Sunday's Trends and Indexes - 3/23 (NBA, NCAAB, NHL, Misc.)

[Udog]

NHL

Sunday, March 23


Leafs looking to end road slump against Devils

The Toronto Maple Leafs are currently in a skirmish within the Atlantic division with rival Montreal, but their road record as of late leaves a lot of be desired.

The Leafs have a mediocre 14-15-4-3 record on the road this campaign, which plays into a cold trend of 9-20 in their last 29 road games. However, Leaf fans and bettors can take solace that it may soon be on the upswing.

Toronto has been dominant against the New Jersey Devils. The Leafs have taken the previous six meetings between the teams and are 4-1 in New Jersey.

The Devils (-137) are strong at home, but Sunday may offer the best chance for the Leafs (+126) to try and get back in the game.

[Udog]

NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up

Sunday, March 23

Hot teams
-- Hawks won five of their last six games.
-- Suns won four of their last five games. Minnesota won three of its last four home games.
-- Nuggets won their last four home games.
-- Brooklyn won six of its last seven games. Dallas won six of last eight.
-- New York won its last eight games (6-2 vs spread).

Cold Teams
-- Raptors lost three of their last four games.
-- Wizards covered twice in their last eight games.
-- Sacramento lost six of its last eight games. Bucks lost last six games, but covered six of their last eight.
-- Cavaliers lost last four games, but covered five of last six.
-- Magic lost its last eight games (3-5 vs spread). Lakers lost seven of their last eight games.

Series records
-- Hawks won 15 of their last 19 games with Toronto.
-- Suns lost three of last four games with Minnesota.
-- Nuggets won five of last seven games with Washington.
-- Bucks won four of last five visits to Sacramento.
-- Nets won three of last four games with Dallas; underdogs covered last five series games.
-- Knicks won seven of last nine games with Cleveland.
-- Lakers lost five of last seven games with Orlando.

Totals
-- Six of last eight Hawk-Raptor games went over total.
-- Four of last five Phoenix games stayed under total.
-- Four of last five Washington games went over total.
-- Seven of last eight Sacramento games went over.
-- Over is 3-1 in Nets' last four visits to Dallas.
-- Over is 21-15 in New York home games this year.
-- Six of last eight Laker games went over the total.

[Udog]

NBA

Sunday, March 23

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Trend Report
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1:00 PM
ATLANTA vs. TORONTO
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Atlanta's last 9 games
Atlanta is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Toronto's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Toronto's last 6 games at home

3:30 PM
PHOENIX vs. MINNESOTA
Phoenix is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Minnesota
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Phoenix's last 6 games on the road
Minnesota is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Minnesota's last 13 games at home

5:00 PM
WASHINGTON vs. DENVER
Washington is 6-2-1 ATS in its last 9 games when playing Denver
Washington is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Denver's last 9 games when playing at home against Washington
Denver is 1-3-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Washington

6:00 PM
MILWAUKEE vs. SACRAMENTO
Milwaukee is 8-16 SU in its last 24 games when playing Sacramento
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Milwaukee's last 5 games when playing on the road against Sacramento
Sacramento is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games
Sacramento is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games at home

7:30 PM
BROOKLYN vs. DALLAS
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Brooklyn's last 6 games when playing on the road against Dallas
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Brooklyn's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Dallas's last 6 games when playing at home against Brooklyn
Dallas is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home

7:30 PM
CLEVELAND vs. NEW YORK
Cleveland is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against New York
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Cleveland's last 6 games when playing on the road against New York
New York is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
New York is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Cleveland

9:30 PM
ORLANDO vs. LA LAKERS
Orlando is 3-14 SU in their last 17 games when playing on the road against LA Lakers
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Orlando's last 7 games when playing on the road against LA Lakers
LA Lakers are 1-7 SU in their last 8 games
LA Lakers are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games


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[Udog]

NBA

Sunday, March 23

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Game of the Day: Suns at Timberwolves
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Phoenix Suns at Minnesota Timberwolves

The Phoenix Suns continue their pursuit of a possible playoff berth when they begin a three-game road trip at Minnesota on Sunday. Phoenix has won two straight and four of its last five to get within a half-game of Memphis entering Saturday in the race for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference, but the Suns play nine of their final 13 games on the road, where they are 8-11 against teams from the West. Eric Bledsoe scored 15 of his 23 points to lift Phoenix to a 98-92 win over Detroit at home Friday.

Minnesota still has designs on a late push, trailing the Grizzlies by 5 1/2 games going into Saturday, but a 129-106 setback at Houston on Thursday hurt the cause. One night after securing an overtime victory at Dallas, the Timberwolves ran out of steam against the high-powered Rockets, who scored 102 points over the final three quarters. Kevin Love scored 29 points and center Gorgui Dieng had 22 points and 21 rebounds in his third start in place of Nikola Pekovic, who is sidelined with an ankle injury.

TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, FSN Arizona (Phoenix)

LINE HISTORY: Lines out of Las Vegas suggest the Wolves as 2.5-point faves with a total of 212.

ABOUT THE SUNS (40-29 SU, 44-21-1 ATS, 35-31-3 O/U): It is undeniable that Bledsoe's successful return from knee surgery has been a big boost, as the club dropped six of the previous nine games before his comeback earlier this month. He is averaging 15.3 points in the four victories during the 4-1 surge and his ability to defend on the ball has helped Phoenix - which gives up an average of 102.7 points - limit opponents to 94.5 points in the four wins. Bledsoe, who ranked third in the NBA in steal percentage (3.7) last season - an estimate of the number of opponents' possessions that result in a steal by that player - has produced six thefts in the last three games.

ABOUT THE TIMBERWOLVES (34-33 SU, 33-34 ATS, 30-34-3 O/U): Love has played at an MVP-caliber level all season, but Minnesota often struggles when he gets little support. While Dieng had a breakout performance Thursday, second-leading scorer Kevin Martin was limited to six points and Corey Brewer - the only other healthy starter averaging in double figures - was held scoreless for the first time since Jan. 11, 2013. Since returning from a thumb injury at the beginning of the month, Martin is averaging 24.7 points in six wins against 14.3 in four losses.

TRENDS:

* Under is 6-1-1 in the last eight meetings in Minnesota.
* Road team is 7-1 ATS in the last eight meetings.
* Suns are 23-9 ATS in their last 32 road games
* Timberwolves are 1-5 ATS in their last six games overall.


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[Udog]

NBA

Sunday, March 23


Nuggets F Hickson out for season

Denver Nuggets forward J.J. Hickson is out for the season after being diagnosed with a torn ACL in his right knee.

Hickson was injured in the fourth quarter of Friday night's 122-106 loss to the Dallas Mavericks.

A date for his surgery is pending.

Hickson averaged 11.8 points and 9.2 rebounds in 69 games (52 starts) in his first season with Denver.


Thunder's Westbrook avoids further injury

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook sustained no additional damage to his surgically repaired knee after a collision during Friday night's game against the Toronto Raptors.

Westbrook had an MRI on his right knee Saturday after he banged knees with Toronto point guard Kyle Lowry and left the Thunder's 119-118 double-overtime win over the Raptors in the third quarter. He was helped to the locker room and did not return to the game.

"I'm pain free," Westbrook said after the game, according to The Daily Oklahoman.

The Thunder will continue with their schedule of resting Westbrook for the second game of back-to-backs. He is expected to sit out one of the Thunder's next two games, on Monday against the Denver Nuggets and on Tuesday against the Dallas Mavericks.

Westbrook has played in 37 games this season.


Hawks slmuping for bettors, but good in Toronto

The Atlanta Hawks have been useless to bettors as of late. In there 21 games, the Hawks are 4-16-1 against the spread and that includes 2-9-1 ATS on the road. Despite this, the Hawks have been a proven commodity in Toronto.

The Hawks have covered in eight of the past 10 in the Air Canada Centre. Atlanta has also covered in two of the three meetings against Toronto this season, with both of those covers being outright wins.

The Hawks are 7-point road dogs when the tip-off against the Raptors Sunday.


Report: Garnett out at least three more games

Brooklyn Nets power forward Kevin Garnett will miss at least three more games because of back spasms, ESPNNewYork.com reported Saturday.

Garnett, who has missed 11 straight games, was scheduled to be re-evaluated Saturday.

The Nets begin a three-game road trip Sunday at the Dallas Mavericks. Then, Brooklyn visits the New Orleans Pelicans on Monday and Charlotte Bobcats on Wednesday.

The earliest Garnett could return is March 28 against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The Nets are coming off a 114-98 victory Friday over Garnett's former team, the Boston Celtics. Brooklyn is 9-2 without Garnett during this stretch.

For the season, the Nets are 11-7 without Garnett.


Gasol expected to be out a "few games"

The Memphis Grizzlies are currently in a battle for playoff positioning, holding the No.8 spot in the West by .5 games, but are now expected to be without C Marc Gasol.

Gasol left during the third quarter of the Grizzlies' loss to Miami Friday and was seen leaving the arena wearing a walking boot. According to CBSsports.com, Gasol is expected to be out "for a few games as the regular season starts to come to a close."

Gasol has missed 23 games so far this season and Memphis ended up with a 10-13 record with him out of the lineup.

[Udog]

NHL
Dunkel

Columbus at NY Islanders
The Blue Jackets come into today's contest against the Islanders with a 4-0 record in the last 4 meetings between the two teams. Columbus is the pick (-140) according to Dunkel, which has the Blue Jackets favored by 1 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Columbus (-140). Here are all of today's picks.

SUNDAY, MARCH 23

Game 51-52: Columbus at NY Islanders (1:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Columbus 11.623; NY Islanders 9.885
Dunkel Line & Total: Columbus by 1 1/2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Columbus (-140); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Columbus (-140); Over

Game 53-54: St. Louis at Pittsburgh (1:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: St. Louis 12.507; Pittsburgh 11.102
Dunkel Line & Total: St. Louis by 1 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Pittsburgh (-125); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (+105); Under

Game 55-56: Nashville at Chicago (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Nashville 10.276; Chicago 12.729
Dunkel Line & Total: Chicago by 2 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Chicago (-230); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Chicago (-230); Under

Game 57-58: Toronto at New Jersey (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Toronto 10.666; New Jersey 11.526
Dunkel Line & Total: New Jersey by 1; 6
Vegas Line & Total: New Jersey (-140); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: New Jersey (-140); Over

Game 59-60: Minnesota at Detroit (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota 11.123; Detroit 12.107
Dunkel Line & Total: Detroit by 1; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Detroit (-125); 5
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (-125); Over

Game 61-62: Florida at Anaheim (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Florida 11.216; Anaheim 10.784
Dunkel Line & Total: Florida by 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Anaheim (-300); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Florida (+250); Under

Game 63-64: Buffalo at Vancouver (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Buffalo 11.104; Vancouver 10.211
Dunkel Line & Total: Buffalo by 1; 5 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Vancouver (-220); 5
Dunkel Pick: Buffalo (+180); Over

[Udog]

NBA
Dunkel

Phoenix at Minnesota
The Suns head to Minnesota today where they are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 meetings with the Timberwolves. Phoenix is the pick (+3 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Suns favored by 2 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Phoenix (+3 1/2). Here are all of today's picks.

SUNDAY, MARCH 23

Game 701-702: Atlanta at Toronto (1:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta 112.441; Toronto 124.585
Dunkel Line & Total: Toronto by 12; 213
Vegas Line & Total: Toronto by 6 1/2; 203 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (-6 1/2); Over

Game 703-704: Phoenix at Minnesota (3:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Phoenix 118.957; Minnesota 116.246
Dunkel Line & Total: Phoenix by 2 1/2; 226
Vegas Line & Total: Minnesota by 3 1/2; 218
Dunkel Pick: Phoenix (+3 1/2); Over

Game 705-706: Washington at Denver (5:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Washington 116.318; Denver 116.357
Dunkel Line & Total: Even; 213
Vegas Line & Total: Denver by 2; 215 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Washington (+2); Under

Game 707-708: Milwaukee at Sacramento (6:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Milwaukee 109.353; Sacramento 119.287
Dunkel Line & Total: Sacramento by 10; 199
Vegas Line & Total: Sacramento by 8; 205
Dunkel Pick: Sacramento (-8); Under

Game 709-710: Cleveland at New York (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cleveland 114.332; New York 125.487
Dunkel Line & Total: New York by 11; 194
Vegas Line & Total: New York by 9 1/2; 199
Dunkel Pick: New York (-9 1/2); Under

Game 711-712: Brooklyn at Dallas (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Brooklyn 122.664; Dallas 121.441
Dunkel Line & Total: Brooklyn by 1; 216
Vegas Line & Total: Dallas by 4 1/2; 206
Dunkel Pick: Brooklyn (+4 1/2); Over

Game 713-714: Orlando at LA Lakers (9:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Orlando 109.353; LA Lakers 107.385
Dunkel Line & Total: Orlando by 2; 207
Vegas Line & Total: LA Lakers by 4 1/2; 216
Dunkel Pick: Orlando (+4 1/2); Under

[Udog]

NBA
Long Sheet

Sunday, March 23

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ATLANTA (31 - 36) at TORONTO (38 - 30) - 3/23/2014, 1:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 5-15 ATS (-11.5 Units) second half of the season this season.
ATLANTA is 154-195 ATS (-60.5 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1996.
TORONTO is 41-26 ATS (+12.4 Units) in all games this season.
TORONTO is 13-5 ATS (+7.5 Units) after scoring 105 points or more this season.
TORONTO is 24-9 ATS (+14.1 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
TORONTO is 27-14 ATS (+11.6 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.
TORONTO is 16-7 ATS (+8.3 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
TORONTO is 5-5 against the spread versus ATLANTA over the last 3 seasons
ATLANTA is 7-3 straight up against TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
7 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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PHOENIX (40 - 29) at MINNESOTA (34 - 33) - 3/23/2014, 3:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 5-4 against the spread versus PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
MINNESOTA is 5-4 straight up against PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
6 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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WASHINGTON (36 - 33) at DENVER (31 - 38) - 3/23/2014, 5:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DENVER is 35-23 ATS (+9.7 Units) when the total is greater than or equal to 210 over the last 2 seasons.
DENVER is 19-8 ATS (+10.2 Units) in March games over the last 2 seasons.
DENVER is 32-15 ATS (+15.5 Units) in home games against Southeast division opponents since 1996.
DENVER is 26-15 ATS (+9.5 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 81-67 ATS (+7.3 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 59-38 ATS (+17.2 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 23-13 ATS (+8.7 Units) in road games this season.
WASHINGTON is 36-21 ATS (+12.9 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 35-22 ATS (+10.8 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 26-9 ATS (+16.1 Units) revenging a home loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 52-37 ATS (+11.3 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 15-7 ATS (+7.3 Units) after allowing 105 points or more this season.
WASHINGTON is 14-6 ATS (+7.4 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
WASHINGTON is 17-7 ATS (+9.3 Units) in road games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.
WASHINGTON is 14-6 ATS (+7.4 Units) in road games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.

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

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MILWAUKEE (13 - 56) at SACRAMENTO (24 - 45) - 3/23/2014, 6:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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CLEVELAND (26 - 44) at NEW YORK (29 - 40) - 3/23/2014, 7:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
NEW YORK is 6-4 against the spread versus CLEVELAND over the last 3 seasons
NEW YORK is 7-3 straight up against CLEVELAND over the last 3 seasons
5 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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BROOKLYN (36 - 31) at DALLAS (42 - 28) - 3/23/2014, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DALLAS is 39-31 ATS (+4.9 Units) in all games this season.
DALLAS is 35-23 ATS (+9.7 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
DALLAS is 39-21 ATS (+15.9 Units) after allowing 105 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
DALLAS is 440-372 ATS (+30.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record since 1996.

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

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ORLANDO (19 - 51) at LA LAKERS (22 - 46) - 3/23/2014, 9:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ORLANDO is 29-39 ATS (-13.9 Units) in all games this season.
ORLANDO is 12-23 ATS (-13.3 Units) in road games this season.
ORLANDO is 9-18 ATS (-10.8 Units) in non-conference games this season.
ORLANDO is 5-14 ATS (-10.4 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
ORLANDO is 4-15 ATS (-12.5 Units) in road games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.
LA LAKERS are 68-83 ATS (-23.3 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
LA LAKERS are 148-187 ATS (-57.7 Units) in home games second half of the season since 1996.
LA LAKERS are 13-27 ATS (-16.7 Units) in March games over the last 3 seasons.
LA LAKERS are 22-35 ATS (-16.5 Units) after scoring 105 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
LA LAKERS are 129-169 ATS (-56.9 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record since 1996.
LA LAKERS are 5-15 ATS (-11.5 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record - 2nd half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
LA LAKERS are 45-73 ATS (-35.3 Units) in home games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season since 1996.

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

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[Udog]

NBA
Short Sheet

Sunday, March 23

Atlanta at Toronto, 1:05 ET
Atlanta: 66-96 ATS in road games off a home loss
Toronto: 13-5 ATS after scoring 105 points or more

Phoenix at Minnesota, 3:35 ET
Phoenix: n/a
Minnesota: n/a

Washington at Denver, 5:05 ET
Washington: 59-38 ATS as an underdog
Denver: 6-14 ATS as a home favorite

Milwaukee at Sacramento, 6:05 ET
Milwaukee: n/A
Sacramento: n/a

Cleveland at NY Knicks, 7:35 ET
Cleveland: n/a
NY Knicks: n/a

Brooklyn at Dallas, 7:35 ET
Brooklyn: 2-11 ATS after 2 or more consecutive overs
Dallas: 17-6 ATS after failing to cover 2 of their last 3 against the spread

Orlando at LA Lakers, 9:35 ET
Orlando: 11-21 ATS as a road underdog
LA Lakers: 14-5 ATS after 2 or more consecutive overs

[Udog]

NCAAB
Short Sheet

Sunday, March 23

Mercer vs. Tennessee, 6:10 ET
Mercer: 17-5 ATS as an underdog
Tennessee: 31-52 ATS in all tournament games

Memphis vs. Virginia, 8:40 ET
Memphis: 19-10 UNDER in all games
Virginia: 8-2 ATS after a game where they failed to cover the spread

Stanford vs. Kansas, 12:15 ET
Stanford: 14-3 ATS after having won 2 of their last 3 games
Kansas: 3-10 ATS in road games after playing 3 consecutive games as favorite

Kentucky vs. Wichita State, 2:45 ET
Kentucky: 7-16 ATS in road games after 1 or more consecutive wins
Wichita State: 6-0 ATS in all neutral court games

Baylor vs. Creighton, 7:45 ET
Baylor: 7-1 ATS after having won 2 of their last 3 games
Creighton: 2-8 ATS after 4 straight games forcing opponent to commit 11 or less turnovers

North Carolina vs. Iowa State, 5:15 ET
North Carolina: 2-8 ATS after a combined score of 155 points or more
Iowa State: 35-22 ATS as a favorite

Gonzaga vs. Arizona, 9:40 ET
Gonzaga: 11-1 OVER in the second round of the NCAA tournament
Arizona: 19-7 ATS in non-conference games

SF Austin State vs. UCLA, 9:40 ET
SF Austin State: n/a
UCLA: 18-7 ATS as a favorite

[Udog]

NBA

Sunday, March 23


Underdogs have a solid showing Saturday

Underdogs had a solid showing Saturday in the Association. Pups went 6-2 against the spread yesterday hitting at a mark of 75 percent. Home dogs went 2-0 ATS.


Rockets' center Dwight Howard, questionable Monday

Howard missed the last three games due to a sprained left ankle and is questionable to play Monday against the Bobcats.

[Udog]

MLB

Sunday, March 23


Padres RHP Johnson to start season on DL

San Diego Padres starting pitcher Josh Johnson will be out for one month to five weeks with a strained flexor muscle in his right forearm.

Johnson will begin the season on the disabled list, according to the Los Angeles Times. He underwent surgery in October to remove a bone spur and loose bodies from his right elbow.

The Padres had limited Johnson's work this spring as a precaution. The right-hander had pitched 13 1/3 innings, posting a 3.38 ERA.

Last season with the Toronto Blue Jays, Johnson was on the DL twice with triceps inflammation and a forearm strain. The injuries limited him to 16 games and 81 1/3 innings. The 30-year-old finished with a 2-8 record and an 6.20 ERA in 2013.

Robbie Erlin, a 23-year-old left-hander, is considered a potential replacement for Johnson's spot in the Padres' rotation.

[Udog]

NHL

Sunday, March 23


Red-hot Bruins notch 12th win in a row

The Boston Bruins remain red-hot after their 4-2 road win over the Phoenix Coyotes Saturday night now having won 12 consecutive games.

The Bruins - who haven't lost since March 1 - have been dominant during their streak, out scoring opponents 47-17. They host the Montreal Canadiens Monday night.

[Udog]

NBA

Sunday, March 23


Thunder guard Russell Westbrook, doubtful Monday

Westbrook suffered a right knee sprain Friday against the Raptors and is doubtful to play Monday against the Nuggets.


Spurs' 13-game win streak has backers cashing in

With the San Antonio Spurs 99-90 win over the Golden State Warriors Saturday night, the Spurs extended their win streak to 13 consecutive games and it has been a streak that has bettors cashing in.

Since the Spurs started their win streak on Feb. 26, they have gone 10-3 against the spread, including covering in their last seven games in a row.

Look for a large spread Monday when the Spurs host the historically bad Philadelphia 76ers.


Late layup gives Cavs the cover vs. Rockets

Cavaliers center Tyler Zeller hit a meaningless layup at the buzzer of Cleveland's 118-111 loss to the Houston Rockets Saturday night, giving the Cavs the one-point cover and sending Rockets backers home unhappy.

The Cavs entered the game as as 8-point home dogs and trailed by a score of 101-79 heading into the fourth quarter.

Cleveland, despite losing four consecutive games straight up, are 3-1 against the spread in that time.

[Udog]

NHL
Short Sheet

Sunday, March 23

Columbus at NY Islanders, 1:05 ET
Columbus: 21-16 ATS when playing their 3rd game in 5 days
NY Islanders: 4-13 ATS in home games revenging a loss vs opponent

St Louis at Pittsburgh, 1:05 ET
St Louis: 31-14 ATS after having lost 2 of their last 3 games
Pittsburgh: 3-7 ATS after scoring 4 goals or more in 2 straight games

Nashville at Chicago, 7:05 ET
Nashville: 9-5 ATS in road games off a win or tie in their previous game
Chicago: 2-7 ATS off 2 or more consecutive home wins

Toronto at New Jersey, 7:05 ET
Toronto: 20-7 OVER when playing their 4th game in 7 days
New Jersey: 19-9 ATS revenging 2 consecutive losses to opponent as a favorite

Minnesota at Detroit, 7:35 ET
Minnesota: 18-11 ATS revenging a loss versus opponent
Detroit: 13-21 ATS after playing a road game

Florida at Anaheim, 8:05 ET
Florida: 0-10 ATS in road games when playing their 8th game in 14 days
Anaheim: 23-10 ATS after playing a road game

Buffalo at Vancouver, 8:05 ET
Buffalo: 10-30 ATS after 1 or more consecutive unders
Vancouver: 14-5 UNDER in home games after 1 or more consecutive unders