Friday Trends and Indexes 01/25

[pm530]

Trends and Indexes
Friday, January 25

Good Luck on day #25 of 2008!

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

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[pm530]

Weekend Sports Preview

With the NFL taking the week off and hockey breaking for the All-Star Game, bettors will have to settle for NBA and college hoops to satisfy their wagering appetite this weekend.

The NBA tips off the weekend with an extremely busy Friday night that sees 13 games on the schedule. The standout matchups on the Friday night slate are Orlando at Detroit, Phoenix at Cleveland, the Lakers at Dallas, Houston at Portland and Charlotte at Chicago. Also on tap for Friday is Milwaukee at Toronto, Memphis at Washington, Philadelphia at New York, Minnesota at Boston, the Clippers at New Orleans, New Jersey at Denver, Sacramento at Utah and Atlanta at Seattle.

Saturday night’s NBA schedule is a lot lighter, with only four games on the docket. There is one afternoon game on Saturday as Indiana visits Miami, while the three night games include Philadelphia at Charlotte, the Clippers at Memphis and New Orleans at San Antonio.

Ten more NBA games follow on Sunday starting with Phoenix at Chicago, Boston at Orlando, Cleveland at the Lakers, Atlanta at Portland and Washington at Milwaukee. The rest of Sunday’s games include New Jersey at Minnesota, Denver at Dallas, Utah at Houston, New York at Golden State and Sacramento at Seattle.

In college hoops this weekend nine of the Top 10 ranked schools in the nation will be in action. Seven members of the Top 10 play on Saturday including Gonzaga at No. 1 Memphis, Connecticut at No. 7 Indiana, Nebraska at No. 2 Kansas, No. 9 Georgetown at West Virginia, No. 6 Washington State at No. 24 Arizona State, Georgia at No. 3 Tennessee and No. 8 UCLA at Oregon State.

On Sunday the two Top 10 schools in action will be Michigan at No. 10 Michigan State, and No. 4 Duke at Maryland.

The NHL is off for the weekend starting Friday, but there is the All-Star game on Sunday. This year’s All-Star Game is being played in Atlanta on Sunday night.

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[pm530]

Six-pack for Friday

Facts, figures from Baylor-Texas A&M game Wednesday, which went five overtimes.......

-- Three Texas A&M players played 56+ minutes, out of a possible 65; good luck recovering for their next game.

-- Tweety Carter played 42 minutes for Baylor, more than a normal game, and he didn't even start.

-- Eight guys fouled out, five of Baylor, three on A&M, as three non-starters fouled out, which is little bit unusual.

-- In such a tight game, Aggies missed 23 FTs (46-59), Bears only eight (39-47).

-- Texas Tech shot 50 FTs Wednesday, most ever by Big 12 team; the record didn't even make it through the night.

-- Baylor's Curtis Jerrells was 20-24 by line, all by himself.

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Friday's List of 13: Nobody asked me, but.............

13) Falcons didn't want to wait to hire coach, so Spagnuolo is still Giants' DC, but may get an interview in Washington. In the NFL, you can't hire coach away from a team until they're done for the season.

12) How about Gregg Williams? The guy has been assistant for Redskins for four years, has been interviewed four times by Daniel Snyder. Why would they have to interview a coach four times, when he has been there four years? They must be familiar with him. Doesn't look good for his candidacy.

11) Former Stanford coach Mike Montgomery is very good as analyst on Pac-10 hoop games. They were interviewing the Oregon State AD during game last night, and you know the AD would love to have Montgomery as Beavers' next coach, but that ain't happening.

10) If you had watched USC-Oregon State game Thursday and had never seen a basketball game before, you'd think that making a foul shot was the most difficult skill in baskletball.

9) UCLA's Kevin Love is nephew of Mike Love, who is better known as a member of The Beach Boys.

8) Love's father Stan played in NBA with Bullets and is in the Oregon Sports Hall of Fame. His high school coach was one Jim Harrick, who later won a national title with UCLA.

7) Oregon's Bryce Taylor is son of Brian Taylor, who was an outstanding player at Princeton, and with Nets in the ABA.

6) Cleveland State led by five at half, but life on road took its toll, as Vikings suffered first loss in Horizon play, losing 59-50 at Green Bay.

5) Miami Heat played their hearts out Thursday, but lost by a point to Spurs, their 15th loss in a row. They're 8-33. Ugh.

4) Golden State had 22-0 run against Nets Thursday but won by just two points, 121-119, in game that reminded us of ABA games from the early-mid 70's. It was seventh loss in a row for the Nets. Hard to explain New Jersey is playing so badly.

3) Someone explain to me why ESPN Desportes has baseball on from Winter Leagues, but we can't see it on regular cable. I am confused, I thought baseball was the American pasttime.

2) Chris Paul should be starting in the All-Star Game; Hornets have best record in West, mainly because of Paul.

1) Is there a more likeable person than Magic Johnson? Even on TV, he is the consummate teammate, knowledgeable, but also making his partners look good. Seems like a great guy.

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[pm530]

National Football League – Trends, stats, info.

NFL
Long Sheet

Super Bowl XLII

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Sunday, February 3
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NY GIANTS (13 - 6) vs. NEW ENGLAND (18 - 0) - 2/3/2008, 6:20 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEW ENGLAND is 52-30 ATS (+19.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1992.
NY GIANTS are 13-6 ATS (+6.4 Units) in all games this season.
NY GIANTS are 13-6 ATS (+6.4 Units) in all lined games this season.
NY GIANTS are 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) as an underdog this season.
NY GIANTS are 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) revenging a loss against opponent over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY GIANTS is 1-0 against the spread versus NEW ENGLAND over the last 3 seasons
NEW ENGLAND is 1-0 straight up against NY GIANTS 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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NFL
Short Sheet

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Sunday, February 3
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Super Bowl XLII
TV: FOX
NY Giants vs. New England, 6:20 ET

NY Giants:
9-2 ATS in road games
8-2 ATS as an underdog

New England:
2-8 ATS off 8+ wins
1-8 ATS off a SU home win / ATS loss

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NFL

Sunday, February 3

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Tips and Trends
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New York Giants vs. New England Patriots
Super Bowl XLII (FOX | 6:30 PM ET)

New York is trying to become the 2nd team in NFL history to win all of its playoff games on the road and then hoist the Vince Lombardi Trophy, following the Pittsburgh Steelers in Super Bowl XL. The Giants have won 10 straight away from home, going 9-1 ATS, with the lone loss coming in a 13-10 victory against Miami in London back on October 28th. EDGE: GIANTS
The Patriots are going for the 1st 19-0 season in NFL history and are already the 1st team to start 18-0. However, after covering their 1st 8 games of the regular season, they are just 2-8 ATS in their last 10, including 0-2 in the playoffs with a nearly identical spread as this one. The UNDER is also 4-1-1 in their last 6 games. EDGE: GIANTS
These teams met in the regular-season finale, which the Giants used as a springboard to the Super Bowl. Some questioned whether or not they would be mentally and physically drained after playing the Patriots hard when they had nothing on the line, but instead they gained a ton of confidence. Quarterback Eli Manning even admitted after winning the NFC Championship that playing competitively against New England in a playoff-type atmosphere is one of the main reasons they earned a rematch in the Super Bowl. EDGE: GIANTS
Manning continues his growth and maturity for the Giants with 8 touchdown passes and just 1 interception in his last 4 games. Ironically, that pick came against the Patriots, who were burned by 4 TD passes as well, 2 of which went to Plaxico Burress. While Manning's development has been crucial, New England QB Tom Brady is clearly in a league of his own as he goes for his 4th Super Bowl title in 4 attempts. Brady has been named Super Bowl MVP twice and is coming off the best regular season of any QB in league history with an NFL-record 50 touchdown passes. EDGE: PATRIOTS
New England is definitely seeing the benefit of a healthy Laurence Maroney, who remains as fresh as any running back the NFL has ever seen in the playoffs. Maroney was very limited for a majority of the regular season, sitting out 3 full games and carrying the ball 15 times or less in 9 other games. Maroney had scored just 2 touchdowns in the 1st 13 games of the regular season, but he has scored at least once in each of the last 5 - scoring 6 total during that stretch - including 2 in the regular-season finale against the Giants. He has rushed for 122 yards in each of the team's 2 playoff games so far on a combined 47 carries. BIG EDGE: PATRIOTS
Patriots are 13-6 ATS in their last 19 games vs. a team with a winning record.
Patriots are 40-19-3 ATS in ther last 62 games on grass.
The UNDER is 13-5-1 in New England's last 19 playoff games.

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NFL
Recent Trends

Sunday, February 3

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NFL Recent Trends
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N.Y. Giants (13-6) vs New England (18-0)

New England:
Under is 13-5-1 in NE last 19 playoff games.
NE are 13-6 ATS vs. a team with a winning record.
NE are 40-19-3 ATS in their last 62 games on grass.

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NFL

Sunday, February 3

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NFL In Depth Trends
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Trends – New York Giants vs. New England Patriots

Red - Hot trends are trends 80% or higher.
Blue - Cold trends are trends 20% or lower.

ATS Trends

N.Y. Giants
Giants are 5-0 ATS vs. a team with a winning record.
Giants are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games on grass.
Giants are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games after accumulating more than 350 total yards in their previous game.
Giants are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 playoff games.
Giants are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games overall.
Giants are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games following a ATS win.
Giants are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 games after allowing less than 90 yards rushing in their previous game.
Giants are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a S.U. win.

New England
Patriots are 36-16-1 ATS in their last 53 games after allowing less than 15 points in their previous game.
Patriots are 13-6 ATS vs. a team with a winning record.
Patriots are 40-19-3 ATS in their last 62 games on grass.
Patriots are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games following a S.U. win.
Patriots are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games following a ATS loss.
Patriots are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games overall.

O/U Trends

N.Y. Giants
Under is 4-1 in Giants last 5 playoff games.
Under is 5-2 in Giants last 7 games on grass.
Under is 44-19-2 in Giants last 65 games after allowing less than 90 yards rushing in their previous game.

New England
Over is 4-0 in Patriots last 4 games on grass.
Under is 4-1-1 in Patriots last 6 games following a S.U. win.
Under is 4-1-1 in Patriots last 6 games overall.
Under is 13-5-1 in Patriots last 19 playoff games.
Over is 9-4-1 in Patriots last 14 vs. a team with a winning record.

Head to Head
No trends available.

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NFL

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NFL – 5 Statistics
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Five Super Bowl stats you should know

With all the hype about this year’s Super Bowl it’s going to be relatively easy to find the obvious betting statistics, like against the spread and over/under records between the Pats and the Giants.

To give bettors a greater edge in their Super Bowl betting, we’ve gone back through 20 years worth of statistics to bring you a few nuggets of information that could help you make some money.

1. Big favorites have mixed results

The Patriots are hefty 12-point favorites to beat the Giants, which is not surprising for a team that is 18-0. But how have big favorites fared against the spread in past Super Bowls?

Favorites of seven points or more have gone 7-6-1 against the spread in the Super Bowl since the 1986 season, while faves of 10 points or more have gone 4-3-1. Ironically, the biggest spread over that time came in the 2002 clash between St. Louis and New England. The Rams were 14-point favorites, but ended up losing 20-17 to the Pats.

In their next two Super Bowl appearances, the Patriots were seven-point favorites. But they failed to cover on both occasions, beating the Panthers by three in 2004 and the Eagles by three in 2005. In fact, the Pats have been to five Super Bowls in 21 years, but have covered just once.

2. NFC wins battle of the East

Recent history is on the Giants’ side if you look back at Super Bowl matchups between teams from the AFC East and the NFC East.

In the five contests between teams from those divisions in the past 20 years, the NFC East teams are 4-1 straight and 5-0 against the spread, with three of those games going over the total. The Giants were involved in one of those battles, beating the Buffalo Bills 20-19 in 1991.

But the only AFC East team to hand an NFC East franchise a Super Bowl loss over that time was the New England Patriots. They beat the Eagles 24-21 in 2005.

3. Giants home record sets a record

The Giants set an unwanted record this season, becoming the only team in history to make football’s showpiece game, despite having a losing home record.

New York went 3-5 at home this season, losing to Green Bay, Dallas, Minnesota, Washington and New England at Giants Stadium. They lost to the Packers and Dallas by a combined 33 points in those home losses, but it’s worth noting that they defeated both teams on the road in the playoffs.

The home loss to New England will also be a source of encouragement for the Giants. They were only the third team this season to take a lead into the final quarter against the Patriots (28-23), but ended up losing 38-35 because of Tom Brady’s pinpoint passing under pressure.

4. Don’t overlook the total

There have only been five Super Bowls in the last 20 years with a total of 50 or more, with two of them going over the total and the other three going under. The Patriots were involved in one of those games – their 2004 win over Carolina went over the 53-point total.

Of more relevance are the total trends in recent matchups between the Pats and the Giants. Three straight meetings between these teams have gone over, but the totals only ranged from 35 to 46 ½ over that period.

In fact, the 53 ½-point spread between the New England and New York is the highest in well over 10 years and is likely the reaction of oddsmakers to the offensive shootout these teams produced in their last meeting.

5. Successful road teams in the Super Bowl

The New York Giants have won 10 straight road games (a single season record), including three straight in this season’s playoffs. Only five wild-card teams since 1970 have reached the Super Bowl.

The two most recent were the 1986 New England Patriots and the 2006 Pittsburgh Steelers. The Patriots went on to lose the ‘86 final to the Chicago Bears – a 46-10 blowout loss. But the Steelers continued their momentum, defeating Seattle 21-10 as four-point favorites.

Although the Super Bowl is technically at a neutral venue in Arizona, the Giants have been designated as the visiting team.

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NFL
What bettors need to know…….

Sunday, February 3

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What bettors need to know: Giants vs. Patriots
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What bettors need to know: Super Bowl XLII

New York Giants vs. New England Patriots
Sunday, Feb. 3, 6:30 p.m. ET (-12, 53 ½)

Line moves

Some Vegas sportsbooks opened with New England favored by as many as 13 ½ points. Since then, heavy action on New York has moved the line to Patriots -12 at most Vegas and offshore books. The game’s total has held steady between 53 ½ and 54 points.

Brady’s boot

On Monday, Tom Brady was photographed heading from an SUV to his girlfriend Gisele Bundchen's apartment in New York on what looked like a walking cast on his right foot.

"Ah, you know, there's always bumps and bruises. I'll be ready for the Super Bowl," Brady said Monday during his weekly radio appearance on WEEI. "I'm not worried about that. I'm not missing this one. I'd have to be on a stretcher to miss this one. There will be treatment this week. In games like this, you get a little nicked up. It's nothing serious."

Stay tuned for updates.

Raising Arizona

The Super Bowl will be played at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. The stadium, which opened Aug. 1, 2006, features a retractable grass field and roof and should accommodate more than 73,000 fans.

Slaying the Giants

New York gave up 80 combined points in its first two games of the season, both of which, not surprisingly, ended up as straight up and ATS losses. Since then, the Giants have held 14 of their last 17 opponents to 24 points or fewer with only Dallas, Minnesota and New England topping that total. The Giants lost all three of those games, covering only against New England in Week 17’s 38-35 loss.

The kicking game

New York’s Lawrence Tynes was 23-of-27 in his field goal attempts in the regular season, with all four of his misses coming on kicks from less than 40 yards out. Tynes missed two huge field goal attempts during the NFC championship game, but he hit the one that counted in overtime from 47 yards. His longest kick of the year was a 48-yarder.

Patriots kicker Stephen Gostkowski hit 21 of his 24 regular season field goal attempts, with two misses from outside 40 yards. He has only attempted two field goals in the playoffs, hitting one of them. His longest kick of the year was a 45-yarder.

Super stats

The Giants are 5-0 in their last five against the spread and against teams with a winning record.

The Patriots are 0-5 in their last five against the spread.

The favored team has gone 9-3 straight up and 4-6-2 against the spread in the last dozen Super Bowls.

Teams that score more than 27 points in the Super Bowl are 23-1 and 22-2-1 against the spread. New England has averaged 35.6 points per game, while New York averages 23.2.

Recent meetings

The two teams have split the last four meetings between them dating back to 2005, but the Giants covered the number in three of those games. The over cashed in three times as well.

Notable injuries:

New England:
Tom Brady QB - (ankle) probable.
Mike Wright DE - (foot) IR
Rosevelt Colvin LB - (foot) IR
Sammy Morris RB - (chest) IR
David Thomas TE - (foot) IR

New York:
Rich Seubert OG - (knee) questionable
Craig Dahl S - (knee) IR
Jeremy Shockey TE - (leg) IR
Derrick Ward RB – (fibula) IR
Mathias Kiwanuka LB – (leg) IR
Robert Douglas FB – (knee) IR
Adrian Awasom DL – (back) IR
Jim Finn FB – (shoulder) IR
Will Demps SS – (elbow) IR

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NFL
Line Report

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NFL – Super Bowl opening line report
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Patriots heavy favorites against Giants at Vegas sports books

LAS VEGAS (AP) -New England Patriots fans who want to bet on their team in the Super Bowl will face a significant point spread against the underdog Giants as quarterback Tom Brady aims for a 19-0 record and fourth championship ring.

The Patriots are favored by 13 to 14 points against the New York Giants (13-6) at Las Vegas sports books, a higher-than-normal spread to entice underdog bettors on the biggest booked game of the season.

''The Patriots are still considered by far the best team in the league,'' said Jay Kornegay, sports book director at the Las Vegas Hilton. ''We obviously make that line to get equal action on both sides. To do that, because of the perception of the Patriots, we have to increase their number more than usual.''

Bets were flowing in on the Patriots early in the season as they destroyed opponents and the spread, but the team has won by a margin that was larger than the spread only once in its last eight games, said Chuck Esposito, Caesars Palace's assistant vice president of race and sports book operations.

''A game of this magnitude, historically you'll see some money on the favorite,'' said Esposito, who put the Patriots as 14-point favorites. ''I think that's one of the reasons that the number might be a little bit high.''

The spread is the point difference oddsmakers set to even out lopsided matchups. A bettor who put $110 on the Patriots would need the team to beat the Giants by at least 14 or 15 points to get back $210, which includes his original bet.

Oddsmakers set the total score of the two teams at around 55. Bettors can wager that the final total will be more or less than that amount.

Kornegay predicted a record handle at Nevada sports books, topping the $94.5 million record set in 2006 when Pittsburgh beat Seattle 21-10.

The Patriots are trying to become the second team in NFL history to go undefeated. They already beat the Giants this season, winning 38-35 in the regular-season finale.

''The Giants played right with them for the majority of the game,'' Esposito said. ''And there will be another Manning (New York quarterback Eli Manning) in the Big Game.''

MGM Mirage Inc. sports book director Robert Walker expected the handle in Nevada sports books to hit $100 million.

''I think with the New York team and the Patriots being the most popular team in football, it has the makings of being a special game,'' he said.

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NFL
Reports

for Sunday’s game (February 3)

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Reports: Super Bowl
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NFL Rumors
Walking wounded: Brady spotted in cast
Monday, Jan 21, 2008 11:44 pm EST

AP
Fans of the New England Patriots had to be swallowing hard Monday when pictures of quarterback Tom Brady sporting a walking cast on his right foot surfaced.

A video taken of Brady in New York Sunday, which is available on TMZ, shows the NFL's MVP returning to girlfriend Gisele Bundchen's apartment. He's walking gingerly on the sidewalk after emerging from a black SUV parked on the street.

During his weekly appearance on WEEI's "Dennis and Callahan" show, Brady didn't dismiss the notion he had suffered some type of leg injury during Sunday's AFC Championship win. "Ah, you know, there's always bumps and bruises. I'll be ready for the Super Bowl," Brady said, when asked point-blank if he had a leg injury.

Source: Boston Herald

UPDATE

Brady's injury minor
Boot is seen as just a precaution

Boston Globe / January 23, 2008

The sight of star quarterback Tom Brady wearing a protective boot over his right foot Monday had New York tabloids buzzing and Patriots followers fearing the worst, but the injury is not serious.

Brady has a high right ankle sprain, according to an NFL source, which explains why he was wearing the device during a visit to New York. The sprain, which is minor, will not jeopardize Brady's chances of playing in Super Bowl XLII Feb. 3, the source said.

Both the Patriots and Giants are not required to submit an injury report until a week from today. The Patriots do not return to practice until tomorrow.

Two medical experts, neither of whom is treating Brady, indicated that he likely was wearing the boot as a preventative measure.

"Since two weeks remain [to the game], the medical/training staff may have determined that using this short leg walker would provide some relief of pressure, and provide support and rest, even if it was a minor injury," said Dr. Michael A. Robinson, a sports podiatrist and foot surgeon based in Brookline. "The short leg walker would help promote more rapid recovery."

Dr. Nicholas DiNubile, an orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine, further described the benefit of the boot.

"It is a way to rest that body part and prevent the normal movement that goes on with everyday walking," said DiNubile, who serves as an orthopedic consultant to the Philadelphia 76ers. "That allows things to settle down because it's protecting that area and preventing the motions.

"Not knowing the specifics, it looks to me that they just wanted to put it to rest for a day or two."

Brady's foot became a hot topic when he was photographed in New York City Monday afternoon. Gossip website TMZ.com also posted a 1-minute-18-second video clip of Brady and his girlfriend, Gisele Bundchen, which showed Brady favoring his right foot.

Later in the night, Brady was photographed again in New York City, but without the boot.

Brady's father was a guest on 1510 ESPN radio in New York yesterday, and said that if the injury were serious, Brady would have spoken to him about it. Tom Brady Sr. also said that there is no question Brady will play.

"If he had to go out there with two crutches and a cast on each leg, he is playing," Brady Sr. said. "He won't voluntarily walk off the field. Anybody that thinks a little tweak is going to stop [him] is just wasting ink."

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[pm530]

National Basketball Association – Write up

NBA
Write-up


Friday, January 25

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Today's NBA analysis

Hot Teams
-- Suns won four of last five games, are playing sixth game in last nine nights. Cavaliers won five in row, nine of last ten and covered their last four.
-- Wizards won five of their last seven games.
-- Raptors won six of their last eight games.
-- Knicks won four of their last six games.
-- Celtics are 5-1 vs spread in game following a loss. Minnesota won last two games, covered four of last five. It is first time this season Wolves won consecutive games.
-- Magic won three of last four, covered four of last five.
-- Hornets won, covered their last six games.
-- Lakers won eight of their last ten games. Dallas won nine of its last eleven games.
-- Nuggets won three of their last four games.
-- Kings won six of their last nine games. Jazz won seven of its last nine games.
-- Rockets won three in row, eight of last ten games. Portland won, covered its last twelve home games.

Cold Teams
-- Grizzlies lost seven of their last nine games.
-- Bucks lost six of their last eight games.
-- 76ers lost ten of their last twelve games.
-- Pistons lost three of last four, covered three of last ten.
-- Clippers are 1-8 vs spread in game after their last nine wins.
-- Bobcats lost three of their last four games. Bulls are 0-5 vs spread in game after their last five wins.
-- Nets lost last seven games (1-6 vs spread); they're playing fifth road game in seven nights.
-- Hawks lost last four games, by 7-11-2-7 points. Seattle lost its last dozen games (2-0-1 vs spread in last three).

Previous meetings this season
-- Cavaliers (+9) lost 103-92 in Phoenix Nov 4.
-- Wizards (+6) lost 124-118 at Memphis Nov 24.
-- Raptors (-3) lost 112-95 in Milwaukee November 6.
-- 76ers beat Knicks twice on consecutive nights in December, 101-90/105-77.
-- Kevin Garnett faces his old team for first time Friday.
-- Pistons split pair of games in Orlando this year, losing by two points Monday night.
-- Hornets beat Clippers twice at Staples this year, by 9-14 pts.
-- Bulls beat Charlotte twice this season, 91-82/109-97.
-- Jazz (-3.5) lost 117-107 at Sacramento Dec 4.
-- Trailblazers (+12) lost 89-80 at Houston Nov 3.
-- Sonics (+6) won 126-123 in double OT in Atlanta Nov 16.

Totals
-- Four of last five Cleveland games went over the total.
-- Under is 5-2 in last seven Memphis games.
-- Four of last five Milwaukee road games went over the total.
-- Four of Knicks' last five games went over the total.
-- Last four Celtic games all went over the total.
-- Under is 17-5 in last twenty-two Detroit games.
-- Under is 10-5 in Clippers' last fifteen games.
-- Four of last five Laker games stayed under the total; four of last five Dallas games went over.
-- Last three Chicago games stayed under the total.
-- Four of Nets' last five games went over the total.
-- Over is 7-2 in Sacramento's last nine games.
-- Six of last nine Portland games stayed under the total.
-- Five of last six Seattle games went over the total.

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[pm530]

National Basketball Association - Tips & Trends

NBA


Friday, January 25

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Tips and Trends
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Phoenix Suns at Cleveland Cavaliers (7 PM ET)

The Cleveland Cavaliers have won 9 of their last 10 and five straight, including a 36-point thrashing of the Wizards on Wednesday. "We are just playing really great basketball right now," said Cavs star LeBron James. EDGE: CAVS
The Phoenix Suns lead the NBA in scoring with 110 points per game, including putting up 103 points on Cleveland earlier this year. The Suns have won 14 of 17 against the Cavaliers, with Steve Nash averaging 27 ppg and 13 assists in their last two victories. BIG EDGE: SUNS
Suns are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games after allowing 100+ points previously.
Cavs are 35-17 ATS in their last 52 games when playing on 1 days rest.
Favorite is 6-0 ATS in the last 6 meetings.


Orlando Magic at Detroit Pistons (ESPN | 7 PM ET)

Magic are 19-8 ATS in their last 27 games following an ATS win.
Pistons are 13-3 ATS in their last 16 games when playing on 1 days rest.
The OVER is 8-0 in the last 8 meetings in Detroit.


Minnesota Timberwolves at Boston Celtics (7:30 PM ET)

Timberwolves are 3-13-1 ATS in their last 17 games following a SU win.
Celtics are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 games following a SU loss.
The OVER is 6-0 in the last 6 meetings.


Los Angeles Lakers at Dallas Mavericks (8:30 PM ET)

Lakers are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games following a SU loss.
Mavericks are 9-24-2 ATS in their last 25 games following a 100 point effort.
Underdog is 7-3 ATS in the last 10 meetings.


Charlotte Bobcats at Chicago Bulls (8:30 PM ET)

Bobcats are 3-11 ATS in their last 14 road games.
Bulls are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games following a SU win.
The OVER is 5-2 in the last 7 meetings in Chicago.


Sacramento Kings at Utah Jazz (9 PM ET)

The Utah Jazz enter this game winners of eight of ten overall, while holding their opponents to just 93 points or fewer in five of those last seven games. "We are playing very well and balanced," said Jazz forward Matt Harpring.
The Sacramento Kings just recently got its top three scorers from last season - Mike Bibby, Kevin Martin and Ron Artest - together in the starting lineup for the first time this season Tuesday. However, Sacramento committed 21 turnovers that game, which led to 35 Clipper points in an 111-85 loss. "We just have to get our chemistry going again," Kings center Mikki Moore said.
Kings are 11-3 ATS in their last 14 road games.
Jazz are 2-8 ATS in their last 10 games following an ATS win.
Home team is 8-3 ATS in the last 11 meetings.


Houston Rockets at Portland Trail Blazers (10 PM ET)

Rockets are 6-13 ATS in their last 19 games vs. the Southwest Division.
Blazers are 7-0 ATS in their last 7 games following an ATS loss.
The underdog is 5-1 ATS in the last 6 meetings.

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[pm530]

College Basketball – Long Sheet

NCAAB
Long Sheet


Friday, January 25

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CANISIUS (3 - 15) at FAIRFIELD (6 - 12) - 1/25/2008, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CANISIUS is 13-23 ATS (-12.3 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CANISIUS is 13-23 ATS (-12.3 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
CANISIUS is 8-17 ATS (-10.7 Units) against conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
FAIRFIELD is 9-19 ATS (-11.9 Units) in all home games over the last 3 seasons.
FAIRFIELD is 9-19 ATS (-11.9 Units) in home lined games over the last 3 seasons.
FAIRFIELD is 5-14 ATS (-10.4 Units) in home games against conference opponents over the last 3 seasons.

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

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

NIAGARA (11 - 6) at ST PETERS (4 - 14) - 1/25/2008, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NIAGARA is 25-11 ATS (+12.9 Units) in road games after allowing 80 points or more since 1997.
ST PETERS is 6-16 ATS (-11.6 Units) in all home games over the last 3 seasons.
ST PETERS is 6-16 ATS (-11.6 Units) in home lined games over the last 3 seasons.
ST PETERS is 5-14 ATS (-10.4 Units) in home games against conference opponents over the last 3 seasons.
ST PETERS is 6-17 ATS (-12.7 Units) in January games over the last 3 seasons.
ST PETERS is 9-19 ATS (-11.9 Units) off a loss against a conference rival over the last 3 seasons.
ST PETERS is 6-16 ATS (-11.6 Units) in home games after 3 or more consecutive losses since 1997.
ST PETERS is 7-20 ATS (-15.0 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
ST PETERS is 3-1 against the spread versus NIAGARA over the last 3 seasons
ST PETERS is 2-2 straight up against NIAGARA 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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SACRAMENTO ST (3 - 15) at IDAHO ST (7 - 12) - 1/25/2008, 9:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SACRAMENTO ST is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) as a road underdog of 6.5 to 9 points over the last 2 seasons.
SACRAMENTO ST is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) in road games after scoring 60 points or less over the last 2 seasons.
IDAHO ST is 4-11 ATS (-8.1 Units) in all games this season.
IDAHO ST is 4-11 ATS (-8.1 Units) in all lined games this season.
IDAHO ST is 11-27 ATS (-18.7 Units) as a favorite since 1997.
IDAHO ST is 23-41 ATS (-22.1 Units) in all home games since 1997.
IDAHO ST is 23-41 ATS (-22.1 Units) in home lined games since 1997.
IDAHO ST is 43-65 ATS (-28.5 Units) against conference opponents since 1997.
IDAHO ST is 7-21 ATS (-16.1 Units) in home games in January games since 1997.
IDAHO ST is 37-65 ATS (-34.5 Units) after a conference game since 1997.
IDAHO ST is 4-14 ATS (-11.4 Units) in home games after scoring 60 points or less since 1997.

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

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

N ARIZONA (13 - 6) at WEBER ST (11 - 8) - 1/25/2008, 9:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WEBER ST is 26-14 ATS (+10.6 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
WEBER ST is 26-14 ATS (+10.6 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
WEBER ST is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) as a home favorite of 3 points or less or pick over the last 2 seasons.
WEBER ST is 14-3 ATS (+10.7 Units) in all home games over the last 2 seasons.
WEBER ST is 14-3 ATS (+10.7 Units) in home lined games over the last 2 seasons.
WEBER ST is 16-6 ATS (+9.4 Units) against conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
WEBER ST is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in home games when playing with one or less days rest over the last 2 seasons.
WEBER ST is 16-6 ATS (+9.4 Units) after a conference game over the last 2 seasons.
WEBER ST is 46-24 ATS (+19.6 Units) off a win against a conference rival since 1997.
WEBER ST is 15-4 ATS (+10.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
WEBER ST is 9-1 ATS (+7.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games over the last 2 seasons.
N ARIZONA is 25-13 ATS (+10.7 Units) against conference opponents over the last 3 seasons.
N ARIZONA is 14-5 ATS (+8.5 Units) in January games over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
WEBER ST is 4-1 against the spread versus N ARIZONA over the last 3 seasons
WEBER ST is 3-2 straight up against N ARIZONA over the last 3 seasons
5 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

[pm530]

College Basketball – Write up

NCAAB
Write-up


Friday, January 25

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

Friday's College Basketball

Game of the Night

Weber State beat Northern Arizona three times LY, including an 88-80 win in Big Sky finals; they won last four games, last two by combined total of three points. NAU is 5-1 in Big Sky losing only 80-66 at Portland State- favorite covered all six of their Big Sky games. Big Sky home favorites are 13-7 vs spread

Rest of the Card

-- Canisius is 1-7 in MAAC, 0-3 as road dog, losing road games by 11-51-28 points; three of their last four losses are by 28+ pts Fairfield lost three of last four games, is 4-4 in MAAC, 0-2 as a home favorite. Visitor covered seven of their eight league tilts.

-- Niagara played two awful games in row, losing at Canisius, then getting beat by 19 at Marist; Eagles allowed 77.9 ppg in last four games (1-3). St Peter's lost last five games (0-5 vs the spread); they scored 57 ppg in last three games.

-- Sacramento State is 1-6 in Big Sky, 1-3 as road dog, losing on road by 14-25-24-13. Idaho State is 3-2 in Big Sky, splitting pair of home games; they held four of five foes under 40% but are just 12 of last 49 beyond the arc.

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

[Udog]

NBA
Dunkel


Memphis at Washington
The Grizzlies have lost five straight on the road and face a Washington team that has won three straight at home, including victories over Boston and Dallas. The Wizards are the pick (-7 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has Washington favored by 14. Dunkel Pick: Washington (-7 1/2). Here are all of today's games.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 25

Game 701-702: Phoenix at Cleveland
Dunkel Ratings: Phoenix 121.317; Cleveland 122.702
Dunkel Line & Total: Cleveland by 1 1/2; 213
Vegas Line & Total: Phoenix by 2; 211 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Cleveland (+2); Over

Game 703-704: Memphis at Washington
Dunkel Ratings: Memphis 113.137; Washington 127.205
Dunkel Line & Total: Washington by 14; 197
Vegas Line & Total: Washington by 7 1/2; 205
Dunkel Pick: Washington (-7 1/2); Under

Game 705-706: Milwaukee at Toronto
Dunkel Ratings: Milwaukee 111.939; Toronto 126.955
Dunkel Line & Total: Toronto by 15; 192
Vegas Line & Total: Toronto by 9 1/2; 196
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (-9 1/2); Under

Game 707-708: Philadelphia at New York
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia 111.920; New York 120.400
Dunkel Line & Total: New York by 8 1/2; 198
Vegas Line & Total: New York by 2 1/2; 191 1/2
Dunkel Pick: New York (-2 1/2); Over

Game 709-710: Minnesota at Boston
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota 108.618; Boston 129.112
Dunkel Line & Total: Boston by 20 1/2; 198
Vegas Line & Total: Boston by 14; 192
Dunkel Pick: Boston (-14); Over

Game 711-712: Orlando at Detroit
Dunkel Ratings: Orlando 120.087; Detroit 121.588
Dunkel Line & Total: Detroit by 1 1/2; 195
Vegas Line & Total: Detroit by 7 1/2; 192
Dunkel Pick: Orlando (+7 1/2); Over

Game 713-714: LA Clippers at New Orleans
Dunkel Ratings: LA Clippers 113.292; New Orleans 131.122
Dunkel Line & Total: New Orleans by 18; 184
Vegas Line & Total: New Orleans by 11; 189
Dunkel Pick: New Orleans (-11); Under

Game 715-716: LA Lakers at Dallas
Dunkel Ratings: LA Lakers 121.133; Dallas 126.670
Dunkel Line & Total: Dallas by 5 1/2; 208
Vegas Line & Total: Dallas by 7 1/2; 205 1/2
Dunkel Pick: LA Lakers (+7 1/2); Over

Game 717-718: Charlotte at Chicago
Dunkel Ratings: Charlotte 116.465; Chicago 118.415
Dunkel Line & Total: Chicago by 2; 199
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 719-720: New Jersey at Denver
Dunkel Ratings: New Jersey 106.965; Denver 124.422
Dunkel Line & Total: Denver by 17 1/2; 218
Vegas Line & Total: Denver by 7 1/2; 209 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Denver (-7 1/2); Over

Game 721-722: Sacramento at Utah
Dunkel Ratings: Sacramento 119.690; Utah 125.086
Dunkel Line & Total: Utah by 5 1/2; 204
Vegas Line & Total: Utah by 7 1/2; 213 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Sacramento (+7 1/2); Under

Game 723-724: Houston at Portland
Dunkel Ratings: Houston 118.589; Portland 124.228
Dunkel Line & Total: Portland by 5 1/2; 195
Vegas Line & Total: Portland by 2; 184 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Portland (-2); Over

Game 725-726: Atlanta at Seattle
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta 115.564; Seattle 112.644
Dunkel Line & Total: Atlanta by 3; 204
Vegas Line & Total: Atlanta by 1 1/2; 198 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (-1 1/2); Over

[Udog]

NCAAB
Dunkel


Northern Arizona at Weber State
After dropping six of its first eight games, Weber State has turned its season around and comes into tonight's contest riding a five-game winning streak. But the Wildcats run into a tough challenge from a Northern Arizona team that is 5-1 ATS against conference opponents this season. The Lumberjacks are the underdog pick (+3 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the game even. Dunkel Pick: Northern Arizona (+3 1/2). Here are all of today's games.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 25

Game 727-728: Canisius at Fairfield
Dunkel Ratings: Canisius 40.578; Fairfield 52.017
Dunkel Line: Fairfield by 11 1/2
Vegas Line: Fairfield by 13
Dunkel Pick: Canisius (+13)

Game 729-730: Niagara at St. Peter's
Dunkel Ratings: Niagara 53.330; St. Peter's 48.259
Dunkel Line: Niagara by 5
Vegas Line: Niagara by 4
Dunkel Pick: Niagara (-4)

Game 731-732: Sacramento State at Idaho State
Dunkel Ratings: Sacramento State 41.811; Idaho State 49.320
Dunkel Line: Idaho State by 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Idaho State by 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Sacramento State (+9 1/2)

Game 733-734: Northern Arizona at Weber State
Dunkel Ratings: Northern Arizona 56.251; Weber State 56.802
Dunkel Line: Even
Vegas Line: Weber State by 3 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Northern Arizona (+3 1/2)

[Udog]

NBA
Hot Lines


Friday, January 25


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

Charlotte Bobcats at Chicago Bulls (pick 'em)

It's a bit of a mystery how the Bulls managed to beat the Pacers 108-95 Wednesday night. Chicago was without its top two scorers - Ben Gordon (wrist) and Luol Deng (Achilles heel) - and another key off of the bench, Chris Duhon (knee).

Then again, it's not that much of a mystery. Kirk Hinrich had a career game with 38 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists, and rookie Joakim Noah had his best performance of his young career with 14 points and 15 rebounds.

That was against a Jermaine O'Neal-less Pacers club. And though the Bulls are playing the struggling Bobcats Friday night, they can't bank on more career performances to get them through this injury bug.

Duhon and Deng will certainly be out against Charlotte Friday night and Gordon is doubtful with his sprained wrist. That's news to Charlotte's ears because Gordon and Deng have been murdering them in the three losses and dropped covers against the Bulls this season. Deng averaged 26.7 points in the three wins and Gordon averaged 23.

The Bobcats could use a game against a team with a short bench after suffering two tough losses against the Spurs and Mavs in their last two outings.

Pick: Bobcats


Los Angeles Clippers at New Orleans Hornets (-11.5)

New Orleans will be looking for its seventh consecutive win when the reeling Clippers visit New Orleans Arena.

The Clippers, losers of five straight on the road, have struggled all season managing only five wins away from home.

On the flip side, the Western Conference-leading Hornets are 14-7 at home (12-9 ATS) and have already posted two homes wins and covers against the Clippers this season.

If the Clips want any chance of covering in this game they will have to shut down Peja Stojakovic, who is averaging 19 points per game against L.A. this season and hitting 50 percent of his attempts from three-point land.

Pick: Hornets


Los Angeles Lakers at Dallas Mavericks (-7.5)

With this Mavericks team, things only stay bad for so long. On Monday, the Mavs bottomed out with 16 turnovers in a 102-84 losing decision at Washington.

"I can't explain it," Dirk Nowitzki told the Dallas Morning News. "We've just got to take care of the ball better. We're such a good shooting team, we've got to at least give ourselves a chance to throw the ball up there and not turn the ball over with lackadaisical passes. We've got to at least give ourselves a chance to make a shot."

Two days later the Mavs did just that, cutting the previous game's 16 turnovers in half on their way to a 102-95 victory as 6.5-point favorites. Dallas will need a similar effort Friday against the Lakers, who have been held under the century mark just twice in their last 10 games. Problem is, those two shoddy offensive efforts have come in the last three games against San Antonio and Phoenix.

Pick: Mavericks

[pm530]

National Basketball Association - Short Sheet

NBA
Short Sheet


Friday, January 25th

Phoenix at Cleveland, 7:05 EST
Phoenix: 13-5 Over vs. Eastern Conference
Cleveland: 12-1 ATS at home off BB covers as favorite

Memphis at Washington, 7:05 EST
Memphis: 13-4 Under Away if total is 200 or higher
Washington: 9-0 Under at home off loss by 20+ points

Milwaukee at Toronto, 7:05 EST
Milwaukee: 11-4 Over as a road underdog of 9.5 to 12 points
Toronto: 31-16 ATS off BB road games

Philadelphia at New York, 7:35 EST
Philadelphia: 25-12 ATS Away off SU loss
New York: 16-5 Over off a home game

Minnesota at Boston, 7:35 EST
Minnesota: 5-18 ATS off 3+ Overs
Boston: 17-4 ATS off a home game

(TC) Orlando at Detroit, 7:05 EST ESPN
Orlando: 12-4 ATS as an underdog
Detroit: 4-13 ATS at home revenging a road loss

LA Clippers at New Orleans, 8:05 EST
LA Clippers: 20-11 Under as an underdog
New Orleans: 9-1 ATS in January

LA Lakers at Dallas, 8:35 EST
LA Lakers: 14-6 ATS off an Under
Dallas: 1-8 ATS off a road win

Charlotte at Chicago, 8:35 EST
Charlotte: 27-13 ATS off BB ATS losses
Chicago: 4-12 ATS off a SU win

New Jersey at Denver, 9:05 EST
New Jersey: 0-6 ATS L6 games
Denver: 8-1 ATS at home vs. Eastern Conference

Sacramento at Utah, 9:05 EST
Sacramento: 15-5 ATS as an underdog of 3.5 to 9.5 points
Utah: 13-3 Over off double-digit win

Houston at Portland, 10:05 EST
Houston: 13-5 Under off an Over
Portland: 15-5 ATS in home games

Atlanta at Seattle, 10:35 EST
Atlanta: 4-16 ATS Away playing with same season revenge
Seattle: 9-0 ATS at home off 6+ losses

** (TC) Denotes Time Change

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

[pm530]

College Basketball – Short Sheet

NCAAB
Short Sheet


Friday, January 25th

Added Games:

Canisius at Fairfield, 7:00 EST ESPNU
Canisius: 0-6 ATS as a road underdog of 10+ points
Fairfield: 11-3 ATS after playing as a favorite

Niagara at St. Peter's, 7:00 EST
Niagara: 25-11 ATS away after allowing 80+ points
St. Peter's: 7-25 ATS as a home underdog

Sacramento State at Idaho State, 9:00 EST
Sacramento State: 1-13 ATS as a road underdog of 6.5 to 12 points
Idaho State: 9-23 ATS as a home favorite

Northern Arizona at Weber State, 9:00 EST
Northern Arizona: 7-0 Over vs. Weber State
Weber State: 8-0 ATS at home with a line of +3 to -3

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

[Kaptain]

Wire Alerts for injuries/who's playing/who's not

01/25/08
02:06 PM Lineups
NBA
Rockets F Tracy McGrady (22 ppg; knee) will play tonight, but is not expected to start.

01/25/08
01:53 PM Info Alert
NFL
For the second consecutive day, Patriots QB Tom Brady wasn't in the locker room when reporters were allowed inside today.

01/25/08
11:21 AM Lineups
NBA
Bulls G Ben Gordon (wrist) has been downgraded to not expected to play tonight.


01/25/08
11:16 AM Injuries
NBA
Nets F Richard Jefferson has been playing through a hip injury, but appears to be getting fully healthy after Thursday's 34-point effort.

01/25/08
11:15 AM Injuries
NBA
Nets G Jason Kidd jammed his right thumb in Thursday's loss, but is expected to play tonight against the Nuggets.

01/25/08
11:12 AM Lineups
NBA
Celtics G James Posey (7 ppg; finger) is likely out of action again tonight against the Timberwolves.