Monday Trends and Indexes 12/29 (NBA, NCAAB, NHL, Misc.)

[pm530]

Trends and Indexes

Monday, December 29

Good Luck on day #364 of 2008!

For College Football, look for separate thread:

• “NCAAF Bowl Season Trends and Indexes 12/20 through 1/8”

For now, the balance of the sports menu in this thread will consist of the NBA, College Basketball, and the NHL until their seasons are played out. Also, general sports news and notes will still be posted here.

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.
Any opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the posting member or BettorsChat.
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[pm530]

Daily Sports Roundup

Monday, December 29

A pair of bowl games and a full slate of NBA action highlight the schedule for 2008's last Monday. Here's a look at the matchups in your Daily Sports Roundup.

The Gridiron Spotlight

North Carolina State will take on Rutgers in the Papa John's.com Bowl at 3:00pm ET in the first college football game of Monday. The Wolfpack (6-6 straight-up, 9-2 against-the-spread) won four straight games to end the season and become bowl eligible; they topped Miami 38-28 last time out. The Scarlet Knights (7-5 SU, 7-4 ATS) have won six straight games, blasting Louisville 63-14 in their last contest. Rutgers is a 6.5-point favorite for Monday, with the game's total at 56.5.

The Alamo Bowl then kicks off at 8:00pm ET, with Missouri taking on Northwestern. The Tigers (9-4 SU, 5-7 ATS) dropped back-to-back games to Kansas and Oklahoma to close out their regular season, getting blasted 62-21 on the road by the Sooners. The Wildcats (9-3 SU, 6-5 ATS) are on a two-game winning streak, with wins over Michigan and Illinois in their previous two contests. Nevertheless, Missouri is a 12.5-point fave, with the total pegged at 66.5 points.

Other Notable Events

A pair of streaking Southeast Division teams will take the floor in the NBA on Monday night, with Atlanta hosting Denver and Orlando playing on the road in Detroit. The Hawks won their fourth straight game last time out, getting past the Bulls 129-117 at home. That put Atlanta at 19-10 SU and 17-12 ATS on the season. Meanwhile, the Magic won their seventh in a row by a score of 118-94 in Minnesota last game, and they now lead the division at 24-6 SU and 20-9-1 ATS.

There are six other games on the NBA's schedule for Monday, including Chicago at New Jersey, Memphis at Minnesota, Washington at Houston, Philadelphia at Utah, and Toronto at Golden State. Also, Oklahoma City will play host to Phoenix.

The Rest of the Schedule

The San Jose Sharks will be looking to bounce back from a rare loss when they play at Dallas on Monday in one of six NHL games on the schedule. The Sharks fell 3-2 in overtime to the lowly Blues on Saturday night to fall to 27-4-4 on the season. The Stars edged the Ducks 4-3 on Saturday. Rounding out the NHL slate: Montreal at Florida, Minnesota at Calgary, Nashville at Colorado, and Columbus at L.A., as well as the Isles and Rangers at Madison Square Garden.

Finally, college hoops features a ranked matchup on Monday with No. 2 UConn hosting No. 12 Georgetown. Also it's LA Lafayette vs. No. 16 Tennessee, Temple vs. No. 18 Villanova, Central Connecticut State vs. No. 20 Arizona State, Portland State vs. No. 21 Baylor, and North Carolina Central vs. No. 24 Michigan.

A Peek at the Future

There are three more bowl games on the schedule for Tuesday, with Maryland vs. Nevada (-1.5) in the Humanitarian Bowl, Western Michigan vs. Rice (-2.5) in the Texas Bowl, and Oklahoma State (-2.5) vs. Oregon in the Holiday Bowl . . . Tuesday's top NBA matchup has Boston in Portland, while Miami plays host to Cleveland . . . the Chicago Blackhawks and Detroit Red Wings are scheduled to play outdoors at Wrigley Field on Thursday afternoon if weather conditions permit.

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[pm530]

Six-pack for Monday

Bowl knowledge for the coming week.......

-- 10 of 12 ACC teams are in bowls this season, first time that has happened; so far, ACC clubs are 2-2 in bowls.

-- Missouri covered two of its last eight games this season.

-- Louisiana Tech's win Sunday night was first in four tries by the WAC this bowl season.

-- Rice QB-WR duo (Clement-Dillard) holds all-time NCAA record with 50 connections for touchdowns.

-- Boston College won its last eight bowl games.

-- Air Force beat Houston 31-28 in September in game played on a neutral field in Dallas, in front of about 2,000 fans, because of the hurricane that hit the gulf states back then.

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[pm530]

Monday's List of 13: Wrapping up an NFL Sunday

13) Eagles scored 41 points in a little bit more than 21:00 Sunday, as they handed Dallas one of the worst beatings in a big game in history of the NFL. Not a whole lot of heart/guts/spunk shown by Cowboys Sunday, which is what happens when you assemble a team with lot of characters, as opposed to a team with a lot of character.

12) Lets just hope Denver's first round draft pick next April plays on the defensive side of the ball. And is not from Vanderbilt.

11) It would be easy to kill Denver's defensive coordinator for just a pathetic exhibition of defense this season, but lets face it, this rests in the lap of coach Shanahan, who has a 24-24 record of the last three years, just 13-11 at Invesco Field. Going to be a long winter there.

10) Another el foldo was done by Tampa Bay, which collapsed down the stretch, allowing 30.8 ppg points in its last four games, or since the same time Monte Kiffin's move to Tennessee was discussed.

9) Ominous report from NBCSports.com Sunday night; Tom Brady is well behind schedule in his rehab, and may need another operation to remove scar tissue. There is no guarantee that he'll play in 2009, which puts Patriots in a position where they have to pay Mr Cassel a boatload of money, in case he has to be the '09 starter.

\8) Mike Singletary got the full-time 49ers' gig; they're going to be the fashionable choice as an NFC sleeper next season, its already started. History tell us how those fashionable choices usually wind up- not very good. I want to see who Singletary replaces Mike Martz with as offensive coordinator- no QB has improved after Martz left him.

7) Uh-oh alert: with 16:00 left in game Sunday night, Stanford led at home against Texas Tech 70-44. Its beginning to look like Pat Knight may be a tad overmatched as a bigtime college head coach.

6) Al Davis wasn't in Tampa Sunday, just second game he's missed in 45 years he's worked for the Raiders.

5) Cleveland Browns scored total of 31 points in their last six games, grtting shut out in their last two- their only TD in Week 15 was by the defense. Cleveland needs to start from scratch, and their first big question will be how to ease Brady Quinn into the starting role.

4) Detroit Lions may be 0-16, but they covered their last six games on the road, and that isn't something that gets done a lot, either. No way does that dull the pain of a winless season, but it does point out that they rarely quit, they just were a terrible team.

3) Quick baseball note: Red Sox finally did something this offseason, giving oft-injured Brad Penny $5M for one year. Good luck there.

2) I don't want to hear the names "Tony" and "Romo" in a sentence again until next July. No interviews, no People Magazine ******, no nothing. Just go away until next season starts. Please.

1) OK, next week's playoff matchups:
Saturday, Falcons go out west and will play the Cardinals, followed by terrific Colts-Chargers game in San Diego Saturday night.

Sunday, the Ravens visit Miami, and the Eagles go to Minnesota.

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[pm530]

National Basketball Association – Write up

NBA
Write-up


Monday, December 29

Hot Teams
-- Hawks covered last three tries as home favorite. Nuggets won three of last four games, but covered one of last five as a road underdog.
-- Orlando is 10-3-1 vs spread on the road. Pistons won last three games, by 6-2-11 points, but covered one of their last seven home games.
-- Thunder covered six of their last eight games.
-- Rockets won nine of their last thirteen games.

Cold Teams
-- Bulls covered one of last five as a road underdog. Nets failed to cover last three tries as a home favorite.
-- Oklahoma City is 4-7-1 vs spread as home underdog. Suns lost their last four road games.
-- Grizzlies lost five of their last six games. Minnesota is 1-14 in its last fifteen games, but covered three of last four.
-- Wizards lost their last eight games (1-7 vs spread).
-- 76ers lost their last three games, by 1-19-4 points. Utah lost three of its last four games.
-- Warriors lost eight of their last ten games. Raptors lost six of their last eight games.

Back-to Back
-- Denver is 3-5 vs spread if they played the night before.
-- Suns are 1-3 vs spread when playing first of consecutive nights on the road.
-- Memphis is 0-3 vs spread on road if they play again the next night.
-- Washington is 1-2 vs spread if they play again the next night.
-- Golden State is 4-3 vs spread if they played the day/night before.

Totals
-- Four of last five Atlanta home games stayed under the total.
-- Four of last five Chicago road games went over the total.
-- Five of last seven Detroit games stayed under the total.
-- Last five Phoenix road games went over the total.
-- Five of last six Minnesota games went over the total.
-- Under is 8-1 in Washington's last nine road games; six of Houston's last seven games went over.
-- Five of 76ers' last six road games went over the total.
-- Three of last four Golden State games stayed under the total.

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[pm530]

National Basketball Association – Trend Sheet

NBA


Monday, December 29

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Trend Sheet
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7:00 PM DENVER vs. ATLANTA
Denver is 5-12 ATS in its last 17 games when playing Atlanta
Denver is 5-10 SU in its last 15 games when playing Atlanta
Atlanta is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Atlanta is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games


7:30 PM CHICAGO vs. NEW JERSEY
Chicago is 1-10 ATS in its last 11 games when playing on the road against New Jersey
Chicago is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against New Jersey
New Jersey is 12-6 ATS in its last 18 games when playing Chicago
New Jersey is 13-5 SU in its last 18 games when playing Chicago


7:30 PM ORLANDO vs. DETROIT
Orlando is 3-14 SU in its last 17 games when playing Detroit
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Orlando's last 6 games when playing Detroit
Detroit is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
Detroit is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games


8:00 PM MEMPHIS vs. MINNESOTA
Memphis is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games on the road
Memphis is 1-9 SU in its last 10 games on the road
Minnesota is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Memphis
Minnesota is 19-6 SU in its last 25 games when playing at home against Memphis


8:00 PM PHOENIX vs. OKLAHOMA CITY
Phoenix is 0-4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Oklahoma City
Phoenix is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City is 4-0-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Phoenix
Oklahoma City is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Phoenix


8:30 PM WASHINGTON vs. HOUSTON
Washington is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Houston
Washington is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Houston
Houston is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Washington
Houston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Washington


9:00 PM PHILADELPHIA vs. UTAH
Philadelphia is 2-4-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Utah
Philadelphia is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Utah
Utah is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Utah's last 15 games


10:30 PM TORONTO vs. GOLDEN STATE
Toronto is 3-6-1 ATS in its last 10 games on the road
Toronto is 7-17 SU in its last 24 games on the road
Golden State is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 11 of Golden State's last 14 games at home

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[pm530]

College Basketball – Long Sheet

NCAAB
Long Sheet


If additional trends become available, we will re-post.

Monday, December 29

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FORDHAM (2 - 7) at FLA INTERNATIONAL (4 - 10) - 12/29/2008, 2:00 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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TEMPLE (5 - 5) at VILLANOVA (11 - 1) - 12/29/2008, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TEMPLE is 26-16 ATS (+8.4 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TEMPLE is 26-16 ATS (+8.4 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
TEMPLE is 18-7 ATS (+10.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
VILLANOVA is 2-0 against the spread versus TEMPLE over the last 3 seasons
VILLANOVA is 2-0 straight up against TEMPLE 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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GEORGETOWN (9 - 1) at CONNECTICUT (11 - 0) - 12/29/2008, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
GEORGETOWN is 21-10 ATS (+10.0 Units) versus good defensive teams - allowing <=64 points/game over the last 3 seasons.

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

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C MICHIGAN (3 - 8) at KENTUCKY (10 - 3) - 12/29/2008, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
C MICHIGAN is 19-34 ATS (-18.4 Units) in December games since 1997.
C MICHIGAN is 10-24 ATS (-16.4 Units) in road games after 3 or more consecutive losses since 1997.

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

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PENNSYLVANIA (1 - 6) at UCF (6 - 4) - 12/29/2008, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PENNSYLVANIA is 7-19 ATS (-13.9 Units) as an underdog over the last 3 seasons.
PENNSYLVANIA is 3-11 ATS (-9.1 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.
PENNSYLVANIA is 3-11 ATS (-9.1 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
PENNSYLVANIA is 2-9 ATS (-7.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

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

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SAN FRANCISCO (7 - 6) at BOSTON COLLEGE (10 - 2) - 12/29/2008, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SAN FRANCISCO is 49-74 ATS (-32.4 Units) after a non-conference game since 1997.
SAN FRANCISCO is 49-75 ATS (-33.5 Units) in non-conference games since 1997.
SAN FRANCISCO is 4-13 ATS (-10.3 Units) after allowing 80 points or more over the last 3 seasons.

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

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LA-LAFAYETTE (4 - 6) at TENNESSEE (8 - 2) - 12/29/2008, 7:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LA-LAFAYETTE is 37-57 ATS (-25.7 Units) in non-conference games since 1997.
TENNESSEE is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) as a home favorite of 12.5 or more points over the last 3 seasons.
TENNESSEE is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) in all home games over the last 2 seasons.
TENNESSEE is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) in home lined games over the last 2 seasons.
TENNESSEE is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in home games in December games over the last 3 seasons.
TENNESSEE is 12-1 ATS (+10.9 Units) in home games after a non-conference game over the last 3 seasons.
TENNESSEE is 11-1 ATS (+9.9 Units) in home games in non-conference games over the last 3 seasons.

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

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ARKANSAS ST (9 - 3) at OKLAHOMA ST (8 - 3) - 12/29/2008, 8:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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CINCINNATI (10 - 2) at MEMPHIS (7 - 3) - 12/29/2008, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MEMPHIS is 192-154 ATS (+22.6 Units) in all games since 1997.
MEMPHIS is 192-154 ATS (+22.6 Units) in all lined games since 1997.
MEMPHIS is 72-49 ATS (+18.1 Units) after scoring 80 points or more since 1997.
MEMPHIS is 142-102 ATS (+29.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
MEMPHIS is 1-1 against the spread versus CINCINNATI over the last 3 seasons
MEMPHIS is 2-0 straight up against CINCINNATI 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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BALL ST (5 - 5) at UC-SANTA BARBARA (5 - 6) - 12/29/2008, 10:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BALL ST is 23-40 ATS (-21.0 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
BALL ST is 23-40 ATS (-21.0 Units) in all lined games over the last 3 seasons.
BALL ST is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) in December games over the last 2 seasons.
BALL ST is 9-21 ATS (-14.1 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 3 seasons.
BALL ST is 9-21 ATS (-14.1 Units) in non-conference games over the last 3 seasons.
BALL ST is 9-19 ATS (-11.9 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
UC-SANTA BARBARA is 1-0 against the spread versus BALL ST over the last 3 seasons
UC-SANTA BARBARA is 1-0 straight up against BALL ST 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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CS-NORTHRIDGE (3 - 7) at CS-FULLERTON (6 - 6) - 12/29/2008, 10:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CS-FULLERTON is 23-13 ATS (+8.7 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CS-FULLERTON is 23-13 ATS (+8.7 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
CS-FULLERTON is 13-5 ATS (+7.5 Units) against conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
CS-FULLERTON is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) after allowing 80 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
CS-FULLERTON is 13-3 ATS (+9.7 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CS-FULLERTON is 2-2 against the spread versus CS-NORTHRIDGE over the last 3 seasons
CS-FULLERTON is 4-1 straight up against CS-NORTHRIDGE over the last 3 seasons
5 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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FRESNO ST (6 - 7) at CAL POLY-SLO (3 - 6) - 12/29/2008, 10:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
FRESNO ST is 11-24 ATS (-15.4 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
FRESNO ST is 11-24 ATS (-15.4 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
FRESNO ST is 2-9 ATS (-7.9 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CAL POLY-SLO is 1-1 against the spread versus FRESNO ST over the last 3 seasons
FRESNO ST is 2-0 straight up against CAL POLY-SLO 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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LONG BEACH ST (5 - 6) at OREGON (5 - 6) - 12/29/2008, 10:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LONG BEACH ST is 42-24 ATS (+15.6 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997.

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

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BELMONT (5 - 4) at SANTA CLARA (5 - 7) - 12/29/2008, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SANTA CLARA is 40-21 ATS (+16.9 Units) when playing with 5 or 6 days rest since 1997.

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

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JAMES MADISON (7 - 4) vs. UTEP (6 - 4) - 12/29/2008, 11:20 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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NIAGARA (9 - 2) vs. MURRAY ST (6 - 5) - 12/29/2008, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MURRAY ST is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) after scoring 60 points or less over the last 3 seasons.
NIAGARA is 10-1 ATS (+8.9 Units) in all games this season.
NIAGARA is 10-1 ATS (+8.9 Units) in all lined games this season.
NIAGARA is 7-1 ATS (+5.9 Units) as a favorite this season.
NIAGARA is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) in December games over the last 2 seasons.
NIAGARA is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) after a non-conference game this season.
NIAGARA is 9-1 ATS (+7.9 Units) in non-conference games this season.
NIAGARA is 39-23 ATS (+13.7 Units) in road games after scoring 80 points or more since 1997.
NIAGARA is 15-6 ATS (+8.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
MURRAY ST is 36-59 ATS (-28.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.

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

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LOYOLA-MD (4 - 7) at NC STATE (7 - 2) - 12/29/2008, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LOYOLA-MD is 12-2 ATS (+9.8 Units) as a road underdog of 15.5 to 18 points since 1997.
LOYOLA-MD is 20-9 ATS (+10.1 Units) in road games over the last 3 seasons.
LOYOLA-MD is 20-9 ATS (+10.1 Units) in road lined games over the last 3 seasons.
NC STATE is 10-23 ATS (-15.3 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
NC STATE is 10-23 ATS (-15.3 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.

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

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TENNESSEE TECH (6 - 4) at LA-MONROE (3 - 8) - 12/29/2008, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LA-MONROE is 1-9 ATS (-8.9 Units) revenging a road loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
TENNESSEE TECH is 1-0 against the spread versus LA-MONROE over the last 3 seasons
TENNESSEE TECH is 1-0 straight up against LA-MONROE over the last 3 seasons

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PORTLAND ST (10 - 3) at BAYLOR (10 - 1) - 12/29/2008, 8:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
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WEBER ST (6 - 6) at ARIZONA (8 - 3) - 12/29/2008, 8:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WEBER ST is 22-9 ATS (+12.1 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.

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

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N ARIZONA (3 - 8) at N COLORADO (4 - 8) - 12/29/2008, 9:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
N COLORADO is 1-1 against the spread versus N ARIZONA over the last 3 seasons
N COLORADO is 2-2 straight up against N ARIZONA 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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IDAHO (6 - 6) at IDAHO ST (2 - 10) - 12/29/2008, 9:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
IDAHO is 37-20 ATS (+15.0 Units) after allowing 60 points or less since 1997.
IDAHO is 34-19 ATS (+13.1 Units) in road games after scoring 60 points or less since 1997.
IDAHO ST is 82-111 ATS (-40.1 Units) in all games since 1997.
IDAHO ST is 82-111 ATS (-40.1 Units) in all lined games since 1997.
IDAHO ST is 12-30 ATS (-21.0 Units) as a favorite since 1997.
IDAHO ST is 23-42 ATS (-23.2 Units) when playing with one or less days rest since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
IDAHO ST is 2-0 against the spread versus IDAHO over the last 3 seasons
IDAHO ST is 2-0 straight up against IDAHO 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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DAVIDSON (8 - 2) at COLL OF CHARLESTON (10 - 1) - 12/29/2008, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
COLL OF CHARLESTON is 24-14 ATS (+8.6 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
COLL OF CHARLESTON is 24-14 ATS (+8.6 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
DAVIDSON is 27-15 ATS (+10.5 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
DAVIDSON is 27-15 ATS (+10.5 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
DAVIDSON is 37-21 ATS (+13.9 Units) as a favorite over the last 3 seasons.
DAVIDSON is 23-6 ATS (+16.4 Units) in road games over the last 3 seasons.
DAVIDSON is 23-6 ATS (+16.4 Units) in road lined games over the last 3 seasons.
DAVIDSON is 30-15 ATS (+13.5 Units) against conference opponents over the last 3 seasons.
DAVIDSON is 19-8 ATS (+10.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
DAVIDSON is 5-0 against the spread versus COLL OF CHARLESTON over the last 3 seasons
DAVIDSON is 5-0 straight up against COLL OF CHARLESTON 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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E WASHINGTON (7 - 5) at BOISE ST (8 - 3) - 12/29/2008, 10:15 PM
Top Trends for this game.
E WASHINGTON is 5-16 ATS (-12.6 Units) as a road underdog of 3.5 to 6 points since 1997.

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

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[pm530]

College Basketball – Write up

NCAAB
Write-up


Monday, December 29

Notes on the best of today's games.............

Villanova (-4) beat Temple 101-93 LY, leading 42-39 at half; Wildcats are 11-1, have Big East opener at Marquette Thursday. Temple is 5-5, losing last two games, 71-59 at Kansas (+9), 76-71 at Long Beach State (-7). Atlantic 14 road dogs are 11-15. Big East home favorites are 27-30 vs spread out of conference.

Georgetown (-9.5) made 10-20 from arc in 72-69 win vs UConn LY; the Hoyas won their last six games since losing 90-78 to Tennessee in Old Spice tourney at Disney. UConn is 11-0, beating Wisconsin (76-57, -6) Miami (76-63, -4), and winning 88-83 in OT at Gonzaga (+3.5). Hoyas' best win is OT win at home, 79-70 vs Memphis (-3.5).

Tennessee (-26) beat UL-Lafayette 98-70 LY; it was 46-27 at halftime. Vols are 8-2, have been off for nine days since escaping Belmont 79-77 at home. ULL is 3-6, losing 61-44 at Alabama, its only gasme vs an SEC foe. SEC home favorites are 25-16 vs spread out of conference; Sun Belt road dogs are 18-24.

Memphis (-15) won 79-69 at Cincinnati LY; Tigers are 6-3, 2-3 in last five games, losing to Xavier-Georgetown-Syracuse- they crushed Drexel by 38 in last game. Cincinnati is 10-2, winning last four games since loss to Xavier in rivalry game- they open Big East play Sunday. C-USA home faves are 16-7 vs spread; Big East road dogs are 11-7 vs spread.

Cal State Fullerton won two of three vs Northridge LY, beating them by 15 in Big West tournament, after visitor won both meetings in the regular season, with Titans winning 80-72 at CSUN, Matadors winning 82-74 in Fullerton. CSUN is 2-6 vs D-I teams, losing 72-56 at San Diego State, in its last game. Titans are 4-6 vs D-I teams.

Belmont is 5-4 this season, losing by 14 at Pitt, losing 79-77 to Vols in Knoxville; they also split pair with Austin Peay, with visitor winning both games. Santa Clara lost its last three games, scoring 64 ppg. WCC home favorites are 7-8 against spread. Broncos are 3-7 this season when they're playing a Division I opponent.

UTEP is only team to beat St Mary's; Miners are 6-4 vs D-I teams, 3-0 vs spread when favored. C-USA favorites on neutral courts are 5-10 vs spread. James Madison is 7-4, winning its last three games- they won at Seton Hall 70-64 in last game (+3). CAA underdogs are 22-21 vs spread, 3-2 on neutral courts.

Niagara is surprising 9-2, with road wins at South Florida, Loyola, MD Drexel, St Bonaventure- they're 9-0 when they score 63+ pts. MAAC favorites are 12-11 vs spread, 5-2 away from home. Murray State is 5-5 vs D-I opponents- they allowed 73+ points in three of last four games. OVC underdogs are 20-22 against spread.

Portland State is 8-3, winning at Gonzaga last week; Vikings' losses are , by 1 at Washington, 6 vs Hampton (ot), 3 at Cal Poly. Baylor won last four games since losing in Anaheim to Wake Forest- they won 58-52 at Washington State after that, then coasted vs cupcakes since. Big Sky road underdogs are 26-18 vs spread. Big 12 home favorites are 19-19.

Home side won both Northern Arizona-Northern Colorado games LY, as NAU won 86-70 in Flaggstaff (-8.5), lost 80-77 in Greeley (-1), in game they led by 10 at half. Bears lost three in row, six of its last seven games losing at home to Liberty in last game. Lumberjacks are 0-7 on road this year- this is their fourth straight road game over last 13 days.

Idaho State (+1.5) won 71-69 at Idaho in OT LY, in game they led 28-19 at half. Bengals are 1-10 vs D-I teams, upsetting Utah, losing by hoop at Wisconsin- they lost 68-63 in Reno Saturday. Vandals are 5-6 vs D-I teams, losing last game 55-41 at home to Washington St. (+11). Big Sky home favorites are 5-4 vs spread; WAC road dogs are 13-11.

Davidson beat Charleston twice LY, 70-58 here (-8.5), 81-56 at home; in both games, Cougars shot less than 38%. Wildcats got waxed by Purdue in last game, trailing 21-0 at one point-- they struggled to win opener in SoCon, 100-95 vs Chattanooga. Cougars are 10-1 with two conference road wins already- they also beat South Carolina in OT.

Eastern Washington is 6-5 vs D-I teams, losing last three; they won by 3 vs Evergreen State in last game, not a good sign. Boise State is 2-2 as a favorite this year, 6-3 SU vs D-I teams; they open WAC play with trip to Hawai'i Saturday- wonder if they're looking ahead to that. Big Sky road dogs are 26-18; WAC home favorites are 7-8.

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[pm530]

College Basketball – Trend Sheet

NCAAB


Monday, December 29

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Sheet
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1:00 PM QUINNIPIAC vs. BROWN
No trends available
Brown is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Quinnipiac
Brown is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games at home


2:00 PM FORDHAM vs. FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL
Fordham is 2-9 SU in its last 11 games
Fordham is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Florida International is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games at home
Florida International is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games


TBA TEXAS-PAN AMERICAN vs. MONTANA STATE
No trends available
Montana State is 5-10-1 SU in its last 16 games
Montana State is 13-4-1 SU in its last 18 games at home


6:00 PM NIAGARA vs. MURRAY STATE
Niagara is 10-1 ATS in its last 11 games
Niagara is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games
Murray State is 13-3 SU in its last 16 games at home
Murray State is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games


7:00 PM AMERICAN vs. MANHATTAN
No trends available
Manhattan is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Manhattan is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home


7:00 PM BERRY COLLEGE vs. FURMAN
No trends available
Furman is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games at home
Furman is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games


7:00 PM BOSTON UNIVERSITY vs. CORNELL
No trends available
Cornell is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Cornell is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games


7:00 PM CENTRAL MICHIGAN vs. KENTUCKY
Central Michigan is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games
Central Michigan is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Kentucky is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Kentucky is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games


7:00 PM GEORGETOWN vs. CONNECTICUT
Georgetown is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Connecticut
Georgetown is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Connecticut
Connecticut is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Connecticut is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games


7:00 PM LOYOLA vs. NORTH CAROLINA STATE
Loyola is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games on the road
Loyola is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
North Carolina State is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games
North Carolina State is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home


7:00 PM NORTH CAROLINA CENTRAL vs. MICHIGAN
No trends available
Michigan is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Michigan is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games


7:00 PM PENNSYLVANIA vs. CENTRAL FLORIDA
Pennsylvania is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games
Pennsylvania is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Central Florida is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
Central Florida is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home


7:00 PM SACRED HEART vs. COLUMBIA
No trends available
Columbia is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Sacred Heart
Columbia is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games


7:00 PM SAN FRANCISCO vs. BOSTON COLLEGE
San Francisco is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games
San Francisco is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games on the road
Boston College is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Boston College is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home


7:00 PM TEMPLE vs. VILLANOVA
Temple is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games
Temple is 12-6 SU in its last 18 games
Villanova is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Temple
Villanova is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Temple


7:00 PM TROY vs. JACKSONVILLE
Troy is 7-15 SU in its last 22 games
Troy is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
No trends available


7:00 PM VIRGINIA TECH vs. CHARLESTON SOUTHERN
Virginia Tech is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Virginia Tech is 7-17 SU in its last 24 games on the road
No trends available


7:05 PM LOCK HAVEN vs. YOUNGSTOWN STATE
No trends available
Youngstown State is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games
Youngstown State is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games at home


7:30 PM HOUSTON BAPTIST vs. WYOMING
No trends available
Wyoming is 9-2 SU in its last 11 games


7:30 PM LOUISIANA-LAFAYETTE vs. TENNESSEE
Louisiana-Lafayette is 6-13 SU in its last 19 games on the road
Tennessee is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Tennessee is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games


8:00 PM ALABAMA A&M vs. AUBURN
No trends available
Auburn is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Auburn is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home


8:00 PM ARKANSAS STATE vs. OKLAHOMA STATE
Arkansas State is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Arkansas State is 4-17 SU in its last 21 games on the road
Oklahoma State is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Oklahoma State is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home


8:00 PM OAKLAND CITY vs. AUSTIN PEAY
No trends available
Austin Peay is 14-2 SU in its last 16 games at home
Austin Peay is 16-8 SU in its last 24 games


8:00 PM PORTLAND STATE vs. BAYLOR
Portland State is 20-5 SU in its last 25 games
Portland State is 10-4 SU in its last 14 games on the road
Baylor is 10-1 SU in its last 11 games
Baylor is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home


8:00 PM TENNESSEE TECH vs. LOUISIANA-MONROE
Tennessee Tech is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Louisiana-Monroe is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games


8:00 PM TENNESSEE WESLEYAN vs. CHATTANOOGA
No trends available
Chattanooga is 15-5 SU in its last 20 games at home
Chattanooga is 2-9 SU in its last 11 games


8:00 PM TEXAS-ARLINGTON vs. NORTH TEXAS
No trends available
North Texas is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
North Texas is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home


8:00 PM TEXAS-SAN ANTONIO vs. SOUTHERN METHODIST
No trends available
Southern Methodist is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games


8:00 PM TULANE vs. GRAMBLING STATE
Tulane is 3-6 ATS in its last 9 games on the road
Tulane is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
No trends available


8:05 PM WEBER STATE vs. ARIZONA
Weber State is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
Weber State is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games on the road
Arizona is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games
Arizona is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games


9:00 PM BELMONT vs. SANTA CLARA
No trends available
Santa Clara is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games at home


9:00 PM CENT CONN STATE vs. ARIZONA STATE
No trends available
Arizona State is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Arizona State is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games


9:00 PM CINCINNATI vs. MEMPHIS
Cincinnati is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 games on the road
Cincinnati is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games on the road
Memphis is 5-1-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Cincinnati
Memphis is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Cincinnati


9:00 PM DAVIDSON vs. COLLEGE OF CHARLESTON
Davidson is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against College of Charle
Davidson is 4-0-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing College of Charleston
College of Charleston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
College of Charleston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games


9:05 PM IDAHO vs. IDAHO STATE
Idaho is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Idaho State
Idaho is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Idaho State
Idaho State is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Idaho State's last 5 games


9:05 PM NORTHERN ARIZONA vs. NORTHERN COLORADO
Northern Arizona is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Northern Colorado
Northern Arizona is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games
Northern Colorado is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games
Northern Colorado is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Northern Arizona


10:00 PM ARKANSAS-PINE BLUFF vs. SAN DIEGO STATE
No trends available
San Diego State is 4-0-1 ATS in its last 5 games at home
San Diego State is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games at home


10:00 PM BALL STATE vs. SANTA BARBARA
Ball State is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
Ball State is 3-20 SU in its last 23 games on the road
Santa Barbara is 16-6 SU in its last 22 games at home


10:00 PM FRESNO STATE vs. CAL POLY
Fresno State is 3-8 ATS in its last 11 games on the road
Fresno State is 1-10 SU in its last 11 games on the road
Cal Poly is 3-8 SU in its last 11 games


10:00 PM HOWARD vs. UTAH STATE
No trends available
Utah State is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Utah State is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games


10:00 PM LONG BEACH STATE vs. OREGON
Long Beach State is 2-23 SU in its last 25 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Long Beach State's last 7 games on the road
Oregon is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games
Oregon is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games


10:00 PM SEATTLE vs. OREGON STATE
No trends available
Oregon State is 3-12 SU in its last 15 games at home
Oregon State is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games


10:05 PM CS NORTHRIDGE vs. CS FULLERTON
CS Northridge is 2-7-1 ATS in its last 10 games when playing CS Fullerton
CS Northridge is 1-9 SU in its last 10 games when playing CS Fullerton
CS Fullerton is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home
CS Fullerton is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games


10:15 PM EASTERN WASHINGTON vs. BOISE STATE
Eastern Washington is 3-13 SU in its last 16 games on the road
Boise State is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games at home
Boise State is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games


11:00 PM JAMES MADISON vs. TEXAS EL PASO
James Madison is 3-13 SU in its last 16 games on the road
James Madison is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
Texas El Paso is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home

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[pm530]

College Basketball - Tips & Trends

NCAAB


We will update when added info and projected scores are available.

Monday, December 29

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Tips and Trends
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

#9 Georgetown at #2 Connecticut [ESPN2 | 7 PM ET]

Georgetown:

Georgetown is 3-7 ATS in the last 10 meetings.
The UNDER is 12-4 in Georgetown's last 16 road games.

Key Injuries - NONE

PROJECTED SCORE: TBD

UConn (-6):

UConn is 8-2-1 ATS in its last 11 Monday games.
The OVER is 9-3 in UConn's last 12 games overall.

Key Injuries - NONE

PROJECTED SCORE: TBD

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[pm530]

National Hockey League – Write up

NHL
Write-up


Monday, December 29

Hot teams
-- Canadiens won three of their last four games.
-- Stars won four of their last five games.
-- Flames won four of their last five games.
-- Colorado won six of its last seven home games.

Cold teams
-- Islanders lost eleven of their last twelve games. Rangers lost their last three games, 3-2/5-4ot/4-2.
-- Panthers lost four of their last six games.
-- Sharks lost last three road games, outscored 11-3.
-- Minnesota lost eight of its last ten games.
-- Predators lost six of their last nine games.
-- Blue Jackets lost three of their last four games. Kings lost five of last seven games, but allowed only two goals in last three (both wins were shutouts).

Totals
-- Under is 3-1-1 in Islanders' last five games.
-- Seven of last nine Montreal games stayed under the total.
-- Last four Dallas games went over the total.
-- Over is 3-1-1 in Calgary's last five games.
-- Six of last nine Colorado games went over the total.
-- Under is 11-1 in last twelve Blue Jacket games.

Series Records
-- Islanders won their last three visits to Madison Square Garden.
-- Canadiens won last three games vs Florida, 5-1/2-1ot/3-1.
-- Sharks won four of their last five games vs Dallas.
-- Flames won six of last seven games against Minnesota.
-- Predators won five of last seven games against Colorado.
-- Kings won last three games vs Columbus, 3-2/3-0/3-0.

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[pm530]

National Hockey League – Trend Sheet

NHL


Monday, December 29

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Sheet
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7:00 PM NY ISLANDERS vs. NY RANGERS
NY Islanders are 1-11 SU in their last 12 games
NY Islanders are 0-5 SU in their last 5 games on the road
NY Rangers are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games when playing at home against NY Islanders
The total has gone OVER in 6 of the NY Rangers last 9 games when playing at home against NY Islanders


7:30 PM MONTREAL vs. FLORIDA
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Montreal's last 8 games when playing Florida
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Montreal's last 7 games when playing on the road against Florida
Florida is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Florida's last 5 games at home


8:30 PM SAN JOSE vs. DALLAS
San Jose is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Dallas
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of San Jose's last 6 games when playing Dallas
Dallas is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Dallas's last 5 games


9:00 PM MINNESOTA vs. CALGARY
Minnesota is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing Calgary
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Minnesota's last 6 games when playing Calgary
Calgary is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Calgary is 10-5 SU in its last 15 games at home


9:00 PM NASHVILLE vs. COLORADO
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Nashville's last 5 games when playing Colorado
Nashville is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Colorado
Colorado is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Colorado's last 9 games


10:30 PM COLUMBUS vs. LOS ANGELES
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Columbus's last 6 games when playing Los Angeles
Columbus is 2-6-1 SU in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Los Angeles
Los Angeles is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Los Angeles's last 8 games

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[pm530]

National Hockey League – Hot lines

NHL


Monday, December 29

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Ice Picks: NHL Bets
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Montreal Canadiens at Florida Panthers (+110, 5.5)

The Habs got their four-game road swing off on the right foot Saturday. Montreal got a late goal and stellar goaltending from Carey Price down the stretch to edge the Pittsburgh Penguins 3-2 at Mellon Arena.

The Canadiens are finally getting production from Andrei Kostitsyn and Tomas Plekanec. Along with linemate Alex Kovalev, the trio is trying to make up for the absence of injured star Saku Koivu. Kostitsyn, who returned from injury, netted a hat trick Saturday while Plekanec helped out on two of those goals.

However, without the numerous game-saving stops from Price, the Habs would have left that game to chance in overtime. Price has stopped 61 shots in his two games since returning from an injured knee and allowed just five goals.

"The guys did a pretty good job of keeping all of the rebounds out of their reach," Price told reporters after the win. "That makes a heck of a difference for me."

Montreal has won the past two road games in Florida and downed the Panthers at home earlier this season.

Pick: Montreal -120



Columbus Blue Jackets at Los Angeles Kings (-130, 5.5)

Could you ask for a better name for a goaltender than Jonathan Quick?

The Kings rookie puck stopper posted his second shutout in three days, turning away 26 shots for a 4-0 win over the Phoenix Coyotes Saturday night. Quick picked up his first-career clean sheet against Columbus last Tuesday.

"Our penalty kill and our defense played excellent all game long," he told reporters following Tuesday's win. "They limited their chances. They cleared rebounds, they picked up sticks in front. They took care of most of the work for me so it made it a bit easier."

Quick is getting a shot in goal due to the injury to Erik Ersberg and the shaky play of Jason LaBarbera. So far he's 2-2 with a 1.88 goals against average since being recalled from Manchester of the American Hockey League.

Los Angeles has won three straight games over the Blue Jackets going back to last season and haven't given up a goal to Columbus in the past two meetings. The Kings shutout the Jackets 3-0 at December 6.

Pick: Los Angeles -130

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[Udog]

NBA


Monday, December 29


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pick 'n' Roll: Monday's best NBA bets
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chicago Bulls at New Jersey Nets (-5.5, 209.5)

Poor defense is largely to blame for the New Jersey's struggles at the Izod Center. That's rarely been a problem for the Nets at home against the Chicago Bulls in recent years.

The Nets, who have remained competitive despite a poor record at the Izod Center, look to win their 14th straight home game versus the Bulls as the teams continue their season series Monday night.

New Jersey's has been somewhat of a surprise this season, posting a respectable 15-15 record. Most of that success has been a result of the Nets' play on the road, where they are 10-4.

New Jersey is one of four NBA teams to have won 10 or more games on the road, and its road record trails only defending league champion Boston and Orlando, who are both 10-3.

At the Izod Center, however, the Nets have gone 5-11, allowing 103.2 points a contest.

"With a team like ours, we need to put forth the extra effort," New Jersey point guard Devin Harris said. "We need to win the hustle game and do the little things to push us forward a little bit more. ... We'll figure out the home thing, but we just continue to get wins. That's what we need to do."

But for the most part of this decade, facing the Bulls (13-17) at home has been a cakewalk for the Nets. New Jersey has won 13 straight home games against Chicago since a 100-94 loss on April 17, 2001, and has earned victories in 16 of the last 17 such meetings.

The Nets have held the Bulls to 40.4 percent shooting while allowing 86.8 points per game during their streak, even though the last two contests have gone into overtime. Chicago has also been limited to 30.6 percent shooting from 3-point range and averaged 17.5 turnovers.

The Bulls have lost seven straight games away from the United Center, but handed the Nets one of their road defeats, winning 113-104 on Dec. 13.

New Jersey won on the road in its last game, beating Charlotte 114-103 on Saturday night.

Vince Carter, who had 39 points in the Nets' first meeting with Chicago this season, led the Nets with 28 versus the Bobcats.

Pick: New Jersey -5.5



Memphis Grizzlies at Minnesota Timberwolves (-2.5, 196.5)

With both teams coming off 22-win seasons, the Memphis Grizzlies and Minnesota Timberwolves were hoping to solidify their futures when they pulled off a late-night, blockbuster trade after last summer's draft.

Neither club has truly started to reap the benefits yet, but the early results have been significantly better for one of them.

Rookie scoring leader O.J. Mayo will hope to show the Timberwolves and their fans what they could have had when his Grizzlies visit a woeful Minnesota team on Monday.

When the rebuilding Timberwolves drafted Mayo with the third overall pick last June, they were briefly crowded at the shooting guard spot, with Randy Foye and Rashad McCants already expected to play big minutes.

But a few hours later, Mayo was on his way to Memphis as part of an eight-player trade that sent No. 5 overall pick Kevin Love to Minnesota along with Mike Miller.

"We felt it was a chance to take a player who we had ranked as the third best player in the draft," Grizzlies general manager Chris Wallace said at the time. "That I think almost all the league felt was third behind (Michael) Beasley and (Derrick) Rose. And if anybody has the chance to break in and have the type of impact in the NBA that Rose and Beasley seem certain to have, it would be O.J. Mayo."

Thus far, Mayo has outscored the two players picked before him, leading all rookies with 20.1 points per game and creating a strong scoring duo with forward Rudy Gay (19.6 ppg).

The former Southern California star had 29 points on Saturday, when the Grizzlies (10-20) pushed host San Antonio to two overtimes before losing 106-103. Memphis had stopped a four-game losing streak with a 108-105 win over Indiana on Friday, but it fell just short in the upset bid against the Spurs.

"I hope this game brings us closer as a team. I hope the pain draws us together," Memphis coach Marc Iavaroni said. "We're getting there, but we're not there."

Pick: Memphis +2.5


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[Udog]

NBA
Long Sheet


Monday, December 29


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DENVER (20 - 11) at ATLANTA (19 - 10) - 12/29/2008, 7:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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CHICAGO (13 - 17) at NEW JERSEY (15 - 15) - 12/29/2008, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO is 15-32 ATS (-20.2 Units) in road games first half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
CHICAGO is 6-18 ATS (-13.8 Units) against Atlantic division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
NEW JERSEY is 4-14 ATS (-11.4 Units) in home games in December games over the last 2 seasons.
NEW JERSEY is 9-24 ATS (-17.4 Units) in home games first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
NEW JERSEY is 4-16 ATS (-13.6 Units) in home games off an upset win as an underdog over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
NEW JERSEY is 5-3 against the spread versus CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
NEW JERSEY is 5-3 straight up against CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
5 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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PHOENIX (16 - 12) at OKLAHOMA CITY (3 - 28) - 12/29/2008, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PHOENIX is 180-227 ATS (-69.7 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
OKLAHOMA CITY is 6-1 against the spread versus PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
PHOENIX is 7-1 straight up against OKLAHOMA CITY over the last 3 seasons
8 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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MEMPHIS (10 - 20) at MINNESOTA (5 - 24) - 12/29/2008, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 81-108 ATS (-37.8 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 3-11 ATS (-9.1 Units) in home games this season.
MINNESOTA is 3-11 ATS (-9.1 Units) in home games first half of the season this season.
MINNESOTA is 5-16 ATS (-12.6 Units) in home games against Southwest division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 30-47 ATS (-21.7 Units) after allowing 105 points or more over the last 3 seasons.

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

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WASHINGTON (5 - 23) at HOUSTON (20 - 11) - 12/29/2008, 8:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
HOUSTON is 4-1 against the spread versus WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
HOUSTON is 5-0 straight up against WASHINGTON 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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PHILADELPHIA (12 - 17) at UTAH (18 - 14) - 12/29/2008, 9:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
UTAH is 2-2 against the spread versus PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
UTAH 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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