Friday Trends and Indexes 11/16

[pm530]

National Football League – over/under plays

NFL
Total bias: Week 11 over/under plays


Sunday, November 18

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NFL over/under picks
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New Orleans Saints at Houston Texans – over 48

Forget about Thanksgiving, quarterback Matt Schaub must think Christmas has arrived with the return of his star receiver. Andre Johnson hasn't played since Week 2 but he's ready to make an impact for the Texans.

Keep in mind Houston has only had Schaub, Johnson and running back Ahman Green on the field together twice this season. Expect Schaub to connect with Johnson for at least one big play.

The Saints continue to score with ease and struggle to prevent their opponents from doing the same. Cornerback Jason David may go down as the worst free-agent signing ever in professional football.


Miami Dolphins at Philadelphia Eagles – under 40 1/2

The John Beck era has begun in Miami. The 26-year-old quarterback was named the starter for this weekend's game to try and spark a lackluster offense. Cam Cameron's game plan will likely be run-heavy in an attempt to limit Beck from too many long passing downs.

I expect Philly to jump out to an early lead and milk the clock. The Eagles just want to grab a win and come out of this game healthy.


Tennessee Titans at Denver Broncos – under 38

Neither one of these two teams is having a great offensive season. Javon Walker – Denver's most explosive weapon – has been out the majority of the year because of an uncooperative knee.

The Broncos have struggled stopping the run all season but Tennessee's top two backs are both a little dinged up. Chris Brown (ankle) and LenDale White (knee) will both play but may be limited.

As mentioned above, Vince Young isn't giving the Titans' consistent quarterback play. Expect a quick game filled with three-and-outs.

Last week’s record: 3-0

Season record: 18-12

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[pm530]

National Football League – Cheat Sheet

NFL
NFL poolies' cheat sheet: Week 11


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Cheat Sheet
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Sunday, November 18

Arizona at Cincinnati (-3)

Why Cardinals Cover: Playing for a share of the NFC West lead. Kurt Warner getting healthier and playing better. Are 4-1 ATS vs. a team with a losing record while the Bengals are 1-4 ATS vs. a team with a losing record.

Why Bengals cover: Are 4-1 ATS in their last five games as a home favorite. Home team has won last seven meetings. Receiver Chris Henry returned with a bang last week with four catches for 99 yards. Edgerrin James is only averaging 2.8 yards per carry for his career against Cincinnati.

Total (48 1/2): Combined teams allowing almost 50 points per game.


Carolina at Green Bay (-9 1/2)

Why Panthers cover: Are 6-1 ATS in their last seven road games. Underdog is 6-1-1 ATS in their last eight meetings. Road team is 4-0 ATS in their last four meetings.

Why Packers cover: Are 8-1-1 ATS in their last 10 games overall. Have NFL’s best passing attack (yes, even better than New England’s). Brett Favre has thrown 20 TDs in eight career game against Carolina. Finally found running game with Ryan Grant rumbling for 119 yards against Minnesota’s NFC-best rush defense. Panthers have yet to win at home this season.

Total (37 1/2): Under is 6-0 in Panthers’ last six games overall.


Cleveland at Baltimore (+2 1/2)

Why Browns cover: Coming off heartbreaking loss to Pittsburgh last week. Are 4-0 ATS in the last four meetings. Reeling Ravens have lost three straight. Beat Baltimore 27-13 in first meeting this year.

Why Ravens cover: Will turn to Kyle Boller in place of Steve McNair who has been horrible and unable to protect the football (seven fumbles). Willis McGahee has rushed for 209 yards and two touchdowns in two career games vs. Cleveland. Home team is 6-1 ATS in the last seven meetings. Underdog is 4-0 ATS in the last four meetings.

Total (43 1/2): Over is 5-2 in the last seven meetings in Baltimore.


Kansas City at Indianapolis (-14 1/2)

Why Chiefs cover: Have held opponents to only four rushing touchdowns. Colts are 0-4 ATS vs. a team with a losing record and will be without defensive end Dwight Freeney who is out for the season with a foot injury.

Why Colts cover: Trying to avoid losing three straight after starting season 7-0. Are 6-0 ATS in their last six home games. Chiefs are 1-7 ATS in their last eight meetings. Brodie Croyle will be making his first career start at QB for Kansas City. Chiefs Running back Larry Johnson still out.

Total (43 1/2): Under is 6-1 in Chiefs’ last seven road games and 4-0 in Colts’ last four games overall.


Miami at Philadelphia (-10)

Why Dolphins cover: Have won four of their last six meetings including two of three in Philadelphia. Eagles are 1-5 ATS in their last six home games. Jesse Chatman had breakout game last week with 124 yards rushing while filling in for the injured Ronnie Brown.

Why Eagles cover: Brian Westbrook is one of the league’s most versatile weapons and has 1,219 all-purpose yards and nine touchdowns this season. Miami is allowing opponents to rush for 149.7 yards per contest. Rookie John Beck will start at quarterback for Miami.

Total (40 1/2): Under is 7-2 in Philadelphia’s last nine games on grass.


New Orleans at Houston (-1)

Why Saints cover: Look to rebound from embarrassing 37-29 home loss to the Rams who were winless at the time. Are third in the NFL with 194 first downs. Held opponents to seven sacks all season. Are 9-4 ATS in their last 13 road games.

Why Texans cover: Get stud wide receiver Andre Johnson back after being out since mid-September. Saints are 1-5 ATS vs. a team with a losing record.

Total: (47 1/2): Over is 4-1 in Saints’ last five road games and 4-1 in their last five games overall.


Oakland at Minnesota (-5 1/2)

Why Raiders cover: Daunte Culpepper will make his first career start against the team that drafted him. Vikings without league’s leading rusher, Adrian Peterson, because of a torn LCL ligament. Minnesota has used three quarterbacks this season and none have a QB rating better than 66 percent.

Why Vikings cover: Holding opponents to 3 yards per rush, second-best in the NFL. Oakland only averaging 155.8 passing yards per game while allowing opponents to rush for 1,298 yards and 13 touchdowns this season.

Total (35 1/2): Under is 12-3-2 in Raiders’ last 17 road games and 4-0-1 in their last five games overall. Teams own two of the worst passing offenses on the NFL.


San Diego at Jacksonville (-3)

Why Chargers cover: Have won four of last five games. Are 4-1 ATS in their last five games. Jaguars are 1-4 ATS in their last five home games.

Why Jaguars cover: Are back home after going 2-1 on a three-game road trip. Have held LaDainian Tomlinson to 94 yards rushing in last two meetings. Will have starting QB David Garrard back from an ankle injury. Home team has won and covered last two meetings. Chargers are 1-5 ATS in their last six road games.

Total (40 1/2): Over is 4-0 in Chargers’ last four road games and 4-1 in Jaguars’ last five games overall.


Tampa Bay at Atlanta (+3)

Why Buccaneers cover: Coming off bye week. Are 5-2 ATS in their last seven meetings in Atlanta. Trying to hold division lead in tight NFC South. Are holding opponents to 16 points per game while Atlanta is only averaging 15 points per contest. Favorite is 9-4 ATS in their last 13 meetings.

Why Falcons cover: Will have QB Byron Leftwich back from an ankle injury. Have won and covered last two meetings. Buccaneers are 2-5 ATS in their last seven meetings. Warrick Dunn has brought new life to the running game.

Total (35 1/2): Under is 4-0 in Buccaneers’ last four vs. NFC and 8-1 in Falcons’ last nine vs. NFC South.


N.Y. Giants at Detroit (+3)

Why Giants cover: Lead the NFL with 31 sacks while the Lions have allowed a league-high 32 sacks. Road team has won last five meetings and is 4-0 ATS in their last four meetings.

Why Lions cover: Haven’t lost at home this season and are 4-0-1 ATS in their last five home games. Underdog is 4-0 ATS in their last four meetings.

Total (49 1/2): Under is 4-1 in Giants’ last five road games.


Pittsburgh at N.Y. Jets (+9 1/2)

Why Steelers cover: Have best defense in league. Jets are only 1-4 ATS at home and 1-5 ATS in their last six games overall. New York is worst in the NFL in rushing first downs allowed, rushing yards allowed and average yards per passing play allowed.

Why Jets cover: Are 5-0 ATS in their last five games following a bye week. Kellen Clemens was solid in his first game as the Jets’ new starting quarterback. Willie Parker is questionable with a hip injury.

Total (40 1/2): Under is 4-1 in the last five meetings.


Washington at Dallas (-10 1/2)

Why Redskins cover: Holding Terrell Owens to 38.3 receiving yards per game for his career. Clinton Portis finally appears healthy and has rushed for 333 yards in his past two games. Are 4-1-1 ATS vs. a team with a winning record.

Why Cowboys cover: Are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games. Redskins will be without Pro Bowl safety Sean Taylor who has a knee injury. Washington is 0-4 ATS in its last four games and 1-4 ATS in its last five meetings in Dallas. Home team is 4-1 ATS in their last five meetings.

Total (46 1/2): Under is 5-2-2 in the last nine meetings and 4-1-1 in the last six meetings in Dallas.


St. Louis at San Francisco (+3)

Why Rams cover: Coming off first victory of season, over New Orleans. Lead the NFL in interceptions. Trent Dilfer will start at QB for 49ers. San Francisco has totaled fewer than 200 yards of offense five times this season.

Why 49ers cover: Frank Gore has six touchdowns in five games versus the Rams who have allowed 11 rushing touchdowns this season. Are holding Steven Jackson to 3.7 yards per carry for his career. Rams are 0-6 ATS in their last six meetings and 1-5 ATS in their last six meetings in San Francisco. Underdog is 6-0 ATS in their last six meetings.

Total (40 1/2): Under is 6-2 in the last eight meetings.


Chicago at Seattle (-6)

Why Bears cover: Have outstanding special teams. Won last two meetings. Holding opponents to 12.7 points in their last three games.

Why Seahawks cover: Have only allowed five passing touchdowns this season. Rex Grossman will start at QB for Chicago. Have changed offense to be more pass oriented, taking pressure off a banged-up Shaun Alexander. Bears having difficulty running the ball all season.

Total (37 1/2): Under is 7-1 in Seahawks’ last eight home games.


New England at Buffalo (+15)

Why Patriots cover: Will want to silence critics (Don Shula, Mercury Morris) who have voiced negative opinions about the Patriots possibly going undefeated. Beat Buffalo 38-7 in late September. Are 4-1 ATS in their last five meetings in Buffalo and 6-2 ATS in their last eight meetings overall. Favorite is 8-2 ATS in their last 10 meetings. Road team is 4-1 ATS in their last five meetings.

Why Bills cover: Are 5-1 since losing to New England in Week 3. Holding opponents to 17.8 points per game at home. Are 5-0 ATS at home.

Total (46 1/2): Under is 7-2 in the last nine meetings in Buffalo and 16-5 in the last 21 meetings overall.


Monday, November 19

Tennessee at Denver (-2 1/2)

Why Titans cover: Could get run-stopping defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth back from a hamstring injury. League’s fourth-best rush offense gets to face NFL’s 31st-ranked rush defense. Are 6-1 ATS in their last seven road games. Broncos are 1-10 ATS in their last 11 home games.

Why Broncos cover: Rookie Selvin Young filled in admirably for an injured Travis Henry, rushing for 109 yards and a score against a tough Chiefs defense. Are averaging 5.66 yards per offensive play, sixth best in the league. Have averaged 36 points per game in their last two meetings while holding the Titans to 13 points per contest. Home team has won eight of last 10 meetings.

Total (38): Over is 9-1 in Broncos’ last 10 home games and 13-3 in their last 16 games overall.

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[pm530]

Canadian Football League – Long Sheet

CFL
Long Sheet



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Sunday, November 18
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WINNIPEG (11 - 7 - 1) at TORONTO (11 - 7) - 11/18/2007, 1:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) as a favorite of 3.5 to 9.5 points this season.
TORONTO is 14-4 ATS (+9.6 Units) in all games this season.
TORONTO is 14-4 ATS (+9.6 Units) in all lined games this season.
TORONTO is 9-1 ATS (+7.9 Units) as a favorite this season.
TORONTO is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in a home game where the total is between 45.5 and 49 this season.
TORONTO is 9-1 ATS (+7.9 Units) versus division opponents this season.
TORONTO is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) in games played on turf this season.

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

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SASKATCHEWAN (13 - 6) at BRITISH COLUMBIA (14 - 3 - 1) - 11/18/2007, 4:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BRITISH COLUMBIA is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
BRITISH COLUMBIA is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 9 or more games over the last 2 seasons.
SASKATCHEWAN is 48-30 ATS (+15.0 Units) as an underdog of 3.5 to 9.5 points since 1996.
SASKATCHEWAN is 78-49 ATS (+24.1 Units) as an underdog since 1996.
SASKATCHEWAN is 40-22 ATS (+15.8 Units) when playing on a Sunday since 1996.
SASKATCHEWAN is 71-44 ATS (+22.6 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent since 1996.

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

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[pm530]

Canadian Football League – Hot Lines

CFL
Hot Lines


Sunday, November 18

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Makin’ Canadian bacon: CFL divisional finals
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Winnipeg Blue Bombers at Toronto Argonauts (-6 1/2, 45 1/2)
Sunday, Nov. 18, 1 p.m. ET

Last Sunday's conditions at Canad Inns Stadium weren't ideal for watching football. It was windy, cold and the Blue Lightning dancers were bundled up like they just came back from an afternoon caribou hunt on the tundra. The last thing the shivering Winnipeg fans needed was the Bombers' season boiling down to a Troy Westwood field goal attempt with the wind howling around him.

But the 40-year-old with the 60 percent success rate this season made it when it counted and sent the Alouettes back to Montreal. His reward is a trip to the Rogers Centre, where the wind will be non-existent and the Blue Thunder cheerleaders will show a little more leg. (I'm not kidding you, that's the Argos dance team name. Blue Lightning sounds sexy. Blue Thunder somehow sounds ... heavy).

Toronto has been on an unbelievable run in the second half of the season, both straight-up and against the spread. The Boatmen even posted a pair of 10-point wins over Winnipeg later in the season, in Weeks 13 and 18. Toronto only managed three offensive touchdowns in those two wins, however, and two of those were short drives set up by the defense or special teams.

The Argos scored 41 points against the Riders in the regular-season finale, but that was a game that meant absolutely nothing to Saskatchewan. You have to go back more than a month to find a good offensive performance by the Boatmen in a game that mattered to both teams.

Luckily Toronto has both motivation and time on its side. The Grey Cup is at the Rogers Centre this year and 2007 might be the last for head coach Michael Clemons to roam the sidelines. The Argos also had a bye week to sort out their offensive questions.

That makes it a little easier to lay the points because I have no doubts at all when it comes to Toronto's defense or special teams. The Argonauts won 14 paydays in 18 games this season because of those two units so I won't look the other way this Sunday.

By the way, just because the Argos cheerleaders picked a bad name doesn't make them bad people. Their page on the Argos website is definitely worth a visit.

Pick: Argos -6 1/2


Saskatchewan Roughriders at BC Lions (-7 1/2, 55)
Sunday, Nov. 18, 4:30 p.m. ET

Another Prairie team loses its elements edge as the Riders make their way to BC Place this Sunday. They might not mind playing indoors, though. Saskatchewan walked away from Vancouver with wins in both the preseason and the regular season.

The Lions, however, are likely to have the comfort edge in BC Place on Sunday. It was the site of their Western final wins over the Riders both last year and in 2004. The crowd noise in the domed stadium, whether genuine or piped-in, was a huge issue for Saskatchewan a year ago. So coaches blasted noise into this week's practices to recreate the atmosphere they expect in Vancouver on Sunday.

It all adds to the teams' rivalry. The Roughriders and Lions really don't like each other. It’s not hate created by hype, it's hate created by the league's two most physical teams playing each other three times per season. And I love it. What are the late afternoon kickoffs in the NFL on Sunday? Washington at Dallas? Chicago at Seattle? Ha! Don’t even bother with that tripe. Rider Pride taking on the defending champs is the game to watch.

I don't like laying more than a touchdown with the Leos for a couple of reasons. For starters, they haven't played a big game in weeks. They took the regular-season finale against Calgary off and their preceding three games were against non-playoff teams. BC went 4-0 SU in those games but didn’t look convincing in any of them. Maybe they were coasting, but it's hard to jump back into top gear if you've been coasting since Oct. 5, the date of their last meaningful win over a playoff team.

I'm also not huge on Jarious Jackson to light up a quality CFL defense like that of the Riders. I think BC will win and Jackson will manage the game, I just don't think Saskatchewan is ready to be bowled over.

The Riders' offense might once again struggle with the noise, but not as much as it'll struggle with BC's playmakers on defense. Going the other way, I see Joe Smith being the star of the game as the Leos control the clock and win the field position battle. It should be a great game, just a lower-scoring one than the teams' scoring averages would suggest.

Pick: under 55

Last week: 0-2

Year to date: 35-39

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[pm530]

National Basketball Association – Write up

NBA
Write-up


Friday, November 16

Friday's NBA analysis

Hot Teams
-- Celtics won, covered all seven games this season.
-- Orlando won six of its last seven games.
-- Utah won its last five games, three by four or less points.
-- Hawks won three of their first four home games.
-- Spurs lost last night, just their second loss in nine games.
-- New Orleans won seven of its first nine games.
-- Wizards won last two games, allowing 90 points in each, after losing first five games, allowing average of 104.2 ppg.
-- Pistons won six of their first eight games. Lakers covered five of their first seven games (2-2 SU at home).
-- Clippers won five of their first seven games.

Cold Teams
-- Blazers are 0-4 on road, losing by 9-20-9-17 points. 76ers lost last four games, by 2-21-15-19 points.
-- Pacers lost last five games, by 5-9-7-15-13 points. Raptors lost their last three home games.
-- Miami is 1-7 this season, 0-4 at home.
-- Nets lost last three games, scoring 75.5 ppg in last two.
-- Cavaliers lost two of their first three home games.
-- Seattle won first game in nine tries Wednesday.
-- Rockets lost last two games, scoring 94.5 ppg; McGrady is out with injured elbow.
-- Grizzlies lost three of their last four games.
-- Minnesota lost five of its first six games.
-- Knicks lost five of their first seven games. Sacramento lost six of its first eight games, but has Artest back now.
-- Warriors are already 0-6 this season.

Series Records
-- Visiting team won both Portland-Philly games LY, with games decided by total of five points.
-- Home side won all three Indiana-Toronto games last year, as Pacers lost 92-83/110-86 in their visits here.
-- Visiting team won all three Miami-Boston games last year.
-- Home side won all four Orlando-Jersey games LY, with Magic losing 101-94/93-78 in its two visits to the Swamp.
-- Home side won last three Utah-Cleveland games; Cavs lost at Utah, 103-101, nine days ago.
-- Sonics won both games vs Atlanta LY, 102-87/113-112OT.
-- Visiting team won all four Rocket-Spur games last season, but Rockets beat Spurs in Houston ten days ago, 89-81.
-- Hornets won three of four vs Memphis LY, as home team was 3-1 in the four games.
-- Home side won both Washington-Minnesota games LY.
-- Home side won both New York-Sacramento games last year.
-- Detroit beat Lakers twice LY, 93-78/97-83.
-- Home side won all foir Clipper-Warrior games last season.

Totals
-- Under is 4-1-1 in last six Portland games.
-- Four of last five Indiana games stayed under total.
-- Five of seven Miami games stayed under the total.
-- Six of last seven Net games stayed under the total.
-- Five of last six Cleveland games went over the total.
-- Five of last six Atlanta games stayed under the total.
-- Four of last five Houston games stayed under the total.
-- Under is 3-1-1 in last five Memphis games, 5-0 in the last five New Orleans games.
-- Last six Washington games stayed under the total.
-- Last three Sacramento games all went over the total.
-- Four of last five Detroit games went over the total.
-- Last five Warrior games went over the total.

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[pm530]

National Basketball Association – Hot Lines

NBA
Hot Lines


Friday, November 16

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Pick 'n' roll: Friday's best NBA bets

Portland Trailblazers at Philadelphia 76ers (-3, 184 ½)

Portland is shooting an impressive 46 percent from the field and 38 percent from the three-point line. It is also holding opponents to 44 percent shooting. The Blazers have also won four of their last five outings.

Philadelphia is shooting poorly and averaging less than 90 points per game. The Sixers are a horrible 69 percent from the free-throw line this season.

Pick: Blazers


Seattle Supersonics at Atlanta Hawks (odds not released yet)

Seattle got the winless monkey off its back Wednesday. Kevin Durant tallied 18 points and five rebounds in a win over Miami. The Sonics are now 3-1 ATS in their last four outings.

Hawks’ forward Josh Smith and point guard Acie Law are questionable for their game against the Sonics. They are allowing more than 97 points on 46 percent shooting. They are also 2-4 SU in their last four contests.

Pick: Sonics


Indiana Pacers at Toronto Raptors (-9, 194)

The Raptors are shooting less than 44 percent from the field but are holding opponents to 94 points per contest –36 percent from the three-point line.

Indiana is allowing more than 100 points per outing on 42 percent shooting. It has also lost five consecutive contests and is 2-6 ATS overall. That trend should change with this generous line.

Pick: Pacers +9


Utah Jazz at Cleveland Cavaliers (+1, 203)

The Cavaliers are averaging nearly 100 points per outing on 43 percent shooting. They are also allowing more than 100 points per contest this season.

The Jazz have the league’s most potent offense, averaging more than 109 points per contest on 49 percent shooting. They have played over the total in six of their nine contests.

Pick: Cavaliers


Miami Heat at Boston Celtics (-11, 185 ½)

Boston is playing its third game in four nights Friday. It’s a pace which could hamper its effort against the struggling, yet rejuvenated Heat.

Miami is playing its second game with Dwyane Wade in its lineup. Miami suffered an embarrassing setback to the then-winless Sonics on Wednesday and should be looking to rebound with a strong effort against the Celtics.

Pick: Heat


Orlando Magic at New Jersey Knicks (+3 ½, 184)

New Jersey hosts the 7-2 SU and 7-2 ATS Magic a day after falling to the conference-leading Celtics. The Nets are struggling on offense, averaging less than 88 points per game on 40 percent shooting.

Orlando is 5-0 SU on the road this season. The Magic are averaging more than 103 points per game on 45 percent shooting. They are also holding opponents under 43 percent field-goal shooting.

Pick: Magic


Washington Wizards at Minnesota Timberwolves (+2 ½, 194 ½)

The Wizards appear to have found their touch. Washington has scored more than 100 points in its last two outings – seven points more than its season average. It has also won back-to-back games, covering the spread in both contests.

Minnesota is allowing more than 102 points per outing on 47 percent shooting. Wolves second-year forward Craig Smith is also questionable for Friday. Smith is averaging more than 10 points and five rebounds per contest.

Pick: Wizards


Houston Rockets at San Antonio Spurs (odds not yet released)

Houston has lost back-to-back outings to the Grizzlies and Lakers. It is just 3-6 ATS this season. Tracy McGrady is also out Friday against the Spurs.

San Antonio is limiting opponents to less than 89 points per contest, while averaging more than 99 points. Houston, though, is 4-0 ATS in its last four contests in San Antonio.

Pick: Rockets


New York Knicks at Sacramento Kings (-3, 199)

Zach Randolph will not be in the Knicks’ lineup on Friday. Randolph compiled 16 points and 19 rebounds in a loss to the Clippers. He is also leading the team in scoring, averaging more than 19 points per contest.

Ron Artest made his season debut Wednesday, registering 17 points, six rebounds and three steals in a road setback to the Wolves. Artest will give Sacramento an edge over the shorthanded Knicks.

Pick: Kings


New Orleans Hornets at Memphis Grizzlies (+3 ½, 203)

New Orleans has been just as dominant on the road as they have been at home. The Hornets are 4-1 SU and 3-1-1 ATS on the road this season. They are also allowing a league second-best 88 points per game, while averaging more than 97 points.

Memphis has lost three straight road contests, including a 102-99 setback to Milwaukee on Wednesday. Memphis is also allowing opponents to average more than 107 points per game on 48 percent shooting.

Pick: Hornets


Detroit Pistons at Los Angeles Lakers (odds not yet released)

Pistons starters Chauncey Billups and Antonio McDyess are questionable after missing Wednesday’s victory over the Warriors. Reserve guard Flip Murray tallied 15 points and 12 assists, while Jason Maxiell compiled 14 points and 14 rebounds.

Los Angeles is allowing more than 101 points per game. The Lakers are also allowing opponents to shoot 38 percent from the three-point line. They are 2-11-1 ATS in their last 14 meetings with the Pistons.

Pick: Pistons


Los Angeles Clippers at Golden State Warriors (-4, 217)

Simply put, the Warriors stink.

Golden State is averaging more than 107 points per contest, but is allowing a league-worst 117 points per game. The Warriors also rank last in opponents field-goal percentage (51) and opponents three-point field-goal percentage (46).

The Clippers have been solid on the road this season. They are 2-1 SU and ATS with their only road loss coming in Detroit. Second-leading scorer Cuttino Mobley missed the Pistons contest with a hip ailment.

Pick: Clippers

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[pm530]

College Basketball – Long Sheet

NCAAB
Long Sheet


Friday, November 16

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FORDHAM (2 - 1) at SYRACUSE (2 - 0) - 11/16/2007, 7:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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TOLEDO (1 - 1) at OLD DOMINION (1 - 0) - 11/16/2007, 7:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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W MICHIGAN (1 - 2) at LOYOLA-IL (2 - 0) - 11/16/2007, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LOYOLA-IL is 47-29 ATS (+15.1 Units) as a favorite since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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ARKANSAS ST (0 - 1) at TULSA (1 - 1) - 11/16/2007, 8:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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CAL DAVIS (1 - 1) at TEXAS (1 - 0) - 11/16/2007, 8:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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LA-LAFAYETTE (1 - 0) at LOUISIANA TECH (0 - 1) - 11/16/2007, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LA-LAFAYETTE is 33-17 ATS (+14.3 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997.
LOUISIANA TECH is 2-9 ATS (-7.9 Units) after scoring 60 points or less over the last 2 seasons.
LOUISIANA TECH is 17-32 ATS (-18.2 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
LOUISIANA TECH is 1-1 against the spread versus LA-LAFAYETTE over the last 3 seasons
LOUISIANA TECH is 1-1 straight up against LA-LAFAYETTE 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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IDAHO (1 - 1) at WASHINGTON ST (2 - 0) - 11/16/2007, 10:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
IDAHO is 16-7 ATS (+8.3 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
IDAHO is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) as a road underdog of 24.5 to 30 points over the last 3 seasons.
IDAHO is 31-16 ATS (+13.4 Units) in road games after scoring 60 points or less since 1997.
IDAHO is 12-4 ATS (+7.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

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

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ILLINOIS (1 - 0) at HAWAII (0 - 1) - 11/16/2007, 11:59 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ILLINOIS is 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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MARIST (1 - 0) vs. HOUSTON (1 - 0) - 11/16/2007, 11:00 AM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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MIAMI (1 - 0) vs. VA COMMONWEALTH (1 - 0) - 11/16/2007, 1:30 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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CLEVELAND ST (1 - 1) vs. GA SOUTHERN (0 - 1) - 11/16/2007, 12:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CLEVELAND ST is 2-13 ATS (-12.3 Units) in all tournament games since 1997.
CLEVELAND ST is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) in road games after scoring 60 points or less over the last 3 seasons.
GA SOUTHERN is 10-23 ATS (-15.3 Units) in road games in non-conference games since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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RHODE ISLAND (2 - 0) vs. S FLORIDA (0 - 2) - 11/16/2007, 2:15 PM
Top Trends for this game.
RHODE ISLAND is 39-59 ATS (-25.9 Units) as a favorite since 1997.
RHODE ISLAND is 40-61 ATS (-27.1 Units) after a non-conference game since 1997.
S FLORIDA is 5-13 ATS (-9.3 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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FLA ATLANTIC (0 - 2) vs. STETSON (1 - 1) - 11/16/2007, 6:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
STETSON is 2-1 straight up against FLA ATLANTIC over the last 3 seasons

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FLORIDA ST (2 - 0) vs. UAB (2 - 0) - 11/16/2007, 8:15 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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CHARLOTTE (2 - 0) vs. GEORGIA TECH (1 - 1) - 11/16/2007, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CHARLOTTE is 19-35 ATS (-19.5 Units) after scoring 80 points or more since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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IL-CHICAGO (2 - 0) vs. WINTHROP (1 - 0) - 11/16/2007, 3:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
IL-CHICAGO is 66-38 ATS (+24.2 Units) in non-conference games since 1997.
IL-CHICAGO is 24-10 ATS (+13.0 Units) in all tournament games since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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BAYLOR (1 - 0) vs. WICHITA ST (1 - 0) - 11/16/2007, 6:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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MONMOUTH (0 - 2) vs. NOTRE DAME (1 - 0) - 11/16/2007, 8:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MONMOUTH is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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APPALACHIAN ST (0 - 1) vs. SAN JOSE ST (0 - 0) - 11/16/2007, 6:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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LIPSCOMB (0 - 2) at MIDDLE TENN ST (0 - 0) - 11/16/2007, 8:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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ST BONAVENTURE (1 - 1) vs. LOYOLA-MARYMOUNT (0 - 2) - 11/16/2007, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ST BONAVENTURE is 0-7 ATS (-7.7 Units) as a favorite over the last 3 seasons.
ST BONAVENTURE is 40-61 ATS (-27.1 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997.
LOYOLA-MARYMOUNT is 7-18 ATS (-12.8 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
LOYOLA-MARYMOUNT is 7-18 ATS (-12.8 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
LOYOLA-MARYMOUNT is 5-13 ATS (-9.3 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
LOYOLA-MARYMOUNT is 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.
LOYOLA-MARYMOUNT is 2-9 ATS (-7.9 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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USC UPSTATE (0 - 1) vs. AKRON (0 - 0) - 11/16/2007, 10:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
AKRON is 32-18 ATS (+12.2 Units) as a favorite over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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PORTLAND ST (0 - 1) vs. IUPUI (1 - 1) - 11/16/2007, 11:59 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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CANISIUS (0 - 1) at PENN ST (1 - 0) - 11/16/2007, 7:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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C MICHIGAN (0 - 2) at NIAGARA (0 - 0) - 11/16/2007, 7:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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BOISE ST (1 - 1) at MONTANA ST (1 - 1) - 11/16/2007, 9:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BOISE ST is 12-2 ATS (+9.8 Units) as a road favorite of 3 points or less or pick since 1997.

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

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[pm530]

College Basketball – Write up

NCAAB
Write-up


Friday, November 16

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Friday's College Basketball

Top Five Games

Miami crushed Marist Thursday; 'canes are picked 8th in ACC; 71% of last year's scoring came from frosh/sophs; they're an experienced group. VCU beat Houston in first round, was 28-7 last year, has three starters back; they're picked 2nd in CAA. Rams had much tougher time in their first round game.

Arkansas has all five starters back from team that made it into NCAAs the last two years- they won first two games by 22,26 points. Providence has four starters back from 18-13 team; there are high expectations; they won tight game vs Temple in first round Thursday. Another game that might loom large in March.

Restocked UAB gets shot at ACC team; Indiana transfer Vaden had 26 in his Blazer debut. Three transfers make UAB #3 pick in C-USA, joining Houston as main challengers to Memphis. FSU has four starters back from 22-win team- they pounded Georgia Southern by 25 last game. Could be NCAA 1st round preview

Wichita has a new coach (Marshall, from Winthrop); they were ranked #8 in country at one point LY, didn't even make it in NIT so he has some rebuilding to do, has three starters back. Baylor has five starters back from a 15-16 club that went 4-12 in Big 12 LY; only one of their top ten players is a senior.

Memphis-UConn pits two giants of coaching; Huskies led USA in shotblocking last six years; if Thabeet rules middle, can the Tigers make enough shots on perimeter? Memphis won by 10 last night, while UConn coasted vs Gardner-Webb. This will be good gauge of hoew far back UConn has come, as far as being contender for national title or at least an NCAA bid.

Rest of the Card

-- Fordham starts five seniors, but they were down 30 at half at Missouri in last game. Syracuse rarely leaves home, but they're going to NYC next week; they won first two games by 8,3 pts.

-- Toledo beat Missouri State 57-53 in opener, then lost home game to Vanderbilt, 77-70; they lost top three scorers from last year, as did Old Dominion, which plays Clemson and Tar Heels in next round, so their youngsters will be challenged.

-- Western Michigan gave Oregon good game in The Pit after winning two other games last week; all five Bronco starters are back from LY. Loyola lost four starters back from a 21-11 group that pretty much underachieved.

-- Arkansas State survived close game vs Utah Valley just two nights ago; they're young team, on road for first time, visiting Tulsa squad that got upset by Hampton in Maryland tourney last weekend. Hurricane has an experienced team.

-- Louisiana Tech lost 65-60 at UL-Lafayette LY (-3.5); Tech has new coach, young team with only one returning starter. ULL is on downswing (22 wins last two years); they won opener 79-67 over North Alabama-- this is their first road game.

-- Washington State trailed at half in Boise last game, woke up in second half, won going away; they won 66-54 LY at Idaho. Vandals were 4-27 LY, have three starters back, not sure that is a good thing- they lost 80-43 at Gonzaga Tuesday.

-- Illinois plays in Maui Monday; they warm up here against a Hawai'i team that lost at home to San Diego in its opener. Illini beat Northeastern in opener (Huskies took Maryland to OT on Thursday, so that win looks better now).

-- Marist lost star PG Jordan to graduation; they beat Delaware 84-78 in opener (-11), then got whacked by Miami on Thursday. Red Foxes are picked 4th in MAAC, due to inexperience of Gs. Houston is good team, lost tough game to VCU Thursday.

-- Temple led Providence at half in first round, lost by a basket. Charleston is reloading; they lost opener in OT at Wilmington, 98-91, then got crushed by Hogs Thursday- they lost three of their starters from LY's 22-11 team.

-- Georgia Southern got crushed by Florida State in its opener; with senior PG, they should improve. Cleveland St won opener at South Florida, then lost 56-47 at George Mason Tuesday.

-- Rhode Island whacked fAU in opener, then easily beat local rival Brown last game; they've got four starters back from 19-14 team that lost in A-14 finals LY. South Florida lost 73-70 in its opener to Cleveland State, in Heath's debut as USF coach.

-- Florida Atlantic got crushed at Rhode Island in opener, then played better in 68-62 loss at Boston College Monday. Stetson lost 85-49 in its opener at UAB- they have lot of experience, are picked to finish in middle of Atlantic Sun standings.

-- Georgia Tech was upset by NC-Greensboro in opener, then trailed at half at Tennessee State next game, before rallying for win-- they need PG. Charlotte is waiting for new PG to become eligible in January; they're picked for 10th in A-14.

-- Ill-Chicago upset Bradley in opener; they lost three starters from LY. Winthrop has new coach, seven players getting their first D-I action. Interesting to see if they can carry on winning tradition after such a turnover. (Wichita State, by the way, is in the same tournament, so Marshall, Winthrop will cross paths)

-- Notre Dame has three starters back from 24-8 team that lost in NCAAs to Winthrop last March; they could see Eagles again Saturday. Monmouth has very young team, but lost in overtime to Seton Hall last game, so they're getting better.

-- San Jose upset host Middle Tennessee as 11-point dog last night, after Appalachian State whacked Lipscomb by 23. ASU is off 25-win season, but lost three starters off that team- they lost opener 84-78 at Charlotte.

-- Middle Tennessee lost by point last night, as 11-point home favorite. Lipscomb has three starters back from LY's 18-13 team. Raiders have four starters back from LY, are expected to be lot better this season. Lipscomb lost last night by 23.

-- Gardner-Webb got in major foul trouble last night, was down 14 at half, lost to UConn by 12. Oklahoma hung with Memphis but lost by 10; Sooners have young team that will get better. Have feeling Bulldogs just happy to be in Big Apple.

-- Penn State won its opener 74-64 over St Francis Pa. Canisius lost 61-47 to Colgate of Patriot League Tuesday, not the best of signs for Griffs team that lost 19 games LY. Lions have three starters back from LY, but newcomers are key for Penn State.

-- Central Michigan lost twice in tourney over weekend, losing to Central Missouri in consolation round; Chippewas have four starters back from LY, are picked 2nd in division. Niagara lost four starters after making NCAAs last season.

-- Montana State pulled away late from Long Beach last game, after losing at UNLV in opener, 76-65; they lost three starters from LY. Boise State led Washington State at half in last game, but lost- they're replacing their guards, rebuilding somewhat.

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[pm530]

National Hockey League – Write up

NHL
Write-up


Friday, November 16

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Friday's NHL analysis

Hot Teams
-- Atlanta won six of its last eight games. Carolina is 5-2 in its last seven home games.
-- Canadiens are 8-3 in their last eleven games.
-- Lightning won last four games, outscoring foes 19-5.
-- Avalanche won three of their last four games.
-- Canucks won three of their last four games.

Cold Teams
-- Devils lost eight of their last twelve games. Islanders lost five of their last six road games.
-- Sabres lost six of their last seven games.
-- Washington lost last six games, scoring five goals.
-- Dallas Stars lost three in row, six of last eight games.
-- Columbus lost four of its last five games. St Louis lost three of its last four games.
-- Minnesota lost two of last three on road; this is its third road game in last four nights.

Series Records
-- Thrashers won four of last five visits to Carolina.
-- Islanders are 2-0 vs Devils this season, 4-3OT/2-1.
-- Home side won last five Montreal-Buffalo games.
-- Lightning won six of last eight games vs Washington.
-- Avalanche lost four of last five games vs Dallas.
-- Columbus won four in row vs Blues, outscoring them 14-2.
-- Home side is 10-3 in last thirteen Minnesota-Vancouver tilts.

Totals
-- Four of last five Atlanta-Carolina games stayed under total.
-- Six of last seven Devil games stayed under the total.
-- Four of last five Montreal games stayed under total.
-- Five of last six Washington games stayed under total.
-- Over is 8-3 in last eleven Colorado-Dallas games.
-- Under is 9-4 in last thirteen Columbus games.
-- Over is 3-0-1 in last four Minnesota games.

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[pm530]

Weekend Sports Preview

It’s another busy weekend for sports fans and bettors as NFL, college football, CFL, NBA, college basketball, NHL and NASCAR all fight for attention.

Week 11 in the NFL kicks off on Sunday with a number of divisional matchups on the schedule including Tampa Bay at Atlanta (+3), Cleveland at Baltimore (+2.5), Washington at Dallas (-10.5), St. Louis at San Francisco (+2.5) and New England at Buffalo (+15.5). The rest of the Sunday NFL schedule includes Arizona at Cincinnati (-3), Carolina at Green Bay (-9.5), New Orleans at Houston (Pk), Kansas City at Indianapolis (-14.5), San Diego at Jacksonville (-3), Oakland at Minnesota (-5), Miami at Philadelphia (-10), the Giants at Detroit (+2.5), Pittsburgh at the Jets (+9.5) and Chicago at Seattle (-5.5).

In college football this weekend eight of the Top 10 teams in the nation are in action on Saturday, highlighted by No. 7 Ohio State at No. 23 Michigan (+4.5) and No. 22 Kentucky at No. 8 Georgia (-7.5). Also on tap this weekend is No. 6 Missouri at Kansas St. (+7.5), Miami (FL) at No. 10 Virginia Tech (-16.5), No. 5 West Virginia at No. 21 Cincinnati (+6.5) and No. 3 Oklahoma at Texas Tech (+8).

Up north the CFL playoffs continue this weekend with the East and West finals on Sunday. Winnipeg takes on Toronto for the East crown, while Saskatchewan faces BC in the West. The winners will head to the 95th Grey Cup in Toronto on November 25.

On the hardcourt this weekend the NBA has a busy schedule starting with 12 games on Friday night. Tipping off on Friday is Indiana at Toronto, Portland at Philadelphia, Seattle at Atlanta, Orlando at New Jersey, Utah at Cleveland, Miami at Boston, Washington at Minnesota, Houston at San Antonio, New Orleans at Memphis, New York at Sacramento, Detroit at the Lakers and the Clippers at Golden State.

Ten more NBA contests follow on Saturday, including Seattle at Charlotte, Portland at Washington, Utah at Indiana, Miami at New Jersey, New Orleans at Minnesota, Atlanta at Milwaukee, Phoenix at Houston, Memphis at Dallas, New York at Denver and Chicago at the Clippers.

Things slow down in the Association on Sunday, with only four games on the schedule. The slate includes Golden State at Toronto, Boston at Orlando, Detroit at Sacramento and Chicago at the Lakers.

This weekend’s college basketball schedule includes a number of TBD games due to preseason tournaments. The tourneys that will be running this weekend are the Coaches vs. Cancer, the Top of the World Classic and Paradise Jam.

The NHL’s weekend schedule begins on Friday night with seven games, including Atlanta at Carolina, the Islanders at New Jersey, Montreal at Buffalo and Washington at Tampa Bay. The rest of the Friday schedule has Colorado at Dallas, Columbus at St. Louis and Minnesota at Vancouver.

Ten more games follow on Saturday night, including Phoenix at Los Angeles, Chicago at Detroit, Ottawa at Toronto, New Jersey at Philadelphia, Boston at Montreal, Florida at Carolina and the Rangers at Pittsburgh. Also on Saturday night catch Florida at Carolina, Calgary at Edmonton and Anaheim at San Jose.

Three games finish off the weekend NHL schedule on Sunday, as Detroit takes on Columbus, Colorado faces Minnesota and Calgary travels to Vancouver.

The NASCAR season concludes this weekend with the Ford 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway. After winning the last four races Jimmie Johnson holds an 86-point lead over Jeff Gordon in the Chase standings. Gordon is a 2/1 favorite in Miami this weekend, with Johnson a slight underdog at 3/1. Johnson only needs to finish 18th or better Sunday to clinch the championship.

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

[Udog]

NBA
Dunkel


Indiana at Toronto
While Toronto has played well on the road (3-1 record), it has been just the opposite at home (1-3). The latest woes came on Wednesday when the Raptors shot just 38.5 percent from the field in a 92-88 loss to Utah. Sam Mitchell's club will look to snap out of its home doldrums tonight and may have found the perfect opponent in Indiana. The Pacers have lost five straight after starting the season 3-0. Indiana is averaging just 91.6 points and 39.9 percent shooting during the slump and is coming off a 103-90 loss to Washington on Wednesday. Toronto looks like a good pick to cover (-8 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Raptors favored by 13. Dunkel Pick: Toronto (-8 1/2). Here are all of today's games.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16

Game 701-702: Portland at Philadelphia
Dunkel Ratings: Portland 119.598; Philadelphia 118.334
Dunkel Line & Total: Portland by 1; 179
Vegas Line & Total: Philadelphia by 3; 184 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Portland (+3); Under

Game 703-704: Indiana at Toronto
Dunkel Ratings: Indiana 111.535; Toronto 124.294
Dunkel Line & Total: Toronto by 13; 185
Vegas Line & Total: Toronto by 8 1/2; 194
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (-8 1/2); Under

Game 705-706: Miami at Boston
Dunkel Ratings: Miami 114.288; Boston 129.701
Dunkel Line & Total: Boston by 15 1/2; 176
Vegas Line & Total: Boston by 11; 185 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Boston (-11); Under

Game 707-708: Orlando at New Jersey
Dunkel Ratings: Orlando 120.474; New Jersey 116.126
Dunkel Line & Total: Orlando by 4; 180
Vegas Line & Total: Orlando by 3 1/2; 184
Dunkel Pick: Orlando (-4); Under

Game 709-710: Utah at Cleveland
Dunkel Ratings: Utah 122.360; Cleveland 119.906
Dunkel Line & Total: Utah by 2 1/2; 206
Vegas Line & Total: Utah by 1; 203
Dunkel Pick: Utah (-1); Over

Game 711-712: Seattle at Atlanta
Dunkel Ratings: Seattle 108.793; Atlanta 119.586
Dunkel Line & Total: Atlanta by 11; 203 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 713-714: Houston at San Antonio
Dunkel Ratings: Houston 119.653; San Antonio 130.404
Dunkel Line & Total: San Antonio by 11; 190
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 715-716: New Orleans at Memphis
Dunkel Ratings: New Orleans 123.586; Memphis 115.404
Dunkel Line & Total: New Orleans by 8; 194
Vegas Line & Total: New Orleans by 3 1/2; 203
Dunkel Pick: New Orleans (-3 1/2); Under

Game 717-718: Washington at Minnesota
Dunkel Ratings: Washington 114.400; Minnesota 110.399
Dunkel Line & Total: Washington by 4; 188 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Washington by 2 1/2; 194 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Washington (-2 1/2); Under

Game 719-720: New York at Sacramento
Dunkel Ratings: New York 114.896; Sacramento 111.863
Dunkel Line & Total: New York by 3; 199
Vegas Line & Total: Sacramento by 3; 198 1/2
Dunkel Pick: New York (+3); Over

Game 721-722: Detroit at LA Lakers
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit 122.055; LA Lakers 125.614
Dunkel Line & Total: LA Lakers by 3 1/2; 209 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 723-724: LA Clippers at Golden State
Dunkel Ratings: LA Clippers 115.541; Golden State 114.664
Dunkel Line & Total: LA Clippers by 1; 219
Vegas Line & Total: Golden State by 4 1/2; 216
Dunkel Pick: LA Clippers (+4 1/2); Over

[Udog]

NCAAB
Dunkel


Illinois at Hawaii
The Illini have some solid returning talent, including starters Brian Randle and Shaun Pruitt, but did not look particularly sharp in their opener against Northeastern at home. Illinois had 10 first-half turnovers and shot just 29.4 percent from the field before pulling out a 63-55 win. The venue will get a lot tougher tonight as Illinois travels to Hawaii to play a Warriors team looking to rebound from a 73-72 loss to San Diego in the debut of new coach Bob Nash. Hawaii looks like a good home underdog pick (+3) in this one according to Dunkel, which has the game even. Dunkel Pick: Hawaii (+3). Here are all of today's games.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16

Game 725-726: Fordham at Syracuse
Dunkel Ratings: Fordham 58.810; Syracuse 65.099
Dunkel Line: Syracuse by 6
Vegas Line: Syracuse by 10
Dunkel Pick: Fordham (+10)

Game 727-728: Toledo at Old Dominion
Dunkel Ratings: Toledo 55.103; Old Dominion 66.792
Dunkel Line: Old Dominion by 11 1/2
Vegas Line: Old Dominion by 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Old Dominion (-8 1/2)

Game 729-730: Western Michigan at Loyola-Chicago
Dunkel Ratings: Western Michigan 52.099; Loyola-Chicago 59.164
Dunkel Line: Loyola-Chicago by 7
Vegas Line: Loyola-Chicago by 1 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Loyola-Chicago (-1 1/2)

Game 731-732: Arkansas State at Tulsa
Dunkel Ratings: Arkansas State 47.996; Tulsa 59.914
Dunkel Line: Tulsa by 12
Vegas Line: Tulsa by 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Tulsa (-9 1/2)

Game 733-734: UC Davis at Texas
Dunkel Ratings: UC Davis 42.727; Texas 74.427
Dunkel Line: Texas by 32
Vegas Line: Texas by 24 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Texas (-24 1/2)

Game 735-736: UL Lafayette at Louisiana Tech
Dunkel Ratings: UL Lafayette 43.837; Louisiana Tech 53.282
Dunkel Line: Louisiana Tech by 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Louisiana Tech by 4
Dunkel Pick: Louisiana Tech (-4)

Game 737-738: Idaho at Washington State
Dunkel Ratings: Idaho 41.972; Washington State 74.383
Dunkel Line: Washington State by 32 1/2
Vegas Line: Washington State by 27 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Washington State (-27 1/2)

Game 739-740: Illinois at Hawaii
Dunkel Ratings: Illinois 64.353; Hawaii 64.795
Dunkel Line: Even
Vegas Line: Illinois by 3
Dunkel Pick: Hawaii (+3)

Game 741-742: Marist vs. Houston
Dunkel Ratings: Marist 50.959; Houston 61.732
Dunkel Line: Houston by 11
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 743-744: Miami (FL) vs. Virginia Commonwealth
Dunkel Ratings: Miami (FL) 58.022; Virginia Commonwealth 63.005
Dunkel Line: Virginia Commonwealth by 5
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 745-746: Providence vs. Arkansas
Dunkel Ratings: Providence 64.304; Arkansas 69.839
Dunkel Line: Arkansas by 5 1/2
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 747-748: College of Charleston vs. Temple
Dunkel Ratings: College of Charleston 52.516; Temple 59.180
Dunkel Line: Temple by 6 1/2
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 749-750: Cleveland State vs. Georgia Southern
Dunkel Ratings: Cleveland State 48.952; Georgia Southern 50.657
Dunkel Line: Georgia Southern by 2
Vegas Line: Cleveland State by 2
Dunkel Pick: Georgia Southern (+2)

Game 751-752: Rhode Island vs. South Florida
Dunkel Ratings: Rhode Island 60.952; South Florida 55.313
Dunkel Line: Rhode Island by 5 1/2
Vegas Line: Rhode Island by 7
Dunkel Pick: South Florida (+7)

Game 753-754: Florida Atlantic vs. Stetson
Dunkel Ratings: Florida Atlantic 45.497; Stetson 37.899
Dunkel Line: Florida Atlantic by 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Florida Atlantic by 10
Dunkel Pick: Stetson (+10)

Game 755-756: Florida State vs. UAB
Dunkel Ratings: Florida State 68.250; UAB 60.543
Dunkel Line: Florida State by 8
Vegas Line: Florida State by 3
Dunkel Pick: Florida State (-3)

Game 757-758: Charlotte vs. Georgia Tech
Dunkel Ratings: Charlotte 55.494; Georgia Tech 63.084
Dunkel Line: Georgia Tech by 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Georgia Tech by 10
Dunkel Pick: Charlotte (+10)

Game 759-760: Illinois-Chicago vs. Winthrop
Dunkel Ratings: Illinois-Chicago 58.367; Winthrop 61.265
Dunkel Line: Winthrop by 3
Vegas Line: Winthrop by 4
Dunkel Pick: Illinois-Chicago (+4)

Game 761-762: Baylor vs. Wichita State
Dunkel Ratings: Baylor 61.697; Wichita State 60.943
Dunkel Line: Baylor by 1
Vegas Line: Baylor by 4
Dunkel Pick: Wichita State (+4)

Game 763-764: Monmouth at Notre Dame
Dunkel Ratings: Monmouth 47.483; Notre Dame 70.434
Dunkel Line: Notre Dame by 23
Vegas Line: Notre Dame by 18 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Notre Dame (-18 1/2)

Game 765-766: Appalachian State vs. San Jose State
Dunkel Ratings: Appalachian State 56.881; San Jose State 48.878
Dunkel Line: Appalachian State by 8
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 767-768: Lipscomb at Middle Tennessee State
Dunkel Ratings: Lipscomb 42.995; Middle Tennessee State 55.214
Dunkel Line: Middle Tennessee State by 12
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 769-770: Gardner-Webb vs. Oklahoma
Dunkel Ratings: Gardner-Webb 52.710; Oklahoma 68.168
Dunkel Line: Oklahoma by 15 1/2
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 771-772: Connecticut vs. Memphis
Dunkel Ratings: Connecticut 64.134; Memphis 73.270
Dunkel Line: Memphis by 9
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 773-774: St. Bonaventure vs. Loyola-Marymount
Dunkel Ratings: St. Bonaventure 44.362; Loyola-Marymount 46.366
Dunkel Line: Loyola-Marymount by 2
Vegas Line: St. Bonaventure by 2 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Loyola-Marymount (+2 1/2)

Game 775-776: Presbyterian at New Mexico
Dunkel Ratings: Presbyterian 44.495; New Mexico 66.371
Dunkel Line: New Mexico by 22
Vegas Line: New Mexico by 30
Dunkel Pick: Presbyterian (+30)

Game 777-778: SC Upstate vs. Akron
Dunkel Ratings: SC Upstate 26.373; Akron 67.051
Dunkel Line: Akron by 41
Vegas Line: Akron by 25
Dunkel Pick: Akron (-25)

Game 779-780: Portland State vs. IUPUI
Dunkel Ratings: Portland State 51.048; IUPUI 49.177
Dunkel Line: Portland State by 2
Vegas Line: IUPUI by 1 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Portland State (+1 1/2)

Game 781-782: Canisius at Penn State
Dunkel Ratings: Canisius 45.291; Penn State 63.589
Dunkel Line: Penn State by 18
Vegas Line: Penn State by 16
Dunkel Pick: Penn State (-16)

Game 783-784: Central Michigan at Niagara
Dunkel Ratings: Central Michigan 49.059; Niagara 49.349
Dunkel Line: Even
Vegas Line: Niagara by 3
Dunkel Pick: Central Michigan (+3)

Game 785-786: Boise State at Montana State
Dunkel Ratings: Boise State 60.932; Montana State 52.112
Dunkel Line: Boise State by 9
Vegas Line: Boise State by 2
Dunkel Pick: Boise State (-2)

[Udog]

Hockey today - Friday, November 16


SCOREBOARD Friday, Nov. 16
N.Y. Islanders at New Jersey (7 p.m. EST). Devils goalie Martin Brodeur tries again for his 500th career win against the team that denied him in his first attempt on Long Island last Saturday.

STARS Thursday

-Evgeni Nabokov, Sharks, made 15 saves for his second shutout in four days, helping San Jose beat Phoenix 6-0.

-Martin Erat, Predators, scored 19 seconds into overtime to give Nashville a 5-4 victory over Chicago.

-Corey Perry, Ducks, had two goals and an assist, powering Anaheim past Los Angeles 6-3.

-Peter Schaefer, Bruins, had a pair of third-period goals and Boston beat Toronto 5-2.

-Eric Belanger, Wild, had a career-high four assists, leading Minnesota past Edmonton 4-2.

-Daniel Alfredsson, Senators, scored twice in Ottawa's 3-2 victory over Buffalo.

SNAPPED

The Florida Panthers snapped a four-game losing streak with a 2-1 victory over the Washington Capitals on Thursday night. ... Pittsburgh stopped a four-game skid with a 3-2 win over the New York Islanders. ... Philadelphia lost at home for the first time this season, 4-3 in a shootout to the Rangers. The Flyers had won their first six at the Wachovia Center. ... Minnesota stopped a six-game road losing streak, 4-2 over Edmonton.

STRUGGLING

Washington has dropped six of seven games and 15 of 18 since starting the season 3-0 after a 2-1 loss to Florida on Thursday. Washington dropped to 0-10-1 when trailing after two periods. ... Buffalo has lost three straight, and six of seven (1-5-1) after a 3-2 loss to Ottawa.

STREAKING

Evgeni Malkin had two assists to extend his scoring streak to 12 games and Sidney Crosby assisted on the winning goal to get points for the 18th straight game as Pittsburgh beat the New York Islanders 3-2 on Thursday. Malkin has five goals and 14 assists during his streak, while Crosby's assist gave him 10 goals and 18 assists during his.

SHARK BIT

Phoenix lost its third in a row, all against San Jose, and has been outscored 15-1 over that span after a 6-0 defeat Thursday. The Coyotes also fell to a Western Conference-worst 2-7-0 at home.

PENALIZED

Los Angeles was assessed a rare bench-minor penalty for a ''second faceoff violation'' at 4:17 of the second period in Thursday's 6-3 loss to Anaheim. First, Derek Armstrong was kicked out of the circle by linesman Brad Lazarowich after jumping the gun against Samuel Pahlsson, and the same thing happened to his replacement Ladislav Nagy.

STRONG IN DEFEAT

Jarret Stoll had both goals for Edmonton in a 4-2 loss at home to Minnesota on Thursday.

SPEAKING

''Never a doubt in my mind.'' Florida coach Jacques Martin joking after his team held on for a 2-1 win over Washington on Thursday. In their previous two games, the Panthers gave up a goal with 1:06 left in a 4-3 loss to Carolina and a goal with 3 seconds left in regulation of a 3-2 overtime loss at Atlanta.

[Udog]

NHL
Friday's key NHL matchup notes


N.Y. Islanders at New Jersey (-150, 5)
The Islanders have won four of the last six road games against the Devils, but this is their first visit to the new Prudential Center.


Atlanta at Carolina (-200, 6)
Kovalchuk was held without a point in a 5-3 home loss to Carolina (11-5-3) on Saturday - Atlanta's only loss in the last five games. The 24-year-old Russian has scored in each of the Thrashers' other five games in November, totaling nine goals.

He has been terrific in his last 13 games at Carolina, with 13 goals and nine assists.


Montreal at Buffalo (+105, 6)
The Sabres will be trying to bounce back against the Canadiens, who have won five of the last six meetings including the first two this season, both in Montreal. Canadiens goalie Cristobal Huet made 29 saves in Montreal's 2-0 win on Nov. 5 in the last meeting.


Washington at Tampa Bay (-200, 6)
The Lightning have split two games with the Capitals this season, both in Washington. Lecavalier had two assists in a 5-2 Tampa Bay win on Saturday night in the teams' last meeting.


Columbus at St. Louis (-140, 5)
The Blues (8-7-0) certainly could use MacInnis' offensive prowess - they've scored a Western Conference-low 39 goals this season, including two shutout losses to the Blue Jackets in Columbus. Overall, St. Louis has managed only two goals during a four-game skid against it's Central Division rivals.


Colorado at Dallas (-105, 5 1/2)
Dallas has won three in a row against Colorado at the American Airlines Center, scoring 17 goals in those games.


Minnesota at Vancouver (-160, 5)
Vancouver won the Northwest last season, but was 3-3-2 against Minnesota. That included a split of four games at GM Place, where the Canucks' season-high three-game winning streak ended with a 1-0 shootout loss to Edmonton on Wednesday.

[Udog]

NHL
Hot Lines


Ice picks: Friday's best NHL bets

N.Y. Islanders at New Jersey Devils (-150, 5)

The Islanders try to deny Martin Brodeur win No. 500 (for a second time) when they face him tonight at the new Prudential Center, known as The Rock.

Brodeur has stifled the Islanders more times than any other team in the league. He owns a 38-18-2 record against them with 10 shutouts and a 2.17 GAA.

The Islanders are coming off a 3-2 loss in Pittsburgh Thursday night and haven't played in back-to-back games since opening week. Their schedule has become increasingly difficult and they have only one win in their last five games away from home.

Pick: New Jersey -150


Colorado Avalanche at Dallas Stars (-105, 5 1/2)

When these two teams hit the ice, they light up the scoreboard. In their last four meetings they have played well over the set total of 5 1/2. Dallas has won the last three of those matchups at American Airlines Center, filling the Avalanche net with 17 goals.

Young-gun Paul Stastny leads the team with nine goals and 22 points. Stastny scored his first career hat trick in Colorado's 4-3 season-opening victory over the Dallas Stars.

The over is 11-2 in the last 13 meetings in Dallas and the Stars have played over the total in six of their last nine games overall.

Pick: Over 5 1/2


Washington Capitals at Tampa Bay Lightning (-200, 6)

The Lightning's offense has exploded with the stellar play of Vincent Lecavalier. The sniper has 16 points in his last six games and recorded his sixth straight multipoint game in a 6-1 win over Carolina Wednesday night.

Netminder Johan Holmqvist has closed up shop at his end of the rink. He is 4-0 with a 1.25 goals against average in his last four games.

Running into a hot goaltender won’t bode well for the struggling Capitals who have only managed to score more than two goals just once in their last seven games.

Washington is 2-8 in their last 10 games in Tampa Bay.

Pick: Tampa Bay -200