The Bum's Best Bets For Friday April 24th - MLB - NBA -NHL !

[StarDust Bum]

MLB

Friday, April 24


Quintana looks to end slump versus Royals

The Chicago White Sox will send Jose Quintana to the mound to face the Kansas City Royals, despite Quintana losing all five starts against the Royals.

Quintana has allowed four runs per game in those five starts, while allowing almost nine hits per game.

So far this season Quintana has a 8.40 ERA with a .389 on-base percentage.


Yankees looking for sixth straight win with Pineda

Michael Pineda is looking like an ace of the future, with the New York Yankees winning the righties past five starts. In those starts, three of which have been this season, Pineda has only allowed 11 runs while striking out 38 in 33 innings of work.

So far this season, Pineda is 2-0 with a 5.00 ERA and a 20/2 K/BB ratio.

The Subway series kicks off Friday as the Yankees host the Mets.


Marlins have been dominated by the Nationals

The Washington Nationals may not be off to the hot start most would have predicted, but a series against the Miami Marlins is sure to help as the Nats have gone 8-1 in the two teams past nine contests.

If you remove the anomaly, a 15-7 win for the Marlins in the second game of a doubleheader last year, the Nationals have outscored the Marlins 28-11.

Washington will send Jordan Zimmerman to the mound and the Marlins will counter with Mat Latos Friday.

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Long Sheet

Friday, April 24

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ATLANTA (8 - 7) at PHILADELPHIA (5 - 11) - 7:05 PM
ALEX WOOD (L) vs. AARON HARANG (R)
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 87-90 (-14.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 85-89 (-17.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 66-73 (-17.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 41-48 (-14.8 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 43-52 (-22.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 25-15 (+12.2 Units) against the money line in April games over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 75-43 (+31.0 Units) against the money line in road games after 3 or more consecutive losses since 1997.
PHILADELPHIA is 106-111 (-35.6 Units) against the money line in home games in April games since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

ALEX WOOD vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
WOOD is 2-1 when starting against PHILADELPHIA with an ERA of 2.55 and a WHIP of 1.135.
His team's record is 2-2 (-0.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-2. (+0.0 units)

AARON HARANG vs. ATLANTA since 1997
HARANG is 2-3 when starting against ATLANTA with an ERA of 4.21 and a WHIP of 1.492.
His team's record is 5-6 (+0.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 6-5. (+0.5 units)

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WASHINGTON (7 - 9) at MIAMI (5 - 11) - 7:10 PM
JORDAN ZIMMERMANN (R) vs. MAT LATOS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 12-18 (-13.9 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday over the last 2 seasons.
ZIMMERMANN is 34-12 (+18.6 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

JORDAN ZIMMERMANN vs. MIAMI since 1997
ZIMMERMANN is 7-3 when starting against MIAMI with an ERA of 3.36 and a WHIP of 1.035.
His team's record is 10-7 (+2.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 10-5. (+4.4 units)

MAT LATOS vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
LATOS is 3-2 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 2.66 and a WHIP of 1.229.
His team's record is 3-4 (-1.7 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 6-1. (+4.9 units)

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CHICAGO CUBS (8 - 7) at CINCINNATI (8 - 8) - 7:10 PM
JON LESTER (L) vs. MIKE LEAKE (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO CUBS are 1395-1560 (-280.3 Units) against the money line in all games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 1338-1473 (-255.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 1023-1158 (-212.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 29-16 (+12.0 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 47-23 (+18.8 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO CUBS is 2-1 (+0.6 Units) against CINCINNATI this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.8 Units)

JON LESTER vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
LESTER is 0-0 when starting against CINCINNATI with an ERA of 9.00 and a WHIP of 1.667.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.2 units)

MIKE LEAKE vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
LEAKE is 8-2 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 3.15 and a WHIP of 1.215.
His team's record is 12-4 (+7.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 7-8. (-1.6 units)

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ST LOUIS (10 - 4) at MILWAUKEE (3 - 13) - 8:10 PM
CARLOS MARTINEZ (R) vs. MATT GARZA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
ST LOUIS is 16-31 (-17.8 Units) against the money line in road games after a win over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 163-106 (+31.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 3-13 (-11.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 44-47 (-18.2 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 3-13 (-11.2 Units) against the money line in April games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 39-50 (-15.6 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 3-13 (-11.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
MILWAUKEE is 1-9 (-9.1 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 63-73 (-17.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ST LOUIS is 2-1 (+0.4 Units) against MILWAUKEE this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.7 Units)

CARLOS MARTINEZ vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
MARTINEZ is 0-1 when starting against MILWAUKEE with an ERA of 9.00 and a WHIP of 2.500.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.0 units)

MATT GARZA vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
GARZA is 4-3 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 4.03 and a WHIP of 1.475.
His team's record is 5-6 (-0.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 7-4. (+3.2 units)

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SAN FRANCISCO (7 - 10) at COLORADO (9 - 7) - 8:40 PM
CHRIS HESTON (R) vs. EDDIE BUTLER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN FRANCISCO is 52-45 (+12.6 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 52-45 (+12.6 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 1027-860 (+115.0 Units) against the money line in night games since 1997.
SAN FRANCISCO is 36-28 (+12.3 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 60-45 (+15.2 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 721-708 (+46.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
COLORADO is 51-79 (-27.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 64-81 (-27.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
COLORADO is 3-0 (+3.4 Units) against SAN FRANCISCO this season
3 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+3.2 Units)

CHRIS HESTON vs. COLORADO since 1997
HESTON is 0-1 when starting against COLORADO with an ERA of 1.29 and a WHIP of 1.286.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.3 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

EDDIE BUTLER vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
BUTLER is 1-0 when starting against SAN FRANCISCO with an ERA of 0.00 and a WHIP of 2.064.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.1 units)

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PITTSBURGH (8 - 8) at ARIZONA (8 - 7) - 9:40 PM
GERRIT COLE (R) vs. JOSH COLLMENTER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
PITTSBURGH is 27-42 (-15.5 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 246-480 (-104.4 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
PITTSBURGH is 193-154 (+27.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 20-7 (+13.2 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 133-91 (+31.9 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 3 seasons.
ARIZONA is 72-105 (-28.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 748-658 (-87.7 Units) against the money line in home games since 1997.
ARIZONA is 72-105 (-28.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 54-79 (-23.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 25-46 (-21.7 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

GERRIT COLE vs. ARIZONA since 1997
COLE is 1-0 when starting against ARIZONA with an ERA of 3.00 and a WHIP of 1.167.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

JOSH COLLMENTER vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
COLLMENTER is 0-0 when starting against PITTSBURGH with an ERA of 2.61 and a WHIP of 1.162.
His team's record is 2-0 (+2.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (-0.1 units)

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LA DODGERS (9 - 6) at SAN DIEGO (10 - 7) - 10:10 PM
ZACK GREINKE (R) vs. ANDREW CASHNER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
LA DODGERS are 25-32 (-15.6 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday over the last 3 seasons.
GREINKE is 60-88 (-33.2 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997. (Team's Record)
SAN DIEGO is 15-7 (+9.6 Units) against the money line as a home underdog of +100 to +125 over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 53-35 (+13.0 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 52-34 (+13.0 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 7 or less over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 53-35 (+13.0 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 52-47 (+9.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
GREINKE is 24-6 (+14.7 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GREINKE is 24-8 (+14.4 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
LA DODGERS is 2-1 (+0.6 Units) against SAN DIEGO this season
3 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+3.1 Units)

ZACK GREINKE vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
GREINKE is 4-0 when starting against SAN DIEGO with an ERA of 1.80 and a WHIP of 0.720.
His team's record is 6-2 (+3.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 6-1. (+4.8 units)

ANDREW CASHNER vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
CASHNER is 1-2 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 2.15 and a WHIP of 1.217.
His team's record is 3-4 (-1.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-5. (-3.4 units)

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BOSTON (9 - 7) at BALTIMORE (7 - 9) - 7:05 PM
RICK PORCELLO (R) vs. MIGUEL GONZALEZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 80-99 (-27.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 36-51 (-17.5 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 71-85 (-23.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 56-70 (-19.7 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 56-70 (-18.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 107-79 (+33.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 55-36 (+13.7 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 55-38 (+19.1 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 94-68 (+29.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 77-45 (+37.0 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 83-57 (+30.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 46-32 (+16.4 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 51-36 (+21.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 49-37 (+18.2 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss over the last 3 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 187-310 (-101.5 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive losses since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
BALTIMORE is 2-2 (+0.5 Units) against BOSTON this season
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.0 Units)

RICK PORCELLO vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
PORCELLO is 3-6 when starting against BALTIMORE with an ERA of 5.13 and a WHIP of 1.475.
His team's record is 4-6 (-3.7 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 6-4. (+1.4 units)

MIGUEL GONZALEZ vs. BOSTON since 1997
GONZALEZ is 5-1 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 2.89 and a WHIP of 1.351.
His team's record is 5-2 (+3.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-5. (-4.4 units)

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CLEVELAND (5 - 9) at DETROIT (11 - 5) - 7:05 PM
DANNY SALAZAR (R) vs. SHANE GREENE (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CLEVELAND is 18-37 (-16.7 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +100 to +125 over the last 3 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 15-26 (-15.0 Units) against the money line in April games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 23-25 (-15.1 Units) against the money line in home games in night games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 31-31 (-14.4 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 44-43 (-14.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 3-0 (+3.1 Units) against CLEVELAND this season
3 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+3.0 Units)

DANNY SALAZAR vs. DETROIT since 1997
SALAZAR is 1-1 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 3.27 and a WHIP of 1.151.
His team's record is 2-3 (-0.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-2. (+0.9 units)

SHANE GREENE vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
GREENE is 1-0 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 3.00 and a WHIP of 0.667.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.2 units)

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TORONTO (9 - 7) at TAMPA BAY (8 - 8) - 7:10 PM
R.A. DICKEY (R) vs. DREW SMYLY (L)
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 19-35 (-17.1 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday over the last 3 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 562-645 (+13.9 Units) against the money line against division opponents since 1997.
TAMPA BAY is 85-93 (-26.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 39-51 (-29.6 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 39-51 (-29.6 Units) against the money line in games played in a dome over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 55-62 (-18.5 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 46-57 (-27.8 Units) against the money line in games played on artificial turf over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 30-37 (-19.4 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 23-31 (-18.0 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
SMYLY is 1-7 (-9.9 Units) against the money line in home games after a win over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
TAMPA BAY is 3-1 (+2.6 Units) against TORONTO this season
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.0 Units)

R.A. DICKEY vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
DICKEY is 6-6 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 4.04 and a WHIP of 1.132.
His team's record is 6-8 (-2.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 9-4. (+4.9 units)

DREW SMYLY vs. TORONTO since 1997
SMYLY is 1-0 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 0.00 and a WHIP of 0.222.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.1 units)

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KANSAS CITY (12 - 4) at CHI WHITE SOX (6 - 9) - 8:10 PM
DANNY DUFFY (L) vs. JOSE QUINTANA (L)
Top Trends for this game.
KANSAS CITY is 112-81 (+19.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 57-38 (+21.6 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 14-3 (+13.4 Units) against the money line in road games when playing on Friday over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 108-78 (+17.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 80-55 (+16.5 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 66-46 (+14.9 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 17-35 (-19.8 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday over the last 3 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 33-51 (-21.8 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
KANSAS CITY is 4-0 (+4.4 Units) against CHI WHITE SOX this season
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.1 Units, Under=-0.5 Units)

DANNY DUFFY vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
DUFFY is 2-1 when starting against CHI WHITE SOX with an ERA of 4.57 and a WHIP of 1.292.
His team's record is 4-1 (+2.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-1. (+3.1 units)

JOSE QUINTANA vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
QUINTANA is 0-6 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 4.66 and a WHIP of 1.362.
His team's record is 3-10 (-7.6 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 8-5. (+1.9 units)

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TEXAS (6 - 9) at LA ANGELS (7 - 9) - 10:05 PM
WANDY RODRIGUEZ (L) vs. GARRETT RICHARDS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
TEXAS is 73-104 (-20.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 47-81 (-30.8 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 47-71 (-19.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 22-37 (-17.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 274-202 (+49.0 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday since 1997.
LA ANGELS are 19-7 (+12.2 Units) against the money line after shutting out their opponent over the last 3 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 56-26 (+20.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 49-33 (+25.2 Units) against the money line in road games against division opponents over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA ANGELS is 2-1 (+0.9 Units) against TEXAS this season
2 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.0 Units)

WANDY RODRIGUEZ vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
RODRIGUEZ is 0-0 when starting against LA ANGELS with an ERA of 4.27 and a WHIP of 0.948.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.0 units)

GARRETT RICHARDS vs. TEXAS since 1997
RICHARDS is 5-1 when starting against TEXAS with an ERA of 3.11 and a WHIP of 1.273.
His team's record is 5-5 (+0.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 6-3. (+3.0 units)

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HOUSTON (8 - 7) at OAKLAND (8 - 9) - 10:05 PM
DALLAS KEUCHEL (L) vs. SCOTT KAZMIR (L)
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 42-46 (+10.9 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
KEUCHEL is 20-12 (+13.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
KEUCHEL is 11-6 (+11.0 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
KEUCHEL is 14-4 (+14.4 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
KEUCHEL is 19-11 (+12.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
KEUCHEL is 13-7 (+10.3 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
KEUCHEL is 14-7 (+11.4 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
OAKLAND is 96-84 (-19.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 22-32 (-18.2 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 45-45 (-18.5 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 94-80 (-17.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 7-15 (-10.8 Units) against the money line after getting shut out over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
OAKLAND is 2-1 (+1.0 Units) against HOUSTON this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.9 Units)

DALLAS KEUCHEL vs. OAKLAND since 1997
KEUCHEL is 1-2 when starting against OAKLAND with an ERA of 3.86 and a WHIP of 1.444.
His team's record is 4-3 (+2.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-4. (-1.1 units)

SCOTT KAZMIR vs. HOUSTON since 1997
KAZMIR is 3-1 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 3.10 and a WHIP of 1.155.
His team's record is 6-2 (+1.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-5. (-2.1 units)

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MINNESOTA (6 - 9) at SEATTLE (6 - 9) - 10:10 PM
PHIL HUGHES (R) vs. FELIX HERNANDEZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 22-47 (-21.9 Units) against the money line in road games after shutting out their opponent since 1997.
MINNESOTA is 83-78 (+20.3 Units) against the money line in road games when playing with a day off since 1997.
SEATTLE is 81-90 (-30.7 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons.
SEATTLE is 81-90 (-30.7 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons.
SEATTLE is 2-9 (-9.5 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
SEATTLE is 26-34 (-20.2 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 33-45 (-22.5 Units) against the money line in home games after a win over the last 3 seasons.
SEATTLE is 72-80 (-26.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

PHIL HUGHES vs. SEATTLE since 1997
HUGHES is 5-3 when starting against SEATTLE with an ERA of 3.37 and a WHIP of 1.331.
His team's record is 6-3 (+1.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-4. (+0.9 units)

FELIX HERNANDEZ vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
HERNANDEZ is 7-5 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 2.08 and a WHIP of 0.917.
His team's record is 9-7 (-1.7 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 11-5. (+5.6 units)

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NY METS (13 - 3) at NY YANKEES (9 - 7) - 7:05 PM
JACOB DEGROM (R) vs. MICHAEL PINEDA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
NY YANKEES are 21-10 (+11.7 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 13-3 (+10.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
NY METS are 35-26 (+13.8 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +100 to +125 over the last 3 seasons.
NY METS are 83-85 (+22.3 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 3 seasons.
NY METS are 13-3 (+10.5 Units) against the money line in April games this season.
NY METS are 13-7 (+11.6 Units) against the money line in road games in an inter-league game over the last 3 seasons.
NY METS are 13-3 (+10.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
NY METS are 11-2 (+9.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

JACOB DEGROM vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
DEGROM is 0-1 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 1.29 and a WHIP of 0.857.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.0 units)


MICHAEL PINEDA vs. NY METS since 1997
No recent starts.

[StarDust Bum]

MLB

Friday, April 24


Small chance of showers in Chicago Friday

According to weather forecasts, there is a 45 percent chance of showers at U.S. Cellular Field iN Chicago as the White Sox host the Kansas City Royals Friday evening.

Temperatures will be in the high 40s and wind will blow in from left field at around 9 miles per hour.

Presently, the Sox and Royals are -104 on the moneyline and the total sits at 7.5.


Red Sox undefeated in series openers this season

The Boston Red Sox have competed in five series so far this season and they have gone a perfect 5-0 in the opening contests. The Sox have gotten off to fast starts as they have outscored their opponents 27-11 in the series openers this year.

The 2.20 ERA Sox pitchers have in the first game is a massive improvement over their 4.31 ERA on the seaso as a whole.

The Bo-Sox are currently -106 for their series opener against the Baltimore Orioles Friday.


White Sox continue going under

With a close 3-2 loss Thursday, the Chicago White Sox hit their fourth consecutive under. The Six have been just outscoring their opponents during that span as they've averaged 3.5 runs per game while allowing three runs per game.

Though it's early in the season the White Sox have been a top under play with a 6-9 over/under record on the season.

Chicago continues their weekend series with the Kansas City Royals Friday.

[StarDust Bum]

Weekend Primer

April 24, 2015


Astoundingly, it’s already the last weekend of April. Of course, with baseball starting a bit later than usual this year, this is only the third April weekend that will consist of MLB action, but this upcoming slate of matchups could also prove to be the most exciting weekend of the month. Let’s take a look.

Series To Watch

New York Mets at New York Yankees

It’s only April but this first installment of the 2015 Subway Series has to be considered as the most intriguing meeting between the two New York clubs in several years. On one side, you have the rapidly surging Mets -- aka my main breakout pick for this season -- winners of 11 in a row while improbably owning baseball’s best record. Their opponents, the reemerging Yankees, have played well since a 1-4 start, going 8-3 since that point, including winning three out of four in Detroit this past week.

As a result, the suspense is getting high concerning how both clubs matchup while flashing their impressive streaks. Can the Mets continue their incredible win streak against arguably their toughest competition over this current stretch? Will the Yankees continue to soar and get separation from all the AL East teams that are currently packed together? This is quite the meaningful series.

In the opener on Friday, we could arguably have the most compelling pitching matchup, as reigning NL Rookie of the Year winner Jacob deGrom, who has looked fabulous in his sophomore campaign and enters this one carrying a scoreless streak of over 18 innings, takes on the frequently overpowering Michael Pineda. Tomorrow for the game two, Matt Harvey will make his highly-anticipated first start of the year against the Bronx Bombers, despite being a little dinged up.

Interestingly, both teams currently share the distinction of having the best record in baseball for Over bets. Each team is 10-5-1 towards the Over, including a 4-1 mark for the Yankees at Yankee Stadium. Whether it be having action on the ML, RL, or over/under, this should be a pretty dramatic series to watch unfold. It could also provide further clues concerning how legit each club is. I certainly know both are, given my high predictions for each coming into the season, but this series could further solidify that.

Los Angeles Dodgers at San Diego Padres

These two NL West rivals met in the first series of the season, and since then, each has further confirmed my confident prediction that both clubs would be battling neck-and-neck for first place in the division. San Diego has pulled off their impressive start, thanks in large part to their revamped offense, which is performing, by far, at its best in years, with significantly more home runs and a much higher batting average. The Dodgers, meanwhile, are also getting notable offensive production, which has been more consistent than their usually reliable starting pitching, as both teams enter this intriguing clash tied for the division lead.

With a chance for one of these clubs to really make a statement and grab the first stronghold of the year for NL West supremacy, this could be a very telling series in the early going, and it could be the result of the streaks both teams are currently riding. You have to like the momentum San Diego is on, as despite losing the last two of their four-game set with Colorado, they’re 9-4 and playing with a glaring sense of confidence, as their offense has already proven how legitimate they are, which has given the club a breath of fresh air considering their many dreadful lineups from years’ past.

Los Angeles, on the other hand, is coming off getting swept by their big rivals, the Giants, this past week in San Francisco, despite winning seven in a row prior to that series. Now they come to Petco Park, looking to get back on track, but it won’t be easy, as San Diego looks poised to continue their current run. Game one could be a critical one in terms of momentum, with Zack Greinke taking on Andrew Cashner. Both pitchers are out to nice starts this year and they can potentially set the tone for the rest of the slate. The Dodgers are 1-5 on the road so far this year, perhaps indicating the Padres are in prime position to secure the upper hand here. I’d recommend taking San Diego’s series odds, and then play it by matchup. The pitching matchup in the opener, for example, looks even and should be close.

Boston Red Sox at Baltimore Orioles

Last year, it was the Orioles who won the AL East, while the Red Sox shockingly finished in last, but the teams have flipped positions here in the early going, with Boston assuming a share of first place, and Baltimore finding itself somehow in the division cellar. At the same time, they’re only two games out and potentially could jump back to the top, but with how closely bunched up everyone is at the moment, this looks like it will be a noteworthy American League series in the final weekend of April.

Despite losing their past two games to the fellow division-residing Rays, there’s a lot of positives to take from how Boston has played so far, such as a much improved offense from a year ago. In fact, they’re sixth in baseball with 77 runs scored, which is an average of almost five a game. As a result, they’ve been a terrific play for Over bets, being 10-6 in that regard. There’s no doubt they’ll continue to ride their offense to potential success, making them a seemingly trustworthy play when playing in hitter-friendly parks like Camden Yards.

Baltimore, however, has also been scoring at nice rate, plating only one run less than its counterpart in the same amount of games. Additionally, they’re also tied for the Major League-lead with 22 home runs. Thus, Overs could be the theme of this series, as they generally are when these two offensive-minded clubs meet. When the organizations clashed last weekend, though in a four-game series, it was the Under that went 2-1 (Their Patriot’s Day game Monday morning was called before nine innings so there was no action on any over/under bets in that game). The Orioles enter this series having lost four in a row and definitely need to get back on track after being swept by the Blue Jays, but the Red Sox will certainly seek to pounce on their current misfortunes.

Other Weekend Thoughts

-- Don’t look now but the Astros are in sole possession of first place in the AL West. Yes, it’s only the third week of the season, and yes, every other team in the AL West is currently under .500 -- something that obviously won’t last -- but it’s still very encouraging to see Houston out to their current 8-7 start, after beginning the past handful of seasons dreadfully, which would often result in over losses at season’s end. This year’s version, however, looks pretty legitimate, getting really good pitching from their emerging 1-2 punch of Dallas Keuchel and Colin McHugh, while also seeing their offense start to come into form. With a trio of Jose Altuve, George Springer, and Chris Carter, I really like the foundation and the direction that the lineup is going in. They’ll really be tested this weekend against a team that led the division for a majority of last year, the Athletics, who currently trail right behind them being only one game back. This series also represents a unique clash of teams on the over/under spectrum, with Oakland sporting an MLB-best 11-6-1 record towards Over bets, while Houston has an MLB-best mark for Unders, being 10-4-1 in that department. This is definitely one of the top series of the weekend.

-- With yet another major top prospect up in the bigs, that being Addison Russell, the Cubs are really starting to come into shape as real contender. Kris Bryant, who I pegged two years to become one of the future faces of baseball, has been tremendous, which is especially encouraging after his somewhat disappointing Major League debut, and I easily envision him continuing on his tear consistently as the rest of his rookie season unfolds. Another one of their standout young pups, Jorge Soler, has also looked really good in the early going and has exhibited the potential to finish with over 30 homers this year. They’re just immensely talented and it should be enough to help them separate from most teams sooner than later. That quest begins continues with their second series this year against the division rival Reds, who have slipped up a bit since their 4-0 start. They’re 4-8 since then, including losing that first series to the Cubs at Wrigley Field, so they’ll want to turn it back around or risk extending their slump that would all but erase their promising beginning to the year. I think Chicago will take this series, although you’d like to believe this is the weekend Jon Lester gets back into form already. He’s assigned for game one opposite Mike Leake.

-- Since owning baseball’s best record at 11-2, the Tigers all of a sudden find themselves on their first losing streak of the year, after losing three straight at home to the Yankees. I mention this upcoming series with the Indians because it can be viewed as important for both teams. Aside from the obvious that this is a rivalry series, Detroit will want to regain its strong momentum from the first two weeks of the year, when they were evidently cruising against all comers. Plus, with Kansas City also playing really well, they’re going to want to keep up with last year’s division runner-up, as to avoid being in the tricky Wild Card situation. Cleveland, meanwhile, has slumped, losing eight of their past 11, and cannot afford to fall any further, given how well the top two teams in their division are playing. It will be a tough task to take a series in Detroit, but they need this to snuff out their current losing ways. Nobody wants to enter the second month of the year in a decisive hole.

Fearless Prediction

I’ve been flawless with my “Fearless Prediction” segment through the season thus far in these weekly articles so let’s try and keep it going here. And I plan on doing it with a very safe pick, actually, anointing the Mariners as this weekend’s team to tail, either for the series and/or for each individual game, when they welcome the Twins to Safeco Field. Both teams currently sport the same undesirable 6-9 record, but it’s the Mariners who have the far loftier expectations, with several people, including myself, projecting them to win the division, so I simply think they’ll get on that path here. Minnesota is playing relatively well lately in their own right, having won five of eight since an alarming 1-6 start, but I don’t think that can continue on the road against a superior team that is looking to up their sense of urgency and begin fulfilling their potential; they’ve certainly shown signs of that, especially with the distinct emergence of Nelson Cruz. Plus, the Twins will have to deal with the King himself, Felix Hernandez, in game one, and will counter with their own Opening Day starter, Phil Hughes. If Minnesota can somehow steal that game, then maybe there’s potential for them to steal the series, but Hernandez should get the better of Hughes at home with his very own “King’s Court” surrounding the proceedings.

[StarDust Bum]

Subway Series duel

April 24, 2015


NEW YORK METS (13-3) at NEW YORK YANKEES (9-7)

First pitch: Friday, 7:05 p.m. ET
Sportsbook.ag Line & Total: New York Yankees -120, New York Mets +110, Total: 7

Two of the hottest teams in baseball, the New York Mets and New York Yankees, begin their subway series in the Bronx on Friday night.

The Mets have had the best start in the league to the 2015 campaign and come into this rivalry duel with an 11-game winning streak. All of the victories came against NL East opponents and all but one of them was when they were at home. In their last series against the Braves, they outscored Atlanta 16-6 and finished off the sweep with a nice 6-3 victory on Thursday afternoon. They had just six hits in the win, but were patient at the plate with six walks and got off to an early lead with a bases loaded double in the first inning. With three walks and a hit, 1B Lucas Duda (.351) continued a great season and has six of his eight walks over the last four contests.

The Yankees came out of the gates slow, starting the season 3-6, but have won six of their last seven games which included a sweep of the Rays and most recently they won 3-of-4 contests against a tough Detroit group. They held the potent Tigers’ offense to a mere seven runs in the last three games of the set and capped it off with a tremendous 2-1 win on Thursday. Each team had three hits in the pitchers dual and the difference was a run scored after an Anibal Sanchez balk in the sixth inning. OF Chris Young (.357) had one of the New York hits and he was 7-for-13 with three extra-base hits over his past three outings.

The pitching matchup will peg RHP Jacob DeGrom (2-1, 0.93 ERA) of the visiting Mets against RHP Michael Pineda (2-0, 5.00 ERA) for the Yanks. The Mets have played just six games on the road thus far, splitting them with three wins and three losses as the Yankees have a meager 2-4 record at home. The last few years of this matchup has gone the way of the team from Queens as the Mets are 6-2 since the start of the 2013 campaign and are a perfect 4-0 when playing at Yankee Stadium. The Yankees did do very well in the last two games of this matchup, though, winning in two shutout performances on the road. Before dropping any money on this one, bettors should know that the Mets are 13-7 (.650) in road games in an inter-league contest since the start of 2013 as the Yanks are 21-10 (.677) when the total is seven or less since the beginning of last season. The only two important players that will be missing from this one are C Travis d’Arnaud (Hand) and 3B David Wright (Hamstring) of the Mets.

DeGrom was amazing in his rookie year, blowing away the league with a 2.69 ERA over 22 starts as he struck out 9.2 batters per nine innings. He continued his impressive control from the minors with a low 2.8 BB/9 and allowed just seven homers in 140.1 IP (0.45 HR/9). His performance seems to have staying power as he has been great over his first three starts of 2015, allowing two runs in 19.1 frames with three walks (1.4 BB/9) and 17 strikeouts (7.9 K/9). DeGrom faced this Yankee team once last year and earned a loss despite pitching a great game (7 IP, 1 ER, 4 H, 6 K).

OF Jacoby Ellsbury was the only current Yankee who had a hit against him in that contest when he was 1-for-3 with a double as 1B Garrett Jones (1-for-9, 5 K) really struggled in the matchup when he was a member of the Marlins. The bullpen for the Mets has gone 2-1 with a solid 2.79 ERA (0.90 WHIP) and are 10-for-11 in save opportunities. Jeurys Familia (1.86 ERA, 8 saves) is perfect in his save chances and has a 12:3 K/BB ratio over 9.2 innings of work.

Pineda is vital to the success of the Yankees this year as he hopes to build on a great, yet short, 2014 season. He had a 1.89 ERA over 13 starts in that campaign and walked a miniscule seven batters in 76.1 innings (0.83 BB/9). His ERA thus far (5.00) does seem a little bloated and should begin trending in the opposite direction since he is striking out 10 batters per nine innings as they are hitting an unsustainable .392 BABIP. He has not faced this Mets group in his career and the only players who have had at-bats against him are OFs Michael Cuddyer and Curtis Granderson who are a combined 1-for-6 with two walks. The relievers for the Yankees have been phenomenal in the early going with a 3-2 record and 2.03 ERA (1.09 WHIP) as they’ve been able to successfully save 6-of-7 games. Andrew Miller (0.00 ERA, 6 saves) has been dominant in the closers role with two hits allowed and 15 strikeouts in 7.1 innings on the bump.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Red Sox (9-7) at Orioles (7-9)
Game: 1
Venue: Oriole Park at Camden Yards
Date: April 24, 2015 7:05 PM EDT

The Baltimore Orioles haven't won since knocking around Boston Red Sox right-hander Rick Porcello last weekend.

The Orioles will try to right themselves at Porcello's expense Friday night to end their string of four consecutive defeats in the opener to a three-game series at Camden Yards.

Baltimore (7-9) tagged Porcello for eight runs and 12 hits in five-plus innings of an 8-3 victory Sunday but had to settle for a four-game split at Fenway Park the next day when its lineup produced four hits in a rain-shortened 7-1 loss.

The Orioles have been inconsistent at the plate and their rally from a seven-run deficit started a little too late in a 7-6 loss in Toronto on Thursday. Baltimore has scored six runs in two of its four defeats and a combined three in the other two.

Matt Wieters (elbow), J.J. Hardy (shoulder) and Jonathan Schoop (knee) are among the Orioles hitters who are on the disabled list. Ryan Flaherty, batting .300, has a sore right groin.

"We'll have somebody step up for us. We've just got to keep trusting," manager Buck Showalter said. "We'll see how Ryan is (Friday). We're already prepared if we need to do something. ... This too shall pass."

A second crack at Porcello could get the Orioles straightened out. The right-hander dropped to 1-2 with a 6.63 ERA in his first three starts with Sunday's defeat.

"You have to have a short memory and turn the page," Porcello told MLB's official website after that game. "I have these guys again in five days. I'll be ready to go."

Adam Jones had three of his four hits in that game off Porcello, including a three-run double that chased him in the sixth and a two-run home in the first inning. Jones leads the majors with a .424 average after going 2 for 4 on Thursday and is batting .400 in his last 20 games against Boston after an 8-for-16 performance last week.

The Orioles outfielder will try to provide some more support for Miguel Gonzalez (2-1, 2.55) in his second start against Boston (9-7) in six days. He gave up three runs and four walks in five innings while beating Porcello.

Gonzalez is 5-1 with a 2.89 ERA in seven career starts against the Red Sox, who have lost four of their last six overall.

The Red Sox dropped the final two of their three games in Tampa Bay this week, and the Rays took the series with Rene Rivera's ninth-inning single in a 2-1 victory Thursday. Boston was 5-2 on the road before those back-to-back defeats.

Manny Machado will try to send the Red Sox to another loss while adding to his seven hits in 17 at_bats in the last five games. Machado, who hit two homers and drove in four runs Thursday, is batting .130 (6 for 46) in his past 11 contests against the Red Sox but went 1 for 2 versus Porcello on Sunday.

Boston's David Ortiz is batting .363 with six homers in his last 22 games against Baltimore, but he's 1 for 14 in his last five overall contests and 0 for 7 lifetime versus Gonzalez.

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Dunkel

Friday, April 24

Los Angeles Clippers @ San Antonio Spurs

Game 743-744
April 24, 2015 @ 9:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Los Angeles Clipp
129.626
San Antonio Spurs
131.525
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
San Antonio Spurs
by 2
200
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
San Antonio Spurs
by 4 1/2
204 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Los Angeles Clipp
(+4 1/2); Under

Houston Rockets @ Dallas Mavericks

Game 739-740
April 24, 2015 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Houston Rockets
119.195
Dallas Mavericks
126.453
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Dallas Mavericks
by 7 1/2
219
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Dallas Mavericks
by 1
214 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Dallas Mavericks
(-1); Over

Toronto Raptors @ Washington Wizards

Game 741-742
April 24, 2015 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Toronto Raptors
116.533
Washington Wizard
124.884
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Washington Wizard
by 8 1/2
199
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Washington Wizard
by 4
195 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Washington Wizard
(-4); Over




NBA
Long Sheet

Friday, April 24

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

HOUSTON (58 - 26) at DALLAS (50 - 34) - 4/24/2015, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DALLAS is 224-181 ATS (+24.9 Units) vs. division opponents since 1996.
HOUSTON is 50-33 ATS (+13.7 Units) in all games this season.
HOUSTON is 23-13 ATS (+8.7 Units) second half of the season this season.
HOUSTON is 17-7 ATS (+9.3 Units) when playing with 2 days rest over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 21-10 ATS (+10.0 Units) after a win by 10 points or more this season.
HOUSTON is 29-18 ATS (+9.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
HOUSTON is 18-8 ATS (+9.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season this season.
HOUSTON is 28-17 ATS (+9.3 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.
HOUSTON is 19-10 ATS (+8.0 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season this season.
DALLAS is 34-46 ATS (-16.6 Units) in all games this season.
DALLAS is 12-22 ATS (-12.2 Units) second half of the season this season.
DALLAS is 4-13 ATS (-10.3 Units) after a division game this season.
DALLAS is 9-21 ATS (-14.1 Units) after allowing 105 points or more this season.
DALLAS is 15-29 ATS (-16.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
DALLAS is 8-19 ATS (-12.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season this season.
DALLAS is 18-32 ATS (-17.2 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.
DALLAS is 10-20 ATS (-12.0 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
HOUSTON is 8-6 against the spread versus DALLAS over the last 3 seasons
HOUSTON is 8-6 straight up against DALLAS over the last 3 seasons
7 of 14 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

TORONTO (49 - 35) at WASHINGTON (48 - 36) - 4/24/2015, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 37-46 ATS (-13.6 Units) in all games this season.
TORONTO is 13-23 ATS (-12.3 Units) second half of the season this season.
TORONTO is 14-25 ATS (-13.5 Units) after scoring 105 points or more this season.
TORONTO is 13-24 ATS (-13.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
TORONTO is 158-200 ATS (-62.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season since 1996.
WASHINGTON is 17-5 ATS (+11.5 Units) in April games over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 36-45 ATS (-13.5 Units) in all games this season.
WASHINGTON is 40-53 ATS (-18.3 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 8-20 ATS (-14.0 Units) as a home favorite of 3.5 to 6 points over the last 3 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 34-48 ATS (-18.8 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 129-173 ATS (-61.3 Units) on Friday nights since 1996.
WASHINGTON is 5-15 ATS (-11.5 Units) after allowing 105 points or more this season.
WASHINGTON is 18-28 ATS (-12.8 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
TORONTO is 7-6 against the spread versus WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
TORONTO is 8-5 straight up against WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
9 of 13 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

LA CLIPPERS (57 - 27) at SAN ANTONIO (56 - 28) - 4/24/2015, 9:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LA CLIPPERS are 225-277 ATS (-79.7 Units) after allowing 105 points or more since 1996.
LA CLIPPERS are 171-235 ATS (-87.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season since 1996.
LA CLIPPERS are 130-170 ATS (-57.0 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 902-788 ATS (+35.2 Units) in all games since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 714-607 ATS (+46.3 Units) as a favorite since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 460-382 ATS (+39.8 Units) in home games since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 12-4 ATS (+7.6 Units) in home games second half of the season this season.
SAN ANTONIO is 73-47 ATS (+21.3 Units) in home games in all playoff games since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 26-12 ATS (+12.8 Units) when tied in a playoff series since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 73-54 ATS (+13.6 Units) after scoring 105 points or more over the last 3 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 256-210 ATS (+25.0 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 21-8 ATS (+12.2 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 30-21 ATS (+6.9 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.
SAN ANTONIO is 120-85 ATS (+26.5 Units) in home games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA CLIPPERS is 7-6 against the spread versus SAN ANTONIO over the last 3 seasons
SAN ANTONIO is 7-6 straight up against LA CLIPPERS over the last 3 seasons
8 of 13 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------




NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up

Friday, April 24

Washington has two of three road wins by lower seeded teams in this round; they shot 53% from floor in Game 2, one of only three teams to shoot 50% in playoffs so far- they were also 10-21 on arc. Toronto subs scored more points than starters in first two games- they have only 16 fast break points in two games. Raptors won four of last six road games. Five of their last seven Toronto games stayed under total. Wizards won four of last five at home.

Houston won six of last seven games with Dallas; five of last six series games stayed under total. Rockets won eight of last ten overall; six of their last eight games went over. Dallas is 4-3 in its last six games; nine of its last 11 went over. There were total of 24 points scored on fast break in Game 2, compared to 50 in Game 1. Rockets took 80 FTs, Dallas 55 in first two games. Mavericks won last two home games- their last four losses are all by 10+.

Defending champ Spurs are 12-2 in last 14 first round series, 3-1 in years after they won a title. SA lost three of last three games with Clipper, losing 107-92 in Game 1- Spurs' starting G's shot combined 9-34 from floor in first two games; Parker is hurt-- Mills had 18 off the bench to save Game 2. LA won seven of its last eight games overall, winning last four on road. Spurs won 12 of last 14 games; they lost first playoff game in three of four championship seasons

Home favorites are 8-8 in this round, home dogs are 1-2; home teams are 13-6 SU, with four of six road wins in OT-- over is 7-12.

2015 playoffs
Brooklyn vs Atlanta
Atl 99-92, -10, U201.5
Atl 96-91, -9.5, U202

Boston vs Cleveland
Clev 113-100, -11.5, O203
Clev 99-91, -11, U206
Clev 103-95, -4, U204

Milwaukee vs Chicago
Chi 103-91, -8, O186
Chi 91-82, -8, U190.5
Chi 113-106, 2OT, -2.5, O187

Washington vs Toronto
Wash 93-86 OT, +4, U194.5
Wash 117-106, +5, O193.5

New Orleans vs Golden State
GSt 106-99, -12, U205
GSt 97-87, -13, U206.5
GSt 123-119 OT, -5, O203

Dallas vs Houston
Hst 118-108, -5.5, O212.5
Hst 111-99, -6.5, U214

San Antonio vs LA Clippers
LAC 107-92, -1.5, U207
SA 111-107 OT, +1.5, O207.5

Portland vs Memphis
Mem 100-86, -5.5, U188.5
Mem 97-82, -6, U189

East vs West
SU: West 242-177 ATS: West 214-202-3
East teams HF vs West: 56-57
East teams HU vs West: 46-52
West teams HF vs East: 81-79-3
West teams HU vs East: 24-21




NBA

Friday, April 24

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Report
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

7:00 PM
HOUSTON vs. DALLAS
Houston is 2-8 SU in its last 10 games when playing on the road against Dallas
Houston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Dallas's last 6 games when playing Houston
Dallas is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Houston

8:00 PM
TORONTO vs. WASHINGTON
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Toronto's last 14 games on the road
Toronto is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Washington's last 14 games when playing Toronto
Washington is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games when playing Toronto

9:30 PM
LA CLIPPERS vs. SAN ANTONIO
The total has gone OVER in 8 of the LA Clippers last 11 games when playing San Antonio
LA Clippers are 2-4 ATS in their last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of San Antonio's last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 8 of San Antonio's last 11 games when playing LA Clippers

[StarDust Bum]

NBA

Friday, April 24

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Game of the Day: Friday's NBA Playoffs matchups
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Houston Rockets at Dallas Mavericks (-1, 214.5)
Rockets lead series 2-0

The Rajon Rondo experiment is having disastrous effects for the Dallas Mavericks, and the Houston Rockets are taking advantage. The Rockets will try to move to 3-0 in the best-of-seven series when they visit the Mavericks for Game 3 on Friday.

Rondo was brought in to stabilize the point guard spot but has done anything but in his short tenure in Dallas. The mercurial former All-Star was on the court for just 10 minutes in Game 2 before finally heading to the bench permanently after drawing a technical foul for shoving Houston guard James Harden less than a minute into the second half, and he will sit out Game 3 with a back injury. "All I know right now is that we need everybody at their competitive best,” Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle told reporters. “This isn't about one guy who did or didn't play. This is about everybody pulling in the same direction for the organization.” A more pressing matter might be finding a way to stop Rockets center Dwight Howard, who put up 28 points and 12 rebounds in Game 2.

TRENDS:

*Rockets are 8-1 ATS in their last 9 games playing on 2 days rest.
*Mavericks are 6-16 ATS in their last 22 games overall.
*Over is 8-2 in Mavericks last 10 home games.
*Under is 5-1 in the last 6 meetings.


Toronto Raptors at Washington Wizards (-4, 195.5)
Wizards lead series 2-0

The Toronto Raptors have dug themselves a hole and badly need a victory when they visit the Washington Wizards in Friday’s Game 3 of the Eastern Conference first-round series. Toronto lost the first two games at home and Washington can further take control of the series by delivering another salvo.

Wizards coach Randy Wittman knows his squad has carved out an advantage but he continues to view the series as wide open. “It’s hard winning four games in a series, and as you continue to move on, the harder it gets,” Wittman told reporters. “Game 3 on Friday is going to be harder to play in than these first two games. It just gets that way as the series moves on.” The Raptors are well aware of the situation they face but aren’t willing to concede anything. “It’s far from over,” Toronto guard DeMar DeRozan told reporters. “Our confidence is still high. All we’ve got to do is take it game by game.”

TRENDS:

*Raptors are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 Conference Quarterfinals games.
*Wizards are 8-2-1 ATS in their last 11 games following a ATS win.
*Under is 10-4 in the last 14 meetings.
*Over is 9-1 in Wizards last 10 games playing on 2 days rest.


Los Angeles Clippers at San Antonio Spurs (-4, 204.5)
Series tied 1-1

Tim Duncan doesn’t play basketball like someone who turns 39 on Saturday and he is the sole reason why the host San Antonio Spurs gained a split of two games in Los Angeles to begin the Western Conference first-round series. Duncan had 28 points to lead the Spurs to a 111-107 overtime win on Wednesday and he attempts to help sixth-seeded San Antonio take the lead over the third-seeded Clippers on Friday.

Duncan was 14-of-23 shooting and collected 11 rebounds in his latest grand performance and continues to show no sign of declining. “He was spectacular. He continues to amaze me with the things that he is able to do,” Spurs coach Gregg Popovich told reporters. “He knows he had to stay on the court and he figured out a way to do it. He continued to be aggressive, which is pretty amazing.” Los Angeles power forward Blake Griffin had a big Game 2 with 29 points, 12 rebounds and 11 assists but it was tainted by five turnovers, including a highly costly one at the end of the regulation that led to the Spurs tying the game and forcing overtime. “You know, that game is pretty much 100 percent on me,” Griffin told reporters. “I’ve just got to take care of the ball.”

TRENDS:

*Underdog is 11-3 ATS in the last 14 meetings.
*Spurs are 8-1 ATS in their last 9 home games.
*Over is 8-3 in the last 11 meetings.
*Under is 6-1 in Clippers last 7 games following a S.U. loss.

[StarDust Bum]

NBA

Friday, April 24


Tony Parker, San Antonio - Ques Fri

Parker left Game 2 of the Western Conference Quarterfinals against the Clippers with a tight right achilles and is questionable for Game 3.



NBA roundup: Warriors, Bulls work OT for wins

NEW ORLEANS -- Stephen Curry hit a miracle 3-pointer from the left corner over Anthony Davis to force overtime, and the Golden State Warriors erased a 20-point, fourth-quarter deficit behind Curry's game-high 40 points for an improbable 123-119 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Thursday night at the Smoothie King Center.

The incredible comeback gave the Warriors a 3-0 lead in the best-of-seven Western Conference first-round playoff series.

Curry was unstoppable in the fourth quarter and in overtime. The point guard's 3-pointer with 2.8 seconds left in regulation gave him 10 points for the quarter and tied the game at 108. Curry then opened overtime by burying another 3-pointer from the right wing.

Davis led New Orleans with 29 points and 15 rebounds. Golden State guard Klay Thompson scored 28 points.

Bulls 113, Bucks 106 (2OT)

MILWAUKEE -- Derrick Rose scored 34 points, Jimmy Butler had 24, and Chicago took a commanding 3-0 lead in its first-round Eastern Conference playoff series against Milwaukee with a double-overtime victory.

Rose scored nine points in the third quarter, and he added seven in the final overtime as the Bulls scored 13 straight points. Chicago forward Pau Gasol added 17 points and 14 rebounds.

Milwaukee missed its first four shots from the field and turned the ball over three times during the second overtime, allowing the Bulls to pull away.

Forward Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 25 points and grabbed 12 rebounds for the Bucks, who got 19 points from point guard Michael Carter-Williams, 18 points from guard Khris Middleton and 15 points and 14 rebounds from forward John Henson.

Cavaliers 103, Celtics 95

BOSTON -- LeBron James scored 31 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, helping Cleveland move within one game of advancing in the Eastern Conference playoffs. The Cavaliers, seeded No. 2 in the East, can complete a four-game sweep of feisty seventh-seeded Boston on Sunday.

James added four assists and four steals. He shot 13-for-26 from the floor and also blocked two shots. Cleveland forward Kevin Love had 23 points and nine rebounds, and guard J.R. Smith added 15 points.

Guard Evan Turner led the Celtics with 19 points, eight rebounds and eight assists. Guard Avery Bradley added 18 points, and forward Jae Crowder finished with 16 points.

[StarDust Bum]

NBA

Friday, April 24


Bulls extend winning steak, paying out for bettors

With a double overtime victory over the Milwaukee Bucks the Chicago Bulls extend their winning streak to seven games, while winning their fifth consecutive game against the spread.

The Bulls have won their past seven games by an average of 11 points. Their five game ATS winning streak is the longest of the Bulls series.

Chicago will look to make it six straight covers and close out their Round 1 series against the Milwaukee Bucks Saturday.


Warriors continue to win on court, lose at window

The Golden State Warriors may have a 3-0 series lead over the New Orleans Pelicans, but they have now failed to cover in six straight after Thursday. Despite winning all six of those games, the Warriors continue their longest ATS losing streak of the season.

Golden State has been winning by an average of just under seven points per game over their past six, but have faced an average closing spread of -11.5.

The Warriors will look to correct their poor ATS play and close out their first round series with the Pelicans Saturday.

[StarDust Bum]

Friday's Tip Sheet

April 24, 2015

Rockets at Mavericks – 7:05 PM EST
Game 3 – Houston leads 2-0

The Mavericks are not only running out of time in their season, but they are starting to run out of healthy bodies. Houston goes for a commanding 3-0 series lead as things shift to the American Airlines Center for the next two games following a 111-99 home victory in Tuesday’s Game 2. The Rockets covered for the second straight game, this time as six-point favorites to beat Dallas for the fifth time in six tries this season.

Rajon Rondo will sit for the remainder of the series as the Mavericks’ point guard suffered a back injury in the Game 2 loss. It’s not like Rondo was dominating, as the former Celtics’ standout scored four points in less than 10 minutes of action, while Dallas shot 37% from the floor. Dirk Nowitzki and Monta Ellis combined to shoot 11-of-37 from the field, as the Mavs played without swingman Chandler Parsons, who will miss the rest of the series with a right knee injury.

Houston’s one-two punch of James Harden and Dwight Howard dominated Dallas in Game 2 with a total of 52 points, while Harden has converted 28-of-30 free throw attempts in the first two wins. The Rockets led by one point heading into the fourth quarter, but outscored the Mavs, 30-19 in the final 12 minutes to grab their first 2-0 series advantage since the opening round of 2007 against Utah.

VegasInsider.com NBA analyst Chris David provides his thoughts on Game 3, “Houston overmatched Dallas in each of the first two games and I wasn’t surprised by the results because the Mavs are the weakest defensive team in the playoffs. I don’t believe you’re going to get a double-digit victory by either team in Game 3 just based on their recent tendencies. In last year’s playoffs, Dallas went 2-1 SU and 3-0 ATS against the Spurs and all three games were decided by a combined seven points. Coincidentally, the Rockets also played three tight first round matchups to the Trail Blazers and they went 1-2 SU and 3-0 ATS while winning the one game by five and losing the two by a total of four points.”

From a totals standpoint, David says tonight’s matchup is tricky to handicap, “Game 1 went ‘over’ and even though Game 2 went ‘under’ the number, we were real close to seeing the Rockets-Over combo connect again but the Mavericks went cold in the fourth quarter. The total still seems a tad inflated and while it’s dangerous to go ‘under’ with Houston’s pace and ability to get free throws, I’m a little hesitant of this spot. I believe the early start (6:00 p.m. CT) will affect both teams and you can already look at how it’s factored into other series (Washington-Toronto, New Orleans-Golden State).”

Raptors at Wizards – 8:05 PM EST
Game 3 – Washington leads 2-0

Six home teams captured a 2-0 series edge through the first eight series, while the Wizards were the only road squad to win each of the first two games. For the second straight postseason, Washington heads home with a 2-0 lead after beating Toronto at the Air Canada Center in Game 2 by a 117-106 count as five-point underdogs. The Wizards opened things up with a 34-18 second quarter, while the backcourt of John Wall and Bradley Beal combined to score 54 points (Wall added 17 assists).

The only positive for the Raptors coming out of Game 2 was the production of their bench, which scored 56 points, led by 20 from Lou Williams. The major negative is the lack of production from Kyle Lowry, who shot 3-of-10 from the floor for six points, as the Toronto point guard has put up just 13 points through two games. Lowry suffered a shin contusion in Game 2, but is expected to play tonight. With the loss, the Raptors fell to 2-7 ATS the past nine games overall, which includes a 1-5 ATS mark as a favorite.

Washington improved to an incredible 7-1 SU and 8-0 ATS the past two postseasons in the underdog role, but as a favorite has been a different story. Randy Wittman’s club owns a dreadful 1-4 SU/ATS record when laying points in the playoffs since 2014, while losing Game 3 to the Bulls in last season’s first round after taking a 2-0 series lead. In all five games as a favorite, the Wizards failed to bust the 100-point mark, while scoring in triple-digits in five of eight tries as an underdog.

The Raptors have won three straight visits to the Verizon Center, including a 120-116 overtime triumph as five-point underdogs on January 31, as Toronto picked up the victory in spite of blowing a 21-point lead. Since that win in D.C., Toronto owns a 4-7 ATS record as a road ‘dog with the only straight-up victories coming at Atlanta, Indiana, and Miami.

Clippers at Spurs – 9:35 PM EST
Game 3 – Series tied 1-1

The only series that has seen both teams pick up a win so far is the one that most expected to be the most intriguing. The Clippers wiped out the Spurs in Game 1 at Staples Center, but San Antonio held off Los Angeles in overtime of Game 2 to even up the series. The Spurs held a 10-point lead with under seven minutes remaining in regulation, but the Clippers erased that deficit to take a 94-92 advantage with 50 seconds left. Patty Mills knocked down a pair of free throws for the Spurs to force overtime, much to the chagrin of ‘under’ backers.

The total closed at 206 ½, but the two teams combined for 31 points in overtime as the Spurs captured a 111-107 triumph to avoid an 0-2 hole. Tim Duncan paced San Antonio with 28 points and 11 rebounds, while overcoming just one point from Tony Parker in 30 minutes, as the Spurs’ All-Star guard will play tonight in spite of an ankle injury. The Clippers misfired on 20 three-point attempts, while missing 17 free throw attempts, including 11 misses from center DeAndre Jordan.

David isn’t buying into the defending champs at home, “Game 3 is a very tough to game to handicap and while most believe the Spurs won the series after capturing Game 2 on Wednesday, I wouldn’t dismiss the Clippers just yet and I believe the oddsmakers agree with that statement. To put things in perspective, San Antonio has won 17 of its last 20 at home against the Clippers yet they opened the Spurs as 3 ½-point favorites for Game 3 and I believe that number is a tad short. When these teams met in the 2012 playoffs, San Antonio was giving double digits at home to the Clippers, which tells you how much closer these clubs are this season.”

The two matchups in San Antonio between these teams this season were dramatically different as the Spurs outlasted the Clippers, 125-118 in late December, while L.A. blasted San Antonio, 105-85 one month later. In the first meeting at the AT&T Center, San Antonio shot lights out at a 63% clip, as Gregg Popovich’s club drilled 13 three-pointers, while Boris Diaw put up 23 points off the bench. In the second matchup, the Clippers limited the Spurs to just 37% from the floor, as Duncan and Parker combined for nine points.

[StarDust Bum]

NHL
Dunkel

Friday, April 24

Ottawa Senators @ Montreal Canadiens

Game 83-84
April 24, 2015 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Ottawa Senators
13.230
Montreal Canadien
14.795
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Montreal Canadien
by 1 1/2
6
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Montreal Canadien
-165
5
Dunkel Pick:
Montreal Canadien
(-165); Over

Pittsburgh Penguins @ New York Rangers

Game 81-82
April 24, 2015 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Pittsburgh Pengui
10.236
New York Rangers
12.397
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
New York Rangers
by 2
6
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
New York Rangers
-185
5
Dunkel Pick:
New York Rangers
(-185); Over

Minnesota Wild @ St. Louis Blues

Game 85-86
April 24, 2015 @ 9:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Minnesota Wild
13.109
St. Louis Blues
9.708
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Minnesota Wild
by 3 1/2
4
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
St. Louis Blues
-150
5
Dunkel Pick:
Minnesota Wild
(+130); Under




NHL
Long Sheet

Friday, April 24

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PITTSBURGH (44-29-0-13, 101 pts.) at NY RANGERS (56-23-0-7, 119 pts.) - 4/24/2015, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PITTSBURGH is 44-42 ATS (-22.6 Units) in all games this season.
PITTSBURGH is 2-8 ATS (-9.4 Units) in April games this season.
PITTSBURGH is 21-28 ATS (-20.8 Units) second half of the season this season.
PITTSBURGH is 10-24 ATS (-26.6 Units) vs. division opponents this season.
PITTSBURGH is 7-16 ATS (-10.1 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
NY RANGERS are 56-30 ATS (+23.8 Units) in all games this season.
NY RANGERS are 36-15 ATS (+13.9 Units) second half of the season this season.
NY RANGERS are 26-8 ATS (+12.9 Units) vs. division opponents this season.
NY RANGERS are 128-126 ATS (-63.9 Units) in home games after a division game since 1996.
NY RANGERS are 166-199 ATS (-118.7 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY RANGERS is 13-11 (+2.7 Units) against the spread versus PITTSBURGH over the last 3 seasons
NY RANGERS is 13-11-0 straight up against PITTSBURGH over the last 3 seasons
12 of 23 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+0.1 Units)

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OTTAWA (44-27-0-15, 103 pts.) at MONTREAL (53-23-0-10, 116 pts.) - 4/24/2015, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MONTREAL is 53-33 ATS (+89.8 Units) in all games this season.
MONTREAL is 47-28 ATS (+12.9 Units) vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
MONTREAL is 46-28 ATS (+9.5 Units) after a division game over the last 2 seasons.
MONTREAL is 23-15 ATS (+1.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
MONTREAL is 31-24 ATS (+55.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
OTTAWA is 29-21 ATS (+5.4 Units) second half of the season this season.
OTTAWA is 20-13 ATS (+33.2 Units) after a division game this season.
OTTAWA is 13-7 ATS (+21.6 Units) in road games after scoring 1 goal or less in their previous game over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
OTTAWA is 12-10 (+3.0 Units) against the spread versus MONTREAL over the last 3 seasons
OTTAWA is 12-10-0 straight up against MONTREAL over the last 3 seasons
12 of 20 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+4.9 Units)

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MINNESOTA (48-30-0-8, 104 pts.) at ST LOUIS (53-26-0-7, 113 pts.) - 4/24/2015, 9:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 18-11 ATS (+29.3 Units) in a road game where where the total is 5 or less this season.
MINNESOTA is 17-8 ATS (+25.3 Units) in road games second half of the season this season.
MINNESOTA is 11-6 ATS (+18.5 Units) in road games vs. division opponents this season.
MINNESOTA is 165-146 ATS (+317.6 Units) after scoring 1 goal or less in their previous game since 1996.
MINNESOTA is 11-4 ATS (+15.7 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
ST LOUIS is 11-5 (+5.2 Units) against the spread versus MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
ST LOUIS is 11-5-0 straight up against MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
7 of 12 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+1.4 Units)

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NHL
Armadillo's Write-Up

Friday, April 24

Ottawa scored Game 4's only goal at 9:05 of third period after Montreal won previous two games in OT- Game 4 was only game Senators haven't led after first period. Six of nine Montreal goals have come in second period, as Canadiens outshot Ottawa 62-37 in 2nd period in series. Montreal won five of its last six games overall, allowing 14 goals; over is 5-2-3 in their last ten games. Ottawa is lost four of last five visits to Montreal. Over is 7-3-2 in last eleven series games. Canadiens are 1-16 on power play in series, Ottawa is 3-12.

Rangers won nine of last 11 games with Pittsburgh, winning four of last five played here. Penguins lost eight of last ten games overall, nine of their last twelve stayed under. Rangers won nine of last 11 games overall, with three of four in this series ending 2-1. Last three games, there were total of only 28 shots on goal (16-12 Pitt) in first period. Penguins were held without shot in OT of Game 4, as Rangers scored on third shot at 3:14 of OT to win and set up elimination game here. Rangers are just 2-17 on power play in series, Pens are 2-10.

St Louis scored couple goals 1:25 apart to open scoring in decisive 6-1 Game 4 win that evened series and gave Blues home ice edge back. Blues had 10 first period shots, only third time in series they had 10+ shots in a period- they're still just 1-7 on power play in series. Minnesota split its last four in St Louis- they won the two games in this series when St Louis didn't score in first period. Wild is 1-5 on power play last three games, after scoring half their goals (2-4) with man edge in Game 1. Over is 4-1-1 in last six series games.

Home teams are 22-13 in this round; over is 16-14-5

2015 NHL playoffs
Montreal vs Ottawa
Mtl 4-3, -$140, O5
Mtl 3-2 OT, -$140, N5
Mtl 2-1 OT, +$110, U5
Ott 1-0, -$106, U5

Tampa Bay vs Detroit
Det 3-2, +$155, U5.5
TB 5-1, -$200, U5.5
Det 3-0, -$105, U5.5
TB 3-2 OT, -$107, N5

NY Rangers vs Pittsburgh
NYR 2-1, -$180, U5
Pitt 4-3, +$175, O5
NYR 2-1, even U5
NYR 2-1 OT, -$119, U5

Washington vs NY Islanders
NYI 4-1, +125, N5
Wash 4-3, -$135, O5.5
NYI 2-1 OT, -$140, U5.5
Wash 2-1 OT, +$125, U5.5
Wash 5-1, -4130, O5

St Louis vs Minnesota
Minn 4-2, +$125, O5
StL 4-1, -$140, N5
Minn 3-0, -$135, U5
StL 6-1, +$128, O5

Nashville vs Chicago
Chi 4-3 2OT, +$105, O5
Nash 6-2, -$120, O5
Chi 4-2, -$160, O5
Chi 3-2 3OT, -$160, U5.5
Nash 5-2, -$119, O5

Anaheim vs Winnipeg
Ana 4-2, -$150, O5
Ana 2-1, -$150, U5
Ana 5-4 OT, +$120, O5
Ana 5-2, +$106, O5.5
Ducks win series, 4-0

Vancouver vs Calgary
Cal 2-1, +$135, U5
Van 4-1, -$155, N5
Cal 4-2, -$115, O5
Cal 3-1, -$120, U5
Van 2-1, -$147, U5




NHL

Friday, April 24

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Trend Report
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7:00 PM
OTTAWA vs. MONTREAL
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Ottawa's last 7 games when playing on the road against Montreal
Ottawa is 11-5 SU in its last 16 games on the road
Montreal is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
Montreal is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Ottawa

7:00 PM
PITTSBURGH vs. NY RANGERS
Pittsburgh is 1-5 SU in their last 6 games when playing NY Rangers
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Pittsburgh's last 10 games when playing NY Rangers
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of the NY Rangers last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of the NY Rangers last 10 games when playing Pittsburgh

9:30 PM
MINNESOTA vs. ST. LOUIS
Minnesota is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games when playing on the road against St. Louis
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Minnesota's last 6 games when playing St. Louis
St. Louis is 13-5 SU in its last 18 games when playing Minnesota
St. Louis is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games at home

10:00 PM
WINNIPEG vs. ANAHEIM
Winnipeg is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Anaheim
Winnipeg is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Anaheim's last 7 games when playing at home against Winnipeg
Anaheim is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games at home

[StarDust Bum]

NHL

Friday, April 24

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday's NHL Playoffs betting cheat sheet
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Ottawa Senators at Montreal Canadiens (-166, 5)
Canadiens lead series 3-1

The Ottawa Senators have played their best when there has been little margin for error. After staving off a sweep by scoring the lone goal of the last contest, the Senators look to prevent their season from coming to an end when they visit the Montreal Canadiens on Friday in Game 5 of their Eastern Conference first-round series.

"We have a hard road to travel and there's no reason why we can't be in the next game also," said Craig Anderson, who made 28 saves in a 1-0 win on Wednesday and has stopped 75-of-77 shots since relieving Andrew Hammond. Rookie Mike Hoffman scored the lone goal midway into the third period for Ottawa, which also stepped up its game when the regular season was slipping away by posting a 21-3-3 mark in its final 27 contests. Montreal was unable to secure its second sweep of a first-round foe in as many years, but Carey Price isn't hanging his head. "We've just got to do the same thing," Price said. "There's no secret to it; their backs are against the wall."

TRENDS:

*Senators are 11-2 in their last 13 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game.
*Home team is 6-2 in the last 8 meetings.
*Over is 5-0-2 in the last 7 meetings in Montreal.
*Under is 5-1-1 in Senators last 7 vs. Atlantic.


Pittsburgh Penguins at New York Rangers (-185, 5)
Rangers lead series 3-1

After setting a franchise record in wins during the regular season, the New York Rangers need just one more to advance to the second round in the Eastern Conference playoffs. The Presidents' Trophy-winning Rangers look to accomplish that feat and complete another early postseason exit for the Pittsburgh Penguins when the Metropolitan Division rivals meet at Madison Square Garden in Game 5 on Friday.

Although New York is enjoying the upper hand in the series, coach Alain Vigneault is keeping a keen eye on an opponent that knows all too well that a 3-1 lead can evaporate in short order. After all, the Rangers overcame that very deficit to derail the Penguins in the second round last year. "Pittsburgh has elite players and great balance up front, and a goalie who has won a Stanley Cup and proven he's one of the top guys in the league," Vigneault said. While all of that holds water, captain Sidney Crosby's two goals came in the Penguins' 4-3 win in Game 2, Evgeni Malkin has been plagued by an undisclosed injury and Marc-Andre Fleury has been undone by a lack of offensive support.

TRENDS:

*Penguins are 1-4 in the last 5 meetings in New York.
*Rangers are 32-12 in their last 44 games following a win.
*Under is 14-5 in Penguins last 19 games playing on 1 days rest.
*Under is 4-1 in Rangers last 5 Conference Quarterfinals games.


Minnesota Wild at St. Louis Blues (-139, 5)
Series tied 2-2

Having reclaimed home ice with a dominating performance in a lopsided romp, the St. Louis Blues are riding a wave of optimism as they prepare to host the Minnesota Wild in Friday's Game 5 of their Western Conference first-round playoff series. Vladimir Tarasenko scored a pair of goals as the Blues drubbed the Wild 6-1 on Wednesday to level the best-of-seven series at two games apiece.

"We're going to play our game now. We're not going to chase it around the rink like we did the first three games," St. Louis coach Ken Hitchcock said." This is the way it's going to be for the next little while. If they can match it, great on them." The Blues amassed their highest postseason goal total since 2003 to snap a nine-game playoff drought on the road. Minnesota suffered the worst postseason defeat in franchise history only two nights after a convincing 3-0 victory over St. Louis. “We went from feeling awesome about ourselves, feeling like we can’t be beat after last game, and then you get a little dose of reality, a little slap in the face,” Wild forward Zach Parise said.

TRENDS:

*Wild are 5-1 in their last 6 when their opponent scores 5 goals or more in their previous game.
*Blues are 66-30 in their last 96 home games.
*Over is 4-1-1 in the last 6 meetings.
*Over is 5-1 in Wild last 6 following a loss of 3 or more goals.

[StarDust Bum]

NHL

Friday, April 24


Over tickets cashing in Montreal

Despite being known for a defensive approach this season, the Montreal Canadiens have been exciting fans in the Bell Centre as of late going 4-0-2 over/under in their past six games at home.

The Habs have averaged 3.5 goals while allowing 3.3 in those six contests. The combined 6.8 goals per game, is a full two goals more than their season average.

Montreal will look to close out their Round 1 series against the Ottawa Senators Friday.



NHL roundup: Lightning storm back in Detroit

DETROIT -- Tyler Johnson's second goal of the game, 2:25 into overtime, completed the Tampa Bay Lightning's comeback from a two-goal deficit, and gave them a 3-2 win against the Detroit Red Wings on Thursday at Joe Louis Arena to tie the Eastern Conference first-round playoff series at 2-2.

Johnson also had an assist and Ondrej Palat had a goal and an assist for Tampa Bay while Ben Bishop stopped 22 shots.

Gustav Nyquist and Joakim Andersson scored for Detroit. Petr Mrazek stopped 26 shots.

Capitals 5, Islanders 1

WASHINGTON -- Rookie Evgeny Kuznetsov scored two goals and assisted on another to lead Washington over the New York Islanders in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference first-round playoff series.

Karl Alzner, Brooks Laich and Jason Chimera also scored for the Capitals, who can clinch the best-of-seven series with a victory on Saturday at Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, N.Y.

Center Josh Bailey scored the only goal for the Islanders, who are looking to stay alive in their final season in the 43-year-old Coliseum.

Predators 5, Blackhawks 2

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Scoring three goals in a 2:27 span early in the third period, Nashville staved off elimination in Game 5 of its Western Conference quarterfinal series with Chicago.

Filip Forsberg scored a hat trick and James Neal and Colin Wilson also added goals in the win for Nashville. Goalie Pekka Rinne finished with 28 saves for the Predators, who will go back to Chicago on Saturday night for Game 6.

Kris Versteeg and Brad Richards scored for Chicago while Scott Darling made 24 saves.

Canucks 2, Flames 1

VANCOUVER, British Columbia -- Daniel Sedin scored the go-ahead goal early in the third period as Vancouver topped Calgary to stay alive in their first-round series.

The Flames still lead the best-of-seven series 3-2 with Game 6 to be played Saturday night in Calgary.

Nick Bonino also scored for Vancouver, who trailed 1-0 after the first period.

David Jones scored for Calgary.

[StarDust Bum]

NHL

Friday, April 24


Favorites dominant on ice Thursday

Moneyline favorites skated to a perfect 4-0 night in playoff action Thursday.

Faves have posted a dominant record of 23-8-4 heading into Friday's slate of games, and have gone 20-4-3 in the past week.


Predators-Blackhawks continue to go over

Another over cashed for bettors in the Nashville Predators and Chicago Blackhawks series Thursday, bringing the Over/Under record to 4-1 so far.

Through their five games so far the Preds have averaged 3.6 goals while the 'Hawks have tallied 3 goals per game. The one under was in Game 4 when the team's combined for five goals on a 5.5 total.

Nashville and Chicago continue their series in the Windy City Saturday.