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

[CNOTES]

Saturday's Tip Sheet
February 11, 2017


Game of the Night – Warriors (-7, 227) at Thunder – 8:00 PM EST – ABC


Valentine’s Day is three days away as we’ll see if Kevin Durant gets showered with love in his first game back in Oklahoma City since signing with rival Golden State last summer. Durant had OKC within one victory of knocking off Golden State in the 2016 Western Conference Finals, owning a commanding 3-1 series lead. However, the Warriors rallied back for three consecutive victories to advance to the NBA Finals and eventually break up the eight-year marriage of KD and Russell Westbrook as the dynamic duo of the Thunder.


It’s business as usual this season for Golden State (45-8 SU, 25-26-2 ATS), as Durant leads the Warriors in scoring at 25.7 points per game, with last season’s Most Valuable Player Stephen Curry right behind at 25.2 ppg. The Warriors play with no rest tonight at Chesapeake Energy Arena following Friday’s 122-107 rout of the Grizzlies to cash as 7 ½-point favorites. Golden State avenged a pair of earlier losses this season to Memphis thanks to a 36-point effort from Klay Thompson, which included eight three-pointers.


The Thunder (31-23 SU, 30-23-1 ATS) are holding their own without Durant this season, led by Westbrook and his league-high 26th triple-double in Thursday’s 118-109 home triumph over the Cavaliers. OKC attempted 106 shots from the floor compared to 79 for Cleveland, while the backcourt pair of Westbrook and Victor Oladipo combined for 52 points in the third straight home win for the Thunder.


Golden State has won five consecutive games against Oklahoma City since falling in that 3-1 hole in last season’s conference finals, but only one of those victories came at Chesapeake Energy Arena.


The first two wins this season by the Warriors over the Thunder came at Oracle Arena in Oakland, each in convincing fashion. Golden State dominated OKC, 122-96 as 12-point favorites on November 3 as Durant dropped 39 on his former squad, while Westbrook was limited to 4-of-15 shooting from the floor.


In the second meeting on January 18, the Warriors steamrolled the Thunder once again, 121-100 as 15-point favorites with Durant putting up a 40-point effort on 13-of-16 shooting from the field.


Steve Kerr’s club owns a solid 8-2 record on no rest this season, however, the Warriors have covered only twice in this situation. The Thunder is listed as a home underdog for the fourth time this season, compiling a 1-2 SU and 2-1 ATS mark, while not receiving this many points at home since a 113-88 setback to the Spurs as six-point ‘dogs on April 7, 2015.


From a totals perspective, each of the first two meetings finished UNDER the total this season, while eight of the past 10 matchups have gone UNDER.

Surprising Leaders


Nearly halfway through February and both the Celtics and Jazz are leading their respective divisions. Boston visits Utah tonight for the third of a four-game road trip, looking to capitalize off Thursday’s comeback victory at Portland. The Celtics covered for the first time in their last five opportunities with a 120-111 triumph at Moda Center, avenging a home loss last month to the Blazers. Now, Boston goes for the season sweep at Utah, while capturing four of the past five meetings with the Jazz.


Utah squandered a 21-point advantage in Thursday’s overtime setback at Dallas, ending a four-game winning streak. The Jazz are riding a seven-game home hot streak against Eastern Conference foes, while cashing in five of those contests. Quin Snyder’s squad has compiled a 6-4 SU and 4-6 ATS record off a road defeat this season, but three of those ATS losses have come as a favorite of seven points or more.

Fighting for Fourteen


The Heat continue to rack up victories as Miami extended its winning streak to 13 games after last night’s 108-99 triumph at Brooklyn. Miami has returned to life in the Eastern Conference playoff race by pulling within one game of Detroit for the eighth spot, while trying to sweep its four-game road swing. The Heat heads to Philadelphia this evening, as the two teams have split a pair of meetings this season.


The 76ers will be without Joel Embiid for the ninth straight game with a knee contusion, as Philadelphia is fresh off a 112-111 victory at Orlando on Thursday. Philadelphia continues to cash tickets at Wells Fargo Center by covering nine consecutive home games since the start of January, while winning seven times with the two losses coming to Houston and San Antonio.

Monster Mavs


Philadelphia is riding the longest home ATS streak in the league, but Dallas is right behind with eight consecutive covers at American Airlines Center. The Mavericks shoot for their seventh home victory in nine tries after rallying past the Jazz on Thursday in overtime, 112-105. Dallas owns a solid 7-1 SU/ATS as a home favorite as the Mavericks host the Magic tonight.


Orlando has stumbled to a 2-9 record in the last 11 road contests, while dropping three straight games overall. The Magic held off the Mavericks earlier this season as 7 ½-point home favorites, 95-87, but Orlando has lost four consecutive visits to Dallas.

Head-to-Head Trends

-- The Clippers have had their way with the Hornets by capturing nine of the past 10 meetings, including season sweeps in the last two seasons. Los Angeles heads to Charlotte tonight as the Hornets have dropped four of their last five home contests.


-- The Bucks and Pacers are meeting for the second time this season as the Central division rivals hook up in Indianapolis. Milwaukee rolled past Indiana in its first matchup in November, 125-107, avenging a 1-3 record from last season against the Pacers. Both teams are playing without rest coming off losses on Friday as the Bucks are 3-8 SU/ATS and the Pacers own a 3-7 SU and 2-7-1 ATS mark on the second of a back-to-back.


-- Cleveland has won five of the past six matchups with Denver as the teams meet up at Quicken Loans Arena. The Nuggets have put together a 1-8 SU/ATS record off a road victory this season, coming off Friday’s triumph at New York. Cleveland is in an interesting scheduling spot tonight off a four-game road swing, then traveling to Minnesota on Tuesday.


-- The Suns are fresh off a rare home victory last night against the Bulls as Phoenix travels to Houston. The Rockets have posted a perfect 2-0 SU/ATS record against the Suns this season, while the road squad has won eight of the last 10 meetings in this series. Seven of the previous eight matchups between these Western Conference squads have flown OVER the total, including both December wins by Houston.

 

[CNOTES]

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11


GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS


LAC at CHA 05:00 PM

CHA -3.0


O 217.5


MIL at IND 07:00 PM


IND -7.0


U 212.5


DEN at CLE 07:30 PM


DEN +11.5


O 232.0


MIA at PHI 07:30 PM


PHI +3.5


U 208.5


GS at OKC 08:30 PM


GS -7.5


O 227.5


PHO at HOU 09:00 PM


HOU -14.5

U 235.0


ORL at DAL 09:00 PM


DAL -6.5


U 203.5


BOS at UTA 10:00 PM

BOS +6.5


U 205.0

 

[CNOTES]

Armadillo: Sunday's six-pack


— Bill Walton/Dick Vitale are working an NBA game together Wednesday night. Play-by-play guy will get paid and he’s not going to be able to get a word in edgewise.


— I’m not fond of watching amateurs play golf on TV; I like watching the pros, but I’m turning the channel before I watch a bunch of actors, CEO’s, athletes play golf.


— Draymond Green had a triple/double Friday night, the first one ever where the guy didn’t score at least 10 points.


— Three college hoop teams have won this year after trailing in that game by 25+ points; Nevada, Navy and Utah Valley.


— Southern Illinois honored the 50th anniversary of its 1967 NIT title team this weekend; the best player on the team was Hall of Famer Walt Frazier, who was also a great player for the Knicks.


— RIP Professor Irwin Corey, who passed away this week at age 102. One of my favorite comedians as a kid, his madcap antics made him popular on talk shows for years.


**********


Armadillo:Sunday's List of 13: Wrapping up a basketball Saturday……

13) There were three 4-OT games during the week: here is how those six teams bounced back from those long games:
— Alabama (+7.5) lost 67-58 to Kentucky
— South Carolina (-5.5) won 77-73 at Mississippi State but didn’t cover.
— Samford (+6.5) lost 90-73 at Furman
— Wofford (+1.5) lost 73-65 to Chattanooga
— Wyoming (+3) lost 81-74 at Utah State
— Fresno State (+3) lost 78-62 at Colorado State


Summing up, those six teams combined to go 0-6 vs spread today; only South Carolina won.


12) Duke 64, Clemson 62— Mike Krzyzewski turns 70 on Monday; how long is he going to keep coaching? Clemson led this game with by a point with 10:10 left, but Duke made 11-26 on the arc and Tigers were only 2-9. Tough to overcome that.


Luke Kennard was only Blue Devil to score in double figures in this game; a small red flag.


11) Coming into today, Big X home favorites of 8+ points were 1-15-1 vs the spread this season. but all four of the league’s home favorites covered Saturday, so that stat is now 5-15-1.


10) St John’s 78, Seton Hall 70— CBS announcers said on air that part of why Chris Mullin is recruiting more international players is that they tend to be more team-oriented and are often better fundamentally. I don’t disagree but it is disappointing to hear, isn’t it?


9) Wm & Mary 89, Charleston 79
Elon 77, NC-Wilmington 76— Both frontrunners in the CAA go on the road and lose.


8) Rider 112, Quinnipiac 107— Broncs were 13-19 on arc, 31-36 on foul line; Rider really played only seven guys (an 8th guy played 3:00) in an 89-possession game- they must be tired.


7) Michigan State 77, Iowa 66— Not one Big 14 team was a top 4 seed in the initial NCAA bracket that was released Saturday, a very interesting development. Wisconsin fans have to be a little upset by that- they’re 21-3, but not considered a top 4 seed.


6) Georgia 76, Tennessee 75— Dawgs lost five of last seven games, but they’re 7-0 as an SEC road underdog- their last five road games were all decided by 4 or less points or in OT.


5) Appalachian State 77, Georgia State 72— Panthers fall out of a tie for first in Sun Belt. App State crawls out of a tie for last place.


4) Villanova 73, Xavier 57— Xavier has major injury issues, but congrats to Jay Wright on his 500th career coaching win.


3) Tennessee Tech 83, Belmont 70— First OVC loss of the season for the Bruins, who are 6-2 vs spread in OVC road games.


2) Gonzaga 74, St Mary’s 64— Next difficult game for Gonzaga should be when BYU visits Spokane; surprisingly, Cougars won two of last three visits to Spokane.


1— Ole Miss 90, Auburn 84— Rebels were down 20 at the half, 47-27, so if you took Auburn +4, you can stop reading this now. Terence Davis scored 26 points in this game, he had zero points at halftime. Ole Miss scored 27 points in first half, 63 in second half.

 

[CNOTES]

NBA
Long Sheet

Sunday, February 12

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

SAN ANTONIO (41 - 12) at NEW YORK (22 - 33) - 2/12/2017, 3:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEW YORK is 32-19 ATS (+11.1 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 31-21 ATS (+7.9 Units) in all games this season.
SAN ANTONIO is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) when the total is greater than or equal to 210 this season.
SAN ANTONIO is 75-56 ATS (+13.4 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 28-13 ATS (+13.7 Units) in a road game where the total is greater than or equal to 210 since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 15-6 ATS (+8.4 Units) after a non-conference game this season.
SAN ANTONIO is 329-270 ATS (+32.0 Units) in non-conference games since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 59-40 ATS (+15.0 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 25-16 ATS (+7.4 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.
SAN ANTONIO is 25-15 ATS (+8.5 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.
NEW YORK is 1-10 ATS (-10.0 Units) in home games in February games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
NEW YORK is 2-2 against the spread versus SAN ANTONIO over the last 3 seasons
SAN ANTONIO is 3-1 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

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

CHICAGO (26 - 28) at MINNESOTA (20 - 34) - 2/12/2017, 3:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 4-1 against the spread versus CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
MINNESOTA is 3-2 straight up against CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

DETROIT (25 - 29) at TORONTO (32 - 22) - 2/12/2017, 6:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 3-11 ATS (-9.1 Units) in road games after a non-conference game this season.
DETROIT is 19-32 ATS (-16.2 Units) in road games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 20-33 ATS (-16.3 Units) in road games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 31-22 ATS (+6.8 Units) in all games this season.
TORONTO is 33-20 ATS (+11.0 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 22-12 ATS (+8.8 Units) after scoring 105 points or more this season.
DETROIT is 35-14 ATS (+19.6 Units) when the total is greater than or equal to 210 since 1996.
TORONTO is 117-152 ATS (-50.2 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season since 1996.

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

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

NEW ORLEANS (21 - 33) at SACRAMENTO (22 - 32) - 2/12/2017, 9:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEW ORLEANS is 16-30 ATS (-17.0 Units) off an upset win as an underdog over the last 3 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 38-64 ATS (-32.4 Units) in road games after a win by 10 points or more since 1996.
SACRAMENTO is 54-78 ATS (-31.8 Units) in home games off an upset win as an underdog since 1996.
SACRAMENTO is 13-25 ATS (-14.5 Units) in home games after scoring 105 points or more over the last 2 seasons.

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

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




NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up

Sunday, February 12

Spurs won five of their last six games; they’re 5-4 vs spread in last nine road games. Five of their last six games stayed under total. New York lost its last four games, all at home; they’re 3-10 vs spread in last 13 home games. Seven of their last eight games went over. Knicks lost three of last four games with San Antonio; teams split last four series games played in Manhattan. Over is 7-2 in last nine series games.

Chicago lost five of its last eight games; they’re 7-4 vs spread in last 11 road games. Four of their last six games went over. Timberwolves lost five of last six games; they’re 2-6 vs spread in last eight home games. Last 10 Minnesota games went over the total. Minnesota won its last three games with Chicago by 9-7-5 points, but Bulls won four of last five visits to Twin Cities. Under is 5-2 in last seven series games.

Detroit lost six of its last seven road games (2-5 vs spread); they covered five of last seven games overall. Three of their last four games stayed under total. Raptors won three of last four home games; they’re 4-9 in last 13 games overall. Under is 8-4-1 in their last thirteen games. Toronto won seven of last ten games with Detroit; Pistons lost last three visits to Canada, by 4-4-18 points. Eight of last nine series games went over.

New Orleans lost five of its last seven games; they’re 7-4 vs spread in last 11 road games. Over is 8-4 in last 12 Pelican games. Sacramento is 4-11 vs spread in its last 15 games; they won three of last four games overall, all at home. Four of their last six games stayed under. Kings lost six of last seven games with New Orleans; Pelicans won four of their last five visits to Sacramento. Three of last four series games went over.




NBA

Sunday, February 12

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

3:30 PM
SAN ANTONIO vs. NEW YORK
San Antonio is 18-7 SU in its last 25 games when playing New York
The total has gone OVER in 5 of San Antonio's last 6 games when playing New York
New York is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games
New York is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games

3:30 PM
CHICAGO vs. MINNESOTA
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Chicago's last 6 games
Chicago is 5-12 SU in its last 17 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Minnesota's last 6 games when playing at home against Chicago
Minnesota is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games at home

6:00 PM
DETROIT vs. TORONTO
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Detroit's last 11 games
Detroit is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Toronto
Toronto is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Detroit
Toronto is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games at home

9:00 PM
NEW ORLEANS vs. SACRAMENTO
New Orleans is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Sacramento
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of New Orleans's last 6 games when playing on the road against Sacramento
Sacramento is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against New Orleans
Sacramento is 8-15 SU in its last 23 games

 

[CNOTES]

NBA
Dunkel

Sunday, February 12


New Orleans @ Sacramento

Game 837-838
February 12, 2017 @ 9:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
New Orleans
119.077
Sacramento
117.414
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
New Orleans
by 1 1/2
220
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Sacramento
by 4
210 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
New Orleans
(+4); Over

Detroit @ Toronto

Game 835-836
February 12, 2017 @ 6:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Detroit
119.128
Toronto
118.642
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Detroit
Even
221
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Toronto
by 6 1/2
211
Dunkel Pick:
Detroit
(+6 1/2); Over

Chicago @ Minnesota

Game 833-834
February 12, 2017 @ 3:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Chicago
113.817
Minnesota
116.327
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Minnesota
by 2 1/2
218
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Minnesota
No Line
N/A
Dunkel Pick:
Minnesota
N/A

San Antonio @ New York

Game 831-832
February 12, 2017 @ 3:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
San Antonio
128.236
New York
111.884
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
San Antonio
by 16 1/2
206
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
San Antonio
by 8
213
Dunkel Pick:
San Antonio
(-8); Under

 

[CNOTES]

Sunday's NBA Essentials
February 12, 2017

Game of the Night - New Orleans at Sacramento (NBA TV, 9:05 ET)


Although Denver and Portland are currently just ahead of them, tonight's showcase game features teams that are in the thick of the race for the Western Conference's No. 8 seed as the All-Star break approaches. Although that last playoff spot is all that seems to be available, New Orleans and Sacramento will likely be playing meaningful games in March, a welcome change from last season.


The Kings come off a dramatic 108-107 win over Atlanta that was saved by a Matt Barnes' block of Darren Collison's would-be game winner at the rim. They pulled off a spirited comeback win that saw them rally back from a 22-point deficit, much of it with DeMarcus Cousins on the bench.


The Pelicans come off a win too, opening the four-game road trip that's taking them into the break by trouncing Minnesota. Anthony Davis scored 42 points and grabbed 15 rebounds in the 122-106 win over the Timberwolves, finishing 16-for-22 from the field in getting the better of another product of the Kentucky basketball factory, Karl-Anthony Towns.


While Towns was controversially left off the Western Conference All-Star team, Davis and Cousins will be in New Orleans as part of next weekend's festivities, although neither has had a smooth first few months. Davis has displayed toughness in playing through a number of varying injuries, the most severe caused by an injured hip suffered during an in-game fall.


Cousins has dominated despite feuding with everyone from opposing assistant coaches to media to trash cans. Referees remain his primary nemesis, so he's already racked up 16 technicals and secured a league-mandated suspension. He's one shy of his entire total from last season with 26 games remaining and will be suspended an additional game for every two technicals he receives. At the rate he's racked them up so far, he'll miss another four if he doesn't curb the temper.


An interesting thing has transpired this week, though. While Cousins sat on Wednesday, Sacramento blew the doors off Boston. The Celtics have gone on to commanding wins, but couldn't hang with the Cousins-less Kings, losing 108-92. Although the tantrums and sulking continued as Atlanta ran out to a lead that swelled as large as 22 points, Cousins calmed down as his team fought back again without him, then made countless clutch plays down the stretch, hitting an enormous 3-pointer and fouling out Dwight Howard to help complete a huge win.


Afterwards, Cousins lauded his team's fight and seems to have bought in more than he has. Whether it affects future behavior remains to be seen, but the Kings have come together enough to impress him.


"It was just a matter of us getting our heads (right), starting with me," said Cousins, who committed nine turnovers in contributing to the awful start against the Hawks. "Just a lot of things going through my head, wrong place, wrong time but my teammates pulled me along.


"I'm fighting my demons right now."


With Cousins having issues, Rudy Gay (Achilles) done for the season, Omri Casspi out with a calf injury and Ty Lawson dealing with an ab strain and a hand injury, seeing Darren Collison and Ben McLemore raise their levels and getting key contributions from veterans Matt Barnes, Arron Afflalo and Anthony Tolliver has really pulled this team together. McLemore's 22 points against the Hawks were a season-high. Recent draft picks Willy Cauley-Stein and Malachi Richardson have even gotten in the mix and been effective, so we'll see if the Kings can string together some lasting momentum.


Over the past three weeks, Sacramento has beaten both Cleveland and Golden State. Only the Spurs and Grizzlies have done that. The Kings will get another crack at the Warriors on Wednesday in Oakland after visiting the Lakers on Tuesday, so this Pelicans game will conclude a six-game homestand that could yield four wins if they capture this one, giving them their second-longest winning streak of the season.


The Pelicans are looking to string together consecutive wins for just the fourth time. They've done so only once in 2017 and continue to be besieged by injuries. Tyreke Evans (knee) and Terrence Jones (thumb) missed the Timberwolves win but are hoping to play here. Before winning in Minneapolis, New Orleans had dropped five consecutive road games. They've surrendered 100 points in 11 straight.


These teams will play one more time on March 31 in what could be a key game if these teams are still in the playoff hunt. They've met just once this season, as the Kings won 102-94 in Sacramento on Nov. 8 to snap a six-game losing streak at the hands of the Pelicans that dated back to Nov. 2014. Cousins scored 28 points on 11-for-20 shooting, while Davis went for 34 points on 14-of-22 from the field, adding eight rebounds and four blocks. Three of the last four matchups have gone over the posted total.


Border Battle - Detroit at Toronto (NBA TV, 6:05 ET)


The Pistons make the short trip north to Toronto to challenge the Raptors in Sunday's only meeting between teams that would currently make the playoffs. Separated by less than 250 miles, these teams will see each other three times between now and April 5, so they'll play a large role in each other's aspirations.


Toronto has fallen three games behind Boston in the Atlantic Division due to a dreadful run that began with a Jan. 18 loss at Philadelphia and has seen them go 4-9. The latest loss, a 112-109 setback to the Wolves way back on Wednesday, came despite them shooting 60 percent in the first half.


DeMar DeRozan has finally gotten healthy and the Raptors certainly put the three days off to good use considering they crammed four road games into the first eight days of February. They've slipped to the No. 4 seed, which puts them right into the firing line of a conference semifinal date with the Cavs.


Detroit would currently be first on that list, residing as the East's No. 8 seed. The Pistons are one game behind Chicago and just ahead of Charlotte, Miami and Milwaukee. They fell 103-92 to San Antonio on Friday, putting an end to a two-game winning streak built on home takedowns of the 76ers and Lakers. They haven't beaten a team with a winning record since Jan. 21 and have lost six of their last seven road games. Their 9-18 road mark is tied for fourth-worst in the East.


Toronto's 18-9 record at Air Canada Centre is the fifth-best at home in the East and tied for 10th overall with Utah.


These teams opened the season against one another back on Oct. 26, when DeRozan opened with a 40-point night, shooting 17-for-27. Jonas Valanciunas added 32 points and 11 rebounds, landing Andre Drummond and backup Aron Baynes in major foul trouble. Point guard Reggie Jackson didn't play. Toronto has won eight of the last 11 head-to-head matchups, taking five of the last six at home, including three straight.


Afternoon Tips

-- In case anyone in the country missed out on the Charles Oakley-James Dolan controversy on the heels of the Carmelo Anthony-Phil Jackson mess, a full rehashing of their dirty laundry will be available on ABC since New York has the misfortune of a home date against San Antonio.


Leave it to the Knicks to engineer a full-scale implosion on the same week they have two nationally-televised home games. The Oakley drama went down on Wednesday against the Clippers with an ESPN audience tuned in, and now the most dysfunctional franchise in the NBA faces the best-run one in a contest everyone can watch.


Anthony has responded to being booed at home in last Saturday night's loss to Cleveland by having one of his most productive individual weeks. After going 6-for-20 and costing New York a potential upset of the Cavs, he's gone 33-for-60 this week, shooting 9-for-19 from three-point range. Despite him averaging 29 points per game, the Knicks have lost to Lakers, Clips and Nuggets. All three game went over the posted total due to New York's brutal defense. All resulted in losses. It has dropped four straight and 20 of the last 26. San Antonio swept last season's two meetings and has started 2-1 on its annual Rodeo road trip that sees them remain on the road until March 1 once action resumes after the break.


-- Chicago visits Minnesota in the league's other 3:35 ET start. There's considerable doubt lingering over whether Jimmy Butler will play. Although he returned from a three-game absence in Friday's 115-97 loss to Phoenix, he shot just 6-for-16 and felt pain in his injured heel that may require more time off.


Dwyane Wade returned to the lineup against the Suns after an illness and a wrist issue and is probable to play here. The Bulls have dropped three of four but reside as the seventh-best team in the East.


Chicago is in danger of being swept by the Timberwolves for the second straight year since the first meeting saw Tom Thibodeau walk out of the United Center a winner in his return despite Towns shoot 6-for-21. Zach LaVine, who led the way with 24 points, is now out for the season after tearing his ACL last week. Minnesota has lost five of its last six games, beating only the Raptors, and now owns the third-worst record in the Western Conference.

 

[CNOTES]

Hoop Trends - Sunday
February 12, 2017


ATS TREND OF THE DAY:


-- The Pelicans are 0-12 ATS (-7.33 ppg) as a dog with rest after a game as a road dog in which they shot over 50% from the field since Jan 11, 2012.


OU TREND OF THE DAY:


-- The Pelicans are 10-0 OU (13.90 ppg) off a game as a dog in which they had fewer than 4 times as many field goal attempts as turnovers since Mar 31, 2013.


PLAYER TREND OF THE DAY:

-- The Timberwolves are 12-0 OU (14.08 ppg) at home off a home game in which Karl Anthony Towns was the high scorer since Dec 07, 2015.


CHOICE TREND:


-- The Kings are 11-0 ATS (13.09 ppg) at home with rest off a win in which they had assists on at least 70 percent of their field goals since Dec 03, 2004.

ACTIVE TRENDS:


-- The Pelicans are 0-9 ATS (-10.56 ppg) off a win as a dog in which Jrue Holiday had at least 10 assists - since Dec 04, 2013.

 

[CNOTES]

Cavs dump slump as bandwagon pulls up


If you want to take lessons from Super Bowl LI while they're still fresh, making sure you don't make premature declarations of victory or wallow in defeat halfway through certainly stand out, especially when there's greatness involved.


You don't write off goats.


That's why you're going to want to back the Cavs to get out of the Eastern Conference this season and you're going to want to do it sooner than later. Backing them to win it all depends on how much faith you have in the reigning Finals MVP. It would be wise to take his cranky nature and defiance of late as a sign that he has no intentions of being satisfied with winning one trophy for Cleveland.


Like Tom Brady, LeBron James has been at the top of his sport most of this century. Watching him navigate his way through season after season over the last decade-plus has been incredibly entertaining, and since his return to Northeast Ohio, a pattern has developed when the calendar turns to January. Turning the corner into a new year has perennially been an adventure. In 2015, he was feeling so out of sync and worn down that he took a break, returning to Miami to handle business and train, getting himself mentally prepared for the remaining grind and leaving teammates behind to figure it out.


In 2016, he played all the way through in part because he was feeling so good. James shot 55 percent last January, his best shooting clip for any month in the entire season, leading the Cavs to a 13-3 mark.


This season, he played 38.4 minutes for the second consecutive month, working in every contest in a January that featured two back-to-backs. He shot nearly 55 percent and averaged 25.7 points, 8.3 rebounds and 8.1 assists.


Cleveland went 7-8.


Archives (2017)1-18-2017Archives (2016)1-23-20161-25-20161-28-20162-6-20162-14-20162-15-20162-19-20163-1-20164-6-20164-26-20165-31-20166-6-20168-23-20168-8-201611-9-2016Archives (2015)9-8-20159-13-20159-20-20159-29-201510-5-201510-6-201510-14-201510-19-201510-21-2015LeBron's fire worth backing in East future
Won seven games, lost eight. They fell in four of the final six games, clinching a losing month in a listless 104-97 setback at Dallas. Throughout January, LeBron provided entertainment by lashing out at the front office, yelling that he needed more help, another playmaker to be exact. There was nothing playful or light-hearted about it because it wasn't meant that way. James wanted no trace of the cuddly version that smiles while selling you a Big Mac to seep into his message, so he uncharacteristically dropped a few F-bombs and seemed to throw teammates under the bus.


At 32 years old, it definitely sounds like James is seeing the crossroads approaching. He's seen Father Time conquer all the greats and knows his fate won't be any different. Currently, there are no diminishing returns. He's averaging better numbers than he ever has since heading back to Cleveland. The 8.8 assists per game he's dishing out would be a career-high. He's grabbing 7.9 boards, one-tenth off his career-best.


Charles Barkley called his request for more help "whiny." I'm in agreement, but can understand the desperation in it. James knows his legacy is tied to rings and has gained first-hand knowledge in what it takes to win a title and what it's like to be denied. He's gone through both with two separate franchises.


Although he's been slow to click and even cost the team a game with awful defense, Kyle Korver's addition was labeled a home run and should still pay off. He was brought into take J.R. Smith's spot as he mends after thumb surgery, so presumably, the Cavs will be all set depth-wise when he returns and they have their pick of sniper they want out there to capitalize off double-teams.


Cleveland says it has no interest in moving Kevin Love for New York's Carmelo Anthony, and even though LeBron and Melo are great friends, there would be too great of an adjustment required to expect them to seriously challenge the Western Conference champ come June if such a move were made. They can win with Love. They have won with Love. He's actually having his most productive season since arriving from Minnesota. The continuity has helped. Love scored 39 points and grabbed 12 boards in Monday's 140-135 OT win in Washington, further diffusing the rumor.


"It's always about outside noise and this is outside noise for us," James said afterward, dismissing the report that he's interested in joining forces with Anthony even if it costs the Cavs Love as "trash."


He's ornery, has driven up the intensity level in the locker room and has satisfied concerns that he'll be any less locked in due to last year's success. James doesn't want anyone to feel satisfied. That message has come through loud and clear.


Cleveland has opened February with victories over the Timberwolves, Knicks and Wizards, recording its first three-game win streak since it closed out 2016 by beating the Celtics and Hornets before opening up the new year with a home conquest of the Pelicans. Between now and the All-Star break, they'll be on the road at Indiana, Oklahoma City and Minnesota. There's a home-and-home with the Pacers too in addition to a home game with Denver.


All those games are challenging, yet winnable.


In truth, it doesn't really matter how they fare so long as no one gets injured and there's not a total freefall, because the Cavs are that much better than everyone else in the East. The Wizards got a brilliant 41-point night from Bradley Beal and still fell short in extending a 17-game home winning streak when James sent the game to OT with a miracle banked-in three at the buzzer to end regulation.


No one in the East is going to beat a team led by James, Kyrie Irving and Love four times in seven games. That's why James' cries for more help fall on deaf ears. He's already got more than enough on board around him to repeat as champions, and that's going to become all the more apparent after the All-Star break. The Cavs do likely have one more move coming that will further stack the deck in their favor, so coming off a losing month, this very second is the most opportune time to hop on the bandwagon and place your Eastern Conference champion future bet.


Books had the Cavs at 5-to-2 to win the NBA title entering the season and the new year. They're now 2-to-1 at the WestgateLV Superbook. They were 1-to-2 to start the season to take the east and are now 1-to-5 despite their January struggles.


Oddsmakers have essentially told you that, barring injury, they're not going to come off Cleveland as a heavy favorite. Boston has emerged as the biggest threat to the throne, coming in at 5-to-1. The Celtics don't have enough to beat the Cavs. If you're going to take the plunge on the Eastern Conference future, it's time to cash in a sure thing before the odds provide even less of an advantage.


Most of us are anticipating a third consecutive Warriors-Cavs Finals. It's definitely more likely that Golden State fails to show than Cleveland. The Cavs will be there. James won't let them lose to an inferior team. That label can be placed on all of their Eastern Conference competition.

 

[CNOTES]

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 12

GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS


CHI at MIN 03:30 PM

MIN -2.0


U 207.0


SA at NY 03:30 PM


SA -9.0


U 211.5


DET at TOR 06:00 PM

DET +6.5


O 211.5


NO at SAC 09:00 PM


SAC -3.0


O 212.0

 

[CNOTES]

Armadillo: Monday's six-pack


— Michigan 75, Indiana 63— Wolverines sweep Indiana for first time in 22 years.


— SMU 60, Cincinnati 51— First loss since December 10 for the Bearcats.


— Virginia Tech 82, Virginia 80 2OT— Game meant lot more to Hokies, who are on bubble.


— FOX made an additional $20M in ad revenue because the Super Bowl went into overtime.


— Apparently the Cowboys think they can get a third round draft pick for Tony Romo.


— Only two sportswriters, Jerry Green and Jerry Izenberg, have covered all 51 Super Bowls.


**********


Armadillo:Monday's List of 13: Random thoughts on a snowy night


13) Joel Embiid hasn’t played for the 76ers since January 27; they’re 13-18 when he plays, 7-16 when he doesn’t. Apparently Embiid has a slight meniscus tear in his knee, which is why he hasn’t been playing, but then video of him dancing on the stage of a Meek Mill concert in Philly the other night showed up and people in Philly are, uh…….not real happy.


Coach Brett Brown: ”The conversations I had with Joel after I saw the video included a lot, some of which you mentioned. By and large, I’d probably prefer it was a private conversation.’’


I’m guessing the player was introduced to the word “perception” as in, ‘When you’re getting paid millions and you can’t play because your knee hurts, then don’t show up on stage at a concert dancing. People might perceive that you’re not taking your knee rehab seriously.’


12) San Diego State 70, Nevada 56— Aztecs are 6-6 in the Mountain West this season, as their lack of shooting has caused the program to take a dip— last time the Aztecs finished under .500 in conference play was 2005.


In his last two road games, Nevada’s leading scorer Marcus Marshall is 2-22 from the floor.


11) Grant Napear is the Kings’ TV announcer; Friday night, Sacramento is playing terribly against the Hawks, just getting killed. Kings fans are chanting “Ref u suck!!!” when they don’t get calls and Mr Napear says, “The way they’re playing, the fans should be chanting that to the Kings.”


Wow. You don’t get that kind of honesty very often on local broadcasts. Sacramento rallied to win the game, by the way.


10) This info is from Sports Insights: So far this season, 84.5% of NBA games closed with a total of 200+ points. just two years ago, that figure was only 49.6%.


9) Northwestern 66, Wisconsin 59— The long drought is over; if they get Lindsey back soon, they will be in the NCAA’s. Credit to Chris Collins, tough to turn a losing program around.


8) The following passage is from writer Jeff Passan: he is talking about Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria, who hopefully is selling the ballclub soon:


“Over the last 18 years, as Jeffrey Loria sprayed the stench of his naked greed across baseball like the skunk he is, as he destroyed the sport in one city and bilked another out of billions of dollars, as he tore asunder a championship team and micromanaged countless others and behaved like the lamest sort of wannabe George Steinbrenner possible, all blowhard, zero substance, the aggrieved could take solace in one thing and one alone: some day, the game would rid itself of him.”


7) Golf is really hard; on the European Tour this week, guy named Bernd Weisberger had nine straight birdies in his round on Friday. Doesn’t happen much. On the same nine holes the next day, he was +2 and drifted out of contention.


6) If Indiana misses the NCAA tournament, would the school reach out to Steve Alford to see if he would come home to be its coach? Alford coaching UCLA just seems weird; Alford coaching Indiana seems like it should happen.


I’m thinking that UCLA is/was/always will be a really hard job; the shadow of John Wooden, even 40 years later, is tough to coach under. Ben Howland went to three Final Fours and they couldn’t wait to get rid of him.


5) Raiders gave coach Jack Del Rio a 4-year contract extension. You wonder where he’ll be working four years from now; Las Vegas, San Diego, Oakland?


4) If Kevin Durant thinks it is necessary to hire ARMED security for his mother at a game, why would she even bother going to the game? She was surprised that people are steamed at her son bolting to Golden State? That should not be surprising; unfortunate maybe, but not surprising.


3) Tampa Bay Rays signed P Nathan Eovaldi to a $2M deal for 2107, with a club option for ’18; what makes this odd is that Eovaldi had Tommy John surgery and won’t pitch this season, so it is really a future contract for 2018.


2) Reds traded Brandon Phillips to the Braves; LY, he turned down a trade to the Nationals, a contending team. Now he approves a trade to the rebuilding Braves? Unusual.


Braves may have made the trade because Sean Rodriguez needs shoulder surgery after he was injured in a car accident. Initial reports said he was uninjured in the accident.


1) So I’m (trying to) sleep Saturday morning, my doorbell rings, then there is a knock on the door, so I think it might be important- it wasn’t.


Some guy wants to know if I’d like him to shovel the inch or two of snow that fell late Friday night off my sidewalk. I’m not a morning person, but I managed to decline politely and go back to sleep. Don’t be knocking on people’s doors on a Saturday morning.


Sunday, we got a foot of snow; think the guy will show up and want to clear off my sidewalk today? Nah, me either.

 

[CNOTES]

NBA
Long Sheet

Monday, February 13

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

PHILADELPHIA (20 - 34) at CHARLOTTE (24 - 30) - 2/13/2017, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 32-21 ATS (+8.9 Units) in all games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 32-19 ATS (+11.1 Units) as an underdog this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 21-11 ATS (+8.9 Units) after allowing 105 points or more this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 26-16 ATS (+8.4 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 27-17 ATS (+8.3 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.
CHARLOTTE is 3-15 ATS (-13.5 Units) when the total is greater than or equal to 210 this season.
CHARLOTTE is 2-12 ATS (-11.2 Units) against Atlantic division opponents this season.
CHARLOTTE is 9-18 ATS (-10.8 Units) after allowing 105 points or more this season.
CHARLOTTE is 12-25 ATS (-15.5 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.
CHARLOTTE is 13-26 ATS (-15.6 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHARLOTTE is 5-4 against the spread versus PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
CHARLOTTE is 7-2 straight up against PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
5 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

OKLAHOMA CITY (31 - 24) at WASHINGTON (32 - 21) - 2/13/2017, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 49-67 ATS (-24.7 Units) in road games over the last 3 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 14-6 ATS (+7.4 Units) in a home game where the total is greater than or equal to 210 this season.
WASHINGTON is 18-8 ATS (+9.2 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent this season.
WASHINGTON is 20-11 ATS (+7.9 Units) after allowing 105 points or more this season.
WASHINGTON is 22-13 ATS (+7.7 Units) after scoring 105 points or more this season.
WASHINGTON is 26-17 ATS (+7.3 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.
WASHINGTON is 27-16 ATS (+9.4 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.

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

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

ORLANDO (20 - 36) at MIAMI (24 - 31) - 2/13/2017, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ORLANDO is 23-32 ATS (-12.2 Units) in all games this season.
ORLANDO is 69-97 ATS (-37.7 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a losing record - 2nd half of the season since 1996.
ORLANDO is 17-27 ATS (-12.7 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.
ORLANDO is 51-77 ATS (-33.7 Units) in road games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season since 1996.
ORLANDO is 17-26 ATS (-11.6 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.
MIAMI is 32-23 ATS (+6.7 Units) in all games this season.
MIAMI is 42-28 ATS (+11.2 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 43-30 ATS (+10.0 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 138-104 ATS (+23.6 Units) in February games since 1996.
MIAMI is 21-8 ATS (+12.2 Units) revenging a home loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 43-30 ATS (+10.0 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 17-7 ATS (+9.3 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
MIAMI is 9-1 ATS (+7.9 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record - 2nd half of the season this season.
MIAMI is 27-16 ATS (+9.4 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.
MIAMI is 12-1 ATS (+10.9 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season this season.
MIAMI is 28-16 ATS (+10.4 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.
MIAMI is 12-1 ATS (+10.9 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season this season.
ORLANDO is 28-15 ATS (+11.5 Units) in road games after a non-conference game over the last 3 seasons.

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

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

MEMPHIS (33 - 23) at BROOKLYN (9 - 45) - 2/13/2017, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MEMPHIS is 0-7 ATS (-7.7 Units) against Atlantic division opponents this season.
MEMPHIS is 6-14 ATS (-9.4 Units) in non-conference games this season.
MEMPHIS is 30-17 ATS (+11.3 Units) after allowing 105 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
MEMPHIS is 41-26 ATS (+12.4 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
BROOKLYN is 59-74 ATS (-22.4 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
BROOKLYN is 8-19 ATS (-12.9 Units) after 3 or more consecutive losses this season.
BROOKLYN is 16-25 ATS (-11.5 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.

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

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

SAN ANTONIO (41 - 13) at INDIANA (29 - 25) - 2/13/2017, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SAN ANTONIO is 31-22 ATS (+6.8 Units) in all games this season.
SAN ANTONIO is 75-57 ATS (+12.3 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 15-7 ATS (+7.3 Units) after a non-conference game this season.
SAN ANTONIO is 329-271 ATS (+30.9 Units) in non-conference games since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 203-141 ATS (+47.9 Units) off a upset loss as a favorite since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 97-75 ATS (+14.5 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 3 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 25-16 ATS (+7.4 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.
INDIANA is 19-32 ATS (-16.2 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.

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

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

DETROIT (26 - 29) at MILWAUKEE (23 - 30) - 2/13/2017, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 20-32 ATS (-15.2 Units) in road games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 21-33 ATS (-15.3 Units) in road games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) when the total is greater than or equal to 210 this season.
MILWAUKEE is 21-32 ATS (-14.2 Units) in all games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 53-83 ATS (-38.3 Units) in home games in February games since 1996.
MILWAUKEE is 345-419 ATS (-115.9 Units) second half of the season since 1996.
MILWAUKEE is 122-158 ATS (-51.8 Units) after a win by 10 points or more since 1996.
MILWAUKEE is 9-19 ATS (-11.9 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
MILWAUKEE is 17-26 ATS (-11.6 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.
MILWAUKEE is 15-27 ATS (-14.7 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 16-25 ATS (-11.5 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.
MILWAUKEE is 14-26 ATS (-14.6 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.

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

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

BOSTON (35 - 19) at DALLAS (22 - 32) - 2/13/2017, 8:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DALLAS is 370-303 ATS (+36.7 Units) as an underdog since 1996.
DALLAS is 314-261 ATS (+26.9 Units) after a non-conference game since 1996.
DALLAS is 34-22 ATS (+9.8 Units) in home games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
DALLAS is 29-18 ATS (+9.2 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.
DALLAS is 11-2 ATS (+8.8 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season this season.
BOSTON is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) as a road favorite of 3 points or less this season.
BOSTON is 17-8 ATS (+8.2 Units) in road games this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
DALLAS is 3-2 against the spread versus BOSTON over the last 3 seasons
DALLAS is 4-1 straight up against BOSTON over the last 3 seasons
4 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

NEW ORLEANS (21 - 34) at PHOENIX (17 - 38) - 2/13/2017, 9:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEW ORLEANS is 116-150 ATS (-49.0 Units) in road games second half of the season since 1996.
PHOENIX is 24-13 ATS (+9.7 Units) in home games after allowing 105 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 34-19 ATS (+13.1 Units) after a loss by 10 points or more over the last 2 seasons.

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

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

GOLDEN STATE (46 - 8) at DENVER (24 - 30) - 2/13/2017, 9:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
GOLDEN STATE is 8-17 ATS (-10.7 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
GOLDEN STATE is 13-26 ATS (-15.6 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record - 2nd half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
DENVER is 30-18 ATS (+10.2 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 85-70 ATS (+8.0 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 132-103 ATS (+18.7 Units) as a favorite over the last 3 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 20-11 ATS (+7.9 Units) after a win by 10 points or more this season.
GOLDEN STATE is 66-52 ATS (+8.8 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 26-16 ATS (+8.4 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.
GOLDEN STATE is 40-27 ATS (+10.3 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
DENVER is 10-23 ATS (-15.3 Units) in home games after a loss by 10 points or more over the last 3 seasons.

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

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

LA CLIPPERS (33 - 21) at UTAH (34 - 21) - 2/13/2017, 9:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LA CLIPPERS are 106-141 ATS (-49.1 Units) in February games since 1996.
LA CLIPPERS are 196-256 ATS (-85.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season since 1996.
UTAH is 69-41 ATS (+23.9 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 3 seasons.

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

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

ATLANTA (31 - 23) at PORTLAND (23 - 31) - 2/13/2017, 10:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PORTLAND is 22-32 ATS (-13.2 Units) in all games this season.
PORTLAND is 15-26 ATS (-13.6 Units) when the total is greater than or equal to 210 this season.
PORTLAND is 14-23 ATS (-11.3 Units) after allowing 105 points or more this season.

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

 

[CNOTES]

NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up

Monday, February 13

Philly won its last two games after a 5-game skid; they’re 1-5 vs spread in their last six games on road. Over is 11-2 in their last 13 games. Hornets lost nine of last ten games; they’re 0-7 vs spread in last seven home games. Under is 7-2 in their last nine home games. 76ers lost eight of last ten games with Charlotte; they lost last five visits here, but covered three of the five games. Three of last four series games stayed under.

Thunder won/covered eight of last ten home games; they’re 3-5 in last eight games overall. Four of their last six games went over the total. Wizards are 18-1 in their last 19 home games, 14-3-2 vs spread. Five of their last six games went over the total. Oklahoma City won seven of last eight games with Washington, covered last four; they won by 2-24 points in last two visits here. Four of last five series games went over.

Magic lost five of its last six games; they’re 2-5 vs spread in last seven road games. Four of their last six games stayed under total. Heat had its 13-game win streak snapped Saturday; they’re 7-1 vs spread in last eight home games. Four of their last six games went over total. Miami won six of last eight games with Orlando (5-2 vs spread in last seven); Magic lost three of last four visits here, with losses by 7-11-22 points. Last four series games went over.

Memphis lost three of its last five games; they’re 4-1 vs spread in last five road games. Seven of their last nine games went over total. Nets lost their last 12 games, are 3-9 vs spread in last dozen home games. Five of their last seven games stayed under the total. Grizzlies won their last four games with Brooklyn; they won/covered four of last five visits to Kings County (over 4-1).

Spurs lost three of their last five road games; they won five of last seven games overall. Six of their last seven games stayed under total. Pacers lost last three games by 15-5-16 points; they’re 2-4-1 vs spread in last seven home games- their last three games all went over. San Antonio won eight of last ten games with Indiana but Pacers covered four of last six; Spurs won four of last five visits here (2-3 vs spread). Four of last five series games stayed under total.

Detroit won five of its last seven games, covered six of last eight; they’re 2-7 vs spread if they played night before. Four of their last five games stayed under. Bucks lost seven of last nine games, are 1-5 vs spread in last six home games. Four of their last five games went over the total. Pistons won four of last five games with Milwaukee, but they lost three of last four visits here. Three of last four series games stayed under.

Dallas won six of last seven home games, covered seven of last eight; they’re 6-2 in last eight games overall. Over is 6-3 in their last nine games. Boston won nine of last ten games, is 8-4 vs spread in last 12 road games. Four of their last six games stayed under. Mavericks won seven of last eight games with Boston; four of last five series games went over total. Celtics lost lost their last five visits to Texas (2-3 vs spread).

New Orleans lost six of its last seven road games; they lost six of last eight games overall. Under is 7-2 in their last nine road games. Suns lost nine of last 11 games; they’re 1-5 vs spread in last six home games. Three of their last four games stayed under the total. Pelicans are 5-3 in last eight games with Phoenix; teams split last four series games played in the desert. Five of last seven series games went over.

Warriors won eight of last nine games; they’re 7-3 vs spread in last ten road games. Four of their last six games went over total. Nuggets split their last six games but covered only one of last five on road. Eight of their last ten games went over total. Golden State won eight of last ten games with Denver but Nuggets covered six of last eight; Warriors won three of last five visits here. Last eight series games went over the total.

Clippers are 4-7 since Paul got hurt but they covered four of last five road games. Seven of their last nine games went over total. Utah lost its last two games but they won nine of last eleven home games. Last five Jazz games went over the total. Clippers won nine of last ten games with Utah; they won last five visits to Salt Lake City (3-1-1 vs spread). Four of last six series games stayed under.

Atlanta is 7-5 in its last 12 games overall, 10-5 vs spread in its last 15 road games. Five of their last seven games went over. Trailblazers lost three of last four games; they’re 10-7 vs spread in last 17 home games. Three of their last four games went over the total. Hawks won their last four games with Portland, winning last two visits here by 8-6 points. Three of last four series games went over.

 

[CNOTES]

NBA

Monday, February 13

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

7:00 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. CHARLOTTE
Philadelphia is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Charlotte
Philadelphia is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Charlotte is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games at home
Charlotte is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games at home

7:00 PM
SAN ANTONIO vs. INDIANA
San Antonio is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
San Antonio is 18-7 SU in its last 25 games on the road
Indiana is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games at home
Indiana is 14-4 SU in its last 18 games at home

7:30 PM
MEMPHIS vs. BROOKLYN
Memphis is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Memphis is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Brooklyn's last 7 games
Brooklyn is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Memphis

7:30 PM
ORLANDO vs. MIAMI
Orlando is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Orlando's last 6 games
Miami is 13-1 SU in its last 14 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Miami's last 6 games when playing Orlando

8:00 PM
DETROIT vs. MILWAUKEE
Detroit is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Milwaukee
Detroit is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Milwaukee
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Milwaukee's last 7 games at home
Milwaukee is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games at home

8:00 PM
OKLAHOMA CITY vs. WASHINGTON
Oklahoma City is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games on the road
Oklahoma City is 4-0-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Washington
Washington is 18-1 SU in its last 19 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Washington's last 6 games at home

8:30 PM
BOSTON vs. DALLAS
Boston is 3-9 ATS in its last 12 games when playing Dallas
The total has gone UNDER in 13 of Boston's last 18 games when playing on the road against Dallas
Dallas is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Boston
Dallas is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home

9:00 PM
LA CLIPPERS vs. UTAH
The total has gone OVER in 7 of the LA Clippers last 9 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of the LA Clippers last 8 games when playing on the road against Utah
Utah is 11-5 SU in its last 16 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Utah's last 5 games

9:00 PM
NEW ORLEANS vs. PHOENIX
The total has gone OVER in 5 of New Orleans's last 7 games when playing Phoenix
New Orleans is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Phoenix
Phoenix is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against New Orleans
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Phoenix's last 6 games

9:00 PM
GOLDEN STATE vs. DENVER
Golden State is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Denver
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Golden State's last 5 games when playing Denver
Denver is 6-1-1 ATS in its last 8 games when playing Golden State
Denver is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing Golden State

10:30 PM
ATLANTA vs. PORTLAND
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Atlanta's last 6 games on the road
Atlanta is 11-4 SU in its last 15 games on the road
Portland is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Portland's last 7 games when playing at home against Atlanta

 

[CNOTES]

NBA

Monday, February 13

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday’s NBA Game of the Day: Clippers at Jazz
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Clippers leading scorer Blake Griffin (21.9) is averaging 26.8 points and 9.3 rebounds in six games during February.

Los Angeles Clippers at Utah Jazz (-7, 206.5)

The Utah Jazz hope to rebound after two straight uncharacteristic defensive performances when they host the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday night. The Jazz lead the league in scoring defense (96.0) despite surrendering 112 in overtime loss against Dallas on Thursday and letting the Boston Celtics shoot 59.2 percent in a 112-104 setback on Saturday.

Leading scorer Gordon Hayward - who scored at least 30 for the fourth time in five games - told reporters that it was a matter of execution Saturday for Utah, which owns a half-game lead on the Clippers for fourth place in the Western Conference. Los Angeles has had its own problems since sprinting to a 14-2 start - in part due to injuries - but is managing just a .500 record since (19-19) despite showing signs of life by winning the last two games. The Clippers knocked off the struggling New York Knicks before finding a way past Charlotte 107-102 on Saturday to even their record (2-2) going into the finale of a five-game road trip. Point guard Chris Paul (thumb) is still weeks away from returning and Los Angeles is 6-12 without him in the lineup, but the Clippers won 16 of the last 17 against the Jazz.

TV: 9 p.m. ET, Prime Ticket (Los Angeles), ROOT (Utah)

LINE HISTORY: The Jazz opened as seven-point home favorites and the total hit the board at 206.5. During the overnight hours the point spread was dropped slightly to -6.5. Check out the complete line history here.

WHAT SHARPS SAY: "The Clippers, who beat the Jazz by 13 at the beginning of this season, have had their way in this series in recent seasons. Thats likely to change tonight though. The Jazz, the stingiest team in the league, allow just 94.1 ppg on this floor. That compares favorably to the 109.3 ppg which the Clippers allow on the road. Utah 69-41 ATS in the 'revenge role' the past few seasons. No Paul = No Cover." - Ben Burns.

INJURY REPORT:

Clippers - PG C. Paul (Mid March, thumb), PF B. Johnson (Out Indefinitely, back).

Jazz - SG R. Hood (Late Feb, knee).

POWER RANKINGS: Clippers (-6.7) - Jazz (-8.7) + home court (-3) = Jazz -5

ABOUT THE CLIPPERS (33-21 SU, 27-27 ATS, 31-23 O/U): Los Angeles got some strong play from its bench in the win over Charlotte and veteran guard Jamal Crawford led the way with 22 points, going 5-of-8 from behind the arc. “Since I’ve been here for five years, there are times and moments in the game where sometimes you have to be a little more aggressive to weather whatever storm it might be,” Crawford told reporters after improving his average to 20 points over the last five games. Leading scorer Blake Griffin (21.9) is averaging 26.8 points and 9.3 rebounds in six games during February.

ABOUT THE JAZZ (34-21 SU, 24-30-1 ATS, 28-27 O/U): Point guard George Hill and center Rudy Gobert have each stepped up to support Hayward with swingman Rodney Hood (knee) sitting out the last five contests. Hill is averaging 22 points over his last four outings to push his season mark to 17.9 while Gobert boasts three straight double-doubles and led the league in blocks (2.51) entering Sunday’s games. Forward Derrick Favors, who averaged a career-high 16.4 points last season, is still trying to find his consistency after managing just 12 combined in the last contests – dropping to 9.3 per game.

TRENDS:

* Clippers are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 games playing on 1 day of rest.
* Jazz are 2-14 ATS in their last 16 vs. Western Conference.
* Over is 10-1 in Clippers last 11 vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
* Over is 5-0 in Jazz last 5 overall.
* Over is 6-2 in the last 8 meetings in Utah.

CONSENSUS: 64 percent of users are siding with the road underdog L.A. Clippers and Over is picking up 52 percent of the totals wagers.

 

[CNOTES]

NBA
Dunkel

Monday, February 13


Atlanta @ Portland

Game 521-522
February 13, 2017 @ 10:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Atlanta
116.718
Portland
121.858
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Portland
by 5
225
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Portland
Pick
216 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Portland
Over

LA Clippers @ Utah

Game 519-520
February 13, 2017 @ 9:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
LA Clippers
114.464
Utah
126.082
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Utah
by 11 1/2
198
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Utah
by 7
206 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Utah
(-7); Under

Golden State @ Denver

Game 517-518
February 13, 2017 @ 9:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Golden State
130.162
Denver
121.657
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Golden State
by 8 1/2
228
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Golden State
by 12
239 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Denver
(+12); Under

New Orleans @ Phoenix

Game 515-516
February 13, 2017 @ 9:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
New Orleans
108.910
Phoenix
118.991
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Phoenix
by 10
213
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Phoenix
by 2
220
Dunkel Pick:
Phoenix
(-2); Under

Boston @ Dallas

Game 513-514
February 13, 2017 @ 8:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Boston
126.267
Dallas
118.922
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Boston
by 7 1/2
196
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Boston
by 1 1/2
208 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Boston
(-1 1/2); Under

Detroit @ Milwaukee

Game 511-512
February 13, 2017 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Detroit
122.979
Milwaukee
116.346
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Detroit
by 6 1/2
216
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Milwaukee
by 3
209 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Detroit
(+3); Over

San Antonio @ Indiana

Game 509-510
February 13, 2017 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
San Antonio
120.322
Indiana
121.133
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Indiana
by 1
212
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
San Antonio
by 3 1/2
206 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Indiana
(+3 1/2); Over

Memphis @ Brooklyn

Game 507-508
February 13, 2017 @ 7:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Memphis
127.240
Brooklyn
110.139
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Memphis
by 17
206
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Memphis
by 9 1/2
210 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Memphis
(-9 1/2); Under

Orlando @ Miami

Game 505-506
February 13, 2017 @ 7:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Orlando
106.283
Miami
125.662
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Miami
by 19 1/2
215
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Miami
by 8 1/2
207 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Miami
(-8 1/2); Over

Oklahoma City @ Washington

Game 503-504
February 13, 2017 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Oklahoma City
118.586
Washington
129.004
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Washington
by 10 1/2
231
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Washington
by 5
216 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Washington
(-5); Over

Philadelphia @ Charlotte

Game 501-502
February 13, 2017 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Philadelphia
108.945
Charlotte
122.872
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Charlotte
by 14
207
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Charlotte
by 7 1/2
213
Dunkel Pick:
Charlotte
(-7 1/2); Under

 

[CNOTES]

Hoop Trends - Monday
February 13, 2017



ATS TREND OF THE DAY:

-- The Grizzlies are 0-12 ATS (-5.75 ppg) with rest off a loss in a home game in which they shot under 40% from the field since May 03, 2014.


OU TREND OF THE DAY:


-- The Nets are 11-0-1 OU (14.92 ppg) at home off a loss as a dog in which they had at least 5 turnovers more than their season-to-date average since Feb 23, 2010.


PLAYER TREND OF THE DAY:


-- The Clippers are 10-0 OU (17.20 ppg) as a dog off a road game in which Blake Griffin had a double double since Dec 01, 2013.

CHOICE TREND:


-- The Nuggets are 11-0 OU (9.77 ppg) as a dog off a loss in which their opponent shot over 50% from the field since Mar 06, 2016.


ACTIVE TRENDS:


-- The Pelicans are 0-11-1 ATS (-8.54 ppg) after Anthony Davis shot under 50 percent and was their high scorer since Nov 01, 2016.

 

[CNOTES]

Monday's Best Bet
February 13, 2017


Monday NBA Betting Preview
Golden State Warriors vs. Denver Nuggets


Sportsbook.ag Odds: Golden State (-12); Total set at 240


After getting their revenge on Memphis and blowing out the Thunder in Kevin Durant's return to Oklahoma City, the Golden State Warriors wrap up this three-game road trip in Denver tonight. Golden State covered the number in both of those wins over the weekend and were not shy about putting up points with 122 and 130 respectively.


In fact, the Warriors have scored 120+ five times in their last six games and their #1 ranked offense should have another solid night against Denver.


The Nuggets rank 28th in the NBA in points allowed per game at 111.9 and that, combined with Golden State's ability to score has forced oddsmakers to put up the highest total of the year at 240. These two teams are 2-0 O/U in their two meetings this year with the last meeting tallying 246 points, and going back a few seasons bettors will find that the 'over' is 8-0 in the last eight meetings.


Typically with crazy numbers like this – whether they are high or low – I'd suggest to side with the “crazy side,” which in this case would be the 'over,' but I get that it's a tough bet to make. Sometimes the hardest bets to make cash the easiest, and while the total seems like an alright option, it's the side that presents much more value.


Both prior meetings may have gone 'over' this year, but the two teams have actually split ATS. Denver hung tough up in Oakland in their last meeting, losing 127-119 as 15.5-point underdogs; never losing a single quarter by more than five points. In what has been a trying season for the Nuggets, they'd love to get an outright win over the best team in the league, but bettors on that side tonight would be happy for simply a cover.


I believe it will be those Nuggets backers that will get there too as there is no question Golden State is primed for a bit of a letdown after the weekend they had. They went into Memphis supremely focused on beating the Grizzlies for the first time this year and then had to deal with the emotional and chaotic atmosphere in OKC.


A trip to the high altitude as a third game in four nights is a situation highly detrimental to the Warriors laying this many points here, especially when they are just 3-9-1 ATS in their last 13 games against a losing opponent.


On talent alone, Golden State should win this game outright, but it's going to be one of those grinding affairs where Denver will continually hang around. That's how the Nuggets attacked the Warriors in Golden State when they didn't lose a quarter by more than 5 points (lost by 2, 2, and won by 1 in the other three), and the Nuggets are 7-1 ATS in their last eight at home.

 

[CNOTES]

Monday's NBA Essentials
February 13, 2017

Game of the Night - L.A. Clippers at Utah (Prime Ticket, 9:05 ET)


In case you didn't tune into check out a glitch-filled but nonetheless solid Grammy Awards show, this is your reminder that the Clippers and Lakers are headed back to Los Angeles this week as their annual exile from the Staples Center concludes. Both residents get out of town so that the music industry can do its thing and will be back to play one home date before the All-Star break arrives.


For the Clippers, their return arrives Wednesday, since they'll finally touch down in L.A. tonight following a pit stop in Salt Lake City. They'll face the Jazz in their 10th roadie in 11 games over the last three weeks and are hoping to end the stretch on a high note. After hitting the road following a loss to Minnesota on Jan. 19 in their first game without Chris Paul, the Clips lost six of eight. They blew a double-digit lead against the 76ers and fell 144-98 at Golden State.


Given the absence of their point guard and Blake Griffin requiring an adjustment period to work his way back into game shape following a five-week absence, the poor results were prdictable. The only game they lost as a favorite came at Philadelphia.


The skid ended, as many do, against the dyscfunctional Knicks in a game remembered more for what was going on in the stands with Charles Oakley than what happened on the court. L.A. made big plays down the stretch, won 119-115 and then hung on to hold off Charlotte on Saturday. With Griffin back in a groove and the offense coming off a win where it recorded 26 assists on 40 buckets, there's optimism that they can enter the break with some momentum. Considering the Clippers open with a road game at the Warriors before playing home dates against the Spurs, Hornets and Rockets, it would definitely ease some of the pressure to perform well this week.


This matchup features two of the four teams currently vying for the No. 4 seed and the right to open the playoffs at home. The Jazz are currently a half-game up on the Clippers, 1.5 on the Grizzlies and a full three games on the Thunder, but come in on a two-game losing streak since they've surrendered their third-highest point toal of the season in consecutive games. George Hill being bothered by a toe injury has been one factor in the slide for the league's top defensive team, but the over has come in five straight times in Jazz games as the offense has had a solid run. They'll be looking to avoid only their third three-game losing streak of the season here, not to mention consecutive losses at home for the first time since Dec. 23.


A key subplot which will contribute heavily to deciding both side and total will be the clash of centers. DeAndre Jordan, who has made back-to-back All-Defensive First Team appearances, squares off with this season's Defensive Player of the Year frontrunner, Rudy Gobert. Earlier this month, Jordan got his first career All-Star nod over the Frenchman, who tops the NBA in blocks and most defensive metrics, leading many to question the judgment of the head coaches that made the call. Both players should have a little extra here.


This season's only meeting came way back on Oct. 30 and was won by the Clippers at Staples 88-75. That scoring output remains Utah's second-lowest of the season. Both teams were healthy for that game, and although he shot just 3-for-10, Jordan helped control the pace with 16 rebounds and ended up a game-best plus-18. Gobert had the lowest-point differential (minus-17) and committed a game-tying four turnovers, finishing with eight points and nine boards. Neither Paul, who isn't expected back until the second week of March at the earliest, nor Rodney Hood (knee), who each started that first game, will be available tonight.


The Clippers have dominated this series, winning 16 of the last 17 meetings, including eight in a row in Salt Lake City.

Guards highlight TNT doubleheader


Coming off a disappointing showing in Saturday night's loss to Kevin Durant-led Golden State, the Thunder are in the nation's capital for their final February home game. This trip used to mean a lot to OKC because Durant was born in Washington D.C., which is one reason why it carries a five-game winning streak in the series into this one. Since '09, the Thunder have won 12 of 15 games against the Wizards, but things are obviously different this year. Not only is it solely Russell Westbrook as the driving force, but Washington has suddenly turned into one of the league's toughest home teams.


Although they've played more games at Verizon Center than the Warriors and Cavs have in their buildings, the Wizards can pass both with their 24th home win of the season if they hold serve tonight. They last played Friday night, beating Indiana 112-107 to improve to 18-1 over their last 19 home games. The streak only ended it overtime against Cleveland because LeBron James hit a miracle shot last Monday night, so a confident group takes the floor against an OKC team that wasn't collectively able to support Westbrook and his 47-point, 11-rebound performance over four quarters against the NBA's top team. Victor Oladipo, making his own homecoming since he's from nearby Silver Spring, Md., did manage to score 20 points against Golden State, his third 20-point game over his last four outings, and will be key in helping Westbrook contend with Wall and Bradley Beal, who scored 31 points in the first meeting between these teams.


Oladipo posted a 25-point, six-rebound, six-assist game, one of his most complete since arriving in Oklahoma City, in the Thunder's 126-115 overtime home win on Nov. 30. That contest surpassed the posted total of 216 due to the extra session as both teams nearly approached 100 field goal attempts. Both Westbrook and Wall shot poorly while employing a blistering pace. Westbrook required 35 shots to score 35 points and Wall posted a 15-point, 15-assist night, but shot just 6-for-20. He was expending a lot of energy on the defensive end in helping force Westbrook into a 7-for-28 night before the Thunder star got hot late in regulation, forcing the OT with a 3-pointer with just 8.5 seconds left on a night nothing was going in. He ended up just 1-for-6 from 3-point range.


Coming off a game where they surrendered a season-high 130 points, it will be interesting to see whether OKC can lock in defensively on the road. The over is 5-1 in Washington's last six games and tonight's total (217), has been surpassed each of the those five times.


The nightcap features a meeting between backcourts that haven't seen one another this season as Dennis Schroder and newly minted starter Tim Hardaway, Jr. will try and keep the Hawks from suffering consecutive losses for the first time since Dec. 5 against Portland's Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum, the highest-scoring guard combo in the NBA.


Hardaway, Jr. has thrived since Atlanta freed up more minutes for him by dealing Kyle Korver to Cleveland, and scored 28 points in his first start in Friday's 108-107 loss in Sacramento, filling in for an injured Thabo Sefolosha (groin). Hardaway, Jr. opened the month with a 33-point night in a win at Houston and is averaging 17.1 points over his last 10 games. Schroder will be looking to score 20 or more points in a fourth consecutive game for the first time in his career, but comes off a six-turnover game in the loss to the Kings.


Lillard and McCollum, both snubbed for All-Star spots, combined for 61 points in Portland's last win, a 114-113 classic in Dallas last Wednesday, but combined to shoot 2-for-13 from 3-point range in Thursday's loss to Boston. The Blazers have been off since and will be well-rested as they try and rebound here.


Both teams surrendered double-digit leads in their last games, with the Blazers blowing a 17-point second-quarter lead agains the Celtics and Atlanta allowing Scramento to rally from 22 down.


Portland is 0-4 against the number this month and hasn't defeated the Hawks since March 2014, losing their last four. The Blazers will be employing a different starting lineup, having traded center Mason Plumlee to Denver for Nikola Jokic on Sunday. Atlanta has won three of the last four played at the Moda Center.


Notable Head-to-Head Trends

-- The 76ers ended a six-game losing streak against the Hornets on Jan. 13 behind 24 points from Joel Embiid, but won't have him available here since he's out indefinitely with a torn meniscus. With Jahlil Okafor reportedly on the verge of being traded, Philly will be without its top two big men as it looks to win in Charlotte for the first time since Nov. 2012, a span of seven games. The Sixers have reached the 20-win mark for the first time since that season.


-- Indiana has hit the skids again and need to pull an upset in order to avoid matching a season-long four-game losing streak. All three setbacks have gone over the posted total as the Pacers have allowed an average of 120 points. They've missed the length and energy of forward Thaddeus Young, who is doubtful with a wrist injury. San Antonio has dominated this series, winning 15 of the last 17 matchups, but Indiana actually won the last one, 99-91 last March 7. The Spurs were at full strength, too. Monta Ellis scored 26.


-- Miami's 13-game winning streak ended at the hands of the 76ers on Saturday, but former Magic head coach Stan Van Gundy still raised eyebrows with his comments last week that the Heat look like a playoff lock in his eyes. Orlando has dropped four straight, including a 112-80 loss in Dallas last time out, so spirits are pretty low as a shakeup via trade appears imminent. The Magic are looking for consecutive wins over the Heat for the first time since Feb. 2012 and have dropped 15 of 19 in the series, but did win in South Florida 136-130 back on Dec. 20. Check on the status of Dion Waiters and Aaron Gordon before tipoff.


-- Brooklyn hopes to snap a 12-game losing streak that is their longest of the decade. The Nets have dropped 14 in a row at home and are facing a Grizzlies team that is looking for their fifth straight win in this series.


-- Detroit rallied from 16 down to post an OT win in Toronto on Sunday and will try to sweep their first back-to-back since Nov. 30 in Milwaukee. That success, which came against Boston and Atlanta, was also executed exclusively on the road. The Pistons have been brutal on the second night of back-to-backs, going 2-7 with multiple blowout losses. The Bucks have inserted Michael Beasley into their starting lineup now that Jabari Parker has been lost for the season. They're looking to win consecutive games for the first time since Jan. 13. Since Jan. 6, Milwaukee is 5-14 straight up and ATS. These teams have split this season's meetings. The Pistons won three of four in '15-'16.


-- Either the Celtics or Mavericks will walk out of American Airlines Center with a three-game winning streak. Boston is closing out a four-game road trip and will play nine of their next 11 between now and March 10 away from home, so remaining second in the Eastern Conference hinges on its continued success in this role. After losing seven straight in this series since 2013, the Celtics are looking to sweep this season's meetings, having beaten the Mavs 90-83 back on Nov. 16. That was part of Dallas' eight-game losing streak during a 2-13 start, so it is a different team than the one that will take the floor tonight. Since Jan. 12, the Mavs are 11-5 SU and 13-3 ATS.


-- The short-handed Nuggets will look to prevent the Warriors from improving to 47-8 as they could potentially be without Danilo Gallinari, Kenneth Faried and Emmanuel Mudiay. They're not going to have Plumlee available either, which explains why they're a double-digit underdog at home. Golden State has won five of six in the series, which has seen the over prevail in eight consecutive games.

 

[CNOTES]

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 13


GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS


SA at IND 07:00 PM


SA -4.5


O 206.5


PHI at CHA 07:00 PM

PHI +8.0


U 213.5


MEM at BK 07:30 PM


MEM -8.5


U 210.5


ORL at MIA 07:30 PM


MIA -8.0


O 207.5


DET at MIL 08:00 PM


DET +3.0


O 210.5


OKC at WAS 08:00 PM


WAS -5.5


O 217.0


BOS at DAL 08:30 PM


DAL +2.0


O 209.0

GS at DEN 09:00 PM


DEN +12.0

U 238.0


LAC at UTA 09:00 PM


LAC +8.0


U 205.0


NO at PHO 09:00 PM

PHO -3.0


U 222.0


ATL at POR 10:30 PM


POR -2.0


O 217.5

 

[CNOTES]

Armadillo: Tuesday's six-pack


— Louisville 76, Syracuse 72, OT— First ACC home loss for the Orangemen. Cardinals survived 16-30 foul shooting.


— Texas Tech 84, Baylor 78— Life on the road is tough in the Big X.


— Kansas 84, West Virginia 80 OT– Jayhawks were down 14 with 2:49 left in regulation.


— Monmouth 102, Siena 82— Surging Hawks have won 12 games in a row.


— Washington Nationals signed 1B Adam Lind, giving them another solid lefty bat.


— New Jersey Giants released Victor Cruz and Rashad Jennings Monday. Dumping Cruz saves them $10M on their salary cap.


**********

Armadillo:Tuesday's List of 13: Looking at top 13 conferences in college basketball……..


13) Southern Conference— Fastest rising league in country; three years ago, they were #30, two years ago #25, LY #19, now they’re 13.


Furman (11-2) leads East Tennessee State by a game right now, but Chattanooga, NC-Greensboro and Wofford could all win conference tourney too. Their games are well worth watching on ESPN3.com.


12) Colonial— NC-Wilmington and Charleston are on top of league, but have both struggled the last few games. Towson State has been surging but one of their better players was shot in the leg in a drive-by shooting in Philly Saturday night. Not sure when he will play again.


11) West Coast— Gonzaga and St Mary’s and……no one else. BYU is very young this year, so they have taken a step back. Four first-year coaches in this league but the WCC is a lot like the Big West when UNLV ruled it during Jerry Tarkanian’s heyday.


10) Missouri Valley— Wichita State is tied with Illinois State for first place, despite losing Baker and Van Vleet from LY’s team; Redbirds lost star F McIntosh, a big loss for a team that is 21-5 and was headed for a showdown with the Shockers in Arch Madness. Northern Iowa has won eight of last nine games, after a 5-11 start.


9) Mountain West— Totally wide open this year, with San Diego State having a down year. Colorado State/Nevada are two of best teams, but both have zero depth, so winning three days in a row in conference tourney will be dicey. Does that open the door for Boise State?


8) Atlantic 14— League that should get more games on TV. VCU, Dayton, Richmond are all very good; Rhode Island always seems to be a half-step behind the top teams. Davidson is having a disappointing season. St Bonaventure is tough place to play, unless the students storm the court before the game is over.


7) American— SMU-Cincinnati will get in NCAA’s. Bearcats shoot it better than they usually do, could be sleeper in March. Houston/Memphis will try to steal a bid at the conference tourney. UConn has been racked by injury this season.


6) Pac-12— Conference of Champions has Arizona-Oregon-UCLA, fun teams to watch. Knocking on NCAA’s door are USC, Cal and Utah. Trojans’ non-conference schedule was #263, which could haunt them on Selection Sunday.


5) SEC— Kentucky rules this league, obviously, but I like Florida as a sleeper in March; South Carolina will get in tourney this year, but after that, NIT it is. Florida’s Canyon Barry, Rick’s son, has now made 39 foul shots in a row— he shoots underhanded like his dad.


4) Big 14— Committee didn’t have any of these teams in top 16 seeds for NCAA’s, then Wisconsin lost at home to Northwestern, which drops them more. Purdue is probably the best team in league, Maryland is strong but VERY young. Rest of the league is mediocre, but Izzo’s Spartans can’t be ignored, because Izzo is a Hall of Famer. Northwestern is going to make the tournament for the first time ever- -good for them.


3) Big East— Villanova is defending national champ, but Xavier/Creighton both lost their PG for the season with injuries, so they’ll be wounded targets in March. Butler looks like a tourney team, but they’ve lost three of last four games.


2) ACC— TV types keep saying they’re getting ten teams in tournament; I’m not seeing it. Think nine is most they’ll get. Fifteen teams is too many for a league, but they care more about football so they let Notre Dame play basketball here. Irish have been in Elite 8 the last two years; not this season. As I type this, Louisville is in a tie game in last minute at Syracuse and they have a walk-on playing. Did every ESPN play-by-play guy go to Syracuse?


Louisville’s walk-on, by the way, is from Sarasota, FL– Dick Vitale recommended him to Rick Pitino.


1— Big X— No easy outs here, now that TCU has become a good team; Texas/Oklahoma are two worst teams in league this year. Kansas has off-court issues; they’ve looked shaky of late. Baylor looks very strong, but they lost in first round the last two years, as a 5-seed and a 3-seed. Oy.