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

[CNOTES]

Sunday's Late Tips
April 15, 2017


Eastern Conference First Round
No. 8 Chicago at No. 1 Boston (TNT, 6:30 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)


Boston has made terrific strides under head coach Brad Stevens, going from 25 wins in first season back in 2014 to 53 victories this season and the first Atlantic division title since 2012. The Celtics staved off the defending champion Cavaliers for the top seed in the Eastern Conference, while winning conference-best 36 games.


The C’s received some tough news on Saturday as All-Star guard Isaiah Thomas’ sister died in a car accident outside of his hometown of Seattle. Thomas is expected to suit up for Game 1 against Chicago, as the diminutive guard averaged a career-high 28.9 points per game, which ranked third in the league behind Oklahoma City’s Russell Westbrook and Houston’s James Harden.


The Bulls are back in the postseason following a hiatus in 2016 as Fred Hoiberg’s squad finished 41-41. Coincidentally, Chicago missed out on the playoffs last season with a better record (42-40), but the Bulls won seven of their final nine games and owned the tiebreaker with the Heat to clinch the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.


Chicago suffered through plenty of drama this season with the departure of longtime point guard Derrick Rose to New York and the arrivals of veterans Dwyane Wade and Rajon Rondo. The Bulls were paced by Jimmy Butler’s 23.9 ppg, while Wade put up 18.3 ppg in 60 games as he missed 11 contests down the stretch with an elbow injury.


The Celtics regained their home-court advantage in Beantown by compiling a 30-11 mark at TD Garden. However, Boston struggled to cash numbers at home by posting a 17-24 ATS mark, including a 1-6 ATS ledger in the final seven games. Chicago put together a 16-25 record away from the United Center for the second consecutive season, but the Bulls covered each of their last five games in the role of a road underdog, including victories at Milwaukee and Charlotte.


The home team won all four meetings this season, while Boston has captured each of the past four matchups at TD Garden since December 2015. After Chicago held off Boston in its first meeting in October, the Celtics picked up revenge one week later at TD Garden, 107-100 as three-point favorites. The Bulls edged the Celtics prior to the All-Star break in the Windy City, 104-103, while Boston grabbed the season split with a 100-80 drubbing in mid-March as the Bulls were held to 26 first half points.


At Sportsbook.ag, the Celtics opened up as -420 favorites (Bet $420 to win $100) to advance to the second round, while the Bulls are a hefty +330 underdog to move forward in the playoffs. Under Stevens, the Celtics have failed to advance past the first round after getting knocked out by the Cavaliers in 2015 and the Hawks in 2016. Boston is facing Chicago in the playoffs for the first time since the 2009 quarterfinals when the Bulls outlasted the Celtics, 4-3.


Western Conference First Round
No. 6 Oklahoma City at No. 3 Houston (TNT, 9:00 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)


The expectations are high for the Rockets this postseason after winning at least 50 games for the third time in the last four seasons. In Mike D’Antoni’s first season as head coach, Houston bombed away from three-point range by converting a league-high 14.4 treys a game, while averaging 115.3 points per game, which ranked second in the NBA behind Golden State (115.9 ppg).


The Rockets have been eliminated by the Warriors in each of the past two postseasons, including getting knocked out in five games of the first round in 2016. James Harden led Houston to a 55-27 record, which was actually better than the top seed in the East, Boston and defending champion Cleveland. Harden averaged 29.1 ppg and a league-best 11.2 assists per contest, while six Rockets averaged double-figure scoring this season.


Oklahoma City was on the doorstep of the NBA Finals after grabbing a 3-1 series lead over Golden State in the Western Conference Finals last season. The Thunder melted down in the final three games as the Warriors knocked out OKC and that began the divorce between Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook. Durant dipped to the Bay Area and helped lead already-loaded Golden State to the best record in the league.


However, Westbrook became a one-man show in Oklahoma City and shattered box scores on a nightly basis by compiling a triple-double average with 31.6 ppg, 10.7 rebounds per game, and 10.4 assists per contest. The Thunder managed a 47-35 record in spite of KD’s departure, while finishing tied for third in the league with the Raptors by covering the spread 45 times.


OKC held off Houston in their first meeting in mid-November, 105-103, but the Rockets picked up a late cover as 2 ½-point underdogs thanks to an Eric Gordon three-pointer. The Rockets went on to win the final three matchups, as three of four meetings were decided by three points or less. In the final contest at the Toyota Center in late March, the Rockets dropped 79 first half points in a 137-125 triumph as Houston shot a sizzling 63% from the floor, while nailing 20 three-pointers.


Houston dominated on its home floor by winning 30 of 41 games at the Toyota Center, but posted an 18-23 ATS mark at home. Billy Donovan's Thunder struggled as a road underdog by compiling a 7-17 SU and 9-15 ATS ledger, although the Thunder won in its final two opportunities in this role at Denver and Minnesota to close the season.


The Rockets start this series as -380 favorites to move past the first round at Sportsbook.ag. Oklahoma City sits at +300 to advance as the Thunder have reached the second round in five of the past six seasons. The last time these teams hooked up in the playoffs, the Thunder knocked out the Rockets in six games of the first round back in 2013.

 

[CNOTES]

Sunday's Best Bet
April 14, 2017


NBA Playoffs Day 2


Sunday's NBA playoff action has the other four series kicking off action with the MVP-candidate battle between Russell Westbrook and James Harden capping off the night.


That Oklahoma City-Houston series should be highly entertaining from a pure basketball standpoint, and with the two potential MVP's going at it, fans will be treated to some great basketball.


However, that is a series I believe is better to handicap after you've seen a game or two and just how well each supporting cast is playing before diving in and making a significant wager.


There are three other games going on Sunday though and there is one underdog that definitely sticks out.


Odds per - Sportsbook.ag


Best Bet: Chicago Bulls (+7.5)


The Bulls snuck into the playoffs as the #8 seed and while many in Chicago would have welcomed a matchup against Cleveland (Chicago was 4-0 SU vs Cleveland this year), the Cavs wanted nothing to do with that, tanked away the final few weeks, giving Boston the #1 seed in the conference.


Chicago didn't have as much success vs. Boston this year as they did vs Cleveland, but they were 2-2 SU and ATS, although it was the home team that won and covered the spread in each of the four meetings.


However, Dwyane Wade has already come out and said that this isn't going ot be your typical #1 vs #8 matchup and it's tough not to agree with him.


Chicago often played up or down to the level of their opponents this year – hence the 4-0 SU record vs Cleveland – and now that these games mean everything, bettors should expect the Bulls to bring their best efforts on a much more consistent basis in this series.


All of that starts with a strong performance in Game 1 as catching the 7.5 points they are getting is a little too high. Yes, we could very well see this series become a “homecourt” series given how the regular season meetings played out, but you've also got to remember that the Bulls are the much more experienced club when it comes to the playoffs and with little to no pressure on them as a #8 seed, those two factors combined should serve them well.


Conversely, Boston had lofty expectations thrust upon them all year long and while they definitely lived up to them with a 1st place finish, playing the physical brand of basketball you've got to to have success in the playoffs isn't really up their alley.


Furthermore, Boston earned that 1st place finish by generally doing what they were supposed to during the year; beat up on the bad teams night in and night out and go 50% or better against the top tier squads.


However, the Celtics schedule down the final few weeks of the season was astronomically easy and in the three games over their final 10 that they played other playoff teams (that didn't rest superstars), the Celtics went 0-3 SU and ATS with two of those losses coming at home and all three coming as favorites.


Boston may be poised to be NBA Championship contenders in the future, but for this season this younger team is going to have to earn their stripes and learn some tough lessons along the way.


As we've already seen in the NHL playoffs with younger squads like Edmonton and Toronto, knowing how to pace yourself and control your energy over the course of an entire game is tough in the playoffs when you aren't used to it and the Celtics could find that out the hard way as they potentially scrap out a one possession win here.

 

[CNOTES]

Sister of Celtics G Thomas killed in car accident
April 15, 2017


The sister of Boston Celtics' All-Star guard Isaiah Thomas was killed in a one-car accident early Saturday morning, according to the Washington State police.


Chyna Thomas, 22, died at the scene of the accident on Interstate 5 in Federal Way, Wash.


Isaiah Thomas received the news after taking part in the Celtics' practice in the afternoon, ESPN reported.


The network cited a source as saying that Thomas is expected to play on Sunday when the team opens its Eastern Conference first-round series against the Chicago Bulls.


"We are terribly saddened by the tragic loss of Chyna Thomas," the Celtics said in a statement Saturday. "The thoughts and prayers of the entire Celtics organization are with Isaiah and his family."


According to The News Tribune (Tacoma, Wash.), Chyna Thomas' 1998 Toyota Camry traveled off the road around 5 a.m. and hit a barrier, which State Patrol spokesman Nick King said "vaulted the vehicle head-on" into a sign post.


Thomas was not wearing her seatbelt at the time of the accident and died at the scene, according to the State Patrol.

 

[CNOTES]

MVP favorites Harden, Westbrook get first-round showdown
April 15, 2017


HOUSTON (AP) While everyone must wait more than two months for the NBA's MVP to be announced, the league will showcase the two front-runners for the honor in James Harden and Russell Westbrook when the Houston Rockets and Oklahoma City Thunder open a first-round playoff series Sunday night.


''I think the league is very prosperous because we've got some great players that are doing things that I don't think any fan has ever seen, or they have seen and they probably can't remember it because it's been so long,'' Houston coach Mike D'Antoni said. ''Putting up unbelievable numbers, unbelievable seasons and some great story lines. It's good for the NBA. It's great for business.''


The Rockets had the third-best record in the NBA and are eyeing a deep playoff run in their first season under D'Antoni after being ousted in the first round by Golden State last year. Oklahoma City is in the unfamiliar role of underdog after reaching the Western Conference finals last season before also being eliminated by the Warriors.


Most expect either Harden or Westbrook to take home the MVP trophy on June 26 after both players had stellar regular seasons. Harden averaged 29.1 points, 11.2 assists and 8.1 rebounds a game- all career bests - in helping Houston to a 55-27 record.


Harden had 22 triple-doubles and became the first player in NBA history to have 2,000 points (2,356), 900 assists (907) and 600 rebounds (659) in a single season.


Westbrook became the first player since Oscar Robertson in 1961-62 to average a triple-double by scoring an NBA-best 31.6 points a game, with 10.7 rebounds and 10.4 assists. He set an NBA record for most triple-doubles with 42, allowing the Thunder to withstand the loss of All-Star Kevin Durant in free agency and secure the sixth seed.


Harden and Westbrook are former teammates in Oklahoma City and remain good friends, but neither seems drawn by the hype that this series is all about them. Harden cut off a reporter before he could finish his question about how the focus entering this series is on him and Westbrook.


''I don't really care about the talks,'' he said. ''I just want to win.''


When prodded about what makes Westbrook so good, Harden provided some praise for the fellow point guard.


''Obviously he's talented, really explosive (and) athletic,'' Harden said. ''He just goes out there and plays relentless.''


Westbrook acknowledged it will be ''cool'' to match up against his friend in this best-of-seven series.


''It's a great experience,'' he said. ''Something that we can talk about later on down the line. Definitely, it's good.''


Some things to know about the Thunder-Rockets series.


GUARDING THE MVP


Houston's Patrick Beverley and Oklahoma City's Andre Roberson have perhaps the toughest jobs in this series, as they'll guard Westbrook and Harden. Both teams will certainly employ various tactics to slow down the other's star, but Beverley and Roberson will be the first line of defense.


''Pat is probably the unsung hero,'' D'Antoni said. ''His edginess and what he has to do, he has to guard Westbrook ... he is a big, big part of what we do.''


Beverley embraces the challenge.


''It's going to be hard as hell,'' he said. ''He's one of the most explosive point guards probably to ever play the game. But you know me. It will be fun.''


Roberson feels the same way about Harden.


''I definitely like a challenge, and I like to go against the best,'' he said. ''Go out there and prove we're just as good, too.''


OKC'S REBOUNDING


The Rockets know a key to success will be limiting Oklahoma City's rebounding. The Thunder led the league with 46.6 rebounds a game and tied for first by averaging 12.2 offensive boards.


D'Antoni has been drilling those numbers into his players' heads for weeks, bringing it up repeatedly as soon as it looked like the Rockets would draw the Thunder in the first round.


''You've got to rebound,'' D'Antoni said simply.

GORDON'S IMPACT


Eric Gordon is a candidate for Sixth Man of the Year after averaging 16.2 points, 2.7 rebounds and 2.5 assists off the bench in his first season in Houston after five years with New Orleans. Gordon, who has struggled with injuries over the last few seasons, appeared in 75 games, which is the most since he played 78 as a rookie in 2008-09. Gordon ranked fourth in the NBA with a career-high 246 3-pointers, after he hadn't made more than 141 in a year in the first eight seasons of his career.


He takes pride in being a spark off the bench.


''We've got some guys that can make an impact, so we just want to press the gas,'' he said. ''If our first unit gets the lead, we want to (extend) the lead even more.''


This will be just his second trip to the playoffs after he appeared in just one series with the Pelicans, in 2015.

 

[CNOTES]

Warriors ready to start another special postseason run
April 15, 2017


OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) That chase for 73 wins and breaking the Chicago Bulls' record last season generated so much scrutiny when the Golden State Warriors failed to win it all at the end.


How might have that taken a toll come playoff time? Did fatigue factor in when it mattered most?


Nah, Steve Kerr refuses to think about it that way. Stephen Curry's injury sure did, though. Absolutely.


The two-time reigning NBA MVP sprained the MCL in his right knee when he slipped on a wet spot just before halftime of a Game 4 win at Houston in the first round of the 2016 playoffs.


''Steph gets banged up the first game of the playoffs which affected his whole run,'' Kerr said. ''You can't account for that stuff. You try your best to keep your eye on guys and to keep them fresh, but honestly Steph was pretty fresh going into last season's postseason. So this year we're doing what we can to make sure guys are ready to roll, but you never know what's going to happen.''


Now, the Warriors - who at 67-15 had the NBA's best record for a third straight year - and Trail Blazers prepare to face off in the playoffs for a second straight season after Golden State beat Portland in a five-game Western Conference semifinals last year.


Kerr rested players down the stretch as needed, he mixed Kevin Durant back in after a 19-game absence with a left knee injury.


''We're chasing something, we're not protecting anything this year,'' Curry said. ''... In theory, we're not the hunted. Obviously, we have the best record but we're not defending a championship. There's really no pressure. Two years ago we were trying to climb the ladder again and now we're in that kind of same mentality. It's good for us to go just go in with all the confidence in the world that we've built up this regular season and understand that every round's going to be different, every round's going to be just a dogfight. We understand how important every single game is on that journey.''


The Blazers lost all four regular-season meetings but went 17-6 down the stretch.


Curry was sidelined for the first three games of that series last year before coming off the bench in a playoff game for the first time in his career in Game 4 and scoring 40 points, with an NBA record 17 in overtime of a 132-125 victory.


All of that is in the past, Durant assures.


''Last year's over,'' KD said Saturday. ''Just trying to move on. We know this is a different season, a different team, just a different year. We're not coming in saying, `Because of last year, we're trying to get revenge or we're trying to show everybody what we got.'''


Here are some things to watch for leading to tipoff Sunday:

LILLARD'S HOME


Damian Lillard typically brings his best when he comes home to the East Bay to take on the Warriors, and he fully expects to win this series.


''We feel we can do it,'' Lillard said. ''If we don't, we shouldn't even go out there and lace up our shoes.''


Lillard and CJ McCollum make up one of the league's best backcourts, one that rivals Curry and Klay Thompson.


The Blazers hope to have their big man healthy, too. Portland center Jusuf Nurkic was listed as questionable Saturday after he missed the last seven games with a non-displaced fracture in his right leg.

KD AND STEPH


Portland must pick who to try to stop, and that's a daunting task with the Warriors' loaded lineup.


Durant averaged 29.3 points against Portland and Curry 27.3.


KD returned from a 19-game absence with a left knee injury to play the final three regular-season games.


''The main focus is health, and KD getting his legs back and relatively healthy, so that's a good start for him,'' key backup David West said.

LOPSIDED LOSSES


The Blazers would prefer to forget that 135-90 debacle of a defeat at Oracle on Dec. 17 - the largest Warriors' margin of victory in the rivalry.


Golden State has won the last six meetings overall and 15 of 18.


Portland coach Terry Stotts can look to last year's playoffs for some guidance, though he said Golden State's defense is far better now.


''Both teams have a lot of the same players from last year, styles of play are similar,'' Stotts said. ''Obviously when you add Durant on to the team it adds another potent scorer who fits in well with how they play.''

THOMPSON'S TOUCH

Thompson picked up the slack with Curry sidelined last year against Portland, leading the Warriors in scoring in three of the five games - with 37 points, 27 and 33.


Now, Thompson isn't afraid to say it: The Warriors plan to be playing for another two months.


''We want to redeem ourselves and we have a golden opportunity,'' Thompson said. ''It's a new year. We've got to forget about last year whether we won or lost. It's a new slate and we're chasing that trophy. We want it back oh so badly.''

 

[CNOTES]

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


04/15/2017 6-2-0 75.00% +1900


Best Bets Daily:
Sides / Totals


04/15/2017..................3 - 0...........,+ 3.00.................1 - 2 - 1.20

 

[CNOTES]

Armadillo: Sunday's six-pack


— Jazz 97, Clippers 95— Rudy Gobert hyperextended his knee, a problem for Utah.


— Cavaliers 109, Pacers 108— CJ Miles missed a 14-footer at the buzzer for Indiana.


— Bucks 97, Raptors 83— Surprisingly easy win for Milwaukee.


— Ottawa 4, Bruins 3 OT— Senators even series 1-1, scoring at 1:59 of overtime.


— Maple Leafs 4, Capitals 3, 2OT— Toronto scored 11:53 into the second overtime.


— Anaheim 3, Calgary 2— Flames have now lost 29 games in a row in Anaheim.


**********


Armadillo: Sunday's List of 13: Wrapping up a sports Saturday

13) Saturday was Jackie Robinson Day across major league baseball; Mr Robinson put up with a lot of BS when he broke into the major leagues and deserves recognition, but what about Larry Doby, who did the same thing, only in the American League with Cleveland? No one ever mentions the guy.


12) Underrated baseball record: Most consecutive times reaching base— 17, held by Earl Averill (1962) and another guy who did it in 1883.


11) 26 players on the Cincinnati Reds’ 40-man roster are pitchers; because of that, the Reds are targeting versatile players who give their manager more flexibility within games and also in making players, giving starters days off.


10) You listen to Reds’ games on TV, no hometown homers there; oh they want the Reds to win, but if they play badly, their own announcers will rip them. Much different than most places.


9) Dodgers 8, Arizona 4— Since start of the 2014 season, Diamondbacks are now 17-42 against Los Angeles.


8) Blue Jays 2, Orioles 1— Kendrys Morales won it with a walk-off tater, a much-needed win for a Toronto team off to a dismal 2-9 start.


7) Astros 10, A’s 6— Houston scored 10 runs, despite not getting a hit in the first six innings. It is hard to describe how badly the A’s played in the last three innings- they led 5-0 after five.


6) On February 12, 2016, the A’s to Khris Davis from Milwaukee for minor leaguers Bowdien Derby and Jacob Nottingham.


Derby is a pitcher who was 6-13, 5.59 in the Class A Florida State league last year. He is a relief pitcher in AA this season.


Nottingham is a catcher who hit .234 in the AA Southern League LY and is back there this year.


In a year-plus with Oakland, Khris Davis has hit 47 homers in 161 games.


5) Former Washington Huskies coach Lorenzo Romar signed on with Arizona as an assistant coach, taking the place of Joe Pasternack, the new coach at UCSB.


4) Nashville 5, Chicago 0— Blackhawks didn’t score a goal in two home playoff games this week.


3) Speaking of Nashville, they had 11,097 fans for a AAA baseball game Saturday. Not bad.


2) Our thoughts and prayers are with Celtics’ star Isaiah Thomas, who lost his 22-year old sister in a car accident in the state of Washington Saturday morning. Terrible tragedy.


1— I am a basketball guy, but the NHL playoffs are so much better than the NBA’s version; there is nothing sign sports quite as dramatic as overtime in a playoff game.


San Jose has a player named Logan Couture who to hit in the face with a puck, but is still playing, even though it hurts him to breathe!!!!! Think about that for a second.


While NBA players ask for days off for a mental break from a long season, Couture is playing with a mouth held together by plastic and wire- he probably needs 7 or 8 teeth replaced/taken out completely after the season.

 

[CNOTES]

NBA
Dunkel


Sunday, April 16



Oklahoma City @ Houston


Game 515-516
April 16, 2017 @ 9:00 pm


Dunkel Rating:
Oklahoma City
113.442
Houston
126.724
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Houston
by 13 1/2
232
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Houston
by 7
228
Dunkel Pick:
Houston
(-7); Over


Chicago @ Boston


Game 513-514
April 16, 2017 @ 6:30 pm


Dunkel Rating:
Chicago
118.151
Boston
127.694
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Boston
by 9 1/2
204
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Boston
by 7 1/2
207 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Boston
(-7 1/2); Under


Portland @ Golden State


Game 511-512
April 16, 2017 @ 3:30 pm


Dunkel Rating:
Portland
117.617
Golden State
137.152
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Golden State
by 19 1/2
226
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Golden State
by 14
222 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Golden State
(-14); Over


Atlanta @ Washington


Game 509-510
April 16, 2017 @ 1:00 pm


Dunkel Rating:
Atlanta
119.011
Washington
121.055
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Washington
by 2
206
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Washington
by 5
211
Dunkel Pick:
Atlanta
(+5); Under








NBA
Long Sheet


Sunday, April 16


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

ATLANTA (43 - 39) at WASHINGTON (49 - 33) - 4/16/2017, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 17-37 ATS (-23.7 Units) in road games in all playoff games since 1996.
ATLANTA is 78-56 ATS (+16.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 10-7 against the spread versus WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
ATLANTA is 10-8 straight up against WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
11 of 18 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

PORTLAND (41 - 41) at GOLDEN STATE (67 - 15) - 4/16/2017, 3:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
GOLDEN STATE is 98-84 ATS (+5.6 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 143-116 ATS (+15.4 Units) as a favorite over the last 3 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 83-60 ATS (+17.0 Units) in home games over the last 3 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 124-90 ATS (+25.0 Units) in April games since 1996.
GOLDEN STATE is 21-7 ATS (+13.3 Units) in the first round of the playoffs since 1996.
GOLDEN STATE is 87-63 ATS (+17.7 Units) after a win by 10 points or more over the last 3 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 30-18 ATS (+10.2 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 51-26 ATS (+22.4 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game - 2nd half of the season since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
GOLDEN STATE is 11-5 against the spread versus PORTLAND over the last 3 seasons
GOLDEN STATE is 14-2 straight up against PORTLAND over the last 3 seasons
12 of 16 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

CHICAGO (41 - 41) at BOSTON (53 - 29) - 4/16/2017, 6:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO is 26-17 ATS (+7.3 Units) as an underdog this season.
BOSTON is 2-14 ATS (-13.4 Units) after 3 or more consecutive wins this season.

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

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

OKLAHOMA CITY (47 - 35) at HOUSTON (55 - 27) - 4/16/2017, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 12-24 ATS (-14.4 Units) when the total is greater than or equal to 220 over the last 2 seasons.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 55-74 ATS (-26.4 Units) in road games over the last 3 seasons.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 8-22 ATS (-16.2 Units) in a road game where the total is greater than or equal to 220 since 1996.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 4-12 ATS (-9.2 Units) in road games versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game this season.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 10-21 ATS (-13.1 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 45-36 ATS (+5.4 Units) in all games this season.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 29-16 ATS (+11.4 Units) after a division game over the last 3 seasons.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 177-130 ATS (+34.0 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent since 1996.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 81-55 ATS (+20.5 Units) off a upset loss as a favorite since 1996.
HOUSTON is 5-13 ATS (-9.3 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
HOUSTON is 9-2 against the spread versus OKLAHOMA CITY over the last 3 seasons
HOUSTON is 8-3 straight up against OKLAHOMA CITY over the last 3 seasons
6 of 11 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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








NBA
Short Sheet


Sunday, April 16


Atlanta at Washington, 3:00 PM ET
Atlanta: 13-3 UNDER vs. division opponents
Washington: 16-7 ATS in a home game where the total is 210 to 219.5


Portland at Golden State, 3:30 PM ET
Portland: 28-11 UNDER in road games revenging 4 or more losses vs opponent
Golden State: 19-9 ATS off a home win by 10 points or more


Chicago at Boston, 6:30 PM ET
Chicago: 23-11 ATS in road games off a home win
Boston: 26-14 UNDER after 1 or more consecutive unders


Oklahoma City at Houston, 9:00 PM ET
Oklahoma City: 20-9 UNDER after a division game
Houston: 25-15 ATS after playing a home game








NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up


Sunday, April 16


Wizards won their last three games with Atlanta, by 3-26-4 points, but teams played only once since late January. Washington is 3-5 in its last eight games overall; three of their last four games stayed under total. Hawks won four of their last five games, under is 6-2 in their last eight road games. Washington is in playoffs for third time in last four years, after a 5-year drought; they won last two first round series. Atlanta is in playoffs for 10th year in row; they’re 5-4 in last nine first round series, winning in first round last two years.


Warriors swept Portland this season, winning four games by 23-45-8-2 points; teams haven’t met since January 29. Golden State won 15 of its last 16 games overall, win 10-3-2 vs spread in last 15 games- over is 5-3 in their last eight. Portland won nine of its last 12 games to get into the playoffs; they covered five of their last six road games. Golden State won NBA title in 2015, lost Finals LY, added Durant last summer. Since 2001, Portland is 2-7 in first round series, with wins coming in last three years (2-1).


Home side won all four Boston-Chicago games this season; Bulls lost here, by 7-20 points. Celtics won nine of their last 12 games; they’re 1-6 vs spread in last seven home games. Bulls won seven of last nine games to sneak into playoffs; their last five games stayed under the total. Boston is in playoffs for ninth time in last 10 years, but their last series win was 2012- they lost last three first round series. Chicago is 83-81 under Hoiberg, missing playoffs LY, barely making it this year- they’re they’re 3-2 in last five first round series.


Houston won three of four games with Oklahoma City this year; three of the four were decided by 3 or less points, with Rockets winning last three. Rockets were just 4-5 in their last nine games (under 6-3). Thunder won four of last six games, with last four staying under the total. Houston is in playoffs for fifth year in row, making Western final two years ago, but since 1998, the Rockets are 2-9 in first round series. Oklahoma City won 8 fewer games this year than last; they won their last five first round series, but without Durant, they’re obviously not as good a team now.


First round playoff series:
Boston-Chicago
Cleveland-Indiana
Clev 109-108, -9, O208.5
Toronto-Milwaukee
Mil 97-83, +7.5, U197.5
Washington-Atlanta


Golden State-Portland
San Antonio-Memphis
SA 111-82, -9.5, O190.5
Houston-Oklahoma City
LA Clippers-Utah
Utah 97-95, +6, U198.5


Favorites: 1-3 vs spread
Totals: 2-2








NBA


Sunday, April 16


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


1:00 PM
ATLANTA vs. WASHINGTON
Atlanta is 4-8 SU in its last 12 games when playing on the road against Washington
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Atlanta's last 15 games
Washington is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games at home
Washington is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home

3:30 PM
PORTLAND vs. GOLDEN STATE
Portland is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Portland's last 8 games when playing on the road against Golden State
Golden State is 10-1 SU in its last 11 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Golden State's last 6 games

6:30 PM
CHICAGO vs. BOSTON
Chicago is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Boston
The total has gone OVER in 15 of Chicago's last 20 games when playing on the road against Boston
Boston is 3-7 ATS in its last 10 games
Boston is 9-3 SU in its last 12 games

9:00 PM
OKLAHOMA CITY vs. HOUSTON
Oklahoma City is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Oklahoma City is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
Houston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Oklahoma City
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Houston's last 6 games when playing at home against Oklahoma City

 

[CNOTES]

NBA


Sunday, April 16


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday’s NBA playoffs betting preview and odds
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


The defending Western Conference champion Warriors are 13.5 favorites at home and are 12-3-1 ATS in their last 16 games overall.


The remaining four series tip off on the hardwood Sunday, including the Golden State Warriors who are looking to purge last years NBA finals from their memory. That journey begins Sunday afternoon against when Damian Lillard and the Portland Trail Blazers travel to Oracle Arena. We break down the betting angles for each and every matchup.


Atlanta Hawks at Washington Wizards (-5, 211)


ABOUT THE HAWKS (43-39 SU, 39-43 ATS, 32-48-2 O/U): Atlanta won four straight in impressive fashion before falling in the regular-season finale while resting most of the its key players. The last time the full squad took the floor it put together one of its biggest wins of the campaign, a 103-76 drubbing of the Charlotte Hornets on Tuesday. Center Dwight Howard, who will be playing in his 90th career playoff game on Tuesday, recorded a double-double with 19 points and 12 rebounds in the win and enters the postseason averaging a double-double at 13.5 points and 12.7 boards.


ABOUT THE WIZARDS (49-33 SU, 42-39-1 ATS, 51-31 O/U): Washington brushed off the slow finish to its season and is looking for a little revenge after losing to the Hawks in the Eastern Conference semifinals two years ago. "We're one of eight teams that have a chance to advance and we’re excited about the opportunity," Wizards coach Scott Brooks told reporters. "I’m looking forward to seeing how we’ll play, and I’m very confident with how we’re going to play. I know we’re going to play with great effort." Brooks doesn't need to worry about effort from Wall, who posted career highs in points (23.1), assists (10.7), steals (2.0) and field goal percentage (45.1) in the regular season.


LINE HISTORY: The Wizards opened as 5 point home favorites against the Hawks and the line hasn’t moved off the opening number. The total hit the betting board at 210, was quickly bet up to 211 and has since faded back to 210.5.


INJURY REPORT:


Hawks - C Dwight Howard (Probable, back)


Wizards - PG John Wall (Probable, quadricep), C Ian Mahinmi (Late April, calf)


TRENDS:


* Hawks are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
* Wizards are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
* Under is 6-1 in Hawks last 7 games following a ATS loss.
* Under is 4-1 in Wizards last 5 vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
* Under is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings in Washington.






Portland Trail Blazers at Golden State Warriors (-14.5, 222.5)


ABOUT THE BLAZERS (41-41 SU, 40-42 ATS, 44-37-1 O/U): While Damian Lillard was the star of Portland's surge down the stretch, center Jusuf Nurkic was a key piece and helped jumpstart the team after being acquired from the Nuggets. Nurkic, who averaged 15.2 points and 10.4 rebounds in 20 games with the team, sat out the final seven games with a nondisplaced fracture in his right leg, and his return for the postseason is undetermined, according to head coach Terry Stotts. "If it’s up to me, I play right now," Nurkic told reporters. "I do my part and I feel better. I make great progress the last couple of days but I’m not there yet, so we're still waiting on that right now. Undecided."


ABOUT THE WARRIORS (67-15 SU, 40-39-3 ATS, 32-50-0 O/U): Kevin Durant averaged 29.3 points on 60 percent shooting in four games during the regular season against Portland - all Golden State wins. He also did not show any sign of being hampered by the knee injury while scoring 29 points on 11-of-16 shooting, including 5-of-7 from 3-point range, in the regular season finale against the Los Angeles Lakers. The Warriors developed a solid chemistry prior to Durant's injury and are hoping to find that again in the playoffs while hanging onto the increased production that Stephen Curry enjoyed with his fellow former MVP sidelined.


LINE HISTORY: The defending Western Conference champion Warriors opened as 13.5 point home chalk over the Blazers and that number wasn’t high enough for bettors and he been bet up to 14.5. The total hit the betting board at 223 and has been dropped half point to 222.5.


INJURY REPORT:


Blazers - PG Damian Lillard (Probable, foot), SG Allen Crabbe (Probable, foot), C Jusuf Nurkic (Questionable, leg), SG C.J. McCollum (Questionable, hand), C Festus Ezeli (Out for season, knee), PF Ed Davis (Out for season, shoulder)


Warriors - C Zaza Pachulia (Probable, knee), SF Kevon Looney (Questionable, hip), SF Matt Barnes (Doubtful, ankle)


TRENDS:


* Trail Blazers are 13-3 ATS in their last 16 games overall.
* Warriors are 12-3-1 ATS in their last 16 games overall.
* Over is 12-3 in Trail Blazers last 15 vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
* Over is 4-1 in Warriors last 5 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.






Chicago Bulls at Boston Celtics (-7.5, 207.5)


ABOUT THE BULLS (41-41 SU, 42-40 ATS, 32-49-1 O/U): Rajon Rondo came off the bench for much of the season but re-entered the starting lineup in the final month and looked - at times - to be his old self, averaging 12.5 points, 8.8 assists and 8.5 rebounds over his final six games. Veteran star Dwyane Wade returned late in the season from en elbow injury while All-Star swingman Jimmy Butler finished with career highs in scoring (23.9), rebounding (6.2) and assists (5.5), and he is excited to help slow down Thomas. "I look forward to that matchup, especially what he's done this year for that team. I know it's going to come at some point," Butler told reporters of the potential matchup. "I'm going to make it tough for him. ... I'm going to get beat at times, and I'm going to need guys to be there."


ABOUT THE CELTICS (53-29 SU, 40-40-2 ATS, 39-39-4 O/U): Isaiah Thomas averaged 24.8 points while shooting 53.8 percent against the Bulls - his highest percentage against any Eastern Conference opponent - as Boston gained a four-game season series split. Fellow guard Avery Bradley had his best season with averages of 16.3 points and 6.1 rebounds, although he missed 27 games, while center Al Horford had a dip in many statistical categories in his first season with the Celtics but brings loads of playoff experience after appearing in 74 postseason games with Atlanta. "He's been really important to my success," Thomas said of Horford. "I remember earlier in the year he told me like, 'I'm here to make things easier for you. You're gonna lead this team and I'm gonna make things as easy as possible.' He's been exactly what he said since Day 1."


LINE HISTORY: The top-seed in the Eastern Conference Celtics opened as 7.5 point home favorites against the Bulls and that number has yet to move. The total hit the betting board at 205.5 and has been bet up two full points to 207.5.


INJURY REPORT:


Bulls - No injuries to report


Celtics - SG Avery Bradley (Probable, hand)


TRENDS:


* Bulls are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
* Celtics are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 home games.
* Under is 5-0 in Bulls last 5 overall.
* Under is 6-1-1 in Celtics last 8 vs. NBA Central.
* Home team is 7-0 ATS in the last 7 meetings.






Oklahoma City Thunder at Houston Rockets (-7, 228)


ABOUT THE THUNDER (47-35 SU, 45-36-1 ATS, 37-44-1 O/U): Russell Westbrook led the NBA in scoring (31.6), ranked third in assists (10.4) and was 10th in rebounding (10.7) to join Oscar Robertson (1961-62) as the lone players to average a triple-double over an entire season. His superb performances equated to victories as the club was a stellar 33-9 in his triple-doubles and coach Billy Donovan expects his star to rub off on his teammates in the postseason. "I think he's excited from a leadership role to try to help guys that don't have that kind of experience, haven't been through it or are going through it for the first time," Donovan told reporters. "I think he'll be the same as he always is. As the season's gone on, I really haven't seen a whole lot of change in Russell from the first day of training camp to now."


ABOUT THE ROCKETS (55-27 SU, 42-40 ATS, 41-40-1 O/U): James Harden finished second in scoring (29.1), led the NBA in assists (11.2) and averaged 8.1 rebounds during the regular season and he is eager to compete with the tenacious Westbrook. "He brings it every night," Harden said of Westbrook. "Definitely a team game. Stats don't matter. You have to go out there and try to get as many wins, first one to four. I just want to win." Houston set an NBA record with 1,181 3-point baskets -- an average of 14.4 per game -- with Harden (262), backup shooting guard Eric Gordon (246) and forward Ryan Anderson (205) all over 200 and forward Trevor Ariza (190) not far off the pace.


LINE HISTORY: The Rockets opened as 7-point home favorites against the Thunder and that line briefly went up to 7.5, before returning to the opening number. The total hit the betting board at 228.5 and has been lowered a half point to an even 228.


INJURY REPORT:


Thunder - SF Doug McDermott (Questionable, knee)


Rockets - SF Sam Dekker (Early May, hand)


TRENDS:


* Thunder are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 road games.
* Rockets are 0-9 ATS in their last 9 games overall.
* Under is 6-1 in Thunder last 7 games following a ATS loss.
* Under is 6-1 in Rockets last 7 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
* Thunder are 1-9 ATS in the last 10 meetings.

 

[CNOTES]

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


04/15/2017 6-2-0 75.00% +1900


Best Bets Daily:
Sides / Totals


04/15/2017..................3 - 0...........,+ 3.00.................1 - 2 - 1.20


SUNDAY, APRIL 16


GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS


ATL at WAS 01:00 PM


WAS -5.0


U 209.0


POR at GS 03:30 PM


GS -14.5


O 220.5


CHI at BOS 06:30 PM


CHI +6.5


U 204.5


OKC at HOU 09:00 PM


OKC +7.0


O 227.5

 

[CNOTES]

NBA Playoff Capsules
April 16, 2017

BOSTON (AP) Jimmy Butler had 30 points and nine rebounds and the Chicago Bulls outlasted Boston 106-102 in Game 1 on Sunday on an emotional night for grieving Celtics star Isaiah Thomas.


Playing a day after 22-year-old sister Chyna Thomas was killed in a car accident in their home state of Washington, Thomas led the top-seeded Celtics with 33 points and had six assists and five rebounds.


Celtics fans rallied behind Thomas, showering him with a deafening cheer when he was introduced.


Butler scored 23 points in the second half. Bobby Portis finished with 19 for the Bulls.


Al Horford had 19 points, eight assists and seven rebounds for Boston.


Game 2 in the first-round series is Tuesday night in Boston.

WARRIORS 121, TRAIL BLAZERS 109


OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) - Kevin Durant had 32 points and 10 rebounds in his Golden State playoff debut, Stephen Curry scored 29 points, and the Warriors withstood a sensational day by Portland duo CJ McCollum and Damian Lillard in Game 1.


McCollum scored a playoff career-best 41 points, and Lillard had 34, but the Warriors made the crucial big plays on both ends down the stretch with Portland playing without injured center Jusuf Nurkic.


Draymond Green contributed 19 points, 12 rebounds, nine assists and five blocked shots to help last season's second-place team take the first step in what it is counting on to be a championship run.


Durant shot 12 for 20, showing no issues with a recent left knee injury that sidelined him 19 games before he returned for the final three regular-season contests with the NBA-best Warriors.


Game 2 is Wednesday night in Oakland.

ROCKETS 118, THUNDER 87


HOUSTON (AP) - James Harden scored 37 points to outshine Russell Westbrook and Houston pulled away in the third quarter to rout Oklahoma City in Game 1.


The Rockets were up by 20 when Harden came off the bench with about seven minutes remaining. He went right to work - making two 3-pointers to power 10-0 run and push the lead to 110-80 with 4 1/2 minutes left. Harden, who along with Westbrook is a front-runner for MVP, went to the bench after that and both teams cleared their benches soon after that.


Westbrook had 22 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists, but made just six of 23 shots and had nine turnovers. Harden also had nine assists and seven rebounds, and Patrick Beverley had a playoff career-best 21 points along with 10 rebounds for the Rockets.


Game 2 is Wednesday night in Houston.

WIZARDS 114, HAWKS 107


WASHINGTON (AP) - John Wall scored a playoff career-high 32 points and Markieff Morris added 21 in his NBA postseason debut to help Washington beat Atlanta in Game 1.


Wall scored 15 points in the third quarter and finished with 14 assists. Bradley Beal had 22 points, and the Wizards got enough from their top players to offset 25 points from Atlanta's Dennis Schroder and 19 from Paul Millsap. Dwight Howard had 14 rebounds but just seven points.


Game 2 is Wednesday night in Washington.

 

[CNOTES]

Monday's Tip Sheet
April 16, 2017


Eastern Conference First Round
No. 7 Indiana at No. 2 Cleveland (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. 5 Pacers at Cavaliers (-6) 113-104 (Under 219)
Apr. 2 Pacers at Cavaliers (-8) 135-130 (2OT) (Over 214)


2016-17 Postseason (Cavaliers 1-0)
Apr. 15 Pacers at Cavaliers (-9) 109-108 (Over 208.5)


In his previous 11 seasons in the playoffs, LeBron James had never been eliminated in the opening round. In fact, the Cavaliers and Heat never lost Game 1 of the quarterfinals in this stretch with James leading the way, but Cleveland needed to stave off Indiana on Saturday, 109-108 to keep that perfect record intact.


The Pacers had a shot to win it on the final possession, but C.J. Miles misfired as Cleveland dodged a bullet to grab a 1-0 series lead. Indiana managed a cover as nine-point underdogs thanks to a solid performance from All-Star forward Paul George, who scored 29 points. Recently acquired Lance Stephenson brought back some of his old Pacers’ magic by chipping in 16 points off the bench, but the Pacers lost for the eighth consecutive time at Quicken Loans Arena.


James paced the Cavaliers with 32 points and 13 assists, while Kyrie Irving dropped 23 points on 11-of-27 shooting from the floor in Game 1. Cleveland kept Indiana hanging around in the series opener by hitting only 14-of-27 free throw attempts, while getting outrebounded by Indiana, 41-34.


Following the cover on Saturday, Nate McMillan’s squad improved to 7-0 ATS the last seven games, including four straight ATS victories away from Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Over the previous two postseasons, the Cavaliers have compiled a 6-1 ATS record off a non-cover at Quicken Loans Arena. Only once in James’ playoff career has his teams not gone up 2-0 in the first round as that came back in his first postseason appearance in 2006 against Washington.


Indiana cashed a rare playoff OVER in Game 1 after the Pacers finished UNDER the total in six of seven games against Toronto in the opening round of 2016. Cleveland is currently on a 6-1 OVER run the last seven home contests as the lone UNDER came in the regular season finale against Toronto when James, Irving, and Kevin Love all rested.


The Cavaliers moved to -2000 to clinch this first round series at Sportsbook.ag after sneaking by in Game 1. If you have faith in the Pacers to come back and win this series, it may be time to jump on Indiana at +1000 (Bet $100 to win $1000) after starting the series at +700.


After closing as a nine-point favorite on Saturday, the Cavaliers have dropped to a 7 ½-point favorite in Monday’s Game 2 at Quicken Loans Arena with a total of 210.


Western Conference First Round
No. 7 Memphis at No. 2 San Antonio (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 (-4) at Grizzlies 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 1-0)
Apr. 15 Grizzlies at Spurs (-9.5) 111-82 (Over 190)


For the second straight postseason, the Spurs and Grizzlies are hooking up in the opening round. Last season, Memphis was the walking wounded heading into that series as it was short-handed and got swept by San Antonio. The Grizzlies are healthier this time around (for the exception of guard Tony Allen sidelined), but Memphis scored only 52 points in the final three quarters of Saturday’s 111-82 setback at San Antonio.


The Spurs fell behind, 30-25 after one quarter, but stepped up their defense in the final three quarters, while outscoring the Grizzlies, 59-33 in the second half. San Antonio easily cashed as 9 ½-point favorites to pick up its first ATS win against Memphis in five tries this season. The Spurs had only three players in double-figures, led by Kawhi Leonard’s 32 points on 11-of-14 shooting from the floor, while LaMarcus Aldridge contributed 20 points.


The Grizzlies shot 39% from the floor, which included Marc Gasol’s 11-of-18 performance for 32 points. Zach Randolph and Mike Conley, Jr. combined to shoot 8-of-27 from the field for 19 points, while Memphis lost its eighth consecutive playoff game dating back to the 2015 Western Conference semifinals. In fact, Memphis has been limited to 100 points or less in 13 straight postseason contests, as the UNDER has cashed nine times in this span.


The Spurs improved to 8-11 ATS as a favorite in the postseason since 2014, while winning 20 of their last 27 games in the opening round dating back to 2012. In this stretch, Gregg Popovich’s squad has either pulled off a sweep in the first round (2012, 2013, 2016), or been stretched to the limit, reaching a seventh game against the Mavericks in 2014 and the Clippers in 2015.


Just like Cleveland, San Antonio is an overwhelming favorite to advance to the second round as the Spurs are listed at -3500 to move forward after opening the series at -1000. The Grizzlies split the regular season series with the Spurs, but Memphis is climbing an uphill battle in a 1-0 hole as it is listed at a hefty +1500 to beat San Antonio four times at Sportsbook.ag.


The Spurs have been pushed up to 11-point favorites in Game 2, while the total dropped slightly from 190 in Game 1 to 188 ½ for Monday’s contest.

 

[CNOTES]

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


04/16/2017 3-5-0 37.50% -1250
04/15/2017 6-2-0 75.00% +1900


Best Bets Daily:
Sides / Totals


04/16/2017 .................2 - 2.............- 0.20.................1 - 2 - 1.20
04/15/2017..................3 - 0............+ 3.00.................1 - 2 - 1.20

 

[CNOTES]

Armadillo: Monday's six-pack


Early betting odds on the 2017 Heisman Trophy:


15-2— Sam Darnold (USC), Baker Mayfield (Oklahoma), Lamar Jackson (Louisville)


9-1- JT Barrett, Ohio State


12-1— Jake Browning, Washington


14-1— Deondre Francois, Florida State


15-1— Jalen Hurts (Alabama), Saquon Barkley (Penn State)


16-1— Mason Rudolph, Oklahoma State


**********


Armadillo: Monday's List of 13: Wrapping up a sports weekend……..


13) Bulls 106, Celtics 102— Isaiah Thomas scored 33 points in 38:00, the day after he found out his 22-year old sister died in a car accident. Boston took 38 3’s, 48 2’s; seems like a lot- they only took 19 foul shots.


12) ESPN had the Cubs on in primetime Opening Night in St Louis, which is fine- they’re World Champs and deserve it; ESPN’s next three Sunday night games were in Queens, Bronx and next week again, Queens. What the bleep are they thinking?


Teams like Toronto, Kansas City and Houston are rarely on national TV, then networks wonder why playoff ratings are low when those teams make it. Promote the whole sport, not just teams in New York, plus the Cubs, Dodgers, Red Sox.


11) Mets’ first 32 games this season are all against NL East opponents.


10) Miami 4, Mets 2— JT Riddle’s first major league hit was a walk-off homer. The way the Marlins ran the bases in this game, home runs were a good idea.


Justin Boer got thrown out at the plate after maybe the worst slide in baseball history; Giancarlo Stanton got hit with an Ozuna line drive that would’ve put men on 1st and 3rd with one out had the ball not hit him. Ozuna got thrown out at the plate before Riddle’s winning home run.


9) Orioles pit closer Zach Britton on the 10-day DL; their pitching is really thin, but they’re still 8-3 and atop the AL East, but make no mistake about it, Baltimore needs to get healthy soon.


8) Rumors have it that the Chiefs will open Week 1 of the NFL season in Foxboro in a Thursday night game. Falcons were a more logical option, but Atlanta has a new stadium opening and they want to play there in Week 1, so apparently they’re no longer an option for the Thursday game.


7) It rained in Oakland Sunday, and the A’s couldn’t wait to cancel their game with the Astros; the Warriors were playing across the parking lot, the A’s are playing lousy anyway (shortstop Marcus Semien is on the DL, which hurts there defense) and there would’ve been a lousy crowd in the rain.


Giants played their home game across the bay, but the field was a mess- they sell out their games, so it would cost them seven figures to lose a home game to the weather.


6) Toronto-Cleveland-Texas are your last place teams in the American League.


5) Reds and Colorado are in first place in the National League; even after only two weeks, that is odd.


4) Baltimore’s Trey Mancini hit two more homers Sunday, has now hit seven in his first 12 major league games, which is really good.


Blue Jays lost again, are now 2-10, which is really bad.


3) Montreal 3, NY Rangers 1— New York seems to play better on the road. Canadiens lead this series, 2-1.


2) Penguins/Blues both won their games, grabbing 3-0 leads in their first round series.


1— Solid scheduling by the AD at U of Albany- they’re playing at Memphis next year, in a year when the Tigers will be in a total rebuild. Great Danes could actually win that game.

 

[CNOTES]

NBA
Dunkel


Monday, April 17



Memphis @ San Antonio


Game 519-520
April 17, 2017 @ 9:30 pm


Dunkel Rating:
Memphis
114.849
San Antonio
123.960
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
San Antonio
by 9
194
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
San Antonio
by 11
188 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Memphis
(+11); Over


Indiana @ Cleveland


Game 517-518
April 17, 2017 @ 7:00 pm


Dunkel Rating:
Indiana
117.639
Cleveland
126.642
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Cleveland
by 9
216
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Cleveland
by 7 1/2
209 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Cleveland
(-7 1/2); Over








NBA
Long Sheet


Monday, April 17


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


INDIANA (42 - 41) at CLEVELAND (52 - 31) - 4/17/2017, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CLEVELAND is 15-5 ATS (+9.5 Units) in home games after a division game over the last 2 seasons.
INDIANA is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) in April games this season.
INDIANA is 23-10 ATS (+12.0 Units) vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
INDIANA is 48-32 ATS (+12.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 36-44 ATS (-12.4 Units) in all games this season.
CLEVELAND is 12-25 ATS (-15.5 Units) vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
INDIANA is 10-3 against the spread versus CLEVELAND over the last 3 seasons
CLEVELAND is 9-4 straight up against INDIANA over the last 3 seasons
8 of 13 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

MEMPHIS (43 - 40) at SAN ANTONIO (62 - 21) - 4/17/2017, 9:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MEMPHIS is 3-13 ATS (-11.3 Units) after a division game this season.
MEMPHIS is 14-26 ATS (-14.6 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 997-871 ATS (+38.9 Units) in all games since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 801-682 ATS (+50.8 Units) as a favorite since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 507-426 ATS (+38.4 Units) in home games since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 78-51 ATS (+21.9 Units) in home games in all playoff games since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 206-158 ATS (+32.2 Units) in home games after a win by 10 points or more since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 178-132 ATS (+32.8 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN ANTONIO is 9-8 against the spread versus MEMPHIS over the last 3 seasons
SAN ANTONIO is 13-4 straight up against MEMPHIS over the last 3 seasons
10 of 17 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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




NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up


Monday, April 17


Cleveland held on for 109-108 win in Game 1; Pacers missed 14-footer at buzzer. Cavaliers won their last three games with Indiana, by 15-9-5-1 points, with last two wins by 5 in OT and by a point. Indiana won five of its last six games, covered last seven over is 11-4 in their last 15 games. Cleveland was just 14-27 on foul line in Game 1; they’re a shaky favorite right now. Seven of Cavaliers’ last nine games went over the total- they shot 54% from floor in Game 1. Indiana covered its last four road games.


Spurs won Game 1 by 29 after leading by only 3 at the half; they made 10-19 on arc, shot 53.2% from floor, held Memphis to 39.2%, blocking 11 shots. Memphis starters were combined -23; their subs were -72. Grizzlies lost last three games here, by 7-6-29 points. Memphis lost 10 of its last 13 games overall (under 8-5). Four of Spurs’ last five games went over the total- their Game 1 rout was their first cover in last five home games.


First round playoff series:
Boston-Chicago
Chi 106-102, +7, O207


Cleveland-Indiana
Clev 109-108, -9, O208.5


Toronto-Milwaukee
Mil 97-83, +7.5, U197.5


Washington-Atlanta
Wash 114-107, -5.5, O209.5


Golden State-Portland
GState 121-109, -15.5, O220


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


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


LA Clippers-Utah
Utah 97-95, +6, U198.5


Favorites: 3-5 vs spread
Totals: 5-3 over








NBA


Monday, April 17


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Trend Report
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7:00 PM
INDIANA vs. CLEVELAND
Indiana is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Cleveland
Indiana is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Cleveland
Cleveland is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Indiana
Cleveland is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games

9:30 PM
MEMPHIS vs. SAN ANTONIO
Memphis is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Memphis is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
San Antonio is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Memphis
San Antonio is 12-2 SU in its last 14 games when playing Memphis

 

[CNOTES]

NBA


Monday, April 17


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Monday’s NBA playoffs betting preview and odds
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Kawhi Leonard had an easy time of it against the Memphis defense in Game 1, scoring 32 points in as many minutes and shooting 11-of-14 from the field and 9-of-9 from the line.


A pair of powerhouse teams trying to protect 1-0 series leads take to the floor Monday. The Cavaliers survived a scare from the Pacers in Game 1 while the Spurs absolutely dismantled the Grizzlies in their series opener.


Indiana Pacers at Cleveland Cavaliers (-7.5, 210)


Cavs lead series 1-0


ABOUT THE PACERS (42-41 SU, 40-42-1 ATS, 42-41 O/U): C.J. Miles missed a mid-range jumper at the buzzer in Saturday's loss but Indiana just confirmed its belief that it could hang with the defending champions. The last possession of Game 1 was a hot topic of conversation after the contest, with George wondering why he didn't get the ball back after passing out of a double team. "I talked to C.J. about it," George told reporters. "In situations like that, I've got to get the last shot. ... But at the same time, I've got to have trust in my teammates. C.J.'s been in that position in this season where I've needed him to make a big shot and I've kicked to him and he's made that big shot." George finished with 29 points and went 6-of-8 from 3-point range in the loss, marking the sixth time in eight playoff games the last two seasons that he scored at least 25 points.


ABOUT THE CAVALIERS (52-31 SU, 36-44-3 ATS, 48-34-1 O/U): The Cleveland Cavaliers withstood a late comeback and earned a one-point win in the first game of the Eastern Conference playoffs, but questions about the team remain. Cleveland stumbled out of the top spot in the East with a 12-15 record after the All-Star break, including four straight losses to end the campaign, and Game 1 wasn't the dominant effort the team had been seeking. "The playoffs are about adjustments and what you can do better," Cavaliers coach Tyronn Lue told reporters "I just think that if we got to those 50-50 balls and the offensive rebounds, that it would have been a totally different game. Hats off to (Indiana). They played well, but we’ll be better." Cleveland went 14-of-27 from the free-throw line in Game 1 and surrendered 12 offensive rebounds.


LINE HISTORY: The Cavaliers opened as 7.5-point home favorites for Game 2 and the total hit the board at 210.


INJURY REPORT:


Pacers - SG G. Robinson III (Questionable, calf), C A. Jefferson (Questionable, ankle).


Cavaliers - PG K. Felder (Questionable, leg).


TRENDS:


* Pacers are 7-0 ATS in their last 7 games overall.
* Cavaliers are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games playing on 1 days rest.
* Over is 8-0 in Pacers last 8 road games.
* Over is 7-0 in Cavaliers last 7 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
* Pacers are 5-1 ATS in the last 6 meetings in Cleveland.








Memphis Grizzlies at San Antonio Spurs (-11, 188.5)


Spurs lead series 1-0


ABOUT THE GRIZZLIES (43-40 SU, 41-42 ATS, 39-41-3 O/U): The seventh-seeded Grizzlies will try to put the big Game 1 loss behind them and even the best of seven series when they visit the second-seeded Spurs in Game 2 on Monday. The biggest thing the Spurs did to disrupt Memphis was getting point guard Mike Conley out of his rhythm, and the team leader managed just 13 points on 5-of-14 shooting. "They forced other guys to handle the ball," Grizzlies coach David Fizdale told reporters. "We went over it, we expected it, but we just didn't respond well to it. I thought Mike missed some chippies in there in the paint. But give them credit; they really turned the game around defensively against us." The bright spot offensively was center Marc Gasol, who scored 32 points on 11-of-18 shooting while outplaying older brother Pau, who managed six points off the Spurs' bench.


ABOUT THE SPURS (62-21 SU, 42-39-2 ATS, 44-37-2 O/U): San Antonio allowed 30 points in the first quarter of Game 1 but did not surrender more than 19 in any of the following three frames en route to a 111-82 drubbing. San Antonio got a different performance out of their starting point guard, with veteran Tony Parker scoring 18 points on 8-of-13 shooting while stepping up defensively against Conley. "Him being aggressive and knocking down shots and just penetrating, and getting the defense to get an extra guy to go to him is big for us," Spurs small forward Kawhi Leonard told reporters. "Not just me, but everybody. He gets us open shots." Leonard had an easy time of it against the Memphis defense while scoring 32 points in as many minutes and shooting 11-of-14 from the field and 9-of-9 from the line.


LINE HISTORY: The Spurs opened as 10.5-point home favorites for Game 2 and after their convincing Game 1 victory the public jumped on them and forced a line move up to -11. The total opened at 189.5 and came down a full point to 188.5 by Sunday evening.


INJURY REPORT:


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


Spurs - No injuries to report.


TRENDS:


* Grizzlies are 1-5-1 ATS in their last 7 Conference Quarterfinals games.
* Spurs are 2-8 ATS in their last 10 vs. NBA Southwest.
* Under is 5-1 in Grizzlies last 6 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
* Over is 4-1 in Spurs last 5 overall.
* Grizzlies are 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings.

 

[CNOTES]

NBA

Monday, April 17


After two days of NBA Playoffs betting, underdogs are 5-3 ATS (3-5 SU) with a 5-3 Over/Under count. Over went 3-1 Sunday.
Two games Monday.

 

[CNOTES]

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


04/16/2017 3-5-0 37.50% -1250
04/15/2017 6-2-0 75.00% +1900


Best Bets Daily:
Sides / Totals


04/16/2017 .................2 - 2.............- 0.20.................1 - 2 - 1.20
04/15/2017..................3 - 0............+ 3.00.................1 - 2 - 1.20

 

[CNOTES]

Hawks' Millsap ready to match Morris, Wiz with 'MMA' style
April 17, 2017


WASHINGTON (AP) Atlanta forward Paul Millsap got a taste Sunday of what the Washington Wizards have planned for him in their first-round playoff series.


Now he's promising to dish it back.


Markieff Morris told Millsap to shut up during Game 1, escalating a physical showdown between the power forwards. Morris and Millsap exchanged heated words before the teams retreated to their locker rooms at halftime, and more fireworks could be coming in Game 2 on Wednesday night.


Millsap took issue with the way Morris and the Wizards tried to overpower him in the Hawks' 114-107 loss.


''The difference in the game is we were playing basketball and they were playing MMA,'' Millsap said.


Frustrating Millsap is part of the plan for Washington. Two years ago, the Hawks and their 6-foot-8 forward beat a banged-up Wizards team in a six-game second-round series. Morris wasn't with Washington then, though, and his matchup with Millsap could be the difference this time around.


''When you're guarding an All-Star, all you have to do is focus on just making him take tough shots,'' Wizards coach Scott Brooks said. Markieff is ''a very competitive guy. He's the most mild-mannered person that I've been around that has a competitive spirit. He challenges himself to play against an All-Star player like Millsap. It's not easy.''


Morris scored 21 points in his NBA playoff debut and limited Millsap to just 19. He doesn't plan to ease up on Millsap any time soon.


''If we're going to jostle the whole series,'' the 6-foot-10 Morris said, ''then that's what it's going to be.''


All that scrambling inside could create more tension like Sunday's altercation. Millsap channeled Rasheed Wallace - ''It was just two guys playing hard, man, it was two guys playing hard'' - but Morris didn't shy away from initiating the chirping.


''It's all a part of the game, man,'' Morris said. ''It's all love of the game. I trash talk all the time.''


It's not the talk that bothered Millsap, though. The four-time All-Star said he wanted to ''get some moves'' to fit the MMA playing style and vowed to match the Wizards' and Morris' physicality going forward.


''I just got to be more aggressive,'' Millsap said. ''I can't let (anybody) come out here and just push me around. He was more physical than me (Sunday), and if that's how we're going to play, then that's how we're going to play, and I've got to do a better job at that.''


Hawks coach Mike Budenholzer said Millsap and center Dwight Howard can be better inside than they were in Game 1. Some of that is self-inflicted, but Morris also presents a matchup nightmare that Wall knew was possible when the Wizards traded a first-round pick for the power forward at the 2016 trade deadline.


''He changed everything right away for us,'' Wall said. ''We didn't have to double team in the post anymore. If any team had a 4-man that could score, we could go right back to him and he can score on the perimeter and score in the post. He changed our team a whole lot, and he understands that. ... He's doing everything to help our team win, and when he's playing as well as he did today for us, we're unstoppable.''

 

[CNOTES]

NBA
Short Sheet


Monday, April 17


Eastern Conference – Round 1 – Best of 7 – Game 2 – CLE Leads 1-0


Indiana at Cleveland, 3:00 PM ET
Indiana: Perfect 7-0 ATS in april games
Cleveland: 3-11 ATS off an outright ATS loss


Western Conference – Round 1 – Best of 7 – Game 2 – SAS Leads 1-0


Memphis at San Antonio, 5:30 PM ET
Memphis: 15-7 ATS off a road loss
San Antonio: 0-7 ATS at home off a win against a division rival