Announcement

**pm530** · 11-05-2009, 08:39 AM

Daily Sports Roundup

Thursday, November 5

Today in the Daily Sports Roundup: Virginia Tech takes on East Carolina, the Cavaliers play host to the Bulls, and the Blackhawks try to grab a win in Phoenix.

Colliding on the gridiron . . .

There are three games on the college football schedule for Thursday, with Miami (Ohio) at Temple, Eastern Michigan at Northern Illinois, and No. 22 Virginia Tech at East Carolina. The ranked Hokies (5-3 SU, 3-5 ATS) are coming off a disappointing 20-17 loss to North Carolina in their last contest, with Tyrod Taylor rushing for the team's two TDs. The Pirates (5-3 SU, 3-4 ATS) beat Memphis 38-19 last time out. Oddsmakers have Virginia Tech listed as the 13-point favorites.

Tipping off on the hardwood . . .

The NBA has just two games on the schedule for Thursday, with San Antonio at Utah and Chicago at Cleveland. The Cavaliers improved to 3-2 on the season last time out, surging in the second half to a 102-90 home win over the Wizards. LeBron James led the way with 27 points and eight boards for the Cavs in that contest. The Bulls edged the Bucks 83-81 at home on Tuesday night, getting 24 points and 20 rebounds from Luol Deng. Derrick Rose had 16 points in the win.

Taking a trip around the rink . . .

Finally, the National Hockey League offers up 10 games on Thursday night, including Chicago at Phoenix. The 8-4-1 Blackhawks last took to the ice last Friday, picking up a 3-2 home win over the Canadiens. Kris Versteeg, Cam Barker, and Patrick Sharp scored for Chicago in that win, while Patrick Kane picked up two assists and Cristobal Huet made 20 saves. Hawks captain Jonathan Toews remains day-to-day; the forward has been out with a head injury.

Also on the ice on Thursday: Montreal at Boston, Columbus at Atlanta, San Jose at Detroit, Tampa Bay at Ottawa, Vancouver at Minnesota, Calgary at St. Louis, Nashville at Anaheim, Pittsburgh at Los Angeles, and the Rangers at Edmonton. The Oilers are on a two-game losing streak, falling 3-1 on Long Island in their most recent contest. Ethan Moreau had the Oilers' lone marker in that matchup.

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

**pm530** · 11-05-2009, 08:40 AM

Bettor's best friend: Today's helpful tips

Thursday, November 5

Pau at power forward?

Los Angeles Lakers forward Pau Gasol was cleared to participate in all activities when an MRI revealed he has a right hamstring strain and not a tear as feared. Gasol could practice Thursday and play Friday vs. Memphis and brother Marc. The Lakers have gone 3-1 without Gasol but are 0-4 vs. the spread. They figure to be huge favorites over the Grizzlies, although no line has been established.

The return of Jason

Ottawa Senators center Jason Spezza, who as not played since Oct. 28 due to an undisclosed injury, practiced Wednesday and may be available vs. the Tampa Bay Lightning on Thursday. Spezza had a five-game points streak just before the injury and should give the Sens a boost with his playmaking. Ottawa is -156 with a total of 5.5.

Spurred on

Dating to the last game of the 2007-08 season, the San Antonio Spurs have won four straight meetings with the Utah Jazz, covering each time. The teams also have played to the over in each of those four games, surpassing the total by an average of 16.8 points. The Spurs are getting two points with a total of 201.

Less than zero

Eastern Michigan visits Northern Illinois, looking for its first win of the season. The teams have played below the total in their last five meetings, primarily because EMU has managed just 45 points in those games. The Eagles are having trouble scoring this season as well, being held to 14 points or less in half their contests. NIU is giving 21 points with a total of 49.

Fly like an eagle

Philadelphia Eagles running back Brian Westbrook is expected to play in Sunday's key NFC East matchup vs. the Dallas Cowboys after receiving full clearance from doctors and practicing Wednesday. Coach Andy Reid said his all-purpose back is recovering from knee and ankle injuries that bothered him earlier this season. Westbrook suffered a concussion in a Week Seven win at Washington and sat out last week's rout of the New York Giants. He likely will split time with LeSean McCoy. The Eagles are favored by three points with a total of 48.

Ready to go?

Chicago Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews practiced Wednesday for the first time in two weeks and could play Thursday at Phoenix. Toews had been out since Oct. 21, when he took a hit from defenseman Willie Mitchell and has been unable to practice or skate on his own, displaying symptoms associated with a concussion. In nine games, Toews has a goal and four assists. There is no line, but Phoenix has been favored in all but one home game this season.

Notable quotable

"(Miles Austin) gets the ball thrown correctly his way. I'm stretching and falling and doing everything. Everybody who's been here's balls are there. Our footballs are everywhere right now."

-- Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Roy Williams, attributing his poor showing this season on throwing inaccuracy from and a lack of cohesion with Tony Romo.

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

**pm530** · 11-05-2009, 08:41 AM

Six-pack for Thursday

Top six money winners on PGA Tour in 2009.......

6) Sean O'Hair-- $4,316,493

5) Kenny Perry-- $4,445,562

4) Zach Johnson-- $4,583,213

3) Phil Mickelson-- $5,332,755

2) Steve Stricker-- $6,332,636

1) Eldrick Woods-- $10,508,163

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

Thursday's List of 13: Cleaning out a cluttered mind.........

13) Baseball-Reference.com lists Babe Ruth at 6-2, 215 and CC Sabathia at 6-7, 250; luckily the game stats on this site are a hell of a lot more accurate than the weight figures are.

12) Former Temple star/NBA player Mark Macon is interim basketball coach at Binghamton; he'll spend his winter getting his brains beat in with Bearcats having only seven scholarship players, only one of whom is under 6-5. Hard to win without any guards.

11) Michigan Wolverines lost their last four games vs I-A teams, have no takeaways in last three games, are -12 in turnovers the last four games.

10) I'm begging football analysts on TV to stop quoting passing efficiency ratings like they're gospel; they favor QBs who throw shorter passes and take less chances with the ball. QB analysis has to be done with the eyes, not by quoting some foot-long Math formula that no one can recite, which is what the passing efficiency rating is.

9) I'll be 50 next month; in my lifetime, the city of Albany has had three mayors. Thats not a lot-- if you're a Democrat in Albany, you're elected.

8) Stanford beat Washington the week after the Huskies upset USC; this week, the Cardinal hosts Oregon, the week after the Ducks upset USC.

7) What a difference a year makes; last year, Akinori Iwamura hit leadoff in World Series for Tampa Bay. This week, he got traded to the Pirates.

6) Then there's the Mets, who had a payroll of $149,373,987 this year, a year they went 70-92. Minnesota and Colorado both made the playoffs; their combined payroll, combined payroll, was $140,500,266.

5) If you had $100 to bet on whether the Iverson/Memphis arrangement will work or not, wouldn't you put the $100 on "no way in hell"?

4) As I type this, Nick Watney is -9 thru 14 holes at a tournament over in Asia somewhere; three birdies on last four holes would give him 60; he played last four holes in +1, wound up at -8, with a 64.

3) Why would a plate umpire not call a lot of strikes? It makes the job a lot easier; batters then swing at more pitches, the game flows better and is more fun to watch. Doesn't matter which team is batting; you just call more strikes. No one paid to watch the umpires.

2) The most underrated moment in sports history is still the walkoff HR Bill Mazeroski hit to end the 1960 World Series. Imagine if a New York player did that now; we'd see it every hour on the hour, every day, but a guy from Pittsburgh does it and it hardly ever gets mentioned. I mean, it is a walkoff home run in Game 7 and we rarely see it. Go figure.

1) Assuming pitchers/catchers report February 20, there are 116 days left until spring training starts.

From: Armadillo
----------------------------------------------------------------------

**pm530** · 11-05-2009, 08:43 AM

World Series - Yankees are Champs!

World Champions in the BronXXVII

Matsui ties World Series record with six RBIs in clincher

NEW YORK -- This was the ultimate dream that the Yankees waited so long to achieve, as they clustered at the center of their magnificent new cathedral and celebrated the perfect ending to the inaugural season of Yankee Stadium.

Finally -- and forever -- a 27th World Series title is now theirs.

In what may have been his final game in pinstripes, Hideki Matsui drove in six runs and Andy Pettitte stepped up on short rest to help get the ball to Mariano Rivera. The Yankees' mission statement was completed on Wednesday with a 7-3 victory over the Phillies in Game 6 of the World Series.

With old foe Pedro Martinez standing in the way of the end to a nine-year title drought, Matsui starred on the biggest stage of his career, belting a two-run homer and drilling a two-run single off the Phillies right-hander to provide the old workhorse Pettitte with a cushy advantage.

Once a fresh face of the dynasty, Pettitte tugged the bill of his cap low over flecks of gray hair and prayed that his left arm could deliver the World Series rings with one more night to remember -- this start on three days' rest, an equation that has given him mixed results over the years.

Pettitte needn't have worried, attacking the Phillies' lineup and holding the National League champions to three runs over 5 2/3 innings, extending his all-time postseason record with an 18th victory and his third in a clinching game this year.

The speed bumps for Pettitte came on a two-run Ryan Howard homer and a Jimmy Rollins sacrifice fly, as he scattered four hits and earned every decibel of a loud standing ovation from the crowd of 50,035 as he jogged off the field.

Descending the dugout steps while acknowledging the roar, Pettitte's effort and those behind him in relief allowed manager Joe Girardi to make the easiest decision he has had all postseason -- put the ball in Rivera's right hand, the best closer history has ever known, and wait to celebrate.

The on-field exultation would not have been possible without Matsui, who played in the 2003 World Series after coming over from Japan and saw the franchise fall into a dry postseason patch, wondering if he would have the opportunity to feel the exhilaration of a New York championship.

Matsui put the Yankees back on top with a hard-fought at-bat against Martinez in the second inning, belting the eighth pitch for a high, arcing drive that landed in the second deck of the right-field grandstands -- the third home run of this World Series for the designated hitter.

It was a crushing early blow against Martinez, who was loudly serenaded with ringing chants of "Who's Your Daddy?" a leftover from 2004, when Martinez eventually got the last laugh. Not this time, as Matsui struck in the fourth with a bullet liner that brought around Derek Jeter and Johnny Damon.

Mark Teixeira touched Chad Durbin for a run-scoring single in the fifth inning and Matsui blasted the capping blow in the fifth, a two-run double off J.A. Happ. The six RBIs from Matsui tied a Major League record set by Bobby Richardson in Game 3 of the 1960 World Series.

More importantly, it put the champagne on ice in anticipation of the Yankees' 11th postseason win after 103 in the regular season, leaving them as the last team standing and uncorking a raucous, loud celebration at Yankee Stadium and throughout the five boroughs of New York City.

It was a journey that began by steamrolling the Twins in the American League Division Series. The Yankees then emerged victorious in a hard-fought AL Championship Series to topple the nemesis Angels before meeting the National League's best in the 105th Fall Classic.

Philadelphia presented a challenge, especially after Cliff Lee handcuffed the Bombers' potent lineup in the first World Series game played at the new Yankee Stadium, but the Yankees won three straight before losing Game 5, providing the opportunity to celebrate the championship at home.

To hear the Yankees talking about the anticipation driving them, this push was for the "core four," as Jeter, Pettitte, Jorge Posada and Rivera returned to their glorious youth, partying like it was 2000 all over again and acquiring a fifth ring for the thumb, 3,296 days after the last one.

It was the wish of those who have put in their time without ever had the opportunity to taste the sweetness of that stage, like Matsui and Alex Rodriguez, who played major parts in powering the Yankees here after coming to New York years earlier and being rebuffed time and time again.

And above all else, it was for principal owner George M. Steinbrenner, whose declining health has been no secret and watched the first two games of the World Series from his box seats at Yankee Stadium before taking in this victory via television from his Tampa, Fla., home.

A certain urgency was embedded in the Yankees' actions during the offseason, as they doled out $423.5 million to acquire the top three free agents on the market, fitting ace CC Sabathia, right-hander A.J. Burnett and Teixeira for pinstripes and incorporating them into a clubhouse that meshed wonderfully.

The biggest statement was the five-word slogan affixed to the franchise postseason run -- "Win It For The Boss."

Those within the Yankees family thirsted to present Steinbrenner with the opportunity to savor one more moment, and with Girardi wearing the uniform No. 27 as a daily reminder of the job expectation, they finally have.

Statsui: MVP delivers jaw-dropping numbers
Matsui ties World Series record with six RBIs in Game 6

Godzilla hasn't just taken New York.

On Wednesday night, Hideki Matsui, the soft-spoken but hard-hitting Japanese slugger, took Philadelphia out of the World Series in Game 6, took the New York Yankees to a 27th ring, and took the 2009 World Series MVP presented by Chevrolet honors in the process.

Matsui, who became the first Japanese-born player to be named World Series MVP, basically won the award on Wednesday night.

Matsui went 3-for-4 with a home run, double, single and a single-Series-game record-tying six RBIs as the Yankees closed out the Phillies, 7-3, in front of a raucous Yankee Stadium crowd that hadn't seen its team win a Fall Classic on home turf since 1999.

Starting at designated hitter because of American League rules when the World Series returned to the Bronx, Matsui struck early and often in Game 6. Matsui is the first full-time DH to win the Fall Classic MVP.

In the second inning, Matsui got to Phillies starter Pedro Martinez, hitting a two-run home run into the second deck in right field, putting the Yankees up, 2-0.

In the third inning, Matsui touched up Martinez again, placing a bases-loaded two-run single into center field to up the Yankees' lead to 4-1.

And in the fifth, Matsui put the game -- and the Series -- out of reach by lofting a two-run double off Phillies lefty J.A. Happ to give New York a 7-1 lead.

Matsui also hit a home run in Game 2 and a pinch-hit long ball in Game 3 and ended up going 8-for-13 (.615) with three homers and eight RBIs, which tied Philadelphia's Chase Utley for the Series high.

Matsui's Series success could also represent his last great accomplishment in pinstripes. Matsui, 35, is eligible to become a free agent, and the Yankees could elect to go younger.

If so, New York fans will remember Matsui fondly.

Matsui came to the team from Japan in 2003 amidst much hype and never faltered, topping 100 RBIs in four of his first five seasons in New York, batting a career .292, hitting more than 20 homers four times, and bouncing back from an injury-laden 2008 campaign to hit 28 homers and drive in 90 runs in 2009.

Matsui has been a bastion of consistency in the playoffs, too, batting. 312 with 10 homers and 39 RBIs in 56 postseason games.

This Day in Baseball

On November 5 in Baseball History...

1940 - Former Washington hurler Walter Johnson, who won four-hundred sixteen games for the Senators, goes down in defeat as a Republican candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives from Maryland.

1968 - Denny McLain, a thirty-one game winner for the American League champion Tigers, is the unanimous choice as American League Most Valuable Player.

1976 - Baltimore's Jim Palmer, who led the American League with twenty-two wins and three-hundred fifteen innings pitched, easily outpoints Detroit's sensational rookie Mark Fidrych to win the American League Cy Young Award.

1996 - Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter is the unanimous choice as American League Rookie of the Year. He is the eighth Yankees player to win the award and the fifth unanimous choice in American League history.

1997 - In an unprecedented move, Davey Johnson resigns the same day he is named American League Manager of the Year. Despite the fact that Johnson ended Baltimore's 13-year playoff drought in 1996 and led the Orioles to the league's best record in 1997, a dispute over $10,500 in fines to second baseman Roberto Alomar ends Johnson's reign in Baltimore. Johnson directed the fines to be paid to a charity where his wife, Susan, served as managing director. Cantankerous Orioles owner Peter Angelos is upset with the way the matter is handled and Johnson resigns.

And on November 4th 2009 - The New York Yankees win the World Series defeating the defending World Champion Philadelphia Phillies in six games completing the inauguration year of the "New" Yankee Stadium.

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

**pm530** · 11-05-2009, 08:44 AM

NBA
Dunkel Index

San Antonio at Utah
The Jazz look to take advantage of a San Antonio team that is coming off a 113-94 win over Sacramento, but is 0-7 ATS in its last 7 games after scoring 100 points or more in its previous game. Utah is the pick (+2) according to Dunkel, which has the game even. Dunkel Pick: Utah (+2). Here are all of today's picks.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 5

Game 701-702: Chicago at Cleveland
Dunkel Ratings: Chicago 117.834; Cleveland 125.154
Dunkel Line & Total: Cleveland by 7 1/2; 189 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Cleveland by 11; 187 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Chicago (+11); Over

Game 703-704: San Antonio at Utah
Dunkel Ratings: San Antonio 118.504; Utah 118.237
Dunkel Line & Total: Even; 198 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: San Antonio by 2; 201
Dunkel Pick: Utah (+2); Under

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

**pm530** · 11-05-2009, 08:44 AM

NBA
Long Sheet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday, November 5
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CHICAGO (2 - 2) at CLEVELAND (3 - 2) - 11/5/2009, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO is 75-106 ATS (-41.6 Units) in road games first half of the season since 1996.
CLEVELAND is 59-41 ATS (+13.9 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 53-33 ATS (+16.7 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 33-18 ATS (+13.2 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 24-12 ATS (+10.8 Units) first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 11-2 ATS (+8.8 Units) after 3 or more consecutive unders over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 32-19 ATS (+11.1 Units) after a win by 10 points or more over the last 2 seasons.

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

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

SAN ANTONIO (2 - 1) at UTAH (1 - 3) - 11/5/2009, 10:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
UTAH is 54-36 ATS (+14.4 Units) in home games over the last 3 seasons.
UTAH is 29-15 ATS (+12.5 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
UTAH is 15-27 ATS (-14.7 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.

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

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

**pm530** · 11-05-2009, 08:45 AM

NBA
Write-up

Thursday, November 5

Hot Teams
-- Cavaliers won last three games, by 17-11-12 points.
-- Spurs won two of first three games (home side 3-0 vs spread).

Cold Teams
-- Bulls lost two of last three games (0-3 vs spread).
-- Jazz lost two of its first three games.

Totals
-- Three of last four Chicago games stayed under the total.
-- First three Utah games all went over the total.

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

**pm530** · 11-05-2009, 08:46 AM

NBA

Thursday, November 5

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Report
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

8:00 PM
CHICAGO vs. CLEVELAND
Chicago is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games
Chicago is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Cleveland's last 7 games when playing Chicago
Cleveland is 9-2 ATS in its last 11 games when playing at home against Chicago

10:30 PM
SAN ANTONIO vs. UTAH
San Antonio is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games
San Antonio is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
Utah is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing San Antonio
Utah is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing San Antonio

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

**pm530** · 11-05-2009, 08:46 AM

NBA

Thursday, November 5

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pick ‘n’ Roll: Today's best NBL bets
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chicago Bulls at Cleveland Cavaliers (-11, 187.5)

The Cavaliers have pulled themselves out of their early-season slump to win their last three games heading into Thursday’s showdown with the Chicago Bulls. And just like any smart team breaking out of a skid, Cleveland has done so with defense.

The Cavs limited one of the NBA most explosive offenses to 90 points in a win over the Washington Wizards Tuesday, snatching up eight steals and forcing 14 turnovers. In the past three contests, Cleveland is allowing an average of just over 83 points.

"We just played with a sense of urgency,” LeBron James told the media. “Early on we couldn't make any shots, but our defense kept us in the game. When we start knocking down shots, it just brings a lot of energy to our defense and we just lock down on that end."

That defensive intensity has led to three straight under payouts for total bettors. The Cavaliers now have a 1-4 over/under mark on the year and take on a Bulls squad that is struggling to find offense, leading to three under finishes in their four game so far.

Pick: Under

San Antonio Spurs at Utah Jazz (+2, 201.5)

The Spurs may be getting on in age but they’re still one of the teams to beat in the West. Just ask the Utah Jazz, who were 0-3 versus the Spurs last season, failing to cover as underdogs in all three matchups.

San Antonio, known more for its tough defense than offensive firepower, scored an average of 110 points against the Jazz last year. This time around, the Spurs have some new weapons in small forward Richard Jefferson and rookie big DeJuan Blair.

Utah is already having defensive issues, giving up more than 105 points per game to start the schedule. The Jazz crumbled in the fourth quarter against the Dallas Mavericks Tuesday, giving up 44 points in the final frame – 29 of them to Dirk Nowitzki.

San Antonio is coming off a big offensive night against the Sacramento Kings, scoring 113 points for the second time in three games on 58 percent shooting from the field.

Pick: San Antonio

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

**pm530** · 11-05-2009, 10:27 AM

NBA
Short Sheet

Thursday, November 5

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

CHICAGO at CLEVELAND, 8:00 PM ET TNT
CHICAGO: 16-34 ATS off home win
CLEVELAND: 23-8 ATS off 2 straight 10+ pt wins

SAN ANTONIO at UTAH, 10:30 PM ET TNT
SAN ANTONIO: 37-20 ATS vs. Utah
UTAH: 21-10 Over as an underdog

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

**pm530** · 11-05-2009, 12:09 PM

NBA

Thursday, November 5

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

San Antonio Spurs at Utah Jazz [TNT | 10:35 PM ET]

Spurs (-2, O/U 201): San Antonio has enjoyed great success against Utah, winning 29 of the past 35 meetings, including winning and covering the last four. The Spurs, though, have failed to cover five of the last seven times they’ve played in Salt Lake City. San Antonio catches a scheduling break. This is the Spurs’ first game since Saturday giving Tim Duncan extra rest. Utah is playing for the third time in four days. Duncan had 24 points, nine rebounds and eight assists when the Spurs posted their first win in Utah since 2006 during last season. The Spurs have strengthened their depth adding Antonio McDyess and drafting rookie DeJuan Blair. McDyess returned to practice on Monday after missing the Spurs’ 113-94 victory over Sacramento last Saturday because of a head cold. He’s expected to play tonight. The Spurs are 0-7 against the spread after scoring 100 or more points in their previous game.

The Spurs are 0-7 ATS after covering the number in their previous game.
The road team is 5-18 against the number in the last 23 meetings between the two clubs.

Key Injuries - Forward Antonio McDyess (cold) is probable

PROJECTED SCORE: 101

Jazz: Utah is off to its worst start in seven seasons at 1-3 straight-up and against the spread. The Jazz blew a 16-point fourth-quarter lead on Tuesday in a 96-85 road loss to Dallas. The Jazz were outscored by 17 points in the final 10-plus minutes on Monday in a 113-96 defeat to Houston. The Jazz are giving up an average of 105.2 points, which ranks them among the bottom eight teams in defense. Two-time All-Star forward Carlos Boozer is 19-for-54 (35 percent) shooting from the floor this season. Point guard Deron Williams is playing well, though, averaging 22.3 points and 8.8 assists. Williams averaged 22 points and 11.5 assists against San Antonio last season. The Jazz have covered only four of their past 14 home games. They are 5-16 against the spread in their last 21 games versus a team with a winning record.

Utah is 6-15 ATS in its last 21 games.
The Under has cashed in 13 of Utah’s last 17 home contests.

Key Injuries - Guard Kyle Korver (knee) is out.
Forward C.J. Miles (thumb) is out.

PROJECTED SCORE: 99 (UNDER - Total of the Day)

NOTE: The “Side of the Day" is in the NCAAF

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

**pm530** · 11-05-2009, 12:10 PM

NHL
Dunkel Index

Calgary at St. Louis
The Flames look to take advantage of a St. Louis team that is coming off a 4-0 loss to Florida and is 3-7 in its last 10 games after scoring 2 or fewer goals in the previous game. Calgary is the pick (+115) according to Dunkel, which has the Flames favored by 1/2 a goal. Dunkel Pick: Calgary (+115). Here are all of today's picks.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 5

Game 51-52: Montreal at Boston
Dunkel Ratings: Montreal 11.842; Boston 11.132
Dunkel Line & Total: Montreal by 1/2; 4 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Boston (-160); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Montreal (+150); Under

Game 53-54: Columbus at Atlanta
Dunkel Ratings: Columbus 12.140; Atlanta 11.655
Dunkel Line & Total: Columbus by 1/2; 5 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Atlanta (-130); 6
Dunkel Pick: Columbus (+120); Under

Game 55-56: Tampa Bay at Ottawa
Dunkel Ratings: Tampa Bay 11.096; Ottawa 10.411
Dunkel Line & Total: Tampa Bay by 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Ottawa (-160); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Tampa Bay (+150); Under

Game 57-58: San Jose at Detroit
Dunkel Ratings: San Jose 12.846; Detroit 12.273
Dunkel Line & Total: San Jose by 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Detroit (-135); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Jose (+125); Under

Game 59-60: Calgary at St. Louis
Dunkel Ratings: Calgary 11.537; St. Louis 11.131
Dunkel Line & Total: Calgary by 1/2; 6
Vegas Line & Total: St. Louis (-125); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Calgary (+115); Over

Game 61-62: Vancouver at Minnesota
Dunkel Ratings: Vancouver 12.223; Minnesota 12.393
Dunkel Line & Total: Minnesota by 1/2; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Minnesota (-120); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (-120); Over

Game 63-64: Chicago at Phoenix
Dunkel Ratings: Chicago 11.182; Phoenix 12.150
Dunkel Line & Total: Phoenix by 1; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Chicago (-125); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Phoenix (+115); Over

Game 65-66: NY Rangers at Edmonton
Dunkel Ratings: NY Rangers 10.634; Edmonton 11.849
Dunkel Line & Total: Edmonton by 1; 6
Vegas Line & Total: NY Rangers (-130); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Edmonton (+120); Over

Game 67-68: Nashville at Anaheim
Dunkel Ratings: Nashville 11.510; Anaheim 10.626
Dunkel Line & Total: Anaheim by 1/2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Anaheim (-155); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Anaheim (-155); Over

Game 69-70: Pittsburgh at Los Angeles
Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh 12.666; Los Angeles 12.270
Dunkel Line & Total: Pittsburgh by 1/2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Los Angeles (-120); 6
Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (+110); Over

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

**pm530** · 11-05-2009, 12:11 PM

NHL
Long Sheet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday, November 5
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MONTREAL (7-8-0-0, 14 pts.) at BOSTON (6-7-0-1, 13 pts.) - 11/5/2009, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MONTREAL is 48-53 ATS (-21.0 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MONTREAL is 12-23 ATS (-15.9 Units) after allowing 4 goals or more over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 8-0 ATS (+8.0 Units) in home games in November games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 34-17 ATS (+16.5 Units) first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 22-7 ATS (+14.1 Units) vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 21-5 ATS (+13.3 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 12-13 (+0.4 Units) against the spread versus MONTREAL over the last 3 seasons
MONTREAL is 13-12-0 straight up against BOSTON over the last 3 seasons
14 of 22 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+6.1 Units)

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

COLUMBUS (7-5-0-1, 15 pts.) at ATLANTA (6-4-0-1, 13 pts.) - 11/5/2009, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
COLUMBUS is 14-6 ATS (+20.1 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
COLUMBUS is 27-26 ATS (+62.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
COLUMBUS is 2-0 (+2.0 Units) against the spread versus ATLANTA over the last 3 seasons
COLUMBUS is 2-0-0 straight up against ATLANTA over the last 3 seasons
2 of 2 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+2.1 Units)

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

TAMPA BAY (5-4-0-4, 14 pts.) at OTTAWA (6-4-0-2, 14 pts.) - 11/5/2009, 7:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TAMPA BAY is 29-64 ATS (+108.6 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 58-125 ATS (+227.5 Units) in a road game where where the total is 5.5 since 1996.
TAMPA BAY is 21-60 ATS (+94.7 Units) in road games in November games since 1996.
TAMPA BAY is 15-32 ATS (+48.6 Units) first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
OTTAWA is 85-95 ATS (+184.6 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
OTTAWA is 19-28 ATS (-27.5 Units) first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
OTTAWA is 38-38 ATS (-33.9 Units) in home games revenging a loss versus opponent since 1996.
OTTAWA is 20-26 ATS (-8.8 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
OTTAWA is 10-18 ATS (-18.5 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
OTTAWA is 6-4 (+0.6 Units) against the spread versus TAMPA BAY over the last 3 seasons
OTTAWA is 6-4-0 straight up against TAMPA BAY over the last 3 seasons
5 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=-0.5 Units, Under=-0.2 Units)

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

SAN JOSE (10-4-0-1, 21 pts.) at DETROIT (6-4-0-3, 15 pts.) - 11/5/2009, 7:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 33-7 ATS (+16.5 Units) in home games after a win by 2 goals or more over the last 3 seasons.
SAN JOSE is 132-108 ATS (+21.8 Units) in road games first half of the season since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 5-3 (+1.8 Units) against the spread versus SAN JOSE over the last 3 seasons
DETROIT is 5-3-0 straight up against SAN JOSE over the last 3 seasons
6 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+5.4 Units)

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

CALGARY (7-4-0-1, 15 pts.) at ST LOUIS (5-6-0-1, 11 pts.) - 11/5/2009, 8:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CALGARY is 9-1 ATS (+7.8 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a losing record in the first half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 0-5 ATS (-6.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
ST LOUIS is 0-5 ATS (-5.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the first half of the season this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
CALGARY is 6-2 (+3.1 Units) against the spread versus ST LOUIS over the last 3 seasons
CALGARY is 6-2-0 straight up against ST LOUIS over the last 3 seasons
4 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=-0.7 Units, Under=-0.5 Units)

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

VANCOUVER (9-7-0-0, 18 pts.) at MINNESOTA (5-9-0-0, 10 pts.) - 11/5/2009, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
VANCOUVER is 100-107 ATS (-46.4 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the first half of the season since 1996.
MINNESOTA is 17-4 ATS (+12.4 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5.5 over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 76-58 ATS (+142.1 Units) after a non-conference game since 1996.
VANCOUVER is 103-76 ATS (+183.3 Units) in road games after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
VANCOUVER is 9-5 (+4.4 Units) against the spread versus MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
VANCOUVER is 9-6-0 straight up against MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
6 of 12 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=-0.9 Units, Under=-0.3 Units)

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

CHICAGO (8-4-0-1, 17 pts.) at PHOENIX (9-5-0-0, 18 pts.) - 11/5/2009, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PHOENIX is 237-208 ATS (+449.6 Units) first half of the season since 1996.
PHOENIX is 104-101 ATS (+249.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the first half of the season since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO is 7-1 (+6.7 Units) against the spread versus PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO is 7-1-0 straight up against PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
4 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=-0.3 Units, Under=-0.4 Units)

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

NY RANGERS (9-6-0-1, 19 pts.) at EDMONTON (7-7-0-1, 15 pts.) - 11/5/2009, 9:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NY RANGERS are 8-18 ATS (-14.5 Units) after allowing 4 goals or more over the last 2 seasons.
NY RANGERS are 4-15 ATS (+19.9 Units) in road games after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game over the last 3 seasons.
EDMONTON is 122-109 ATS (+241.7 Units) after scoring 1 goal or less in their previous game since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
EDMONTON is 2-0 (+3.1 Units) against the spread versus NY RANGERS over the last 3 seasons
EDMONTON is 2-0-0 straight up against NY RANGERS over the last 3 seasons
0 of 0 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+0.0 Units)

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

NASHVILLE (6-6-0-1, 13 pts.) at ANAHEIM (4-8-0-1, 9 pts.) - 11/5/2009, 10:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ANAHEIM is 126-107 ATS (+11.2 Units) after a non-conference game since 1996.
ANAHEIM is 12-16 ATS (-15.6 Units) in home games first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
ANAHEIM is 10-13 ATS (-12.2 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ANAHEIM is 5-3 (+1.2 Units) against the spread versus NASHVILLE over the last 3 seasons
ANAHEIM is 5-3-0 straight up against NASHVILLE over the last 3 seasons
5 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+2.0 Units)

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

PITTSBURGH (12-3-0-0, 24 pts.) at LOS ANGELES (9-4-0-2, 20 pts.) - 11/5/2009, 10:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PITTSBURGH is 133-89 ATS (+15.4 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in road games first half of the season this season.
LOS ANGELES is 50-70 ATS (-53.6 Units) in home games after a win by 2 goals or more since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
PITTSBURGH is 2-0 (+2.0 Units) against the spread versus LOS ANGELES over the last 3 seasons
PITTSBURGH is 2-0-0 straight up against LOS ANGELES over the last 3 seasons
1 of 2 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+0.0 Units)

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

**pm530** · 11-05-2009, 12:11 PM

NHL
Short Sheet

Thursday, November 5

MONTREAL at BOSTON, 7:00 PM ET
MONTREAL: 16-9 SU AWAY after BB home games
BOSTON: 0-5 SU after BB games where 3 or fewer total goals were scored

COLUMBUS at ATLANTA, 7:00 PM ET
COLUMBUS: 14-6 SU in non-conference games
ATLANTA: 14-30 SU at home after playing a road game

TAMPA BAY at OTTAWA, 7:30 PM ET
TAMPA BAY: 2-13 SU after scoring 2 goals or less in 3 straight
OTTAWA: 5-16 SU when playing 5 or less games in 14 days

SAN JOSE at DETROIT, 7:30 PM ET
SAN JOSE: 13-2 SU in November
DETROIT: 46-41 SU after allowing 1 goal or less in 2 straight games

CALGARY at ST LOUIS, 8:30 PM ET
CALGARY: 12-4 SU AWAY when playing only their 2nd game in 5 days
ST LOUIS: 1-5 SU as a favorite

VANCOUVER at MINNESOTA, 8:00 PM ET
VANCOUVER: 9-03 SU AWAY when the total is 5 or less
MINNESOTA: 1-8 SU off a road win by 1 goal

CHICAGO at PHOENIX, 9:00 PM ET
CHICAGO: 7-1 SU against Phoenix
PHOENIX: 5-19 SU when playing 6+ games in 10 days

NY RANGERS at EDMONTON, 9:30 PM ET
NY RANGERS: 8-18 SU after allowing 4 goals
EDMONTON: 69-40 SU after BB games where 4 or fewer total goals

NASHVILLE at ANAHEIM, 10:00 PM ET
NASHVILLE: 13-9 SU when playing 5 or less games in 14 days
ANAHEIM: 1-6 SU after playing a home game

PITTSBURGH at LOS ANGELES, 10:30 PM ET
PITTSBURGH: 6-0 SU AWAY in the first half of the season
LOS ANGELES: 11-18 SU as a home favorite

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

Announcement

Thursday Trends and Indexes 11/5 (MLB, NBA, NHL, Misc.)

Thursday Trends and Indexes 11/5 (MLB, NBA, NHL, Misc.)

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment