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Key Releases:

*NEW ORLEANS 37 - Dallas 16—After narrow road escapes at
Washington & Atlanta, expect New Orleans to eliminate such drama back at the rowdy Superdome, where the Saints have regularly extended margins (10- 4 vs. line at home last 14). Sources say HC Sean Payton is indeed motivated by a potential 16-0 regular season. And N.O. is not about to ease up until NFC home-field edge is secured (it could happen this week). Dallas pass coverage vulnerable recently, and pass-rushing LB Demarcus Ware (check status) was injured last week. Tony Romo (5-10 SU as a starter in December) and rest of Cowboys appear the in midst of another late-season eclipse. Wade Phillips is 0-6 vs. line on December road since ‘07! TV—NFL NETWORK
(06-New Orleans +7' 42-17...SR: Dallas 14-8)

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NBA Key Releases:

PHILADELPHIA 109 - LA Clippers 92—Philly going through adjustment period with arrival of Allen Iverson, but expect special effort from Sixers against
Clippers. Philly is coming off likely loss last night at Boston, and this is Sixers’ only home game until Jan. 5, as they embark on a 6-game road trip tomorrow. Philly has covered 4 straight in 2nd night of back-to-back games, and the Clippers, who also played last night, have failed to cover last 3 when unrested. Expect ex-Clipper Elton Brand to torment his old team. 08-PHI -9' 89-88 (189), Phi -3' 100-92 (187)

Atlanta 101 - CHICAGO 82—Fairly quick turnround from matchup ten nights ago at Philips Arena, but not sure Chicago wants another look at Atlanta after shooting just 36% from floor and being demolished by 35 in that recent meeting. Given Bulls’ issues these days, must downplay revenge angle, as Chicago (only 2 covers last 15 thru Dec. 14) simply not executing on offensive end as it continues to lack production from wings (Ben Gordon’s departure has hurt more than expected) and with John Salmons not providing much consis- tency on attack end. Will Vinny Del Negro last until All-Star break? 09-ATL -10’ 118-83 (196); 08-Atl +4 113-108 (187), ATL -10 129-117 (193), Atl +4' 105-102 (198) CABLE TV—WGN

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CBB Key Releases:

NOTRE DAME 79 - Ucla 52—UCLA’s fall from grace has been swift and dramatic. Pac-10 observers report even Steve Lavin’s worst teams had more to offer than current Westwood edition, which has been depleted by early NBA departures that left Bruins with little depth or quality in backcourt (a recent strength of Ben Howland’s teams). And frontline now compromised by recent transfer of 6-8 F Gordon. Meanwhile, ND has had a whole week to stew about last Saturday’s shocking home loss vs. Loyola-Marymount, and Irish can avenge LY’s 26-point loss and take out frustrations behind bullish sr. PF Harangody (24.6 ppg), who should brutalize unassertive Bruins around bucket. 08-UCLA -11 89- 63 TV—CBS

NEW MEXICO 86 - Creighton 64—With disgruntled CU HC Dana
Altman (“no phase, no one position that’s playing well”) dealing with rebounding & TO issues, recommend surprising 10-0 New Mexico, which is an eye-popping 28-9-1 vs. spread in “The Pit” last 2+Ys. Lobos’ prized 6-7 juco swingman Hobson (17 ppg, 8 rpg, 4 apg) as good as advertised, and sharp-shooting NM has 5 other scorers hitting better than 38% beyond arc. Alford’s sizzling squad gets kinder “whistle” at Pit after attempting 18 fewer FTs in LY’s come-from- ahead loss. 08-CRE -4 82-75