Monday Trends and Indexes 12/17

[pm530]

College Football – Short Sheet

NCAAF
Short Sheet


Thursday, December 20th

SDC Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl
San Diego, California
TV: ESPN
Navy vs. Utah, 9:00 ET

Navy:
6-1 Over off a conference game
9-2 Over after winning 6 or 7 of their last 8 games

Utah:
10-2 ATS off 3+ conference games
23-9 ATS playing with rest


Friday, December 21st

R&L Carriers New Orleans Bowl
New Orleans, Louisiana
TV: ESPN2
Florida Atlantic vs. Memphis, 8:00 ET

Florida Atlantic:
6-1 Over off an Over
6-0 Over in the second half of the season

Memphis:
3-12 ATS off BB conference wins
2-14 ATS after scoring 42+ points


Saturday, December 22nd

PapaJohns.com Bowl
Birmingham, Alabama
TV: ESPN2
Southern Miss vs. Cincinnati, 1:00 ET

Southern Miss:
0-6 ATS as an underdog
6-16 ATS off a SU win / ATS loss

Cincinnati:
12-2 ATS off an ATS win
5-1 ATS off a win by 21+ points

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New Mexico Bowl
Albuquerque, New Mexico
TV: ESPN
Nevada vs. New Mexico, 4:30 ET

Nevada:
7-0 Under away after scoring 42+ points
9-1 Under away off 3+ conference games

New Mexico:
0-9 ATS after allowing 6 or less points
1-8 ATS after winning 4 or 5 of their last 6 games

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Pioneer Las Vegas Bowl
Las Vegas, Nevada
TV: ESPN
UCLA vs. BYU, 8:00 ET

UCLA:
9-1 ATS as an underdog
8-1 ATS off a conference loss

BYU:
10-2 Under playing on a neutral field
29-14 Under as a favorite of 3.5 to 10 points


Sunday, December 23rd

Sheriton Hawaii Bowl
Honolulu, Hawaii
TV: ESPN
East Carolina vs. Boise State, 8:00 ET

East Carolina:
14-4 Under after winning 3 of their last 4 games
12-5 Under off BB conference games

Boise State:
41-12 ATS off BB conference games
18-3 ATS with a total of 63+ points


Wednesday, December 26th

Motor City Bowl
Detroit, Michigan
TV: ESPN
Central Michigan vs. Purdue, 7:30 ET

Central Michigan:
14-5 ATS playing on artificial turf
10-2 ATS after winning 2 of their last 3 games

Purdue:
9-0 Under off BB losses
16-6 Under off a conference game


Thursday, December 27th

Pacific Life Holiday Bowl
San Diego, California
TV: ESPN
Texas vs. Arizona State, 8:00 ET

Texas:
13-3 ATS off 3+ Overs
10-2 ATS after allowing 525+ total yards

Arizona State:
11-2 Under away off a home game
12-4 Under away off a conference game


Friday, December 28th

Champs Sports Bowl
Orlando, Florida
TV: ESPN
Michigan State vs. Boston College, 5:00 ET


Michigan State:
6-16 ATS off a conference game
6-16 ATS off BB games with combined scores of 60+ points

Boston College:
12-4 Under playing on grass fields
21-9 Under away off an ATS loss

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Texas Bowl
Houston, Texas
TV: NFL
TCU vs. Houston, 8:00 ET

TCU:
10-1 ATS off BB conference wins
16-5 ATS after having 275+ rushing yards

Houston:
6-0 Under off an ATS loss
6-0 Under away off a combined score of 60+ points

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Emerald Bowl
San Francisco, California
TV: ESPN
Maryland vs. Oregon State, 8:30 ET

Maryland:
17-3 Under after scoring 37+ points
14-4 Under after committing 0 turnovers

Oregon State:
10-2 ATS off a conference win by 7 or less points
12-3 ATS off BB conference games


Saturday, December 29th

Meineke Car Care Bowl
Charlotte, North Carolina
TV: ESPN
Connecticut vs. Wake Forest, 1:00 ET

Connecticut:
8-1 ATS off a road loss
21-8 ATS away vs. non-conference opponents

Wake Forest:
16-6 Under vs. non-conference opponents
8-2 Under off BB games forcing 3+ turnovers

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AutoZone Liberty Bowl
Memphis, Tennessee
TV: ESPN
Central Florida vs. Mississippi State, 4:30 ET

Central Florida:
6-1 Under off a conference win
7-0 Under after allowing 325+ passing yards

Mississippi State:
16-30 ATS off an Under
1-5 ATS off a home win

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Valero Alamo Bowl
San Antonio, Texas
TV: ESPN
Penn State vs. Texas A&M, 8:00 ET

Penn State:
16-5 Under away vs. non-conference opponents
22-9 Under off a combined score of 60+ points

Texas A&M:
1-12 ATS after gaining 525+ total yards
4-14 ATS away playing with rest


Sunday, December 30th

PetroSun Indepedence Bowl
Shreveport, Louisiana
TV: ESPN
Colorado vs. Alabama, 8:00 ET

Colorado:
10-1 Over after scoring 50+ points
6-0 Over after allowing 325+ passing yards

Alabama:
3-11 ATS as a favorite
0-6 ATS off BB losses


Monday, December 31st

Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl
Fort Worth, Texas
TV: ESPN
Air Force at California, 12:30 ET

Air Force:
7-1 ATS off a straight up win
13-3 ATS away playing with 2+ weeks rest

California:
0-7 ATS off BB conference games
2-10 ATS off a straight up loss

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Brut Sun Bowl
El Paso, Texas
TV: CBS
Oregon vs. South Florida, 2:00 ET

Oregon:
16-6 ATS off a home loss
9-2 ATS after forcing 3+ turnovers

South Florida:
9-2 Under after winning 2 of their last 3 games
5-1 Under off BB conference wins

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Roady's Humanitarian Bowl
El Paso, Texas
TV: ESPN2
Fresno State vs. Georgia Tech, 2:00 ET

Fresno State:
20-8 Over playing on artificial turf
22-10 Over off an Under

Georgia Tech:
1-9 ATS off BB Overs
1-5 ATS off a home game

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Gaylord Hotels Music City Bowl
Nashville, Tennessee
TV: ESPN
Florida State vs. Kentucky, 4:00 ET

Florida State:
6-1 ATS after allowing 37+ points
5-1 ATS off 3+ games forcing 1 or 0 turnovers

Kentucky:
11-3 Under playing with 2+ weeks rest
12-2 Under off BB conference losses

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Insight Bowl
Tempe, Arizona
TV: NFL
Indiana vs. Oklahoma State, 5:30 ET

Indiana:
4-15 ATS off 5+ games committing 2+ turnovers
1-5 ATS off a home win by 3 or less points

Oklahoma State:
13-3 Over off an ATS loss
5-1 Over off BB road games

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Chick-fil-A Bowl
Atlanta, Georgia
TV: ESPN
(TC) Auburn vs. Clemson, 7:30 ET


Auburn:
6-1 ATS as an underdog
5-1 ATS with a line of +3 to -3

Clemson:
9-2 Under in bowl games
16-6 Under after winning 4 of their last 5 games


Tuesday, January 1st

Outback Bowl
Tampa, Florida
TV: ESPN
Wisconsin vs. Tennessee, 11:00am ET


Wisconsin:
10-2 ATS vs. non-conference opponents
39-22 ATS after forcing 3+ turnovers

Tennessee:
5-1 Under off BB games with 40+ pass attempts
8-3 Under off 3+ conference games

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AT&T Cotton Bowl
Dallas, Texas
TV: FOX
Arkansas vs. Missouri, 11:30am ET

Arkansas:
7-1 ATS off BB games allowing 31+ points
15-4 ATS off a combined score of 70+ points

Missouri:
24-7 Over after committing 1 or 0 turnovers
7-3 Over off a loss by 21+ points

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Capital One Bowl
Orlando, Florida
TV: ABC
Michigan vs. Florida, 1:00 ET

Michigan:
0-5 ATS after having 100 or less rushing yards
3-7 ATS off a straight up loss

Florida:
9-2 ATS vs. non-conference opponents
6-1 ATS off an ATS win as a favorite of 10+ points

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Gator Bowl
Jacksonville, Florida
TV: CBS
Texas Tech vs. Virginia, 1:00 ET

Texas Tech:
0-8 ATS away off a conference win
0-7 ATS away off an ATS win

Virginia:
10-2 Under off a straight up loss
8-1 Under after having 100 or less rushing yards

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Rose Bowl presented by Citi
Pasadena, California
TV: ABC
Illinois vs. USC, 4:30 ET

Illinois:
7-1 ATS off a straight up win
10-2 ATS away after scoring 37+ points

USC:
9-2 Under as a favorite
7-1 Under off a conference game

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Sugar Bowl
New Orleans, Louisiana
TV: FOX
Hawaii vs. Georgia, 8:30 ET

Hawaii:
7-1 Under off 7+ wins
6-1 Under playing on artificial turf

Georgia:
17-5 ATS away vs. non-conference opponents
21-9 ATS away off an Under


Wednesday, January 2nd

Tostitos Fiesta Bowl
Glendale, Arizona
TV: FOX
West Virginia vs. Oklahoma, 8:00 ET


West Virginia:
8-1 ATS away off an ATS loss
6-0 ATS off BB games having 125 or less passing yards

Oklahoma:
8-1 Under away off 3+ conference games
14-4 Under as a neutral field favorite


Thursday, January 3rd

FedEx Orand Bowl
Miami, Florida
TV: FOX
Kansas vs. Virginia Tech, 8:00 ET

Kansas:
3-12 ATS after winning 4 or 5 of their last 6 games
25-48 ATS off a conference loss

Virginia Tech:
7-1 ATS off a conference game
15-5 ATS in the second half of the season


Saturday, January 5th

International Bowl
Toronto, Canada
TV: ESPN2
Ball State vs. Rutgers, 12:00 ET


Ball State:
9-1 ATS off an ATS loss
6-1 ATS off a win by 6 or less points

Rutgers:
10-4 Over off BB conference games
4-1 Over playing with 2+ days rest


Sunday, January 6th

GMAC Bowl
Mobile, Alabama
TV: ESPN
Bowling Green vs. Tulsa, 8:00 ET

Bowling Green:
19-8 ATS off a home win by 17+ points
16-6 ATS after allowing 3 or less first-half points

Tulsa:
0-6 ATS after allowing 37+ points
0-8 ATS after having 475+ total yards


Monday, January 7th

BCS Championship Game
New Orleans, Louisiana
TV: FOX
Ohio State vs. LSU, 8:00 ET

Ohio State:
12-1 ATS off an Under
10-2 ATS off a road game

LSU:
1-5 ATS as a favorite of 3.5 to 10 points
1-5 ATS off an ATS loss

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[pm530]

College Football – Write up

NCAAF
Write-up

2007-2008 Bowl Analysis

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Thursday, December 20

#1-- Poinsettia Bowl, 12/20, San Diego
Navy won its last four games, scoring 43.3 ppg, but since lost coach Johnson, who went to Ga Tech; this is fifth straight bowl for defensively-challenged Middie squad that lost to Delaware, a I-AA team, and gave up 62 at North Texas in 74-62 win. They threw total of of 26 passes in their last four games- in their four losses, they gave up 41-34-44-59 points. This game is only 19 days after they won their biggest game, against Army. Middies won Poinsettia bowl two years ago, beating Colorado St 51-30.

Utah won its last five bowls, winning last four years by scores of 17-0/35-7/38-10/25-13; they won seven of last eight games; in finale, rivalry game at BYU, they blew 10-6 lead in last minute to snap win streak. Utes were held to 7-12-0-10 points in its losses; Navy is incapable of holding them down like that. Utah, in their last four games, outscored foes 74-6 in first half- they won pair of games on this field in last few years, beating San Diego State by 51-28/38-7 scores in regular season meetings.

Not big on giving points in bowls, but with Johnson leaving, it is difficult to support unbalanced Middies here. Utah has one of best bowl records in country-- would lean to them in this game.

Friday, December 21

#2-- New Orleans Bowl, 12/21
Florida Atlantic is in its first-ever bowl, under former Louisville/ Miami coach Schnellenberger; he was 4-0 in bowls as coach at those schools, beating Alabama (34-7), Michigan State (18-7) at Louisville, after beating Virginia Tech (20-10), Nebraska (31-30) with the 'canes. The man can coach.

FAU is 6-0 this season when they allow less than 33 points and 3-2-1 vs spread as favorite; they scored 93 points in winning its last two games, after 59-20 loss at Florida left them at 5-5. Their last seven games went over the total. They had 18 starters back from LY, are fairly experienced group.

Memphis is playing 4th bowl in last five years, missing out last year; favorite covered their last three bowls, with Tigers taking two of three. They won this game four years ago, 27-17 against Sun Belt champ North Texas. Tigers won three in row, five of its last six games after 2-4 start- they lost first two games of season by combined total of six points; they're 4-2-1 vs spread as dog this season.

New Orleans Bowl has seen C-USA team win four of six vs Sun Belt foe, with Troy State winning LY vs Rice, only second win for SBC. Of last six Memphis wins, they won five by three or less points, so they know how to make plays in these big spots. This should be a good game, but damned if I know which side is right. Game is in dome, so take a shot at the over?

Saturday, December 22

#3- PapaJohn's Bowl, Birmingham
Southern Mississippi fired coach Bower despite 14 winning yrs in a row, and nine bowls in last ten years. USM won three bowls in row, 31-10 (-6), 31-19 (-15), 28-7 (-6), but hard to back them in choatic situation, where new coach has already been hired, but not soon enough that he can out his offense into place. Eagles are 1-4 this season against bowl teams, beating East Carolina- despite a mediocre 7-5 season, they were only underdog twice, losing 39-19 at Tennessee (+12), 38-16 at Boise (+10).

Cincinnati is 4-1 vs bowl teams this season, losing only to West Virginia, beating UConn, South Florida, Oregon State, Rutgers. UC is 5-2 vs spread as a favorite, but they also allowed 23+ pts in six of their last seven games, so not a great defensive team. Bearcat coach Kelly is trying to get Michigan job; last year, he won two bowl games, winning with Bearcats, Central Michigan.

These teams used to be rivals in C-USA, before basketball put Cincinnati in Big East; last time they met was three years ago, but neither of these coaches was there then. Visiting side won last two series games. USM has something of regional edge, as game is in Alabama, but Cincinnati has all other intangibles on its side. Would be difficult to back Southern Miss in this game.

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[pm530]

College Football – Tips & Trends

NCAAF
Tips and Trends


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Tips and Trends
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(Note: 12/17/07 - Additional info has been posted. If more data becomes available we will post it on subsequent updates)

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20TH

San Diego Co. Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl - San Diego, CA
Utah vs. Navy (ESPN | 9 PM ET)

Utah has won 6 straight bowl games, the second-longest postseason winning streak in the nation. The Utes have covered their last 5 postseason appearances.
Navy owns the top-ranked rushing offense in the country and faces the top scoring defense in the Mountain West. However, Air Force rolled 334 yards on the ground against the Utes in a 20-12 win back on September 8th.
Navy is 10-1 ATS in its last 11 games vs. Mountain West opponents.
The OVER is 8-2 in Navy’s last 10 neutral site games.
The OVER is 9-3 in Navy’s last 12 non-conference games.


FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21ST

R&L Carriers Bowl - New Orleans, LA
Florida Atlantic vs. Memphis (ESPN2 | 8 PM ET)

The Memphis Tigers won five of their last six games after the tragic shooting death of DL Taylor Bradford to finish 7-5. This is their fourth bowl game in five seasons.
Memphis QB Martin Hankins returned in mid-October from a hip injury, and since then the team's offense has become one of Conference USA’s most potent. The Tigers averaged 34 points and 504 yards of total offense in the second half of the season.
The concern for the Memphis Tigers is their defense. Memphis held only one opponent under 21 points this season and conceded 50-plus points to three C-USA opponents.
The Florida Atlantic Owls have also turned it around in the second half of the season. Florida Atlantic averaged 36 points per game in the second half, including a 38-point performance against Troy in the final game of the season. The Owls are led by QB Rusty Smith, who posted the best passing numbers in the Sun Belt. Linebacker Cergile Sincere spearheads the defense, which led the Sun Belt in turnover margin.
Florida Atlantic has been hot on offense, but like Memphis has had trouble slowing its opponents down on defense. The Owls have been getting torched to the tone of 34 ppg and 417 yards per game by their opponents on the season.
Memphis is 15-7 ATS in its last 14 games overall.
Florida Atlantic is 2-10 ATS in its last 12 non-conference games.
The OVER is 7-0 in Florida Atlantic’s last 7 games overall.
Bet this game now at Bookmaker - where the line originates!


SATURDAY, DECEMBER 22ND

PapaJohns.com Bowl - Birmingham, AL
#22 Cincinnati vs. Southern Miss (ESPN2 | 1 PM ET)

Tale of two coaches here as Cincinnati’s Brian Kelly is on the hot list for every major job in the country after turning the Bearcats into a Top 25 team while Southern Miss’ Jeff Bower resigned and will be coaching his last game for the Golden Eagles.
Cincinnati has covered only 1 of its last 5 bowl games.
Cincinnati is 8-2-1 ATS in its last 11 games.


New Mexico Bowl - Albuquerque, NM
New Mexico vs. Nevada (ESPN | 4:30 PM ET)

This is essentially a home game for the Lobos, who were 5-1 SU in Albuquerque this year but only 2-3 ATS. In fact, New Mexico is just 6-13 ATS in its last 19 home games.
Nevada freshman QB Colin Kaepernick was 4-3 as a starter this season, but 3 of those losses were decided by a combined 7 points. The Wolfpack covered 2 of those 3 losses but dropped 5 of 6 ATS overall to end the season.
Nevada is 15-5 ATS in its last 20 games on grass.


Pioneer PureVision Las Vegas Bowl - Las Vegas, NV
BYU vs. UCLA (ESPN | 8 PM ET)

Second meeting between the teams after UCLA won 27-17 in Week 2. BYU has won 9 straight since then while the Bruins finished the season at 6-6 and fired head coach Karl Dorrell.
Mountain West teams have covered the last 6 Las Vegas Bowls, going 5-1 SU in those games. That suggests a big letdown for Pac-10 teams who were aiming for better bowls.
BYU is 8-16-1 ATS in its last 25 bowl games.
UCLA is 9-2 ATS in its last 11 games vs. Mountain West opponents.
The UNDER is 9-2 in UCLA’s last 11 games vs. Mountain West opponents.


SUNDAY, DECEMBER 23RD

Sheraton Hawaii Bowl - Honolulu, HI
East Carolina vs. #24 Boise State (ESPN | 8 PM ET)

East Carolina played only 2 ranked teams all season, losing to Virginia Tech and West Virginia by a combined score of 65-14.
The Broncos return to Hawaii for the second time in a month after losing to the Warriors 39-27 back on November 23rd.
The UNDER is 8-2 in Boise State’s last 10 non-conference games.
The OVER is 5-1 in the last 6 Hawaii Bowls.


WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 26TH

Motor City Bowl - Detroit, MI
Purdue vs. Central Michigan (ESPN | 8 PM ET)

Insiders believe this is a classic power conference vs. mid-major “mismatch” where the public will likely assume the bigger, more physical Boilermakers will push the Chippewas around. However, Purdue dropped 3 straight to close out the regular season following a 5-0 start and finished a disappointing 3-5 in Big Ten play. Central Michigan won 4 of 5 before winning the MAC title game.
Central Michigan is 3-9-1 ATS in its last 13 games vs. Big Ten opponents.
Purdue is 3-7 ATS in its last 10 games vs. MAC opponents.
The OVER is 7-1-1 in Central Michigan’s last 9 non-conference games.
The OVER is 7-1 in Central Michigan’s last 8 games overall.
The OVER is 7-3-1 in Purdue’s last 11 non-conference games.


THURSDAY, DECEMBER 27TH

Pacific Life Holiday Bowl - San Diego, CA
#19 Texas vs. #11 Arizona State (ESPN | 8 PM ET)

The OVER is 8-2 in Texas’ last 10 games as a favorite.
The OVER is 10-3 in Texas’ last 13 non-conference games.
The UNDER is 12-2 in Arizona State’s last 15 games overall.


FRIDAY, DECEMBER 28TH

Champs Sports Bowl - Orlando, FL
#14 Boston College vs. Michigan State (ESPN | 5 PM ET)

Michigan State is 7-19 ATS in its last 26 games on grass.
Boston College has covered 6 of its last 7 bowl games.
Boston College is 15-6 ATS vs. a team with a winning record.
The OVER is 7-2 in Boston College’s last 9 games as a favorite.


Texas Bowl - Houston, TX
TCU vs. Houston (NFL | 8 PM ET)

TCU is 5-16 ATS in its last 21 vs. Conference USA.
The UNDER is 8-2 in TCU’s last 10 games as a favorite.


Emerald Bowl - San Francisco, CA
Maryland vs. Oregon State (ESPN | 8:30 PM ET)


SATURDAY, DECEMBER 29TH

Meineke Car Care Bowl - Charlotte, NC
Wake Forest vs. #25 Connecticut (ESPN | 1 PM ET)

UConn is 16-5 ATS in its last 21 games on grass.
UConn is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 overall.
The UNDER is 11-4 in UConn’s last 15 non-conference games.
The OVER is 7-2 in Wake Forest’s last 9 games.


AutoZona Liberty Bowl - Memphis, TN
Central Florida vs. Mississippi State (ESPN | 4:30 PM ET)

The UNDER is 8-3 in Mississippi State’s last 11 vs. Conference USA.


Alamo Bowl - San Antonio, TX
Penn State vs. Texas A&M (ESPN | 8 PM ET)

The Big Ten is 8-3 ATS in its last 11 bowl appearances vs. Big 12 opponents.
Texas A&M is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 bowl games.
Penn State has failed to total more than 49 points with its last 6 bowl opponents.


SUNDAY, DECEMBER 30TH

Petro Sun Independence Bowl - Shreveport, LA
Colorado vs. Alabama (ESPN | 8 PM ET)

Colorado's last 6 bowl appearances have all produced 54 points or more.


MONDAY, DECEMBER 31ST

Bell Helicoptor Armed Forces Bowl - Fort Worth, TX
Air Force vs. California (ESPN | 12:30 PM ET)

While Air Force has won six of its last seven games, the game they lost, 34-31 to New Mexico, was the only team of the bunch to finish the season with a winning record. Going back even farther, the last win Air Force had over a winning team was on September 13th, when they beat Texas Christian, 20-17.
Although the Bears have lost five of their last six games, it gives the team a chance to finish on an up note, and begin laying the foundation for next season. The game also marks a homecoming for the two Golden Bears from the Dallas area, Justin Forsett and Brock Mansion.
Motivation could again be a huge factor, as Cal lost $10 in slipping from Rose Bowl to Holiday Bowl and got blown out 45-31 by Texas Tech as an 11-point favorite back in 2004.
Cal is 2-12 ATS in its last 14 games on grass.
The OVER is 13-6 in Air Force’s last 19 games as an underdog.


Sun Bowl - El Paso, TX
South Florida vs. Oregon (CBS | 2 PM ET)

Oregon is 8-2 ATS in its last 10 games on turf.
South Florida is 14-6 ATS in its last 20 games overall.
The OVER is 7-3 in Oregon’s last 10 non-conference games.


Humanitarian Bowl - Boise, ID
Georgia Tech vs. Fresno State (ESPN2 | 2 PM ET)

Fresno State is 7-19 ATS in its last 26 games overall.
The OVER is 10-4 in Fresno’s last 14 games as an underdog.
The OVER is 6-2 in Fresno’s last 8 games on turf.


Gaylord Hotels Music City Bowl - Nashville, TN
Kentucky vs. Florida State (ESPN | 4 PM ET)

Florida State has an undetermined number of players that are not expected to play in the Music City Bowl due to academic misconduct.


Chick-fil-A Bowl - Atlanta, GA
#23 Auburn vs. #15 Clemson (ESPN | 7:30 PM ET)

Auburn is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games overall.
Clemson is 3-7 ATS vs. a team with a winning record.
The UNDER is 15-5 in Auburn’s last 20 games as an underdog.
The UNDER is 11-5 in Clemson’s last 16 non-conference games.


Insight Bowl - Tempe, AZ
Indiana vs. Oklahoma State (NFL | TBA)

Indiana is 8-3 ATS in its last 11 games on grass.
The OVER is 16-7 in Indiana’s last 23 games as an underdog.
The OVER is 7-2 in Oklahoma State’s last 9 games as a favorite.


TUESDAY, JANUARY 1ST

Outback Bowl - Tampa Bay, FL
#18 Wisconsin vs. #16 Tennessee (ESPN | 11 AM ET)

Wisconsin is 2-6 ATS vs. a team with a winning record.
Wisconsin is 3-7 ATS in its last 10 games overall.


AT&T Cotton Bowl - Dallas, TX
#6 Missouri vs. Arkansas (FOX | 11:30 AM ET)

Missouri is 8-2 ATS vs. a team with a winning record.
Missouri is 11-3 ATS in its last 14 games overall.
The OVER is 8-2 in Arkansas’ last 10 non-conference games.
The OVER is 10-4 in Missouri’s last 14 games overall.


Gator Bowl - Jacksonville, FL
#20 Virginia vs. Texas Tech (CBS | 1 PM ET)

The UNDER is 11-5-1 in Virginia’s last 17 games overall.


Capital One Bowl - Orlando, FL
Michigan vs. #12 Florida (ABC | 1 PM ET)

The OVER is 8-1 in Michigan’s last 9 Bowl games.
The UNDER is 9-4 in Florida’s last 13 non-conference games.


Rose Bowl - Pasadena, CA
#7 USC vs. #13 Illinois (ABC | 4:30 PM ET)

Insiders believe no team will benefit more from the extra time off than the Trojans, who were also beat up at the end of last season before beating Michigan 32-18 in the Rose Bowl. Injuries ultimately hurt USC’s shot at the national championship, as both of the team’s losses happened with backup QB Mark Sanchez under center. Many considered the Trojans the most dangerous team in the country at the end of the season with the early losses costing them a BCS spot.
Illinois is 3-11 ATS in its last 14 games on grass.
Illinois is 10-3 ATS vs. a team with a winning record.
The UNDER is 10-1 in Illinois’ last 11 games on grass.
The UNDER is 16-5 in USC’s last 21 games overall.


Allstate Sugar Bowl - New Orleans, LA
#10 Hawaii vs. #5 Georgia (FOX | 8:30 PM ET)

Oddsmakers opened Hawaii at +8 in this game after Boise State’s stunning win over Oklahoma last year in the Fiesta Bowl, but the public quickly bet this number up to 11 points in favor of Georgia. Many still believe Hawaii’s schedule that produced an unbeaten season was too soft and lacked a legitimate power conference opponent like the Bulldogs.
Georgia likely won’t be overconfident in this game after underestimating West Virginia in the 2006 Sugar Bowl. The Bulldogs were blown out by the Mountaineers in the first half before a furious rally came up short. They realize this is a statement game for them, which could lead to a preseason #1 ranking next year with an impressive victory.
Two very different offenses will take the field in New Orleans, as Georgia would love to control the clock with a power running game while Hawaii looks to light up the scoreboard with a pass-happy attack led by Heisman Trophy contender Colt Brennan. Some insiders think the Bulldogs will get a major test defensively since the closest thing to Hawaii’s offense in the SEC is Kentucky.
Hawaii is 17-6 ATS in its last 23 games on turf.
Hawaii is 7-18 ATS vs. a team with a winning record.
The OVER is 23-9-1 in Hawaii’s last 33 games on turf.


WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 2ND

Tostitos Fiesta Bowl - Glendale, AZ
#4 Oklahoma vs. #9 West Virginia (FOX | 8 PM ET)

Oklahoma played in this game a year ago and saw an underrated Boise State team pull off a shocking upset. The Sooners have had to listen to how they “let themselves get beat” by the Broncos every day since then and just got done beating a Missouri team that said “they beat themselves” in the first meeting. Oklahoma head coach Bob Stoops takes revenge very seriously, so you can bet he will have his team fired up for an explosive West Virginia team with a similar run-oriented attack as Boise.
West Virginia is 7-2 ATS in its last 9 games on grass.
West Virginia is 3-7 ATS vs. a team with a winning record.
The OVER is 7-1 in Oklahoma’s last 8 non-conference games.
The UNDER is 6-1 in Oklahoma’s last 8 Bowl games.
The UNDER is 7-3 in West Virginia’s last 10 games overall.


THURSDAY, JANUARY 3RD

FedEx Orange Bowl - Miami, FL
#3 Virginia Tech vs. #8 Kansas (FOX | 8 PM ET)

Kansas is 19-7 ATS in its last 26 games overall.
The OVER is 6-2 in Kansas’ last 8 games as an underdog.
The OVER is 14-6 in Kansas’ last 20 non-conference games.


SATURDAY, JANUARY 5TH

International Bowl - Toronto, ON
Rutgers vs. Ball State (ESPN2 | 12 PM ET)

Ball State is 11-4 ATS in its last 15 games overall.
Rutgers is 7-3 ATS vs. a team with a winning record.


SUNDAY, JANUARY 6TH

GMAC Bowl - Mobile, AL
Tulsa vs. Bowling Green (ESPN | 8 PM ET)

Tulsa is 2-9 ATS in its last 11 games overall.
The UNDER is 9-4 in Bowling Green’s last 13 games on grass.
The OVER is 9-4 in Bowling Green’s last 13 non-conference games.


MONDAY, JANUARY 7TH

BCS National Championship - New Orleans, LA
#1 Ohio State vs. #2 Louisiana State (FOX | 8 PM ET)

Last year, the extended time off (51 days) between games really cooled off the previously unbeaten Buckeyes, and insiders feel that same problem will recur against the SEC’s best team. The Tigers have the most NFL talent on their roster and will be able to make good use of the break to heal their wounds, just like USC did in last year’s Rose Bowl. That’s bad news for the Buckeyes and could very well lead to another ugly title game.
Ohio State is 6-2 ATS vs. a team with a winning record.
Ohio State is 23-8 ATS in its last 31 games overall.
LSU is 8-2-1 ATS in its last 11 games on turf.
LSU is 2-7-1 ATS in its last 10 games overall.
Underdog is 6-3 SU in BCS title games, winning 4 of last 5.

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[pm530]

National Basketball Association – Write up

NBA
Write-up


Monday, December 17

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Today's NBA analysis

Hot Teams
-- Hawks won three of their last four home games.
-- Pacers are 9-4 vs spread in their last thirteen games.
-- Minnesota rarely wins, but they covered six of last eight on foreign hardwood.
-- Spurs covered eleven of their last thirteen games.
-- Mavericks won four of their last five games.
-- New Orleans is 8-4 on road this season. Blazers won, covered their last seven games; great coaching job by McMillan.

Cold Teams
-- Jazz lost six of their last seven games.
-- Cavaliers lost eight of their last nine games. Bucks lost nine of their last twelve games.
-- Knicks lost five of their last six games.
-- Heat lost seven of their last nine games.
-- Warriors covered one of their last six games. Grizzlies lost six of their last seven games.
-- Suns lost three of their last four games (0-4 vs spread).
-- Orlando lost four of its last five games.

Series Records
-- Utah beat the Hawks twice LY, 102-76/112-106.
-- Bucks beat Cleveland 111-107 Nov 20, their first win vs Cavs in their last five tries.
-- Knicks won two of three against the Pacers last season.
-- Heat beat Minnesota twice last season, 105-91/92-77.
-- Warriors won three of four vs Memphis LY, with the average total in the four games, 242.8. Yes, 242.8. Only one OT period.
-- Spurs beat Phoenix in six games in playoffs last spring; Suns lost four of five games at Alamo LY.
-- Dallas beat the Magic twice LY, 111-95/103-98.
-- Home side won all three Hornet-Blazer games last season.

Totals
-- Under is 12-2 in last fourteen Atlanta games.
-- Four of last five Cleveland games went over the total.
-- Five of last six Indiana games went over the total.
-- Six of last seven Miami games went over the total., but five of last six Minnesota games stayed under.
-- Under is 12-5 in last 17 Warrior games, 4-0 in last four.
-- Five of last six San Antonio games stayed under the total.
-- Last four Dallas games stayed under the total.
-- Under is 16-4 in last twenty New Orleans games.

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[pm530]

National Basketball Association - Tips & Trends

NBA


Monday, December 17

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Tips and Trends
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Phoenix Suns at San Antonio Spurs (NBATV | 8:30 PM ET)

Spurs are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 games overall.
Spurs are 23-7-1 ATS in their last 31 home games.
Suns are 7-15-1 ATS in the last 23 meetings.

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[pm530]

National Basketball Association – Matchup Notes

NBA
Betting Matchup Notes


Monday, December 17

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Today's key NBA betting matchup notes
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Monday's key NBA matchup notes

Utah Jazz at Atlanta Hawks (+4, 192)

The Jazz have been particularly dominant against the Hawks in recent years. They've won nine in a row in the series - including four in Atlanta - by an average of 14.4 points.


Milwaukee at Cleveland (-8, 192 ½)

Despite their previous win in Cleveland, the Milwaukee Bucks are just 2-11 on the road, where they've lost five straight.


Minnesota at Miami (-9 ½, 193 ½)

The Timberwolves have dropped four of their last five meetings with Miami.


Indiana at New York (off)

This is the first meeting of 2007-08 between these teams. Indiana took two of three games in the series last season including a 109-95 victory Nov. 4, 2006, in its last visit to Madison Square Garden.


Golden State at Memphis (+3 ½, 225)

Golden State has won its last three games against the Grizzlies, while averaging 118.7 points in those high-scoring affairs, which included a 116-104 victory on April 6 in its last visit to Memphis.


Orlando at Dallas (off)

The Mavericks have won nine straight in Dallas against the Magic, who haven't won at Dallas since a 100-90 victory on Dec. 11, 1997.


Phoenix at San Antonio (off)

The clubs square off for the first time since last season's Western Conference semifinals matchup. The Spurs are 8-3 against the Suns in the postseason and 7-3 against them in the regular season since 2004-05.


New Orleans at Portland (off)

The home team has won the last five meetings in the series, including three Blazers victories at the Rose Garden and a 113-93 Hornets win at New Orleans on Nov. 2.

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[pm530]

College Basketball – Long Sheet

NCAAB
Long Sheet


Monday, December 17

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INDIANA ST (4 - 4) at TULANE (5 - 3) - 12/17/2007, 8:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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E ILLINOIS (1 - 8) at E KENTUCKY (4 - 5) - 12/17/2007, 7:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
E KENTUCKY is 2-2 against the spread versus E ILLINOIS over the last 3 seasons
E KENTUCKY is 4-0 straight up against E ILLINOIS 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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TENN-MARTIN (5 - 4) at MOREHEAD ST (2 - 6) - 12/17/2007, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TENN-MARTIN is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in all games this season.
TENN-MARTIN is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in all lined games this season.
MOREHEAD ST is 9-21 ATS (-14.1 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MOREHEAD ST is 9-21 ATS (-14.1 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
MOREHEAD ST is 5-15 ATS (-11.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MOREHEAD ST is 3-1 against the spread versus TENN-MARTIN over the last 3 seasons
MOREHEAD ST is 2-2 straight up against TENN-MARTIN over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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WOFFORD (4 - 3) at ALABAMA (5 - 3) - 12/17/2007, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ALABAMA is 9-21 ATS (-14.1 Units) as a favorite over the last 3 seasons.
ALABAMA is 0-7 ATS (-7.7 Units) when playing with 7 or more days rest since 1997.
ALABAMA is 6-17 ATS (-12.7 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 3 seasons.
ALABAMA is 3-11 ATS (-9.1 Units) after allowing 60 points or less 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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W CAROLINA (3 - 6) at ILLINOIS (5 - 3) - 12/17/2007, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
W CAROLINA is 11-21 ATS (-12.1 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
W CAROLINA is 11-21 ATS (-12.1 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
W CAROLINA is 8-18 ATS (-11.8 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
W CAROLINA is 3-11 ATS (-9.1 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
ILLINOIS is 13-25 ATS (-14.5 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ILLINOIS is 13-25 ATS (-14.5 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
ILLINOIS is 0-7 ATS (-7.7 Units) in December games over the last 2 seasons.
ILLINOIS is 4-15 ATS (-12.5 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.
ILLINOIS is 5-14 ATS (-10.4 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
ILLINOIS is 1-9 ATS (-8.9 Units) after failing to cover the spread in 3 or more consecutive games over the last 2 seasons.
ILLINOIS is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing 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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N COLORADO (5 - 3) at GONZAGA (8 - 2) - 12/17/2007, 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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PORTLAND (3 - 7) at E WASHINGTON (4 - 8) - 12/17/2007, 10:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PORTLAND is 7-16 ATS (-10.6 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
E WASHINGTON is 1-0 against the spread versus PORTLAND over the last 3 seasons
E WASHINGTON is 1-0 straight up against PORTLAND 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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MONTANA (5 - 5) at SANTA CLARA (6 - 3) - 12/17/2007, 10:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SANTA CLARA is 19-7 ATS (+11.3 Units) as a home favorite of 3.5 to 6 points since 1997.

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

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ALBANY (5 - 4) at DUKE (9 - 0) - 12/17/2007, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DUKE is 66-40 ATS (+22.0 Units) as a home favorite of 12.5 or more points since 1997.
DUKE is 118-85 ATS (+24.5 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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[pm530]

College Basketball – Write up

NCAAB
Write-up


Monday, December 17

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

Monday's College Basketball

Game of the Day
There are no games on card that qualify as Game of the Day

Rest of card

-- Tulane (+3.5) lost 59-47 at Indiana State LY; Green Wave has not played in nine days, but they're 3-1 at home, beating Tulane but losing to New Orleans. Sycamores are 0-4 on road this year, losing by 28-9-11-16 points.

-- Eastern Kentucky beat Eastern Illinois twice LY, 73-57 on the road, 63-62 here. EKU upset Murray State 59-58 in OVC opener. EIU allowed 73 ppg in losing first two OVC games (-12 in TOs). Not a whole lot to choose from here.

-- Morehead State beat Tenn-Martin twice LY, 56-55 at Martin, 70-48 here; Eagles were 12-38 from arc in losing first two games in OVC (by 4,19). Martin won its first OVC game 90-81, making half their shots from floor.

-- Wofford won five of last six games, taking its first two league games, losing 70-43 to Wisconsin, 67-45 to Arkansas. Alabama is 5-3, with only one win (Nicholls State) by more than 12 pts. Crimson Tide is playing fir first time in nine days.

-- Illinois is just 5-3; this is their first game since blowing early 12-0 lead, losing 78-72 in OT to Arizona; Illini is 2-4 vs spread as fave this year. Western Carolina lost 100-52 at Indiana two days ago, their sixth loss in last eight games.

-- Northern Colorado is 5-3, but 0-3 on road, losing 71-62 at Air Force, 59-47 at Iowa, 69-53 at Denver. Gonzaga has been off for nine days, has game at Oklahoma Thursday; they're 5-2 against spread as a favorite this season.

-- Eastern Washington (-8.5) won 87-66 at Portland LY, but this year, without Stuckey, EWU is 3-8, 2-6 vs spread as underdog. Pilots lost four of last five games, but gave Washington scare Saturday, losing just 67-63 (+16).

-- Montana lost 76-71 in OT at Pacific Saturday, their 4th loss in row after 4-1 start. Santa Clara also lost to Pacific in its last tilt, 71-65 Wednesday; they're 6-3 this season, 2-1 vs the spread as an underdog.

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[pm530]

College Basketball – Matchup Notes

NCAAB


Monday, December 17

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Today's key NCAAB Top 25 matchup notes
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Monday's key NCAAB Top 25 matchup notes

Albany at No. 7 Duke (off)

The Blue Devils face Albany (5-4) for the first time. The Albany Great Danes will face their first ranked team of the season. They have lost their last eight games versus Top 25 teams.


IUPU-Fort Wayne at No. 13 Marquette (off)

Marquette won its only meeting with Indiana-Purdue-Fort Wayne, 91-57 on Jan. 2, 2005.


Northern Colorado at No. 23 Gonzaga (-23 ½, 134)

Gonzaga beat the Bears 87-60 on Feb. 28, 2005. This will be the first time Northern Colorado will face a Top 25 team since its last meeting with Gonzaga.

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[pm530]

Hockey – Long Sheet

NHL
Long Sheet


Monday, December 17

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WASHINGTON (13-18-0-2, 28 pts.) at DETROIT (23-6-0-3, 49 pts.) - 12/17/2007, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 76-122 ATS (-49.2 Units) in non-conference games since 1996.
DETROIT is 80-30 ATS (+5.2 Units) in home games in non-conference games since 1996.
DETROIT is 210-167 ATS (-133.6 Units) after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game since 1996.

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

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COLORADO (18-13-0-1, 37 pts.) at LOS ANGELES (12-19-0-2, 26 pts.) - 12/17/2007, 10:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LOS ANGELES is 6-22 ATS (-20.7 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
LOS ANGELES is 4-16 ATS (+22.1 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record in the first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
LOS ANGELES is 6-3 (+4.0 Units) against the spread versus COLORADO over the last 3 seasons
LOS ANGELES is 6-3-0 straight up against COLORADO over the last 3 seasons
8 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+6.8 Units)

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[pm530]

National Hockey League – Write up

NHL
Write-up


Monday, December 17

Today's NHL analysis

Hot Teams
-- Washington won four of its last five games. Red Wings won eight of their last nine games.
-- Avalanche won four of their last five games.

Cold Teams
-- Kings lost three in row, seven of last nine games.

Series Records
-- Red Wings won 4-3 at Washington two years ago, in series' last meeting.
-- Kings won six of last nine against Colorado.

Totals
-- Over is 9-4-2 in last fifteen Washington games.
-- Over is 8-1 in last nine Colorado-Los Angeles games.

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[pm530]

National Hockey League - Matchup Notes

NHL


Monday, December 17

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

Monday's key NHL matchup notes

Washington at Detroit (-280, 5 ½)

The Capitals haven't played in Detroit since they won 4-1 on Nov. 24, 2003.


Colorado at Los Angeles (+100, 6)

Colorado's victory at Los Angeles earlier this month snapped a three-game losing streak to the lowly Kings (12-19-2), losers of six of their last eight on home ice.

[Udog]

NBA
Hot Lines


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

Utah Jazz at Atlanta Hawks (+4, 192)

The Jazz are a remarkable 9-0 both straight up (SU) and against the spread (ATS) in their last nine meetings with the Hawks.

Utah travels to Atlanta on the back of one of its best defensive performances of the season. In Saturday's 96-75 win over Seattle, it came up with 15 steals, including eight in the second quarter alone.

If the Jazz can produce a similar defensive performance against the Hawks, their fifth-ranked offense will propel them to a comprehensive win.

Pick: Jazz


Milwaukee Bucks at Cleveland Cavaliers (-8, 192 1/2)

The Cavaliers have lost eight of their last nine games, and no longer have the excuse of missing LeBron James.

He returned last week Tuesday for the win over Indiana, but the Cavs have gone straight back to their losing ways in the last two games. Cleveland is now 3-7 ATS in their last 10 home games.

Milwaukee has covered the spread in two straight games against Cleveland, and should extend that streak on Monday night.

Pick: Cavaliers


Minnesota Timberwolves at Miami Heat (-9 1/2, 193 1/2)

The Wolves are 6-2 ATS in their last eight road games, a stat they should be able to improve on against a struggling Heat franchise.

Miami has one of the worst home records in the NBA (2-8) and has covered the spread just three times in 10 games at American Airlines Arena. That's mainly due to the Heat's inability to put points on the board. Their offense ranks 24th in the league and is averaging just 93.5 points per game.

While the Timberwolves have a terrible road record (1-10) they have covered in seven of those 11 games. They should make that eight in Miami.

Pick: Timberwolves


Indiana Pacers at New York Knicks (off)

The Pacers have alternated between wins and losses in their last eight games. A visit to Madison Square Gardens gives them a great opportunity to win back-to-back contests for the first time since November.

On Saturday, Indiana won a thriller against the Heat thanks to the attacking power of Jamaal Tinsley and Jermaine O'Neal. Tinsley had 26 points and four rebounds in the 106-103 win, while O'Neal added 24 points and seven rebounds.

The Knicks are in trouble if those two can produce similar performances Monday. New York is allowing 101.7 points per game and has covered the spread just four times in 12 home games.

Pick: Pacers


Golden State Warriors at Memphis Grizzlies (+3 1/2, 225)

Few players are as important to their team as Stephen Jackson is to the Golden State Warriors.

Without their 6-foot-8 guard, the Warriors began this season by losing six of their first seven games. Since he returned to the lineup they have put together an impressive 12-4 record, with Jackson averaging 20.8 points and 4.9 rebounds per contest.

Golden State also covered the spread in nine of those 16 games.

Pick: Warriors


Orlando Magic at Dallas Mavericks (off)

Josh Howard seems to have led Dallas out of its first major slump of the season.

The Mavericks dropped six of nine games around the turn of the month, but have since recovered to win in four of their last five. Howard is averaging a team-high 21.9 points per game. He had 23 points in the Mavs' 96-83 win over Houston on Saturday.

Orlando, meanwhile, has dropped four of its last five games, covering the spread just once over that stretch.

Pick: Mavericks


Phoenix Suns at San Antonio Spurs (off)

It has been a tough week for the Phoenix Suns. They lost to Miami and Minnesota, two of the worst teams in the league, before splitting games against Utah and New Orleans.

Despite having the league's top ranked offense the Suns have now failed to cover in four straight games. Before this mini skid, Phoenix had won five consecutive games and 13 of the previous 15.

The Spurs are 7-1 ATS in their last eight games overall, and have covered in three of their last four home games against Phoenix.

Pick: Spurs


New Orleans Hornets at Portland Trail Blazers (off)

The Trail Blazers are on a seven-game winning streak. On Monday, they get a further boost when leading scorer LaMarcus Aldridge returns to the lineup.

Aldridge, who leads the team in both rebounds and points, missed the last three games with a foot injury (plantar fasciitis). In his absence Travis Outlaw has stepped up. The forward is averaging 18.8 points over the past five games, including a 29-point performance in Saturday's win over Utah.

The Blazers have covered the spread in seven straight games and Aldridge's comeback should help them make that eight.

Pick: Trail Blazers

[Udog]

NBA today - December 17


SCOREBOARD Monday, Dec. 17

Phoenix at San Antonio (8:30 p.m. EST). The Suns look to hand the Spurs their first home loss this season.

STARS Sunday

-Kobe Bryant, Lakers, scored 32 points to lead the Los Angeles Lakers past the Los Angeles Clippers 113-92.

-Brandon Roy, Trail Blazers, had 26 points and matched a career high with 11 assists in Portland's 116-105 win over Denver.

-Tayshaun Prince, Pistons, scored 23 points to help Detroit rout Golden State 109-87.

BATTLE OF L.A.

The Los Angeles Lakers upended the Los Angeles Clippers 113-92 in their first meeting this season on Sunday to improve to 24-9 against their Staples Center co-tenants since the building opened in 1999. The teams split each of the previous three season series 2-2.

STREAKING

Paul Pierce scored 18 points to help Boston extend its winning streak to nine games by defeating Toronto 90-77 on Sunday. The Atlantic Division-leading Celtics (20-2) matched their longest winning streak since March 16-31, 1993. Boston's only other 20-2 start came en route to the 1963-64 NBA championship. The Celtics won their second straight game without guard Ray Allen (sore right ankle). ... Portland downed Denver 116-105 on Sunday to win its seventh straight overall and third straight on the road, where they had lost their first nine games of the season.

SNAPPED

Portland topped Denver 116-105 on Sunday, snapping the Nuggets' nine-game home winning streak in the series. Denver had won 15 of the past 17 meetings with the Blazers at home going back to the 1999-2000 season. ... Toronto was beaten by Boston 90-77 to lose for the first time in five games. The Raptors' 77 points were a season-low. Toronto's previous low was 84, set in a Dec. 7 loss at Boston.

STRONG IN DEFEAT

Allen Iverson had 38 points in Denver's 116-105 loss to Portland on Sunday. The Nuggets have lost two straight after a three-game winning streak. ... Corey Maggette scored 27 points and Chris Kaman had 18 points and 16 rebounds to record his ninth straight double-double and 19th overall this season but the Los Angeles Clippers fell to the Los Angeles Lakers 113-92.

SPEAKING

''All we've been hearing is about his great hops, and then he doesn't take the dunk. We've still got no evidence that he can dunk. When I was a rookie, I would have dunked that ball, but I'm old now.'' - Detroit's Chauncey Billups, on teammate Arron Afflalo's decision to pass up an easy dunk and dish to Jason Maxiell, who missed the dunk, in Detroit's 109-87 win over Golden State on Sunday.

[Udog]

NHL
Hot Lines


Ice picks: Monday's best NHL wagers

Washington Capitals at Detroit Red Wings (-280, 5 1/2)

The Red Wings have scored a league-high 112 goals this season and over bettors are liking Detroit's offensive output at Joe Louis Arena recently. The over/under is 5-1-1 during the Wings' last seven games at home. That stretch includes four wins in which they have scored five goals.

The Wings and Capitals haven't met in over two years, but both clubs have played over the total 15 times this year.

Pick: over 5 1/2


Colorado Avalanche at Los Angeles Kings (+100, 6)

The Avalanche appear to be a good road bet tonight even though they haven't been very successful away from home this season. The Avs are 5-10-1 on the road, but they are facing a Kings team with the fewest wins and points in the NHL. Los Angeles is riding a three-game losing skid and has been outscored 12-5 in the process.

Colorado went into Los Angeles 16 days ago and won. Expect the same tonight.

Pick: Avalanche -120