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

[CNOTES]

Preview: Knicks (18-19) at Spurs (31-6)
Date: January 08, 2016 8:30 PM EDT

Carmelo Anthony believes the New York Knicks are showing signs of going on a run, though their next matchup certainly doesn't inspire much confidence.


The San Antonio Spurs are not only on the verge of the best 38-game start in franchise history, but they're also blowing opponents out at an historic rate.


The Knicks will close their trip with a season high-tying fourth straight win Friday night if they can become the first visitor to win at San Antonio in nine months.


After sweeping a home-and-home against Atlanta, New York (18-19) continued its three-game road swing with a 98-90 win at Miami on Wednesday. Anthony led the way with 25 points on 9-of-12 shooting, while Robin Lopez added 19.


The Knicks have averaged 105.3 points on 50.8 percent shooting in the three victories to surpass last season's win total after 37 games. They had scored just 93.5 per game and shot 44.2 percent while dropping five of their previous six.


New York's 55.7 shooting percentage was the best by any team against the Heat, who came into the game second in the NBA with a 42.5 defensive percentage.


The Knicks have won four in a row on two other occasions, most recently Dec. 12-19.


"These past three games we've shown something," Anthony said. "When we play the way we should be playing, we can beat any team that's out there. We're showing that in these past couple of games. We just got to keep that up."


New York will have to be at its best to keep it going against the Spurs, who rolled to a 123-98 victory over Utah on Wednesday. They've won a franchise-record 30 straight regular-season home games since a 128-125 overtime loss to Cleveland on March 12.


"They're always one of the best teams in the NBA," Anthony said. "We've got to go in there with the same mentality... It's gonna be tough, but we feel like we can do it."


San Antonio's 21-0 start at AT&T Center is the second best at home by a Western Conference team. The club's 31-6 record is tied for the best in franchise history after 37 games and its plus-526 scoring margin is the best in league history.


Tim Duncan led eight players in double figures Wednesday with a season-high 18 points to go with eight rebounds and six assists. David West had season highs with 14 points and 13 boards while filling in for the resting LaMarcus Aldridge.


Tony Parker also missed his second straight game because of a sore right hip.


"We're going through the process of trying to get better every game," West said. "Continue to protect our home court and continue to focus on our defense. Regardless of who plays, we're trying to make sure that we attempt to make it perfect. Even though perfection is not a possibility, we're still looking to achieve it."


The Spurs easily lead the NBA with an 89.5 defensive field-goal percentage and they've averaged 118.7 points on 56.5 percent shooting in their last three games.


They held New York to 36 percent shooting in a 94-84 win at Madison Square Garden on Nov. 2. Aldridge had 19 points and Kawhi Leonard scored 18 with 14 boards.


Leonard, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, also held Anthony to 19 points on just 4-of-17 shooting. Arron Afflalo did not play due to a strained left hamstring.


The Knicks had won two straight at San Antonio before a 109-95 loss Dec. 10, 2014.

 

[CNOTES]

Preview: Heat (21-14) at Suns (13-25)
Date: January 08, 2016 9:30 PM EDT

Management and players for the Phoenix Suns seem to have made clear what they think of Goran Dragic. Now it's the fans' turn.


Dragic plays his first game in Phoenix since his unpleasant departure and will try to help the Miami Heat beat the Suns for an 11th straight time Friday night.


This may be a contentious affair after the first meeting following Dragic's trade to Miami included six technical fouls, three ejections and two altercations. Dragic played through back spasms and committed five fouls in less than 15 minutes but had 21 points in a 115-98 home victory March 2 which the point guard said afterward "means a lot."


That came less than two weeks after Dragic was shipped to Miami in a three-team deal. He had previously asked for a trade, unhappy with the direction of the Suns and getting fewer touches after the addition of Eric Bledsoe.


What further angered Phoenix brass was Dragic telling reporters, "I don't trust them anymore." Team president Lon Babby said the remarks were "unfair and I think unwarranted," and Dragic surely drew his ire again this week by reportedly saying the Suns tinker with their roster too much and are "always changing something."


At least one Phoenix player showed his distaste for Dragic in the last meeting. Markieff Morris was ejected early in the third for a flagrant-2 after shoving Dragic in the back on a fast break, resulting in a hard fall. Shortly thereafter, Heat center Hassan Whiteside and Suns big man Alex Len were tossed after a scuffle under the basket.


Whiteside's 17 points and 10 rebounds in 25 minutes keyed Miami's 10th straight win in the series, a run dating to Nov. 3, 2009, during Dragic's first stint with the Suns. The Heat's seven-game streak in Phoenix since January 2007 pre-dates Dragic's career.


Joining Miami hasn't led to Dragic rediscovering the superior form he displayed in 2013-14 when he made the All-NBA third-team after averaging 20.3 points. He's at 11.9 this season, shooting a career-worst 29.3 percent from 3-point range, and hasn't had 10 assists since March despite averaging 32.4 minutes - second on the team to Chris Bosh.


Bosh's strong play has lifted Miami (21-14) into the Southeast Division lead, and he's averaging 24.7 points in the last 10 games.


The Heat had won three straight and nine of 13 before a 98-90 home loss to New York on Wednesday. Bosh had 28 points but was 1 of 4 from 3-point range and Miami finished 2 of 17, though he was more concerned about the Knicks hitting 55.7 percent from the field - the highest by a Heat opponent this season. The previous three were held below 40.


"We're not good enough to just come in and show up," Bosh said. "We really have to get to our identity, play the way we're supposed to play. You give up 50-plus percent, good things are not gonna happen.


"... We've gotta get stops, that's what it's about. It's not about 3-point shooting."


A season-high 19 3-pointers keyed Phoenix (13-25) halting a nine-game skid Wednesday with a 111-102 win over Charlotte.


It was some much-needed relief for a Suns team which had been mired in its longest losing streak in nearly two years, during which Bledsoe (knee) was lost for the season, Morris was suspended two games for throwing a towel at coach Jeff Hornacek and two assistants were fired.


"Just get a win," said Hornacek, who became the eighth Suns coach to record 100 victories. "It's been a rough stretch for us."

 

[CNOTES]

Preview: Warriors (33-2) at Trail Blazers (15-23)
Date: January 08, 2016 10:00 PM EDT

The Portland Trail Blazers are back at full strength following an embarrassing blunder that cost them their second-leading scorer last time out.


They'll need all hands on deck for a chance to take down the potent Golden State Warriors, who'll have their best player in the lineup as they resume their road trip Friday night.


Portland (15-23) was unintentionally short-handed for Wednesday's game with the Los Angeles Clippers after C.J. McCollum was inadvertently left off the pregame active sheet submitted to the officials. With the standout guard ineligible, the Trail Blazers couldn't keep up with one of the league's hottest teams in a 109-98 loss that opened a five-game homestand.


Coach Terry Stotts took responsibility for the snafu afterward.


'I signed the paper without really noticing it, but it's my fault for not looking at it," he said. "Although we caught the error, we thought we'd caught it in time, apparently we did not, so C.J. was ruled inactive, and that's that.'


McCollum, averaging a career-high 21.0 points per game this season and 27.4 over his last five, will be available when Portland takes on a Warriors team that tops the NBA at 113.7 points per game.


Golden State (33-2) has remained hard to stop even with Stephen Curry dealing with a nagging left leg bruise that sidelined the reigning league MVP for two games and limited him for another last week. He still managed 30 points in Monday's 111-101 victory over Charlotte and was able to rest the entire fourth quarter during Tuesday's 109-88 rout of the Los Angeles Lakers, the Warriors' fourth consecutive win.


'Long-term, it's not something I have to worry about. It's just playing through an injury that's there," he said. "It doesn't get worse if I play on it unless I get kicked, and it's happened three times since I did it.


"It is what it is, and we'll just keep treating it and keep playing."


The Warriors have withstood Curry's injury behind big performances from Draymond Green and Klay Thompson, who's averaging 32.5 points over a four-game stretch and had 36 while going 6 of 13 from 3-point range against the Lakers.


"I was just getting open shots running the break, running off screens, and just having no hesitation about it, just letting it fly," Thompson said.


Green had recorded three consecutive triple-doubles prior to Tuesday's win. The versatile forward is averaging 18.3 points, 11.5 rebounds and 8.1 assists through his last 12 games.


Curry and Thompson comprise the NBA's highest scoring starting backcourt at 50.2 points per game, five more than Portland's duo of McCollum and Damian Lillard. Lillard had 20 points Wednesday in his second game back after missing seven with plantar fasciitis, but he's shot just 28.2 percent since returning.


Curry averaged 33.0 points and went 14 of 27 on 3-pointers as the Warriors won all three meetings with Portland last season. He had 33 and 10 assists as Golden State survived Lillard's 29 points in a 122-108 victory at the Moda Center on March 24.


The Warriors have won four of five in Portland and eight of the last 10 matchups overall.

 

[CNOTES]

NBA ATS


NBA > (863) NEW YORK@ (864) SAN ANTONIO | 2016-01-08 20:35:00 - 2016-01-08 20:35:00
Play ON SAN ANTONIO against the spread in All games when playing against a team with a losing record
The record is 16 Wins and 3 Losses for the this season (+12.7 units)


NBA > (857) CLEVELAND@ (858) MINNESOTA | 2016-01-08 20:05:00 - 2016-01-08 20:05:00
Play AGAINST MINNESOTA against the spread in All games in home games
The record is 3 Wins and 15 Losses for the this season (-13.5 units)


NBA > (863) NEW YORK@ (864) SAN ANTONIO | 2016-01-08 20:35:00 - 2016-01-08 20:35:00
Play ON SAN ANTONIO against the spread in all games
The record is 26 Wins and 11 Losses for the this season (+13.9 units)


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NBA MONEYLINE


NBA > (865) MIAMI@ (866) PHOENIX | 2016-01-08 21:35:00 - 2016-01-08 21:35:00
Play AGAINST PHOENIX using money line in Home games in non-conference games
The record is 9 Wins and 12 Losses for the last two seasons (-27.3 units)


NBA > (861) DENVER@ (862) MEMPHIS | 2016-01-08 20:05:00 - 2016-01-08 20:05:00
Play AGAINST DENVER using money line in All games after scoring 85 points or less
The record is 3 Wins and 17 Losses for the last three seasons (-19 units)

NBA > (865) MIAMI@ (866) PHOENIX | 2016-01-08 21:35:00 - 2016-01-08 21:35:00
Play AGAINST PHOENIX using money line in All games in all games
The record is 13 Wins and 23 Losses for the this season (-26.3 units)


NBA > (859) DALLAS@ (860) MILWAUKEE | 2016-01-08 20:05:00 - 2016-01-08 20:05:00
Play ON DALLAS using money line in Road games when playing against a team with a losing record
The record is 34 Wins and 10 Losses for the last three seasons (+24.5 units)

NBA > (861) DENVER@ (862) MEMPHIS | 2016-01-08 20:05:00 - 2016-01-08 20:05:00
Play ON MEMPHIS using money line in All games when playing against a team with a losing record
The record is 13 Wins and 2 Losses for the this season (+11.35 units)


NBA > (869) OKLAHOMA CITY@ (870) LA LAKERS | 2016-01-08 22:35:00 - 2016-01-08 22:35:00
Play AGAINST LA LAKERS using money line in Home games against Northwest division opponents
The record is 1 Wins and 11 Losses for the last two seasons (-12.8 units)


NBA > (855) INDIANA@ (856) NEW ORLEANS | 2016-01-08 20:05:00 - 2016-01-08 20:05:00
Play AGAINST NEW ORLEANS using money line in All games after 3 or more consecutive unders
The record is 5 Wins and 15 Losses for the last three seasons (-18.9 units)


NBA > (855) INDIANA@ (856) NEW ORLEANS | 2016-01-08 20:05:00 - 2016-01-08 20:05:00
Play ON NEW ORLEANS using money line in Home games on Friday nights
The record is 12 Wins and 2 Losses for the last two seasons (+12.25 units)


NBA > (859) DALLAS@ (860) MILWAUKEE | 2016-01-08 20:05:00 - 2016-01-08 20:05:00
Play ON DALLAS using money line in Road games in non-conference games
The record is 18 Wins and 5 Losses for the last two seasons (+14.25 units)


NBA > (851) TORONTO@ (852) WASHINGTON | 2016-01-08 19:05:00 - 2016-01-08 19:05:00
Play ON WASHINGTON using money line in All games after playing 3 consecutive home games
The record is 9 Wins and 1 Losses for the last two seasons (+10.9 units)


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

NBA FIRST HALF


NBA > (867) GOLDEN STATE@ (868) PORTLAND | 2016-01-08 22:05:00 - 2016-01-08 22:05:00
Play AGAINST PORTLAND ?>in the first halfin Home games in January games
The record is 0 Wins and 10 Losses for the last two seasons (-11 units)


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


NBA TOTALS


NBA > (853) ORLANDO@ (854) BROOKLYN | 2016-01-08 19:35:00 - 2016-01-08 19:35:00
Play UNDER ORLANDO on the totalin All games when playing against a team with a losing record
The record is 2 Overs and 15 Unders for the this season (+12.8 units)


NBA > (865) MIAMI@ (866) PHOENIX | 2016-01-08 21:35:00 - 2016-01-08 21:35:00
Play UNDER MIAMI on the totalin Road games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game
The record is 5 Overs and 23 Unders for the last two seasons (+17.5 units)


NBA > (863) NEW YORK@ (864) SAN ANTONIO | 2016-01-08 20:35:00 - 2016-01-08 20:35:00
Play UNDER SAN ANTONIO on the totalin All games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game
The record is 25 Overs and 58 Unders for the last two seasons (+30.5 units)


NBA > (865) MIAMI@ (866) PHOENIX | 2016-01-08 21:35:00 - 2016-01-08 21:35:00
Play UNDER MIAMI on the totalin All games in January games
The record is 2 Overs and 15 Unders for the last two seasons (+12.8 units)


NBA > (855) INDIANA@ (856) NEW ORLEANS | 2016-01-08 20:05:00 - 2016-01-08 20:05:00
Play UNDER NEW ORLEANS on the totalin All games off a upset loss as a favorite
The record is 3 Overs and 17 Unders for the last two seasons (+13.7 units)

NBA > (853) ORLANDO@ (854) BROOKLYN | 2016-01-08 19:35:00 - 2016-01-08 19:35:00
Play UNDER ORLANDO on the totalin Road games on Friday nights
The record is 0 Overs and 10 Unders for the last two seasons (+10 units)

NBA > (863) NEW YORK@ (864) SAN ANTONIO | 2016-01-08 20:35:00 - 2016-01-08 20:35:00
Play UNDER SAN ANTONIO on the totalin All games after 3 or more consecutive wins
The record is 24 Overs and 56 Unders for the last three seasons (+29.6 units)


NBA > (859) DALLAS@ (860) MILWAUKEE | 2016-01-08 20:05:00 - 2016-01-08 20:05:00
Play OVER MILWAUKEE on the totalin Home games after a division game
The record is 19 Overs and 4 Unders for the last three seasons (+14.6 units)


NBA > (861) DENVER@ (862) MEMPHIS | 2016-01-08 20:05:00 - 2016-01-08 20:05:00
Play UNDER MEMPHIS on the totalin All games in January games
The record is 8 Overs and 26 Unders for the last three seasons (+17.2 units)


NBA > (869) OKLAHOMA CITY@ (870) LA LAKERS | 2016-01-08 22:35:00 - 2016-01-08 22:35:00
Play UNDER LA LAKERS on the totalin All games on Friday nights
The record is 6 Overs and 20 Unders for the last two seasons (+13.4 units)

 

[CNOTES]

Armadillo: Friday's six-pack


-- SMU 59, Cincinnati 57-- Mustangs stay unbeaten, outscoring Cincy 11-2 over last 3:30.


-- Why are Lakers on national TV last night and tonight? They're awful.


-- Ole Miss 74, Alabama 66-- Rebels opened up their brand-new arena.


-- SF Giants signed OF Denard Span for three years, $31M.


-- UCLA 87, Arizona 84-- Bruins blew 13-point lead in last 5:00, won it late.


-- Luke Walton was named after Maurice Lucas, Bill Walton's teammate with the great Trailblazer teams in Portland.


**********


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


13) One college basketball rule that should be changed to increase scoring: when a TV timeout is due and a foul is committed, the TV commercials happen before the foul shots are taken, which makes them harder to make, especially late in a close game. No way to prove this, but I'm telling you more foul shots would be made if the foul shots were taken before the TV commercials, the way they used to be.


12) Your Powerball jackpot is $675M. Good luck to everyone. What would you do if you won that much money?


11) Supposedly the Buccaneers fired Lovie Smith because they do not want to lose OC Dirk Koetter, who worked very well with rookie QB Jameis Winston this year. Smith had six OC's in his 11 years as a head coach; word is Bucs' front office did not have faith in him to find another reliable OC to work with their franchise QB. That is an indication that Koetter could be the Bucs' new HC.


10) Mike Piazza is the first catcher elected to the Hall of Fame since Gary Carter was elected in 2003.


9) 49ers fired coach Jim Tomsula after only one season, which seems unfair, then you realize the guy gets $14M to go away and you stop feeling sorry for him. He can go be an assistant coach somewhere, or try for a TV job or just buy a really nice couch and lay on it for the rest of his life- he's set for life financially.


8) George Karl's son Coby is an assistant coach with Knicks' D-League team in Westchester. He played ball at Boise State, is working his way up the coaching ladder.


7) Six of the ten basketball coaches in the Big X have coached in a Final Four.


6) Not only does Nick Saban make around $7M/year as football coach at Alabama, he is part-owner of a Mercedes dealership in the Tuscaloosa area. So every time one of the rich boosters buys a fancy new car, he's lining coach Saban's pockets even more.


5) Sign of the Times: A daytime show on ESPN this week was discussing betting props for the Clemson-Alabama game Monday night. Interesting stuff; I'm sure the casinos are treating this game like a mini version of the Super Bowl.


4) In his great pitching career, one that will end up in the Hall of Fame eventually, Trevor Hoffman threw to 41 different catchers, first of which was Kevin Higgins, who is now an assistant coach at UNLV. Higgins played in 71 big league games, 26 as a catcher-- pretty good claim to fame, the first catcher for a future Hall of Famer.


3) Rockets are 11-4 if James Harden scores 30+ points, 7-15 when he does not.


2) 1.1 million people entered Germany just last year, looking for asylum from other countries; what the hell do you do with 1.1 million extra people?


1) Every HS/college basketball player should've watched D-League showcase on NBA.TV this week-- there are 19 teams in the D-League, thats roughly 190 guys that are really good basketball players who can't make an NBA roster. Should make guys who are marginal prospects think twice about leaving school early-- it iis really, really hard to make an NBA roster. Maximize your skillset before you go for the money.

 

[CNOTES]

NBA
Dunkel

Friday, January 8

Miami @ Phoenix

Game 865-866
January 8, 2016 @ 9:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Miami
121.156
Phoenix
112.597
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Miami
by 8 1/2
192
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Miami
by 4 1/2
197 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Miami
(-4 1/2); Under

Golden State @ Portland

Game 867-868
January 8, 2016 @ 10:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Golden State
124.889
Portland
117.894
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Golden State
by 7
210
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Golden State
by 9 1/2
214
Dunkel Pick:
Portland
(+9 1/2); Under

Oklahoma City @ LA Lakers

Game 869-870
January 8, 2016 @ 10:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Oklahoma City
122.523
LA Lakers
116.084
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Oklahoma City
by 6 1/2
204
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Oklahoma City
by 14
208 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
LA Lakers
(+14); Under

Toronto @ Washington

Game 851-852
January 8, 2016 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Toronto
118.752
Washington
120.240
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Washington
by 1 1/2
197
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Toronto
by 1 1/2
202
Dunkel Pick:
Washington
(+1 1/2); Under

Orlando @ Brooklyn

Game 853-854
January 8, 2016 @ 7:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Orlando
113.786
Brooklyn
117.260
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Brooklyn
by 3 1/2
195
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Brooklyn
No Line
N/A
Dunkel Pick:
Brooklyn
N/A

Indiana @ New Orleans

Game 855-856
January 8, 2016 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Indiana
120.843
New Orleans
116.317
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Indiana
by 4 1/2
211
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Indiana
by 2
206
Dunkel Pick:
Indiana
(-2); Over

Cleveland @ Minnesota

Game 857-858
January 8, 2016 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Cleveland
124.039
Minnesota
110.115
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Cleveland
by 14
200
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Cleveland
by 10
195
Dunkel Pick:
Cleveland
(-10); Over

Dallas @ Milwaukee

Game 859-860
January 8, 2016 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Dallas
116.747
Milwaukee
118.605
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Milwaukee
by 2
207
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Dallas
by 1
201 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Milwaukee
(+1); Over

Denver @ Memphis

Game 861-862
January 8, 2016 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Denver
113.556
Memphis
118.659
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Memphis
by 5
200
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Memphis
No Line
N/A
Dunkel Pick:
Memphis
N/A

New York @ San Antonio

Game 863-864
January 8, 2016 @ 8:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
New York
120.783
San Antonio
137.339
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
San Antonio
by 16 1/2
190
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
San Antonio
No Line
N/A
Dunkel Pick:
San Antonio
N/A

 

[CNOTES]

NBA
Long Sheet

Friday, January 8

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TORONTO (22 - 15) at WASHINGTON (15 - 18) - 1/8/2016, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 15-26 ATS (-13.6 Units) after a win by 10 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 54-78 ATS (-31.8 Units) as a home underdog of 3 points or less since 1996.
WASHINGTON is 352-421 ATS (-111.1 Units) in home games since 1996.
WASHINGTON is 134-176 ATS (-59.6 Units) on Friday nights since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 8-5 against the spread versus TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
TORONTO is 8-5 straight up against WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
8 of 13 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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ORLANDO (19 - 17) at BROOKLYN (10 - 25) - 1/8/2016, 7:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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INDIANA (20 - 15) at NEW ORLEANS (11 - 23) - 1/8/2016, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
INDIANA is 201-145 ATS (+41.5 Units) on Friday nights since 1996.
INDIANA is 15-5 ATS (+9.5 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
INDIANA is 4-0 against the spread versus NEW ORLEANS over the last 3 seasons
INDIANA is 4-0 straight up against NEW ORLEANS 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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CLEVELAND (24 - 9) at MINNESOTA (12 - 24) - 1/8/2016, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CLEVELAND is 9-21 ATS (-14.1 Units) in road games after allowing 105 points or more over the last 3 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 3-12 ATS (-10.2 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
MINNESOTA is 48-67 ATS (-25.7 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 3-15 ATS (-13.5 Units) in home games this season.
MINNESOTA is 5-15 ATS (-11.5 Units) after a division game over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 18-30 ATS (-15.0 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 42-60 ATS (-24.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 2-2 against the spread versus CLEVELAND over the last 3 seasons
CLEVELAND is 3-1 straight up against MINNESOTA 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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DALLAS (21 - 15) at MILWAUKEE (14 - 23) - 1/8/2016, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DALLAS is 72-48 ATS (+19.2 Units) as a road underdog of 3 points or less since 1996.
DALLAS is 451-372 ATS (+41.8 Units) in road games since 1996.
DALLAS is 83-55 ATS (+22.5 Units) in a road game where where the total is between 200 and 204.5 points since 1996.
DALLAS is 154-119 ATS (+23.1 Units) in road games in non-conference games since 1996.
DALLAS is 29-16 ATS (+11.4 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 45-69 ATS (-30.9 Units) in a home game where where the total is between 200 and 204.5 points since 1996.
MILWAUKEE is 231-287 ATS (-84.7 Units) in non-conference games since 1996.
MILWAUKEE is 9-20 ATS (-13.0 Units) in home games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.

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

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

DENVER (13 - 23) at MEMPHIS (19 - 18) - 1/8/2016, 8:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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

NEW YORK (18 - 19) at SAN ANTONIO (31 - 6) - 1/8/2016, 8:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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

MIAMI (21 - 14) at PHOENIX (13 - 25) - 1/8/2016, 9:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MIAMI is 139-106 ATS (+22.4 Units) in road games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
MIAMI is 4-0 against the spread versus PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
MIAMI is 4-0 straight up against PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

GOLDEN STATE (33 - 2) at PORTLAND (15 - 23) - 1/8/2016, 10:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
GOLDEN STATE is 78-55 ATS (+17.5 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 39-25 ATS (+11.5 Units) when the total is greater than or equal to 210 over the last 2 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 72-49 ATS (+18.1 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 19-7 ATS (+11.3 Units) when playing with 2 days rest over the last 3 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 45-27 ATS (+15.3 Units) after a win by 10 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 48-30 ATS (+15.0 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.

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

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

OKLAHOMA CITY (25 - 11) at LA LAKERS (8 - 28) - 1/8/2016, 10:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LA LAKERS are 2-11 ATS (-10.1 Units) in home games against Northwest division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
LA LAKERS are 27-40 ATS (-17.0 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
OKLAHOMA CITY is 6-3 against the spread versus LA LAKERS over the last 3 seasons
OKLAHOMA CITY is 8-1 straight up against LA LAKERS over the last 3 seasons
6 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

 

[CNOTES]

NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up

Friday, January 8

Hot teams
-- Toronto is 5-3 in its last eight games (5-6AF).
-- Cavaliers won their last five games (3-9-1AF).
-- Dallas won six of its last eight games (3-2AF).
-- Knicks won four of their last five games (11-7AU). Spurs won their last six games (5-1 vs spread).
-- Miami won three of its last four games (3-2AF).
-- Warriors won nine of last ten games (4-5 vs spread in last nine).
-- Thunder won five of last six games (4-1 last five AF). Lakers are 3-2 in their last five games (4-6HU).

Cold teams
-- Washington lost four of its last five games (6-2HU).
-- Orlando lost its last four games (3-0AF). Brooklyn lost five of its last seven games (1-6 last seven HU).
-- Pelicans lost three of last four games (3-1 last four HU). Indiana is 4-6 in its last ten games (4-4AF).
-- Minnesota lost eight of its last nine games (2-8-1HU).
-- Milwaukee lost five of its last seven games (1-3 last four HU).
-- Denver lost six of its last seven games (7-3 last ten AU). Memphis lost four of its last seven games (3-0 last three HF).
-- Phoenix lost nine of last ten games (3-1HU).
-- Portland lost three of its last four games (4-4HU).

Series records
-- Raptors won last two games with Washington by 2-3 points.
-- Magic won last two games with Brooklyn by 7-23 points.
-- Pelicans lost their last eight games with Indiana.
-- Cavaliers won three of last four games with Minnesota, which is 6-3 vs spread in last nine series games.
-- Mavericks won their last six games with Milwaukee.
-- Grizzlies won four of last five games with Denver.
-- Knicks are 4-3 in last seven games with San Antonio
-- Heat won last ten games with Phoenix (9-1 vs spread).
-- Warriors won eight of last ten games with Portland.
-- Lakers lost last six games with Oklahoma City (1-5 vs spread).

Totals
-- Six of last eight Toronto games went over total.
-- Five of last six Orlando games stayed under total.
-- Five of last six New Orleans games stayed under total.
-- Seven of last nine Cleveland games stayed under.
-- Five of last six Dallas games stayed under total.
-- Last five Denver-Memphis games stayed under.
-- Four of last five San Antonio games went over.
-- Six of last eight Phoenix-Miami games stayed under.
-- Four of last five Golden State-Portland games went over.
-- Five of last six Thunder games went over the total.

Back/backs
-- Lakers are 5-3 vs spread if they played night before.

 

[CNOTES]

NBA

Friday, January 8

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

7:00 PM
TORONTO vs. WASHINGTON
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Toronto's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Toronto's last 8 games
Washington is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Toronto
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Washington's last 6 games at home

7:30 PM
ORLANDO vs. BROOKLYN
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Orlando's last 14 games when playing Brooklyn
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Orlando's last 6 games
Brooklyn is 3-10 SU in its last 13 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Brooklyn's last 5 games

8:00 PM
DENVER vs. MEMPHIS
Denver is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Denver's last 5 games when playing Memphis
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Memphis's last 6 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Memphis's last 5 games when playing Denver

8:00 PM
DALLAS vs. MILWAUKEE
The total has gone OVER in 17 of Dallas's last 23 games when playing Milwaukee
Dallas is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Milwaukee
The total has gone OVER in 17 of Milwaukee's last 23 games when playing Dallas
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Milwaukee's last 5 games at home

8:00 PM
INDIANA vs. NEW ORLEANS
The total has gone UNDER in 18 of Indiana's last 24 games when playing on the road against New Orleans
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Indiana's last 5 games when playing New Orleans
The total has gone OVER in 4 of New Orleans's last 6 games when playing at home against Indiana
The total has gone UNDER in 18 of New Orleans's last 24 games when playing at home against Indiana

8:00 PM
CLEVELAND vs. MINNESOTA
Cleveland is 1-3-1 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Cleveland's last 8 games when playing Minnesota
Minnesota is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games
Minnesota is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games at home

8:30 PM
NEW YORK vs. SAN ANTONIO
New York is 4-9 SU in its last 13 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of New York's last 5 games when playing San Antonio
The total has gone OVER in 4 of San Antonio's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of San Antonio's last 5 games when playing New York

9:30 PM
MIAMI vs. PHOENIX
Miami is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Phoenix
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Miami's last 12 games on the road
Phoenix is 1-9 SU in its last 10 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Phoenix's last 5 games when playing Miami

10:00 PM
GOLDEN STATE vs. PORTLAND
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Golden State's last 6 games when playing on the road against Portland
Golden State is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Portland
Portland is 4-8 SU in its last 12 games
Portland is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Golden State

10:30 PM
OKLAHOMA CITY vs. LA LAKERS
Oklahoma City is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Oklahoma City's last 5 games on the road
LA Lakers are 0-5 SU in their last 5 games when playing Oklahoma City
LA Lakers are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games when playing Oklahoma City

 

[CNOTES]

Friday's Top Action
January 8, 2016


CLEVELAND CAVALIERS (24-9) at MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES (12-24)


Tip-off: Friday, 8:05 p.m. ET
Sportsbook.ag Line: Cleveland -9.5


The Timberwolves will be hoping to avoid a five-game losing streak when they host the Cavaliers on Friday.


The Cavaliers faced the Wizards in Washington on Wednesday and came away with a 121-115 victory as 7.5-point road favorites. Cleveland has now won five straight games and 11 of its past 13 as well. The team has been scorching hot over the past two contests, shooting 55.4% from the field against the Raptors and 53.9% last game against the Wizards. The Timberwolves, meanwhile, have shot less than 40% in two of their past three games. They have dropped four straight contests and eight of their past nine after Wednesday’s 78-74 loss at home against the Nuggets.


Cleveland has gotten the better of Minnesota over the past few years, winning three of the past four meetings between the teams SU. The Cavaliers covered in the most recent two games, but they are just 1-2 SU and ATS in their past three games in Minnesota. One trend that really pops out when looking at this game is the fact that the Cavaliers are just 3-9-1 ATS when playing as a road favorite this season. The Timberwolves may not be able to take advantage of that, though, as they are just 2-7-1 ATS as a home underdog on the year. Both teams will be playing this game at close to full strength.


The Cavaliers are at full strength now and the team is really starting to play some excellent basketball. SF LeBron James (25.8 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 5.9 APG, 1.5 SPG) has been at the forefront of that, and he is coming off of a 34-point performance against the Wizards. James is shooting 55.3% from the field and 42.3% from the outside over the past five games and is going to be coming into this meeting with the Timberwolves with a ton of confidence. Minnesota has no match for James, so he will be aggressive going to the basket and will also create a ton of space for his teammates to operate.


One huge plus for Cleveland has been that PG Kyrie Irving (17.4 PPG, 4.0 APG) is no longer feeling the effects of his knee injury. Irving is averaging 28.5 PPG over the past two contests and has been incredibly efficient in doing so. Irving made 24-of-38 shots over the past two games and will need to continue to play well for the Cavaliers moving forward. The team will, however, need to get PF Kevin Love (16.2 PPG, 10.6 RPG) more involved. He has taken just 10.6 shots per game over the past five contests and the Cavs must find a way to get all three of their superstars involved offensively.


The Timberwolves have really struggled recently and the team is going to need to start playing better soon or there could be some roster changes coming in the near future. The success of Minnesota comes down to the play of young stars PF Karl-Anthony Towns (15.9 PPG, 9.5 RPG, 1.9 BPG) and SF Andrew Wiggins (20.1 PPG). Towns is coming off of a 14-point, 14-rebound and two-block performance against the Nuggets on Wednesday. He will likely be matched up with Kevin Love in this one and that would bode well for him. Love is not a great defender and Towns will have the pleasure of going after the guy that the crowd will likely be booing all evening.


Wiggins, however, has really struggled recently. The forward is averaging just 16.8 PPG over the past five contests and has been miserable shooting the ball in those contests. He’s hitting just 38.2% of his shots in that span and must start to play more efficient basketball beginning on Friday.

 

[CNOTES]

Friday's NBA Tip Sheet
January 8, 2016


Raptors (-1.5, 202) at Wizards – 7:05 ET


Washington is getting healthier, but still doesn’t have shooting guard Bradley Beal back and likely won’t until next week. Nene returned and looked spry, while Gary Neal and Alan Anderson have also made it back from nagging ailments. The Wizards have dropped two straight and continue to bring up the rear in the Southeast Division, but head coach Randy Wittman remains employed despite his team’s underachieving.


Washington is 8-10 at the Verizon Center and faces a Raptors squad that won in D.C. on Nov. 28 (84-82) and also held serve at home on Dec. 30 (94-91). An 11-9 mark away from Toronto makes it one of only four Eastern Conference teams (Cleveland, Atlanta, Boston) that own a winning record in road games.


The Raptors will be playing the middle game of a five-game road trip that has seen them start 1-1, losing in Cleveland while winning in Brooklyn on Wednesday. Kyle Lowry has shot just 35.5 percent against Washington thus far this season, averaging 19.0 points and just 4.5 assists in the two games. John Wall is shooting just 29 percent in the two losses to the Raps, averaging 18.5 points and eight assists. Toronto SF DeMarre Carroll is out after having his knee scoped earlier this week.


Pacers (-2, 206) at Pelicans – 8:05 ET


Even though no one is running away with the No. 8 seed in the West, the slumping Pelicans are running out of time to even place themselves in that fight, currently running 14th among the 15 teams in the conference. VI expert Kevin Rogers points out Indiana has played well of late in the favorite role by covering four of their last five when laying points, including wins over the Magic and Wolves.


“The Pacers had lost seven of their previous eight road games prior to Wednesday’s victory at Orlando,” said Rogers. “The Pelicans fell flat against a Mavericks’ squad that sat four starters in Wednesday’s home loss. New Orleans has split six games as a home underdog, but the Pelicans have pulled off upsets at Smoothie King Center against Cleveland and San Antonio.”


New Orleans is off to California for three games after this one, so it’s important they get this one. Anthony Davis is averaging 28.5 points and 13 rebounds this month.


Cavaliers (-10, 195.5) at Timberwolves – 8:05 ET, ESPN


As Mike Krzyzewski texts in that ESPN commercial, Kyrie Irving, the x-factor, is back. Although the Cavs lost to Golden State on Christmas Day, they’re 6-1 in games he’s participated in since his return from injury. He scored a season-high 32 points on 14-for-22 shooting at Washington on Wednesday and opened the week with 25 points and eight assists against the Raptors. This will be the second of Cleveland’s stops on a six-game road trip that continues in Philadelphia on Sunday but intensifies next week with a run through the Texas triangle.


“The Cavaliers are on fire right now by winning five straight, but have posted a 0-3-1 ATS mark in its last four as a road favorite,” said Rogers. “The Wolves have been a horrible team to back at the Target Center, going 5-14 SU and 3-15-1 ATS at home. Minnesota has been limited to 88 points or less in each of its last four home defeats, while getting blown out in their last two home ‘dog opportunities against Indiana and San Antonio.”


Minnesota hasn’t beaten a team with a winning record since Nov. 25 and has dropped consecutive games to Cleveland, last winning at home on Nov. 13, 2013.


Knicks at Spurs (-14, 194.5) – 8:35 ET


New York has a chance to get back to .500 for the first time since Dec. 19, having won three straight and looking to match a season-long winning streak with a road upset of San Antonio. As far-fetched as it sounds, the Knicks have actually won in two of their last three visits to the AT&T Center, where the Spurs currently haven’t lost this season, opening 21-0. San Antonio’s last regular-season loss came against Cleveland on March 12 of last year. In all, they’ve won 30 straight and 36 of 37.


Tony Parker sat due to a nagging hip injury, but will probably play. LaMarcus Aldridge will be out there after his first day off since before Thanksgiving, so this will be a fresh Spurs team that New York will be trying to upset. The Knicks fell at home 94-84 against the Spurs on Nov. 2 as Carmelo Anthony was held to 4-for-17 shooting. Rookie Kristaps Porzingis scored 13 points, grabbed 14 boards and dunked on Aldridge, so there will be no sleeping on the young Latvian’s ability. The Knicks are a respectable 9-11 on the road straight up, but are an excellent 13-7 ATS in opposing arenas.


Warriors (-9.5, 214) at Trail Blazers – 10:05 ET


The beat goes on for the league’s best team, which saw Stephen Curry make it through a full practice on Thursday and plans for him to be available for this visit to Portland. At 33-2, you can understand why the Warriors would be close to a double-digit favorite against a sub-.500 team, but keep in mind that they have lost two of their last four road games. VI’s Rogers takes a closer look at the matchup.


“The Warriors swept the three-game season series in 2014-15, as these two teams meet up for the first time this season,” said Rogers. “The Blazers look for their first win on this current five-game homestand, having lost to the Grizzlies and Clippers by double-digits each. Golden State has taken care of business as a road favorite, by posting an 11-4-1 ATS mark when Curry is in the lineup.”


Portland will have a rested C.J. McCollum since he took Wednesday night’s loss to the Clippers off due to a clerical error on the lineup card. With Damian Lillard also back in the lineup after a lengthy absence, the Blazers will have guards with fresh legs to try and take down the Warriors. Al-Farouq Aminu’s length and versatility should provide a challenge for Draymond Green, who had his streak of three consecutive triple-doubles snapped in Tuesday’s loss to the Lakers. Over the last four, Green has posted averages of 15.2 points 13.8 rebounds and 11.2 assists.


Thunder (-13.5, 208.5) at Lakers – 10:35 ET, ESPN


After being honored by UCLA on Thursday night, Russell Westbrook will look to continue shining in front of the locals as he leads OKC back into Staples. The Thunder have already beaten the Lakers twice this season, sweeping two games by a combined margin of 75 points. They’ve won the last six games against the Lakers, winning four by double-digits. Since the 2012-13 season, L.A. has beaten the Thunder only twice in 13 contests. The Lakers will be playing on the second night of a back-to-back after last night’s loss in Sacramento. L.A. is 1-7 SU on the second night of a back-to-back.


Kobe Bryant played 30 minutes and scored 28 points on 10-for-18 shooting in his return from a three-game absence due to a shoulder injury. He’s expected to play after crossing the 33,0

 

[CNOTES]

FRIDAY, JANUARY 8


GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS




TOR at WAS 07:00 PM


WAS +2.0


U 203.0




ORL at BK 07:30 PM


BK +4.0


U 192.5




DEN at MEM 08:00 PM


MEM -5.5 BEST BET


O 189.0




DAL at MIL 08:00 PM


DAL -1.0 BEST BET


O 204.5




IND at NO 08:00 PM


IND -2.0 BEST BET


O 204.0




CLE at MIN 08:00 PM


MIN +10.0


U 195.5




NY at SA 08:30 PM


SA -14.5


U 195.0




MIA at PHO 09:30 PM


MIA -5.5


U 196.5




GS at POR 10:00 PM


GS -9.5 BEST BET


O 212.5




OKC at LAL 10:30 PM


OKC -14.5


O 211.0 BEST BET

 

[CNOTES]

Preview: Hornets (17-18) at Clippers (23-13)
Date: January 09, 2016 3:30 PM EDT

The last matchup between the Charlotte Hornets and Los Angeles Clippers was just the beginning of the former's decline while proving to be the middle of the latter's surge.


The next one Saturday could give the Clippers their longest winning streak in more than a year while extending the visiting Hornets' season-high skid.


Los Angeles (23-13) carried a three-game winning streak into a Dec. 30 matchup at Charlotte and held off the Hornets 122-117 for a third straight win in this series and ninth in the last 10 meetings.


The Clippers then closed a 5-0 road trip before beating Philadelphia 130-99 on Saturday and Portland 109-98 on the road Wednesday for a seven-game winning streak. Another against Charlotte would give Los Angeles its longest run since winning nine in a row Nov. 24-Dec. 10, 2014.


And most of it has come without Blake Griffin, Los Angeles' leading scorer at 23.2 points per game and second-best rebounder at 8.7. The five-time All-Star has missed the last six games with a partially torn left quadriceps tendon and is unlikely to return until next weekend.


The Clippers have fared just fine without him, averaging 112.2 points on 50.2 percent shooting while posting season-high point totals against the 76ers and Hornets. Smaller lineups have spaced the floor and Los Angeles has turned away from most of its set pieces - which mostly involve Griffin.


"We're just trying to make do and stay afloat until our big fella comes back," point guard Chris Paul told the team's official website. "What it can do is prepare us for games Blake might get into foul trouble. And what it does right now is it gives other guys confidence, so when Blake does come back, guys still have a rhythm."


J.J. Redick has averaged 20.0 points since Griffin's departure - scoring 26 against Charlotte - while making 21 of 34 3-pointers. Paul has put up 17.7 points and 12.3 assists per game, and DeAndre Jordan has averaged 14.8 points, 14.3 rebounds and 2.3 blocks.


Paul has averaged 11.1 assists in his last 15 games and has double-digit assists in 13 of 17 career matchups against Charlotte.


Six of Los Angeles' wins during its streak came away from home, and the Clippers now open a five-game stint at Staples Center - where they have won six of eight overall and five in a row in this series.


Charlotte (17-18) has lost its last six road contests, three during a five-game skid which started against Los Angeles. Opponents are averaging 111.4 points during the drought, and Golden State and Phoenix combined to shoot 50.3 percent in a pair of losses to open a four-game trip this week.


Phoenix had lost nine consecutive games before beating the Hornets 111-102 on Wednesday. The Suns made 19 of 33 3-pointers, two away from matching a record for a Charlotte opponent.


'Too many errors in the defensive end,' said guard Kemba Walker, who has averaged 27.3 points in his last six games and scored 29 against the Clippers. 'Not controlling the basketball and letting guys get to the paint. That kind of hurt us all game.'


Injuries continue to plague the Hornets. While Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Al Jefferson and Aaron Harrison have missed extended time, Nicolas Batum, Jeremy Lin, P.J. Hairston, Cody Zeller and Spencer Hawes have sat out a handful of games. Kidd-Gilchrist and Jefferson are a long way from returning, and Batum - second on the team with 16.3 points per game - is questionable for Saturday.

 

[CNOTES]

B]Preview: Bulls (22-12) at Hawks (22-15)[/B]
Date: January 09, 2016 5:00 PM EDT

Not long ago, the Chicago Bulls seemed to be stuck in neutral as coach Fred Hoiberg's supposed up-tempo offense wasn't generating much scoring.


Just two and a half weeks later, the Bulls are in the midst of their best run of the season.


Jimmy Butler and Pau Gasol look to continue their stellar play as visiting Chicago tries to extend its winning streak to seven Saturday night against the inconsistent Atlanta Hawks.


The Bulls (22-12) have averaged 107.9 points in winning seven of eight after scoring 100.4 per game prior to that stretch, which had led to speculation that Chicago wasn't buying into Hoiberg's system.


The Bulls have reached the 100 mark in nine consecutive games for the first time since an 11-game run in December 1995.


'It feels good, but we can't settle,' Butler said. 'We've got to continue to win games, try to build upon it, just keep playing basketball the right way.'


Butler has certainly been doing that, averaging 28.8 points and 7.0 assists in his last five games. He had his worst offensive performance of that stretch Thursday by going 5 of 14 from the field, but scored 19 and tied a career high with 10 assists for the second straight contest as Chicago won its sixth in a row, 101-92 over visiting Boston.


Pau Gasol also didn't have a great shooting night, going 8 of 19, but finished with 17 points, 18 rebounds and four assists. He's averaged 20.7 points, 14.0 boards and 5.0 assists in the last three games.


Gasol totaled 40 points and 28 rebounds in the last two meetings with the Hawks in 2014-15.


The Bulls rallied from an 18-point deficit to beat Atlanta 91-85 on April 15 in their regular-season finale, avoiding a sweep in the three-game series.


The inconsistent Hawks haven't been able to attain the level of play that carried them to 60 wins last season. They have seven and six-game winning streaks but also dropped 11 of 18 from Nov. 9-Dec. 14.


Atlanta had lost three of four before ending a two-game skid with a 126-98 win at Philadelphia on Thursday. Kent Bazemore had 22 points and Paul Millsap and Al Horford scored 18 apiece as the Hawks shot 53.3 percent and made 13 of 31 from 3-point range.


'A two-game losing streak is not fun,' coach Mike Budenholzer said. 'Really good teams and teams with a lot of pride and character, you don't ever want to catch them after one loss.'


Bazemore has averaged 20.3 points while hitting 15 of 30 from 3-point range in his last four games. Jeff Teague, though, has totaled 32 points and seven assists in his past three while shooting 39.3 percent.


The Hawks (22-15) were better defensively Thursday - albeit against a woeful opponent - with 22 turnovers forced after they had allowed 111.0 points per game over their previous three.


Atlanta has dropped seven of the past nine meetings with Chicago, which is expected to be without Joakim Noah for an ninth straight game due to a sprained left shoulder.

 

[CNOTES]

Preview: Wizards (15-19) at Magic (20-17)
Date: January 09, 2016 7:00 PM EDT

Even though the Orlando Magic are a much-improved team and the Washington Wizards have regressed, it hasn't stopped the latter's dominance over the former.


The frustration was evident from Orlando's Victor Oladipo the last time these teams met.


Oladipo will likely be tasked with trying to slow down John Wall on Saturday night as the Magic seek to end an 11-game slide against the visiting Wizards.


Orlando (20-17) is only five wins shy of its total from last season while Washington (15-19) is one of the league's bigger disappointments after two straight appearances in the Eastern Conference semifinals as the Wizards play without injured shooting guard Bradley Beal.


The constant has been Washington's mastery of the Magic with three wins this season as the Wizards seek a third straight four-game sweep.


Even a change in the calendar didn't change those fortunes, with the Wizards cruising to a 103-91 win on New Year's Day. Wall had 24 points and 13 assists and dominated his matchup with Orlando starting point guard Elfrid Payton.


That defeat dropped Oladipo, a Washington area native, to 0-9 against the Wizards and he wasn't happy about it.


"We have to realize that they've been punking us, really," he said afterward. "Until we get tired of them punking us, we're never going to beat them."


The streak precedes the arrival of first-year coach Scott Skiles.


"This is a years-long thing. This isn't just this season. I don't know. I don't know if guys are intimidated by them. I have no idea," Skiles said.


One explanation is that Wall is averaging 19.1 points and 10.5 assists with nine double-doubles in this streak. This time, he likely won't face Payton, who has missed the last three games with a left ankle contusion.


Oladipo is starting in Payton's place, averaging 19.3 points on 60.0 percent shooting in that span. He posted his second straight 20-point effort in Friday's 83-77 victory at Brooklyn that ended a four-game slide, with Nikola Vucevic also scoring 20.


The Magic still are struggling offensively, shooting 39.8 percent Friday. They are averaging 85.6 points on 42.1 percent shooting in the last five games.


'We came out of the gate pretty sharp,' Skiles said. 'We were really moving the ball again and then our bench came in and kind of buzz-killed it a bit.'


Washington lost its third straight by capping a four-game homestand with Friday's 97-88 defeat to Toronto. Wall had 21 points but also had seven turnovers to four assists as the Wizards shot 39.3 percent.


'The last three games, we take periods of games and we take shortcuts. We try to take easy ways out. We don't make hustle plays,' coach Randy Wittman said.


The inconsistent Garrett Temple has started the last 10 games in place of Beal. When he scores at least 20 points in that span, the Wizards are 3-1 and shooting 50.3 percent. When he doesn't, they have gone 2-4 and shot 41.5 percent.


"For us to get back on this winning track, something is going to have to change," forward Jared Dudley said.


Wizards forward Kris Humphries is uncertain after missing two straight games with a sore right knee.


Washington is 2-5 in the second of back-to-back games and Orlando is 2-4.

 

[CNOTES]

Preview: Raptors (23-15) at 76ers (4-34)
Date: January 09, 2016 7:30 PM EDT

The Toronto Raptors have been outstanding defensively after a poor start to their current road trip. Another matchup with the Philadelphia 76ers could help them stay locked in.


Toronto aims for an 11th consecutive win in the series when the Atlantic Division rivals square off Saturday night.


The Raptors (23-15) have been among the NBA's better defensive teams in building a three-game lead atop the division, though that wasn't the case when Cleveland shot an opponent-season high 55.4 percent to hand them a 122-100 loss in Monday's opener to a five-game trek. Toronto has since bounced back, limiting Brooklyn to 39.7 percent shooting in Wednesday's 91-74 win and stifling Washington during the second half of Friday's 97-88 victory.


Toronto offset a season-high 23 turnovers by holding the Wizards to 41 points and 37.2 percent over the final two quarters.


"This team plays so fast, it does speed you up," Raptors coach Dwane Casey said of Washington. "We made up for it with our defense in the second half, but again we've got to do a better job of taking care of the basketball."


DeMar DeRozan provided an offensive lift by recording 21 of his season-high 35 points in the second half, including 11 during a third quarter in which Toronto outscored Washington 26-14.


Toronto dominated defensively in its most recent meeting with Philadelphia (4-34), holding the 76ers to 33.3 percent and forcing 22 turnovers in a 96-76 home rout on Dec. 13. Philadelphia shot 32.1 percent from inside the arc despite Toronto center Jonas Valanciunas missing the game with a broken hand.


The 76ers rank last in the NBA in scoring (93.1 points per game) and 29th in field goal percentage (42.5), though they've improved in both categories since acquiring Ish Smith from New Orleans on Dec. 24. With the journeyman point guard in the lineup, Philadelphia has averaged 100.3 points and shot 45.1 percent while going 3-4 following a historically bad 1-30 start.


Smith tallied 21 points and 11 assists as the Sixers began a season-high six-game homestand with Monday's 109-99 victory over Minnesota, but they struggled badly on the defensive end in Thursday's 126-98 loss to Atlanta.


'We played with no spirit tonight. We played with no fight tonight," coach Brett Brown said afterward. "I give them a lot of credit in how they shared and moved the ball, but I thought that our defense was poor.'


Opponents have shot 55.7 percent overall and 45.8 percent on 3-pointers while averaging 118.3 points in Philadelphia's last three.


The 76ers did receive 21 points from Jahlil Okafor in the rookie center's second game back in the starting lineup. Okafor has totaled 49 points in two matchups with Toronto, tying a career high with 26 in a 119-103 loss at Wells Fargo Center on Nov. 11.


Luis Scola has hurt Philadelphia in this season's two meetings, averaging 21.5 points on 20-of-29 shooting.


The Raptors have averaged 107.2 points over five straight wins in Philadelphia since a 108-101 overtime loss on Jan. 18, 2013 - their last defeat in the series.

 

[CNOTES]

Preview: Nets (10-26) at Pistons (20-16)
Date: January 09, 2016 7:30 PM EDT

The Detroit Pistons have easily handled their past two home opponents and a visit from the lowly Brooklyn Nets would appear to give them a promising chance to make it three consecutive blowouts.


The Nets, though, have played relatively well on the road of late and have dominated the recent series against the Pistons heading into Saturday night's matchup.


Detroit (20-16) has won its past two home games by a combined 51 points and routed coach Stan Van Gundy's former team, Orlando, 115-89 on Monday. The Pistons followed by snapping a three-game road losing streak with a 99-94 win against Boston on Wednesday.


Detroit had strong showings in the fourth quarters of both games, outscoring the Celtics 33-19 and the Magic 27-15. Reggie Jackson had nine of his team-best 24 points in the final period Wednesday, and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope finished with 20.


"We've had a lot of these type of games this year," Van Gundy said. 'The problem with it is, as I just said to them, is we've done this so many times, I think we're starting to fall into, 'We don't need to play until the fourth quarter,' and that can be dangerous because these games can start to turn on you."


Detroit was outscored 28-16 in the fourth quarter in an 87-83 loss in Brooklyn on Nov. 29, the Pistons' fourth in their last five games against the Nets.


Brooklyn has also won three of its past four road contests following a 1-12 start there, but was swept in a three-game homestand to start this week. The Nets (10-26) had two of their worst scoring performances of the season in the last two contests, including an 83-77 loss to Orlando on Friday.


They shot 39.7 percent against the Magic and the same in a 91-74 loss to Toronto on Wednesday. Brooklyn still managed to take a four-point lead in the fourth quarter Friday but was outscored 23-13 in the final 11 minutes of its ninth consecutive home loss.


"We're playing well enough on the defensive end to win games. Offensively, we've got to make shots and execute down the stretch," point guard Shane Larkin said. "It was frustrating to be up in the fourth quarter and not be able to close it out."


The trip to Detroit is the Nets' only road game in a stretch of seven contests. Brooklyn will open another three-game homestand Monday against San Antonio.


The Nets have lost three of their last four visits to the Pistons, splitting two last season.


Thaddeus Young is averaging 19.3 points on 56.4 percent shooting in his last seven games against the Pistons. He had a team-best 19 on 9-of-12 shooting and 10 rebounds in the win in November.


Nets leading scorer Brook Lopez has been at nearly the other end of the spectrum, shooting 33.3 percent and averaging 13.0 points in his past two matchups.


Caldwell-Pope, averaging 19.8 points in his last four games, scored 21 in the most recent meeting. Andre Drummond is averaging 18.1 points and 15.4 rebounds in his last seven matchups.


Jackson was limited to eight points on 4-of-20 shooting in November after scoring a combined 44 in his previous two games against the Nets.

 

[CNOTES]

Preview: Heat (22-14) at Jazz (15-20)
Date: January 09, 2016 9:00 PM EDT

As they prepare for perhaps their toughest portion of the season, the Miami Heat hope to take advantage of another potential soft spot on the schedule.


The Southeast Division leaders look to begin their road trip with a second consecutive win in Saturday night's matchup with the banged-up Utah Jazz.


Miami's postseason fortunes could ultimately hinge on how it handles a daunting four-week period in which it plays 14 of 16 on the road. It got the stretch off to a good start with Friday's 103-95 win over fizzling Phoenix, but matchups with three of the Western Conference's top four teams - Golden State, the Los Angeles Clippers and Oklahoma City - still lie ahead on this six-game trek.


The Heat (22-14) visit the Warriors on Monday after facing a Utah squad that's dropped three straight and could be without three of its top four scorers.


Already without Derrick Favors (back spasms), Alec Burks (broken leg) and Dante Exum (torn ACL), the Jazz were dealt another blow when Rodney Hood sprained his right ankle early in the second half of Thursday's 103-94 loss at Houston. The second-year shooting guard is questionable for Saturday's game and Favors may miss a ninth straight.


'It's definitely depleting, and it's going to be tough on us mentally besides the obvious physical part,' forward Gordon Hayward said. 'It's been a tough period for us.'


The Jazz have averaged just 94.1 points with Favors and Burks both out over the last seven games, though Hood had helped ease the burden by averaging 18.4 points and hitting 16 of 31 attempts from 3-point range over the past five.


Utah (15-20) did get one key injured player back when center Rudy Gobert played 15 minutes against Houston. The shot-blocking specialist had missed 18 games with a sprained left knee.


"It was good to see him out there," coach Quin Snyder said. "Gradually we'll get him back for longer periods of time when he can have a greater impact on the game."


The Jazz could have trouble making baskets in this one as well, as Miami has yielded 90.0 points and held opponents to 41.1 percent shooting while winning four of five. The Heat are 16-2 when keeping teams to 95 or under.


Miami, 11-2 against the West, earned a 92-91 home victory over the Jazz on Nov. 21 despite Favors' 25 points and 12 rebounds and playing without both Dwyane Wade and sixth man Gerald Green.


Wade had his second 27-point effort in three games on Friday, with the ex-Sun Green adding 21 on 7-of-11 shooting and Goran Dragic scoring 22 with seven assists in his first game in Phoenix since last February's trade to the Heat.


Chris Bosh is averaging 22.4 over Miami's 4-1 stretch.


"Dwyane and C.B. have that great feel," Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. "That's what Hall of Famers with a lot of experience understand, that each possession is important. But they also know when to pick their spots in the game to impose their talent."


Miami, which stopped a three-game road skid in the series with a 100-95 win in December 2014, is vying for its first season sweep of the Jazz since 2008-09.

 

[CNOTES]

Preview: Warriors (34-2) at Kings (15-21)
Date: January 09, 2016 10:00 PM EDT

Klay Thompson and the Golden State Warriors are on the verge of another sweep of the Sacramento Kings, and DeMarcus Cousins has done very little in the first three meetings.


That's because he didn't play twice and was ejected in the last one.


There's a good chance that Thompson and the visiting Warriors will see more of the red-hot Cousins on Saturday night than they have all season as they look to defeat the Kings for the 12th straight time.


Golden State is off to the best 36-game start in history at 34-2 after Friday's 128-108 rout at Portland.


"We couldn't ask for a better start almost midway through the regular season," Thompson said. "It's crazy how fast the season's going. Obviously winning helps that but we're still hungry and a long way to go before where we want to get to but you've also got to enjoy this, it's really special, we've got a very special group."


Thompson turned in a second straight 36-point effort with seven 3-pointers, scoring 19 in the first quarter. He is averaging 33.2 points on 52.1 percent shooting in a five-game win streak, making 27 of 54 3s.


His Warriors seek a third straight four-game sweep of the Kings (15-21) after winning by an average of 15.7 points in the first three meetings. Thompson and Stephen Curry have combined for 128 points in those games.


Cousins did not play twice in this series before he was tossed in a 122-103 loss Dec. 28. He was limited to nine first-half minutes thanks to three fouls before lasting three more in the third quarter before being ejected after arguing his fifth foul. The big man finished with seven points and four rebounds.


He's been unstoppable in four games in 2016, averaging 32.3 points and 13.8 rebounds while shooting 53.6 percent with Sacramento going 3-1.


Two nights after Tuesday's double-overtime loss at Dallas, the Kings blew a 27-point lead in a 118-115 home win over the lowly Los Angeles Lakers. Cousins finished with 29 points, 10 boards and a season-high seven assists, though he wasn't happy with the effort.


"I'm not satisfied, we could be so much better," Cousins said. "The way we played the previous three games, that's the right way of playing."


Rajon Rondo, the NBA's leader with 11.6 assists per game, returned Thursday after missing a game with back spasms and had nine points and 12 assists. He is averaging 8.3 points and 8.0 assists against Golden State.


The Warriors had way more than just Thompson's sensational shooting Friday. Curry had 26 points and nine assists before sitting out the fourth quarter, Draymond Green finished with 11 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists for his eighth triple-double and Brandon Rush scored 20 on 8-of-9 shooting.


"The team we have now is amazing," Rush said. "We've got a lot of weapons out there. Everybody can score, everybody can put the ball in the basket."


Golden State's last two wins over Sacramento each were by 19 points and came without Harrison Barnes, who is back now. He is coming off the bench in three games with Rush in the starting lineup after missing 16 due to a sprained left ankle.

 

[CNOTES]

NBA ATS


NBA > (511) MIAMI@ (512) UTAH | 2016-01-09 21:05:00 - 2016-01-09 21:05:00
Play ON UTAH against the spread in All games revenging a loss vs opponent
The record is 47 Wins and 18 Losses for the last two seasons (+27.2 units)


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

NBA MONEYLINE


NBA > (505) WASHINGTON@ (506) ORLANDO | 2016-01-09 19:05:00 - 2016-01-09 19:05:00
Play AGAINST ORLANDO using money line in Home games on Saturday games
The record is 1 Wins and 7 Losses for the last two seasons (-13.55 units)


NBA > (507) BROOKLYN@ (508) DETROIT | 2016-01-09 19:35:00 - 2016-01-09 19:35:00
Play AGAINST DETROIT using money line in Home games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game
The record is 12 Wins and 17 Losses for the last two seasons (-24.1 units)

NBA > (503) CHICAGO@ (504) ATLANTA | 2016-01-09 17:05:00 - 2016-01-09 17:05:00
Play AGAINST CHICAGO using money line in All games in a road game where where the total is between 205 and 209.5 points
The record is 12 Wins and 28 Losses for the since 1992 (-26.75 units)

NBA > (507) BROOKLYN@ (508) DETROIT | 2016-01-09 19:35:00 - 2016-01-09 19:35:00
Play AGAINST DETROIT using money line in All games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game
The record is 46 Wins and 67 Losses for the last three seasons (-47.85 units)


NBA > (513) GOLDEN STATE@ (514) SACRAMENTO | 2016-01-09 22:05:00 - 2016-01-09 22:05:00
Play ON GOLDEN STATE using money line in All games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game
The record is 57 Wins and 14 Losses for the last two seasons (+28.5 units)


NBA > (511) MIAMI@ (512) UTAH | 2016-01-09 21:05:00 - 2016-01-09 21:05:00
Play ON UTAH using money line in All games revenging a loss vs opponent
The record is 34 Wins and 32 Losses for the last two seasons (+24.05 units)


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


NBA FIRST HALF


NBA > (507) BROOKLYN@ (508) DETROIT | 2016-01-09 19:35:00 - 2016-01-09 19:35:00
Play ON BROOKLYN ?>in the first halfin Road games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game
The record is 11 Wins and 1 Losses for the this season (+9.9 units)


NBA > (507) BROOKLYN@ (508) DETROIT | 2016-01-09 19:35:00 - 2016-01-09 19:35:00
Play ON BROOKLYN ?>in the first halfin Road games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game
The record is 23 Wins and 7 Losses for the last two seasons (+15.3 units)


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


NHL TOTALS


NBA > (501) CHARLOTTE@ (502) LA CLIPPERS | 2016-01-09 15:35:00 - 2016-01-09 15:35:00
Play OVER CHARLOTTE on the totalin All games in non-conference games
The record is 13 Overs and 1 Unders for the this season (+11.9 units)


NBA > (505) WASHINGTON@ (506) ORLANDO | 2016-01-09 19:05:00 - 2016-01-09 19:05:00
Play UNDER ORLANDO on the totalin All games when playing against a team with a losing record
The record is 2 Overs and 15 Unders for the this season (+12.8 units)

NBA > (501) CHARLOTTE@ (502) LA CLIPPERS | 2016-01-09 15:35:00 - 2016-01-09 15:35:00
Play UNDER LA CLIPPERS on the totalin All games after scoring 105 points or more
The record is 2 Overs and 15 Unders for the this season (+12.8 units)


NBA > (511) MIAMI@ (512) UTAH | 2016-01-09 21:05:00 - 2016-01-09 21:05:00
Play UNDER MIAMI on the totalin All games in January games
The record is 2 Overs and 15 Unders for the last two seasons (+12.8 units)

NBA > (511) MIAMI@ (512) UTAH | 2016-01-09 21:05:00 - 2016-01-09 21:05:00
Play UNDER UTAH on the totalin All games versus the first half line in all games
The record is 66 Overs and 129 Unders for the last three seasons (+56.4 units)


NBA > (505) WASHINGTON@ (506) ORLANDO | 2016-01-09 19:05:00 - 2016-01-09 19:05:00
Play UNDER ORLANDO on the totalin All games as a favorite vs. the 1rst half line
The record is 5 Overs and 20 Unders for the last two seasons (+14.5 units)


NBA > (503) CHICAGO@ (504) ATLANTA | 2016-01-09 17:05:00 - 2016-01-09 17:05:00
Play UNDER ATLANTA on the totalin All games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game
The record is 35 Overs and 72 Unders for the last three seasons (+33.5 units)


NBA > (507) BROOKLYN@ (508) DETROIT | 2016-01-09 19:35:00 - 2016-01-09 19:35:00
Play OVER DETROIT on the totalin All games in a home game where where the first half total is 98 to 100.5
The record is 11 Overs and 1 Unders for the last two seasons (+9.9 units)

NBA > (511) MIAMI@ (512) UTAH | 2016-01-09 21:05:00 - 2016-01-09 21:05:00
Play UNDER MIAMI on the totalin Road games in January games
The record is 0 Overs and 9 Unders for the last two seasons (+9 units)