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**pm530** · 01-17-2009, 06:11 AM

Daily Sports Roundup

Saturday, January 17

Wake Forest and Clemson will hit the hardwood in a battle of ranked ACC teams late on Saturday afternoon. Here's the breakdown in your Daily Sports Roundup.

The Gridiron Spotlight

Cardinals WR Anquan Boldin (hamstring) was listed as QUESTIONABLE on the team's final injury report this week. Also QUESTIONABLE for Arizona are P Ben Graham (groin), DE Travis LaBoy (ankle), and TE Ben Patrick (knee). Eagles G Shawn Andrews (back) is OUT for the contest, while RB Brian Westbrook (knee) is PROBABLE. The other players listed as PROBABLE for Philadelphia for the NFC Championship Game: DE Victor Abiamiri (foot), WR Jason Avant (knee), S Brian Dawkins (back), RB Dan Klecko (shoulder), and also T Jon Runyan (knee).

Steelers S Troy Polamalu (calf) is listed as PROBABLE for the AFC Championship Game, as is C Justin Hartwig (knee). The Ravens will be without the services of LB Antwan Barnes (shoulder), who is OUT, while CB Samari Rolle (thigh) is DOUBTFUL. Listed as QUESTIONABLE for Baltimore are DT Justin Bannan (foot), WR Mark Clayton (thigh), WR Derrick Mason (knee), LB Terrell Suggs (shoulder), TE Todd Heap (back), LB Jarret Johnson (calf), and FB Le'Ron McClain (ankle), while LB Ray Lewis (shoulder), FB Lorenzo Neal (shoulder), and S Ed Reed (knee) are all pegged as PROBABLE to play Sunday.

Other Notable Events

No. 2 Wake Forest and No. 10 Clemson are a combined 31-0 heading into their matchup at Littlejohn Coliseum on Saturday afternoon (3:30pm ET tipoff). Bettors have found a little more value in the Demon Deacons, though, as they sit at 7-4 against-the-spread; the Tigers haul just a 5-5-1 ATS mark into the contest. Wake Forest bounced Boston College 83-63 last time out, getting 29 points from Jeff Teague. Clemson is coming off a 63-51 victory versus N.C. State last Saturday.

There are four other ranked matchups on the college hoops schedule for Saturday, with No. 1 Pittsburgh at No. 20 Louisville, No. 13 Georgetown at No. 3 Duke, No. 12 Notre Dame at No. 8 Syracuse, and No. 16 Arizona State at No. 9 UCLA. Other Top-10 teams in action on Saturday: No. 5 North Carolina vs. Miami, No. 6 Oklahoma vs. Texas A&M, and also No. 7 Michigan State vs. Illinois.

The Rest of the Schedule

The Celtics will look to knock off the Nets for the second straight game on Saturday afternoon when they tip off in New Jersey at 1:00pm ET. The 32-9 (and 21-20 ATS) Celtics blasted the Nets 118-86 at home back on Wednesday night. Paul Pierce led the way with 22 points for Boston in that victory, while Kevin Garnett picked up 20 points. Devin Harris poured in a team-high 17 for the Nets.

There are eight other games on the NBA's schedule for Saturday, all in the evening. Detroit will host New Orleans and Miami will play in Houston in a couple of big east/west matchups, while Orlando will be trying to get a victory in Denver. As well, it'll be Portland at Charlotte, Philadelphia at New York, San Antonio at Chicago, Milwaukee at the Clippers, and a west clash between Utah and Dallas.

The NHL also offers up a single matinee Saturday afternoon, with Los Angeles at Dallas at 2:00pm ET. The top game on the ice, though, begins over eight hours later, with the Red Wings taking on the Sharks in San Jose. Rounding out the busy NHL slate: Carolina at Buffalo, New Jersey at the Islanders, Montreal at Ottawa, Boston at Washington, Florida at Tampa Bay, Atlanta at Nashville, Chicago at St. Louis, Anaheim at Minnesota, and then finally Phoenix at Calgary.

A Peek at the Future

The NFC Championship Game between the Eagles and Cardinals kicks off at 3:00pm ET on Sunday afternoon, while the Ravens and Steelers will meet in the AFC Championship Game in Pittsburgh at 6:30pm ET . . . a light NBA schedule for Sunday features only Phoenix at Toronto and Miami at Oklahoma City . . . the NHL has four games on its Sunday slate, including the Pens hosting the Rangers.

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**pm530** · 01-17-2009, 06:12 AM

Six-pack for Saturday

Six proposition bets for Eagle-Cardinal game Sunday afternoon....

-- Eagles are -$145 to score first; Arizona is +$115.

-- Over/under for points for each team: Eagles 24.5, Cards 21.5.

-- Over/under for completed passes by each team: 22 for each.

-- Over/under for passing yardage: McNabb, 254.5, Warner 250.5.

-- Over/under for total yards for Westrook: 90.5. Receiving yards by Fitzgerald, 89.5.

-- Over/under for total field goals: 3.5. Total sacks, 4

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**pm530** · 01-17-2009, 06:12 AM

Saturday's List of 13: Random thoughts on a damn cold day.......

13) How would you like to be the guy in charge of security for the inauguration Tuesday? Think he's getting lot of sleep this weekend?

12) I don't know if this is odd, but when its below zero outside, I feel warmer when I watch golf on TV, especially from Hawai'i.

11) It still bothers me that Bernie Madoff isn't in prison, but goes to court in a bulletproof vest. Something doesn't make sense there.

10) Johan Santana is going to skip World Baseball Classic, because of issues the Mets have about his knee, supposedly. If I was paying a huge salary to someone like Santana, it would be over my dead body that he'd be pitching in a meaningless tournament that Santana would not think is meaningless, pitching for his country.

9) There's a cafeteria where I work; the price of chips has stayed the same, but the size of the bags has to be 25-30% smaller now, at least. Is there anyone left in this country who isn't a crook?

8) Cubs claim to have a waiting list of 100,000 for season tickets. A's say ticket sales for 2009 are down 10%. Hope is a wonderful thing.

7) If recession continues much longer, there is thought small market owners may want to push for a salary cap in next contract with the Players' Union, which would set up a very interesting negotiation.

6) Finally saw the movie The Rookie, true story about a high school baseball coach who tries out for major league team in his late 20's and actually gets to the major leagues. Excellent movie; Dennis Quaid is terrific as the coach-- its on TNT this month, I think.......

5) Siena overcame 15-point deficit to win in OT at Marist Thursday, the fourth overtime game in last six series meetings. Saints still have not covered a MAAC game, despite winning all seven they played.

4) Only one Division I basketball player has scored 20+ points in all his teams' games this season: Tennessee-Martin's Lester Hudson, the second-leading scorer in America behind Davidson's Stephen Curry.

3) Everything is relative: 159 people in an airplane wound up in the freezing cold Hudson River Thursday; at the end of the day, when all 159 got out of the river alive, it was the luckiest day of their lives.

2) January in Albany has been relentlessly cold, which is why you'll bever hear me bitch about steamy summer days. Nothing quite like scraping the windshield when its below zero and you're late for work.

1) When Tuesday night rolls around, the happiest person is America is going to be George W. Bush, I'm pretty sure of that.

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**pm530** · 01-17-2009, 06:13 AM

NBA

Saturday, January 17

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Trend Sheet
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1:00 PM BOSTON vs. NEW JERSEY
Boston is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games
Boston is 18-7 SU in its last 25 games
New Jersey is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Boston
New Jersey is 10-5 SU in its last 15 games when playing at home against Boston

7:00 PM PORTLAND vs. CHARLOTTE
Portland is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Portland is 2-8 ATS in its last 10 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Charlotte's last 5 games when playing Portland
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Charlotte's last 7 games at home

7:30 PM NEW ORLEANS vs. DETROIT
New Orleans is 17-8 SU in its last 25 games
New Orleans is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games when playing Detroit
Detroit is 8-17 ATS in its last 25 games when playing at home against New Orleans
Detroit is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against New Orleans

7:30 PM PHILADELPHIA vs. NEW YORK
Philadelphia is 2-10 ATS in its last 12 games when playing on the road against New York
Philadelphia is 3-8 SU in its last 11 games when playing on the road against New York
New York is 4-11 SU in its last 15 games
New York is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games at home

8:30 PM MIAMI vs. HOUSTON
Miami is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Houston
Miami is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Houston
Houston is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games at home
Houston is 9-2 SU in its last 11 games at home

8:30 PM SAN ANTONIO vs. CHICAGO
San Antonio is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Chicago
San Antonio is 13-2 SU in its last 15 games when playing Chicago
Chicago is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing San Antonio
Chicago is 2-13 SU in its last 15 games when playing San Antonio

9:00 PM ORLANDO vs. DENVER
Orlando is 17-5 SU in its last 22 games when playing Denver
Orlando is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Denver
Denver is 6-14-2 ATS in its last 22 games when playing Orlando
Denver is 5-17 SU in its last 22 games when playing Orlando

9:00 PM UTAH vs. DALLAS
Utah is 3-7 ATS in its last 10 games when playing on the road against Dallas
Utah is 1-9 SU in its last 10 games when playing on the road against Dallas
Dallas is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Utah
Dallas is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Utah

10:30 PM MILWAUKEE vs. LA CLIPPERS
Milwaukee is 2-8-1 ATS in their last 11 games when playing LA Clippers
Milwaukee is 2-6 SU in their last 8 games when playing LA Clippers
LA Clippers are 0-5 SU in their last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 7 of the LA Clippers last 8 games

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**pm530** · 01-17-2009, 06:15 AM

NHL
Long Sheet

Saturday, January 17

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LOS ANGELES (17-20-0-6, 40 pts.) at DALLAS (18-17-0-7, 43 pts.) - 1/17/2009, 2:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DALLAS is 21-11 ATS (+8.2 Units) revenging a home loss versus opponent over the last 2 seasons.
DALLAS is 38-26 ATS (+9.8 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent over the last 2 seasons.
LOS ANGELES is 38-32 ATS (+78.5 Units) in road games after playing 3 consecutive home games since 1996.
DALLAS is 2-10 ATS (+15.8 Units) on Saturday games this season.
DALLAS is 48-50 ATS (-51.9 Units) in home games after a non-conference game since 1996.
DALLAS is 6-17 ATS (+24.4 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
DALLAS is 12-6 (+2.6 Units) against the spread versus LOS ANGELES over the last 3 seasons
DALLAS is 12-6-0 straight up against LOS ANGELES over the last 3 seasons
9 of 18 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=-1.4 Units, Under=-1.1 Units)

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CAROLINA (21-19-0-5, 47 pts.) at BUFFALO (22-17-0-5, 49 pts.) - 1/17/2009, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BUFFALO is 24-35 ATS (-28.4 Units) on Saturday games over the last 3 seasons.
BUFFALO is 1-8 ATS (+9.3 Units) after a non-conference game this season.
BUFFALO is 17-25 ATS (-18.3 Units) after allowing 4 goals or more over the last 2 seasons.
BUFFALO is 13-15 ATS (-17.2 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
BUFFALO is 6-2 (+4.1 Units) against the spread versus CAROLINA over the last 3 seasons
BUFFALO is 6-2-0 straight up against CAROLINA over the last 3 seasons
6 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+3.6 Units)

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NEW JERSEY (25-15-0-3, 53 pts.) at NY ISLANDERS (12-28-0-4, 28 pts.) - 1/17/2009, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEW JERSEY is 23-15 ATS (+40.0 Units) in road games on Saturday games over the last 3 seasons.
NY ISLANDERS are 16-34 ATS (+59.6 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5.5 over the last 3 seasons.
NY ISLANDERS are 0-8 ATS (-8.4 Units) in home games in January games over the last 2 seasons.
NY ISLANDERS are 5-17 ATS (+23.8 Units) in home games second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
NY ISLANDERS are 27-53 ATS (+80.8 Units) in home games revenging a loss versus opponent since 1996.
NY ISLANDERS are 42-81 ATS (+125.0 Units) in home games after scoring 1 goal or less in their previous game since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY ISLANDERS is 8-10 (+0.5 Units) against the spread versus NEW JERSEY over the last 3 seasons
NEW JERSEY is 10-8-0 straight up against NY ISLANDERS over the last 3 seasons
11 of 17 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+3.7 Units)

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MONTREAL (26-11-0-6, 58 pts.) at OTTAWA (15-21-0-6, 36 pts.) - 1/17/2009, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MONTREAL is 19-23 ATS (-13.2 Units) on Saturday games over the last 2 seasons.
OTTAWA is 15-27 ATS (-39.0 Units) in all games this season.
OTTAWA is 13-17 ATS (-12.9 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5.5 over the last 2 seasons.
OTTAWA is 20-35 ATS (-32.1 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
OTTAWA is 31-29 ATS (-23.3 Units) in home games revenging a loss versus opponent since 1996.
OTTAWA is 7-16 ATS (-13.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
OTTAWA is 10-8 (+0.3 Units) against the spread versus MONTREAL over the last 3 seasons
OTTAWA is 10-8-0 straight up against MONTREAL over the last 3 seasons
9 of 17 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+0.4 Units)

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BOSTON (33-6-0-5, 71 pts.) at WASHINGTON (28-14-0-3, 59 pts.) - 1/17/2009, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 8-0 ATS (+8.0 Units) in a home game where where the total is 6 or more this season.
WASHINGTON is 12-4 ATS (+16.1 Units) after a win by 2 goals or more this season.
WASHINGTON is 15-5 ATS (+8.8 Units) after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game this season.
WASHINGTON is 35-21 ATS (+12.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 33-11 ATS (+16.2 Units) in all games this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 6-3 (+3.2 Units) against the spread versus WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
BOSTON is 6-3-0 straight up against WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
7 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+5.0 Units)

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FLORIDA (20-16-0-6, 46 pts.) at TAMPA BAY (14-20-0-10, 38 pts.) - 1/17/2009, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
FLORIDA is 204-232 ATS (-76.9 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record since 1996.
FLORIDA is 94-122 ATS (-61.1 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season since 1996.
FLORIDA is 14-9 ATS (+24.8 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent this season.
TAMPA BAY is 14-30 ATS (+14.0 Units) in all games this season.
TAMPA BAY is 11-25 ATS (+37.5 Units) on Saturday games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 23-46 ATS (-29.8 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
FLORIDA is 11-9 (+2.7 Units) against the spread versus TAMPA BAY over the last 3 seasons
FLORIDA is 11-9-0 straight up against TAMPA BAY over the last 3 seasons
12 of 20 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+3.2 Units)

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ATLANTA (14-25-0-5, 33 pts.) at NASHVILLE (20-21-0-3, 43 pts.) - 1/17/2009, 8:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
NASHVILLE is 2-0 (+2.0 Units) against the spread versus ATLANTA over the last 3 seasons
NASHVILLE is 2-0-0 straight up against ATLANTA over the last 3 seasons
1 of 2 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+0.0 Units)

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CHICAGO (24-11-0-6, 54 pts.) at ST LOUIS (17-23-0-3, 37 pts.) - 1/17/2009, 8:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO is 3-8 ATS (-8.1 Units) vs. division opponents this season.
CHICAGO is 178-222 ATS (-75.3 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record since 1996.
ST LOUIS is 12-25 ATS (+42.7 Units) after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO is 10-8 (+0.5 Units) against the spread versus ST LOUIS over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO is 10-8-0 straight up against ST LOUIS over the last 3 seasons
11 of 17 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+4.6 Units)

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ANAHEIM (22-18-0-5, 49 pts.) at MINNESOTA (22-18-0-3, 47 pts.) - 1/17/2009, 9:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ANAHEIM is 142-135 ATS (+290.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
ANAHEIM is 8-6 (+0.9 Units) against the spread versus MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
ANAHEIM is 8-6-0 straight up against MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
6 of 11 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+0.6 Units)

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PHOENIX (22-18-0-5, 49 pts.) at CALGARY (27-12-0-4, 58 pts.) - 1/17/2009, 10:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PHOENIX is 10-24 ATS (+36.9 Units) on Saturday games over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 21-14 ATS (+38.0 Units) in January games over the last 3 seasons.
PHOENIX is 69-62 ATS (+141.2 Units) in road games after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game since 1996.
CALGARY is 7-12 ATS (-13.9 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CALGARY is 7-3 (+1.9 Units) against the spread versus PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
CALGARY is 7-3-0 straight up against PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
5 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=-0.2 Units, Under=-1.0 Units)

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DETROIT (31-7-0-6, 68 pts.) at SAN JOSE (32-6-0-5, 69 pts.) - 1/17/2009, 10:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 75-71 ATS (-38.7 Units) in January games since 1996.
DETROIT is 48-17 ATS (+13.6 Units) after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 9-7 (+1.9 Units) against the spread versus SAN JOSE over the last 3 seasons
DETROIT is 9-7-0 straight up against SAN JOSE over the last 3 seasons
6 of 11 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+0.9 Units)

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**pm530** · 01-17-2009, 06:15 AM

NHL

Saturday, January 17

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Trend Sheet
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2:00 PM LOS ANGELES vs. DALLAS
Los Angeles is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Dallas
Los Angeles is 6-12 SU in its last 18 games when playing Dallas
Dallas is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Dallas's last 12 games

7:00 PM BOSTON vs. WASHINGTON
Boston is 14-2 SU in its last 16 games
Boston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Washington is 5-12-2 SU in its last 19 games when playing Boston
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Washington's last 12 games when playing Boston

7:00 PM CAROLINA vs. BUFFALO
Carolina is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Buffalo
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Carolina's last 9 games when playing on the road against Buffalo
Buffalo is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
Buffalo is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games at home

7:00 PM MONTREAL vs. OTTAWA
Montreal is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Montreal's last 6 games
Ottawa is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Montreal
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Ottawa's last 5 games when playing Montreal

7:00 PM NEW JERSEY vs. NY ISLANDERS
New Jersey is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games on the road
New Jersey is 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing NY Islanders
NY Islanders are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games when playing New Jersey
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of the NY Islanders last 15 games when playing New Jersey

7:30 PM FLORIDA vs. TAMPA BAY
Florida is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
Florida is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Tampa Bay's last 6 games when playing Florida
Tampa Bay is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Florida

8:00 PM ATLANTA vs. NASHVILLE
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Atlanta's last 7 games when playing Nashville
Atlanta is 3-8 SU in its last 11 games
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Nashville's last 11 games at home
Nashville is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games

8:30 PM CHICAGO vs. ST. LOUIS
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Chicago's last 5 games when playing St. Louis
Chicago is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games on the road
St. Louis is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Chicago
The total has gone OVER in 5 of St. Louis's last 5 games when playing Chicago

9:00 PM ANAHEIM vs. MINNESOTA
Anaheim is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Anaheim's last 6 games when playing Minnesota
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Minnesota's last 6 games when playing Anaheim
Minnesota is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Anaheim

10:00 PM PHOENIX vs. CALGARY
Phoenix is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Calgary
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Phoenix's last 6 games when playing Calgary
Calgary is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Calgary's last 7 games at home

10:30 PM DETROIT vs. SAN JOSE
Detroit is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games
Detroit is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games when playing San Jose
San Jose is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games when playing Detroit
The total has gone OVER in 5 of San Jose's last 6 games when playing Detroit

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**pm530** · 01-17-2009, 06:16 AM

NHL

Saturday, January 17

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Ice Picks: NHL Bets
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Detroit Red Wings at San Jose Sharks (-140, 5.5)

Saturday's heavyweight bout between the Western Conference's top two teams lost a bit of its luster when the Sharks fell to the third-place Calgary Flames. San Jose suffered its first regulation loss of the season, getting edged 3-2 with the deciding goal deflecting off a defenseman's stick.

"You let a road team hang around when it's tied in the third period, and a lot of times something like that is going to happen," Ryane Clowe told the San Francisco Chronicle after that loss. "They're going to get a bounce or something. We can't sulk too long, because we've got a big game on Saturday."

Calgary manged to pepper goaltender Evgeni Nabokov with 31 shots as well as had numerous chances blocked or just sail wide of the net. Detroit won't hesitate to put the puck on net. It ranks first in goals per game and averages more than 36 shots.

The Red Wings won the previous meeting between these to powerhouses. They blanked San Jose 6-0 at Joe Louis Arena December 18, despite only picking up 28 shots on goal. The Sharks were playing back-to-back games and came off an overtime grinder with Columbus which they lost 2-1.

Pick: Detroit +130

Phoenix Coyotes at Calgary Flames (-201, 5.5)

The Flames proved their among the league's elite with the win over the Sharks. Now they can solidify that with a win over an impressive Coyotes squad. Calgary has won four in a row and nine of its last 10 games. Phoenix is a winner in three of its last four and are hungry for a playoff spot.

The Flames are getting steady work between the post from goaltender Miikka Kiprusoff, who has allowed just under two goals a game in his past four starts while facing almost 30 shots in each of those games.

"They only give you two points," Kiprusoff told the Calgary Herald, down playing his 33 saves against the Sharks, "no matter who it is that you beat."

Calgary owns a 9-2-1 record in its past 12 game with the Coyotes. However, it did lose its most recent tilt with Phoenix. The Flames fell 4-2 in Arizona but had won four in a row before that early November loss.

Pick: Calgary -201

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**Udog** · 01-17-2009, 09:34 AM

NBA
Long Sheet

Saturday, January 17

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BOSTON (32 - 9) at NEW JERSEY (19 - 21) - 1/17/2009, 1:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 88-60 ATS (+22.0 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 69-50 ATS (+14.0 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 69-42 ATS (+22.8 Units) in road games over the last 3 seasons.
BOSTON is 20-5 ATS (+14.5 Units) vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 43-27 ATS (+13.3 Units) after a win by 10 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 42-22 ATS (+17.8 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 46-24 ATS (+19.6 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
NEW JERSEY is 1-9 ATS (-8.9 Units) in home games vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
NEW JERSEY is 17-34 ATS (-20.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
NEW JERSEY is 19-32 ATS (-16.2 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.

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

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PORTLAND (24 - 15) at CHARLOTTE (15 - 24) - 1/17/2009, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CHARLOTTE is 47-24 ATS (+20.6 Units) after scoring 85 points or less since 1996.
PORTLAND is 20-9 ATS (+10.1 Units) after scoring 105 points or more over the last 2 seasons.

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

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NEW ORLEANS (23 - 13) at DETROIT (22 - 16) - 1/17/2009, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 10-1 ATS (+8.9 Units) against Southwest division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 45-29 ATS (+13.1 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 3 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 72-56 ATS (+10.4 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 54-36 ATS (+14.4 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 16-6 ATS (+9.4 Units) in January games over the last 2 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 31-17 ATS (+12.3 Units) when playing on back-to-back days over the last 3 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 47-21 ATS (+23.9 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 3 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 17-7 ATS (+9.3 Units) after a loss by 10 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 37-62 ATS (-31.2 Units) in home games when playing on back-to-back days since 1996.

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

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PHILADELPHIA (19 - 20) at NEW YORK (15 - 23) - 1/17/2009, 7:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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SAN ANTONIO (25 - 13) at CHICAGO (18 - 22) - 1/17/2009, 8:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SAN ANTONIO is 13-26 ATS (-15.6 Units) in January games over the last 3 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 6-20 ATS (-16.0 Units) when playing on back-to-back days over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 196-155 ATS (+25.5 Units) after a non-conference game since 1996.
CHICAGO is 54-68 ATS (-20.8 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO is 72-102 ATS (-40.2 Units) in home games in non-conference games since 1996.
CHICAGO is 24-40 ATS (-20.0 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO is 4-16 ATS (-13.6 Units) off an upset win as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO is 24-36 ATS (-15.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN ANTONIO is 4-1 against the spread versus CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
SAN ANTONIO is 4-1 straight up against CHICAGO 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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MIAMI (21 - 17) at HOUSTON (24 - 16) - 1/17/2009, 8:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MIAMI is 50-68 ATS (-24.8 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 19-33 ATS (-17.3 Units) revenging a home loss vs opponent over the last 3 seasons.
MIAMI is 3-13 ATS (-11.3 Units) off an upset win as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 19-7 ATS (+11.3 Units) against Southeast division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
HOUSTON is 47-28 ATS (+16.2 Units) in non-conference games over the last 3 seasons.

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

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ORLANDO (32 - 8) at DENVER (27 - 13) - 1/17/2009, 9:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DENVER is 16-5 ATS (+10.5 Units) in home games against Southeast division opponents since 1996.
DENVER is 17-5 ATS (+11.5 Units) in home games in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 28-12 ATS (+14.8 Units) in all games this season.
ORLANDO is 12-2 ATS (+9.8 Units) as a road underdog of 3 points or less over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 16-5 ATS (+10.5 Units) in road games this season.
ORLANDO is 26-12 ATS (+12.8 Units) on Saturday games over the last 3 seasons.
ORLANDO is 31-15 ATS (+14.5 Units) against Northwest division opponents since 1996.
ORLANDO is 15-5 ATS (+9.5 Units) after a non-conference game this season.
ORLANDO is 17-4 ATS (+12.6 Units) in non-conference games this season.
ORLANDO is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) after scoring 105 points or more this season.
ORLANDO is 10-1 ATS (+8.9 Units) after playing 3 consecutive road games over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) after 3 or more consecutive wins this season.
ORLANDO is 12-4 ATS (+7.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
ORLANDO is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.
ORLANDO is 11-0 ATS (+11.0 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.

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

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UTAH (24 - 16) at DALLAS (22 - 17) - 1/17/2009, 9:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
UTAH is 6-2 against the spread versus DALLAS over the last 3 seasons
UTAH is 5-3 straight up against DALLAS over the last 3 seasons
4 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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MILWAUKEE (20 - 22) at LA CLIPPERS (8 - 30) - 1/17/2009, 10:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MILWAUKEE is 78-110 ATS (-43.0 Units) on Saturday games since 1996.
MILWAUKEE is 26-14 ATS (+10.6 Units) in all games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 15-7 ATS (+7.3 Units) in road games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
LA CLIPPERS are 50-69 ATS (-25.9 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 41-58 ATS (-22.8 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 21-39 ATS (-21.9 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 27-42 ATS (-19.2 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 3 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 5-16 ATS (-12.6 Units) in home games in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 16-32 ATS (-19.2 Units) in home games revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.

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

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**Udog** · 01-17-2009, 09:36 AM

NBA

Saturday, January 17

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Pick 'n' Roll: Saturday's best NBA bets
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Boston Celtics at New Jersey Nets (+7, 191)

The Boston Celtics' best start in franchise history came to an abrupt end as the club struggled through two uncharacteristic weeks. With three straight wins over Atlantic Division rivals, however, Boston thinks it's back on track.

After opening a franchise-best 27-2, Boston dropped seven of nine, including four in a row from Jan. 4-9. That was the team's longest losing streak since acquiring Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen in the summer of 2007 to provide the foundation for the club that led the Celtics to their 17th NBA title in June.

The Celtics (32-9), who were remarkably consistent in going 66-16 before last season's title run, appear to have found a way to snap out of their surprising slump. They've won three straight games against Atlantic rivals, sweeping a home-and-home series from Toronto before beating New Jersey 118-86 in Boston Wednesday night to improve to 9-1 within the division.

The Celtics certainly looked like one of the league's elite teams Wednesday, shooting 56.4 percent from the field, going 12-for-22 from 3-point range, doubling the Nets' assist total with 28, and outrebounding them 45-32.

The Celtics' third-most lopsided win of the season gave them six straight over the Nets. Boston has also won its last four trips to New Jersey.

"They kicked us real good," Nets coach Lawrence Frank said after his club shot 38.8 percent Wednesday. "When talent works hard like that, you get embarrassed."

The Nets put together a better performance in their next game Thursday, shooting 51.3 percent from the field, but they were outscored 37-28 in the fourth quarter of a 105-99 home loss to Portland.

Pick: Celtics

Orlando Magic at Denver Nuggets (Pick, 210)

A night after Orlando polished off the West's best team, the Northwest-leading Denver Nuggets await on Saturday as the Magic look to close a perfect four-game trip and improve upon the league's best road record.

Orlando knocked off Southwest Division-leading San Antonio on Sunday night to kick off the trip, then hit an NBA record 23 3-pointers Tuesday in a 32-point victory in Sacramento.

The Magic had already beaten the Pacific-leading Los Angeles Lakers at home last month, but they'd never swept them in the 20-year history of the franchise. That changed Friday night, as Jameer Nelson delivered 28 points - 15 in the fourth - and Dwight Howard had 25 points and 20 rebounds in Orlando's 109-103 win at Staples Center.

The victory was the Magic's sixth straight overall and lifted their record to an NBA-best 16-5 away from home.

Nelson will have his hands full with the Nuggets (27-13), and he's certainly familiar with Denver's point guard. While Billups was with Detroit, Nelson was 4-15 against him head-to-head including two postseason series losses.

Billups has made the difference since being traded to the Nuggets in early November, and he's stepped up even more since Carmelo Anthony went down with a broken right hand.

Since Anthony was hurt on Jan. 5, Billups has averaged 25.0 points while Denver has won three of four. He had 26 on Thursday against Phoenix despite playing with the flu, and the Nuggets rallied from a first-half deficit to force overtime, where they won 119-113.

Pick: Magic

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**Udog** · 01-17-2009, 11:17 AM

NBA
Short Sheet

Early Game

Saturday, 1/17/2009

BOSTON at NEW JERSEY, 1:05 PM ET
BOSTON: 20-5 ATS vs Atlantic Division
NEW JERSEY: 1-9 ATS at home vs Atlantic Division

**Udog** · 01-17-2009, 11:20 AM

NHL
Short Sheet

Early Game

Saturday, 1/17/2009

LOS ANGELES at DALLAS, 2:05 PM ET
LOS ANGELES: 9-1 SU after playing 4 consecutive home games
DALLAS: 2-10 SU on Saturday

**pm530** · 01-17-2009, 12:19 PM

NBA
Dunkel Index

Portland at Charlotte
The Bobcats are coming off a win at Detroit (80-78) and look to build on their 10-4 ATS record after scoring 85 points or less in their previous game. Charlotte is the underdog pick (+2 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Bobcats favored straight up by 1. Dunkel Pick: Charlotte (+2 1/2). Here are all of today's picks.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 17

Game 501-502: Boston at New Jersey
Dunkel Ratings: Boston 123.260; New Jersey 118.082
Dunkel Line & Total: Boston by 5; 186 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Boston by 6 1/2; 191
Dunkel Pick: New Jersey (+6 1/2); Under

Game 503-504: Portland at Charlotte
Dunkel Ratings: Portland 117.477; Charlotte 118.416
Dunkel Line & Total: Charlotte by 1; 190 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Portland by 2 1/2; 180
Dunkel Pick: Charlotte (+2 1/2); Over

Game 505-506: New Orleans at Detroit
Dunkel Ratings: New Orleans 122.672; Detroit 119.133
Dunkel Line & Total: New Orleans by 3 1/2; 169
Vegas Line & Total: New Orleans by 2 1/2; 178
Dunkel Pick: New Orleans (-2 1/2); Under

Game 507-508: Philadelphia at New York
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia 117.471; New York 118.992
Dunkel Line & Total: New York by 1 1/2; 218
Vegas Line & Total: Philadelphia by 1; 210
Dunkel Pick: New York (+1); Over

Game 509-510: San Antonio at Chicago
Dunkel Ratings: San Antonio 122.491; Chicago 115.442
Dunkel Line & Total: San Antonio by 7; 186
Vegas Line & Total: San Antonio by 3; 195 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Antonio (-3); Under

Game 511-512: Miami at Houston
Dunkel Ratings: Miami 118.111; Houston 120.275
Dunkel Line & Total: Houston by 2; 179
Vegas Line & Total: Houston by 3 1/2; 187 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Miami (+3 1/2); Under

Game 513-514: Orlando at Denver
Dunkel Ratings: Orlando 125.962; Denver 124.356
Dunkel Line & Total: Orlando by 1 1/2; 217 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Denver by 1 1/2; 212
Dunkel Pick: Orlando (+1 1/2); Over

Game 515-516: Utah at Dallas
Dunkel Ratings: Utah 120.009; Dallas 118.681
Dunkel Line & Total: Utah by 1 1/2; 203
Vegas Line & Total: Dallas by 4 1/2; 200
Dunkel Pick: Utah (+4 1/2); Over

Game 517-518: Milwaukee at LA Clippers
Dunkel Ratings: Milwaukee 117.247; LA Clippers 112.812
Dunkel Line & Total: Milwaukee by 4 1/2; 189
Vegas Line & Total: Milwaukee by 3; 192
Dunkel Pick: Milwaukee (-3); Under

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**pm530** · 01-17-2009, 12:35 PM

NHL
Dunkel Index

Detroit at San Jose
The Red Wings are coming off a 4-0 win at LA and are 4-0 after shutting out their opponent in the previous game. Detroit is the underdog pick (+125) according to Dunkel, which has the Red Wings favored straight up by 1 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Detroit (+125). Here are all of today's picks.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 17

Game 51-52: Los Angeles at Dallas
Dunkel Ratings: Los Angeles 11.159; Dallas 10.345
Dunkel Line & Total: Los Angeles by 1; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Dallas (-170); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Los Angeles (+150); Over

Game 53-54: Carolina at Buffalo
Dunkel Ratings: Carolina 10.878; Buffalo 10.569
Dunkel Line & Total: Carolina by 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Buffalo (-155); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Carolina (+135); Under

Game 55-56: New Jersey at NY Islanders
Dunkel Ratings: New Jersey 10.872; NY Islanders 11.812
Dunkel Line & Total: NY Islanders by 1; 6
Vegas Line & Total: New Jersey (-240); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: NY Islanders (+200); Over

Game 57-58: Montreal at Ottawa
Dunkel Ratings: Montreal 12.975; Ottawa 10.860
Dunkel Line & Total: Montreal by 2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Montreal (-140); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Montreal (-140); Under

Game 59-60: Boston at Washington
Dunkel Ratings: Boston 13.415; Washington 10.888
Dunkel Line & Total: Boston by 2 1/2; 7
Vegas Line & Total: Washington (-120); 6
Dunkel Pick: Boston (+100); Over

Game 61-62: Florida at Tampa Bay
Dunkel Ratings: Florida 12.725; Tampa Bay 11.423
Dunkel Line & Total: Florida by 1 1/2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Tampa Bay (-110); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Florida (-110); Over

Game 63-64: Atlanta at Nashville
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta 10.691; Nashville 12.323
Dunkel Line & Total: Nashville by 1 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Nashville (-210); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Nashville (-210); Under

Game 65-66: Chicago at St. Louis
Dunkel Ratings: Chicago 12.979; St. Louis 11.729
Dunkel Line & Total: Chicago by 1; 7
Vegas Line & Total: Chicago (-160); 6
Dunkel Pick: Chicago (-160); Over

Game 67-68: Anaheim at Minnesota
Dunkel Ratings: Anaheim 11.994; Minnesota 11.171
Dunkel Line & Total: Anaheim by 1; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Minnesota (-155); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Anaheim (+135); Over

Game 69-70: Phoenix at Calgary
Dunkel Ratings: Phoenix 11.322; Calgary 13.645
Dunkel Line & Total: Calgary by 2 1/2; 4 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Calgary (-210); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Calgary (-210); Under

Game 71-72: Detroit at San Jose
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit 13.945; San Jose 12.388
Dunkel Line & Total: Detroit by 1 1/2; 6
Vegas Line & Total: San Jose (-145); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (+125); Over

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**pm530** · 01-17-2009, 12:37 PM

NBA
Write-up

Saturday, January 17

Early game

Hot Teams
-- Celtics won last three games, by 6-6-32 (vs Nets) points.

Cold Teams
-- Nets lost three of their last four games.

Totals
-- Over is 5-1-1 in last seven New Jersey games.

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Announcement

Saturday Trends and Indexes 1/17 (NBA, NHL, Misc.)

Saturday Trends and Indexes 1/17 (NBA, NHL, Misc.)

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