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**StarDust Bum** · 04-02-2010, 11:14 AM

Trend Report - Friday

Bucks at Bobcats – The Bucks are 11-0 ATS (9.1 ppg) since January 26, 2010 when they have a revenge game at home next. The Bucks are 7-0 ATS (6.8 ppg) since January 18, 2010 with at most one day of rest after a game on the road in which they scored less than 15% of their points from the free throw line.

Hawks at Cavaliers – The Hawks are 0-7 ATS (-11.4 ppg) since March 28, 1996 on the road when seeking revenge for a loss in which they led by double digits at the half. The Cavaliers are 10-0 ATS (8.2 ppg) since March 18, 1999 at home after a win in which they had at least 10 fewer personal fouls than their opponent. The Cavaliers are 6-0 ATS (7.4 ppg) since December 02, 2009 at home with at least one day of rest after a win in which the percentage of their baskets that were assisted was at least ten percentage points higher than their season-to-date average.

Rockets at Celtics – The Rockets are 0-9 ATS (-10.4 ppg) since November 25, 2009 when facing a team they lost to as a dog in their previous same-season match-up. The Celtics are 10-0 ATS (11.1 ppg) since November 09, 2007 with at most one day of rest after a game in which they shot at least 10 percentage points higher than their season-to-date average. The Celtics are 0-8 ATS (-11.1 ppg) since May 06, 2008 with at most one day of rest after a game at home in which they scored less than 10% of their points from the three-point line. The Celtics are 0-8 ATS (-8.1 ppg) since January 07, 2009 when they lost as a favorite in each of their last two games.

Hornets at Grizzlies – The Hornets are 0-7-1 ATS (-8.0 ppg) since January 23, 2005 on the road with at most one day of rest when their opponent is off an overtime game. The Grizzlies are 0-8 ATS (-8.4 ppg) since January 13, 2009 at home when they have lost their last three games SU and ATS.

Jazz at Lakers – The Jazz are 10-0 ATS (10.4 ppg) since December 10, 2009 when they have a revenge game at home next. The Jazz are 6-0 ATS (3.9 ppg) since March 28, 2008 after a win in which they controlled at least 60% of the available rebounds. The Lakers are 0-7 ATS (-4.1 ppg) since April 09, 2004 at home when they allowed revenge in each of their last two games.

Heat at Pacers – The Heat are 10-0 ATS (11.9 ppg) since March 18, 2008 when they have a revenge game on the road tomorrow. The Heat are 6-0 ATS (19.8 ppg) since January 15, 2010 when playing the first of back-to-back road games. The Pacers are 6-0 ATS (9.8 ppg) since January 02, 1998 with two or more days of rest after a win in which they had five or fewer offensive rebounds. The Pacers are 0-6-1 ATS (-10.9 ppg) since February 11, 2009 after a win in which they scored less than 15% of their points from the free throw line.

Suns at Pistons – The Suns are 8-0 ATS (7.1 ppg) since May 14, 2007 on the road with at most one day of rest after a game on the road in which they shot at least ten three-pointers and made at least half of them. The Pistons are 0-10-1 ATS (-12.1 ppg) since January 17, 2009 at home when they have lost and failed to covered their last four games. The Pistons are 0-8 ATS (-9.7 ppg) since March 10, 2010 when facing a team they lost to in their previous same-season match-up.

Magic at Spurs – The Magic are 0-4 ATS (-6.9 ppg) since December 11, 2009 when playing the second of back-to-back road games. The Spurs are 0-7 ATS (-10.4 ppg) since January 11, 2009 at home when seeking revenge for a double-digit loss.

Knicks at Warriors – The Knicks are 7-0-1 ATS (7.1 ppg) since January 04, 2008 on the road with at least one day of rest off a loss in which they never led. The Knicks are 6-0 ATS (9.9 ppg) since January 12, 2009 with at least one day of rest after a game on the road in which they controlled 40% or less of the available rebounds. The Warriors are 9-0 ATS (6.3 ppg) since January 09, 2000 after a double digit road loss in which they shot at least 10 percentage points lower than their season-to-date average.

Bulls at Wizards – The Bulls are 6-0-1 ATS (6.9 ppg) since February 03, 2009 on the road when their assist-to-turnover ratio was higher than two for in each of their last two games. The Wizards are 0-6-1 ATS (-4.2 ppg) since March 03, 1999 with at most one day of rest after a win in which they had five or fewer offensive rebounds. The Wizards are 0-6 ATS (-8.2 ppg) since January 22, 2009 after a road win in which they shot at least 50% from the field.

**StarDust Bum** · 04-02-2010, 11:15 AM

Friday Tips

The Friday NBA card involves a handful of quality matchups as the Western Conference playoff teams are trying to figure out postseason seedings at this point. Our friends at ASA have a preview of the West showdown between the Jazz and Lakers right here. Meanwhile, the top two seeds in the East are spoken for as Boston and Atlanta battle it out for the third position. The Hawks would like to capture the third seed in order to avoid the Cavs in the second round. Atlanta still has to battle Cleveland twice over the final two weeks of the season with the first matchup coming Friday night.

Hawks (48-26 SU, 44-30 ATS) at Cavs (59-16 SU, 36-38-1 ATS)

Cleveland tries to keep up its strangehold over Atlanta as the Cavs have beaten the Hawks eight straight times. The Hawks are on fire ATS, covering eight of the last ten games including Wednesday's home blowout over the Lakers. The Cavs squeaked out a three-point victory over the Bucks, but failed to cash as 9 ½-point favorites.

Atlanta has dropped five of its last seven on the highway, but the Hawks are 2-1 ATS the previous three as a road underdog. Mike Woodson's team holds the tiebreaker over the Celtics for the third spot, so there is a silver lining if the Hawks slip up down the stretch. Atlanta will play five of its final eight games on the road, but the Hawks have been held to less than 100 points in four the last six away from home.

The Cavs have had problems covering numbers of late, going 2-5 ATS the previous seven games. Cleveland's defense is stepping up by limiting opponents to less than 100 points in 13 of the last 15 contests, but handicapping totals has been a coin-flip with an 8-7 mark to the 'under.'

Cleveland swept Atlanta in four games in last season's second round of the playoffs, winning each game by double-digits. The first two games have been a bit more competitive this season, even though the Cavs captured the home-and-home in late December. Mike Brown's squad held the Hawks to ten points in the fourth quarter of a 95-84 road victory as 2 ½-point 'dogs. Atlanta's first points in the final quarter came with four minutes remaining, but the Hawks' big problem was ten missed free throws. The Cavs rallied at home the following night for a 106-101 triumph, as LeBron James torched the Hawks for a season-high 48 points.

Magic (53-22 SU, 40-33-2 ATS) at Spurs (45-29 SU, 39-34-1 ATS)

Orlando continues its trip through Lone Star State with a matchup against San Antonio. The Spurs finished off the month of 12-5, but Gregg Popovich's squad is sitting in the eighth spot in the Western Conference playoff race.

The Magic will be on the second end of a back-to-back following Thursday's win at Dallas, as Orlando is an average 8-9 ATS with no rest. The road has been kind to Stan Van Gundy's club, owning a 7-2 SU mark the last nine on the highway. The Magic has been a major 'under' team this season, but Orlando is 4-2 to the 'over' the previous six on the road.

Since returning home from the Rodeo Trip, San Antonio is 8-1 SU and 7-2 ATS at the AT&T Center. The lone loss came in a 92-83 setback to the Lakers on March 24, the second-lowest output for the Spurs this season. San Antonio has several solid victories at home during this stretch, beating Oklahoma City, Phoenix, and Cleveland. The 'over' is a profitable 4-1 the last five at home, including Wednesday's 119-102 blowout of the Rockets.

The Spurs will try to avenge a 110-84 blowout loss at Orlando on St. Patrick's Day, as the Magic covered easily as seven-point 'chalk.' These two clubs have split the last four meetings in San Antonio with the Magic claiming a 105-98 win last season in Texas. The victory was culminated by Orlando's long-range game in which the Magic drained 14 treys, including four from J.J. Redick.

What else to watch for:

-- Two of the more surprising teams in the Eastern Conference meet up for a crucial battle in Charlotte. The Bucks are currently in the fifth playoff spot while the Bobcats are seventh, but both these clubs are riding nice hot stretches. Charlotte is 11-4 SU and 11-3-1 ATS over the previous 15 games while Milwaukee is 11-4 SU and 9-5-1 ATS. The home team has owned this series with wins in each of the last six meetings. Milwaukee claimed the last matchup at the Bradley Center with a 93-88 victory on February 20.

-- The Wizards will try to extend their winning streak to two when Washington returns home to host Chicago. Flip Saunders' club ended a 16-game skid with Wednesday's road victory at New Orleans, improving Washington's mark the last nine games to 5-4 ATS. The Wizards have turned into an 'under' machine, hitting it in 15 of the last 17 games. The Bulls are sitting in the ninth spot inside the Eastern Conference playoff race, but Chicago is a perfect 4-0 ATS the last four away from the United Center.

-- After Washington and Minnesota each snapped its extended losing streaks, Detroit currently owns the league's longest skid with nine consecutive losses. What make things worse for the Pistons is they have not covered once in this cold stretch. Detroit isn't helping matters as an underdog, compiling a 2-11 ATS mark the last 13 when receiving points. It won't get easier when Phoenix invades the Palace of Auburn Hills as the Suns have won nine straight, while covering six times in this stretch. Since the end of January, the Suns are a strong 10-3 ATS on the highway.

**StarDust Bum** · 04-02-2010, 11:16 AM

Friday's Game of the Day

Utah Jazz at Los Angeles Lakers - (ESPN, 10:35 p.m. EDT)
The Skinny

Utah has won eight of their last ten games and owns third place in the Western conference playoff standings. As of Thursday, they are a half game behind Dallas for 2nd place and a half game ahead of Phoenix for 4th place.

Los Angeles has won seven of their last ten but they are coming off of a 2-3 road trip. The Lakers are in 1st place, four games ahead of Dallas. With only six games remaining, it’s unlikely that they’ll relinquish 1st place.

The Lakers have won seven of the last nine meetings and two of three meetings this season.

Playoff Push

Utah flattened the the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday night. They opened with a 40-point first quarter, continuing to a 76-point first half and rolling to a 128-104 victory at EnergySolutions Arena.

"I think our guys got off to a great start," Jazz coach Jerry Sloan said. "They came out and played hard, got themselves going. Their bodies were alive. I thought they did a good job defensively, and when they did that they got some easy baskets out of it."

It’s going to take a monstrous effort if they want to continue their climb in the playoff standings. The Jazz have dropped 13 consecutive games to the Lakers at Staples Center, counting the 2008 and 2009 playoffs, and scored just six points in the fourth quarter of a 101-77 loss back on Dec. 9.

"It's going to be tough," Williams said. "We know they're going to be hungry after the way they played the last five games. It's a good test for us."

Another mini-slump could drop them as low as fifth in the West, meaning they could lose home-court advantage in the playoffs' first round. They’ve lost four of their last six road games and own a pedestrian 19-18 record on the road this season.

Andrei Kirilenko won't return from his strained left calf until at least next week, with the Jazz announcing that Kirilenko won't travel for Friday's game at the L.A. Lakers. Kirilenko has missed nine of the past 11 games with the playoffs fast approaching.

Los Angeles Lakers

Los Angeles is coming off a 17 point road loss to Atlanta. It was their worst loss at Atlanta since suffering a 106-89 defeat Dec. 28, 1974 and dropped them to a sputtering 22-15 road record this season. Atlanta simply outplayed the Lakers, with the Hawks faring better against them in points in the paint (44-26), in field-goal percentage (54.2% to 45.8%) and in team balance (Atlanta had seven players crack double figures while the Lakers had four). Atlanta’s bench also outscored the Lakers bench, 44-22.

The Lakers lack an identity without Andrew Bynum in the starting line-up, and it was especially apparent in their latest game. He missed his sixth consecutive game because of a strained left Achilles' tendon, leaving the team settling for too many outside shots and the defense leaving itself vulnerable inside (Atlanta outscored the Lakers, 19-4, in second-chance points).

Many are wondering if the Lakers are “packing it in” for the rest of the regular season, having all but solidified their playoff spot. But the players insist their effort level hasn’t decreased.

"Not a good trip at all for us, it's as simple as that," Derek Fisher said. "There isn't anyone in our locker room offering any excuses of any kind. We're taking it as hard as we can take it and wanting to come back and figure things out. We're not panicking. We're not throwing everything away. We're really trying to turn this thing around in a way that puts us in a better position going into the playoffs. There are still no guarantees, but we'd definitely like to improve."

They’ve allowed over 100 points in three straight games and they’ll have to step up their defensive intensity against the Jazz, who boast the top shooting percentage in the NBA (49.2%)

"Defensively we have to step it up," Gasol said. "We can't allow teams to score 100 points on us. They're shooting the ball well. Everybody is excited to play against us. We understand that. We just can't give open looks to people. They're too good of shooters. We've got to cut down on easy looks and layups. We have to make sure we don't give them second opportunities. We have to put a lot of thought and effort into it."

Head to Head

In their last meeting, the Jazz took a nine-game winning streak into their Feb. 10 showdown with the Lakers. Kobe Bryant sat out his third straight game and his teammates responded with their third consecutive win without their injured superstar, beating Utah 96-81.

The home team is 17-8-1 ATS in the last 26 meetings and the Jazz are 3-10 ATS in the last 13 meetings in Los Angeles.

Key Statistical Information – Last Five Games

PPG

LA Lakers: -4.8 PPG

Utah: +11.0 PPG

FG%

LA Lakers: -0.6%

Utah: +8.6%

Rebounding

LA Lakers: +2.4 RPG

Utah: +12.0 RPG

Trends

-- Utah is 19-6-2 ATS in their last 27 vs. Western Conference teams and 15-6-1 ATS in their last 22 road games.

-- Los Angeles is 1-6-1 ATS in their last 8 home games and 2-7-1 ATS in their last 10 vs. NBA Northwest.

**StarDust Bum** · 04-02-2010, 11:18 AM

Western Conference Report

Most of the playoff teams in the Western Conference are essentially locked up. What is still up for grabs is the seeding in the postseason. And positioning at that level will make the difference between a date in the conference semifinal or a first-round flameout. Just ask the Sharks about that from last season. Let’s take a look at each team.

1) San Jose Sharks

Weekly Recap – A 5-1 loss to the Oilers on March 21 put San Jose on a six-game skid. The Sharks shook that off by reeling off four straight wins against Minnesota (4-1), Dallas (3-0), Vancouver (4-2) and Colorado (4-3). The ‘over’ went 3-2 last week.

Weekly Outlook – The Sharks hit the road for a four-game trip with tilts in Dallas on March 31 and Minnesota two nights later. Before you think those are easy wins, remember that they have dropped six straight away from the HP Pavilion.

2) Chicago Blackhawks

Weekly Recap – Teams want to be playing their best hockey just before the playoffs start. The Blackhawks evidently didn’t get that memo after following up a quality 2-0 home win over Phoenix on March 23 by getting swept in a home-and-home series to Columbus.

Weekly Outlook – Chicago will get a chance to prove that they do indeed have the right makeup to win in the postseason with a three-game roadie against the Blues (3/30), Wild (3/31) and Devils (4/2). That tilt against Minnesota might sound tough for the Blackhawks, but they are 9-2 as a road team on no rest this season.

3) Vancouver Canucks

Weekly Recap – The road was truly unkind for the Canucks with losses to Edmonton (3-2) and San Jose (4-2). They did pick up a 4-1 win at home against the Ducks, but that hardly consoles them for a poor road performance. The ‘under’ went 2-1.

Weekly Outlook – Hopefully Vancouver got that funk out of its system because they close out this week with road tests at Los Angeles on April Fool’s Day and in Anaheim the following evening. The Canucks’ home tilt on March 30 isn’t a gimme either with Phoenix.

4) Phoenix Coyotes

Weekly Recap – Phoenix had a chance to be on top of the Western Conference last week, but a 2-2 mark has pushed them to outside of the Pacific Division lead. The biggest culprit was a 1-2 record on the road, losing to the Blackhawks (2-0) and Preds (4-3).

Weekly Outlook – The Coyotes will have to figure out those issues on the road with tests at Vancouver on March 30 and Calgary on the following evening. They’ll get a chance to finish the week on a high note when Edmonton comes to Jobing.com Arena on April 3.

5) Nashville Predators

Weekly Recap – The Preds didn’t lose too much ground last week with a 2-2 mark for the week. Setbacks at home to the Stars (3-1) on March 23 and Detroit (1-0) on March 27 have to give Barry Trotz some concern about his club. The ‘under’ was a good wager as it went 3-1 in those tilts.

Weekly Outlook – This week started out great with a 3-2 win in overtime at Florida on March 29. Nashville comes home on March 30 to face off with the Kings and then take on the Blues on April Fool’s Day. The Predators will head up to Joe Louis Arena on April 3 for some revenge against Detroit.

6) Detroit Red Wings

Weekly Recap – The Red Wings are starting to look like the team we’re used to seeing this past week. They drubbed Pittsburgh (3-1), outmanned St. Louis (4-2), destroyed Minnesota (6-2) and nipped Nashville (1-0) for a pristine 4-0 mark. Even better for gamblers was the fact that they covered the puck line in three of those contests.

Weekly Outlook – Detroit should have no problems this week with home tilts against the Oilers (3/30), Blue Jackets (4/1) and the Preds (4/3). What will be a worry for bettors is if there will be any value in taking the puck line in those first two games of the week.

7) Los Angeles Kings

Weekly Recap – A sure playoff spot for the Kings has evaporated into a fight-for-your-life situation. Los Angeles started the week with a 4-3 win over the Avs at home on March 22. They then descended into a three-game losing skid against the likes of Colorado (4-3) in the second half of a home-and-home, at St. Louis (3-1) and at home to Dallas (4-1).

Weekly Outlook – This week didn’t start great for LA either after dropping a 3-2 road decision to the Wild on March 29. A revenge spot against the Preds at Bridgestone Arena on March 30 could prove to be a nice win. Then home tilts against Vancouver (4/1) and Anaheim (4/3) close out a week where the Kings really need a winning record.

8) Colorado Avalanche

Weekly Recap – Colorado is in the same boat as LA after losing four of last week’s five games. The Avs’ four defeats all came on the road, which doesn’t bode well for a team that will be away from home a lot in the postseason. The ‘over’ went 5-0.

Weekly Outlook – The Avs have two games at home this week: going up against Anaheim on March 31and Calgary two nights later. Not a bad spot to grab Colorado here since they’re 7-3 in its last 10 tilts.

9) Calgary Flames

Weekly Recap – Jarome Iginla mentioned that the Flames are in Game 7 situations every night from here on out. If that’s the case, then Calgary is experiencing heartbreak every night. Iginla’s club is 2-3 over the last week.

Weekly Outlook – The Flames have just two games on the slate the rest of this week and both are not pushovers. Calgary welcomes the ‘Yotes to town on March 31 before heading to Denver to face the Avs in a true battle for playoff lives.

10) St. Louis Blues

Weekly Recap – Losses at home to Nashville (3-2) and at Detroit (4-2) pretty much ended any legitimate shot the Blues had of making the postseason for the second straight year. But wins against the Kings (3-1) and Oilers (2-1) to close out the week mean some fans will still blindly believe they have a chance.

Weekly Outlook – While the Blues’ chances at the playoffs are practically dead, they could give some hope to everyone with a strong showing this week. Home tilts against Chicago (3/30) and Dallas (4/3), along with a road tilt in Nashville (4/1) will do that if they win at least two of those three matches.

11) Anaheim Ducks

Weekly Recap – The Ducks looked like they were going to get a run at the playoffs earlier this season, but a 2-2 mark last week effectively has killed those aspirations. The ‘under’ did go 3-1.

Weekly Outlook – This week opened with a good 3-1 home triumph against Dallas for the Ducks. They’ll head to Colorado on March 31, then head home to host the Canucks on April 2 and in LA on April 3.

12) Minnesota Wild

Weekly Recap – Not much to be gauged out of what the Wild did last week with a 2-2 mark. What we can glean is they are far from competing on a whole after falling to the Sharks and Red Wings. The ‘over’ did go 3-1 in those four tilts.

Weekly Outlook – Minnesota was able to open the week with a good 3-2 win at home against the Kings. They’ll try to parlay that into some strong efforts against the Blackhawks on March 31 and Sharks on April 2.

13) Dallas Stars

Weekly Recap – The Stars opened the week with a tough 3-2 setback at home to Phoenix on March 21. Yet they did pull together on the road for a 2-1 mark in their three road tilts, with wins at Nashville (3-1) and Los Angeles (4-1).

Weekly Outlook – A 3-1 road loss to the Ducks will no doubt prove to be bad for Dallas. They get to take on the Sharks at home on March 31. Then the Stars will welcome Edmonton to town on April 2 and hit St. Louis the following night.

14) Columbus Blue Jackets

Weekly Recap – The long season is finally coming to a close for the Blue Jackets. Last week they were dropped by the Devils (6-3), that was followed up with a big home win over the ‘Hawks (8-3). But they lost at home to the Isles (4-3) to go 1-2 on the week. The ‘over’ went 3-0.

Weekly Outlook – It isn’t going to be easy for Columbus this week. After taking on the Lightning on March 30, they’ll get a road test versus the Red Wings on April 1 and go home to face the Caps on April 3.

15) Edmonton Oilers

Weekly Recap – After getting big wins over the Sharks and Canucks, Edmonton decided to play like Edmonton to close out last week. They looked flat against Anaheim (3-2) and in St. Louis (2-1) to close out a 2-2 week. The ‘under’ did go 3-1 in that stretch.

Weekly Outlook – It’s a week on the road for the Oilers as they take on Detroit (3/30), Dallas (4/2) and Phoenix (4/3). Don’t expect a favorite smaller than -180 in any of those contests.

**StarDust Bum** · 04-02-2010, 11:19 AM

Eastern Conference Report

The NHL’s regular season is coming into the home stretch with plenty left to be decided. Not at the top of the standings, mind you. There is no spot actually guaranteed right now for teams in sixth to eighth place. Let’s look at the schedules and see what this week has in store for us to bet and them to face.

1) Washington Capitals

Weekly Recap – Could the Caps be taking it easy as they prepare for the playoffs? It’s possible as Washington has lost to the Hurricanes (3-2) and Flames (5-3) since a come-from-behind 4-3 shootout victory against the Pens on March 24. The ‘over’ continues to be a strong play as it is 7-3 in the Capitals’ last 10 games.

Weekly Outlook – This could be another snooze fest for gamblers wanting to take the Capitals. They take on the Senators (3/30) and Atlanta (4/1) at home in spots were the visitors desperately want those victories. An April 3 trip to Columbus will no doubt be a time for Washington to a little early fine tuning for the postseason.

2) Pittsburgh Penguins

Weekly Recap – It sure looked like the Penguins were going to stay in a funk after falling to Detroit (3-1) and Washington (4-3) last week. Then Pittsburgh exploded for nine combined goals in its wins against the Flyers and Maple Leafs to close out the week.

Weekly Outlook – Rest will be on tap for Pittsburgh this week with just two games on the schedule. A March 31 tilt at home against the Lightning should be no problem at all since they’ve won three straight against them at Mellon Arena. On April 3, however, the Pens take on an Atlanta side that is clawing to get back into the Top 8.

3) Buffalo Sabres

Weekly Recap – It was good to be a fan of the Sabres last week as they went 3-1. A 3-2 shootout win over the Habs was a gift from God on March 24. But that triumph was followed by a amazing let down against the Sens in a 4-2 setback two nights later.

Weekly Outlook – Buffalo will get familiar with the road once more this week, playing three of its four games away from HBSC Arena. The first game on the road has them in Boston on March 29. The home team has won seven of the last 10 head-to-head meetings. A simple home test against the Panthers on March 31 will lead into a road tilt in Toronto the following night. Bettors should note that the Sabres are just 6-10 on no rest this season. And two nights later they go to Montreal, where the Canadiens will no doubt have revenge on their minds.

4) New Jersey Devils

Weekly Recap – Consistency was an issue for the Devils last week as they alternated wins and losses in their four games. The most disturbing setback had to be a 6-3 decision at home against the Blue Jackets on March 23. As far as totals go, the ‘over’ is the play after going on a 4-0 run.

Weekly Outlook – New Jersey better get its act together quickly this week with home dates against the Bruins (3/30) and Blackhawks (4/2), with a road trip to Carolina the following night. We should keep an eye on that game with the ‘Canes as the Devils are 10-7 on no rest this season, but 0-6 in their last six spots in this situation.

5) Ottawa Senators

Weekly Recap – The Senators needed a big week after losing eight of their last nine fixtures. Ottawa did just that with a 4-0 mark after dropping the Habs (2-0), Flyers (2-0), Sabres (4-2) and Panthers (3-2). And more importantly for the Sens, a playoff spot is virtually assured after that run.

Weekly Outlook – Ottawa has gone 16-21 this year away from home, which to improve if they want to make a deep playoff run. The Sens will get a chance to prove their worth road tests against Washington (3/30) and the Isles (4/3). Sandwiched between those tilts is an April Fool’s Day game with Carolina.

6) Philadelphia Flyers

Weekly Recap – Philly is holding on by fingernails to a playoff spot after losing five straight games, only scoring three goals once in those tests. The Flyers did at least snap that skid with a 5-1 win over New Jersey at the Wachovia on March 28.

Weekly Outlook – All that is left for the Flyers this week is a back-to-back setup with an April 1 tilt in Nassau against the Islanders, before heading home to battle Montreal. Not much to expect if you want to back Philadelphia right now on no rest as they’ve lost three of its last four in that spot.

7) Montreal Canadiens

Weekly Recap – It almost seems like clockwork for the Habs to close out the regular season with a whimper. Last year, they finished up with four straight losses before their playoff series (also a lost cause). And in 2007, they lost out on the final playoff spot with a 2-3 mark to allow the Islanders into the party. This past week certainly feels like a precursor to another meltdown as Montreal dropped three of its four games. The ‘under’ did go 3-1 in that stretch at least.

Weekly Outlook – There is a little reason to be optimistic that Montreal can bounce back this week. Carolina (3/31) has been a funk, Philadelphia (3/2) is playing awful hockey right now. The April 3 showdown at home against the Sabres gives them a chance to avenge that horrid 3-2 shootout loss to them from just last week.

8) Boston Bruins

Weekly Recap – In a spot where they can’t afford to screw up, the Bruins are showing remarkable resiliency as they head for a playoff berth. Boston put up a 3-1 record last week, shutting out Atlanta (4-0) and Calgary (5-0). The ‘under’ was 2-1-1 in those games.

Weekly Outlook – This could be a make or break week for the B’s and their playoff chances. They welcome Buffalo to town on March 29, then head to New Jersey the following night. On April 1, Boston gets the lowly Panther in town and take on the Leafs at the Air Canada Centre two nights later.

9) Atlanta Thrashers

Weekly Recap – Atlanta went just 2-2 last week, but thankfully that was good enough to keep well within the hunt for a playoff spot. Losses to the Bruins (4-0) and Leafs (2-1) right now will most likely bite them in the end. The ‘under’ was the right play as it went 4-0.

Weekly Outlook – A home tilt with the Hurricanes on March 29 closes out a home-and-home series. The following night, the Thrashers will be out for revenge in Toronto. Atlanta closes out its three-game roadie against the Capitals (4/1) and Penguins (4/3). If the Thrashers make it through with a 2-2 record after that, then they should get a strong run to the finish.

10) New York Rangers

Weekly Recap – A 2-2 week for a team looking to stay in the playoff hunt is normally a good thing. Unless you’re the Rangers and fall to Toronto 3-2 in a shootout on March 27 after holding a 2-0 advantage; then you’re just rolling your eyes. Bettors on the ‘under’ were please as it went on a 3-1 run last week.

Weekly Outlook – The Blueshirts finish up their five-game road trip with trips to Long Island (3/30), Tampa Bay (4/2) and Florida (4/3). While you’d be interested in playing the “Sunshine Skate” angle for the game against the Panthers, don’t. New York is 5-2 in its last seven games on no rest. Plus, they’ve won three straight in the second half of the trip down to the Sunshine State.

11) New York Islanders

Weekly Recap – A trip to the playoffs might be a longshot for the Islanders, but a 3-2 home win over Calgary and 4-3 victory at Columbus has to give them hope for next season. They at least helped them not think about the 5-0 beating they suffered to the Rangers on March 24.

Weekly Outlook - New York has a three-game work week ahead of them against tough tests. The Blueshirts come to town on March 30. That game is immediately followed with a home test with the Flyers the following night. Close that out on April 3 at home to the Senators and you can see how the Isles might be breathing a little heavy on the bench.

12) Tampa Bay Lightning

Weekly Recap – Defense was supposed to be a strong point for Rick Tocchet, but a 5-2 loss in Florida and 7-1 setback at Buffalo makes you wonder what’s going on with the Lightning. Even the wins against Carolina (3-2) and in Boston (5-3) showed breakdowns on the blue line. The shoddy defensive play did help the ‘over’ go 3-1.

Weekly Outlook – The Lightning’s four-game roadie closes up with trips to Columbus on March 30 and Pittsburgh the next evening. Tampa Bay will then finish up the week with an April 2 showdown with the Rangers at the St. Pete Times Forum.

13) Florida Panthers

Weekly Recap – The Panthers might have thought they still had an outside shot at the postseason after opening last week up with wins against Tampa Bay and at Toronto. But losing David Booth with another concussion during the 4-1 setback in Montreal has pushed the Cats into playing out the string. And that play was evident when they fell 3-2 last Saturday in Ottawa.

Weekly Outlook – Florida has four games on the schedule this week. Nashville comes to town on March 29. The Panthers will head up to Buffalo on March 31 and hit Boston the next night. The Cats come home April 3 to face off with the Rangers.

14) Carolina Hurricanes

Weekly Recap – Carolina went to the Eastern Conference Final last season. This year, they’ll end it with a thud after dropping three of last week’s four tilts. The ‘under’ did go 3-1.

Weekly Outlook – The Hurricanes have road tests against Atlanta (3/29), Montreal (3/31) and Ottawa (4/1). Don’t hold your breath for Carolina to do well in those games as they’re 11-25 on the road this season. And a home fixture against the Devils on April 3 doesn’t help Paul Maurice’s club’s chances.

15) Toronto Maple Leafs

Weekly Recap – It was just a 2-2 week for Toronto, but it was awfully close to a 3-1 week had it not been for a shootout defeat on the road to the Pens (5-4) on March 28. Still, bettors were pleasantly reward if they took the ‘under’ for a 3-1 run.

Weekly Outlook – The Maple Leafs will get to play the spoiler role this week when Atlanta (3/30) and Boston (4/3) come to the Air Canada Centre. And you can’t help it if Ron Wilson wants to knock the Sabres down a peg or two when they come over for an April Fool’s Day battle.

**StarDust Bum** · 04-02-2010, 01:17 PM

Date WLT Pct Net Units Record

04/01/10 3-1-0 75.00% +950 Detail
Totals 3-1-0 75.00% +950

Friday, April 2Game Score Status Pick Amount

Milwaukee - 7:00 PM ET Milwaukee +3.5 500 ( NBA DOG )
Charlotte

Miami - 7:00 PM ET Indiana -1.5 300
Indiana -

Chicago - 7:00 PM ET Chicago -5 500 ( NBA POD )
Washington -

Houston - 7:30 PM ET Boston -10.5 300
Boston -

Atlanta - 8:00 PM ET Cleveland -5 300
Cleveland -

Phoenix - 8:00 PM ET Phoenix -8.5 300
Detroit - Under 211 500

New Orleans - 8:00 PM ET Memphis -3.5 500 ( NBA POD )
Memphis - Over 206 500 ( NBA TOTAL )

Orlando - 8:30 PM ET Orlando +3 400
San Antonio -

New York - 10:30 PM ET Golden State -3.5 400
Golden State - Over 235 400

Utah - 10:30 PM ET Utah +4.5 500 ( NBA DOG )
L.A. Lakers -

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

Friday, April 2Game Score Status Pick Amount

Chicago - 7:00 PM ET New Jersey -111 500
New Jersey - Under 5.5 500

Montreal - 7:00 PM ET Montreal +114 500
Philadelphia - Over 5.5 500

NY Rangers - 7:30 PM ET Tampa Bay +111 500
Tampa Bay - Over 5.5 500

San Jose - 8:00 PM ET Minnesota +120 500 (NHL POD )
Minnesota - Under 5.5 500

Edmonton - 8:30 PM ET Edmonton +218 500 ( NHL BIG DOG )
Dallas - Over 5.5 500

Calgary - 9:30 PM ET Calgary +117 500 ( NHL DOG )
Colorado - Over 5 500

Vancouver - 10:00 PM ET Anaheim -113 500
Anaheim - Under 5.5 500

Good Luck Gang !

**StarDust Bum** · 04-02-2010, 04:25 PM

Televised twinbill of weighty NBA contests

Tonight in the NBA, we have two games that would be worthy of a Final Four in professional basketball, one from each conference. Atlanta has been a very good home team all season, but only pedestrian on the road as they prepare to take on Cleveland, a team that has given them monumental problems. Later out West, the lethargic Lakers return home to face a different Utah team, one that is presently in first place in the Northwest Division. It should be a most entertaining night in the NBA.

Atlanta at Cleveland 8:00E ESPN

The Atlanta Hawks have transformed from a feisty eighth seed two seasons ago to a legitimate Eastern Conference contender. To take the next step, they will almost certainly have to figure out how to beat the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The Cavaliers’ first crack at back-to-back 60-win seasons comes Friday night as they seek their ninth straight victory over the Hawks(4-3-1 ATS), who have been unable to carry their recent home success to the road.
Cleveland (59-16, 37-37-1 ATS) is on its way to owning the NBA’s best record for the second consecutive season after winning 50 games just five times in the franchise’s first 38 years.

Atlanta (48-26, 44-30 ATS) improved by 10 victories in 2008-09 from the 37-win team that took Boston to the limit in the first round the previous season, but was bounced in four games in the second round by the Cavaliers. The Hawks are on their way to their first 50-win season since 1997-98, but need to prove they can beat Cleveland. Both meetings this season were tight, but the Cavaliers won 95-84 in Atlanta as 2.5-point underdogs on Dec. 29 behind 20 points from Mo Williams, then got a season-high 48 from LeBron James a night later in Cleveland to win 106-101.

The Cavs trailed by as many as 17 in the second half of the most recent meeting before rallying. The Hawks weren’t just upset with their late collapse, but also with the shot clock, which failed to reset after an offensive rebound with 1:41 left - costing Atlanta an estimated five seconds. The Hawks, who got 35 points from Joe Johnson, issued an appeal for the final seconds to be replayed but were denied.

Atlanta has lost three straight and five of seven SU and ATS on the road, but should be confident coming to Cleveland after a convincing win. Johnson scored 25 points Wednesday to lead seven Hawks in double figures in a 109-92 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers, the Hawks’ ninth straight at home. Atlanta is 13-5 ATS off a home win by 10 points or more this season.

Atlanta has a one-game lead for the No. 3 seed, which would allow it to avoid the Cavs in the second round. “It’s an important win,” forward Josh Smith said, whose clubs is 13-4 ATS after a pair of double digit victories. “We’re trying for that third spot. We need games like this every night on a consistent basis.”

The Lakers loss in Atlanta combined with Cleveland’s win over Milwaukee on Wednesday reduced the Cavs’ magic number to two.
For the second straight game, though, Cleveland had to overcome a lethargic effort with sixth man Anderson Varejao sidelined by a sore hamstring. After pulling away late to beat Sacramento 97-90 on Sunday, the Cavaliers rallied from a four-point deficit with three minutes left to top the Bucks 101-98. “We don’t want to take games off or get relaxed,” forward Antawn Jamison said. “We know we have to stay focused and stay aggressive. We have to keep that edge.” The Cavs are 7-3 ATS after scoring 100 or more points.

This will be Atlanta’s first look at Jamison in a Cavaliers uniform, though they are plenty familiar with his work. Jamison averaged 23.2 points and 12.7 rebounds in his last nine games against the Hawks while with Washington.

Jamison and his new mates are 5.5-point favorites at Sportsbook.com with total of 195.5. Part of the reason Cleveland has enjoyed so much success against the Hawks is they are 12-2 ATS versus excellent ball handling teams committing 12 or fewer turnovers a game.

For Atlanta, a win would be a tremendous boost of confidence, taking down the Lakers and Cavs in the same week. The Hawks are 13-4 ATS on the road when the total is between 195 and 199.5 points over the last two seasons and since Cleveland is 6-17 ATS at home after a win by six points or less (winning margin of just 2.8 points), they need to believe they can break this spell.

It is noteworthy the Cavs are 12-4 UNDER on Friday nights and Atlanta is 27-12 UNDER in road games revenging a loss where opponent scored 100 or more points. The teams meet April 14, the last night of the regular season, in Atlanta.

Utah at L.A. Lakers 10:30E ESPN

Following a tough road trip, the Los Angeles Lakers could struggle to get back on track Friday night - even though they haven’t lost at home to their opponent in more than four years. The Lakers look to avoid a third straight loss and extend a 13-game home winning streak against the surging Utah Jazz, one of their closest pursuers for the Western Conference lead.

Los Angeles (54-21, 31-42-2 ATS) opened a five-game trip with a 92-83 win over San Antonio on March 24, only to drop three of its next four. “I’m not going to make any excuses,” said Ron Artest, 4 of 22 from 3-point range during the trip. “We definitely tried our best. On this trip, our best wasn’t good enough.”

A 109-92 loss to Atlanta on Wednesday night gave the Lakers consecutive defeats for the fourth time this season. Los Angeles let the Hawks shoot 54.2 percent and surrendered more than 100 points for a third straight game, dropping them to 9-18 ATS in the second half of the season.

“We’re not playing well defensively,” guard Kobe Bryant said. “This trip was consistently bad, so we’ve got to get back to work.” Despite their struggles, the Lakers can secure a third consecutive Pacific Division title with a win over the Jazz (50-26, 47-26-3 ATS) and a Phoenix loss to Detroit earlier in the evening.

However, Utah has won eight of 10 (7-3 ATS) to move within 4 1/2 games of Los Angeles for the conference lead. “Every game is a huge game for us,” Jazz forward Carlos Boozer said. “We’ve got to take care of us. We can’t really worry about everybody else.” After beating both New York and Golden State in Salt Lake City, the Jazz are 12-4 ATS after playing two games as a home favorite this season.

The Lakers, though, have reason to be confident if they met the Jazz in the playoffs for the third straight year. Los Angeles’ 13 straight home wins against Utah (8-4-1 ATS), dating to Jan. 1, 2006, include six postseason victories over the past two seasons. The Lakers are averaging 114.3 points and shooting 51.4 percent during that streak, winning 101-77 on Dec. 9 in the only meeting at Staples Center this season.

A loss Friday would give Los Angeles three straight for the second time in a month and they are only 6-19-1 ATS if their opponent scored 100 or more points in previous outing. Prior to a skid in early March, the Lakers hadn’t lost three in a row since January 2008.

Andrew Bynum’s absence hasn’t helped. The 7-footer has missed six straight games due to a strained Achilles’ and could miss another 10 days. Pau Gasol has moved from forward to center in place of Bynum. Gasol has 33 rebounds over his past two games and 39 in his last two contests against Utah.

Though Bryant was out with an ankle sprain, the Lakers won 96-81 in Utah on Feb. 10. Bryant is shooting 51.3 percent (20 for 39) from 3-point range over his last 12 home games against the Jazz.

Utah’s Deron Williams is coming off a strong performance, posting a season-best 19 assists in a 128-104 win over Golden State on Wednesday night. Williams was held to eight points - the seventh time this season the All-Star failed to reach double figures - but he helped the Jazz finish with 37 assists on 46 field goals. Utah is averaging 110.4 points over its last 11 games. “We’re playing with a lot of confidence right now,” Williams said.
Boozer is averaging 24.3 points and shooting 78.6 percent (33 for 42) in his last three contests. He has been held to fewer than 13 points, though, in three straight games versus the Lakers.

Los Angeles is a 4.5-point home favorite at the Staples Center where they are 32-5, with only a 15-21-1 ATS mark. Phil Jackson’s club is 19-7 ATS after three or more Over’s and 11-0 UNDER as a home favorite of six points or less over the last two seasons. Utah is 22-8 ATS versus good shooting teams making 46 percent or more of their shots and 27-12 OVER in road games after a cover as a double digit favorite.

Let the battles begin.

**Udog** · 04-02-2010, 06:06 PM

Thanks for all the work, Bum! Very interesting. Good luck!

**StarDust Bum** · 04-02-2010, 06:11 PM

No Problem Udog.......you have done alot yourself with information.........

**StarDust Bum** · 04-02-2010, 06:54 PM

Grizzlies shut down Gasol, Brewer for rest of season

MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol and guard Ronnie Brewer will miss the team's final eight games of the season because of injuries.

The Grizzlies announced the injuries Friday.

The 7-foot-1 Gasol missed five games between March 16-24 after partially tearing a neck muscle March 13 against Denver. He aggravated the injury Wednesday night against Dallas.

Gasol has career highs with 14.6 points and 9.3 rebounds. He also is shooting a franchise-record 58.1 percent and leads all second-year players in that category and rebounding.

Brewer partially tore his right hamstring Feb. 19 in his first game after the Grizzlies traded for him from Utah. He missed 13 games with that injury and had played in only four games since. His last was March 22 at Sacramento.

**StarDust Bum** · 04-02-2010, 06:57 PM

IZZO'S Press Conference....interesting stuff....

CBS College Sports All-Access

**StarDust Bum** · 04-02-2010, 07:01 PM

Another updated press conference.

CBS College Sports All-Access

Announcement

The Bum's Friday's Best Bets + Pod's !

The Bum's Friday's Best Bets + Pod's !

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