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**Udog** · 03-14-2011, 08:09 AM

Daily Sports Roundup: March 14

Today in the Daily Sports Roundup: College hoops takes a breather before Madness starts, while the Heat get a visit from the Spurs, and the Sharks seek a win in Chicago.

Tipping off on the hardwood . . .

The NBA has nine games on tap for Monday, with Boston at New Jersey, Oklahoma City at Washington, Denver at New Orleans, the Clippers at Memphis, Phoenix at Houston, Philadelphia at Utah, Golden State at Sacramento, Orlando at the Lakers, and San Antonio at Miami. The Spurs (54-12 SU, 37-27-2 ATS) are coming off a 115-107 road win over Houston, while the Heat (45-21 SU, 30-35-1 ATS) beat Memphis 118-85 at home in their most recent game. San Antonio played host to Miami on March 4, cruising to a 125-95 win as a 2.5-point favorite in an OVER result. Manu Ginobili led the Spurs with 20 points in that game, while LeBron James tossed in 26 points for the Heat.

Taking a trip around the rink . . .

As well, there are three games on the NHL's schedule for Monday, with Tampa Bay at Toronto, Minnesota at Vancouver, and San Jose at Chicago. The Sharks fell to 39-22-8 on the year with a 3-2 home shootout loss to the Rangers in their last game on Saturday night, but they're 3-0 against the Blackhawks so far this season. Chicago and San Jose last met on December 30, with the Blackhawks losing 5-3 in an OVER result despite being a -150 home favorite. Joe Thornton, Dany Heatley, Ryane Clowe, Benn Ferriero, and Scott Nichol all scored for the Sharks in that win, while Antti Niemi made 26 saves. Brian Campbell, Patrick Sharp, and Troy Brouwer had the Blackhawks' goals.

**Udog** · 03-14-2011, 08:11 AM

Monday's betting tips: Kobe Bryant is a game-time decision

Lines to watch

Orlando Magic at Los Angeles Lakers: Oddsmakers have yet to release a line for this matchup with Kobe Bryant's status in question after he rolled his ankle on Saturday.

Who’s hot

NBA: San Antonio has played over the total in six of its last seven games.

NBA: Denver has covered in nine of its last 10 games overall, losing outright only twice during that run.

NHL: Vancouver has won five straight games.

Who’s not

NBA: Washington has just one win over its last 11 games, covering only three times during the slump.

NBA: Houston has covered only six times in its last 27 matchups with the Phoenix Suns.

NHL: Tampa Bay has just one win in its last seven games.

Key stat

46 percent – The Vancouver Canucks have scored a power play goal in each of their last four games, piling up six goals in 13 opportunities during that span. Vancouver leads the NHL converting 24.8 percent of its power play chances this season and sits second in the league averaging 3.2 goals per game.

Injury that shouldn’t be overlooked

Danilo Gallinari, Arron Afflalo, Denver Nuggets: There was some talk that Gallinari might have had a shot to return from his broken toe injury to play Monday night against the New Orleans Hornets, but now it looks more likely that he won’t play before Friday. The 6-foot-10 forward is putting up almost 16 points and five rebounds per game. Afflalo hasn’t been ruled out for Monday’s game but is considered questionable at best with his hamstring issue.

Game of the day

San Antonio Spurs at Miami Heat (-4, 198.5)

Notable quotable

"We're at the point of the season now where a point isn't good enough," San Jose Sharks defenseman Dan Boyle told reporters following an overtime loss to the Rangers on Saturday. "We had our chances, for sure. You never know if that point could cost us in the end. Hopefully it doesn't." The Sharks are pegged as +120 underdogs at Chicago on Monday.

Notes and tips

Los Angeles Lakers coach Phil Jackson says that superstar Kobe Bryant is a game-time decision for Monday’s game against Orlando. Bryant rolled his ankle in Saturday’s win over Dallas and has been reportedly receiving treatment on the ankle non-stop. Bryant is putting up 25 points per game and oddsmakers have yet to post a line for the game with his status up in the air.

The New Jersey Nets will welcome All-Star point guard Deron Williams back to the lineup when they take on the Boston Celtics Monday. Williams, who averages better than 15 points and rebounds per game, missed the last two contests due to the birth of his fourth child over the weekend. The team didn’t miss a beat without him, winning and covering against the Warriors and Clippers, to push the team’s winning streak to four games. New Jersey has dropped its last two meetings against the Celtics both straight up and against the spread and is pegged as a 5-point underdog for Monday’s game.

The Minnesota Wild haven’t ruled out injured captain Mikko Koivu for Monday’s game against the Vancouver Canucks. Koivu has been out of action since breaking his finger on Feb. 18. He has 49 points in 58 games this season, while the Wild are pegged as huge +180 underdogs against Vancouver.

**Udog** · 03-14-2011, 08:15 AM

Monday's six-pack

-- Providence has already been turned down by Herb Sendek as they go looking for a new hoop coach. This isn't a great job.

-- Arkansas fired John Pelphrey, who signed a great recruiting class for next year; will those kids stay committed until a new coach is hired?

-- Milwaukee Bucks trailed 39-22 at halftime in Boston Sunday night. Its almost impossible for an NBA team to be that inept.

-- Over 4,400 different types of mousetraps have been patented in this country. 4,400!!!! Just thought you'd like to know.

-- Over the last seven days, Madison Square Garden has hosted a total of 19 basketball games; high school, college and pro.

-- Out of the 32 first round NCAA tournament games, 12 have spreads of 2 or less points. Lot of highly competitive first round games.

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Monday's List of 13: Quick thoughts on the field of 68.........

13) Colorado went 5-6 vs top 50 teams, beating Kansas State three times, Missouri and Texas once, yet they were left out of the NCAAs. Not sure if I have the vocabulary to describe how surprising this is, not to mention unfair. If a Big East team had their resume, they would've gotten it.

As someone who enjoys a good conspiracy theory, I'll suggest that no one in Big 12 offices is that sad the Buffs got snubbed, since Colorado bolted the Big 12 for the Pac-10, starting next season.

12) I'm not saying Virginia Tech got hosed, I'm not really sure, I just feel bad for Seth Greenberg, who seems like a good guy. My solution to being happy on Selection Sunday is winning more games. Seems that the Hokies always need to win just one more game. Has to be a sad night for them.

11) 11 Big East teams made it, which is fair, but the two teams who get to play the play-in winners (UAB-Clemson and USC-VCU) are both from the Big East (West Virginia/Georgetown). Thats at least a little curious.

10) Memphis-Arizona pits Josh Pastner against his alma mater, a school that gave him his first coaching job. Arizona star Williams is terrific inside and makes 60% of his 3-pointers. He's tough matchup for Memphis.

9) Hampton is #16-seed facing Duke; no #16-seed has ever beaten a #1, but Pirates are last #15 to beat a #2, upsetting Iowa State 10 years ago.

8) I mean this good-naturedly, but the committee failed geography; Penn State is playing Temple in Arizona and Morehead State-Louisville game is in Denver. When was last time Louisville played a first-round game and the best rebounder in the game wasn't a Cardinal?

7) Villanova lost its last five games; they're first team since '06 NC State to get in NCAAs after losing last 4+ games- they're first team since 1985 to get an at-large bid after losing their last five games.

6) #11-seed Marquette is likely to be favored over #6-seed Xavier, just second time since 2001 an 11-seed would be favored over a #6. Last time was last year, when #6 Xavier was a 1-point dog vs #11-seed Minnesota. Musketeers won that game 65-54, by the way.

Since 1987, the #11 seed has been favored over the #6 five times, and has won/covered three of the five games.

5) Temple will be favored over Penn State, hoping to improve on the 1-12 career NCAA record of coach Fran Dunphy.

4) VCU is in, Virginia Tech is out......UAB is in, Alabama is out. Maybe Alabama should schedule UAB; maybe the Hokies should play VCU, so we could see on the court which team is better.

3) San Diego State has never won an NCAA tournament game, which is bad news for Northern Colorado, their opponent Thursday in Tucson. I'm thinking Aztecs got a favorable bracket to make it to the Final Four.

2) Since 1994, the #12-seed in Midwest is 12-5 SU in its first round game, despite being underdog by as many as 9.5 points (Creighton-Florida, '02). This year, Vanderbilt is the #5 seed, playing #12-seed Richmond Spiders.

1) In two of last three tournaments, Vandy has lost SU as a 4-seed, losing to Siena/Murray State, so they've got a good reason to be nervous going up against an experienced Spider squad.

I'm now hunkering down with individual game matchups, as we prepare for the best weekend of the sports year. Have a great day.

**Udog** · 03-14-2011, 08:17 AM

NCAA Tournament: Opening line report

At 5:30 p.m. Las Vegas time, about an hour and a half after the NCAA tournament bracket was finalized, Tony Sinisi, head oddsmaker for the Las Vegas Sports Consultants, released his line recommendations for all 36 first and second round games.

“I’ve done all the damage I can do,” an exhausted Sinisi, who’s been setting Vegas lines for more than 20 years, told ***********. “It’s a quick, mad scramble. It gets a little confusing when you’re trying to fill it in while watching it on TV. I try to do it every year, but usually I give up after about two minutes. You’d think all the years I’ve been doing this I’d get better at it, but I throw up my hands quickly.”

Sinisi said he completely agreed with the No. 1 seeds and has Ohio State rated one-point higher than Kansas, followed by Duke and Pittsburgh.

The Belmont-Wisconsin matchup was among the most challenging for Sinisi to handicap. It was the first time he had set a line on a game involving Belmont all season. He sent out Wisconsin -6.

“With all the data I’m using, Belmont is extremely highly rated,” Sinisi said. “When you’re dealing with an UNLV-Illinois or what have you, there’s a certain comfort level. But when you throw in the Belmonts of the world, it can get a little hairy.”

One of the biggest early line moves came on Michigan State-UCLA. Bookmaker, which was among the very first offshore books to put up lines, opened UCLA as a 1-point favorite. Within minutes, the Spartans were favored by 2.

Pete Korner, another prominent Las Vegas oddsmaker and owner of the Sports Club, sent out Michigan State as a 1-point favorite. Sinisi opened the game as a Pick ‘em.

In future odds, Korner lists Ohio State at +300 as the favorite to win the tournament, followed by Kansas at +450, Duke +500 and Pittsburgh +700.

The play-in games also made oddsmakers’ jobs a little more difficult this season. In Tuesday’s games, UNC-Asheville opened as a 3-point favorite over Arkansas-Little Rock. Clemson opened as 3.5-point favorite over UAB.

“It’s unchartered territory,” Sinisi said. “Playing Tuesday and Thursday or Wednesday and Friday, it’s something we’re going to have to see how those teams respond and how bettors react.”

On Wednesday, Texas-San Antonio is a 6-point favorite over Alabama State, and Southern Cal is a 2.5-point favorite over a Virginia Commonwealth team that most people were shocked made the field. In fact, VCU’s players and coaches reportedly didn’t even gather to watch the tournament selection show.

“One of those 11 or 12 seeds is going to knock off a 5 or a 6 because they’ve already got a tournament game under their belt,” Fran Fraschilla, a former Manhattan and St. John’s coach who is now an ESPN analyst told the New York Times. “You get the kinks and the nervousness out and have an N.C.A.A. win to your credit, and it actually may turn out to be detrimental to the higher seed.”

Biggest Spread

Both Duke and Kansas, the two No. 1 seeds that don’t have to wait to see who wins the play-in games are 22.5-point favorites.

Duke faces Hampton on Friday in Charlotte, N. C. Kansas takes on Boston University on Friday in Tulsa.

Smallest Spread

Korner released three games as Pick ‘ems: St. John’s-Gonzaga, Florida State-Texas A&M and Butler-Old Dominion.

Largest Total

Korner has the Texas-Oakland total at 151. Oakland leads the nation at 85.6 points per game, but also surrenders a tournament field-worst 76.6 points per game.

Smallest Total

Korner released the total on Old Dominion-Butler at 121.

**Udog** · 03-14-2011, 08:21 AM

AL Central odds: Can the Twins hold off the Sox and Tigers?

Oddsmakers have made their feelings known; the Central Division should be a hotly contested race. A quick peek at the MLB futures odds board will tell the story.

Minnesota, the defending champion, lost a few pieces but will have Joe Nathan and Justin Morneau returning. Chicago spent a lot cash to improve its offense and is a definite contender. Detroit upgraded its lumber department too and believes a first-rate bullpen will compliment its starting pitchers.

There is a large chasm from the top three to Cleveland and Kansas City. The Indians have gaping holes on the field as well as the pitching staff and the Royals best talent is in the farm system and not quite ready for The Show.

Chicago White Sox

Last season record: 88-74
Projected season win total: 85.5
Odds to win: +191

Biggest losses: RP Bobby Jenks, RP Scott Linebrink
Biggest additions: 1B Adam Dunn, RP Jesse Crain

White Sox Outlook: At the end of last season Paul Konerko thanked White Sox fans, figuring he would be playing somewhere else this year. Instead, Konerko is not only back but is joined by Adam Dunn with his 40 home runs and 100+ runs batted in. With Juan Pierre leading off and Carlos Quentin, Alex Rios, Alexei Ramirez and Gordon Beckham part of the supporting cast, Chicago’s offense appears extremely formidable.

On the presumption Jake Peavy is 80 percent the hurler he was in San Diego; the Pale Hose might send five quality starters to the mound with regularity. John Danks is the ace of the staff and Mark Buehrle and Gavin Floyd are expected to get their earned run averages back below 4.00 this season. Adding right-hander Jesse Crain (career 2.82 ERA vs. Central division foes) to complement lefties Matt Thornton and Chris Sales gives the White Sox a staunch look heading into the late innings. Duplicating last season’s 44 comeback victories (second best in AL) might be a stretch, even with an improved offense.

Season win total pick: Over 85.5

Cleveland Indians

Last season record: 69-93
Projected season win total: 71
Odds to win: +2461

Biggest loss: IF Andy Marte
Biggest addition: OF Austin Kearns

Indians Outlook: In 2007 the Cleveland Indians were one game away from the World Series, but with this current crop of players, the only way they will go to the Fall Classic is with a purchased ticket. Gone are the days of continual sellouts (Cleveland was 30th in attendance in baseball last year) and a fruitful farm system. Grady Sizemore, at 28 years old, should be in his prime, but off two injury-marred campaigns, his stock as an elite player has fallen. If Sizemore can return to pre-injury form, the Indians outfield will at least be above average with Michael Bradley and Shin-Soo Choo. The infield is a definite weakness, but Carlos Santana is a keeper as catcher.

For better or worse, Fausto Carmona is the Tribe’s best pitcher with 22 quality starts among the 33 times he toed the rubber. Carmona’s heavy sinker induced 30 double plays last year. The rest of the pitching staff could be charitably described as pedestrian. Manager Manny Acta has a knack for stressing the positive; he will have to look long and hard to find the right words this season.

Season win total pick: Under 71

Detroit Tigers

Last season record: 81-81
Projected season win total: 83.5
Odds to win: +228

Biggest losses: C Gerald Laird, RP Jeremy Bonderman
Biggest additions: C/1B Victor Martinez, RP Joaquin Benoit

Tigers Outlook: General manager Dave Dombrowski is bullish on his team’s chances to win the division. The addition of Victor Martinez adds another stick in the batting order to go along with Miguel Cabrera, Magglio Ordonez and exciting CF Austin Jackson. Cabrera is a once in a decade slugger and has to pull his life together for himself and his teammates. Though there are weak gloves at a few positions, others will feature some of the best in the American League like Jackson and Brandon Inge.

Justin Verlander is the best starting pitcher in the division and if Max Scherzer (2.46 ERA last 23 starts) and Rick Porcello make the expected progression of young pitchers, Detroit has reason to be giddy. Adding Joaquin Benoit from Tampa Bay is a perfect match with closer Jose Velverde, giving the Tigers the appearance of a water-tight bullpen.

Season win total pick: Over 81

Kansas City Royals

Last season record: 67-95
Projected season win total: 69.5
Odds to win: +2927

Biggest losses: SP Zack Greinke, OF David DeJesus
Biggest additions: OF Melky Cabrera, OF Jeff Francoeur

Royals Outlook: The Kansas City franchise lost an average of 96 games in the last decade and Royals fans have witnessed only one winning season since 1994. Why then would there be sense of optimism in the land of beef and barbeque? Well, because the Royals’ farm system, by all accounts, is oozing with talent on nearly every level. Of course that doesn’t help this year’s club which oddsmakers have projected for 93 setbacks.

With the trade of Zack Greinke and the retirement of Gil Meche, a wafer-thin starting staff is what K.C. is left with, having Luck Hochevar and Vin Mazzaro at the top of the rotation, presumably followed by Kyle Davies and Sean O’ Sullivan. At least the combination of setup man Robinson Tejada and closer Joakim Soria is major league level.

Doubles machine Billy Butler (96 two-baggers the last two seasons) is unquestionably the Royals’ top hitter. The rest of the everyday lineup is a collection of average ballplayers who would likely be utility players on winning teams.

Season win total pick: Under 69

Minnesota Twins

Last season record: 94-68
Projected season win total: 86
Odds to win: +159

Biggest loss: RP Jesse Crain, RP Matt Guerrier
Biggest addition: 2B Tsuyoshi Nishioka

Twins Outlook: Minnesota fans from year to year know what to expect from their Twins: A good team that has managed to compete with the Yankees and Red Sox without having anywhere near their payroll. This season will be different, with real excitement on the field and not just a new ball park. Manager Ron Gardenhire has a new double play combination in 2B Tsuyoshi Nishioka and SS Alexi Casilla, who are both 26 years old and born just a week apart. With the return of Justin Morneau, the M&M boys are back, giving Joe Mauer his running mate. Baseball’s most fundamentally sound team also boasts an outfield that can hit and field.

Six different pitchers notched 10 wins for Minnesota last season, but Gardenhire wants to raise the bar for the Twins starters. He expects Francisco Liriano, Brian Duensing and Carl Pavano to rack up loads of quality starts, mixed with domineering performances. One of three holdovers (Scott Baker, Nick Blackburn or Kevin Slowey) needs to lower their ERA’s by a run and throw like a No. 3 starter. Joe Nathan is a bit of a mystery at 36 coming off elbow surgery; nonetheless the rest of the bullpen has good arms.

Season win total pick: 86

**Udog** · 03-14-2011, 08:31 AM

NBA
Write-Up

Monday, March 14

Hot Teams
-- Nets won their last four games, with two of last three wins in OT.
-- Thunder won six of its last seven games.
-- Miami won its last two games, allowing 88-85 points, after losing its previous five games. Spurs won five of their last six games.
-- Denver won five of last six games, covered nine of last ten. Hornets won four of their last five games.
-- Clippers won four of their last five games.
-- 76ers won seven of their last ten road games.
-- Warriors won three of their last four games.
-- Lakers won nine of their last ten games. Orlando won four of its last five road games.

Cold Teams
-- Celtics covered once in their last five games as a favorite.
-- Wizards lost 10 of their last 11 games.
-- Grizzlies lost last two games, allowing 114 ppg.
-- Houston lost last two games, after winning previous eight; they're 7-1 vs spread in their last eight. Suns lost three of their last four tilts, losing last two by 19-23 points.
-- Utah lost 11 of its last 14 games.
-- Sacramento lost its last eight games; they're 6-4 vs spread in their last ten home games.

Totals
-- Three of last four Celtic games stayed under the total.
-- Three of last four Oklahoma City road games went over total.
-- Over is 9-2 in San Antonio's last eleven games.
-- Five of last six Denver games stayed under the total.
-- Last six Memphis games went over the total.
-- Four of last five Houston games went over the total.
-- Over is 8-3 in Philadelphia's last eleven road games.
-- Last six Sacramento games went over the total.
-- Six of last seven Laker games stayed under the total.

Back-to-Back
-- Celtics are 2-8 vs spread if they won the night before.
-- Thunder is 2-4 vs spread on road if they played night before.
-- Suns are 5-5 vs spread if they played night before, 1-2 if they lost.
-- Warriors are 6-4-1 vs spread if they played the night before.
-- Orlando is 6-4 vs spread on road if they won night before.

**Udog** · 03-14-2011, 08:35 AM

NBA

Monday, March 14

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Trend Report
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7:00 PM
BOSTON vs. NEW JERSEY
Boston is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Boston's last 6 games when playing on the road against New Jersey
New Jersey is 2-8 ATS in its last 10 games when playing at home against Boston
New Jersey is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home

7:00 PM
OKLAHOMA CITY vs. WASHINGTON
Oklahoma City is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Oklahoma City's last 6 games
Washington is 2-3-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Oklahoma City
Washington is 11-4-1 ATS in its last 16 games when playing Oklahoma City

8:00 PM
SAN ANTONIO vs. MIAMI
The total has gone OVER in 5 of San Antonio's last 6 games on the road
San Antonio is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Miami's last 8 games when playing San Antonio
Miami is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing San Antonio

8:00 PM
LA CLIPPERS vs. MEMPHIS
LA Clippers are 5-15 SU in their last 20 games on the road
LA Clippers are 2-4 SU in their last 6 games when playing Memphis
Memphis is 4-2 SU in their last 6 games when playing LA Clippers
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Memphis's last 5 games

8:00 PM
DENVER vs. NEW ORLEANS
Denver is 8-4 SU in its last 12 games when playing New Orleans
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Denver's last 9 games when playing New Orleans
The total has gone UNDER in 17 of New Orleans's last 24 games at home
New Orleans is 14-6 SU in its last 20 games at home

8:30 PM
PHOENIX vs. HOUSTON
Phoenix is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Houston
Phoenix is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games
Houston is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Houston's last 7 games when playing at home against Phoenix

9:00 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. UTAH
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Philadelphia's last 15 games when playing Utah
Philadelphia is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing Utah
Utah is 3-11 SU in its last 14 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Utah's last 7 games when playing at home against Philadelphia

10:00 PM
GOLDEN STATE vs. SACRAMENTO
Golden State is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Sacramento
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Golden State's last 6 games when playing Sacramento
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Sacramento's last 14 games when playing at home against Golden State
Sacramento is 17-7 SU in its last 24 games when playing at home against Golden State

10:30 PM
ORLANDO vs. LA LAKERS
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Orlando's last 6 games on the road
Orlando is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
LA Lakers are 17-8 SU in their last 25 games when playing Orlando
LA Lakers are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games when playing at home against Orlando

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**Udog** · 03-14-2011, 08:38 AM

NBA

Monday, March 14

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What bettors need to know: NBA doubleheader on ESPN
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San Antonio Spurs at Miami Heat (-4, 199)

The Heat will be looking to avenge one (of many) of their most embarrassing losses this season when they visit the Spurs on Monday night for the second of two meetings between the two NBA Finals contenders. Part III of Miami’s recent and well-publicized five-game losing streak came in San Antonio on March 4. The home team—a 2.5-point favorite—humiliated the reeling visitors 125-95 in a contest that was over after one period (the Spurs led 36-12).

Miami’s “Big 3” shot the ball well and combined for 62 points, but the Heat hardly even attempted to play an ounce of defense. The Spurs showcased their typical team basketball and dished out 29 assists while shooting 46 for 82 from the floor, including a ridiculous 17 for 28 from downtown. An amazing eight guys in San Antonio uniforms scored in double-figures, led by Manu Ginobili’s 20 and Matt Bonner’s 18.

Turn up the Heat

Are Miami’s woes a thing of the past? You never know the way this team has been up and down the entire year, but the five-game slide certainly is in the rearview mirror.

The Heat have won two straight (2-0) ATS, both at home and both in impressive fashion. They toppled the Lakers 94-88 on Thursday then absolutely destroyed Memphis 118-85 on Saturday.

"They have been in a hole and they are trying to turn it around," Grizzlies coach Lionel Hollins told the Miami Sun Sentinel. "They knew they had to back up the Thursday night game with this game.”

Dwyane Wade, LeBron James, and Chris Bosh led the way in both contests. Bosh scored 24 points on 10-of-17 shooting against L.A. and Wade did it all with 28 points, nine assists, three steals, and five blocks against Memphis.

Off-the-court items

Wade also scored a big victory in the courtroom over the weekend; he was awarded custody of his two sons.

“My life changed in a huge way," Wade told the Associated Press. "Mentally, I've been preparing for it for over a year now. To me, it's bigger than that. For me, it shows a lot of people that you need to fight to be in your kids' lives sometimes. You fight until you can't fight any more.”

Teammate Zydrunas Ilgauskas, meanwhile, was released from the hospital on Sunday after getting treated for a foot infection. However, he is not expected to suit up for Monday’s showdown.

Trending topics

The Spurs are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 road games, but 3-8 ATS in their last 11 overall.

The Heat are 2-5 ATS in their last seven home games and 2-7 ATS in their last nine overall.

The over is 4-0 in San Antonio’s last four road games and 6-1 in their last seven overall. The over is 10-2 in Miami’s last 12 against the Western Conference.

Head-to-head, the Spurs are 4-0 ATS in the last four encounters. The under is 4-0 in the last four at Miami and 18-3 in the last 21 overall.

Orlando Magic at Los Angeles Lakers (N/A)

This is also a case of the home team gunning for serious revenge on Sunday. In the only previous meeting between the Magic and Lakers this season, Orlando—as a one-point favorite—hammered visiting L.A. 89-75.

Dwight Howard positively overtook the game, going for 31 points and 13 rebounds while missing only four total shots (13 of 16 from the floor, five of six from the line). Jason Richardson was the only other Magic player in double-figures, but the home team dominated the boards 46 to 34. Orlando, though, will want to cut down its turnovers; it coughed up the ball 16 time to the Lakers’ eight.

Kobe or not Kobe, that is the question

Kobe Bryant went down with what he called “the scariest” sprained ankle of his career during the third quarter of a 96-91 win at Dallas on Saturday. Bryant, though, returned in the fourth.

"I thought I was done; like done," he told the Los Angeles Times. "I was just praying that when I stood up, my foot was lined up straight. I thought I dislocated it.

"I had to stop being a chump and just suck it up and go out there and play…. Even though it looks horrible, I can still push off on it."

Bryant is listed as questionable, but he is expected to be good to go for Monday’s clash with Orlando.

This would not be a good time for Bryant to be sidelined, as the Lakers have won nine of their last 10 games (8-2 ATS). Orlando, on the other hand, had lost three of four (0-4 ATS) heading into a Sunday visit to Phoenix.

The Magic are 9-7 (6-10 ATS) in the second of back-to-back games this season.

Trending topics

The Magic are 0-4 ATS in their last four overall and 1-4 ATS in their last five against the Western Conference.

The Lakers are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 overall.

The under is 12-4 in Orlando’s last 16 overall.

Head-to-head, the Magic are 4-1-1 ATS in the last six at the Staples Center, but the Lakers are 4-1-1 ATS in the last six overall. The under is 5-0 in the last five in L.A. and 5-0 in the last five overall.

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**Udog** · 03-14-2011, 08:41 AM

NBA

Monday, March 14

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Pick 'n' roll: Today's best basketball bets
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Los Angeles Clippers at Memphis Grizzlies (-6, 203)

The Clippers finish off a successful road trip Monday in Memphis and they’re hoping to build upon a great effort on Saturday.

Los Angeles ripped the Washington Wizards 122-101 as a 2.5-point favorite, covering for the fifth time in six games. Blake Griffin led the way with all 26 of his points in the opening 24 minutes and Mo Williams chipped in 22.

"Blake is a phenomenal player," Wizards coach Flip Saunders told the media postgame. "He puts so much pressure on you. He has great strength. He is phenomenal in the open floor."

It was an impressive showing from the Clippers after they looked flat in a loss to New Jersey, a game that Griffin had a chance to win at the charity stripe. But it was encouraging to see Los Angeles rebound by pushing the pace all night against Washington.

They’ll hope to do the same against the Grizzlies, who have lost consecutive games, including a blowout defeat against the Heat.

Pick: Clippers

Golden State Warriors at Sacramento Kings (-1, 217)

The Sacramento Kings have lost six consecutive games and are desperately missing injured guard Tyreke Evans, who averages better than 18 points a night.

Evans has missed the last 13 games with plantar fasciitis and while the team would love to have him back, there is talk that he may not get back on the court this season. It’s not like the Kings have a whole lot to play for at this point to rush him back.

To make matters worse, starting point guard Beno Udrih also sat out Saturday’s 115-103 loss to New Orleans as he battled the flu. His status is still in question for Monday’s game.

Golden State has a quick turnaround after hosting Minnesota on Sunday, but the Warriors have covered in each of their last five meetings with the Kings and should be able to get it done on the road here.

Pick: Warriors

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**Udog** · 03-14-2011, 08:43 AM

NHL
Write-Up

Monday, March 14

Hot Teams
-- Canucks won last five games, scoring 13 goals in last three.

Cold Teams
-- Tampa Bay lost six of its last seven games. Maple Leafs lost three of their last four games.
-- Sharks lost three of last four games, losing last two in SOs. Chicago lost its last three games, all by one goal.
-- Minnesota lost five of its last seven games.

Totals
-- Five of last six Tampa Bay road games stayed under total.
-- Seven of last eight Chicago games went over the total.
-- Five of last six Minnesota games stayed under total.

Back-to-Back
-- Blackhawks are 5-3 if they lost the night before.

Series records
-- Lightning is 8-3 in last 11 games vs Toronto, winning 4-0/2-0 in two meetings this season.
-- Sharks are 3-0 vs Chicago this year: 5-2/2-1ot/5-3.
-- Canucks won 11 of their last 16 games against Minnesota.

**Udog** · 03-14-2011, 08:47 AM

NHL

Monday, March 14

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Trend Report
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7:00 PM
TAMPA BAY vs. TORONTO
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Tampa Bay's last 9 games
Tampa Bay is 6-16-1 SU in its last 23 games ,when playing on the road against Toronto
Toronto is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Tampa Bay
Toronto is 12-5 SU in its last 17 games when playing at home against Tampa Bay

8:30 PM
SAN JOSE vs. CHICAGO
San Jose is 8-4 SU in its last 12 games when playing on the road against Chicago
The total has gone OVER in 5 of San Jose's last 7 games when playing on the road against Chicago
Chicago is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Chicago's last 13 games when playing San Jose

10:00 PM
MINNESOTA vs. VANCOUVER
Minnesota is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Vancouver
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Minnesota's last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Vancouver's last 6 games when playing at home against Minnesota
Vancouver is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Minnesota

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**Udog** · 03-14-2011, 08:50 AM

NHL

Monday, March 14

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Pucking the trends: This week's hot and cold NHL bets
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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: Washington Capitals

The numbers say it all and they are really not surprising in the grand scheme of things. To think that the high-octane Capitals woke up on Sunday with 88 points and in first place in the Southeast Division would probably appear like status quo to most hockey bettors.

But, oh, the road that Washington took to get there was anything but normal. Inconsistent play, long stretches of anemic offense, and coach Bruce Boudreau -- thanks to HBO’s cameras -- using every bad word in the book were just three of the pieces to what was a bad, bad puzzle for a long time in Washington.

That, finally, has changed, though, and the Capitals are officially in the hunt for the Stanley Cup. In fact, they took a seven-game winning streak into Sunday’s matinee vs. Chicago. And almost at the halfway point of March, Washington had yet to lose a game this month.

The key, along the way, has been the ability to close tight games. During the streak, Alexander Ovechkin and Co. posted six wins by just one goal. And Ovechkin hasn’t been bad, either. He took totals of 28 goals, 45 assists and 73 points into the date vs. the Blackhawks and had at least one point in all seven games.

COLD TEAM: Boston Bruins

An unlikely tenant in this real-estate district, the Bruins have hit the skids at the wrong time. They were still in first place in the Northeast Division with 85 points after Saturday's games, but the comfort level up there is shrinking.

A four-game losing streak, including a surprising 4-2 loss to the Islanders Thursday, has given the Canadiens the belief they can catch Boston. In fact, Montreal was just two points behind Boston through Saturday’s action and brimming with confidence.

No one is saying Boston can’t recover, and maybe a little rest -- they don’t play again until Tuesday vs. Columbus -- will do the trick. But for now, the Bruins are scuffling, and maybe it has to do with the ill-fated cloud of controversy. The one that’s been hanging over their heads since defenseman Zdeno Chara’s hit on Montreal forward Max Pacioretty last week.

OVER PLAY: Columbus Blue Jackets

On the back end of back-to-back games, the Blue Jackets patchworked a 3-2 win over Carolina Saturday. It was grueling, and Columbus showed fatigue, but a win is a win.

Unfortunately, for over players, it was the end of a good streak here. But the scrappy Blue Jackets, who are fading in the West playoff race, should still be a candidate for overs, moving forward.

Columbus, off until Tuesday vs. Boston, has posted overs now in five of their last six games. And in a broader picture, the run stretches to six of the last nine games, with a push included in there (6-2-1).

Steve Mason has been in net for all but two of those games, and perhaps he’s starting to wear down. His save percentage is down to .903, and heading into the Boston game, his goals-against average was up to 3.01.

UNDER PLAY: Nashville Predators

Nashville, unlike Columbus, is still hanging tough in the West playoff race. The Predators were just one out of the No. 8 spot on Sunday.

If they eventually cross that barrier, it’ll be on the strength of their defense, which has been great of late. That, in turn, has been great for under players, and don’t let Saturday’s 4-2 win over Colorado dissuade you.

That Saturday night over broke an under stretch that had reached 12 games (7-0-5). What’s more, if you look back to the beginning of February, Nashville -- off until Tuesday vs. Los Angeles -- is on an 11-2-5 under stretch.

That’s long-term consistency if we’ve ever seen it, folks. Keep Nashville in your under thoughts moving forward.

SURVEYING THE SCHEDULE:

** The legs should be fresh and minds clear when the Rangers return to New York on Tuesday to meet the Islanders. By the time that puck drops at Madison Square Garden, the Rangers will have played just three games in the previous nine days. They have had at least two days off in between the last three games, and that can only help as the nip-and-tuck East playoff race trudges on.

** The Canucks haven’t been so lucky. Their March has been loaded and when they take on Minnesota on Monday, it’ll already be their eighth game of the month. In fact, the Canucks played four games last week, have three more this week, and haven’t had consecutive days off since Feb. 27-28. Of course, it hasn’t slowed their play, as they are 6-1 this month. But eventually, this stretch might wear them down just a tad.

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**Udog** · 03-14-2011, 08:52 AM

NHL

Monday, March 14

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Ice picks: Monday's best NHL bets
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Tampa Bay Lightning at Toronto Maple Leafs (-115, 5.5)

Guy Boucher is considered by many as one of the most impressive young coaching minds in the NHL, but he’s having a tough time getting as much out of his Tampa Bay Lightning as he would like.

Tampa Bay dropped a 4-3 overtime decision to the lowly Florida Panthers on Saturday, which was the team’s sixth loss in seven games.

Secondary scoring has been a major issue for the Lightning all year. Boucher shuffled the deck with his lines ahead of Saturday’s game in an effort to jumpstart the offense

"I don't have a second line," Boucher said. "Gagne is not putting it in, and Purcell is sometimes in, sometimes out. If we would have had secondary scoring the last two weeks, we might be first in the conference right now."

Gagne responded with three points, though it should be noted all three of Tampa’s goals came on the power play.

You have to like the Lightning to get back on track at this price.

Pick: Lightning

Minnesota Wild at Vancouver Canucks (-210, 5.5)

The Minnesota Wild’s spotty offense has hit yet another pothole this season. The Wild don’t have many premier playmakers on the roster and the team heads into this game having been shutout in two straight contests.

Part of the problem is that captain Mikko Koivu is still out of the lineup with a broken finger and nobody has stepped up to fill his void offensively. The good news is Koivu is practicing and could return any day now, which would be huge. The Wild, who are trying to get back in the Western Conference playoff picture, average just 2.5 goals per game this year.

"No real sugar-coating. It's really rough," forward Matt Cullen said. "It's going to be a good test for our team. We have to respond. Otherwise, it's over. It's lights out. We can't sit here and complain and whine. We've done it to ourselves."

Meanwhile, the Canucks have given up some goals recently, but they head into Monday’s date having won five in a row. They’ll tighten up defensively against this desperate Wild club.

Pick: Under

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**Udog** · 03-14-2011, 10:14 AM

NCAAB
Dunkel

UAB vs. Clemson
The Tigers look to take advantage of a UAB team that is 2-8 ATS in its last 10 neutral site games. Clemson is the pick (-4 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Tigers favored by 7 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Clemson (-4 1/2). Here are all of the first round NCAA Tournament games.

TUESDAY, MARCH 15

Game 539-540: NC-Asheville vs. AR-Little Rock (6:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: NC-Asheville 56.480; AR-Little Rock 53.819
Dunkel Line: NC-Asheville by 2 1/2
Vegas Line: NC-Asheville by 4
Dunkel Pick: AR-Little Rock (+4)

Game 541-542: UAB vs. Clemson (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: UAB 62.663; Clemson 70.039
Dunkel Line: Clemson by 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Clemson by 4 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Clemson (-4 1/2)

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16

Game 623-624: Alabama State vs. TX-San Antonio (6:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Alabama State 48.697; TX-San Antonio 50.588
Dunkel Line: TX-San Antonio by 2
Vegas Line: TX-San Antonio by 4 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Alabama State (+4 1/2)

Game 625-626: VCU vs. USC (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: VCU 60.666; USC 67.445
Dunkel Line: USC by 7
Vegas Line: USC by 4 1/2
Dunkel Pick: USC (-4 1/2)

THURSDAY, MARCH 17

Game 709-710: Princeton vs. Kentucky (2:55 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Princeton 57.301; Kentucky 69.957
Dunkel Line: Kentucky by 12 1/2
Vegas Line: Kentucky by 14
Dunkel Pick: Princeton (+14)

Game 711-712: UC-Santa Barbara vs. Florida (6:50 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: UC-Santa Barbara 54.068; Florida 71.572
Dunkel Line: Florida by 17 1/2
Vegas Line: Florida by 13
Dunkel Pick: Florida (-13)

Game 713-714: Michigan State vs. UCLA (9:20 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Michigan State 66.891; UCLA 63.620
Dunkel Line: Michigan State by 3 1/2
Vegas Line: Michigan State by 1 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Michigan State (-1 1/2)

Game 715-716: Bucknell vs. Connecticut (7:20 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Bucknell 60.403; Connecticut 69.309
Dunkel Line: Connecticut by 9
Vegas Line: Connecticut by 11 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Bucknell (+11 1/2)

Game 717-718: Missouri vs. Cincinnati (9:50 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Missouri 69.892; Cincinnati 67.740
Dunkel Line: Missouri by 2
Vegas Line: Pick
Dunkel Pick: Missouri

Game 721-722: Old Dominion vs. Butler (11:40 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Old Dominion 66.988; Butler 63.115
Dunkel Line: Old Dominion by 4
Vegas Line: Old Dominion by 1 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Old Dominion (-1 1/2)

Game 723-724: Richmond vs. Vanderbilt (4:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Richmond 63.393; Vanderbilt 67.545
Dunkel Line: Vanderbilt by 4
Vegas Line: Vanderbilt by 1 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Vanderbilt (-1 1/2)

Game 725-726: Morehead State vs. Louisville (1:40 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Morehead State 61.713; Louisville 68.493
Dunkel Line: Louisville by 7
Vegas Line: Louisville by 10
Dunkel Pick: Morehead State (+10)

Game 727-728: Wofford vs. BYU (7:15 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Wofford 61.647; BYU 67.431
Dunkel Line: BYU by 6
Vegas Line: BYU by 8
Dunkel Pick: Wofford (+8)

Game 729-730: Gonzaga vs. St. John's (9:45 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Gonzaga 65.780; St. John's 70.355
Dunkel Line: St. John's by 4 1/2
Vegas Line: St. John's by 1 1/2
Dunkel Pick: St. John's (-1 1/2)

Game 731-732: Northern Colorado vs. San Diego State (4:40 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Northern Colorado 57.354; San Diego State 71.105
Dunkel Line: San Diego State by 14
Vegas Line: San Diego State by 16 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Northern Colorado (+16 1/2)

Game 733-734: Penn State vs. Temple (2:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Penn State 63.460; Temple 68.890
Dunkel Line: Temple by 5 1/2
Vegas Line: Temple by 2
Dunkel Pick: Temple (-2)

Game 735-736: Utah State vs. Kansas State (9:55 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Utah State 69.092; Kansas State 68.792
Dunkel Line: Even
Vegas Line: Kansas State by 2
Dunkel Pick: Utah State (+2)

Game 737-738: Belmont vs. Wisconsin (7:25 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Belmont 64.606; Wisconsin 72.136
Dunkel Line: Wisconsin by 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Wisconsin by 4 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Wisconsin (-4 1/2)

FRIDAY, MARCH 18

Game 825-826: Long Island vs. North Carolina (7:15 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Long Island 54.906; North Carolina 72.031
Dunkel Line: North Carolina by 17
Vegas Line: North Carolina by 18 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Long Island (+18 1/2)

Game 827-828: Georgia vs. Washington (9:45 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Georgia 62.152; Washington 70.261
Dunkel Line: Washington by 8
Vegas Line: Washington by 5
Dunkel Pick: Washington (-5)

Game 829-830: Hampton vs. Duke (3:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Hampton 48.596; Duke 70.260
Dunkel Line: Duke by 21 1/2
Vegas Line: Duke by 22 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Hampton (+22 1/2)

Game 831-832: Tennessee vs. Michigan (12:40 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Tennessee 66.880; Michigan 63.925
Dunkel Line: Tennessee by 3
Vegas Line: Pick
Dunkel Pick: Tennessee

Game 835-836: Villanova vs. George Mason (2:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Villanova 64.577; George Mason 67.527
Dunkel Line: George Mason by 3
Vegas Line: George Mason by 1
Dunkel Pick: George Mason (-1)

Game 837-838: Indiana State vs. Syracuse (9:55 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Indiana State 62.624; Syracuse 72.357
Dunkel Line: Syracuse by 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Syracuse by 11 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Indiana State (+11 1/2)

Game 839-840: Marquette vs. Xavier (7:25 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Marquette 67.415; Xavier 67.007
Dunkel Line: Even
Vegas Line: Xavier by 1 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Marquette (+1 1/2)

Game 841-842: Akron vs. Notre Dame (1:40 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Akron 58.645; Notre Dame 73.320
Dunkel Line: Notre Dame by 14 1/2
Vegas Line: Notre Dame by 12 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Notre Dame (-12 1/2)

Game 843-844: Florida State vs. Texas A&M (4:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Florida State 68.336; Texas A&M 65.791
Dunkel Line: Florida State by 2 1/2
Vegas Line: Pick
Dunkel Pick: Florida State

Game 845-846: St. Peter's vs. Purdue (7:20 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: St. Peter's 59.117; Purdue 69.821
Dunkel Line: Purdue by 11
Vegas Line: Purdue by 14 1/2
Dunkel Pick: St. Peter's (+14 1/2)

Game 849-850: Memphis vs. Arizona (8:49 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Memphis 61.928; Arizona 65.091
Dunkel Line: Arizona by 3
Vegas Line: Arizona by 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Memphis (+5 1/2)

Game 851-852: Oakland vs. Texas (12:15 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Oakland 62.481; Texas 74.106
Dunkel Line: Texas by 11 1/2
Vegas Line: Texas by 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Texas (-9 1/2)

Game 853-854: Boston U vs. Kansas (6:50 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Boston U 54.081; Kansas 75.253
Dunkel Line: Kansas by 21
Vegas Line: Kansas by 23
Dunkel Pick: Boston U (+23)

Game 855-856: Illinois vs. UNLV (9:20 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Illinois 64.661; UNLV 67.755
Dunkel Line: UNLV by 3
Vegas Line: UNLV by 1 1/2
Dunkel Pick: UNLV (-1 1/2)

Announcement

Monday's Trends and Indexes - 3/14 (NBA, NCAAB, NHL, Misc.)

Monday's Trends and Indexes - 3/14 (NBA, NCAAB, NHL, Misc.)

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