Service Plays Thursday 12/9/10

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

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[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Dunkel

Today's NFL Picks

Indianapolis at Tennessee

The Colts look to build on their 7-0-1 ATS record in their last 8 Thursday games. Indianapolis is the pick (-3) according to Dunkel, which has the Colts favored by 5 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Indianapolis (-3). Here are all of the this week's picks.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 9
Time Posted: 6:00 a.m. EST (12/8)
Game 101-102: Indianapolis at Tennessee (8:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Indianapolis 132.605; Tennessee 127.103
Dunkel Line: Indianapolis by 5 1/2; 42
Vegas Line: Indianapolis by 3; 46 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Indianapolis (-3); Under

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

DCI NFL

Thursday, December 9, 2010
Indianapolis 25, TENNESSEE 23

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Indianapolis Colts -3 Favorites vs Tennessee Titans in NFL Betting Odds


It’ll be the walking wounded of the Indianapolis Colts against the trainwreck that is the Tennessee Titans when the AFC South rivals hook up in the Thursday nighter at LP Field (8:20 PM ET, NFLN).

The Indianapolis Colts (6-6 SU, 6-5-1 ATS) are 7-0-1 ATS in their last eight games on Thursday, but I’d put no stock in the NFL betting odds trend considering the state of the Indianapolis roster.

Jim Caldwell’s team really needed regular rest this week, but they won’t get it thanks to the NFL schedule-makers. On offense, Austin Collie (concussion), Pierre Garcon (hand), Joseph Addai (shoulder), and Mike Hart (ankle) are questionable. Reggie Wayne (knee) has been limited in practice, and needless to say, Dallas Clark and Anthony Gonzalez are already out for the season.
The Colts have gone so far as to bring back former running back Dominic Rhodes for Thursday’s affair. Maybe Indy just wants someone around that remembers the good ‘ol days when Bob Sanders actually played football and Peyton Manning didn’t get picked off 11 times in three games.
Indianapolis is also hurting on the defensive side of the ball. Jerraud Powers (forearm) is likely gone for the season, while Clint Session (elbow) and Kelvin Hayden (neck) are questionable against the Titans (5-7 SU, 5-7 ATS), who are just what the doctor ordered for Colts backers.
A touchdown, please

Tennessee Titans fell 17-6 at home to Jacksonville (+3) on Sunday to drop its fifth consecutive game both SU and against the number. It’s hard to believe the Titans were once 5-2 SU and ATS and seemingly headed for the playoffs.
Simply put, Tennessee can’t score. Kerry Collins went 14 of 32 for 169 yards with two interceptions against the Jaguars to further the disaster he’s been since Vince Young stormed out of the locker room two weeks ago.
The Titans have six total points in their last two games, and have gone 13 quarters without a touchdown. The offense relies heavily on Chris Johnson, and Randy Moss has been virtually invisible since getting picked up off the scrap heap.
Indy ranks 29th against the run (142.8 YPG), and while that’s a concern with Johnson on the field, the Colts are also fourth against the pass (200.0) despite myriad injuries to the secondary.
All told, I don’t see how Tennessee puts up much offense on Thursday.
Manning up?

Manning’s sudden propensity to throw interceptions has been well documented since Indianapolis’ 38-35 overtime loss to Dallas (+5.5) on Sunday. What hasn’t been discussed was the key to the Cowboys’ success, which was predicated on the Colts’ inability to run the ball.
When Dallas dropped most of its defensive players into coverage, Manning struggled: Against five or less Cowboys defenders in the box, Manning was 11 of 18 with no TDs, three INTs, and a 35.0 passer rating.
Contrast those numbers to when Manning faced pressure: When Dallas sent six or more players at Manning, he went 25 of 30 with two touchdowns, one pick, and a 112.8 passer rating.
Expect the Titans to sit back and force the Colts to establish the run, but also count on Indianapolis to happily oblige. Indy has to be confident it can keep Tennessee from scoring; there won’t be the same need for Manning to press like he did against Dallas on Sunday.
Law of averages

Manning will adjust, and it’ll be enough for Indianapolis to win outright and cover the 3- to 3.5-point spread it’s facing depending on the outlet. The total for Thursday is set at 46.5.
There’s just no way you should trust your money with the Titans right now. Jeff Fisher will have his team prepared, but there’s not much he can do with Collins as his quarterback.

 

[predman]

Stan the Stat man!!!


*** THURSDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL ***

INDIANAPOLIS (6 - 6) @ TENNESSEE (5 - 7)
Kickoff: Thursday, 8:20 p.m. EDT Line: Colts -3, O/U 46.5
-------------------------------------------------------------
There was a point in this 2010 season where the Indianapolis Colts and Tennessee Titans appeared to be the clear-cut top two contenders for the AFC South crown. But when the time comes for these divisional foes to face one another Thursday at Nashville's LP Field, both find themselves merely trying to stay alive in the playoff chase. The Colts and Titans each spent a period in sole possession of first place in the AFC South at midseason, before the teams fell victim to unexpected and prolonged slumps that are still ongoing. Indianapolis was 6-3 and owned a one- game advantage atop the standings in mid-November, but has since lost three straight times. Tennessee held a half-game lead in the division race at 5-2 through Week 7, but hasn't prevailed in five subsequent outings as a wave of turmoil has engulfed the normally-stable franchise.

As it stands now, Thursday's participants are both looking up at the surprising Jacksonville in the pecking order, with the 7-5 Jaguars registering their fourth win in five games with last weekend's 17-6 decision over the lifeless Titans in Nashville. The Colts' free-fall may be viewed as the more shocking of the two, considering the defending AFC champions have reached the playoffs in each of the last eight campaigns and had won 12 regular-season games or more in seven consecutive years prior to this one. However, Indianapolis has been unable to withstand a litany of injuries at several key positions and more importantly, an uncharacteristically bad stretch from quarterback Peyton Manning.

The four-time NFL MVP enters Thursday's tilt mired in the worst three-week sequence of his brilliant career, having thrown an unheard-of 11 interceptions during the Colts' current skid. Manning was picked off four times in last week's 38-35 home overtime loss to resurgent Dallas, with the Cowboys returning two of the turnovers for touchdowns and the last one setting up the game-ending field goal in extra time. Manning also tossed four interceptions and had two taken back for scores in a forgettable 36-14 setback to San Diego the previous week, Indianapolis' most lopsided loss at home since the organization took the future Hall of Famer with the No. 1 overall pick of the 1998 draft.

Despite their recent woes, the Colts still control their own destiny in the team's quest for a seventh AFC South title in eight years. Following Thursday's important clash, Indianapolis will host the high-flying Jaguars in Week 15 and can edge out Jacksonville in a tie-breaker if it's able to win its four remaining contests. The Colts will be heading into the Music City a banged-up bunch, however, with top running back Joseph Addai (neck), slot receiver Austin Collie (concussion) and starting linebacker Clint Session (forearm) all slated to miss another week and cornerback Jerraud Powers forced to injured reserve after fracturing his forearm against the Cowboys.

Believe it or not, the Titans actually have greater problems than their opponent at the moment. An offense now being directed by declining veteran Kerry Collins hasn't produced a single touchdown in 13 straight quarters, while a once-formidable defense has been gashed for 188 and 258 rushing yards, respectively, in defeats to division members Houston and Jacksonville over the past two weeks. Collins, pressed into duty in the aftermath of troubled quarterback Vince Young's season-ending thumb injury and well-publicized tirade at head coach Jeff Fisher following an overtime loss to Washington in Week 11, completed a substandard 14-of-32 passes for 169 yards and was intercepted twice in last Sunday's matchup with the Jaguars.

The offense did receive a welcome bit of good news this week however, as emerging wide receiver Kenny Britt is on track to return from a torn hamstring that's sidelined him for Tennessee's entire losing streak in time for Thursday's test. The talented second-year pro racked up 225 receiving yards and hauled in three Collins touchdown strikes in his last game, a 37-19 home victory over Philadelphia on Oct. 24. Indianapolis will be attempting to avoid its first four-game slide since dropping five in a row from Nov. 11-Dec. 10, 2001, the last season the Colts failed to make the playoffs.

• SERIES HISTORY
----------------------
Indianapolis holds a 18-12 lead in its all-time regular season series with Tennessee, including a sweep of last year's home-and-home. The Colts were 31-9 winners when they teams met in Nashville in Week 5, and completed the sweep with a 27-17 home victory in Week 13. The teams embarked on a conventional split of the 2008 home-and-home, including a 31-21 victory for the Titans.

The only postseason meeting between the two was in a 1999 AFC Divisional Playoff, when Tennessee scored a 19-16 road victory en route to a Super Bowl appearance. Fisher has a 6-11 record against Indianapolis, including the aforementioned playoff victory. The Colts' Jim Caldwell is 2-0 against both Fisher and Tennessee as a head coach.

• WHEN THE COLTS HAVE THE BALL
--------------------------------------------
Moving the ball hasn't been much of a problem for an Indianapolis team that leads the NFL in passing yards (303.3 ypg), ranks fourth in scoring (26.4 ppg) and is fifth overall in total offense (382.4 ypg). Manning (3709 passing yards, 24 TD, 15 INT) did amass 365 yards through the air and threw for two touchdowns in the Dallas loss, with All-Pro wideout Reggie Wayne (90 receptions, 1107 yards, 5 TD) torching the Cowboys' secondary for career bests of 200 receiving yards and 14 catches. He's the obvious headliner of a still- dangerous pass-catching corps that also contains speedy counterpart Pierre Garcon (46 receptions, 2 TD) and tight end Jacob Tamme (42 receptions, 3 TD), who's done a nice job filling in for injured star Dallas Clark, with rookie Blair White (22 receptions, 4 TD) holding down the third receiver's role until Collie returns.

Turnovers and a lack of balance has been what's plagued the Colts as of late, as the team has failed to establish an effective rushing attack in the six games the valuable Addai has sat out. With backup running back Mike Hart also a no-go for Thursday due to an ankle problem, disappointing 2009 first-round pick Donald Brown (293 rushing yards, 1 TD, 16 receptions) and undrafted rookie Javarris James (63 rushing yards, 5 TD, 9 receptions) will carry the load when Indianapolis does take to the ground.

While the Colts are incredibly adept at throwing the ball, the Titans' strength on defense is in containing the pass. Scrappy cornerback Cortland Finnegan (60 tackles, 1 sack, 2 INT) and playmaking free safety Michael Griffin (85 tackles, 4 INT, 9 PD) are the standouts of a solid backfield that's helped the team compile 15 interceptions so far this year, while a persistent pass rush headed up by ends Jason Babin (43 tackles, 9 sacks) and Dave Ball (30 tackles, 7 sacks) stands among the league leaders with 33 sacks. Tennessee also excels within the red zone, having yielded touchdowns on an NFL-low 36 percent of opposing trips in that area, and should challenge an Indy offense that's reached paydirt on an outstanding 70.7 percent of its visits inside the enemy's 20-yard line.

Stopping the run has been a major trouble spot as of late, however, with both Houston's Arian Foster (143 yards) and Jacksonville's Maurice-Jones Drew (186 yards) delivering huge games against the Titans in the last two weeks. Since the Colts don't possess a back the caliber of those two, a front seven led by linebackers Stephen Tulloch (127 tackles, 1 INT) and Will Witherspoon (65 tackles, 3 sacks, 1 INT) should have an easier time on Thursday. Tulloch is fresh off a 17-tackle effort against the Jaguars.

• WHEN THE TITANS HAVE THE BALL
---------------------------------------------
Tennessee's offensive druthers have coincided with a drop-off in both production and opportunity for the team's best weapon, running back Chris Johnson (1026 rushing yards, 9 TD, 29 receptions). The dynamic big-play threat has been an less active part of the game plan in recent weeks, in large part due to the Titans falling behind on the scoreboard and the inconsistent play of Collins (807 passing yards, 5 TD, 5 INT) and raw rookie Rusty Smith under center. Johnson was held to career lows of five rushing yards and seven carries by the Texans two weeks back and managed a modest 53 yards on 13 attempts last week.

A bounce-back game would bode well for the prospects of Collins, who showed he could still do some damage with a 276-yard, three- touchdown display against the Eagles in late October, and having the promising Britt (23 receptions, 7 TD) back alongside leading receiver Nate Washington (33 receptions, 5 TD) should help out as well. Getting midseason pickup Randy Moss (27 receptions, 5 TD) untracked and ingrained in the offense could provide a needed boost as well, as the moody seven-time Pro Bowl honoree has just five catches and 62 yards in four games since being claimed off waivers from Minnesota. The Titans are next-to-last in the NFL in passing yards with an average of 179 per game.

Johnson's anticipated breakout could take place this week, as the Colts rank 29th in the NFL in run defense (142.8 ypg) and are allowing an unimpressive 4.8 yards per carry, with the pass-heavy Cowboys even having their way for 217 rushing yards in last week's thriller. Linebacker Tyjuan Hagler (35 tackles, 1 sack, 1 INT), who came up with 13 stops against Dallas, and rookie counterpart Pat Angerer (68 tackles, 1 sack) will have the unenviable task of keeping the Tennessee game-breaker under wraps, and the pair will have support from safety and leading tackler Antoine Bethea (86 tackles, 0.5 sacks).

If Indianapolis is able to keep Johnson under wraps and force the Titans into obvious throwing downs, they'll be better equipped to unleash the tremendous pass-rushing duo of ends Dwight Freeney (21 tackles, 8 sacks) and Robert Mathis (44 tackles, 8.5 sacks) upon the cement-shoed Collins and protect a secondary that no longer has Powers (53 tackles, 2 INT, 9 PD) at one corner spot but is expected to get opposite-side starter Kelvin Hayden (61 tackles, 2 INT, 8 PD) back after he missed the Dallas game with a neck stinger.

• PREGAME NOTES
-----------------------
Indy lost last three games, thanks to -12 turnover ratio (were +6 before that), allowing 31-36-38 points; Manning is first QB in at least 40 years to throw pair of pik-6’s in consecutive games. Colts are 2-4 on road; last four away games were all decided by 3 or less points (dogs 5-0-1 vs spread). Indy is 13-3 in last 16 games vs Titans, winning five of last seven visits here. Titans lost last five games, and haven’t scored offensive TD in last three games (28+ drives); hard to believe team with Chris Johnson would run ball 26 times for 81 yards in any 2-game span, but they’ve done it. Home teams are 5-2 vs spread in AFC south divisional games. Last three Tennessee games stayed under total.

*STAN'S FORECASTER - Tennessee by 1; O/U 46.5
*STAN'S POWER LINE - Indianapolis -2
*OUTPLAY FACTOR - Tennessee -3.01
____________________________________________

• TOP RATED TEAM ATS TRENDS
----------------------------------------
--INDIANAPOLIS is 28-47 ATS (-25.5 Units) after being outrushed by 75 or more yards last game since 1992.
The average score was INDIANAPOLIS 21.8, OPPONENT 22.6 - (Rating = 4*)

--INDIANAPOLIS is 6-22 ATS (-17.9 Units) when playing against a marginal losing team (Win Pct. 40% to 49%) since 1992.
The average score was INDIANAPOLIS 18.9, OPPONENT 19.7 - (Rating = 3*)

• TOP RATED TEAM OVER/UNDER TRENDS
----------------------------------------------------
--TENNESSEE is 9-1 OVER (+7.5 Units) vs. poor kickoff coverage teams, allowing >= 24 yards per return over the last 2 seasons.
The average score was TENNESSEE 25.2, OPPONENT 27.8 - (Rating = 3*)

--INDIANAPOLIS is 50-21 OVER (+26.8 Units) in road games after 1 or more consecutive losses against the spread since 1992.
The average score was INDIANAPOLIS 21.6, OPPONENT 26.1 - (Rating = 4*)

--INDIANAPOLIS is 24-5 OVER (+18.4 Units) off an upset loss as a home favorite since 1992.
The average score was INDIANAPOLIS 23.6, OPPONENT 26.3 - (Rating = 3*)

--INDIANAPOLIS is 28-10 OVER (+16.9 Units) in road games vs. mistake prone teams - 60+ penalty yards per game since 1992.
The average score was INDIANAPOLIS 25.8, OPPONENT 24.2 - (Rating = 3*)

• TOP RATED TEAM FIRST HALF TRENDS
-------------------------------------------------
--TENNESSEE is 25-4 against the 1rst half line (+18.7 Units) as a home underdog vs. the 1rst half line since 1992.
The average score was TENNESSEE 12.5, OPPONENT 10.7 - (Rating = 4*)

--TENNESSEE is 20-2 against the 1rst half line (+17.6 Units) after scoring 7 points or less in the first half in 2 straight games since 1992.
The average score was TENNESSEE 12.1, OPPONENT 7.5 - (Rating = 5*)

• TOP RATED TEAM FIRST HALF OVER/UNDER TRENDS
-------------------------------------------------------------------
--INDIANAPOLIS is 46-24 OVER (+19.6 Units) the 1rst half total in road games after 1 or more consecutive losses against the spread since 1992.
The average score was INDIANAPOLIS 10.1, OPPONENT 14.5 - (Rating = 3*)

--INDIANAPOLIS is 11-2 OVER (+8.8 Units) the 1rst half total in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
The average score was INDIANAPOLIS 14.4, OPPONENT 14.3 - (Rating = 2*)

--INDIANAPOLIS is 7-0 OVER (+7.0 Units) the 1rst half total when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
The average score was INDIANAPOLIS 16.9, OPPONENT 11.3 - (Rating = 2*)

• HIGHEST RATED SUPER SITUATIONS
-----------------------------------------------
--PLAY ON - Home teams vs. the 1rst half line (TENNESSEE) - after being beaten by the spread by 35 or more points total in their last five games, in the last 4 weeks of the regular season.
(22-4 over the last 5 seasons.) (84.6%, +17.6 units. Rating = 4*)

The average first half line posted in these games was: Opponent favored by 0.5
The average first half score in these games was: Team 13, Opponent 8.2 (Average first half point differential = +4.8)

The situation's record this season is: (0-0).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (12-4).
Over the last 10 seasons the situation's record is: (43-25).
Since 1983 the situation's record is: (82-49).

--PLAY OVER - Any team against the total (INDIANAPOLIS) - after allowing 25 points or more in 2 straight games against opponent after 2 straight losses by 10 or more points.
(31-8 over the last 10 seasons.) (79.5%, +22.2 units. Rating = 3*)

The average total posted in these games was: 43.2
The average score in these games was: Team 25.7, Opponent 25.2 (Total points scored = 50.9)
The number of games in which this system covered the total by 7 or more points was 21 (53.8% of all games.)

The situation's record this season is: (2-2).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (9-4).
Over the last 5 seasons the situation's record is: (14-4).
Since 1983 the situation's record is: (56-39).

--PLAY AGAINST - Favorites (INDIANAPOLIS) - after gaining 99 or less rushing yards in 3 straight games against opponent after being outrushed by 100 or more yards last game.
(34-10 since 1983.) (77.3%, +23 units. Rating = 3*)

The straight up record of the team this system pertains to is: (25-22)
The average line posted in these games was: Opponent favored by 5.5
The average score in these games was: Team 19.5, Opponent 18.7 (Average point differential = +0.8)
The number of games in which this system covered the spread by 7 or more points was 19 (42.2% of all games.)

The situation's record this season is: (0-0).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (1-1).
Over the last 5 seasons the situation's record is: (3-2).
Over the last 10 seasons the situation's record is: (7-2).

--PLAY OVER - Any team where the first half total is between 21.5 and 24.5 (TENNESSEE) - after failing to cover the spread in 4 or 5 out of their last 6 games, in the last 4 weeks of the regular season.
(50-18 over the last 5 seasons.) (73.5%, +30.2 units. Rating = 3*)

The average first half total posted in these games was: 22.4
The average first half score in these games was: Team 12.4, Opponent 13.5 (Total first half points scored = 25.9)

The situation's record this season is: (0-0).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (23-10).
Over the last 10 seasons the situation's record is: (72-45).
Since 1983 the situation's record is: (116-83).
___________________________________

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Ice picks: Thursday's best NHL bets


Columbus Blue Jackets at St. Louis Blues (-145, 5)

The Blues have notched a mere 67 goals this season, the third-fewest in the Western Conference. So who is going to score now that center Andy McDonald is out indeffinitley with a concussion?

McDonald, who leads the team with 17 points, banged his head off of Shawn Horcoff’s knee during an overtime loss to the Edmonton Oilers when he caught his skate on a rut in the ice and flew dome first in his leg.

McDonald, 33, is the fourth Blues player to suffer a concussion this season, joining forwards Cam Janssen, Carlo Colaiacovo and David Perron. The team also is without defenseman Roman Polak (wrist surgery) and forward T.J. Oshie (broken leg).

That could be a huge reason the squad hasn’t scored a power-play goal since Nov. 20 and is trying to grind out every game.

On the other bench, Columbus recently snapped a five-game winning streak with a solid, 3-2 overtime win against Dallas and already has played the Blues once this year, winning 8-1.

Pick: Columbus


New York Rangers at Ottawa Senators (-120, 5)

The Senators have won just three of their past 10 and have the fourth-worst goal-differential in the league. So is a 3-1 win in New York on Sunday worth that much?

Ottawa received a fluke hat trick from 30-year-old center Chris Kelly and got 25 saves from a struggling Pascal Leclaire.

"Our guys were asleep the first 20 minutes," said Rangers coach John Tortorella.

Meantime, New York appears to be wide awake on the road.

The team has won an NHL-best 10 of its 14 road games and six of its past 10 overall. The Rangers also have the ace-card of hot goalie Henrik Lundqvist, who has won four straight starts in Ottawa, posting a 0.98 goals-against average in those games.

The Rangers may have struggled in Madison Square Garden on Sunday, but the road is a different story for this squad. Expect them to surge ahead for a tight win.

Pick: Rangers

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Thursday's best NCAAB bets


No. 10 Georgetown Hoyas at Temple Owls

This is a battle of two teams who have never heard of style points.

In their two losses, the Owls failed to score more than 51 points and lost by a total of just 10, both on neutral floors. The undefeated Hoyas have rolled most opponents at home and on neutral courts, but have come closest to losses in a three-point victory at Old Dominion and needed a miracle finish in regulation before hanging on for an overtime ‘W’ at Missouri.

When the teams met last year, the Hoyas survived a 46-45 thriller as both teams shot below 36 percent and combined to make just 6-of-41 three-pointers.

"Our team has done and is doing a good job of taking what the defense gives you. We don't have to make the 3s to win games," Georgetown coach John Thompson III said. "Our goal offensively is to get a good shot, I don't care whether it comes in three seconds or 33 seconds."

They will get plenty of points against the Owls and should have enough fire-power to pull away for a solid win.

Pick: Hoyas

Butler Bulldogs at Xavier Musketeers

It’s more than just the loss of Gordon Heyward that is affecting Butler. The Bulldogs have been pretty awful on defense this season.

The trademark Butler ball control and defensive dominance have been MIA this year, as opponents are averaging 67.1 points per game against the Bulldogs, the 172nd worst mark in the league. Other teams also are making 42.7 percent of their shots against the defending Horizon League champs, 184th worst.

Xavier also is pretty pathetic on defense, coughing up 69.7 points per game and allowing opponents to make 41.7 percent of their jumpers.

Combined, the teams have seen the over go 8-4 this season.

Offensively, Xavier doesn’t shoot threes well, so it loves to get up and down the floor for fast break baskets, making 45.2 percent of its shots. When Butler has the ball, it loves to play a methodical offense that attacks down low and the wings, making 42.1 percent of its shots and 38.3 percent of its threes.

Neither teams defend well and both can get hot. Look for an expected defensive battle to devolve into a shootout.

Pick: Over

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Pick 'n' roll: Thursday's best NBA bets


New Jersey Nets at Dallas Mavericks (-10.5, 186.5)

The Dallas Mavericks know the team’s 28-13 home record from a year ago won’t do if they are legitimate threats to win their first NBA title. That’s why the team is eager to capitalize on the second of a six-game homestand and improve on a 9-3 mark on the team’s own floor.

"It's important to protect home,'' said Mavs swingman Caron Butler. "We've been great on the road. And pretty good at home. We got a chance now to really capitalize.''

The team has shown incredible poise and focus at home this year, especially on the defensive end. Dallas is giving up a meager 92.6 points per game in its own gym this season, the fourth-lowest mark in the league. Opponents also are shooting a meager .433 against the Mavs in Dallas this season, again the forth-lowest total in the league.

Meantime, the Nets couldn’t be much worse offensively on the road. The team is shooting a horrendous .430 percent from the floor and scoring just 92.5 points per game away from the Garden State, the fifth-lowest total in the Association.

Don’t expect an offensive outburst from the Nets in Dallas as the Mavericks cruise to an easy home win.

Pick: Dallas

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Bettors' best friend (BBF): Thursday's wagering tips


Who’s hot

NBA: Dallas Mavericks are 6-2 ATS in their past eight overall.

NHL: San Jose Sharks have seen the over hit in 9 of their past 12 overall.

NHL: Minnesota Wild have seen the over go 7-1-1 in their past 9 overall.

NCAAB: Butler Bulldogs is 7-3 ATS in its past 10 overall.

Who’s not

NBA: Philadelphia 76ers are 4-10 ATS in their past 14 against the Atlantic Division.

NHL: Washington Capitals have seen the under hit in 7 of their past 8 overall.

NHL: Ottawa Senators have seen the under go 8-0-1 in their past 9 overall.

NCAAB: Oklahoma Sooners are 0-5 ATS in their past 5 home games.

Key stat

5- Consecutive losses for the Cleveland Cavaliers. But it’s much worse than just that. Each has been by at least 10 points and the past three have been against teams with a winning percentage of .300 or lower. This is the first time an NBA team has lost three straight games against sub-.300 teams since the Atlanta Hawks in 2000.

Injury that shouldn’t be overlooked

Matt Cassel threw 18 touchdowns against only one interception in November. But that was with an appendix. The Kansas City Chief’s MVP had an emergency appendectomy on Wednesday and is questionable for the team’s game against the Chargers on Sunday. The team gives Cassel a 50-50 shot at playing in San Diego, a 7-point favorite.

Game of the day

Indianapolis Colts at Tennessee Titans (3.5, 45)

Notable quotable

"People say I may have had a chance to play in the Super Bowl, and I sit there and think, and I tell them -- hey, you only got one mom and dad!" – Former NFL safety Kevin Fitzhugh, who turned down a chance to sign with the Jets on Monday to keep his railroad job and support his family with a regular paycheck.

Notes and tips

ESPN.com picked a pretty bad day to run a feature on Kyrie Irving. The Duke point guard has ligament damage in his right toe and is out indefinitely after suffering the injury in the second half of Saturday’s win over Butler. The favorite for Freshman of the Year also likely won’t rush back as he is currently regarded as a top-5 pick in the NBA draft this summer. Duke has yet to play a game without him this season and figures to need time to adjust.

The Bruins defense took a big hit on Wednesday when it was learned that defenseman Mark Stuart would miss 4-6 months with a broken bone in his hand. Stuart was plus-3 through 26 games with a pair of assists. He wasn’t flashy, but solid, and now AHL call-up Steven Kampfer must man the blue line in his place for one of the top defenses in the league.

Can Terrance Williams finally make an impact for the Nets? In three D-League games he recorded a pair of triple doubles, averaging 28 points, 11.3 rebounds and 10.7 assists per game. This season, he is averaging 6.8 points, 3.8 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game in just 19 minutes of action. He can play and help the Nets win. But will he get the minutes is the big question.

 

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What bettors need to know: NBA TNT doubleheader


Boston Celtics at Philadelphia 76ers (NA)

C’s Missing Key Players?

The Celtics have won seven straight games entering Wednesday’s tilt against Denver, but the news isn’t good coming from the team’s injury report. Starting point guard Rajon Rondo missed Sunday’s game against the New Jersey Nets but played hurt on Wednesday against the Nuggets with a nagging hamstring.

Boston coach Doc Rivers was frank with reporters when asked about the seriousness of Rondo’s latest ailment.

“The injury scares me, and the foot and the hamstring, which can go from a pull to a tear, and then you’re talking two months,” Rivers told the Boston Herald on Tuesday.

Rondo is an All-Star and maybe the Celtics’ most valuable player. He’s missed four games this season because of the sore hamstring. The C’s won three of those games and covered the spread in two of them. He almost certainly will be a game-time decision against the Sixers for the second game of a back-to-back.

He’s not the only player missing from Boston’s lineup. The defending Eastern Conference champions are without reserve guard Delonte West (broken wrist), and Glen Davis (illness) and Shaquille O’Neal (calf) both have been battling to stay on the court.

Sixers On Hot Streak

The Philadelphia 76ers are starting to see the results their backers hoped for coming into the season. The Sixers, who lost 10 of their first 12 games, have won four of their last five and have covered the spread in six straight contests.

The reason is clear. Philly coach Doug Collins is getting offensive production from his entire rotation. Seven players scored in double figures during Philadelphia’s 117-97 win over the Cavaliers on Tuesday night.

Jodie Meeks is fitting in perfectly as the club’s starting shooting guard, 20-year-old point guard Jrue Holiday is playing like a seasoned veteran and Thaddeus Young is thriving as the first man off the bench.

“I’ve been waiting to get back to my old self,” Young told the Philadelphia Daily News. “I’m just having a great time, having fun out there. Coach always says to go out there and have fun, just play aggressively and have fun. I think that’s what I’ve been doing.”

Trends

Boston is 8-1 ATS in its last nine road games but Philadelphia is 5-0 ATS in its last five home games.

The over is 4-0 in the 76ers’ last four home games against a team with a winning road record.

The Celtics are 15-4-2 in their last 21 games at Philadelphia.

Orlando Magic at Portland Trail Blazers (+2, 185)

Orlando Finally Getting Over Flu Bug

The Magic are expected to have starting point guard Jameer Nelson back in the lineup for their four-game road trip beginning Thursday night at Portland. Nelson, who missed his club’s last three games, was one of several Orlando players to catch a nasty stomach virus.

“Jameer practiced. Everything is fine,” Magic coach Stan Van Gundy told the Orlando Sentinel on Tuesday. “He looked good.”

Orlando backers will be happy to see Nelson back on the floor. The Magic went 1-2 straight up and against the spread without the former All-Star in the lineup.

New Trail For Blazers

Portland’s six-game losing streak is behind them thanks to home wins over the Clippers and Suns but there are still glaring issues for this Western Conference club to overcome. Team All-Star Brandon Roy isn’t the same player in years past because of swelling and pain in both knees. He can’t attack the rim like he used to and he’s having trouble guarding opposing players on a nightly basis.

The Blazers’ offense is no longer filled with isolation plays for Roy and coach Nate McMillian is looking for others to step up their scoring production with Roy at less than 100 percent.

Reserve guard Patrick Mills was the latest Blazer to chip in with a big effort. The second-year pro scored nine points and added seven assists in 29 minutes during Tuesday’s 106-99 win over Phoenix.

“He’s earning the right to play more minutes,” McMillan told the Oregon Live of Mills' effort.

Portland will need more solid play from its bench to best the Magic on Thursday, especially if center Joel Przybilla isn’t available. The big man will be traveling to Milwaukee later this week to attend his grandmother-in-law’s funeral.

Trends

Orlando is 2-8 ATS in its last 10 road games and 1-8 ATS in its last nine games against teams with losing records.

The Blazers are 5-2 ATS in their last seven home games but just 1-6-1 ATS in their last eight games against a team with a winning percentage above .600.

The under is 11-5-1 in the last 17 meetings between Orlando and Portland.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

What Bettors Need to Know: Colts at Titans


Indianapolis Colts at Tennessee Titans (+3, 46)

David Payne writers for Covers Expert Ben Burns.

WHAT’S ON THE LINE

Desperation often translates into motivation. And there is no question that the Titans and Colts are two desperate football teams, heading into Thursday night’s AFC South battle in Nashville.

The Titans (5-7, 5-7 ATS), losers of five straight, must win out and get some help to have a shot at the postseason. Tennessee has lost three in a row to the Colts (6-6, 6-5-1 ATS) and will have to go to battle with Kerry Collins at quarterback.

Yet, as scary as it sounds, Collins could be the most confident quarterback on the field Thursday.

PEYTON’S PROBLEMS

Peyton Manning is entrenched in the worst slump of his career. He has thrown 11 interceptions during the Colts’ current three-game slide, including four in each of their last two losses. Manning’s QB rating is a pedestrian 89.4 percent this season. Historically, though, Manning has torched the Titans, throwing 24 touchdowns with only nine interceptions.

Even with Manning’s struggles, the Colts still control their playoff fortunes. If they win out, they’re in. If not, the defending AFC champs could be taking January off.

FISHING FOR ANSWER

As bad as things have been with Indy’s offense, the Titans have been worse. They’ve managed just six points in their last two games and haven’t scored an offensive touchdown in 13 quarters. Yikes.

Even All-Pro running back Chris Johnson has been slowed. Johnson has done nothing in his last two outings, rushing for a total of 58 yards in losses at Houston and to Jacksonville.

Now, coach Jeff Fisher hopes Collins can jumpstart the offense and somehow get Randy Moss involved. Since joining the Titans, Moss has yet to catch a touchdown pass and has only five receptions in four games.

THE LINE

The Colts opened as around 2.5-point favorites. The line has been bumped up to -3 at most outlets.

Tennessee has covered the spread in 7 of its last 9 games as a home underdog.

THE TOTAL

The Colts are averaging 26.4 and allowing 24.2 points per game. The Titans are scoring 21.9 and allowing 19.6 points per game.

Indianapolis won both of last year’s meetings by scores of 27-17 and 31-9. The 16 meetings between the two teams have averaged 41.9 points

It’s going to be cold in Nashville, with temperatures in the low to mid-30s, but no precipitation is in the forecast.

The under has cashed in nine of the last 10 meetings between the two teams. The under is also 7-0 in the Titans’ last seven South Division games.

INJURY REPORT

The Titans are nicked up along the defensive line. Starting tackle Jason Jones (shoulder) and starting end Dave Ball (hip) were limited in practice this week. Backup tackles Tony Brown and Sen’Derrick Marks and backup end Jacob Ford also are battling injuries.

The Colts, who have struggled to run the ball this season, are expected to be without running back Joseph Addai (neck). Backup Donald Brown (ankle) missed Monday’s practice, but was a full participant Tuesday and is expected to start. Javarris James and new signee Dominic Rhodes also should see carries.

 

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THE SPORTS PROFESSOR

THURSDAY DECEMBER 9th, 2010
3*NHL* NEW YORK RANGERS +105

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Gamblers Data

Bonus Play Thursday

New York Rangers "Pick"

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

DCI NCAA CBB

Season
Straight Up: 990-263 (.790)
ATS: 378-384 (.496)
ATS Vary Units: 1443-1406 (.506)
Over/Under: 338-374 (.475)
Over/Under Vary Units: 565-685 (.452)

Non-Conference
BOSTON U. 76, La Salle 69
Butler 72, XAVIER 69
FLORIDA 75, Kent State 63
Georgetown 65, TEMPLE 63
NEW HAMPSHIRE 59, Army 51
OHIO STATE 77, Iupui 54
OKLAHOMA 79, Gardner-Webb 68
OLD DOMINION 80, Umes 49

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

DCI NBA

Season
Straight Up: 205-104 (.663)
ATS: 166-148 (.529)
ATS Vary Units: 488-466 (.512)
Over/Under: 148-174 (.460)
Over/Under Vary Units: 201-214 (.484)

Boston 98, PHILADELPHIA 91
DALLAS 104, New Jersey 87
Orlando 93, PORTLAND 91

 

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DCI NHL

Season: 129-91 (.586)

BOSTON 3, N.Y. Islanders 2
San Jose vs. BUFFALO: TOO CLOSE TO CALL
Philadelphia vs. TORONTO: TOO CLOSE TO CALL
WASHINGTON 4, Florida 2
OTTAWA 3, N.Y. Rangers 2
ST. LOUIS 3, Columbus 2
PHOENIX 3, Minnesota 2
LOS ANGELES 3, Calgary 2

 

[jbazzle3]

Fargo 10* colts, anybody have burns or parsons today?

 

[XSPower]

Football Crusher

Colts -2.5

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

JOE WIZ DAILY FREE PICK

New Jersey +11 over Dallas.

 

[XSPower]

Basketball Crusher

Butler -1