SPORTS N STUFF

Although it is still early in the NBA season, the Chicago Bulls and the Miami Heat will meet in a key Eastern conference matchups this weekend that could coincide with the return of one of the games biggest stars. Heat guard Dwayne Wade has missed the past couple of weeks after suffering a bad ankle sprain in a loss to the Denver Nuggets, but should be ready to return in time to take on the top team in the conference according to the NBA standings.

Chicago Bulls @ Miami Heat
Sunday January 29, 2011 3:30 PM ET
American Airlines Arena, Miami, Florida
NBA Sports Betting Line: Miami Heat 1.5

The Heat will be eager to prove that regardless of what the numbers say, they are still the better team overall. Miami has won five of its last six games even with Wade out of the lineup thanks to the play of Lebron James and Chris Bosh among others, and should be even stronger with Wade back.

NBA Betting Preview: Chicago Bulls

According to the sports bet numbers, the Bulls are undoubtedly the most complete team in the association, ranking 10th in total offense, and first at the defensive end of the floor. The tandem of Carlos Boozer and Joakim Noah lead a Chicago team that ranks first in the NBA in rebounds, while reigning MVP Derrick Rose continues to average 8.6 assists per game for a team that ranks third in average helpers. While their may not be any major holes in the Bulls team, they will need to prove they can step up and play their best against their best opponents, and a win at Miami would be a good start.

NBA Betting Preview: Miami Heat

With Wade out of the lineup, James averages increased to make up for the gap, and he has played some of his best basketball over the past six games, averaging more than 30 points over that span. James also leads the Heat in average rebounds with 8.1 per game and assists with 7.1, but the story hasnt changed in regards to the one area that the King still needs to prove himself in. James has never been able to play his best basketball in the biggest games, but challenging the best defense in the association would be a good start. The potential return of Wade and the play of Bosh both down-low and from the perimeter with his ability to stretch the defense are two other crucial areas in Miamis favor for this game.

NBA Betting Preview: Outlook & Pick

While James still needs to prove himself to those that doubt his ability to come up with his best in the Heats biggest games, this contest will mean much more to the sportsbooks underdogs, as they continue to work towards finishing with the best record in the conference. Rose still gets the majority of the attention in Chicago, but his supporting cast needs to be given more respect as they are one of the most underrated in the NBA.

NBA Betting Pick: Chicago Bulls

Who: Thoroughbreds Several up and coming stars
What: Horse Racing Betting Tips The Sunshine Millions Card
Where: Gulfstream
When: Saturday, January 28th

With tons of cash being offered at Gulfstream Saturday in the Sunshine Millions, lets take a look at some of the major players on the sports betting opulent card.

Six races are carded in this series and well kick it off with the SM Distaff at 9 furlongs on the main track and they all will have to have their running shoes on to whip Awesome Feather, who has not made a mistake in 8 races so far.

She has been freshened since taking the Grade 1 Gazelle at Aqueduct and brings a super stalk and pounce style to the party. Repeatedly proven fresh, the key to making any cash in this race is to try to find some value in the gimmicks.

The players to use under Feather are Tiz the Argument, who is shooting for her fourth straight win and Delightful Mary, who is one for one on the this track.

Seven will contend in the Filly and Mare Sprint and the race is headlined by Musical Romance, who will be making her first start since cashing in the Breeders Cup Filly and Mare Sprint. The play here is a cold duck exacta with Pomeroys Pistol, who has won twice on this surface and has never been out of the money at Gulfstream.

Speed again will be the accent in the Sunshine Millions Sprint and a true horse for the course is the best best sportsbook ticket.

Apriority is three for three locally and ran his eyeballs out in defeat on New Years Eve. The pro is looking for revenge as he was second beaten a head in this race last year. He was a bit tough that day because he was cutting back in distance.

Key this guy on top with Soaring Stocks, Zero Rate Policy and Madman Diaries.

Nine will pit skills in the Filly and Mare Turf  and Romacaca is the one to deny. The mare has won 12 of 24 starts, 4 on this turf course and she has not raced since a wide third in a Grade 2 at Saratoga.

She has trained a hole in the wind for this and should sit a nice stalk and pounce trip. Key her first and second in the trifecta with Unbridled Humor, Trip for A.J., Speak Easy Gal, Askbut I Wonttell and Romin Robin.

The Turf at 9 furlongs is wide open but lets take a shot with a speed play in Little Mike. He has won 5 of his last 6 wins and has only lost once in 5 starts on the course. He can give you a sub :46 half in his sleep and may never look back.

Seven older horses will take a shot at the $400,000 Sunshine Millions Classic at 9 furlongs. Adios Charlie will try to say goodbye to this group. The colt showed his class taking the Grade 2 Jerome last spring, is 2 for 2 locally, should be able to get a great garden trip and pounce in time.

Good luck with your sport betting and enjoy the sunshine.

CBSSports.com wi The Orlando Magic trudged out of Boston this week, toting only embarrassment following a lopsided 31-point loss to the Celtics.

For a while it appeared as though the Magic would return the favor. Instead, the Celtics took advantage of Orlandos fourth-quarter meltdown and erased a 27-point deficit to hand the Magic an even more humbling defeat on their home floor, 91-83 on Thursday night.

Paul Pierce had 24 points and 10 assists, and ETwaun Moore added 16 points off the bench to help Boston beat Orlando for the second time this week.

Pierce and Moore had 10 points each in the fourth quarter to surge past a Magic team that led by 11 points entering the fourth quarter before shooting 2 for 17 from the field in the final 12 minutes. They scored just eight points in the period.

“Everybody was big,” Pierce said. “Obviously, when you got a rookie [Moore] who hasnt pl thats big for us.

“This team decided to stand up and fight.”

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Moore said the Celtics needed a game like this.

“Its definitely a confidence builder for our whole team,” Moore said. “Knowing we can play with some of the best teams out there.”

Dwight Howard led the Magic with 16 points and 16 rebounds. Jason Richardson added 13 points, and Ryan Anderson had 12.

The Celtics have won three straight for just the second time this season. It also was their fourth consecutive victory over the Magic, dating to last season.

Since a season-best, five-game winning streak, the Magic have lost three times in five games, including a 31-point defeat at Boston on Monday.

“We thought it was going to be easy after the first two quarters,” Howard said. “We cant allow that to happen. Weve got to change. We have to change what we do, and guys have to know their roles and do it. Thats just the bottom line.”

The Celtics disrupted the Magics offensive flow in the fourth, so much so that it led to a pair of late, frustration technical fouls on Howard and Anderson.

Magic coach Stan Van Gundy said tempers boiled up so much that it got to a point where players were simply driving to the basket trying to make plays on their own.

“Their pressure, again, really pushed us sideways,” Van Gundy said. “We got frustrated with the officials and we got totally off our game.”

Asked if he thought the Celtics did better with Xs and Os late, Richardson said there wasnt a singular scapegoat issue.

“It was everything,” he said.

After being mostly manhandled on both ends for three quarters, Boston found its energy in the final 12 minutes, sparked by Pierce and Moore.

The Celtics opened the fourth quarter with a 15-1 run and grabbed their first lead since the opening period, 79-76 with 7:32 to play.

The Magic went 0-for-7 from the field, missed 5 of 6 free throws and committed three turnovers during Bostons spurt.

A free throw by Pierce after Andersons technical foul made it 84-78 with 3:47 remaining. The Magic got within 84-80 after a pair of free throws by Hedo Turkoglu, but no closer.

“That was a character builder for our team, it really was,” Celtics coach Doc Rivers said. “Its all that we talked about at halftime. Not a big game plan, we didnt make any big changes. We just kept talking about it being a character builder for this basketball team.

“We needed every single guy today and that was terrific.”

Early on, it seemed like the Magics night.

In a reversal of its dismal performance in the first half of Monday eclipsing its point total in the entire first game by a basket in the opening 24 minutes.

With three starters out, including center Jermaine ONeal, Rivers was forced to start Kevin Garnett opposite Howard.

The move worked out early. one while setting a screen, and the second defending Garnett about 15 feet from the basket. He was forced to the bench less than three minutes in.

The Magic picked it up on both ends without him, and closed the quarter on a 30-11 run to build a 16-point lead.

But all that energy evaporated when it counted.

Now the Magic, a team that was seemingly ready to turn a corner will have to look inward if theyre going to become an elite team, Van Gundy said.

“Weve got to get to where we can just play the game,” he said. “Ive got to find a solution to that.”

Notes

This marked the biggest lead the Magic have blown in a loss since 2001 when it blew a 22-point lead at Dallas. Magic owner Rich DeVos and former guard Nick Anderson presented Howard with a plaque to commemorate him passing Anderson as the Magics career leading scorer. Howard broke the mark against Indiana earlier this week. Rivers was given his third technical foul of the season with 8:47 left in the first quarter. The Celtics played without G Rajon Rondo , who missed his fourth game because of a sore right wrist, G Ray Allen , who was out for a second game with an injured left ankle, and C Jermaine ONeal , out because of a sore left knee. Rivers said Rondo is still in pain, and there is no timetable for his return.

The Big Three of the Miami Heat has been getting the job done as the Big Two of late with Dwayne Wade resting an injured ankle. Considering the play of the New York Knicks lately, perhaps they should give some rest to one of their starters. While the Heat have managed to remain near the top of the conference even with Wade on the sidelines, the Knicks continue to flounder with a losing record, and if they dont turn things around soon their could be some big changes on the way. Miami enters this game as the best sportsbook favorites, but the Knicks are the team being weighed down by expectations.

New York Knicks @ Miami Heat
Friday January 27, 2012 8:00 PM ET
AmericanAirlines Arena, Miami, Florida
NBA Sports Bet Line: Miami Heat

The Knicks went all-in that free agent-signing Tyson Chandler would be the missing piece that would elevate them to contenders in the Eastern conference, but with just six wins through their first 16 games that has hardly been the case. New York still has some time to right the ship and get on track, and a win at Miami would go a long way.

Betting New York Miami Preview: New York

A six-game losing streak that included losses to the Milwaukee Bucks and Denver Nuggets at home has Knicks fans beyond restless, and it doesnt help that they now have to play four-straight on the road. Carmelo Anthony remains the face of the franchise with a team-high 25.7 points per game, but he is taking too many shots to get to that point and constantly needs the ball in has hands to create. Chandler is doing his job with 9.9 points per game and a team-high 9.7 rebounds, but the Knicks will need more from Amare Stoudamire and its bench if they are going to keep pace with the rest of the association.

Betting New York Miami Preview: Miami

Even without Wade, Lebron James averaged over 30 points per game and the Heat won three of four heading in to Tuesdays game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Miami without Wade looks a lot like Cleveland did with James as the King continues to do everything on his own, with Chris Bosh and company chipping in around him. Mario Chalmers and Norris Cole appear to be a good fit as spot shooters that can hit off of James drive, but the team was expected to put up better numbers at their own end with the addition of Shane Battier to an already solid core.

Betting New York Miami Preview: Outlook & Pick

Based on the talent they have available there is no reason why the Knicks should be struggling this badly, unless of course that talent is overrated by sports betting bookies in the first place. Anthony and Stoudamire both seem to be having trouble with their conditioning in Mike DAntonis offense, and that should be the difference again as Lebron and company to continue to put up big numbers with or without Wade back in the lineup.

Betting New York Miami Pick: Miami Heat

The Golden State Warriors are looking for a foundation for future success. Their next opponent will give them the perfect example of what it takes. While the Warriors are once again looking for the answer near the bottom of the Western conference, the Oklahoma City Thunder are cruising alone atop the standings thanks to some impressive play both at home and on the road. Franchise cornerstones Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook have been complimented by some solid veteran pieces, establishing the Thunder as legitimate championship contenders this sports betting season.

Oklahoma City Thunder @ Golden State Warriors
Friday January 27, 2012 10:30 PM ET
Oracle Arena, Oakland, California
NBA Sports Bet Line: Oklahoma City 6.5

While the Thunder have clinched some blowout wins over the past 10 days, the Warriors continue to get burned by close losses, where a couple of specific plays can be keyed in on as having a huge impact on the final outcome. New coach Mark Jackson hasnt lost faith, but he, like his players, is learning that winning in this league wont come easy.

Betting On Oklahoma City Golden State Preview: Oklahoma City

Oklahoma City was considered powerful enough with the tandem of Durant and Westbrook each averaging over 20 points per game, but the addition of James Harden to that group has taken them to another level. Harden is averaging 16.7 points per game, with 4.3 rebounds and 3.1 assists, and he was a plus-32 against the Detroit Pistons while scoring 24 in a 99-79 win over the Detroit Pistons on Monday. The Thunder is playing good basketball on both ends of the floor right now, and have developed a knack for the spectacular.

Betting On Oklahoma City Golden State Preview: Golden State

Another couple of close losses to the Indiana Pacers and Memphis Grizzlies pushed the Warriors to 5-11 on the season, and it may take some time before they have what it takes to come out on top when it comes down to the wire. While an offense led by Monta Ellis 23.1 points per game ranks 13th in the NBA, the defense has struggled to get the job done when it counts the most, and it has turned potential wins in to losses. Golden State will need to work hard as a team and learn to bear down in order to play better when the game is on the line, and it will take time.

Betting On Oklahoma City Golden State Preview: Outlook & Pick

Regardless of their status as road best sportsbook favorites, the Thunder have gotten the job done away from home this year, and should have no problem making the trip to Oakland and picking up another W against a Warriors team still searching for consistency. Golden State has some nice young pieces that in the right situation could excel, but finding the veteran players to surround them with and the system to get the most out of them at both ends of the floor will take time, just like it did in Oklahoma City.

Betting On Oklahoma City Golden State Pick: Oklahoma City

CBSSports.c The Montreal Canadiens went into the All-Star break with a blowout victory. The Detroit Red Wings played as though they started their vacation early.

David Desharnais had two goals and an assist, and Montreal ended Detroits seven-game winning streak with a 7-2 victory over the Red Wings on Wednesday night in the NHLs final game before the break.

Alexei Emelin scored his first NHL goal, and the Canadiens scored four times in the opening period against Jimmy Howard, who will make his first All-Star appearance on Sunday in Ottawa.

The Canadiens put their first two shots of the second period past backup goalie Ty Conklin, who took over for Howard after the opening 20 minutes.

“Im not going to watch any video of this, at all,” Detroit coach Mike Babcock said. “Im going to have a drink. Actually, it is what Im going to do.”

Rene Bourque, Max Pacioretty and Erik Cole each had a goal and an assist, and Tomas Plekanec also scored. Tomas Kaberle had two assists. Carey Price stopped 25 shots for Montreal, which moved into 11th place in the Eastern Conference with 47 points, one ahead of Tampa Bay.

“Its definitely nice to go into the break on a high note and maybe dwell on it for a couple of days because we havent a whole lot of good to dwell on this year,” said Price, who will make his third All-Star appearance. “I think we can sit on that for a little while, but when we come back, we know that weve got to get back to work.”

Jiri Hudler scored a pair of third-period goals for Detroit, which leads the NHL with 67 points despite falling to 13-14 on the road. The Red Wings, who have won 17 straight home games, hadnt lost anywhere since a 5-1 defeat at the New York Islanders on Jan. 10.

“I think everyone in here was embarrassed with the performance tonight,” said defenseman Niklas Kronwall, who assisted on Hudlers second goal.

The Red Wings extended their team-record, home-winning streak, with a 3-1 victory over St. Louis on Monday. They are 20-2-1 at the Joe Louis Arena this season.

Howard, pulled for just the second time in 42 starts, made eight saves in his shortest outing of the season. Conklin stopped 10 shots in the second relief appearance by a Detroit goalie this season, and his first since taking over for Howard for the third period of a 5-2 loss at San Jose on Nov. 17.

“I think youre a little surprised,” Bourque said. “Detroit doesnt get behind by that many goals very often, so we put them back on their heels, got a lot of pucks at the net early, and got a lot of results.”

Red Wings captain Nicklas Lidstrom sat out because of the flu, ending the defensemans consecutive-games played streak at 213.

“Nicks a great player, but I dont think this had anything to do with Nick,” Babcock said.

Bourque opened the scoring with his 15th goal 5:08 in. Scott Gomezs centering pass went in off Bourques leg as he drove the crease.

Emelin made it 2-0 with a drive past Howard at 10:56. Desharnais scored his first of the game at 17:58, and Plekanec netted his 10th goal at 19:33 to make it 4-0. Andreas Enqvist just missed adding a fifth Montreal goal moments later.

Conklin took over to start the second, and Pacioretty beat him on the first shot he faced 1:52 in for his 17th goal. Desharnais got his second goal of the game – his ninth overall – on the Canadiens next shot during a power play at 4:18.

“The guys kept pushing, and I think thats very important against a team like Detroit because they can pump four in on you in a hurry,” said Price, who made a nice pad save late in a Red Wings power play before the midway point of the second.

Hudler spoiled Prices shutout bid 21 seconds into the third, and added his 14th of the season at 6:07. Cole scored his team-leading 19th goal with 1:23 remaining.

Canadiens defenseman P.K. Subban was benched in the second period after taking an elbowing penalty late in the first.

Notes

LW Justin Abdelkader has the Red Wings longest current consecutive games streak at 124, one more than D Jonathan Ericsson. Hall of Famer Alex Delvecchio holds the team record of 548. Canadiens LW Travis Moen and C Petteri Nokelainen didnt play because of undisclosed upper body injuries.

CBSSports The Dallas Mavericks got championship rings. Kevin Love got a big new contract and the victory.

Love had 31 points and 10 rebounds after signing his maximum four-year extension with the Minnesota Timberwolves, who handed the defending NBA champions another ceremonious loss, 105-90 on Wednesday night.

“Its a good day, putting aside everything that happened earlier in the day and focusing on the game and getting a big win,” said Love, the 23-year-old forward who after the morning shootaround signed the extension worth more than $60 million. “We made big stops down the stretch. You can see us growing as a team.”

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The end of the Mavericks seven-game home winning streak, and their franchise-record streak of holding 15 consecutive opponents under 100 points, came after they finally received their championship rings during a pregame ceremony.

That presentation came exactly a month after Dallas raised the championship banner before the season opener. They trailed by 21 points at halftime that day on the way to a 105-94 loss to Miami in an NBA Finals rematch that was never really that close.

“I know everybody is making a big thing about the ring tonight, its a great thing to receive the ring,” Shawn Marion said. “We still needed to win this game. Thats what were trying to do right now. Were trying to focus on whats at hand right now and the current season and focus on trying to take our baby steps to get to where we want to be. Tonight we just took a hop back.”

Dallas led by 14 points before halftime against the Timberwolves. But Minnesota finished the first half with eight consecutive points in the final minute, then had a 13-4 run in the first five minutes of the third quarter for the lead.

The Mavericks managed to tie it at 70 on two free throws by Marion with three minutes left in the third quarter. But a minute later, Loves 3-pointer broke that tie and put the Timberwolves ahead to stay.

That was one of four 3-pointers by Love, who also had one at the end of the first half to get the Timberwolves within 54-52.

His big game, along with 17 points and 12 assists from Ricky Rubio in 46½ minutes, ruined another celebratory night in Dallas.

“We did,” Love said. “It was fun.”

Wayne Ellington had 16 points while Nikola Pekovic had 13 for the Timberwolves, who also beat Dallas 99-82 on New Years Day.

Jason Terry led Dallas with 17 points, while Marion had 15 points. Brendan Haywood had 10 rebounds.

Before the game, Mavericks owner Mark Cuban and coach Rick Carlisle presented the diamond-encrusted championship rings to NBA Finals MVP Dirk Nowitzki, Jason Kidd and seven other current players who were on last years team. Also getting their rings during the ceremony were retired player Peja Stojakovic and J.J. Barea, who now plays for the Timberwolves and part of the reason the ceremony was held when it was.

Barea, who missed his fourth consecutive game for Minnesota because of a sprained left ankle, received a huge ovation when he was the first player introduced by Carlisle. The rest of his Timberwolves teammates had retreated to the locker room before the ring ceremony.

Nowitzki was dressed in a suit during the third of at least four games hes sitting out to improve game conditioning and his sore right knee.

Dallas was up 54-44 when Kidd hit a 3-pointer on a pass from Terry with 1:07 left in the first half.

“The game turned at the end of the first half,” Carlisle said. “We lost some concentration. … Look, we didnt deserve to win, and frankly, after that period at the end of the second quarter, we really didnt compete at any kind of level at all.”

Ellington rebounded his own miss and made a layup to start that quick Minnesota surge before halftime. After Kidd missed a 3-pointer, Rubio made one before Loves half-ending trey set up by Terrys only turnover.

“Our guys really came out with attitude that we could win this game,” Minnesota coach Rick Adelman said. “The end of the first half was huge. We cut it to two and got back in the game, then had a great second half.”

Notes

Love had his 17th double-double in 18 games this season. In the second quarter, Terry gathered up a loose ball on the run, then scooped it with his right hand over a defender to Brandan Wright for an alley-oop dunk. The Mavs led 37-31 at the time. Vince Carter missed his fifth consecutive game for Dallas with a sprained left foot. Dallas hadnt lost at home since starting the season 0-2. The Mavs followed the opening loss to Miami with another loss the next night against Denver. Mavs forward Lamar Odom was 2 for 14 shooting, only 1 for 11 at halftime when the rest of the team was a combined 24 for 39 shooting.

New England was the sports betting favorite to represent the AFC in the Super Bowl for most of the season, if not the entire campaign, and it should be no surprise that they passed all the major tests to get here, despite some critics complaining about their regular-season slate.

Offense

Tom Brady powers an offense that is pass-heavy, and the Patriots aerial attack is led by a pair of tight ends, Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez are matchup problems for any defense in the league, and head coach Bill Belichick now has Hernandez lining up in the backfield to make up for their lack of a running game. BenJarvus Green-Ellis is probably their best option, but the Patriots also have Danny Woodhead and Stevan Ridley to come out of the backfield. The line allowed 32.0 sacks during the regular season and has continued their strong play so far in the postseason. Dont expect Brady to have another game like the poor performance he had against Baltimore in the AFC title game.

Defense

The Patriots defense had a single motto all season: bend, but dont break. New England was 31st in the league in total yards allowed, but they managed to lead the AFC in turnovers, so that helped them get off the field. The Patriots were 31st in pass defense and even in the AFC championship game, receiver Julian Edelman played 27 snaps in the secondary to help them out with Baltimores receivers; you can expect him to play a similar role against the Giants, who has much better receivers. Nose tackle Vince Wilfork has raised his game in the postseason, while linebacker Brandon Spikes is fulfilling his potential alongside Jerod Mayo, but as always the secondary is scary, and not in a good way.

Special Teams

If the Patriots NFL betting chances depend on the foot of kicker Stephen Gostkowski, they should feel pretty good as he hit 28 of 33 attempts during the regular season, and then all four in the postseason. New England fans know all about resting their hopes on a kicker as they did for so long with Adam Vinatieri, but Gostkowski has hit over 84% of his career attempts. The Patriots arent going to scare anyone with their return teams, but they havent allowed a touchdown on special teams this year, either.

Coaching

Belichick is going to go to the Hall of Fame at some point and he has a chance to earn his sixth Super Bowl ring, including his fourth as a head coach. There may not be a more thorough coach in the league than Belichick, who handles every situation with the same deadpan expression and that has been passed down to Brady, his coach on the field, so the team never gets too high or too low. He knows what this time of year is all about and hell have the Patriots fully prepared for Super Bowl Sunday, and Belichicks presence may be the biggest influence on New Englands NFL betting odds, with all due respect to New York counterpart Tom Coughlin.

Intangibles

This is an extension of Belichick as the Patriots are a very calm team, regardless of what the situation is, and that is going to serve them well in the Super Bowl. They have a lot of veterans that have been here before and with the culture of winning that has permeated this franchise over the last decade or more, this is something that the younger players have been trained for since they signed on in New England. It all starts at the top with Belichick and Brady, who may be the most successful coach-quarterback combination of all time if they win this one. They are also playing for the memory of Myra Kraft, the late wife of New England owner Robert, and they have a painting of her in their locker room, which will be brought to Indianapolis. They would also like to avenge the loss from four years ago, and you know Belichick and Brady have been praying for this rematch to happen since the last Super Bowl ended.

When it comes to preparation and motivation, you may not find a better team than the New England Patriots, a veteran team with plenty of leadership, a coach that looks for matchups to exploit better than anyone in his profession, a future Hall of Fame quarterback and a squad that is out for revenge. That is why the Patriots are the sports betting favorites for the Super Bowl in two weeks.

sports betting players who watched the New York Giants four years ago will definitely see the similarities between this seasons team and the one that shocked the world to end New Englands run at an undefeated season. The Patriots arent unbeaten, but the Giants are still the underdogs in your best sportsbook.

Offense

Quarterback Eli Manning said before the season started that he was an elite quarterback, and its hard to argue with him after the season he had. It was even more impressive when you realize that the Giants were fifth in passing during the regular season, but dead last in the league against the run, which means Manning had to put the team on his back (or better yet, his arm) for most of the season. The ground game started to pick up steam late in the season, which was a major key in their surge to the playoffs, but they struggled in San Francisco and Manning had to attempt 58 passes. He may have the best group of young receivers in the league in Victor Cruz (25 years old), Mario Manningham (25) and Hakeem Nicks (24), although with tight end Jake Ballard (24). The line was up and down this year, but theyve stabilized down the stretch.

Defense

The New York defense was god-awful for most of the season, and they ended the season in 27th spot in the rankings, including 19th against the run and 29th against the pass. The secondary suffered a few injuries during the regular season and it was tough for the unit to get some continuity. However, the front four completely took over down the stretch and its safe to say that end Jason Pierre-Paul is going to be an NFL betting candidate for Defensive Player of the Year with 16.5 sacks and a number of big plays. Along with Chris Canty, Osi Umenyiora, Justin Tuck and Pierre-Paul, the Giants may have the single most dominant unit in the Super Bowl up front and again, that is similar to four years ago. The back seven has managed to hold it together over the last month, but theyre aided by the power and speed of the front four.

Special Teams

Kicker Lawrence Tynes hit a 31-yarder in overtime in San Francisco to win the NFC title, and he also hit one in the NFC championship game four years ago, so its safe to say that he has ice water in his veins. The Giants are ranked in the bottom half of the league in both kick and punt returns, and right around the middle of the pack when it comes to covering returns, but the Patriots dont really have any players that will scare you to that effect. Punter Steve Weatherford had a solid season, which is going to help in a battle of field position against a New England team that is potentially explosive.

Coaching

When it comes to respect, Tom Coughlin may receive the least of any head coach in the league. It seems like every year, Coughlin is on the hot seat, but a look at his numbers has to shut some of his critics up: a 74-54 record in New York, four seasons of 10 wins or more out of eight campaigns in the Big Apple, four trips to the postseason (and one 10-win season in which they missed out in 2010), one Super Bowl win and of course, this years appearance in the big game. He has seven career playoff wins on the road, tying him with Dallas legend Tom Landry, and throughout all the talk about his job, Coughlin never loses his cool (despite the perpetually red face) and his players respect that. At this point, you have to respect Coughlins resume and with another Super Bowl win, his critics wouldnt have a leg to stand on.

Intangibles

While this Giants team has been inconsistent for most of the season, theyve managed to peak when it counts and now theyre in the Super Bowl; in fact, based on momentum, youd be hard-pressed to state why theyre an underdog and that gives them added motivation. The Giants also beat the Patriots 24-20 in New England during the regular season, so they have the respect of their opponents, if not the fans and linesmakers. This is a veteran team that knows what theyre doing, particularly on defense, but they key may be their young receivers; will they continue to play to their standards under the bright lights of the Super Bowl?

Its going to be a very interesting matchup in Indianapolis, but this New York team isnt afraid of anyone and had to win a pair of tough road games just to get here. That road could lead them to another Super Bowl win as the sports betting underdogs.

CBSSports.c Henrik Lundqvist took a ride up to the New York Rangers practice rink on Tuesday morning, thinking he would have that night off when the Winnipeg Jets came to town.

A bout with the flu for backup Martin Biron changed all that for New Yorks All-Star goalie. Instead of resting during the last game before the break, Lundqvist went out and put up the 40th shutout of his stellar NHL career.

Lundqvist made 22 saves in his surprise start, and Ryan Callahan, John Mitchell and Brad Richards provided the offense in the Rangers 3-0 victory over the Jets on Tuesday night. Lundqvist (22-10-4) made his fifth consecutive start for the Eastern Conference-leading Rangers, his busiest stretch since he played in New Yorks first six games.

“Four games in a row,” said Lundqvist, who was surprised when told it was actually five.

He sarcastically added that he is “pretty banged up” before giving a true assessment.

“I feel great,” Lundqvist said. “When youre winning, youre more relaxed and you dont use as much energy between games.

“I had to change a little bit. In my head I was kind of relaxed. I was thinking a little bit about All-Star, Im not going to lie. Thats what you do when you dont play. You try to get away from the game.”

The Rangers won their second straight, following up on an overtime victory Saturday at Boston – the team that trails them by two points in the East. New York had alternated wins and losses the previous six games.

Facing Winnipeg, a team the Rangers had already beaten twice this season, they wanted to make sure there was no letdown before the upcoming six-day rest period.

“It just shows the maturity of the team,” captain Callahan said. “We concentrated on this game. These two points are just as important as they were against Boston. We came out, played the game we wanted to.”

Biron allowed only one goal in beating the Jets in New Yorks two previous me earning his fifth shutout of the season.

Winnipeg, which lost 2-1 at Carolina on Monday, was outshot 31-22 and fell to 0-8 in the second of back-to-back games. The Jets have been outscored 33-5 in those losses.

“I cant put my finger on it,” Jets captain Andrew Ladd said. “We came out with a pretty spirited effort. We were battling, did a lot of good things. Its not the easiest thing. One of the top teams in the league was sitting there waiting for us.”

Callahan gave the Rangers a 1-0 just 4:05 in when he got to a rebound of defenseman Anton Stralmans shot and slammed it into the wide-open left side of the net for his 17th. He has three goals and two assists in his last four games.

Winnipeg didnt have much jump in the first period, when it was outshot 11-6, and rarely had control of the puck. The Jets picked up the pace in the second, landing several he none of which seriously threatened Lundqvist.

The Jets best scoring chance came with 4:36 left when Blake Wheeler tried to jam a shot in, but was stuffed by the post as Lundqvist spread out his pads. The puck skimmed through the crease, and was nearly deflected in by Lu allowing the puck to slide by and out of danger.

“I almost thought that he scored,” Lundqvist said. “I was lucky. I felt like I had a little extra luck. Some nights you just have the bounces on your side, I guess.”

Just two minutes earlier, Mitchell stretched the Rangers lead to 2-0 with his fifth of the season and third in five games. Michael Del Zotto sent a pass across the Winnipeg zone and hit Mitchell in stride in the middle of the left circle for a hard snap shot that appeared to tick goalie Ondrej Pavelecs glove on its way to the top right corner at 13:22.

Richards pushed the lead to 3-0 with 3:38 left in the game, scoring his 16th this season and first in eight games.

The low shot total was out of character for the Jets, who had out averaging 32.5 per contest.

When Winnipeg put pressure on Lundqvist, he was up to the task. Less than three minutes into the third period, Tanner Glass had a chance from point-blank range near the right post, but Lundqvist got over and stopped the drive with his pad and covered the puck.

“They are a top team,” said Winnipegs Chris Thorburn, who fought Mike Rupp twice. “They play well defensively and they block a lot of shots. Its almost like youve got to do double the work to get the same amount of shots.

“Lundqvist made a couple of good saves, and so did Pav. Our goalie kept us in it and their goalie kept us out of it.”

Notes

The Rangers recalled G Chad Johnson from Connecticut of the AHL to back up Lundqvist. Jets C Evander Kane, who missed his third game because of a concussion, was placed on the injured list. Winnipeg recalled F Aaron Gagnon from St. Johns of the AHL. The Rangers went 0 for 4 on the power play and are 3 for 42 on the advantage the past 17 games. Winnipeg has killed 20 of 21 power plays the past eight games.