Monday Trends and Indexes 12/14 (NBA, NCAAB, NHL, Misc.)

[Udog]

NHL
Dunkel


Phoenix at Detroit
The Coyotes are coming off a 2-1 win over San Jose and look to build on their 6-1 record in their last 7 games after allowing 2 goals or less in the previous game. Phoenix is the pick (+160) according to Dunkel, which has the Coyotes favored by 1/2 a goal. Dunkel Pick: Phoenix (+160). Here are all of today's picks.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 14

Game 1-2: Florida at NY Islanders
Dunkel Ratings: Florida 11.106; NY Islanders 11.499
Dunkel Line & Total: NY Islanders by 1/2; 6
Vegas Line & Total: NY Islanders (-145); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: NY Islanders (-145); Over

Game 3-4: Atlanta at NY Rangers
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta 10.683; NY Rangers 10.706
Dunkel Line & Total: NY Rangers by 1/2; 5 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: NY Rangers (-140); 6
Dunkel Pick: NY Rangers (-140); Under

Game 5-6: Nashville at Columbus
Dunkel Ratings: Nashville 11.301; Columbus 10.519
Dunkel Line & Total: Nashville by 1/2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Columbus (-130); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Nashville (+120); Over

Game 7-8: Ottawa at Toronto
Dunkel Ratings: Ottawa 12.389; Toronto 11.825
Dunkel Line & Total: Ottawa by 1/2; 5 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Toronto (-135); 6
Dunkel Pick: Ottawa (+125); Under

Game 9-10: Philadelphia at Boston
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia 11.137; Boston 11.588
Dunkel Line & Total: Boston by 1/2; 4 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Boston (-145); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Boston (-145); Under

Game 11-12: Buffalo at Montreal
Dunkel Ratings: Buffalo 12.011; Montreal 11.983
Dunkel Line & Total: Buffalo by 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Buffalo (-130); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Buffalo (-130); Under

Game 13-14: Phoenix at Detroit
Dunkel Ratings: Phoenix 12.146; Detroit 11.478
Dunkel Line & Total: Phoenix by 1/2; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Detroit (-170); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Phoenix (+160); Over

Game 15-16: Los Angeles at Vancouver
Dunkel Ratings: Los Angeles 12.383; Vancouver 12.846
Dunkel Line & Total: Vancouver by 1/2; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Vancouver (-175); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Vancouver (-175); Over

[Udog]

NBA
Long Sheet


Monday, December 14

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INDIANA (8 - 13) at ORLANDO (17 - 6) - 12/14/2009, 7:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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GOLDEN STATE (7 - 16) at PHILADELPHIA (5 - 18) - 12/14/2009, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
GOLDEN STATE is 97-130 ATS (-46.0 Units) in road games after a non-conference game since 1996.
GOLDEN STATE is 5-15 ATS (-11.5 Units) after 3 or more consecutive unders over the last 3 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 85-59 ATS (+20.1 Units) when playing with 2 days rest since 1996.
GOLDEN STATE is 11-2 ATS (+8.8 Units) against Atlantic division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 1-10 ATS (-10.0 Units) in home games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 23-48 ATS (-29.8 Units) in home games in December games since 1996.
PHILADELPHIA is 1-10 ATS (-10.0 Units) in home games first half of the season this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 16-30 ATS (-17.0 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHILADELPHIA is 2-2 against the spread versus GOLDEN STATE over the last 3 seasons
GOLDEN STATE is 3-1 straight up against PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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BOSTON (19 - 4) at MEMPHIS (10 - 13) - 12/14/2009, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MEMPHIS is 72-49 ATS (+18.1 Units) after a win by 10 points or more since 1996.
MEMPHIS is 61-35 ATS (+22.5 Units) versus good defensive teams - allowing <=91 points/game since 1996.
BOSTON is 127-98 ATS (+19.2 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
BOSTON is 65-46 ATS (+14.4 Units) in road games over the last 3 seasons.
BOSTON is 10-1 ATS (+8.9 Units) in road games against Southwest division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
BOSTON is 58-41 ATS (+12.9 Units) after a win by 10 points or more over the last 3 seasons.
MEMPHIS is 39-56 ATS (-22.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MEMPHIS is 2-2 against the spread versus BOSTON over the last 3 seasons
BOSTON is 4-0 straight up against MEMPHIS over the last 3 seasons
4 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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NEW ORLEANS (10 - 12) at DALLAS (17 - 7) - 12/14/2009, 8:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEW ORLEANS is 45-63 ATS (-24.3 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 4-17 ATS (-14.7 Units) as a road underdog of 6.5 to 9 points over the last 3 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 20-34 ATS (-17.4 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 18-37 ATS (-22.7 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
DALLAS is 174-133 ATS (+27.7 Units) vs. division opponents since 1996.
DALLAS is 214-154 ATS (+44.6 Units) after a non-conference game since 1996.
NEW ORLEANS is 124-83 ATS (+32.7 Units) after a non-conference game since 1996.
DALLAS is 7-19 ATS (-13.9 Units) in home games first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
DALLAS is 4-14 ATS (-11.4 Units) after 3 or more consecutive wins over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
NEW ORLEANS is 9-5 against the spread versus DALLAS over the last 3 seasons
NEW ORLEANS is 10-4 straight up against DALLAS over the last 3 seasons
8 of 14 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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MINNESOTA (3 - 21) at UTAH (14 - 9) - 12/14/2009, 9:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 3-11 ATS (-9.1 Units) after 3 or more consecutive losses this season.
UTAH is 63-39 ATS (+20.1 Units) in home games over the last 3 seasons.
UTAH is 29-15 ATS (+12.5 Units) in home games first half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 33-20 ATS (+11.0 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 19-9 ATS (+9.1 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 19-7 ATS (+11.3 Units) in road games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 6-3 against the spread versus UTAH over the last 3 seasons
UTAH is 5-4 straight up against MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
7 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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OKLAHOMA CITY (12 - 10) at DENVER (17 - 7) - 12/14/2009, 9:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DENVER is 71-50 ATS (+16.0 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
DENVER is 49-35 ATS (+10.5 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
DENVER is 37-23 ATS (+11.7 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
DENVER is 40-24 ATS (+13.6 Units) after scoring 105 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 48-34 ATS (+10.6 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 18-8 ATS (+9.2 Units) in road games first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.

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

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WASHINGTON (7 - 14) at LA CLIPPERS (9 - 13) - 12/14/2009, 10:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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[Udog]

NHL
Long Sheet


Monday, December 14

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FLORIDA (12-14-0-7, 31 pts.) at NY ISLANDERS (12-14-0-6, 30 pts.) - 12/14/2009, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
FLORIDA is 218-245 ATS (-79.1 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
FLORIDA is 7-2 (+4.5 Units) against the spread versus NY ISLANDERS over the last 3 seasons
FLORIDA is 7-2-0 straight up against NY ISLANDERS over the last 3 seasons
5 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+0.4 Units)

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ATLANTA (16-11-0-3, 35 pts.) at NY RANGERS (14-15-0-2, 30 pts.) - 12/14/2009, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 115-125 ATS (+282.3 Units) in a road game where where the total is 6 or more since 1996.
NY RANGERS are 70-86 ATS (-28.6 Units) in a home game where where the total is 6 or more since 1996.
NY RANGERS are 18-30 ATS (-13.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the first half of the season over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 5-4 (+2.5 Units) against the spread versus NY RANGERS over the last 3 seasons
ATLANTA is 5-4-0 straight up against NY RANGERS over the last 3 seasons
5 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+0.5 Units)

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NASHVILLE (18-11-0-3, 39 pts.) at COLUMBUS (14-12-0-6, 34 pts.) - 12/14/2009, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
COLUMBUS is 73-57 ATS (+14.0 Units) in home games after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game since 1996.
COLUMBUS is 86-76 ATS (+175.5 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
NASHVILLE is 12-4 (+8.6 Units) against the spread versus COLUMBUS over the last 3 seasons
NASHVILLE is 12-4-0 straight up against COLUMBUS over the last 3 seasons
9 of 16 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+1.1 Units)

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OTTAWA (16-11-0-4, 36 pts.) at TORONTO (11-15-0-6, 28 pts.) - 12/14/2009, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OTTAWA is 95-104 ATS (-37.9 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
OTTAWA is 45-49 ATS (-31.9 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
TORONTO is 258-250 ATS (-53.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record since 1996.
OTTAWA is 15-6 ATS (+8.8 Units) in road games after a win by 2 goals or more over the last 3 seasons.
TORONTO is 19-32 ATS (-21.7 Units) in home games first half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
TORONTO is 18-31 ATS (+49.4 Units) in home games revenging a loss versus opponent over the last 3 seasons.
TORONTO is 80-97 ATS (-78.2 Units) in home games after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
TORONTO is 8-8 (+2.7 Units) against the spread versus OTTAWA over the last 3 seasons
TORONTO is 8-8-0 straight up against OTTAWA over the last 3 seasons
9 of 14 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+3.4 Units)

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PHILADELPHIA (14-15-0-1, 29 pts.) at BOSTON (16-9-0-6, 38 pts.) - 12/14/2009, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) in road games after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 5-11 ATS (-9.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 5-11 ATS (-9.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the first half of the season this season.
BOSTON is 44-24 ATS (+12.8 Units) first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 124-113 ATS (-15.4 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 5-4 (+0.2 Units) against the spread versus PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
BOSTON is 5-4-0 straight up against PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
6 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+2.8 Units)

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BUFFALO (19-10-0-1, 39 pts.) at MONTREAL (15-15-0-3, 33 pts.) - 12/14/2009, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BUFFALO is 197-136 ATS (+36.9 Units) vs. division opponents since 1996.
MONTREAL is 56-63 ATS (-45.5 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MONTREAL is 29-34 ATS (-13.8 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5.5 over the last 3 seasons.
MONTREAL is 21-28 ATS (-23.9 Units) in home games revenging a loss versus opponent over the last 3 seasons.
MONTREAL is 14-24 ATS (-13.7 Units) after allowing 4 goals or more over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MONTREAL is 8-8-0 straight up against BUFFALO over the last 3 seasons
8 of 14 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+1.6 Units)

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PHOENIX (19-11-0-2, 40 pts.) at DETROIT (16-11-0-5, 37 pts.) - 12/14/2009, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PHOENIX is 19-13 ATS (+33.0 Units) in all games this season.
PHOENIX is 19-13 ATS (+33.0 Units) first half of the season this season.
PHOENIX is 63-64 ATS (+148.9 Units) in road games after a division game since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 7-2 (+3.6 Units) against the spread versus PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
DETROIT is 7-2-0 straight up against PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
5 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+0.8 Units)

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LOS ANGELES (21-10-0-3, 45 pts.) at VANCOUVER (18-14-0-0, 36 pts.) - 12/14/2009, 10:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
VANCOUVER is 24-15 ATS (+8.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
LOS ANGELES is 21-13 ATS (+7.6 Units) in all games this season.
LOS ANGELES is 11-4 ATS (+15.7 Units) in a road game where where the total is 5.5 this season.
LOS ANGELES is 21-13 ATS (+7.6 Units) first half of the season this season.
LOS ANGELES is 9-1 ATS (+7.8 Units) after a division game this season.
LOS ANGELES is 56-60 ATS (+140.3 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record in the first half of the season since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
VANCOUVER is 6-4-0 straight up against LOS ANGELES over the last 3 seasons
6 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+1.3 Units)

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[Udog]

NCAAB
Long Sheet


Monday, December 14

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FLA ATLANTIC (4 - 4) at NEW ORLEANS (5 - 3) - 12/14/2009, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEW ORLEANS is 4-13 ATS (-10.3 Units) as a favorite over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
NEW ORLEANS is 1-1 against the spread versus FLA ATLANTIC over the last 3 seasons
NEW ORLEANS is 1-1 straight up against FLA ATLANTIC 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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TROY (5 - 4) at HOUSTON (4 - 2) - 12/14/2009, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 9-21 ATS (-14.1 Units) after scoring 80 points or more 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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GEORGIA TECH (6 - 1) at UT-CHATTANOOGA (5 - 4) - 12/14/2009, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
UT-CHATTANOOGA is 40-60 ATS (-26.0 Units) when playing with one or less days rest since 1997.

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

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[Udog]

NBA
Short Sheet


Monday, 12/14/2009

INDIANA at ORLANDO, 7:05 PM ET
INDIANA: 2-7 ATS as road underdog
ORLANDO: 8-1 Over in home games

GOLDEN STATE at PHILADELPHIA, 7:05 PM ET
GOLDEN STATE: 11-2 ATS vs. Atlantic Division
PHILADELPHIA: 1-10 ATS in home games

BOSTON at MEMPHIS, 8:05 PM ET
BOSTON: 14-4 Under in non-conf road games
MEMPHIS: 33-17 ATS at home off road game

NEW ORLEANS at DALLAS, 8:35 PM ET NBA TV
NEW ORLEANS: 16-2 Under if favored L4 games
DALLAS: 4-14 ATS off 3+ SU wins

MINNESOTA at UTAH, 9:05 PM ET
MINNESOTA: 7-19 ATS off 2 straight road losses
UTAH: 179-137 Under playing with same season revenge

OKLAHOMA CITY at DENVER, 9:05 PM ET
OKLAHOMA CITY: 8-0 ATS off ATS loss
DENVER: 8-0 Over vs. Oklahoma City

WASHINGTON at LA CLIPPERS, 10:35 PM ET
WASHINGTON: 8-1 Under in road games
LA CLIPPERS: 35-61 ATS in home games

** (TC) Denotes Time Change

[Udog]

NCAAB
Short Sheet


Monday, 12/14/2009

FLA ATLANTIC at NEW ORLEANS, 8:00 PM ET
FLA ATLANTIC: 8-1 Over after allowing 75+ points BB Games
NEW ORLEANS: 4-13 ATS as favorite

TROY at HOUSTON, 8:00 PM ET
TROY: 11-3 ATS off ATS loss
HOUSTON: 9-21 ATS after scoring 80+ points

Added Game

GEORGIA TECH at UT-CHATTANOOGA, 7:00 PM ET
GEORGIA TECH: 9-1 Under off cover as DD favorite
UT-CHATTANOOGA: 17-4 Over off win by 20+ points

** (TC) Denotes Time Change

[Udog]

NHL
Short Sheet


Monday, 12/14/2009

FLORIDA at NY ISLANDERS, 7:05 PM ET
FLORIDA: 6-2 SU after having lost 8 or more of their last 10
NY ISLANDERS: 5-14 SU after winning in OT

ATLANTA at NY RANGERS, 7:05 PM ET
ATLANTA: 16-8 SU off a home win by 1 goal
NY RANGERS: 0-5 SU revenging a loss where opponent scored 4+ goals

NASHVILLE at COLUMBUS, 7:05 PM ET
NASHVILLE: 11-4 SU off a divisional loss
COLUMBUS: 3-9 SU when playing their 4th game in 7 days

OTTAWA at TORONTO, 7:05 PM ET
OTTAWA: 12-6 SU after BB wins by 2+ goals
TORONTO: 1-7 SU as a favorite

PHILADELPHIA at BOSTON, 7:05 PM ET
PHILADELPHIA: 4-11 SU when playing their 3rd game in 5 days
BOSTON: 14-2 SU at home revenging a loss as a road favorite

BUFFALO at MONTREAL, 7:35 PM ET
BUFFALO: 6-1 SU AWAY when the money line is -100 to -150
MONTREAL: 4-10 SU after playing a road game

PHOENIX at DETROIT, 7:35 PM ET
PHOENIX: 12-8 SU as an underdog
DETROIT: 0-6 SU revenging a 1 goal loss

LOS ANGELES at VANCOUVER, 10:05 PM ET
LOS ANGELES: 8-0 SU off a division win
VANCOUVER: 2-6 SU after BB wins

** (TC) Denotes Time Change

[Udog]

NBA


Monday, December 14

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Tips and Trends
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New Orleans Hornets at Dallas Mavericks [NBA TV | 8:30 PM ET]

Hornets: New Orleans is happy to have their superstar G Chris Paul back in the lineup, as the Hornets have won 3 of their past 4 games SU. The Hornets are 10-12 SU on the season, including an ATS record of 9-13. Despite winning 3 of their past 4 games SU, they've lost all 4 games ATS as favorites. The Hornets are 6-6 ATS as underdogs this year. This Hornets offense has scored between 96 and 99 PTS over their past 6 games. New Orleans has 7 players scoring more than 9 PPG, led by Paul. Paul is the only player in the NBA averaging more than 20 PPG and 10 APG. The biggest reason the Hornets have struggled this year is their defense. They give up 102.7 PPG while allowing their opponents to shoot 47%, which is 4th worst in the NBA. On the road, the Hornets have allowed 8 of their 11 opponents to score more than 100 PTS.

Hornets are 5-1 ATS last 6 games as an underdog.
Under is 5-0 last 5 games following a double digit loss at home.

Key Injuries - F Ike Diogu (knee) is out.

PROJECTED SCORE: 91

Mavericks (-8, O/U 195.5): Dallas is 17-7 SU on the season and 13-11 ATS this year. Dallas is 8-3 SU at home this season, but have lost their past 6 games ATS at home. The Mavericks actually have lost 4 of their past 5 games ATS, all as the favorite. F Dirk Nowitzki is 5th in the NBA in scoring at 27.3 PPG. Nowitzki has been especially hot lately, scoring more than 30 PTS in 4 of his last 5 games. Guards Jason Kidd and Jason Terry have combined to make 89 three pointers on the season. The Mavericks have a big advantage at the free throw line, as they are 1 of 3 teams in the NBA shooting 80% or better from the charity stripe. Dallas is starting to play better team defense, as they've held opponents under 45% shooting in 6 of their last 7 games. The Mavericks lost to the Hornets earlier this season in OT as 4 point underdogs.

Mavs are 0-6 ATS last 6 games as a home favorite.
Over is 7-3 last 10 overall.

Key Injuries - F Josh Howard (ankle) is questionable.
G Quinton Ross (back) is out.

PROJECTED SCORE: 97 (UNDER - Total of the Day)


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[Udog]

Len's Top 5

Happy Monday everyone, here's my Top 5 for December 14, 2009 from Len Berman.

1. Quick Hits

Lucky 13. The Saints and Colts remain perfect in the NFL at 13-0.

Gillette decides to dump Tiger Woods as a spokesman, but they try to be kind by saying "they'll limit his marketing role." Accenture,a consulting firm, is more blunt. He gets the boot for "not being the right representative." Whom did they consult to figure that out?

He may have won 19 games each in 2007 and 2008, but he was injured and won just once in 2009 so the Yankees say sayonara to Chien-Ming Wang (sorry about the "mixed language-for.")

2. A Break in the Action

Finally, Tiger did the right thing. Or maybe his advisers finally woke up. Woods is leaving the game "indefinitely" In my cynical world, that means until the Masters. When Michael Phelps got sanctioned for his bong picture, he wasn't going to miss any meaningful swim meets during his suspension. And it's not exactly as if folf fans are glued to the tube before the Masters in April anyway. Clearly golf, TV, and the ratings will all suffer with his absence. I remember my conversation with Phil Mickelson's caddy Bones Mackay at the old Yankee Stadium. He said during this recession, golf was doing just fine "thanks to Tiger." He raised everyone's salary. Well now for Bones, and the rest of the PGA tour, welcome to the real world.

3. Off the Mark

I'm glad my vote for Alabama running back Mark Ingram didn't decide the Heisman Trophy all by itself. But it was the closest vote ever. You may recall that Mark's dad, also named Mark, was a hero in the Giants Super Bowl XXV win over Buffalo. (Wide right!) On a critical 3rd and 13, Ingram caught a pass and made a dazzling run for a first down. Ingram is now behind bars for money laundering and bank fraud. Father and son. Simultaneously reaching the heights and falling into the abyss. Your basic recap of any number of sports stories these days.

4. The "P" Word

Don't look now, but here come the New York Knicks. After their impressive win in New Orleans Friday night they have now won 4 straight. And suddenly they're talking playoffs. Playoffs? Did I just say playoffs? With a mediocre 8-15 record? Hey, this is the NBA. At 8-15 the Knicks are only 1 1/2 games out of a playoff spot. Of course there's another gazillion months until the playoffs, but in a town where baseball makes the back page all year long it's nice to evoke the memory of when the Knicks actually owned a piece of the city.

5. Wishful Thinking

Michael Weiner, the new head of the baseball players union, says he'll use the same principles with the players that he uses in teaching Hebrew school students on Sundays. He tells the kids to think about what it means to be Jewish. So he'll tell his players to think about what it means to be in the union. I wish that when I was in Hebrew school they would have taught us how to become baseball players.

Happy Birthday: Former major leaguer Bill Buckner. 60.
Bonus Birthday: Actress Patty Duke. 63.

Today in Sports: The Brooklyn Dodgers sign bonus baby Sandy Koufax for a whopping $20,000. 1955.
Bonus Event: The end of an era. Howard Cosell retires from Monday Night Football. 1984.