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**pm530** · 10-31-2009, 05:13 AM

Daily Sports Roundup

Saturday, October 31

Today in the Daily Sports Roundup: The Gators battle the Bulldogs, the Trojans take on the Ducks, and the World Series shifts to Philadelphia for its third game.

Colliding on the gridiron . . .

Top-ranked Florida is a 14.5-point home favorite on Saturday afternoon as they play host to rival Georgia. The Gators (7-0 SU, 2-3-1 ATS) got past Mississippi State 29-19 last weekend even though Tim Tebow threw for just 127 yards with no touchdowns and two interceptions. The Bulldogs (4-3 SU, 2-5 ATS) are coming off an easy 34-10 win over Vanderbilt, as Joe Cox passed for 226 yards with a pair of scores (and one interception). The total for Saturday is at 48 points.

There are also two key ranked matchups on Saturday, with No. 4 USC at No. 10 Oregon, and No. 3 Texas at No. 13 Oklahoma State. The Trojans (6-1 SU, 2-5 ATS) are listed as 3-point road favorites against the Ducks (6-1 SU, 5-2 ATS), with the contest's total at 47 points. The Longhorns (7-0 SU, 2-4-1 ATS) are favored by 9.5 points on the road against the Cowboys (6-1 SU, 3-2-1 ATS). Oddsmakers have set the total for the Texas/Oklahoma State game at 53 points.

Elsewhere around the AP Top 10 on Saturday it'll be No. 5 Cincinnati (-16) at Syracuse, San Jose State at No. 6 Boise State (-36.5), Indiana at No. 7 Iowa (-17.5), UNLV at No. 8 TCU (-35), and Tulane at No. 9 LSU (-36). No. 2 Alabama is not in action this weekend; they return on November 7 in game against LSU.

There are also two CFL games on Saturday, with Hamilton a 1-point home favorite against Saskatchewan, and Calgary a 1.5-point road favorite against B.C.

Meeting up on the diamond . . .

The World Series shifts to Philadelphia on Saturday night, with the Phillies and Yankees tied at one game apiece. Andy Pettitte will get the ball for New York in Game 3. Lefthander Pettitte is 2-0 with a no-decision so far during the playoffs, posting a 2.37 ERA and fanning 15 over 19 innings of work. The home side will counter Pettitte with Cole Hamels. Lefthander Hamels is 1-1 with a no-decision over three playoff starts, with an ERA of 6.75 and 12 strikeouts in 14 2-3 innings.

Tipping off on the hardwood . . .

The NBA offers up seven games on Saturday, with New Jersey at Washington, Charlotte at Cleveland, Philadelphia at New York, Detroit at Milwaukee, Sacramento at San Antonio, Dallas at the Clippers, and Portland at Houston. The 1-1 Trail Blazers fell 97-94 at home to Denver on Thursday night despite Brandon Roy's team-high 30 points. The 1-1 Rockets are coming off a 108-107 road win over Golden State, with Trevor Ariza leading the offense with 25 points.

Taking a trip around the rink . . .

Finally, there are 11 games around the National Hockey League on Saturday, including Edmonton at Boston in a matinee matchup. The 7-5-1 Oilers are coming off a 6-5 shootout win over the Red Wings on Thursday night, with Ales Hemsky picking up two goals and an assist. Nikolai Khabibulin made 40 saves in the game. The 5-5-1 Bruins fell 2-1 at home to the Devils on Thursday night. Patrice Bergeron had the lone Boston marker, and Tim Thomas made 29 saves.

Also on the ice on Saturday: Carolina at Philadelphia, Atlanta at Ottawa, New Jersey at Tampa Bay, Buffalo at the Islanders, Minnesota at Pittsburgh, Florida at St. Louis, Dallas at Nashville, Anaheim at Phoenix, Detroit at Calgary, and Toronto at Montreal. The Maple Leafs and Canadiens met in Toronto back on October 1, with the Habs pulling out a 4-3 overtime victory against their old rival.

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**pm530** · 10-31-2009, 05:14 AM

Bettor's best friend: Today's helpful tips

Saturday, October 31

Toothless Lions

The play of Detroit quarterback Matt Stafford and receiver Calvin Johnson are huge reasons the Lions are greatly improved from a year ago. But Johnson missed the team’s most recent game and Stafford the past two, as both are game-time decisions for a tussle against the visiting Rams. Detroit, with only one win, is listed at -4 with a total of 43.5.

Pike fishing

Cincinnati again expects to be without injured quarterback Tony Pike at Syracuse this weekend. The Bearcats are planning for backup Zach Collaros to again start in his place. Last week against Louisville, the sophomore threw three touchdowns and only two incompletions in his first-career start, a 41-10 win over the Cardinals. The Bearcats are listed at -15 with a total of 53.

No win situation

Vikings cornerback Antoine Winfield is expected to miss this week’s game against rival Green Bay due to a nagging foot injury. Karl Paymah, Asher Allen and Benny Sapp played well in his place against Pittsburgh last week, but the Pro Bowler will be missed against the Packer’s pass-happy attack. In a 30-23 win over Green Bay earlier this year, Winfield had a season-high 10 tackles and snared his lone interception of the season. The Vikings are listed at +3 with a total of 47.

Bobcat beat down

The Cleveland Cavaliers would like to get the bad taste of a slow start out of their mouths. The answer? Welcome the Charlotte Bobcats to down. Charlotte, which was destroyed 92-59 by Boston, is beat up and is missing guard Raja Bell. Meanwhile, the Cavaliers are 4-0 ATS against the Bobcats in their past four meetings, and figure to have plenty of ammunition to clobber Charlotte. Cleveland is listed at -13 with a total of 183.5.

Hold the scoring

Dallas touts its roster among the deepest in the league, featuring Dirk Nowitzki, Shawn Marion and Jason Kidd. But the group needs more time to gel, especially without Josh Howard. The team already failed to push the score past the total once this year and don’t expect this unit to magically click anytime soon. The team the Mavericks visit Saturday night, the Clippers, also have embraced a more methodical approach on offense and have an over/under mark of 0-2 this season. Los Angeles is listed at +4 with a total of 199.

Wizards out of magic

Washington started out of the gates hot on opening night, beating the Mavericks in Dallas. The team got 29 points from start Gilbert Arenas and then played at Atlanta on Friday night. Arenas, nursing a surgically repaired leg, will play heavy minutes and be counted on in the second of back-to-back games against the Nets. He also must shoulder some of the scoring burden for the injured Antwan Jamison. We know Arenas can play on rest. But be careful with him on a short turnaround against New Jersey. Washington is listed at -7.5 with a total of 198.

Cold wings

Detroit is already without stud center Johan Franzen and got more bad news after a 6-5 loss in Edmonton Thursday night. Center Valtteri Filppula will miss the next 6 to 8 weeks with a broken wrist. Filppula has two goals and four assists through 11 games, but had notched five points in his past seven outings. It’s also a huge blow for the Wings, since he was centering a line with newcomer Todd Bertuzzi and Dan Cleary, with the group finally starting to show signs of gelling. Now, Detroit must shuffle its lines again. The Red Wings, who play at Calgary on Saturday night, are listed at +123 with an over/under of 6 goals.

Shining Star

Dallas is off to a hot start thanks to the stellar play of forward Brad Richards. The former Tampa Bay star has five goals and 10 assists in just 10 games, including five points on the power play. And he is the last person Nashville wants to see on Saturday night. In two games against the Predators this season, Richards has a goal and three assists and is plus-2. Dallas is listed at +106 with a total of 5.5 goals.

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**pm530** · 10-31-2009, 05:15 AM

Six-pack for Saturday

Some college knowledge for the football weekend........

-- Texas won last 11 games vs Oklahoma State, but OSU led at half in four of last six meetings.

-- UTEP covered just four of last 15 as a home favorite.

-- Underdog is 8-4 vs spread in last 12 UCLA-Oregon State games.

-- USC is 10-1 vs spread as favorite of less than 10 points.

-- Rutgers covered eight of last ten tries as a road underdog.

-- Visitor is 10-1-1 vs spread in South Carolina-Tennessee series.

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Saturday's List of 13: In a perfect world, where I decide everything

13) Everyone would get to visit Las Vegas once; it doesn't matter if you like to gamble or not; there's so much to see there, its so unique, hard to believe the great majority of people wouldn't like to visit there.

12) All pro sports leagues would have a salary cap and a salary floor.

11) The drinking age would go back to 18; you're old enough to fight in a war, you're damn sure old enough to drink.

10) There would be no age limit in the NBA. Instead, pro teams could draft kids out of high school and if they didn't think they were ready to play pro ball, the kid would go to college, with the pro team paying for the kid's tuition. Every summer, the team has to decide whether the kid is going back to college or moving up. Once you move up, that’s it.

9) Basketball Hall of Fame would induct Jerry Tarkanian while he's alive to enjoy it. Word in Vegas was that Tark's health is slipping.

8) Nurses that work in hospitals would get paid more. They have such a tremendous responsibility, they deserve more money.

7) If it was up to me, I'd legalize Internet poker.

6) The Electoral College would be eliminated. Whoever gets most votes is the President. How difficult could this be to figure out?

5) School summer vacation would be shorter, winter vacation would be longer. Would save lot of money on heat in the colder areas.

4) High school should do more to teach things that are practical in real life; less kids should take trigonometry, more should know how to write a check, change their oil, cook, read stock market reports.

3) Steak 'n Shake would find its way to Albany. Quickly.

2) Dr Brown's cream soda would be sold everywhere. Its tremendous.

1) The NBA would allow any type of defense, thereby making it a real basketball league. NBA ball is a hybrid of real basketball and street ball, where stars are treated better than everyone else. That's not good.

From: Armadillo
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**pm530** · 10-31-2009, 05:17 AM

CFL
Dunkel Index

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 31

Game 253-254: Saskatchewan at Hamilton
Dunkel Ratings: Saskatchewan 111.421; Hamilton 107.711
Dunkel Line: Saskatchewan by 3 1/2; 58
Vegas Line: Hamilton by 1; 55
Dunkel Pick: Saskatchewan (+1); Over

Game 255-256: Calgary at BC
Dunkel Ratings: Calgary 112.926; BC 113.131
Dunkel Line: Even; 48
Vegas Line: Calgary 1 1/2; 53
Dunkel Pick: BC (+1 1/2); Under

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 1

Game 257-258: Winnipeg at Montreal
Dunkel Ratings: Winnipeg 109.241; Montreal 126.532
Dunkel Line: Montreal by 17 1/2; 49
Vegas Line: Montreal by 7; No Total
Dunkel Pick: Montreal (-7); N/A

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CFL
Long Sheet

Week 18

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Saturday, October 31
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SASKATCHEWAN (9 - 6 - 1) at HAMILTON (7 - 9) - 10/31/2009, 2:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SASKATCHEWAN is 135-103 ATS (+21.7 Units) in all games since 1996.
SASKATCHEWAN is 135-103 ATS (+21.7 Units) in all lined games since 1996.
SASKATCHEWAN is 91-55 ATS (+30.5 Units) as an underdog since 1996.
SASKATCHEWAN is 19-7 ATS (+11.3 Units) in road games over the last 3 seasons.
SASKATCHEWAN is 19-7 ATS (+11.3 Units) in road lined games over the last 3 seasons.
SASKATCHEWAN is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) in road games when playing on a Saturday over the last 2 seasons.
SASKATCHEWAN is 16-6 ATS (+9.4 Units) in road games in games played on turf over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
SASKATCHEWAN is 4-1 against the spread versus HAMILTON over the last 3 seasons
SASKATCHEWAN is 5-0 straight up against HAMILTON 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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CALGARY (9 - 6 - 1) at BRITISH COLUMBIA (8 - 8) - 10/31/2009, 10:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BRITISH COLUMBIA is 13-2 ATS (+10.8 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CALGARY is 6-4 against the spread versus BRITISH COLUMBIA over the last 3 seasons
CALGARY is 6-3 straight up against BRITISH COLUMBIA over the last 3 seasons
6 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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Sunday, November 1
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WINNIPEG (7 - 9) at MONTREAL (13 - 3) - 11/1/2009, 1:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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CFL
Write-up

Week 18 CFL games

Saturday, October 31

Saskatchewan (9-6-1) @ Hamilton (8-8)-- TiCats snapped a four-game skid last week in Toronto; they lost last two home games, allowing 80 points, after winning five of first six at home. Roughriders are 3-1-1 last five games; they beat Hamilton 33-25 (-5) back in Week 7, outrushing TiCats 214-31. Riders are 4-3-1 on road, with last three decided by total of six points-- five of their last six overall were decided by four points or less. Five of last seven Hamilton games stayed under the total.

Calgary (9-6-1) @ BCLions (8-8)-- Lions lost twice to Calgary this year, 48-10/27-18, running ball for 219-208 yards; they've covered last four games (3-1 SU), won four of last five home games, winning by 15-7-6-3 points. BC covered six of its last seven as an underdog. Stampeders are 6-2-1 in last nine games; they're 1-6 vs spread on road (3-4 SU). Under is 10-3 in Lions' last 13 games, 5-1 in Calgary's last six. Last four Lion games were all decided by three points.

Sunday, November 1

Winnipeg (7-9) @ Montreal (13-3)-- Winnipeg won four of its last five games; they're 5-3 vs spread on road. Calvillo didn't play last week, Als got ambushed 41-24 in Winnipeg, as Blue Bombers avenged 39-12/33-14 defeats to Montreal earlier in year. Loss ended 6-game Montreal winning streak- they're 8-0 at home, 4-4 as home favorite. Alouettes gave up 38-41 points in last two games, after allowing total of 41 points in previous four games. Six of last eight Montreal games stayed under the total.

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CFL

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Trend Report
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Saturday, October 31

2:00 PM
SASKATCHEWAN vs. HAMILTON
Saskatchewan is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Saskatchewan is 2-3-1 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Hamilton is 1-7 ATS in its last 8 games when playing Saskatchewan
Hamilton is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Saskatchewan

10:00 PM
CALGARY vs. BRITISH COLUMBIA
Calgary is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games when playing on the road against British Columbia
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Calgary's last 5 games when playing on the road against British Columbia
British Columbia is 6-12-1 ATS in its last 19 games at home
British Columbia is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home

Sunday, November 1

1:00 PM
WINNIPEG vs. MONTREAL
Winnipeg is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Winnipeg is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Montreal
Montreal is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Winnipeg
Montreal is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 games when playing at home against Winnipeg

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CFL

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Canadian Bacon: CFL Week 18 preview and picks
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Saturday, October 31

Saskatchewan Roughriders at Hamilton Tiger Cats (-1, 55)[/b]

The Tiger Cats have greatly improved since last year and are always tough to beat in front of their home fans in Hamilton where they have a 5-3 record. In their last two games, the OL didn’t give a single sack and the team committed only one turnover. Slowing down DE’s as aggressive as the Riders Stevie Baggs and John Chick might present a quite different challenge. These two are challenging each other for the lead in sacks this season. Baggs shares the lead with Lions Ricky Foley with 11 while Chick already made 10 sacks. This is almost enough to overlook the losses of two of the best Riders defensive players, halfbacks Eddie Davis (knee) and Lance Frazier (dehydration).

The Tiger Cats could have had a much better record since four of their nine losses ended with a margin of three points or less. But they are only 1-9 this season against teams with winning records. Tough luck because the Roughriders, who share the provisional first place in the West with the Calgary Stampeders, didn’t suffer a loss in their last three games and each time, they have put at least 32 points on the board. A win in Hamilton before squaring with Calgary in the regular-season finale for the pennant, would give the Roughriders a serious option on a title that eluded them since 1976 and that confers the privilege of hosting the western final. To achieve this, QB Darian Durant must avoid turning over the ball. He has already been picked 20 times this season.

Pick: Saskatchewan +1

Calgary Stampeders at B.C. Lions (+1.5, 53)

In the heat of a championship race the Stampeders can’t afford to lose against a Lions team they have beaten six times in a row. In the last two games, Henry Burris has been back at the top of his game, showing the stuff he did when he led Calgary to the last Grey Cup. Last time the Stampeders played the Lions, RB Joffrey Reynolds had fun at the expenses of the opposing front seven rushing for 151 yards. In two games against the Lions, Reynolds averaged 141 rushing yards per game.

Casey Printers is back, after 10 months of inactivity and both the Lions’ uniform and playbook suit him quite well. Last week, in a 33-30 loss to the Roughriders, Printers passed for more than 300 yards - not bad for someone who hadn’t played since November 2008. Of course, he can count on two of the best receivers in the CFL in Geroy Simon and Paris Jackson. Simon caught six passes from Printers last week for 142 yards. The Lions, who had more than their share of injuries (Only 40 percent of the team is considered healthy), have little chance of finishing in first place but they can hope to host the Western Division semifinal and that should be more than enough to give this team some extra motivation.

Pick: Calgary -1.5

Sunday, November 1

Winnipeg Blue Bombers at Montreal Alouettes (-7)

The Blue Bombers are coming to Montreal fired up after inflicting the Alouettes with a rare 41-24 loss - the Birds’ only loss to an East Division rival this year. It was a fourth win in five games for Winnipeg, which can now challenge for second place in the East and therefore host the division’s semifinal. The Blue Bombers will play their last regular season game at home against the Hamilton Tiger Cats. WR Adarius Bowman, who lost consciousness after violently hitting the ground while trying to catch a pass, is considered doubtful for this rematch. Without their star QB Anthony Calvillo and top defensive players like Davis Sanchez, Shea Emry and Diamond Ferri, the Alouettes where outplayed last Saturday in Winnipeg. Could it be that the coaching staff of both the Tiger Cats and the Bombers found some weaknesses in Montreal’s armor?

In the Alouettes’ locker room, the defensive squad swears they will finish the season strong and make people forget these two bad performances. Sanchez, Emry and Ferri will be back in the lineup but the Als will be without excellent DT Eric Wilson (knee) and their possible Defensive Rookie of the Year candidate Jerald Brown (groin), both of them possibly not returning before the East Final on November 22. But since Anthony Calvillo will also be back in action, the Bombers might find it quite difficult to repeat last week’s feat.

Pick: Montreal -7

Last Week 3-1, season 37-26-1

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**pm530** · 10-31-2009, 05:19 AM

NHL
Write-up

Saturday, October 31

Hot Teams
-- Bruins are 5-0 this season in game following a loss. Oilers won six of their last nine games.
-- New Jersey won seven of its last nine games. Lightning won four of their last five home games.
-- Penguins won 11 of their last 13 games.
-- Sabres won last four games, allowing seven goals. Islanders won last two games, allowing four goals, after a 1-9 start.
-- Canadiens won their last four home games.
-- Dallas Stars won three of last four road games. Predators won three of their last four games.
-- Coyotes won six of their last eight games.
-- Flames won three of their last four games.

Cold Teams
-- Carolina lost its last seven games, outscored 27-15. Flyers lost five of their last seven games.
-- Thrashers lost last four games, all by one goal. Senators lost three of their last four games.
-- Maple Leafs lost ten of their first eleven games.
-- Minnesota lost eight of its last eleven games.
-- Florida lost four of five, eight of last ten games. Blues lost six of their last nine games.
-- Ducks lost four of their last five games.
-- Red Wings lost four of their last five games.

Series Records
-- Flyers won seven of last nine vs Carolina; four of last five went OT.
-- Thrashers lost five of last six visits to Ottawa.
-- Devils won seven in row, 10 of last 11 against Tampa Bay.
-- Visitor is 9-5 in last fourteen Toronto-Montreal games.
-- Sabres won seven of last ten visits to Long Island.
-- Minnesota won two of last three games against Pittsburgh.
-- Home team won last five Dallas-Nashville games.
-- Panthers won three of last four against St Louis.
-- Ducks won six of their last eight games against Phoenix.
-- Red Wings won seven of last ten games against Calgary.

Totals
-- Over is 5-2-1 in Carolina's last eight games.
-- Six of last eight Edmonton games went over the total.
-- Last three Atlanta games, last four Ottawa tilts went over the total.
-- Under is 6-1-1 in New Jersey's last eight games.
-- Three of last four Islander games stayed under the total.
-- Four of six Toronto road games went over the total.
-- Six of last seven Minnesota games stayed under the total.
-- Over is 4-1-1 in last six Florida games.
-- Nine of last twelve Dallas games went over the total.
-- Last four Anaheim games went over the total.
-- Nine of eleven Calgary games went over the total.

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**pm530** · 10-31-2009, 05:20 AM

NHL

Saturday, October 31

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Trend Report
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1:00 PM
CAROLINA vs. PHILADELPHIA
Carolina is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
Carolina is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Philadelphia
Philadelphia is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Carolina
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 5 games when playing Carolina

1:00 PM
EDMONTON vs. BOSTON
Edmonton is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 11 of Edmonton's last 16 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Boston's last 6 games
Boston is 15-7 SU in its last 22 games at home

2:00 PM
ATLANTA vs. OTTAWA
Atlanta is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games when playing Ottawa
Atlanta is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Ottawa
Ottawa is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Ottawa's last 5 games

3:00 PM
NEW JERSEY vs. TAMPA BAY
New Jersey is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of New Jersey's last 5 games
Tampa Bay is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing New Jersey
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Tampa Bay's last 5 games when playing New Jersey

7:00 PM
BUFFALO vs. NY ISLANDERS
Buffalo is 16-6 SU in their last 22 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 3-7 SU in their last 10 games when playing at home against Buffalo
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of the NY Islanders last 6 games when playing at home against Buffalo

7:00 PM
TORONTO vs. MONTREAL
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Toronto's last 5 games when playing Montreal
Toronto is 1-13 SU in its last 14 games
Montreal is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Montreal's last 11 games at home

7:30 PM
MINNESOTA vs. PITTSBURGH
Minnesota is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Pittsburgh
Minnesota is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games
Pittsburgh is 10-2 SU in its last 12 games at home

8:00 PM
DALLAS vs. NASHVILLE
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Dallas's last 7 games when playing Nashville
Dallas is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Nashville is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Dallas
Nashville is 8-14-1 SU in its last 23 games when playing Dallas

8:00 PM
FLORIDA vs. ST. LOUIS
Florida is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games
Florida is 4-10-2 SU in its last 16 games when playing St. Louis
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of St. Louis's last 9 games when playing Florida
St. Louis is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Florida

9:00 PM
ANAHEIM vs. PHOENIX
Anaheim is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Anaheim is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
Phoenix is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Phoenix's last 5 games at home

10:00 PM
DETROIT vs. CALGARY
Detroit is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games when playing Calgary
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Detroit's last 6 games when playing Calgary
Calgary is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Detroit
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Calgary's last 11 games

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**pm530** · 10-31-2009, 05:21 AM

NHL

Saturday, October 31

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Ice picks: Today's best NHL bets
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Minnesota Wild at Pittsburgh Penguins (-200, 5.5)

At some point, the Pittsburgh Penguins are going to miss Evgeni Malkin. It may not be here, though.

Malkin, who was tied for the team lead in points despite playing with a strained right shoulder, will miss two to three weeks with the injury.

The Stanley Cup playoffs MVP joins high-scoring defenseman Sergei Gonchar on the sidelines, but Pittsburgh has plenty of other options. Led by Sidney Crosby, the Penguins are sixth in the league in scoring at 3.33 goals per game and have three other players - including defensemen Alex Goligoski - with at least nine points.

That list does not include center Tyler Kennedy, who is second on the team with five goals and may move into Malkin's slot. Kennedy will sit out Friday in Columbus but could return vs. the Wild.

Minnesota has not won a regulation game this season. The Wild are 0-8 on the road and have scored more than two goals just once.

Pick: Pittsburgh -200

Dallas Stars at Nashville Predators (-115, 5.5)

Predators goaltender Pekka Rinne has a chance to prove a couple of things to the Dallas Stars.

Rinne can show the Stars that he is a different player than the last time the Stars saw him. On Oct. 14, Dallas scored on its first three shots on Dan Ellis to bring on Rinne, who was a bit better, allowing three goals on 23 shots.

The best way Rinne can illustrate that to the Stars is to continue his strong play that has forged him ahead of Ellis. He has won his last three starts and gotten sharper each time out, including a shutout of Chicago on Thursday.

Dallas has won two in a row and ranks fifth in the NHL in scoring at 3.4 goals per game. But the Stars have lost three of their last four visits to Nashville and will be playing back-to-back games.

Pick: Nashville -115

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**pm530** · 10-31-2009, 05:26 AM

NOTE:
The balance of NHL information will be posted when available.
Following are NBA trends. Added updates will be posted ASAP.
.

**pm530** · 10-31-2009, 05:26 AM

NBA
Write-up

Saturday, October 31

NBA write-ups will start when teams get a few games under their belt, probably early next week.

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**pm530** · 10-31-2009, 05:27 AM

NBA

Saturday, October 31

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Trend Report
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7:00 PM
NEW JERSEY vs. WASHINGTON
New Jersey is 4-11 SU in its last 15 games
New Jersey is 2-3-1 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Washington is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games when playing New Jersey
Washington is 3-9 SU in its last 12 games when playing New Jersey

7:30 PM
CHARLOTTE vs. CLEVELAND
Charlotte is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Cleveland
Charlotte is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Cleveland
Cleveland is 16-7 SU in its last 23 games
Cleveland is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games

7:30 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. NEW YORK
Philadelphia is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing New York
Philadelphia is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing New York
New York is 4-15 SU in its last 19 games
New York is 4-9 ATS in its last 13 games at home

8:30 PM
DETROIT vs. MILWAUKEE
Detroit is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Milwaukee
Detroit is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Milwaukee
Milwaukee is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Detroit
Milwaukee is 2-9 SU in its last 11 games when playing Detroit

8:30 PM
PORTLAND vs. HOUSTON
Portland is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Houston
Portland is 4-11 SU in its last 15 games when playing Houston
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Houston's last 6 games
Houston is 8-3 ATS in its last 11 games at home

8:30 PM
SACRAMENTO vs. SAN ANTONIO
Sacramento is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing San Antonio
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Sacramento's last 5 games when playing San Antonio
San Antonio is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
San Antonio is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games

10:30 PM
DALLAS vs. LA CLIPPERS
Dallas is 4-10 ATS in their last 14 games when playing on the road against LA Clippers
Dallas is 5-2 SU in their last 7 games when playing on the road against LA Clippers
LA Clippers are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games when playing Dallas
LA Clippers are 1-9 SU in their last 10 games when playing Dallas

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**pm530** · 10-31-2009, 05:27 AM

NBA

Saturday, October 31

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Pick ‘n’ Roll: Today's best NBL bets
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Philadelphia 76ers at New York Knicks (+2, 206)

The only difference between Mike D'Antoni's teams in Phoenix and his teams in New York is that he had much better players with the Suns.

Defense always has been an afterthought with D'Antoni. The Knicks were 28th in the NBA in defense last season and surrendered 115 in their opener at Miami, allowing the Heat to make 25-of-30 shots during one stretch.

D'Antoni's teams also love to run and have a willing opponent in the 76ers, who have proven over the last two seasons that they are much more effective in transition rather than a half-court offense.

The Sixers also aren't exactly lockdown defenders, surrendering 70 points in the first half of a 120-106 loss at Orlando in their opener. They are still getting acclimated to new coach Eddie Jordan and the return of Elton Brand.

These teams played to the under in three of four meetings last season but cleared 203 each time. The total is a bit higher here but certainly within reach. And the Knicks should be pumped up for their home opener.

Pick: Over 206

Dallas Mavericks at Los Angeles Clippers (+3.5, 199)

This may be a case of the road team feeling more like the home team.

The Mavericks are spending the weekend in Los Angeles, playing the Lakers Friday. They won't have to fly, change hotels or find a different gym for their shootaround.

The Clippers on the other hand, play in Utah on Friday and fly back to L.A. after the game, getting home in the wee hours. They will definitely be the less fresh team at tipoff.

Clippers guard Baron Davis is off to a slow start, managing just 14 points in his first two games. Jason Kidd has trouble staying in front of quicker guards but should be able to handle Davis.

The Mavs have won nine of the last 10 meetings straight up and have started 0-3 just once this decade - in 2006, when they lost their first four but finished 67-15.

Pick: Dallas -3.5

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**Udog** · 10-31-2009, 09:14 AM

NBA
Dunkel

Portland at Houston
The Rockets look to build on their 8-3 ATS record in their last 11 home games. Houston is the pick (+3 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the game even. Dunkel Pick: Houston (+3 1/2). Here are all of today's picks.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 31

Game 501-502: New Jersey at Washington
Dunkel Ratings: New Jersey 110.747; Washington 119.647
Dunkel Line & Total: Washington by 9; 204 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Washington by 7 1/2; 198 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Washington (-7 1/2); Over

Game 503-504: Charlotte at Cleveland
Dunkel Ratings: Charlotte 109.112; Cleveland 127.372
Dunkel Line & Total: Cleveland by 18 1/2; 179 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Cleveland by 14; 183
Dunkel Pick: Cleveland (-14); Under

Game 505-506: Philadelphia at New York
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia 114.735; New York 117.836
Dunkel Line & Total: New York by 3; 194
Vegas Line & Total: Philadelphia by 2 1/2; 206
Dunkel Pick: New York (+2 1/2); Under

Game 507-508: Portland at Houston
Dunkel Ratings: Portland 125.323; Houston 125.798
Dunkel Line & Total: Even; 182 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Portland by 3 1/2; 185 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Houston (+3 1/2); Under

Game 509-510: Detroit at Milwaukee
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit 118.805; Milwaukee 118.510
Dunkel Line & Total: Even; 204 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 511-512: Sacramento at San Antonio
Dunkel Ratings: Sacramento 105.799; San Antonio 123.504
Dunkel Line & Total: San Antonio by 18; 199 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: San Antonio by 15; 198 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Antonio (-15); Over

Game 513-514: Dallas at LA Clippers
Dunkel Ratings: Dallas 115.705; LA Clippers 112.506
Dunkel Line & Total: Dallas by 3; 193 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Dallas by 4; 199
Dunkel Pick: LA Clippers (+4); Under

**Udog** · 10-31-2009, 10:43 AM

NBA
Long Sheet

Saturday, October 31

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NEW JERSEY (0 - 2) at WASHINGTON (1 - 1) - 10/31/2009, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 8-0 ATS (+8.0 Units) as a home favorite of 6.5 to 9 points over the last 3 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 32-49 ATS (-21.9 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 231-282 ATS (-79.2 Units) in home games since 1996.
WASHINGTON is 77-106 ATS (-39.6 Units) on Saturday games since 1996.
WASHINGTON is 4-13 ATS (-10.3 Units) against Atlantic division opponents over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 5-2 against the spread versus NEW JERSEY over the last 3 seasons
NEW JERSEY is 4-3 straight up against WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
4 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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CHARLOTTE (1 - 1) at CLEVELAND (1 - 2) - 10/31/2009, 7:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CLEVELAND is 58-40 ATS (+14.0 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 52-32 ATS (+16.8 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 32-17 ATS (+13.3 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 23-11 ATS (+10.9 Units) first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 31-18 ATS (+11.2 Units) after a win by 10 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
CHARLOTTE is 65-42 ATS (+18.8 Units) when playing on back-to-back days since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
CLEVELAND is 5-2 against the spread versus CHARLOTTE over the last 3 seasons
CLEVELAND is 6-1 straight up against CHARLOTTE over the last 3 seasons
4 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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PHILADELPHIA (1 - 1) at NEW YORK (0 - 2) - 10/31/2009, 7:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEW YORK is 37-23 ATS (+11.7 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
NEW YORK is 11-2 ATS (+8.8 Units) in a home game where where the total is between 205 and 209.5 points over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHILADELPHIA is 6-2 against the spread versus NEW YORK over the last 3 seasons
PHILADELPHIA is 7-1 straight up against NEW YORK over the last 3 seasons
5 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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PORTLAND (1 - 1) at HOUSTON (1 - 1) - 10/31/2009, 8:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 2-11 ATS (-10.1 Units) off an upset win as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
HOUSTON is 7-7 against the spread versus PORTLAND over the last 3 seasons
HOUSTON is 10-4 straight up against PORTLAND over the last 3 seasons
8 of 14 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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DETROIT (1 - 1) at MILWAUKEE (0 - 1) - 10/31/2009, 8:30 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 6-2 against the spread versus MILWAUKEE over the last 3 seasons
DETROIT is 6-2 straight up against MILWAUKEE 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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SACRAMENTO (0 - 2) at SAN ANTONIO (1 - 1) - 10/31/2009, 8:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SAN ANTONIO is 205-164 ATS (+24.6 Units) after a non-conference game since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 127-96 ATS (+21.4 Units) off a upset loss as a favorite since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 141-106 ATS (+24.4 Units) after scoring 85 points or less since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN ANTONIO is 4-3 against the spread versus SACRAMENTO over the last 3 seasons
SAN ANTONIO is 6-1 straight up against SACRAMENTO over the last 3 seasons
5 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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DALLAS (1 - 1) at LA CLIPPERS (0 - 3) - 10/31/2009, 10:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LA CLIPPERS are 34-51 ATS (-22.1 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 29-42 ATS (-17.2 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 32-51 ATS (-24.1 Units) in home games over the last 3 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 15-27 ATS (-14.7 Units) after allowing 105 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 14-26 ATS (-14.6 Units) after a loss by 10 points or more over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA CLIPPERS is 5-3 against the spread versus DALLAS over the last 3 seasons
DALLAS is 7-1 straight up against LA CLIPPERS over the last 3 seasons
4 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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**Udog** · 10-31-2009, 11:45 AM

NBA
Short Sheet

Saturday, 10/31/2009

NEW JERSEY at WASHINGTON, 7:00 PM ET
NEW JERSEY: 26-15 Over off home game
WASHINGTON: 8-0 ATS as a home favorite of 6.5 to 9 points

CHARLOTTE at CLEVELAND, 7:30 PM ET
CHARLOTTE: 6-1 Under off home win by 3pts or less
CLEVELAND: 15-4 ATS after a cover as DD favorite

PHILADELPHIA at NEW YORK, 7:30 PM ET
PHILADELPHIA: 27-15 Under off SU win
NEW YORK: 15-5 ATS off BB road games

PORTLAND at HOUSTON, 8:30 PM ET
PORTLAND: 17-6 ATS as road favorite of 6pts or less
HOUSTON: 2-11 ATS off SU dog win

DETROIT at MILWAUKEE, 8:30 PM ET
DETROIT: n/a
MILWAUKEE: n/a

SACRAMENTO at SAN ANTONIO, 8:30 PM ET
SACRAMENTO: 9-26 ATS Away off Away ATS win/SU loss
SAN ANTONIO: 127-96 ATS off SU loss as favorite

DALLAS at LA CLIPPERS, 10:30 PM ET
DALLAS: 9-1 Under Away in the 2nd of back to backs
LA CLIPPERS: 87-131 ATS off double digit road loss

** (TC) Denotes Time Change

Announcement

Saturday Trends and Indexes 10/31 (NBA, NHL, CFL, Misc.)

Saturday Trends and Indexes 10/31 (NBA, NHL, CFL, Misc.)

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