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**Udog** · 04-01-2010, 01:14 AM

Daily Sports Roundup: April 1

Today in the Daily Sports Roundup: The NIT stages its championship game, while the Blazers meet the Nuggets, and the PGA Tour plays the Shell Houston Open.

Tipping off on the hardwood . . .

The NBA offers up a pair of games for doubleheader Thursday, with Orlando at Dallas and Portland at Denver. The Nuggets (48-27 SU, 31-38-6 ATS) enter Thursday's matchup riding a two-game losing streak, but they are 2-1 against the Trail Blazers so far this season. The Nuggets and Blazers last met on March 7 in Denver, with the home team pulling out a 118-106 win as a 7-point favorite. Carmelo Anthony led the way for the Nuggets with 30 points in that contest, while Chauncey Billups was good for 21 points on the day. Jerryd Bayless tossed in 24 points off the bench for Portland, while Brandon Roy was limited to just 12 points.

As well, the National Invitation Tournament stages its championship game at Madison Square Garden on Thursday night, with Dayton taking on North Carolina. The Flyers won their semifinal matchup with Mississippi on Tuesday by a score of 68-63 as a 1.5-point favorite; Chris Johnson tossed in 22 points for Dayton in that victory. The Tar Heels got past Rhode Island 68-67 in overtime as a 1-point 'dog on Tuesday. Deon Thompson scored 16 points for North Carolina.

Taking a trip around the rink . . .

There are eight games on the National Hockey League's schedule for Thursday night, with Florida at Boston, Philadelphia at the Islanders, Buffalo at Toronto, Atlanta at Washington, Columbus at Detroit, Carolina at Ottawa, St. Louis at Nashville, and Vancouver at Los Angeles. The Canucks and Kings have met three times already this season, with Vancouver winning each of those contests. In their last meeting on December 14 the Canucks picked up a 3-1 home win behind the goaltending of Roberto Luongo. Ryan Kesler, Sami Salo, and Mason Raymond all scored for Vancouver. Alexander Frolov had the goal for the Kings.

Rounding out the Roundup . . .

Finally, the golfers of the PGA Tour begin their last Tiger-free tournament on Thursday when they hit the links at Redstone for the Shell Houston Open. Ernie Els, who won the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill last week, is the 8/1 Vegas favorite to win the Masters tuneup, with Phil Mickelson just behind him on the odds list at 10/1. Paul Casey (15/1), Padraig Harrington (18/1), and Geoff Ogilvy (20/1) round out the top contenders, with Lee Westwood pegged at 22/1. Woods is set to get back in action next week at The Masters at Augusta National.

**Udog** · 04-01-2010, 01:14 AM

Bettor's best friend: Thursday's wagering tips

Lines off the board

Orlando Magic at Dallas Mavericks – Vince Carter (toe) missed most of the team’s last game and is questionable. Jose Barea (ankle) missed Tuesday’s game and is questionable.

Buffalo Sabres at Toronto Maple Leafs – Raffi Torres (hand) is expected to play after missing the last week. Thomas Vanek (lower body) missed the team’s last game and is questionable.

Vancouver Canucks at Los Angeles Kings – Mikael Samuelsson (shoulder) missed Tuesday’s game and is questionable.

Line to keep an eye on

The NIT championship spread has moved a point and a half since opening. Dayton opened as 1.5-point favorites but most shops are currently dealing the Flyers as 3-point chalk over North Carolina. The spread in Dayton's semifinal game against Ole Miss moved in the same fashion and the Flyers came away with a cover.

Weather to watch

Wind could be a factor for the Shell Houston Open played in Humble, Texas beginning Thursday. The afternoon forecast projects winds from 14-16 mph for the PGA event. Other than that, temperatures are expected to be in the mid-70s.

Foreign players usually benefit when the wind kicks up because they are more accustomed to playing golf in those conditions.

There is a chance of isolated thunderstorms on Friday and Sunday.

Who’s hot

Dayton is 4-0 SU and ATS in its four NIT games.

The Senators have won five straight games, earning 6.48 units on the moneyline.

Portland is 3-0 SU and ATS in its last three outings.

Who’s not

The Nuggets have lost five of their last six and are 1-8-1 ATS in their last 10 games.

Washington has dropped three straight games as favorites, losing 6.25 units on the moneyline.

Dallas has played to the under in four consecutive games.

Key stat

97.1 – Points per game averaged by Denver during its last eight games. The team went 3-5 SU and 0-7-1 ATS in that stretch.

Suspension that shouldn’t be overlooked

Canucks defenseman Shane O’Brien is in the midst of a three-game benching for disciplinary reasons. He missed Vancouver’s game on Tuesday, a 4-1 win over the Coyotes, and will be in the press box for Thursday’s game versus the Kings and Friday’s matchup in Anaheim. O’Brien has played in 63 games this season and has a +/- margin of 16.

Games of the Day

North Carolina Tar Heels vs. Dayton Flyers (-2.5, 136)

Orlando Magic at Dallas Mavericks

Portland Trail Blazers at Denver Nuggets (-4.5, 201.5)

Notable quotable

"I was taking so many meds for my back and cold that I actually felt a little loopy."

-- Suns point guard Steve Nash said after the team’s win over the Bulls on Tuesday. Nash had 22 points and 10 assists as Phoenix clinched a playoff spot.

Tips and notes

- Fred Couples became eligible for the Champions Tour this year and has won three straight starts on the circuit. He will jump back to the PGA field for the Shell Houston Open. The tourney is being played at Redstone Golf Club where Couples won the event in 2003. He finished T4 and T3 the last two years of this event. Couples is getting +3050 odds to win the tournament.

- The Flyers have a chance to win their third NIT title and first since 1968 on Thursday. It will be experience over youth as Dayton starts three seniors and a junior while UNC has three freshmen and two sophomores that see extended playing time. Dayton has won and covered in four straight and coach Brian Gregory said, "We are playing our best basketball of the year right now” and that his team was “fresh” and “playing hard with great energy." The Flyers are 10-4 against major conferences over the last four seasons.

- The Nuggets backup point guard position is one in limbo right now. Anthony Carter had taken over the role once Ty Lawson got hurt, but now that Lawson is back the two players seem confused about their roles. George Karl said Carter had earned the right to play more minutes, but he only played three minutes in the loss to Dallas Tuesday. Since Lawson returned to the court, Denver is 1-3 SU and 0-2-1 ATS and the two backup guards have combined for a total of 14 points and 10 assists.

**Udog** · 04-01-2010, 01:16 AM

NBA
Long Sheet

Thursday, April 1

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ORLANDO (52 - 22) at DALLAS (49 - 25) - 4/1/2010, 8:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
DALLAS is 3-2 against the spread versus ORLANDO over the last 3 seasons
DALLAS is 4-1 straight up against ORLANDO 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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PORTLAND (45 - 29) at DENVER (48 - 27) - 4/1/2010, 10:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DENVER is 41-28 ATS (+10.2 Units) after allowing 105 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
DENVER is 53-39 ATS (+10.1 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
DENVER is 34-18 ATS (+14.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
PORTLAND is 41-31 ATS (+6.9 Units) in all games this season.
PORTLAND is 23-12 ATS (+9.8 Units) in road games this season.
PORTLAND is 48-31 ATS (+13.9 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
PORTLAND is 31-15 ATS (+14.5 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
DENVER is 23-33 ATS (-13.3 Units) as a favorite this season.
DENVER is 1-9 ATS (-8.9 Units) after playing 3 consecutive road games this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
DENVER is 7-4 against the spread versus PORTLAND over the last 3 seasons
DENVER is 6-5 straight up against PORTLAND over the last 3 seasons
7 of 11 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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**Udog** · 04-01-2010, 01:17 AM

NBA

Thursday, April 1

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Pick 'n' Roll: Today's best NBA bets
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Portland Trail Blazers at Denver Nuggets (-4.5, 201.5)

The Blazers are playing their best basketball of the season but head coach Nate McMillan isn’t a happy man these days.

"I want to see more," McMillan told the Oregonian earlier this week. "And I think we are going to have to see more. And what I mean by more is the bench. Our bench, we have to get them involved and get them in a flow and get that combination happening together. Where that first group is playing well and that second group is playing well."

The bench, once the strength of the Blazers, has become a team handicap. Rudy Fernandez delivers inconsistent performances, Martell Webster’s confidence isn’t the same as when he was starting and Jerryd Bayless seems hesitant whenever he sees the floor.

"We're surviving," Webster said of his bench mates. "We're winning games and that's the only thing that matters. We can bring more and everybody needs to bring more. But we're still winning."

That, they are. Portland is 13-3 straight over its last 16 games and 5-1-1 against the spread over its last seven.

Bench production is normally better at home than on the road, and Portland should be a little gassed after playing the Knicks on Wednesday. The Nuggets aren't exactly cooking offensively either. The under is 7-1 in Denver's last eight games.

Pick: Under

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**Udog** · 04-01-2010, 01:18 AM

NBA

Thursday, April 1

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NBA TNT doubleheader
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Orlando Magic at Dallas Mavericks

March happiness

Orlando (52-22, 39-33-2 ATS) wrapped up the month of March with a 12-2 record (8-5-1 ATS) and took a 4.5-game lead over Atlanta in the Southeast Division.

The Magic scored 105.6 points per game in that span, shot 48.6 percent from the floor and limited opponents to 92.5 points per contest. Dwight Howard averaged 18.6 points, 13.3 rebounds and 2.4 blocks during the 14-game stretch.

But the Magic might have a tough time extending the hot play into April because of a recent rash of injuries. Shooting guard Vince Carter sprained his right big toe in a Sunday win over Denver and reserve forward Mickael Pietrus re-injured his left ankle last Wednesday against the Hawks. Starting point guard Jameer Nelson also got banged up in the last-second loss in Atlanta, jamming his right thumb.

All three players are expected to take the court on Thursday night, and only Carter is listed as questionable.

Keeping an edge

The Mavericks (49-25, 31-42-1 ATS) crushed Denver 109-93 at home on Monday and, like Orlando, they have also built a 4.5-game advantage in the standings (over San Antonio in the Southwest Division).

Don’t expect a late-season hiccup from what sounds like a focused group.

“I don't want us to feel comfortable,” coach Rick Carlisle told the Dallas Morning News. “I think that's a dangerous feeling to have. We need to keep an edge. I'm going to stay on these guys to keep fighting hard.”

Motivation should not be a problem. The Mavericks face a difficult final push, starting at Memphis on Wednesday and then at home against Orlando.

“In this West it's crazy,” explained Dirk Nowitzki said. “I mean the seeding is going to get all the way down to the last day of the season. I'm just going to play these last eight games like the playoffs are already here. The atmosphere was almost like it [against Denver], and whoever we're going to face we're going to adjust to that.”

Dallas is a stellar 26-11 at home this season, but just 9-27-1 ATS in those 37 contests.

Prior engagement

This season’s lone previous encounter between the Magic and Mavericks came on Feb. 19 in Orlando, where the visitors prevailed 95-85. The Mavs were 7-point underdogs and they played like it for three quarters, but a 30-16 fourth quarter stunned the crowd and ensured the upset.

Dallas recorded 23 assists and nine steals while the team saw five different players score in double-figures. Playing in his third game as a Maverick, newly-acquired center Brendan Haywood scored 15 points and pulled down nine rebounds.

Trending topics

The Magic are 4-0 ATS playing on three or more days of rest this season. The Mavericks are 10-7 (8-9 ATS) in the second of back-to-back games for their 2009-10 campaign.

Orlando (29-44-1 O/U) has been an outstanding under play this season, but Dallas (39-35 O/U) has leaned just slightly toward the over. Despite the latter trend, the under is 4-0 in the Mavericks’ past four games.

Head-to-head, the over is 8-2 in the last 10 meetings between the two teams. Orlando is 5-0 ATS in its last five trips to Dallas.

Portland Trail Blazers at Denver Nuggets (-4.5, 201.5)

Blazing hot

Portland (45-29, 40-32-2 ATS) has won three straight games, eight of its last nine and 11 of its last 13 heading into a Wednesday night home date with New York. The Blazers have surged ahead of San Antonio into the Western Conference’s seventh spot, comfortably in the playoffs (6.5 games ahead of ninth-place Memphis).

The recent recipe for success is a solid one—defense and veteran leadership. Portland has limited six of its last seven opponents to fewer than 100 points.

Marcus Camby has grabbed double-digit rebounds in five consecutive outings and six of his past eight, Juwan Howard has been providing valuable minutes off the bench and Andre Miller recently enjoyed a 26-point, four-assist, six-rebound performance in a 92-87 win over the Thunder on Sunday. Miller has scored in double-figures in 11 of his last 12 games.

Billups to the rescue?

The Nuggets (48-27, 31-38-6 ATS) have been going in the opposite direction. They have lost five of their last six (0-5-1 ATS) and now register behind Utah in the Northwest Division. Once on pace to be the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference, Denver would be seeded fifth if the playoffs started today.

Enter Chauncey Billups, who said earlier this week that he is ready to provide the same kind of veteran leadership that Portland has been getting from its trio.

“I probably haven't been doing a good enough job of leading the team in game situations and even out of game situations, film sessions, stuff like that,” Billups told the Denver Post. “I probably haven't taken a big enough piece of the pie of the responsibility as probably I should have.”

Problems go far beyond that, however, ranging from selfish offense, to unenthused defense, to coach George Karl’s cancer-related absences, to Kenyon Martin’s woes (Martin has missed 14 straight games with a knee injury and is expected to return in mid-April).

“We just need to play basketball how the game is supposed to be played,” assured Arron Afflalo. “That's pretty much it. The past couple of games, we've had 15 or below assists.”

Prior engagements

Denver has won two of three meetings against Portland this season. As 7.5-point road underdogs on October 29, the Mavericks pulled out a 97-94 victory thanks to 41 points from Carmelo Anthony. The Blazers got revenge as 1-point home favorites on Christmas Day, prevailing 107-96.

Denver got its first shot against Portland at home on March 7 and took care of business 118-106 as a 7-point favorite. Anthony went for 30 points in that most recent contest and J.R. Smith added 22.

Trending topics

The Blazers are 3-0-1 ATS in their last four overall and 4-0-1 ATS in the last five against Western Conference opponents. The Nuggets are 1-4 ATS in their last five home games and a dismal 0-8-1 ATS in their last nine games overall.

Portland (39-35 O/U) has been a decent over player this season, but the under has just barely been the way to go with Denver (35-40 O/U). The under is 4-1 in Portland’s last five overall and 7-1 in Denver’s last eight overall.

Head-to-head, the under is 5-2 in the last seven encounters between the two teams. The Nuggets are 5-1 ATS in their last six home games against the Blazers.

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**Udog** · 04-01-2010, 01:19 AM

NCAAB
Long Sheet

Thursday, April 1

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N CAROLINA (20 - 16) vs. DAYTON (24 - 12) - 4/1/2010, 7:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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Saturday, April 3

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MICHIGAN ST (28 - 8) vs. BUTLER (32 - 4) - 4/3/2010, 6:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MICHIGAN ST is 8-15 ATS (-8.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
BUTLER is 89-57 ATS (+26.3 Units) in non-conference games since 1997.
BUTLER is 119-86 ATS (+24.4 Units) after allowing 60 points or less since 1997.
MICHIGAN ST is 19-8 ATS (+10.2 Units) in all neutral court games over the last 3 seasons.
MICHIGAN ST is 19-8 ATS (+10.2 Units) when playing on a neutral court over the last 3 seasons.
MICHIGAN ST is 29-15 ATS (+12.5 Units) in a NCAA tournament games since 1997.

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

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W VIRGINIA (31 - 6) vs. DUKE (33 - 5) - 4/3/2010, 8:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DUKE is 22-14 ATS (+6.6 Units) in all games this season.
DUKE is 22-14 ATS (+6.6 Units) in all lined games this season.
DUKE is 22-14 ATS (+6.6 Units) as a favorite this season.
DUKE is 13-5 ATS (+7.5 Units) after a non-conference game this season.
DUKE is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) in road games in non-conference games this season.
W VIRGINIA is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) in road games against ACC opponents since 1997.
W VIRGINIA is 82-55 ATS (+21.5 Units) in non-conference games since 1997.
W VIRGINIA is 39-23 ATS (+13.7 Units) in road games in all tournament games since 1997.
W VIRGINIA is 16-2 ATS (+13.8 Units) in a NCAA tournament games since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
W VIRGINIA is 1-0 against the spread versus DUKE over the last 3 seasons
W VIRGINIA is 1-0 straight up against DUKE 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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**Udog** · 04-01-2010, 01:20 AM

NCAAB
Short Sheet

Thursday, 4/1/2010

NIT Championship - Madison Square Garden - New York, NY
N CAROLINA vs. DAYTON, 7:00 PM ET ESPN
N CAROLINA: 1-11 ATS after 2+ consecutive unders
DAYTON: 11-4 ATS in non-conference games

Saturday, 4/3/2010

NCAA Tournament Semifinals - Lucas Oil Stadium - Indianapolis, IN
MICHIGAN ST vs. BUTLER, 6:05 PM ET CBS
MICHIGAN ST: 29-15 ATS in NCAA Tournament
BUTLER: 8-0 Over on neutral court if the total is 129.5 or less

W VIRGINIA vs. DUKE, 8:35 PM ET CBS
W VIRGINIA: 16-2 ATS in NCAA Tournament
DUKE: 12-2 Over on neutral court if the total is 130 to 139.5

** (TC) Denotes Time Change

**Udog** · 04-01-2010, 01:21 AM

NCAAB

Thursday, April 1

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Trend Report
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7:00 PM
NORTH CAROLINA vs. DAYTON
North Carolina is 8-15-1 ATS in its last 24 games
North Carolina is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Dayton is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Dayton is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games

Friday, April 2

8:00 PM
VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH vs. SAINT LOUIS
Virginia Commonwealth is 16-5-2 SU in its last 23 games
Virginia Commonwealth is 2-4-1 SU in its last 7 games on the road
Saint Louis is 18-5-1 SU in its last 24 games at home
Saint Louis is 11-3-2 SU in its last 16 games

Saturday, April 3

6:07 PM
MICHIGAN STATE vs. BUTLER
Michigan State is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games
Michigan State is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games
Butler is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Butler is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games

8:47 PM
WEST VIRGINIA vs. DUKE
West Virginia is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
West Virginia is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Duke is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Duke is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games

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**Udog** · 04-01-2010, 01:21 AM

NCAAB

Thursday, April 1

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Game of the day: North Carolina at Dayton
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North Carolina Tar Heels at Dayton Flyers (-3, 137.5)

North Carolina (20-16) is trying to become the first team to win the NIT title a year after win the NCAA championship. They’re not jumping up and down for joy, however.

“Let’s be honest,” UNC coach Roy Williams said, “this was not where we wanted to be. Everybody wanted to be in the NCAA tournament.”

Dayton (24-12) is looking for its third NIT title and first since 1968.

Lucky to be here

The Tar Heels defeated Rhode Island 68-67 in overtime to reach the final. After a UNC miss with six seconds to play, URI’s Lamonte Ulmer picked up the loose ball and set off for the Rhody basket trying to get off a buzzer beater.

But Ulmer was inadvertently tripped by UNC’s Will Graves and lost the ball.

“I don’t know what happened, but something should have been called there at the end,” UNC coach Roy Williams said. “I feel badly the game ended that way.”

URI’s Marquis Jones said: “We know we’re not going to get that call.”

Rhode Island had only itself to blame, however, as the Rams could have put the game away in regulation but missed four straight free throws down the stretch.

Common threads

Like UNC, the Flyers hoped to be playing in the NCAA this year. Dayton was picked first in the A-10 preseason poll and ranked 21st in the nation’s preseason poll. But it fell apart down the stretch and finished seventh in a deep and talented conference.

While UNC had a great deal of trouble with URI on Tuesday, Dayton lost to the Rams as a 4.5 favorite at home earlier this year.

And while UNC outrebounded URI 60-45, Dayton lost the battle on the boards to its conference foe 30-27.

Home away from home

Dayton is playing in its 22nd NIT, second only to St. John's (27), and the Flyers are 39-24 at Madison Square Garden, giving them more wins at the arena than any other school outside the New York metropolitan area.

Hottest team in the country?

Before his Mississippi team played against Dayton, Ole Miss coach Andy Kennedy said that the Flyers were the team to beat.

“They are playing some of the best basketball — maybe the best — of any team left playing in the country right now,” Kennedy said. He was talking about the NCAA Tournament, as well as the NIT.

“They play extremely hard, they play selfless and they have a lot of interchangeable parts. I think they have a terrific team.”

Chris Johnson has been the biggest reason the Flyers have turned things around. Johnson scored a game-high 22 points in the NIT semifinal in 32 minutes of action. He was scoreless in just 11 minutes in the Flyers’ A-10 tourney loss at Xavier.

Last meeting

These two teams haven’t met since 2006 when UNC posted an 81-51 decision. Those Tar Heels featured the likes of Tyler Hansbrough and Ty Lawson.

North Carolina has been an underdog in each of its past three NIT games and won all of those contests outright. The Tar Heels failed to cover the number as 9-point favorites in their NIT opener against William & Mary.

UNC is without leading rebounder Ed Davis, who suffered a season-ending wrist injury back in February.

Trend-setting

North Carolina is 4-1 ATS in its last five games following a victory and its last five games against Atlantic 10 teams.

UNC is 46-19 ATS in its last 65 non-conference games.

The under is 14-3 in UNC’s last 17 non-conference games.

The under is 8-2 in Dayton’s last 10 non-conference games.

Dayton has covered the spread in its last eight non-conference games.

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**Udog** · 04-01-2010, 01:23 AM

NHL
Long Sheet

Thursday, April 1

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ATLANTA (34-31-0-12, 80 pts.) at WASHINGTON (49-16-0-11, 109 pts.) - 4/1/2010, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 15-28 ATS (+47.1 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent this season.
WASHINGTON is 11-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) after 3 or more consecutive losses over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 12-6 (+4.2 Units) against the spread versus ATLANTA over the last 3 seasons
WASHINGTON is 12-6-0 straight up against ATLANTA over the last 3 seasons
11 of 18 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+3.1 Units)

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FLORIDA (30-33-0-12, 72 pts.) at BOSTON (35-29-0-12, 82 pts.) - 4/1/2010, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
FLORIDA is 231-258 ATS (-78.8 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record since 1996.
FLORIDA is 114-138 ATS (-60.4 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season since 1996.
FLORIDA is 42-37 ATS (+84.8 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 19-16 ATS (+40.8 Units) revenging a home loss versus opponent over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 35-41 ATS (+95.7 Units) in all games this season.
BOSTON is 128-120 ATS (-45.3 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record since 1996.
BOSTON is 2-6 ATS (-8.5 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season this season.
BOSTON is 15-22 ATS (+15.0 Units) second half of the season this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 7-4 (+0.8 Units) against the spread versus FLORIDA over the last 3 seasons
BOSTON is 7-4-0 straight up against FLORIDA over the last 3 seasons
5 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+0.4 Units)

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BUFFALO (42-24-0-9, 93 pts.) at TORONTO (28-37-0-12, 68 pts.) - 4/1/2010, 7:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
BUFFALO is 15-4 (+8.9 Units) against the spread versus TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
BUFFALO is 15-4-0 straight up against TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
12 of 17 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+6.5 Units)

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PHILADELPHIA (38-32-0-6, 82 pts.) at NY ISLANDERS (31-36-0-9, 71 pts.) - 4/1/2010, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 39-38 ATS (-13.4 Units) in all games this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHILADELPHIA is 18-1 (+16.8 Units) against the spread versus NY ISLANDERS over the last 3 seasons
PHILADELPHIA is 18-1-0 straight up against NY ISLANDERS over the last 3 seasons
12 of 19 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+4.5 Units)

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CAROLINA (32-35-0-9, 73 pts.) at OTTAWA (42-30-0-5, 89 pts.) - 4/1/2010, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CAROLINA is 5-20 ATS (+32.6 Units) in a road game where where the total is 5.5 this season.
OTTAWA is 42-35 ATS (+91.9 Units) in all games this season.
OTTAWA is 19-8 ATS (+10.2 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5.5 this season.
OTTAWA is 11-3 ATS (+7.6 Units) after a 3 game unbeaten streak this season.
OTTAWA is 44-39 ATS (+88.0 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
CAROLINA is 22-14 ATS (+38.5 Units) second half of the season this season.
CAROLINA is 39-41 ATS (+91.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
CAROLINA is 10-5 ATS (+17.1 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
OTTAWA is 58-62 ATS (-27.3 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
OTTAWA is 25-31 ATS (-21.4 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
CAROLINA is 6-5 (+1.4 Units) against the spread versus OTTAWA over the last 3 seasons
CAROLINA is 6-5-0 straight up against OTTAWA over the last 3 seasons
5 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+0.3 Units)

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COLUMBUS (32-32-0-13, 77 pts.) at DETROIT (40-23-0-13, 93 pts.) - 4/1/2010, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
COLUMBUS is 11-29 ATS (+46.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
COLUMBUS is 17-45 ATS (+84.9 Units) in a road game where where the total is 5.5 over the last 2 seasons.
COLUMBUS is 1-11 ATS (+16.1 Units) in April games over the last 3 seasons.
COLUMBUS is 8-31 ATS (+57.8 Units) in road games vs. division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
DETROIT is 44-10 ATS (+21.2 Units) in home games after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game over the last 3 seasons.
DETROIT is 13-15 ATS (-19.1 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
DETROIT is 37-29 ATS (-24.2 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
DETROIT is 14-7 (+1.1 Units) against the spread versus COLUMBUS over the last 3 seasons
DETROIT is 14-7-0 straight up against COLUMBUS over the last 3 seasons
11 of 18 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+3.9 Units)

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ST LOUIS (37-30-0-9, 83 pts.) at NASHVILLE (44-28-0-6, 94 pts.) - 4/1/2010, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NASHVILLE is 43-34 ATS (+80.5 Units) in all games this season.
NASHVILLE is 128-121 ATS (+270.7 Units) after scoring 1 goal or less in their previous game since 1996.
NASHVILLE is 24-15 ATS (+39.7 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
ST LOUIS is 78-84 ATS (+173.7 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 15-7 ATS (+23.3 Units) revenging a home loss versus opponent this season.
ST LOUIS is 12-7 ATS (+21.6 Units) in road games revenging a loss versus opponent this season.
ST LOUIS is 22-19 ATS (+48.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 17-13 ATS (+34.2 Units) in a road game where where the total is 5.5 this season.
ST LOUIS is 47-38 ATS (+91.5 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 13-9 ATS (+27.2 Units) in road games vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
NASHVILLE is 10-8 (+0.4 Units) against the spread versus ST LOUIS over the last 3 seasons
NASHVILLE is 10-8-0 straight up against ST LOUIS over the last 3 seasons
11 of 18 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+3.2 Units)

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VANCOUVER (46-26-0-4, 96 pts.) at LOS ANGELES (43-27-0-6, 92 pts.) - 4/1/2010, 10:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
VANCOUVER is 7-4-0 straight up against LOS ANGELES over the last 3 seasons
7 of 11 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+2.3 Units)

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**Udog** · 04-01-2010, 01:23 AM

NHL

Thursday, April 1

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Ice picks: Today's best NHL bets
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Carolina Hurricanes at Ottawa Senators (-180, 5.5)

The Senators made some noise in the Eastern Conference with their 5-4 overtime win against the first-place Washington Capitals Tuesday night. That noise was the constant flicker of the red goal light hanging above the head of Capitals goalie Jose Theodore.

Ottawa has found its scoring stride in recent games, averaging four goals a night in its past three contests. The Sens have topped the total in two of those outings, pushing with the number in Sunday’s 3-2 win over the Florida Panthers.

"At this time of year, not only do you want to win games, but you want to feel good about how you're playing, too," forward Jason Spezza told the CBC.com. "Confidence is huge this time of year, and there's a big difference between the win and the loss and how the mood is in the room the next day."

Ottawa will be brimming with confidence when it plays host to Carolina Thursday night. The Sens are rolling on a five-game winning streak and boast a 25-10-1-3 mark inside Scotiabank Place this season. Carolina, on the other hand, has trouble winning on the road, going just 12-19-4-2 as visitors.

The home team has been the play whenever these two clubs collide. In the last nine meetings, the host has won every game and outscored the visiting side 33-11 in that span. The last time these two teams played in Ottawa, the Senators took a 4-2 victory after scoring two goals in the third period back in mid-December.

Pick: Ottawa

Buffalo Sabres at Toronto Maple Leafs

Toronto is desperately trying to return to form after losing back-to-back games which followed a stretch of five win in seven outings for the perennial underdog. The last team the Leafs want to face right now are the Sabres, who have had their neighbor to the north’s number in recent games.

Buffalo has won 10 straight games against Toronto, going back to the 2009 season. The Maple Leafs, no matter how hard they try, can’t crack the Sabres. This season, three of their five games have been decided by one goal including two overtime finishes.

Beating the Leafs doesn’t get tired for the Sabres either. These two teams have a general dislike for each other, as was evident in their most recent meeting, a 3-2 win for Buffalo, in which Sabres goaltender Ryan Miller stopped 48 of 50 shots.

"I really don't like them. They're a rival and they're in our division," Miller, who has won all 10 games during the Toronto winning streak, told the Associated Press. "They constantly talk about how they're going to rough me up every night. I love nothing more than to get a win against them and send them an hour-and-a-half on their way."

Miller has remained sharp in goal for Buffalo, helping the team win six of their last seven games heading into Wednesday’s outing against the Florida Panthers.

Pick: Buffalo

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**Udog** · 04-01-2010, 01:24 AM

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** · 04-01-2010, 11:48 AM

NBA
Dunkel

Portland at Denver
The Blazers look to take advantage of a Denver team that is 0-6 ATS in its last 6 games as a favorite. Portland is the pick (+4 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Nuggets favored by only 1. Dunkel Pick: Portland (+4 1/2)

Game 701-702: Orlando at Dallas
Dunkel Ratings: Orlando 124.113; Dallas 123.763
Dunkel Line & Total: Orlando by 1; 206
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 703-704: Portland at Denver
Dunkel Ratings: Portland 121.430; Denver 122.527
Dunkel Line & Total: Denver by 1; 199
Vegas Line & Total: Denver by 4 1/2; 201 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Portland (+4 1/2); Under

**Udog** · 04-01-2010, 11:48 AM

NCAAB
Dunkel

North Carolina vs. Dayton
The Flyers look to take advantage of a North Carolina team that is 2-8 ATS in its last 10 games as an underdog from 1 to 6 1/2 points. Dayton is the pick (-2 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Flyers favored by 6. Dunkel Pick: Dayton (-2 1/2)

Game 705-706: North Carolina vs. Dayton
Dunkel Ratings: North Carolina 63.098; Dayton 68.906
Dunkel Line: Dayton by 6
Vegas Line: Dayton by 2 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Dayton (-2 1/2)

Announcement

Thursday Trends and Indexes 4/1 (NBA, NCAAB, NHL, Misc.)

Thursday Trends and Indexes 4/1 (NBA, NCAAB, NHL, Misc.)

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