The Bum's Best Bets For Sunday April 26th - MLB - NBA -NHL !

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Preview: Dodgers (11-6) at Padres (10-9)
Game: 3
Venue: PETCO Park
Date: April 26, 2015 4:10 PM EDT

The Los Angeles Dodgers appeared to have few issues without Yasiel Puig in the lineup in their latest game against the San Diego Padres. They might not have too many more if Adrian Gonzalez continues to torment his former team.

Gonzalez will try to add to his homer binge against the Padres while leading Los Angeles to its first road sweep of its NL West rivals in five years Sunday.

Dodgers manager Don Mattingly said Saturday that Puig might be heading to the disabled list after he was forced to leave Friday's series opener with a strained left hamstring. The outfielder was batting .355 with two homers in his eight games before getting hurt.

"I still think it's a possibility. We just don't know," Mattingly told MLB's official website.

Even without Puig, the Dodgers topped the Padres 11-8 on Saturday with Gonzalez putting them ahead for good with a three-run homer in the second inning. The Los Angeles first baseman has hit six of his NL-best seven home runs and has 10 of his 18 RBIs in the five games against his former team.

He's batting .449 (22 for 49) with eight homers in a 11-game hit streak in the series.

Andre Ethier had three hits and three RBIs while filling in for Puig in right field. The Dodgers (11-6) had 13 hits after batting .214 and scoring nine runs in their prior four games.

The Dodgers, 1-5 in their first six road games, will try to hit their way to their first sweep in San Diego since May 14-16, 2010. They haven't swept the Padres in any park since Aug. 30-Sept. 1, 2013.

Los Angeles will also try to provide support to Scott Baker in his season debut. The right-hander is being called up as the latest pitcher to start in place of the injured Hyun-Jin Ryu.

The Dodgers signed him to a minor league contract April 3, five days after he was released by the New York Yankees.

Baker is 65-52 with a 4.23 ERA in 170 career starts and was 2-4 with a 5.80 ERA in eight for Texas in 2014.

He will pitch opposite Brandon Morrow (0-0, 3.15) in this matchup. The right-hander gave up five runs in six innings in his latest start Tuesday in Colorado after putting up a 1.29 ERA in his first two for the Padres - both at home - and avoided the loss only when his teammates rallied for a 7-6 win.

Morrow has never faced the Dodgers but Gonzalez has seen him before, going 5 for 14 with two doubles. Carl Crawford, batting .533 in an eight-game hit streak versus San Diego, is just 3 for 18 against him.

Justin Upton, 0 for 6 lifetime against Baker, is batting .349 with 16 RBIs in a 12-game hit streak against the Dodgers and has reached base in 17 in a row. He homered twice and drove in five runs Saturday.

"He has real power. His ability to hit homers to all parts of the park is legit," manager Bud Black said. "He has all-field power."

San Diego (10-9), which has lost four straight overall, has dropped its first series at home since the All-Star break last year. The Padres had been 11-0-1 since then in series at Petco Park.

SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Dodgers at Padres
Fri, Apr 24 Final 3 to 0
Boxscores

GAME 2
Dodgers at Padres
Sat, Apr 25 Final 11 to 8
Boxscores

GAME 3
Dodgers at Padres
Sun, Apr 26 - 4:10PM EDT

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Preview: Rangers (6-11) at Angels (9-9)
Game: 3
Venue: Angel Stadium of Anaheim
Date: April 26, 2015 3:35 PM EDT

Offense is a major problem for the Texas Rangers, and they're hoping Josh Hamilton's expected return can solve it.

Having Nick Martinez on the mound is another way around the issue.

With a deal to re-acquire Hamilton reportedly agreed upon, the Rangers will again look to Martinez for another strong performance in order to salvage Sunday's series finale with the Los Angeles Angels.

Texas (6-11) is last in the majors with a .211 batting average and showing few signs of improvement, hitting .198 with eight runs while going 2 for 17 with runners in scoring position during a three-game losing streak.

They're hoping help is on the way, and reportedly a deal that would return Hamilton to Texas from the Angels (9-9) is pending approval due to financial details. The 2010 AL MVP is recovering from shoulder surgery.

The Rangers could've used any help at all in Saturday's 4-1 defeat to the Angels, as seven of their eight hits were singles and they went 0 for 8 with runners in scoring position.

"There is the passing of the baton in the positive manner and the passing of the baton in the negative manner," manager Jeff Banister told MLB's official website. "They are all looking to get the big hit and they want to get the big hit. They understand what is at stake. I'm sure the young guys are pressing and the veteran guys are calm. They know it's part of the process."

Texas may not need to do much offensively with Martinez (2-0, 0.45 ERA) getting the ball. The right-hander has allowed one earned run in 20 innings through three starts, and they've all ended in Rangers wins.

Martinez yielded one run in six innings while not figuring in the decision of a 7-1 win at Arizona on Tuesday. That came after he allowed one unearned run in seven innings of an 8-2 win over the Angeles on April 14.

He had lost his two previous starts against them, surrendering eight runs in 12 innings.

The Angels have won three games in a row despite a .202 batting average, thanks to the pitching staff yielding three runs.

"We'll feel better when we get some guys swinging the bats, but we're getting some wins, and hopefully we'll keep it going," manager Mike Scioscia said. "We don't want to rely on our pitchers this much."

Hector Santiago (2-1, 2.45) gets the ball in an effort to win a third straight start for the first time in his career.

The left-hander allowed one run and four hits in seven innings of a 10-2 win at Texas on April 15. He followed that up six days later by yielding one run with eight strikeouts in six innings of a 14-1 victory over Oakland.

"Everything was working, all five or six pitches that I throw, I threw for strikes," Santiago said.

He wasn't anywhere near that effective at home against the Rangers on Sept. 19, getting hammered for seven runs before being pulled with no outs in the second inning of a 12-3 loss.

Santiago has struggled against Adrian Beltre and Prince Fielder. Beltre is 6 for 16 with three homers over the past three seasons against him, while Fielder is 7 for 18 in the overall matchup.

Beltre is starting to turn things around, going 5 for 17 in five games after batting .140 through the first 12.

Fielder, though, leads Texas with a .373 average.

SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Rangers at Angels
Fri, Apr 24 Final 2 to 3
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Rangers at Angels
Sat, Apr 25 Final 1 to 4
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Rangers at Angels
Sun, Apr 26 - 3:35PM EDT

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Preview: Twins (7-10) at Mariners (7-10)
Game: 3
Venue: Safeco Field
Date: April 26, 2015 4:10 PM EDT

Minnesota is starting to figure things out on the road, but Kyle Gibson's struggles away from home have carried over from the end of last season.

Gibson will try to shake his road woes Sunday against the Seattle Mariners and help the Twins to a rare series win away from Minnesota.

The Twins (7-10) got off to a brutal start on the road, totaling 19 runs while going 1-7. Saturday's 8-5 victory gave Minnesota, which has scored 26 runs in going 4-2 at home, its second win in three road games and a chance to take its first road series in nine tries.

Gibson (1-2, 5.87 ERA) has lost his last four road starts dating to Sept. 11, posting a 9.00 ERA while walking 14 batters in 19 innings. He has allowed nine earned runs in 8 2-3 innings over two road outings this year against Detroit and Kansas City. Meanwhile, the right-hander has won his last three home starts with a 2.75 ERA.

Safeco Field proved friendly in his last visit. He threw six shutout innings in an 8-1 win there July 9 and is 2-1 with a 3.00 ERA in three career matchups with Seattle.

Minnesota would especially benefit from a lengthy outing after six pitchers threw 5 2-3 innings Saturday in relief of Trevor May, who exited due to an elbow contusion.

The Twins relied on a balanced attack offensively with seven different players driving in at least one run.

"There were a lot of contributions," manager Paul Molitor said. "We talked about it, if we're going to be effective offensively it's going to have to be balanced."

They're hoping Brian Dozier's second two-hit performance in three games is a sign of things to come as he has just one homer and five RBIs in 17 games after a breakout 2014 in which he went deep 23 times with 71 RBIs.

Bad defense continues to plague the Mariners (7-10), who have 14 errors after committing three Saturday, and third baseman Kyle Seager has four after committing eight last year. Seattle is 4-1 when it doesn't have an error.

Hisashi Iwakuma was originally scheduled to start but went on the disabled list Friday with a right lat strain. He's expected to miss two to four weeks.

"I'm being very positive with the situation. It's minor," he told MLB's official website. "It's not bad, as we saw on the MRI, so I want to come back soon and help the team and contribute."

Roenis Elias is expected to be called up from Triple-A for his season debut. Elias was impressive in the second half as a rookie last year, recording a 2.31 ERA over his final 10 outings, but didn't make the team out of spring training after going 0-2 with a 6.75 ERA in five games, including four starts. He's 2-0 in three starts for Tacoma despite allowing 14 earned runs in 15 2-3 innings.

His two matchups with Minnesota last year aren't encouraging, either, as he gave up 10 earned runs in 10 1-3 innings while losing both times. Dozier was 4 for 5 against him with a home run and two doubles.

Robinson Cano is 18 for 44 with nine runs during an 11-game hitting streak and 34 for 71 (.479) over his last 18 against the Twins.

SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Twins at Mariners
Fri, Apr 24 Final 0 to 2
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Twins at Mariners
Sat, Apr 25 Final 8 to 5
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Twins at Mariners
Sun, Apr 26 - 4:10PM EDT

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Sunday's Early Tips

April 26, 2015

Sunday's Late Tips

The NBA Playoffs continue Sunday afternoon with a nationally televised double-header as Cleveland looks to sweep Boston before the Clippers and Spurs meet in a crucial game in their Western Conference series.

Playoffs Betting Results

Cleveland at Boston (ABC, 1:00 p.m. ET)

The Cavaliers have jumped out to a 3-0 lead in their best-of-seven series against the Celtics and for all intent purposes, this matchup is over. One offshore sportsbook, 5Dimes.eu, is still giving Boston a shot to win the series but it’s a longshot. The Celtics are 30,000/1 underdogs (Bet $100 to win $30,000) to rip off four consecutive victories against the Cavaliers.

Oddsmakers aren’t expecting Boston to get one, installing Cleveland as a seven-point road favorite in Game 4.

VegasInsider.com NBA expert Kevin Rogers believes the Cavs are a decent look in this spot just based on betting tendencies.

He explained, “The Cavaliers have responded well as road favorites since early March, posting a solid 7-4 against the spread record, which includes their Game 3 win and cover at Boston. Meanwhile, the Celtics fell to 3-5 both straight up and against the spread in their last eight games at TD Garden, while owning a 1-6 both SU and ATS mark this season at home off a home loss.”

Cleveland definitely has the edge with the above trends but the key factor in this series is talent. The Cavaliers have won all five meaningful games against the Celtics this season and even though Boston has been somewhat competitive in this series, it’s never been a major threat.

Rogers believes Boston has one legit player and he needs to step up on Sunday. “Boston has struggled from three-point range in this series (19 of 63), as the Celtics need a strong effort from Isaiah Thomas if they have any shot at extending this series, scoring just five points in the Game 3 loss,” said Rogers.

The Cavaliers haven’t been much better, shooting just 36 percent as a team, but their best sharpshooters in Kevin Love (10-of-19) and Kyrie Irving (10-of-20) have both lit up Boston from 3-point land.

In Saturday’s NBA Playoffs, bettors had two teams in Milwaukee and New Orleans looking to avoid sweeps on their homecourts. The Bucks nipped the Bulls but the Pelicans fell short to the Warriors.

The ‘under’ has cashed in two of the first three meetings in this series and Sunday’s total opened 203 ½ and has dropped to 202 ½, which is the lowest number thus far.

If necessary, the two teams will meet in Game 5 at Quicken Loans Arena on Tuesday from Cleveland.

L.A. Clippers at San Antonio (ABC, 3:30 p.m. ET)

It’s often been said that bad losses tend to linger in the postseason and that was the case on Friday. After losing Game 2 at home in overtime 111-107 last Wednesday to the Spurs, the Clippers followed up that setback with a complete dud.

San Antonio dominated Los Angeles 100-73 as a five-point home favorite in Game 3. The 27-point margin was the largest in this year’s postseason and the 73 points posted by the Clippers was also the worst offensive effort and a franchise record low for points scored in a playoff game.

I’m one of the so-called pundits that believed Los Angeles could win this series but Chris Paul, Blake Griffin and the rest of the team are living up to their billing as a “soft” team.

VI’s Kevin Rogers wasn’t surprised by the outcome on Friday in Game 3. He said, “Following Friday’s loss, the Clippers dropped to 3-12 in their last 15 road playoff games, with nine of those losses coming by double-digits. To make matters worse for Los Angeles, the Clippers have covered just five of their previous 21 postseason contests since 2013, while losing six of eight playoff contests since beating the Thunder in the second round opener last season. “

Including the loss in Game 3, San Antonio has won 18 of its last 21 home meetings against the Clippers and it’s listed as a six-point favorite at home in Game 4.

Can the Clippers steal a win and even up the series? Rogers answered, “Since blowing a late lead to Cleveland in an early March setback, the Spurs have won 10 straight games at the AT&T Center, with all 10 victories coming by double-digits. Nobody has come close to beating them at home recently and the effort from the Clippers in Game 3 doesn’t provide much confidence.”

Los Angeles All-Star point guard Chris Paul struggled in Game 3 with seven points after putting up a combined 53 in the first two games. It’s rare to see him play poorly in back-to-back spots and he appears to be ready to go after losing Game 3. "We beat them Game 1, they beat us Game 2," Paul said. "They came out, did what we did in Game 1 against us here. Now we've got to show some resolve."

Most would also expect Paul to exploit the Spurs’ Tony Parker, who is playing injured and its showing. He hasn’t logged over 30 minutes in any game and he’s shooting 25 percent (7-of-28) with just nine assists in the series. If the Clippers can’t beat the Spurs with a banged-up Parker, then you wonder who could they get past in the Western Conference.

The ‘under’ has gone 2-1 in the series and could be 3-0 if Game 2 didn’t go to overtime. Books sent out an opener of 202 for Game 4 and that number has been bet down to 199 ½ at some betting shops.

For those believing the Clippers will knot the series at 2-2 on Sunday, you might want to check out the adjusted series prices at Sportsbook.ag where Los Angeles is a plus-330 (Bet $100 to win $330) underdog to win the best-of-seven series.

Game 5 will take place on Tuesday from the Staples Center in Los Angeles.

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Warriors confident after sweep of Pelicans

NEW ORLEANS (AP) - Golden State coach Steve Kerr dead-panned that he'd be relaxing on the beaches of Cabo San Lucas while waiting to find out who would be the Warriors' second-round playoff opponent.

''I'll be in Cabo all week. I told the guys just to get some work in if they want,'' Kerr said, unable to stop himself from smiling before he got to the end of the sentence.

Among those who won't be laughing is the Warriors' next opponent, which will have to figure out how to stop Stephen Curry and Co. from scoring in bunches, as they did in their convincing four-game sweep of burgeoning young All-Star Anthony Davis and the upstart New Orleans Pelicans.

Now Golden State awaits the winner of the Memphis-Portland matchup. Memphis leads the series 3-0.

On Saturday night, the Warriors came through with their most complete performance of the first-round, building a 13-point lead at halftime, widening it to 24 late in the third quarter and squelching the Pelicans' desperate, last-gasp bid in the fourth quarter, 109-98.

Curry scored against anyone the Pelicans sent out to guard him, including 6-foot-10 Anthony Davis, in the clinching game. He also hit 6 of 8 3s he put up to finish with 39 points.

When he wasn't scoring, he had plenty of help from Klay Thompson and Draymond Green.

Curry averaged 33.8 points during the series, while Thompson averaged 25 points and Green, 15.8.

''You play great defense and all of a sudden it looks like they're throwing up a shot, but it goes in,'' Davis said. ''It's tough. Hats off to them. They made incredible shots through the course of the series. We tried our best to stay attached to them, but they did a great job. Some of it was us and some of it was them hitting tough shots.''

Meanwhile, Andrew Bogut made it hard on any Pelican player trying to score inside, blocking eight shots in the series and altering many more.

''They're built to win a championship. They're probably the most complete team that we faced, them and San Antonio,'' Pelicans coach Monty Williams said. ''I had to watch games that they lost just to see what teams did against them because you just don't see it when they're winning games. You're like, `Where's the weakness?' So to me, they just don't have many weaknesses, if any. Obviously they're well coached and they have great players.''

While the Pelicans narrowly made the playoffs as the Western Conference's eighth seed, they appeared to improve through the season, winning eight of their last 11 high-pressure games to pass Oklahoma City for the conference's final playoff spot.

Jrue Holiday, who had missed three months with a lower right leg injury, got healthy enough to play about 15 or so minutes per game just before the playoffs began, adding a boost to a team that already was already getting double-digit scoring from Davis, Tyreke Evans, Eric Gordon and Ryan Anderson.

Meanwhile, 7-footer Omer Asik was averaging nearly 10 rebounds as he helped Davis protect the paint.

Yet the Warriors were in control for most of the series. The exception was Game 3, when they trailed by 20 entering the fourth quarter - on the road - yet still found a way to tie it at the end of regulation and win in overtime.

If there was a character-defining moment for the Warriors in their first-round series, that was it, and they celebrated as if it was a clinching triumph. For practical purposes, it may well have been as no NBA team has ever overcome a 3-0 playoff series hole.

''We still have a long way to go to accomplish what we want to do,'' Thompson said. ''We've had a bull's eye on our back the whole year, but that makes it more fun. If you want to be great, you have to have high expectations. ... We've still got guys who really want to go deep in the postseason, including myself, who haven't had that experience yet.''

The Warriors foresee tougher challenges ahead, but appear confident they'll improve on last season's second-round exit.

''If we just keep our composure to start games, especially on the road, we'll be fine,'' Curry said. ''Our defense is what it is; it's carried us all season, and that will be there for us. But, offensively, if we just stick to who we are, moving the basketball, looking for the best shot every possession, our talent will shine across the board and we'll be in good shape.''

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NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up

Sunday, April 26

Lebron James is 40-7 in first round games in his career; Cleveland won nine of last 11 games overall, covering three of its last nine; they were 32-88 on ar in first three wins, as Irving was on court for 120 minutes, James 126- they get lot of rest if they win this game and end series. Boston covered nine of its last 12 games overall; they had only 25 fast break points in first three games, were -20 on the boards.

Gortat was huge in Game 3, with 24 points, 13 boards, four blocks, as Wizards took 3-0 series edge; NBA teams with 3-0 series edge are 111-0 in those series. Toronto has only 25 fast break points in two games. Raptors won four of last seven road games. Five of their last eight Toronto games stayed under total. Wizards won five of last six at home. Toronto bench is -85 in last two games.

Houston won seven of last eight games with Dallas; five of last seven series games stayed under total. Rockets won nine of last eleven overall; seven of their last nine games went over. Dallas is 4-4 in its last eight games; 10 of its last 12 went over. Both teams shot 50%+ in Game 3, as defense took night off; Dallas had 72 at the half and still lost- they had 33 fast break points, most by any team in playoffs so far.

Whatever Clippers have left in tank, would expect best effort here after they got bamboozled in Game 3. Defending champ Spurs are 12-2 in last 14 first round series, 3-1 in years after they won a title. Clippers had won seven in row before losing Games 2-3; they got eviscerated Friday, losing by 27 and it wasn't that close. Spurs won 13 of last 15 games; five of their subs played 15+ minutes in Game 3, thats how stress-free the game was.

Home favorites are 10-10 in this round, home dogs are 3-3; home teams are 17-9 SU-- over is 10-16.

2015 playoffs
Brooklyn vs Atlanta
Atl 99-92, -10, U201.5
Atl 96-91, -9.5, U202
Brook 91-83, +3.5, U199

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
Mil 92-90, +4, U190

Washington vs Toronto
Wash 93-86 OT, +4, U194.5
Wash 117-106, +5, O193.5
Wash 106-99, -4.5, O195.5

New Orleans vs Golden State
GSt 106-99, -12, U205
GSt 97-87, -13, U206.5
GSt 123-119 OT, -5, O203
GSt 109-98, -6.5, U208
Warriors win series, 4-0

Dallas vs Houston
Hst 118-108, -5.5, O212.5
Hst 111-99, -6.5, U214
Hst 130-128, +1, O214.5

San Antonio vs LA Clippers
LAC 107-92, -1.5, U207
SA 111-107 OT, +1.5, O207.5
SA 100-73, -5, U203.5

Portland vs Memphis
Mem 100-86, -5.5, U188.5
Mem 97-82, -6, U189
Mem 115-109, +3.5, O189

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

Sunday, April 26

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Trend Report
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1:00 PM
CLEVELAND vs. BOSTON
Cleveland is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing Boston
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Cleveland's last 6 games when playing Boston
Boston is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games
Boston is 12-6 SU in its last 18 games at home

3:30 PM
LA CLIPPERS vs. SAN ANTONIO
LA Clippers are 8-1 SU in their last 9 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 8 of the LA Clippers last 12 games when playing San Antonio
San Antonio is 13-2 SU in its last 15 games
San Antonio is 17-8 SU in their last 25 games when playing LA Clippers

6:30 PM
TORONTO vs. WASHINGTON
Toronto is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games
Toronto is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Washington
Washington is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home
Washington is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games when playing at home against Toronto

9:00 PM
HOUSTON vs. DALLAS
Houston is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Houston is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing Dallas
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Dallas's last 11 games at home
Dallas is 3-6 ATS in its last 9 games at home

[StarDust Bum]

NBA

Sunday, April 26

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Game of the Day: Sunday's NBA Playoffs matchups
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Cleveland Cavaliers at Boston Celtics (+7, 203)
Cavaliers lead series 3-0

The scrappy Boston Celtics are giving it they’re all, but the Cleveland Cavaliers might just be too much for them to handle. The Cavaliers will try to wrap up a four-game sweep in the Eastern Conference series when they visit the Celtics on Sunday.

Cleveland star LeBron James has increased his scoring and rebounding in each of the first three games, up to 31 points and 11 boards in Game 3. “LeBron’s leadership is obviously a huge factor, because he’s the guy that not only guys follow but they feel him, they sense him,” Cavaliers coach David Blatt told reporters, “and his control in these games has been outstanding both in terms of seizing the moment, but also talking guys through situations.” Boston is trying to make history as the first NBA team ever to come back from a 3-0 deficit in a best-of-seven series. “You have a game Sunday,” Celtics coach Brad Stevens told reporters. “You prepare for the game. Play to the best of your ability.”

TRENDS:

*Cavaliers are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games following a ATS win.
*Celtics are 12-5-1 ATS in their last 18 home games.
*Under is 5-0 in Cavaliers last 5 vs. a team with a losing S.U. record.
*Under is 9-2 in Celtics last 11 Conference Quarterfinals games.


Los Angeles Clippers at San Antonio Spurs (-6, 200)
Spurs lead series 2-1

Kawhi Leonard and the sixth-seeded San Antonio Spurs annihilated Los Angeles to take the series lead and attempt to stretch it to a 3-1 advantage when they host the Clippers on Sunday in the Western Conference first-round series. Leonard scored a career-best 32 points in Friday’s Game 3 as the Spurs rolled to a 100-73 dismantling of third-seeded Los Angeles.

Leonard was awarded his NBA Defensive Player of the Year trophy prior to the game and then went on an offensive splurge by making 13-of-18 shots. “He can put on a show like that in a situation like this,” power forward Tim Duncan told reporters. “It’s not only great for us but it’s impressive to watch.” The Clippers will be focused on improvement and evening up a series that started out well when they won Game 1 before the Spurs rebounded. “I just know we got our butts kicked,” Los Angeles coach Doc Rivers told reporters after the worst playoff defeat in franchise history. “They played terrific basketball and we didn’t.”

TRENDS:

*Clippers are 1-5-1 ATS in their last 7 games overall.
*Spurs are 13-3 ATS in their last 16 home games.
*Over is 6-1 in Clippers last 7 games after scoring less than 75 points in their previous game.
*Under is 8-2 in Spurs last 10 games playing on 1 days rest.


Toronto Raptors at Washington Wizards (-5.5, 197.5)
Wizards lead series 3-0

Paul Pierce and the fifth-seeded Washington Wizards look to finish off the visiting Toronto Raptors when Game 4 of the Eastern Conference first-round series commences on Sunday. No NBA team has recovered from a 3-0 deficit in a playoff series so fourth-seeded Toronto faces a monumental task.

Pierce tossed verbal intimidation at the Raptors prior to the series and has been tormenting them on the court during it. The veteran forward scored 11 of his 18 points in the fourth quarter of Game 3 as Washington recorded a 106-99 victory. The Toronto players are having a hard time with the notion of now having to win four straight games but coach Dwane Casey insists his squad won’t be rolling over. “We’re still on life support. It’s not over yet,” Casey told reporters. “There’s no ‘give-up’ on this team.”

TRENDS:

*Raptors are 0-6 ATS in their last 6 Conference Quarterfinals games.
*Wizards are 8-1-2 ATS in their last 11 games overall.
*Over is 4-0 in Raptors last 4 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
*Over is 9-2 in Wizards last 11 home games.


Houston Rockets at Dallas Mavericks (+2.5, 220)
Rockets lead series 3-0

The Houston Rockets are bullying their way to the Western Conference semifinals, at least according to the Dallas Mavericks. The Rockets have been the more physical team in the first three games will try to wrap up a four-game sweep when they visit the Mavericks for Game 4 on Sunday.

Houston and Dallas were each whistled for 28 personal fouls in Game 3, but Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle felt there could have been more on the visitors. “Look, referees miss calls, but there's just a lot of physical stuff going on out there that just doesn't look kosher to me,” Carlisle told reporters. “They're a more physical team, but this series has got to be played within the rules.” Carlisle called out Rockets center Dwight Howard, who grabbed a postseason career-high 26 rebounds, in particular after the contest. “It's a long series, and my job is to be dominant in the paint and just do my best,” Howard told reporters in response. “I don't think about it when I'm out there. I just go out there and play.”

TRENDS:

*Rockets are 6-0 ATS in their last 6 vs. Western Conference.
*Mavericks are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
*Over is 7-1 in Rockets last 8 vs. Western Conference.
*Over is 8-1 in Mavericks last 9 overall.

[StarDust Bum]

NBA

Sunday, April 26


NBA roundup: Nets beat Hawks; series now at 2-1

NEW YORK -- Center Brook Lopez scored 22 points and the Brooklyn Nets pulled away early in the fourth quarter for a 91-83 victory over the Atlanta Hawks in Game 3 of their first-round series on Saturday afternoon.

Rookie forward Bojan Bogdanovic added 19 points and forward Thaddeus Young, who apologized to teammates for having subpar games in Atlanta, added 18.

Six of Young's points came late in the third quarter, when he started Brooklyn's decisive 18-0 run that ensured Monday would not be an elimination game. Atlanta leads the best-of-seven series 2-1.

Bucks 92, Bulls 90

MILWAUKEE -- Jerryd Bayless hit a wide open layup as time expired, and Milwaukee staved off elimination with a victory over Chicago at the BMO Harris Bradley Center.

Shooting guard O.J. Mayo gave the Bucks a nine-point lead, sinking a long 3-pointer as the shot clock expired with 3:01 left. Jimmy Butler and Pau Gasol rallied the Bulls and the game was tied in the closing seconds when Chicago star Derrick Rose was stripped of the ball.

After a Bucks' timeout, Khris Middleton inbounded to Bayless, whose layup went through the net as time expired.

Warriors 109, Pelicans 98

NEW ORLEANS -- Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green combined for 86 points to power Golden State to a first-round playoff sweep over New Orleans at the Smoothie King Center.

After hitting the miracle 3-pointer from the left corner to pave the way for a dramatic victory over the Pelicans on Thursday, Curry scored 27 of his game-high 39 points in the first three quarter as the Warriors built an 88-67 lead.

Thompson scored 25 points and Green added 22 points and 10 rebounds for the Warriors, who advanced to play the winner of the Memphis-Portland series in the second round.

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Long Sheet

Sunday, April 26

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

CLEVELAND (56 - 29) at BOSTON (40 - 45) - 4/26/2015, 1:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 49-35 ATS (+10.5 Units) in all games this season.
BOSTON is 32-19 ATS (+11.1 Units) as an underdog this season.
BOSTON is 25-14 ATS (+9.6 Units) second half of the season this season.
BOSTON is 33-22 ATS (+8.8 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent this season.
BOSTON is 14-5 ATS (+8.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season this season.
BOSTON is 26-16 ATS (+8.4 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 7-7 against the spread versus CLEVELAND over the last 3 seasons
BOSTON is 7-7 straight up against CLEVELAND over the last 3 seasons
9 of 14 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

LA CLIPPERS (57 - 28) at SAN ANTONIO (57 - 28) - 4/26/2015, 3:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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TORONTO (49 - 36) at WASHINGTON (49 - 36) - 4/26/2015, 6:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 37-47 ATS (-14.7 Units) in all games this season.
TORONTO is 13-24 ATS (-13.4 Units) second half of the season this season.
TORONTO is 13-25 ATS (-14.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
TORONTO is 6-14 ATS (-9.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season this season.
WASHINGTON is 18-5 ATS (+12.5 Units) in April games over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 37-45 ATS (-12.5 Units) in all games this season.
WASHINGTON is 35-48 ATS (-17.8 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 0-8 ATS (-8.8 Units) on Sunday games this season.
WASHINGTON is 19-28 ATS (-11.8 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.

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

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HOUSTON (59 - 26) at DALLAS (50 - 35) - 4/26/2015, 9:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 51-33 ATS (+14.7 Units) in all games this season.
HOUSTON is 14-6 ATS (+7.4 Units) when the total is greater than or equal to 210 this season.
HOUSTON is 36-21 ATS (+12.9 Units) as a favorite this season.
HOUSTON is 24-13 ATS (+9.7 Units) second half of the season this season.
HOUSTON is 115-74 ATS (+33.6 Units) in road games after allowing 105 points or more since 1996.
HOUSTON is 30-18 ATS (+10.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
HOUSTON is 19-8 ATS (+10.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season this season.
HOUSTON is 29-17 ATS (+10.3 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.
HOUSTON is 18-9 ATS (+8.1 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season this season.
HOUSTON is 32-23 ATS (+6.7 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.
HOUSTON is 20-10 ATS (+9.0 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season this season.
DALLAS is 34-47 ATS (-17.7 Units) in all games this season.
DALLAS is 8-18 ATS (-11.8 Units) as an underdog this season.
DALLAS is 15-24 ATS (-11.4 Units) in home games this season.
DALLAS is 12-23 ATS (-13.3 Units) second half of the season this season.
DALLAS is 4-14 ATS (-11.4 Units) after a division game this season.
DALLAS is 9-22 ATS (-15.2 Units) after allowing 105 points or more this season.
DALLAS is 6-15 ATS (-10.5 Units) in home games after scoring 105 points or more this season.
DALLAS is 15-30 ATS (-18.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
DALLAS is 8-20 ATS (-14.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season this season.
DALLAS is 19-28 ATS (-11.8 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.
DALLAS is 9-18 ATS (-10.8 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season this season.
DALLAS is 18-33 ATS (-18.3 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.
DALLAS is 10-21 ATS (-13.1 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
HOUSTON is 9-6 against the spread versus DALLAS over the last 3 seasons
HOUSTON is 9-6 straight up against DALLAS over the last 3 seasons
8 of 15 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Dunkel

Sunday, April 26


Cleveland Cavaliers @ Boston Celtics

Game 501-502
April 26, 2015 @ 1:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Cleveland Cavalie
125.250
Boston Celtics
124.446
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Cleveland Cavalie
by 1
213
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Cleveland Cavalie
by 7 1/2
202 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Boston Celtics
(+7 1/2); Over

Los Angeles Clippers @ San Antonio Spurs

Game 503-504
April 26, 2015 @ 3:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Los Angeles Clipp
127.430
San Antonio Spurs
131.721
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
San Antonio Spurs
by 4 1/2
213
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
San Antonio Spurs
by 6 1/2
200
Dunkel Pick:
Los Angeles Clipp
(+6 1/2); Over

Toronto Raptors @ Washington Wizards

Game 505-506
April 26, 2015 @ 6:35 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Toronto Raptors
116.268
Washington Wizard
125.149
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Washington Wizard
by 9
185
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Washington Wizard
by 5 1/2
198
Dunkel Pick:
Washington Wizard
(-5 1/2); Under

Houston Rockets @ Dallas Mavericks

Game 507-508
April 26, 2015 @ 9:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Houston Rockets
125.885
Dallas Mavericks
121.224
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Houston Rockets
by 4 1/2
210
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Houston Rockets
by 2 1/2
220
Dunkel Pick:
Houston Rockets
(-2 1/2); Under

[StarDust Bum]

NBA

Sunday, April 26


Wizards' PG John Wall, probable Sunday

Wall is dealing with a shoulder injury but is expected to play in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals against the Raptors.


Celtics' PF Jared Sullinger, probable Sunday

Sullinger is dealing with a tailbone injury but is expected to play Sunday against the Cavaliers.


Cavaliers and Celtics have been playing to the under

The under is 5-1 in the last six meetings between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Boston Celtics, and is 2-1 in the series.

The total for Sunday's Game 4 is the lowest the series has seen so far at 203.5.

[StarDust Bum]

NHL
Armadillo's Write-Up

Sunday, April 26

Game 4 is still only game in series Senators haven't led after first period. Montreal won pair of OT tilts in Games 2-3, then didn't score for five periods in losing last two games. Six of ten Montreal goals have come in second period, as Canadiens outshot Ottawa 73-42 in 2nd period in series. Montreal won five of its last seven games overall; over is 6-2-3 in their last 11 games. Over is 8-3-2 in last thirteen series games. Canadiens are 1-19 on power play in series, Ottawa is 5-16.

Road team won three of five games in Minnesota-St Louis series, with no one-goal games yet; Game 5 was first time that team that scored first lost. St Louis was outscored 2-1 in 1st/3rd periods of last game despite outshooting Wild 31-6 in those two periods. Blues won game following last four losses. Minnesota lost three of last four home games; they're 4-11 on power play in series, St Louis is 3-9. Blues are 2-3 in last five visits here. Over is 4-1-2 in last seven series games.

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
Ott 5-1, _$139, O5

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
Det 4-0, +$173, U5

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
NYR 2-1 OT, -$178, U5
Rangers win series 4-1

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, -$130, O5
NYI 3-1, -$130, U5

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

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
Chi 4-3, -$147, O5
Blackhawks win series, 4-2

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
Cal 7-4, -$125, O5
Flames win series, 4-2




NHL

Sunday, April 26

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

3:00 PM
ST. LOUIS vs. MINNESOTA
St. Louis is 13-6 SU in its last 19 games when playing Minnesota
St. Louis is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Minnesota is 6-13 SU in its last 19 games when playing St. Louis
Minnesota is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against St. Louis

6:00 PM
MONTREAL vs. OTTAWA
Montreal is 3-9 SU in its last 12 games when playing on the road against Ottawa
Montreal is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games
Ottawa is 9-3 SU in its last 12 games when playing at home against Montreal
Ottawa is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home

[StarDust Bum]

NHL

Sunday, April 26

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday's NHL Playoffs betting cheat sheet
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

St. Louis Blues at Minnesota Wild (-135, 5)
Wild lead series 3-2

With home ice not presenting much of an advantage, the St. Louis Blues hope to continue that trend and stave off elimination when they visit the Minnesota Wild on Sunday afternoon in Game 6 of their Western Conference first-round series. The Wild bounced back from a 6-1 drubbing at home in Game 4 with a 4-1 victory in St. Louis to take a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven series.

"Game 6 is obviously going to be a great challenge," Minnesota coach Mike Yeo said. "I think we're very aware that home ice has not been a huge advantage in this series. That's going to be a great challenge." The Blues, champions of the Central Division, are trying to avoid their third consecutive first-round ouster after blowing 2-0 series leads in the playoffs in each of the past two seasons. “This thing’s going to push you right to the brink multiple times,” St. Louis defenseman Alex Pietrangelo said, “so it’s a good test for us to regroup here and bring this thing back to home ice in Game 7.” The teams have alternated wins and losses in the first five games, with the last four contests decided by at least three goals.

TRENDS:

*Blues are 13-6 in the last 19 meetings.
*Wild are 1-4 in their last 5 games following a win.
*Over is 4-1-2 in the last 7 meetings.
*Over is 5-1-2 in Wild last 8 Conference Quarterfinals games.


Montreal Canadiens at Ottawa Senators (-120, 5)
Canadiens lead series 3-2

Although the Ottawa Senators were lovin' "The Hamburglar" during the regular season, they seem to be pretty fond of Craig Anderson as well. Anderson, who has stopped 73 of the last 74 shots he faced to help the Senators twice stave off elimination, will need to be at his best on Sunday as the team hosts the Montreal Canadiens in Game 6 of their Eastern Conference first-round series.

"He has a history of being a real good goalie in crucial games in the playoffs," Ottawa coach Dave Cameron said of Anderson, who trimmed Montreal's series lead to 3-2 after making 45 saves in Ottawa's 5-1 triumph in Game 5 on Friday. "I don't know why anyone's surprised." The Senators have played well with their backs against the wall in 2014-15, posting a 23-4-4 season-ending run to qualify for the playoffs. Defenseman Tom Gilbert scored early in the third period of Game 5 for the Atlantic Division-champion Canadiens, ending Anderson's shutout streak at nearly 102 minutes.

TRENDS:

*Home team is 18-8 in the last 26 meetings.
*Canadiens are 4-1 in their last 5 games following a loss of 3 or more goals.
*Over is 8-3-2 in the last 13 meetings.
*Over is 7-3 in Senators last 10 home games.

[StarDust Bum]

NHL
Long Sheet

Sunday, April 26

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ST LOUIS (53-27-0-7, 113 pts.) at MINNESOTA (49-30-0-8, 106 pts.) - 4/26/2015, 3:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 61-44 ATS (+16.7 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 17-10 ATS (+6.5 Units) 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 11-6 (+3.8 Units) against the spread versus MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
ST LOUIS is 11-6-0 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)

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

MONTREAL (53-24-0-10, 116 pts.) at OTTAWA (45-27-0-15, 105 pts.) - 4/26/2015, 6:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OTTAWA is 45-42 ATS (-2.1 Units) in all games this season.
OTTAWA is 30-21 ATS (+6.5 Units) second half of the season this season.
OTTAWA is 21-13 ATS (+6.7 Units) after a division game this season.
OTTAWA is 23-21 ATS (+1.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
OTTAWA is 14-9 ATS (+25.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
MONTREAL is 53-34 ATS (+6.3 Units) in all games this season.
MONTREAL is 21-13 ATS (+6.7 Units) in a road game where where the total is 5 or less this season.
MONTREAL is 31-23 ATS (+55.7 Units) in road games second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
MONTREAL is 25-13 ATS (+11.5 Units) in road games vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
MONTREAL is 52-38 ATS (+90.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
MONTREAL is 31-25 ATS (+57.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
OTTAWA is 41-45 ATS (-37.7 Units) in home games in April games since 1996.
OTTAWA is 21-34 ATS (-16.4 Units) after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
OTTAWA is 13-10 (+4.4 Units) against the spread versus MONTREAL over the last 3 seasons
OTTAWA is 13-10-0 straight up against MONTREAL over the last 3 seasons
13 of 21 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+6.0 Units)

[StarDust Bum]

NHL
Dunkel

Sunday, April 26


St. Louis Blues @ Minnesota Wild

Game 11-12
April 26, 2015 @ 3:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
St. Louis Blues
12.809
Minnesota Wild
10.008
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
St. Louis Blues
by 3
6
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Minnesota Wild
-140
5
Dunkel Pick:
St. Louis Blues
(+120); Over

Montreal Canadiens @ Ottawa Senators

Game 13-14
April 26, 2015 @ 6:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Montreal Canadien
13.331
Ottawa Senators
10.194
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Montreal Canadien
by 3
4 1/2
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Ottawa Senators
-125
5
Dunkel Pick:
Montreal Canadien
(+105); Under