12-19-11

[Mr. IWS]

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[Mr. IWS]

Dunkel

MONDAY, DECEMBER 19
Time Posted: 7:00 p.m. EST (12/13) Game 331-332: Pittsburgh at San Francisco (8:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh 138.647; San Francisco 137.795
Dunkel Line: Pittsburgh by 1; 34
Vegas Line: San Francisco by 3; 38 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (+3); Under

[Mr. IWS]

DCI NFL

Monday, December 19, 2011
Pittsburgh 17, SAN FRANCISCO 14

[Mr. IWS]

Pittsburgh at San Francisco

WHY STEELERS WILL COVER: Like Baltimore and New England, they’re battling for the No. 1 seed. So this West Coast trip is a huge one for Pittsburgh, which has cashed in the last four following an ATS loss.
WHY 49ERS WILL COVER: Despite upset loss at Arizona last week, they are still No. 1 in the NFL at 10-2-1 ATS and really want to beat out the Saints for the No. 2 seed and a playoff bye. It won’t hurt to be at home, where San Fran has won and cashed in five straight and six of seven this year. In fact, Jim Harbaugh’s troops are 17-6-3 ATS in the last 26 at home. Plus, Pittsburgh QB Ben Roethlisberger is hobbled, and star defender James Harrison may be serving a one-game suspension.
TOTAL: The Niners’ defense is No. 1 in the league, yielding a meager 14.0 ppg. Pittsburgh is No. 2 allowing just 15.2 ppg.

[Mr. IWS]

R.A.W. FOOTBALL

2* = San Francisco

[Mr. IWS]

Ethan Law

(2%)* PITTSBURGH* +3

[Mr. IWS]

Norm Hitzges

SINGLE PLAYS:
·******** San Fran -2 1/2

[Mr. IWS]

Indian Cowboy

4* #332. Take San Francisco 49ers -2.5 over Pittsburgh Steelers (Monday @ 8:30 pm est).

[Mr. IWS]

NFL NEWS AND NOTES
What Bettors Need To Know: Steelers at 49ers
By Covers Staff


Pittsburgh Steelers at San Francisco 49ers (-3, 38)

THE STORY: The Pittsburgh Steelers could be without two key players for Monday night’s matchup with the host San Francisco 49ers. Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is dealing with a severe high ankle sprain that has kept him from practicing through Thursday. Being without the two-time Super Bowl-winning QB is not an appealing thought for the Steelers, particularly when going up against a defense that has surrendered the fewest points in the league this season. Pittsburgh LB James Harrison is expected to miss the contest after he was suspended one game for a helmet-to-helmet hit on Cleveland Browns QB Colt McCoy. The Niners have wrapped up the NFC West, but have lost two of their last three games.

TV: ESPN, 8:30 p.m. ET.

LINE: 49ers -3, O/U 38. San Francisco is holding steady as a 3-point favorite, while the total opened at 39 and could be found as low as 37.5 Sunday afternoon.

WEATHER: Meteorologists expect clear skies with light winds and a temperature around 52 degrees.

ABOUT THE STEELERS (10-3): Pittsburgh has won four straight to remain in a four-way tie for the best record in the AFC. The Steelers have been dominant defensively since their bye week, allowing a total of 19 points in their last three games. They could be tested without Harrison, who has 8.0 sacks despite missing four games due to injury. Roethlisberger played the second half of a 14-3 win over Cleveland despite the ankle injury, but said the pain feels worse this week. He has not missed a game because of injury since December 2009. Charlie Batch will start if Roethlisberger can’t go.

ABOUT THE 49ERS (10-3): San Francisco blew a 12-point second-half lead in a 21-19 loss at Arizona last week. Stud MLB Patrick Willis sat out his second straight game with a hamstring injury. The Niners have struggled to find the end zone, getting 10 field goals from David Akers in the past three games. RB Frank Gore ripped off five straight 100-yard games earlier in the season, but has been dealing with injuries and has not surpassed 88 yards in his last five. QB Alex Smith is coming off one of his worst games, failing to complete half his passes and throwing for 175 yards.

TRENDS:
- Pittsburgh is 9-4 against the spread in its last 13 games as an underdog.
- San Francisco is 8-0 against the number in its last eight as a home favorite.
- The over is 6-2 in Pittsburgh's last eight road games.

EXTRA POINTS:

1. San Francisco has not allowed a 100-yard rusher in 35 contests and is the first team to not surrender a rushing TD in the first 13 games.

2. Pittsburgh has won its last six appearances on Monday Night Football.

3. This will mark only the third meeting between the teams in nine seasons. The 49ers hold a 10-9 all-time series edge.

PREDICTION: Steelers 16, 49ers 13. Even with a hobbled Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh’s offense has a leg up on the Niners.

[Mr. IWS]

BOOKIE BLITZ

Monday's Best NFL Bets

Pittsburgh Steelers at San Francisco 49ers (-3, 38)

The line opened up at -3 in favor of the home team, but is subject to change as this game is engulfed by injury news. Currently the public is on the Steelers at a 60% clip, but that could change if quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is unable to play.

It has already been confirmed that the 49ers will be without Patrick Willis on an impressive defense that has shut down the run this year. The Steelers will be without superstar linebacker James Harrison who is suspended, but the most glaring omission on the field would be Roethlisberger.

Roethlisberger was hurt in the game against the Cleveland Browns and although he has had some time to rest he is still listed as questionable for this game. If he is unable to play veteran Charlie Batch will get the call under center and this will change up the pass offense. The Steelers realize that they are a different team without Big Ben in the lineup.

“Charlie and Dennis are great players, but they aren’t Ben,” wide receiver Mike Wallace said. “Ben is really special. So you have to change your game to adjust to what they do best.

This will make the Steelers play an offense that is suited for quick-passing and heavy on the run and that will play right into the hands of the 49ers. The 49ers have been excellent at stopping the run and will be able to pile people in the box without Ben under center. This also helps the secondary, who can cheat up and the Steelers won’t be able to take advantage of their wide receiver speed.

The Steelers are 3-8 ATS in their last 11 games following a win and just 2-5 ATS in the last seven road games. The 49ers are 17-6-3 ATS in their last 26 home games, 19-7 ATS in their last 26 Monday games, and 11-2-1 ATS in their last 14 games overall.

The 49ers have been cash cows this year in the NFL at the betting window. Even if big ben suits up, the play will be on the home team. The 49ers are playing for a good seed and want to prove that they can play with the top teams in the league.

PICK: SF 49ers -3

[Mr. IWS]

NBA NEWS AND NOTES
Clippers Gaining On Lakers In Los Angeles
By David Leon Moore


Los Angeles Clippers at Los Angeles Lakers (-10.5, 194)

As exhibition games go, the first for the Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers— against each other here today — is a cut above.

For that matter, the Hallway Rivalry — so named as both teams play home games at Staples Center— should be a cut above what it usually is this year.

The relationship between the championship-laden, tradition-filled Lakers and the sad-sack, woebegone Clippers might have been forever changed last week when the Clippers acquired All-Star Chris Paul, perhaps the best point guard of his generation, a week after NBA Commissioner David Stern rejected the Lakers’ deal for him.

The contrast could not have been sharper Thursday, when the Clippers gave away CP3 T-shirts and had a tasty Mexican buffet for media and season-ticket holders at Paul’s introduction at the training complex in Playa Vista.

At about the same time, the Lakers in nearby El Segundo were left to question management and mumble joyless claims of still being tops in town.

At the Clippers, Paul was saying: “This is going to be an unbelievable experience. I’m excited to bring a championship here.”

At the Lakers, Kobe Bryant, unhappy that the deal for Paul had been nixed and that forward Lamar Odom had been dealt to the defending champion Dallas Mavericks, was saying: “I’m not sure what the hell the direction is, to be honest with you.”

Bryant, who has taken no questions about his wife, Vanessa, filing for divorce, stopped far short of a trade demand: “I expect (management) to still try to be aggressive and make moves to build a championship team. If that’s the case, I’ll stand out of the way and let them do what they do.”

It’s unclear who holds the most sway for the Lakers: owner Jerry Buss, who has retreated from day-to-day operations for years; his son Jim, whose influence has risen dramatically or General Manager Mitch Kupchak, mentored by legendary ex-GM Jerry West.

Whoever pulled the trigger on the Odom deal, it did not go over well in the Lakers locker room.

With Odom gone and center Andrew Bynum suspended for the first five games for body-slamming Mavs guard J.J. Barea in the playoffs, the Lakers could end up starting Josh McRoberts or Troy Murphy alongside Bryant, Pau Gasol, Matt Barnes and Derek Fisher.

Meanwhile, the Clippers are stockpiling All-Stars like sweat socks. They have three just at point guard — Paul, Chauncey Billups and Mo Williams. If they keep all three, look for Billups to start at shooting guard and Williams to come off the bench.

They also have added productive small forward Caron Butler and extended the contract of young, promising center DeAndre Jordan.

At power forward, they have that Rookie of the Year who jumps over people to dunk, jumps over cars to dunk, a YouTube fixture. The idea of seeing Paul throw lob passes to Blake Griffin is the most exciting prospect at Staples since … well, since Bryant could jump over people.

Has it come to that? Are the Clippers more exciting than the Lakers? A glimpse should come today, and the dynamic between the teams should be an intriguing story line all season.

[Mr. IWS]

CAPPERS PICKS

Monday's Best NBA Bets

Los Angeles Clippers at Los Angeles Lakers (-10.5, 194)

The Clippers and Lakers always make for an interesting NBA betting matchup since they share a building. Theoretically, both teams should have their share of home supporters (though the Lakers will probably have more, I admit), so we probably shouldn’t pay much attention to home/road stats both straight-up and against the spread.

The Clippers’ little playoff tease to start the New Year was fun while it lasted but we’ve quickly realized that this is still a team in transition. That doesn’t mean the future isn’t bright – how can you not get excited about Blake Griffin? – but it means the Clippers aren’t quite ready for prime time.

The Clippers have lost five of six and are 1-5 ATS over that span as well. It hurts not having Eric Gordon, who was the Association’s eighth-leading scorer before succumbing to a wrist injury. The Clips are 3-8 ATS since he went down. sportsbook basketball 250x250 banner1 L.A. Clippers vs. L.A. Lakers Free NBA Picks | Spread

The Lakers have returned from the All-Star break in style, beating the Hawks at home and then a streaking Portland team on the road this week. Kobe Bryant and company are 6-3 ATS over their last nine games. Maybe winning the All-Star Game MVP gave Kobe a mental boost? He was a force against the Blazers on Wednesday night, racking up 37 points, nine boards and six assists.

It’s almost a foregone conclusion that the Lakers win tonight but the 10.5-point spread is scary. The Clippers are actually 7-1 ATS over their last eight against the Lakers and have won two of the last three meetings.

However, when the Clippers beat the Lakers in the last meeting on January 16, Eric Gordon dropped a game-high 30 points. The Clips are Griffin’s team but they’re quickly realizing that they can’t win with just one man. They’re not nearly as threatening without Gordon.

Given that the Lakers are firing on cylinders and that the sagging Clippers are missing their top scorer, I actually think the defending NBA champs can cover the fat spread tonight.

TRENDS:

LAC are 7-2-1 ATS in their last 10 vs. NBA Pacific.
Over is 23-9 in LAC last 32 Fri. games.
Under is 19-7 in LAL last 26 Fri. games.
Under is 15-6 in LAL last 21 home games.
LAC are 7-1 ATS in the last 8 meetings.
Underdog is 7-1 ATS in the last 8 meetings.

PICK: LA Lakers -10.5

[Mr. IWS]

NCAA CBB NEWS AND NOTES
Preview: NC-Greensboro at Duke & Davidson at Kansas
By Covers Staff


UNC Greensboro Spartans at Duke Blue Devils (-32, 155)

THE STORY: With eight full days off, No. 5 Duke should be more than ready to match its second-longest home winning streak in school history on Monday when it hosts North Carolina-Greensboro. The Blue Devils, winners of 40 straight at Cameron Indoor Stadium, received a full week to relax following their 86-80 win at Madison Square Garden on Dec. 10. They led the Huskies by as many as 19 points, but struggled from the free throw line late to make things interesting. Duke doesn’t figure to leave near as much in doubt against UNC-Greensboro, which has dropped six straight and already seen its head coach Mike Dement leave the program following the team’s loss to Florida State on Dec. 11. Wes Miller was named interim coach prior to Friday’s game against East Carolina, but the results were all too familiar in a 71-62 home loss to the Pirates.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, FSN South; Raycom Sports; ESPN3.com

ABOUT UNC GREENSBORO (2-9): Sophomore Trevis Simpson scored a game-high 24 points in the loss to East Carolina, his third game of 20 or more points this season. The Spartans limited the Pirates to 42.9 percent shooting – their second-best defensive showing of the season – but could not hold on to their 10-point second-half lead in large part because they managed season lows in free throw attempts (eight) and assists (seven).

ABOUT DUKE (9-1): Freshman Austin Rivers is averaging a team-high 17.4 points over the last seven straight games, shooting 46.7 percent from the field and 44.8 percent behind the arc. Duke shot a season-high 44 free throws against Washington and is averaging 28.6 free throw attempts. During the Blue Devils’ current home winning streak, 34 of the 40 victories have been double-digit triumphs. Duke is one of eight NCAA teams with five or more players averaging at least 10 points.

TIP-INS

1. Duke has won 90 straight non-conference home games – the longest current streak in the NCAA and 84 straight home games against unranked non-conference opponents.

2. The 28-year-old Miller – who played for the University of North Carolina from 2004-2007 – is more than two years younger than the next youngest coach in Division I (Andy Toole, Robert Morris).

3. The Blue Devils are 9-0 all-time against UNC-Greensboro and have defeated the Spartans by an average of 38.9 points.


Davidson Wildcats at Kansas Jayhawks (-13.5, 147)

THE STORY: Kansas expects to have senior guard Tyshawn Taylor back in the lineup for the game against Davidson at the annual M&I Kansas City Shootout at the Sprint Center. Taylor, who averages 15.9 points and 4.7 assists, is coming back from surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee. He was near full speed on Friday at practice. Coach Bill Self said the staff would check for swelling before making a final decision. Davidson is off to its best start since the 2008-09 season, when the Wildcats began 8-1, but has lost its last two decisions. It’s only the second meeting between the two teams; Kansas survived a 59-57 scare in the Elite Eight in 2008 and went on to win the national championship.

TV: 9 p.m. ET. ESPNU

ABOUT DAVIDSON (6-3): Sophomore De’Mon Brooks leads the Wildcats in scoring (16.0) and rebounding (7.0) and was named the Southern Conference Player of the Month for November. The Wildcats also have J.P. Kuhlman (13.6 points), Jake Cohen (12.4 points) and Nik Cochran (10.2) all averaging in double figures. Cohen is 74 points shy of 1,000 for his career. Davidson hasn’t played in eight days because of final exams.

ABOUT KANSAS (7-2): Kansas has won four straight games, including a big home victory over No. 2 Ohio State. Thomas Robinson, who had 21 points against the Buckeyes, was named national player of the week after averaging 23.5 points and making 17 of 23 field goal attempts in two games. He averages 17.8 points and 11.4 rebounds. If Taylor has his time limited, Kansas will rely more on Elijah Johnson, who averages 3.4 assists, for floor direction.

TIP-INS

1. Davidson is 16-6 over its last 22 games.

2. The only two losses for Kansas have come against teams ranked No. 6 or higher.

3. Davidson ranks third nationally in free-throw percentage (80.0) and has made at least 20 free throws four times this season.

[Mr. IWS]

COLLEGE FUNDS

Monday's Best NCAA CBB Bets

Davidson Wildcats at Kansas Jayhawks (-13.5, 147)

Kansas expects to have senior guard Tyshawn Taylor back in the lineup for the game against Davidson at the annual M&I Kansas City Shootout at the Sprint Center.

Taylor, who averages 15.9 points and 4.7 assists, is coming back from surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee. He was near full speed on Friday at practice. Coach Bill Self said the staff would check for swelling before making a final decision.

Davidson is off to its best start since the 2008-09 season, when the Wildcats began 8-1, but has lost its last two decisions. It’s only the second meeting between the two teams; Kansas survived a 59-57 scare in the Elite Eight in 2008 and went on to win the national championship.

Kansas has won four straight games, including a big home victory over No. 2 Ohio State.

PICK: Kansas Jayhawks -13.5


Marquette Golden Eagles at LSU Tigers (+8, 136.5)

Marquette faces its final non-conference road test when it travels south to face LSU on Monday night. The unbeaten Golden Eagles, who already own a victory at Wisconsin and four neutral-court wins, topped Northern Colorado on Saturday behind 22 points from freshman guard Todd Mayo.

Senior SG Darius Johnson-Odom, who leads Marquette in scoring, is expected to return to the Golden Eagles lineup Monday after being suspended for Saturday's game due to a violation of team rules.

The Tigers have won their last two games despite the absence of Andre Stringer (12.1 ppg), who remains day-to-day after fainting in practice this month. Justin Hamilton (11.5 ppg, 6.5 rpg) has paced the team in Stringer's absence with back-to-back 14-point games.

PICK: LSU Tigers +8

[Mr. IWS]

NHL NEWS AND NOTES
Preview: Detroit at Edmonton
By Covers Staff


Detroit Red Wings at Edmonton Oilers (+125, 5.5)

THE STORY: The Edmonton Oilers have fallen on hard times and it won't get any easier when the red-hot Detroit Red Wings pay a visit Monday. The Oilers were the class of the Western Conference over the first month of the season but have been in a freefall since, losing 3-2 to San Jose on Saturday to slip out of the top 10 in the conference. Edmonton dropped all three games on its mini-road trip and returns home to tangle with a Red Wings team that pummeled the Los Angeles Kings 8-2 on Saturday. Detroit has won four of its last five games - scoring a whopping 27 goals in that span - to become the third Western Conference team to reach the 20-win plateau. This is the second meeting this season, with Detroit cruising to a 3-0 win in the previous encounter on Nov. 11.

TV: 9:30 p.m. ET, Fox Sports Detroit, Rogers Sportsnet West

ABOUT THE RED WINGS (20-10-1): An improved power play has made a significant difference in Detroit's fortunes this season. After managing only 10 goals in 70 chances through the first 16 games - a 14.3-percent success rate - the Red Wings' power play has been considerably stronger in the previous 15 outings, going 18-for-60 (30 percent) over that span. Detroit has scored on the man advantage in nine of its last 10 games overall.

ABOUT THE OILERS (14-15-3): Ryan Nugent-Hopkins may be generating most of the hockey headlines in Edmonton, but Jordan Eberle is starting to build a reputation as a YouTube regular. The talented forward had another highlight goal against San Jose, dragging the puck past a Sharks defender before waiting out netminder Antti Niemi and sliding the puck into the open side. Eberle has been the hottest Oilers forward, recording points in 13 of his last 16 games.

OVERTIME:

1. Detroit forward Pavel Datsyuk is one of the hottest forwards in the league, recording eight goals and 15 assists in his last 15 games.

2. Detroit has beaten Edmonton six straight times, outscoring the Oilers 24-11 over that span.

3. Oilers forward Shawn Horcoff was bumped to the third line Saturday. The 33-year-old hasn't scored in his last 10 games.

PREDICTION: Red Wings 5, Oilers 2.