Cnotes NBA December Trends/News/ Stats/ All You Need To Know !

[CNOTES]

Christmas Tips - Early Action


December 24, 2014




The NBA continues its annual tradition of playing on Christmas this Thursday as 10 teams take to the hardwood. The matchups were set back in the summer and the league tries to do its best job to have competitive games, plus they lean to bigger markets too.


Handicapping these games isn’t easy but there a couple trends that might help your leans for this year’s holiday card. Listed below are the outcomes and betting results for the 15 games played on Christmas the past three seasons.


2013


Chicago (+4) 95 at Brooklyn 78 - Under 189
Oklahoma City (-10.5) 123 at New York 94 - Over 201
Miami (-9.5) 101 at L.A. Lakers 95 - Under 206
Houston (+8) 111 at San Antonio - Under 212
L.A. Clippers 103 at Golden State (-3) 105 - Over 207


Home/Away: 1-4
Favorites/Dogs: 3-2 SU, 1-4 ATS
Total (O/U): 2-3


2012


Boston (+2.5) 93 at Brooklyn 76 - Under 184
New York 94 at L.A. Lakers (-4) 100 - Under 211
Oklahoma City 97 at Miami (-2.5) 103 - Under 203.5
Houston (+4.5) 120 at Chicago 97 - Over 198
Denver 100 at L.A. Clippers (-6.5) 120 - Over 204.5


Home/Away: 3-2
Favorites/Dogs: 3-2 SU. 3-2 ATS
Total (O/U): 2-3


2011


Boston 104 at New York (-5) 106 - Over 191
Miami (-4.5) 105 at Dallas 94 - Over 189
Chicago (-4.5) 88 at L.A. Lakers 87 - Under 183.5
Orlando 89 at Oklahoma City (-7.5) 97 - Under 194.5
L.A. Clippers (-6) 105 at Golden State 86 - Under 191


Home/Away: 2-3
Favorites/Dogs: 5-0 SU, 4-1 ATS
Total (O/U): 2-3


Based on the above sample, it appears that playing away from home isn’t as tough as expected on the holiday with visitors owning a 9-6 mark the last three seasons on X-Mas.


During this same span, favorites have prospered to an 11-4 record but they only managed to go 8-7 against the spread.


Total bettors have watched the ‘under’ produce a 9-6 record the last three years on Christmas.


Similar to past seasons, we have two early games followed by an evening matchup and the late-night double-header.


With that being said, let’s break down the first two games and hope you and yours have a Merry Christmas.


Washington at New York (ESPN, 12:00 p.m. ET)


The Wizards (19-8 SU, 11-16 ATS) and Knicks (5-25 SU, 12-18 ATS) will tip off the holiday festivities from Madison Square Garden. In early August, oddsmakers at Sportsbook.ag released X-Mas Props and they had New York listed as a one-point favorite in this matchup.


Fast forward to December and the Wizards are now 6 ½-point road favorites, which is fair. Washington has been a solid team all season while New York has been an embarrassment, especially at home (3-12 SU, 4-11 ATS).


NBA expert Kevin Rogers believes Washington is a good team but be careful with the club on the road.

“The Wizards have played 10 of the past 13 games at home, while failing to cover their last three road contests. Washington has cleaned up against below .500 competition on the highway, winning six of eight times, but is 4-3 ATS as a road favorite. However, the Knicks have dropped seven straight home games, while breaking the 100-point mark just twice in 15 games at the Garden this season,” explained Rogers.


The Wizards have won and covered four straight encounters against the Knicks, which includes a 98-83 road win earlier this season on Nov. 4 as 1 ½-point underdogs.


The ‘under’ has cashed in three of four during this span and total bettors are looking at a number of 194 ½ on Thursday. As Rogers mentioned, New York can’t score at home and that’s helped the ‘under’ produce a 10-4 record.


New York has played the most games (22-27) on Christmas and they haven’t fared well. Washington is a respectable 14-7 but it hasn’t been featured on the holiday since 2008.


Oklahoma City at San Antonio (ABC, 2:30 p.m. ET)


The Spurs (18-11 SU, 14-15 ATS) defeated the Thunder (13-16 SU, 15-14 ATS) in six games of last year’s Western Conference finals in a series that was somewhat marred by injuries (Serge Ibaka).


Unfortunately for fans and bettors, injuries could play a role for the first meeting between the two teams this season. OKC forward Kevin Durant (ankle) has missed the last three games and is ‘questionable’ for Thursday. For the Spurs, they could be without Kawhi Leonard (hand) for the holiday. He’s missed four straight for San Antonio, who has dropped three of those games.


Without knowing the status of these players, it’s tough to handicap this matchup. We asked Kevin Rogers for his take and he looked at last year’s results in the regular season and playoffs.


He said, “The Thunder have always played the Spurs tough, sweeping them in the four-game regular season series last year. However, San Antonio blew out OKC in three home games, while the only underdog cover in the series came in the Game 6 clincher at Oklahoma City. In the three home playoff wins, the Spurs put up 112, 122, and 117 points, while knocking down 35 three-pointers in those victories.”


The Thunder started the season 5-12 without Durant. Since he debuted in early December, Oklahoma City won seven of first eight games. And after he tweaked his ankle, they’ve dropped three of four.


The Spurs have gone 9-4 SU and 5-8 ATS at home this season and have been struggling lately, losing three of their last five at the AT&T Center.


San Antonio has gone 4-5 in Christmas Day games while Oklahoma City is 3-12 but most of those games were played when the team was formerly known as the Seattle SuperSonics.

 

[CNOTES]

Christmas Tips - Late Action


December 24, 2014


Cavaliers at Heat – 5:30 PM EST


The obvious storyline on Christmas is LeBron James making his return to South Florida after opting out of his contract in July to sign with Cleveland. However, this much of a drop-off with the four-time defending Eastern Conference champion Heat is staggering, as Miami has started 13-16 in the post-LeBron era, while coming off their most embarrassing loss of the season.


The Heat blew a 23-point third quarter lead in a 91-87 setback to the 76ers, who entered the game with just three wins in their first 26 tries. Miami was limited to nine points in the final quarter, as Chris Bosh sat out his sixth straight contest with a calf strain (2-4 SU and 3-3 ATS). Bosh is questionable for Thursday’s game, as the Heat is 1-4 SU and 2-3 ATS as a home underdog this season, which includes back-to-back covers against the Celtics and Wizards in this role.


The Cavaliers have had their ups and downs in their first season back with James, owning a 17-10 record, as Cleveland has won four of its previous five games since back-to-back losses at Oklahoma City and New Orleans. David Blatt’s team blew out the Timberwolves on Tuesday, 125-104 as 14-point favorites to improve to 11-5 at Quicken Loans Arena. Kevin Love put up 20 points and 10 rebounds in his first game against his former team, just the second cover in the past eight contests for the Cavaliers.


Chris David gives his spin on this matchup, “Bettors should be real careful playing the emotional angle for this game, especially with the Heat. Most of us would like to believe that Miami will get up for this game but it’s hard for me to back a team that has been embarrassing to watch at home this season. Scoring just nine points in the fourth quarter in Tuesday’s loss to the 76ers was pathetic and I’m being nice. To put things in perspective, Miami is 5-10 at home this season. Last year, they were 32-9 and two years prior 37-4 at American Airlines Arena.”


The Cavs are 0-3 ATS this season on the road off a home win, while posting a 2-5 ATS record as an away favorite. Anderson Varejao is done for the season after tearing his Achilles’ tendon, as Cleveland looks to snap a 10-game losing streak to Miami dating back to 2012.


Lakers at Bulls – 8:00 PM EST


Chicago returns home looking for its 20th win of the season, as the Bulls try to maintain their hold atop the Central Division. Tom Thibodeau’s club is riding a four-game winning streak, coming off a solid back-to-back sweep of the Raptors and Wizards. The 99-91 victory at Washington on Tuesday had extra meaning for the Bulls, who were eliminated in the opening round by the Wizards this past spring.


The Lakers upset the Warriors as 10-point home underdogs on Tuesday without Kobe Bryant, 115-105 to end a three-game skid. Los Angeles spread out the scoring as Bryant rested, as seven players put up double-figures, while the team shot 52% from the floor. In each of the past four games, Byron Scott’s squad has cashed the ‘over,’ while the Lakers have won each their last three openers to start a road trip of at least two games, including victories at Atlanta and San Antonio of 8 ½ points or higher.


David believes that the total is a strong look in the Windy City, “While I would lean to Chicago as the side, I believe there is more value with the total. This year’s Bulls squad has improved immensely on offense, averaging 103 PPG compared to 93 PPG. The scoring has helped the ‘over’ go 15-12, which includes a 9-2 mark at the United Center. The Lakers are the worst defensive team (109 PPG) in the league and they still like to play fast, ranked second in attempts per game (87.1). As long as L.A. doesn’t go ice cold from the floor, both teams should easily see triple digits in this game.”


The Bulls have struggled as a home favorite of 9 ½ points or more this season, covering just twice in six opportunities. The Lakers have dropped five of the past six meetings in the series, while losing three straight visits to the United Center. Chicago opened up as 8 ½-point favorites when this line came out in August at Sportsbook.ag, as the adjustment for Thursday from the oddsmakers was just two points.


Warriors at Clippers – 10:30 PM EST


Golden State and Los Angeles played a heated first round playoff series this past spring as the Clippers eliminated the Warriors in seven games. This season, the Warriors picked up a modicum of revenge with a 121-104 blowout of the Clippers at Oracle Arena in November as five-point favorites. The home team has won eight of the past 10 meetings between these Pacific Division rivals, while Golden State has covered five of the previous seven matchups when listed as an underdogs.


The Clippers should be happy to return home following back-to-back losses to the Spurs and Hawks, as Los Angeles has dropped four consecutive road contests. Doc Rivers’ team has won seven straight games at Staples Center since the start of December, but only victory came against a squad that is currently above .500 (Phoenix). Since covering five consecutive games in late November and early December, the Clips have stumbled to a 2-8 ATS record the past 10 games.


The Warriors suffered just their fourth loss in 27 games this season in Tuesday’s 115-105 setback to the Lakers. Since winning 10 straight road games, Golden State has lost each of its past two contests away from Oracle Arena, while owning a 2-2 ATS record in the road underdog role. Steve Kerr’s club has won four of six away games against teams owning .500 records or better, including victories at Portland, Houston, and Dallas.


David mentions that backing the road team may be the way to go, “I do like the revenge angle for L.A. because this series has become very hostile at times. However, if your handicapping style relies heavily on current form, then you shouldn’t be backing the Clippers in this spot. Los Angeles is 3-5 SU and 1-7 ATS in its last eight games and the defense has been a mess during this stretch. In the seven games they failed to cover, they gave up 100-plus in every game. It’s very possible they step up on the holiday but I would be very hesitant.”

 

[CNOTES]

As Warriors rise, so does Curry's stardom


December 24, 2014


OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) - Golden State Warriors point guard Stephen Curry was driving in a car with his wife, Ayesha, over the summer when they put on a song by a popular rapper that everybody had been telling them to play.


''Been Steph Curry with the shot,'' Drake called out in the song ''0 to 100.''


The stunned couple looked at each other, smiled and broke out in laughter.


''It was pretty cool,'' Curry said.


Sure, fans voted him into the All-Star Game as a starter, media selected him second-team All-NBA and a major car insurance company created a fictional twin for a popular commercial series last season. But the shoutout from a renowned recording artist might have been the moment Curry realized he had truly made it big.


As his stardom continues to rise, Curry is still surprised by the celebrity treatment - even though nobody else is.


Coaches, players and executives have taken notice of the growth in Curry's game by strategizing everything they do around him. Marketers in the NBA league office and sponsors across the country have, too, putting his boyish face on national television and social media advertisements to promote their brands.


And with the Warriors (23-4) atop the NBA standings, Curry's case for MVP is starting to echo around the league as loud as the chants do nightly at rowdy Oracle Arena.


Another chance to showcase his skills comes Thursday night, when Curry and the Warriors visit Chris Paul and the rival Los Angeles Clippers on Christmas for what might be the best game on the biggest day of the NBA regular season.


''There's big moments throughout the course of the season that you enjoy,'' Curry said, ''and you have fun showing what you can do.''


This is one of them.


Paul, the lead man in those commercials, has been considered among the best point guards for years. Curry, long labeled ''just a shooter,'' has added to his repertoire - and stayed healthy - each of the past three seasons to enter the debate alongside Tony Parker, Russell Westbrook, James Harden, Mike Conley and others.


While the qualifying criteria might be a matter of preference, this much is indisputable: nobody is running the show the way Curry is for the Warriors now.


In a game dominated by big men and played by some of the world's greatest athletes, the 6-foot-3, 190-pound Curry controls the flow without physically overpowering defenders. His shooting stroke can seem unstoppable at times, and when he gets going, nobody can seem to slow him down.


''His range is unlimited. Like, literally, when he crosses half court - 30, 35 footers are like layups,'' Oklahoma City coach Scott Brooks said before Curry had 34 points, nine assists and seven rebounds in a 114-109 win over the Thunder last week.


Cleveland's LeBron James and reigning NBA MVP Kevin Durant are among those who already have called Curry the best shooter of their generation. In the next breath, they also credit Curry for improving his all-around game.


The process began when Curry returned for his senior season at tiny Davidson College. He has gone from a shooting guard who dazzled during the NCAA tournament to a polished professional point guard who can dribble and distribute with the best of them.


Even before Curry's evolution, first-year Warriors coach Steve Kerr saw the potential. As general manager of the Phoenix Suns, Kerr tried to orchestrate a draft-night trade in 2009 to acquire Curry from Golden State.


''We were watching Steve Nash every night in Phoenix as a 6-1 point guard who could shoot and pass, and Steph looked like another version of Steve,'' Kerr said. ''They're different. Steph's more offensive-minded. Steve was more of a playmaker first. But the skillset is very similar, just the incredible hand-eye coordination and the ability to beat you with the pass, the dribble and the shot is a pretty rare combination.''


Nearly three years since the Warriors sent combo guard Monta Ellis to Milwaukee for center Andrew Bogut, Curry has blossomed with Klay Thompson to form arguably the NBA's best backcourt.


Curry is averaging 23.4 points, 7.7 assists, 5.0 rebounds and two steals this season. He's also becoming a pest for Golden State's smothering defense after being challenged by Kerr to guard his position - a major shift from the past few years under former coach Mark Jackson, who usually used Thompson to defend elite point guards.


''He's awesome to play alongside with, he knows when to pass and take the big shots,'' said Thompson, who teamed with Curry to help the U.S. win gold at the FIBA World Cup in Spain this summer. ''He should definitely be mentioned in the MVP talks with the way he has been playing.''


Getting to that level often requires attention away from the court, and Curry is starting to get his share of it.


He left shoe giant Nike for a lucrative deal with Under Armour in 2013. He moved into the top five of the NBA's most-sold jerseys at the end of last season. And in November, Sports Illustrated named Curry one of the top 100 sports figures to follow on Twitter.


Henry Schafer, executive vice president of The Q Scores Company, said Curry's popularity stacks up with the NBA's most notable names.


Q Scores measure awareness and likability, assigning an overall value that provides a gauge for marketers who are seeking celebrity endorsers. In the latest figures taken this year, Curry had a 53 percent awareness among sports fans and a 26 Q Score, Schafer said.


Only Durant and San Antonio's Tim Duncan had a higher Q Score (29) for an NBA player. James had the highest awareness at 82 percent among sports fans with a 25 Q Score.


Curry also had a 21 percent awareness rating and a 19 Q Score among the general population, Schafer said. The average general Q Score is 15 for sports personalities.


''What that signals is as his awareness grows in and out of the sport,'' Schafer said, ''he looks like he has the potential to become more of an athlete that's transcending basketball.''

 

[CNOTES]

Armadillo: Thursday's six-pack

Six major league hitters who came to bat with the most men on base LY:

6) Evan Longoria 458-- Drove in 15.1% of them, 44.2% from 3rd base.

5) Adrian Gonzalez 461-- Drove in 19.3% of them, 21.6% from 2nd base.

4) Ian Desmond 462-- Drove in 14.5% of them, only 36.4% from 3rd base.

3) Ryan Howard 471-- Drover in 15.3% of them, only 34.3% from third.

2) Justin Upton 474-- Drove in 9% of runners from first, a high number.

1) Casey McGehee 481-- Drove in 15.0% of them; he batted behind Stanton.


**********

Armadillo: Thursday's List of 13: Merry Christmas, everyone........

13) First of all, word of thanks to the staff at Veterans' Hospital in Albany, where my dad was for the last nine days. He is home now; the hospital staff was just so nice and helpful-- they have a difficult job and they do their best to do it well.

12) Western Kentucky 49, Central Michigan 48-- Hilltoppers led 49-14 after third quarter, wound up stopping Chippewas on a 2-point play after time expired to get its first-ever bowl win. CMU scored on a 75-yard play on the last play of regulation, on a combination Hail Mary/Music City Miracle, one of the greatest bowl plays ever.

11) While I'm here, if you're Central Michigan, it is really foolish to go for two and the win when you're the only game on TV; how much is TV exposure worth? You go to OT and get as much national TV exposure as humanly possible, right? Wouldn't it be more beneficial over the long haul to have more recruits see you play?

10) Rice 30, Fresno State 6-- This game was awful; luckily, there was a Law and Order marathon on TV to amuse me, on one of the worst TV nights of the year. Guy who coaches Rice seems like a friendly human-- he did good job after Owls lost their last regular season game 76-31 to Louisiana Tech.

Someone remind me why Fresno fired Pat Hill; they've regressed since he left.

9) A former walk-on player at Rice became a real estate magnate and recently gave the school $20M to refurbish the end zone in Rice Stadium, where a Super Bowl was once played in the 70's. The amount of fund raising that goes on at colleges is really staggering; you see a field or a court named after someone, you can assume the school cashed a huge check from that person's family/friends.

8) Do that many people go to the movies on Christmas? Why?

7) Houston Rockets signed Josh Smith, are trying to get something, anything for one of its spare perimeter players to make room for him. This is just me, but if Stan Van Gundy disliked Smith's game so much he ate $26M to get rid of him, then I would not be real anxious to sign the guy.

6) So the Pirates' $5M bid was enough to win bidding rights with Korean shortstop Jung-Ho Kang? What is this world coming to? Kang hit .356 LY in a league said to be about the same as AA minor league level. He is 27 and is supposed to be a pretty good hitter, though he may not be a major league-level shortstop defensively.

5) Stores around here are opening at either 6am or 7am Friday; are there people who will get up at 5:30am just to get to Penney's to shop, the day after Christmas? Have to feel bad for people who work retail; the hours around the holidays suck.

4) Very bad news for the Cleveland Cavaliers, losing Anderson Varejao for season with a torn achilles; he gave the Cavs a lot of positive energy. .

3) Average baseball salary this past season was $3,886,212, up over 12% from LY. Looks like the average salary next year will get over $4M for the first time.

2) There are now bowl games in Boca Raton and the Bahamas; how soon before there is a bowl game in Cuba?

1) Merry Christmas, everyone; enjoy your family and friends. There is no guarantee how long any of us will be here, we need to make the most of each day.

 

[CNOTES]

NBA
Dunkel

Golden State at LA Clippers
The Warriors (13-3 SU on the road) head to Los Angeles tonight to face a Clippers team that is 0-6 ATS in its last 6 home games versus a team with a winning SU road record. Golden State is the pick (+2 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Warriors favored by 1 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Golden State (+2 1/2). Here are all of today's NBA picks.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25

Game 501-502: Washington at New York (12:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Washington 118.164; New York 115.811
Dunkel Line & Total: Washington by 2 1/2; 198
Vegas Line & Total: Washington by 6; 192
Dunkel Pick: New York (+6); Over

Game 503-504: Oklahoma City at San Antonio (2:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Oklahoma City 120.444; San Antonio 128.013
Dunkel Line & Total: San Antonio by 7 1/2; 214
Vegas Line & Total: San Antonio by 5; No Total
Dunkel Pick: San Antonio (-5); N/A

Game 505-506: Cleveland at Miami (5:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cleveland 120.641; Miami 112.012
Dunkel Line & Total: Cleveland by 8 1/2; 202
Vegas Line & Total: Cleveland by 5 1/2; 196 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Cleveland (-5 1/2); Over

Game 507-508: LA Lakers at Chicago (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: LA Lakers 115.679; Chicago 123.985
Dunkel Line & Total: Chicago by 8 1/2; 202
Vegas Line & Total: Chicago by 11; 207 1/2
Dunkel Pick: LA Lakers (+11); Under

Game 509-510: Golden State at LA Clippers (10:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Golden State 123.479; LA Clippers 122.100
Dunkel Line & Total: Golden State by 1 1/2; 222
Vegas Line & Total: LA Clippers by 2 1/2; 217 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Golden State (+2 1/2); Over




NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up

Thursday, December 25

Hot Teams
-- Cavaliers won four of last five games (2-6 AF).
-- Chicago won seven of its last eight games (4-1 last five HF). Lakers are 4-3 in last seven games (7-3 last ten AU).
-- Warriors split last four games after winning 16 in row (3-0 AU).

Cold Teams
-- Wizards lost last two games, after winning 10 of previous 11 (0-3 last three AF). New York lost 15 of last 16 games, covered seven of their last 11 games (3-6 HU).
-- San Antonio is 3-5 in its last eight games (5-8 HF). Thunder lost three of last four games (0-5-1 last six AU).
-- Miami lost three of last four games (1-3 HU).
-- Clippers lost three of last four games, covered one of last eight (4-9 as HF, 0-3 last three).

Series Records
-- Knicks lost their last four games with Washington.
-- Spurs beat Oklahoma City in 6 games in playoffs LY, winning in OT in Game 6; Thunder lost last three visits here by 17-35-28 points.
-- Miami was 13-1 in 14 games vs (Lebron-less) Cavaliers.
-- Lakers lost last three visits to Chicago by 4-11-2 points.
-- Warriors lost six of last seven games at the Clippers, who beat Golden State in seven games in playoffs LY, losing Game 7 here.

Totals
-- Nine of last eleven Washington games stayed under.
-- Nine of last ten San Antonio games went over. Under is 5-2-1 in last eight Oklahoma City games.
-- Eight of last eleven Miami games stayed under the total.
-- Ten of last fourteen Laker games stayed under total.
-- Last five Golden State games went over the total.

Back-to-Backs
-- None

East vs West
SU: West 91-52 ATS: West 75-68
East teams HF vs West: 19-23
East teams HU vs West: 16-22
West teams HF vs East: 23-30
West teams HU vs East: 7-3




NBA


Thursday, December 25

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Trend Report
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12:00 PM
WASHINGTON vs. NEW YORK
Washington is 5-12 SU in its last 17 games when playing New York
Washington is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing New York
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of New York's last 9 games at home
New York is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Washington

2:30 PM
OKLAHOMA CITY vs. SAN ANTONIO
Oklahoma City is 6-12 SU in its last 18 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Oklahoma City's last 5 games when playing San Antonio
San Antonio is 19-5 SU in its last 24 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of San Antonio's last 5 games at home

5:00 PM
CLEVELAND vs. MIAMI
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Cleveland's last 12 games when playing on the road against Miami
Cleveland is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Miami
Miami is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Cleveland
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Miami's last 9 games at home

8:00 PM
LA LAKERS vs. CHICAGO
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of the LA Lakers last 8 games when playing Chicago
LA Lakers are 1-5 SU in their last 6 games when playing Chicago
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Chicago's last 10 games when playing at home against LA Lakers
Chicago is 5-1 SU in their last 6 games when playing LA Lakers

10:30 PM
GOLDEN STATE vs. LA CLIPPERS
Golden State is 1-6 SU in their last 7 games when playing on the road against LA Clippers
Golden State is 18-2 SU in its last 20 games
LA Clippers are 5-13 ATS in their last 18 games at home
LA Clippers are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games


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NBA

Thursday, December 25


Top ranked defense has Thunder strong under play

The Oklahoma City Thunder has more unders than any other team in the NBA this season with a 9-20 over/under record on the season. The Thunders' defense has only allowed an average of 95.9 points against, which is tops in the league this season.

OKC's offense has been without top offensive stars Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook for parts of the season, which has their offense averaging a mere 97.1 ppg.


Chris Bosh, Miami - Doub Thurs

Bosh has been sidelined with a calf strain and not expected to return Thursday against the Cavaliers.


Amar’e Stoudemire hoping to play on Christmas

Amar’e Stoudemire was given a recovery day Tuesday following his two recovery games. Knicks fans probably would like a recovery season. But there is a method to the inactivity for Stoudemire. The Knicks are hopeful his mini-vacation will translate into the same kind of production the 32-year-old forward has given them thus far.

 

[CNOTES]

NBA Christmas Day Betting Cheat Sheet

Washington Wizards at New York Knicks (+5, 192)

The Washington Wizards’ meeting with the New York Knicks on Thursday was intended to be a matchup of Eastern Conference contenders when the NBA selected the game to begin its annual Christmas Day showcase. Unfortunately, only one of the teams kept up its end of the bargain. The Wizards are off to one of the best starts in franchise history, but the host Knicks are on a five-game skid and have the most losses in the league.

Washington, two games behind Toronto for the best record in the East, is on just its second losing streak of the season after falling 99-91 at home to the Chicago Bulls on Tuesday night. Starting shooting guard Bradley Beal had 15 points but did not score after after being hit in the head during the third quarter and going through concussion protocol, although he did return. The Knicks, meanwhile, have been off since losing 118-108 to the Raptors on Sunday — their 15th defeat in their past 16 games.

ABOUT THE WIZARDS (19-8 SU, 11-16 ATS, 13-13-1 O/U): Among the players who struggled in the loss to Chicago was 11-year NBA veteran Rasual Butler, who went 1-for-7 from the field for his worst shooting performance of the season. The journeyman has been a pleasant surprise off the bench for Washington, averaging 10.8 points after never exceeding five points a game in the previous four seasons. His struggles against the Bulls were particularly surprising considering he was coming off a 17-point outing Sunday against Phoenix — one of six times he has scored at least 14 points this month.

ABOUT THE KNICKS (5-25 SU, 12-18 ATS, 15-14-1 O/U): Carmelo Anthony keeps producing even as the losses mount. Anthony leads the team with 23.7 points per game and has scored in double figures in all but one game he has appeared in this season. The seven-time All-Star acknowledged being 20 games under .500 is difficult to image, telling reporters “it doesn’t seem real” after the loss to Toronto.

TRENDS:

*Wizards are 9-2 ATS in their last 11 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400.
*Knicks are 4-11 ATS in their last 15 home games.
*Under is 8-1 in Knicks last 9 home games.
*Wizards are 3-10 ATS in the last 13 meetings in New York.



Oklahoma City Thunder at San Antonio Spurs (-5)

The San Antonio Spurs are trying to stay afloat in the loaded Western Conference without one of their best defensive players, but they might catch a break and miss one of the league's top offensive stars on Christmas Day. The Spurs host an Oklahoma City team that is likely to be without reigning MVP Kevin Durant on Thursday. The Thunder have lost three of four as they scramble to keep up in the West during an injury-plagued season.

The Thunder surged back into the Western Conference playoff picture after getting stars Durant and Russell Westbrook back from injuries, but Durant has missed the past three games with a sprained right ankle. The Spurs also have been forced to get by without key players at times, including defensive whiz Kawhi Leonard, but they got point guard Tony Parker back from a five-game absence with a hamstring injury and he scored 26 points in a 125-118 win over the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday. "It was hard to watch, a tough time," Parker told reporters of his time on the bench, during which the Spurs endured a four-game losing streak. "So I was just trying to bring energy and be aggressive."

ABOUT THE THUNDER (13-16 SU, 14-14-1 ATS, 9-12 O/U): While Oklahoma City has suffered at the offensive end with Durant (22.4 points, five rebounds) and Westbrook missing so much time, the Thunder have been one of the best defensive teams in the league. They allow an NBA-low 95.9 points per game and holding opponents to 42.6 percent shooting, second-best in the league. Westbrook (28.2 points, 7.1 assists, 5.8 rebounds) went off for 40 points in a 115-111 home loss to Portland on Tuesday, and the Thunder did a solid job defensively until Damian Lillard torched them in the fourth quarter and overtime.

ABOUT THE SPURS (18-11 SU, 14-15 ATS, 15-14 O/U): San Antonio turned in one of its most impressive offensive showings of the season against the Clippers, shooting a blistering 63.6 percent and dishing out a season-high 37 assists. Their defense left much to be desired, though, which is likely to be a common theme with their best on-the-ball defender, Leonard, sidelined by a hand injury. Two days off should help Parker (16.5 points, 5.3 assists) and fellow veteran Tim Duncan (16 points, 11 rebounds) recharge, but Manu Ginobili (12.9 points, 4.9 assists) is questionable with a bruised left shoulder.

TRENDS:

*Thunder are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games overall.
*Over is 8-0 in Spurs last 8 home games.
*Favorite is 6-1 ATS in the last 7 meetings.
*Under is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings.



Cleveland Cavaliers at Miami Heat (+5.5)

The Miami Heat expected to take a step back when LeBron James left, they just didn’t expect it to be this big a step. The Heat will be trying to recover from a home loss to the lowly Philadelphia 76ers when they welcome back James and the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday for the first time since the superstar left in free agency over the summer. The Cavaliers have won three straight and got one reunion out of the way with a win over Minnesota on Tuesday.

James guided Miami to four NBA Finals appearances and two championships in four years with the franchise before electing to go home to Northeast Ohio in the summer. The reaction from Heat fans to the move was mixed, and Miami quickly set about making up for the loss by handing Chris Bosh a max contract and bringing in Luol Deng and Josh McRoberts in free agency. Bosh is out indefinitely with a calf injury and McRoberts (knee) could miss the rest of the season, leaving another heavy load on Dwyane Wade.

ABOUT THE CAVALIERS (17-10 SU, 11-16 ATS, 11-15-1 O/U): Cleveland, like Miami when James first arrived, is still working out the kinks in the new lineup but has been strong on the defensive end in the last three games and moved the ball well in the 125-104 win over the Timberwolves. Kevin Love had 20 points and 10 rebounds in his first meeting with his former franchise and James is looking forward toward his own reunion. “It’s going to be great to be back in that building around those unbelievable fans and the memories will definitely come back,” James told reporters. “When it gets here I’m going to be excited about it. I’m going to relive a lot of moments in my head and go from there.”

ABOUT THE HEAT (13-16 SU, 13-15-1 ATS, 12-17 O/U): Miami held a 23-point lead in the second half against the team with the worst record in the league on Tuesday but watched it all evaporate in a 91-87 setback. “We had a lot of losses this year, so just throw this one on top of the rest,” Wade told reporters. “I think everyone will get rejuvenated and understand that we have a nice Christmas game coming in here. Fans will be excited and we need to find a way to win.” The Heat have already lost 10 games at home – one more than all of last season with James around.

TRENDS:

*Cavaliers are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 road games.
*Heat are 2-8-1 ATS in their last 11 home games.
*Under is 9-2-1 in Cavaliers last 12 games playing on 1 days rest.
*Under is 5-1 in Heat last 6 vs. Eastern Conference.



Los Angeles Lakers at Chicago Bulls (-10.5, 207)

Kobe Bryant took a night off to rest his weary body and his Los Angeles Lakers teammates responded. If Derrick Rose's last two games are any indication, the Chicago Bulls star is finally returning to MVP form after taking several periods of extended time off season. The superstars will lead their respective teams on the court Christmas Day when the Los Angeles Lakers visit the surging Chicago Bulls.

With Bryant not even at STAPLES Center on Tuesday against Golden State, the Lakers had seven double-figure scorers, built their largest lead of the season (24 points) and made nine consecutive shots during two separate stretches in the 115-105 win that snapped a three-game win streak. “It takes a lot more pressure off of him, and it takes a lot more wear and tear off him, as well,” Lakers coach Byron Scott said about Bryant. “It gives our guys confidence. We’ll try to play the same way. Hopefully, we can.” Chicago coach Tom Thibodeau has been saying for weeks that Rose needs to just play through his assortment of ailments, and the 26-year-old has done just that, scoring 15 fourth-quarter points in a win against Toronto on Monday and scoring six of his 25 on Tuesday during a critical rally in a 99-91 win over Washington, another Eastern Conference heavyweight.

ABOUT THE LAKERS (9-19 SU, 13-13-2 ATS, 16-12 O/U): Bryant, who is set to play in his NBA-record 16th Christmas Day game, is averaging 24.6 points on 37.7 shooting (third lowest in the league) in 35.2 minutes per game. Perhaps the five-time champion should take heed with Tuesday's outcome, because the club is scoring four points less and surrendering 17 points more when the star is on the court this season. “Some guys just played like ‘Django Unchained' -- they were free tonight,” Lakers swingman Nick Young told reporters before telling what he would say to Bryant. “Tell him to take the backseat for a little bit. He can be ‘Driving Miss Daisy’ and I can be Miss Daisy and drive.”

ABOUT THE BULLS (19-9 SU 14-14 ATS, 15-12-1 O/U): Chicago has won four straight and seven of eight and beginning a stretch in which seven of the next eight games are at home. Rose, who has missed 10 games this season over four different stretches, is averaging 22.7 points on 50.9 percent shooting in his last six games compared to 13.2 points on 36.4 percent shooting in his previous six contests. "He has his swag back," Bulls swingman Mike Dunleavy said. "He's doing it in the fourth quarter against really good teams. It's good to see that look on his face and the look in his eyes."

TRENDS:

*Lakers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
*Bulls are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games vs. a team with a losing S.U. record.
*Over is 4-0 in Lakers last 4 overall.
*Over is 14-3 in Bulls last 17 home games.



Golden State Warriors at Los Angeles Clippers (-2.5, 217.5)

The Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Clippers will be trying to put tough losses behind them when they meet Thursday night in Los Angeles. The Warriors suffered just their fourth loss in 27 games when they went down Tuesday night against the Los Angeles Lakers, a team that came in with eight wins in 27 games. The Clippers, meanwhile, lost on the same night at the Atlanta Hawks after leading by as much as 13 points early in the third quarter.

Blake Griffin matched his career high with 11 assists in the loss to the Atlanta and he has some history with the Warriors, namely getting ejected in last season’s Christmas Day game after a minor tussle with Golden State center Andrew Bogut. Griffin didn’t play well when the teams met last month, finishing with 14 points, one rebound and one assist in the 121-104 loss, so he should be motivated to play well. Draymond Green had 24 points and eight rebounds in that game, but has been quiet lately, combining for eight points and 11 rebounds in the last two games.

ABOUT THE WARRIORS (23-4 SU, 18-9 ATS, 12-15 O/U): Stephen Curry hurts a lot of teams from 3-point range but he has been especially on-target against the Clippers in his career. Curry has made half of his 124 attempts from beyond the arc in 20 career games against Los Angeles, one of three teams he has shot at least 50 percent from long range against in his career. The 62 made 3-pointers are the most he has made against any NBA team.

ABOUT THE CLIPPERS (19-10 SU, 11-18 ATS, 15-11-3 O/U): Chris Paul doesn’t need any extra motivation to get fired up against the Warriors. He wasn’t happy with how Golden State celebrated a victory against Los Angeles in the opening weeks last season and then went out a played a key role in the Clippers’ seven-game victory against the Warriors in the opening round of the playoffs last spring. J.J. Redick comes in averaging 17.8 points in 13 games this month, which would represent his highest scoring month since joining the Clippers last season.

TRENDS:

*Warriors are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
*Clippers are 0-6 ATS in their last 6 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
*Over is 4-1 in Warriors last 5 overall.
*Over is 4-0 in the last 4 meetings in Los Angeles.

 

[CNOTES]

NBA Christmas Day betting trends: Under hot in non-conference games

Twas an NBA Christmas when all through the sport, hoops fans are stirring with five games to sort.

With presents stacked under the tree, here's my gift to you, for all NBA bettors to see.

With the Spurs and the Thunder taking off in flight, a Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

CHRISTMAS PAST

Here’s a breakdown of the 10 teams playing on Christmas Day this season and how they’ve performed in games played on Dec. 25 since 1990:

• Chicago Bulls: 8-2 SU and 6-4 ATS and 3-7 O/U
Trending: 1-5 UNDER last six games

• Cleveland Cavaliers: 3-1 SU and 2-2 ATS and 1-3 O/U
0-3 UNDER last three games

• Golden State Warriors: 1-1 SU and 1-1 ATS and 1-1 O/U
Trending: not enough games to assess

• L.A. Clippers: 2-5 SU and 3-3 ATS and 3-3 O/U
3-0 ATS last three games

• L.A. Lakers: 7-10 SU and 10-6-1 ATS and 5-11-1 O/U
Trending: 5-0 ATS last five as a dog

• Miami Heat: 8-2 SU and 5-5 ATS and 2-8 O/U
Trending: 5-0 SU and 4-1 ATS last five games

• New York Knicks: 3-6 SU and 2-7 ATS and 5-4 O/U
Trending: 0-5 ATS last five as a dog

• Oklahoma City Thunder: 3-3 SU and 3-3 ATS and 2-4 O/U
Trending: visitor 1-5 ATS Thunder/Xmas games

• San Antonio Spurs: 3-3 SU and 3-2-1 ATS and 1-5 O/U
Trending: 0-3 UNDER last three games

• Washington Wizards: 0-1 SU and 1-0 ATS and 0-1 U/U
Trending: not enough games to assess

WHAT HAVE YOU DONE FOR ME LATELY?

Noteworthy team trends wrapped inside each Christmas Day game…

• Bulls: 4-0 SU and ATS last four home Thursdays / 4-10 ATS last fourteen versus non-conference opponents

• Cavs: 2-6 SU and 1-7 ATS last eight away Thursdays / 2-9 ATS versus .434 or less opponents this season

• Clippers: 1-5 ATS last six Thursdays / 15-4 SU away December / 1-4 ATS versus division opponents this season

• Heat: 3-9 ATS last 10 Thursdays / 2-7 ATS home off a SU win this season

• Knicks: 14-3 SU and 12-5 ATS home Wednesdays / 0-7 ATS home versus opponent off SU loss this season

• Lakers: 1-9 ATS last 10 games in this series / 5-0-1 ATS versus .500 or greater opponent off a SU loss this season

• Thunder: 18-6-1 ATS Thursday dogs / 6-0 ATS versus opponents off back-to-back SU wins this season

• Spurs: 4-0 SU and ATS last four home Thursdays / 1-6-1 ATS home versus opponent off SU win this season

• Warriors: 8-2 SU and 7-3 ATS last 10 Thursdays / 4-1 SU and ATS away versus winning opponents this season

• Wizards: 7-2 ATS last nine Thursdays / 4-0 SU and ATS last four games versus New York

DEFENDING CHAMPION DOLDRUMS

Christmas Day has not been a gifting experience for NBA’s defending champions.

That’s confirmed by their lousy 1-5 SU and 0-6 ATS mark since 2000 when facing an opponent playing with one day rest - exact.

The Thunder will look to add to that number when they visit the reigning champion Spurs at AT&T Center Thursday.

UNDER THE CHRISTMAS TREE

Non-conference games certainly bring the best defensive effort out in teams on Christmas Day.

Fourteen of the 18 games played on Dec. 25 since 1991 involving Eastern and Western Conference foes have played under the total.

THE GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING

Christmas Day underdogs with a win percentage of .740 or more (read: Warriors) are 1-7 SU and ATS.

 

[CNOTES]

Armadillo: Friday's six-pack

Some bowl trends to ponder, with the bigger bowls yet to be played......

-- Underdogs won/covered four of last five Belk Bowls.

-- Last five Russell Athletic Bowls stayed under the total.

-- Four of last five Sugar Bowls went over the total.

-- Favorites won/covered four of last five Cotton Bowls.

-- Underdogs are 3-1-1 vs spread in last five Outback Bowls; four of those five tilts went over the total.

-- Underdogs are 3-0 in Pinstripe Bowl; last three stayed under.


**********

Armadillo: Friday's List of 13: Random thoughts with the weekend here.......

13) George Washington 60, Wichita State 54-- GW takes big stride towards getting into NCAAs by winning Diamond Head Classic in Hawai'i; this was an excellent win.

12) LMU 72, DePaul 69-- Blue Demons lost sixth game in row after a 6-1 start; how can the biggest-name school in Chicago be this bad every year? LMU had lost six in a row before this, the 7th-place game in Diamond Head.

11) Wizards 102, Knicks 91-- New York is now 5-26; their GM and coach make a combined $17M a year, despite fact that neither person had done their job before this season. This is not a textbook case of how to run a business.

10) Clippers 100, Warriors 86-- Golden State is now 2-3 in its last five games, after their 16-game winning streak, as Steve Kerr finds out the same thing Mark Jackson learned; Warriors are pretty ordinary when oft-injured Andrew Bogut doesn't play.

9) Somewhere in LA last night, Clipper assistant Mike Woodson sipped on a cool drink, looked at the NBA standings, saw the Knicks are 5-26 and had a small smile on his face. Woodson coached the Knicks for three years and did his darnedest to win with a team whose best player doesn't care about defense. Good luck with that.

8) Rickey Henderson stole 1,406 bases in his Hall of Fame career; is that a record that will never be broken?

7) How good would the Pitt Panthers be if Steven Adams had stayed in school another year or two, instead of jumping to the NBA? Of course, you could say that about few other teams, like Duke and Kentucky, but Adams wasn't thought to be a sure thing by any means in the NBA when he bolted Pittsburgh for the pro game.

6) I'm watching a replay of the Auburn-Ole Miss football game as I type this; does anyone know why kids in the south wear suits and ties to football games? Its been 20 years since I had a jacket and tie on for anything other than a funeral/wedding.

5) One thing I learned Thursday; Lebron James eats lefthanded.

4) When GW beat Arizona Thursday night, all the teams on Colonials' schedule were happy as hell-- it helps boost their resume too.

3) One of those teams is Seton Hall, which lost prize freshman Isaiah Whitehead for a while with a stress fracture in his foot.

2) UNLV jumped 16 slots, from #133 to #117 after its upset win over Arizona. First conference game for the Rebels is at Wyoming, tough place for a young team to win.

1) Arizona Cardinals announced early this week that rookie Logan Thomas will start at San Francisco Sunday; yesterday they switched back to Ryan Lindley. Next thing will be a return to Neil Lomax or Jim Hart under center. Cardinals are going to have to go on the road for the first playoff game next week; hard to have much faith in them.

 

[CNOTES]

NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up

Friday, December 26

Hot Teams
-- Nets won last two games, covered five of last seven (6-6 AU).
-- Cavaliers won three of their last four games (2-7 AF).
-- Pacers won last two games, covered last five (1-0 AF).
-- Hawks are 14-1 in last 15, winning/covering last five (5-2 last 7 HF).
-- Rockets won eight of last eleven games (2-2 AU).
-- Charlotte won/covered its last four games (5-3-2 AU).
-- Portland won six of its last seven games (7-5 HF). 76ers won two in row for first time this season; they covered ten of last fifteen games (6-3 last nine AU).
-- Streaky Suns won/covered their last four games (5-2-1 AF).

Cold Teams
-- Celtics lost last two games, by 16-5 points (4-1 last five HF).
-- Orlando lost four of its last five games (3-5 HU).
-- Detroit lost its last four games (2-5-1 HU).
-- Bucks lost three of last four games, covered five of last six (10-4 AU).
-- Memphis lost its last three games, by 6-14-6 points (0-4 last 4 HF).
-- Spurs lost four of their last five games (2-4 last six A). Pelicans lost two of last three games, covered seven of last ten.
-- Thunder lost three of last five games (5-2 last seven HF).
-- Lakers lost four of last five games, covered five of last seven (7-4 last 11 AU). Dallas lost last two games, covered two of last eight (1-6 last 7 HF).
-- Nuggets lost nine of last 12 games (3-3-1 HF). Minnesota lost six in row, 12 of last 13 games (0-6 last six AU).
-- Sacramento lost six of last seven games (0-6 vs spread in last six).

Series Records
-- Nets won six of last nine games with Boston.
-- Cavaliers won their last eight games with Orlando.
-- Pacers won nine of last eleven games with Detroit.
-- Hawks won seven in row, 10 of last 11 against Milwaukee.
-- Grizzlies won three of last four games with Houston.
-- Spurs won 11 of last 13 games with New Orleans.
-- Thunder won their last seven games with Charlotte.
-- Lakers lost last four games with Dallas, losing last neeting 140-106.
-- Nuggets are 18-6 in last 24 games vs Minnesota (6-5 in last 11).
-- 76ers lost five of last seven games with Portland.
-- Kings won five of their last seven games with Phoenix.

Totals
-- Seven of last nine Brooklyn road games stayed under.
-- Five of last seven Cleveland road games stayed under.
-- Eight of last eleven Indiana road games went over total.
-- Seven of last ten Milwaukee road games went over; five of last seven Atlanta home games stayed under.
-- Five of last six Houston road games went over total.
-- Nine of last eleven Pelican home games went over.
-- Over is 8-2-2 in Oklahoma City home games.
-- Six of last seven Laker road games stayed under.
-- Five of last seven Denver home games stayed under.
-- Six of last seven Portland home games stayed under.
-- Nine of last twelve Sacramento road games stayed under.

Back-to-Backs
-- Cleveland is 3-4 vs spread if it played the night before.
-- Spurs are 5-3 if they played the night before, 2-3 on road.
-- Thunder is 3-2-1 vs spread if they played night before.
-- Lakers are 2-3 if they played the night before.

East vs West
SU: West 91-53 ATS: West 75-69
East teams HF vs West: 20-23
East teams HU vs West: 16-22
West teams HF vs East: 23-30
West teams HU vs East: 7-3

 

[CNOTES]

NBA


Friday, December 26

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

1:00 PM
BROOKLYN vs. BOSTON
Brooklyn is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Boston
The total has gone UNDER in 13 of Brooklyn's last 16 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Boston's last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 13 of Boston's last 19 games at home

7:00 PM
CLEVELAND vs. ORLANDO
Cleveland is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games on the road
Cleveland is 4-12 SU in its last 16 games when playing on the road against Orlando
Orlando is 12-4 SU in its last 16 games when playing at home against Cleveland
Orlando is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Cleveland

7:30 PM
INDIANA vs. DETROIT
Indiana is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games on the road
Indiana is 11-3-1 ATS in its last 15 games on the road
Detroit is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games when playing Indiana
Detroit is 1-7 ATS in its last 8 games at home

7:30 PM
MILWAUKEE vs. ATLANTA
Milwaukee is 7-18 SU in its last 25 games on the road
Milwaukee is 3-8 ATS in its last 11 games when playing Atlanta
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Atlanta's last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Atlanta's last 6 games

8:00 PM
SAN ANTONIO vs. NEW ORLEANS
San Antonio is 3-6 ATS in its last 9 games when playing New Orleans
San Antonio is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games when playing on the road against New Orleans
New Orleans is 2-11 SU in its last 13 games when playing San Antonio
The total has gone OVER in 4 of New Orleans's last 6 games when playing San Antonio

8:00 PM
HOUSTON vs. MEMPHIS
Houston is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Memphis
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Houston's last 6 games when playing on the road against Memphis
Memphis is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Houston
Memphis is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games

8:00 PM
CHARLOTTE vs. OKLAHOMA CITY
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Charlotte's last 8 games when playing on the road against Oklahoma City
Charlotte is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Oklahoma City
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Oklahoma City's last 11 games at home
Oklahoma City is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Charlotte

8:30 PM
LA LAKERS vs. DALLAS
LA Lakers are 2-5 SU in their last 7 games on the road
LA Lakers are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games
Dallas is 11-5 SU in its last 16 games at home
Dallas is 1-7 ATS in its last 8 games at home

9:00 PM
MINNESOTA vs. DENVER
Minnesota is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games
Minnesota is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Denver is 6-2-1 ATS in its last 9 games at home
Denver is 19-6 SU in its last 25 games when playing Minnesota

10:00 PM
PHOENIX vs. SACRAMENTO
Phoenix is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing Sacramento
Phoenix is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Sacramento's last 6 games
Sacramento is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games

10:00 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. PORTLAND
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Philadelphia's last 10 games on the road
Philadelphia is 6-19 SU in its last 25 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Portland's last 8 games at home
Portland is 1-3-1 ATS in its last 5 games at home

 

[CNOTES]

NBA
Long Sheet

Friday, December 26

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BROOKLYN (12 - 15) at BOSTON (10 - 16) - 12/26/2014, 1:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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CLEVELAND (17 - 11) at ORLANDO (11 - 20) - 12/26/2014, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CLEVELAND is 19-33 ATS (-17.3 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 9-19 ATS (-11.9 Units) in road games first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 3-13 ATS (-11.3 Units) in home games when playing with 2 days rest over the last 3 seasons.
ORLANDO is 34-51 ATS (-22.1 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CLEVELAND is 9-0 against the spread versus ORLANDO over the last 3 seasons
CLEVELAND is 8-1 straight up against ORLANDO over the last 3 seasons
5 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

INDIANA (10 - 19) at DETROIT (5 - 23) - 12/26/2014, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 30-16 ATS (+12.4 Units) after scoring 105 points or more over the last 3 seasons.
INDIANA is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) in road games this season.
INDIANA is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) in a road game where where the total is between 185 and 189.5 points over the last 2 seasons.
INDIANA is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) in road games first half of the season this season.
INDIANA is 190-139 ATS (+37.1 Units) on Friday nights since 1996.
INDIANA is 12-2 ATS (+9.8 Units) after a non-conference game this season.
DETROIT is 8-20 ATS (-14.0 Units) in all games this season.
DETROIT is 3-12 ATS (-10.2 Units) in home games this season.
DETROIT is 6-17 ATS (-12.7 Units) in home games in December games over the last 3 seasons.
DETROIT is 8-20 ATS (-14.0 Units) first half of the season this season.
DETROIT is 2-11 ATS (-10.1 Units) in home games on Friday nights over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 1-9 ATS (-8.9 Units) in home games vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 23-35 ATS (-15.5 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
INDIANA is 6-2 against the spread versus DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
INDIANA is 7-1 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

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

MILWAUKEE (14 - 15) at ATLANTA (21 - 7) - 12/26/2014, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 36-24 ATS (+9.6 Units) first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 20-9 ATS (+10.1 Units) in all games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 15-7 ATS (+7.3 Units) as an underdog this season.
MILWAUKEE is 20-9 ATS (+10.1 Units) first half of the season this season.
MILWAUKEE is 22-11 ATS (+9.9 Units) in road games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 5-16 ATS (-12.6 Units) when playing with 2 days rest over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 5-2 against the spread versus MILWAUKEE over the last 3 seasons
ATLANTA is 7-0 straight up against MILWAUKEE over the last 3 seasons
5 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

HOUSTON (20 - 7) at MEMPHIS (21 - 7) - 12/26/2014, 8:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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SAN ANTONIO (18 - 12) at NEW ORLEANS (14 - 14) - 12/26/2014, 8:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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

CHARLOTTE (10 - 19) at OKLAHOMA CITY (14 - 16) - 12/26/2014, 8:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
OKLAHOMA CITY is 3-1 against the spread versus CHARLOTTE over the last 3 seasons
OKLAHOMA CITY is 4-0 straight up against CHARLOTTE over the last 3 seasons
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

LA LAKERS (9 - 20) at DALLAS (20 - 10) - 12/26/2014, 8:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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

MINNESOTA (5 - 22) at DENVER (12 - 17) - 12/26/2014, 9:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 8-18 ATS (-11.8 Units) in all games this season.
MINNESOTA is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) when the total is greater than or equal to 210 this season.
MINNESOTA is 6-16 ATS (-11.6 Units) as an underdog this season.
MINNESOTA is 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) in December games this season.
MINNESOTA is 8-18 ATS (-11.8 Units) first half of the season this season.
MINNESOTA is 3-12 ATS (-10.2 Units) after allowing 105 points or more this season.
MINNESOTA is 3-11 ATS (-9.1 Units) after a loss by 10 points or more this season.
MINNESOTA is 26-39 ATS (-16.9 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 3-12 ATS (-10.2 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.
DENVER is 47-30 ATS (+14.0 Units) when the total is greater than or equal to 210 over the last 3 seasons.
DENVER is 7-17 ATS (-11.7 Units) on Friday nights over the last 2 seasons.
DENVER is 14-26 ATS (-14.6 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
DENVER is 6-2 against the spread versus MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
DENVER is 4-4 straight up against MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
5 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

PHILADELPHIA (4 - 23) at PORTLAND (23 - 7) - 12/26/2014, 10:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 27-42 ATS (-19.2 Units) in non-conference games over the last 3 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 19-31 ATS (-15.1 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.

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

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

PHOENIX (16 - 14) at SACRAMENTO (12 - 16) - 12/26/2014, 10:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PHOENIX is 68-42 ATS (+21.8 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 38-18 ATS (+18.2 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 38-20 ATS (+16.0 Units) first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 40-23 ATS (+14.7 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 40-20 ATS (+18.0 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
SACRAMENTO is 22-35 ATS (-16.5 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
SACRAMENTO is 1-9 ATS (-8.9 Units) in December games this season.
SACRAMENTO is 11-22 ATS (-13.2 Units) in home games first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
SACRAMENTO is 5-15 ATS (-11.5 Units) vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
SACRAMENTO is 11-23 ATS (-14.3 Units) in home games after scoring 105 points or more over the last 3 seasons.

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

 

[CNOTES]

NBA

Friday, December 26


Cavaliers' PG Kyrie Irving, questionable Friday

Irving injured his knee on a drive to the basket during the final minute of Thursday's matchup against the Heat, but he was able to finish the game. He is questionable for Friday's game against the Magic.


Thunder G Kevin Durant, doubtful Friday

Durant has missed the last four games with a mild right ankle sprain and will not return Friday against the Hornets.


Spurs' G Kawhi Leonard, doubtful Friday

Leonard has missed the last five games with a hand injury and is not expected to return Friday against the Pelicans.

 

[CNOTES]

NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up

Saturday, December 27

Hot Teams
-- Raptors won six of last seven games (2-2 AU).
-- Hornets won four of their last five games (3-1 last four HF).
-- Washington won 11 of last 14 games (1-4 last five HF).
-- Pelicans covered four of last five road games (5-3 last eight AU). Bulls won last five games, covered last four (5-1 last six HF).
-- Pacers covered five of their last six games (11-3 AU). Nets won last three games, covered last four (3-1 last four HF).
-- Hawks won five of last six games (2-1 AF). Milwaukee covered six of its last seven games (3-2 HU).
-- Utah won three of its last four games (1-2 HF).

Cold Teams
-- Clippers lost three of last five games (5-9 HF).
-- Magic lost five of their last six games (11-5 AU).
-- Celtics lost last three games, by 1-5-16 points (4-5 AU).
-- Memphis lost last four games, three by 6 or less points (1-3 last 4 A). Miami is 0-8-1 vs spread in game following its last nine wins.
-- 76ers lost six of their last eight games (6-8 AU).
-- Knicks lost six in row, 16 of last 17 games (6-3 last nine AU). Kings lost seven of last eight games (0-7 vs spread in last seven, 3-6 HF).
-- Warriors lost last two games, after winning 18 of previous 19 (7-3 last ten HF). Minnesota lost last seven games (4-9 AU).

Series Records
-- Clippers won five of last six games with Toronto.
-- Orlando won three of last five visits to Charlotte.
-- Wizards won three of last four games with Boston.
-- Home team won last five Memphis-Miami games.
-- Pelicans won three of last four games with Chicago.
-- Pacers won their last four games with Brooklyn.
-- Bucks' 107-77 win in Atlanta Friday ended 7-game series skid.
-- 76ers lost their last three games with Utah, by 16-5-12 points.
-- Knicks won five of last eight games with Sacramento.
-- Warriors won nine of last ten games with Minnesota.

Totals
-- Over is 9-2-1 in Toronto road games.
-- Seven of last nine Orlando road games stayed under.
-- Seven of last eight Washington home games stayed under.
-- Last four Miami home games stayed under total.
-- Under is 7-2-1 in last ten New Orleans road games.
-- Nine of last twelve Indiana road games went over.
-- Five of last seven Milwaukee home games went over.
-- Nine of last eleven Philly road games stayed under.
-- 11 of last 13 New York road games went over total.
-- Eight of last nine Minnesota games stayed under.

Back-to-Backs
-- Orlando is 5-2 vs spread if it played night before; Hornets are 4-4.
-- Celtics are 3-0 vs spread if they played night before.
-- Memphis is 1-3 vs spread if it played the night before.
-- New Orleans is 7-0 vs spread if it played night before.
-- Indiana is 4-1 vs spread on road if it played night before; Nets are 3-2 vs spread overall if they did.
-- Atlanta is 4-3-1 vs spread if it played night before; Bucks are 5-4.
-- 76ers are 4-1 vs spread if they played night before.
-- Sacramento is 2-3 vs spread if it played night before.
-- Minnesota is 1-4 vs spread if it played night before.

East vs West
SU: West 93-53 ATS: West 77-69
East teams HF vs West: 20-23
East teams HU vs West: 16-22
West teams HF vs East: 25-30
West teams HU vs East: 7-3

 

[CNOTES]

NBA


Saturday, December 27

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

3:30 PM
TORONTO vs. LA CLIPPERS
Toronto is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games on the road
Toronto is 1-5 SU in their last 6 games when playing LA Clippers
LA Clippers are 6-13 ATS in their last 19 games at home
LA Clippers are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games

7:00 PM
ORLANDO vs. CHARLOTTE
Orlando is 12-3 SU in its last 15 games when playing on the road against Charlotte
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Orlando's last 10 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 12 of Charlotte's last 18 games
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Charlotte's last 10 games when playing Orlando

7:00 PM
BOSTON vs. WASHINGTON
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Boston's last 5 games on the road
Boston is 17-7 SU in its last 24 games when playing Washington
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Washington's last 8 games when playing Boston
Washington is 7-17 SU in its last 24 games when playing Boston

7:30 PM
MEMPHIS vs. MIAMI
The total has gone UNDER in 16 of Memphis's last 22 games when playing Miami
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Memphis's last 6 games on the road
Miami is 3-8-1 ATS in its last 12 games at home
Miami is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games when playing at home against Memphis

8:00 PM
INDIANA vs. BROOKLYN
The total has gone OVER in 16 of Indiana's last 19 games on the road
Indiana is 1-9 SU in its last 10 games on the road
Brooklyn is 2-8 ATS in its last 10 games when playing at home against Indiana
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Brooklyn's last 8 games at home

8:00 PM
NEW ORLEANS vs. CHICAGO
New Orleans is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Chicago
New Orleans is 3-9 SU in its last 12 games when playing Chicago
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Chicago's last 7 games when playing at home against New Orleans
Chicago is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against New Orleans

8:30 PM
ATLANTA vs. MILWAUKEE
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Atlanta's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Atlanta's last 5 games when playing on the road against Milwaukee
Milwaukee is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games when playing Atlanta
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Milwaukee's last 5 games at home

9:00 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. UTAH
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Philadelphia's last 7 games when playing on the road against Utah
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Philadelphia's last 11 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Utah's last 7 games when playing Philadelphia
Utah is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Philadelphia

10:00 PM
NEW YORK vs. SACRAMENTO
New York is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Sacramento
The total has gone OVER in 5 of New York's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Sacramento's last 10 games at home
Sacramento is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games at home

10:30 PM
MINNESOTA vs. GOLDEN STATE
Minnesota is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 16 of Minnesota's last 22 games on the road
Golden State is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Minnesota
The total has gone UNDER in 13 of Golden State's last 17 games when playing Minnesota

 

[CNOTES]

NBA

Saturday, December 27

DeMarcus Cousins, Sacramento - Ques Sat

Cousins is questionable for Saturday's game against the Knicks due to illness.

 

[CNOTES]

NBA
Dunkel

New Orleans at Chicago
The Bulls host the Pelicans tonight following a 113-93 win over the Lakers on Christmas Day and come into the contest with a 6-0 ATS record in their last 6 games after scoring 100 points or more in the previous game. Chicago is the pick (-9 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Bulls favored by 11 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Chicago (-9 1/2). Here are all of today's NBA picks.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 27

Game 501-502: Toronto at LA Clippers (3:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Toronto 121.937; LA Clippers 123.284
Dunkel Line & Total: LA Clippers by 1 1/2; 217
Vegas Line & Total: LA Clippers by 4 1/2; 212
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (+4 1/2); Over

Game 503-504: Orlando at Charlotte (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Orlando 112.860; Charlotte 123.7931
Dunkel Line & Total: Charlotte by 11; 185
Vegas Line & Total: Charlotte by 6; 190 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Charlotte (-6); Under

Game 505-506: Boston at Washington (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Boston 112.765; Washington 124.267
Dunkel Line & Total: Washington by 11 1/2; 196
Vegas Line & Total: Washington by 9 1/2; 201
Dunkel Pick: Washington (-9 1/2); Under

Game 507-508: Memphis at Miami (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Memphis 119.840; Miami 114.360
Dunkel Line & Total: Memphis by 5 1/2; 205
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 509-510: New Orleans at Chicago (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: New Orleans 118.539; Chicago 129.909
Dunkel Line & Total: Chicago by 11 1/2; 196
Vegas Line & Total: Chicago by 9 1/2; 202
Dunkel Pick: Chicago (-9 1/2); Under

Game 511-512: Indiana at Brooklyn (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Indiana 116.540; Brooklyn 115.582
Dunkel Line & Total: Indiana by 1; 197
Vegas Line & Total: Brooklyn by 2 1/2; 191 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Indiana (+2 1/2); Over

Game 513-514: Atlanta at Milwaukee (8:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta 121.015; Milwaukee 124.798
Dunkel Line & Total: Milwaukee by 4; 211
Vegas Line & Total: Atlanta by 4 1/2; 204
Dunkel Pick: Milwaukee (+4 1/2); Over

Game 515-516: Philadelphia at Utah (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia 107.451; Utah 119.353
Dunkel Line & Total: Utah by 12; 191
Vegas Line & Total: Utah by 9 1/2; 196 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Utah (-9 1/2); Under

Game 517-518: New York at Sacramento (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: New York 111.301; Sacramento 113.416
Dunkel Line & Total: Sacramento by 2; 197
Vegas Line & Total: Sacramento by 7; 202 1/2
Dunkel Pick: New York (+7); Under

Game 519-520:Minnesota at Golden State (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota 109.018; Golden State 127.295
Dunkel Line & Total: Golden State by 18 1/2; 223
Vegas Line & Total: Golden State by 16; 215 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Golden State (-16); Over

 

[CNOTES]

NBA
Long Sheet

Saturday, December 27

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

TORONTO (22 - 7) at LA CLIPPERS (20 - 10) - 12/27/2014, 3:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 65-50 ATS (+10.0 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 25-14 ATS (+9.6 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 35-20 ATS (+13.0 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 19-9 ATS (+9.1 Units) in road games first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 24-12 ATS (+10.8 Units) in road games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.

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

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

ORLANDO (11 - 21) at CHARLOTTE (10 - 20) - 12/27/2014, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ORLANDO is 9-20 ATS (-13.0 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 10-21 ATS (-13.1 Units) in road games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 31-16 ATS (+13.4 Units) in road games first half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
ORLANDO is 115-85 ATS (+21.5 Units) on Saturday games since 1996.
CHARLOTTE is 14-27 ATS (-15.7 Units) on Saturday games over the last 3 seasons.
CHARLOTTE is 18-32 ATS (-17.2 Units) when playing on back-to-back days over the last 3 seasons.

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

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

BOSTON (10 - 17) at WASHINGTON (20 - 8) - 12/27/2014, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 15-27 ATS (-14.7 Units) after allowing 105 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 14-4 ATS (+9.6 Units) in road games when playing on back-to-back days over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 24-36 ATS (-15.6 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.

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

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

MEMPHIS (21 - 8) at MIAMI (14 - 16) - 12/27/2014, 7:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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

NEW ORLEANS (15 - 14) at CHICAGO (20 - 9) - 12/27/2014, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEW ORLEANS is 167-218 ATS (-72.8 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game since 1996.
NEW ORLEANS is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) when playing on back-to-back days this season.
CHICAGO is 40-62 ATS (-28.2 Units) in home games over the last 3 seasons.
CHICAGO is 13-30 ATS (-20.0 Units) in home games first half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
CHICAGO is 27-44 ATS (-21.4 Units) in non-conference games over the last 3 seasons.

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

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

INDIANA (10 - 20) at BROOKLYN (13 - 15) - 12/27/2014, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BROOKLYN is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
INDIANA is 38-20 ATS (+16.0 Units) first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
INDIANA is 79-53 ATS (+20.7 Units) in road games off a upset loss as a favorite since 1996.

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

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

ATLANTA (21 - 8) at MILWAUKEE (15 - 15) - 12/27/2014, 8:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MILWAUKEE is 21-9 ATS (+11.1 Units) in all games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 16-7 ATS (+8.3 Units) as an underdog this season.
MILWAUKEE is 21-9 ATS (+11.1 Units) first half of the season this season.
MILWAUKEE is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.
MILWAUKEE is 125-168 ATS (-59.8 Units) on Saturday games since 1996.
MILWAUKEE is 46-77 ATS (-38.7 Units) in home games after a win by 10 points or more since 1996.
MILWAUKEE is 13-26 ATS (-15.6 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.

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

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

PHILADELPHIA (4 - 24) at UTAH (9 - 20) - 12/27/2014, 9:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 27-43 ATS (-20.3 Units) in non-conference games over the last 3 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 25-37 ATS (-15.7 Units) after allowing 105 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 26-39 ATS (-16.9 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 57-29 ATS (+25.1 Units) as a road underdog of 9.5 to 12 points since 1996.
UTAH is 24-38 ATS (-17.8 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.

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

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

NEW YORK (5 - 26) at SACRAMENTO (12 - 17) - 12/27/2014, 10:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEW YORK is 22-39 ATS (-20.9 Units) first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
NEW YORK is 49-30 ATS (+16.0 Units) in a road game where where the total is between 200 and 204.5 points since 1996.
SACRAMENTO is 22-36 ATS (-17.6 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
SACRAMENTO is 1-10 ATS (-10.0 Units) in December games this season.
SACRAMENTO is 11-23 ATS (-14.3 Units) in home games first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
SACRAMENTO is 18-39 ATS (-24.9 Units) in home games on Saturday games since 1996.
SACRAMENTO is 11-24 ATS (-15.4 Units) in home games after scoring 105 points or more over the last 3 seasons.
SACRAMENTO is 13-27 ATS (-16.7 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.

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

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

MINNESOTA (5 - 23) at GOLDEN STATE (23 - 5) - 12/27/2014, 10:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 9-18 ATS (-10.8 Units) in all games this season.
MINNESOTA is 17-29 ATS (-14.9 Units) when the total is greater than or equal to 210 over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 7-16 ATS (-10.6 Units) as an underdog this season.
MINNESOTA is 2-11 ATS (-10.1 Units) as a road underdog of 12.5 to 18 points over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 2-11 ATS (-10.1 Units) as a road underdog of 12.5 or more points over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 9-18 ATS (-10.8 Units) first half of the season this season.
MINNESOTA is 7-20 ATS (-15.0 Units) when playing on back-to-back days over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 4-12 ATS (-9.2 Units) after allowing 105 points or more this season.
MINNESOTA is 3-12 ATS (-10.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
MINNESOTA is 4-12 ATS (-9.2 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.
GOLDEN STATE is 18-9 ATS (+8.1 Units) in all games this season.
GOLDEN STATE is 16-6 ATS (+9.4 Units) as a favorite this season.
GOLDEN STATE is 18-9 ATS (+8.1 Units) first half of the season this season.
GOLDEN STATE is 12-3 ATS (+8.7 Units) in home games after a division game over the last 2 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 47-33 ATS (+10.7 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 18-7 ATS (+10.3 Units) revenging a home loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
GOLDEN STATE is 6-2 against the spread versus MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
GOLDEN STATE is 7-1 straight up against MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
5 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

 

[CNOTES]

NBA
Long Sheet

Sunday, December 28

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

DETROIT (6 - 23) at CLEVELAND (18 - 11) - 12/28/2014, 4:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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

HOUSTON (21 - 7) at SAN ANTONIO (18 - 13) - 12/28/2014, 7:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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

OKLAHOMA CITY (15 - 16) at DALLAS (21 - 10) - 12/28/2014, 7:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
DALLAS is 4-3 against the spread versus OKLAHOMA CITY over the last 3 seasons
OKLAHOMA CITY is 5-2 straight up against DALLAS over the last 3 seasons
3 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

TORONTO (23 - 7) at DENVER (13 - 17) - 12/28/2014, 9:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DENVER is 47-31 ATS (+12.9 Units) when the total is greater than or equal to 210 over the last 3 seasons.
DENVER is 30-16 ATS (+12.4 Units) in home games after scoring 105 points or more over the last 3 seasons.
TORONTO is 66-50 ATS (+11.0 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 36-20 ATS (+14.0 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 20-9 ATS (+10.1 Units) in road games first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 38-21 ATS (+14.9 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 25-12 ATS (+11.8 Units) in road games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 19-9 ATS (+9.1 Units) in road games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.

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

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

NEW YORK (5 - 27) at PORTLAND (24 - 7) - 12/28/2014, 9:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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

PHOENIX (17 - 14) at LA LAKERS (9 - 21) - 12/28/2014, 9:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHOENIX is 6-3 against the spread versus LA LAKERS over the last 3 seasons
PHOENIX is 7-3 straight up against LA LAKERS over the last 3 seasons
5 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

 

[CNOTES]

NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up

Sunday, December 28

Hot Teams
-- Cavaliers won four of last five games (1-4 last five HF).
-- Rockets won nine of last twelve games (3-2 AU).
-- Thunder won ten of their last thirteen games (6-2 last eight HF). Dallas won four of last six games (1-7 last eight HF).
-- Portland won seven of its last eight games (8-5 HF).
-- Toronto won seven of its last eight games (8-4 A).
-- Suns won/covered their last five games (10-6-1 A).

Cold Teams
-- Pistons lost four of last five games (5-7 AU).
-- Spurs lost five of their last six games (1-4 last five HF).
-- Knicks lost seven in row, 17 of last 18 games (4-0 last four AU).
-- Nuggets are 3-5 in last eight games (1-7 vs spread).
-- Lakers lost five of last six games but covered six of their last eight.

Series Records
-- Pistons lost last three games with Cleveland by 4-1-22 points.
-- Rockets won their last six games with San Antonio.
-- Dallas won last two games with Oklahoma City, after losing previous seven series games.
-- Knicks lost their last five games with Portland.
-- Raptors won three of last four games with Denver.
-- Lakers lost six of their last seven games with Phoenix.

Totals
-- Four of last five Cleveland games stayed under; last five Detroit games went over.
-- Spurs' last seven home games went over total.
-- Five of last seven Thunder road games stayed under.
-- 12 of last 14 New York road games went over.
-- Over is 9-3-1 in Toronto road games this season.
-- Under is 9-4 in last thirteen Phoenix road games.

Back-to-Backs
-- Knicks are 4-2-1 vs spread if they played night before.
-- Raptors are 4-2 vs spread if they played night before.

East vs West
SU: West 93-53 ATS: West 80-71
East teams HF vs West: 20-24
East teams HU vs West: 16-23
West teams HF vs East: 26-32
West teams HU vs East: 7-3

 

[CNOTES]

NBA

Sunday, December 28

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Trend Report
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4:30 PM
DETROIT vs. CLEVELAND
Detroit is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games when playing Cleveland
Detroit is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Cleveland
Cleveland is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games at home
Cleveland is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games

7:00 PM
HOUSTON vs. SAN ANTONIO
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Houston's last 7 games on the road
Houston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing San Antonio
San Antonio is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Houston
San Antonio is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games

7:30 PM
OKLAHOMA CITY vs. DALLAS
Oklahoma City is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games
Oklahoma City is 10-3 SU in its last 13 games
Dallas is 4-12-1 ATS in its last 17 games when playing at home against Oklahoma City
Dallas is 17-7 SU in its last 24 games

9:00 PM
TORONTO vs. DENVER
Toronto is 5-16 SU in its last 21 games when playing Denver
Toronto is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Denver
Denver is 1-6-1 ATS in its last 8 games
Denver is 4-9 SU in its last 13 games

9:00 PM
NEW YORK vs. PORTLAND
The total has gone OVER in 6 of New York's last 7 games on the road
New York is 1-14 SU in its last 15 games on the road
Portland is 11-2 SU in its last 13 games when playing at home against New York
Portland is 2-3-1 ATS in its last 6 games at home

9:30 PM
PHOENIX vs. LA LAKERS
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Phoenix's last 6 games when playing LA Lakers
Phoenix is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
LA Lakers are 1-5 SU in their last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of the LA Lakers last 6 games