Saturday Trends and Indexes 03/15

[pm530]

Trends and Indexes
Saturday, March 15

Good Luck on day #75 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]

Six-pack for Saturday

Six top minor league prospects of Kansas City Royals .

6) Carlos Rosa, P-- Did OK in 97 IP in hitter-happy AA Texas League. Had Tommy John surgery in '04, still throws 94.

5) Blake Wood, P-- Pitched for three different teams in 2007, after having back surgery earlier in season. Could get to the big leagues sometime later this season.

4) Billy Buckner, P-- Has 34 major league IP, 474 more in the minors. Pitches to contact, would be better off in NL.

3) Luke Hochevar, P-- Pitched better in AAA than AA, got a callup to KC, and allowed only 11 hits in 12 IP.

2) Daniel Cortes, P-- Has 13-23 record in minors, but allowed 295 hits in 304 IP, always a good sign.

1) Mike Moustakas, SS-- Actually got a $4M signing bonus from the Royals-- guess who his scumweasel agent is?

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[pm530]

Saturday's List of 13: Wrapping up busy college hoop day........

13) Friday night was an exceptional night of college hoop, with violent weather in Atlanta grabbing headlines. Two holes were torn in the Georgia Dome roof, the Alabama-Mississippi State game was delayed for 64 minutes, and the Kentucky-Georgia game was postponed until noon Saturday. I happened to have the game on TV as it happened; reminded me of the '89 World Series, with the earthquake in San Francisco.

12) Tim Brando did terrific job guiding viewers through delay of 64 minutes, with good interviews by sideline reporter Dave Baker (we finally found a useful sideline reporter!!!). There is a noise that tornadoes make, apparently, and Brando was right on the nose identifying this noise as he heard it. See the box above for how the rest of the SEC tourney will play out.

11) Then there was the last 3.4 seconds of Indiana-Minnesota, with DJ White missing two of three free throws, still scoring 3 points to put Hoosiers up with 0:01.5 left. From there, Gophers threw long pass, and kid named Hoffarber tossed in a leaning jumper from about 17 feet for a very unlikely Minnesota win.

10) Minnesota-Illinois is a Big 11 semifinal game. Tubby Smith is 20-12 in his first year leading the Gophers. Indiana is on the verge of collapse now, at 3-3 under Dakich- a first round loss in NCAAs, with probation looming, won't make hiring the new coach any easier, since White and Gordon will be gone.

9) Bob Knight is much better in ESPN studio when Jay Bilas is with him; the hideous Richard Phelps screwed around so much you couldn't learn anything from Knight. Come to think about, everyone is worse when Phelps is on camera. Please go away.

8) Knight and Bilas had good exchange about makeup of the NCAA Selection Committee, which has 10 people in it, with six of the ten having no basketball playing/coaching experience. Knight seemed quite adamant he hated having non-basketball people on the committee. The exchange made for good TV.

7) Georgetown has never lost game in Big East tourney in the years where they were the top seed, which they are this year.

6) Roy Williams' #1 job these days aeems to be to rant about Tyler HanXXXough not taking enough foul shots. After going game and a half with zero FTs, he wound up with 10 Friday.

5) Kansas State and Indiana are two teams who could easily go away early next week, as late season slumps are going to give them seeds that will give them formidable first round foes.

4) Top two seeds in Big West got dumped Friday, so Fullerton faces Irvine for Big West title. Anteaters are trying to win for a fourth straight day-- St Joe's in A-14 is another team trying to acomplish that rather difficult feat.

3) Temple-St Joe's final in Atlantic 14 knocks one of the bubble teams out, as Xavier is getting in, and Owls-Hawks had a zero chance at NCAAs coming into the weekend, so winner takes a spot away from whomever team #66 is.

2) Good New Analyst alert; former Vandy player Barry Booker does SEC games, and he is very good, seems like a guy sitting with you watching the game. He isn't afraid to inject humor in broadcast, but he isn't obnoxious about it. ESPN needs him.

1) How would you like to be the guy who determines which of the 30,000 ticket holders get into Alexander Coliseum for semis and finals of SEC tourney? There is some sentiment that there won't be a final, that they'll declare co-champions, but there is going to be game Sunday, either the final, or game between the winner of Kentucky-Georgia against Mississippi State.

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[pm530]

Arena Football League – Long Sheet

AFL
Long Sheet


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Saturday, March 15
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CLEVELAND (2 - 0) at COLUMBUS (0 - 2) - 3/15/2008, 7:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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LOS ANGELES (2 - 0) at GEORGIA (0 - 2) - 3/15/2008, 7:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
LOS ANGELES is 1-0 against the spread versus GEORGIA over the last 3 seasons
LOS ANGELES is 1-0 straight up against GEORGIA 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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ARIZONA (1 - 1) at SAN JOSE (1 - 1) - 3/15/2008, 10:30 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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Sunday, March 16
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NEW YORK (1 - 1) at PHILADELPHIA (2 - 0) - 3/16/2008, 2:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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TAMPA BAY (2 - 0) at NEW ORLEANS (1 - 1) - 3/16/2008, 3:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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Monday, March 17
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COLORADO (1 - 0) at DALLAS (2 - 0) - 3/17/2008, 8:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
DALLAS is 1-0 against the spread versus COLORADO over the last 3 seasons
DALLAS is 1-0 straight up against COLORADO 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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[pm530]

Arena Football League – Additional

AFL
Week 3


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Trend Sheet
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MARCH 15, 7:00 PM

CLEVELAND vs. COLUMBUS
Cleveland is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Columbus
Cleveland is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Columbus
Columbus is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Cleveland
Columbus is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Cleveland


MARCH 15, 7:00 PM

LOS ANGELES vs. GEORGIA
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Los Angeles's last 5 games when playing Georgia
Los Angeles is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games
Georgia is 15-5 SU in its last 20 games
Georgia is 9-2 SU in its last 11 games at home


MARCH 15, 10:30 PM

ARIZONA vs. SAN JOSE
Arizona is 0-4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing San Jose
Arizona is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing San Jose
San Jose is 9-2 ATS in its last 11 games at home
San Jose is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home


MARCH 16, 2:00 PM

NEW YORK vs. PHILADELPHIA
New York is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 9 of New York's last 12 games on the road
Philadelphia is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Philadelphia is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games


MARCH 16, 3:00 PM

TAMPA BAY vs. NEW ORLEANS
Tampa Bay is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing New Orleans
Tampa Bay is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing New Orleans
New Orleans is 2-9 SU in its last 11 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of New Orleans's last 5 games at home


MARCH 17, 8:00 PM

COLORADO vs. DALLAS
Colorado is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Colorado is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games
Dallas is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Dallas is 10-1 SU in its last 11 games


MARCH 20, 10:30 PM

PHILADELPHIA vs. LOS ANGELES
Philadelphia is 5-1-1 SU in its last 7 games
Philadelphia is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games on the road
Los Angeles is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games at home
Los Angeles is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home


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AFL
”Six-pack”

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Info from earlier AFL “Six-pack”
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Arena Football tidbits with Week 3 approaching.......

-- Cleveland Gladiators (2-0) go to Columbus, their first road game after scoring 63.5 ppg in first two wins.

-- Short week for LA Avengers, who got crushed in Arizona Monday night. Georgia (0-2) really needs a win.

-- Home opener for AFL champ San Jose, which split pair of road games to open the season.

-- Bon Jovi's Philadelphia Soul scored 68.5 ppg in winning its first two games; they host division rival Dragons this week.

-- Memphis alum Danny Wimprine led New Orleans to 54-53 win over Orlando to even its record at 1-1. Tampa Storm is off to 2-0 start after beating Kansas City, Georgia to start '08.

-- John Elway's Colorado Crush had last week off after 50-47 win vs Columbus in season opener. Dallas (2-0) won both its first two games by ten points each.

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[pm530]

College Basketball – Cheat Sheet

NCAAB


Saturday, March 15

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NCAAB – Cheat Sheet
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College Cheat Sheet: Conference Tourney Championships

The road to San Antonio will be paved with the eventual winners of this weekend’s Conference Tournaments. As a reward, these champions will have earned the majority of the top seeds to be announced on Selection Sunday. And, as a result, it’s our last chance to pad our bankroll before the Big Dance begins.

Let’s take a Cheat Sheet peek at what we can expect in these title games over the weekend. All results are since 1991 in Conference Championship games only, unless mentioned otherwise. For openers, here’s a breakdown of some of the best and worst ATS title game results within each the six major conferences.

ACC – while it’s been all Duke (11 appearances) and North Carolina (10 appearances) in the title game, these two have not faced one another in a game for all the marbles since 2001. In head-to-head title games, the Blue Devils hold a 3-2 SU and ATS edge over the Tar Heels, having been favored all five times. In fact, throughout all games in the ACC tourney, Coach K’s crew is 0-4 SU and ATS in winnable roles (as a dog or favorite of less than three points). Key Stat: teams in this title game, off an ATS win of eight or more points, are 1-8 SU and 3-5-1 ATS.

Big East – the straight-up winner in the title games is 15-2 ATS, however 10 of those wins have been by the underdog. Final favorites of three or more points are just 3-7 ATS. Should Georgetown, the loop’s top seed, arrive to the championship game (they are 13-0 SU as a No.1 seed in this tourney), our key stat could likely come into play: teams who allow less than 65 points are 12-2 SU and 11-3 ATS in title games.

Big Ten – entering its 11th year of play, the Big Ten/11 has seen four teams earn the title two times each (Iowa, Illinois, Michigan State and Ohio State). The Buckeyes and the Fighting Illini lead the pack with five appearances each in the title game. No. 1 and No.2 seeds have been the big money makers, going 8-3 SU and ATS, with all other lowers seeds 2-7 SU and ATS. Key Stat: teams playing with revenge in the championship game are 1-7 ATS.

Big 12 – similar to the Big 10, this conference enters just its 12th year of competition (it was formerly the Big 8 and the SWC in years prior). Kansas leads the way with five titles (5-1 SU and 4-2 ATS), followed by three for Oklahoma. No.1 seed Texas is still a Big 12 virgin, going 0-4 SU and 1-3 ATS ATS in games for the big cheese. Key Stat: teams that score 70 or more points in the title game are 6-1 SU and 5-2 ATS.

PAC 10 – arguably the strongest league in the land this year, the Beach Boys have been holding postseason parking lot conference concerts since 2002. In that span only Oregon has managed to arrive to the championship game more than once (two times), while USC has made the most appearances (four). Top seed UCLA has been here once, in 2006 when they defeated California to earn the crown. Interestingly, teams with a win percentage of less than .700 are 0-4 SU and ATS while teams with a win percentage of more than .700 are 5-1 SU and ATS. One other note in passing: teams that manage to score 74 or more points in the title game are 5-0 SU and ATS. Those who fail to score 74 are 1-6 SU and ATS.

SEC – the three-time defending champs (Florida) are gone, but a lot of history abounds in championship games inside this loop. If you don’t mind laying points then this is your conference. That’s confirmed by the fact that favorites of six or more points are 8-1 SU and 7-1-1 ATS in championship affairs. No.1 seed Tennessee has made one appearance, a 19-point loss back in 1991 against Alabama. Leading the cavalry is Kentucky with no less than 11 performances in the title game, more than double its nearest competitor (Florida, five). It doesn’t hurt knowing that teams ring the register when they put up 75 or more points in the big game. When they do they are 12-1 SU and ATS (5-16 SU and 4-15-2 ATS when they don’t).

In closing, some parting thoughts to keep in mind while seeking a dance partner this weekend: teams on home courts in championship games are 33-9 SU and 24-17-1 ATS since 1991. No.1 seeds, when playing off an ATS win of seven or more points in the semi-final round, are super tough at 39-20-2 ATS. And finally, No.2 seeds are just 6-18-2 ATS in championship games off an ATS win of 12 or more points. Enjoy the rehearsal.

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[pm530]

National Basketball Association - Gameday

NBA
Gameday


Saturday, March 15

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NBA Gameday
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Two teams fighting for playoff spots take to the court on Saturday as the New Jersey Nets host the Utah Jazz and the Golden State Warriors welcome the Memphis Grizzlies. Also in action are the Phoenix Suns who are at home to the Sacramento Kings.

Utah at New Jersey

The Jazz were red-hot having won six of their last seven games heading into Friday night’s tough test against Boston. Earlier in the week Utah knocked off Milwaukee 114-100, but they were unable to cover the 8-point spread. Deron Williams unleashed 26 points and 13 rebounds in the win, while Carlos Boozer had his usual double-double with 20 points and 11 rebounds.

The Nets are still holding on to eighth place in the Eastern Conference after finally snapping their six-game losing streak on Wednesday night. The Nets upset Cleveland 104-99 as a 4-point underdog behind 24 points from Richard Jefferson. Bostjan Nachbar scored 21 points off the bench in the win, while Vince Carter had 14 points, eight rebounds and six assists.

The Jazz and Nets have met up once already this season way back in November, when Utah defeated New Jersey 102-75 as an 11-point favorite. Williams led the Jazz with 20 points and six assists, while Jefferson delivered 22 points for a Nets' squad that played without Vince Carter.

Memphis at Golden State

The Grizzlies are a welcome sight for any NBA team looking for a win these days. Memphis has only one win in their last 13 games and they’re 1-12 ATS in those games. The Grizzlies' latest loss came on Wednesday night when they fell to Denver 108-86 as a 16.5-point underdog. Juan Carlos Navarro led Memphis with 16 points and seven rebounds in the lopsided loss.

Golden State remains two games up on Denver for eighth place in the Western Conference after losing to Phoenix 123-115 as a 7.5-point underdog on Thursday night. Baron Davis had a huge game in the loss with 38 points, nine rebounds and eight assists, but still the Warriors came up short.

The Warriors are 2-0 both SU and ATS against Memphis this season, and they have won five straight against the Grizzlies overall. Golden State and Memphis last clashed on January 11 when Davis scored 20 points and added 19 assists to lead the Warriors to a 116-104 win as a 9.5-point favorite. The now-traded Pau Gasol led Memphis with 43 points and 11 rebounds in the loss.

Sacramento at Phoenix

The Kings have won their last two games after defeating Portland 96-85 as a 3.5-point favorite on Thursday night. Ron Artest played some stifling defense for the Kings and also scored a team-high 22 points in the win. Beno Udrih added 14 points, eight rebounds and seven assists, while Brad Miller chipped in with 14 points and seven rebounds.

The Suns are finally coming together after winning their last three games, including Thursday night's aforementioned 123-115 win over Golden State as a 7.5-point favorite. Amare Stoudemire scored 36 points and had 11 rebounds for the Suns, and Steve Nash added 21 points and 13 assists in the win. Boris Diaw had a strong all-around game with 16 points, seven rebounds and five assists, while Shaquille O’Neal had a short night after playing only 14 minutes and recording nine points and four rebounds.

The Suns are 3-0 straight up and 2-1 ATS in three games against Sacramento this season. The last time these two teams met up back in December, the Suns won 117-102 as an 8-point favorite. Stoudemire led the Suns with 31 points and 17 rebounds, while the Kings were shorthanded playing without Artest and Kevin Martin.

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[Chado1]

Thanks guys and good luck today!!!

[Udog]

Good morning,Chado! How 'bout those Habs?!?!?!?!?

[Udog]

NCAAB
Dunkel


Guys, if Bob Dunkel updates this later, so will we.


Michigan State vs. Wisconsin
The Spartans look to build on the momentum from yesterday's win over Ohio State, but run into a Wisconsin team that has won eight straight conference games, including five straight away from home. The Badgers are the pick (-3) according to Dunkel, which has Wisconsin favored by 5. Dunkel Pick: Wisconsin (-3). Here are all of today's games.

SATURDAY, MARCH 15

Game 717-718: Tulsa at Memphis
Dunkel Ratings: Tulsa 65.469; Memphis 79.019
Dunkel Line: Memphis by 13 1/2
Vegas Line: Memphis by 15 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Tulsa (+15 1/2)

Game 719-720: Arkansas vs. Tennessee
Dunkel Ratings: Arkansas 66.160; Tennessee 73.437
Dunkel Line: Tennessee by 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Tennessee by 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Tennessee (-5 1/2)

Game 723-724: Virginia Tech vs. North Carolina
Dunkel Ratings: Virginia Tech 66.739; North Carolina 76.977
Dunkel Line: North Carolina by 10
Vegas Line: North Carolina by 11
Dunkel Pick: Virginia Tech (+11)

Game 725-726: Clemson vs. Duke
Dunkel Ratings: Clemson 69.180; Duke 73.144
Dunkel Line: Duke by 4
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 727-728: Michigan State vs. Wisconsin
Dunkel Ratings: Michigan State 69.772; Wisconsin 74.876
Dunkel Line: Wisconsin by 5
Vegas Line: Wisconsin by 3
Dunkel Pick: Wisconsin (-3)

Game 729-730: Illinois vs. Minnesota
Dunkel Ratings: Illinois 66.731; Minnesota 61.957
Dunkel Line: Illinois by 5
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 731-732: Oklahoma vs. Texas
Dunkel Ratings: Oklahoma 69.640; Texas 72.509
Dunkel Line: Texas by 3
Vegas Line: Texas by 5
Dunkel Pick: Oklahoma (+5)

Game 733-734: Texas A&M vs. Kansas
Dunkel Ratings: Texas A&M 69.313; Kansas 82.361
Dunkel Line: Kansas by 13
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 735-736: St. Joseph's vs. Temple
Dunkel Ratings: St. Joseph's 63.157; Temple 64.259
Dunkel Line: Temple by 1
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 737-738: Stanford vs. UCLA
Dunkel Ratings: Stanford 69.111; UCLA 76.754
Dunkel Line: UCLA by 7 1/2
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 739-740: Akron vs. Kent State
Dunkel Ratings: Akron 60.137; Kent State 63.052
Dunkel Line: Kent State by 3
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 741-742: BYU at UNLV
Dunkel Ratings: BYU 67.487; UNLV 67.813
Dunkel Line: Even
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 743-744: Pittsburgh vs. Georgetown
Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh 68.174; Georgetown 73.831
Dunkel Line: Georgetown by 5 1/2
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 745-746: Boise State at New Mexico State
Dunkel Ratings: Boise State 55.027; New Mexico State 68.068
Dunkel Line: New Mexico State by 13
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 747-748: UC-Irvine vs. CS-Fullerton
Dunkel Ratings: UC-Irvine 56.216; CS-Fullerton 59.228
Dunkel Line: CS-Fullerton by 3
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 749-750: Hartford at MD-Baltimore Co.
Dunkel Ratings: Hartford 47.644; MD-Baltimore Co. 57.614
Dunkel Line: MD-Baltimore Co. by 10
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 751-752: Jackson State vs. Mississippi Valley State
Dunkel Ratings: Jackson State 38.469; Mississippi Valley State 41.747
Dunkel Line: Mississippi Valley State by 3 1/2
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 753-754: Coppin State vs. Morgan State
Dunkel Ratings: Coppin State 43.937; Morgan State 47.883
Dunkel Line: Morgan State by 4
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

[Udog]

NBA


Saturday, March 15

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Tips and Trends
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San Antonio Spurs at Philadelphia 76ers [7 PM ET]

Spurs: Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich has made his team step up its physical play , starting Kurt Thomas in 7 straight games. According to team insiders, the players have taken to this more aggressive play and will employ this scheme against the 76ers. However, they got crushed against the Hornets on Wednesday and are just 1-5-1 ATS during this 7-game span.


PROJECTED SCORE: TBD

The UNDER is 7-3 in San Antonio?s last 10 games against the Atlantic Division.

Key Injuries - F Bruce Bowen (6 ppg; suspension) is expected to return.

76ers: The 76ers have won 14 of 18, going 8-1 at home and coming off back-to-back wins at Chicago and Detroit. Philadelphia is 3-21 when allowing 100-plus points, but the Spurs have scored over the century mark just 5 times in their last 25 games.


PROJECTED SCORE: TBD

76ers are 10-1 ATS in their last 11 home games.

Key Injuries - G Andre Miller (17 ppg; back/abdominal) said he is "feeling better" and is probable to play.
G Willie Green (13 ppg; back) is probable.


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Sacramento Kings at Phoenix Suns [10 PM ET]

Kings: After an all-hands on deck team meeting per head coach Reggie Theus, Sacramento has responded with back-to-back wins against the Lakers and Blazers. According to team insiders, the Kings love playing against tougher opponents. This has been the case as the Kings recently lost to the Timberwolves and Clippers before taking down the Lakers and Blazers. "We enjoy playing better teams," said Ron Artest, who is fresh off a 22-point performance against the Blazers.

PROJECTED SCORE: TBD

Kings are 10-4-1 ATS in their last 15 Saturday games.

Key Injuries - NONE

Suns (-9, O/U 228): Shaquille O'Neal is averaging just 10 ppg since the trade, but his presence down low seems to be enough these days. Phoenix is has won 3 straight, scoring a combined 255 points in the last 2 games alone. This winning streak has moved them to 43-22, making the Hornets feel the pressure for the No. 5 seed out West. Head coach Mike D'Antoni said he is proud of how his team is responding, and things are looking good.

The OVER is 18-6 in Phoenix's last 24 games overall.

Key Injuries - NONE

[Udog]

NCAAB


Saturday, March 15

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Tips and Trends
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ACC Semis: Virginia Tech vs. #1 North Carolina [ESPN2 | 1:30 PM ET]

Virginia Tech: The Hokies have covered the spread in 6 straight games, thanks in large part to a stingy defense that's allowing just 52 points per game over that span. Virginia Tech will need to continue to play well defensively against a North Carolina team that beat them 92-53 earlier in the year while shooting 50 percent from the field.

PROJECTED SCORE: TBD

Key Injuries - NONE

North Carolina (-11, O/U 149): Like they do in a majority of their games, the Tar Heels have a big rebounding advantage over Virginia Tech. In their first meeting this season, North Carolina out-rebounded the Hokies, 49-21. In that game, Virginia Tech was only able to bring down 7 offensive rebounds as a team, just 1 more than Tar Heel Alex Stepheson, who had 6.

PROJECTED SCORE: TBD

Key Injuries - NONE

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ACC Semis: Clemson vs. #7 Duke [ESPN2 | 3:30 PM ET]

Clemson: Duke is historically a good free-throw shooting team, and the Blue Devils will have a huge advantage in that area against Clemson. The Tigers are the worst free-throw shooting team in the ACC, converting just 58.6 percent of the time from the foul line in conference play. One bright spot for Clemson backers is that in their blowout win over Boston College on Friday, the Tigers shot a solid 71.4 percent from the free-throw line.

PROJECTED SCORE: TBD

Key Injuries - NONE

Duke: If the Tigers are going to upset Duke, they'll need to play strong defense and not give the Blue Devil shooters open looks at the basket. Duke has failed to shoot 40 percent from the floor 5 times this season, and 2 of those games (Pittsburgh and North Carolina) have ended in losses. In fact, 3 of the Blue Devils' 5 worst shooting games have come in their last 9 outings.

Key Injuries - NONE

PROJECTED SCORE: TBD

[Udog]

NBA
Dunkel


Minnesota at Portland
The Blazers have dropped two of their last three and host a Minnesota team tonight that has won three of its last four. The Timberwolves are the pick (+9 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has Portland favored by only 6. Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (+9 1/2). Here are all of today's games.

SATURDAY, MARCH 15

Game 701-702: LA Clippers at Washington
Dunkel Ratings: LA Clippers 105.671; Washington 121.188
Dunkel Line & Total: Washington by 15 1/2; 202
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 703-704: San Antonio at Philadelphia
Dunkel Ratings: San Antonio 119.011; Philadelphia 124.564
Dunkel Line & Total: Philadelphia by 5 1/2; 181
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 705-706: Indiana at Orlando
Dunkel Ratings: Indiana 115.055; Orlando 126.884
Dunkel Line & Total: Orlando by 12; 218
Vegas Line & Total: Orlando by 10; 221 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Orlando (-10); Under

Game 707-708: Utah at New Jersey
Dunkel Ratings: Utah 122.166; New Jersey 116.765
Dunkel Line & Total: Utah by 5 1/2; 209
Vegas Line & Total: Utah by 3; 204 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Utah (-3); Over

Game 709-710: Boston at Milwaukee
Dunkel Ratings: Boston 125.935; Milwaukee 115.837
Dunkel Line & Total: Boston by 10; 209
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 711-712: Minnesota at Portland
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota 112.002; Portland 118.119
Dunkel Line & Total: Portland by 6; 196
Vegas Line & Total: Portland by 9 1/2; 190 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (+9 1/2); Over

Game 713-714: Sacramento at Phoenix
Dunkel Ratings: Sacramento 113.528; Phoenix 121.346
Dunkel Line & Total: Phoenix by 8; 233
Vegas Line & Total: Phoenix by 9; 228
Dunkel Pick: Sacramento (+9); Over

Game 715-716: Memphis at Golden State
Dunkel Ratings: Memphis 104.763; Golden State 128.915
Dunkel Line & Total: Golden State by 24; 242
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

[Udog]

NHL
Dunkel


Los Angeles at Minnesota
The Kings are coming off a road win at Nashville and face a Minnesota team that has lost five straight. Los Angeles is the underdog pick (+180) according to Dunkel, which has the Kings favored straight up by 1. Dunkel Pick: Los Angeles (+180). Here are all of today's games.

SATURDAY, MARCH 15

Game 51-52: Philadelphia at Boston
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia 10.923; Boston 10.257
Dunkel Line & Total: Philadelphia by 1; 6
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 53-54: Nashville at Detroit
Dunkel Ratings: Nashville 10.763; Detroit 12.165
Dunkel Line & Total: Detroit by 1 1/2; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Detroit (-230); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (-230); Over

Game 55-56: New Jersey at Colorado
Dunkel Ratings: New Jersey 11.219; Colorado 12.157
Dunkel Line & Total: Colorado by 1; 4 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 57-58: Buffalo at Toronto
Dunkel Ratings: Buffalo 11.127; Toronto 11.538
Dunkel Line & Total: Toronto by 1/2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 59-60: Vancouver at Dallas
Dunkel Ratings: Vancouver 11.036; Dallas 11.607
Dunkel Line & Total: Dallas by 1/2; 4
Vegas Line & Total: Dallas (-150); 5
Dunkel Pick: Dallas (-150); Under

Game 61-62: NY Islanders at Montreal
Dunkel Ratings: NY Islanders 9.589; Montreal 12.296
Dunkel Line & Total: Montreal by 2 1/2; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Montreal (-220); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Montreal (-220); Over

Game 63-64: NY Rangers at Tampa Bay
Dunkel Ratings: NY Rangers 11.760; Tampa Bay 10.883
Dunkel Line & Total: NY Rangers by 1; 5
Vegas Line & Total: NY Rangers (-135); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: NY Rangers (-135); Under

Game 65-66: Los Angeles at Minnesota
Dunkel Ratings: Los Angeles 11.508; Minnesota 10.608
Dunkel Line & Total: Los Angeles by 1; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Minnesota (-220); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Los Angeles (+180); Under

Game 67-68: St. Louis at Anaheim
Dunkel Ratings: St. Louis 10.227; Anaheim 12.195
Dunkel Line & Total: Anaheim by 2; 4
Vegas Line & Total: Anaheim (-250); 5
Dunkel Pick: Anaheim (-250); Under

Game 69-70: Edmonton at Phoenix
Dunkel Ratings: Edmonton 11.238; Phoenix 11.082
Dunkel Line & Total: Edmonton by 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Phoenix (-155); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Edmonton (+135); Under

[Udog]

NBA
Long Sheet


Saturday, March 15


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LA CLIPPERS (21 - 43) at WASHINGTON (32 - 32) - 3/15/2008, 7:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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SAN ANTONIO (44 - 21) at PHILADELPHIA (32 - 34) - 3/15/2008, 7:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHILADELPHIA is 3-1 against the spread versus SAN ANTONIO over the last 3 seasons
SAN ANTONIO is 4-1 straight up against PHILADELPHIA 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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INDIANA (25 - 40) at ORLANDO (43 - 24) - 3/15/2008, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
INDIANA is 33-46 ATS (-17.6 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
INDIANA is 19-34 ATS (-18.4 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
INDIANA is 35-55 ATS (-25.5 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 3 seasons.
INDIANA is 12-27 ATS (-17.7 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
ORLANDO is 42-24 ATS (+15.6 Units) in all games this season.
ORLANDO is 28-16 ATS (+10.4 Units) as a favorite this season.
ORLANDO is 14-4 ATS (+9.6 Units) in home games in March games over the last 3 seasons.
ORLANDO is 18-8 ATS (+9.2 Units) on Saturday games over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 12-3 ATS (+8.7 Units) in home games after a division game over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 22-12 ATS (+8.8 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
ORLANDO is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
INDIANA is 234-189 ATS (+26.1 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
INDIANA is 6-3 against the spread versus ORLANDO over the last 3 seasons
INDIANA is 6-3 straight up against ORLANDO over the last 3 seasons
7 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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UTAH (44 - 23) at NEW JERSEY (27 - 38) - 3/15/2008, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
UTAH is 5-14 ATS (-10.4 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
UTAH is 12-24 ATS (-14.4 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
NEW JERSEY is 23-39 ATS (-19.9 Units) in all games this season.
NEW JERSEY is 13-23 ATS (-12.3 Units) as an underdog this season.
NEW JERSEY is 11-20 ATS (-11.0 Units) in home games this season.
NEW JERSEY is 5-16 ATS (-12.6 Units) in March games over the last 2 seasons.
NEW JERSEY is 7-18 ATS (-12.8 Units) in non-conference games this season.
NEW JERSEY is 11-23 ATS (-14.3 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent this season.
NEW JERSEY is 6-21 ATS (-17.1 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
NEW JERSEY is 14-25 ATS (-13.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
NEW JERSEY is 7-19 ATS (-13.9 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.

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

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BOSTON (51 - 13) at MILWAUKEE (23 - 42) - 3/15/2008, 8:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
MILWAUKEE is 5-3 against the spread versus BOSTON over the last 3 seasons
MILWAUKEE is 5-3 straight up against BOSTON 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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MINNESOTA (15 - 49) at PORTLAND (34 - 32) - 3/15/2008, 10:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 63-80 ATS (-25.0 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 19-34 ATS (-18.4 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 9-19 ATS (-11.9 Units) after a division game over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 7-19 ATS (-13.9 Units) after 3 or more consecutive overs over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 22-34 ATS (-15.4 Units) after allowing 105 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 9-20 ATS (-13.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
PORTLAND is 39-56 ATS (-22.6 Units) second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
PORTLAND is 42-60 ATS (-24.0 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
PORTLAND is 17-31 ATS (-17.1 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record - 2nd half of the season over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
PORTLAND is 9-2 against the spread versus MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
PORTLAND is 7-4 straight up against MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
6 of 11 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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SACRAMENTO (29 - 35) at PHOENIX (43 - 22) - 3/15/2008, 10:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SACRAMENTO is 8-18 ATS (-11.8 Units) vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
SACRAMENTO is 25-15 ATS (+8.5 Units) as an underdog this season.
SACRAMENTO is 32-18 ATS (+12.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
PHOENIX is 4-16 ATS (-13.6 Units) as a home favorite of 9.5 to 12 points over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 175-220 ATS (-67.0 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record since 1996.
PHOENIX is 32-57 ATS (-30.7 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record - 2nd half of the season since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHOENIX is 6-5 against the spread versus SACRAMENTO over the last 3 seasons
PHOENIX is 8-3 straight up against SACRAMENTO over the last 3 seasons
7 of 11 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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MEMPHIS (15 - 49) at GOLDEN STATE (40 - 24) - 3/15/2008, 10:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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