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

[Cnotes53]

NBA
Long Sheet

Friday, March 30

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CHICAGO (24 - 51) at ORLANDO (22 - 52) - 3/30/2018, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO is 12-3 ATS (+8.7 Units) against Southeast division opponents this season.
ORLANDO is 66-87 ATS (-29.7 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 8-21 ATS (-15.1 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 28-48 ATS (-24.8 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 19-32 ATS (-16.2 Units) in home games revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 8-17 ATS (-10.7 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
ORLANDO is 23-39 ATS (-19.9 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ORLANDO is 5-5 against the spread versus CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO is 7-3 straight up against ORLANDO over the last 3 seasons
10 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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PHILADELPHIA (44 - 30) at ATLANTA (21 - 54) - 3/30/2018, 7:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 7-1 against the spread versus PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
ATLANTA is 7-1 straight up against PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
6 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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NEW ORLEANS (43 - 32) at CLEVELAND (45 - 30) - 3/30/2018, 8:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
NEW ORLEANS is 4-1 against the spread versus CLEVELAND over the last 3 seasons
NEW ORLEANS is 3-2 straight up against CLEVELAND 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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DENVER (40 - 35) at OKLAHOMA CITY (44 - 32) - 3/30/2018, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DENVER is 44-66 ATS (-28.6 Units) in road games when playing with 2 days rest since 1996.
DENVER is 51-34 ATS (+13.6 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 3 seasons.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 30-44 ATS (-18.4 Units) in all games this season.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 23-41 ATS (-22.1 Units) when the total is greater than or equal to 220 since 1996.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 23-38 ATS (-18.8 Units) as a favorite this season.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 2-13 ATS (-12.3 Units) vs. division opponents this season.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 9-22 ATS (-15.2 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent this season.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 13-23 ATS (-12.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 15-26 ATS (-13.6 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
DENVER is 6-5 against the spread versus OKLAHOMA CITY over the last 3 seasons
OKLAHOMA CITY is 8-3 straight up against DENVER over the last 3 seasons
6 of 11 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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PHOENIX (19 - 57) at HOUSTON (61 - 14) - 3/30/2018, 8:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
HOUSTON is 6-4 against the spread versus PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
HOUSTON is 9-1 straight up against PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
7 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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MINNESOTA (43 - 33) at DALLAS (23 - 52) - 3/30/2018, 8:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 32-45 ATS (-17.5 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 368-434 ATS (-109.4 Units) in the second half of the season since 1996.
MINNESOTA is 13-25 ATS (-14.5 Units) after scoring 115 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 27-40 ATS (-17.0 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 10-21 ATS (-13.1 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
DALLAS is 409-335 ATS (+40.5 Units) as an underdog since 1996.
DALLAS is 35-21 ATS (+11.9 Units) against Northwest division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
DALLAS is 12-4 ATS (+7.6 Units) after a loss by 10 points or more this season.
DALLAS is 28-16 ATS (+10.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
DALLAS is 13-23 ATS (-12.3 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game this season.

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

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MEMPHIS (21 - 54) at UTAH (42 - 33) - 3/30/2018, 9:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
MEMPHIS is 5-4 against the spread versus UTAH over the last 3 seasons
UTAH is 5-4 straight up against MEMPHIS 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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MILWAUKEE (40 - 35) at LA LAKERS (33 - 41) - 3/30/2018, 10:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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LA CLIPPERS (41 - 34) at PORTLAND (46 - 29) - 3/30/2018, 10:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LA CLIPPERS are 220-274 ATS (-81.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season since 1996.
PORTLAND is 41-27 ATS (+11.3 Units) in all games this season.
PORTLAND is 16-6 ATS (+9.4 Units) in the second half of the season this season.
PORTLAND is 11-2 ATS (+8.8 Units) in March games this season.
PORTLAND is 13-3 ATS (+9.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season this season.
PORTLAND is 23-14 ATS (+7.6 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game this season.
PORTLAND is 14-2 ATS (+11.8 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game - 2nd half of the season this season.
PORTLAND is 22-13 ATS (+7.7 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game this season.
PORTLAND is 13-2 ATS (+10.8 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game - 2nd half of the season this season.
LA CLIPPERS are 41-33 ATS (+4.7 Units) in all games this season.
LA CLIPPERS are 24-14 ATS (+8.6 Units) in road games this season.
LA CLIPPERS are 12-2 ATS (+9.8 Units) after a division game this season.
LA CLIPPERS are 14-6 ATS (+7.4 Units) after a win by 10 points or more this season.
LA CLIPPERS are 26-14 ATS (+10.6 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 12-4 ATS (+7.6 Units) in road games versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
PORTLAND is 8-8 against the spread versus LA CLIPPERS over the last 3 seasons
LA CLIPPERS is 9-7 straight up against PORTLAND over the last 3 seasons
10 of 16 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

[Cnotes53]

Hoop Trends - Friday
March 30, 2018

ATS TREND OF THE DAY:

-- The Bucks are 11-0 ATS (11.09 ppg) with no rest after they shot over 50% from the field last game.


OU TREND OF THE DAY:

-- The Clippers are 15-0-2 OU (12.85 ppg) as a dog off a 10+ point win as a road favorite.

PLAYER TREND OF THE DAY:

-- The Pelicans are 0-10-1 OU (-10.86 ppg) off a game as a dog in which Jrue Holiday had at least 5 turnovers.

CHOICE TREND:

-- The Trail Blazers are 0-12-1 OU (-11.27 ppg) as a favorite after a loss in which they led by double digits.

ACTIVE TRENDS:

-- The Suns are 10-0 OU (15.70 ppg) on the road off a loss as a dog in which they had more than 12 steals.

-- The Rockets are 0-8 ATS (-8.69 ppg) after Chris Paul played fewer than 30 minutes last game.

[Cnotes53]

Dinero Tracker - March 30
March 30, 2018
By Tony Mejia


Read the Dinero Tracker's mission statement here
Last night's ATS Records
NBA: 1-6 | NCAA BB: 1-1 | MLB: 3-4

The baseball was exciting on Day 1. The basketball left much to be desired, from silly refs who think people come to games to watch them throw out superstars to unfortunate injuries to Otto Porter, unsuccessful hero ball out of OKC and the sad reality that the best game of the night ended up being Pacers-Kings. There's plenty of venting to do. I saw that Flavor Flav is still rocking that clock. Here's Thursday's recap, complete with some of the highlights (and lowlights):

FRIDAY'S FREE SELECTION

The pick: Dodgers/Giants UNDER 7.5 -115
Johnny Cueto is looking to bounce back, but isn't likely to get much run support since the new-look Giants aren't likely to do a whole lot better against the talented Alex Wood than they did against Clayton Kershaw. Of course, the Dodgers can't be trusted since apparently Justin Turner's injury and subsequent absence has sapped all of their abilities at the plate. Ride the under.


THURSDAY'S FREE SELECTION

The pick: Indians RL -1.5 +100
Felix Hernandez is only 31 years old as he takes the mound tonight, so this is isn't about him being over the hill. He's lost more than a step, but that's no reason he can't bounce back this season. I just don't think he's ready to make this Opening Day start after missing so much of spring training after catching a line drive to his forearm this time last month. He returned to start against the Cubs a week ago and hasn't faced any adversity. It makes a great story that he's making an MLB-best 10th straight start and Safeco provides a great backdrop, but he was just 4-3 there last year and is matched up with Corey Kluber, whose beard is in midseason form. He won four Cactus League games and has looked great, so let's not reinvent the wheel on the first day. Ride Cleveland to get 2018 off to a great start with a comfortable win over Seattle, laying 1.5 on the run line at even money.

Result: Hernandez got in a groove early, got run support from Nelson Cruz's early 2-run homer and then got Edwin Diaz to close the door after more trouble than he'll likely run into on most saves. He's a great one and I didn't expect to see him to end the night. Freebie lost. Kluber did his thing, throwing seven scoreless after his mistake, but the Tribe had very little and didn't get the big hit we needed in the 7th and 9th.

THURSDAY'S LOCK

The pick: Penn State -4
The Nittany Lions will look to wrap up a season where they felt they had done in enough to get into the NCAAs by claiming the NIT at Madison Square Garden with another great performance. Justin Bibbins hasn't been shooting the ball well as it is, isn't going to get to the line 12 times, and can't be counted on to deliver in a second game in three nights, especially after 40 exhausting minutes. Here's your fun fact, on the second of either a back-to-back or two-game-three-night situation, Bibbins has shot 14-for-50 from beyond the arc. That's 28 percent and simply not worth banking on. Ride Penn State to win the NIT, guaranteed.  

Result: Bibbins had a decent night, scoring 15, while Sedrick Barefield helped keep the Utes in this game by draining his first four 3s, helping set a faster pace I didn't prefer since I double-dipped on the under. The Nittany Lions tightened up the defense and ran away, winning 82-66. Penn State was dominant in New York. After losing Mike Watkins, everybody took it upon themselves to do more.

LOCK THAT DIDN'T CLICK

The pick: Kings/Pacers UNDER 203.5
The Pacers were impressive in locking up the Warriors the other night, getting a key stretch where they'll play six of seven on the road off of a fantastic note. The Kings have only topped the century mark once in their last six games, have no homecourt advantage whatsoever due to the current protests and probably won't have Indiana native Zach Randolph playing too large a role after sitting him out entirely the other night after finally getting over a bout with the stomach flu. Ride the under, guaranteed.

Result: The Kings got a great first half from Willie Cauley-Stein and were only down 59-56 at the break, so this game got away quickly. The game finally slowed down to what I expected in the second half, but Victor Oladipo was too effective down the stretch and the Kings got really solid shot-making out of Buddy Hield, Bogdan Bogdanovic and Frank Mason to foil the guaranteed winner and the cover. With three minutes left, the Pacers led 99-91 and it looked like knocking down both side and total had a chance with a few more stops, but it wasn't meant to be. Thad Young missed a pair of key free throws and the Kings caught life as a result, killing this bet.

BAD BEAT BULLETIN

The pick: Heat -13
All hands are on deck for the Heat tonight with Bam Adebayo and Tyler Johnson have been ruled in and Hassan Whiteside will in fact return. The Bulls have ruled out Kris Dunn, Lauri Markkanen, Paul Zipser and Cristiano Felicio and weren't planning on utilizing Zach LaVine, so this is really a game that the home team should and will control. Lay the points and ride Miami.

Result: This was incredibly annoying. Miami finally took this by the throat to open the fourth, leading 91-72 with 8:27 left. The Heat could never shake the Bulls, but took a 103-90 lead with 1:05 left, got the ball back immediately after a miss and a turnover and sat on both possessions. They didn't even attempt to run offense despite a few back cuts that would've scored, then gave up an uncontested layup at the buzzer. Bobby Portis put it in to make it 103-92. Hideous.

TOTAL RECALL

The pick: Astros/Rangers UNDER 9.5
Historically, Justin Verlander's least effective month is April, but as you get older, you tend to be more diligent in getting your body ready. He's owned some of the hitters he'll face today (Odor/Gallo are a combined 1-for-27) and had a great spring, while Cole Hamels has really fared well against George Springer and Carlos Correa (3-for-36) and has fared well in Arlington, so we'll take a shot that the pitching will hold up on Opening Day despite the power in both lineups. Ride the under.

Result: Verlander was fantastic in surrendering just four hits over six innings and the bullpen held down the Rangers, limiting them to one run in the ninth in a 4-1 win.



UPSET CITY

The pick: Dodgers -1.5 RL -135
Clayton Kershaw hasn't allowed a run all spring and his career ERA vs Giants is 1.60, so you take your chances that the Dodgers are going to be able to scratch together enough runs to win this comfortably. Giants lefty Ty Blach's career ERA vs Dodgers is 2.23 over 7 games and even better if you consider he's surrendered just five runs over 30 innings in his last five outings, all starts. Ride the Dodgers on the run line -1.5.

Result: This result knocked off most money-line parlays since the game's top pitcher is so reliable. The Dodgers couldn't buy a clutch hit in losing 1-0 because Kershaw gave up a fluke homer to Joe Panik.

CARDIAC ATTACK

The pick: Orioles ML -118
Dylan Bundy showed off a fantastic fastball to close out the spring in order to secure this Opening Day start, so he should be in good shape in this matchup against former Tampa Rays starter Jake Odorizzi. This looks like the best bet for the price on Thursday, so it rides as the first 2018 MLB guarantee. The Orioles should see Manny Machado, Trey Mancini and Jonathan Schoop string together hits in playing rude host against the Twins. Back Baltimore.

Result: Odorizzi pitched a great game, stranding Manny Machado a couple of times, but the Birds got a clutch two-run double from Caleb Joseph and were in a position to cash easily before blowing the save. I wished great relief pitiching on all of you and immediately caught a Brad Brach bad break. Fortunately, despite a really uncomfortable few innings that included Jonathan Schoop hitting into a bases-loaded double play, Adam Jones came to the rescue in the bottom of the 11th with a walk-off blast off Francisco Rodney. Hallelujah.

SWING AND A MISS

The pick: Wizards +1
This was supposed to be Blake Griffin's first run against the Wizards all season since he missed the one meeting when with the Clips and hasn't faced them since putting on a Pistons uniform. It looks like he'll miss out against the Wiz all season after being ruled out with an ankle injury. Although they won't have John Wall back until the weekend, this is a great situation for guys to step up and ensure they stay in Scott Brooks' rotation when the team is back intact. Ride Washington.

Result: Although Washington took advantage of Griffin's absence early, Detroit hung around thanks to Andre Drummond's work and simply took over once Otto Porter left the floor unable to put weight on his leg. The Pistons won handily 103-92.

PROOF OF CLAIRVOYANCE

The pick: Cubs RL -1.5 -119
The Marlins will open at home, but given how disgruntled the fan base is, the odds of Fish backers outnumbering Cubs fans aren't great. With JT Realmuto and Cameron Maybin not in the lineup, a gutted squad takes the field against Jon Lester, who should get support against Jose Urena. Ride Chicago -1.5 on the run line in Opening Day's first offering.

Result: Jay Happ left the yard on the game's first at-bat and Chicago rallied after surrendering a 4-1 lead, ultimately doubling up the Fish 8-4.

FURTHER PROOF OF CLAIRVOYANCE

The pick: Spurs/Thunder UNDER 208
With LaMarcus Aldridge in, there's likely to be less ball movement than what would've been the case with a lineup featuring Rudy Gay and Kyle Anderson up front, which I believe will bog this game down. Gregg Popovich should be able to keep Russell Westbrook from attacking how he'd like to, which should lead to a lower-scoring affair than expected. Ride the under.

Result: Aldridge looked much sharper than I expected him to as he dominated the first half with 19 points, but the game did slow down in the second half, allowing us to overcome a 115-point first half in pulling this out thanks to Russell Westbrook failing to share down the stretch. The Spurs won 103-99.

[Cnotes53]

Friday's Essentials
March 30, 2018
By Tony Mejia


Game of the Night - L.A. Clippers at Portland (-6, 218), ESPN 10:35 ET

The top two seeds in the Western Conference were decided when Houston and Golden State became locked into their spots but figuring out the remaining six positions requires a wild ride that continues tonight with two head-to-head duels between four of the eight teams battling for the vacancies.

Denver, currently 10th, visits Oklahoma City, which fell from its fourth-place perch with a loss to San Antonio last night. For the Nuggets, it feels like an elimination game.

Capping the night will be the current No. 3 seed, Portland, hosting the Clippers, who have crept up to ninth thanks to a three-game winning streak that sees them open the night one game behind Utah for the eighth final berth.

The sense of urgency should be high for both teams since the Trail Blazers come off a loss and are only 2.5 games up on the Thunder, though they have now secured the tie-breaker if the teams end up even atop the Northwest Division thanks to Sunday’s immense 108-105 road win at OKC.


What this becomes for the Western Conference’s biggest surprise is a test of just how much they have left in the tank. The Blazers are playing their fifth game in eight days and fell on the second night of a back-to-back without Damian Lillard in Memphis on Wednesday. They lost despite C.J. McCollum scoring 42 points after missing only nine of 25 shots.

Portland isn't sure if it will gets its All-Star back for this one after he left the team to witness the berth of his first son since he's now questionable after news broke that his 20-year-old half-brother was shot at a lmall late last night.

Paternity leave is no picnic given the mental grind of how hectic a birth can be, not to mention having to worry about a family member, so we'll see what frame of mind he's in if he plays, but Lillard should have his legs under him if he does go.

We’ll see whether the same can be said for his teammates since Jusuf Nurkic’s back has been an issue and Mo Harkless’ Wednesday knee surgery has significantly trimmed depth on the wing.

Since defeating the Clippers at Staples on March 18, the Blazers are just 2-3. They come off their longest road trip since the All-Star break and go right back out following Sunday’s rematch with the Grizzlies, squaring off with all three Texas-based teams before finishing up in Denver on April 9. Portland would love for its season finale on the 11th against Utah to mean absolutely nothing, but it can only gain such security by holding up over a taxing final stretch.

If misery loves company, the right partner is in town. The Clippers are playing for the 10th time in 16 days, eight of which will have been on the road by the time they finally head back to L.A. to finish with five of six at home. They’ve played in Houston, Oklahoma City, Minneapolis, Milwaukee, Indianapolis and Toronto. All of the teams that play in those cities are likely to be playoff bound. Portland too.

Of the Clippers’ remaining opponents, only the Lakers, who they finish up with April 11, are currently under .500. Getting back home with a fourth straight win would be provide a huge boost. Head coach Doc Rivers will be pulling out all the stops, which could include the return of wing Danilo Gallinari, who last played in the first game after the All-Star break. He fractured his hand on Feb. 22.

Point guard Milos Teodosic will remain out with a foot injury, so 23-year-old former G-League standout Tyrone Wallace will continue to receive a boost in minutes as a starter filling a role next to either Austin Rivers or Lou Williams. Rookies Sindarius Thornwell and C.J. Williams would continue to see time behind Wesley Johnson on the wing if Gallinari can’t return, which is why the Italian’s experience would be a major upgrade against a team that can fill it up from the perimeter.

The Clippers won the first meeting against the Blazers at the Moda Center 104-103, but have dropped the two more recent meetings at home. Harkless was instrumental in the March 18 win, so Portland will have to replace his production and has to be worried that he was part of a starting unit that score 98 of the team’s 122 points. Williams outscored Portland’s bench by himself, so it’s vital that Evan Tucker and Pat Connaughton produce on the wing.

L.A. has seen the under prevail in four straight games, while the low-side is 8-6 in Blazers games this month. The under is 2-1 in this season’s encounters. Portland has shot 29.3 percent from beyond the arc over its last five but shot 14-for-29 in the win at the Clips less than two weeks ago. Keeping that from happening again is likely the Clippers’ biggest concern, especially on the road.

The Trail Blazers have lost two straight at Moda Center after winning nine consecutive home games between Feb. 14-Mar. 17. The Clippers have the 10th-best road record in the NBA and have won in each of their last two visits to Portland.

The Celtics are playing only their second back-to-back since the All-Star break -- their first this entire month. They won a road back-to-back at Detroit and New York on Feb. 23-24 to improve to 7-4 on the second night of such situations this season. They've got two more remaining in April, with the next one coming in Milwaukee and Toronto next week, making it the most important of the season.

Injury Report

The 76ers will open life without Joel Embiid, who they're expected to be with until at least the beginning of the playoffs after orbital surgery on a fracture suffered when he collided with rookie Markell Fultz. Amir Johnson, who would likely see some extended time due to Embiid's absence, is questionable with the flu. We'll see who steps up for Philadelphia without the big man available. This could be where Ben Simmons wins or loses his Rookie of the Year Award.

Philly won't have to square off against Hawks point guards Dennis Schroder and Malcolm Delaney due to ankle injuries, which means athletic second-year guard Isaiah Taylor should get the bulk of the minutes at the controls.

Kevin Love is in concussion protocol after the nasty injury he suffered earlier this week, but the Cavs should get Kyle Korver back after he's been away from the team mourning his brother's death.

New Orleans hosts Cleveland in the first half of ESPN's nationally televised doubleheader but won't know if it will have guard Rajon Rondo back to help run the show since he's missed the last two games due to an injured wrist. The Pelicans do know they'll have Anthony Davis in there after he practiced and declared himself ready to go following an ankle sprain. Forward Solomon Hill, out most of the season, is back and should see time against LeBron James.

The Nuggets again won't have shooting guard Gary Harris for the huge clash with the Thunder, which is a major blow since he was targeting a Friday return from a knee injury that's cost him the last few games. Denver will miss his presence against Russell Westbrook and Paul George.

The Timberwolves are getting closer to getting Jimmy Bulter back from a knee injury, but will have to make due without him tonight against Memphis. Derrick Rose has provided a boost, but is dealing with an ankle issue and may not be available against Memphis.

Phoenix is again unlikely to get back Devin Booker from his hand injury and has already ruled out T.J. Warren due to a sore knee. With centers Alex Len (ankle) and Tyson Chandler (neck) likely absent too, the kids will suit up in Houston, where we could see a 20-point spread if James Harden returns as expected following a rest day. Chris Paul (hip) could take his respite tonight, while Phoenix counterpart Elfrid Payton is also questionable due to a knee issue after not practicing on Thursday.

The Grizzlies won't have Tyreke Evans available again and have also ruled out standout defender Andrew Harrison due to a wrist issue. Chandler Parsons will be available against Utah, which is deep, loaded and desperate for a win. There's no number here at the time of this writing, but it's likely to be heavy lumber too.

Milwaukee's Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton each tweaked ankles in Thursday night's rout of Golden State, but are expected to play against the Lakers. Lonzo Ball has been diagnosed with only a knee contusion after an MRI following Wednesday's win over Dallas, but he may rest for L.A., which could give some of his minutes to returning guard Josh Hart (hand).

[Cnotes53]

2017-18 NBA CONFERENCE STANDINGS

EASTERN CONFERENCE W L PCT GB HOME ROAD CONF DIV STREAK L10

1 x-Toronto 55 20 0.733 - 31-7 24-13 36-9 11-3 W1 7-3

2 x-Boston 52 23 0.693 3 24-13 28-10 30-15 10-3 W5 7-3

3 x-Cleveland 45 30 0.600 10 25-11 20-19 32-15 11-5 W1 7-3

4 x-Philadelphia 44 30 0.595 10½ 26-11 18-19 27-18 8-7 W8 9-1

5 x-Indiana 45 31 0.592 10½ 26-13 19-18 31-18 10-6 W4 7-3

6 Washington 41 34 0.547 14 21-17 20-17 26-20 7-6 L1 4-6

7 Miami 41 35 0.539 14½ 24-13 17-22 28-19 9-5 W2 6-4

8 Milwaukee 40 35 0.533 15 23-15 17-20 24-23 6-10 W1 6-4

Detroit 35 40 0.467 20 24-14 11-26 21-26 8-7 W3 6-4

Charlotte 34 42 0.447 21½ 21-18 13-24 20-26 10-4 L1 6-4

o-New York 27 49 0.355 28½ 18-18 9-31 15-31 6-10 L2 3-7

o-Brooklyn 24 51 0.320 31 14-25 10-26 15-30 1-13 W1 4-6

o-Chicago 24 51 0.320 31 15-22 9-29 18-27 4-11 L7 2-8

o-Orlando 22 52 0.297 32½ 15-22 7-30 13-32 4-9 L1 2-8

o-Atlanta 21 54 0.280 34 15-22 6-32 9-36 3-9 L4 1-9



WESTERN CONFERENCE W L PCT GB HOME ROAD CONF DIV STREAK L10

1 y-Houston 61 14 0.813 - 31-6 30-8 38-8 12-3 W10 10-0

2 y-Golden St. 54 21 0.720 7 28-11 26-10 30-16 10-3 L3 3-7

3 Portland 46 29 0.613 15 25-13 21-16 28-17 8-6 L1 7-3

4 San Antonio 44 32 0.579 17½ 30-8 14-24 26-20 8-6 W1 7-3

5 Oklahoma City 44 32 0.579 17½ 26-12 18-20 25-22 5-10 L2 7-3

6 New Orleans 43 32 0.573 18 22-16 21-16 22-24 7-7 L2 5-5

7 Minnesota 43 33 0.566 18½ 28-10 15-23 30-16 9-4 W1 5-5

8 Utah 42 33 0.560 19 24-13 18-20 28-17 6-8 L1 7-3

L.A. Clippers 41 34 0.547 20 21-15 20-19 23-23 12-3 W3 5-5

Denver 40 35 0.533 21 27-10 13-25 24-23 6-6 L2 5-5

o-L.A. Lakers 33 41 0.446 27½ 19-16 14-25 17-28 5-9 W1 4-6

o-Sacramento 24 52 0.316 37½ 13-26 11-26 11-35 4-9 L3 3-7

o-Dallas 23 52 0.307 38 14-24 9-28 13-36 5-11 L1 3-7

o-Memphis 21 54 0.280 40 15-24 6-30 18-28 5-10 W2 3-7

o-Phoenix 19 57 0.250 42½ 9-29 10-28 13-33 3-10 L13 0-10


x-clinched playoff berth
y-denotes division winner
z-clinched top seed in conference
o-eliminated from playoff contention

[Cnotes53]

FRIDAY, MARCH 30
GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS

CHI at ORL 07:00 PM
CHI +6.5
U 210.5

PHI at ATL 07:30 PM
ATL +7.5
U 218.5

DEN at OKC 08:00 PM
DEN +3.5
O 223.0

PHO at HOU 08:00 PM
PHO +17.5
O 217.0

NO at CLE 08:00 PM
NO +4.0
O 228.5

MIN at DAL 08:30 PM
MIN -5.5
U 216.5

MEM at UTA 09:00 PM
MEM +15.0
U 197.0

LAC at POR 10:30 PM
LAC +6.5
U 217.5

MIL at LAL 10:30 PM
LAL -1.5
U 220.0