Thursday's Trends and Indexes - 12/9 (NBA, NCAAB, NHL, Misc.)

[Udog]

NHL


Thursday, December 9

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Ice picks: Today's best NHL bets
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Columbus Blue Jackets at St. Louis Blues (-145, 5)

The Blues have notched a mere 67 goals this season, the third-fewest in the Western Conference. So who is going to score now that center Andy McDonald is out indefinitely with a concussion?

McDonald, who leads the team with 17 points, banged his head off of Shawn Horcoff’s knee during an overtime loss to the Edmonton Oilers when he caught his skate on a rut in the ice and flew dome first in his leg.

McDonald, 33, is the fourth Blues player to suffer a concussion this season, joining forwards Cam Janssen, Carlo Colaiacovo and David Perron. The team also is without defenseman Roman Polak (wrist surgery) and forward T.J. Oshie (broken leg).

That could be a huge reason the squad hasn’t scored a power-play goal since Nov. 20 and is trying to grind out every game.

On the other bench, Columbus recently snapped a five-game losing streak with a solid, 3-2 overtime win against Dallas and already has played the Blues once this year, winning 8-1.

Pick: Columbus


New York Rangers at Ottawa Senators (-120, 5)

The Senators have won just three of their past 10 and have the fourth-worst goal-differential in the league. So is a 3-1 win in New York on Sunday worth that much?

Ottawa received a fluke hat trick from 30-year-old center Chris Kelly and got 25 saves from a struggling Pascal Leclaire.

"Our guys were asleep the first 20 minutes," said Rangers coach John Tortorella.

Meantime, New York appears to be wide awake on the road.

The team has won an NHL-best 10 of its 14 road games and six of its past 10 overall. The Rangers also have the ace-card of hot goalie Henrik Lundqvist, who has won four straight starts in Ottawa, posting a 0.98 goals-against average in those games.

The Rangers may have struggled in Madison Square Garden on Sunday, but the road is a different story for this squad. Expect them to surge ahead for a tight win.

Pick: Rangers


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[Udog]

NBA


Thursday, December 9

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What bettors need to know: NBA TNT doubleheader
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Boston Celtics at Philadelphia 76ers (NA)

C’s Missing Key Players?

The Celtics have won seven straight games entering Wednesday’s tilt against Denver, but the news isn’t good coming from the team’s injury report. Starting point guard Rajon Rondo missed Sunday’s game against the New Jersey Nets but played hurt on Wednesday against the Nuggets with a nagging hamstring.

Boston coach Doc Rivers was frank with reporters when asked about the seriousness of Rondo’s latest ailment.

“The injury scares me, and the foot and the hamstring, which can go from a pull to a tear, and then you’re talking two months,” Rivers told the Boston Herald on Tuesday.

Rondo is an All-Star and maybe the Celtics’ most valuable player. He’s missed four games this season because of the sore hamstring. The C’s won three of those games and covered the spread in two of them. He almost certainly will be a game-time decision against the Sixers for the second game of a back-to-back.

He’s not the only player missing from Boston’s lineup. The defending Eastern Conference champions are without reserve guard Delonte West (broken wrist), and Glen Davis (illness) and Shaquille O’Neal (calf) both have been battling to stay on the court.

Rondo, Davis and Shaq all played Wednesday night against Denver but bettors should watch the injury news closely on Thursday afternoon in case Rivers decides to rest Rondo or Shaq.

Sixers On Hot Streak

The Philadelphia 76ers are starting to see the results their backers hoped for coming into the season. The Sixers, who lost 10 of their first 12 games, have won four of their last five and have covered the spread in six straight contests.

The reason is clear. Philly coach Doug Collins is getting offensive production from his entire rotation. Seven players scored in double figures during Philadelphia’s 117-97 win over the Cavaliers on Tuesday night.

Jodie Meeks is fitting in perfectly as the club’s starting shooting guard, 20-year-old point guard Jrue Holiday is playing like a seasoned veteran and Thaddeus Young is thriving as the first man off the bench.

“I’ve been waiting to get back to my old self,” Young told the Philadelphia Daily News. “I’m just having a great time, having fun out there. Coach always says to go out there and have fun, just play aggressively and have fun. I think that’s what I’ve been doing.”

Trends

Boston is 8-1 ATS in its last nine road games but Philadelphia is 5-0 ATS in its last five home games.

The over is 4-0 in the 76ers’ last four home games against a team with a winning road record.

The Celtics are 15-4-2 in their last 21 games at Philadelphia.



Orlando Magic at Portland Trail Blazers (+2, 185)

Orlando Finally Getting Over Flu Bug

The Magic are expected to have starting point guard Jameer Nelson back in the lineup for their four-game road trip beginning Thursday night at Portland. Nelson, who missed his club’s last three games, was one of several Orlando players to catch a nasty stomach virus.

“Jameer practiced. Everything is fine,” Magic coach Stan Van Gundy told the Orlando Sentinel on Tuesday. “He looked good.”

Orlando backers will be happy to see Nelson back on the floor. The Magic went 1-2 straight up and against the spread without the former All-Star in the lineup.

New Trail For Blazers

Portland’s six-game losing streak is behind them thanks to home wins over the Clippers and Suns but there are still glaring issues for this Western Conference club to overcome. Team All-Star Brandon Roy isn’t the same player in years past because of swelling and pain in both knees. He can’t attack the rim like he used to and he’s having trouble guarding opposing players on a nightly basis.

The Blazers’ offense is no longer filled with isolation plays for Roy and coach Nate McMillian is looking for others to step up their scoring production with Roy at less than 100 percent.

Reserve guard Patrick Mills was the latest Blazer to chip in with a big effort. The second-year pro scored nine points and added seven assists in 29 minutes during Tuesday’s 106-99 win over Phoenix.

“He’s earning the right to play more minutes,” McMillan told the Oregon Live of Mills' effort.

Portland will need more solid play from its bench to best the Magic on Thursday, especially if center Joel Przybilla isn’t available. The big man will be traveling to Milwaukee later this week to attend his grandmother-in-law’s funeral.

Trends

Orlando is 2-8 ATS in its last 10 road games and 1-8 ATS in its last nine games against teams with losing records.

The Blazers are 5-2 ATS in their last seven home games but just 1-6-1 ATS in their last eight games against a team with a winning percentage above .600.

The under is 11-5-1 in the last 17 meetings between Orlando and Portland.

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[Udog]

NCAAB
Long Sheet


Thursday, December 9

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KENT ST (8 - 2) at FLORIDA (6 - 2) - 12/9/2010, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
KENT ST is 10-21 ATS (-13.1 Units) when the total is 130 to 139.5 over the last 3 seasons.
KENT ST is 10-22 ATS (-14.2 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 3 seasons.
KENT ST is 8-24 ATS (-18.4 Units) in non-conference games over the last 3 seasons.
KENT ST is 48-27 ATS (+18.3 Units) versus good defensive teams - allowing <=64 points/game since 1997.

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

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BUTLER (4 - 3) at XAVIER (5 - 2) - 12/9/2010, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BUTLER is 6-15 ATS (-10.5 Units) when the total is 130 to 139.5 over the last 2 seasons.
XAVIER is 44-28 ATS (+13.2 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
XAVIER is 44-28 ATS (+13.2 Units) in all lined games over the last 3 seasons.
XAVIER is 32-19 ATS (+11.1 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
BUTLER is 94-59 ATS (+29.1 Units) in non-conference games since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
XAVIER is 1-1 against the spread versus BUTLER over the last 3 seasons
BUTLER is 2-0 straight up against XAVIER over the last 3 seasons
2 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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GEORGETOWN (8 - 0) at TEMPLE (5 - 2) - 12/9/2010, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TEMPLE is 27-15 ATS (+10.5 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TEMPLE is 27-15 ATS (+10.5 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
TEMPLE is 12-4 ATS (+7.6 Units) in all home games over the last 2 seasons.
TEMPLE is 12-4 ATS (+7.6 Units) in home lined games over the last 2 seasons.
TEMPLE is 31-18 ATS (+11.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
GEORGETOWN is 8-0 ATS (+8.0 Units) in road games after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.
GEORGETOWN is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in road games in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
GEORGETOWN is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
TEMPLE is 1-0 against the spread versus GEORGETOWN over the last 3 seasons
GEORGETOWN is 1-0 straight up against TEMPLE 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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IUPUI (4 - 5) at OHIO ST (6 - 0) - 12/9/2010, 7:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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[Udog]

NBA
Long Sheet


Thursday, December 9

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BOSTON (17 - 4) at PHILADELPHIA (7 - 14) - 12/9/2010, 8:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 5-3 against the spread versus PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
BOSTON is 7-1 straight up against PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
4 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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NEW JERSEY (6 - 16) at DALLAS (17 - 4) - 12/9/2010, 8:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEW JERSEY is 44-59 ATS (-20.9 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
NEW JERSEY is 19-32 ATS (-16.2 Units) after a loss by 10 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
NEW JERSEY is 14-4 ATS (+9.6 Units) as a road underdog of 9.5 to 12 points over the last 3 seasons.
DALLAS is 16-36 ATS (-23.6 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
DALLAS is 4-16 ATS (-13.6 Units) in home games in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
DALLAS is 3-18 ATS (-16.8 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.

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

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ORLANDO (15 - 6) at PORTLAND (10 - 11) - 12/9/2010, 10:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PORTLAND is 35-20 ATS (+13.0 Units) after scoring 105 points or more over the last 3 seasons.
ORLANDO is 123-95 ATS (+18.5 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
ORLANDO is 55-42 ATS (+8.8 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 13-3 ATS (+9.7 Units) in road games when playing with 2 days rest over the last 3 seasons.
ORLANDO is 17-6 ATS (+10.4 Units) in road games after allowing 85 points or less over the last 3 seasons.

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

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[Udog]

NHL
Long Sheet


Thursday, December 9

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SAN JOSE (14-9-0-4, 32 pts.) at BUFFALO (11-13-0-4, 26 pts.) - 12/9/2010, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SAN JOSE is 110-75 ATS (+26.3 Units) when playing on back-to-back days since 1996.
BUFFALO is 15-23 ATS (-20.9 Units) after a division game over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
BUFFALO is 2-1 (+1.5 Units) against the spread versus SAN JOSE over the last 3 seasons
BUFFALO is 2-1-0 straight up against SAN JOSE over the last 3 seasons
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+1.2 Units)

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PHILADELPHIA (17-7-0-5, 39 pts.) at TORONTO (10-13-0-4, 24 pts.) - 12/9/2010, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 11-18 ATS (-10.7 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 272-271 ATS (-14.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record since 1996.
TORONTO is 40-69 ATS (-67.7 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHILADELPHIA is 6-3 (+1.5 Units) against the spread versus TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
PHILADELPHIA is 6-3-0 straight up against TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
6 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+2.9 Units)

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NY ISLANDERS (5-15-0-5, 15 pts.) at BOSTON (15-8-0-3, 33 pts.) - 12/9/2010, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NY ISLANDERS are 5-20 ATS (+33.8 Units) in all games this season.
NY ISLANDERS are 1-11 ATS (+16.7 Units) after 3 or more consecutive losses this season.
BOSTON is 24-12 ATS (+2.5 Units) after a division game over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 131-123 ATS (-45.3 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 6-2 (+2.9 Units) against the spread versus NY ISLANDERS over the last 3 seasons
BOSTON is 6-2-0 straight up against NY ISLANDERS over the last 3 seasons
5 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+1.6 Units)

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FLORIDA (12-14-0-0, 24 pts.) at WASHINGTON (18-8-0-3, 39 pts.) - 12/9/2010, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 13-2 ATS (+9.5 Units) after 3 or more consecutive losses over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 9-3 (+4.3 Units) against the spread versus FLORIDA over the last 3 seasons
WASHINGTON is 9-3-0 straight up against FLORIDA over the last 3 seasons
8 of 12 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+3.8 Units)

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NY RANGERS (16-12-0-1, 33 pts.) at OTTAWA (12-15-0-2, 26 pts.) - 12/9/2010, 7:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OTTAWA is 22-13 ATS (+4.6 Units) after a division game over the last 2 seasons.
NY RANGERS are 7-2 ATS (+9.4 Units) in road games revenging a loss versus opponent this season.
NY RANGERS are 5-0 ATS (+5.0 Units) in road games after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game this season.
NY RANGERS are 18-7 ATS (+9.6 Units) in road games 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
NY RANGERS is 5-4-0 straight up against OTTAWA over the last 3 seasons
6 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+5.3 Units)

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COLUMBUS (15-10-0-1, 31 pts.) at ST LOUIS (13-9-0-4, 30 pts.) - 12/9/2010, 8:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
ST LOUIS is 8-5 (+3.2 Units) against the spread versus COLUMBUS over the last 3 seasons
ST LOUIS is 8-5-0 straight up against COLUMBUS over the last 3 seasons
9 of 13 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+5.8 Units)

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MINNESOTA (11-11-0-4, 26 pts.) at PHOENIX (13-7-0-6, 32 pts.) - 12/9/2010, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PHOENIX is 66-49 ATS (+118.7 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 15-5 ATS (+8.9 Units) when playing with 3 or more days rest over the last 3 seasons.
PHOENIX is 30-18 ATS (+49.3 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 0-4 ATS (-7.2 Units) in home games after a win by 2 goals or more this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHOENIX is 6-3 (+3.5 Units) against the spread versus MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
PHOENIX is 6-3-0 straight up against MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
5 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+2.1 Units)

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CALGARY (12-14-0-2, 26 pts.) at LOS ANGELES (15-10-0-0, 30 pts.) - 12/9/2010, 10:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LOS ANGELES is 16-3 ATS (+11.8 Units) in home games after 3 or more consecutive unders over the last 3 seasons.
LOS ANGELES is 8-15 ATS (-14.2 Units) in home games revenging a loss versus opponent over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CALGARY is 8-1 (+7.0 Units) against the spread versus LOS ANGELES over the last 3 seasons
CALGARY is 8-1-0 straight up against LOS ANGELES over the last 3 seasons
7 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+4.8 Units)

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[Udog]

NBA
Short Sheet


Thursday, 12/9/2010

BOSTON at PHILADELPHIA, 8:00 PM ET
BOSTON: 8-2 ATS in road games
PHILADELPHIA: 0-6 ATS off an home win scoring 110 or more points

NEW JERSEY at DALLAS, 8:30 PM ET
NEW JERSEY: 14-4 ATS as a road underdog of 9.5 to 12 points
DALLAS: 1-11 ATS at home off a win by 6 points or less

ORLANDO at PORTLAND, 10:30 PM ET
ORLANDO: 13-3 ATS in road games when playing with 2 days rest
PORTLAND: 9-20 ATS off a home win

** (TC) Denotes Time Change

[Udog]

NCAAB
Short Sheet


Thursday, 12/9/2010

KENT ST at FLORIDA, 7:00 PM ET
KENT ST: 2-12 ATS after a game with 9 or less assists
FLORIDA: 40-21 ATS at home after having won 5 or 6 of their last 7 games

BUTLER at XAVIER, 9:00 PM ET
BUTLER: 6-15 ATS when the total is 130 to 139.5
XAVIER: 34-19 ATS off an upset loss as a favorite

GEORGETOWN at TEMPLE, 9:00 PM ET
GEORGETOWN: 6-21 ATS after 1 or more BB unders
TEMPLE: 61-40 ATS when the line is +3 to -3

IUPUI at OHIO ST, 7:00 PM ET
IUPUI: 9-1 ATS after a game with 9 or less assists
OHIO ST: 12-4 UNDER as a favorite of 10 or more points

** (TC) Denotes Time Change

[Udog]

NHL
Short Sheet


Thursday, 12/9/2010

SAN JOSE at BUFFALO, 7:00 PM ET
SAN JOSE: 28-15 SU in non-conference games
BUFFALO: 1-5 ATS after playing BB road games

PHILADELPHIA at TORONTO, 7:00 PM ET
PHILADELPHIA: 17-11 ATS in all games
TORONTO: 40-68 SU in all games

NY ISLANDERS at BOSTON, 7:00 PM ET
NY ISLANDERS: 13-42 SU as a road underdog
BOSTON: 8-0 SU at home after BB division games

FLORIDA at WASHINGTON, 7:00 PM ET
FLORIDA: 11-31 SU off a home win
WASHINGTON: 13-2 SU after failing to cover the spread in 3 or more BB games

NY RANGERS at OTTAWA, 7:30 PM ET
NY RANGERS: 9-4 SU as an underdog
OTTAWA: 3-11 SU after having lost 2 of their last 3 games

COLUMBUS at ST LOUIS, 8:00 PM ET
COLUMBUS: 18-35 SU after 1 or more BB unders
ST LOUIS: 5-12 SU at home off a road win

MINNESOTA at PHOENIX, 9:00 PM ET
MINNESOTA: 3-11 SU after one or more consecutive overs
PHOENIX: 34-22 SU after playing a road game

CALGARY at LOS ANGELES, 10:30 PM ET
CALGARY: 33-83 SU in road games after 2 or more BB overs
LOS ANGELES: 12-2 at home after playing 2 BB home games

** (TC) Denotes Time Change

[Spark]

***** THURSDAY, DECEMBER 9TH NBA INFORMATION *****
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(All results ATS) - Against The Spread - and most recent, unless noted otherwise. Content contained in this report remains exclusive private property of Stat/Systems Sports. Database information may not be reused or disseminated in any form without express written consent of the publisher.
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• HOT TEAMS
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-- Celtics won last eight games, covered four of last five. 76ers won four of last five games; they covered their last six games.
-- Dallas won last 10 games, covered three of last four at home.
-- Portland won last two games, by 9-7 points after losing their previous six games.

• COLD TEAMS
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-- Nets lost last five games (1-4 vs spread).
-- Orlando lost its last two games, scoring 85-74 points.

• BACK-TO-BACK
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-- Celtics are 3-1 if they played night before, 2-2 vs spread.

• TOTALS
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-- Under is 8-3 in last 11 Philadelphia games.
-- Under is 8-3 in Dallas home games.
-- Four of last five Orlando games stayed under the total.

• QUICK HITS
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--BOSTON @ PHILADELPHIA, 8:00 PM ET BOSTON: 8-2 ATS in road games. PHILADELPHIA: 0-6 ATS off an home win scoring 110 or more points.
--NEW JERSEY @ DALLAS, 8:30 PM ET NEW JERSEY: 14-4 ATS as a road underdog of 9.5 to 12 points. DALLAS: 1-11 ATS at home off a win by 6 points or less.
--ORLANDO @ PORTLAND, 10:30 PM ET ORLANDO: 13-3 ATS in road games when playing with 2 days rest. PORTLAND: 9-20 ATS off a home win.
________________________________

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_____________________________________________

*** BOSTON (-5, O/U 193) @ PHILADELPHIA ***
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Since Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen joined forces with Paul Pierce three seasons ago, Boston hasn’t lost very often. The Celtics’ current “Big Three” has never lost in Philadelphia. Boston seeks its seventh consecutive victory in Philadelphia and its ninth in a row overall Thursday night when it opens a three-game road trip against the surging 76ers. One of the NBA’s storied rivalries, the series between the Celtics and 76ers has been one-sided especially at the Wells Fargo Center since Garnett and Allen arrived in Boston. The Celtics are 6-0 there since the start of the 2007-08 season, and 10-2 in the series overall during that span. They’ve done it with stifling defense, limiting the Sixers to 91.0 points per game in the road meetings including an average of 80.0 in last season’s two victories.

The Celtics have taken a similar path to victory during their current eight-game winning streak, allowing an average of 87.3 points and holding all but one opponent below 90. The run continued Wednesday with a 105-89 home win over Denver. In addition to another impressive defensive showing, Boston showed plenty of scoring prowess. Allen led the way with 28 points while Pierce and Garnett chipped in 17 apiece. Allen made 9 of 14 shots from the field, including 3 of 5 from 3-point range. “When he makes his shots you just assume it,” coach Doc Rivers told the Celtics’ official Twitter page. “When he doesn’t you want to talk about it. That’s Ray Allen.”

Boston now must face a Philadelphia club which is playing much better than its record. The Sixers have won five in a row at home, four of five overall and have scored just 10 points fewer than their opponents this season despite being seven games under .500. “It’s very refreshing,” forward Thaddeus Young said. “Any time we can go out there and get four out of five victories, it’s big for the team. We need those wins that help us make a push for the playoffs and help get us in the mix for things.” Despite coming off the bench, Young is Philadelphia’s third-leading scorer at 12.3 points per game. He set season highs with 26 points and 11 rebounds in Tuesday night’s 117-97 victory over Cleveland.

Young made 11 of 12 shots from the field including his lone 3-point attempt - something Coach Doug Collins is trying to get him to avoid. “I told him that 3-point line is like the electric fence that you put in your yard with a dog,” Collins said of Young, a 34.2 percent career shooter from beyond the arc. “You get across and it shocks you, so stay in front of it.” The entire offense was clicking Tuesday. The Sixers cruised after scoring a season-high 66 points in the first half, and all five starters scored in double figures for the first time in 2009-10. Philadelphia is seeking to win three in a row for the first time since a five-game run Jan. 31-Feb. 9.

*STAN'S FORECASTER - Boston by 4.5; O/U 191.5
*STAN'S POWER LINE - Boston -5.5
*OUTPLAY FACTOR - Boston -4.67
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• TOP RATED TEAM ATS TRENDS
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--PHILADELPHIA is 46-21 ATS (+22.8 Units) in home games after a blowout win by 20 points or more since 1996.
The average score was PHILADELPHIA 96.5, OPPONENT 97.8 - (Rating = 4*)

--BOSTON is 42-69 ATS (-33.9 Units) in road games after scoring 100 points or more 3 straight games since 1996.
The average score was BOSTON 99.2, OPPONENT 101.6 - (Rating = 5*)

--BOSTON is 11-27 ATS (-18.5 Units) when playing against a bad team (Win Pct. 25% to 40%) over the last 3 seasons.
The average score was BOSTON 100.6, OPPONENT 96.6 - (Rating = 3*)

--BOSTON is 7-22 ATS (-17.0 Units) in road games after 2 or more consecutive unders over the last 2 seasons.
The average score was BOSTON 95.0, OPPONENT 96.6 - (Rating = 3*)

• TOP RATED TEAM OVER/UNDER TRENDS
---------------------------------------------------
--PHILADELPHIA is 28-11 UNDER (+15.8 Units) after playing 2 consecutive home games over the last 3 seasons.
The average score was PHILADELPHIA 94.6, OPPONENT 96.6 - (Rating = 3*)

--BOSTON is 46-24 UNDER (+19.5 Units) in road games after 1 or more consecutive wins over the last 3 seasons.
The average score was BOSTON 96.3, OPPONENT 92.0 - (Rating = 3*)

--BOSTON is 27-10 UNDER (+15.9 Units) in road games after a win by 10 points or more over the last 3 seasons.
The average score was BOSTON 96.5, OPPONENT 92.1 - (Rating = 3*)

• TOP RATED TEAM FIRST HALF TRENDS
-------------------------------------------------
--BOSTON is 42-21 against the 1rst half line (+18.9 Units) versus the 1rst half line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
The average score was BOSTON 51.1, OPPONENT 46.5 - (Rating = 3*)

--BOSTON is 49-28 against the 1rst half line (+18.0 Units) versus poor pressure defensive teams - forcing <=14 turnovers/game over the last 2 seasons.
The average score was BOSTON 49.4, OPPONENT 45.9 - (Rating = 3*)

• TOP RATED TEAM FIRST HALF OVER/UNDER TRENDS
-------------------------------------------------------------------
--PHILADELPHIA is 28-11 UNDER (+15.8 Units) the 1rst half total after playing 2 consecutive games as favorite over the last 3 seasons.
The average score was PHILADELPHIA 48.1, OPPONENT 47.4 - (Rating = 3*)

--PHILADELPHIA is 14-2 UNDER (+11.8 Units) the 1rst half total in home games after successfully covering the spread in 5 or more consecutive games since 1996.
The average score was PHILADELPHIA 47.4, OPPONENT 40.6 - (Rating = 4*)

--BOSTON is 51-29 UNDER (+18.9 Units) the 1rst half total off a home win over the last 3 seasons.
The average score was BOSTON 49.1, OPPONENT 45.0 - (Rating = 3*)

• HIGHEST RATED SUPER SITUATIONS
-----------------------------------------------
--PLAY ON - Underdogs of 3.5 to 9.5 points (PHILADELPHIA) - after 2 straight wins by 10 points or more against opponent after scoring 100 points or more 3 straight games.
(27-6 over the last 5 seasons.) (81.8%, +20.4 units. Rating = 4*)

The straight up record of the team this system pertains to is: (17-16 over the last 5 seasons.)
The average line posted in these games was: Opponent favored by 5.9
The average score in these games was: Team 102.6, Opponent 102 (Average point differential = +0.7)
The number of games in which this system covered the spread by 7 or more points was 17 (53.1% of all games.)

The situation's record this season is: (1-0).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (16-4).
Since 1996 the situation's record is: (37-21).

--PLAY UNDER - All teams where the total is between 190 and 199.5 points (BOSTON) - vs. division opponents, after 3 consecutive covers as a favorite.
(25-6 over the last 5 seasons.) (80.6%, +18.4 units. Rating = 4*)

The average total posted in these games was: 193.8
The average score in these games was: Team 96.1, Opponent 90.5 (Total points scored = 186.5)
The number of games in which this system covered the total by 7 or more points was 22 (71% of all games.)

The situation's record this season is: (0-0).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (20-6).
Since 1996 the situation's record is: (44-26).

--PLAY UNDER - All teams where the first half total is between 95.5 and 100.5 points (BOSTON) - after 3 consecutive covers as a favorite against opponent off a home win.
(27-7 over the last 5 seasons.) (79.4%, +19.3 units. Rating = 3*)

The average first half total posted in these games was: 97.9
The average first half score in these games was: Team 46.5, Opponent 43.3 (Total first half points scored = 89.9)

The situation's record this season is: (2-1).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (19-7).
Since 1996 the situation's record is: (49-25).
__________________________________

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*** NEW JERSEY @ DALLAS (-10.5, O/U 186) ***
----------------------------------------------------------
Winning streaks like the one the Dallas Mavericks are riding were common under Avery Johnson, but his inability to regularly translate that success into deep playoff runs ultimately led to his dismissal in 2008. Johnson makes his return to Dallas on Thursday night when the New Jersey Nets try to end the Mavericks’ 10-game winning streak and snap a 10-game skid at American Airlines Center.

Johnson spent three-plus seasons coaching Dallas, going 194-70 in the regular season and 23-24 in the playoffs. He guided the Mavericks to the NBA finals in 2006 but was fired after the team was ousted in the first round for the second straight year in 2008. The kind of success Johnson had in Dallas is what ultimately led to his hiring by the Nets over the summer. “It’s going to be tough,” Jason Terry told the Mavericks’ official website about facing his former coach. “But then, when the lights are on and we tip it off, it’s time to go to work. It will be fun, but it’s going to be a long night.”

Like the Dallas teams under Johnson, this year’s Mavericks are having another good season. They won their 10th straight Tuesday with a 105-100 victory over Golden State. Dirk Nowitzki scored 25 points and Terry added 20, while seldom-used forwards Ian Mahinmi and Alexis Ajinca combined for 15 points and 16 rebounds off the bench. The two saw playing time with starting center Tyson Chandler sitting out after he missed the morning shootaround with a stomach bug. Mahinmi played a career-high 21 minutes and recorded a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds. He had played 39 minutes all season before the game.

“Hard work pays,” Mahinmi said. “We’re going to keep doing that. It’s great for both of us.” Their work on the boards helped Dallas put together another solid defensive effort in the opener of a six-game homestand. The Mavericks are among the league’s best in points allowed at 92.6 per game and have outrebounded six of their last eight opponents. Dallas’ winning streak is the ninth in franchise history of at least 10 games, including four during Johnson’s tenure. The Mavericks, who had a 13-game run from Feb. 17-March 10, don’t seem to be in danger of having their winning streak snapped by Johnson’s current team.

New Jersey has lost 10 in a row at Dallas since March 2, 2000, getting held to an average of 91.0 points. Overall, the Mavericks have won three in a row between the teams and 16 of 19. The Nets are trying to stop a five-game overall losing streak. They fell 116-101 at Atlanta on Tuesday for their eighth straight road loss. Brook Lopez scored 24 points and Devin Harris had 18 points and 13 assists, but the Hawks shot 60.3 percent. That came after Boston shot 50.6 percent en route to a 100-75 win at New Jersey on Sunday.

“We just couldn’t score and we couldn’t stop them from scoring,” Harris said after Tuesday’s loss. “We put ourselves in a position where you’ve got to play perfectly to come back and we didn’t do that.” Harris, who played three-plus seasons with Johnson in Dallas before being sent to New Jersey as part of the deal involving Jason Kidd is averaging 21.2 points and 6.4 assists in five games against his former team.

*STAN'S FORECASTER - Dallas by 10; O/U 195
*STAN'S POWER LINE - Dallas -11.5
*OUTPLAY FACTOR - Dallas -12.08
_________________________________________

• TOP RATED TEAM ATS TRENDS
----------------------------------------
--DALLAS is 3-18 ATS (-16.8 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
The average score was DALLAS 101.2, OPPONENT 98.0 - (Rating = 4*)

--DALLAS is 4-16 ATS (-13.6 Units) in home games in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
The average score was DALLAS 97.0, OPPONENT 95.2 - (Rating = 3*)

--DALLAS is 3-13 ATS (-11.3 Units) in home games versus poor passing teams, averaging <=20 assists/game over the last 2 seasons.
The average score was DALLAS 100.1, OPPONENT 96.7 - (Rating = 2*)

--DALLAS is 2-12 ATS (-11.2 Units) in home games versus poor teams - outscored by their opponents by 3+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
The average score was DALLAS 100.7, OPPONENT 97.3 - (Rating = 2*)

• TOP RATED TEAM OVER/UNDER TRENDS
---------------------------------------------------
--DALLAS is 34-14 OVER (+18.6 Units) in home games after 2 straight games where both teams scored 100 points or more since 1996.
The average score was DALLAS 108.8, OPPONENT 101.9 - (Rating = 3*)

--NEW JERSEY is 31-13 OVER (+16.6 Units) after a blowout loss by 15 points or more over the last 3 seasons.
The average score was NEW JERSEY 97.2, OPPONENT 103.2 - (Rating = 3*)

• TOP RATED TEAM FIRST HALF TRENDS
-------------------------------------------------
--DALLAS is 3-15 against the 1rst half line (-13.3 Units) in home games versus poor passing teams, averaging <=20 assists/game over the last 2 seasons.
The average score was DALLAS 47.5, OPPONENT 49.0 - (Rating = 3*)

--NEW JERSEY is 30-11 against the 1rst half line (+17.8 Units) in road games versus teams who attempt 18 or more 3 point shots/game on the season over the last 3 seasons.
The average score was NEW JERSEY 49.3, OPPONENT 53.1 - (Rating = 3*)

--NEW JERSEY is 38-20 against the 1rst half line (+15.9 Units) in road games versus teams who make 6 or more 3 point shots/game on the season over the last 3 seasons.
The average score was NEW JERSEY 48.9, OPPONENT 52.6 - (Rating = 3*)

• TOP RATED TEAM FIRST HALF OVER/UNDER TRENDS
-------------------------------------------------------------------
--NEW JERSEY is 73-41 UNDER (+27.9 Units) the 1rst half total in a road game where the first half total is 93 to 95.5 since 1996.
The average score was NEW JERSEY 44.2, OPPONENT 45.8 - (Rating = 4*)

--NEW JERSEY is 99-65 UNDER (+27.5 Units) the 1rst half total when playing against a top-level team (Win Pct. > 70%) since 1996.
The average score was NEW JERSEY 44.4, OPPONENT 48.8 - (Rating = 4*)

--NEW JERSEY is 59-38 UNDER (+17.2 Units) the 1rst half total in road games versus good passing teams, averaging >=23 assists/game since 1996.
The average score was NEW JERSEY 45.4, OPPONENT 50.8 - (Rating = 3*)

--NEW JERSEY is 38-19 UNDER (+17.1 Units) the 1rst half total against Southwest division opponents since 1996.
The average score was NEW JERSEY 44.2, OPPONENT 47.7 - (Rating = 3*)

• HIGHEST RATED SUPER SITUATIONS
-----------------------------------------------
--PLAY UNDER - All teams where the first half total is between 90.5 and 95.5 points (DALLAS) - after 10 or more consecutive wins, with a winning record on the season.
(22-4 over the last 5 seasons.) (84.6%, +17.6 units. Rating = 4*)

The average first half total posted in these games was: 93.6
The average first half score in these games was: Team 44.9, Opponent 42.7 (Total first half points scored = 87.6)

The situation's record this season is: (0-0).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (11-3).
Since 1996 the situation's record is: (40-19).

--PLAY OVER - Road teams where the total is between 180 and 189.5 points (NEW JERSEY) - after failing to cover the spread in 3 or more consecutive games, a bad team, winning 25% to 40% of their games on the season.
(34-12 over the last 5 seasons.) (73.9%, +20.8 units. Rating = 3*)

The average total posted in these games was: 185.9
The average score in these games was: Team 93.1, Opponent 96.9 (Total points scored = 189.9)
The number of games in which this system covered the total by 7 or more points was 24 (53.3% of all games.)

The situation's record this season is: (1-1).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (23-7).
Since 1996 the situation's record is: (71-50).

--PLAY AGAINST - Home favorites of 10 or more points (DALLAS) - after a home game where both teams score 100 or more points, tired team - playing 8 or more games in 14 days.
(49-19 since 1996.) (72.1%, +28.1 units. Rating = 3*)

The straight up record of the team this system pertains to is : (6-63)
The average line posted in these games was: Opponent favored by 12.4
The average score in these games was: Team 92.9, Opponent 102.7 (Average point differential = -9.9)
The number of games in which this system covered the spread by 7 or more points was 21 (31.3% of all games.)

The situation's record this season is: (0-0).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (16-10).
Over the last 5 seasons the situation's record is: (20-10).
___________________________________________

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*** ORLANDO (-2, O/U 185) @ PORTLAND ***
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After losing two straight for the second time all season, the Orlando Magic are finally getting healthy. The Magic will try to bounce back from their second-lowest scoring output when they begin a four-game road trip Thursday night against the Portland Trail Blazers. Dwight Howard, J.J. Redick and Mickael Pietrus all returned for Monday’s 80-74 loss to Atlanta after missing the previous two games with flu-like symptoms, and Jameer Nelson is likely to be back on the court against the Blazers after missing three contests.

“This is definitely a unique situation with the illness we all contracted,” said Nelson, who scored a season-high 24 points against Chicago on Dec. 1 before getting sick. “In my years of playing basketball, and I’ve heard other guys in their years of playing basketball, they’ve never seen anything like it.” Orlando shot 37.8 percent from the floor and went 4 of 22 from 3-point range against the Hawks. “It was a bad basketball game and we just played worse than they did,” Coach Stan Van Gundy said. “I know we’re better than we played tonight. We didn’t even play a good three-minute stretch in the game.”

Howard has struggled in Portland over his career, averaging 12.7 points - his lowest mark against any opponent on the road. Vince Carter who has registered 21.3 points in his last four games, averaged 7.0 on 2-of-21 shooting against Portland in 2009-10 as these teams split a pair of meetings. The Magic are averaging 100.9 points at home compared to 92.8 on the road, but they are still looking forward to the trip. “This is a good chance for us to kind of grow as a team and get our confidence going and not only that, just playing against teams in their buildings with our backs against the wall,” forward Rashard Lewis said.

After snapping a season-worst six-game losing streak Sunday, the Blazers recorded their second straight victory Tuesday night, 106-99 over Phoenix. Portland trailed by six heading into the final 12 minutes but scored a season-best 37 points in the fourth quarter as they improved to 6-3 at home. “It was fun. I thought our guys tonight, their game plan, they executed it,” Coach Nate McMillan told the Blazers’ official website. “The second half, we made plays. We made shots. We got stops. Those are the things you need to do to win games.”

Wesley Matthews continued his strong play with 24 points. Matthews, averaging 10.4 points over his career, has scored at least 23 in five of his last six games while shooting 52.3 percent from the field. Brandon Roy added 20 points and could be in line for another big game after averaging 31.5 in his last two against the Magic. The Blazers were without Andre Miller on Tuesday, as he was serving a one-game suspension for “excessive and unnecessary contact” with Blake Griffin during Sunday’s 100-91 win over the Los Angeles Clippers.

*STAN'S FORECASTER - Orlando by 1; O/U 181.5
*STAN'S POWER LINE - Orlando -1.5
*OUTPLAY FACTOR - Orlando -2.14
____________________________________________

• TOP RATED TEAM ATS TRENDS
----------------------------------------
--PORTLAND is 64-41 ATS (+18.7 Units) versus teams who make 6 or more 3 point shots/game on the season over the last 3 seasons.
The average score was PORTLAND 97.7, OPPONENT 95.7 - (Rating = 3*)

--PORTLAND is 26-8 ATS (+16.8 Units) in home games versus good 3 point shooting teams - making >=36% of their attempts over the last 3 seasons.
The average score was PORTLAND 100.3, OPPONENT 95.2 - (Rating = 3*)

--ORLANDO is 1-9 ATS (-8.9 Units) vs. good free throw shooting teams - making >=76% of their attempts this season.
The average score was ORLANDO 95.4, OPPONENT 94.7 - (Rating = 2*)

• TOP RATED TEAM OVER/UNDER TRENDS
---------------------------------------------------
--PORTLAND is 87-61 UNDER (+19.9 Units) in home games versus teams who average 7 or less steals/game on the season since 1996.
The average score was PORTLAND 95.5, OPPONENT 92.5 - (Rating = 3*)

--ORLANDO is 65-41 UNDER (+19.7 Units) vs. good free throw shooting teams - making >=76% of their attempts over the last 3 seasons.
The average score was ORLANDO 100.8, OPPONENT 95.6 - (Rating = 3*)

• TOP RATED TEAM FIRST HALF TRENDS
-------------------------------------------------
--PORTLAND is 29-10 against the 1rst half line (+17.9 Units) versus teams who are called for 21 or less fouls/game over the last 2 seasons.
The average score was PORTLAND 49.8, OPPONENT 46.6 - (Rating = 3*)

--PORTLAND is 24-6 against the 1rst half line (+17.3 Units) versus poor passing teams, averaging <=20 assists/game over the last 2 seasons.
The average score was PORTLAND 49.2, OPPONENT 44.1 - (Rating = 3*)

--PORTLAND is 29-11 against the 1rst half line (+16.9 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
The average score was PORTLAND 49.5, OPPONENT 44.5 - (Rating = 3*)

--ORLANDO is 36-65 against the 1rst half line (-35.5 Units) in road games when playing against a marginal losing team (Win Pct. 40% to 49%) since 1996.
The average score was ORLANDO 48.2, OPPONENT 50.6 - (Rating = 5*)

• TOP RATED TEAM FIRST HALF OVER/UNDER TRENDS
-------------------------------------------------------------------
--PORTLAND is 29-11 UNDER (+16.8 Units) the 1rst half total after a combined score of 205 points or more over the last 3 seasons.
The average score was PORTLAND 48.0, OPPONENT 45.7 - (Rating = 3*)

--PORTLAND is 11-1 UNDER (+9.9 Units) the 1rst half total against Southeast division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
The average score was PORTLAND 45.6, OPPONENT 40.8 - (Rating = 4*)

--ORLANDO is 49-26 UNDER (+21.9 Units) the 1rst half total in road games after scoring 85 points or less since 1996.
The average score was ORLANDO 45.5, OPPONENT 47.2 - (Rating = 3*)

• HIGHEST RATED SUPER SITUATIONS
-----------------------------------------------
--PLAY AGAINST - Road favorites vs. the 1rst half line (ORLANDO) - after going under the total by 42 or more points total in their last five games against opponent after going under the total by 48 or more points total in their last seven games.
(31-7 over the last 5 seasons.) (81.6%, +23.3 units. Rating = 4*)

The average first half line posted in these games was: Opponent favored by 2.1
The average first half score in these games was: Team 48.9, Opponent 45.7 (Average first half point differential = +3.2)

The situation's record this season is: (2-0).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (17-5).
Since 1996 the situation's record is: (44-29).

--PLAY UNDER - Home teams where the first half total is between 90.5 and 95.5 points (PORTLAND) - after being beaten by the spread by 48 or more points total in their last ten games against opponent after going under the total by more than 18 points in their previous game.
(32-9 since 1996.) (78.0%, +22.1 units. Rating = 3*)

The average first half total posted in these games was: 92.9
The average first half score in these games was: Team 43.9, Opponent 45.3 (Total first half points scored = 89.2)

The situation's record this season is: (1-1).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (6-4).
Over the last 5 seasons the situation's record is: (13-4).

--PLAY UNDER - Road teams where the total is between 180 and 189.5 points (ORLANDO) - after failing to cover the spread in 2 or more consecutive games, good team, winning 60-75% or more of their games on the season.
(52-22 over the last 5 seasons.) (70.3%, +27.8 units. Rating = 3*)

The average total posted in these games was: 185.1
The average score in these games was: Team 90.4, Opponent 89.8 (Total points scored = 180.2)
The number of games in which this system covered the total by 7 or more points was 41 (53.2% of all games.)

The situation's record this season is: (2-0).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (35-11).
Since 1996 the situation's record is: (160-122).