half line in all games
The record is 26 Overs and 11 Unders for the this season (+13.9 units)

 

[CNOTES]

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13


GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS




ATL at CHA 07:00 PM


ATL -3.0




MIL at WAS 07:00 PM


MIL +5.5 BEST BET




NY at BK 07:30 PM


NY -4.0




DAL at OKC 08:00 PM


OKC -12.0 BEST BET




MIN at HOU 08:00 PM


HOU -7.5




IND at BOS 08:00 PM


BOS -3.5


U 204.0 BEST BET




GS at DEN 09:00 PM


GS -9.5


O 214.5 BEST BET




UTA at POR 10:00 PM


POR -3.0 BEST BET


U 191.5 BEST BET




NO at SAC 10:00 PM


SAC -8.5


O 214.5 BEST BET




MIA at LAC 10:30 PM


MIA +5.5 BEST BET

 

[CNOTES]

Preview: Raptors (24-15) at Magic (20-18)
Date: January 14, 2016 3:00 PM EDT

The Toronto Raptors are taking a circuitous route to complete one of their longest stretches away from home this season.


The Raptors will face the Orlando Magic in London on Thursday in search of their fourth consecutive win.


Toronto (24-15) didn't venture out of the Eastern Time Zone on this trip prior to crossing the Atlantic Ocean. The Raptors opened that stretch with a 122-100 loss at Cleveland on Jan. 4 but have won their past three contests by a combined 39 points even with starting forward DeMarre Carroll recovering from right knee surgery.


They shot 54.7 percent while topping Philadelphia 108-95 on Saturday, and Kyle Lowry scored 10 of his 25 points in the fourth quarter.


"Hopefully, we'll use this trip to England as a mini training camp sort of situation," coach Dwane Casey said. "We have a lot of things to get better."


This is the NBA's sixth regular season game in London, and the Raptors played in the first two from March 4-5, 2011, losing both to the then-New Jersey Nets.


The Orlando Magic had a pair of exhibition games against Atlanta there in October 1993 with current coach Scott Skiles playing point guard.


"I remember playing in London with the Magic in 1993 and I am sure our current players will relish this unique opportunity," Skiles said.


A chance of scenery might do the Magic some good after losing five of their first six games in 2016. Orlando (20-18) fell 105-99 to Washington on Saturday before heading across the Atlantic.


"This trip could help us or hurt us because it's a long trip," guard Evan Fournier said. "Toronto's a very good team and if we lose the game, it can kind of break our spirit. We really have to take this trip seriously as professionals."


Orlando snapped an 11-game losing streak to Toronto and ended the Raptors' franchise-best 5-0 start with a 92-87 victory in the first meeting this season Nov. 6. Tobias Harris led the way with 20 points on 8-of-10 shooting and Victor Oladipo chipped in 18, giving him a combined 37 points in the past two meetings.


The lengthy break could give Magic starting point guard Elfrid Payton an opportunity to return from a four-game absence because of a bruised left ankle. Payton practiced Wednesday, and there's a chance he might come off the bench.


He was averaging 11.0 points and 5.9 assists before his injury.


"It felt good to be back out there. Explosiveness was OK, almost back to 100 (percent)," Payton said. "But I'm feeling better, way better. I'm just going to go get more treatment and see how I feel for (Thursday).


"I'm very eager (to return). I want to help my teammates as much as I can."


Payton was held scoreless in the most recent game against Toronto. Harris, meanwhile, is averaging 19.3 points on 57.1 percent shooting in his last four matchups, but he's also averaging 9.0 while shooting 36.8 percent in his first six contests in 2016.


Toronto's DeMar DeRozan has a combined 52 points in his last two games against Orlando

 

[CNOTES]

Preview: Bulls (22-15) at 76ers (4-36)
Date: January 14, 2016 7:00 PM EDT

The Chicago Bulls' roller-coaster ride of a season has taken another downward plunge. Making matters worse, Joakim Noah is reportedly unhappy with his diminished role.


A date with the NBA's worst team might solve those problems at least temporarily - though the Bulls will be without their starting center and might also be missing star guard Derrick Rose.


The visiting Bulls try to avoid their longest slide in two years Thursday night against the Philadelphia 76ers.


Following their second three-game losing streak of the season in mid-December, Chicago (22-15) appeared to iron out its issues by winning seven of eight.


The Bulls averaged 107.9 points and held opponents to 100.4 in that span, but their scoring average has dipped to 102.0 and they've allowed 113.3 in three straight losses. They forced a season-low five turnovers in Tuesday's 106-101 defeat at Milwaukee.


Among Eastern Conference teams, only the 76ers' minus-3.4 turnover differential is worse than Chicago's minus-2.6 mark.


"I think we all have the team's best interests at heart," guard Jimmy Butler told the team's official website after recording 30 points, eight rebounds and six assists Tuesday. "You have ups and down through the season, but through times like this we have to stick together."


Rose tried to play through a strained left patella before leaving early in the fourth quarter. Chicago has won four of five without Rose, who is listed as questionable against 4-36 Philadelphia.


A report surfaced after Tuesday's game that Noah is unhappy despite publicly putting on a good face after he was made a reserve by coach Fred Hoiberg at the start of the season. It certainly didn't help the two-time All-Star's case that the Bulls won seven of nine while he was out with a sore shoulder.


Noah, who started all but two of his games over the previous five seasons, is averaging a career-low 4.3 points and 8.8 rebounds for the Bulls, who are looking to avoid their first four-game skid since Dec. 14-19, 2013.


They should have a good chance to do so as they face a woeful Philadelphia team that's lost its last three by an average of 17 points. Jahlil Okafor scored 21 and Ish Smith added 18 points and 10 assists Sunday, but the Sixers fell 95-85 at home to Cleveland despite shooting 45.5 percent.


Philadelphia was done in by 19 turnovers, 6-for-18 shooting from 3-point range and a 9-for-19 effort on foul shots.


Smith has averaged 19.8 points and 8.0 assists in his last four games, while Okafor has scored 20.3 and shot 58.7 percent over his last three.


The Chicago native totaled 43 points and 23 rebounds as Philadelphia dropped the previous two meetings with the Bulls by a combined 42.


"I'm just trying to figure this whole thing out my first year," he told the team's official website.


Okafor could be a factor again as Chicago is minus-60 in paint points during its losing streak. The 76ers outscored the Bulls 50-38 in that category Nov. 9 but suffered a 111-88 home loss.


He also won't have to contend with center Pau Gasol, who will sit out to rest.


Chicago held a 48-40 edge in the paint and 53-36 on the glass in a 115-96 victory at the United Center on Dec. 14.


Nikola Mirotic totaled 37 points while going 8 of 15 from 3-point range in the two meetings. Averaging 11.1 points, he's recorded four games of 17 or more in the past seven.


The Bulls have won eight meetings in a row and 13 of the past 14.