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

[CNOTES]

NBA


Thursday, April 20


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Thursday's NBA Playoffs Betting Preview and Odds
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Cleveland Cavaliers at Indiana Pacers (+2.5, 211.5)


Cavs lead series 2-0


ABOUT THE CAVALIERS (53-31 SU, 36-45-3 ATS, 49-34-1 O/U): Cleveland averaged 113 points while winning the first two games and All-Star forward LeBron James is impressed with what he's seeing. Point guard Kyrie Irving (37 points), power forward Kevin Love (27) and James (25) combined for 89 points in the 117-111 victory in Game 2, becoming the first trio to each score 25 points or more in the franchise's playoff history. James (5,629) is 12 points away from passing Kobe Bryant for third place on the NBA's all-time playoff scoring list and he is pleased with the team-first showing the club is displaying. "Our mindset is what we can do to help each other to be successful out on the floor," James said. "We have a game plan from our coaching staff and we just try to execute that. We can't worry about what the opponent is feeling or if they feel like they lost composure."


ABOUT THE PACERS (42-42 SU, 41-42-1 ATS, 43-41 O/U): Paul George is being vocal about his teammates but he clearly is the only player capable of keeping the Indiana Pacers in the best-of-seven first-round series against the Cleveland Cavaliers. George is on edge and criticized Miles for taking the last shot in Game 1 - "I got to get the last shot," George asserted - and then he ripped swingman Lance Stephenson's antics and power forward Myles Turner's subpar play after Game 2. The 21-year-old Turner is averaging 8.5 points in the series - six below his regular-season average - while giving an effort George doesn't feel is up to par. "He needs to make himself available down low in the post," George told reporters of Turner. "He needs to know at this point he has to take it to the next level. We'll continue to work with him. I've been in his ear all the way up until this point - you know, that next step."


LINE HISTORY: Oddsmakers opened Pacers as 3.5-point home underdogs for Game 3, but some early action on the home team reduced that number to +2.5 by Wednesday night. The total hit the betting boards at 211.5.


INJURY REPORT:


Cavaliers - SG J.R. Smith (Questionable, hamstring), PG K. Felder (Questionable, leg).


Pacers - PG J. Teague (Probable, wrist), C A. Jefferson (Questionable, ankle).


TRENDS:


* Cavaliers are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games overall.
* Pacers are 8-0 ATS in their last 8 games overall.
* Under is 6-0 in Cavaliers last 6 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.
* Over is 5-1 in Pacers last 6 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
* Cavaliers are 2-10-1 ATS in the last 13 meetings.








Toronto Raptors at Milwaukee Bucks (-1.5, 196)


Series tied 1-1


ABOUT THE RAPTORS (52-32 SU, 45-38-1 ATS, 45-39 O/U): Milwaukee wrestled homecourt advantage away by winning the opener in Toronto but the Raptors regained momentum with a solid 106-100 victory in Game 2. Lowry's solid Game 2 performance was much-needed after he tallied just four points on 2-of-11 shooting in the opener. He has traditionally struggled in the postseason and the Game 1 showing prompted reminders of last season's poor postseason play but coach Dwane Casey insists he was unconcerned about Lowry. "I've been in the trenches with him before and he's always bounced back," Casey told reporters. "That's just who he is. He's a fighter. I just knew he wasn't going to be satisfied the way he played in the first game. He's human. Everybody has a night like that. We just can't panic every time a guy has a night like that. It's a tough league."


ABOUT THE BUCKS (43-41 SU, 38-46 ATS, 42-40-2 O/U): The Milwaukee Bucks haven't won a playoff series since the 2000-01 campaign and can take another step toward ending their drought when they host the Toronto Raptors in Thursday's Game 3 of the Eastern Conference series. Antetokounmpo is averaging 26 points and 11.5 rebounds in the series and realized after Game 2 he would need to make adjustments to deal with Toronto's change in defensive tactics. "They didn't allow me to go in the paint," Antetokounmpo told reporters. "Every time I drove the ball, everybody was sucking into the paint. They were more physical. I still have to make the right plays and try to find my teammates." Antetokounmpo could use sustained help from shooting guard Khris Middleton, who scored 20 points in Game 2 after struggling to 10 on 4-of-15 shooting in the opener.


LINE HISTORY: The spread for this Game 3 matchup in Milwaukee opened as a Pick 'Em at some shops and was all over the place early on. By Wednesday evening the spread seems to have settle in at Bucks -1.5. The total opened at 197 and came down slightly to 196.


INJURY REPORT:


Raptors - No injuries to report.


Bucks - PF J. Parker (Out For Season, knee).


TRENDS:


* Raptors are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 road games.
* Bucks are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 vs. NBA Atlantic.
* Under is 12-3 in Raptors last 15 vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
* Under is 5-1-1 in Bucks last 7 overall.
* Raptors are 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings in Milwaukee.








San Antonio Spurs at Memphis Grizzlies (+3.5, 185)


Spurs lead series 2-0


ABOUT THE SPURS (63-21 SU, 43-39-2 ATS, 44-38-2 O/U): The San Antonio Spurs opened the Western Conference first-round series with impressive victories and aim to take a commanding 3-0 lead when they visit the Memphis Grizzlies on Thursday. Memphis has been unable to control Spurs All-Star small forward Kawhi Leonard, who is averaging 34.5 points on 20-of-28 shooting from the field while knocking down all 28 free-throw attempts. Leonard is a force and continues to improve offensively and now appears ready to explode and obliterate the previous best scoring postseason of his six-year career of 22.5 set last season. Second-seeded San Antonio revolves around Leonard, who has raised his exploits despite opponents routinely double-teaming him in hopes of slowing his down. "It's a gift and a curse," Leonard told reporters of the double teams. "You want to get to this level, and then you start getting double-teamed but it's all fun. It's a game. You just have to approach it that way."


ABOUT THE GRIZZLIES (43-41 SU, 41-43 ATS, 39-42-3 O/U): This might be Memphis' one chance to make it a series after the Grizzlies scored just 82 points in each of the defeats in San Antonio. Seventh-seeded Memphis will be seeking a rebound from All-Star center Marc Gasol, who scored 32 points in Game 1 before dropping to 12 on 4-of-15 shooting in Game 2. Memphis coach David Fizdale was fined $30,000 on Wednesday for unleashing a memorable rant about the officiating after Game 2 and one of his points was that Leonard attempted more free throws (19) than his entire team (15). Point guard Mike Conley understood his coach's frustration and said the Spurs' long history of winning is a factor. "The Spurs are champions. They've won many times. They've done a lot of great things," Conley told reporters. "We haven't earned that yet. We have to get to that mountaintop, and we understand that. I understand that. That's why I'm not going to complain about it. I'm just going to keep my head down, keep focused, try to play through it the best I can and keep my teammates from letting it affect them mentally."


LINE HISTORY: The Grizzlies opened as four-point home underdogs and by Wednesday evening that number was down to +3.5. The total opened at 185, made a brief stop at 185.5, before returning to the opening number.


INJURY REPORT:


Spurs - No injuries to report.


Grizzlies - SF C. Parsons (Out For Season, knee), SG T. Allen (Out Indefinitely, calf).


TRENDS:


* Spurs are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 Conference Quarterfinals games.
* Grizzlies are 1-6-1 ATS in their last 8 Conference Quarterfinals games.
* Over is 7-1 in Spurs last 8 games playing on 2 days rest.
* Under is 4-1 in Grizzlies last 5 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
* Under is 8-3 in the last 11 meetings.

 

[CNOTES]

NBA
Dunkel


Thursday, April 20



San Antonio @ Memphis


Game 713-714
April 20, 2017 @ 9:30 pm


Dunkel Rating:
San Antonio
122.580
Memphis
115.229
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
San Antonio
by 7 1/2
195
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
San Antonio
by 3 1/2
185
Dunkel Pick:
San Antonio
(-3 1/2); Over


Toronto @ Milwaukee


Game 711-712
April 20, 2017 @ 8:00 pm


Dunkel Rating:
Toronto
122.955
Milwaukee
116.494
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Toronto
by 6 1/2
193
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Milwaukee
by 1 1/2
196 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Toronto
(+1 1/2); Under


Cleveland @ Indiana


Game 709-710
April 20, 2017 @ 7:00 pm


Dunkel Rating:
Cleveland
118.926
Indiana
124.356
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Indiana
by 5 1/2
216
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Cleveland
by 2 1/2
211 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Indiana
(+2 1/2); Over


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NBA


Thursday, April 20




Updated NBA Playoffs 2017 Betting Stats: Favorites 12-4 straight up
Favorites 6-10 ATS O/U 9-7




Updated 2016-17 Durant-less Warriors betting stats:
17-4 SU
12-8-1 ATS (11-1-1 ATS in last 12)
5-16 O/U

 

[CNOTES]

Thursday's NBA Essentials
April 20, 2017


Western Conference First Round
No. 2 San Antonio at No. 7 Memphis (TNT, 9:30 p.m. ET)


2016-17 Regular Season (Tied 2-2)
Feb. 6 Spurs at Grizzlies (-1) 89-74 (Under 200.5)
Mar. 18 Spurs at Grizzlies (+4) 104-96 (Over 196)
Mar. 23 Grizzlies at Spurs (-8) 97-90 (Under 197.5)
Apr. 4 Grizzlies at Spurs (-9) 95-89 (OT) (Over 195.5)


2016-17 Postseason (Spurs 2-0)
Apr. 15 Grizzlies at Spurs (-9.5) 111-82 (Over 190)
Apr. 17 Grizzlies at Spurs (-10.5) 96-82 (Under 189)
**Game 4 will take place from Memphis' FedEx Forum on Saturday.


After a pair of games where they failed to really challenge the Spurs, head coach David Fizdale struck the stiffest blow his team managed to land in San Antonio, questioning the officiating in an effort to try and get a few more calls for his team as they return home to Memphis to try and make a series out of this. Pointing out that Zach Randolph shot no free throws and Kawhi Leonard's 19 attempts eclipsed his entire team's despite the Spurs not taking the ball inside the paint as often as Memphis did.


"I'm not a numbers guy, but that doesn't seem to add up. Overall, 35 times we shot the ball in the paint. We had 15 free throws for the game. They shot 18 times in the paint and had 32 free throws. Explain it to me," Fizdale demanded post-game. "It was a very poorly officiated basketball game."


Officials don't typically take kindly to being called out, especially since Fizdale's warning to not "rook us," is coming from a first-year head coach of a team filled mostly by veterans. Depending on who is on the whistle, Fizdale may have a technical coming his way and could see his strategy backfire if the Spurs are aggressive. He was fined $30,000 by the NBA for disparaging the officials, although Memphis players and area businesses have volunteered to ensure the head coach won't have to pay a dime out of pocket.


Thus far, Marc Gasol's 32-point Game 1 has been the lone brightspot for a Grizzlies team that has lacked the consistency to even hang within double-digits thus far in the series. Point guard Mike Conley, coming off his best regular season, has struggled with being the focus of San Antonio's defensive game plan, shooting 40.6 percent despite averaging 18.5 points and 7.5 assists. Although solid enough, those numbers aren't going to help make a dent against a team as efficient as San Antonio, especially when you add a free-throw discrepancy into the mix.


Conley, Gasol and Randolph must all be better and need to get contributions from the team's younger players who may be able to settle down more and produce at home. JaMychal Green has shot 2-for-8, while undrafted rookie free agent Wayne Selden has gone 2-for-10. Those two have started both contests. James Ennis and Andrew Harrison, key contributors off the bench, shot a combined 6-for-17 in San Antonio.


Unless somebody gets it going, the Spurs are simply going to continue sending extra help Conley's way and daring others to beat them. Vince Carter has averaged over 30 minutes per game in the series and has managed just 8.0 points, so the Griz are going to need more from him too.


In case you've lost count, in order to have a chance to win, they'll need better efforts from all their standouts, their fringe starters, older role players, younger bench guys, the fan base, referees and Fizdale himself.


There's very little margin for error because the likelihood of containing Kawhi Leonard without Tony Allen available is so remote. Allen has been ruled out for Game 3 with a calf strain suffered when he was kicked there in the regular-season finale. During the regular season, he helped hold Leonard to 23-for-54 shooting.


Through two postseason games, Leonard has shot 20-for-34 (58.8 pct), averaging 35.5 points. He's made all 28 of his free-throw attempts, wasting no chance to pile on. We'll see what Fizdale has in store to try and slow him down, but any extra attention would likely help LaMarcus Aldridge get going since he shot just 3-for-8 in Game 2.


Only the Warriors had a better road record than the Spurs, besting a 30-11 mark by a single game. Although San Antonio lost both of its games at FedEx Forum this season, they won and covered in sweeping the Griz out of last year's playoffs and won a pair there in the regular season too. In their last 16 encounters, the under has come in a dozen times.


San Antonio is favored on the road and has gone just 10-7 SU/7-10 ATS in this situation since Jan. 1. The Grizzlies are 8-8 SU/ATS when not favored at home this season, with the last win coming on March 18 against the Spurs. OKC beat Memphis on April 5 as a road favorite the last time the Griz were getting points at the Grindhouse.


Eastern Conference First Round
No. 2 Cleveland at No. 7 Indiana (TNT, 7:00 p.m. ET)


2016-17 Regular Season (Cavaliers 3-1)
Nov. 16 Cavaliers at Pacers (-2.5) 103-93 (Under 208.5)
Feb. 8 Cavaliers (+3.5) at Pacers 132-117 (Over 216)
Feb. 15 Pacers at Cavaliers (-6) 113-104 (Under 219)
Apr. 2 Pacers at Cavaliers (-8) 135-130 (2OT) (Over 214)


2016-17 Postseason (Spurs 2-0)
Apr. 15 Pacers at Cavaliers (-9) 109-108 (Over 208.5)
Apr. 17 Pacers at Cavaliers (-9) 117-111 (Over 210)
**Game 4 will take place from Indiana's Bankers Life Fieldhouse on Sunday.


Despite all the doubt cast on the defending champs due to an ugly final few months of the regular-season, the Cavs find themselves on the brink of taking control of this first-round series if they can take care of business as a road favorite.


Indiana missed a shot that would've won Game 1 and hung around to also cover on Tuesday, but its opportunity to advance may have already disappeared. At this rate, Thursday night's game is a must-win to have a realistic chance at pulling off an upset since the Pacers would have to beat the Cavs four straight times otherwise.


Paul George has been honest in his assessment of what went wrong in Cleveland, but drew some criticism since it came off as finger-pointing. Although CJ Miles could've gotten the ball back to him for the final look in the series opener, he got off a clean shot that he should've made. Lance Stephenson, victimized by Kevin Love at both ends during the Cavs' game-breaking third-quarter run where they took control, does need to better control his emotions. George isn't beyond reproach, but he's averaging 30.5 points, 6.5 boards and 7.0 assists and shooting just under 50 percent while often going toe-to-toe with LeBron James. He's made 10 of 18 3-point looks and has stepped up enough to give Indiana a chance. That should continue tonight.


George shoots it better at home than on the road and averaged 24.4 points per game during the regular season, so it would be surprising to see him struggle. He'll also be prepared to see Iman Shumpert, who caught the first DNP-CD of his career in Game 1 before coming in Thursday after J.R. Smith was diagnosed a no-go in the second half due to a hamstring injury. Not only did Shumpert come in with terrific energy on the defensive end, he hit two of his 3-shots and provided a lift over 20 minutes. That effort will be harder to replicate on the road with George ready to see him, but he'll probably be in the rotation if Smith is ruled out. He's currently listed as questionable.


Myles Turner had a disappointing first two games, shrinking away from contact and being victimized on the boards. James easily blocked one of his drives to the basket late in Game 2, putting a sour cherry on a night when the 21-year-old standout managed just six points and five boards in 37 minutes. For the series, he's shooting 36 percent and averaging 8.5 points and 6.5 rebounds, well below his regular-season averages (14.5, 7.3) despite more minutes. Turner has also been more productive at home, so perhaps familiar surroundings will do him some good.


For their part, the Cavs will be looking to improve to 13-0 after going up 2-0 in a series, extending James' personal run of 18 consecutive first-round wins that includes his time in Miami. LeBron is averaging 42.5 minutes in the series and shooting 57.5 percent, averaging 28.5 points, eight boards and 10 assists through his team's first two wins. Kyrie Irving comes off a 37-point game and is averaging a team high 30.0 in the series, while Love comes off a 27-point, 11-rebound game that featured a dominant game-altering stretch. He's shooting a shade under 69 percent from the field thus far.


Although the Pacers have taken advantage of Cleveland's continued defensive issues in averaging 109.5 ponints thus far, they're surrendering 114. The Cavs won the last three games of the regular-series by averaging 126.7 points per game. Although there's a double-OT game inflating that clip, Indiana hasn't proven capable of containing their Central Division rival. The over is 7-3 in the last 10 games between these teams, prevailing in four of five.


Eastern Conference First Round
No. 3 Toronto at No. 6 Milwaukee (NBATV, 8:00 p.m. ET)


2016-17 Regular Season (Raptors 3-1)
Nov. 25 Raptors (-3.5) at Bucks 105-99 (Under 207.5)
Dec. 12 Bucks at Raptors (-8) 122-100 (Over 213)
Jan. 27 Bucks at Raptors (-5.5) 102-86 (Under 213.5)
Mar. 4 Raptors at Bucks (PK) 101-94 (Under 203)


2016-17 Postseason (Tied 1-1)
Apr. 15 Bucks (+7.5) at Raptors 97-83 (Under 197.5)
Apr. 18 Bucks at Raptors (-8) 106-100 (Over 194.5)
**Game 4 will take place from Milwaukee's Bradley Center on Saturday.


This one might end up closing as a pick'em since the Bucks did enough up north to prove they can hang with the third-seeded Raps. Despite their collective youth, the Bucks won Game 1 convincingly and nearly stole Tuesday night's contest in Toronto too.


Now that they're back home in Milwaukee, Jason Kidd's young team could take another unexpected step forward. The Bucks have lost five of their last six playoff games at Bradley Center dating back to their first-round series against Atlanta back in 2010, which includes a 120-66 loss that ended their last postseason run against the Bulls back in '15. That won't exactly bring back any fuzzy memories for Kidd, then in his first season at Milwaukee, and Giannis Antetokounmpo, who was then a 20-year-old in his second season. Only Khris Middleton and the injured Jabari Parker are left from that roster, so we'll see what this group can do.


The Raptors had lost six of seven first round series before finally breaking through last season, beating Indiana and Miami in Game 7s to reach the Eastern Conference Finals. Now, after losing yet another series opener, something they also managed three times in last year's playoffs, they'll be looking to win a fourth consecutive Game 3.


Kyle Lowry rebounded from a 4-point game in a series opener where he shot 2-for-11 by scoring 22 points in Toronto's 106-100 win. DeMar DeRozan has averaged 25.0 points, but is shooting just 41 percent thus far in the series, so he'll need to continue getting to the free-throw line to be prductive on the road since he's completely cut shooting 3-pointers out of his repertoire. Between Antetokounmpo, Middleton, Malcolm Brogdon and Tony Snell, Kidd has a lot of options to throw at the All-Star shooting guard.


Antetokounmpo shot 13-for-18 in Game 1 but was held to just 9-for-24 shooting in Tuesday's loss. Still, he added 15 boards and seven assists, so it's going to be difficult to keep him from significantly impacting this oen now that he's back home. P.J. Tucker and DeMarre Carroll will do their best to slow him down.


The Bucks and Raptors combined to shoot 25-for-52 from 3-point range in Game 2 as both put together flurries where they scored on one possession after another. The under had prevailed in seven of nine games prior to Tuesday, which marked the first time both teams had scored 100 or more points in the same game against one another since April 2014, only the second time that had happened in a 17-game stretch.

 

[CNOTES]

THURSDAY, APRIL 20


GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS


CLE at IND 07:00 PM


IND +2.0


O 210.0


TOR at MIL 08:00 PM

TOR +1.0


U 197.0


SA at MEM 09:30 PM

SA -3.5


O 188.0

 

[CNOTES]

NBA Playoff Capsules
April 20, 2017


INDIANAPOLIS (AP) LeBron James finished with 41 points, 13 rebounds and 12 assists, and the Cleveland Cavaliers set an NBA postseason record by erasing a 25-point halftime deficit to beat the Indiana Pacers 119-114 on Thursday night and take a 3-0 lead.


James passed Kobe Bryant for No. 3 on the NBA's career playoff scoring list and tied another NBA record by winning his 20th consecutive first-round game.


The Cavaliers will try to sweep the series Sunday.


The incredible rally ruined Paul George's big night. He had 36 points, a playoff career-high 15 rebounds and nine assists.


Cleveland trailed by 26 in the first half and was still down 74-49 at halftime. The largest halftime deficit overcome to win a playoff game had been 21 points by Baltimore against Philadelphia in 1948.


GRIZZLIES 105, SPURS 94


MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) - Mike Conley scored 24 points and handed out eight assists as Memphis snapped a 10-game postseason skid against San Antonio.


The Grizzlies pulled within 2-1 in this first-round Western Conference series, giving first-year coach David Fizdale his first postseason victory. This also marked the Grizzlies' first win over the Spurs in the playoffs since April 2011, when Memphis beat San Antonio in six games.


Game 4 is Saturday night.


Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph each scored 21 points for Memphis, which outscored San Antonio 31-17 in the third quarter and led by as much as 22 in the second half.


Kawhi Leonard, who scored 32 and 37 in the first two games, was held to 18. LaMarcus Aldridge added 16, and Kyle Anderson had 15 as Spurs coach Gregg Popovich benched his starters for most of the fourth quarter.


BUCKS 104, RAPTORS 77

MILWAUKEE (AP) - Khris Middleton scored 20 points and Milwaukee overwhelmed cold-shooting Toronto to take a 2-1 lead in their first-round Eastern Conference playoff series.


Greg Monroe added 16 points and seven rebounds for the Bucks, who held DeMar DeRozan without a basket and never looked back after leading by 20 points after the first quarter.


Making this blowout even more impressive was that they barely needed All-Star Giannis Antetokounmpo. He finished with 19 points and eight boards.


Game 4 is Saturday back at the Bradley Center.


With raucous fans wearing black Bucks giveaway T-shirts to match the players' uniforms, Milwaukee put on a dominating display of basketball worthy of the team's ''Fear the Deer'' slogan.


The Raptors looked frazzled after shooting 4 of 18 in the first quarter. Kyle Lowry had 13 points.

 

[CNOTES]

Friday’s six-pack


Week 1 NFL spreads (odds from SouthPoint casino):
Chiefs @ Patriots (-8)
Jets @ Bills (-6)
Falcons (-6) @ Bears
Jaguars @ Texans (-5.5)
Eagles @ Redskins (-2.5)
Cardinals @ Lions (-2.5)
Raiders @ Titans (even)
Buccaneers @ Dolphins (-1)
Ravens @ Bengals (-1.5)
Steelers (-10) @ Browns
Colts (-3.5) @ Rams
Seahawks @ Packers (-2.5)
Panthers (-5) @ 49ers
Giants @ Cowboys (-5.5)
Saints @ Vikings (-3)
Chargers @ Broncos (-4.5)


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

Friday’s List of 13: Quick thoughts on the ’17 NFL schedule


13) 2017 NFL season opens on September 7, when the Chiefs visit New England. Giants are in Dallas for the Week 1 Sunday night game.


Monday night doubleheader in Week 1 is Saints @ Vikings, followed by the Chargers playing in Denver.


12) Falcons christen their new stadium with a Week 2 Sunday night game vs Green Bay; they visit Foxboro on October 22, the first of three consecutive road tilts (NE-NYJ-Carolina).


How did the Braves/Falcons get new stadiums in the same year? Economy in Georgia must be doing really well.


11) Three of Giants’ first six games are primetime games; three of their four primetime games are on the road. Big Blue has three west coast trips in the last eight games; SF in Week 10, Oakland in Week 13, Arizona in Week 16.


Three of their last four games are at home. Giants also play against four of the six rookie head coaches this season.


10) Eagles have three straight road games in December; Seattle-LA Rams-Giants; then they play the Raiders at home on Christmas nite and finish with the Cowboys on New Years’ Eve.


9) Same deal for New England, which has five road games in six weeks in Weeks 10-15, with three straight road dates, at Buffalo-Miami-Pittsburgh- they close with two home games.


8) Russell Wilson played his last year of college ball at Wisconsin; Seahawks play their opener in Green Bay, the FOX 4:25 game in Week 1. Solid QB matchup.


7) There are six divisional games in Week 1 this season, including Eagles-Redskins and Ravens-Bengals.


6) Vikings are in Green Bay for a Week 16 (Dec 23) Saturday night game that is also Minnesota’s 4th road game in a five-week stretch. Why does the NFL schedule nite games for late December in Green Bay? Do they care if fans freeze to death?


5) Rams’ coach Sean McVay faces his old team in Week 2, when the Redskins visit the LA Coliseum.


Rams go to Dallas in Week 4, with the Cowboys coming off a Week 3 Monday nighter in Arizona.


4) Rams/Chargers have three home games at the same time; where will the LA media go? Chargers are playing in a soccer stadium in Carson for the next two years- place seats 30,000.


3) Thanksgiving Day slate: Vikings @ Lions, Chargers @ Dallas, Giants @ Redskins.


2) NFL must think the Steelers are going to be really good (they almost always are); Pittsburgh is on in primetime four weeks in a row, in Weeks 11-14: Tennessee-Green Bay-@ Cincinnati-Baltimore. NFL’s TV mavens will be rooting for Big Ben to stay healthy all season.


1— Buffalo doesn’t play the Patriots until December, when they meet twice; Pats-Colts-Miami visit Buffalo in December. Bills finish with road games in Foxboro/Miami.


Indy opens in LA; I’m guessing they would’ve been happier opening in Buffalo and playing in LA in December.

 

[CNOTES]

Durant optimistic he'll play in Game 3
April 20, 2017


OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) Kevin Durant said he felt ready to play in Golden State's Game 2 playoff win a day earlier yet the Warriors opted to be cautious with their superstar as he nurses a strained left calf.


Durant posted an update about his injury during a livestream on his personal YouTube channel Thursday evening. He is hopeful of playing in Saturday's Game 3 at Portland as the Warriors try to take a 3-0 lead in the series, though coach Steve Kerr said being up two games could affect any decision.


''I miss being out there with them and hopefully I'm out there the next game. Speaking of that, I have a little calf injury,'' Durant said, showing his left calf wrapped with blue tape . ''Unfortunate that I pulled my calf in Game 1 in the third quarter. It felt good to finish the game but afterward it tightened up on me a little bit and I was sore for the next few days.''


After he missed 19 games with a left knee injury sustained Feb. 28 at Washington then returning for the final three regular-season contests, the Warriors certainly aren't going to take any risks with KD . He had 32 points and 10 rebounds in a Game 1 victory Sunday - his playoff debut with the Warriors.


''It felt like I could go yesterday but Coach Kerr and the training staff and the whole organization told me it would be best to give it a few more days of rest, so hopefully I'll see how I feel these next couple days,'' Durant said. ''We have one more extra day before the game starts, we'll see how I feel. But I'm getting better every day. Hopefully I can be out there with my teammates grinding it out, trying to move forward and get a W in Game 3. We'll see what happens.''


Golden State took the day off from practice Thursday following the 110-81 victory, then was scheduled to practice Friday morning before flying to Portland.


''We've been in that situation and hopefully it's a very short absence for him and he'll be back soon,'' center Zaza Pachulia said. ''But health is very important, obviously. Yeah, every game matters but at the same time we're looking far into the future where we're playing for another two months. Hopefully it's just a little problem, not a big deal.''


While Durant is impatient to get on the court, he said he will get all the treatment and ice needed for his injury.


''It's a bummer, man, I hate being out. I hate being hurt,'' Durant said. ''It's something that's kind of out of my control right now, just try to get better. ... I'm positive about it. Up 2-0, going to Portland, the series starts Game 3. Can't wait.''

 

[CNOTES]

Jazz center Gobert to miss Game 3
April 20, 2017

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert will not play in Game 3 against the Los Angeles Clippers after hyperextending his left knee and suffering a bone contusion in the series opener.


The 7-foot-1 Frenchman went down 17 seconds into Game 1 when he knocked knees with Luc Mbah a Moute on the first possession of the game, which the Jazz won 97-95. The series is tied 1-1.


Gobert is a Defensive Player of the Year candidate after he led the league in blocks and defensive win shares. He also ranked third in defensive rating.


Gobert became the first player in Jazz history to record 1,000 points, 1,000 rebounds and 200 blocks in a single season.


Derrick Favors slides over from power forward to center with Gobert out. The Jazz were outscored 60-38 in the paint in Game 2.


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


OKC needs Oladipo to snap out of slump
April 20, 2017


OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) Victor Oladipo knows the Oklahoma City Thunder need more offense from him, and Russell Westbrook's wingman is feeling the heat.


The shooting guard averaged nearly 16 points a game during Westbrook's record-setting season, but his scoring has dropped to about half that in the postseason. His disappearing act is a major reason the Thunder trail the Houston Rockets 2-0 heading into Friday's game in Oklahoma City.


Westbrook has averaged a triple-double the first two games of the series and dropped a 51-point triple-double on Wednesday night. But the Thunder have no wins to show for his heroics. Oladipo, Oklahoma City's No. 2 scorer in the regular season, is averaging 8.5 points and shooting a woeful 19 percent from the field in the series.


The 24-year-old Oladipo, who played collegiately at Indiana, is trying to keep it simple in the first playoff appearances of his career.


''That's the thing,'' Oladipo said, ''when you have games like this, you go back to the basics. You go back to what got you here, continue to keep working and never lose confidence.''


The focus on Oladipo's production is magnified with no Kevin Durant in OKC.


The Thunder acquired Oladipo in a draft-night deal with Orlando last year, and it looked like he would be the team's third option. But Durant left for Golden State, leaving Oladipo to fill a massive void created by the departure of the four-time scoring champion.


At times, the explosive Oladipo has looked capable. He got off to a hot start with the Thunder, and his scoring average was over 17 points at the end of November. He missed nine games in December after spraining his right wrist, then missed six games in February with back spasms, slowing his momentum.


He was solid upon his return from the back issues before falling into a bit of a slump in April that has carried over into the playoffs


Westbrook and Thunder coach Billy Donovan have talked to Oladipo about his struggles and tried to reassure him.


''He wants to do great like every player,'' Westbrook said. ''Everybody always wants to come out and play great. It doesn't always work out that way. Your mindset - you've just got to keep going, regardless of if you miss or make shots. He does so many other things for our team when he's on the floor - defending at a high level, rebounding, can make plays. Regardless of if he misses or makes shots, his job is to play, and he'll be all right.''


Westbrook said he doesn't need Oladipo to do any more than he normally does - or did during the regular season.


''Just play,'' Westbrook said. ''Go out and compete at a level he's able to compete at, and that's it.''


Donovan said the 6-foot-4 Oladipo has been solid overall. He is averaging six rebounds in the two games and has been one of OKC's better defenders.


''Victor's not a one-dimensional player - he can do a lot of different things,'' Donovan said. ''Taking his mindset off the ball going in the basket, and him realizing, `I'm not going to allow myself to be defined by that because there's too many other things I can do out there to help this team.'''


There are plenty of other problems for Oklahoma City - the Thunder fall apart when Westbrook rests, the team has struggled to keep James Harden off the foul line, Steven Adams' foul trouble crippled their interior defense in Game 2 and they are stretched thin chasing Houston's numerous perimeter threats. But getting Oladipo on track is perhaps the most critical.


In Game 2, Oladipo missed his only two shots in the fourth quarter against the Rockets while Wesbrook was just 4 of 18 from the field. But Oladipo isn't concerned.


''I'm just out there playing,'' Oladipo said. ''I'm doing whatever it takes to help my team win. We've been in that situation all year, and Russ has made shots.''


Both will have to knock down shots when they count the most to get back in the series, especially Oladipo.


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


Jazz need Favors vs. Clips' big man duo
April 20, 2017


SALT LAKE CITY (AP) With no Rudy Gobert, the Utah Jazz are hoping it's Derrick Favors time.


After being the forgotten man most of the season, the former No. 3 pick in the draft has been thrust back into the spotlight. Gobert went down with a knee injury 17 seconds into Game 1 against the Los Angeles Clippers and now the Jazz need Favors more than ever.


''I'm just ready to get back to playing the way that I know how to play and am able to play,'' Favors said Thursday after practice. ''Just get back to being myself.''


He needs to get there quickly. The Clippers All-Star duo of DeAndre Jordan and Blake Griffin outscored the Jazz 60-38 in the paint in a Game 2 loss.


Favors became the forgotten man this season as Gordon Hayward and Gobert flourished. He was considered part of a young and growing Big Three before knee injuries sapped his athleticism and limited Favors to 50 regular-season games.


But playing center is nothing new for Favors. That was his original position before being moved to power forward, somewhat permanently, as Gobert grew into the starter in recent seasons. This season was frustrating for Favors as the injuries took away what made him unique - a high-level of athleticism for a 6-foot-10, 265-pounder.


Now Favors is back to his low-post roots after developing his high-post, midrange game the last few years. He has played 32-plus minutes at center in the first two playoff games after playing fewer than 21 minutes in a single game since March 6. He only played three of the final 18 regular-season games.


''It's been a big adjustment for me,'' Favors said. ''I've just got to be ready from the get-go. I know DeAndre Jordan, he's a good player, good rebounder. So my job is to just try to limit that for him. Just be ready.''


Favors averaged 14 points and 6.5 rebounds in the first two playoff games, but there was a drastic difference on the defensive end. Jordan and Griffin repeatedly attacked the paint with little resistance against the Jazz in Game 2. The absence of the 7-1 Gobert, a defensive player of the year candidate, was more noticeable than in the Game 1 win.


''That's how we beat them in the regular season, is in the paint,'' Clippers coach Doc Rivers said. ''The paint doesn't necessarily mean DJ or Blake. It means our guards getting into the paint, and if they can get to the basket and score. If they get (defensive) help, they get it to Blake and DJ.


''That's how we scored a lot ... through dribble penetration and ball movement. ... Yeah we want to do that again. ... Whatever they take away, we have to hope there's another avenue to go to.''


Favors credited the Clippers for making the adjustment to attack the interior and said now it's up to the Jazz to adjust. Jordan had 18 points and 15 rebounds in Game 2.


Both Jazz coach Quin Snyder and Gobert have talked to Favors about his new role on both ends. He's gotten tips on where to align himself on certain plays and screens, in addition to working on other offensive moves with his athleticism still not where it once was.


''The biggest thing is he's just thrown into it,'' Snyder said. ''He's fighting through some fatigue. He knows this is the time and he's got to raise his level. He's doing that, he's trying to do that.


''We want him to play the same way. He has his strengths. He's different than Rudy. But he's rolling and he's had some good opportunities playing off penetration. Half-rolls, floaters, jumpers, just the stuff that he's done all year.''


The Jazz have been able to adapt to playing short-handed all season with Hayward, Favors, George Hill and Rodney Hood all missing significant stretches. But Gobert missed just one game and his size, length and pick-and-roll game isn't as easy to replace.


''Rudy's not going to walk through the door right now,'' Snyder said. ''Whatever quote-unquote adjustments we make, it's not going to replicate Rudy.


''As far as shoring up the paint, I'm not sure that's going to happen on the level that Rudy did it. That's a personnel issue.''


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


Boston needs another comeback story
April 20, 2017


Boston, a city with a flair for playoff comebacks, now needs another.


The Celtics are on the brink.


Down 2-0 to the Chicago Bulls, and on the road for the next two games starting with Game 3 of their Eastern Conference first-round series on Friday night, Boston is in massive trouble. Consider: Bulls guard Dwyane Wade has never been on a team that blew a 2-0 series lead (Wade and the Miami Heat were 12-0 in such spots), and the Celtics are 1-16 all-time in series where they lost the first two games.


Win or lose, Friday won't be the end of Boston's season.


But it may be the last chance the Celtics have to save themselves from a stunning freefall that a No. 1 seed has never experienced in NBA history.


''Coming in, I didn't say, `Hey, we're gonna be up 2-0 on Boston.' No, no one thought that,'' Wade said. ''But we are in this position. We've earned it.''


The Celtics-Bulls game is the first of three Game 3s on Friday night. Houston goes to Oklahoma City with the Rockets holding a 2-0 lead after rallying to win Wednesday night, and the Los Angeles Clippers play at Utah with that series knotted at a game apiece.


''You can't exhale thinking `Oh, we're going home, we're going to be OK,''' Jazz forward Joe Johnson said. ''That's not the case. It's a real, real thin line between winning and losing in the playoffs.''


Bostonians know playoff fortunes can turn fast.


The Red Sox were down 3-0 to the Yankees in the 2004 AL Championship Series and somehow prevailed. The Bruins trailed 4-1 in the third period of a Game 7 against Toronto in 2013 before winning in overtime. The Patriots trailed 28-3 late in the third quarter of this year's Super Bowl against Atlanta and defied all odds to hoist the Lombardi Trophy.


The Celtics - down 2-0 for their fifth consecutive playoff series - now will try to add to that pile of lore.


''We're fighting for our lives right here,'' Celtics forward Al Horford said.


Here's a look at Friday's games:


---


Celtics at Bulls, Chicago leads 2-0. Game 3, 7 p.m., ESPN.


NEED TO KNOW: It is impossible to ignore or measure the effect that the death of Isaiah Thomas' sister on the eve of this series is having on the Celtics star and the rest of his team. He has battled, averaging 26.5 points in the first two games - and is expected to play Friday after missing practice Thursday for his sister's funeral. Jimmy Butler is averaging 26 points for the Bulls.


KEEP AN EYE ON: Rebounds. Chicago is outrebounding Boston 96-74 so far in the series. The Celtics might not win this battle, but they can do better.


INJURY UPDATE: None of note.


PRESSURE IS ON: Brad Stevens. So much has been made of his playoff record now being 2-10, but it's also very fair to wonder what might have been if Danny Ainge made some moves at the trade deadline to add some postseason savvy to this roster.


---

Rockets at Thunder, Houston leads 2-0. Game 3, 9:30 p.m., ESPN.


NEED TO KNOW: Oklahoma City's Russell Westbrook had 51 points - on 43 shots - in Game 2 and the Thunder lost anyway. Westbrook became the third player in the last 30 years to score that many points in a playoff loss, joining Michael Jordan (63, 1986) and Ray Allen (51, 2009).


KEEP AN EYE ON: Nene. For as great as James Harden, Patrick Beverley, Lou Williams and Eric Gordon were for Houston in the first two games, Nene deserves a big tip of the cap as well. He's 10 for 11 from the field; 0 for 1 on jumpers, 10 for 10 at the rim.


INJURY UPDATE: Rockets F Sam Dekker (left hand) is out.


PRESSURE IS ON: The Thunder. Game 2 was the second time this season Westbrook topped 50 points in a loss. How will OKC find a way now?


---


Clippers at Jazz, series tied 1-1. Game 3, 10 p.m., ESPN2.


NEED TO KNOW: Clippers stars Blake Griffin and Chris Paul averaged a combined 48 points in the first two games of the series. Utah has four players averaging double figures in the series, but Gordon Hayward is shooting 36 percent. Expect him to break out a bit now that the series has shifted to Utah.


KEEP AN EYE ON: J.J. Redick. The Clippers' sharpshooter got only 13 shots in 60 minutes of playing time in the first two games of the series.


INJURY UPDATE: Jazz C Rudy Gobert (left knee) is out.


PRESSURE IS ON: The Jazz. First, no Gobert again is huge. Plus, the Clippers are 9-1 in their last 10 games in Salt Lake City, the one loss coming last month in a game where Utah trailed most of the way.

 

[CNOTES]

NBA
Long Sheet


Friday, April 21


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


BOSTON (53 - 31) at CHICAGO (43 - 41) - 4/21/2017, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 5-13 ATS (-9.3 Units) on Friday nights this season.
BOSTON is 8-20 ATS (-14.0 Units) when playing with 2 days rest over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO is 35-21 ATS (+11.9 Units) against Atlantic division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
CHICAGO is 23-14 ATS (+7.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
BOSTON is 41-27 ATS (+11.3 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO is 32-45 ATS (-17.5 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO is 8-19 ATS (-12.9 Units) on Friday nights over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO is 60-95 ATS (-44.5 Units) in home games off an upset win as an underdog since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO is 7-6 against the spread versus BOSTON over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO is 8-5 straight up against BOSTON over the last 3 seasons
8 of 12 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

HOUSTON (57 - 27) at OKLAHOMA CITY (47 - 37) - 4/21/2017, 9:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 46-37 ATS (+5.3 Units) in all games this season.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 31-18 ATS (+11.2 Units) as a favorite this season.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 26-14 ATS (+10.6 Units) in home games this season.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 178-131 ATS (+33.9 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent since 1996.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) in home games after allowing 115 points or more this season.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 13-25 ATS (-14.5 Units) when the total is greater than or equal to 220 over the last 2 seasons.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 17-29 ATS (-14.9 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 11-22 ATS (-13.2 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
HOUSTON is 10-3 against the spread versus OKLAHOMA CITY over the last 3 seasons
HOUSTON is 10-3 straight up against OKLAHOMA CITY over the last 3 seasons
7 of 13 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

LA CLIPPERS (52 - 32) at UTAH (52 - 32) - 4/21/2017, 10:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LA CLIPPERS are 207-261 ATS (-80.1 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season since 1996.
LA CLIPPERS are 189-233 ATS (-67.3 Units) versus good defensive teams - allowing <=98 points/game - 2nd half of the season since 1996.
UTAH is 73-48 ATS (+20.2 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
UTAH is 7-6 against the spread versus LA CLIPPERS over the last 3 seasons
LA CLIPPERS is 10-3 straight up against UTAH over the last 3 seasons
7 of 13 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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






NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up


Friday, April 21


Cleveland won first two games of series by 1-6 points; Indiana covered both of them. Cavaliers won their last five games with Indiana, with last three wins by total of 12 points.Teams split last four games played here. Indiana won five of its last seven games, covered last eight- over is 12-4 in their last 16 games. Cleveland was 24-59 on arc in first two games. Eight of Cavaliers’ last ten games went over the total- they shot 53.8/55.3% from floor in first two games. Indiana won/covered its last three home games.


Bucks were 14-29 on arc in Game 2 win, after going 5-23 in Game 1 loss; Toronto shot 58 foul shots in first two games, Raptors 34. Toronto won three of last four visits to Milwaukee (favorites 4-0 vs spread)- they’re 8-2 overall in last ten games against the Bucks. Milwaukee is 0-6 in playoff series the last 15 years- their last first round series win was in 2001. Toronto is 4-2 vs Milwaukee this season. Under is 5-1-1 in Bucks’ last seven games, 6-5 in Toronto’s last 11. Raptors are 13-3 in their last 16 games. Milwaukee was -12 in the 6:00 Antetokounmpo was off the floor in Game 2, (+6 when he was on floor).


Home side won last six series tilts; San Antonio lost last two visits here, by 15-8 points. Under is 7-3 in last ten series games. Memphis was 13-15 on foul line in Game 2; Leonard was 19-19, by himself. What effect will Tizdale’s post-game tirade have on Game 3 refs? Grizzlies lost 11 of last 14 games (under 9-5) overall, after losing first two in this series, by 29-14 points (0-2 vs spread). Four of Spurs’ last six games went over total. Memphis subs are -98 in first two series games; starters are -67. Memphis lost three of its last four home games.


First round playoff series:
Boston-Chicago
Chi 106-102, +7, O207
Chi 111-97, +7.5, O206.5


Cleveland-Indiana
Clev 109-108, -9, O208.5
Clev 117-111, -9, O210


Toronto-Milwaukee
Mil 97-83, +7.5, U197.5
Tor 106-100, -8, O195


Washington-Atlanta
Wash 114-107, -5.5, O209.5
Wash 109-101, -6.5, U211.5


Golden State-Portland
GState 121-109, -15.5, O220
GState 110-81, –12, U219


San Antonio-Memphis
SA 111-82, -9.5, O190.5
SA 96-82, -10.5, U189


Houston-Oklahoma City
Hst 118-87 -7.5, U227.5
Hst 115-111, -7.5, O225.5


LA Clippers-Utah
Utah 97-95, +6, U198.5
LAC 99-91, -9, U200


Favorites: 6-10 vs spread


Over: 9-7








NBA


Friday, April 21


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


7:00 PM
BOSTON vs. CHICAGO
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Boston's last 7 games when playing on the road against Chicago
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Boston's last 14 games on the road
Chicago is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Chicago's last 6 games when playing Boston

9:30 PM
HOUSTON vs. OKLAHOMA CITY
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Houston's last 13 games on the road
Houston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games at home
Oklahoma City is 17-7 SU in its last 24 games at home

10:00 PM
LA CLIPPERS vs. UTAH
The total has gone OVER in 5 of the LA Clippers last 7 games on the road
LA Clippers are 2-4 ATS in their last 6 games on the road
Utah is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Utah's last 5 games

 

[CNOTES]

NBA


Friday, April 21


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday’s NBA Playoffs Betting Preview and Odds
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Boston Celtics at Chicago Bulls (-2, 207.5)


Bulls lead series 2-0


ABOUT THE CELTICS (53-31 SU, 40-42-2 ATS, 41-39-4 O/U): Boston fixed some of its rebounding issues from Game 1 but it allowed the Bulls to shoot 51.1 percent and turned the ball over 16 times in a lackluster effort that had some on the Chicago side questioning the Celtics' commitment. "It's got to [motivate us]," Stevens said when asked about his team suddenly playing the part of the underdog. "It has to. That has to happen, and that's the charge for our team." There could be some rotation and lineup changes in Game 3, and starting forward Amir Johnson (nine points in 27 minutes in the series) may continue to see a reduced role, while starting guard Avery Bradley needs to find the range after shooting 10-of-28 from the floor in Boston.


ABOUT THE BULLS (43-41 SU, 44-40 ATS, 34-49-1 O/U): Point guard Rajon Rondo was the one who first hinted that Boston looked defeated in Game 2, and he has a pretty good grasp of what it takes to be successful this time of year. The former Celtics star fell a rebound shy of a triple-double in Game 2 (11 points, 14 assists) and chipped in five steals in an electric 40-minute performance, giving him averages of 14.4 points and 9.1 assists in his 96-game playoff career. Dwyane Wade had his best performance since coming back from an elbow injury in Tuesday's win with 22 points, while rookie forward Paul Zipser broke out with 16 points on 6-of-8 shooting.


LINE HISTORY: The Bulls opened as 1.5-point home chalk over the struggling Celtics and that line has since been bet up to an even 2. The total hit the betting board at 207 went up slightly to 207.5.


INJURY REPORT:


Celtics - No injuries to report.


Bulls - No injuries to report.


TRENDS:


* Celtics are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 Conference Quarterfinals games.


* Bulls are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record.


* Over is 4-0 in Celtics last 4 games following a straight up loss.


* Over is 4-0 in Bulls last 4 games playing on 2 days rest.


* Favorite is 7-3 ATS in the last 10 meetings.








Houston Rockets at Oklahoma City Thunder (-3, 224.5)


Rockets lead series 2-0


ABOUT THE ROCKETS (57-27 SU, 43-41-0 ATS, 42-41-1 O/U): Houston averaged just 102.5 points - nearly 13 points below its average - in two regular-season visits to Oklahoma City and struggled in the fourth quarters with outputs of 13 in the loss and 16 in the win. The Rockets received 93 of their 115 points in Game 2 from the backcourt quartet of James Harden, Eric Gordon (22 points), Lou Williams (21) and Patrick Beverley (15). Primarily known for his defensive prowess, Beverley is averaging 18 points on 14-of-22 in the first two games.


ABOUT THE THUNDER (47-37 SU, 46-37-1 ATS, 38-45-1 O/U): Coach Billy Donovan questioned his decision not to have Russell Westbrook take his customary break on the bench to start the fourth quarter of Game 2 but Westbrook insisted afterward that he wasn't tired. But the final 12 minutes was full of errant shots from Westbrook as he finished 17-of-43 from the field and is just 19-of-66 in the series. Part of the problem in Game 2 was that nobody from the supporting class stepped up and shooting guard Victor Oladipo has been horrid in the series by averaging 8.5 points on 5-of-26 shooting.


LINE HISTORY: Oddsmakers opened OKC as 2.5-point home favorites for Game 3, and by Thursday afternoon that number was up to 3. The total opened at 224.5 and has held at that number


INJURY REPORT:


Rockets - SF Sam Dekker (Early May, hand).


Thunder - No injuries to report.


TRENDS:


* Rockets are 1-10 ATS in their last 11 games overall.


* Under is 5-1 in Rockets last 6 games following a straight up win.


* Under is 5-1 in Thunder last 6 overall.


* Rockets are 10-2 ATS in the last 12 meetings.


* Under is 9-2 in the last 11 meetings in Oklahoma City.








L.A. Clippers at Utah Jazz (+1.5, 197)


Series tied at 1-1


ABOUT THE CLIPPERS (53-32 SU, 40-43-1 ATS, 44-39-1 O/U): Center DeAndre Jordan had his share of issues with Gobert and the Jazz during the regular season but took control of the shorthanded Jazz in Game 2, recording 18 points on 9-of-11 shooting and 15 rebounds. "We can't worry about one person, and I don't think my job changes if he's playing or if he's out," Jordan told the media. Point guard Chris Paul figures to be successful regardless of who is on the court and he is averaging 23 points, 10.5 assists and three steals while shooting 55.9 percent from the floor in the series.


ABOUT THE JAZZ (52-32 SU, 38-42-4 ATS, 42-42-0 O/U): Utah fell behind early in Game 1 and was outscored 29-18 in the first quarter in Tuesday's loss, a trend it wants to reverse at home. "The first quarter is what really got us, and they hit us a little bit, set us back in Game 1, as well," forward Gordon Hayward told reporters following a 20-point effort. "We definitely have to be better in the first quarter, but besides the first quarter we played them pretty even." Veteran swingman Joe Johnson, who hit the game-winner in Game 1, added 13 points off the bench and forward Derrick Favors also finished with 13 while starting in place of Gobert.




LINE HISTORY: The Jazz opened as 1-point home favorites and with news of Golbert's absence the line jumped the fence to LAC -1.5. Oddsmakers set the total at 197 and that has yet to move


INJURY REPORT:


Clippers - PG Austin Rivers (Out Friday, hamstring), C Diamond Stone (Out Indefinitely, knee).


Jazz - C Rudy Gobert (Out, knee).


TRENDS:


* Clippers are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 Conference Quarterfinals games.


* Jazz are 3-0-1 ATS in their last 4 games overall.


* Under is 4-1 in Clippers last 5 overall.


* Under is 4-1 in Jazz last 5 overall.


* Under is 6-0 in Jazz last 6 Conference Quarterfinals games.

 

[CNOTES]

NBA
Dunkel


Friday, April 21



LA Clippers @ Utah


Game 719-720
April 21, 2017 @ 10:00 pm


Dunkel Rating:
LA Clippers
130.852
Utah
123.906
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
LA Clippers
by 7
205
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
LA Clippers
by 1
196 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
LA Clippers
(-1); Over


Houston @ Oklahoma City


Game 717-718
April 21, 2017 @ 9:30 pm


Dunkel Rating:
Houston
121.358
Oklahoma City
118.816
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Houston
by 2 1/2
217
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Oklahoma City
by 2 1/2
224 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Houston
(+2 1/2); Under


Boston @ Chicago


Game 715-716
April 21, 2017 @ 7:00 pm


Dunkel Rating:
Boston
123.740
Chicago
122.206
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Boston
by 1 1/2
209
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Chicago
by 2
206 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Boston
(+2); Over

 

[CNOTES]

NBA

Friday, April 21


After Cavs' crazy comeback covers the -2, #NBAPlayoffs2017 betting numbers look like this:
Faves: 14-5 SU/8-11 ATS
Totals: 11-8 Over/Under

 

[CNOTES]

Friday's NBA Essentials
April 21, 2017


Western Conference First Round
No. 3 Houston at No. 6 Oklahoma City (ESPN, 9:30 p.m. ET)


2016-17 Regular Season (Rockets 3-1)
Nov. 16 Rockets at Thunder (-2.5) 105-103 (Under 218)
Dec. 9 Rockets (-1.5) at Thunder 102-99 (Under 224)
Jan. 5 Thunder at Rockets (-8) 118-116 (Over 227)
Mar. 26 Thunder at Rockets (-6) 137-125 (Over 230.5)


2016-17 Postseason (Tied 1-1)
Apr. 16 Thunder at Rockets (-7.5) 118-87 (Under 227.5)
Apr. 19 Thunder at Rockets (-7.5) 115-111 (Over 225.5)
**Game 4 will take place from OKC's Chesapeake Energy Arena on Sunday.


MVP votes were in before this tipped off, so this series has had no bearing on the verdict when a winner is crowned on June 26. That hasn't stopped those in the James Harden camp from going to the "told you so" card anyway. Thus far, Harden has been efficient in helping the Rockets earn a 2-0 series lead, while Russell Westbrook has taken everybody on the roller coaster demonstrating why he's so great and devisive at the same time.


It's all been on display, "It's a Small World"-style like the ride at Disneyland that sets you up with a tour on that neat virtual boat ride. To the left, we spy Westbrook's brilliance courtesy of a performance so great that it looked certain to lead the Thunder to a series split in Houston through three quarters. Then you see the poor decisions. The lack of trust in teammates breeds hesitancy in his ownmind. The breathless desire to succeed and the bulletproof confidence that both makes him great also makes it impossible for teammates to truly find the rhythm to help aid the cause.


Only Andre Roberson truly played well for the Thunder in Game 2, but it's his game to stay active at both ends without needing the ball. That puts him in the minority. Second-leading scorer Victor Oladipo often looks so lost next to Westbrook that it feels almost inhumane that no one has sent out a rescue party. Westbrook finished with 51 points, 10 rebounds and 13 assists in the 115-111 loss, but sabotaged the Thunder by shooting 4-for-17 in the fourth quarter. His 6-for-23 shooting and nine turnovers gave OKC no chance in a Game 1 it dropped by 31 points. For the series, he's shooting just under 35 percent, so even though hes averaging 36.5 points and has managed a triple-double clip (10.5 rpg, 10.0 apg), he's been out-MVP'd thus far.


Back home, hope is renewed. Role players perform better in familiar surroundings, so Oklahoma City is hoping to take care of business and punch right back. In fairness, the old NBA adage has always been that a playoff series doesn't start until the home team loses, so the Thunder can indeed claw back into it. It doesn't matter how ugly it's been thus far. What OKC must prove is that it has some staying power over four quarters and the requisite fight to want to battle back. That's never an issue for Westbrook, but Billy Donovan must get the right guys out there around him that won't hang their heads.


Houston has now beaten Oklahoma City five straight times. The Thunder's only win came at home way back on Nov. 16 and the Rockets have been able to make big plays to steal three of the games down the stretch, so it will be interesting to see whether they've packed that aura of invincibility on this trip. Harden is averaging 36.0 points, 5.5 boards and 8.5 assists through the first two games, but he's struggled shooting the ball at the Peake this season, coming in 10-for-39 (.256) from the field and 3-for-16 from 3-point range. While this season has taken matters to the extreme, he's never really shot the ball well back in OKC, which dates back to a 3-for-16 game in his back in 2012 after being traded away that offseason.


Harden ran into the Thunder that postseason, the last time these teams had met prior to this year's playoff pairing, and struggled in the first two games of that series, shooting a combined 15-for-43. His last playoff game at the Peake, a 107-100 Rockets win back on May 1, 2013, saw him shoot 10-for-16 and 7-for-9 from 3-point range. A performance like that would probably end this series, but Harden would settle for being efficient enough where his touch isn't a detriment since his ability to get to the paint and find teammates has become a game-changer due to the fact he's got more help than ever before. Lou Williams scored 21 points in 21 minutes off the bench in Game 2, while fellow guards Patrick Beverley and Eric Gordon have each made huge contributions already this series.


It should be a scary though for OKC that it is in an 0-2 hole despite Ryan Anderson shooting 2-for-14 from the field, missing all 11 of his 3-pointers. There's nothing physically wrong with him any more now that his ankle is healthy again, so regaining a rhythm is only a matter of time. The Rockets have average 116.5 points through the first two games despite shooting 21-for-62 from 3-point range, well below their season average. Oklahoma City has been worse, shooting 16-for-59.


The total has been set at its lowest figure in 2017. Through two regular-season games and the first pair of playoff matchups, the number hasn't dipped below 225, where oddsmakers opened the action before moving to 224.


Eastern Conference First Round
No. 8 Chicago at No. 1 Boston (ESPN, 7:00 p.m. ET)


2016-17 Regular Season (Tied 2-2)
Oct. 27 Celtics at Bulls (-1) 105-99 (Under 209)
Nov. 2 Bulls at Celtics (-3) 107-100 (Under 207.5)
Feb. 16 Celtics at Bulls (+1) 104-103 (Under 214)
Mar. 12 Bulls at Celtics (-7.5) 100-80 (Under 208)


2016-17 Postseason (Bulls 2-0)
Apr. 15 Bulls (+7.5) at Celtics 106-102 (Over 207)
Apr. 17 Bulls (+7) at Celtics 111-97 (Over 206.5)
**Game 4 will take place from Chicago's United Center on Saturday.


Anyone who got in on a Bulls upset before Game 1 could get back nearly four that times their investment if they go on to become the sixth No. 8 seed in NBA history to take out a No. 1. Backing Chicago prior to Game 2 means you're likely holding a ticket paying out nearly +200, and thus far, you're halfway home.


The Bulls are all the way home, location-wise, back at the United Center to try and claim a stranglehold on this series in front of a crowd that could've never envisioned attending a playoff game as recently as St. Patrick's Day. On March 17, Chicago fell for the seventh time in eight games, falling five games under .500. Dwyane Wade had just been lost for what was thought to be the rest of the season since there was no way to envision the Bulls getting back into the playoff hunt.


Instead of folding, a team that was in the running for the league's most dysfunctional for most of the season rallied, winning nine of 13. Chicago won its last two-regular season games, necessary since Miami was waiting to pounce on any slip-up in order to crash the playoff party, by a combined 86 points. The Bulls have won six of seven at home, a run that includes the Jazz, Hawks and Cavs as victims.


Chicago put together a pair of terrific games in Boston, where by the fourth quarter of Game 2, you could no longer tell who the top seed was supposed to be. Jimmy Butler has led the way with averages of 26.5 points, 8.5 rebounds and 5.5 assists, taking the reins as the franchise player. Rajon Rondo (11.5/8.5/10.0), Dwyane Wade (16.5/4.5/4.0) and Robin Lopez (16.0, 9.5), the team's three oldest regulars, have been incredibly effective in outplaying expectations against much younger competition.


News came down that Rondo broke his thumb in Game 2 and will miss the rest of the season late Friday morning, so the Celtics will catch a break since younger guards Michael Carter-Williams and Jerian Grant are now due more playing time.


Rebounding and turnovers have been a major point of emphasis over the course of the past few games for Boston, which gave up an average of 108.5 points per game in the two losses. Chicago has been fantastic on the offensive boards and have gotten key contributions from reserves Bobby Portis and Paul Zipser to make up for the fact Nikola Mirotic has gone cold.


The Celtics have been out-rebounded 96-74 over the first two games. This has forced them to have to work harder for longer on the defensive end, disrupting any rhythm they've looked to sustain. Isaiah Thomas has played scapegoat for some since he tragically lost his sister in a car accident early Saturday morning and has played through his emotional strife, but his clouded focus ranks way down on the list of reasons the Celtics lost two home games.


Head coach Brad Stevens will have Thomas back after he left the team to be with family and attend the funeral in Seattle. He and backcourt mate Avery Bradley were each at minus-20 or lower in Game 2 after actually being on the plus side in the series opener, so their ability to bounce back will also be critical since they're most responsible for creating the team's energy. Rondo has outplayed them both and largely controlled the game's pace, while Butler has yet to be phased by the defense of former college teammate Jae Crowder or Marcus Smart.


Despite their seeding, the Bulls have been installed as a slight favorite in this Game 3 and the series price that looks like a lottery ticket for early birds now looks like Boston's number at the beginning of the series. The total has been set at 207, in the same vicinity as the first two games of the series. All four regular-season meetings went under, but the playoff games have each gone over, narrowly hurdling the posted number.


Western Conference First Round
No. 4 L.A. Clippers at No. 5 Utah (ESPN2, 10:00 p.m. ET)


2016-17 Regular Season (L.A. won 3-1)
Oct. 30 Jazz at Clippers (-7.5) 88-75 (Under 190)
Feb. 13 Clippers at Jazz (-8) 88-72 (Under 207)
Mar. 13 Clippers at Jazz (-2) 114-108 (Over 202.5)
Mar. 25 Jazz at Clippers (-5) 108-95 (2OT) (Over 200)


2016-17 Postseason (Tied 1-1)
Apr. 15 Jazz (+6) at Clippers 97-95 (Under 197.5)
Apr. 18 Jazz at Clippers (-9) 99-91 (Under 200)
**Game 4 will take place from Salt Lake City's Vivint Smart Home Arena on Sunday.


The big news as these teams transition from L.A. to Salt Lake City is that the Stifle Tower, Defensive Player of the Year candidate, Rudy Gobert, will be absent once again. The French center with the 7-foot-7 wingspan has been out of the mix following the first possession of the series, injuring his knee 17 seconds in.


Although the Jazz were able to win without him, claiming a Game 1 they controlled throughout when Joe Johnson snapped a tie at the buzzer, the Clips were able to take advantage of a Gobert-less defense in a 99-91 win to even the series on Wednesday, playing with the lead from the onset and holding on late.


L.A. scored 60 points in the paint and took advantage of the fact Derrick Favors, now flying solo in the rim protection game, had to be concerned about foul trouble and couldn't be aggressive. Thus far, he's been a bright spot compared to the regular season, when he former No. 3 overall pick shot 6-for-19 in the two games he played against L.A., both losses. He was a pleasant surprise as the x-factor in the series opener and is shooting over 70 percent from the field, averaging 14 points an 6.5 boards. He's got the size, skill and ahtleticism to make life difficult for Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan, but hadn't played consecutive games where he worked for over 30 minutes since early November. If he surpasses that mark again tonight, it will be the first time he's played over 30 in three straight games since last March.


Fortunately for Utah, there have been multiple days between games in this series, so fatigue may be less of a factor than it ordinarily would be. Still, Favors just went through a season marred by knee issues, making a heavier workload in the postseason less than ideal since he had just returned from a 14-game absence on April 7. Boris Diaw and Jeff Withey are now being counted on to pitch in alongside Favors, but Quin Snyder has also opted to go small more often than he normally does, spreading the floor and playing slightly faster. We'll see if that trend continues at home.


First-time All-Star Gordon Hayward and Johnson have been the two leading scorers and have been involved in plenty of isolations, but they combined to shoot 11-for-30 in Game 2 and must be better if the Jazz are going to overcome losing Gobert. Hayward is shooting 12-for-33 from the field against the physical defense of Luc Richard Mbah a Moute, who helped hold him to 10-for-30 shooting over the two losses the Jazz suffered with him in the lineup during the regular season.


Snyder has had a great season in leading his team to a Northwest title, making him part of the Coach of the Year conversation. He's going to be counted on to adjust on the fly and has been open about utilizing the Hack-a-Shaq strategy against DeAndre Jordan, hoping to frustrate the big man since he's looked mighty comfortable without Gobert to contend with. For the series, he's averaging 14 points and 15 rebounds, shooting 13-for-18 and making it possible for everyone else to comfortably play their roles.


The under has prevailed in five of the last six Jazz games, including the first two games in the series. That may explain why even without Gobert, this total opened at its lowest point (197) of any of the five previous meetings played this calendar year.

 

[CNOTES]

Overall Picks of the Day:
Date W-L-T % Units Record


04/20/2017 3-3-0 50.00% -150
04/19/2017 3-3-0 50.00% -150
04/18/2017 5-1-0 83.33% +1950
04/17/2017 1-3-0 25.00% -1150
04/16/2017 3-5-0 37.50% -1250
04/15/2017 6-2-0 75.00% +1900


Best Bets Daily:
Sides / Totals


04/20/2017..................0 - 3...............-3.30..................3 - 0 +3.00
04/19/2017..................1 - 2...............-1.20..................1 - 2 - 1.20
04/18/2017..................3 - 0..............+3.00..................2 - 1 +0.90
04/17/2017..................1 - 1...............-1.10..................0 - 2 - 2.20
04/16/2017 .................2 - 2..............- 0.20..................1 - 2 - 1.20
04/15/2017..................3 - 0.............+ 3.00..................1 - 2 - 1.20

 

[CNOTES]

Bulls' Rondo out indefinitely with fractured thumb
April 21, 2017


Chicago Bulls guard Rajon Rondo suffered a fractured right thumb in Game 2 on Tuesday night against the Boston Celtics and will be out indefinitely, the team announced Friday.


The Bulls said Rondo underwent a subsequent exam and X-rays confirmed the thumb fracture. His injury will not require surgery.


The eight-seeded Bulls beat the Celtics 111-97 on Tuesday to take a 2-0 lead in their best-of-seven series against the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference. Rondo just missed with a triple-double, finishing with 11 points, 14 assists and nine rebounds, and added five steals.


Rondo is averaging 11.5 points, 10 assists and 8.5 rebounds in the Bulls' two victories over the Celtics.


The series resumes Friday night in Chicago.


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


NBA fines Westbrook $15,000 for postgame comments
April 21, 2017


OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) The NBA has fined Thunder star Russell Westbrook $15,000 for using inappropriate language during a postgame media interview.


Westbrook scored 51 points Wednesday in the highest-scoring triple-double in playoff history. He set a franchise playoff scoring record and added 13 assists and 10 rebounds, but the Thunder lost 115-111 to Houston and are down 2-0 in the first-round playoff series.


Westbrook was not in the mood to talk about his statistics after the game.


''I don't give a (expletive) about the line,'' he said. ''We lost.''


Game 3 is Friday night in Oklahoma City

 

[CNOTES]

FRIDAY, APRIL 21


GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS


BOS at CHI 07:00 PM


BOS -2.0


O 206.5


HOU at OKC 09:30 PM

OKC -2.0


O 224.0


LAC at UTA 10:00 PM


UTA +1.5


U 197.0

 

[CNOTES]

Saturday's Early Tips
April 21, 2017

**Toronto at Milwaukee**


-- Milwaukee took a 2-1 advantage in this 3/6 showdown by smashing Toronto 104-77 as a two-point home favorite in Game 3. The Bucks raced out to a 32-12 advantage at the end of the first quarter and coasted from there. The 181 combined points provided a thunder ‘under’ (197). The Raptors scored merely 46 points in the first three quarters. Toronto head coach Dwane Casey told the Associated Press, “They ambushed us. There was no aspect of our game that we executed whatsoever.” Veteran small forward DeMarre Carroll told the AP: “They came out and threw the first punch. We were back on our heels and we never got back into the game. We didn’t come out with the sense of urgency we needed.”


-- Khris Middleton and Giannis Antetokounmpo were the catalysts. Middleton produced 20 points, three rebounds, two steals and seven assists without a turnover, while Antetokeunmpo contributed 19 points, eight boards, four assists, two steals and a pair of blocked shots. Greg Monroe added 16 points, seven rebounds, three assists, two steals and one block in only 23 minutes of playing time from off of the bench. Michael Beasley (13 pts.) Thon Maker (11) and Matthew Dellavedova (10) were also in double figures. Rookie guard Malcolm Brogdon finished with four points, seven rebounds and nine assists compared to just two turnovers.


-- In the Game 3 defeat, DeMar DeRozan and Lowry were once again postseason disappointments. Lowry scored 13 points, grabbed five rebounds and had more turnovers (three) than assists (two). DeRozan missed all of his shots from the field in an eight-point effort thanks to 8-of-8 shooting at the charity stripe. DeRozan had three turnovers without an assist, pulled down only two rebounds and had a team-worst -23 plus-minus rating. Delon Wright shared team-high scoring honors with Lowry, while Norman Powell scored 12 points in 14-plus minutes of action in a reserve role. Jonas Valanciunas had 11 points and seven rebounds.


-- As of early Friday night, most betting shops had Milwaukee (44-41 straight up, 39-46 against the spread) listed as a two-point favorite with a total of 195.5. The Raptors were +110 on the money line at most spots (risk $100 to win $110).


-- Jason Kidd’s team is 24-18 SU and 20-22 ATS at home this year.


-- Toronto (52-33 SU, 45-39-1 ATS) is 23-19 SU and 24-18 ATS on the road this season.


-- DeRozan, the eighth-year shooting guard who has spent his entire career in Toronto, has led his team to four consecutive postseason appearances, including a spot in the Eastern Conference finals last year. In 74 regular-season games, he averaged 27.3 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 1.1 steals per game. However, through the first three games of this series, DeRozan is averaging 19.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 0.0 steals per game. He has more turnovers (six) than assists (four). After shooting at a 46.7 percent clip from the field during the regular season, DeRozan has buried only 16-of-47 FGs (34.0%) vs. Milwaukee. During last year’s postseason, DeRozan made only 39.4 percent of his FGs and 4-of-26 (15.4%) from 3-point land.


-- Lowry has had similar struggles. The Villanova product, who is a five-year veteran, is averaging only 13.0 points, 4.3 assists and 3.7 rebounds per game in this series to date. He has made only 12-of-33 FGs (36.4%) and 4-of-16 from downtown (25.0%). In 60 regular-season games, Lowry averaged 22.4 points, 4.8 rebounds and 7.0 assists per game. Lowry made just 39.7 percent of his FGs and 30.4 percent of his 3’s in last year’s playoffs. He was even worse two years ago, hitting just 31.6 percent of his FGs and 21.7 percent of his 3-balls.


-- Antetokounmpo has dominated this series to date, averaging 23.7 points, 10.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 2.0 steals and 1.0 blocked shots per game. He is shooting at a 55.8 percent clip from the field and 42.9 percent from 3-point range. He has struggled at the free-throw line, however, hitting only 10-of-20 attempts.


-- The ‘over’ is 42-41-2 overall for the Bucks, 23-18-1 in their home contests. However, they have seen the ‘under’ go 6-1-1 in their last eight outings.


-- The ‘under’ is 5-2 in the seven head-to-head meetings between these clubs this year.


-- The ‘over’ is 45-40 overall for the Raptors, but the ‘under’ is 24-18 in their road assignments.


-- The updated series price at Sportsbook.ag is Milwaukee -140, Toronto +120 (risk $100 to win $120).


-- TNT will have the broadcast at 3:00 p.m. Eastern.


**Atlanta at Washington**


-- The series shifts to Atlanta for Saturday's Game 3 at Philips Arena. The Hawks are in must-win mode trailing the series 2-0.


-- Washington (51-33 SU, 44-39 ATS) took care of business at home in Games 1 and 2 of this best-of-seven series. The Wizards took the cash in both outings as well, winning 114-107 as 5.5-point favorites in the lid-lifter. Next, they rallied late to win a 109-101 decision as six-point home ‘chalk’ in Wednesday’s Game 2 at Verizon Center. The 210 combined points dipped ‘under’ the 212-point total.


-- Washington led by eight at intermission in Game 2, but Atlanta outscored it 35-23 in the third quarter. Down by one point with 6:03 remaining, John Wall and Bradley Beal scored 20 of the Wizards’ last 21 points and sparked a 16-4 run that put the game on ice. Washington went 14-of-21 from the field (66.7%) in the final stanza, while Atlanta made only 6-of-16 FGs.


-- Wall had 32 points and 14 assists in the Game 1 win. Then in Game 2, he dropped 32 on the Hawks again while also dishing out nine assists and grabbing five rebounds. Beal scored 31 points and had three assists and three steals in Game 2. Marcin Gortat added 14 points, 10 boards and five blocked shots, while Brandon Jennings made 4-of-5 shots in a 10-point effort. Jennings also had two assists without a turnover in 16-plus minutes of action.


-- In the Game 3 loss, Paul Millsap paced the Hawks with 27 points, 10 rebounds, four assists, two steals and one block. Dennis Schroder added 23 points, four boards, one steal and six assists compared to only one turnover. After a miserable Game 1, Tim Hardaway Jr. bounced back to contribute 19 points. Rookie forward Taurean Prince had another solid outing, scoring 12 points on 5-of-8 shooting from the floor. Dwight Howard saw only 19:53 of playing time, scoring six points and grabbing seven rebounds. Howard coughed up three turnovers, which has been the story of the series for Atlanta. The Hawks had 21 turnovers in Game 1 and 18 in Game 2. With that said, Schroder has done an excellent job of taking care of the ball with just three turnovers.


-- Washington has won five in a row over Atlanta since losing a 114-99 decision at Philips Arena way back on Oct. 27. The Wizards are 4-1 ATS in those five contests.


-- As of early Friday night, most books had Atlanta (43-41 SU, 39-45 ATS) installed as a three-point ‘chalk’ with a total of 210. The Wizards were +135 on the money line (risk $100 to win $135).


-- Atlanta owns a 23-18 SU record and a 17-24 ATS mark at home this season.


-- Washington compiled a 19-22 SU record and a 19-21-1 ATS ledger on the road during the regular season.


-- The updated series price at Sportsbook.ag is Washington -850, Atlanta +600 (risk $100 to win $600).


-- The ‘under’ is 49-33-2 overall for the Hawks, 23-18 in their home games.


-- The ‘over’ is 52-32 overall for the Wizards, 26-15 in their road assignments.


-- The ‘under’ is 4-2 in the six meetings between these clubs this year, going 4-1 in the last five encounters.


-- Tip-off is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Eastern on TNT.

 

[CNOTES]

Saturday's Late Tips
April 22, 2017

Western Conference First Round
No. 2 San Antonio at No. 7 Memphis (ESPN, 8:00 p.m. ET)


2016-17 Regular Season (Tied 2-2)
Feb. 6 Spurs at Grizzlies (-1) 89-74 (Under 200.5)
Mar. 18 Spurs at Grizzlies (+4) 104-96 (Over 196)
Mar. 23 Grizzlies at Spurs (-8) 97-90 (Under 197.5)
Apr. 4 Grizzlies at Spurs (-9) 95-89 (OT) (Over 195.5)


2016-17 Postseason (Spurs 2-1)
Apr. 15 Grizzlies at Spurs (-9.5) 111-82 (Over 190)
Apr. 17 Grizzlies at Spurs (-10.5) 96-82 (Under 189)
Apr. 20 Spurs at Grizzlies (+3.5) 105-94 (Over 188)


The Spurs pulled away from the Grizzlies in each of the first two games at the AT&T Center to grab a 2-0 series lead. Following the Game 2 loss, Memphis head coach David Fizdale ripped the officiating and was looking to create a spark heading back for a pivotal Game 3.


The Grizzlies responded on Thursday by knocking off the Spurs, 105-94 to easily cash as 3 ½-point underdogs and cut the series deficit to 2-1. Memphis outscored San Antonio, 31-17 in the third quarter, while point guard Mike Conley, Jr. led the Grizzlies with 24 points and eight assists. The Grizzlies shot 50% from the floor and busted the 100-point mark for the first time in the last 15 playoff games dating back to the 2015 quarterfinals.


The Spurs’ backcourt couldn’t throw a shot into the ocean in Game 3 as Tony Parker and Danny Green combined to score six points on 3-of-13 shooting from the floor. Raise your hand if you expected backup guard Jonathon Simmons to outscore Parker and Green but the former Midland JC product posted 10 points off the bench. Kawhi Leonard put up 32 and 37 points in the first two victories for the Spurs, but the MVP candidate scored only 18 points in Game 3, his lowest playoff point total since being limited to 14 points in a Game 2 defeat to Oklahoma City in last season’s conference semifinals.


Memphis has won all three meetings with San Antonio this season at FedEx Forum, as the Spurs have been limited to 96 points or less in all three visits to the Grindhouse. The Grizzlies haven’t won consecutive home playoff games since the opening round against the Blazers in 2015.


The Spurs dropped to 3-7 ATS in their last 10 playoff games in the road favorite role, dating back to the 2013 second round against the Warriors. Gregg Popovich’s squad had won their previous 10 postseason games against Memphis since 2013, which included a pair of sweeps over the last four seasons. San Antonio has done a solid job of bouncing back off a road playoff loss since 2014 by winning five of its past seven in this role.


Even though the Grizzlies won Game 3, the Spurs are still overwhelming favorites to advance to the second round. At Sportsbook.ag, San Antonio is listed at -4500 to capture two more victories in this round, while Memphis sits at a hefty +1500 to rally back and move to the semifinals.


Series Exact Result - Sportsbook.ag
5 Games Spurs Win -110
6 Games Spurs Win +200
7 Games Spurs Win +400
7 Games Grizzlies Win +1500
6 Games Grizzlies Win +2500


Western Conference First Round
No. 1 Golden State at No. 8 Portland (ESPN, 10:30 p.m. ET)


2016-17 Regular Season (Warriors 4-0)
Nov. 1 Warriors (-5) at Blazers 127-104 (Over 225.5)
Dec. 17 Blazers at Warriors (-14) 135-90 (Under 234)
Jan. 4 Blazers at Warriors (-16) 125-117 (Over 222)
Jan. 29 Warriors (-6) at Blazers 113-111 (Under 224.5)


2016-17 Postseason (Warriors 2-0)
Apr. 16 Blazers at Warriors (-15) 121-109 (Over 219.5)
Apr. 19 Blazers at Warriors (-11.5) 110-81 (Under 218)


Golden State continued its mastery of Portland this season by winning its sixth meeting against the Blazers in Game 2 on Wednesday, 110-81. The Warriors easily cashed as 11 ½-point favorites in spite of Kevin Durant sidelined for precautionary reasons due to a calf injury. Durant’s status is up in the air for Game 3 at the Moda Center, but there is no rush to bring back the former scoring champion after five Warriors posted double-figures in Game 2.


The defending Western Conference champions didn’t light it up from the floor on Wednesday as Stephen Curry was Golden State’s leading scorer with 19. However, the Warriors outrebounded the Blazers, 54-47, while Golden State’s defense stifled the dynamic duo of Damien Lillard and C.J. McCollum as the starting Portland backcourt managed a total of 23 points on 9-of-34 shooting. Portland fell short in Game 1 as 15-point underdogs in spite of Lillard and McCollum combining for 75 points.


In Golden State’s two visits to Portland this season, the Warriors grabbed victories each time in different fashions. On November 1, the Warriors routed the Blazers, 127-104 as five-point favorites, highlighted by 41-point third quarter output. Golden State edged Portland in their next meeting at the Moda Center in late January, 113-111 as Curry sat out with an injury. The Blazers cashed as six-point underdogs thanks to a 37-29 advantage in the fourth quarter, but Durant led Golden State with 33 points and 10 rebounds.


Steve Kerr’s club put together a 2-4 SU/ATS record as a road favorite in the playoffs last season, which included a front-door overtime victory at Portland in Game 4 of the second round. In 2016, the Blazers won four of five home playoff games, including three victories in the opening round against the Clippers. Since 2014, Portland has covered in four of five home playoff games in the underdog role, while posting an 8-4 mark in its past 12 home postseason contests.


Dating back to the All-Star break, Terry Stotts’ team is 11-3 SU and 10-4 ATS at the Moda Center, while being listed as an underdog only once, coming in a one-point triumph over the Spurs in the final week of the season. The Warriors are riding a five-game winning streak away from Oracle Arena, including victories at Oklahoma City, Houston, and San Antonio in this stretch.


Four of five playoff matchups last season between these teams sailed OVER the total, including both meetings in Portland. Golden State was a coin-flip proposition on road totals in the playoffs last season, going 5-5 in 10 games away from Oracle Arena.

 

[CNOTES]

Saturday's Best Bet
April 21, 2017

NBA Playoffs - Game 4
San Antonio at Memphis (ESPN, 8:05 p.m.)


The Memphis Grizzlies did what I expected in Game 3 as they rallied around their coach's rant, came out like their season was on the line (effectively it was), put together four solid quarters of offensive basketball and dominated the Spurs from the second quarter on. The series is now 2-1 and Memphis and their fans believe that if they can play like they did in Game 3 the rest of the way, the chances of them upsetting San Antonio in this round will be a lot better than many give them credit for.


San Antonio wasn't surprised to see Memphis play as well as they did, but while some may now believe that this is more of a series then the first two games showed, the Spurs still have to like their position very much. They still know they can dominate this team when they are on their own floor and for Memphis to win this series they are going to have to win at least once in San Antonio.


But the Spurs are still and older team and ending this series sooner then later to get that extra rest heading into the next round is a nice bonus.


Odds per - Sportsbook.ag


Best Bet: San Antonio (-3.5)


As high as Memphis fans are about their team's performance in Game 3, chances are we see that elation come to a quick demise by the end of Game 4. San Antonio just couldn't match the energy level Memphis brought for the four quarters and when things got out of hand in the 3rd quarter (Memphis outscored the Spurs 31-17), it became time for San Antonio to rest up and prepare for Game 4. You won't see the likes of Davis Bertans, David Lee, and Jonathon Simmons playing 12-15 minutes-plus again as they were sent out in garbage time to rest the starters.


Tony Parker played less than 19 minutes and Aldridge and Leonard ended there nights at about 30 minutes apiece. HC Greg Popovich has long been a mastermind in this league in regards to resting players to get the maximum out of them when he needs to, and Game 4 is one of those spots where he likely will get exactly that.


Memphis may be feeling confident after their Game 3 win, but the 50% they shot from the floor, and 41% they shot from 3-point land were more of an aberration then they'd like you to believe. At home this year, where they were decidedly a better offensive team, the Grizzlies only averaged 42.9% from the floor and 35.4% from beyond the arc.


Those Game 3 numbers were definitely a product of the huge motivation and energy they had to get themselves back in the series and almost certainly there will be a regression in those numbers and the motivation/energy levels they bring to Game 4. Memphis is just 1-5 ATS after covering the spread in their last outing, and with the Spurs hoping to close this series out back at home in Game 5 to get that extra rest, it's likely going to be San Antonio that has the edge in motivation, energy, and shooting percentages once again.

 

[CNOTES]

NBA roundup: Westbrook, Thunder hold off Rockets
April 22, 2017


OKLAHOMA CITY -- Russell Westbrook's second missed free throw of the closing seconds kept the door open for James Harden heroics, but he missed a 3-pointer at the buzzer and the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Houston Rockets 115-113 on Friday night at Chesapeake Energy Arena.


The Rockets lead the series 2-1 going into Sunday's Game 4. Westbrook finished with 32 points, 13 rebounds and 11 assists.


Harden hit a 3-pointer with 52 seconds left to lift the Rockets into a tie for the first time since early in the second half. Westbrook followed with his first 3-point attempt of the game. It bounced off the rim, but Steven Adams was there to put it back up for the lead. Then the teams traded free-throw tries until Harden's drive in the final seconds with the Rockets down two.


Westbrook had his triple-double -- his 44th of the season -- by the end of the third quarter. He became the first player with back-to-back triple-doubles in the same playoff series since Jason Kidd in the 2002 Eastern Conference finals.


Harden finished with 44 points and 18 free throws.


Clippers 111, Jazz 106

SALT LAKE CITY -- Chris Paul scored 24 of his 34 points after halftime to help Los Angeles rally in the fourth quarter in Game 3 against Utah.


DeAndre Jordan had 17 points and 13 rebounds and Luc Mbah A Moute added 15 points for the Clippers. Los Angeles took a 2-1 lead and notched its first-ever playoff win in the state of Utah after going 0-5 in previous trips.


Blake Griffin scored 11 points and collected six rebounds before leaving with a bruised right big toe late in the second quarter. He did not return in the second half.


Gordon Hayward scored a career-high 40 points to lead the Jazz. George Hill added 26 points and Joe Johnson chipped in 15 off the bench for Utah.


Celtics 104, Bulls 87

CHICAGO -- Al Horford scored 18 points, Isaiah Thomas and Jae Crowder added 16 apiece to help Boston beat Chicago in Game 3.


Four Boston starters reached double figures. Avery Bradley scored 15 points and Terry Rozier finished with 11 off the bench to round out the balanced scoring attack.


Dwyane Wade scored 18 points and Jimmy Butler added 14 for Chicago, which struggled to play with the pace it had in the first two games before Rajon Rondo injured his t