Friday Trends and Indexes 12/18 (NBA, NCAAB, NHL, Misc.)

[pm530]

NCAAB
Dunkel Index


NC Greensboro at Akron
The Spartans look to take advantage of an Akron team that is 0-4-1 ATS in its last 5 games as a favorite between 7 and 12 1/2 points. NC Greensboro is the pick (+11 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Zips favored by only 6. Dunkel Pick: NC Greensboro (+11 1/2). Here are all of today's picks.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18

Game 523-524: Utah State at Long Beach State
Dunkel Ratings: Utah State 66.032; Long Beach State 60.969
Dunkel Line: Utah State by 5
Vegas Line: Utah State by 3 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Utah State (-3 1/2)

Game 525-526: Pacific at St. Mary's (CA)
Dunkel Ratings: Pacific 58.390; St. Mary's (CA) 70.816
Dunkel Line: St. Mary's (CA) by 12 1/2
Vegas Line: St. Mary's (CA) by 11 1/2
Dunkel Pick: St. Mary's (CA) (-11 1/2)

Game 527-528: Drexel at CS-Northridge
Dunkel Ratings: Drexel 54.100; CS-Northridge 59.462
Dunkel Line: CS-Northridge by 5 1/2
Vegas Line: CS-Northridge by 3
Dunkel Pick: CS-Northridge (-3)

Game 529-530: San Jose State at UC-Irvine
Dunkel Ratings: San Jose State 51.449; UC-Irvine 54.336
Dunkel Line: UC-Irvine by 3
Vegas Line: UC-Irvine by 2
Dunkel Pick: UC-Irvine (-2)

Game 531-532: New Mexico State at Pepperdine
Dunkel Ratings: New Mexico State 51.605; Pepperdine 51.199
Dunkel Line: Even
Vegas Line: Pepperdine by 3
Dunkel Pick: New Mexico State (+3)

Game 533-534: NC Greensboro at Akron
Dunkel Ratings: NC Greensboro 51.171; Akron 57.097
Dunkel Line: Akron by 6
Vegas Line: Akron by 11 1/2
Dunkel Pick: NC Greensboro (+11 1/2)

Game 535-536: UC-Santa Barbara at Montana State
Dunkel Ratings: UC-Santa Barbara 51.767; Montana State 56.234
Dunkel Line: Montana State by 4 1/2
Vegas Line: Montana State by 3
Dunkel Pick: Montana State (-3)

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[pm530]

NHL
Dunkel Index


Carolina at Florida
The Hurricanes are coming off a 5-3 win over Dallas and look to build on their 6-2 record in their last 8 games after scoring 5 goals or more in their previous game. Carolina is the pick (+135) according to Dunkel, which has the Hurricanes favored by 1/2 a goal. Dunkel Pick: Carolina (+135). Here are all of today's picks.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18

Game 1-2: Ottawa at New Jersey
Dunkel Ratings: Ottawa 11,798; New Jersey 12.439
Dunkel Line & Total: New Jersey by 1/2; 4 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: New Jersey (-170); 5
Dunkel Pick: New Jersey (-170); Under

Game 3-4: Carolina at Florida
Dunkel Ratings: Carolina 12.274; Florida 11.741
Dunkel Line & Total: Carolina by 1/2; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Florida (-145); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Carolina (+135); Over

Game 5-6: Toronto at Buffalo
Dunkel Ratings: Toronto 12.126; Buffalo 11.450
Dunkel Line & Total: Toronto by 1/2; 5 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Buffalo (-175); 6
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (+165); Under

Game 7-8: Tampa Bay at St. Louis
Dunkel Ratings: Tampa Bay 10.144; St. Louis 11.033
Dunkel Line & Total: St. Louis by 1; 5
Vegas Line & Total: St. Louis (-170); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (-170); Under

Game 9-10: Boston at Chicago
Dunkel Ratings: Boston 11.725; Chicago 12.153
Dunkel Line & Total: Chicago by 1/2; 4 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Chicago (-175); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Chicago (-175); Under

Game 11-12: Washington at Vancouver
Dunkel Ratings: Washington 12.418; Vancouver 12.820
Dunkel Line & Total: Vancouver by 1/2; 5 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Vancouver (-120); 6
Dunkel Pick: Vancouver (-120); Under

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[pm530]

NBA
Long Sheet


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Friday, December 18
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NEW JERSEY (2 - 24) at TORONTO (11 - 17) - 12/18/2009, 7:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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PHILADELPHIA (6 - 19) at BOSTON (20 - 4) - 12/18/2009, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 23-35 ATS (-15.5 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 17-31 ATS (-17.1 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 127-99 ATS (+18.1 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
BOSTON is 25-11 ATS (+12.9 Units) vs. division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 39-21 ATS (+15.9 Units) as a road underdog of 9.5 to 12 points since 1996.
PHILADELPHIA is 40-22 ATS (+15.8 Units) in road games after playing 3 consecutive home games since 1996.
BOSTON is 62-91 ATS (-38.1 Units) in home games after allowing 105 points or more since 1996.
BOSTON is 58-86 ATS (-36.6 Units) in home games after scoring 105 points or more since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 7-3 against the spread versus PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
BOSTON is 9-1 straight up against PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
6 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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MILWAUKEE (11 - 12) at CLEVELAND (19 - 7) - 12/18/2009, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CLEVELAND is 70-51 ATS (+13.9 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 62-43 ATS (+14.7 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 36-24 ATS (+9.6 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 35-22 ATS (+10.8 Units) first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 18-7 ATS (+10.3 Units) vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 49-32 ATS (+13.8 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game over the last 3 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 36-19 ATS (+15.1 Units) first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.

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

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UTAH (15 - 10) at ATLANTA (18 - 6) - 12/18/2009, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
UTAH is 33-53 ATS (-25.3 Units) as a road underdog of 6.5 to 9 points since 1996.
UTAH is 9-20 ATS (-13.0 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 18-6 ATS (+11.4 Units) in all games this season.
ATLANTA is 14-6 ATS (+7.4 Units) as a favorite this season.
ATLANTA is 36-23 ATS (+10.7 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 17-5 ATS (+11.5 Units) in December games over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 18-6 ATS (+11.4 Units) first half of the season this season.
ATLANTA is 20-8 ATS (+11.2 Units) in home games after a non-conference game over the last 3 seasons.
ATLANTA is 25-13 ATS (+10.7 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 18-5 ATS (+12.5 Units) after 3 or more consecutive wins over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 3-1 against the spread versus UTAH over the last 3 seasons
ATLANTA is 2-2 straight up against UTAH 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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SACRAMENTO (11 - 13) at MINNESOTA (4 - 22) - 12/18/2009, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SACRAMENTO is 95-129 ATS (-46.9 Units) in road games after a non-conference game since 1996.
SACRAMENTO is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
SACRAMENTO is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.
MINNESOTA is 16-37 ATS (-24.7 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 9-19 ATS (-11.9 Units) in home games first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 5-15 ATS (-11.5 Units) in home games on Friday nights over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 10-26 ATS (-18.6 Units) in home games revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 7-18 ATS (-12.8 Units) in home games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
SACRAMENTO is 6-2 against the spread versus MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
SACRAMENTO is 5-3 straight up against MINNESOTA 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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DENVER (19 - 7) at NEW ORLEANS (11 - 13) - 12/18/2009, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEW ORLEANS is 23-11 ATS (+10.9 Units) in home games after a non-conference game over the last 3 seasons.
DENVER is 72-51 ATS (+15.9 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
DENVER is 22-9 ATS (+12.1 Units) against Southwest division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
DENVER is 40-25 ATS (+12.5 Units) after scoring 105 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
DENVER is 35-22 ATS (+10.8 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 47-63 ATS (-22.3 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 6-20 ATS (-16.0 Units) against Northwest division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 23-42 ATS (-23.2 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 19-37 ATS (-21.7 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
DENVER is 7-5 against the spread versus NEW ORLEANS over the last 3 seasons
DENVER is 7-5 straight up against NEW ORLEANS over the last 3 seasons
7 of 12 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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LA CLIPPERS (11 - 13) at NEW YORK (8 - 17) - 12/18/2009, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LA CLIPPERS are 41-64 ATS (-29.4 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 34-50 ATS (-21.0 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 8-24 ATS (-18.4 Units) off an upset win as an underdog over the last 3 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 6-17 ATS (-12.7 Units) after a win by 10 points or more over the last 3 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 11-24 ATS (-15.4 Units) after scoring 105 points or more over the last 3 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 21-33 ATS (-15.3 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 39-56 ATS (-22.6 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 3 seasons.
NEW YORK is 27-12 ATS (+13.8 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
NEW YORK is 2-2 against the spread versus LA CLIPPERS over the last 3 seasons
LA CLIPPERS is 4-0 straight up against NEW YORK 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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INDIANA (9 - 14) at MEMPHIS (10 - 15) - 12/18/2009, 8:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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DETROIT (11 - 14) at OKLAHOMA CITY (12 - 12) - 12/18/2009, 8:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
OKLAHOMA CITY is 5-0 against the spread versus DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
DETROIT is 3-2 straight up against OKLAHOMA CITY over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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HOUSTON (14 - 11) at DALLAS (19 - 7) - 12/18/2009, 8:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DALLAS is 174-134 ATS (+26.6 Units) vs. division opponents since 1996.
HOUSTON is 249-203 ATS (+25.7 Units) as an underdog since 1996.
HOUSTON is 296-245 ATS (+26.5 Units) in road games since 1996.
HOUSTON is 66-29 ATS (+34.1 Units) in road games after allowing 105 points or more since 1996.
HOUSTON is 14-4 ATS (+9.6 Units) after a loss by 10 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
DALLAS is 2-11 ATS (-10.1 Units) in home games in December games over the last 2 seasons.
DALLAS is 7-20 ATS (-15.0 Units) in home games first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
DALLAS is 5-15 ATS (-11.5 Units) after 3 or more consecutive wins over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
DALLAS is 7-3 against the spread versus HOUSTON over the last 3 seasons
DALLAS is 7-3 straight up against HOUSTON over the last 3 seasons
6 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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WASHINGTON (7 - 16) at GOLDEN STATE (7 - 18) - 12/18/2009, 10:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 7-15 ATS (-9.5 Units) in all games this season.
WASHINGTON is 7-15 ATS (-9.5 Units) first half of the season this season.
GOLDEN STATE is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) in home games in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 32-49 ATS (-21.9 Units) as a favorite over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
GOLDEN STATE is 2-2 against the spread versus WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
GOLDEN STATE is 3-1 straight up against WASHINGTON 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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[pm530]

NHL
Long Sheet


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Friday, December 18
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OTTAWA (17-12-0-4, 38 pts.) at NEW JERSEY (23-8-0-1, 47 pts.) - 12/18/2009, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OTTAWA is 96-105 ATS (-37.9 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
OTTAWA is 9-23 ATS (-14.5 Units) in road games first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
OTTAWA is 2-15 ATS (+20.6 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record in the first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
NEW JERSEY is 22-9 ATS (+12.7 Units) in all games this season.
NEW JERSEY is 21-6 ATS (+13.1 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5 or less over the last 2 seasons.
NEW JERSEY is 22-9 ATS (+6.8 Units) first half of the season this season.
OTTAWA is 21-10 ATS (+7.7 Units) after a division game over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
NEW JERSEY is 8-2 (+6.9 Units) against the spread versus OTTAWA over the last 3 seasons
NEW JERSEY is 8-2-0 straight up against OTTAWA over the last 3 seasons
6 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+2.8 Units)

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CAROLINA (8-19-0-6, 22 pts.) at FLORIDA (14-14-0-7, 35 pts.) - 12/18/2009, 7:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CAROLINA is 7-26 ATS (+39.2 Units) in all games this season.
CAROLINA is 0-12 ATS (+16.7 Units) in a road game where where the total is 5.5 this season.
CAROLINA is 7-26 ATS (+39.2 Units) first half of the season this season.
CAROLINA is 1-9 ATS (+12.9 Units) after a non-conference game this season.
CAROLINA is 0-8 ATS (+10.3 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
CAROLINA is 0-8 ATS (+10.3 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a losing record in the first half of the season this season.
FLORIDA is 103-121 ATS (+238.8 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5.5 since 1996.
FLORIDA is 219-245 ATS (+475.6 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
CAROLINA is 9-7-0 straight up against FLORIDA over the last 3 seasons
7 of 13 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+0.8 Units)

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TORONTO (12-16-0-6, 30 pts.) at BUFFALO (20-11-0-1, 41 pts.) - 12/18/2009, 7:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 10-27 ATS (+44.0 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 3 seasons.
BUFFALO is 198-137 ATS (-4.0 Units) vs. division opponents since 1996.
BUFFALO is 159-109 ATS (+28.2 Units) after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game since 1996.
TORONTO is 29-27 ATS (+69.2 Units) in road games revenging a loss versus opponent over the last 3 seasons.
TORONTO is 74-71 ATS (+162.2 Units) in road games after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game since 1996.
TORONTO is 259-251 ATS (+530.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record since 1996.
BUFFALO is 7-11 ATS (-6.7 Units) in a home game where where the total is 6 or more over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
BUFFALO is 12-4 (+5.9 Units) against the spread versus TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
BUFFALO is 12-4-0 straight up against TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
10 of 14 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+5.8 Units)

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TAMPA BAY (11-14-0-9, 31 pts.) at ST LOUIS (14-13-0-5, 33 pts.) - 12/18/2009, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TAMPA BAY is 35-79 ATS (+133.2 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 13-40 ATS (+75.4 Units) in a road game where where the total is 5.5 over the last 3 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 10-26 ATS (+41.5 Units) in December games over the last 3 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 21-47 ATS (+72.0 Units) first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 1-10 ATS (+14.2 Units) after a non-conference game this season.
TAMPA BAY is 19-48 ATS (+86.1 Units) after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game over the last 3 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 5-26 ATS (+48.8 Units) in road games after 3 or more consecutive losses over the last 3 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 16-32 ATS (+48.9 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 20-37 ATS (-19.1 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the first half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 11-5 ATS (+16.6 Units) on Friday nights over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 19-15 ATS (+35.0 Units) after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 2-9 ATS (-7.3 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5.5 this season.
ST LOUIS is 5-12 ATS (-11.4 Units) in home games first half of the season this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
TAMPA BAY is 1-1 (+0.1 Units) against the spread versus ST LOUIS over the last 3 seasons
ST LOUIS is 1-1-0 straight up against TAMPA BAY over the last 3 seasons
2 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+2.1 Units)

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BOSTON (16-10-0-6, 38 pts.) at CHICAGO (21-8-0-3, 45 pts.) - 12/18/2009, 8:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 42-33 ATS (+77.9 Units) in a road game where where the total is 5.5 over the last 3 seasons.
CHICAGO is 35-53 ATS (-34.2 Units) in home games on Friday nights since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 3-0 (+3.3 Units) against the spread versus CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
BOSTON is 3-0-0 straight up against CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+0.9 Units)

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WASHINGTON (21-8-0-5, 47 pts.) at VANCOUVER (19-15-0-0, 38 pts.) - 12/18/2009, 10:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 94-136 ATS (-51.5 Units) in non-conference games since 1996.
VANCOUVER is 25-15 ATS (+9.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 23-11 ATS (+10.4 Units) in December games over the last 3 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 56-39 ATS (+14.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 26-17 ATS (+44.9 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
VANCOUVER is 1-1 (+0.0 Units) against the spread versus WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
VANCOUVER is 1-1-0 straight up against WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=-0.1 Units, Under=-0.2 Units)

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[pm530]

NBA
Short Sheet


Friday, December 18

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NEW JERSEY at TORONTO, 7:05 PM ET
NEW JERSEY: 8-2 Over off 3+ DD losses
TORONTO: 3-7 ATS in December

PHILADELPHIA at BOSTON, 7:35 PM ET
PHILADELPHIA: 10-22 ATS playing with double revenge
BOSTON: 25-11 ATS vs. division

(TC) MILWAUKEE at CLEVELAND, 8:05 PM ET ESPN
MILWAUKEE: 14-30 ATS off home loss by 3pts or less
CLEVELAND: 18-7 ATS vs. division

UTAH at ATLANTA, 7:35 PM ET
UTAH: 33-53 ATS as a road underdog of 6.5 to 9 points
ATLANTA: 10-1 ATS off BB wins by 10+ points

SACRAMENTO at MINNESOTA, 8:05 PM ET
SACRAMENTO: 17-7 ATS Away off ATS loss
MINNESOTA: 5-20 ATS at home off an Over

DENVER at NEW ORLEANS, 8:05 PM ET
DENVER: 7-0 Under off a home win scoring 110+ points
NEW ORLEANS: 11-1 Under at home if total is 200+

LA CLIPPERS at NEW YORK, 8:05 PM ET
LA CLIPPERS: 9-19 ATS when the line is +3 to -3
NEW YORK: 27-12 ATS vs. Western Conference

INDIANA at MEMPHIS, 8:05 PM ET
INDIANA: 3-10 ATS off ATS loss
MEMPHIS: 5-1 Under off BB SU losses

DETROIT at OKLAHOMA CITY, 8:05 PM ET
DETROIT: 105-62 Under revenging a loss where team scored less than 85 points
OKLAHOMA CITY: 9-0 ATS off ATS loss

HOUSTON at DALLAS, 8:35 PM ET
HOUSTON: 12-3 ATS off DD road loss
DALLAS: 2-11 ATS in December home games

WASHINGTON at GOLDEN STATE, 10:35 PM ET ESPN
WASHINGTON: 0-8 ATS when the line is +3 to -3
GOLDEN STATE: 13-4 ATS in non-conf home games

** (TC) Denotes Time Change

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[pm530]

NCAAB
Short Sheet


Friday, December 18

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UTAH ST at LONG BEACH ST, 10:00 PM ET
UTAH ST: 11-0 UNDER off a road win
LONG BEACH ST: 26-13 ATS at home off a home win

PACIFIC at ST MARYS-CA, 10:00 PM ET
PACIFIC: 6-15 ATS after having won 6 or 7 of their last 8
ST MARYS-CA: 8-1 ATS in December

DREXEL at CS-NORTHRIDGE, 10:00 PM ET
DREXEL: 0-6 ATS AWAY after a combined score of 110 points or less
CS-NORTHRIDGE: 9-1 ATS after a combined score of 165+ points

SAN JOSE ST at UC-IRVINE, 10:00 PM ET
SAN JOSE ST: 7-18 ATS when the total is 140 to 149.5
UC-IRVINE: 10-2 ATS off a road loss

NEW MEXICO ST at PEPPERDINE, 10:30 PM ET
NEW MEXICO ST: 2-15 ATS after one or more consecutive overs
PEPPERDINE: 10-2 ATS after allowing 90+ points

Added Games

UNC-GREENSBORO at AKRON, 7:00 PM ET
UNC-GREENSBORO: 2-10 ATS in non-conference games
AKRON: 12-4 ATS after having won 4 or 5 of their last 6 games

UC-SANTA BARBARA at MONTANA ST, 9:00 PM ET
UC-SANTA BARBARA: 9-19 ATS when the total is 130 to 139.5
MONTANA ST: 18-7 OVER at home when the total is 130 to 139.5

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[pm530]

NHL
Short Sheet


Friday, December 18

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OTTAWA at NEW JERSEY, 7:00 PM ET
OTTAWA: 2-14 SU AWAY after 2+ consecutive unders
NEW JERSEY: 11-1 SU after 2+ consecutive unders

CAROLINA at FLORIDA, 7:30 PM ET
CAROLINA: 1-9 SU after a non-conference game
FLORIDA: 30-24 SU when playing their 4th game in 7 days

TORONTO at BUFFALO, 7:30 PM ET
TORONTO: 6-26 SU after scoring 3+ goals in BB games
BUFFALO: 18-6 SU after playing BB road games

TAMPA BAY at ST LOUIS, 8:00 PM ET
TAMPA BAY: 1-10 SU after a non-conference game
ST LOUIS: 11-5 SU on Friday

BOSTON at CHICAGO, 8:30 PM ET NHL
BOSTON: 3-6 SU AWAY when the total is 5.5
CHICAGO: 9-0 SU at home after 2+ consecutive unders

WASHINGTON at VANCOUVER, 10:00 PM ET
WASHINGTON: 1-4 SU as a road underdog of +100 to +150
VANCOUVER: 6-1 SU in non-conference games

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[pm530]

NBA


Friday, December 18

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Tips and Trends
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Los Angeles Clippers at New York Knicks [ESPN | 8:00 PM ET]

Clippers: The Clippers are becoming more and more respectable as the season progresses. Los Angeles is 7-4 SU over their past 11 games to improve their overall record to 11-13 on the season. LA is in the midst of a 6 game road trip, having won their initial game against the Timberwolves 2 nights ago in dominating fashion. The Clippers are a respectable 4-5 SU on the road this season, including an ATS record of 5-4 away from home. All 4 of the Clippers road wins SU have been as the underdog. The Clippers have 3 players averaging more than 15 PPG, led by C Chris Kaman. Kaman is averaging 19.1 PPG along with nearly 9 RPG. The duo of Kaman and Marcus Camby give the Clippers a huge frontcourt. Camby averages 11.3 RPG along with over 2 blocks per game, which ranks him in the top 6 in the NBA in each category.

Clippers are 9-22 ATS last 31 games as a road underdog.
Under is 5-1 last 6 vs. Eastern Conference.

Key Injuries - G Sebastian Telfair (back) is questionable.

PROJECTED SCORE: 95

Knicks (-3, O/U 200): The Knicks will look to end their 4 game consecutive loss skid to the Clippers tonight. The last two times these teams have met, they've gone to overtime. The Knicks at home on Friday night is always a spectacle to see at MSG. The Knicks are 8-16 SU, including a home record of 4-8 SU. Their 4-8 home record includes a current 3 game home winning streak. The Knicks are 1-5 SU on the back end of back to back games. Their ATS record in this scenario is 2-4. Today will be the first time all season the Knicks will be the favorite on the back end of back to back games. F Al Harrington leads the Knicks with 19.8 PPG, including 40 3 pointers on the season. 5 other Knicks players average double digits in PTS, helping the team average 103 PPG. Unfortunately, the Knicks give up 106 PPG, 3rd worst in the NBA. There is hope though for this defense, as they've held 5 straight opponents under 100 PTS.

Knicks are 2-9 ATS last 11 games as a home favorite.
Over is 8-2 last 10 vs. a team with a losing SU record.

Key Injuries - G Larry Hughes (hamstring) is OUT.

PROJECTED SCORE: 107 (Side of the Day)



Washington Wizards at Golden State Warriors [ESPN | 10:30 PM ET]

Wizards: Washington is 7-16 SU on the season, but they are showing signs of breaking through. This sounds even crazier considering they are in the midst of a 6 game losing streak SU. The Wizards are 3-9 SU on the road this season, including 4-7-1 ATS. Washington has been the underdog in every road game they've played this season. With the Wizards finally somewhat healthy, they've been scoring the basketball early and often. They've scored 102 PTS or more in 6 of their last 8 games. F Antawn Jamison has been especially hot of late, scoring 30 PTS or more in his past 3 games. Jamison and G Gilbert Arenas both average more than 20 PPG to lead the Wizards. Arenas will be playing against his former club, so you know he will play with a chip on his shoulder. Defensively the Wizards are struggling right now, and for the season give up 101.5 PPG.

Wizards are 3-13-1 ATS last 17 games as a road underdog up to 4.5 points.
Under is 9-2 last 11 games as a road underdog.

Key Injuries - F Antawn Jamison (shoulder) is probable.
F Mike Miller (calf) is out.

PROJECTED SCORE: 111

Warriors (-1.5, O/U 219): The Warriors are a bit of an enigma. They are only 7-18 SU on the season, yet they have a winning record ATS at 12-11-1. The Warriors are 4-6 SU at home, yet are 6-5 ATS at home. The Warriors are 4-3 ATS as favorites on the season, with 5 of those games coming in their first 6 games of the season. This Golden St. roster is filled with talent if they could only stay healthy. This Warriors team is more than banged up, and have been playing very short-handed of late. This lack of depth is a big reason why they've scored 91 PTS or fewer in 3 of their past 6 games. G Monta Ellis is on a torrid pace of minutes played and scoring. Ellis averages 24.4 PPG and averages 40.7 minutes per game. F Corey Maggette has scored more than 20 PTS in 3 straight games. Defensively, the Warriors are by far the worst team in the NBA, giving up 111.3 PPG.

Warriors are 6-1 ATS last 7 games following a SU loss of more than 10 points.
Over is 20-8 last 28 games as a home favorite.

Key Injuries - C Andris Biedrins (groin) is questionable.
C Mikki Moore (foot) is out.

PROJECTED SCORE: 116 (OVER - Total of the Day)

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[pm530]

NBA


Friday, December 18

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Help side defense: NBA betting news and notes
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Each week, we take a look at different trends and news going on in the Association and project how it might impact NBA bettors.

Senseless Bayless

You would think that on a team with nine healthy players - and two of them are antique Juwan Howard and neophyte Dante Cunningham - there wouldn't be any issues about playing time. Think again.

All three point guards for the injury-ravaged Portland Trail Blazers are healthy, and third-stringer Jerryd Bayless isn't happy with his 10.6 minutes per game, which is actually below his career average.

"I know every time I play I've helped this team. Every single time," he told The Oregonian earlier this week. "It's tough. Especially since, and I hate saying this, seeing these other guys doing what they are doing. I know I can help this team. I know I can."

It wasn't clear if the "other guys" were players taken in Bayless' draft class, such as Russell Westbrook and Eric Gordon, or Blazers point guards Andre Miller and Steve Blake, both of whom have been rumored to be on the trading block.

Regardless, Portland has had more than its share of drama this season and doesn't need any more, especially with a four-game road trip consisting of two back-to-backs - Miami and Orlando, then Dallas and San Antonio.

The Blazers have lost six of their last seven road games straight up and are 2-7-1 against the spread in their last 10 overall.

Rocket's red glare

Houston Rockets coach Rick Adelman isn't happy with his team's upcoming schedule and let anyone who was listening know about it.

On Tuesday night, the Rockets began a stretch of eight games in 13 days that carries through the Christmas weekend. The slate includes four sets of back-to-back games, five road games and five time changes when you count return flights home.

"I don’t know if the league really understands that they gave us four back-to-backs. It’s awful," Adelman told reporters. "And it’s not just the back-to-backs. We play at home (Tuesday), then travel to Denver for the next one. Then the next week we play at home, then travel to Orlando for the next one. To me, it’s just utterly ridiculous."

Before pulling out the violins, it should be noted that both Boston and Dallas have had stretches of eight games in 12 days this season. And the Rockets - who just got back Tracy McGrady - are 5-1 straight up and 3-3 against the spread in the back end of back-to-backs.

On the road, Houston is 8-7 straight up and 9-6 against the spread.

King me

Last season, the Sacramento Kings won 17 games. This season, they already have won 16 - against the spread. Sacramento's 16-7-1 ATS record is second-best in the NBA.

It is a staggering achievement when you consider the Kings have played all but five games without their best player (Kevin Martin) and his backup (Francisco Garcia), and have a rookie point guard (Tyreke Evans) running the offense for a first-year coach (Paul Westphal).

The Kings aren't favored very often, but when they are, you should grab them. They are 7-0 straight up and 6-1 against the spread when giving points, winning those games by an average of 12 points.

Sacramento is 8-2-1 ATS overall in its last 10 contests. It has a road trip this week with eminently winnable games at Minnesota, Milwaukee and Chicago before a difficult four-game homestand.

On the schedule

Friday, Dec. 18, Philadelphia at Boston

The Celtics have won 11 in a row but have been much better on the road than at home, where they already have three straight-up losses and are just 4-7 against the spread. Meanwhile Allen Iverson appears to be finding a groove with the 76ers, who are getting healthier.

Saturday, Dec. 19, Utah at Charlotte

On Wednesday, the Jazz began a five-game, eight-day road trip that stays in the Eastern time zone and has just one back-to-back - but this is it. Utah is 3-6 straight up and ATS on the road while Charlotte has won six of its last seven home games, losing only to Boston while going 5-2 ATS.

Wednesday, Dec. 23, Atlanta at Denver

The Hawks have the best ATS record at 17-6. But this will be their fourth game in six nights, and the Nuggets are an excellent 11-1 straight up and 7-5 ATS at the Pepsi Center.

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[pm530]

Len’s Top Five

Friday, December 18

TGIF everyone, here's my Top 5 for December 18, 2009 from Len Berman.

1. Quick Hits

* The Indianapolis Colts remain perfect, 14-0, after beating Jacksonville last night 35-31.

* The New Orleans Saints try to go to 14-0 tomorrow night when they host Dallas.

* Tragedy. Bengals wide receiver, 26-year old Chris Henry died yesterday from injuries suffered when he fell off the back of a truck in Charlotte in a domestic dispute with his fiancee.

* Alex Rodriguez does not need further hip surgery. He's good to go.

* Bobby Knight wonders why Kentucky's John Calipari is still coaching after he "put two schools on probation." Knight says college basketball lacks integrity. Knight probably wouldn't have ripped a fellow coach if he were still coaching.

* Bundle up! The new Giants/Jets outdoor stadium is in the running to host Super Bowl XLVIII in February of 2014.


2. The Cost of Infidelity

Wanna put a price tag on Tiger Woods dalliances? According to Bloomberg.com it'll cost the PGA tour, TV networks and merchandise vendors a cool $220-million. Which probably pales in comparison to Tiger's potential divorce settlement and alleged hush money payments to the bimbos.


3. TV Talk

Stop picking on sportscasters! An Atlanta TV station got rid of its sports department and is letting the local radio station handle sports. And now a West Palm Beach station is doing the same. Hey why not have your local radio talk show host anchor the news and turn over weather to the Weather Channel? Better yet, why not sell your TV station to people who actually have a clue about local news?


4. Friday Mailbag

Brian Kelly leaving Cincinnati to take the Notre Dame football coaching job upset many of you. J.B. wrote, "What kind of a message is Kelly sending to his former players, many of whom he probably recruited, when he abandons them a few weeks before they reach the goal they have all worked so hard to achieve? What happened to Kelly’s moral compass? And why has there not been an outcry about his selfish and misguided behavior?"
And from E.G. "Yeah, Brian Kelly, another coach that throws his team in the dumpster for his own benefit."

From subscriber W.H. "Hideki Matsui (now an Angel) is one of my favorite players. On the Internet I found the link to the Hideki Matsui Baseball museum his brother built in Japan."
Check it out here.

As for Alabama giving students days off from class around the championship game, P.M. writes: "My daughter went to Georgia - the Thursday and Friday before the Florida game, were always days of high absenteeism. So what does the university do? They instituted a four day 'fall break" (Thurs - Sun) about seven years ago to coincide with the game!!"
Editor's Note: Priorities, Priorities.

And in response to my appearance last night on Hannity, P.M. writes: "Hannity??? If he managed a baseball team there would nobody playing 'left???'"


5. Pick a Winner

A German fortune-tellers society checked out all the predictions they made for 2009, and every single one was wrong. They shouldn't feel bad. That's about the same winning percentage as those people who are itching to sell you betting "locks" for football games.


Today's Birthday: The great Ty Cobb was born on this date in 1886. Against today's pitchers he'd probably bat only .280 or so. Then again, he'd be 123 years old.
Bonus Birthdays: Director Steven Spielberg. 63. Actor Brad Pitt. 46.

Today in Sports: Slingin' Sammy Baugh is named the first coach of the New York Titans (later named the Jets) in the American Football League. 1959.
Bonus Event: Holy Cow! Phil Rizzuto signs on to become a Yankee broadcaster. 1956.

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