Saturday Trends and Indexes 3/27 (NBA, NCAAB, NHL, Misc.)

[Udog]

Trends and Indexes

Saturday, March 27

Good Luck on day #86 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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[Udog]

Daily Sports Roundup: March 27

Today in the Daily Sports Roundup: The Rockets play host to the Lakers, while the Elite Eight offers up Butler vs. Kansas State, and West Virginia vs. Kentucky.

Tipping off on the hardwood . . .

The NBA has just five games on tap for Saturday, with Utah at Washington, Portland at New Orleans, New Jersey at Chicago, Dallas at Golden State, and the Lakers at Houston. The Rockets will be trying to shake off a three-game losing streak when they take to the hardwood against Los Angeles on Saturday; Houston fell 99-93 to the Clippers in their last game on Thursday night. The Rockets are just 1-2 against the Lakers so far this season, and they lost 88-79 in Los Angeles as a 7-point 'dog when the teams last met January 5. Kobe Bryant had 22 points for the Lakers that day. Carl Landry scored 19 points for Houston.

As well, the NCAA Tournament hits the Elite Eight round on Saturday, starting with No. 5 Butler vs. No. 2 Kansas State in a 4:30pm ET West Region matchup. Butler knocked off top-seeded Syracuse 63-59 in the Sweet 16 on Thursday night, while Kansas State is coming off a 101-96 double-OT win over Xavier. Oddsmakers have Kansas State as the 4.5-point favorite, with the total at 137.5. The second game then has No. 2 West Virginia taking on No. 1 Kentucky to decide the East Region. West Virginia beat Washington 69-56 on Thursday, while Kentucky cruised past Cornell in a 62-45 victory. The Wildcats are pegged as the 4-point favorites by the oddsmakers in that one, with the total set at 133.5.

Taking a trip around the rink . . .

Finally, there are a dozen games on the busy National Hockey League schedule for Saturday, including a matinee matchup between the Flyers and Penguins in Philadelphia. The 37-31-6 Flyers are riding a four-game losing streak heading into Saturday's contest, and they were beaten 4-3 by the Wild in overtime in their last game on Thursday. The 42-25-7 Penguins have lost three straight games, as the Capitals beat them 4-3 in a shootout on Wednesday. Pittsburgh, though, has had Philadelphia's number this season, as they're 4-1 in five games vs. their rival.

Also on the ice on Saturday: Calgary at Boston, Atlanta at Carolina, the Rangers at Toronto, the Islanders at Columbus, Tampa Bay at Buffalo, Florida at Ottawa, New Jersey at Montreal, Detroit at Nashville, Colorado at Phoenix, Dallas at Los Angeles, and Vancouver at San Jose. The 45-25-4 Canucks got past the Ducks 4-1 in their last game on Wednesday night, with backup goalie Andrew Raycroft stopping 30 of 31 Anaheim shots. The 45-19-10 Sharks blanked the Stars 3-0 in their last game on Thursday, with Evgeni Nabokov stopping 27 shots in that win.

[Udog]

Bettor's best friend: Saturday's wagering tips

Lines off the board

Los Angeles Lakers at Houston Rockets – Kevin Martin (shoulder) missed the team’s last game and is questionable.

Lines to keep an eye on

The Blazers-Hornets total opened at 194.5 and has been bet down to 193.5 at most shops. Portland has played to three straight unders and 7-of-10 games in this series have gone under the posted total.

The opening total of 232.5 in the Mavs-Warriors game got hammered upward after opening. It now sits at 234.5 at most shops. Golden State has played to the over in eight of its last 10 games.

Carolina opened as a -150 favorite over Atlanta but now that moneyline can be found as low as -135. The Canes have won two straight over the Thrashers.

Weather report

Rain wiped out qualifying Friday for NASCAR's Sprint Cup race at Martinsville Speedway in Virginia, according to NASCAR.com.

With the field determined by the series point standings, Kevin Harvick was awarded the pole position for Sunday's race. He'll be joined up front by Matt Kenseth. Four-time defending Sprint Cup champion Jimmie Johnson will be on the second row with Greg Biffle.

Tony Stewart and Kurt Busch will be on the third row while Jeff Burton and Dale Earnhardt Jr. comprise row four.

Who’s hot

The Wizards have played to six straight unders and the under is 25-7 in their last 32 games.

Utah has covered in three straight and is 5-1 SU and ATS in its last five games.

Butler has won 23 consecutive games.

Who’s not

New Orleans is 3-7 SU and ATS in its last 10 games.

The Flyers have dropped four straight, losing 5.8 units on the moneyline.

West Virginia has played to seven consecutive unders.

Key stat

9.96 – Player efficiency rating of Indiana’s guard Brandon Rush. According to John Hollinger, this is the lowest PER for any player in league history that leads his team in minutes played. The only other players to have a single-digit rating and play the most minutes on a team were Bruce Bowen and Jason Collins.

Injury that shouldn’t be overlooked

Kevin Martin did not play in Houston’s loss to the Clippers on Thursday due to a sore left shoulder. Martin’s status for Saturday is unclear. With Martin out of the lineup, Houston went 6-for-20 from the field in the fourth quarter during the home loss. Chase Budinger started in place of Martin at the two-guard and scored 14 points.

Games of the Day

New York Rangers at Toronto Maple Leafs (-115, 5.5)

Vancouver Canucks at San Jose Sharks (-145, 5.5)

Notable quotable

"I got real good at it and used to steal about four a day. You have to move slow in the store, otherwise they know you're stealing. It prepared me for the league."

-- Lakers forward Ron Artest said about stealing Little Debbie cakes from a convenient store when he was a kid which in turn helped him become an elite stealer in the NBA. Artest is averaging 2.6 steals a night over his last 11 games.

Tips and notes

- Jason Terry returned to the Mavericks five games ago and the team has gone 2-3 SU and 1-4 ATS. Terry said this week the team’s “rhythm may have been thrown off a slight bit by me coming back.” Dallas has the fortunate problem of too many star players and finding the right chemistry with all getting action could be a problem.

- Kansas State could be affected by fatigue in Saturday’s game with Butler. The Wildcats were taken to double overtime against Xavier and three starters played 40 minutes or more – Denis Clemente played all 48. K-State’s rotation goes nine deep but coach Frank Martin still gave the team a light practice on Friday and said he will have to prepare his players in “their minds.”

- Phil Mickelson shot a 58 in a practice round on Monday at a course he said had similar greens to Bay Hill – the course where the Arnold Palmer Invitational is being held. Mickelson shot a 67 Friday in the tournament, using just 23 putts (six below his 2010 average) to climb within one stroke of the lead. Lefty said it was his best putting performance of the year and has a ton of confidence heading into the weekend. Mickelson is getting +345 odds to win the event.

[Udog]

NBA
Long Sheet


Saturday, March 27

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UTAH (47 - 25) at WASHINGTON (21 - 49) - 3/27/2010, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
UTAH is 45-24 ATS (+18.6 Units) in all games this season.
UTAH is 32-15 ATS (+15.5 Units) as a favorite this season.
UTAH is 18-7 ATS (+10.3 Units) second half of the season this season.
UTAH is 19-7 ATS (+11.3 Units) in non-conference games this season.
UTAH is 19-10 ATS (+8.0 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
UTAH is 19-9 ATS (+9.1 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
UTAH is 22-12 ATS (+8.8 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.
UTAH is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season this season.
WASHINGTON is 30-39 ATS (-12.9 Units) in all games this season.
WASHINGTON is 13-22 ATS (-11.2 Units) in home games this season.
WASHINGTON is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) in a home game where where the total is between 195 and 199.5 points this season.
WASHINGTON is 9-19 ATS (-11.9 Units) on Saturday games over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 19-29 ATS (-12.9 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent this season.
WASHINGTON is 112-150 ATS (-53.0 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
UTAH is 3-2 against the spread versus WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
UTAH is 4-1 straight up against WASHINGTON 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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PORTLAND (43 - 29) at NEW ORLEANS (34 - 39) - 3/27/2010, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEW ORLEANS is 29-14 ATS (+13.6 Units) in home games on Saturday games since 1996.
NEW ORLEANS is 51-33 ATS (+14.7 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 3 seasons.
PORTLAND is 39-31 ATS (+4.9 Units) in all games this season.
PORTLAND is 59-42 ATS (+12.8 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
PORTLAND is 21-12 ATS (+7.8 Units) in road games this season.
PORTLAND is 47-31 ATS (+12.9 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
PORTLAND is 30-15 ATS (+13.5 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 69-90 ATS (-30.0 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 26-43 ATS (-21.3 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 12-26 ATS (-16.6 Units) against Northwest division opponents over the last 2 seasons.

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

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NEW JERSEY (8 - 63) at CHICAGO (33 - 38) - 3/27/2010, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEW JERSEY is 29-41 ATS (-16.1 Units) in all games this season.
CHICAGO is 13-5 ATS (+7.5 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season this season.
NEW JERSEY is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) as a road underdog of 9.5 to 12 points this season.
NEW JERSEY is 10-1 ATS (+8.9 Units) in road games second half of the season this season.
CHICAGO is 20-35 ATS (-18.5 Units) against Atlantic division opponents over the last 3 seasons.

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

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LA LAKERS (53 - 18) at HOUSTON (36 - 35) - 3/27/2010, 8:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA LAKERS is 11-6 against the spread versus HOUSTON over the last 3 seasons
LA LAKERS is 11-6 straight up against HOUSTON over the last 3 seasons
11 of 16 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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DALLAS (47 - 25) at GOLDEN STATE (20 - 51) - 3/27/2010, 10:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DALLAS is 29-42 ATS (-17.2 Units) in all games this season.
DALLAS is 18-33 ATS (-18.3 Units) as a favorite this season.
DALLAS is 10-20 ATS (-12.0 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
DALLAS is 15-27 ATS (-14.7 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.
GOLDEN STATE is 41-29 ATS (+9.1 Units) in all games this season.
GOLDEN STATE is 38-27 ATS (+8.3 Units) when the total is greater than or equal to 210 this season.
GOLDEN STATE is 32-22 ATS (+7.8 Units) as an underdog this season.
GOLDEN STATE is 23-14 ATS (+7.6 Units) in home games this season.
GOLDEN STATE is 43-26 ATS (+14.4 Units) in a home game where the total is greater than or equal to 210 over the last 2 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 56-42 ATS (+9.8 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 29-20 ATS (+7.0 Units) after allowing 105 points or more this season.
GOLDEN STATE is 25-16 ATS (+7.4 Units) after scoring 105 points or more this season.
GOLDEN STATE is 24-15 ATS (+7.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
GOLDEN STATE is 21-12 ATS (+7.8 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.
GOLDEN STATE is 25-14 ATS (+9.6 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
GOLDEN STATE is 5-5 against the spread versus DALLAS over the last 3 seasons
DALLAS is 7-3 straight up against GOLDEN STATE 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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[Udog]

NBA


Saturday, March 27

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Pick 'n' Roll: Today's best NBA bets
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New Jersey Nets at Chicago Bulls (-9.5, 194.5)

Joakim Noah hasn’t played more than 12 minutes since returning to action three games ago.

Chicago coach Vinny Del Negro is being careful with his big man and knows he must return to playing shape after missing the last month and a half.

"I'm just trying to do the best I can to control my conditioning because I'm feeling a little bit tired out there," Noah said after a home win over Houston where he played 11 minutes.

Noah was expected to get at least 15 minutes on Thursday versus Miami but only received 10 minutes of play.

Del Negro will have to start stretching the minutes of Noah if the Bulls are going to make a run for the postseason. Expect him to get at least 20 in this matchup and offset the production of Nets big man Brook Lopez.

The Nets haven’t won too many games this season and only one of those wins came in the second leg of a back-to-back (7-8 ATS). Chicago will look to avenge a home loss to the lowly Nets that came in December of this season.

Pick: Bulls


Dallas Mavericks at Golden State Warriors (+4, 234.5)

The Mavericks have a slew of star players but most of them only exert effort at the offensive end of the court.

Over the last 10 games, Dallas has a negative scoring margin. The Mavs are posting 106.8 ppg but are giving up 107.1 ppg. The lack of defense from Dallas recently has produced 10 overs in the team’s last 14 games.

Don Nelson’s no-defense strategy has nearly earned him the honor of the most winningest coach in the history of the NBA. But it has also lost him a lot of jobs and produced a lot of overs.

The Warriors put up 78 in the first half in a rout of Memphis on Wednesday. Golden State hasn’t played in a game where either team scored less than triple digits since March 6.

G-State is averaging 121.6 points over their last nine games and has played to the over in 8-of-10.

Sharps have already bet this total up two points since its opener of 232.5. Follow the steam and grab the over before it gets higher.

Pick: Over


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[Udog]

NCAAB
Long Sheet


Saturday, March 27

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W VIRGINIA (30 - 6) vs. KENTUCKY (35 - 2) - 3/27/2010, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
KENTUCKY is 80-54 ATS (+20.6 Units) when the total is 130 to 139.5 since 1997.
W VIRGINIA is 81-55 ATS (+20.5 Units) in non-conference games since 1997.
W VIRGINIA is 15-2 ATS (+12.8 Units) in a NCAA tournament games since 1997.

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

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BUTLER (31 - 4) vs. KANSAS ST (29 - 7) - 3/27/2010, 4:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BUTLER is 5-12 ATS (-8.2 Units) when the total is 130 to 139.5 this season.
KANSAS ST is 21-9 ATS (+11.1 Units) in all games this season.
KANSAS ST is 21-9 ATS (+11.1 Units) in all lined games this season.
KANSAS ST is 18-6 ATS (+11.4 Units) as a favorite this season.
KANSAS ST is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) in non-conference games this season.
KANSAS ST is 12-4 ATS (+7.6 Units) after scoring 80 points or more this season.
KANSAS ST is 17-6 ATS (+10.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
KANSAS ST is 12-5 ATS (+6.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games this season.
BUTLER is 88-57 ATS (+25.3 Units) in non-conference games since 1997.
BUTLER is 118-86 ATS (+23.4 Units) after allowing 60 points or less since 1997.

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

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[Udog]

NCAAB
Short Sheet


Saturday, 3/27/2010

NCAA East Regional Final - Carrier Dome, Syracuse N.Y.
W VIRGINIA vs. KENTUCKY, 7:05 PM ET
W VIRGINIA: 21-4 ATS in postseason tournament games
KENTUCKY: 0-7 ATS after allowing 50 points or less

NCAA West Regional Final - Energy Solutions Arena - Salt Lake City, UT
BUTLER vs. KANSAS ST, 4:30 PM ET
BUTLER: 3-11 ATS off ATS win
KANSAS ST: 12-1 ATS off an Over

** (TC) Denotes Time Change

[Udog]

NCAAB


Saturday, March 27

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Trend Report
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4:30 PM
BUTLER vs. KANSAS STATE
Butler is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Kansas State is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games

7:00 PM
WEST VIRGINIA vs. KENTUCKY
West Virginia is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Kentucky is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games


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[Udog]

NCAAB


Saturday, March 27

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West regional Elite Eight game analysis and pick
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Butler Bulldogs vs. Kansas State Wildcats (-4, 135), 4:30 p.m.

Even when trailing Syrcause, 54-50, with just over three minutes left in the game, Butler did not divert from its gameplan.

That gameplan – a suffocating man-to-man defense and methodical offense – has been effective in the Bulldogs first three games of the NCAA tournament

"We're not going to say we have the best athletes in the country, but we've got a system and we have to be crisp to execute it," forward Matt Howard said. "We're not going to beat you one-one-one. We play for each other.”

Butler only allowed three opponents this season to score more than 70 points and all three opponents the Bulldogs have faced in the tournament haven’t eclipse the 60-point barrier. Those were prolific offensive teams that averaged 80.9 (Syracuse), 76.5 (Murray State) and 75.3 (UTEP) points per game during the regular season.

With Butler grinding down the shot clock, patiently waiting for the optimal pass or shot, it’s no coincidence the team has played to the under in two straight and nine of its last 11. In those last 11 games, only one team was able to crack 60 points.

Kansas State is a physical team that likes to create turnovers and push the ball in transition off of those miscues. But the Wildcats are in jeopardy of having tired legs after playing a double overtime game against Xavier and having less than 48 hours to prepare for this Elite Eight matchup.

Point guard Denis Clemente played all 48 minutes of K-State’s Sweet 16 game while Jacob Pullen and Curtis Kelly both logged at least 40 minutes. Frank Martin’s playing rotation does roll nine deep, but he planned on giving the team a light practice Friday afternoon.

"We can't get after these guys [on Friday]," Martin said. "We have to coach them through their minds."

Clemente and Pullen have averaged 46 points a game in this tournament but you get the feeling if both somehow have an off night, K-State is going down.

This game is sure to be played at slower pace than what the Wildcats would prefer. The total has already been bet down from an opener of 140 to as low as 135 now.

Butler will be eager to advance to Indianapolis where it would play in front of a home crowd. Expect this to be a tight one, but the battle-tested team will prevail in the end.

Prediction: Kansas State 65, Butler 63


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[Udog]

NHL
Long Sheet


Saturday, March 27

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CALGARY (37-28-0-9, 83 pts.) at BOSTON (33-28-0-12, 78 pts.) - 3/27/2010, 1:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CALGARY is 40-45 ATS (-16.6 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
CALGARY is 53-52 ATS (-26.6 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
CALGARY is 17-24 ATS (-19.4 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
CALGARY is 11-3 ATS (+7.2 Units) on Saturday games this season.
BOSTON is 33-40 ATS (-18.9 Units) in all games this season.
BOSTON is 4-9 ATS (-7.4 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5 or less this season.
BOSTON is 13-21 ATS (-20.5 Units) second half of the season this season.
BOSTON is 6-11 ATS (-11.6 Units) in home games in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CALGARY is 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against the spread versus BOSTON over the last 3 seasons
CALGARY is 1-0-0 straight up against BOSTON over the last 3 seasons
0 of 0 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+0.0 Units)

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PHILADELPHIA (37-31-0-6, 80 pts.) at PITTSBURGH (42-25-0-7, 91 pts.) - 3/27/2010, 1:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 38-37 ATS (-13.6 Units) in all games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 32-54 ATS (-24.9 Units) in road games in March games since 1996.
PHILADELPHIA is 5-11 ATS (-9.7 Units) after a non-conference game this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 5-13 ATS (-10.1 Units) revenging a home loss versus opponent this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 13-20 ATS (-15.1 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 10-20 ATS (-11.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
PITTSBURGH is 39-14 ATS (+19.9 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5.5 over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 59-21 ATS (+22.2 Units) in home games second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 27-11 ATS (+12.4 Units) when playing with 2 days rest over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 41-18 ATS (+16.0 Units) after allowing 4 goals or more over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
PITTSBURGH is 19-11 (+5.4 Units) against the spread versus PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
PITTSBURGH is 19-11-0 straight up against PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
17 of 28 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+4.0 Units)

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NY ISLANDERS (30-35-0-9, 69 pts.) at COLUMBUS (30-32-0-12, 72 pts.) - 3/27/2010, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NY ISLANDERS are 6-22 ATS (+41.2 Units) in a road game where where the total is 5.5 this season.
NY ISLANDERS are 4-23 ATS (+45.0 Units) in road games on Saturday games over the last 3 seasons.
NY ISLANDERS are 12-25 ATS (+42.2 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
NY ISLANDERS are 0-7 ATS (+9.7 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season this season.
COLUMBUS is 44-27 ATS (+74.4 Units) in home games in non-conference games since 1996.
COLUMBUS is 10-4 ATS (+5.8 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season this season.
COLUMBUS is 30-44 ATS (+79.9 Units) in all games this season.
COLUMBUS is 4-14 ATS (-10.1 Units) after a division game this season.
COLUMBUS is 36-60 ATS (+103.5 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY ISLANDERS is 2-1 (+1.1 Units) against the spread versus COLUMBUS over the last 3 seasons
NY ISLANDERS is 2-1-0 straight up against COLUMBUS over the last 3 seasons
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+1.0 Units)

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NEW JERSEY (43-25-0-5, 91 pts.) at MONTREAL (37-30-0-8, 82 pts.) - 3/27/2010, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEW JERSEY is 15-19 ATS (-13.6 Units) second half of the season this season.
NEW JERSEY is 3-10 ATS (-8.6 Units) in road games in March games over the last 2 seasons.
NEW JERSEY is 8-12 ATS (-11.7 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season this season.
MONTREAL is 9-3 ATS (+12.3 Units) after 3 or more consecutive unders this season.
NEW JERSEY is 19-8 ATS (+9.3 Units) revenging a home loss versus opponent over the last 2 seasons.
NEW JERSEY is 18-8 ATS (+7.7 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent this season.
NEW JERSEY is 28-12 ATS (+11.8 Units) after allowing 4 goals or more over the last 2 seasons.
NEW JERSEY is 20-8 ATS (+10.3 Units) after playing 3 consecutive home games over the last 3 seasons.
MONTREAL is 33-41 ATS (-19.9 Units) on Saturday games over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
NEW JERSEY is 7-4 (+2.0 Units) against the spread versus MONTREAL over the last 3 seasons
NEW JERSEY is 7-4-0 straight up against MONTREAL over the last 3 seasons
8 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+6.4 Units)

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NY RANGERS (33-32-0-9, 75 pts.) at TORONTO (27-36-0-11, 65 pts.) - 3/27/2010, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NY RANGERS are 33-41 ATS (-12.4 Units) in all games this season.
TORONTO is 27-47 ATS (-36.8 Units) in all games this season.
TORONTO is 13-22 ATS (+38.0 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
TORONTO is 5-5 (+2.0 Units) against the spread versus NY RANGERS over the last 3 seasons
TORONTO is 5-5-0 straight up against NY RANGERS over the last 3 seasons
6 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+1.6 Units)

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ATLANTA (32-30-0-12, 76 pts.) at CAROLINA (31-34-0-9, 71 pts.) - 3/27/2010, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 13-28 ATS (+44.9 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent this season.
CAROLINA is 21-13 ATS (+7.1 Units) second half of the season this season.
CAROLINA is 17-9 ATS (+7.7 Units) in March games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CAROLINA is 11-7 (+1.3 Units) against the spread versus ATLANTA over the last 3 seasons
CAROLINA is 11-7-0 straight up against ATLANTA over the last 3 seasons
13 of 18 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+7.4 Units)

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FLORIDA (30-32-0-11, 71 pts.) at OTTAWA (39-30-0-5, 83 pts.) - 3/27/2010, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OTTAWA is 57-62 ATS (-15.1 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
OTTAWA is 24-31 ATS (-22.3 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
FLORIDA is 5-5 (+1.7 Units) against the spread versus OTTAWA over the last 3 seasons
OTTAWA is 5-5-0 straight up against FLORIDA over the last 3 seasons
6 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+1.6 Units)

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TAMPA BAY (30-32-0-12, 72 pts.) at BUFFALO (40-23-0-9, 89 pts.) - 3/27/2010, 7:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
BUFFALO is 9-2 (+6.3 Units) against the spread versus TAMPA BAY over the last 3 seasons
BUFFALO is 9-2-0 straight up against TAMPA BAY over the last 3 seasons
10 of 11 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+9.2 Units)

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DETROIT (37-23-0-13, 87 pts.) at NASHVILLE (43-27-0-5, 91 pts.) - 3/27/2010, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 37-36 ATS (-12.8 Units) in all games this season.
NASHVILLE is 42-32 ATS (+4.9 Units) in all games this season.
NASHVILLE is 24-13 ATS (+37.2 Units) on Saturday games over the last 2 seasons.
NASHVILLE is 24-11 ATS (+36.1 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent this season.
NASHVILLE is 19-15 ATS (+2.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
DETROIT is 14-3 ATS (+9.6 Units) in road games in March games over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
NASHVILLE is 10-14 (+0.9 Units) against the spread versus DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
DETROIT is 14-10-0 straight up against NASHVILLE over the last 3 seasons
12 of 23 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+0.4 Units)

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COLORADO (41-25-0-7, 89 pts.) at PHOENIX (46-23-0-6, 98 pts.) - 3/27/2010, 9:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PHOENIX is 46-29 ATS (+79.2 Units) in all games this season.
PHOENIX is 21-12 ATS (+5.8 Units) second half of the season this season.
COLORADO is 41-32 ATS (+73.6 Units) in all games this season.
COLORADO is 11-4 ATS (+15.1 Units) on Saturday games this season.
COLORADO is 23-16 ATS (+6.7 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent this season.
COLORADO is 28-25 ATS (+59.1 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHOENIX is 7-4 (+3.6 Units) against the spread versus COLORADO over the last 3 seasons
PHOENIX is 7-4-0 straight up against COLORADO over the last 3 seasons
7 of 11 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+2.8 Units)

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VANCOUVER (45-25-0-4, 94 pts.) at SAN JOSE (45-19-0-10, 100 pts.) - 3/27/2010, 10:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
VANCOUVER is 149-139 ATS (+298.8 Units) in road games second half of the season since 1996.
VANCOUVER is 107-70 ATS (+24.4 Units) when playing with 2 days rest since 1996.
VANCOUVER is 110-82 ATS (+196.0 Units) in road games after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game since 1996.
VANCOUVER is 25-13 ATS (+7.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
SAN JOSE is 46-38 ATS (-36.2 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
SAN JOSE is 99-96 ATS (-69.2 Units) in home games after a division game since 1996.
SAN JOSE is 14-19 ATS (-13.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN JOSE is 8-2 (+6.1 Units) against the spread versus VANCOUVER over the last 3 seasons
SAN JOSE is 8-2-0 straight up against VANCOUVER over the last 3 seasons
6 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+1.6 Units)

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DALLAS (32-28-0-14, 78 pts.) at LOS ANGELES (42-25-0-6, 90 pts.) - 3/27/2010, 10:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DALLAS is 11-29 ATS (+40.3 Units) in March games over the last 3 seasons.
LOS ANGELES is 42-31 ATS (+80.1 Units) in all games this season.
LOS ANGELES is 14-6 ATS (+6.4 Units) vs. division opponents this season.
LOS ANGELES is 35-28 ATS (+68.6 Units) after scoring 1 goal or less in their previous game over the last 3 seasons.
LOS ANGELES is 21-8 ATS (+11.3 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
DALLAS is 34-24 ATS (+59.5 Units) revenging a home loss versus opponent over the last 3 seasons.
DALLAS is 46-39 ATS (+92.7 Units) in road games revenging a loss versus opponent since 1996.
DALLAS is 27-20 ATS (+6.5 Units) after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game over the last 2 seasons.
DALLAS is 151-95 ATS (+25.2 Units) after scoring 1 goal or less in their previous game since 1996.
DALLAS is 63-61 ATS (+135.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
LOS ANGELES is 104-125 ATS (+236.6 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5.5 since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
LOS ANGELES is 13-6 (+9.4 Units) against the spread versus DALLAS over the last 3 seasons
LOS ANGELES is 13-6-0 straight up against DALLAS over the last 3 seasons
11 of 19 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+2.0 Units)

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[Udog]

NHL


Saturday, March 27

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Ice picks: Today's best NHL bets
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Vancouver Canucks at San Jose Sharks (-145, 5.5)

Vancouver puck-stopper Robert Luongo has been brutal since the Olympic break. In 10 starts, Luongo has posted a 3.20 goals-against average and an .895 save percentage.

Luongo didn’t play in Wednesday’s game and says he is ready to go after two days of rest.

"I had two days to step back and refresh," said Luongo. "I came in this morning and felt re-energized and excited to play tomorrow night. I had a good practice so I'm ready to go."

The Sharks clinched a playoff berth with a win over Dallas on Thursday, but haven’t been the dominant team they were all season over the last two weeks.

San Jose has picked up its defensive play however. In the team’s last two wins, the Sharks have held opponents to a single goal on 46 total shots.

Three of the last four games in this series have gone under.

Pick: Under


Atlanta Thrashers at Carolina Hurricanes (-140, 6)

With injuries to forwards Todd White, Slava Kozlov, Chris Thorburn and Evander Kane, Atlanta dressed seven defensemen on Thursday versus Toronto.

Thrashers coach John Anderson decided to go all defense in the game instead of calling up a player from the farm system.

“If one of our main [defenseman] goes down we have another good [defenseman] to put out there and kill penalties,” Anderson said. “For special teams it works out pretty good. You might see a [defenseman] up at forward.”

The strategy didn’t exactly work as Atlanta fell 2-1 in overtime, but the team’s defense held its opposition to two goals after giving up four to Boston in the game prior.

The Thrashers have played to three straight unders while Carolina has played under the posted total in two straight.

Atlanta got shutout at home by the ‘Canes in a meeting earlier this month and goals should come at a premium in this game as well.

Pick: Under


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[Udog]

NHL


Saturday, March 27

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Hockey Night In Canada betting preview
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New York Rangers at Toronto Maple Leafs (-115, 5.5)

The red-hot Maple Leafs (yes, that's right) hope to slow down the Rangers' playoff push when they host New York at the Air Canada Centre Saturday.

With its own postseason aspirations long gone, Toronto has won seven of its past nine games. Five of those seven victories have come in overtime or a shootout.

The Rangers have won two in a row, including a 4-3 upset of the Devils Thursday in New Jersey. Prior to the wins over the Devils and Islanders, the Rangers had lost seven of nine.

Crunch time

New York earned a crucial two points in dramatic fashion Thursday. Chris Drury tied the game with 16.5 seconds left in regulation and the Rangers went on to defeat the Devils in a shootout.

New York is three points behind the Bruins for the eighth and final playoff spot in the East. Boston has a game in hand.

"There is no sense of feeling the pressure here," Rangers coach John Tortorella said. "You lose a couple of games with so few left, you're done. You have to just go out and play."

Monster month

Toronto rookie goalie Jonas Gustavsson is making a strong case to be the Leafs’ starter next season.

The Swede has won all six of his starts since the Olympic break, allowing only 12 goals during that stretch.

“We have a couple of wins in a row for me and for the team,” Gustavsson told the media. “It’s good for the confidence. I have to just keep working.”

The King and his crease

Don't be surprised to see Henrik Lundqvist in goal for the Rangers Saturday night. Lundqvist has started in nine straight games and 17 of New York's last 18 contests. He is also becoming increasingly valuable as a vocal leader.

"I understand that you can't be screaming every time there are breakdowns," Lundqvist told The New York Post, "but sometimes I don't think it hurts to say a few words."

Trends to consider

The Leafs are on runs of 8-0 when playing on one day’s rest, 4-0 on Saturdays and 5-1 at home. But Toronto is 5-13 in its last 18 when facing a team with a losing record.

New York is winless in its last four games when playing for the third time in four days. The Rangers are also 1-4 in their last five Saturday games.

Toronto’s gone under the total in its last six games overall and 13 of its last 16 when playing with a day’s rest. The under has gone 25-10-3 in New York’s last 38 games on the road.

Vancouver Canucks at San Jose Sharks (-145, 5.5)

The Canucks visit the Shark Tank to face San Jose in a showdown of division leaders Saturday.

Vancouver is in the driver’s seat in the Northwest Division, owning a 5-point lead on the Avalanche. San Jose is only two points ahead of the surprising Coyotes, but does have a game in hand on the Desert Dogs. The Sharks are also neck and neck with the Blackhawks for first overall in the West.

The Canucks have lost three of their last five, while San Jose is 2-5-1 in its last eight.

Roster report

The Canucks could be without sniper Pavol Demitra for Saturday’s contest. Demitra missed Vancouver’s game Wednesday against Anaheim because of personal reasons.

For the Sharks, centre Scott Nichol is questionable with an upper-body injury.

Rejuvenating Roberto

Vancouver management seems worried about the play of star goalie Roberto Luongo, who has allowed 13 goals in his last four outings.

The team brought in goaltending guru Ian Clark from Dallas this week to work with Luongo, while backup Andrew Raycroft got the start Wednesday. It’s possible Raycroft will be between the pipes again against the Sharks.

“(Luongo) played a lot of games under incredible pressure at the Olympics,” Canucks general manager Mike Gillis told the media. “Even though they embrace it and want to be in that situation, it’s still taxing emotionally and physically.”

Spring cleaning

San Jose is working on tidying up its game as the playoffs approach. The Sharks have allowed one goal in their last two contests to snap out of a six-game winless streak.

“It’s a building process, getting ready for the playoffs,” said San Jose goalie Evgeni Nabokov, who blanked the Stars 3-0 Thursday. “We can play this way, where we don’t have many turnovers and we don’t give up too many odd-man rushes, if any.”

Trends to consider

The Canucks have been Shark bait recently in San Jose, losing eight of their last 10 contests there. The home team is 6-2 in the last eight meetings between the clubs.

The under is 5-2 in the last seven games in the series and 7-3-1 in the last 11 in San Jose.


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[Udog]

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
Dunkel


Portland at New Orleans
The Blazers look to build on their 5-0 ATS record in their last 5 games as a road favorite between 1 and 4 1/2 points. Portland is the pick (-2 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Blazers favored by 6 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Portland (-2 1/2). Here are all of today's picks.

SATURDAY, MARCH 27

Game 501-502: Utah at Washington
Dunkel Ratings: Utah 122.564; Washington 115.180
Dunkel Line & Total: Utah by 7 1/2; 195
Vegas Line & Total: Utah by 9; 196
Dunkel Pick: Washington (+9); Under

Game 503-504: Portland at New Orleans
Dunkel Ratings: Portland 121.762; New Orleans 115.058
Dunkel Line & Total: Portland by 6 1/2; 195
Vegas Line & Total: Portland by 2 1/2; 193 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Portland (-2 1/2); Over

Game 505-506: New Jersey at Chicago
Dunkel Ratings: New Jersey 111.413; Chicago 116.797
Dunkel Line & Total: Chicago by 5 1/2; 191
Vegas Line & Total: Chicago by 9 1/2; 195 1/2
Dunkel Pick: New Jersey (+9 1/2); Under

Game 507-508: LA Lakers at Houston
Dunkel Ratings: LA Lakers 119.113; Houston 117.054
Dunkel Line & Total: LA Lakers by 2; 200
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 509-510: Dallas at Golden State
Dunkel Ratings: Dallas 117.415; Golden State 115.307
Dunkel Line & Total: Dallas by 2; 229
Vegas Line & Total: Dallas by 4; 234 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Golden State (+4); Under

[Udog]

NCAAB
Dunkel


West Virginia vs. Kentucky
The Wildcats look to build on their 6-0 ATS record in their last 6 NCAA Tournament games as a favorite. Kentucky is the pick (-4) according to Dunkel, which has the Wildcats favored by 5 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Kentucky (-4). Here are all of today's and tomorrow's games.

SATURDAY, MARCH 27

Game 511-512: West Virginia vs. Kentucky
Dunkel Ratings: West Virginia 72.114; Kentucky 77.811
Dunkel Line: Kentucky by 5 1/2
Vegas Line: Kentucky by 4
Dunkel Pick: Kentucky (-4)

Game 513-514: Butler vs. Kansas State
Dunkel Ratings: Butler 68.735; Kansas State 74.827
Dunkel Line: Kansas State by 6
Vegas Line: Kansas State by 4
Dunkel Pick: Kansas State (-4)