Friday Trends and Indexes 2/26 (NBA,NCAAB, Misc.)

[Udog]

NBA
Dunkel


San Antonio at Houston
The Spurs look to take advantage of a Houston team that is 0-6 ATS in its last 6 games as an underdog from 1 to 4 1/2 points. San Antonio is the pick (-3) according to Dunkel, which has the Spurs favored by 7 1/2. Dunkel Pick: San Antonio (-3). Here are all of today's picks.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26

Game 801-802: Cleveland at Toronto
Dunkel Ratings: Cleveland 124.342; Toronto 115.803
Dunkel Line & Total: Cleveland by 8 1/2; 200
Vegas Line & Total: Cleveland by 5 1/2; 202 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Cleveland (-5 1/2); Under

Game 803-804: New York at Washington
Dunkel Ratings: New York 110.954; Washington 110.256
Dunkel Line & Total: New York by 1; 200
Vegas Line & Total: Washington by 2; 205
Dunkel Pick: New York (+2); Under

Game 805-806: Orlando at New Orleans
Dunkel Ratings: Orlando 124.625; New Orleans 115.080
Dunkel Line & Total: Orlando by 9 1/2; 199
Vegas Line & Total: Orlando by 4 1/2; 201
Dunkel Pick: Orlando (-4 1/2); Under

Game 807-808: Minnesota at Oklahoma City
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota 113.520; Oklahoma City 120.963
Dunkel Line & Total: Oklahoma City by 7 1/2; 208
Vegas Line & Total: Oklahoma City by 9 1/2; 202
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (+9 1/2); Over

Game 809-810: Dallas at Atlanta
Dunkel Ratings: Dallas 121.531; Atlanta 120.538
Dunkel Line & Total: Dallas by 1; 197
Vegas Line & Total: Atlanta by 3; 195
Dunkel Pick: Dallas (+3); Over

Game 811-812: Portland at Chicago
Dunkel Ratings: Portland 115.656; Chicago 125.114
Dunkel Line & Total: Chicago by 9 1/2; 196
Vegas Line & Total: Chicago by 3 1/2; 193
Dunkel Pick: Chicago (-3 1/2); Over

Game 813-814: Charlotte at Memphis
Dunkel Ratings: Charlotte 112.841; Memphis 118.852
Dunkel Line & Total: Memphis by 8 1/2; 188
Vegas Line & Total: Memphis by 3; 194
Dunkel Pick: Memphis (-3); Under

Game 815-816: San Antonio at Houston
Dunkel Ratings: San Antonio 122.520; Houston 114.852
Dunkel Line & Total: San Antonio by 7 1/2; 191
Vegas Line & Total: San Antonio by 3; 196
Dunkel Pick: San Antonio (-3); Under

Game 817-818: Detroit at Denver
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit 115.202; Denver 122.570
Dunkel Line & Total: Denver by 7 1/2; 198
Vegas Line & Total: Denver by 10; 201
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (+10); Under

Game 819-820: Utah at Sacramento
Dunkel Ratings: Utah 121.477; Sacramento 117.259
Dunkel Line & Total: Utah by 4; 197
Vegas Line & Total: Utah by 7 1/2; 201 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Sacramento (+7 1/2); Under

Game 821-822: LA Clippers at Phoenix
Dunkel Ratings: LA Clippers 111.166; Phoenix 118.554
Dunkel Line & Total: Phoenix by 7 1/2; 212
Vegas Line & Total: Phoenix by 9 1/2; 209
Dunkel Pick: LA Clippers (+9 1/2); Over

Game 823-824: Philadelphia at LA Lakers
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia 118.177; LA Lakers 126.132
Dunkel Line & Total: LA Lakers by 8; 199
Vegas Line & Total: LA Lakers by 11; 197 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (+11); Over

[Udog]

NCAAB
Dunkel


Iona at Fairfield
The Gaels look to take advantage of a Fairfield team that is 1-8 ATS in its last 9 games as a home favorite. Iona is the pick (+3) according to Dunkel, which has the Gaels favored by 2. Dunkel Pick: Iona (+3). Here are all of today's games.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26

Game 825-826: Yale at Dartmouth
Dunkel Ratings: Yale 48.042; Dartmouth 41.727
Dunkel Line: Yale by 6 1/2
Vegas Line: Yale by 3 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Yale (-3 1/2)

Game 827-828: Princeton at Cornell
Dunkel Ratings: Princeton 56.841; Cornell 63.847
Dunkel Line: Cornell by 7
Vegas Line: Cornell by 11
Dunkel Pick: Princeton (+11)

Game 829-830: Pennsylvania at Columbia
Dunkel Ratings: Pennsylvania 43.159; Columbia 48.058
Dunkel Line: Columbia by 5
Vegas Line: Columbia by 3 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Columbia (-3 1/2)

Game 831-832: Brown at Harvard
Dunkel Ratings: Brown 47.753; Harvard 59.454
Dunkel Line: Harvard by 11 1/2
Vegas Line: Harvard by 15 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Brown (+15 1/2)

Game 833-834: Butler at Valparaiso
Dunkel Ratings: Butler 68.116; Valparaiso 56.113
Dunkel Line: Butler by 12
Vegas Line: Butler by 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Butler (-8 1/2)

Game 835-836: Siena at Rider
Dunkel Ratings: Siena 63.378; Rider 55.109
Dunkel Line: Siena by 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Siena by 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Siena (-6 1/2)

Game 837-838: Canisius at Loyola-MD
Dunkel Ratings: Canisius 49.485; Loyola-MD 55.614
Dunkel Line: Loyola-MD by 6
Vegas Line: Loyola-MD by 4
Dunkel Pick: Loyola-MD (-4)

Game 839-840: Iona at Fairfield
Dunkel Ratings: Iona 57.329; Fairfield 55.139
Dunkel Line: Iona by 2
Vegas Line: Fairfield by 3
Dunkel Pick: Iona (+3)

Game 841-842: Niagara at Manhattan
Dunkel Ratings: Niagara 56.983; Manhattan 49.416
Dunkel Line: Niagara by 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Niagara by 3
Dunkel Pick: Niagara (-3)

Game 843-844: St. Peter's at Marist
Dunkel Ratings: St. Peter's 52.009; Marist 44.972
Dunkel Line: St. Peter's by 7
Vegas Line: St. Peter's by 9
Dunkel Pick: Marist (+9)

Game 845-846: Idaho State at Portland State
Dunkel Ratings: Idaho State 43.451; Portland State 54.772
Dunkel Line: Portland State by 11 1/2
Vegas Line: Portland State by 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Portland State (-8 1/2)

Game 847-848: Northern Arizona at Sacramento State
Dunkel Ratings: Northern Arizona 49.209; Sacramento State 43.056
Dunkel Line: Northern Arizona by 6
Vegas Line: Northern Arizona by 2
Dunkel Pick: Northern Arizona (-2)

Game 849-850: Weber State at Eastern Washington
Dunkel Ratings: Weber State 55.400; Eastern Washington 51.980
Dunkel Line: Weber State by 3 1/2
Vegas Line: Weber State by 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Eastern Washington (+5 1/2)

[Udog]

NBA


Friday, February 26

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Tips and Trends
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Dallas Mavericks at Atlanta Hawks [ESPN | 7:00 PM ET]

Mavericks: Dallas is playing really good defense since their trade that netted them 3 players. F Caron Butler, C Brendan Haywood, and G DeShawn Stevenson have helped changed the Mavericks identity heading to the playoffs. Since the All Star break, Dallas has held all 6 opponents to fewer than 100 PTS. Stevenson in particular has played consistently solid defense, as he limited Kobe Bryant to only 20 PTS in their last game. That type of defensive effort is why Stevenson is now starting for the Mavericks. Dallas is 37-21 SU this season, as they lead the Soutwest Division. If the playoffs started today, the Mavericks would be the #3 seed in the Western Conference. Dallas is 18-12 SU and 17-13 ATS on the road this season. The Mavericks are 8-8 ATS as the listed underdog this season. Dallas lost to the Hawks earlier this season at home, so revenge is front and center on the minds of the Mavericks. Unfortunately for Dallas fans, the Mavericks are only 2-5 ATS revenging a home loss this season.

Mavs are 2-8 ATS last 10 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
Under is 4-0 last 4 vs. a team with a winning SU record.

Key Injuries - F Caron Butler (illness) is probable.
C Erick Dampier (finger) is out.

PROJECTED SCORE: 92

Hawks (-3.5, O/U 195.5): Atlanta is 6-4 SU in the month of February, consistently winning games as the playoffs draw near. The Hawks are 36-20 SU this season, placing them 4th in the Eastern Conference playoff chase. Atlanta has fared very well at home against the Western Conference, as they are 10-1 SU. For the entire season, the Hawks are 18-8 SU against the Western Conference. Atlanta is 22-6 SU and 18-10 ATS at home this season. Atlanta is also a very profitable 26-16 ATS as the listed favorite this season. The Hawks are 5-3 ATS as a home favorite of 3.5 to 6 PTS this year. Unfortunately, the Hawks are only 4-6 ATS since the start of February. G Joe Johnson leads the Hawks in scoring with 21.7 PPG this season. In fact, all 5 starters for the Hawks average double digits in PTS this season.

Hawks are 13-5 ATS last 18 games following an ATS loss.
Under is 4-0 last 4 vs. a team with a winning S.U. record.

Key Injuries - G Jamal Crawford (shoulder) is probable.

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



Orlando Magic at New Orleans Hornets [ESPN | 9:30 PM ET]

Magic (-5, O/U 201): Orlando continues to prove they are easily one of the very best teams in the NBA. The Magic are 6-2 SU over their past 8 games, and are 39-19 SU for the entire season. The Magic are 2nd in the Eastern Conference playoff chase currently, as they are attempting to catch Cleveland. C Dwight Howard has been a manchild for most of this season, and currently has 19 consecutive double doubles. Howard had 30 PTS and 16 rebounds against the Rockets in his last game to extend his streak to 19 games. Howard was a perfect 11 for 11 from the field in that game. Orlando is 17-13 SU and 14-13-3 ATS in road games this season. The Magic are also 24-24 ATS as the listed favorite this season. Orlando is 6-4 ATS as a road favorite of 3.5 to 6 PTS this season. Besides Howard, G Vince Carter and F Rashard Lewis each average double digits in PTS this season for the Magic. Lewis is averaging nearly 15 PPG this season, and is shooting nearly 40% from the 3 point line this season.

Magic are 4-1 ATS last 5 games as a road favorite.
Under is 4-0 last 4 games as a road favorite.

Key Injuries - None.

PROJECTED SCORE: 100

Hornets: New Orleans is trying to stay competitive without their star G Chris Paul. The Hornets are 4-4 SU over their past 8 games, hovering around .500 all season long. Currently, New Orleans is 30-28 SU this season, and are 9th in the Western Conference playoff chase. The Hornets are just returning home from a 2 game road trip that saw them lose both games SU by double digits. The Hornets allowed an average of 110 PPG over those 2 games. Speaking of lack of defense, these two teams squared off earlier this month and the Magic scored 123 PTS in route to a victory. The Hornets allowed Vince Carter to score 48 PTS in that game. The Hornets are 19-9 SU and 13-15 ATS in home games this season. New Orleans is a very profitable 20-13 ATS as the listed underdog this season. PG Darren Collison has played well in Paul's absence. Collison has averaged 23.5 PPG and nearly 9 APG over his past 8 games. The Hornets have scored at least 95 PTS in 6 of their past 8 games.

Hornets are 11-2 ATS last 13 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
Over is 6-0 last 6 games following an ATS loss.

Key Injuries - F Morris Peterson (hamstring) is questionable.
G Chris Paul (knee) is out.

PROJECTED SCORE: 101 (SIDE of the Day)


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[Udog]

Len's Top 5

TGIF everyone, here's my Top 5 for February 26, 2010 from Len Berman.

1. Quick Hits

Canada beat the U.S. for the gold in women's hockey 2-0. After the game, the Canadian women returned to the ice drinking champagne and beer and smoking cigars. Some Olympic poobahs went "tsk tsk."
The men's hockey semis are today. We could be heading for a U.S. Canada showdown on Sunday.
The country of South Korea can now exhale. Kim Yu-na won the gold in women's figs. The U.S. got shutout of a medal for the first time since 1952.

2. The Rites of Spring

Alex Rodriguez held a boring news conference yesterday in Tampa. What a difference a year makes. Last year he took the walk of shame with steroids. In fact Yankee spring trainings have been replete with controversy. A-Rod stating that he and Derek Jeter weren't the best of friends. Jason Giambi somehow claiming he wasn't juicing. Andy Pettitte fessing up to HGH. This year? Boring as hell. That's what winning does. Kind of takes away all the fun for reporters, doesn't it?

3. The Value of Teamwork

When the Knicks gathered the other night to celebrate the 40th anniversary of their first NBA championship, it again made you wonder why the older players seemed much more fundamentally sound? Top 5 subscriber Stuart L. sent along what Willis Reed once told him. Willis said in his day there were no entourages, and no private rooms in hotels. Players didn't hang around with their posses, and didn't hide in their rooms. Older players roomed with younger ones. Players hung with each other. You had to develop a sense of "team."
Good stuff. And it probably explains a lot....once you get past all the money

4. Friday eMailbag

Subscriber L.N. is a conspiracy theorist. He writes, "Maybe Tiger is not playing golf because he is 'suspended.' Many think Michael Jordan was suspended for gambling when he retired and played baseball."
Editor's Note: Sounds like a long shot.

As for new Olympic sports, R.F. thinks Snow Angel making might be good. "It'll be as popular as synchronized swimming."
And R. B. believes ice fishing might be a good Winter Olympics sport. "I can hear the announcers now. It was no 'fluke' that he won the Gold Medal."

As for pole dancing being suggested as an Olympic sport, one reader commented at ThatsSports.com "Costumes for Olympic Pole Dancing could come from whoever is designing the men's ice skating outfits!"
Editor's Note: This is a sports site, not Project Runway.

And E.G. wonders, "would the price of tickets include a two-drink minimum?"

And when I joked that a bar mitzvah scheduled for Yankee Stadium had been moved to accommodate a boxing match, but the bris remained intact, R.K. wrote "gives to meaning in boxing to cut man." And A.T. emailed, "that boxing bris comment hit below the belt."
Editor's Note: You just can't beat good crotch humor.

5. Heads Up

And we close out the week with the best line. It comes from Dwight Perry of the Seattle Times. The Milwaukee Brewers announced that they'll unveil a statue of Bud Selig at their ballpark August 24th. Perry wrote, "Pigeons and catchers report Aug. 23."

Have a great weekend everyone!

Happy Birthday: Former NFL running back and Super Bowl champ Marshall Faulk. 37.
Bonus Birthday: "To the moon Alice!" The Great One, Jackie Gleason was born on this date 1916.

Today in Sports: Say it ain't so. The Yankees release the Babe. 1935.
Bonus Event: Let the beeping begin. New York City installs traffic lights. 1930.

[Udog]

Sorry, guys!

Worked until 4:00 this morning and have had computer problems all morning. I think we're straightened out. Here we go.

[Udog]

NBA
Long Sheet


Saturday, February 27

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NEW JERSEY (5 - 52) at BOSTON (36 - 20) - 2/27/2010, 1:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEW JERSEY is 21-35 ATS (-17.5 Units) in all games this season.
NEW JERSEY is 21-31 ATS (-13.1 Units) as an underdog this season.
NEW JERSEY is 31-49 ATS (-22.9 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 3 seasons.
NEW JERSEY is 18-29 ATS (-13.9 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent this season.
NEW JERSEY is 40-63 ATS (-29.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
BOSTON is 28-14 ATS (+12.6 Units) vs. division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
NEW JERSEY is 165-123 ATS (+29.7 Units) vs. division opponents since 1996.
BOSTON is 21-34 ATS (-16.4 Units) in all games this season.
BOSTON is 14-29 ATS (-17.9 Units) as a favorite this season.
BOSTON is 6-19 ATS (-14.9 Units) in home games this season.
BOSTON is 0-9 ATS (-9.9 Units) in home games in February games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 5-19 ATS (-15.9 Units) in home games second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 58-86 ATS (-36.6 Units) after 3 or more consecutive overs since 1996.
BOSTON is 63-95 ATS (-41.5 Units) in home games after allowing 105 points or more since 1996.
BOSTON is 8-18 ATS (-11.8 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
BOSTON is 8-20 ATS (-14.0 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 7-4 against the spread versus NEW JERSEY over the last 3 seasons
BOSTON is 11-0 straight up against NEW JERSEY over the last 3 seasons
6 of 11 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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MILWAUKEE (29 - 28) at MIAMI (29 - 29) - 2/27/2010, 3:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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CHICAGO (31 - 27) at INDIANA (19 - 39) - 2/27/2010, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
INDIANA is 279-228 ATS (+28.2 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent since 1996.
CHICAGO is 18-8 ATS (+9.2 Units) vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO is 21-10 ATS (+10.0 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO is 7-4 against the spread versus INDIANA over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO is 7-4 straight up against INDIANA 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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MEMPHIS (29 - 29) at NEW YORK (20 - 37) - 2/27/2010, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEW YORK is 55-40 ATS (+11.0 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
MEMPHIS is 57-36 ATS (+17.4 Units) against Atlantic division opponents since 1996.
NEW YORK is 9-21 ATS (-14.1 Units) in a home game where the total is greater than or equal to 210 over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
NEW YORK is 2-2 against the spread versus MEMPHIS over the last 3 seasons
NEW YORK is 2-2 straight up against MEMPHIS 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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PORTLAND (34 - 27) at MINNESOTA (14 - 46) - 2/27/2010, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PORTLAND is 81-66 ATS (+8.4 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
PORTLAND is 53-39 ATS (+10.1 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
PORTLAND is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) when playing on back-to-back days this season.
PORTLAND is 27-15 ATS (+10.5 Units) after scoring 105 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
PORTLAND is 37-25 ATS (+9.5 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
PORTLAND is 17-7 ATS (+9.3 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
PORTLAND is 41-27 ATS (+11.3 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
PORTLAND is 24-11 ATS (+11.9 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 28-41 ATS (-17.1 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 10-26 ATS (-18.6 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
PORTLAND is 9-2 against the spread versus MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
PORTLAND is 11-0 straight up against MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
6 of 11 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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HOUSTON (29 - 28) at UTAH (37 - 21) - 2/27/2010, 9:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
UTAH is 35-20 ATS (+13.0 Units) in all games this season.
UTAH is 23-14 ATS (+7.6 Units) as a favorite this season.
UTAH is 19-10 ATS (+8.0 Units) in home games this season.
UTAH is 17-5 ATS (+11.5 Units) in February games over the last 2 seasons.
UTAH is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) against Southwest division opponents this season.
UTAH is 15-5 ATS (+9.5 Units) in home games off a upset loss as a favorite over the last 3 seasons.
UTAH is 19-9 ATS (+9.1 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
UTAH is 19-10 ATS (+8.0 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.
HOUSTON is 19-7 ATS (+11.3 Units) as a road underdog of 9.5 to 12 points since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
UTAH is 7-7 against the spread versus HOUSTON over the last 3 seasons
UTAH is 9-6 straight up against HOUSTON over the last 3 seasons
8 of 15 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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DETROIT (21 - 37) at GOLDEN STATE (16 - 41) - 2/27/2010, 10:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 59-82 ATS (-31.2 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 27-40 ATS (-17.0 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 14-6 ATS (+7.4 Units) after a loss by 10 points or more this season.
GOLDEN STATE is 35-52 ATS (-22.2 Units) as a favorite over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 5-0 against the spread versus GOLDEN STATE over the last 3 seasons
DETROIT is 5-0 straight up against GOLDEN STATE 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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