3-25-13

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Bank shots: NBA betting news and notes

Each week, we look back on the NBA betting scene and give you the best –and worst – basketball bets, as well as some spots to keep an eye on with the upcoming schedule.

For the week of March 17-23.

Hottest ATS

New York Knicks (4-1 SU, 5-0 ATS)

The Knicks have been ravaged with injuries but still reeled off five consecutive covers this past week. New York was a rare underdog three times during the streak and clinched a playoff berth in the process. The Knicks visit the Boston Celtics Tuesday before enjoying a three-game homestand at Madison Square Garden.

Coldest ATS

Toronto Raptors (0-4 SU, 0-4 ATS)

The Raptors fell twice to the Knicks and also blew covers against the Heat and Bobcats last week. To make matters worse, Rudy Gay left Friday’s loss to New York with a back problem. He will have some time to heal before Atlanta rolls into the Air Canada Centre on Wednesday.

Best over play

Brooklyn Nets (2-2 SU, 4-0 over/under)

The Nets have played over the number in six straight games. Brooklyn has been putting up big numbers (104 ppg) during the over streak and has five games remaining on its current eight-game road trip. The Nets are in Phoenix Sunday and get a few days off before visiting Portland on Wednesday.

Best under play

Houston Rockets (2-1 SU, 0-3 over/under)

The Rockets have gone low in five straight games and seven of their last eight. Houston averages a league-best 106.5 points per game but its defense has stepped up and held opponents to an average of 92 points during the under run – more than 10 points lower than its season average (102.8). The Rockets host the Spurs Sunday and then the Pacers roll into town on Wednesday.

Scouting the schedule:

-The Philadelphia 76ers have dropped 15 consecutive road games heading into Sunday’s clash at Sacramento. The Sixers will be road warriors down the stretch, playing 10 of their final 14 games away from Wells ***** Center. Philadelphia has a tendency to play under (8-20-3 O/U) on the road this season.

-The Golden State Warriors will battle for playoff positioning down the stretch, playing the majority of their games in front of their home crowd. The Warriors play seven of their next eight at Oracle Arena, where they have a 23-10 (18-15 ATS) straight-up record.

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Pucking the trends: This week's best NHL bets

Every week, we update you on who's hot, who's not and situational betting spots in the National Hockey League.

For the week of March 17-23

Hot team

Pittsburgh Penguins (3-0 SU)

Pittsburgh has won 11 consecutive games, allowing only eight goals over its last seven victories. The Penguins kick off a five-game homestand when the Flyers visit The Igloo Sunday night. Montreal, Winnipeg and the New York Islanders will also visit this week.

Cold team

Phoenix Coyotes (0-3 SU)

The Coyotes have dropped five straight games and are in the midst of a serious power outage. Phoenix has amassed only three goals during the losing skid and is rapidly falling out of contention in the Western Conference standings. The Desert Dogs host Detroit Monday before heading out on a three-game road trip.

Best over play

Calgary Flames (0-3 SU, 3-0 over/under)

The Flames have played over the number in five consecutive games thanks to their inability to keep the puck out of their own net. Calgary has allowed an average of nearly four goals per game during the over run and has yielded 10 markers over its last two losses. The Flames host the Blues Sunday before departing for Chicago for a clash with the Western Conference-leading Blackhawks Tuesday.

Best under play

Vancouver Canucks (3-1 SU, 0-4 over/under)

Cory Schneider appears to be back on track as he’s helped the Canucks go low in four consecutive games. Vancouver has yielded only six goals over its last four contests with Schneider only slipping up three times in as many starts during the under streak. Vancouver visits the lowly Avalanche Sunday before heading back north of the border for a clash with Columbus Tuesday.

Surveying the schedule:

-The Chicago Blackhawks return home Monday after going 3-1 on a four-game road trip. The Blackhawks now play five of their next six games at the friendly confines of the United Center, where they are 11-1-1 SU and 4-8-1 O/U.

-The Columbus Blue Jackets had their unbelievable 12-game points streak snapped Saturday in the opener of a four-game trip. The road hasn’t been kind to Columbus this season. The Jackets have a dismal 3-9-1 SU record and a 4-9 O/U mark away from home.

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Lakers at Warriors: What bettors need to know

Los Angeles Lakers at Golden State Warriors (-1.5, 207)

The Los Angeles Lakers did not fare so well when they attempted to work Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol back into the rotation on Friday. With two more days of practice under their belts, the Lakers will try to have a better showing when they visit the surging Golden State Warriors on Monday. The Warriors are one of the teams the Lakers are trying to track down in the Western Conference, though holding off the Utah Jazz is of greater importance.

Gasol returned from a 20-game absence on Friday but struggled to get back into a rhythm in 20 minutes while his teammates let a late lead slip away against the lowly Washington Wizards. Golden State got to face that same Wizards team on Saturday and won with ease as Stephen Curry stayed hot from beyond the arc and David Lee recorded his customary double-double. The Lakers are 2 1/2 games behind Golden State, with the Houston Rockets sitting in between the two. The No. 6 spot means avoiding San Antonio and Oklahoma City in the first round of the playoffs, though the rest of the teams at the top could be just as tough.

TV: 10:30 p.m. ET, TWSN (Los Angeles), CSBA (Golden State), NBATV

ABOUT THE LAKERS (36-34): Los Angeles has dropped back-to-back games to two of the worst teams in the league and drew harsh criticism after Friday’s loss from coach Mike D’Antoni, who said, “I can’t explain it, but every time we get up by 16, it’s like ‘Well we’re good and we don’t have to play hard,’ and we start messing with the game…(when) you start messing with the basketball gods, they will get you. If we don’t change that, we obviously won’t make the playoffs.” Bryant, who had missed the previous two games with a sprained ankle and the flu, came up short on a tying 3-point attempt at the buzzer and echoed his coach. “It’s a disturbing loss, and we’re upset about it,” Bryant said. “Our defensive intensity slipped a great deal in the second half, and they took advantage of it.” The Lakers are kicking off a four-game road trip at Golden State.

ABOUT THE WARRIORS (40-31): Golden State is clinging to a half-game lead over the Rockets for the No. 6 spot but appears to have dodged a bullet when Curry downplayed a right ankle sprain that forced him out in the fourth quarter of Saturday’s 101-92 win over Washington. The star guard has dealt with ankle problems for the last few years but told reporters, “I’m fine,” and had the X-rays come back negative. Curry has been on fire lately, going 21-of-38 from 3-point range in the last four games and averaging 29.5 points in that span. The Warriors have won three of their last four with Curry handling the scoring load and Andrew Bogut, Harrison Barnes and even Lee forming a strong defensive front line. Lee, who has always been known more as an offensive force, has posted four straight double-doubles.

TRENDS:

* Lakers are 4-1 ATS in their last five games following a loss.
* Warriors are 6-0 ATS in their last six Monday games.
* Over is 5-0 in Lakers’ last five games following a loss.
* Under is 7-0 in Warriors’ last seven vs. Western Conference foes.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Lakers F Antawn Jamison suffered a torn ligament in his right wrist on Friday but is expected to play on Monday.

2. Los Angeles has taken six straight in the series, including a 118-115 overtime victory at Golden State on Dec. 22. Bryant scored 34 points in the win.

3. Curry has struggled to 19 points on 35.9 percent shooting in the two meetings with Los Angeles this season.

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Mighty Quinn

Mighty missed with Indiana (-11 1/2) Sunday.

Monday it’s Providence. The deficit is 120 sirignanos.

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NBA

Hot Teams
-- Miami won its last 26 games (10-2 last 12 AF).
-- Hawks won five of their last seven games (6-3 last nine AU). Pacers won three of last four games (3-1 last four HF).
-- Grizzlies won three of last four games, but lost last three road games (6-1 last seven AU). Washington won five of its last seven games (8-1 last nine HU).
-- Nuggets won their last fifteen games (5-2-1 last eight AF). Hornets won three of last four home games (3-1 last four HU).
-- Warriors won five of last seven games (won three of last four home).

Cold Teams
-- Orlando lost last six games (4-7 last 11 HU).
-- 76ers lost 15 of their last 16 road games (6-5 last 11 AU). Utah lost its last four games, by 7-7-7-5 points (3-1 last four HF).
-- Lakers lost three of last five games (3-4 last seven road games).

Totals
-- Six of last eight Miami games stayed under the total.
-- Last three Indiana games stayed under the total.
-- Six of last seven Memphis games stayed under the total.
-- Under is 6-2-1 in last nine Denver games.
-- Under is 5-2-1 in Philly's last eight road games.
-- Five of last seven Laker games stayed under the total.

Back-to-backs
-- Miami is 3-5 vs spread last eight times they played night before.
-- Atlanta is 6-3 vs spread if it won the night before.
-- 76ers covered four of last five games if they played night before. Utah covered three of last four if it played night before.

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CBB

Robert Morris kids might still be hung over after beating Kentucky last week on national TV; Colonials lost by 10 at Pitt LY, last time they've faced a Big East team. Providence plays only seven guys; they're 8-3 in last 11 games, beat Bryant by 32, in only game vs NEC opponent.

Mercer finished ahead of Florida Gulf Coast in A-Sun; they're 12-2 in last 14 games, but lost at New Mexico by 18, Denver by 29 in its two western road games this year. BYU is 4-5 in its last nine games, but won three of last four at home. Last three Mercer games went over total.

27-6 Louisiana Tech snapped 3-game skid with 71-66 win at Florida St., Tech (-4) beat Southern Miss 65-55 Dec 8, despite 23 turnovers; USM top scorer Davis had only 7 points. Eagles won last five home games and eight of last 11 overall. Tech lost two of its last three away games.

George Mason is announcing move to A-16 today; their last six games were all decided by 6 or less points. Patriots lost four of last five home games. Houston has played easiest schedule in country this year; they've won five of last six games, with last three wins all by 5 or less points.

Richmond's 76-71 win at Bryant in first round was its second win in last ten road games; Spiders are 16-2 this season vs teams ranked outside top 100 (Wright State is #113). Raiders won four of last five games; they're 1-0 vs CAA teams this year, winning 63-57 at league doormat Hofstra.

Santa Clara is 10-5 in its last 15 games, but lost lost last three road tilts, by 17-43-13 points; Broncos are 1-7 vs teams in top 70, winning by 7 at Saint Louis in November. Purdue won three of last four at home, with only loss by 5 to Michigan. Purdue is 12-4 vs teams outside top 80.

Western Michigan lost three of last four road games, with four of its last five on road decided by 4 or less points; Broncos won 12 of its last 17 games overall. Wyoming is 15-0 vs teams outside MWC, 12-0 vs teams ranked outside top 125- they've beaten four top 70 teams in Laramie.

Cal-Irvine won nine of last 11 games; they lost by hoop at Sam Houston State in OT, its only game vs Southland opponent- they won two of last three road games. Oral Roberts beat Sam Houston two out of three, but lost to them in Southland tourney; Titans won seven of eight at home.

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Hot teams
-- Ottawa won four of its last five games. Devils won last two games, 2-1/4-1.
-- Blackhawks won three of their last four games.
-- Nashville won four of its last five home games.
-- Minnesota won last five games, outscoring foes 20-10. Dallas won three of last four.
-- Red Wings won four of their last five games.

Cold teams
-- Maple Leafs lost six of their last eight games. Boston lost three of last four, but won six of last seven home games.
-- Kings lost their last two games, 2-0/1-0.
-- Oilers lost seven of their last ten games.
-- Sharks lost seven of their last nine games. Anaheim lost last two games, 2-1/5-1.
-- Phoenix lost last five games, outscored 13-3.

Totals
-- Over is 7-1-2 in Toronto's last ten games.
-- 12 of last 15 Devil-Senator games stayed under the total.
-- Under is 3-0-1 in last four Los Angeles games.
-- Seven of last ten Edmonton-Nashville games stayed under.
-- Four of last five Dallas games went over the total.
-- Seven of last nine Dallas-San Jose games stayed under.
-- Over is 4-1-1 in Detroit's last six games.

Series records
-- Maple Leafs lost eight of last nine games with Boston.
-- Devils lost four of last five visits to Ottawa.
-- Kings lost nine of last twelve games with Chicago.
-- Oilers won six of last nine games with Nashville.
-- Dallas Stars won three of last four games with Minnesota.
-- Ducks won seven of last nine games with San Jose.
-- Red Wings won seven of last eight games with Phoenix.

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DCI College Basketball
The Daniel Curry Index

03/25/13 Predictions

Season
Straight Up: 3884-1351 (.742)
ATS: 1884-1908 (.497)
ATS Vary Units: 5235-5550 (.485)
Over/Under: 618-578 (.517)
Over/Under Vary Units: 709-695 (.505)

National Invitation Tournament
2nd Round at campus sites
PROVIDENCE 71, Robert Morris 61
SOUTHERN MISS 76, Louisiana Tech 70
BYU 73, Mercer 68

College Basketball Invitational
Quarterfinals at campus sites
GEORGE MASON 78, Houston 74
WYOMING 62, Western Michigan 57
WRIGHT STATE 64, Richmond 60
PURDUE 72, Santa Clara 64

CollegeInsider.com Postseason Tournament
2nd Round at Tulsa, OK
UC Irvine vs. ORAL ROBERTS: TOO CLOSE TO CALL

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DCI Pro Basketball
The Daniel Curry Index

03/25/13 Predictions

Season
Straight Up: 683-323 (.679)
ATS: 546-486 (.529)
ATS Vary Units: 1374-1208 (.532)
Over/Under: 528-504 (.512)
Over/Under Vary Units: 704-645 (.522)

Memphis 91, WASHINGTON 89
Miami 106, ORLANDO 92
INDIANA 98, Atlanta 90
Denver 106, NEW ORLEANS 99
UTAH 99, Philadelphia 93
GOLDEN STATE 105, L.A. Lakers 103

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DCI Pro Hockey
The Daniel Curry Index

03/25/13 Predictions

Season: 175-116 (.601)

BOSTON 4, Toronto 2
OTTAWA 3, New Jersey 2
CHICAGO 3, Los Angeles 2
NASHVILLE 3, Edmonton 2
Minnesota 3, DALLAS 2
PHOENIX 3, Detroit 2
ANAHEIM 3, San Jose 2

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Free Selection from Arthur Ralph Sports

Our Free Plays are 1005-746 (57 + %) over the last 4 1/2 years !

Free winner MON Golden State -2

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Gamblers Data

Free Play Monday

Ducks -135

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NCAA Basketball Picks

Houston at George Mason

The Patriots look to build on their 7-3 ATS record in their last 10 non-conference games. George Mason is the pick (-6) according to Dunkel, which has the Patriots favored by 8. Dunkel Pick: George Mason (-6). Here are all of today's games.

MONDAY. MARCH 25 Time Posted: 7:00 a.m. EST

Game 613-614: Robert Morris at Providence (7:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Robert Morris 55.374; Providence 66.196 Dunkel Line: Providence by 11; 142 Vegas Line: Providence by 8 1/2; 138 Dunkel Pick: Providence (-8 1/2); Over

Game 615-616: Mercer at BYU (9:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Mercer 56.284; BYU 64.887 Dunkel Line: BYU by 8 1/2; 139 Vegas Line: BYU by 7; 143 Dunkel Pick: BYU (-7); Under

Game 617-618: Louisiana Tech at Southern Mississippi (10:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Louisiana Tech 58.293; Southern Mississippi 67.286 Dunkel Line: Southern Mississippi by 9; 147 Vegas Line: Southern Mississippi by 8; 144 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Southern Mississippi (-8); Over

Game 621-622: Houston at George Mason (7:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Houston 55.425; George Mason 63.312 Dunkel Line: George Mason by 8; 147 Vegas Line: George Mason by 6; 152 1/2 Dunkel Pick: George Mason (-6); Under

Game 623-624: Richmond at Wright State (7:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Richmond 61.961; Wright State 60.486 Dunkel Line: Richmond by 1 1/2; 132 Vegas Line: Wright State by 1; 127 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Richmond (+1); Over

Game 625-626: Santa Clara at Purdue (7:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Santa Clara 58.705; Purdue 71.082 Dunkel Line: Purdue by 12 1/2; 137 Vegas Line: Purdue by 6 1/2; 141 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Purdue (-6 1/2); Under

Game 627-628: Western Michigan at Wyoming (9:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Western Michigan 53.071; Wyoming 60.543 Dunkel Line: Wyoming by 7 1/2; 122 Vegas Line: Wyoming by 6; 127 Dunkel Pick: Wyoming (-6); Under

Game 629-630: UC-Irvine at Oral Roberts (8:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: UC-Irvine 55.708; Oral Roberts 56.589 Dunkel Line: Oral Roberts by 1; 145 Vegas Line: Oral Roberts by 4 1/2; 141 Dunkel Pick: UC-Irvine (+4 1/2); Over

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Hockey Crusher
Dallas Stars -108 over Minnesota Wild
(System Record: 36-2, lost last 6 games)
Overall Record: 36-25-1

Basketball Crusher
Wright State -1 over Richmond
(System Record: 77-4, won last game)
Overall Record: 77-58-4

Soccer Crusher
Canada + Belarus UNDER 2.5
This match is happening in Friendlies
(System Record: 376-14, lost las games)
Overall Record: 376-323-44