Announcement

**Udog** · 03-06-2011, 10:18 PM

Monday's betting tips: Bobcats sit ailing G Stephen Jackson

Lines to watch

NBA: The Los Angeles Clippers opened as a 2.5-point underdog for Monday’s game against Charlotte but are currently listed at +1.5.

Who’s hot

NBA: The Orlando Magic have played over the total in 11 of their last 13 games, while Portland has played under in three of its last four heading into Monday’s matchup.

NBA: New York has covered in each of its last 10 games.

NHL: Washington has won five of its last six games.

Who’s not

NBA: Charlotte has lost four in a row, covering just once over that span.

NBA: Utah has covered only eight of its last 31 games.

NHL: St. Louis has lost seven of its last eight contests and has just eight wins in its last 28 games overall.

Key stat

10 – The New York Knicks have covered in each of their last 10 matchups against the Utah Jazz. Still, the Knicks have had major problems straight up against the struggling Jazz lately, losing the last four meetings between the two clubs while allowing an average of 110 points in those defeats.

Injury that shouldn’t be overlooked

Eric Gordon, Los Angeles Clippers: Gordon reinjured his wrist on Saturday against the Nuggets in only his second game back after sitting out 18 games. "I would say the pain level isn't as bad as it was, but it's re-aggravated and it's going to take some time," Gordon told reporters. X-rays came back negative but Los Angeles’ leading scorer (23.7 points per game) is expected to sit out at least a few games.

Game of the day

Oklahoma City Thunder at Memphis Grizzlies (-2, 203)

Notable quotable

"I didn't even realize we lost that many games at home until I saw it flash across the bottom on ESPN. Our fans don't deserve that. They've been too good to us." – Al Jefferson after he scored 27 points to lead the Utah Jazz to their first home win in eight tries on Saturday night. The Jazz haven’t been that great playing anywhere lately, dropping eight of their last 10 games overall. They gave up at least 100 points in each of those defeats.

Notes and tips

The Charlotte Bobcats will be without leading scorer Stephen Jackson for a while to let his strained left hamstring heal. “He’s going to have to sit out to get better,’’ coach Paul Silas told reporters. “I don’t know how many games he’ll sit out, but he has to sit out. We can’t afford to have him in-between. If he comes back too soon, he’ll just re-injure it.” Jackson puts up 19 points per game for the Bobcats, who are set as a 1.5-point favorite against the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday.

The Washington Capitals are surging with a strong commitment to defense lately. They have won five of their last six games, allowing fewer than three goals in those wins – though they were burned for six goals in a blowout loss to the Rangers during that span. Washington has played under the total more than any team in the NHL this season with 47 of their 64 games this year heading into Monday’s tilt with the Tampa Bay Lightning. The Caps are set as +100 underdogs.

Keep an eye on games that NBA referee Sean Wright is working. Wright’s games have a 29-20 over/under record so far this year, while home teams are working on a 27-21-1 record against the spread in his games.

**Udog** · 03-06-2011, 10:22 PM

NBA
Long Sheet

Monday, March 7

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LA CLIPPERS (23 - 40) at CHARLOTTE (26 - 36) - 3/7/2011, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LA CLIPPERS are 97-127 ATS (-42.7 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 73-99 ATS (-35.9 Units) as an underdog over the last 3 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 26-43 ATS (-21.3 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 2-15 ATS (-14.5 Units) after 3 or more consecutive unders over the last 2 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 2-11 ATS (-10.1 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a losing record - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
CHARLOTTE is 22-7 ATS (+14.3 Units) against Pacific division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
CHARLOTTE is 66-39 ATS (+23.1 Units) after scoring 85 points or less since 1996.
CHARLOTTE is 66-46 ATS (+15.4 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA CLIPPERS is 3-2 against the spread versus CHARLOTTE over the last 3 seasons
CHARLOTTE is 3-2 straight up against LA CLIPPERS 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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PORTLAND (35 - 27) at ORLANDO (40 - 23) - 3/7/2011, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ORLANDO is 144-115 ATS (+17.5 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
ORLANDO is 75-60 ATS (+9.0 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
PORTLAND is 3-1 against the spread versus ORLANDO over the last 3 seasons
PORTLAND is 3-2 straight up against ORLANDO 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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UTAH (33 - 30) at NEW YORK (31 - 29) - 3/7/2011, 7:30 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
NEW YORK is 5-0 against the spread versus UTAH over the last 3 seasons
UTAH is 4-1 straight up against NEW YORK 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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NEW ORLEANS (36 - 28) at CHICAGO (42 - 18) - 3/7/2011, 8:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO is 5-0 against the spread versus NEW ORLEANS over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO is 5-0 straight up against NEW ORLEANS over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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DALLAS (45 - 16) at MINNESOTA (15 - 49) - 3/7/2011, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DALLAS is 24-37 ATS (-16.7 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
DALLAS is 34-25 ATS (+6.5 Units) in all games this season.
DALLAS is 20-10 ATS (+9.0 Units) in road games this season.
DALLAS is 20-11 ATS (+7.9 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.
MINNESOTA is 27-37 ATS (-13.7 Units) in all games this season.
MINNESOTA is 22-31 ATS (-12.1 Units) as an underdog this season.
MINNESOTA is 5-20 ATS (-17.0 Units) as a home underdog of 6.5 to 9 points over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 42-70 ATS (-35.0 Units) in home games over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 48-71 ATS (-30.1 Units) against Southwest division opponents since 1996.
MINNESOTA is 4-20 ATS (-18.0 Units) after a non-conference game this season.
MINNESOTA is 48-64 ATS (-22.4 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 11-20 ATS (-11.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
MINNESOTA is 5-21 ATS (-18.1 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 20-39 ATS (-22.9 Units) in home games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 8-21 ATS (-15.1 Units) in home games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
DALLAS is 5-4 against the spread versus MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
DALLAS is 8-1 straight up against MINNESOTA 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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OKLAHOMA CITY (38 - 22) at MEMPHIS (34 - 29) - 3/7/2011, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MEMPHIS is 39-23 ATS (+13.7 Units) in all games this season.
MEMPHIS is 11-2 ATS (+8.8 Units) against Northwest division opponents this season.
MEMPHIS is 20-10 ATS (+9.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
MEMPHIS is 24-10 ATS (+13.0 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 82-65 ATS (+10.5 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 71-50 ATS (+16.0 Units) as an underdog over the last 3 seasons.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 19-7 ATS (+11.3 Units) in road games against Southwest division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 17-8 ATS (+8.2 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent this season.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 41-25 ATS (+13.5 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
OKLAHOMA CITY is 7-3 against the spread versus MEMPHIS over the last 3 seasons
OKLAHOMA CITY is 6-4 straight up against MEMPHIS over the last 3 seasons
7 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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HOUSTON (32 - 32) at SACRAMENTO (15 - 45) - 3/7/2011, 10:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 23-11 ATS (+10.9 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.
SACRAMENTO is 25-34 ATS (-12.4 Units) in all games this season.
SACRAMENTO is 45-66 ATS (-27.6 Units) in home games over the last 3 seasons.
SACRAMENTO is 11-21 ATS (-12.1 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
SACRAMENTO is 5-4 against the spread versus HOUSTON over the last 3 seasons
HOUSTON is 7-2 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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**Udog** · 03-06-2011, 10:25 PM

NBA

Monday, March 7

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Pick 'n' Roll: Today's best NBA bets
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Houston Rockets at Sacramento Kings (4, 216.5)

The Houston Rockets are knocking on the door of a playoff spot by reeling off six straight up wins over their last seven games.

Houston hammered Indiana 112-95 on Saturday, pulling within 2 ½ games of eighth spot that the Pacers currently hold in the Western Conference.

"If we were in the East, we'd be in the playoffs right now," guard Courtney Lee told reporters. "In the West, it's a little different. If we play like that, we prove we're capable of making the playoffs. We have to keep pushing and getting wins."

Houston covered as a 6.5-point favorite against Indiana and has cashed in four times over its current hot streak. The Rockets have won three straight against the Kings and covered in each of those victories.

Meanwhile, Sacramento has won just once over the last nine games.

Pick: Rockets

Portland Trail Blazers at Orlando Magic (-3, 183.5)

The Trail Blazers catch a break on Monday as Orlando will be without Dwight Howard, who will serve a one-game suspension after picking up his 16th technical foul of the season during Friday’s loss to the Bulls.

Portland pounded Charlotte 93-69 as an 11-point favorite on Saturday, taking advantage of the Bobcats, who were without leading scorer Stephen Jackson as he sat out with a hamstring injury. It took a while for Portland to get going, but the club started hitting some shots in the second half and now needs to build on that as the club heads out on a four-game road trip.

“There are some tough games, but some winnable games,” Gerald Wallace told reporters. “We just have to start out with the first one. If we take care of Orlando, everything else will take care of itself.”

The Trail Blazers are at Miami, Charlotte and Atlanta following Monday’s game. They’ll come out swinging against the Magic.

Pick: Trail Blazers

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**Udog** · 03-06-2011, 10:28 PM

NHL
Long Sheet

Monday, March 7

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WASHINGTON (35-20-0-10, 80 pts.) at TAMPA BAY (37-21-0-7, 81 pts.) - 3/7/2011, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 4-10 ATS (-8.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
TAMPA BAY is 37-28 ATS (+1.6 Units) in all games this season.
TAMPA BAY is 18-13 ATS (-1.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
TAMPA BAY is 24-17 ATS (+5.5 Units) vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 13-4 (+5.3 Units) against the spread versus TAMPA BAY over the last 3 seasons
WASHINGTON is 13-4-0 straight up against TAMPA BAY over the last 3 seasons
8 of 15 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+0.5 Units)

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COLUMBUS (31-26-0-7, 69 pts.) at ST LOUIS (28-28-0-9, 65 pts.) - 3/7/2011, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ST LOUIS is 22-14 ATS (+4.3 Units) revenging a home loss versus opponent over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 28-37 ATS (+74.0 Units) in all games this season.
ST LOUIS is 25-31 ATS (+58.1 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5.5 over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 6-18 ATS (-14.1 Units) after allowing 4 goals or more this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
ST LOUIS is 9-6 (+2.7 Units) against the spread versus COLUMBUS over the last 3 seasons
ST LOUIS is 9-6-0 straight up against COLUMBUS over the last 3 seasons
10 of 14 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+6.9 Units)

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DALLAS (35-23-0-7, 77 pts.) at LOS ANGELES (36-25-0-4, 76 pts.) - 3/7/2011, 10:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DALLAS is 35-30 ATS (+4.7 Units) in all games this season.
DALLAS is 20-16 ATS (+38.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
LOS ANGELES is 14-19 ATS (-9.9 Units) in home games revenging a loss versus opponent over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
LOS ANGELES is 11-4 (+7.2 Units) against the spread versus DALLAS over the last 3 seasons
LOS ANGELES is 11-4-0 straight up against DALLAS over the last 3 seasons
11 of 15 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+6.3 Units)

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**Udog** · 03-06-2011, 10:31 PM

NHL

Monday, March 7

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

HOT TEAM: Chicago Blackhawks

It all started back on Feb. 20, in what seemed like a harmless, little 3-2 victory over the punchless Pittsburgh Penguins. Sure, it was a national television game featuring the past two Stanley Cup champions. But neither team seemed like it was headed anywhere at the time, and it looked like it would amount to nothing more than a ratings grabber.

But the Blackhawks have used the spark that the win ignited, and they’ve carried it into March. On Saturday night, they cruised past Toronto, 5-3, on Hockey Night in Canada, giving them eight consecutive wins.

They also proved they can shed the back-to-back fear that bettors often worry about. Chicago defeated Carolina, 5-2, the night before, giving the club the rare two wins and four points in less than 24 hours prize.

Before we get too carried away, it's important to keep in mind that Chicago was favored in all but one of these past eight wins. Over bettors love the offensive production from the Blackhawks too. The club has scored 20 goals in its last four games - each time resulted in a cashed ticket for those who had the over.

COLD TEAM: Florida Panthers

The signs started to show last week, when Florida was a seller instead of a buyer at the trading deadline. Another year of what could have been was officially upon them, and while the playoffs are still a possibility, it’s clear this franchise is looking ahead to next season.

It’s probably a good move. On Saturday, the Panthers lost to Atlanta, 4-3, in overtime. It was their fourth consecutive loss and six in the last seven games. As they prepared for a date with the Capitals on Sunday at home, they were 11 points out of a playoff spot.

The reason for the rut is simple. They cannot score goals with any regularity. In the first three losses on that streak, they combined for just two goals, and were shutout once. Here we are, headed into the March home stretch, and no one on the Panthers has at least 19 goals. David Booth and Stephen Weiss each have 18.

So, monitor Florida the rest of the way. The price may be high, but they appear like a solid go-against, moving forward.

OVER PLAY: Calgary Flames

Calgary's 4-3 win over Columbus on Friday night completed a 20-game stretch in which the Flames went 14-3-3. Once considered an also-ran in the Western Conference playoff chase, Calgary is now firmly entrenched in the fight, and will be one of those teams "that no one wants to play" come postseason time.

Along the way, they've been scoring goals, which has been perfect for over players. In a stretch run where things are tightening up around the league -- and unders are ruling the day in both conferences -- Calgary is still finding a way to cash in those overs.

Friday's win was their third straight over and fourth in the last five games. Heading into Sunday's home game vs. Nashville, Calgary had yet to post an under this month.

UNDER PLAY: New Jersey Devils

The Devils are playing winning hockey again and it's no big secret why. The club is returning to its roots by playing conservatively, relying on solid goaltending and taking care of business in its own end. The under is 10-0-1 in New Jersey's last 11 games and the squad hasn't allowed more than two goals in a contest since Feb. 4.

Oddsmakers are battling back by lowering the team's totals from 5.5 to 5, but unless something changes, bettors could see some 4.5-goal totals in the near future for any game involving the Devils.

SURVEYING THE SCHEDULE

** The Flyers, for a change, are dealing with a little bit of adversity, as they took a three-game skid into Sunday’s date with the Rangers. The last two losses in that run were surprisingly at home, and maybe, just maybe, Philadelphia is becoming a little complacent as the playoffs near. We’ll know more after this week, as it’s a busy little run for this team. Sunday’s game in New York was the first of four games in seven days, and with the exception of Tuesday’s tilt with Edmonton, all of the contests are against playoff hopefuls.

** The struggling Blues have a similar week. Their slate is loaded, too. Saturday's 5-2 loss to the Islanders started a stretch in which St. Louis will play five games in eight days, four against playoff-contending teams: two vs. Columbus and one each vs. Montreal and Detroit. By the time they play host to the Red Wings on March 12, there might not be much left in the tank. Consider them a go-against.

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**Udog** · 03-06-2011, 10:35 PM

NHL

Monday, March 7

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Ice picks: Today's best NHL bets
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Columbus Blue Jackets at St. Louis Blues (-135, 5.5)

The Columbus Blue Jackets can’t afford to let their recent slump go on any longer, especially considering the number of chances they’ve had lately.

They couldn’t convert on two penalty shots in a 4-3 loss to the Calgary Flames Friday night, their fourth consecutive loss. The club, which has missed four penalty shots in the last five games, was red hot for most of February to climb back into the playoff hunt but they’ll end up with an early offseason if the offense doesn’t wake up in a hurry.

While Columbus has scored just eight goals during their recent losing streak, a trip to St. Louis could be exactly what the team needs. St. Louis is just playing out the string at this point in the season and heads into Monday’s matchup having dropped each of its last four while allowing 15 goals in the process.

The Blues are really missing Jaroslav Halak between the pipes and Columbus should be able to light the lamp a few times in this one.

Pick: Blue Jackets

Dallas Stars at Los Angeles Kings (-175, 5)

It took the Stars a while to get used to life without Brad Richards, who has missed the last nine games with a concussion. Now that the team’s leading scorer nears his return, the Stars are getting hot again.

Dallas has won four of its last five and while Richards isn’t expected to play Monday, he’s getting close. The Stars are coming off an impressive 3-2 comeback win over the surging San Jose Sharks on Saturday when they scored twice in the third period.

Jamie Benn is a good young player to keep an eye on. Benn is seeing a lot more ice time with Richards out of the lineup and he buried a shorthanded goal on Saturday, marking the third straight game he’s hit the back of the net.

The Stars sit just one point ahead of Los Angeles in the crowded Western Conference standings, so expect a playoff atmosphere. We’ll go with the Stars at this price.

Pick: Stars

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**Udog** · 03-06-2011, 10:43 PM

National League East odds and season win total picks

The National League East in 2011 is about simple math, adding and subtracting.

The Philadelphia Phillies added Cliff Lee to formulate arguably the best starting staff in baseball in decades. Bobby Cox will no longer be in the Atlanta dugout, but the Braves front office added offensive punch attempting to catch the Phillies.

Florida is blending fresh young players into the starting lineup and new bullpen arms could make a good group of quality starters even better. The New York Mets made a deal with the devil (Bernie Madoff) which could cost them on and off the field. Intriguing Washington off-season acquisitions cooked up the “hot stove” league talk, but with no Steve Strasburg in sight for 2011, Beltway baseball will feature more losing.

Atlanta Braves

Last season record: 91-71
Projected season win total: 88
Odds to win: +458

Biggest losses: Bobby Cox, OF Melky Cabrera
Biggest additions: 2B Dan Uggla, RHR Scott Linebrink

Braves Outlook: New manager Fredi Gonzalez would like to be baseball’s version of Aaron Rodgers in succeeding Brett Favre. Gonzalez could have a tall order after Atlanta engineered 91 victories and a playoff appearance last season. The Braves led the majors in final at-bat wins with 25.

The Tomahawks have a nice combination of youth and experience in the everyday lineup with young fellas like RF Jason Heyward and presumably 20-year old Freddie Freeman at first base. Catcher Brian McCann, CF Nate McLouth and 2B Dan Uggla should all be in their prime, while Chipper Jones and SS Alex Gonzalez try to contribute in down side of their careers. Uggla was brought in to beef up the offense, yet his iron-glove defense is a negative.

Tim Hudson and Derek Lowe bring a wealth of pitching experience and knowledge to the mound each time out, but how much longer can they be top of the rotation hurlers? Jair Jurrjens is an obvious talent, but can he stay healthy? Tommy Hanson seems to fight himself as much as the opposition.

Season win total pick: Under 88.5

Florida Marlins

Last season record: 80-82
Projected season win total: 82
Odds to win: +1204

Biggest loss: 2B Dan Uggla
Biggest additions: C John Buck, LHR Randy Choate

Marlins Outlook: It’s the final season in cavernous Sun Life Stadium for the Marlins and this is an organization that builds and rebuilds like no other. Last season outfielders Mike Stanton and Logan Morrison were excellent additions to Florida’s local nine. First sacker Gaby Sanchez had a productive year with the bat, in spite of what scouts consider a “slow bat”. The centerpiece of the franchise is Hanley Ramirez who - by his own manager’s account - is expecting an MVP level campaign to make-up for Uggla’s departure. A top five NL run producing offense could make Fish a playoff team.

The Florida starting staff should give them a chance for a victory nearly every day. Josh Johnson, Ricky Nolasco, Anibal Sanchez, Chris Volstad and newly added Javier Vazquez have to be more aggressive in throwing strikes, and avoid repeating last season’s 12th rank in walks allowed. The bullpen as a whole looks deeper and could become an asset.

Season win total pick: Over 81.5

New York Mets

Last season record: 79-83
Projected season win total: 77.5
Odds to win: +2111

Biggest losses: RHP John Maine, Fernando Tatis
Biggest additions: RHR D.J. Carrasco, C Ronny Paulino

Mets Outlook: In a media market always thirsting for headlines, the New York Mets are already off to a tremendous start with their reported financial woes. Sandy Alderson left the commissioner’s office to be the new GM and has a number of decisions to make both this year and in the near future.

David Wright and Ike Davis have the Mets set at the corners, however the middle infield is worrisome. Though only 27, Jose Reyes continues to make annual trips to the disabled list and his game-focus wanes with each passing season. The second base position is up for grabs.

The Metropolitans were 13th in the NL in runs scored at 4.04 runs per game and the outfield played a monstrous part in these failures. New York fans are sick of Carlos Beltran and he’ll be 34 in April, playing with bad wheels. Jason Bay batted .219 after the first inning in 2010, but at least CF Angel Pagan is a keeper.

The Mets pitching staff does not have the skill to carry a weaker hitting team with or without Johan Santana and a new and improved (personality-wise) Frankie Rodriguez.

Season win total pick: Under 77

Philadelphia Phillies

Last season record: 97-65
Projected season win total: 97
Odds to win: -349

Biggest losses: OF Jayson Werth, LHP Jamie Moyer
Biggest addition: LHP Cliff Lee

Phillies Outlook: The Philadelphia Phillies acquired Roy Oswalt on July 29th last season and the record of the starting pitchers was 31-14 from that point forward, adding Cliff Lee to the mix this year. If you can assume the four aces of the staff won’t have debilitating ailments, this would mean in every three-game series the Phillies play, they will send to the slab a minimum of two studs and most of the time three , when you include Roy Halladay and Cole Hamels. No wonder skipper Charlie Manuel is smiling so much these days.

Credit GM Ruben Amaro for having the foresight to realize he can still be a World Series contender, going more with pitching than hitting. With the exception of right field, every other position player is 30 years old or more and the likelihood of more than two of them surpassing previous career numbers is remote.

Shortstop Jimmy Rollins cannot hit .218 again against right-handed pitchers and if he can approach past levels, there is more than enough power for the Phils to be in the top three of National League in runs scored.

Season win total pick: Over 97

Washington Nationals

Last season record: 69-93
Projected season win total: 71
Odds to win: +4147

Biggest losses: 1B Adam Dunn, RHR Miguel Batista
Biggest additions: OF Jayson Werth, OF Rick Ankiel

Nationals Outlook: Being a Washington fan is not fun unless you have thick skin to take the ridicule. It’s the proverbial “shooting fish in a barrel” figuring out what is wrong the Nationals, instead let’s determine what might go right for Washington this campaign.

Ryan Zimmerman and free agent Jayson Werth should make a tough tandem in the middle of the batting order and the former Phillie will add defense and a winning attitude. Middle infielders Ian Desmond (SS) and Danny Espinosa (2B) showed potential last year and are being groomed to help the Nats in the middle of the diamond.

Washington will miss Strasburg, but the return of Jordan Zimmerman would be a big plus to the rotation and give D.C. fans something to dream about. Livan Hernandez, John Lannan and Jason Marquis are serviceable starters. The bullpen features Tyler Clippard, who had the second-most K’s of any reliever in baseball and left-hand batters hit just .151 vs. lefty Doug Slaten. If the Nationals are to show improvement, they cannot lead the majors in errors for a third straight season.

Season win total pick: Under 71

**Udog** · 03-06-2011, 10:44 PM

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

**Udog** · 03-07-2011, 08:14 AM

Daily Sports Roundup: March 7

Today in the Daily Sports Roundup: The Jazz travel to New York to take on the Knicks, while college hoops offers up conference tourneys, and the Lightning host the Capitals.

Tipping off on the hardwood . . .

The NBA has seven games on tap for Monday, with Portland at Orlando, the Clippers at Charlotte, New Orleans at Chicago, Dallas at Minnesota, Oklahoma City at Memphis, Houston at Sacramento, and Utah at New York. The Jazz improved to 33-30 SU (26-36-1 ATS) on Saturday with a 109-102 home win over Sacramento. Al Jefferson led the way for Utah with 27 points in that victory, while Raja Bell was good for 16 points. The Jazz and Knicks last met on January 12 in Utah, with the home team winning 131-125 as a 7-point favorite in that OVER result. Former Jazz guard Deron Williams had 24 points and 12 assists that day. Amare Stoudemire scored 22 points for the losing Knicks.

As well, there are eight games on the college hoops slate for Monday, with semifinal matchups in the Summit League and Sun Belt conference tournaments, and championship games in the Colonial Athletic, Metro Atlantic, Southern, and West Coast conference events. Sportsbooks will have all the latest matchups and odds for the night.

Taking a trip around the rink . . .

Finally, there are three games on the NHL's Monday schedule, with Columbus at St. Louis, Dallas at Los Angeles, and Washington at Tampa Bay. The Lightning will be looking to put an end to a three-game winning streak on Monday, falling 4-2 at home to Montreal in their last game on Saturday night to drop to 37-21-7 on the season. Tampa Bay and Washington have already met five times this season, with the Capitals holding a 3-2 advantage in that series. The two teams last met on Feburary 4, with Washington winning 5-2 on the road in that OVER result. Alex Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom each had four points for the Caps in that victory, and Semyon Varlamov made 23 saves.

**Udog** · 03-07-2011, 08:17 AM

Monday's six-pack

-- Miami Heat lost its fourth game in row, 87-86 to Chicago, as they continue to stumble anytime they play a good team.

-- Bulls now lead Miami by two games in loss column for #2 seed in the Eastern Conference. If the playoffs started tomorrow, Knicks and Heat would be a first round matchup.

-- Lakers were up 65-37 at halftime in San Antonio Sunday, winning by 16 in what some would call "a statement game".

-- Met fans had to be encouraged by Carlos Beltran scoring from second on a single to RF Sunday. Beltran was DH in his '11 debut, but looked healthy enough running the bases.

-- Zach Randolph drained a 17-footer with 0:00.3 left, giving Grizzlies a 104-103 win at Dallas, just Mavericks' second loss in last 20 games.

-- Grizzlies are holding onto #8 seed in West, leading Phoenix/Utah who are tied for 9th. Jazz are headed in wrong direction, so looks like Suns will be biggest competition for Memphis making the playoffs.

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

Monday's List of 13: Random stuff as Championship Week begins

13) Rough weekend for top seeds in the low/mid-major tournaments this week; Belmont is the only top seed that has won its tourney so far.

12) According to ESPN's Joe Lunardi, last four teams outside the Field of 68 in NCAA tournament are: Alabama-Georgia-USC-Missouri State. Of those four, Missouri State is only one done playing, so they're screwed, since they can't do anything else to enhance their resume.

11) Ben Howland used four timeouts in first half at Washington State, as UCLA was stinking up the place; Bruins eventually won in OT. Sunday, John Calipari did the same thing, calling four timeouts in the first half at Tennessee, and his team won, so we might be seeing more of that.

10) DePaul lost 106-57 at Syracuse Saturday, grabbing a total of only six defensive rebounds the entire game. Syracuse missed 18 FGs and a single foul shot- of those 19 misses, DePaul could only grab six rebounds? But listen to Big East TV guys, and every game is so competitive. Right.......

9) Isiah Thomas' FIU Panthers went in the tank Sunday night, outscored 49-21 in second half of a hideous 73-38 loss to Middle Tennessee in the Sun Belt tournament. FIU can't be real happy with Isiah's two seasons, especially since he continues to campaign for NBA jobs. Good luck.

8) Vermont lost by 22 in the America East tournament, meaning champ of that league will be ranked either #169 or #245. Dayton, here they come.

7) Then again, highest-ranked team in SWAC is #284; how is it possible that all those teams are so bad? They give scholarships, right?

6) Colorado State-New Mexico is first round game in the Mountain West tournament; since Lobos beat BYU twice, you know Cougars are rooting like hell for the Rams to beat New Mexico. Lobo coach Steve Alford was Jimmer Fredette 25 years ago; he knows every trick on how to disrupt his game. No way BYU wants to play New Mexico again.

5) I love Senior Days in college basketball, when kids get honored at end of their careers; the average fan might not realize how much goes into it for a kid, four, maybe five years of your life wrapped up in an activity that suddenly is coming to a close. Its the end of a big chapter in a young person's life, and lot of times it can be very emotional. Good stuff.

4) Reading New York papers about the Mets, if I was a Met fan and the Wilpons tried to save themselves by slashing payroll to $70M, no way in hell would I spend a nickel on the Mets until they sold the club. Wilpons are incompetent nitwits who can't even compete as a big market team.

3) Jose Reyes is a free agent after this year; I can understand if they let him walk, because he's been fragile, but with a new $850M stadium and playing in NYC, no way should the Mets' payroll ever be under $100M.

2) So far this season, Miami Heat has taken 16 game-tying/winning shots in the last 0:10 of a game. They've missed 15 of the 16 shots.

1) You can make the argument that Championship Week is the best week of the year for college hoop fans; ton of games going on all over America, with lot of these smaller schools getting their moment in sun if they win their conference tournament. Really an excellent week.....enjoy!!!

**Udog** · 03-07-2011, 08:26 AM

NBA
Dunkel

Houston at Sacramento
The Rockets look to build on their 4-0 ATS record in their last 4 games as a road favorite from 1 to 4 1/2 points. Houston is the pick (-4) according to Dunkel, which has the Rockets favored by 8. Dunkel Pick: Houston (-4). Here are all of today's picks.

MONDAY, MARCH 7

Game 501-502: LA Clippers at Charlotte (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: LA Clippers 113.481; Charlotte 111.957
Dunkel Line & Total: LA Clippers by 1 1/2; 184
Vegas Line & Total: Charlotte by 1 1/2; 189 1/2
Dunkel Pick: LA Clippers (+1 1/2); Under

Game 503-504: Portland at Orlando (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Portland 118.227; Orlando 126.991
Dunkel Line & Total: Orlando by 9; 191
Vegas Line & Total: Orlando by 2 1/2; 188 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Orlando (-2 1/2); Over

Game 505-506: Utah at New York (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Utah 116.202; New York 117.708
Dunkel Line & Total: New York by 1 1/2; 190
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 507-508: New Orleans at Chicago (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: New Orleans 113.037; Chicago 128.301
Dunkel Line & Total: Chicago by 15 1/2; 199
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 509-510: Dallas at Minnesota (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Dallas 123.977; Minnesota 113.344
Dunkel Line & Total: Dallas by 10 1/2; 202
Vegas Line & Total: Dallas by 6 1/2; 209
Dunkel Pick: Dallas (-6 1/2); Under

Game 511-512: Oklahoma City at Memphis (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Oklahoma City 121.395; Memphis 121.473
Dunkel Line & Total: Even; 211
Vegas Line & Total: Memphis by 2; 203
Dunkel Pick: Oklahoma City (+2); Over

Game 513-514: Houston at Sacramento (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Houston 120.296; Sacramento 112.382
Dunkel Line & Total: Houston by 8; 212
Vegas Line & Total: Houston by 4; 216 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Houston (-4); Under

**Udog** · 03-07-2011, 08:27 AM

NBA
Write-Up

Monday, March 7

Hot Teams
-- Orlando won four of its last five games. Portland won its last five road games (4-0-1 vs spread).
-- Knicks won three of their last four home games.
-- Bulls won/covered nine of their last eleven games. Hornets won last two games, allowing 81-91 points, but Paul got a concussion last night and will miss this game.
-- Mavericks won 18 of their last 20 games.
-- Oklahoma City won five of its last seven games. Grizzlies won eight of last 11 games (7-2 vs spread last nine).
-- Rockets won their last seven games (6-1 vs spread).

Cold Teams
-- Bobcats lost last four games, by 14-40-8-24 points; hosts covered six of their last seven games. Clippers lost five of last six games.
-- Jazz lost eight of its last ten games.
-- Minnesota lost 10 of its last 12 games.
-- Sacramento lost seven of its last nine games- they're 7-5-1 vs spread in last 13 games as a home dog.

Totals
-- Last four Charlotte games stayed under the total.
-- Six of last eight Orlando games stayed under total.
-- Over is 7-4-1 in New York's last dozen home games.
-- Last six Chicago games stayed under the total.
-- Over is 9-1-1 in last eleven Dallas games.
-- Four of last five Memphis games went over the total.
-- Over is 12-2 in Sacramento's last fourteen games.

Back-to-Back
-- Knicks are 9-2-2 vs spread if they played night before.
-- Bulls are 9-6 vs spread if they played night before, 9-6, 5-3 at home. New Orleans is 5-8 vs spread on road if it played night before.
-- Dallas is 7-3 vs spread on road if it played night before. Oklahoma City is 6-3 vs spread when it played night before.
-- Memphis is 13-3-1 vs spread if it played night before.

**Udog** · 03-07-2011, 08:31 AM

NBA

Monday, March 7

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Report
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7:00 PM
LA CLIPPERS vs. CHARLOTTE
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of the LA Clippers last 7 games on the road
LA Clippers are 1-7 SU in their last 8 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Charlotte's last 9 games at home
Charlotte is 1-4-1 ATS in their last 6 games when playing at home against LA Clippers

7:00 PM
PORTLAND vs. ORLANDO
Portland is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Portland is 4-0-1 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Orlando is 3-6-1 ATS in its last 10 games when playing at home against Portland
Orlando is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games when playing Portland

7:30 PM
UTAH vs. NEW YORK
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Utah's last 6 games when playing New York
Utah is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against New York
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of New York's last 6 games when playing Utah
New York is 15-8 SU in its last 23 games at home

8:00 PM
DALLAS vs. MINNESOTA
The total has gone UNDER in 16 of Dallas's last 23 games when playing Minnesota
Dallas is 16-1 SU in its last 17 games when playing Minnesota
Minnesota is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Dallas
Minnesota is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games at home

8:00 PM
NEW ORLEANS vs. CHICAGO
New Orleans is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Chicago
New Orleans is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Chicago
Chicago is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Chicago's last 5 games

8:00 PM
OKLAHOMA CITY vs. MEMPHIS
Oklahoma City is 15-8 SU in its last 23 games when playing on the road against Memphis
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Oklahoma City's last 5 games when playing Memphis
Memphis is 8-15 SU in its last 23 games when playing at home against Oklahoma City
Memphis is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games when playing Oklahoma City

10:00 PM
HOUSTON vs. SACRAMENTO
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Houston's last 5 games
Houston is 4-9 ATS in its last 13 games when playing Sacramento
Sacramento is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Houston
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Sacramento's last 7 games when playing Houston

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

**Udog** · 03-07-2011, 08:35 AM

NHL
Dunkel

Dallas at Los Angeles
The Stars look to build on their 4-1 record in their last 5 games against a team with a winning record. Dallas is the pick (+150) according to Dunkel, which has the Stars favored by 1 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Dallas (+150). Here are all of today's picks.

MONDAY, MARCH 7

Game 51-52: Washington at Tampa Bay (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Washington 12.251; Tampa Bay 11.346
Dunkel Line & Total: Washington by 1; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Tampa Bay (-120); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Washington (+100); Under

Game 53-54: Columbus at St. Louis (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Columbus 10.215; St. Louis 11.719
Dunkel Line & Total: St. Louis by 1 1/2; 6
Vegas Line & Total: St. Louis (-130); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (-130); Over

Game 55-56: Dallas at Los Angeles (10:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Dallas 11.819; Los Angeles 10.496
Dunkel Line & Total: Dallas by 1 1/2; 5 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Los Angeles (-170); 5
Dunkel Pick: Dallas (+150); Over

Announcement

Monday's Trends and Indexes - 3/7 (NBA, NCAAB, NHL, Misc.)

Monday's Trends and Indexes - 3/7 (NBA, NCAAB, NHL, Misc.)

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