If this is your first visit, be sure to
check out the FAQ by clicking the
link above. You may have to register
before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. To start viewing messages,
select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below.
Friday 9/4/20 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc
Chicago @ Washington
Chicago
The total has gone OVER in 19 of Chicago's last 23 games on the road
Chicago is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Washington
Washington is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Chicago
Washington is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Chicago
Minnesota @ Dallas
Minnesota
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Minnesota's last 5 games on the road
Minnesota is 17-1 SU in its last 18 games when playing on the road against Dallas
Dallas
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Dallas's last 7 games
Dallas is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Seattle @ Los Angeles
Seattle
Seattle is 12-2 SU in its last 14 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Seattle's last 5 games
Los Angeles
Los Angeles is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Los Angeles is 10-1 SU in its last 11 games
Dunkel Rating:
Chicago
113.617
Washington
103.003
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Chicago
by 10 1/2
172
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Chicago
by 7 1/2
168 1/2 Dunkel Pick:
Chicago
(-7 1/2); Over
NBA public betting, line movement September 4
Patrick Everson
Anthony Davis and James Harden square off when the Lakers and Rockets meet Friday in Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals. The SuperBook at Westgate has the Lakers 6-point favorites.
NBA betting odds are up and getting action for a couple of big conference semifinal playoff games, as both No. 1 seeds are on the court Friday. The well-rested Los Angeles Lakers open their series against the Houston Rockets, and the Milwaukee Bucks look to climb back into their series against the Miami Heat.
The SuperBook at Westgate provided insights on NBA opening lines and early line movement, sharp money and public betting for Friday’s matchups. Covers will update this action report with NBA sharp picks vs. public bets and line movement throughout the day.
NBA line movement
Houston fended off Oklahoma City in seven games, capped by a 104-102 victory Wednesday. Los Angeles, meanwhile, has been resting since Saturday, after beating Portland 131-122 to win that series 4-1. The SuperBook opened the Lakers -6.5 for Friday’s 9 p.m. ET tipoff, and the line moved to 6 late Thursday morning.
The Rockets-Lakers total opened 226.5 and is down a point to 225.5.
Miami got a pair of Jimmy Butler free throws with no time on the clock to win Game 2 116-114 and take a 2-0 series lead over Milwaukee. The Bucks opened -5 at The SuperBook for a 6:30 p.m. ET Game 3 start, and the total opened at 223.5. Both the point spread and total were stable as of late Thursday night.
NBA public betting
Although the Rockets are surely weary, early bettors at The SuperBook like the underdog against LeBron James and Co.
“As of now, all the liability we have is on the Rockets,” SuperBook supervisor Cameron Coombs said Thursday night.
The Consensus has a Houston lean, as well, with 57 percent of early picks taking the Rockets to cover the spread. Likewise, the streaking Heat – 6-0 SU and ATS in the postseason – were landing 57 percent of Consensus picks, as of late Thursday night.
737MILWAUKEE -738 MIAMI
MILWAUKEE is 36-16 ATS (18.4 Units) off a upset loss as a favorite in the last 3 seasons.
739HOUSTON -740 LA LAKERS
HOUSTON is 8-1 ATS (6.9 Units) after 3 or more consecutive unders in the current season.
739HOUSTON -740 LA LAKERS
HOUSTON is 8-1 ATS (6.9 Units) in road games versus very good teams - outscoring their opponents by 6+ points/game in the current season.
MILWAUKEE (60 - 20) vs. MIAMI (50 - 29) - 9/4/2020, 6:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MILWAUKEE is 4-13 ATS (-10.3 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
MILWAUKEE is 223-273 ATS (-77.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season since 1996.
MILWAUKEE is 8-17 ATS (-10.7 Units) in road games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game - 2nd half of the season this season.
MIAMI is 14-5 ATS (+8.5 Units) against Central division opponents this season.
MILWAUKEE is 98-75 ATS (+15.5 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 82-63 ATS (+12.7 Units) when the total is greater than or equal to 220 over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 87-66 ATS (+14.4 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 25-11 ATS (+12.9 Units) off a upset loss as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 29-16 ATS (+11.4 Units) in road games after allowing 115 points or more over the last 3 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 79-61 ATS (+11.9 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 77-60 ATS (+11.0 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 12-21 ATS (-11.1 Units) after scoring 115 points or more this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
MIAMI is 8-4 against the spread versus MILWAUKEE over the last 3 seasons
MIAMI is 8-4 straight up against MILWAUKEE over the last 3 seasons
8 of 12 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
HOUSTON (48 - 31) vs. LA LAKERS (56 - 20) - 9/4/2020, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 16-6 ATS (+9.4 Units) in road games against Pacific division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) after 3 or more consecutive unders this season.
HOUSTON is 52-35 ATS (+13.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
LA LAKERS is 6-5 against the spread versus HOUSTON over the last 3 seasons
HOUSTON is 8-3 straight up against LA LAKERS over the last 3 seasons
6 of 11 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
Milwaukee @ Miami
Milwaukee
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Milwaukee's last 5 games when playing on the road against Miami
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Milwaukee's last 5 games on the road
Miami
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Miami's last 5 games when playing at home against Milwaukee
Miami is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games
Houston @ LA Lakers
Houston
Houston is 10-2 SU in its last 12 games when playing on the road against LA Lakers
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Houston's last 5 games when playing on the road against LA Lakers
LA Lakers
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of LA Lakers's last 5 games when playing at home against Houston
LA Lakers is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The Heat improved to 6-0 in the NBA Bubble on Wednesday as it defeated the top-seeded Bucks in Game 2 of their Eastern Conference semifinal matchup.
Milwaukee sits a 2-0 hole against Miami as the Bucks are favored once again in Game 3 looking to avoid a 3-0 series deficit.
Betting Resources
Matchup: Eastern Conference Game 3
Venue: ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex
Location: Orlando, Florida
Date: Friday, Sep. 4, 2020
Time: 6:30 p.m. ET
TV: TNT
Line Movements
In spite of losing the first two games of this series, the Bucks are favored in Game 3. Milwaukee is listed as the "road" team in the bubble, but the Bucks are a favorite for the 19th time in the last playoff 23 games since 2019. The Bucks own an impressive 13-0-1 ATS record in their last 13 postseason wins, but the Heat are a perfect 6-0 SU/ATS in the playoffs so far.
The Heat reversed course from a slow start in Game 1 in which they trailed by 11 points after the first quarter to grab a nine-point advantage following the first 12 minutes in Game 2. Miami was in control for most of Game 2 before Milwaukee roared back in the final minute to tie the game.
The Bucks received a huge break on a foul call charged to Heat guard Goran Dragic on a three-point attempt from Milwaukee's Khris Middleton in the final seconds. Middleton drilled all three free throws to tie the game at 114-114, but the Heat lucked out on their next (and final) possession when Bucks' star Giannis Antetokounmpo fouled Miami's Jimmy Butler on a jump shot. Butler hit both free throws to give Miami the victory as the Heat cashed not only in the full game, but also in the first quarter and first half.
Game 2 Betting Results
Outcome: Heat 116 Bucks 114
Game: Heat Win, Heat Cover (+5.5), Over 223.5
First Quarter: Heat Win (38-29), Heat Cover (+2.5), Over 57.5
First-Half: Heat Win (66-60), Heat Cover (+3.5), Over 114.5
Second-Half: Bucks Win (54-50), Heat Cover (+6.5), Under 111
Bucks Betting Outlook
Inside the Stats
Bubble: 7-8 SU, 6-8-1 ATS, 8-6-1 O/U
Playoffs: 4-3 SU, 3-3-1 ATS, 3-3-1 O/U
The Bucks shot the ball well in Game 1 from the floor (49% and 16-of-35 from three-point range), but missed the freebies when it mattered most by going 14-of-26 from the free throw line in an 11-point loss. Milwaukee started fast and faded in the second half by scoring only 41 points, but the Bucks outscored the Heat in the second half of a Game 2 by a 54-50 margin.
Milwaukee shot better from the foul line in Game 2 by going 33-of-40 from the charity stripe, but the Bucks were held to 7-of-25 shooting from three-point range with three of those triples coming from big man Brook Lopez. Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with 29 points, while Eric Bledsoe returned from injury to chip in 16 points, but the Bucks have now lost four of five meetings with the Heat this season.
Heat Betting Outlook
Inside the Stats
Bubble: 9-5 SU, 9-5 ATS, 6-8 O/U
Playoffs: 6-0 SU, 6-0 ATS, 2-4 O/U
After Butler torched the Bucks for 40 points in the series opener, the former Marquette standout scored only 13 points (two coming on the final free throws) in the Game 2 victory. The Heat were carried by six other players who scored in double-figures, led by Dragic's 23 points, as the guard was one of five Miami players to knock down at least three treys on Wednesday.
Miami is the only team to win and cover in each of its first six playoff games (Boston failed to cash in Game 4 against Philadelphia in the first round). The Heat won and cashed in their first bubble game against the Nuggets, but then posted a 2-5 ATS mark in their final seven seeding contests before this hot streak in the playoffs.
The last time the Heat won their first six games in a postseason came back in 2014, the last season of the "Big Three" era showcasing LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh. That was the only time during the "Big Three" reign from 2010-14 that Miami ever won six consecutive playoff games.
Key Injuries
Milwaukee
None
Miami
SF-Andre Iguodala: Ankle, Questionable
Iguodala sustained a right ankle sprain late in the third quarter of Game 2. The veteran swingman scored four points in 11 minutes on Wednesday and is listed as questionable for Game 3.
Chris Paul and Thunder left everything on the floor at the HP Field House in Orlando during their Game 7 thriller with Houston to conclude the first round of the Western Conference Playoffs, but ultimately the Rockets were able to escape with a 104-102 victory behind some late-game defensive heroics from James Harden to cap off their series finale in the bubble.
Los Angeles has fallen victim to the media’s “panic button” consistently throughout the course of the league’s restart as Lakers were the lowest-scoring team in the NBA’s eight re-seeding games, then dropped their playoff opener to the Blazers by failing to put up 95 points in their Game 1 loss.
LeBron got his guys playing like the championship-caliber team they were designed to be for the remainder of the series though, rattling off four straight wins to put away Lillard-less Portland.
Betting Resources
Matchup: Western Conference Game 1
Venue: ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex
Location: Orlando, Florida
Date: Friday, Sept. 4, 2020
Time: 9:00 p.m. ET
TV: ESPN
Russell Westbrook and the Rockets posted a 2-1 regular season record against the Lakers. (AP)
Western Conference Semifinal Schedule
All games to be played on one day of rest
Game 1 - Friday, Sept. 4
Game 2 - Sunday, Sept. 6
Game 3 - Tuesday, Sept. 8
Game 4 - Thursday, Sept. 10
Game 5 - Saturday, Sept. 12
Game 6 - Monday, Sept. 14
Game 7 - Wednesday, Sept. 16
Betting Odds - Rockets vs. Lakers
The Lakers open Game 1 of this Western Conference Semi-Finals matchup as a seven-point favorite over the Rockets, which is the largest margin of victory we have seen the oddsmakers predict in a matchup between Houston and LA this year.
The ‘over-under’ for this contest has been set at the lowest total we have seen for a Rockets-Lakers game all year (OU 226.5), as Vegas is clearly expecting these teams to ramp up the intensity on defense for Game 1 of their playoff series, after scoring an average of 235.5 points per game in their matchups prior to the bubble.
Houston is 2-1 SU against the Lakers this season, yet still sit as +240 underdogs to knock of the top-seed in the West on Friday night.
Spread: Los Angeles -7
Money-Line: Los Angeles -290 Houston +245
Total: 226.5
Updated Series Price: Los Angeles -400, Houston +320
Rockets vs. Lakers Head-to-Head
2019-20 Regular Season
Aug. 6, 2020: Houston (-3.5) 113 vs. Los Angeles 97, Under 227.5
Feb. 6, 2020: Houston (+6.5) 121 at Los Angeles 111, Under 239.5
Jan. 18, 2020: Los Angeles (+3.5) 124 at Houston 115, Over 235
The Rockets have technically won two of their three matchups with the LAL this season, but it’s important to take that with a grain of salt, as LeBron James and Anthony Davis each missed a game against Houston this year, dramatically changing the landscape of each contest.
In the only “full-strength” matchup between Houston and LAL this year, the Rockets won 121-111 cashing ‘under’ tickets (OU 239.5), but it was no thanks to Harden, as he went 3-of-10 shooting and just under 17% from downtown in the victory.
Instead, the spotlight shined on Russell Westbrook as he went for 41 points on over 60% shooting, while attempting just two 3-pointers in the win. The concern regarding the Lakers all year has revolved around how they will attack a dominant scoring-backcourt defensively in a playoff series, after putting all of their eggs in Lebron and AD’s baskets.
This series against the Rockets should serve as a great test for LAL’s defensive limits.
Houston Betting Outlook
Inside the Stats
Bubble: 8-7 SU, 7-8 ATS, 5-10 O/U
Playoffs: 4-3 SU, 3-4 ATS, 3-4 O/U
Westbrook has been licking his chops all year for this series against the Lakers, as it might become apparent very soon why Houston was willing to give up so much to acquire the former-MVP from the Thunder this past off-season.
Russ has averaged 38 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 6 assists per game against the Lakers this year, and while some of that can be attributed to LeBron and AD sitting out meaningless regular season games, a good portion of it can also be attributed to the LAL’s lack of defensive depth in its backcourt.
Harden has been cold shooting the ball in his past few games for Houston, going 1 for 9 from deep on 26.7% total shooting in the Rockets Game 7 win.
I expect that to lead to Houston into going to Westbrook early and often in this series, exposing the Lakers guard tandem defensively like they did in the regular season.
Los Angeles Betting Outlook
Inside the Stats
Bubble: 7-6 SU, 4-9 ATS, 9-5 O/U
Playoffs: 4-1 SU, 3-2 ATS, 6-7 O/U
Things are not all peaches and daisies for Frank Vogel’s team, as the Lakers essentially went 2-1 in their series with the eighth-seeded Blazers, considering Damian Lillard was injured in Game 4, leading to an LA cakewalk in the final two games following his departure from the bubble.
When this “Super-Team” was assembled, there were concerns about the Lakers lack of scoring depth beyond their superstars and rightfully so, as they have straight-up not shot the ball well in the HP Field House, a whopping average of 43.8% in the bubble (FG% - 19th out of 22 following NBA restart).
Where they are lacking on offense though, has been made up for on the defensive side of the ball as the Lakers have ranked 4th in defensive rating in the playoffs so far this year (104.1).
The Rockets are able to shoot through good perimeter defense on their good days though, unlike the Lillard-less Blazers, so Los Angeles is going to have to figure out a way to kick its offense into high-gear for this series, because there is no doubt Houston is going to light up the scoreboard for the next week or so.
Key Injuries
Houston
SF Luc Mbah a Moute: Knee - Game Time Decision
Los Angeles
PG Rajon Rondo: Back - Game Time Decision
Rajon Rondo is yet to suit up for the Lakers in the Orlando bubble, but Vogel said on Wednesday he is “hopeful” to get the point-guard back for LA’s Game 1 tilt with the Rockets, which would give LeBron and company some much needed depth at the guard position if he is able to return to the lineup on Friday.
MLB public betting, line movement September 4
Patrick Everson
Fernando Tatis Jr. and the Padres open a three-game road set against the Athletics on Friday night. The SuperBook at Westgate opened Oakland -130 chalk and moved to -150.
MLB betting odds are overflowing for a massive 20-game Friday schedule, including five – count ‘em, five – doubleheaders. Among the highlights is one of the last games of the day, an interleague clash between the San Diego Padres and Oakland Athletics.
The SuperBook at Westgate provided insights on MLB opening lines and early line movement, sharp money and public betting for Friday’s games.
MLB line movement
Oakland, shut down since Sunday by COVID issues, returns to the field for a three-game weekend set against visiting San Diego. The A’s still have the AL’s second-best record (22-12) and lead surging Houston by two games in the AL West. The SuperBook opened the A’s -130, and that spiked to -150 late Thursday night, with the Padres +140 for a 9:40 p.m. ET first pitch.
The Chicago Cubs cooled off considerably over the past couple of weeks, but won three of their last four and now send Yu Darvish (6-1, 1.47 ERA) to the Wrigley Field mound against the St. Louis Cardinals. The Cubs opened -127 at The SuperBook and moved to -136 by late Thursday night, with the Cards +126 for an 8:15 p.m. ET start.
The Philadelphia Phillies are starting to put it together for the back half of this 60-game season, going 9-1 in their last 10 games. Next up is a four-game road set against the New York Mets, who are actually -123 favorites at the SuperBook, after opening -114 for a 7:10 p.m. ET contest.
MLB public betting
The Padres are no slouch at 23-16, so it shouldn’t be surprising that the San Diego-Oakland tilt is getting two-way interest in the Consensus. The A’s were landing 52 percent of picks through late Thursday night.
The Cubs were drawing 67 percent of early Consensus picks against the Cardinals, and the streaking Phillies were taking 67 percent of picks against the Mets.
951MIAMI -952 TAMPA BAY
MIAMI is 7-18 SU (-15.4 Units) vs. teams whose hitters draw 4 walks or more/game over the last 2 seasons.
953NY YANKEES -954 BALTIMORE
NY YANKEES are 9-0 SU (10.2 Units) vs. AL teams allowing 4.9 or more runs/game on the season in the current season.
955CINCINNATI -956 PITTSBURGH
CINCINNATI is 8-20 SU (-16.8 Units) vs teams who strand 6.9 or less runners on base per game in the current season.
957PHILADELPHIA -958 NY METS
PHILADELPHIA is 35-52 SU (-31.6 Units) in road games vs. NL teams allowing 4.5 or more runs/game on the season in the last 3 seasons.
959MILWAUKEE -960 CLEVELAND
CLEVELAND is 19-7 SU (10.7 Units) vs teams who strand 6.9 or less runners on base per game in the current season.
961WASHINGTON -962 ATLANTA
WASHINGTON is 10-19 SU (-13.6 Units) vs. teams whose hitters strike out 7 or more times/game in the current season.
963TORONTO -964 BOSTON
BOSTON is 2-13 SU (-14.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the current season.
965CHI WHITE SOX -966 KANSAS CITY
CHI WHITE SOX is 19-8 SU (13.6 Units) vs. good defensive catchers - allowing 0.5 or less SB's/game in the current season.
967DETROIT -968 MINNESOTA
MINNESOTA is 9-1 SU (7.9 Units) in home games after having won 2 of their last 3 games in the current season.
969ST LOUIS -970 CHICAGO CUBS
ST LOUIS are 35-22 SU (13.9 Units) vs. excellent fielding teams - averaging <=0.5 errors/game over the last 2 seasons.
971HOUSTON -972 LA ANGELS
LA ANGELS are 3-16 SU (-15.3 Units) vs. a team with a poor bullpen whose ERA is 4.20 or worse in the current season.
973TEXAS -974 SEATTLE
TEXAS are 1-8 SU (-9.8 Units) in road games vs. teams averaging 2.75 or less extra base hits per game in the current season.
975SAN DIEGO -976 OAKLAND
SAN DIEGO is 27-48 SU (-25.8 Units) after having won 4 or 5 of their last 6 games in the last 3 seasons.
977COLORADO -978 LA DODGERS
COLORADO is 21-39 SU (-23.1 Units) vs. an NL starting pitcher whose WHIP is 1.250 or better over the last 2 seasons.
979ARIZONA -980 SAN FRANCISCO
SAN FRANCISCO is 9-2 SU (6.8 Units) in home games in night games in the current season.
981PITTSBURGH -982 CINCINNATI
CINCINNATI is 8-20 SU (-16.8 Units) vs teams who strand 6.9 or less runners on base per game in the current season.
983WASHINGTON -984 ATLANTA
WASHINGTON is 10-19 SU (-13.6 Units) vs. teams whose hitters strike out 7 or more times/game in the current season.
985NY YANKEES -986 BALTIMORE
NY YANKEES are 9-0 SU (10.2 Units) vs. AL teams allowing 4.9 or more runs/game on the season in the current season.
987MINNESOTA -988 DETROIT
MINNESOTA is 1-11 SU (-11 Units) in road games vs. an AL team with a team batting average of .260 or worse in the current season.
989BOSTON -990 TORONTO
BOSTON is 2-13 SU (-14.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the current season.
Comment