Cnotes53 2017 NBA Best Bets-Trends-News Thru Playoffs !

[Cnotes53]

NBA

Wednesday, March 21

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Trend Report
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TORONTO @ CLEVELAND
Toronto is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Toronto is 12-1 SU in its last 13 games
Cleveland is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Toronto
Cleveland is 9-2 SU in its last 11 games when playing Toronto

MEMPHIS @ PHILADELPHIA
Memphis is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
Memphis is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Philadelphia
Philadelphia is 13-1 SU in its last 14 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 5 games when playing at home against Memphis

CHARLOTTE @ BROOKLYN
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Charlotte's last 7 games
Charlotte is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games when playing Brooklyn
Brooklyn is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 games when playing Charlotte
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Brooklyn's last 7 games at home

NEW YORK @ MIAMI
New York is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Miami
New York is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Miami
Miami is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Miami is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home

DENVER @ CHICAGO
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Denver's last 8 games when playing Chicago
Denver is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Chicago
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Chicago's last 8 games when playing Denver
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Chicago's last 6 games when playing at home against Denver

LA CLIPPERS @ MILWAUKEE
The total has gone OVER in 4 of LA Clippers's last 5 games when playing on the road against Milwaukee
The total has gone OVER in 6 of LA Clippers's last 8 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Milwaukee's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Milwaukee's last 5 games when playing at home against LA Clippers

INDIANA @ NEW ORLEANS
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Indiana's last 11 games
Indiana is 11-2 SU in its last 13 games when playing New Orleans
New Orleans is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Indiana
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of New Orleans's last 5 games when playing Indiana

WASHINGTON @ SAN ANTONIO
Washington is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Washington's last 6 games
San Antonio is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Washington
San Antonio is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home

 

[Cnotes53]

NBA
Long Sheet

Wednesday, March 21

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TORONTO (53 - 18) at CLEVELAND (41 - 29) - 3/21/2018, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 193-241 ATS (-72.1 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season since 1996.
TORONTO is 40-31 ATS (+5.9 Units) in all games this season.
TORONTO is 20-11 ATS (+7.9 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game this season.
CLEVELAND is 23-46 ATS (-27.6 Units) in all games this season.
CLEVELAND is 11-24 ATS (-15.4 Units) when the total is greater than or equal to 220 this season.
CLEVELAND is 8-25 ATS (-19.5 Units) in home games this season.
CLEVELAND is 23-35 ATS (-15.5 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 8-18 ATS (-11.8 Units) after scoring 115 points or more this season.
CLEVELAND is 8-20 ATS (-14.0 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
CLEVELAND is 10-7 against the spread versus TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
CLEVELAND is 12-6 straight up against TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
11 of 18 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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MEMPHIS (19 - 51) at PHILADELPHIA (39 - 30) - 3/21/2018, 7:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHILADELPHIA is 3-2 against the spread versus MEMPHIS over the last 3 seasons
MEMPHIS is 5-0 straight up against PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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NEW YORK (26 - 45) at MIAMI (38 - 33) - 3/21/2018, 7:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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CHARLOTTE (30 - 41) at BROOKLYN (23 - 48) - 3/21/2018, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CHARLOTTE is 28-39 ATS (-14.9 Units) in all games this season.
CHARLOTTE is 3-11 ATS (-9.1 Units) against Atlantic division opponents this season.
CHARLOTTE is 15-26 ATS (-13.6 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent this season.
BROOKLYN is 40-30 ATS (+7.0 Units) in all games this season.
BROOKLYN is 33-22 ATS (+8.8 Units) as an underdog this season.
BROOKLYN is 12-3 ATS (+8.7 Units) against Southeast division opponents this season.
BROOKLYN is 20-11 ATS (+7.9 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game this season.

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

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LA CLIPPERS (37 - 33) at MILWAUKEE (37 - 33) - 3/21/2018, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LA CLIPPERS are 225-275 ATS (-77.5 Units) after a loss by 10 points or more since 1996.
LA CLIPPERS are 217-273 ATS (-83.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season since 1996.
LA CLIPPERS are 24-13 ATS (+9.7 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 21-11 ATS (+8.9 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game this season.
MILWAUKEE is 28-37 ATS (-12.7 Units) in all games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 33-46 ATS (-17.6 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 11-22 ATS (-13.2 Units) in home games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 6-15 ATS (-10.5 Units) in the second half of the season this season.
MILWAUKEE is 45-71 ATS (-33.1 Units) in home games against Pacific division opponents since 1996.
MILWAUKEE is 264-321 ATS (-89.1 Units) in non-conference games since 1996.
MILWAUKEE is 198-243 ATS (-69.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season since 1996.

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

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DENVER (38 - 33) at CHICAGO (24 - 46) - 3/21/2018, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO is 130-175 ATS (-62.5 Units) in home games in non-conference games since 1996.

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

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WASHINGTON (40 - 30) at SAN ANTONIO (41 - 30) - 3/21/2018, 9:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SAN ANTONIO is 1040-910 ATS (+39.0 Units) in all games since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 830-706 ATS (+53.4 Units) as a favorite since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 531-443 ATS (+43.7 Units) in home games since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 191-147 ATS (+29.3 Units) in March games since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 92-53 ATS (+33.7 Units) against Southeast division opponents since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 347-284 ATS (+34.6 Units) in non-conference games since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 213-163 ATS (+33.7 Units) in home games after a win by 10 points or more since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 186-141 ATS (+30.9 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 2-2 against the spread versus WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
SAN ANTONIO is 3-1 straight up against WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
3 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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INDIANA (41 - 30) at NEW ORLEANS (41 - 30) - 3/21/2018, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
INDIANA is 40-31 ATS (+5.9 Units) in all games this season.
INDIANA is 68-49 ATS (+14.1 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
NEW ORLEANS is 4-1 against the spread versus INDIANA over the last 3 seasons
INDIANA is 3-2 straight up against NEW ORLEANS over the last 3 seasons
4 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

 

[Cnotes53]

NBA (PROFESSIONAL)

DUNKEL'S HIGHLIGHTED GAME

LA Clippers at Milwaukee - Wednesday March 21, 2018

The Clippers head to Milwaukee tonight and come into the contest with a 2-5 ATS record in their last 7 games versus the Bucks. Milwaukee is the pick (-4) according to Dunkel, which has the Bucks favored by 7 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Milwaukee (-4).

WEDNESDAY MARCH 21, 2018

Toronto
@
Cleveland
Game 751-752
March 21, 2018 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating: Toronto
121.409
Cleveland
120.512
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total: Toronto
by 1
223
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total: Cleveland
by 1 1/2
227 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Toronto
(+1 1/2); Under

Memphis
@
Philadelphia
Game 753-754
March 21, 2018 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating: Memphis
107.448
Philadelphia
122.538
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total: Philadelphia
by 15
221
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total: Philadelphia
by 12
211
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia
(-12 ); Over

New York
@
Miami
Game 755-756
March 21, 2018 @ 7:35 pm

Dunkel Rating: New York
113.688
Miami
121.263
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total: Miami
by 7 1/2
218
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total: Miami
by 10 1/2
214
Dunkel Pick: New York
(+10 1/2); Over

Charlotte
@
Brooklyn
Game 757-758
March 21, 2018 @ 7:35 pm

Dunkel Rating: Charlotte
109.549
Brooklyn
114.465
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total: Brooklyn
by 5
231
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total: Brooklyn
Pick
221 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Brooklyn
Over

LA Clippers
@
Milwaukee
Game 759-760
March 21, 2018 @ 8:05 pm

Dunkel Rating: LA Clippers
117.213
Milwaukee
124.675
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total: Milwaukee
by 7 1/2
231
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total: Milwaukee
by 4
224 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Milwaukee
( -4); Over

Denver
@
Chicago
Game 761-762
March 21, 2018 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating: Denver
116.409
Chicago
109.272
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total: Denver
by 7
218
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total: Denver
by 9
222
Dunkel Pick: Chicago
(+9); Under

Washington
@
San Antonio
Game 763-764
March 21, 2018 @ 9:30 pm

Dunkel Rating: Washington
118.737
San Antonio
125.893
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total: San Antonio
by 7
210
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total: San Antonio
by 5
203 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Antonio
(-5); Over

Indiana
@
New Orleans
Game 781-782
March 21, 2018 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating: Indiana
120.204
New Orleans
121.338
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total: New Orleans
by 1
215
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total: Indiana
by 1 1/2
221
Dunkel Pick: New Orleans
( +1 1/2); Under

 

[Cnotes53]

Wednesday's Tip Sheet
March 21, 2018

Game of the Night: Raptors at Cavaliers ? 7:05 PM EST

The top seed in the Eastern Conference currently belongs to Toronto (53-18 SU, 40-31 ATS), who currently holds a five-game edge over Boston after both teams won in comeback fashion last night. The Raptors trailed the Magic by eight points heading into the fourth quarter before Toronto went on a 23-4 run over the next 10:30 to take control and grab a 93-86 victory as 9 ?-point favorites. DeMar DeRozan sat out for the Raptors, but backcourt mate Kyle Lowry dropped in 25 points, including seven three-pointers as Toronto bounced back from Sunday?s home loss to Oklahoma City.

The Cavaliers (41-29 SU, 23-46-1 ATS) have won three of their past four games, including Monday?s 124-117 home triumph over Milwaukee to cash as 2 ?-point favorites. Kevin Love returned to the lineup following a 20-game absence with a left hand injury to score 18 points and seven rebounds. However, the star of the show once again was LeBron James, who burned the Bucks for 40 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists, while four different Cavaliers knocked down at least three treys.

Cleveland has eliminated Toronto in each of the past two postseasons, including a four-game sweep of the Raptors in last season?s second round. The two squads may see each other again in this season?s playoffs, as they will hook up twice at Quicken Loans Arena in the next two weeks. In the lone matchup this season at Air Canada Center in January, the Raptors destroyed the Cavaliers, 133-99 as 2 ?-point home underdogs, as seven Toronto players finished in double-figures in spite of Lowry sitting out.

Make-up Match

The Pelicans and Pacers were supposed to hook up in the Big Easy back in February, but a roof leak at Smoothie King Center prevented the teams from playing. Nearly six weeks later, the teams are back at it with exact records trying to improve their playoff seeding.

New Orleans (41-30 SU, 38-32-1 ATS) is in the midst of three games in three nights at home following Tuesday?s 115-105 triumph over Dallas as 6 ?-point favorites. Guard Jrue Holiday sat out due to an illness, but MVP candidate Anthony Davis carried New Orleans again by scoring 37 points on 15-of-21 shooting to lift the Pelicans to their third win in the last seven games.

Indiana (41-30 SU, 40-31 ATS) snapped a two-game skid in Monday?s 110-110 home victory over the Lakers to cash as 5 ?-point favorites. The Pacers have won four of their last five games away from Bankers Life Fieldhouse, as all four covers came in the underdog role including recent wins at Philadelphia and Boston. Indiana looks to avenge a 117-112 home setback to New Orleans in November, only the second loss to the Pelicans in the last 10 meetings.

Remember Us?

The Spurs (41-30 SU, 37-32-2 ATS) may not reach the 50-win mark for the first time in a non-lockout season since 1997 unless it goes 9-2 in the final 11 games. However, San Antonio is streaking at the right time by winning four straight games, including Monday?s 89-75 triumph over short-handed Golden State. The Spurs have cashed in all four of these victories as favorites, while limiting three teams to below 93 points.

The Wizards (40-30 SU, 33-36-1 ATS) travel to Texas for just one game before returning home on Friday to battle Denver. Washington hasn?t taken the court since Saturday?s 109-102 home victory over Indiana to pick up its second straight win since a two-game skid. The Wizards have dropped three straight off consecutive victories, while hitting the OVER in four straight games. These teams have not met this season but will hook up twice over the next week with the second matchup coming at Capital One Arena next Tuesday.

Washington has lost 17 consecutive visits to San Antonio dating back to 2001, while topping the 100-point mark only once in this span. That one time came in last season?s 107-105 defeat as nine-point underdogs, but the Wizards own a dreadful 2-9 ATS record in their last 11 visits to AT&T Center.

Hot at Home

The 76ers (39-30 SU, 37-30-2 ATS) improved to 15-1 in their last 16 games at Wells Fargo Center after knocking off the Hornets on Monday, 108-94 as 8 ?-point favorites. Ben Simmons racked up another triple-double with 11 points, 12 rebounds, and 15 assists, while Joel Embiid posted a 25-point, 19-rebound effort in the victory. Philadelphia snapped a three-game ATS slide, while beating Charlotte for the third time this season.

The Sixers welcome in another underachieving team tonight as the struggling Grizzlies (19-51 SU, 29-39-2 ATS) invade the City of Brotherly Love. Memphis has covered two straight games after cashing as eight-point underdogs in Monday?s 118-115 setback at Brooklyn. However, the Grizzlies have lost 20 of their last 21 games overall and 15 consecutive contests away from FedEx Forum since the calendar year turned to 2018.

Skidding Clips

Things were looking up for the Clippers (37-33 SU, 37-32-1 ATS), who were riding a 14-5 run from January 26 through March 13. However, the ship may be sinking for Doc Rivers?squad, who has lost four straight games, all to Western Conference playoff teams. The most recent setback came in Tuesday?s 123-109 defeat at Minnesota as 3 ?-point underdogs, the fourth loss this season to the Timberwolves. The Clippers slipped to 2-7 ATS the last nine games, while allowing at least 121 points in three straight contests.

The four-game road trip continues in Milwaukee as the Bucks (37-33 SU, 27-38-5 ATS) try to get back on track following Monday?s loss at Cleveland. The Bucks are currently on a five-game OVER run after giving up at least 112 points in four of the past five contests. Milwaukee owns a horrific 1-9 ATS mark in its previous 10 games at BMO Harris Bradley Center, including an 0-8 ATS stretch as a favorite. The Bucks and Clippers haven?t met this season, but Milwaukee pulled off the season sweep in 2016-17 with both victories coming in the underdog role.

 

[Cnotes53]

Raptors, Cavs set to battle
March 21, 2018

Wednesday's Game to Watch - Raptors at Cavaliers

The Toronto Raptors may have the inside track for home court advantage in the Eastern Conference, but they know who the road to the title runs through. The Cleveland Cavaliers have struggled during the regular season, yet LeBron James has always turned it on in the postseason. His teams have won the last seven Eastern Conference titles, and until the Cavaliers lose, they have to be considered the favorite. A road win for Toronto would be a shot across the bow to Cleveland though.

This war on the floor will go down Wednesday, March 21, 2018, at 7:00 p.m. ET at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. The game will be televised live on ESPN.

Opening NBA Betting Odds - Cavaliers -1 ?, 226

Cleveland has been an awful team to bet on this season. The Cavaliers are an abysmal 23-46-1 ATS and have lost bettors more money than any other team in the NBA. Those issues have been magnified at home, where the Cavaliers are a paltry 8-25-1 ATS this season. Cleveland has won and covered in its last two home games though.

Toronto has no such issues at home, and the Raptors have been great at covering on the road too. This team is 21-14 ATS on the road, and that success is a large reason why they are on their way to grabbing the No. 1 seed in the East.

Coaching Angle

The big story surrounding Cleveland involves head coach Tyronn Lue. Lue announced on Monday that he is stepping away from his coaching responsibilities for a while in order to focus on his health.

Lue has been the Cavaliers? coach for a little over two years. He took over in January 2016 after the mid-season firing of David Blatt, and immediately established himself in Cleveland lore by helping the Cavaliers win their first ever NBA title.

He has a great rapport with James, and he has a reputation of being a player?s coach. Without him on the sidelines, it will be interesting to see how Cleveland will do. Lue has told reporters that he has been suffering from a variety of troubling symptoms, and that his health is the clear priority. He stated that he only expects to be away from the team for a week, but it may be longer.

Player to Watch

At this point, DeMar DeRozan cannot be considered underrated. DeRozan has been fantastic this year for the Raptors. He has played in every game this season, showcasing a durability that few superstars have nowadays.

DeRozan?s numbers may not jump off the page at you. He is shooting just 46.1 percent from the field on the season. However, he gets to the line and is very active in the other phases of the game, leading by example as a team player. The advanced stats show this, as he is fourth in the Eastern Conference in Win Shares.

The one thing he needs to keep improving is his three-point shooting. DeRozan has never been a great three-point shooter, averaging under 30 percent for his career. His 32.4 percentage this season is better, but he is nowhere near what teams are looking for.

Free NBA Betting ATS Picks

This line will be very tight and close to pick 'em and the Cavaliers could still be without some key players like Larry Nance Jr. and Rodney Hood. Kevin Love returned on Monday but Tristan Thompson will probably be out as well.

These teams have met just once this season, with Toronto hammering Cleveland 133-99 north of the border in early January. This time around, look for Cleveland to get the victory. The Cavaliers don?t need to send messages, but a strong showing could rattle Toronto come playoff time.

NBA Projection: Cavaliers 124, Raptors 110

 

[Cnotes53]

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 21
GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS

MEM at PHI 07:00 PM
MEM +12.5
O 208.5

TOR at CLE 07:00 PM
CLE +1.5
O 227.0

CHA at BK 07:30 PM
CHA -1.0
U 221.5

NY at MIA 07:30 PM
NY +10.0
U 217.0

IND at NO 08:00 PM
IND -1.0
U 220.0

LAC at MIL 08:00 PM
MIL -5.5
O 223.0

DEN at CHI 08:00 PM
CHI +9.5
O 217.5

WAS at SA 09:30 PM
WAS +6.0
O 202.0

 

[Cnotes53]

LeBron sets record, carries Cavs past Raps
March 21, 2018

CLEVELAND (AP) LeBron James scored 35 points and added 17 assists, his last setting up a late a 3-pointer by Kevin Love, and the undermanned Cleveland Cavaliers ended Toronto's nine-game road winning streak with a 132-129 victory over the Eastern Conference-leading Raptors on Wednesday night.

The Cavs were missing five rotational players and coach Tyronn Lue, who missed his second straight game because of health reasons.

But they had James, who earlier in the day said, ''I'll be available, so we got a chance.''

James didn't have a turnover in 40 minutes and he made three free throws in the final 7.8 seconds. He missed one with 3.9 seconds left, giving Toronto a final shot, but DeMar DeRozan's 3-pointer - contested by James - was wide left. DeRozan and Toronto coaches complained the All-Star was fouled to no avail.

HORNETS 111, NETS 105

NEW YORK (AP) - Dwight Howard had 32 points and a franchise-record 30 rebounds, becoming the first player with a 30-30 game against the Nets since Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in 1978.

Kemba Walker scored 10 of his 24 points in the fourth quarter for the Hornets, who trailed by as many 23 points in the second half but won in front of an announced crowd of 10,231 at Barclay Center while a heavy snowfall outside blanketed the New York City area.

Trailing 105-102 with 2:14 left in regulation, the Hornets went on a 9-0 run to pull off the impressive comeback. Jeremy Lamb, who had 17 points to help end Charlotte's two-game losing streak, made a layup to cut the deficit to 105-104. The Hornets then called a timeout after a miss by Caris LeVert with 23 seconds left. On the ensuing possession, Walker spun around Quincy Acy and capped a three-point play to put Charlotte up 107-105, the Hornets' first lead of the night since a 16-15 advantage with 5:46 in the opening quarter.

D'Angelo Russell scored 19 points and LeVert added 11 for the Nets.

CLIPPERS 127, BUCKS 120

MILWAUKEE (AP) - DeAndre Jordan had 25 points and 22 rebounds to lead Los Angeles past Milwaukee.

Austin Rivers added 22 points and Lou Williams scored 19 for Los Angeles, which bounced back after a deflating loss to Minnesota on Tuesday night.

The Bucks lost All-Star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo to a right ankle sprain late in the first half. Antetokounmpo appeared to get hurt when he tripped over teammate Shabazz Muhammad under Milwaukee's basket. He stayed in the game for a brief period, but hobbled around the court while grimacing. He went to the locker room with about four minutes remaining in the second quarter and did not return.

76ERS 119, GRIZZLIES 105

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - Robert Covington, J.J. Redick and Dario Saric each had 15 points to pace all five Philadelphia starters in double-figures, and the 76ers continued their push for home-court advantage in the playoffs.

Joel Embiid added 14 points and Ben Simmons had 13 points, nine assists and seven rebounds for the 76ers (40-30), who won their fourth straight to improve to a season-best 10 games over .500. None of the starters played in the fourth quarter.

Wayne Selden Jr. had 18 points to lead Memphis (19-52), which has lost 21 of 22 overall and 16 in a row on the road.

SPURS 98, WIZARDS 90

SAN ANTONIO (AP) - LaMarcus Aldridge had 27 points and nine rebounds, and San Antonio won its fifth straight game.

San Antonio remained in sixth place in the Western Conference, one-half game behind fourth-place Oklahoma City. The Spurs close out a six-game homestand Friday against Utah, which is 1+ games behind San Antonio in eighth place.

Bradley Beal and Kelly Oubre Jr. each had 21 points to lead the Wizards, who dropped into sixth in the Eastern Conference.

PELICANS 96, PACERS 92

NEW ORLEANS (AP) - Anthony Davis capped a 28-point, 13-rebound, five-block performance with a 15-foot baseline fade, a gritty put-back and two free throws in the final minute, and New Orleans outlasted Indiana.

E'Twaun Moore scored 23 points for New Orleans, which had to overcome a scrappy defensive effort by Indiana to win its third straight.

The Pacers shot only 36.6 percent (34 of 93), but kept the game close with 15 offensive rebounds and 17 second-chance points.

NUGGETS 135, BULLS 102

CHICAGO (AP) - Nikola Jokic had 21 points, seven rebounds and five assists on ''Serbian Heritage Night,'' and Denver routed Chicago.

Denver shot 61.4 percent (51 for 83) from the field and had seven players score in double figures. Paul Millsap had 22 points and eight rebounds in 27 minutes, and Wilson Chandler made five of the Nuggets' 20 3-pointers on his way to 19 points.

The Nuggets (39-33) improved to 1-2 on a seven-game trip and pulled within 1 1/2 games of idle Utah for eighth in the Western Conference playoff race.

HEAT 119, KNICKS 98

MIAMI (AP) - Kelly Olynyk scored 22 points and handed out a career-high 10 assists, Tyler Johnson added 22 points and Miami had little trouble on the way to beating New York.

Wayne Ellington scored 16, Justise Winslow added 15, Goran Dragic had 14 and Josh Richardson finished with 12 for the Heat, who remained seventh in the Eastern Conference playoff race.

Enes Kanter scored 23 points and grabbed 13 rebounds for the Knicks. Michael Beasley added 22 points on 10 for 15 shooting for New York, and Trey Burke scored 16 off the bench.

 

[Cnotes53]

SCHEDULE FOR THURSDAY MARCH 22, 2018
Time (ET) Away Home Site
7:00 PM Memphis Grizzlies Charlotte Hornets Spectrum Center
7:00 PM Philadelphia 76ers Orlando Magic Amway Center
8:00 PM Detroit Pistons Houston Rockets Toyota Center
8:00 PM Los Angeles Lakers New Orleans Pelicans Smoothie King Center
8:30 PM Utah Jazz Dallas Mavericks American Airlines Center
10:00 PM Atlanta Hawks Sacramento Kings Golden 1 Center


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


March NBA Record:

DATE W-L-T % UNITS RECORD

03/21/2018 8-7-1 53.33% +1.50
03/20/2018 9-5-0 64.29% +17.50
03/19/2018 10-6-0 62.50% +17.00
03/18/2018 3-5-0 37.50% -12.50
03/17/2018 9-13-0 40.91% -26.50
03/16/2018 4-8-0 33.33% -24.00
03/15/2018 5-13-0 27.78% -46.50
03/14/2018 3-5-0 37.50% -12.50
03/13/2018 13-8-0 61.90% +21.00
03/12/2018 3-3-0 50.00% -1.50
03/11/2018 10-8-0 55.56% +6.00
03/10/2018 7-3-0 70.00% +18.50
03/09/2018 13-7-0 65.00% +26.50
03/08/2018 4-6-0 40.00% -13.00
03/07/2018 4-10-0 28.57% -35.00
03/06/2018 7-7-1 50.00% -3.50
03/05/2018 7-7-0 50.00% -3.50
03/04/2018 5-9-0 35.71% -24.50
03/03/2018 10-4-0 71.43% +28.00
03/02/2018 9-10-0 47.37% -10.00
03/01/2018 6-2-0 83.00% +19.00


Totals...........149 - 146......50.50%....- 18.00

 

[Cnotes53]

Thursday?s 6-pack

Over/under win totals for baseball season

? Philadelphia Phillies, 77.5

? Texas Rangers 76.5

? San Diego Padres 73.5

? Tampa Bay Rays 73.5

? Cincinnati Reds 73.5

? Kansas City Royals 67.5

Quote of the Day

?I grew up in California and I had an aunt that lived in Central California. And when she?d drive to see us, she would stop at the fruit stands on the side of the road, and she?d get these big trays of strawberries. And she?d bring them up to our house, and she would put them into our refrigerator. And every time the refrigerator door was opened, the smell of strawberries would permeate the room. And I could not stand it. And since then, I?ve never eaten a strawberry. The thought of a strawberry is just ? terrible for me.?
Tom Brady

Thursday?s quiz
What is the capital of Kansas?

Wednesday?s quiz
John Malkovich played Teddy KGB in the poker movie Rounders.

Tuesday?s quiz
John Calipari went 72-112 as the head coach NBA?s Nets.

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

Thursday?s List of 13: Doing some thinking out loud??

13) It is likely that three NFL teams will start their 6th different Opening Day QB in six years when they open the season in September.

Vikings will be starting newly-signed Kirk Cousins; Houston and Cleveland have dealt away their Week 1 starting QB from last year, so Deshaun Watson will go for Houston if healthy and who knows what the Browns will do at QB, but it?ll be someone new.

It is really hard to win when you have no continuity; Vikings are strong at every other position, but their decision to let Case Keenum walk after he played so well LY will be highly scrutinized. Houston seems set at QB for the next decade if they can keep Watson healthy.

12) Dodgers won 40 more games than the Giants last year, which is eye-opening. San Francisco adds Longoria/McCutchen this year, but neither one of them pitches, although Bumgarner was not healthy last year, and now he is, so that?ll help.

Once your nucleus of talent gets old, it is tough to re-boot and stay a contender without a total rebuild. Will be interesting to follow the Giants this season.

11) Damn, the Red Sox hit only 168 homers last year, least in the AL. My A?s hit 234 and they were a bad baseball team. Will JD Martinez help that correct their power shortage?

10) Speaking of Boston, they?ve got $30M of dead money on their payroll this year, most in the major leagues? Rusney Castillo and Pablo Sandoval account for all of that.

9) Three NFL teams proposed a rule that would limit the amount of early games a western team can play during the regular season. Under the proposal, no team would be scheduled ?to play more than three away games with a scheduled kickoff time prior to 1:00 p.m. in the time zone of their home stadium (without consent).?

For instance, during the 2017 season, the 49ers played five road games that kicked off at 1pm ET, which feels like a 10am game to them. Couple years ago, the Rams played a 9:30am game in England, which is a 6:30am start if you?re on West Coast time.

8) Cubs? 1B Anthony Rizzo has been hit with 70 pitches the last three years, seven more than anyone else in the major leagues during that time.

7) Graceland 83, LSU-Alexandria 80? NAIA national title game drew 6,377 fans in Kansas City, as Graceland, from Lamoni, IA won the championship. Tough loss for Alexandria, which lost in the national semifinals by a basket last year.

6) Louisville sent interim basketball coach David Padgett packing; he?ll be fine eventually, but where do the Cardinals go from here?

If you?re Chris Mack, do you really leave your alma mater (Xavier) for a job where the team is likely to go on probation? Louisville might be a lucrative job, but the fanbase is spoiled and the chances of winning right away are almost nil, which won?t please the fanbase.

5) Western Kentucky 92, Oklahoma State 84? Hilltoppers are headed to New York City for the NIT semifinals next week- they won at USC, then 46 hours later, won in Stillwater, OK. Not an easy thing to do.

4) This made me feel old; Bobby Orr turned 70 this week.

For my 9th birthday, friend of my parents gave me a subscription to Sports Illustrated; the first issue that came in the mail had Bobby Orr on the cover and I became a huge Bruins fan- their loss in OT in Game 7 of the ?79 Stanley Cup semifinals remains one of my saddest moments as a sports fan.

Got to meet Bobby Orr at a minor league baseball game in the mid-80?s; nice man with really bad knees. He was playing in a celebrity softball game and he purposely hit fly balls so he didn?t have to run.

Do a search on Bobby Orr rushing the puck and you?ll see a guy who revolutionized the sport; he was so exciting to watch. Hard to believe he is 70 years old; to me, he?ll always be the guy flying thru the air after scoring the game-winning goal in the 1970 Stanley Cup playoffs.

Happy birthday!!!!

3) There are no instant replays in spring training baseball games; I?m pretty sure the umpires have adopted a ?When in doubt, call him out!!? mentality.

2) This is the 11th year in a row the defending national champ in March Madness didn?t make it to the Sweet 16.

1? Combined seeds for the teams in the Sweet 16 this year is 85, the highest total since 2000.

 

[Cnotes53]

NBA

Thursday, March 22

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

PHILADELPHIA @ ORLANDO
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Philadelphia's last 8 games when playing Orlando
Philadelphia is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Orlando
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Orlando's last 8 games when playing Philadelphia
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Orlando's last 5 games when playing at home against Philadelphia

MEMPHIS @ CHARLOTTE
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Memphis's last 8 games when playing on the road against Charlotte
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Memphis's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Charlotte's last 8 games when playing at home against Memphis
Charlotte is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Memphis

DETROIT @ HOUSTON
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Detroit's last 7 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Detroit's last 6 games
Houston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Houston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home

LA LAKERS @ NEW ORLEANS
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of LA Lakers's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 7 of LA Lakers's last 10 games on the road
New Orleans is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of New Orleans's last 5 games

UTAH @ DALLAS
Utah is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Utah is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games
Dallas is 11-2 SU in its last 13 games when playing at home against Utah
Dallas is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Utah

ATLANTA @ SACRAMENTO
Atlanta is 17-2 SU in its last 19 games when playing Sacramento
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Atlanta's last 8 games when playing on the road against Sacramento
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Sacramento's last 8 games when playing at home against Atlanta
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Sacramento's last 6 games at home

 

[Cnotes53]

NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up

Thursday, March 22

76ers won three of last four games with the Magic; they covered three of last four visits to Orlando. Seven of last eight series games went over total. Philly won its last four games; they are 2-7 in last nine games as road favorites. Three of their last four games went over total. Orlando lost seven of its last eight games; they?re 10-4 in last 14 games as home underdogs. Under is 7-2 in their last nine games.

Hornets won four of last five games with Memphis, covered five of last six; under is 3-1 in last four series games. Grizzlies are 2-2 vs spread in last four visits to Charlotte. Memphis lost 21 of its last 22 games; they?re 3-7 in last 10 games as road underdogs, 5-3 on road if they played night before. Charlotte split its last six games; they?re 5-2 in last seven games as home favorites. Six of their last eight games went over total.

Lakers lost four of last five games with New Orleans; they?re 2-3 vs spread in last five visits to Bourbon Street. Over is 3-1 in last four series games played here. Lakers lost their last three games; they?re 6-8 in last 14 games as road underdogs. Six of LA?s last eight games went under the total. Pelicans won their last three games; four of their last five games stayed under. NO is 4-2 in last six games as home favorites.

Pistons won four of last five games with the Rockets; they?re 3-2 vs spread in last five visit here. Last three series games stayed under. Detroit won its last two games after a 1-7 skid; they?re 2-11 in last 13 games as road underdogs. Under is 7-2 in their last nine games. Houston won 23 of its last 24 games; they covered three of last four home games. Six of their last eight home games stayed under the total.

Jazz won five of last six games with Dallas but covered only two of those games; Jazz is 1-3 vs spread in its last four visits here. Six of last eight series games went over. Utah won nine of its last ten games; they?re 4-1 in last five games as road favorites. Under is 7-2 in their last nine games. Mavericks lost four of their last five games; they?re 2-5 in last seven games as a home underdog. Last three Dallas games went over the total.

Hawks won/covered eight of last ten games with Sacramento; Atlanta is 2-2 vs spread in its last four visits here. Seven of last ten series games went over total. Hawks lost six of their last seven games; they?re 5-3 in last eight games as road underdogs. Four of their last five games went over the total. Kings lost four of their last six games; they?re 2-4 as home favorites. Under is 7-3 in their last ten games.

 

[Cnotes53]

NBA
Long Sheet

Thursday, March 22

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

PHILADELPHIA (40 - 30) at ORLANDO (21 - 50) - 3/22/2018, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ORLANDO is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game - 2nd half of the season this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 39-31 ATS (+4.9 Units) in all games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 37-18 ATS (+17.2 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 41-27 ATS (+11.3 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 32-20 ATS (+10.0 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 18-7 ATS (+10.3 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 66-84 ATS (-26.4 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 28-45 ATS (-21.5 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 12-23 ATS (-13.3 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHILADELPHIA is 6-4 against the spread versus ORLANDO over the last 3 seasons
ORLANDO is 6-4 straight up against PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
8 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

MEMPHIS (19 - 52) at CHARLOTTE (31 - 41) - 3/22/2018, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MEMPHIS is 29-39 ATS (-13.9 Units) in all games this season.
MEMPHIS is 9-18 ATS (-10.8 Units) in non-conference games this season.
MEMPHIS is 5-13 ATS (-9.3 Units) after a loss by 10 points or more this season.
CHARLOTTE is 66-44 ATS (+17.6 Units) in home games in March games since 1996.
CHARLOTTE is 29-39 ATS (-13.9 Units) in all games this season.
CHARLOTTE is 8-18 ATS (-11.8 Units) when playing on back-to-back days over the last 2 seasons.
CHARLOTTE is 49-80 ATS (-39.0 Units) against Southwest division opponents since 1996.
CHARLOTTE is 175-220 ATS (-67.0 Units) in non-conference games since 1996.

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

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

LA LAKERS (31 - 39) at NEW ORLEANS (42 - 30) - 3/22/2018, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LA LAKERS are 13-26 ATS (-15.6 Units) in March games over the last 3 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 40-32 ATS (+4.8 Units) in all games this season.

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

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

DETROIT (32 - 39) at HOUSTON (57 - 14) - 3/22/2018, 8:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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

UTAH (40 - 31) at DALLAS (22 - 49) - 3/22/2018, 8:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DALLAS is 407-333 ATS (+40.7 Units) as an underdog since 1996.
DALLAS is 26-14 ATS (+10.6 Units) after a loss by 10 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
DALLAS is 27-16 ATS (+9.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.

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

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

ATLANTA (21 - 50) at SACRAMENTO (23 - 49) - 3/22/2018, 10:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 17-8 ATS (+8.2 Units) in non-conference games this season.
SACRAMENTO is 8-22 ATS (-16.2 Units) when playing with 2 days rest over the last 3 seasons.
SACRAMENTO is 53-78 ATS (-32.8 Units) against Southeast division opponents since 1996.

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

 

[Cnotes53]

NBA
Dunkel

Thursday, March 22


Philadelphia @ Orlando

Game 801-802
March 22, 2018 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Philadelphia
119.516
Orlando
114.974
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Philadelphia
by 4 1/2
218
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Philadelphia
by 7 1/2
212 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Orlando
(+7 1/2); Over

Memphis @ Charlotte

Game 803-804
March 22, 2018 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Memphis
00.000
Charlotte
00.000
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Memphis

Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Memphis

Dunkel Pick:
Memphis
( );

LA Lakers @ New Orleans

Game 805-806
March 22, 2018 @ 8:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
LA Lakers
00.000
New Orleans
00.000
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
LA Lakers

Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
LA Lakers

Dunkel Pick:
LA Lakers
( );

Detroit @ Houston

Game 807-808
March 22, 2018 @ 8:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Detroit
00.000
Houston
00.000
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Detroit

Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Detroit

Dunkel Pick:
Detroit
( );

Utah @ Dallas

Game 809-810
March 22, 2018 @ 8:35 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Utah
124.975
Dallas
113.764
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Utah
by 11
205
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Utah
by 8
198 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Utah
(-8); Over

Atlanta @ Sacramento

Game 811-812
March 22, 2018 @ 10:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Atlanta
110.274
Sacramento
114.898
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Sacramento
by 4 1/2
203
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Sacramento
by 2
212 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Sacramento
(-2); Under

 

[Cnotes53]

NBA
Dunkel

Thursday, March 22


Memphis @ Charlotte

Game 803-804
March 22, 2018 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Memphis
109.452
Charlotte
112.786
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Charlotte
by 3 1/2
216
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Charlotte
by 10
213 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Memphis
(+3 1/2); Over

LA Lakers @ New Orleans

Game 805-806
March 22, 2018 @ 8:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
LA Lakers
117.612
New Orleans
122.569
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
New Orleans
by 5
220
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
New Orleans
by 2 1/2
228 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
New Orleans
(-2 1/2); Under

Detroit @ Houston

Game 807-808
March 22, 2018 @ 8:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Detroit
116.534
Houston
126.437
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Houston
by 10
221
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Houston
by 12 1/2
214 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Detroit
(+12 1/2); Over

 

[Cnotes53]

Thursday's Essentials
March 22, 2018

Game of the Night - Utah at Dallas, Fox Sports Southwest, 8:35 ET

The schedule makers did a nice job if they wanted to make sure to give the NCAA Tournament little competition as the Sweet 16 tips off on Thursday night. There won?t be a meeting between playoff contenders despite the fact we?ve still got over 60 percent of the league alive.

The team in the most interesting situation, the one you can probably learn most about on a night where we won?t be able to digest much due to the matchups, is Utah. Coming off a shocking loss to Atlanta (+900) as a 14-point favorite, the Jazz will get a chance to bounce back from a defeat for the first time since opening the month with a win over Minnesota after closing out February with a home loss to the Rockets.

Eight more wins followed, and when you consider that Utah hasn?t lost on the road since Jan. 22 ? against the Hawks ? it?s time to start wondering whether this latest upset loss against the last-place team in the Eastern Conference will be the beginning of the end or just another blip in between another major surge.

Since Jan. 20, the Jazz are 22-2 against teams not coached by Mike Budenholzer and 11-0 in opposing gyms not located in Atlanta. They?ve gone from a playoff afterthought in the loaded West to emerging as a legitimate threat to finish as a top-four seed in the conference.

Only four games behind Northwest Division-leading Portland, Utah enters Thursday night?s contest in Dallas as the No. 8 seed, 1.5 games up on the Nuggets and two on the Clippers. Their three-game road trip will continue at the Spurs on Friday and the Warriors on Sunday, so it?s imperative they bounce back from the letdown against Dennis Schroder and the Hawks immediately since they want no part of heading to San Antonio on a losing streak.

Even though the Mavs are expected to be down starting guards Dennis Smith Jr. (ankle) and Wesley Matthews (leg), there can be no inclination about saving energy for the Spurs showdown. That makes Utah attractive as eight-point road favorites, although Dallas has won two of its last three at AmericanAirlines Center and will be playing at home for the first time since March 11 after being away on a four-game road swing.

"Are we going to sit around and cry about losing to the Atlanta Hawks?" Utah center Rudy Gobert told the Salt Lake Tribune. "Or are we going to move on? We have to stay focused. We have to stay confident and stay hungry. We have to keep trusting each other. But we gotta know right now that we can beat anyone or lose to anyone.''

The Mavs have lost three straight games, surrendering an average of 117 points in falling at Toronto, Brooklyn and New Orleans.

They lost both meetings in Salt Lake City, averaging 89.5 points in setbacks held in late October and on Feb. 24. The Jazz got off to a 33-18 lead in the most recent meeting, but Dallas managed to match Utah on the boards and did some damage thanks to J.J. Barea finishing with 17 points and 12 assists. Utah rallied after the early deficit, pulling within 93-90 before surrendering the final four points.

NBA Defensive Player of the Year frontrunner Rudy Gobert has averaged 15 points, 11 boards and three blocks in the two wins against the Mavs, while Rookie of the Year candidate Donovan Mitchell has added 16.5 points against them and won?t have to deal with the athletic Smith tonight. With Ben Simmons thriving in Philadelphia and the race for the top rookie currently too close to call, Mitchell has to continue his excellent run if he wants to win over voters over the final few weeks.

He shot a brutal 9-for-28 and went 1-for-10 from 3-point range in the loss to Atlanta, so he can certainly be labeled the primary culprit for the upset loss, but there were other reasons that shouldn?t linger on to this road trip. Joe Ingles missed a potential game-tying shot in the corner coming out of a timeout that he?s seemingly made all season. He went 1-for-8 from beyond the arc. The Jazz finished 6-for-34.

Aberration? Almost certainly.

Derrick Favors? absence was glaring since Utah was outrebounded 52-51 and Ekpe Udoh had to play 13 scoreless minutes off the bench. He?s expected to return after sitting out the Hawks loss due to knee soreness, presumably so he?d be fresher for this key trip.

There are only five home games left in Dirk Nowitzki's 20th season at home, so you can count on the Mavs bringing the intensity. This will be a good measuring stick to see what direction Utah is headed. The under has gone 11-3 over the Jazz's last 14 contests.

Injury Report

The 76ers crushed Memphis within three quarters, so head coach Brett Brown was able to rest starters and should have everyone available for the second night of a back-to-back in Orlando. Wing Jonathon Simmons and rookie forward Jonathan Isaac are unlikely to suit up for the Magic, who did get Aaron Gordon back from concussion protocol on Tuesday night. Shooting guard Evan Fournier is sidelined with a knee injury.

The Grizzlies ruled out Marc Gasol for the second of their back-to-back situation, but should have Tyreke Evans in the mix after he sat in Philadelphia. Memphis' trip contenues in Charlotte, who were without Nicolas Batum (achilles) and Cody Zeller (knee) in Wednesday night's comeback win over the Nets. Dwight Howard put together a 32-point, 30-rebound night, the first 30-30 game in nearly eight years, setting a new Hornets franchise record for boards in the process.

New Orleans point guard Jrue Holiday (illness) returned to the fold for the Pels to help contribute to Wednesday night's win over Indiana. The Lakers were already in town while New Orleans had to play its rescheduled game, but they'll remain without second-year standout Brandon Ingram due to a hip injury.

Chris Paul (hamstring) is probably going to be a game-time decision after tweaking a previous injury late in Wednesday's win over Portland, stretching to grab a crucial loose ball offensive rebound that helped wrap up the win in Portland. Paul made a pair of free throws to clinch the victory and even did a postgame interview saying winning heals all and he'd be fine, but it remains to be seen whether he's a part of this one.

The Pistons got Reggie Jackson back for his first action in three months, immediately inserting him in the starting lineup in a 115-88 win in Phoenix. Stanley Jackson and Reggie Bullock should also be good to go after working through back issues.

Atlanta continues its Western swing and searching for consecutive wins for the first time since the start of February as it takes the court in Sacramento. Rookie forward Joshn Collins and backup point guard Malcolm Delaney remain questionable with ankle injuries.

The Kings won't have Garrett Temple available due to a knee injury, but have upgraded rookie shooting guard Bogdan Bogdanovic to probable after a hamstring issue. Zach Randolph, dealing with gastroenteritis, is listed as questionable.

 

[Cnotes53]

THURSDAY, MARCH 22
GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS

MEM at CHA 07:00 PM
CHA -8.5
U 215.0

PHI at ORL 07:00 PM
PHI -8.0
O 212.5

LAL at NO 08:00 PM
LAL +2.5
O 230.5

DET at HOU 08:00 PM
DET +11.5
U 212.0

UTA at DAL 08:30 PM
DAL +8.5
O 198.5

ATL at SAC 10:00 PM
SAC -1.5
U 212.5

 

[Cnotes53]

Hornets rout Grizzlies 140-79 behind Walker's 46 points
March 22, 2018

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) Kemba Walker scored 46 points and made 10 3-pointers, and the Charlotte Hornets rolled to the most lopsided victory in franchise history by beating the Memphis Grizzlies 140-79 on Thursday night.

Walker had the ninth 40-point game of his career as the Hornets easily overcame the absence of the suspended Dwight Howard. The All-Star guard hit 13 of 18 shots overall, including 10 of 14 on 3-pointers, and was 10 of 10 on free throws in 28 minutes.

He scored 17 points in the first quarter, 18 in the second quarter and 11 in the third before he was replaced for the final time with 1:48 left in the period.

It came one night after Howard's 32-point, 30-rebound performance that helped Charlotte rally from a 23-point deficit for a 111-105 victory at Brooklyn. But in the process, Howard was whistled for his 16th technical foul of the season, meaning he had to serve a one-game suspension on Thursday night.

PELICANS 128, LAKERS 125

NEW ORLEANS (AP) - Anthony Davis capped a 33-point performance with two clutch free throws and a game-sealing steal in the final seconds, Rajon Rondo had 24 points and 10 assists, and New Orleans erased an 11-point, fourth-quarter deficit to beat Los Angeles.

Rondo scored 12 of his points in the fourth quarter, when the Pelicans could not have been blamed if they had faded, giving they were playing for the fifth time in six nights.

Instead, they produced a riveting rally that pulled them into fourth place in the Western Conference with nine games left in the regular season.

New Orleans, which had a game against Indiana rescheduled this week because of a roof leak that postponed a game in February, became the first team since Seattle in 1979 to win three home games on consecutive nights. New Orleans has won four straight since beating Boston on Sunday and 15 of 19 since Feb. 10.

ROCKETS 100, PISTONS 96, OT

HOUSTON (AP) - James Harden scored 21 points, including 10 of Houston's 12 points in overtime, to shake off a tough four quarters and lift the Rockets over Detroit.

After going 2 of 16 in regulation, including missing a shot that would have won it, Harden warmed up in overtime. He put Houston up with a basket early in the period before making it 93-90 on a three-point play after a basket by Andre Drummond. He added three free throws with about a minute left before P.J. Tucker's tip-in made it 98-90 with 21 seconds to play.

It was an ugly game which featured 71 missed 3-pointers combined. Houston was 12 of 51 and Detroit made just 6 of 38.

Eric Gordon added 22 points for Houston on a night Chris Paul sat out with a sore left hamstring.

Blake Griffin had 21 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists. Andre Drummond had 17 points and 20 rebounds.

76ERS 118, MAGIC 98

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) - Joel Embiid had 17 points and nine rebounds in just 20 minutes and surging Philadelphia moved closer to a playoff berth with a victory over Orlando.

Ersan Ilyasova scored 18 points, leading six Philadelphia players in double figures as the 76ers (41-30) won their fifth straight and clinched their first non-losing season in six years. Robert Covington and Marco Belinelli added 15 points.

Rodney Purvis came off the bench to score 19 points for the Magic, who have lost eight of nine. Aaron Gordon, the only Orlando starter to score in double figures, had 10 points and 11 rebounds.

JAZZ 119, MAVERICKS 112

DALLAS (AP) - Donovan Mitchell scored 26 points and Utah got back on the winning track by beating Dallas.

Two nights after a loss to Atlanta ended a nine-game winning streak, Utah moved into a tie with Minnesota for seventh place in the Western Conference playoff race. The Jazz have won 22 of their last 25 games.

Joe Ingles had 18 points and 10 assists, equaling his career high. Ricky Rubio scored 22 points, Derrick Favors had 19 and Rudy Gobert added 11.

J.J. Barea had a season-high 23 points for the Mavericks with 20 in the first half. Harrison Barnes added 21 points and Yogi Ferrell scored 20 in a reserve role.

KINGS 105, HAWKS 90

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - Justin Jackson scored 11 of his season-high 20 points in the third quarter and Sacramento beat Atlanta in a game that was delayed due to protesters who were locked arm-in-arm surrounding entrances to Golden1 Center.

Jackson shot 7 of 8 and was perfect on four shots beyond the arc to help the Kings split the season series with the Hawks while avenging their worst loss of the season. Atlanta beat Sacramento 126-80 in November.

Buddy Hield and Frank Mason scored 16 points apiece, while Kosta Koufos added 14 points and 11 rebounds for the Kings.

A massive crowd shut down nearby freeways and gathered in the surrounding streets to protest the police shooting of Stephon Clark, an unarmed black man who was in the backyard of his grandparents' house Sunday night. According to reports, Clark was shot 20 times.

 

[Cnotes53]

SCHEDULE FOR FRIDAY MARCH 23, 2018
Time (ET) Away Home Site
7:00 PM Denver Nuggets Washington Wizards Capital One Arena
7:00 PM Los Angeles Clippers Indiana Pacers Bankers Life Fieldhouse
7:30 PM Brooklyn Nets Toronto Raptors Air Canada Centre
7:30 PM Minnesota Timberwolves New York Knicks Madison Square Garden
7:30 PM Phoenix Suns Cleveland Cavaliers Quicken Loans Arena
8:00 PM Miami Heat Oklahoma City Thunder Chesapeake Energy Arena
8:00 PM Milwaukee Bucks Chicago Bulls United Center
8:30 PM Utah Jazz San Antonio Spurs AT&T Center
10:00 PM Boston Celtics Portland Trail Blazers Moda Center at the Rose Quarter
10:30 PM Atlanta Hawks Golden State Warriors ORACLE Arena


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


March NBA Record:

DATE W-L-T % UNITS RECORD

03/22/2018 10-2-0 83.33% +39.00
03/21/2018 8-7-1 53.33% +1.50
03/20/2018 9-5-0 64.29% +17.50
03/19/2018 10-6-0 62.50% +17.00
03/18/2018 3-5-0 37.50% -12.50
03/17/2018 9-13-0 40.91% -26.50
03/16/2018 4-8-0 33.33% -24.00
03/15/2018 5-13-0 27.78% -46.50
03/14/2018 3-5-0 37.50% -12.50
03/13/2018 13-8-0 61.90% +21.00
03/12/2018 3-3-0 50.00% -1.50
03/11/2018 10-8-0 55.56% +6.00
03/10/2018 7-3-0 70.00% +18.50
03/09/2018 13-7-0 65.00% +26.50
03/08/2018 4-6-0 40.00% -13.00
03/07/2018 4-10-0 28.57% -35.00
03/06/2018 7-7-1 50.00% -3.50
03/05/2018 7-7-0 50.00% -3.50
03/04/2018 5-9-0 35.71% -24.50
03/03/2018 10-4-0 71.43% +28.00
03/02/2018 9-10-0 47.37% -10.00
03/01/2018 6-2-0 83.00% +19.00


Totals...........159 - 148......51.79%....+ 21.00

 

[Cnotes53]

Armadillo: Friday's six-pack

Six unusual seeding matchups in previous regional finals

? 2000: 8-seed North Carolina (+2.5) 59, 7-seed Tulsa 55

? 2002: 5-seed Indiana (-3.5) 81, Kent State 69

? 2000: 8-seed Wisconsin (+1) 64, 6-seed Purdue 60

? 1990: 4-seed Arkansas (-4) 88, 10-seed Texas 85

? 1997: 4-seed Arizona (-3) 96, 10-seed Providence 92 OT

? 2010: 5-seed Michigan St (+2), 70, 6-seed Tennessee 69

**********

Armadillo: Friday's List of 13: Clearing out a cluttered mind??.

13) Kansas State 61, Kentucky 58? Kansas State is capitalizing on the first-ever #1-16 upset in the NCAA?s; they get to a regional final in large part because they got to play a 16-seed UMBC in their 2nd round game, instead of #1-seed Virginia.

In this 3-point game, Kentucky?s PJ Washington was 8-20 on the foul line. He also grabbed 15 rebounds and had three steals, but 8-20 on the line in a 61-58 game is no bueno.

12) Loyola 69, Nevada 68? Ramblers made their first 13 shots in the second half, mostly on reverse layups. Nevada led 20-8 early but didn?t score for the last 8:00 of the first half- their lack of depth, foul trouble and refusal to play zone defense doomed them here.

Loyola?s three NCAA tournament wins have come by a combined four points; it is funny that Wichita State, Creighton bolted the MVC for bigger leagues, but Loyola (which took Creighton?s place in the Valley) is in the Elite 8 after winning its first MVC title.

11) Florida State 75, Gonzaga 60? Seminoles tied Louisville for 8th place in the ACC; Cardinals didn?t get in the tournament. FSU played 12 guys in first half of this game? 10 guys played 10+ minutes, which in this day and age of thin rosters, is really unusual.

10) Michigan 99, Texas A&M 72? Complete no-show by the Aggies, who trailed 52-28 at the half. Wolverines made 14-24 on the arc.

A&M?s Robert Williams declared for the NBA about 90 seconds after this game ended; he scored in double figures twice in his last seven games. Good luck in the G-League.

9) Johnny Manziel was at the A&M-Michigan game, after he threw at U of San Diego?s pro day during the afternoon. Johnny Football might play for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in the CFL this summer, unless some NFL team gets goofy and offers him a tryout.

8) Reminder to fans drooling over Sam Darnold; no USC QB has ever started in a Super Bowl. Not that he can?t be the first, but I?m just sayin???.

7) Bidding for the NFL?s Carolina Panthers is up to $2.5B; thats billion, with a B.

6) Minnesota Twins? #1-4 hitters Thursday were all switch-hitters, which is very unusual.

5) College basketball coaching carousel:
? UConn hired Danny Hurley away from Rhode Island
? Evansville hired Celtics assistant coach Walter McCarty
? Missouri State hires Dana Ford away from Tennessee State

4) There was another coaching move which annoys me a little; Colorado State hired Niko Medved away from Drake. Medved went 62-71 in four years at Furman, going 42-28 his last two years there, then bolted to Drake at this time last year.

Senior-dominated Drake (#7 experience team in country) was only 17-17 this year, 10-8 in the MVC, but with four senior starters graduating, Medved bolt$ for greener pa$ture$ after only one season in Des Moines. Not the classiest thing to do.

3) Sounds like there is some drama in San Antonio, with Spurs players trying to convince star Kawhi Leonard to actually play ball, so the Spurs can make the playoffs. Leonard injured his quad last year, came back and played nine games this season, but has been out since December 12, despite his being cleared by the Spurs doctors.

Leonard will make $60M combined between this year and the next two years; would be nice if he actually tried to earn it.

2) Kansas City Royals? over/under win total this year is 67.5; that sound you heard was the Royals? ?window of opportunity? to win another championship slamming shut.

1? You don?t have to be Columbo to deduce that the Giants trading Jason Pierre-Paul to the Buccaneers means there is a strong probability Big Blue will draft NC State linebacker Bradley Chubb with the #2 pick in the draft next month.

 

[Cnotes53]

NBA
Dunkel

Friday, March 23


LA Clippers @ Indiana

Game 851-852
March 23, 2018 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
LA Clippers
119.763
Indiana
119.562
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
LA Clippers
Even
223
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Indiana
by 3
217 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
LA Clippers
(+3); Over

Denver @ Washington

Game 853-854
March 23, 2018 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Denver
121.152
Washington
120.066
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Denver
by 1
225
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Washington
by 1 1/2
219
Dunkel Pick:
Denver
(+1 1/2); Over

Minnesota @ New York

Game 855-856
March 23, 2018 @ 7:35 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Minnesota
120.764
New York
112.346
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Minnesota
by 8 1/2
226
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Minnesota
by 6 1/2
222
Dunkel Pick:
Minnesota
(-6 1/2); Over

Phoenix @ Cleveland

Game 857-858
March 23, 2018 @ 7:35 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Phoenix
00.000
Cleveland
00.000
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Phoenix

Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Phoenix

Dunkel Pick:
Phoenix
( );

Brooklyn @ Toronto

Game 859-860
March 23, 2018 @ 7:35 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Brooklyn
112.651
Toronto
122.995
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Toronto
by 10 1/2
226
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Toronto
by 13
221 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Brooklyn
(+13); Over

Miami @ Oklahoma City

Game 861-862
March 23, 2018 @ 8:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Miami
117.605
Oklahoma City
126.512
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Oklahoma City
by 9
221
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Oklahoma City
by 6 1/2
215 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Oklahoma City
(-6 1/2); Over

Milwaukee @ Chicago

Game 863-864
March 23, 2018 @ 8:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Milwaukee
114.079
Chicago
106.229
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Milwaukee
by 8
223
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Milwaukee
by 3 1/2
215 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Milwaukee
(-3 1/2); Over

Utah @ San Antonio

Game 865-866
March 23, 2018 @ 8:35 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Utah
122.854
San Antonio
124.308
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
San Antonio
by 1 1/2
191
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
San Antonio
by 3 1/2
195
Dunkel Pick:
Utah
(+3 1/2); Under

Boston @ Portland

Game 867-868
March 23, 2018 @ 10:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Boston
119.015
Portland
127.805
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Portland
by 9
209
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Portland
by 6 1/2
203
Dunkel Pick:
Portland
(-6 1/2); Over

Atlanta @ Golden State

Game 869-870
March 23, 2018 @ 10:35 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Atlanta
111.563
Golden State
118.861
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Golden State
by 7 1/2
211
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Golden State
by 10
221
Dunkel Pick:
Atlanta
(+10); Under