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**Udog** · 03-30-2012, 08:48 AM

Friday’s betting tips: Long road trip taxing Nuggets

Who’s hot

NBA: Utah has covered in six of its last seven home games.

NBA: New York has covered in nine of its last 10.

NHL: The over is 9-2-5 in the New York Rangers’ last 16.

NHL: Calgary has won nine of its last 10 meetings with the Avalanche.

Who’s not

NBA: The over is 2-6 in the last eight meetings between Boston and Minnesota.

NBA: Cleveland has dropped four straight against the spread.

NHL: Montreal is 3-13 in its last 16 games against Eastern Conference foes.

NHL: Winnipeg has one win in its last six.

Key stat

1 – The Colorado Avalanche visit the Calgary Flames Friday as the two clubs continue to battle it out for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference. However, both squads are limping to the finish line with just one regulation win between them in their last 11 games combined. Calgary is 1-3-1 in its last seven with four games left and Colorado is 0-3-1 in its last four with three games remaining. The Flames opened as -125 favorites.

Injury that shouldn’t be overlooked

Jeremy Lin, New York Knicks - Lin is listed as questionable for Friday's game against Atlanta after missing the last two contests with a sore left knee. Word has it he plans to give it a go in the morning shootaround and take it from there.

Game of the day

Pittsburgh Penguins at Buffalo Sabres (N/A)

Notable quotable

“I’ve said it a thousand times, we have fought very hard to be in a good place and I still think we are in a good place. The schedule is difficult but it isn’t impossible. There’s going to be a lot of maneuvering.” – Denver Nuggets coach George Karl after his team dropped a 105-96 decision to Toronto on Wednesday. The Nuggets have covered only once in their last six games and continue their season-high seven-game road swing Friday in Charlotte. Oddsmakers had the Nuggets set as 8.5-point favorites at the open.

Notes and tips

The Montreal Canadiens officially relieved Pierre Gauthier of his duties as the team's general manager on Thursday. The club also parted ways with Bob Gainey, who was serving as a special advisor to the general manager. Serge Savard will serve as an advisor and begin the search for the new general manager, Canadiens president Geoff Molson said in a news conference. Montreal (29-34-14), which sits in last place in the Eastern Conference, was officially eliminated from postseason consideration last weekend. The Canadiens are set as big +200 underdogs Friday against the New York Rangers.

Tampa Bay Rays center fielder B.J. Upton was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a lower back injury. Upton suffered the injury two weeks ago after a violent outfield collision with Desmond Jennings and was still experiencing soreness. The Rays elected to be cautious with Upton and made the subsequent move. Upton batted .243 with 23 homers and 81 RBIs last season for the Rays, who open the season on April 6 against the AL East rival New York Yankees.

The University of Georgia football team's defense took another hit with the reported suspensions of starting safety Bacarri Rambo and linebacker Alec Ogletree. DawgPost.com reported that both players will be suspended at least two games and as many as four for unspecified violations of team rules. Rambo was named an Associated Press first-team All-America selection as a junior and led the Southeastern Conference with eight interceptions. He was suspended one game last season for violating team rules. Ogletree suffered a broken foot but still had 52 tackles in eight games during his junior season.

Angel Cabrera and Carl Pettersson were atop the leaderboard after Thursday's rain-suspended first round of the Houston Open. Cabrera and Pettersson each shot a 7-under-par 65 and were among only 51 players to finish their rounds before thunderstorms caused play to be suspended at Humble, Texas. Defending champion Phil Mickelson was 1-under through three holes, as was Fred Couples.

**Udog** · 03-30-2012, 08:49 AM

Armadillo: Friday's six-pack

-- Ray Lewis addressed the Stanford Cardinal before the NIT final, then the Cardinal went out and crushed Minnesota 75-51. Lewis has himself a bright future as a motivational speaker.

-- Heat held Dallas to 32 second half points, whacked the Mavs 106-85 and swept their season series with the defending champs.

--Yeonis Cespedes made his first big league homer a big one, giving the A's a 2-1 lead in 7th inning; Oakland salvaged a split in Japan, beating Seattle 4-1 behind veteran hurler Colon (eight IP, allowed three hits).

-- Calgary Flames, who are owned by a billionaire oilman (are there any other kind?), now own over 50% of the CFL's Calgary Stampeders; they also own a pro lacrosse team, a junior hockey team and an AHL team. .

-- Henson/Barnes/Marshall are all bolting North Carolina for the NBA, as the Tar Heels' program takes a huge hit. Not sure who is advising Barnes, but he needs to get a lot better before he's an NBA player.

-- This is not to justify Andrew Bynum's immature behavior, but its fair to look at Pau Gasol's 3-point shooting (24-104 career, 5-19 this season) and ask why one 7-footer is allowed to hoist 3's and not the other.

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

Armadillo: Friday's List of 13: Clearing out a cluttered mind........

13) Illinois hired Ohio U’s John Groce as its new basketball coach, but there is dissension in the ranks at Illinois; when the Illini hired Tim Beckman as its new football coach, two members of the board voted against him, simply because Beckman isn’t African-American.

Seems that Illinois has never had a black coach in football/basketball. Groce continues that trend, but he was successful at Ohio U and if he continues that in Champaign, then everyone will either be happy or quiet. Winning tends to silence the critics, just ask the Auburn people who wanted to hire Turner Gill as football coach instead of Gene Chizik.

12) OK, so Magic Johnson’s group paid $2.15B for the Dodgers; do they just write a really big check? How does that transaction work? A wire transaction, like in a John Grisham book? Or a really big suitcase filled with $1,000 bills dropped off under a bridge? How do you move $2.15B?

11) Maryland transfer QB Danny O’Brien is following in the footsteps of former NC State star Russell Wilson and will play QB at Wisconsin next fall; he has two years left to play, whereas Wilson only played one year for the Badgers. If ACC quarterbacks keep transferring, Bret Bielema will never have to recruit another freshman signal caller.

10) Knicks’ JR Smith apparently doesn’t like morning shoootarounds on game day; there are those in the New York media who suggest that Smith signed with the Knicks simply because Mike D’Antoni didn’t have morning shootarounds on the day of a home game. Smith was fined over $1M while playing in China for missing practices.

9) I’ve read it suggested more than once that the Jets should go for two after every TD next year, using Tim Tebow as a goal line QB. Would be fun if someone tried that approach, as long as it isn't the Rams.

8) Final Four coaches all cashed in on their success this month: Thad Matta earned an extra $80,000 for getting to the Final Four, Bill Self $100,000 with potential for $100,000 more if he can win twice this weekend, John Calipari $200,000 already, $400,000 if he wins Monday night and Rick Pitino $175,000 to this point, another $150,00 if he wins the national title.

7) Arizona State hired a new AD; not sure what this means for hoop coach Herb Sendek, who is a very good coach but doesn’t seem like the best fit for the Sun Devils. Curious to see how ASU does next year with prize recruit PG Carson finally eligible.

6) Watched Laker-Warrior game Tuesday, listened to Andrew Bynum’s comments after the game about getting yanked after hoisting up a ridiculous 3-pointer; coaching in the NBA has to be all about the paycheck, because after listening to Bynum, no way has any coaching gotten through to him. He sounded like a 9-year old talking about getting sent to his room.

5) Maybe that’s why the Spurs win; they don’t have guys like Bynum; seven of their 15 players were born outside this country, and of the eight Americans, the only one who didn’t play at least some college ball is in his 14th year in the NBA, so he is highly experienced and somewhat mature, because otherwise, you don’t last 14 years in the league.

4) Hard to believe that Louisville-Kentucky didn’t meet once in the regular season from 1922-1984.

3) Rumor has it Larry Brown is interested in the SMU job; yes, that Larry Brown. Mustangs just fired one North Carolina alum (Matt Doherty); doubt they’ll hire another one.

2) If Dennis Rodman is indeed broke, this is another cautionary tale of an athlete going broke even though he’s made millions and millions of dollars in a short period of time. There is such a thing as too much, too soon.

I don’t necessarily feel bad for guys who go broke like that, since its their fault, but more like I just feel bad they haven’t gained the knowledge of how to handle large sums of money. Lord knows if I had that much money I’d probably screw it up, too.

1) CBSSports.com runs our fantasy baseball league’s website; does a good job. Puts a red cross next to injured players’ names on your roster, so you can keep track of who is healthy and who isn’t. Season doesn’t start for six days; out of 25 guys on my roster, six have red crosses, and two others had them earlier this month but have since healed.

One of the red crosses is for a guy who hurt his pitching arm by sleeping on it funny. I’m not kidding and I'm not amused. Keep in mind that a lineman on the Patriots played in the Super Bowl two months ago with a torn ACL.

**Udog** · 03-30-2012, 08:57 AM

MLB primer: NL East preview and odds to win

When you've won five straight division titles, it's easy to assume the role as the favorite. It’s expected even. So you can forgive the Phillies if they've been through all of this before. Their run began in 2007, when they won 89 games, and it stretched through 2011, when they won 102. Ho hum.

But the competition is tougher this year. Washington, Miami and Atlanta are all primed to challenge Philly - this might even be the most balanced division in the league when it's all said and done. So, let’s examine all five teams, and their strengths and weaknesses as we wait for the 2012 season to begin in earnest. (Odds courtesy of Pinnaclesports.com):

Philadelphia Phillies

Last year's record: 102-60
This year's season win total: 93
Odds to win the NL East: -130

WHO'S IN: Jonathan Papelbon, Chad Qualls, Jim Thome, Ty Wigginton, Laynce Nix, Juan Pierre, Joel Pineiro
WHO'S OUT: Roy Oswalt, Brad Lidge, Raul Ibanez, Ryan Madson, Ben Francisco, Wilson Valdez

TEAM STRENGTH: Starting pitching. Oswalt is gone and so is all of the talk about the "Four Aces," but Philadelphia retains the best trio of starters in the league, still. And Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee and Cole Hamels will limit damage and give the Phillies' new-look bullpen, highlighted by Papelbon, a chance to save many games.

TEAM WEAKNESS: Infield. And isn’t that hard to believe? But the Phillies’ staples in the infield have questions aplenty alongside all of them. First baseman Ryan Howard will start the season on the disabled list. Second baseman Chase Utley will likely join him. And third baseman Placido Polanco is always a threat to land on the shelf. That leaves shortstop Jimmy Rollins, who may regret re-signing with Philadelphia this offseason. Not good.

Atlanta Braves

Last year's record: 89-73
This year's season win total: 87.5
Odds to win the NL East: +500

WHO'S IN: Tyler Pastornicky
WHO'S OUT: Derek Lowe, Alex Gonzalez, Nate McLouth, Scott Linebrink, George Sherrill

TEAM STRENGTH: Youth. Pastornicky, a touted shortstop prospect, can lean on the likes of first baseman Freddie Freeman and outfielder Jason Heyward, who have recently been through the ups and downs of a rookie season. Freeman (21 homers, 76 RBIs last season) and Heyward (14 and 42) also left plenty of hits out there last season, especially as the unseasoned Braves collapsed in September. So, not only do they need to produce, they must lead by example, as well.

TEAM WEAKNESS: Distraction. The Braves proved at the end of 2011 that they’re not mentally stable to withstand the pitfalls of a marathon season, and this year, they will have to cope with the Chipper Jones Farewell Tour. Everywhere they go, there will be ceremonies for Jones and the subsequent delays and dilemmas that go with them. Jones can still play -- he hit .275 last season with 70 RBIs -- but he could provide just enough of a commotion to slow this train down.

Washington Nationals

Last year's record: 80-81
This year's season win total: 84
Odds to win the NL East: +750

WHO'S IN: Edwin Jackson, Gio Gonzalez, Brad Lidge, Mark DeRosa, Chad Durbin
WHO'S OUT: Livan Hernandez, Jonny Gomes, Laynce Nix

TEAM STRENGTH: Starting pitching. There has to eventually be some proof to go with the promise and potential. But the firepower is there and it's led by Stephen Strasburg, who is 6-4 with a 2.54 ERA in his brief career. Gonzalez will be a key, as well, especially after he went 16-12 last season in Oakland. But there might be a bit of a transition period for him, as he switches leagues. So, be careful.

TEAM WEAKNESS: Hitting. The Nats finished 27th in batting average and 25th in on-base percentage last season. Michael Morse did his part last season, posting a surprising .303 average with 31 homers and 95 RBIs, but there wasn’t much production elsewhere in the lineup. Danny Espinosa (.236 BA) and Jayson Werth (.232) are due for breakouts after slump-ridden seasons, but you have to ask yourself in this pitching-rich division, can you trust them to bounce back?

New York Mets

Last year's record: 77-85
This year's season win total: 73.5
Odds to win the NL East: +5000

WHO'S IN: Andres Torres, Frank Francisco, Jon Rauch, Ronny Cedeno,
WHO'S OUT: Jose Reyes, Angel Pagan, Chris Capuano, Ronny Paulino, Jason Isringhausen, Chris Young

TEAM STRENGTH: Financial freedom. The Mets received some good news in March regarding the Bernie Madoff scandal, and will soon have some money to spend on the open market. That might not mean much this season, but know this: If they make a few runs, and are in some semblance of contention come July, the Mets might be able to add some payroll to help the cause. They may even be able to keep David Wright in town for good.

TEAM WEAKNESS: Outfield hitters. Some many places to pick. The hometown fences have been moved in, and that might help, but how much? Jason Bay hit 36 homers in his final season in Boston, and in the two years since -- with the Mets -- he has just 18. And though Torres will track down many a flyball in Citi Field, he hit just .224 last season, and is just a .244 career hitter. Not exactly Murderer’s Row out there as the Mets look to win back some fans.

Miami Marlins

Last year's record: 72-90
This year's season win total: 85.5
Odds to win the NL East: +500

WHO'S IN: Jose Reyes, Mark Buehrle, Carlos Zambrano, Heath Bell, Wade LeBlanc, Chad Gaudin, Aaron Rowand, Austin Kearns
WHO'S OUT: Chris Volstad, Clay Hensley, Burke Badenhop, John Baker

TEAM STRENGTH: New attitude. This club has a new manager, new stadium, new name and a boatload of new talent. It’d be foolish to assume they’re going to draw like the Red Sox do in Boston but Ozzie Guillen’s boys should be playing home games with a few more butts in the seats this season. Got to be nice to be noticed which hasn’t been the case for the Marlins in a long, long time.

TEAM WEAKNESS: Pressure. The remodeled club must live up to the hype now. There is plenty of talent there -- probably enough to win the division -- but the Phillies and Braves, surely, are not buying these Johnny Come Latelys, and that’s a stigma only the Marlins can undo with their efforts on the field. One thing is for sure: New manager Ozzie Guillen won’t settle for slumps. He will not take long to shake things up if he needs to.

**Udog** · 03-30-2012, 08:58 AM

MLB primer: AL West preview and odds to win

There are plenty of reasons this year to stay up late -- if you’re on the East Coast -- and watch baseball in this division. You have new stars, like Albert Pujols, in the mix. You have complete teams, like the Rangers and Angels, hunting for October. And as always, you have some decent rivalries.

And while the Mariners and Athletics -- who opened on Wednesday in Tokyo -- are young, there is some burgeoning talent there to keep on your radar. So, let’s examine all four teams, and their strengths and weaknesses as we wait for the 2012 season to begin in earnest. (Odds courtesy Pinnaclesports.com):

Texas Rangers

Last year's record: 96-66
This year's season win total: 91
Odds to win the AL West: Even

WHO'S IN: Yu Darvish, Joe Nathan
WHO'S OUT: C.J. Wilson, Darren Oliver

TEAM STRENGTH: Offensive consistency. Sure, there have been some changes. But, primarily, this is the same lineup that’s been to the postseason in consecutive years. And last year, Michael Young (106) and Adrian Beltre (105) topped 100 RBIs, and Josh Hamilton (94) and Nelson Cruz (87) came awfully close. No reason to think those numbers will drop significantly this season.

TEAM WEAKNESS: Starting pitching. Without Wilson, and despite plenty of hype hovering over it, the starting rotation is a bit of an unknown. Colby Lewis was 14-10 last year, and will be counted on heavily. But the rest of the crew -- Darvish, Derek Holland and Neftali Feliz among them -- is entering the deep end of the pool, and who knows what to expect. Facing the light-hitting Mariners and Athletics will help some, but is there enough here to get back to the playoffs?

Los Angeles Angels

Last year's record: 86-76
This year's season win total: 91.5
Odds to win the AL West: -125

WHO'S IN: Albert Pujols, C.J. Wilson, Chris Iannetta, LaTroy Hawkins, Jorge Cantu, Ryan Langerhans, Brad Mills
WHO'S OUT: Jeff Mathis, Joel Pineiro, Tyler Chatwood, Russell Branyan, Reggie Willits

TEAM STRENGTH: Starting pitching. The Angels improved their rotation and weakened the rival Rangers in one signing. C.J. Wilson, who was an ace in Texas, is the third starter behind Jered Weaver and Dan Haren. Ervin Santana, 178 strikeouts last season, is slated to be the No. 4 hurler in the rotation. Not too shabby.

TEAM WEAKNESS: Bullpen. There are numbers in there, for sure, and Jordan Walden had 32 saves last season, but if you're looking for a question mark on one of the league's best collections of talent, it's relief pitching. Scott Downs and Hawkins are coming off quality seasons, and keep finding ways to get it done. But this is a new mix, and it may take time to mesh and let everyone settle into a respective, pure role.

Oakland Athletics

Last year's record: 74-88
This year's season win total: 72
Odds to win the AL West: +3000

WHO'S IN: Yoenis Cespedes, Manny Ramirez, Seth Smith, Josh Reddick, Jonny Gomes, Bartolo Colon, Jarrod Parker
WHO'S OUT: Trevor Cahill, Gio Gonzalez, Andrew Bailey, Ryan Sweeney

TEAM STRENGTH: Promise of young prospects. Yoenis Cespedes is showing why Billy Beane is bananas about the Cuban defect. It always feels like they’re rebuilding in Oakland but with Cespedes and the prospects the A’s landed in the Cahill and Gonzalez deals, there does seem to be some foundation for the future.

TEAM WEAKNESS: Starting pitching. There's a lot to like about Brandon McCarthy, who had 123 strikeouts last season. But Colon and Dallas Braden as your No. 2 and 3? Expecting much out of them in this bat-heavy division is a tall task. Colon had his moments with the Yankees last season, but still lost 10 games with a monstrous lineup supporting him. This year, he doesn't have that luxury.

Seattle Mariners

Last year's record: 67-85
This year's season win total: 72
Odds to win the AL West: +4000

WHO'S IN: Jesus Montero, George Sherrill, Kevin Millwood, Carlos Guillen, John Jaso
WHO'S OUT: Michael Pineda, Adam Kennedy, Josh Lueke

TEAM STRENGTH: Catchers. Montero enters the fold fresh from the Yankees farm system, and joins Miguel Olivo and Jaso. Do they even need that many? Well, it's a good position to stockpile at, clearly, and the Mariners surely will find ways to get them all at-bats. In a small sample last season, Montero hit .328 with 12 RBIs.

TEAM WEAKNESS: Offense. As is always the case in Seattle, runs will be hard to come by. The M’s are hoping Montero gets up to speed right away and Justin Smoak will become a middle-of-the-order masher this season. But for now, slap hitter Irchiro is hitting third. So… yeah.

**Udog** · 03-30-2012, 08:59 AM

NCAAB
Dunkel

Washington State at Pittsburgh
The Cougars look to build on their 4-0 ATS record in their last 4 road games. Washington State is the pick (+8) according to Dunkel, which has the Panthers favored by only 4. Dunkel Pick: Washington State (+8). Here are all of today's picks as well as this weekend's Final Four selections.

FRIDAY, MARCH 30

Game 525-526: Washington State at Pittsburgh (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Washington State 65.822; Pittsburgh 69.931
Dunkel Line: Pittsburgh by 4; 131
Vegas Line: Pittsburgh by 8; 128
Dunkel Pick: Washington State (+8); Over

SATURDAY, MARCH 31

Game 817-818: Louisville vs. Kentucky (6:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Louisville 70.205; Kentucky 80.321
Dunkel Line: Kentucky by 10; 142
Vegas Line: Kentucky by 8 1/2; 137 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Kentucky (-8 1/2); Over

Game 819-820: Ohio State vs. Kansas (8:45 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Ohio State 76.398; Kansas 75.399
Dunkel Line: Ohio State by 1; 133
Vegas Line: Ohio State by 2 1/2; 137
Dunkel Pick: Kansas (+2 1/2); Under

NCAAB
Long Sheet

Friday, March 30

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WASHINGTON ST (19 - 17) at PITTSBURGH (21 - 17) - 3/30/2012, 7:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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Saturday, March 31

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LOUISVILLE (30 - 9) vs. KENTUCKY (36 - 2) - 3/31/2012, 6:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
KENTUCKY is 65-43 ATS (+17.7 Units) in March games since 1997.
LOUISVILLE is 22-13 ATS (+7.7 Units) in all games this season.
LOUISVILLE is 22-13 ATS (+7.7 Units) in all lined games this season.
LOUISVILLE is 8-0 ATS (+8.0 Units) in all neutral court games this season.
LOUISVILLE is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in March games this season.
LOUISVILLE is 10-3 ATS (+6.7 Units) on Saturday games this season.
LOUISVILLE is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in road games after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.
LOUISVILLE is 8-0 ATS (+8.0 Units) when playing on a neutral court this season.
LOUISVILLE is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in road games in non-conference games this season.
LOUISVILLE is 44-26 ATS (+15.4 Units) revenging a road loss vs opponent since 1997.
LOUISVILLE is 8-0 ATS (+8.0 Units) in all tournament games this season.
LOUISVILLE is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
LOUISVILLE is 11-4 ATS (+6.6 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games this season.
KENTUCKY is 6-13 ATS (-8.3 Units) when the total is 130 to 139.5 this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
KENTUCKY is 2-1 against the spread versus LOUISVILLE over the last 3 seasons
KENTUCKY is 3-0 straight up against LOUISVILLE over the last 3 seasons
3 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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OHIO ST (31 - 7) vs. KANSAS (31 - 6) - 3/31/2012, 8:45 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OHIO ST is 165-129 ATS (+23.1 Units) as a favorite since 1997.
OHIO ST is 189-147 ATS (+27.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
OHIO ST is 122-89 ATS (+24.1 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15 or more games since 1997.

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

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NCAAB
Short Sheet

Saturday, March 31

LOUISVILLE vs. KENTUCKY, 6:05 PM - NCAA Tournament - Final Four - Superdome - New Orleans, LA
LOUISVILLE: 8-0 ATS on neutral court
KENTUCKY: 9-1 Under on neutral floor if total is 130 to 139.5

OHIO STATE vs. KANSAS, 8:45 PM - NCAA Tournament - Final Four - Superdome - New Orleans, LA
OHIO STATE: 18-7 ATS Away w/ same season revenge
KANSAS: 6-13 ATS off double digit win

** (TC) Denotes Time Change

NCAAB
Armadillo's Write-Up

Friday, March 30

CBI is only tournament with best-of-3 final; not often teams play each other three times in a week- they know each other's plays and it takes a little more individual effort to get points. Washington State's best player Motum hasn't played (ankle) in series; four of Coogs' last five losses are by 5 or less points. Home team won both won both games in series, so this game is for CBI title. Panthers (-9) evened series Wednesday; they won last four home games, with three wins by 14+ points. Obviously if you're in this tournament, you haven't had a great season, but winning the last game makes it seem a little better.

NCAAB

Friday, March 30

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Trend Report
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7:00 PM
WASHINGTON STATE vs. PITTSBURGH
Washington State is 4-9 SU in its last 13 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Washington State's last 6 games on the road
Pittsburgh is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Pittsburgh's last 10 games at home

Saturday, March 31

6:09 PM
LOUISVILLE vs. KENTUCKY
No trends available
Kentucky is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing Louisville
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Kentucky's last 11 games when playing Louisville

8:49 PM
OHIO STATE vs. KANSAS
No trends available
Kansas is 13-1 SU in its last 14 games

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NCAAB

Friday, March 30

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Take it or leave it: Breaking down the Final Four rematches
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Rarely does the Final Four lend itself to recent trends and matchups. College basketball teams change each season, and stats and figures from years ago hold about as much weight as the runway in a fashion show.

However, basketball bettors get a gift from the Gambling Gods this March with both Final Four games pegged as rematches of non-conference regular season meetings.

Ohio State tangled with Kansas at Allen Fieldhouse on Dec. 10, with the host Jayhawks winning 78-67 as 1.5-point home favorites. State rivals Kentucky and Louisville rang in the New Year with a 69-62 Wildcats win in Rupp Arena, with UK failing to cover the 10-point spread on Dec. 31.

All four programs have improved by leaps and bounds since those meetings. And while much of what happened during those December dates can get tossed in the trash, there are some important notes bettors should keep in mind when sizing up the odds for this Saturday’s national semifinal games.

Here’s what to take and what to leave from the first matchups between the Final Four contenders:

Kansas Jayhawks 78, Ohio State Buckeyes 67 – Dec. 10, 2011

Take it: Sans Sullinger

The Buckeyes were without All-American center Jared Sullinger due to back spasms in their first meeting with the Jayhawks. Ohio State’s offense flows through the post and without the stud sophomore sucking in the defense, their sets looked lost.

The Buckeyes shot just under 39 percent and went to the foul line only 18 times. Ohio State has been to the stripe 69 times in the last two games with Sullinger going 18 for 22 from the foul line in that span.

Leave it: Kansas shooting

The Jayhawks were on fire versus OSU, shooting 58 percent from the field and 9 for 17 from beyond the arc. Kansas took advantage of Sullinger’s absence, getting 21 points from Thomas Robinson, and finding lots of room for shooters and passing lanes because the Buckeyes couldn’t cheat up without their big man in the middle.

Kansas isn’t shooting well in the tournament, hitting only 40.6 percent of its buckets. It's been especially dismal from beyond the arc, going 16 for 68 (23.5 percent) from distance. The Jayhawks shot 46 percent versus North Carolina, but a lot of those came on layups in transition.

Take it: Tyshawn toughs it out

Tyshawn Taylor took on the top perimeter defender in college basketball with just one leg back in December. It will be interesting to see what happens when the healthy KU guard tangles with OSU’s Aaron Kraft this weekend.

Taylor scored nine points on 3-of-9 shooting and committed seven turnovers, playing on a torn meniscus and sprained right MCL on Dec. 10. But he also dished out 13 assists and got to the foul line six times. Taylor, who struggled in the first three games of the NCAA (and is 0 for 17 from 3-point land), showed up when KU needed him most, scoring 22 points in the Elite Eight win over UNC.

Kentucky Wildcats 69, Louisville Cardinals 62 – Dec. 31, 2011

Leave it: Old acquaintance be forgot

Covers Expert Ted Sevransky drew attention to the fact that this game was played at noon on New Year’s Eve, in his Final Four writeup this week. Not only did a distracted Wildcats squad shoot just 29.8 percent from the field and commit a season-high 20 turnovers, but also burned backers bad.

Kentucky, ahead by 13 points with 10 seconds left, started daydreaming about ringing in 2012 with the co-eds instead of closing out the Cardinals. The lack of focus led to one of the worst beats of the season.

Kentucky, a 10-point favorite, watched as Russ Smith buried a 3-pointer then got the ball back on a steal and drained another trey at the buzzer to trim the lead to seven, forcing UK backers to change their New Year’s resolutions from “stop smoking” to “stop betting on Kentucky.” That blown cover was part of a 0-13-1 ATS skid for the Wildcats that spanned nearly two months.

Take it: Wildcats Windex

Kentucky dominated the glass in its previous meeting with Louisville, out-rebounding its state rival 49-28, including 14 offensive boards. The Cardinals were beaten on the glass by Florida and New Mexico State, but somehow outworked Michigan State – the best rebounding team in the country – by two rebounds.

The Wildcats average more than 36 rebounds per game in the tournament – 10.5 of those on the offensive glass. Kentucky forwards Anthony Davis, Terrence Jones and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist are a handful for Louisville’s four-guard set, and were responsible for 40 of UK’s 49 boards back on Dec. 31.

Leave it: No Russ, No Muss

Russ Smith has shown up in the biggest games of the season for Louisville. He scored 19 points and sparked a late rally against Florida to get the Cardinals into the Final Four. And, back in December, he dropped 30 points on perhaps the best defensive team in college hoops. Smith, a 6-foot sophomore who comes off the bench, went 10 for 20 (including 3 for 8 from 3-point range) to keep UL in the game. He was the only Louisville player in double figures.

But, as much as Smith can help the Cardinals, he can hurt them. He was careless down the stretch versus the Gators, committing two of his four turnovers in the final 2:25 of the game and can sometimes be a blackhole when he gets his hands on the basketball. For a guy who plays just under 21 minutes a game, he uses a team-high 32.5 percent of UL’s possessions. The Cardinals can’t afford wasted possessions versus Kentucky, which over the past two games is averaging 1.35 points every time it touches the ball.

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**Udog** · 03-30-2012, 09:01 AM

NBA
Dunkel

Portland at LA Clippers
The Clippers look to take advantage of a Portland team that is coming off a 99-93 win over New Orleans and is 7-19 ATS in its last 26 games following a SU win. LA is the pick (-8 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Clippers favored by 10 1/2. Dunkel Pick: LA Clippers (-8 1/2). Here are all of today's picks

FRIDAY, MARCH 30

Game 501-502: Miami at Toronto (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Miami 126.216; Toronto 127.417
Dunkel Line & Total: Miami by 9; 197
Vegas Line & Total: Miami by 7; 192
Dunkel Pick: Miami (-7); Over

Game 503-504: Philadelphia at Washington (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia 123.758; Washington 119.161
Dunkel Line & Total: Philadelphia by 4 1/2; 185
Vegas Line & Total: Philadelphia by 6 1/2; No Total
Dunkel Pick: Washington (+6 1/2); N/A

Game 505-506: Denver at Charlotte (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Denver 118.011; Charlotte 107.628
Dunkel Line & Total: Denver by 10 1/2; 208
Vegas Line & Total: Denver by 8 1/2; 203 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Denver (-8 1/2); Over

Game 507-508: Milwaukee at Cleveland (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Milwaukee 115.413; Cleveland 112.568
Dunkel Line & Total: Milwaukee by 3; 200
Vegas Line & Total: Milwaukee by 5; 204
Dunkel Pick: Cleveland (+5); Under

Game 509-510: New York at Atlanta (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: New York 124.821; Atlanta 119.290
Dunkel Line & Total: New York by 5 1/2; 183
Vegas Line & Total: Atlanta by 3 1/2; 187
Dunkel Pick: New York (+3 1/2); Under

Game 511-512: Boston at Minnesota (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Boston 118.393; Minnesota 120.591
Dunkel Line & Total: Minnesota by 2; 205
Vegas Line & Total: Pick; No Total
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota; N/A

Game 513-514: Detroit at Chicago (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit 114.361; Chicago 123.290
Dunkel Line & Total: Chicago by 9; 190
Vegas Line & Total: Chicago by 10; No Total
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (+10); N/A

Game 515-516: Dallas at Orlando (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Dallas 115.816; Orlando 123.067
Dunkel Line & Total: Orlando by 7 1/2; 183
Vegas Line & Total: Orlando by 5; 186 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Orlando (-5); Under

Game 517-518: Memphis at Houston (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Memphis 119.681; Houston 117.934
Dunkel Line & Total: Memphis by 1 1/2; 194
Vegas Line & Total: Houston by 1; 191 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Memphis (+1); Over

Game 519-520: Sacramento at Utah (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Sacramento 116.176; Utah 124.777
Dunkel Line & Total: Utah by 8 1/2; 210
Vegas Line & Total: Utah by 7; 213
Dunkel Pick: Utah (-7); Under

Game 521-522: New Jersey at Golden State (10:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: New Jersey 111.585; Golden State 115.234
Dunkel Line & Total: Golden State by 3 1/2; 202
Vegas Line & Total: Golden State by 4; 197
Dunkel Pick: New Jersey (+4); Over

Game 523-524: Portland at LA Clippers (10:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Portland 114.216; LA Clippers 124.840
Dunkel Line & Total: LA Clippers by 10 1/2; 185
Vegas Line & Total: LA Clippers by 8 1/2; 188 1/2
Dunkel Pick: LA Clippers (-8 1/2); Under

**Udog** · 03-30-2012, 09:04 AM

NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up

Friday, March 30

Hot Teams
-- Toronto is 8-3 vs spread as a home underdog of 4+ points.
-- Bucks won/covered five of their last six road games.
-- Knicks won/covered eight of nine games under Woodson.
-- Minnesota won six of its last eight home games. Celtics won/covered five of their last six games.
-- Bulls won five of last six games, but are 4-8-2 as a double digit home favorite.
-- Magic is 10-5 vs spread as a home favorite of 5+ points.
-- Rockets won/covered four of their last five home games.
-- Jazz won their last seven home games (6-1 vs spread).
-- Clippers won last five home games, covering last three.

Cold Teams
-- Miami lost six of its last eight road games.
-- 76ers lost three of last four road games; they're 7-3 as road favorites. Washington lost last four home games, last three by 2-3-2 points; they're 6-10 as a home underdog.
-- Charlotte lost its last five games (1-4 vs spread). Nuggets are 4-6 in their last ten games (1-8-1 vs spread).
-- Cleveland lost its last five games, last four by 12+ points.
-- Hawks are 3-8 as home favorites of less than 8 points.
-- Pistons are 0-5 as double digit road underdogs.
-- Mavericks lost nine of their last eleven road games.
-- Memphis is 2-4-1 vs spread on road if number is 3 or less points.
-- Kings lost their last five road games (2-3 vs spread).
-- Nets lost six of their last eight games. Warriors lost eight of ten.
-- Trailblazers lost eight of their last ten road games (3-7 vs spread).

Wear-and-Tear
-- Heat: 4th game/6 nites. Raptors: 7th game/11 nites.
-- 76ers: Last two nites off. Wizards: 7th game/10 nites.
-- Nuggets: 4th game/6 nites. Bobcats: 3rd game/5 nites.
-- Bucks: Last two nites off. Cavaliers: 3rd game/4 nites.
-- Knicks: 3rd game/5 nites. Hawks: 6th game/8 nites.
-- Celtics: 6th game/9 days. T'wolves: 3rd game/4 nites.
-- Pistons: 3rd game/5 nites. Bulls: 3rd game/5nites.
-- Mavericks: 3rd game/4 nites. Magic: 3rd game/5 nites.
-- Grizzlies: Last two nites off. Rockets: Last two nites off.
-- Kings: 3rd game/5 nites. Jazz: 4th game/6 nites.
-- Nets: 3rd game/5 nites. Warriors: 7th game/10 nites.
-- Blazers: 6th game/9 nites. Clippers: 3rd game/5 nites.

Totals
-- Five of last seven Miami games stayed under the total.
-- Last nine Washington games stayed under the total.
-- Over is 4-1-1 in Denver's last six games.
-- Eight of last ten Milwaukee road games went over total.
-- Four of last five New York games stayed under the total.
-- Five of last seven Boston games stayed under the total.
-- Four of last five Detroit road games stayed under total.
-- Five of last six Dallas road games went over the total.
-- Six of last seven Houston home games went over total.
-- 12 of last 13 Sacramento games went over the total.
-- Nets' last four road games stayed under the total.
-- Eight of last nine Clipper home games stayed under total.

Back-to-Back
-- Heat is 2-7 vs spread on road if it played the night before.
-- Wizards are 2-4 vs spread if they covered the night before.
-- Mavericks are 2-4 vs spread on road if they lost night before.
-- Portland is 4-6 vs spread on road if they played night before.

**Udog** · 03-30-2012, 09:09 AM

NBA

Friday, March 30

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Trend Report
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7:00 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. WASHINGTON
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Philadelphia's last 11 games when playing on the road against Washington
Philadelphia is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Washington
Washington is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games when playing at home against Philadelphia
Washington is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games at home

7:00 PM
MIAMI vs. TORONTO
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Miami's last 7 games
Miami is 17-6 SU in its last 23 games
Toronto is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Miami
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Toronto's last 12 games when playing Miami

7:00 PM
DENVER vs. CHARLOTTE
The total has gone OVER in 14 of Denver's last 20 games on the road
Denver is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Charlotte's last 5 games at home
Charlotte is 1-4-1 ATS in its last 6 games at home

7:30 PM
NEW YORK vs. ATLANTA
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of New York's last 7 games
New York is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing Atlanta
Atlanta is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Atlanta's last 6 games when playing New York

7:30 PM
MILWAUKEE vs. CLEVELAND
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Milwaukee's last 11 games when playing on the road against Cleveland
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Milwaukee's last 10 games on the road
Cleveland is 14-3 SU in its last 17 games when playing at home against Milwaukee
Cleveland is 3-7 ATS in its last 10 games when playing at home against Milwaukee

8:00 PM
DETROIT vs. CHICAGO
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Detroit's last 5 games when playing on the road against Chicago
The total has gone OVER in 11 of Detroit's last 16 games on the road
Chicago is 16-3 SU in its last 19 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Chicago's last 7 games

8:00 PM
MEMPHIS vs. HOUSTON
Memphis is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Houston
Memphis is 3-9 SU in its last 12 games when playing Houston
Houston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Memphis
Houston is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Memphis

8:00 PM
DALLAS vs. ORLANDO
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Dallas's last 11 games
Dallas is 2-9 SU in its last 11 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Orlando's last 13 games when playing Dallas
Orlando is 5-12 SU in its last 17 games when playing Dallas

8:00 PM
BOSTON vs. MINNESOTA
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Boston's last 8 games when playing Minnesota
Boston is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Minnesota
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Minnesota's last 6 games at home
Minnesota is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games at home

9:00 PM
SACRAMENTO vs. UTAH
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Sacramento's last 7 games on the road
Sacramento is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Utah is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Sacramento
Utah is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games

10:30 PM
PORTLAND vs. LA CLIPPERS
Portland is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Portland's last 8 games on the road
LA Clippers are 3-6 ATS in their last 9 games
LA Clippers are 3-10 SU in their last 13 games when playing Portland

10:30 PM
NEW JERSEY vs. GOLDEN STATE
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of New Jersey's last 5 games on the road
New Jersey is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Golden State is 6-12 ATS in its last 18 games when playing New Jersey
Golden State is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games at home

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**Udog** · 03-30-2012, 09:14 AM

NBA

Friday, March 30

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NBA trending: Home underdogs on hot ATS streak
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It was bound to happen.

Sooner or later, with strong teams being favored on the back end of five and six-game road trips, home underdogs were going to start barking.

Ahead of Thursday night’s action, home underdogs were cashing at a 58.4 percent clip in the Association over the last 30 days.

Of course, when you’re talking about home underdogs, it’s all about picking your spots. Here’s a look at some of the best home teams against the spread this season and how they're holding up recently.

All stats compiled before Thursday’s action.

Utah Jazz – 17-9 against the spread

Utah has covered in six of its last seven home games, with a big 97-90 home win over Oklahoma City as a 3-point underdog earlier this month.

Houston Rockets – 17-9 against the spread

Houston has covered the number in four of its last five home games overall and dropped the Los Angeles Lakers outright as a 3-point underdog at home last week.

Toronto Raptors - 14-10-1 against the spread

As terrible as the Raptors are, they have managed to reel off a 10-4-1 record against the spread in their last 15 home games. Toronto beat Denver 105-96 as a 3.5-point underdog on Wednesday.

Portland Trail Blazers 14-10-1 against the spread

Portland started off the season 5-0-1 against the number at home, but that was a long time ago and the Blazers were favored in most of those. Lately Portland is just 5-11 against the spread at home.

Orlando Magic - 15-11 against the spread

OK, so you’re not going to see the Magic as a pup at home very often – three times all year, if you’re counting. They’re 1-2 against the spread in those games and may not get points in any of their remaining home games.

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**Udog** · 03-30-2012, 09:20 AM

NBA

Friday, March 30

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Pick 'n' roll: Friday's best NBA bets
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Oddsmakers have yet to release lines for the following matchups. Picks should be considered early leans.

Detroit Pistons at Chicago Bulls (N/A)

The Chicago Bulls have dominated the Detroit Pistons in recent seasons and can stretch their winning streak in the series to 14 consecutive games with a victory on Friday. Chicago has beaten the Pistons twice this season and held Detroit to 68 points in one of the victories.

Detroit had scored fewer than 80 points in three consecutive games prior to the 87-75 victory over Cleveland. The Pistons received a big game from forward Tayshaun Prince, who matched a season-high with 29 points. Detroit could again be thin in the backcourt against Chicago after Rodney Stuckey suffered a hamstring injury against the Cavaliers to go with Ben Gordon’s possible absence due to a groin injury.

The Bulls just own the Pistons, going 7-2-1 against the spread in the last 10 meetings and we're leaning that way again.

Pick: Bulls

Boston Celtics at Minnesota Timberwolves (N/A)

The Boston Celtics are 13-5 since the All-Star break and have pulled into a tie for fourth place in the Eastern Conference.

The Minnesota Timberwolves are 4-8 over their last 12 games and are struggling to stay on the fringes of the race in the West. Kevin Love has put the Timberwolves on his back lately, averaging 33.7 points and 15.5 rebounds over the past six games, as they continues to lose players to injury.

In direct contrast to the balance that Boston enjoys is Minnesota, which is leaning heavily on Love. The All-Star forward went for 40 points and 19 rebounds in a win at Charlotte on Wednesday, outscoring the other four members of the starting five combined.

The Timberwolves are without Ricky Rubio (knee), Nikola Pekovic (ankle), J.J. Barea (thigh) and Michael Beasley (toe). Pekovic, Barea and Beasley could return as early as Friday, easing some of the burden on Love.

Boston's experience should show through against the shorthanded Timberwolves.

Pick: Celtics

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**Udog** · 03-30-2012, 09:23 AM

NHL
Dunkel

Dallas at Vancouver
The Stars look to build on their 7-2 record in their last 9 road games. Dallas is the pick (+140) according to Dunkel, which has the Stars favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: Dallas (+140). Here are all of today's picks.

FRIDAY, MARCH 30

Game 1-2: Winnipeg at Carolina (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Winnipeg 10.469; Carolina 11.268
Dunkel Line & Total: Carolina by 1; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Carolina (-135); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Carolina (-135); Over

Game 3-4: Florida at Columbus (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Florida 10.362; Columbus 11.859
Dunkel Line & Total: Columbus by 1 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Florida (-145); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Columbus (+125); Under

Game 5-6: Montreal at NY Rangers (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Montreal 12.001; NY Rangers 10.365
Dunkel Line & Total: Montreal by 1 1/2; 4 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: NY Rangers (-240); 5
Dunkel Pick: Montreal (+200); Under

Game 7-8: Pittsburgh at Buffalo (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh 12.710; Buffalo 11.851
Dunkel Line & Total: Pittsburgh by 1; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 9-10: Nashville at Detroit (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Nashville 11.809; Detroit 10.890
Dunkel Line & Total: Nashville by 1; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Detroit (-135); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Nashville (+115); Over

Game 11-12: Colorado at Calgary (8:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Colorado 9.609; Calgary 11.337
Dunkel Line & Total: Calgary by 1 1/2; 4
Vegas Line & Total: Calgary (-125); 5
Dunkel Pick: Calgary (-125); Under

Game 13-14: Los Angeles at Edmonton (9:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Los Angeles 12.736; Edmonton 11.296
Dunkel Line & Total: Los Angeles by 1; 5 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Los Angeles (-140); 5
Dunkel Pick: Los Angeles (-140); Over

Game 15-16: Dallas at Vancouver (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Dallas 12.743; Vancouver 11.580
Dunkel Line & Total: Dallas by 1; 4
Vegas Line & Total: Vancouver (-160); 5
Dunkel Pick: Dallas (+140); Under

**Udog** · 03-30-2012, 09:27 AM

NHL
Long Sheet

Friday, March 30

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WINNIPEG (35-34-0-8, 78 pts.) at CAROLINA (31-31-0-15, 77 pts.) - 3/30/2012, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CAROLINA is 27-47 ATS (-37.3 Units) after shutting out their opponent in their previous game since 1996.
CAROLINA is 10-26 ATS (+37.7 Units) after a win by 2 goals or more over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CAROLINA is 10-7 (+2.7 Units) against the spread versus WINNIPEG over the last 3 seasons
CAROLINA is 10-7-0 straight up against WINNIPEG over the last 3 seasons
9 of 17 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=-0.2 Units, Under=-1.6 Units)

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FLORIDA (37-24-0-16, 90 pts.) at COLUMBUS (25-45-0-7, 57 pts.) - 3/30/2012, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
FLORIDA is 261-299 ATS (-91.7 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record since 1996.
FLORIDA is 130-166 ATS (-74.5 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season since 1996.
FLORIDA is 31-54 ATS (+93.3 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 2-10 ATS (+12.7 Units) on Friday nights this season.
COLUMBUS is 28-17 ATS (+45.1 Units) in home games after 3 or more consecutive overs since 1996.
COLUMBUS is 58-100 ATS (+180.5 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
COLUMBUS is 1-8 ATS (+10.7 Units) in home games after a win by 2 goals or more this season.
COLUMBUS is 4-13 ATS (-11.5 Units) in home games after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
COLUMBUS is 3-0 (+3.3 Units) against the spread versus FLORIDA over the last 3 seasons
COLUMBUS is 3-0-0 straight up against FLORIDA over the last 3 seasons
2 of 2 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+2.0 Units)

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MONTREAL (29-34-0-14, 72 pts.) at NY RANGERS (49-21-0-7, 105 pts.) - 3/30/2012, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MONTREAL is 28-48 ATS (+77.1 Units) in all games this season.
MONTREAL is 13-26 ATS (+42.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
NY RANGERS are 49-27 ATS (+16.8 Units) in all games this season.
NY RANGERS are 18-5 ATS (+10.9 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5 or less this season.
NY RANGERS are 18-6 ATS (+9.6 Units) after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game this season.
NY RANGERS are 25-8 ATS (+13.8 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
NY RANGERS are 83-85 ATS (-43.7 Units) in home games after a win by 2 goals or more since 1996.
NY RANGERS are 29-43 ATS (-35.0 Units) in home games after a 3 game unbeaten streak since 1996.
NY RANGERS are 163-171 ATS (-97.0 Units) in home games second half of the season since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
MONTREAL is 8-3 (+5.8 Units) against the spread versus NY RANGERS over the last 3 seasons
MONTREAL is 8-3-0 straight up against NY RANGERS over the last 3 seasons
5 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+0.3 Units)

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PITTSBURGH (47-24-0-6, 100 pts.) at BUFFALO (38-29-0-10, 86 pts.) - 3/30/2012, 7:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
PITTSBURGH is 8-3 (+4.3 Units) against the spread versus BUFFALO over the last 3 seasons
PITTSBURGH is 8-3-0 straight up against BUFFALO over the last 3 seasons
5 of 11 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=-1.4 Units, Under=-0.1 Units)

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NASHVILLE (44-25-0-8, 96 pts.) at DETROIT (46-26-0-5, 97 pts.) - 3/30/2012, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NASHVILLE is 5-13 ATS (-9.3 Units) when playing with 2 days rest this season.
DETROIT is 26-7 ATS (+15.0 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5.5 this season.
NASHVILLE is 43-33 ATS (+4.4 Units) in all games this season.
NASHVILLE is 150-137 ATS (+294.2 Units) after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game since 1996.
NASHVILLE is 11-2 ATS (+8.5 Units) after scoring 1 goal or less in their previous game this season.
NASHVILLE is 34-35 ATS (+84.1 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
NASHVILLE is 56-40 ATS (+11.3 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
NASHVILLE is 15-7 ATS (+7.2 Units) vs. division opponents this season.
DETROIT is 4-9 ATS (-10.8 Units) in March games this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
NASHVILLE is 8-9 (+0.4 Units) against the spread versus DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
DETROIT is 9-8-0 straight up against NASHVILLE over the last 3 seasons
10 of 16 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+2.6 Units)

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COLORADO (40-33-0-6, 86 pts.) at CALGARY (35-28-0-15, 85 pts.) - 3/30/2012, 9:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
COLORADO is 29-54 ATS (+89.6 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 7-16 ATS (-9.6 Units) vs. division opponents this season.
COLORADO is 1-9 ATS (+12.8 Units) in road games after a division game this season.
CALGARY is 25-17 ATS (+7.8 Units) after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game over the last 2 seasons.
CALGARY is 14-7 ATS (+23.3 Units) vs. division opponents this season.
COLORADO is 40-39 ATS (+83.8 Units) in all games this season.
COLORADO is 14-9 ATS (+24.6 Units) after scoring 1 goal or less in their previous game this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
CALGARY is 11-6 (+2.3 Units) against the spread versus COLORADO over the last 3 seasons
CALGARY is 11-6-0 straight up against COLORADO over the last 3 seasons
11 of 17 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+4.7 Units)

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LOS ANGELES (38-27-0-12, 88 pts.) at EDMONTON (31-37-0-9, 71 pts.) - 3/30/2012, 9:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LOS ANGELES is 37-39 ATS (-11.8 Units) in all games this season.
LOS ANGELES is 11-31 ATS (+49.0 Units) in road games after shutting out their opponent in their previous game since 1996.
EDMONTON is 55-103 ATS (+171.3 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
EDMONTON is 10-32 ATS (+42.1 Units) after scoring 1 goal or less in their previous game over the last 2 seasons.
EDMONTON is 12-23 ATS (+40.8 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
EDMONTON is 4-13 ATS (-9.7 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
EDMONTON is 18-43 ATS (+74.5 Units) after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
EDMONTON is 4-6 (+1.2 Units) against the spread versus LOS ANGELES over the last 3 seasons
LOS ANGELES is 6-4-0 straight up against EDMONTON over the last 3 seasons
8 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+6.1 Units)

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DALLAS (42-30-0-5, 89 pts.) at VANCOUVER (47-21-0-9, 103 pts.) - 3/30/2012, 10:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
VANCOUVER is 65-33 ATS (+14.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
VANCOUVER is 20-6 ATS (+11.0 Units) after 3 or more consecutive unders over the last 2 seasons.
DALLAS is 42-34 ATS (+77.3 Units) in all games this season.
VANCOUVER is 187-177 ATS (-96.4 Units) in home games second half of the season since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
VANCOUVER is 8-3 (+3.2 Units) against the spread versus DALLAS over the last 3 seasons
VANCOUVER is 8-3-0 straight up against DALLAS over the last 3 seasons
5 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=-0.8 Units, Under=-0.0 Units)

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**Udog** · 03-30-2012, 09:30 AM

NHL
Armadillo's Write-Up

Friday, March 30

Hot teams
-- Carolina won five of its last seven games.
-- Rangers won five of their last six games.
-- Buffalo won its last five games, allowing six goals.
-- Los Angeles won seven of its last nine games.
-- Vancouver won its last four games, winning last two 1-0. Dallas Stars won four of their last five games.

Cold teams
-- Jets lost five of their last six games.
-- Blue Jackets lost seven of their last ten games. Florida lost four of its last five games.
-- Canadiens lost last four road games, outscored 12-4.
-- Penguins lost last three road games, allowing 16 goals.
-- Detroit lost seven of its last nine games. Predators are 5-9 in their last fourteen road games.
-- Flames lost six of their last seven games. Colorado lost its last four games, scoring five goals.
-- Oilers lost seven of their last nine home games.

Totals
-- Five of last six Winnipeg games went over the total.
-- Last five Columbus games went over the total. Under is 4-0-2 in last six Florida games.
-- Under is 4-0-1 in Montreal's last five road games.
-- Eight of last nine Pittsburgh road games went over total.
-- Four of last five Detroit games went over the total.
-- Four of last five Colorado road games stayed under total.
-- Last five Edmonton home games stayed under the total.
-- Under is 8-3-1 in last twelve Dallas road games.

Series records
-- Jets are 5-4 in last nine visits to Carolina.
-- Panthers lost their last four games with Columbus.
-- Rangers lost seven of last nine games with Montreal; home team won last six series games.
-- Penguins won seven of last nine games against Buffalo.
-- Home side won four of last five Nashville-Detroit games.
-- Flames won ten of last eleven games with Colorado.
-- Kings won five of their last six games with Edmonton.
-- Dallas Stars are 3-0 vs Vancouver this year: 3-2ot/5-2/3-2so.

Back-to-Back
-- Panthers are 2-7 on road if they played the night before.
-- Penguins are 2-7 on road if they played the night before.

**Udog** · 03-30-2012, 09:34 AM

NHL

Friday, March 30

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Trend Report
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7:00 PM
FLORIDA vs. COLUMBUS
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Florida's last 6 games on the road
Florida is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Columbus
Columbus is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games
Columbus is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Florida

7:00 PM
WINNIPEG vs. CAROLINA
Winnipeg is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Winnipeg is 4-8 SU in its last 12 games when playing Carolina
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Carolina's last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Carolina's last 6 games when playing at home against Winnipeg

7:30 PM
MONTREAL vs. NY RANGERS
Montreal is 7-2 SU in their last 9 games when playing NY Rangers
Montreal is 3-8 SU in their last 11 games when playing on the road against NY Rangers
NY Rangers are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games
NY Rangers are 8-3 SU in their last 11 games at home

7:30 PM
NASHVILLE vs. DETROIT
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Nashville's last 5 games when playing on the road against Detroit
Nashville is 6-16 SU in its last 22 games when playing on the road against Detroit
Detroit is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Nashville
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Detroit's last 10 games when playing Nashville

7:30 PM
PITTSBURGH vs. BUFFALO
Pittsburgh is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games when playing Buffalo
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Pittsburgh's last 5 games
Buffalo is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Buffalo is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games when playing Pittsburgh

9:00 PM
COLORADO vs. CALGARY
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Colorado's last 15 games when playing on the road against Calgary
Colorado is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Calgary
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Calgary's last 15 games when playing at home against Colorado
Calgary is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games when playing Colorado

9:30 PM
LOS ANGELES vs. EDMONTON
Los Angeles is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Edmonton
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Los Angeles's last 5 games when playing on the road against Edmonton
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Edmonton's last 10 games
Edmonton is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games at home

10:00 PM
DALLAS vs. VANCOUVER
Dallas is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Dallas's last 12 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Vancouver's last 5 games when playing at home against Dallas
Vancouver is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Dallas

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Announcement

Friday's Trends and Indexes - 3/30 (NBA, NCAAB, NHL, Misc.)

Friday's Trends and Indexes - 3/30 (NBA, NCAAB, NHL, Misc.)

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