Announcement

**Udog** · 03-25-2011, 07:45 AM

Friday's betting tips: VCU's turnover ratio key to a cover

Lines to watch

Ohio State opened as a 5-point favorite against Kentucky, but the betting public is starting to weigh in with Buckeyes bets as the game nears. OSU can be found as high as -6 now.

Who’s hot

NCAAB: Marquette has played under the total in 14 of its last 16 games overall.

NCAAB: Richmond has covered in 10 of its last 11 games overall and has a lot of points to work with on Friday, set as a 10.5-point underdog against Kansas.

NCAAB: Ohio State has covered in seven of its last nine games.

NBA: The Denver Nuggets are 14-2 against the spread in their last 16 contests.

NHL: Carolina has won 11 of its last 16 meetings with Tampa Bay.

NHL: Washington is 14-3 in its last 17 contests.

Who’s not

NCAAB: The over is only 3-7 in VCU’s last 10 games and is only 1-5 in Florida State’s last six games. Oddsmakers have Friday’s VCU-FSU total at 131.

NBA: The Los Angeles Clippers have dropped five straight against the number, though they have covered in seven of their last nine meetings with the Lakers.

NBA: Miami is just 4-10 against the spread in its last 14 contests.

NBA: Toronto has covered only twice in their last 13 road games.

NHL: The Florida Panthers are 8-23 in their last 31 games.

Key stat

+20 – After barely squeaking in, VCU leads the NCAA Tournament with a +20 turnover margin and that stat could come into play in a big way against Florida State. The Seminoles have the Tournament’s worst turnover margin, sitting at -6 through the first two games. Oddsmakers currently have Florida State listed as a 4-point favorite.

Injury that shouldn’t be overlooked

Deron Williams, New Jersey Nets: Williams’ status is still up in the air for Friday’s game against Orlando, but if he is able to suit up, the word is that he will start. Williams has missed the last three games and is expected to test out his strained wrist in shootaround. We should have another update after that.

Game of the day

Ohio State Buckeyes at Kentucky Wildcats (-5.5, 140)

Notable quotable

“Everyone on the team knows we can win this game. It seems like the pressure is off of us now. It seems like the pressure is on Kansas. Everyone is counting us out now. They’re like, ‘Richmond got to the Sweet 16. That was a great season for them.’ But that’s not what we’re here for.” – Richmond guard Kevin Anderson about the Spiders being a heavy underdog in Friday’s game against Kansas. Oddsmakers currently have Richmond set as a 10.5-point underdog, the biggest number on the board.

Notes and tips

Keep your eye on Richmond’s Darrius Garrett, who averages only 12.8 minutes per game, but could see a lot more than that as the Spiders try to contain Kansas in the paint. Garrett checks in at 6-foot-9 and only 210 pounds but he puts up 1.6 blocks per game and is a decent rebounder. The Spiders know they’re in big trouble unless they can compete on the interior, so Garrett may end up being a major part of their game plan.

Cleveland's Baron Davis is listed as probable for Friday’s game against the Detroit Pistons and could start. Davis participated fully in Thursday’s practice and coach Byron Scott apparently wants him to start at least 10 games down the stretch. The veteran point guard has missed six of the last seven games with back and knee problems.

The Carolina Hurricanes desperately need captain Eric Staal to be in top form if they’re going to get back into a playoff spot. Staal, the team’s leading scorer with 65 points this season, left Tuesday’s game with a lower body injury but was able to practice Thursday and the team hopes he’ll be able to suit up Friday against Tampa Bay. However, coach Paul Maurice said his captain may see decreased ice time.

**Udog** · 03-25-2011, 07:49 AM

Friday's six-pack

Statistical leaders in the NBA this season
-- Scoring: Durant OC 27.9, James Mia 26.3, Stoudemire NY 25.8

-- Rebounds: Love Minn 15.4, Howard Orl 14.2, ZRandolph Mem 12.5

-- Assists: Rondo Bos 11.5, Nash Phx 11.4, DWilliams NJ 10.1

-- 3-pt %: Bonner SA 47.9%, RAllen Bos 45.9%, Ridnour Min 44.5%

-- FT%: Curry GS 92.7%, Billups NY 91.6%, Foye LAC 91.0%

-- Steals: Paul NO 2.46, Rondo Bos 2.39, Ellis GS 2.17

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

Friday's List of 13: Nobody asked me, but.............

13) I'm only going to say this on the officiating of UConn-San Diego St game, because I lost my pick on the game so no matter what I say it will sound bitter, but I have never, ever seen a technical foul called after the first foul of a game. Warn the kid, its your damn job. A second foul on Leonard before first TV timeout had a profound effect on the outcome.

12) That said, Kemba Walker is a beast, and the Lamb kid keeps getting better as season goes on. Weird fact: Lamb's father played for VCU and hit a game-winning shot against Northeastern in the '84 NCAAs. Losing coach in that game? Jim Calhoun.

11) BYU beat Florida in double OT in LY's tournament, lost to Gators in OT last night, as Jimmer Fredette's great career ended. I'm not much for individual awards, but if I voted for Player of the Year, I'd split the vote between Jimmer/Kemba- both deserve to be recognized for their season.

10) That said, Arizona's Derrick Williams will be better than either one of them as a pro.

9) How long can Butler keep Brad Stevens stashed in Hinkle Fieldhouse? This is a historic tournament run the Bulldogs are on. At some point, he is going to get offered sick money, and he's going to have to take it.

8) Finals of the best-of-3 CBI tournament would normally not be very big news, but Oregon's Dana Altman left Creighton last spring to coach the Ducks. Altman had a long, successful run in Omaha; will be interesting to see the reaction he gets Monday night.

7) Looks like Kevin Love could miss Minnesota's last ten games with a leg injury; he's an awful good player on an awful bad team, leading NBA in rebounding.

6) Florida Marlins had hit only seven HRs all spring before hitting four in a 15-7 slugfest against Boston; young OF Stanton hit two taters and had seven RBI in his first big league game this spring.

5) Giants' OF Cody Ross strained a calf muscle and is expected to miss three weeks; Chase Utley, Brandon Webb and Jake Peavy are all expected to start the season on the DL. Baseball players get hurt a lot.

4) Rangers will keep Neftali Feliz as a closer, disappointing guys who have Feliz in fantasy leagues that don't have saves as a category. If he is the closer all year, he's useless in those leagues.

3) 18 major league teams scored 7+ runs in spring training Thursday, as pitchers are supposed to be rounding into shape. Supposed to be.

2) Consumer advocate Ralph Nader came out in favor of eliminating all athletic scholarships; Nader, who occasionally makes sense but who was last on the winning side of a debate during the Ming Dynasty (not Yao Ming, either), is the real world's version of the Washington Generals; he puts up a valiant fight, but never, ever wins.

1) April Fools' Day is next Friday, so apparently rumors that nomadic Larry Brown wants to coach again are true. Seriously, I have no idea who else would hire this guy, but his name is out there.

**Udog** · 03-25-2011, 07:50 AM

NCAAB
Dunkel

Kentucky vs. Ohio State
The Buckeyes are coming off a 98-66 win over George Mason and look to build on their 9-2 ATS record in their last 11 games following a SU win of more than 20 points. Ohio State is the pick (-5 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Buckeyes favored by 8 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Ohio State (-5 1/2). Here are all of today's tournament games.

FRIDAY, MARCH 25

Game 877-878: Marquette vs. North Carolina (7:15 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Marquette 69.804; North Carolina 71.703
Dunkel Line: North Carolina by 2
Vegas Line: North Carolina by 4 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Marquette (+4 1/2)

Game 879-880: Kentucky vs. Ohio State (9:45 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Kentucky 71.811; Ohio State 80.135
Dunkel Line: Ohio State by 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Ohio State by 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Ohio State (-5 1/2)

Game 881-882: Richmond vs. Kansas (7:25 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Richmond 67.162; Kansas 75.991
Dunkel Line: Kansas by 9
Vegas Line: Kansas by 10 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Richmond (+10 1/2)

Game 883-884: VCU vs. Florida State (9:55 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: VCU 63.492; Florida State 70.760
Dunkel Line: Florida State by 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Florida State by 3 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Florida State (-3 1/2)

Game 885-886: Santa Clara at SMU (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Santa Clara 59.790; SMU 60.726
Dunkel Line: SMU by 1
Vegas Line: SMU by 3 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Santa Clara (+3 1/2)

**Udog** · 03-25-2011, 07:53 AM

NCAAB
Long Sheet

Friday, March 25

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MARQUETTE (22 - 14) vs. N CAROLINA (28 - 7) - 3/25/2011, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
N CAROLINA is 115-86 ATS (+20.4 Units) after a non-conference game since 1997.
MARQUETTE is 35-23 ATS (+9.7 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MARQUETTE is 35-23 ATS (+9.7 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
MARQUETTE is 17-5 ATS (+11.5 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
MARQUETTE is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) in a neutral court game where the total is 145 to 149.5 since 1997.
MARQUETTE is 26-16 ATS (+8.4 Units) after a conference game over the last 2 seasons.
MARQUETTE is 17-7 ATS (+9.3 Units) in road games off a win against a conference rival over the last 3 seasons.
MARQUETTE is 14-7 ATS (+6.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
MARQUETTE is 19-10 ATS (+8.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games over the last 2 seasons.
MARQUETTE is 10-1 ATS (+8.9 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game after 15+ games over the last 2 seasons.
MARQUETTE is 16-3 ATS (+12.7 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.

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

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KENTUCKY (27 - 8) vs. OHIO ST (34 - 2) - 3/25/2011, 9:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OHIO ST is 40-22 ATS (+15.8 Units) when the total is 140 to 149.5 since 1997.
OHIO ST is 18-8 ATS (+9.2 Units) after scoring 80 points or more over the last 3 seasons.
OHIO ST is 174-135 ATS (+25.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
OHIO ST is 111-81 ATS (+21.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games since 1997.
KENTUCKY is 37-20 ATS (+15.0 Units) when playing with 5 or 6 days rest since 1997.

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

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RICHMOND (29 - 7) vs. KANSAS (34 - 2) - 3/25/2011, 7:15 PM
Top Trends for this game.
KANSAS is 33-20 ATS (+11.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games over the last 3 seasons.
RICHMOND is 21-12 ATS (+7.8 Units) in all games this season.
RICHMOND is 21-12 ATS (+7.8 Units) in all lined games this season.
RICHMOND is 15-4 ATS (+10.6 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
RICHMOND is 7-1 ATS (+5.9 Units) in all neutral court games this season.
RICHMOND is 7-1 ATS (+5.9 Units) when playing on a neutral court this season.
RICHMOND is 12-5 ATS (+6.5 Units) after allowing 60 points or less this season.
RICHMOND is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) in all tournament games this season.
RICHMOND is 28-14 ATS (+12.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
RICHMOND is 17-8 ATS (+8.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games over the last 2 seasons.
RICHMOND is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.

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

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VA COMMONWEALTH (26 - 11) vs. FLORIDA ST (23 - 10) - 3/25/2011, 9:55 PM
Top Trends for this game.
VA COMMONWEALTH is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) in a NCAA tournament games since 1997.

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

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**Udog** · 03-25-2011, 07:54 AM

NCAAB
Short Sheet

Friday, March 25

MARQUETTE vs. at N CAROLINA, 7:00 PM ET - NCAA Tournament - Regional Semifinals - Prudential Center - Newark, NJ
MARQUETTE: 17-5 ATS as an underdog
N CAROLINA: 15-25 ATS when playing only their 2nd game in a week

KENTUCKY vs. at OHIO ST, 9:30 PM ET - NCAA Tournament - Regional Semifinals - Prudential Center - Newark, NJ
KENTUCKY: 22-10 OVER in a NCAA tournament games
OHIO ST: 11-3 OVER after 2 consecutive covers as a favorite

RICHMOND vs. at KANSAS, 7:15 PM ET - NCAA Tournament - Regional Semifinals - Alamodome - San Antonio, TX
RICHMOND: 12-5 ATS after allowing 60 points or less
KANSAS: 1-8 ATS after 2 or more consecutive unders

VA COMMONWEALTH vs. at FLORIDA ST, 9:55 PM ET - NCAA Tournament - Regional Semifinals - Alamodome - San Antonio, TX
VA COMMONWEALTH: 7-0 ATS in a NCAA tournament games
FLORIDA ST: 5-13 ATS after 2 consecutive non-conference games

** (TC) Denotes Time Change

**Udog** · 03-25-2011, 07:56 AM

NCAAB
Write-Up

Friday, March 25

Marquette won four of last five games, upsetting Xavier/Syracuse to get to this points; Eagles are 9-3 vs spread as an underdog this year. North Carolina won 10 of last 11 games but is 1-4-1 vs spread in last six games as favorite. ACC road favorites of less than 8 points are 11-9 vs spread. Big East non-conference road underdogs of 5 or less points are 5-9 vs spread. Last four times an 11-seed played in regional semifinal, favorite was 4-0 vs spread in that game. Nine of last ten Marquette games stayed under the total.

Richmond covered its last nine games, with seven of last eight staying under total; Spiders are 6-2 vs spread as an underdog this year. Kansas shot 51-52% in winning first two tourney games by 19-14 points; teams attack the Spiders inside, and Jayhawks have just the players to hurt Richmond there. Over last 3+ years, favorites are 16-8 vs spread in this round, Since 2003, 12-seeds are 1-5 vs spread in regional semis. A-14 double digit road dogs are 9-11 vs spread this season. Big 12 double digit favorites are 19-17 vs spread.

#1 seeds other than Duke covered 20 of their last 31 games in this round. Ohio State was 28-50 from arc in two wins (by 29-32 points) last week, making it tougher to double Sullinger in post. Buckeyes beat Florida by 18, South Carolina by 22 in their two games vs SEC foes. Kentucky won both its games as an underdog this season (Washington/Lousiville)- last one was New Year's Eve. Big 11 non-conference favorites of 6 or less points are 10-16 vs spread. SEC road underdogs of 5 or less points are 12-7 vs spread.

Since 1987, in regional semi games without a #1-4 seed in them, the dog is 12-6 vs spread. VCU beat Wake Forest 90-69 in its only game this year against an ACC team. Rams won/covered first three tourney games by 18-18-13 points, despite being dog in all three. Florida State got its best player (Singleton) back last week and crushed Notre Dame; FSU is #1 defensive team in country, but Rams have four seniors in the rotation, FSU only one. VCU-Florida State are playing first-ever game between #10-11 seeds in tournament history.

Other tournaments
Santa Clara (-6) beat Rice of C-USA 66-65 back in November; Broncos won six of last seven games, are 5-2-2 vs spread in last nine games as a dog. SMU allowed just 56.3 ppg in winning its last three games; six of its last seven games stayed under total. Mustangs are 4-6-1 vs spread in last 11 games as a favorite. C-USA home favorites of 7 or less points are 5-7. WCC road underdogs of 5 or less points are 11-6 vs spread.

**Udog** · 03-25-2011, 07:58 AM

NCAAB

Friday, March 25

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Trend Report
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7:15 PM
MARQUETTE vs. NORTH CAROLINA
No trends available
North Carolina is 0-4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
North Carolina is 11-1 SU in its last 12 games

7:27 PM
RICHMOND vs. KANSAS
No trends available
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Kansas's last 7 games
Kansas is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games

8:00 PM
SANTA CLARA vs. SOUTHERN METHODIST
Santa Clara is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Santa Clara's last 6 games on the road
Southern Methodist is 11-4-1 ATS in its last 16 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Southern Methodist's last 7 games

9:45 PM
KENTUCKY vs. OHIO STATE
No trends available
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Ohio State's last 10 games
Ohio State is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games

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**Udog** · 03-25-2011, 08:03 AM

NCAAB
Long Sheet

Friday, March 25

Update

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SANTA CLARA (22 - 14) at SMU (20 - 14) - 3/25/2011, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SMU is 18-7 ATS (+10.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games over the last 2 seasons.
SANTA CLARA is 68-46 ATS (+17.4 Units) in road games after a conference game since 1997.
SANTA CLARA is 37-21 ATS (+13.9 Units) in road games off a win against a conference rival since 1997.
SMU is 5-13 ATS (-9.3 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.
SMU is 4-13 ATS (-10.3 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
SMU is 2-9 ATS (-7.9 Units) after allowing 60 points or less this season.
SMU is 40-61 ATS (-27.1 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.

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

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**Udog** · 03-25-2011, 08:06 AM

NCAAB

Friday, March 25

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NCAA Tournament: Friday's Sweet 16 preview and picks
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(11) Marquette Golden Eagles vs. (2) North Carolina Tar Heels

THE STORY: Marquette, a No. 11 seed, looks to keep its unexpected postseason run going when it faces second-seeded North Carolina in an East Regional semifinal on Friday in Newark, N.J. The Big East Conference sent 11 teams to the NCAA tournament, but only two remain including Marquette, which squeezed into the field as the league's 11th-place team. The Golden Eagles punched their Sweet 16 ticket with a 66-62 victory over Big East rival Syracuse on Sunday, while the Tar Heels held off Washington in an 86-83 thriller. Marquette is in the regional semifinals for the first time since its 2003 Final Four trip, while North Carolina is making its fifth Sweet 16 appearance in seven years.

TV: 7:15 p.m., CBS. ODDS: North Carolina -4.5

PREDICTION: North Carolina 84, Marquette 79. Both teams can - and will - score in bunches, but the Tar Heels' size advantage in the paint should prove decisive.

(12) Richmond Spiders vs. (1) Kansas Jayhawks

THE STORY: Markieff and Marcus Morris are ready to bust out on the national stage and take No. 1 seed Kansas with them. With the way the Southwest Regional is shaping up, the Jayhawks have the road they need to get to Houston and the Final Four. The next team standing in their way is No. 12 seed Richmond, which coasted into the Sweet 16 and is playing with plenty of confidence as an underdog with some experience. Kansas will be looking to take the next step when it faces the Spiders on Friday in the regional semifinals in San Antonio, Texas.

TV: 7:27 p.m. ET, TBS. ODDS: Kansas -11

PREDICTION: Kansas 78, Richmond 64. The Spiders will put up a fight mainly because Harper is tall enough to challenge the Morris twins on the perimeter. But in the end, the Jayhawks will wear them down just like they did to Illinois and Boston University in their first two games.

(4) Kentucky Wildcats vs. (1) Ohio State Buckeyes

THE STORY: Several of the country's most talented freshmen will be on display when top-seeded Ohio State takes on No. 4 seed Kentucky in an NCAA tournament East Regional semifinal Friday in Newark, N.J. The Buckeyes are led by first-year power forward Jared Sullinger, a Naismith Award finalist, while the Wildcats are led by guard Brandon Knight and forward Terrence Jones, both of whom joined Sullinger on the Freshman All-America first team. Knight scored a career-high 30 points to lead Kentucky to a third-round victory over West Virginia on Saturday. Ohio State won its first two tournament games by an average of 30.5 points.

TV: 9:45 p.m. ET, CBS. ODDS: Ohio State -5

PREDICTION: Ohio State 79, Kentucky 68. The Wildcats have the size, talent and athleticism to seriously challenge the Buckeyes, but Ohio State's experience and inside-out balance should make the difference.

(11) VCU Rams vs. (10) Florida State Seminoles

THE STORY: Virginia Commonwealth was a controversial at-large selection by the NCAA tournament committee as a team that finished fourth in the Colonial Athletic Association. But the 11th-seeded Rams have proven the committee right so far with three straight wins to advance to the Sweet 16 for the first time in school history. Florida State was not supposed to get to the regional semifinals either, though with an Atlantic Coast Conference pedigree, the 10th-seeded Seminoles aren’t sneaking up on anybody. VCU will try to keep Cinderella’s slipper on a little longer when it faces Florida State in the Southwest Regional in San Antonio on Friday.

TV: 9:57 p.m. ET, TBS. ODDS: Florida State -3.5

PREDICTION: Florida State 62, VCU 56. A defensive slugfest favors the Seminoles, who play that style better than anyone. Skeen will provide some matchup problems for Florida State and will keep the Rams in the game, but in the end, the Seminoles will stop the Cinderella run.

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**Udog** · 03-25-2011, 08:12 AM

NBA
Write-Up

Friday, March 25

Hot Teams
-- Orlando won its last four games, by 4-3-11-12 points.
-- Indiana won five of its last seven games.
-- Miami won six of last seven games, covered three of last 10 at home. 76ers won three of their last four games.
-- Celtics won/covered three of their last four games.
-- Thunder won/covered seven of their last eight games.
-- Chicago won 10 of its last 11 games (9-1-1 vs spread). Grizzlies won four of their last five games.
-- Nuggets won six of last eight games (7-1 vs spread).
-- Portland won four of its last five games (5-0 vs spread). Spurs won three of last four games (3-0-1 vs spread)-- Duncan is hurt.
-- Hornets won three of their last four road games. Phoenix won three of its last four games overall, but covered just two of last ten at home.
-- Lakers won last five games, failing to cover the last three.

Cold Teams
-- Nets lost four of their last five games.
-- Sacramento lost six of last eight on road (4-2 vs spread in last six).
-- Knicks lost seven of their last eight games. Milwaukee lost eight of its last nine road games.
-- Pistons lost last seven road games (0-3 vs spread last three). Cavaliers lost five of last six games, but are 8-6 vs spread in last 14.
-- Bobcats lost their last four games (0-3-1 vs spread).
-- Minnesota lost its last five games (2-3 vs spread-- Love is hurt).
-- Wizards lost eight of their last nine games (2-7 vs spread).
-- Warriors lost their last six games (0-6 vs spread). Toronto lost 15 of its last 16 road games (2-10 vs spread last 12).
-- Clippers are 2-3 in last five games (0-5 vs spread).

Totals
-- Five of Nets' last six road games went over the total.
-- Over is 12-1 in Sacramento's last thirteen road games.
-- Under is 5-2 in Milwaukee's last seven road games.
-- Seven of last nine Miami home games stayed under total.
-- Four of last five Cleveland home games stayed under total.
-- Under is 7-1 in Charlotte's last eight road games.
-- Seven of last eight Thunder home games stayed under total.
-- Three of last four Memphis road games went over the total.
-- Over is 5-2 in Washington's last seven road games.
-- Under is 5-2 in Portland's last seven home games.
-- Three of last four Phoenix home games stayed under total.
-- Under is 11-3 in Toronto's last 14 road games on this continent.
-- Under is 5-1 in Clippers' last six games at Staples Center.

Back-to-Back
-- Minnesota is 5-2 vs spread on road if it lost the night before.
-- New Orleans is 5-8-1 vs spread on road if it played night before.

**Udog** · 03-25-2011, 08:16 AM

NBA

Friday, March 25

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Trend Report
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7:00 PM
NEW JERSEY vs. ORLANDO
New Jersey is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
New Jersey is 2-17 SU in its last 19 games on the road
Orlando is 16-6 SU in its last 22 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Orlando's last 6 games

7:00 PM
SACRAMENTO vs. INDIANA
Sacramento is 6-19 SU in its last 25 games
The total has gone OVER in 12 of Sacramento's last 13 games on the road
Indiana is 1-3-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Sacramento
Indiana is 9-4 SU in its last 13 games at home

7:30 PM
MILWAUKEE vs. NEW YORK
Milwaukee is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
Milwaukee is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against New York
New York is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Milwaukee
New York is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Milwaukee

7:30 PM
CHARLOTTE vs. BOSTON
Charlotte is 3-6 ATS in its last 9 games
Charlotte is 2-10 SU in its last 12 games
Boston is 12-6 SU in its last 18 games
Boston is 2-8 ATS in its last 10 games when playing at home against Charlotte

7:30 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. MIAMI
The total has gone OVER in 11 of Philadelphia's last 15 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Philadelphia's last 16 games when playing Miami
Miami is 3-7 ATS in its last 10 games at home
Miami is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home

7:30 PM
DETROIT vs. CLEVELAND
Detroit is 2-11 SU in its last 13 games when playing Cleveland
Detroit is 3-7 ATS in its last 10 games when playing Cleveland
Cleveland is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Cleveland's last 5 games at home

8:00 PM
MINNESOTA vs. OKLAHOMA CITYMinnesota is 2-9-1 ATS in its last 12 games when playing on the road against Oklahoma City
Minnesota is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Oklahoma City is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Oklahoma City's last 6 games when playing Minnesota

8:00 PM
MEMPHIS vs. CHICAGO
Memphis is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Memphis's last 5 games
Chicago is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Memphis
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Chicago's last 6 games

9:00 PM
WASHINGTON vs. DENVER
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Washington's last 13 games
Washington is 5-11 ATS in its last 16 games when playing Denver
The total has gone OVER in 12 of Denver's last 15 games when playing Washington
Denver is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Washington

10:00 PM
NEW ORLEANS vs. PHOENIX
New Orleans is 1-3-1 ATS in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of New Orleans's last 14 games
Phoenix is 5-9-1 ATS in its last 15 games when playing New Orleans
Phoenix is 5-1-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing New Orleans

10:00 PM
SAN ANTONIO vs. PORTLAND
The total has gone OVER in 11 of San Antonio's last 16 games
San Antonio is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Portland's last 6 games when playing San Antonio
Portland is 8-17 SU in its last 25 games when playing San Antonio

10:30 PM
TORONTO vs. GOLDEN STATE
Toronto is 2-11 ATS in its last 13 games on the road
Toronto is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Golden State
Golden State is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games
Golden State is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Toronto

10:30 PM
LA CLIPPERS vs. LA LAKERS
LA Clippers are 3-12 SU in their last 15 games when playing LA Lakers
LA Clippers are 0-5 SU in their last 5 games when playing on the road against LA Lakers
LA Lakers are 2-4 ATS in their last 6 games
LA Lakers are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games at home

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**Udog** · 03-25-2011, 08:19 AM

NBA

Friday, March 25

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What bettors need to know: Spurs at Blazers
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San Antonio Spurs at Portland Trail Blazers (N/A)

THE STORY: The Portland Trail Blazers and San Antonio Spurs will see a lot of one another the next few days, beginning with Friday’s game in Portland. The two teams square off again Monday in San Antonio with both teams playing a game on Sunday – the Trail Blazers visit Oklahoma City and the Spurs visit Memphis. Portland has defeated San Antonio six of the last seven meetings and had beaten the Spurs five straight times before San Antonio recorded a victory in December. Both teams appear solidly entrenched for the Western Conference playoffs. The Spurs are en route to being the top seed while Portland is in sixth place with 11 games to play.

TV: 10 p.m. ET, FSSW, KGW.

ABOUT THE TRAIL BLAZERS (41-30): Portland has won four of five games and trounced the Washington Wizards 111-76 on Tuesday. The Trail Blazers allowed 17 or fewer points in each of the final three quarters, posted a season-best 14 steals and limited Washington to 37.1 percent shooting. Gerald Wallace had 28 points and eight rebounds, Nicolas Batum had 22 points and 12 rebounds and LaMarcus Aldridge scored 22 points. Wallace’s scoring output was his highest in 13 games since being acquired from the Charlotte Bobcats. Center Marcus Camby missed the contest with an ankle injury but expects to play against San Antonio. Portland is 25-10 at home.

ABOUT THE SPURS (57-14): San Antonio opened a three-game road trip with a 115-112 loss to Denver on Wednesday. Gary Neal scored 25 points for the Spurs, who were playing their first game without forward Tim Duncan, who sprained his left ankle against Golden State on Monday. Duncan won’t be back until sometime in April. Tiago Splitter moved into the starting lineup and had four points and seven rebounds in 17 minutes. Antonio McDyess picked up the inside slack with 13 points and 12 rebounds for his fifth double-double of the season. DeJuan Blair was back from a wrist injury and had eight points and six rebounds in 25 minutes off the bench. San Antonio is 24-11 on the road.

WHO'S HOT/WHO’S NOT: Batum is averaging 19.3 points over the last four games. San Antonio guard Manu Ginobili is averaging 24 points and has made eight 3-pointers over the last two games. Portland guard Brandon Roy has made just 5 of 25 shots while averaging 4.3 points over the past four contests. Spurs forward Richard Jefferson is averaging just 7.6 points over the last five outings.

KEY STATISTIC: Portland has allowed just 87 points per game over the last 10 games and held three teams to 76 points or fewer. The Trail Blazers give up 94.7 on average. San Antonio scores 103.6 per game.

SEASON SERIES: The teams have split two meetings. San Antonio notched a 95-78 home victory over Dec. 12 and Portland also won at home, 99-86 on Feb. 1.

KEY INJURIES: SAN ANTONIO: F Tim Duncan (ankle). PORTLAND: C Marcus Camby (ankle).

KEY TRENDS: Home team is 9-2 against the spread in the last 11 meetings.
San Antonio has played over in 11 of its last 16.
Portland has covered in five of the last six meetings between the two teams.

LAST WORD: “You want to play because this is fun basketball. We haven’t clinched a spot in the playoffs yet and every game right now seems like a playoff game in a playoff atmosphere.” – Portland center Marcus Camby to reporters Thursday on why he plans to play against the Spurs despite an ailing ankle.

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**Udog** · 03-25-2011, 08:21 AM

NBA

Friday, March 25

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Pick 'n' roll: Friday's best NBA bets
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Philadelphia 76ers at Miami Heat (N/A)

The hot-and-cold Miami Heat have managed to win six of their last seven games heading into Friday’s game, but much like a lot of this season, they still have a lot of wrinkles to work out.

Heat supporters know all about it. With such a huge public following, Miami has covered in only four of its last 14 games and dropped the cash again in a 100-94 win over Detroit as the club was set as an 8.5-point favorite.

One bright spot lately has been Chris Bosh, who chipped in 23 points and seven boards against the Pistons and is riding a nice hot streak over his last half dozen contests. However, Miami’s latest project is trying to work veteran Mike Bibby into the mix and it looks like it may take a while.

"I think we'll be fine as we move forward," Miami coach Spoelstra told reporters. "We've faced a lot of different things this season. We've been able to adapt.”

Sure, but this is obviously still a work in progress. Against such a deep team like the 76ers that could have Andre Iguodala back, you may want to ride Miami’s ATS slump.

Pick: N/A

Detroit Pistons at Cleveland Cavaliers (+3, 197)

As much as we hate backing the inconsistent Pistons, this matchup is a case of picking the lesser of two evils. And Cleveland has most certainly been downright evil to bettors lately.

Granted, Cleveland did look a little better battling New Jersey to a 98-94 loss on Wednesday, but supporters still went home empty handed with the club set as a 2.5-point chalk. The Cavs now have just one win over the last nine games, covering once over that span.

“Down the stretch, on the offensive end, we just have to do a much better job of executing,” coach Byron Scott told reporters. “And again, with a young bunch of guys that we have that are inexperienced at being in that situation, this might be a good learning session for us tomorrow.”

Detroit looked good the other night against the Heat and shouldn’t have much trouble handing the young Cavs another lesson here.

Pick: Pistons

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**Udog** · 03-25-2011, 08:25 AM

NHL
Long Sheet

Friday, March 25

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NEW JERSEY (34-35-0-4, 72 pts.) at PITTSBURGH (42-23-0-8, 92 pts.) - 3/25/2011, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEW JERSEY is 28-12 ATS (+12.4 Units) after 3 or more consecutive unders over the last 2 seasons.
NEW JERSEY is 10-4 ATS (+14.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
PITTSBURGH is 1-8 ATS (-10.6 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5 or less over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
NEW JERSEY is 11-5 (+6.5 Units) against the spread versus PITTSBURGH over the last 3 seasons
NEW JERSEY is 11-5-0 straight up against PITTSBURGH over the last 3 seasons
12 of 15 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+8.5 Units)

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WASHINGTON (43-21-0-10, 96 pts.) at OTTAWA (27-37-0-9, 63 pts.) - 3/25/2011, 7:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 11-1 ATS (+9.3 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season this season.
OTTAWA is 27-46 ATS (-52.4 Units) in all games this season.
OTTAWA is 6-16 ATS (-11.0 Units) in home games revenging a loss versus opponent this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
OTTAWA is 5-6 (+0.0 Units) against the spread versus WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
WASHINGTON is 6-5-0 straight up against OTTAWA over the last 3 seasons
6 of 11 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+0.2 Units)

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CAROLINA (34-29-0-10, 78 pts.) at TAMPA BAY (39-23-0-11, 89 pts.) - 3/25/2011, 7:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CAROLINA is 9-23 ATS (+36.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
TAMPA BAY is 230-321 ATS (+723.4 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
CAROLINA is 10-5 (+4.7 Units) against the spread versus TAMPA BAY over the last 3 seasons
CAROLINA is 10-5-0 straight up against TAMPA BAY over the last 3 seasons
8 of 15 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+0.5 Units)

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FLORIDA (29-34-0-10, 68 pts.) at BUFFALO (36-28-0-9, 81 pts.) - 3/25/2011, 7:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
FLORIDA is 13-28 ATS (+43.3 Units) after scoring 1 goal or less in their previous game over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 10-21 ATS (+32.1 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
FLORIDA is 4-13 ATS (-9.6 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season this season.
FLORIDA is 20-17 ATS (+44.8 Units) in road games after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game over the last 3 seasons.
BUFFALO is 12-18 ATS (-8.9 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5.5 this season.
BUFFALO is 19-32 ATS (-24.6 Units) after a division game over the last 2 seasons.
BUFFALO is 2-8 ATS (+2.0 Units) in home games after a win by 2 goals or more this season.
BUFFALO is 7-10 ATS (-8.4 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
BUFFALO is 7-4 (+0.2 Units) against the spread versus FLORIDA over the last 3 seasons
BUFFALO is 7-4-0 straight up against FLORIDA over the last 3 seasons
6 of 11 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+0.9 Units)

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VANCOUVER (47-17-0-9, 103 pts.) at ATLANTA (30-30-0-12, 72 pts.) - 3/25/2011, 7:30 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 1-1 (+0.2 Units) against the spread versus VANCOUVER over the last 3 seasons
ATLANTA is 1-1-0 straight up against VANCOUVER over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+1.0 Units)

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Announcement

Friday's Trends and Indexes - 3/25 (NBA, NCAAB, NHL, Misc.)

Friday's Trends and Indexes - 3/25 (NBA, NCAAB, NHL, Misc.)

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