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**pm530** · 12-10-2009, 04:41 AM

Daily Sports Roundup

Thursday, December 10

Today in the Daily Sports Roundup: The Wizards play host to the Celtics, the Orangemen meet the Gators, and the Steelers try to stop their skid in Cleveland.

Colliding on the gridiron . . .

It's Pittsburgh at Cleveland in this week's Thursday Night Football matchup, with both teams riding long losing streaks into the contest. The Steelers (6-6 SU, 4-8 ATS) were tagged with their fourth straight loss last week, falling 27-24 at home to the Raiders. Pittsburgh QB Ben Roethlisberger threw for 278 yards with two TDs and one INT in that defeat, while Rashard Mendenhall rushed for 103 yards.

The Browns (1-11 SU, 6-6 ATS) lost their seventh straight game last week, falling to San Diego 30-23 at home. Brady Quinn passed for 271 yards for Cleveland in that game, with three touchdown strikes and no interceptions, while Jerome Harrison had two TD catches. Oddsmakers have the Steelers listed as big 10-point road favorites for Thursday night, with the total for the contest at 34 points.

Tipping off on the hardwood . . .

The NBA has three games on tap for Thursday, with Denver at Detroit, Orlando at Utah, and Boston at Washington. The Wizards will be looking to bounce back from a 98-94 road loss to Detroit on Sunday, which was their second straight defeat. Caron Butler had 20 points in that loss, while Gilbert Arenas was held to just nine points. The Celtics hosted the Bucks on Tuesday night, with Kevin Garnett scoring 25 points in their 98-89 win. Rajon Rondo contributed 13 assists.

As well, there are four ranked teams in action in college basketball on Thursday night, with Oakland at No. 12 Michigan State, Miami-Ohio at No. 19 Cincinnati, and No. 7 Syracuse at No. 10 Florida. The Orangemen and Gators both enter this matchup at a perfect 8-0 on the season; Syracuse got 16 points from Brandon Triche in a 101-55 rout of Maine last time out, while Florida was led by Erving Walker's 18-point effort in their 85-67 victory over Jacksonville last game.

Taking a trip around the rink . . .

Finally, there are six games on the NHL schedule for Thursday, with Ottawa at Philadelphia, Pittsburgh at Montreal, Columbus at Nashville, Atlanta at Vancouver, Phoenix at Los Angeles, and Toronto at Boston. The Maple Leafs and Bruins met in Boston on Saturday night, with the home team rolling to a 7-2 victory in that contest. Marc Savard had a hat trick for Boston on that night, while Zdeno Chara had a goal and an assist. Tuukka Rask made 31 saves in that win.

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**pm530** · 12-10-2009, 04:41 AM

Bettor's best friend: Today's helpful tips

Thursday, December 10

Magic men

The Lakers and Celtics are playing great basketball right now, but don’t sleep on the Magic. Orlando is 11-1 straight up over its last 12 games and the club 7-3 against the spread over its last 10.

Even better for Orlando backers, the Magic have won eight straight on the road and are 7-3 against the number in their last 10 away dates.

Dwight Howard and Co. are 3-point favorites playing against the Utah Jazz in Salt Lake City with a total of 203.

Crosby doesn't stop...

...at least not against the Habs. The Pittsburgh Penguins captian loves playing against his favorite childhood team.

Crosby has made a habit of saving his best for the Canadiens ever since he whipped that saucy backhand top shelf past Jose Theodore in his rookie season.

The Pens are 4-0 in their last four games against the Habs and 3-1 in their last four trips to Montreal.

Crosby has five points in two games against Montreal this season. Pittsburgh is a -155 favorite Thursday night in Montreal.

Brady's our boy

The Cleveland Browns haven't won since the beginning of October, but they have covered in three straight and are 6-3 ATS over their last nine games.

Brady Quinn is giving Brown backers steady play at the quarterback position. The former Notre Dame signal caller has seven touchdown tosses in his last three games and hasn't thrown an interception in his last 127 pass attempts.

The Browns, who have covered in three of the last four games against Pittsburgh, are 10-point home dogs Thursday.

Bull-doggin' it

Mississippi State senior forward Jarvis Varnado is one of the premier shot-blockers in college basketball after leading the nation last season with 170 rejections. Earlier this year, Varnado surpassed Shaquille O'Neal as the SEC's all-time leader in blocked shots and is again leading the country with 37 blocked shots.

Varnado dislocated a couple of fingers on his right hand in a win over St. Bonaventure last Saturday. He is listed as probable for the game against DePaul on Thursday.

The Bulldogs have won five of their last six games and are listed as an 11-point favorite over the Blue Demons with a total of 124.

Notable quotable

"Hines will do what's best for Hines, I'm sure,"

-- Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger on the availability of receiver Hines Ward for the game against Cleveland. Speculation has surfaced that this was a retort after Ward questioned Big Ben’s absence two weeks ago during the Ravens game.

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**pm530** · 12-10-2009, 04:42 AM

Six-pack for Thursday

Here are what some of the bowl games give the kids for playing in the games. Every kid, starter or sub, gets this stuff.........

-- Liberty Bowl-- 19" LC HDTV/computer monitor. Fossil watch, Nike shoes/sandals/sunglasses, and a football.

-- New Orleans-- Digital flip mini-camcorder, Balfour ring, sunglasses and backpack from Oakley.

-- Eagle Bank Bowl-- Slingbox SOLO with charging station, a hat from Visions Marketing, a football and a Kanata tailgate blanket.

-- Alamo-- 32-gig iPod Touch with Dr Dre headphones, Fossil watch, Oakley Antix sunglasses and a Shutt mini-helmet.

-- Chik-fil-A-- $250 Best Buy card, Fossil watch, Russell Athletic knit cap and travelbag. Every kid, around 200 of them, get a $250 gift card!!!

-- BCS Championship game-- SONY gift suite with Trek, Garmin. Gossil watch, New Era fitted cap and Ogio Pillitian laptop pack.

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Thursday's List of 13: Random thoughts on a snowy day......

13) I never thought I'd see the day where I'd feel sorry for Eldrick Woods, but this whole story has gotten so ugly, so quickly you have to wonder when and where it is going to end. Companies are starting to jump off the gravy train; will anyone have the onions to stick with him? Weird stuff.

12) Patriots are 7-5; they led by 10+ points in three of the five losses.

11) Why is Pac-10 hoop down this year? They've had 21 players drafted by NBA the last two years; no other league had more than 13.

10) Blue Ribbon's Pac-10 top five this year is five guards. No big guys.

9) UCLA has had a player picked in the last 13 NBA drafts; that streak is in jeopardy this time around.

8) I can't stand the Bud Light Jimmy Football commercials; they're awful.

7) NC State is the only ACC hoop team that hasn't been in the NCAA's in the last three seasons; they were there five years in a row before they ran Herb Sendek out of town. Bet they regret that now.

6) Saw Al Toon's son play for Wisconsin, which reminded me that when Toon played for the Badgers, he took part in the greatest play I've seen in a college game. QB takes the ball and laterals a bounce pass to the WR and the WR then threw a bomb to a guy standing by himself in the end zone for the winning score. It was 1982 or 83, so I'm not sure if Toon threw or caught the second pass, but the play beat Illinois when Mile White was the Illini coach and his kid was the kicker.

5) Play took place on the old, hard artificial turf where you got true bounce off the carpet; today's turf couldn't guarantee such a true bounce, which is probably why you wouldn't see a play like that today, but it worked like a charm that day and it won Wisconsin a game.

4) Syracuse, Louisville are only Big East teams not going to a bowl.

3) Jacksonville has been outscored by 48 points this year, but they're 7-5 and a playoff team right now. Thats how weird a year this has been.

2) Miami Dolphins outsacked their last four opponents 20-2.

1) How did Allen Iverson thank the 76ers for saving him from an early retirement? He showed up only 65 minutes before his first game, very late as usual. Some people don't change. They'll regret signing him.

From: Armadillo
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**pm530** · 12-10-2009, 04:42 AM

NBA
Write-up

Thursday, December 10

Hot Teams
-- Nuggets won eight of last ten games. Pistons won four of five.
-- Celtics won last eight games, covering five of last six.
-- Orlando won six in row, is 11-1 in last dozen games.

Cold Teams
-- Washington lost last two games, is 3-13 vs spread in last 16.
-- Utah is 3-6 on road, losing last two away games by 7-24 points.

Totals
-- Three of last four Denver games stayed under the total.
-- Over is 4-1-1 in Wizards' last six home games.
-- Four of last five Orlando games went over the total.

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**pm530** · 12-10-2009, 04:43 AM

NBA

Thursday, December 10

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Trend Report
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7:30 PM
DENVER vs. DETROIT
Denver is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Denver is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Detroit is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing at home against Denver
Detroit is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Denver

8:00 PM
BOSTON vs. WASHINGTON
Boston is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games
Boston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Washington is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games when playing at home against Boston
Washington is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Boston

10:30 PM
ORLANDO vs. UTAH
Orlando is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 games
Orlando is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Utah is 0-4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Orlando
Utah is 9-4 SU in its last 13 games when playing at home against Orlando

7:00 PM
ATLANTA vs. TORONTO
Atlanta is 11-4 SU in its last 15 games
Atlanta is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 games on the road
Toronto is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Atlanta
Toronto is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Atlanta

7:00 PM
HOUSTON vs. PHILADELPHIA
Houston is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Houston is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
Philadelphia is 3-10-1 ATS in its last 14 games when playing at home against Houston
Philadelphia is 4-11 SU in its last 15 games when playing at home against Houston

7:00 PM
NEW JERSEY vs. INDIANA
New Jersey is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Indiana
New Jersey is 10-5 SU in its last 15 games when playing Indiana
Indiana is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games at home
Indiana is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games

7:30 PM
DALLAS vs. MIAMI
Dallas is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games
Dallas is 10-4 SU in its last 14 games
Miami is 1-7-1 ATS in its last 9 games when playing at home against Dallas
Miami is 4-8 SU in its last 12 games when playing at home against Dallas

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**pm530** · 12-10-2009, 04:43 AM

NBA

Thursday, December 10

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Pick ‘n’ Roll: Today's best NBA bets
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Detroit Pistons at Denver Nuggets

The Denver Nuggets realized just how fragile their interior is with a 107-95 loss to the Charlotte Bobcats Tuesday night. The Nuggets took the floor without veteran power forward Kenyon Martin, who is nursing a dislocated finger.

Without Martin cleaning up the boards, Denver was out-rebounded 43-35 and allowed 14 offensive boards to the Bobcats. Martin is averaging just under eight rebounds per game and is the Nuggets top defensive forward, averaging 1.4 steals and blocks per game.

Charlotte power forward Gerald Wallace had five of those boards on the offensive glass and led the way with 25 points. Martin would have made a much better matchup on the athletic leaper, leaving flat-footed Joey Graham and Renaldo Balkman to share the defensive duties.

Detroit may be scrambling to replace its injured stars, but the one constant has been the work on the glass. The Pistons are the fourth-best offensive rebounding team in the NBA, pulling in over 12 boards on the offensive glass a night. Forward Ben Wallace is still an elite rebounder while the big bodies of Jason Maxiell, Charlie Villanueva and Jonas Jerebko can cause chaos under the rim.

Pick: Detroit

Boston Celtics at Washington Wizards (+7.5, 193)

While Boston boasts its Big Three, Washington also has an all-star trio in Gilbert Arenas, Caron Butler and Antawn Jamison. That three-pronged attack has combined for more than 57 points a game – 59 percent of the Wizards’ nightly offense.

But that offensive output isn’t enough for point-producing head coach Flip Saunders, who is trying to get Washington to improve its tempo. During practice this week, the Wizards worked on quick transition from defensive rebounding to pushing the ball.

“We haven't had as much of a thrust with the ball,” Saunders told reporters. “We want [Arenas] to be aggressive with the ball, whether it's scoring or distributing, but we cannot walk the ball up the court. That's something we've really been trying to work on, from the beginning of training camp. If there is a miss, we shouldn't be in any sort of set play. We haven't done as a good a job as we need to.”

Washington has scored 22 fastbreak points in each of their last two games – both losses. On the year, the Wizards average just under 12 points on the fastbreak and Saunders believes that with the team’s firepower and rebounding, they should be able to beat opponents down the floor before the defense can set up.

They have averaged over 93 possessions per game which is 13th in the NBA. The coaching staff wants to limit the long jumpers and three-point attempts after Washington shot under 44 percent from the field and 31 percent from beyond the arc.

“When you don't score and you fall behind, you take the path of least resistance, which is usually three-point shots,” Saunders said. “That's the easiest one to get off, because that's the one they don't guard as much. There is a reason they don't guard that. You just have to do more things to almost exert our will and where we want to get the ball at the spots we want to get it to.”

Saunders didn’t mention the team’s porous defense, which is allowing more than 100 points per game. Washington faces one of the deepest and explosive offenses in the NBA, in Boston, which is riding an eight-game winning streak.

Pick: Over

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**pm530** · 12-10-2009, 04:44 AM

NCAAB
Long Sheet

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Thursday, December 10
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MISSISSIPPI ST (5 - 2) vs. DEPAUL (5 - 2) - 12/10/2009, 6:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DEPAUL is 20-9 ATS (+10.1 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.

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

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NORTHEASTERN (2 - 4) at RHODE ISLAND (6 - 1) - 12/10/2009, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
RHODE ISLAND is 20-8 ATS (+11.2 Units) in non-conference games over the last 3 seasons.
RHODE ISLAND is 53-82 ATS (-37.2 Units) in all home games since 1997.
RHODE ISLAND is 53-82 ATS (-37.2 Units) in home lined games since 1997.
RHODE ISLAND is 14-33 ATS (-22.3 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
RHODE ISLAND is 2-0 against the spread versus NORTHEASTERN over the last 3 seasons
RHODE ISLAND is 2-0 straight up against NORTHEASTERN over the last 3 seasons
2 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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MIAMI OHIO (2 - 6) at CINCINNATI (5 - 1) - 12/10/2009, 8:30 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
CINCINNATI is 1-0 against the spread versus MIAMI OHIO over the last 3 seasons
CINCINNATI is 1-0 straight up against MIAMI OHIO over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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SYRACUSE (8 - 0) vs. FLORIDA (8 - 0) - 12/10/2009, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SYRACUSE is 45-70 ATS (-32.0 Units) versus good defensive teams - allowing <=64 points/game since 1997.
FLORIDA is 190-150 ATS (+25.0 Units) in all games since 1997.
FLORIDA is 190-150 ATS (+25.0 Units) in all lined games since 1997.
FLORIDA is 77-49 ATS (+23.1 Units) after a non-conference game since 1997.
FLORIDA is 76-49 ATS (+22.1 Units) in non-conference games since 1997.
FLORIDA is 55-36 ATS (+15.4 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game since 1997.
SYRACUSE is 49-29 ATS (+17.1 Units) in all neutral court games since 1997.
SYRACUSE is 49-29 ATS (+17.1 Units) when playing on a neutral court since 1997.
SYRACUSE is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in road games after allowing 60 points or less over the last 3 seasons.

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

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COLORADO (6 - 3) at COLORADO ST (5 - 3) - 12/10/2009, 9:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
COLORADO is 18-35 ATS (-20.5 Units) in road games versus good defensive teams - allowing <=64 points/game since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
COLORADO is 2-0 against the spread versus COLORADO ST over the last 3 seasons
COLORADO is 2-0 straight up against COLORADO ST over the last 3 seasons
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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MONTANA (5 - 3) at LOYOLA-MARYMOUNT (3 - 6) - 12/10/2009, 10:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LOYOLA-MARYMOUNT is 136-175 ATS (-56.5 Units) in all games since 1997.
LOYOLA-MARYMOUNT is 136-175 ATS (-56.5 Units) in all lined games since 1997.
LOYOLA-MARYMOUNT is 27-44 ATS (-21.4 Units) in December games since 1997.
LOYOLA-MARYMOUNT is 55-80 ATS (-33.0 Units) after a non-conference game since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
LOYOLA-MARYMOUNT is 1-0 against the spread versus MONTANA over the last 3 seasons
MONTANA is 1-0 straight up against LOYOLA-MARYMOUNT over the last 3 seasons

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OAKLAND (4 - 4) at MICHIGAN ST (7 - 2) - 12/10/2009, 7:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
MICHIGAN ST is 2-0 straight up against OAKLAND over the last 3 seasons

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**pm530** · 12-10-2009, 04:45 AM

NCAAB
Write-up

Thursday, December 10

Information on Thursday's college hoop games.

DePaul is 5-2, losing by 13 at Vanderbilt, 4 vs Tennessee at neutral site; Blue Demons beat No. Iowa, St Joe's. Big East dogs are 17-4 vs spread away from home. Mississippi State is 5-2, losing by 1 to Richmond, at home to Rider by 14- their best win is Old Dominion by 14. SEC faves are 24-24 vs spread, 4-7 away from home.

Northeastern might be best 2-4 team in country; all six games were won by six or less points; underdog is 3-1-1 vs spread in their games. CAA road dogs are 17-11 against spread. Rhode Island is 6-1, even though in last three games, they allowed 79.3 ppg- they beat Northeastern by 13 LY, after trailing by 3 at half. A-14 home favorites are 13-8.

Cincinnati has arch-rival Xavier Sunday, better not look past Miami club that is 2-6 after losing at home to Temple by 22 Tuesday. Miami lost at Rupp Arena by a hoop. Bearcats are 5-1, losing Maui final to Gonzaga in OT- they're 1-0 as a fave this year. Big East home favorites are 17-22 vs spread. MAC road underdogs are 11-15.

Syracuse leaves NY for first time- they won pair of "neutral" games in NYC vs No Carolina/Cal, but playing Gators in Tampa will be first road game for them, albeit not true road game. Orange is 8-0, 3-1 vs spread as favorite. Good test for 8-0 Florida team that has wins vs Michigan State, Florida State. SEC underdogs are 7-11 against spread.

Colorado State lost 75-56 at Colorado LY, in game that was tied at half; Rams are 4-3, 5-1 vs spread, 2-1 as dog, losing by 7 at N. Colorado, 13 at Oregon, 5 at Indiana State. Buffaloes lost three of last four games vs D-I teams; best of their four wins is 78-54 vs San Francisco. Big 12 road favorites are 12-7 vs spread. MWC dogs are 8-8, 1-2 at home.

LMU is 2-6, losing 64-63 to Montana in game where Lions were 7-14 at foul line; Lions are 0-2 vs D-I teams at home, losing by 6 to Irvine, 5 to UCSB. Home favorites from WCC are 5-9 vs spread in non-conference games. Montana gave up 14 offensive boards in first meeting; they're 5-3 after splitting first two league games.

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**pm530** · 12-10-2009, 04:45 AM

NCAAB

Thursday, December 10

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Trend Report
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1:00 PM
BRYAN vs. TENNESSEE TECH
No trends available
Tennessee Tech is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games
Tennessee Tech is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games at home

6:30 PM
MISSISSIPPI STATE vs. DEPAUL
Mississippi State is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
Mississippi State is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
DePaul is 3-9 SU in its last 12 games at home
DePaul is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games

7:00 PM
CAMPBELL vs. WESTERN CAROLINA
No trends available
Western Carolina is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Western Carolina is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games

7:00 PM
IUPU FORT WAYNE vs. TOLEDO
No trends available
Toledo is 2-8 SU in its last 10 games

7:00 PM
LEMOYNE vs. ST. BONAVENTURE
No trends available
St. Bonaventure is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games at home

7:00 PM
NORTHEASTERN vs. RHODE ISLAND
Northeastern is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Northeastern is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Rhode Island
Rhode Island is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
Rhode Island is 17-3 SU in its last 20 games at home

7:00 PM
OAKLAND vs. MICHIGAN STATE
No trends available
Michigan State is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Michigan State is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games

7:00 PM
WARNER SOUTHERN vs. FLORIDA ATLANTIC
No trends available
Florida Atlantic is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games at home
Florida Atlantic is 5-20 SU in its last 25 games

8:00 PM
CHICAGO STATE vs. NEBRASKA
No trends available
Nebraska is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home
Nebraska is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games

8:00 PM
SIU EDWARDSVILLE vs. LIPSCOMB
SIU Edwardsville is 2-9 SU in its last 11 games on the road
SIU Edwardsville is 2-8 SU in its last 10 games
No trends available

8:30 PM
MIAMI (OHIO) vs. CINCINNATI
Miami (Ohio) is 3-11-1 ATS in its last 15 games
Miami (Ohio) is 2-8 SU in its last 10 games
Cincinnati is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Miami (Ohio)
Cincinnati is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Miami (Ohio)

9:00 PM
SYRACUSE vs. FLORIDA
Syracuse is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Syracuse is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
Florida is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Florida is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games

9:30 PM
COLORADO vs. COLORADO STATE
Colorado is 8-1 ATS in its last 9 games when playing Colorado State
Colorado is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games when playing Colorado State
Colorado State is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Colorado
Colorado State is 1-8 ATS in its last 9 games when playing Colorado

10:00 PM
CAL BAPTIST vs. PEPPERDINE
No trends available
Pepperdine is 4-11 SU in its last 15 games

10:05 PM
MONTANA vs. LOYOLA MARYMOUNT
Montana is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games on the road
Montana is 6-12 SU in its last 18 games on the road
Loyola Marymount is 5-19 SU in its last 24 games
Loyola Marymount is 4-16 SU in its last 20 games at home

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**pm530** · 12-10-2009, 04:46 AM

NHL
Long Sheet

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Thursday, December 10
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OTTAWA (14-11-0-4, 32 pts.) at PHILADELPHIA (14-13-0-1, 29 pts.) - 12/10/2009, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OTTAWA is 93-104 ATS (-39.9 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
OTTAWA is 27-37 ATS (-24.6 Units) first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
OTTAWA is 5-17 ATS (+24.1 Units) in road games after scoring 1 goal or less in their previous game over the last 3 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 86-87 ATS (-69.4 Units) in home games after a win by 2 goals or more since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHILADELPHIA is 5-4 (+0.9 Units) against the spread versus OTTAWA over the last 3 seasons
PHILADELPHIA is 5-4-0 straight up against OTTAWA over the last 3 seasons
5 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+1.8 Units)

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TORONTO (9-14-0-6, 24 pts.) at BOSTON (15-9-0-5, 35 pts.) - 12/10/2009, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 14-2 ATS (+10.7 Units) in December games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 43-23 ATS (+13.5 Units) first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 26-9 ATS (+13.3 Units) vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 26-8 ATS (+16.9 Units) after a division game over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 50-23 ATS (+13.3 Units) after a win by 2 goals or more over the last 3 seasons.
TORONTO is 29-26 ATS (+67.7 Units) in road games revenging a loss versus opponent over the last 3 seasons.
TORONTO is 257-249 ATS (+526.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record since 1996.
BOSTON is 123-113 ATS (-54.2 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 11-4 (+6.6 Units) against the spread versus TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
BOSTON is 11-4-0 straight up against TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
12 of 15 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+8.7 Units)

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PITTSBURGH (20-10-0-1, 41 pts.) at MONTREAL (15-14-0-2, 32 pts.) - 12/10/2009, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PITTSBURGH is 6-11 ATS (-9.1 Units) in December games over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 21-8 ATS (+10.4 Units) when playing with 2 days rest over the last 2 seasons.
MONTREAL is 29-33 ATS (-12.7 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5.5 over the last 3 seasons.
MONTREAL is 21-27 ATS (-23.2 Units) in home games revenging a loss versus opponent over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
PITTSBURGH is 6-4 (+1.5 Units) against the spread versus MONTREAL over the last 3 seasons
PITTSBURGH is 6-4-0 straight up against MONTREAL over the last 3 seasons
5 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+0.9 Units)

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COLUMBUS (13-11-0-5, 31 pts.) at NASHVILLE (17-11-0-2, 36 pts.) - 12/10/2009, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
COLUMBUS is 6-26 ATS (+46.9 Units) in road games vs. division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
NASHVILLE is 56-55 ATS (+126.6 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
COLUMBUS is 49-51 ATS (+117.1 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
NASHVILLE is 11-4 (+7.6 Units) against the spread versus COLUMBUS over the last 3 seasons
NASHVILLE is 11-4-0 straight up against COLUMBUS over the last 3 seasons
8 of 15 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+0.0 Units)

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ATLANTA (15-9-0-3, 33 pts.) at VANCOUVER (16-14-0-0, 32 pts.) - 12/10/2009, 10:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
VANCOUVER is 23-15 ATS (+7.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 9-4 ATS (+13.8 Units) in a road game where where the total is 6 or more this season.
ATLANTA is 9-4 ATS (+13.8 Units) in road games first half of the season this season.
ATLANTA is 10-6 ATS (+20.2 Units) in road games in non-conference games over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 1-1 (+0.0 Units) against the spread versus VANCOUVER over the last 3 seasons
VANCOUVER is 1-1-0 straight up against ATLANTA over the last 3 seasons
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+0.0 Units)

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PHOENIX (18-11-0-1, 37 pts.) at LOS ANGELES (18-10-0-3, 39 pts.) - 12/10/2009, 10:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PHOENIX is 18-12 ATS (+31.0 Units) in all games this season.
PHOENIX is 18-12 ATS (+31.0 Units) first half of the season this season.
PHOENIX is 19-14 ATS (+36.7 Units) vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 10-5 ATS (+15.6 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent this season.
PHOENIX is 19-21 ATS (+57.6 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
PHOENIX is 107-103 ATS (+229.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the first half of the season since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHOENIX is 11-6 (+4.6 Units) against the spread versus LOS ANGELES over the last 3 seasons
PHOENIX is 11-6-0 straight up against LOS ANGELES over the last 3 seasons
9 of 17 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+0.0 Units)

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**pm530** · 12-10-2009, 04:47 AM

NHL
Write-up

Thursday, December 10

Hot Teams
-- Bruins won seven of their last nine games. Toronto won six of eight.
-- Canadiens won last three games, outscoring foes 12-3.
-- Nashville won 10 of its last 14 games.
-- Coyotes won last five games, allowing seven goals. Los Angeles won five of its last six games.

Cold Teams
-- Senators lost five of their last six games. Flyers lost eight of last ten.
-- Penguins lost last two games, scoring total of three goals.
-- Blue Jackets lost eight of their last ten games.
-- Thrashers lost three of last four games. Canucks lost last two games, allowing nine goals.

Totals
-- Four of last five Ottawa road games went over the total.
-- Over is 3-0-1 in last four Boston games.
-- Under is 8-4 in last dozen Montreal games.
-- Seven of last ten Columbus games went over the total.
-- Three of last four Atlanta games stayed under total; five of last six Nashville games went over.
-- Four of Kings' last five games went over the total; seven of last eight Phoenix games stayed under.

Series Records
-- Senators lost five of last six visits to Philadelphia.
-- Bruins won last six games against Toronto, scoring 34 goals.
-- Penguins won six of last eight games against Montreal.
-- Home side won 11 of last 12 Columbus-Nashville games.
-- Canucks won two of last three games against Atlanta.
-- Coyotes won six of last eight visits to Los Angeles.

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**pm530** · 12-10-2009, 04:47 AM

NHL

Thursday, December 10

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Trend Report
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7:00 PM
OTTAWA vs. PHILADELPHIA
Ottawa is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Ottawa's last 6 games
Philadelphia is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Ottawa
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 6 games when playing at home against Ottawa

7:00 PM
TORONTO vs. BOSTON
Toronto is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Boston
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Toronto's last 11 games when playing Boston
Boston is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Boston's last 12 games at home

7:30 PM
PITTSBURGH vs. MONTREAL
Pittsburgh is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Pittsburgh's last 9 games
Montreal is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Pittsburgh
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Montreal's last 9 games at home

8:00 PM
COLUMBUS vs. NASHVILLE
Columbus is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Columbus's last 12 games on the road
Nashville is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Columbus
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Nashville's last 8 games when playing at home against Columbus

10:00 PM
ATLANTA vs. VANCOUVER
Atlanta is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Atlanta is 2-5-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing Vancouver
Vancouver is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing Atlanta
Vancouver is 10-3 SU in its last 13 games at home

10:30 PM
PHOENIX vs. LOS ANGELES
Phoenix is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Phoenix's last 8 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Los Angeles's last 6 games when playing Phoenix
Los Angeles is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Phoenix

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**pm530** · 12-10-2009, 04:48 AM

NHL

Thursday, December 10

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Ice picks: Today's best NHL bets
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Ottawa Senators at Philadelphia Flyers (-170, 5.5)

It took three attempts, but the fading Flyers finally got their new coach a victory.

Philadelphia, under Peter Laviolette since last Friday, snapped a five-game losing streak with a 6-2 win over the Islanders on Tuesday.

The six goals were the most the Flyers have posted since Nov. 2, but Philadelphia still remains skates deep in a 2-8-0 skid after starting the season with a 12-5-1 mark.

Another chance to ease Philly’s pain may come at the expense of the Senators who have lost five of their last six games.

Ottawa is allowing opponents to net goals at an alarming rate, surrendering an average of 4.2 goals over its last five games.

Brian Boucher is expected to get his second straight start under the net for the Flyers after Ray Emery had surgery on his lower stomach to repair a torn muscle on Wednesday. Emery will be out at least six weeks.

"[Boucher] has been playing pretty good for us,” said Laviolette, who dismissed the notion of backup Johan Backlund playing in the near future. “Before I got here, he was on a pretty good roll. Right now, he’s going to be the guy that runs with it.”

Boucher is 3-5-0-0 this season with a 2.53 goals against average, but is 1-4-0 with a 3.57 average in seven career games against the Senators.

The last four meetings in this series have gone over the posted total with the teams scoring an average of 7.5 goals per game.

Pick: Over

Pittsburgh Penguins at Montreal Canadiens (+135, 5.5)

The Canadiens will try to improve upon their three-game win streak at home against the Penguins on Thursday. Montreal has given up a total of three goals during its victory foray.

Pittsburgh has had Montreal’s number recently, however, winning the last four meetings in the series. In two matchups this season in Pittsburgh, the Canadiens were outscored by the Pens 9-2. Winger Sidney Crosby totaled four goals and one assist in those two outings.

Crosby appears to be back at full strength after missing a game last Saturday with a groin injury. He scored his 20th goal of the season in his return on Monday, a 3-2 loss to Carolina.

"I felt pretty good," Crosby said. "Hopefully [the injury] won't give me any more trouble."

Marc-Andre Fleury has been stonewalling opponents for the Pens during his last five games, giving up an average of 2.2 goals per outing. Habs goalie Carey Price is surrendering 2.4 goals per game over his last five starts, including a pair of one-goal performances.

These two teams have combined to cash 36 unders this season.

Pick: Under

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**pm530** · 12-10-2009, 04:48 AM

NHL

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Pucking the trends: Why the Flames are smoking hot
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Bruin a Cup of Stanley?

After a slow start, the Boston Bruins find themselves at the top of the Northeast division.

A big reason for Boston’s success has been the play of goaltenders Tim Thomas and Tuukka Rask.

Thomas has a 2.48 goals against average, a save percentage of .914 and three shutouts.

Rask has been even better, posting a 1.97 goals against average, .932 save percentage and a shutout.

“It’s nice to have two solid, solid goaltenders,” Bruins captain Zdeno Chara told reporters. “Each can basically steal the game for us. (Rask) and Timmy both are playing extremely well.”

Boston has gone 9-2-3 following a 6-7-2 stretch to open the season.

Snow easy schedule

Terry Frei of the Denver Post observes that Colorado’s success has come despite playing only 11 games at home and a league high 21 games on the road.

According to Avs coach Joe Sacco, the early road games were beneficial to his young squad.

"It started on that first road trip," said Sacco. "We got off to a great start, we formed some chemistry with each other, and the guys believed. That's the bottom line. When you believe in each other, you have that feeling that you can go out and win any game."

Colorado has a record of 10-7-4 on the road, and a 17-9-6 record overall.

Flying low

Sam Carchidi of the Philadelphia Inquirer thinks the Philadelphia Flyers are at a crossroads.

After a 12-5-1 start, the Flyers have fallen to 13-13-1. Another goaltender controversy is emerging, the offense has scored five goals in Philadelphia’s last five games and its power play is 0-19 during that span.

The Flyers lost their most recent game despite allowing just 13 shots.

"There's a long way to go in all three zones . . . and a lot of work that's needed,” said new coach Peter Laviolette.

Winning is a Bryz

The Coyotes have won five games in a row and the main reason for the Coyotes’ success has been the play of goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov.

Bryzgalov ranks third in the NHL with a 1.99 goals against average and leads the NHL with four shutouts. He has a record of 17-8-1.

Jim Gintonio of the Arizona Republic is of the opinion that Bryzgalov has done an excellent job cleaning up scoring chances created as a result of Coyotes’ mistakes.

"He's so confident," said Coyotes captain Shane Doan. "He makes the game look so easy, and it really isn't that easy. He's just always square to the puck, it always seem to be hitting him in the middle of his body … He's just making it look incredibly simple."

Phoenix is 18-11-1, and has an over/under record of 7-22-1.

On schedule

Thursday December 10, Atlanta Thrashers vs. Vancouver Canucks

Flying from the Southeastern United States to Western Canada to play a road game is difficult. It’s even more difficult when it’s your second road game in as many nights and third road game in four nights.

Saturday December 12, Carolina Hurricanes at Ottawa Senators

The Hurricanes finish their grueling road trip in Ottawa after playing in Pittsburgh, New Jersey, and Washington earlier in the week. Carolina is playing the second game of a back-to-back situation against a Senators team playing on regular rest.

Saturday December 12, Florida Panthers at Pittsburgh Penguins

Florida plays Wednesday in Columbus, before playing an exhausting Devils team Friday, then traveling to Pittsburgh Saturday to play against the defending Stanley Cup Champions.

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Announcement

Thursday Trends and Indexes 12/10 (NBA, NCAAB, NHL, Misc.)

Thursday Trends and Indexes 12/10 (NBA, NCAAB, NHL, Misc.)

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