Monday Trends and Indexes 3/23 (NBA, NCAAB, NHL, Misc.)

[pm530]

Trends and Indexes

Monday, March 23

Good Luck on day #82 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.

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

Monday, March 23

Today in the Daily Sports Roundup: The Nuggets get ready to take on the Suns, the Red Wings and Flames clash in Calgary, and the WBC has its championship.

Tipping off on the hardwood . . .

The NBA hits the hardwood with seven games on its schedule for Monday night, including the Nuggets on the road in Phoenix. The Suns still need to make up ground on eighth place in the Western standings, and they're coming off an easy 128-96 win over the Wizards on Saturday night. The Nuggets, who are battling for top spot in the Northwest Division, beat the Wizards 116-105 on Friday night.

Those embattled Wizards will play host to Chicago on Monday, while it's Minnesota at Atlanta, Memphis at Miami, Orlando at New York, Philadelphia at Portland, and the Clippers at Boston. The Celtics topped Memphis 105-87 on Saturday, with Glen Davis scoring 24 points and Ray Allen tossing in 20 points. Kevin Garnett played 17 minutes that night, picking up 10 points and four boards.

A break from the Madness . . .

The lesser college hoops postseason tournaments take center stage on Monday night, with second-round games in the NIT and quarterfinal matchups in both the CBI and the CollegeInsider.com events. In the NIT on Monday it'll be Kentucky vs. Creighton (-2) and Davidson vs. St. Mary's (-4), with the winners of those games going on to meet Notre Dame and San Diego State in the quarterfinals.

Quarterfinal matchups in the CBI will be Charleston vs. Richmond (-4), Stanford vs. Wichita State (-1), Northeastern vs. UTEP (-7), and Vermont vs. Oregon State (-1.5). Meanwhile, the CollegeInsider.com quarterfinals offers up James Madison vs. Liberty (-3), Belmont vs. Old Dominion (-6), Oakland vs. Bradley (-3), and Idaho vs. Pacific (-8.5). Semifinals for both tourneys will be Wednesday.

Taking a trip around the rink . . .

A pair of Western Conference division leaders will meet on the ice on Monday night in Calgary with the Flames hosting the Red Wings. Detroit doubled up on Atlanta 6-3 in their last outing on Friday, with Johan Franzen picking up a goal and two assists and Henrik Zetterberg adding four helpers. Calgary is coming off a 3-2 loss to St. Louis on Friday night, with Mike Cammalleri potting his 35th goal.

The other two games on the National Hockey League's schedule for Monday are division battles, with New Jersey at Philadelphia, and Carolina at Florida. The Panthers sit just outside of the Eastern Conference playoff picture right now, trailing the Canadiens by a single point for eighth place. Florida fell 3-1 to Columbus on Saturday, with Rostislav Olesz scoring his third goal of the season.

Rounding out the Roundup . . .

Finally, the World Baseball Classic concludes on Monday night, with Korea taking on Japan in the championship game at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. The Koreans advanced to the final with an easy 10-2 win over the Venezuelans on Saturday night, getting five first-inning runs and a strong pitching performance from Suk-Min Yoon. The Japanese got past the Americans 9-4 on Sunday night.

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[pm530]

Six-pack for Monday

Six mid-major basketball programs that seems to win all the time, some of whom win despite changing coaches every so often.......

-- Butler-- Collyer, Matta, Lickliter, now Stevens. Plus they have the gym from Hoosiers.

-- Davidson-- Surprised McKillop hasn't been gobbled up by one of the bigger schools.

-- Gonzaga-- Arizona is going to come after Mark Few; Monson is an example of how moving on isn't always moving up.

-- Siena-- Griffin, Deane, Hewitt, now McCaffery.

-- Utah State-- Stew Morrill has this program rolling.......

-- Western Kentucky-- Willard, Felton, Horn, now McDonald.

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[pm530]

Monday's List of 13: Wrapping up a terrific sports weekend....

13) Weird NCAA tournament so far, in that most of the best endings have been at the end of each day. Sunday, Siena took Louisville to last TV timeout before falling short, while Missouri was holding off Marquette in a strange ending, as Tigers exorcized couple of ghosts of previous narrow losses with one dramatic win.

12) Missouri used a substitute to shoot free throws to grab an 81-79 lead with 0:05.5 left, then brazenly tried to put the "injured" player back in the game. Marquette's inbounder stepped over the line before he inbounded the ball, Missouri made two more foul shots, and if you took Marquette +3.5, you probably wanted to be ill.

11) Mizzou lost in OT to Dwyane Wade's Marquette team six years ago; the last time Tigers played in Boise, Tyus Edney drove length of court for a game-winning hoop, on UCLA's way to a national title, so Missouri's win Sunday avenged both losses at same time, kind of.

10) Siena showed that the smallest school can have the biggest heart, as the Saints threw everything they had at the top-seeded Cardinals, but Louisville has Terrence Williams, which made the difference, as Pitino's club moves on to play 12th-seeded Arizona in Indianapolis.

9) Like UCLA Saturday, Arizona State had to play a noon ET start, and it looked like Sun Devils missed their wakeup call, losing 78-67 to surging Syracuse. James Harden might have won Pac-10 Player of the Year, but anyone who thinks he's better than Chase Budinger did not watch a lot of Pac-10 basketball this season.

8) Budinger's Arizona team was one of last two teams to get in Field of 65, but they're still playing after drilling Cleveland State 71-57 in a second round game. Just don't call 12th-seeded Wildcats a Cinderella; the pointspreads in their two wins this weekend added up to four, so not like they pulled off any big upsets in Miami, just one small one.

7) Pitt continues to look vulnerable, but they keep winning; they are the third #1 seed to win their first two tournament games by ten or less points, and the first one since 1990. Panthers gave up 49 points in first half, were -6 in turnovers, but survived Oklahoma St. 84-76.

6) If you care about such things, Siena was the only underdog to beat the spread Sunday; the Pitt-Oklahoma State game was a push.

5) Wisconsin shot 28.6% from floor, 3-20 from arc, probably making all the Florida State fans sick after losing 60-49 to Xavier, after they upset the Seminoles Friday. Now Sean Miller coaches against Pitt in the next round, which happens to be his alma mater.

4) Dayton shot an abysmal 22% in its 60-43 loss to Kansas, which makes us think North Dakota State is lot better than we thought on Friday. Ben Woodside torched the Jayhawks for 37 by himself.

3) Michigan State held off USC 74-69, holding Taj Gibson without a basket, after he head been 10-10 from floor in the Boston College win Every Spartan player in last dozen years has played in Final Four-- they need two more wins to keep that streak alive.
2) I'm guessing the powers-that-be at Syracuse are glad they didn't toss Eric Devendorf out of school last fall, like some wanted to.

1) So the Field of 65 is now 16; only Arizona, Purdue are supposed to be home by now, which means next weekend ought to be excellent.

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[pm530]

NBA
Write-up


Monday, March 23

Hot Teams
-- Hawks won seven of their last eight games.
-- Bulls won three of their last four games.
-- Orlando won nine of its last eleven games.
-- Celtics won last three games by 4-3-18 points.
-- Nuggets won last five games, with four wins by 11+ points. Suns won, covered their last four games.
-- 76ers won five of their last seven games. Portland won three of its last four games (4-0 vs spread).

Cold Teams
-- Minnesota lost 15 of its last 17 games.
-- Wizards lost ten of their last thirteen games.
-- Grizzlies lost four in row, eight of last nine games. Heat lost three of their last four games.
-- Knicks lost last four games, by 5-26-25-7 points.
-- Clippers lost ten of their last twelve games.

Totals
-- Six of last eight Atlanta games went over the total; under is 10-3 in the last thirteen Minnesota games.
-- Six of last nine Washington games went over the total.
-- 11 of last 15 Miami games went over the total.
-- Last four New York games stayed under the total.
-- Over is 8-3 in Boston's last eleven games.
-- Five of last seven Denver games went over the total.
-- Last three Philadelphia games all went over the total.

Back-to Back
-- Minnesota is 8-4 vs spread on road if it played the day before.
-- Bulls are 1-7-1 vs spread on road if they play at home the next night.
-- Miami is 0-5 vs spread at home if it played on road night before.
-- Clippers are 3-5 vs spread on road if they played the day before.
-- 76ers are 1-3 vs spread if playing second straight night on road.

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[pm530]

NBA


Monday, March 23

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Trend Sheet
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7:00 PM
CHICAGO vs. WASHINGTON
Chicago is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 15 of Chicago's last 23 games
Washington is 14-3 SU in its last 17 games when playing at home against Chicago
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Washington's last 5 games when playing at home against Chicago

7:00 PM
MINNESOTA vs. ATLANTA
Minnesota is 1-7 ATS in its last 8 games when playing Atlanta
Minnesota is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Atlanta
Atlanta is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games
Atlanta is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games

7:30 PM
LA CLIPPERS vs. BOSTON
LA Clippers are 3-8 SU in their last 11 games when playing on the road against Boston
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of the LA Clippers last 6 games when playing on the road against Boston
Boston is 12-5 ATS in their last 17 games when playing LA Clippers
Boston is 2-4 ATS in their last 6 games when playing LA Clippers

7:30 PM
MEMPHIS vs. MIAMI
Memphis is 8-2 ATS in its last 10 games on the road
Memphis is 3-18 SU in its last 21 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Miami's last 11 games when playing Memphis
Miami is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games

7:30 PM
ORLANDO vs. NEW YORK
Orlando is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games when playing New York
Orlando is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing New York
New York is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games at home
New York is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games at home

10:00 PM
DENVER vs. PHOENIX
Denver is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
Denver is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games on the road
Phoenix is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Denver
Phoenix is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Denver

10:00 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. PORTLAND
Philadelphia is 6-12 ATS in its last 18 games
Philadelphia is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Portland's last 7 games when playing Philadelphia
Portland is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Philadelphia

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[pm530]

NBA


Monday, March 23

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Tips and Trends
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Orlando Magic at New York Knicks [7:30 PM ET]

Magic (-5, O/U 214): Orlando has won nine of its last 11 games to give the team a legitimate shot at capturing the #2 seed in the Eastern Conference playoff race. Rashard Lewis has been playing with tendinitis in his right knee but still scored 27 points in a 110-103 win over the Knicks on Saturday. Lewis had averaged just 9.2 points in his previous five games. “A lot of people got a lot of bumps and bruises and are fatigued and legs are tired, but you’ve got to get through it to try to secure the division and hopefully move into second place in the conference,” Lewis said. “Right now, we’re still playing for a reason.”

Magic are 6-2 ATS in the last 8 meetings at New York.
The OVER is 5-2 in the last 7 meetings.

Key Injuries - G Jameer Nelson (shoulder) is OUT.

PROJECTED SCORE: 112 (Side Play of the Day)

Knicks: New York lost Saturday at Orlando without David Lee, who is dealing with a knee injury. Lee is tied for the league lead in double-doubles (54) with Orlando's Dwight Howard, and he realizes how much he means to his teammates. “I only missed one game last year,” Lee said. “And I plan on making this the only one I miss this year.” The Knicks also now face a nearly impossible task in trying to reach their goal of making the playoffs after losing four straight. “We’ve got to go 13-0 if we want to win and make it to the playoffs,” New York guard Nate Robinson said. “But anything is possible.”

Knicks are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games overall.
The OVER is 8-0 in New York's last 8 games as a home underdog.

Key Injuries - F David Lee (knee) is probable.
G Larry Hughes (toe) is questionable.

PROJECTED SCORE: 102



Denver Nuggets at Phoenix Suns [10 PM ET]

Nuggets: Denver snapped a six-game road losing streak last Wednesday with a 111-109 victory at Memphis and will try to win a season-high six straight games overall. The Nuggets begin a key three-game road trip at Phoenix and realize they can finish as the #2 seed in the Western Conference playoff race with a winning road trip along with a strong finish down the stretch. “If we go out and win two out of three, which I think we’re capable of, it puts us in a position to have an incredible season,” said Denver head coach George Karl.

Nuggets are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games overall.
The OVER is 7-1 in the last 8 meetings.

Key Injuries - NONE

PROJECTED SCORE: 119 (OVER - Total Play of the Day)

Suns (-3.5, O/U 236.5): Phoenix still has hopes of making the playoffs but sits 3.5 games behind Dallas for the final spot in the West. However, the Suns have won a season-high four straight following a 128-96 rout of Washington on Saturday night. “It was a good win,” Phoenix head coach Alvin Gentry said. “Obviously, we have to win all of our games to try and keep pace.” The Suns have won the last eight home meetings with Denver, and the home team is an impressive 20-8 ATS in the last 28 meetings.

Suns are 9-3-1 ATS in their last 13 home games.
The OVER is 7-3 in Phoenix's last 10 games as a favorite.

Key Injuries - G Leandro Barbosa (knee) is OUT.
C Amare Stoudemire (eye) is OUT.

PROJECTED SCORE: 122

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[pm530]

NBA


Monday, March 23

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Pick ‘n’ Roll: NBA best bets
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Memphis Grizzlies at Miami Heat (-9, 194)

Miami coach Erik Spoelstra hopes his team doesn't need a big night from Wade or late heroics to beat the Grizzlies (17-52), losers of 16 of 18. But the Heat have dropped three straight in the series, their longest skid since the Memphis franchise started play in 1995-96.

Two of those losses came last season, when Wade was battling injuries and the Heat finished with the worst record in the league, seven games behind the third-worst Grizzlies.

Miami, though, also lost its first meeting with Memphis this season. Wade was held to 17 points and 5-for-16 shooting in the 102-86 road defeat Dec. 14. Haslem, who finished with 16 points against Detroit on Sunday, didn't play that night due to the death of his grandmother.

Five Memphis players scored at least 10 points in that game, including rookie guard O.J. Mayo, who had a game-high 28 with four 3-pointers.

Mayo, though, was held to 12 points and the Grizzlies shot just 39.3 percent in their 105-87 home loss to Boston on Saturday night. Memphis trailed by four at halftime before getting outscored 53-39 in the second half.

"We played them pretty good up until the third quarter," said Rudy Gay, who had 15 points and went 5-for-15 from the field. "We need to learn how to withstand their runs and come with our own."

The young Grizzlies, who have struggled on the road all season with a 5-28 record, are showing signs of fatigue as the season winds down.

"We have a young team that is not used to playing a lot," coach Lionel Hollins said. "Mike Conley hasn't played a lot of minutes in his short career. O.J. is a rookie, and Marc (Gasol) is a rookie, and it is indoctrination into the NBA. No boys allowed. It is about men, and they are learning and they are growing."

Pick: Memphis +9



Orlando Magic at New York Knicks (+5, 214)

The Orlando Magic are in hot pursuit of the No. 2 spot in the Eastern Conference, and they may have a chance to seize that position with a marquee matchup later this week.

But in order to have that opportunity, the Magic will need to first complete a home-and-home sweep of the fading New York Knicks when they visit Madison Square Garden on Monday night.

Boston's recent slump has opened the door for Orlando (51-18) to possibly finish in second place in the East, and the Magic have responded with victories in nine of their last 11 games.

They already beat the Celtics 86-79 in Boston earlier this month, and with the teams currently tied in the loss column, they may have a chance to move ahead of the defending champions when they meet Wednesday in Orlando.

But the Magic can't overlook New York, even though the Knicks have lost four straight to all but extinguish their hopes of earning a playoff spot. Orlando had to fend off a late Knicks rally to earn a 110-103 home win Saturday night.

Rashard Lewis scored 27 points for the Magic despite dealing with tendinitis in his right knee. Lewis had averaged 9.2 points in his previous five games - more than eight below his season average.

"A lot of people got a lot of bumps and bruises and are fatigued and legs are tired, but you've got to get through it to try to secure the division and hopefully move into second place in the conference," Lewis said. "Right now, we're still playing for a reason."

New York played Saturday without center David Lee, who missed his first game of the season with a similar knee problem. Lee, who is tied with Orlando's Dwight Howard for the league lead with 54 double-doubles, hopes to return Monday.

Pick: Over 214

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[pm530]

NCAAB
Long Sheet


Monday, March 23

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KENTUCKY (21 - 13) at CREIGHTON (27 - 7) - 3/23/2009, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
KENTUCKY is 25-13 ATS (+10.7 Units) when the total is 130 to 139.5 over the last 3 seasons.
KENTUCKY is 33-17 ATS (+14.3 Units) when playing with 5 or 6 days rest since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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DAVIDSON (27 - 7) at ST MARYS-CA (27 - 6) - 3/23/2009, 11:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DAVIDSON is 59-36 ATS (+19.4 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
DAVIDSON is 59-36 ATS (+19.4 Units) in all lined games over the last 3 seasons.
DAVIDSON is 33-15 ATS (+16.5 Units) when the total is 140 to 149.5 over the last 3 seasons.
DAVIDSON is 11-1 ATS (+9.9 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
DAVIDSON is 29-11 ATS (+16.9 Units) in road games over the last 3 seasons.
DAVIDSON is 29-11 ATS (+16.9 Units) in road lined games over the last 3 seasons.
DAVIDSON is 15-6 ATS (+8.4 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
DAVIDSON is 19-7 ATS (+11.3 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
DAVIDSON is 11-2 ATS (+8.8 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games over the last 2 seasons.
DAVIDSON is 9-1 ATS (+7.9 Units) in road games versus good defensive teams - allowing <=64 points/game after 15+ games since 1997.
DAVIDSON is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) in road games versus good defensive teams - allowing <=64 points/game over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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COLL OF CHARLESTON (27 - 8) at RICHMOND (19 - 15) - 3/23/2009, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
RICHMOND is 33-20 ATS (+11.0 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
RICHMOND is 33-20 ATS (+11.0 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
RICHMOND is 13-5 ATS (+7.5 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.
COLL OF CHARLESTON is 58-35 ATS (+19.5 Units) in road games since 1997.
COLL OF CHARLESTON is 58-35 ATS (+19.5 Units) in road lined games since 1997.
COLL OF CHARLESTON is 28-12 ATS (+14.8 Units) in road games after a non-conference game since 1997.
COLL OF CHARLESTON is 28-14 ATS (+12.6 Units) in road games in non-conference games since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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STANFORD (19 - 13) at WICHITA ST (17 - 16) - 3/23/2009, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WICHITA ST is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in all tournament games this season.
STANFORD is 201-160 ATS (+25.0 Units) in all games since 1997.
STANFORD is 201-160 ATS (+25.0 Units) in all lined games since 1997.
STANFORD is 51-31 ATS (+16.9 Units) when the total is 130 to 139.5 since 1997.
STANFORD is 82-53 ATS (+23.7 Units) in road games since 1997.
STANFORD is 82-53 ATS (+23.7 Units) in road lined games since 1997.
STANFORD is 12-3 ATS (+8.7 Units) in a road game where the total is 130 to 134.5 since 1997.
STANFORD is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) in non-conference games this season.
STANFORD is 14-6 ATS (+7.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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NORTHEASTERN (19 - 12) at UTEP (20 - 12) - 3/23/2009, 10:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
UTEP is 14-7 ATS (+6.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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VERMONT (24 - 8) at OREGON ST (14 - 17) - 3/23/2009, 10:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OREGON ST is 22-34 ATS (-15.4 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
OREGON ST is 22-34 ATS (-15.4 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
OREGON ST is 9-19 ATS (-11.9 Units) in all home games over the last 2 seasons.
OREGON ST is 9-19 ATS (-11.9 Units) in home lined games over the last 2 seasons.
OREGON ST is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) in March games over the last 2 seasons.
OREGON ST is 16-26 ATS (-12.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
OREGON ST is 48-75 ATS (-34.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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JAMES MADISON (20 - 14) at LIBERTY (23 - 11) - 3/23/2009, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
JAMES MADISON is 20-11 ATS (+7.9 Units) in all games this season.
JAMES MADISON is 20-11 ATS (+7.9 Units) in all lined games this season.
JAMES MADISON is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) in road games this season.
JAMES MADISON is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) in road lined games this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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BELMONT (20 - 12) at OLD DOMINION (22 - 10) - 3/23/2009, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OLD DOMINION is 1-9 ATS (-8.9 Units) in March games over the last 3 seasons.
OLD DOMINION is 46-72 ATS (-33.2 Units) after allowing 60 points or less since 1997.
OLD DOMINION is 2-12 ATS (-11.2 Units) in all tournament games over the last 3 seasons.
OLD DOMINION is 72-102 ATS (-40.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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OAKLAND (23 - 12) at BRADLEY (19 - 14) - 3/23/2009, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BRADLEY is 90-65 ATS (+18.5 Units) in all home games since 1997.
BRADLEY is 90-65 ATS (+18.5 Units) in home lined games since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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IDAHO (17 - 15) at PACIFIC (20 - 12) - 3/23/2009, 10:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

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[pm530]

NCAAB
Write-up


Monday, March 23

Creighton won 12 of last 13 games, but covered just three of last ten as the home favorite; Bluejays' last three wins are all by five or less points. Kentucky lost its last three road games by 13-18-7 points; its last road win was Feb 14 at Arkansas. Wildcats are 3-6 in last nine games overall.

St Mary's won six of last seven games, and improves with time as Mills' hand continues to heal; Gaels' last four wins are all by 10+ points; they are 13-1 outside the WCC this year. Davidson is 7-4 outside the SoCon with wins vs West Virginia, at home vs NC State and at South Carolina.

Charleston lost 70-65 to Temple in only game vs A-14 foe; they led by 19 at half at Troy in first NIT game, held on to win by hoop, now they draw Princeton-style Richmond team that was lucky to draw a terrible St John's club in first round-- Spiders have won of their last five games.

Wichita State won last eight home games, with last loss Jan 7 to Salukis. Home side won Shockers' last seven games. Stanford is 12-0 outside the Pac-10, with only road wins at Yale, Colorado State, Santa Clara; they've won four of last six games overall. Wichita is 10-5 in last fifteen games.

Northeastern had lost six of last eight games before winning at Wyoming in first round of NIT (64-62); now Huskies get another long road trip, at UTEP (Huskies lost 89-48 at Memphis Dec 31- UTEP coach Barbee is former Calipari assistant). Miners are 8-3 in their last eleven games.

Oregon State had lost four in a row before tense 49-45 win vs Houston in NIT first round; Beavers have been favored once in 2009, beating rival Oregon 57-54 (-2.5) Jan 31. Vermont is 15-2 in its last 17 games, tying for top in America East, but losing road game in conference tournament.

Liberty is 2-1 vs CAA this year, beating George Mason, Wm&Mary in OT in December, then getting crushed 80-56 in a Bracket Buster game at Old Dominion. James Madison won 85-81 at Big South champ Radford Dec 14, Dukes' win in NIT 1st round snapped a four-game losing skid.

Old Dominion won 11 of last 13 games, covered just two of last six as a home favorite; Monarchs are 6-4 outside CAA. Belmont finished 3rd in Atlantic Sun; they lost by 17 to James Madison of CAA Dec 30 out at Santa Clara, on neutral court. Bruins were in NCAAs last couple years.

Bradley lost 73-61 to UMKC in November, only Summit foe they faced this year; Braves were 5-2 as MVC home favorite this year, but are just 4-6 in last ten games overall. Oakland took North Dakota State to wire in Summit title game, Grizzlies' only loss in their last eleven games.

Idaho beat Big West champ Cal-Northridge 78-75 Feb 21; Vandals won six of last eight games, were 5-3 as WAC road dog, winning two of last three road games. Pacific won six of last seven games, covered four of its last five as home favorite- they lost at home to WAC's Fresno St 66-64.

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[pm530]

NCAAB


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Trend Sheet
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MARCH 23

7:00 PM
BELMONT vs. OLD DOMINION
No trends available
Old Dominion is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
Old Dominion is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games

7:00 PM
COLLEGE OF CHARLESTON vs. RICHMOND
College of Charleston is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 games on the road
College of Charleston is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games on the road
Richmond is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Richmond is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games

7:00 PM
JAMES MADISON vs. LIBERTY
James Madison is 8-3 ATS in its last 11 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of James Madison's last 5 games
No trends available

7:00 PM
KENTUCKY vs. CREIGHTON
Kentucky is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games
Kentucky is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games
Creighton is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games at home
Creighton is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games at home

8:00 PM
STANFORD vs. WICHITA STATE
Stanford is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games on the road
Stanford is 2-9 SU in its last 11 games on the road
Wichita State is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games
Wichita State is 11-5 SU in its last 16 games

8:05 PM
OAKLAND vs. BRADLEY
No trends available
Bradley is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
Bradley is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games

10:00 PM
IDAHO vs. PACIFIC
Idaho is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Idaho's last 7 games
Pacific is 3-12 ATS in its last 15 games when playing Idaho
Pacific is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Idaho

10:00 PM
NORTHEASTERN vs. TEXAS EL PASO
Northeastern is 3-7 ATS in its last 10 games
Northeastern is 16-8 SU in its last 24 games
Texas El Paso is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games at home
Texas El Paso is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games at home

10:00 PM
VERMONT vs. OREGON STATE
No trends available
Oregon State is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Oregon State's last 5 games at home

11:30 PM
DAVIDSON vs. SAINT MARY'S
Davidson is 2-6-1 ATS in its last 9 games
Davidson is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
Saint Mary's is 7-2 ATS in its last 9 games at home
Saint Mary's is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home


MARCH 24

7:00 PM
BAYLOR vs. AUBURN
Baylor is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games
Baylor is 5-12-1 ATS in its last 18 games
Auburn is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 games at home
Auburn is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home

9:00 PM
PENN STATE vs. FLORIDA
Penn State is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Penn State's last 6 games
Florida is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games at home
Florida is 20-1 SU in its last 21 games at home


MARCH 26

TBA
PURDUE vs. CONNECTICUT
Purdue is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Connecticut is 3-6 ATS in its last 9 games
Connecticut is 18-3 SU in its last 21 games

TBA
VILLANOVA vs. DUKE
Villanova is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Villanova's last 5 games
Duke is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games


MARCH 27

3:00 AM
SYRACUSE vs. OKLAHOMA
Syracuse is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games
Oklahoma is 17-4 SU in its last 21 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Oklahoma's last 6 games

TBA
GONZAGA vs. NORTH CAROLINA
Gonzaga is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
North Carolina is 3-7 ATS in its last 10 games
North Carolina is 16-2 SU in its last 18 games

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[pm530]

NHL
Write-up


Monday, March 23

Hot teams
-- Devils won nine of their last twelve games. Flyers won three of their last four home games.
-- Carolina won last three games, scoring 13 goals.
-- Detroit won its last four games, scoring 18 goals.

Cold teams
-- Panthers lost five of their last six games.
-- Flames lost five of their last seven games.

Totals
-- Under is 3-1-1 in New Jersey's last five games.
-- Three of last four Carolina games went over the total; four of Florida's last five games stayed under.
-- Over is 6-3-1 in last ten Calgary games.

Back-to-Back
-- Devils are 3-2 if they lost the day before.
-- Detroit is 5-3 if it plays again the next night.

Series Records
-- Devils won nine of last twelve games against Philadelphia.
-- Florida won three of last four games against the Hurricanes.
-- Red Wings won seven of last nine games against Calgary.

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[pm530]

NHL


Monday, March 23

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Trend Sheet
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7:00 PM
NEW JERSEY vs. PHILADELPHIA
New Jersey is 9-3 SU in its last 12 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of New Jersey's last 5 games
Philadelphia is 5-19 SU in its last 24 games when playing New Jersey
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Philadelphia's last 6 games when playing New Jersey

7:30 PM
CAROLINA vs. FLORIDA
Carolina is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Carolina's last 8 games on the road
Florida is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Carolina
Florida is 6-14 SU in its last 20 games when playing Carolina

9:00 PM
DETROIT vs. CALGARY
Detroit is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games when playing Calgary
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Detroit's last 5 games when playing Calgary
Calgary is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Calgary's last 10 games

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[pm530]

NHL


Monday, March 23

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Ice Picks: NHL best bets
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Detroit Red Wings at Calgary Flames (+100, 6)

Two of the top three offenses in the NHL will clash in Calgary Monday night. The Wings and Flames have met three times this year and all three games were run-and-gun contests that totalled 25 goals between the two clubs. The shot totals in the three games have all been over 70.

Goals are a must for both of these teams as the Red Wings have been struggling between the pipes this year and Calgary continues to suffer from a number of defensive breakdowns.

Detroit is on the verge of having four 30 goal scorers in their lineup. Marian Hossa and Johan Franzen have already reached the mark while Datsyuk and Zetterberg both have 29.

"Well, it just shows how this team is special," Hossa told reporters. "It's just a big bonus for this hockey team. It's nice to see lots of guys contribute by scoring goals."

Detroit is coming off an easy 6-3 thrashing of Atlanta and has won four in a row.

The Flames are quickly watching their lead in the Northwest Division evaporate due to the red-hot Vancouver Canucks. Craig Conroy and Co. are trying to bounce back after a 3-2 loss on home ice to the St. Louis Blues.

"I don't see guys being nervous and not feeling like they can't make plays. I think we just have to be more desperate and play a full 60 minutes,” said Conroy.

Against the Red Wings, the Flames won’t be able to let up at all. This matchup is 3-0 over/under this season, so why change now.

Pick: Over



Carolina Hurricanes at Florida Panthers (-110, 5.5)

The following sentence may leave you shaking your head: Carolina and Florida will clash Monday night with a big two points on the line in the Eastern Conference playoff race.

That’s right, playoff race.

Carolina is 7-1-2 in its last 10 games and is currently sixth in the Eastern Conference while the Panthers are one point back of the struggling Montreal Canadiens for the eighth and final spot.

The Hurricanes have been deadly at home lately but have lost three in a row on the road. On Saturday night, the Hurricanes almost made it look easy disposing of the Washington Capitals 4-1.

Florida will wrap up a five-game home stand Monday night, during which it has only won a single game. The Panthers are 1-3-2 since Nathan Horton went out with finger injury on March 7. The good news is that Horton is listed as probable for Monday night, his return would provide the Panthers the offensive punch they’ve been lacking.

The Panthers were three minutes away from a win over Columbus Saturday as they nursed a 1-0 lead in the third period. Tomas Vokoun had made 34 saves before being beaten by Raffi Torres with just over 2:20 to play. Columbus would add more late in the game and hand the Panthers to a crushing defeat.

The Hurricanes need to find a way to win on the road while the Panthers try to bounce back and work their way into a playoff spot.

Pick: Carolina

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[pm530]

NBA
Dunkel Index

Denver at Phoenix
The high-scoring Nuggets (113.4 ppg over last five games) look to take advantage of a Phoenix team that is just 8-19 ATS against good offensive teams (99+ ppg). Denver is the underdog pick (+4) according to Dunkel, which has the game even. Dunkel Pick: Denver (+4). Here are all of today's picks.

MONDAY, MARCH 23

Game 610-602: Minnesota at Atlanta
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota 112.418; Atlanta 122.803
Dunkel Line & Total: Atlanta by 10 1/2; 191
Vegas Line & Total: Atlanta by 11 1/2; 196 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (+11 1/2); Under

Game 603-604: Chicago at Washington
Dunkel Ratings: Chicago 119.651; Washington 112.185
Dunkel Line & Total: Chicago by 7 1/2; 204 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 605-606: Memphis at Miami
Dunkel Ratings: Memphis 110.135; Miami 121.803
Dunkel Line & Total: Miami by 11 1/2; 197
Vegas Line & Total: Miami by 9; 194
Dunkel Pick: Miami (-9); Over

Game 607-608: Orlando at New York
Dunkel Ratings: Orlando 124.511; New York 116.336
Dunkel Line & Total: Orlando by 8; 210
Vegas Line & Total: Orlando by 5 1/2; 214
Dunkel Pick: Orlando (-5 1/2); Under

Game 609-610: LA Clippers at Boston
Dunkel Ratings: LA Clippers 109.117; Boston 122.613
Dunkel Line & Total: Boston by 13 1/2; 189 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 611-612: Denver at Phoenix
Dunkel Ratings: Denver 121.458; Phoenix 121.620
Dunkel Line & Total: Even; 242
Vegas Line & Total: Phoenix by 4; 237
Dunkel Pick: Denver (+4); Over

Game 613-614: Philadelphia at Portland
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia 115.648; Portland 124.043
Dunkel Line & Total: Portland by 8 1/2; 196
Vegas Line & Total: Portland by 7 1/2; 190
Dunkel Pick: Portland (-7 1/2); Over

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