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**StarDust Bum** · 01-13-2012, 05:54 PM

Creighton Bluejays Travel To Face Illinois State Redbirds

It’s another Friday in college basketball betting, which means a slate dominated by mid-majors. It’s also Friday the 13th, but the only thing scary is for those who have faded the elite teams in this category.

Below are the current mid-major rankings courtesy of CollegeInsider.com. Note that only three of the teams are below .500 against the spread and the combined record is 75-55 ATS (57.7 percent). Three of the teams are in action Friday and we have the previews.

1) Murray State (16-0 straight up, 8-3-1 ATS)
2) Creighton (14-2 SU, 8-4 ATS)
3) Gonzaga (13-2 SU, 9-6 ATS)
4) Harvard (14-2 SU, 6-5 ATS)
5) Saint Mary’s (15-2 SU, 8-4 ATS)
6) Iona (13-3 SU, 6-7-1 ATS)
7) Middle Tennessee (15-2 SU, 12-3 ATS)
8) Cleveland State (14-3 SU, 6-8 ATS)
9) Wichita State (13-3 SU, 4-9 ATS)
10) BYU (14-4 SU, 8-6 ATS)

Cleveland State Vikings at Butler Bulldogs - 8:00 p.m. (ET)

Cleveland State (14-3 SU, 6-8 ATS) is tied atop the Horizon League at 4-1 SU along with Milwaukee and Youngstown State. The Vikings are fourth in the conference in scoring (65 PPG) and first in defense (58 PPG). The ‘over’ is 6-0 in their last six lined games after the ‘under’ started 8-0 and oddsmakers caught up with lower totals.

The Bulldogs (9-8 SU, 2-10-2 ATS) are not going to regain the form that allowed them to make 2-straight NCAA title games. They did have a modest 4-game win streak before a 76-65 loss at Detroit last Sunday. Only two players scored in double-digits for Butler, who is scoring 63.8 PPG, fifth in the conference. The team at least returns to Hinkle Fieldhouse where it’s 6-3 SU, although 0-5-1 ATS.

Butler is 4-0 SU and ATS the last four games against Cleveland State, with the ‘over’ 3-0-1.

Bradley Braves at Wichita State Shockers - 8:05 p.m. (ET)

Bradley (5-12 SU, 6-9 ATS) is on an 8-game losing streak (4-4 ATS). That includes going 0-5 SU in the Missouri Valley as the conference’s only winless team. Senior forward Taylor Brown (16.6 PPG) scored 53 total points the last two games to savage covers versus Drake (82-74) and Creighton (92-83) as 'dogs of 9½ and 11 points respectively. Defense has been the bigger issue at 82 PPG the last six, with the ‘over’ 6-0.

Wichita State (13-3 SU, 4-9 ATS) is tied with Creighton for the Missouri Valley lead at 4-1 SU. The Shockers are second in the conference in scoring (77.5 PPG), but that pace has slowed down the last four at 72 PPG. They’re 0-4 ATS in those last four conference games with the ‘under’ 3-1.

These teams met December 28 at Bradley with Wichita State getting an easy 90-51 win as 11½-point favorites. Bradley shot just 25.5 percent from the field with Brown scoring 19 of the 51 points. Wichita State is 4-0 SU and ATS in the last four meetings overall.

No. 21 Creighton Bluejays at Illinois State Redbirds - 9:00 p.m. (ET)

Creighton (14-2 SU, 8-4 ATS) is tied for ninth nationally in scoring offense (81.9 PPG). That number has dipped to 72.8 PPG in Missouri Valley play, helping the ‘under’ go 4-1 in the last five. Sophomore forward Doug McDermott (24.5 PPG, 8.3 RPG) is the coach’s son and may be the nation’s most unsung player. He incredibly played on the same Ames, Iowa high school team as North Carolina’s Harrison Barnes.

Illinois State (11-5 SU. 7-5 ATS) is 3-2 in the conference and showed its mettle by winning at Missouri State (68-60) as 7½-point ‘dogs and barely losing at Wichita State (65-62) last game as 14-point pups. This is a solid defensive team at 60.6 PPG and the crowd at Redbird Arena will be excited to knock off its first ranked opponent since 1987. The team is 8-1 SU (2-3 ATS) at home this year.

Creighton won and covered the two games against Illinois State last year. The road one was 64-53 as 1-point ‘dogs. Illinois State had covered the previous nine meetings.

**StarDust Bum** · 01-13-2012, 05:56 PM

Penguins Hope To Snap Streak At Florida Panthers

Only one NHL matchup between teams with winning records will take place on Friday the 13th, as the Pittsburgh Penguins visit the Florida Panthers, highlighting a five-game slate of hockey betting action before a busy weekend.

The Penguins (21-17-4) are still looking for their first win of 2012 and will try to break a six-game losing streak against the Southeast Division-leading Panthers (21-13-8) when the puck drops at 7:30 p.m. (ET). Pittsburgh continues a three-game road trip in Sunrise before heading to Tampa for a meeting with the Lightning (17-20-4) on Sunday. The Penguins are coming off a 1-0 loss at Washington on Wednesday, suffering their first shutout of the season against the Capitals (22-17-2).

About the only positive for the team is that captain Sidney Crosby is ready to resume skating and will do so at some point in Florida. Crosby has been out since December 5 due to lingering concussion symptoms after playing just eight games following an 11-month absence from the NHL.

The Panthers will be hosting Pittsburgh in between visits from last year’s Stanley Cup finalists. They beat the Vancouver Canucks 2-1 at home on Monday and then entertain the Boston Bruins to begin next week's schedule. Florida is 11-4-5 at the BankAtlantic Center this season while the Penguins are just 10-10-2 on the road.

Two other Eastern Conference games on Friday include Tampa Bay visiting Washington at 7:00 p.m. and the Buffalo Sabres (18-19-5) hosting the Toronto Maple Leafs (22-15-5) at 7:30 p.m. The Capitals have one of the best home records in the league at 15-5-1 and will be facing one of the worst road teams in the Lightning (6-15-3). The Sabres were just blanked 2-0 at Toronto on Tuesday for their ninth loss in 11 games while the Maple Leafs have won four in a row following a three-game skid.

A pair of Western Conference tilts wrap up the schedule with the Columbus Blue Jackets (11-26-5) hosting the Phoenix Coyotes (20-17-6) at 7:00 p.m. and the Anaheim Ducks (13-22-6) visiting the Edmonton Oilers (16-22-4) in the nightcap at 9:30 p.m.

The Blue Jackets have dropped 10 of their last 12 after wrapping up a four-game road trip with a 1-3 mark. They have surrendered 12 goals in losing their last two games, and the Coyotes have also struggled lately with only two wins in their past nine.

The Ducks recently closed a six-game homestand with a 3-3 mark, capped by three straight wins. They are in the middle of a three-game road trip after visiting the Calgary Flames (20-19-5) on Thursday. The Oilers opened a three-game homestand on Wednesday with a 2-1 overtime loss to the New Jersey Devils (24-17-2), extending their skid to four.

**StarDust Bum** · 01-13-2012, 05:59 PM

Under like Thunder

January 12, 2012

“When in doubt, bet the under!”
A phrase often heard at the sportsbooks this NBA season.

If you bet pro hoops on a daily basis and you like to bet totals, we hope you’ve been riding the ‘under’ express. Through three weeks of the season, the ‘under’ has cashed in 60 percent of the games and the way the schedule is set up, it’s hard to see a quick fix but the oddsmakers are certainly trying to balance the numbers.

With close to 200 games being played already, we’ve only seen 20 totals listed at 200 or higher. And in those games, the ‘under’ has gone 13-6-1 (65%).

Is the offense that bad or the defense that good?

In the 2010-11 campaign, 11 teams averaged 100 points or more. This season, we have five with Miami (106.4) and Denver (103.6 PPG) leading the charge.

Defensively, 16 clubs gave up an average of 100 PPG last season. This year, we have two with Sacramento (102.2) and Charlotte (101.9 PPG) proving to be the weakest units so far. The best defensive club last season was Boston, who held teams to 91.1 PPG.

This year, four teams are holding opponents under the 90-point barrier this year with Doug Collins’ 76ers (85.5 PPG) showing their grit early.

Looking at the pace, we haven’t seen much change in the tempo. More than half of the teams are averaging 80 shots or more per game, which is just about the league average.

So what's the reason?

“The shooting has never looked more erratic. There isn’t any synergy amongst the majority of teams and it's showing up on the scoreboard,” said VegasInsider.com handicapper Paul Bovi.

Numbers don’t lie and Bovi is 100 percent correct. Ten teams are shooting 45 percent or better from the field this season, compared to 22 teams eclipsing that number in the 2010-11 season.

Bovi added, “The lockout not only shortened the season, but it limited the personnel moves and most importantly the practice time. The limited days off between games don’t give teams the ability to create any chemistry, especially on offense.”

“Plus, most of the coaches in the league now are defensive-minded and if you’re unaware of the new changes, you can get yourself into trouble at the betting counter. Look at Golden State and its new coach Mark Jackson. They actually play defense now and the days of seeing totals at 220 and above won’t be happening anytime soon.”

To put things in perspective, the Warriors have had two totals this season with numbers above 200 and they both went ‘under.’ Last season, Golden State saw 80 of its 82 games listed at 200 or above.

Times are definitely changing, at least for this shortened season.

‘Under’ Teams to Watch

Washington (9-1): I’m probably being nice, but the Wizards are horrible. They can’t shoot (39.7%) which means they can’t score (83.6 PPG). Washington is one of two teams (Detroit) not to put up 100 points or more in a game this season. Flip Saunders’ team scored 64 points in Wednesday’s loss to Chicago. On Friday, the team heads to Philadelphia and the total opened at 185.5 at one major offshore shop before quickly dropping to 183.

Minnesota (7-2): The Timberwolves have showed some punch on offense but they’ve been a different team on the road. They’ve only played three games outside of Minnesota and the ‘under’ is 2-0-1 in those contests. Friday’s matchup at New Orleans has a total hovering around 182 points. The Hornets have seen the ‘under’ connect in 70 percent (7-3) of their games, which includes a current four-game run.

Phoenix (6-2): Similar to the Warriors, the Suns used to be a high-flying team but the talent and tempo have both been tempered in the desert. Phoenix is only averaging 81 shots a game and the 3-point shooting (31%) is anything but good. It’s been so bad that center Marcin Gortat (12.7 PPG) is the team’s high scorer. Surprisingly, Steve Nash is still averaging 9.6 assists per game. Despite those facts, oddsmakers still have a 197-point total for Friday’s matchup against New Jersey, who’s had major issues on offense (89.6 PPG) this season. Make a note that the Nets have given up 101, 106 and 123 points in their last three contests.

L.A. Lakers (9-3): The addition of head coach Mike Brown is starting to pay dividends for the Lakers. Los Angeles is holding opponents to 89.4 PPG in its first 12 games and only allowed two teams to bust the century mark. Offensively, L.A. has slowed it down with an average of 79.3 shots per game and it’s translated into a 75 percent mark to the ‘under.’ Coincidentally, Brown will square off against his former team, Cleveland, on Friday. The total is hovering between 187 and 188 points.

Toronto (8-3): In past seasons, Toronto was geared more toward ‘over’ wagers but the team has taken on a different role now. The Raptors are averaging 76 shots per game, which is the second lowest in the league behind Boston (72). On Friday, the club will welcome Indiana, who has watched its last four games go ‘under.’

**StarDust Bum** · 01-13-2012, 06:02 PM

Hoop Trends - Friday

January 13, 2012

SU TREND OF THE DAY:

The Rockets are 15-0 ATS (11.3 ppg) since March 29, 2006 off an overtime loss.

OU TREND OF THE DAY:

The Wizards are 0-11 OU (-15.1 ppg) since December 16, 2010 with at most one day of rest after a game in which they scored less than 15% of their points from the free throw line.

PLAYER BASED TREND OF THE DAY:

The Spurs are 11-0 OU (11.9 ppg) since December 27, 2008 at home after a win in which Tony Parker took more than 20 shots.

CHOICE TREND:

The Bulls are 12-0 ATS (8.2 ppg) since December 09, 1997 after a double digit home win in which they shot less than 40% from the field.

TODAY’S TRENDS:

The Bobcats are 11-0-1 ATS (10.7 ppg) since January 28, 2005 with no rest after a game in which they had five or fewer offensive rebounds.

**StarDust Bum** · 01-13-2012, 06:04 PM

Heat finish road trip Friday in Denver

MIAMI HEAT (8-3)

at DENVER NUGGETS (7-4)

Tip-off: Friday, 10:35 p.m. ET
Line: Miami -3.5, Total: 210

The two top scoring teams in the NBA will meet Friday night as the Miami Heat conclude their five-game road swing with a game at Denver.

This is a matchup between two teams with radically different formulas to their winning. The Heat are a team defined by their star-power with LeBron James, Dwyane and Chris Bosh, while the Nuggets have risen to success this year after unloading their star of the past, Carmelo Anthony, and forming one of the deepest teams in the NBA. That team began the season 8-1 ATS, but has slowed down in the past week with two consecutive ATS losses against the Hornets and Nets. The Heat are just 5-6 ATS this season, and 3-11 ATS facing the Nuggets since the 2004-05 season. Most recently the Heat and their top-ranked offense (106.4 PPG) were tamed by the Clippers, who held them to just 89 points on 39.5% FG. The Heat are 0-2 both SU and ATS so far on this west coast trip, and Denver is outscoring opponents by 8.8 PPG in the thin air this season. The Nuggets have been a home underdog only eight times in the past four seasons, but have come through with a 6-2 ATS mark in those games. Take DENVER as the home dog for the win on Friday night.

This FoxSheets coaching trend also sides with the Nuggets:

George Karl is 87-52 ATS (62.6%, +29.8 Units) after playing 2 consecutive home games as the coach of DENVER. The average score was DENVER 105.9, OPPONENT 102.3 - (Rating = 2*).

With such a lofty Total for the league’s two most potent offenses, the FoxSheets show a three-star trend backing the UNDER on Friday.

Play Under - Any team (DENVER) - extremely tired team - playing 9 or more games in 14 days, in a game involving two good teams (60% to 75%). (43-16 since 1996.) (72.9%, +25.4 units. Rating = 3*).

James (29.0 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 7.5 APG) has been nearly unstoppable this season, with dominant scoring on a tremendous 57% shooting clip. He has been so efficient because he’s focused his game much more on attacking the basket, rather than settling for jumpers. James has yet to make a three-pointer this season, going 0-for-5. Wade is also scoreless from behind the arc (0-for-3), as he relies on a dribble-and-drive game, giving him 20.5 PPG this season. The key for opponents is to physically contest this duo like the Clippers did, with the pair combining for 13-of-36 shooting (36%) with eight turnovers in that loss. Denver has shown the ability to disrupt opposing backcourts, leading the NBA with 11.2 steals per game, and ranking second in the league (behind Miami) in turnovers forced per game (18.2). Miami turns the ball over 17.9 times per game, which is the most in the league.

The Nuggets are deep, but their depth is being put to the test with injures recently. Three starters -- Ty Lawson (foot), Danilo Gallinari (ankle) and Nene Hilario (heel) -- are all battling injuries, but are all expected to start on Friday. Gallinari (17.2 PPG) leads the team in scoring and has been on fire lately after beginning the season slowly. He’s averaging 22.8 PPG over his past four contests, going 10-of-22 from three-point land. The three wounded warriors comprise half of the six Nuggets who average double-figure scoring (Al Harrington 14.3 PPG, Arron Afflalo 11.9 PPG and Andre Miller 10.0 PPG), explaining how the Nuggets generate the NBA’s second-best offense in both points (103.6 PPG) and shooting (48.7% FG). They also are very unselfish, leading the league in assists (24.1 APG). Receiving points, and against a Heat squad that has struggled on the west coast, play on the Nuggets.

**StarDust Bum** · 01-13-2012, 06:06 PM

Celtics try to end losing skid hosting Bulls

CHICAGO BULLS (10-2)

at BOSTON CELTICS (4-5)

Tip-off: Friday, 8:05 p.m. ET
Line: Chicago -2, Total: 177

The Bulls visit a Celtics team in need of a season-changing win after coming out of the gate slowly with a 4-5 start this season.

The key to this game might come before tip-off, with Derrick Rose (20.7 PPG) questionable to play with a sprained toe. He sat out the Bulls’ most recent game, a win over the Wizards in their third contest in three days, but says he’ll suit up for Friday’s game. Rose brings the necessary star-power to combat a talented Celtics squad. In the past two seasons, the Chicago is 5-3 ATS against Boston as Rose has scored 23.6 PPG (51% FG), 4.5 RPG and 5.4 APG. The Bulls are 8-4 ATS this season, winning three consecutive and five of their last six against the lines, while the Celtics have hit a rough patch, going 1-3 ATS, including two straight defeats. Boston’s offensive slump (79.5 PPG in past two games) will not be easy to bust out of, going up against a Chicago team holding four of its past eight opponents to under 75 points. The pick here is CHICAGO to win and cover the small spread.

These two FoxSheets trends also favor the Bulls on Friday:

Play On - Road favorites (CHICAGO) - a very good team (>=+7 PPG differential) against an average team (+/- 3 PPG differential), after leading their last 3 games by 5+ points at the half. (53-24 since 1996.) (68.8%, +26.6 units. Rating = 2*).

CHICAGO is 35-16 ATS (68.6%, +17.4 Units) after playing a home game over the last 2 seasons. The average score was CHICAGO 98.2, OPPONENT 87.8 - (Rating = 2*).

Although the injury focus is on Rose, also pay attention to Joakim Noah who injured his thumb last game, but should be able to go Friday night. However, SG Richard Hamilton (groin) will likely be in street clothes when this game tips off.

Rose is the heart and soul of the Bulls, but the team has defined itself this year with consistent play on the boards and on defense. Allowing just 85.8 PPG, Chicago ranks second in the NBA in defense. They also rank second in the NBA in rebounds (46.3 RPG). Two Duke products give the Bulls size with SF Luol Deng (14.5 PPG, 7.4 RPG) and Carlos Boozer (13.3 PPG, 7.9 RPG) contributing both offense and significant rebounding. Their most tenacious interior defender, however, is backup forward Taj Gibson who is leading the team with 1.4 BPG. Against a Celtics team that likes to work its way into the paint, and Noah not being 100 percent, Gibson’s physical defense should become a major factor.

Although the Celtics do not have a high-octane offense, they shoot the ball efficiently with a 46.9 FG%, fourth best in the NBA. But they average a pedestrian 91.9 PPG, which is better than only seven other teams in the league. Rajon Rondo is the team’s floor general, averaging a double-double (15.8 PPG, 10.1 APG), but Boston’s triumvirate of aging stars surround him to add scoring. Ray Allen (19.0 PPG, 63% 3-pt FG) leads the team, while Pierce (13.8 PPG) and Garnett (13.2 PPG) are still finding their rhythm. Pierce especially, who began the season injured, needs to find his stroke and start contributing more than his 38.6% FG to give the Celtics a shot to become great again.

**StarDust Bum** · 01-13-2012, 06:07 PM

Spurs go for rare win over Blazers Friday

PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS (7-3)

at SAN ANTONIO SPURS (7-4)

Tip-off: Friday, 8:35 p.m. ET
Line: San Antonio -1.5, Total: 194.5

San Antonio tries to solve the riddle of beating Portland when the teams square off Friday night. The Blazers are 8-1 SU (7-2 ATS) in the past nine meetings.

Manu Ginobili being out six weeks with a broken hand doesn’t help San Antonio’s cause, but the Spurs have played well at home this year. They are now 7-0 SU (4-3 ATS) at home this year, winning by 13.0 PPG. The Blazers were crushed by a below-average Phoenix team 102-77 in their last road game. That result wasn’t too surprising considering Portland’s 18-22 ATS road mark (45%) last season, which included 9-14 ATS (39%) as a road underdog. Despite the recent SU dominance, the Blazers are just 3-12 SU (6-9 ATS) in their past 15 trips to San Antonio. The pick here is SAN ANTONIO to win and cover the small spread.

This highly-rated FoxSheets trend also favors the Spurs on Friday:

Play On - Home favorites (SAN ANTONIO) - after failing to cover 4 or 5 of their last 6 against the spread, in a game involving two good teams (60% to 75%). (68-33 over the last 5 seasons.) (67.3%, +31.7 units. Rating = 2*).

The Blazers are starting up a six-game road trip on Friday night. Although they lost at home to Orlando on Wednesday, there was some good that they could take away from the 107-104 loss. They shot 48% FG on offense while turning the ball over just seven times. They also showed great resolve in nearly erasing a 20-point deficit in the fourth quarter. New Blazers SG Jamal Crawford (13.5 PPG) had his best night of the season, scoring 24 points on 10-of-17 FG. PF LaMarcus Aldridge (22.2 PPG, 7.7 RPG) added 23 points and eight boards in the loss. Aldridge did score 40 in one of the meetings last with San Antonio last year, but scored just 39 total points (13.0 PPG) in the other three meetings.

Tony Parker (15.5 PPG, 7.3 APG) had a huge game in Wednesday’s overtime win versus Houston, scoring 28 points and dishing out eight assists. He’s shooting just 44% from the floor this year, but has made 22-of-40 shots (55%) in the past two games. But his hot streak could end on Friday considering his 12.2 PPG against Portland in the past two years is his lowest against any Western Conference opponent. Tim Duncan (12.3 PPG, 6.4 RPG) has also picked up his game in the past three contests, averaging 16.0 PPG and 8.7 RPG. Rookie SF Kawhi Leonard was inserted into the starting lineup for the first time all season and responded with 11 points and eight rebounds. With his increased minutes over the past three games (35.0 MPG), Leonard has produced nicely with 14.3 PPG and 7.0 RPG.

**StarDust Bum** · 01-13-2012, 06:09 PM

Dallas seeks 4th straight win hosting Bucks Friday

MILWAUKEE BUCKS (4-6)

at DALLAS MAVERICKS (6-5)

Tip-off: Friday, 8:35 p.m. ET
Line: Dallas -9, Total: 184

The Mavs look to keep their strong play going when they host Milwaukee on Friday night.

Dallas has won three in a row and five of six SU and ATS. They’ll be hosting a Bucks team that’s not only 0-6 SU and 1-5 ATS on the road this season, but they’re playing the second of a back-to-back after taking the court in Milwaukee Thursday night. The Bucks are 0-3 ATS in the second half of back-to-backs this season while the Mavs have won their past four home games by nine points or more and will be well-rested. They could even have PG Jason Kidd (back) in the lineup, though they’ve won all three of their games, SU and ATS, without him this season. DALLAS is the pick.

The FoxSheets have a three-star trend that shows that when the Mavs get hot, they often stay hot:

DALLAS is 39-16 ATS (70.9%, +21.4 Units) after having won 4 or 5 of their last 6 games over the last 2 seasons. The average score was DALLAS 99.5, OPPONENT 94.1 - (Rating = 3*).

The Mavs are coming off an impressive mini-road trip, winning easily at Detroit (100-86) on Tuesday and holding off Boston (90-85) on Wednesday. After an 0-3 start to the season, Dallas has turned it around with outstanding defense. They’re 6-2 SU and ATS since that slow start, and they’ve yet to allow 100 points during that stretch, giving up and average of just 88.3 PPG.

They aren’t showing the same kind of offensive firepower this season though (93.2 PPG, T-19th in NBA). Dirk Nowitzki (18.6 PPG) is averaging under 20 points per game for the first time since 1999-2000, his second year in the league. Sixth man Jason Terry (14.2 PPG) is the only other player averaging double-digits. SG Delonte West (8.2 PPG, 3.7 APG) has performed well in three games since moving to the point with Kidd out, averaging 10.0 PPG and 5.7 APG with an average plus/minus of +13.3. SG Vince Carter (8.6 PPG on 36% shooting) has slid into the starting lineup with Kidd out, but he continues to struggle shooting the ball, making an anemic 35% of his two-point FG tries (39% 3-pt FG).

The Bucks had a nice two-game homestand, upsetting San Antonio on Tuesday (106-103) and easily handling Detroit on Thursday (102-93). They continue to be a far better team at home though. While the Bucks are averaging 102.0 PPG and shooting 49% from the field and 42% from three in four home games (all SU wins), they’re averaging 88.8 PPG on 40% shooting from the field and 28% from three in six road games (all SU losses).

The team’s two leading scorers have the most dramatic home/road splits. First-year Bucks swingman Stephen Jackson (16.0 PPG) is averaging 20.5 PPG on 48% shooting from the field at home and 13.0 PPG on 32% shooting on the road. PG Brandon Jennings (18.7 PPG, 5.7 APG) is averaging 22.0 PPG on 54% shooting in home games, but 16.5 PPG on just 37% on the road.

**StarDust Bum** · 01-13-2012, 06:11 PM

Friday's betting tips: Bosh says D-Wade should take clutch shots

Who’s hot

NBA: Denver is 13-5-2 against the spread in its last 20 home games.

NBA: Chicago has covered the number in five of its last six overall and in five of its last six meetings with Boston.

NHL: Toronto has won five of its last six meetings with Buffalo.

NHL: Anaheim has won three straight overall and eight of its last nine against Edmonton.

NCAAB: Creighton is 16-6 against the spread in its last 22 overall.

Who’s not

NBA: Sacramento is 3-7 against the spread in its last 10.

NBA: Washington is 3-8 against the spread in its last 11.

NHL: Pittsburgh has lost six straight games.

NHL: Buffalo is 1-6 in its last seven overall.

NCAAB: South Florida is 1-7 against the spread in its last eight meetings with Seton Hall.

Key stat

27.5 – The Chicago Bulls are giving up 27.5 more points per game on the road than they are on the road. Chicago yields 67.5 points per game at home this season compared to 95 points against on the road. They visit the Celtics as 2-point underdogs Friday.

Injury that shouldn’t be overlooked

Atlanta Hawks forward Al Horford may miss the rest of the regular season after suffering a torn pectoral muscle in a game against the Indiana Pacers. The injury was originally diagnosed as a shoulder strain, but further evaluation revealed the tear. Horford played just six minutes in Wednesday's 96-84 Indiana victory, scoring five points and adding two rebounds. The 25-year-old is expected to miss the next 3-4 months, which could leave him on the shelf until the opening round of the NBA playoffs. Horford is averaging 12.4 points, seven rebounds and 1.3 blocks in 11 games.

Game of the day

Miami Heat at Denver Nuggets (3, N/A)

Notable quotable

“Because of his success in the past, given what he’s done. He’s a champ. He’s an MVP, and he’s hit a bunch of last-second shots. That’s the time you have to put pride aside a little bit, and do what’s best for the team. He’s quickest, and he’s gonna get a shot off. He relishes those moments.” – Miami Heat forward Chris Bosh choosing Dwyane Wade over LeBron James to take the team’s last-second shots in a recent interview with GQ magazine. The Heat are set as 3-point favorites Friday in Denver.

Notes and tips

A pair of Minnesota Timberwolves will be staying home while the rest of the team travels for games in New Orleans and Atlanta this weekend. Forward Michael Beasley has been sidelined since Jan. 6 with a sprained right foot. He was still in a walking cast as of Wednesday and the foot remains swollen, forcing him to miss the last three games. Beasley is averaging 12.9 points and seven rebounds in seven games. Point guard J.J. Barea is dealing with a sprained ankle after already missing four games with a strained left hamstring. Barea averages 11.4 points through five games.

An MRI on Caroline Wozniacki's injured left wrist showed no structural damage, clearing the top-ranked women's player to compete in the Australian Open beginning Monday in Melbourne. She's set at +1000 to win the tournament. Wozniacki cited the wrist injury as a major reason for her 3-6, 7-5, 6-2 loss to Poland's Agnieszka Radwanska in the second round of the Sydney International on Wednesday. The Danish star said she began experiencing pain early in the third set. "Caroline had a MRI scan and it proved clear," a WTA spokesperson said. "It is inflamed and she has been told to ice the wrist and rest it and she expects to play in the Australian Open."

The Washington Capitals have placed defenseman Mike Green on long-term injury reserve with a groin injury. The move allows the club to get relief of his $5.25 million deal. He is eligible to return Feb. 1. Green was hurt on Nov. 11 against the New Jersey Devils. He appeared in a pair of games last week but apparently was not fully recovered. Green has 82 goals and 168 assists in 376 career games. The Caps are -180 favorites at home to Tampa Bay Friday.

The Montreal Canadiens have traded forward Mike Cammalleri to the Calgary Flames in a deal centered around forward Rene Bourque. Montreal also sent goaltender prospect Karri Ramo and a fifth-round pick in the 2012 draft to Calgary for forward Patrick Holland and a second-round pick in 2013. Cammalleri played the first two periods of Thursday's game against Boston but did not come out for the third as the deal was being finalized. The 29-year-old joined the Canadiens on a five-year deal in 2009 after notching 39 goals and 82 points with the Flames the season prior. He has nine goals and 22 points in 38 games this year. Bourque has 13 goals and three assists in 37 games with the Flames this season. He is currently serving a five-game suspension for elbowing.

**StarDust Bum** · 01-13-2012, 06:13 PM

Armadillo: Friday's six-pack

-- Colts’ season ticket holders have to have money in for their 2012 season tickets six days before the team’s deadline on whether or not to pay Peyton Manning his $28M bonus.

-- Iona was up 17 at the half on Manhattan, but Jaspers rallied to upset the host Gaels 75-72; big win for former Louisville aide Steve Masiello.

-- Give up 70 points in a bowl game, your defensive coordinator gets fired. Clemson canned Kevin Steele; maybe he should just trade jobs with Washington’s ex-DC, Nick Holt, who got the boot after his Huskies gave up 67 points to Baylor.

-- Indiana beat Kentucky/Ohio State at home but lost to 11-point dog Minnesota by 3; harder to be the hunted than the hunter.

-- St Mary's hammered Gonzaga 83-62, getting a leg up on the regular season title in the WCC; Gaels have also beaten BYU in Moraga.

-- Former used car salesman Alan R Selig will be baseball commissioner for three more years, when he’ll be 80. Hopefully by then he’ll get his college buddy Lew Wolff (A’s owner) a baseball stadium in San Jose.

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

Armadillo: Friday's List of 13: Random thoughts with the weekend here....

13) Its been six years since the defending Super Bowl champ won a playoff game; the defending champs are riding a 4-game playoff losing streak. Packers will do their best to break that streak Sunday afternoon in Lambeau.

12) Xavier hoop coach Chris Mack tore the patella tendon in his knee dunking during a Musketeer practice last week; he had surgery Sunday and is now coaching while hurt. That can’t be much fun.

11) How is it possible that one-time superagent Leigh Steinberg declared bankruptcy? You mean to tell me that I have more money than a guy who the agent who, at one point, was agent for most of the starting QBs in the NFL? That seems laughable, but apparently it is true. Wow.

10) Broncos go to Foxboro Saturday; CBS is praying for a Tebowtime ratings bonanza here, instead of a 45-7 Patriots’ win. Either way, the sight of hideous Josh McDaniels, OC of this year’s 2-14 Rams, rehabilitating his career by standing next to Tom Brady should be enough to make me puke once or twice.

9) Miami Heat lost in OT against both Warriors/Clippers already this week; their game in Denver tonight should be a good one. Hope Nuggets’ owner Stan Kroenke has hired a football coach (he owns the Rams, too) by tipoff.

8) Speaking of the Nuggets, JR Smith is still playing over in China, because the contract he signed over there didn’t have lockout ****uage in it; apparently, his sister got into a fracas in the stands during a game recently, and Smith had to go into the seats to calm her down. Sounds like great fun.

7) Looking ahead, Sunday February 26 is the Daytona 500, the NBA All-Star Game and finals of the World Golf Match Play tournament. Should be a good day.

6) UNLV-San Diego State will be terrific Saturday afternoon from Viejas; Mountain West is deep with good but not great teams this year.

5) Tyler Yates/Joe Flacco vs the Raven/Texan defenses makes you want to play the under, doesn’t it?

4) Somewhere, somehow, scumweasel agent Scott Boras needs to get Prince Fielder signed, because I’m selfish and I want to start planning my fantasy baseball team for this year, and can’t do that until we know where all the 1B’s wind up.

3) Erik Compton is playing in Hawai’ian Open this weekend; wouldn’t be awesome if he won? Does anyone know whose heart he has? Seriously, how awesome would he be if he won a tournament and the family of the heart donor was there to share the moment with him? (Compton shot +1 in Thursday's 1st round, is T80th).

2) President Obama’s campaign raised $42M, just in the last three months of 2011. Going to be a long year of bad TV commercials with hideous politicians making promises they aren't going to keep.

1) Saints go to Candlestick as a rare road favorite in this round, the first in at least a decade; will the elements throw off their offense? Will there even be elements, other than sun? Can the 49er defense/special teams continue to carry the offense? This will be an interesting result.

**StarDust Bum** · 01-13-2012, 06:18 PM

NCAAB
Armadillo's Write-Up

Friday, January 13

Seton Hall won eight of last nine games with South Florida, but lost in OT last time they visited here (76-74 in '10); Pirates are 2-1 in last three visits to USF. Hall won four in row, 12 of last 13 games; they're 3-1 on road, winning at Dayton/Providence. Only teams to beat Pirates are #4 and #59 in country. #110 USF is 2-2 in Big East, scoring 57-49 points in losses, 67-74 in the wins. Big East favorites are 5-2 when spread is 3 or less points.

Columbia is much-improved, winning 11 of last 12 games after 0-4 start, but only one of their 11 victims is ranked better than #178; Lions are 5-2 at home, winning last four by 1-10-10-15 points. Pennsylvania lost last two visits to Columbia by 1-13 points; four of last seven series games were decided by 4 or less points. Quakers are 3-5 in last eight games, but all five teams that beat them are in top 100; Penn is 7-1 vs teams ranked lower than #100, with only loss to #234 James Madison.

Cleveland State lost five in row, 13 of last 15 games vs Butler, losing six in row at Hinkle by 29-25-5-2-9-23 points. Vikings won nine of last 11 games, but lost last two games against top 200 teams. Butler is 3-2 in league, with three wins by total of nine points. Horizon home favorites of 5 or less points are 2-6 vs spread. State is 7-1 on road, with only loss at South Florida- they've won games at Vandy/Kent State. Vikings lead the country in forcing turnovers, getting one on 28.7% of possessions.

Princeton beat Cornell twice LY, by 2-18 points, after losing seven of previous eight series games; Tigers lost four of last five visits to Ithaca, losing by 20-11-9-3 points. Princeton won six of last eight D-I games, including a triple-OT win over Florida State; Tigers won five of their last seven road games. Big Red lost its last five games vs D-I teams (they beat a D-III team in last game), but none of them were by more than 9 points; their last two D-I wins both came in OT.

Youngstown State is 0-9 vs Valparaiso since teams have been Horizon rivals, losing here by 19-8-4-24 points. Penguins are surprising 4-1 so far in Horizon, with only loss by point at Wright State; they're 8-2 against teams ranked below #120. Horizon home favorites of 5 or less points are 2-6 vs spread. Valparaiso is 3-2 in league, with all three wins by 3 or less points, or in OT; they're poor defensive team (#277) but are #2 in nation making 56.7% of their 2-point shots.

Evansville lost its last three games by total of five points after starting out 2-0 in MVC; Purple Aces allow opponents to make 55% of 2-point shots (331st). Drake is 10-6 in its last 16 games vs Evansville, 4-3 in last seven visits here, with losses by 21-11-16 points; Bulldogs are 2-3 in Valley, losing road games by 11-17 points. Drake won five of last six games vs teams ranked below #100, with only loss at Iowa. MVC home favorites of less than 8 points are 2-7 vs spread.

Indiana State won its last three games over Southern Illinois by 3-5-15 points; they're 3-2 in last five visits to Carbondale. Sycamores are 2-3 in Valley, losing both their road games, at Drake/No Iowa, by 15-17 points. MVC underdogs are 5-1 vs spread if number is 3 or less points. Salukis are 1-9 vs teams ranked in top 200; only one of their five wins was bvs a team rankied higher than #225. Indiana State won nine of its eleven games vs teams ranked lower than #100.

Bradley was 0-3 vs Wichita State LY, losing by 16-20-14 points; Braves are 2-6 in last eight visits here, with losses by 21-15-21-2-12-20 points. Bradley lost its last eight games, allowing average of 81.5 ppg in last six games- they're 0-7 vs top 100 teams, but only two of their 12 losses are by more than 17 points. MVC double digit favorites are 3-5 vs spread, 2-2 at home. Wichita is 4-1 in Valley, but last three wins are by total of 14 points; Shockers are 0-2 as an MVC home favorite this season.

Missouri State lost five of last six games vs Northern Iowa, losing three of last four visits here, with losses by 15-14-8 points. Bears are 4-1 in MVC with road wins at Creighton/Indiana State; they're 2-6 vs teams in top 100, winning at Nevada/Creighton, but with three losses of five or less points. UNI is 2-4 in last six games after starting season 10-1; they split first two Valley home games. MVC home favorites of less than 8 points are 2-7 vs spread. UNI's MVC wins are by 15-17 points.

14-2 Creighton is 4-1 in Valley, winning road games by 7-9 points; they swept Illinois State by 11-16 points LY, after losing eight of previous 10 games against Redbirds. Bluejays are shooting 45.2% behind arc (#3 in country) but only one of their five Valley opponents scored more than 65 points, so they defend, too. 11-5 State won both its conference home games by total of six points; they're 3-2 vs top 100 teams, losing to Illinois by 4, Wichita by 3. MVC home underdogs are 6-2 vs spread.

Loyola Md lost five of last six games against Fairfield, losing last three visits here by 14-5-10 points; 11-4 Greyhounds split last six games after 8-1 start- they're 4-1 in MAAC, winning by 7 at Siena in only road game so far. Stags lost four of last five games, scoring 55.5 ppg in losing last two league games, to Siena/Manhattan. MAAC home favorites of 7 or less points are 6-3 vs spread. Fairfield is 3-1 in its only four home tilts, with all three wins against teams ranked #222 or worse.

St Peter's won its last four games vs Niagara, winning 74-65/70-47 in last two visits here, but Peacocks are just 3-13 this year, losing 9 of last ten games, with only win vs #299 Canisius. Peacocks are 3-0 if they allow 61 or less points, 0-13 if they allow more. MAAC home favorites of 7 or less points are 6-3 vs spread. Niagara is 1-4 in MAAC, with only win a pretty big upset at Loyola; Purple Eagles are 3-8 in last 11 games, with only one of three wins against a team in top 300.

Marist lost six of last seven games with Canisius, losing last three visits here by 26-15-26 points; Red Foxes are 2-3 in MAAC, allowing 99-100 points in last two- four of five MAAC foes scored 75+ points. MAAC home favorites of 4 or less points are 5-1 vs spread. 3-12 Canisius lost all five MAAC games, scoring 62 or less points in all five games. Marist is 6-2 vs teams not ranked in top 200. Griffins haven't beaten any team ranked above #279 this season.

**StarDust Bum** · 01-13-2012, 06:50 PM

NBA

Friday, January 13

Game Score Status Pick Amount

Indiana - 7:00 PM ET Toronto +5.5 500
Toronto - Under 179.5 500

Washington - 7:00 PM ET Washington +13 500
Philadelphia - Under 187 500

Detroit - 7:00 PM ET Charlotte -3 500
Charlotte - Under 180.5 500

Chicago - 8:00 PM ET Chicago -2.5 500
Boston - Over 176 500

Minnesota - 8:00 PM ET New Orleans +1.5 500
New Orleans - Over 181 500

Sacramento - 8:00 PM ET Houston -8.5 500
Houston - Over 200 500

Milwaukee - 8:30 PM ET Milwaukee +9 500
Dallas - Over 183.5 500

Portland - 8:30 PM ET Portland +1.5 500
San Antonio - Over 194.5 500

New Jersey - 9:00 PM ET Phoenix -6.5 500
Phoenix - Under 195 500

Miami - 10:30 PM ET Miami -3.5 500
Denver - Over 210 500

Cleveland - 10:30 PM ET Cleveland +10.5 500
L.A. Lakers - Under 187 500

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

NHL

Friday, January 13

Game Score Status Pick Amount

Tampa Bay - 7:00 PM ET Tampa Bay +177 500
Washington - Over 5.5 500

Phoenix - 7:00 PM ET Columbus +101 500
Columbus - Over 5.5 500

Toronto - 7:30 PM ET Toronto +101 500
Buffalo - Under 5.5 500

Pittsburgh - 7:30 PM ET Florida -109 500
Florida - Over 5 500

Anaheim - 9:30 PM ET Anaheim +108 500
Edmonton - Over 5.5 500

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

NCAAB

Friday, January 13

Game Score Status Pick Amount

Marist - 7:00 PM ET Marist +2 500
Canisius - Over 149.5 500

Pennsylvania - 7:00 PM ET Pennsylvania +1.5 500
Columbia - Over 124 500

Princeton - 7:00 PM ET Cornell +2.5 500
Cornell - Over 124.5 500

Seton Hall - 7:00 PM ET South Florida +2 500
South Florida - Under 122 500

Cleveland St. - 7:00 PM ET Butler -3 500
Butler - Over 121 500

Missouri St. - 8:00 PM ET Missouri St. +6 500
Northern Iowa - Under 128 500

Drake - 8:05 PM ET Evansville -5 500
Evansville - Under 145 500

Indiana St. - 8:05 PM ET Indiana St. +1 500
Southern Illinois - Over 134 500

Youngstown St. - 8:05 PM ET Valparaiso -6 500
Valparaiso - Under 141.5 500

Bradley - 8:05 PM ET Bradley +20 500
Wichita St. - Under 142.5 500

St. Peter's - 9:00 PM ET Niagara -5.5 500
Niagara - Under 131 500

Loyola-Maryland - 9:00 PM ET Loyola-Maryland +5.5 500
Fairfield - Over 127.5 500

Creighton - 9:00 PM ET Illinois St. +2.5 500
Illinois St. - Over 140 500

**Kaptain** · 01-13-2012, 07:29 PM

knock em out SD Bum....give em L my man....thanks

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