Saturday Trends and Indexes 2/7 (NBA, NHL, Misc.)

[pm530]

Trends and Indexes

Saturday, February 7

Good Luck on day #38 of 2009!


Due to the large number of college basketball games for this Saturday, NCAAB info will be posted in a separate thread.
(Look for thread: Saturday NCAAB Trends and Indexes 2/7)


At this time the sports menu in this thread consists of the NBA, College Basketball, and the NHL until their seasons are played out. Also, general sports news and notes will be posted here.
When there are a large number of games in the NCAAB, a separate thread may be posted.

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

Saturday, February 7

Today in the Daily Sports Roundup: The Rockets try to blast past the T-Wolves, the top-ranked Huskies take on Michigan, and NASCAR hits the track in Daytona.

Tipping Off in the NBA

The Rockets will be trying to get back into the win column on Saturday night when they play host to the Timberwolves. Houston fell 104-93 to Memphis on Wednesday to slip to 30-20 straight-up and 22-27-1 against-the-spread on the season. Minnesota also lost their last contest, a 94-86 decision versus the Hawks. The T-Wolves now rest at just 17-31 SU but 24-23-1 ATS on the season.

Atlanta is back in action on Saturday as well, as they'll get a visit from the Clippers. Dwyane Wade and the Heat will play in Philadelphia, while the Nuggets will try to pick up a victory in New Jersey. Rounding out the NBA's Saturday night slate: Toronto at Memphis, Chicago at Dallas, and also Detroit at Milwaukee.

The March to Madness

Top-ranked Connecticut will try to hold that position on Saturday when they play host to Michigan at Gampel Pavilion. The Huskies sit at 21-1 SU and 11-7 ATS after knocking off Louisville 68-51 in their last outing. The Wolverines beat Penn State 71-51 last time out, and they're at 15-8 SU and 9-8-1 ATS so far this year.

No. 2 Oklahoma gets a visit from Colorado on Saturday, while Virginia is at No. 3 North Carolina, and No. 4 Duke hosts Miami. As well, it's No. 6 Pittsburgh at DePaul, No. 9 Xavier at Duquesne, and Florida State at No. 10 Clemson. There are also two ranked matchups on the college hoops slate for Saturday, with No. 20 Syracuse meeting No. 17 Villanova, and No. 18 Gonzaga hosting No. 14 Memphis. As well, slumping Notre Dame will travel west to take on No. 15 UCLA.

A Trip Around the Rink

The Flyers and Bruins will meet for the second time in a week on Saturday afternoon in a 1:00pm ET contest in Boston. The Flyers fell 3-1 to the conference-leading Bruins when the two teams met on the ice on Wednesday night. Tim Thomas made 26 saves for Boston in that contest to pick up the win, and Martin Biron stopped 30 of 33 Bruins shots while getting stuck with the loss.

There are two other afternoon games on the NHL's slate for Saturday, with Anaheim at Calgary and Edmonton at Detroit. The evening slate features nine more matchups, including the rival Maple Leafs and Canadiens meeting in Montreal. As well, it'll be Florida at Washington, San Jose at Columbus, Buffalo at Ottawa, Los Angeles at New Jersey, the Islanders at Tampa Bay, Colorado at St. Louis, and Carolina at Phoenix, while the Blackhawks will play in Vancouver.

Rounding Out the Slate

Finally, the Sprint Cup Series stages its first event of the season on Saturday night as the drivers hit the track at Daytona International Speedway for the annual Budweiser Shootout. Dale Earnhardt Jr. opened as the 4/1 Vegas favorite to win the non-points race; he won this event both last year and in 2003. However, Paul Menard is sitting on the pole, while Dale Jr. will start in ninth spot.

Kyle Busch was second on the opening Vegas odds for the Budweiser Shootout at 9/2, with Jimmie Johnson at 5/1, Denny Hamlin at 7/1, and Jeff Gordon at 8/1. Gordon, though, drew the last spot on the grid and will have to start in 28th place.

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[pm530]

NBA


Saturday, February 7

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Trend Sheet
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7:00 PM LA CLIPPERS vs. ATLANTA
LA Clippers are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games when playing Atlanta
LA Clippers are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games when playing Atlanta
Atlanta is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games at home
Atlanta is 16-4 SU in its last 20 games at home


7:00 PM MIAMI vs. PHILADELPHIA
Miami is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Miami's last 5 games
Philadelphia is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Miami
Philadelphia is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Miami


7:30 PM DENVER vs. NEW JERSEY
Denver is 7-2 ATS in its last 9 games
Denver is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games
New Jersey is 9-4 ATS in its last 13 games when playing Denver
New Jersey is 9-4 SU in its last 13 games when playing Denver


8:00 PM TORONTO vs. MEMPHIS
Toronto is 0-4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Toronto is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
Memphis is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Toronto
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Memphis's last 9 games when playing at home against Toronto


8:30 PM CHICAGO vs. DALLAS
Chicago is 5-0-1 ATS in its last 6 games
Chicago is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Dallas is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Chicago
Dallas is 10-1 SU in its last 11 games when playing at home against Chicago


8:30 PM DETROIT vs. MILWAUKEE
Detroit is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games
Detroit is 4-9 SU in its last 13 games
Milwaukee is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Detroit
Milwaukee is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Detroit


8:30 PM MINNESOTA vs. HOUSTON
Minnesota is 0-4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Houston
Minnesota is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Houston
Houston is 1-3-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Houston is 4-7-1 ATS in its last 12 games at home

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[pm530]

NBA


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

Saturday, February 7

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Tips and Trends
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Miami Heat at Philadelphia 76ers [7 PM ET]

Heat:

Heat are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 road games.
The OVER is 8-1 in Miami's last 9 road games.

Key Injuries - G Daequan Cook (thigh) is OUT.

PROJECTED SCORE: TBD

76ers (-4, O/U 193.5):

Home team is 11-3 ATS in the last 14 meetings.
The UNDER is 6-1 in the last 7 meetings.

Key Injuries - F Elton Brand (shoulder) is OUT.

PROJECTED SCORE: TBD

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[pm530]

NHL
Long Sheet


Saturday, February 7

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PHILADELPHIA (26-15-0-9, 61 pts.) at BOSTON (39-7-0-7, 85 pts.) - 2/7/2009, 1:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 6-3 (+3.0 Units) against the spread versus PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
BOSTON is 6-3-0 straight up against PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
5 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+0.3 Units)

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ANAHEIM (26-24-0-5, 57 pts.) at CALGARY (30-17-0-4, 64 pts.) - 2/7/2009, 3:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ANAHEIM is 7-11 ATS (-10.0 Units) after allowing 4 goals or more this season.
ANAHEIM is 15-21 ATS (-15.8 Units) after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game over the last 2 seasons.
CALGARY is 23-12 ATS (+6.9 Units) after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game over the last 2 seasons.
CALGARY is 9-16 ATS (-18.8 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
ANAHEIM is 6-4 (+1.9 Units) against the spread versus CALGARY over the last 3 seasons
ANAHEIM is 6-4-0 straight up against CALGARY over the last 3 seasons
5 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+0.6 Units)

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EDMONTON (26-22-0-3, 55 pts.) at DETROIT (33-11-0-7, 73 pts.) - 2/7/2009, 3:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 26-4 ATS (+16.6 Units) in home games after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game over the last 2 seasons.
EDMONTON is 67-66 ATS (+143.5 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
EDMONTON is 23-22 ATS (+57.4 Units) in a road game where where the total is 5.5 over the last 2 seasons.
EDMONTON is 34-23 ATS (+62.8 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
EDMONTON is 14-9 ATS (+24.5 Units) on Saturday games over the last 2 seasons.
EDMONTON is 14-8 ATS (+22.8 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent this season.
DETROIT is 6-10 ATS (-17.6 Units) in February games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
EDMONTON is 5-5 (+3.2 Units) against the spread versus DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
DETROIT is 5-5-0 straight up against EDMONTON over the last 3 seasons
6 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+1.8 Units)

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TORONTO (19-24-0-9, 47 pts.) at MONTREAL (29-16-0-6, 64 pts.) - 2/7/2009, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 1-9 ATS (-8.9 Units) when playing with 2 days rest this season.
TORONTO is 8-20 ATS (+31.6 Units) after allowing 4 goals or more this season.
TORONTO is 18-15 ATS (+40.1 Units) in road games revenging a loss versus opponent over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 246-235 ATS (+494.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record since 1996.
MONTREAL is 31-40 ATS (-20.2 Units) on Saturday games over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
TORONTO is 9-10 (+0.7 Units) against the spread versus MONTREAL over the last 3 seasons
MONTREAL is 10-9-0 straight up against TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
10 of 16 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+3.0 Units)

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SAN JOSE (36-7-0-6, 78 pts.) at COLUMBUS (24-22-0-5, 53 pts.) - 2/7/2009, 7:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN JOSE is 8-3 (+3.3 Units) against the spread versus COLUMBUS over the last 3 seasons
SAN JOSE is 8-3-0 straight up against COLUMBUS over the last 3 seasons
7 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+3.9 Units)

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FLORIDA (25-18-0-8, 58 pts.) at WASHINGTON (33-16-0-4, 70 pts.) - 2/7/2009, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 14-3 ATS (+10.2 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent this season.
WASHINGTON is 18-6 ATS (+10.4 Units) after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
FLORIDA is 10-7 (+2.4 Units) against the spread versus WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
FLORIDA is 10-7-0 straight up against WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
9 of 17 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+0.6 Units)

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LOS ANGELES (22-21-0-7, 51 pts.) at NEW JERSEY (32-16-0-3, 67 pts.) - 2/7/2009, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LOS ANGELES is 88-131 ATS (-50.7 Units) after a non-conference game since 1996.
LOS ANGELES is 18-48 ATS (+83.8 Units) after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game over the last 3 seasons.
NEW JERSEY is 32-19 ATS (+63.7 Units) in all games this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
NEW JERSEY is 2-1 (+0.3 Units) against the spread versus LOS ANGELES over the last 3 seasons
NEW JERSEY is 2-1-0 straight up against LOS ANGELES over the last 3 seasons
2 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+2.0 Units)

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BUFFALO (27-20-0-5, 59 pts.) at OTTAWA (17-25-0-8, 42 pts.) - 2/7/2009, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BUFFALO is 26-35 ATS (-20.1 Units) on Saturday games over the last 3 seasons.
BUFFALO is 187-128 ATS (+37.6 Units) vs. division opponents since 1996.
OTTAWA is 17-33 ATS (-24.8 Units) in all games this season.
OTTAWA is 6-12 ATS (+18.1 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5.5 this season.
OTTAWA is 4-12 ATS (-18.5 Units) in February games over the last 2 seasons.
OTTAWA is 22-41 ATS (-44.1 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
OTTAWA is 4-11 ATS (+19.1 Units) on Saturday games this season.
OTTAWA is 18-24 ATS (-17.9 Units) after a division game over the last 2 seasons.
OTTAWA is 28-35 ATS (-25.9 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent over the last 2 seasons.
OTTAWA is 20-31 ATS (-23.6 Units) after allowing 4 goals or more over the last 2 seasons.
OTTAWA is 8-20 ATS (-16.4 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 15-8 (+5.7 Units) against the spread versus BUFFALO over the last 3 seasons
OTTAWA is 15-8-0 straight up against BUFFALO over the last 3 seasons
13 of 23 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+2.6 Units)

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NY ISLANDERS (16-30-0-5, 37 pts.) at TAMPA BAY (17-24-0-11, 45 pts.) - 2/7/2009, 7:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY ISLANDERS is 5-5 (+0.9 Units) against the spread versus TAMPA BAY over the last 3 seasons
TAMPA BAY is 5-5-0 straight up against NY ISLANDERS over the last 3 seasons
5 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+0.5 Units)

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COLORADO (25-26-0-1, 51 pts.) at ST LOUIS (21-24-0-6, 48 pts.) - 2/7/2009, 8:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
COLORADO is 165-128 ATS (+22.7 Units) in road games second half of the season since 1996.
COLORADO is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) on Saturday games this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
ST LOUIS is 6-4 (+3.8 Units) against the spread versus COLORADO over the last 3 seasons
ST LOUIS is 6-4-0 straight up against COLORADO over the last 3 seasons
6 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+2.8 Units)

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CAROLINA (26-22-0-5, 57 pts.) at PHOENIX (24-24-0-5, 53 pts.) - 2/7/2009, 9:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHOENIX is 1-1 (+0.7 Units) against the spread versus CAROLINA over the last 3 seasons
PHOENIX is 1-1-0 straight up against CAROLINA over the last 3 seasons
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+0.0 Units)

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CHICAGO (29-14-0-7, 65 pts.) at VANCOUVER (23-20-0-8, 54 pts.) - 2/7/2009, 10:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO is 180-224 ATS (-77.0 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record since 1996.
CHICAGO is 32-33 ATS (+81.3 Units) in a road game where where the total is 5.5 over the last 3 seasons.
CHICAGO is 27-16 ATS (+10.9 Units) after a win by 2 goals or more over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO is 32-19 ATS (+52.1 Units) after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game over the last 2 seasons.
VANCOUVER is 62-70 ATS (-19.5 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
VANCOUVER is 11-19 ATS (-11.2 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5.5 over the last 2 seasons.
VANCOUVER is 3-10 ATS (-13.0 Units) second half of the season this season.
VANCOUVER is 4-12 ATS (-8.8 Units) when playing with 3 or more days rest over the last 2 seasons.
VANCOUVER is 28-35 ATS (-16.8 Units) in home games revenging a loss versus opponent since 1996.
VANCOUVER is 99-132 ATS (-102.7 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1996.
VANCOUVER is 7-17 ATS (+26.2 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
VANCOUVER is 6-4-0 straight up against CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
6 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+4.8 Units)

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[pm530]

NHL


Saturday, February 7

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Trend Sheet
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1:00 PM PHILADELPHIA vs. BOSTON
Philadelphia is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Boston
Philadelphia is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games on the road
Boston is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Boston's last 6 games


3:00 PM ANAHEIM vs. CALGARY
Anaheim is 5-12 SU in its last 17 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Anaheim's last 13 games on the road
Calgary is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Anaheim
Calgary is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Anaheim


3:00 PM EDMONTON vs. DETROIT
Edmonton is 8-15 SU in its last 23 games when playing on the road against Detroit
Edmonton is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Detroit
Detroit is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Detroit's last 7 games


7:00 PM BUFFALO vs. OTTAWA
Buffalo is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Buffalo's last 5 games
Ottawa is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Buffalo
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Ottawa's last 6 games when playing at home against Buffalo


7:00 PM FLORIDA vs. WASHINGTON
Florida is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Florida's last 8 games on the road
Washington is 4-11-1 SU in its last 16 games when playing at home against Florida
Washington is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Florida


7:00 PM LOS ANGELES vs. NEW JERSEY
Los Angeles is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Los Angeles's last 6 games
New Jersey is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Los Angeles
New Jersey is 11-5 SU in its last 16 games at home


7:00 PM SAN JOSE vs. COLUMBUS
San Jose is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games
San Jose is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Columbus is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against San Jose
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Columbus's last 10 games when playing at home against San Jose


7:00 PM TORONTO vs. MONTREAL
Toronto is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Montreal
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Toronto's last 6 games when playing on the road against Montreal
Montreal is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home
Montreal is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games


7:30 PM NY ISLANDERS vs. TAMPA BAY
NY Islanders are 1-15 SU in their last 16 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 6 of the NY Islanders last 8 games on the road
Tampa Bay is 6-2 SU in their last 8 games when playing at home against NY Islanders
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Tampa Bay's last 6 games when playing at home against NY Islanders


8:30 PM COLORADO vs. ST. LOUIS
Colorado is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 12 of Colorado's last 17 games on the road
St. Louis is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Colorado
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of St. Louis's last 8 games when playing at home against Colorado


9:00 PM CAROLINA vs. PHOENIX
Carolina is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Carolina's last 6 games on the road
Phoenix is 3-4-2 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Carolina
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Phoenix's last 6 games when playing at home against Carolina


10:00 PM CHICAGO vs. VANCOUVER
Chicago is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Chicago's last 13 games on the road
Vancouver is 10-2 SU in its last 12 games when playing at home against Chicago
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Vancouver's last 6 games when playing at home against Chicago

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[pm530]

NHL


Saturday, February 7

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Ice Picks: NHL Bets
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Toronto Maple Leafs at Montreal Canadiens (-215, 6)

These two teams love to run and gun when they meet. At least one of the clubs has reached the six-goal mark in each of their three meetings earlier this season.

The intensity level when the Habs and Leafs clash is off the charts and that usually leads to excitement and the odd mistake defensively. The Leafs have allowed at least four goals in their last five games.

This game could be on the chippy side which may lead to many power plays. Toronto’s Mikhail Grabovsky and Montreal’s Kostitsyn brothers have been feuding all season long and many people are expecting the fireworks to continue Saturday. Grabovsky has to make it into the lineup first, as he was a healthy scratch in the Leafs' 5-0 loss to Buffalo.

Pick: Over



Buffalo Sabres at Ottawa Senators (+110, 5)

A Saturday night on home ice sure seems like the right time for head coach Cory Clouston to get his first victory with the Senators.

The Senators showed signs of improvement in a 4-3 shootout loss to the Bruins Thursday.

"We were all over them. I thought we were better than them the majority of the night," Nick Foligno told the Ottawa Sun "We battled so hard, it's hard to see the penalties at the end. I thought we deserved the win, but we'll battle back with a good effort the next game.”

Buffalo is playing better but this will be the second of back-to-back games and it may be a little fatigued after playing the quick Canadiens Friday.

[b]Pick: Ottawa[/b

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[Udog]

NBA


Saturday, February 7

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Pick 'n' Roll: Saturday's best NBA bets
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Minnesota Timberwolves at Houston Rockets (-8, 200)

Hampered by injuries all season, Houston (30-20) hasn't yet put together a stretch of consistently good basketball at both ends of the court.

Though the Rockets know they're still a work in progress, they had to be surprised with their 104-93 loss to Memphis on Wednesday night.

They allowed the last-place Grizzlies to shoot 53.3 percent from the field while connecting on only 39.8 percent of their own shots. Rockets players were especially frustrated with a 48-32 deficit in points in the paint, calling it the best indicator of their poor defensive showing.

Rockets guard Tracy McGrady had some harsh words for his team after the game.

"I think there is something wrong," he told the Rockets' official Web site. "... We can't do it in spurts. We have to be consistent. That's what I mean. In order for us to be a great team in this league, that is what it is going to take. Right now, we are not putting it together."

To bounce back, the Rockets may have to stop one of the top interior scorers in the NBA this season in Jefferson. Minnesota (17-31) ranks among the league leaders with 44.0 points in the paint per game, and the bulk of that scoring is done by the Wolves' 6-foot-10 center.

Jefferson, averaging a career-high 22.8 points, has recorded a double-double in six of his last seven games against Houston, and is averaging 29.3 points and 13.0 rebounds over his last three. He had 34 points and 13 boards in the teams' first meeting this season, a 109-102 Rockets' win in Minneapolis on Dec. 20.

Minnesota outscored Houston 52-32 in the paint in that game, but the Rockets connected on 12 of their 23 3-point attempts to pull out their fifth straight win against the Wolves.

To prevent Jefferson from doing so much damage against them again, the Rockets might want to duplicate the defense that Atlanta used against Minnesota on Wednesday night. Jefferson was held to 18 points and 7-for-17 shooting in the 94-86 loss.

Pick: Timberwolves


Detroit Pistons at Milwaukee Bucks (+3.5, 182.5)

Detroit (26-21) had lost nine of 12 games before pulling out a 93-90 victory over Miami on Wednesday night.

The Pistons blew a 13-point third-quarter lead and missed four of their five free throws in the final 20 seconds before hanging on for their first win over a team with a winning record since defeating Denver on Jan. 9.

The Pistons have had plenty of easy wins over the Bucks (24-28) in recent years, taking 13 of the last 16 meetings and five of seven in Milwaukee in that stretch.

Milwaukee is improved under first-year coach Scott Skiles, who has the club in the mix for the playoffs with just two fewer wins than it had all of last season. However, the Pistons appear to be catching the Bucks at the right time.

Milwaukee leading scorer Michael Redd is out for the season with torn ligaments in his left knee, an injury he suffered two weeks ago.

Center Andrew Bogut said Thursday he will miss most - maybe all - of the season after tests this week revealed a stress fracture in his bothersome lower back.

Point guard Luke Ridnour joined the list of injured Bucks when he broke his right thumb in practice Thursday, hours after the team traded reserve point guard Tyronn Lue to Orlando for shooting guard Keith Bogans. Ridnour will miss about four weeks and Ramon Sessions - the only pure point guard left on the roster - will likely start in his place.

Pick: Pistons


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[Udog]

NBA


Saturday, February 7

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Trend Sheet
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7:00 PM LA CLIPPERS vs. ATLANTA
LA Clippers are 0-4-1 SU in their last 5 games on the road
LA Clippers are 0-4-1 SU in their last 5 games
Atlanta is 6-3 ATS in their last 9 games when playing at home against LA Clippers
Atlanta is 10-3 SU in their last 13 games when playing at home against LA Clippers


7:00 PM MIAMI vs. PHILADELPHIA
Miami is 1-8 ATS in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
Miami is 1-10 SU in its last 11 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
Philadelphia is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games at home
Philadelphia is 11-4 SU in its last 15 games


7:30 PM DENVER vs. NEW JERSEY
Denver is 7-2 ATS in its last 9 games
Denver is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games
New Jersey is 9-4 ATS in its last 13 games when playing Denver
New Jersey is 9-4 SU in its last 13 games when playing Denver


8:00 PM TORONTO vs. MEMPHIS
Toronto is 0-4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Toronto is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
Memphis is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Toronto
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Memphis's last 9 games when playing at home against Toronto


8:30 PM CHICAGO vs. DALLAS
Chicago is 5-0-1 ATS in its last 6 games
Chicago is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Dallas is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Chicago
Dallas is 10-1 SU in its last 11 games when playing at home against Chicago


8:30 PM DETROIT vs. MILWAUKEE
Detroit is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games
Detroit is 4-9 SU in its last 13 games
Milwaukee is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Detroit
Milwaukee is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Detroit


8:30 PM MINNESOTA vs. HOUSTON
Minnesota is 0-4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Houston
Minnesota is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Houston
Houston is 1-3-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Houston is 4-7-1 ATS in its last 12 games at home


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[Udog]

NBA
Long Sheet


Saturday, February 7

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LA CLIPPERS (11 - 39) at ATLANTA (29 - 20) - 2/7/2009, 7:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 4-1 against the spread versus LA CLIPPERS over the last 3 seasons
ATLANTA is 4-1 straight up against LA CLIPPERS 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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MIAMI (26 - 22) at PHILADELPHIA (24 - 24) - 2/7/2009, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MIAMI is 56-72 ATS (-23.2 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 8-18 ATS (-11.8 Units) against Atlantic division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 9-0 ATS (+9.0 Units) in home games in February games over the last 2 seasons.

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

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DENVER (34 - 16) at NEW JERSEY (23 - 27) - 2/7/2009, 7:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
DENVER is 3-1 against the spread versus NEW JERSEY over the last 3 seasons
DENVER is 3-1 straight up against NEW JERSEY 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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TORONTO (19 - 33) at MEMPHIS (13 - 36) - 2/7/2009, 8:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
TORONTO is 3-2 against the spread versus MEMPHIS over the last 3 seasons
TORONTO is 4-1 straight up against MEMPHIS 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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DETROIT (26 - 21) at MILWAUKEE (24 - 28) - 2/7/2009, 8:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 19-28 ATS (-11.8 Units) in all games this season.
DETROIT is 69-50 ATS (+14.0 Units) in road games over the last 3 seasons.
DETROIT is 8-0 ATS (+8.0 Units) in road games when playing with 2 days rest over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 201-258 ATS (-82.8 Units) second half of the season since 1996.
MILWAUKEE is 79-112 ATS (-44.2 Units) on Saturday games since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 6-4 against the spread versus MILWAUKEE over the last 3 seasons
DETROIT is 8-2 straight up against MILWAUKEE over the last 3 seasons
6 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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CHICAGO (22 - 28) at DALLAS (29 - 20) - 2/7/2009, 8:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO is 3-2 against the spread versus DALLAS over the last 3 seasons
DALLAS is 3-2 straight up against CHICAGO 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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MINNESOTA (17 - 31) at HOUSTON (30 - 20) - 2/7/2009, 8:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 28-45 ATS (-21.5 Units) second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 12-30 ATS (-21.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
HOUSTON is 27-13 ATS (+12.7 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 27-14 ATS (+11.6 Units) off a upset loss as a favorite over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 17-7 ATS (+9.3 Units) in road games this season.
MINNESOTA is 8-0 ATS (+8.0 Units) in road games revenging a home loss vs opponent this season.
MINNESOTA is 12-4 ATS (+7.6 Units) in road games revenging a loss vs opponent this season.
HOUSTON is 8-18 ATS (-11.8 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.

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

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[Udog]

NHL
Write-Up


Early Games

Saturday, February 7

Hot teams
-- Bruins won last four games, allowing five goals.
-- Red Wings won nine of last ten home games. Oilers won three of last four road games.

Cold teams
-- Flyers lost three of last four games.
-- Ducks lost nine of last thirteen road games. Flames lost last three in a row, outscored 12-5.

Totals
-- Three of last four Boston games stayed under the total.
-- Last three Detroit games went over the total; last four Edmonton tilts stayed under.
-- Six of last eight Calgary games went over the total.

Back-to-Back
-- Flyers are 4-2 on road if they play again the next night.
-- Oilers are 5-3 if they play again the next night.

Series Records
-- Bruins won their last five games against Philadelphia.
-- Red Wings won four of last six games vs Edmonton.
-- Ducks lost four of last five visits to Calgary.

[Udog]

NHL
Short Sheet


Saturday, 2/7/2009

PHILADELPHIA at BOSTON, 1:05 PM ET
PHILADELPHIA: n/a
BOSTON: n/a

ANAHEIM at CALGARY, 3:05 PM ET
ANAHEIM: 7-13 SU off a road loss by 2+ goals
CALGARY: 20-7 SU after playing a home game

EDMONTON at DETROIT, 3:05 PM ET
EDMONTON: 6-2 SU as a road underdog of +200 or higher
DETROIT: 6-10 SU in February

TORONTO at MONTREAL, 7:05 PM ET NHL
TORONTO: 35-17 SU after getting shutout in their previous game
MONTREAL: 31-40 SU on Saturday

SAN JOSE at COLUMBUS, 7:05 PM ET
SAN JOSE: N/A
COLUMBUS: N/A

FLORIDA at WASHINGTON, 7:05 PM ET
FLORIDA: 10-20 SU after having won 4 or 5 of their last 6
WASHINGTON: 16-2 SU as a home favorite of -200 or less

LOS ANGELES at NEW JERSEY, 7:05 PM ET
LOS ANGELES: 18-48 SU after scoring 4+ goals in their previous game
NEW JERSEY: 7-1 SU off a road win by 2+ goals

BUFFALO at OTTAWA, 7:05 PM ET
BUFFALO: 7-0 SU off a division win
OTTAWA: 4-11 SU on Saturday

NY ISLANDERS at TAMPA BAY, 7:35 PM ET
NY ISLANDERS: N/A
TAMPA BAY: N/A

COLORADO at ST LOUIS, 8:35 PM ET
COLORADO: 8-1 SU on Saturday
ST LOUIS: 12-21 SU off a home loss by 1 goal

CAROLINA at PHOENIX, 9:05 PM ET
CAROLINA: N/A
PHOENIX: N/A

CHICAGO at VANCOUVER, 10:05 PM ET NHL
CHICAGO: 16-7 SU after scoring 3+ goals in 2 straight
VANCOUVER: 4-12 SU when playing with 3 or more days rest

** (TC) Denotes Time Change

[Udog]

NBA
Short Sheet


Saturday, 2/7/2009

LA CLIPPERS at ATLANTA, 7:05 PM ET
LA CLIPPERS: 1-5 ATS against Southeast division
ATLANTA: 8-2 ATS off a road win

MIAMI at PHILADELPHIA, 7:05 PM ET
MIAMI: 17-8 ATS when the total is between 190 and 199.5
PHILADELPHIA: 8-0 UNDER as a home favorite of 6 points or less

DENVER at NEW JERSEY, 7:35 PM ET NBA
DENVER: 4-1 ATS against Atlantic division
NEW JERSEY: 1-5 ATS off a DD road win

TORONTO at MEMPHIS, 8:05 PM ET
TORONTO: 14-5 ATS when playing their 3rd road game in 5 days
MEMPHIS: 2-9 ATS when playing on back-to-back days

DETROIT at MILWAUKEE, 8:35 PM ET
DETROIT: 7-16 ATS as a favorite of 3.5 to 9.5
MILWAUKEE: 10-2 ATS when the total is between 180 and 189.5

CHICAGO at DALLAS, 8:35 PM ET
CHICAGO: 8-2 ATS after 2 consecutive non-conference games
DALLAS: 4-13 ATS after having won 4 of their last 5

MINNESOTA at HOUSTON, 8:35 PM ET
MINNESOTA: 27-47 ATS after having lost 3 of their last 4
HOUSTON: 27-13 ATS second half of the season

** (TC) Denotes Time Change

[Udog]

NHL
Dunkel


NY Rangers at Dallas
The Blackhawks look to take advantage of a Vancouver team that is just 3-10 in the second half of the season. Chicago is the pick (-120) according to Dunkel, which has the Blackhawks favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: Chicago (-120). Here are all of today's picks.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 7

Game 1-2: Philadelphia at Boston
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia 11.603; Boston 11.479
Dunkel Line & Total: Philadelphia by 1/2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 3-4: Anaheim at Calgary
Dunkel Ratings: Anaheim 11.407; Calgary 12.603
Dunkel Line & Total: Calgary by 1; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Calgary (-180); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Calgary (-180); Over

Game 5-6: Edmonton at Detroit
Dunkel Ratings: Edmonton 10.994; Detroit 11.866
Dunkel Line & Total: Detroit by 1; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Detroit (-300); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (-300); Over

Game 7-8: Toronto at Montreal
Dunkel Ratings: Toronto 10.564; Montreal 10.449
Dunkel Line & Total: Toronto by 1/2; 5 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Montreal (-215); 6
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (+180); Under

Game 9-10: San Jose at Columbus
Dunkel Ratings: San Jose 12.235; Columbus 12.128
Dunkel Line & Total: San Jose by 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 11-12: Florida at Washington
Dunkel Ratings: Florida 11.423; Washington 11.208
Dunkel Line & Total: Florida by 1/2; 7
Vegas Line & Total: Washington (-190); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Florida (+165); Over

Game 13-14: Los Angeles at New Jersey
Dunkel Ratings: Los Angeles 12.728; New Jersey 12.144
Dunkel Line & Total: Los Angeles by 1/2; 4 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: New Jersey (-200); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Los Angeles (+170); Under

Game 15-16: Buffalo at Ottawa
Dunkel Ratings: Buffalo 12.188; Ottawa 12.085
Dunkel Line & Total: Buffalo by 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Buffalo (-130); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Buffalo (-130); Under

Game 17-18: NY Islanders at Tampa Bay
Dunkel Ratings: NY Islanders 11.609; Tampa Bay 11.832
Dunkel Line & Total: Tampa Bay by 1/2; 4 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 19-20: Colorado at St. Louis
Dunkel Ratings: Colorado 11.674; St. Louis 11.844
Dunkel Line & Total: St. Louis by 1/2; 4
Vegas Line & Total: St. Louis (-145); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (-145); Under

Game 21-22: Carolina at Phoenix
Dunkel Ratings: Carolina 11.238; Phoenix 11.756
Dunkel Line & Total: Phoenix by 1/2; 6
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 23-24: Chicago at Vancouver
Dunkel Ratings: Chicago 12.007; Vancouver 11.110
Dunkel Line & Total: Chicago by 1; 4 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Chicago (-120); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Chicago (-120); Under

[Udog]

NBA
Dunkel


Miami at Philadelphia
The Sixers look to build on their 5-2 ATS record at home when the total is between 190 and 194 1/2 points against a Miami team that is just 2-6 ATS against Atlantic Division opponents. Philadelphia is the pick (-4) according to Dunkel, which has the Sixers favored by 6 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (-4). Here are all of today's picks.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 7

Game 501-502: LA Clippers at Atlanta
Dunkel Ratings: LA Clippers 107.554; Atlanta 120.276
Dunkel Line & Total: Atlanta by 12 1/2; 194
Vegas Line & Total: Atlanta by 8; 200
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (-8); Under

Game 503-504: Miami at Philadelphia
Dunkel Ratings: Miami 117.467; Philadelphia 123.714
Dunkel Line & Total: Philadelphia by 6 1/2; 194 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Philadelphia by 4; 193 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (-4); Over

Game 505-506: Denver at New Jersey
Dunkel Ratings: Denver 120.980; New Jersey 120.848
Dunkel Line & Total: Even; 203 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Denver by 3; 206
Dunkel Pick: New Jersey (+3); Under

Game 507-508: Toronto at Memphis
Dunkel Ratings: Toronto 114.461; Memphis 110.815
Dunkel Line & Total: Toronto by 3 1/2; 202
Vegas Line & Total: Memphis by 2 1/2; 198
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (+2 1/2); Over

Game 509-510: Detroit at Milwaukee
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit 116.474; Milwaukee 112.302
Dunkel Line & Total: Detroit by 4; 179
Vegas Line & Total: Detroit by 2; 183
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (-2); Under

Game 511-512: Chicago at Dallas
Dunkel Ratings: Chicago 120.069; Dallas 125.947
Dunkel Line & Total: Dallas by 6; 211
Vegas Line & Total: Dallas by 7; 209
Dunkel Pick: Chicago (+7); Over

Game 513-514: Minnesota at Houston
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota 115.393; Houston 123.576
Dunkel Line & Total: Houston by 8; 207 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Houston by 7 1/2; 200
Dunkel Pick: Houston (-7 1/2);