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**Udog** · 04-03-2010, 05:38 AM

Daily Sports Roundup: April 3

Today in the Daily Sports Roundup: The Mavericks take on the Thunder, while the Final Four features Butler vs. Michigan State and then Duke vs. West Virginia.

Tipping off on the hardwood . . .

The NBA offers up nine games on Saturday, with Toronto at Philadelphia, Detroit at Atlanta, New Orleans at New Jersey, Charlotte at Chicago, Miami at Minnesota, Phoenix at Milwaukee, the Clippers at Denver, Portland at Sacramento, and Oklahoma City at Dallas. The Thunder improved to 46-28 SU and 44-30 ATS with a 109-104 road win in Boston on Wednesday night. Kevin Durant was good for 37 points in that victory, while Russell Westbrook tossed in 21 points on the night. The Mavericks (50-26 SU, 31-43-2 ATS) fell 97-82 to Orlando in their last game on Thursday, but they're 2-1 vs. the Thunder this year.

The bigger hoops event on Saturday, though, is the Final Four at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The night's first matchup has a pair of No. 5 seeds in action, with Butler taking on Michigan State. The Bulldogs, who are basically playing a home game on Saturday, have been pegged by the oddsmakers as 1-point favorites to advance to the championship game, with the total set at 126 points. The other Final Four matchup then has West Virginia, a No. 2 seed, taking on the lone remaining top seed, Duke. The Blue Devils are the oddsmakers' pick in that one, as they're favored by 2 points. The total sits at 131.

Taking a trip around the rink . . .

As well, the National Hockey League has 11 games on tap for Saturday, including a matinee matchup between the Thrashers and Penguins in Pittsburgh. The 34-32-12 Thrashers will continue their quest to move into the Eastern Conference playoff picture on Saturday, but their chances took a hit on Thursday with a 2-1 road loss to Washington. Tim Stapleton had Atlanta's lone goal in that contest. The 44-26-7 Penguins are trying to fend off the Devils for top spot in the Atlantic Division, but they fell 2-0 to Tampa Bay in their last game on Wednesday night. Pittsburgh is 2-0 against the Thrashers in their two meetings on the season.

Also on the ice on Saturday: Nashville at Detroit, Ottawa at the Islanders, Buffalo at Montreal, New Jersey at Carolina, Boston at Toronto, the Rangers at Florida, Washington at Columbus, Dallas at St. Louis, Edmonton at Phoenix, and Anaheim at Los Angeles. The Kings bounced the Canucks 8-3 at home in their last game on Thursday night, with Dustin Brown recording a hat trick and Drew Doughty picking up a pair of assists. Los Angeles has had Anaheim's number so far this season, as the Kings are 3-1 over their four games vs. their regional rival.

**Udog** · 04-03-2010, 05:38 AM

Bettor's best friend: Saturday's wagering tips

Lines off the board

Toronto Raptors at Philadelphia 76ers – Louis Williams (back) has missed the last five games and is questionable. Thaddeus Young (finger) has missed the last seven games and is questionable.

Detroit Pistons at Atlanta Hawks – Richard Hamilton (ankle) missed Wednesday’s game and is doubtful. Jason Maxiell (back) left during the team’s last game and is questionable.

Miami Heat at Minnesota Timberwolves – Jermaine O’Neal (back) missed Friday’s game and is doubtful.

Atlanta Thrashers at Pittsburgh Penguins – Evgeni Malkin (foot) has missed the last five games but is expected to return. Sergei Gonchar (illness) has missed the last four games and is questionable. Pavel Kubina (upper body) did not play in Thursday’s game and is questionable.

New Jersey Devils at Carolina Hurricanes – Zach Parise was expected to get Friday off but played so he could be out Saturday for rest.

Lines to keep an eye on

The total in the Thunder-Mavs game has spiraled out of control downward. The opener of 198.5 has been bet down to 195.5. Seven of the last 10 games in this series have gone under. The spread has also moved against the home team (Dallas) who opened as a 4-point favorite but now is 3-point chalk.

A large opening spread of 15 points in favor of the Nuggets has been bet down to 14 at most shops. The Clippers have lost three straight ATS.

An opening total of 192 has been bet up to 194.5 in the Blazers-Kings matchup. Sacramento has played to six straight unders and 4-of-5 games in this series have gone under.

Who’s hot

The Red Wings are 7-0 in their last seven games.

Butler has won 24 games in a row.

The Bulls are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games.

Who’s not

The Pistons are 0-9 SU and ATS in their last nine games.

Duke and West Virginia have played to the under in seven of their last 10 games.

The Capitals have dropped three of their last four games, losing 5.25 units on the moneyline.

Key stat

1 – Number of teams to win the NCAA tournament with no McDonald’s All-Americans. Maryland was the only team to ever do it (2002). Of the four teams remaining in the tourney, Duke is the only team with a McDonald’s A-A.

Injury that shouldn’t be overlooked

West Virginia point guard Darryl Bryant might or might not be available for the Mountaineers Final Four game versus Duke on Saturday. The outlook isn’t good for Bryant as he said on Friday he would, “definitely like to see if he could go” and described his situation as “sucks.” Coach Bob Huggins said on Thursday it was “highly unlikely” Bryant would play. Junior Joe Mazzula started in place of Bryant in the team’s win over Kentucky and was a key factor after scoring 17 points.

Games of the Day

Michigan State Spartans vs. Butler Bulldogs (-1, 126)

West Virginia Mountaineers vs. Duke Blue Devils (-2.5, 131)

Boston Bruins at Toronto Maple Leafs

Edmonton Oilers at Phoenix Coyotes (-320, 5.5)

Notable quotable

"People were saying we were not going to get a win in March, and we got one. We got that monkey off our back and we have to keep going."

-- Wizards guard Nick Young said after the team’s road win over New Orleans on Thursday.

Tips and notes

- Holding onto the last spot in the playoffs, Raptors coach Jay Triano has made changes to the starting lineup. Sonny Weems has started the last four games and Toronto has covered in all four and won the last two. Weems has averaged 10.7 ppg as a starter. Antoine Wright replaced Hedo Turkoglu as a starter five games ago and has posted 10.2 ppg and 5.0 rpg. Triano said these changes were permanent.

- Joe Ogilvie changed his equipment before firing a 67 at the Houston Open on Friday. He ranked 175th on tour in driving heading into the tournament so he replaced his driver after the opening round. Ogilvie also switched putters and his green-work vastly improved as he only needed 26 putts in the second round. He also increased the loft on all of his clubs by one degree. Altering equipment during a tournament occasionally happens on tour but it is very unusual. Ogilvie is two strokes off the lead and is getting +2000 odds to win the tournament.

- Phil Mickelson seemed dejected after shooting 76 in the second round of the Shell Houston Open on Friday. He said his round was frustrating and when a reporter attempted to cheer him up by reminding Lefty of a good finishing hole, Mickelson said, “That's not much consolation.” This uncharacteristic, defeatist attitude from Mickelson is not a good sign heading into the Masters. It might be wise to bet against Phil in a head-to-head matchup on Saturday.

**Udog** · 04-03-2010, 05:39 AM

Saturday six-pack

-- David Lee had 37 points, 20 rebounds, 10 assists Friday night, but the Knicks still lost. By 11. To the Warriors. Yikes. Anthony Morrow scored 35 for Golden State but didn't have an assist. Figures.

-- Worth noting that Knicks' reject Jordan Hill was +13 in 27 minutes for Houston in their OT win at Boston; he had 9 points, 9 rebounds, while Chase Budinger scored 24 (6-8 from arc) for the Rockets.

-- I babbled endlessly last June that the NBA was screwed up if a kid like Budinger (3-year college star) could last until the second round of the draft, just so teams could justify foreign scouting expenditures by drafting lesser players from other countries.

-- Dwyane Wade had 43 in Miami's OT win at Indiana; Heat was +20 when Wade was on the court, -11 when he wasn't.

-- Charlotte beat the Bucks 87-86 in OT; Michael Jordan's Bobcats are now 29-9 at home, 40-35 overall, headed to playoffs for first time.

-- Suns moved to 50-26 with a 109-94 win at Detroit; Pistons put up so little a fight that Steve Nash had only 9 points, 7 assists in 26 minutes.

*************************************

Saturday's List of 13: Clearing out a cluttered mind.........

13) Hard to take a college all-star game seriously when one team is called Reese's, other side Hershey's; thats what we had in Indianapolis Friday at Lucas Oil Stadium. One of the teams was "coached" by Bill Hodges, who was Larry Bird's college coach at Indiana State.

12) There have been 32 college coaching changes so far this season out of 347 teams, with more to follow if current head coaches move on to other more high profile jobs.

11) If DePaul doesn’t hire Reggie Theus, I’ll be surprised. Played for the Bulls, excellent recruiter, has some experience as a college head coach, and he won at New Mexico State. They won’t do better than him.

10) I wonder who holds the all-time record for most times dying in the movies? I mean in different movies, not the same scene being shown over and over. Think anyone keeps track of this stuff?

9) The guy who won the dunk championship at the Final Four plays for Vermont. Go figure.

8) I'm not trying to be mean; I like the guy, but during the Steve Lavin era at UCLA, no one in LA thought he was a very good coach. He brought in excellent talent and generally underachieved with it. Now he is older and hopefully wiser, but St John's ain't UCLA, either.

7) I’m thinking my next trip to Las Vegas should be in late September, while baseball is still going on, but with lot of football mixed in. Have to wait until the NFL schedule comes out before making plans.

6) I’m thinking it is inevitable that NCAA tournament goes to 96 teams, because someone in the TV industry is willing to pay for it. Greedy bastards; why doesn’t someone in the TV industry pony up big bucks for a college football playoff? That’s what America wants, not a diluted hoop tournament.

5) If the tournament does go to 96 teams, then Dayton is the winner of what will probably have been the last NIT ever, at least the March NIT. They’ll still have the preseason event in November.

4) Why can’t Oregon hire a basketball coach? At what point would it be smart to just bring Ernie Kent back? They’re getting rejected by everyone they go after. Kent was there 13 years, he’s an alum and he had his share of success. They're embarrassing themselves by throwing money at these other coaches and getting turned down.

3) In case you were wondering, major league batting average LY on balls put in play (excluding home runs) was .299.

2) Look at the top ten scorers in NBA this season; half of them didn't go to college (James-Bryant-Ellis-Nowitzki-Stoudemire).

1) When West Virginia upset Duke in the NCAAs two years ago, they pounded Duke on the boards, 45-19; would expect a very physical game Saturday night. Going to be a tough game to officiate.

**Udog** · 04-03-2010, 05:40 AM

NBA
Long Sheet

Saturday, April 3

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TORONTO (37 - 37) at PHILADELPHIA (26 - 49) - 4/3/2010, 1:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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DETROIT (23 - 51) at ATLANTA (48 - 26) - 4/3/2010, 7:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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NEW ORLEANS (35 - 41) at NEW JERSEY (10 - 65) - 4/3/2010, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEW ORLEANS is 34-42 ATS (-12.2 Units) in all games this season.
NEW ORLEANS is 9-18 ATS (-10.8 Units) as a favorite this season.
NEW ORLEANS is 34-47 ATS (-17.7 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 27-45 ATS (-22.5 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 9-19 ATS (-11.9 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
NEW ORLEANS is 16-25 ATS (-11.5 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.
NEW JERSEY is 31-43 ATS (-16.3 Units) in all games this season.
NEW JERSEY is 30-39 ATS (-12.9 Units) as an underdog this season.
NEW JERSEY is 14-24 ATS (-12.4 Units) in home games this season.
NEW JERSEY is 42-66 ATS (-30.6 Units) in home games when playing with 2 days rest since 1996.
NEW JERSEY is 23-36 ATS (-16.6 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
NEW JERSEY is 27-36 ATS (-12.6 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent this season.
NEW JERSEY is 14-25 ATS (-13.5 Units) after a loss by 10 points or more this season.
NEW JERSEY is 13-22 ATS (-11.2 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.
NEW JERSEY is 47-67 ATS (-26.7 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game over the last 3 seasons.

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

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MIAMI (41 - 34) at MINNESOTA (15 - 60) - 4/3/2010, 8:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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CHARLOTTE (39 - 35) at CHICAGO (35 - 39) - 4/3/2010, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CHARLOTTE is 42-31 ATS (+7.9 Units) in all games this season.
CHARLOTTE is 55-37 ATS (+14.3 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
CHARLOTTE is 44-29 ATS (+12.1 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
CHARLOTTE is 23-14 ATS (+7.6 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.
CHICAGO is 9-24 ATS (-17.4 Units) against Southeast division opponents over the last 2 seasons.

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

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OKLAHOMA CITY (46 - 28) at DALLAS (50 - 26) - 4/3/2010, 8:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 44-30 ATS (+11.0 Units) in all games this season.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 57-39 ATS (+14.1 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 24-13 ATS (+9.7 Units) in road games this season.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) in road games against Southwest division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 25-15 ATS (+8.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 25-16 ATS (+7.4 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.
DALLAS is 32-43 ATS (-15.3 Units) in all games this season.
DALLAS is 21-33 ATS (-15.3 Units) as a favorite this season.
DALLAS is 9-28 ATS (-21.8 Units) in home games this season.
DALLAS is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) in home games on Saturday games this season.
DALLAS is 14-25 ATS (-13.5 Units) against Northwest division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
DALLAS is 4-12 ATS (-9.2 Units) in home games after a non-conference game this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
OKLAHOMA CITY is 7-3 against the spread versus DALLAS over the last 3 seasons
DALLAS is 7-3 straight up against OKLAHOMA CITY over the last 3 seasons
7 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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PHOENIX (49 - 26) at MILWAUKEE (41 - 33) - 4/3/2010, 8:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MILWAUKEE is 46-26 ATS (+17.4 Units) in all games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 23-13 ATS (+8.7 Units) as a favorite this season.
MILWAUKEE is 19-8 ATS (+10.2 Units) second half of the season this season.
MILWAUKEE is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) on Saturday games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 24-14 ATS (+8.6 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent this season.
MILWAUKEE is 27-8 ATS (+18.2 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.
MILWAUKEE is 15-4 ATS (+10.6 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season this season.
MILWAUKEE is 24-15 ATS (+7.5 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.
MILWAUKEE is 14-4 ATS (+9.6 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season this season.
PHOENIX is 42-31 ATS (+7.9 Units) in all games this season.
PHOENIX is 18-7 ATS (+10.3 Units) second half of the season this season.
PHOENIX is 179-140 ATS (+25.0 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1996.
MILWAUKEE is 30-49 ATS (-23.9 Units) in home games against Pacific division opponents since 1996.

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

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LA CLIPPERS (27 - 48) at DENVER (49 - 27) - 4/3/2010, 9:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LA CLIPPERS are 31-42 ATS (-15.2 Units) in all games this season.
LA CLIPPERS are 23-32 ATS (-12.2 Units) as an underdog this season.
LA CLIPPERS are 3-12 ATS (-10.2 Units) as a road underdog of 12.5 to 15 points over the last 2 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 4-14 ATS (-11.4 Units) as a road underdog of 12.5 to 18 points over the last 2 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 4-14 ATS (-11.4 Units) as a road underdog of 12.5 or more points over the last 2 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 14-24 ATS (-12.4 Units) in road games this season.
LA CLIPPERS are 9-18 ATS (-10.8 Units) second half of the season this season.
LA CLIPPERS are 19-33 ATS (-17.3 Units) against Northwest division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 170-211 ATS (-62.1 Units) after a non-conference game since 1996.
LA CLIPPERS are 19-28 ATS (-11.8 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent this season.
LA CLIPPERS are 9-20 ATS (-13.0 Units) after allowing 105 points or more this season.
LA CLIPPERS are 25-45 ATS (-24.5 Units) after a loss by 10 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 29-46 ATS (-21.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 11-27 ATS (-18.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 12-24 ATS (-14.4 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.
LA CLIPPERS are 12-25 ATS (-15.5 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 12-29 ATS (-19.9 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.
LA CLIPPERS are 4-16 ATS (-13.6 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season this season.
DENVER is 91-77 ATS (+6.3 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
DENVER is 24-33 ATS (-12.3 Units) as a favorite this season.
DENVER is 9-19 ATS (-11.9 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
DENVER is 11-24 ATS (-15.4 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
DENVER is 6-4 against the spread versus LA CLIPPERS over the last 3 seasons
DENVER is 8-2 straight up against LA CLIPPERS over the last 3 seasons
5 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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PORTLAND (46 - 30) at SACRAMENTO (24 - 52) - 4/3/2010, 10:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PORTLAND is 42-32 ATS (+6.8 Units) in all games this season.
PORTLAND is 61-42 ATS (+14.8 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
PORTLAND is 23-13 ATS (+8.7 Units) in road games this season.
PORTLAND is 42-28 ATS (+11.2 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
PORTLAND is 22-10 ATS (+11.0 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
PORTLAND is 49-32 ATS (+13.8 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
PORTLAND is 32-16 ATS (+14.4 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
SACRAMENTO is 6-15 ATS (-10.5 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.

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

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**Udog** · 04-03-2010, 05:42 AM

NBA

Saturday, April 3

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Trend Report
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1:00 PM
TORONTO vs. PHILADELPHIA
Toronto is 11-5 SU in its last 16 games when playing Philadelphia
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Toronto's last 6 games when playing Philadelphia
Philadelphia is 3-7 ATS in its last 10 games at home
Philadelphia is 2-8 SU in its last 10 games at home

7:00 PM
DETROIT vs. ATLANTA
Detroit is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
Detroit is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
Atlanta is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Detroit
Atlanta is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Detroit

7:30 PM
NEW ORLEANS vs. NEW JERSEY
New Orleans is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
New Orleans is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of New Jersey's last 5 games when playing at home against New Orleans
New Jersey is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing New Orleans

8:00 PM
CHARLOTTE vs. CHICAGO
Charlotte is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Chicago
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Charlotte's last 10 games when playing on the road against Chicago
Chicago is 3-6 ATS in its last 9 games at home
Chicago is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games at home

8:00 PM
MIAMI vs. MINNESOTA
Miami is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games
Miami is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Minnesota is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Miami
Minnesota is 6-3 ATS in its last 9 games when playing at home against Miami

8:30 PM
OKLAHOMA CITY vs. DALLAS
Oklahoma City is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 games when playing Dallas
Oklahoma City is 3-17 SU in its last 20 games when playing Dallas
Dallas is 3-7-1 ATS in its last 11 games
Dallas is 18-5 SU in its last 23 games

8:30 PM
PHOENIX vs. MILWAUKEE
Phoenix is 11-4-1 ATS in its last 16 games when playing on the road against Milwaukee
Phoenix is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Milwaukee
Milwaukee is 13-6 ATS in its last 19 games at home
Milwaukee is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games at home

9:00 PM
LA CLIPPERS vs. DENVER
LA Clippers are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games when playing on the road against Denver
LA Clippers are 0-5 SU in their last 5 games when playing on the road against Denver
Denver is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games at home
Denver is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games at home

10:00 PM
PORTLAND vs. SACRAMENTO
Portland is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Portland is 9-2 SU in its last 11 games
Sacramento is 12-6 SU in its last 18 games when playing at home against Portland
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Sacramento's last 13 games when playing at home against Portland

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**Udog** · 04-03-2010, 05:42 AM

NBA

Saturday, April 3

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Pick 'n' Roll: Today's best NBA bets
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Detroit Pistons at Atlanta Hawks

With Richard Hamilton sidelined with a sprained ankle, Rodney Stuckey made his first start on Wednesday since collapsing on the bench two weeks ago and scored 18 points.

With the Pistons well out of the playoff picture, coach Jon Kuester has hinted that he would like to experiment with the lineup and rotations.

"We are looking at some things differently at times," Kuester said. "But having Rip (Hamilton) out does open up more minutes for Ben Gordon at that position where we can play a three-guard rotation with Will Bynum and also Rodney Stuckey."
With three younger, smaller guards in the starting lineup, expect the Pistons’ pace to be faster in the closing weeks of the regular season.

The Hawks average 105.0 ppg at home while surrendering 97.4 ppg to opponents.

Pick: Over

Charlotte Bobcats at Chicago Bulls (-2, 188)

Going into Friday, the Bulls were trailing Toronto by two games for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

Chicago returned two key players to the starting lineup for Friday’s matchup versus Washington. Joakim Noah and Kirk Hinrich were on the floor to start the game and Luol Deng, who has missed the last 11 games, saw limited action.

Hinrich and Deng weren’t supposed to return until Saturday so you can sense the urgency to win.

"We're still trying to make a push for the playoffs, and we need these guys,” point guard Derrick Rose said.

The Bulls cannot afford a loss down the stretch. That pressure should push Chicago to prevail at home where it has won the last two against the Bobcats.

Pick: Bulls

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**Udog** · 04-03-2010, 05:43 AM

NCAAB
Dunkel

SATURDAY, APRIL 3

Game 819-820: Michigan State vs. Butler
Dunkel Ratings: Michigan State 71.763; Butler 69.873
Dunkel Line: Michigan State by 2
Vegas Line: Butler by 1 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Michigan State (+1 1/2)

Game 821-822: West Virginia vs. Duke
Dunkel Ratings: West Virginia 72.899; Duke 78.428
Dunkel Line: Duke by 5 1/2
Vegas Line: Duke by 2 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Duke (-2 1/2)

**Udog** · 04-03-2010, 05:44 AM

NCAAB
Long Sheet

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** · 04-03-2010, 05:45 AM

NCAAB
Short Sheet

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** · 04-03-2010, 05:46 AM

NCAAB
Write-Up

Final Four games

Butler is at home; its only six miles from Hinkle Fieldhouse to Lucas Oil Stadium, but Michigan State won a national title in Indy in 2000, so Izzo probably feels at home too. Bulldogs won last 24 games, already beating #1 seed Syracuse in its region. Last time there was a national semifinal game where neither team was a #1-4 seed was 2000, when Florida beat North Carolina before losing to Izzo's Spartans in final. Butler is 2-1 vs Big 11 teams, winning at Northwestern 67-54, Ohio State 74-66, losing to Minnesota on neutral floor, 82-73. Bulldogs are super on defense; can they keep Spartans away from offensive boards? Michigan State won by 30 over Valparaiso in its only game against an Horizon League team.

Duke is in first Final Four since '04; Huggins is in first one since '92 with Cincinnati. West Virginia beat Duke 73-67 in second round game back in '08, when Duke was #2 seed, WVa #7. Blue Devils lead country, holding foes to 27.8% behind arc; they're facing #1 offensive rebounding team in country. Duke played 4th-hardest schedule, WVa faced the #2 schedule, so both team are battle-tested. Duke is 2-1 vs Big East teams, losing at Georgetown by 12, beating St John's (80-71), UConn (68-59). Duke is on 8-game win streak, Mountaineers won last 10 (were an underdog in three of the ten) games. In its seven postseason games, West Virginia is allowing an average of just 55.9 ppg. Darryl Bryant not expected to be in lineup (foot) but Mountaineers beat Kentucky without him.

**Udog** · 04-03-2010, 05:47 AM

NCAAB

Saturday, April 3

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Trend Report
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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** · 04-03-2010, 05:48 AM

NCAAB

Saturday, April 3

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What bettors need to know
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Michigan State vs. Butler

Michigan State Spartans vs. Butler Bulldogs (-1, 126), 6:05 p.m. ET

Spartan fighters

Tom Izzo has now taken Michigan State to a whopping six Final Fours since 1999, but this run has to be the wildest and most improbable of all.

The Spartans have won three of their four NCAA Tournament games by three points or fewer (70-67 over New Mexico State, 85-83 over Maryland, and 70-69 over Tennessee). Against the Terrapins, MSU lost star point guard Kalin Lucas to a torn Achilles and trailed by one point in the waning seconds, but Korie Lucious -Lucas’ backup -nailed a 3-pointer at the buzzer.

Additional adversity is still coming in the form of injuries, as guard Chris Allen (torn ligament in his right arch) and forward Delvon Roe (knee) are dealing with their own physical problems. Allen’s recent practices have involved only shooting and Roe faces offseason surgery.

So far the Spartans (28-8, 15-20 ATS) have overcome everything. Perhaps that’s part of the reason why Butler coach Brad Stevens called Michigan State “one of the great, if not the greatest program in the country over the last 12 years”, in an ESPN interview earlier this week.

But as if all of that isn’t enough for the Spartans, they now have to face a Final Four opponent that is playing in its home city. In fact, Butler is the first team since UCLA in 1972 (Final Four in Los Angeles) to enjoy such an opportunity.

24 in a row

Butler has won an incredible 24 consecutive games (12-12 ATS) heading into Saturday’s national semifinals. The Bulldogs have not lost since a December 22 trip to UAB, where a 67-57 setback dropped them to a pedestrian 8-4 mark.

111 days later, Butler will charge into Lucas Oil Stadium at 32-4 (16-20 ATS).

The last time a Tom Izzo-coached team faced an opponent on such a win streak was in the 1999 Final Four, as Duke rode a 31-game surge at the time. Michigan State succumbed to 68-62 to the Blue Devils.

These Bulldogs do not feature NBA lottery picks at multiple positions like those Blue Devils, but the Spartans know what Butler is all about.

“They're not mid-majors,” Roe told the Grand Rapids Press. “You learn when you play these teams not to underestimate them, or you'll end up like the other teams they played this year: out.”

“I'm sure their confidence is sky high,” Lucious noted. “They're going to be real confident because I'm sure they don't want their winning streak to be snapped. So they're going to come out with intensity and we're going to match it.”

Painter of the picture

Purdue faced Michigan State twice this season and shares the state of Indiana with Butler, so Boilermaker head coach Matt Painter is familiar with both participants in Saturday’s first Final Four showdown.

“Butler will push, but they're selective,” Painter said in a Wednesday teleconference. “If it's there, they go. If they get a wide-open shot in transition, they take it. But if not, they make you play and break down.

“But Butler doesn't get the credit they deserve for how tough they are and how good a defensive team they are.”

No team has reached the 60-point mark against the Bulldogs so far in this NCAA Tournament.

Painter, whose team won at Michigan State 76-64 on February 9 before losing to the Spartans 53-44 at home on February 28, said Saturday’s game will be a “race to 60.” In other words, the team that gets to 60 points first wins.

Common opponents

The Bulldogs faced three teams from the Big Ten during the regular season—Northwestern away, Minnesota on a neutral court and Ohio State at home. Butler handled the Wildcats 67-54, fell to the Gophers 82-73 and upset Ohio State 74-66.

Michigan State swept Northwestern with ease, went 2-1 against Minnesota (lost in the conference tournament) and dropped a 74-67 home decision to Ohio State.

Both Michigan State and Butler also faced Valparaiso. The Spartans destroyed Valpo 90-60 at home on November 22. The Bulldogs pulled out a 74-69 road victory on February 26.

Trending topics

The Spartans are 9-4 ATS in their last 13 games at neutral sites (and this is, technically, a neutral site). They are also 25-10-1 in their last 36 NCAA Tournament contests.

The Bulldogs are 7-3 in their last 10 NCAA Tournament games, 4-1 ATS in their last five overall, and 5-1-1 ATS in their last seven against Big Ten opponents.

Both Michigan State (16-18 O/U) and Butler (15-19 O/U) have leaned just slightly toward the under this season. The under is 8-1 in Butler’s last nine overall, but the over is 8-0 in MSU’s last eight against the Horizon League.

West Virginia vs. Duke

West Virginia Mountaineers vs. Duke Blue Devils (-2.5, 131), 8:45 p.m. ET.

The other Butler

Butler University, which is not only the official host of the Final Four but also an unlikely participant, is not the only “Butler” in town this weekend in Indianapolis.

Da’Sean Butler, of course, is West Virginia’s star player and senior leader. The 6-foot-7 forward (17.2 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 3.3 apg) boasts some impressive numbers, but his value extends far beyond the stat sheet.

Butler has hit six game-winning shots in the final seconds this season and he did it twice in the Big East tournament. Tied with the clock ticking down against Cincinnati, Butler delivered a miracle 3-pointer at the buzzer. Butler then drained an off-balance, contested runner to beat Georgetown 60-58 in the championship.

“I can tell you right now from watching two games of tape, Butler one of best players in the country,” gushed Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski. “He’s a great player and a clutch player. Nobody has hit as many big shots as this kid. He loves the moment.”

“When your best player is the best person and unquestionably is your hardest worker you’re going to be good,” WVU coach Bob Huggins said during Monday’s Final Four conference call.

Butler was named a Second Team All-American by the Associated Press earlier this week. So, too, was Duke’s own Jon Scheyer.

Brothers in arms

Nobody is going to confuse this Duke team with any of the most talented Krzyzewski has ever coached, but these Blue Devils are not relying on basketball skills alone to get the job done.

“This team will really be brothers forever,” Krzyzewski told the Durham Herald Sun. “It's as close a team as I've had. They’ve been spectacular to coach.”

“We have a genuine love for each other,” added senior Lance Thomas. “We know that we need each other to win. Not one guy is going to lead us to victory in a game.”

With that love comes an acceptance of roles, embodied by Thomas himself. The 6-foot-8 forward scores a mere five points per game, but his eight offensive rebounds against Baylor made the undisputed difference in last weekend’s South Region final.

On a team that sees three players (Scheyer, Kyle Singler, and Nolan Smith) combined for 53.2 ppg, Brian Zoubek contributes only 5.4 ppg (still good four fourth on the team). No matter, though, because the 7-foot-1 center has grabbed 35 rebounds in Duke’s past three NCAA victories.

“I think people have grown into knowing the value of their roles,” Krzyzewski noted. “They take value from what we see as value, but that takes maturity. These kids are very mature, so they understand that.”

Defense wins championships

West Virginia has limited six of its last seven opponents to fewer than 60 points. Even though Kentucky eclipsed that mark for 66 in the title game of the East Region, the Wildcats shot an unbelievably bad 4-of-32 from three-point range and turned the ball over 16 times.

“We don’t like being scored on,” forward Devin Ebanks told the Times West Virginian. “We try to limit everybody’s scoring and limit their touches. It’s fun knowing that you can shut the other person down and outrebound the other team, just outman them, out-tough them. It’s a fun way to play.”

Duke has held three of its four NCAA Tournament opponents to fewer than 60 points (Baylor scored 71). The Blue Devils have not allowed more than 74 points since giving up 89 to Georgetown on January 30. Ten of their last 15 opponents have not reached 60 and four of their last 10 opponents did not even pass 50.

Common opponents

The Blue Devils went up against three teams from the Big East during the regular season—Connecticut on a neutral court, St. John’s at home and Georgetown in Washington. Duke dispatched the Huskies 68-59, beat St. John’s 80-71 and trailed Georgetown almost the entire way in an 89-77 loss.

West Virginia fell at Connecticut 73-62, crushed St. John’s on the road 79-60 and swept Georgetown (81-68 at home on March 1, 60-58 two weeks later in the Big East tournament final).

The one other common opponent this season was Long Beach State. The Mountaineers eased their way to an 85-62 road win back in November and the Blue Devils—at home—scored a similar 84-63 victory over the 49ers.

Trending topics

The Mountaineers are 4-0 ATS in their four NCAA Tournament games, 5-0 ATS in their last five non-conference contests and 5-1 ATS in their last six against ACC opponents.

The Blue Devils are also 4-0 ATS during this NCAA Tournament, but they are just 1-5-1 ATS in their last seven against Big East opposition.

West Virginia (15-19 O/U) has been a decent under play this season and the under has definitely been the way to go with Duke (15-22 O/U). The under is 7-1 in WVU’s last eight overall and 4-1 in Duke’s last five overall.

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**Udog** · 04-03-2010, 05:49 AM

NCAAB

Saturday, April 3

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Final Four and championship game tourney trends
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It’s onward to Indianapolis for the Final Four games. Listed below are some interesting trends and angles to consider before our Fab Four takes a final spin in Circle City this weekend. All results listed below are ATS (Against The Spread) since 1991 unless noted otherwise.

Final Four round notes

• One-seeds who are 4-0 ATS in the tourney are 2-4 SU and 1-5 ATS on the last weekend (Duke)

• Two-seeds are 1-7 ATS off a double-digit ATS win (West Virginia)

• Teams off back to back outright dog wins are 2-8 ATS (Butler)

• ACC teams are 4-2 SU and 5-1 ATS since 2002 (Duke)

• Big East teams are 0-3 ATS since 2004 (West Virginia)

• Teams with the greater win percentage are 8-2 ATS last five years (Butler and Duke)

• Returnees from last year in this round are 11-4 SU and 10-5 ATS (Michigan State)

Championship notes

• One-seed faves are 6-1 ATS

• Two-seeds are 0-5 ATS off an ATS win

• Five or worse seeds are 0-3 SU & ATS

• Favorites of 5 points or less are 10-1 ATS

• Favorites who scored 80 or more points in the Final Four round are 4-1 ATS

• Teams with a win percentage of .810 or less are 0-4 SU & ATS

• Teams off five straight tourney ATS wins are 4-1 ATS

• Teams that have scored the most points in the tourney are 14-5 SU and 12-7 ATS

• Underdogs of 3 points or more off a SU dog win are 1-5 ATS

• Big East teams are 3-0 ATS

• ACC teams are 9-2 ATS

• Big Ten teams are 1-6 ATS

Coach me up

• Butler’s Brad Stevens: 3-0 SU and 2-1 ATS as an NCAA tourney favorite… 5-2 SU and 5-1-1 ATS versus Big Ten opponents… 41-2 SU at home, including 3-0 SU and 2-0-1 ATS versus Big Ten opponents.

• Duke’s Mike Krzyzewski: 39-4 SU versus .750 or less opponents and 14-11 SU versus greater than .750 foes, including 7-12-1 ATS as a favorite in this tourney… 5-1 SU and 4-2 in Final Four games and 3-2 SU and 4-1 ATS in NCAA championship games.

• Michigan State’s Tom Izzo: 10-0 SU and 6-4 ATS versus Horizon League competition… 21-5 ATS versus opponent off SU and ATS win in this tourney… 2-3 SU and 3-2 ATS in Final Four and 1-1 SU and ATS in championship games in this event.

• West Virginia’s Bob Huggins: 9-7 SU and ATS versus ACC opposition, including 3-1 SU and ATS in this tourney… 1-5 ATS as a dog in this tourney… 18-3 SU and 15-5-1 ATS versus .718 or less opponents –but- 8-13 SU and 6-15 ATS versus .724 or greater foes in this tourney.

There you have it, trends and notes of teams and coaches for the NCAA Final Four and out games played in the last 20 years.

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**Udog** · 04-03-2010, 05:51 AM

NHL
Long Sheet

Saturday, April 3

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ATLANTA (34-32-0-12, 80 pts.) at PITTSBURGH (44-26-0-7, 95 pts.) - 4/3/2010, 1:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 15-29 ATS (+48.9 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent this season.
PITTSBURGH is 34-16 ATS (+6.8 Units) after scoring 1 goal or less in their previous game over the last 3 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 61-22 ATS (+17.6 Units) in home games second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 19-4 ATS (+12.2 Units) in home games when playing with 2 days rest over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 30-14 ATS (+10.3 Units) after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
PITTSBURGH is 8-2 (+5.7 Units) against the spread versus ATLANTA over the last 3 seasons
PITTSBURGH is 8-2-0 straight up against ATLANTA over the last 3 seasons
7 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+3.6 Units)

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NASHVILLE (45-28-0-6, 96 pts.) at DETROIT (41-23-0-13, 95 pts.) - 4/3/2010, 2:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NASHVILLE is 44-34 ATS (+78.1 Units) in all games this season.
NASHVILLE is 12-7 ATS (+20.7 Units) revenging a home loss versus opponent this season.
NASHVILLE is 24-12 ATS (+36.4 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent this season.
NASHVILLE is 17-11 ATS (+31.5 Units) in a road game where where the total is 5.5 this season.
NASHVILLE is 135-93 ATS (+27.4 Units) on Saturday games since 1996.
NASHVILLE is 14-7 ATS (+6.3 Units) after a division game this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 15-10-0 straight up against NASHVILLE over the last 3 seasons
12 of 24 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=-0.6 Units, Under=-1.5 Units)

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OTTAWA (43-30-0-5, 91 pts.) at NY ISLANDERS (32-36-0-9, 73 pts.) - 4/3/2010, 2:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OTTAWA is 59-62 ATS (-33.9 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
OTTAWA is 6-17 ATS (+23.3 Units) in road games on Saturday games over the last 2 seasons.
NY ISLANDERS are 16-15 ATS (+36.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
NY ISLANDERS are 10-7 ATS (+20.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
OTTAWA is 43-35 ATS (+4.4 Units) in all games this season.
OTTAWA is 12-3 ATS (+8.7 Units) after a 3 game unbeaten streak this season.
OTTAWA is 22-15 ATS (+6.1 Units) second half of the season this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY ISLANDERS is 5-6 (+1.6 Units) against the spread versus OTTAWA over the last 3 seasons
OTTAWA is 6-5-0 straight up against NY ISLANDERS over the last 3 seasons
6 of 11 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+0.4 Units)

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BUFFALO (43-25-0-9, 95 pts.) at MONTREAL (37-32-0-8, 82 pts.) - 4/3/2010, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BUFFALO is 31-42 ATS (-22.2 Units) after allowing 4 goals or more over the last 3 seasons.
BUFFALO is 8-12 ATS (-9.5 Units) after a division game this season.
MONTREAL is 21-17 ATS (+38.7 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent this season.
BUFFALO is 162-113 ATS (+28.1 Units) after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game since 1996.
BUFFALO is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in a road game where where the total is 5 or less over the last 2 seasons.
BUFFALO is 205-142 ATS (+36.5 Units) vs. division opponents since 1996.
MONTREAL is 12-18 ATS (-16.1 Units) in home games on Saturday games over the last 2 seasons.
MONTREAL is 9-15 ATS (-13.8 Units) in home games vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
BUFFALO is 11-8 (+2.9 Units) against the spread versus MONTREAL over the last 3 seasons
BUFFALO is 11-8-0 straight up against MONTREAL over the last 3 seasons
10 of 17 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+2.6 Units)

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WASHINGTON (50-16-0-11, 111 pts.) at COLUMBUS (32-33-0-13, 77 pts.) - 4/3/2010, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 99-142 ATS (-56.9 Units) in non-conference games since 1996.
COLUMBUS is 45-28 ATS (+76.2 Units) in home games in non-conference games since 1996.
WASHINGTON is 21-6 ATS (+14.2 Units) revenging a home loss versus opponent over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 47-17 ATS (+24.0 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent over the last 2 seasons.
COLUMBUS is 11-30 ATS (-34.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
COLUMBUS is 1-12 ATS (-14.1 Units) in April games over the last 3 seasons.
COLUMBUS is 5-15 ATS (-10.6 Units) after a division game this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
COLUMBUS is 3-1 (+3.7 Units) against the spread versus WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
COLUMBUS is 3-1-0 straight up against WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=-0.4 Units, Under=-0.2 Units)

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NY RANGERS (34-32-0-10, 78 pts.) at FLORIDA (31-34-0-12, 74 pts.) - 4/3/2010, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NY RANGERS are 34-42 ATS (-12.5 Units) in all games this season.
FLORIDA is 43-38 ATS (+4.4 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 64-98 ATS (+174.3 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5 or less since 1996.
FLORIDA is 118-120 ATS (-34.8 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record since 1996.
FLORIDA is 115-138 ATS (-54.2 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
FLORIDA is 6-5 (+2.8 Units) against the spread versus NY RANGERS over the last 3 seasons
FLORIDA is 6-5-0 straight up against NY RANGERS over the last 3 seasons
8 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+6.1 Units)

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BOSTON (35-30-0-12, 82 pts.) at TORONTO (29-37-0-12, 70 pts.) - 4/3/2010, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 35-42 ATS (-18.5 Units) in all games this season.
BOSTON is 20-22 ATS (-12.7 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
BOSTON is 15-23 ATS (-12.1 Units) second half of the season this season.
TORONTO is 64-45 ATS (-4.6 Units) in April games since 1996.
BOSTON is 48-36 ATS (+86.7 Units) in a road game where where the total is 5.5 over the last 3 seasons.
TORONTO is 29-49 ATS (-30.7 Units) in all games this season.
TORONTO is 84-100 ATS (-77.2 Units) in home games after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game since 1996.
TORONTO is 14-23 ATS (-10.4 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 13-6 (+6.2 Units) against the spread versus TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
BOSTON is 13-6-0 straight up against TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
14 of 19 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+8.9 Units)

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NEW JERSEY (44-26-0-6, 94 pts.) at CAROLINA (33-35-0-10, 76 pts.) - 4/3/2010, 7:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
CAROLINA is 9-9 (+0.8 Units) against the spread versus NEW JERSEY over the last 3 seasons
CAROLINA is 9-9-0 straight up against NEW JERSEY over the last 3 seasons
7 of 15 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=-1.2 Units, Under=-0.2 Units)

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DALLAS (34-29-0-14, 82 pts.) at ST LOUIS (37-31-0-9, 83 pts.) - 4/3/2010, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DALLAS is 3-11 ATS (+15.3 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
ST LOUIS is 23-12 ATS (+9.2 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 47-39 ATS (+91.7 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
DALLAS is 35-24 ATS (+60.6 Units) revenging a home loss versus opponent over the last 3 seasons.
DALLAS is 47-39 ATS (+93.8 Units) in road games revenging a loss versus opponent since 1996.
ST LOUIS is 9-19 ATS (+28.4 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5.5 this season.
ST LOUIS is 3-9 ATS (-7.7 Units) in home games on Saturday games this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
ST LOUIS is 6-5 (+1.0 Units) against the spread versus DALLAS over the last 3 seasons
ST LOUIS is 6-5-0 straight up against DALLAS over the last 3 seasons
8 of 11 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+4.9 Units)

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EDMONTON (24-45-0-7, 55 pts.) at PHOENIX (47-25-0-6, 100 pts.) - 4/3/2010, 10:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
EDMONTON is 23-51 ATS (+97.6 Units) in all games this season.
EDMONTON is 10-31 ATS (+58.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
EDMONTON is 1-16 ATS (+35.9 Units) in road games second half of the season this season.
EDMONTON is 12-34 ATS (+63.1 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent this season.
PHOENIX is 47-31 ATS (+93.6 Units) in all games this season.
PHOENIX is 15-4 ATS (+19.0 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5.5 this season.
PHOENIX is 23-11 ATS (+11.9 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
PHOENIX is 12-4 ATS (+7.5 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season this season.
PHOENIX is 22-14 ATS (+22.0 Units) second half of the season this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
EDMONTON is 8-3 (+5.0 Units) against the spread versus PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
EDMONTON is 8-3-0 straight up against PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
8 of 11 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+5.3 Units)

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ANAHEIM (37-32-0-7, 81 pts.) at LOS ANGELES (44-27-0-6, 94 pts.) - 4/3/2010, 10:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ANAHEIM is 0-10 ATS (+14.9 Units) in road games vs. division opponents this season.
LOS ANGELES is 44-33 ATS (+85.0 Units) in all games this season.
LOS ANGELES is 14-7 ATS (+4.9 Units) vs. division opponents this season.
ANAHEIM is 21-15 ATS (+5.8 Units) second half of the season this season.
ANAHEIM is 25-23 ATS (+51.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
LOS ANGELES is 105-126 ATS (+238.6 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5.5 since 1996.
LOS ANGELES is 55-73 ATS (-26.6 Units) in home games after a win by 2 goals or more since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
ANAHEIM is 10-8-0 straight up against LOS ANGELES over the last 3 seasons
9 of 18 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+0.1 Units)

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Announcement

Saturday Trends and Indexes 4/3 (NBA, NCAAB, NHL, Misc.)

Saturday Trends and Indexes 4/3 (NBA, NCAAB, NHL, Misc.)

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