Sunday Trends and Indexes 1/31 (NBA, NCAAB, NHL, Misc.)

[pm530]

Trends and Indexes

Sunday, January 31

Good Luck on day #31 of 2010!

At this time, the sports menu in this thread consists of the NBA, NCAAB, and NHL until their seasons are played out. Also, general sports news and notes will be posted.

NOTE:
As information becomes available, we will attempt to post the trends and indexes as soon as possible.
Information is posted from what we believe are reliable sources.
Any opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the posting member or BettorsChat.

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Matchup Links

NBA Matchups

NBA Hot and Not

NBA Injuries

NCAAB Matchups

NCAAB Hot and Not

NCAAB Injuries

NHL Matchups

NHL Hot and Not

NASCAR Schedules

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[pm530]

Daily Sports Roundup

Sunday, January 31

Today in the Daily Sports Roundup: The NFL stages its Pro Bowl, the Penguins take on the Red Wings, and the Celtics and Lakers renew their rivalry in Boston.

Colliding on the gridiron . . .

The National Football League spices up its Super Bowl off-week with the Pro Bowl this season; the selected players from the AFC and NFC will meet at 7:20pm ET at Miami's Sun Life Stadium on Sunday night. Oddsmakers like the NFC in this contest, which won't feature any players from either the Colts or the Saints. The NFC is pegged as the 2.5-point favorite, with the total set at 57 points. Indy is the 5.5-point Super Bowl fave, with that total pegged at 56.5 points.

Tipping off on the hardwood . . .

There are nine games on tap in the NBA on Sunday, with Denver at San Antonio, the Clippers at Cleveland, Orlando at Detroit, Philadelphia at New Jersey, Indiana at Toronto, Phoenix at Houston, New York at Minnesota, Golden State at Oklahoma City, and the Lakers at Boston. This will be the first meeting of the season between the Lakers and Celtics; they'll play again in Los Angeles on February 18. The Lakers were 2-0 against the Celtics during the 2008/09 season.

As well, there are four ranked teams in action around college basketball on Sunday, with Florida at No. 14 Tennessee, Minnesota at No. 20 Ohio State, No. 17 Pittsburgh at South Florida, and Penn State at No. 10 Purdue. The Boilermakers (17-3 SU, 8-11-1 ATS) slipped past Wisconsin for a 60-57 win in their last contest, with E'Twaun Moore pouring in 20 points in the victory for Purdue. The Nittany Lions (8-12 SU, 7-10-1 ATS) are 0-8 against Big 10 teams.

Taking a trip around the rink . . .

Finally, the National Hockey League finishes up its January schedule with six games on Sunday, including Tampa Bay at Washington, the Islanders at Florida, Los Angeles at New Jersey, Phoenix at Dallas, and the Rangers at Colorado. As well, Pittsburgh will play host to Detroit in a 12:30pm ET contest; the Penguins and Red Wings haven't met since last year's Stanley Cup final. Pittsburgh will be looking to bounce back from a 4-1 loss to Ottawa in their last game on Thursday.

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[pm530]

Bettors best friend: Today's wagering tips

Sunday, January 31

Lines off the board

Denver Nuggets at San Antonio Spurs – Carmelo Anthony (knee) has missed the last three games and is doubtful.

Los Angeles Lakers at Boston Celtics – Kobe Bryant (ankle) is questionable.

Los Angeles Clippers at Cleveland Cavaliers – Chris Kaman (ankle) missed Friday’s game and is questionable.

Philadelphia 76ers at New Jersey Nets – Devin Harris (wrist) has missed the last three games and is doubtful.

Los Angeles Kings at New Jersey Devils – Kings played Saturday night. Patrik Elias (concussion) is doubtful. Davis Drewiske (shoulder) and Jack Johnson (arm) both missed Saturday’s game and are doubtful.

Phoenix Coyotes at Dallas Stars – Jere Lehtinen (neck) is probable. Scottie Upshall (leg) is doubtful.

New York Rangers at Colorado Avalanche – Rangers played Saturday night. Henrik Lundqvist (flu) missed Saturday’s game and is questionable. Marek Svatos (chest) is questionable.

Lines to keep an eye on

The Knicks-Timberwolves total dropped from an opener of 212 to 211. Minnesota has played to the over in four straight.

The Capitals quickly moved from a -250 opener to -255 or -260 in some markets. Washington has won nine straight games.

Weather to watch

A 30 percent chance of showers is expected all day in Miami, Fla., and throughout the Pro Bowl. Wind is forecasted to be blowing from 10-12 mph out of the north-northeast (sideline to sideline).

Who’s hot

The NFC has won two straight Pro Bowls by margins of nine and 12 points.

Florida has won four straight SEC games and is 3-1 ATS during that stretch.

Who’s not

The Rockets have lost four straight ATS and eight of their last 10.

Golden State has dropped four consecutive games, two straight ATS and is in team turmoil (see note below).

Key stat

7.3 – Points per game Joey Graham is averaging since taking over in a starting role for Carmelo Anthony. Anthony is averaging 29.7 ppg this season and the Nuggets scored a season-low 84 points Friday night.

Injury that shouldn’t be overlooked

Rockets guard Kyle Lowry will miss 1-2 weeks with a knee injury. An integral member of Houston’s bench, Lowry is averaging 8.6 points and 4.7 assists this season. The slumping Rockets are laying 3 points at home to Phoenix Sunday.

Games of the day

Pro Bowl – NFL vs. AFC (+3, 57)

Los Angeles Lakers at Boston Celtics (N/A)

Detroit Red Wings at Pittsburgh Penguins (-160, 5.5)

Notable quotables

"Yesterday was punting, today was kickoffs, tomorrow will be field goals. If they're going to let me do it, I'm going to do it early in the game before they get serious and they start to play for real."

-- Chad Ochocinco said after Tuesday’s practice in hopes of being used as a kicker during the Pro Bowl.

“That’s bullshit.”

-- Ravens’ running back Willis McGahee wrote on his Twitter account regarding Bryant McKinnie’s suspension from the NFC team.

Tips and notes

- Over the last 10 Pro Bowls, an average of 66.4 points per game has been scored. The total for Sunday’s game is posted at 57 and six of the last eight Pro Bowls have surpassed that number.

- Of Phil Mickelson’s 37 career PGA Tour victories, 13 have come when he was trailing heading into the final round. Mickelson is four strokes off the lead heading into Sunday of the Farmers Insurance Open and is getting +515 odds to win the tournament.

- Warriors head coach Don Nelson and his players have been clashing this season. Leading scorer Monta Ellis has had a few disputes with Nelson and now Corey Maggette is disgruntled. Maggette’s playing time has dropped significantly the last two games. Nelson also has a nagging back and did not get off the bench Friday night.

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[pm530]

NBA


Sunday, January 31

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Trend Report
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1:00 PM
DENVER vs. SAN ANTONIO
Denver is 8-15-2 ATS in its last 25 games
Denver is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games
San Antonio is 16-7 SU in its last 23 games when playing at home against Denver
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of San Antonio's last 10 games when playing at home against Denver

3:30 PM
LA LAKERS vs. BOSTON
LA Lakers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games on the road
LA Lakers are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games on the road
Boston is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games
Boston is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games

6:00 PM
INDIANA vs. TORONTO
Indiana is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Toronto
Indiana is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Toronto
Toronto is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing at home against Indiana
Toronto is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Indiana

6:00 PM
LA CLIPPERS vs. CLEVELAND
LA Clippers are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games when playing Cleveland
LA Clippers are 0-5 SU in their last 5 games when playing Cleveland
Cleveland is 3-4-2 ATS in its last 9 games
Cleveland is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games

6:00 PM
ORLANDO vs. DETROIT
Orlando is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Detroit
Orlando is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing Detroit
Detroit is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games
Detroit is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games

6:00 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. NEW JERSEY
Philadelphia is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games when playing New Jersey
Philadelphia is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing New Jersey
New Jersey is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games
New Jersey is 1-12 SU in its last 13 games

7:00 PM
GOLDEN STATE vs. OKLAHOMA CITY
Golden State is 13-5 ATS in its last 18 games
Golden State is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games
Oklahoma City is 2-7 ATS in its last 9 games when playing at home against Golden State
Oklahoma City is 18-7 SU in its last 25 games when playing at home against Golden State

7:00 PM
NEW YORK vs. MINNESOTA
New York is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
New York is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Minnesota
Minnesota is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Minnesota's last 5 games

7:00 PM
PHOENIX vs. HOUSTON
Phoenix is 13-3 ATS in its last 16 games when playing Houston
Phoenix is 16-7 SU in its last 23 games when playing Houston
Houston is 1-8 ATS in its last 9 games
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Houston's last 9 games

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[pm530]

NBA


Sunday, January 31

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Pick ‘n’ Roll: Today's best NBA bets
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Denver Nuggets at San Antonio Spurs (N/A)

Ankle injuries are the order of the day when the Nuggets come to Texas to face the Spurs.

Both teams are down an All-Star due to a bum wheel. San Antonio is missing point guard Tony Parker, who will be out until February with a sprained ankle. Denver is without forward Carmelo Anthony, who has missed the last three games with a tender ankle and is listed as doubtful for Sunday’s contest.

The Spurs have had an easier time adjusting to life without their standout guard. San Antonio got a big boost from its backcourt in a 104-97 win over the Memphis Grizzlies as a 5-point home favorite Friday.

Guards George Hill, Manu Ginobili and Roger Mason combined for 49 points Friday – 45 percent of the team’s total offense. The trio also added 13 assists.

“Tony’s aggressive, so you have to make up that aggressiveness,” Hill told reporters. “The main point was trying to be aggressive and get people involved.”

The Nuggets have struggled to replace Anthony’s offensive output, dropping a 110-84 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder as 2-point road underdogs Friday. Denver shot just 40 percent from the field and coughed the ball up 23 times.

Pick: San Antonio


Indiana Pacers at Toronto Raptors (-9, 216.5)

Winning cures everything – even frostbite from the frigid weather hitting Toronto right now. Despite temperatures hovering around zero, the Raptors remain red hot and superstar forward Chris Bosh couldn’t be happier.

Toronto has won four straight games heading into Sunday and posts a 9-5 SU and ATS record in January. This turnaround has quieted talks that Bosh, a free agent this summer, will be looking for a warmer climate and that the team may try to deal the talented forward before he leaves them empty handed.

“No, no, no, no,” Bosh simply told the Globe and Mail when asked if he wanted to be traded before the February 18 deadline.

The All-Star forward is playing some of the best basketball of his career. During the team’s four-game winning streak, Bosh is putting up over 21 points and 13 rebounds a night. For January, he’s averaging 24.6 points and 11.4 rebounds and scored a career-high 44 points against the Milwaukee Bucks last week.

"The (trade request) calls are a lot less frequent, and it's a lot less focused on Bosh. Everybody starts with, 'Well, apparently you're not trading Bosh, so can we talk about so-and-so?'" Raptors GM Bryan Colangelo told the Toronto Star. "Our intention is, we're not going to move him, so we're not discussing a scenario (that includes Bosh)."

Pick: Toronto

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[pm530]

NBA


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WEEKEND NBA TRENDS
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Sunday, 01/31/2010

(805) LA CLIPPERS vs. (806) CLEVELAND

LA CLIPPERS are 8-24 ATS (-18.4 Units) vs good shooting teams (>=46% FG Pct) in 2nd half of the last 3 seasons. The average score was LA CLIPPERS 93.8, OPPONENT 109.8 - (Rating = 2*)

(807) PHILADELPHIA vs. (808) NEW JERSEY

NEW JERSEY is 2-12 ATS (-11.2 Units) revenging a home loss vs opponent this season. The average score was NEW JERSEY 88.8, OPPONENT 106.7 - (Rating = 2*)

(813) NEW YORK vs. (814) MINNESOTA

NEW YORK is 15-2 UNDER (+12.8 Units) vs. poor 3PT shooting teams - making <=33% of their attempts this season. The average score was NEW YORK 97.2, OPPONENT 95.1 - (Rating = 4*)

(817) PHOENIX vs. (818) HOUSTON

PHOENIX is 20-5 ATS (+14.5 Units) vs poor defensive teams (FG Pct defense >=46%) in 2nd half of last 3 seasons. The average score was PHOENIX 122.3, OPPONENT 108.7 - (Rating = 2*)

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[pm530]

NBA


Sunday, January 31

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What bettors need to know: Lakers at Celtics
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Los Angeles Lakers at Boston Celtics

Two of the most storied franchises is professional basketball will square off for the first time this season when the Lakers and Celtics go head-to-head Sunday afternoon.

Los Angeles, facing its eighth stop on a nine-game road trip, has won three straight (3-0 ATS) and is coming off a 99-91 victory at Philadelphia Friday night.

Boston, on the other hand, has lost two in a row (1-1 ATS) and five of its last seven games (1-6 ATS). Doc Rivers’ club is a mere 6-10 (5-11 ATS) since beating Orlando on Christmas Day.

Must-win situation

“It's still fun to play these games, because they're good teams and you enjoy playing them,” said Rivers, whose team is coming off back-to-back losses on Thursday and Friday to Eastern Conference contenders Orlando and Atlanta. “There's no love lost, and all that stuff's good. It's good for our league. But more importantly, it's just fun in the middle of the season to have days like this.”

But nothing has been much fun for the Celtics (29-15, 18-26 ATS) of late.

Kevin Garnett missed 10 games from December 30 to January 20 due to a hyperextended knee. He has scored at least 13 points in three of his four outings upon his return. Rasheed Wallace (groin) was sidelined for three games earlier this month, but he has scored double-figures in four of his ensuing six contests and he poured in 17 against the Magic.

Still, a matchup with Los Angeles provides Boston with a chance to regain some momentum.

“It's always a big deal,” Paul Pierce said of playing the Lakers. “It is for me. We feel like it’s a must-win. We've got to turn it around right now.”

Go West, young man

Kobe Bryant (28.2 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 4.7 apg) is just 47 points away from passing Jerry West as the Lakers’ all-time leading scorer.

“The game has changed dramatically,” said coach Phil Jackson, comparing the West and Bryant eras. “In that regard, Kobe's challenge for points is a remarkable thing. He's pursuing it, and he's aggressive as an offensive ballplayer and he's going to be scoring for a while.”

Kobe, however, has been dealing with a minor knee issue and he tweaked an ankle as Los Angeles (36-11, 22-24-1 ATS) prevailed against Philadelphia Friday. He has not reached the 30-point mark in any of his past five outings (but he also has not scored fewer than 24 points in that stretch).

While 47 points seems like a longshot, Kobe has extra motivation heading into some hallowed grounds of the NBA against a team desperate to reverse its recent fortunes.

“I'm looking forward to seeing how they answer that challenge,” Kobe said of Boston’s recent slide. “Every time we go back to Boston it's special, because that's where we lost the championship (2008 NBA Finals). All those memories come back.”

Trending topics

The Lakers are 4-1 ATS in their last five overall (all on the road, and all against Eastern Conference opponents). However, they are 1-6 ATS in their last seven games as visitors against teams with winning home records.

In addition to their 1-6 ATS mark in their last seven outings, the Celtics are 0-5 ATS in their last five home games and 0-6 ATS in their last six against the Western Conference.

Neither Los Angeles (23-23-1 O/U) nor Boston (22-21-1 O/U) has been a good over/under play so far this season. The over, however, is 4-1 in LA’s last five games.

Head-to-head, the Celtics are 8-2 ATS in the last 10 meetings between the two teams and 4-1 ATS in their last five home dates with the Lakers. The underdog is 5-2 ATS in the last seven installments of this rivalry.

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[pm530]

NCAAB
Long Sheet


Sunday, January 31

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MINNESOTA (13 - 7) at OHIO ST (15 - 6) - 1/31/2010, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 4-12 ATS (-9.2 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 16-32 ATS (-19.2 Units) in road games in January games since 1997.
MINNESOTA is 4-12 ATS (-9.2 Units) in road games after a conference game over the last 2 seasons.
OHIO ST is 96-69 ATS (+20.1 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games since 1997.

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

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VIRGINIA TECH (16 - 3) at MIAMI (15 - 5) - 1/31/2010, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
VIRGINIA TECH is 15-6 ATS (+8.4 Units) in road games after a conference game over the last 3 seasons.
VIRGINIA TECH is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
VIRGINIA TECH is 4-1 against the spread versus MIAMI over the last 3 seasons
VIRGINIA TECH is 4-1 straight up against MIAMI over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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PITTSBURGH (16 - 4) at S FLORIDA (13 - 7) - 1/31/2010, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PITTSBURGH is 18-9 ATS (+8.1 Units) against conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 17-6 ATS (+10.4 Units) in January games over the last 3 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 25-15 ATS (+8.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
S FLORIDA is 5-16 ATS (-12.6 Units) as a home underdog of 3 points or less or pick since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
S FLORIDA is 1-1 against the spread versus PITTSBURGH over the last 3 seasons
PITTSBURGH is 2-0 straight up against S FLORIDA 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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FLORIDA (15 - 5) at TENNESSEE (15 - 4) - 1/31/2010, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TENNESSEE is 30-14 ATS (+14.6 Units) in home games versus good defensive teams - allowing <=64 points/game since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
TENNESSEE is 3-0 against the spread versus FLORIDA over the last 3 seasons
TENNESSEE is 4-0 straight up against FLORIDA 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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BUTLER (17 - 4) at WI-MILWAUKEE (13 - 9) - 1/31/2010, 2:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WI-MILWAUKEE is 120-90 ATS (+21.0 Units) against conference opponents since 1997.
WI-MILWAUKEE is 116-85 ATS (+22.5 Units) after a conference game since 1997.
WI-MILWAUKEE is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in home games revenging a road loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
BUTLER is 112-81 ATS (+22.9 Units) after allowing 60 points or less since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
BUTLER is 3-2 against the spread versus WI-MILWAUKEE over the last 3 seasons
BUTLER is 4-1 straight up against WI-MILWAUKEE 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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BALL ST (10 - 9) at OHIO U (11 - 9) - 1/31/2010, 2:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OHIO U is 105-74 ATS (+23.6 Units) as a favorite since 1997.
OHIO U is 91-54 ATS (+31.6 Units) in all home games since 1997.
OHIO U is 91-54 ATS (+31.6 Units) in home lined games since 1997.
OHIO U is 67-44 ATS (+18.6 Units) in home games against conference opponents since 1997.
OHIO U is 64-40 ATS (+20.0 Units) in home games after a conference game since 1997.
OHIO U is 21-8 ATS (+12.2 Units) in home games after scoring 80 points or more since 1997.
OHIO U is 46-22 ATS (+21.8 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
OHIO U is 28-13 ATS (+13.7 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games since 1997.
BALL ST is 17-8 ATS (+8.2 Units) against conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
BALL ST is 17-8 ATS (+8.2 Units) after a conference game over the last 2 seasons.

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

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VALPARAISO (10 - 12) at WI-GREEN BAY (15 - 8) - 1/31/2010, 2:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WI-GREEN BAY is 13-5 ATS (+7.5 Units) in all home games over the last 2 seasons.
WI-GREEN BAY is 13-5 ATS (+7.5 Units) in home lined games over the last 2 seasons.
WI-GREEN BAY is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) in home games against conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
WI-GREEN BAY is 12-3 ATS (+8.7 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
VALPARAISO is 10-3 ATS (+6.7 Units) as an underdog this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
WI-GREEN BAY is 4-2 against the spread versus VALPARAISO over the last 3 seasons
WI-GREEN BAY is 4-2 straight up against VALPARAISO over the last 3 seasons
5 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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FORDHAM (2 - 17) at XAVIER (14 - 6) - 1/31/2010, 2:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
FORDHAM is 13-24 ATS (-13.4 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
FORDHAM is 13-24 ATS (-13.4 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
FORDHAM is 3-12 ATS (-10.2 Units) after allowing 80 points or more over the last 3 seasons.
FORDHAM is 15-27 ATS (-14.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
XAVIER is 32-19 ATS (+11.1 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
XAVIER is 32-19 ATS (+11.1 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
XAVIER is 11-4 ATS (+6.6 Units) as a favorite this season.
XAVIER is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) in all home games this season.
XAVIER is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) in home lined games this season.
XAVIER is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) in home games against conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
XAVIER is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) in January games over the last 2 seasons.

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

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INDIANA ST (12 - 9) at EVANSVILLE (6 - 14) - 1/31/2010, 3:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
INDIANA ST is 4-1 against the spread versus EVANSVILLE over the last 3 seasons
INDIANA ST is 3-2 straight up against EVANSVILLE over the last 3 seasons
5 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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PENN ST (8 - 12) at PURDUE (17 - 3) - 1/31/2010, 3:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PENN ST is 13-5 ATS (+7.5 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
PURDUE is 0-8 ATS (-8.8 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
PURDUE is 4-1 against the spread versus PENN ST over the last 3 seasons
PURDUE is 4-1 straight up against PENN ST 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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CALIFORNIA (14 - 6) at ARIZONA (11 - 9) - 1/31/2010, 3:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ARIZONA is 53-34 ATS (+15.6 Units) as an underdog since 1997.
CALIFORNIA is 16-6 ATS (+9.4 Units) when the total is 140 to 149.5 over the last 2 seasons.
CALIFORNIA is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) as a road favorite of 3 points or less or pick since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
ARIZONA is 2-2 against the spread versus CALIFORNIA over the last 3 seasons
ARIZONA is 2-2 straight up against CALIFORNIA 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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ST JOSEPHS (8 - 12) at DUQUESNE (10 - 10) - 1/31/2010, 4:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DUQUESNE is 2-9 ATS (-7.9 Units) in home games against conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
DUQUESNE is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) in home games after a conference game over the last 2 seasons.
DUQUESNE is 27-44 ATS (-21.4 Units) in home games off a loss against a conference rival since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
DUQUESNE is 2-0 against the spread versus ST JOSEPHS over the last 3 seasons
DUQUESNE is 1-1 straight up against ST JOSEPHS 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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MARYLAND (14 - 5) at CLEMSON (15 - 6) - 1/31/2010, 5:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MARYLAND is 16-6 ATS (+9.4 Units) in road games over the last 3 seasons.
MARYLAND is 16-6 ATS (+9.4 Units) in road lined games over the last 3 seasons.
MARYLAND is 15-6 ATS (+8.4 Units) in road games against conference opponents over the last 3 seasons.
MARYLAND is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in January games this season.
MARYLAND is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) in road games after a conference game over the last 2 seasons.
MARYLAND is 23-12 ATS (+9.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CLEMSON is 2-0 against the spread versus MARYLAND over the last 3 seasons
CLEMSON is 2-0 straight up against MARYLAND 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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VIRGINIA (12 - 6) at N CAROLINA (13 - 7) - 1/31/2010, 7:45 PM
Top Trends for this game.
VIRGINIA is 31-52 ATS (-26.2 Units) when the total is 140 to 149.5 since 1997.
VIRGINIA is 51-79 ATS (-35.9 Units) in road games since 1997.
VIRGINIA is 51-79 ATS (-35.9 Units) in road lined games since 1997.
VIRGINIA is 42-69 ATS (-33.9 Units) in road games against conference opponents since 1997.
VIRGINIA is 36-64 ATS (-34.4 Units) in road games after a conference game since 1997.
VIRGINIA is 50-73 ATS (-30.3 Units) off a loss against a conference rival since 1997.
VIRGINIA is 28-50 ATS (-27.0 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games since 1997.
VIRGINIA is 4-13 ATS (-10.3 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game over the last 3 seasons.
N CAROLINA is 42-28 ATS (+11.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
N CAROLINA is 75-48 ATS (+22.2 Units) versus good defensive teams - allowing <=64 points/game since 1997.
N CAROLINA is 8-17 ATS (-10.7 Units) in all home games over the last 2 seasons.
N CAROLINA is 8-17 ATS (-10.7 Units) in home lined games over the last 2 seasons.
N CAROLINA is 7-16 ATS (-10.6 Units) against conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
N CAROLINA is 3-12 ATS (-10.2 Units) off a win against a conference rival over the last 2 seasons.

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

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

WICHITA ST (18 - 4) at S ILLINOIS (12 - 8) - 1/31/2010, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
S ILLINOIS is 5-12 ATS (-8.2 Units) in all games this season.
S ILLINOIS is 5-12 ATS (-8.2 Units) in all lined games this season.
S ILLINOIS is 2-8 ATS (-6.8 Units) when the total is 130 to 139.5 this season.
S ILLINOIS is 18-31 ATS (-16.1 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
S ILLINOIS is 3-0 against the spread versus WICHITA ST over the last 3 seasons
S ILLINOIS is 4-0 straight up against WICHITA ST 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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MANHATTAN (7 - 14) at ST PETERS (12 - 9) - 1/31/2010, 2:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MANHATTAN is 26-40 ATS (-18.0 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
MANHATTAN is 26-40 ATS (-18.0 Units) in all lined games over the last 3 seasons.
MANHATTAN is 7-19 ATS (-13.9 Units) in January games over the last 3 seasons.
ST PETERS is 24-12 ATS (+10.8 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ST PETERS is 24-12 ATS (+10.8 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
ST PETERS is 14-4 ATS (+9.6 Units) when the total is 120 to 129.5 over the last 2 seasons.
ST PETERS is 21-8 ATS (+12.2 Units) against conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
ST PETERS is 12-4 ATS (+7.6 Units) in January games over the last 2 seasons.
ST PETERS is 19-7 ATS (+11.3 Units) after a conference game over the last 2 seasons.
ST PETERS is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) off a loss against a conference rival over the last 2 seasons.
ST PETERS is 14-5 ATS (+8.5 Units) after scoring 60 points or less over the last 2 seasons.
ST PETERS is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
ST PETERS is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record after 15 or more games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ST PETERS is 4-2 against the spread versus MANHATTAN over the last 3 seasons
MANHATTAN is 4-2 straight up against ST PETERS over the last 3 seasons
3 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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NIAGARA (11 - 12) at LOYOLA-MD (10 - 11) - 1/31/2010, 3:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NIAGARA is 7-15 ATS (-9.5 Units) in all games this season.
NIAGARA is 7-15 ATS (-9.5 Units) in all lined games this season.
NIAGARA is 5-13 ATS (-9.3 Units) as a favorite this season.
NIAGARA is 5-13 ATS (-9.3 Units) in January games over the last 2 seasons.
NIAGARA is 1-7 ATS (-6.7 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
LOYOLA-MD is 2-13 ATS (-12.3 Units) in all home games over the last 2 seasons.
LOYOLA-MD is 2-13 ATS (-12.3 Units) in home lined games over the last 2 seasons.
LOYOLA-MD is 2-12 ATS (-11.2 Units) in home games against conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
LOYOLA-MD is 1-10 ATS (-10.0 Units) in home games after a conference game over the last 2 seasons.
LOYOLA-MD is 0-7 ATS (-7.7 Units) in home games off a loss against a conference rival over the last 2 seasons.
LOYOLA-MD is 6-19 ATS (-14.9 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record after 15 or more games since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
NIAGARA is 3-2 against the spread versus LOYOLA-MD over the last 3 seasons
NIAGARA is 5-0 straight up against LOYOLA-MD over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

MONTANA ST (11 - 9) at N COLORADO (17 - 5) - 1/31/2010, 4:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
N COLORADO is 43-28 ATS (+12.2 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
N COLORADO is 43-28 ATS (+12.2 Units) in all lined games over the last 3 seasons.
N COLORADO is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
MONTANA ST is 47-29 ATS (+15.1 Units) in January games since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
N COLORADO is 3-2 against the spread versus MONTANA ST over the last 3 seasons
N COLORADO is 3-2 straight up against MONTANA ST over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

IUPU-FT WAYNE (10 - 10) at IUPUI (16 - 7) - 1/31/2010, 2:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
IUPUI is 1-0 against the spread versus IUPU-FT WAYNE over the last 3 seasons
IUPUI is 5-0 straight up against IUPU-FT WAYNE over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

ARKANSAS (9 - 11) at OLE MISS (16 - 4) - 1/31/2010, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ARKANSAS is 57-81 ATS (-32.1 Units) as an underdog since 1997.
ARKANSAS is 5-17 ATS (-13.7 Units) in road games over the last 3 seasons.
ARKANSAS is 5-17 ATS (-13.7 Units) in road lined games over the last 3 seasons.
ARKANSAS is 5-16 ATS (-12.6 Units) in road games against conference opponents over the last 3 seasons.
ARKANSAS is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) in road games after a conference game over the last 2 seasons.
ARKANSAS is 8-18 ATS (-11.8 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
ARKANSAS is 5-14 ATS (-10.4 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games over the last 3 seasons.
OLE MISS is 26-16 ATS (+8.4 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
OLE MISS is 26-16 ATS (+8.4 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
OLE MISS is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) in January games over the last 2 seasons.
OLE MISS is 29-13 ATS (+14.7 Units) after scoring 80 points or more since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
OLE MISS is 3-1 against the spread versus ARKANSAS over the last 3 seasons
OLE MISS is 3-1 straight up against ARKANSAS 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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[pm530]

NCAAB


Sunday, January 31

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Report
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1:00 PM
FLORIDA vs. TENNESSEE
Florida is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Florida is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games on the road
Tennessee is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 games when playing at home against Florida
Tennessee is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Florida

1:00 PM
MINNESOTA vs. OHIO STATE
Minnesota is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Ohio State
Minnesota is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Ohio State
Ohio State is 8-4 ATS in its last 12 games when playing Minnesota
Ohio State is 12-6 SU in its last 18 games when playing Minnesota

1:00 PM
PITTSBURGH vs. SOUTH FLORIDA
Pittsburgh is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games
Pittsburgh is 9-2 SU in its last 11 games
South Florida is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of South Florida's last 6 games at home

1:00 PM
VIRGINIA TECH vs. MIAMI
Virginia Tech is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Miami
Virginia Tech is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing Miami
Miami is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games
Miami is 15-5 SU in its last 20 games

2:00 PM
BALL STATE vs. OHIO
Ball State is 1-6-1 ATS in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Ohio
Ball State is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Ohio
Ohio is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games
Ohio is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games

2:00 PM
BUTLER vs. WISC-MILWAUKEE
Butler is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Butler is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Wisc-Milwaukee is 6-3 ATS in its last 9 games when playing at home against Butler
Wisc-Milwaukee is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Butler

2:00 PM
FORDHAM vs. XAVIER
Fordham is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Fordham's last 5 games
Xavier is 6-0-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing at home against Fordham
Xavier is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Fordham

2:00 PM
MANHATTAN vs. SAINT PETER'S
Manhattan is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Saint Peter's
Manhattan is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games when playing on the road against Saint Peter's
Saint Peter's is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Manhattan
Saint Peter's is 5-19 SU in its last 24 games when playing Manhattan

2:00 PM
VALPARAISO vs. WISC-GREEN BAY
Valparaiso is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games
Valparaiso is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Wisc-Green Bay is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Valparaiso
Wisc-Green Bay is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Valparaiso

3:00 PM
NIAGARA vs. LOYOLA
Niagara is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Loyola
Niagara is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Loyola
Loyola is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Loyola's last 9 games

3:00 PM
PENN STATE vs. PURDUE
Penn State is 2-7 ATS in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Purdue
Penn State is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Purdue
Purdue is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games
Purdue is 17-3 SU in its last 20 games

3:05 PM
INDIANA STATE vs. EVANSVILLE
Indiana State is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
Indiana State is 13-4 ATS in its last 17 games on the road
Evansville is 2-8 ATS in its last 10 games when playing at home against Indiana State
Evansville is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Indiana State

3:30 PM
CALIFORNIA vs. ARIZONA
California is 4-18 SU in its last 22 games when playing Arizona
The total has gone OVER in 9 of California's last 12 games when playing Arizona
Arizona is 19-6 SU in its last 25 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Arizona's last 5 games at home

4:00 PM
SAINT JOSEPH'S vs. DUQUESNE
Saint Joseph's is 3-6-1 ATS in its last 10 games
Saint Joseph's is 5-12 SU in its last 17 games
Duquesne is 2-8-1 ATS in its last 11 games when playing Saint Joseph's
Duquesne is 1-11 SU in its last 12 games when playing Saint Joseph's

4:05 PM
MONTANA STATE vs. NORTHERN COLORADO
Montana State is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games when playing Northern Colorado
Montana State is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Northern Colorado is 14-1 SU in its last 15 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Northern Colorado's last 7 games at home

5:00 PM
MOREHEAD STATE vs. AUSTIN PEAY
Morehead State is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Morehead State is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Austin Peay is 1-7 ATS in its last 8 games when playing Morehead State
Austin Peay is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Morehead State

5:30 PM
MARYLAND vs. CLEMSON
Maryland is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
Maryland is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Clemson is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Maryland
Clemson is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games when playing at home against Maryland

6:00 PM
EASTERN KENTUCKY vs. TENNESSEE STATE
Eastern Kentucky is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Tennessee State
Eastern Kentucky is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Tennessee State
Tennessee State is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games at home
Tennessee State is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games

7:00 PM
ARKANSAS vs. MISSISSIPPI
Arkansas is 6-16-1 ATS in its last 23 games when playing Mississippi
Arkansas is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing Mississippi
Mississippi is 11-1 SU in its last 12 games at home
Mississippi is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games

7:45 PM
VIRGINIA vs. NORTH CAROLINA
Virginia is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Virginia's last 6 games
North Carolina is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Virginia
North Carolina is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Virginia

8:00 PM
WICHITA STATE vs. SOUTHERN ILLINOIS
Wichita State is 7-2 ATS in its last 9 games
Wichita State is 16-3 SU in its last 19 games
Southern Illinois is 4-0-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Wichita State
Southern Illinois is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Wichita State

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[pm530]

NHL


Sunday, January 31

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

12:30 PM
DETROIT vs. PITTSBURGH
Detroit is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Detroit's last 5 games
Pittsburgh is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Pittsburgh's last 7 games at home

3:00 PM
TAMPA BAY vs. WASHINGTON
Tampa Bay is 1-12 SU in its last 13 games when playing Washington
The total has gone OVER in 16 of Tampa Bay's last 24 games when playing Washington
Washington is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Washington is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games

5:00 PM
LOS ANGELES vs. NEW JERSEY
Los Angeles is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing New Jersey
Los Angeles is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
New Jersey is 17-4 SU in its last 21 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of New Jersey's last 7 games at home

5:00 PM
NY ISLANDERS vs. FLORIDA
NY Islanders are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of the NY Islanders last 10 games on the road
Florida is 5-0 SU in their last 5 games when playing at home against NY Islanders
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Florida's last 5 games

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

8:00 PM
NY RANGERS vs. COLORADO
NY Rangers are 1-5 SU in their last 6 games on the road
NY Rangers are 0-5 SU in their last 5 games
Colorado is 5-0 SU in their last 5 games when playing at home against NY Rangers
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Colorado's last 9 games when playing at home against NY Rangers

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[pm530]

NHL


Sunday, January 31

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Ice picks: Today's best NHL bets
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New York Islanders at Florida Panthers (-150, 5.5)

For the Florida Panthers, there’s no place like home.

It’s not just the sun and surf of the Sunshine State, it Florida’s Jekyll-and-Hyde play at home and on the road that has the Panthers longing for Bank Atlantic Center.

Florida has gone 6-4 in its last 10 games with four of those wins coming at home. The Panthers last home loss was to the Washington Capitals, who beat them in D.C. Friday, back on January 13. Florida is 11-8-15 as a host this season – a dramatic turnaround from its 12-14-1-2 mark away from home.

In those last four home games, the Panthers have given up only three total goals with goaltender Tomas Vokoun posting two shutouts in that span. He’s been the backbone of the club this season, posting a 2.37 GGA and a .930 save percentage.

New York edged the Panthers 2-1 in a shootout in the Big Apple earlier in the month. However, Florida has won three of the last four games against the Isles and are 7-3 in their last 10 games against each other.

Pick: Florida


Tampa Bay Lightning at Washington Capitals (-260, 6)

Lost among the pile of goals the Washington Capitals are scoring are the brilliant performances of goaltender Michal Neuvirth.

Washington has won 12 of its 14 games this month and averaged an amazing 4.78 goals a night during this stretch. But what is also impressive are the 2.35 goals the Capitals have allowed per game in that same span.

Neuvirth has his hand in seven of those wins. He stopped 36 shots in a 4-1 win over the Florida Panthers Friday. And the game before that, he made 31 saves in a 5-1 victory over the Anaheim Ducks.

He’s come up big for Washington with Jose Theodore nursing a lower body injury since Tuesday’s win over the New York Islanders. Not bad for a minor league puck stopper who was lit up for four goals on 15 shots in his last start against the Panthers.

“He’s an NHL-type goalie,” coach Bruce Boudreau told the Washington Examiner. “I think that’s the 15th game [Neuvirth’s] played and out of the last 12 he’s had one off night. I’ve seen Martin Brodeur have an off night a time or two. So it’s nothing new.”

Washington has pushed and gone under the total in Neuvirth’s last two starts. The Capitals will have another hefty 6-goal number for Sunday’s game against the Lightning, who are one of the worst offensive clubs in the NHL and have played under the total in four straight games.

Pick: Under

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[pm530]

NHL


Sunday, January 31

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Game of the day: Red Wings at Penguins
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Detroit Red Wings at Pittsburgh Penguins (-160, 5.5)

The combatants in the past two Stanley Cup finals renew acquaintances on a national stage in Pittsburgh as the Penguins host the Red Wings for a NBC matinee Sunday.

Pittsburgh avenged its six-game loss to the Wings in the 2008 finals by edging Detroit in an exciting seven-game series last fall.

No love lost

They only play a couple times during the regular season, but the past two playoffs have created a strong rivalry between the Pens and Wings.

"Anytime you meet a team in back-to-back years in the Stanley Cup final, there's going to be some hatred," Penguins defenseman Mark Eaton said.

Detroit doesn't make secret the fact it doesn't like Pittsburgh either.

"All due respect to Pittsburgh, and I believe they deserved to win because they beat us... but I can't stand Pittsburgh," Red Wings forward Dan Cleary said before the season began.

Falls from grace

The NBC suits likely aren’t as giddy about Sunday's matchup now as they were at the start of the season.

Neither team is close to the lofty heights they've enjoyed the past few years, with Pittsburgh sitting fourth in the Eastern Conference and Detroit tied for eighth in the West.

Pittsburgh has been mediocre over the past month, losing 11 of its past 19 games and five of its last eight at home. The Red Wings have won only twice in their past eight contests.

Different approach

It’s been a long time since the Red Wings have needed to approach a game in January with a must-win mentality.

But that’s how Detroit treated Friday’s match against Nashville, posting a 4-2 win to pull even with the Predators for the eighth and final playoff spot in the West.

Detroit has made the postseason for 18 consecutive seasons, the longest current streak of playoff appearances in professional sports.

“I do think it was huge,” Lidstrom said following Friday’s win. “We know we have to play with a sense of urgency.”

Wings on the mend

Much of the Red Wings’ struggles this year can be attributed to the 300-plus man games they’ve lost to injury, but the infirmary is beginning to get a bit less crowded.

Forward Jason Williams (leg) returned to action Friday, while Tomas Holmstrom (foot) could be back in the lineup Sunday. Williams, who scored a goal in his return despite playing only 11 minutes, adds some scoring punch and plays the point on the team’s second power-play unit. Holmstrom’s preference for living on the edge of the crease makes him a giant pain for opposing goaltenders.

Goal machine Johan Franzen (knee) is also expected to return in a couple weeks.

“Things aren’t going to just take care of themselves when we get guys back,” Wings captain Nicklas Lidstrom told reporters. “It doesn’t guarantee us winning any games. It starts in here with what we have. It’s a matter of digging down and getting those wins and playing a lot better in our own zone.”

Powerless power play

The Penguins have all the tools to have one of the most feared power plays in the league. Instead, they have one of the worst.

Despite boasting snipers Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin as well as power-play quarterback defenseman Sergei Gonchar, Pittsburgh's power play ranks 27th in the NHL with a 16.2 per cent success rate.

The Penguins' power play clicked at a 20.6 per cent rate in last year's playoffs, a major reason why they won the Stanley Cup.

"That's an area we need to improve on," Crosby said, "but it's not going to happen overnight."

Trends

Home ice was a huge advantage for both teams in last year's Stanley Cup final, with the home team winning six of the seven games. However, the most important game of the series was won by the road team, the Pens' 2-1 triumph in Game 7 at Joe Louis Arena.

Six of the last eight games between the clubs have gone under the total. Detroit is 22-7-1 under the total in its past 30 games against the East, but six of Pittsburgh's last seven games have gone over.

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

[pm530]

NOTE:
For the initial posting of trends and indexes, we have provided information available up to the time of posting.
Additional updates for today’s games will be posted ASAP.

[Udog]

NBA
Long Sheet



Sunday, January 31

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DENVER (31 - 15) at SAN ANTONIO (27 - 18) - 1/31/2010, 1:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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LA LAKERS (36 - 11) at BOSTON (29 - 15) - 1/31/2010, 3:30 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 8-2 against the spread versus LA LAKERS over the last 3 seasons
BOSTON is 6-4 straight up against LA LAKERS over the last 3 seasons
5 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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LA CLIPPERS (20 - 26) at CLEVELAND (37 - 11) - 1/31/2010, 6:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
CLEVELAND is 3-2 against the spread versus LA CLIPPERS over the last 3 seasons
CLEVELAND is 5-0 straight up against LA CLIPPERS over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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PHILADELPHIA (15 - 31) at NEW JERSEY (4 - 41) - 1/31/2010, 6:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 24-38 ATS (-17.8 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 7-15 ATS (-9.5 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.
NEW JERSEY is 162-122 ATS (+27.8 Units) vs. division opponents since 1996.
NEW JERSEY is 14-3 ATS (+10.7 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record - 2nd half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 52-32 ATS (+16.8 Units) in road games after 3 or more consecutive losses since 1996.
NEW JERSEY is 15-30 ATS (-18.0 Units) in all games this season.
NEW JERSEY is 15-26 ATS (-13.6 Units) as an underdog this season.
NEW JERSEY is 29-50 ATS (-26.0 Units) as a home underdog of 3.5 to 6 points since 1996.
NEW JERSEY is 2-12 ATS (-11.2 Units) revenging a home loss vs opponent this season.
NEW JERSEY is 13-25 ATS (-14.5 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent this season.
NEW JERSEY is 3-11 ATS (-9.1 Units) after scoring 85 points or less this season.
NEW JERSEY is 6-15 ATS (-10.5 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
NEW JERSEY is 8-2 against the spread versus PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
NEW JERSEY is 6-4 straight up against PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
7 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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INDIANA (16 - 31) at TORONTO (25 - 22) - 1/31/2010, 6:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
INDIANA is 12-21 ATS (-11.1 Units) as an underdog this season.
TORONTO is 60-39 ATS (+17.1 Units) in home games in January games since 1996.

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

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ORLANDO (31 - 16) at DETROIT (15 - 30) - 1/31/2010, 6:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ORLANDO is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) against Central division opponents this season.
ORLANDO is 84-66 ATS (+11.4 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 73-49 ATS (+19.1 Units) in road games over the last 3 seasons.
ORLANDO is 65-46 ATS (+14.4 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
DETROIT is 53-77 ATS (-31.7 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 24-43 ATS (-23.3 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 6-18 ATS (-13.8 Units) on Sunday games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 9-18 ATS (-10.8 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent this season.
DETROIT is 10-25 ATS (-17.5 Units) after a loss by 10 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 4-13 ATS (-10.3 Units) after 3 or more consecutive losses this season.
DETROIT is 12-23 ATS (-13.3 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 9-21 ATS (-14.1 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.

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

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NEW YORK (18 - 28) at MINNESOTA (10 - 38) - 1/31/2010, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEW YORK is 91-124 ATS (-45.4 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record - 2nd half of the season since 1996.
NEW YORK is 51-38 ATS (+9.2 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
NEW YORK is 24-7 ATS (+16.3 Units) in a road game where the total is greater than or equal to 210 over the last 2 seasons.
NEW YORK is 29-17 ATS (+10.3 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 24-40 ATS (-20.0 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 17-29 ATS (-14.9 Units) in home games revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 5-16 ATS (-12.6 Units) in home games after scoring 105 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 3-13 ATS (-11.3 Units) in home games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 10-21 ATS (-13.1 Units) in home games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 1-10 ATS (-10.0 Units) in home games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.

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

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GOLDEN STATE (13 - 32) at OKLAHOMA CITY (25 - 21) - 1/31/2010, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
GOLDEN STATE is 49-78 ATS (-36.8 Units) as a road underdog of 6.5 to 9 points since 1996.
GOLDEN STATE is 99-132 ATS (-46.2 Units) in road games after a non-conference game since 1996.
GOLDEN STATE is 12-23 ATS (-13.3 Units) in road games after scoring 105 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 28-18 ATS (+8.2 Units) in all games this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
OKLAHOMA CITY is 5-3 against the spread versus GOLDEN STATE over the last 3 seasons
OKLAHOMA CITY is 4-4 straight up against GOLDEN STATE 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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PHOENIX (27 - 21) at HOUSTON (25 - 21) - 1/31/2010, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PHOENIX is 8-21 ATS (-15.1 Units) in January games over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 25-38 ATS (-16.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 2-11 ATS (-10.1 Units) in January games this season.
HOUSTON is 66-100 ATS (-44.0 Units) in home games against Pacific division opponents since 1996.

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

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[Udog]

NHL
Long Sheet


Sunday, January 31

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TAMPA BAY (22-20-0-11, 55 pts.) at WASHINGTON (36-13-0-5, 77 pts.) - 1/31/2010, 3:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TAMPA BAY is 46-87 ATS (+153.5 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 8-24 ATS (+38.7 Units) after playing 3 consecutive home games over the last 3 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 20-3 ATS (+14.8 Units) in home games in January games over the last 3 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 19-5 ATS (+10.9 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent this season.
WASHINGTON is 41-18 ATS (+17.7 Units) after a win by 2 goals or more over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 13-3 (+9.8 Units) against the spread versus TAMPA BAY over the last 3 seasons
WASHINGTON is 13-3-0 straight up against TAMPA BAY over the last 3 seasons
9 of 14 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+3.7 Units)

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DETROIT (26-19-0-9, 61 pts.) at PITTSBURGH (33-21-0-1, 67 pts.) - 1/31/2010, 12:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 26-28 ATS (-12.8 Units) in all games this season.
DETROIT is 81-84 ATS (-51.1 Units) in January games since 1996.
PITTSBURGH is 33-12 ATS (+16.8 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5.5 over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 90-57 ATS (+19.9 Units) second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 25-10 ATS (+11.9 Units) when playing with 2 days rest over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 36-15 ATS (+19.0 Units) after allowing 4 goals or more over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 42-19 ATS (+15.6 Units) after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game over the last 3 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 32-15 ATS (+11.5 Units) after scoring 1 goal or less in their previous game over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
PITTSBURGH is 7-8 (+1.8 Units) against the spread versus DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
DETROIT is 8-7-0 straight up against PITTSBURGH over the last 3 seasons
9 of 13 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+4.8 Units)

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NY ISLANDERS (23-25-0-7, 53 pts.) at FLORIDA (23-22-0-9, 55 pts.) - 1/31/2010, 4:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NY ISLANDERS are 10-38 ATS (+74.9 Units) in a road game where where the total is 5.5 over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 39-30 ATS (+73.1 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent over the last 2 seasons.
NY ISLANDERS are 66-63 ATS (+151.9 Units) in road games after scoring 1 goal or less in their previous game since 1996.
FLORIDA is 107-123 ATS (+245.1 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5.5 since 1996.
FLORIDA is 115-117 ATS (-34.5 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record since 1996.
FLORIDA is 109-131 ATS (-52.8 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
FLORIDA is 8-3 (+4.7 Units) against the spread versus NY ISLANDERS over the last 3 seasons
FLORIDA is 8-3-0 straight up against NY ISLANDERS over the last 3 seasons
6 of 11 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+0.2 Units)

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LOS ANGELES (32-19-0-3, 67 pts.) at NEW JERSEY (35-16-0-2, 72 pts.) - 1/31/2010, 5:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
NEW JERSEY is 2-1 (+0.2 Units) against the spread versus LOS ANGELES over the last 3 seasons
NEW JERSEY is 2-1-0 straight up against LOS ANGELES over the last 3 seasons
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+0.9 Units)

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PHOENIX (32-18-0-5, 69 pts.) at DALLAS (24-19-0-11, 59 pts.) - 1/31/2010, 6:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHOENIX is 11-5 (+9.2 Units) against the spread versus DALLAS over the last 3 seasons
PHOENIX is 11-5-0 straight up against DALLAS over the last 3 seasons
8 of 15 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+0.6 Units)

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NY RANGERS (24-24-0-7, 55 pts.) at COLORADO (30-17-0-6, 66 pts.) - 1/31/2010, 8:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
COLORADO is 1-1 (+0.0 Units) against the spread versus NY RANGERS over the last 3 seasons
COLORADO is 1-1-0 straight up against NY RANGERS 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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