Wednesday Trends and Indexes 3/18 (NBA, NHL, Misc.)

[pm530]

Trends and Indexes

Wednesday, March 18

Good Luck on day #77 of 2009!

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.

For college basketball, look for thread: NCAAB & NIT Trends and Indexes 3/17 - 3/20

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.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[pm530]

Daily Sports Roundup

Wednesday, March 18

Today in the Daily Sports Roundup: Dwyane Wade and the Heat battle the Celtics, the Blackhawks meet the Blue Jackets, and action continues in the NIT.

Tipping off on the hardwood . . .

The NBA loads up with 11 games on the schedule for Wednesday night, including Dwyane Wade and the Heat on the road in Boston. That pair of Eastern Conference contenders last met on the hardwood on March 11, when the Heat pulled out a 107-99 home victory as a 3.5-point favorite. Wade poured in 32 points for Miami in that win, while Ray Allen led the Celtics' attack with 27 points.

Also on the NBA schedule for Wednesday: Sacramento at Charlotte, Portland at Indiana, New Jersey at New York, Minnesota at New Orleans, Chicago at Oklahoma City, Denver at Memphis, Orlando at Milwaukee, Philadelphia at Phoenix, Washington at the Clippers, and Detroit at Houston. The Pistons and Rockets met on January 25, with Houston picking up a 108-105 victory in Detroit.

The march toward Madness . . .

The NCAA Tournament begins its first-round action on Thursday, but college hoops fans can still get their fix on Wednesday with games in the NIT, CBI, and CollegeInsider.com tournaments. There are eight matchups in the NIT on Wednesday, with Miami at Providence, Duquesne at Virginia Tech, Jacksonville at Florida, Tenn-Martin at Auburn, Bowling Green at Creighton, Illinois State at Kansas State, Georgetown at Baylor, and Northwestern at Tulsa to end the night.

In the CBI on Wednesday it's St. John's at Richmond, Buffalo at Wichita State, Charleston at Troy, Vermont at Wisconsin-Green Bay, Houston at Oregon State, and Boise State at Stanford. Meanwhile, the CollegeInsider.com event offers up Belmont at Evansville, Mount St. Mary's at James Madison, Portland at Pacific, Austin Peay at Bradley, Drake at Idaho, and Citadel at Old Dominion. Those three tourneys continue throughout March, but will be in the Big Dance's shadow.

Taking a trip around the rink . . .

There are four games on the National Hockey League schedule for Wednesday night, including the Blackhawks in Columbus for a Central Division matchup. The Hawks and Jackets clashed on Friday, with Antoine Vermette scoring twice in a 5-3 Columbus victory. Rick Nash picked up his 33rd goal of the season in that game, and Brent Seabrook, Kris Versteeg, and Patrick Kane replied for Chicago.

Rounding out the Wednesday slate: New Jersey at Carolina, Dallas at Calgary, and Nashville at Anaheim. The Predators and Ducks are both still gunning for one of the last playoff spots in the Western Conference, and Nashville will be looking for a repeat of their last meeting; Pekka Rinne stopped 28 of 30 Anaheim shots on February 5 as the Predators rolled to a 4-2 home victory over the Ducks .

Rounding out the Roundup . . .

Finally, the second round of the World Baseball Classic draws closer to a conclusion on Wednesday with action at both Miami's Dolphin Stadium and San Diego's Petco Park. In Miami it'll be Venezuela vs. United States, with the winner of that matchup finishing in top spot in Pool 2. In San Diego it'll be Cuba vs. the loser of Tuesday's late-night matchup between Japan and Korea, and whoever comes out on top in that game will head to the Pool 1 championship on Thursday.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[pm530]

Six-pack for Wednesday

We're looking at the best minor league prospects for each of the 30 major league teams; today, its the San Francisco Giants.......

-- Madison Bumgarner, P-- 15-3 LY; skipping up to AA this year.

-- Buster Posey, C-- Had trouble with passed balls in winter ball.

-- Angel Villalona, 1B-- SF's best power hitting prospect in while.

-- Tim Alderson, P-- 13-4, 2.69 in first two pro seasons.

-- Nick Noonan, 2B-- Has drawn comparisons to Chase Utley.

-- Ehire Adrianza, SS-- Won't be 20 years old until late August.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

[pm530]

Wednesday's List of 13: Nobody asked me, but..........

13) Good night for the Curry family, as Davidson, Liberty both won NIT games; Wildcats upset South Carolina in Columbia, Liberty won at home, crushing Rider (Flames were up 20 at the half).

12) Superior second round game, with Davidson at St Mary's, which pits Stephen Curry against Patty Mills, two excellent guards.

11) Mills went off late Tuesday, scoring 27 points on Washington St, a strong defensive team, as St Mary's advances to play the Wildcats with 68-57 win over the Coogs in Moraga.

10) American team scored three runs in ninth to knock Puerto Rico out of the WBC with a dramatic 6-5 win; David Wright had walk-off bloop hit just inside the rightfield line to win the game.

9) Talor Battle, who is from here in Albany, drained a trey at buzzer to send game to OT, as Penn State beat George Mason 77-73 to get to the second round of the NIT.

8) To victors go the spoils: Florida State is trying to sign up Leonard Hamilton to a new contract, before one of the schools with openings can throw money at him, while Virginia, Appalachian State, Cal Poly all fired their coaches in last 48 hours.

7) One of the goofiest stories making rounds is that Kentucky might fire Billy Gillispie; how pathetic is that if it is true? Kentucky seems to be like the Bronx Bomber baseball job; there is no joy in winning, only relief, and that makes it a lot harder to win. Gillispie has been in Lexington for two years, and already they want him gone? Geez.

6) Bi-weekly Lebron James update: He had 42 points in win over the Magic; King James is one of the five best basketball players ever, a much better player than anyone else playing the game today.

5) Home teams were 8-4 in consolation tournaments Tuesday, with Penn State the only winner that didn't cover, making home favorites 7-5 against the spread. Oakland was down 40-27 at the half to Kent but rallied to win 80-74, good program builder for the Grizzlies.

4) Congrats to Martin Brodeur, who set all-time wins mark for an NHL goalie Tuesday, as New Jersey beat Chicago 3-2, for Brodeur's 552nd career win, passing boyhood idol Patrick Roy on all-time list.

3) Good news for Morehead State is that they got two hours of TV time last night, and won their game; bad news is that Friday night at 7:10, they play the Louisville Cardinals, same that beat the Eagles by 79-41 score back on November 22. Whoops.

2) President Obama's Final Four: North Carolina-Pitt-Louisville and Memphis. Three #1 seeds and a #2. Rumors are already circulating in Chicago about Craig Robinson, president's brother-in-law, being in line to be the new DePaul coach if Jerry Wainwright can't turn things around for the Blue Demons next season.

1) My Final Four: Same as his, except Missouri instead of Memphis so three #1 seeds and a #3.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

[pm530]

NBA
Long Sheet


Wednesday, March 18

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PORTLAND (42 - 25) at INDIANA (28 - 40) - 3/18/2009, 7:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
INDIANA is 5-0 against the spread versus PORTLAND over the last 3 seasons
INDIANA is 4-1 straight up against PORTLAND over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MIAMI (36 - 30) at BOSTON (50 - 17) - 3/18/2009, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MIAMI is 63-83 ATS (-28.3 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 18-32 ATS (-17.2 Units) against Atlantic division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
BOSTON is 101-73 ATS (+20.7 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 80-62 ATS (+11.8 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 51-36 ATS (+11.4 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SACRAMENTO (14 - 52) at CHARLOTTE (29 - 38) - 3/18/2009, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SACRAMENTO is 8-18 ATS (-11.8 Units) in non-conference games this season.
CHARLOTTE is 40-27 ATS (+10.3 Units) in all games this season.
CHARLOTTE is 20-10 ATS (+9.0 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
CHARLOTTE is 10-1 ATS (+8.9 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record - 2nd half of the season this season.
CHARLOTTE is 19-10 ATS (+8.0 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NEW JERSEY (28 - 39) at NEW YORK (28 - 38) - 3/18/2009, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEW JERSEY is 8-21 ATS (-15.1 Units) in road games second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
NEW JERSEY is 6-17 ATS (-12.7 Units) in road games in March games over the last 3 seasons.
NEW JERSEY is 22-34 ATS (-15.4 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.
NEW JERSEY is 24-37 ATS (-16.7 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
NEW JERSEY is 3-12 ATS (-10.2 Units) in road games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
NEW YORK is 38-27 ATS (+8.3 Units) in all games this season.
NEW YORK is 27-17 ATS (+8.3 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent this season.
NEW JERSEY is 155-117 ATS (+26.3 Units) vs. division opponents since 1996.
NEW YORK is 50-69 ATS (-25.9 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
NEW YORK is 6-17 ATS (-12.7 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record - 2nd half of the season over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
NEW YORK is 5-4 against the spread versus NEW JERSEY over the last 3 seasons
NEW JERSEY is 6-4 straight up against NEW YORK over the last 3 seasons
5 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

DENVER (43 - 25) at MEMPHIS (17 - 49) - 3/18/2009, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DENVER is 3-12 ATS (-10.2 Units) in road games after 3 or more consecutive wins over the last 2 seasons.
MEMPHIS is 14-6 ATS (+7.4 Units) second half of the season this season.
DENVER is 58-44 ATS (+9.6 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
MEMPHIS is 65-82 ATS (-25.2 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MEMPHIS is 50-64 ATS (-20.4 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
MEMPHIS is 30-44 ATS (-18.4 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
MEMPHIS is 2-13 ATS (-12.3 Units) against Northwest division opponents this season.
MEMPHIS is 47-63 ATS (-22.3 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
MEMPHIS is 28-43 ATS (-19.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
MEMPHIS is 2-13 ATS (-12.3 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
MEMPHIS is 5-17 ATS (-13.7 Units) in home games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
MEMPHIS is 9-22 ATS (-15.2 Units) in home games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
MEMPHIS is 2-14 ATS (-13.4 Units) in home games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
DENVER is 7-3 against the spread versus MEMPHIS over the last 3 seasons
DENVER is 8-2 straight up against MEMPHIS over the last 3 seasons
7 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MINNESOTA (20 - 46) at NEW ORLEANS (41 - 25) - 3/18/2009, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 99-126 ATS (-39.6 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 52-66 ATS (-20.6 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 33-58 ATS (-30.8 Units) second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 31-51 ATS (-25.1 Units) against Southwest division opponents since 1996.
MINNESOTA is 31-46 ATS (-19.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 10-22 ATS (-14.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 133-105 ATS (+17.5 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 65-48 ATS (+12.2 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 47-34 ATS (+9.6 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 22-8 ATS (+13.2 Units) in a home game where where the total is between 190 and 194.5 points over the last 3 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 9-1 ATS (+7.9 Units) in home games in March games over the last 2 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 34-19 ATS (+13.1 Units) after a loss by 10 points or more over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 45-28 ATS (+14.2 Units) in road games revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 3 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 57-82 ATS (-33.2 Units) after a division game since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
NEW ORLEANS is 7-3 against the spread versus MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
NEW ORLEANS is 7-3 straight up against MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
6 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CHICAGO (30 - 37) at OKLAHOMA CITY (19 - 48) - 3/18/2009, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 39-26 ATS (+10.4 Units) in all games this season.
CHICAGO is 18-9 ATS (+8.1 Units) in non-conference games this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO is 4-1 against the spread versus OKLAHOMA CITY over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO 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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ORLANDO (49 - 17) at MILWAUKEE (31 - 38) - 3/18/2009, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ORLANDO is 43-23 ATS (+17.7 Units) in all games this season.
ORLANDO is 32-21 ATS (+8.9 Units) as a favorite this season.
ORLANDO is 23-10 ATS (+12.0 Units) in road games this season.
ORLANDO is 36-24 ATS (+9.6 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 22-11 ATS (+9.9 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
ORLANDO is 23-9 ATS (+13.1 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.
ORLANDO is 19-5 ATS (+13.5 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.
MILWAUKEE is 35-53 ATS (-23.3 Units) second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 10-24 ATS (-16.4 Units) in March games over the last 3 seasons.

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

DETROIT (33 - 32) at HOUSTON (44 - 25) - 3/18/2009, 9:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PHILADELPHIA (33 - 31) at PHOENIX (36 - 31) - 3/18/2009, 10:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 7-16 ATS (-10.6 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.
PHOENIX is 27-39 ATS (-15.9 Units) in all games this season.
PHOENIX is 9-24 ATS (-17.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

WASHINGTON (16 - 51) at LA CLIPPERS (16 - 50) - 3/18/2009, 10:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 23-42 ATS (-23.2 Units) in all games this season.
WASHINGTON is 19-32 ATS (-16.2 Units) as an underdog this season.
WASHINGTON is 5-14 ATS (-10.4 Units) second half of the season this season.
LA CLIPPERS are 27-39 ATS (-15.9 Units) in all games this season.
LA CLIPPERS are 29-47 ATS (-22.7 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 21-37 ATS (-19.7 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 21-33 ATS (-15.3 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 20-30 ATS (-13.0 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 3-2 against the spread versus LA CLIPPERS over the last 3 seasons
WASHINGTON is 4-1 straight up against LA CLIPPERS over the last 3 seasons
4 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[pm530]

NBA
Write-up


Wednesday, March 18

Hot Teams
-- Miami won five of its last seven games.
-- Trailblazers won seven of their last ten games.
-- Knicks won three of last four games (4-0 vs spread).
-- Orlando won seven of its last nine games.
-- Nuggets won last three games, by 13-13-25 points.
-- Chicago is 5-1-1 vs spread in its last seven games. Thunder won six of their last nine games.
-- Rockets won five of their last seven games.
-- 76ers won last four games, by 9-3-1-8 points. Suns won last couple games, by 11-24 points, after losing previous six contests.

Cold Teams
-- Celtics lost four of their last five games.
-- Pacers lost last three games, by 12-14-23 points.
-- Bobcats lost three of their last four games. Sacramento lost last four games, by 1-3-2-22 points.
-- Nets lost four in row, six of last seven games.
-- Timberwolves lost 12 of their last 14 games. Hornets lost three of their last five games, losing last two by 18-11 points.
-- Bucks lost seven of their last ten games.
-- Memphis lost five of last six games, but covered six of last eight.
-- Pistons lost three of their last four games.
-- Clippers lost eight of their last nine games. Wizards lost eight of their last ten games.

Totals
-- Six of last eight Boston games went over the total.
-- Under is 6-2-1 in last nine Indiana games.
-- Seven of last nine Charlotte games went over the total.
-- Over is 13-2 in Nets' last fifteen games.
-- Eight of last ten Minnesota games stayed under the total.
-- Six of last nine Milwaukee games stayed under the total.
-- Six of last nine Memphis home games went over the total.
-- Seven of last nine Thunder games stayed under the total.
-- Four of last five Detroit games went over the total; Rockets' last six games all stayed under.
-- Five of last seven Phoenix games went over the total.
-- Under is 7-4 in Washington's last eleven games.

Back-to Back
-- Celtics are 2-2 (1-3 vs spread) if they lost the night before.
-- Kings are 7-2 vs spread on road if they played the night before.
-- Minnesota is 6-4 vs spread on road if they played the nite before.
-- Orlando is 6-2 vs spread if it played the night before.
-- Bulls are 2-4 on road if they played the night before.
-- Pistons are 2-8 vs spread if they played the night before.
-- 76ers are 3-6 vs spread if they won the night before.
-- Clippers are 4-8 vs spread if they played the night before.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[pm530]

NBA


Wednesday, March 18

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

7:00 PM
MIAMI vs. BOSTON
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Miami's last 8 games when playing on the road against Boston
Miami is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Boston is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
Boston is 1-7 ATS in its last 8 games at home

7:00 PM
PORTLAND vs. INDIANA
Portland is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Indiana
Portland is 1-9 SU in its last 10 games when playing Indiana
Indiana is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games at home
Indiana is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home

7:00 PM
SACRAMENTO vs. CHARLOTTE
Sacramento is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games
Sacramento is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Charlotte
Charlotte is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Sacramento
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Charlotte's last 7 games when playing Sacramento

7:30 PM
NEW JERSEY vs. NEW YORK
New Jersey is 0-4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
New Jersey is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games
New York is 3-5-1 ATS in its last 9 games when playing at home against New Jersey
New York is 1-9 SU in its last 10 games when playing at home against New Jersey

8:00 PM
CHICAGO vs. OKLAHOMA CITY
Chicago is 8-3 ATS in its last 11 games when playing on the road against Oklahoma City
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Chicago's last 5 games when playing on the road against Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Chicago
Oklahoma City is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Chicago

8:00 PM
DENVER vs. MEMPHIS
Denver is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Denver is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Memphis is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Denver
Memphis is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Denver

8:00 PM
MINNESOTA vs. NEW ORLEANS
Minnesota is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games when playing on the road against New Orleans
Minnesota is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against New Orleans
New Orleans is 9-3 SU in its last 12 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of New Orleans's last 5 games

8:00 PM
ORLANDO vs. MILWAUKEE
Orlando is 4-15-2 ATS in its last 21 games when playing on the road against Milwaukee
Orlando is 3-18 SU in its last 21 games when playing on the road against Milwaukee
Milwaukee is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 14 of Milwaukee's last 20 games at home

9:30 PM
DETROIT vs. HOUSTON
Detroit is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
Detroit is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games on the road
Houston is 2-4-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing at home against Detroit
Houston is 11-3 SU in its last 14 games when playing at home against Detroit

10:00 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. PHOENIX
Philadelphia is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
Philadelphia is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Phoenix is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Philadelphia
Phoenix is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Philadelphia

10:30 PM
WASHINGTON vs. LA CLIPPERS
Washington is 4-2 ATS in their last 6 games when playing on the road against LA Clippers
Washington is 9-4 SU in their last 13 games when playing on the road against LA Clippers
LA Clippers are 1-5 SU in their last 6 games at home
LA Clippers are 1-8 SU in their last 9 games

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[pm530]

NBA


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

Wednesday, March 18

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

Miami Heat at Boston Celtics [ESPN | 7 PM ET]

Heat:

Heat are 1-4 SU & ATS in the last 5 meetings.
The OVER is 7-2 in Miami's last 9 games overall.

Key Injuries - C Mark Blount (personal) is probable.

PROJECTED SCORE: TBD

Celtics (-6.5, O/U 193):

Celtics are 1-7 ATS in their last 8 home games.
The OVER is 8-2 in Boston's last 10 home games.

Key Injuries - F Kevin Garnett (knee) is day-to-day.
F Glen Davis (leg) is day-to-day.

PROJECTED SCORE: TBD



Detroit Pistons at Houston Rockets [ESPN | 9:30 PM ET]

Pistons:

Pistons are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 games overall.
The UNDER is 19-7-1 in Detroit's last 27 games vs. Southwest Division.

Key Injuries - G Allen Iverson (back) is day-to-day.

PROJECTED SCORE: TBD

Rockets (NA):

Favorite is 8-3-1 ATS in the last 12 meetings.
The UNDER is 8-3 in the last 11 meetings.

Key Injuries - C Yao Ming (flu) is questionable.
F Carl Landry (calf) is OUT.

PROJECTED SCORE: TBD

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[pm530]

NBA


Wednesday, March 18

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pick ‘n’ Roll: NBA best bets
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Miami Heat at Boston Celtics (-6.5, 193)

Last week Miami stole a game from the Celtics. Expect the Heat to dig deep for another win in New England Wednesday.

Boston is just 1-3 straight up (SU) in its last five at home and is just 2-8 against the spread (ATS) in its last 10 overall.

Injuries to Kevin Garnett, Tony Allen, Glen Davis and Eddie House have hurt the Celtics recently and it won’t get better before Wednesday.

Garnett, who has missed 11 straight with a left knee injury, will not be cleared to play until at least Mar. 20 against the San Antonio Spurs.

Miami, meanwhile, has proven it can beat the Celtics. It now needs to prove it can beat Boston outside South Beach.

“Boston’s still one of the one or two top teams in the East,” Heat guard Mario Chalmers told reporters. “Any time you get a win over a team like that, whether they’ve got all their big weapons or not, you take the win.”

Pick: Heat



Orlando Magic at Milwaukee Bucks (+6, 203)

The Bucks are clinging to the eighth-seed but aren’t good enough to beat the Magic.

Orlando won three straight including an 18-point victory over the sizzling Utah Jazz before losing to the Cavs last night.

Dwight Howard had 28 points and 20 boards against Utah and is up to 52 double-doubles on the season (second most in the league).

“Howard is awfully hard to deal with,” Jazz coach Jerry Sloan told reporters. “He took us out of our offense, and then you have to take pot luck out there, and that’s usually not a good percentage shot.”

Expect Howard to have another big night in Milwaukee.

The Bucks, who are shorthanded in the middle, will start Francisco Elson (3.3 PPG, 3.7 RPG) at center against Howard.

The Magic are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 playing on no days rest. The Bucks, meanwhile, are 1-6 ATS in their last seven overall.

Pick: Magic

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[pm530]

NHL
Long Sheet


Wednesday, March 18

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NEW JERSEY (45-20-0-3, 93 pts.) at CAROLINA (36-28-0-7, 79 pts.) - 3/18/2009, 7:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
NEW JERSEY is 6-3 (+2.5 Units) against the spread versus CAROLINA over the last 3 seasons
NEW JERSEY is 6-3-0 straight up against CAROLINA over the last 3 seasons
5 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+1.7 Units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CHICAGO (37-22-0-8, 82 pts.) at COLUMBUS (36-28-0-6, 78 pts.) - 3/18/2009, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO is 4-12 ATS (-14.8 Units) vs. division opponents this season.
COLUMBUS is 36-34 ATS (-6.5 Units) in all games this season.
COLUMBUS is 19-14 ATS (+2.2 Units) second half of the season this season.
COLUMBUS is 10-5 ATS (+16.4 Units) after a division game this season.
COLUMBUS is 8-1 ATS (+6.8 Units) in home games after allowing 4 goals or more this season.
COLUMBUS is 13-8 ATS (+22.9 Units) after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game this season.
COLUMBUS is 91-93 ATS (+235.4 Units) after scoring 1 goal or less in their previous game since 1996.
COLUMBUS is 20-16 ATS (+41.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
COLUMBUS is 18-16 ATS (+42.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO is 102-104 ATS (+239.1 Units) in a road game where where the total is 5.5 since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO is 10-9-0 straight up against COLUMBUS over the last 3 seasons
13 of 19 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+6.8 Units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

DALLAS (33-28-0-8, 74 pts.) at CALGARY (40-23-0-6, 86 pts.) - 3/18/2009, 9:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DALLAS is 6-13 ATS (-13.1 Units) in March games over the last 2 seasons.
DALLAS is 18-10 ATS (+30.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
DALLAS is 26-18 ATS (+45.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
CALGARY is 32-32 ATS (-8.0 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
CALGARY is 5-10 ATS (-12.3 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
DALLAS is 6-4 (+2.1 Units) against the spread versus CALGARY over the last 3 seasons
DALLAS is 6-4-0 straight up against CALGARY 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)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NASHVILLE (35-30-0-5, 75 pts.) at ANAHEIM (32-31-0-6, 70 pts.) - 3/18/2009, 10:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ANAHEIM is 32-37 ATS (-12.5 Units) in all games this season.
ANAHEIM is 5-12 ATS (-9.0 Units) after a division game this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
NASHVILLE is 5-5 (+0.6 Units) against the spread versus ANAHEIM over the last 3 seasons
ANAHEIM is 5-5-0 straight up against NASHVILLE over the last 3 seasons
5 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=-0.8 Units, Under=-0.5 Units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[pm530]

NHL
Write-up


Wednesday, March 18

Hot teams
-- Devils won four in row, eight of last nine games.
-- Blue Jackets won four of their last five games.
-- Predators won eight of their last eleven games.

Cold teams
-- Carolina lost last three games, all by one goal, two in SOs.
-- Chicago lost three in row, five of last six games.
-- Flames lost four of their last five games. Dallas lost nine of their last thirteen games.
-- Ducks lost four of their last five games.

Totals
-- Three of last four Carolina games stayed under the total.
-- Five of last seven Columbus games went over the total.
-- Over is 6-1-1 in last eight Calgary games.
-- Under is 3-1-1 in Anaheim's last five games.

Back-to-Back
-- Devils are 3-4 on road if they played the night before.
-- Chicago is 6-3 if it played the night before.
-- Dallas Stars are 2-6 if they played the night before.

Series Records
-- Home side won last four Carolina-New Jersey games.
-- Blackhawks won five of last seven against Columbus.
-- Stars won six of last eight games against Calgary/
-- Predators lost six of last seven visits to Anaheim.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[pm530]

NHL


Wednesday, March 18

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

7:00 PM
CHICAGO vs. COLUMBUS
Chicago is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games
Chicago is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing Columbus
Columbus is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing Chicago
The total has gone OVER in 11 of Columbus's last 15 games when playing Chicago

7:00 PM
NEW JERSEY vs. CAROLINA
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of New Jersey's last 7 games when playing on the road against Carolina
New Jersey is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games when playing Carolina
Carolina is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 13 of Carolina's last 19 games at home

9:30 PM
DALLAS vs. CALGARY
Dallas is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Calgary
The total has gone UNDER in 18 of Dallas's last 23 games when playing on the road against Calgary
Calgary is 13-5 SU in its last 18 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Calgary's last 15 games at home

10:00 PM
NASHVILLE vs. ANAHEIM
Nashville is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Anaheim
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Nashville's last 5 games when playing Anaheim
Anaheim is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Anaheim's last 5 games when playing Nashville

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[Udog]

NBA
Dunkel


Chicago at Oklahoma City
The Thunder look to bounce back from their 78-76 loss to San Antonio and build on their 5-1 ATS record after scoring 85 points or less in the previous game. Oklahoma City is the pick (-1 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Thunder favored by 3 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Oklahoma City (-1 1/2). Here are all of today's picks.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18

Game 601-602: Portland at Indiana
Dunkel Ratings: Portland 120.114; Indiana 119.838
Dunkel Line & Total: Even; 199 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 603-604: Miami at Boston
Dunkel Ratings: Miami 116.991; Boston 124.136
Dunkel Line & Total: Boston by 7; 187
Vegas Line & Total: Boston by 6 1/2; 193
Dunkel Pick: Boston (-6 1/2); Under

Game 605-606: Sacramento at Charlotte
Dunkel Ratings: Sacramento 111.941; Charlotte 121.496
Dunkel Line & Total: Charlotte by 9 1/2; 195
Vegas Line & Total: Charlotte by 11; 200 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Sacramento (+11); Under

Game 607-608: New Jersey at New York
Dunkel Ratings: New Jersey 114.822; New York 119.796
Dunkel Line & Total: New York by 5; 219
Vegas Line & Total: New York by 7; 216
Dunkel Pick: New Jersey (+7); Over

Game 609-610: Denver at Memphis
Dunkel Ratings: Denver 121.458; Memphis 111.720
Dunkel Line & Total: Denver by 9 1/2; 204
Vegas Line & Total: Denver by 5 1/2; 198 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Denver (-5 1/2); Over

Game 611-612: Minnesota at New Orleans
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota 110.653; New Orleans 123.870
Dunkel Line & Total: New Orleans by 13; 189 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: New Orleans by 12; 191 1/2
Dunkel Pick: New Orleans (-12); Under

Game 613-614: Chicago at Oklahoma City
Dunkel Ratings: Chicago 116.503; Oklahoma City 120.010
Dunkel Line & Total: Oklahoma City by 3 1/2; 193 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Oklahoma City by 1 1/2; 199 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Oklahoma City (-1 1/2); Under

Game 615-616: Orlando at Milwaukee
Dunkel Ratings: Orlando 122.816; Milwaukee 119.027
Dunkel Line & Total: Orlando by 4; 205 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Orlando by 6; 203
Dunkel Pick: Milwaukee (+6);

Game 617-618: Detroit at Houston
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit 115.578; Houston 125.903
Dunkel Line & Total: Houston by 10 1/2; 187 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 619-620: Philadelphia at Phoenix
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia 114.004; Phoenix 124.460
Dunkel Line & Total: Phoenix by 10 1/2; 232
Vegas Line & Total: Phoenix by 6 1/2; 228
Dunkel Pick: Phoenix (-6 1/2); Over

Game 621-622: Washington at LA Clippers
Dunkel Ratings: Washington 109.612; LA Clippers 112.900
Dunkel Line & Total: LA Clippers by 3 1/2; 201 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: LA Clippers by 7; 203
Dunkel Pick: Washington (+7); Under

[Udog]

NHL
Dunkel


Chicago at Columbus
The Blue Jackets look to bounce back from their 4-0 loss to Detroit and build on their 10-5 record after a division game. Columbus is the pick (-130) according to Dunkel, which has the Blue Jackets favored by 1 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Columbus (-130). Here are all of today's picks.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18

Game 51-52: New Jersey at Carolina
Dunkel Ratings: New Jersey 11.815; Carolina 12.364
Dunkel Line & Total: Carolina by 1/2; 6
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 53-54: Chicago at Columbus
Dunkel Ratings: Chicago 10.733; Columbus 12.204
Dunkel Line & Total: Columbus by 1 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Columbus (-130); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Columbus (-130); Under

Game 55-56: Dallas at Calgary
Dunkel Ratings: Dallas 10.974; Calgary 10.815
Dunkel Line & Total: Dallas by 1/2; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Calgary (-190); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Dallas (+165); Over

Game 57-58: Nashville at Anaheim
Dunkel Ratings: Nashville 11.298; Anaheim 11.540
Dunkel Line & Total: Anaheim by 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Anaheim (-120); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Anaheim (-120); Under

[Udog]

NHL


Wednesday, March 18

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ice picks: Wednesday's best NHL bets
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chicago Blackhawks at Columbus Blue Jackets (-130, 5.5)

The Columbus Blue Jackets have yet to play in the postseason since entering the NHL in 2000. Twelve games remain in this regular season, and each will have the feel of playoff hockey as they look to end that skid.

Coming off a shutout loss, the Blue Jackets host the struggling Chicago Blackhawks on Wednesday night in the teams' second matchup in less than a week.

Columbus (36-28-6) is in third place in the Central Division, five points behind Chicago (37-22-9), which hasn't been to the postseason since 2002. The Blue Jackets, sixth in the Western Conference, are 1-1-1 against the Blackhawks this season, but have dropped three of the last four against their division rival at Nationwide Arena.

That includes a 4-3 shootout defeat in the most recent matchup there on Nov. 1, when Columbus was 1-for-10 on the power play.

R.J. Umberger, who had 10 goals in 17 postseason games last season with Philadelphia, said Columbus needs to play with a sense of urgency from here on out.

"They're all playoff games right now," he told the Blue Jackets' official Web site. "You have to man up this time of year."

Following impressive wins over Central Division-best Detroit, Eastern Conference-leading Boston and always-dangerous Pittsburgh, Ken Hitchcock's club extended its winning streak with a 5-3 victory on Friday in Chicago. The Blue Jackets weren't sharp at all Sunday, though, losing 4-0 at home to the Red Wings.

Columbus captain Rick Nash scored Columbus' final goal into an empty net last week against the Blackhawks, and has tallied six of his team-leading 33 over the last six games.

Also the Jackets' points leader with 66, Nash needs four more for a new career high. The top overall draft pick from 2002 notched 69 points last season to pace the club.

Chicago (37-22-9) hasn't shown a sense of urgency lately, and the continued absence of Patrick Sharp could be part of the reason.

A 23-goal scorer who had a team-best 36 last season, Sharp has missed 14 games since suffering a left knee injury on Feb. 14. He has resumed skating, but there is no timetable for his return.

Chicago won its first three games without its high-scoring center, but has gone 3-7-1 since.

Pick: Columbus



Nashville Predators at Anaheim Ducks (-120, 5.5)

A six-game stretch against California teams may end up boosting the Nashville Predators' playoff hopes. The Anaheim Ducks, meanwhile, are having problems winning in their home state.

The Predators look to continue their success against Western Conference clubs and extend the Ducks' troubles at home in a matchup of playoff contenders Wednesday night.

Nashville (35-30-5) moved into seventh place in the West with a 4-3 win over Los Angeles on Monday night in the first of six straight games against California teams. The Predators, who improved to 14-4-1 against their conference since the All-Star break, are five points ahead of 12th-place Anaheim (32-31-6).

"We want to win every night, but our mentality right now is try and scrape points out of every game that we can and be as gritty as we can be," Nashville winger Steve Sullivan said. "We wanted to propel ourselves back into the playoffs and make sure we created some separation between us and them."

The Predators are 2-0 on a four-game trip that will conclude Thursday night against San Jose. They'll then face the Ducks again Tuesday night at home before hosting San Jose and Los Angeles.

"We've got two games left on this road trip, and we're trying to set ourselves up so that it doesn't come down to Game 82 and all the pressure to try to get in with one game left," Sullivan said.

Time is running out for Anaheim, which has gone 1-3-1 after winning three of its previous four. The Ducks have lost five of their last six home games, the most recent a 1-0 defeat to the Sharks on Sunday night.

"We just have to stay confident," Anaheim winger Teemu Selanne said. "Wednesday is another chance. We just have to keep pushing like this and we're going to score a couple of goals."

The Ducks have been held to two goals or fewer in four of their last five games. They've been particularly bad on the power play during that span, going 0-for-19.

Nashville is coming off a breakout offensive effort, scoring more than two goals for only the second time in its last 18 road games (7-10-1). The Predators totaled six goals in their previous four contests overall.

Pick: Nashville


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------