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

[CNOTES]

NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up

Tuesday, February 14

Chicago lost its last three games, all on road; they’re 5-8 vs spread in last 13 games overall. Five of their last seven games went over total. Toronto lost 10 of last 14 games; they’re 2-5 vs spread in last seven home games. Five of their last seven games stayed under. Bulls won/covered their last ten games with Toronto, winning last five played here (5-0 vs spread). Nine of the ten games went over the total.

Cavaliers won five of their last six games; they’re 4-6 in last 10 road games, 3-1 in last four. Last six series games went over total. Timberwolves lost five of last seven games; they’re 3-6 vs spread in last nine home games. Last 11 Minnesota games went over total. Cleveland won its last five games with Minnesota (4-1 vs spread); five of last six series games went over total. Cavaliers won by 16-26 points in last two visits to Twin Cities.

Sacramento won eight of its last nine games with the Lakers, winning/covering last three series games here; last four series games stayed under the total. Kings won four of last five games; this is their first road game this month. Five of their last seven games stayed under. Los Angeles split its last six games; they’re 5-3 in last eight home games. LA covered seven of its last eight games. Five of their last six games went over.




NBA

Tuesday, February 14

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Trend Report
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8:00 PM
CLEVELAND vs. MINNESOTA
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Cleveland's last 9 games when playing on the road against Minnesota
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Cleveland's last 6 games when playing Minnesota
Minnesota is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Minnesota's last 5 games

8:00 PM
TORONTO vs. CHICAGO
Toronto is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Chicago
Toronto is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Chicago's last 5 games when playing Toronto
Chicago is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games

10:30 PM
SACRAMENTO vs. LA LAKERS
Sacramento is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Sacramento's last 5 games when playing LA Lakers
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of the LA Lakers last 7 games when playing at home against Sacramento
LA Lakers are 4-11 SU in their last 15 games

 

[CNOTES]

NBA
Long Sheet

Tuesday, February 14

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TORONTO (32 - 23) at CHICAGO (26 - 29) - 2/14/2017, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 117-153 ATS (-51.3 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season since 1996.
CHICAGO is 12-3 ATS (+8.7 Units) after 3 or more consecutive losses over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO is 61-75 ATS (-21.5 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO is 40-57 ATS (-22.7 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.

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

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CLEVELAND (37 - 16) at MINNESOTA (21 - 34) - 2/14/2017, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CLEVELAND is 7-15 ATS (-9.5 Units) after a non-conference game this season.
CLEVELAND is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) in road games in non-conference games this season.
CLEVELAND is 23-40 ATS (-21.0 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 23-32 ATS (-12.2 Units) in all games this season.
MINNESOTA is 46-70 ATS (-31.0 Units) as a home underdog of 3.5 to 6 points since 1996.
MINNESOTA is 29-42 ATS (-17.2 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 346-407 ATS (-101.7 Units) second half of the season since 1996.
MINNESOTA is 16-29 ATS (-15.9 Units) in home games after a non-conference game over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 20-33 ATS (-16.3 Units) in home games revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 5-17 ATS (-13.7 Units) after a win by 10 points or more over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 202-250 ATS (-73.0 Units) after scoring 105 points or more since 1996.

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

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SACRAMENTO (23 - 32) at LA LAKERS (19 - 37) - 2/14/2017, 10:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LA LAKERS are 131-90 ATS (+32.0 Units) after 3 or more consecutive overs since 1996.
LA LAKERS are 26-39 ATS (-16.9 Units) when the total is greater than or equal to 210 over the last 2 seasons.
LA LAKERS are 61-87 ATS (-34.7 Units) in a home game where the total is greater than or equal to 210 since 1996.
LA LAKERS are 168-209 ATS (-61.9 Units) in home games second half of the season since 1996.
LA LAKERS are 150-195 ATS (-64.5 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record since 1996.
LA LAKERS are 60-86 ATS (-34.6 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record - 2nd half of the season since 1996.
LA LAKERS are 62-82 ATS (-28.2 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 3 seasons.
LA LAKERS are 63-94 ATS (-40.4 Units) in home games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
SACRAMENTO is 6-3 against the spread versus LA LAKERS over the last 3 seasons
SACRAMENTO is 8-2 straight up against LA LAKERS over the last 3 seasons
6 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

 

[CNOTES]

NBA
Dunkel

Tuesday, February 14


Sacramento @ LA Lakers

Game 705-706
February 14, 2017 @ 10:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Sacramento
119.780
LA Lakers
118.883
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Sacramento
by 1
211
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
LA Lakers
by 1 1/2
218
Dunkel Pick:
Sacramento
(+1 1/2); Under

Cleveland @ Minnesota

Game 703-704
February 14, 2017 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Cleveland
125.950
Minnesota
118.472
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Cleveland
by 7 1/2
229
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Cleveland
by 4
219
Dunkel Pick:
Cleveland
(-4); Over

Toronto @ Chicago

Game 701-702
February 14, 2017 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Toronto
120.790
Chicago
109.471
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Toronto
by 11 1/2
213
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Toronto
by 7
205 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Toronto
(-7); Over




NBA
Short Sheet

Tuesday, February 14

Toronto at Chicago, 8:05 PM ET
Toronto: 14-4 ATS after a home game where both teams score 100 or more points
Chicago: 43-70 ATS after playing a road game

Cleveland at Minnesota, 8:05 PM ET
Cleveland: 19-8 ATS after allowing 55 points or more in the first half in 2 straight games
Minnesota: 5-17 ATS after a win by 10 points or more

Sacramento at LA Lakers, 10:35 PM ET
Sacramento: 3-11 ATS after playing a game as favorite
Los Angeles: 18-8 ATS after covering 4 or 5 of their last 6 against the spread

 

[CNOTES]

Tuesday's Tip Sheet
February 14, 2017


Game of the Night – Cavaliers (-4, 218 ½) at Timberwolves – 8:05 PM EST – NBA TV


Cleveland (37-16 SU, 24-27-2 ATS) has bounced back nicely since suffered a three-game skid towards the end of January. The Cavaliers have won seven of their last nine contests, while covering six times in this stretch to create slight separation from the Celtics, who are breathing down Cleveland’s neck atop the Eastern Conference.


Tyronn Lue’s squad rebounded from last Thursday’s setback at Oklahoma City by outlasting Denver, 125-109 as 11 ½-point home favorites on Saturday. The Cavaliers knocked down 15-of-30 attempts from three-point range, while Kyrie Irving and LeBron James each posted 27 points to grab their fourth straight home victory. However, Kevin Love will not face his former team on Tuesday as the Cavaliers’ forward went through surgery on his left knee and is out for the next six weeks.


Minnesota (21-34 SU, 24-31 ATS) concludes a six-game homestand looking for consecutive victories after blowing out Chicago on Sunday, 117-89. The undermanned Bulls fell behind by 17 points after one quarter and never recovered as Minnesota pulled off the season sweep of Chicago thanks to 27 points from Andrew Wiggins. The Wolves scorched the Bulls for 54% shooting from the floor as the defense stepped up after allowing 122 points in Friday’s setback to the Pelicans.


Tom Thibodeau’s club is riding a nine-game OVER streak, including seven straight OVERS at Target Center. The Wolves have slumped to a 3-9 ATS mark in the last 12 games overall, but have covered seven consecutive contests in the role of a home underdog (4-3 SU).


Cleveland has captured each of the past five meetings with Minnesota dating back to December 2014, including a 125-97 blowout at Quicken Loans Arena on February 1. The Cavaliers easily cashed as short 6 ½-point favorites, while limiting the Wolves to 37 second half points. James led Cleveland with 27 points on 11-of-14 shooting, while Minnesota center Karl-Anthony Towns posted a double-double with 26 points and 12 rebounds.


Raptors (-7, 205 ½) at Bulls – 8:05 PM EST


Chicago (26-29 SU, 26-29 ATS) faces the top two teams in the Atlantic division (Toronto and Boston) prior to a much-needed break. The Bulls played without its stars in Sunday’s humiliating 28-point blowout at Minnesota as Jimmy Butler and Dwyane Wade each sat out due to injury. Chicago’s six-game road swing started with promise by going 2-1 with victories at Oklahoma City and Sacramento in the underdog role, but fell flat in the final three losses as the offense failed to post more than 97 points.


Toronto (32-23 SU, 31-23-1 ATS) looks to put a halt to a two-game skid, coming off close losses to Minnesota and Detroit. The Raptors melted down in Sunday’s 102-101 home setback to the Pistons as 6 ½-point favorites, blowing a 16-point fourth quarter lead to drop its third home game in the last month by two points or less. Dwane Casey’s team has struggled on the road since late December by posting a 3-10 SU and 5-8 ATS record with two of those victories coming at Brooklyn, who owns a 9-46 record.


The Bulls erased a 19-point deficit the last time these teams hooked up at the United Center on January 8 as Chicago shocked Toronto in overtime, 123-118. Butler posted a game-high 42 points, nearly one year to the day he torched Toronto for 42 points at the Air Canada Center. Each team knocked down 36 free throws as Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan combined to shoot 27-of-31 from the charity stripe for the Raptors.


Chicago has won and covered 10 consecutive meetings with Toronto since February 2014, while the OVER cashed nine times in this span. Butler is expected to suit up for the second time in the last seven games as he overcomes a heel injury, but Wade will sit out his eighth game.


Kings at Lakers (-1 ½, 217) – 10:05 PM EST

Two teams that are sitting outside the playoff race in the Western Conference meet up at Staples Center for their second-to-last game prior to the All-Star break. Sacramento (23-32 SU, 28-25-2 ATS) closed out a six-game homestand in impressive fashion by winning three consecutive games, capped off by Sunday’s 105-99 triumph as four-point favorites over New Orleans. DeMarcus Cousins paced the Kings with 28 points and 14 rebounds, while Darren Collison chipped in 20 points to help Sacramento snap a four-game ATS skid in the favorite role.


The Lakers (19-37 SU, 27-28-1 ATS) return home from their Grammy road trip off a convincing 122-114 victory at Milwaukee as Los Angeles built a 21-point halftime lead. L.A. dropped 47 points in the opening quarter to improve to 8-2 ATS the last 10 games, but the Lakers are trying to win consecutive games for the second time since mid-November.


These teams split a pair of meetings at Golden 1 Center in the first two months of the season as the Kings won the last matchup, 116-92 as 8 ½-point favorites on December 12. Sacramento has dominated this series recently by capturing eight of the past nine matchups, including three straight victories at Staples Center. The Lakers own a 3-5 ATS mark as a favorite this season, but have won their last two in this role last month against Orlando and Miami.

 

[CNOTES]

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 14


GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS


CLE at MIN 08:00 PM


MIN +4.0


U 218.5


TOR at CHI 08:00 PM


TOR -4.5


U 207.0


SAC at LAL 10:30 PM


SAC +2.0


O 218.5

 

[CNOTES]

Armadillo: Wednesday's six-pack

— Cavaliers’ Kevin Love had his knee scoped, is out six weeks.


— Orlando traded Serge Ibaka to Toronto for Terrence Ross and a draft pick.


— Cardinals P Alex Reyes had an MRI on his arm, may need Tommy John surgery


— Virginia Tech 66, Pitt 63— Short-handed Hokies came from behind to win late.


— Ole Miss 96, LSU 76— Rebels (-12.5) scored last 18 points of the game.


— Colorado State 78, Wyoming 73— Rams have won 7 of last 8 games, with only seven scholarship players available to play.


**********


Armadillo:Wednesday's List of 13: Mid-week musings……..


13) Recruiting services that get quoted like they’re the gospel aren’t quite what they appear. Bob Huggins is in his 10th year as the coach at West Virginia, won a ton of games; he has never had one McDonald’s All-American with the Mountaineers. None.


Huggins finds great athletes who work their butts off to improve and don’t mind being coached hard. Lot of McDonald’s All-Americans think they’re bigger than life and have big egos, with one foot already in the NBA.


12) San Diego State is just 6-6 in the Mountain West, a bad year for them, but they’ve led by 7+ points in all six losses. Aztecs have had too many scoring droughts when they’ve had the lead.


11) Political commentator John Heileman (MSNBC/Bloomberg) was once a good high school pitcher in the LA area. He played Little League ball against Bret Saberhagen, and before blowing his arm out, gave up a 430-foot homer to Darryl Strawberry in high school.


10) Favorites are 13-0 vs spread in Texas Longhorns’ last 13 conference tourney games.


9) Reader Mike e-mailed with news the Chick-fil-A may be headed into our area here, 10 miles north in Clifton Park. This would be outstanding news. Chick-fil-A is good stuff.


8) Michigan State’s AD is the head of the college basketball selection committee, but he had to cancel a 2-week trip to evaluate teams in person. His plate at Michigan State is pretty full:


— The MSU gymnastics coach was suspended, supposedly in connection with an investigation into whether a longtime MSU doctor molested gymnasts.
— Nick Vista, Michigan State’s former longtime SID, passed away over the weekend at age 90.
— Three football players have been suspended with regards to a criminal investigation that is still ongoing. A football staffer was also suspended (with pay).


Too much chaos in East Lansing for the AD to be traveling, watching basketball games.


7) Rutgers switched its shoe/apparel contract from Nike to adidas. Somehow I don’t think Phil Knight is staying awake nights worrying about this development.


6) Oklahoma lost G Jordan Woodard for the year with a knee injury; St Joe’s lost Lamarr Kimble with a broken foot. Towson State’s John Davis was shot in the leg in a drive-by shooting Saturday night; it is unclear whether he will play again this season.


5) What is the over/under on how much Latrell Sprewell was paid to sit next to James Dolan at the Knicks’ game Sunday? I’m guessing $5,000, but who knows?


One of the cable channels showed a clip of Sprewell playing for Minnesota 13 years ago, last time he was in the Garden. He makes a hoop, the Knicks call time-out and one of the Wolves’ subs comes off the bench to chest-bump Sprewell. The sub was Fred Hoiberg, now the Bulls’ coach.


4) Talk show host Carson Daly got a partial golf scholarship when he went to college at Loyola Marymount. He dropped out of LMU to try and become a pro golfer, which didn’t turn out too well but his show business career has gone great.


3) Gonzaga struggled a little bit last year when they had three big-time transfers sitting out the season but practicing with the team. Same thing is happening now at Nevada, which has four transfers sitting out this season, reducing their available scholarship players to nine.


When the current players are playing against better players in practice, it hurts this year’s team.


2) Montreal Canadiens are in first place, but they fired their coach Michel Therrien Tuesday and hired former Bruins coach Claude Julien, who won the Stanley Cup in Boston six years ago. It is the second time (2002-03) the Canadiens replaced Therrien as its coach with Julien.


1— Get well soon to Kansas State football coach Bill Snyder and Arizona Diamondbacks bench coach Ron Gardenhire, both of whom were recently diagnosed with treatable forms of cancer.

 

[CNOTES]

NBA
Long Sheet

Wednesday, February 15

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INDIANA (29 - 26) at CLEVELAND (37 - 16) - 2/15/2017, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
INDIANA is 19-8 ATS (+10.2 Units) vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 18-33 ATS (-18.3 Units) vs. division opponents over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
INDIANA is 8-2 against the spread versus CLEVELAND over the last 3 seasons
CLEVELAND is 6-4 straight up against INDIANA over the last 3 seasons
6 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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SAN ANTONIO (42 - 13) at ORLANDO (21 - 36) - 2/15/2017, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SAN ANTONIO is 80-66 ATS (+7.4 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 75-58 ATS (+11.2 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 84-51 ATS (+27.9 Units) against Southeast division opponents since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 34-19 ATS (+13.1 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 329-272 ATS (+29.8 Units) in non-conference games since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 305-243 ATS (+37.7 Units) after scoring 105 points or more since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 59-41 ATS (+13.9 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 97-76 ATS (+13.4 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 3 seasons.
ORLANDO is 8-17 ATS (-10.7 Units) in home games this season.
ORLANDO is 1-9 ATS (-8.9 Units) after a division game this season.
ORLANDO is 6-15 ATS (-10.5 Units) in home games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.

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

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DALLAS (22 - 33) at DETROIT (26 - 30) - 2/15/2017, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DALLAS is 370-304 ATS (+35.6 Units) as an underdog since 1996.
DALLAS is 476-398 ATS (+38.2 Units) in road games since 1996.
DALLAS is 87-61 ATS (+19.9 Units) in a road game where where the total is between 200 and 204.5 points since 1996.
DALLAS is 314-262 ATS (+25.8 Units) after a non-conference game since 1996.
DALLAS is 192-151 ATS (+25.9 Units) in road games revenging a loss vs opponent since 1996.
DALLAS is 14-6 ATS (+7.4 Units) after allowing 105 points or more this season.
DALLAS is 24-12 ATS (+10.8 Units) after a loss by 10 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
DALLAS is 29-19 ATS (+8.1 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.
DALLAS is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season this season.
DETROIT is 109-156 ATS (-62.6 Units) in home games after a division game since 1996.

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

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MILWAUKEE (24 - 30) at BROOKLYN (9 - 46) - 2/15/2017, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MILWAUKEE is 22-32 ATS (-13.2 Units) in all games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 346-419 ATS (-114.9 Units) second half of the season since 1996.
MILWAUKEE is 1-10 ATS (-10.0 Units) against Atlantic division opponents this season.
MILWAUKEE is 123-158 ATS (-50.8 Units) after a win by 10 points or more since 1996.
MILWAUKEE is 10-19 ATS (-10.9 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
MILWAUKEE is 15-26 ATS (-13.6 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
BROOKLYN is 22-31 ATS (-12.1 Units) in all games this season.
BROOKLYN is 18-29 ATS (-13.9 Units) when the total is greater than or equal to 210 this season.
BROOKLYN is 29-42 ATS (-17.2 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
BROOKLYN is 8-17 ATS (-10.7 Units) in a home game where the total is greater than or equal to 210 this season.
BROOKLYN is 4-14 ATS (-11.4 Units) after a non-conference game this season.
BROOKLYN is 40-53 ATS (-18.3 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
BROOKLYN is 7-19 ATS (-13.9 Units) after playing 3 consecutive home games over the last 3 seasons.
BROOKLYN is 8-20 ATS (-14.0 Units) after 3 or more consecutive losses this season.
BROOKLYN is 16-26 ATS (-12.6 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
MILWAUKEE is 7-2 against the spread versus BROOKLYN over the last 3 seasons
MILWAUKEE is 9-1 straight up against BROOKLYN over the last 3 seasons
7 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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PHILADELPHIA (21 - 34) at BOSTON (36 - 19) - 2/15/2017, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 33-21 ATS (+9.9 Units) in all games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 33-19 ATS (+12.1 Units) as an underdog this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 70-46 ATS (+19.4 Units) as a road underdog of 9.5 to 12 points since 1996.
PHILADELPHIA is 28-15 ATS (+11.5 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 27-16 ATS (+9.4 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 28-17 ATS (+9.3 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.
BOSTON is 104-143 ATS (-53.3 Units) in home games after scoring 105 points or more since 1996.
BOSTON is 7-20 ATS (-15.0 Units) after 3 or more consecutive wins over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 7-3 against the spread versus PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
BOSTON is 10-0 straight up against PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
6 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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CHARLOTTE (24 - 31) at TORONTO (32 - 23) - 2/15/2017, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CHARLOTTE is 22-31 ATS (-12.1 Units) in all games this season.
CHARLOTTE is 3-16 ATS (-14.6 Units) when the total is greater than or equal to 210 this season.
CHARLOTTE is 2-13 ATS (-12.3 Units) against Atlantic division opponents this season.
CHARLOTTE is 9-19 ATS (-11.9 Units) after allowing 105 points or more this season.
CHARLOTTE is 12-26 ATS (-16.6 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.
CHARLOTTE is 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season this season.
CHARLOTTE is 13-27 ATS (-16.7 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.
TORONTO is 117-153 ATS (-51.3 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHARLOTTE is 5-4 against the spread versus TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
TORONTO is 5-4 straight up against CHARLOTTE 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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MIAMI (24 - 32) at HOUSTON (40 - 17) - 2/15/2017, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 33-24 ATS (+6.6 Units) in all games this season.
HOUSTON is 315-258 ATS (+31.2 Units) in non-conference games since 1996.
HOUSTON is 20-7 ATS (+12.3 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
HOUSTON is 28-16 ATS (+10.4 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.
MIAMI is 83-68 ATS (+8.2 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 138-105 ATS (+22.5 Units) in February games since 1996.
MIAMI is 27-17 ATS (+8.3 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.
MIAMI is 12-2 ATS (+9.8 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season this season.
MIAMI is 28-17 ATS (+9.3 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.
MIAMI is 12-2 ATS (+9.8 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season this season.

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

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NEW ORLEANS (22 - 34) at MEMPHIS (34 - 23) - 2/15/2017, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEW ORLEANS is 9-19 ATS (-11.9 Units) off an upset win as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 25-37 ATS (-15.7 Units) after scoring 105 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
MEMPHIS is 29-16 ATS (+11.4 Units) in home games after a non-conference game over the last 3 seasons.
MEMPHIS is 42-26 ATS (+13.4 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.

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

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MINNESOTA (21 - 34) at DENVER (25 - 30) - 2/15/2017, 9:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
DENVER is 7-4 against the spread versus MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
DENVER is 8-3 straight up against MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
7 of 11 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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LA LAKERS (19 - 37) at PHOENIX (17 - 39) - 2/15/2017, 9:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LA LAKERS are 26-39 ATS (-16.9 Units) when the total is greater than or equal to 210 over the last 2 seasons.
LA LAKERS are 62-82 ATS (-28.2 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 3 seasons.
PHOENIX is 23-37 ATS (-17.7 Units) after scoring 105 points or more over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHOENIX is 7-2 against the spread versus LA LAKERS over the last 3 seasons
PHOENIX is 8-2 straight up against LA LAKERS over the last 3 seasons
8 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

PORTLAND (23 - 32) at UTAH (34 - 22) - 2/15/2017, 9:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PORTLAND is 22-33 ATS (-14.3 Units) in all games this season.
PORTLAND is 14-24 ATS (-12.4 Units) after allowing 105 points or more this season.
PORTLAND is 17-26 ATS (-11.6 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.
UTAH is 69-42 ATS (+22.8 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 3 seasons.

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

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

NEW YORK (23 - 33) at OKLAHOMA CITY (31 - 25) - 2/15/2017, 9:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 21-11 ATS (+8.9 Units) as a favorite this season.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 17-8 ATS (+8.2 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
NEW YORK is 15-7 ATS (+7.3 Units) after a non-conference game this season.
NEW YORK is 209-166 ATS (+26.4 Units) revenging a home loss vs opponent since 1996.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 18-33 ATS (-18.3 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.

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

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

ATLANTA (32 - 23) at LA CLIPPERS (34 - 21) - 2/15/2017, 10:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 70-49 ATS (+16.1 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 107-141 ATS (-48.1 Units) in February games since 1996.
LA CLIPPERS are 197-256 ATS (-84.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season since 1996.

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

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

SACRAMENTO (23 - 32) at GOLDEN STATE (46 - 9) - 2/15/2017, 10:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
GOLDEN STATE is 7-3 against the spread versus SACRAMENTO over the last 3 seasons
GOLDEN STATE is 9-1 straight up against SACRAMENTO 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

Wednesday, February 15

Indiana lost its last four games after a 7-game win streak; they’re 3-0-1 vs spread in last four road games. Last four Pacer games went over total. Cleveland won six of last seven games; they covered their last three home games. Last seven Cavalier games went over. Home side won eight of last ten Indiana-Cleveland games; Pacers lost last four visits to Lake Erie, but covered last three. Four of last six series games went over total.

San Antonio won six of last eight games, is 2-4 vs spread in last six road games. Under is 6-2 in their last eight games. Magic lost six of last eight games, is 2-7 vs spread in last nine road tilts. Three of last four Orlando games went over. Spurs won nine of last ten games with Orlando but Magic covered five of last six, upsetting San Antonio 95-83 in Alamo back in November. Spurs covered three of last four visits here. Last four series games stayed under total.

Dallas won six of last nine games overall, four of last seven on road; they’re 8-5 vs spread in last 13 road games. Three of their last four games went over. Pistons won seven of last nine home games, covering four of last five. Five of last six Detroit games stayed under. Road team won last six Dallas-Detroit games; Mavericks won their last five visits to Motor City (4-1 vs spread). Last four series games stayed under total.

Bucks won three of last five games, winning last two on road after an 0-7 road skid. Over is 7-4 in their last 11 games. Brooklyn lost its last 13 games but covered three of last four; they’re 4-9 vs spread in last 13 home games. Three of their last four games went over. Milwaukee won its last seven games with the Nets (5-2 vs spread), winning last three visits to Brooklyn by 7-9-18 points. Over is 4-1 in last five series games played here.

76ers won last three games, covered last four; they won last two road tilts after a 1-6 road skid. Over is 11-3 in their last 14 games. Boston won 10 of last 11 games but are 0-4 vs spread in last four home games. Last three Celtic games went over the total. Celtics won last ten games with Philly (7-3 vs spread) but 76ers covered last two; Sixers lost last five games here (2-3 vs spread). Six of last eight series games went over.

Charlotte lost its last three games overall and last 10 road games (3-7 vs spread); they’re 1-10 vs spread in last 11 games overall. Last three Hornet games stayed under. Raptors lost last three games, are 2-6 vs spread in last eight home games. Five of their last seven games stayed under total. Toronto won five of its last seven games with Charlotte; over is 6-4 in last ten series games. Hornets lost by 5-10-6 points in last three visits to Canada.

Miami lost its last two games after a 13-game win streak; Heat covered four of its last five road games. Five of their last seven games went over. Rockets won their last four games, covering last three; they’re 4-3 vs spread in last seven at home. Three of their last four games went over. Home side won seven of last eight Miami-Houston games; Heat lost last three visits here (0-3 vs spread). Four of last five series games stayed under total.

New Orleans won three of last five games, is 8-5 vs spread in its last 13 road games. Six of their last nine games stayed under. Grizzlies won six of last nine games, but are 1-4 vs spread in last five at home. Eight of their last ten games went over. Memphis won its last seven games with New Orleans (6-1 vs spread); Pelicans lost their last five visits here (1-4 vs spread). Five of last six series games went over total.

Minnesota lost six of last eight games, is 3-5 vs spread in last eight road games. Wolves’ last 12 games went over total. Nuggets won/covered seven of last eight home games; they’re 4-5 in last nine games overall. Last four Denver games went over. Denver won five of last six games with Minnesota; six of last eight series games stayed under the total. Timberwolves lost last two games in Denver by total of five points.

Los Angeles covered six of its last seven road games; they’re 6-6 vs spread if they played night before (3-1 in last four such games). Over is 4-1 in Lakers’ last five road games. Phoenix lost five of last six games, is 1-6 vs spread in last seven home games. Four of their last five games stayed under. Lakers lost eight of last ten games with Phoenix; they they lost last three games in desert by 15-19-12 points. Over is 7-2-1 in last ten series games.

Trailblazers lost four of last five games, are 2-4 vs spread in last six road games. Under is 7-5 in their last 12 games. Jazz lost its last three games, is 2-5 vs spread in its last seven home tilts. Five of their last six games went over the total. Portland won seven of last ten games with Utah, covering last three; they won three of last five games in SLC. Eight of last ten series games went over the total.

New York lost four of last five games; they’re 4-2 vs spread in last six road games (this is their first road game in 2 weeks), Over is 7-2 in their last nine games. Oklahoma City lost three of last four games, is 8-3 vs spread in last 11 home games. Five of their last seven games went over. Thunder won seven of last ten games with New York, but Knicks covered three of last four; Four of last five series games stayed under. Teams split last four series games played here.

Atlanta is 5-3 in its last eight games; they’re 11-5 vs spread in last 16 road games. Three of last four Hawk games went over total. Clippers won last three games of their road trip; they’re 0-2 at home since Paul got hurt. Over is 7-3 in last ten Clipper games. Road team won last four Hawk-Clipper games; Atlanta won by 9-10 points in last two series games played here. Over is 5-3 in last eight series games.

Sacramento is 6-5 vs spread if they played night before; they’re 7-3-1 in last 12 games as a road underdog. Under is 6-2 in their last eight games. Warriors won eight of last ten games; they covered their last six home games. Last three Golden State games went over the total. Kings beat Golden State in OT four days ago, snapping long series skid; Sacramento lost last four visits to Oakland (0-4 vs spread), with all four games going over total.

 

[CNOTES]

NBA

Wednesday, February 15

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

7:00 PM
INDIANA vs. CLEVELAND
Indiana is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Indiana's last 7 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Cleveland's last 6 games when playing Indiana
Cleveland is 1-8 ATS in its last 9 games when playing Indiana

7:00 PM
SAN ANTONIO vs. ORLANDO
San Antonio is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Orlando
The total has gone OVER in 12 of San Antonio's last 17 games when playing on the road against Orlando
Orlando is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Orlando's last 5 games when playing San Antonio

7:30 PM
CHARLOTTE vs. TORONTO
Charlotte is 1-4-1 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Charlotte is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Toronto is 7-16 ATS in its last 23 games when playing Charlotte
Toronto is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing Charlotte

7:30 PM
MILWAUKEE vs. BROOKLYN
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Milwaukee's last 12 games when playing Brooklyn
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Milwaukee's last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Brooklyn's last 12 games when playing Milwaukee
Brooklyn is 0-4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Milwaukee

7:30 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. BOSTON
Philadelphia is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Boston
Philadelphia is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Boston
Boston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Boston is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games at home

7:30 PM
DALLAS vs. DETROIT
Dallas is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games
Dallas is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Detroit
Detroit is 4-12 SU in its last 16 games when playing Dallas
Detroit is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home

8:00 PM
NEW ORLEANS vs. MEMPHIS
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of New Orleans's last 6 games
New Orleans is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games
Memphis is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 16 of Memphis's last 22 games at home

8:00 PM
MIAMI vs. HOUSTON
Miami is 3-6 ATS in its last 9 games when playing Houston
Miami is 10-4 SU in its last 14 games when playing Houston
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Houston's last 6 games when playing at home against Miami
Houston is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games

9:00 PM
PORTLAND vs. UTAH
Portland is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
Portland is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games
Utah is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games at home
Utah is 4-11 ATS in its last 15 games

9:00 PM
LA LAKERS vs. PHOENIX
The total has gone OVER in 5 of the LA Lakers last 7 games
LA Lakers are 2-7-1 ATS in their last 10 games when playing Phoenix
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Phoenix's last 11 games at home
Phoenix is 5-0 SU in their last 5 games when playing at home against LA Lakers

9:00 PM
MINNESOTA vs. DENVER
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Minnesota's last 5 games when playing Denver
Minnesota is 5-15 SU in its last 20 games when playing on the road against Denver
Denver is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Minnesota
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Denver's last 5 games when playing Minnesota

9:30 PM
NEW YORK vs. OKLAHOMA CITY
New York is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of New York's last 6 games when playing on the road against Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against New York
Oklahoma City is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games at home

10:30 PM
ATLANTA vs. LA CLIPPERS
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Atlanta's last 5 games when playing on the road against LA Clippers
Atlanta is 10-5 SU in their last 15 games when playing LA Clippers
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of the LA Clippers last 10 games at home
LA Clippers are 6-2 SU in their last 8 games at home

10:30 PM
SACRAMENTO vs. GOLDEN STATE
Sacramento is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Golden State
Sacramento is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
Golden State is 13-1 SU in its last 14 games when playing Sacramento
Golden State is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home

 

[CNOTES]

NBA
Dunkel

Wednesday, February 15


Sacramento @ Golden State

Game 527-528
February 15, 2017 @ 10:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Sacramento
118.410
Golden State
131.828
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Golden State
by 13 1/2
217
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Golden State
No Line
N/A
Dunkel Pick:
Golden State
N/A

Atlanta @ LA Clippers

Game 525-526
February 15, 2017 @ 10:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Atlanta
117.205
LA Clippers
124.067
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
LA Clippers
by 7
220
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
LA Clippers
by 2 1/2
212 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
LA Clippers
(-2 1/2); Over

New Orleans @ Oklahoma City

Game 523-524
February 15, 2017 @ 9:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
New Orleans
111.884
Oklahoma City
122.448
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Oklahoma City
by 10 1/2
207
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Oklahoma City
by 7
218 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Oklahoma City
(-7); Under

Portland @ Utah

Game 521-522
February 15, 2017 @ 9:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Portland
117.371
Utah
120.479
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Utah
by 3
198
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Utah
by 8 1/2
205 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Portland
(+8 1/2); Under

LA Lakers @ Phoenix

Game 519-520
February 15, 2017 @ 9:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
LA Lakers
117.053
Phoenix
113.183
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
LA Lakers
by 4
231
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Phoenix
by 4
225
Dunkel Pick:
LA Lakers
(+4); Over

Minnesota @ Denver

Game 517-518
February 15, 2017 @ 9:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Minnesota
114.800
Denver
124.991
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Denver
by 10
224
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Denver
No Line
N/A
Dunkel Pick:
Denver
N/A

New Orleans @ Memphis

Game 515-516
February 15, 2017 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
New Orleans
112.718
Memphis
127.230
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Memphis
by 14 1/2
195
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Memphis
by 8
206
Dunkel Pick:
Memphis
(-8); Under

Miami @ Houston

Game 513-514
February 15, 2017 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Miami
121.849
Houston
121.963
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Miami
Even
233
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Houston
by 9 1/2
222
Dunkel Pick:
Miami
(+9 1/2); Over

Charlotte @ Toronto

Game 511-512
February 15, 2017 @ 7:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Charlotte
108.175
Toronto
122.614
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Toronto
by 14 1/2
217
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Toronto
by 6
212
Dunkel Pick:
Toronto
(-6); Over

Philadelphia @ Boston

Game 509-510
February 15, 2017 @ 7:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Philadelphia
119.642
Boston
122.613
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Boston
by 3
212
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Boston
by 10
218
Dunkel Pick:
Philadelphia
(+10); Under

Milwaukee @ Brooklyn

Game 507-508
February 15, 2017 @ 7:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Milwaukee
118.164
Brooklyn
116.350
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Milwaukee
by 2
225
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Milwaukee
by 5 1/2
219
Dunkel Pick:
Brooklyn
(+5 1/2); Over

Dallas @ Detroit

Game 505-506
February 15, 2017 @ 7:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Dallas
120.997
Detroit
119.162
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Dallas
by 2
211
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Detroit
by 5
201
Dunkel Pick:
Dallas
(+5); Over

San Antonio @ Orlando

Game 503-504
February 15, 2017 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
San Antonio
127.203
Orlando
109.997
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
San Antonio
by 16
200
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
San Antonio
by 10 1/2
206
Dunkel Pick:
San Antonio
(-10 1/2); Under

Indiana @ Cleveland

Game 501-502
February 15, 2017 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Indiana
115.252
Cleveland
129.822
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Cleveland
by 14 1/2
214
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Cleveland
by 6
219 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Cleveland
(-6); Under

 

[CNOTES]

Wednesday's Tip Sheet
February 15, 2017


Game of the Night – Hawks at Clippers (-2 ½, 212 ½) – 10:35 PM EST


Los Angeles has spent most of the last month away from Staples Center by playing 10 of its past 11 games on the highway. The Clippers return home from their Grammy road trip to host the Hawks in each team’s final game prior to the All-Star break. Atlanta wraps up a brief three-game west coast swing looking to avenge an ugly home performance against Los Angeles last month.


The Hawks (34-21 SU, 28-27 ATS) begin tonight’s action sitting in fourth place of the Eastern Conference playoff standings, fresh off Monday’s overtime triumph at Portland, 109-104. Atlanta knocked down 37 free throws in the victory, while forward Paul Millsap overcame a 4-of-12 night from the floor to hit the game-tying layup towards the end of regulation.


The Clippers (34-21 SU, 28-27 ATS) started their five-game road trip with consecutive losses at Boston and Toronto, but L.A. closed the swing with three straight victories. Doc Rivers’ squad put together one of its best defensive performances of the season in Monday’s 88-72 blowout of the Jazz as eight-point underdogs by limiting Utah to 32% shooting from the field. Blake Griffin continues to play well after missing 18 games with a knee injury as the Clippers’ star forward posted three double-doubles in the last four contests.

The last time these teams hooked up at Philips Arena on January 23 (the last game without Griffin), the Clippers rolled past the Hawks, 115-105 as 7 ½-point underdogs. Austin Rivers led Los Angeles with 27 points, while Jamal Crawford tossed in 19 points off the bench as the Clippers drilled 14-of-24 attempts from three-point range. The Hawks have performed well in their last two visits to Staples Center against the Clippers by beating L.A. each of the past two seasons in the role of a road underdog.


Let’s Do It Again


The Cavaliers cruised past the Pacers last Wednesday in Indianapolis, 132-117 as 3 ½-point road favorites as the two Central rivals meet tonight in Cleveland. LeBron James and the defending champions return to Quicken Loans Arena after holding off the Timberwolves on Tuesday, 116-108 to cash as four-point favorites to improve to 6-1 SU/ATS in February. In all seven games this month, the Cavs have eclipsed the OVER, as Cleveland has topped the 111-point mark in all six victories.


The Pacers are going backwards following a seven-game winning streak as Indiana has dropped four straight contests. In the last four games of the hot streak, Indiana’s defense allowed 97 points or fewer. During this cold stretch, the Pacers have given up 110 points or more, including in recent home losses to the Bucks and Spurs. However, Indiana has covered four consecutive games away from Bankers Life Fieldhouse and is 3-0 ATS in the last three visits to Cleveland.


Cooling Off


The Heat put together an amazing 13-game winning streak that started with a 109-103 upset of the Rockets last month as seven-point home underdogs. Miami has since lost twice off this hot stretch to Philadelphia and Orlando, as the Heat head to Houston looking to close the first half on a solid note. Erik Spoelstra’s club owns a 4-1 ATS mark in its last five tries in the role of a road underdog, while frustrating the free-shooting Rockets in their previous meeting by holding Houston to 9-of-29 shooting from downtown.


The Rockets are playing solid basketball to close the first half by winning four straight games, coming off Saturday’s 133-102 blowout of the Suns. Interestingly, Houston owns an 0-5 ATS mark in its last five opportunities as a home favorite of 7 to 9 ½ points, as the Rockets are currently 9 ½-point favorites.


Do the Impossible?


It’s not often that the Spurs get swept in a regular season series, but that can happen tonight in Orlando. The Magic cruised past San Antonio at AT&T Center in late November, 95-83 as 12 ½-point underdogs, as Orlando’s defense limited the Spurs’ starting backcourt of Tony Parker and Danny Green to four points on 1-of-10 shooting. Orlando is actually looking for consecutive victories for the first time since late December after outlasting Miami on Monday, 116-107 as 7 ½-point underdogs.


San Antonio continues its annual Rodeo Trip as the Spurs rallied past the Pacers on Monday, 110-106 to improve to 3-2 on this swing. However, Gregg Popovich’s team has covered only once in the first five contests, while compiling a dreadful 3-7 ATS mark in its last 10 opportunities as a road favorite. The Spurs have won in each of their past five visits to Orlando, while limiting the Magic to 96 points in each of those victories.


Slump Busters


Both the Raptors and Hornets are playoff teams from a year ago but each squad is trending backwards at the moment. Toronto will return to the postseason in 2017, but the Raptors have lost three straight games, coming off Tuesday’s 105-94 setback at Chicago as four-point favorites. Dwane Casey’s club owns a horrendous 4-11 record in the last 15 games to fall 4 ½ games behind the Celtics in the Atlantic division.


The Raptors welcome a Hornets’ squad to the Air Canada Center that has lost 10 of its past 12 games with the only two victories coming over the worst team in basketball – the Nets. In fact, the last time Charlotte covered in a victory, the Hornets rolled the Raptors, 113-78 as a 1 ½-point favorites on January 20. Charlotte has limped to a 1-10-1 ATS mark in the last 12 games, while dropping 10 consecutive games away from Spectrum Center.


Silent Nights


The Jazz were one of the top stories from the first half of the season by leading the Northwest division. However, Utah has slipped up lately by losing three straight games, including home defeats to the Celtics and Clippers. The Jazz host the Blazers in a division showdown tonight as the teams are meeting for the first time since Portland topped Utah on opening night at the Moda Center, 113-104 as six-point home favorites.


Portland hits the highway following consecutive home losses to Boston and Atlanta, while the Blazers have failed to cover in five straight games. The Blazers have cashed in only three of the past nine opportunities in the role of a road underdog, but have covered in two of their last three trips to Salt Lake City.

Head-to-Head Trends


-- The 76ers have given the Celtics plenty of fits in two meetings this season by covering as double-digit underdogs in a pair of losses by a combined five points. Philadelphia travels to Boston looking to beat the Celtics for the first time in 11 tries, while attempting to win at TD Garden for the first time since April 2014.


-- Milwaukee goes for the season sweep of Brooklyn, while winning the last seven games in the series since 2015. The Nets have covered in two of the first three meetings, but the Bucks dominated Brooklyn at Barclays Center in December, 111-93 as Milwaukee looks to close the first half with three straight victories.


-- The road team has won the past six meetings between the Mavericks and Pistons as the two teams hook up at the Palace of Auburn Hills. Detroit rallied past Dallas in its last matchup in December, but the Mavs have captured the past five visits to the Motor City.


-- The Grizzlies and Pelicans can’t decide a winner through 48 minutes as both matchups this season have gone to overtime. Memphis captured each of those victories, including a front-door cover as 5 ½-point favorites in November, 89-83. The Grizzlies have won seven straight in the series, while covering six times.


-- The Wolves hit the road after losing at home to Cleveland on Tuesday as Minnesota faces Denver for the final time in the regular season. The Nuggets own a 2-1 record against the Wolves this season, but all three games have been decided by three points or less.


-- The two worst teams in the Western Conference meet in Phoenix as the Suns host the Lakers. Los Angeles lost in the final seconds to Sacramento last night, but the Lakers own a 6-1 ATS record in the last seven road games. The Lakers and Suns have split a pair of matchups this season as both games sailed OVER the total.


-- The Thunder look to put an end to a two-game slide as Oklahoma City hosts New York. OKC outlasted the Knicks in their last matchup at Madison Square Garden, 112-103 in November to win its seventh game against New York in the previous 10 meetings.


-- The Kings attempt to win their fifth consecutive contest tonight with a short trip to Oakland to face the Warriors. Sacramento has covered in each of the two meetings with Golden State this season, including as 14 ½-point home underdogs in a 109-106 overtime triumph at Golden 1 Center earlier this month.

 

[CNOTES]

NBA RECORD THE LAST FEW DAYS:


Date W-L-T % Units Record


02/14/2017 2-4-0 33.33% -1200


02/13/2017 11-10-1 52.38% +0


02/12/2017 5-3-0 62.50% +850


02/11/2017 8-7-1 53.33% +150


WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 15


GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS


SA at ORL 07:00 PM


SA -10.5


U 206.5


IND at CLE 07:00 PM


CLE -5.5

U 219.5


MIL at BK 07:30 PM


BK +6.0


O 219.0


DAL at DET 07:30 PM


DAL +4.5


O 200.0


PHI at BOS 07:30 PM


PHI +10.0


U 219.0


CHA at TOR 07:30 PM


TOR -6.5


U 213.0


NO at MEM 08:00 PM


MEM -8.0


U 205.0


MIA at HOU 08:00 PM


MIA +10.0

O 224.0


POR at UTA 09:00 PM


POR +8.5


U 205.0


LAL at PHO 09:00 PM


LAL +4.0


O 226.5


MIN at DEN 09:00 PM


DEN -6.0


O 226.5


NY at OKC 09:30 PM


OKC -7.0


U 218.0


SAC at GS 10:30 PM


SAC +18.0


O 225.0


ATL at LAC 10:30 PM


LAC -3.0


O 213.5

 

[CNOTES]

Armadillo: Thursday's six-pack


Six of the best minor league prospects for the Atlanta Braves:


1) Dansby Swanson SS— Hit .302 in 102 major league AB’s last year.


2) Ozzie Albies, 2B/SS— Hit .310 in three minor league seasons.


4) Mike Soroka, P— Pitched on Canadian Junior National Team


5) Ian Anderson, P— Rookie from Clifton Park had 2.04 ERA in 40 IP LY in the low minors.


8) Sean Newcomb, P— Was 8-7, 3.86 in 27 starts in AA Southern League LY.


16) Dustin Peterson, OF— Hit .282 with 88 RBI in AA ball last year.


**********

Armadillo: Thursday's List of 13: Doing some thinking out loud……..

13) Minnesota 75, Indiana 74— If Hoosiers miss NCAA’s, will Tom Crean get the boot and if he does, will Indiana go after native son Steve Alford?


12) Seton Hall 87, Creighton 81— Bluejays are 3-4 in their last seven games; Villanova now has a 3-game lead in the Big East.


11) SMU 80, Tulane 75— 24-point underdog Green Wave were up 15 at the half.


10) Duke 65, Virginia 55— Cavaliers shot 5-20 on arc, have now lost four of their last six games.


9) Arkansas 83, South Carolina 76— Erratic Razorbacks were a 9.5-point underdog.


8) Iowa State 87, Kansas State 79— Cyclones never trailed in impressive road win.


7) Northern Iowa 64, Bradley 61— Surging Panthers won nine of last 10 games which followed a 7-game losing streak.


6) Oklahoma State 71, TCU 68— Cowboys won seven of their last eight games after starting Big X play 0-6.


5) North Carolina 97, NC State 73— Wolfpack Nation, never a patient lot, is getting a lot more restless. State lost to UNC twice this season, by total of 75 points.


4) Fordham 53, Rhode Island 43— Ugly loss for the home side; URI is headed to the NIT. They were supposed to make the NCAA’s.


3) San Diego State 66, Utah State 62— Aztecs are grinding out wins without much offense; they are back over .500 (7-6) in the Mountain West.


2) Butler 110, St John’s 86— Bulldogs were 13-26 on arc, 29-40 on the foul line. Not too often a college team scores 110 points in 40:00, especially in a conference game.


1— Non-basketball item; Marlins’ owner Jeffrey Loria is being considered as the United States’ ambassador to France. Good God, the French hate us enough already!!!!

 

[CNOTES]

NBA
Long Sheet


Thursday, February 16


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


WASHINGTON (33 - 21) at INDIANA (29 - 27) - 2/16/2017, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 21-12 ATS (+7.8 Units) when the total is greater than or equal to 210 this season.
WASHINGTON is 30-17 ATS (+11.3 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 23-13 ATS (+8.7 Units) after scoring 105 points or more this season.
WASHINGTON is 27-17 ATS (+8.3 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.
WASHINGTON is 28-16 ATS (+10.4 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.
INDIANA is 12-21 ATS (-11.1 Units) when the total is greater than or equal to 210 this season.


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


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


BOSTON (37 - 19) at CHICAGO (27 - 29) - 2/16/2017, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) after 3 or more consecutive wins this season.
BOSTON is 18-8 ATS (+9.2 Units) in road games this season.
BOSTON is 23-10 ATS (+12.0 Units) in a road game where the total is greater than or equal to 210 over the last 3 seasons.
BOSTON is 33-15 ATS (+16.5 Units) when playing on back-to-back days over the last 3 seasons.
CHICAGO is 57-92 ATS (-44.2 Units) in home games off an upset win as an underdog since 1996.
CHICAGO is 41-57 ATS (-21.7 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.


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


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








NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up


Thursday, February 16


Pacers won five of their last eight games with Washington; nine of last ten series games went over total. Teams split last four series games played here. Wizards won 10 of their last 11 games, are 5-1 vs spread in last six road games. Six of their last seven games went over the total. Indiana lost its last five games (2-3 vs spread); they’re 2-6-1 vs spread in last nine home games. Last four Pacer games went over total.


Home side won last five Boston-Chicago games; Celtics lost four of last five visits to the Windy City. Three of last four series games stayed under. Boston won four in row, 11 of last 12 games; they’re 12-4-1 vs spread in last 17 road games. Over is 3-0-1 in their last four games. Chicago lost three of last four games; they’re 1-4 vs spread in their last five home games. Five of their last seven games went over the total.








NBA


Thursday, February 16


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


7:00 PM
WASHINGTON vs. INDIANA
The total has gone OVER in 17 of Washington's last 25 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Washington's last 10 games when playing Indiana
Indiana is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Washington
Indiana is 3-6 ATS in its last 9 games at home


8:00 PM
BOSTON vs. CHICAGO
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Boston's last 6 games when playing on the road against Chicago
Boston is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Chicago
Chicago is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
Chicago is 15-7 SU in its last 22 games when playing Boston


**************************


NBA
Dunkel


Thursday, February 16




Boston @ Chicago


Game 703-704
February 16, 2017 @ 8:00 pm


Dunkel Rating:
Boston
118.499
Chicago
121.647
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Chicago
by 3
207
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Chicago
Pick
213
Dunkel Pick:
Chicago
Under


Washington @ Indiana


Game 701-702
February 16, 2017 @ 7:00 pm


Dunkel Rating:
Washington
126.732
Indiana
119.309
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Washington
by 7 1/2
222
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Washington
by 2
215 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Washington
(-2); Over








NBA
Short Sheet


Thursday, February 16


Washington at Indiana, 7:05 PM ET
Washington: 21-11 ATS after one or more consecutive overs
Indiana: 5-17 ATS after 4 straight games forcing opponent to commit 11 or less turnovers


Boston at Chicago, 8:00 PM ET
Boston: 18-8 ATS in road games
Chicago: 6-17 ATS after failing to cover 2 of their last 3 against the spread

 

[CNOTES]

B]NBA


Thursday, February 16
[/B]
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday’s NBA Game of the Day: Celtics at Bulls
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


The favorite is 6-0 ATS in the last 6 meetings in what could be an Eastern Conference playoff preview and the line has moved from Bulls +1 to Bulls -1


Boston Celtics at Chicago Bulls (-1, 212)


All-Star point guard Isaiah Thomas aims for a team-record 41st consecutive 20-point performance Thursday, when the Boston Celtics close play prior to the All-Star break by visiting the Chicago Bulls. Thomas scored 33 points to match Hall-of-Famer John Havlicek's franchise mark of 40 set in 1971-72 as Boston posted a 116-108 victory over Philadelphia on Wednesday.


Thomas also is taking aim at Larry Bird's single-season scoring average record (29.9 points in 1987-88), as he has the same mark as the Hall-of-Famer with 26 games remaining. "I always say it. It doesn't seem real for my name to be mentioned with such greats and Hall-of-Famers," Thomas told reporters. "It doesn't seem like it should be like that. It means I'm doing something well. I'm just glad we're winning on top of being mentioned with all these great players." Chicago All-Star swingman Jimmy Butler (heel), who had missed four of five games, is closer to full strength after scoring 19 points and matching his season best of 12 assists in Tuesday's 105-94 victory over Toronto. "It feels good," Butler told reporters despite a 2-of-10 shooting performance. "That's all there is to say. There wasn't that much pain at all. Now it's all about getting in rhythm."


TV: 8 p.m. ET, TNT


LINE HISTORY: The Bulls opened as 1.5-point home underdogs and that line has quickly dropped 2.5-points to Chicago -1. The total opened at 212 and as of Thursday morning has yet to move.


INJURY REPORT:


Celtics - SF Gerald Green (Questionable, heel), SF Jaylen Brown (Out, hip), SG Avery Bradley (Out indefinitely, achilles), PG Demetrius Jackson (Out indefinitely, illness)


Bulls - SG Dwyane Wade (Questionable, wrist), PF Nikola Mirotic (Out, back), SF Paul Zipser (Out, ankle)


POWER RANKINGS: Celtics (-6.4) - Bulls (-1.9) + home court (-3) = Celtics -1.5


ABOUT THE CELTICS (37-19 SU, 29-25-2 ATS, 31-24-1 O/U): Boston has recorded four straight victories and won 11 of its last 12 games thanks to the superb efforts of Thomas. The 5-9 dynamo has topped 25 points in 10 consecutive contests - averaging 33.9 during that stretch - and has scored 35 or more on 14 occasions this season. The Celtics were sloppy by committing a season-worst 24 turnovers on Wednesday but forced 22 behind a superb defensive performance by guard Marcus Smart, who recorded a career-best eight steals.


ABOUT THE BULLS (27-29 SU, 27-29 ATS, 21-34-1 O/U): Shooting guard Dwyane Wade (wrist) has missed the last two games, and his availability will be determined after Thursday's shootaround. Wade underwent an MRI exam earlier this week, and the results indicated the injury isn't a long-term issue, but the Bulls also don't want him to experience a setback prior to the All-Star break. Forward Nikola Mirotic (back) also has missed the last two contests and appears unlikely to play on Thursday.


TRENDS:


* Celtics are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games following a ATS loss.
* Bulls are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
* Over is 10-1-1 in Celtics last 12 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
* Over is 4-1 in Bulls last 5 games following a ATS win.
* Favorite is 6-0 ATS in the last 6 meetings.


CONSENSUS: 69 percent of users are siding with the road underdog Boston Celtics and Over is picking up 59 percent of the totals wagers.

 

[CNOTES]

Inside the Paint - Thursday
February 16, 2017


The first-half of the NBA regular season comes to a close on Thursday as the league will take six days off for the All-Star break.


Tonight’s card only has two games on tap, and coincidentally we would be looking at a pair of playoff matchups if the postseason began today.


All four teams in action have shown some fight this season and appear to be a viable challenger to current champion Cleveland, but they’ve also gone through periods of inconsistency as well.


Oddsmakers at Sportsbook.ag still have the Cavaliers as the odds-on favorites (2/5) to win the conference but the odds are dropping for the teams chasing Cleveland, including the four in action tonight.

Odds to win 2017 Eastern Conference (6/1/17)
Cleveland Cavaliers 2/5
Boston Celtics 6/1
Toronto Raptors 10/1
Washington Wizards 10/1
Atlanta Hawks 20/1
Indiana Pacers 40/1
Chicago Bulls 75/1
Detroit Pistons 100/1
Charlotte Hornets 125/1
Miami Heat 150/1
Milwaukee Bucks 250/1
New York Knicks 1000/1
Orlando Magic 1000/1
Philadelphia 76ers 1000/1


Odds Subject to Change – Per Sportsbook.ag


Before we handicap tonight’s games, make a note that favorites went 11-3 straight up and 8-6 against the spread on Wednesday while the ‘under’ went 9-5.


It will be interesting to see if the break curbs the momentum for some of these clubs, especially teams like Philadelphia and Miami. They’re currently ranked 1-2 in the latest ATS Rankings and they closed the first-half of the season on incredible runs.


Washington (33-21 SU, 31-23 ATS) at Indiana (29-27 SU, 25-31 ATS)


This will be the fourth and final regular season meeting between the pair and if this matchup turns out anything like the first three, then bettors should expect a close game and possibly an Indiana win.


The home team won the first three encounters, which includes a 112-107 win by Washington last Friday as a 5 ½-point favorite. Washington captured a 111-105 home win in late December but not before Indiana won a 107-105 decision earlier that month. The ‘over’ went 3-0 in those games and is on a 9-1 run in the last 10 meetings between the pair.


Washington opened as a 1 ½-point road favorite and the line has jumped up to two as of Thursday morning. The Wizards have gone 17-3 in their last 20 games and that includes a 6-3 record as visitors. They enter this game with three straight wins and the offense hasn’t been held under 100 points in their last 20 games.


Indiana has been a very streaky team this season and it comes into Thursday’s game with a five-game losing skid. The Pacers will be playing on no rest tonight after falling at Cleveland 113-104 last night and they haven’t been a solid wager when facing back-to-back situations. Indiana has gone 3-8 SU and 2-9 ATS, which includes a 3-3 record at home in those situations. The ‘over’ has gone 7-4.


The Pacers have dropped three straight games at home and they’ve allowed 132, 116 and 110 points during this span. Indiana has gone 3-6 SU this season when installed as a home ‘dog.


The Wizards (33-20) and Pacers (30-25) have both leaned to the ‘over’ this season and Washington has watched the high side go 15-8 away from home.

Boston (37-19 SU, 29-25 ATS) at Chicago (27-29 SU, 27-29 ATS)


The home team has won and covered the last five meetings between the pair and that includes a pair of matchups this season, which both occurred in the first week of the season. Chicago dropped Boston 105-99 in its home opener on Oct. 27 and Boston avenged that loss with a 107-100 decision on Nov. 2. The ‘under’ connected in both games.


Depending where you shop, you can get a point with either the Celtics or Bulls on Thursday and a couple betting outfits have the game listed as a pick ‘em.


Boston extended its winning streak to four games last night with a 116-108 win over Philadelphia but failed to cover as a 10-point home favorite. It was a tough spot for the Celtics, who just returned from a four-game road trip. Including the win over the 76ers, Boston has gone 11-1 in its last 12 games (6-6 ATS).


Playing on no rest hasn’t been an issue for Boston this season and it could give you a reason to back them in this spot. The Celtics have gone 9-3 SU and 8-4 ATS on zero days and they enter this game with six straight wins (5-1 ATS) when facing back-to-back situations. Total bettors should note that the ‘over’ has gone 8-3-1 in these spots for Boston.


Chicago has been dealing with injuries lately and shooting guard Dwyane Wade (wrist) is listed as ‘questionable’ for this matchup. The Bulls snapped a three-game losing skid on Tuesday with a 105-94 win over Toronto as four-point home underdogs.


The Bulls have been better at home (16-11 SU, 13-14 ATS) this season but they’ll be facing a Celtics team that owns one of the top road marks (17-11 SU, 18-8-2 ATS) in the league.


While Boston has shown a slight lean to the ‘over’ (29-26) this season, Chicago enters this matchup as the best ‘under’ bet (35-21) in the NBA and that includes a 16-11 mark at the United Center.


Tonight’s total is listed at 212 and the Bulls have only seen two totals posted at home this season listed anywhere near this number.


TNT will provide national coverage of this game at 8:00 p.m. ET.

 

[CNOTES]

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16


GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS


WAS at IND 07:00 PM


IND +3.0


U 215.5


BOS at CHI 08:00 PM


CHI -1.0


O 213.0

 

[CNOTES]

Armadillo: Sunday's six-pack

— Kansas, VCU are only two teams to win 24+ games in each of the last ten seasons.

— San Diego Padres signed longtime Angel pitcher Jered Weaver to a contract.

— Rims in Western Michigan’s gym are among the loosest I’ve ever seen; great rims to shoot on.

— Cal Bears are 3-21 in their last 24 visits to play rival Stanford in Palo Alto.

— Arbitration case between Dellin Betances and Bronx Bombers got ugly; Betances will be paid $3 million this season, not the $5M he wanted, but apparently things got a little personal.

— Texas Longhorns have artificial turf for baseball; only two major league teams do and they are both domed stadiums (Toronto, Tampa Bay).

**********

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

13) Kansas 67, Baylor 65— Jayhawks won their last four games by total of 10 points; three of those four games were on the road. Frank Mason is a great point guard for them.

12) Oregon 101, Colorado 73— If NCAA’s started right now, I’d pick the Ducks to win it all. Things change quickly with injuries and other happenings, but Oregon is really good.

11) West Virginia 83, Texas Tech 74 2OT— Wild week for the Mountaineers; they lost in OT at Kansas on Monday, then survived here, despite a 10:51 field goal drought that included the whole first overtime. The Big X is really a great league, with zero stiff teams.

10) Duke 99, Wake Forest 94— Blue Devils swept Wake this year, but wins were by combined total of seven points. Giving up 94 is a red flag for Duke; Danny Manning’s team is close to climbing into the top echelon of ACC teams.

9) Army 71, Navy 68— Cadets were down 25 points in this rivalry game.

8) Tex-Arlington 68, Georgia State 67— Big road win for the Mavericks, who stay in first place in the Sun Belt— they play (tied for) second-place Georgia Southern next.

Arlington had ball for last shot, down 67-65; they ran no play at all, the guard just dribbles all the time off the clock, cannot penetrate, is doubled and has to jack an awful 30-footer, which he swished.

7) There were several injuries to key players Saturday; not sure of the severity of them:
— Baylor: PG Manu Lecomte turned his ankle, finished the game, but he was hobbled.
— Michigan State: Elon Harris hurt his knee, left on a stretcher. It didn’t look good.
— Florida: Sixth man Canyon Barry twisted his ankle, played only 22:00. Looked like he could’ve played at the end of the game if he was needed.
— Georgia: Best player Yante Maten left very early with a leg injury; he came back and sat on the bench with a bag of ice.

6) UL-Lafayette 85, UL-Monroe 84— Game was 32-25 ULM at the half. Total was 145.5. Ragin’ Cajuns outscored ULM 60-52 in the second half, without lot of 3’s being made and I guess with almost no defense being played.

5) Ball State 109, Central Michigan 100 OT— Cardinals put seven players in double figures. Marcus Keene scored 40 points for the Chippewas.

4) Northwestern 69, Rutgers 65— Wildcats were down 4 in last 3:00 of this game, but they rallied in last few minutes and pulled a game out that would’ve been a disaster had they lost. Wildcats are now 20-7, still have some work to do to make the NCAA’s for the first time.

Doug Collins looked like he was going to have a heart attack in the stands, watching his son’s team play. Very intense.

ESPNU showed Doug Collins, Northwestern alum Mike Greenberg on camera during the game more than they showed Chris Collins. Can understand the elder Collins, but Greenberg?

3) Kentucky 82, Georgia 77— Dawgs’ best player got hurt in first 2:00, never returned, but the Georgia kids fought their hearts out for 40:00, fell just short. Kentucky made their foul shots in last minute to put this game away.

John Calipari went on a post-game rant in his press conference about coaches getting fired during a season. Good to hear a guy with leverage defend his colleagues.

2) UCLA 102, USC 70— Bruins avenge their earlier loss to the Trojans in Galen Center.

1— South Dakota State 97, Fort Wayne 89— 6-9 soph named Mike Daum scored 51 points and grabbed 15 rebounds; he was 7-18 behind the arc. He has taken 54 foul shots in his last four games, scored 34.2 pts/game in his last five. Don’t forget, Fort Wayne beat Indiana this season, so they’re not some stiff team, and the game was in Fort Wayne.

 

[CNOTES]

NBA:

NBA All-Star Game betting preview: Western Conference vs. Eastern Conference

The betting favorite has covered in each of last four years and is 4-2 ATS in the last six All-Star games.

Western Conference vs. Eastern Conference (+5.5, 284.5)

The best basketball players in the world descend on Smoothie King Arena this weekend in the 66th edition of the NBA All-Star Game - and for those who crave drama, there should be plenty to go around in this one. Both the defending champion Cleveland Cavaliers and the runner-up Golden State Warriors are well represented, boasting four of the 10 starters. And then there's the reunion of Oklahoma City Thunder point guard Russell Westbrook - the two-time defending All-Star MVP - and former teammate Kevin Durant, who gets the start at small forward as a member of the Warriors.

The other major point of intrigue: Just how many points the two teams will score. The annual superstar showcase has always been defense-averse, but last year's edition in Toronto took that to a whole other level as the teams combined for an absurd 369 points - 50 higher than the Vegas total. The West pulled out a 196-173 victory between 31 points from Westbrook, and will undoubtedly be looking to do even better against the LeBron James-led East Roster. The West has prevailed in five of the last six All-Star Games, with Durant and Westbrook combining for three MVP awards in the past five years.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, TNT, TSN

LINE HISTORY: Western Conference is a 5.5-point favorite while total is set at 284.5 points.

ROSTERS (* - injured and will not play)

East Starters: PG Kyrie Irving, SG DeMar DeRozan, SG Jimmy Butler, SF Giannis Antetokounmpo, SF LeBron James
East Reserves: PG Isaiah Thomas, PG John Wall, PG Kyle Lowry, PG Kemba Walker, SF Paul George, PF Paul Millsap, PF Kevin Love*

West Starters: PG Stephen Curry, SG James Harden, SF Kevin Durant, SF Kawhi Leonard, PF Anthony Davis
West Reserves: PG Russell Westbrook, SG Klay Thompson, SF Gordon Hayward, PF Draymond Green, PF DeMarcus Cousins, C Marc Gasol, C DeAndre Jordan

WHAT BOOKS SAY: "We are looking for Russel Westbrook to have a standout game, as he is likely the person on the court with the most to prove. The West will likely dominate, but its going to be interesting to see how Kawhi Leonard will impact the game from the West, considering he is one of the best defensive players in the league, playing in a game that is known for its lack of defense." - Line manager, GTBets.eu.

ABOUT THE EASTERN CONFERENCE: More than in previous years, this All-Star game will feature a significant contrast in styles. The Eastern Conference is rolling with an ultra-small lineup, with only one true power forward in Millsap and zero centers on the roster. It will be interesting to see how East head coach Brad Stevens employs the five point guards on the roster; don't be surprised to see Thomas used at shooting guard, given his propensity for shooting. A Butler-Antetokounmpo-James pairing has a significant athletic advantage over whatever three-man frontcourt the West will use, and should have no trouble exploiting it.

ABOUT THE WESTERN CONFERENCE: The West has been a frighteningly efficient unit for more than a half-decade - and that isn't about to abate in 2017 as Harden, Leonard and Davis join Curry and Durant in what might be the best starting unit in All-Star history. And if that weren't enough, the West has triple-double machine and All-Star legend Westbrook coming off the bench. A significant size advantage would come in handy in the regular season, but it won't help the West much in a game like this - so don't be surprised to see Gasol and Jordan take a backseat to more athletically versatile big men in Green and Cousins.

ALL-STAR GAME MVP ODDS (SportsInteraction.com):

Russell Westbrook +350
Stephen Curry +600
Anthony Davis +650
James Harden +700
Kevin Durant +700
LeBron James +700
Kyrie Irving +750
Giannis Antetokounmpo +1100
Kawhi Leonard +1500
Isaiah Thomas +1500
Jimmy Butler +2200
Paul George +2500
DeMar DeRozan +2800
John Wall +4500
Carmelo Anthony +4500
Klay Thompson +4500
Kyle Lowry +4500
DeMarcus Cousins +5500
Draymond Green +5500
Kemba Walker +6500
DeAndre Jordan +6500
Gordon Hayward +7000
Marc Gasol +8000

TRENDS:

* West is 4-2 SU and ATS last six All-Star Games
* Favorite has covered in each of last four years and is 4-2 ATS last six games
* Last three ASG have gone Over the total and Over is 5-1 last six games
* The West is averaging 159.5 points over the last six games.
* No All-Star team has scored fewer than 138 points since 2009.
* The East has won both previous All-Star games played in New Orleans.

 

[CNOTES]

NBA All-Star Weekend Picks
February 17, 2017


If you're bummed out that you won't have the NBA regular season back to wager on until Thursday, there's a way to at least stock up on a few wins this weekend to tide you over until the Trail Blazers and Magic breathe life into your dreary existence on Feb. 23.


NBA All-Star Weekend is often unpredictable, but there are some locks and leans worth cashing in on.


Zach LaVine has won the slam dunk title as the favorite in consecutive years. Before it switched to its current USA vs. International format, the Rising Stars Challenge usually favored the more polished Sophomores. Although the 3-point shootout is typically a compettive crapshoot, Steph Curry won as the favorite in 2015 and reached the final round last year, losing to Splash Brother Klay Thompson.


A handful of guys will have multiple assignments this week, but none will match Damian Lillard's feat last time the All-Star weekend was in New Orleans back in 2014. The Blazers guard competted in the Rising Stars, the dunk contest, 3-point shootout and even the skills competition. Ironically, he's not in any event this time around, snubbed for the big game once again despite averaging 25.7 points. It just goes to demonstrate how special it is to most of these guys to be involved, because you never know what will change from one year to the next.


It won't be easy in New Orleans, but I've got some picks for you to try and cash in on while the festivities play out. Here are my picks for the 2017 All-Star weekend:


Skills Challenge


Contestants (Odds via WestgateLV Superbook): John Wall, Washington (9/4); Isaiah Thomas, Boston (9/4); Devin Booker, Phoenix (11/2); Gordon Hayward, Utah (8/1); Anthony Davis, New Orleans (10/1); Kristaps Porzingis, New York (+800); DeMarcus Cousins, Sacramento (15/1); Nikola Jokic, Denver (15/1)


Breakdown: Karl-Anthony Towns won this event as a rookie last season despite entering as the biggest longshot, cashing for those who took a shot on him at +1250. Thomas has participated before and is favored along with Wall to bring the glory back to the point guards. Booker and Hayward are the top shooters in the group, but don't sleep on Davis' desire to make it back-to-back Kentucky unicorns taking home the hardware. He'll be invested to put on a good show.


Projected winner: Everything is coming up Thomas these days, so don't be surprised to see him take this competition, more than doubling your investment.


Slam Dunk Contest


Breakdown: The 2016 dunk contest made a bid to upstage the entire weekend and ened up being the most memorable in years. Minnesota’s Zach LaVine (-270) earned his second consecutive title with some gorgeous dunks, including a few from the free-throw line, holding off Orlando’s Aaron Gordon, who was +420 at 5Dimes coming in and nearly pulled off an upset. Gordon pulled off an amazing dunk where he essentially took a seat in mid-air while jumping over Stuff the Magic Dragon, plucking the ball out of the mascot’s hand, switching it from one hand to the other underneath his legs while finally flushing it on the way down.


LaVine opted not to participate even before he tore his ACL earlier this month, which put a damper on the hype for this event and made Gordon the heavy favorite. According toSportsbook.ag, the Magic forward is a 5-to-9 favorite. Clippers center DeAndre Jordan (10/1) and Indiana's Glenn Robinson III (17/2) are the longshots and unlikely to have enough sustained flavor to pull out a win. They may open some eyes and drop some jaws, but stamina and a full repertoire goes a long way in winning a dunk contest, so if you're looking to fade Gordon, virtual unknown Derrick Jones Jr. is the way to go.


Jones, a 20-year old from Philadelphia who played one season at UNLV, is in the mix here for a reason. The kid can get up, so despite the fact he's only played seven games and made more field goals in his last game (three) than he'd managed in his other six games with the Suns, he's a threat. Gordon has been dealing with a bone bruise in his foot that has cost time of late, so he's not physically 100 percent and may be vulnerable as a result.


Projected winner: I'm riding with Jones, who is paying out 7-to-5.


Three-point Shootout


Contestants (Odds via WestgateLV Superbook): Klay Thompson, Golden State (5/4); CJ McCollum, Portland (6/1); Kyle Lowry, Toronto (6/1); Kyrie Irving, Cleveland (6/1); Kemba Walker, Charlotte (12/1); Nick Young, L.A. Lakers (12/1); Eric Gordon, Houston (12/1); Wes Matthews, Dallas (12/1)


Breakdown: Golden State’s Thompson (+320) took down Splash Brother Curry (+115), keeping the 3-point contest crown in the family by posting a 27 in the final to dethrone the defending champ. Curry decided not to participate this year, leaving Thompson in the favorite's role. The Warriors have shooting contests almost daily, so it's going to take a special effort to dethrone Thompson. Gordon has had a special year for Houston and would be the top threat if not for back issues that have compromised him of late. Swaggy P will feel no pressure and could surprise given his ability to zone out and find a rhythm, so don't be surprised if he excels, but the call here is to ride someone used to making shots with everything on the line.


Projected winner: Irving isn't a great spot-up shooter, but in a contest like this where he can settle in and find a groove, I have a hunch he'll put on a show to add more fuel to the fire in this Cavs-Warriors rivalry.


All-Star Game

Russell Westbrook has won MVP in consecutive games and is always a good bet since he's programmed differently than most of these guys. He's got no chill, approaching this exhibition like he does every game, which means he'll be chasing down rebounds and going to the rim with reckless abandon. How Steve Kerr employs him given the fact that he's coming off the bench and beefing with former teammate Kevin Durant remains to be seen, but odds are strong that he'll put up numbers and it's unlikely that Kerr will keep him sidelined long if he wants to play. Posting a triple-double here while working on averaging one for the entire season is something you definitely shouldn't put past him.


Davis is also going to be out there to put on a show in front of the home crowd, so they'll be the driving force behind a Western Confeence that has opened as a 6.5-point favorite. The total is way up there at 344 following last year's remarkable 196-173 West win, but keep in mind that the previous record was set in '15 at "just" 321, as the West posted a 163-158 win. The highest scoring quarter in that Brooklyn-based contest was 83 points. Last year, 83 points ended up being scored in the lowest-scoring. There were 89 points scored in the second and third quarters and 88 fired in despite the fact the game was out of reach. The Western Conference topped 50 points over the last three after being "held" to 40 in the first. An average of 86 points will have to be scored in each quarter this season to reach the posted total.


Prediction: Western Conference 175, Eastern Conference 171. The WestgateLV SuperBook will release numbers on individual All-Star props as well as total points and highest/lowest-scoring quarters over the course of the weekend, so look for a few free leans in Sunday's version of Dinero Talks.