Friday's Trends and Indexes - 2/21 (NBA, NCAAB, NHL, Misc.)

[Udog]

NASCAR number: Countdown to Daytona

There are two days remaining before the 2014 Daytona 500; hence, the number for today is:

2: The number of NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races Denny Hamlin has won during 2014 Speedweeks at Daytona International Speedway. Last Saturday, Denny Hamlin survived a race of attrition in the non-points Sprint Unlimited at the 2.5-mile track. On Thursday night, Hamlin crossed the finish line ahead of a nine-car wreck in Turn 4 on the final lap of the second 150-mile qualifying event in the Budweiser Duel at Daytona. In winning his Duel, Hamlin earned the fourth starting spot for Sunday's Daytona 500, in which he will try to become the first driver to sweep the Unlimited, a Duel and the Great American Race in the same year.

[Udog]

NCAAB

Saturday, February 22

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Four NCAAB bubble teams that need to impress Saturday
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Another weekend in February means more games that will have huge impact on the NCAA tournament field as bubble schools continue to look for signature wins to get to March Madness.

Today we look at schools that need to impress and have a quality chance to do so this weekend.

West Virginia Mountaineers (17-9 SU, 12-11 ATS) / Baylor Bears (15-10 SU, 7-11-2 ATS)

Playing each other Saturday, both Baylor and West Virginia need a win to continue their hope of making the field, with the Mountaineers sitting sixth in the Big 12 and the Bears one below in seventh.

West Virginia has some quality wins over Iowa State, Oklahoma and Kansas State recently, as Bob Huggins has coached up his team to a strong conference showing. But WVU will need a second win over Baylor, which it beat 66-64 in Waco, as its 15-10 record needs to get significantly better fast.

As for Baylor, it too has turned it around lately. Back-to-back wins in overtime over Kansas State and Oklahoma State have a team once pegged to a top contender in the Big 12 trending upwards.

The Bears don’t want to rely on their strong non-conference schedule to get them in the Big Dance, so a victory over West Virginia would be one step closer to the all important 20-win mark. Watch for WVU-Baylor to be a hard-fought game with both programs dreaming of March.


Georgetown Hoyas (15-10 SU, 12-13 ATS)

With so many powerhouse schools leaving the Big East, Georgetown was expected to have a solid chance at winning the conference. It hasn't quite worked out that way for the Hoyas. Inconsistent play has plagued them all year and they sit in the bottom half of the conference standings.

Starting a four-game stretch Saturday, playing Xavier, Marquette, Creighton and Villanova, there is still hope that a winning streak can salvage the season. The Hoyas will have to get past the Musketeers first, before thinking of going on a run. Georgetown - an annual tourney fixture - is on the verge of settling for the NIT if it can't win soon.


UNLV Runnin’ Rebels (17-9 SU, 15-10-1 ATS)

After a disappointing home loss to New Mexico, the Runnin' Rebels try to turn it around in a tough road spot against Boise State, with the purpose of proving that they are still a top team in the Mountain West Conference.

Last year, the MWC was shown love from the tournament committee. But playing in a smaller conference, UNLV needs all of the wins it can get to avoid getting the door slammed shut come Selection Sunday.


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[Udog]

NBA

Friday, February 21

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Three NBA teams killing it ATS in non-conference games
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There are four games pitting an Eastern Conference squad versus a Western Conference foe Friday. Ahead of this slate of games, we look at three teams that have been surprisingly profitable in non-conference clashes.

Dallas Mavericks (15-8 ATS vs. East)

Dallas Mavericks backers should thank the powers that be for the Eastern Conference.

Without it their team would be a game over .500, right on the middle mark ATS, and out of the playoff picture. But luckily, there is an Eastern Conference and the Mavericks have dominated it, going 15-8 SU and ATS.

As it just so happens the Mavs are now embarking on a three-game, road swing through Philadelphia, Detroit, and New York and backers may reap further rewards with the team trying to put some distance between itself and the Memphis Grizzlies for the West’s final playoff spot.

“Hopefully we can keep going against three teams that we’re supposed to beat but are very dangerous…,” forward Dirk Nowitzki told reporters. “You know, we’ve got to compete. We’ve got to be solid defensively and rebound, and then I like our chances on this trip against anybody.”


Charlotte Bobcats (11-8-2 ATS vs. West)

The Charlotte Bobcats are turning into the NBA’s perfect ATS team. They have a great go-to scorer in Al Jefferson, they protect the ball, they rebound well, and play tough defense – it’s the ideal alchemy for keeping games close when you may not have the best talent.

These are the reasons why the Bobcats have been so tough, going 31-22-2 ATS, including a winning record of 11-8-2 ATS against the Western Conference. This includes a recent stretch where they went 5-1 ATS, with SU wins at Golden State and at home to Dallas.

Now, with some momentum after a back-to-back sweep of the Detroit Pistons, the Bobcats have a run of five games in a row versus Western competition.


Washington Wizards (12-11 ATS vs. West)

There are more prominent teams who have better records ATS against the opposite conference. But none have been as sneaky as the Washington Wizards, who are 12-11 ATS despite going just 8-14 SU.

The key here is a recent uptick in form that has seen the Wiz cover seven of their last eight games against some of the league’s best teams, including outright wins over Golden State, Portland, and Oklahoma City.

They only have eight games against Western Conference opposition remaining but are trying to iron out the wrinkles ahead of the playoffs. And if head coach Randy Wittman has his way, Wizards backers could see their team fatten their wallets.

“We’ve got to be ready to go each and every game,” Wittman told reporters. “It’s going to be important coming down the stretch in .?.?. what we end up doing and where we end up.”


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[Udog]

NCAAB

Saturday, February 22

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Saturday's Top 25 NCAAB cheat sheet: Early games
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Florida Gators at Mississippi Rebels (+7)

Scott Wilbekin has been clutch from the free-throw line, making 25-of-28 attempts over the last three games. The senior guard's sharpshooting went awry in his last meeting with the Rebels, as he missed two free throws with 4.2 seconds left to end the Gators' bid at the conference tournament title. While Wilbekin has an emotional hurdle to clear, Young is dealing with chronic flareup of tendinitis in his knees.

Jarvis Summers is looking forward to facing Florida after missing the last meeting with a concussion. The junior guard, who is averaging 17.0 points per game, has improved his scoring by 7.9 from last season and trails only Henderson (19.4) for the team lead. LaDarius White has struggled from the field by posting consecutive two-point performances on the heels of double-digit efforts in six of his previous seven outings.

TRENDS

* Gators are 4-1 ATS in their last five games following an ATS loss.
* Rebels are 11-1 ATS in their last 12 games following a double-digit loss at home.
* Under is 11-2 in Florida's last 13 Saturday games.
* Over is 20-5-1 in Mississippi's last 26 home games vs. teams with winning road records.


Louisville Cardinals at Cincinnati Bearcats (+3.5)

The Cardinals have not lost since a 69-66 setback against the Bearcats in the first meeting Jan. 30, winning five straight by an average of 26 points. That run of dominance continued with Tuesday's 80-54 win over South Florida, with Russ Smith scoring 19 points and Luke Hancock adding 16. Louisville forced 20 turnovers and limited the Bulls to one 3-pointer as it held a third straight opponent under 60 points.

The ninth-ranked Bearcats have rebounded from their lone conference loss with back-to-back wins, including a 77-49 rout of Central Florida on Wednesday that gave them a 1 1/2-game lead on the Cardinals. Sean Kilpatrick, who had 28 points in the win over Louisville last month, needs 10 more to join Hall of Famer Oscar Robertson as the only Bearcats to score 2,000 career points.

TRENDS

* Cardinals are 20-8 ATS in their last 28 road games.
* Bearcats are 1-4 ATS in their last five games.
* Under is 6-1 in Louisville's last seven games vs. teams with winning records.
* Under is 41-11 in Cincinnati's last 52 games.


Wisconsin Badgers at Iowa Hawkeyes (-5)

The Badgers have three players averaging between 13 and 13.5 points but it’s safe to say Frank Kaminsky is the hottest among the trio. The 7-foot forward shot 11-for-16 and scored 25 points in a 75-62 win Sunday against then-No. 18 Michigan. What makes Kaminsky so difficult to guard is his combination of inside and outside scoring, as he comes in shooting 54.4 percent from the floor and 41 percent from 3-point range.

The player who will likely get the first shot at slowing Kaminsky is 6-9 forward Aaron White, who’s second on the team in scoring (13.2) and the co-leader in rebounds (6.6). White has shot the ball well in his previous four games against the Hawkeyes, connecting on 57.1 percent of his attempts. Like Kaminsky, he’s not shy about putting the ball up from outside, but he’s shooting just 18.2 percent from beyond the arc.

TRENDS

* Badgers are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 games vs. Big Ten foes.
* Hawkeyes are 20-7 ATS in their last 27 Saturday games.
* Over is 8-0 in Wisconsin's last eight games vs. teams with winning records.
* Over is 4-0 in Iowa's last four games.


St. John's Red Storm at Villanova Wildcats (-9.5)

Few teams are playing better than the Red Storm, who ran their winning streak to six games with a 77-52 romp over visiting Butler on Tuesday. That victory came two days after St. John's manhandled Georgetown by 22 points and was accomplished without starting center Chris Obekpa, who injured an ankle in practice Monday that is expected to sideline him for 10-to-14 days.

Guard Ryan Arcidiacono had been struggling at the offensive end, averaging seven points over his previous five games, and it appeared the slump would continue at Providence when he failed to score for nearly the first 18 1/2 minutes. But the sophomore guard came alive with eight late points in the opening half and finished with a season-high 21.

TRENDS

* Red Storm are 7-1 ATS in their last eight games.
* Wildcats are 14-2 ATS in their last 16 Saturday games.
* Over is 11-3 in Villanova's las5t 14 games vs. the Big East.
* Over is 6-1 in the last seven meetings.


Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Virginia Cavaliers (-12)

Although the Irish have not lived up to preseason expectations after being picked to finish fifth in the ACC, they have made for an exciting season with a string of close games. Notre Dame C Garrick Sherman is averaging seven points - just over half his season norm - on 9-of-27 shooting over the last three games. Pat Connaughton had 22 points in the loss to Miami on Wednesday.

Cavaliers guard Malcolm Brogdon has scored between 11 and 18 points in every ACC game, including 16 points on 7-of-10 shooting to go along with seven rebounds, six assists and five steals in the win over the Irish last month. Cavaliers F Akil Mitchell is 25-for-38 from the floor over an eight-game span. Virginia has won six straight meetings dating to 1982.

TRENDS

* Fighting Irish are 1-10-2 ATS in their last 13 games following a loss.
* Cavaliers are 9-1-1 ATS in their last 11 games vs. teams with winning records.
* Over is 10-4 in Notre Dame's last 14 road games.
* Under is 6-2 in Virginia's last eight games.


Iowa State Cyclones at TCU Horned Frogs (+11)

Iowa State stands within a game of second-place Texas in the Big 12 after Tuesday’s 85-76 win over the Longhorns, while the Horned Frogs are still seeking their first league win. The Cyclones have won two straight following a surprising 102-77 loss at West Virginia on Feb. 10. Guard DeAndre Kane averages 16.2 points and 6.6 rebounds for the Cyclones, who lead the Big 12 in scoring at 84.1 points per game.

Guard Kyan Anderson scored 23 points in Wednesday’s 65-53 loss at Kansas State, but the Horned Frogs were outrebounded 47-24 and faded against the deeper Wildcats in the final seven minutes. Coach Trent Johnson was encouraged by the play of freshman guard Hudson Price, who collected a career-high seven points along with three rebounds against Kansas State.

TRENDS

* Cyclones are 0-6 ATS in their last six Saturday games.
* Horned Frogs are 8-21 ATS in their last 29 games vs. Big 12 opponents.
* Over is 4-0 in Iowa State's last four road games.
* Over is 5-2 in TCU's last seven Saturday games.


LSU Tigers at Kentucky Wildcats (-11.5)

LSU forward Jarell Martin scored a season-high 20 points in the win over Mississippi State and has scored in double digits in five of his last six games. The emergence of Martin (9.9) gives LSU three sturdy interior players along with O’Bryant (15.4 points, 7.6 rebounds) and center Jordan Mickey (13.7 points, 7.4 rebounds and 86 blocked shots). Guard Andre Stinger averages 12 points per game.

The Wildcats received 25 points and 13 rebounds from freshman star Julius Randle in the victory over Ole Miss as he raised his season averages to 14 points and 9.6 rebounds. Randle has 14 double-doubles – the only Kentucky freshman to record more are current NBA stars Anthony Davis and DeMarcus Cousins (20 apiece).

TRENDS

* Tigers are 0-5-2 ATS in their last seven road games.
* Wildcats are 5-2 ATS in their last seven home games.
* Over is 10-1 in LSU's last 11 games vs. SEC foes.
* Under is 5-1-1 in Kentucky's last seven Saturday games.


Minnesota Golden Gophers at Ohio State Buckeyes (-8.5)

The Golden Gophers suffered a huge blow with the 13-point loss to lowly Illinois and now face three consecutive ranked foes in Ohio State, Iowa and Michigan. Guard Andre Hollins averages a team-best 14.9 points while fellow guards DeAndre Mathieu (11.6 points, 4.3 assists) and Austin Hollins (11.2) also score in double digits.

The Buckeyes gave up an average of 49.5 points over their last two games to lower their season average to 58.6. Forward LaQuinton Ross averages a team-best 14.4 points, followed by guard Lenzelle Smith Jr. (11.8) and point guard Aaron Craft (9.6 points, 4.6 assists, 68 steals). Craft has 317 steals, seven behind the Big Ten record held by former Illinois standout Bruce Douglas (1982-86).

TRENDS

* Golden Gophers are 5-12 ATS in their last 17 road games.
* Buckeyes are 5-1 in their last six vs. the Big Ten.
* Under is 7-2 in Minnesota's last nine games following a double-digit home loss.
* Under is 12-3 in Ohio State's last 15 Saturday games.


UCLA Bruins at Stanford Cardinal (+1)

The Bruins have been nearly unstoppable during their four-game winning streak while shooting 51.7 percent from the field, including 50.7 percent from 3-point range. Guard Jordan Adams scored a game-high 28 points against California on Wednesday and leads the Bruins with 17.5 points per game. Forward Tony Parker is looking to get untracked after being held to single digits in seven straight games.

Forward Josh Huestis had a career-high 18 rebounds along with three blocked shots to become Stanford's all-time leader with 169 in Thursday’s 80-59 win over Southern California. The Cardinal frontline also boasts 6-10 forward Dwight Powell, who has averaged 11.1 points and 7.6 rebounds in seven career games against the Bruins.

TRENDS

* Bruins are 4-0 ATS in their last four games.
* Cardinal are 5-0 ATS in their last five home games.
* Under is 8-2 in UCLA's last 10 road games.
* Under is 11-4 in Stanford's last 15 Saturday games.


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[Udog]

NCAAB

Saturday, February 22

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Saturday's Top 25 NCAAB cheat sheet: Late games
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Syracuse Orange at Duke Blue Devils (-5)

It's been a rough stretch for the top-ranked Orange, who escaped with narrow victories over Pittsburgh and North Carolina State before finally succumbing to Boston College. Senior forward C.J. Fair's 16.6 points per game lead a balanced scoring attack in which Trevor Cooney (13.3), Jerami Grant (12.4) and Tyler Ennis (11.8) all play a significant role.

Duke is looking for its own bounceback after struggling throughout its 74-66 loss to unranked rival North Carolina. Freshman forward Jabari Parker continues to bolster his already lofty draft stock, averaging 19.1 points, 8.8 rebounds, 1.3 blocks and one steak. Rodney Hood (14.9 points, 4.1 rebounds) and Quinn Cook (12.1 points, 4.8 assists) have provided strong support.

TRENDS

* Orange are 5-0 ATS in their last five road games.
* Blue Devils are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games.
* Under is 13-3-1 in Syracuse's last 17 games.
* Over is 5-2 in Duke's last seven Saturday games.


Texas Longhorns at Kansas Jayhawks (-11)

Freshman point guard Isaiah Taylor scored 26 points in the loss to Iowa State for his third 20-point outing in seven games, which includes a 23-point effort in the victory over Kansas. Taylor is tied for the team scoring lead (13.1) with forward Jonathan Holmes and has made 47 of his last 50 free throws. Guard Javan Felix (12.8) and center Cameron Ridley (10.8 also score in double digits for the Longhorns.

Leading scorer Andrew Wiggins (16.2) had a dreadful showing against the Longhorns earlier this month when he scored just seven points on 2-of-12 shooting. Wiggins is averaging 17 points in five games since the poor effort and has made 124 free throws on the season, passing the school freshman mark of 120 set in 2012-13 by Ben McLemore.

TRENDS

* Longhorns are 4-1 ATS in their last five Saturday games.
* Jayhawks are 18-7-1 ATS in their last 26 games vs. the Big 12.
* Over is 10-3 in Texas' last 13 Saturday games.
* Over is 8-2 in Kansas' last 10 games.


George Washington Colonials at Saint Louis Billikens (-7)

George Washington snapped a two-game losing streak with a 73-65 victory at Richmond last time out, moving the Colonials to 8-4 in Atlantic 10 play and into strong second-place contention. Maurice Creek, a regular starter, gave George Washington a lift with a game-high 16 points in a reserve role, designed to spark the Colonials' slumping bench.

All five starters reached double figures for the Billikens in Wednesday's 89-85 victory and guard Jordair Jett shook off a shaky first half to finish with a team-high 25 points and eight assists. Jett had one point at halftime but exploded for 24 after the break to pace the Saint Louis' offense. Dwayne Evans is the Billikens' leading scorer, averaging 14.7 points.

TRENDS

* Colonials are 6-2 ATS in their last eight Saturday games.
* Billikens are 5-2 ATS in their last seven games following an ATS loss.
* Over is 6-0 in George Washington's last six road games.
* Under is 8-1 in Saint Louis' last nine Saturday games.


Drake Bulldogs at Wichita State Shockers (-18.5)

The Bulldogs are well off the NCAA Tournament bubble but could make their season by knocking off the Shockers. Drake is taking some momentum into the contest after earning a 70-67 win over Northern Iowa on Tuesday. Richard Carter, who was held to six points in the loss to Wichita State, scored 19 on Tuesday and is shooting 54.1 percent from the field while averaging 18.7 points in the last three games.

The Shockers get every team’s best effort but have so far been able to avoid any letdowns against lesser competition. Early only needed 21 minutes to score 18 points in Wednesday’s road triumph over the Ramblers while Fred VanVleet was 6-of-6 from the field and 10-of-10 from the line for a team-high 22 points as Wichita State steadily pulled away.

TRENDS

* Bulldogs are 2-5 ATS in their last seven road games.
* Shockers are 4-1 ATS in their last five games vs. MVC foes.
* Under is 13-3 in Drake's last 16 road games.
* Over is 4-0 in Wichita State's last four games.


Arizona Wildcats at Colorado Buffaloes (+4.5)

After a 21-0 start, the Wildcats dropped two of their next five games since losing forward Brandon Ashley (11.5 points per game) to a season-ending foot injury and lead the Pac-12 by one game over UCLA. Arizona's main rotation is down to six players, and its starters averaged 40.2 minutes in a 69-66 double-OT loss at Arizona State on Friday and a 67-63 overtime victory at Utah on Wednesday.

Colorado, which is 16-1 at home this season and 60-8 during Boyle's tenure, finishes the regular season on the road against Utah, Stanford and California. Askia Booker, Josh Scott and Xavier Johnson combined for 42 points and 25 rebounds in the 61-52 victory over Arizona State on Wednesday. Colorado has eight players averaging at least 10 minutes per game.

TRENDS

* Wildcats are 2-6 ATS in their last eight games.
* Buffaloes are 5-2 ATS in their last seven Saturday games.
* Under is 26-5 in Arizona's last 31 Saturday games.
* Over is 5-1 in Colorado's last six games.


Temple Owls at Memphis Tigers (-16.5)

Temple is going through an unforgiving stretch that will see it face nationally-ranked opponents in five straight games; the Owls are 1-2 so far, with losses to Louisville and Connecticut and a victory over Southern Methodist. Four players average more than 13 1/2 points for Temple, led by Dalton Pepper (17.1 points, 5.1 rebounds) and Will Cummings (15.9 points, 4.3 assists).

Memphis comes in on a high following Thursday's 64-59 victory over Rutgers that secured the Tigers' school-record 14th consecutive 20-win campaign. Senior guard Joe Jackson leads the team with 14.8 points per game but has been dreadful from beyond the arc this season, shooting just 28.1 percent. Shaq Goodwin adds 12.2 points and a team-best 6.5 rebounds.

TRENDS

* Owls are 1-5 ATS in their last six games.
* Tigers are 11-1 ATS in their last 12 games following an ATS loss.
* Under is 10-3 in Temple's last 13 road games.
* Under is 6-1 in Memphis' last eight Saturday games.


San Diego State Aztecs at New Mexico Lobos (-3.5)

A wild card for the Aztecs could be forward Matt Shrigley, who is coming off his best game of the season in which he scored 15 points on 5-for-9 shooting. Shrigley recorded nine points in the first half, which was more than he totaled in his previous five games combined. Shrigley will look to take advantage of a New Mexico bench that relies heavily on its own freshman sharpshooter, Cullen Neal.

Center Alex Kirk scored 25 points and Bairstow added 16 when the Lobos posted a 70-60 victory on Feb. 27. The 7-foot Kirk will attempt to take advantage of his size again, but San Diego State’s tallest starter, 6-10 forward Skylar Spencer, has proven to be stiff around the rim, blocking at least four shots in nine games this season.

TRENDS

* Aztecs are 38-16-2 ATS in their last 56 road games.
* Lobos are 8-1 ATS in their last nine games.
* Under is 4-0 in San Diego State's last four games vs. teams with winning records.
* Under is 4-0 in New Mexico's last four games following a victory.


Gonzaga Bulldogs at San Diego Toreros (+7.5)

The Bulldogs will clinch the conference regular-season crown with their next victory and will be looking for better shooting from guards Kevin Pangos and Gary Bell Jr. after the duo was a combined 6-of-20 against BYU. Pangos averages a team-best 15.1 points, forward Sam Dower contributes 14.8 points and 6.8 rebounds and Bell Jr. scores 11.3 per game.

Junior guard Johnny Dee averages 17.1 points and nearly guided the Toreros to a home upset of Gonzaga last season when he had 21 points in a 65-63 loss. Dee ranks fifth in school history with 1,432 career points and has made a school-record 241 3-pointers. Guard Duda Sanadze (13.2) and forward Dennis Kramer (11.6) also average in double digits.

TRENDS

* Bulldogs are 7-1-1 ATS in their last nine games following a loss.
* Toreros are 0-4 ATS in their last four home games.
* Under is 14-3 in Gonzaga's last 17 road games.
* Under is 15-6 in San Diego's last 21 games vs teams with winning percentages above .600.


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