Announcement

**Udog** · 12-27-2011, 07:12 AM

Tuesday's betting tips: Louisville loves playing ACC in pigskin

Who’s hot

NCAAF: Louisville is 12-1 ATS in its last 13 games vs. ACC teams.

NBA: The home team is 13-3 in the last 16 Hawks-Nets games.

NBA: The under is 18-7 in the Bucks’ last 25 home games.

NHL: The Flyers are 6-2 in their last eight road games.

NHL: The over is 16-5 in the last 21 Blues-Red Wings games.

Who’s not

NCAAF: Purdue is 0-6-2 ATS in its last eight games on fieldturf.

NBA: Utah is 5-13 ATS in its last 18 games at the Lakers.

NBA: The over is 2-7 in the last nine Kings-Trailblazers games.

NHL: Ottawa is 6-18 in its last 24 games vs. Northeast Division foes.

NHL: Colorado is 7-24 in its last 31 games playing on zero days’ rest.

Key stat

148.3 – That’s the pass efficiency rating of Western Michigan QB Alex Carder, good for 24th nationally. He has completed 67 percent of his throws for 3,434 yards with 28 TDs and 10 INTs. The Broncos are 3-point underdogs to Purdue in Tuesday’s Little Caesars Pizza Bowl in Detroit.

Injury that shouldn’t be overlooked

Atlanta point guard Jeff Teague practiced on his sprained ankle Monday and said he plans to play Tuesday night at New Jersey. The ankle is still sore, however, and coach Larry Drew merely said “we’ll see” when asked about Teague’s status. With normal starter Kirk Hinrich sidelined following shoulder surgery, the improving Teague is critical to the Hawks. Atlanta is favored by 4.5 in its season opener.

Game of the Day

Belk Bowl

Louisville Cardinals vs. N.C. State Wolfpack (-1, 44.5)

Notable quotable

"It's going to be a big week, and we're going to need everyone to come out and support us. Everyone in Cincinnati needs to come out for this big game." – Bengals QB Andy Dalton, who is hoping for a sellout for Sunday’s critical game vs. the Ravens. Only 41,273 fans watched Saturday’s home win over Arizona. Paul Brown Stadium seats 65,000. A 1.5-point underdog, Cincy can clinch a playoff spot with a win.

Tips and notes

Sources told ESPN.com that the Cowboys won’t sign a veteran QB, an indication Tony Romo will start Sunday night against the Giants. Romo bruised his hand on Jason Babin’s helmet in Saturday’s loss to the Eagles and could not properly grip the ball afterward. While Romo expressed confidence he’ll practice this week and play in the NFC East-deciding game, Dallas has not officially clarified his status. With Jon Kitna on injured reserve, Romo’s backup is Stephen McGee. McGee went 24 of 38 for 182 yards in the 20-7 loss to Philly.

Coming off their dismantling of the defending NBA champs, Miami goes for a 2-0 start when it hosts Boston on Tuesday. If the opener was any indication, look for a more aggressive LeBron James this season. He got to the free throw line 19 times and did not attempt a 3-pointer in his 37-point, 10-rebound, 6-assist performance. James constantly attacked the basket. “(He was) very aggressive and not necessarily concerned with what anyone is saying about him,” teammate Dwyane Wade said. “He's gonna have to do it all year. He's one of the most scrutinized players that has ever played in any sport. It's his job not to worry about it. His job to go out there be one of the most talented players to ever to play this game."

Rangers defenseman Marc Staal, who has been out with concussion symptoms all season, was cleared for contact and participated in battle drills Monday. He did not play against the Islanders Monday night, but appears close to returning. The Rangers visit Washington on Wednesday, Florida on Friday and then play in Philadelphia Jan. 2 for the Winter Classic at Citizens Bank Park. Staal has dealt with the symptoms since taking a hit from his brother Eric Staal of the Hurricanes last February. New York’s already stout defense (2.09 goals allowed per game) will get a nice boost when Staal returns.

**Udog** · 12-27-2011, 07:14 AM

Armadillo: Tuesday's six-pack

-- Missouri scored first five times they had the ball, waxed disinterested North Carolina 41-24 at a rainy Independence Bowl in Shreveport.

-- Good thing, because Mizzou's mascot, Truman the Tiger, broke the Independence Bowl's glass trophy screwing around earlier in the day.

-- Mavericks were down 21 at half Sunday; 27 at half last night, as the defending champs just aren't the same team. Rough way to start.

-- After two days, Oklahoma City is the league's only 2-0 team.

-- NBA teams who played Christmas Day were 1-3 vs spread Monday if they played against a team playing its season opener. We're going to pay lot of attention to these back-to-back scenarios.

-- Clemson is projected to lose $185,000 on Orange Bowl; schools have to buy tickets to BCS bowls, whether their fans buy them or not. With Orange Bowl on a Wednesday night, not many fans are buying tickets.

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

Armadillo: Tuesday's List of 13........Our top 8, bottom 5 in NFL.........

32) Rams— 10-37 under Spagnuolo, 15-64 last five years; they're 0-12-1 vs spread in their losses this year, but the weird thing is, I think there is better talent there now-- they beat the Saints by 10 points, no?

31) Buccaneers— At least the Rams try; Bucs stopped weeks ago.

30) Colts— Shouldn't Jim Irsay order Caldwell to lose this game? Bench Orlovsky, make them go for it on every 4th down. What good does it do the Colt franchise to win this week?

29) Browns-- How were they favored six times this season?

28) Vikings— Is Joe Webb their QB of the future? Hard to believe that just two years ago, they were thisclose to being in the Super Bowl.

8) Lions-- Say what you will about their being a dirty team, but football is still a violent game, and Detroit doesn't get pushed around anymore.

7) Falcons— No shortage of motivation if they return to Superdome for first playoff game; they're more likely to visit NFC East winner.

6) Steelers— NFL trainers earn whatever money they make, no? I mean, how much is it worth for the franchise to get Big Ben's ankle healthy?

5) 49ers— +25 turnover ratio. Tremendous season. Still think they're going down in their first playoff game.

4) Ravens— Have been in seven playoff games under Harbaugh, all on the road; win at Cincinnati Sunday, and they get a home playoff game.

3) Patriots— Need win Sunday to clinch home field over the AFC North champ, or else I wouldn't let Brady put a uniform on Sunday.

2) Saints— Not sure why Brees had to set single season passing yardage record Monday; am guessing their rivals in Atlanta weren't too thrilled with Saints throwing ball in last 8:00 with 22-point lead.

1) Packers— Jordy Nelson was 36th player taken in 2008 NFL Draft out of Kansas State; those 2nd round picks that teams give up to move up in the draft- they can pay off bigtime.

**Udog** · 12-27-2011, 07:29 AM

NCAAB
Dunkel

Pittsburgh at Notre Dame
The Panthers look to take advantage of a Notre Dame team that is 0-7-1 ATS in its last 8 games against teams with a winning record. Pittsburgh is the pick (-1 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Panthers favored by 5 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (-1 1/2). Here are all of today's picks.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 27

Game 541-542: Providence at St. John's (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Providence 56.038; St. John's 59.748
Dunkel Line: St. John's by 3 1/2; 137
Vegas Line: St. John's by 1; 133 1/2
Dunkel Pick: St. John's (-1); Over

Game 543-544: Pittsburgh at Notre Dame (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh 66.803; Notre Dame 61.110
Dunkel Line: Pittsburgh by 5 1/2; 138
Vegas Line: Pittsburgh by 1 1/2; 136
Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (-1 1/2); Over

Game 545-546: Minnesota at Illinois (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota 63.004; Illinois 70.026
Dunkel Line: Illinois by 7; 130
Vegas Line: Illinois by 5 1/2; 126
Dunkel Pick: Illinois (-5 1/2); Over

Game 547-548: Wisconsin at Nebraska (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Wisconsin 71.716; Nebraska 66.097
Dunkel Line: Wisconsin by 5 1/2; 102
Vegas Line: Wisconsin by 8; 105 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Nebraska (+8); Under

NCAAB
Long Sheet

Tuesday, December 27

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PROVIDENCE (11 - 2) at ST JOHNS (6 - 5) - 12/27/2011, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ST JOHNS is 30-16 ATS (+12.4 Units) on Tuesday nights since 1997.
ST JOHNS is 9-21 ATS (-14.1 Units) as a favorite over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ST JOHNS is 1-1 against the spread versus PROVIDENCE over the last 3 seasons
ST JOHNS is 1-1 straight up against PROVIDENCE over the last 3 seasons
2 of 2 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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PITTSBURGH (11 - 2) at NOTRE DAME (8 - 5) - 12/27/2011, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NOTRE DAME is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) in all games this season.
NOTRE DAME is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) in all lined games this season.
NOTRE DAME is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) after a non-conference game this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
NOTRE DAME is 3-0 against the spread versus PITTSBURGH over the last 3 seasons
NOTRE DAME is 3-0 straight up against PITTSBURGH over the last 3 seasons
3 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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MINNESOTA (12 - 1) at ILLINOIS (11 - 2) - 12/27/2011, 7:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 15-25 ATS (-12.5 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 15-25 ATS (-12.5 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 5-14 ATS (-10.4 Units) against conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 8-20 ATS (-14.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ILLINOIS is 1-1 against the spread versus MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
ILLINOIS is 1-1 straight up against MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
2 of 2 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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WISCONSIN (11 - 2) at NEBRASKA (8 - 3) - 12/27/2011, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WISCONSIN is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) in all games this season.
WISCONSIN is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) in all lined games this season.
WISCONSIN is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) after a non-conference game this season.
WISCONSIN is 20-6 ATS (+13.4 Units) after allowing 60 points or less 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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NCAAB
Armadillo's Write-Up

Tuesday, December 27

Providence won six of last nine games vs St John's, splitting last four at St John's (won 74-59 here in last visit in '10); Red Storm won 67-65 at Providence LY. Friars won last seven games, but six of seven teams they beat are ranked #235 or worse; they're 3-0 in true road games, winning at Fairfield/South Carolina/URI. Only two teams to beat Friars are top 100 teams. St John's is very thin (7 scholarship players); they're 1-4 against teams in top 150, with only win against #77 Lehigh.

11-2 Illinois lost two of last three games; they're 1-2 vs top 50 teams, as they've beaten ##29 Gonzaga by 7, lost to #9 Missouri by 4, #18 UNLV by 16. Illini-Minnesota split last four meetings, after Illini had won ten in a row before that; Gophers lost five of last six visits here, losing here by 28-24-10-9-11 points, but they did win last visit in '10. This is first true road game for 12-1 Gophers, whose only loss was on neutral court to #82 Dayton by 16, best team they've played.

Pitt lost last three games vs Notre Dame, by 15-5-5 points, scoring just 49.7 ppg; Panthers have slipped on defense, ranking #149, after ranking no worse than #54 over previous nine years. Pitt is 11-2 playing against #271 schedule; they're 2-0 in true road games (Penn/Tennessee) but lost last two visits here, by 12-15 points, and lost last game to Wagner, at home. Irish are 0-3 vs top 40 teams, losing by 29-20-11 points.

First game in new league for 8-3 Nebraska, which has played the #306 schedule thus far; Huskers lost by 10 at Creighton, in only game against top 100 team- six of their eight victims aren't in top 200. Wisconsin has held teams to 24.2% behind arc, 36.3% inside it; they split pair of true road games, losing at North Carolina by 3, winning at Milwaukee by 6. Teams play at #'s 335/345 pace, so should be low-scoring game.

NCAAB

Tuesday, December 27

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Trend Report
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7:00 PM
PITTSBURGH vs. NOTRE DAME
Pittsburgh is 13-2 SU in its last 15 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Pittsburgh's last 7 games on the road
Notre Dame is 17-8 SU in its last 25 games
Notre Dame is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home

7:00 PM
MD-EASTERN SHORE vs. VIRGINIA
No trends available
Virginia is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Virginia is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home

7:00 PM
PROVIDENCE vs. ST. JOHN'S
Providence is 4-9 ATS in its last 13 games on the road
Providence is 4-19 SU in its last 23 games on the road
St. John's is 13-4 SU in its last 17 games at home
St. John's is 5-10 ATS in its last 15 games when playing Providence

7:00 PM
WINTHROP vs. GEORGIA
No trends available
Georgia is 9-3 SU in its last 12 games at home

7:30 PM
MINNESOTA vs. ILLINOIS
Minnesota is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
Minnesota is 3-8 SU in its last 11 games on the road
Illinois is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
Illinois is 11-2 SU in its last 13 games

8:00 PM
TEXAS SOUTHERN vs. SAINT LOUIS
No trends available
Saint Louis is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Saint Louis is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home

8:00 PM
CS BAKERSFIELD vs. TEXAS TECH
No trends available
Texas Tech is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games
Texas Tech is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home

8:00 PM
BELHAVEN vs. SOUTHERN MISS
No trends available
Southern Miss is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Southern Miss's last 6 games

8:00 PM
NEW ORLEANS vs. NORTH TEXAS
No trends available
North Texas is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
North Texas is 21-4 SU in its last 25 games at home

9:00 PM
WISCONSIN vs. NEBRASKA
Wisconsin is 3-6 ATS in its last 9 games on the road
Wisconsin is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Nebraska is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Nebraska is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home

9:00 PM
CAL STATE SAN MARCOS vs. BYU
No trends available
BYU is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of BYU's last 5 games

9:00 PM
VANGUARD vs. LOYOLA MARYMOUNT
No trends available
Loyola Marymount is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
Loyola Marymount is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games at home

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NCAAB

Tuesday, December 27

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College funds: Tuesday's best NCAAB bets
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Pittsburgh Panthers at Notre Dame Fighting Irish (1.5, 136)

No. 22 Pittsburgh was held to a season-low point total in Friday’s stunning 59-54 home loss to Wagner.

So the Panthers should be focused for Tuesday’s Big East opener at Notre Dame.

But winning at Purcell Pavilion will not be easy. The Fighting Irish have won 27 straight there, and have won three of their last four overall following a sluggish start.

In addition, Notre Dame has won three straight over Pittsburgh, including a 56-51 road win last season.

The Irish lost senior forward Tim Abromaitis to a torn ACL. In his place, seven different players have led the team in scoring at least once, with sophomore guards Eric Atkins (13.9 ppg, 4.0 apg) and Jerian Grant (12.7 ppg, 4.4 apg) the most consistent contributors.

Pitt guard Ashton Gibbs (17.2 ppg) will be the best player on the floor. He’s struggling with his shot, however, hitting a career-low 37 percent from the field.

Pick: Notre Dame

Minnesota Golden Gophers at Illinois Fighting Illini (-5.5, 126)

Minnesota enters its first true road game off an uninspiring 63-59 home win over North Dakota State last Thursday.

The Illini played well but came up just short in Thursday’s 78-74 loss to No. 8 Missouri in St. Louis.

Despite giving up so many points to the Tigers, Illinois boasts one of the nation’s top defenses. The Illini allow 59.0 points and hold opponents to 39 percent shooting. The offense is balanced, with four players averaging in double figures led by guard D.J. Richardson (14.3 ppg) and center Meyers Leonard (13.4 ppg, 8.2 rpg, 2.4 bpg).

Illinois has won all eight of its home games, by an average of 16.6 points. The Illini have won eight of the last 10 meetings with Minnesota.

Don’t be fooled by Minnesota’s sparkling 12-1 record, which largely results from its schedule. But give the Golden Gophers credit for winning six in a row despite the loss of leading scorer and rebounder Trevor Mbakwe to a season-ending knee injury.

Minnesota does not have an active player averaging in double figures.

Pick: Illinois

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**Udog** · 12-27-2011, 07:39 AM

NBA
Long Sheet

Tuesday, December 27

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ATLANTA (0 - 0) at NEW JERSEY (1 - 0) - 12/27/2011, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 37-59 ATS (-27.9 Units) in road games in December games since 1996.
NEW JERSEY is 71-93 ATS (-31.3 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 5-2 against the spread versus NEW JERSEY over the last 3 seasons
ATLANTA is 5-2 straight up against NEW JERSEY over the last 3 seasons
4 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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BOSTON (0 - 1) at MIAMI (1 - 0) - 12/27/2011, 8:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 10-7 against the spread versus MIAMI over the last 3 seasons
BOSTON is 11-6 straight up against MIAMI over the last 3 seasons
10 of 17 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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MINNESOTA (0 - 1) at MILWAUKEE (0 - 1) - 12/27/2011, 8:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 37-62 ATS (-31.2 Units) in a road game where where the total is between 185 and 189.5 points since 1996.
MILWAUKEE is 95-73 ATS (+14.7 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 31-13 ATS (+16.7 Units) when playing on back-to-back days over the last 3 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 1-9 ATS (-8.9 Units) against Northwest division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 3-12 ATS (-10.2 Units) in home games in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MILWAUKEE is 2-2 against the spread versus MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
MILWAUKEE is 3-1 straight up against MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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SACRAMENTO (1 - 0) at PORTLAND (1 - 0) - 12/27/2011, 10:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SACRAMENTO is 9-20 ATS (-13.0 Units) first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
PORTLAND is 27-13 ATS (+12.7 Units) when playing on back-to-back days over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
PORTLAND is 5-2 against the spread versus SACRAMENTO over the last 3 seasons
PORTLAND is 6-1 straight up against SACRAMENTO over the last 3 seasons
5 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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UTAH (0 - 0) at LA LAKERS (0 - 2) - 12/27/2011, 10:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
UTAH is 41-68 ATS (-33.8 Units) in a road game where where the total is between 185 and 189.5 points since 1996.
LA LAKERS are 17-30 ATS (-16.0 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
LA LAKERS are 156-197 ATS (-60.7 Units) after a division game since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA LAKERS is 8-4 against the spread versus UTAH over the last 3 seasons
LA LAKERS is 9-3 straight up against UTAH over the last 3 seasons
7 of 11 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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NBA

Tuesday, December 27

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Trend Report
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7:30 PM
ATLANTA vs. NEW JERSEY
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Atlanta's last 15 games
Atlanta is 3-6 ATS in its last 9 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of New Jersey's last 5 games
New Jersey is 2-11 SU in its last 13 games

8:00 PM
BOSTON vs. MIAMI
Boston is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games
Boston is 18-7 SU in its last 25 games when playing Miami
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Miami's last 8 games when playing at home against Boston
Miami is 18-7 SU in its last 25 games

8:30 PM
MINNESOTA vs. MILWAUKEE
Minnesota is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Milwaukee
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Minnesota's last 6 games
Milwaukee is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Milwaukee is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games at home

10:00 PM
SACRAMENTO vs. PORTLAND
Sacramento is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 14 of Sacramento's last 20 games on the road
Portland is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games when playing at home against Sacramento
Portland is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games when playing Sacramento

10:30 PM
UTAH vs. LA LAKERS
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Utah's last 9 games
The total has gone OVER in 15 of Utah's last 21 games when playing on the road against LA Lakers
LA Lakers are 2-8 ATS in their last 10 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of the LA Lakers last 15 games when playing Utah

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NBA

Tuesday, December 27

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Pick 'n' roll: Tuesday's best NBA bets
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Atlanta Hawks at New Jersey Nets (4.5, 182)

Hawks star Joe Johnson enters the season trying to prove last season’s performance was a fluke. He shot 29.7 percent from 3-point range after shooting at least 35.6 percentn in his five previous seasons with Atlanta.

If Johnson reverts to form, and young point guard Jeff Teague builds on his impressive playoff series vs. Chicago, these Hawks could again make noise in the East.

The Nets opened their season in dramatic fashion Monday night, storming back from 21 points behind to win 90-84 at Washington. Deron Williams had 23 points, eight rebounds and eight assists, and Kris Humphries added 21 points and 16 rebounds.

But this team is still getting acquainted. Several players in the rotation have barely practiced with one another.

The Hawks are 6-2 ATS in the last eight meetings.

Pick: Hawks

Minnesota Timberwolves at Milwaukee Bucks (-6, 190.5)

The Bucks opened the season by shooting 40.5 percent in a one-point loss in Charlotte on Monday. Brandon Jennings scored 22 points and Andrew Bogut had 17 points and nine rebounds, but Milwaukee got killed on the glass, 52-39.

Milwaukee blew an 11-point halftime lead. Stephen Jackson fouled out with nearly four minutes left.

Now the Bucks come home to host Minnesota, which acquitted itself well in a 104-100 home loss to Oklahoma City on Monday. It wasn’t Kevin Love’s fault; he had 22 points and 12 rebounds. Michael Beasley poured in 27 points.

Despite the loss, there is a buzz around the T-Wolves, thanks to the arrival of Ricky Rubio and new coach Rick Adelman

The T-Wolves are 5-2-1 ATS in the last eight meetings.

Pick: Timberwolves

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**Udog** · 12-27-2011, 07:48 AM

NHL
Armadillo's Write-Up

Tuesday, December 27

Hot teams
-- Penguins won their last three games, scoring 15 goals.
-- Flames won last three games, allowing four goals.
-- Maple Leafs are 5-3 in their last eight games.
-- Senators won three of their last four games.
-- Red Wings won their last ten home games. St Louis won seven of its last nine games overall.
-- Avalanche won their last five games, allowing eight goals.

Cold teams
-- Carolina lost five of its last six road games.
-- Columbus lost seven of its last eight games.
-- Florida lost its last three games, outscored 14-3.
-- Montreal lost its last five games, outscored 21-9.
-- Tampa Bay lost nine of its last 12 games. Flyers lost three of their last four games.
-- Winnipeg lost seven of its last eight road games.

Totals
-- Under is 5-2 in Pittsburgh's last seven home games.
-- Four of last five Calgary games stayed under the total.
-- Seven of last eight Toronto road games went over total.
-- Six of last eight Montreal road games stayed under total.
-- Six of last eight Philly road games went over the total.
-- Six of last seven Detroit home games went over the total.
-- Last four Colorado home games stayed under the total.

Series records
-- Hurricanes are 3-8 in their last eleven visits to Pittsburgh.
-- Blue Jackets won three of last four games against Calgary.
-- Panthers won 10 of last 13 games against Toronto.
-- Canadiens won five of last seven games against Ottawa.
-- Flyers are 6-4 in last ten games at St Pete Forum.
-- Blues won last three games vs Detroit, outscoring them 15-6.
-- Jets won three of last four visits to Colorado.

Back-to-Back
-- Carolina is 3-3 if it played the night before.
-- Columbus is 1-4 if it played the night before.
-- St Louis is 3-3 if it played night before, 1-2 if they won. Detroit is 4-3 if it played the night before, 2-0 at home, 4-1 if it won.
-- Colorado is 1-1 if it played the night before.

NHL

Tuesday, December 27

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Trend Report
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7:00 PM
CALGARY vs. COLUMBUS
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Calgary's last 5 games
Calgary is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 12 of Columbus's last 17 games at home
Columbus is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games at home

7:00 PM
CAROLINA vs. PITTSBURGH
Carolina is 4-11 SU in its last 15 games
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Carolina's last 11 games when playing Pittsburgh
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Pittsburgh's last 11 games when playing Carolina
Pittsburgh is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games when playing at home against Carolina

7:30 PM
MONTREAL vs. OTTAWA
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Montreal's last 5 games on the road
Montreal is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing Ottawa
Ottawa is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
Ottawa is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing Montreal

7:30 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. TAMPA BAY
Philadelphia is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Tampa Bay
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Philadelphia's last 11 games
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Tampa Bay's last 11 games
Tampa Bay is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Philadelphia

7:30 PM
ST. LOUIS vs. DETROIT
The total has gone OVER in 7 of St. Louis's last 8 games when playing on the road against Detroit
St. Louis is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Detroit
Detroit is 13-5 SU in its last 18 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Detroit's last 7 games at home

7:30 PM
TORONTO vs. FLORIDA
Toronto is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Florida
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Toronto's last 5 games when playing on the road against Florida
Florida is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Toronto
Florida is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing Toronto

9:00 PM
WINNIPEG vs. COLORADO
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Winnipeg's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Winnipeg's last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Colorado's last 7 games when playing Winnipeg
Colorado is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home

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NHL
Long Sheet

Tuesday, December 27

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Ice picks: Tuesday's best NHL bets
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Winnipeg Jets at Colorado Avalanche (-130, 5.5)

We’re about to find out what the Jets are made of. The franchise, still in the honeymoon stage since relocating from Atlanta to Winnipeg, will play 13 of its next 19 games away from the friendly confines at the MTS Centre.

That’s a big change for a club that played 11 of its last 12 in front of its home fans.

"We made some strides as a group," said Jets winger Tanner Glass told the Winnipeg Free Press. "The last little bit we left some points on the table we could have snagged. But we grew as a group. With a young team, we're trying to make strides, learn about ourselves and learn about playing the right way and I think we learned a lot in this homestand."

The Jets do catch a break in their first game back from the break. The Avs visit Minnesota on Monday to play the Wild before returning home to host Winnipeg.

Look for the Jets to have an extra burst fresh off the Christmas break.

Pick: Jets

Philadelphia Flyers at Tampa Bay Lightning (+125, 5.5)

The Lightning hoped Martin St. Louis’ return would spark the club’s offensive attack. But while the veteran winger does have a goal and an assist in his first two games back from a facial injury, Tampa Bay continues to have a hard time putting the puck in the back of the net.

The Bolts are averaging just 2.3 goals per game since Nov. 28 and are just 3-8-2 over the stretch.

The Philadelphia Flyers’ biggest weakness is their goaltending but Tampa doesn’t appear to have the firepower to exploit it.

Pick: Flyers

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NHL

Tuesday, December 27

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Pucking the trends: This week's best NHL betting trends
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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

The Blackhawks have a tendency to rack up ridiculous streaks, then they come back to earth a bit, only to do it all over again. So be careful with this bunch, but if you can handle the roller-coaster ride, boy is Chicago a talented team to wager on.

Veteran forward Marian Hossa has been driving the train of late. He had an assist in last Wednesday's 5-1 win over the Canadiens, pushing his point streak to seven games. He had four goals and 12 points in that span, and has led Chicago to eight victories this month. Heading into Monday's game versus Columbus, the Blackhawks had won five of their last six, and had scored at least four goals in six December games.

Jonathan Toews scored his 20th goal in the win over Montreal, and Chicago emerged from the Christmas break with four players -- Hossa (38), Toews (37), Patrick Sharp (36) and Patrick Kane (34) -- nearing 40 points. They open Monday's action with 48 points, three more than the rest of the league, and Windy City residents are truly starting to believe that the Stanley Cup could be headed back to their town for the second time in three years.

COLD TEAM: Anaheim Ducks

A lot of the focus in Southern California has been on the Kings and their new coach, Darryl Sutter, as they try to creep back into the crowded Western Conference playoff race. But the best fade play out there, still, is the Kings' neighbor.

Indeed, Anaheim, under the direction of new coach Bruce Boudreau, has not been able to turn the corner and continues to wallow at the bottom of the conference. The Ducks lost to Los Angeles, 3-2, in a shootout on Thursday, dropping them to 2-6-2 under Boudreau.

They come out of the Christmas break trying to break a four-game skid. They have eight total defeats in December, and along with the Flames are the only teams not to have scored a short-handed goal.

Teemu Selanne, with 11 goals and 35 points, has been tremendous, and just keeps on going. But when a player who was born in 1970 is your best, you're going to be in trouble, right?

OVER PLAY: New Jersey Devils

After an uncharacteristic year out of the playoffs -- their first since 1996 -- the Devils are back in the Eastern Conference postseason mix this season as one of the bottom-tier teams. If they hope to stay above the line, they'll need to ride their offense because their defense and goaltending -- believe it or not -- just isn’t there anymore.

What that means for bettors, is overs ... plenty of them. As strange as it sounds, considering we’re talking about a franchise that won Stanley Cups with a slow-it-down, grind-it-out, neutral-zone-trap approach, New Jersey has easily become one of the better over buys out there. Wednesday’s 4-3 shootout victory over Washington pushed an underless streak to six games (4-0-2) and was a snapshot of what this team is now. With sharpshooters like Zach Parise (28 points) and Ilya Kovalchuk (27), the Devils raced out to a 3-0 lead, only to blow every ounce of it, forcing the extra session.

New Jersey games have topped five goals seven times in December, and the Devils have scored four or more on their own five times this month. Veteran forward Patrik Elias, who will end his career as the franchise leader in most every offensive category, has 13 goals and 30 points and shows no signs of letup. On the other end, when a Hall-of-Fame lock like goaltender Martin Brodeur has nine losses and a 3.06 goals-against average, you know times have changed.

UNDER PLAY: Winnipeg Jets

There were two ways to look at the Jets as the season began, with regards to totals. Either the rigors of travel were going to lead to sloppy, up-and-down games, or perhaps, when mileage fatigue set in, goals would become a priority, and tight games would ensue.

The latter has been the case lately. While they have a few players who are getting close -- Evander Kane (26), Blake Wheeler (25) and Dustin Byfuglien (24) -- the Jets still don't have anyone with 30 points. In their last six games, five have gone under. They entered the Christmas break on a three-game under streak, and have only scored five goals in a game once this month.

It hasn’t hurt them in the standings, of course, as Winnipeg -- with seven wins in December -- is surprisingly still hanging around in the Eastern Conference playoff race. But after some rock ‘em-sock ‘em games to open the year, the Jets have evened out their over-under record (17-17-1), and more unders appear to be on the way.

Surveying the schedule:

** The league gave the Flyers a little reprieve as they head into final preparations for the Winter Classic. With the outdoor date versus the Rangers set for next Monday, Philadelphia only has to tackle two games this week, and the travel is not bad. The Flyers will play at Tampa Bay on Tuesday, and at Pittsburgh on Thursday.

** Give credit to new coach Ken Hitchcock for turning the Blues around so quickly. But this week will be a tough test for St. Louis with two sets of back-to-back games, on Monday-Tuesday, and Friday-Saturday. The contests are not easy. The first double dip is against Dallas and Detroit, and the latter features Nashville and Detroit. We'll know a lot more about the Blues a week from now.

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**Udog** · 12-27-2011, 08:01 AM

NBA
Dunkel

Atlanta at New Jersey
The Hawks look to take advantage of a New Jersey team that is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games as a home underdog. Atlanta is the pick (-4 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Hawks favored by 7. Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (-4 1/2). Here are all of today's picks

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 27

Game 501-502: Atlanta at New Jersey (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta 116.237; New Jersey 110.437
Dunkel Line & Total: Atlanta by 7; 185
Vegas Line & Total: Atlanta by 4 1/2; 180
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (-4 1/2); Over

Game 503-504: Boston at Miami (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings:
Dunkel Line & Total:
Vegas Line & Total:
Dunkel Pick:

Game 505-506: Minnesota at Milwaukee (8:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota 113.944; Milwaukee 117.218
Dunkel Line & Total: Milwaukee by 3 1/2; 195
Vegas Line & Total: Milwaukee by 6; 189 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (+6); Over

Game 507-508: Sacramento at Portland (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Sacramento 116.463; Portland 123.171
Dunkel Line & Total: Portland by 6 1/2; 198
Vegas Line & Total: Portland by 8; 194 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Sacramento (+8); Over

Game 7509-510: Utah at LA Lakers (10:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Utah 117.659; LA Lakers 125.449
Dunkel Line & Total: LA Lakers by 8; 182
Vegas Line & Total: LA Lakers by 4; 186
Dunkel Pick: LA Lakers (-4); Over

**Udog** · 12-27-2011, 08:27 AM

NHL
Dunkel

Philadelphia at Tampa Bay
The Flyers look to take advantage of a Tampa Bay team that is coming off a 2-1 loss at Colorado and is 1-7 in their last 8 games after scoring 2 goals or less in the previous game. Philadelphia is the pick (-150) according to Dunkel, which has the Flyers favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (-150). Here are all of today's picks.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 27

Game 51-52: Carolina at Pittsburgh (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Carolina 11.600; Pittsburgh 13.262
Dunkel Line & Total: Pittsburgh by 1 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Pittsburgh (-220); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (-220); Under

Game 53-54: Calgary at Columbus (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Calgary 11.263; Columbus 11.409
Dunkel Line & Total: Columbus by 1/2; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Calgary (-120); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Columbus (+100); Over

Game 55-56: Toronto at Florida (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Toronto 11.091; Florida 10.577
Dunkel Line & Total: Toronto by 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 57-58: Montreal at Ottawa (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Montreal 10.569; Ottawa 11.228
Dunkel Line & Total: Ottawa by 1/2; 6
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 59-60: Philadelphia at Tampa Bay (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia 11.443; Tampa Bay 10.566
Dunkel Line & Total: Philadelphia by 1; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Philadelphia (-150); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (-150); Under

Game 61-62: St. Louis at Detroit (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: St. Louis 12.989; Detroit 12.185
Dunkel Line & Total: St. Louis by 1; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Detroit (-155); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (+135); Over

Game 63-64: Winnipeg at Colorado (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Winnipeg 11.200; Colorado 11.833
Dunkel Line & Total: Colorado by 1/2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Colorado (-125); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Colorado (-125); Over

**Udog** · 12-27-2011, 09:16 AM

NHL
Long Sheet

Tuesday, December 27

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CAROLINA (12-19-0-6, 30 pts.) at PITTSBURGH (20-11-0-4, 44 pts.) - 12/27/2011, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CAROLINA is 12-25 ATS (+40.4 Units) in all games this season.
CAROLINA is 5-19 ATS (+26.7 Units) after a win by 2 goals or more over the last 2 seasons.
CAROLINA is 12-24 ATS (+39.6 Units) after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game over the last 2 seasons.
CAROLINA is 12-25 ATS (+40.4 Units) first half of the season this season.
PITTSBURGH is 37-15 ATS (+14.4 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 52-77 ATS (-33.8 Units) when playing with 3 or more days rest since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
CAROLINA is 5-5 (+2.6 Units) against the spread versus PITTSBURGH over the last 3 seasons
PITTSBURGH is 5-5-0 straight up against CAROLINA over the last 3 seasons
6 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+2.4 Units)

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CALGARY (17-15-0-4, 38 pts.) at COLUMBUS (9-22-0-4, 22 pts.) - 12/27/2011, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CALGARY is 11-19 ATS (-12.9 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
COLUMBUS is 85-68 ATS (+160.2 Units) in home games after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game since 1996.
CALGARY is 55-44 ATS (+106.8 Units) in road games in December games since 1996.
COLUMBUS is 9-25 ATS (-17.0 Units) in all games this season.
COLUMBUS is 11-32 ATS (-27.0 Units) in December games over the last 3 seasons.
COLUMBUS is 9-25 ATS (+43.7 Units) first half of the season this season.
COLUMBUS is 18-38 ATS (+70.2 Units) after a division game over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
COLUMBUS is 5-5 (+0.1 Units) against the spread versus CALGARY over the last 3 seasons
COLUMBUS is 5-5-0 straight up against CALGARY over the last 3 seasons
5 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+0.0 Units)

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TORONTO (18-13-0-4, 40 pts.) at FLORIDA (18-11-0-7, 43 pts.) - 12/27/2011, 7:30 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
FLORIDA is 5-4 (+1.2 Units) against the spread versus TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
FLORIDA is 5-4-0 straight up against TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
6 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+2.4 Units)

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MONTREAL (13-16-0-7, 33 pts.) at OTTAWA (17-14-0-5, 39 pts.) - 12/27/2011, 7:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MONTREAL is 12-23 ATS (-11.5 Units) in all games this season.
MONTREAL is 12-23 ATS (-11.5 Units) first half of the season this season.
MONTREAL is 71-58 ATS (+132.2 Units) after 3 or more consecutive losses since 1996.
OTTAWA is 4-13 ATS (-14.0 Units) in home games vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
OTTAWA is 63-68 ATS (-38.3 Units) in home games revenging a loss versus opponent since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
OTTAWA is 7-6 (+0.5 Units) against the spread versus MONTREAL over the last 3 seasons
OTTAWA is 7-6-0 straight up against MONTREAL over the last 3 seasons
7 of 11 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+2.0 Units)

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PHILADELPHIA (21-9-0-4, 46 pts.) at TAMPA BAY (14-17-0-3, 31 pts.) - 12/27/2011, 7:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TAMPA BAY is 41-32 ATS (+8.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 23-17 ATS (+43.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 12-4 ATS (+7.2 Units) in a road game where where the total is 5.5 this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 16-7 ATS (+8.5 Units) in road games in December games over the last 3 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 24-13 ATS (+9.7 Units) in road games first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHILADELPHIA is 6-4-0 straight up against TAMPA BAY over the last 3 seasons
6 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+1.1 Units)

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ST LOUIS (21-10-0-4, 46 pts.) at DETROIT (22-12-0-1, 45 pts.) - 12/27/2011, 7:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ST LOUIS is 4-13 ATS (+19.1 Units) in road games after a win by 2 goals or more over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 14-4 ATS (+8.5 Units) after a win by 2 goals or more this season.
ST LOUIS is 9-4 ATS (+14.5 Units) in road games when playing on back-to-back days over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 72-76 ATS (-78.4 Units) after playing 3 consecutive road games since 1996.
DETROIT is 83-88 ATS (-87.0 Units) on Tuesday nights since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
ST LOUIS is 8-6 (+4.5 Units) against the spread versus DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
ST LOUIS is 8-6-0 straight up against DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
11 of 13 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+9.8 Units)

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WINNIPEG (16-14-0-5, 37 pts.) at COLORADO (19-17-0-1, 39 pts.) - 12/27/2011, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
COLORADO is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) in home games in December games this season.
COLORADO is 62-55 ATS (+123.2 Units) first half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
COLORADO is 9-1 ATS (+10.1 Units) in non-conference games this season.
WINNIPEG is 7-2 ATS (+9.3 Units) after scoring 1 goal or less in their previous game this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
COLORADO is 2-1 (+1.0 Units) against the spread versus WINNIPEG over the last 3 seasons
COLORADO is 2-1-0 straight up against WINNIPEG over the last 3 seasons
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=-0.1 Units, Under=-0.1 Units)

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**Udog** · 12-27-2011, 04:16 PM

NHL
Short Sheet

Tuesday, December 27

CAROLINA at PITTSBURGH, 7:00 PM ET
CAROLINA: 5-19 SU after a win by 2+ goals
PITTSBURGH: 6-0 UNDER in home games after a win

CALGARY at COLUMBUS, 7:00 PM ET
CALGARY: 101-86 SU in December games
COLUMBUS: 39-85 SU as an underdog

TORONTO at FLORIDA, 7:30 PM ET
TORONTO: N/A
FLORIDA: N/A

MONTREAL at OTTAWA, 7:30 PM ET
MONTREAL: 14-8 SU in road games after 4+ losses
OTTAWA: 4-13 SU in home games vs. division opponents

PHILADELPHIA at TAMPA BAY, 7:30 PM ET
PHILADELPHIA: 9-2 SU in road games off a road loss
TAMPA BAY: 32-26 SU as an underdog

ST LOUIS at DETROIT, 7:30 PM ET VERSUS
ST LOUIS: 9-4 SU Away when playing on back-to-back days
DETROIT: 6-12 SU off a road blowout win by 3+ goals

WINNIPEG at COLORADO, 9:00 PM ET
WINNIPEG: 7-2 SU after scoring 1 goal or less previous game
COLORADO: 9-1 SU in non-conference games

** (TC) Denotes Time Change

**Udog** · 12-27-2011, 04:18 PM

NBA
Short Sheet

Tuesday, December 27

ATLANTA at NEW JERSEY, 7:35 PM ET
ATLANTA: 56-38 UNDER in all games
NEW JERSEY: 24-8 UNDER in home games after ATS win

BOSTON at MIAMI, 8:05 PM ET TNT
BOSTON: 6-0 ATS off a division loss
MIAMI: 20-10 ATS in December games

MINNESOTA at MILWAUKEE, 8:35 PM ET
MINNESOTA: 45-82 ATS off a ATS win where they lost SU as a dog
MILWAUKEE: 19-8 ATS in home games off a road loss

SACRAMENTO at PORTLAND, 10:05 PM ET
SACRAMENTO: 9-20 ATS first half of the season
PORTLAND: 27-13 ATS when playing on back-to-back days

UTAH at LA LAKERS, 10:35 PM ET TNT
UTAH: 9-11 ATS as road dog of 3.5 to 6 pts
LA LAKERS: 27-13 UNDER if road favorite last game

** (TC) Denotes Time Change

**Udog** · 12-27-2011, 04:25 PM

NCAAB
Short Sheet

Tuesday, December 27

Today's Top College Basketball Trends

Nebraska is 9-23 ATS off a home game (vs. Wisconsin)

Wisconsin is 7-0 ATS off BB wins by 15+ (vs. Nebraska)

Illinois is 7-0 ATS after failing to cover 4 of their last 5 games (vs. Minnesota)

Minnesota is 8-20 ATS vs. team w/ winning record (vs. Illinois)

Notre Dame is 0-6 ATS in all games (vs. Pitt)

Providence is 6-19 ATS off road game (vs. St
. Johns)

**Udog** · 12-27-2011, 04:28 PM

NFL odds: Week 17 opening line report

Tim Tebow threw two interceptions in his first nine starts this season. He doubled that in the 40-14 loss at Buffalo, and two of those were returned for touchdowns.

The anointed one said it was “probably safe” to call it the worst performance of his career, Pop Warner included.

"It's frustrating, but something my mom taught me a long time ago is give praise to the Lord and give your disappointments to the Lord,” Tebow said. “That's the No. 1 way I deal with it, because you know what? Tomorrow I get to celebrate my savior's birth. I don't know what the future holds, but I know who holds my future."

Tebow hasn’t lost faith. But what about bettors’ faith in him?

The Las Vegas Hilton SuperBook opened Denver at -3.5 (even) and immediately took a professional play on the Chiefs that moved the line to -3 (-120). The pro didn’t care that the Broncos are at home and can clinch the AFC West with a win (or an Oakland loss).

“Most of the 3.5s are gone now and you’ll see -3 (-120), which was my first thought,” Jay Kornegay, director of the Las Vegas Hilton SuperBook, told ***********. “The general public will probably bet Denver this week but the sharps won’t let it get out of hand. If any 3.5s pop up, they’ll scoop ‘em right up.

“Bookmakers aren’t going to go back and forth,” he continued. “They’ll just keep it at -3 (-120) or -3 (-130), let the average Joes lay it and not give the sharps 3.5.”

During Tebow’s 7-3 run as a starter, Kornegay said most of the action has been against Tebow.

“Fans out there certainly love Tebow but those aren’t the typical guys who bet,” he said. “The people who bet these games are football savvy and understand the ugliness of those Denver wins, how they got some fortunate breaks. They know he was 3 for 16 [at one point vs. New England].”

It’s a different story at MGM Mirage, where the line also opened at Denver -3.5 (even). Sportsbook manager Jeff Stoneback said bettors mostly have backed the Broncos except for the New England game.

“Even though Denver flopped last week, the money’s been on the Broncos and I anticipate it’s going to be on them again this week,” Stoneback said. “They’re at home, going for a playoff spot. All the people who want to believe in Tebow, this is a big opportunity for him to quiet the naysayers again.”

The Chiefs-Broncos matchup holds lots of intrigue. While K.C. has been eliminated, players are fighting hard for beloved interim coach Romeo Crennel to get the permanent job.

Moreover, K.C. will start QB Kyle Orton, who was waived by Denver on Nov. 22 after starting the Broncos’ first five games. The Chiefs signed him and were rewarded when he led them to an upset of Green Bay.

Orton insists revenge is not a factor.

“I’m motivated quite a bit for every game,” he told the Kansas City Star. “You only get 16 games in this league, and that’s not a lot. We put a lot of effort and a lot of work in those 16 games, so you’d better take advantage of each one.”

Broncos executive vice president John Elway knows he’ll take heat if Orton beats Tebow to keep Denver out of the playoffs.

"We knew it was a possibility," Elway told the Denver Post. "So, here it is. We have to go out there and play well. It was best for the team, bottom line. We made that decision knowing this was a possibility. Now we have to do it."

Kansas City-Denver is one of several games with playoff implications. Due to Tony Romo’s hand injury, books held off on posting a line on the NFC East-deciding Cowboys-Giants game.

“We know he’s going to play,” Kornegay said. “But we’ve got to find out how healthy he is.”

BIGGEST SPREADS OF THE WEEK

Tampa Bay at Atlanta (-13.5, 46), Buffalo at New England (-13, 51.5)

The Falcons can still claim the No. 5 seed by beating the Bucs and having Detroit lose at Green Bay. Atlanta will be motivated to do so. The No. 6 seed is staring at a likely trip to the Big Easy, where the Saints are 7-0 SU and ATS.

The Patriots can clinch homefield throughout the AFC playoffs by avenging their Week 3 loss in Buffalo. That 34-31 win snapped the Bills’ 15-game losing streak vs. New England.

SMALLEST SPREADS OF THE WEEK

Chicago at Minnesota (PK, 42), Tennessee at Houston (1, 40.5), New York Jets at Miami (-1, 41.5), Baltimore at Cincinnati (1.5, 38)

To make the playoffs, the Jets must beat the Dolphins and get losses from the Bengals and Titans, plus a loss from either the Raiders or Broncos.

Baltimore clinches the AFC North and a first-round bye with a win or a Steelers loss. The Ravens would earn homefield throughout the playoffs with a win and a Patriots loss.

Cincy clinches a wild card spot with a win or one of these scenarios: 1) Jets and Raiders losses. 2) Jets and Broncos losses.

BIGGEST TOTALS OF THE WEEK

Carolina at New Orleans (-10, 52), Buffalo at New England (-13, 51.5)

The Saints still have a slim shot at the No. 2 seed. They must beat the Panthers and hope the 49ers lose at the Rams.

SMALLEST TOTALS OF THE WEEK

Kansas City at Denver (-3 [-120], 37), Indianapolis at Jacksonville (-4.5, 37), Baltimore at Cincinnati (1.5, 38)

Indianapolis clinches the first pick in the 2012 draft with a loss.

The Ravens have posted a 5-2 O/U mark on the road, while the Bengals have a 5-2 O/U mark at home.

**Kaptain** · 12-27-2011, 05:49 PM

thanks U Dog

**Udog** · 12-27-2011, 10:50 PM

Originally posted by Kaptain View Post

thanks U Dog

Aye, Kapt.!

Announcement

Tuesday's Trends and Indexes - 12/27 (NCAAB, NHL, Misc.)

Tuesday's Trends and Indexes - 12/27 (NCAAB, NHL, Misc.)

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