The Bum's Best Bets For Thursday May 14th - MLB - NBA -NHL !

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Armadillo's Write-Up

Thursday, May 14


National League
Pirates @ Phillies
Worley is 0-1, 5.29 in his last three starts; six of his last eight went under.

Harang is 1-2, 4.26 in his last three starts; under is 7-1-2 in his last ten.

Pirates won eight of last ten games with Philly; three of last four stayed under total. Bucs won five of last seven games (over 4-2-1) overall. Phillies lost 11 of last 15 games; over is 5-3-2 in their last ten.

Mets @ Cubs
Niese is 1-1, 5.82 in his three road starts; under is 6-3-1 in his last 10 starts.

Wood is 0-1, 12.00 in his last two starts; over is 3-0-1 in his last four.

Chicago won last three games; under is 3-0-1 in their last four. Mets lost five in row, eight of last ten games with the Cubs; under is 5-1-1 in last seven series games. New York is just 7-11 on road; they scored five runs in last three games- under is 9-1-1 in their last 11 games overall.

Giants @ Reds
Lincecum is 3-1, 1.88 in his last four starts; four of his last six stayed under.

Cueto is 3-1, 3.56 in his last four starts; under is 6-2-1 in his last nine.

Giants lost last four games with Cincinnati; road team won nine of last ten in series. SF lost seven of last ten road games. Reds won their last two games, allowing four runs; their last four games stayed under the total. .

Nationals @ Padres
Fister is 1-0, 2.07 in his last two starts; four of his last five went over.

Ross is 0-3, 3.91 in his last four starts; San Diego scored 10 runs in the four games-- six of his last eight went over.

Nationals won seven of last ten games with San Diego; four of last five series games stayed under. Washington won six of its last seven games; all of them went over total. Padres won their last three home games- over is 5-2 in their last seven games overall.

Rockies @ Dodgers
Bettis is making first '15 appearance; he was 1-3, 5.64 in eight starts in 2013, 0-2, 9.12 in 21 relief appearances LY (24.2 IP).

Anderson alllowed one run in 11 IP in his last two starts.

Dodgers won their last eight games with Colorado; eight of last ten in series went over. LA 14 of last 16 home games; seven of their last eight overall went over total. Colorado lost its last 11 games; they scored ten runs in their last five games-- four of the five stayed under.

American League
Twins @ Tigers
Pelfrey is 3-0, 2.22 in his last four starts; six of his last nine went over.

Sanchez is 1-2, 5.31 in his last three starts; three of his last four went under.

Tigers won seven of last nine games with Minnesota, but lost five of last eight games overall- eight of their last 11 games stayed under. Twins won nine of last 12 games- eight of their last 12 went over. Six of last nine series games stayed under.

Bronx @ Rays
Whitley is 1-1, 3.06 in his three starts (under 2-0-1).

Ramirez allowed 10 runs in 7.1 IP in his two starts this season.

Bronx is 11-6 in its last 17 games, but lost last two; under is 10-4-2 in last 16- they're 7-3 in last ten games vs Tampa Bay, with five of last six staying under. Rays are 10-5 in last fifteen home games; three of their last four overalll went under the total.

Royals @ Rangers
Guthrie is 1-2, 5.79 in his last four starts; four of his last six went over.

Detwiler is 1-4, 8.16 in his six starts (over 4-2-1) this year.

Royals won seven of last ten games with Texas; under is 9-2-2 in last thirteen series games. KC split its last ten games; seven of those ten games went over. Rangers won seven of their last ten games; six of last eight went over.

Blue Jays @ Astros
Hutchison is 2-0, 6.92 in his last five starts; five of his last six went over. Jays scored 55 runs in his seven starts this year.

Hernandez is 1-2, 4.39 in his last four starts; over is 6-3-1 in his last ten.

Astros won four of last five games with Toronto; four of last six series games went over total. Blue Jays lost three of last four games; under is 5-1-1 in their last seven. Houston lost six of last nine games (under 6-3).

Red Sox @ Mariners
Kelly is 0-2, 8.86 in his last four starts; five of his last seven went over.

Elias is 0-1, 3.86 in his three starts, all of which stayed under.

Boston lost eight of last 12 games, with under 9-3-1 in the 12. Red Sox are 1-5 in their last six games with Seattle- over is 9-0-1 in last 10 series tilts. Seattle won four of its last five games.

Interleague
Cardinals @ Indians
Cardinals are 6-0 when Wacha starts (5-0, 2.33); six of his last nine starts went over the total.

Bauer is 0-1, 8.22 in his last three starts- they all went over.

St Louis is 11-4 overall in last 15 games, but lost four of last six on road; five of last seven away games went over. Indians lost four of their last six games- 10 of their last 11 games went over the total. Cardinals lost four of last six games with Cleveland, with six of last seven staying under total.

Win-loss records this year for team with this starting pitcher:
Pitt-Phil-- Worley 3-3; Harang 4-3
NY-Chi-- Niese 3-3; Wood 3-3
SF-Cin-- Lincecum 3-3; Cueto 4-3
Wsh-SD-- Fister 3-3; Ross 3-4
Col-LA-- Bettis 0-0; Anderson 4-2

Minn-Det-- Pelfrey 5-1; Sanchez 2-5
KC-Tex-- Guthrie 4-2; Detwiler 1-5
NY-TB-- Whitley 1-2; Ramirez 1-1
Tor-Hst-- Hutchison 5-2; Hernandez 2-4
Bos-Sea-- Kelly 3-3; Elias 0-3

StL-Clev-- Wacha 6-0; Bauer 3-3

Times this starting pitcher allowed a run in first inning:
Pitt-Phil-- Worley 0-6; Harang 1-7
NY-Chi-- Niese 3-6; Wood 2-6
SF-Cin-- Lincecum 1-6; Cueto 3-7
Wsh-SD-- Fister 2-6; Ross 2-7
Col-LA-- Bettis 0-0; Anderson 0-6

Minn-Det-- Pelfrey 0-6; Sanchez 2-7
KC-Tex-- Guthrie 2-6; Detwiler 3-6
NY-TB-- Whitley 0-3; Ramirez 2-2
Tor-Hst-- Hutchison 1-7; Hernandez 3-6
Bos-Sea-- Kelly 4-6; Elias 2-3

StL-Clev-- Wacha 3-6; Bauer 1-6

[StarDust Bum]

MLB

Thursday, May 14

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

12:10 PM
ST. LOUIS vs. CLEVELAND
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of St. Louis's last 7 games when playing Cleveland
The total has gone OVER in 5 of St. Louis's last 7 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Cleveland's last 11 games
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Cleveland's last 8 games at home

1:05 PM
PITTSBURGH vs. PHILADELPHIA
Pittsburgh is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
Pittsburgh is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Philadelphia
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 6 games when playing Pittsburgh
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 6 games

1:08 PM
MINNESOTA vs. DETROIT
Minnesota is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games when playing Detroit
Minnesota is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Detroit's last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Detroit's last 5 games at home

2:05 PM
KANSAS CITY vs. TEXAS
Kansas City is 7-15 SU in its last 22 games when playing on the road against Texas
Kansas City is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games when playing Texas
Texas is 15-7 SU in its last 22 games when playing at home against Kansas City
Texas is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games

2:20 PM
NY METS vs. CHI CUBS
NY Mets are 2-6 SU in its last 8 games on the road
NY Mets are 0-5 SU in their last 5 games when playing on the road against Chi Cubs
Chi Cubs are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games when playing at home against NY Mets
Chi Cubs are 4-2 SU in their last 6 games

7:10 PM
NY YANKEES vs. TAMPA BAY
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of NY Yankees's last 6 games when playing Tampa Bay
NY Yankees are 11-5 SU in their last 16 games on the road
Tampa Bay is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
Tampa Bay is 2-5 SU in their last 7 games when playing at home against NY Yankees

7:10 PM
SAN FRANCISCO vs. CINCINNATI
San Francisco is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Cincinnati
San Francisco is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Cincinnati's last 5 games at home
Cincinnati is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games at home

8:10 PM
TORONTO vs. HOUSTON
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Toronto's last 6 games when playing Houston
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Toronto's last 7 games
Houston is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 12 of Houston's last 18 games at home

10:10 PM
WASHINGTON vs. SAN DIEGO
Washington is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
Washington is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of San Diego's last 6 games at home
San Diego is 4-9 SU in its last 13 games when playing at home against Washington

10:10 PM
BOSTON vs. SEATTLE
Boston is 4-8 SU in its last 12 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Boston's last 5 games when playing Seattle
Seattle is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Boston
Seattle is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games

10:10 PM
COLORADO vs. LA DODGERS
Colorado is 0-5 SU in their last 5 games when playing LA Dodgers
Colorado is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
LA Dodgers are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games
LA Dodgers are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games when playing Colorado

[StarDust Bum]

MLB

Thursday, May 14


Cardinals LF Holliday leaves game with elbow injury

The Cardinals are already missing outfielder Jon Jay, who has sat out the last two games with a sore thumb. Now, however, they may be missing an even bigger bat from their lineup: left fielder Matt Holliday.

The Cardinals' No. 3 hitter was hit in the left elbow by a pitch from Cleveland's Corey Kluber in the first inning of the Cardinals' 2-0 loss to the Indians Wednesday night. The ball appeared to hit Holliday directly on the point of the elbow.

The blow drove Holliday to his knees. He appeared to be in great discomfort, and the game was delayed for a few minutes to allow him to recover before taking first base. Holliday stayed in the game initially, but after the first inning, he was replaced by Pete Kozma.

X-rays on Holliday's elbow were negative. He is considered day-to-day but it seems likely that he would probably be held out of Thursday afternoon's game.




MLB roundup: Indians' Kluber strikes out 18 in win

CLEVELAND -- Corey Kluber struck out 18 batters in eight innings, tying the Indians' record for a nine-inning game, as Cleveland beat the St. Louis Cardinals 2-0 on Wednesday night at Progressive Field.

Kluber had a no-hitter until Jhonny Peralta singled with two outs in the seventh. It was the only hit off the Cleveland right-hander.

Kluber, who did not walk a batter, was bidding to become the first Indians pitcher to pitch a no-hitter since Lenny Barker's perfect game on May 15, 1981. Kluber's 18 strikeouts tied the Indians' record for a nine-inning game set by Bob Feller on Oct. 2, 1938, against the Detroit Tigers. With Kluber's pitch count at 113, Cody Allen entered and pitched a perfect ninth for his fifth save. Kluber and Allen combined to strike out 19.

The Indians took a 2-0 lead in the first inning after John Lackey walked the first two batters he faced -- Jason Kipnis and Carlos Santana. Kipnis later scored on a single by Brandon Moss, and David Murphy singled to score Santana.

Reds 5, Braves 1

CINCINNATI -- Raisel Iglesias took a no-hitter into the sixth inning en route to his first major league victory and Marlon Byrd and Todd Frazier homered for Cincinnati.

Iglesias didn't allow a hit until Eric Young Jr.'s bloop single leading off the sixth. The 25-year-old Cuban gave up one run and two hits with three walks and five strikeouts in eight innings in his second career start.

Joey Votto singled to drive home Zack Cozart in the first inning and Byrd hit his seventh home run of the season. Frazier's 12th home run sailed 432 feet and gave the Reds a 4-0 lead.

Red Sox 2, A's 0

OAKLAND, Calif. -- Wade Miley threw 6 2/3 shutout innings and Boston handed Oakland's Sonny Gray his first loss of the season.

Miley allowed five hits but walked four and repeatedly pitched out of jams as he snapped a three-game losing streak. Gray gave up one run and three hits, struck out nine and didn't walk a batter in seven innings.

Daniel Nava went 2-for-3 with an RBI and scored a run for the Red Sox. Hanley Ramirez had two hits in four at-bats and scored a run.

Nationals 9, Diamondbacks 6

PHOENIX -- Michael Taylor hit a grand slam with one out in the ninth inning and Washington won its fifth straight series.

Jayson Werth hit a three-run homer and Tyler Moore also homered for the Nationals, who have won six of seven and 12 of 15.

Arizona's Yasmany Tomas broke a tie at 5 with a single in the eighth. Paul Goldschmidt had three hits and finished a home run short of the 14th "natural cycle" in major league history -- the hits in order from single to homer.

Phillies 3, Pirates 2

PHILADELPHIA -- Cole Hamels pitched seven strong innings and Jeff Francoeur threw out the potential tying run at the plate to end the game as Philadelphia ended a four-game losing streak.

Hamels allowed two runs and five hits while striking out nine. Ken Giles worked a scoreless eighth for the Phillies and Jonathan Papelbon pitched the ninth for his seventh save this season and his 113th for Philadelphia.

Andrew McCutchen drove in both runs for the Pirates with a fifth-inning single, but Pittsburgh saw a four-game winning streak end.

Rays 3, Yankees 2

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- For the second night in a row, Tampa Bay beat first-place New York, getting clutch outs to strand 10 Yankees on base.

The game shifted on two plays at the plate -- Asdrubal Cabrera made a smart read on a bloop single to score the winning run from second base in the second inning, and Mark Teixeira was thrown out by Rays center fielder Kevin Kiermaier for the final out the fifth.

Orioles 6, Blue Jays 1

BALTIMORE -- Caleb Joseph sparked a five-run second inning with a two-run double and Baltimore's Miguel Gonzalez shut down Toronto for 7 2/3 innings.

Joseph's double down the left field line off Toronto starter Aaron Sanchez gave the Orioles a 2-0 lead and that proved more than enough for Gonzalez. The right-hander gave up one unearned run and three hits.

In the five-run second, the Orioles also got RBI doubles from Manny Machado and Alejandro de Aza, plus a run-scoring infield single from Jimmy Paredes. Rookie Rey Navarro hit his first major league home run in the eighth.

Rangers 5, Royals 2

ARLINGTON, Texas -- Shin-Soo Choo and Prince Fielder each had a home run and two RBIs to lift Texas over Kansas City.

Choo was 2-for-4 with a home run to lead off the game and Fielder's two-run homer in the second inning provided a cushion for Yovani Gallardo, who snapped his four-game losing streak. Gallardo (3-5) gave up two runs, six hits and a walk and struck out two in seven innings.

Twins 6, Tigers 2

DETROIT -- Joe Mauer tripled with the bases loaded to highlight a five-run third inning that carried Minnesota to its 10th win in 13 games.

The Twins, who scored just one unearned run in its first three games of the season in Comerica Park, could tie the Tigers for second place in the American League Central with a victory in Thursday's series finale.

Cubs 2, Mets 1

CHICAGO -- Jeurys Familia walked in pinch-runner Matt Szczur in the ninth inning and Chicago rallied past New York.

Entering in a tie game with the bases loaded and none out in the bottom of the ninth, Familia struck out Jorge Soler but then walked Chris Coghlan on five pitches to force in the winning run.

The victory was the Cubs third straight in a four-game series that ends Thursday. The National League-East leading Mets have dropped three in a row.

Marlins 5, Dodgers 4

LOS ANGELES -- Giancarlo Stanton drove in three runs, including two with a seventh-inning single, to lead a three-run Miami rally.

Dee Gordon went 4-for-5, hit two doubles and scored two runs as he raised his average to .426, the best in the major leagues.

White Sox 4, Brewers 2

MILWAUKEE -- First-inning home runs from Avisail Garcia and Adam LaRoche gave Jose Quintana all the run support he'd need and Chicago won its first road series of the season.

Quintana came in with a 2.37 ERA in his last three starts but hadn't won since April 14 thanks to an offense that produced just 1.42 runs per game. He struck out a season-high 10 and giving up four hits and a walk in seven innings.

Astros 4, Giants 3

HOUSTON -- George Springer, back in the lineup for the first time in a week, bashed a solo home run in the bottom of the eighth inning to complete Houston's rally.

Activated earlier from the seven-day concussion disabled list, Springer drilled a 3-2 fastball from Jeremy Affeldt out to left-center field for his fifth homer of the year and the Astros' third of the game. Luis Valbuena hit his eighth home run leading off the sixth, mimicking the leadoff homer that Jason Castro smacked in the fifth.

Angels 2, Rockies 1 (11 innings)

ANAHEIM, Calif. -- Albert Pujols' sacrifice fly to left field scored Taylor Featherston with the winning run in the 11th inning, lifting Los Angeles past Colorado.

Mike Trout was walked intentionally with runners at first and third to load the bases for Pujols with no outs.

Trout finished 0-for-4, but he saved two runs in extra innings on defense. In the 10th, he leaped at the wall and robbed Troy Tulowitzki of a home run. In the 11th, he made a running catch of a blooper and threw out a runner trying to tag up and score. The runner was first called safe, but the ruling was reversed after a replay challenge.

Padres 4, Mariners 2

SEATTLE -- James Shields bounced back from two rough outings to lead San Diego past Seattle.

Shields (5-0) struck out nine batters while allowing just one earned run over six innings, ending the Mariners' five-game winning streak. It was his best performance this month, despite the six hits and three walks he allowed.

Closer Craig Kimbrel came on in the ninth to earn his 10th save of the season. Will Middlebrooks homered for San Diego, which got two hits from both Will Venable and Cory Spangenberg.

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Dunkel

Thursday, May 14


NY Mets @ Chicago Cubs

Game 903-904
May 14, 2015 @ 2:20 pm

Dunkel Rating:
NY Mets
(Niese) 16.885
Chicago Cubs
(Wood) 15.722
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
NY Mets
by 1
10
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Chicago Cubs
-125
No Run Total
Dunkel Pick:
NY Mets
(+105); N/A

San Francisco @ Cincinnati

Game 905-906
May 14, 2015 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
San Francisco
(Lincecum) 12.780
Cincinnati
(Cueto) 15.545
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Cincinnati
by 3
6
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Cincinnati
-165
7
Dunkel Pick:
Cincinnati
(-165); Under

Washington @ San Diego

Game 907-908
May 14, 2015 @ 10:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Washington
(Fister) 14.034
San Diego
(Ross) 15.556
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
San Diego
by 1 1/2
6
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
San Diego
-120
6 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
San Diego
(-120); Under

Colorado @ LA Dodgers

Game 909-910
May 14, 2015 @ 10:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Colorado
(Bettis) 15.747
LA Dodgers
(Anderson) 14.699
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Colorado
by 1
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
LA Dodgers
-190
7 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Colorado
(+165); Over

Minnesota @ Detroit

Game 911-912
May 14, 2015 @ 1:08 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Minnesota
(Pelfrey) 16.704
Detroit
(Sanchez) 15.665
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Minnesota
by 1
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Detroit
-170
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Minnesota
(+150); Over

Pittsburgh @ Philadelphia

Game 901-902
May 14, 2015 @ 1:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Pittsburgh
(Worley) 14.361
Philadelphia
(Harang) 15.209
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Philadelphia
by 1
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Pittsburgh
-130
8
Dunkel Pick:
Philadelphia
(+110); Over

Kansas City @ Texas

Game 913-914
May 14, 2015 @ 2:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Kansas City
(Guthrie) 17.296
Texas
(Detwiler) 13.548
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Kansas City
by 3 1/2
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Kansas City
-130
9
Dunkel Pick:
Kansas City
(-130); Under

NY Yankees @ Tampa Bay

Game 915-916
May 14, 2015 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
NY Yankees
(Whitley) 17.596
Tampa Bay
(Ramirez) 16.157
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
NY Yankees
by 1 1/2
7 1/2
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
NY Yankees
-115
8
Dunkel Pick:
NY Yankees
(-115); Under

Toronto @ Houston

Game 917-918
May 14, 2015 @ 8:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Toronto
(Hutchison) 14.099
Houston
(Hernandez) 16.717
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Houston
by 2 1/2
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Toronto
-115
9
Dunkel Pick:
Houston
(-105); Under

Boston @ Seattle

Game 919-920
May 14, 2015 @ 10:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Boston
(Kelly) 16.564
Seattle
(Elias) 15.409
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Boston
by 1
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Seattle
-130
7 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Boston
(+110); Under

St. Louis @ Cleveland

Game 921-922
May 14, 2015 @ 12:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
St. Louis
(Wacha) 17.512
Cleveland
(Bauer) 16.102
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
St. Louis
by 1 1/2
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
St. Louis
-130
7 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
St. Louis
(-130); Over

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Long Sheet

Thursday, May 14

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

PITTSBURGH (17 - 17) at PHILADELPHIA (12 - 23) - 1:05 PM
VANCE WORLEY (R) vs. AARON HARANG (R)
Top Trends for this game.
PITTSBURGH is 12-25 (-14.8 Units) against the money line in road games in day games over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 14-3 (+10.1 Units) against the money line as a road favorite of -125 to -150 over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 114-67 (+32.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 110-155 (-41.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
PITTSBURGH is 2-1 (+0.8 Units) against PHILADELPHIA this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.0 Units)

VANCE WORLEY vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
WORLEY is 1-0 when starting against PHILADELPHIA with an ERA of 5.40 and a WHIP of 1.200.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

AARON HARANG vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
HARANG is 16-8 when starting against PITTSBURGH with an ERA of 4.04 and a WHIP of 1.196.
His team's record is 17-11 (+3.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 13-13. (-1.1 units)

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

NY METS (20 - 14) at CHICAGO CUBS (18 - 15) - 2:20 PM
JON NIESE (L) vs. TRAVIS WOOD (L)
Top Trends for this game.
NY METS are 99-97 (+9.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 87-93 (+18.4 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 3 seasons.
NY METS are 98-78 (+35.3 Units) against the money line in road games when playing on Thursday since 1997.
NY METS are 39-23 (+19.8 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 99-97 (+9.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 51-45 (+11.5 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 26-18 (+13.2 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive losses over the last 3 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 1405-1568 (-279.6 Units) against the money line in all games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 754-733 (-164.8 Units) against the money line in home games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 748-795 (-153.5 Units) against the money line in day games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 1348-1481 (-254.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 651-755 (-199.6 Units) against the money line after a win since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 145-163 (-47.2 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive wins since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO CUBS is 3-0 (+3.0 Units) against NY METS this season
2 of 2 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.0 Units)

JON NIESE vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
NIESE is 3-4 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 5.16 and a WHIP of 1.676.
His team's record is 4-4 (-0.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-2. (+3.2 units)

TRAVIS WOOD vs. NY METS since 1997
WOOD is 2-1 when starting against NY METS with an ERA of 3.34 and a WHIP of 1.343.
His team's record is 4-2 (+2.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-2. (+1.2 units)

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

SAN FRANCISCO (17 - 17) at CINCINNATI (17 - 17) - 7:10 PM
TIM LINCECUM (R) vs. JOHNNY CUETO (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN FRANCISCO is 117-96 (+15.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 55-49 (+12.8 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 27-13 (+15.1 Units) against the money line in May games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 14-4 (+11.5 Units) against the money line in road games when playing on Thursday over the last 3 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 117-96 (+15.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 1034-866 (+116.4 Units) against the money line in night games since 1997.
SAN FRANCISCO is 37-30 (+11.5 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 371-370 (+43.0 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 359-382 (-93.6 Units) against the money line in home games after a win since 1997.

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

TIM LINCECUM vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
LINCECUM is 0-4 when starting against CINCINNATI with an ERA of 9.79 and a WHIP of 1.780.
His team's record is 1-5 (-6.8 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-5. (-4.5 units)

JOHNNY CUETO vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
CUETO is 3-1 when starting against SAN FRANCISCO with an ERA of 1.96 and a WHIP of 0.982.
His team's record is 4-2 (+1.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-2. (+2.2 units)

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

WASHINGTON (19 - 16) at SAN DIEGO (18 - 17) - 10:10 PM
DOUG FISTER (R) vs. TYSON ROSS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 146-214 (-49.6 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +100 to +125 since 1997.
SAN DIEGO is 102-76 (+20.7 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 102-76 (+20.7 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 32-19 (+11.8 Units) against the money line in home games after a win over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 32-19 (+12.3 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
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

DOUG FISTER vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
FISTER is 0-1 when starting against SAN DIEGO with an ERA of 1.00 and a WHIP of 0.778.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

TYSON ROSS vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
ROSS is 0-1 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 8.44 and a WHIP of 1.501.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

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

COLORADO (11 - 19) at LA DODGERS (22 - 11) - 10:10 PM
EDDIE BUTLER (R) vs. BRETT ANDERSON (L)
Top Trends for this game.
COLORADO is 77-115 (-36.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 2-16 (-12.8 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +150 to +175 over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 28-70 (-35.6 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 0-9 (-9.5 Units) against the money line in May games this season.
COLORADO is 9-22 (-16.7 Units) against the money line when playing on Thursday over the last 3 seasons.
COLORADO is 77-115 (-36.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 49-81 (-32.3 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 3-15 (-12.7 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
COLORADO is 1-10 (-10.0 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive losses this season.
COLORADO is 10-34 (-20.0 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
LA DODGERS are 65-34 (+21.5 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
LA DODGERS are 14-2 (+11.0 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters this season.
LA DODGERS are 54-26 (+20.8 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA DODGERS is 5-0 (+5.0 Units) against COLORADO this season
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.7 Units)

EDDIE BUTLER vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
BUTLER is 0-3 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 6.64 and a WHIP of 1.968.
His team's record is 0-4 (-4.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-3. (-2.3 units)

BRETT ANDERSON vs. COLORADO since 1997
ANDERSON is 1-0 when starting against COLORADO with an ERA of 0.00 and a WHIP of 1.400.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

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

MINNESOTA (19 - 15) at DETROIT (20 - 14) - 1:05 PM
MIKE PELFREY (R) vs. ANIBAL SANCHEZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
PELFREY is 10-33 (-21.0 Units) against the money line in road games after a win since 1997. (Team's Record)
MINNESOTA is 19-15 (+7.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MINNESOTA is 9-3 (+7.4 Units) against the money line in May games this season.
MINNESOTA is 38-40 (+15.1 Units) against the money line in road games in day games over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 19-15 (+7.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
DETROIT is 34-35 (-16.4 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
SANCHEZ is 31-41 (-18.7 Units) against the money line in day games since 1997. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 6-2 (+3.3 Units) against MINNESOTA this season
5 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.6 Units)

MIKE PELFREY vs. DETROIT since 1997
PELFREY is 3-3 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 3.98 and a WHIP of 1.451.
His team's record is 4-3 (+3.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-5. (-4.5 units)

ANIBAL SANCHEZ vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
SANCHEZ is 3-3 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 2.51 and a WHIP of 1.175.
His team's record is 5-6 (-4.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 5-4. (+0.5 units)

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

KANSAS CITY (21 - 13) at TEXAS (15 - 19) - 2:05 PM
JEREMY GUTHRIE (R) vs. ROSS DETWILER (L)
Top Trends for this game.
KANSAS CITY is 26-43 (-24.1 Units) against the money line in May games over the last 3 seasons.
TEXAS is 9-3 (+9.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
KANSAS CITY is 121-90 (+18.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 62-44 (+20.8 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 68-49 (+16.9 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 3 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 117-87 (+17.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 9-2 (+8.1 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
GUTHRIE is 25-16 (+10.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GUTHRIE is 14-6 (+10.7 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GUTHRIE is 25-15 (+11.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
TEXAS is 24-46 (-22.7 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 38-58 (-22.1 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 15-39 (-26.3 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 38-58 (-22.1 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 52-78 (-19.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
TEXAS is 2-1 (+1.4 Units) against KANSAS CITY this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)

JEREMY GUTHRIE vs. TEXAS since 1997
GUTHRIE is 5-4 when starting against TEXAS with an ERA of 3.41 and a WHIP of 1.276.
His team's record is 7-7 (+0.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-9. (-6.4 units)

ROSS DETWILER vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
No recent starts.

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

NY YANKEES (21 - 14) at TAMPA BAY (19 - 16) - 7:10 PM
CHASE WHITLEY (R) vs. ERASMO RAMIREZ (L)
Top Trends for this game.
TAMPA BAY is 571-651 (+17.4 Units) against the money line against division opponents since 1997.
NY YANKEES are 18-5 (+13.1 Units) against the money line when playing on Thursday over the last 2 seasons.
NY YANKEES are 17-9 (+8.9 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
NY YANKEES are 16-9 (+10.3 Units) against the money line in road games against left-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 96-101 (-24.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 46-54 (-26.8 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 47-55 (-27.0 Units) against the money line in games played in a dome over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 54-61 (-25.2 Units) against the money line in games played on artificial turf over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 34-38 (-16.9 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY YANKEES is 6-3 (+2.5 Units) against TAMPA BAY this season
5 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.3 Units)

CHASE WHITLEY vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
WHITLEY is 1-0 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 1.80 and a WHIP of 1.400.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.1 units)

ERASMO RAMIREZ vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
No recent starts.

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

TORONTO (17 - 18) at HOUSTON (21 - 13) - 8:10 PM
DREW HUTCHISON (R) vs. ROBERTO HERNANDEZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 21-13 (+8.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
HOUSTON is 21-13 (+8.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
TORONTO is 27-15 (+13.4 Units) against the money line in May games over the last 2 seasons.
HERNANDEZ is 2-11 (-9.7 Units) against the money line in home games in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

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

DREW HUTCHISON vs. HOUSTON since 1997
HUTCHISON is 0-0 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 12.00 and a WHIP of 2.000.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.3 units)

ROBERTO HERNANDEZ vs. TORONTO since 1997
HERNANDEZ is 3-3 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 4.24 and a WHIP of 1.413.
His team's record is 4-5 (-2.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-6. (-4.4 units)

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

BOSTON (16 - 18) at SEATTLE (15 - 18) - 10:10 PM
JOE KELLY (R) vs. ROENIS ELIAS (L)
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 87-110 (-33.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 77-94 (-28.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 61-78 (-24.2 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 35-53 (-24.6 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
KELLY is 25-14 (+11.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SEATTLE is 86-93 (-30.0 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons.
SEATTLE is 145-179 (-48.2 Units) against the money line when playing on Thursday since 1997.
SEATTLE is 86-93 (-30.0 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons.
SEATTLE is 10-16 (-9.5 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
SEATTLE is 31-37 (-19.5 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 43-47 (-23.2 Units) against the money line in home games 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.

JOE KELLY vs. SEATTLE since 1997
KELLY is 0-0 when starting against SEATTLE with an ERA of 0.00 and a WHIP of 0.800.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.3 units)

ROENIS ELIAS vs. BOSTON since 1997
No recent starts.

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

ST LOUIS (23 - 10) at CLEVELAND (12 - 20) - 12:05 PM
MICHAEL WACHA (R) vs. TREVOR BAUER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
ST LOUIS is 23-10 (+11.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ST LOUIS is 79-49 (+22.2 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 3 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 23-10 (+11.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
ST LOUIS is 19-6 (+12.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
ST LOUIS is 103-56 (+36.0 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 3 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 12-20 (-12.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CLEVELAND is 12-20 (-12.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CLEVELAND is 31-48 (-31.6 Units) against the money line in home games after shutting out their opponent since 1997.
CLEVELAND is 1-10 (-11.6 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
CLEVELAND is 5-12 (-9.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
ST LOUIS is 1-1 (+0.3 Units) against CLEVELAND this season
1 of 2 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.0 Units)

MICHAEL WACHA vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
No recent starts.

TREVOR BAUER vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
No recent starts.

[StarDust Bum]

MLB

Thursday, May 14


Unders come through in big way for backers on the diamond

There was finally a big night for under bettors in Major League Baseball action Wednesday, with the under going a crazy 13-2.

That is a success rate of 86.67 percent, which definitely bucks the total trend this season where the over being the better bet so far, going 255-223, cashing 53.35 percent of the time.

Only the Washington Nationals-Arizona Diamondbacks and Miami Marlins-Los Angeles Dodgers game went over last night.

With 11 games on the schedule Thursday check out our Score and Matchups page for all the information you need to see if the under trend will continue.

[StarDust Bum]

MLB

Thursday, May 14


Hitters' wind at Petco Park Thursday

According to weather forecasts, wind will be blowing out right field at around 13 miles per hour as the San Diego Padres host the Washington Nationals Thursday evening.

There is also a possibility of showers as forecasts are predicting as much as a 79 percent chance of rain during the game.

[StarDust Bum]

Thursday's Playoff Essentials

May 14, 2015

Cavaliers at Bulls (-2/192.5) – 8:00 p.m. ET – ESPN

East Semis Game 6 – Cavs lead 3-2

Because this Game 6 in Chicago loomed as the next challenge, Tuesday night’s game had a must-win feel for the Cavs. LeBron James certainly answered the bell, racking up 38 points on 14-for-24 from the field while committing no turnovers. He was the best player in the world again, no asterisks or questions asked. James hadn’t shot over 50 percent in any game during this series and is still only 3-for-24 from 3-point range through these first five games, so we’ll see whether the breakthrough was an aberration or if he’s figured out exactly how he wants to attack primary defender Jimmy Butler. If he’s solved the puzzle, James is in for a big finish to the remainder of the series if his sore ankle remains a non-issue, since his passing skills will carve up Chicago’s defense if they run a steady diet of double-teams at him.

The other key variable on the Cavs side lies in whether to trust that Kyrie Irving can be as effective as he was in Game 5 despite a crippling foot injury and knee tendinitis. He shot 9-for-16 and confidently took big shots down the stretch despite limping around, bouncing back from a two-game stretch where he was 5-for-23 and was more liability than asset due to his inability to guard anyone. Iman Shumpert shook off his own physical limitations due to a groin injury and was 6-for-10 from the field on Tuesday, emerging as force on mid-range jumpers. He’s averaged over 36 minutes per game in the series, behind only James and Irving, serving as competent scorer and a dependable perimeter defender. We’ll see how another game following yet another venue change affects Cleveland’s banged-up top three scorers in this series, but its an underdog for only the second time this postseason and lost SU/ATS in this situation in Game 3.

VegasInsider.com NBA analyst Kevin Rogers is a little hesitant to back Cleveland on the road. He explained, “The Cavaliers have struggled to cover numbers in this series, posting a 1-4 ATS record with the lone ATS victory coming in the Game 2 blowout at home. Cleveland hasn’t been reliable as a road underdog this season with a 3-9 ATS record in this role, although six of those ATS losses came with James out of the lineup.”

The Cavs opened -215 to win the series according to Sportsbook.ag, and are currently -525 after taking back the advantage, pushing the Bulls to the brink of elimination. Cleveland has played to overs in three of the last four.

Pau Gasol shot and moved around on Wednesday, proclaiming himself ready to go. He’s missed the last two games with a hamstring injury and probably wouldn’t be playing if the Bulls had won Game 5, but since they’re reached a point of no return, he’s giving them whatever he’s got. Taj Gibson started in Gasol’s absence and is the better defender, but coming off the bench means he likely won’t have to concern himself with foul trouble, allowing him to be physical in his stints guarding James. Gibson faced no further discipline after kicking Cavs guard Matthew Dellavedova in a controversial fourth-quarter scrap.

Together with Gasol and Gibson, Joakim Noah will look to help the Bulls reassert their advantage on the boards. They were out-rebounded by identical 41-40 margins the past two games, allowing Tristan Thompson to continue imposing his will as an x-factor on the glass. The team that has won the rebounding battle has won every game in the series. Butler had series-highs of 29 points and nine rebounds on Tuesday, but James still dominated their individual matchup. Expect his biggest adjustments to come on the defensive end. Derrick Rose suffered a shoulder stinger in Game 2 and has struggled mightily shooting the ball (34-for-93) since the injury . He was 0-for-4 from 3-point range and could use a hot start to set up the rest of his game.

Rogers added, “Chicago has been impressive as a favorite in the postseason, putting together a 5-2 ATS record when laying points, while winning nine of 11 games this season off back-to-back losses.”

The Bulls are 3-2 SU and 4-1 ATS at United Center thus far these playoffs. Chicago initially was +185 to pull the upset in this series per Sportsbook.ag, were a series favorite after going up 2-1 and are now +400.

Rockets at Clippers (-8.5/220) – 10:35 p.m. ET – ESPN

West Semis Game 6 – Clippers lead 3-2

After defeating the Rockets in Game 1 without Chris Paul, the Clippers figured that, worst case, they would have this opportunity to advance to the Western Conference Finals at home. Although Houston recovered in Game 2 to even things up with Paul sitting one last time, he returned to help L.A. win a pair of games by a combined 58 points at Staples, which forced oddsmakers to flip the favorite’s role to the visitors when the teams returned to Texas on Tuesday for an elimination game. Perhaps due to a lack of urgency, the Clips let the Rockets get comfortable in coasting to a 124-103 win.

Can it continue?

Dwight Howard was a virtual no-show in the first two games at Staples, finishing with 14 points and 14 boards in Gm. 3 and playoff-lows of 7 points, six rebounds in fouling out in 18 minutes. He bounced back with a 20-15 game on Tuesday, only the second time in all of 2015 that he’d scored at least 20 while grabbing at least 15 boards, having done so in the Game 2 win in this series. More than anyone else, the Rockets need their franchise center to win his individual matchup, avoid foul trouble and impose his will at both ends. Howard is shooting just 37 percent from the free-throw line in the series (23-for-61), so improving on that clip will likely be necessary, too.

James Harden overcame a cold to post a triple-double (26-11-10) in the Game 5 win and should be healthier as he tries to help the Rockets stave off elimination in his hometown. Harden is 41-for-44 from the free-throw line in the series and has taken 96 free-throws through Houston’s 10 playoff games. He’s hit a 3-pointer in all 10, but comes off a postseason-worst 1-for-8 from beyond the arc. The Rockets were the second-best road team in the West behind Golden State, tying the Clips at 26-15, and went 1-1 in Dallas during the first round, winning the critical Game 3 of that series.

“The Rockets covered for the first time in the series in the Game 5 rout at home,” said Rogers, “as Houston is 6-2 ATS since 2013 in the role of a road underdog with both losses coming to the Clippers.”

The Rockets are +650 at Sportsbook.ag. after opening at the series favorite.

All five games in the series thus far have gone over the posted total. Eight of Houston’s 10 playoff games have gone over the posted total, and the over is 13-3 in its games dating back to the end of the regular season.

Paul’s significantly strained left hamstring looks closer to being back to normal. He provided more of an emotional boost in Game 3, put together a double-double (15-12) in just 26 minutes over the weekend and was one of the few bright spots in Game 5, finishing up with 22 points and 10 assists while playing 35 minutes. Head coach Doc Rivers won’t have him on any minute limitations going forward. Blake Griffin also was a monster, coming up with 30 points and 16 boards in the loss, but his series-low two assists suggests that he struggled to get teammates involved as well as he’d been able to earlier in the series.

DeAndre Jordan has wrestled with foul trouble and free-throw shooting woes all series and has been put on the line 50 times in the last two games, making just 21. He’s only blocked two shots in the last three games, so if he can snap out of his funk, L.A. could win this handily.

Rogers makes a solid point about L.A. in a rebound spot. “Los Angeles has lost back-to-back games just once in the postseason, while compiling a 3-1 SU/ATS record off a defeat. However, in L.A.’s last two series-clinching wins at Staples Center the last two seasons against the Spurs and Warriors, the Clippers failed to cover as a home favorite each time,” explained Rogers.

Sportsbook.ag has installed the Clippers as -1000 to get out of the series. Eight of L.A.’s last nine games have gone over the posted total, including six in a row.

[StarDust Bum]

Clips, Cavs have closeouts on their minds

May 13, 2015

As the stakes get higher in these NBA playoffs, LeBron James only seems to get better.

The best player in the world has found another gear as he tries to will the Cleveland Cavaliers forward, even as the injuries mount on his teammates and his own body.

''I don't know if there's a player anywhere that understands better what time it is,'' Cavaliers coach David Blatt said Wednesday. ''He just knows what time it is.''

It's closing time. For his Cavaliers and the Los Angeles Clippers.

James and the Cavaliers head into Chicago with a 3-2 lead over the Bulls in their best-of-seven Eastern Conference semifinals. The Clippers hold a 3-2 lead over Houston and can close out the Rockets in the Western Conference with a victory in Los Angeles in the other game tonight.

The Cavaliers and Clippers have arguably been the two most consistently impressive teams in the postseason to this point. The Clippers knocked off defending champion San Antonio in a stirring seven-game series to start the playoffs and have made the Rockets think twice about their hack-a-Jordan strategy in the semifinals.

And with Kevin Love out with a shoulder injury and Kyrie Irving trying to gut through injuries to both legs, James has again taken the team on his broad shoulders and carried them to the brink of the Eastern Conference finals. He had 38 points, 12 rebounds, six assists, three steals, three blocks and no turnovers in Cleveland's 106-101 victory over the Bulls in Game 5, a box-filling stat line the likes of which has never been seen in the NBA playoffs.

''We ask a lot of him and he delivers a lot,'' Blatt said. ''We've asked him to be aggressive and to be in attack mode and not to hesitate. He's doing it.''

The last thing the Clippers or Cavaliers want is a Game 7.

Anything can happen in the final game of the series. A fluke bounce, a bad call, and especially in these playoffs, an injury to a key player. So James and Chris Paul of the Clippers don't want to take any chances.

''There's got to be a sense of desperation in a way that brings the best out of you, the most fight out of you, the best spirit and effort out of you. ... But as far as anxiety or nerves, no,'' Bulls forward Pau Gasol said. ''Right now, we understand the position we are in. We've got to win two games to advance.''

Here is a look at the two games, with start times in EST.

---

Cavaliers at Bulls, Cleveland leads 3-2, 8 p.m., ESPN

The Bulls got some good news Wednesday when Gasol's strained left hamstring improved enough to list him as probable for Game 6.

Gasol has missed the past two games of the series, and the Bulls have sorely missed his presence on the glass and his ability to stretch the Cavaliers defense with his mid-range jumper. He had 21 points and 10 rebounds in their Game 1 win at Cleveland, forcing the Cavaliers to make major adjustments in how they defend the Bulls' pick-and-pop offense.

The team that has won the rebounding battle has emerged victorious in each of the five games to this point, so getting Gasol's instincts back on the court and perhaps allowing coach Tom Thibodeau to not have to play the struggling Joakim Noah as much should give the Bulls a boost.

''I feel like when we have lost a couple games in a row, we've always reacted well and we always play our best,'' Gasol said. ''We seem like we need that sense of urgency and desperation in order for us to have a great focus, a great intensity.''

---

Rockets at Clippers, Los Angeles leads 3-2, 10:30 p.m., ESPN

The difference in Game 5 for the Rockets wasn't their ability to keep DeAndre Jordan from destroying them on the glass or Blake Griffin from taking over the game. It was forcing the Clippers' 3-point shooters, especially J.J. Redick, into off nights.

Redick was tremendous in the first four games of the series, but went just 1 for 8 on 3s in Game 5. Jamal Crawford was 2 for 10 from the field and Matt Barnes was 1 for 8, allowing the Rockets to focus more on attacking the glass and limiting second-chance opportunities.

''If we're going to allow them to get into the paint the way they did then we're going to struggle,'' Clippers coach Doc Rivers said. ''That's clearly an area where we have to improve on.''

Houston out-rebounded the Clippers 58-39, with James Harden grabbing 11 boards and Dwight Howard 15. They'll need much more of that kind of production at Staples Center to stay alive in the series.

''I've been waiting for that team to show up for a while, and that's how we have to play,'' coach Kevin McHale said. ''We have to play downhill and attack.''

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up

Thursday, May 14


Chicago is expected to get Gasol back after he missed last two games, as they try and hold serve at home and force Game 7. Bulls shot less than 40% from floor in last three games, with all three decided by five or less points- they're 10-5 in last 15 games overall with six of last nine staying under total; Chicago made 10-18 from arc in Game 1, only 29-87 in last four games. Cleveland had only 13 fast break points in last two games. Rose is 28-73 from floor the last three games. .

All five Rocket-Clipper games went over, with four of five decided by 16+ points and home side winning four of five (3-2 vs spread). Houston got crushed by 25-33 points in Games 2-3 here. Jordan is +76 in this series (Rockets are +29 when he is off floor); he was even in Game 5, when Clippers lost by 21. Redick was 3-12 in Game 4 after he looked like Reggie Miller in other series games. LA had three fastbreak points in Game 5, after averaging 19.5 in first four series games. Eight of last nine Clipper games went over the total.

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
Clev 106-101, -5.5, O190.5

Washington vs Atlanta
Wash 104-98, +5.5, O197
Atl 106-90, -9, U199
Wash 103-101, +4, O196.5
Atl 106-101, -4.5, O198
Atl 82-81, -7.5, U200.5

Memphis vs Golden State
GSt 101-86, -10.5, U196
Mem 101-86, +10.5, U198.5
Mem 99-89, +4.5, U196.5
GSt 101-84, -3.5, U196
GSt 98-78, -10, U198

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
Hst 124-103, +3, O219




NBA

Thursday, May 14

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

8:00 PM
CLEVELAND vs. CHICAGO
Cleveland is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Chicago
Cleveland is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
Chicago is 16-8 SU in its last 24 games when playing Cleveland
Chicago is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Cleveland

10:30 PM
HOUSTON vs. LA CLIPPERS
Houston is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Houston's last 7 games on the road
LA Clippers are 19-6 SU in their last 25 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of the LA Clippers last 5 games when playing Houston

[StarDust Bum]

NBA

Thursday, May 14

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

Cleveland Cavaliers at Chicago Bulls (-2, 192.5)
Cavaliers lead series 3-2

LeBron James has placed the Cleveland Cavaliers in position to wrap up the series against Chicago when they travel to face the Bulls in Thursday’s Game 6 of the Eastern Conference semifinals. James’ epic Game 5 performance included 38 points, 12 rebounds, six assists and no turnovers to give Cleveland a 3-2 lead.

James sprained his left ankle in Game 4 but didn’t seem to be bothered by the ailment while playing 41 minutes on Tuesday. “LeBron was just outstanding in every element of the game,” Cavaliers coach David Blatt told reporters. “You can’t pick a thing that he didn’t do at the highest level.” Chicago will be looking for point guard Derrick Rose to bounce back from a shaky 16-point outing after scoring 30 or more points in back-to-back contests. Rose tweaked his shoulder and all indications are that the ailment is minor and won’t affect his availability.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, ESPN

LINE HISTORY: The Bulls opened as -1.5 home faves before shifting up to -2. The total of 192.5 has not moved since opening.

INJURY REPORT: Cavaliers - N/A Bulls - F Pau Gasol (Ques-Hamstring)

ABOUT THE BULLS: Power forward Pau Gasol (hamstring) has missed the last two games and the club is confident that he will return for Game 6. Chicago has missed a big piece of its attack with Gasol sidelined as role player Taj Gibson isn’t up to the task of picking up the slack. “I think (Gasol) knows his body,” Chicago coach Tom Thibodeau told reporters. “If he feels good enough to play, we’ll give it a shot. He’s been around long enough to understand. His health is the big thing. If he can go, he’ll go. If he can’t or doesn’t feel comfortable with it, he won’t.”

ABOUT THE CAVALIERS: James wasn’t the only Cleveland player standing out in Game 5 as point guard Kyrie Irving re-emerged to score 25 points – more than his combined output of the previous two games (23), when he was 5-of-23 from the field. Irving has been bothered by injuries to his right foot and left knee and made three 3-pointers as part of a 9-of-16 shooting effort over 39 minutes. Shooting guard Iman Shumpert (groin) bounced back for 13 points on 6-of-10 shooting after being 4-of-17 over the previous two contests.

TRENDS:

*Cavaliers are 5-16 ATS in the last 21 meetings.
*Bulls are 9-1 ATS in their last 10 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
*Over is 11-3 in Cavaliers last 14 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
*Under is 16-7 in Bulls last 23 vs. NBA Central.

CONSENSUS: 62.15 percent of the public is backing the Bulls, with 51.4 percent on the under.



Houston Rockets at Los Angeles Clippers (-8, 219.5)
Clippers lead series 3-2

The Houston Rockets staved off elimination and now look to tie the best-of-7 Western Conference semifinals against Los Angeles when they visit the Clippers in Thursday’s Game 6. After losing back-to-back games by an average of 29 points, Houston rolled to a 124-103 win on Tuesday to cut Los Angeles’ series lead to 3-2.

Star guard James Harden turned in his top performance of the series with 26 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists to notch Houston’s first playoff triple-double since Steve Francis recorded one in 2004. The victory helped revive the Rockets and their confidence was flowing after delivering such a stellar showing. “The tremendous motivating factor for us is we don’t want our season to end and we realize that we can focus in on just one game,” veteran guard Jason Terry told reporters. “One game only and get the win. Then we will be back in the friendly confines of the Toyota Center.” The Clippers, who are vying for their first trip to the Western Conference finals, had only three fast-break points in Game 5 after totaling 45 in back-to-back blowout victories.

TV: 10:30 p.m. ET, ESPN

LINE HISTORY: The line has moved a half point since opening at LAC -7.5 to -8. The total has climbed from 218.5 to 219.5.

INJURY REPORT: Rockets - G K.J. McDaniels (Out-Wrist) Clippers - N/A

ABOUT THE ROCKETS: Houston didn’t appear to have much fight left after losing Games 3 and 4 by an average of 29 points but Harden, forward Trevor Ariza (22 points, eight rebounds) and center Dwight Howard (20 points, 15 rebounds) proved to be a formidable trio with elimination staring them in the eyes. Harden was bothered by the flu but still drove the lane with ease and distributed the ball generously as the Rockets dictated the flow of the game. “We played our tempo and to our pace,” guard Corey Brewer told reporters. “We didn’t want to go home. We’re trying to play it one game at a time.”

ABOUT THE CLIPPERS: Los Angeles missed an opportunity to close out the series and now feels pressure to wrap it up at home. “You look at, statistically, Game 7s on the road – nobody wants to put themselves in that position,” Griffin told reporters. “If we don’t have a sense of urgency going home after already losing a game, then we’ll be in trouble.” Griffin continued his outstanding series with 30 points and 16 rebounds while point guard Chris Paul (22 points, 10 assists) is showing little signs of hamstring issues.

TRENDS:

*Rockets are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 vs. NBA Pacific.
*Clippers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a S.U. loss.
*Over is 5-0 in the last 5 meetings.
*Over is 5-0 in Clippers last 5 home games.

CONSENSUS: 56.21 of users are backing Houston with 61.2 percent taking the over.

[StarDust Bum]

NBA

Thursday, May 14


Gasol says 'I'll be out there' for Game 6

Double-double machine Pau Gasol has missed the past two games for the Chicago Bulls, but he doesn't expect to miss anymore time. According to Rachel Nichols, Gasol said he plans to play in Game 6 but is not sure just how effective he will be.

Gasol has averaged 16.3 points and 11.8 rebounds during his nine playoff games for the Bulls this year.

Chicago is currently -1.5 when they try and stave off elimination against the Cavs Thursday.


Warriors cash sixth-straight Under ticket

With the Golden State Warriors winning 98-78 in Game 5 against the Memphis Grizzlies Wednesday, the final scoreline finished well under the closing 198 total making it the sixth consecutive Under for the Warriors.

Through nine postseason games, the Warriors are 1-7-1 Over/Under with each of the five games in the series against the Grizzlies have resulted in successful under wagers.

The series shifts to Memphis for Game 6 and online books currently have a total of 194.5 on the board.


Clippers-Rockets going over, despite rising totals

The Western Conference semifinals between the Houston Rockets and Los Angeles Clippers is not short on offense, with all five games in the series going over so far.

Each game in the series has seen the closing total climb by at least one point, but has jumped as many as three between Game 1 and 2. The two offensive juggernauts have combined for an average of 223 points per game through their first five.

Currently the total for Game 6 sits at 219.5 after opening at 218.5.

[StarDust Bum]

NBA
Dunkel

Thursday, May 14


Cleveland Cavaliers @ Chicago Bulls

Game 741-742
May 14, 2015 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Cleveland Cavalie
123.435
Chicago Bulls
127.871
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Chicago Bulls
by 4 1/2
198
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Chicago Bulls
by 2
192
Dunkel Pick:
Chicago Bulls
(-2); Over

Houston Rockets @ Los Angeles Clippers

Game 743-744
May 14, 2015 @ 10:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Houston Rockets
122.394
Los Angeles Clipp
132.873
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Los Angeles Clipp
by 10 1/2
225
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Los Angeles Clipp
by 8 1/2
219 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Los Angeles Clipp
(-8 1/2); Over




NBA
Long Sheet

Thursday, May 14

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

CLEVELAND (60 - 31) at CHICAGO (56 - 37) - 5/14/2015, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CLEVELAND is 3-13 ATS (-11.3 Units) as an underdog this season.
CLEVELAND is 19-34 ATS (-18.4 Units) vs. division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
CHICAGO is 25-14 ATS (+9.6 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent this season.
CHICAGO is 17-7 ATS (+9.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season this season.
CHICAGO is 58-78 ATS (-27.8 Units) in home games over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO is 12-5 against the spread versus CLEVELAND over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO is 9-8 straight up against CLEVELAND over the last 3 seasons
9 of 17 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

HOUSTON (62 - 30) at LA CLIPPERS (63 - 31) - 5/14/2015, 10:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 53-38 ATS (+11.2 Units) in all games this season.
HOUSTON is 22-10 ATS (+11.0 Units) after a win by 10 points or more this season.
HOUSTON is 32-23 ATS (+6.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
HOUSTON is 31-22 ATS (+6.8 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.
LA CLIPPERS are 19-28 ATS (-11.8 Units) in home games this season.
LA CLIPPERS are 228-279 ATS (-78.9 Units) after allowing 105 points or more since 1996.
LA CLIPPERS are 203-254 ATS (-76.4 Units) after a loss by 10 points or more since 1996.
LA CLIPPERS are 16-29 ATS (-15.9 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 136-174 ATS (-55.4 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA CLIPPERS is 11-5 against the spread versus HOUSTON over the last 3 seasons
LA CLIPPERS is 11-5 straight up against HOUSTON over the last 3 seasons
8 of 16 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

[StarDust Bum]

NBA

Thursday, May 14


Bulls' PG Derrick Rose, probable Thursday

Rose is expected to be ready for Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Cavaliers despite an injured wrist.


Warriors cash sixth-straight Under ticket

With the Golden State Warriors winning 98-78 in Game 5 against the Memphis Grizzlies Wednesday, the final scoreline finished well under the closing 198 total making it the sixth consecutive Under for the Warriors.

Through nine postseason games, the Warriors are 1-7-1 Over/Under with each of the five games in the series against the Grizzlies have resulted in successful under wagers.

The series shifts to Memphis for Game 6 and online books currently have a total of 194.5 on the board.

[StarDust Bum]

NHL conference finals schedules

NHL conference finals schedule, as announced by the league Wednesday night. All times are Eastern. Games will air on NBC and NBCSN in the United States, on CBC and TVA Sports in Canada.

EASTERN CONFERENCE FINALS

Tampa Bay Lightning vs. New York Rangers

Game 1, Saturday, May 16, Tampa Bay at New York Rangers, 1 p.m., NBC, CBC, TVA Sports

Game 2, Monday, May 18, Tampa Bay at New York Rangers, 1 p.m., NBCSN, CBC, TVA Sports

Game 3, Wednesday, May 20, New York Rangers at Tampa Bay, 8 p.m., NBCSN, CBC, TVA Sports

Game 4, Friday, May 22, New York Rangers at Tampa Bay, 8 p.m., NBCSN, CBC, TVA Sports

Game 5*, Sunday, May 24, Tampa Bay at New York Rangers, 8 p.m., NBCSN, CBC, TVA Sports

Game 6*, Tuesday, May 26, New York Rangers at Tampa Bay, 8 p.m., NBCSN, CBC, TVA Sports

Game 7*, Friday, May 29, Tampa Bay at New York Rangers, 8 p.m., NBCSN, CBC, TVA Sports


WESTERN CONFERENCE FINALS

Chicago Blackhawks vs. Anaheim Ducks

Game 1, Sunday, May 17, Chicago at Anaheim, 3 p.m., NBC, CBC, TVA Sports

Game 2, Tuesday, May 19, Chicago at Anaheim, 9 p.m., NBCSN, CBC, TVA Sports

Game 3, Thursday, May 21, Anaheim at Chicago, 8 p.m., NBCSN, CBC, TVA Sports

Game 4, Saturday, May 23, Anaheim at Chicago, 8 p.m., NBC, CBC, TVA Sports

Game 5*, Monday, May 25, Chicago at Anaheim, 9 p.m., NBCSN, CBC, TVA Sports

Game 6*, Wednesday, May 27, Anaheim at Chicago, 8 p.m., NBCSN, CBC, TVA Sports

Game 7*, Saturday, May 30, Chicago at Anaheim, 8 p.m., NBCSN, CBC, TVA Sports

*-if necessary