Friday Trends and Indexes 12/28

[pm530]

National Hockey League – Write up

NHL
Write-up


Friday, December 28

Today's NHL analysis

Hot Teams
-- Sabres won six of their last seven games. Devils won three of their last four.
-- Panthers won four of their last five games.
-- Montreal is 10-6 in its last sixteen road games.

Cold Teams
-- Bruins lost last four games, outscored 16-9. Carolina is 8-12 in its last twenty games.
-- Sharks lost three of their last four games. Blues are 2-6 in last eight games.

Series Records
-- Sabres lost three of last four visits to New Jersey.
-- Bruins lost six of their last eight against Carolina.
-- Panthers won four in row vs Montreal: 3-1/1-0/2-1so/3-1.
-- Sharks won five of last six against St Louis.

Totals
-- Under is 7-1 in last eight Buffalo-New Jersey games.
-- Over is 6-2-1 in last nine Carolina games.
-- Under is 7-0-1 in last eight Montreal-Florida games.
-- Under is 4-1-1 in San Jose's last six games.

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[pm530]

National Hockey League – Matchup Notes

NHL


Friday, December 28

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NHL Matchup Notes
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Friday's key NHL matchup notes

Buffalo at New Jersey (-133, 5)

The Devils, who have played an NHL-high 22 road games, play three of their next four at home, where they have won nine of 10 against the Sabres.


Boston at Carolina (-156, 5 ½)

The Bruins have dropped three of four in Carolina. However, since the start of the 2003-04 season, Boston has won just three times in 12 games against the Hurricanes.


Montreal at Florida (-125, 5 ½)

The Canadiens haven't beaten Florida since a 1-0 shootout win Nov. 28, 2006. Montreal has lost five of its last six on the road in the series.


San Jose at St. Louis (+116, 5)

The Sharks have dominated the Blues in recent years, going 8-1-1 in the past 10 meetings.

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[Udog]

NBA


Friday, December 28

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Matchup Notes
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Friday's key NBA matchup notes

New Orleans at Charlotte (+3 1/2, 189 1/2)
The Hornets improved to 14-3 against teams under .500. They are 4-2 all-time against the Bobcats (10-16), but the two defeats have both come in Charlotte.


Washington at New Jersey (-4, 189 1/2)
The Nets are averaging 88.0 points in two games against the Wizards this season, but the teams have split those games.


Orlando at Miami (off)
The Magic hosted the Heat on Nov. 24 - Van Gundy's first game against his former team. Orlando shot 56 percent from the field en route to a 120-99 victory.


Indiana at Detroit (-9, 200 1/2)
The Pistons and Pacers split four games last season, but Detroit has won eight of its last 11 games against Indiana, including the postseason.


Houston at Memphis (+1, 194)
Pau Gasol has combined for 49 points in two meetings with Houston this season, with each team winning at home. The Grizzlies have lost five of six against Houston.


Milwaukee at Chicago (-6, 190 1/2)
Milwaukee has lost seven straight on the road, and will now play in a venue where it has struggled in recent years. The Bucks have dropped three in a row and 10 of 12 at the United Center.


Toronto at San Antonio (off)
San Antonio has won six straight at home over the Raptors by an average of just over 10 points. The Raptors haven't won in San Antonio since Jan. 17, 2001.


L.A. Clippers at Phoenix (-13 1/2, 209 1/2)
The Pacific Division-leading Suns rolled past the Clippers 108-88 Thursday night at Staples Center, leading by as many as 36 points while handing Los Angeles its fifth straight loss.


Philadelphia at Sacramento (-3 ?, 191)
The Sixers will begin a six-game road trip in Sacramento, where they have lost 15 of 17 games since the start of the 1989-90 season.


Minnesota at Portland (-9 1/2, 188 1/2)
The Northwest Division rivals are playing Friday for the first time. They split four meetings last season, each winning twice at home. Minnesota (4-23) has lost three straight in Portland after winning seven of the previous 10 games there.


Utah at L.A. Lakers (-4, 212)
Utah has won just two of its last 13 road games versus Los Angeles.


Denver at Golden State (-4, 228)
Denver won three of four in the series last year, outscoring Golden State by an average of 118.5 to 115.5. The Nuggets' 140-129 home win over Golden State on Nov. 24, 2006, was their best offensive output of last season.

[Udog]

NBA today - Friday, Dec. 28


SCOREBOARD
Friday, Dec. 28

Indiana at Detroit (8 p.m. EST). The Pistons have won six straight and 13 of their past 15.

STARS
Thursday

-Amare Stoudemire, Suns, had 30 points and 15 rebounds to lead Phoenix to a 108-88 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers.

-Paul Pierce, Celtics, scored 26 of his season-high 37 points in the second half, and Boston held off Seattle for a 104-96 victory.

-LeBron James, Cavaliers, had 24 points, eight rebounds and seven assists, helping Cleveland to a 88-81 win at Dallas.

WELCOME BACK

Ray Allen scored 10 points in Boston's 104-96 victory over the SuperSonics on Thursday night. Allen was playing his first game in Seattle since a draft night trade that sent the seven-time All-Star to the Celtics. Allen was given two standing ovations before the game, as Seattle fans sold out KeyArena for one of the few times this season, and recognized Allen's efforts in his 4 1/2 seasons in a Sonics' uniform.

SLUMPING

Phoenix defeated the Clippers 108-88 on Thursday night to hand Los Angeles its fifth straight loss and 14th in 17 games.

PROMOTED

Jim Boylan was promoted Thursday to interim head coach of the Chicago Bulls, who fired Scott Skiles on Monday after the team's disappointing start. Boylan was in his fourth season as an assistant under Skiles and has 14 years experience in the NBA but none as a head coach at the pro level.

SIDELINED

Tracy McGrady will miss Houston's next two games to rest his ailing left knee. McGrady missed the second half of the Rockets' 97-92 loss to Orlando on Dec. 19 with soreness in the knee. He sat out Houston's loss to Denver the next night. An MRI performed on Monday revealed swollen tendons in the knee, but no structural damage.

SPEAKING
''I took some blows tonight. I don't come out of the game. I'm fine. I shake it off and go to the next play. That didn't stop me once I got hit the first time from going back into the interior. It isn't going to stop me.'' - LeBron James after leading the Cavaliers to a 88-81 win at Dallas on Thursday night.

[Udog]

Hockey today - Friday, Dec. 28


SCOREBOARD
Friday, Dec. 28

Buffalo at New Jersey (7 p.m. EST). New Jersey's Martin Brodeur recently moved into second place on the career shutouts list with 95.

STARS
Thursday

-Sergei Gonchar, Penguins, tallied in overtime to help Pittsburgh rally past Washington 4-3.

-Valtteri Filppula, Red Wings, scored two goals for the second straight game in Detroit's 4-2 win over Colorado.

-Joffrey Lupul, Flyers, scored twice in Philadelphia's 4-1 victory over Toronto.

-Nathan Horton, Panthers, scored twice to push Florida past Atlanta 5-3.

-Niklas Backstrom, Wild, made 46 saves to lead Minnesota past Phoenix 3-2.

YOUNG STARS

Sidney Crosby had two assists in Pittsburgh's 4-3 overtime win over Washington on Thursday, continuing to win his head-to-head matchup against Alex Ovechkin despite Ovechkin's 26th goal. Crosby has 17 points in 10 career games against Ovechkin - nine of them Penguins victories. Ovechkin, who has four goals and 10 points against Pittsburgh, hasn't gone consecutive games without a goal since Nov. 5-6.

MILESTONES

Jason Spezza scored a power-play goal for his 300th NHL point, leading Ottawa to a 5-2 win over the New York Islanders on Thursday. Spezza earned his milestone point in his 277th regular-season game with his 13th goal of the season in the second period. He added his 301st point with an assist 1:43 later. ... Nashville edged Columbus 4-3 to mark the 300th win for both the Predators and Barry Trotz, marking the 18th time a coach has won 300 games with an NHL team.

RED DECEMBER

Valtteri Filppula scored two goals for the second straight game and Dominik Hasek made 22 saves in Detroit's 4-2 win over Colorado on Thursday. It was the Red Wings' 11th win in December and their 13th victory in 15 games.

PROVIDING A SPARK

Doug Weight scored a tiebreaking goal with 3:39 left to lift Anaheim over Edmonton 2-1 on Thursday. The Ducks (19-15-5) improved to 4-0-1 since Scott Neidermayer returned. The playoff MVP had been contemplating retirement. The Oilers (16-19-3) suffered their fourth straight loss.

NO SUPPORT

Wade Dubielewicz, the Islanders' rarely used backup goalie, made 32 saves in just his third start of the season, a 5-2 loss to Ottawa on Thursday. Dubielewicz has allowed 17 goals in his three starts, while the Islanders have only scored three over that span. New York had a three-game winning streak snapped.

STREAKS

Mike Richards picked up an assist in Philadelphia's 4-1 win over Toronto to stretch his point streak at home to 16 games, tying a team record set by Bobby Clarke in the 1975-76 season. ... Martin Gerber stopped 24 shots to help Ottawa extend its winning streak to three with a 5-2 victory over the New York Islanders. The Senators have won nine of 11 (9-1-1).

SNAPPED

Nathan Horton scored two goals for the first time since March 27 to help Florida upend the Thrashers 5-3 on Thursday and end an 11-game losing streak in Atlanta. The Panthers had gone 0-10-1 at Philips Arena since November 2003. ... Philadelphia snapped a six-game slide with a 4-1 win over Toronto. The Flyers also snapped a six-game winless streak against the Maple Leafs (0-5-1). ... Jan Hlavac broke a 17-game goal drought in the final minute of Tampa Bay's 5-2 loss to Montreal. ... Vancouver downed Calgary 5-3 to hand the Flames their first regulation loss in December (7-1-4). Calgary was looking to tie a franchise record with its seventh straight road win.

STRONG IN DEFEAT

Ilya Kovalchuk scored his league-leading 30th and 31st goals in Atlanta's 5-3 loss to Florida on Thursday.

OUT

Joe Sakic will undergo hernia surgery Friday, and the Colorado captain will be out for up to three months. Sakic has been out since Nov. 30, missing 12 games. Before sitting out against San Jose on Nov. 30, Sakic had played in 232 consecutive games - dating to Jan. 6, 2004. Sakic, in his 19th NHL season, ranks eighth on the league's career points list with 1,611.

SPEAKING

''We have over 80 games, so I knew it was going to come sometime. It is a goal I will remember all my life. I haven't thought about it that much, but I knew it was going to come.'' - Nashville's Ville Koistinen, after his first NHL goal lifted the Predators over Columbus 4-3 on Thursday.

[Udog]

NHL

Friday, December 28

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Hot Lines
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Ice picks: Friday's best NHL bets

Buffalo at New Jersey (-133, 5)

The New Jersey Devils trail only the Islanders for unders this season with 22 in 32 games. They haven't seen a total above 5 points since Dec. 2 and have a 2-4-4 over/under record in that time.

The Buffalo Sabres have 27 goals in their last seven games, but New Jersey is averaging only 1.75 goals per game over its last eight.

Under bettors are 7-1 in the last eight matchups between the teams, and 4-0 when they meet on the Devils' home ice.

Pick: under 5


Montreal at Florida (-125, 5 1/2)

The Montreal Canadiens have been scoring goals in bunches and tallied five goals for the second time in four games in Thursday's win over Tampa Bay.

The Florida Panthers defeated the Canadiens in both meetings this season and have won four straight overall.

Montreal has only one victory in six trips to Florida and could be without starting goaltender Cristobal Huet, who hasn't started on back-to-back nights this season.

Pick: Florida -125


San Jose at St. Louis (+116, 5)

The St. Louis Blues have lost five of six games at home, despite a seemingly impressive 11-6-1-1 record at Scottrade Center.

The San Jose Sharks are 5-1 in their last six meetings with the Blues and have come away victorious in their last five trips to the Gateway City.

The Sharks have been red hot on the road lately, winning seven straight and pushing their away record to 13 wins which ties Ottawa for the top spot in the league.

Pick: Sharks -126

[Udog]

NBA
Dunkel


Indiana at Detroit
Indiana has been a pleasant surprise (15-14) at this point in the season, but still trails the Pistons by 6 1/2 games in the Central. Detroit has won six in a row by an average margin of 15.2 points, including an 18-point win on the road at New Jersey its last time out. With a chance to put more distance in the standings, the Pistons look like a good pick to cover (-9) in this one according to Dunkel, which has Detroit favored by 14 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Detroit (-9). Here are all of today's games.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 28

Game 501-502: New Orleans at Charlotte
Dunkel Ratings: New Orleans 119.636; Charlotte 113.013
Dunkel Line & Total: New Orleans by 6 1/2; 190
Vegas Line & Total: New Orleans by 3 1/2; 187 1/2
Dunkel Pick: New Orleans (-3 1/2); Over

Game 503-503: Orlando at Miami
Dunkel Ratings: Orlando 116.846; Miami 111.289
Dunkel Line & Total: Orlando by 5 1/2; 197
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 505-506: Washington at New Jersey
Dunkel Ratings: Washington 118.277; New Jersey 115.348
Dunkel Line & Total: Washington by 3; 188 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: New Jersey by 4 1/2; 190
Dunkel Pick: Washington (+4 1/2); Under

Game 507-508: Houston at Memphis
Dunkel Ratings: Houston 118.814; Memphis 114.329
Dunkel Line & Total: Houston by 4 1/2; 195
Vegas Line & Total: Houston by 1; 196
Dunkel Pick: Houston (-1); Under

Game 509-510: Indiana at Detroit
Dunkel Ratings: Indiana 117.888; Detroit 132.460
Dunkel Line & Total: Detroit by 14 1/2; 197
Vegas Line & Total: Detroit by 9; 200 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (-9); Under

Game 511-512: Milwaukee at Chicago
Dunkel Ratings: Milwaukee 111.056; Chicago 115.822
Dunkel Line & Total: Chicago by 5; 194
Vegas Line & Total: Chicago by 6; 189
Dunkel Pick: Milwaukee (+6); Over

Game 513-514: Toronto at San Antonio
Dunkel Ratings: Toronto 116.638; San Antonio 126.248
Dunkel Line & Total: San Antonio by 10; 193
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 515-516: LA Clippers at Phoenix
Dunkel Ratings: LA Clippers 111.152; Phoenix 125.774
Dunkel Line & Total: Phoenix by 14 1/2; 205 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Phoenix by 13 1/2; 208 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Phoenix (-13 1/2); Under

Game 517-518: Minnesota at Portland
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota 109.063; Portland 125.913
Dunkel Line & Total: Portland by 17; 189 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Portland by 9; 188 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Portland (-9); Over

Game 519-520: Philadelphia at Sacramento
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia 116.308; Sacramento 116.679
Dunkel Line & Total: Even; 185
Vegas Line & Total: Sacramento by 3 1/2; 190
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (+3 1/2); Under

Game 521-522: Utah at LA Lakers
Dunkel Ratings: Utah 115.500; LA Lakers 125.776
Dunkel Line & Total: LA Lakers by 10; 219 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: LA Lakers by 3 1/2; 212 1/2
Dunkel Pick: LA Lakers (-3 1/2); Over

Game 523-524: Denver at Golden State
Dunkel Ratings: Denver 118.055; Golden State 120.904
Dunkel Line & Total: Golden State by 3; 233
Vegas Line & Total: Golden State by 4; 227 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Denver (+4); Over

[Udog]

NBA
Long Sheet


Friday, December 28


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NEW ORLEANS (18 - 10) at CHARLOTTE (10 - 16) - 12/28/2007, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEW ORLEANS is 41-67 ATS (-32.7 Units) after a division game since 1996.
NEW ORLEANS is 27-48 ATS (-25.8 Units) after a win by 10 points or more since 1996.
NEW ORLEANS is 63-44 ATS (+14.6 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 24-12 ATS (+10.8 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 35-22 ATS (+10.8 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
CHARLOTTE is 4-16 ATS (-13.6 Units) against Southwest division opponents over the last 3 seasons.

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

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ORLANDO (19 - 11) at MIAMI (8 - 21) - 12/28/2007, 7:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
ORLANDO is 7-2 against the spread versus MIAMI over the last 3 seasons
ORLANDO is 7-2 straight up against MIAMI over the last 3 seasons
5 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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WASHINGTON (14 - 13) at NEW JERSEY (12 - 16) - 12/28/2007, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 12-4 ATS (+7.6 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
NEW JERSEY is 4-12 ATS (-9.2 Units) in home games this season.
NEW JERSEY is 4-12 ATS (-9.2 Units) in home games first half of the season this season.
NEW JERSEY is 16-29 ATS (-15.9 Units) after a loss by 10 points or more over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
NEW JERSEY is 5-4 against the spread versus WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
NEW JERSEY is 7-2 straight up against WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
6 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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HOUSTON (13 - 15) at MEMPHIS (8 - 20) - 12/28/2007, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 6-14 ATS (-9.4 Units) as a favorite this season.
HOUSTON is 15-5 ATS (+9.5 Units) in road games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.

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

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INDIANA (15 - 14) at DETROIT (21 - 7) - 12/28/2007, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 19-9 ATS (+9.1 Units) in all games this season.
DETROIT is 15-7 ATS (+7.3 Units) as a favorite this season.
DETROIT is 13-1 ATS (+11.9 Units) in December games this season.
DETROIT is 19-9 ATS (+9.1 Units) first half of the season this season.
INDIANA is 125-80 ATS (+37.0 Units) on Friday nights since 1996.

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

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MILWAUKEE (11 - 16) at CHICAGO (9 - 17) - 12/28/2007, 8:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MILWAUKEE is 19-36 ATS (-20.6 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO is 8-18 ATS (-11.8 Units) in all games this season.
CHICAGO is 8-18 ATS (-11.8 Units) first half of the season this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO is 5-4 against the spread versus MILWAUKEE over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO is 6-3 straight up against MILWAUKEE 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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TORONTO (15 - 14) at SAN ANTONIO (20 - 7) - 12/28/2007, 8:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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LA CLIPPERS (9 - 18) at PHOENIX (20 - 9) - 12/28/2007, 9:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LA CLIPPERS are 47-61 ATS (-20.1 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 21-37 ATS (-19.7 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 22-35 ATS (-16.5 Units) first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 115-149 ATS (-48.9 Units) after allowing 105 points or more since 1996.
LA CLIPPERS are 11-22 ATS (-13.2 Units) after a loss by 10 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 19-31 ATS (-15.1 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 167-211 ATS (-65.1 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHOENIX is 10-7 against the spread versus LA CLIPPERS over the last 3 seasons
PHOENIX is 10-7 straight up against LA CLIPPERS over the last 3 seasons
10 of 16 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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MINNESOTA (4 - 23) at PORTLAND (16 - 12) - 12/28/2007, 10:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 45-62 ATS (-23.2 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 8-19 ATS (-12.9 Units) on Friday nights over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 13-26 ATS (-15.6 Units) after allowing 105 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
PORTLAND is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) in December games this season.
PORTLAND is 8-20 ATS (-14.0 Units) as a favorite over the last 3 seasons.
PORTLAND is 32-52 ATS (-25.2 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
PORTLAND is 6-2 against the spread versus MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
PORTLAND is 4-4 straight up against MINNESOTA 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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PHILADELPHIA (12 - 16) at SACRAMENTO (11 - 16) - 12/28/2007, 10:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SACRAMENTO is 99-68 ATS (+24.2 Units) in home games first half of the season since 1996.
SACRAMENTO is 31-14 ATS (+15.6 Units) in home games after scoring 85 points or less since 1996.
PHILADELPHIA is 124-93 ATS (+21.7 Units) in road games revenging a loss vs opponent since 1996.

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

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UTAH (16 - 14) at LA LAKERS (18 - 10) - 12/28/2007, 10:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LA LAKERS are 20-8 ATS (+11.2 Units) in December games over the last 2 seasons.
LA LAKERS are 36-22 ATS (+11.8 Units) first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
LA LAKERS are 75-103 ATS (-38.3 Units) in home games after a division game since 1996.

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

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DENVER (17 - 11) at GOLDEN STATE (17 - 12) - 12/28/2007, 10:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
GOLDEN STATE is 36-22 ATS (+11.8 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
DENVER is 40-23 ATS (+14.7 Units) after scoring 105 points or more over the last 2 seasons.

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

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[Udog]

NHL
Long Sheet


Friday, December 28


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BUFFALO (19-15-0-1, 39 pts.) at NEW JERSEY (20-13-0-3, 43 pts.) - 12/28/2007, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEW JERSEY is 23-8 ATS (+13.2 Units) on Friday nights over the last 3 seasons.
BUFFALO is 73-39 ATS (+18.7 Units) first half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
BUFFALO is 17-8 ATS (+25.5 Units) in road games after a division game over the last 2 seasons.
BUFFALO is 25-14 ATS (+10.5 Units) in road games after allowing 4 goals or more over the last 3 seasons.
BUFFALO is 133-87 ATS (+31.3 Units) after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
NEW JERSEY is 5-3 (+2.3 Units) against the spread versus BUFFALO over the last 3 seasons
NEW JERSEY is 5-3-0 straight up against BUFFALO over the last 3 seasons
7 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+6.0 Units)

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BOSTON (18-14-0-4, 40 pts.) at CAROLINA (19-16-0-3, 41 pts.) - 12/28/2007, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 12-7 ATS (+23.0 Units) in a road game where where the total is 5.5 over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 5-1 ATS (+6.5 Units) in road games after allowing 4 goals or more this season.
BOSTON is 6-1 ATS (+7.1 Units) after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game this season.
CAROLINA is 22-30 ATS (-22.5 Units) in home games after playing 3 consecutive road games since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
CAROLINA is 6-2 (+2.3 Units) against the spread versus BOSTON over the last 3 seasons
CAROLINA is 6-2-0 straight up against BOSTON over the last 3 seasons
6 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+4.0 Units)

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MONTREAL (18-13-0-6, 42 pts.) at FLORIDA (18-16-0-3, 39 pts.) - 12/28/2007, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MONTREAL is 5-13 ATS (+18.3 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent this season.
MONTREAL is 24-30 ATS (-19.5 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the first half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
FLORIDA is 74-90 ATS (+175.4 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5.5 since 1996.
FLORIDA is 71-107 ATS (-39.5 Units) after a win by 2 goals or more since 1996.
FLORIDA is 82-124 ATS (+207.0 Units) after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game since 1996.
FLORIDA is 186-212 ATS (+405.1 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
FLORIDA is 6-4 (+3.4 Units) against the spread versus MONTREAL over the last 3 seasons
FLORIDA is 6-4-0 straight up against MONTREAL over the last 3 seasons
7 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+4.5 Units)

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SAN JOSE (19-12-0-5, 43 pts.) at ST LOUIS (18-13-0-3, 39 pts.) - 12/28/2007, 8:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ST LOUIS is 16-12 ATS (+36.3 Units) after scoring 1 goal or less in their previous game over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 28-30 ATS (+76.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
SAN JOSE is 8-2 ATS (+5.9 Units) in a road game where where the total is 5 or less this season.
SAN JOSE is 13-5 ATS (+7.4 Units) in road games first half of the season this season.
SAN JOSE is 17-3 ATS (+13.4 Units) in road games after a division game over the last 2 seasons.
SAN JOSE is 99-83 ATS (+186.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the first half of the season since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN JOSE is 6-2 (+0.2 Units) against the spread versus ST LOUIS over the last 3 seasons
SAN JOSE is 6-2-0 straight up against ST LOUIS over the last 3 seasons
4 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+0.3 Units)

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[Udog]

NCAAB
Dunkel


Southern Mississippi vs. Mississippi
The Rebels look to keep their perfect season (11-0) going after upsetting Clemson (85-82) last Saturday to win the San Juan Shootout. Freshman guard Chris Warren continued his solid play with back-to-back 19-point efforts to win the tourney's MVP. Southern Miss is coming off a 63-57 loss to McNeese State in which the Golden Eagles shot a season-low 30.6 percent. With Ole Miss gaining in confidence, the Rebels are the pick to cover (-7) in this one according to Dunkel, which has Mississippi favored by 11. Dunkel Pick: Mississippi (-7). Here are all of today's games.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 28

Game 525-526: UC-Irvine at South Carolina
Dunkel Ratings: UC-Irvine 53.700; South Carolina 68.037
Dunkel Line: South Carolina by 14 1/2
Vegas Line: South Carolina by 11 1/2
Dunkel Pick: South Carolina (-11 1/2)

Game 527-528: Southern Mississippi vs. Mississippi
Dunkel Ratings: Southern Mississippi 57.243; Mississippi 68.303
Dunkel Line: Mississippi by 11
Vegas Line: Mississippi by 7
Dunkel Pick: Mississippi (-7)

Game 529-530: Delaware at Maryland
Dunkel Ratings: Delaware 47.386; Maryland 66.416
Dunkel Line: Maryland by 19
Vegas Line: Maryland by 15
Dunkel Pick: Maryland (-15)

Game 531-532: Connecticut at Central Florida
Dunkel Ratings: Connecticut 65.650; Central Florida 63.157
Dunkel Line: Connecticut by 2 1/2
Vegas Line: Connecticut by 4
Dunkel Pick: Central Florida (+4)

Game 533-534: Butler at Southern Illinois
Dunkel Ratings: Butler 71.290; Southern Illinois 65.184
Dunkel Line: Butler by 6
Vegas Line: Pick
Dunkel Pick: Butler

Game 535-536: North Dakota State vs. Bucknell
Dunkel Ratings: North Dakota State 53.939; Bucknell 48.865
Dunkel Line: North Dakota State by 5
Vegas Line: North Dakota State by 3 1/2
Dunkel Pick: North Dakota State (-3 1/2)

Game 537-538: Long Beach State at California
Dunkel Ratings: Long Beach State 50.670; California 66.773
Dunkel Line: California by 16
Vegas Line: California by 19
Dunkel Pick: Long Beach State (+19)

Game 539-540: Hofstra vs. Virginia Tech
Dunkel Ratings: Hofstra 52.399; Virginia Tech 65.758
Dunkel Line: Virginia Tech by 13 1/2
Vegas Line: Virginia Tech by 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Virginia Tech (-9 1/2)

Game 541-542: Marist at St. John's
Dunkel Ratings: Marist 56.407; St. John's 56.099
Dunkel Line: Even
Vegas Line: St. John's by 5
Dunkel Pick: Marist (+5)

Game 543-544: Eastern Michigan vs. Rhode Island
Dunkel Ratings: Eastern Michigan 50.282; Rhode Island 65.912
Dunkel Line: Rhode Island by 15 1/2
Vegas Line: Rhode Island by 13 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Rhode Island (-13 1/2)

Game 545-546: Georgia Southern at TX-Corpus Christi
Dunkel Ratings: Georgia Southern 53.588; TX-Corpus Christi 53.009
Dunkel Line: Even
Vegas Line: Georgia Southern by 3 1/2
Dunkel Pick: TX-Corpus Christi (+3 1/2)

Game 547-548: Furman vs. CS-Fullerton
Dunkel Ratings: Furman 43.559; CS-Fullerton 60.366
Dunkel Line: CS-Fullerton by 17
Vegas Line: CS-Fullerton by 13
Dunkel Pick: CS-Fullerton (-13)

Game 549-550: Howard at St. Mary's (CA)
Dunkel Ratings: Howard 36.939; St. Mary's (CA) 67.129
Dunkel Line: St. Mary's (CA) by 30 1/2
Vegas Line: St. Mary's (CA) by 34
Dunkel Pick: Howard (+34)

Game 551-552: Denver at Santa Clara
Dunkel Ratings: Denver 46.651; Santa Clara 55.927
Dunkel Line: Santa Clara by 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Santa Clara by 14 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Denver (+14 1/2)

Game 553-554: Morgan State vs. Niagara
Dunkel Ratings: Morgan State 50.828; Niagara 53.578
Dunkel Line: Niagara by 2 1/2
Vegas Line: Niagara by 1 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Niagara (-1 1/2)

Game 555-556: Fairfield at St. Peter's
Dunkel Ratings: Fairfield 49.146; St. Peter's 49.365
Dunkel Line: Even
Vegas Line: St. Peter's by 1
Dunkel Pick: Fairfield (+1)

Game 557-558: St. Joseph's at Siena
Dunkel Ratings: St. Joseph's 61.547; Siena 60.826
Dunkel Line: St. Joseph's by 1
Vegas Line: St. Joseph's by 2 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Siena (+2 1/2)

Game 559-560: Sacramento State at Northern Colorado
Dunkel Ratings: Sacramento State 42.836; Northern Colorado 47.634
Dunkel Line: Northern Colorado by 5
Vegas Line: Northern Colorado by 9
Dunkel Pick: Sacramento State (+9)

Game 561-562: Loyola-MD at Illinois
Dunkel Ratings: Loyola-MD 49.651; Illinois 65.123
Dunkel Line: Illinois by 15 1/2
Vegas Line: Illinois by 17 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Loyola-MD (+17 1/2)

Game 563-564: San Francisco at Weber State
Dunkel Ratings: San Francisco 50.944; Weber State 56.461
Dunkel Line: Weber State by 5 1/2
Vegas Line: Weber State by 3
Dunkel Pick: Weber State (-3)

Game 565-566: San Jose State at Portland State
Dunkel Ratings: San Jose State 47.558; Portland State 53.897
Dunkel Line: Portland State by 6 1/2
Vegas Line: Portland State by 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Jose State (+9 1/2)

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[Udog]

NHL
Dunkel


Boston at Carolina
The Bruins have lost four straight with both the defense and offense struggling. Boston has allowed at least four goals in each of their last three games and at least three goals in six of their last seven. Meanwhile the offense has managed more than two goals only once in the last six games. Carolina looks to be a tough place to turn it around as the Bruins have won just three times in 12 games against the Hurricanes since the start of the 2003-04 season. The Hurricanes are the pick (-160) in this one according to Dunkel, which has Carolina favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: Carolina (-160). Here are all of today's games.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 28

Game 51-52: Buffalo at New Jersey
Dunkel Ratings: Buffalo 11.813; New Jersey 11.412
Dunkel Line & Total: Buffalo by 1/2; 6
Vegas Line & Total: New Jersey (-140); 5
Dunkel Pick: Buffalo (+120); Over

Game 53-54: Boston at Carolina
Dunkel Ratings: Boston 10.430; Carolina 11.486
Dunkel Line & Total: Carolina by 1; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Carolina (-160); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Carolina (-160); Over

Game 55-56: Montreal at Florida
Dunkel Ratings: Montreal 11.517; Florida 11.613
Dunkel Line & Total: Florida by 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Florida (-125); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Florida (-125); Under

Game 57-58: San Jose at St. Louis
Dunkel Ratings: San Jose 10.590; St. Louis 11.650
Dunkel Line & Total: St. Louis by 1; 4 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: San Jose (-130); 5
Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (+110); Under

[Udog]

NBA
Short Sheet


Friday, December 28th

New Orleans at Charlotte, 7:05 EST NBATV
New Orleans: 35-18 ATS off a road game
Charlotte: 4-16 ATS vs. Southwest Division opponents

Orlando at Miami, 7:35 EST
Orlando: 10-3 ATS after scoring 105+ points
Miami: 1-6 ATS vs. division opponents

Washington at New Jersey, 7:35 EST
Washington: 11-2 ATS away after losing 3 of their last 4 games
New Jersey: 3-12 ATS off a home game

Houston at Memphis, 8:05 EST
Houston: 6-14 ATS as a favorite
Memphis: 11-2 Over off a division game

Indiana at Detroit, 8:05 EST
Indiana: 5-16 ATS away off BB ATS losses
Detroit: 13-1 ATS in December

Milwaukee at Chicago, 8:35 EST
Milwaukee: 28-13 ATS off a combined score of 215+ points
Chicago: 2-12 ATS after playing BB games as an underdog

Toronto at San Antonio, 8:35 EST
Toronto: 29-14 ATS off BB road games
San Antonio: 9-1 Under in December

LA Clippers at Phoenix, 9:05 EST
LA Clippers: 11-22 ATS off a loss by 10+ points
Phoenix: 39-22 Over at home off 5+ games scoring 100+ points

Minnesota at Portland, 10:05 EST
Minnesota: 5-18 ATS off a SU loss / ATS win
Portland: 10-2 ATS off BB wins

Philadelphia at Sacramento, 10:05 EST
Philadelphia: 13-4 Over off BB wins
Sacramento: 31-14 ATS at home after scoring 85 or less points

Utah at LA Lakers, 10:35 EST
Utah: 10-23 ATS away after playing BB games as a favorite
LA Lakers: 20-8 ATS in December

Denver at Golden State, 10:35 EST
Denver: 16-6 Over off a non-conference game
Golden State: 19-8 ATS at home off an ATS loss

** (TC) Denotes Time Change

[Udog]

NCAAB
Short Sheet


Friday, December 28th

Cal Irvine at South Carolina, 7:30 EST
Cal Irvine: 10-2 Under off back-to-back losses
South Carolina: 15-5 ATS at home off SU win / ATS loss

Southern Miss at Mississippi, 8:00 EST
Southern Miss: 12-30 ATS off home loss
Mississippi: 13-4 ATS after scoring 80+ points

(TC) Delaware at Maryland, 6:00 EST
Delaware: 9-0 Under off a win by 15+ points
Maryland: 9-2 ATS off a SU loss

Connecticut at Central Florida, 8:00 EST CSTV
Connecticut: 0-8 ATS away off SU win
Central Florida: 7-0 ATS off a loss by 10+ points

Butler at Southern Illinois, 9:00 EST ESPNU
Butler: 7-1 ATS in non-conference games
Southern Illinois: 40-22 Under off ATS win


Golden Bear Classic
Berkeley, California
Opening Round

North Dakota State vs. Bucknell, 5:30 EST
North Dakota State: 4-0 ATS in all lined games
Bucknell: 5-1 ATS off home game

Long Beach State at California, 8:00 EST
Long Beach State: 21-5 Over off a home game
California: 2-10 ATS at home playing with 5 or 6 days rest


Aeropostale Holiday Festival
New York, New York
Opening Round

(TC) Hofstra vs. Virginia Tech, 6:30 EST
Hofstra: 6-0 ATS playing their second game in a week
Virginia Tech: 8-1 Under away as a favorite of 10+ points

(TC) Marist at St. John's, 8:50 EST
Marist: 8-1 ATS after playing as a road underdog
St. John's: 3-12 ATS as a home favorite


Islander Invitational
Corpus Christi, Texas
Opening Round

Eastern Michigan vs. Rhode Island, 6:00 EST
Eastern Michigan: 11-2 Under away as an underdog of 10+ points
Rhode Island: 6-0 ATS off a win by 10+ points

Georgia Southern at Texas A&M CC, 8:30 EST
Georgia Southern: No trends available
Texas A&M CC: No trends available


Shamrock Classic
Moraga, California
Opening Round

Furman vs. CS Fullerton, 8:00 EST
Furman: 12-28 ATS after allowing 25 points or less first-half points
CS Fullerton: 13-2 Over after playing as a favorite

Howard at St. Mary's, 10:30 EST
Howard: 0-2 ATS in all lined games
St. Mary's: 6-0 ATS at home with a total of 130 to 139.5 points


Cable Car Classic
Santa Clara, California
Opening Round

Denver vs. Santa Clara, 9:00 EST
Denver: 8-20 ATS in road games
Santa Clara: 7-0 Over off road game

Morgan State at Niagara, 11:20 EST
Morgan State: 1-5 ATS in all lined games
Niagara: 11-1 Over off ATS wins in 3 of their last 4 games


Added Games:

Fairfield at St. Peter's, 7:00 EST
Fairfield: 19-9 ATS in road games
St. Peter's: 3-12 ATS off BB road losses

St. Joseph's at Siena, 7:00 EST
St. Joseph's: 13-4 Over off ATS win
Siena: 8-0 ATS at home off BB games scoring 80+ points

Sacramento State at Northern Colorado, 9:00 EST
Sacramento State: 0-7 ATS playing with 7+ days rest
Northern Colorado: 6-0 ATS after playing as an underdog

Loyola Maryland at Illinois, 9:00 EST
Loyola Maryland: 12-1 ATS as a road underdog of 15.5 to 18 points
Illinois: 2-10 ATS as a favorite of 10+ points

San Francisco at Weber State, 9:00 EST
San Francisco: 5-14 ATS after playing as an underdog
Weber State: 7-0 ATS off a road loss by 10+ points

San Jose State at Portland State, 10:00 EST
San Jose State: 2-12 ATS playing their second game in eight days
Portland State: 12-3 Under playing their second game in a week

** (TC) Denotes Time Change

[Udog]

NHL
Short Sheet


Friday, December 28th

Buffalo at New Jersey, 7:05 EST
Buffalo: 13-3 SU after allowing 5+ goals
New Jersey: 7-13 SU at home off road win

Boston at Carolina, 7:05 EST
Boston: 1-18 SU Away after having lost 4 of their last 5
Carolina: 6-2 SU vs. Boston

Montreal at Florida, 7:35 EST TSN
Montreal: 2-9 SU playing with double revenge
Florida: 8-1 Under off a game where 7+ goals were scored

San Jose at St. Louis, 8:35 EST
San Jose: 15-2 SU Away off division win
St. Louis: 0-4 SU at home vs. San Jose

** (TC) Denotes Time Change

[Dennis14072]

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