The Bum's Best Bets For Monday May 11th - MLB - NBA -NHL !

[StarDust Bum]

Top seeds in trouble trailing semis 2-1

May 10, 2015

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) - First-year coach Steve Kerr knows a crucial moment in the playoffs, so he understands exactly the test his Golden State Warriors face trailing Memphis 2-1 in their Western Conference semifinal.

If his Warriors adapt and correct their mistakes mid-series, then the team that posted the NBA's best record in the regular season can continue its dream season. Keep rushing while turning the ball over and missing too many 3s, and those growing pains will hurt until this time next year.

''This is that moment for us, so we'll see how we respond,'' Kerr said Sunday, a day after the Warriors dropped their second straight with a 99-89 loss in Game 3.

The Atlanta Hawks find themselves in the same spot as the Warriors, and these No. 1 seeds have become the first to trail 1-2 in a conference semifinal since the NBA went to the current playoff format in 1984. The Hawks couldn't take advantage of Washington playing without All-Star guard John Wall and fell behind by as much as 21 points before a 103-101 loss Saturday.

''They had their way with us for three quarters,'' Hawks guard Kyle Korver said. ''They were more physical and just kind of pushed us around. We didn't respond well. ... The bottom line is we've got to play with more fire in a playoff game.''

Golden State won 67 games, while Atlanta dominated the East with 60 victories. Now both No. 1 seeds risk falling behind even further Monday night in Game 4 of each of their best-of-7 series.

A look at the two games:

---

Warriors at Grizzlies, Grizzlies lead 2-1, 9:30 p.m. EDT, TNT

The Warriors didn't change their schedule and didn't practice Sunday, instead watching all of Saturday night's loss together to see exactly where they kept rushing. They now have shot 6 of 26 outside the arc for a second straight game, a measly 23.1 percent.

League MVP Stephen Curry missed the only shot he took in the fourth quarter, and he was 4 of 21 on 3-poitners the past two games combined after knocking down 20 in four games against New Orleans in the first round.

That leaves a team that won 45 games by double digits is trying to avoid its first three-game skid this season.

''It's unfamiliar territory, so it's something that we're looking forward to and looking forward to respond to adversity,'' Warriors forward Draymond Green said.

The Grizzlies did practice and spent Monday trying to recover from a second straight emotional game. Mike Conley's first game back Tuesday from surgery to repair facial fractures was thrilling, and they turned in another defensive show Saturday night.

Coach Dave Joerger gave them a history lesson on past playoffs like last year when the Grizzlies lost their first-round series to Oklahoma City after leading 2-1.

''We've been on the other end of it we've been on the other end of it, so we know no lead is safe,'' Conley said. ''You're playing against the best team in the world and anything can happen.''

---

Hawks at Wizards, Wizards lead 2-1, 7 p.m. EDT, TNT

The Hawks expect to get forward Paul Millsap back in the starting lineup Monday night after flu-like symptoms limited him to eight points and two rebounds off the bench Saturday. But the Hawks have more issues with Jeff Teague shooting only 5 of 15 from the floor, and Korver took just five shots as he finished with six points.

Only a rally by the bench that tied it up late, setting up Paul Pierce's winning shot, kept Atlanta from being routed as the Hawks looked lethargic and disjointed for three quarters.

''We've got our backs against the wall, it's do or die,'' Atlanta guard Kent Bazemore said.

The Wizards are 3-0 at home and 6-1 this postseason. More importantly, they now are 1-1 without Wall.

''We were able to show, especially for the first three and half quarters, what we was capable of even without John if we play the right way,'' Wizards guard Garrett Temple said. ''We've just got to play that way for the whole game.

The swelling in Wall's broken left wrist and hand had eased Sunday, though not enough for him to test dribbling a ball yet.

''It's heading to a situation where hopefully he can get a ball in his hands (again), see how that feels,'' Wizards coach Randy Wittman said. ''There's still some (swelling) in there. There's no sense doing anything with a ball while it's swollen.''

[StarDust Bum]

Bulls' Gasol out for Game 4 vs Cavs

May 10, 2015

CHICAGO (AP) - Chicago Bulls forward Pau Gasol will miss Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals because of a strained left hamstring.

Coach Tom Thibodeau said Sunday the five-time All-Star was still sore and remains day to day. He said he is not sure if Gasol will be ready for Game 5 on Tuesday at Cleveland.

Gasol left Friday's game and an MRI showed no major structural damage. Taj Gibson was in the lineup Sunday in his place.

A two-time champion with the Los Angeles Lakers, Gasol averaged 18.5 points and 11.8 rebounds after signing with Chicago last summer. At 34, he led the NBA with a career-high 54 double-doubles.

It's the latest in a long list of injuries this season for the Bulls, who lead the series 2-1 after Derrick Rose banked in a 3-pointer at the buzzer for a 99-96 victory Friday.

[StarDust Bum]

Injured point guards major impact

May 9, 2015

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) - John Wall hopes to test his broken left hand and wrist by trying to dribble a basketball.

''You have to be able to dribble,'' the Wizards' All-Star guard said Friday. ''It's basically taping my hand behind my back and saying dribble with one hand. It's not happening in this league. It's just something I have to deal with. It's frustrating. It's tough.''

Injuries continue to have a major impact on the conference semifinals with Washington replacing Memphis as the team waiting to see if its point guard can or should try to play with broken bones.

Sure, Mike Conley played eight days after surgery to repair broken bones in his left cheek, but the Grizzlies' guard missed three games until swelling eased enough in his face to wear a mask. Even the Clippers' Chris Paul took off a couple games to rest his strained left hamstring.

Memphis was able to close out Portland without Conley, and he returned in time to help the Grizzlies split with the Warriors in the first two games in the Western Conference semifinals. The Clippers split both games Paul sat out in Houston, giving him time to rest up for Game 3.

Wall is averaging 17.6 points and 12.6 assists this postseason. With five non-displaced fractures, Wall could hurt his hand and wrist even worse by playing so he's not sure if he will be able to play Game 3 today no matter how tough it might be sitting out.

''This series has to go on,'' Wall said. ''This is a great opportunity for these guys to step up, play a key role and win some games.''

A look at the two games:

---

Warriors at Grizzlies, tied 1-1, 8 p.m., EDT, ESPN

Golden State faces its first true test after sweeping New Orleans and easily winning the opener against the Grizzlies. Conley's return allowed the Grizzlies to take home-court advantage with them back to Memphis, and masks already were waiting for fans to turn up the volume Saturday night in appreciation of the guard's gutty performance Tuesday night.

Playing on the road has been pretty easy for the Warriors who posted not only the NBA's best record overall in the regular season but were the league's best away from home.

''For us, this is some of the first adversity that we've faced,'' Warriors guard Klay Thompson said. ''We've got a couple options: we can hang our heads or we can go in there and fight in Memphis. We're the best road team in the NBA for a reason. We can go in there and win if we play hard enough, and that's what we expect to do.''

Conley was testing a new mask after practice Friday, hopefully one with holes to protect against fogging. Having three days between games has helped him recover, and Conley even has been able to run and lift weights. He's even getting the feeling back in parts of his face now.

''That's a good thing,'' Conley said.

---

Hawks at Wizards, tied 1-1, 5 p.m. EDT, ESPN

The Wizards are preparing to play without Wall against the East's No. 1 seed after grabbing home-court advantage by winning the series opener with their point guard on the floor. Bradley Beal, who took over at the point in Game 2, is averaging only 4 assists this postseason.

Beal said he thinks he tried to do too much in that game, trying to compensate for Wall's absence. He said the key for him is simply creating opportunities for shots and rebound.

''I got to rely on my teammates and act like John is there when he's not there,'' Beal said.

Wall's advice is for Beal to be aggressive but smart if double-teamed.

''Trust the guys are going to make shots,'' Wall said. ''Kick it out to them. That's something you have to build. He hasn't been in that situation too many times. Mostly he was the guy being aggressive and I have to find guys.

Atlanta guard Kyle Korver was with Chicago when the Bulls lost Derrick Rose to a torn ACL.

''We were all bummed, but you know what, you still have to play,'' Korver said. ''We got beat four games in a row, and I'm not saying that's going to happen here. We have a lot of respect for them and still think it's going to be a tough series.''

[StarDust Bum]

Armadillo: Monday's six-pack

-- Ricky Fowler played last ten holes in -8, won the PLAYERS title in a three-way playoff; if golf announcers got fined for every cliche they uttered, most would work for free, some would owe money, especially on NBC.

-- White Sox have played five home series, won two of three in all five.

-- All 11 of the Rangers' playoff games this spring were decided by one goal.

-- Anaheim eliminated the Flames in five games; Ducks are 8-1 in playoffs.

-- Why do people make TV commercials with screaming in them? Does this make people buy the product? It makes me turn the channel.

-- Orioles are back in Baltimore tonight; lets hope its a peaceful night.

**********

Armadillo: Monday's List of 13: Wrapping up a sports weekend......

13) I don't know how much Tyronn Lue makes as an assistant coach, but he earned every penny Sunday, pulling coach David Blatt away when the head coach tried to call a timeout he didn't have with the score tied and 0:08 left.

Blatt then channeled his inner Gene Hackman (from Hoosiers) and wanted the last play to start with Lebron James inbounding the ball. Um, no; James got the ball instead, drained the winning shot and everyone was happy.

12) When JR Smith is (correctly) criticizing his head coach after a game, you have to wonder what the hell is going on? Just let Lebron coach the team.

11) By the way, if I'm the Bulls, I'm wondering why none of the three refs saw Blatt (who was standing on the freakin' court) and gave him what would have been an illegal timeout? Seems like the refs may have bailed Cleveland out of what would've been a very embarrassing situation.

10) Last two games: Clippers 252, Rockets 194-- Coaching in the NBA must suck (except for the $$$); Kevin McHale had to be steaming at the gutless performance of his team Sunday, yet his postgame press conference sounded like a Little League coach consoling a bunch of 10-year olds after a game.

I'm reminded of what Rick Pitino said when the Thunder hired Billy Donovan a couple weeks ago, something to the effect that he'll have to learn to bite his tongue, that would be very important. Apparently if you publicly criticize the highly paid players, they'll go in the tank and get you fired. Awesome.

9) While I'm here, DeAndre Jordan was 10-28 from the foul line.....in the first half alone, as Houston fouled him over and over. Anyone who says the NBA game is better than college ball is delusional- they just have better players, the best in the world. In the NBA, the inmates run the asylum.

8) Think about the three buzzer beaters this weekend; two were banked in, totally lucky shots, the third was on a play after the players told the coach to stuff the play he had called-- and they were right to do so!!!!

7) NHL officials had to be sick when Anaheim eliminated the Flames in five games last night; its serious money if a series goes six or seven games. Better TV ratings, more sellout crowds- short series don't help the bottom line.

6) Baseball oddity last night; normally when a pitcher comes into a game, he has to face a batter, but when Luke Hochevar was announced as a reliever in the ninth inning, there was a downpour ten seconds later and the game had a rain delay of over an hour.

When the game resumed, Hochevar didn't have to pitch, since it had been over an hour since he warmed up and there is a rule for that (to help prevent injury) , so this was the rare case of a pitcher getting in a game but doing nothing.

5) A disgruntled former U of Illinois football player went on a Twitter rant Sunday, saying the Illini's head football trainer was fired after it was discovered he wasn't licensed to work in the state of Illinois. Whoops. Read here.

The player involved quit the team last year and obviously has an ax to grind, but apparently a lot of what he said is true.

4) Johnny Cueto got 30 called strikes from ump John Hirschbeck Saturday; very unusual for a pitcher to get that many in one game. For some reason, the Reds left Cueto in a 10-1 game in 9th inning- they finally took him out after he had thrown 123 pitches and the game got to 10-4.

3) At some point, I'm going to do a thing on the great debate that rages these days between numbers guys and non-numbers guys (we need a name for them!!!) in sports. How decisions are made is changing and not everyone has the same blueprint for how to do it. People copy teams who win.

Analytics, you know-- for instance, the A's two assistant GMs went to Harvard and Brown- the guy who left this year to go to the Dodgers went to MIT and only became interested in baseball after he saw the movie Moneyball, so he had no background in baseball until ten years ago. Just great.

Wonder which Ivy League genius is taking credit for Cespedes/Lester trade? A's were 66-41 when they made the trade, are 34-56 since. Ouch.

2) Robert Morris did a great job last year; they had the NEC Freshman of the Year, but the kid had people in his ear, so he left Robert Morris and will let the anxious world know his next college stop this week. This sucks when teams at low major schools lose out on recruiting coups because bigger schools poach their players. We'll find out who these poachers are fairly soon.

1) Washington Capitals' fans have to be sick; they were up 3-1 on Rangers, now it is 3-3, Game 7 is in NYC. Since Alex Ovechkin has been a Cap, they're 4-12 in games when they can end a series- last five times they were up 3-2, they lost Game 6.

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Armadillo's Write-Up

Monday, May 11

National League
Pirates @ Phillies
Cole is 4-1, 2.35 in his last five starts (over is 3-2-1 in his '15 starts).

Williams is 2-2, 6.67 in his last five starts; three of last four went over.

Pirates won six of last seven games with Philly; six of last nine series games went over total. Bucs won three of last four games, with three of four going over total. Phillies lost nine of last 12 games; over is 4-2-1 in their last seven.

Braves @ Reds
Miller is 4-1, 1.89 in his six starts, five of which stayed under.

Leake is 2-1, 1.45 in his last four starts, three of which stayed under.

Atlanta lost eight of last nine road games, with last four going over the total; Braves lost four of their last six games with Cincinnati- under is 6-2-2 in last 10 series games. Reds lost three of last four, with three of the four going over.

Mets @ Cubs
deGrom is 3-3, 3.44 in his six starts (under 3-2-1).

Lester is 2-0, 2.57 in his last two starts; over is 3-1-1 in his last five. .

Chicago lost seven of last nine games, with five of last seven going over the total. Mets lost five of last seven games with the Cubs; three of last four went under total. New York won four of last five games; seven of their last eight games stayed under the total.

Nationals @ Diamondbacks
Scherzer is 2-2, 2.57 in his last five starts (under 3-2-1 in his '15 starts).

Collmenter is 3-1, 2.70 in his last four starts; five of his six went over.

Washington won eight of last ten games with Arizona; six of last nine series games stayed under. Nationals won seven of last eight games, scoring 29 runs in last four; five of their last six games went over. Arizona won four of its last six games; over is 8-3-1 in their last twelve.

Marlins @ Dodgers
Koehler is 1-2, 8.59 in his three road starts; four of his last five starts overall went over the total.

Greinke is 5-0, 1.79 in his six starts, five of which went over.

Dodgers won six of last nine games with Miami; over is 8-1-1 in last 10 series games. LA won 12 of last 13 home games; four of their last five overall went over total. Miami is 3-5 in its last eight games; five of the eight went over.

American League
Blue Jays @ Orioles
Estrada allowed five runs in 4.2 IP (79 PT) in his first '15 start last week; he was 7-6, 4.38 in 18 starts for Milwaukee LY.

Jimenez is 1-2, 5.06 in his last three starts; under is 4-1-1 in his last six.

Orioles are back at home for first time in 12 days; they've lost five of last six games- under is 6-1-2 in their last nine games. Blue Jays won five of last six games with Baltimore; over is 4-1-1 in those six. Toronto won three of last four games overall, under is 4-1-1 in their last six .

Bronx @ Rays
Sabathia is 0-5, 5.68 in his six starts; four of his last five stayed under.

Colome is 3-0, 1.10 in three starts, all of which stayed under.

Bronx is 10-4 in its last 14 games; under is 8-3-2 in last thirteen- they're 6-1 in last seven games vs Tampa Bay, with last three staying under. Rays are 8-4 in last dozen home games; three of their last four went over.

Royals @ Rangers
Duffy is 2-1, 4.01 in his last five starts; four of his six went over. KC closer Holland threw 30 pitches last night, could be unavailable tonight.

Lewis is 1-1, 1.79 in his last three starts (over is 3-3 in his '15 starts). .

Royals won six of last seven games with Texas; under is 8-0-2 in last 10 series games. KC won three of last four overall; five of their last seven games went over total. Rangers won five of last seven games; four of last five went over.

Red Sox @ A's
Porcello is 2-0, 0.64 in his last two starts after going 1-2, 6.84 in his first four; over is 3-3 in his '15 starts.

Kazmir hasn't allowed a run in 14 IP (two starts) at home this year; he is 0-1, 6.75 in his last two starts overall.

Boston lost seven of last nine games, with under 8-1-1 in their last ten. Red Sox lost four of last five games with Oakland- nine of last ten series games stayed under total. A's lost nine of last 12 games; 11 of last 14 went over.

Interleague
White Sox @ Brewers
Samardzija is 2-1, 3.81 in his last four starts, three of which stayed under.

Peralta is 1-2, 2.70 in his last three starts; Milwaukee scored total of 12 runs in his last five.

White Sox won four of last five games with Milwaukee, but teams haven't met since '12; Sox won four of last six games overall. Brewers won six of last nine games with five of last six going over the total.

Win-loss records this year for team with this starting pitcher:
Pitt-Phil-- Cole 4-2; Williams 3-3
Atl-Cin-- Miller 5-1; Leake 3-3
NY-Chi-- deGrom 3-3; Lester 4-2
Wash-Az-- Strasburg 2-4; Collmenter 3-3
Mia-LA-- Koehler 3-3; Greinke 5-1

Tor-Balt-- Estrada 0-1; Jimenez 2-3
NY-TB-- Sabathia 1-5; Colome 2-0
KC-Tex-- Duffy 4-2; Lewis 2-4
Bos-A's-- Porcello 4-2; Kazmir 3-3

CWS-Mil-- Samardzija 3-3; Peralta 1-5

Times this starting pitcher allowed a run in first inning:
Pitt-Phil-- Cole 1-6; Williams 3-6
Atl-Cin-- Miller 0-6; Leake 1-6
NY-Chi-- deGrom 2-6; Lester 3-6
Wash-Az-- Strasburg 0-6; Collmenter 2-6
Mia-LA-- Koehler 0-6; Greinke 3-6

Tor-Balt-- Estrada 1-1; Jimenez 0-5
NY-TB-- Sabathia 2-6; Colome 0-2
KC-Tex-- Duffy 2-6; Lewis 0-6
Bos-A's-- Porcello 1-6; Kazmir 0-6

CWS-Mil-- Samardzija 2-6; Peralta 1-6

[StarDust Bum]

MLB

Monday, May 11

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

7:05 PM
TORONTO vs. BALTIMORE
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Toronto's last 7 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Toronto's last 6 games when playing Baltimore
Baltimore is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Baltimore's last 9 games

7:05 PM
PITTSBURGH vs. PHILADELPHIA
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Pittsburgh's last 6 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
Pittsburgh is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing Philadelphia
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 6 games when playing at home against Pittsburgh
Philadelphia is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Pittsburgh

7:10 PM
NY YANKEES vs. TAMPA BAY
NY Yankees are 7-2 SU in their last 9 games on the road
NY Yankees are 17-6 SU in their last 23 games
Tampa Bay is 1-6 SU in their last 7 games when playing NY Yankees
Tampa Bay is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games at home

7:10 PM
ATLANTA vs. CINCINNATI
Atlanta is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games on the road
Atlanta is 4-9 SU in its last 13 games when playing on the road against Cincinnati
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Cincinnati's last 6 games at home
Cincinnati is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Atlanta

7:20 PM
CHI WHITE SOX vs. MILWAUKEE
Chi White Sox are 4-2 SU in their last 6 games
Chi White Sox are 0-5 SU in their last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Milwaukee's last 6 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Milwaukee's last 6 games

8:05 PM
KANSAS CITY vs. TEXAS
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Kansas City's last 6 games when playing on the road against Texas
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Kansas City's last 12 games when playing Texas
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Texas's last 6 games when playing at home against Kansas City
Texas is 13-6 SU in its last 19 games when playing at home against Kansas City

8:05 PM
NY METS vs. CHI CUBS
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of NY Mets's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of NY Mets's last 8 games
Chi Cubs are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing at home against NY Mets
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Chi Cubs's last 13 games when playing at home against NY Mets

9:40 PM
WASHINGTON vs. ARIZONA
Washington is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games when playing on the road against Arizona
Washington is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Arizona
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Arizona's last 6 games
Arizona is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games

10:05 PM
BOSTON vs. OAKLAND
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Boston's last 6 games
Boston is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Oakland
The total has gone OVER in 12 of Oakland's last 16 games
Oakland is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games

10:10 PM
MIAMI vs. LA DODGERS
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Miami's last 5 games when playing LA Dodgers
Miami is 1-4 SU in their last 5 games when playing on the road against LA Dodgers
LA Dodgers are 6-3 SU in their last 9 games when playing Miami
The total has gone OVER in 5 of LA Dodgers's last 5 games when playing Miami

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Dunkel

Monday, May 11


Pittsburgh @ Philadelphia

Game 951-952
May 11, 2015 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Pittsburgh
(Cole) 14.683
Philadelphia
(Williams) 15.599
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Philadelphia
by 1
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Pittsburgh
-180
7
Dunkel Pick:
Philadelphia
(+160); Over

Atlanta @ Cincinnati

Game 953-954
May 11, 2015 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Atlanta
(Miller) 15.087
Cincinnati
(Leake) 12.677
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Atlanta
by 2 1/2
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Cincinnati
-145
7 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Atlanta
(+125); Over

NY Mets @ Chicago Cubs

Game 955-956
May 11, 2015 @ 8:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
NY Mets
(deGrom) 15.126
Chicago Cubs
(Lester) 16.727
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Chicago Cubs
by 1 1/2
5 1/2
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Chicago Cubs
-145
No Run Total
Dunkel Pick:
Chicago Cubs
(-145); N/A

Washington @ Arizona

Game 957-958
May 11, 2015 @ 9:40 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Washington
(Scherzer) 16.808
Arizona
(Collmenter) 15.422
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Washington
by 1 1/2
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Washington
-135
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Washington
(-135); Under

Miami @ LA Dodgers

Game 959-960
May 11, 2015 @ 10:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Miami
(Koehler) 16.229
LA Dodgers
(Greinke) 13.573
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Miami
by 2 1/2
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
LA Dodgers
-230
7
Dunkel Pick:
Miami
(+190); Over

Toronto @ Baltimore

Game 961-962
May 11, 2015 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Toronto
(Estrada) 15.347
Baltimore
(Tillman) 14.136
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Toronto
by 1
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Baltimore
-135
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Toronto
(+115); Over

NY Yankees @ Tampa Bay

Game 963-964
May 11, 2015 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
NY Yankees
(Sabathia) 16.060
Tampa Bay
(Colome) 17.560
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Tampa Bay
by 1 1/2
6
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Tampa Bay
-125
7
Dunkel Pick:
Tampa Bay
(-125); Under

Kansas City @ Texas

Game 965-966
May 11, 2015 @ 8:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Kansas City
(Duffy) 16.048
Texas
(Lewis) 14.641
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Kansas City
by 1 1/2
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Kansas City
-125
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Kansas City
(-125); Under

Boston @ Oakland

Game 967-968
May 11, 2015 @ 10:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Boston
(Porcello) 13.564
Oakland
(Kazmir) 15.142
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Oakland
by 1 1/2
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Oakland
-135
7 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Oakland
(-135); Over

Chicago White Sox @ Milwaukee

Game 969-970
May 11, 2015 @ 7:20 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Chicago White Sox
(Samardzija) 15.791
Milwaukee
(Peralta) 12.759
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Chicago White Sox
by 3
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Chicago White Sox
-115
8
Dunkel Pick:
Chicago White Sox
(-115); Over

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Long Sheet

Monday, May 11

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

PITTSBURGH (15 - 16) at PHILADELPHIA (11 - 21) - 7:05 PM
GERRIT COLE (R) vs. JEROME WILLIAMS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
WILLIAMS is 7-1 (+7.7 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
WILLIAMS is 7-1 (+7.7 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
WILLIAMS is 10-5 (+9.5 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
PITTSBURGH is 138-97 (+29.6 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 3 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 112-66 (+31.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 69-91 (-31.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.

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

GERRIT COLE vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
COLE is 1-1 when starting against PHILADELPHIA with an ERA of 2.61 and a WHIP of 1.065.
His team's record is 1-1 (-0.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-0. (+2.1 units)

JEROME WILLIAMS vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
WILLIAMS is 1-4 when starting against PITTSBURGH with an ERA of 4.37 and a WHIP of 1.486.
His team's record is 2-4 (-2.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-3. (-0.3 units)

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

ATLANTA (14 - 17) at CINCINNATI (15 - 16) - 7:10 PM
SHELBY MILLER (R) vs. MIKE LEAKE (R)
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 93-100 (-19.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 91-99 (-21.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 72-82 (-20.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 47-60 (-26.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 76-44 (+30.8 Units) against the money line in road games after 3 or more consecutive losses since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 361-328 (-82.6 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 2-2 (+0.5 Units) against CINCINNATI this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.9 Units)

SHELBY MILLER vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
MILLER is 2-3 when starting against CINCINNATI with an ERA of 3.24 and a WHIP of 1.176.
His team's record is 4-3 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-4. (-1.1 units)

MIKE LEAKE vs. ATLANTA since 1997
LEAKE is 4-2 when starting against ATLANTA with an ERA of 2.03 and a WHIP of 0.945.
His team's record is 4-3 (+1.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-5. (-3.2 units)

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

NY METS (20 - 11) at CHICAGO CUBS (15 - 15) - 8:05 PM
JACOB DEGROM (R) vs. JON LESTER (L)
Top Trends for this game.
NY METS are 99-94 (+12.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 36-27 (+13.9 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +100 to +125 over the last 3 seasons.
NY METS are 87-90 (+21.4 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 3 seasons.
NY METS are 99-94 (+12.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 1402-1568 (-282.6 Units) against the money line in all games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 751-733 (-167.8 Units) against the money line in home games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 1345-1481 (-257.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 221-230 (-68.2 Units) against the money line in home games in night games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 1029-1165 (-214.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters since 1997.

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

JACOB DEGROM vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
DEGROM is 0-0 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 7.20 and a WHIP of 1.600.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.3 units)

JON LESTER vs. NY METS since 1997
LESTER is 1-0 when starting against NY METS with an ERA of 3.60 and a WHIP of 1.800.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

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

WASHINGTON (17 - 15) at ARIZONA (14 - 16) - 9:40 PM
MAX SCHERZER (R) vs. JOSH COLLMENTER (R)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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

JOSH COLLMENTER vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
COLLMENTER is 1-0 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 3.00 and a WHIP of 0.750.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (-0.1 units)

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

MIAMI (15 - 17) at LA DODGERS (20 - 10) - 10:10 PM
TOM KOEHLER (R) vs. ZACK GREINKE (R)
Top Trends for this game.
LA DODGERS are 12-1 (+10.6 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters this season.
GREINKE is 48-22 (+19.5 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
GREINKE is 35-13 (+16.9 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
GREINKE is 27-7 (+15.8 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
GREINKE is 48-22 (+19.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
GREINKE is 36-15 (+15.6 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
GREINKE is 51-19 (+28.4 Units) against the money line in home games after a win since 1997. (Team's Record)
GREINKE is 25-8 (+16.0 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive wins since 1997. (Team's Record)
MIAMI is 68-65 (+10.5 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
LA DODGERS are 11-16 (-9.5 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive wins over the last 2 seasons.

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

TOM KOEHLER vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
KOEHLER is 1-2 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 3.45 and a WHIP of 1.532.
His team's record is 1-2 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-0. (+2.0 units)

ZACK GREINKE vs. MIAMI since 1997
GREINKE is 3-0 when starting against MIAMI with an ERA of 4.22 and a WHIP of 1.438.
His team's record is 5-0 (+5.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-1. (+3.0 units)

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

TORONTO (16 - 16) at BALTIMORE (13 - 16) - 7:05 PM
MARCO ESTRADA (R) vs. UBALDO JIMENEZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
BALTIMORE is 113-86 (+32.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 60-38 (+16.8 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 16-7 (+11.7 Units) against the money line when playing on Monday over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 60-43 (+19.3 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 99-74 (+28.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 79-51 (+33.1 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 88-64 (+28.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 49-36 (+15.6 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 26-13 (+14.2 Units) against the money line in May games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
TORONTO is 5-1 (+4.2 Units) against BALTIMORE this season
4 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+3.1 Units)

MARCO ESTRADA vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
No recent starts.

UBALDO JIMENEZ vs. TORONTO since 1997
JIMENEZ is 4-4 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 4.37 and a WHIP of 1.330.
His team's record is 5-5 (+0.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-4. (+0.8 units)

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

NY YANKEES (20 - 12) at TAMPA BAY (17 - 15) - 7:10 PM
C.C. SABATHIA (L) vs. ALEX COLOME (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SABATHIA is 1-9 (-8.7 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
TAMPA BAY is 569-650 (+16.5 Units) against the money line against division opponents since 1997.
NY YANKEES are 22-11 (+11.5 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less over the last 2 seasons.
NY YANKEES are 16-7 (+10.0 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
TAMPA BAY is 94-100 (-25.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 28-36 (-18.3 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 44-53 (-27.7 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 0-6 (-7.4 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 7 or less this season.
TAMPA BAY is 45-54 (-28.0 Units) against the money line in games played in a dome over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 52-60 (-26.2 Units) against the money line in games played on artificial turf over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 22-28 (-14.8 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 25-31 (-16.0 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY YANKEES is 5-1 (+3.6 Units) against TAMPA BAY this season
3 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.1 Units, Under=-0.6 Units)

C.C. SABATHIA vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
SABATHIA is 12-14 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 3.83 and a WHIP of 1.245.
His team's record is 16-20 (-9.8 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 17-18. (-3.2 units)

ALEX COLOME vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
COLOME is 0-0 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 0.00 and a WHIP of 1.545.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-1. (-0.2 units)

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

KANSAS CITY (20 - 11) at TEXAS (13 - 18) - 8:05 PM
DANNY DUFFY (L) vs. COLBY LEWIS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
KANSAS CITY is 25-41 (-22.5 Units) against the money line in May games over the last 3 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 20-11 (+9.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 61-42 (+22.4 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 20-11 (+9.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
KANSAS CITY is 86-60 (+17.7 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 85-60 (+14.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 37-27 (+11.7 Units) against the money line in road games after a win over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 9-23 (-12.8 Units) against the money line as a home underdog of +100 to +125 over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 36-57 (-23.5 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 36-57 (-23.5 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 52-89 (-31.9 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 33-49 (-20.3 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.

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

DANNY DUFFY vs. TEXAS since 1997
DUFFY is 0-0 when starting against TEXAS with an ERA of 4.50 and a WHIP of 1.600.
His team's record is 0-2 (-2.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-0. (+2.2 units)

COLBY LEWIS vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
LEWIS is 1-4 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 6.55 and a WHIP of 1.424.
His team's record is 1-5 (-6.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-2. (+0.7 units)

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

BOSTON (14 - 17) at OAKLAND (12 - 21) - 10:05 PM
RICK PORCELLO (R) vs. SCOTT KAZMIR (L)
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 85-109 (-34.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 75-93 (-29.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 60-77 (-24.3 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 34-52 (-24.7 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 31-39 (-14.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
PORCELLO is 12-3 (+10.2 Units) against the money line in road games in May games since 1997. (Team's Record)
OAKLAND is 12-21 (-12.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
OAKLAND is 12-21 (-12.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
OAKLAND is 72-66 (-16.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.

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

RICK PORCELLO vs. OAKLAND since 1997
PORCELLO is 4-5 when starting against OAKLAND with an ERA of 3.86 and a WHIP of 1.467.
His team's record is 5-5 (-0.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 7-3. (+4.2 units)

SCOTT KAZMIR vs. BOSTON since 1997
KAZMIR is 9-8 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 4.13 and a WHIP of 1.440.
His team's record is 16-14 (+9.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 18-12. (+5.7 units)

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

CHI WHITE SOX (12 - 16) at MILWAUKEE (11 - 21) - 7:20 PM
JEFF SAMARDZIJA (R) vs. WILY PERALTA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CHI WHITE SOX are 2-11 (-9.5 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 2-11 (-9.5 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 61-83 (-24.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
SAMARDZIJA is 14-26 (-18.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SAMARDZIJA is 4-14 (-12.0 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SAMARDZIJA is 14-26 (-18.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SAMARDZIJA is 0-7 (-9.2 Units) against the money line in road games after a win over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SAMARDZIJA is 7-12 (-10.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
CHI WHITE SOX are 188-142 (+41.9 Units) against the money line in an inter-league game since 1997.
CHI WHITE SOX are 363-365 (+31.6 Units) against the money line in road games after a win since 1997.
MILWAUKEE is 93-101 (-16.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 49-52 (-17.5 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 49-52 (-17.5 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 4-15 (-11.6 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 36-42 (-17.3 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 1-9 (-8.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.

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

JEFF SAMARDZIJA vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
SAMARDZIJA is 0-5 when starting against MILWAUKEE with an ERA of 4.50 and a WHIP of 1.217.
His team's record is 1-7 (-6.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-4. (-0.2 units)

WILY PERALTA vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
No recent starts.

[StarDust Bum]

MLB

Monday, May 11


Windy day in Cincinnati Monday

According to weather forecasts, winds are expected to blow from right field to left field at around 15 miles per hour at Great American Ball Park when the Cincinnati Reds host the Atlanta Braves Monday. Furthermore, there will be a 50 percent chance of thunderstorms during the course of the game.

The Reds are currently -134 while the total is tabbed at 7.5.

[StarDust Bum]

MLB

Monday, May 11


King felix becomes second best money pitcher with win

Seattle Mariners' ace Felix Hernandez became the bigs second best money pitcher at $700, after Sunay's 4-3 win over the Oakland A's.

Hernandez, who pitched seven innings of five hit, two run ball, only trails Texas' surprising youngster Nick Martinez, who leads the league at $774.


Indians extend over streak to nine

The Cleveland Indians have gone over the run total in nine consecutive games, after thumping the Minnesota Twins 8-2 Sunday.

Cleveland, now 18-12 over/under for the season, are scoring 9.1 runs per game, while giving up 6.1 runs during this over run.

The Tribe have the day off Monday before hosting the St. Louis Cardinals for a three-game series Tuesday.

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Long Sheet

Monday, May 11

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

ATLANTA (65 - 26) at WASHINGTON (52 - 37) - 5/11/2015, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 13-32 ATS (-22.2 Units) in road games in all playoff games since 1996.
ATLANTA is 5-20 ATS (-17.0 Units) in the second round of the playoffs since 1996.
ATLANTA is 7-17 ATS (-11.7 Units) in road games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 46-33 ATS (+9.7 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 52-36 ATS (+12.4 Units) in all games this season.
ATLANTA is 39-27 ATS (+9.3 Units) as a favorite this season.
ATLANTA is 26-12 ATS (+12.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
ATLANTA is 28-18 ATS (+8.2 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.
WASHINGTON is 342-411 ATS (-110.1 Units) in home games since 1996.
WASHINGTON is 157-201 ATS (-64.1 Units) vs. division opponents since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 8-5 against the spread versus ATLANTA over the last 3 seasons
ATLANTA is 8-7 straight up against WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
12 of 15 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

GOLDEN STATE (72 - 17) at MEMPHIS (61 - 29) - 5/11/2015, 9:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
GOLDEN STATE is 64-97 ATS (-42.7 Units) after 3 or more consecutive unders since 1996.
MEMPHIS is 113-80 ATS (+25.0 Units) off an upset win as an underdog since 1996.
MEMPHIS is 46-29 ATS (+14.1 Units) after a win by 10 points or more over the last 3 seasons.
MEMPHIS is 32-19 ATS (+11.1 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
MEMPHIS is 90-69 ATS (+14.1 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game over the last 3 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 48-37 ATS (+7.3 Units) in all games this season.
GOLDEN STATE is 44-31 ATS (+9.9 Units) as a favorite this season.
GOLDEN STATE is 26-16 ATS (+8.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
MEMPHIS is 9-4 against the spread versus GOLDEN STATE over the last 3 seasons
MEMPHIS is 8-5 straight up against GOLDEN STATE over the last 3 seasons
8 of 13 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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




NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up

Monday, May 11

Wall has multiple fractures in left hand/wrist; is probably out for rest of series. Hawks bench shot 7-20/ 7-15/18-33, as subs got them back in game after they were down 13 at half in Game 3; they also got to line 29 times, most in series so far. Over is 8-6 so far in this round of playoffs, 2-1 in this series; hosts are 6-7-1 vs spread. Washington won Game 3 even with their starting guards shooting 8-25 from the floor. Washington is 3-4 in its last seven games vs Atlanta; nine of last 11 series games went over total. Eight of last ten Wizard games went over total.

Four Memphis subs were combined +52 in Game 3 win, as Warriors scored under 40 points in first half for second game in row- they scored less than 40 in first half once during regular season. Playoff games are a grind; Warriors are 6-28/6-26 from arc last two games- they turned ball over 37 times last two games. Golden State is 2-8 vs spread in last ten games. Memphis is 6-2 SU in playoffs. Seven of last nine series games stayed under the total, including all three in this playoff series. Conley is a "warrior" by the way, playing 33:00 in Game 3 with a broken face.

2015 playoffs
Chicago vs Cleveland
Chi 99-92, +4.5, U195
Clev 106-91, -5.5, O195.5
Chi 99-96, -3, O194.5
Clev 86-84, -3 U194

Washington vs Atlanta
Wash 104-98, +5.5, O197
Atl 106-90, -9, U199
Wash 103-101, +4, O196.5

Memphis vs Golden State
GSt 101-86, -10.5, U196
Mem 101-86, +10.5, U198.5
Mem 99-89, +4.5, U196.5

LA Clippers vs Houston
LAC 117-101, +7.5, O212
Hst 115-109, -8, O214.5
LAC 124-99, -6, O214.5
LAC 128-95, -6.5 O217.5




NBA

Monday, May 11

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

7:00 PM
ATLANTA vs. WASHINGTON
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Atlanta's last 5 games when playing on the road against Washington
Atlanta is 2-5-2 ATS in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Washington
The total has gone OVER in 11 of Washington's last 13 games at home
Washington is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home

9:30 PM
GOLDEN STATE vs. MEMPHIS
Golden State is 2-8 ATS in its last 10 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Golden State's last 6 games
Memphis is 14-5 SU in its last 19 games when playing Golden State
Memphis is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home

[StarDust Bum]

NBA

Monday, May 11

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Game of the Day: NBA Monday playoff matchups
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Atlanta Hawks at Washington Wizards (+4.5, 199)
Wizards lead series 2-1

Paul Pierce just won’t let Washington lose and the Wizards are in position to take a 3-1 lead when they host the top-seeded Atlanta Hawks in Monday’s Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals. Pierce banked in a jumper at the buzzer to give Washington a 103-101 victory on Saturday and the fifth-seeded Wizards now have a chance to take a commanding lead.

Pierce’s heroics were timely as Washington knows it won’t have John Wall (broken left hand and wrist) for the remainder of the series. But the mantra for the squad has been that it will be able to overcome the loss of the standpoint point guard. “We don’t have a choice,” shooting guard Bradley Beal told reporters. “We can sit here and make excuses or we can go out and prove people wrong.” Atlanta power forward Paul Millsap struggled in Game 3 with just eight points and two rebounds while plagued with flu-like symptoms and is just 14-of-39 shooting in the series.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, TNT

LINE HISTORY: Oddsmakers initially opened the Wiz as 3-point dogs, but that's been adjusted to +4.5.

INJURY REPORT: Atlanta - T. Sefelosha (out for season). Washington - J. Wall (questionable)

ABOUT THE HAWKS: Small forward DeMarre Carroll has been Atlanta’s top player in the series and is also considered one of its top defensive players so his absence was conspicuous on Pierce’s game-winning shot. Immediately after the contest, Carroll said he wasn’t physically able to play at the time and then backtracked on those comments the next day, while coach Mike Budenholzer was insisting he went with the best group to get a stop. “I know a lot of people are going to say a lot of things because I’m supposed to be the top defender on the team, but I guess y’all can talk to Coach and he can answer the rest of the questions,” Carroll told reporters.

ABOUT THE WIZARDS: Washington led by 21 points with under 10 minutes to play in Game 3 before seeing the lead evaporate and then needing Pierce to hit one of his customary clutch shots. “Took my time. You know, wanted to make sure I got the shot off with no time on the clock,” Pierce told reporters. “I’ve been in those situations many times.” The Wizards are hoping power forward Nene will continue to play like he did in Game 3 – 17 points on 7-of-9 shooting – as opposed to the poor showings in the first two games when he missed all nine of his field-goal attempts.

TRENDS:

*Wizards are 8-1-1 ATS in their last 10 games overall.
*Over is 6-1 in the last 7 meetings.
*Hawks are 0-4-1 ATS in their last 5 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
*Hawks are 3-8-1 ATS in their last 12 games overall.


Golden State Warriors at Memphis Grizzlies (+5, 196)
Grizzlies lead series 2-1

The Memphis Grizzlies are hounding the Golden State shooters and seek their third consecutive victory when they host the Warriors in Monday’s Game 4 of the Western Conference semifinals. Memphis has won the past two games with tenacious defense and has held Golden State to an average of 89.5 points during the stretch.

Memphis posted a 99-89 victory in Game 3 to take a 2-1 series lead and held the Warriors to 6-of-26 shooting from 3-point range and swingman Tony Allen promises the approach will be the same in Game 4. “Why would we change anything? I don’t think we should change nothing,” Allen told reporters. “We need to play how we’ve been playing, the way that got us this notoriety – the reason why all these cameras are in my face now.” Golden State posted 67 wins in the regular season and is now facing its largest dose of adversity. “This is kind of our moment of truth,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr told reporters. “You have to learn in the postseason.”

TV: 9:30 p.m. ET, TNT

LINE HISTORY: There hasn't been any line moves in this matchup as of this writing.

INJURY REPORT: Golden State - O. Kuzmic (questionable), M. Speights (doubtful). Memphis - None.

ABOUT THE WARRIORS: NBA MVP Stephen Curry is among the struggling Golden State players and he’s only 4-of-21 from 3-point range over the last two games. “I hold myself to a high standard and I haven’t reached it yet,” Curry told reporters. “So looking forward to the challenge of getting that level in Game 4, setting the tone and it could be a different outcome.” Backcourt mate Klay Thompson had his best performance of the series with 20 points and eight rebounds in Game 3 but missed three of four free throws, including two crucial misses that hindered a fourth-quarter rally attempt.

ABOUT THE GRIZZLIES: Power forward Zach Randolph and center Marc Gasol are operating at will in the interior and combined for 43 points and 23 rebounds in the Game 3 victory. Randolph has three consecutive 20-point outings in the series after failing to record one in the first round against Portland while Gasol had his second 21-point performance of the series on Saturday and is averaging 10 rebounds. “We might not play great or we might not make the shot or we might make mistakes or we might get really slow,” Gasol told reporters. “But we’re going to stay in the moment.”

TRENDS:

*Grizzlies are 8-2-1 ATS in their last 11 games overall.
*Warriors are 2-8 ATS in their last 10 games overall.
*Under is 5-1 in the last 6 meetings.
*Under is 23-3 in Grizzlies last 26 home games.

[StarDust Bum]

NBA

Monday, May 11


Warriors' Speights will not play in Game 4

Golden State Warriors big man Marreesse Speights will not participate in Monday's Game 4 of the Conference Semifinals versus Memphis, the team announced Sunday.

Speights suffered a moderate right calf strain in Game 3 and will be re-evaluated in one week.

The Dubs, who are in a 2-1 hole, are currently 5-point favorites for the tilt.


Under is red-hot in Grizzlies home games

The Under has paid out in 23 out of Memphis's last 26 home games.

The Grizzlies play host to the Golden State Warriors once again in Game 4 of the Western Conference Semifinals Series Monday.

Books have tabbed the matchup with a total of 196.


Wizards have been covering the spread with ease

The Washington Wizards have been covering the spread with ease as of late, and will try and keep that momentum going Monday in Game 4 against Atlanta.

The Wiz are 2-1 ATS in the series but have cashed tickets in eight out of their last nine

Bradley Beal and company are listed as 4-point dogs for the matchup.

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Short Sheet

Monday, May 11


Eastern Conference - Semifinals - Best of 7 - Game 4, WAS Leads 2-1

Atlanta Hawks at Washington Wizards, 7:05 ET
Atlanta: 16-5 ATS revenging a loss where opponent scored 100 or more points
Washington: 2-13 ATS after allowing 100 points or more 2 straight games


Western Conference - Semifinals - Best of 7 - Game 4, MEM Leads 2-1

Golden State Warriors at Memphis Grizzlies, 9:35 ET
Golden State: 64-97 ATS after 3 or more consecutive unders
Memphis: 12-2 ATS off a win by 10 points or more as an underdog

[StarDust Bum]

NBA

Monday, May 11


LeBron James, Cleveland - Prob Tues

James rolled his ankle last game but is expected to be ready for Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Bulls.