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**pm530** · 10-29-2008, 04:18 AM

Daily Sports Roundup

Wednesday, October 29

The World Series is set to resume on Wednesday (weather permitting), while many more NBA teams get going on their regular seasons. Here's your Daily Sports Roundup.

The Gridiron Spotlight

The Titans vanquished the Colts on Monday night, which put them at 7-0 both straight-up and against-the-spread on the season (and four games up in the AFC South standings to boot). That makes Tennessee the most lucrative team in the conference; only the Ravens and Browns are close to them ATS, as they're both at 5-2 vs. the line.

Over in the NFC there are six teams with five against-the-spread victories already - the Giants, Redskins, Eagles, Buccaneers, Saints, and Cardinals. The worst teams to support in that conference have been the Vikings, Lions, and Niners, who all have just two ATS victories. Overall, however, the worst team for your betting dollar this year has been the Broncos - through their seven games they are at just 1-5-1 ATS (but 4-3 SU).

Other Notable Events

Major League Baseball decided not to resume soggy Game 5 of the World Series on Tuesday night, so that pushes the contest to Wednesday night in Philadelphia (assuming they can get some decent weather). The game is tied 2-2 after 5 1-2 innings of play; Shane Victorino drove in both Philadelphia runs, while Evan Longoria and Carlos Pena picked up the RBI for Tampa Bay. Originally Game 6 was supposed to be played in Tampa on Wednesday, so that contest (if required) will obviously be pushed.

The Rest of the Schedule

The NBA regular season kicks into high gear on Wednesday night, with two dozen teams in action. The Oklahoma City Thunder will begin life at home on Wednesday against Milwaukee, while Mike D'Antoni will make his debut as the head coach of the Knicks when they play host to the Heat. D'Antoni's former team, the Suns, will begin their 2008/09 campaign on the road; they'll play in San Antonio on Wednesday night.

Rounding out the NBA's Wednesday slate: New Jersey at Washington, Toronto at Philadelphia, Atlanta at Orlando, Sacramento at Minnesota, Indiana at Detroit, Memphis at Houston, Denver at Utah, and New Orleans at Golden State. As well, the Lakers will play their second game in two nights when they 'visit' the Clippers in a divisional battle.

Finally, there are three National Hockey League games on Wednesday night: Toronto at New Jersey, Minnesota at Dallas, and Detroit at Anaheim. After a slow start to the regular season the Ducks have turned it around of late, picking up the victory in each of their last four games. Anaheim topped Columbus last time out, winning 3-2 on the road.

News from the Wire

Shaun Hill will take over the Niners' starting quarterback duties from J.T. O'Sullivan . . . Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck isn't expected to return to action this week . . . Free-agent quarterback Daunte Culpepper is still rumored to be in the hunt for a job . . . Rams running back Steven Jackson is expected to play despite a sore quad this week . . . Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer won't return from his elbow injury this weekend, and there's still a good chance that he won't be able to play for the team again this year.

A Peek at the Future

The Cavaliers will get back in action on Thursday night when they play host to Charlotte; the other two NBA games on the Thursday schedule are Houston at Dallas and New Orleans at Phoenix . . . the final Formula One race of the season, the Brazilian Grand Prix, will take place on Sunday, with Lewis Hamilton holding a 94-87 lead on Felipe Massa in the drivers championship. Ferrari leads the constructors championship.

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**pm530** · 10-29-2008, 04:19 AM

Six-pack for Wednesday

-- Hard to believe there is no merit/reward system for umpires in postseason play; a guy can't ump in back-to-back World Series. It is stuff like this that leads to umpiring like we saw Monday, when the plate ump was blatantly squeezing Scott Kazmir.

-- In their last four games, Michigan was outscored 87-13 in second half, which is why they're 2-6 and staying home for the holidays.

-- Southern Mississippi has a kicker named Britt Barefoot; in the same league, at Marshall, the Herd has a receiver named Passmore.

-- When they asked Tyrone Willingham about his "resignation" at Washington, he said "...it wasn't my idea." Whose idea was it????

-- Miami Hurricanes held their last four opponents to 40% passing with 13 INTs- if they get better QB play, they could be real good.

-- Teams should be able to submit a list of 3-4 umpires that they want no part of in playoffs (you can do that in HS basketball); this would only seem fair, since the best umps are not always in World Series, because of the stupid rotation system they have.

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**pm530** · 10-29-2008, 04:20 AM

Wednesday's Den: Blue Ribbon's top 13 college hoop teams....

13) Michigan State-- Three starters back from 27-9 team; loaded in terms of having athletes, with three 5th-year big men. Final Four is in Detroit, so Spartans would have home court edge if they make it.

12) Purdue-- Have five starters back from 25-9 team that lost in 2nd round of NCAAs LY; Boilers were +157 in turnovers a year ago and figure to be even better now, having taken summer trip to Australia.

11) Memphis-- Calipari's team is the modern version of Tark's clubs at UNLV, a national giant playing in a substandard league. Tigers are missing three starters and two assistant coaches from LY, but they'll reload, breeze through C-USA again, and be nasty in March.

10) Texas-- Four starters back from 31-7 team that lost in regional finals; Longhorns have 131 wins the last five years, but you'll never see Rick Barnes' name on top coaches' list. Recruiting is a big part of coaching, people. If you get great players, you'll win lot of games.

9) Tennessee-- Vols have 77 wins the last three years, but this will be a different Tennessee team, deeper, more athletic, but not a team that will shoot as well. If they develop a quality point guard, watch out.

8) Duke-- Blue Devils have stumbled last two years in March; now that Coach K has his gold medal, he has to figure out if longer 3-point shot will hamper a team that made 141 more 3's than its foes LY.

7) Louisville-- Have four starters back from 27-9 team, but Padgett was a glue guy- how much will they miss him? Cardinals need one of the freshman big guys (or both) to step up- their forwards are really good players. Haing Pitino on bench gives them a better chance.

6) Oklahoma-- 75% of their scholarships guys are in first or second year of D-I ball, but they're all talented guys, so Sooners won't lack for depth. Blake Griffin is double-double guy every night, so talent is going to have to carry the day until they gain experience.

5) UConn-- Four starters back from 24-9 team, they'll get two guys eligible after first semester. If they get some shooting to go with the defensive presence of Thabeet, it wouldn't be shocking to see them in Detroit, making up for their forst round loss to San Diego LY.

4) UCLA-- 97 wins and three Final Fours the last three years; they're retooling again, with three starters gone from 35-4 team. Bruins aren't as deep as LY, but their perimeter is solid. It becomes a question of how quickly the new big men develop. You know they'll defend well

3) Notre Dame-- Mike Brey is 5-5 in NCAA's with Notre Dame, as his excellent coaching job has been overshadowed by disappointment in March. They've won 37 games in a row at home, for Big East club thats pretty damn impressive.

2) Pitt-- 132 wins in last five years, but until Arizona job gets filled by someone other than Jamie Dixon, that question will dog the Pitt mentor all season. They need to shoot ball better, and some of their six new guys will have to contribute right away.

1) North Carolina-- Has whole team back, ton of expectations; they are 13-deep, which means their biggest problem will be keeping guys happy, playing time-wise. Hans-brough is a senior without a title, so that will be the Tar Heels' focus this season.

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**pm530** · 10-29-2008, 04:22 AM

This Day in MLB

MLB

Wednesday, October 29

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This day in Baseball….
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On October 29 in Baseball History...

* 1920 - The Yankees sign Red Sox manager Ed Barrow as business manager, completing the front office team that will build the game's most successful record. Hugh Duffy replaces Barrow in Boston.

* 1931 - Lefty Grove, winner of 31 games for the Philadelphia A's, is named AL MVP. He led the league in strikeouts for the seventh straight season and topped all pitchers in winning percentage, ERA and complete games.

* 1942 - Branch Rickey, the architect of the St. Louis Cardinals' farm system, resigned as the team's vice president.

* 1945 - Happy Chandler, who had continued to serve in the U.S. Senate after becoming commissioner, resigns his political office. He will move the commissioner's quarters to Cincinnati.

* 1949 - The White Sox make arguably their best trade ever, sending catcher Joe Tipton, who hit .204 in his one season in Chicago, to the Athletics for young Nellie Fox.

* 1969 - Tom Seaver, who won 25 games to help lead the Mets to one of the most unlikely championships in baseball history, is voted the NL Cy Young Award winner.

* 1975 - Fred Lynn, who led the league in runs, doubles and slugging percentage for the AL champion Red Sox, is the overwhelming choice as AL Rookie of the Year.

* 1979 - Willie Mays severed all ties to major league baseball after signing a contract with the Bally Corporation, which is involved with legalized gambling in Atlantic City, N.J.

* 1981 - Bill Giles, Phillies vice president for the past 11 years, heads a group that purchases the club for just over $30 million, the highest price paid to date for a major-league club. Giles is the son of longtime NL president Warren C. Giles.

* 1985 - Cardinals pitcher Joaquin Andujar is suspended for the first 10 games of the 1986 season as a result of his World Series Game Seven tantrum during which he twice bumped home plate umpire Don Denkinger.

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**pm530** · 10-29-2008, 04:32 AM

Due to heavy rain, Game Five was suspended in the sixth inning Monday night. It's tied 2-2 going to the bottom of the sixth.

Phils, Rays to resume Game 5 on Wednesday night

PHILADELPHIA – In the middle of all this World Series chaos, Joe Maddon sounded rather calm. Bumped to a hotel in Delaware until Game 5 resumes Wednesday night — if the weather cooperates — the Tampa Bay manager and his young team rode out the storm together. "I referred to it as kind of like getting snowed in, if I could go back to my roots," said Maddon, raised in nearby Hazleton, Pa.

Rain put the Series on hold Monday night, with the Phillies and Tampa Bay Rays suspended in the sixth inning with the score 2-all.

More rain and possible snow showers was expected Tuesday, so commissioner Bud Selig said Game 5 was tentatively set to resume at 8:37 p.m. Wednesday night.

"While obviously we want to finish Game 5 as soon as possible, the forecast for today does not allow for us to continue the game this evening," Selig said. "We are closely monitoring tomorrow's forecast and will continue to monitor the weather on an hourly basis. We will advise fans as soon as we are able to make any final decisions with respect to tomorrow's schedule."

The forecast for Wednesday called for clearing skies by the early afternoon, with temperatures in the upper 30s by night.

The Phillies lead three games to one, needing one more win for their first championship since 1980. There has never been a rain-shortened game in Series history, and this was the first suspension.

"I can't tell you tonight when we'll resume," Selig said Monday night when the suspension was announced. "We'll stay here if we have to celebrate Thanksgiving here."

By the time Carlos Pena hit a tying, two-out single in the sixth for the Rays, every pitch and every hit had become an adventure.

"It was terrible. The field wasn't bad, but it was the worst conditions I've ever played in," Tampa Bay third baseman Evan Longoria said.

A puddle formed on home plate and umpire Jeff Kellogg resorted to using a towel rather than the usual whisk broom to wipe it clean.

Batters kept blinking back the rain drops and pitchers struggled with their footing. Strong gusts dropped the wind-chill factor into the 30s, and fielders covered their bare hands between pitches.

All-Star shortstop Jimmy Rollins of the Phillies chased a popup all over and dropped it for a tough error in the fifth. There were pools of water at every base and the Phillie Phanatic wore a rain slicker for his routine.

"The infield was tough. The ball would do funny things," Phillies second baseman Chase Utley said. "It was in bad shape. It was not playable."

Whenever this one resumes, it will pick up where it left off, with the Phillies about to bat in the bottom of the sixth.

Ace pitcher Cole Hamels is set to lead off for the Phils. For sure, the Phillies will send up a pinch-hitter against Grant Balfour, who'd previously relieved starter Scott Kazmir.

Then what? Do the Rays counter with another pitcher, and immediately pull Balfour?

If Pena had not tied it, Selig said he would not have let the Phillies win with a game that was called after six innings.

"It's not a way to end a World Series," he said. "I would not have allowed a World Series to end this way."

Fine by the Rays.

"The World Series always should be decided by nine innings with somebody making the final out, not the weather or natural disasters or whatever," reliever Trever Miller said. "That's what fans pay to see. That's what we work hard for all year."

Tuesday was supposed to be a travel day, if necessary. Instead, the teams will stay in the area and then head back to Tropicana Field if the Rays win.

The delay, however, forced the Rays to find a comfortable hotel in Wilmington, Del., about 25 miles away.

About 10 minutes after the game was officially suspended, an announcement was made telling fans wrapped in plastic sheets they were done for the night.

By then, many had left their seats and streamed into the concourses. They crowded six or seven deep, trying to see any of the game before the umps signaled for the tarp.

Because it was only lightly raining when the game started, MLB hoped it could play a full nine innings. It quickly became apparent this rain wouldn't quit.

By the middle innings, the grounds crew was running shuttles onto the field, carrying bags of a drying agent — baseball's version of cat litter — to absorb the water.

No luck.

"A lot of guys couldn't believe we were still playing," Rays shortstop Jason Bartlett said.

B.J. Upton beat out an infield hit with two outs in the sixth on a ball that Rollins bobbled. Upton stole second and made an impressive dash home on Pena's hit, navigating the slippery basepaths and sliding in when left fielder Pat Burrell's throw plopped into a puddle.

Fans showed up hoping they'd be witnesses to a World Series championship. Shane Victorino got them cheering with bases-loaded single in the first for a 2-0 lead off Kazmir.

Maddon tinkered with his lineup, dropping the slumping Pena and Longoria one spot each — they were a combined 0-for-29 with 15 strikeouts after four games.

The Tampa Bay stars ended their hitless ruts in the fourth when Pena doubled off the right-field wall and Longoria followed with an RBI single up the middle that made it 2-1.

A few innings later, it was time to go.

"You couldn't do anything you normally do out there," Rays outfielder Carl Crawford said.

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MLB – Weather
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Weather May Complicate Wednesday Night Game

PHILADELPHIA -- New analysis from Fox 29 chief meteorologist John Bolaris may rain on baseball's plan for a resumed game 5 of the World Series on Wednesday night.

The latest forecast from Fox 29 shows that rain and snow showers will be ending right at Wednesday night at 8:30 p.m. It will also around 38 degrees at game time and windy - not ideal baseball conditions.

Fox 29 has also learned that Major League Baseball is considering a scenario where Game 5 would resume at 5 p.m. ET.

However, Bolaris says the chances of even nastier weather are greater at 5 p.m., raising the chance that Major League Baseball would have to call another rain delay once the game starts.

Complicating the matter is Fox's commitment to air a 30-minute paid political show from Barack Obama at 8 p.m. ET.

On Tuesday, MLB said it would try to resume the Series "as soon as possible" and did not actually commit to a Wednesday night re-start.

"We will advise fans as soon as we are able to make any final decisions with respect to tomorrow’s schedule," said Commissioner Bud Selig

Selig came under fire for using the National Weather Service on Monday night to make key decisions about playing and stopping game 5.

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Wagering Controversy
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In Las Vegas, Phillies win -- and tie

Depending on which sports book you bet Game 5 of the World Series, the outcome was either a win, a loss or still in progress. If that sounds confusing, you’re not alone.

"Just when you think you’ve seen it all, you haven’t," said Mark Tutino, race and sports book supervisor at MGM Grand. "I’ve been in this business 21 years and never experienced anything like that."

What Tutino experienced was a rain-suspended situation after 5 1/2 innings. Tampa Bay had scored a run in the top of the sixth to pull even when heavy rain forced a postponement until Wednesday night. In most books, Philadelphia was declared a 2-1 winner since the Phillies were not able to bat in the bottom of the sixth, resulting in the score -- in betting terms -- reverting back to the previous inning.

Most books followed a long-standing Nevada "house rule" and paid Phillies tickets as winners, while Rays tickets lost and over/under totals were declared void since the game was not completed. However, that wasn’t the decision at MGM, which considered the game tied 2-2 and the payout to be issued at the completion of Game 5, now to be held on Wednesday night at 8:30 p.m., because of the weather.

"Had this been a regular season game, we would have paid out winning tickets for Philadelphia," Tutino said. "We decided in postseason play that if this situation would come up where a game was tied, we would pay out winning tickets upon completion, whenever that might be."

With most sports books paying Phillies Game 5 tickets as winners, the question arises over whether the Phillies have now "won" the World Series, four games to one. Also left open to question is the prop bet – Phillies to win the World Series in five games.

Most sports books directors said they wouldn't pay off World Series bets until an actual winner has been declared by Major League Baseball. But a few suggested bettors might be able to make a case before Nevada's Gaming Control Board that their tickets are winners based on the "house rule" that gave Philadelphia the win in Game 5.

Another sports book director said that holders of Tampa Bet tickets for Game 5 might even make a winning argument before the Board that their tickets are winners, if in fact, the Rays go on to win the extended game.

GamingToday is following up on these conflicting issues and will post news updates as they become available.

Regarding the extended game, the Las Vegas Hilton SuperBook was among several places putting up lines on Game 5 as it begins from the bottom of the sixth. The Hilton lists Philadelphia as a -155 favorite with Tampa Bay a +145 underdog. MGM, in addition to Monday night’s Game 5 line, also included one Tuesday from the last of the sixth with Philly a -160 favorite and Tampa Bay a +140 underdog.

A spokesman at Caesars Palace said that the book was also considering putting up a Game 5 line starting from the bottom of the sixth. Those bets will only be sides, with no totals, run line or listed pitchers. And, the payout will be made upon completion of the game.

Should the Series extend to a Game 6 or 7, things should be back to normal. Tampa Bay plays its games indoors at Tropicana Field.

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**pm530** · 10-29-2008, 04:36 AM

National Basketball Association – Write up

NBA
Write-up

Wednesday, October 29

NBA write-ups start November 4, when the NBA teams get a couple of games under their belts.

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**pm530** · 10-29-2008, 04:37 AM

National Basketball Association – Trend Sheet

NBA

Wednesday, October 29

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Trend Sheet
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7:00 PM ATLANTA vs. ORLANDO
Atlanta is 3-7 ATS in its last 10 games
Atlanta is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games
Orlando is 3-7 ATS in its last 10 games when playing at home against Atlanta
Orlando is 14-3 SU in its last 17 games when playing at home against Atlanta

7:00 PM NEW JERSEY vs. WASHINGTON
New Jersey is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games
The total has gone OVER in 12 of New Jersey's last 18 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Washington's last 5 games when playing at home against New Jersey
Washington is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing New Jersey

7:00 PM TORONTO vs. PHILADELPHIA
Toronto is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
Toronto is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
Philadelphia is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Philadelphia is 14-7 SU in its last 21 games at home

7:30 PM MIAMI vs. NEW YORK
Miami is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Miami is 4-21 SU in its last 25 games
New York is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Miami
New York is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Miami

8:00 PM INDIANA vs. DETROIT
Indiana is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Detroit
Indiana is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Detroit
Detroit is 14-6 ATS in its last 20 games at home
Detroit is 16-4 SU in its last 20 games at home

8:00 PM MILWAUKEE vs. OKLAHOMA CITY
Milwaukee is 0-4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Milwaukee is 0-4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Oklahoma City is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Milwaukee
Oklahoma City is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Milwaukee

8:00 PM PHOENIX vs. SAN ANTONIO
Phoenix is 2-3-1 ATS in its last 6 games
Phoenix is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
San Antonio is 1-3-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Phoenix
San Antonio is 15-4 SU in its last 19 games when playing at home against Phoenix

8:00 PM SACRAMENTO vs. MINNESOTA
Sacramento is 8-17 ATS in its last 25 games when playing on the road against Minnesota
Sacramento is 6-19 SU in its last 25 games when playing on the road against Minnesota
Minnesota is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games
Minnesota is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games

8:30 PM MEMPHIS vs. HOUSTON
Memphis is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Houston
Memphis is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games when playing Houston
Houston is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Memphis
Houston is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing Memphis

9:00 PM DENVER vs. UTAH
Denver is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
Denver is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games on the road
Utah is 9-2 ATS in its last 11 games when playing Denver
Utah is 9-2 SU in its last 11 games when playing Denver

10:30 PM LA LAKERS vs. LA CLIPPERS
LA Lakers are 4-2 ATS in their last 6 games when playing on the road against LA Clippers
LA Lakers are 18-5 SU in their last 23 games when playing on the road against LA Clippers
LA Clippers are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games when playing LA Lakers
LA Clippers are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games when playing LA Lakers

10:30 PM NEW ORLEANS vs. GOLDEN STATE
New Orleans is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
New Orleans is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games on the road
Golden State is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against New Orleans
Golden State is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against New Orleans

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**pm530** · 10-29-2008, 04:38 AM

National Basketball Association - Tips & Trends

NBA

Wednesday, October 29

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Tips and Trends
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Phoenix Suns at San Antonio Spurs [ESPN | 8 PM ET]

Suns: Phoenix did not get the opportunity to play with a full squad for most of the preseason due to a rash of injuries, as Amare Stoudemire missed five games, Leandro Barbosa missed four and Shaquille O'Neal and Steve Nash each sat out three. That gives new head coach Terry Porter a big challenge right out of the gates. O'Neal will also get an immediate opportunity to get revenge against a Spurs team that he felt was cowardly in last year's playoffs.

Suns are 7-19-3 ATS in their last 29 Wednesday games.
Underdog is 6-2-1 ATS in the last 9 meetings.

Key Injuries - C Amare Stoudemire (finger) is probable.

PROJECTED SCORE: 90

Spurs (-2, O/U 187.5): Time is running out for San Antonio to put together one more NBA championship run as the NBA's oldest team centered around 32-year-old Tim Duncan. The good news is that the Spurs have won titles in the last three odd-numbered years this decade. The bad news is that they will need to figure out a way to win early in the season without Manu Ginobili, who is coming offseason heel/ankle surgery and won't be back until December at the earliest.

The UNDER is 9-0 in San Antonio's last 9 games overall.
The UNDER is 8-3 in San Antonio's last 11 Wednesday games.

Key Injuries - G Manu Ginobili (ankle) is OUT.

PROJECTED SCORE: 97 (Side Play of the Day)

Los Angeles Lakers at Los Angeles Clippers [ESPN | 10:30 PM ET]

Lakers (-8.5, O/U 203): The Lakers opened up the season with a 96-76 rout of the Blazers on Tuesday night behind 23 points from Kobe Bryant and 15 from Pau Gasol. Andrew Bynum made his return to the starting lineup for the first time since January due to a dislocated kneecap and totaled eight points and three rebounds. Bynum's highly-anticipated showdown with Portland's Greg Oden never really materialized because Oden left late in the first half with a foot injury.

Lakers are 19-5 ATS in their last 24 games vs. Pacific Division.
The UNDER is 9-3 in LA's last 12 games overall.

Key Injuries - NONE

PROJECTED SCORE: 104 (UNDER - Total Play of the Day)

Clippers: The newest addition to the team will be counted on from the start of the season regardless of whether or not he is dealing with a painful finger injury. Insiders expect Baron Davis to play in the team's season opener and should instantly make his teammates better, most notably small forward Al Thornton, who will be his main running mate up and down the floor. Thornton was named to the All-Rookie first team a year ago and will be a full-time starter, replacing the oft-injured Corey Maggette.

Clippers are 2-12 ATS in their last 14 home games.
The UNDER is 21-8 in LA's last 29 games vs. Pacific Division.

Key Injuries - PG Baron Davis (finger) is probable.
F Tim Thomas (groin) is doubtful.
C Marcus Camby (foot) is OUT.

PROJECTED SCORE: 95

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**pm530** · 10-29-2008, 04:39 AM

National Hockey League – Write up

NHL
Write-up

Wednesday, October 29

Hot Teams
-- Minnesota won six of its first seven games.
-- Red Wings won last five games, scoring 24 goals. Ducks won last three games, scoring 13 goals.

Cold Teams
-- Devils lost last two games, allowing nine goals. Maple Leafs lost six of their last eight games.
-- Stars lost six of their first nine games.

Series Records
-- Devils won six of last eight games against Toronto.
-- Stars won nine of last eleven games against Minnesota.
-- Red Wings lost three of last four visits to Anaheim.

Totals
-- Under is 5-0-2 in last seven New Jersey-Toronto games.
-- Over is 5-1 in Minnesota's last six visits to Dallas.
-- Under is 9-2-1 in last dozen Detroit-Anaheim games.

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**pm530** · 10-29-2008, 04:41 AM

National Hockey League – Trend Sheet

NHL

Wednesday, October 29

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Trend Sheet
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7:30 PM TORONTO vs. NEW JERSEY
Toronto is 4-7-2 SU in its last 13 games when playing on the road against New Jersey
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Toronto's last 6 games when playing on the road against New Jersey
New Jersey is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games at home
New Jersey is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Toronto

8:30 PM MINNESOTA vs. DALLAS
Minnesota is 2-9 SU in its last 11 games when playing Dallas
Minnesota is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Dallas
Dallas is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Dallas's last 7 games

10:00 PM DETROIT vs. ANAHEIM
Detroit is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing Anaheim
Detroit is 3-10-1 SU in its last 14 games when playing on the road against Anaheim
Anaheim is 14-6 SU in its last 20 games at home
Anaheim is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games at home

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**Udog** · 10-29-2008, 09:17 AM

NBA
Dunkel

Denver at Utah
The Jazz open up at home against the Nuggets, who are just 2-6 ATS versus Utah over the last three seasons. Utah is the pick (-7) according to Dunkel, which has the Jazz favored by 11. Dunkel Pick: Utah (-7). Here are all of today's games.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29

Game 701-702: Toronto at Philadelphia
Dunkel Ratings: Toronto 117.541; Philadelphia 120.325
Dunkel Line & Total: Philadelphia by 3; 192
Vegas Line & Total: Philadelphia by 5 1/2; 190
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (+5 1/2); Over

Game 703-704: Atlanta at Orlando
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta 115.085; Orlando 126.013
Dunkel Line & Total: Orlando by 11; 206
Vegas Line & Total: Orlando by 7 1/2; 202
Dunkel Pick: Orlando (-7 1/2); Over

Game 705-706: New Jersey at Washington
Dunkel Ratings: New Jersey 111.746; Washington 119.238
Dunkel Line & Total: Washington by 7 1/2; 190
Vegas Line & Total: Washington by 6; 192 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Washington (-6); Under

Game 707-708: Miami at New York
Dunkel Ratings: Miami 108.322; New York 113.146
Dunkel Line & Total: New York by 5; 212
Vegas Line & Total: New York by 3; 208
Dunkel Pick: New York (-3); Over

Game 709-710: Indiana at Detroit
Dunkel Ratings: Indiana 119.448; Detroit 126.190
Dunkel Line & Total: Detroit by 7; 181 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Detroit by 10; 187
Dunkel Pick: Indiana (+10); Under

Game 711-712: Milwaukee at Oklahoma City
Dunkel Ratings: Milwaukee 107.525; Oklahoma City 113.061
Dunkel Line & Total: Oklahoma City by 5 1/2; 200
Vegas Line & Total: Oklahoma City by 2; 198
Dunkel Pick: Oklahoma City (-2); Over

Game 713-714: Sacramento at Minnesota
Dunkel Ratings: Sacramento 114.425; Minnesota 116.326
Dunkel Line & Total: Minnesota by 2; 198
Vegas Line & Total: Minnesota by 5 1/2; 202 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Sacramento (+5 1/2); Under

Game 715-716: Phoenix at San Antonio
Dunkel Ratings: Phoenix 123.603; San Antonio 128.988
Dunkel Line & Total: San Antonio by 5 1/2; 185 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: San Antonio by 2; 187 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Antonio (-2); Under

Game 717-718: Memphis at Houston
Dunkel Ratings: Memphis 109.268; Houston 127.683
Dunkel Line & Total: Houston by 18 1/2; 188
Vegas Line & Total: Houston by 12; 191
Dunkel Pick: Houston (-12); Under

Game 719-720: Denver at Utah
Dunkel Ratings: Denver 119.337; Utah 130.206
Dunkel Line & Total: Utah by 11; 207
Vegas Line & Total: Utah by 7; 210 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Utah (-7); Under

Game 721-722: New Orleans at Golden State
Dunkel Ratings: New Orleans 124.112; Golden State 121.079
Dunkel Line & Total: New Orleans by 3; 204
Vegas Line & Total: New Orleans by 5 1/2; 207
Dunkel Pick: Golden State (+5 1/2); Under

Game 723-724: LA Lakers at LA Clippers
Dunkel Ratings: LA Lakers 124.662; LA Clippers 110.684
Dunkel Line & Total: LA Lakers by 14; 207
Vegas Line & Total: LA Lakers by 9; 203
Dunkel Pick: LA Lakers (-9); Over

**Udog** · 10-29-2008, 09:19 AM

NBA

Wednesday, October 29

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Pick 'n' Roll: Wednesday's best NBA bets
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Phoenix Suns at San Antonio Spurs (-2.5, 187.5)

It could be a season of change for the Phoenix Suns. Mike D’Antoni, the mastermind behind Phoenix’s run-and-gun attack, skipped town for the Big Apple in the offseason. Now, Jerry Porter is in charge and making his mark on the team already, implementing a more defensively-responsible game plan with more minutes for the bench.

There’s still plenty of offense to go around with Steve Nash, Shaq, Amare Stoudemire, and Co, but the days of “seven seconds to shoot” are over in the dessert. It may take a while to work all the kinks out and get everybody on board with the new philosophy.

Pick: San Antonio

Denver Nuggets at Utah Jazz (-7, 210.5)

Two big-name superstars won’t be suiting up for this one. Utah point guard Deron Williams will likely miss at least the team’s first two games as he recovers from a sprained ankle, while Denver’s Carmelo Anthony serves a two-game suspension stemming from his DUI back in April.

Allen Iverson is another concern for Denver. Even though the veteran guard insists he’s good to go for the opener, he only played in three preseason games because of a bad ankle and managed just 5.3 points per game when he did suit up. So Iverson’s conditioning could be an issue early on, especially if he’s trying to pick up the slack for Melo’s absence.

Outside of that issue, Denver got a whole lot younger in the offseason by parting ways with 30-somethings Marcus Camby and Eduardo Najera, hoping that Nene, J.R. Smith, and Linas Kleiza are ready for bigger roles. That remains to be seen.

Pick: Utah

**Udog** · 10-29-2008, 09:21 AM

NHL
Dunkel

Detroit at Anaheim
The Ducks return home after a perfect 4-0 road trip, but face a Detroit team that has won all five of its road games so far. The Red Wings are the pick (-125) according to Dunkel, which has Detroit favored by 1 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Detroit (-125). Here are all of today's games.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29

Game 51-52: Toronto at New Jersey
Dunkel Ratings: Toronto 10.668; New Jersey 11.999
Dunkel Line & Total: New Jersey by 1 1/2; 4 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: New Jersey (-210); 5
Dunkel Pick: New Jersey (-210); Under

Game 53-54: Minnesota at Dallas
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota 13.081; Dallas 10.941
Dunkel Line & Total: Minnesota by 2; 4 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Dallas (-140); 5
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (+120); Under

Game 55-56: Detroit at Anaheim
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit 13.388; Anaheim 11.896
Dunkel Line & Total: Detroit by 1 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Detroit (-125); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (-125); Under

**Udog** · 10-29-2008, 09:22 AM

NHL
Long Sheet

Wednesday, October 29

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TORONTO (3-2-0-3, 9 pts.) at NEW JERSEY (5-2-0-1, 11 pts.) - 10/29/2008, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 37-32 ATS (+76.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
NEW JERSEY is 15-25 ATS (-20.9 Units) after a division game over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
NEW JERSEY is 6-2 (+3.1 Units) against the spread versus TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
NEW JERSEY is 6-2-0 straight up against TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
4 of 6 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+1.9 Units)

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MINNESOTA (6-0-0-1, 13 pts.) at DALLAS (4-4-0-2, 10 pts.) - 10/29/2008, 8:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DALLAS is 30-24 ATS (-0.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
DALLAS is 56-59 ATS (-39.2 Units) when playing with 3 or more days rest since 1996.
DALLAS is 46-50 ATS (-60.3 Units) in home games after a non-conference game since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
DALLAS is 6-2 (+4.7 Units) against the spread versus MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
DALLAS is 6-2-0 straight up against MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
4 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=-0.7 Units, Under=-0.1 Units)

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DETROIT (7-1-0-1, 15 pts.) at ANAHEIM (5-5-0-0, 10 pts.) - 10/29/2008, 10:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 35-10 ATS (+14.6 Units) after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 18-3 ATS (+12.3 Units) after 3 or more consecutive overs over the last 2 seasons.
ANAHEIM is 4-10 ATS (-16.2 Units) in home games after playing 3 consecutive road games over the last 3 seasons.
ANAHEIM is 10-13 ATS (-15.7 Units) in home games first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ANAHEIM is 8-6 (+1.6 Units) against the spread versus DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
ANAHEIM is 8-6-0 straight up against DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
7 of 13 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+1.0 Units)

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Announcement

Wednesday Trends and Indexes 10/29 (World Series, NBA, NHL, Misc.)

Wednesday Trends and Indexes 10/29 (World Series, NBA, NHL, Misc.)

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