Announcement

**Udog** · 01-20-2012, 07:36 AM

Friday’s betting tips: Rondo doubtful for Celtics

Who’s hot

NBA: Chicago has covered in 10 of its last 14 overall.

NBA: Denver is 22-6 against the spread in its last 28 road games.

NHL: Chicago is 20-6 in its last 26 games against teams with losing records.

NCAAB: Rider is 4-0-1 against the spread in its last five.

NCAAB: Manhattan is 21-6-1 in its last 28 games.

Who’s not

NBA: The under is 5-14 in the last 19 meetings between Indiana and Golden State.

NBA: Detroit has covered in just two of its last 10 games.

NHL: Montreal is 3-13 in its last 16 as an underdog.

NCAAB: Iona is 1-4-1 against the spread in its last six home games.

Key stat

6 – The Manhattan Jaspers have just six losses against the spread in their last 28 games overall, going 21-6-1 heading into Friday’s date with Marist, which has dropped four in a row straight up and against the spread. The Jaspers have reeled off four straight covers and sit third in the country against the spread this season with a 13-3 mark.

Injury that shouldn’t be overlooked

Rajon Rondo, Boston Celtics - Rondo left Wednesday's game against the Toronto Raptors due to a wrist injury and is considered doubtful for Friday’s contest against Phoenix. Rondo was hurt on a flagrant foul by Toronto's Linas Kleiza, falling hard on his right arm. He was scheduled for an MRI Thursday. Rondo entered Wednesday's game averaging 14.5 points, 10.0 assists and 5.2 rebounds.

Game of the day

Los Angeles Lakers at Orlando Magic (-3, N/A)

Notable quotable

“I don’t know about freer. I’m just as tight on break points, big points as I’ve ever been. It’s still the same nerves out there.” – Australian Lleyton Hewitt after Andy Roddick retired in their match with a hamstring injury. Hewitt now faces Canadian Milos Raonic at the Aussie Open as a +215 underdog.

Notes and tips

As of Thursday evening, almost 58 percent of *********** Consensus bettors were backing the Baltimore Ravens as 7-point underdogs in their game against the New England Patriots on Sunday. The Ravens are just 1-4 against the spread in their last four games overall and are 1-3-2 against the spread in their last six games in New England.

Kansas State junior forward Jordan Henriquez was suspended indefinitely for conduct detrimental to the team. Wildcats coach Frank Martin detailed that he would meet with the player next week to discuss his standing. Henriquez has played in all 17 contests this season - starting six - and is averaging 7.1 points and 5.1 rebounds. He had two points and two rebounds in Kansas State's 84-80 victory over Texas on Wednesday.

**Udog** · 01-20-2012, 07:39 AM

Armadillo: Friday's six-pack

-- Why did the Lakers get rid of Lamar Odom?

-- Miami Heat is 5-0 when Dwyane Wade doesn't play, a perfect example of: "A is true, B is true, but A didn't cause B."

-- Oregon State guard Ahmed Starks played high school ball in Chicago with Marcus Jordan, who plays at UCF and has a very famous dad.

-- Under-mentioned part of pro football; Rams wanted to interview the strength coach from the Titans, but Tennessee wouldn't let them. From sound of it, Rams are going to have a new strength coach fairly soon.

-- Ricky Rubio is averaging 10.7 ppg, 8.3 apg and 2.3 spg, dwarfing the numbers he put up in Europe last year. The kid can really pass.

-- Bishop Gorman-Findlay Prep play each other this weekend out in Las Vegas; two of the best high school teams in the country. Both won games in Springfield at the Basketball Hall of Fame last weekend.

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

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

13) Clemson paid its entire football coaching staff $2.7M this past season; next year, their two coordinators alone will make a total of $2.1M. Guess one of the wealthy boosters didn’t enjoy the Tigers getting 70 points hung on them in that bowl game.

12) Supposed to be a rainy day on Candlestick Point for the NFC title game Sunday night, which begs two questions:
a) what team will the wet field/ball help? and
b) will the lights work?

They had trouble with the lights during their Monday night home game with Pittsburgh last month.

11) If you’re talking college basketball Coach of the Year, its still a little early, but the two undefeated teams (Murray State/Syracuse) have to be mentioned, along with Steve Fisher of San Diego State, who is in the top 25 despite losing four starters from LY’s 34-3 team. Just a tremendous coaching job; his players play with great confidence.

10) Pitt is 0-6 in the Big East, which is totally unexpected; underdog covered all six games, with Pitt having been favored to win the first four. That Tuesday of the Big East tournament looks like it could have some well-paid coaches working that day.

9) Grant Hill is 39 years old, and in his fifth year with Phoenix Suns; he’s played in 325 out of a possible 340 regular season games for the Suns. The six years before that, he was employed by the Orlando Magic, but played in only 200 of a possible 492 games.

Are the Suns trainers that much better than everyone else? Some people say yes. If so, Knicks should be careful before they employ Steve Nash next year.

8) The father of the Suns’ Martin Gortat won a bronze medal boxing at the ’76 Summer Olympics in Montreal, losing in the semifinals to Leon Spinks.

7) 49-year old Jamie Moyer signed a minor league deal with Colorado; don’t think he signs there unless he thinks he has a legit shot to make the squad. Either that, or the Rockies were his only offer……

6) Why does West Virginia play Marshall in basketball every January? Seems like the game would be better played in December, when its not interrupting conference play.

5) Was lot of fun Tuesday night watching Michigan State-Michigan, with Wolverines’ QB Denard Robinson front/center in the student section, doing cheers with the rest of the students. Seemed like he was having lot of fun. Good to see.

4) Quietly, Vanderbilt has righted itself and is on an eight-game winning streak after the Commodores won easily at Alabama Thursday, 69-59.

3) Craig Robinson's Oregon State Beavers are fun to watch; they run like crazy, are obviously much better in Corvallis than on the road, but he has a good thing going and his recruiting should really benefit. Oregon State was just quicker than UCLA across the board in their 87-84 win.

2) 20-point underdog Wm & Mary lost in OT at VCU; 16.5-point dog LMU hammered BYU 82-68 in Provo and Jacksonville State's 63-62 win at Tennessee Tech, as a 9-point underdog in Cookeville, were the two big upsets of Thursday's card.

1) Apparently ESPN’s Jay Bilas doesn’t get along well with reporter Andy Katz; rumor is the two rarely speak, on air or off. Bilas seems like a condescending snob anyway; he should respect how Katz has worked his way up from a newspaper reporter to one of the better information men on TV. Not everyone plays at Duke, then walks into a TV job.

You don’t have to be a former player to know a lot about the game.

**Udog** · 01-20-2012, 07:45 AM

NFL action report: Conference Championship line moves

With just two games on the board this weekend, oddsmakers’ lines are in the spotlight.

We have already seen some big moves in both the AFC and NFC Championship games and checked in with Todd Fuhrman, senior sports analyst at Caesars Palace, to get the inside scoop.

Baltimore Ravens at New England Patriots Open: -9 Move: -7

It’s hard to gauge the public support of the New England Patriots at this point, especially after last week’s offensive display. There was no question the Pats would be favored at home against Baltimore, but nailing down the right number was tricky.

“Before last weekend, this number probably would have had New England favored by about three or four points, but after that dominating performance, we had to inflate the number to get two-way action,” Fuhrman says.

“Early on it was all dog money, forcing the number down to -7. We’re seeing some sharp money on the underdog right now, though it’s probably not going to be enough to move this one off the touchdown.”

The total for this one is sitting right around 50 or 50.5 and Fuhrman reports balanced action on the over and under.

New York Giants at San Francisco 49ers Total Open: 45 Move: 42

The big move here was on the total with most books opening at 44.5 or 45. Now it’s around 42 across the board, which isn’t exactly surprising considering San Francisco’s season-long dominance and New York’s pass rush.

Some books in Vegas, like Fuhrman’s shop, had the Niners at -1.5 at the open before moving it to -2.5.

“We put out 1.5 with New York being such a trendy pick right now, but moved it to 2.5 pretty quickly,” Fuhrman says. “Now we’re seeing good two-way action on that number and I expect that to continue up to game day.”

“As for the total, we came in at 44.5 and are now putting out 42. The big boys came in early and are still hitting the under, so it looks like they have their minds made up with a sloppy track expected. I think wet conditions probably favor San Francisco’s power game while hurting New York’s pass rush.”

NFL
Dunkel

Conference Championships

NY Giants at San Francisco
The Giants look to build on their 7-0 ATS record in their last 7 road playoff games. New York is the pick (+3) according to Dunkel, which has the game Even. Dunkel Pick: NY Giants (+3). Here are all of this week's picks.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 22

Game 301-302: Baltimore at New England (3:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Baltimore 135.275; New England 148.298
Dunkel Line: New England by 13; 47
Vegas Line: New England by 7 1/2; 50 1/2
Dunkel Pick: New England (-7 1/2); Under

Game 303-304: NY Giants at San Francisco (6:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: NY Giants 143.438; San Francisco 143.069
Dunkel Line: Even; 45
Vegas Line: San Francisco by 3; 42 1/2
Dunkel Pick: NY Giants (+3); Over

NFL
Long Sheet

Conference Championships

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

Sunday, January 22

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

BALTIMORE (13 - 4) at NEW ENGLAND (14 - 3) - 1/22/2012, 3:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEW ENGLAND is 145-108 ATS (+26.2 Units) against conference opponents since 1992.
NEW ENGLAND is 90-64 ATS (+19.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record since 1992.
NEW ENGLAND is 63-38 ATS (+21.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1992.

Head-to-Head Series History
NEW ENGLAND is 1-1 against the spread versus BALTIMORE over the last 3 seasons
NEW ENGLAND is 2-1 straight up against BALTIMORE over the last 3 seasons
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

NY GIANTS (11 - 7) at SAN FRANCISCO (14 - 3) - 1/22/2012, 6:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SAN FRANCISCO is 12-4 ATS (+7.6 Units) in all games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 12-4 ATS (+7.6 Units) in all lined games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 8-0 ATS (+8.0 Units) in home games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 8-0 ATS (+8.0 Units) in home lined games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 9-1 ATS (+7.9 Units) in all games where the total is between 42.5 and 49 points over the last 3 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in home games against conference opponents this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 10-1 ATS (+8.9 Units) in games played on a grass field this season.
NY GIANTS are 35-17 ATS (+16.3 Units) in road games after 2 or more consecutive wins since 1992.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN FRANCISCO is 1-0 against the spread versus NY GIANTS over the last 3 seasons
SAN FRANCISCO is 1-0 straight up against NY GIANTS over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

NFL
Short Sheet

Conference Championships

Sunday, 1/23/2012

BALTIMORE at NEW ENGLAND, 3:00 PM ET CBS
BALTIMORE: 10-2 ATS Away off ATS loss
NEW ENGLAND: 6-0 Over in January games

NY GIANTS at SAN FRANCISCO, 6:30 PM ET FOX
NY GIANTS: 7-0 Over off 3+ SU wins
SAN FRANCISCO: 7-0 ATS as home favorite

** (TC) Denotes Time Change

NFL

Conference Championships

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Report
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

3:00 PM
BALTIMORE vs. NEW ENGLAND
Baltimore is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against New England
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Baltimore's last 6 games when playing on the road against New England
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of New England's last 6 games when playing at home against Baltimore
The total has gone OVER in 4 of New England's last 5 games at home

6:30 PM
NY GIANTS vs. SAN FRANCISCO
NY Giants are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games
NY Giants are 3-7 SU in their last 10 games when playing San Francisco
San Francisco is 7-3 SU in their last 10 games when playing NY Giants
San Francisco is 1-4-1 ATS in their last 6 games when playing NY Giants

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

NFL

Conference Championships

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NFL poolies cheat sheet: Conference Championship betting notes
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Baltimore Ravens at New England Patriots (-7.5)

Why Ravens cover: In typical Ravens’ fashion, they’ll play the disrespect card for all it’s worth. Baltimore is third in the league in points allowed (16.6 ppg) and yards allowed (288.9 ypg). Plus, the Ravens have been there, done that. They went on the road in the playoffs and pummeled New England 33-14 two years ago. Baltimore 5-1-1 ATS last seven vs. winning teams. Pats 1-6 ATS last seven playoff games.

Why Patriots cover: You did see Tom Brady last week, right? These guys have won nine in a row SU, going 6-3 ATS. All six ATS wins have been double-digit beatdowns, with the smallest margin of victory being 18 points. Ravens have covered in just one of their last five overall and are in a 5-11 pointspread rut in January.

Total (50): Despite Ravens’ stout defense, oddsmakers expect some points to be scored in this matchup. Pats on bundle of over streaks, including 22-6 overall, 21-8-1 at Foxborough and 6-0 in January. The over is 4-1 in Ravens’ last five roadies. Under 7-3 in Baltimore’s last 10 playoff tilts.

New York Giants at San Francisco 49ers (-2.5)

Why Giants cover: They just knocked out the defending Super Bowl champion Packers, on the road in very convincing fashion. New York has covered in seven straight road playoff games, including five straight outright wins. Plus, it’s covered in seven of its last eight overall in the postseason.

Why 49ers cover: Nobody better at the betting window all season than the Niners (13-3-1 ATS). And for those questioning their offensive firepower, they stood toe-to-toe with high-octane New Orleans last week and won a wild game. San Fran has No. 2 scoring defense, allowing a meager 14.3 ppg., and that defense will knock the snot out of you, as evidenced by five forced turnovers vs. Saints. The favorite has covered four straight in this rivalry, including 49ers’ 27-20 home win laying four points in November.

Total (42): Giants on under streaks of 4-1 overall and 7-2 in postseason play, but total has gone high in four of New York’s last five roadies, including last week’s game at Green Bay. Over also on upswings for San Fran of 4-1 overall, 4-1 in January and 12-5 inside the NFC. And Niners piled up points in last week’s 36-32 shootout with Saints.

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

NFL

Conference Championships

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total bias: Conference Championship over/under picks
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

As far as I’m concerned, if you’re looking for a hero on a football field, he had better have lifted a car off your grandmother or rescued a baby from a burning building on his way to the game.

Just don’t bother telling that to coaches, analysts or pretty much anybody else associated with football this time of year.

A lot of the time it’s just lazy jargon. Everybody gets a little carried away with the excitement and intensity on the field and hyperbole ends up reigning supreme. It’s the same thing when analysts start talking about the “war” that’s going on down “in the trenches.”

Not that it’s anything to really get worked up over or anything, but it’s worth noting that we rarely even notice this sort of thing anymore. Over the years, you just become immune to it.

The hero stuff always got under my skin though. I remember a few of my coaches talking about heroes in the dressing room when I was a kid and I always looked at them like they had three heads.

Hero? Settle down, guy. This is a Pee Wee hockey game, coach.

Yes, I was a weird child.

This all came back to me when San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh went on a hero rant for the ages Monday after the team’s dramatic win over New Orleans.

"These guys are my heroes -- all of them," Harbaugh said. "Alex (Smith) was heroic in (Saturday's game).

"So was Justin (Smith), so was Donte (Whitner), so was Aldon (Smith), Vernon Davis ... I mean, you take your play to the heroic, that's what he did, that's what all our guys did.

"Just the way they all fight. It's wicked, competitive fight that's in our guys."

I guess if you’re ever going to play the hero card, Harbaugh picked a pretty good time to lay it down, but I think there was a whole lot more to it than him getting caught up in the emotion and intensity of that win.

That was a very calculated presser.

Last week there weren’t many that gave the 49ers much of a shot against the sexy Saints and they came up with some tremendous plays in one of the better games you’ll ever see. This week, even though the 49ers are 2.5-point favorites, it’s more of the same.

Everybody’s drooling over a possible Giants-Patriots Super Bowl rematch, so the 49ers are a bit of an afterthought again.

That’s why Harbaugh’s pumping his club’s tires like they’re rolling on rims right now.

When nobody else believed in this team, he did, and this us against the world mentality is just what San Francisco needs. Even after a 13-3 regular season and last week’s milestone win over New Orleans, this club is still green.

In a lot of ways, he’s like that Pee Wee coach talking to his team about heroes. The only real difference is that he has everybody believing.

New York Giants at San Francisco 49ers (-2.5, 42)

Since we’re talking about hyperbole, New York Giants defensive lineman Chris Canty couldn’t have summed this one up any better: “This is not going to be a cute football game. It’s not going to be for the meek and mild. This is going to be a bloodbath, that’s what it’s going to be.”

Agreed.

Both offenses have made some huge strides over the past few weeks, but Smith and Eli Manning are going to be “running for their lives” a lot. New York’s pass rush is terrifying and San Francisco has more ballhawks on the field than it knows what to do with.

The last meeting between these two clubs would have easily played under the total if it weren’t for three fourth-quarter touchdowns. I can’t see that type of outburst happening again now that both defenses are healthy and familiar with the opposing offense.

We’re still a few days away, but rain is supposed to play a factor as well, so I’m playing under this number and wishing I could have got in on the opening number of 45.

Pick: Under

Baltimore Ravens at New England Patriots (-7, 50)

At risk of sounding like a broken record, you have to keep hitting the over in Patriots games until somebody stops them.

They have now topped the total in seven straight games. All of those over/unders were set at 46.5 points or higher.

I still have a ton of respect for Baltimore’s defense. The Ravens can shut teams down for stretches at a time, but they can’t dominate a game for a full 60 minutes anymore. You could argue that Houston beat them on both sides of the ball last week and were just a few plays away from sending Baltimore home.

And that was with a rookie quarterback.

Tom Brady’s no rook and there isn’t a team in the league that has an answer for New England’s tight ends right now.

Pick: Over

Last week’s record: 2-2
Season record to date: 32-27

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

**Udog** · 01-20-2012, 07:52 AM

NCAAB
Dunkel

WI-Green Bay at Cleveland State
The Vikings look to take advantage of a WI-Green Bay team that is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 Friday games. Cleveland State is the pick (-10) according to Dunkel, which has the Vikings favored by 12 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Cleveland State (-10). Here are all of today's picks.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 20

Game 841-842: WI-Milwaukee at Youngstown State (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: WI-Milwaukee 56.381; Youngstown State 545175
Dunkel Line: WI-Milwaukee by 1; 119
Vegas Line: WI-Milwaukee by 3; 125
Dunkel Pick: Youngstown State (+3); Under

Game 843-844: WI-Green Bay at Cleveland State (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: WI-Green Bay 51.939; Cleveland State 64.644
Dunkel Line: Cleveland State by 12 1/2; 131
Vegas Line: Cleveland State by 10; 127
Dunkel Pick Cleveland State (-10); Over

Game 845-846: Manhattan at Marist (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Manhattan 54.489; Marist 48.561
Dunkel Line: Manhattan by 6; 143
Vegas Line: Manhattan by 8 1/2; 146
Dunkel Pick: Marist (+8 1/2); Under

Game 847-848: Rider at Iona (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Rider 50.191; Iona 68.392
Dunkel Line: Iona by 18; 169
Vegas Line: Iona by 16 1/2; 164 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Iona (-16 1/2); Over

NCAAB
Long Sheet

Friday, January 20

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

WI-MILWAUKEE (13 - 6) at YOUNGSTOWN ST (9 - 8) - 1/20/2012, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WI-MILWAUKEE is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) in a road game where the total is 120 to 129.5 over the last 2 seasons.
WI-MILWAUKEE is 15-6 ATS (+8.4 Units) in road games against conference opponents over the last 3 seasons.
WI-MILWAUKEE is 72-50 ATS (+17.0 Units) in January games since 1997.
WI-MILWAUKEE is 137-101 ATS (+25.9 Units) after a conference game since 1997.
WI-MILWAUKEE is 44-27 ATS (+14.3 Units) in road games off a win against a conference rival since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
WI-MILWAUKEE is 3-1 against the spread versus YOUNGSTOWN ST over the last 3 seasons
WI-MILWAUKEE is 4-0 straight up against YOUNGSTOWN ST over the last 3 seasons
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

WI-GREEN BAY (7 - 10) at CLEVELAND ST (15 - 4) - 1/20/2012, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WI-GREEN BAY is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in a road game where the total is 120 to 129.5 over the last 3 seasons.
CLEVELAND ST is 40-80 ATS (-48.0 Units) off a loss against a conference rival since 1997.

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

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

MANHATTAN (12 - 7) at MARIST (7 - 11) - 1/20/2012, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MANHATTAN is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) in all games this season.
MANHATTAN is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) in all lined games this season.
MANHATTAN is 15-6 ATS (+8.4 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
MANHATTAN is 15-6 ATS (+8.4 Units) in road lined games over the last 2 seasons.
MANHATTAN is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) in road games against conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
MANHATTAN is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) in road games in January games over the last 2 seasons.
MANHATTAN is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) after a conference game this season.

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

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

RIDER (6 - 13) at IONA (14 - 4) - 1/20/2012, 10:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
RIDER is 15-5 ATS (+9.5 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
RIDER is 15-5 ATS (+9.5 Units) in road lined games over the last 2 seasons.
RIDER is 19-7 ATS (+11.3 Units) in road games against conference opponents over the last 3 seasons.
RIDER is 39-19 ATS (+18.1 Units) in road games in January games since 1997.
RIDER is 19-8 ATS (+10.2 Units) in road games after a conference game over the last 3 seasons.
RIDER is 12-3 ATS (+8.7 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
IONA is 4-16 ATS (-13.6 Units) as a home favorite of 12.5 or more points since 1997.
IONA is 39-61 ATS (-28.1 Units) in home games against conference opponents since 1997.
IONA is 8-22 ATS (-16.2 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record after 15 or more games since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
IONA is 4-1 against the spread versus RIDER over the last 3 seasons
IONA is 4-1 straight up against RIDER over the last 3 seasons
4 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

NCAAB
Armadillo's Write-Up

Friday, January 20

Milwaukee is 8-0 vs teams ranked #200 or lower, but three of the eight wins are by 5 or less points; Panthers are holding teams to an amazingly low 23.4% from arc, #1 in country, but they've lost three of last four on road, with red flag loss at Western Michigan. Youngstown State is 4-3 in Horizon play, winning both home games by 4-21 points. Milwaukee is 4-0 in last four series games, winning by 9-7-2-10 points. Horizon home underdogs are 5-4 vs spread.

Green Bay is 7-10 this year; 7-1 at home, 0-9 on road, losing three road games in Horizon play by total of 8 points- they turn ball over 23.5% of time (299th), make just 32% of 3's (263rd) which hurt in close losses. Three of Cleveland State's four losses are to teams ranked #146 or lower; they're #2 in country forcing turnovers (27.9%), but also put teams on foul line 3rd-most time in country. Horizon home favorites are 12-17 vs spread, 2-4 if they're laying double digits.

Vastly-improved Manhattan (12-7, 5-2 in league despite turning it over 24.5% of time) won last three games by 2-3-19 points; they're 9-3 in last dozen games, after a 3-4 start. Marist lost its last four games, all by 10+ points; Red Foxes shoot the ball well but are poor on defense (#283 in eFG%, and turn ball over a lot themselves (21.9% of time)). Marist has won six of eight at home, losing to Bucknell/Iona good clubs. MAAC home underdogs are 4-6 vs spread, 3-4 if they're getting single digits.

Rider is 5-1 vs teams ranked #281 or lower, 1-12 vs everyone else, with seven losses by 16+ points, but three of their last four setbacks were by 9 or less points. Broncs are playing fourth straight road game, losing last two by 4-9 points. Iona makes 56.6% of 2-point shots, so they're smart on offense- all six of its MAAC wins are by 11+ points. MAAC home favorites are 13-13-1 vs spread this season, 2-6 if they're laying double digits.

NCAAB

Friday, January 20

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Report
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

7:05 PM
WISC-MILWAUKEE vs. YOUNGSTOWN STATE
Wisc-Milwaukee is 1-2-2 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Wisc-Milwaukee is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Youngstown State is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games
Youngstown State is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home

8:00 PM
WISC-GREEN BAY vs. CLEVELAND STATE
Wisc-Green Bay is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Wisc-Green Bay is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Cleveland State
Cleveland State is 15-4 SU in its last 19 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Cleveland State's last 5 games

9:00 PM
MANHATTAN vs. MARIST
Manhattan is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games on the road
Manhattan is 8-17 SU in its last 25 games on the road
Marist is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
Marist is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games

10:00 PM
RIDER vs. IONA
Rider is 4-10 SU in its last 14 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Rider's last 5 games when playing on the road against Iona
Iona is 14-3 SU in its last 17 games
Iona is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home

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

NCAAB

Friday, January 20

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Under the radar: Low-profile NCAAB teams surging against the spread
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Anybody can jump online a few minutes before the tip and throw down a moneyline wager on the Blue Devils when they’re playing at home and cash in. That's easy, but it takes some homework if you’re targeting the lesser known clubs in college hoops.

While these three teams won’t jump off the standings at you with their straight up records, they’re worth checking out against the spread. All of our NCAAB stats can be found here.

All stats were current before Thursday’s action.

Arkansas-Little Rock Trojans (12-3 against the spread)

Sure, Arkansas Little-Rock may be leading the Sun Belt West with a 5-0 straight up record in conference play, but the Trojans are only 8-11 outright on the year.

The good news is that they’ve covered the number in 12 of the 15 games that they’ve seen a pointspread and have cashed in 10 straight contests. The last time they lost against the number was way back on Dec. 4 in an overtime loss to Southern Methodist.

Statistically, not much sticks out with the Trojans aside from the fact that they have three players averaging more than 11 points per game.

Bowling Green Eagles (11-3 against the spread)

It’s been a tough year so far for Bowling Green as it sits in fifth spot in the MAC East at 8-9 straight up this season and 2-2 in conference play.

It’s been a completely different story for their wagering supporters though. The Falcons are cruising along at 11-3 against the spread and have covered the number in four straight.

Their frontcourt of A’uston Calhoun and Scott Thomas are both averaging better than 12 points and five rebounds per game.

The Eagles are back in action Saturday afternoon against Buffalo.

Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles (8-3-1 against the spread)

Tennessee Tech sits fourth in the Ohio Valley Conference at 11-7 straight up overall and 3-2 in conference play but is soaring along at 8-3-1 against the spread.

The Golden Eagles’ one-two punch of guards Kevin Murphy and Jud Dillard have had a lot to do with their consistent paydays. Both average better than 18 points per game and hit the glass, too.

Tennessee Tech averages 73.5 points per game, shooting 46.5 percent from the floor.

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

**Udog** · 01-20-2012, 08:24 AM

NHL
Dunkel

Montreal at Pittsburgh
The Canadiens look to take advantage of a Pittsburgh team that is 2-5 in its last 7 games as a favorite. Montreal is the pick (+145) according to Dunkel, which has the Canadiens favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: Montreal (+145). Here are all of today's picks.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 20

Game 51-52: Montreal at Pittsburgh (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Montreal 11.386; Pittsburgh 12.490
Dunkel Line & Total: Montreal by 1; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Pittsburgh (-165); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Montreal (+145); Over

Game 53-54: Washington at Carolina (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Washington 12.330; Carolina 11.238
Dunkel Line & Total: Washington by 1; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Washington (-130); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Washington (-130); Under

Game 55-56: Tampa Bay at Dallas (8:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Tampa Bay 11.543; Dallas 10.278
Dunkel Line & Total: Tampa Bay by 1 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Dallas (-145); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Tampa Bay (+125); Under

Game 57-58: Florida at Chicago (8:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Florida 10.059; Chicago 11.848
Dunkel Line & Total: Chicago by 2; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Chicago (-210); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Chicago (-210); Over

NHL
Long Sheet

Friday, January 20

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

MONTREAL (17-21-0-8, 42 pts.) at PITTSBURGH (24-17-0-4, 52 pts.) - 1/20/2012, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MONTREAL is 16-29 ATS (-13.9 Units) in all games this season.
MONTREAL is 8-17 ATS (-10.3 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent this season.
MONTREAL is 8-19 ATS (+28.1 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
PITTSBURGH is 40-15 ATS (+16.1 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MONTREAL is 8-9 (+3.6 Units) against the spread versus PITTSBURGH over the last 3 seasons
PITTSBURGH is 9-8-0 straight up against MONTREAL over the last 3 seasons
10 of 17 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+2.7 Units)

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

WASHINGTON (25-18-0-2, 52 pts.) at CAROLINA (16-24-0-8, 40 pts.) - 1/20/2012, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 160-162 ATS (+346.9 Units) in road games second half of the season since 1996.
CAROLINA is 16-32 ATS (-23.0 Units) in all games this season.
CAROLINA is 2-10 ATS (+12.5 Units) vs. division opponents this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 11-4 (+3.4 Units) against the spread versus CAROLINA over the last 3 seasons
WASHINGTON is 11-4-0 straight up against CAROLINA over the last 3 seasons
9 of 15 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+2.1 Units)

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

TAMPA BAY (18-23-0-4, 40 pts.) at DALLAS (24-19-0-2, 50 pts.) - 1/20/2012, 8:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TAMPA BAY is 5-17 ATS (+25.3 Units) in a road game where where the total is 5.5 this season.
DALLAS is 24-20 ATS (+48.4 Units) in all games this season.
TAMPA BAY is 43-35 ATS (+85.1 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
DALLAS is 1-1 (+0.0 Units) against the spread versus TAMPA BAY over the last 3 seasons
DALLAS is 1-1-0 straight up against TAMPA BAY over the last 3 seasons
2 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+2.0 Units)

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

FLORIDA (21-14-0-10, 52 pts.) at CHICAGO (28-13-0-6, 62 pts.) - 1/20/2012, 8:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
FLORIDA is 15-38 ATS (+61.0 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO is 242-268 ATS (-46.9 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record since 1996.
CHICAGO is 57-64 ATS (-53.7 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season since 1996.
CHICAGO is 45-59 ATS (-33.4 Units) in home games on Friday nights since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
FLORIDA is 2-3 (+0.1 Units) against the spread versus CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO is 3-2-0 straight up against FLORIDA over the last 3 seasons
4 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+2.9 Units)

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

NHL
Armadillo's Write-Up

Friday, January 20

Hot teams
-- Penguins won last four games, allowing six goals.
-- Washington won four of its last five games.
-- Blackhawks won their last four home games, scoring 20 goals.

Cold teams
-- Montreal lost four of its last five games.
-- Carolina lost six of its last eight games.
-- Lightning lost seven of their last eight games. Dallas Stars lost four of five.
-- Panthers lost five of their last six road games.

Totals
-- Under is 5-2-2 in last eight Pittsburgh games.
-- Five of last six Washington road games went over the total.
-- Last Tampa Bay games went over the total.
-- Over is 5-0-1 in Florida's last six road games.

Series records
-- Penguins won three of last four games against Montreal.
-- Hurricanes lost eight of last nine games against Washington.
-- Dallas Stars lost 5-4 at St Pete Forum in LY's meeting.
-- Panthers lost last two games with Chicago, 4-0/3-2.

Back-to-Back
-- Penguins are 3-4 if they played the night before.

NHL

Friday, January 20

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Report
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

7:00 PM
MONTREAL vs. PITTSBURGH
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Montreal's last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Montreal's last 6 games when playing Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Pittsburgh's last 6 games when playing Montreal

7:00 PM
WASHINGTON vs. CAROLINA
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Washington's last 6 games on the road
Washington is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games when playing Carolina
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Carolina's last 6 games at home
Carolina is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games at home

8:30 PM
FLORIDA vs. CHICAGO
Florida is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games
Florida is 2-5-1 SU in its last 8 games ,when playing on the road against Chicago
Chicago is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Chicago's last 5 games

8:30 PM
TAMPA BAY vs. DALLAS
Tampa Bay is 6-14-2 SU in its last 22 games ,when playing Dallas
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Tampa Bay's last 6 games when playing on the road against Dallas
Dallas is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games at home
Dallas is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games

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

NHL

Friday, January 20

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NHL Top 4: Best Stanley Cup long-shot bets
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The All-Star break is just around the corner and the NHL playoff race is heating up. Oddsmakers have their favorites to the win the Stanley Cup – Boston, Vancouver, New York (no, not you Islanders fans) – but there is great value out there on teams that may be a bit under the radar of the sportsbooks.

Here’s a look at four NHL futures bets showing the best long-shot value heading into the final third of the schedule:

Nashville Predators (+2,200)

Hockey fans with a Stanley Cup ticket on the Preds would love to see a deep run from Nashville – and not just for more Carrie Underwood face time. OK, well maybe a little bit. Nashville has held its own in the super-competitive Central Division and currently sits sixth in the Western Conference.

The Predators had a five-game winning streak snapped by the Rangers but should pick up their ninth win in the last 11 games versus divisional-punching bag Columbus Wednesday. Top defenseman Ryan Suter is still out with an upper-body injury and will likely be shelved for longer, just to make sure he’s healthy for the stretch run.

Los Angeles Kings (+2,500)

Los Angeles is probably the most inconsistent team in the NHL right now, splitting wins and losses in its last 10 games. But the one thing that the Kings do well all of the time is keep the puck out of the net. They boast a solid blueline and a Vezina dark horse in Jonathan Quick, who leads the NHL with six shutouts.

And it’s not like the offense isn’t trying to support their goalie. Los Angeles is ninth in the NHL in shots, but doesn’t have the finishers up front. If the Kings can cash in on a few more chances, this team could make a strong run in the final two months – and beyond.

Florida Panthers (+4,000)

The Panthers are tops in a weak Southeast Division, and have suffered a bit of a swoon with injuries mounting. But Florida is a solid bet at home, going 11-5-1-5 inside the BankAtlantic Center. If the Panthers can toughen up away from the Sunshine State, they could be an early playoff upset waiting to happen.

Florida has proved it can play with the NHL’s elite in recent games, knocking off Vancouver, and taking Boston and New York (again, not you Isles fans) to extra frames. More scoring is needed from the top line, and coach Kevin Dineen is trying to get that through to his stars. However, keeping your best players off the ice – benching Kris Versteeg – isn’t going to help them score more goals.

Toronto Maple Leafs (+4,000)

If you thought the Vancouver riots were nuts after the Canucks lost in the Cup final last year, those scuffles would look like cat fights on The Bachelor compared to the anarchy that would reign over Canada if the Leafs won – or lost – the Stanley Cup. And, for the first time since 1993, it looks like Toronto just may have a shot.

The Maple Buds sit outside of the playoff picture right now – ninth in the Eastern Conference – with three straight losses leaving Toronto to chase Washington for the final golden ticket. But the Leafs have the scoring to make any game competitive and the front office isn't afraid to pull the trigger on a game-changing trade. Toronto made things interesting after the break last season and is better equipped for a late run in 2012.

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

NHL

Friday, January 20

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ice picks: Friday's best NHL bets
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tampa Bay Lightning at Dallas Stars (-140, 5.5)

The injury-plagued Tampa Bay Lightning showed some life with a 5-3 victory over the Boston Bruins on Tuesday, snapping a seven-game losing streak.

The Lightning hope to carry over that emotion when they take to the road for two games in two days, starting at the Dallas Stars on Friday. The Lightning are without three of their top seven defensemen because of injuries, but top offensive weapons Steven Stamkos, Vincent Lecavalier and Marty St. Louis are healthy and producing.

Jamie Benn and Mike Ribeiro, two of the Stars’ top four scorers, are likely out with injuries while their defense could be back at full strength.

Tampa Bay, which plays at Phoenix on Saturday, is 3-0-2 in the last five meetings with Dallas.

This could be a good underdog play.

Pick: Lightning

Florida Panthers at Chicago Blackhawks (-200, 5.5)

There is no room for error for either the Florida Panthers or Chicago Blackhawks when they collide Friday in Chicago.

Both are fighting for first place in their respective divisions. The Panthers and Washington Capitals are deadlocked atop the Southeast Division with 52 points. The Panthers have less wins, though, which lands them in the hotly contested eighth and final playoff spot.

Chicago meanwhile, finds itself in a dogfight with two other teams for the lead in the Central Division.

Chicago, 5-3-2 in its last 10 games, is coming off a 6-2 home win over the Buffalo Sabres. Rookies Jimmy Hayes and Andrew Shaw each collected a goal and an assist.

Jonathan Toews added two goals, while Marian Hossa and Dave Bolland also scored. Corey Crawford made 25 saves. Shaw has five goals in his first eight NHL games and has scored in four straight. Hayes has four goals and seven points in 10 games.

Pick: Over

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

**Udog** · 01-20-2012, 08:55 AM

NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up

Friday, January 20

Hot Teams
-- Nuggets won four of their last five games.
-- Atlanta won its last four games; they're 3-1 vs spread as an underdog. 76ers won/covered six of their seven home games.
-- Cleveland is 6-3 vs spread as an underdog. Bulls won six of their last eight road games.
-- Grizzlies won last four games, allowing 88.8 ppg.
-- Orlando won five of its last six games.
-- Spurs won all nine home games (6-2-1 vs spread).
-- Clippers won their last seven home games (6-1 vs spread). Minnesota covered four of its five road games.
-- Pacers won five of their last seven games.
-- Golden State is 5-3 vs spread in game following a loss.

Cold Teams
-- Toronto lost last six games, but covered three of last four. Trailblazers lost four of their last five games.
-- Wizards lost four of last five games; they're 2-4 as home dogs.
-- New York lost its last four games; they're 1-6 vs spread at home. Bucks are 0-8 in the road (1-6-1 as road underdog).
-- Detroit lost nine of last ten games (2-3 as home underdog).
-- Suns lost five of their last six games (3-4 as road underdog). Boston lost five of its last six games.
-- Lakers are 1-4 outside of LA, 0-3 as road dogs.
-- Sacramento is 1-7 as a road underdog this season.

Totals
-- Six of Portland's seven road games stayed under the total.
-- Last four Washington games went over the total.
-- Six of seven Atlanta road games stayed under the total.
-- Five of last seven Milwaukee road games stayed under.
-- Three of last four Chicago road games went over total.
-- Five of six Memphis road games stayed under the total.
-- Four of last five Phoenix road games stayed under total.
-- Five of last seven Laker games stayed under the total.
-- Under is 7-1 in Sacramento games since the coaching change.
-- Last four Minnesota road games stayed under the total.
-- Last six Golden State games went over. Under is 5-1-1 in last seven Indiana games.

Wear and Tear
-- Blazers: 3rd game/5 nites. Raptors: 3rd game/5 nites.
-- Nuggets: 4th game/6 nites. Wizards: 3rd game/5 nites.
-- Hawks: 3rd game/5 nites. 76ers: 3rd game/5 nites.
-- Bucks: Had last two nites off. Knicks: 3rd game/5 nites.
-- Bulls: Had last two nites off. Cavaliers: Had last two nites off.
-- Grizzlies: 3rd game/5 nites. Pistons: 10th game/15 nites.
-- Suns: 6th game/9 nites. Celtics: 3rd game/5 nites.
-- Lakers: 7th game/11 nites. Magic: 4th game/5 nites.
-- Kings: 3rd game/5 nites. Spurs: 4th game/6 nites.
-- Wolves: 3rd game/5 nites. Clippers: 5th game/7 nites.
-- Pacers: 2nd game/6 nites. Warriors: 5th game/7 nites.

**Udog** · 01-20-2012, 08:58 AM

NBA

Friday, January 20

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Report
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

7:00 PM
DENVER vs. WASHINGTON
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Denver's last 8 games when playing on the road against Washington
Denver is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Washington
Washington is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games at home
Washington is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games

7:00 PM
ATLANTA vs. PHILADELPHIA
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Atlanta's last 9 games on the road
Atlanta is 7-14 SU in its last 21 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Philadelphia's last 13 games at home
Philadelphia is 9-2 SU in its last 11 games

7:00 PM
PORTLAND vs. TORONTO
Portland is 2-9 ATS in its last 11 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Portland's last 8 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Toronto's last 9 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Toronto's last 9 games when playing Portland

7:30 PM
PHOENIX vs. BOSTON
Phoenix is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Phoenix is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Boston's last 5 games
Boston is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games at home

7:30 PM
CHICAGO vs. CLEVELAND
Chicago is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games on the road
Chicago is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Cleveland
Cleveland is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Cleveland's last 7 games when playing at home against Chicago

7:30 PM
MILWAUKEE vs. NEW YORK
Milwaukee is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing New York
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Milwaukee's last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of New York's last 6 games at home
New York is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games at home

7:30 PM
MEMPHIS vs. DETROIT
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Memphis's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Memphis's last 7 games when playing Detroit
Detroit is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Memphis
Detroit is 17-7 SU in its last 24 games when playing Memphis

8:00 PM
LA LAKERS vs. ORLANDO
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of the LA Lakers last 5 games when playing Orlando
LA Lakers are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games
Orlando is 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games when playing LA Lakers
Orlando is 7-15 SU in their last 22 games when playing LA Lakers

8:30 PM
SACRAMENTO vs. SAN ANTONIO
Sacramento is 2-4-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing San Antonio
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Sacramento's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of San Antonio's last 5 games
San Antonio is 5-1-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing at home against Sacramento

10:30 PM
MINNESOTA vs. LA CLIPPERS
Minnesota is 1-4 SU in their last 5 games when playing on the road against LA Clippers
The total has gone UNDER in 15 of Minnesota's last 21 games when playing LA Clippers
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of the LA Clippers last 6 games when playing at home against Minnesota
The total has gone UNDER in 15 of the LA Clippers last 21 games when playing Minnesota

10:30 PM
INDIANA vs. GOLDEN STATE
Indiana is 4-10 SU in its last 14 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Indiana's last 5 games when playing on the road against Golden State
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Golden State's last 5 games when playing at home against Indiana
Golden State is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Indiana

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

**Udog** · 01-20-2012, 09:01 AM

NBA

Friday, January 20

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pick 'n' roll: Friday's best NBA bets
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Milwaukee Bucks at New York Knicks (-6, 190)

The season may only be 14 games old for the New York Knicks, but it sounds a lot like Friday is a must-win already.

New York dropped its fourth consecutive game straight up and against the spread Wednesday against the Phoenix Suns. The Knicks have shot just 37.2 percent in the 91-88 loss to Phoenix and are averaging just 89 points per game during the slump.

“I don’t think I have it in my vocabulary,’’ Knicks coach Mike D’Antoni told reporters about his team’s lack of offense. “We know we’re 6-8. We know we’re in a little bit of a crisis, but the good thing is they’re playing hard. We have won every statistical category, except we can’t put the ball in the basket.’’

The Bucks aren’t much better on the offensive end, averaging just 91.8 points per game on the year.

Pick: Under

Memphis Grizzlies at Detroit Pistons (3.5, 180)

As long as the Grizzlies keep running their offense through center Marc Gasol, they’re going to keep getting better.

Memphis won its fourth game in a row Wednesday, downing the Hornets 93-87 as a 4-point favorite. Gasol finished with 22 points, 12 rebounds and seven assists, and was an imposing force on defense in the fourth quarter as the Hornets tried to cut the deficit.

“Another great win,” Tony Allen told reporters. “We’re trying to build consistency. … We made some great plays down the stretch. (The Hornets) made a run and we were able to weather the storm. It was an overall team win. I liked our focus for the entire 48 minutes.”

That’s something the Pistons are lacking in a big way. They have dropped nine of 10 outright, covering the number just twice during that skid.

Detroit’s going to have a tough time keeping pace with the Grizzlies.

Pick: Grizzlies

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

**Udog** · 01-20-2012, 09:53 AM

NBA
Long Sheet

Friday, January 20

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

PORTLAND (8 - 6) at TORONTO (4 - 11) - 1/20/2012, 7:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
PORTLAND is 4-0 against the spread versus TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
PORTLAND is 4-0 straight up against TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

DENVER (10 - 5) at WASHINGTON (2 - 12) - 1/20/2012, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DENVER is 58-41 ATS (+12.9 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
DENVER is 32-19 ATS (+11.1 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
DENVER is 10-1 ATS (+8.9 Units) against Southeast division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
DENVER is 24-11 ATS (+11.9 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 36-60 ATS (-30.0 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 28-52 ATS (-29.2 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 269-334 ATS (-98.4 Units) in home games since 1996.
WASHINGTON is 8-19 ATS (-12.9 Units) in January games over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 40-63 ATS (-29.3 Units) in home games on Friday nights since 1996.
WASHINGTON is 87-117 ATS (-41.7 Units) in home games in non-conference games since 1996.
WASHINGTON is 5-23 ATS (-20.3 Units) off an upset win as an underdog over the last 3 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 15-27 ATS (-14.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

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

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

ATLANTA (11 - 4) at PHILADELPHIA (10 - 4) - 1/20/2012, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 41-64 ATS (-29.4 Units) in road games versus good defensive teams - allowing <=91 points/game since 1996.
PHILADELPHIA is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) in all games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) as a favorite this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 25-10 ATS (+14.0 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 65-96 ATS (-40.6 Units) as a home favorite of 3.5 to 6 points since 1996.

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

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

MILWAUKEE (4 - 9) at NEW YORK (6 - 8) - 1/20/2012, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MILWAUKEE is 15-4 ATS (+10.6 Units) against Atlantic division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 103-72 ATS (+23.8 Units) after 3 or more consecutive losses since 1996.
NEW YORK is 3-11 ATS (-9.1 Units) in all games this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
MILWAUKEE is 7-0 against the spread versus NEW YORK over the last 3 seasons
MILWAUKEE is 6-1 straight up against NEW YORK over the last 3 seasons
4 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

CHICAGO (13 - 3) at CLEVELAND (6 - 7) - 1/20/2012, 7:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
CLEVELAND is 7-6 against the spread versus CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO is 7-6 straight up against CLEVELAND over the last 3 seasons
8 of 13 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

MEMPHIS (7 - 6) at DETROIT (3 - 12) - 1/20/2012, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MEMPHIS is 66-41 ATS (+20.9 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MEMPHIS is 33-20 ATS (+11.0 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.

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

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

PHOENIX (5 - 9) at BOSTON (5 - 8) - 1/20/2012, 7:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHOENIX is 3-1 against the spread versus BOSTON over the last 3 seasons
PHOENIX is 3-1 straight up against BOSTON over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

LA LAKERS (10 - 6) at ORLANDO (10 - 4) - 1/20/2012, 8:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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

SACRAMENTO (5 - 10) at SAN ANTONIO (10 - 5) - 1/20/2012, 8:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SAN ANTONIO is 38-23 ATS (+12.7 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 3 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 152-110 ATS (+31.0 Units) after scoring 85 points or less since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN ANTONIO is 4-2 against the spread versus SACRAMENTO over the last 3 seasons
SAN ANTONIO is 7-0 straight up against SACRAMENTO over the last 3 seasons
6 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

MINNESOTA (6 - 8) at LA CLIPPERS (8 - 4) - 1/20/2012, 10:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA CLIPPERS is 5-3 against the spread versus MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
LA CLIPPERS is 6-2 straight up against MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
4 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

INDIANA (9 - 4) at GOLDEN STATE (5 - 9) - 1/20/2012, 10:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
GOLDEN STATE is 36-19 ATS (+15.1 Units) in home games after allowing 105 points or more over the last 3 seasons.
INDIANA is 164-112 ATS (+40.8 Units) on Friday nights since 1996.

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

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

**Udog** · 01-20-2012, 01:42 PM

NBA
Dunkel

Memphis at Detroit
The Grizzlies look to build on their 4-0 ATS record in their last 4 games as a road favorite of 1 to 4 1/2 points. Memphis is the pick (-3 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Grizzlies favored by 9 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Memphis (-3 1/2). Here are all of today's picks

FRIDAY, JANUARY 20

Game 801-802: Portland at Toronto (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Portland 118.437; Toronto 113.723
Dunkel Line & Total: Portland by 4 1/2; 177
Vegas Line & Total: Portland by 7; 180
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (+7); Under

Game 803-804: Denver at Washington (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Denver 121.682; Washington 111.451
Dunkel Line & Total: Denver by 10; 209
Vegas Line & Total: Denver by 7; 205
Dunkel Pick: Denver (-7); Over

Game 805-806: Atlanta at Philadelphia (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta 120.068; Philadelphia 130.492
Dunkel Line & Total: Philadelphia by 10 1/2; 180
Vegas Line & Total: Philadelphia by 5 1/2; 184
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (-5 1/2); Under

Game 807-808: Milwaukee at New York (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Milwaukee 112.870; New York 122.061
Dunkel Line & Total: New York by 9 1/2; 195
Vegas Line & Total: New York by 5 1/2; 191
Dunkel Pick: New York (-5 1/2); Over

Game 809-810: Chicago at Cleveland (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Chicago 122.724; Cleveland 118.491
Dunkel Line & Total: Chicago by 4; 182
Vegas Line & Total: Chicago by 5 1/2; 186 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Cleveland (+5 1/2); Under

Game 811-812: Memphis at Detroit (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Memphis 122.240; Detroit 112.504
Dunkel Line & Total: Memphis by 9 1/2; 184
Vegas Line & Total: Memphis by 3 1/2; 180
Dunkel Pick: Memphis (-3 1/2); Over

Game 813-814: Phoenix at Boston (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Phoenix 113.730; Boston 119.821
Dunkel Line & Total: Boston by 6; 182
Vegas Line & Total: Boston by 7; 184
Dunkel Pick: Phoenix (+7); Under

Game 815-816: LA Lakers at Orlando (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: LA Lakers 121.328; Orlando 123.921
Dunkel Line & Total: Orlando by 2 1/2; 189
Vegas Line & Total: Orlando by 4 1/2; 182
Dunkel Pick: LA Lakers (+4 1/2); Over

Game 817-818: Sacramento at San Antonio (8:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Sacramento 109.784; San Antonio 119.748
Dunkel Line & Total: San Antonio by 10; 201
Vegas Line & Total: San Antonio by 11; 197
Dunkel Pick: Sacramento (+11); Over

Game 819-820: Minnesota at LA Clippers (10:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota 116.039; LA Clippers 124.221
Dunkel Line & Total: LA Clippers by 8; 188
Vegas Line & Total: LA Clippers by 5; 190 1/2
Dunkel Pick: LA Clippers (-5); Under

Game 821-822: Indiana at Golden State (10:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Indiana 116.167; Golden State 115.130
Dunkel Line & Total: Indiana by 1; 186
Vegas Line & Total: Indiana by 3; 189
Dunkel Pick: Golden State (+3); Under

**Udog** · 01-20-2012, 01:46 PM

NBA
Short Sheet

Friday, January 20

PORTLAND at TORONTO, 7:05 PM ET
PORTLAND: 55-35 ATS after playing a road game
TORONTO: 24-41 ATS as an underdog of 3.5 to 9.5 points

DENVER at WASHINGTON, 7:05 PM ET
DENVER: 10-1 ATS against Southeast division opponents
WASHINGTON: 3-18 ATS off a home win

ATLANTA at PHILADELPHIA, 7:05 PM ET
ATLANTA: 12-25 ATS after playing a game as a home favorite
PHILADELPHIA: 10-2 ATS as a favorite

MILWAUKEE at NEW YORK, 7:35 PM ET
MILWAUKEE: 17-3 UNDER when playing with 2 days rest
NEW YORK: 45-29 UNDER after playing a game as favorite

CHICAGO at CLEVELAND, 7:35 PM ET
CHICAGO: 28-14 ATS in January games
CLEVELAND: 27-36 ATS after a non-conference game

MEMPHIS at DETROIT, 7:35 PM ET
MEMPHIS: 15-5 ATS after a win by 6 points or less
DETROIT: 14-28 ATS when playing 8 or more games in 14 days

PHOENIX at BOSTON, 7:35 PM ET
PHOENIX: 7-4 ATS after a close win by 3 points or less
BOSTON: 9-27 ATS after a blowout win by 15 points or more

LA LAKERS at ORLANDO, 8:05 PM ET ESPN
LA LAKERS: 2-8 ATS after scoring 90 points or less 2 straight games
ORLANDO: 11-28 ATS off a close home loss by 3 points or less

SACRAMENTO at SAN ANTONIO, 8:35 PM ET
SACRAMENTO: 17-30 ATS after having lost 2 of their last 3 games
SAN ANTONIO: 70-46 ATS after a close win by 3 points or less

MINNESOTA at LA CLIPPERS, 10:35 PM ET ESPN
MINNESOTA: 6-1 UNDER after a non-conference game
LA CLIPPERS: 5-1 ATS as a favorite

INDIANA at GOLDEN STATE, 10:35 PM ET
INDIANA: 21-36 ATS after having won 2 of their last 3 games
GOLDEN STATE: 36-19 ATS in home games after allowing 105 points or more

** (TC) Denotes Time Change

**Udog** · 01-20-2012, 01:48 PM

NHL
Short Sheet

Friday, January 20

MONTREAL at PITTSBURGH, 7:00 PM ET NHL
MONTREAL: 8-17 SU revenging loss as favorite
PITTSBURGH: 0-5 SU at home off division game

WASHINGTON at CAROLINA, 7:00 PM ET
WASHINGTON: 1-7 SU Away off Away game
CAROLINA: 13-5 SU revenging a pair of losses where they scored 1 goal or less

TAMPA BAY at DALLAS, 8:30 PM ET
TAMPA BAY: 6-18 SU in road games
DALLAS: 12-5 SU vs. Tampa Bay

FLORIDA at CHICAGO, 8:30 PM ET
FLORIDA: 5-16 SU off OT loss
CHICAGO: 41-14 SU off home win scoring 4+ Goals

** (TC) Denotes Time Change

**Udog** · 01-20-2012, 01:49 PM

NCAAB
Short Sheet

Friday's Top College Basketball Trends

MANHATTAN is 13-4 ATS in all lined games (vs Marist)

WI-MILWAUKEE is 12-2 ATS playing only 2nd game in 8 days (vs Youngstown St)

CLEVELAND ST is 40-80 ATS off a conference loss (vs WI-Green Bay)

IONA is 4-16 ATS as home favorite of 12.5 or more pts (vs Rider)

RIDER is 12-3 ATS as road underdog (vs Iona)

Announcement

Friday's Trends and Indexes - 1/20 (NFL, NBA, NCAAB, NHL, Misc.)

Friday's Trends and Indexes - 1/20 (NFL, NBA, NCAAB, NHL, Misc.)

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment