Sunday Trends and Indexes 1/18 (NBA, NCAAB, NHL, Misc.)

[pm530]

Trends and Indexes

Sunday, January 18

Good Luck on day #18 of 2009!

For the NFL, look for separate thread:

• “NFL Conference Championships Trends and Indexes 1/18"

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

Sunday, January 18

The NFL conference championships have finally arrived, with Philadelphia at Arizona and Baltimore at Pittsburgh. Here's a look in your Daily Sports Roundup.

The Gridiron Spotlight

The Ravens defense has allowed just 19 points so far over two playoff games, and they'll be looking to keep up that pressure on Sunday when they play on the road in Pittsburgh in the AFC Championship Game (6:30pm ET, CBS). Baltimore knocked off top-seeded Tennessee 13-10 on the road last weekend, thanks to one Joe Flacco touchdown pass and two Matt Stover field goals. Flacco went 11-of-22 for 161 yards passing in that contest, while Derrick Mason had the TD grab.

The Steelers started their playoff run with a bang last weekend, bouncing San Diego 35-24 at Heinz Field on the strength of Willie Parker's 146 yards rushing and two touchdowns. Pittsburgh QB Ben Roethlisberger went 17-of-26 for 181 yards through the air in that win, with one touchdown pass and no interceptions.

Division rivals Baltimore and Pittsburgh met twice during the regular season, with the Steelers winning both times (23-20 at home in Week 4, and 13-9 on the road in Week 15). The oddsmakers like the Steelers' chances of getting a bigger win on Sunday, as they've been listed as a 6-point favorite with the total at 34 points.

The Eagles got past the defending-champion Giants 23-11 last weekend to advance to the NFC Championship Game on Sunday in Arizona (3:00pm ET, FOX). That win came despite sub-par performances from the team's top offensive weapons; Donovan McNabb went just 22-of-40 for 217 yards passing with one touchdown and two picks, while Brian Westbrook ran for just 36 yards.

The Cardinals have surprised most observers with two straight wins over the Falcons and Panthers to start the playoffs, scoring 63 points over the two games. Arizona went into Carolina and came out with a 33-13 win last weekend, with Kurt Warner going 21-of-32 for 220 yards passing with two TDs and one INT. Larry Fitzgerald had a monster game, with 166 yards receiving and one touchdown, while Edgerrin James ran for 57 yards and one score in the victory.

Despite beating the Panthers the Cardinals still find themselves pegged as 4-point home underdogs on Sunday (with the total at 47 points). The Eagles and Cardinals met in Philadelphia in a decidedly one-sided affair back in Week 13; McNabb threw for 260 yards and four touchdowns in that 48-20 Eagles victory.

Other Notable Events

Evgeni Malkin and his Penguins will try for a win over the rival Rangers Sunday afternoon when the two teams meet at 12:30pm ET. Those clubs last met on January 5, with the Rangers rolling to an easy 4-0 home victory behind the goaltending of Henrik Lundqvist. There are three other games around the NHL on Sunday: Calgary at Colorado, Phoenix at Edmonton, and Columbus at Vancouver.

The Rest of the Schedule

The NBA has just two games on the schedule for Sunday, with Phoenix on the road in Toronto, and Oklahoma City hosting Miami. The better hoops matchups look like they'll be in the college ranks, with Seton Hall at No. 4 Connecticut and St. John's at No. 23 Villanova. Other ranked teams in action on Sunday: No. 15 Xavier vs. La Salle, No. 19 Purdue vs. Iowa, and No. 18 Minnesota vs. Northwestern.

A Peek at the Future

A holiday Monday features many NBA afternoon contests, including Dallas at Philadelphia, Denver at Houston, and San Antonio at Charlotte. As well, Phoenix will be in Boston and the Lakers will host Cleveland in the evening . . . there are two NHL matinees on Monday as well - Blues/Bruins, and Capitals/Islanders. Chicago will host Minnesota at night . . . college hoops action on Monday night will see Pittsburgh hosting Syracuse, while Kansas gets a visit from Texas A&M.

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[pm530]

NBA


Sunday, January 18

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Trend Sheet
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1:00 PM PHOENIX vs. TORONTO
Phoenix is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Phoenix's last 9 games on the road
Toronto is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Phoenix
Toronto is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Phoenix


7:00 PM MIAMI vs. OKLAHOMA CITY
Miami is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Oklahoma City
Miami is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games
Oklahoma City is 6-17 SU in its last 23 games

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[pm530]

NCAAB
Long Sheet


Sunday, January 18

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ST JOHNS (10 - 6) at VILLANOVA (13 - 3) - 1/18/2009, 12:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ST JOHNS is 70-48 ATS (+17.2 Units) in road games since 1997.
ST JOHNS is 70-48 ATS (+17.2 Units) in road lined games since 1997.
ST JOHNS is 28-9 ATS (+18.1 Units) in road games after scoring 60 points or less since 1997.
VILLANOVA is 1-10 ATS (-10.0 Units) in January games over the last 2 seasons.
VILLANOVA is 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) in home games after failing to cover the spread in 3 or more consecutive games since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
VILLANOVA is 1-0 against the spread versus ST JOHNS over the last 3 seasons
VILLANOVA is 1-0 straight up against ST JOHNS over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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IOWA (11 - 6) at PURDUE (13 - 4) - 1/18/2009, 12:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
IOWA is 10-28 ATS (-20.8 Units) when playing with 5 or 6 days rest since 1997.
PURDUE is 26-14 ATS (+10.6 Units) against conference opponents over the last 3 seasons.
PURDUE is 16-5 ATS (+10.5 Units) after a conference game over the last 2 seasons.
PURDUE is 15-6 ATS (+8.4 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
PURDUE is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games over the last 2 seasons.
PURDUE is 18-8 ATS (+9.2 Units) versus good defensive teams - allowing <=64 points/game after 15+ games over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
PURDUE is 2-2 against the spread versus IOWA over the last 3 seasons
PURDUE is 3-1 straight up against IOWA 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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KENTUCKY (13 - 4) at GEORGIA (9 - 8) - 1/18/2009, 12:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
KENTUCKY is 14-5 ATS (+8.5 Units) against conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
KENTUCKY is 75-49 ATS (+21.1 Units) in road games after a conference game since 1997.
KENTUCKY is 56-36 ATS (+16.4 Units) in road games off a win against a conference rival since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
GEORGIA is 3-2 against the spread versus KENTUCKY over the last 3 seasons
KENTUCKY is 3-2 straight up against GEORGIA 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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LASALLE (9 - 6) at XAVIER (14 - 2) - 1/18/2009, 12:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
XAVIER is 22-12 ATS (+8.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
XAVIER is 63-40 ATS (+19.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games since 1997.
LASALLE is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
LASALLE is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) in road lined games over the last 2 seasons.
LASALLE is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) in road games against conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
LASALLE is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in road games in January games over the last 3 seasons.
LASALLE is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
LASALLE is 2-0 against the spread versus XAVIER over the last 3 seasons
XAVIER is 2-0 straight up against LASALLE over the last 3 seasons
2 of 2 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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SETON HALL (9 - 7) at CONNECTICUT (15 - 1) - 1/18/2009, 2:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
CONNECTICUT is 2-0 against the spread versus SETON HALL over the last 3 seasons
CONNECTICUT is 2-0 straight up against SETON HALL 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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FORDHAM (2 - 13) at RHODE ISLAND (11 - 6) - 1/18/2009, 2:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
FORDHAM is 3-10 ATS (-8.0 Units) in all games this season.
FORDHAM is 3-10 ATS (-8.0 Units) in all lined games this season.
FORDHAM is 12-23 ATS (-13.3 Units) as an underdog over the last 3 seasons.
RHODE ISLAND is 50-77 ATS (-34.7 Units) in all home games since 1997.
RHODE ISLAND is 50-77 ATS (-34.7 Units) in home lined games since 1997.
RHODE ISLAND is 4-14 ATS (-11.4 Units) against conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
RHODE ISLAND is 11-27 ATS (-18.7 Units) in home games in January games since 1997.
RHODE ISLAND is 31-49 ATS (-22.9 Units) in home games after a conference game since 1997.
RHODE ISLAND is 2-9 ATS (-7.9 Units) off a loss against a conference rival over the last 2 seasons.
RHODE ISLAND is 4-15 ATS (-12.5 Units) in home games after failing to cover the spread in 3 or more consecutive games since 1997.
RHODE ISLAND is 13-32 ATS (-22.2 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997.
RHODE ISLAND is 6-19 ATS (-14.9 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record after 15 or more games since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
RHODE ISLAND is 2-2 against the spread versus FORDHAM over the last 3 seasons
RHODE ISLAND is 3-1 straight up against FORDHAM 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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MINNESOTA (16 - 1) at NORTHWESTERN (8 - 6) - 1/18/2009, 2:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
NORTHWESTERN is 2-9 ATS (-7.9 Units) in home games against conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
NORTHWESTERN is 2-9 ATS (-7.9 Units) in home games after a conference game over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 3-2 against the spread versus NORTHWESTERN over the last 3 seasons
MINNESOTA is 4-1 straight up against NORTHWESTERN 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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MISSOURI ST (8 - 9) at ILLINOIS ST (15 - 2) - 1/18/2009, 3:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MISSOURI ST is 17-28 ATS (-13.8 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MISSOURI ST is 17-28 ATS (-13.8 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
MISSOURI ST is 5-16 ATS (-12.6 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
MISSOURI ST is 4-14 ATS (-11.4 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
MISSOURI ST is 4-14 ATS (-11.4 Units) in road lined games over the last 2 seasons.
MISSOURI ST is 3-11 ATS (-9.1 Units) in road games against conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
MISSOURI ST is 3-11 ATS (-9.1 Units) in road games after a conference game over the last 2 seasons.
MISSOURI ST is 3-11 ATS (-9.1 Units) after allowing 60 points or less over the last 2 seasons.
MISSOURI ST is 3-11 ATS (-9.1 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
MISSOURI ST is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games over the last 2 seasons.
MISSOURI ST is 8-18 ATS (-11.8 Units) versus good defensive teams - allowing <=64 points/game over the last 2 seasons.
ILLINOIS ST is 7-1 ATS (+5.9 Units) versus good defensive teams - allowing <=64 points/game this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
ILLINOIS ST is 5-1 against the spread versus MISSOURI ST over the last 3 seasons
ILLINOIS ST is 4-2 straight up against MISSOURI ST over the last 3 seasons
4 of 6 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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CHARLOTTE (5 - 10) at ST JOSEPHS (8 - 7) - 1/18/2009, 12:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CHARLOTTE is 20-6 ATS (+13.4 Units) in road games in January games since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
ST JOSEPHS is 1-1 against the spread versus CHARLOTTE over the last 3 seasons
ST JOSEPHS is 1-1 straight up against CHARLOTTE 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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BRADLEY (11 - 6) at S ILLINOIS (7 - 10) - 1/18/2009, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BRADLEY is 29-15 ATS (+12.5 Units) after a conference game over the last 3 seasons.
BRADLEY is 12-1 ATS (+10.9 Units) off a win against a conference rival over the last 2 seasons.
BRADLEY is 15-4 ATS (+10.6 Units) after allowing 60 points or less over the last 3 seasons.

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

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MARIST (7 - 12) at LOYOLA-MD (7 - 12) - 1/18/2009, 12:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MARIST is 23-10 ATS (+12.0 Units) in road games after scoring 80 points or more since 1997.
LOYOLA-MD is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record after 15 or more games over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
LOYOLA-MD is 3-1 against the spread versus MARIST over the last 3 seasons
LOYOLA-MD is 2-2 straight up against MARIST 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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PORTLAND ST (13 - 5) at N COLORADO (7 - 11) - 1/18/2009, 4:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
N COLORADO is 25-15 ATS (+8.5 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
N COLORADO is 25-15 ATS (+8.5 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
N COLORADO is 1-1 against the spread versus PORTLAND ST over the last 3 seasons
PORTLAND ST is 4-0 straight up against N COLORADO 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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N ARIZONA (4 - 12) at SACRAMENTO ST (1 - 17) - 1/18/2009, 6:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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[pm530]

NCAAB


Sunday, January 18

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Trend Sheet
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12:00 PM CHARLOTTE vs. SAINT JOSEPH'S
Charlotte is 2-6-1 ATS in its last 9 games on the road
Charlotte is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games on the road
Saint Joseph's is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
Saint Joseph's is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games at home


12:00 PM IOWA vs. PURDUE
Iowa is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 games on the road
Iowa is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Purdue is 3-7 ATS in its last 10 games when playing Iowa
Purdue is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Iowa


12:00 PM KENTUCKY vs. GEORGIA
Kentucky is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games on the road
Kentucky is 6-15 SU in its last 21 games on the road
Georgia is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games at home
Georgia is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games


12:00 PM LA SALLE vs. XAVIER
La Salle is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
La Salle is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games on the road
Xavier is 1-4-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing La Salle
Xavier is 14-2 SU in its last 16 games when playing La Salle


12:00 PM MARIST vs. LOYOLA
Marist is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Loyola
Marist is 15-4 SU in its last 19 games when playing Loyola
Loyola is 17-6 SU in its last 23 games at home
Loyola is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games at home


12:00 PM ST. JOHN'S vs. VILLANOVA
St. John's is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games
St. John's is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games
Villanova is 13-5 ATS in its last 18 games when playing St. John's
Villanova is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing St. John's


2:00 PM FORDHAM vs. RHODE ISLAND
Fordham is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games
Fordham is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
Rhode Island is 3-7-1 ATS in its last 11 games when playing at home against Fordham
Rhode Island is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Fordham


2:00 PM MINNESOTA vs. NORTHWESTERN
Minnesota is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Minnesota is 16-1 SU in its last 17 games
Northwestern is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 games when playing Minnesota
Northwestern is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Minnesota


2:00 PM SETON HALL vs. CONNECTICUT
Seton Hall is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Connecticut
Seton Hall is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Connecticut
Connecticut is 10-1 SU in its last 11 games at home
Connecticut is 15-1 SU in its last 16 games


3:05 PM MISSOURI STATE vs. ILLINOIS STATE
Missouri State is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Illinois State
Missouri State is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Illinois State
Illinois State is 15-2 SU in its last 17 games
Illinois State is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games at home


4:05 PM PORTLAND STATE vs. NORTHERN COLORADO
Portland State is 1-3-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Portland State is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games
Northern Colorado is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home


6:00 PM NORTHERN ARIZONA vs. SACRAMENTO STATE
Northern Arizona is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Sacramento State
Northern Arizona is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Sacramento State
Sacramento State is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Northern Arizona
Sacramento State is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Northern Arizona


7:05 PM BRADLEY vs. SOUTHERN ILLINOIS
Bradley is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games
Bradley is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
Southern Illinois is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Bradley
Southern Illinois is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Bradley

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[pm530]

NHL


Sunday, January 18

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Trend Sheet
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12:30 PM NY RANGERS vs. PITTSBURGH
NY Rangers are 4-2 SU in their last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of the NY Rangers last 7 games
Pittsburgh is 1-4 SU in their last 5 games when playing NY Rangers
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Pittsburgh's last 5 games when playing NY Rangers


8:00 PM CALGARY vs. COLORADO
Calgary is 9-2 SU in its last 11 games
Calgary is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Colorado
Colorado is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Calgary
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Colorado's last 7 games when playing Calgary


8:00 PM COLUMBUS vs. VANCOUVER
Columbus is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Vancouver
Columbus is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games
Vancouver is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games at home
Vancouver is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games


9:00 PM PHOENIX vs. EDMONTON
Phoenix is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Edmonton
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Phoenix's last 5 games when playing Edmonton
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Edmonton's last 6 games at home
Edmonton is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Phoenix

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[pm530]

NBA
Dunkel Index

Phoenix at Toronto
The Raptors look to take advantage of a Phoenix team that is just 1-6 ATS in January. Toronto is the underdog pick (+3 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the game even. Dunkel Pick: Toronto (+3 1/2). Here are all of today's picks.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 18

Game 801-802: Phoenix at Toronto
Dunkel Ratings: Phoenix 119.710; Toronto 119.456
Dunkel Line & Total: Even; 205
Vegas Line & Total: Phoenix by 3 1/2; 209 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (+3 1/2); Under

Game 803-804: Miami at Oklahoma City
Dunkel Ratings: Miami 116.111; Oklahoma City 118.624
Dunkel Line & Total: Oklahoma City by 2 1/2; 193 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Miami by 2; 195
Dunkel Pick: Oklahoma City (+2); Under

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[pm530]

NCAAB
Dunkel Index

Minnesota at Northwestern
The Wildcats have been stingy on defense (53.6 points per game allowed at home), but run into a Minnesota team that is 5-0 ATS against good defensive teams (<=64 points per game allowed). The Golden Gophers are the underdog pick (+1) according to Dunkel, which has Minnesota favored straight up by 4. Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (+1). Here are all of today's picks.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 18

Game 805-806: St. John's at Villanova
Dunkel Ratings: St. John's 59.582; Villanova 72.491
Dunkel Line: Villanova by 13
Vegas Line: Villanova by 14 1/2
Dunkel Pick: St. John's (+14 1/2)

Game 807-808: Iowa at Purdue
Dunkel Ratings: Iowa 59.675; Purdue 75.236
Dunkel Line: Purdue by 15 1/2
Vegas Line: Purdue by 13 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Purdue (-13 1/2)

Game 809-810: Kentucky at Georgia
Dunkel Ratings: Kentucky 71.661; Georgia 61.809
Dunkel Line: Kentucky by 10
Vegas Line: Kentucky by 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Kentucky (-7 1/2)

Game 811-812: LaSalle at Xavier
Dunkel Ratings: LaSalle 58.684; Xavier 73.222
Dunkel Line: Xavier by 14 1/2
Vegas Line: Xavier by 12 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Xavier (-12 1/2)

Game 813-814: Seton Hall at Connecticut
Dunkel Ratings: Seton Hall 57.843; Connecticut 78.258
Dunkel Line: Connecticut by 20 1/2
Vegas Line: Connecticut by 18 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Connecticut (-18 1/2)

Game 815-816: Fordham at Rhode Island
Dunkel Ratings: Fordham 45.687; Rhode Island 64.904
Dunkel Line: Rhode Island by 19
Vegas Line: Rhode Island by 20
Dunkel Pick: Fordham (+20)

Game 817-818: Minnesota at Northwestern
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota 68.423; Northwestern 64.353
Dunkel Line: Minnesota by 4
Vegas Line: Northwestern by 1
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (+1)

Game 819-820: Missouri State at Illinois State
Dunkel Ratings: Missouri State 55.106; Illinois State 65.346
Dunkel Line: Illinois State by 10
Vegas Line: Illinois State by 12
Dunkel Pick: Missouri State (+12)

Game 821-822: Charlotte at St. Joseph's
Dunkel Ratings: Charlotte 57.707; St. Joseph's 63.088
Dunkel Line: St. Joseph's by 5 1/2
Vegas Line: St. Joseph's by 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Charlotte (+7 1/2)

Game 823-824: Bradley at Southern Illinois
Dunkel Ratings: Bradley 57.928; Southern Illinois 60.991
Dunkel Line: Southern Illinois by 3
Vegas Line: Southern Illinois by 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Bradley (+5 1/2)

Game 825-826: Marist at Loyola-MD
Dunkel Ratings: Marist 49.002; Loyola-MD 55.736
Dunkel Line: Loyola-MD by 6 1/2
Vegas Line: Loyola-MD by 5
Dunkel Pick: Loyola-MD (-5)

Game 827-828: Portland State at Northern Colorado
Dunkel Ratings: Portland State 57.427; Northern Colorado 51.255
Dunkel Line: Portland State by 6
Vegas Line: Portland State by 4 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Portland State (-4 1/2)

Game 829-830: Northern Arizona at Sacramento State
Dunkel Ratings: Northern Arizona 52.488; Sacramento State 40.788
Dunkel Line: Northern Arizona by 11 1/2
Vegas Line: Northern Arizona by 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Northern Arizona (-9 1/2)

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[pm530]

NHL
Dunkel Index

Phoenix at Edmonton
The Oilers look to build on their 4-1 record against the Coyotes over the last three seasons. Edmonton is the pick (-145) according to Dunkel, which has the Oilers favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: Edmonton (-145). Here are all of today's picks.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 18

Game 1-2: NY Rangers at Pittsburgh
Dunkel Ratings: NY Rangers 11.021; Pittsburgh 10.253
Dunkel Line & Total: NY Rangers by 1; 6
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 3-4: Columbus at Vancouver
Dunkel Ratings: Columbus 12.090; Vancouver 10.710
Dunkel Line & Total: Columbus by 1 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 5-6: Phoenix at Edmonton
Dunkel Ratings: Phoenix 11.465; Edmonton 12.400
Dunkel Line & Total: Edmonton by 1; 4 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Edmonton (-145); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Edmonton (-145); Under

Game 7-8: Calgary at Colorado
Dunkel Ratings: Calgary 11.455; Colorado 12.025
Dunkel Line & Total: Colorado by 1/2; 4 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Calgary (-140); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Colorado (+120); Under

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[Udog]

NHL


Sunday, January 18

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Ice picks: Sunday's best NHL bets
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Calgary Flames at Colorado Avalanche (+117, 5.5)

While Calgary has played excellent hockey over the last month, the same can't be said of Colorado. The last-place Avalanche (22-22-1) have dropped three in a row and six of nine since Dec. 31, and they've only scored more than two goals twice in that span.

That was the case again on Friday against Edmonton, when Colorado peppered the Oilers' net with 39 shots but came away with a 3-2 loss.

"It's a tough one," Avalanche coach Tony Granato said. "You know all of our games the rest of the way are going to be like this - where you're going to have to find a way, when the game's on the line, to make the plays to get the win."

Shaky special teams have played a big role in Colorado's recent skid. The Avalanche are 3-for-29 (10.3 percent) on the power play in their last nine games, but their opponents have converted on 8-of-28 (28.6 percent) chances with the man advantage.

Goaltending has been an issue as well, and though backup Andrew Raycroft had been giving Colorado a lift, he's lost his past two starts after seven consecutive wins.

Peter Budaj - 13-19-1 with a 2.85 goals-against average - will start on Sunday, but he's winless in his past four outings.

"If you look at the big picture Peter's played pretty good for us this year, as has (Raycroft)," Granato told the team's official Web site. "I'm looking forward to getting him in there (Sunday) and expect him to play a great game."

Four of Budaj's losses have come against Sunday's opponent. The Flames have outscored the Avalanche 13-5 in winning all four meetings this season, and they've limited Colorado to one total goal in the last three contests.

Pick: Calgary -127



Phoenix Coyotes at Edmonton Oilers (-143, 5.5)

Before Saturday, the Phoenix Coyotes hadn't won back-to-back road games all season.

On Sunday, they'll have a chance to complete a rare three-game sweep through western Canada, but to complete that feat they'll also have to end a five-game losing streak against the Edmonton Oilers.

Since coach Wayne Gretzky took over before the 2005-06 season, Phoenix had been 6-14-1 in Alberta and British Columbia entering their current trip, which began with a 6-3 loss at Minnesota that dropped the Coyotes (23-18-5) to 6-12-3 on the road this season.

But after a 4-1 win at Vancouver on Thursday, they ended Calgary's seven-game home winning streak with a 4-3 victory Saturday night. Rookie Mikkel Boedker, ending a six-game point drought, scored the game-winner and added an assist for Phoenix.

"It's a huge win, especially in this building where it's a tough one to come into," Boedker said. "It's good to be back in Canada and see the crowds in all the cities, it gets you a little extra fired up when there's so many people in the stands."

Despite the Flames' impressive recent play, beating Edmonton could prove the toughest task for the Coyotes. They lost all four meetings with the Oilers in regulation last season, also dropping a 4-2 decision at Rexall Place on Dec. 22. They've been outscored 26-12 during the five-game slide in the series.

Phoenix's Ilya Bryzgalov has won four of his last five starts overall, but he has a 4.19 goals-against average in five career starts against the Oilers and was pulled from his last appearance in Edmonton after giving up three goals on 11 shots in the first period of an 8-4 loss last March 18

Pick: Over 5.5


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[Udog]

NBA
Long Sheet


Sunday, January 18

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PHOENIX (22 - 15) at TORONTO (16 - 25) - 1/18/2009, 12:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PHOENIX is 13-24 ATS (-13.4 Units) in all games this season.
PHOENIX is 3-11 ATS (-9.1 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
PHOENIX is 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.
TORONTO is 23-38 ATS (-18.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 5-14 ATS (-10.4 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHOENIX is 3-1 against the spread versus TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
PHOENIX is 4-0 straight up against TORONTO 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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MIAMI (21 - 18) at OKLAHOMA CITY (8 - 33) - 1/18/2009, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MIAMI is 50-69 ATS (-25.9 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 10-25 ATS (-17.5 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 26-14 ATS (+10.6 Units) in all games this season.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 25-12 ATS (+11.8 Units) as an underdog this season.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 16-5 ATS (+10.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
MIAMI is 98-70 ATS (+21.0 Units) in road games when playing on back-to-back days since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
OKLAHOMA CITY is 3-2 against the spread versus MIAMI over the last 3 seasons
MIAMI is 4-1 straight up against OKLAHOMA CITY 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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[Udog]

NHL
Long Sheet


Sunday, January 18

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NY RANGERS (27-15-0-4, 58 pts.) at PITTSBURGH (22-20-0-4, 48 pts.) - 1/18/2009, 12:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
PITTSBURGH is 12-12 (+0.8 Units) against the spread versus NY RANGERS over the last 3 seasons
PITTSBURGH is 12-12-0 straight up against NY RANGERS over the last 3 seasons
15 of 22 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+7.4 Units)

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COLUMBUS (21-19-0-4, 46 pts.) at VANCOUVER (22-19-0-5, 49 pts.) - 1/18/2009, 8:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
COLUMBUS is 6-4 (+3.0 Units) against the spread versus VANCOUVER over the last 3 seasons
COLUMBUS is 6-4-0 straight up against VANCOUVER over the last 3 seasons
6 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+4.9 Units)

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PHOENIX (23-18-0-5, 51 pts.) at EDMONTON (22-19-0-3, 47 pts.) - 1/18/2009, 9:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
EDMONTON is 63-63 ATS (+138.4 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
EDMONTON is 30-20 ATS (+50.1 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
EDMONTON is 13-2 ATS (+15.6 Units) on Sunday games over the last 2 seasons.
EDMONTON is 163-131 ATS (+19.3 Units) after a division game since 1996.
PHOENIX is 14-8 ATS (+23.8 Units) in January games over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 146-122 ATS (+21.1 Units) after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
EDMONTON is 7-2 (+3.5 Units) against the spread versus PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
EDMONTON is 7-2-0 straight up against PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
7 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+5.0 Units)

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CALGARY (27-13-0-4, 58 pts.) at COLORADO (22-22-0-1, 45 pts.) - 1/18/2009, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CALGARY is 7-13 ATS (-15.9 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 12-2 ATS (+9.2 Units) in home games on Sunday games over the last 3 seasons.
COLORADO is 53-45 ATS (+2.1 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
COLORADO is 81-78 ATS (-84.9 Units) in home games after a division game since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
COLORADO is 10-10 (+0.9 Units) against the spread versus CALGARY over the last 3 seasons
COLORADO is 10-10-0 straight up against CALGARY over the last 3 seasons
10 of 20 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=-0.6 Units, Under=-0.4 Units)

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[Udog]

NBA


Sunday, January 18

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Pick 'n' Roll: Sunday's best NBA bets
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Phoenix Suns at Toronto Raptors (+4, 210)

The Suns, kicking off a season-high six-game road trip, hope Nash can pick up his ninth straight win against the team from his home country as they face Triano and the Raptors on Sunday.

Jay Triano, who was named interim coach for Toronto (16-25) after Sam Mitchell was fired on Dec. 3, has been without starting point guard Jose Calderon (hamstring) for seven of the last eight games and the Raptors have only three wins during that span.

Toronto, which has lost four straight, may be without Calderon again as it tries to end an eight-game losing streak to Phoenix (22-15). The Raptors haven't beaten the Suns since a 101-94 road victory on Feb. 10, 2004, the last meeting between the teams before Steve Nash re-signed with Phoenix.

In Phoenix's 105-103 loss to Minnesota on Friday night, Nash was held to six points on 3-of-8 shooting. The Suns have lost two straight entering this stretch on the road, where they are 10-7.

Phoenix will be facing a Toronto team that continues to be hurt by Calderon's absence. The Raptors committed 20 turnovers in a 111-104 loss at Indiana on Friday night.

Against the Pacers, Toronto did get Jermaine O'Neal back for the first time in 10 games. The veteran big man, who had been out with a bruised right knee, finished with two points in 17 minutes.

Pick: Suns



Miami Heat at Oklahoma City Thunder (1.5, 194)

The Oklahoma City Thunder are playing their best basketball of the season and doing it against some traditionally strong competition.

The suddenly-surging Thunder look for their third straight victory over an opponent with a winning record on Sunday night when they host the Miami Heat.

After winning four games through the first two months of the season, Oklahoma City (8-33) has doubled that amount through eight games in 2009.

Its latest victory was an 89-79 decision at home over struggling Detroit on Friday, and came two nights after beating Utah 114-93 for the team's first back-to-back wins since moving from Seattle. Each of the Thunder's previous six victories came against clubs with losing records.

Though they still own of the NBA's worst record, the Thunder also will try to win three straight for the first time since the SuperSonics had a season-high three-game run from Jan. 29-Feb. 2.

If Oklahoma City is able to continue its winning ways in this contest, it could be in good shape to continue its success on the road next week against Golden State and the Los Angeles Clippers, a pair of teams along with the Thunder at the bottom of the Western Conference standings.

Kevin Durant is averaging 20.0 points in three games versus the Heat, but had 18 in last month's meeting. The reigning rookie of the year had 32 points against Detroit, and is averaging 26.8 in his last five contests overall.

Known as a solid defensive presence, rookie Russell Westbrook turned offensive with 30 points and seven rebounds against the Heat last month. This time he could be asked to help do a better job trying to contain Miami's Dwyane Wade.

Wade had 38 points and seven assists in the team's last meeting giving him consecutive 30-plus efforts against the Thunder franchise.

Averaging an league-leading 28.8 points per game, Wade had 29 on Saturday for the Heat, who fell to 3-3 on their franchise-long seven-game road trip after a 93-86 loss to Houston.

Pick: Heat


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[Udog]

NBA
Short Sheet


Sunday, 1/18/2009

PHOENIX at TORONTO, 12:35 PM ET
PHOENIX: 29-12 ATS as a road favorite of 6 points or less
TORONTO: 11-25 ATS when playing 8 or more games in 14 days

MIAMI at OKLAHOMA CITY, 7:05 PM ET NBATV
MIAMI: 3-11 ATS when the line is +3 to -3
OKLAHOMA CITY: 13-5 ATS after playing as a home underdog

** (TC) Denotes Time Change

[Udog]

NHL
Short Sheet


Sunday, 1/18/2009

NY RANGERS at PITTSBURGH, 12:35 PM ET
NY RANGERS: N/A
PITTSBURGH: N/A

COLUMBUS at VANCOUVER, 8:05 PM ET
COLUMBUS: N/A
VANCOUVER: N/A

PHOENIX at EDMONTON, 9:05 PM ET
PHOENIX: 1-7 SU when playing their 3rd game in 4 days
EDMONTON: 13-2 SU on Sunday

CALGARY at COLORADO, 8:05 PM ET
CALGARY: 29-40 SU as a road favorite of -200 or less
COLORADO: 7-0 SU off a home division loss

** (TC) Denotes Time Change