Thursday Trends and Indexes 12/06

[pm530]

College Basketball – Write up

NCAAB
Write-up


Thursday, December 6

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Thursday's College Basketball

Game of the Night

Georgetown, West Virginia went to Birmingham Thursday and beat pair of SEC teams; now SEC teams come north; first true road game for LSU team that went 0-2 vs D-I teams in Maui; its only win was vs D-II Chaminade. Tigers have yet to beat good team this season. Villanova won two of three at Disney, losing by points in finals to NC State, on last-second foul.

Rest of the Card

-- South Carolina is 4-4, 1-3 away from home, losing by 11 over weekend at Clemson, 1,2 points on neutral court and by 10 vs USC at home. Providence lost by 17 at URI last game, after they blew 15-point halftime lead to BC (beat Eagles in overtime).

-- First Horizon game for Valparaiso, which is 4-1, beating Ball State 71-58 in last game (-13.5), after beating W. Michigan 77-65 before that (-3.5); they're 1-1 on road, losing 87-78 at Vanderbilt, beating IPFW. Wright State lost last game 79-64 at Marist.

-- Temple (-1.5) won 75-70 at Towson State LY; Owls won three of last four games after 0-3 start, beating Ohio U 90-88 last time out. Towson lost CAA opener 70-63 at Delaware Monday; they are 1-3 on road, also losing at Vermont (59-57), Navy (73-59).

-- Butler beat Detroit wwice LY (56-36/68-58); unbeaten Butler is only team in country scoring more than half its points on treys (51%). Detroit lost to previously-winless Central Michigan last game; they're 3-2 at home this season.

-- UConn hammered Northeastern 81-53 LY (-23); Huskies lost to Gonzaga last time out, still haven't beat quality team this year Huskies are 3-3 on road, 2-1 as road dog, , losing at Maryland in OT, by 20 at Rhode Island.

-- Illinois-Chicago knocked Wisc-Milwaukee out of the Horizon tourney last spring, after home side had won both meetings in regular season, but UIC lost four of last five games, losing by 26 at Illinois State in last game, after being tied at the half.

-- Loyola beat Wisc-Green Bay twice LY, 71-52/69-52; Ramblers lost last four games, scoring only 52.8 ppg, losing home games to Bradley (64-47), WMichigan (63-61). Green Bay won its last three games, getting first road win in three tries Saturday.

-- Niagara beat Rider three times LY: 89-77 here (-7.5), 80-79 at Rider (+1), 77-52 in MAAC tourney (-5). Eagles are 3-0 at home, beat CMichigan, Buffalo, St Bona. Rider is 4-3, losing only true road game 66-65 at Murray State.

-- Samford beat Jacksonville State twice LY, both by one point; Bulldogs lost four of last five games, getting beat at home as a favorite by Towson. JSU has road losses at Central Arkansas, Kennesaw State, so nothing to endorse there.

-- Visiting team won both Tennessee Tech-EIllinois games LY, with Tech winning here 76-64 (-4). EIU is 0-6 after getting swept at Iowa tourney. Tech lost OVC opener at home to Austin Peay 79-76, after trailing by 14 at half, their sixth loss in eight games.

-- Morehead State beat Austin Peay twice LY, 70-66 (-2.5) 82-77 here (+12). State is 0-4 on road this year, losing by 29-16-32-13 pts. Peay won OVC opener 79-76- they beat Belmont 71-56 in only home game so far this season.

-- Home side won both Tennessee State-SE Missouri games LY then State won in OVC tourney 88-60 (-11). SEMo is 3-4 vs D-I teams but beat Evansville by 10 in only home game. State is 0-4 vs D-I teams, but played tough schedule- they lost by 12 in last game, at Indiana- they led Georgia Tech at the half.

-- Northern Colorado lost 63-53 at Bowling Green LY. Falcons are 2-1 on road, winning at Cincinnati, Furman, losing 90-80 at Oakland. No Colorado has already beaten Denver, Colorado St at home this season, their first in D-I.

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[pm530]

College Basketball – Notes

NCAAB


Thursday, December 6

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Thursday's key NCAAB betting matchup notes
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No. 13 Butler at Detroit (+10)

Butler went 2-0 against Detroit last season and snapped a three-game road losing streak to the Titans with a 68-58 victory on Jan. 27. The Bulldogs, though, have lost six of their last eight games at Detroit.


Louisiana State at No. 21 Villanova (-9 ½)

The teams have split four meetings, but haven't met since Villanova won 93-91 on Nov. 24, 1990.

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[pm530]

National Hockey League – Long Sheet

NHL
Long Sheet


Thursday, December 6

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MONTREAL (13-10-0-4, 30 pts.) at BOSTON (14-9-0-2, 30 pts.) - 12/6/2007, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 33-28 ATS (+68.9 Units) first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 30-63 ATS (+121.0 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent over the last 3 seasons.
BOSTON is 93-93 ATS (-0.6 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
MONTREAL is 15-4 (+10.3 Units) against the spread versus BOSTON over the last 3 seasons
MONTREAL is 15-4-0 straight up against BOSTON over the last 3 seasons
10 of 18 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+0.8 Units)


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TORONTO (11-11-0-6, 28 pts.) at NY RANGERS (15-10-0-2, 32 pts.) - 12/6/2007, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 3-10 ATS (+13.1 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 27-23 ATS (+55.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
NY RANGERS are 51-78 ATS (-64.9 Units) in home games after allowing 4 goals or more since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY RANGERS is 6-4-0 straight up against TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
6 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+2.0 Units)


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CAROLINA (15-10-0-3, 33 pts.) at TAMPA BAY (12-13-0-2, 26 pts.) - 12/6/2007, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CAROLINA is 14-21 ATS (-14.4 Units) after a win by 2 goals or more over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
TAMPA BAY is 12-7 (+6.4 Units) against the spread versus CAROLINA over the last 3 seasons
TAMPA BAY is 12-7-0 straight up against CAROLINA over the last 3 seasons
10 of 16 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+3.0 Units)


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VANCOUVER (14-10-0-2, 30 pts.) at NASHVILLE (13-10-0-2, 28 pts.) - 12/6/2007, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NASHVILLE is 99-89 ATS (+205.4 Units) after scoring 1 goal or less in their previous game since 1996.
NASHVILLE is 47-35 ATS (+88.3 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record in the first half of the season since 1996.
VANCOUVER is 68-51 ATS (+4.5 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
VANCOUVER is 16-10 ATS (+27.2 Units) revenging a home loss versus opponent over the last 2 seasons.
VANCOUVER is 15-11 ATS (+28.9 Units) in road games revenging a loss versus opponent over the last 2 seasons.
VANCOUVER is 100-106 ATS (+238.1 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
NASHVILLE is 6-3 (+3.5 Units) against the spread versus VANCOUVER over the last 3 seasons
NASHVILLE is 6-3-0 straight up against VANCOUVER over the last 3 seasons
6 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+2.6 Units)


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PITTSBURGH (12-12-0-2, 26 pts.) at CALGARY (11-13-0-4, 26 pts.) - 12/6/2007, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CALGARY is 11-17 ATS (-12.5 Units) in all games this season.
CALGARY is 11-17 ATS (-15.8 Units) first half of the season this season.
CALGARY is 0-7 ATS (-10.5 Units) after a win by 2 goals or more this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
CALGARY is 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against the spread versus PITTSBURGH over the last 3 seasons
CALGARY is 1-0-0 straight up against PITTSBURGH over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+1.0 Units)


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BUFFALO (12-11-0-1, 25 pts.) at LOS ANGELES (10-14-0-2, 22 pts.) - 12/6/2007, 10:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BUFFALO is 55-41 ATS (+12.1 Units) in a road game where where the total is 6 or more over the last 3 seasons.
BUFFALO is 66-35 ATS (+16.9 Units) first half of the season over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
BUFFALO is 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against the spread versus LOS ANGELES over the last 3 seasons
BUFFALO is 1-0-0 straight up against LOS ANGELES over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+1.1 Units)


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[pm530]

National Hockey League – Write up

NHL
Write-up


Thursday, December 6

Today's NHL analysis

Hot Teams
-- Bruins won last three home games, are 4-0 in game following their last four losses.
--Toronto won last three games, allowing five goals.
-- Lightning won last two games, 4-1/4-3 after losing previous six games.
-- Nashville is 5-1 in game after its last six losses. Canucks won four of their last five games.
-- Penguins won five of their last six games.

Cold Teams
-- Canadiens lost three in row, five of last six games.
-- Rangers lost three of last four home games.
-- Erratic Hurricanes are 1-5 in game after their last six wins.
-- Flames lost four of their last five games.
-- Sabres lost five of their last seven road games. Kings are 2-9 in last eleven games, losing last three: 5-2/4-3/4-1.

Series Records
-- Canadiens won six in row vs Boston, winning three games in this season, 6-1/2-1/7-4.
-- Visitor is 5-2 in last seven Toronto-Ranger games.
-- Lightning won six of last seven games against Carolina.
-- Nashville won four in row vs Canucks, shutting Vancouver out in last three meetings (6-0/2-0/3-0).
-- Flames won 3-2 at Pittsburgh in last meeting, two years ago.
-- Sabres pounded LA 10-1 in Buffalo two years ago, in teams' last meeting.

Totals
-- Under is 7-2 in last nine Boston home games.
-- Under is 5-2-2 in last nine Toronto road games.
-- Over is 8-3 in last eleven Tampa Bay games.
-- Under is 6-2 in last eight Nashville-Vancouver games.
-- Under is 5-2-2 in last nine games at the Saddledome.
-- Last six Buffalo road games stayed under the total.

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[pm530]

National Hockey League - Matchup Notes

NHL


Thursday, December 6

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Thursday's key NHL betting matchup notes
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Montreal at Boston (-135, 5 ½)

The Canadiens have won the last six meetings - including three this season - by a combined margin of 24-9. Since the start of the 2005-06 season, Montreal has taken 15 of 19 games from the Bruins.


Toronto at N.Y. Rangers (-170, 5 ½)

The Maple Leafs are 1-0-1 this season against the Rangers, including a 4-1 victory on Oct. 27 at MSG.


Carolina at Tampa Bay (-130, 6)

The first-place Hurricanes have dropped two of three this season to the Lightning, who are 9-3-2 at home against Carolina since the start of the 2002-03 season.


Vancouver at Nashville (-140, 5)

The Canucks are 2-5-1 in their last eight games against the Predators.


Pittsburgh at Calgary (-135, 5 ½)

The Penguins haven't played at Calgary since Dec. 7, 2003. Iginla has five goals and five assists in 13 career games against Pittsburgh.


Buffalo at Los Angeles (+120, 6)

Buffalo has won its last three games against Los Angeles since a 4-1 home loss on Feb. 21, 2003 and scored 23 goals in those three victories.

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[Udog]

NBA
Dunkel


Miami at Portland
Miami was hoping that Dwyane Wade's return would spark a turnaround to its disappointing start. So far it hasn't. The Heat come into Portland with a three-game losing streak and are just 1-6 since Wade's return. Even against a struggling Portland team, Miami looks like a shaky favorite (-3) on the road according to Dunkel, which has the Blazers favored straight up by 3 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Portland (+3). Here are all of today's games.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6

Game 701-702: Minnesota at Atlanta
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota 107.720; Atlanta 119.166
Dunkel Line & Total: Atlanta by 11 1/2; 187
Vegas Line & Total: Atlanta by 9 1/2; 190 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (-9 1/2); Under

Game 703-704: Denver at Dallas
Dunkel Ratings: Denver 118.276; Dallas 122.787
Dunkel Line & Total: Dallas by 4 1/2; 218
Vegas Line & Total: Dallas by 7 1/2; 213 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Denver (+7 1/2); Over

Game 705-706: Miami at Portland
Dunkel Ratings: Miami 113.213; Portland 116.514
Dunkel Line & Total: Portland by 3 1/2; 183
Vegas Line & Total: Miami by 3; 188
Dunkel Pick: Portland (+3); Under

[Udog]

NCAAB
Dunkel


Butler at Detroit
Butler opens Horizon League play tonight in Detroit looking to reclaim the conference title after losing to Wright State in last year's tournament. The Bulldogs have prepared well by winning all seven of their games against a tough non-conference schedule that included victories over Ohio State, Michigan, Texas Tech and Virginia Tech. Senior A.J. Graves, who is averaging a team-high 17.9 points per game, leads a group that is among the nation's best at three-point shooting (44.3 percent). The Bulldogs also look to be catching Detroit at the right time as the Titans fell to Central Michigan on Saturday (70-66) and dropped both games in the series last season. Butler looks like the pick (-9 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Bulldogs favored by 17. Dunkel Pick: Butler (-9 1/2). Here are all of today's games.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6

Game 707-708: South Carolina vs. Providence
Dunkel Ratings: South Carolina 64.644; Providence 64.548
Dunkel Line: Even
Vegas Line: Providence by 3
Dunkel Pick: South Carolina (+3)

Game 709-710: Valparaiso at Wright State
Dunkel Ratings: Valparaiso 57.916; Wright State 57.515
Dunkel Line: Even
Vegas Line: Wright State by 1 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Valparaiso (+1 1/2)

Game 711-712: Towson at Temple
Dunkel Ratings: Towson 54.456; Temple 58.349
Dunkel Line: Temple by 4
Vegas Line: Temple by 12
Dunkel Pick: Towson (+12)

Game 713-714: Butler at Detroit
Dunkel Ratings: Butler 74.255; Detroit 57.156
Dunkel Line: Butler by 17
Vegas Line: Butler by 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Butler (-9 1/2)

Game 715-716: Northeastern at Connecticut
Dunkel Ratings: Northeastern 52.597; Connecticut 67.948
Dunkel Line: Connecticut by 15 1/2
Vegas Line: Connecticut by 17
Dunkel Pick: Northeastern (+17)

Game 717-718: WI-Milwaukee at Illinois-Chicago
Dunkel Ratings: WI-Milwaukee 54.594; Illinois-Chicago 56.056
Dunkel Line: Illinois-Chicago by 1 1/2
Vegas Line: Illinois-Chicago by 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: WI-Milwaukee (+5 1/2)

Game 719-720: WI-Green Bay at Loyola-Chicago
Dunkel Ratings: WI-Green Bay 55.606; Loyola-Chicago 53.527
Dunkel Line: WI-Green Bay by 2
Vegas Line: Loyola-Chicago by 2
Dunkel Pick: WI-Green Bay (+2)

Game 721-722: LSU at Villanova
Dunkel Ratings: LSU 61.408; Villanova 73.400
Dunkel Line: Villanova by 12
Vegas Line: Villanova by 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Villanova (-9 1/2)

Game 723-724: Rider at Niagara
Dunkel Ratings: Rider 53.546; Niagara 51.049
Dunkel Line: Rider by 2 1/2
Vegas Line: Niagara by 2 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Rider (+2 1/2)

Game 725-726: Jacksonville State at Samford
Dunkel Ratings: Jacksonville State 38.628; Samford 55.557
Dunkel Line: Samford by 17
Vegas Line: Samford by 10
Dunkel Pick: Samford (-10)

Game 727-728: Tennessee Tech at Eastern Illinois
Dunkel Ratings: Tennessee Tech 49.319; Eastern Illinois 43.998
Dunkel Line: Tennessee Tech by 5 1/2
Vegas Line: Eastern Illinois by 1
Dunkel Pick: Tennessee Tech (+1)

Game 729-730: Morehead State at Austin Peay
Dunkel Ratings: Morehead State 43.142; Austin Peay 57.029
Dunkel Line: Austin Peay by 14
Vegas Line: Austin Peay by 17
Dunkel Pick: Morehead State (+17)

Game 731-732: Tennessee State at SE Missouri State
Dunkel Ratings: Tennessee State 48.577; SE Missouri State 46.905
Dunkel Line: Tennessee State by 1 1/2
Vegas Line: SE Missouri State by 3
Dunkel Pick: Tennessee State (+3)

Game 733-734: Bowling Green at Northern Colorado
Dunkel Ratings: Bowling Green 50.631; Northern Colorado 55.018
Dunkel Line: Northern Colorado by 4 1/2
Vegas Line: Bowling Green by 1
Dunkel Pick: Northern Colorado (+1)

[Udog]

NBA
Dunkel


Thursday, December 6


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MINNESOTA (2 - 14) at ATLANTA (7 - 10) - 12/6/2007, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 38-58 ATS (-25.8 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 31-51 ATS (-25.1 Units) in a road game where where the total is between 185 and 189.5 points since 1996.
MINNESOTA is 2-11 ATS (-10.1 Units) against Southeast division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 11-24 ATS (-15.4 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 10-25 ATS (-17.5 Units) after allowing 105 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 14-28 ATS (-16.8 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 84-59 ATS (+19.1 Units) in home games after a loss by 10 points or more since 1996.
ATLANTA is 54-83 ATS (-37.3 Units) in December games since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 5-0 against the spread versus MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
ATLANTA is 4-1 straight up against MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons


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DENVER (11 - 8) at DALLAS (12 - 7) - 12/6/2007, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DENVER is 89-126 ATS (-49.6 Units) when playing on back-to-back days since 1996.
DENVER is 37-20 ATS (+15.0 Units) after scoring 105 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
DALLAS is 15-32 ATS (-20.2 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
DENVER is 5-3 against the spread versus DALLAS over the last 3 seasons
DALLAS is 6-2 straight up against DENVER over the last 3 seasons
5 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons


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MIAMI (4 - 13) at PORTLAND (6 - 12) - 12/6/2007, 10:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MIAMI is 23-12 ATS (+9.8 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
PORTLAND is 29-52 ATS (-28.2 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.

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


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[Udog]

NBA
Hot Lines


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

Minnesota Timberwolves at Atlanta Hawks (-9 1/2, 188)

Minnesota has lost nine of its last 10 contests and two straight on the road. Now the Timberwolves visit Philips Arena to meet a Hawks club that has covered the spread in their last six matchups dating back to 2005.

The Hawks trounced the Timberwolves 94-87 on Nov. 24. Atlanta leading-scorer Joe Johnson led his team with 25 points, while fantasy-stud Josh Smith added three steals and five blocks.

Pick: Hawks -9 1/2


Denver Nuggets at Dallas Mavericks (-7, 213 1/2)

Is Dallas setting up for a letdown Thursday?

The Mavs met archrivals San Antonio on Wednesday and now must host the 11-7 Nuggets.

Dallas has covered the spread just two times in its last 12. It has also failed to cash in five straight games in the Big D.

The Nuggets are also 6-3 ATS in their last nine meetings with the Mavericks.

Pick: Nuggets +7


Miami Heat at Portland Trail Blazers (+2, 187 1/2)

Portland has lost three of it's last four home tilts after opening the season 5-0 at the Rose Garden.

The Heat, meanwhile, have covered the spread in six of their nine games outside South Beach.

They have also covered in three of their last five road contests since Dwyane Wade's return from offseason shoulder surgery. Wade is leading the Heat in scoring, averaging more than 20 points.

Miami has also covered the spread in four of its last five trips to Oregon, dating back to 2002.

Pick: Heat -2

[Udog]

NBA today - Thursday, Dec. 6


SCOREBOARD
Thursday, Dec. 6

Miami at Portland (10:30 p.m. EST). The Trail Blazers return home after picking up their first road win on Monday.

STARS
Wednesday

-Leandro Barbosa, Phoenix, scored 35 points and the Suns beat Toronto 136-123.

-Luol Deng, Chicago, scored 30 points to lead the Bulls to a 91-82 victory over Charlotte.

-Tracy McGrady, Houston, had 17 points, 10 rebounds, and 12 assists in the Rockets' 105-92 win over Memphis.

-Manu Ginobili, Spurs, scored a season-high 37 points in San Antonio's 97-95 win over Dallas.

-Nick Collison, Sonics, finished with 18 points and 17 rebounds, leading Seattle to a 95-88 win over the Clippers.

SIZZLING

Leandro Barbosa scored 35 points, Steve Nash had a season-high 18 assists and Phoenix set a season high in points, beating Toronto 136-123 on Wednesday night. The Suns have won four straight and 12 of their past 13. Phoenix has won seven straight against Toronto. The Raptors haven't beaten the Suns since a 101-94 victory at Phoenix on Feb. 10, 2004.

GOLDEN TOUCH

Golden State made 10 of its first 14 shots from 3-point range and finished 15-for-22 from long distance in a 120-90 win over Milwaukee on Wednesday. The last time a team shot better than that in a game it made at least 15 3-pointers was when Toronto made 17 of 24 on Dec. 3, 2003, against Boston. Golden State has won 10 of 12 games after an 0-6 start.

STRUGGLING

Caron Butler had 27 points to lead Washington past Cleveland 105-86 on Wednesday night. Cleveland has lost four straight without LeBron James, sidelined with a sprained left index finger. It was the fifth straight loss for the Cavaliers -their first five-game skid since Feb. 22-March 1, 2006. ... Memphis has lost eight of 12 after a 102-95 loss to Houston. ... The Clippers lost their seventh straight, most since dropping eight consecutive games in February 2005, after a 95-88 loss at Seattle.

SNAPPED

Jamal Crawford scored 29 points, Zach Randolph added 25, and New York beat New Jersey 100-93 on Wednesday night. New York got its first road win in eight tries this season.

COMING BACK

The Cavaliers will match the three-year offer sheet made by Charlotte to restricted free agent Anderson Varejao, ending a protracted contract dispute that has kept the 6-foot-10 Brazilian out this season. Varejao, known for his energy and defense, averaged a career-best 6.8 points and 6.7 rebounds last season in helping the Cavaliers reach the NBA finals for the first time.

STRONG IN DEFEAT

Allen Iverson scored a season-high 51 points in Denver's 111-107 loss to Los Angeles. ... Richard Jefferson had 31 points but New Jersey fell to New York 100-93. ... Andre Miller scored 26 points and had 12 assists in Philadelphia's 113-103 loss to Boston. ... T.J. Ford scored 27 points but Toronto lost to Phoenix 136-123.

SPEAKING

''Everything that I saw open, I attacked, and I was able to knock down shots. When I got the ball, it seemed like every move that I made, it would throw the defender off.'' - Denver's Allen Iverson after scoring 51 points in 111-107 loss to Los Angeles on Wednesday.

[Udog]

NHL
Hot Lines


Ice picks: Thursday's best NHL bets

Pittsburgh Penguins at Calgary Flames (-140, 5 1/2)

Amid press conferences, fans and the prying media, Sidney Crosby found time to play some hockey on his first trip with the Penguins to western Canada.

He assisted on three goals in the third period on Wednesday as Pittsburgh came from behind to defeat Edmonton on the tour's first stop. It was the fifth win in six games for a Penguins team that slumped through much of November.

Meanwhile, Miikka Kiprusoff and the Flames responded to the prodding of coach Mike Keenan with a 3-1 win against St. Louis on Tuesday. The win snapped a four-game losing skid, but was only their first win at home in four tries.

Crosby has collected 10 points in six games and scored in his only career matchup against the Flames.

Pick: Penguins +120


Carolina Hurricanes at Tampa Bay Lightning (-125, 6)

The Lightning, led by the only man ahead of Crosby on the NHL points scoring list, are 10-3-1 at home this season. Vincent Lecavalier has notched 28 of his 42 points on home ice and has 16 points in his last seven games against the Hurricanes.

A streaky team this season, Tampa Bay is trying to build momentum after winning its last two games after a six-game skid.

Carolina has lost two of three against Tampa this season. The lone win came in Carolina and was the Hurricanes' only victory in seven meetings between these teams since January.

Pick: Lightning -125


Buffalo Sabres at Los Angeles Kings (+115, 6)

The Sabres offense finally sputtered Wednesday in a 4-1 loss to Anaheim. It was the team's first game after an eight-goal barrage on Dec. 1 and the first time the club scored fewer than three times since Nov. 15. That seven-game span included six wins.

The hapless Kings may just be the ticket to get the Buffalo offense back in gear. L.A. has allowed at least four goals in three straight games and is second in the league for most goals allowed this season.

The Sabres managed 10 goals in the last meeting between these teams on Jan. 14, 2006. The Kings allow an average of 3.33 goals per game at home and have dropped their last four contests at the Staples Center.

Pick: Sabres -135

[Udog]

Hockey today - Thursday, Dec. 6


SCOREBOARD
Thursday, Dec. 6

Carolina at Tampa Bay (7:30 p.m. EST). The Southeast Division-leading Hurricanes, in the midst of a five-game road trip, lead the second-place Lightning by seven points.

STARS
Wednesday

-Patrik Elias, Devils, scored his second goal of the game with 1:44 left in overtime and New Jersey rallied for a 4-3 win over Boston.

-Sidney Crosby, Penguins, had assists on three of Pittsburgh's four third-period goals in a 4-2 victory at Edmonton.

-Randy Robitaille and Ray Emery, Senators. Robitaille scored twice and Emery stopped a penalty shot in the third period to help Ottawa hold off Florida 5-4.

-Joe Thornton, Sharks, scored the go-ahead goal with 8:36 left and added two assists to lead San Jose past Dallas 3-2.

-Dan Fritsche, Blue Jackets, scored the tiebreaking goal with 4:05 left and Columbus edged Colorado 5-4.

-Brendan Morrison, Canucks, broke a tie early in the third period and had an assist in Vancouver's 3-2 win at Chicago.

WELCOME BACK

NHL playoffs MVP Scott Niedermayer will rejoin Anaheim after sitting out the first 28 games of the season. The 34-year-old defenseman had taken time off to decide whether he wanted to retire. He wasn't at the arena for the announcement. Niedermayer hoisted the Stanley Cup for the fourth time in June and won his first Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP. Without Niedermayer and free agent Teemu Selanne, the Ducks got off to a slow start and were third in the Pacific Division with a 12-12-4 record heading into that night's game against Buffalo.

CRAZY EIGHT

New Jersey overcame a three-goal first-period deficit and extended its winning streak to eight games with a 4-3 overtime victory over Boston on Wednesday night. Zach Parise scored twice as did Patrik Elias, who got the game-winner with 1:44 left in the extra session.

SNAPPED

Ottawa ended a seven-game losing streak after defeating Florida 5-4 on Wednesday night. The Senators won for the first time since a 4-2 victory over Montreal on Nov. 19 and halted the club's longest losing streak since an 11-game slide in the 1995-96 season. Ottawa is 6-0 against the Panthers in the past two seasons. ... Anaheim snapped a 10-game winless drought against Buffalo with a 4-1 victory. The last time the Ducks beat the Sabres was Jan. 1, 1999, when Teemu Selanne scored three goals against Dominik Hasek in a 7-2 victory in Buffalo.

ONE MAN OFFENSE?

San Jose captain Joe Thornton has figured in 10 of the Sharks' 11 goals in the past four games, including a goal and two assists in a 3-2 win at Dallas on Wednesday night. Thornton has a team-leading 34 points, 21 more than second-place Jeremy Roenick and Milan Michalek.

KING CANUCK

Markus Naslund became Vancouver's career leading scorer Wednesday night with an assist in the 3-2 win at Chicago. Naslund has 332 goals and 393 assists for 725 points in 829 games with the Canucks. Teammate Trevor Linden, in his second tour with Vancouver, has 312 goals and 412 assists in 1,020 games with the team.

SINKING ISLAND

The New York Islanders dropped their four straight game and have been held to three goals or fewer in each of the past 16 games after Wednesday night's 4-3 shootout loss at Atlanta. The Islanders killed off all nine Thrashers ******, but yielded two short-handed goals.

ROAD WARRIORS

Philadelphia pushed its road winning streak to four games and ended Minnesota's four-game run overall with Wednesday night's 3-1 victory.

RALLY TIME

Columbus scored four times in the third period to shock Colorado 5-4 on Wednesday night. Dan Fritsche's goal with 4:05 left capped a wild six-goal third period and helped the Blue Jackets defeat the Avalanche for just the third time in 25 meetings (3-20-2).

STRONG IN DEFEAT

Boston's Marc Savard extended his points streak to 11 games after picking up an assist in a 4-3 overtime loss at New Jersey on Wednesday night. Savard has two goals and 18 points during the run.

SIDELINED

Dallas defenseman Philippe Boucher is expected to miss at least four weeks because of shoulder surgery on Wednesday.

SPEAKING

''We knew that the first period was gross. There was no panic. It was a matter of waking up. We weren't out of the game. It shows the difference between the team now and when the streak started.'' - New Jersey's Zach Parise after the Devils overcame a three-goal first-period deficit to defeat Boston in overtime 4-3 on Wednesday night.

[Udog]

NFL
Dunkel


Chicago at Washington
Both teams come into tonight's matchup with disappointing 5-7 records and facing almost certain elimination from the playoffs if they lose. Most surprising has been the collapse of the Bears' defense, which ranks No. 28 in the league in total defense while giving up 20 points and 356 yards per game. But those numbers could get a boost from a Washington offense that has managed just 29 points in back-to-back losses to Tampa Bay and Buffalo. Overall the Redskins have lost four straight and look like a vulnerable favorite (-3) according to Dunkel, which has the game even. Dunkel Pick: Chicago (+3). Here are all of this week's picks.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6

Game 101-102: Chicago at Washington
Dunkel Ratings: Chicago 128.925; Washington 128.616
Dunkel Line: Even; 41
Vegas Line: Washington by 3; 37 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Chicago (+3); Over


SUNDAY, DECEMBER 9

Game 103-104: Carolina at Jacksonville
Dunkel Ratings: Carolina 124.170; Jacksonville 141.474
Dunkel Line: Jacksonville by 17 1/2; 44
Vegas Line: Jacksonville by 10 1/2; 38
Dunkel Pick: Jacksonville (-10 1/2); Over

Game 105-106: Dallas at Detroit
Dunkel Ratings: Dallas 141.921; Detroit 128.456
Dunkel Line: Dallas by 13 1/2; 54
Vegas Line: Dallas by 10 1/2; 52
Dunkel Pick: Dallas (-10 1/2); Over

Game 107-108: Miami at Buffalo
Dunkel Ratings: Miami 122.926; Buffalo 127.882
Dunkel Line: Buffalo by 5; 33
Vegas Line: Buffalo by 7; 36 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Miami (+7); Under

Game 109-110: NY Giants at Philadelphia
Dunkel Ratings: NY Giants 130.140; Philadelphia 134.217
Dunkel Line: Philadelphia by 4; 48
Vegas Line: Philadelphia by 3; 42
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (-3); Over

Game 111-112: Oakland at Green Bay
Dunkel Ratings: Oakland 122.911; Green Bay 139.588
Dunkel Line: Green Bay by 17; 48 1/2
Vegas Line: Green Bay by 10; 42
Dunkel Pick: Green Bay (-10); Over

Game 113-114: Pittsburgh at New England
Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh 136.312; New England 151.073
Dunkel Line: New England by 15; 52
Vegas Line: New England by 10 1/2; 49 1/2
Dunkel Pick: New England (-10 1/2); Over

Game 115-116: San Diego at Tennessee
Dunkel Ratings: San Diego 136.793; Tennessee 134.617
Dunkel Line: San Diego by 2; 45
Vegas Line: Pick; 40 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Diego; Over

Game 117-118: St. Louis at Cincinnati
Dunkel Ratings: St. Louis 123.792; Cincinnati 128.581
Dunkel Line: Cincinnati by 5; 44
Vegas Line: Cincinnati by 6 1/2; 48
Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (+6 1/2); Under

Game 119-120: Tampa Bay at Houston
Dunkel Ratings: Tampa Bay 129.581; Houston 131.725
Dunkel Line: Houston by 2; 38
Vegas Line: Tampa Bay by 3; 40
Dunkel Pick: Houston (+3); Under

Game 121-122: Arizona at Seattle
Dunkel Ratings: Arizona 128.479; Seattle 131.995
Dunkel Line: Seattle by 3 1/2; 50
Vegas Line: Seattle by 7; 44
Dunkel Pick: Arizona (+7); Over

Game 123-124: Minnesota at San Francisco
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota 136.034; San Francisco 121.080
Dunkel Line: Minnesota by 15; 44
Vegas Line: Minnesota by 8 1/2; 39
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (-8 1/2); Over

Game 125-126: Cleveland at NY Jets
Dunkel Ratings: Cleveland 128.758; NY Jets 130.902
Dunkel Line: NY Jets by 2; 46
Vegas Line: Cleveland by 3 1/2; 48 1/2
Dunkel Pick: NY Jets (+3 1/2); Under

Game 127-128: Kansas City at Denver
Dunkel Ratings: Kansas City 125.780; Denver 130.987
Dunkel Line: Denver by 5; 42
Vegas Line: Denver by 6 1/2; 36 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Kansas City (+6 1/2); Over

Game 129-130: Indianapolis at Baltimore
Dunkel Ratings: Indianapolis 143.923; Baltimore 126.856
Dunkel Line: Indianapolis by 17; 47
Vegas Line: Indianapolis by 9; 43 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Indianapolis (-9); Over


MONDAY, DECEMBER 10

Game 131-132: New Orleans at Atlanta
Dunkel Ratings: New Orleans 130.438; Atlanta 123.501
Dunkel Line: New Orleans by 7; 42
Vegas Line: New Orleans by 4 1/2; 44
Dunkel Pick: New Orleans (-4 1/2); Under

[Udog]

NHL
Dunkel


Toronto at NY Rangers
The Rangers suffered one of their worst losses of the season in dropping a 4-0 decision to Carolina at home on Monday. Now New York has to bounce back against a suddenly hot Toronto team that has won three straight behind the solid goaltending of Vesa Toskala. The Maple Leafs look like a dangerous underdog (+145) according to Dunkel, which has Toronto favored straight up by 1/2 a goal. Dunkel Pick: Toronto (+145). Here are all of today's games.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6

Game 1-2: Montreal at Boston
Dunkel Ratings: Montreal 10.698; Boston 11.931
Dunkel Line & Total: Boston by 1 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Boston (-130); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Boston (-130); Under

Game 3-4: Toronto at NY Rangers
Dunkel Ratings: Toronto 11.583; NY Rangers 10.882
Dunkel Line & Total: Toronto by 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: NY Rangers (-165); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (+145); Under

Game 5-6: Carolina at Tampa Bay
Dunkel Ratings: Carolina 11.259; Tampa Bay 11.214
Dunkel Line & Total: Carolina by 1/2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Tampa Bay (-125); 6
Dunkel Pick: Carolina (+105); Over

Game 7-8: Vancouver at Nashville
Dunkel Ratings: Vancouver 12.143; Nashville 11.155
Dunkel Line & Total: Vancouver by 1; 5 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Nashville (-135); 5
Dunkel Pick: Vancouver (+115); Over

Game 9-10: Pittsburgh at Calgary
Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh 12.154; Calgary 10.784
Dunkel Line & Total: Pittsburgh by 1 1/2; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Calgary (-125); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (+105); Over

Game 11-12: Buffalo at Los Angeles
Dunkel Ratings: Buffalo 11.916; Los Angeles 10.060
Dunkel Line & Total: Buffalo by 2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Buffalo (-135); 6
Dunkel Pick: Buffalo (-135); Under

[kbsooner21]

Thanks guys! Good luck today!