Announcement

**Udog** · 10-25-2010, 09:40 PM

Bettors' best friend: Tuesday's wagering tips

Lines to watch
Boston Celtics opened as 1-point underdogs at home against the Miami Heat. The total has dropped from 193 to 189.5.

Portland Trailblazers opened at -5.5 against the Phoenix Suns, but that line is up to -7.5 currently.

Los Angeles Lakers were set as 9-point favorites at the open. They are now at -7.5 with the total down to 196 after opening at 202.

Weather to watch
Louisiana Tech at Boise State – There is a 50 percent chance of showers for Tuesday’s game.

Who’s hot
Florida Panthers have won six of their last eight meetings with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Vancouver Canucks are 51-20 in their last 71 home games.

Boise State has covered in nine of their last 12 conference games.

Phoenix Suns have covered in four of their last five games against Portland.

Who’s not
Phoenix Coyotes have dropped four of their last five.

Edmonton Oilers have won just one of their last nine meetings with the Calgary Flames.

Key stat
72.4 – The Boise State Broncos’ red zone conversion rate (42-of-58) since they scored just three touchdowns in seven trips to the red zone against Louisiana Tech last season. The Broncos got a scare in that game when they gave up 28 points in the second half. They ended up with a 45-35 win as 20-point favorites.

Injury that shouldn’t be overlooked
Josh Childress (finger), Phoenix Suns – Childress will reportedly be a game-time decision after fracturing his right index finger in a exhibition game against the Golden State Warriors last week.

Game of the day
Miami Heat at Boston Celtics (-7.5, 196)

Notable quotable
"There's never been an opening game that has been more heavily anticipated. I do believe that people are definitely excited to see them more than they're excited about seeing us. Truly they know, as a team, what we represented. The two teams are Eastern Conference powerhouses. It's going to be a game." – Celtics guard Ray Allen said of Tuesday’s Miami-Boston opener.

Notes and tips
Kobe Bryant has told Los Angeles Kings coach Phil Jackson he wants to play 30 minutes in Tuesday’s opener despite some concerns about his surgically repaired knee. Bryant averaged 12.6 points and three assists per game in limited work in the preseason.

Phoenix Suns point guard Steve Nash isn’t expecting to be playing in the playoffs this year. According to SB Nation Arizona's Seth Pollack, Nash said if he was "outside this picture and a betting man, I would probably pick us to be outside of the playoffs," noting all of the team’s changes and that it might be better to use this season as a rebuilding year.

Shaquille O’Neal is expected to start at center in his debut with the Boston Celtics against the Miami Heat on Tuesday. Celtics coach Doc Rivers wouldn’t officially name Shaq the starter, but did say it will “most likely” be O’Neal.

**Udog** · 10-25-2010, 09:45 PM

NBA
Dunkel

Miami at Boston
The Celtics look to open the season and build on their 9-2-1 ATS record in their last 12 games as a home underdog. Boston is the pick (+1) according to Dunkel, which has the Celtics favored by 3 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Boston (+1). Here are all of today's picks.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 26

Game 501-502: Miami at Boston (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Miami 121.805; Boston 126.017
Dunkel Line & Total: Boston by 3 1/2; 185
Vegas Line & Total: Miami by 1; 189 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Boston (+1); Under

Game 503-504: Phoenix at Portland (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Phoenix 118.763; Portland 128.093
Dunkel Line & Total: Portland by 9 1/2; 207
Vegas Line & Total: Portland by 7; 201
Dunkel Pick: Portland (-7); Over

Game 505-506: Houston at LA Lakers (10:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Houston 117.827; LA Lakers 131.573
Dunkel Line & Total: LA Lakers by 13 1/2; 200
Vegas Line & Total: LA Lakers by 7; 196
Dunkel Pick: LA Lakers (-7); Over

NBA
Long Sheet

Tuesday, October 26

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

MIAMI (48 - 39) at BOSTON (65 - 41) - 10/26/2010, 7:30 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 8-4 against the spread versus MIAMI over the last 3 seasons
BOSTON is 10-2 straight up against MIAMI over the last 3 seasons
8 of 12 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

PHOENIX (64 - 34) at PORTLAND (52 - 36) - 10/26/2010, 10:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PHOENIX is 58-38 ATS (+16.2 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 39-20 ATS (+17.0 Units) in a road game where where the total is between 200 and 204.5 points since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
PORTLAND is 6-6 against the spread versus PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
PHOENIX is 7-6 straight up against PORTLAND over the last 3 seasons
6 of 12 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

HOUSTON (42 - 40) at LA LAKERS (73 - 32) - 10/26/2010, 10:30 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA LAKERS is 10-5 against the spread versus HOUSTON over the last 3 seasons
LA LAKERS is 11-4 straight up against HOUSTON over the last 3 seasons
9 of 14 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

NBA
Short Sheet

Tuesday, 10/26/2010

MIAMI at BOSTON, 7:30 PM ET TNT
MIAMI: 9-4 OVER as a road favorite of 6 points or less
BOSTON: 9-20 ATS at home when the total is between 190 and 199.5

PHOENIX at PORTLAND, 10:00 PM ET
PHOENIX: 4-10 ATS as a road underdog of 6.5 to 9
PORTLAND: 11-4 ATS at home the total is between 200 and 204.5

HOUSTON at LA LAKERS, 10:30 PM ET TNT
HOUSTON: 7-13 ATS as a road underdog of 6.5 to 12
LA LAKERS: 25-16 UNDER against Southwest division opponents

** (TC) Denotes Time Change

NBA

Tuesday, October 26

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Report
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

7:30 PM
MIAMI vs. BOSTON
Miami is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
Miami is 13-5 SU in its last 18 games
Boston is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Boston's last 6 games when playing at home against Miami

10:00 PM
PHOENIX vs. PORTLAND
Phoenix is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Portland
Phoenix is 17-8 SU in its last 25 games on the road
Portland is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Phoenix
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Portland's last 5 games when playing Phoenix

10:30 PM
HOUSTON vs. LA LAKERS
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Houston's last 8 games when playing LA Lakers
Houston is 1-4 SU in their last 5 games when playing LA Lakers
LA Lakers are 12-1 SU in their last 13 games at home
LA Lakers are 2-4 ATS in their last 6 games

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

**Udog** · 10-25-2010, 09:46 PM

NBA

Tuesday, October 26

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tips and Trends
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Miami Heat at Boston Celtics [TNT | 7:35 PM ET]

HEAT: (-1, O/U 189.5) The most anticipated season in history begins tonight, as Miami gets their season underway. Miami is expected to challenge for the best regular season ever, as well as compete for a championship. The addition of F Chris Bosh and G LeBron James in the offseason have brought huge expectations to this team. With these 2 joining G Dwyane Wade, the Heat have an All-NBA trio for years to come. Miami has a tough season opener, as they have to battle a team that knocked them out of the playoffs last year. Not only that, but the Celtics are a veteran team that will force the Heat to share the basketball. The Heat will need others besides the Big Three to step up and be a difference maker, no easy task on the road. The Heat are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games as a road favorite up to 4.5 points. Miami is 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games against the Eastern Conference. The Heat are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 road games overall.

Heat are 4-1 ATS last 5 games as a road favorite.
Over is 6-1 last 7 games as a favorite.

Key Injuries - G Dwyane Wade (hamstring) is probable.

Projected Score: 91

CELTICS: Boston opens up a new season against a team they dominated last year. The Celtics won all 3 regular season matchups last season, and also eliminated the Heat from the playoffs last year in 5 games. Obviously the Heat are a new team this year, but there is little doubt that Boston gains confidence when they see those Heat uniforms. Boston retained nearly everyone from last year's team, and have brought in a few aging bigs. C's Shaquille O'Neal and Jermaine O'Neal will look to fortify the Boston front court this season. This appears to be the final effort to bring another championship to Boston this season. PG Rajon Rondo is now the best player on this team, and he will be counted on all season long to lead this team to victory. F Paul Pierce will look to keep those legs moving, as he would love to improve on his 18.6 PPG scoring average from last season. The Celtics are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 games against the Eastern Conference. Boston is 9-3 ATS in their last 12 home games overall. The Celtics are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 games against the NBA Southeast.

Celtics are 9-2-1 ATS last 12 games as a home underdog.
Under is 4-0 last 4 home games.

Key Injuries - C Jermaine O'Neal (wrist) is probable.

Projected Score: 92 (UNDER-Total of the Day)

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pick 'n' Roll: Today's best NBA bets
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Miami Heat at Boston Celtics (+1, 191.5)

The NBA is turning over a new page when the Miami Heat take the floor at the TD Garden Tuesday night. Just in case you thought it was going to be the same ‘ole story, Miami has gone and changed the characters – at least one.

Miami guard Dwyane Wade is dumping his “Flash” nickname, which was the title former teammate Shaquille O’Neal bequeathed upon him during his arrival in South Beach in 2004. Wade just so happens to be up against O’Neal and his new team, the Boston Celtics, Tuesday night.

“I haven’t really paid much attention myself. We’ve been focused on what we need to do here,” Wade told reporters when asked about O’Neal’s debut with Boston.

While the Heat will only get a small dose of Shaq Tuesday, they know they need to watch out for the rest of the Celtics, who are the defending Eastern Conference champs. The importance of this opening game isn’t lost on Boston, regardless of its experienced and savvy roster.

"This is a special situation," Celtics coach Doc Rivers told reporters. "Let's just be honest, everybody is excited about it. Our guys try to downplay it until you walk through the locker room and hear them talking about it. The film is on all day, watching Miami.

"I think everyone is excited. Once LeBron took his talents to South Beach, I think everyone got excited."

Miami has a ton of pressure on it to start the schedule strong and is well aware that teams have painted a target on them. Expect this first game of the season to have a playoff atmosphere.

Pick: Miami -1

Houston Rockets at Los Angeles Lakers (-7.5, 195.5)

It is a big night in La-La Land Tuesday.

The Lakers will hoist another banner to the rafters of the Staples Center and sport the latest addition to their jewelry collection. However, lost in the glitz and glam of Hollywood is the return of one of the NBA’s biggest stars.

Houston Rockets 7-foot-5 center Yao Ming is back on the court for the first time since May 2009, but will be limited in his first game since suffering multiple fractures to his foot.

Rockets coach Rick Adelman told the media he will monitor Yao in the first six minutes of the game and decide how much he’ll play from there. There has been a soft 24-minute cap put on the center’s floor time.

“He is just such a force around the basket,” Adelman told reporters. “He can score. The biggest thing is getting his balance and his timing down. The ball comes off the boards, for instance. He might be a count late to get it. He's not reacting like he used to.

“Right now, he can't expect too much. I just like the way he went through it. You can see the presence he gives us on the court. His presence is huge.”

Yao will be a huge asset against a tough Lakers frontcourt, which is missing starting center Andrew Bynum. That leaves Pau Gasol, Lamar Odom and Theo Ratliff to tangle with the tallest player in the NBA.

Yao’s impact, while limited in minutes, should give Houston just enough of an edge to make the defending champs sweat during their title celebrations.

Pick: Houston +7.5

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

**Udog** · 10-25-2010, 09:48 PM

NHL
Long Sheet

Tuesday, October 26

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

FLORIDA (3-3-0-0, 6 pts.) at TORONTO (4-2-0-1, 9 pts.) - 10/26/2010, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
FLORIDA is 69-108 ATS (+178.8 Units) when playing with 2 days rest since 1996.
TORONTO is 5-17 ATS (-13.1 Units) when playing with 2 days rest over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
FLORIDA is 6-2 (+4.2 Units) against the spread versus TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
FLORIDA is 6-2-0 straight up against TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
4 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+0.6 Units)

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

BUFFALO (3-5-0-1, 7 pts.) at PHILADELPHIA (3-3-0-1, 7 pts.) - 10/26/2010, 7:30 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHILADELPHIA is 5-3 (+1.4 Units) against the spread versus BUFFALO over the last 3 seasons
PHILADELPHIA is 5-3-0 straight up against BUFFALO over the last 3 seasons
5 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+1.8 Units)

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

PHOENIX (2-2-0-2, 6 pts.) at OTTAWA (2-5-0-1, 5 pts.) - 10/26/2010, 7:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OTTAWA is 13-2 ATS (+10.3 Units) when playing with 2 days rest over the last 2 seasons.
OTTAWA is 32-19 ATS (+12.0 Units) after a division game over the last 3 seasons.
PHOENIX is 55-40 ATS (+100.1 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 24-13 ATS (+10.2 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
OTTAWA is 1-1 (+0.0 Units) against the spread versus PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
OTTAWA is 1-1-0 straight up against PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+0.0 Units)

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

EDMONTON (2-4-0-0, 4 pts.) at CALGARY (5-3-0-0, 10 pts.) - 10/26/2010, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
EDMONTON is 5-19 ATS (+29.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
EDMONTON is 1-13 ATS (+20.8 Units) in road games vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
EDMONTON is 10-31 ATS (+50.9 Units) after allowing 4 goals or more over the last 2 seasons.
EDMONTON is 8-28 ATS (+44.8 Units) after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game over the last 2 seasons.
EDMONTON is 74-44 ATS (+28.5 Units) after 3 or more consecutive overs since 1996.
EDMONTON is 65-67 ATS (+155.0 Units) in road games after scoring 1 goal or less in their previous game since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
CALGARY is 10-4 (+5.0 Units) against the spread versus EDMONTON over the last 3 seasons
CALGARY is 10-4-0 straight up against EDMONTON over the last 3 seasons
8 of 14 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+1.9 Units)

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

ANAHEIM (3-5-0-1, 7 pts.) at DALLAS (5-2-0-0, 10 pts.) - 10/26/2010, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ANAHEIM is 1-11 ATS (+16.1 Units) in road games vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
DALLAS is 153-96 ATS (+7.2 Units) after scoring 1 goal or less in their previous game since 1996.
DALLAS is 32-46 ATS (+81.7 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
DALLAS is 13-25 ATS (-17.6 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the first half of the season over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
DALLAS is 7-5 (+2.0 Units) against the spread versus ANAHEIM over the last 3 seasons
DALLAS is 7-5-0 straight up against ANAHEIM over the last 3 seasons
7 of 12 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+1.5 Units)

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

COLORADO (4-4-0-0, 8 pts.) at VANCOUVER (3-3-0-2, 8 pts.) - 10/26/2010, 10:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
VANCOUVER is 80-92 ATS (-64.6 Units) in home games vs. division opponents since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
COLORADO is 5-7 (+1.0 Units) against the spread versus VANCOUVER over the last 3 seasons
VANCOUVER is 7-5-0 straight up against COLORADO over the last 3 seasons
6 of 12 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+0.0 Units)

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

**Udog** · 10-25-2010, 09:49 PM

NHL

Tuesday, October 26

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ice picks: Today's best NHL bets
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Edmonton Oilers at Calgary Flames (-175, 5.5)

All the Calgary Flames needed was a healthy Rene Bourque to ignite their offense.

After failing to get any sort of offense going in the first few games of the season, the Flames have scored 18 goals over their last five games. That has led them to wins in four of those contests, while Bourque has buried five tallies in consecutive wins heading into the third installment of the Battle of Alberta this season.

With Bourque now matched up with Niklas Hagman and Olli Jokinen, that has taken some pressure off Jarome Iginla and Alex Tanguay on the top line.

“The sky is the limit for this guy,” Calgary coach Brent Sutter said of Bourque. “It’s just doing it on a nightly basis. It’s consistency. With his size, strength, his shot, his toughness. You look at players in the past, the Cam Neelys. The Rick Tocchets. These types of guys who were dominant players of the past with their size and physical presence on the ice.”

Those are some big comparisons to make for a kid who broke out with 27 goals last year, but he does have the raw talent if nothing else.

Meanwhile, Miikka Kiprusoff has been fantastic between the pipes. He has recorded two shutouts over his last three starts and boasts a 2.14 goals-against average and a .923 save percentage so far this season.

Calgary has won eight of the last nine meetings between the two clubs.

Pick: Flames

Florida Panthers at Toronto Maple Leafs (-165, 5.5)

All of those warm, fuzzy winning feelings Toronto Maple Leafs bettors were enjoying early this season are long gone.

The Leafs have dropped three straight games after opening the year 4-0 and have scored just four times during the losing streak.

Coach Ron Wilson isn’t taking the slump lying down. He benched first-line center Tyler Bozak last week against the Rangers and then cut captain Dion Phaneuf’s ice time considerably over the weekend. Even Phil Kessel, who has six goals and two assists, has spent some time on the bench early this season, so Wilson is definitely getting his message across.

Wilson also dropped Kris Versteeg from the top line in favor of Nikolai Kulemin in Monday’s practice to shake things up a bit.

The club’s defense hasn’t been spectacular by any means either. They still struggle with breakouts from their own end, but have been pretty good at limiting the number of pucks getting through to the net, allowing only 26.7 shots per game.

The Leafs have just two wins in their last eight games against the Panthers.

Pick: Panthers

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

**Udog** · 10-25-2010, 09:53 PM

World Series preview and pick: Rangers vs. Giants

The Giants and Rangers shocked the baseball world in the last round, but which dog will have its day in the Fall Classic?

SERIES ODDS: Texas Rangers (-130) vs. San Francisco Giants (+110)

OFFENSE
The Rangers scored 6.3 runs per game in the ALDS against a Yankee staff that completely shut down the Twins in the previous round. Texas is firing on all cylinders, and ALCS MVP Josh Hamilton is leading the charge. Hamilton had four homers and seven RBIs against New York to go along with a ridiculous 1.526 OPS to match.

Ex-Ranger Mark Teixeira went hitless in 14 ALCS at-bats for New York, but more important for Texas was the performance of Elvis Andrus, whom they received when they dealt Teixeira in 2007. The 22 year-old shortstop, who’s batting .333 with seven steals this postseason, has become a real catalyst at the top of the Rangers’ lineup.

Vlad Guerrero has only three extra-base hits in 45 postseason at-bats, but he reminded us on Friday night that he is a force to be reckoned with. With one on, two outs and the game tied 1-1 in the fifth inning, Joe Girardi elected to walk Hamilton to get to Guerrero. Guerrero smashed a two-run double to center, effectively ending New York’s season.

The Giants were a poor offensive team during the regular season and, while they haven’t exactly conjured up memories of the ’27 Yankees in the postseason, they have shown an ability to get the big hit when necessary. San Francisco’s .286 BA with two outs and runners in scoring position leads all playoff teams.

Back in August, the Marlins saved themselves about $1 million when they allowed the Giants to claim Cody Ross off waivers. Ross had the last laugh, hitting .350 with three homers against the Phillies, en route to NLCS MVP honors. He has hit safely in nine of San Francisco’s 10 playoff games, including all six games against Philadelphia.

The Giants’ lineup is improving as a unit, but the Rangers are just in a different class.

Edge: Rangers

PITCHING
Admittedly, we thought the Rangers’ staff was in for in for a rude awakening in the ALCS. Those feelings only got stronger when Texas blew a late 5-0 lead in the series opener. But the Rangers responded, holding the big bad Yankees to just 15 runs over the next five games.

Cliff Lee has officially established himself as one of the great postseason pitchers of all-time. In eight career playoff starts, the free-agent-to-be is a perfect 7-0 with a 1.26 ERA. His postseason numbers this year border on the absurd. Lee is 3-0 with a 0.75 ERA, a 0.58 WHIP and an unheard of 34:1 strikeout-to-walk ratio.

Colby Lewis and C.J. Wilson have been strong behind Lee. They will need to be at their best for the Rangers to hold up against the Giants’ impressive rotational depth. San Francisco held Philadelphia’s vaunted lineup to 3.3 runs per game in the NLCS.

Giants starters have a 2.15 ERA and a .192 BAA in the playoffs. Matt Cain has not allowed a run in 13 2-3 innings and rookie Madison Bumgarner has shown maturity beyond his years.

But the success of the Giants’ rotation in this series may hinge on the right arm of Tim Lincecum. The man they call “The Freak” is 2-1 with a stingy 1.93 ERA in the playoffs, and has held opposing hitters to a .171 batting average. A win over Lee in the series-opener would put San Francisco in the driver’s seat.

Both bullpens are strong, but are anchored by closers that have very little playoff experience. This is the first postseason for Brian Wilson and Neftali Feliz, another key player acquired by the Rangers in the Teixeira deal.

The bullpens may be a wash, but we have to give the nod to the Giants when it comes to starting pitching.

Edge: Giants

INTANGIBLES
Both teams come in on huge emotional highs after knocking off the two World Series favorites in the last round. Bruce Bochy has more playoff experience than Ron Washington, but was 8-16 in his postseason career prior to this year’s playoffs and was swept in his only World Series appearance in 1998.

Edge: Even

The Rangers simply have too much firepower for the Giants. Traditional wisdom is that pitching wins in the postseason, but the fact that the Giants were able to beat a team of Philadelphia’s caliber while scoring a hair over three runs per game is a small miracle – one we don’t see repeating itself. Plus, the Rangers have Cliff Lee.

Pick: Rangers in six games

**Udog** · 10-25-2010, 09:53 PM

NOTE:
For the initial posting of trends and indexes, we have provided information available up to the time of posting.
Additional updates for today’s games will be posted ASAP.

**Udog** · 10-26-2010, 09:45 AM

Daily Sports Roundup: October 26

Today in the Daily Sports Roundup: The NBA season tips off in Boston, Portland, and Los Angeles, while Boise State searches for a big victory at home over Louisiana Tech.

Colliding on the gridiron . . .
Week 9 of the college football season kicks off on Tuesday night, with Boise State playing host to Louisiana Tech. The No. 2 Broncos (6-0 SU, 5-1 ATS) blasted San Jose State 48-0 on the road last time out, with Kellen Moore throwing for 231 yards and two touchdowns in the win. Doug Martin added 68 yards and two scores on the ground for Boise State that day. The Bulldogs (3-4 SU, 3-3 ATS) are coming off a 48-35 home win over Idaho, as Ross Jenkins passed for 422 yards and three touchdowns. Lennon Creer rushed for 179 yards and two scores for Louisiana Tech in that win. Oddsmakers have ranked Boise State pegged as a huge 37.5-point home favorite for Tuesday night.

Tipping off on the hardwood . . .
The NBA season gets underway on Tuesday night on three fronts, with Miami at Boston, Phoenix at Portland, and Houston at the Lakers. The oddsmakers have the Heat favored on the road in their opener, as LeBron James' new team is listed as a 1-point favorite over the Celtics. Heat guard Dwyane Wade is expected to play on Tuesday despite missing time in the preseason with a hamstring injury. The total for the Miami/Boston matchup is at 193. The Trail Blazers are then 7.5-point home favorites vs. the Suns for Tuesday (with the total at 201), while the Lakers begin their title defense as an 8-point home favorite against the Rockets. The total for that last matchup is at 196.5.

Taking a trip around the rink . . .
As well, there are six games on the National Hockey League's schedule for Tuesday, with Florida at Toronto, Phoenix at Ottawa, Buffalo at Philadelphia, Edmonton at Calgary, Anaheim at Dallas, and Colorado at Vancouver. The 4-4-0 Avalanche were beaten 6-4 at home by Los Angeles on Saturday night, with Craig Anderson giving up six goals on 30 shots in the defeat. Milan Hejduk and Paul Stastny each scored twice for Colorado that day. The 3-3-2 Canucks trounced Minnesota 5-1 at home in their last game, with backup netminder Cory Schneider making 23 saves in the win. Manny Malhotra had two goals for Vancouver that game, and Jannik Hansen added two assists.

**Udog** · 10-26-2010, 09:46 AM

Tuesday's six-pack

Some NBA knowledge, with the season starting tonight
-- John Wall was first Kentucky player ever picked 1st in NBA Draft.

-- Milwaukee played in 10 overtime games LY, most in the NBA.

-- 2010 Bulls were the first team in eight years to make the playoffs after having a 10-game losing streak during that season.

-- Celtics averaged 8.7 offensive rebounds a game LY, worst in NBA.

-- Toronto Raptors have made a 3-pointer in 942 consecutive games, the all-time NBA record.

-- Utah's Raja Bell has made 40%+ of his 3-pointers in each of the last six seasons.

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

Tuesday's List of 13: Thoughts on this year's World Series

13) This will be the Bengie Molina World Series; first time ever that a catcher in a World Series played for both teams in that season; he actually had more at-bats for the Giants than for Texas. Not only that, last time Giants were in the World Series, in 2002, Molina was the Angels’ starting catcher.

12) Interesting contrast in franchises; this is Rangers’ first trip to World Series, in only their fourth playoff appearance. This is Giants’ 21st World Series, but they’re just 5-15 in first 20 and haven’t won one since 1954.

11) In their histories, Giants have won 6,689 more games than Texas; of course, they’ve also been around 77 years longer than the 50-year old Texas franchise.

10) American League is 8-4 in last dozen World Series.

9) Interesting contrasts in managers, the utility infielder against a backup catcher. Washington hit .261 with 20 HRs, playing for five teams in 10 big league seasons, mostly with Minnesota. He had more than 241 AB in only two seasons.

Bruce Bochy hit .239 with 26 HRs in nine seasons as a backup catcher, mostly with the Padres. He never had more than 187 ABs in a season.

8) Good to see Rangers’ hitting coach Clint Hurdle back in the World Series, three years after he skippered the Rockies to their only NL title.

7) Giants’ bullpen coach Mark Gardner once no-hit the Dodgers for nine innings, only to give up two hits in the 10th (July 26, 1991).

6) Texas pitching coach Mike Maddux pitched for nine teams in a 15-year major league career (39-37), but won 316 less games than his famous brother Greg. Ranger pitching coach Andy Hawkins was the winning pitcher in the Padres’ first ever World Series win (1984).

5) Am I the only person who thinks its weird that Cliff Lee has pitched for four different teams in the last 15 months?

4) Rangers got swept three games by the bay in summer of ’09, with Giants’ reliever Romo the winning pitcher in two of the three games.

3) Giants have homefield edge, which means no DH in four of the seven games. AT&T Park has a big outfield, especially in right and rightcenter, so Vlad Guerrero is going to have his hands full playing defense, at least in Game 1. Ron Washington is going to have decisions to make as far as whether he wants to insert Francoeur in the game for defense in RF late in games.

2) What makes this an exciting World Series is that no matter who wins, it’ll be the first time that city has won the World Series.

1) I’m thinking Texas has a big advantage with Molina knowing so much about the Giants. Rangers in 7.

**Udog** · 10-26-2010, 09:55 AM

NHL
Dunkel

Colorado at Vancouver
The Avalanche look to take advantage of a Vancouver team that is coming off a 5-1 win over Minnesota and is 0-5 in its last 5 games following a victory. Colorado is the pick (+160) according to Dunkel, which has the Avalanche favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: Colorado (+160). Here are all of today's picks.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 26

Game 51-52: Florida at Toronto (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Florida 11.558; Toronto 10.589
Dunkel Line & Total: Florida by 1; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Toronto (-155); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Florida (+135); Under

Game 53-54: Buffalo at Philadelphia (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Phoenix 11.237; Philadelphia 12.009
Dunkel Line & Total: Philadelphia by 1; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Philadelphia (-130); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (-130); Over

Game 55-56: Phoenix at Ottawa (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Phoenix 10.883; Ottawa 10.445
Dunkel Line & Total: Phoenix by 1/2; 4 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Ottawa (-150); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Phoenix (+130); Under

Game 57-58: Edmonton at Calgary (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Edmonton 10.379; Calgary 10.237
Dunkel Line & Total: Edmonton by 1/2; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Calgary (-175); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Edmonton (+155); Over

Game 59-60: Anaheim at Dallas (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Anaheim 10.978; Dallas 11.920
Dunkel Line & Total: Dallas by 1; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Dallas (-150); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Dallas (-150); Over

Game 61-62: Colorado at Vancouver (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Colorado 11.518; Vancouver 10.498
Dunkel Line & Total: Colorado by 1; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Vancouver (-180); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Colorado (+160); Under

**Udog** · 10-26-2010, 09:57 AM

NHL
Write-Up

Tuesday, October 26

Hot Teams
-- Panthers won three of their last four games.
-- Flames won four of their last five games.
-- Dallas Stars won five of their first seven games.
-- Canucks won last three home games, outscoring foes 12-3.

Cold Teams
-- Maple Leafs lost last three games, scoring four goals.
-- Flyers lost four of their last five games. Sabres lost six of eight.
-- Coyotes lost five of their last six games, with three of last four losses in OT. Senators lost six of their first eight games (1-2 at home).
-- Oilers lost their last four games, outscored 19-8.
-- Anaheim lost five of its first six road games.
-- Avalanche lost three of their last four games.

Totals
-- Florida's first three road games all stayed under the total.
-- Three of last four Buffalo games went over the total.
-- Three of last four Ottawa games went over the total.
-- Last four Edmonton games went over the total.
-- Four of last five Dallas games stayed under the total.
-- Six of eight Colorado games went over the total.

Series Records
-- Panthers won seven of last eight games against Toronto.
-- Buffalo won its last three games against the Flyers.
-- Senators won three of last four games against Phoenix.
-- Flames won eight of last nine games against rival Edmonton.
-- Dallas and Anaheim split their last 12 meetings, with Ducks 3-5 in last eight visits to this building.
-- Canucks won four of last five games against Colorado.

**Udog** · 10-26-2010, 09:57 AM

NHL

Tuesday, October 26

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Report
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

7:00 PM
BUFFALO vs. PHILADELPHIA
Buffalo is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games
Buffalo is 4-8 SU in its last 12 games on the road
Philadelphia is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Buffalo
Philadelphia is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games at home

7:00 PM
FLORIDA vs. TORONTO
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Florida's last 5 games when playing Toronto
Florida is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing Toronto
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Toronto's last 6 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Toronto's last 5 games when playing Florida

7:30 PM
PHOENIX vs. OTTAWA
Phoenix is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Ottawa
Phoenix is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Ottawa
Ottawa is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Phoenix
Ottawa is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games at home

9:00 PM
ANAHEIM vs. DALLAS
Anaheim is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Dallas
Anaheim is 4-9 SU in its last 13 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Dallas's last 5 games
Dallas is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games

9:00 PM
EDMONTON vs. CALGARY
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Edmonton's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Edmonton's last 7 games on the road
Calgary is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games when playing Edmonton
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Calgary's last 7 games when playing at home against Edmonton

10:00 PM
COLORADO vs. VANCOUVER
Colorado is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Vancouver
Colorado is 8-15 SU in its last 23 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Vancouver's last 6 games
Vancouver is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Colorado

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

**Udog** · 10-26-2010, 12:03 PM

NHL
Short Sheet

Tuesday, 10/26/2010

FLORIDA at TORONTO, 7:00 PM ET
FLORIDA: 15-6 UNDER off an home win scoring 4 or more goals
TORONTO: 5-17 SU when playing with 2 days rest

BUFFALO at PHILADELPHIA, 7:30 PM ET
BUFFALO: 26-14 OVER off a road win
PHILADELPHIA: 17-8 OVER after playing a game where 3 or fewer total goals were scored

PHOENIX at OTTAWA, 7:30 PM ET
PHOENIX: 14-7 SU after a non-conference
OTTAWA: 12-20 SU at home after having lost 2 of their last 3

EDMONTON at CALGARY, 9:00 PM ET
EDMONTON: 36-11 SU after 4 or more BB overs
CALGARY: 8-14 SU in BB Home Games

ANAHEIM at DALLAS, 9:00 PM ET
ANAHEIM: 1-11 SU in road games vs. division opponents
DALLAS: 30-15 SU after 1 or more consecutive losses

COLORADO at VANCOUVER, 10:00 PM ET
COLORADO: 64-72 SU after a home game where both teams score 3 or more goals
VANCOUVER: 13-2 SU in home games after failing to cover 2 of their last 3 ATS

** (TC) Denotes Time Change

Announcement

Tuesday's Trends and Indexes 10/26 (NBA, NHL, Misc.)

Tuesday's Trends and Indexes 10/26 (NBA, NHL, Misc.)

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment