Saturday Trends and Indexes 2/28 (NBA, NHL, Misc.)

[pm530]

Trends and Indexes

Saturday, February 28

Good Luck on day #59 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 2/28)

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 28

Today in the Daily Sports Roundup: The Tar Heels try to bounce back against the Yellow Jackets, the Rockets meet the Bulls, and the Devils host the Panthers.

Tipping off on the hardwood . . .

Yao Ming and company will be looking to grab a road win in Chicago on Saturday when the Rockets face the Bulls. Houston is coming off an impressive home victory over the Cavaliers on Thursday night, holding LeBron James' crew below 80 points in a 93-74 win. Ming was good for 28 points and eight boards that day, and Houston is now 37-21 straight-up and 27-30-1 against-the-spread this year.

Orlando will be in Philadelphia to meet the Sixers on Saturday, while Miami hosts New York, and Oklahoma City visits Memphis. As well, it'll be Washington at Milwaukee, Sacramento at Utah, and Charlotte at the Clippers. The Bobcats took on Los Angeles at home on February 9, and came up with an easy 94-73 victory.

The march toward Madness . . .

No. 4 North Carolina will be looking to avoid a two-game losing streak on Saturday when they play host to Georgia Tech. The Tar Heels were bounced 88-85 in overtime at Maryland last time out, with Tyler HanXXXough held to just 11 points (but pulling in 11 boards) in the loss. North Carolina is now at 24-3 SU and 11-15 ATS on the year. The Yellow Jackets are back at 10-16 SU and 7-15 ATS.

No. 1 Pittsburgh will be at the Prudential Center to play Seton Hall on Saturday, with No. 2 Connecticut hosting Notre Dame, No. 3 Oklahoma at Texas Tech, and No. 5 Memphis getting a visit from Southern Miss. As well, No. 7 Duke will be looking to grab a win at Virginia Tech, while No. 13 Clemson will be on the road in a battle of ranked teams against No. 23 Florida State. Also, No. 10 Villanova will be looking to secure their Top-10 ranking with a victory against Georgetown.

Taking a trip around the rink . . .

Martin Brodeur returned to the Devils' crease in a big way on Thursday night, making 24 saves in a 4-0 shutout of the Avalanche. New Jersey will be back in action on Saturday afternoon at home against the Panthers, who are hoping to have Tomas Vokoun back between the pipes; he's been out with an ear infection.

There are two other matinees on the NHL's Saturday schedule, with Washington at Boston and Anaheim at Dallas. The Maple Leafs and Senators then renew hostilities in the Battle of Ontario to lead off the evening slate in Ottawa, and the Rangers and new coach John Tortorella play host to the Avs. As well, it'll be Buffalo at the Islanders, San Jose at Montreal, Carolina at Atlanta, Detroit at Nashville, and St. Louis at Phoenix, with Minnesota at Edmonton to finish the day.

Rounding out the Roundup . . .

The Nationwide Series offers up the Sam's Town 300 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on Saturday afternoon, with Kyle Busch listed as the 7/5 favorite on the Vegas odds list. Busch won last week's Nationwide event, the Stater Brothers 300 at Auto Club Speedway. Carl Edwards trails Busch at 3/1 odds to get the win on Saturday, with Denny Hamlin listed third at 7/2 odds to come out in top spot.

As well, the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship will stage its quarterfinal and semifinal matchups on Saturday. Ernie Els will take on Stewart Cink on Saturday morning in the marquee pairing to decide the Ben Hogan bracket, while Rory McIlroy will take on Geoff Ogilvy in third-round action in the Bobby Jones bracket. In the Sam Snead bracket it'll be Ross Fisher vs. Justin Leonard in the quarterfinals, while Paul Casey will meet Sean O'Hair in the Gary Player bracket.

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[pm530]

NBA
Long Sheet


Saturday, February 28

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ORLANDO (42 - 15) at PHILADELPHIA (28 - 28) - 2/28/2009, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 11-2 ATS (+8.8 Units) in home games in February games over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 37-20 ATS (+15.0 Units) in all games this season.
ORLANDO is 27-18 ATS (+7.2 Units) as a favorite this season.
ORLANDO is 20-9 ATS (+10.1 Units) in road games this season.
ORLANDO is 27-13 ATS (+12.7 Units) on Saturday games over the last 3 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 6-15 ATS (-10.5 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
ORLANDO is 5-4 against the spread versus PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
ORLANDO is 7-2 straight up against PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
5 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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NEW YORK (24 - 33) at MIAMI (30 - 26) - 2/28/2009, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MIAMI is 59-77 ATS (-25.7 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 15-27 ATS (-14.7 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 26-43 ATS (-21.3 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 9-19 ATS (-11.9 Units) against Atlantic division opponents over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
NEW YORK is 5-4 against the spread versus MIAMI over the last 3 seasons
NEW YORK is 7-2 straight up against MIAMI 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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OKLAHOMA CITY (13 - 44) at MEMPHIS (15 - 42) - 2/28/2009, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 29-18 ATS (+9.2 Units) as an underdog this season.
MEMPHIS is 23-33 ATS (-13.3 Units) in all games this season.
MEMPHIS is 29-42 ATS (-17.2 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
MEMPHIS is 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) against Northwest division opponents this season.
MEMPHIS is 17-26 ATS (-11.6 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent this season.
MEMPHIS is 7-17 ATS (-11.7 Units) after 3 or more consecutive losses this season.
MEMPHIS is 5-16 ATS (-12.6 Units) in home games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MEMPHIS is 5-5 against the spread versus OKLAHOMA CITY over the last 3 seasons
MEMPHIS is 5-5 straight up against OKLAHOMA CITY over the last 3 seasons
8 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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HOUSTON (37 - 21) at CHICAGO (26 - 32) - 2/28/2009, 8:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 11-20 ATS (-11.0 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
HOUSTON is 277-229 ATS (+25.1 Units) in road games since 1996.
HOUSTON is 32-16 ATS (+14.4 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 91-65 ATS (+19.5 Units) against Central division opponents since 1996.
HOUSTON is 52-32 ATS (+16.8 Units) in non-conference games over the last 3 seasons.
CHICAGO is 73-103 ATS (-40.3 Units) in home games in non-conference games since 1996.
CHICAGO is 30-43 ATS (-17.3 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
HOUSTON is 3-1 against the spread versus CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
HOUSTON is 5-0 straight up against CHICAGO 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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WASHINGTON (13 - 44) at MILWAUKEE (28 - 32) - 2/28/2009, 8:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 21-35 ATS (-17.5 Units) in all games this season.
WASHINGTON is 17-26 ATS (-11.6 Units) as an underdog this season.
WASHINGTON is 15-25 ATS (-12.5 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent this season.
MILWAUKEE is 205-262 ATS (-83.2 Units) second half of the season since 1996.
MILWAUKEE is 79-113 ATS (-45.3 Units) on Saturday games since 1996.
MILWAUKEE is 44-64 ATS (-26.4 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 7-22 ATS (-17.2 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MILWAUKEE is 7-3 against the spread versus WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
MILWAUKEE is 5-5 straight up against WASHINGTON 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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SACRAMENTO (12 - 47) at UTAH (35 - 23) - 2/28/2009, 9:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
UTAH is 82-68 ATS (+7.2 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
UTAH is 20-11 ATS (+7.9 Units) in home games this season.
UTAH is 9-1 ATS (+7.9 Units) in February games this season.
UTAH is 9-1 ATS (+7.9 Units) second half of the season this season.
UTAH is 13-3 ATS (+9.7 Units) in home games against Pacific division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
UTAH is 84-59 ATS (+19.1 Units) in home games after a division game since 1996.
UTAH is 35-22 ATS (+10.8 Units) after a win by 10 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
UTAH is 25-9 ATS (+15.1 Units) in home games after scoring 105 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
UTAH is 23-12 ATS (+9.8 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
UTAH is 23-11 ATS (+10.9 Units) in home games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
UTAH is 20-8 ATS (+11.2 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.

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

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CHARLOTTE (23 - 35) at LA CLIPPERS (15 - 43) - 2/28/2009, 10:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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[pm530]

NBA


Saturday, February 28

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Trend Sheet
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7:00 PM ORLANDO vs. PHILADELPHIA
Orlando is 16-8 SU in its last 24 games
Orlando is 15-6 ATS in its last 21 games on the road
Philadelphia is 5-13 ATS in its last 18 games when playing at home against Orlando
Philadelphia is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Orlando


7:30 PM NEW YORK vs. MIAMI
New York is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing Miami
The total has gone UNDER in 15 of New York's last 23 games when playing Miami
Miami is 12-5 SU in its last 17 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Miami's last 7 games at home


8:00 PM OKLAHOMA CITY vs. MEMPHIS
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Oklahoma City's last 5 games when playing Memphis
Oklahoma City is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
Memphis is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Oklahoma City
Memphis is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Oklahoma City


8:30 PM HOUSTON vs. CHICAGO
Houston is 4-1-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Chicago
Houston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Chicago
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Chicago's last 6 games at home
Chicago is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Houston


8:30 PM WASHINGTON vs. MILWAUKEE
Washington is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Milwaukee
Washington is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Milwaukee
Milwaukee is 14-7 SU in its last 21 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Milwaukee's last 5 games at home


9:00 PM SACRAMENTO vs. UTAH
Sacramento is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Utah
Sacramento is 14-6 SU in its last 20 games when playing on the road against Utah
Utah is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Sacramento
Utah is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Sacramento


10:30 PM CHARLOTTE vs. LA CLIPPERS
Charlotte is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games on the road
Charlotte is 4-2 ATS in their last 6 games when playing LA Clippers
LA Clippers are 7-18 SU in their last 25 games
LA Clippers are 2-4 ATS in their last 6 games at home

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[pm530]

NBA


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

Saturday, February 28

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Tips and Trends
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Houston Rockets at Chicago Bulls [WGN | 8:30 PM ET]

Rockets (-1, O/U 196):

Rockets are 6-2-1 ATS in the last 9 meetings.
The OVER is 8-1 in the last 9 meetings.

Key Injuries - F Carl Landry (ankle) is day-to-day.
G Tracy McGrady (knee) is OUT.

PROJECTED SCORE: TBD

Bulls:

Bulls are 10-4-1 ATS in their last 15 games overall.
The OVER is 9-3 in Chicago's last 12 games overall.

Key Injuries - NONE

PROJECTED SCORE: TBD

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[pm530]

NHL


Saturday, February 28

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Trend Sheet
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1:00 PM FLORIDA vs. NEW JERSEY
Florida is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Florida's last 5 games
New Jersey is 16-6 SU in its last 22 games when playing Florida
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of New Jersey's last 7 games when playing Florida


1:00 PM WASHINGTON vs. BOSTON
Washington is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Boston
Washington is 6-13-2 SU in its last 21 games when playing Boston
Boston is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Boston's last 5 games


3:00 PM ANAHEIM vs. DALLAS
Anaheim is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Anaheim's last 6 games
Dallas is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Anaheim
Dallas is 9-3 SU in its last 12 games when playing at home against Anaheim


7:00 PM BUFFALO vs. NY ISLANDERS
Buffalo is 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing NY Islanders
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Buffalo's last 5 games when playing NY Islanders
NY Islanders are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games when playing at home against Buffalo
NY Islanders are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games when playing Buffalo

7:00 PM CAROLINA vs. ATLANTA
Carolina is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Carolina's last 6 games
Atlanta is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Carolina
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Atlanta's last 6 games when playing at home against Carolina


7:00 PM COLORADO vs. NY RANGERS
Colorado is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games
Colorado is 2-8 SU in its last 10 games on the road
NY Rangers are 1-5-1 SU in their last 7 games when playing at home against Colorado
The total has gone OVER in 4 of the NY Rangers last 6 games when playing at home against Colorado


7:00 PM SAN JOSE vs. MONTREAL
San Jose is 2-5-2 SU in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Montreal
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of San Jose's last 6 games when playing on the road against Montreal
Montreal is 6-12 SU in its last 18 games
Montreal is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games at home

7:00 PM TORONTO vs. OTTAWA
Toronto is 4-11 SU in its last 15 games when playing on the road against Ottawa
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Toronto's last 7 games when playing on the road against Ottawa
Ottawa is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
Ottawa is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games at home


8:00 PM DETROIT vs. NASHVILLE
Detroit is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games on the road
Detroit is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Nashville is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Detroit
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Nashville's last 7 games


9:00 PM ST. LOUIS vs. PHOENIX
St. Louis is 3-10-1 SU in its last 14 games when playing on the road against Phoenix
The total has gone OVER in 5 of St. Louis's last 7 games when playing on the road against Phoenix
Phoenix is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Phoenix's last 5 games at home


10:00 PM MINNESOTA vs. EDMONTON
Minnesota is 12-4 SU in its last 16 games when playing Edmonton
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Minnesota's last 10 games when playing Edmonton
Edmonton is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Edmonton's last 7 games at home

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[pm530]

NHL


Saturday, February 28

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Ice Picks: NHL best bets
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Buffalo Sabres at New York Islanders (+140, 5.5)

The Buffalo Sabres haven't fared well in two games without their top goaltender, but they might miss their leading scorer even more.

Trying to improve their position in the Eastern Conference playoff race, the Sabres look to avoid a third straight defeat Saturday night when they meet a New York Islanders team that's proved tough to beat at home lately.

A 2-1 shootout loss at Carolina on Thursday night dropped the Sabres (31-24-7) into an eighth-place tie with the Hurricanes in the East. While Buffalo got inspired play from backup goalie Patrick Lalime, it failed to produce offensively for a second straight game.

Despite battling the flu, Lalime stopped 31 shots in his second straight start in place of Ryan Miller, who suffered a high ankle sprain Feb. 21 in a 4-2 win over the New York Rangers.

"Sometimes when you're feeling your worst, you play your best," coach Lindy Ruff said. "It gets you in a little bit more of a relaxed state. That's a heck of an effort for not practicing yesterday and being run down. It was great to see."

If Lalime is still ill, Ruff could give a first career start to Jhonas Enroth, who was recalled after Miller's injury.

Ruff, though, may be more concerned with his team's scoring woes. After registering 11 goals in its previous three games, Buffalo has scored three times in its last two and faces its first three-game skid since Dec. 20-26.

The Sabres, however, may play their last game without Thomas Vanek on Saturday. Vanek, who could return as soon as next week, has missed the past eight games after surgery for a broken jaw, which he suffered after taking a slap shot to the face Feb. 7 at Ottawa.

Without Vanek's team-leading 32 goals, the Sabres have dropped five of their last eight, and missed an opportunity Thursday when Jason Pominville's shootout attempt hit the crossbar and the Hurricanes' Jussi Jokinen banked a shot off the post past Lalime.

Despite a league-worst 43 points, the Islanders (18-36-7) are 5-1-2 in their last eight at home and could look to an improved Yann Danis on Saturday to stop a two-game slide.

While New York is one of three NHL teams to allow 200 goals, Danis has given up three in his last three starts and posted his second career shutout Feb. 21 against New Jersey. However, he sat in the second of back-to-back games as Joey MacDonald lost for the 20th time in 24 starts Thursday night, 5-4 in a shootout to visiting Toronto.

MacDonald's play spoiled a strong effort from the Islanders, who scored twice over the final 9:31 to send the game to overtime. New York, last in the league with 148 goals, scored four for the second time in three games.

Pick: Sabres



St. Louis Blues at Phoenix Coyotes (-115, 5.5)

The St. Louis Blues are suddenly becoming a major factor in the crowded Western Conference playoff race while the Phoenix Coyotes continue to fall off the pace.

The Blues look for a third straight win Saturday night when they try to beat the Coyotes for the second time this week.

St. Louis (27-26-8) has quietly been one of the better teams in the West in recent weeks, and its 5-1-1 stretch since Feb. 13 has pulled it within three points of the eighth and final playoff spot in the conference.

The Blues have two games to go before the trade deadline, and team president John Davidson indicated earlier in the week that his club may not be a seller compared to previous seasons.

It's a decidedly different mood for Phoenix (27-30-5), although it is only six points behind the eighth spot. The Coyotes were in better position about a month ago before losing 11 of their last 14, including a 4-1 defeat at Nashville on Thursday in which coach Wayne Gretzky was critical of the effort.

"The first period would have been 5-0 if not for the goaltending. We got outskated and came out flat," Gretzky said. "We're paid a lot of money to play the game, and you should at least give an effort."

The lethargic effort capped a trip in which the Coyotes dropped two of three, including a 2-1 loss at St. Louis on Tuesday night. Phoenix went 0-for-7 on the power play during the road stretch.

The Blues have taken both meetings with the Coyotes this season, also winning 4-3 at home Dec. 6. In Tuesday's victory for St. Louis, Phoenix failed to convert on four power plays and allowed Jay McClement's short-handed, go-ahead goal in the second period.

There may be some bad blood carrying over from Tuesday since Blues forward Cam Janssen left his feet on a high hit on Coyotes defenseman Zbynek Michalek in the first period. No penalty was called, but Janssen was later fined $2,500.

St. Louis' Chris Mason made 24 saves in that victory and had an even better effort Thursday in a 3-1 win at Dallas. He finished with 42 saves - his second-highest total of the season.

Pick: Over

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[Udog]

NBA


Saturday, February 28

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Pick 'n' Roll: Saturday's best NBA bets
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Orlando Magic at Philadelphia 76ers (+2, 196)

The Orlando Magic think their acquisition of point guard Rafer Alston at the trade deadline will eventually help them reclaim their status among the Eastern Conference elite.

For now, however, it's still abundantly clear that the team misses Jameer Nelson.The Magic look to bounce back from their latest loss in the absence of their All-Star point guard by sweeping their season series against the Philadelphia 76ers when the clubs meet Saturday night in Philadelphia.

Orlando (42-16) was 36-10 before Nelson left a game against Dallas on Feb. 2 with a shoulder injury. The Magic went on to lose that contest, the beginning of a 6-6 funk for the Southeast Division leaders.The team acquired Alston from Houston on Feb. 19 to replace Nelson, who underwent surgery and will miss the rest of the season. Orlando, though, still hasn't found a consistent rhythm with its new point guard.

Alston had 14 points and six assists in his fifth game with his new club Friday night, but the Magic fell 93-85 at home to a Detroit team that's eliminated Orlando from each of the last two postseasons.

After the loss, Magic coach Stan Van Gundy said his team is "a long way from being able to beat" Detroit and has to find a way to "get tougher."

"One thing is you get tired of getting your (butt) kicked," Van Gundy said. "It's like the kid on the playground who's getting beat up all the time and he takes it and runs home. At some point, enough's enough, and he stands up for himself."

Van Gundy's team has been on the other end of that scenario in recent meetings with Philadelphia (29-28). The Magic have won seven of eight against the Sixers, including the teams' first two matchups this season. They're in position to sweep the season series for the first time since 1997-98.

The Sixers have won consecutive games after dropping their first four following the All-Star break. Andre Miller had 25 points and Thaddeus Young added 23 and a key block with 30 seconds remaining Friday night in a 108-103 victory at New York.

The Sixers have managed to contain Magic center Dwight Howard, who's been held to averages of 17.5 points and 11.0 rebounds in the first two meetings. However, this is the teams' first matchup since Philadelphia power forward Elton Brand was shut down for the season with a shoulder injury.

Pick: Magic



Utah Jazz at Sacramento Kings (-16.5, 216)

The Utah Jazz have had little trouble beating the Sacramento Kings in 2008-09, but Saturday's meeting may be one of their most emotionally difficult games of the season.

On the same day of late owner Larry Miller's funeral service at EnergySolutions Arena, the surging Jazz look to extend their winning streak to seven games and sweep the season series from the Kings for the first time in a dozen years.

After dealing with injuries over the first few months of the season, Utah (35-23) is finally getting healthy and is in the ***** of the Western Conference playoff race.

In his second game back after missing the previous 44 with a knee injury, Carlos Boozer had 12 points on 6-for-10 shooting in 21 minutes of Wednesday's 120-103 win over Minnesota.

The Jazz have won six straight games and nine of their last 10, but the real test comes in March, when eight of their first 12 games will be away from home.

Thanks to their longest winning streak of the season, the Jazz are in position for another trip to the playoffs.

Utah is tied with Dallas for seventh in the West, just 2 1/2 games back of fourth-place Houston. The Jazz are also 3 1/2 games behind Denver for the Northwest Division lead.

Utah is averaging 108.3 points on 50.1 percent shooting during its winning streak, and is 26-4 when scoring at least 101 points compared with a 9-19 mark when scoring 100 or fewer. Utah has averaged 110.0 points in its three wins over the Kings - the league's second-worst defensive team (108.4 ppg) - in 2008-09.

The Kings (13-47), owners of the league's worst record, beat the Los Angeles Clippers 98-86 at home Friday for just their third win in 20 games.

Sacramento has not won consecutive games since winning three in a row Nov. 5-9, and has dropped 22 of its last 24 road contests.

Pick: Under


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[Udog]

NBA


Saturday, February 28

Updated
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Tips and Trends
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Houston Rockets at Chicago Bulls [WGN | 8:30 PM ET]

Rockets (-1, O/U 196): Houston is a perfect 6-0 since losing star Tracy McGrady for the season to a knee injury after crushing Cleveland 93-74 on Thursday night. Yao Ming scored 28 points on 13-of-15 shooting and seem to be getting hot again just like last year when they won 22 in a row. “It is a big win,” Yao said. “We played against one of the best quality teams in this league. That is a really good test for us to see how far we can go.”

Rockets are 6-2-1 ATS in the last 9 meetings.
The OVER is 8-1 in the last 9 meetings.

Key Injuries - F Carl Landry (ankle) is day-to-day.
G Tracy McGrady (knee) is OUT.

PROJECTED SCORE: 99

Bulls: Chicago still doesn't know what happened on Friday in a 113-90 loss at Washington, which followed a sad day on Thursday when the team lost legends Norm Van Lier and Johnny "Red" Kerr. President Barack Obama even took in the game against the Wizards and left disappointed. “I’m speechless right now - to come in here and lose to the Wizards by 23 points, it’s inexcusable,” Chicago guard Ben Gordon said. “I don’t know what to say. We didn’t do anything well tonight.”

Bulls are 10-4-1 ATS in their last 15 games overall.
The OVER is 9-3 in Chicago's last 12 games overall.

Key Injuries - NONE

PROJECTED SCORE: 98


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[Udog]

NHL
Dunkel


Colorado at NY Rangers
The Avalanche are 8-2 in Saturday games and face a New York team that is 2-10 in February. Colorado is the underdog pick (+135) according to Dunkel, which has the Avalanche favored by 1/2 a goal. Dunkel Pick: Colorado (+135). Here are all of today's picks.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 28

Game 51-52: Washington at Boston
Dunkel Ratings: Washington 11.844; Boston 12.144
Dunkel Line & Total: Boston by 1/2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 53-54: Florida at New Jersey
Dunkel Ratings: Florida 12.060; New Jersey 11.558
Dunkel Line & Total: Florida by 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: New Jersey (-185); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Florida (+165); Under

Game 55-56: Anaheim at Dallas
Dunkel Ratings: Anaheim 11.480; Dallas 12.282
Dunkel Line & Total: Dallas by 1; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Dallas (-145); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Dallas (-145); Over

Game 57-58: Colorado at NY Rangers
Dunkel Ratings: Colorado 11.912; NY Rangers 11.431
Dunkel Line & Total: Colorado by 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: NY Rangers (-155); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Colorado (+135); Under

Game 59-60: San Jose at Montreal
Dunkel Ratings: San Jose 12.221; Montreal 11.208
Dunkel Line & Total: San Jose by 1; 5
Vegas Line & Total: San Jose (-155); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Jose (-155); Under

Game 61-62: Toronto at Ottawa
Dunkel Ratings: Toronto 10.984; Ottawa 11.917
Dunkel Line & Total: Ottawa by 1; 7
Vegas Line & Total: Ottawa (-150); 6
Dunkel Pick: Ottawa (-150); Over

Game 63-64: Carolina at Atlanta
Dunkel Ratings: Carolina 11.961; Atlanta 12.314
Dunkel Line & Total: Atlanta by 1/2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Carolina (-120); 6
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (+100); Over

Game 65-66: Buffalo at NY Islanders
Dunkel Ratings: Buffalo 11.406; NY Islanders 10.655
Dunkel Line & Total: Buffalo by 1; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Buffalo (-160); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Buffalo (-160); Under

Game 67-68: Detroit at Nashville
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit 12.136; Nashville 11.838
Dunkel Line & Total: Detroit by 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 69-70: St. Louis at Phoenix
Dunkel Ratings: St. Louis 11.866; Phoenix 12.002
Dunkel Line & Total: Phoenix by 1/2; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Phoenix (-115); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Phoenix (-115); Over

Game 71-72: Minnesota at Edmonton
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota 12.176; Edmonton 11.945
Dunkel Line & Total: Minnesota by 1/2; 4 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Edmonton (-145); 5
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (+125); Under

[Udog]

NHL
Long Sheet


Saturday, February 28

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WASHINGTON (39-18-0-5, 83 pts.) at BOSTON (42-11-0-9, 93 pts.) - 2/28/2009, 1:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 7-4 (+3.2 Units) against the spread versus WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
BOSTON is 7-4-0 straight up against WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
9 of 11 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+7.1 Units)

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FLORIDA (31-22-0-8, 70 pts.) at NEW JERSEY (39-19-0-3, 81 pts.) - 2/28/2009, 1:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEW JERSEY is 39-22 ATS (+63.2 Units) in all games this season.
NEW JERSEY is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) after 3 or more consecutive unders this season.
NEW JERSEY is 15-5 ATS (+6.8 Units) after a win by 2 goals or more this season.
FLORIDA is 31-30 ATS (+64.3 Units) in all games this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
NEW JERSEY is 7-4 (+1.9 Units) against the spread versus FLORIDA over the last 3 seasons
NEW JERSEY is 7-4-0 straight up against FLORIDA over the last 3 seasons
6 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+2.6 Units)

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ANAHEIM (30-28-0-5, 65 pts.) at DALLAS (29-24-0-7, 65 pts.) - 2/28/2009, 3:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ANAHEIM is 58-48 ATS (-30.6 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
DALLAS is 26-11 ATS (+8.5 Units) in February games over the last 3 seasons.
DALLAS is 11-5 ATS (+5.4 Units) after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game this season.
DALLAS is 141-85 ATS (+13.8 Units) after scoring 1 goal or less in their previous game since 1996.
ANAHEIM is 6-1 ATS (+7.3 Units) on Saturday games this season.
ANAHEIM is 76-61 ATS (+148.8 Units) in road games after a non-conference game since 1996.
DALLAS is 4-12 ATS (-9.1 Units) on Saturday games this season.
DALLAS is 12-21 ATS (+37.2 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
DALLAS is 15-10 (+6.5 Units) against the spread versus ANAHEIM over the last 3 seasons
DALLAS is 15-10-0 straight up against ANAHEIM over the last 3 seasons
10 of 21 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=-1.5 Units, Under=-0.2 Units)

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COLORADO (28-33-0-1, 57 pts.) at NY RANGERS (31-24-0-8, 70 pts.) - 2/28/2009, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
COLORADO is 15-32 ATS (+53.0 Units) in a road game where where the total is 5.5 over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 2-9 ATS (-8.1 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season this season.
COLORADO is 8-2 ATS (+5.9 Units) on Saturday games this season.
NY RANGERS are 78-77 ATS (-26.7 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
NY RANGERS are 2-10 ATS (-14.6 Units) in February games this season.
NY RANGERS are 8-16 ATS (-12.6 Units) second half of the season this season.
NY RANGERS are 8-17 ATS (-12.5 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
NY RANGERS are 13-18 ATS (-15.5 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
COLORADO is 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against the spread versus NY RANGERS over the last 3 seasons
COLORADO is 1-0-0 straight up against NY RANGERS over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+1.0 Units)

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SAN JOSE (42-9-0-9, 93 pts.) at MONTREAL (33-22-0-7, 73 pts.) - 2/28/2009, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MONTREAL is 21-22 ATS (-7.0 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5.5 over the last 2 seasons.
MONTREAL is 32-41 ATS (-19.2 Units) on Saturday games over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN JOSE is 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against the spread versus MONTREAL over the last 3 seasons
SAN JOSE is 1-0-0 straight up against MONTREAL over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+1.0 Units)

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TORONTO (24-26-0-12, 60 pts.) at OTTAWA (23-28-0-9, 55 pts.) - 2/28/2009, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 10-23 ATS (+37.5 Units) after allowing 4 goals or more this season.
TORONTO is 42-59 ATS (-23.9 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
OTTAWA is 23-37 ATS (+64.2 Units) in all games this season.
OTTAWA is 91-68 ATS (-16.0 Units) in a home game where where the total is 6 or more since 1996.
OTTAWA is 28-45 ATS (-33.5 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
OTTAWA is 15-20 ATS (-17.8 Units) in home games revenging a loss versus opponent over the last 2 seasons.
OTTAWA is 11-22 ATS (-19.0 Units) after scoring 1 goal or less in their previous game over the last 2 seasons.
OTTAWA is 9-18 ATS (+28.8 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
OTTAWA is 9-16 ATS (-19.6 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
TORONTO is 9-10 (+3.8 Units) against the spread versus OTTAWA over the last 3 seasons
OTTAWA is 10-9-0 straight up against TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
11 of 17 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+4.0 Units)

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CAROLINA (32-26-0-5, 69 pts.) at ATLANTA (22-34-0-6, 50 pts.) - 2/28/2009, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 31-62 ATS (+102.6 Units) after allowing 4 goals or more over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CAROLINA is 13-8 (+2.0 Units) against the spread versus ATLANTA over the last 3 seasons
CAROLINA is 13-8-0 straight up against ATLANTA over the last 3 seasons
13 of 21 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+4.5 Units)

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BUFFALO (31-24-0-7, 69 pts.) at NY ISLANDERS (18-36-0-7, 43 pts.) - 2/28/2009, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BUFFALO is 27-36 ATS (-20.4 Units) on Saturday games over the last 3 seasons.
BUFFALO is 14-16 ATS (-11.3 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
NY ISLANDERS are 76-126 ATS (+232.7 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5.5 since 1996.
NY ISLANDERS are 30-57 ATS (-39.7 Units) in home games revenging a loss versus opponent since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
BUFFALO is 11-5 (+0.6 Units) against the spread versus NY ISLANDERS over the last 3 seasons
BUFFALO is 11-5-0 straight up against NY ISLANDERS over the last 3 seasons
8 of 15 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+0.2 Units)

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DETROIT (41-13-0-8, 90 pts.) at NASHVILLE (30-28-0-4, 64 pts.) - 2/28/2009, 8:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 17-8 (+5.8 Units) against the spread versus NASHVILLE over the last 3 seasons
DETROIT is 17-8-0 straight up against NASHVILLE over the last 3 seasons
13 of 24 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+1.2 Units)

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ST LOUIS (27-26-0-8, 62 pts.) at PHOENIX (27-30-0-5, 59 pts.) - 2/28/2009, 9:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ST LOUIS is 2-11 ATS (+16.8 Units) after a win by 2 goals or more this season.
PHOENIX is 19-28 ATS (+56.0 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5.5 over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 48-83 ATS (-64.3 Units) in February games since 1996.
PHOENIX is 118-145 ATS (-98.3 Units) in home games second half of the season since 1996.
PHOENIX is 12-27 ATS (+47.6 Units) on Saturday games over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 4-10 ATS (-9.2 Units) in home games 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
PHOENIX is 7-3 (+4.6 Units) against the spread versus ST LOUIS over the last 3 seasons
PHOENIX is 7-3-0 straight up against ST LOUIS over the last 3 seasons
6 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+1.5 Units)

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MINNESOTA (30-25-0-5, 65 pts.) at EDMONTON (30-26-0-5, 65 pts.) - 2/28/2009, 10:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
EDMONTON is 71-72 ATS (-51.9 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
EDMONTON is 38-29 ATS (+72.4 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
EDMONTON is 15-11 ATS (+27.1 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent this season.
EDMONTON is 118-106 ATS (+248.3 Units) after scoring 1 goal or less in their previous game since 1996.
MINNESOTA is 104-84 ATS (+190.0 Units) after scoring 1 goal or less in their previous game since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 13-6 (+5.6 Units) against the spread versus EDMONTON over the last 3 seasons
MINNESOTA is 13-6-0 straight up against EDMONTON over the last 3 seasons
8 of 16 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=-1.4 Units, Under=-0.2 Units)

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[Udog]

NBA
Dunkel


Houston at Chicago
The Rockets have won six straight and are 9-3 ATS in Saturday games. Houston is the pick (-1) according to Dunkel, which has the Rockets favored by 4. Dunkel Pick: Houston (-1). Here are all of today's picks.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 28

Game 501-502: Orlando at Philadelphia
Dunkel Ratings: Orlando 122.833; Philadelphia 119.455
Dunkel Line & Total: Orlando by 3 1/2; 197
Vegas Line & Total: Orlando by 2; 196
Dunkel Pick: Orlando (-2); Over

Game 503-504: New York at Miami
Dunkel Ratings: New York 115.888; Miami 119.462
Dunkel Line & Total: Miami by 3 1/2; 212
Vegas Line & Total: Miami by 5 1/2; 215
Dunkel Pick: New York (+5 1/2); Under

Game 505-506: Oklahoma City at Memphis
Dunkel Ratings: Oklahoma City 111.841; Memphis 115.462
Dunkel Line & Total: Memphis by 3 1/2; 208
Vegas Line & Total: Memphis by 4 1/2; 203
Dunkel Pick: Oklahoma City (+4 1/2); Over

Game 507-508: Houston at Chicago
Dunkel Ratings: Houston 125.989; Chicago 121.941
Dunkel Line & Total: Houston by 4; 205
Vegas Line & Total: Houston by 1; 198
Dunkel Pick: Houston (-1); Over

Game 509-510: Washington at Milwaukee
Dunkel Ratings: Washington 110.456; Milwaukee 119.678
Dunkel Line & Total: Milwaukee by 9; 211 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Milwaukee by 6 1/2; 209
Dunkel Pick: Milwaukee (-6 1/2); Over

Game 511-512: Sacramento at Utah
Dunkel Ratings: Sacramento 109.162; Utah 127.312
Dunkel Line & Total: Utah by 18; 206 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Utah by 16 1/2; 216
Dunkel Pick: Utah (-16 1/2); Under

Game 513-514: Charlotte at LA Clippers
Dunkel Ratings: Charlotte 115.676; LA Clippers 109.534
Dunkel Line & Total: Charlotte by 6; 200
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

[Udog]

NHL
Short Sheet


Early Games

Saturday, 2/28/2009

WASHINGTON at BOSTON, 1:05 PM ET
WASHINGTON: N/A
BOSTON: N/A

FLORIDA at NEW JERSEY, 1:05 PM ET
FLORIDA: 4-9 SU after a win by 1 goal in their previous game
NEW JERSEY: 6-0 SU after 3+ consecutive unders

ANAHEIM at DALLAS, 3:05 PM ET
ANAHEIM: 7-0 SU AWAY after 2 consecutive non-conference games
DALLAS: 4-12 SU on Saturday


** (TC) Denotes Time Change

[Udog]

NBA
Short Sheet


Saturday, 2/28/2009

ORLANDO at PHILADELPHIA, 7:05 PM ET NBA
ORLANDO: 36-13 ATS off SU loss
PHILADELPHIA: 18-9 Under in home games

NEW YORK at MIAMI, 7:35 PM ET
NEW YORK: 10-2 Over in February
MIAMI: 0-8 ATS at home playing on BB days

OKLAHOMA CITY at MEMPHIS, 8:05 PM ET
OKLAHOMA CITY: 10-2 Over Away playing on BB days
MEMPHIS: 2-10 ATS vs. Northwest Division

HOUSTON at CHICAGO, 8:35 PM ET WGN
HOUSTON: 10-2 Over off DD home win
CHICAGO: 30-43 ATS playing with revenge

WASHINGTON at MILWAUKEE, 8:35 PM ET
WASHINGTON: 5-18 ATS off a home win scoring 110+ points
MILWAUKEE: 30-15 Over vs. Washington

SACRAMENTO at UTAH, 9:05 PM ET
SACRAMENTO: 9-18 ATS off ATS win
UTAH: 9-1 ATS in February

CHARLOTTE at LA CLIPPERS, 10:35 PM ET
CHARLOTTE: 6-1 ATS playing their 4th game in 5 days
LA CLIPPERS: 1-16 ATS revenging road loss of 20+ points

** (TC) Denotes Time Change

[Udog]

NHL
Write-Up


Early Games

Saturday, February 28

Hot teams
-- Panthers won eight of their last twelve games. Devils are 15-4 in their last nineteen games.
-- Bruins won last two games, 6-1/6-0. Washington is 9-4 in its last 13 games.


Cold teams
--


Totals-- Six of last eight Florida games stayed under the total.
-- Over is 8-3 in Boston's last eleven home games.
--

Back-to-Back
-- Florida is 3-5 if they play again the next night.
--

Series Records
-- Panthers lost six of last seven visits to New Jersey.
-- Washington lost its last five visits to Boston.
--