Thursday's Trends and Indexes - 3/6 (NBA, NCAAB, NHL, Misc.)

[Kaptain]

as always, thanks U DOG........enjoy this warm spell for a while...........keep in touch if you travel this way

[Udog]

as always, thanks U DOG........enjoy this warm spell for a while...........keep in touch if you travel this way

Yessir! Isn't this weather great? I've been out in it all day and I'm heading right back out.

I have got to get to Tulsa/BA very soon. The need for that saw gets greater every day and we're coming into the "get it all done" season. I'll let you know as soon as I'm heading that way.

[Udog]

NBA

Thursday, March 6


Pistons GM Joe Dumars reportedly expecting firing

With rumors swirling about Detroit Pistons GM Joe Dumars getting replaced by Isiah Thomas, another report has emerged. Dumars is expecting a firing or is planning on stepping down from the role according to Ric Bucher.

Dumars is supposedly upset with criticism pointed in his direction, citing the Detroit economy and restraints placed on him as reasons that led to his failure.

The Pistons are 24-36 this season and have failed to make the playoffs since 2008-09.

[Udog]

NHL

Thursday, March 6


Penguins put trust in Zatkoff at Sharks Thursday

It appears as if Jeff Zatkoff will get the start for the Pittsburgh Penguins tonight, according to a tweet from Penguins beat writer Josh Yohe.

The Penguins continue their road trip with a stop at the San Jose Sharks as +122 road dogs.

Zatkoff is 9-2 with a 2.60 GAA and .909 save percentage this season.


Ryan Miller looks for third-straight win for Blues

The St. Louis Blues have been led by new goalie Ryan Miller since he came over from the Buffalo Sabres. Miller has given up four goals on 42 shots in a pair of victories over the Phoenix Coyotes and Tampa Bay Lightning.

Miller will get the start once again as the Blues host the Nashville Predators Thursday evening.

The Blues are currently -147 road faves for this matchup, with the Preds +136.

[Udog]

NFL

Thursday, March 6


Broncos release 12-time Pro Bowl CB Bailey

Champ Bailey, a 12-time Pro Bowl cornerback who became one of the most accomplished players in Denver Broncos history during his 10 years with the team, was released by the club on Thursday.

Bailey was due a $1 million roster bonus on March 15. Releasing Bailey saves the Broncos $9 million against the 2014 salary cap and put the veteran on the free agent market for the first time in his 15-year career.


Vikings RB Peterson: Sign Vick

Minnesota Vikings general manager Rick Spielman said last month that the franchise will spin the wheel again in 2014, hoping this is the year it hits on a quarterback.

All-Pro running back Adrian Peterson dropped a hint via Twitter about the free agent he'd welcome.

"Mike Vick would intently make the vikings a playoff team," he wrote.

Vick, 33, started just six games with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2013, losing his job to Nick Foles while he recovered from a hamstring injury. Leg injuries and concussions limited Vick each of the past two seasons.

The Vikings hired Norv Turner, who runs a pro-style digits system for which Vick is not a fit, as offensive coordinator under first-year head coach Mike Zimmer.

A better candidate appears to be re-signing Matt Cassel, the veteran who started down the stretch for Minnesota but opted out of his contract to return to free agency after one season with the Vikings.


Bears part ways with return specialist Hester

LAKE FOREST, IL -- The Chicago Bears informed standout return specialist Devin Hester that the team would not be re-signing him for the 2014 season.

"For the past eight seasons we have been honored to have Devin Hester as a part of our organization," Chicago Bears general manager Phil Emery said Thursday in a statement. "While Devin has redefined the pinnacle standard of the return position in the NFL, the memories and contributions he has given us cannot be measured by stats or numbers.

"Not only is Devin a special player, he is also an exceptional person. He is a great teammate, husband and father. Devin represented the organization off-the-field as well as he did on it. When his career is over, he will always be a welcome member of the Bears family. We thank him for his dedication and wish him and his family all the best."

Hester, 31, is the NFL's all-time leader in punt return touchdowns (13) and total kick return touchdowns (18).


Packers, Raji near one-year, $4 million deal

Defensive lineman B.J. Raji could sign a one-year contract to remain with the Green Bay Packers, turning down the chance to make his first foray into free agency next week.

The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel first reported the value of the contract.

Raji, the ninth overall pick in 2009, wants to improve his stock in 2014 and return to the negotiating table with the chance to be a free agent after next season.

Raji, 28, turned down a long-term extension that was worth between $7 million and $8 million per season with up to $20 million guaranteed.

Whether he is able to recoup the many millions he passed on could depend on his health. The 330-pounder has played 30 games the past two seasons but was limited by minor leg and ankle injuries for parts of each year.


Colts sign LB Jackson to $22 million deal

Veteran inside linebacker D'Qwell Jackson signed a four-year, $22 million deal with the Indianapolis Colts.

Owner Jim Irsay first announced the signing Thursday morning on his personal Twitter account. The deal includes $11 million guaranteed.

"He is a team-first guy that has been a very consistent producer on the field," said general manager Ryan Grigson of Jackson, who has six 100-tackle season "The tempo, energy and determination he plays with are right up there with the best in this league. He brings a welcomed element of experience and natural leadership to our team and we are excited to add him to the strong nucleus of linebackers we currently have on our roster."

The Colts traded their first-round pick to the Cleveland Browns and are expected to be aggressive in free agency.

[Udog]

NBA
Short Sheet

Thursday, March 6

Miami at San Antonio, 8:00 ET
Miami: 19-5 ATS in a road game where the total is greater than or equal to 200
San Antonio: 4-12 ATS revenging a loss vs opponent

Oklahoma City at Phoenix, 9:05 ET
Oklahoma City: 74-58 ATS as a favorite
Phoenix: 23-44 ATS revenging a road loss vs opponent

LA Clippers at LA Lakers, 10:35 ET
LA Clippers: 28-19 ATS as a favorite
LA Lakers: 5-15 ATS off an upset loss as a home favorite

[Udog]

NBA

Thursday, March 6


Majority of bettors backing Thunder -6.5

Two of the NBA’s best bets meet Thursday when the Oklahoma City Thunder visit the Suns in Phoenix. We talk to Brad Kennedy of Top Bet about where the action is on the game.

The Suns have had their troubles with the Thunder losing 10 in a row straight up, going 3-7 against the spread and bettors are expecting this trend to continue.

“The spread opened at Oklahoma City -6.5 and hasn’t moved, with 84 percent of the spread wager activity on the Thunder,” Kennedy says.



Spurs favored, but money is on the Heat

Thursday night we have the second rematch of the NBA finals when the Miami Heat travel to San Antonio to take on the Spurs. We talk to Brad Kennedy of Top Bet to see where the action is on tonight’s big matchup.

In the first meeting Miami was a 3.5-point home favorite and covered with ease winning 113-101. This time San Antonio has home court but bettors are expecting a similar result.

“The spread opened at San Antonio -2.5 and remains there, with 79 percent of the spread wager activity on Miami,” Kennedy says.

[Udog]

NCAAB

Thursday, March 6


South Carolina coach Martin suspended

Gamecocks head coach Frank Martin has been suspended one game. Ray Tanner, Athletics Director at South Carolina announced the one-game suspension "is a result of inappropriate verbal communication as it relates to the well-being of our student-athletes." Martin was caught on camera yelling profanity at his players during a loss to Florida.

Martin, who is well known for his tirades toward players and rants at the media, has led South Carolina to an 11-19 record this season in his second year as coach of the program.

Associate coach Matt Figger will coach the Gamecocks when they play Mississippi State Saturday.

[Udog]

NHL
Short Sheet

Thursday, March 6

Washington at Boston, 7:05 ET
Washington: 0-6 SU after scoring 4 goals or more in 3 straight games
Boston: 12-2 SU revenging a loss where opponent scored 4 or more goals

Los Angeles at Winnipeg, 7:05 ET
LA: 7-26 SU in road games after 3 straight games where 4 or fewer total goals were scored
Winnipeg: 9-2 SU when playing 5 or less games in 14 days

Colorado at Detroit, 8:05 ET
Colorado: 19-11 SU in road games
Detroit: 11-19 SU after playing a road game

Buffalo at Tampa Bay, 7:35 ET
Buffalo: 6-20 SU after playing a road game
Tampa Bay: 11-6 SU off a road loss

Columbus at Chicago, 8:05 ET
Columbus: 12-7 SU in March games
Chicago: 8-13 SU second half of the season

St Louis at Nashville, 8:05 ET
St Louis: 14-27 SU in road games after having won 4 or 5 of their last 6 games
Nashville: 10-5 SU revenging a road loss versus opponent

Vancouver at Dallas, 8:35 ET
Vancouver: 1-11 SU as a road underdog of +100 to +150
Dallas: 185-110 SU off a road loss

Montreal at Phoenix 9:05 ET
Montreal: 10-5 SU as a road underdog of +100 to +200
Phoenix: 11-20 SU after playing a home game

NY Islanders at Edmonton, 9:35 ET
NY Islanders: 7-18 SU after 1 or more consecutive unders
Edmonton: 8-17 SU at home when the money line is -100 to -150

Pittsburgh at San Jose, 10:35 ET
Pittsburgh: 3-10 SU when playing 5 or less games in 14 days
San Jose: 18-5 SU as a home favorite of -200 or less