Tuesday Trends and Indexes 12/04

[pm530]

Trends and Indexes
Tuesday, December 4

Good Luck on day #338 of 2007!



NOTE:
As information becomes available, we will attempt to post the trends and indexes as soon as possible.
Information is posted from what we believe are reliable sources.

[pm530]

Six-pack for Tuesday

-- This is 19th year in row without an SEC-Pac10 bowl game and I don't understand why; wouldn't that matchup sell?

-- Arizona is only Pac-10 team that has never played in the Rose Bowl game, by the way.

-- How on God's green earth did Cal and Georgia Tech get to bowl games? They were both horrible late in the season.

-- Now that Karl Dorrell has been fired by UCLA, look for Bruins to conduct a charade of interviewing a minority, but they will probably hire alum Rick Neuheisel.

-- There are 64 teams in bowls, 55 not in bowls; seven of the 64 have already changed coaches for 2008.

-- What does it say about the Redskins that they played a play with 10 men on defense to honor Sean Taylor, but Joe Gibbs knew nothing about it beforehand?

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

[pm530]

Tuesday's List of 13: Our thirteen most interesting bowls

13) Alabama-Colorado-- Nick Saban in Louisiana? Should be lot of fun for him. One thing he should know about Colorado: THIS IS BIG 12 FOOTBALL!!!!!!!!

12) Illinois-USC-- Two recruiting juggernauts collide. Illinois in the Rose Bowl? I picked them one game this year, and they scored six freakin' points at Iowa. Good for Ron Zook, though

11) Arizona State-Texas-- Holiday Bowl is usually a fun game and Dennis Erickson is good in big games; think of how far he has taken the Sun Devils in just one season.

10) Central Florida-Mississippi State-- Sylvester Croom gets a bowl game in prime recruiting territory.

9) Navy-Utah-- Middies gave up 62 points at North Texas in one game this year, and won by two TDs; they run ball just about whle game, are very hard to stop.

8) Virginia Tech-Kansas-- Jayhawks better start practicing their kick and punt protections.

7) Oklahoma-West Virginia-- How do Mountaineers pick up the pieces after the disaster against rival Pitt?

6) Kentucky-Florida State-- You get the feeling UK might be a little more enthused about playing in Nashville than 'noles.

5) Boise State-East Carolina-- Hawai'i Bowl is explosive every year, and this will be no exception. Total should be in the 70s, temperatures should be in the 80's.

4) LSU-Ohio State-- National title at stake; Tressel has won five national titles, but his team got squashed by Florida last year, and is playing a road game in Superdome here.

3) Missouri-Arkansas-- Hogs have McFadden/Jones running ball, but no coach. This should an offensive show. Last game in college for future NFL star McFadden.

2) Hawai'i-Georgia-- After watching Washington run ball for almost 200 yards in first half vs Hawai'i, Moreno may run ball for 300 with Georgia's OL. Problem is, can Dawgs stop Colt Brennan and the Run-and-Shoot?

1) Indiana-Oklahoma State-- Hoosiers get to first bowl in long gime, inspired by late coach Hoeppner. Oklahoma State isn't real good, but they're coached by Mike Gundy, who became famous for his rant against a reporter early in season. Coach Gundy is a father. Of children. This will be a fun game.

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

[pm530]

College Basketball – Long Sheet

NCAAB
Long Sheet


Tuesday, December 4

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

ILLINOIS ST (5 - 2) at E MICHIGAN (3 - 4) - 12/4/2007, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ILLINOIS ST is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) on Tuesday nights over the last 3 seasons.
E MICHIGAN is 14-34 ATS (-23.4 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.

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

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

SAINT LOUIS (6 - 3) at BOSTON COLLEGE (5 - 1) - 12/4/2007, 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.

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

KANSAS ST (5 - 2) vs. NOTRE DAME (5 - 2) - 12/4/2007, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
KANSAS ST is 1-12 ATS (-12.2 Units) in road games on Tuesday nights since 1997.
KANSAS ST is 25-12 ATS (+11.8 Units) in road games versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game since 1997.

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

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

PROVIDENCE (5 - 1) at RHODE ISLAND (8 - 1) - 12/4/2007, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
RHODE ISLAND is 44-69 ATS (-31.9 Units) in all home games since 1997.
RHODE ISLAND is 44-69 ATS (-31.9 Units) in home lined games since 1997.

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

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

N CAROLINA (7 - 0) at PENNSYLVANIA (2 - 6) - 12/4/2007, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
N CAROLINA is 26-15 ATS (+9.5 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
N CAROLINA is 26-15 ATS (+9.5 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
N CAROLINA is 26-15 ATS (+9.5 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
N CAROLINA is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in December games over the last 2 seasons.
N CAROLINA is 17-5 ATS (+11.5 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.
N CAROLINA is 16-6 ATS (+9.4 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
N CAROLINA is 27-14 ATS (+11.6 Units) after scoring 80 points or more over the last 3 seasons.
PENNSYLVANIA is 0-8 ATS (-8.8 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
PENNSYLVANIA is 4-15 ATS (-12.5 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.

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

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

INDIANA ST (3 - 3) at MIAMI OHIO (3 - 3) - 12/4/2007, 7:30 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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

AIR FORCE (5 - 3) at N ILLINOIS (1 - 6) - 12/4/2007, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
AIR FORCE is 30-16 ATS (+12.4 Units) in road games after a non-conference game since 1997.
AIR FORCE is 43-25 ATS (+15.5 Units) in non-conference games since 1997.

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

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

TOLEDO (1 - 6) at HOUSTON (7 - 1) - 12/4/2007, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TOLEDO is 15-32 ATS (-20.2 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game since 1997.
HOUSTON is 18-6 ATS (+11.4 Units) versus poor offensive teams - scoring <=64 points/game since 1997.

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

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

NEW MEXICO (7 - 1) at NEW MEXICO ST (3 - 6) - 12/4/2007, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEW MEXICO is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in all games this season.
NEW MEXICO is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in all lined games this season.
NEW MEXICO is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) after a non-conference game this season.
NEW MEXICO is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in non-conference games this season.
NEW MEXICO ST is 49-74 ATS (-32.4 Units) as a favorite since 1997.
NEW MEXICO ST is 4-13 ATS (-10.3 Units) as a home favorite of 3 points or less or pick since 1997.
NEW MEXICO ST is 40-67 ATS (-33.7 Units) in all home games since 1997.
NEW MEXICO ST is 40-67 ATS (-33.7 Units) in home lined games since 1997.
NEW MEXICO ST is 16-33 ATS (-20.3 Units) in home games after a non-conference game since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
NEW MEXICO ST is 4-0 against the spread versus NEW MEXICO over the last 3 seasons
NEW MEXICO ST is 2-2 straight up against NEW MEXICO over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

MICHIGAN ST (6 - 1) at BRADLEY (6 - 2) - 12/4/2007, 9:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BRADLEY is 43-27 ATS (+13.3 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
BRADLEY is 43-27 ATS (+13.3 Units) in all lined games over the last 3 seasons.
BRADLEY is 21-8 ATS (+12.2 Units) in all home games over the last 3 seasons.
BRADLEY is 21-8 ATS (+12.2 Units) in home lined games over the last 3 seasons.
MICHIGAN ST is 19-8 ATS (+10.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

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

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

USC (6 - 2) vs. MEMPHIS (6 - 0) - 12/4/2007, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MEMPHIS is 171-133 ATS (+24.7 Units) in all games since 1997.
MEMPHIS is 171-133 ATS (+24.7 Units) in all lined games since 1997.
MEMPHIS is 63-41 ATS (+17.9 Units) after scoring 80 points or more since 1997.
MEMPHIS is 127-86 ATS (+32.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
USC is 25-13 ATS (+10.7 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
USC is 25-13 ATS (+10.7 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
USC is 12-3 ATS (+8.7 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
USC is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) in road games when playing with one or less days rest over the last 2 seasons.
USC is 18-7 ATS (+10.3 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 3 seasons.
USC is 18-8 ATS (+9.2 Units) in non-conference games over the last 3 seasons.
USC is 14-5 ATS (+8.5 Units) after allowing 60 points or less over the last 3 seasons.
USC is 23-8 ATS (+14.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

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

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

UC-RIVERSIDE (2 - 5) at SAN DIEGO ST (7 - 1) - 12/4/2007, 10:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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

TENNESSEE (7 - 1) at UT-CHATTANOOGA (4 - 3) - 12/4/2007, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
UT-CHATTANOOGA is 25-42 ATS (-21.2 Units) off a win against a conference rival since 1997.

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

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

UNC-GREENSBORO (3 - 2) at VIRGINIA TECH (3 - 3) - 12/4/2007, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
UNC-GREENSBORO is 34-53 ATS (-24.3 Units) in road games since 1997.
UNC-GREENSBORO is 34-53 ATS (-24.3 Units) in road lined games since 1997.
UNC-GREENSBORO is 7-17 ATS (-11.7 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 3 seasons.

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

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

YALE (1 - 5) at FAIRFIELD (2 - 5) - 12/4/2007, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
YALE is 64-43 ATS (+16.7 Units) in road games since 1997.
YALE is 64-43 ATS (+16.7 Units) in road lined games since 1997.

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

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

ST PETERS (3 - 3) at SETON HALL (6 - 1) - 12/4/2007, 7:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SETON HALL is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in home games in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.

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

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

[pm530]

College Basketball – Notes

NCAAB


Tuesday, December 4

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday's key NCAAB betting matchup notes
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

No. 12 Tennessee at Chattanooga (+14 ½)

Tennessee leads the all-time series against Chattanooga 29-5, but this is the first meeting since the Mocs ended a 23-game losing streak in the series with a 69-66 win in 2004 at Knoxville.


No. 1 North Carolina at Pennsylvania (+25)

North Carolina leads the all-time series 4-2, with three of those games coming in the NCAA tournament.


Southern California vs No. 2 Memphis (-8)

USC and Memphis have played only twice, splitting two meetings. The Trojans won the most recent affair 92-65 in November 1999 at the Maui Invitational.


No. 10 Michigan State at Bradley (+3 ½)

The Spartans had no problem taking care of the Braves last season, winning 82-53 on Dec. 3 at the Breslin Center.

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

[pm530]

National Basketball Association - Tips & Trends

NBA


Tuesday, December 4

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tips and Trends
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

New Jersey Nets at Cleveland Cavaliers (NBATV | 7 PM ET)

The Cavs were 9-3 when LeBron James missed time due to injuries before this season, but that hasn't been the case this year. They were outscored 61-31 in the second half of a 109-74 loss at Detroit when James sprained his finger just before the break and have proceeded to lose twice since then at Toronto and Boston. "When King James goes down, you feel like you have to carry the team by yourself offensively," Cleveland forward Drew Gooden said. "I think we are started to get better at doing that, but then again that is not our identity. Our identity is having him make plays for us." EDGE: NETS
New Jersey has trailed by at least 10 points at halftime in each of its last 4 games. Head coach Lawrence Frank has tinkered with the team's lineup the last 3 games in an effort to correct that problem, but it hasn't happened yet. The Nets did rally back to win twice during that stretch, and they have gone 4-2 since suffering through a 6-game losing streak. EDGE: NETS
Nets are 0-7 ATS in their last 7 games against the Eastern Conference.
Nets are 9-2 ATS in the last 11 meetings in Cleveland.
Cavs are 1-7 ATS in their last 8 games against a losing team.


Detroit Pistons at Atlanta Hawks (7 PM ET)

Pistons are 3-13-1 ATS in their last 17 games playing on 1 days rest.
Hawks are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games against a winning team.
The underdog is 6-1 ATS in the last 7 meetings.


Phoenix Suns at Indiana Pacers (7 PM ET)

Phoenix has won each of the last 4 meetings with Indiana by an average of 16 points per game. All-Star point guard Steve Nash has thrived against the Pacers, averaging 23 points and 10 assists in those games. An added bonus for Nash has been the play of Grant Hill, who is coming off a season-high 28 points on 13-of-17 shooting to go along with 8 rebounds and 7 assists at New York on Sunday. "It was a lot of fun to see him go off," Nash said. "It was a lot of pressure off me. I didn't have my legs and he kind of took over. Obviously (he is) a great teammate." EDGE: SUNS
Indiana is coming off a successful 3-1 road trip which saw the return of All-Star Jermaine O'Neal, who totaled 20 points and 15 rebounds in a 101-95 win over the Clippers on Sunday. That was his best game of the season, although he must now match up with Amare Stoudemire and the Suns. O'Neal is averaging just 12.5 points and 6.3 rebounds lifetime vs. Phoenix. SLIGHT EDGE: PACERS
Suns are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 road games against a losing home team.
Pacers are 8-19 ATS in their last 27 games when playing on 1 days rest.
The home team is 11-3 ATS in the last 14 meetings.


Los Angeles Lakers at Minnesota Timberwolves (8 PM ET)

LA star Kobe Bryant is averaging 36 points in the last 4 meetings with Minnesota, as the Lakers have gone 3-1 SU & ATS. In the 3 wins, they have beaten the Timberwolves by an average of nearly 13 points. Minnesota's 13 losses this season have been decided by an average of 9 points. BIG EDGE: LAKERS
Lakers are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games after allowing 100+ points previously.
The Lakers are 2-7-1 ATS in the last 10 meetings.
Timberwolves are 2-15 ATS in their last 17 games as a home underdog.


Utah Jazz at Sacramento Kings (10 PM ET)

Jazz are 9-20 ATS in their last 29 road games.
Kings are 8-1 ATS in their last 9 home games.
The OVER is 5-1 in the last 6 meetings in Sacramento.


Milwaukee Bucks at Los Angeles Clippers (10:30 PM ET)

Milwaukee has dropped 4 in a row following a 5-game winning streak, failing to reach the century mark in all of those losses. The Bucks have lost by an average of 15 points during their skid and have also dropped 5 in a row to the Clippers both SU & ATS. Milwaukee has lost the last 7 meetings at Staples Center. BIG EDGE: CLIPPERS
Bucks are 10-4 ATS in their last 14 games when playing on 2 days rest.
Bucks are 0-7-1 ATS in the last 8 meetings.
Clippers are 1-10 ATS in their last 11 games overall.

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

[pm530]

National Basketball Association – Notes

NBA
Betting Matchup Notes


Tuesday, December 4

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday's key NBA betting matchup notes
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Detroit Pistons at Atlanta Hawks (+6, 186 ½)

Detroit has won 29 of the last 39 games played against its Central Division rivals since the 1997-98 season. Despite losing their last two at Phillips Arena, the Pistons are 11-7 on the road against the Hawks during that stretch.


New Jersey Nets at Cleveland Cavaliers (Off)

It's the first meeting between Cleveland and New Jersey since the Cavs defeated the Nets in six games in the Eastern Conference semifinals last season.


Phoenix Suns at Indiana Pacers (+7, 219 ½)

The Suns have dominated the Pacers lately, winning the last four meetings by an average of 16.0 points. Nash has been the main reason, averaging 23.5 points and 10.0 assists in those games.


L.A. Lakers Lakers at Minnesota Timberwolves (+7 ½, 204 ½)

The Lakers have won five of the last six meetings with the Wolves, but are 3-8 in the last 11 matchups in Minneapolis.


Utah Jazz at Sacramento Kings (Off)

Jazz coach Jerry Sloan is 41-31 all-time against Sacramento.


Milwaukee Bucks at L.A. Clippers Clippers (-2, 192 ½)

The Clippers have won five in a row overall in this series.

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

[pm530]

NBA today - December 4

SCOREBOARD

Tuesday, Dec. 4

New Jersey at Cleveland (7 p.m. EST). The Cavaliers have lost two straight with LeBron James out nursing a sprained finger.

STARS
Monday

-Travis Outlaw, Trail Blazers, scored 21 points, including the winning 6-foot runner as the buzzer sounded, giving Portland a 106-105 victory at Memphis.

-Mehmet Okur, Jazz, scored 25 points, including four 3-pointers, to lead Utah to a 110-101 victory over Miami.

SNAPPED

Josh Smith scored 22 points and the Atlanta Hawks snapped a seven-game losing streak at Philadelphia with an 88-79 win against the 76ers on Monday night. ... The Orlando Magic pulled off a hard-fought 123-117 overtime victory against Golden State to snap the Warriors' six-game winning streak.

BUZZER-BEATER

Travis Outlaw scored 21 points, including the winning 6-foot runner as the buzzer sounded, to give the Portland Trail Blazers their first road victory of the season, 106-105 over the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday night.

SLUMPING

Charlotte dropped its sixth straight, a 98-79 loss to Toronto on Monday night. The Bobcats started the season 6-4, the best in the team's four-year history.

STRONG IN DEFEAT

Mike Miller had a season-high 30 points and Rudy Gay added 30 in Memphis' 106-105 loss to Portland on Monday night.

STAYING

The Jazz have reached an agreement with Jerry Sloan on a one-year contract extension that will keep the coach on Utah's sideline through the end of next season. Sloan, who took over the Jazz in 1988, is the franchise's winningest coach and needs just 46 victories to become the first coach in NBA history to win 1,000 games with the same franchise.

SPEAKING

''I was hoping to get fouled, but they didn't call anything. Then, it went in anyway, and I was like 'Oh!''' - Travis Outlaw after hitting the game-winner at the buzzer in the Trail Blazer's 106-105 victory at Memphis on Monday night.

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

[pm530]

National Basketball Association - Gameday

NBA
Gameday


Tuesday, December 4

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NBA Gameday
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tuesday NBA Gameday

The Cleveland Cavaliers will be looking to snap their three-game losing streak when they play host to the New Jersey Nets on Tuesday night. Here is your NBA Gameday …


New Jersey Nets at Cleveland Cavaliers, 7:00pm ET

The Nets will be trying to get back to the .500 mark when they play on the road on Tuesday night. New Jersey dropped to 8-9 on the season with a 118-95 road loss to the Pistons on Sunday. Vince Carter led the way with 22 points in that defeat for the Nets, while Richard Jefferson tossed in 21 points and Jason Kidd chipped in with 16 assists.

Cleveland has lost consecutive games to the Pistons, Raptors, and Celtics, scoring 82 or fewer points in each of those three contests. The Cavs fell 80-70 to Boston on Sunday, with LeBron James still sidelined by a sprained finger (he's day-to-day). Zydrunas Ilgauskas led the way on Sunday with 12 points and 13 rebounds in the loss.


Phoenix Suns at Indiana Pacers, 7:00pm ET

The Suns have won two games in a row and eight of their past 10 contests to hold off the surging Warriors in the Pacific Division. Phoenix got past Orlando 110-106 on Friday night, and they followed up that win by beating the Knicks 115-104 at Madison Square Garden on Sunday. Grant Hill and Amare Stoudemire each had 28 points in that game.

Jermaine O'Neal played through a sore knee on Sunday and led the Pacers to a 101-95 road win over the Clippers. O'Neal picked up 20 points and 15 rebounds for Indiana in that victory, while Jamaal Tinsley was good for a team-high 29 points. The Pacers have now won three of their past four games, getting past the Nuggets and Blazers last week.


Los Angeles Lakers at Minnesota Timberwolves, 8:00pm ET

Lakers coach Phil Jackson was rewarded with a rich contract extension last week, but his team has still been knocked for a loss in each of their past two contests. Los Angeles fell 120-96 to Utah on Friday night, and they were upended 104-97 by Orlando on Sunday. Kobe Bryant scored a game-high 28 points in the Lakers' loss to the Magic.

After winning just twice in the month of November the Timberwolves are off to an 0-1 start in the month of December. That has Minnesota with an NBA-worst 2-13 record heading into play on Tuesday night. The T-Wolves fell 109-80 on the road versus Memphis on Saturday, getting 18 points from Rashad McCants in that blowout defeat.


Milwaukee Bucks at Los Angeles Clippers, 10:30pm ET

The Bucks have followed up a five-game winning streak with consecutive losses to the Sixers, Hawks, Knicks, and Pistons over the past week. That's dropped Milwaukee into fourth place in the Central Division standings with a 7-8 record. Charlie Villanueva and Bobby Simmons each had 13 points in Milwaukee's 117-91 loss to Detroit on Saturday.

The Clippers are on a skid right now as well, having lost consecutive games versus the Suns, Hornets, Rockets, Nuggets, and Pacers. Los Angeles has won just two of their past 10 contests to fall to 6-9 on the season. Chris Kaman had 22 points and Corey Maggette scored 19 in the Clippers' 101-95 home loss to the Pacers Sunday afternoon.

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

[pm530]

National Hockey League - Matchup Notes

NHL


Tuesday, December 4

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday's key NHL betting matchup notes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Detroit Red Wings at Montreal Canadiens (+120, 5 ½)

This will be Detroit's first trip to Montreal since a 2-1 loss on Oct. 20, 2003. The Canadiens have lost three straight at the Bell Centre after starting 5-2-2 there.


Nashville Predators at Toronto Maple Leafs (-135, 5 ½)

The Predators beat the Maple Leafs 4-2 on Feb. 8 in their only meeting last season. Nashville is 5-2-0 with one tie all-time against the Leafs, but have not visited Toronto sine a 2-1 loss on Jan. 6, 2004.


Ottawa Senators at Tampa Bay Lightning (+115, 6)

The Senators are 20-4-0 with a tie in their last 25 games against the Lightning, including 9-2-0 with a draw at Tampa.


St. Louis Blues at Calgary Flames (-125, 5)

Miikka Kiprusoff is 7-2-1 with a 2.27 GAA and a shutout in 10 starts against St. Louis.

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

[pm530]

Hockey today - December 4

SCOREBOARD

Tuesday, Dec. 4

Detroit at Montreal (7:30 p.m. EST). Detroit leads the league with 18 wins and 88 goals scored.

STARS
Monday

- Cory Stillman and Cam Ward, Hurricanes. Stillman scored twice and Ward stopped 28 shots to help Carolina thump the New York Rangers 4-0.

- Joe Thornton, Sharks, had a pair of assists to help San Jose squeak past Colorado 3-2.

- Mathieu Garon, Oilers, made 31 saves and survived all three shots he faced in the shootout and Edmonton beat Los Angeles 4-3.

ISLES STRANDED

The New York Islanders fell to Boston 3-1 on Monday and have lost three straight for the first time this season. The Islanders have gone 13 straight games scoring two goals or fewer in regulation and overtime. Chris Campoli had just the fourth power play-goal for the Islanders in their past 49 chances in the loss.

BOUNCING BACK

Matt Cullen had two assists in his return to Madison Square Garden to help Carolina beat the New York Rangers 4-0 on Monday. Cullen already has 21 assists this season after recording only 25 during his one year with the Rangers. It was quite a turnaround for the Hurricanes, who had lost four of six and were pounded 8-1 in Buffalo on Saturday.

STARS SHINE IN COLUMBUS

Dallas edged Columbus 2-1 in a shootout on Monday, improving to 20-3-3 against the Blue Jackets. The Stars have won both meetings with Columbus this season in shootouts at Nationwide Arena. Marty Turco made 25 saves and improved to 11-1-1 against the Blue Jackets.

OPPOSITE DIRECTIONS

Pittsburgh defeated Phoenix 3-1 on Monday to earn its fourth victory in five games. The Coyotes completed a four-game road trip winless after winning their previous four.

RARITY

Henrik Lundqvist made 25 saves, but allowed more than three goals in a game for just the second time in 25 appearances this season, as the New York Rangers fell to Carolina 4-0 on Monday.

SNAPPED

Boston downed the New York Islanders 3-1 on Monday for its first road win against the Islanders in 11 games. The Bruins were 0-5-4-1 at the Nassau Coliseum since a 4-2 victory on Dec. 22, 2001. Chris Campoli broke New York's shutout streak with 1:51 left in the game. The Islanders had been blanked for the previous 140 minutes, 12 seconds.

SUSPENDED

Philadelphia's Riley Cote was suspended three games by the NHL on Monday, the fifth Flyers player disciplined by the league this season for illegal hits. Cote was given a match penalty for a head shot on Dallas' Mat Niskanen in the third period of the Stars' 4-1 win over the Flyers on Saturday. The NHL is prepared to take severe discipline against the franchise, such as a hefty fine, if another Flyer needs to be punished again for an illegal hit. ... Nashville's Scott Nichol has been suspended five games by the league for a blow to the head of Montreal's Patrice Brisebois. Nichol, who was suspended nine games last December, is considered a repeat offender under the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement.

SPEAKING

''What's wrong with the offense? A lot. We've just got to work harder. It comes down to be a little more gritty, a little hungrier. We're OK. OK just doesn't cut it.'' - New York Islanders coach Ted Nolan, on his frustration with the team's lack of scoring.

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

[Udog]

NBA
Dunkel

Detroit at Atlanta
The Hawks found success in Philadelphia last night, something the Hawks hadn't done in seven games dating back to 2003. But they have no time to savor the victory as they return home tonight to take on a hot Detroit team that has won three straight while averaging nearly 115 points per game. Detroit looks like a good pick to cover (-5 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Pistons favored by 9. Dunkel Pick: Detroit (-5 1/2). Here are all of today's games.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 4TH

Game 701-702: New Jersey at Cleveland
Dunkel Ratings: New Jersey 112.853; Cleveland 121.001
Dunkel Line & Total: Cleveland by 8; 198 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 703-704: Detroit at Atlanta
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit 124.156; Atlanta 115.297
Dunkel Line & Total: Detroit by 9; 193
Vegas Line & Total: Detroit by 5 1/2; 186
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (-5 1/2); Over

Game 705-706: Phoenix at Indiana
Dunkel Ratings: Phoenix 121.844; Indiana 121.187
Dunkel Line & Total: Phoenix by 1; 211
Vegas Line & Total: Phoenix by 7; 219 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Indiana (+7); Under

Game 707-708: LA Lakers at Minnesota
Dunkel Ratings: LA Lakers 119.241; Minnesota 114.673
Dunkel Line & Total: LA Lakers by 4 1/2; 208
Vegas Line & Total: LA Lakers by 7 1/2; 203
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (+7 1/2); Over

Game 709-710: Utah at Sacramento
Dunkel Ratings: Utah 122.325; Sacramento 123.074
Dunkel Line & Total: Sacramento by 1; 208
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 711-712: Milwaukee at LA Clippers
Dunkel Ratings: Milwaukee 112.689; LA Clippers 112.599
Dunkel Line & Total: Even; 187
Vegas Line & Total: LA Clippers by 2; 192 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Milwaukee (+2); Under

[Udog]

NHL
Hot Lines


Ice picks: Tuesday's best NHL bets

Detroit Red Wings at Montreal Canadiens (+120, 5 1/2)

Backup goalies with polar-opposite career credentials will likely decide this matchup.

Starting Montreal goaltender Cristobal Huet is out with an injured groin, leaving rookie Carey Price to start tonight. Price has compiled a respectable 6-3-1 record this season, but has never faced the Red Wings.

Dominik Hasek will suit up for the Wings after a prolonged absence. He lost his last three starts but has a career 23-10-1 record against Montreal. Detroit is 8-3 in the last 11 versus the Canadiens.

Pick: Red Wings -140


Ottawa Senators at Tampa Bay Lightning (+115, 6)

The Lightning lead the league with a 16-9 over/under record and have been padding their high totals recently with seven overs in 10 games. They are 12-3-1 in games with a total of 6 this season.

The Senators have been scoring well, even though their goals haven't put numbers in the win column. They've lost six straight by surrendering 28 goals, but have racked up 19 scores of their own in that span and rank eighth in the NHL with 80 goals to their credit on the season.

Pick: Over 6


St. Louis Blues at Calgary Flames (-120, 5)

Flames coach Mike Keenan is getting on the case of goalie Miikka Kiprusoff after Calgary stretched their losing streak to four games with an overtime loss to Columbus.

It remains to be seen how Kiprusoff, who only has one win in five starts, will respond. But he does have a 2.27 career goals-against average and 7-2-1 record against the Blues.

Even if Calgary can silence the St. Louis offense, they may find scoring tough. The Blues are best in the league in goals against, allowing only 53 all season compared to Calgary's 84 goals allowed.

Pick: Blues +100

[Udog]

NCAAB
Dunkel


Kansas State vs. Notre Dame
Notre Dame comes in with a 5-2 record, but the only games against major conference teams (Baylor and Georgia Tech) have both been losses. The Irish will face another major conference team in Kansas State tonight in the Jimmy V Classic. The Wildcats came close to knocking off Oregon on Thursday (80-77 in OT) and have one of the most dominating freshmen in the nation in Michael Beasley (26.7 ppg, 15.0 rpg). The Irish should have their hands full in this one, making K State a good underdog pick (+6 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has Notre Dame favored by only 2. Dunkel Pick: Kansas State (+6 1/2). Here are all of today's games.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 4

Game 713-714: Illinois State at Eastern Michigan
Dunkel Ratings: Illinois State 63.681; Eastern Michigan 50.887
Dunkel Line: Illinois State by 13
Vegas Line: Illinois State by 5
Dunkel Pick: Illinois State (-5)

Game 715-716: St. Louis at Boston College
Dunkel Ratings: St. Louis 55.321; Boston College 68.144
Dunkel Line: Boston College by 13
Vegas Line: Boston College by 8
Dunkel Pick: Boston College (-8)

Game 717-718: Kansas State vs. Notre Dame
Dunkel Ratings: Kansas State 65.741; Notre Dame 67.602
Dunkel Line: Notre Dame by 2
Vegas Line: Notre Dame by 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Kansas State (+6 1/2)

Game 719-720: Providence at Rhode Island
Dunkel Ratings: Providence 67.563; Rhode Island 67.818
Dunkel Line: Even
Vegas Line: Rhode Island by 2 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Providence (+2 1/2)

Game 721-722: North Carolina at Pennsylvania
Dunkel Ratings: North Carolina 79.227; Pennsylvania 49.857
Dunkel Line: North Carolina by 29 1/2
Vegas Line: North Carolina by 25
Dunkel Pick: North Carolina (-25)

Game 723-724: Indiana State at Miami (OH)
Dunkel Ratings: Indiana State 54.851; Miami (OH) 66.809
Dunkel Line: Miami (OH) by 12
Vegas Line: Miami (OH) by 10 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Miami (OH) (-10 1/2)

Game 725-726: Air Force at Northern Illinois
Dunkel Ratings: Air Force 59.869; Northern Illinois 48.635
Dunkel Line: Air Force by 11
Vegas Line: Air Force by 5
Dunkel Pick: Air Force (-5)
Game 727-728: Toledo at Houston
Dunkel Ratings: Toledo 52.684; Houston 66.838
Dunkel Line: Houston by 14
Vegas Line: Houston by 16
Dunkel Pick: Toledo (+16)

Game 729-730: New Mexico at New Mexico State
Dunkel Ratings: New Mexico 65.259; New Mexico State 63.809
Dunkel Line: New Mexico by 1 1/2
Vegas Line: Pick
Dunkel Pick: New Mexico

Game 731-732: Michigan State at Bradley
Dunkel Ratings: Michigan State 71.337; Bradley 67.499
Dunkel Line: Michigan State by 4
Vegas Line: Michigan State by 3 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Michigan State (-3 1/2)

Game 733-734: USC vs. Memphis
Dunkel Ratings: USC 70.644; Memphis 72.921
Dunkel Line: Memphis by 2 1/2
Vegas Line: Memphis by 8
Dunkel Pick: USC (+8)

Game 735-736: UC Riverside at San Diego State
Dunkel Ratings: UC Riverside 39.086; San Diego State 65.214
Dunkel Line: San Diego State by 26
Vegas Line: San Diego State by 23 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Diego State (-23 1/2)

Game 737-738: Tennessee at Chattanooga
Dunkel Ratings: Tennessee 71.997; Chattanooga 54.874
Dunkel Line: Tennessee by 17
Vegas Line: Tennessee by 14 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Tennessee (-14 1/2)

Game 739-740: NC Greensboro at Virginia Tech
Dunkel Ratings: NC Greensboro 55.665; Virginia Tech 66.553
Dunkel Line: Virginia Tech by 11
Vegas Line: Virginia Tech by 9
Dunkel Pick: Virginia Tech (-9)

Game 741-742: Yale at Fairfield
Dunkel Ratings: Yale 50.051; Fairfield 50.598
Dunkel Line: Even
Vegas Line: Fairfield by 2
Dunkel Pick: Yale (+2)

Game 743-744: St. Peter's at Seton Hall
Dunkel Ratings: St. Peter's 45.180; Seton Hall 65.528
Dunkel Line: Seton Hall by 20 1/2
Vegas Line: Seton Hall by 16 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Seton Hall (-16 1/2)

[Udog]

NHL
Dunkel


St. Louis at Calgary
The Blues have tightened up their defense and the result is an 8-1-1 run over their last 10 games. St. Louis has allowed a conference-low 53 goals after allowing a conference-high 292 goals two seasons ago and 254 last season. The solid defense should cause problems for Calgary, which has lost four straight while being outscored 16-7. The Blues look like a good underdog pick (+105) according to Dunkel, which has St. Louis favored straight up by 1 1/2. Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (+105). Here are all of today's games.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 4

Game 1-2: Nashville at Toronto
Dunkel Ratings: Nashville 11.401; Toronto 10.777
Dunkel Line & Total: Nashville by 1; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Toronto (-135); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Nashville (+115); Over

Game 3-4: Ottawa at Tampa Bay
Dunkel Ratings: Ottawa 10.529; Tampa Bay 11.459
Dunkel Line & Total: Tampa Bay by 1; 5 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Ottawa (-135); 6
Dunkel Pick: Tampa Bay (+115); Under

Game 5-6: Detroit at Montreal
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit 11.899; Montreal 10.897
Dunkel Line & Total: Detroit by 1; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Detroit (-135); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (-135); Over

Game 7-8: St. Louis at Calgary
Dunkel Ratings: St. Louis 12.206; Calgary 10.559
Dunkel Line & Total: St. Louis by 1 1/2; 4 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Calgary (-125); 5
Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (+105); Under