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Preview: Bucks at Knicks


The Milwaukee Bucks are one of the most exciting teams in the NBA and will get a chance to showcase their talent to a national audience when they visit the New York Knicks on Christmas Day. The Bucks lead the NBA in scoring (116.9 points) and sit in second place in the East despite an uncharacteristic performance in a loss at Miami on Saturday.

Milwaukee knocked off the Boston Celtics 120-107 on Friday to extend a winning streak to four straight but did not have enough energy left over in a visit to the Heat the next night and fell 94-87 in the team's lowest-scoring performance of the season. "They hit us first, they were physical with us," Bucks star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo told reporters. "We came from a back-to-back, but that's not any excuse for us. We didn't make shots; we had a lot of open shots that didn't go in. Just being able to stick around and be in the game and have a chance to win says a lot about this team." The Knicks are at the opposite end of the spectrum in the East and come in losers of nine of 10 after squandering a 15-point lead in a 114-107 home loss to Atlanta on Friday. "For whatever reason, we are hitting walls in that third quarter," New York coach David Fizdale told reporters. "That's our new quarter, for some reason. We look fatigued, and we stop moving the ball. Everything that was sharp in the first half, kind of fades out in the second. We have to figure it out; I even try to get into the rotation earlier in the third just to see if I can get some fresh legs going."

TV: Noon, ET, ESPN, FS Wisconsin (Milwaukee)

ABOUT THE BUCKS (22-10): Milwaukee doesn't doubt that it will find its way offensively and took pride in its effort on the defensive end in Saturday's setback. The Bucks held the Heat to 38.2 percent shooting and blocked nine shots to pull themselves back into the game after managing just eight points in the first quarter. "Our guys competed and kept coming back on a night where it was tough to buy a bucket," coach Mike Budenholzer said. "But I think the defensive effort and activity and competitiveness was in a great place. ... Just couldn't make a couple plays down the stretch, but I'm proud of the way the guys competed."

ABOUT THE KNICKS (9-25): New York is using 2018-19 as a rebuilding season and is looking for consistency from rookie swingman Kevin Knox. The Kentucky product finished with 24 points on Friday but 17 came in the first quarter as Knox went 1-of-9 from the floor over the final three periods. "That first half I was on fire," Knox told reporters. "I felt really good out there, making the right reads, making my shots. Then that second half was just something I've got to get better at. I'm not very happy with myself, the way I played in the second half. That's something I've got to really improve. I'm a rookie. I'm going to learn how to be able to fight through those moments, those tough times, and be able to stay hot, stay aggressive in the second half."

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Antetokounmpo scored a season-low nine points on 3-of-12 shooting Saturday.

2. Knicks rookie C Mitchell Robinson (ankle) is expected to miss his fifth straight game on Tuesday but could join the team on a six-game road trip starting Thursday.

3. Milwaukee dropped a 136-134 decision in overtime at New York on Dec. 1 despite 33 points, 19 rebounds and seven assists from Antetokounmpo.

PREDICTION: Bucks 123, Knicks 110
 

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ATS Trends
Milwaukee

Bucks are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games following a ATS loss.
Bucks are 9-2 ATS in their last 11 games following a straight up loss.
Bucks are 12-4-1 ATS in their last 17 road games vs. a team with a losing home record.
Bucks are 5-2-1 ATS in their last 8 vs. Eastern Conference.
Bucks are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400.
Bucks are 6-13-1 ATS in their last 20 road games.
Bucks are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games vs. a team with a losing straight up record.
Bucks are 0-7 ATS in their last 7 Tuesday games.

New York

Knicks are 5-13-1 ATS in their last 19 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
Knicks are 2-7 ATS in their last 9 vs. Eastern Conference.
Knicks are 2-8 ATS in their last 10 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
Knicks are 2-8 ATS in their last 10 games overall.
Knicks are 2-8 ATS in their last 10 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
Knicks are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
Knicks are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games following a ATS loss.
Knicks are 1-7 ATS in their last 8 games following a straight up loss.
Knicks are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 home games.

OU Trends
Milwaukee

Under is 4-0 in Bucks last 4 games following a straight up loss.
Under is 9-1 in Bucks last 10 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
Under is 7-1 in Bucks last 8 vs. Eastern Conference.
Under is 5-1 in Bucks last 6 road games.
Over is 8-2 in Bucks last 10 games playing on 2 days rest.
Under is 8-2 in Bucks last 10 overall.
Under is 4-1 in Bucks last 5 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400.
Under is 7-2 in Bucks last 9 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Under is 6-2 in Bucks last 8 Tuesday games.
Over is 6-2 in Bucks last 8 road games vs. a team with a losing home record.
Over is 20-7 in Bucks last 27 games following a ATS loss.
Over is 22-8 in Bucks last 30 vs. NBA Atlantic.
Over is 21-8 in Bucks last 29 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of less than .400.

New York

Over is 5-0 in Knicks last 5 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
Over is 4-0 in Knicks last 4 vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
Over is 6-1 in Knicks last 7 vs. NBA Central.
Over is 5-1 in Knicks last 6 games following a straight up loss.
Over is 9-2 in Knicks last 11 games following a ATS loss.
Over is 5-2 in Knicks last 7 overall.
Over is 10-4-1 in Knicks last 15 games playing on 3 or more days rest.
Under is 5-2 in Knicks last 7 Tuesday games.
Over is 5-2 in Knicks last 7 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
Over is 7-3 in Knicks last 10 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.

Head to Head

Over is 4-0 in the last 4 meetings.
Under is 10-4 in the last 14 meetings in New York.
Underdog is 4-1-1 ATS in the last 6 meetings.
Road team is 4-1-1 ATS in the last 6 meetings.
 

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Preview: Thunder at Rockets


The Houston Rockets look to record their seventh victory in the past eight games when they host the Oklahoma City Thunder on Christmas Day. The Rockets can move a season-best three games over .500 with a win against the Thunder, who own the third-best record in the Western Conference.

Reigning MVP James Harden had 39 points and 10 assists in Saturday's 108-101 home triumph over the San Antonio Spurs and is averaging 39.7 points while topping 30 in six straight games. "That's what we do, we do it at a high level," Harden told reporters after the victory. "We shoot the ball, we shoot it with confidence. Some are going to go in, some aren't. That's the way we play." Oklahoma City had a four-game winning streak halted as it fell 114-112 to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday. Thunder star forward Paul George registered 31 points and 11 rebounds against Minnesota for his fifth 30-point effort in six games and he is averaging 34.3 points during the stretch.

TV: 3 p.m. ET, ABC

ABOUT THE THUNDER (21-11): Point guard Russell Westbrook recorded triple-doubles in three of the past four games after contributing 23 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists against the Timberwolves. Westbrook has nine triple-doubles this season and 113 in his career but had failed to reach the 20-point mark in five straight games before a 10-of-19 shooting performance against Minnesota. Westbrook averaged 29 points and 9.3 assists in three games against the Rockets in 2017-18 but missed this season's first matchup due to an ankle injury.

ABOUT THE ROCKETS (17-15): Center Clint Capela had 21 points and a season-best 23 rebounds in the win over San Antonio for his third 20-point outing in the past five games. The 24-year-old has 22 double-doubles this season and his second 20-rebound effort of the campaign impressed shooting guard Eric Gordon. "He's young and athletic, so that really helps, but he's one of the best rebounders in the league," Gordon told reporters. "We need him to continue to do that. With all these long shots and him being around the rim all the time, we definitely need him to be our rim protector and get a lot of rebounds. We need him to be big like that all the time."

BUZZER BEATERS

1. The Thunder limited Harden to 19 points while posting a 98-80 home win on Nov. 8.

2. Houston signed G Austin Rivers to help provide backcourt depth with PG Chris Paul (hamstring) sidelined for two to four weeks.

3. Oklahoma City C Steven Adams collected just four rebounds against Minnesota after averaging 16.5 over the previous two contests.

PREDICTION: Rockets 124, Thunder 118
 

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ATS Trends
Oklahoma City

Thunder are 13-6 ATS in their last 19 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Thunder are 4-9 ATS in their last 13 Tuesday games.

Houston

Rockets are 5-0-1 ATS in their last 6 home games.
Rockets are 4-0-1 ATS in their last 5 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
Rockets are 4-0-1 ATS in their last 5 vs. Western Conference.
Rockets are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Rockets are 5-1-1 ATS in their last 7 games overall.
Rockets are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
Rockets are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
Rockets are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
Rockets are 4-1-1 ATS in their last 6 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
Rockets are 3-1-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up win.
Rockets are 2-6-1 ATS in their last 9 vs. NBA Northwest.

OU Trends
Oklahoma City

Under is 6-1 in Thunder last 7 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
Under is 5-1 in Thunder last 6 vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
Under is 4-1 in Thunder last 5 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
Under is 4-1 in Thunder last 5 games following a straight up loss.
Under is 7-2 in Thunder last 9 vs. NBA Southwest.
Over is 5-2 in Thunder last 7 games playing on 1 days rest.
Under is 39-16 in Thunder last 55 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.
Under is 17-7 in Thunder last 24 road games.

Houston

Under is 4-0 in Rockets last 4 Tuesday games.
Under is 10-1 in Rockets last 11 vs. NBA Northwest.
Under is 5-1 in Rockets last 6 vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
Under is 4-1 in Rockets last 5 games playing on 2 days rest.
Under is 6-2 in Rockets last 8 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
Under is 6-2 in Rockets last 8 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
Over is 11-4 in Rockets last 15 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Over is 11-4 in Rockets last 15 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
Under is 5-2 in Rockets last 7 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
Under is 7-3 in Rockets last 10 overall.
Over is 7-3 in Rockets last 10 games following a straight up win.
Under is 47-21 in Rockets last 68 vs. Western Conference.
Under is 40-18-1 in Rockets last 59 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.

Head to Head

Under is 5-1 in the last 6 meetings.
Thunder are 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings.
Underdog is 6-2 ATS in the last 8 meetings.
Road team is 6-2 ATS in the last 8 meetings.
 

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Preview: 76ers at Celtics


The Philadelphia 76ers continue to dominate on their home floor while sometimes struggling for success on the road, a trend that began with an 18-point loss at Boston to begin the season. The Sixers hope some holiday spirit will lift them in a return trip to TD Garden to take on the host Celtics on Christmas Day.

Philadelphia improved to an NBA-best 16-3 at home by routing Eastern Conference-leading Toronto 126-101 on Saturday, but they carry a 6-9 road mark into the opener of a challenging five-game road trip at Boston, which some see as an opportunity to truly test the team. "...Take it a bit further and look at the month of January," coach Brett Brown recently told reporters. "It is real and it’s just the way it should be. We love it. We want this. We hope we can extract as much health to perform against that schedule as possible." The Celtics have their own road trip on he horizon but first hope to finish a four-game homestand all even after dropping the first two games and then topping Charlotte 119-103 on Sunday. Kyrie Irving scored 25 points on 9-of-12 shooting as Boston snapped a three-game slide.

TV: 5:30 p.m. ET, ABC

ABOUT THE 76ERS (22-12): Center Joel Embiid recorded three straight double-doubles and five in his last six games after producing 27 points and 11 rebounds in the win over the Raptors, and the star big man is looking forward to the spotlight of the holiday affair. "It's exciting to play on Christmas. It is a showcase day for our league. It is an honor," Embiid told reporters. "I am not going to go into the rest of my thoughts on playing on Christmas, but it is an honor. You want to play at your best and they are the team that knocked us out of the playoffs this year so we know we have to be at our best to play them." The 24-year-old had 25 points, 16 rebounds and three blocked shots in a Christmas Day win at Madison Square Garden last year.

ABOUT THE CELTICS (19-13): The end of Boston's losing streak occurred in Al Horford's return from a knee injury, and its was not seen as a coincidence. "You take a lot of comfort in having him out on the floor," coach Brad Stevens told reporters of Horford, who made all four of his shots and had a plus-19 rating in his 19 minutes after missing the previous seven games. "There's no question about that." Boston also got power forward Marcus Morris back from a two-game layoff and the veteran finished with 12 points and a team-high eight rebounds in 20 minutes.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. The Celtics fell 111-103 to Washington on Christmas last season in the first home game on the holiday in franchise history.

2. Sixers SG JJ Redick made 4-of-5 3-pointers in the win over the Raptors after going 13-for-49 over his previous seven games.

3. Irving averages 23.9 points on 52.9 percent shooting -- 46.1 percent from 3-point range -- at home.

PREDICTION: Celtics 111, 76ers 107
 

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ATS Trends
Philadelphia

76ers are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
76ers are 21-8 ATS in their last 29 games playing on 2 days rest.
76ers are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 vs. Eastern Conference.
76ers are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
76ers are 4-10 ATS in their last 14 games after scoring more than 125 points in their previous game.
76ers are 4-10 ATS in their last 14 vs. NBA Atlantic.
76ers are 5-13 ATS in their last 18 road games.
76ers are 3-9 ATS in their last 12 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
76ers are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 Tuesday games.
76ers are 2-9 ATS in their last 11 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.

Boston

Celtics are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 games following a straight up win.
Celtics are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 games following a ATS win.
Celtics are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 games playing on 1 days rest.
Celtics are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games following a straight up win of more than 10 points.
Celtics are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
Celtics are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 Tuesday games.
Celtics are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 vs. Eastern Conference.
Celtics are 24-8 ATS in their last 32 home games.
Celtics are 9-3 ATS in their last 12 games overall.
Celtics are 9-3 ATS in their last 12 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
Celtics are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
Celtics are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
Celtics are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Celtics are 2-7 ATS in their last 9 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
Celtics are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.

OU Trends
Philadelphia

Over is 4-0 in 76ers last 4 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Under is 5-1 in 76ers last 6 games playing on 2 days rest.
Over is 9-2 in 76ers last 11 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.
Over is 4-1 in 76ers last 5 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
Over is 4-1 in 76ers last 5 vs. Eastern Conference.
Over is 9-3 in 76ers last 12 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
Under is 6-2 in 76ers last 8 games following a straight up win.
Over is 11-4 in 76ers last 15 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
Under is 5-2 in 76ers last 7 games following a ATS win.
Over is 15-7 in 76ers last 22 road games.

Boston

Over is 4-0 in Celtics last 4 games playing on 1 days rest.
Over is 5-0 in Celtics last 5 vs. Eastern Conference.
Over is 5-1 in Celtics last 6 overall.
Over is 5-1 in Celtics last 6 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
Over is 5-1 in Celtics last 6 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
Over is 4-1 in Celtics last 5 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
Over is 4-1 in Celtics last 5 vs. NBA Atlantic.
Over is 4-1 in Celtics last 5 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Over is 7-2 in Celtics last 9 games following a straight up win.
Over is 7-2 in Celtics last 9 games following a ATS win.
Over is 20-6 in Celtics last 26 games following a straight up win of more than 10 points.
Over is 6-2 in Celtics last 8 home games.
Over is 45-20-1 in Celtics last 66 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.

Head to Head

Home team is 5-1 ATS in the last 6 meetings.
Over is 9-4 in the last 13 meetings in Boston.
76ers are 1-5 ATS in the last 6 meetings.
76ers are 0-4 ATS in the last 4 meetings in Boston.
 

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Preview: Lakers at Warriors

The Golden State Warriors have gotten used to playing against Lebron James on Christmas Day, but this time he'll be in a different uniform. The Warriors will try to get the better of James for the second straight time on Christmas when they host the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday.

Golden State faced James and the Cleveland Cavaliers in the last four NBA Finals but will be seeing him for the first time in a Lakers uniform during the regular season on Tuesday. "I really don't give a damn about him being in a Laker uniform," Warriors forward Draymond Green told reporters. "That really doesn't matter to me. That is the team he is on and that is who we face. It obviously is going to be a tough challenge, they are playing well." James and Los Angeles dropped four of their last six and are coming off a 107-99 loss to Memphis as they try to build a team that can compete with the Warriors in the West. "We can't measure ourselves versus them," James told reporters of Golden State. "That's a team that's won three out of four championships, the last four years. You can't measure yourself versus them."

TV: 8 p.m. ET, ABC

ABOUT THE LAKERS (19-14): Los Angeles is trying to build a championship roster around James and is looking for consistent effort out of the role players on both ends of the floor. "We lost because we stopped playing defense," Lakers coach Luke Walton told reporters after the loss to the Grizzlies. "They scored 35 (points in the fourth quarter) and we went under on (Mike) Conley on a three and we switched out to Conley and we weren't up to the level of the three. So, it's things that we know better and we can control that cost us and caused us to lose that game." James recorded team highs of 22 points, 14 rebounds and seven assists in the setback and is averaging 27.6 points, 8.2 boards and 7.2 assists.

ABOUT THE WARRIORS (23-11): Golden State remains the team to beat in the West and knocked off another team from Los Angeles at home with a 129-127 win over the Clippers on Sunday, led by 42 points from superstar Stephen Curry and 35 from fellow former MVP Kevin Durant. "It's incredible to play with those guys," Green told reporters of Curry and Durant. "I try to be a leader out there and a coach on the floor. When I have to call a play it's very easy, give the ball to one of them two and let them do what they do on a nightly basis. They are a big part of the reason we've had the success we've had." Curry and Durant are averaging a combined 58.2 points and 11.3 assists.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Lakers Cs Tyson Chandler (back) and JaVale McGee (illness) both sat out Sunday and are questionable for Tuesday.

2. Warriors SG Klay Thompson is 7-of-36 from 3-point range over the last six games.

3. Golden State took the last seven in the series.

PREDICTION: Warriors 121, Lakers 118
 

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ATS Trends
L.A. Lakers

Lakers are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 vs. NBA Pacific.
Lakers are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
Lakers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up loss.
Lakers are 9-3 ATS in their last 12 Tuesday games.
Lakers are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 games following a ATS loss.
Lakers are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games overall.
Lakers are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 road games.
Lakers are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games playing on 1 days rest.

Golden State

Warriors are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games after scoring more than 125 points in their previous game.
Warriors are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games after allowing more than 125 points in their previous game.
Warriors are 7-24-1 ATS in their last 32 Tuesday games.
Warriors are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
Warriors are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games following a ATS loss.
Warriors are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up win.
Warriors are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Warriors are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
Warriors are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 home games.
Warriors are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games overall.
Warriors are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 vs. Western Conference.
Warriors are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 vs. NBA Pacific.
Warriors are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.

OU Trends
L.A. Lakers

Under is 8-1 in Lakers last 9 games following a straight up loss.
Under is 6-1-1 in Lakers last 8 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
Under is 6-1-2 in Lakers last 9 vs. NBA Pacific.
Under is 5-1 in Lakers last 6 Tuesday games.
Under is 9-2 in Lakers last 11 games playing on 1 days rest.
Over is 4-1 in Lakers last 5 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
Under is 11-3 in Lakers last 14 games following a ATS loss.
Under is 11-4 in Lakers last 15 vs. Western Conference.
Under is 19-7 in Lakers last 26 overall.
Under is 14-6 in Lakers last 20 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
Under is 14-6 in Lakers last 20 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Under is 15-7-1 in Lakers last 23 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.

Golden State

Under is 4-0 in Warriors last 4 games after allowing more than 125 points in their previous game.
Over is 4-0 in Warriors last 4 vs. NBA Pacific.
Under is 5-1 in Warriors last 6 games following a straight up win.
Under is 4-1 in Warriors last 5 games after scoring more than 125 points in their previous game.
Over is 7-2 in Warriors last 9 games following a ATS loss.
Under is 6-2 in Warriors last 8 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
Over is 8-3 in Warriors last 11 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Under is 20-8 in Warriors last 28 Tuesday games.
Under is 5-2 in Warriors last 7 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.

Head to Head

Home team is 8-2 ATS in the last 10 meetings.
Over is 24-10 in the last 34 meetings in Golden State.
Lakers are 1-5 ATS in the last 6 meetings in Golden State.
 

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Preview: Trail Blazers at Jazz


The Utah Jazz just handed the Portland Trail Blazers their worst home loss since 2004. Portland will look to avenge that 30-point setback when it visits the Jazz on Christmas night in Salt Lake City.

Utah put together a dominating effort in pounding the Trail Blazers 120-90 on Friday as it knocked down 16-of-31 3-point attempts. Point guard Ricky Rubio hit all four of his 3-point attempts while contributing 24 points and eight assists and he followed up that performance with 12 points and a season-best 14 assists in Friday's 107-106 home loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder. The debacle against the Jazz is Portland's lone loss in the past five games and the Trail Blazers rebounded with a 121-118 overtime win over the visiting Dallas Mavericks on Sunday. "I think as long as we avenge ourselves for what happened the other night, we’ll be fine," Portland swingman Evan Turner told reporters in reference to the rematch with Utah.

TV: 10:30 p.m. ET, ESPN, NBCS Northwest (Portland)

ABOUT THE TRAIL BLAZERS (19-14): Star point guard Damian Lillard scored 33 points in the win over Dallas to mark the 12th time this season that he scored 30 or more points. Lillard was limited to 19 points on Friday against the Jazz, his lowest output while averaging 27.8 points over the past five games. Shooting guard CJ McCollum had 22 points against the Mavericks for his 16th 20-point effort of the season and he also moved into fifth place in franchise history with 718 career 3-pointers, passing Damon Stoudamire (717 from 1998-2005).

ABOUT THE JAZZ (16-18): Star shooting guard Donovan Mitchell scored 20 points against Oklahoma City and his 7-of-17 shooting effort halted a stretch of four straight games of being below 40 percent. He was especially frigid in the victory over Portland, when he scored a season-low three points on 1-of-10 shooting two nights after being 5-of-26 in a victory over the Golden State Warriors. Mitchell scored 20 or more points on 18 occasions and his 20.2 average is slightly below the 20.5 figure from last season, when he was runner-up to Philadelphia guard Ben Simmons in the Rookie of the Year balloting.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Jazz F Jae Crowder made four 3-pointers and scored 16 points in Friday's win over the Trail Blazers.

2. Terry Stotts, who became Portland's coach in 2012, is tied with Rick Adelman (1989-94) for second place on the franchise's all-time victories list with 291.

3. Utah C Rudy Gobert posted four straight double-doubles and has 28 overall.

PREDICTION: Jazz 112, Trail Blazers 108
 

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ATS Trends
Portland

Trail Blazers are 19-9-1 ATS in their last 29 vs. NBA Northwest.
Trail Blazers are 5-12 ATS in their last 17 games overall.
Trail Blazers are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 Tuesday games.
Trail Blazers are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games vs. a team with a losing straight up record.
Trail Blazers are 4-10 ATS in their last 14 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
Trail Blazers are 4-10 ATS in their last 14 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Trail Blazers are 4-11 ATS in their last 15 vs. Western Conference.
Trail Blazers are 4-11 ATS in their last 15 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
Trail Blazers are 3-11 ATS in their last 14 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
Trail Blazers are 2-9 ATS in their last 11 games following a ATS loss.
Trail Blazers are 1-7 ATS in their last 8 road games.

Utah

Jazz are 5-1-1 ATS in their last 7 games following a straight up loss.
Jazz are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
Jazz are 4-1-1 ATS in their last 6 games following a ATS loss.
Jazz are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 home games.
Jazz are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 Tuesday games.
Jazz are 3-8 ATS in their last 11 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
Jazz are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 vs. NBA Northwest.

OU Trends
Portland

Under is 10-1 in Trail Blazers last 11 vs. NBA Northwest.
Under is 6-1 in Trail Blazers last 7 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
Under is 5-1 in Trail Blazers last 6 Tuesday games.
Over is 4-1 in Trail Blazers last 5 vs. a team with a losing straight up record.
Under is 4-1 in Trail Blazers last 5 games following a straight up win.
Over is 4-1 in Trail Blazers last 5 road games vs. a team with a losing home record.
Under is 7-2 in Trail Blazers last 9 vs. Western Conference.
Under is 7-2 in Trail Blazers last 9 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Under is 5-2 in Trail Blazers last 7 games playing on 1 days rest.
Under is 5-2 in Trail Blazers last 7 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
Under is 7-3 in Trail Blazers last 10 overall.

Utah

Under is 6-0 in Jazz last 6 overall.
Under is 4-0 in Jazz last 4 home games.
Under is 4-0 in Jazz last 4 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
Under is 4-0 in Jazz last 4 vs. Western Conference.
Under is 6-0 in Jazz last 6 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
Over is 4-1 in Jazz last 5 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
Under is 4-1 in Jazz last 5 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
Under is 4-1 in Jazz last 5 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Under is 12-4 in Jazz last 16 Tuesday games.
Under is 5-2 in Jazz last 7 vs. NBA Northwest.

Head to Head

Under is 6-2 in the last 8 meetings.
Favorite is 9-3 ATS in the last 12 meetings.
Home team is 9-3 ATS in the last 12 meetings.
Trail Blazers are 1-4 ATS in the last 5 meetings in Utah.
 

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Tuesday, 25 December 2018 • 12:00 PM
559 OKLAHOMA CITY @ 560 HOUSTON
Play on HOUSTON using the money line in All games on Tuesday nights
The record is 12 Wins and 2 for the last two seasons (+12.05 units)
 

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Tuesday, 25 December 2018 • 02:30 PM
561 PHILADELPHIA @ 562 BOSTON
Play under BOSTON on the first half total in All games when playing against a team with a winning record
The record is 21 Overs and 48 for the last two seasons (+24.9 units)
 

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Christmas Games to Watch

Whether you’ve got the Christmas spirit going full force or you’re in a Grinch-like mood for whatever reason, you’re going to get a trio of ‘merry’ NBA picks that is highlighted by the intriguing showdown between the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors. With all three Christmas Day contests going down in less than 24 hours, let’s get started bringing the holiday cheer.

Oklahoma City Thunder (21-11) at Houston Rockets (17-15)

Tuesday, December 25, 2018 at 3:00 PM ET
Toyota Center - Houston, Texas
TV: ABC
NBA Odds: Houston -1.5
Total: 220.5

Oklahoma City had their four-game winning streak snapped in their narrow 114-112 home loss against Minnesota on Sunday. Paul George scored a team-high 31 points and Russell Westbrook added a triple-double of 23 points, 10 assists and 11 rebounds, but the Thunder came up just short after getting outscored by 16 points in the third quarter. The Thunder are averaging 112 points (11th) and allow 105.6 points per game defensively (5th). Paul George is averaging a team-high 26.1 points per game.

Houston has won six of seven and comes into this contest off a 108-101 win over San Antonio on Saturday. James Harden scored a game-high 39 points and Clint Capela added 21 points and an insane 23 rebounds. The Rockets average 109.2 points per game (19th) while allowing 108.5 points per game defensively (11th). James Harden is averaging a team-high 32 points per game.

Prediction

For this Christmas Day showdown of Western Conference championship-hopefuls, I am going to advise you to back James Harden and company to get the super narrow home win over Paul George and the visiting Thunder for one big reason. Oklahoma City just won’t be able to deal with the blossoming Clint Capela and yes, I know they have a talented big man of their own in Steven Adams.

The Rockets have gone 5-0-1 ATS in their last 6 home games and 5-1-1 ATS in their last 7 games overall. Oklahoma City is 4-9 in their last 13 Tuesday games and even though they’re also 4-1 ATS in their last five dates against the Rockets, James Harden and company are playing their best basketball of the season right now and they’re playing at home on Christmas. Houston wins by at least a basket to cover!

Predicted Score: Houston Rockets 117, Oklahoma City Thunder 112


Los Angeles Lakers (19-14) at Golden State Warriors (23-11)

Tuesday, December 25, 2018 at 8:00 PM ET
Oracle Arena - Oakland, California
TV: ABC
NBA Odds: Golden State -9
Total: 235

The Golden State Warriors will face off against sure-fire future Hall of Famer LeBron James for the fourth consecutive Christmas, but this time, he won’t be suiting up for the Cleveland Cavaliers. Steph Curry says this now, annual holiday showdown will have a different feel to it.

"We've seen him a lot over the last four years," Curry said after scoring 42 points to help lift the Warriors to a 129-127 win over the Clippers. "It'll be a fun atmosphere. Played him and his team on Christmas I think the last four years, including this year.

James and Los Angeles lost four of their last six games and are coming off a 107-99 loss to Memphis on Sunday. L.A. is averaging 112.8 points per game (10th) while allowing 111.3 points per contest defensively (20th).

"We can't measure ourselves versus them," James told reporters of Golden State. "That's a team that's won three out of four championships, the last four years. You can't measure yourself versus them."

Golden State has won two straight and eight of their last 10games including their 129-127 win over the Clippers on Sunday night that saw Steph Curry and Kevin Durant go off for 42 and 35 points respectively.

"I really don't give a damn about him being in a Laker uniform," Draymond Green said. "That really don't matter to me. That is the team he is on and that is who we face. It obviously is going to be a tough challenge, they are playing well. They got a lot of guys playing well. Kuz [Kyle Kuzma] has really stepped up his game, Lonzo [Ball] is playing well."

Prediction

The Lakers have gone an uninspiring 7-9 on the road this season while Golden State has gone a stellar 15-3 at home. The Dubs are looking to start playing better now that they’ve gotten healthier and are moving further away from the rift that gave them their recent stretch of major dysfunction.

Golden State is playing at home and they definitely want to deliver a message to their young challengers that, should they meet in the playoffs, this is the kind of effort they can expect.

The Lakers are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games overall and just 2-6 ATS in their last 8 road games. Conversely, Golden State has gone 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games after scoring more than 125 points in their previous game while the Home team in this series has gone 8-2 ATS in the last 10 meetings. The Dubs win and cover people!

Predicted Score: Golden State Warriors 120, Los Angeles Lakers 109


Portland Trail Blazers (19-14) at Utah Jazz (16-18)

Tuesday, December 25, 2018 at 10:30 PM ET
Vivint Smart Home Arena - Salt Lake City, UT
TV: ESPN, ATRM, NSNW
NBA Odds: Utah -6
Total: 214.5

Portland has won six of their last 10 games including a 121-118 win over Dallas on Sunday. The Trail Blazers are averaging 111.4 points per game (12th) while allowing 110.7 points per contest defensively (16th). Damian Lillard is averaging a team-high 26.9 points per game while CJ McCollum is averaging 21.2 points per contest.

Utah has gone a modest 5-5 over their last 10 games, but the Jazz were on the wrong end of a crushing 107-106 home loss to Oklahoma City on Saturday. The Jazz are averaging a modest 106.9 points per game (23rd) while allowing 105.9 points per game defensively (6th).

Prediction

I’ll get right to the point with my pick on this matchup by saying that I’m going with the narrow 56 percent of public bettors that like Utah to win and cover the chalk in this one. The Jazz have a very good defense and I believe they’re more versatile offensively than Portland, which relies a bit too heavily on Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum if you ask me.

The Jazz have won four of their last five home games while going 4-1 ATS along the way. The Trail Blazers are 1-7 ATS in their last 8 road games and 5-11 ATS in their last 16 games overall. Spydah Mitchell leads the Jazz to narrow the Christmas Day win and cover at home.

Predicted Score: Utah Jazz 110, Portland Trail Blazers 102
 

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Christmas NBA Essentials
Tony Mejia

Merry Christmas! Our gift to you is this preview of Tuesday’s NBA holiday-five pack, complete with free leans. Happy holidays!

Milwaukee (-10, 227) at New York, ESPN, 12:05 ET

The Knicks (9-25 SU, 16-17-1 ATS) have been able to get their youth movement started in a season that was always going to unfold as it has, featuring plenty of losing and growing pains under David Fizdale with superstar forward Kristaps Porzingis rehabbing a torn ACL. The first-year Knicks coach has definitely gotten guys to play hard, supply an honest effort and compete for minutes but his team comes into this one losers in nine of 10. Reclamation project Emmanuel Mudiay has taken the reins at the point guard, scoring 32 or more points in three of the last five games. Rookie Kevin Knox has entered the starting lineup on Dec. 12 and has averaged 19.3 in the six games since gaining his promotion.

New York has only won once in those six games, which is one reason it is a double-digit underdog to open this quintuple-header. The Knicks have split their two meetings against the Bucks (22-10, ) this season, winning 136-134 on Dec. 1 behind 28 points from Mudiay and 26 off the bench from the 19-year-old Knox, whose five 3-pointers remain a season-best.

That loss was an important one for the Bucks since they were cruising along as one of the league’s top stories at the time, having won 15 of their first 21 games. Khris Middleton was benched by head coach Mike Budenholzer for the fourth quarter and OT in that loss over a lack of effort and then was held out of the next game despite no suspension officially being announced. The message was clear – the Bucks are too talented to be loafing around putting themselves in jeopardy of losing to teams they have no business struggling against.

Milwaukee is playing on Christmas Day for the first time since 1977 and has won seven of 10 since that OT shocker at the Garden. Middleton has shot himself out of his slump, point guard Eric Bledsoe has joined him in receiving All-Star consideration and Malcolm Brogdon has really come into his own, averaging 15.1 points and emerging as a surprise member of the 50-40-90 club, shooting 50.6 percent from the field, 44.7 percent from 3-point range and 98 percent from beyond the arc. Together with MVP frontrunner Giannis Antetokounmpo (2-to-1 at Westgate LV Superbook), the Bucks have emerged as a viable threat to win the Eastern Conference, currently a 4-to-1 choice at Westgate behind only the Celtics and Raptors, both of which are 7-to-5.

Despite the strong start, this will be the first time many will get a look at a Bucks team since there are many casual fans who don’t pay attention until this annual Christmas tradition, which always coincides with the NFL wrapping up its regular season.

For our first present, totals expert Chris David of VegasInisder.com has arrived with a sack full of recommendations. David isn’t laying or taking the points in this game believes we could see the scoreboard operator working extra hard in the holiday opener.

“Betting the ‘under’ in NBA games on Christmas has become a popular lean for many but following that trend on this particular matchup may not be that easy,” David said. “The Knicks are a mess defensively and Milwaukee brings the top scoring offense in the league to Madison Square Garden plus I dug up a nice total angle that’s developed with New York this season.

“As double-digit underdogs this season, the Knicks have gone 2-8 SU and 5-5 ATS. In those games, the defense has really suffered (122.8 PPG) and that’s translated into an 8-2 ‘over’ mark. If you’re hesitant to shy away from the holiday ‘under’ lean, then I would recommend you to take a stab on the Bucks team total ‘over’ (118 ½).”

Milwaukee comes off a season-low 87 points in a Saturday night loss in Miami but had scored at least 120 in its previous two outings. New York has surrendered at least 110 points in 13 consecutive games. Brogdon and Knicks rookie Allonzo Trier are considered game-time decisions due to hamstring injuries.


Oklahoma City at Houston (-1.5, 221), ABC, 3:05 ET

The Thunder (21-11, 18-14) visit the Rockets (17-15, 14-17-1) for the second time this season and will look for a repeat performance to continue their ascent in taking Houston’s place as the league’s most viable threat to the Warriors. Although the Timberwolves snapped their four-game winning streak on Sunday night with a 114-112 upset in Oklahoma City, the Thunder open Tuesday one game behind Golden State, trailing the Nuggets by a half-game in the Northwest Division.

Russell Westbrook is averaging a triple-double again, having pulled off his ninth of the season against Minnesota. Surprisingly, his scoring clip is just 20.2 per game, since the most impactful tweak he’s made has been in allowing Paul George to assert himself and find his rhythm. George had one 30-point game over his first 12 games of the season but has 10 of them over the last 20. He’s averaging 32.8 points over the past 10 and scored 43 in consecutive games last week, so he’s clearly in rhythm and will be a priority for Houston to get a handle on.

NBA expert Kevin Rogers points out that the Thunder has lost back-to-back games only once since an 0-4 start but knows there’s danger ahead given a number of trends favoring the home team.

“Since starting 0-4 at home, the Rockets have regained their home-court advantage at Toyota Center by posting a 10-1 mark in the last 11 opportunities,” said Rogers. “Houston has put together an 8-2-1 ATS mark in this stretch, including Saturday’s 108-101 victory over San Antonio as five-point favorites. The Rockets have dominated the Thunder at home since April 2014 by winning nine of the last 10 matchups at Toyota Center, although OKC won at Houston this past April.”

James Harden will have to be great in order for the Rockets to hold serve and has only averaged 23.8 points over his career on Christmas, the same clip as former teammate Westbrook. He was held to just 19 points in the lone meeting against OKC this season, shooting 7-for-19 despite Paul's presence next to him. Westbrook didn't even play so George did his best impression and finished with a triple-double in the 98-80 win on Nov. 8, Houston's lowest-scoring output of the season. OKC out-rebounded the Rockets 52-39.

Harden is averaging 32 points on the season and 39.7 over the last six games, so he’ll need a special performance since the Rockets remain without Chris Paul (hamstring) and are just 1-5 SU and ATS without their All-Star point guard. That win came on Saturday night in a 108-101 home win over the Spurs where they covered as 5.5-point favorites. Gerald Green provided a boost with 31 minutes off the bench. Either he or undrafted third-year wing Danuel House will find themselves on the floor in key roles with Harden, Eric Gordon, P.J. Tucker and Clint Capela, so expect them to be x-factors.

Austin Rivers was officially signed on Monday and is expected to see minutes, so Harden will have a little more help with starting forward James Ennis III (hamstring) also sidelined. My expectation is that although he’ll probably be the day’s top scorer – see if your book has that prop available – the Rockets will come up short at home. Take the Thunder plus the points.


Philadelphia at Boston (-4, 223), ABC, 5:35 ET

With the Raptors currently setting the pace in the entire league with at 25-10 mark, there’s a good chance that these Atlantic Division rivals will be dueling for homecourt advantage from here until April. If Indiana keeps up its pace, the 76ers (22-12, 16-18) and Celtics (19-13, 16-16) could very well wind up the East’s 4-5 series, which means we could be referencing this meeting often over the next few months.

Boston won the first matchup in the season opener way back on Oct. 16 105-87, but that matchup didn’t feature Jimmy Butler, which is one reason why this Christmas clash is so important. Since the start of the 2014-15 season, the Celtics have won 15 of 17 regular-season meetings and are 19-3 when you include last season’s playoff meeting that the 76ers lost 4-1.

The hope is that Butler’s acquisition will help turn the tide in this series since he gives the team the closer it’s lacked, not to mention an elite defender to help contend with Boston’s many weapons. The 76ers are 13-4 with Butler in the lineup, so while there are still plenty of chemistry issues to solve, a “Big Three” featuring him and young standouts Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons carries plenty of potential. While the Celtics are the co-favorite to win the East (7/5), there’s great value in the 76ers at 6-to-1.

The 76ers crushed the depleted Raptors 126-101 on Saturday, and while that result is rather meaningless since Kawhi Leonard and Serge Ibaka were out of the lineup, there’s been progress made despite depth issues remaining a concern. On that end, Wilson Chandler (quad) is considered a game-time decision while former No. 1 pick Markelle Fultz remains out and his future with Philly is still a major question mark.

Boston welcomed Marcus Morris back to the lineup in Sunday’s 119-103 rout of the Hornets, which snapped a season-long three-game losing streak. The Celtics remain without center Aron Baynes (hand) and may therefore struggle to contain Embiid.

David believes that if you’re leaning to Philadelphia as an underdog, then a money-line play is justified at 3/2 odds (Bet $100 to win $150).

“Philly has caught points 10 times this season and the point-spread hasn’t mattered in any of the games. Granted, the 76ers haven’t been great as ‘dogs overall (4-6 SU, 4-6 ATS), their record is 3-2 since Jimmy Butler joined the club,” David said. “The Celtics have gone 10-4 at TD Garden this season when listed as favorites and they’ve covered nine of those victories. For me, it’s Boston minus the points or Philadelphia outright.”

The 76ers have only won once at TD Garden in 12 outings since the start of the 2014 season, posting an 89-80 win back in January. Kyrie Irving didn’t play in that contest.


L.A. Lakers at Golden State (-9, 235), ABC/ESPN, 8:05 ET

This is being billed as the Christmas present for the masses, which must be why it will be available on two networks. Since both teams have been pointing to this one since the schedule was released, the fact that the books have made Golden State such a heavy favorite is an indictment on LeBron James and what the Lakers have accomplished thus far.

After all, L.A. originally opened as 10.5-point underdog despite coming into this game completely healthy. James’ team has lost three of four, dropping road games against the Wizards and Nets before losing at home to the Grizzlies on Sunday night despite his 22 points, 14 rebounds and seven assists.

Golden State has won eight of 10 but has covered in just a single game over the past seven after surviving the Clippers 129-127 on Sunday night behind 42 points from Stephen Curry, who won the game in the final second. Kevin Durant added 35 points and 12 rebounds but critics still lamented why it’s taking so much effort to pull off wins against teams the Warriors typically dominate.

While you can’t please everyone, Golden State is the super team that seemingly can’t please anyone, so the expectation that the betting public would ride with James and his young Lakers teammates plus the points is likely what the books were going for when setting the spread where they did.

Warriors head coach Steve Kerr has been looking for a spark from the second unit and is now playing Curry with them, which is why his usage has been so high of late. Thompson shot 4-for-15 from the field against the Clips and teams have been intentionally leaving Draymond Green open so he’ll shoot, doubling others with great results. Green shot 4-for-12 last time out and is shooting 37 percent from the field since returning from an injury, shooting 5-for-19 from 3-point range (26 percent).

Green will undoubtedly be left open by design here, which means that he’ll have to knock down his clean looks if the Warriors are expected to win comfortably. While Curry is in a great rhythm, it’s Durant whose 31.1 points per game is the NBA’s top scoring average on Christmas among active players. He dropped 44 points on Denver in 2010 and may also be worth a look in a top-scorer prop.

LeBron comes in with a 26.8-points per game average on Dec. 25 but has had some excellent shooting games with the Lakers, shooting nearly 52 percent from the field and 36 percent from beyond the arc in the purple and gold. L.A. is the deepest it has been this season with Brandon Ingram and Rajon Rondo back from injuries. Kyle Kuzma has emerged as James’ top scoring sidekick, but Lonzo Ball’s importance has also grown over the past few weeks as he begins to prove his worth as a defender, distributor and taker of clutch perimeter looks that will inevitably be increasingly available so long as he’s playing off the ball alongside James.

This is the Lakers’ biggest game of the season, so it will certainly be used as a measuring stick for what James can expect from his teammates going forward. The Cavs lost 12 of 13 games against the Warriors despite LeBron’s best efforts, covering only twice. He’s won eight of 12 career games on Christmas.

Golden State will also view this as a big game since it’s the final time they’ll spend the holiday in Oakland’s Oracle Arena, so count on a festive atmosphere. DeMarcus Cousins’ debut is next up on the list and won’t come here, so this Golden State team is just temporary. The same can’t be said for the Lakers, who should have centers JaVale McGee (flu) and Tyson Chandler (back) in the mix. Check on their availability prior to tip-off to ensure that the Lakers won’t be forced to go small before pulling the trigger on side or total.


Portland at Utah (-6, 214.5), ESPN, 10:35 ET

If you’ve still got an appetite for basketball after the main course, this should end up being a tasty dessert.

The Jazz just routed the Trail Blazers 120-90 last Friday night, which is the only setback that Portland has suffered over the past five games. This should certainly ensure Utah will get the Blazers’ best punch as the road team on the holiday. History certainly favors a strong performance since they’ve won 14 of 17 career games on Christmas.

Utah has won two of three games and has seen center Rudy Gobert impose his will of late. The Jazz are still waiting for Donovan Mitchell to straighten out his jump shot and be more efficient, but have started to figure some things out to crawl out from the hole they’ve dug for themselves.

David provided a winner to our users in our NBA Free Picks feature on Friday with the ‘under’ (213 ½) between Utah and Portland and he believes the trend will continue on Christmas.

“Including last Friday’s outcome, the ‘under’ has cashed in three straight and six of the past eight meetings between the pair. We’re also starting to see Utah get back to its defensive form recently," David said. "The club has held its last six opponents to 97 PPG and that’s led to a 6-0 ‘under’ streak heading into this game. Knowing Portland’s offense doesn’t travel as well, I’d expect another grinder on Tuesday.”

The Trail Blazers come into the game healthy and have been solid despite second-leading scoring guard C.J. McCollum slumping. He shot 5-for-15 from the field, while starting forwards Al-Farouq Aminu and Moe Harkless combined to shoot 2-for-13. They'll look to get back on track as the Blazers aim to take their otherwise solid form into a crucial stretch.

"Portland is in the midst of a brutal schedule through January 5. The Blazers travel to Utah on Tuesday, followed by a home-and-home set with Golden State, then hosting Philadelphia to close out 2018. It’s not done yet, as Portland tips off 2019 by traveling to surprising Sacramento before hosting Oklahoma City and Houston on a back-to-back," said Rogers. "Fact of the matter is that the Blazers overcame a 1-6 stretch from late November through early December to remain in the mix of the Western Conference playoff race by winning six of the past nine contests. This upcoming stretch for Portland will definitely be one that the Blazers look back when April rolls around as one that can make or break a season."
 

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Long Sheet

Tuesday, December 25

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MILWAUKEE (22 - 10) at NEW YORK (9 - 25) - 12/25/2018, 12:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MILWAUKEE is 76-52 ATS (+18.8 Units) in road games on Tuesday nights since 1996.
MILWAUKEE is 137-104 ATS (+22.6 Units) in road games against Atlantic division opponents since 1996.
MILWAUKEE is 17-7 ATS (+9.3 Units) off a upset loss as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 49-30 ATS (+16.0 Units) in road games versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
NEW YORK is 6-3 against the spread versus MILWAUKEE over the last 3 seasons
MILWAUKEE is 7-2 straight up against NEW YORK over the last 3 seasons
5 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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OKLAHOMA CITY (21 - 11) at HOUSTON (17 - 15) - 12/25/2018, 3:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
HOUSTON is 7-6 against the spread versus OKLAHOMA CITY over the last 3 seasons
HOUSTON is 8-5 straight up against OKLAHOMA CITY over the last 3 seasons
8 of 13 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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PHILADELPHIA (22 - 12) at BOSTON (19 - 13) - 12/25/2018, 5:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 3-14 ATS (-12.4 Units) in road games vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 76-53 ATS (+17.7 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 50-37 ATS (+9.3 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 39-24 ATS (+12.6 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 12-3 ATS (+8.7 Units) in home games vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 40-27 ATS (+10.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 50-33 ATS (+13.7 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 118-89 ATS (+20.1 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 34-19 ATS (+13.1 Units) when the total is greater than or equal to 220 over the last 3 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 67-49 ATS (+13.1 Units) as an underdog over the last 3 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 25-12 ATS (+11.8 Units) when playing with 2 days rest over the last 3 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 69-46 ATS (+18.4 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 3 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 58-33 ATS (+21.7 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 8-6 against the spread versus PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
BOSTON is 11-3 straight up against PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
7 of 13 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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LA LAKERS (19 - 14) at GOLDEN STATE (23 - 11) - 12/25/2018, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LA LAKERS are 32-20 ATS (+10.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 59-75 ATS (-23.5 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 1-13 ATS (-13.3 Units) on Tuesday nights over the last 2 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 32-46 ATS (-18.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
GOLDEN STATE is 4-4 against the spread versus LA LAKERS over the last 3 seasons
GOLDEN STATE is 7-1 straight up against LA LAKERS over the last 3 seasons
4 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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PORTLAND (19 - 14) at UTAH (16 - 18) - 12/25/2018, 10:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
UTAH is 36-23 ATS (+10.7 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.

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

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Tuesday, December 25

Bucks won six of last eight games, are 6-8-1 vs spread on road this year. Eight of their last ten games stayed under. New York lost nine of its last ten games; they’re 0-5 vs spread in last five home games. Five of their last seven games went over. Knicks lost six of last seven games with Milwaukee; last four series games went over the total. Bucks are 2-3 vs spread in their last five visits to Manhattan.

Thunder won four of their last five games; they’re 9-7 vs spread on road this year. Under is 4-1-1 in their last six games. Houston won six of its last seven games; they’re 5-0-1 vs spread in last six home games. Under is 7-2-1 in their last ten games. Oklahoma City won three of last four games with the Rockets; Thunder is 3-2 vs spread in their last five visits to Houston. Five of last six series games stayed under.

Sixers won three of last four games; they’re 5-10 vs spread on road this year. Over is 5-3 in their last eight games. Boston lost three of its last four games; they’re 5-2 vs spread in last seven home games. Celtics’ last six games went over the total. Celtics won eight of last ten games with Philly; three of last four series games stayed under total. 76ers are 1-5 vs spread in their last six visits to Boston.

Lakers lost four of their last six games; they’re 3-7 vs spread in last ten road games. LA’s last three games stayed under the total. Golden State won eight of its last ten games; they’re 2-10 vs spread in last dozen home games. Under is 5-3 in their last eight home games. Warriors won their last seven games with the Lakers, but LA covered three of last four; Lakers are 1-4 vs spread in their last five visits to Oakland. Three of last four series games went over.

Portland lost four of its last seven games; they’re 4-2 vs spread in last six home games. Under is 6-3-1 in their last ten games. Utah lost five of its last eight games, is 4-1 vs spread in their last five home games. Last six Jazz games stayed under the total. Jazz is 5-3 in their last eight games with Portland (under 6-2). Trailblazers are 1-3 vs spread in their last four visits to Salt Lake City.
 

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NBA

Tuesday, December 25

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Trend Report
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Milwaukee Bucks
Milwaukee is 2-3-1 ATS in its last 6 games
Milwaukee is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Milwaukee's last 10 games
Milwaukee is 6-13-1 ATS in its last 20 games on the road
Milwaukee is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Milwaukee's last 6 games on the road
Milwaukee is 3-6-1 ATS in its last 10 games when playing New York
Milwaukee is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing New York
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Milwaukee's last 5 games when playing New York
Milwaukee is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against New York
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Milwaukee's last 14 games when playing on the road against New York
New York Knicks
New York is 2-8 ATS in its last 10 games
New York is 1-9 SU in its last 10 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of New York's last 7 games
New York is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games at home
New York is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games at home
New York is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing Milwaukee
The total has gone OVER in 4 of New York's last 5 games when playing Milwaukee
New York is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Milwaukee
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of New York's last 14 games when playing at home against Milwaukee

Oklahoma City Thunder
Oklahoma City is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Oklahoma City is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 17 of Oklahoma City's last 24 games on the road
Oklahoma City is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Houston
Oklahoma City is 6-12-1 ATS in its last 19 games when playing Houston
Oklahoma City is 4-8 SU in its last 12 games when playing Houston
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Oklahoma City's last 6 games when playing Houston
Oklahoma City is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Houston
Oklahoma City is 1-9 SU in its last 10 games when playing on the road against Houston
Houston Rockets
Houston is 5-1-1 ATS in its last 7 games
Houston is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Houston's last 10 games
Houston is 5-0-1 ATS in its last 6 games at home
Houston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Houston's last 9 games at home
Houston is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Oklahoma City
Houston is 8-4 SU in its last 12 games when playing Oklahoma City
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Houston's last 6 games when playing Oklahoma City
Houston is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Oklahoma City
Houston is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games when playing at home against Oklahoma City

Philadelphia 76ers
Philadelphia is 8-4 ATS in its last 12 games
Philadelphia is 13-5 SU in its last 18 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 6 games
Philadelphia is 5-13 ATS in its last 18 games on the road
Philadelphia is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Philadelphia is 6-12 SU in its last 18 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 15 of Philadelphia's last 22 games on the road
Philadelphia is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Boston
Philadelphia is 3-19 SU in its last 22 games when playing Boston
Philadelphia is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Boston
Philadelphia is 1-11 SU in its last 12 games when playing on the road against Boston
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Philadelphia's last 13 games when playing on the road against Boston
Boston Celtics
Boston is 9-3 ATS in its last 12 games
Boston is 9-3 SU in its last 12 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Boston's last 6 games
Boston is 18-7 ATS in its last 25 games at home
Boston is 19-6 SU in its last 25 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Boston's last 8 games at home
Boston is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Philadelphia
Boston is 19-3 SU in its last 22 games when playing Philadelphia
Boston is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Philadelphia
Boston is 11-1 SU in its last 12 games when playing at home against Philadelphia
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Boston's last 13 games when playing at home against Philadelphia

Los Angeles Lakers
LA Lakers is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games
LA Lakers is 15-8 SU in its last 23 games
LA Lakers is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 13 of LA Lakers's last 18 games
LA Lakers is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games on the road
LA Lakers is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of LA Lakers's last 6 games on the road
LA Lakers is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Golden State
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of LA Lakers's last 12 games when playing Golden State
LA Lakers is 3-8 ATS in its last 11 games when playing on the road against Golden State
LA Lakers is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Golden State
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of LA Lakers's last 6 games when playing on the road against Golden State
Golden State Warriors
Golden State is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games
Golden State is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Golden State is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games at home
Golden State is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games at home
Golden State is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing LA Lakers
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Golden State's last 12 games when playing LA Lakers
Golden State is 8-3 ATS in its last 11 games when playing at home against LA Lakers
Golden State is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against LA Lakers
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Golden State's last 6 games when playing at home against LA Lakers

Portland Trail Blazers
Portland is 5-12 ATS in its last 17 games
Portland is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Portland's last 10 games
Portland is 1-7 ATS in its last 8 games on the road
Portland is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Portland's last 9 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Portland's last 8 games when playing Utah
Portland is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Utah
Portland is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Utah
Utah Jazz
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Utah's last 5 games
Utah is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Utah is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Utah's last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Utah's last 8 games when playing Portland
Utah is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Portland
Utah is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Portland
 

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NBA
Dunkel

Tuesday, December 25


Milwaukee @ New York

Game 557-558
December 25, 2018 @ 12:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Milwaukee
121.909
New York
115.033
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Milwaukee
by 7
229
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Milwaukee
by 10
226
Dunkel Pick:
New York
(+10); Over

Oklahoma City @ Houston

Game 559-560
December 25, 2018 @ 3:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Oklahoma City
123.686
Houston
132.259
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Houston
by 8 1/2
222
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Houston
by 1
220
Dunkel Pick:
Houston
(-1); Over

Philadelphia @ Boston

Game 561-562
December 25, 2018 @ 5:35 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Philadelphia
119.543
Boston
125.181
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Boston
by 6 1/2
227
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Boston
by 3 1/2
223
Dunkel Pick:
Boston
(-3 1/2); Over

LA Lakers @ Golden State

Game 563-564
December 25, 2018 @ 8:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
LA Lakers
124.700
Golden State
126.171
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Golden State
by 1 1/2
239
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Golden State
by 9
234 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
LA Lakers
(+9); Over

Portland @ Utah

Game 565-566
December 25, 2018 @ 10:35 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Portland
125.233
Utah
115.777
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Portland
by 6 1/2
208
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Utah
by 6 1/2
214 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Portland
(+6 1/2); Under
 

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Joined
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Messages
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Preview: Colorado vs. Charlotte


Colorado came to Hawaii riding a six-game winning streak and hopes to leave without losing all three contests at the Diamond Head Classic when it takes on Charlotte for seventh place Tuesday in Honolulu. The Buffaloes dropped a 72-67 decision to Indiana State in the first round before a disappointing performance on the boards and cold shooting led to a 70-62 overtime loss to Hawaii on Sunday.

“We are not executing from the neck up,” Colorado coach Tad Boyle told reporters. “We didn’t do it against Indiana State, we didn’t do it against Hawaii (Sunday). We talk to our guys about communication all the time. But these guys are very reluctant to talk, reluctant to communicate on the floor. … It was just absolutely atrocious execution by (us) and that’s on the coach. I have to own it.” Sophomore guard McKinley Wright IV led the way with 20 points, eight rebounds and five assists but had seven turnovers Sunday for the Buffaloes, who shot 33.9 percent from the floor and outrebounded 48-35 by Hawaii. “We have five of our first seven on the road in league play so we’re going to have to grow up and grow up quickly between the ears and in our chests, with out hearts,” Boyle told reporters. “I have confidence that this team can do that.” Charlotte beat Oklahoma State early in the season, but has lost five of its last six after falling 75-61 to Rhode Island in the consolation round Sunday night.

TV: 1 p.m. ET, ESPNU

ABOUT COLORADO (8-3): Wright averages 14.8 points and a team-high 5.8 assists for the Buffaloes after connecting on 14-of-22 from the field in the tournament, and junior forward Lucas Siewert (12.4 points) scored 19 against Hawaii. Sophomore guard Tyler Bey, who averages 12 points along with team-highs of 9.4 rebounds and 1.8 blocks, was just 1-of-6 from the field Sunday to end a string of three straight double-doubles. Freshman forward Evan Battey (3-of-14) and junior guard Shane Gatling (0-of-6 versus Hawaii) have also had shooting woes in the tournament.

ABOUT CHARLOTTE (3-7): Senior guard Jon Davis is the only double-figure scorer (19.2) and leads the team in assists (4.2) after totaling 31 points in the tournament on 10-of-23 shooting. Freshman guard Malik Martin scored 16 points against Rhode Island to push his average to 9.8 for the 49ers, who fell behind by 20 in the first half before battling back to give themselves a chance. Sophomore forward Milos Supica from Serbia averages 7.1 points and a team-high 5.3 rebounds while freshman guard Brandon Younger (5.5 points) has scored 8.8 per game over the last four games.

TIP-INS

1. Colorado senior G Namon Wright averaged 13.3 points the first four games of the season and 4.4 in seven contests since.

2. Davis needs three points to pass Leemire Goldwire (1,677) for ninth most in Charlotte history.

3. The Buffaloes won the only previous meeting with Charlotte 76-74 in 2002 at home.

PREDICTION: Colorado 76, Charlotte 66
 

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Messages
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ATS Trends
Colorado

Buffaloes are 2-7 ATS in their last 9 neutral site games.
Buffaloes are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 vs. Conference USA.

Charlotte

49ers are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games following a straight up loss.
49ers are 19-40 ATS in their last 59 games overall.
49ers are 5-12-2 ATS in their last 19 games following a double-digit loss at home.
49ers are 10-26 ATS in their last 36 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
49ers are 6-16 ATS in their last 22 non-conference games.
49ers are 7-19 ATS in their last 26 games following a ATS win.
49ers are 6-21 ATS in their last 27 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
49ers are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 vs. Pacific-12.
49ers are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 Tuesday games.

OU Trends
Colorado

Under is 5-0 in Buffaloes last 5 overall.
Under is 5-0 in Buffaloes last 5 non-conference games.
Over is 5-1 in Buffaloes last 6 neutral site games.
Under is 4-1 in Buffaloes last 5 games following a ATS loss.
Under is 4-1 in Buffaloes last 5 Tuesday games.
Under is 23-9-1 in Buffaloes last 33 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400.

Charlotte

Under is 4-1 in 49ers last 5 games following a double-digit loss at home.
Over is 5-2-1 in 49ers last 8 Tuesday games.

Head to Head
No trends available.
 

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