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**Udog** · 01-25-2016, 08:15 AM

Armadillo: Monday's six-pack

Top six relief pitchers in saves LY.......

6) Craig Kimbrel, SD-- 39

5) Huston Street, LAA-- 40

4) Brad Boxberger, TB-- 41

3) Jeurys Familia, NYM-- 43

2) Trevor Rosenthal, StL-- 48

1) Mark Melancon, Pitt-- 51

**********

Armadillo: Monday's List of 13: Wrapping up a sports weekend.........

13) Broncos 20, Patriots 18-- Peyton Manning is 6-9 in his first playoff game of the year, 5-1 in his second one. His commercials will be all over TV long after we are dead and buried. Would be interesting to see his tax returns.

This will be Denver's 8th Super Bowl, under five different head coaches.

12) Panthers 49, Cardinals 15-- Carolina gets to its second Super Bowl; its coach the last time was John Fox, who was Denver's head coach until he was replaced by Gary Kubiak two years ago. Panthers are listed as a 4-point favorite.

To nitwit owners who fire coaches every two years: Ron Rivera was 13-19 in his first two years with the Panthers. Some teams would've fired him then.

11) Sunday's highlight for me was having dinner at a bar, watching the Carolina game and listening to three women to my right talking about how one of their friends married a guy, while he was still in jail. None of my business, but it begs the question......

What do you get the happy couple as a wedding present?

10) Temple 89, SMU 80-- Last unbeaten goes down. Owls made a season-high 14 3's in a game pushed back a day by snow. Question for Mustangs now is their motivation for the rest of the regular season, since there is no postseason for them.

9) Providence 82, Villanova 76 OT-- Rough day to be favored in Philly, as Wildcats got beat by Friars in the best game of the day. Having been in Philly a few times, I have no idea where they put 22 inches of snow, which they had this weekend.

8) Carolina Panthers' owner Jerry Richardson is first owner since George Halas who also played in the NFL; he has been the recipient of a heart transplant, too.

7) San Diego State Aztecs' hoop team is 19-2 in its last 21 overtime games.

6) Bad Beat of Weekend, Month, Year???-- Northern Kentucky 82, Ill-Chicago 69, in overtime. UIC was a 12.5-point underdog; you get 12.5 points and game goes to OT, you're not happy but you figure you still will win- not so fast. Flames are still winless against D-I teams this season.

5) I swear I heard this right on Golf Channel last night: Jordan Spieth gets $1.3M just for showing up and playing at the Malaysian Open this coming week. Not $1.3M if he wins, $1.3M just for showing up. Oy.

4) Since 2000, Utah State's basketball team has the 6th-best winning %age in the whole country-- never would've guessed that.

3) If you care about such things, in the United Arab Emirates, the weekend is Friday, Saturday, not Saturday./Sunday. Go figure.

2) Cleveland Cavaliers were 97-215 in four years that Lebron James was in Miami; they're 83-41 since he came back.

1) Was glad that ESPN showed Stephen Curry 90 minutes before his game Friday night, doing ballhandling drills and practicing his craft. Thats why he is so good, he works his ass off at it. Kids need to realize that practicing skills improves your game more than playing in actual games does.

**Udog** · 01-25-2016, 08:15 AM

NFL oddsmakers have Panthers favored for Super Bowl 50 after impressive win

Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers have opened as clear favorites for Super Bowl 50 after a 49-15 drubbing of Arizona in the NFC title game.

The Carolina Panthers and the Denver Broncos, both No. 1 seeds, have made it to historic Super Bowl 50. But it sure feels like that old bit on “Sesame Street,” doesn’t it?

“One of these things is not like the other. One of these things just doesn’t belong.”

Carolina, the top team all season long in the NFC, sure looked like all that and more on a Sunday that couldn’t have featured a larger dichotomy of conference championship games. One game was an absolute blowout, the other an ugly nailbiter right down to the wire.

The Panthers led No. 2 seed Arizona 17-0 by the end of the first quarter and never let off the accelerator, boatracing the Cardinals 49-15 as a 3-point home chalk in the NFC title game. Carolina is now a robust 17-1 SU, with a stout 13-5 ATS mark to go with it heading into the Super Bowl on Feb. 7 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif.

Waiting for the Panthers will be the Denver Broncos, who slogged to a 20-18 victory over No. 2 seed New England, getting the outright win as a 3-point home underdog in AFC final. After leading 17-9 at halftime and looking somewhat capable on offense behind Peyton Manning, Denver mustered just three second-half points, yet somehow managed to beat the defending Super Bowl champions.

The Pats got a late TD to make it 20-18, but the 2-point try failed, as a missed extra point early in the game came back to haunt New England big time. The Broncos, riding a defense that has been as amazing as the offense has been dismal, are 14-4 SU and 10-8 ATS.

John Lester, senior lines manager for Bookmaker.eu, set the line at Panthers -4.

“You’ve got the top-ranked defense in the league against the most dazzling offense we’ve seen in years. Hopefully, this matchup will live up to the Super Bowl 50 aura,” Lester said. “Bettors have been down on Denver all year, so we felt comfortable making Carolina a favorite higher than -3.

“It’s likely we’ll see many of the very recreational bettors backing Denver because of the Peyton Manning legacy. Everyone wants to see him ride off into the sunset.”

Johnny Avello, executive director of race and sports for Wynn Las Vegas, didn’t let Carolina’s performance sway him quite as much, opening the Panthers as 3.5-point chalk.

“I was thinking 3 at halftime of the Carolina game, but the Panthers’ play has elevated my and the bettors’ appreciation of them,” Avello said. “It’s a neutral site, and Peyton Manning is the opponent, along with the top defense, so I didn’t want to get too carried away. But the Panthers have been fast starters in their games as of late and difficult to slow down.”

Jay Kornegay, executive vice president of race and sports for the Westgate’s Superbook, said his shop got an early jump by posting a line well before the Carolina-Arizona game ended.

“We put Carolina up at -5.5, and it was quickly bet down,” Kornegay said. “We took some larger plays on Denver, and now Carolina is down to -4.”

The Wynn posted a total of 45.5, while the Superbook was at 44.5. Up next for those shops and many others: Super Bowl proposition bets.

“The line’s up, and it’s on to the props,” Avello said.

**Udog** · 01-25-2016, 08:18 AM

NCAAB
Dunkel

Monday, January 25

Duke @ Miami (Fla.)

Game 519-520
January 25, 2016 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Duke
73.420
Miami (Fla.)
72.279
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Duke
by 1
146
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Miami (Fla.)
by 3
154 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Duke
(+3); Under

Penn State @ Ohio State

Game 521-522
January 25, 2016 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Penn State
60.961
Ohio State
65.382
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Ohio State
by 4 1/2
135
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Ohio State
by 8 1/2
139
Dunkel Pick:
Penn State
(+8 1/2); Under

Detroit @ Green Bay

Game 523-524
January 25, 2016 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Detroit
49.223
Green Bay
56.169
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Green Bay
by 7
187
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Green Bay
by 5 1/2
181
Dunkel Pick:
Green Bay
(-5 1/2); Over

Oakland @ Wisconsin-Milwaukee

Game 525-526
January 25, 2016 @ 9:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Oakland
56.193
Wisconsin-Milwauk
61.545
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Wisconsin-Milwauk
by 5 1/2
170
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Wisconsin-Milwauk
by 3
163
Dunkel Pick:
Wisconsin-Milwauk
(-3); Over

Kansas @ Iowa State

Game 529-530
January 25, 2016 @ 9:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Kansas
70.131
Iowa State
73.891
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Iowa State
by 4
168
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Iowa State
by 1 1/2
164
Dunkel Pick:
Iowa State
(-1 1/2); Over

Furman @ VMI

Game 531-532
January 25, 2016 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Furman
47.533
VMI
43.919
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Furman
by 3 1/2
130
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Furman
by 5 1/2
133 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
VMI
(+5 1/2); Under

Alabama A&M @ Southern

Game 533-534
January 25, 2016 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Alabama A&M
40.278
Southern
44.828
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Southern
by 4 1/2
134
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Southern
by 7
141
Dunkel Pick:
Alabama A&M
(+7); Under

Lafayette @ Bucknell

Game 535-536
January 25, 2016 @ 7:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Lafayette
39.172
Bucknell
52.742
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Bucknell
by 13 1/2
156
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Bucknell
by 15 1/2
161 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Lafayette
(+15 1/2); Under

Davidson @ Richmond

Game 537-538
January 25, 2016 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Davidson
55.518
Richmond
59.109
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Richmond
by 3 1/2
165
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Richmond
by 7
174
Dunkel Pick:
Davidson
(+7); Under

Manhattan @ St. Peter's

Game 867-868
January 25, 2016 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Manhattan
52.648
St. Peter's
60.432
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
St. Peter's
by 8
137
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
St. Peter's
by 5
129
Dunkel Pick:
St. Peter's
(-5); Over

Georgia Southern @ Appalachian State

Game 539-540
January 25, 2016 @ 6:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Georgia Southern
47.918
Appalachian State
55.543
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Appalachian State
by 7 1/2
153
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Appalachian State
by 3
148 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Appalachian State
(-3); Over

**Udog** · 01-25-2016, 08:18 AM

NCAAB
Long Sheet

Monday, January 25

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

DUKE (15 - 5) at MIAMI (15 - 3) - 1/25/2016, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MIAMI is 27-11 ATS (+14.9 Units) after failing to cover the spread in 3 or more consecutive games since 1997.
MIAMI is 82-54 ATS (+22.6 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game since 1997.
DUKE is 34-23 ATS (+8.7 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
DUKE is 34-23 ATS (+8.7 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
DUKE is 91-63 ATS (+21.7 Units) in January games since 1997.
DUKE is 19-10 ATS (+8.0 Units) after scoring 80 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
DUKE is 31-18 ATS (+11.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
DUKE is 18-8 ATS (+9.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 42-64 ATS (-28.4 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
MIAMI is 1-1 against the spread versus DUKE over the last 3 seasons
MIAMI is 1-1 straight up against DUKE over the last 3 seasons
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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PENN ST (11 - 9) at OHIO ST (12 - 8) - 1/25/2016, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OHIO ST is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) in a home game where the total is 135 to 139.5 over the last 2 seasons.

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

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

DETROIT (9 - 9) at WI-GREEN BAY (12 - 8) - 1/25/2016, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WI-GREEN BAY is 0-7 ATS (-7.7 Units) in home games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 77+ points/game since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
WI-GREEN BAY is 3-1 against the spread versus DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
WI-GREEN BAY is 4-0 straight up against DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

OAKLAND (12 - 8) at WI-MILWAUKEE (14 - 6) - 1/25/2016, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WI-MILWAUKEE is 180-137 ATS (+29.3 Units) against conference opponents since 1997.
WI-MILWAUKEE is 175-134 ATS (+27.6 Units) after a conference game since 1997.
OAKLAND is 11-4 ATS (+6.6 Units) in all games this season.
OAKLAND is 11-4 ATS (+6.6 Units) in all lined games this season.
OAKLAND is 20-7 ATS (+12.3 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 7-1 ATS (+5.9 Units) in road games this season.
OAKLAND is 7-1 ATS (+5.9 Units) in road lined games this season.
OAKLAND is 40-20 ATS (+18.0 Units) in road games against conference opponents since 1997.
OAKLAND is 43-21 ATS (+19.9 Units) in road games after a conference game since 1997.
OAKLAND is 32-11 ATS (+19.9 Units) in road games off a win against a conference rival since 1997.
OAKLAND is 12-3 ATS (+8.7 Units) in road games after scoring 80 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 7-1 ATS (+5.9 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
WI-MILWAUKEE is 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game over the last 3 seasons.

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

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

KANSAS (16 - 3) at IOWA ST (15 - 4) - 1/25/2016, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
KANSAS is 7-17 ATS (-11.7 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games over the last 3 seasons.
IOWA ST is 25-4 ATS (+20.6 Units) as a home favorite of 3 points or less or pick since 1997.
IOWA ST is 86-60 ATS (+20.0 Units) in home games after a conference game since 1997.
IOWA ST is 29-15 ATS (+12.5 Units) in home games off a win against a conference rival since 1997.
IOWA ST is 220-170 ATS (+33.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
IOWA ST is 66-39 ATS (+23.1 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games since 1997.

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

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

FURMAN (10 - 10) at VMI (6 - 11) - 1/25/2016, 7:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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

ALABAMA A&M (6 - 9) at SOUTHERN U (13 - 7) - 1/25/2016, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ALABAMA A&M is 6-16 ATS (-11.6 Units) in all games since 1997.
ALABAMA A&M is 6-16 ATS (-11.6 Units) in all lined games since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
ALABAMA A&M is 1-0 against the spread versus SOUTHERN U over the last 3 seasons
SOUTHERN U is 5-0 straight up against ALABAMA A&M over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

LAFAYETTE (5 - 13) at BUCKNELL (10 - 9) - 1/25/2016, 7:30 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
LAFAYETTE is 1-0 against the spread versus BUCKNELL over the last 3 seasons
LAFAYETTE is 3-2 straight up against BUCKNELL over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

DAVIDSON (11 - 6) at RICHMOND (10 - 7) - 1/25/2016, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DAVIDSON is 2-8 ATS (-6.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
DAVIDSON is 23-9 ATS (+13.1 Units) in road games over the last 3 seasons.
DAVIDSON is 23-9 ATS (+13.1 Units) in road lined games over the last 3 seasons.
DAVIDSON is 18-8 ATS (+9.2 Units) against conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
DAVIDSON is 17-8 ATS (+8.2 Units) after a conference game over the last 2 seasons.
DAVIDSON is 36-17 ATS (+17.3 Units) off a loss against a conference rival since 1997.
DAVIDSON is 79-46 ATS (+28.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games since 1997.
RICHMOND is 8-20 ATS (-14.0 Units) as a home favorite of 6.5 to 9 points since 1997.
RICHMOND is 7-18 ATS (-12.8 Units) in home games after scoring 80 points or more since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
RICHMOND is 1-1 against the spread versus DAVIDSON over the last 3 seasons
RICHMOND is 1-1 straight up against DAVIDSON over the last 3 seasons
2 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

GA SOUTHERN (6 - 11) at APPALACHIAN ST (5 - 13) - 1/25/2016, 6:30 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
GA SOUTHERN is 2-1 against the spread versus APPALACHIAN ST over the last 3 seasons
GA SOUTHERN is 2-1 straight up against APPALACHIAN ST over the last 3 seasons
3 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

MANHATTAN (8 - 10) at ST PETERS (8 - 9) - 1/25/2016, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ST PETERS is 10-3 ATS (+6.7 Units) in all games this season.
ST PETERS is 10-3 ATS (+6.7 Units) in all lined games this season.
ST PETERS is 7-1 ATS (+5.9 Units) against conference opponents this season.
MANHATTAN is 45-27 ATS (+15.3 Units) in road games in January games since 1997.
MANHATTAN is 24-12 ATS (+10.8 Units) off a win against a conference rival over the last 3 seasons.
ST PETERS is 58-88 ATS (-38.8 Units) in all home games since 1997.
ST PETERS is 58-88 ATS (-38.8 Units) in home lined games since 1997.
ST PETERS is 24-42 ATS (-22.2 Units) in home games in January games since 1997.
ST PETERS is 46-68 ATS (-28.8 Units) in home games after a conference game since 1997.
ST PETERS is 23-47 ATS (-28.7 Units) in home games off a loss against a conference rival since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
MANHATTAN is 6-0 against the spread versus ST PETERS over the last 3 seasons
MANHATTAN is 6-0 straight up against ST PETERS over the last 3 seasons
3 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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**Udog** · 01-25-2016, 08:20 AM

NCAAB
Armadillo's Write-Up

Monday, January 25

Duke is 2-3 in its last five games with Miami; road team won four of last six series games. Blue Devils are 3-2 in last five visits here; they snapped 3-game skid Saturday at NC State, are 2-4 in games decided by less than 10 points. Miami is 3-0 at home in ACC, winning by 13-13-14 points; Hurricanes are 7-2 vs top 100 teams, but lost last two ACC home faves of 5 or less points are 3-5 against the spread.

Ohio State is 19-2 in its last 21 games with Penn State, winning eight of last nine here; both PSU wins came two years ago. Buckeyes lost three of last four games, but are 3-0 at home in Big 14, winning by 15-2-26 points. Lions are 1-3 on Big 14 road, losing by 6-23-17 points, with a win at Northwestern, their only win in eight top 100 games. Big 14 single digit home favorites are 10-8 vs spread.

Green Bay won its last four games with Detroit, winning 62-52/96-76 in last two played here; Phoenix lost three of its last four Horizon games, giving up 91.3 ppg- they're playing at #2 tempo in country, forcing TOs 22% of time, but they lost 111-95 to Oakland Saturday. Detroit lost its last four games, with last three losses all by 4 or less points. Horizon home favorites of 8 or less points are 4-6 vs spread.

Milwaukee won three of last four games with Oakland, winning two at home 86-64/84-67; Panthers won five of last six games, winning last two at home by 9-3 points. Oakland won three of last four games, winning last two on road. Milwaukee's eFG% defense is #226, bad news against Oakland team that shoots 38.7% on arc. Horizon home teams are 1-6 vs spread in games where spread was less than 5 points.

Iowa State won three of last four games with Kansas, beating Jayhawks in last two Big X tourneys; Kansas split last four visits here, losing LY 86-81. Cyclones won last three games (two on road); they won two of three Big X home games- all three were decided by 7 or less points. Big X favorites are 9-3 vs spread in games where spread was less than five points. Kansas lost last two road games, at West Virginia, Okla State.

VMI swept Furman LY, by 10-34 points; Keydets snapped five-game skid in last game Thursday- they're 3-11 vs D-I teams, with three wins vs non-D-I teams. VMI split two SoCom home games, losing by 4 to Wofford. Furman is 0-3 on SoCon road, losing by 1-4-3 points- its last three games overall were decided by total of eight points.. SoCon home underdogs are 7-4 against the spread.

Home side won both Davidson-Richmond games LY, in their first year as A-14 rivals; Wildcats lost 89-63 here, after winning 81-67 at home in first meeting. Davidson lost last five road games, losing three A-14 road tilts by 12-6-9 points, allowing 91 ppg. Richmond has been off for nine days since OT loss to crosstown rival VCU; Spiders lost four of last six games overall. A-14 home favorites of 6+ points are 11-7 vs spread.

Georgia Southern swept Appalachian State 83-46/77-58 LY in their first year as Sun Belt rivals. Eagles are 0-3 on Sun Belt road, losing by 14-20-3 points- two of their last four games went OT. ASU won three of last four games, beating Txas State/Georgia State in last two home tilts. Sun Belt home favorites of 5 or less points are 4-4 vs spread. ASU turns ball over 23% of time, 7th-worst in country.

Manhattan won its last 11 games with St Peter's, winning last four here; Jaspers are 7-3 in last ten games after a 1-7 start; they're 1-2 on road in MAAC, with only win at Canisius- their last seven games were decided by 8 or less points. St. Peter's is 6-2 in MAAC, winning both games at home by 4-9 points. MAAC home favorites of 6 or less points are 1-7 vs spread. Peacocks' MAAC opponents shoot just 41% inside the arc.

**Udog** · 01-25-2016, 08:20 AM

NCAAB

Monday, January 25

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

7:00 PM
FURMAN vs. VMI
Furman is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against VMI
Furman is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
No trends available

7:00 PM
PENN STATE vs. OHIO STATE
Penn State is 1-13 SU in its last 14 games when playing on the road against Ohio State
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Penn State's last 7 games when playing on the road against Ohio State
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Ohio State's last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 16 of Ohio State's last 23 games at home

7:00 PM
DAVIDSON vs. RICHMOND
Davidson is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Davidson is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Richmond's last 6 games
Richmond is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games at home

7:00 PM
DUKE vs. MIAMI
Duke is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Duke's last 8 games on the road
Miami is 4-13 SU in its last 17 games when playing Duke
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Miami's last 7 games when playing at home against Duke

8:00 PM
DETROIT vs. WISC-GREEN BAY
Detroit is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 12 of Detroit's last 15 games on the road
Wisc-Green Bay is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Detroit
Wisc-Green Bay is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Detroit

9:00 PM
KANSAS vs. IOWA STATE
Kansas is 9-2 SU in its last 11 games when playing on the road against Iowa State
Kansas is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Iowa State is 20-5 SU in its last 25 games
Iowa State is 10-2 SU in its last 12 games at home

9:00 PM
OAKLAND vs. WISC-MILWAUKEE
Oakland is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Wisc-Milwaukee is 12-4 SU in its last 16 games at home
Wisc-Milwaukee is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games

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

**Udog** · 01-25-2016, 08:22 AM

NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up

Monday, January 25

Monday's hot teams
-- Celtics/Wizards both won five of last seven games; Boston is 1-5 last 6AU, Washington is 5-9HF.
-- Memphis won four of its last five games (6-2 last 8HF).
-- Rockets won seven of their last ten games. New Orleans won five of its last six games.
-- Denver is 4-3 in its last seven games, all at home (7-2-1 last ten HU).
-- Sacramento won/covered its last five games (7-7HF). Hornets won three of last four games (8-7AU).
-- Spurs won their last 14 games (0-1AU). Golden State won 11 of its last 13 games (3-6 last 9HF).

Cold teams
-- Cavaliers split their last six games (9-8HF). Minnesota lost eight of last ten games (2-7 last 9AU).
-- Orlando lost nine of its last ten games (0-4 last 4AU).
-- Miami lost seven of its last eight games (4-8AU). Chicago lost six of its last nine games (8-13HF).
-- Pistons lost five of their last seven games (4-7 last 11AU). Utah lost four of its last six games (6-4 last 10HF).
-- Hawks lost four of last five road games (3-8 last 11AF).

Series records
-- Cavaliers won their last three games with Minnesota.
-- Celtics won their last three games with Washington.
-- Grizzlies won their last eight games with Orlando.
-- Bulls won three of last four games with Miami.
-- Rockets won three of last four games with New Orleans.
-- Jazz won six of last eight games with Detroit.
-- Nuggets are 7-3 in last ten games with Atlanta; home team won last seven series games.
-- Kings are 5-3 in their last eight games with Charlotte.
-- Spurs won eight of last nine games with Golden State.

Totals
-- Three of last four Minnesota-Cleveland games went over.
-- Five of last six Celtic games went over the total.
-- Last seven Memphis games went over the total.
-- Last five Chicago-Miami games stayed under.
-- Five of last seven Rocket-Pelican games stayed under.
-- Five of last seven Detroit games went over the total.
-- Last five Atlanta games stayed under the total; five of last six Denver games went over.
-- Five of last six Sacramento games stayed under total.
-- Six of last eight Spur-Warrior games stayed under total.

Back/backs
-- Boston is 6-4 vs spread if it played night before.
-- Houston is 4-7 vs spread if it played night before.

**Udog** · 01-25-2016, 08:22 AM

NBA

Monday, January 25

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Report
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7:00 PM
BOSTON vs. WASHINGTON
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Boston's last 12 games when playing Washington
Boston is 12-5 SU in its last 17 games when playing Washington
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Washington's last 11 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Washington's last 5 games when playing at home against Boston

7:00 PM
MINNESOTA vs. CLEVELAND
Minnesota is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Cleveland
Minnesota is 4-9 ATS in its last 13 games
Cleveland is 11-3 SU in its last 14 games
Cleveland is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Minnesota

8:00 PM
MIAMI vs. CHICAGO
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Miami's last 5 games when playing Chicago
Miami is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Chicago is 2-7 ATS in its last 9 games
Chicago is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Miami

8:00 PM
ORLANDO vs. MEMPHIS
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Orlando's last 12 games
Orlando is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Memphis's last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Memphis's last 5 games

8:00 PM
HOUSTON vs. NEW ORLEANS
Houston is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against New Orleans
Houston is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
New Orleans is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Houston
The total has gone UNDER in 14 of New Orleans's last 16 games when playing at home against Houston

9:00 PM
ATLANTA vs. DENVER
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Atlanta's last 8 games when playing on the road against Denver
Atlanta is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Denver
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Denver's last 6 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Denver's last 6 games

9:00 PM
DETROIT vs. UTAH
Detroit is 7-16 ATS in its last 23 games when playing Utah
The total has gone OVER in 13 of Detroit's last 19 games when playing Utah
Utah is 11-1 SU in its last 12 games when playing at home against Detroit
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Utah's last 6 games when playing at home against Detroit

10:00 PM
CHARLOTTE vs. SACRAMENTO
Charlotte is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Sacramento
Charlotte is 3-8 ATS in its last 11 games on the road
Sacramento is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Charlotte
Sacramento is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Charlotte

10:30 PM
SAN ANTONIO vs. GOLDEN STATE
San Antonio is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
San Antonio is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Golden State
Golden State is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing San Antonio
Golden State is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games when playing San Antonio

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**Udog** · 01-25-2016, 08:50 AM

NBA

Monday, January 25

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Game of the Day: Spurs at Warriors
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

One of the most anticipated matchups of the NBA season lost some luster, with Tim Duncan not playing.

San Antonio Spurs at Golden State Warriors (-4.5, 209)

The Golden State Warriors are undefeated at home and are on pace to set the record for most wins in an NBA regular season, yet they’re only two games clear of the San Antonio Spurs in the Western Conference standings. The Warriors will put that undefeated home mark on the line when they host the Spurs on Monday in the first meeting of the season between the West heavyweights.

San Antonio rolls into Golden State on a 13-game winning streak and owns a better point differential (plus-14.5) than the Warriors (plus-12.1) thanks to a scoring defense that is far and away the best in the league at an average of 89.8 points allowed, but will be without star power forward Tim Duncan, who will be resting a sore knee. That defense will be going up against a Golden State offense that leads the NBA in scoring (114.7) and has put up 126.3 points while rolling past the Cleveland Cavaliers, Chicago Bulls and Indiana Pacers in the last three games. “It’s great for the NBA and great for us,” Warriors shooting guard Klay Thompson told reporters. “It’s going to be a good test for us. It’s such a close race for that No. 1 spot, and San Antonio is playing beautiful ball. It’s going to be fun.” It has been nearly a year since the last time Golden State lost a home game, and Friday’s 122-110 win over Indiana marked their 38th straight home victory spanning two seasons.

TV: 10:30 p.m. ET, NBATV, FSN Southwest (San Antonio), CSN Bay Area (Golden State)

LINE HISTORY: The Warriors opened as 3-point home favorites, but after the news came out that Duncan would miss the game, the Warriors were moved a point-and-a-half to -4.5. The total opened at 209.

INJURY REPORT:

Spurs - PF L. Aldridge (probable Monday, back), PF T. Duncan (out Monday, knee).

Warriors - SF J. McAdoo (out Monday, toe).

POWER RANKINGS: Spurs (-18) - Warriors (17.3) + home court (-3) = Warriors -2.7

ABOUT THE SPURS (38-6, 30-14 ATS, 20-23-1 O/U): San Antonio has not been challenged much of late, with only three of its last 13 wins coming by single digits. The Spurs warmed up for the showdown by winning the first two games of the road trip at Phoenix and the Los Angeles Lakers by a total of 41 points and are looking forward to the test on Monday. “There’s no doubt that players will look at it like more than (just another game),” San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich told reporters. “They can’t help it. They’re playing the best team in the league and they’ll be fired up about that.”

ABOUT THE WARRIORS (40-4, 26-17-1 ATS, 27-17 O/U): There is plenty of mutual respect going back and forth between San Antonio and Golden State, and current Warriors coach and former Spurs player Steve Kerr continues to be amazed by his former team. “I know them pretty well,” Kerr told reporters. “It’s remarkable to me that I’m 50 years old and have been retired for 13 years, and they have three guys (Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker) and a coach who are still on that team. It makes no sense. The continuity and the program they’ve built is amazing.” Kerr (complications from back surgery) returned to the bench on Friday after missing the first 43 games and watched star Stephen Curry put up a triple-double in the easy win.

TRENDS:

* Spurs are 5-1 ATS in the last 6 meetings.
* Under is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings.
* Spurs are 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings in Golden State.
* Under is 5-2 in the last 7 meetings in Golden State.

CONSENSUS: Bettors are siding with the home team in this matchup with 64 percent of wagers on the Warriors. As for the total, 65 percent of wagers are on the over.

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

**Udog** · 01-25-2016, 09:53 AM

NBA
Long Sheet

Monday, January 25

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

MINNESOTA (14 - 31) at CLEVELAND (30 - 12) - 1/25/2016, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 52-72 ATS (-27.2 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 18-31 ATS (-16.1 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 8-18 ATS (-11.8 Units) after scoring 105 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 45-64 ATS (-25.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 182-234 ATS (-75.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season since 1996.
MINNESOTA is 40-25 ATS (+12.5 Units) revenging a home loss vs opponent over the last 3 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 132-183 ATS (-69.3 Units) after scoring 85 points or less since 1996.
CLEVELAND is 5-13 ATS (-9.3 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.

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

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

BOSTON (24 - 21) at WASHINGTON (20 - 21) - 1/25/2016, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 73-56 ATS (+11.4 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 15-2 ATS (+12.8 Units) when the total is greater than or equal to 210 over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 39-26 ATS (+10.4 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 41-25 ATS (+13.5 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 10-0 ATS (+10.0 Units) in a road game where the total is greater than or equal to 210 over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 20-7 ATS (+12.3 Units) when playing on back-to-back days over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 44-29 ATS (+12.1 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 41-27 ATS (+11.3 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 353-425 ATS (-114.5 Units) in home games since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 6-4 against the spread versus WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
WASHINGTON is 5-5 straight up against BOSTON over the last 3 seasons
7 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

ORLANDO (20 - 22) at MEMPHIS (25 - 20) - 1/25/2016, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ORLANDO is 13-29 ATS (-18.9 Units) in January games over the last 3 seasons.
ORLANDO is 36-23 ATS (+10.7 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) in non-conference games this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
MEMPHIS is 3-1 against the spread versus ORLANDO over the last 3 seasons
MEMPHIS is 4-0 straight up against ORLANDO over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

MIAMI (23 - 21) at CHICAGO (25 - 18) - 1/25/2016, 8:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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

HOUSTON (24 - 22) at NEW ORLEANS (16 - 27) - 1/25/2016, 8:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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

DETROIT (23 - 21) at UTAH (19 - 24) - 1/25/2016, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) in road games after a non-conference game this season.
UTAH is 48-19 ATS (+27.1 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) off a upset loss as a favorite this season.

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

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

ATLANTA (26 - 19) at DENVER (17 - 27) - 1/25/2016, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DENVER is 37-19 ATS (+16.1 Units) in home games against Southeast division opponents since 1996.
ATLANTA is 77-62 ATS (+8.8 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 19-9 ATS (+9.1 Units) in January games over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 19-9 ATS (+9.1 Units) off a upset loss as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.

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

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

CHARLOTTE (21 - 23) at SACRAMENTO (20 - 23) - 1/25/2016, 10:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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

SAN ANTONIO (38 - 6) at GOLDEN STATE (40 - 4) - 1/25/2016, 10:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
GOLDEN STATE is 82-59 ATS (+17.1 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 75-53 ATS (+16.7 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 20-7 ATS (+12.3 Units) when playing with 2 days rest over the last 3 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 25-14 ATS (+9.6 Units) against Southwest division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 48-30 ATS (+15.0 Units) after a win by 10 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 44-31 ATS (+9.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 52-32 ATS (+16.8 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 30-14 ATS (+14.6 Units) in all games this season.
SAN ANTONIO is 277-220 ATS (+35.0 Units) after scoring 105 points or more since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 327-272 ATS (+27.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 23-9 ATS (+13.1 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.
SAN ANTONIO is 19-10 ATS (+8.0 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN ANTONIO is 5-2 against the spread versus GOLDEN STATE over the last 3 seasons
SAN ANTONIO is 6-1 straight up against GOLDEN STATE over the last 3 seasons
4 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

**Udog** · 01-25-2016, 01:18 PM

NBA
Dunkel

Monday, January 25

Minnesota @ Cleveland

Game 501-502
January 25, 2016 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Minnesota
108.402
Cleveland
122.002
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Cleveland
by 15 1/2
209
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Cleveland
by 13 1/2
202 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Cleveland
(-13 1/2); Over

Boston @ Washington

Game 503-504
January 25, 2016 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Boston
118.350
Washington
123.520
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Washington
by 5
207
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Washington
by 2 1/2
213 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Washington
(-2 1/2); Under

Orlando @ Memphis

Game 505-506
January 25, 2016 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Orlando
113.288
Memphis
117.372
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Memphis
by 4
186
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Memphis
by 6
191 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Orlando
(+6); Under

Miami @ Chicago

Game 507-508
January 25, 2016 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Miami
117.587
Chicago
122.610
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Chicago
by 5
196
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Chicago
by 8
190 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Miami
(+8); Over

Houston @ New Orleans

Game 509-510
January 25, 2016 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Houston
120.579
New Orleans
122.715
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
New Orleans
by 2
219
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
New Orleans
by 4 1/2
215
Dunkel Pick:
Houston
(+4 1/2); Over

Detroit @ Utah

Game 511-512
January 25, 2016 @ 9:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Detroit
122.415
Utah
118.374
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Detroit
by 4
186
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Utah
by 2
193
Dunkel Pick:
Detroit
(+2); Under

Atlanta @ Denver

Game 513-514
January 25, 2016 @ 9:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Atlanta
121.737
Denver
114.322
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Atlanta
by 7 1/2
198
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Atlanta
by 5
205 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Atlanta
(-5); Under

Charlotte @ Sacramento

Game 515-516
January 25, 2016 @ 10:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Charlotte
115.955
Sacramento
124.970
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Sacramento
by 9
218
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Sacramento
by 6 1/2
212
Dunkel Pick:
Sacramento
(-6 1/2); Over

San Antonio @ Golden State

Game 517-518
January 25, 2016 @ 10:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
San Antonio
132.555
Golden State
133.480
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Golden State
by 1
207
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Golden State
by 5 1/2
210 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
San Antonio
(+5 1/2); Under

**Udog** · 01-25-2016, 05:38 PM

Raptors' betting results have them ready to run with East's elite

The Toronto Raptors have quietly won eight straight games, and have covered seven of those eight (including all four games last week).

There have been 665 games played so far this season, but none has had the importance as Monday night's clash between the last two NBA Champions.

Indeed, the season's first matchup between the Warriors and Spurs is arguably the biggest regular season game in the history of the NBA - at least until the second, third and fourth meetings later this year.

It's not only the first time in NBA history that two teams with .850 (or better) win percentages have met this late in a season, but it could also have serious implications for home-court advantage in the NBA Playoffs. Of course, there will be 53 other games played this week, so let's see what's on tap.

Spread watch

The Toronto Raptors have quietly won eight straight games, and have covered seven of those eight (including all four games last week). And their only ATS defeat in this stretch was by a mere 1.5 points, in a 106-103 road win at Orlando.

Admittedly, many of Toronto's wins were against soft, Eastern Conference competition. But Sunday's 112-94 blowout of the Los Angeles Clippers - a team which had won 12 of its previous 14 - served notice that the Raptors may be ready to challenge LeBron James for Conference supremacy.

This week, Toronto will play three home games against the Wizards, Knicks and Pistons, so there's no reason its win streak can’t stretch to 11 games. And its game against New York looks to be a prime spot to step in and play on the white-hot Raptors. Toronto is 6-0 ATS its last six vs. division rivals, and will be playing with revenge from a 111-109 loss to New York back in November.

Total watch

Alvin Gentry's New Orleans Pelicans finally seem to be picking up the first-year coach's offense, as they're (finally) moving the ball around and have broken out to win their last three games by 15-plus points (the first time since January 2008 they've accomplished that feat).

The Pelicans have scored 114, 115 and 116 in those three games, and stretched their streak of Overs to five games. On Monday, New Orleans will welcome the defensively-challenged Houston Rockets to the Smoothie King Center. Later this week, both Sacramento and Brooklyn will pay visits.

None of New Orleans' opponents this week rate in the upper half of the league's best defenses, while Houston (26th) and Brooklyn (27th), in particular, are among the absolute worst in adjusted defensive efficiency. Given that 14 of New Orleans' last 17 meetings with Brooklyn have gone Over the total, look for a high-scoring game between those two teams Saturday.

Injury watch

The San Antonio Spurs will be without Tim Duncan for Monday's game at Golden State, and possibly their games later this week at home versus Houston and at Cleveland. Though the "Big Fundamental" is averaging career lows in minutes (26), points (8.86) and rebounds (7.54), it's easy to overlook just how valuable he is - especially on the defensive end.

Indeed, Duncan is really the "quarterback" of their league-best defense, as he works the back line and communicates to his teammates what's going on. The fact that he's currently ranked No. 1 (of 431 players) in Defensive Real Plus-Minus illustrates just how effective he remains, at 39 years old.

Certainly, the betting markets appreciate his value. For Monday's Spurs-Warriors game, the pointspread moved from Golden State -3 to Golden State -4.5 upon the announcement that Duncan would not play. San Antonio will likely start David West until Duncan returns. And West has been superb in his first season with the Spurs, shooting a career-best 56.3 percent from the field, and is currently ranked No. 44 (of 431) in RPM, and No. 60 (of 333) in PER.

Schedule watch

The Charlotte Hornets have the biggest home/road dichotomy in the league, in terms of win percentage. At home, the Hornets are 16-8, but they've won just five of 20 games away from "The Hive." This week, the Hornets will embark on a four-game road trip, with stops at the Kings, Jazz, Blazers and Clippers.

Monday's game at Sacramento looks particularly troublesome, as the Kings are on a five-game SU/ATS win streak (coinciding with the insertion of Willie Cauley-Stein into the starting lineup), including impressive upsets of the Jazz and Clippers on the road. And Sacramento will be playing with revenge from a 127-122 overtime loss at Charlotte, in which they blew a 22-point lead.

Even worse for Charlotte: the Kings have turned around their league-worst defense (107.1 ppg), and have held their last four opponents under 42 percent shooting, and their last three foes under 100 points. As the Hornets are 5-16 SU and 5-15-1 ATS this season when they don't shoot better than 42 percent, that doesn't bode well for Steve Clifford's crew on Monday.

Announcement

Monday's NBA and NCAAB Trends and Indexes - 1/25

Monday's NBA and NCAAB Trends and Indexes - 1/25

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