ice picks
Tampa Bay Lightning at Chicago Blackhawks (-240, 5.5)
Tampa Bay inserted goalie Antero Niittymaki back into the starting role on Friday against Colorado. The Fin did not disappoint, saving 33 of 34 shots, but got in the loss in a 2-1 shootout.
Right winger Steve Downie scored the lone goal for the Lightning, who have averaged 1.6 gpg over their last eight games.
“We’ve been struggling as of late, and on this road trip we wanted to come out strong from the start and put the puck in the net,” Downie said.
One puck in the net isn’t going to produce many wins during this six-game road trip that ends with the Islanders next Monday.
Chicago has played in four overtime games during their last six (winning three), and taken seven of the last 10 contests in this series.
Pick: Blackhawks
Calgary Flames at Colorado Avalanche (-120, 5.5)
Both of these teams are coming off overtime games on Friday. The Avs won 2-1 in a shootout while the Flames lost 2-1 in the overtime period.
Although goaltender Miikka Kiprusoff was charged with the loss, he played an outstanding game stopping 44 of 46 shots.
"It's a shame to waste a performance like that," said assistant coach Dave Lowry. "He gave us every opportunity to win."
"He's probably been playing his best hockey in the last month and a half than maybe I've ever seen him play," added defenseman Robyn Regehr.
Kiprusoff hasn’t allowed more than two goals in his last 10 games including two shutouts during that span. He ranks 5th in the league this season with a 2.15 goals against average.
Colorado has surrendered an average of 1.6 gpg over its last five and the under has gone 11-4 in the last 15 meetings of this series.
Pick: Under
Tampa Bay Lightning at Chicago Blackhawks (-240, 5.5)
Tampa Bay inserted goalie Antero Niittymaki back into the starting role on Friday against Colorado. The Fin did not disappoint, saving 33 of 34 shots, but got in the loss in a 2-1 shootout.
Right winger Steve Downie scored the lone goal for the Lightning, who have averaged 1.6 gpg over their last eight games.
“We’ve been struggling as of late, and on this road trip we wanted to come out strong from the start and put the puck in the net,” Downie said.
One puck in the net isn’t going to produce many wins during this six-game road trip that ends with the Islanders next Monday.
Chicago has played in four overtime games during their last six (winning three), and taken seven of the last 10 contests in this series.
Pick: Blackhawks
Calgary Flames at Colorado Avalanche (-120, 5.5)
Both of these teams are coming off overtime games on Friday. The Avs won 2-1 in a shootout while the Flames lost 2-1 in the overtime period.
Although goaltender Miikka Kiprusoff was charged with the loss, he played an outstanding game stopping 44 of 46 shots.
"It's a shame to waste a performance like that," said assistant coach Dave Lowry. "He gave us every opportunity to win."
"He's probably been playing his best hockey in the last month and a half than maybe I've ever seen him play," added defenseman Robyn Regehr.
Kiprusoff hasn’t allowed more than two goals in his last 10 games including two shutouts during that span. He ranks 5th in the league this season with a 2.15 goals against average.
Colorado has surrendered an average of 1.6 gpg over its last five and the under has gone 11-4 in the last 15 meetings of this series.
Pick: Under
NBA DUNKEL
Houston at Toronto
The Rockets look to build on their 7-1 ATS record in their last 8 road games. Houston is the pick (-1 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Rockets favored by 6 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Houston (-1 1/2). Here are all of today's picks.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13
Game 701-702: Houston at Toronto
Dunkel Ratings: Houston 120.987; Toronto 114.675
Dunkel Line & Total: Houston by 6 1/2; 207
Vegas Line & Total: Houston by 1 1/2; 203 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Houston (-1 1/2); Over
Game 703-704: New Jersey at Atlanta
Dunkel Ratings: New Jersey 110.386; Atlanta 123.382
Dunkel Line & Total: Atlanta by 13; 205
Vegas Line & Total: Atlanta by 12 1/2; 199
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (-12 1/2); Over
Game 705-706: Memphis at Miami
Dunkel Ratings: Memphis 115.998; Miami 122.578
Dunkel Line & Total: Miami by 6 1/2; 195
Vegas Line & Total: Miami by 7; 199
Dunkel Pick: Memphis (+7); Under
Game 707-708: Cleveland at Oklahoma City
Dunkel Ratings: Cleveland 122.868; Oklahoma City 121.880
Dunkel Line & Total: Cleveland by 1; 195
Vegas Line & Total: Cleveland by 3 1/2; 191
Dunkel Pick: Oklahoma City (+3 1/2); Over
Game 709-710: San Antonio at LA Clippers
Dunkel Ratings: San Antonio 122.489; LA Clippers 116.833
Dunkel Line & Total: San Antonio by 5 1/2; 183
Vegas Line & Total: San Antonio by 6; 187 1/2
Dunkel Pick: LA Clippers (+6); Under
Houston at Toronto
The Rockets look to build on their 7-1 ATS record in their last 8 road games. Houston is the pick (-1 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Rockets favored by 6 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Houston (-1 1/2). Here are all of today's picks.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13
Game 701-702: Houston at Toronto
Dunkel Ratings: Houston 120.987; Toronto 114.675
Dunkel Line & Total: Houston by 6 1/2; 207
Vegas Line & Total: Houston by 1 1/2; 203 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Houston (-1 1/2); Over
Game 703-704: New Jersey at Atlanta
Dunkel Ratings: New Jersey 110.386; Atlanta 123.382
Dunkel Line & Total: Atlanta by 13; 205
Vegas Line & Total: Atlanta by 12 1/2; 199
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (-12 1/2); Over
Game 705-706: Memphis at Miami
Dunkel Ratings: Memphis 115.998; Miami 122.578
Dunkel Line & Total: Miami by 6 1/2; 195
Vegas Line & Total: Miami by 7; 199
Dunkel Pick: Memphis (+7); Under
Game 707-708: Cleveland at Oklahoma City
Dunkel Ratings: Cleveland 122.868; Oklahoma City 121.880
Dunkel Line & Total: Cleveland by 1; 195
Vegas Line & Total: Cleveland by 3 1/2; 191
Dunkel Pick: Oklahoma City (+3 1/2); Over
Game 709-710: San Antonio at LA Clippers
Dunkel Ratings: San Antonio 122.489; LA Clippers 116.833
Dunkel Line & Total: San Antonio by 5 1/2; 183
Vegas Line & Total: San Antonio by 6; 187 1/2
Dunkel Pick: LA Clippers (+6); Under
NBA WRITE-UP
Sunday, December 13
Hot Teams
-- Rockets won five of their last six games.
-- Hawks won four of their last five games.
-- Grizzlies won three of their last four games.
-- Cavaliers won five of last seven games but are 0-3 vs spread in their last three games. Thunder won five of their last seven games.
-- Clippers are 4-1 vs spread in game following last five losses. Spurs won seven of their last ten games.
Cold Teams
-- Raptors lost seven of their last ten games.
-- Nets are 2-3 in last five games after starting season 0-18.
-- Miami lost five of its last seven games.
Totals
-- Under is 6-0-1 in Houston's last seven games.
-- Six of last eight New Jersey games went over the total.
-- Four of last five Miami games went over the total.
-- Over is 9-4 in Oklahoma City's last thirteen games.
-- Spurs' last three games went over the total.
Sunday, December 13
Hot Teams
-- Rockets won five of their last six games.
-- Hawks won four of their last five games.
-- Grizzlies won three of their last four games.
-- Cavaliers won five of last seven games but are 0-3 vs spread in their last three games. Thunder won five of their last seven games.
-- Clippers are 4-1 vs spread in game following last five losses. Spurs won seven of their last ten games.
Cold Teams
-- Raptors lost seven of their last ten games.
-- Nets are 2-3 in last five games after starting season 0-18.
-- Miami lost five of its last seven games.
Totals
-- Under is 6-0-1 in Houston's last seven games.
-- Six of last eight New Jersey games went over the total.
-- Four of last five Miami games went over the total.
-- Over is 9-4 in Oklahoma City's last thirteen games.
-- Spurs' last three games went over the total.
Pick 'n' Roll: Today's best NBA bets
Houston Rockets at Toronto Raptors (+1.5, 203.5)
No one imagined the Rockets would be 13-9 at this point in the season without Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming. Rick Adelman has his team playing with confidence and cohesion behind some starting veterans and a youthful bench.
While Aaron Brooks and Trevor Ariza get most of the attention, reserve Carl Landry has been outstanding in his third NBA season. Landry is the third-leading scorer and rebounder on the team, posting 16.3 ppg and 6.1 rpg.
“He’s got to realize that we need him to be big every game for us,” said Adelman. “When we’re trying to post him up and trying to go to him, he’s got to demand the ball and understand that he has the ability to score against anybody in this league. He is one of our go-to guys.”
On the other side of this matchup, Toronto is a beaten team. The Raps rank 29th in the league on defense (108.8 ppg) and have given up 111 and 117 in their last two outings. To compound matters, point guard Jose Calderon only lasted seven minutes in his return before making a trip back to the hospital.
Chris Bosh is the only player pulling his weight on the team and is not a happy camper.
"We can circle dates on our calendar all we want to, but until we become a better team and, individually, take the challenge a little bit better, we're going to stay where we are,” he said.
The Rockets are 5-1 straight up and ATS in their last six and should add a notch to those win columns against the Raptors.
Pick: Rockets
Cleveland Cavaliers at Oklahoma City Thunder (+3.5, 191)
The Cavs just don’t appear to be giving it their all right now. Much like the Spurs have coasted to the All-Star break in recent years, Cleveland may be on the same path.
"It is good to play well now, but at the same time we do not want to reach our peak,” said LeBron James. “Closer to playoff time is when we really want to start dominating."
Oklahoma City on the other hand, plays every game like it's Game 7 of the NBA Finals. This team genuinely looks like they are having fun on the court and play hard to the end of every game. Only two of the Thunder’s losses have come by 15 points or more and both of those defeats were against the Lakers and Celtics.
Rolling with the Thunder in this game looks like the right play with the home team going 10-1 ATS in the last 11 meetings of this series.
Pick: Thunder
Houston Rockets at Toronto Raptors (+1.5, 203.5)
No one imagined the Rockets would be 13-9 at this point in the season without Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming. Rick Adelman has his team playing with confidence and cohesion behind some starting veterans and a youthful bench.
While Aaron Brooks and Trevor Ariza get most of the attention, reserve Carl Landry has been outstanding in his third NBA season. Landry is the third-leading scorer and rebounder on the team, posting 16.3 ppg and 6.1 rpg.
“He’s got to realize that we need him to be big every game for us,” said Adelman. “When we’re trying to post him up and trying to go to him, he’s got to demand the ball and understand that he has the ability to score against anybody in this league. He is one of our go-to guys.”
On the other side of this matchup, Toronto is a beaten team. The Raps rank 29th in the league on defense (108.8 ppg) and have given up 111 and 117 in their last two outings. To compound matters, point guard Jose Calderon only lasted seven minutes in his return before making a trip back to the hospital.
Chris Bosh is the only player pulling his weight on the team and is not a happy camper.
"We can circle dates on our calendar all we want to, but until we become a better team and, individually, take the challenge a little bit better, we're going to stay where we are,” he said.
The Rockets are 5-1 straight up and ATS in their last six and should add a notch to those win columns against the Raptors.
Pick: Rockets
Cleveland Cavaliers at Oklahoma City Thunder (+3.5, 191)
The Cavs just don’t appear to be giving it their all right now. Much like the Spurs have coasted to the All-Star break in recent years, Cleveland may be on the same path.
"It is good to play well now, but at the same time we do not want to reach our peak,” said LeBron James. “Closer to playoff time is when we really want to start dominating."
Oklahoma City on the other hand, plays every game like it's Game 7 of the NBA Finals. This team genuinely looks like they are having fun on the court and play hard to the end of every game. Only two of the Thunder’s losses have come by 15 points or more and both of those defeats were against the Lakers and Celtics.
Rolling with the Thunder in this game looks like the right play with the home team going 10-1 ATS in the last 11 meetings of this series.
Pick: Thunder
NCAAB DUNKEL
Villanova at Temple
The Wildcats look to build on their 4-0 ATS record in their last 4 games as a favorite between 1 and 6 1/2 points. Villanova is the pick (-3) according to Dunkel, which has the Wildcats favored by 8 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Villanova (-3). Here are all of today's picks.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13
Game 711-712: Detroit at Michigan
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit 53.800; Michigan 63.598
Dunkel Line: Michigan by 10
Vegas Line: Michigan by 13 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (+13 1/2)
Game 713-714: Central Michigan at South Florida
Dunkel Ratings: Central Michigan 52.239; South Florida 64.685
Dunkel Line: South Florida by 12 1/2
Vegas Line: South Florida by 13
Dunkel Pick: Central Michigan (+13)
Game 715-716: Western Michigan at Illinois
Dunkel Ratings: Western Michigan 52.989; Illinois 69.045
Dunkel Line: Illinois by 16
Vegas Line: Illinois by 17 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Western Michigan (+17 1/2)
Game 717-718: Wright State at Miami (OH)
Dunkel Ratings: Wright State 60.478; Miami (OH) 57.961
Dunkel Line: Wright State by 2 1/2
Vegas Line: Wright State by 3
Dunkel Pick: Miami (OH) (+3)
Game 719-720: Villanova at Temple
Dunkel Ratings: Villanova 71.901; Temple 63.284
Dunkel Line: Villanova by 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Villanova by 3
Dunkel Pick: Villanova (-3)
Game 721-722: Fordham at St. John's
Dunkel Ratings: Fordham 44.672; St. John's 66.501
Dunkel Line: St. John's by 22
Vegas Line: St. John's by 22 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Fordham (+22 1/2)
Game 723-724: UL-Monroe at North Texas
Dunkel Ratings: UL-Monroe 48.031; North Texas 56.973
Dunkel Line: North Texas by 9
Vegas Line: North Texas by 12 1/2
Dunkel Pick: UL-Monroe (+12 1/2)
Game 725-726: Illinois-Chicago at DePaul
Dunkel Ratings: Illinois-Chicago 51.253; DePaul 62.202
Dunkel Line: DePaul by 11
Vegas Line: DePaul by 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: DePaul (-6 1/2)
Game 727-728: Rhode Island at Boston College
Dunkel Ratings: Rhode Island 62.391; Boston College 69.218
Dunkel Line: Boston College by 7
Vegas Line: Boston College by 4 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Boston College (-4 1/2)
Game 729-730: Cincinnati at Xavier
Dunkel Ratings: Cincinnati 63.956; Xavier 76.300
Dunkel Line: Xavier by 12 1/2
Vegas Line: Xavier by 3 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Xavier (-3 1/2)
Game 731-732: New Mexico State at UTEP
Dunkel Ratings: New Mexico State 53.182; UTEP 64.783
Dunkel Line: UTEP by 11 1/2
Vegas Line: UTEP by 16 1/2
Dunkel Pick: New Mexico State (+16 1/2)
Game 733-734: UC Davis at Stanford
Dunkel Ratings: UC Davis 45.418; Stanford 66.638
Dunkel Line: Stanford by 21
Vegas Line: Stanford by 17
Dunkel Pick: Stanford (-17)
Game 735-736: Princeton at NC Greensboro
Dunkel Ratings: Princeton 49.050; NC Greensboro 46.651
Dunkel Line: Princeton by 2 1/2
Vegas Line: NC Greensboro by 2 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Princeton (+2 1/2)
Game 737-738: Elon at Wake Forest
Dunkel Ratings: Elon 44.764; Wake Forest 68.134
Dunkel Line: Wake Forest by 23 1/2
Vegas Line: Wake Forest by 23
Dunkel Pick: Wake Forest (-23)
Game 739-740: Niagara at Illinois State
Dunkel Ratings: Niagara 57.276; Illinois State 67.374
Dunkel Line: Illinois State by 10
Vegas Line: Illinois State by 6
Dunkel Pick: Illinois State (-6)
Game 741-742: Furman at Clemson
Dunkel Ratings: Furman 47.158; Clemson 73.221
Dunkel Line: Clemson by 26
Vegas Line: Clemson by 21 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Clemson (-21 1/2)
Game 743-744: Portland State at Pepperdine
Dunkel Ratings: Portland State 54.570; Pepperdine 50.608
Dunkel Line: Portland State by 4
Vegas Line: Portland State by 1
Dunkel Pick: Portland State (-1)
Game 745-746: UC-Riverside at Northern Arizona
Dunkel Ratings: UC-Riverside 56.080; Northern Arizona 50.341
Dunkel Line: UC-Riverside by 5 1/2
Vegas Line: UC-Riverside by 2
Dunkel Pick: UC-Riverside (-2)
Villanova at Temple
The Wildcats look to build on their 4-0 ATS record in their last 4 games as a favorite between 1 and 6 1/2 points. Villanova is the pick (-3) according to Dunkel, which has the Wildcats favored by 8 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Villanova (-3). Here are all of today's picks.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13
Game 711-712: Detroit at Michigan
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit 53.800; Michigan 63.598
Dunkel Line: Michigan by 10
Vegas Line: Michigan by 13 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (+13 1/2)
Game 713-714: Central Michigan at South Florida
Dunkel Ratings: Central Michigan 52.239; South Florida 64.685
Dunkel Line: South Florida by 12 1/2
Vegas Line: South Florida by 13
Dunkel Pick: Central Michigan (+13)
Game 715-716: Western Michigan at Illinois
Dunkel Ratings: Western Michigan 52.989; Illinois 69.045
Dunkel Line: Illinois by 16
Vegas Line: Illinois by 17 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Western Michigan (+17 1/2)
Game 717-718: Wright State at Miami (OH)
Dunkel Ratings: Wright State 60.478; Miami (OH) 57.961
Dunkel Line: Wright State by 2 1/2
Vegas Line: Wright State by 3
Dunkel Pick: Miami (OH) (+3)
Game 719-720: Villanova at Temple
Dunkel Ratings: Villanova 71.901; Temple 63.284
Dunkel Line: Villanova by 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Villanova by 3
Dunkel Pick: Villanova (-3)
Game 721-722: Fordham at St. John's
Dunkel Ratings: Fordham 44.672; St. John's 66.501
Dunkel Line: St. John's by 22
Vegas Line: St. John's by 22 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Fordham (+22 1/2)
Game 723-724: UL-Monroe at North Texas
Dunkel Ratings: UL-Monroe 48.031; North Texas 56.973
Dunkel Line: North Texas by 9
Vegas Line: North Texas by 12 1/2
Dunkel Pick: UL-Monroe (+12 1/2)
Game 725-726: Illinois-Chicago at DePaul
Dunkel Ratings: Illinois-Chicago 51.253; DePaul 62.202
Dunkel Line: DePaul by 11
Vegas Line: DePaul by 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: DePaul (-6 1/2)
Game 727-728: Rhode Island at Boston College
Dunkel Ratings: Rhode Island 62.391; Boston College 69.218
Dunkel Line: Boston College by 7
Vegas Line: Boston College by 4 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Boston College (-4 1/2)
Game 729-730: Cincinnati at Xavier
Dunkel Ratings: Cincinnati 63.956; Xavier 76.300
Dunkel Line: Xavier by 12 1/2
Vegas Line: Xavier by 3 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Xavier (-3 1/2)
Game 731-732: New Mexico State at UTEP
Dunkel Ratings: New Mexico State 53.182; UTEP 64.783
Dunkel Line: UTEP by 11 1/2
Vegas Line: UTEP by 16 1/2
Dunkel Pick: New Mexico State (+16 1/2)
Game 733-734: UC Davis at Stanford
Dunkel Ratings: UC Davis 45.418; Stanford 66.638
Dunkel Line: Stanford by 21
Vegas Line: Stanford by 17
Dunkel Pick: Stanford (-17)
Game 735-736: Princeton at NC Greensboro
Dunkel Ratings: Princeton 49.050; NC Greensboro 46.651
Dunkel Line: Princeton by 2 1/2
Vegas Line: NC Greensboro by 2 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Princeton (+2 1/2)
Game 737-738: Elon at Wake Forest
Dunkel Ratings: Elon 44.764; Wake Forest 68.134
Dunkel Line: Wake Forest by 23 1/2
Vegas Line: Wake Forest by 23
Dunkel Pick: Wake Forest (-23)
Game 739-740: Niagara at Illinois State
Dunkel Ratings: Niagara 57.276; Illinois State 67.374
Dunkel Line: Illinois State by 10
Vegas Line: Illinois State by 6
Dunkel Pick: Illinois State (-6)
Game 741-742: Furman at Clemson
Dunkel Ratings: Furman 47.158; Clemson 73.221
Dunkel Line: Clemson by 26
Vegas Line: Clemson by 21 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Clemson (-21 1/2)
Game 743-744: Portland State at Pepperdine
Dunkel Ratings: Portland State 54.570; Pepperdine 50.608
Dunkel Line: Portland State by 4
Vegas Line: Portland State by 1
Dunkel Pick: Portland State (-1)
Game 745-746: UC-Riverside at Northern Arizona
Dunkel Ratings: UC-Riverside 56.080; Northern Arizona 50.341
Dunkel Line: UC-Riverside by 5 1/2
Vegas Line: UC-Riverside by 2
Dunkel Pick: UC-Riverside (-2)
NCAAB WRITE-UP
Sunday, December 13
Information on the best of Sunday's college hoop games.
Detroit is 6-3, 1-2 on road, losing by 34 at Cal, 2 at DePaul, winning at Albany; they're 5-1 when they score 70+ points. Horizon road dogs are 8-14 against the spread. Michigan lost three of last four games, is 3-4 on young season; they are 1-3 vs spread as favorite. Big 11 home favorites are 18-7 against the spread.
Sunday, December 13
Information on the best of Sunday's college hoop games.
Detroit is 6-3, 1-2 on road, losing by 34 at Cal, 2 at DePaul, winning at Albany; they're 5-1 when they score 70+ points. Horizon road dogs are 8-14 against the spread. Michigan lost three of last four games, is 3-4 on young season; they are 1-3 vs spread as favorite. Big 11 home favorites are 18-7 against the spread.
NHL DUNKEL
Calgary at Colorado
The Flames look to bounce back from a 2-1 overtime loss to Minnesota and build on their 5-1 record in their last 6 games after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game. Calgary is the pick (+110) according to Dunkel, which has the Flames favored by 1/2 a goal. Dunkel Pick: Calgary (+110). Here are all of today's picks.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13
Game 51-52: Tampa Bay at Chicago
Dunkel Ratings: Tampa Bay 11.924; Chicago 11.504
Dunkel Line & Total: Tampa Bay by 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Chicago (-225); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Tampa Bay (+205); Under
Game 53-54: Calgary at Colorado
Dunkel Ratings: Calgary 12.037; Colorado 11.993
Dunkel Line & Total: Calgary by 1/2; 4 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Colorado (-120); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Calgary (+110); Under
Calgary at Colorado
The Flames look to bounce back from a 2-1 overtime loss to Minnesota and build on their 5-1 record in their last 6 games after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game. Calgary is the pick (+110) according to Dunkel, which has the Flames favored by 1/2 a goal. Dunkel Pick: Calgary (+110). Here are all of today's picks.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13
Game 51-52: Tampa Bay at Chicago
Dunkel Ratings: Tampa Bay 11.924; Chicago 11.504
Dunkel Line & Total: Tampa Bay by 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Chicago (-225); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Tampa Bay (+205); Under
Game 53-54: Calgary at Colorado
Dunkel Ratings: Calgary 12.037; Colorado 11.993
Dunkel Line & Total: Calgary by 1/2; 4 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Colorado (-120); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Calgary (+110); Under
NHL WRITE-UP
Sunday, December 13
Hot Teams
-- Chicago won nine of its last ten home games.
-- Calgary is 9-4 in its last thirteen road games.
Cold Teams
-- Lightning lost six of last seven road games.
-- Avalanche lost five of its last seven home games.
Totals
-- Under is 9-2 in Chicago's last eleven home games.
-- Under is 5-1-1 in Calgary's last seven road games.
Playing second of back-to-back nights
-- None
Series Records
-- Colorado won its last four games against the Flames.
Sunday, December 13
Hot Teams
-- Chicago won nine of its last ten home games.
-- Calgary is 9-4 in its last thirteen road games.
Cold Teams
-- Lightning lost six of last seven road games.
-- Avalanche lost five of its last seven home games.
Totals
-- Under is 9-2 in Chicago's last eleven home games.
-- Under is 5-1-1 in Calgary's last seven road games.
Playing second of back-to-back nights
-- None
Series Records
-- Colorado won its last four games against the Flames.
Gamblers World
Today's TIP OF THE DAY:
Sport: NFL
Game: 1:00PM Denver Broncos vs. Indianapolis Colts
Prediction: UNDER 44.5
Current Line: -7.5
Over/Under: 44.5
Reason: The Denver Broncos and the Indianapolis Colts will both be gunning for a victory on Sunday when they meet at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Oddsmakers currently have the Colts listed as 7½-point favorites versus the Broncos, while the game's total is sitting at 44½.
The Broncos defeated Kansas City 44-13 as a 6-point favorite in Week 13. The combined score went OVER the posted over/under total (39).
Kyle Orton passed for 180 yards with two touchdowns and an interception for Denver, while Knowshon Moreno rushed for 86 yards and two touchdowns on 21 carries.
The Colts defeated Tennessee 27-17 as a 6-point favorite in Week 13. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under total (47).
Joseph Addai rushed for 79 yards on 21 carries with two touchdowns for the Colts, while Peyton Manning passed for 270 yards with a touchdown.
Today's TIP OF THE DAY:
Sport: NFL
Game: 1:00PM Denver Broncos vs. Indianapolis Colts
Prediction: UNDER 44.5
Current Line: -7.5
Over/Under: 44.5
Reason: The Denver Broncos and the Indianapolis Colts will both be gunning for a victory on Sunday when they meet at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Oddsmakers currently have the Colts listed as 7½-point favorites versus the Broncos, while the game's total is sitting at 44½.
The Broncos defeated Kansas City 44-13 as a 6-point favorite in Week 13. The combined score went OVER the posted over/under total (39).
Kyle Orton passed for 180 yards with two touchdowns and an interception for Denver, while Knowshon Moreno rushed for 86 yards and two touchdowns on 21 carries.
The Colts defeated Tennessee 27-17 as a 6-point favorite in Week 13. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under total (47).
Joseph Addai rushed for 79 yards on 21 carries with two touchdowns for the Colts, while Peyton Manning passed for 270 yards with a touchdown.
Northcoast Sports
PACKERS at BEARS
Pick: PACKERS -3
The Packers beat the Bears 21-15 on SNF to start the season thanks to a 50 yd TD pass by Rodgers to Greg Jennings with 1:11 left for the win. CHI had a 352-226 yd edge but Cutler threw 4 ints (& lost Urlacher - brkn wrist for the year) which GB only turned into 7 pts. Rodgers is now 2-1 SU & 3-0 ATS vs CHI avg 224 ypg (66%) with a 5-2 ratio. GB is 6-1 SU & 5-2 ATS vs teams with a losing record with a 405-259 yd edge & 29-16 avg score. Rodgers has passed for 290 ypg (66%) with a 15-4 ratio in those & gets to face the #9 pass defense that isn’t as good as its ranking as teams can run on them (126 ypg 4.4) & they have a 21-11 ratio. CHI is 1-6 SU & ATS vs teams at or above .500 being outgained 369-307 and outscored 29-15. Cutler has avg’d 251 ypg (63%) with an 11-13 ratio but the defense has allowed 246 ypg (67%) with a 19-5 ratio. GB was solid on MNF vs a better defense than what the Bears have & Chicago may not have Devin Hester (calf strain) here & even if he plays he won't be at full speed. We’ll side with a Packer team in the playoff hunt with the #6 & #2 units (+17 TO’s) vs the Bears that have the #24 & #15 units (-4 TO’s).
PACKERS at BEARS
Pick: PACKERS -3
The Packers beat the Bears 21-15 on SNF to start the season thanks to a 50 yd TD pass by Rodgers to Greg Jennings with 1:11 left for the win. CHI had a 352-226 yd edge but Cutler threw 4 ints (& lost Urlacher - brkn wrist for the year) which GB only turned into 7 pts. Rodgers is now 2-1 SU & 3-0 ATS vs CHI avg 224 ypg (66%) with a 5-2 ratio. GB is 6-1 SU & 5-2 ATS vs teams with a losing record with a 405-259 yd edge & 29-16 avg score. Rodgers has passed for 290 ypg (66%) with a 15-4 ratio in those & gets to face the #9 pass defense that isn’t as good as its ranking as teams can run on them (126 ypg 4.4) & they have a 21-11 ratio. CHI is 1-6 SU & ATS vs teams at or above .500 being outgained 369-307 and outscored 29-15. Cutler has avg’d 251 ypg (63%) with an 11-13 ratio but the defense has allowed 246 ypg (67%) with a 19-5 ratio. GB was solid on MNF vs a better defense than what the Bears have & Chicago may not have Devin Hester (calf strain) here & even if he plays he won't be at full speed. We’ll side with a Packer team in the playoff hunt with the #6 & #2 units (+17 TO’s) vs the Bears that have the #24 & #15 units (-4 TO’s).
