Friday Trends and Indexes 11/02

[pm530]

National Football League - Short Sheet

NFL
Short Sheet


Sunday, November 4th

Week 9 Byes: Chicago, Miami, NY Giants, St. Louis

Washington at NY Jets, 1:00 EST
Washington: 7-2 Under off a loss by 28+ points
NY Jets: 21-6 ATS off a home division loss

Green Bay at Kansas City, 1:00 EST
Green Bay: 9-2 ATS in road games
Kansas City: 2-8 ATS off BB wins

Arizona at Tampa Bay, 1:00 EST
Arizona: 12-3 Over as a road underdog
Tampa Bay: 6-1 ATS off a loss by 6 points or less

Carolina at Tennessee, 1:00 EST
Carolina: 8-2 ATS as a road underdog
Tennessee: 11-1 Over off BB wins by 6 points or less

San Francisco at Atlanta, 1:00 EST
San Francisco: 6-1 ATS off BB losses by 10+ points
Atlanta: 8-1 Under as a home favorite

Jacksonville at New Orleans, 1:00 EST
Jacksonville: 13-4 Under in dome stadiums
New Orleans: 1-8 ATS as a home favorite

Denver at Detroit, 1:00 EST
Denver: 6-0 ATS away off an Under
Detroit: 8-19 ATS after winning 3 of their last 4 games

Cincinnati at Buffalo, 1:00 EST
Cincinnati: 1-8 ATS after losing 2 of their last 3 games
Buffalo: 8-1 ATS with a line of +3 to -3

San Diego at Minnesota, 1:00 EST
San Diego: 17-5 ATS off a win by 21+ points
Minnesota: 1-7 ATS vs. non-conference opponents

Seattle at Cleveland, 4:05 EST
Seattle: 0-8 ATS off a division win by 21+ points
Cleveland: 6-0 Under as a home favorite of 3 points or less

New England at Indianapolis, 4:15 EST
New England: 7-1 Over as a favorite
Indianapolis: 8-0 ATS off a road win by 21+ points

Houston at Oakland, 4:15 EST
Houston: 10-2 Over with a line of +3 to -3
Oakland: 3-13 ATS with a line of +3 to -3

Dallas at Philadelphia, 8:15 EST NBC
Dallas: 8-2 Over as a road favorite
Philadelphia: 13-3 Over as an underdog


Monday, November 5th

Baltimore at Pittsburgh, 8:30 EST ESPN
Baltimore: 18-5 ATS off a loss as a favorite
Pittsburgh: 9-1 Over at home off a win

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[pm530]

National Football League – Write up

NFL
Write-up


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Sunday, November 4
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Packers (6-1) @ Chiefs (4-3)—Pack off dramatic OT win in Denver Monday, is back on the road, on short work week, vs solid Chief defense that is coming off bye. KC won four of last five games after 4-1 start; they scored 3-10-7 in their losses, 20.5 pg in wins. Pack is 3-0 on road, giving up 13-16-13 points. Green Bay has just two TD’s on last 12 visits to red zone, but they’ve only lost one game this year, and they led 17-7 at halftime of that one. Chiefs had 121-126 rushing yards in last two games, after averaging 64 ypg in first three weeks. KC defends run well, unlike Denver, so Favre is going to get less single coverage on his WRs, which is how he hit the two long passes Monday night. Under is 5-2 in Chief games this season.

Redskins (4-3) @ Jets (1-7)—Second-year QB Clemens gets first NFL start in week before bye for Jets, who lost last five games, failing to score TD in last two home games (20 drives); in their last eight trips to red zone, Jets have no TD’s, six FG’s- they’re hoping Clemens’ arm strength can stretch field and help running game that has been held under 70 yards in five of eight games. Skins lost 52-7 in Foxboro last week; interesting to see how they bounce back- they lost CB Rogers (knee) for year last week. AFC teams hold 18-14 lead over NFC entering this week. Skins are 1-3 if they score 17 or less points, 3-0 when they score more. Jets’ only win was 31-28 at home, vs 0-8 Dolphins.

Cardinals (3-4) @ Buccaneers (4-4)—Garcia hadn’t thrown pick all year, until tossing three in loss to Jags last week, their first loss in four home games (wins by 17-21-3); Bucs allowed 14-3-7-10 points in their wins, 20-33-23-24 in losses. Arizona averaging 23.3 pg in four road games- they’re coming off bye, with Warner playing QB despite torn ligament in left elbow; they’re 1-3 on road, with all four games decided by three or less points. Dog is 6-0-1 vs spread in Arizona games this season; Redbirds are 4-0-1 as dog, 2-0-1 on road. Bucs have no takeaways in last two games both teams are -7 in turnovers in last two outings. Only one of four Arizona losses (25-10 vs Panthers) is by more than a FG.

Panthers (4-3) @ Titans (5-2)— Visiting team is 7-0 in Carolina games this season; Panthers are 4-0 on road, allowing just 14 pg away from home. Tennessee won four of last five games, winning last two by combined total of six pts; they’re 2-1 at home, losing 22-20 to Colts, then beating Falcons (20-13), Raiders (13-9)- they beat Oakland last week, despite just 26 net passing yards (they outrushed Raiders 192-92). Carolina likely to have Carr at QB, with Delhomme/Testaverde now both hurt- they’re 3-0 if they win turnover battle (+2-1-5), 1-0 if it is even, 0-3 if they lose it (-2,1,2). Under is 4-0 in last four Carolina games, 5-1-1 in Titan games this season.

49ers (2-5) @ Falcons (1-6)—Tough times for both these squads; 49ers lost last five games, with four of losses by 18+ points- they’re 1-2 on road, losing at Pittsburgh (37-16), Giants (33-15). Even in their two wins, Niners were outgained by 67,206 yards. Not much home field edge for 1-6 teams; Falcons are off bye, have had dissension after they cut vet defensive lineman Grady Jackson; they’re 1-2 at home, and are back to Harrington at QB, with Leftwich out (ankle). Atlanta does have +8 turnover ratio in last four games, still lost last three- they have six INTs in last three games. Under is 5-2 in Falcon games this season. Not much to choose from in this game.

Jaguars (5-2) @ Saints (3-4)— NFC teams are 0-5-2 vs spread this season, when home favorite vs AFC foe, but New Orleans is on roll, winning last three games after 0-4 start; they scored 28-22-31 points in their wins (10 TDs on 31 drives) after scoring 12.8 pg in 0-4 start (four TDs on 40 drives). Jags won at Tampa last week, despite being outgained 385-219. First time starting QB Gray was 7-16/86 passing, but didn’t screw anything up—Jags’ had 50,53-yard TD drives last week, as well as a defensive TD. This is first game on artificial turf for Jags, who scored 10,7 points in only ’07 losses. Interesting to see if Jags can run against Saint defense that allowed last six opponents to run for just 87.2 ypg.

Broncos (3-4) @ Lions (5-2)— Denver traveling on a short work week after OT loss to Favre and Packers late Monday; Broncos’ run defense is awful (allowing 105+ rushing yards in every game). Against explosive Lion offense (234-244 passing yards in two games since bye, with Calvin Johnson back in lineup), Denver CBs could get exposed again, like they did Monday, giving up 79,82-yard TD passes. This is the first Bronco road game in five weeks; they ran ball for 394 yards in their first two road games (average just 95.6 rushing yards at home). As we said up above, NFC teams are 0-5-2 vs spread this season, when home favorite vs AFC opponent. Five of last six Denver games went over total.

Bengals (2-5) @ Bills (3-4)—Teams are combined 5-9, but 3-0 vs Jets, 2-9 vs everyone else; Cincinnati is 0-3 on road, losing 51-45 at Cleveland, 24-21 at Seattle, 27-20 at Arrowhead. Buffalo covered its last four games, winning three; they’re 2-2 at home, with both losses by single point. Bengals scored 27-38 points in their two wins; they’re 0-4 scoring less than 27. Bills are giving up 19.3 pg, but they gave up 26-38-25 vs Pats-Pitt-Dallas, three of NFL’s elite teams (allowed 11.5 pg in other four games). Cincy averaged 55.7 yds/drive vs Steelers last week, but only scored one TD in four trips to Pitt red zone. Five of seven Buffalo games stayed under total (three of four at home).

Chargers (4-3) @ Vikings (2-5)—Red-hot San Diego scored 41-28-35 points (11 TD’s on last 28 drives) in winning last three games, after 1-3 start. Vikings lost five of last six games, have Jackson back from injury, with Bollinger #2 QB (they have 16 3/outs on last 35 drives, only two TD’s on last 20). Minnesota is 0-5 when it scores less than 24 points; Chargers held all four of their victims to 14 or less points. Doubt Minnesota is lighting up scoreboard here, so unless Vikes get takeaways or Peterson runs wild, hard to see them staying close here. This is only artificial turf game all season for Bolts. All three San Diego road games went over the total, as did three of last four Minnesota games.

Seahawks (4-3) @ Browns (4-3)—Cleveland prospering with QB Anderson (scored 24+ points in five of last six games, winning three of last four), but they fired previous starter Frye after one game, the same Frye who is now Seattle’s #3 QB, so wondering if his knowledge of Browns helps Seattle here. Seahawks are 1-2 on road, losing in Arizona (23-20), Pittsburgh (21-0), winning at Candlestick (23-3). Browns won last three home games by 6-14-10 points, scoring 39.7 pg (15 TDs on last 32 drives). Take away loss at 8-0 Patriots (5.1 ypa), and Anderson averaged 11.3/9.3/8.7 pg in last three games- they converted 14 of last 23 third down plays. Six of seven Cleveland games went over total.

Patriots (8-0) @ Colts (7-0)—Indy is 5.5-point home dog, despite being unbeaten defending NFL champs, testament to unreal first half of season by Patriots (scored 34+ points in every game, no wins by less than 17 points). Colts beat Patriots in playoffs last winter; they’ve only allowed two TD’s on 18 drives in two games since their bye. Patriots’ average halftime score has been 22-6; they haven’t had to go full-tilt for full game, but have done it anyway, running up big scores. Both sides are +11 in turnovers. Popular wisdom is wild shootout, but often in game with this much hoopla, teams feel each other out early, get off to cautious start. Seven of eight Patriot games went over total. Winner here is odds-on favorite to win Super Bowl.

Texans (3-5) @ Raiders (2-5)—Only other 4:00 game has pair of fading teams; Texans trailed 37-10/32-7/ 35-3 at one point in each of last three games; they’re 1-3 on road, with losses by 10-20-25 points. Raiders are 0-3 since bye, scoring only 11 pg (with only two offensive TD’s on 34 drives)- four of last six games were decided by four or less points. Houston is limping towards its bye, with Schaub hurt; they’re -9 in turnovers in last two games,
-14 in last six- in last two games, they lost field position battle by 21,24 yards, making it very tough to win. Houston has started 10 drives in enemy territory this season, but hasn’t scored TD on any of them, kicking four FG’s- they trailed last six games at half .

Cowboys (6-1) @ Eagles (3-4)— Philly has yet to win back/back games, hosts hated rival Dallas with Pokes coming in off bye; Cowboys are 3-0 on road, winning at Miami (37-20), Chicago (34-10), Buffalo (25-24). Last year, Eagles swept Dallas, winning 38-24 here in Week 5 (-1.5), then 23-7 in Dallas in Week 16 (+7), thanks to 9.2/8.9 ypa and +5 turnover ratio in those games. Philly is just 1-2 at home; they scored 16 or less points in five of seven games; there hasn’t been turnover (either way) in their last two games. McNabb making more plays since Eagle bye, converting 22 of last 43 third down plays (51.2%) in last three games (they were 24 of 55 (43.6%) in first four games). Under is 5-2 in Eagle games, 2-5 in Dallas games.

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Monday, November 5
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Ravens (4-3) @ Steelers (5-2)— First place in AFC North at stake here; Ravens are off bye, just 1-3 on road, losing by 7-14-5 pts, winning only at Candlestick (9-7). This is first home game in four weeks for Steelers, who are 3-0 at home, winning 26-3 vs Buffalo (-9.5), 37-16 vs Niners (-9), 21-0 over Seattle (-5), not exactly like Murderers’ Row. Big Ben moving chains well for Steelers (they converted 24 of last 38 on 3rd down) part of why they’ve scored 21+ points in every game but one (21-14 loss at Arizona). Ravens faced Dilfer, Frerotte and rookie Edwards in last three games; they finally face their first real QB since Anderson averaged 11.3 ypa against them in Cleveland in Week 5. Last four Baltimore games stayed under total.

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[pm530]

National Football League - Tips & Trends

NFL


Sunday, November 4

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Tips and Trends
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San Francisco 49ers at Atlanta Falcons (FOX | 1 PM ET)

The 49ers are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 road games against a losing team.
The 49ers are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games against the NFC.
The Falcons are 1-5 ATS in their last 5 games following an ATS win.
The Falcons are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 home games
Underdog is 8-3 ATS in the last 11 meetings.


Cincinnati Bengals at Buffalo Bills (CBS | 1 PM ET)

The Bengals are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following an ATS loss.
The Bengals are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 games as a road favorite.
The Bills are 6-0 ATS in their last 6 games as a home underdog.
The Bills are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 games following a SU win.
Road team is 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings.


Denver Broncos at Detroit Lions (CBS | 1 PM ET)

The Broncos are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games as an underdog.
The Broncos are 1-8 ATS in their last 9 games against a winning team.
The Lions are 3-8-1 ATS in their last 12 games following an ATS win.
The Lions are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games against a losing team.
The OVER is 10-2 in Denver's last 12 games overall.


Green Bay Packers at Kansas City Chiefs (FOX | 1 PM ET)

The Packers are 6-0 ATS in their last 6 games as an underdog.
The Packers are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games following a SU win.
The Chiefs are 11-5-1 ATS in their last 17 games as a favorite.
The Chiefs are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games following a bye week.
The UNDER is 12-4 in Kansas City's last 16 games overall.


San Diego Chargers at Minnesota Vikings (CBS | 1 PM ET)

The Chargers are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games as a road favorite.
The Chargers are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games against a losing team.
The Vikings are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games on tuf.
The Vikings are 1-7 ATS in their last 8 home games.
The OVER is 8-1 in San Diego's last 9 road games.


Jacksonville Jaguars at New Orleans Saints (CBS | 1 PM ET)

The Jaguars are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games overall.
The Jaguars are 1-4 ATS against a losing team.
The Saints are 2-8 ATS in their last 10 games overall.
The Saints are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games as a favorite.
The UNDER is 6-2 in the last 8 home games for New Orleans.


Washington Redskins at New York Jets (FOX | 1 PM ET)

The Redskins are 1-6-1 ATS in their last 8 games against a losing team.
The Redskins are 1-4-1 ATS in their last 6 games as a favorite.
The Jets are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games overall.
The Jets are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games following a SU loss.
The UNDER is 5-2 in Washington's last 7 games overall.


Arizona Cardinals at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (FOX | 1 PM ET)

The Cardinals are 7-0 ATS in their last 7 games following a SU loss.
The Cardinals are 11-3 ATS in their last 14 games overall.
The Buccaneers are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games against a losing team.
The Buccaneers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a SU loss.
The OVER is 10-3 in Arizona's last 13 games overall.


Carolina Panthers at Tennessee Titans (FOX | 1 PM ET)

The Panthers are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games following a SU loss.
The Panthers are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 games against a winning home team.
The Titans are 14-5 ATS in their last 19 games overall.
The Titans are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games as a home favorite.
The OVER is 8-3 in Tennessee's last 11 games as a favorite.


Seattle Seahawks at Cleveland Browns (FOX | 4:05 PM ET)

The Seahawks are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games as an underdog.
The Seahawks are 4-10-1 ATS in their last 15 road games
The Browns are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games overall.
The Browns are 3-8-1 ATS in their last 12 games following a SU win.
The OVER is 15-7 in Seattle's last 22 road games.


New England Patriots at Indianapolis Colts (CBS | 4:15 PM ET)

The Patriots are 8-0 ATS in their last 8 games as a small favorite.
The Patriots are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games on turf.
The Colts are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 home games.
The Colts are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 home games as an underdog.
Underdog is 9-3-1 ATS in the last 13 meetings.


Houston Texans at Oakland Raiders (CBS | 4:15 ET)

The Texans are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 road games.
The Texans are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games overall.
The Raiders are 0-7 ATS in their last 7 games as a small favorite.
The Raiders are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games against a losing team.
The OVER is 5-2 in Houston's last 7 games overall.


Dallas Cowboys at Philadelphia Eagles (NBC | 8:15 ET)

The Cowboys are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games as a favorite.
The Cowboys are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 against the NFC.
The Eagles are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games against a winning team.
The Eagles are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 home games.
Underdog is 5-0 ATS in the last 5 meetings.

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[pm530]

National Basketball Association – Write up

NBA
Write-up


Friday, November 2

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Today's NBA analysis

Hot Teams
-- Orlando won its opener by 19 vs Milwaukee. Pistons beat the Wade-less Heat 91-80 in Miami last nite, despite shooting 39%.
-- Indiana won its opener in OT vs Wizards Wednesday- they made 13-29 beyond arc.
-- Raptors won opener 106-97 vs 76ers, forcing 18 turnovers. Nets squandered 56-41 halftime lead, beat Bulls in OT.
-- Dallas won its opener 92-74 at shorthanded Cleveland.
-- Hornets routed Sacramento 104-90 in their opener.
-- Nuggets pulled away in 4th quarter, won their opener 120-103 vs Seattle.
-- Spurs are already 2-0, winning at Memphis by 3, beating the Blazers by 9.
-- Suns pulled away in fourth quarter, won opener at Seattle by 7 last night.

Cold Teams
-- Bucks shot 37.9% in losing their opener in Orlando. This is the Bobcats' opener.
-- Heat lost home opener by 11 last night to Pistons.
-- Friday night is the Hawks' first game this season.
-- Friday night is Knicks' opener. Cavs lost 92-74 in their opener against Dallas Wednesday.
-- Wizards lost their opener in OT Wednesday at Indiana. This is the Celtics' long-awaited season opener.
-- Portland lost its opener 106-97 at Alamo, even though they made half their shots from floor.
-- New-look, mostly-young Timberwolves open tonight.
-- 76ers lost their opener by 9 at Toronto. Chicago lost in OT at New Jersey, rallying back from down 15 at half.
-- Kings lost their opener 104-90 at New Orleans.
-- Lakers rallied late, fell short by hoop in opener vs Rockets.
-- Warriors lost at home by 21 to Utah in their opener Tuesday. Clippers open with out injured star Brand (achilles) who is out for half the season.

Series Records
-- Bucks, Bobcats split four games LY, with all four going under the total- average total, 190.3.
-- Detroit was 8-0 against Magic LY, sweeping them in the first round of playoffs; their four wins in Orlando were by 4-5-16-4.
-- Home side won all four Miami-Indiana games LY, with Heat losing 96-94OT/95-70 in Indiana. Games played in Miami were higher-scoring than the ones at Conseco.
-- Home side won all four Toronto-New Jersey games LY, with Raptors losing 102-92/101-86 in Swamp. Three of the four tilts stayed under the total.
-- Mavericks won both their games vs Atlanta LY, 104-97 here (-10), 110-87 at home (-14). Both games went over the total.
-- Knicks, Cavaliers split four games LY, with average total in the four games, 186.3.
-- Wizards were 3-0 vs Boston LY, winning by 7-5-14 points; the average total in three games was 220.7.
-- Home side won all three Portland-New Orleans games LY, as Blazers lost 13-91 in only road game. Average series total: 187.3
-- Nuggets, T-Wolves split four games LY, with average total in those games, 210.3. Both games at this site went over total.
-- Bulls won two of three vs Philly LY, with average total in the three games, 207.0.
-- Spurs were 4-0 vs Sacramento LY, winning 100-98/109-100 in two games at Alamo. Three of the four games went over total.
-- Suns were 7-2 vs Lakers LY, 5-0 at home; they beat LA in five games in playoffs. Lakers' losses in desert were by 5-8-8-28-9.
-- Home side won all foiur Clipper-Warrior games LY, with the Warriors losing 115-109/103-90 at this site. Three of the four series games LY stayed under the total.

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[pm530]

National Hockey League – Write up

NHL
Write-up


Friday, November 2

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Today's NHL analysis

Hot Teams
-- Sabres won three of last four home games.
-- Phoenix won last three road games, allowing four goals; they are 0-18 on power play in last four games, though, 1-6 if they allow 3+ goals.
-- Predators won three of their last four games.
-- Kings won three of their last four games.

Cold Teams
-- Leafs are 3-5 in their last eight games. Devils lost four of their last five games.
-- Capitols lost five of their last seven games. Philly lost three of its last four games.
-- Panthers lost five of their six road games.
-- Dallas lost three of its last four games.
-- Edmonton is 2-8 in its last ten games.
-- Sharks lost two of their first three home games.

Series Records
-- Toronto won six of last eight games against the Devils.
-- Washington was 4-0 vs Flyers last season: 5-3/5-3/4-1/6-2.
-- Sabres won three in row, five of last six against Florida.
-- Dallas won four in row, nine of last ten vs Phoenix.
-- Predators were 4-0 vs Edmonton LY: 5-2/3-2/4-0/4-3.
-- Sharks are 13-3 in last sixteen games against the Kings.

Totals
-- Over is 9-2 in Toronto's last eleven games.
-- Three of last four Philly games went over the total.
-- Over is 3-0-1 in Sabres' last four games.
-- Last six Dallas-Phoenix games went over the total.
-- Under is 4-1-1 in Nashville road games this season.
-- All three of LA's away games went over the total.

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[pm530]

National Hockey League - Matchup Notes

NHL


Friday, November 2

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NHL – Matchup Notes
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Friday's key NHL matchup notes

Toronto Maple Leafs at New Jersey Devils

Toronto is 7-1-1 in the past nine meetings overall, recording at least one point in seven straight visits to New Jersey.


Philadelphia Flyers at Washington Capitals

Philadelphia is playing the fifth of a season-high eight-game road trip, and will visit the Rangers, Pittsburgh and New Jersey before returning home to face the Penguins on Nov. 10.


Florida Panthers at Buffalo Sabres

The Panthers have lost in their last three road trips to Buffalo, where they are 6-16-2 with three ties all-time.


Phoenix Coyotes at Dallas Stars

Dallas is 11-2-0 in its last 13 matchups with Phoenix, outscoring it 46-28 during that span


Nashville Predators at Edmonton Oilers

Nashville swept its four-game season series with the Oilers in 2006-07, including a pair of wins at Rexall Place by a combined 9-3 margin.


Los Angeles Kings at San Jose Sharks

The Sharks won six of eight meetings in 2006-07, and are 20-5-1 with one tie against the Kings since the start of the 2002-03 season.

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[pm530]

Hockey today - November 2

SCOREBOARD
Friday, Nov. 2

Los Angeles at San Jose (10:30 p.m. EDT).

San Jose's Jeremy Roenick needs two goals to become the 40th player with 500 for his career.

STARS
Thursday

-Henrik Zetterberg, Red Wings, scored twice in a 4-1 victory at Calgary..

-Randy Robitaille, Senators, scored his first two goals of the season in a 6-4 win over Atlanta.

-Marco Sturm, Bruins, scored in the final minute of overtime to give Boston a 4-3 victory over Buffalo.

-Henrik Lundqvist, Rangers, stopped all 31 shots he faced in a 2-0 win over Washington.

-Rick DiPietro, Islanders, made 28 saves and had an assist in a 4-0 victory over Tampa Bay.

-Jay McKee, Blues, scored his first goal of the season in the third period and St. Louis held off Minnesota 3-2.

-Mathieu Schneider, Ducks, scored the only goal in a shootout in his Anaheim debut, lifting the Ducks to a 2-1 victory over Columbus.

HOT WINGS

Henrik Zetterberg scored twice in Detroit's 4-1 win at Calgary on Thursday night and has at least one point in all 14 games this season. He leads the NHL with 12 goals and 24 points. Goalie Chris Osgood improved to 7-0 in the same game after making 26 saves.

STILL PUNISHED

Rick Tocchet, already on two years' probation after he pleaded guilty to promoting gambling and conspiracy to promote gambling, won't be able to resume his position as an assistant coach with the Phoenix Coyotes until next Feb. 7, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said Thursday. Since the betting ring, in which Tocchet partnered with a New Jersey state trooper and another man, became public in February 2006, the former star forward has been on an indefinite leave of absence that was granted by Bettman.

UPON FURTHER REVIEW

New York Rangers forward Brenden Shanahan was given credit for one of the goals in Tuesday night's 3-1 win over Tampa Bay after it was originally given to Jaromir Jagr. At the league offices in Toronto, it was determined Thursday that the drive struck Shanahan's skate as he glided in front of the crease. That gives him two goals in the game for 1,300 career points.

HOME COOKING

Colorado matched a franchise record by starting a season with six straight home wins after holding off Pittsburgh 3-2 on Thursday night. It was also done in 1994, while the team was still in Quebec. The Avalanche and Flyers (4-0) and the only teams that have yet to lose at home this season.

SUDDENLY SLUMPING

Minnesota is winless in five games following its 7-0-1 start after a 3-2 defeat to St. Louis on Thursday night. It is the Wild's longest slump since a seven-game drought from Feb. 22-March 7, 2004. ... Philadelphia has dropped three of four following a five-game winning streak following a 5-2 loss at Montreal.

HOME AND ROAD WOES

Vancouver fell to 1-6 at home this season after a 3-0 loss to Nashville on Thursday night. ... Tampa Bay is 0-6 on the road after a 4-0 loss to the New York Islanders. The Lightning are 5-0-1 at home.

MAKING THEM COUNT

Nashville scored on its first two shots and defeated Vancouver 3-0 on Thursday night. The Predators had only three shots in the first period and five through the first 40 minutes before finishing with 15.

GOOD NEWS, BAD NEWS

Randy Robitaille scored his first two goals for Ottawa in a 6-4 win over Atlanta on Thursday night, but left in the second period with facial contusions following a hit by Thrashers defenseman Garnet Exelby.

NEW YORK BLUES

Washington is 0-6-1 in its last seven trips to Madison Square Garden after Thursday night's 2-0 loss to the New York Rangers. The Capitals haven't won there since Jan. 28, 2004.

RARE FEATS

Boston beat Buffalo at home for only the third time in the last 11 tries with its 4-3 overtime victory on Thursday night. The Sabres took 14 out of a possible 16 points against the Bruins last season and Boston last beat Buffalo in regulation Mar. 25, 2006. ... The New York Islanders beat Tampa Bay for the first time in nine contests (0-5-3) with their 4-0 win. The drought dated to a 3-0 win at home on March 21, 2004. The Lighting had taken 16 straight points out of Uniondale, while allowing the Islanders one point in that span.

STRONG IN DEFEAT

Ilya Kovalchuk scored three times in the third period, but Atlanta's rally fell short in a 6-4 loss at Ottawa on Thursday night.

HONORED

The Canadiens honored three of their legendary general managers in a pregame ceremony. Tom Gorman, Frank Selke Jr., and Sam Pollock accounted for 17 of the team's 24 Stanley Cup titles over the course of their successive tenures between 1940 and 1978. The Canadiens won two Stanley Cups under Gorman from 1940-46, six under Selke from 1946-64, and nine from 1964-78 under Pollock, who died of cancer on Aug. 15.

ACTIVATED

Minnesota activated forward Pavol Demitra from injured reserve before Thursday's game against St. Louis.

SPEAKING

''For us, it feels like a loss. It's just a good lesson. You win the game, but it still feels like a loss. You don't let up. You just can never let up because something can go wrong.'' - Ottawa coach John Paddock after the Senators nearly blew a 5-0 third-period lead before holding off Atlanta 6-4 on Thursday night.

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[pm530]

NBA today - November 2

SCOREBOARD
Friday, Nov. 2

Washington at Boston (8 p.m. EDT).

Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett make their debut with the Celtics against the Wizards.

STARS
Thursday

-Tayshaun Prince, Pistons, scored a career-high 34 points and matched a career best with 12 rebounds, in a 91-80 victory over Miami.

-Tracy McGrady, Rockets, scored 47 points and Houston beat Utah 106-95.

STRONG IN DEFEAT

Carlos Boozer had 30 points and 16 rebounds in Utah's 106-95 loss to Houston on Thursday night.

SIGNED

Al Jefferson signed a five-year, $65 million with the Minnesota Timberwolves just before the deadline Wednesday night. The 22-year-old forward was acquired from Boston in a trade July 31.

WAIVED

The New Jersey Nets waived guard David Wesley on Thursday, less than a week after the team traded for the 14-year veteran. The Nets acquired Wesley on Monday from New Orleans for swingman Bernard Robinson, center Mile Ilic and cash considerations.

SPEAKING

''We feel like it's Game 8 for us. We wanted to get this win and start our new season.'' - Yao Ming after Houston's 106-95 win at Utah on Thursday night. Yao was referring to the seven-game series the Jazz rallied to win last season.

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[Udog]

NBA
Hot Lines


Pick ‘n’ roll: Friday’s best NBA bets


New York Knicks at Cleveland Cavaliers (-5 1/2, 186 ½)

Cleveland is fresh off an embarrassing 92-74 loss to the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday. Don’t expect the Cavs to stink up Quicken Loans Arena again on Friday night against the Knicks, but don’t expect them to blowout New York either.

Cavaliers superstar LeBron James shot a horrid 2-of-11 from the field with five turnovers in Cleveland’s worst home-opener in six seasons. It was the team’s worst loss at home since a big loss to the New Jersey Nets in April 2005.

“It's the first game, hopefully we can put it behind us,” James told reporters. “We didn't play well – at all. It's kind of how we have been playing in the preseason. We didn't do anything right. We didn't play hard. We didn't execute.”

The Knicks are without two of their most consistent players Friday. Forward Chris Jeffries is out until late November with a sprained right knee and second-year forward/center Ronaldo Balkman is out with cartilage damage in his right ankle. Their starting shooting guard, Jamal Crawford, was horrible in the preseason, shooting a dismal 28 percent from the floor.

King James will undoubtedly improve on Wednesday’s 10-point, four-rebound and five-assist performance against the Mavs on Wednesday. New York, though, has an improved low post game with Eddy Curry and newcomer Zach Randolph.

New York is 6-4 ATS in its last 10 contests against Cleveland and is 5-1 ATS in its last six meetings at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland. The Knicks are also 6-2 ATS in their last eight meetings overall.

Pick: Knicks +5 ½


Toronto Raptors at New Jersey Nets (-2 ½, 192 ½)

The Nets ousted the Raptors in their first-round playoff series last May and revenge is on Toronto’s agenda tonight.

The Raptors – one of the best against-the-spread (ATS) teams in the league last year – have lost their last five games at Continental Airlines Arena, including three losses in last May’s playoffs.

The franchise is in the second season of the Brian Colangelo rebuilding process. Chris Bosh returns as the leader of the Raptors along with last season’s first overall selection Andrea Bargnani, who led the Raptors with 20 points and five rebounds against the 76ers on Wednesday.

The Nets are fresh off an overtime win against the Chicago Bulls. Former Raptors superstar Vince Carter scored 24 points on terrible 6 of 21 shooting on Wednesday.

The Nets are also 0-4 ATS in their last four games following an ATS win and have won their last two contests against the Raptors by a combined three points.

Pick: Raptors +2 ½


Denver Nuggets at Minnesota Timberwolves (+8, 209)

The Nuggets easily trounced the rebuilding Seattle Supersonics 120-103 on Wednesday night and look set to continue their domination on Friday against the rebuilding Timberwolves.

Tonight’s contest also marks the first Timberwolves home-opener in over a decade without Kevin Garnett in the starting lineup. Minnesota is also without veteran guard Ricky Davis who was recently sent to the Miami Heat with veteran forward Mark Blount. Timberwolves first-round pick Randy Foye is also off Minnesota’s roster until early December with a stress reaction in his left knee.

The Nuggets, on the other hand, are healthy and will have their entire star-studded starting lineup intact against the Timberwolves.

Nuggets forward Kenyon Martin returned Wednesday, scoring seven points and grabbing five rebounds in less than 20 minutes against Seattle. Carmelo Anthony led the Nuggets with 32 points and Allen Iverson, starting his first full season with Denver, scored 25 points and dished out 14 assists.

The Nuggets have covered the spread against the Timberwolves in six of their last 10 meetings.

Pick: Nuggets -8

[Udog]

NHL
Hot Lines


Ice picks: Friday's best NHL bets


Toronto Maple Leafs at New Jersey Devils (-140, 5 1/2)

Everyone knows that to win the Stanley Cup you need solid defense and a hot goaltender. Luckily for the Toronto Maple Leafs it is only the regular season where you can get by with a potent offense.

Toronto has allowed a league-high 52 goals to date but thanks to their play on offense they are cashing in on a regular basis. Tonight the Leafs will try to win their third straight game away from the ACC when they play the favored New Jersey Devils. Toronto is one of two teams in the NHL that Devils goalie Martin Broduer has not been successful against. Brodeur is 12-14-1 with seven ties and a 2.48 GAA in 35 starts against the Leafs.

Pick: Maple Leafs +120


Phoenix Coyotes at Dallas Stars (-220, 5)

If history holds true tonight in Dallas, the favored Stars should get back in the win column against the visiting Coyotes. Mike Modano, who is on the verge of becoming the all-time points leader among American-born players, has feasted on the Phoenix Coyotes in his career. Modano has 88 points in 81 games against Phoenix which is the highest total against any team in the league. Dallas is 11-2-0 in its last 13 matchups with Phoenix, outscoring them 46-28 during that span.

Phoenix despite winning three straight on the road have had trouble scoring this season. The Coyotes have only 22 goals to date which is the fewest in the Western Conference.

Pick: Stars -220


Los Angeles Kings at San Jose Sharks (-200, 6)

The San Jose Sharks have not been living up to expectations while the Los Angeles Kings have started the year better than most thought they would. Before losing to Columbus on Wednesday L.A. had won four straight games outscoring their opponents 16-4. Despite having a 2-11-1 record in their last 14 games in San Jose, tonight seems to be the perfect time for the Kings to catch the Sharks off guard. San Jose has not played a game at the HP Pavilion in two weeks and that could hurt if they don't make the adjustment from being on the road for so long.

Pick: Kings +170

[Udog]

NBA
Long Sheet


Friday, November 2


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MILWAUKEE (0 - 1) at CHARLOTTE (0 - 0) - 11/2/2007, 7:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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


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DETROIT (1 - 0) at ORLANDO (1 - 0) - 11/2/2007, 7:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 6-3 against the spread versus ORLANDO over the last 3 seasons
DETROIT is 10-1 straight up against ORLANDO over the last 3 seasons
6 of 11 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons


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MIAMI (0 - 1) at INDIANA (1 - 0) - 11/2/2007, 7:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
INDIANA is 5-2 against the spread versus MIAMI over the last 3 seasons
INDIANA is 4-3 straight up against MIAMI over the last 3 seasons
4 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons


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TORONTO (1 - 0) at NEW JERSEY (1 - 0) - 11/2/2007, 7:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEW JERSEY is 144-101 ATS (+32.9 Units) vs. division opponents since 1996.
TORONTO is 50-37 ATS (+9.3 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 50-31 ATS (+15.9 Units) in road games over the last 3 seasons.
TORONTO is 41-22 ATS (+16.8 Units) in a road game where where the total is between 190 and 194.5 points since 1996.
TORONTO is 16-3 ATS (+12.7 Units) in road games on Friday nights over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
NEW JERSEY is 7-5 against the spread versus TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
NEW JERSEY is 9-5 straight up against TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
7 of 13 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons


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DALLAS (1 - 0) at ATLANTA (0 - 0) - 11/2/2007, 7:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DALLAS is 176-124 ATS (+39.6 Units) after a non-conference game since 1996.
DALLAS is 168-131 ATS (+23.9 Units) in non-conference games since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 2-2 against the spread versus DALLAS over the last 3 seasons
DALLAS is 4-0 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


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NEW YORK (0 - 0) at CLEVELAND (0 - 1) - 11/2/2007, 7:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CLEVELAND is 12-2 ATS (+9.8 Units) in home games on Friday nights over the last 3 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 3-13 ATS (-11.3 Units) in home games after a loss by 10 points or more over the last 3 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 93-128 ATS (-47.8 Units) after scoring 85 points or less since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
NEW YORK is 5-2 against the spread versus CLEVELAND over the last 3 seasons
NEW YORK is 4-3 straight up against CLEVELAND over the last 3 seasons
5 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons


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WASHINGTON (0 - 1) at BOSTON (0 - 0) - 11/2/2007, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 53-80 ATS (-35.0 Units) in November games since 1996.
WASHINGTON is 104-140 ATS (-50.0 Units) after allowing 105 points or more since 1996.
BOSTON is 152-192 ATS (-59.2 Units) as a favorite since 1996.
BOSTON is 13-27 ATS (-16.7 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 8-20 ATS (-14.0 Units) in home games on Friday nights over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 3-3 against the spread versus WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
WASHINGTON is 6-1 straight up against BOSTON over the last 3 seasons
4 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons


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PORTLAND (0 - 1) at NEW ORLEANS (1 - 0) - 11/2/2007, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEW ORLEANS is 49-32 ATS (+13.8 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 23-45 ATS (-26.5 Units) after a win by 10 points or more since 1996.

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


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DENVER (1 - 0) at MINNESOTA (0 - 0) - 11/2/2007, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DENVER is 30-16 ATS (+12.4 Units) after scoring 105 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 33-47 ATS (-18.7 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 15-26 ATS (-13.6 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 12-25 ATS (-15.5 Units) on Friday nights over the last 3 seasons.

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


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PHILADELPHIA (0 - 1) at CHICAGO (0 - 1) - 11/2/2007, 8:30 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHILADELPHIA is 4-3 against the spread versus CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO is 4-3 straight up against PHILADELPHIA 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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SACRAMENTO (0 - 1) at SAN ANTONIO (2 - 0) - 11/2/2007, 8:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SAN ANTONIO is 520-450 ATS (+25.0 Units) in all games since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
SACRAMENTO is 9-4 against the spread versus SAN ANTONIO over the last 3 seasons
SAN ANTONIO is 10-3 straight up against SACRAMENTO over the last 3 seasons
7 of 12 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons


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LA LAKERS (0 - 1) at PHOENIX (1 - 0) - 11/2/2007, 10:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PHOENIX is 1-11 ATS (-11.1 Units) as a home favorite of 9.5 to 12 points over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHOENIX is 10-10 against the spread versus LA LAKERS over the last 3 seasons
PHOENIX is 14-6 straight up against LA LAKERS over the last 3 seasons
11 of 20 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons


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GOLDEN STATE (0 - 1) at LA CLIPPERS (0 - 0) - 11/2/2007, 10:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
GOLDEN STATE is 12-3 ATS (+8.7 Units) on Friday nights over the last 2 seasons.

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


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[Udog]

NBA
Dunkel


Milwaukee at Charlotte
The Bobcats had a rough off-season as they lost both Sean May and Adam Morrison to knee injuries and failed to reach a contract agreement with Emeka Okafor, allowing him to become a restricted free agent on July 1. Despite this, there is hope in Charlotte that the Bobcats can build on last year's 33-49 record under new head coach Sam Vincent. Charlotte was able to add Jason Richardson to a good corps of young players, including Raymond Felton (14.0 ppg) and Gerald Wallace (18.1 ppg). The team will get its first test tonight as the Bobcats host Milwaukee, which is coming off 28-54 campaign last year and didn't show much improvement in 102-83 road loss at Orlando on Wednesday. Charlotte looks like a good pick to cover (-3) according to Dunkel, which has the Bobcats favored by 12 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Charlotte (-3). Here are all of today's games.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2

Game 701-702: Milwaukee at Charlotte
Dunkel Ratings: Milwaukee 109.212; Charlotte 121.699
Dunkel Line & Total: Charlotte by 12 1/2; 190
Vegas Line & Total: Charlotte by 3; 198
Dunkel Pick: Charlotte (-3); Under

Game 703-704: Detroit at Orlando
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit 123.682; Orlando 123.813
Dunkel Line & Total: Even; 178
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 705-706: Miami at Indiana
Dunkel Ratings: Miami 113.619; Indiana 119.901
Dunkel Line & Total: Indiana by 6; 188 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 707-708: Toronto at New Jersey
Dunkel Ratings: Toronto 119.605; New Jersey 120.937
Dunkel Line & Total: New Jersey by 1; 198
Vegas Line & Total: New Jersey by 4; 192 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (+4); Over

Game 709-710: Dallas at Atlanta
Dunkel Ratings: Dallas 125.329; Atlanta 115.781
Dunkel Line & Total: Dallas by 9 1/2; 188
Vegas Line & Total: Dallas by 5 1/2; 192
Dunkel Pick: Dallas (-5 1/2); Under

Game 711-712: New York at Cleveland
Dunkel Ratings: New York 111.290; Cleveland 123.315
Dunkel Line & Total: Cleveland by 12; 182
Vegas Line & Total: Cleveland by 7 1/2; 186 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Cleveland(-7 1/2); Under

Game 713-714: Washington at Boston
Dunkel Ratings: Washington 115.086; Boston 118.316
Dunkel Line & Total: Boston by 3; 207
Vegas Line & Total: Boston by 7; 204 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Washington (+7); Over

Game 715-716: Portland at New Orleans
Dunkel Ratings: Portland 114.157; New Orleans 123.532
Dunkel Line & Total: New Orleans by 9 1/2; 201
Vegas Line & Total: New Orleans by 8; 198
Dunkel Pick: New Orleans (-8); Over

Game 717-718: Denver at Minnesota
Dunkel Ratings: Denver 119.367; Minnesota 112.593
Dunkel Line & Total: Denver by 7; 212
Vegas Line & Total: Denver by 8 1/2; 209
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (+8 1/2); Over

Game 719-720: Philadelphia at Chicago
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia 114.421; Chicago 125.347
Dunkel Line & Total: Chicago by 11; 194
Vegas Line & Total: Chicago by 9; 189
Dunkel Pick: Chicago (-9); Over

Game 721-722: Sacramento at San Antonio
Dunkel Ratings: Sacramento 112.896; San Antonio 128.112
Dunkel Line & Total: San Antonio by 15; 195
Vegas Line & Total: San Antonio by 14; 190
Dunkel Pick: San Antonio (-14); Over

Game 723-724: LA Lakers at Phoenix
Dunkel Ratings: LA Lakers 116.175; Phoenix 126.899
Dunkel Line & Total: Phoenix by 11; 211
Vegas Line & Total: Phoenix by 9 1/2; 217
Dunkel Pick: Phoenix (-9 1/2); Under

Game 725-726: Golden State at LA Clippers
Dunkel Ratings: Golden State 122.002; LA Clippers 121.107
Dunkel Line & Total: Golden State by 1; 212
Vegas Line & Total: LA Clippers by 3; 208 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Golden State (+3); Over

[Udog]

NHL
Dunkel


Toronto at New Jersey
The Devils looked like a team happy to be home as they beat up on the Lightning (6-1) their last time out behind Jay Pandolfo's hat trick. New Jersey opened the season with nine straight road games while the new Prudential Center was being finished. Toronto had the luxury of playing nine of its first 13 games at home, but only went 3-4-2 during that span. The Maple Leafs were blown out by Washington (7-1) on Monday and have now given up a league-high 52 goals. New Jersey looks like a good home favorite (-145) tonight according to Dunkel, which has the Devils favored by 1 1/2. Dunkel Pick: New Jersey (-145). Here are all of today's games.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2

Game 1-2: Toronto at New Jersey
Dunkel Ratings: Toronto 10.363; New Jersey 11.750
Dunkel Line & Total: New Jersey by 1 1/2; 6
Vegas Line & Total: New Jersey (-145); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: New Jersey (-145); Over

Game 3-4: Philadelphia at Washington
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia 11.271; Washington 11.964
Dunkel Line & Total: Washington by 1; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Philadelphia (-125); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Washington (+105); Under

Game 5-6: Florida at Buffalo
Dunkel Ratings: Florida 10.894; Buffalo 11.729
Dunkel Line & Total: Buffalo by 1; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Buffalo (-190); 6
Dunkel Pick: Buffalo (-190); Under

Game 7-8: Phoenix at Dallas
Dunkel Ratings: Phoenix 10.765; Dallas 11.722
Dunkel Line & Total: Dallas by 1; 4 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Dallas (-230); 5
Dunkel Pick: Dallas (-230); Under

Game 9-10: Nashville at Edmonton
Dunkel Ratings: Nashville 10.604; Edmonton 11.385
Dunkel Line & Total: Edmonton by 1; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Edmonton (-140); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Edmonton (-140); Under

Game 11-12: Los Angeles at San Jose
Dunkel Ratings: Los Angeles 11.516; San Jose 12.376
Dunkel Line & Total: San Jose by 1; 4 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: San Jose (-200); 6
Dunkel Pick: San Jose (-200); Under

[Udog]

Mistake! Didn't mean to post. I was getting some other stuff ready and hit the wrong button.

[Udog]

NCAAF
What bettors need to know: Temple at Ohio


Temple Owls at Ohio Bobcats (-7 ½, 54 ½)

Quarterback change

Temple will start sophomore quarterback Vaughn Charlton on Friday after starter Adam DiMichele broke his leg in the Owls’ 24-17 win over the Redhawks on Oct. 20. DiMichele completed all four of his pass attempts and scored on a one-yard quarterback sneak to give Temple a 14-7 lead before leaving the game.

“I heard [the bone] snap before I even hit the ground,” DiMichele told Owlscoop.com. “It kind of felt like everything was happening in slow motion for me. I could see the bone. It didn't break through the skin, but I could see it under my skin. I felt the numbness going down my leg, and I knew my season was over right away. I was feeling pain I'd never felt before.”

DiMichele completed 62 percent of his passes for more than 1,500 yards with 12 touchdowns and 10 interceptions this season. Backup Charlton has played in three games this season, completing 11 of 17 pass attempts for 126 yards and a touchdown. Charlton also passed for 109 yards and a touchdown while replacing DiMichele against Miami.

“We're very fortunate in our quarterback situation,” Temple coach Al Golden told the Philadelphia Courier-Post. “In their intellect and their ability to run the offense, we're fortunate.”

Soaring Owls

The Owls opened the season with five straight losses but have since posted three straight wins. It marks the first time the Owls have won three straight conference games in more than 40 seasons. It is the first time in more than 15 seasons that Temple has won three consecutive games.

“I think it's a tremendous win for our program, and I thought the kids fought hard,” Temple coach Al Golden told reporters.

Temple has been an underdog in its last three outings and is a 7 ½-point road underdog again on Friday against the Redhawks. The Owls haven’t won four straight since beating East Carolina, Cincinnati, Rutgers and William & Mary in 1985.

Running wild

Bobcats running back Kalvin McRae leads college football with 16 touchdowns and more than 1,000 rushing yards this season. Last Saturday, McRae ran for more than 200 yards with three touchdowns in a 38-27 victory over Bowling Green.

McRae also became the first Ohio running back to eclipse the 1,000-yard plateau in three consecutive seasons. The senior has also became the Owls’ all-time leading rusher.

“I think it's fitting that he breaks the record and holds it,” Ohio coach Frank Solich told reporters. “He's had so many special runs here while he's been at Ohio. He's been such a team guy that everybody involved in the program appreciates what he's been about.”

Bobcats get busy

The Bobcats’ toughest stretch of the season, which started last Saturday against Bowling Green, continues Friday against Temple and finishes Wednesday with a showdown against Akron.

That’s three conference contests in just 12 days.

“That’s a challenge. We always love challenges,” Solich told the Athens Messenger. “And we’re ready to take this one on, but we’ve got to be smart about and we’ve got to have guys stay healthy.”

It’s possible that the Bobcats are looking past Friday’s matchup against the Owls at next Wednesday’s showdown with the Zips.

Ohio head coach Solich doesn’t think that will be a problem.

“I think we’re in good shape, in terms of conditioning, to be able to do this if we’re smart in how we practice and don’t get guys hurt,” Solich told reporters. “You can’t start preparing too far down the road, but we have less time to even prepare for these guys.”