The Bum's Best Bets For Thursday April 30th - MLB - NBA -NHL !

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Mariners (10-11) at Astros (14-7)
Game: 1
Venue: Minute Maid Park
Date: April 30, 2015 8:10 PM EDT

Sitting atop the AL West, the Houston Astros are among the biggest surprises of the season, but they feel they're still not playing that well.

The Astros look for a seventh straight win Thursday night when they open a four-game series with the Seattle Mariners.

Houston (14-7) has won 10 of 11 after Wednesday's 7-2 victory over San Diego capped an 8-1 road trip. The Astros are hitting .292 with 10 homers while averaging 8.5 runs during the six-game winning streak, which is one shy of matching their longest from last year.

"We weren't even playing, I don't think, that good of ball," said Dallas Keuchel, who improved to 3-0. "We have a lot of potential. It's nice to see the guys in the lineup just roll it over. The potential we have is pretty good.

"That being said, some of the guys haven't even hit their peaks."

That's certainly true at home, where Houston is 4-5 while batting .174 and scoring 2.3 runs per game.

Jake Marisnick is one of the Astros looking to carry his road success back to Minute Maid Park. The center fielder is 4 for 20 with one RBI in eight games there, compared to a .500 average with nine RBIs and 10 runs while getting at least one hit in each of his 10 on the road.

He went 4 for 9 with three runs as Houston took two of three in Seattle from April 20-22.

Scott Feldman (2-2, 4.81 ERA) didn't pitch in that series, and he's 0-5 with an 8.20 ERA over his last six starts against the Mariners.

The right-hander enters this matchup trying to win a third straight start for the first time since April 26-May 6, 2013, with the Chicago Cubs.

The Mariners (10-11) got their 10-game road trip off to a strong start by winning all three against Texas after Wednesday's 5-2 victory.

Nelson Cruz is batting .429 while hitting seven of his 10 homers on the road. The right fielder connected for a mammoth solo shot Wednesday to tie Boston's Hanley Ramirez for the major league lead.

Cruz went 3 for 13 with three RBIs against the Astros earlier this month but is a .342 hitter with seven homers and 23 RBIs in 22 games in Houston.

He's 2 for 10 versus Feldman while Kyle Seager is 4 for 9 with four walks.

James Paxton (0-2, 6.86) takes the mound against Houston for the first time as he looks for his first win in eight starts dating to last season. The left-hander is 0-4 with a 7.01 ERA over that span.

He didn't get much help Saturday as the Mariners made three errors with him on the mound, leading to one of the four runs he allowed being earned in an 8-5 loss to Minnesota.

Paxton struck out seven and tossed 106 pitches before leaving with two outs in the fifth.

Manager Lloyd McClendon thought that was an improvement after Paxton was hammered for seven runs and 10 hits in 2 2-3 innings of an 11-10 win over Texas on April 19.

"It was a positive start," McClendon said. "It was certainly something that we can build on with him. I think he's getting better each time out and that's encouraging."

SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Mariners at Astros
Thu, Apr 30 - 8:10PM EDT

GAME 2
Mariners at Astros
Fri, May 1 - 8:10PM EDT

GAME 3
Mariners at Astros
Sat, May 2 - 7:10PM EDT

GAME 4
Mariners at Astros
Sun, May 3 - 2:10PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Interleague Results

The 2015 MLB regular season will usually feature at least one Interleague game every day. All teams will play exactly 20 Interleague games broken down into eight series, four at home and four on the road.

AMERICAN LEAGUE RESULTS (2013-2015)

Team 2013 2014 2015 (Home-Away)

Baltimore Orioles 11-9 12-8 (0-0, 0-0)

Boston Red Sox 14-6 9-11 (2-1, 2-1)

Chicago White Sox 8-12 11-9 (0-0, 0-0)

Cleveland Indians 11-9 10-10 (0-0, 0-0)

Detroit Tigers 12-8 12-8 (0-0, 2-1)

Houston Astros 8-12 5-15 (0-0, 3-0)

Kansas City Royals 9-11 15-5 (0-0, 0-0)

Los Angeles Angels 10-10 12-8 (0-0, 0-0)

Minnesota Twins 8-12 9-11 (0-0, 0-0)

New York Yankees 9-11 13-7 (2-1, 0-0)

Oakland Athletics 13-7 13-7 (0-0, 0-0)

Seattle Mariners 8-12 9-11 (0-0, 0-3)

Tampa Bay Rays 12-8 10-10 (0-0, 2-1)

Texas Rangers 10-10 10-10 (0-0, 1-1)

Toronto Blue Jays 11-9 13-7 (1-2, 0-0)

AL Totals 164-146 163-137 (5-4, 10-7)


NATIONAL LEAGUE RESULTS (2013-2015)

Team 2013 2014 2015 (Home-Away)

Arizona Diamondbacks 11-9 7-13 (1-1, 0-0)

Atlanta Braves 11-9 7-13 (0-0, 2-1)

Chicago Cubs 13-7 9-11 (0-0, 0-0)

Cincinnati Reds 11-9 6-14 (0-0, 0-0)

Colorado Rockies 5-15 7-13 (0-0, 0-0)

Los Angeles Dodgers 12-8 11-9 (3-0, 0-0)

Miami Marlins 9-11 13-7 (1-2, 0-0)

Milwaukee Brewers 6-14 11-9 (0-0, 0-0)

New York Mets 11-9 11-9 (0-0, 1-2)

Philadelphia Phillies 7-13 7-13 (1-2, 0-0)

Pittsburgh Pirates 15-5 11-9 (1-2, 0-0)

St. Louis Cardinals 10-10 8-12 (0-0, 0-0)

San Diego Padres 8-12 9-11 (0-3, 0-0)

San Francisco Giants 6-14 10-10 (0-0, 0-0)

Washington Nationals 11-9 10-10 (0-0, 1-2)

NL Totals 146-164 137-163 (7-10, 4-5)

Updated - Wed Apr. 29, 2015, 7:00 PM ET

[StarDust Bum]

Thursday's Tip Sheet

April 30, 2015

Bulls at Bucks – 7:05 PM EST – TNT
Game 6 – Chicago leads 3-2

The Cavaliers are waiting for the winner of this series in the next round, as the Bulls are taking their third shot at eliminating the Bucks. Chicago stormed out to a 3-0 series advantage, but Milwaukee picked up a buzzer-beating win in Game 4 to stay alive, while the Bucks stunned the Bulls at the United Center in Game 5 to bring the series back home.

Milwaukee dropped the first two road games of this series, but finally broke through in the Windy City on Monday with a 94-88 victory as eight-point underdogs. Michael Carter-Williams outdueled Derrick Rose in the point guard matchup, as the former Syracuse standout shot an efficient 10-of-15 from the floor for 22 points, to go along with eight rebounds and nine assists. Rose wasn’t so hot from the field, missing all seven three-point attempts, while scoring below 15 points for the third time in this series (he put up 13 in Game 5).

Chicago couldn’t throw one in the ocean from three-point range in Game 5, hitting just 4-of-22 attempts from downtown, as Jimmy Butler hit two of the treys. Butler continues to be the only constant for the Bulls in this series, scoring 20 points and pulling down 10 rebounds in Game 5, but shot 5-of-21 from the floor. Milwaukee knocked down all 16 free throw attempts, but the Bucks have shot below 42% from the field in all five games of this series.

Jason Kidd’s squad has yet to bust the 95-point mark in regulation in the playoffs, while scoring 95 points or less in eight of nine matchups against the Bulls this season. Since the All-Star break, Chicago owns a 4-6 SU/ATS record as a road favorite, which includes a pair of losses to BMO Harris Center, including the Game 4 setback, 92-90. The Bucks have covered four of their last six in the home underdog role, while looking to extend a playoff series to a Game 7 for the first time since the opening round of the 2010 postseason against Atlanta.

VegasInsider.com NBA analyst Tony Mejia says the momentum has turned following Chicago’s early dominance, “Rose and Butler were unexpectedly excellent early in this series. Their efficiency was eye-opening for two guys who had spent so much of the past few months injured, so it stands to reason they figured to slow down at some point. Game 5 proved they can‘t slump in the same game and have the Bulls survive, since the duo combined for 10-for-41 shooting to spoil the most productive night Pau Gasol and Joakim Noah have enjoyed thus far this postseason.”

Is there a look-ahead factor for the Bulls with the Cavaliers missing some key pieces? “With Cleveland vulnerable, it’s time to see whether Rose and Butler are capable of rising up to put the Bulls on their shoulders and compete for a championship. That starts with avoiding a Game 7, which means we better to see both intense early. If they get it going, Milwaukee will leave the playoffs in undignified fashion,” Mejia says.

Clippers at Spurs – 9:35 PM EST – TNT
Game 6 – San Antonio leads 3-2

After Los Angeles won the series opener, the Clippers have lost three of their past four games and are on the verge of elimination against the defending champions. The Spurs picked up a huge road win in Game 5 at Staples Center to put the Clippers on the brink, but it certainly wasn’t easy as several things broke right for San Antonio in the final minutes.

San Antonio erased an early 14-point deficit to trail Los Angeles by one at halftime, while an 8-2 run with under five minutes left in the fourth gave the Spurs a 103-96 advantage. The Clippers cut the lead down to 108-107 with six seconds left, as Blake Griffin’s shot in the lane over Tim Duncan rimmed out, but DeAndre Jordan’s attempted putback was nullified due to offensive goaltending. The Spurs drilled some free throws to finish off a 111-107 victory as 2 ½-point underdogs for their second road win in the series.

The Clippers converted just 1-of-14 three-point attempts, including an 0-for-6 effort from Jamal Crawford as the Los Angeles bench scored just 17 points. The San Antonio bench stepped up with 48 points, led by 14 from Manu Ginobili and 13 from Patty Mills, who drilled four treys. Griffin scored 30 points for the Clippers, even though he missed 15 shots, including seven in the fourth quarter. Chris Paul took a step back from a 34-point effort in Game 4, as the Clippers’ All-Star guard scored 19 points in Game 5 to go along with 10 assists.

Mejia breaks down the action from San Antonio, “Duncan has stated that he’d love to see the Spurs get off to better starts in this series, since the only game they won comfortably was Game 3, where they managed to win the first quarter and keep the Clippers from getting a rhythm. It’s going to be on Paul to make sure L.A. answers the bell since the team takes its cue from him and didn’t bother to show up altogether when he came out flat early last Sunday. Considering what a rough fourth quarter Griffin is coming off, it’s on Paul to get him easy looks early to make sure he puts those struggles behind him.”

The road hasn’t been kind to the Clippers in the postseason, as Los Angeles owns a 3-9 SU and 4-8 ATS record in its last 12 as an away underdog since the 2012 playoffs. The Spurs were automatic last season in close-out games at home during the postseason, winning all three times by double-digits against Dallas, Portland, and Miami. Since starting last postseason at 0-6 ATS, San Antonio has cashed 16 of its last 22 playoff games, including a 10-2 ATS mark at the AT&T Center.

[StarDust Bum]

Armadillo: Thursday's six-pack

-- Over is 17-6-3 in interleague games so far this season.

-- Dodgers haven't led the major leagues in homers since 1974.

-- Oklahoma-Villanova are playing a basketball game near Pearl Harbor on Dec 7, to commemorate the 74th anniversary of that sad day.

-- Last time a horse with #2 post won the Kentucky Derby was 1978.

-- Giancarlo Stanton was walked intentionally 24 times LY; he's only been walked intentionally once so far this year.

-- Alabama has had a kid taken in the first round of NFL Draft the last six years, the longest active streak in college football.

**********

Armadillo: Thursday's List of 13: Doing some thinking out loud......

13) I didn't know they changed the format of the Match Play golf tournament this year, making it like AAU basketball, with sixteen 4-team pools, the winners moving on to the Sweet 16 of the tournament. So all players are going to play 54 holes before the Sweet 16 is determined- maybe this is why Phil Mickelson begged out of playing, maybe he doesn't approve of the changes.

12) If Billy Donovan does indeed go to the NBA, then the Florida opening will be interesting to follow-- think Shaka Smart will be kicking himself for going to Texas? I'm guess Florida is a better job than Texas-- Rick Barnes did pretty darn well in Austin and got fired for it.

11) NFL will have lot of kids in Chicago for their draft this weekend, but no quarterbacks; Jameis Winston not being there bothers me; the grandmother excuse is lame. If he cared so much about being close to her, why didn't he go to college in Alabama? Lot of red flags where Winston is concerned.

10) The more you read, it seems like the consensus among NFL people is that there are roughly 16 players this year with solid first round grades, so first round won't be so good at the bottom, but the middle rounds will be strong.

9) US Open golf tournament will be broadcast on FOX for first time in June; Joe Buck/Greg Norman will be the main announcers.

8) Baylor-Utah scheduled a football series for 2023-24; kids who will play in those games are currently in anywhere from 4th to 8th grade.

7) There is a Shake Shack in Istanbul, Turkey, in case you were wondering. Good milkshakes, but ridiculously expensive, at least the ones at the racetrack in Saratoga are-- then again, everything in Saratoga is too expensive.

6) UAB will get kicked out of Conference USA if they don't revive the football program; rumors have Liberty University wanting to step up and take UAB's place in C-USA, as they try and raise the profile of their athletic department.

UAB's basketball team is on the rise; not sure what league where they would go to if they were forced to leave C-USA?

5) Animal trainer Jack Hanna made his 103rd and last appearance with David Letterman last night; guy always had unique animals with him on TV. Going to be odd not to have Letterman on latenight TV anymore

4) It is slightly weird that there the AL/NL have separate rules as far as the DH is concerned, but in Japan, where they also have two major leagues, they also have only one league with the DH, one without. Whats up with that?

3) I don't ask for much, but I beg the folks at Taco Bell to lose the commercial where the brother/sister scream while opening Christmas gifts. Good grief it is annoying to have noise, just for the sake of noise-- please make it stop.

2) For one day, I'd love to shoot a basketball as well as Kyle Korver.

1) Ben Martin beat Matt Kuchar at the Match Play tournament thanks to a hole-in-one on the 17th hole; it was Martin's first ace on Tour-- this is his first match play event since the US Amateur in 2009.

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Dunkel

Thursday, April 30


Chicago White Sox @ Minnesota Twins

Game 911-912
April 30, 2015 @ 8:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Chicago White Sox
(Sale) 16.352
Minnesota Twins
(May) 14.802
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Chicago White Sox
by 1 1/2
6
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Chicago White Sox
-165
7
Dunkel Pick:
Chicago White Sox
(-165); Under

Seattle Mariners @ Houston Astros

Game 913-914
April 30, 2015 @ 8:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Seattle Mariners
(Paxton) 15.907
Houston Astros
(Feldman) 13.229
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Seattle Mariners
by 2 1/2
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Houston Astros
-125
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Seattle Mariners
(+105); Over

Detroit Tigers @ Kansas City Royals

Game 915-916
April 30, 2015 @ 8:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Detroit Tigers
(Simon) 15.811
Kansas City Royal
(Duffy) 16.909
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Kansas City Royal
by 1
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Detroit Tigers
-115
8
Dunkel Pick:
Kansas City Royal
(-105); Over

Philadelphia Phillies @ St. Louis Cardinals

Game 901-902
April 30, 2015 @ 1:45 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Philadelphia Phil
(Buchanan) 13.526
St. Louis Cardina
(Cooney) 15.100
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
St. Louis Cardina
by 1 1/2
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
St. Louis Cardina
-175
8
Dunkel Pick:
St. Louis Cardina
(-175); Over

Washington Nationals @ New York Mets

Game 903-904
April 30, 2015 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Washington Nation
(Strasburg) 18.800
New York Mets
(deGrom) 17.302
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Washington Nation
by 1 1/2
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Washington Nation
-115
7
Dunkel Pick:
Washington Nation
(-115); Over

Cincinnati Reds @ Atlanta Braves

Game 905-906
April 30, 2015 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Cincinnati Reds
(Leake) 14.969
Atlanta Braves
(Miller) 12.813
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Cincinnati Reds
by 2
6
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Atlanta Braves
-115
7
Dunkel Pick:
Cincinnati Reds
(-105); Under

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim @ Oakland Athletics

Game 907-908
April 30, 2015 @ 3:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Los Angeles Angel
(Richards) 16.867
Oakland Athletics
(Chavez) 15.711
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Los Angeles Angel
by 1
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Oakland Athletics
-115
7 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Los Angeles Angel
(-105); Under

Toronto Blue Jays @ Cleveland Indians

Game 909-910
April 30, 2015 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Toronto Blue Jays
(Norris) 16.881
Cleveland Indians
(House) 15.402
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Toronto Blue Jays
by 1 1/2
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Toronto Blue Jays
-115
8
Dunkel Pick:
Toronto Blue Jays
(-115); Under

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Long Sheet

Thursday, April 30

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PHILADELPHIA (8 - 14) at ST LOUIS (14 - 6) - 1:45 PM
DAVID BUCHANAN (R) vs. TIM COONEY (L)
Top Trends for this game.
ST LOUIS is 121-63 (+29.7 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 121-63 (+29.7 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 167-107 (+34.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 24-24 (+13.0 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ST LOUIS is 2-1 (+0.6 Units) against PHILADELPHIA this season
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.0 Units)

DAVID BUCHANAN vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
BUCHANAN is 1-0 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 2.13 and a WHIP of 1.184.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (-0.2 units)

TIM COONEY vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
No recent starts.

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WASHINGTON (9 - 13) at NY METS (15 - 7) - 7:10 PM
STEPHEN STRASBURG (R) vs. JACOB DEGROM (R)
Top Trends for this game.
STRASBURG is 34-35 (-17.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
STRASBURG is 34-35 (-17.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
STRASBURG is 32-35 (-21.8 Units) against the money line in night games since 1997. (Team's Record)
STRASBURG is 12-19 (-14.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
NY METS are 94-90 (+12.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 10-0 (+10.0 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
NY METS are 10-0 (+10.0 Units) against the money line in home games in April games this season.
NY METS are 10-0 (+10.0 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents this season.
NY METS are 10-0 (+10.0 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field this season.
NY METS are 9-0 (+9.0 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters this season.
NY METS are 48-41 (+12.5 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 51-29 (+21.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY METS is 2-1 (+1.6 Units) against WASHINGTON this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.9 Units)

STEPHEN STRASBURG vs. NY METS since 1997
STRASBURG is 3-2 when starting against NY METS with an ERA of 2.55 and a WHIP of 1.110.
His team's record is 5-2 (+2.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-3. (+1.2 units)

JACOB DEGROM vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
DEGROM is 0-1 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 3.75 and a WHIP of 1.333.
His team's record is 0-2 (-2.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (-0.1 units)

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CINCINNATI (10 - 11) at ATLANTA (10 - 11) - 7:10 PM
MIKE LEAKE (R) vs. SHELBY MILLER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CINCINNATI is 693-781 (+42.0 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 504-565 (+36.4 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 387-337 (+64.9 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997.
ATLANTA is 89-94 (-17.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 87-93 (-19.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 68-77 (-19.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 45-56 (-24.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.

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

MIKE LEAKE vs. ATLANTA since 1997
LEAKE is 3-2 when starting against ATLANTA with an ERA of 2.43 and a WHIP of 1.033.
His team's record is 3-3 (+0.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-4. (-2.2 units)

SHELBY MILLER vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
MILLER is 2-2 when starting against CINCINNATI with an ERA of 3.37 and a WHIP of 1.154.
His team's record is 4-2 (+2.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-3. (-0.1 units)

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LA ANGELS (10 - 11) at OAKLAND (9 - 13) - 3:35 PM
GARRETT RICHARDS (R) vs. JESSE CHAVEZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
LA ANGELS are 756-733 (+70.9 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997.
LA ANGELS are 441-366 (+53.0 Units) against the money line in day games since 1997.
LA ANGELS are 635-617 (+64.7 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field since 1997.
LA ANGELS are 539-518 (+50.9 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters since 1997.
LA ANGELS are 59-28 (+20.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 97-88 (-23.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 46-49 (-22.6 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 0-7 (-8.8 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
OAKLAND is 95-84 (-21.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
OAKLAND is 3-3 (+0.4 Units) against LA ANGELS this season
5 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+4.0 Units)

GARRETT RICHARDS vs. OAKLAND since 1997
RICHARDS is 1-3 when starting against OAKLAND with an ERA of 6.32 and a WHIP of 1.513.
His team's record is 1-6 (-5.5 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-4. (-1.5 units)

JESSE CHAVEZ vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
CHAVEZ is 0-2 when starting against LA ANGELS with an ERA of 1.89 and a WHIP of 0.895.
His team's record is 1-2 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-0. (+3.2 units)

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TORONTO (10 - 12) at CLEVELAND (7 - 13) - 7:05 PM
DANIEL NORRIS (L) vs. T.J. HOUSE (L)
Top Trends for this game.
CLEVELAND is 102-56 (+34.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
HOUSE is 10-2 (+9.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
CLEVELAND is 17-30 (-17.7 Units) against the money line in April games over the last 2 seasons.

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

DANIEL NORRIS vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
No recent starts.

T.J. HOUSE vs. TORONTO since 1997
No recent starts.

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CHI WHITE SOX (8 - 10) at MINNESOTA (9 - 12) - 8:10 PM
CHRIS SALE (L) vs. TREVOR MAY (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CHI WHITE SOX are 34-72 (-26.1 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 67-61 (+16.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 82-104 (-40.5 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Thursday since 1997.
MINNESOTA is 43-64 (-25.9 Units) against the money line in home games after allowing 10 runs or more since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHI WHITE SOX is 2-1 (+0.9 Units) against MINNESOTA this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)

CHRIS SALE vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
SALE is 7-1 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 2.58 and a WHIP of 1.045.
His team's record is 8-1 (+6.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 6-3. (+2.9 units)

TREVOR MAY vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
MAY is 2-0 when starting against CHI WHITE SOX with an ERA of 4.91 and a WHIP of 1.091.
His team's record is 2-0 (+2.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-0. (+2.2 units)

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SEATTLE (10 - 11) at HOUSTON (14 - 7) - 8:10 PM
JAMES PAXTON (L) vs. SCOTT FELDMAN (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SEATTLE is 145-178 (-47.1 Units) against the money line when playing on Thursday since 1997.
HOUSTON is 14-7 (+9.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
HOUSTON is 14-7 (+9.2 Units) against the money line in April games this season.
HOUSTON is 45-46 (+14.6 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 14-7 (+9.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
SEATTLE is 51-39 (+16.5 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 28-17 (+12.9 Units) against the money line in road games against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 47-35 (+16.1 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 35-23 (+12.9 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
FELDMAN is 36-48 (-21.8 Units) against the money line in home games since 1997. (Team's Record)
FELDMAN is 36-48 (-21.8 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field since 1997. (Team's Record)
FELDMAN is 22-40 (-27.4 Units) against the money line in home games in night games since 1997. (Team's Record)
FELDMAN is 18-31 (-22.1 Units) against the money line in home games after a win since 1997. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
HOUSTON is 2-1 (+2.0 Units) against SEATTLE this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.9 Units)

JAMES PAXTON vs. HOUSTON since 1997
No recent starts.

SCOTT FELDMAN vs. SEATTLE since 1997
FELDMAN is 3-6 when starting against SEATTLE with an ERA of 4.98 and a WHIP of 1.438.
His team's record is 4-9 (-7.8 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 5-7. (-2.9 units)

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DETROIT (15 - 7) at KANSAS CITY (14 - 7) - 8:10 PM
ALFREDO SIMON (R) vs. DANNY DUFFY (L)
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 142-213 (-55.0 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +100 to +125 since 1997.
KANSAS CITY is 114-84 (+18.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 23-8 (+13.6 Units) against the money line at home with a money line of -100 to -125 over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 110-81 (+16.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 82-57 (+17.0 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 80-58 (+11.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 55-39 (+15.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 39-23 (+14.6 Units) against the money line in road games in night games over the last 2 seasons.
SIMON is 24-13 (+13.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SIMON is 13-7 (+8.4 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SIMON is 9-1 (+8.6 Units) against the money line in April games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SIMON is 14-3 (+13.0 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SIMON is 24-13 (+13.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SIMON is 16-3 (+14.8 Units) against the money line after a win 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.

ALFREDO SIMON vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
SIMON is 1-0 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 1.29 and a WHIP of 0.714.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

DANNY DUFFY vs. DETROIT since 1997
DUFFY is 1-6 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 3.42 and a WHIP of 1.120.
His team's record is 3-6 (-1.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-7. (-5.6 units)

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Armadillo's Write-Up

Thursday, April 30

National League
Phillies @ Cardinals
Phillies lost last seven Buchanan starts (0-4, 7.52 so far this season).

Cooney is making MLB debut; he is 2-1, 3.63 in AAA this year, was 14-6, 3.47 for same team LY.

Phillies lost four of last five games in St Louis; under is 6-3-2 in last 11 series games. Philly is 2-8 on road this season. Cardinals won six of their last eight games; under is 5-2-1 in those eight.

Nationals @ Mets
Strasburg is 1-2, 6.00 in his four starts, three of which went over.

deGrom is 2-2, 2.96 in his four starts this season.

Mets are 2-4 in last six games since their 11-game win streak; they're 10-0 at home this season. NY is 4-6 in last ten games against Washington, with five of last seven staying under total. Nationals lost six of their last eight games, with last five going over the total. Over is 3-1-1 in last five Met games.

Reds @ Braves
Leake is 0-1, 3.90 in his four starts; seven of his last nine went over.

Miller is 3-0, 2.05 in his four starts, all of which stayed under.

Braves lost seven of last nine games overall, with last four going over total. Reds lost four of their last six games- four of their last five went over. Atlanta won five of last seven games with Cincinnati; under is 4-1-1 in last six series games.

American League
Angels @ A's
Richards is 1-1, 4.50 in his two starts; five of his last seven stayed under.

Chavez allowed one hit in six IP in his first '15 start, but it was a 2-run homer in a 2-0 loss to the Angels last week. He was 8-8, 3.45 in 21 starts LY.

Oakland is 1-7 in games where winning run scores from 7th inning on; they've lost five of last six games. Eight of last nine A's games went over. Angels won eight of last 12 games with Oakland; Halos are 4-2 in last six games overall, with last three going over. Over is 11-1 in Oakland home games this year.

Blue Jays @ Indians
Norris is 1-1, 4.86 in his four starts, three of which stayed under.

House is 0-3, 12.60 in three starts; four of his last five went over.

Indians lost four of last five games; five of their last six games went over the total. Blue Jays lost five of last six games. Toronto won four of last six games with Cleveland; under is 4-2-1 in last seven series games.

White Sox @ Twins
Sale is 2-0, 2.37 in his three starts; over is 3-1-1 in his last five.

May is 1-1, 4.91 in his three starts; five of his last six went over.

Chicago won four of last six games with Minnesota; eight of last ten series games went over. White Sox won six of their last nine road games; under is 5-1-1 in their last seven on foreign soil. Twins are 4-8 at home, with three of last four home games staying under total.

Mariners @ Astros
Paxton is 0-2, 8.24 in four starts; last three went over total.

Feldman is 2-2, 5.18 in his four starts; seven of his last nine stayed under.

Houston is on a serious roll, winning six in row, 10 of last 11 games; they've won six of last eight games with Seattle- five of last six series games went over. Eight of last nine Astro games went over. Mariners won five of last seven games; six of those seven stayed under total.

Tigers @ Royals
Simon is 4-0, 1.65 in his four starts,, three of which stayed under.

Duffy is 1-0, 3.24 in his last three starts.

Detroit won four of last five games overall, seven of last ten with Kansas City; seven of last nine series games stayed under total. Royals won three of last four home games- their last three games overall went over. Three of last four Detroit games went over the total.

Win-loss records this year for team with this starting pitcher:
Phil-StL-- Buchanan 0-4; Cooney 0-0
Wsh-NY-- Strasburg 1-3; de Grom 2-2
Cin-Atl-- Leake 1-3; Miller 4-0

LA-A's-- Richards 1-1; Chavez 0-1
Tor-Clev-- Norris 1-3; House 0-3
Chi- Minn-- Sale 2-1; May 2-1
Sea-Hst-- Paxton 1-3; Feldman 2-2
Det-KC-- Simon 4-0; Duffy 3-1

Times this starting pitcher allowed a run in first inning:
Phil-StL-- Buchanan 1-4; Cooney 0-0
Wsh-NY-- Strasburg 0-4; de Grom 2-4
Cin-Atl-- Leake 1-4; Miller 0-4

LA-A's-- Richards 0-2; Chavez 0-1
Tor-Clev-- Norris 3-4; House 2-3
Chi- Minn-- Sale 2-3; May 1-3
Sea-Hst-- Paxton 1-4; Feldman 1-4
Det-KC-- Simon 0-4; Duffy 1-4

[StarDust Bum]

MLB

Thursday, April 30

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Trend Report
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1:45 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. ST. LOUIS
Philadelphia is 2-9 SU in its last 11 games on the road
Philadelphia is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against St. Louis
St. Louis is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Philadelphia
St. Louis is 11-3 SU in its last 14 games

3:35 PM
LA ANGELS vs. OAKLAND
LA Angels are 4-2 SU in their last 6 games when playing on the road against Oakland
The total has gone OVER in 5 of LA Angels's last 6 games when playing on the road against Oakland
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Oakland's last 5 games at home
Oakland is 4-10 SU in their last 14 games when playing LA Angels

7:10 PM
TORONTO vs. CLEVELAND
Toronto is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Cleveland
Toronto is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Cleveland's last 9 games at home
Cleveland is 4-8 SU in its last 12 games when playing at home against Toronto

7:10 PM
CINCINNATI vs. ATLANTA
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Cincinnati's last 6 games when playing Atlanta
Cincinnati is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing Atlanta
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Atlanta's last 6 games when playing Cincinnati
Atlanta is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing Cincinnati

7:10 PM
WASHINGTON vs. NY METS
Washington is 19-6 SU in its last 25 games when playing NY Mets
Washington is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of NY Mets's last 5 games at home
NY Mets are 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home

8:10 PM
DETROIT vs. KANSAS CITY
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Detroit's last 6 games
Detroit is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games when playing Kansas City
Kansas City is 2-8 SU in its last 10 games when playing at home against Detroit
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Kansas City's last 5 games when playing Detroit

8:10 PM
SEATTLE vs. HOUSTON
Seattle is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Houston
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Seattle's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Houston's last 6 games when playing Seattle
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Houston's last 5 games

8:10 PM
CHI WHITE SOX vs. MINNESOTA
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Chi White Sox's last 11 games when playing Minnesota
Chi White Sox are 4-2 SU in their last 6 games when playing on the road against Minnesota
Minnesota is 2-4 SU in their last 6 games when playing Chi White Sox
Minnesota is 2-4 SU in their last 6 games when playing at home against Chi White Sox

[StarDust Bum]

MLB

Thursday, April 30


Angels' Pujols (hamstring) out at least one day

OAKLAND, Calif. -- The Los Angeles Angels paid a steep price for their 6-3 victory Wednesday night against the Oakland A's at the O.co. Coliseum.

First baseman Albert Pujols injured his left hamstring in the top of the sixth inning and had to leave the game. Pujols won't play Thursday in the series finale against Oakland, and it is not known when he will return to action.


Royals' Escobar exits with bruised cheek

CLEVELAND -- Kansas City Royals shortstop Alicides Escobar left the game after being hit in the face by a pitch from Cleveland Indians right-hander Danny Salazar in the fifth inning Wednesday.

Escobar, 28, was diagnosed with a bruised left cheek, and he was being tested for a concussion, the Royals announced later in the game.

After being hit, Escobar stayed down for a few minutes and then walked off the field with the aid of a trainer. He was replaced by pinch runner Christian Colon.

The Royals' leadoff hitter, Escobar began the game with a single and scored on designated hitter Kendrys Morales' two-run single later in the first inning.

In 19 games this season, Escobar is hitting .291 with a .329 on-base percentage, a .367 slugging percentage, no homers and eight RBIs.


Twins' Hughes could be headed for DL

MINNEAPOLIS -- Just when Minnesota Twins management was going to need to make a decision on its starting rotation, the health of one pitcher may make the choice simple.

Twins right-hander Phil Hughes left Wednesday's game with a hip flexor strain and could be headed for the 15-day disabled list, depending on how things progress the next couple of days.

Hughes said he originally felt pain in his hip following his start last Friday, when he allowed two runs in an eight-inning, complete game loss to Felix Hernandez and the Seattle Mariners.

Hughes felt okay to make his start against the Tigers but said the injury flared up again after a couple innings of work.


Astros head home from road trip on a roll

SAN DIEGO -- The Astros were hurrying out of Petco Park Wednesday afternoon ... eager to get home after a very successful road trip.

The Astros completed their second straight, three-game series sweep on the road Wednesday to complete an 8-1 road trip -- the best nine-game road trip in franchise history.

Houston is 10-2 after its first 12 road games this season -- the best road record for the first 12 road games in franchise history.

The Astros will be riding a six-game winning streak -- the longest active winning streak in the major leagues -- when they open a seven-game homestand Thursday night with the first of four games against the Seattle Mariners.

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Dunkel

Thursday, April 30


Chicago Bulls @ Milwaukee Bucks

Game 531-532
April 30, 2015 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Chicago Bulls
121.121
Milwaukee Bucks
124.657
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Milwaukee Bucks
by 3 1/2
184
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Chicago Bulls
by 4
187 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Milwaukee Bucks
(+4); Under

Los Angeles Clippers @ San Antonio Spurs

Game 535-536
April 30, 2015 @ 9:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Los Angeles Clipp
128.446
San Antonio Spurs
131.905
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
San Antonio Spurs
by 3 1/2
202
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
San Antonio Spurs
by 5 1/2
206
Dunkel Pick:
Los Angeles Clipp
(+5 1/2); Under




NBA
Long Sheet

Thursday, April 30

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

CHICAGO (53 - 34) at MILWAUKEE (43 - 44) - 4/30/2015, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO is 18-28 ATS (-12.8 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
MILWAUKEE is 47-37 ATS (+6.3 Units) in all games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 31-22 ATS (+6.8 Units) as an underdog this season.
CHICAGO is 47-31 ATS (+12.9 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 51-72 ATS (-28.2 Units) in home games over the last 3 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 329-396 ATS (-106.6 Units) second half of the season since 1996.
MILWAUKEE is 55-80 ATS (-33.0 Units) in home games off an upset win as an underdog since 1996.
MILWAUKEE is 18-34 ATS (-19.4 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 6-14 ATS (-9.4 Units) in home games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.
MILWAUKEE is 10-19 ATS (-10.9 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO is 10-7 against the spread versus MILWAUKEE over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO is 11-6 straight up against MILWAUKEE over the last 3 seasons
11 of 17 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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LA CLIPPERS (58 - 29) at SAN ANTONIO (58 - 29) - 4/30/2015, 9:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LA CLIPPERS are 39-47 ATS (-12.7 Units) in all games this season.
LA CLIPPERS are 225-279 ATS (-81.9 Units) after allowing 105 points or more since 1996.
LA CLIPPERS are 172-237 ATS (-88.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season since 1996.
LA CLIPPERS are 23-32 ATS (-12.2 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.
LA CLIPPERS are 131-172 ATS (-58.2 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 102-88 ATS (+5.2 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 715-608 ATS (+46.2 Units) as a favorite since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 461-383 ATS (+39.7 Units) in home games since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 13-5 ATS (+7.5 Units) in home games second half of the season this season.
SAN ANTONIO is 74-48 ATS (+21.2 Units) in home games in all playoff games since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 75-54 ATS (+15.6 Units) after scoring 105 points or more over the last 3 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 257-211 ATS (+24.9 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 22-9 ATS (+12.1 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 32-22 ATS (+7.8 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.
SAN ANTONIO is 121-86 ATS (+26.4 Units) in home games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN ANTONIO is 8-8 against the spread versus LA CLIPPERS over the last 3 seasons
SAN ANTONIO is 9-7 straight up against LA CLIPPERS over the last 3 seasons
10 of 16 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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




NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up

Thursday, April 30

Bucks won last two games by total of 8 points after losing eight of previous nine series games; seven of last nine games went under the total. Bucks only turned ball over 48 times in five games (+31). Chicago cut its turnovers down from 28 to 12 in Game 5, but they were just 4-22 from arc- they have lot of pressure on them-- no team has ever blown 3-0 series lead. Bulls' bench is just 12-40 from floor last two games.

Clippers shot 51.3%, 53.6% from floor in its two series wins- they shot 42.4%, 34.1%, 46.5% in three losses. LA missed 16 foul shots, was 1-16 from arc in 111-107 loss last game; you get feeling they are better team, but they keep getting beat. San Antonio was 16-58 from arc in two losses, 29-73 in three wins. Spurs have solid record at home when they can eliminate opponents; home side lost three of last four series games.

Home favorites are 15-13 in this round, home dogs are 5-4; home teams are 24-13 SU-- over is 17-20.

2015 playoffs
Brooklyn vs Atlanta
Atl 99-92, -10, U201.5
Atl 96-91, -9.5, U202
Brook 91-83, +3.5, U199
Brook 120-115 OT, +5, O198
Atl 107-97, -9, O200

Boston vs Cleveland
Clev 113-100, -11.5, O203
Clev 99-91, -11, U206
Clev 103-95, -4, U204
Clev 101-93, -6.5, U201.5
Cavaliers won series, 4-0

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
Mil 94-88, +8, U189

Washington vs Toronto
Wash 93-86 OT, +4, U194.5
Wash 117-106, +5, O193.5
Wash 106-99, -4.5, O195.5
Wash 125-94, -6.5, O197.5
Wizards win series, 4-0

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
Dal 121-109, +3, O218.5
Hst 103-94, -8, U221.5
Rockets win series, 4-1

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
LAC 114-105, +6, O202.5
SA 111-107, +2.5, O203

Portland vs Memphis
Mem 100-86, -5.5, U188.5
Mem 97-82, -6, U189
Mem 115-109, +3.5, O189
Port 99-92, -4, U193
Mem 99-93, -6, O189.5
Grizzlies win series, 4-1

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

Thursday, April 30

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

7:00 PM
CHICAGO vs. MILWAUKEE
Chicago is 5-10 SU in its last 15 games on the road
Chicago is 19-6 SU in its last 25 games when playing Milwaukee
Milwaukee is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
Milwaukee is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games

9:30 PM
LA CLIPPERS vs. SAN ANTONIO
The total has gone OVER in 13 of the LA Clippers last 18 games when playing on the road against San Antonio
The total has gone OVER in 4 of the LA Clippers last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of San Antonio's last 6 games
San Antonio is 14-3 SU in its last 17 game

[StarDust Bum]

NBA

Thursday, April 30

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Game of the Day: Thursday's NBA Playoffs matchups
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chicago Bulls at Milwaukee Bucks (+3.5, 187.5)
Bulls lead series 3-2

The Milwaukee Bucks have put a major scare into Chicago and look to even up the series against the visiting Bulls on Thursday. Sixth-seeded Milwaukee dug itself a 0-3 hole but consecutive victories have placed third-seeded Chicago in a precarious position in the best-of-7 Eastern Conference first-round series.

The Bulls appeared to be on their way to a sweep and now have to win on Milwaukee’s floor for the second time in the series to avoid a Game 7 confrontation. “We’ve done it to ourselves,” power forward Pau Gasol told reporters. “Now we have a very difficult challenge in front of us. They have momentum, they have confidence and they go home to force Game 7. Let’s see how we play Game 6, how we react to the situation as a team.” The Bucks outclassed and outhustled Chicago while posting a 94-88 road win on Monday and coach Jason Kidd promises Milwaukee is all-in per winning the series. “You can always talk about the future but we don’t,” Kidd told reporters. “We don’t really understand what the future holds for us. We’ve got to stay in the present. That is what this team has done all year.”

LINE HISTORY: The spread opened at MIL +2.5 before jumping a full point to +3.5. The opening total of 187.5 has not moved.

TRENDS:

*Bulls are 11-4 ATS in the last 15 meetings in Milwaukee.
*Bucks are 3-8 ATS in their last 11 Conference Quarterfinals games.
*Over is 4-0 in Bulls last 4 games playing on 2 days rest.
*Under is 7-2 in the last 9 meetings.


Los Angeles Clippers at San Antonio Spurs (-5.5, 205.5)
Spurs lead series 3-2

The defending champion San Antonio Spurs have an opportunity to close out the series when they host the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday. San Antonio took a 3-2 series lead with a 111-107 victory on Tuesday, leaving the Clippers in need of back-to-back wins to claim the Western Conference first-round series.

The Spurs are aware they are in a good position but nobody wants to pretend this still isn’t a series that can be lost. “We are excited about it,” backup guard Manu Ginobili told reporters. “Our job is not done yet because we have a bigger game at home and we really want to close this series out.” Los Angeles nearly won Game 5, but a basket interference call with 4.9 seconds left negated Blake Griffin’s go-ahead basket. “It’s tough but the series isn’t over,” Griffin told reporters. “We’ve got to be ready to come and play. It’s going to be a hostile environment in San Antonio in a closeout game, elimination game, so we’ve got to be ready to go.”

LINE HISTORY: The spread and the total have yet to move from their opening mark of SA -5.5, 205.5.

TRENDS:

*Spurs are 9-2 ATS in their last 11 home games.
*Under is 7-2 in Clippers last 9 games following a S.U. loss.
*Over is 14-5-2 in the last 21 meetings in San Antonio.
*Underdog is 13-4 ATS in the last 17 meetings.

[StarDust Bum]

NBA

Thursday, April 30


Tony Parker, San Antonio - Prob Thurs

Parker is expected to play in Game 6 of the Western Conference Quarterfinals against the Clippers despite a quad injury.


Cavs' Love to miss 4-6 months after surgery

Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love underwent season-ending surgery Wednesday to repair a dislocated left shoulder, the team announced.

The timetable for Love's return is four to six months. The 2015-16 season is to start in exactly six months.

The operation was performed by New York Mets medical director David Altchek, and Love is expected to rehab in Cleveland under the guidance of Cavaliers team doctor Richard D. Parker.

Love was hurt Sunday when he became entangled with Boston Celtics forward Kelly Olynyk in Game 4 of Cleveland's first-round series sweep. Love was initially projected to miss two to three weeks, but a second opinion revealed significant damage to the shoulder.

Love, who was in his first season with the Cavaliers after an offseason trade from the Minnesota Timberwolves, can become a free agent in July. He was playing in his first-ever playoff series.

[StarDust Bum]

Mavs head into another uncertain summer

April 29, 2015

DALLAS (AP) - Dirk Nowitzki and the Dallas Mavericks are headed into yet another uncertain offseason after failing to advance in the playoffs for the fourth straight year since winning the franchise's first championship.

Dallas, ousted in the first round by Houston in five games, will have 11 free agents if leading scorer Monta Ellis and others opt out of their contracts.

Facing yet another roster overhaul, Nowitzki said Wednesday he would be willing to come off the bench in his 18th season. But that will depend on who the Mavericks get in free agency after the trade for Rajon Rondo flopped, leaving them without a potential building block.

The Mavericks also aren't sure about the only young core player they have under contract, with Chandler Parsons set for surgery on his right knee.

[StarDust Bum]

Cheat Sheet - Conference Semis

April 30, 2015


Chicago Blackhawks vs. Minnesota Wild

Blackhawks: 13-8 SU Last 21 Meetings (Reg Season & Playoffs)
Blackhawks: 8-3 SU & 4-5-2 O/U vs Wild Last 2 Postseasons
Blackhawks: Won First Home Game in 8 Consecutive Series

Wild: Won 14 of Last 16 Road Contests
Wild: Won First Home Game in Each Playoff Meeting
Wild: Won Last 2 Regular Season Meetings this year

Betting Trends:
-- Underdogs are 2-9 Last 11 Playoff Meetings

Anaheim Ducks vs. Calgary Flames

Ducks: 14-6 SU Last 20 Meetings
Ducks: Scored 4 or more goals in 3 of last 4 games
Ducks: Haven't Lost at Home to Flames since 2006

Flames: 3-7 O/U Last 10 with 5.5 total
Flames: 5-1 ATS including 3-0 as Puck-Line Favorite
Flames: 4-0 SU & ATS Last 4 Home Games

Betting Trends:
-- Over is 6-3 Last 9 Meetings
-- In 5 games this year, Over is 4-1 with 3 of those games reaching 9 total goals

Montreal Canadiens vs. Tampa Bay Lightning

Lightning: Won All 5 Meetings in Regular Season
Lightning: On a 2-4-1 O/U Run Last 7 Games

Canadiens: Swept Lightning in 2014 First Round Match-up
Canadiens: Failed to Convert 22 of Last 23 Power-Plays

New York Rangers vs. Washington Capitals

Rangers: 20-4 SU as a Favorite vs Division Opponents
Rangers: 7-1 SU Last 8 Games as a Favorite
Rangers: 8-2 SU Last 10 Meetings

Capitals: 3-7 O/U Last 10 Games

Betting Trends:
-- Under is 12-5-3 Last 20 Meetings
-- Road Underdogs are 6-3 Last 9 Meetings

[StarDust Bum]

NHL
Dunkel

Thursday, April 30


Washington Capitals @ New York Rangers

Game 55-56
April 30, 2015 @ 7:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Washington Capita
9.863
New York Rangers
12.485
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
New York Rangers
by 2 1/2
4
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
New York Rangers
-170
5
Dunkel Pick:
New York Rangers
(-170); Under

Calgary Flames @ Anaheim Ducks

Game 51-52
April 30, 2015 @ 10:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Calgary Flames
11.377
Anaheim Ducks
12.978
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Anaheim Ducks
by 1 1/2
5
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Anaheim Ducks
-200
5 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Anaheim Ducks
(-200); Under





NHL
Long Sheet

Thursday, April 30

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CALGARY (49-32-0-7, 105 pts.) at ANAHEIM (55-24-0-7, 117 pts.) - 4/30/2015, 10:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ANAHEIM is 55-31 ATS (+92.3 Units) in all games this season.
ANAHEIM is 31-16 ATS (+2.4 Units) second half of the season this season.
ANAHEIM is 43-22 ATS (+6.2 Units) vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
ANAHEIM is 34-14 ATS (+14.3 Units) after a win by 2 goals or more over the last 2 seasons.
ANAHEIM is 22-8 ATS (+10.1 Units) after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game this season.
ANAHEIM is 29-17 ATS (+2.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
ANAHEIM is 220-205 ATS (+467.1 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1996.
CALGARY is 49-39 ATS (+89.4 Units) in all games this season.
CALGARY is 28-21 ATS (+6.7 Units) second half of the season this season.
CALGARY is 26-9 ATS (+16.6 Units) vs. division opponents this season.
CALGARY is 23-11 ATS (+11.0 Units) after a division game this season.
CALGARY is 15-7 ATS (+7.7 Units) after allowing 4 goals or more this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
ANAHEIM is 8-4 (+2.0 Units) against the spread versus CALGARY over the last 3 seasons
ANAHEIM is 8-4-0 straight up against CALGARY over the last 3 seasons
7 of 12 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+2.3 Units)

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WASHINGTON (49-28-0-12, 110 pts.) at NY RANGERS (57-23-0-7, 121 pts.) - 4/30/2015, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NY RANGERS are 57-30 ATS (+24.3 Units) in all games this season.
NY RANGERS are 37-15 ATS (+14.4 Units) second half of the season this season.
NY RANGERS are 27-8 ATS (+16.6 Units) vs. division opponents this season.
NY RANGERS are 22-8 ATS (+11.0 Units) after 3 or more consecutive unders over the last 2 seasons.
NY RANGERS are 28-20 ATS (-2.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
WASHINGTON is 28-14 ATS (+9.7 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent this season.
NY RANGERS are 129-126 ATS (-63.0 Units) in home games after a division game since 1996.
NY RANGERS are 82-93 ATS (+183.4 Units) after a 3 game unbeaten streak since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY RANGERS is 11-7 (+3.2 Units) against the spread versus WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
NY RANGERS is 11-7-0 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 . (Under=+3.4 Units)

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NHL
Armadillo's Write-Up

Thursday, April 30

Washington won a tense Game 7 Monday night; Rangers have been off since Friday, better for them. Capitals lost four of last five games with New York; three of last four series games went over total. Caps are 2-3 in last five visits to Manhattan. Four of last five games for both teams stayed under the total. All four Ranger wins in Pittsburgh series were 2-1 games; they've won eight of last ten games overall. Washington killed all 14 Islander power plays last series; they split last four road games.

Calgary won its first playoff series in 11 years when it upset Vancouver Sunday; Anaheim has been off for eight days since sweeping Winnipeg. Home side won eight of last ten Calgary-Anaheim games, with Flames losing last four visits to Disneyland- six of last eight series games went over. Calgary is 7-3 in its last ten games (under 6-3-1); they scored one goal in each of the losses- they lost three of last four road games. Anaheim won eight of last ten games overall, but both losses came at home.

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
Mtl 2-0, +$105, U5
Canadiens win series, 4-2

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
TB 5-2, +$107, O5

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
Wash 2-1, -$150, U5
Capitals win series, 4-3

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
Minn 4-1, -$135, N5
Wild wins series, 4-2

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

Thursday, April 30

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Trend Report
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7:30 PM
WASHINGTON vs. NY RANGERS
Washington is 3-8 SU in their last 11 games when playing on the road against NY Rangers
Washington is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
NY Rangers are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing Washington
NY Rangers are 8-3 SU in their last 11 games when playing at home against Washington

10:00 PM
CALGARY vs. ANAHEIM
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Calgary's last 7 games when playing on the road against Anaheim
Calgary is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Anaheim
Anaheim is 14-6 SU in its last 20 games when playing Calgary
Anaheim is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games at home