Cnotes NBA February's Trends-Stats-News & Notes !

[CNOTES]

Preview: Heat (20-26) at Celtics (16-29)


Date: February 01, 2015 1:00 PM EDT

Hassan Whiteside has paid his dues with several stints in the D-League and others in China and Lebanon. Now his persistence is finally paying off with extended playing time in Miami.


The shot-blocking center looks to continue his rise as the banged-up Heat try to avoid their third straight defeat in the opener of a four-game road swing Sunday against the struggling Boston Celtics.


After he was drafted in the second round by Sacramento in 2010, Whiteside played just 19 games in his first two seasons before earning the NBL defensive player of the year honors and Finals MVP for China's Sichuan Blue Whales in 2013. The 7-footer also spent five months in the Lebanese Basketball League in 2013-14 and had another 17-game stint in China.


Whiteside played sparingly after signing with the undersized Heat in November, but he's emerged as a force inside recently. Since Jan. 11, he's averaging a league-best 3.3 blocks while ranking in the top 10 with 11.6 rebounds per game.


He's had 15.3 points and 17.7 boards per game in his last three since missing two with an ankle injury. That stretch began last Sunday when he posted a triple-double with 14 points, 13 rebounds and a franchise-record 12 blocks in Chicago.


Whiteside had 16 points and 24 rebounds - tied for the second-most in team history - in Friday's 93-72 home loss to Dallas. Though he was 7 of 11 from the field, Miami shot a season-low 33.0 percent and blew a 16-point lead with Dwyane Wade and Luol Deng sidelined.


"When I'm out there, I just produce. I just do my best to really put us in a situation to win," he said. "We're missing a couple of teammates, but we're going to try to push through it."


Wade will not make the first part of the week-long trip because of a strained hamstring, though Deng could return after missing the past two games with a calf injury.


Whiteside should have an advantage in the paint as the Heat (20-26) seek their fifth win in seven road games. Boston hasn't been starting a player taller than 6-foot-9.


The Celtics (16-29) are also trying to recover from a season-worst shooting performance, hitting 35.6 percent in Friday's 93-87 home loss to Houston. They've lost three straight and five of six at TD Garden.


Bass and Marcus Thornton each had 17 points for the Celtics, who couldn't get closer than 82-79 after trailing by 18 at halftime.


"The key to every game is how you start the first quarter, how you end the second quarter, how you start the third quarter and how you end the game," forward Tayshaun Prince said. "Lately, that's kind of where we've been up and down."


Leading scorer Jared Sullinger hopes to bounce back after scoring eight on 4-of-14 shooting.


Sullinger had only nine points in the first meeting with Miami on Dec. 21 when Boston shot 39.8 percent in a 100-84 road defeat. Tyler Zeller led the Celtics with 22 points but has since been removed from the starting lineup and has totaled 13 in his last two games.


Wade, Whiteside and Chris Bosh missed that December win. Bosh scored 12 on 5-of-18 shooting Friday as the Heat fell to 2-10 when he plays and is held below 19 points.


The Heat have dropped 11 of 12 regular-season matchups in Boston.

 

[CNOTES]

Preview: Lakers (13-34) at Knicks (9-38)


Date: February 01, 2015 2:00 PM EDT

While the New York Knicks and Los Angeles Lakers are two of the winningest franchises in NBA history, they find themselves at or near the bottom of their respective conferences heading into Sunday's matchup at Madison Square Garden.


This marks the teams' first meeting since Phil Jackson signed on to become New York's team president back in March. Jackson coached the Lakers to five of his NBA-record 11 titles during his 11 seasons in Los Angeles from 1999-2011. This game also serves as a reunion for Knicks coach and former Lakers guard Derek Fisher, who played a part in each of those five championships under Jackson.


New York has struggled in the series over the years, dropping 22 of the last 31 meetings. However, Carmelo Anthony scored a combined 64 points as the Knicks and Lakers split two matchups last season, with each team winning at home.


Anthony is averaging 30.1 points on 51.4 percent shooting over his last eight games against the Lakers, and he's reportedly planning to suit up despite a nagging knee injury.


The Lakers (13-34) are in 14th place in the West, but they finally had something to celebrate after snapping a season-worst nine-game losing streak with Thursday's 123-118 double-overtime win over Chicago. Jordan Hill had a season-high 26 points and 12 rebounds as Los Angeles outscored the Bulls 68-56 in the paint.


Wayne Ellington added 23 points after scoring a career-high 28 two nights earlier against Washington.


"We can surprise a lot of people out there if we keep playing like we did tonight," Hill said.


Sitting in the East's basement, the Knicks (9-38) had won three straight and four of five before getting blown out 103-82 at lowly Indiana on Thursday. New York was outscored 50-26 down low and allowed the Pacers to shoot a season-high 53.2 percent.


"It was just one of those nights, we took a step backwards," Anthony said. "We had been playing some very good basketball as of late, so we just want to put this behind us and look forward to Sunday."


The Knicks were held to combined 53 points over the final three quarters.


"No, the team didn't quit," said Tim Hardaway Jr., who banged his knee at the end of the game. "I don't know why you would say that. We didn't quit at all. They were just making shots and we weren't."


The Knicks could be looking forward to getting back home, where they've won three in a row after opening 3-17 there. New York is averaging an NBA-low 91.7 points on its own court.


After playing on two 10-day contracts, Lance Thomas and Louis Amundson were signed for the remainder of the season. Thomas is averaging 14.3 points on 57.4 percent shooting over the last four games.


Amar'e Stoudemire is expected to miss a third consecutive game with a knee injury. Nick Young has sat out the last two for the Lakers with a sprained ankle, leaving his status for Sunday unclear.


Jeremy Lin, who made a name for himself with New York in 2011-12, has since averaged 17.5 points on 50.0 percent shooting in four matchups against his former team. Lin is averaging just 10.5 points for Los Angeles.


The Lakers have dropped 10 of their last 11 road games, including all six in 2015 while averaging 88.8 points.

 

[CNOTES]

NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up

Sunday, February 1

Hot Teams
-- Knicks won four of their last six games (1-5 HF).

Cold Teams
-- Celtics lost three of their last four games (5-5 HF). Miami lost four of its last six games (4-0 last four AU).
-- Lakers lost nine of their last ten games (0-3-1 last four AU).

Series Records
-- Celtics lost seven of last ten games with Miami.
-- Lakers won nine of last twelve games against New York.

Totals
-- Last eight Miami road games stayed under the total.
-- Under is 8-0-2 in Lakers' last ten road games.

Back-to-Backs
-- None

East vs West
SU: West 156-100 ATS: West 134-120-2
East teams HF vs West: 32-34
East teams HU vs West: 24-36
West teams HF vs East: 52-56-2
West teams HU vs East: 12-8




NBA

Sunday, February 1

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Trend Report
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1:00 PM
MIAMI vs. BOSTON
Miami is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games when playing Boston
Miami is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Boston
Boston is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games at home
Boston is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games at home

2:00 PM
LA LAKERS vs. NEW YORK
The total has gone OVER in 4 of the LA Lakers last 6 games when playing on the road against New York
LA Lakers are 11-3 SU in their last 14 games when playing New York
New York is 4-18 SU in its last 22 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of New York's last 5 games


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NBA

Sunday, February 1

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Game of the Day: Lakers at Knicks
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Los Angeles Lakers at New York Knicks (-3, 190)

Two of the most disappointing teams in the NBA square off Sunday when the Los Angeles Lakers visit the New York Knicks. The Lakers defeated the Chicago Bulls on Thursday to halt a losing streak at nine games and avoid matching the longest since the franchise moved to Los Angeles. New York won four of five games in its best stretch of the season before being routed by the Indiana Pacers on Thursday.

Carmelo Anthony averaged 32 points in two games against Los Angeles last season and considered the Lakers as a free agent in the offseason before opting to stay in New York. Los Angeles is beginning a four-game road excursion and coach Byron Scott is worried about the Knicks. “I think the thing that concerns me the most is the fact that they’ve been losing just like us,” Scott told reporters. “It’s like having a wild animal backed in the corner – they’re going to come out fighting. So we just have to be ready for it.”

TV: 2 p.m. ET, TWC SportsNet (Los Angeles), MSG (New York)

ABOUT THE LAKERS (13-34 SU, 20-23-4 ATS, 20-26-1 O/U): Rookie point guard Jordan Clarkson has impressed since moving into the starting lineup and he has been watching film and talking strategy with injured Steve Nash. “I tried to implement some of that stuff,” Clarkson told reporters. “It’s hard to do it off one day of work, but it’s just going to continue to grow. It’s just putting one brick down at a time.” Clarkson, a second-round pick, has started the last four games and has scored 18 points in each of the last two.

ABOUT THE KNICKS (9-38 SU, 18-28-1 ATS, 20-26-1 O/U): This is the third straight New York contest pulled off of national television and that doesn’t sit well with Anthony. “The last three games we were supposed to be on national television, so they took us off,” Anthony told reporters. “But they’ll want us back on there soon. They’ll want us back.” Anthony has been the one consistently good player for the Knicks, who have been going the 10-day contract route to take a look at players. They identified a keeper in guard Langston Galloway.

 

[CNOTES]

NBA
Dunkel

Miami at Boston
The Heat head to Boston today to face the Celtics and come into the contest with a 7-1 ATS record in their last 8 games versus Atlantic Division opponents. Miami is the pick (+3 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Heat favored by 1 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Miami (+3 1/2). Here are all of today's NBA picks.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 1

Game 801-802: Miami at Boston (1:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Miami 119.948; Boston 118.317
Dunkel Line & Total: Miami by 1 1/2; 191
Vegas Line & Total: Boston by 3 1/2; 186
Dunkel Pick: Miami (+3 1/2); Over

Game 803-804: LA Lakers at New York (2:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: LA Lakers 112.385; New York 113.407
Dunkel Line & Total: New York by 1; 186
Vegas Line & Total: New York by 3; 190 1/2
Dunkel Pick: LA Lakers (+3); Under




NBA
Long Sheet

Sunday, February 1

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MIAMI (20 - 26) at BOSTON (16 - 29) - 2/1/2015, 1:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MIAMI is 49-33 ATS (+12.7 Units) second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
MIAMI is 28-13 ATS (+13.7 Units) on Sunday games over the last 3 seasons.
MIAMI is 31-16 ATS (+13.4 Units) in road games after a non-conference game over the last 3 seasons.
MIAMI is 34-19 ATS (+13.1 Units) in road games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 3 seasons.
BOSTON is 185-229 ATS (-66.9 Units) in home games revenging a loss vs opponent since 1996.

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

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

LA LAKERS (13 - 34) at NEW YORK (9 - 38) - 2/1/2015, 2:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LA LAKERS are 19-9 ATS (+9.1 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
LA LAKERS are 93-65 ATS (+21.5 Units) in road games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season since 1996.
NEW YORK is 18-28 ATS (-12.8 Units) in all games this season.
NEW YORK is 7-16 ATS (-10.6 Units) in home games this season.
NEW YORK is 0-7 ATS (-7.7 Units) in a home game where where the total is between 190 and 194.5 points this season.
NEW YORK is 14-26 ATS (-14.6 Units) after a loss by 10 points or more over the last 2 seasons.

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

 

[CNOTES]

Armadillo: Sunday's six-pack

-- NC State 81, Georgia Tech 80 OT-- Check out the highlights for Trevor Lacey's buzzer-beating 3-pointer that won this game in OT.

-- Duke 69, Virginia 63-- Duke scored 35 points on their last 15 possessions.

-- Biggest Upset of Day: Towson (+11) won 86-72 at fading Hofstra.

-- Pepperdine 67, St Mary's 62-- Marty Wilson is turning the tide with his Waves.

-- Cleveland State 76, Green Bay 62-- Quagmire at top of Horizon standings.

-- Sacramento State 70, Montana 69-- Hornets were down 8 with 3:03 left; they're on top of Big Sky standings.

**********

Armadillo: Sunday's List of 13: Finally it is Super Bowl Sunday.....

13) Lets get the unpleasant stuff out of the way first. If you read this space at all, you know that I'm a Ram fan and Kurt Warner was obviously one of my all-time favorite players, so I'm disappointed the voters bypassed him this year for the Hall of Fame, as well as Orlando Pace, Isaac Bruce and Torry Holt, all ex-Rams.

12) Just to re-hash facts, which apparently aren't very important because it is hard to compare a QB to an offensive lineman, there have been 48 Super Bowls, which is 96 QBs: #1, #2, #3 on the Super Bowl passing yardage list is same person, the same guy who led the tying or go-ahead TD drives in the last 3:00 of all three games.

Kurt Warner.

11) Steve Young got in in his first year of eligibiity; he had an 8-6 playoff record in the NFL, had a 3-16 record when he played for the woeful Bucs. He inherited a great team from Joe Montana and went 8-6 in playoff games. Kurt Warner played for two cruddy franchises and went 9-4 in playoff games. Yet Young got in on his first shot.

Enough about that, because I could go on for a while. Elsewhere......
10) Kid at Virginia won $18K by making a halfcourt shot during ESPN's GameDay.

9) VCU lost the heart of its defense, Briante Weber, who tore his MCL/ACL and is done for the season. Sad thing; tough way for a college career to end.

8) Why are there so many razor commercials on TV? Anyone?

7) Apparently Bill Walton called former President Richard Nixon "the prince of darkness": during the Colorado-UCLA game Saturday night. DirecTV doesn't carry the Pac-12 network, so I didn't hear this myself. Walton is tremendous on TV, but if he is going to go on political rants, will be interesting to see how long he lasts.

6) Cal Poly basketball coach Joe Callero is one of 16 children. Oklahoma City big guy Steven Adams is the youngest of 17 kids. Do familises this like live in a hotel? How do you remember all the kids' names?

5) Junior Seau will be the 12th USC Trojan to get inducted into Canton.

4) There was a furor on Twitter late Saturday night when it came out that an MVP vote was cast for Seahawk LB Bobby Wagner, who missed five games this year and is not close to being the MVP of anything.

Not Aaron Rodgers or JJ Watt, but Bobby Wagner. Oy.

It got even weirder when someone found out who voted for Wagner. Twitter got very quiet-- it was Tony Dungy. Not too many folks seemed anxious to rip him for it, but they did seem mystified by it.

3) If you live near a Sonic fast food place, they have half-price foot long hot dogs on Monday, to commemorate Groundhog Day, or KL Wheat's birthday.

2) Now Dan Rooney wants a Super Bowl in Pittsburgh. We're getting eight inches of snow here in upstate New York the next couple days. If the NFL keeps screwing around with cold weather Super Bowls, eventually they'll have a weather debacle on their hands- they narrowly missed one last year.

1) This is a weird time of year; its middle of the night and I'm watching live tennis, golf from the other side of the world. At least it is warm somewhere. Pitchers, catchers report in less than three weeks; spring is getting closer!!!

 

[CNOTES]

Armadillo: Monday's six-pack

Football is over, spring training starts in 18 days. Here are some fantasy ratings from Sporting News baseball magazine......:

-- C-- Posey-Lucroy-Molina-Ramos-Mesoraco

-- 1B-- MCabrera-Goldschmist-Encarnacion-Abreu-AGonzalez

-- 2B-- Cano-Altuve-Gordon-Rendoin-Kinsler-Kipnis

-- SS-- Tulowitzki-Ramirez-Reyes-Desmond-Castro

-- 3B-- Beltre-Donaldson-Longoria-Wright-CSantana-Rendon

-- OF-- Trout-Stanton-McCutchen-Gomez-CGonzalez-Bautista

**********

Armadillo: Monday's List of 13: Wrapping up a super Sunday......

13) Darrell Bevell is Seattle's offensive coordinator; he played QB for Wisconsin in college, playing for Barry Alvarez, one of the most run-oriented coaches in the last 30 years. Bevell will now be forever known as the guy who lost a Super Bowl when he threw the ball from the 1-yard line when Seattle has Marshawn Lynch and a running QB, and a timeout in their pocket. Not only was it ill-advised, it didn't work.

By the way, when I say ill-advised, I mean stupid. Not only that, it didn't work. If it is stupid and it works, the guy is still a hero, but if it doesn't.....

12) Bevell is no idiot; he has been in the NFL since 2000, but you have to wonder if this will prevent him from getting a head coaching job. How do you sell to your fans "We just hired the guy who threw the ball on the 1 when he had Marshawn?"

11) Russell Wilson's interception was the first one thrown from the one-yard line by any QB in the NFL this season. Thats out of 111 dropbacks from the one.

10) It was only the third time all season the Seahawks dropped back to pass from the one-yard line. Thanks to KC Joyner for those last two nuggets.

9) Gene Steratore didn't ref the Super Bowl, but he did ref Wisconsin-Iowa and Michigan-Michigan State basketball games this weekend. Funny how NFL refs throw flags like madmen all season, but in the Super Bowl where TV ratings are a priority, they keep them stuffed in their pockets. Go figure.

8) Seattle WR Chris Matthews is the 4th receiver whose first NFL catch came in a Super Bowl; he spent part of this season working in a Foot Locker. Maybe the Jets should've signed Matthews from Foot Locker and not traded for Percy Harvin, saving a high draft pick in the process.

7) There is a disturbing program called Friday Night Tykes on the Esquire Network about youth football in Texas. I spent eight bizarre springs coaching Little League and it is not something I miss-- people get crazy where their kids are concerned.

6) Patriots have not scored a first quarter point in all six Brady/Belichick Super Bowls, but they won four of the six, with all six decided by 4 or less points.

5) In fairness to coach Bevell, Marshawn Lynch had five previous runs from the one-yard line this season and had scored only one touchdown, so there is that. Still think it was a dumb play call, but there was logic behind it, obviously.

4) Five of the seven WRs who caught a pass in this game were undrafted free agents. Maybe personnel guys are as important or more important than the coaches?

3) Seattle's Bruce Irvin got tossed for being an instigator in a scuffle after the Pats took a knee after the INT; he is the first player ever ejected from a Super Bowl.

2) Pete Carroll showed class by taking reposibility for the fateful play call, but it will be interesting to see going forward, which coaches leave and stay in Seattle. Dan Quinn will be going to Atlanta as head coach Tuesday; would be take Bevell with him? Would the Seahawks block Bevell from leaving?

1) At the end of the day, the NFL wins by having a memorable game cap a season where far too many off-field stories overshadowed the game on the field.

 

[CNOTES]

NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up

Monday, February 2

Hot Teams
-- Cleveland won/covered its last ten games (6-0 last six HF). 76ers split their last six games (1-4 last five AU).
-- Hornets won nine of their last twelve games (5-1 last six AU).
-- Clippers won seven of last eight games (1-6 last seven AF).
-- Toronto won its last six games (1-5 last six HF). Bucks won four of last five games (5-0 vs spread, 9-2 last 11 AU).
-- Hawks won 19 in row, 33 of last 35 games (4-0-1 last five AF). New Orleans won eight of last ten games (5-0 HU).
-- Dallas won last two games by 21-15 points after losing previous four games (3-9-1 last 13 HF).
-- Memphis won its last six games (3-1 last four AF).

Cold Teams
-- Wizards lost four of last six games (0-6 vs spread, 5-7 last 12 HF).
-- Brooklyn lost five in row, 12 of last 14 games (1-6 last seven HU).
-- Magic lost its last eight games (6-2 last eight AU). Oklahoma City lost four of last five games (1-5-1 last seven HF).
-- Minnesota lost seven of its last eight games (8-2 last 10 AU); they're expected to get PG Rubio back tonight.
-- Suns lost three of their last five games (2-2 HU).

Series Records
-- 76ers lost three of last four games with Cleveland.
-- Hornets won four of last five games with Washington.
-- Clippers won three of last four games with Brooklyn.
-- Raptors won their last six games with Milwaukee.
-- Pelicans won three of last four games with Atlanta.
-- Thunder won six of last seven games with Orlando.
-- Mavericks won three of last four games with Minnesota.
-- Grizzlies won their last six games with Phoenix.

Totals
-- Six of 76ers' last seven road games stayed under.
-- 10 of last 13 Washington home games stayed under.
-- Seven of last ten Clipper road games went over.
-- Last three Milwaukee road games went over total.
-- Seven of last ten Atlanta road games stayed under.
-- Last five Thunder games stayed under total.
-- 10 of last 11 Dallas home games stayed under total.
-- Under is 6-1-1 in last eight Phoenix home games.

Back-to-Backs
-- None

East vs West
SU: West 156-101 ATS: West 134-121-2
East teams HF vs West: 33-34
East teams HU vs West: 24-36
West teams HF vs East: 52-56-2
West teams HU vs East: 12-8

 

[CNOTES]

NBA

Monday, February 2

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Trend Report
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7:00 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. CLEVELAND
Philadelphia is 10-4 SU in its last 14 games when playing Cleveland
Philadelphia is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games
Cleveland is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Philadelphia
Cleveland is 3-9 ATS in its last 12 games when playing Philadelphia

7:00 PM
CHARLOTTE vs. WASHINGTON
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Charlotte's last 6 games on the road
Charlotte is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games on the road
Washington is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Charlotte
Washington is 13-5 SU in its last 18 games at home

7:30 PM
LA CLIPPERS vs. BROOKLYN
LA Clippers are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games when playing Brooklyn
LA Clippers are 3-6 ATS in their last 9 games
Brooklyn is 5-0 SU in their last 5 games when playing at home against LA Clippers
Brooklyn is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games at home

7:30 PM
MILWAUKEE vs. TORONTO
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Milwaukee's last 5 games when playing Toronto
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Milwaukee's last 10 games on the road
Toronto is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Milwaukee
Toronto is 4-1-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Milwaukee

8:00 PM
ATLANTA vs. NEW ORLEANS
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Atlanta's last 9 games when playing New Orleans
Atlanta is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of New Orleans's last 6 games when playing at home against Atlanta
New Orleans is 15-5 SU in its last 20 games when playing at home against Atlanta

8:00 PM
ORLANDO vs. OKLAHOMA CITY
Orlando is 1-7 ATS in its last 8 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Orlando's last 6 games when playing Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Orlando
Oklahoma City is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home

8:30 PM
MINNESOTA vs. DALLAS
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Minnesota's last 6 games when playing Dallas
Minnesota is 8-17 SU in its last 25 games when playing Dallas
Dallas is 3-13 ATS in its last 16 games when playing at home against Minnesota
Dallas is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Minnesota

9:00 PM
MEMPHIS vs. PHOENIX
Memphis is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Phoenix
Memphis is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Phoenix is 17-8 SU in its last 25 games when playing at home against Memphis
Phoenix is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Memphis

 

[CNOTES]

NBA

Monday, February 2

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Game of the Day: Hawks at Pelicans: What bettors need to know
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Atlanta Hawks at New Orleans Pelicans (OFF, OFF)

The Atlanta Hawks got a couple of scares over the weekend but made it through with their winning streak intact and the best record in the NBA to the right of their name in the standings. The Hawks just completed the best month in NBA history and will try to make it 20 straight victories when they open February by visiting the New Orleans Pelicans on Monday. The Pelicans have taken five of their last six and are thriving at home.

Atlanta’s 17-0 January eclipsed the San Antonio Spurs’ 16-0 March of last season as the best in a calendar month, but the Hawks trailed the Philadelphia 76ers down the stretch before pulling out a 91-85 triumph on Saturday. “Finding ways to win, different players stepping up each night, against a very good defensive team,” Atlanta coach Mike Budenholzer told reporters. “We are going to have to play a lot better going forward.” The Hawks could catch a break on Monday if Pelicans star Anthony Davis (groin) is forced to miss a second consecutive game.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, NBATV, SportSouth (Atlanta), FSN New Orleans

ABOUT THE HAWKS (40-8 SU, 34-14 ATS, 25-23 O/U): Atlanta, which outscored Portland 36-25 in the fourth quarter of a 105-99 win on Friday, is getting clutch performances down the stretch from the likes of Dennis Schroder and Al Horford. Schroder stepped up with a go-ahead 3-pointer with 1:35 left after Horford’s tying bucket on Saturday and continues to draw praise from the staff. “I’m on him a lot to attack,” Budenholzer told reporters of Schroder. “...We believe that when you are open, you need to take what the game gives you. He is going to grow. He’s going to hit big shots for us going forward. We are confident in him.”

ABOUT THE PELICANS (25-22 SU, 28-19 ATS, 23-24 O/U): New Orleans survived without Davis on Friday, when Eric Gordon and Ryan Anderson buried five 3-pointers apiece and Dante Cunningham and Alexis Ajinca helped cover for the loss on the inside. “I’m just trying to give it everything I have every time I’m on the court,” Ajinca told reporters. “It helps when I have more minutes. When it does happen, I’m trying to do anything I can to help the team, whether that is rebounds, points or energy.” Friday’s win pushed the Pelicans to 3-1 on their six-game homestand, which concludes with Atlanta and Oklahoma City.

 

[CNOTES]

NBA

Monday, February 2


Rockets' C Dwight Howard, Late February

Howard has been sidelined due to edema in his right knee as well as a sprained right ankle. He is expected to be out for four weeks.


Magic G Victor Oladipo, quesitonable Monday

Oladipo has an Achilles injury and is questionable to play Monday against the Thunder.


Pelicans' C Anthony Davis, questionable Monday

Davis has been out with an injured groin and is questionable to return for Monday's game against the Hawks.


Wizards' PG John Wall, questionable Monday

Wall is suffering from migraines and is questionable to play against the Hornets on Monday.


Deron Williams, Brooklyn - Ques Mon

Williams is sidelined with fractured cartilage in his rib. He has been participating in practice and could return Monday against the Clippers.


Rubio cleared to play for Timberwolves on Monday

Ricky Rubio has been cleared to play for the Timberwolves against the Mavericks on Monday, a source close to the situation told the Associated Press. Rubio hasn't played since Nov. 7 when he injured his left ankle. Including Minnesota's game on Saturday against Cleveland, he will have missed 43 games since he was sidelined.


Raptors open as 7-point favorites versus Bucks

Sports books have opened the hot Toronto Raptors as 7-point home favorites with the Milwaukee Bucks in town Monday evening.

The Raptors are enjoying a six-game winning streak which has seen them go 3-3 against the spread.

The Raps and Bucks have met twice already this season with the former winning both games straight up and against the spread.


Cavs surging straight up and against the spread

The Cleveland Cavaliers head into Monday's meeting with the Philadelphia 76ers riding a 10-game straight up winning streak and are 9-1 against the spread over that stretch.

The recent streak seemingly puts a tough start to the season in the rear-view mirror. Prior to the currently streak, the Cavs dropped six-straight games SU and ATS.

The two Eastern Conference teams have played once this season, with the Sixers winning 95-92 as 7.5-point dogs back on Jan. 5.


Bucks surpass season win total just 47 games into season

Talk about a turnaround for the Milwaukee Bucks, as the team surpassed their season win total on Jan. 31, just 47 games into their season.

The Westgate LV Superbook set the Bucks win total at 24.5 win entering the season, and with their 95-88 win over the Portland Trail Blazers Saturday night, they notched win No. 25.

The team was expected to improve on it's dreaded 15-win campaign last season with the addition of star rookie Jabari Parker and new head coach Jason Kidd, but not many could have expected this. The Bucks are now 25-22 this season and hold the sixth spot in the Eastern Conference.

The Atlanta Hawks are the next team closing in on their win total of 43, as they have compiled an incredible 40-8 record to start the season.

 

[CNOTES]

NBA
Long Sheet

Monday, February 2

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

PHILADELPHIA (10 - 38) at CLEVELAND (29 - 20) - 2/2/2015, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 3-11 ATS (-9.1 Units) as a road underdog of 12.5 to 18 points this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 3-12 ATS (-10.2 Units) as a road underdog of 12.5 or more points this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 3-11 ATS (-9.1 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 32-45 ATS (-17.5 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 24-39 ATS (-18.9 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 19-32 ATS (-16.2 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.

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

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

CHARLOTTE (20 - 27) at WASHINGTON (31 - 17) - 2/2/2015, 7:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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

MILWAUKEE (25 - 22) at TORONTO (33 - 15) - 2/2/2015, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MILWAUKEE is 314-373 ATS (-96.3 Units) second half of the season since 1996.
MILWAUKEE is 46-79 ATS (-40.9 Units) after 3 or more consecutive wins since 1996.
MILWAUKEE is 32-14 ATS (+16.6 Units) in all games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 21-9 ATS (+11.1 Units) as an underdog this season.
MILWAUKEE is 20-6 ATS (+13.4 Units) in road games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 115-84 ATS (+22.6 Units) in road games against Atlantic division opponents since 1996.
MILWAUKEE is 12-4 ATS (+7.6 Units) after a non-conference game this season.
MILWAUKEE is 21-9 ATS (+11.1 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent this season.
MILWAUKEE is 16-6 ATS (+9.4 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.
MILWAUKEE is 14-6 ATS (+7.4 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.
TORONTO is 1-9 ATS (-8.9 Units) in home games after scoring 105 points or more this season.

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

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

LA CLIPPERS (33 - 15) at BROOKLYN (18 - 28) - 2/2/2015, 7:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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

ATLANTA (40 - 8) at NEW ORLEANS (25 - 22) - 2/2/2015, 8:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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

ORLANDO (15 - 35) at OKLAHOMA CITY (23 - 24) - 2/2/2015, 8:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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

MINNESOTA (8 - 39) at DALLAS (32 - 17) - 2/2/2015, 8:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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

MEMPHIS (35 - 12) at PHOENIX (28 - 21) - 2/2/2015, 9:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PHOENIX is 77-51 ATS (+20.9 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 34-21 ATS (+10.9 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 47-27 ATS (+17.3 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
MEMPHIS is 40-22 ATS (+15.8 Units) after a win by 10 points or more over the last 3 seasons.
MEMPHIS is 73-47 ATS (+21.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.

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

 

[CNOTES]

Inside the Paint - Monday


February 2, 2015


After taking off for the Super Bowl, the NBA returns to the hardwood on Monday with an eight-game slate. Technically, the Association did have two games (Heat at Celtics, Lakers at Knicks) yesterday and they were ugly matchups. Fortunately, they lived up to their billing and savvy total bettors cashed a pair of easy ‘under’ winners.


A lot of the games tonight have plenty of question marks, which is why the oddsmakers only sent out three overnight numbers.


The matchup that intrigues me the most for Monday is the Hawks-Pelicans battle in New Orleans, which will be aired nationally on NBATV at 8:05 p.m. ET.


Atlanta will be gunning for its 20th straight win after posting a perfect 17-0 record in the month of January, an NBA record. The longest winning streak in NBA history is owned by the 1971-72 Los Angeles Lakers, who captured 33 straight victories.


During their 19-game streak, the Hawks covered their first 15 games but have come back to life at the betting counter recently, going 1-3 against the spread in the last four wins.


Oddsmakers sent out Atlanta as a four-point road favorite and the number has moved to 4 ½ at most betting shops.


I asked VegasInsider.com NBA expert Tony Mejia about the Hawks and where he sees them falling.


“The Hawks played road games at Cleveland, Houston and Dallas just before Christmas, so this week’s stretch isn’t their most difficult week of the season, but it definitely ranks up there. After visiting New Orleans, they’ll face Southeast Division rival Washington at home, followed by Golden State on Friday. They’ll then tangle with Southwest Division-leading Memphis at Fed Ex Forum on Sunday. If they get through this stretch unscathed, there’s a good chance Atlanta will hit the All-Star break with its marvelous winning streak intact, since the final two games before going on hiatus are at Minnesota and Boston,” said Mejia.


Mejia wouldn’t be surprised if Atlanta goes down on Monday though but a banged-up New Orleans squad will have to bring it’s “A” game.


He explained, “New Orleans has managed to stay afloat despite the absence of Jrue Holiday, who has a stress reaction in his lower right leg and remains out. That they beat the Clippers without their point guard and Anthony Davis, whose thigh strain isn’t considered as serious, is as shocking as not handing Marshawn Lynch the ball at the goal line to try and win the Super Bowl. Ryan Anderson has returned from his own bout with injuries to provide a shooting spark, but the key to running offense without Holiday has been Tyreke Evans, who has had the ball in his hands more for himself and teammates. If opponents can take him out of his rhythm early, the Pelicans are vulnerable until Holiday returns. Right now, there’s still no timetable regarding when he’ll be back.”


Davis sat out Friday with a groin injury and New Orleans upset the L.A. Clippers 108-103 as 7 ½-point home underdogs. Including this win, the Pelicans are 8-2 SU and 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games. Davis is expected to play on Monday.


Currently, New Orleans is slotted into the ninth seed in the Western Conference playoff picture. If head coach Monty Williams and his squad don’t make the postseason, they can look at their record against the Eastern Conference as a big reason.


In 17 games, the Pelicans are 7-10 SU and 9-8 ATS in non-conference affairs, which includes inexcusable setbacks to the Knicks, 76ers and Celtics. To be fair, 11 of the 17 games were played outside of “The Big Easy” and that’s where nine of the losses have come.


At home versus the East, New Orleans is 5-1 both SU and ATS this season. The lone loss coming against Washington by seven points (85-92) on Jan. 5.


These teams met in late November from Atlanta and the Hawks captured a 100-91 victory over the Pelicans as 2 ½-point favorites.


There are seven other games slated for Monday and here is my quick handicap.


Philadelphia at Cleveland: I can’t believe I’m saying this but it’s a revenge spot for the Cavaliers, who lost to 76ers 95-92 on Jan. 5 as 4 ½-point road favorites. LeBron James and Kyrie Irving didn’t play in the loss. Heavy price to back Cleveland (-16) but it’s hard to go against a team that is 10-0 (9-1 ATS) in its last 10 games. Low total (192.5) here and understandably with Cleveland (31-15) and Philadelphia (32-16) two of the best ‘under’ teams in the league. Cavs on a 5-0 run to the ‘under’ heading into Monday as well.


Charlotte at Washington: The Hornets could be worth a look as it appears they’ve found a solid groove, going 10-3 SU and 9-4 ATS in their last 13 games. Charlotte took three of four from Washington last season, which included a pair of road wins (98-85, 94-88). The ‘under’ went 4-0 in those games.


Milwaukee at Toronto: VegasInsider.com handicapper Bruce Marshall provided his thoughts on this Eastern Conference matchup. He said, “Milwaukee came much closer on Jan. 19 vs. Toronto than it did in first meeting when blown out by 40 (124-82) at Air Canada Centre on Nov. 21. But Raptors prevailed again, this time at BMO Harris Bradley Center, by three points (92-89). Despite recent series trends that have seen Raptors win six meetings straight up, we’re tempted to give Jason Kidd’s Bucks a look, especially on road where they have covered 20 of 26 games.”


L.A. Clippers at Brooklyn: These teams just met on Jan. 22 and the Clippers rolled the Nets 123-84 as 13-point home favorites. I can’t justify a play on Brooklyn, who is 2-8 in its last 10, nor do I like laying points with the Clippers on the road. L.A. is 13-8 SU nut 9-12 ATS as a visitor.


Orlando at Oklahoma City: Rumors have been circulating that Magic head coach Jacque Vaughn may be fired any day as Orlando has dropped eight straight both SU and ATS. Oklahoma City is in another funk, 1-4 in its last five, but its best performance recently came on Jan. 18 when it rolled Orlando 127-99 on the road.


Minnesota at Dallas: These teams have played twice this season and the Mavericks have posted double-digit victories (131-117, 98-75) in both games. PG Ricky Rubio is expected to return for the Timerbwolves tonight but I’m guessing his minutes will be limited. Dallas will be playing its first home game after three straight on the road and those spots are always difficult for the host, especially when laying healthy digits. Be careful.


Memphis at Phoenix: Classic matchup of offense against defense here and VI expert Stephen Nover is backing the defensive squad. “The guard-oriented, finesse Suns are not a good matchup against the physical, rugged Grizzlies, who are playing their finest defense of the season. Phoenix has lost six in a row to Memphis, including twice this season by an average of 11.5 points although one game did go into overtime.The Grizzlies have won 10 of their last 11, including six straight. They are giving up only 82.6 points per game during their last six games. In their last two games, the Grizzlies held Oklahoma City to 74 points and Denver to 69,” explained Nover.

 

[CNOTES]

Hoop Trends - Monday


February 2, 2015




ATS TREND OF THE DAY:


-- The Nets are 0-10 ATS (-10.20 ppg) since Apr 01, 2008 at home after playing at home after a loss in which they made more baskets than their opponent.




OU TREND OF THE DAY:


-- The Grizzlies are 0-13 OU (-7.54 ppg) since Jan 31, 2012 when their DPS was minus 15 points or less in their previous game.


PLAYER TREND OF THE DAY:


-- The 76ers are 0-9 OU (-20.78 ppg) since Nov 14, 2014 after Michael Carter was the Seventysixers’ high scorer in a loss.


NBA BIBLE ACTIVE TREND:


-- The Pelicans are 2-11 with rest after a win in which they shot at least ten three-pointers and made at least half of them.


ACTIVE TRENDS:


-- The Clippers are 8-0-1 OU (12.06 ppg) since Jan 04, 2014 on the road after Blake Griffin was the Clippers’ high scorer on the road.

 

[CNOTES]

Armadillo: Tuesday's six-pack

-- Jon Lester pitched 219.2 innings LY and never threw a pickoff throw to first base the entire season. No need to have a good move if no one ever sees it.

-- Atlanta Hawks lost in New Orleans, ending their 19-game winning streak.

-- Cavaliers have won 11 in a row; don't hear anything about them anymore.

-- Toronto Maple Leafs lost their last nine games, scoring a shockingly low seven goals during the losing streak.

-- There are 187 sports book locations in the state of Nevada.

-- Underdogs were 8-0 vs spread in NBA last night; under was 7-1.

**********

Armadillo: Tuesday's List of 13: Random stuff on a frigid night.....

13) We had a foot of snow here in upstate New York the last 36 hours and as I type this is six below zero outside. Awesome. I'm not a big fan of winter.

12) Was Monday the easiest day ever to be a radio talk show host? Sit there, take calls about how dumb the Seahawks were, agree with everything that is said, play some commercials, collect your money and go home. Almost as easy as handing the ball to your best running back when you have the ball on the 1-ya-- oh, forget it.

Maybe critique some of the Super Bowl commercials too, but I'm not a commercial watcher, though I like the Harry Chapin song they played during one commercial.

11) Tigers' DH Victor Martinez was intentionally walked 28 times last year, most ever for a switch hitter. I'm hoping they bat Cespedes behind Victor this year.

10) Someone named Scott Walker is running for President. Apparently he is the governor of Wisconsin-- his Wikipedia page says he went to Marquette but makes no mention of him graduating from there. When was the last time a US President wasn't a college graduate? He had a 2.59 GPA when he left school.

9) Halftime score from Saturday: Temple 28, Tulane 8. Green Wave isn't a bad team either, but long road trips and day games in different time zones lead to bad games. If you score eight points in a half, it is time to roll the balls out and lets the kids run up and down rather than lose scoring less than 50 points.

8) Stanford coach Johnny Dawkins' son is a contributor as a freshman at Michigan; he wears his dad's number 24, but I guess they decided the kid would be better off not playing for his father. He would help Stanford, too.

7) Mets signed Lucas Duda to a $4.2M contract for this year, avoiding arbitration. If you were unsure whether this is a great country, that should clinch it for you.

6) Doc Rivers was complaining a little Monday about his team's current 8-game road trip, which was caused by the Grammys being at Staples Center Sunday night. Kings and Lakers are on long road trips too, but Kings' trip is only four games, the Lakers' only five. People that oiwn Staples own part of the Lakers/Kings, but they don't own any part of the Clippers.

5) Clippers led Brooklyn 96-87 with 1:40 left last night, but lost 102-100; games like this could haunt LA when the playoffs roll around, if they wind up playing a Game 7 on the road somewhere.

4) Nets have good uniforms, but also the simplest: just black-and-white, no third color but they're really nice. Apparently starting in March they're going to be wearing throwback uniforms to honor the old ABA Nets, red, white and blue.

3) Every time I see Chris Paul play, I am reminded of this story:

Paul was tight with his grandfather, who was a big Wake Forest fan, so he was happy when his grandson committed to play for the Deacons, but the grandfather passed away late in Paul's senior season in high school, way too early at age 61.

In Chris Paul's last high school home game, he scored 61 points, then when he was taken out of the game, he collapsed in uncontrollable grief as he walked to the bench. To this day, it is one of the most emotional scenes I've ever seen, anywhere.

2) Jermaine Kearse made one of the greatest catches in NFL history at a huge time in a Super Bowl, but now he is just a footnote in history. Hell, David Tyree wrote a book after his catch in a Super Bowl. Losing team doesn't write many books.

1) Five kids went to the Cal-Davis game Saturday dressed as bananas; they sat in the front row, got on TV a lot and rooted like hell for the Aggies, who rallied late to beat Cal Poly in overtime. Not many NBA fans dress up as bananas; thats one of the big differences between college and pro ball. College fans are more enthuisiastic.

 

[CNOTES]

NBA
Dunkel

Denver at Philadelphia
The Nuggets head to Philadelphia tonight and come into the contest with a 1-7 ATS record in their last 8 games versus Atlantic Division opponents. Philadelphia is the pick (+6) according to Dunkel, which has the Sixers favored by 3 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (+6). Here are all of today's NBA picks.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3

Game 501-502: Denver at Philadelphia (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Denver 112.522; Philadelphia 115.868
Dunkel Line & Total: Philadelphia by 3 1/2; 197
Vegas Line & Total: Denver by 6; 192
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (+6); Over

Game 503-504: Boston at New York (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Boston 113.933; New York 116.396
Dunkel Line & Total: New York by 2 1/2; 185
Vegas Line & Total: New York by 1; 189
Dunkel Pick: New York (-1); Under

Game 505-506: Miami at Detroit (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Miami 115.016; Detroit 121.852
Dunkel Line & Total: Detroit by 7; 182
Vegas Line & Total: Detroit by 4; 185 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (-4); Under

Game 507-508: Utah at Portland (10:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Utah 119.883; Portland 122.958
Dunkel Line & Total: Portland by 3; 198
Vegas Line & Total: Portland by 8 1/2; 194 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Utah (+8 1/2); Over

Game 509-510: Golden State at Sacramento (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Golden State 130.568; Sacramento 115.572
Dunkel Line & Total: Golden State by 15; 221
Vegas Line & Total: Golden State by 9; 217 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Golden State (-9); Over




NBA
Long Sheet

Tuesday, February 3

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

DENVER (19 - 29) at PHILADELPHIA (10 - 39) - 2/3/2015, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DENVER is 0-8 ATS (-8.8 Units) when playing with 2 days rest this season.
DENVER is 3-12 ATS (-10.2 Units) after 3 or more consecutive unders over the last 2 seasons.
DENVER is 19-34 ATS (-18.4 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 3-15 ATS (-13.5 Units) on Tuesday nights over the last 3 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 18-31 ATS (-16.1 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 25-39 ATS (-17.9 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.

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

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

BOSTON (16 - 30) at NEW YORK (10 - 38) - 2/3/2015, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 25-12 ATS (+11.8 Units) in road games revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
NEW YORK is 19-28 ATS (-11.8 Units) in all games this season.
NEW YORK is 25-40 ATS (-19.0 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
NEW YORK is 9-6 against the spread versus BOSTON over the last 3 seasons
NEW YORK is 10-5 straight up against BOSTON over the last 3 seasons
11 of 15 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

MIAMI (21 - 26) at DETROIT (18 - 30) - 2/3/2015, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MIAMI is 0-10 ATS (-11.0 Units) off an upset win as an underdog this season.
MIAMI is 0-8 ATS (-8.8 Units) after allowing 85 points or less this season.
DETROIT is 26-15 ATS (+9.5 Units) after scoring 105 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 11-2 ATS (+8.8 Units) in road games in February games over the last 3 seasons.
MIAMI is 50-33 ATS (+13.7 Units) second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
MIAMI is 35-19 ATS (+14.1 Units) in road games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 3 seasons.
DETROIT is 58-72 ATS (-21.2 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 4-14 ATS (-11.4 Units) as a home favorite of 3.5 to 6 points over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 24-41 ATS (-21.1 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 0-8 ATS (-8.8 Units) in home games after a non-conference game this season.

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

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

UTAH (17 - 30) at PORTLAND (32 - 16) - 2/3/2015, 10:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
UTAH is 36-60 ATS (-30.0 Units) in road games after playing 3 consecutive home games since 1996.
PORTLAND is 3-13 ATS (-11.3 Units) in home games after 3 or more consecutive losses over the last 3 seasons.

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

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

GOLDEN STATE (37 - 8) at SACRAMENTO (17 - 29) - 2/3/2015, 10:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SACRAMENTO is 33-17 ATS (+14.3 Units) as a home underdog of 6.5 to 9 points since 1996.
GOLDEN STATE is 29-14 ATS (+13.6 Units) in all games this season.
GOLDEN STATE is 15-7 ATS (+7.3 Units) when the total is greater than or equal to 210 this season.
GOLDEN STATE is 26-11 ATS (+13.9 Units) as a favorite this season.
GOLDEN STATE is 12-2 ATS (+9.8 Units) when playing with 2 days rest over the last 2 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 19-7 ATS (+11.3 Units) after a win by 10 points or more this season.
GOLDEN STATE is 21-7 ATS (+13.3 Units) after scoring 105 points or more this season.
GOLDEN STATE is 54-36 ATS (+14.4 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 26-13 ATS (+11.7 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 17-7 ATS (+9.3 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.
GOLDEN STATE is 23-11 ATS (+10.9 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
SACRAMENTO is 26-39 ATS (-16.9 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
SACRAMENTO is 6-17 ATS (-12.7 Units) vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
GOLDEN STATE is 5-4 against the spread versus SACRAMENTO over the last 3 seasons
GOLDEN STATE is 8-3 straight up against SACRAMENTO over the last 3 seasons
7 of 11 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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




NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up

Tuesday, February 3

Hot Teams
-- Miami covered six of its last seven road games (5-0 last five AU).
-- Knicks won five of their last seven games (2-5 HF).
-- Warriors won 14 of their last 17 games (1-4 last five AF).

Cold Teams
-- Philly lost seven of last ten games but covered last four (10-4 last 14 HU). Nuggets lost nine of their last ten games (2-2 AF).
-- Detroit lost four of its last five games (3-9 HF).
-- Boston lost last three games by 12-6-8 points (8-1 last nine AU).
-- Jazz lost four of its last five road games (11-3 last 14 AU). Portland lost five of its last six games (1-6 last seven HF).
-- Sacramento lost eight of its last nine games (3-0 last three HU).

Series Records
-- 76ers won five of last eight games with Denver.
-- Miami won 12 of its last 14 games with Detroit.
-- Knicks won their last three games with Boston.
-- Portland won its last four games with Utah, all by 8+ points.
-- Warriors won their last seven games with Sacramento.

Totals
-- Eight of last nine 76er home games stayed under.
-- Eight of last eleven Detroit home games went over.
-- Five of last seven Boston road games stayed under.
-- Eight of last ten Utah road games stayed under.
-- Seven of last eight Golden State road games went over.

Back-to-Backs
-- 76ers are 7-5 vs spread if they played night before.

East vs West
SU: West 156-101 ATS: West 134-121-2
East teams HF vs West: 33-34
East teams HU vs West: 24-36
West teams HF vs East: 52-56-2
West teams HU vs East: 12-8




NBA

Tuesday, February 3

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

7:00 PM
DENVER vs. PHILADELPHIA
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Denver's last 6 games
Denver is 3-6-1 ATS in its last 10 games
Philadelphia is 5-18 SU in its last 23 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Philadelphia's last 9 games at home

7:30 PM
MIAMI vs. DETROIT
Miami is 12-2 SU in its last 14 games when playing Detroit
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Miami's last 5 games on the road
Detroit is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
Detroit is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games at home

7:30 PM
BOSTON vs. NEW YORK
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Boston's last 6 games when playing on the road against New York
Boston is 15-8 SU in its last 23 games when playing on the road against New York
The total has gone OVER in 4 of New York's last 6 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of New York's last 6 games

10:00 PM
GOLDEN STATE vs. SACRAMENTO
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Golden State's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Golden State's last 9 games when playing Sacramento
Sacramento is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Golden State
Sacramento is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Golden State

10:00 PM
UTAH vs. PORTLAND
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Utah's last 8 games when playing on the road against Portland
The total has gone UNDER in 15 of Utah's last 20 games
Portland is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Portland is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games

 

[CNOTES]

NBA

Tuesday, February 3


76ers' PG Carter-Williams, questionable Tuesday

Carter-williams suffered a right ankle during Monday's game and is questionable Tuesday against the Nuggets.


Knicks may play it safe with Stoudemire's return

Derek Fisher acknowledges that the Knicks “have to maybe be the bad guys” with Amar’e Stoudemire once he returns to the lineup in terms of holding the hobbled big man to stricter minutes guidelines to help preserve his long-term health.

Stoudemire “probably won’t play” Tuesday night against the Celtics, Fisher said, due to the wrist and ankle injuries he suffered Jan. 24 in Charlotte. If he doesn’t, that would mark 16 of 21 games the four-time All-Star has missed — including several with a swollen right knee — since bypassing a scheduled recovery day and talking his way into the lineup Dec. 18 in Chicago because Carmelo Anthony and others were injured.

 

[CNOTES]

Tuesday's Top Action


February 3, 2015




BOSTON CELTICS (16-30) at NEW YORK KNICKS (10-38)


Tip-off: Tuesday, 7:30 p.m. ET
Sportsbook.ag Line New York -1, Total: 191


Two struggling Atlantic Division clubs, the Boston Celtics and New York Knicks, clash at the famous Madison Square Garden on Tuesday night.


Boston is clearly in rebuild mode as they’ve started moving their veteran players for youth and draft picks and as a result they have struggled to get victories, going just 3-7 SU (6-4 ATS) since January 14th. They weren’t the easiest games, though, as the Celtics were considered at least five-point underdogs in all but two of the contests which included a six-game, west coast road trip where they were a solid 3-3 SU (5-1 ATS). Miami came into town as 3.5-point underdogs most recently and took down Boston 83-75 in a low scoring battle. The Celtics made a meager 30-of-81 shots (37% FG) in the loss and even did a poor job from the charity stripe (11-for-18).


The Knicks have had one of the worst starts in their history and held the worst record in the league for quite some time before getting SU victories in five of their last seven games (6-1 ATS). Over that period they won three of the contests while getting points and have now won four straight when playing at home. New York hosted the Lakers this Sunday afternoon in a matinee battle as three-point favorites and earned a decisive 92-80 win behind some incredible three-point shooting (10-for-22). They also stepped it up on defense, allowing L.A. to make a mere 27-of-76 shots (35.5% FG) as a team. Boston has not earned too many wins on the road this year, going 7-15 SU (14-8 ATS) as the away team and will be going up against a Knicks team which is just 7-17 SU (8-16 ATS) at home.


The one game played between these clubs this year went to the Knicks in a 101-95 game as they were getting 6.5 points on the road. New York made 49.5% of their shots in the rare victory and forced 17 turnovers in what was its third straight win in this matchup. They’ve averaged 110.3 PPG in the last three meetings with Boston and are 10-5 SU (9-6 ATS) overall in the past three seasons against their division rivals. Some trends to watch include that the Celtics are a perfect 7-0 ATS this season in road games after failing to cover two of their past three ATS and the Knicks are a solid 11-2 ATS (85%) in home games after covering four of their past five games in the last three years.


On the injury front, SF Tayshaun Prince (Hip) is hoping to play in this one while C Kelly Olynyk (Ankle) will be sidelined until after the All-Star break. For New York, their big-man situation is dire as they could be without C Cole Aldrich (Calf), PF Amar’e Stoudemire (Ankle) and PF Travis Wear (Hip) who are all questionable.


The Celtics have actually been a solid offensive unit despite their lack of experience and are scoring 100.9 PPG (5th in Eastern Conference) behind 44.8% shooting as a team. Unfortunately it is their defense which has killed them, giving up 103.0 PPG (6th-worst in league) as opponents make 44.9% of their attempts. PF Jared Sullinger (14.0 PPG, 8.0 RPG) has blossomed into a solid NBA starter, but has made just 17-of-51 shots (33.3% FG) in the past four contests. He was an absolute mess when his team was defeated by the Knicks earlier this year, missing all six of his field goal attempts as he put up a goose egg in the points column and added just four rebounds. SG Avery Bradley (13.1 PPG) has scored double-digit points in each of the past seven games and has done a great job forcing turnovers recently, getting 1.6 SPG over his last five performances. He wasn’t able to go when these clubs last met but did a decent job (13.0 PPG, 8.0 RPG) in two games against New York last year. SG Evan Turner (8.9 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 4.3 APG) has seen a much increased role since the departure of Rondo but hasn’t done much scoring of late with 23 total points in his last four games (5.8 PPG). He was on the court for 36 minutes in the loss against the Knicks back in mid-January, scoring 13 points but also committing five fouls and five turnovers.


New York puts little fear in their opponents with its offensive game, going for a putrid 92.7 PPG (3rd-worst in league) as it makes 43.9% of its field goal attempts (10th-worst in league). They haven’t done too much better on defense either, allowing the opposition to net 100.2 PPG (11th-worst in league) behind 45.8% shooting (9th-worst in league). SF Carmelo Anthony (24.3 PPG, 6.7 RPG) has eclipsed 30 points in two of the last three games, both of which the team won, as he is coming off a great performance (31 points, 8 rebounds) on 13-of-25 shooting (52% FG) against the Lakers. He had a team-high 22 points to go with five rebounds, three blocks and a steal when these teams last met. SG Tim Hardaway Jr. (11.3 PPG) is an all-or-nothing type of player and brought nothing against the Lakers on Sunday, hitting just 3-of-10 shots for eight points. He did have 16 points when he saw the Celtics a few weeks ago, but once again struggled with his shot (5-for-13) as he added five rebounds. PG Langston Galloway (12.0 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 1.1 SPG) has came out of nowhere to give this team a boost and despite making just 39% of his shots over the last five games, he’s gotten double-digit points four times and has played at least 30 minutes in each contest. He was not yet with the team when they last played Boston.


GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS (37-8) at SACRAMENTO KINGS (17-29)


Tip-off: Tuesday, 10:05 p.m. ET
Sportsbook.ag Line Golden State -9.50, Total: 217.5


The Kings look to win their second straight game when they host the Warriors on Tuesday.


Golden State is coming off of a solid 106-87 victory as 10.5-point home favorites over the Suns on Saturday. The win snapped a two-game SU losing streak and a three-game ATS losing streak. The team has, however, won six of its last eight games SU and is 5-3 ATS in those contests. Defensively the Warriors have struggled, allowing 105.8 PPG over their past six games. The Kings, meanwhile, snapped an eight-game losing streak with a 99-94 win-and-cover over the Pacers in Indiana on Saturday. They’ve struggled offensively though, averaging just 97.7 PPG over their past six games. They’ve also allowed their opponents to shoot over 45% from the field in six of their past eight contests.


These two teams played one another on Jan. 23, when the Warriors won 126-101 as 15.5-point favorites in Golden State. They’ve now won-and-covered in all three games they’ve played against the Kings this season, and they have also won seven straight games overall against Sacramento. Golden State has won-and-covered in its past two trips to Sacramento and they’ve won three straight SU as well. The last time the Kings beat the Warriors at Sleep Train Arena was Dec. 19, 2012. Golden State is 21-7 ATS after scoring 105 points or more this season and will be up against a Sacramento team that is 0-14 ATS after having lost six or seven of its last eight games this season. The Kings are, however, 33-17 ATS as home underdogs of 6.5 to nine points since 1996.


C Festus Ezeli (Ankle) is out indefinitely for the Warriors and PF Eric Moreland (Shoulder) is out for the season for the Kings.


The Warriors finally hit something of a rough patch for their standards, losing two straight games before a 106-87 victory over the Suns on Saturday. Now they’ll be facing the Kings in Sacramento, and SG Klay Thompson (22.7 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 3.0 APG) will be chomping at the bit to get this one started. The last time Thompson faced the Kings was on Jan. 23, when he poured in 52 points (16-for-25 FG, 11-for-15 3PT, 9-for-10 FT) in just 33 minutes. Thompson broke an NBA record for points scored in a quarter, ending the third with an outrageous 37 points. He also had five assists, four steals and two blocks in the game. PG Stephen Curry (23.0 PPG, 8.1 APG, 4.7 RPG, 2.1 SPG) has picked up his play since scoring just 10 points with 11 assists in that win over Sacramento. In the four games since that victory, Curry is averaging 25.0 PPG, 8.3 APG and 2.5 SPG for Golden State. He should be able to light up the Kings, as they are relatively weak at the point guard position. SF Draymond Green (11.5 PPG, 8.0 RPG, 3.5 APG, 1.6 SPG, 1.4 BPG) does it all for Golden State, but he has struggled with his shot recently (35% FG, 28% 3PT over past five games). The Warriors will need him to start knocking down shots, but his ability to do the little things will keep him on the floor regardless. C Andrew Bogut (6.6 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 1.8 BPG) will have to be ready to play some extra minutes in this game. He’ll be going up against C DeMarcus Cousins (23.6 PPG, 12.6 RPG, 1.6 BPG) and if he is not moving well, the Kings’ big man will absolutely destroy him.


The Kings finally snapped a dreadful eight-game losing streak in a victory over the Pacers in their last game, and they’ll now look to upset the Warriors in Sacramento. DeMarcus Cousins had 20 points, 19 rebounds and three assists in 39 minutes before fouling out in the Kings’ win over the Pacers on Saturday. He had 28 points and 11 rebounds the last time his team faced Golden State, and he’ll need help from his teammates if they are going to pull off this improbable victory. SF Rudy Gay (20.4 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 4.0 APG) has been on a tear since finishing with zero points in 13 minutes in a loss to the Warriors on Jan. 23. He was ejected from that game after picking up two technical fouls in the first half, but he’s now averaging 24.3 PPG in the three games since. Gay will need to provide the Kings with some offense, as they put way too much pressure on Cousins to perform at an elite level every single night. PG Darren Collison (16.3 PPG, 5.7 APG, 1.5 SPG) had 23 points, five assists and five rebounds in a win over the Pacers on Saturday. He’ll now need to hold his own in a matchup with Stephen Curry and he actually was able to do that last game, finishing with 15 points, six rebounds and four assists in 34 minutes in the loss. He’s averaging 15.0 PPG, 5.7 APG and 3.3 SPG in three games against the Warriors this year, so he should be able to play a solid game at home in this one. SG Ben McLemore (11.6 PPG, 3.2 RPG) will need to find some sort of offensive consistency for this team to start winning more games. He’s averaging just 7.0 PPG in 31.5 MPG over the last two contests and the Kings really need him to be a guy they can rely on to score in double digits every night.

 

[CNOTES]

Tuesday's Late Tips


February 2, 2015


Jazz at Blazers – 10:05 PM EST


These two Northwest division rivals are actually meeting for the first time this season as the two clubs will get together four times over the next nine weeks. Utah (17-30 SU, 25-22 ATS) wrapped up a four-game homestand at 2-2 with an impressive 110-100 triumph over Golden State on Friday to cash as 10-point underdogs. Six members of the Jazz scored in double-figures, led by Gordon Hayward’s 26 points, while Utah outrebounded Golden State, 55-41. Quin Snyder’s team improved to 4-1 ATS the last five games, which includes three covers of at least 6 ½ points.


The Blazers (32-16 SU, 24-23-1 ATS) return to the Moda Center following an 0-3 SU/ATS road trip with losses at Cleveland, Atlanta, and Milwaukee. In Saturday’s setback to the Bucks, Portland scored its second-fewest points this season in a 95-88 loss as two-point favorites, as Damian Lillard misfired on nine of 10 attempts from three-point range. The Blazers failed to score 100 or more points in each defeat on the trip, extending Portland’s road losing skid to six games.


From late November through mid-January, Terry Stotts’ club put together a 10-1 SU and 5-5-1 ATS record at home. However, the Blazers have split their last four contests at the Moda Center, including losses to the Clippers and Celtics. Portland has cashed the ‘under’ in five of the past seven home games, while holding six of those opponents to 96 points or less.


Utah has been a solid team to back on the road since mid-December, covering 10 of 14 times away from Salt Lake City. In this stretch, the Jazz has picked up covers against the Thunder, Bulls, Clippers, Grizzlies, Pelicans, and Wizards, while beating Chicago and Memphis outright as underdogs. Utah hasn’t been a good play off a win, posting a 6-10 ATS record in this situation, while going 0-8 SU and 2-6 ATS coming off a home victory.


Portland swept the four-game series from Utah last season, as the Blazers eclipsed the 100-point mark in every win, while the Jazz failed to reach triple-digits. The only cover for Utah in the four losses came as 8 ½-point underdogs in a 102-94 defeat last February in Oregon.


Warriors at Kings – 10:05 PM EST


Klay Thompson put together the most impressive quarter in NBA history the last time these Northern California rivals met up at Oracle Arena on January 23. Thompson dropped 37 points in the third quarter of a 126-101 blowout of Sacramento as 15 ½-point home favorites, while finishing with a career-best 52 points. The sharpshooter drilled 11 of 15 three-point attempts, as his Golden State teammates scored only four points in that dynamic third quarter.


The victory was the third in three tries for Golden State over Sacramento this season, as the Warriors covered in each victory. The Warriors have won seven straight in the series since the start of the 2013-14 campaign, which includes five consecutive covers. Steve Kerr’s team opened up the season with a 95-77 triumph at Sleep Train Arena as 4 ½-point favorites, as Sacramento scored just 28 points in the second half and shot 30% from the floor.


The Warriors (37-8 SU, 29-15-1 ATS) snapped a two-game skid on Saturday by blowing out the Suns, 106-87 to easily cash as 10 ½-point favorites. Thompson and Stephen Curry bounced back from a poor performance at Utah on Friday night to combine for 47 points against a Phoenix team that converted only 36% of its field goal attempts.


Sacramento (17-29 SU, 19-25-2 ATS) returns home from a four-game road trip that ended with a 99-94 triumph at Indiana as 5 ½-point underdogs. Tyrone Corbin’s squad snapped an eight-game skid, as the Kings won in spite of DeMarcus Cousins shooting 6-of-24 from the floor, while Sacramento exploded for 64 first half points. The Kings allowed less than 100 points for the first time in five games, while improving to 2-7 in the last nine contests against Eastern Conference foes.


Playing in the role of a home underdog has benefited the Kings lately, covering in their last three chances against the Clippers, Mavericks, and Thunder. However, Sacramento won just one of those games, knocking off Oklahoma City, 104-83 on January 7, as the Kings own a 3-1 SU/ATS record at home off a road trip of at least two games.


Golden State hasn’t been sharp away from the Bay Area recently, dropping five of its past seven road games, including a 10-point setback at Utah on Friday as 10-point favorites. The Warriors have put together a 2-3 SU/ATS record against division rivals on the highway, while allowing at least 100 points four times.

 

[CNOTES]

Armadillo: Wednesday's six-pack

-- Kentucky is the last unbeaten in college basketball; since 1985, the last unbeaten has won the national title twice: '99 UConn, '06 Florida.

-- Looks like Dick LeBeau will sign on with Tennessee as a defensive assistant and that is good news for Ken Whisenhunt and the Titans.

-- Maximum salary in the WNBA is $107,000; Diana Taurasi makes $1.5M over in Russia (seriously? wow!!!) and will skip the WNBA season this summer.

-- Texas G Javan Felix (concussion) won't play tonight when the Longhorns host Oklahoma State in a Big X revenge game in Austin.
The next series of numbers are from the fine football writer Bill Barnwell:

-- NFL teams dropped back to pass 112 times from the 1-yard line this year: 66 TDs (59.5% success rate), three sacks, one fateful interception.

-- NFL teams tried 223 running plays from the 1-yard line this year: 129 TDs, (57.8% success rate), two turnovers on fumbles.

**********

Armadillo: Wednesday's List of 13: Nobody asked me, but.........

13) Today is National Signing Day in college football; at 2:30, Cordell Broadus will announce his college choice-- he is Snoop Dogg's son. If the young man chooses to go to school at LSU (Odell Beckham Jr has to be helping LSU recruit WRs, right?), this would team Snoop Dogg and our man Les Miles as the unlikeliest of allies. Whoever is in charge of these things, please make this happen!!!!

12) ESPNU has 11 hours of coverage today, making this one of the few days of the entire year that I might be awake at 8am. Maybe.

11) The great Bill Raftery will team with Jim Nantz, Grant Hill in calling this year's Final Four. This is great news, because Raftery is awesome, but what a kick in the teeth to Clark Kellogg, the deposed #1 analyst who obviously isn't thought highly of by whomever is in charge. Haven't heard Hill enough yet to form an opinion. Seems like every single Duke alum is either a TV announcer or a head coach.

10) NBA All-Star break is longer this year; there are full schedules on Feb 11 and Feb 20, one game on the 12th and two on the 19th, so for 24 of the 30 teams, it is at least an eight-day break, almost twice as long as normal.

9) Unusual to see the Clippers' Jamal Crawford at the Celtic-Knick game; apparently the Clips stayed an extra night in NYC after losing to the Nets Monday- they play in Cleveland Thursday. Dangerous to let NBA players loose for an off-night in NYC, but Doc Rivers seems to do some things to make the season more enjoyable for his team. Not sure it helps them win more, but it probably makes them happier.

8) Crawford has curiously played for 17 head coaches in his 15-year career.

7) Syracuse 72, Virginia Tech 70-- ESPNU announcer, former Providence coach Tim Welsh was once a Syracuse assistant; when TV guys have neetings with coaches, do opposing coaches get paranoid about alliances between TV guys and the other team, like when the Redskins are on Monday Night Football and Jon Gruden's brother is coaching Washington? I know I would be.

Welsh spent a lot of the second half bitching about the refs, as Syracuse battled back from a double digit deficit, but he has taken up Jay Bilas' cause of scrutinizing the refs to the point of annoyance this season, not just in this game.

Virginia Tech gagged this game away, not getting a shot on their last two possessions in a game they led by 13 with 5:32 left.

6) Boise State 68, Utah State 63-- Broncos' first-ever win in Logan.

5) Browns' WR Josh Gordon caught 87 passes for 1,646 yards in 2013, but has had substance abuse issues and is now suspended for all of 2015, which is very sad. Young man should be having the time of his life, one of the best at his profession but he can't even play now. He shouldn't have to work a day in his life other than being a football player, but that seems unlikely now.

4) Why is Russell Wilson going to Texas Rangers' spring training? Whats the point? He is finally about to break the bank with the Seahawks and he feels the need to go play baseball? What if he blows his knee out? Then what? And why would Texas want him there? He is not that big a baseball prospect; he hit .229 in 93 minor league games in the Colorado system, in A ball.

3) The Caribbean Series is on TV, but it is on ESPN Desportes, which I don't have seeing as I....."no habla Espanol". These games should be on for everyone, even if we just see the games with graphics and no announcers- lot of people would watch. It is the dead of winter; baseball would be great to see, but what can you do?

2) Speaking of baseball on TV, SEC Network is going to have a lot of college baseball starting in a couple weeks, which is good news. Always weird to hear aluminum bats making contact with the ball on TV, but this is a good development.

1) Josh Hamilton is out 6-8 weeks after shoulder surgery; his signing hasn't gone well for the Angels- he's knocked in only 123 runs in 240 games with the Halos, after he knocked in 506 runs in 647 games with Texas.

 

[CNOTES]

See spot. See spot bet: This week's best spot bet opportunities

Lookahead spot

The San Antonio Spurs can’t help but look ahead to their upcoming “Rodeo Road Trip” which pushes the Spurs out of the AT&T Center for most of the month of February. San Antonio will be on the highway for a nine-game stretch that takes the Spurs all the way out East and then back West in a span of 20 days. However, while the Rodeo Trip would fall under our regular “Schedule Spot”, San Antonio’s inability to stay focused before the annual trip is an absolute lookahead.

Over the past three seasons, including 2015, the Spurs have suffered an ATS slump just before heading off on that extended away trek. In 2013, San Antonio went a perfect 6-0 SU but only 2-3-1 ATS. Last season, they flopped to a 1-3 SU mark and failed to cover in each of those games. And this year, the defending NBA champs are 3-2 SU and 0-4-1 ATS in their last five games, with Orlando coming to town Wednesday. San Antonio has one more home stand after that, hosting Miami Friday, before opening the Rodeo Trip in Toronto Sunday.

Letdown spot

The Wisconsin Badgers haven’t had much time to catch their collective breathes with the frantic pace of the Big Ten. The Badgers were on the road for two tough games – at Michigan and Iowa – last week and return home to face No. 25 Indiana Tuesday night. Wisconsin is just 3-5-1 ATS since the beginning of conference play and that once gigantic home-court edge in the Kohl Center is slipping, with a 1-3-1 ATS mark in their last four in Madison.

The Badgers will finally get a chance to relax – somewhat – against the Northwestern Wildcats this weekend. Northwestern sits at the bottom of the Big Ten, going just 1-7 SU in conference play so far. The Wildcats do, however, present some great value on the road, where they are perfect 6-0 ATS heading into Tuesday’s tilt in Nebraska. Northwestern was blown away by Wisconsin 81-58 at home on Jan. 4, so the Badgers could get caught putting their feet up with a large spread likely looming in Saturday’s game.

Schedule spot

The Anaheim Ducks are hopping the country for a five-game road trip, which opens in Nashville Thursday. The Ducks will be playing the first three stops of this trip in four nights, taking on the Predators, Washington Capitals (Friday), and Tampa Bay Lightning (Sunday) - three opponents that love to push the pace and keep goaltenders busy.

Nashville ranks third in shots on goal in the NHL (32 per game), while Washington boast the league’s third-best power play (23.5 percent), and Tampa Bay nets a league-high 3.2 goals a game. That’s a whole lot of offense to handle in that short span. After that, the Ducks finish up at Florida Tuesday and at Carolina Thursday – two teams on the other end of that offensive scale.