NBA Capsules
October 18, 2017
CLEVELAND (AP) Boston's Gordon Hayward broke his left ankle just five minutes into the season, a grisly injury that overshadowed Kyrie Irving's return to Cleveland and the Cavaliers' 102-99 win over the shocked Celtics on Tuesday night.
LeBron James scored 29 points - 13 in the fourth quarter - in his most extensive action in three weeks because of a sprained left ankle. He also fed Kevin Love for a critical 3-pointer with 46.3 second left to put the Cavs up 102-98.
Irving, who asked to be traded this summer after six seasons in Cleveland, had a chance to tie it with a 3-pointer at the horn but missed. Irving then shared a warm embrace with James, his teammate for three seasons.
Irving finished with 22 points for the Celtics, who overcame an 18-point deficit in the third and led with 2:04 left.
Love had 15 and Derrick Rose 14 in his debut for the Cavs.
ROCKETS 122, WARRIORS 121
OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) - Kevin Durant's baseline jumper swished through the net just barely too late, and the Rockets rallied in the fourth to beat Golden State on the night the Warriors received their championship rings.
The Warriors had one last chance with 10.6 seconds left and Durant came up with the ball after Stephen Curry had missed. Durant and the Warriors thought they'd won and confetti began to fall when the two remaining officials - the third got hurt in the fourth quarter - reviewed the play and said Durant's shot was after the buzzer.
Trevor Ariza's 3-pointer with 2:09 remaining pulled Houston within 119-118 then Patrick McCaw hit a baseline jumper immediately after Golden State's timeout. James Harden made a layup and PJ Tucker hit two free throws with 44.1 to make it 122-121.
Nick Young came off the bench to hit six 3-pointers and score 23 points in a brilliant Warriors debut, Curry scored 22 points and Durant had 20 after a slow start. Klay Thompson added 16 points.
Chris Paul had four points on 2-for-9 shooting in his Rockets debut, while Harden scored 27 points and Eric Gordon 24 for the Rockets. Houston opened the fourth with a 9-0 run to get back in it.
October 18, 2017
CLEVELAND (AP) Boston's Gordon Hayward broke his left ankle just five minutes into the season, a grisly injury that overshadowed Kyrie Irving's return to Cleveland and the Cavaliers' 102-99 win over the shocked Celtics on Tuesday night.
LeBron James scored 29 points - 13 in the fourth quarter - in his most extensive action in three weeks because of a sprained left ankle. He also fed Kevin Love for a critical 3-pointer with 46.3 second left to put the Cavs up 102-98.
Irving, who asked to be traded this summer after six seasons in Cleveland, had a chance to tie it with a 3-pointer at the horn but missed. Irving then shared a warm embrace with James, his teammate for three seasons.
Irving finished with 22 points for the Celtics, who overcame an 18-point deficit in the third and led with 2:04 left.
Love had 15 and Derrick Rose 14 in his debut for the Cavs.
ROCKETS 122, WARRIORS 121
OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) - Kevin Durant's baseline jumper swished through the net just barely too late, and the Rockets rallied in the fourth to beat Golden State on the night the Warriors received their championship rings.
The Warriors had one last chance with 10.6 seconds left and Durant came up with the ball after Stephen Curry had missed. Durant and the Warriors thought they'd won and confetti began to fall when the two remaining officials - the third got hurt in the fourth quarter - reviewed the play and said Durant's shot was after the buzzer.
Trevor Ariza's 3-pointer with 2:09 remaining pulled Houston within 119-118 then Patrick McCaw hit a baseline jumper immediately after Golden State's timeout. James Harden made a layup and PJ Tucker hit two free throws with 44.1 to make it 122-121.
Nick Young came off the bench to hit six 3-pointers and score 23 points in a brilliant Warriors debut, Curry scored 22 points and Durant had 20 after a slow start. Klay Thompson added 16 points.
Chris Paul had four points on 2-for-9 shooting in his Rockets debut, while Harden scored 27 points and Eric Gordon 24 for the Rockets. Houston opened the fourth with a 9-0 run to get back in it.
NBA notebook: Celtics' Hayward suffers fractured ankle in opener
October 17, 2017
New Boston Celtics star guard Gordon Hayward suffered a fractured left ankle after he was bumped in the air by LeBron James and fell with his leg pinned under him in the first quarter of the NBA's season opener against Cleveland on Tuesday.
Hayward, 27, who signed a four-year, $128 million contract in the offseason with the Celtics, was trying to convert a lob pass from Kyrie Irving when he and James ran into each other. Hayward immediately called for help while his ankle was apparently dislodged.
The Celtics huddled in prayer and new Celtic teammate Irving had to be consoled while medical personnel stabilized Hayward's leg. He was carried off the court on a stretcher.
--James was in the starting lineup for the team's season opener against former Cleveland star Irving and the Celtics after being questionable with an ankle injury.
Cavaliers coach Tyronn Lue announced that James would play roughly 90 minutes before the game.
James has been hobbled since sustaining an ankle injury after stepping on the foot of rookie forward Cedi Osman during practice on Sept. 27.
--Miami Heat guard Rodney McGruder underwent surgery to repair a left tibia stress fracture.
McGruder, 26, is expected to begin rehab in one week and a timetable for his return has not been announced.
He was ruled out indefinitely on Oct. 12 after being diagnosed with the injury.
October 17, 2017
New Boston Celtics star guard Gordon Hayward suffered a fractured left ankle after he was bumped in the air by LeBron James and fell with his leg pinned under him in the first quarter of the NBA's season opener against Cleveland on Tuesday.
Hayward, 27, who signed a four-year, $128 million contract in the offseason with the Celtics, was trying to convert a lob pass from Kyrie Irving when he and James ran into each other. Hayward immediately called for help while his ankle was apparently dislodged.
The Celtics huddled in prayer and new Celtic teammate Irving had to be consoled while medical personnel stabilized Hayward's leg. He was carried off the court on a stretcher.
--James was in the starting lineup for the team's season opener against former Cleveland star Irving and the Celtics after being questionable with an ankle injury.
Cavaliers coach Tyronn Lue announced that James would play roughly 90 minutes before the game.
James has been hobbled since sustaining an ankle injury after stepping on the foot of rookie forward Cedi Osman during practice on Sept. 27.
--Miami Heat guard Rodney McGruder underwent surgery to repair a left tibia stress fracture.
McGruder, 26, is expected to begin rehab in one week and a timetable for his return has not been announced.
He was ruled out indefinitely on Oct. 12 after being diagnosed with the injury.
Mirotic's face broken in scuffle at Bulls practice
October 17, 2017
Chicago Bulls starting power forward Nikola Mirotic sustained what the team called "maxillary fractures" after being punched in the face by teammate Bobby Portis in a practice altercation.
According to the Bulls, Mirotic likely will require surgery.
The Chicago Tribune reported the injury would keep Mirotic out for a minimum of a few weeks.
ESPN reported that Mirotic charged at Portis twice before Portis threw a punch and connected with Mirotic's face. Mirotic dropped to the floor and lay there for several minutes before getting up. He was taken to the hospital and released later Tuesday.
The Bulls are evaluating disciplinary action, and ESPN reported Portis would be suspended for multiple games.
Just before the start of training camp, Mirotic, 26, signed a two-year, $27 million deal that contains a team option for the second season. He has averaged 10.8 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.2 assists over his 218-game NBA career.
Portis, 22, a 2015 first-round pick by the Bulls, averaged 6.9 points and five rebounds over 126 games the past two seasons.
October 17, 2017
Chicago Bulls starting power forward Nikola Mirotic sustained what the team called "maxillary fractures" after being punched in the face by teammate Bobby Portis in a practice altercation.
According to the Bulls, Mirotic likely will require surgery.
The Chicago Tribune reported the injury would keep Mirotic out for a minimum of a few weeks.
ESPN reported that Mirotic charged at Portis twice before Portis threw a punch and connected with Mirotic's face. Mirotic dropped to the floor and lay there for several minutes before getting up. He was taken to the hospital and released later Tuesday.
The Bulls are evaluating disciplinary action, and ESPN reported Portis would be suspended for multiple games.
Just before the start of training camp, Mirotic, 26, signed a two-year, $27 million deal that contains a team option for the second season. He has averaged 10.8 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.2 assists over his 218-game NBA career.
Portis, 22, a 2015 first-round pick by the Bulls, averaged 6.9 points and five rebounds over 126 games the past two seasons.
76ers set for No. 1 picks to make debut
October 17, 2017
PHILADELPHIA (AP) Joel Embiid braided his hair for a fashion statement and got his basketball shorts in a bunch over his latest minutes restriction on opening night.
Embiid styled his hair like former Philadelphia 76ers great Allen Iverson and was as outspoken as him, too, using some profanities describe coach Brett Brown's decision to confine his minutes to the teens in the opener Wednesday against the Washington Wizards.
Embiid's career has been defined by injuries and limited minutes in the games he's been healthy enough to play. Brown often started his press briefings last season with the magic number of minutes that Embiid, the 7-foot center, could play. Eight months after minor surgery to repair the meniscus tear in his left knee, Embiid still isn't ready to go 25, 30, heck, even 20, minutes in his first regular-season game since January.
Brown and the Sixers are still handling their $148 million man with care - even if it makes Embiid mad.
But Embiid will start against the Wizards in a game where the Sixers will become the first franchise in NBA history to have two No. 1 overall draft picks make their debut in the same game: 2016 pick Ben Simmons will start after missing last season with a broken foot and 2017 pick Markelle Fultz will serve as one of the top reserves off the bench.
Yes, the first pick is a second-teamer, in large part because of shoulder and knee ailments that limited him to two preseason games.
Recap:
The franchise player is irked over his limited playing time.
The No. 1 pick with the herky-jerky shot is a bench warmer.
The mood in Philly?
Nothing but optimism for a franchise that has real playoff hopes for the first time in six years. Brown told the Sixers in one of his first speeches in training camp that he expected them to make the playoffs. True, ''Trust the Process'' has become every bit a tired catchphrase as ''Cash Me Outside,'' but whether fans agree ''The Process'' is over because the team no longer tanks or that it won't end until a championship is won, this much is certain: Philly is all in on the Sixers.
Ticket sales are booming, sponsorship deals are up, and fans may empty pet rescue shelters with their frivolous celebratory ritual of raising cats after each victory.
The fun only goes as far as Embiid's brittle body allows.
Embiid, who played 31 games last season, said he should play at least 30 minutes to start the season. He missed his first two NBA seasons because of surgeries on his right foot and is understandably antsy to prove he is one of the elite players in the NBA.
Mike Dunleavy, who coached four NBA teams, was awed the first time he saw Embiid in 2014 at a pre-draft workout held by former agent Arn Tellem.
''This guy was a cat,'' said Dunleavy, in his second year at Tulane. ''You watch him play, how quick he was off his feet. His ability to shoot the ball with range, run the floor and do the things I saw him do, we haven't seen a guy like this in a long time.''
In an era of extreme 3-point shooting, pick-and-roll reliance and guard dominance, Embiid has shown prowess as a big man who can stretch the floor.
''He's one of the greatest talents I've ever seen,'' Dunleavy said.
The Sixers can't wait to find out over a full season.
Jerryd Bayless starts for the 19-year-old Fultz, with Embiid, Simmons, Robert Covington and $23 million free agent J.J. Redick rounding a starting five that seems like a Hall of Fame lineup compared to what Brown had when he was hired in 2013.
The Wizards' aim is much higher: The franchise is trying to win 50 games or reach the conference finals for the first time since Washington did both back in 1978-79.
''I'm ready for it man,'' guard Bradley Beal said. ''This is going to be a big year for us.''
John Wall, a perennial All-Star, Beal are the 1-2 punch in the backcourt Fultz and Simmons hope they can become.
''These guys that we're playing tomorrow, they're going to be good,'' Beal said.
October 17, 2017
PHILADELPHIA (AP) Joel Embiid braided his hair for a fashion statement and got his basketball shorts in a bunch over his latest minutes restriction on opening night.
Embiid styled his hair like former Philadelphia 76ers great Allen Iverson and was as outspoken as him, too, using some profanities describe coach Brett Brown's decision to confine his minutes to the teens in the opener Wednesday against the Washington Wizards.
Embiid's career has been defined by injuries and limited minutes in the games he's been healthy enough to play. Brown often started his press briefings last season with the magic number of minutes that Embiid, the 7-foot center, could play. Eight months after minor surgery to repair the meniscus tear in his left knee, Embiid still isn't ready to go 25, 30, heck, even 20, minutes in his first regular-season game since January.
Brown and the Sixers are still handling their $148 million man with care - even if it makes Embiid mad.
But Embiid will start against the Wizards in a game where the Sixers will become the first franchise in NBA history to have two No. 1 overall draft picks make their debut in the same game: 2016 pick Ben Simmons will start after missing last season with a broken foot and 2017 pick Markelle Fultz will serve as one of the top reserves off the bench.
Yes, the first pick is a second-teamer, in large part because of shoulder and knee ailments that limited him to two preseason games.
Recap:
The franchise player is irked over his limited playing time.
The No. 1 pick with the herky-jerky shot is a bench warmer.
The mood in Philly?
Nothing but optimism for a franchise that has real playoff hopes for the first time in six years. Brown told the Sixers in one of his first speeches in training camp that he expected them to make the playoffs. True, ''Trust the Process'' has become every bit a tired catchphrase as ''Cash Me Outside,'' but whether fans agree ''The Process'' is over because the team no longer tanks or that it won't end until a championship is won, this much is certain: Philly is all in on the Sixers.
Ticket sales are booming, sponsorship deals are up, and fans may empty pet rescue shelters with their frivolous celebratory ritual of raising cats after each victory.
The fun only goes as far as Embiid's brittle body allows.
Embiid, who played 31 games last season, said he should play at least 30 minutes to start the season. He missed his first two NBA seasons because of surgeries on his right foot and is understandably antsy to prove he is one of the elite players in the NBA.
Mike Dunleavy, who coached four NBA teams, was awed the first time he saw Embiid in 2014 at a pre-draft workout held by former agent Arn Tellem.
''This guy was a cat,'' said Dunleavy, in his second year at Tulane. ''You watch him play, how quick he was off his feet. His ability to shoot the ball with range, run the floor and do the things I saw him do, we haven't seen a guy like this in a long time.''
In an era of extreme 3-point shooting, pick-and-roll reliance and guard dominance, Embiid has shown prowess as a big man who can stretch the floor.
''He's one of the greatest talents I've ever seen,'' Dunleavy said.
The Sixers can't wait to find out over a full season.
Jerryd Bayless starts for the 19-year-old Fultz, with Embiid, Simmons, Robert Covington and $23 million free agent J.J. Redick rounding a starting five that seems like a Hall of Fame lineup compared to what Brown had when he was hired in 2013.
The Wizards' aim is much higher: The franchise is trying to win 50 games or reach the conference finals for the first time since Washington did both back in 1978-79.
''I'm ready for it man,'' guard Bradley Beal said. ''This is going to be a big year for us.''
John Wall, a perennial All-Star, Beal are the 1-2 punch in the backcourt Fultz and Simmons hope they can become.
''These guys that we're playing tomorrow, they're going to be good,'' Beal said.
Blazers open without CJ McCollum
October 17, 2017
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) The season opener for the Portland Trail Blazers has come with an unexpected twist: The absence of starter CJ McCollum, who is suspended for Wednesday's game at Phoenix.
The suspension was handed down Saturday. McCollum was disciplined for leaving the bench when Portland's Caleb Swanigan and the Suns' Alex Len tussled in the fourth quarter of a preseason game last Wednesday night - coincidentally in Phoenix.
McCollum didn't engage anyone after taking a few steps onto the floor, but leaving the bench area merited the penalty under NBA rules. So he will be a spectator when the Blazers open the season against the Suns. He'll also lose some $164,000 in salary.
Some - including McCollum - questioned the suspension, given that he isn't a brawler at all, it was a preseason game, and the action wasn't menacing.
Nonetheless, he took full responsibility for his actions.
''You never want to miss games, especially like that to start the season. You work so hard to prepare for the season, you go through a lot of preseason games that don't mean anything and then you miss a regular-season game because of an incident that you weren't even involved in,'' he told reporters following practice Monday. ''There's nothing I can do about it now but more forward and learn from it.''
McCollum averaged a career-best 23 points per game on 48 percent shooting last season as half of a formidable backcourt duo with Damian Lillard, who had a career-best average of 27 points per game, along with 4.8 rebounds and 5.9 assists
The Blazers beat the Suns 113-104 in last Wednesday's game, finishing the preseason 5-1.
Phoenix is in rebuilding mode, with coach Earl Watson guiding the development of 20-year-old burgeoning star Devin Booker and promising rookie Josh Jackson, alongside steady point guard Eric Bledsoe. The Suns went 24-58 last season, second-worst in the league.
Celebrating the franchise's 50th season this year, the Suns haven't made the playoffs in six years, the longest drought in franchise history.
The Blazers went 41-41 last season and made the playoffs, where they had the unfortunate luck of facing the eventual champion Golden State Warriors in the first round.
Portland got off to a poor start last season but saw improvement with the arrival of center Jusuf Nurkic, who was able to quickly develop chemistry with the rest of the team. He averaged 15.2 points, 10.4 rebounds and 1.9 blocks in 20 games with the Blazers, who were 14-5 with him in the starting lineup.
Nurkic was injured at the end of last season, and appeared in just one of the playoff games against the Warriors.
The 7-footer, known as the Bosnian Beast, shed about 35 pounds in the offseason to become more agile. He suggested that in the talented Western Conference, the Blazers could become the NBA's Bad Boys, drawing inspiration from the Detroit Pistons of years past.
McCollum said it will be tough for the Blazers in a loaded Western Conference topped by the Warriors. But Portland could draw inspiration from two seasons ago, when the young squad of underdogs surprised the league after the departure of four starters.
''We need to be competitive, we need to have a chip on our shoulder, we need to be accountable for our actions, our words and our preparation each day,'' he said. ''Everybody has gotten better in the Western Conference, especially in our division. There aren't going to be any easy nights.''
October 17, 2017
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) The season opener for the Portland Trail Blazers has come with an unexpected twist: The absence of starter CJ McCollum, who is suspended for Wednesday's game at Phoenix.
The suspension was handed down Saturday. McCollum was disciplined for leaving the bench when Portland's Caleb Swanigan and the Suns' Alex Len tussled in the fourth quarter of a preseason game last Wednesday night - coincidentally in Phoenix.
McCollum didn't engage anyone after taking a few steps onto the floor, but leaving the bench area merited the penalty under NBA rules. So he will be a spectator when the Blazers open the season against the Suns. He'll also lose some $164,000 in salary.
Some - including McCollum - questioned the suspension, given that he isn't a brawler at all, it was a preseason game, and the action wasn't menacing.
Nonetheless, he took full responsibility for his actions.
''You never want to miss games, especially like that to start the season. You work so hard to prepare for the season, you go through a lot of preseason games that don't mean anything and then you miss a regular-season game because of an incident that you weren't even involved in,'' he told reporters following practice Monday. ''There's nothing I can do about it now but more forward and learn from it.''
McCollum averaged a career-best 23 points per game on 48 percent shooting last season as half of a formidable backcourt duo with Damian Lillard, who had a career-best average of 27 points per game, along with 4.8 rebounds and 5.9 assists
The Blazers beat the Suns 113-104 in last Wednesday's game, finishing the preseason 5-1.
Phoenix is in rebuilding mode, with coach Earl Watson guiding the development of 20-year-old burgeoning star Devin Booker and promising rookie Josh Jackson, alongside steady point guard Eric Bledsoe. The Suns went 24-58 last season, second-worst in the league.
Celebrating the franchise's 50th season this year, the Suns haven't made the playoffs in six years, the longest drought in franchise history.
The Blazers went 41-41 last season and made the playoffs, where they had the unfortunate luck of facing the eventual champion Golden State Warriors in the first round.
Portland got off to a poor start last season but saw improvement with the arrival of center Jusuf Nurkic, who was able to quickly develop chemistry with the rest of the team. He averaged 15.2 points, 10.4 rebounds and 1.9 blocks in 20 games with the Blazers, who were 14-5 with him in the starting lineup.
Nurkic was injured at the end of last season, and appeared in just one of the playoff games against the Warriors.
The 7-footer, known as the Bosnian Beast, shed about 35 pounds in the offseason to become more agile. He suggested that in the talented Western Conference, the Blazers could become the NBA's Bad Boys, drawing inspiration from the Detroit Pistons of years past.
McCollum said it will be tough for the Blazers in a loaded Western Conference topped by the Warriors. But Portland could draw inspiration from two seasons ago, when the young squad of underdogs surprised the league after the departure of four starters.
''We need to be competitive, we need to have a chip on our shoulder, we need to be accountable for our actions, our words and our preparation each day,'' he said. ''Everybody has gotten better in the Western Conference, especially in our division. There aren't going to be any easy nights.''
76ers' Fultz gets to make NBA debut at Wizards close to home
October 18, 2017
WASHINGTON (AP) Markelle Fultz gets to start the next chapter of his career in a familiar setting.
The No. 1 pick in the draft will make his NBA debut for the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday night at the Washington Wizards, about a half-hour from home. Fultz grew up in nearby Upper Marlboro, Maryland, in Prince George's County and played at DeMatha Catholic High School in Hyattsville and will have many friends, family members and former coaches in attendance.
''Being able to have his first game in his backyard, I'm so happy for him,'' said Keith Williams, Fultz's AAU coach, trainer and mentor. ''It's perfect. It couldn't have worked out better.''
Not wanting to throw Fultz ''into the fire,'' Sixers coach Brett Brown is easing the 19-year-old in by bringing him off the bench after missing portions of the preseason with shoulder and knee injuries. Fultz will be just the third top pick since 2003 to be active and not start his season opener, joining Anthony Bennett and Andrea Bargnani.
Fultz said he's OK with the decision to come off the bench and considers opening in Washington ''almost the best thing that could happen'' to him. Expectations are high on the University of Washington product, so starting in his backyard is a substantial positive for Fultz, who was cut from his high school team as a sophomore and came back to become a blue chip prospect.
''The world's going to spin pretty quickly here,'' DeMatha coach Mike Jones said. ''Sometimes things are going to seem like they're a blur to him. Him being able to get started on that journey here in front of a lot of people that supported him and looked up to him I think is a great thing.''
Fultz will face 2010 top pick John Wall, and Williams hopes Fultz doesn't feel too many jitters in his first pro game. Because Brown said Fultz ''didn't play'' enough in the preseason, perhaps getting to come off the bench eases some of the pressure.
''At the end of the day, I want to do whatever I got to do to help my team win, so if that's coming off the bench, I'm fine with that,'' Fultz said. ''Just contribute in any ways I can.''
Fultz is joining a young Philadelphia team featuring Joel Embiid and 2016 No. 1 pick Ben Simmons, who will also be making his NBA debut after missing all of last season with a foot injury. The 6-foot-4, 195-pound Fultz is expected to share the ball-handling duties with Simmons, and there's plenty of intrigue about how he'll handle the jump.
''I know he's a strong, athletic point guard that brings a lot of toughness to the game,'' Wizards coach Scott Brooks said. ''I like what I've seen so far, regardless of limited playing time. But he has great size. He has great size, and you can't teach that. He's a strong point guard that's going to have a bright future.''
Williams thinks Fultz, if given opportunities, could average 18 to 20 points a game as a rookie. After seeing Fultz think the game beyond his age, Jones has high expectations for him.
''He's capable of being one of the best guards in the NBA,'' Jones said. ''Every year he's going to get better and better and better. I know that's his goal, and I've learned through the years to never bet against him. I know that he wants to be the best player he possibly can be, and with each passing month of this season, his rookie year, he's going to push himself to that.''
October 18, 2017
WASHINGTON (AP) Markelle Fultz gets to start the next chapter of his career in a familiar setting.
The No. 1 pick in the draft will make his NBA debut for the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday night at the Washington Wizards, about a half-hour from home. Fultz grew up in nearby Upper Marlboro, Maryland, in Prince George's County and played at DeMatha Catholic High School in Hyattsville and will have many friends, family members and former coaches in attendance.
''Being able to have his first game in his backyard, I'm so happy for him,'' said Keith Williams, Fultz's AAU coach, trainer and mentor. ''It's perfect. It couldn't have worked out better.''
Not wanting to throw Fultz ''into the fire,'' Sixers coach Brett Brown is easing the 19-year-old in by bringing him off the bench after missing portions of the preseason with shoulder and knee injuries. Fultz will be just the third top pick since 2003 to be active and not start his season opener, joining Anthony Bennett and Andrea Bargnani.
Fultz said he's OK with the decision to come off the bench and considers opening in Washington ''almost the best thing that could happen'' to him. Expectations are high on the University of Washington product, so starting in his backyard is a substantial positive for Fultz, who was cut from his high school team as a sophomore and came back to become a blue chip prospect.
''The world's going to spin pretty quickly here,'' DeMatha coach Mike Jones said. ''Sometimes things are going to seem like they're a blur to him. Him being able to get started on that journey here in front of a lot of people that supported him and looked up to him I think is a great thing.''
Fultz will face 2010 top pick John Wall, and Williams hopes Fultz doesn't feel too many jitters in his first pro game. Because Brown said Fultz ''didn't play'' enough in the preseason, perhaps getting to come off the bench eases some of the pressure.
''At the end of the day, I want to do whatever I got to do to help my team win, so if that's coming off the bench, I'm fine with that,'' Fultz said. ''Just contribute in any ways I can.''
Fultz is joining a young Philadelphia team featuring Joel Embiid and 2016 No. 1 pick Ben Simmons, who will also be making his NBA debut after missing all of last season with a foot injury. The 6-foot-4, 195-pound Fultz is expected to share the ball-handling duties with Simmons, and there's plenty of intrigue about how he'll handle the jump.
''I know he's a strong, athletic point guard that brings a lot of toughness to the game,'' Wizards coach Scott Brooks said. ''I like what I've seen so far, regardless of limited playing time. But he has great size. He has great size, and you can't teach that. He's a strong point guard that's going to have a bright future.''
Williams thinks Fultz, if given opportunities, could average 18 to 20 points a game as a rookie. After seeing Fultz think the game beyond his age, Jones has high expectations for him.
''He's capable of being one of the best guards in the NBA,'' Jones said. ''Every year he's going to get better and better and better. I know that's his goal, and I've learned through the years to never bet against him. I know that he wants to be the best player he possibly can be, and with each passing month of this season, his rookie year, he's going to push himself to that.''
Michael Jordan scores again, this time with his Jumpman logo
October 18, 2017
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) Michael Jordan is showing he still has the ability to score big - even though he hasn't played in nearly 15 years.
The Hornets owner's latest slam dunk off the court might come by way of the NBA's new uniform contract with Nike.
Since the Jordan Brand is a Nike subsidiary and the namesake of the six-time NBA champion, the Hornets will be the only NBA team to wear the Jordan Brand ''Jumpman'' logo on their uniforms this season. That would appear to be a merchandising windfall.
After the switch from Adidas, the other 29 NBA teams will wear the Nike ''swoosh'' on their uniforms.
Charlotte's All-Star point guard Kemba Walker loves the idea of the Hornets being a slightly unique - and knows it's because of Jordan.
''I mean, he's the GOAT (Greatest of All Time),'' Walker said. ''Everybody loves MJ. Everybody loves the way he competed and the way he carries himself.''
Especially off the court.
There isn't a player in the league who doesn't want to emulate the NBA's greatest pitchman.
Though Jordan was not made available to be interviewed for this story, others praised his savvy and longevity.
Oklahoma City guard Russell Westbook is a representative for the Jordan Brand, which sponsors 21 active NBA players. Westbrook is soaking up as much knowledge as he can working with Jordan.
The reigning league MVP said he's tried to use what Jordan has done with marketing skills as a model for his own success.
''He set himself up, not just on the basketball court, but in business,'' Westbrook said. ''.... He set himself up tremendously - his kids, his family - by doing the right things on and off the court.''
Jordan last soared through the air in the NBA in 2003. But even now, at 54, his marketability doesn't seem to be tapering off.
Forbes Magazine estimated last December that Jordan has made $1.7 billion since leaving the University of North Carolina in 1984 - more than any athlete ever.
The vast majority of his wealth has come from marketing, since Jordan earned just $93 million during his playing career.
It's led all led to Jordan being able to call his own shots - like exclusive use of the Jumpman logo.
''Well, he does own the team,'' Westbook quipped. ''He gets to pick that for sure.''
Hornets forward Marvin Williams, who like Jordan played college basketball at North Carolina, said he knows the uniforms will be extremely popular with NBA fans simply because of the ''international symbol'' Jumpman has become. The logo features a silhouette of Jordan leaping through the air, his legs scissored with a basketball outstretched in one hand.
''That symbol - I have seen people have it on their clothes, their cars, tattoos,'' Williams said.
Larry Miller, president of Jordan Brand, said the logo represents greatness ''so it's a natural fit to have it on the uniforms of MJ's team.''
''Aligning his team and his brand brings everyone in the Jordan family closer together,'' Miller said in an email to The Associated Press, ''and it's a win for both organizations.''
The Hornets recently opened an expanded team store at their downtown arena and are still receiving new Jumpman merchandise, but it's not staying on the shelves very long.
Hornets executive vice president and chief sales and marketing officer Pete Guelli said the team is expecting a ''substantial increase'' in merchandise sales.
''Being the only Jordan Brand team has a number of inherent advantages,'' Guelli said. ''It is also our first formal connection to our owner and allows us to explore additional extensions around that unique alignment.''
History indicates it should be a profitable connection.
Williams said Jordan is more relevant now than ever.
''Obviously people knew who he was when he played, but when you see a 5- or 6-year-old kid walking around with Jordans on, and know who Michael Jordan is, but have never seen him play,'' Williams said. ''I have teammates that have never seen him play but know about everything he has done. It speaks volumes not only to what he has done as a player in his career, but it speaks a ton to what he has done post-basketball as well.''
October 18, 2017
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) Michael Jordan is showing he still has the ability to score big - even though he hasn't played in nearly 15 years.
The Hornets owner's latest slam dunk off the court might come by way of the NBA's new uniform contract with Nike.
Since the Jordan Brand is a Nike subsidiary and the namesake of the six-time NBA champion, the Hornets will be the only NBA team to wear the Jordan Brand ''Jumpman'' logo on their uniforms this season. That would appear to be a merchandising windfall.
After the switch from Adidas, the other 29 NBA teams will wear the Nike ''swoosh'' on their uniforms.
Charlotte's All-Star point guard Kemba Walker loves the idea of the Hornets being a slightly unique - and knows it's because of Jordan.
''I mean, he's the GOAT (Greatest of All Time),'' Walker said. ''Everybody loves MJ. Everybody loves the way he competed and the way he carries himself.''
Especially off the court.
There isn't a player in the league who doesn't want to emulate the NBA's greatest pitchman.
Though Jordan was not made available to be interviewed for this story, others praised his savvy and longevity.
Oklahoma City guard Russell Westbook is a representative for the Jordan Brand, which sponsors 21 active NBA players. Westbrook is soaking up as much knowledge as he can working with Jordan.
The reigning league MVP said he's tried to use what Jordan has done with marketing skills as a model for his own success.
''He set himself up, not just on the basketball court, but in business,'' Westbrook said. ''.... He set himself up tremendously - his kids, his family - by doing the right things on and off the court.''
Jordan last soared through the air in the NBA in 2003. But even now, at 54, his marketability doesn't seem to be tapering off.
Forbes Magazine estimated last December that Jordan has made $1.7 billion since leaving the University of North Carolina in 1984 - more than any athlete ever.
The vast majority of his wealth has come from marketing, since Jordan earned just $93 million during his playing career.
It's led all led to Jordan being able to call his own shots - like exclusive use of the Jumpman logo.
''Well, he does own the team,'' Westbook quipped. ''He gets to pick that for sure.''
Hornets forward Marvin Williams, who like Jordan played college basketball at North Carolina, said he knows the uniforms will be extremely popular with NBA fans simply because of the ''international symbol'' Jumpman has become. The logo features a silhouette of Jordan leaping through the air, his legs scissored with a basketball outstretched in one hand.
''That symbol - I have seen people have it on their clothes, their cars, tattoos,'' Williams said.
Larry Miller, president of Jordan Brand, said the logo represents greatness ''so it's a natural fit to have it on the uniforms of MJ's team.''
''Aligning his team and his brand brings everyone in the Jordan family closer together,'' Miller said in an email to The Associated Press, ''and it's a win for both organizations.''
The Hornets recently opened an expanded team store at their downtown arena and are still receiving new Jumpman merchandise, but it's not staying on the shelves very long.
Hornets executive vice president and chief sales and marketing officer Pete Guelli said the team is expecting a ''substantial increase'' in merchandise sales.
''Being the only Jordan Brand team has a number of inherent advantages,'' Guelli said. ''It is also our first formal connection to our owner and allows us to explore additional extensions around that unique alignment.''
History indicates it should be a profitable connection.
Williams said Jordan is more relevant now than ever.
''Obviously people knew who he was when he played, but when you see a 5- or 6-year-old kid walking around with Jordans on, and know who Michael Jordan is, but have never seen him play,'' Williams said. ''I have teammates that have never seen him play but know about everything he has done. It speaks volumes not only to what he has done as a player in his career, but it speaks a ton to what he has done post-basketball as well.''
October NBA Best Bets And Opinions ( Based on 5 Units )
DATE W-L-T % UNITS RECORD
10/17/2017 3-1-0 75.00% +9.50
Best Bets:
Date.................................ATS...............Units.............Over/Under............Units
10/17/2017.......................1 - 0..............+5.00...............1 - 0..................+5.00
DATE W-L-T % UNITS RECORD
10/17/2017 3-1-0 75.00% +9.50
Best Bets:
Date.................................ATS...............Units.............Over/Under............Units
10/17/2017.......................1 - 0..............+5.00...............1 - 0..................+5.00
Wednesday’s six-pack
More NBA over/under win totals for the coming season:
Minnesota Timberwolves 48.5
Miami Heat 43.5
Philadelphia 76ers 42.5
New York Knicks 30.5
Brooklyn Nets 28.5
Atlanta Hawks 25.5
****************************
Wednesday’s List of 13: Mid-week musings……..
13) 5:15 into the Boston Celtics’ season, Gordon Hayward severely injured his leg/ankle when he came down on an attempted alley-oop. It was a gruesome injury, reminiscent of Jason Kendall or Joe Theismann’s grotesque leg injuries.
12) Damn, this is Lebron James’ 15th year in the NBA? Time flies. I remember sitting in a bar having dinner, watching his high school game that ESPN showed. Think Bill Walton was the TV analyst that night; people were excited that Lebron scored 31 points.
Hell, I thought, if he’s going to be in the NBA next year, he SHOULD score 31 points in a high school game, shouldn’t he?
Obviously, Lebron has outperformed those huge expectations; good for him.
11) By the way, sounds like pretty soon, kids will able to go straight from high school to the NBA once again, which helps everyone, except veterans trying to hang on in the G-League.
10) Indianapolis Colts in the fourth quarter this season: they’ve been outscored 85-22, allowing 1,034 yards on 139 plays, an average of 7.4 yards per play.
Colts are 2-4, but they haven’t trailed at halftime since Week 1 against the Rams.
9) Tennessee Titans have 7 takeaways in six games, but they’re the only team in NFL that hasn’t scored a touchdown after one of their takeaways.
Titans-Colts game Monday night had no punts in the first half, the first game in NFL this season without a first half punt.
8) Injured Vikings’ QB Teddy Bridgewater is practicing this week, as he comes back from his severe knee injury; Minnesota has three weeks to decide whether to activate Bridgewater or IR him for the rest of the season. Bridgewater and Sam Bradford are both in the last year of their contracts; Vikings have some interesting decisions ahead of them.
7) Chicago Bulls Bobby Portis and Nikola Mirotic got into a fight today at practice and Mirotic wound up with broken bones in his face; he’s going to be out for a few weeks, at least.
Curious how the analytics geniuses take this into account when they measure Portis, Mirotic as players. There is a human element to sports that can never be quantified— these guys live and travel together for months at a time. Part of being a good teammate is staying out of fights that send yourself or teammates to the hospital.
6) Best red zone offenses in NFL:
Packers 5.68 pts/possession, Eagles 5.56, Cowboys 5.33, Texans 5.25— Aaron Rodgers is gone for the year, so going forward, Green Bay’s numbers figure to drop dramatically.
5) Best offenses on drives starting 75+ yards from end zone:
Saints 2.47, Chiefs 2.46, Titans 2.37, Patriots 2.16
Worst offenses on drives starting 75+ yards from end zone (includes points lost on TD”s scored by the opposing defense):
Colts 0.42, Bengals 0.51, Buccaneers 0.91, Lions 0.97
4) Most plays of 20+ yards this season:
Rams 31, Vikings 30, Patriots/Cardinals 29, Chiefs 27
3) Most TD’s on plays of 20+ yards:
Raiders 8 (out of 13 total TD’s), Chiefs 7 (18 total TD’s), Titans 7 (13 total TD’s), Jets 6 (11 total TD’s), Lions 6 (14 total TD’s)
2) Baseball update:
AL: New York 6, Houston 4— Astros’ bullpen imploded; series is tied 2-2.
NL: Dodgers 6, Cubs 1– Chicago is going down meekly.
1) One of the best days of the year for me is when the Blue Ribbon Yearbook arrives at my door every October; the bible of college basketball, Blue Ribbon has a ton of useful information in it, and it got here Monday. If you like college basketball, it is well worth your time.
More NBA over/under win totals for the coming season:
Minnesota Timberwolves 48.5
Miami Heat 43.5
Philadelphia 76ers 42.5
New York Knicks 30.5
Brooklyn Nets 28.5
Atlanta Hawks 25.5
****************************
Wednesday’s List of 13: Mid-week musings……..
13) 5:15 into the Boston Celtics’ season, Gordon Hayward severely injured his leg/ankle when he came down on an attempted alley-oop. It was a gruesome injury, reminiscent of Jason Kendall or Joe Theismann’s grotesque leg injuries.
12) Damn, this is Lebron James’ 15th year in the NBA? Time flies. I remember sitting in a bar having dinner, watching his high school game that ESPN showed. Think Bill Walton was the TV analyst that night; people were excited that Lebron scored 31 points.
Hell, I thought, if he’s going to be in the NBA next year, he SHOULD score 31 points in a high school game, shouldn’t he?
Obviously, Lebron has outperformed those huge expectations; good for him.
11) By the way, sounds like pretty soon, kids will able to go straight from high school to the NBA once again, which helps everyone, except veterans trying to hang on in the G-League.
10) Indianapolis Colts in the fourth quarter this season: they’ve been outscored 85-22, allowing 1,034 yards on 139 plays, an average of 7.4 yards per play.
Colts are 2-4, but they haven’t trailed at halftime since Week 1 against the Rams.
9) Tennessee Titans have 7 takeaways in six games, but they’re the only team in NFL that hasn’t scored a touchdown after one of their takeaways.
Titans-Colts game Monday night had no punts in the first half, the first game in NFL this season without a first half punt.
8) Injured Vikings’ QB Teddy Bridgewater is practicing this week, as he comes back from his severe knee injury; Minnesota has three weeks to decide whether to activate Bridgewater or IR him for the rest of the season. Bridgewater and Sam Bradford are both in the last year of their contracts; Vikings have some interesting decisions ahead of them.
7) Chicago Bulls Bobby Portis and Nikola Mirotic got into a fight today at practice and Mirotic wound up with broken bones in his face; he’s going to be out for a few weeks, at least.
Curious how the analytics geniuses take this into account when they measure Portis, Mirotic as players. There is a human element to sports that can never be quantified— these guys live and travel together for months at a time. Part of being a good teammate is staying out of fights that send yourself or teammates to the hospital.
6) Best red zone offenses in NFL:
Packers 5.68 pts/possession, Eagles 5.56, Cowboys 5.33, Texans 5.25— Aaron Rodgers is gone for the year, so going forward, Green Bay’s numbers figure to drop dramatically.
5) Best offenses on drives starting 75+ yards from end zone:
Saints 2.47, Chiefs 2.46, Titans 2.37, Patriots 2.16
Worst offenses on drives starting 75+ yards from end zone (includes points lost on TD”s scored by the opposing defense):
Colts 0.42, Bengals 0.51, Buccaneers 0.91, Lions 0.97
4) Most plays of 20+ yards this season:
Rams 31, Vikings 30, Patriots/Cardinals 29, Chiefs 27
3) Most TD’s on plays of 20+ yards:
Raiders 8 (out of 13 total TD’s), Chiefs 7 (18 total TD’s), Titans 7 (13 total TD’s), Jets 6 (11 total TD’s), Lions 6 (14 total TD’s)
2) Baseball update:
AL: New York 6, Houston 4— Astros’ bullpen imploded; series is tied 2-2.
NL: Dodgers 6, Cubs 1– Chicago is going down meekly.
1) One of the best days of the year for me is when the Blue Ribbon Yearbook arrives at my door every October; the bible of college basketball, Blue Ribbon has a ton of useful information in it, and it got here Monday. If you like college basketball, it is well worth your time.
NBA
Dunkel
Wednesday, October 18
Brooklyn @ Indiana
Game 701-702
October 18, 2017 @ 7:05 pm
Dunkel Rating:
Brooklyn
117.751
Indiana
117.897
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Brooklyn
Even
217
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Indiana
by 3 1/2
214
Dunkel Pick:
Brooklyn
(+3 1/2); Over
Philadelphia @ Washington
Game 703-704
October 18, 2017 @ 7:05 pm
Dunkel Rating:
Philadelphia
114.515
Washington
120.162
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Washington
by 5 1/2
224
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Washington
by 7
215 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Philadelphia
(+7); Over
Miami @ Orlando
Game 705-706
October 18, 2017 @ 7:05 pm
Dunkel Rating:
Miami
120.491
Orlando
115.010
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Miami
by 5 1/2
201
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Miami
by 3
205 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Miami
(-3); Under
Charlotte @ Detroit
Game 707-708
October 18, 2017 @ 7:05 pm
Dunkel Rating:
Charlotte
111.429
Detroit
119.160
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Detroit
by 7 1/2
197
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Detroit
by 3
204
Dunkel Pick:
Detroit
(-3); Under
Milwaukee @ Boston
Game 709-710
October 18, 2017 @ 7:35 pm
Dunkel Rating:
Milwaukee
120.343
Boston
118.369
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Milwaukee
by 2
202
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Boston
by 5 1/2
206 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Milwaukee
(+5 1/2); Under
New Orleans @ Memphis
Game 711-712
October 18, 2017 @ 8:05 pm
Dunkel Rating:
New Orleans
117.723
Memphis
118.041
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
New Orleans
Even
201
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Memphis
by 3
205 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
New Orleans
(+3); Under
Atlanta @ Dallas
Game 713-714
October 18, 2017 @ 8:35 pm
Dunkel Rating:
Atlanta
116.044
Dallas
117.025
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Dallas
by 1
192
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Dallas
by 6 1/2
197 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Atlanta
(+6 1/2); Under
Denver @ Utah
Game 715-716
October 18, 2017 @ 9:05 pm
Dunkel Rating:
Denver
127.283
Utah
122.487
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Denver
by 5
203
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Utah
by 2
206
Dunkel Pick:
Denver
(+2); Under
Minnesota @ San Antonio
Game 717-718
October 18, 2017 @ 9:35 pm
Dunkel Rating:
Minnesota
120.392
San Antonio
121.370
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
San Antonio
by 1
223
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
San Antonio
by 2
205 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Minnesota
(+2); Over
Houston @ Sacramento
Game 719-720
October 18, 2017 @ 10:05 pm
Dunkel Rating:
Houston
120.085
Sacramento
119.649
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Sacramento
Even
221
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Houston
by 9
218 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Sacramento
(+9); Over
Portland @ Phoenix
Game 721-722
October 18, 2017 @ 10:05 pm
Dunkel Rating:
Portland
118.562
Phoenix
114.664
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Portland
by 4
225
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Portland
by 1 1/2
220
Dunkel Pick:
Portland
(-1 1/2); Over
Dunkel
Wednesday, October 18
Brooklyn @ Indiana
Game 701-702
October 18, 2017 @ 7:05 pm
Dunkel Rating:
Brooklyn
117.751
Indiana
117.897
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Brooklyn
Even
217
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Indiana
by 3 1/2
214
Dunkel Pick:
Brooklyn
(+3 1/2); Over
Philadelphia @ Washington
Game 703-704
October 18, 2017 @ 7:05 pm
Dunkel Rating:
Philadelphia
114.515
Washington
120.162
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Washington
by 5 1/2
224
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Washington
by 7
215 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Philadelphia
(+7); Over
Miami @ Orlando
Game 705-706
October 18, 2017 @ 7:05 pm
Dunkel Rating:
Miami
120.491
Orlando
115.010
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Miami
by 5 1/2
201
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Miami
by 3
205 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Miami
(-3); Under
Charlotte @ Detroit
Game 707-708
October 18, 2017 @ 7:05 pm
Dunkel Rating:
Charlotte
111.429
Detroit
119.160
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Detroit
by 7 1/2
197
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Detroit
by 3
204
Dunkel Pick:
Detroit
(-3); Under
Milwaukee @ Boston
Game 709-710
October 18, 2017 @ 7:35 pm
Dunkel Rating:
Milwaukee
120.343
Boston
118.369
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Milwaukee
by 2
202
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Boston
by 5 1/2
206 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Milwaukee
(+5 1/2); Under
New Orleans @ Memphis
Game 711-712
October 18, 2017 @ 8:05 pm
Dunkel Rating:
New Orleans
117.723
Memphis
118.041
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
New Orleans
Even
201
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Memphis
by 3
205 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
New Orleans
(+3); Under
Atlanta @ Dallas
Game 713-714
October 18, 2017 @ 8:35 pm
Dunkel Rating:
Atlanta
116.044
Dallas
117.025
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Dallas
by 1
192
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Dallas
by 6 1/2
197 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Atlanta
(+6 1/2); Under
Denver @ Utah
Game 715-716
October 18, 2017 @ 9:05 pm
Dunkel Rating:
Denver
127.283
Utah
122.487
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Denver
by 5
203
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Utah
by 2
206
Dunkel Pick:
Denver
(+2); Under
Minnesota @ San Antonio
Game 717-718
October 18, 2017 @ 9:35 pm
Dunkel Rating:
Minnesota
120.392
San Antonio
121.370
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
San Antonio
by 1
223
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
San Antonio
by 2
205 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Minnesota
(+2); Over
Houston @ Sacramento
Game 719-720
October 18, 2017 @ 10:05 pm
Dunkel Rating:
Houston
120.085
Sacramento
119.649
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Sacramento
Even
221
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Houston
by 9
218 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Sacramento
(+9); Over
Portland @ Phoenix
Game 721-722
October 18, 2017 @ 10:05 pm
Dunkel Rating:
Portland
118.562
Phoenix
114.664
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Portland
by 4
225
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Portland
by 1 1/2
220
Dunkel Pick:
Portland
(-1 1/2); Over
NBA
Long Sheet
Wednesday, October 18
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BROOKLYN (20 - 62) at INDIANA (42 - 44) - 10/18/2017, 7:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
INDIANA is 5-3 against the spread versus BROOKLYN over the last 3 seasons
INDIANA is 6-2 straight up against BROOKLYN over the last 3 seasons
5 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PHILADELPHIA (28 - 54) at WASHINGTON (56 - 39) - 10/18/2017, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 49-32 ATS (+13.8 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 49-30 ATS (+16.0 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
PHILADELPHIA is 4-3 against the spread versus WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
WASHINGTON is 5-2 straight up against PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
4 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MIAMI (41 - 41) at ORLANDO (29 - 53) - 10/18/2017, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MIAMI is 49-33 ATS (+12.7 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 26-15 ATS (+9.5 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 33-48 ATS (-19.8 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 14-26 ATS (-14.6 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
ORLANDO is 4-4 against the spread versus MIAMI over the last 3 seasons
ORLANDO is 4-4 straight up against MIAMI over the last 3 seasons
6 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CHARLOTTE (36 - 46) at DETROIT (37 - 45) - 10/18/2017, 7:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
CHARLOTTE is 4-3 against the spread versus DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
DETROIT is 4-3 straight up against CHARLOTTE over the last 3 seasons
5 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MILWAUKEE (44 - 44) at BOSTON (62 - 38) - 10/18/2017, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MILWAUKEE is 129-95 ATS (+24.5 Units) in road games against Atlantic division opponents since 1996.
Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 4-3 against the spread versus MILWAUKEE over the last 3 seasons
BOSTON is 5-2 straight up against MILWAUKEE over the last 3 seasons
4 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NEW ORLEANS (34 - 48) at MEMPHIS (45 - 43) - 10/18/2017, 8:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
MEMPHIS is 5-3 against the spread versus NEW ORLEANS over the last 3 seasons
MEMPHIS is 6-2 straight up against NEW ORLEANS over the last 3 seasons
5 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ATLANTA (45 - 43) at DALLAS (33 - 49) - 10/18/2017, 8:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 3-1 against the spread versus DALLAS over the last 3 seasons
ATLANTA is 4-0 straight up against DALLAS over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DENVER (40 - 42) at UTAH (55 - 38) - 10/18/2017, 9:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DENVER is 48-31 ATS (+13.9 Units) in road games over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
UTAH is 4-3 against the spread versus DENVER over the last 3 seasons
UTAH is 6-2 straight up against DENVER over the last 3 seasons
7 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MINNESOTA (31 - 51) at SAN ANTONIO (69 - 29) - 10/18/2017, 9:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SAN ANTONIO is 1004-879 ATS (+37.1 Units) in all games since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 805-686 ATS (+50.4 Units) as a favorite since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 510-430 ATS (+37.0 Units) in home games since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 43-23 ATS (+17.7 Units) in the first half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
SAN ANTONIO is 4-3 against the spread versus MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
SAN ANTONIO is 7-0 straight up against MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
4 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HOUSTON (61 - 32) at SACRAMENTO (32 - 50) - 10/18/2017, 10:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 23-12 ATS (+9.8 Units) in the first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
HOUSTON is 6-2 against the spread versus SACRAMENTO over the last 3 seasons
HOUSTON is 7-1 straight up against SACRAMENTO over the last 3 seasons
5 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PORTLAND (41 - 45) at PHOENIX (24 - 58) - 10/18/2017, 10:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
PHOENIX is 4-3 against the spread versus PORTLAND over the last 3 seasons
PORTLAND is 4-3 straight up against PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
4 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
Long Sheet
Wednesday, October 18
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BROOKLYN (20 - 62) at INDIANA (42 - 44) - 10/18/2017, 7:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
INDIANA is 5-3 against the spread versus BROOKLYN over the last 3 seasons
INDIANA is 6-2 straight up against BROOKLYN over the last 3 seasons
5 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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PHILADELPHIA (28 - 54) at WASHINGTON (56 - 39) - 10/18/2017, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 49-32 ATS (+13.8 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 49-30 ATS (+16.0 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
PHILADELPHIA is 4-3 against the spread versus WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
WASHINGTON is 5-2 straight up against PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
4 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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MIAMI (41 - 41) at ORLANDO (29 - 53) - 10/18/2017, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MIAMI is 49-33 ATS (+12.7 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 26-15 ATS (+9.5 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 33-48 ATS (-19.8 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 14-26 ATS (-14.6 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
ORLANDO is 4-4 against the spread versus MIAMI over the last 3 seasons
ORLANDO is 4-4 straight up against MIAMI over the last 3 seasons
6 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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CHARLOTTE (36 - 46) at DETROIT (37 - 45) - 10/18/2017, 7:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
CHARLOTTE is 4-3 against the spread versus DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
DETROIT is 4-3 straight up against CHARLOTTE over the last 3 seasons
5 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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MILWAUKEE (44 - 44) at BOSTON (62 - 38) - 10/18/2017, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MILWAUKEE is 129-95 ATS (+24.5 Units) in road games against Atlantic division opponents since 1996.
Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 4-3 against the spread versus MILWAUKEE over the last 3 seasons
BOSTON is 5-2 straight up against MILWAUKEE over the last 3 seasons
4 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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NEW ORLEANS (34 - 48) at MEMPHIS (45 - 43) - 10/18/2017, 8:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
MEMPHIS is 5-3 against the spread versus NEW ORLEANS over the last 3 seasons
MEMPHIS is 6-2 straight up against NEW ORLEANS over the last 3 seasons
5 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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ATLANTA (45 - 43) at DALLAS (33 - 49) - 10/18/2017, 8:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 3-1 against the spread versus DALLAS over the last 3 seasons
ATLANTA is 4-0 straight up against DALLAS over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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DENVER (40 - 42) at UTAH (55 - 38) - 10/18/2017, 9:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DENVER is 48-31 ATS (+13.9 Units) in road games over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
UTAH is 4-3 against the spread versus DENVER over the last 3 seasons
UTAH is 6-2 straight up against DENVER over the last 3 seasons
7 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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MINNESOTA (31 - 51) at SAN ANTONIO (69 - 29) - 10/18/2017, 9:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SAN ANTONIO is 1004-879 ATS (+37.1 Units) in all games since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 805-686 ATS (+50.4 Units) as a favorite since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 510-430 ATS (+37.0 Units) in home games since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 43-23 ATS (+17.7 Units) in the first half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
SAN ANTONIO is 4-3 against the spread versus MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
SAN ANTONIO is 7-0 straight up against MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
4 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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HOUSTON (61 - 32) at SACRAMENTO (32 - 50) - 10/18/2017, 10:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 23-12 ATS (+9.8 Units) in the first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
HOUSTON is 6-2 against the spread versus SACRAMENTO over the last 3 seasons
HOUSTON is 7-1 straight up against SACRAMENTO over the last 3 seasons
5 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PORTLAND (41 - 45) at PHOENIX (24 - 58) - 10/18/2017, 10:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
PHOENIX is 4-3 against the spread versus PORTLAND over the last 3 seasons
PORTLAND is 4-3 straight up against PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
4 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up
Wednesday, October 18
Not a lot to go on for the first 7-10 days, until these teams get some games under their belts. I’ll give you what relevant information I have:
Home side won 5 of last 6 Net-Pacer games; Brooklyn lost its last four games in this building, covering once. Over is 7-3 in last ten series games. Favorites covered four of last five series games.
Washington won 7 of last 9 games vs Philly but 76ers covered four of last five, all as an underdog. Sixers lost their last four visits here (1-3 vs spread), losing by 16-8-12-13 points.
Orlando won its last three games with Miami, by 11-9-6 points; underdogs covered 5 of last 6 series games. Heat won 3 of its last 5 visits to Orlando.
Home side won 8 of last 9 Charlotte-Detroit games; Hornets lost their last four visits to Motor City (1-3 vs spread), losing by 6-1-7-39 points. Favorites covered 8 of last 10 series games.
Boston is without injured star Hayward- they lost by 3 in Cleveland last nite. Celtics won 6 of last 8 games with Milwaukee, covering 3 of last 4. Bucks lost 3 of last 4 visits to Beantown, but are 3-2 vs spread in last five. Over is 6-2-1 in last nine series games.
Pelicans won their last two games with Memphis after losing previous seven meetings; underdogs covered 6 of last 8 series games. Three of last four series games stayed under the total. New Orleans lost four of last five games in Memphis (2-3 vs spread).
Hawks won their last seven games with Dallas (6-1 vs spread); they won last three visits here, by 3-3-15 points. Under is 6-1 in last seven series games.
Home side won 6 of last 7 Denver-Utah games; favorites covered last five series games. Nuggets lost their last five games in this building (1-4 vs spread). 8 of last 9 series games stayed under total.
Spurs won their last 10 games with Minnesota, but are 3-3 vs spread in last six, all covered by the road team; Timberwolves covered their last three visits to the Alamo, losing by 7-8-6 points. Under is 3-1 in last four series games.
Portland won its last three games with Phoenix, by 3-9-13 points; three of last four series games went over total. Trailblazers won three of last five games in this building. Underdogs covered 4 of last 6 series games.
Rockets won five in row, 9 of last 10 games with Sacramento, covering four of last five- they won a tough game in Oakland last night. Over is 7-3 in last ten series games. Houston is 4-1 in last five visits here (3-2 vs spread).
Armadillo's Write-Up
Wednesday, October 18
Not a lot to go on for the first 7-10 days, until these teams get some games under their belts. I’ll give you what relevant information I have:
Home side won 5 of last 6 Net-Pacer games; Brooklyn lost its last four games in this building, covering once. Over is 7-3 in last ten series games. Favorites covered four of last five series games.
Washington won 7 of last 9 games vs Philly but 76ers covered four of last five, all as an underdog. Sixers lost their last four visits here (1-3 vs spread), losing by 16-8-12-13 points.
Orlando won its last three games with Miami, by 11-9-6 points; underdogs covered 5 of last 6 series games. Heat won 3 of its last 5 visits to Orlando.
Home side won 8 of last 9 Charlotte-Detroit games; Hornets lost their last four visits to Motor City (1-3 vs spread), losing by 6-1-7-39 points. Favorites covered 8 of last 10 series games.
Boston is without injured star Hayward- they lost by 3 in Cleveland last nite. Celtics won 6 of last 8 games with Milwaukee, covering 3 of last 4. Bucks lost 3 of last 4 visits to Beantown, but are 3-2 vs spread in last five. Over is 6-2-1 in last nine series games.
Pelicans won their last two games with Memphis after losing previous seven meetings; underdogs covered 6 of last 8 series games. Three of last four series games stayed under the total. New Orleans lost four of last five games in Memphis (2-3 vs spread).
Hawks won their last seven games with Dallas (6-1 vs spread); they won last three visits here, by 3-3-15 points. Under is 6-1 in last seven series games.
Home side won 6 of last 7 Denver-Utah games; favorites covered last five series games. Nuggets lost their last five games in this building (1-4 vs spread). 8 of last 9 series games stayed under total.
Spurs won their last 10 games with Minnesota, but are 3-3 vs spread in last six, all covered by the road team; Timberwolves covered their last three visits to the Alamo, losing by 7-8-6 points. Under is 3-1 in last four series games.
Portland won its last three games with Phoenix, by 3-9-13 points; three of last four series games went over total. Trailblazers won three of last five games in this building. Underdogs covered 4 of last 6 series games.
Rockets won five in row, 9 of last 10 games with Sacramento, covering four of last five- they won a tough game in Oakland last night. Over is 7-3 in last ten series games. Houston is 4-1 in last five visits here (3-2 vs spread).
NBA
Wednesday, October 18
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Trend Report
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CHARLOTTE @ DETROIT
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Charlotte's last 11 games when playing on the road against Detroit
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Charlotte's last 12 games
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Detroit's last 11 games when playing at home against Charlotte
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Detroit's last 10 games at home
BROOKLYN @ INDIANA
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Brooklyn's last 8 games when playing on the road against Indiana
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Brooklyn's last 13 games when playing Indiana
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Indiana's last 8 games when playing at home against Brooklyn
Indiana is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Brooklyn
MIAMI @ ORLANDO
Miami is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Miami's last 6 games when playing Orlando
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Orlando's last 6 games when playing Miami
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Orlando's last 11 games when playing at home against Miami
PHILADELPHIA @ WASHINGTON
Philadelphia is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Washington
Philadelphia is 13-4 ATS in its last 17 games on the road
Washington is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Washington is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Philadelphia
MILWAUKEE @ BOSTON
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Milwaukee's last 8 games when playing on the road against Boston
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Milwaukee's last 11 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Boston's last 7 games at home
Boston is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Milwaukee
NEW ORLEANS @ MEMPHIS
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of New Orleans's last 10 games when playing on the road against Memphis
The total has gone OVER in 4 of New Orleans's last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Memphis's last 7 games
Memphis is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against New Orleans
ATLANTA @ DALLAS
Atlanta is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Dallas
Atlanta is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Dallas
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Dallas's last 8 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Dallas's last 7 games when playing Atlanta
DENVER @ UTAH
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Denver's last 5 games
Denver is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Utah is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Denver
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Utah's last 9 games when playing Denver
MINNESOTA @ SAN ANTONIO
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Minnesota's last 5 games when playing on the road against San Antonio
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Minnesota's last 11 games on the road
San Antonio is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Minnesota
The total has gone OVER in 5 of San Antonio's last 5 games at home
PORTLAND @ PHOENIX
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Portland's last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Portland's last 5 games when playing on the road against Phoenix
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Phoenix's last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Phoenix's last 5 games when playing at home against Portland
HOUSTON @ SACRAMENTO
Houston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Sacramento
Houston is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Sacramento's last 6 games when playing at home against Houston
Sacramento is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Wednesday, October 18
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Report
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CHARLOTTE @ DETROIT
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Charlotte's last 11 games when playing on the road against Detroit
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Charlotte's last 12 games
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Detroit's last 11 games when playing at home against Charlotte
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Detroit's last 10 games at home
BROOKLYN @ INDIANA
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Brooklyn's last 8 games when playing on the road against Indiana
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Brooklyn's last 13 games when playing Indiana
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Indiana's last 8 games when playing at home against Brooklyn
Indiana is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Brooklyn
MIAMI @ ORLANDO
Miami is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Miami's last 6 games when playing Orlando
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Orlando's last 6 games when playing Miami
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Orlando's last 11 games when playing at home against Miami
PHILADELPHIA @ WASHINGTON
Philadelphia is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Washington
Philadelphia is 13-4 ATS in its last 17 games on the road
Washington is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Washington is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Philadelphia
MILWAUKEE @ BOSTON
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Milwaukee's last 8 games when playing on the road against Boston
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Milwaukee's last 11 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Boston's last 7 games at home
Boston is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Milwaukee
NEW ORLEANS @ MEMPHIS
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of New Orleans's last 10 games when playing on the road against Memphis
The total has gone OVER in 4 of New Orleans's last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Memphis's last 7 games
Memphis is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against New Orleans
ATLANTA @ DALLAS
Atlanta is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Dallas
Atlanta is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Dallas
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Dallas's last 8 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Dallas's last 7 games when playing Atlanta
DENVER @ UTAH
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Denver's last 5 games
Denver is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Utah is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Denver
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Utah's last 9 games when playing Denver
MINNESOTA @ SAN ANTONIO
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Minnesota's last 5 games when playing on the road against San Antonio
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Minnesota's last 11 games on the road
San Antonio is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Minnesota
The total has gone OVER in 5 of San Antonio's last 5 games at home
PORTLAND @ PHOENIX
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Portland's last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Portland's last 5 games when playing on the road against Phoenix
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Phoenix's last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Phoenix's last 5 games when playing at home against Portland
HOUSTON @ SACRAMENTO
Houston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Sacramento
Houston is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Sacramento's last 6 games when playing at home against Houston
Sacramento is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games at home
'17-'18 NBA Season Preview
October 18, 2017
The NBA opens on its earliest starting date since tipping off on Oct. 10 in 1980. The objective, to limit back-to-backs and improve the on-court product, is a sound compromise to not budging from trimming the scheduled number of regular-season games to 82.
While that change hasn't been ruled out, other revenue streams are being explored, which is why you'll see patches advertising corporate sponsors on your favorite team's jerseys this season. What else will you see?
Make sure your printer has ink. Press control and P together and take this down to your favorite sportsbook. It's time to cash some pro basketball futures.
We'll start with playoff props, where the Golden State Warriors are amusingly -1000000 at Westgate's SuperBook to make the playoffs. Fading the defending champs getting to the postseason pays +10000, but probably isn't a good idea. My eight playoff teams in the Eastern Conference are, in order, Boston, Cleveland, Washington, Toronto, Milwaukee, Miami, Philadelphia and Charlotte. There's no money to be made on any of those since the 76ers (-200) are the one team out of the eight worth the investment since the odds on them aren't astronomical. Orlando at +300, New York (+450) and Indiana (+400) are potentially worth nibbling on if the 76ers stumble or injuries derail the Hornets or Heat.
In the Western Conference, Golden State, Houston, Oklahoma City, San Antonio, Minnesota, Memphis, Portland and New Orleans are my top eight, which leaves out the Nuggets, Clippers, Jazz, Mavs and Lakers. The Grizzlies are +250 to make the playoffs and my favorite play on these "will they or won't they" futures, while fading Denver (+250) and the L.A. Clips (+170) also pays handsomely.
The Grizzlies may have moved on from Zach Randolph, Tony Allen and Vince Carter, but are still built to win now with Mike Conley and Marc Gasol now each in their 30s. If Chandler Parsons can stay healthy, there's potential for improvement on the wing with Ben McLemore and Tyreke Evans on board. Mario Chalmers has returned from an Achilles tear 19 months ago and looks like he can be a factor after a strong preseason. With David Fizdale coaching and winners leading the way at key positions, it's strange to see them being written off. I'm all over the 'over' 37.5 wins prop.
New Orleans is at 39.5 and pays out +150 if it reaches the postseason. Rajon Rondo is out 4-to-6 weeks after surgery to repair a core muscle injury, so the plan to have him and Jrue Holiday work together to ensure the Pelicans get the most out of their Anthony Davis/DeMarcus Cousins tandem. Grindfather Tony Allen and ex-Warriors sniper Ian Clark were brought in to add depth, so this team has the ingredients to challenge for only their second postseason appearance since drafting Davis No. 1 in 2012.
Denver's win total is way up at 45.5, which is a little steep considering they haven't been over .500 in any of the last four seasons. Nikola Jokic is great, but the Nuggets guards are still young and prone to mistakes. The Clippers' number has been set at 45 despite the fact they haven't won fewer than 51 in any of the last five years, but losing Chris Paul makes it likely that they take a step back with Patrick Beverley and Milos Teodosic taking over point guard duties for Doc Rivers.
Despite its loss on opening night, you're very likely to see Golden State win its third championship in four years. The Warriors already overcame getting everyone back on the same page after Kevin Durant's arrival, not to mention a season-threatening knee injury to the eventual NBA Finals MVP. Head coach Steve Kerr overcame complications following back surgery to make it back on to the bench and is feeling much better these days, so his influence on a stacked roster that appears to be even deeper means the Dubs should make a run at 70 wins and are rightfully a heavy favorite to win it all again.
Westgate has installed Golden State as a 5-to-12 (-240) favorite to win a championship if you want to get in to start the season. I would counsel that you wait in case there is an injury that knocks the odds back in your favor since even an injury to Durant, Steph Curry, Draymond Green or Klay Thompson would be unlikely to remove the favorite tag off the defending champs. There's more than enough firepower remaining on the roster to overcome one significant injury and hang another banner.
The Thunder (16/1) have already won big thanks to the stealthy work from GM Sam Presti, who came through on keeping Russell Westbrook in Oklahoma in jaw-dropping fashion. In acquiring Paul George and Carmelo Anthony in packages surrounding Victor Oladipo and Enes Kanter as the main pieces, OKC significantly upgraded its roster. Westbrook signed his extension, confident that he'll always have a chance to compete for titles despite its small-market status. With Steven Adams, Andre Roberson, Patrick Patterson, Ray Felton, Nick Collison and Kyle Singler providing a veteran supporting cast, this roster is built to win now.
Anthony is the x-factor since he'll have to deal with not being the first option on offense for the first time since playing with Allen Iverson, which was an issue for both. That experiment lasted less than two full seasons and produced a 1-8 playoff record. A decade later, it's on Melo to make the best of this situation in order to reach a conference finals for only the second time in his career. On paper, this team should be among the NBA's final four. George's ability to combat the Warriors' versatility is viewed as a game-changer. Hopefully we'll get to see it in a series. Back the over 53.5 wins.
Houston (16/1) adding Paul to the mix is a monumental move for the team best-equipped to match the Warriors' preferred tempo. It will keep James Harden fresher, giving him a better opportunity to improve as a shooter, a weakness that ultimately derailed the Rockets when the postseason came and he'd used up most of his legs racking up triple-doubles and chasing a scoring title. Mike D'Antoni has a lot of talent at his disposal, while the addition of PJ Tucker and Luc Richard Mbah a Moute gives them additional options beyond Trevor Ariza to try and defend opposing wings. Shooters Eric Gordon and Ryan Anderson are also back, so this roster is loaded with pieces. It's up to Paul to add the missing ingredients and push this team over the top. The 55.5 leaves little room for error, so I'd stay away there.
In the East, the Cavs (13/4) are favored to reach a fourth straight NBA Finals despite granting Kyrie Irving's trade request, shipping him to Boston. Isaiah Thomas won't be ready to be a significant factor until around the All-Star break considering he's got to get healthy first, then get acclimated to a new system where the ball won't be in his hands all the time. Dwyane Wade came on board, showing up in fantastic shape and claiming J.R. Smith's spot in the starting lineup. Kevin Love moves up a spot in becoming LeBron's No. 2, which should keep him happy and productive. Tristan Thompson needs to recover from his NBA Finals no-show and emerge as more of a factor, while Derrick Rose and Jose Calderon were brought in to split Irving's minutes. It wouldn't be surprising to see this group slip to second or even third in the Eastern Conference given all the moving parts, but you can expect them to be the team to beat come April and May so long as LeBron remains healthy. He's demonstrated that his on-court IQ masks any physical regression, and there hasn't been much of that anyway. He's becoming more efficient as he ages, a testament to his brilliance.
The Celtics (20/1) added Irving and Gordon Hayward away from Utah on July 4, piling on to a nucleus that includes Al Horford, Jaylen Brown, Marcus Smart, Terry Rozier and No. 3 pick Jayson Tatum. Fellow newcomers Marcus Morris and Aron Baynes will add frontcourt depth, which makes this the deepest team in the East from a talent standpoint. Hayward's gruesome ankle fracture on Tuesday night forced Westgate to move them from 10/1 to win a title.
It's going to be up to the very capable Brad Stevens to manage young egos and keep this group straight through rough patches, especially when the playoffs arrive and they're tested by veterans. Irving coveted this challenge, and this will end up being his team since the more reserved Hayward and Horford are likely to let him lead. He's the one with the championship. If Irving gets Boston past Cleveland, he'll have ideas on how to take down Golden State too. He's done it before.
Washington won 49 games last season, its highest win total since 1978-79. Books have set the Wizards' number at 49, which should be attainable if everyone stays healthy. Scott Brooks got his team to play at a high level after a slow start and returns virtually the entire roster. Trey Burke and midseason acquisitions Bojan Bogdanovic and Brandon Jennings aren't back, but Tim Frazier, Jodie Meeks and Mike Scott should be capable replacements in the rotation. Expect them to win 50-plus.
The Bucks also have the look of a 50-win team and should come in over the total set at 46.5. Reigning Rookie of the Year Malcolm Brogdon came into his own late last season and should continue taking some pressure off Giannis Antetokounmpo. Jabari Parker should return by the All-Star break to provide a boost for the stretch run, and with the Pistons, Pacers and Bulls all likely to be below .500, there will be plenty of opportunities for Milwaukee to pad its win total against its Central Division foes.
Antetokounmpo is an interesting MVP choice at 8/1, but it wouldn't be surprising to see James (4/1) rise up for one last award at the age of 33. He hasn't won since 2013, but could get his fifth in what might end up being his final season in Cleveland. My favorite longshot is Karl-Anthony Towns (40/1), who will be involved in significantly more victories this season with Jimmy Butler and Jeff Teague on board, increasing his profile and making those eye-popping numbers he's capable of moving up very meaningful.
Philadelphia's Ben Simmons (2/1) is my choice to win Rookie of the Year over teammate Markelle Fultz (15/1), L.A.'s Lonzo Ball (3/1), Dallas' Dennis Smith, Jr. (4/1), Sacramento's De'Aaron Fox (10/1) and Phoenix's Josh Jackson (12/1)
October 18, 2017
The NBA opens on its earliest starting date since tipping off on Oct. 10 in 1980. The objective, to limit back-to-backs and improve the on-court product, is a sound compromise to not budging from trimming the scheduled number of regular-season games to 82.
While that change hasn't been ruled out, other revenue streams are being explored, which is why you'll see patches advertising corporate sponsors on your favorite team's jerseys this season. What else will you see?
Make sure your printer has ink. Press control and P together and take this down to your favorite sportsbook. It's time to cash some pro basketball futures.
We'll start with playoff props, where the Golden State Warriors are amusingly -1000000 at Westgate's SuperBook to make the playoffs. Fading the defending champs getting to the postseason pays +10000, but probably isn't a good idea. My eight playoff teams in the Eastern Conference are, in order, Boston, Cleveland, Washington, Toronto, Milwaukee, Miami, Philadelphia and Charlotte. There's no money to be made on any of those since the 76ers (-200) are the one team out of the eight worth the investment since the odds on them aren't astronomical. Orlando at +300, New York (+450) and Indiana (+400) are potentially worth nibbling on if the 76ers stumble or injuries derail the Hornets or Heat.
In the Western Conference, Golden State, Houston, Oklahoma City, San Antonio, Minnesota, Memphis, Portland and New Orleans are my top eight, which leaves out the Nuggets, Clippers, Jazz, Mavs and Lakers. The Grizzlies are +250 to make the playoffs and my favorite play on these "will they or won't they" futures, while fading Denver (+250) and the L.A. Clips (+170) also pays handsomely.
The Grizzlies may have moved on from Zach Randolph, Tony Allen and Vince Carter, but are still built to win now with Mike Conley and Marc Gasol now each in their 30s. If Chandler Parsons can stay healthy, there's potential for improvement on the wing with Ben McLemore and Tyreke Evans on board. Mario Chalmers has returned from an Achilles tear 19 months ago and looks like he can be a factor after a strong preseason. With David Fizdale coaching and winners leading the way at key positions, it's strange to see them being written off. I'm all over the 'over' 37.5 wins prop.
New Orleans is at 39.5 and pays out +150 if it reaches the postseason. Rajon Rondo is out 4-to-6 weeks after surgery to repair a core muscle injury, so the plan to have him and Jrue Holiday work together to ensure the Pelicans get the most out of their Anthony Davis/DeMarcus Cousins tandem. Grindfather Tony Allen and ex-Warriors sniper Ian Clark were brought in to add depth, so this team has the ingredients to challenge for only their second postseason appearance since drafting Davis No. 1 in 2012.
Denver's win total is way up at 45.5, which is a little steep considering they haven't been over .500 in any of the last four seasons. Nikola Jokic is great, but the Nuggets guards are still young and prone to mistakes. The Clippers' number has been set at 45 despite the fact they haven't won fewer than 51 in any of the last five years, but losing Chris Paul makes it likely that they take a step back with Patrick Beverley and Milos Teodosic taking over point guard duties for Doc Rivers.
Despite its loss on opening night, you're very likely to see Golden State win its third championship in four years. The Warriors already overcame getting everyone back on the same page after Kevin Durant's arrival, not to mention a season-threatening knee injury to the eventual NBA Finals MVP. Head coach Steve Kerr overcame complications following back surgery to make it back on to the bench and is feeling much better these days, so his influence on a stacked roster that appears to be even deeper means the Dubs should make a run at 70 wins and are rightfully a heavy favorite to win it all again.
Westgate has installed Golden State as a 5-to-12 (-240) favorite to win a championship if you want to get in to start the season. I would counsel that you wait in case there is an injury that knocks the odds back in your favor since even an injury to Durant, Steph Curry, Draymond Green or Klay Thompson would be unlikely to remove the favorite tag off the defending champs. There's more than enough firepower remaining on the roster to overcome one significant injury and hang another banner.
The Thunder (16/1) have already won big thanks to the stealthy work from GM Sam Presti, who came through on keeping Russell Westbrook in Oklahoma in jaw-dropping fashion. In acquiring Paul George and Carmelo Anthony in packages surrounding Victor Oladipo and Enes Kanter as the main pieces, OKC significantly upgraded its roster. Westbrook signed his extension, confident that he'll always have a chance to compete for titles despite its small-market status. With Steven Adams, Andre Roberson, Patrick Patterson, Ray Felton, Nick Collison and Kyle Singler providing a veteran supporting cast, this roster is built to win now.
Anthony is the x-factor since he'll have to deal with not being the first option on offense for the first time since playing with Allen Iverson, which was an issue for both. That experiment lasted less than two full seasons and produced a 1-8 playoff record. A decade later, it's on Melo to make the best of this situation in order to reach a conference finals for only the second time in his career. On paper, this team should be among the NBA's final four. George's ability to combat the Warriors' versatility is viewed as a game-changer. Hopefully we'll get to see it in a series. Back the over 53.5 wins.
Houston (16/1) adding Paul to the mix is a monumental move for the team best-equipped to match the Warriors' preferred tempo. It will keep James Harden fresher, giving him a better opportunity to improve as a shooter, a weakness that ultimately derailed the Rockets when the postseason came and he'd used up most of his legs racking up triple-doubles and chasing a scoring title. Mike D'Antoni has a lot of talent at his disposal, while the addition of PJ Tucker and Luc Richard Mbah a Moute gives them additional options beyond Trevor Ariza to try and defend opposing wings. Shooters Eric Gordon and Ryan Anderson are also back, so this roster is loaded with pieces. It's up to Paul to add the missing ingredients and push this team over the top. The 55.5 leaves little room for error, so I'd stay away there.
In the East, the Cavs (13/4) are favored to reach a fourth straight NBA Finals despite granting Kyrie Irving's trade request, shipping him to Boston. Isaiah Thomas won't be ready to be a significant factor until around the All-Star break considering he's got to get healthy first, then get acclimated to a new system where the ball won't be in his hands all the time. Dwyane Wade came on board, showing up in fantastic shape and claiming J.R. Smith's spot in the starting lineup. Kevin Love moves up a spot in becoming LeBron's No. 2, which should keep him happy and productive. Tristan Thompson needs to recover from his NBA Finals no-show and emerge as more of a factor, while Derrick Rose and Jose Calderon were brought in to split Irving's minutes. It wouldn't be surprising to see this group slip to second or even third in the Eastern Conference given all the moving parts, but you can expect them to be the team to beat come April and May so long as LeBron remains healthy. He's demonstrated that his on-court IQ masks any physical regression, and there hasn't been much of that anyway. He's becoming more efficient as he ages, a testament to his brilliance.
The Celtics (20/1) added Irving and Gordon Hayward away from Utah on July 4, piling on to a nucleus that includes Al Horford, Jaylen Brown, Marcus Smart, Terry Rozier and No. 3 pick Jayson Tatum. Fellow newcomers Marcus Morris and Aron Baynes will add frontcourt depth, which makes this the deepest team in the East from a talent standpoint. Hayward's gruesome ankle fracture on Tuesday night forced Westgate to move them from 10/1 to win a title.
It's going to be up to the very capable Brad Stevens to manage young egos and keep this group straight through rough patches, especially when the playoffs arrive and they're tested by veterans. Irving coveted this challenge, and this will end up being his team since the more reserved Hayward and Horford are likely to let him lead. He's the one with the championship. If Irving gets Boston past Cleveland, he'll have ideas on how to take down Golden State too. He's done it before.
Washington won 49 games last season, its highest win total since 1978-79. Books have set the Wizards' number at 49, which should be attainable if everyone stays healthy. Scott Brooks got his team to play at a high level after a slow start and returns virtually the entire roster. Trey Burke and midseason acquisitions Bojan Bogdanovic and Brandon Jennings aren't back, but Tim Frazier, Jodie Meeks and Mike Scott should be capable replacements in the rotation. Expect them to win 50-plus.
The Bucks also have the look of a 50-win team and should come in over the total set at 46.5. Reigning Rookie of the Year Malcolm Brogdon came into his own late last season and should continue taking some pressure off Giannis Antetokounmpo. Jabari Parker should return by the All-Star break to provide a boost for the stretch run, and with the Pistons, Pacers and Bulls all likely to be below .500, there will be plenty of opportunities for Milwaukee to pad its win total against its Central Division foes.
Antetokounmpo is an interesting MVP choice at 8/1, but it wouldn't be surprising to see James (4/1) rise up for one last award at the age of 33. He hasn't won since 2013, but could get his fifth in what might end up being his final season in Cleveland. My favorite longshot is Karl-Anthony Towns (40/1), who will be involved in significantly more victories this season with Jimmy Butler and Jeff Teague on board, increasing his profile and making those eye-popping numbers he's capable of moving up very meaningful.
Philadelphia's Ben Simmons (2/1) is my choice to win Rookie of the Year over teammate Markelle Fultz (15/1), L.A.'s Lonzo Ball (3/1), Dallas' Dennis Smith, Jr. (4/1), Sacramento's De'Aaron Fox (10/1) and Phoenix's Josh Jackson (12/1)
October NBA Best Bets And Opinions ( Based on 5 Units )
DATE W-L-T % UNITS RECORD
10/17/2017 3-1-0 75.00% +9.50
Best Bets:
Date.................................ATS.......... .....Units.............Over/Under............Units
10/17/2017.......................1 - 0..............+5.00...............1 - 0..................+5.00
***************************
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 18
GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS
PHI at WAS 07:00 PM
PHI +6.5 *****
O 217.5 *****
BK at IND 07:00 PM
IND -2.5
O 217.0
MIA at ORL 07:00 PM
O 206.0
CHA at DET 07:00 PM
CHA +3.0
U 203.0
MIL at BOS 07:30 PM
U 204.0 *****
NO at MEM 08:00 PM
NO +2.0
O 206.0 *****
ATL at DAL 08:30 PM
ATL +5.0 *****
U 198.5 *****
DEN at UTA 09:00 PM
U 204.5
MIN at SA 09:30 PM
MIN +1.5
U 204.5
POR at PHO 10:00 PM
PHO +1.5 *****
HOU at SAC 10:00 PM
HOU -7.5 *****
O 217.5 *****
DATE W-L-T % UNITS RECORD
10/17/2017 3-1-0 75.00% +9.50
Best Bets:
Date.................................ATS.......... .....Units.............Over/Under............Units
10/17/2017.......................1 - 0..............+5.00...............1 - 0..................+5.00
***************************
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 18
GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS
PHI at WAS 07:00 PM
PHI +6.5 *****
O 217.5 *****
BK at IND 07:00 PM
IND -2.5
O 217.0
MIA at ORL 07:00 PM
O 206.0
CHA at DET 07:00 PM
CHA +3.0
U 203.0
MIL at BOS 07:30 PM
U 204.0 *****
NO at MEM 08:00 PM
NO +2.0
O 206.0 *****
ATL at DAL 08:30 PM
ATL +5.0 *****
U 198.5 *****
DEN at UTA 09:00 PM
U 204.5
MIN at SA 09:30 PM
MIN +1.5
U 204.5
POR at PHO 10:00 PM
PHO +1.5 *****
HOU at SAC 10:00 PM
HOU -7.5 *****
O 217.5 *****
NBA roundup: Bucks spoil Celtics' emotional home opener
October 18, 2017
BOSTON -- Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 16 of his 37 points in the fourth quarter as the Milwaukee Bucks spoiled the Boston Celtics' emotional home opener with a 108-100 victory Wednesday night.
Boston, which lost for the second straight night under the cloud of the gruesome injury sustained by newcomer Gordon Hayward in Cleveland on Tuesday, appeared to tire late as the Bucks turned a six-point, fourth-quarter deficit into a win.
In addition to his points in the fourth quarter, Antetokounmpo had two steals, two (of his 13) rebounds and two assists as the Bucks used a 17-4 run to take control.
Hayward addressed the crowd pregame from his hospital bed, stating, "I'm gonna be all right." With 3:21 left in the first half, the crowd broke into a chant of "Gor-don Hay-ward." Hayward was undergoing surgery Wednesday night, his father tweeted.
Wizards 120, 76ers 115
WASHINGTON -- John Wall scored 18 of his 28 points in the second half, Bradley Beal had 25 and Washington opened the season with a victory over Philadelphia.
Marcin Gortat had 16 points and 17 rebounds for the Wizards. Kelly Oubre Jr. and Jodie Meeks each scored 14 points off the bench for Washington, which opened at home for the first time since 2011.
Joel Embiid had 18 points, 13 rebounds and one block in 27 minutes for the 76ers. Robert Covington had 29 points and sank 7 of 11 3-pointers, and Ben Simmons finished with 18 points and 10 rebounds in his NBA debut after missing all of last season with a foot injury.
Pacers 140, Nets 131
INDIANAPOLIS -- Victor Oladipo scored 22 points to lead eight Indiana players in double figures as the Pacers topped Brooklyn in the season opener for both teams.
Oladipo, a former Indiana University standout, was making his regular-season debut after coming to Indiana from Oklahoma City with Domantas Sabonis in the Paul George trade. Sabonis scored 16 points.
D'Angelo Russell was high for the Nets with 30 points on 12-of-22 shooting. Trevor Booker added 20 points and 10 rebounds. Brooklyn's Jeremy Lin, who scored 18 points, was hurt with 4:53 left and needed help to get off the court with an apparent right knee injury.
Grizzlies 103, Pelicans 91
MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- Mike Conley scored 27 points as Memphis defeated New Orleans in the season opener for both teams.
The Pelicans got double-doubles from Anthony Davis (33 points, 18 rebounds) and DeMarcus Cousins (28 points, 10 rebounds and a career-high seven blocks). Cousins also picked up his first technical of the season with 50 seconds left.
Conley got support from Marc Gasol, who posted 14 points and 11 rebounds plus four assists. Rookie Dillon Brooks scored 19 points with five rebounds and four steals in his NBA debut for the Grizzlies.
Jazz 106, Nuggets 96
SALT LAKE CITY -- Rudy Gobert had 18 points and 10 rebounds, and Alec Burks added 16 points off the bench to lift Utah over Denver in the opener for both teams.
Derrick Favors added 14 points and Joe Johnson chipped in 13 for the Jazz. Utah used hot fourth-quarter shooting to rally after trailing by as many as 15 points, going 9 of 18 from the field in the final 12 minutes.
Will Barton scored 23 points to lead the Nuggets. Paul Millsap added 19 points in his Denver debut, and Gary Harris chipped in 14. The Nuggets could not overcome a cold shooting fourth quarter, making only five field goals.
Hawks 117, Mavericks 111
DALLAS -- Dennis Schroder scored 28 points to lead Atlanta past Dallas in the season opener for both teams.
Marco Belinelli and John Collins combined to add 34 points off the bench as Atlanta extended its winning streak to eight against Dallas. With the score tied at 111, Dewayne Dedmon gave Atlanta the lead for good with a rebound and putback with 58 seconds left.
Mavericks rookie Dennis Smith Jr., a 19-year-old point guard, looked like a veteran while running the offense, producing 16 points and 10 assists in his first NBA game. Nerlens Noel had 16 points and 11 rebounds backing up Dirk Nowitzki, who shot only 4 of 14 and scored 10.
Pistons 102, Hornets 90
DETROIT -- Tobias Harris poured in 27 points, and Detroit celebrated its first regular-season game at Little Caesars Arena with a victory over Charlotte.
Harris also grabbed 10 rebounds in the new downtown building. Avery Bradley, who was acquired in a trade with Boston during the summer, had 15 points in his Pistons debut. Langston Galloway contributed 16 points off the bench.
Kemba Walker's 24 points led the Hornets in the opener for both teams. Jeremy Lamb added 15 points, and Dwight Howard supplied 10 points and 15 rebounds in his Hornets debut. Howard was acquired in an offseason trade with Atlanta.
Magic 116, Heat 109
ORLANDO, Fla. -- Evan Fournier scored 23 points, including seven in the last two minutes, to lead Orlando over Miami.
It was the first time since 2012 the Magic won their season opener. Orlando rode a well-balanced attack with six players scoring at least 12 points. Nikola Vucevic led the way with 19 points and 13 rebounds, and Terrence Ross had 15 points.
The Heat's Hassan Whiteside posted game highs with 26 points and 22 rebounds. He had 14 points in the fourth quarter to lead a comeback that fell short.
October 18, 2017
BOSTON -- Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 16 of his 37 points in the fourth quarter as the Milwaukee Bucks spoiled the Boston Celtics' emotional home opener with a 108-100 victory Wednesday night.
Boston, which lost for the second straight night under the cloud of the gruesome injury sustained by newcomer Gordon Hayward in Cleveland on Tuesday, appeared to tire late as the Bucks turned a six-point, fourth-quarter deficit into a win.
In addition to his points in the fourth quarter, Antetokounmpo had two steals, two (of his 13) rebounds and two assists as the Bucks used a 17-4 run to take control.
Hayward addressed the crowd pregame from his hospital bed, stating, "I'm gonna be all right." With 3:21 left in the first half, the crowd broke into a chant of "Gor-don Hay-ward." Hayward was undergoing surgery Wednesday night, his father tweeted.
Wizards 120, 76ers 115
WASHINGTON -- John Wall scored 18 of his 28 points in the second half, Bradley Beal had 25 and Washington opened the season with a victory over Philadelphia.
Marcin Gortat had 16 points and 17 rebounds for the Wizards. Kelly Oubre Jr. and Jodie Meeks each scored 14 points off the bench for Washington, which opened at home for the first time since 2011.
Joel Embiid had 18 points, 13 rebounds and one block in 27 minutes for the 76ers. Robert Covington had 29 points and sank 7 of 11 3-pointers, and Ben Simmons finished with 18 points and 10 rebounds in his NBA debut after missing all of last season with a foot injury.
Pacers 140, Nets 131
INDIANAPOLIS -- Victor Oladipo scored 22 points to lead eight Indiana players in double figures as the Pacers topped Brooklyn in the season opener for both teams.
Oladipo, a former Indiana University standout, was making his regular-season debut after coming to Indiana from Oklahoma City with Domantas Sabonis in the Paul George trade. Sabonis scored 16 points.
D'Angelo Russell was high for the Nets with 30 points on 12-of-22 shooting. Trevor Booker added 20 points and 10 rebounds. Brooklyn's Jeremy Lin, who scored 18 points, was hurt with 4:53 left and needed help to get off the court with an apparent right knee injury.
Grizzlies 103, Pelicans 91
MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- Mike Conley scored 27 points as Memphis defeated New Orleans in the season opener for both teams.
The Pelicans got double-doubles from Anthony Davis (33 points, 18 rebounds) and DeMarcus Cousins (28 points, 10 rebounds and a career-high seven blocks). Cousins also picked up his first technical of the season with 50 seconds left.
Conley got support from Marc Gasol, who posted 14 points and 11 rebounds plus four assists. Rookie Dillon Brooks scored 19 points with five rebounds and four steals in his NBA debut for the Grizzlies.
Jazz 106, Nuggets 96
SALT LAKE CITY -- Rudy Gobert had 18 points and 10 rebounds, and Alec Burks added 16 points off the bench to lift Utah over Denver in the opener for both teams.
Derrick Favors added 14 points and Joe Johnson chipped in 13 for the Jazz. Utah used hot fourth-quarter shooting to rally after trailing by as many as 15 points, going 9 of 18 from the field in the final 12 minutes.
Will Barton scored 23 points to lead the Nuggets. Paul Millsap added 19 points in his Denver debut, and Gary Harris chipped in 14. The Nuggets could not overcome a cold shooting fourth quarter, making only five field goals.
Hawks 117, Mavericks 111
DALLAS -- Dennis Schroder scored 28 points to lead Atlanta past Dallas in the season opener for both teams.
Marco Belinelli and John Collins combined to add 34 points off the bench as Atlanta extended its winning streak to eight against Dallas. With the score tied at 111, Dewayne Dedmon gave Atlanta the lead for good with a rebound and putback with 58 seconds left.
Mavericks rookie Dennis Smith Jr., a 19-year-old point guard, looked like a veteran while running the offense, producing 16 points and 10 assists in his first NBA game. Nerlens Noel had 16 points and 11 rebounds backing up Dirk Nowitzki, who shot only 4 of 14 and scored 10.
Pistons 102, Hornets 90
DETROIT -- Tobias Harris poured in 27 points, and Detroit celebrated its first regular-season game at Little Caesars Arena with a victory over Charlotte.
Harris also grabbed 10 rebounds in the new downtown building. Avery Bradley, who was acquired in a trade with Boston during the summer, had 15 points in his Pistons debut. Langston Galloway contributed 16 points off the bench.
Kemba Walker's 24 points led the Hornets in the opener for both teams. Jeremy Lamb added 15 points, and Dwight Howard supplied 10 points and 15 rebounds in his Hornets debut. Howard was acquired in an offseason trade with Atlanta.
Magic 116, Heat 109
ORLANDO, Fla. -- Evan Fournier scored 23 points, including seven in the last two minutes, to lead Orlando over Miami.
It was the first time since 2012 the Magic won their season opener. Orlando rode a well-balanced attack with six players scoring at least 12 points. Nikola Vucevic led the way with 19 points and 13 rebounds, and Terrence Ross had 15 points.
The Heat's Hassan Whiteside posted game highs with 26 points and 22 rebounds. He had 14 points in the fourth quarter to lead a comeback that fell short.
Thursday’s six-pack
NFL trends with Week 7 upon us……..
— Chiefs covered 7 of last 9 games as a favorite.
— Colts covered 12 of last 14 tries as a home underdog.
— Cleveland is 3-13 vs spread in its last 16 games.
— Panthers are 1-6-1 in last 8 tries as a road favorite.
— Dallas is 9-3 vs spread in its last 12 post-bye games.
— Atlanta is 8-1 in its last 9 games as a road underdog.
******************
Thursday’s List of 13: Nobody asked me, but…….
13) Philadelphia Eagle fans are not happy with NFL referee Pete Morelli; the last four times Morelli worked an Eagle game, his crew called a total of 40 penalties for 396 yards on the Iggles, only 8 penalties for 74 yards on their opponents. Its enough to make a guy paranoid.
A petition was circulated; last I heard, over 60,000 people had signed it, requesting that Morelli not work any more Eagle games. Alrighty then.
12) Andrew Luck had a setback with his injured shoulder, and now there is talk he won’t play at all this season, which is bad news for everyone in Indianapolis except Jacoby Brissett.
11) 2018 NFL Draft will be at Jerry World in Dallas, the first time the draft will be in an actual NFL stadium.
10) General Electric shelled out a lot of money to put their patch on the Boston Celtics’ uniforms this season; less than six minutes into the Celtics’ season, newly-acquired star Gordon Hayward breaks his ankle, is lost for the season. So much for seeing those patches in June.
9) Celtics were the #1 seed in the Eastern Conference last year, but they’ve got 11 new players on their team this season. Am I the only person who finds this unusual?
8) Jacksonville told its kicker Jason Myers to take a hike, signed former Chargers’ kicker Josh Lambo, who in a perfect world, would kick for the Packers (Lambeau Field…..get it??)
7) BYU’s football team is 1-6, with only win 20-6 against I-AA Portland State; they’re off to their worst start since 1969. Cougars need to join a league- -maybe when the new dome gets built in Las Vegas, UNLV/BYU can join the Big X as a western tandem.
6) When I was a kid, I loved game shows, totally enjoyed them. One of the games was Jokers’ Wild, hosted by Jack Barry, where contestants played with a simulated slot machine to try and win their money/prizes. It wasn’t the best show, but it had an odd appeal.
Now it is coming back on WTBS and it is being hosted by Snoop Dawg. I have no opinion on this, other than I’ve got to watch it at least once. In the commercials I saw, Snoop Dawg appears to be wearing a velour smoking jacket. If gameshows make a comeback, that would be good.
5) Yu Darvish walked with the bases loaded Monday night; he is the first pitcher in 40 years to walk with the bases loaded in a playoff game. Larry Christensen of the Phillies was the last pitcher to draw a bases loaded walk in a playoff game, in 1977.
4) Nick Young scored 23 points for the Warriors Tuesday night, but Golden State was also -10 in the 29:00 he was on the floor in their 122-121 loss to Houston. Warriors were +9 in the 19:00 he was on the bench, -10 when he was on the floor. Thats more important than his point total.
3) There are rumors that the Big 14 is considering moving to 20 conference games next season, with the eventual goal of juicing up their teams’ power ratings so mid-majors get blocked out of at-large bids for the NCAA tournament. That would be sad, if that is the reason.
2) Baseball playoffs:
New York 5, Houston 0— Astros have scored 9 runs in five series games.
1) When you watch NBA/college games this season, consider this:
Several years ago, I was sitting at an AAU tournament talking to a college basketball coach who is very good at his job. I was asking him lot of questions, trying to pick his brain as far as what he looked for at these tournaments with mostly glorified pickup games being played.
“I look at what their college skill is” the coach said. “Some guys shoot it well, others pass it well, some rebound well. I’ll tell you this, getting loose balls is a skill, too”
So when there is a loose ball in an NBA game and the same couple guys are getting most of them, know that their toughness/quickness is what helped get them to the NBA in the first place. Its not an accident.
NFL trends with Week 7 upon us……..
— Chiefs covered 7 of last 9 games as a favorite.
— Colts covered 12 of last 14 tries as a home underdog.
— Cleveland is 3-13 vs spread in its last 16 games.
— Panthers are 1-6-1 in last 8 tries as a road favorite.
— Dallas is 9-3 vs spread in its last 12 post-bye games.
— Atlanta is 8-1 in its last 9 games as a road underdog.
******************
Thursday’s List of 13: Nobody asked me, but…….
13) Philadelphia Eagle fans are not happy with NFL referee Pete Morelli; the last four times Morelli worked an Eagle game, his crew called a total of 40 penalties for 396 yards on the Iggles, only 8 penalties for 74 yards on their opponents. Its enough to make a guy paranoid.
A petition was circulated; last I heard, over 60,000 people had signed it, requesting that Morelli not work any more Eagle games. Alrighty then.
12) Andrew Luck had a setback with his injured shoulder, and now there is talk he won’t play at all this season, which is bad news for everyone in Indianapolis except Jacoby Brissett.
11) 2018 NFL Draft will be at Jerry World in Dallas, the first time the draft will be in an actual NFL stadium.
10) General Electric shelled out a lot of money to put their patch on the Boston Celtics’ uniforms this season; less than six minutes into the Celtics’ season, newly-acquired star Gordon Hayward breaks his ankle, is lost for the season. So much for seeing those patches in June.
9) Celtics were the #1 seed in the Eastern Conference last year, but they’ve got 11 new players on their team this season. Am I the only person who finds this unusual?
8) Jacksonville told its kicker Jason Myers to take a hike, signed former Chargers’ kicker Josh Lambo, who in a perfect world, would kick for the Packers (Lambeau Field…..get it??)
7) BYU’s football team is 1-6, with only win 20-6 against I-AA Portland State; they’re off to their worst start since 1969. Cougars need to join a league- -maybe when the new dome gets built in Las Vegas, UNLV/BYU can join the Big X as a western tandem.
6) When I was a kid, I loved game shows, totally enjoyed them. One of the games was Jokers’ Wild, hosted by Jack Barry, where contestants played with a simulated slot machine to try and win their money/prizes. It wasn’t the best show, but it had an odd appeal.
Now it is coming back on WTBS and it is being hosted by Snoop Dawg. I have no opinion on this, other than I’ve got to watch it at least once. In the commercials I saw, Snoop Dawg appears to be wearing a velour smoking jacket. If gameshows make a comeback, that would be good.
5) Yu Darvish walked with the bases loaded Monday night; he is the first pitcher in 40 years to walk with the bases loaded in a playoff game. Larry Christensen of the Phillies was the last pitcher to draw a bases loaded walk in a playoff game, in 1977.
4) Nick Young scored 23 points for the Warriors Tuesday night, but Golden State was also -10 in the 29:00 he was on the floor in their 122-121 loss to Houston. Warriors were +9 in the 19:00 he was on the bench, -10 when he was on the floor. Thats more important than his point total.
3) There are rumors that the Big 14 is considering moving to 20 conference games next season, with the eventual goal of juicing up their teams’ power ratings so mid-majors get blocked out of at-large bids for the NCAA tournament. That would be sad, if that is the reason.
2) Baseball playoffs:
New York 5, Houston 0— Astros have scored 9 runs in five series games.
1) When you watch NBA/college games this season, consider this:
Several years ago, I was sitting at an AAU tournament talking to a college basketball coach who is very good at his job. I was asking him lot of questions, trying to pick his brain as far as what he looked for at these tournaments with mostly glorified pickup games being played.
“I look at what their college skill is” the coach said. “Some guys shoot it well, others pass it well, some rebound well. I’ll tell you this, getting loose balls is a skill, too”
So when there is a loose ball in an NBA game and the same couple guys are getting most of them, know that their toughness/quickness is what helped get them to the NBA in the first place. Its not an accident.
October NBA Best Bets And Opinions ( Based on 5 Units )
DATE W-L-T % UNITS RECORD
10/18/2017 8-10-0 44.44% -15.00
10/17/2017 3-1-0 75.00% +9.50
Totals:..............11 - 11......50.00%.....-5.50
Best Bets:
Date.................................ATS.......... .....Units.............Over/Under............Units
10/18/2017.......................2 - 2..............-1.00................1 - 4..................-17.00
10/17/2017.......................1 - 0..............+5.00...............1 - 0..................+5.00
Totals................................3 - 2..............+4.00...............2 - 4..................-12.00
DATE W-L-T % UNITS RECORD
10/18/2017 8-10-0 44.44% -15.00
10/17/2017 3-1-0 75.00% +9.50
Totals:..............11 - 11......50.00%.....-5.50
Best Bets:
Date.................................ATS.......... .....Units.............Over/Under............Units
10/18/2017.......................2 - 2..............-1.00................1 - 4..................-17.00
10/17/2017.......................1 - 0..............+5.00...............1 - 0..................+5.00
Totals................................3 - 2..............+4.00...............2 - 4..................-12.00
NBA
Long Sheet
Thursday, October 19
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CHICAGO (0 - 0) at TORONTO (0 - 0) - 10/19/2017, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO is 257-313 ATS (-87.3 Units) in the first half of the season since 1996.
Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO is 7-0 against the spread versus TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO is 6-1 straight up against TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
6 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NEW YORK (0 - 0) at OKLAHOMA CITY (0 - 0) - 10/19/2017, 8:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
OKLAHOMA CITY is 2-2 against the spread versus NEW YORK over the last 3 seasons
OKLAHOMA CITY is 3-1 straight up against NEW YORK over the last 3 seasons
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LA CLIPPERS (0 - 0) at LA LAKERS (0 - 0) - 10/19/2017, 10:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
LA LAKERS is 5-3 against the spread versus LA CLIPPERS over the last 3 seasons
LA CLIPPERS is 7-1 straight up against LA LAKERS over the last 3 seasons
6 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up
Thursday, October 19
Not a lot to go on for the first 7-10 days, until these teams get some games under their belts. I’ll give you what relevant information I have:
Bulls won nine of last ten games with Toronto (10-0 vs spread), losing last meeting in OT. Over is 9-1 in last ten series games. Chicago won three of last four visits here, with wins by 2-2-13 points. This is the season opener for both clubs.
Carmelo Anthony sees his old team on Opening Night. Knicks lost six of last eight games with Oklahoma City- they’re 1-3 in last four visits here (1-3 vs spread), losing by 12-11-29 points. Under is 4-2 in last six series games. This is the season opener for both sides.
Clippers won nine of last ten games with the Lakers (under 8-2), though Lakers are 6-3 vs spread in last nine meetings. This is season opener for both teams.
NBA
Thursday, October 19
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Trend Report
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CHICAGO @ TORONTO
Chicago is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Toronto
Chicago is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Toronto
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Toronto's last 10 games when playing Chicago
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Toronto's last 6 games when playing at home against Chicago
NEW YORK @ OKLAHOMA CITY
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of New York's last 9 games
New York is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Oklahoma City is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games when playing at home against New York
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Oklahoma City's last 9 games
LA CLIPPERS @ LA LAKERS
LA Clippers is 14-1 SU in its last 15 games when playing LA Lakers
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of LA Clippers's last 11 games when playing LA Lakers
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of LA Lakers's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of LA Lakers's last 11 games when playing LA Clippers
Long Sheet
Thursday, October 19
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CHICAGO (0 - 0) at TORONTO (0 - 0) - 10/19/2017, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO is 257-313 ATS (-87.3 Units) in the first half of the season since 1996.
Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO is 7-0 against the spread versus TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO is 6-1 straight up against TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
6 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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NEW YORK (0 - 0) at OKLAHOMA CITY (0 - 0) - 10/19/2017, 8:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
OKLAHOMA CITY is 2-2 against the spread versus NEW YORK over the last 3 seasons
OKLAHOMA CITY is 3-1 straight up against NEW YORK over the last 3 seasons
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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LA CLIPPERS (0 - 0) at LA LAKERS (0 - 0) - 10/19/2017, 10:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
LA LAKERS is 5-3 against the spread versus LA CLIPPERS over the last 3 seasons
LA CLIPPERS is 7-1 straight up against LA LAKERS over the last 3 seasons
6 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up
Thursday, October 19
Not a lot to go on for the first 7-10 days, until these teams get some games under their belts. I’ll give you what relevant information I have:
Bulls won nine of last ten games with Toronto (10-0 vs spread), losing last meeting in OT. Over is 9-1 in last ten series games. Chicago won three of last four visits here, with wins by 2-2-13 points. This is the season opener for both clubs.
Carmelo Anthony sees his old team on Opening Night. Knicks lost six of last eight games with Oklahoma City- they’re 1-3 in last four visits here (1-3 vs spread), losing by 12-11-29 points. Under is 4-2 in last six series games. This is the season opener for both sides.
Clippers won nine of last ten games with the Lakers (under 8-2), though Lakers are 6-3 vs spread in last nine meetings. This is season opener for both teams.
NBA
Thursday, October 19
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Trend Report
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CHICAGO @ TORONTO
Chicago is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Toronto
Chicago is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Toronto
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Toronto's last 10 games when playing Chicago
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Toronto's last 6 games when playing at home against Chicago
NEW YORK @ OKLAHOMA CITY
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of New York's last 9 games
New York is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Oklahoma City is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games when playing at home against New York
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Oklahoma City's last 9 games
LA CLIPPERS @ LA LAKERS
LA Clippers is 14-1 SU in its last 15 games when playing LA Lakers
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of LA Clippers's last 11 games when playing LA Lakers
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of LA Lakers's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of LA Lakers's last 11 games when playing LA Clippers
