Announcement

**Udog** · 10-27-2014, 10:10 PM

NBA roundup: Pacers' Hill out three weeks

The Indiana Pacers will be without guard George Hill for at least three weeks and guard C.J. Watson for at least two weeks, the team revealed Monday.

Forward David West also will miss at least three games with a sprained right ankle.

Hill suffered a left knee contusion in a preseason game last week and Watson has been dealing with a bruised right foot.

The Pacers, already without All-Star Paul George (foot) for the season, open the season Wednesday against the Philadelphia 76ers.

--Former NBA player Mookie Blaylock pleaded guilty to vehicular homicide, accepting a plea deal that means he will serve three years of a 15-year sentence for killing a woman in 2013.

Blaylock, 47,admitted to killing Monica Murphy, a mother of five, in a head-on collision in Atlanta on May 31, 2013.

The 15-year sentence was reduced to seven years in prison and eight on probation and allows him to be released from prison after three years.

--The Philadelphia 76ers acquired a second-round draft pick from the New York Knicks in 2019 and forward Travis Outlaw in exchange for forward Arnett Moultrie.

Additionally, the 76ers acquired the right to swap the Los Angeles Clippers' second-round pick (which the Sixers currently own) in 2018 with the Knicks' own second-round pick in that draft.

The Knicks made the deal to keep undrafted rookie forward Travis Wear.

ESPN.com sources said the Sixers plan to waive Outlaw. Moultrie was waived by the Knicks.

The 76ers also signed free agent forward Malcolm Thomas.

--The Denver Nuggets waived forward Quincy Miller, the team announced.

Miller, who was drafted by Denver with a second-round pick in the 2012 NBA Draft, appeared in 59 games for the Nuggets over the past two seasons, averaging 4.5 points and 2.5 rebounds in 13.8 minutes per game.

--The Utah Jazz claimed fourth-year forward/guard Jordan Hamilton and rookie forward Joe Ingles off waivers, the team announced.

Hamilton, 24, was waived by the Toronto Raptors on Saturday after appearing in six preseason games with the Raptors.

Hamilton has appeared in 126 career NBA games over three seasons with Denver and Houston.

The 6-foot-8 Ingles was waived by the Los Angeles Clippers on Saturday after playing in five preseason games (one start). Ingles, 27, played for the Australian National Team in the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup and averaged 11.4 points and 3.4 assists.

--The Portland Trail Blazers declined to pick up the fourth-year option, $4.6 million, on Thomas Robinson's contract, Yahoo! Sports reported. That means Robinson will be a free agent next summer.

The Blazers did pick up their fourth-year option on center Meyers Leonard and third-year option on guard C.J. McCollum.

**Udog** · 10-27-2014, 10:11 PM

NBA
Dunkel

Houston at LA Lakers
The Rockets open up the season on the road against the Lakers and come into the contest with a 10-4 ATS record in their last 14 games versus Los Angeles. Houston is the pick (-6) according to Dunkel, which has the Rockets favored by 8 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Houston (-6). Here are all of today's NBA picks.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28

Game 501-502: Dallas at San Antonio (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Dallas 127.910; San Antonio 129.537
Dunkel Line & Total: San Antonio by 1 1/2; 202
Vegas Line & Total: San Antonio by 4 1/2; 206
Dunkel Pick: Dallas (+4 1/2); Under

Game 503-504: Orlando at New Orleans (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Orlando 109.725; New Orleans 121.690
Dunkel Line & Total: New Orleans by 12; 203
Vegas Line & Total: New Orleans by 9 1/2; 196
Dunkel Pick: New Orleans (-9 1/2); Over

Game 505-506: Houston at LA Lakers (10:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Houston 124.716; LA Lakers 116.185
Dunkel Line & Total: Houston by 8 1/2; 212
Vegas Line & Total: Houston by 6; 206 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Houston (-6); Over

NBA
Long Sheet

Tuesday, October 28

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DALLAS (52 - 37) at SAN ANTONIO (78 - 27) - 10/28/2014, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SAN ANTONIO is 860-748 ATS (+37.2 Units) in all games since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 680-577 ATS (+45.3 Units) as a favorite since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 439-364 ATS (+38.6 Units) in home games since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 133-90 ATS (+34.0 Units) on Tuesday nights since 1996.
DALLAS is 97-73 ATS (+16.7 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
DALLAS is 24-13 ATS (+9.7 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
DALLAS is 30-15 ATS (+13.5 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
DALLAS is 130-98 ATS (+22.2 Units) in road games first half of the season since 1996.
DALLAS is 218-169 ATS (+32.1 Units) vs. division opponents since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
DALLAS is 8-7 against the spread versus SAN ANTONIO over the last 3 seasons
SAN ANTONIO is 12-3 straight up against DALLAS over the last 3 seasons
10 of 15 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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ORLANDO (23 - 59) at NEW ORLEANS (34 - 48) - 10/28/2014, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ORLANDO is 70-90 ATS (-29.0 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
ORLANDO is 13-26 ATS (-15.6 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 0-8 ATS (-8.8 Units) in home games on Tuesday nights over the last 3 seasons.

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

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HOUSTON (56 - 32) at LA LAKERS (27 - 55) - 10/28/2014, 10:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
HOUSTON is 4-3 against the spread versus LA LAKERS over the last 3 seasons
HOUSTON is 5-3 straight up against LA LAKERS over the last 3 seasons
4 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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NBA
Short Sheet

Tuesday, October 28

Dallas at San Antonio, 8:05 ET
Dallas: 20-8 ATS as a road underdog
San Antonio: 83-58 ATS in a home game where the total is greater than or equal to 200

Orlando at New Orleans, 8:05 ET
Orlando: 12-24 ATS as a road underdog
New Orleans: 25-12 OVER as a home favorite

Houston at LA Lakers, 10:35 ET
Houston: 18-22 ATS as a road favorite
LA Lakers: 36-17 OVER as an underdog of 3.5 to 9.5 points

NBA

Tuesday, October 28

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Trend Report
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8:00 PM
ORLANDO vs. NEW ORLEANS
Orlando is 2-8 ATS in its last 10 games when playing New Orleans
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Orlando's last 8 games on the road
New Orleans is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games at home
New Orleans is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Orlando

8:00 PM
DALLAS vs. SAN ANTONIO
Dallas is 3-13 SU in its last 16 games when playing San Antonio
Dallas is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of San Antonio's last 6 games when playing Dallas
San Antonio is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Dallas

10:30 PM
HOUSTON vs. LA LAKERS
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Houston's last 8 games on the road
Houston is 4-9-1 ATS in its last 14 games on the road
LA Lakers are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games when playing Houston
LA Lakers are 0-4-1 ATS in their last 5 games at home

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NBA

Tuesday, October 28

Magic ice cold ATS vs. New Orleans

The Orlando Magic have been struggling to cover the spread in games against New Orleans, going 2-8 ATS in their last 10 versus the Pelicans.

The two clubs will renew acquaintances in the Bayou State during NBA season-opening action Tuesday.

The Pellies are presently -9.5 home favorites for the affair. The total is currently 196.

Underdogs the hot bet in Spurs-Mavs contests

The 2014-15 NBA season gets underway on Tuesday, with the reigning champion San Antonio Spurs hosting Dirk Nowitzki and the Dallas Mavericks.

Recent history is showing when the Mavs and the Spurs get together, the underdogs have been coming out on top. Dogs are 8-1 ATS in the last nine meetings between the two squads.

San Antonio is currently 4.5-point home faves with the total set at 205.

Faves coming through in Lakers-Rockets matchups

James Harden and the Houston Rockets kick off the brand new NBA campaign Tuesday night in Tinsel Town against the Los Angeles Lakers.

Trends are showing the favorites have been coming out on top in previous clashes between the two, evidenced by the faves going 7-1 ATS in their last eight matchups.

The Rockets are currently 6-point road faves with a total of 207.5.

**Udog** · 10-28-2014, 08:20 AM

NBA

Tuesday, October 28

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Game of the Day: Rockets at Lakers
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Houston Rockets at Los Angeles Lakers (+6, 213)

Kobe Bryant makes his return from a knee injury and will see Dwight Howard on the floor when the Los Angeles Lakers open the season against the visiting Houston Rockets on Tuesday. Bryant was limited to six games last season due to two leg injuries and the Lakers bottomed out with a franchise-worst 27-55 mark. Howard, who played for Los Angeles in 2012-13, combined with guard James Harden to fuel Houston to a 54-28 record last season.

The 36-year-old Bryant might not be the player he was two or three years ago but he is interested in finding out where his current talent level resides. “I’m trying to see if I can prove to myself that I can be myself,” Bryant told reporters. “All those words and the doubts add fuel to that.” Howard suffered a laceration on his right forearm last Friday but will definitely play in the opener.

TV: 10:30 p.m. ET, TNT

LINE HISTORY: Bet365 opened the Rockets as 6-point road favorites and the total at 213.

POWER RANKINGS: Rockets (-11.9) - Lakers (-3) + home court (-3.0) = Rockets -5.9

ABOUT THE ROCKETS (2013-14: 54-28 SU, 40-40-2 ATS): One of Houston’s key players last season – small forward Chandler Parsons – signed with Dallas as a free agent and the Rockets signed Trevor Ariza (14.4 scoring average in 2013-14) to replace him. Point guard Patrick Beverley had a strong late-season surge to solidify his spot and power forward Terrence Jones is on the rise but coach Kevin McHale doesn’t mince words when it comes to who carries the team. “For us to have the type of year we need to have,” McHale told reporters. “James Harden and Dwight Howard are going to have to play at an all-pro level night-in and night-out for us.”

ABOUT THE LAKERS (2013-14: 27-55 SU, 40-40-2 ATS): Instead of Steve Nash – who is out for the season with a back injury -- at the point, it will be Jeremy Lin, who averaged 12.5 points and 4.1 assists last season for Houston before being shipped to Los Angeles in the offseason. Lin lost his starting gig with the Rockets to Beverley and the matchup figures to be one to watch closely. Among the new Los Angeles players are veteran big man Carlos Boozer and impressive rookie Julius Randle, the seventh overall draft in the draft.

TRENDS:

* Over is 7-1 in the last eight meetings in Los Angeles.
* Favorite is 7-1 ATS in the last eight meetings.
* Rockets are 10-4 ATS in the last 14 meetings.

CONSENSUS: According to Consensus, 59 percent of wagers are backing the visiting Rockets.

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**Udog** · 10-28-2014, 08:25 AM

30 key betting notes for 30 NBA teams

The landscape of the NBA looks much different heading into the 2014-15 campaign. After spending four years in South Beach, LeBron James makes his triumphant return to Cleveland thanks to a severe case of homesickness and the will to bring a long-awaited championship to Northeast Ohio - and he brought some old (and new) friends with him.

If you need some last-minute betting info - and need it now - we have the answer. Here's a look at 30 key betting tidbits for all 30 NBA squads.

Atlantic Division

Boston Celtics (2013-14: 25-57 SU, 39-41-2 ATS)

Boston is still probably at least a year or two away from contending for a playoff spot. On most nights, backing the Celtics will likely turn out to be a lesson in frustration. Avery Bradley and Jared Sullinger made positive strides a year ago, but can they live up to higher expectations in 2014? If they can't, it could be another long year in Beantown.

Philadelphia 76ers (2013-14: 19-63 SU, 36-46 ATS)

Everyone is expecting the tank project to continue, and that will undoubtedly lead to inflated lines on a nightly basis. It's easy to forget that the Sixers had last year's Rookie of the Year in Michael Carter-Williams. He wasn't the only young talented player that emerged in Philly. The building blocks are in place for the Sixers to at least play competitive basketball, even if wins might be difficult to come by.

Toronto Raptors (2013-14: 48-34 SU, 46-33-3 ATS)

Could a letdown be in order? The Raptors aren't exactly accustomed to success as a franchise, and there's some concern that we'll see a hangover from last spring's disappointing series loss to the Nets. Kyle Lowry signed a big contract in the offseason, but will he be able to live up to the lofty expectations? Simply put, Toronto could be set up to fail this season.

Brooklyn Nets (2013-14: 44-38 SU, 42-40 ATS)

An injection of youth can't hurt a team that certainly looked old at times a year ago. New head coach Lionel Hollins is an upgrade over Jason Kidd. In fact, Hollins looks like an excellent fit to get the most out of this roster. Jarrett Jack could prove to be an underrated offseason pick-up.

New York Knicks (2013-14: 37-45 SU, 38-44 ATS)

Haven't we heard all of this optimism in Manhattan before? The Knicks have disappointed year after year, and who's to say that this is the campaign that breaks the cycle. Carmelo doesn't have a standout supporting cast around him, and the Knicks still seem to get everyone's best shot at Madison Square Garden.

Central Division

Chicago Bulls (2013-14: 48-34 SU, 41-40-1 ATS)

Chicago is loaded with talent, and they have a coach in Tom Thibodeau that gets the most out of his players. With a healthy Derrick Rose, the Bulls have the potential to make a run at the title. Chicago added Pau Gasol, Aaron Brooks, Doug McDermott, and Nikola Mirotic who will bolster Chicago’s offense. The Bulls always bring their defense under Thibodeau, and if the team avoids the injury bug, Chicago will be one of the best teams in the NBA this season.

Cleveland Cavaliers (2013-14: 33-49 SU, 40-42 ATS)

LeBron James. One player makes a huge impact in the NBA, and the Cavaliers go from an also-ran to a championship contender with the return of LeBron. Cleveland also added Kevin Love who completes the most formidable duo in the NBA this season. And with future superstar Kyrie Irving forming an unmatched trio, there’s no question the Cavaliers are the best team on paper coming into this season.

Detroit Pistons (2013-14: 29-53 SU, 35-46-1 ATS)

New head coach Stan Van Gundy is a huge upgrade over the poor Detroit coaching staff of last season. Gundy’s presence alone will boost the Pistons by more than a few wins. Detroit also has one of the best young frontcourts in the league, led by Andre Drummond. The Pistons underachieved last season, but with a solid nucleus and good coaching, Detroit could easily eclipse the 40-win mark this season.

Indiana Pacers (2013-14: 56-26 SU, 38-43-1 ATS)

The team lost Lance Stephenson to free agency, and Paul George suffered a gruesome leg injury over the summer while playing for Team USA. That leaves Indiana minus their best two players on both ends of the court. The Pacers only scored 96.7 points per game last season, and with 36.2 points per game now missing, Indiana will have a terrible offense this season.

Milwaukee Bucks (2013-14: 15-67 SU, 36-45-1 ATS)

The team has solid building blocks in place, but they are still years away from competing for a playoff spot. Youth doesn’t win in the NBA, and since Milwaukee is one of the youngest teams in the league, they don’t project to have much success right away.

Southeast Division

Washington Wizards (2013-14: 43-38 SU, 42-38-1 ATS)

With Bradley Beal and John Wall, the Wizards have one of the best backcourts in the NBA. Dion Waiters might think otherwise, but I think Beal hit the nail on the head in his reply to Waiters when the two had a war of words on Twitter a few weeks back: "you gotta win a playoff game first before you can talk. You gotta be a starter first." The signing of Marcin Gortat gives Washington one of the best centers in the Eastern Conference for five more years, and at 29 years old the Polish Hammer is in the prime of his career.

Miami Heat (2013-14: 54-27 SU, 37-42-2 ATS)

Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade have a lot to prove this year, and both players have welcomed the challenge. While Luol Deng won't replace LeBron James, he still gives the Heat a formidable Big Three. The biggest thing this team might have going for it, is that they should be hungrier this year.

Atlanta Hawks (2013-14: 38-44 SU, 37-43-1 ATS)

The bad news for Atlanta is that while they hope to be better, the competition in the East is going to be much tougher than it was last year, and 38 wins isn't likely going to be enough to get into the playoffs. The Hawks did little in the off-season to address their shortcomings on the boards. Altanta ranked 28th in the NBA averaging 40 rebounds per game last season.

Charlotte Hornets (2013-14: 43-39 SU, 46-32-3 ATS)

This appears to be a young team on the rise, coming off an inspiring post-season appearance last year. They acquired Lance Stephenson via free agency, and Noah Vonleh in the draft. Veteran Al Jefferson was a nice fit last season, averaging over 20 points and 10 boards, for his best season since 2009. He has a solid supporting cast with Kemba Walker, Gerald Henderson and Cody Zeller all young players with their best years ahead of them.

Orlando Magic (2013-14: 23-59 SU, 34-44-4 ATS)

This team is clearly in a rebuilding stage, and nothing they did this summer would suggest that they have any intentions of competing this season. The plan for the future likely involves getting one of the top picks in the 2015 draft, and winning more than 28 games would put a wrinkle in that plan.

Northwest Division

Oklahoma City Thunder (2013-14: 59-23 SU, 43-37-2 ATS)

Even with Kevin Durant sidelined, the Thunder are still one of the most talented teams in the Western Conference. They have the pedigree to take another run at the conference crown, and will certainly be highly motivated after an ugly exit at the hands of the Spurs in the 2013-14 postseason. With Durant worth a few points on the spread all on his own, we could see some value open up, particularly early in the season.

Utah Jazz (2013-14: 25-57 SU, 33-43-6 ATS)

The cupboard is by no means bare for first year head coach Quin Snyder. It's a youthful roster, but not one that's short on talent. If the trio of Gordon Hayward, Alec Burks and Trey Burke can play to their capabilities, the Jazz could surprise or at the very least avoid another embarrassing finish. Thanks to posting a conference-low 25 wins last year, expectations are extremely low and that could work in Utah's favor from a betting perspective.

Portland Trail Blazers (2013-14: 54-28 SU, 44-38 ATS)

The injury to Kevin Durant could put a little extra hop in the Blazers step, as they have to feel they have a legitimate shot at stealing the division. Portland's bench held it back last year but the Blazers did make a couple of moves to improve that area, adding Chris Kaman and Steve Blake. Baby steps. The oddsmakers are expecting some regression, but on a game-to-game basis, Portland should still manage to record an above .500 ATS mark.

Denver Nuggets (2013-14: 36-46 SU, 39-43 ATS)

Even if the Nuggets stay healthy, there's no guarantee they can slip past any of the playoff incumbents in the West. Denver doesn't seem to have the same home-court advantage it once enjoyed and injuries can't be entirely to blame. Will there be a chemistry issue with so many players in and out of the lineup a year ago?

Minnesota Timberwolves (2013-14: 40-42 SU, 39-43 ATS)

The West might just provide a little too much heavy lifting for a team that is looking toward the future. Flip Saunders isn't the answer as head coach of this young squad. Things could get ugly in a hurry at the defensive end of the floor and the offense will take time to gel. To put it simply, there are too many questions and not enough answers right now.

Pacific Division

Golden State Warriors (2013-14: 51-31 SU, 41-38-3 ATS)

Golden State’s roster looks identical to last season when they won 51 games. The Warriors did add Shaun Livingston, Brandon Rush, and Leandro Barbosa to bolster their depth on the second unit. Golden State’s defense will be one of the best in the NBA with the hire of assistant coach Ron Adams who is a defensive wizard.

Los Angeles Clippers (2013-14: 57-25 SU, 46-35-1 ATS)

Los Angeles is one of a handful of teams with a legitimate shot at winning the NBA championship this season. The Clippers have a formidable duo in Chris Paul and Blake Griffin, and they got rid of some dead weight and brought in productive second unit players. Doc Rivers is one of the best coaches in the league, and his second year in LA should be better than the first.

Los Angeles Lakers (2013-14: 27-55 SU, 40-40-2 ATS)

This team is in desperate need of an overhaul. Los Angeles is old and slow, and the veterans are injury prone. The Lakers’ defense projects to be terrible this season, and since they do not possess an offense that can out-score opponents on a regular basis, it’s hard to envision much success this season. The Lakers will be hard-pressed to crack 30 wins overall.

Phoenix Suns (2013-14: 48-34 SU, 52-29-1 ATS)

Phoenix was the biggest surprise team in the NBA last season when they won 48 games as their season Over/Under win total was just 19.5 games. The Suns won’t be sneaking up on opponents this season, so don’t expect a repeat of many upsets like last year. Phoenix plays with a small lineup, so they are at a major disadvantage inside the paint. The Suns’ defense is also a liability now with the departure of Channing Frye.

Sacramento Kings (2013-14: 28-54 SU, 37-42-3 ATS)

Sacramento has a tremendous head coach in Mike Malone, and with DeMarcus Cousins and Rudy Gay, the Kings have some good pieces to work with. They underachieved last season, and they lost of a lot of close games. The Kings are better than perceived, so they may prove to be a tough out this season.

Southwest Division

San Antonio Spurs (2013-2014: 62-20 SU)

San Antonio breezed through the regular season finishing with the league's best record last year (62-20). The Spurs are a disciplined team and very well coached under Gregg Popovich. They haven't won less than 58 games in a full season since they win 50 in 2009-2010.

New Orleans Pelicans (2013-2014: 34-48 SU)

They have one of the brightest young stars in the league in Anthony Davis. The 21 year old led the team in scoring averaging over 20 points and 10 rebounds. He also led the entire league in blocked shots. He'll have a little more help this year with Omar Asik coming over from Houston, and Jrue Holliday back from injury.

Dallas Mavericks (2013-2014: 49-33 SU)

They may have too many players on the wrong side of 30. Chandler Parsons and Monta Ellis are the only two players under 30 that will log any significant minutes this season.

Houston Rockets (2013-2014: 54-28 SU)

They lost Chandler Parsons via free agency and let Jeremy Lin go to the Lakers. Omar Asik has moved on to New Orleans, and overall this team hasn't done enough to replace the talent that it lost.

Memphis Grizzlies (2013-2014: 50-32 SU)

Memphis got off to a slow start last year, partly due to injuries. The Grizzlies finished the season strong, winning 50 games and making the playoffs. The Grizz gave the Thunder a run for their money in the first round of the playoffs, but came up short in Game 7

**Udog** · 10-28-2014, 09:47 AM

Armadillo: Tuesday's six-pack

Six of the more interesting football games this coming weekend.......

-- Florida State @ Louisville-- Seminoles better come ready to play.

-- Auburn @ Ole Miss-- Rebels trying to bounce back from first loss.

-- Stanford @ Oregon-- Cardinal beat Oregon 26-20/17-14 last two years.

-- Indiana @ Michigan-- How bad are Hoosiers to be +7 here?

-- Arizona @ UCLA-- Bruins one of country's most disappointing teams.

-- TCU @ West Virginia-- Mountaineers beat Baylor here two weeks ago.

**********

Armadillo: Tuesday's List of 13: Doing some thinking out loud......

13) Selfishly, I’m hoping Joe Maddon doesn’t manage next season and works on ESPN baseball telecasts; you never know for sure, but I’m guessing Maddon would be television gold.

12) Sports books in Las Vegas opened at 6am Sunday to accommodate people who might want to bet on the ridiculously early Lion-Falcon game from London. I love watching football, but it doesn’t need to be on 24 hours a day. People need time to sleep.

11) Odd fact: both punters in the Ole Miss-LSU game Saturday night are from Australia. I’m pretty sure LSU’s last three punters were all from Down Under.

10) Kentucky QB Patrick Towles is the grandson of Hall of Fame pitcher Jim Bunning; Gary Danielson was adamant Saturday when he said he thinks Towles will be a good NFL QB.

9) NFC South standings: :
Carolina 3-4-1, Saints 3-4, Falcons 2-6, Bucs 2-6. Not much to endorse there.

8) Ben Roethlisberger threw for 522 yards Sunday, so whenever we see highlights of that game in years to come, we’ll see the God-awful Steeler throwback uniforms, which look like prison garb. Does anyone buy those?

7) Because it is never too early to gamble, here are odds to win '15 World Series:
Dodgers/Nationals 6-1,
Tigers/Angels 8-1,
Royals/Orioles 14-1,
Cardinals/Giants 16-1.

6) TCU scored 82 points Saturday, causing the school to run thru its entire stash of fireworks that they were supposed to use the rest of this season whenever the Frogs score a touchdown.

5) Somehow Notre Dame has suckered NBC into throwing money at them to televise their home football games; even more bizarre was BYU’s decision to also be an independent in football, so they wouldn’t have to share any BCS-football money that they earned.

One small problem; BYU ain’t Notre Dame. Their QB got hurt last month, now they lose every week- they’ll be lucky to get to any bowl. BYU should’ve stayed in the Mountain West.

4) Detroit Lions got back from their London trip at 1:15 Monday morning; they’re on the post-London bye now, but some of those coaches probably went right in the office and started watching film of their next opponent.

3) Packer-Saint game Sunday night got better TV ratings than Game 5 of World Series; MLB continues to pay for shoving Red Sox-Bronx down our throats during the regular season. Other teams make the World Series, less people care, since they don't know those teams, having never seen them during the season

2) Jerry Jones finished his live interview on Monday Night Football just before Tony Romo got hurt and left the game; would've been some interesting live TV had Jones still been miked when Romo got hurt.

1) If you bet the Super Bowl blindly today, line is AFC -3 over the NFC.

Announcement

Tuesday's NBA and NCAAB Trends and Indexes - 10/28

Tuesday's NBA and NCAAB Trends and Indexes - 10/28

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