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**Udog** · 12-26-2010, 11:04 PM

Daily Sports Roundup: December 27

Today in the Daily Sports Roundup: The Falcons and Saints battle on Monday Night Football, Shreveport hosts the Independence Bowl, and the Thunder play host to Dallas.

Colliding on the gridiron . . .

The Falcons will be looking to lock down the NFC South title on Monday Night Football when they play host to the division-rival Saints. Atlanta (12-2 SU, 10-4 ATS) has picked up the victory in each of its last eight games, knocking off the Seahawks 34-18 in Seattle last week. New Orleans (10-4 SU, 5-9 ATS) fell 30-24 in Baltimore last week, and they also lost 27-24 at home to the Falcons back in Week 3 of the season as a 3-point favorite. Oddsmakers have the Falcons set as 2.5-point home favorites for Monday night's matchup, while the total for the contest has been pegged at 49.5 points.

There's also one bowl game on the Monday slate, with Air Force taking on Georgia Tech in the Independence Bowl at Independence Stadium in Shreveport, Louisiana. The Falcons (8-4 SU, 4-7 ATS) beat UNLV 35-20 last time out, while the Yellow Jackets (6-6 SU, 5-5-1 ATS) fell 42-34 to Georgia last game. Air Force has been set as the 2.5-point favorite by the oddsmakers for this matchup, while the total for the contest is listed at 56.

Tipping off on the hardwood . . .

There are 10 games on the NBA's schedule for Monday, with Detroit at Charlotte, Orlando at New Jersey, Atlanta at Milwaukee, New Orleans at Minnesota, Toronto at Memphis, Washington at Houston, Portland at Utah, the Clippers at Sacramento, Philadelphia at Golden State, and Dallas at Oklahoma City. The Mavericks (23-5 SU, 16-10-2 ATS) have won four straight games, beating the Magic 105-99 in Orlando in their last game. The Thunder (21-10 SU, 16-15 ATS) are coming off a 114-106 home win over Denver in which Kevin Durant poured in 44 points. The Mavericks beat the Thunder 111-103 in Oklahoma City as a 4-point underdog when they met November 24.

As well, there are three games involving ranked teams on the college basketball schedule for Monday, with Northern Illinois at No. 9 Missouri, Tennessee-Martin at No. 2 Ohio State, and No. 4 Connecticut at No. 6 Pittsburgh. The fourth-ranked Huskies (10-0 SU, 4-0 ATS) blew past Harvard in an 81-52 win last time out, with Kemba Walker pouring in 20 points in that contest. The sixth-ranked Panthers (12-1 SU, 3-4 ATS) are coming off a 61-46 win over American in which Brad Wanamaker picked up 19 points. Connecticut lost 67-57 in Pittsburgh when these clubs last played back in January 2010.

Taking a trip around the rink . . .

Finally, there are six games on tap around the NHL on Monday night, with the Islanders at the Rangers, Boston at Florida, Minnesota at Columbus, Buffalo at Calgary, Detroit at Colorado, and Los Angeles at San Jose. The 19-11-5 Sharks ride a four-game winning streak into Monday's matchup, getting past the Coyotes 4-1 at home in their last game on Thursday. San Jose doubled up on Los Angeles 6-3 in their first meeting of the year at home back on November 15, with Patrick Marleau picking up a goal and two assists and Antero Niittymaki stopping 32 of 35 Kings shots. Ryan Smyth, Jarret Stoll, and Scott Parse replied for the Kings in that defeat, while Jonathan Bernier made 28 saves.

**Udog** · 12-26-2010, 11:07 PM

Bettors' best friend: Monday's wagering tips

Lines to watch

Saints-Flacons – total is up to 49 after opening at 47.5.

Who’s hot

NFL: Atlanta Falcons have covered in six straight.

NBA: Dallas Mavericks have covered in 11 of their last 15.

NBA: Memphis Grizzlies have covered seven times over their last nine games.

NBA: Houston Rockets are on a 4-0 ATS run.

NHL: Buffalo Sabres have won 10 of their last 15 games against Calgary.

NHL: San Jose Sharks have won four straight.

Who’s not

NCAAF: Air Force has covered in only two of its last nine games.

NBA: Orlando Magic have covered three of their last 11.

NBA: Milwaukee Bucks have covered in two of their last nine home games.

NBA: Sacramento Kings have covered in six of their last 20 games.

NHL: Columbus Blue Jackets have one win in their last six games.

Key stat

644.9 – The number of rushing yards per game Georgia Tech and Air Force combine for. The two clubs own the best running games in the nation and combined for just 299 passing attempts this season.

Injury that shouldn’t be overlooked

Brandon Roy (knee) Portland Trail Blazers – Brandon Roy’s knee issue is becoming a major problem. Roy won’t join the team on its upcoming road trip marking six consecutive games that he has sat out. While Roy watches on, the Blazers have dropped five of their last seven against the number.

Game of the day

New Orleans Saints at Atlanta Falcons (-2.5, 49)

Notable quotable

"I didn't know how big the rivalry was until I got here. Saints fans don't like Falcons fans, and Falcons fans don't like Saints fans. That's what helps the rivalry. It's not always so much the players because the players are always in and out. But the fans are what make a rivalry. – Saints strong safety Roman Harper on the Saints-Falcons rivalry.

Notes and tips

Georgia Tech will be without a number of regulars for Monday’s game against Air Force. Last week four players, including leading receiver Stephen Hill and starting safety Mario Edwards, were ruled out for academic issues and then Anthony Egbuniwe and defensive backs Michael Peterson and Louis Young violated curfew and will miss at least the first half of the game.

Dallas Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle will not be on the bench when his club visits Oklahoma City following minor knee surgery. Dwane Casey will take care of practice and act as head coach for the game. The Mavs have won four straight after dropping a game to the Bucks earlier this month.

Changes may be on the way for the Memphis Grizzlies. The club’s coach Lionel Hollins isn’t happy with his team’s versatility and speculation is that the Grizzlies are looking to make some moves and then dip into the free agent market heavily in the offseason. The Grizzlies have lost three straight heading into Monday’s game against Indiana.

**Udog** · 12-26-2010, 11:11 PM

NBA
Long Sheet

Monday, December 27

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ORLANDO (18 - 12) at NEW JERSEY (9 - 21) - 12/27/2010, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ORLANDO is 3-11 ATS (-9.1 Units) in road games this season.
ORLANDO is 126-101 ATS (+14.9 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
NEW JERSEY is 48-63 ATS (-21.3 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
NEW JERSEY is 34-55 ATS (-26.5 Units) as a home underdog of 3.5 to 6 points since 1996.
NEW JERSEY is 20-33 ATS (-16.3 Units) after a loss by 10 points or more over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
NEW JERSEY is 5-3 against the spread versus ORLANDO over the last 3 seasons
ORLANDO is 7-1 straight up against NEW JERSEY over the last 3 seasons
5 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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DETROIT (10 - 19) at CHARLOTTE (9 - 19) - 12/27/2010, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 84-110 ATS (-37.0 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
DETROIT is 37-54 ATS (-22.4 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
CHARLOTTE is 9-1 ATS (+7.9 Units) after 3 or more consecutive unders over the last 2 seasons.
CHARLOTTE is 62-36 ATS (+22.4 Units) after scoring 85 points or less since 1996.
DETROIT is 17-7 ATS (+9.3 Units) against Southeast division opponents over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 6-2 against the spread versus CHARLOTTE over the last 3 seasons
DETROIT is 5-3 straight up against CHARLOTTE over the last 3 seasons
5 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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DALLAS (23 - 5) at OKLAHOMA CITY (21 - 10) - 12/27/2010, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 67-51 ATS (+10.9 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 37-18 ATS (+17.2 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 38-25 ATS (+10.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
DALLAS is 8-0 ATS (+8.0 Units) as an underdog this season.
DALLAS is 10-1 ATS (+8.9 Units) in road games this season.
DALLAS is 226-171 ATS (+37.9 Units) after a non-conference game since 1996.
DALLAS is 8-0 ATS (+8.0 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
DALLAS is 12-4 ATS (+7.6 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
OKLAHOMA CITY is 6-2 against the spread versus DALLAS over the last 3 seasons
DALLAS is 5-3 straight up against OKLAHOMA CITY over the last 3 seasons
4 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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ATLANTA (19 - 12) at MILWAUKEE (12 - 16) - 12/27/2010, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 3-13 ATS (-11.3 Units) revenging a home loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 132-171 ATS (-56.1 Units) in road games revenging a loss vs opponent since 1996.
MILWAUKEE is 66-47 ATS (+14.3 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 38-21 ATS (+14.9 Units) in home games after playing 3 consecutive road games since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 8-7 against the spread versus MILWAUKEE over the last 3 seasons
ATLANTA is 9-6 straight up against MILWAUKEE over the last 3 seasons
11 of 15 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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TORONTO (10 - 19) at MEMPHIS (12 - 17) - 12/27/2010, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 10-23 ATS (-15.3 Units) in road games in non-conference games over the last 3 seasons.
TORONTO is 20-36 ATS (-19.6 Units) after allowing 105 points or more over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MEMPHIS is 3-1 against the spread versus TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
MEMPHIS is 3-1 straight up against TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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NEW ORLEANS (17 - 12) at MINNESOTA (6 - 24) - 12/27/2010, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEW ORLEANS is 17-31 ATS (-17.1 Units) against Northwest division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 21-36 ATS (-18.6 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 40-64 ATS (-30.4 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 36-56 ATS (-25.6 Units) in home games over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 44-66 ATS (-28.6 Units) against Southwest division opponents since 1996.
MINNESOTA is 13-34 ATS (-24.4 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 5-2 against the spread versus NEW ORLEANS over the last 3 seasons
NEW ORLEANS is 6-1 straight up against MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
5 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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WASHINGTON (7 - 20) at HOUSTON (14 - 15) - 12/27/2010, 8:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 47-61 ATS (-20.1 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 221-173 ATS (+30.7 Units) in non-conference games since 1996.
HOUSTON is 16-6 ATS (+9.4 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.

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

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PORTLAND (15 - 15) at UTAH (21 - 9) - 12/27/2010, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
UTAH is 72-47 ATS (+20.3 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
UTAH is 49-31 ATS (+14.9 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
UTAH is 38-22 ATS (+13.8 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
UTAH is 96-66 ATS (+23.4 Units) in home games after a division game since 1996.
UTAH is 25-11 ATS (+12.9 Units) after allowing 105 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
UTAH is 36-17 ATS (+17.3 Units) after scoring 105 points or more over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
UTAH is 7-2 against the spread versus PORTLAND over the last 3 seasons
UTAH is 7-2 straight up against PORTLAND over the last 3 seasons
7 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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LA CLIPPERS (8 - 22) at SACRAMENTO (5 - 22) - 12/27/2010, 10:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LA CLIPPERS are 82-110 ATS (-39.0 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 66-86 ATS (-28.6 Units) as an underdog over the last 3 seasons.
SACRAMENTO is 7-20 ATS (-15.0 Units) in all games this season.
SACRAMENTO is 4-12 ATS (-9.2 Units) in home games this season.
SACRAMENTO is 3-11 ATS (-9.1 Units) after 3 or more consecutive losses this season.
SACRAMENTO is 2-11 ATS (-10.1 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
SACRAMENTO is 1-15 ATS (-15.5 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
SACRAMENTO is 5-5 against the spread versus LA CLIPPERS over the last 3 seasons
SACRAMENTO is 6-4 straight up against LA CLIPPERS over the last 3 seasons
8 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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PHILADELPHIA (11 - 18) at GOLDEN STATE (11 - 18) - 12/27/2010, 10:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
GOLDEN STATE is 62-48 ATS (+9.2 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 18-5 ATS (+12.5 Units) against Atlantic division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 19-7 ATS (+11.3 Units) in home games after scoring 105 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 19-9 ATS (+9.1 Units) in all games this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHILADELPHIA is 3-1 against the spread versus GOLDEN STATE over the last 3 seasons
PHILADELPHIA is 3-1 straight up against GOLDEN STATE 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** · 12-26-2010, 11:13 PM

NBA

Monday, December 27

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Pick 'n' Roll: Today's best NBA bets
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Orlando Magic at New Jersey Nets (6, 190)

The new-look Orlando Magic are starting to get comfortable.

Orlando had lost eight of nine before putting up a couple of nice wins, ending San Antonio’s 10-game winning streak before putting an end to a 14-game run the Boston Celtics were on. The new additions played a big part of those wins.

Gilbert Arenas scored 14 points off the pine in the win over the Spurs, while Hedo Turkoglu put up 16 against the Celtics.

"You see what the possibilities are," Magic coach Stan Van Gundy told reporters. "You see that you have a chance to be a really good team. We're not there yet by any means, but you have a chance to be a very good team. And I think that right there, that belief and that confidence that if we will stay with it, we can be very good.

"That's a great thing for our team to get that belief that, yeah, this can work. We can do this."

Orlando already has a 15-point victory over the Nets under its belt this season and should continue the club’s solid play against New Jersey.

Pick: Magic

Portland Trail Blazers at Utah Jazz (-8, 193)

Mehmet Okur is dying to contribute, but doesn’t want to mess up the good thing the Utah Jazz have going.

Okur went through a full practice on Sunday and it looks as the team is getting ready to increase his minutes after a sprained ankle kept him out of the last two contests. However, that doesn’t mean he’s going to be in the starting five.

"Right now, one thing (is) in my mind: just go out there and play — off the bench, start, whatever," Okur told reporters. "Ten minutes, five minutes. I just want to get into basketball shape first and be able to do all of the same motions like I used to be — running, jumping and stronger."

The club is in no rush to push its big man. Utah has reeled off three straight wins after an up-and-down stretch earlier this month. The Jazz have averaged almost 103 points per game over the streak after getting blown out 100-71 at New Orleans to start the road trip.

Meanwhile, life on the road has been tough for the Blazers, who have dropped 11 of their last 13 as visitors.

Pick: Jazz

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**Udog** · 12-26-2010, 11:18 PM

NCAAB
Long Sheet

Monday, December 27

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FORDHAM (6 - 4) at GEORGIA TECH (6 - 5) - 12/27/2010, 1:00 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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PENN ST (7 - 4) at INDIANA (9 - 4) - 12/27/2010, 6:30 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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GEORGE WASHINGTON (5 - 5) at UAB (9 - 2) - 12/27/2010, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
GEORGE WASHINGTON is 7-18 ATS (-12.8 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 3 seasons.
GEORGE WASHINGTON is 5-13 ATS (-9.3 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
UAB is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) in all games this season.
UAB is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) in all lined games this season.
UAB is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) after a non-conference game this season.
UAB is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) in non-conference games this season.

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

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N ILLINOIS (3 - 6) at MISSOURI (11 - 1) - 12/27/2010, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
N ILLINOIS is 55-34 ATS (+17.6 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.

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

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CONNECTICUT (10 - 0) at PITTSBURGH (12 - 1) - 12/27/2010, 8:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PITTSBURGH is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) in home games against conference opponents over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
PITTSBURGH is 3-0 against the spread versus CONNECTICUT over the last 3 seasons
PITTSBURGH is 3-0 straight up against CONNECTICUT over the last 3 seasons
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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NEVADA (3 - 9) at PORTLAND (10 - 3) - 12/27/2010, 10:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PORTLAND is 10-3 ATS (+6.7 Units) in all games this season.
PORTLAND is 10-3 ATS (+6.7 Units) in all lined games this season.
PORTLAND is 9-0 ATS (+9.0 Units) as a favorite this season.
PORTLAND is 10-3 ATS (+6.7 Units) after a non-conference game this season.
PORTLAND is 10-3 ATS (+6.7 Units) in non-conference games this season.
PORTLAND is 18-6 ATS (+11.4 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.

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

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**Udog** · 12-26-2010, 11:20 PM

NCAAB

Monday, December 27

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College Funds: Today's best NCAAB bets
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No. 4 UConn Huskies at No. 6 Pittsburgh Panthers (-7.5, 142)

The young UConn Huskies weren’t supposed to be this good this quick.

They head into the beginning of Big East play undefeated despite having seven freshman on the roster and have covered in the last four games they have seen a pointspread. That has the Huskies rolling into this game with a lot of confidence.

"I'm not shocked. I knew coming into the season we could be very strong defensively," UConn guard Kemba Walker told reporters after beating Havard. "I didn't think we could be this good but guys bought into what coach is trying to do. It's working out for us."

But beating Havard is one thing, heading into Pittsburgh for Monday’s game is something totally different.

Pitt has been eying up this game for a while and outside of a terrible game against Tennessee, the Panthers look pretty solid. They haven’t covered the number lately but in this spot opening conference play, look for Pitt to jump on UConn early and ride out a solid home win.

Pick: Panthers

Northern Illinois Huskies at Missouri Tigers (-25.5, N/A)

The Tigers high-flying attack makes for some great entertainment as the club heads into Monday’s date with Northern Illinois sporting the nation’s fifth-best scoring offense in the nation.

They put up 85 points per outing and are coming off a comeback win over Illinois in the Braggin’ Rights game. The Tigers covered as 1-point favorites in that one, but this is a lot of chalk lining up against a scoring threat like Xavier Silas.

Silas went into the Huskies’ last game as the nation’s top scorer though he was held to only 11 points on 3-of-19 shooting in 61-49 loss to Northern Illinois last week.

"I don't know that he got frustrated," coach Ricardo Patton told reporters of Silas following that game. "He just had a man draped on him all night and he found it difficult to get open. We still needed other guys to step up, make shots and make plays."

Don’t count on it – no other play on the team averages eight points a night. The Huskies go as Silas goes and he should be able to keep Huskies supporters in this one.

Pick: Huskies

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**Udog** · 12-26-2010, 11:24 PM

NHL
Long Sheet

Monday, December 27

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NY ISLANDERS (8-18-0-6, 22 pts.) at NY RANGERS (20-14-0-2, 42 pts.) - 12/27/2010, 7:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY RANGERS is 10-5 (+0.3 Units) against the spread versus NY ISLANDERS over the last 3 seasons
NY RANGERS is 10-5-0 straight up against NY ISLANDERS over the last 3 seasons
7 of 15 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=-1.0 Units, Under=-0.3 Units)

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MINNESOTA (16-13-0-4, 36 pts.) at COLUMBUS (17-14-0-3, 37 pts.) - 12/27/2010, 7:30 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 6-4 (+2.1 Units) against the spread versus COLUMBUS over the last 3 seasons
MINNESOTA is 6-4-0 straight up against COLUMBUS over the last 3 seasons
4 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=-0.3 Units, Under=-0.1 Units)

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BOSTON (18-11-0-4, 40 pts.) at FLORIDA (16-17-0-0, 32 pts.) - 12/27/2010, 7:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 14-21 ATS (-19.4 Units) after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 54-52 ATS (+127.1 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent over the last 3 seasons.
BOSTON is 80-65 ATS (+149.2 Units) in road games after a win by 2 goals or more since 1996.
FLORIDA is 66-100 ATS (+178.8 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5 or less since 1996.
FLORIDA is 4-12 ATS (-10.1 Units) in home games when playing with 3 or more days rest over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 7-3 (+1.2 Units) against the spread versus FLORIDA over the last 3 seasons
BOSTON is 7-3-0 straight up against FLORIDA over the last 3 seasons
7 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+4.7 Units)

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BUFFALO (14-17-0-4, 32 pts.) at CALGARY (15-18-0-3, 33 pts.) - 12/27/2010, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BUFFALO is 14-21 ATS (-10.0 Units) in all games this season.
BUFFALO is 11-21 ATS (-14.5 Units) after allowing 4 goals or more over the last 2 seasons.
CALGARY is 2-8 ATS (-10.7 Units) in home games when playing with 3 or more days rest over the last 2 seasons.
CALGARY is 21-28 ATS (-12.5 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CALGARY is 1-1 (+0.0 Units) against the spread versus BUFFALO over the last 3 seasons
CALGARY is 1-1-0 straight up against BUFFALO 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)

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DETROIT (21-9-0-4, 46 pts.) at COLORADO (19-12-0-4, 42 pts.) - 12/27/2010, 9:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
COLORADO is 6-4 (+7.5 Units) against the spread versus DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
COLORADO is 6-4-0 straight up against DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
5 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=-0.9 Units, Under=-0.6 Units)

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LOS ANGELES (20-12-0-1, 41 pts.) at SAN JOSE (19-11-0-5, 43 pts.) - 12/27/2010, 10:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SAN JOSE is 133-100 ATS (+236.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the first half of the season since 1996.
LOS ANGELES is 28-22 ATS (+57.9 Units) in a road game where where the total is 5.5 over the last 2 seasons.
LOS ANGELES is 10-3 ATS (+6.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
LOS ANGELES is 10-3 ATS (+6.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the first half of the season this season.
SAN JOSE is 101-98 ATS (-62.6 Units) in home games after a division game since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN JOSE is 9-4 (+1.8 Units) against the spread versus LOS ANGELES over the last 3 seasons
SAN JOSE is 9-4-0 straight up against LOS ANGELES over the last 3 seasons
7 of 13 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+1.1 Units)

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**Udog** · 12-26-2010, 11:26 PM

NHL

Monday, December 27

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Ice picks: Today's best NHL bets
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New York Islanders at New York Rangers (N/A)

The Rangers went into the Christmas break with a sour feeling after losses to the Flyers and Lightning. The Blue Shirts allowed seven goals in those two setbacks, maybe an indication that they’re missing gritty forward Ryan Callahan more than many thought.

"I try not to talk a lot about injuries, but we're not going to replace Ryan Callahan," Rangers coach John Tortorella told the New York Post before the shootout loss to Tampa Bay. "He's one of the guys out of anyone on the team who is critical to how we want to play.

"I'm not making excuses, but he'll surely be missed," he said. "It's a major hamper on our lineup, what Ryan Callahan does for us. We try to play a style that I think we can be successful with, and he's a huge part of the engine of our team, that's all I need to say."

On the positive side, Tortorella’s team should have sniper Marian Gaborik back on the ice on Monday. The winger missed Thursday’s game against the Lightning because of a nagging groin injury but is expected to return for the tilt against the Islanders.

Expect the Rangers to be the more energetic of the two teams on Monday because the Islanders are playing their second game in as many nights.

Pick: Rangers

Boston Bruins at Florida Panthers (-125, 5)

Sometimes a couple of wins is all it takes to unite a locker room. There were rumors floating of unrest between players – particularly centers Patrice Bergeron and Marc Savard – during Boston’s early December slump. But from the sounds of things, the Bruins are a much more harmonious bunch as they enter the post-Christmas part of their schedule.

Boston backers witnessed an example of that togetherness when B’s defenseman Andrew Ference stuck up for Milan Lucic after the winger took a nasty cheap shot from Thrasher blueliner Freddy Meyer.

“Those situations always bond and bring teams even closer together,” Bruins captain Zdeno Chara told the Boston Herald. “It’s a good feeling when you can rely on each other in situations like this; there is nothing better than that.

“We have so many quality character guys that it doesn’t matter who it is on the ice. We probably have one of the toughest teams in the league and anybody can really drop the gloves and stick up for each other.”

That new-found cohesiveness will push the Bruins past the Panthers.

Pick: Boston

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**Udog** · 12-26-2010, 11:29 PM

NHL

Monday, December 27

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Pucking the trends: Weekly NHL betting trends
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Every week, we update you on who's hot, who's not and situational betting spots in the National Hockey League.

HOT TEAM: Vancouver Canucks

The questions among hockey diehards won’t truly surface regarding the Canucks until the postseason. That’s when goaltender Roberto Luongo will have the chance to prove his critics wrong.

Vancouver is 5-0-1 in its last six games and 10-1-2 in its last 13. Yup, that’s right – the Canucks have collected at least a point in 12 of their last 13 games. They’ve also outscored their opponents 53-28 over that 13-game streak.

This club is taking advantage of its weak division opponents as shown by its 7-1-0 mark against the Northwest Division.

The Canucks already have eight wins this month, and can close the calendar year by making a serious statement. After the Oilers, Vancouver finishes up with Philadelphia on Tuesday and Dallas on Friday.

COLD TEAM: New Jersey Devils

OK, so maybe this is an easy target. But we would be remiss not to call out the Devils for two reasons this week.

No. 1, in a move that was probably two weeks too late to salvage anything from this season to forget, general manager Lou Lamoriello finally fired coach John MacLean, replacing him with Jacques Lemaire on Thursday morning.

And No. 2 – and perhaps more important – the Devils’ 5-1 loss to the Islanders later Thursday night at home officially dropped them below New York in the standings. That means that the proud Devils -- owners of three Stanley Cup titles since 1995 and something of an industry standard along with the Red Wings for the past 20 years in this league -- now own the worst record in the NHL.

But just because the Devils, who play Toronto in Newark on Sunday, took the two-day holiday break with the rest of the league, doesn’t mean the bad news stopped. On Friday, there was another doozy. It was then revealed that star forward Zach Parise, out with a knee injury, could miss the rest of the season.

All told, it’s tough to believe how far this franchise has fallen. They have three games left this month, including the date with the Maple Leafs, to stop the bleeding. But so far, they have compiled a 1-9 record in December. Wow.

OVER PLAY: Tampa Bay Lightning

The Lightning, with super sniper Steven Stamkos leading the way, have been scoring in bunches, and have quickly become a nice, little over play, along the way.

Tampa Bay has 223 goals, for and against this season, and has topped the magic number in hockey totals – five, for and against – in seven games this month. That is quality over territory, folks.

And we’re not talking barely getting over the number, either. The scores this month show a high-flying, up-and-down pace that cannot be ignored: An 8-1 loss to Boston, a 6-5 win over Colorado and a 5-4 win over Vancouver.

Things may get difficult this week, of course, so monitor them wisely. On Sunday, they meet upstart Atlanta, and close December with the Bruins on Tuesday and the Canadiens on Thursday.

UNDER PLAY: Columbus Blue Jackets

Columbus, under first-year coach Scott Arniel, had a wonderful start and while some of the Western Conference postseason staples struggled out of the box, there were some visions of the Blue Jackets making a serious playoff dent this season. After nine games, the Blue Jackets already had six wins and were the talk of the league.

Not so sure that’s the case anymore, as they’ve lost nine games in December and are searching for answers in a conference that may be the toughest and most competitive this league has seen in years.

But that’s not your problem. What should be your concern, is that Columbus cannot score, and you’d be wise to consider them an under play, moving forward.

The Blue Jackets have failed to top five goals, for and against, in eight games this month, and have been held to one goal or fewer in three of those contests.

On Sunday, Columbus begins a back-to-back swing with Chicago and Minnesota, so keep an eye on them as one of your better under buys.

Surveying the schedule:

-The rich got richer this past week, as the red-hot Flyers had an unheard-of seven days off in between games. Seven! So, even without injured defenseman Chris Pronger, expect some fresh legs on Tuesday, when Philadelphia travels to Vancouver. That begins a stretch of three games in four days and that run also includes games vs. the Kings and Ducks. So, the opposition is not easy, but the Flyers should be rested and ready.

-Minnesota closes out the calendar year with a clogged week, for sure. So, be wary of some tired Wild legs. On Sunday, Minnesota plays Detroit. It will begin a stretch of four games in six days through New Year’s Eve, and will also feature dates with Columbus, San Jose and Nashville. The Wild, at 16-13-4 through Saturday, need a big week, but you have to wonder how much they’ll have anything left in the tank toward the end of it.

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**Udog** · 12-26-2010, 11:33 PM

NCAAB
Long Sheet

Update

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TENN-MARTIN (4 - 8) at OHIO ST (12 - 0) - 12/27/2010, 8:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TENN-MARTIN is 7-22 ATS (-17.2 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TENN-MARTIN is 7-22 ATS (-17.2 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
TENN-MARTIN is 7-21 ATS (-16.1 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
TENN-MARTIN is 5-14 ATS (-10.4 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
TENN-MARTIN is 5-14 ATS (-10.4 Units) in road lined games over the last 2 seasons.
TENN-MARTIN is 4-12 ATS (-9.2 Units) after a conference game over the last 2 seasons.
TENN-MARTIN is 4-12 ATS (-9.2 Units) off a loss against a conference rival over the last 2 seasons.
TENN-MARTIN is 45-69 ATS (-30.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
OHIO ST is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) after scoring 80 points or more over the last 3 seasons.
OHIO ST is 3-11 ATS (-9.1 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.

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

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**Udog** · 12-26-2010, 11:35 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** · 12-27-2010, 09:35 AM

Monday's six-pack

My six leading candidates for NFL Coach of the Year
-- Lovie Smith-- Secure enough to hire former head coaches as assistant coaches; not everyone would do that.

-- Steve Spagnuolo-- Rams' 7-8 might not look like much, but they were 1-15 LY, 6-42 the last three years combined.

-- Andy Reid-- Danced around QB controversies to win a division that no one thought he would win.

-- Bill Belichick-- His QB is a 6th-round pick; two of his five "skill" position guys weren't even drafted. Still, he's 12-2 again.

-- Todd Haley-- Chiefs won first division title in seven years with a QB who never started a game in college.

-- Mike Smith-- Atlanta had never had consecutive winning seasons before Coach Ssmith came to town; they don't lose to lesser teams.

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Monday's List of 13: Wrapping up an NFL Sunday........

13) This is what happens when you sell your soul to TV; you wind up with the first Tuesday night NFL game since 1946; Chargers-Bengals was the original primetime game on the schedule, but NBC/NFL flexed it to Vikings-Eagles, not knowing a blizzard would hit Philadelphia Sunday night. Terrific. So instead of a bad Sunday night game, we got none.

12) Why Tuesday and not Monday? Because NBC probably insisted on an exclusive window, so everyone has to watch. Since ESPN has that on Monday night with a better game (Saints-Falcons), Eagles get penalized with the rare Tuesday night game, making their Week 17 game with the Cowboys on five days'rest. Not the best situation.

11) Thanks to the Little Caeser's Bowl for filling the void and giving us an entertaining game; Florida International won its first-ever bowl game in dramatic fashion, rallying from 24-7 deficit to beat Toledo 34-32 with a last-second FG. Bad loss for the Rockets. The MAC isn't good.

10) Carolina clinched the #1 pick in next April's draft, but people who will make that decision aren't in place yet. A depressing season for the Panthers will mercifully end Sunday. Too bad they don't see fit to pay John Fox what he's worth. They won't find a better coach.

9) In their last 68:00 of football, Giants allowed 73 points, and now will need help from the Bears to make the playoffs. In a strange twist, Giants need Philly to beat the Vikings, which will force the Bears to play hard to try and secure the first-round bye.

8) 49ers fired Mike Singletary when team got back to west coast late on Sunday night; I've never seen a team that had so many arguments on the sidelines. Niners are another team that should have all new leadership next season. They also need to open their checkbook a little wider.

7) Tim Tebow had a memorable first win as an NFL starting QB; after trailing 17-0 at halftime, Tebow rallied the Broncos to a fairly exciting 24-23 win, scoring the winning TD with 3:00 left. Tebow was 16-29 for 305 yards passing. Granted, Houston's defense is pathetic, but still.....

6) Lets face it, if the MVP was given to the player who most valuable to his team, Peyton Manning would win every year. What other player is also his team's offensive coordinator? Head coach?

5) The definition of addition by subtraction: Carson Palmer averaged a whopping 12.7 yards/pass attempt in Cincinnati's 34-20 win over the terminally disappointing Chargers.

The 12.7 yards/pass? Chad85Johnson and Terrell Owens didn't play. Bet Carson Palmer hasn't had that much fun in years.

4) Field position is more important in cold weather games; there were three TDs scored in Baltimore-Cleveland game- they came on "drives" of 20-38-40 yards. First downs are even more important in bad weather.

3) Spunky Lions won third game in a row, scoring 17 points in last 4:35 of a 34-27 win in Miami that makes Dolphins 1-7 at home this season.

2) Jets lost today, but I thought they looked better in this game than in a few of their wins. Interesting to see what teams in their position do next week, with a playoff spot locked up. Will they rest starters?

1) Speaking of flexing, NBC chose Rams-Seahawks for next Sunday nite, as the NFC West title is decided in primetime. Big game in my house.

**Udog** · 12-27-2010, 09:38 AM

NBA
Write-Up

Monday, December 27

Hot Teams
-- Nets covered six of last eight games as a home underdog.
-- Mavericks won last four games, covered five of last seven. Thunder won seven of their last nine games.
-- Grizzlies covered eight of their last ten games.
-- Rockets won/covered six of their last eight games.
-- Jazz won four of their last five games.
-- Clippers won four of their last five games.
-- Warriors won last two games, covered three of last four. 76ers are 6-1 vs spread in their last seven road games.

Cold Teams
-- Orlando is 2-6 as a road favorite.
-- Pistons are 1-4-1 vs spread in last six games as road dog. Bobcats lost six of their last seven games (2-5 vs spread).
-- Hawks covered one of their last five as a road underdog. Milwaukee is 3-6-1 vs spread in last ten games as home favorite.
-- Raptors lost four of their last five games.
-- Minnesota lost seven of last eight games, but covered five of last six. Hornets are 0-4 as a road favorite.
-- Wizards lost nine of their last ten games.
-- Portland lost last four road games (1-3 vs spread).
-- Kings lost their last seven games (0-4 vs spread last four).

Totals
-- Five of last seven New Jersey games stayed under the total.
-- Five of last six Charlotte games stayed under total. Five of Detroit's last seven games went over.
-- Eight of last nine Dallas games went over the total.
-- Last five Atlanta games stayed under the total.
-- Over is 7-2 in last nine Toronto games.
-- Under is 12-2 in last fourteen Hornet games. Over is 7-3 in last ten Minnesota home games.
-- Last seven Washington games stayed under the total.
-- Three of last four Houston games stayed under the total.
-- Four of last five Portland games went over the total. Four of last five Utah games stayed under.
-- Under is 8-3-2 in last thirteen Clipper games.
-- Six of last eight 76er games stayed under. Last three Golden State games went over the total.

Back-to-Back
-- Pistons are 2-3 vs spread if they played the night before.
-- Hawks are 3-2 vs spread if they lost the day/night before.
-- Memphis is 5-2-1 vs spread if it played night before.
-- Minnesota is 5-3 vs spread if it played night before; Hornets are 3-3, 2-1 if they won the day before.
-- Wizards are 1-3 vs spread if they played the night before.
-- Clippers are 4-1 vs spread on road if they played the night before.
-- 76ers are 6-4 vs spread if they played night before, 2-3 on road.

**Udog** · 12-27-2010, 09:40 AM

NCAAB
Write-Up

Monday, December 27

Fordham-Georgia Tech game was snowed out.

Penn State won four of last five games vs Indiana, but has just one win in last five visits here; home team won seven of last ten games in series. Lions lost only road games, by 13 at Ole Miss, 10 at Va Tech. Hoosiers are 9-0 at home, 0-4 away from home; only two of its nine home wins are vs teams ranked higher than #234.

George Washington split its only road games, losing at George Mason by 14, winning by 8 at oregon State; 5-5 Colonials won last three games, scoring 80.7 ppg. UAB is 9-2, 5-2 vs spread as a favorite. C-USA home favorites of 10+ points are 8-7 vs spread. Atlantic 14 double digit road underdogs are 5-5 against the spread.

Northern Illinois is 2-6 vs D-I teams; only two of the six losses are by more than 12 points. Huskies are 3-1 vs spread as road dog. MAC road underdogs of 20+ points are 2-5 vs spread. Missouri is 11-1, coming off rivalry win vs Illinois; they're 1-4 vs spread as a favorite. Big 12 home favorites of 20+ points are 7-6 against the spread.

Pitt won its last three games vs UConn by 8-10-10 points; Huskies lost three of last four visits here, losing by 7-9-10 points. UConn is 10-0 as Walker has saved them in wins over Wichita/Michigan State/Kentucky; only two of their wins are vs top 60 teams. Pitt beat Maryland/Texas, lost to Tennessee by 7 in its only games against top 40 teams.

Home side won both Nebada-Portland games last two years. Wolf Pack lost 63-61 here in '08, but beat Pilots 78-69 in Reno LY. Portland has a 10-3 record this year, is 9-0 vs spread as a favorite; faves are 12-1 vs the spread in Pilot games this year. Nevada is 2-10 as program has slipped bigtime, but they are 4-3 vs spread as an underdog this season.

Ohio State has its Big 11 opener at Indiana Friday; Buckeyes are 12-0, but they're just 4-3 vs spread as favorite, beating Morehead St of OVC 64-45. UT-Martin is 2-2 as road underdog, losing by 23 at LSU, 22 at Memphis. OVC road underdogs of 19+ points are 5-2 vs spread; Big 11 home favorites of 19+points are 6-5 vs spread.

Announcement

Monday's Trends and Indexes - 12/27 (NBA, NCAAB, NHL, Misc.)

Monday's Trends and Indexes - 12/27 (NBA, NCAAB, NHL, Misc.)

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