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**Udog** · 02-08-2011, 10:55 PM

Bettors' best friend: Wednesday's wagering tips

Line to keep an eye on

Detroit at Cleveland (1.5, 196) -- It’s got to end sometime, right? The Cavaliers have lost an NBA-record 25 straight coming into Wednesday’s home game with the Pistons. But Detroit isn’t much better, and the Pistons will be playing for the second straight night while Cleveland was off Tuesday. Of course there are plenty of bad omens for the Cavs, including this:

The favorite is 17-4 ATS in the last 21 meetings between these once-proud Midwestern franchises.

Who’s hot?

NHL: Vancouver has won six straight, outscoring its opponents by a combined 27-8.

NBA: Orlando is 6-2 ATS in its last eight meetings with Philadelphia.

NCAAB: The visiting team is 12-3-1 in the last 16 Florida-South Carolina matchups.

Who’s not?

NHL: Ottawa is 1-7 in its last eight meetings with Calgary.

NBA: The Cavaliers are 1-8-1 ATS in their last 10 home games.

NCAAB: BYU is 4-9 ATS in its last 13 road games.

Injury not to be overlooked

Deron Williams – Utah’s do-everything point guard played through his right wrist injury in Monday’s win over Sacramento, and the Jazz sure need him Wednesday night against Derrick Rose and Chicago. But it’s obvious the wrist is bothering Williams. He iced it and heated it during the game, and trainers attended to him repeatedly. Williams (21.8 ppg, 9.5 apg) missed four games from Jan. 28-Feb. 2 with the injury. He admits it still hurts when he follows through on his shot. Williams is expected to play, but the wrist could hamper him if he doesn't rest it soon.

Key stat

85.6 – The number of points North Carolina is averaging during its five-game win streak.

Game of the day

No. 21 North Carolina at No. 5 Duke (-10, 154)

Notable quotable

"I can't really predict the future, but right now [the knees] feel good. The biggest thing is once I start playing I have to keep them at a level where I feel good about going out there and helping this team." -- Portland Trail Blazers star Brandon Roy, who has resumed practicing three weeks after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on both knees. Roy, who averaged 16.6 points before being sidelined, hopes to return soon for limited minutes. Portland visits Toronto on Friday, Detroit on Sunday.

Tips and notes

-- As if we needed any more proof hockey players are tough, Bruins assistant captain Patrice Bergeron took a puck to the face in Tuesday’s practice but is in no danger of missing Wednesday’s game against Montreal. Bergeron was sent to the hospital for stitches and precautionary X-rays after a puck shot around the boards hit a partition, richocheted off the glass, and struck him in the face. “I felt terrible,” said defenseman Johnny Boychuk, who shot the puck in a clearing attempt. Bergeron has 19 goals and 25 assists.

-- The worst-shooting team in the ACC just took another blow. Georgia Tech, which hosts Florida State on Thursday, learned sophomore forward Brian Oliver will miss three weeks after breaking his thumb in Saturday’s loss to Clemson. The Yellow Jackets have hit 11 of their last 57 3-pointers (19.2 percent) and now must face the Seminoles, who rank second nationally in field goal percentage defense (36.4). Oliver was averaging 10.9 points, third-most on the team. He scored 28 in Georgia Tech’s last win Jan. 25 over Virginia Tech.

-- Oddsmakers at Bodog have set the line on a March 4 NFL lockout. "Yes" is -300, "No" is +200. March 4 is the date when the collective bargaining agreement between owners and players expire. However, there will still be plenty of time post-lockout to hammer out a deal and save the 2011 season.

**Udog** · 02-08-2011, 10:55 PM

NBA & NCAAB

Wednesday, February 9

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

San Antonio Spurs at Toronto Raptors (+7, 203.5)

The Toronto Raptors just got a little deeper. Guard Leandro Barbosa expects to play after returning from a strained hamstring that sidelined him since last month.

Barbosa averages 13.4 points and 2.3 assists per game and makes the team’s offense much more dynamic. Over the past 12 games without him, the team was just 5-7 ATS as the over hit only three times during that span.

“He changes gears out there and gives us easier points in transition,” Toronto head coach Jay Triano said. “But also (he helps) in the half-court, because he’s one of the guys who can really break guys down off the dribble. Sonny (Weems) and DeMar (DeRozan) are close, but a lot of times they still need a screen whereas Leandro may be one of the only guys who doesn’t need a screen to just go.”

And the Spurs struggled stopping the penetrating guards of the Raptors in the team’s previous meeting. In the 104-95 San Antonio win, Barbosa was sidelined by his hamstring injury, but guards Weems, DeRozan, Sundiata Gaines and Jerry Bayless each managed to crack double figures.

“We had 12 turnovers for 15 points in the first half. We were 0 for 15 on jump shots,” Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said of the team’s first meeting. “Our defensive coverage was poor, and our mental and physical focus were both poor in the first half.”

Look for a healthier Raptors team to again exploit those weaknesses.

Pick: Raptors

NCAAB

No. 15 Louisville Cardinals at No. 7 Notre Dame Fighting Irish (-4.5, 138)

The Cardinals are picking a bad time to get banged up. The Fighting Irish are among the toughest home teams in the country and present a very physical matchup. Not good for a Louisville team looking for warm bodies.

Louisville could be without leading scorer Preston Knowles, whose hamstring problem has made him the eighth player on the team to miss at least one game this season. Knowles (14.9 ppg) is questionable against Notre Dame.

The team also has a thin bench with freshman center Gorgui Dieng still recovering from a concussion, Rakeem Buckles nursing a broken thumb and Jared Swopshire out for the year with a groin injury.

“Every time somebody goes up for a layup, our hearts are in our mouth because we're afraid he could go down and we can't have practice again,” Cardinals coach Rick Pitino said. “It's been the most agitating, annoying thing I've ever experienced in my coaching career.”

Meanwhile, the Fighting Irish are thriving with an experienced squad. Notre Dame has five contributing seniors and they also happen to be the team’s top five scorers. In the team’s most recent game, a 76-69 win over Rutgers, seniors Ben Hansbrough (25), Scott Martin (14), Carleton Scott (12), Tim Abromaitis (10) and Tyrone Nash (8) again led the way.

“The two H's -- humble and hungry,” said Scott. “You stay cool, calm and collected, bring your lunch pail and go to work each day."

Pick: Notre Dame

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**Udog** · 02-08-2011, 10:56 PM

NCAAB

Wednesday, February 9

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Game of the day: North Carolina at Duke
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North Carolina Tar Heels at Duke Blue Devils (-10, 154)

A tradition like no other in college basketball adds another chapter on Wednesday. North Carolina, slowly making its way back up the rankings, makes the short trip to Duke, which has rebounded nicely from a disastrous 93-78 defeat at St. John's.

THE MARSHALL PLAN

No one knew what to expect when guard Larry Drew II announced last Friday that he'd leave the Tar Heels program. Not many players do that ... ever. But remember, this is North Carolina we're talking about. So, there's always someone ready to step in and take over.

Enter point guard Kendall Marshall, who had nine points and 16 assists in a comfortable 89-69 win over Florida State just two days after Drew left.

The crowd, of course, was on his side in that game. It was at home, and the students gave him a boost. Against Duke, though, at Cameron? It might be a different story for this fresh-faced freshman.

The Blue Devils' defense excels at stopping that extra pass. Against N.C. State on Saturday, Duke allowed just 16 assists total, the same number Marshall registered by himself vs. the Seminoles.

And something tells us, Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski will have watched plenty of film on Marshall, and will have an appropriate course of attack.

SHOCK TO THE SYSTEM

Duke is not foreign to losses on the road. Florida State, in Tallahassee, always seems to give them trouble, for instance. North Carolina, in Chapel Hill, has the ability to give them some grief. But they usually dominate out of conference, away from Cameron. So, to get whacked in Manhattan by St. John's like the Blue Devils did, had to come as a surprise.

But from a Duke backer's perspective, maybe that was the best thing that could have happened. Because the Blue Devils have rebounded with a fury since that loss.

Laying 4.5 at Maryland the next game out? No problem. Blue Devils 80, Terrapins 62.

Laying 19 vs. N.C. State the game after that? No problem. Blue Devils 76, Wolfpack 52.

The Tar Heels will be a tougher test, but if the Blue Devils still have that rotten taste in their mouth from Madison Square Garden, look out.

TRYING TO FORGET LAST YEAR

The Tar Heels, whether they're powered by Marshall or not, are probably going to have to show they can hang in this series before bettors take them seriously. Keep in mind, Duke won both games last year, covered both, and barely broke a sweat.

The Blue Devils won the two games by a combined 42 points, including an 82-50 wipeout in Cameron to close the regular season. From there, Duke went on to win the national title and North Carolina went to the NIT.

But this North Carolina team is more efficient, and may have more talent. What's more, UNC's covered its last two on the road, at Boston College and at Miami.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Harrison Barnes (North Carolina)

It's no coincidence that UNC's hot streak is paired with the breakout of star freshman Harrison Barnes. The wing forward hit the game-winning 3-pointer against Miami in the last week of January and is averaging 22.7 points and 7.3 rebounds per game since.

Nolan Smith (Duke)

Nolan Smith leads the ACC in points and assists which is pretty impressive seeing how he's only playing point guard because of the injury to Kyrie Irving. The senior guard is the team's steadiest performer and will test an inexperienced UNC backcourt.

THEY SAID IT

“It’s been a difficult time. We talked a great deal about some of what had happened and that it was over and behind us. We had to go forward. “ -- North Carolina coach Roy Williams on the departure of Larry Drew II and how the team has regained its focus ever since.

“We’re thinking about them now. We’ll go over the feedback from this game, but then it’s on to Carolina.” -- Duke sophomore forward Mason Plumlee, speaking after the win over N.C. State, on the team’s preparation for North Carolina.

“Tyler can put really good pressure on the ball and then I’m not wearing Nolan out. I can wear Tyler out and his mom said it was OK. In fact, she said, ‘wear him out every day.’ Our team’s growing in that. We’ve got a little bit different look defensively, which may really help us down the road.” -- Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski on his team’s ability to small these days, playing guards Nolan Smith and Tyler Thornton together. Expect to see that vs. North Carolina.

YOU NEED TO KNOW

North Carolina has covered five straight games, and all five went over the total. The Tar Heels and their opponents have combined to average 154.2 points per game in that span.

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**Udog** · 02-08-2011, 10:57 PM

NHL

Wednesday, February 9

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Ice picks: Today's best NHL bets
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Nashville Predators at Detroit Red Wings (-182, 5.5)

The Predators couldn’t score at a frat party full of freshman girls right now. Nashville has cracked three goals only once in the past seven games and is coming off a pitiful, 4-0 loss to the lowly Edmonton Oilers – the worst team in the NHL.

"I think we had 16 shots in the first period, and we couldn't seem to sneak one (in)," Predators defenseman Shane O'Brien said. "They kind of hung around and hung around, then they found their game a little bit. You have to give them credit. They played well after that, but I think if we get an early one, it might be a different story."

Not exactly a whole lot of urgency from a team coming off a pummeling by a glorified AHL side. And if the Preds are to upset the Red Wings for a third time this season, they will have to find a way to put more pucks in the back of the net.

The Predators are 25-4-1 when they notch three or more goals and 3-15-6 when they tally two or fewer.

Nashville also will have to put rubber in the cage to compete with a Red Wings team not only coming off a 3-2 win over the Rangers, but also expecting to welcome back forward Thomas Holmstrom from a broken hand on Wednesday night.

"It felt a lot better," Holmstrom said after practice this week.

It won’t feel better for Nashville.

Pick: Detroit

Montreal Canadiens at Boston Bruins (-151, 5)

A few throat lozenges and some green tea could be key to a Montreal victory in Boston.

The Canadiens are eager to welcome back defenseman James Wisniewski, who missed the past couple of games with strep throat. The team is 0-for-22 on the power play over their past five games, including the past two without their elite point shooter.

"He brings a different dimension, for sure -- that threat of a shot," forward Brian Gionta said. "Regardless if he takes one or not, you have to respect it."

During the team’s drought on the man advantage, the power play has slipped to just an 18.2 percent success rate, falling from elite to mediocre. Montreal has won both meetings against the Bruins this season by the slimmest of margins while going 1-for-5 on the power play.

Montreal also has shaken up its third and fourth lines in an attempt to become a more physical side and draw more penalties. Defensive center Jeff Halpern takes over on the third line between bruiser Travis Moen and scorer Benoit Pouliot. On the fourth line, Tom Pyatt skates between rookie David Desharnais and pest Mathieu Darche. Both units expect to see regular shifts.

“The games where we weren't scoring power-play goals, it looked like we were getting a lot of chances,” Wisniewski said. “It's just that the puck wasn't going in, so if we keep things simple, get more point shots, hopefully it will open the floodgates."

Pick: Montreal

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**Udog** · 02-08-2011, 10:58 PM

NBA
Long Sheet

Wednesday, February 9

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ORLANDO (32 - 20) at PHILADELPHIA (23 - 27) - 2/9/2011, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 31-18 ATS (+11.2 Units) in all games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 20-11 ATS (+7.9 Units) as an underdog this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) against Southeast division opponents this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 21-9 ATS (+11.1 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 15-6 ATS (+8.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
ORLANDO is 137-111 ATS (+14.9 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
ORLANDO is 64-44 ATS (+15.6 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
ORLANDO is 16-5 ATS (+10.5 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 17-31 ATS (-17.1 Units) in home games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ORLANDO is 9-6 against the spread versus PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
ORLANDO is 12-3 straight up against PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
7 of 14 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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NEW ORLEANS (32 - 21) at NEW JERSEY (15 - 37) - 2/9/2011, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEW ORLEANS is 21-36 ATS (-18.6 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 37-55 ATS (-23.5 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
NEW JERSEY is 8-0 ATS (+8.0 Units) in home games in non-conference games this season.
NEW JERSEY is 17-8 ATS (+8.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
NEW ORLEANS is 14-6 ATS (+7.4 Units) in non-conference games this season.
NEW JERSEY is 57-76 ATS (-26.6 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
NEW JERSEY is 53-68 ATS (-21.8 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
NEW JERSEY is 46-60 ATS (-20.0 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
NEW JERSEY is 24-40 ATS (-20.0 Units) after a loss by 10 points or more over the last 2 seasons.

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

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MILWAUKEE (19 - 30) at WASHINGTON (13 - 37) - 2/9/2011, 7:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
MILWAUKEE is 7-1 against the spread versus WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
MILWAUKEE is 6-2 straight up against WASHINGTON 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 (19 - 32) at CLEVELAND (8 - 44) - 2/9/2011, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 97-119 ATS (-33.9 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
DETROIT is 12-29 ATS (-19.9 Units) vs. division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
DETROIT is 42-60 ATS (-24.0 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 3 seasons.
DETROIT is 16-29 ATS (-15.9 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 19-30 ATS (-14.0 Units) in all games this season.
CLEVELAND is 26-41 ATS (-19.1 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 4-14 ATS (-11.4 Units) after a non-conference game this season.
CLEVELAND is 8-17 ATS (-10.7 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
CLEVELAND is 9-4 against the spread versus DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
CLEVELAND is 11-2 straight up against DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
9 of 13 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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SAN ANTONIO (42 - 8) at TORONTO (14 - 37) - 2/9/2011, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SAN ANTONIO is 30-18 ATS (+10.2 Units) in all games this season.
SAN ANTONIO is 539-465 ATS (+27.5 Units) as a favorite since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 15-7 ATS (+7.3 Units) in road games this season.
TORONTO is 93-115 ATS (-33.5 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
TORONTO is 54-73 ATS (-26.3 Units) as an underdog over the last 3 seasons.
TORONTO is 28-46 ATS (-22.6 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 40-59 ATS (-24.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
TORONTO is 11-23 ATS (-14.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
TORONTO is 3-1 against the spread versus SAN ANTONIO over the last 3 seasons
SAN ANTONIO is 3-2 straight up against TORONTO 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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CHARLOTTE (22 - 29) at INDIANA (21 - 27) - 2/9/2011, 7:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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LA CLIPPERS (19 - 31) at NEW YORK (26 - 24) - 2/9/2011, 7:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LA CLIPPERS are 92-119 ATS (-38.9 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 70-94 ATS (-33.4 Units) as an underdog over the last 3 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 40-60 ATS (-26.0 Units) in road games over the last 3 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 15-28 ATS (-15.8 Units) in road games revenging a home loss vs opponent over the last 3 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 133-170 ATS (-54.0 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1996.
LA CLIPPERS are 15-31 ATS (-19.1 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 15-30 ATS (-18.0 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 8-22 ATS (-16.2 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
NEW YORK is 31-17 ATS (+12.3 Units) in all games this season.
NEW YORK is 16-30 ATS (-17.0 Units) in a home game where the total is greater than or equal to 210 over the last 3 seasons.

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

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CHICAGO (34 - 16) at UTAH (31 - 22) - 2/9/2011, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
UTAH is 79-63 ATS (+9.7 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
UTAH is 55-40 ATS (+11.0 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
UTAH is 33-17 ATS (+14.3 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
UTAH is 39-21 ATS (+15.9 Units) after scoring 105 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO is 49-30 ATS (+16.0 Units) in non-conference games over the last 3 seasons.
CHICAGO is 20-8 ATS (+11.2 Units) after playing 3 consecutive road games over the last 3 seasons.
CHICAGO is 16-6 ATS (+9.4 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.
CHICAGO is 20-8 ATS (+11.2 Units) in road games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
UTAH is 2-2 against the spread versus CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
UTAH is 2-2 straight up against CHICAGO 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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DALLAS (36 - 15) at SACRAMENTO (12 - 36) - 2/9/2011, 10:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DALLAS is 21-34 ATS (-16.4 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
DALLAS is 41-25 ATS (+13.5 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
DALLAS is 235-176 ATS (+41.4 Units) after a non-conference game since 1996.
DALLAS is 15-5 ATS (+9.5 Units) after 3 or more consecutive wins this season.
SACRAMENTO is 19-28 ATS (-11.8 Units) in all games this season.
SACRAMENTO is 26-40 ATS (-18.0 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
SACRAMENTO is 8-19 ATS (-12.9 Units) in home games revenging a home loss vs opponent over the last 3 seasons.
SACRAMENTO is 31-48 ATS (-21.8 Units) after 3 or more consecutive losses over the last 3 seasons.
SACRAMENTO is 11-27 ATS (-18.7 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
DALLAS is 5-4 against the spread versus SACRAMENTO over the last 3 seasons
DALLAS is 8-1 straight up against SACRAMENTO over the last 3 seasons
5 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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DENVER (30 - 22) at GOLDEN STATE (22 - 28) - 2/9/2011, 10:30 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
DENVER is 5-3 against the spread versus GOLDEN STATE over the last 3 seasons
DENVER is 7-1 straight up against GOLDEN STATE over the last 3 seasons
6 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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**Udog** · 02-08-2011, 10:58 PM

NHL
Long Sheet

Wednesday, February 9

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SAN JOSE (28-19-0-6, 62 pts.) at COLUMBUS (25-22-0-5, 55 pts.) - 2/9/2011, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SAN JOSE is 10-3 ATS (+6.6 Units) in road games revenging a home loss versus opponent over the last 2 seasons.
COLUMBUS is 19-46 ATS (-38.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
COLUMBUS is 5-6 (+1.9 Units) against the spread versus SAN JOSE over the last 3 seasons
SAN JOSE is 6-5-0 straight up against COLUMBUS over the last 3 seasons
9 of 11 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+7.0 Units)

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MONTREAL (30-19-0-5, 65 pts.) at BOSTON (30-16-0-7, 67 pts.) - 2/9/2011, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MONTREAL is 78-77 ATS (-3.0 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MONTREAL is 11-4 ATS (+6.7 Units) vs. division opponents this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
MONTREAL is 9-10 (+0.2 Units) against the spread versus BOSTON over the last 3 seasons
BOSTON is 10-9-0 straight up against MONTREAL over the last 3 seasons
8 of 15 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=-0.1 Units, Under=-1.4 Units)

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NASHVILLE (28-19-0-7, 63 pts.) at DETROIT (32-15-0-6, 70 pts.) - 2/9/2011, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NASHVILLE is 2-9 ATS (+11.4 Units) after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game this season.
NASHVILLE is 2-11 ATS (+13.2 Units) after scoring 1 goal or less in their previous game this season.
NASHVILLE is 76-65 ATS (+144.5 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
NASHVILLE is 26-23 ATS (+57.2 Units) in a road game where where the total is 5.5 over the last 2 seasons.
NASHVILLE is 37-33 ATS (+77.2 Units) vs. division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
NASHVILLE is 20-19 ATS (+50.3 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
NASHVILLE is 8-7 (+5.4 Units) against the spread versus DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
NASHVILLE is 8-7-0 straight up against DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
9 of 15 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+3.2 Units)

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COLORADO (25-22-0-6, 56 pts.) at MINNESOTA (27-20-0-5, 59 pts.) - 2/9/2011, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 27-25 ATS (-0.9 Units) in all games this season.
MINNESOTA is 11-5 ATS (+5.7 Units) vs. division opponents this season.
MINNESOTA is 126-100 ATS (+237.9 Units) after scoring 1 goal or less in their previous game since 1996.
COLORADO is 25-15 ATS (+43.7 Units) revenging a home loss versus opponent over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 9-3 ATS (+12.9 Units) after 3 or more consecutive losses over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 48-46 ATS (+109.1 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 11-5 (+6.6 Units) against the spread versus COLORADO over the last 3 seasons
MINNESOTA is 11-5-0 straight up against COLORADO over the last 3 seasons
11 of 16 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+5.1 Units)

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PHOENIX (27-19-0-9, 63 pts.) at DALLAS (30-18-0-5, 65 pts.) - 2/9/2011, 8:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PHOENIX is 4-12 ATS (-10.5 Units) after a win by 2 goals or more this season.
DALLAS is 30-23 ATS (+4.7 Units) in all games this season.
DALLAS is 11-4 ATS (+6.8 Units) after a non-conference game this season.
DALLAS is 23-16 ATS (+6.9 Units) after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game over the last 2 seasons.
DALLAS is 157-100 ATS (+17.6 Units) after scoring 1 goal or less in their previous game since 1996.
DALLAS is 8-0 ATS (+8.0 Units) after 3 or more consecutive losses over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 80-64 ATS (+149.2 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 27-20 ATS (+55.1 Units) in a road game where where the total is 5.5 over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 88-83 ATS (+202.3 Units) in road games vs. division opponents since 1996.
DALLAS is 43-53 ATS (-11.9 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHOENIX is 10-5 (+5.8 Units) against the spread versus DALLAS over the last 3 seasons
PHOENIX is 10-5-0 straight up against DALLAS over the last 3 seasons
9 of 15 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+2.0 Units)

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CHICAGO (27-22-0-4, 58 pts.) at EDMONTON (16-29-0-8, 40 pts.) - 2/9/2011, 9:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO is 222-258 ATS (-103.5 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record since 1996.
CHICAGO is 103-120 ATS (-49.5 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season since 1996.
CHICAGO is 139-143 ATS (+309.3 Units) in a road game where where the total is 5.5 since 1996.
EDMONTON is 16-37 ATS (-35.8 Units) in all games this season.
EDMONTON is 5-17 ATS (+29.8 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5.5 this season.
EDMONTON is 9-31 ATS (-23.1 Units) revenging a home loss versus opponent over the last 2 seasons.
EDMONTON is 12-23 ATS (-11.9 Units) in home games after shutting out their opponent in their previous game since 1996.
EDMONTON is 18-50 ATS (+84.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO is 8-3 (+1.6 Units) against the spread versus EDMONTON over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO is 8-3-0 straight up against EDMONTON over the last 3 seasons
7 of 11 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+1.9 Units)

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OTTAWA (17-29-0-8, 42 pts.) at CALGARY (27-21-0-7, 61 pts.) - 2/9/2011, 9:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OTTAWA is 17-37 ATS (+57.8 Units) in all games this season.
OTTAWA is 16-35 ATS (+53.7 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 3 seasons.
CALGARY is 21-26 ATS (-16.9 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CALGARY is 4-1 (+3.0 Units) against the spread versus OTTAWA over the last 3 seasons
CALGARY is 4-1-0 straight up against OTTAWA over the last 3 seasons
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=-0.4 Units, Under=-0.1 Units)

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ANAHEIM (29-21-0-4, 62 pts.) at VANCOUVER (35-10-0-9, 79 pts.) - 2/9/2011, 10:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
ANAHEIM is 5-5 (+0.4 Units) against the spread versus VANCOUVER over the last 3 seasons
VANCOUVER is 5-5-0 straight up against ANAHEIM over the last 3 seasons
8 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+6.3 Units)

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**Udog** · 02-08-2011, 10:59 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.

**kbsooner21** · 02-08-2011, 11:45 PM

Thanks buddy and Good Luck! Be careful with storm #2 now on us!

**Udog** · 02-09-2011, 09:19 AM

Good morning, kb! Well, it looks like they missed on predicting the amount. I woke up just buried in it again!

Yesterday, they said we could look for another 5 - 10 inches. This morning, they're telling me the Grand Lake area is in for another 20 inches! This is really getting old, buddy!

No bad wind with this storm, though. That helps!

**Udog** · 02-09-2011, 09:22 AM

Daily Sports Roundup: February 9

Today in the Daily Sports Roundup: Duke plays host to North Carolina in a marquee ACC matchup, while the Magic play on the road in Philly, and the Habs take on Boston.

Tipping off on the hardwood . . .

There are 10 games on the NBA's schedule for Wednesday, with Detroit at Cleveland, Milwaukee at Washington, New Orleans at New Jersey, Charlotte at Indiana, San Antonio at Toronto, the Clippers at New York, Chicago at Utah, Dallas at Sacramento, Denver at Golden State, and Orlando at Philadelphia. The Magic and Sixers most recently met on the hardwood on January 19, with Orlando pulling out a 99-98 home overtime victory as a 9-point favorite in that UNDER result. Ryan Anderson had a team-high 20 points off the bench for Orlando that day, while Dwight Howard was good for 18 points in the win. Louis Williams led Philadelphia with a 19-point performance in the loss.

No. 8 Notre Dame hosts No. 16 Louisville and No. 11 Georgetown visits No. 12 Syracuse in marquee college hoops action for Wednesday, while other games involving Top-10 teams include No. 9 Villanova at Rutgers, No. 3 Texas at Oklahoma, No. 7 BYU at Air Force, and No. 20 North Carolina at No. 5 Duke. The fifth-ranked Blue Devils (21-2 SU, 11-10 ATS) pounded N.C. State 76-52 last time out behind 20 points from Nolan Smith. The Tar Heels (17-5 SU, 10-9 ATS) ride a five-game winning streak into Wednesday's contest, getting past Florida State 89-69 last game; Harrison Barnes had 17 points for North Carolina in that win. Duke is 4-6 SU and 4-6 ATS in its last 10 games against UNC, with the OVER/UNDER at 1-4 in the last five meetings between the teams.

Taking a trip around the rink . . .

Finally, the NHL offers up eight games on Wednesday: San Jose at Columbus, Nashville at Detroit, Colorado at Minnesota, Phoenix at Dallas, Ottawa at Calgary, Chicago at Edmonton, Anaheim at Vancouver, and Montreal at Boston. The 30-19-5 Canadiens will be looking to rebound from a 4-1 home loss to New Jersey on Sunday afternoon, with P.K. Subban providing the team's lone goal in that defeat. Carey Price made 26 saves. The 30-16-7 Bruins were blanked 2-0 at home by San Jose in their last game on Saturday, with Tim Thomas stopping just 16 of 17 Sharks shots that day. Montreal is 3-0 against Boston so far this year, and the Bruins won't have forward Marc Savard in the lineup Wednesday – he's out for the season after suffering a concussion.

**Udog** · 02-09-2011, 09:26 AM

Wednesday's six-pack

The six college football teams that averaged the most fans at its home football games this past season:

6) Tennessee Volunteers 99,781

5) Texas Longhorns 100,654

4) Alabama Crimson Tide 101,821

3) Penn State Nittany Lions 104,234

2) Ohio State Buckeyes 105,278

1) Michigan Wolverines 111,825

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

Wednesday's List of 13: Random knowledge on a cold day........

13) 183 different sports books in Nevada took action on the Super Bowl, with a total of $87.5M wagered on the game. The books snuck out a combined $724,000 profit—LY, they made $6.9M when the Saints upset Indianapolis, with a total of $82.7M wagered legally on that game.

12) Apparently, Mike Munchak isn’t a big believer in karma. One of his first actions as Titans’ coach was to fire OC Mike Heimerdinger, who happens to recovering from cancer treatments. In fairness, it would have been an awkward situation, since both men applied for the head coaching job, but you’d think they could work together.

11) Saints’ coach Sean Payton moved his family to Dallas, something he wanted to do in 2006, but Saints’ management greatly discouraged it; now that he’s won a Super Bowl, Payton can do what he (or his wife) likes and off to Dallas they went. This move isn’t sitting well in parochial New Orleans, though.

10) Packers charged $5 a head to Tuesday’s Super Bowl celebration, so they figure to clear about $200,000 on the deal.

9) Pirates took pitcher Ross Ohlendorf to arbitration this week; he was was 1-11, 4.07 LY, hardly a set of numbers you’d think would call for a raise, but Bucs didn’t hit much for him, so it’ll be interesting to see which side wins there.

We have some mid-week college hoop knowledge……..
8) Duquesne/North Carolina are two of the few teams averaging 70+ possessions in conference play, and they’re really amongst the minority in doing so while posting a winning record. I'm rooting hard for Duquesne to make the tournament; think they could make some noise.

7) Every team in Big 11 has at least three wins; only Ohio State has less than three losses. Buckeyes have a shot to run the table.

6) Texas has a 0.84 points/possession on defense in Big 12 games; no one else in the Big 12 has less than a 1.01…….Likewise, Wichita State has a 0.92 defensive mark in MVC games; none of their league rivals have less than a 1.02, so easy to see how those teams are dominating their leagues with solid defense.

5) Going to be interesting to see how beating Duke measures up against horrible losses to Fordham/St Bonaventure; I’m not thinking St John’s is an NCAA team, unless they get hot from here on in.

4) Memphis has definitely regressed, but the rest of C-USA has gotten better; there are more pretty good teams now, but one less great team, as in, none. Central Florida is 1-7 in conference; they were 13-0 in their pre-conference schedule.

3) Every team in the Horizon League has at least three losses.

2) Utah State has a 4-game lead in the WAC, which is hard to do in such a short season. I have no idea who the second-best team in the WAC is.

1) Forbes Magazine does an annual list of 20 most miserable American cities; eight of this year’s top 20 are in California, with Stockton #1 for the second time in last three years. No word if this makes people there happy, or just a little more miserable.

**Udog** · 02-09-2011, 09:35 AM

NBA
Write-Up

Wednesday, February 9

Hot Teams
-- 76ers won seven of their last nine games.
-- Spurs won/covered six of their last seven games.
-- Bobcats covered seven of last nine as a road underdog. Pacers are 4-1 since they changed coaches.
-- Knicks are 8-5 vs spread in last 13 games as a home favorite.
-- Bulls are 11-4 in last 15 games, but lost last two, allowing 105 ppg.
-- Mavericks won last nine games, covered five of last six.
-- Warriors won three of their last four games.

Cold Teams
-- Magic lost three of last four games, covered one of last six.
-- Hornets lost five of their last six games (0-6 vs spread). New Jersey lost four of its last five games.
-- Wizards lost their last nine games (1-4 vs spread last five). Milwaukee lost four of its last five games.
-- Cavaliers lost their last 25 games, but are 6-2-1 vs spread in last nine. Pistons lost five of their last seven games.
-- Toronto is 1-14 in last 15 games, covering one of last seven.
-- Clippers lost their last four games (1-3 vs spread).
-- Utah is 1-9-1 vs spread in game following its last 11 wins.
-- Sacramento lost its last three games, by 5-13-3 points.
-- Nuggets lost four of their last six games.

Totals
-- Over is 6-1 in 76ers' last seven games. Four of last five Orlando games stayed under the total.
-- Five of last seven New Orleans games went over the total.
-- Last four Milwaukee games stayed under the total. Six of Wizards' last eight games went over.
-- Last four Detroit games stayed under. Six of last nine Cleveland games went over the total.
-- Under is 12-4 in San Antonio's last sixteen games.
-- Last three Charlotte games went over the total.
-- Three of last four Clipper road games stayed under total.
-- Over is 3-1-1 in last five Chicago games.
-- Over is 5-2-1 in last eight Dallas games.
-- Last four Golden State games stayed under the total.

Back-to-Back
-- Orlando is 4-8 vs spread if it played night before. 76ers covered four of five at home if they played the night before.
-- Bucks are 6-1 vs spread on road if they played night before.
-- Pistons are 2-6 vs spread if they lost the night before.
-- Spurs are 4-3-1 vs spread if they played the night before.
-- Indiana is 3-7 vs spread if it played night before, 2-1 at home.
-- Clippers are 2-5 vs spread if they lost the night before.

**Udog** · 02-09-2011, 09:36 AM

NCAAB
Write-Up

Wednesday, February 9

Northwestern (-7.5) beat Michigan 74-60 at home Jan 18, third straight series win for Wildcats, who won two of last three visits here. Michigan won three of last four games (4-0 vs spread)- they're 2-3 at home in Big 11 play. Wildcats are 1-4 on Big 11 road, 2-5 vs spread as an underdog in Big 11. Big 11 home favorites of 5 or less points are 7-2-1 vs spread.

Home team won last six Louisville-Notre Dame games; Cards lost their last two visits here, by 16-33 points. Louisville's last two series wins both came in OT. Louisville lost three of last four on road, by 14-7-3 points. Notre Dame won last five games (4-1 vs spread). Big East home favorites of less than 6 points are 14-11 against the spread.

Marquette is 5-1 in last six games vs South Florida, losing last visit here in '09; Eagles lost last four road games- their only road win was 73-65 at Rutgers (-3.5). Favorites are 5-0 vs spread in USF's home games, with Bulls 0-3 as home dog, losing at home by 12-9-23 points. Big East home underdogs of 7 or less points are 7-6 against the spread.

Central Florida is 1-7 in C-USA after being 13-0 out of conference; they lost last five games vs Memphis, losing by 22-7 points in last two tilts played here. Tigers are 2-2 on C-USA but won at Gonzaga in last game. UCF lost its last seven games, scoring 60.6 ppg last five games. C-USA home favorites of less than 5 points are 6-2-1 vs spread.

Home team won seven of last eight Ball State-Bowling Green tilts; Cards lost last four visits here, by 1-2-10-4 points. MAC home teams are 8-4 vs spread in games where spread is less than 3 points. Ball lost three of last four games, but they're 3-1 on MAC road. Falcons are 3-1 at home in MAC, with underdogs covering their last three home contests.

Rhode Island won five of last six games vs Dayton, with three of its last four series wins by 1 or 2 points; Flyers lost last three visits here, by 1-12-2 points. URI is 4-0 in A-14 when it allows less than 60 points, 1-4 when it doesn't; Dayton averaged 75 ppg in last three road games. A-14 home favorites of less than 6 points are 7-13 against the spread.

Wake Forest is 1-7 in ACC, failing to cover any of its losses; they're 1-2 as home dog, losing by 19-24 points. Miami is 3-4 in last seven games, with the games decided by total of 17 points. Home side won six of last seven Wake-Miami games; Deacons lost three of last four series games, losing by 1-27 points in last two visits here. ACC home dogs are 7-9.

Georgetown won its last six games, last three by 3 or less points. Home side won eight of last nine Georgetown-Syracuse games; Hoyas lost last five visits here, by 5-14-7-4-17 points- they beat Orange LY in Big East tourney, after losing twice during season. Big East home favorites of less than 6 points are 14-11. Syracuse is 2-3 as Big East home favorite. .

South Carolina is 3-2 in last five games vs Florida, winning 72-69 (+11) in first meeting at Florida Jan 15; Gators lost last two visits here, by 1-7 points. SEC home underdogs of less than 7 points are 7-3-1 vs spread. Dogs are 8-1 vs spread in Florida's SEC games; Gators are 3-1 on road in SEC. Gamecocks lost three of last four games, losing by 9-15-18 points.

Nebraska is 0-4 on Big 12 road, losing by 8-3-1-16 points. Baylor is 3-1 at home in Big 12 (1-2 as home fave) winning by 13-19-4 points. Baylor won three of last four games vs Nebraska, with four games won by total of 12 points. Big 12 home faves of 7 or less points are 15-3-1 vs spread. Cornhuskers won two of last three visits here. Baylor is 3-4 in last seven games- they're 0-3 vs spread in game following a conference win.

Texas A&M won its last seven games vs Colorado, winning last three in Boulder by 15-18-6 points; Aggies lost four of last five games, dropping last two on road by 21-9 points.- they're 0-3 as Big 12 underdog. Buffs lost five of last six games but are 3-1 at home in Big 12, with only loss by 4 to Kansas. Big 12 home favorites of 4 or less points are 5-1-1.

Texas is 8-0 in Big 12 (7-1 vs spread), winning road games by 31-11-15-20 points, but Oklahoma won four of its last five games (5-0 vs spread), winning last three times they were underdog. Home side won last five Texas-Oklahoma games; Longhorns lost its last two visits to Norman by 15-9 points. Big 12 home underdogs of 5+ points are 2-5 vs spread.

North Carolina had won four in row at Duke before losing 82-50 in LY's visit; resurgent Tar Heels won/covered last five games overall, scoring 93 ppg in last three games. Double digit favorites are 8-4 vs spread in ACC games, 6-4 at home. Duke won its last six ACC games, covering four of last five, but they're just 1-4 against spread in its ACC home games.

**Udog** · 02-09-2011, 09:37 AM

NHL
Write-Up

Wednesday, February 9

Hot Teams
-- Sharks won eight of their last nine games. Columbus won three in a row by combined score of 11-4.
-- Boston won eight of its last 12 games. Canadiens won three of four.
-- Minnesota won six of its last eight games.
-- Coyotes won five of their last six road games- they won last couple games overall, 1-0/3-0.
-- Flames won seven of their last eight games.
-- Canucks won their last six games, allowing eight goals. Anaheim won four of its last five road games.

Cold Teams
-- Detroit is 5-6 in last 11 games, scoring three goals in last three games. Nashville lost five of its last six games.
-- Colorado lost six of last seven games, got blanked in last two.
-- Dallas Stars lost five of their last six games.
-- Edmonton lost nine of its last eleven games. Blackhawks lost four of their last five games.
-- Senators lost last nine games, outscored 42-20.

Totals
-- Over is 7-3 in last ten San Jose games.
-- Under is 8-4 in last twelve Boston home games.
-- Five of last six Detroit games stayed under the total.
-- Over is 6-2 in Colorado's last eight games.
-- Under is 8-2 in last ten Dallas home games.
-- Three of last four Chicago games went over the total.
-- Over is 6-3-1 in Calgary's last ten games.
-- Last three Vancouver games went over the total.

Back-to-Back
-- San Jose is 4-5 if it played night before, 1-2 if they won.

Series records
-- Sharks lost five of last six visits to Columbus.
-- Canadiens won their last five games against Boston.
-- Predators won three of last four games against Detroit.
-- Minnesota is 8-3 in its last 11 games against Colorado.
-- Coyotes won three of last four games against Dallas.
-- Oilers lost eight of last ten games against Chicago.
-- Home side won both Ottawa-Calgary games last season.
-- Canucks won three of last four games against Anaheim.

Announcement

Wednesday's Trends and Indexes - 2/9 (NBA, NCAAB, NHL, Misc.)

Wednesday's Trends and Indexes - 2/9 (NBA, NCAAB, NHL, Misc.)

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