Tuesday's Trends and Indexes - 1/4 (NBA, NCAAB, NHL, Misc.)

[Udog]

NCAAB


Tuesday, January 4

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Tips and Trends
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UCONN Huskies at Notre Dame Fighting Irish [7:00 PM ET]

HUSKIES: UCONN is 11-1 SU this year and ranked 9th in the nation. Despite that success, the Huskies have found Big East play to be far more challenging. A double digit loss to Pitt and an OT win over South Florida has made this team realize just how tough conference play is. The Huskies are 4-2 ATS overall this season. UCONN has won 4 of the past 5 meetings against Notre Dame SU. The Huskies are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games against a team with a winning percentage above .600%. The Huskies are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games overall. UCONN is 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games following an ATS loss. The Huskies are 0-6 ATS in their last 6 games against the Big East.

Huskies are 13-3 ATS last 16 games following a SU win.
Under is 5-2 last 7 games against a team with a winning SU record.

Key Injuries - None Reported.

Projected Score: 69 (SIDE of the Day)

FIGHTING IRISH: (-5.5) Notre Dame is ranked 15th in the nation thanks to a 12-2 SU record. The Fighting Irish are proving to be one of the best teams in the Big East conference, and in the entire nation. The Irish are a perfect 9-0 SU at home this year. Last season, Notre Dame held UCONN to just 50 points, ultimately winning both SU and ATS as 1.5 favorites. The Irish have played 4 of their past 7 lined games as the listed underdog. The Fighting Irish are 12-3 ATS in their last 15 games against a team with a winning SU record. The Fighting Irish are 13-5 ATS in their last 18 games overall. Notre Dame is 5-2 ATS in their last 7 home games against a team with a winning road record. The Fighting Irish are 12-5-1 ATS in their last 18 games following an ATS loss. Notre Dame is 7-3 ATS in their last 10 home games. The Fighting Irish are 0-3-1 ATS in their last 4 Tuesday games.

Fighting Irish are 9-1 ATS last 10 games against the Big East.
Under is 17-4 last 21 home games against a team with a road winning percentage greater than .600%.

Key Injuries - F Carleton Scott (hamstring) is doubtful.

Projected Score: 68


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[Udog]

NBA
Dunkel


San Antonio at New York
The Knicks look to build on their 13-3-1 ATS record in their last 17 games as an underdog. New York is the pick (+5 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the game Even. Dunkel Pick: New York (+5 1/2). Here are all of today's picks.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 4

Game 501-502: Milwaukee at Miami (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Milwaukee 117.496; Miami 130.145
Dunkel Line & Total: Miami by 12 1/2; 192
Vegas Line & Total: Miami by 9; 183 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Miami (-9); Over

Game 503-504: San Antonio at New York (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Antonio 123.356; New York 123.140
Dunkel Line & Total: Even; 206
Vegas Line & Total: San Antonio by 5 1/2; 209
Dunkel Pick: New York (+5 1/2); Under

Game 505-506: Toronto at Chicago (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Toronto 114.541; Chicago 120.003
Dunkel Line & Total: Chicago by 5 1/2; 190
Vegas Line & Total: Chicago by 7 1/2; 198 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (+7 1/2); Under

Game 507-508: Oklahoma City at Memphis (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Oklahoma City 118.983; Memphis 115.680
Dunkel Line & Total: Oklahoma City by 3 1/2; 205
Vegas Line & Total: Oklahoma City by 2; 199
Dunkel Pick: Oklahoma City (-2); Over

Game 509-510: Portland at Dallas (8:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Portland 117.771; Dallas 123.785
Dunkel Line & Total: Dallas by 6; 186
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 511-512: Atlanta at Sacramento (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta 119.551; Sacramento 114.716
Dunkel Line & Total: Atlanta by 4 1/2; 191
Vegas Line & Total: Atlanta by 5; 189
Dunkel Pick: Sacramento (+5); Over

Game 513-514: Detroit at LA Lakers (10:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit 110.174; LA Lakers 125.762
Dunkel Line & Total: LA Lakers by 15 1/2; 188
Vegas Line & Total: LA Lakers by 12 1/2; 194 1/2
Dunkel Pick: LA Lakers (-12 1/2); Under

[Udog]

NCAAB
Dunkel


West Virginia at DePaul
The Blue Devils look to take advantage of a West Virginia team that is 0-4 ATS in its last 4 road games. DePaul is the pick (+10 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Mountaineers favored by only 8. Dunkel Pick: DePaul (+10 1/2). Here are all of today's games.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 4

Game 515-516: Illinois State at Indiana State (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Illinois State 53.831; Indiana State 58.147
Dunkel Line: Indiana State by 4 1/2
Vegas Line: Indiana State by 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Illinois State (+5 1/2)

Game 517-518: Pittsburgh at Providence (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh 72.196; Providence 63.766
Dunkel Line: Pittsburgh by 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Pittsburgh by 6
Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (-6)

Game 519-520: Connecticut at Notre Dame (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Connecticut 68.433; Notre Dame 72.239
Dunkel Line: Notre Dame by 4
Vegas Line: Notre Dame by 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Connecticut (+5 1/2)

Game 521-522: Indiana at Minnesota (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Indiana 58.011; Minnesota 69.500
Dunkel Line: Minnesota by 11 1/2
Vegas Line: Minnesota by 10
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (-10)

Game 523-524: Evansville at Northern Iowa (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Evansville 52.655; Northern Iowa 68.656
Dunkel Line: Northern Iowa by 16
Vegas Line: Northern Iowa by 11 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Northern Iowa (-11 1/2)

Game 525-526: Missouri State at Creighton (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Missouri State 65.178; Creighton 63.431
Dunkel Line: Missouri State by 1 1/2
Vegas Line: Missouri State by 2
Dunkel Pick: Creighton (+2)

Game 527-528: Drake at Wichita State (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Drake 52.815; Wichita State 68.965
Dunkel Line: Wichita State by 16
Vegas Line: Wichita State by 18 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Drake (+18 1/2)

Game 529-530: Southern Illinois at Bradley (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Southern Illinois 52.695; Bradley 56.153
Dunkel Line: Bradley by 3 1/2
Vegas Line: Bradley by 2 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Bradley (-2 1/2)

Game 531-532: Wyoming at Colorado State (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Wyoming 51.352; Colorado State 64.766
Dunkel Line: Colorado State by 13 1/2
Vegas Line: Colorado State by 10 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Colorado State (-10 1/2)

Game 533-534: West Virginia at DePaul (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: West Virginia 67.111; DePaul 59.092
Dunkel Line: West Virginia by 8
Vegas Line: West Virginia by 10 1/2
Dunkel Pick: DePaul (+10 1/2)

Game 535-536: Ohio State at Iowa (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Ohio State 78.170; Iowa 67.237
Dunkel Line: Ohio State by 11
Vegas Line: Ohio State by 13
Dunkel Pick: Iowa (+13)

Game 537-538: Arkansas at Texas (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Arkansas 62.285; Texas 74.253
Dunkel Line: Texas by 12
Vegas Line: Texas by 10 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Texas (-10 1/2)

[Udog]

NHL
Dunkel


Columbus at Phoenix
The Blue Jackets look to bounce back from their 4-1 loss to Nashville and build on their 12-3 record in their last 15 games following a loss of 3 or more goals. Columbus is the pick (+125) according to Dunkel, which has the Blue Jackets favored by 1 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Columbus (+125). Here are all of today's picks.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 4

Game 1-2: Minnesota at New Jersey (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota 10.536; New Jersey 9.918
Dunkel Line & Total: Minnesota by 1/2; 5 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: New Jersey (-135); 5
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (+115); Over

Game 3-4: Tampa Bay at Washington (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Tampa Bay 12.165; Washington 13.089
Dunkel Line & Total: Washington by 1; 5 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Washington (-175); 6
Dunkel Pick: Washington (-175); Under

Game 5-6: Detroit at Edmonton (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit 11.650; Edmonton 10.559
Dunkel Line & Total: Detroit by 1; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Detroit (-165); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (-165); Under

Game 7-8: Columbus at Phoenix (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Columbus 11.506; Phoenix 9.973
Dunkel Line & Total: Columbus by 1 1/2; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Phoenix (-145); 5
Dunkel Pick: Columbus (+125); Over

Game 9-10: Buffalo at Colorado (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Buffalo 10.705; Colorado 12.023
Dunkel Line & Total: Colorado by 1 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Colorado (-135); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Colorado (-135); Under

[Udog]

NBA
Short Sheet


Tuesday, 1/4/2011

MILWAUKEE at MIAMI, 7:30 PM ET
MILWAUKEE: 23-11 ATS off a home win
MIAMI: 2-13 ATS in home games after having won 5 or 6 of their last 7 games

SAN ANTONIO at NEW YORK, 7:30 PM ET
SAN ANTONIO: 11-23 ATS after 4 or more consecutive wins
NEW YORK: 15-3 ATS after 1 or more consecutive wins

TORONTO at CHICAGO, 8:00 PM ET
TORONTO: 20-41 ATS as an underdog of 3.5 to 9.5 points
CHICAGO: 90-64 ATS in home games after failing to cover 4 or 5 of their last 6 against the spread

OKLAHOMA CITY at MEMPHIS, 8:00 PM ET
OKLAHOMA CITY: 34-12 ATS after 1 or more consecutive losses
MEMPHIS: 4-15 ATS in home games after playing 2 consecutive road games

PORTLAND at DALLAS, 8:30 PM ET
PORTLAND: 0-6 ATS after a game where their opponent was called for 13 or less fouls
DALLAS: 6-1 ATS when playing 6 or more games in 10 days

ATLANTA at SACRAMENTO, 10:00 PM ET
ATLANTA: 7-17 ATS after playing a game as favorite
SACRAMENTO: 57-34 ATS off a home win against a division rival

DETROIT at LA LAKERS, 10:30 PM ET
DETROIT: 35-14 ATS in road games after playing 3 consecutive games as an underdog
LA LAKERS: 17-30 ATS after having won 2 of their last 3 games

** (TC) Denotes Time Change

[Udog]

NCAAB
Short Sheet


Tuesday, 1/4/2011

ILLINOIS ST at INDIANA ST, 7:05 PM ET
ILLINOIS ST: 15-25 ATS in all games
INDIANA ST: 6-0 ATS in home games after scoring 60 points or less

PITTSBURGH at PROVIDENCE, 7:00 PM ET
PITTSBURGH: 55-33 ATS after 2 straight wins by 10 points or more
PROVIDENCE: 11-23 ATS in all home games

CONNECTICUT at NOTRE DAME, 7:00 PM ET
CONNECTICUT: 17-7 UNDER after one or more consecutive overs
NOTRE DAME: 22-38 ATS off a road loss against a conference rival

INDIANA at MINNESOTA, 7:00 PM ET
INDIANA: 8-18 ATS in road games after playing a game as an underdog
MINNESOTA: 35-16 ATS in home games after having lost 2 of their last 3 games

EVANSVILLE at N IOWA, 8:00 PM ET
EVANSVILLE: 13-2 ATS after trailing their last 3 games by 5+ points at the half
N IOWA: 13-27 ATS as a home favorite of 6.5 to 12 points

MISSOURI ST at CREIGHTON, 8:05 PM ET
MISSOURI ST: 11-26 ATS when the line is +3 to -3
CREIGHTON: 6-1 UNDER after playing a home game

DRAKE at WICHITA ST, 8:05 PM ET
DRAKE: 8-1 ATS in road games after a loss by 10 points or more
WICHITA ST: 8-1 ATS off a win by 10 points or more over a conference rival

S ILLINOIS at BRADLEY, 8:05 PM ET
S ILLINOIS: 11-2 ATS in road games off a close win by 3 points or less over a conference rival
BRADLEY: 3-11 ATS as a home favorite

WYOMING at COLORADO ST, 9:00 PM ET
WYOMING: 25-11 ATS after allowing 55 points or less
COLORADO ST: 8-1 OVER in a home game where the total is 135 to 139.5

W VIRGINIA at DEPAUL, 9:00 PM ET
W VIRGINIA: 6-0 ATS as a road favorite of 6.5 to 12 points
DEPAUL: 6-15 ATS in home games after playing a game as an underdog

OHIO ST at IOWA, 9:05 PM ET
OHIO ST: 10-2 ATS after scoring 85 points or more
IOWA: 1-8 ATS in a home game where the total is 130 to 139.5

ARKANSAS at TEXAS, 9:00 PM ET
ARKANSAS: 46-74 ATS in road games
TEXAS: 22-11 ATS in non-conference games

** (TC) Denotes Time Change

[Udog]

NBA
Long Sheet


Tuesday, January 4

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MILWAUKEE (13 - 18) at MIAMI (27 - 9) - 1/4/2011, 7:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MILWAUKEE is 67-49 ATS (+13.1 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MIAMI is 4-4 against the spread versus MILWAUKEE over the last 3 seasons
MIAMI is 4-4 straight up against MILWAUKEE over the last 3 seasons
7 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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SAN ANTONIO (29 - 4) at NEW YORK (19 - 14) - 1/4/2011, 7:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEW YORK is 21-11 ATS (+8.9 Units) in all games this season.
NEW YORK is 12-3 ATS (+8.7 Units) as an underdog this season.
NEW YORK is 23-9 ATS (+13.1 Units) in a home game where where the total is between 205 and 209.5 points over the last 3 seasons.
NEW YORK is 50-33 ATS (+13.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 531-459 ATS (+26.1 Units) as a favorite since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 116-85 ATS (+22.5 Units) when playing with 2 days rest since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) after a win by 10 points or more this season.
SAN ANTONIO is 12-4 ATS (+7.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN ANTONIO is 3-1 against the spread versus NEW YORK over the last 3 seasons
SAN ANTONIO is 3-1 straight up against NEW YORK 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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TORONTO (11 - 22) at CHICAGO (22 - 10) - 1/4/2011, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 25-39 ATS (-17.9 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 37-54 ATS (-22.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
TORONTO is 5-3 against the spread versus CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
TORONTO is 5-3 straight up against CHICAGO 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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OKLAHOMA CITY (23 - 12) at MEMPHIS (15 - 19) - 1/4/2011, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MEMPHIS is 13-5 ATS (+7.5 Units) as an underdog this season.
MEMPHIS is 82-57 ATS (+19.3 Units) after a win by 10 points or more since 1996.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 69-53 ATS (+10.7 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
OKLAHOMA CITY is 6-1 against the spread versus MEMPHIS over the last 3 seasons
OKLAHOMA CITY is 5-2 straight up against MEMPHIS 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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PORTLAND (18 - 16) at DALLAS (25 - 8) - 1/4/2011, 8:30 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
DALLAS is 4-4 against the spread versus PORTLAND over the last 3 seasons
DALLAS is 5-3 straight up against PORTLAND 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 (22 - 14) at SACRAMENTO (7 - 24) - 1/4/2011, 10:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SACRAMENTO is 9-21 ATS (-14.1 Units) in all games this season.
SACRAMENTO is 7-15 ATS (-9.5 Units) as an underdog this season.
SACRAMENTO is 23-35 ATS (-15.5 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
SACRAMENTO is 4-18 ATS (-15.8 Units) against Southeast division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
SACRAMENTO is 7-17 ATS (-11.7 Units) in home games in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
SACRAMENTO is 22-34 ATS (-15.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 3-1 against the spread versus SACRAMENTO over the last 3 seasons
ATLANTA is 4-0 straight up against SACRAMENTO 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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DETROIT (11 - 23) at LA LAKERS (23 - 11) - 1/4/2011, 10:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 88-111 ATS (-34.1 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
LA LAKERS are 61-76 ATS (-22.6 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
LA LAKERS are 0-7 ATS (-7.7 Units) in home games in non-conference games this season.
LA LAKERS are 7-17 ATS (-11.7 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA LAKERS is 4-1 against the spread versus DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
LA LAKERS is 4-1 straight up against DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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[Udog]

NHL
Long Sheet


Tuesday, January 4

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MINNESOTA (18-15-0-5, 41 pts.) at NEW JERSEY (10-26-0-2, 22 pts.) - 1/4/2011, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 4-19 ATS (+26.0 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 5-17 ATS (+24.9 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.
MINNESOTA is 11-4 ATS (+15.5 Units) after playing 3 consecutive home games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 8-2 ATS (+10.7 Units) in a road game where where the total is 5 or less over the last 2 seasons.
NEW JERSEY is 10-28 ATS (+52.0 Units) in all games this season.
NEW JERSEY is 1-7 ATS (-6.2 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5 or less this season.
NEW JERSEY is 4-11 ATS (+16.3 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
NEW JERSEY is 4-11 ATS (-9.1 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the first half of the season this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
NEW JERSEY is 2-0 (+2.0 Units) against the spread versus MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
NEW JERSEY is 2-0-0 straight up against MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=-0.2 Units, Under=-0.1 Units)

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TAMPA BAY (23-11-0-5, 51 pts.) at WASHINGTON (23-12-0-5, 51 pts.) - 1/4/2011, 7:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TAMPA BAY is 3-13 ATS (+20.4 Units) after playing 3 consecutive home games over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 35-9 ATS (+17.0 Units) in home games after a win by 2 goals or more over the last 3 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 23-16 ATS (+6.4 Units) in all games this season.
TAMPA BAY is 13-7 ATS (+20.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
TAMPA BAY is 13-7 ATS (+20.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the first half of the season this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 12-2 (+7.0 Units) against the spread versus TAMPA BAY over the last 3 seasons
WASHINGTON is 12-2-0 straight up against TAMPA BAY over the last 3 seasons
7 of 12 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+1.8 Units)

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DETROIT (24-10-0-5, 53 pts.) at EDMONTON (12-18-0-7, 31 pts.) - 1/4/2011, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 312-223 ATS (-96.4 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record since 1996.
EDMONTON is 1-9 ATS (+12.4 Units) after a division game this season.
EDMONTON is 3-16 ATS (+24.9 Units) after playing 3 consecutive home games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 7-3 (+0.7 Units) against the spread versus EDMONTON over the last 3 seasons
DETROIT is 7-3-0 straight up against EDMONTON over the last 3 seasons
5 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=-0.7 Units, Under=-0.3 Units)

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COLUMBUS (20-16-0-3, 43 pts.) at PHOENIX (17-13-0-8, 42 pts.) - 1/4/2011, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
COLUMBUS is 27-73 ATS (+140.1 Units) in road games after a division game since 1996.
PHOENIX is 70-57 ATS (+133.0 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 117-114 ATS (+277.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the first half of the season since 1996.
PHOENIX is 3-10 ATS (+14.8 Units) after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHOENIX is 7-1 (+6.9 Units) against the spread versus COLUMBUS over the last 3 seasons
PHOENIX is 7-1-0 straight up against COLUMBUS over the last 3 seasons
6 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+3.5 Units)

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BUFFALO (16-18-0-4, 36 pts.) at COLORADO (20-14-0-5, 45 pts.) - 1/4/2011, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BUFFALO is 16-24 ATS (-13.4 Units) after a division game over the last 2 seasons.
BUFFALO is 12-22 ATS (-14.5 Units) after allowing 4 goals or more over the last 2 seasons.
BUFFALO is 27-37 ATS (-18.8 Units) after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game over the last 3 seasons.
COLORADO is 65-62 ATS (+127.0 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
COLORADO is 2-0 (+2.4 Units) against the spread versus BUFFALO over the last 3 seasons
COLORADO is 2-0-0 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=+0.1 Units)

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[Spark]

--Now the Knicks, once the picture of health, will really be tested, tonight and on an upcoming four-game West Coast trip. Danilo Gallinari will miss two to three weeks with a sprained left knee, a costly blow considering their lack of depth and their vicious upcoming schedule. Gallinari will miss tonight's showdown against the league-best Spurs and the entire West Coast trip that begins in Phoenix on Friday and moves to Los Angeles with a battle vs. the Lakers Sunday. Yesterday's MRI showed no tear but a sprained ligament. The Knicks called it a "mild" sprain, but not as mild as they originally hoped.

--As Jason Terry said on the road trip through the frozen North, the Mavericks wish somebody would run over that black cat that keeps following them. They could use some good news from the injury front. But the way their luck's running, they aren't counting on it. The evaluation of Caron Butler's right knee began Monday, but the Mavericks were not releasing details of his injury and information about the starting small forward's prospects for returning this season may come today.

The best glimmer of hope is that after missing four games with a sprained right knee that has bothered the back of the joint rather than the front, Dirk Nowitzki is closer to returning. He said over the weekend trip that he hoped to be back this week. Whether it's tonight against Portland to start a three-game homestand or later in the week, it should be soon. The Mavericks hope that Nowitzki returns tonight, but he may need more time. Nowitzki has been limited to mostly flexibility, cardio and muscle-strengthening work for the past week. In the games Nowitzki has missed, the Mavericks are 1-3.

--It was a sight the Raptors need to see and want to see and which should provide them with a modicum of solace as they strike out on another three-game road trip. His wonky calf covered with a black compression sleeve, Andrea Bargnani went through his paces in a quiet end of the Air Canada Centre on Monday afternoon, ready to rejoin his teammates after a three-game absence. He can’t come back soon enough for a team ravaged with injuries and carrying the weight of 11 losses in its last 14 games to push it further down among the dregs of the NBA’s Eastern Conference. It will now be up to Bargnani to hit the ground running in games in Chicago on Tuesday, in Cleveland on Wednesday and in Boston on Friday. “I didn’t play for a week and a half so hopefully it’s not going to be a big deal,” he said. “Of course, I have to get back I in shape a little bit and hopefully it’ll be an easy thing.”

--Both guard Kirk Hinrich (thigh) and forward Yi Jianlian (knee) returned to practice on Monday at Verizon Center, and the two said they felt encouraged by their continued progress returning from injury. Hinrich sported a pair of athletic glasses that he said were for protective purposes, not corrective. Hinrich said he had an eye exam and was told he should wear the glasses and that they had nothing to do with the black eye he picked up against the Chicago Bulls on Dec. 22. "Today was the first day with them," Hinrich said. "Definitely not used to them yet, just trying to get adjusted to wearing them."

The only player not on the practice floor was Josh Howard. Andray Blatche rolled his ankle on a fast break late in the 30-minute scrimmage portion of practice that the media watched, but said he would be fine. Yi, who played five scoreless minutes against Indiana on Dec. 31 but did not play against New Orleans, said he hopes to get a few minutes on Wednesday at Philadelphia. "The only guy that didn't really go today was Josh, who is still a little sore so we kept him out," Wizards Coach Flip Saunders said. "Everybody else practiced. Yi is definitely rusty from not playing much, and just trying to get some of the guys back to get some continuity."

[Spark]

*** MILWAUKEE @ MIAMI (-10.5, O/U 184) ***
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The success the Miami Heat enjoyed at the end of 2010 has carried over into the new year. Coming off their 11th straight road victory, the surging Heat return home looking to extend their overall winning streak to seven games Tuesday night against the Milwaukee Bucks. Miami coach Erik Spoelstra had concerns his club might become complacent during its current run. The Heat almost proved him right after they trailed by seven points in the second quarter before taking over en route to a 96-82 win at Charlotte on Monday. The Heat have won 18 of 19, but still trail Boston by one-half game for the top spot in the Eastern Conference.

LeBron James matched a season high with 38 points while Dwyane Wade added 31 with 11 rebounds as the Heat shot 48.7 percent and outscored the Bobcats 73-54 after the first quarter. It was the first time the superstars each topped 30 points in the same game this season. “I think we do a good job of playing off each other,” said Wade, averaging 35.3 points on 54.4 percent shooting the last four games. “This is what we envisioned and it’s starting to come true.” While Wade (24.7 points per game) and James (24.8 ppg) have paced the Heat offensively, Miami collectively has held its opponents to 89.8 points per contest over the last 19 games. “We’re having a blast,” James said. “We’re having a good time. We’re playing good basketball.”

Miami held the Bucks (13-18) to one of their lowest-scoring efforts this season in an 88-78 win at Milwaukee on Dec. 6. Wade, who starred at nearby Marquette, had 25 points with 14 rebounds. Though Miami will try for a third straight win overall against the Bucks, it has dropped two straight and four of six at home to Milwaukee. The Bucks are 5-11 on the road, but two of those wins have come in their last three away from the Bradley Center. Milwaukee, however, avoided a third straight overall loss with a 99-87 New Year’s Day home win over a Dallas team without injured star Dirk Nowitzki.

After shooting 34.6 percent in losses to Atlanta and Chicago, the Bucks shot 49.4 percent and scored its most points in eight games against the Mavericks. “In 2011 we’re doing alright right now,” forward Corey Maggette told the Bucks’ official website. “Hopefully we can keep going, we have a few tough games ahead of us. Hopefully we play hard and shoot the ball well.” Five-foot-5 veteran Earl Boykins returned after a one-game suspension to score a season-high 26 points. The 34-year-old Boykins has averaged 20.0 points on 30-of-56 shooting the last four games while star guard Brandon Jennings(notes) remains out after undergoing surgery for a stress fracture in his left foot Dec. 20.

“Earl’s been coming in and putting up tremendous numbers for this team and really holding the fort down, because our star point guard is out,” said Maggette, who had 20 points against the Heat last month. “Earl is doing a terrific job, just coming in and holding us afloat.” Former Miami Hurricane John Salmons who scored 21 against the Mavericks, has averaged 21.3 points in his last three games at AmericanAirlines Arena.

• TOP RATED TEAM ATS TRENDS
----------------------------------------
--MIAMI is 20-32 ATS (-15.2 Units) as a home favorite over the last 2 seasons.
The average score was MIAMI 98.8, OPPONENT 93.1 - (Rating = 3*)

--MIAMI is 9-21 ATS (-14.1 Units) in home games versus poor passing teams, averaging <=20 assists/game over the last 3 seasons.
The average score was MIAMI 97.5, OPPONENT 94.0 - (Rating = 3*)

--MILWAUKEE is 43-20 ATS (+19.9 Units) vs. good free throw shooting teams - making >=76% of their attempts over the last 3 seasons.
The average score was MILWAUKEE 97.7, OPPONENT 95.5 - (Rating = 3*)

• TOP RATED TEAM OVER/UNDER TRENDS
----------------------------------------------------
--MIAMI is 16-6 UNDER (+9.4 Units) against Central division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
The average score was MIAMI 95.6, OPPONENT 88.6 - (Rating = 2*)

--MILWAUKEE is 22-10 UNDER (+11.0 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent of 10 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
The average score was MILWAUKEE 93.2, OPPONENT 93.9 - (Rating = 2*)

--MILWAUKEE is 10-2 UNDER (+7.8 Units) after playing a game as an underdog this season.
The average score was MILWAUKEE 89.4, OPPONENT 88.6 - (Rating = 2*)

--MILWAUKEE is 12-4 UNDER (+7.6 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.
The average score was MILWAUKEE 90.6, OPPONENT 91.1 - (Rating = 2*)

• TOP RATED TEAM FIRST HALF TRENDS
-------------------------------------------------
--MIAMI is 67-96 against the 1rst half line (-38.6 Units) after having won 15 or more of their last 20 games since 1996.
The average score was MIAMI 47.7, OPPONENT 46.3 - (Rating = 5*)

--MILWAUKEE is 38-17 against the 1rst half line (+19.6 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent of 10 points or more over the last 3 seasons.
The average score was MILWAUKEE 48.4, OPPONENT 47.7 - (Rating = 3*)

• TOP RATED TEAM FIRST HALF OVER/UNDER TRENDS
------------------------------------------------------------------
--MILWAUKEE is 39-14 OVER (+23.6 Units) the 1rst half total in a road game where the first half total is 90.5 to 93 since 1996.
The average score was MILWAUKEE 46.8, OPPONENT 48.4 - (Rating = 4*)

--MILWAUKEE is 31-12 OVER (+17.8 Units) the 1rst half total after 2 straight games where they were called for 18 or less fouls since 1996.
The average score was MILWAUKEE 49.7, OPPONENT 51.3 - (Rating = 3*)

• HIGHEST RATED SUPER SITUATION
----------------------------------------------
--PLAY ON - Underdogs of 10 or more points (MILWAUKEE) - revenging a loss where team scored less than 85 points against opponent off a home no-cover where the team won straight up as a favorite.
(45-16 since 1996.) (73.8%, +27.4 units. Rating = 3*)

The straight up record of the team this system pertains to is: (10-51)
The average line posted in these games was: Opponent favored by 12.1
The average score in these games was: Team 92.3, Opponent 99.2 (Average point differential = -6.9)
The number of games in which this system covered the spread by 7 or more points was 25 (41% of all games.)

The situation's record this season is: (1-0).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (11-2).
Over the last 5 seasons the situation's record is: (19-5).
___________________________________________

[Spark]

*** SAN ANTONIO (-4.5, O/U 207.5) @ NEW YORK ***
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Over this past week, the San Antonio Spurs have shut down some of the league’s top offenses during a remarkable defensive turnaround. The Spurs hope to keep this going against the NBA’s highest-scoring team and become the first club to reach 30 wins Tuesday night against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. San Antonio didn’t win its 30th game last season until Feb. 11, but is now one away from that mark following Saturday’s 101-74 victory over Oklahoma City. Tim Duncan had 21 points and nine rebounds and Tony Parker had 14 points and 10 assists as the Spurs won for the 14th time in 15 games.

Although San Antonio is off to one of the 10 best starts in NBA history and is poised to become the first team since the 2007-08 Boston Celtics to win 30 of its first 34 games, Gregg Popovich wasn’t happy with his team’s defense a week ago. He has emphasized more focus on the defensive end, and the Spurs seem to have gotten the message. They held the high-powered Thunder to a season low in scoring and field-goal percentage (32.9 percent) and limited NBA leading scorer Kevin Durant to 16 points. “I hope it’s an indication that we’re getting better at (defense), because it was impressive,” Popovich said.

San Antonio has had a couple of performances similar to this over the past week, allowing an average of 82.3 points on 37.1 percent shooting in winning its last four games - which includes holding the Lakers to 82 points on Tuesday. This outstanding stretch came immediately after the Spurs surrendered an average of 110.8 points on 50.0 percent shooting in their previous five games. “Hopefully it turns into a trend,” Manu Ginobili said. “We are very happy with the way we’ve played the last few games. Hopefully we just don’t relax. We’ll try to keep it up.”

The Spurs did a good job defensively against New York in sweeping last season’s series, limiting the Knicks to 88 and 87 points in the two games. It could be a different story this time around, however, with Amare Stoudemire powering New York’s offense. The Knicks, 1-9 against San Antonio since 2005-06, have the league’s top-ranked offense at 107.2 points, a 5.1-point improvement from last season, and Stoudemire is averaging 28.7 points in his last three games. “They want to score points,” Duncan said of the Knicks. “They want to get up and down, and we’re going to have to try to control that.”

Stoudemire has also given the Spurs trouble from his days with Phoenix, averaging 32.7 points and 11.3 rebounds in three meetings last season. The star forward had 26 points, including six of New York’s last seven, in Sunday’s 98-92 win over Indiana to lead six Knick players in double figures. New York also came up with a strong defensive effort Sunday, limiting the Pacers to 15 fourth-quarter points in its third straight home victory.

“This was definitely huge,” Stoudemire said. “This was a big game for us. Indiana is right behind us as far as the playoff race, so it was important for us to get this win. We understand how big this game was for us and in the fourth quarter, we played with a sense of urgency and we were able to get the win.” The victory came at a price, however, as starting forward Danilo Gallinari left in the fourth quarter with a sprained left knee after scoring 19 points. Gallinari, fourth on the Knicks with 15.3 points per game, is expected to miss two to three weeks.

• TOP RATED TEAM ATS TRENDS
----------------------------------------
--NEW YORK is 32-14 ATS (+16.5 Units) in a home game where the total is 200 to 209.5 over the last 3 seasons.
The average score was NEW YORK 106.7, OPPONENT 103.8 - (Rating = 3*)

--SAN ANTONIO is 15-30 ATS (-18.0 Units) in road games after successfully covering the spread in 4 or more consecutive games since 1996.
The average score was SAN ANTONIO 91.7, OPPONENT 92.0 - (Rating = 3*)

--SAN ANTONIO is 11-23 ATS (-14.3 Units) after 4 or more consecutive wins over the last 3 seasons.
The average score was SAN ANTONIO 99.7, OPPONENT 98.9 - (Rating = 3*)

• TOP RATED TEAM OVER/UNDER TRENDS
----------------------------------------------------
--NEW YORK is 26-7 UNDER (+18.1 Units) after a game where opponent grabbed 65 or more rebounds since 1996.
The average score was NEW YORK 94.7, OPPONENT 98.7 - (Rating = 3*)

--SAN ANTONIO is 22-6 UNDER (+15.2 Units) versus teams who average 48 or less rebounds/game on the season over the last 3 seasons.
The average score was SAN ANTONIO 97.9, OPPONENT 91.0 - (Rating = 3*)

--SAN ANTONIO is 9-0 UNDER (+9.0 Units) after 3 consecutive covers as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
The average score was SAN ANTONIO 94.9, OPPONENT 82.1 - (Rating = 3*)

• TOP RATED TEAM FIRST HALF TRENDS
-------------------------------------------------
--NEW YORK is 100-68 against the 1rst half line (+25.2 Units) in home games versus good teams - outscoring their opponents by 3+ points/game since 1996.
The average score was NEW YORK 47.3, OPPONENT 47.4 - (Rating = 4*)

--SAN ANTONIO is 13-30 against the 1rst half line (-20.0 Units) in road games after successfully covering the spread in 4 or more consecutive games since 1996.
The average score was SAN ANTONIO 44.9, OPPONENT 46.8 - (Rating = 3*)

--SAN ANTONIO is 20-36 against the 1rst half line (-19.6 Units) after 3 or more consecutive wins over the last 3 seasons.
The average score was SAN ANTONIO 48.3, OPPONENT 48.6 - (Rating = 3*)

• TOP RATED TEAM FIRST HALF OVER/UNDER TRENDS
------------------------------------------------------------------
--SAN ANTONIO is 43-14 UNDER (+27.6 Units) the 1rst half total in a road game where the first half total >= 100.5 since 1996.
The average score was SAN ANTONIO 48.9, OPPONENT 50.6 - (Rating = 5*)

--SAN ANTONIO is 94-66 UNDER (+21.4 Units) the 1rst half total against Atlantic division opponents since 1996.
The average score was SAN ANTONIO 47.4, OPPONENT 43.6 - (Rating = 4*)

• HIGHEST RATED SUPER SITUATIONS
----------------------------------------------
--PLAY ON - Home underdogs of 2 to 3.5 points vs. the first half line (NEW YORK) - after going under the total by 30 or more points total in their last five games against opponent after going under the total by 36 or more points total in their last five games.
(29-5 over the last 5 seasons.) (85.3%, +23.5 units. Rating = 4*)

The average first half line posted in these games was: Opponent favored by 3
The average first half score in these games was: Team 49.8, Opponent 48.3 (Average first half point differential = +1.6)

The situation's record this season is: (4-0).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (19-3).
Since 1996 the situation's record is: (46-30).

--PLAY UNDER - All teams where the total is 200 to 209.5 (SAN ANTONIO) - after having covered 4 of their last 5 against the spread, top level team, winning 75% or more of their games on the season.
(35-12 over the last 5 seasons.) (74.5%, +21.8 units. Rating = 3*)

The average total posted in these games was: 203.6
The average score in these games was: Team 100.5, Opponent 95.8 (Total points scored = 196.3)
The number of games in which this system covered the total by 7 or more points was 29 (61.7% of all games.)

The situation's record this season is: (5-3).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (27-10).
Since 1996 the situation's record is: (64-41).

--PLAY AGAINST - Road favorites (SAN ANTONIO) - after having covered 4 of their last 5 against the spread, a top-level team (>=75%) playing a team with a winning record.
(46-16 since 1996.) (74.2%, +28.4 units. Rating = 3*)

The straight up record of the team this system pertains to is: (33-30)
The average line posted in these games was: Opponent favored by 3.7
The average score in these games was: Team 97.4, Opponent 96.2 (Average point differential = +1.2)
The number of games in which this system covered the spread by 7 or more points was 27 (45% of all games.)

The situation's record this season is: (2-0).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (9-5).
Over the last 5 seasons the situation's record is: (18-7).

[Spark]

*** TORONTO @ CHICAGO (-9.5, O/U 198.5) ***
------------------------------------------------------------
While dealing with a sprained right wrist and bruised right elbow, Chicago Bulls point guard Derrick Rose had his worst scoring performance this season against the Toronto Raptors last month. Rose’s point totals have been a little more robust lately, while it’s the Raptors who have been dealing with injuries. The Bulls’ leading scorer will try to help his team win its fifth straight and snap a three-game home skid to struggling Toronto on Tuesday night.

Hampered by injuries, Rose failed to score in double figures for the only time this season in a 110-93 victory at the Air Canada Centre on Dec. 15. He finished with six points and 11 assists, while Carlos Boozer had a season-high 34 points and 12 rebounds. Rose has averaged 24.3 points in the eight games since and had a team-best 28 to help the Central Division-leading Bulls rally for a 100-91 victory over last-place Cleveland on Saturday night. Luol Deng added 23 points, and Boozer had 20 points and 11 rebounds in Chicago’s 13th win in 15 games.

“I don’t care who you are, it’s hard to win in the NBA,” said Boozer, averaging 24.8 points and 12.0 rebounds over the last 10 games. “We’re proud of ourselves for winning, but we also do want to play much better. “We take it for what it is. We want to play a lot better moving forward, but we are winning. We know that for us to continue to win, we have to get better.” Toronto has averaged 107.2 points and held Chicago to 93.2 in winning five of the last six meetings at the United Center following an eight-game skid there. Rose has scored 13.7 points and shot 42.9 percent during the three-game home losing streak to the Raptors.

Toronto lost for the 11th time in 14 games Sunday, 93-79 at home to Boston while playing without three of its starters. Andrea Bargnani who leads the Raptors with 21.2 points per game, missed his fourth straight contest with a sore left calf, Jerryd Bayless didn’t play because of a sprained left ankle suffered in a 114-105 loss in Houston on Friday, and Sonny Weems missed his seventh straight game with back spasms. Bargnani and Bayless are expected to return Tuesday, while Weems will likely be out again. Jose Calderon is questionable with a sprained ankle, coach Jay Triano said after practice Monday.

“We have to find a way to get (Bargnani’s) rhythm back and get him in,” Triano said. “It may be short spurts. He’s tried to maintain his conditioning through this, but it’s nothing compared with games.” DeMar DeRozan has tried to make up for the absences, scoring 27 points against Boston after having a career-high 37 at Houston. Triano, though, said he doesn’t expect the swingman’s role to change when other players return. “When Andrea comes back, we’re going to need them both to score,” Triano said. “We’ll have to get Andrea touches, but DeMar is going to have open floor to play with.”

• TOP RATED TEAM ATS TRENDS
----------------------------------------
--CHICAGO is 90-64 ATS (+19.6 Units) in home games after failing to cover 4 or 5 of their last 6 against the spread since 1996.
The average score was CHICAGO 96.9, OPPONENT 93.5 - (Rating = 3*)

--TORONTO is 37-54 ATS (-22.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
The average score was TORONTO 99.0, OPPONENT 105.7 - (Rating = 4*)

--TORONTO is 17-35 ATS (-21.5 Units) versus good shooting teams - making >=46% of their shots over the last 3 seasons.
The average score was TORONTO 98.9, OPPONENT 107.4 - (Rating = 4*)

--TORONTO is 22-38 ATS (-19.8 Units) versus good teams - outscoring their opponents by 3+ points/game over the last 3 seasons.
The average score was TORONTO 97.9, OPPONENT 106.8 - (Rating = 4*)

• TOP RATED TEAM OVER/UNDER TRENDS
----------------------------------------------------
--CHICAGO is 72-43 OVER (+23.6 Units) after playing 3 consecutive home games since 1996.
The average score was CHICAGO 96.0, OPPONENT 98.0 - (Rating = 4*)

--TORONTO is 35-16 OVER (+17.3 Units) in road games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game over the last 3 seasons.
The average score was TORONTO 100.7, OPPONENT 109.5 - (Rating = 3*)

--TORONTO is 20-5 OVER (+14.5 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
The average score was TORONTO 101.5, OPPONENT 110.0 - (Rating = 3*)

• TOP RATED TEAM FIRST HALF TRENDS
-------------------------------------------------
--CHICAGO is 2-15 against the 1rst half line (-14.5 Units) in home games after having won 6 or 7 of their last 8 games over the last 3 seasons.
The average score was CHICAGO 48.5, OPPONENT 51.5 - (Rating = 3*)

--TORONTO is 53-28 against the 1rst half line (+22.2 Units) after a game where they made 60% of their free throws or worse since 1996.
The average score was TORONTO 49.3, OPPONENT 48.6 - (Rating = 4*)

• TOP RATED TEAM FIRST HALF OVER/UNDER TRENDS
-------------------------------------------------------------------
--CHICAGO is 90-59 OVER (+25.1 Units) the 1rst half total after 3 straight games committing 14 or less turnovers since 1996.
The average score was CHICAGO 49.8, OPPONENT 48.9 - (Rating = 4*)

--TORONTO is 68-39 OVER (+25.1 Units) the 1rst half total revenging a home loss vs opponent of 10 points or more since 1996.
The average score was TORONTO 48.5, OPPONENT 51.8 - (Rating = 4*)

• HIGHEST RATED SUPER SITUATIONS
-----------------------------------------------
--PLAY OVER - Road teams where the total is between 190 and 199.5 points (TORONTO) - in a game involving two good offensive teams (98-102 PPG), after a combined score of 175 points or less.
(31-10 over the last 5 seasons.) (75.6%, +20 units. Rating = 3*)

The average total posted in these games was: 194.8
The average score in these games was: Team 101.2, Opponent 102.2 (Total points scored = 203.4)
The number of games in which this system covered the total by 7 or more points was 25 (61% of all games.)

The situation's record this season is: (2-2).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (21-7).
Since 1996 the situation's record is: (40-20).

--PLAY AGAINST - Home favorites vs. the 1rst half line (CHICAGO) - good defensive team - shooting pct defense of <=43% on the season, averaging 53 or more rebounds/game on the season.
(52-19 over the last 5 seasons.) (73.2%, +31.1 units. Rating = 3*)

The average first half line posted in these games was: Opponent favored by 4.8
The average first half score in these games was: Team 49, Opponent 50.1 (Average first half point differential = -1.1)

The situation's record this season is: (4-1).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (37-16).
Since 1996 the situation's record is: (482-461).

[Spark]

*** OKLAHOMA CITY (-1.5, O/U 198.5) @ MEMPHIS ***
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The Oklahoma City Thunder aren’t putting much stock in their last game, a blowout loss to the league’s best team. The Memphis Grizzlies view their last game, an easy win over the defending champs, as something attainable each time out. The Thunder try to regroup from their most lopsided loss of the season Tuesday night when they visit a Grizzlies team hoping to build on an impressive victory. Oklahoma City’s starters should be well-rested after sitting out all of the fourth quarter in Saturday’s 101-74 loss to San Antonio. The outcome was in little doubt early, as the Thunder missed 20 of their first 24 shots and went on to set season lows for scoring and field-goal percentage (32.9 percent).

“They handed it to us pretty fair and square,” Oklahoma City coach Scott Brooks said. Kevin Durant the NBA’s leading scorer at 27.9 points, matched his season low with 16 points after averaging 33.0 points in his final four games of 2010. He isn’t too concerned about the lackluster effort, however, and doesn’t believe the team will dwell on it. “We just got to move on from this,” Durant said. “It was a tough one for us, but the name of the game is that it’s a long season. We got to just move on and push forward.”

The Grizzlies are taking a different approach moving forward. Memphis is brimming with confidence after defeating the Los Angeles Lakers 104-85 on Sunday, its third victory in eight games. “Coming out like this against the world champs should really motivate us to keep playing hard and winning,” Zach Randolph said. “This is really how we’ve got to play in the new year.” Randolph had 21 points and eight rebounds and Rudy Gay who spent most of the past three days in bed with a stomach virus, had a team-high 27 points for Memphis, which led by as much as 26.

It was a surprisingly solid effort for the Grizzlies considering two of their last three losses came against nine win New Jersey and seven win Sacramento “We feel like we can play with anybody, and we should have a better record than we have,” said point guard Mike Conley who had 12 points and six assists. “We’ve laid eggs here and there, but we’re working hard to become a more consistent team.” Improving their defense might help the Grizzlies with their consistency.

By holding the Lakers to more than 18 points below their scoring average, Memphis moved to 14-5 when limiting opponents to fewer than 100 points. The Grizzlies are 1-14 when allowing teams to hit triple figures. Oklahoma City, which averages 103.0 points, is 18-3 when reaching the century mark but 5-9 when it doesn’t. The Thunder took two of three from the Grizzlies last season, averaging 108.0 points in the victories, but scoring 84 in the loss. Durant had at least 30 points in each of those games. These teams meet again Saturday in Oklahoma City.

______________________________________

• TOP RATED TEAM ATS TRENDS
----------------------------------------
--MEMPHIS is 82-57 ATS (+19.3 Units) after a win by 10 points or more since 1996.
The average score was MEMPHIS 96.4, OPPONENT 95.5 - (Rating = 3*)

--MEMPHIS is 39-21 ATS (+15.8 Units) in home games off a road win since 1996.
The average score was MEMPHIS 99.7, OPPONENT 94.8 - (Rating = 3*)

--MEMPHIS is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) after 1 or more consecutive unders this season.
The average score was MEMPHIS 101.6, OPPONENT 96.2 - (Rating = 2*)

--MEMPHIS is 13-5 ATS (+7.5 Units) as an underdog this season.
The average score was MEMPHIS 99.8, OPPONENT 102.1 - (Rating = 2*)

• TOP RATED TEAM OVER/UNDER TRENDS
----------------------------------------------------
--OKLAHOMA CITY is 52-30 OVER (+18.8 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
The average score was OKLAHOMA CITY 103.7, OPPONENT 101.3 - (Rating = 3*)

--OKLAHOMA CITY is 33-15 OVER (+16.3 Units) in road games after covering 2 of their last 3 against the spread over the last 3 seasons.
The average score was OKLAHOMA CITY 100.7, OPPONENT 105.8 - (Rating = 3*)

• TOP RATED TEAM FIRST HALF TRENDS
-------------------------------------------------
--MEMPHIS is 69-45 against the 1rst half line (+19.5 Units) off a road win since 1996.
The average score was MEMPHIS 49.8, OPPONENT 48.5 - (Rating = 3*)

--MEMPHIS is 11-1 against the 1rst half line (+9.9 Units) in home games off an upset win of 10 points or more as a road underdog since 1996.
The average score was MEMPHIS 52.8, OPPONENT 46.8 - (Rating = 4*)

• TOP RATED TEAM FIRST HALF OVER/UNDER TRENDS
------------------------------------------------------------------
--MEMPHIS is 13-3 UNDER (+9.7 Units) the 1rst half total versus poor defensive teams - shooting pct defense of >=46% this season.
The average score was MEMPHIS 49.9, OPPONENT 49.5 - (Rating = 3*)

--MEMPHIS is 14-4 UNDER (+9.5 Units) the 1rst half total versus good ball handling teams - committing <=14 turnovers/game this season.
The average score was MEMPHIS 46.9, OPPONENT 50.5 - (Rating = 3*)

• HIGHEST RATED SUPER SITUATIONS
-----------------------------------------------
--PLAY ON - All teams where the line is +3 to -3 (MEMPHIS) - after beating the spread by more than 18 points in their previous game, a marginal losing team (40% to 49%) playing a winning team.
(33-9 since 1996.) (78.6%, +23.1 units. Rating = 3*)

The straight up record of the team this system pertains to is: (32-12)
The average line posted in these games was: Opponent favored by 0.4
The average score in these games was: Team 100, Opponent 94.1 (Average point differential = +5.9)
The number of games in which this system covered the spread by 7 or more points was 24 (55.8% of all games.)

The situation's record this season is: (0-0).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (10-4).
Over the last 5 seasons the situation's record is: (18-5).

--PLAY UNDER - All teams where the first half total is between 95.5 and 100.5 points (MEMPHIS) - off an upset win as a road underdog against opponent off a road blowout loss of 20 points or more.
(40-15 since 1996.) (72.7%, +23.5 units. Rating = 3*)

The average first half total posted in these games was: 98.2
The average first half score in these games was: Team 47.4, Opponent 46.4 (Total first half points scored = 93.8)

The situation's record this season is: (1-1).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (11-3).
Over the last 5 seasons the situation's record is: (18-6).

[Spark]

*** PORTLAND @ DALLAS (-4, O/U 184) ***
-------------------------------------------------------
With a difficult homestand this week, the Dallas Mavericks are hoping Dirk Nowitzki returns quickly. The likelihood of Caron Butler playing, however, appears to be remote. The Mavericks may be without two of their top scorers as they face the Portland Trail Blazers and one of the league’s best scoring defenses Tuesday night. Dallas snapped a three-game losing streak with a 104-95 victory at Cleveland on Sunday, winning for the first time since Nowitzki sprained his knee last Monday.

It was also the first game for the Mavericks without Butler after he went down with a knee injury in a 99-87 loss at Milwaukee on Saturday. Butler may have suffered a torn tendon that could keep him out at least a couple of months. Official MRI results have not been released, and Butler flew from Milwaukee to Dallas on Sunday to undergo tests. “Anyone who speculates beyond that should be very careful in what they do because it could have ramifications,” coach Rick Carlisle said. Butler is third on the team with 15.0 points per game.

While Nowitzki, averaging 24.1 points and 7.4 rebounds, could return soon, it’s not certain if he’ll be available Tuesday. Butler and Nowitzki played a big part in a 103-98 home win over Portland on Dec. 15, as Butler had a team-high 23 points and Nowitzki scored 12 of his 21 in the final quarter. The injuries come at an especially difficult time with the Mavericks hosting the Trail Blazers, Oklahoma City and Orlando this week. However, Dallas hopes to continue getting multiple contributions as it did against Cleveland.

Shawn Marion returned after he missed the previous game with a thigh injury and scored a season-high 22 points, shooting 11 of 16 from the field. DeShawn Stevenson also set a season best with 21 points while Tyson Chandler had 14 points and 14 rebounds. The Mavericks averaged 85.3 points in the three losses and were outrebounded by an average of 14.0. They had a 37-34 advantage on the glass Sunday. “I didn’t have a choice but to suck it up and do what I had to do,” Marion told the Mavericks’ official website. “It felt better today, so I was like, ‘I’ve got to go.’ I didn’t even question it... My teammates were there to support me.”

Marion will try to help Dallas cool off the surging Trail Blazers, who have overcome their own injury problems, including one to Brandon Roy out indefinitely with knee troubles. Portland has won two straight and six of eight. It defeated Houston 100-85 Sunday the fourth consecutive opponent held to 95 or fewer points. Coming off a 100-89 victory over Utah on Thursday, the Blazers had another solid defensive performance against the Rockets, holding them to 14 points in the third quarter and 37 in the second half.

LaMarcus Aldridge had 25 points along with 11 rebounds while Nicolas Batum added a season-high 21 points. “Our chemistry has gotten better,” Aldridge said. “I think guys are really figuring out their roles.” The Blazers may be tested this week, though. Portland is beginning a three-game trip in a place it has lost 12 of 14 and is 6-13 on the road, giving up 97.2 points per game compared to 91.2 at home. “When we are here at the Rose Garden we are consistent,” center Marcus Camby said. “We win a couple and get momentum from it. Then we go out on the road and lose a few. We have to change that.”

• TOP RATED TEAM ATS TRENDS
----------------------------------------
--DALLAS is 117-75 ATS (+34.5 Units) after 2 consecutive non-conference games since 1996.
The average score was DALLAS 100.6, OPPONENT 96.0 - (Rating = 5*)

--DALLAS is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) after playing 2 consecutive games as favorite this season.
The average score was DALLAS 100.7, OPPONENT 92.9 - (Rating = 2*)

--DALLAS is 14-6 ATS (+7.4 Units) after playing a game as favorite this season.
The average score was DALLAS 99.9, OPPONENT 93.8 - (Rating = 2*)

• TOP RATED TEAM OVER/UNDER TRENDS
----------------------------------------------------
--DALLAS is 77-44 UNDER (+28.6 Units) against Northwest division opponents since 1996.
The average score was DALLAS 99.2, OPPONENT 95.3 - (Rating = 4*)

--DALLAS is 20-4 UNDER (+15.6 Units) in home games after 3 straight games committing 4+ less turnovers than opponents since 1996.
The average score was DALLAS 98.0, OPPONENT 91.1 - (Rating = 3*)

• TOP RATED TEAM FIRST HALF TRENDS
-------------------------------------------------
--PORTLAND is 31-12 against the 1rst half line (+17.8 Units) versus teams who are called for 21 or less fouls/game over the last 2 seasons.
The average score was PORTLAND 49.6, OPPONENT 46.9 - (Rating = 3*)

--PORTLAND is 36-18 against the 1rst half line (+16.2 Units) versus good ball handling teams - committing <=14 turnovers/game over the last 2 seasons.
The average score was PORTLAND 48.7, OPPONENT 46.8 - (Rating = 3*)

• TOP RATED TEAM FIRST HALF OVER/UNDER TRENDS
------------------------------------------------------------------
--DALLAS is 71-46 UNDER (+20.4 Units) the 1rst half total against Northwest division opponents since 1996.
The average score was DALLAS 49.4, OPPONENT 47.8 - (Rating = 4*)

--PORTLAND is 70-47 UNDER (+18.3 Units) the 1rst half total as a road underdog of 2 to 3 points vs. the 1rst half line since 1996.
The average score was PORTLAND 44.9, OPPONENT 47.6 - (Rating = 3*)

• HIGHEST RATED SUPER SITUATION
----------------------------------------------
--PLAY ON - Favorites of 3.5 to 9.5 points (DALLAS) - good shooting team (45.5-47.5%) against an poor defensive team (45.5-47.5%), after 2 straight games making 9 or more 3 point shots.
(68-30 since 1996.) (69.4%, +35 units. Rating = 3*)

The straight up record of the team this system pertains to is : (84-18)
The average line posted in these games was: Team favored by 6.5
The average score in these games was: Team 107.2, Opponent 97.7 (Average point differential = +9.5)
The number of games in which this system covered the spread by 7 or more points was 41 (40.6% of all games.)

The situation's record this season is: (12-4).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (47-19).
Over the last 5 seasons the situation's record is: (60-25).
___________________________________________

[Spark]

*** ATLANTA (-6.5, O/U 189) @ SACRAMENTO ***
---------------------------------------------------------------
Despite Joe Johnson’s shooting struggles, it isn’t stopping his teammates from trying to get him the ball. Coming off one of his highest scoring performances of the season, Johnson tries to help the Atlanta Hawks win back-to-back road games for the first time since late November when they meet the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday night. Atlanta won for the second time in its last eight road games Sunday, 107-98 over the Los Angeles Clippers. Johnson finished with 29 points, Jamal Crawford had 24 and Josh Smith added 22 points and 10 rebounds.

After being held to 18 points in the opening quarter, the Hawks trailed by as many as 16, but Johnson had 11 points in the fourth as Atlanta went on to outscore the Clippers 37-24. Johnson, who missed 14 of 20 field-goal attempts in a 103-94 loss at Oklahoma City on Friday, shot 7 of 20 on Sunday but scored 14 points at the free-throw line. It was Johnson’s highest point total since finishing with a season-best 34 against Phoenix on Nov. 7. He has averaged 18.8 points on 38.2 percent shooting in nine games since returning from elbow surgery that kept him out nine contests.

“Just as soon as that elbow heals at 100 percent, he will be back into form,” coach Larry Drew said. Johnson is looking to help Atlanta improve on its inconsistent play away from home. The Hawks are a respectable 10-9 on the road, but they dropped six of their last seven before Sunday and hadn’t reached 100 points in the previous 11 games outside of Atlanta. The Hawks will continue their trip—which ends Wednesday against Utah— without forward Marvin Williams who has missed the last two games with a lower-back injury.

Even without him, they shouldn’t have much trouble against the Kings who haven’t defeated a team that currently owns a winning record and are looking to win consecutive games for the first time since Oct. 30-Nov. 1. Sacramento, though, has won two of three after winning twice in its previous 24 games. The Kings rallied from 14 down to beating Phoenix 94-89 on Sunday as rookie center DeMarcus Cousins scored 13 of his season-high 28 points in the fourth quarter and Francisco Garcia added 20 points and 11 rebounds.

“It’s our progress as a team,” Cousins said. “Two weeks ago we probably would have had 10 turnovers down the stretch and they would’ve shot 90 percent in the fourth quarter. But it was a great team effort.” Cousins has averaged 21.7 points and 10.7 rebounds and shot 56.5 percent in the last three games after totaling 13 points while shooting 22.2 percent in the previous three. The Kings are looking to win three straight at home for the first time since a four-game run Nov. 25-Dec. 2, 2009. Atlanta has won five in a row over Sacramento.

• TOP RATED TEAM ATS TRENDS
----------------------------------------
--SACRAMENTO is 14-29 ATS (-17.9 Units) after having lost 8 or more of their last 10 games over the last 2 seasons.
The average score was SACRAMENTO 96.2, OPPONENT 103.6 - (Rating = 3*)

--SACRAMENTO is 19-33 ATS (-17.3 Units) in home games vs. good free throw shooting teams - making >=76% of their attempts over the last 3 seasons.
The average score was SACRAMENTO 101.1, OPPONENT 105.8 - (Rating = 3*)

--SACRAMENTO is 0-9 ATS (-9.9 Units) after 2 or more consecutive unders this season.
The average score was SACRAMENTO 93.2, OPPONENT 103.6 - (Rating = 3*)

• TOP RATED TEAM OVER/UNDER TRENDS
----------------------------------------------------
--SACRAMENTO is 86-54 OVER (+26.6 Units) off a win against a division rival since 1996.
The average score was SACRAMENTO 103.5, OPPONENT 100.5 - (Rating = 4*)

--ATLANTA is 12-2 OVER (+8.8 Units) when playing their 3rd road game in 5 days over the last 3 seasons.
The average score was ATLANTA 100.9, OPPONENT 103.1 - (Rating = 3*)

• TOP RATED TEAM FIRST HALF TRENDS
-------------------------------------------------
--SACRAMENTO is 123-86 against the 1rst half line (+28.4 Units) in home games versus good ball handling teams - committing <=14 turnovers/game since 1996.
The average score was SACRAMENTO 52.1, OPPONENT 49.5 - (Rating = 5*)

--ATLANTA is 69-101 against the 1rst half line (-42.1 Units) vs. teams who are called for 2+ more fouls/game than their opponents since 1996.
The average score was ATLANTA 46.8, OPPONENT 48.0 - (Rating = 6*)

• TOP RATED TEAM FIRST HALF OVER/UNDER TRENDS
------------------------------------------------------------------
--SACRAMENTO is 53-27 OVER (+23.3 Units) the 1rst half total versus teams who are called for 21 or less fouls/game over the last 3 seasons.
The average score was SACRAMENTO 51.6, OPPONENT 56.3 - (Rating = 4*)

--SACRAMENTO is 59-38 OVER (+17.1 Units) the 1rst half total when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
The average score was SACRAMENTO 50.6, OPPONENT 55.2 - (Rating = 3*)

• HIGHEST RATED SUPER SITUATION
---------------------------------------------
--PLAY ON - Home teams vs. the 1rst half line (SACRAMENTO) - in a game involving two average offensive teams (92-98 PPG), after scoring 40 points or less in the first half in 2 straight games.
(67-33 since 1996.) (67.0%, +30.7 units. Rating = 3*)

The average first half line posted in these games was: Team favored by 1.2
The average first half score in these games was: Team 48.2, Opponent 44.4 (Average first half point differential = +3.8)

The situation's record this season is: (0-0).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (8-6).
Over the last 5 seasons the situation's record is: (21-15).