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**StarDust Bum** · 05-26-2015, 01:01 AM

NBA FIRST HALF

NBA > (515) ATLANTA@ (516) CLEVELAND | 05/26/2015 - 08:35 PM
Play ON CLEVELAND in the first half in All games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season
The record is 24 Wins and 9 Losses for the this season (+14.1 units)

NBA TOTALS

NBA > (515) ATLANTA@ (516) CLEVELAND | 05/26/2015 - 08:35 PM
Play UNDER ATLANTA on the total in All games versus the first half line in all games
The record is 35 Overs and 60 Unders for the this season (+21.5 units)

NBA TOP POWERLINE

NBA > (515) ATLANTA @ (516) CLEVELAND | 05/26/2015 - 08:35 PM
Line: CLEVELAND -8 BTB PowerLine: CLEVELAND -10
Edge On: CLEVELAND (2)

**StarDust Bum** · 05-26-2015, 01:03 AM

NHL MONEYLINE

NHL > (71) NY RANGERS@ (72) TAMPA BAY | 05/26/2015 - 08:05 PM
Play ON NY RANGERS using the money line in All games in a road game where where the total is 5 or less
The record is 22 Wins and 9 Losses for the this season (+14.9 units)

NHL PUCKLINE

NHL > (71) NY RANGERS@ (72) TAMPA BAY | 05/26/2015 - 08:05 PM
Play ON NY RANGERS using the in All games in a road game where where the total is 5 or less
The record is 22 Wins and 9 Losses for the this season (+14.9 units)

**StarDust Bum** · 05-26-2015, 01:05 AM

Game 4 - Hawks at Cavaliers

May 25, 2015

The Cavaliers dominated the Hawks in the first two games of the Eastern Conference Finals at Philips Arena, but returning home for Game 3 wasn’t as easy of a task as the opening two victories. Cleveland found a way to stave off Atlanta, 114-111 in overtime to grab a commanding 3-0 series advantage, but several events in Sunday’s contest changed the tide of the series in the Cavs’ favor.

The top storyline coming out of Game 3 was Al Horford’s controversial ejection in the second quarter, knocking out another Atlanta starter after Kyle Korver was already sidelined with an ankle injury. Horford threw an elbow at Cavaliers’ guard Matthew Dellavedova on a loose ball late in the half, resulting in a Flagrant 2 and automatic ejection. The Atlanta All-Star forward will not miss Game 4 with a suspension, as he finished with 14 points on 7-of-10 shooting, ruining a potentially solid night and chance to get back in the series.

Even without Horford, the Hawks rallied from a 10-point fourth quarter deficit to seize a 104-100 advantage with 1:38 lead in regulation. Atlanta benefited from the bonus halfway through the quarter, knocking down 9-of-9 free throws in a two-minute span. However, the Cavs outscored the Hawks, 4-0 in the last 90 seconds of regulation to tie the game and send it to overtime.

We didn’t forget about LeBron James’ masterful performance (37 points, 18 rebounds, 13 assists), as the Cavaliers’ star scored the final five points in overtime to put the Hawks on the brink of elimination. James attempted a career-high 37 shots, but the Cavs had four other players score in double-figures, as Dellavedova and J.R. Smith each put up 17 points. Cleveland outrebounded Atlanta, 56-42, but David Blatt’s team shot just 41% from the floor, its worst shooting performance in the series.

VegasInsider.com NBA analyst Chris David was impressed by the Hawks effort and believes that we have a great chance to see another solid performance in Game 4.

“I’m a little reluctant to back teams off bad losses and that Hawks are in that spot Tuesday but they’ve showed some fight in these spots. Including Sunday’s loss, the Hawks have only been in three overtime games this season and they lost all three, two of them in the playoffs. Despite winning the top award, I don’t think Mike Budenholzer is the best coach in the league but his team has responded well off tough beats. The Hawks are 2-0 in the following game off an ATS loss and that includes their Game 5 win over Brooklyn in the second round,” said David.

The ‘under’ easily hit in each of the first two games of the Eastern Conference Finals, but the ‘over’ was never in doubt in Game 3. The total in Game 1 closed at 199 ½, then fell to 193 in Game 2, followed by another drop down to 190 ½ in Game 3. Atlanta led Cleveland at halftime, 49-48 in Game 3, as a 60-point third quarter pretty much locked in the first ‘over’ of the series. In each of the first three games of this series, the Hawks scored at least 49 points in the first 24 minutes.

David believes the venue change has helped the Hawks offense and he’s going to ride that in Game 4 again.

He explained, “Including Sunday’s production, Atlanta is now averaging 103 PPG on the road in this year’s playoffs compared to 94.9 PPG at home. For whatever reason, the Hawks play loose away from home and the loss of Korver has opened the door for athletic players in Kent Bazemore and Shelvin Mack, who combined for 27 points the loss. Another big factor in Game 3 for Atlanta was its aggressive style, which earned 32 trips to the free throw line and they connected on 28 of them. With the Hawks facing elimination, I’m going to buy into the sense of urgency and lean to their team total ‘over’ (92 ½) on Tuesday. In seven playoff games, they’ve gone over this number six times and surprisingly the Cavaliers have allowed an average 98.8 PPG at home in six postseason matchups.”

The Cavaliers are looking to become the first Eastern Conference team to pull off a sweep in the conference finals since 2003, when the Nets swept the Pistons. Cleveland is seeking first NBA Finals appearance since 2007, when the Cavs lost in four games to the Spurs, James’ only Finals appearance as a member of the Cleveland franchise.

Kyrie Irving sat out the last two victories for the Cavs with left knee tendinitis and is questionable for Game 4. Cleveland has four shots to win one game, so the obvious question is whether or not to rest Irving, hope for the sweep and give the All-Star guard another week to rest his knee. Dellavedova averaged 14 points a game in his two starts in Game 2 and 3, which has turned into a viable alternative to Irving for the time being.

In spite of a 5-1 SU record at Quicken Loans Arena, the Cavs have covered only twice as a home favorite, with three of the wins coming by eight points or less. The Hawks are entering their third game in the underdog role this postseason, cashing the first two opportunities, but are looking for consecutive ATS wins for just the second time in the playoffs.

**StarDust Bum** · 05-26-2015, 01:06 AM

LeBron, Cavaliers limping toward Finals

May 25, 2015

INDEPENDENCE, Ohio (AP) - LeBron James says he won't allow his sore body to slow his drive toward another NBA Finals.

Beaten down by injuries and another grueling season, James has the Cavaliers one win from the Eastern Conference title. On Monday, a day after his 37 points, 18 rebounds and 13 assists lifted Cleveland to a Game 3 overtime victory against Atlanta, James was noticeably tired.

He wore a wrap on his right calf and the four-time league MVP says he's been undergoing ''round-the-clock'' treatment.

James returned to Cleveland after four seasons with Miami and says leading the Cavs has been his biggest challenge. The Cavs are without Kevin Love for the playoffs and have played the past two games without All-Star point guard Kyrie Irving.

Coach David Blatt says Irving remains a game-time decision for Game 4.

**StarDust Bum** · 05-26-2015, 01:08 AM

Atlanta cries foul over Game 3

May 25, 2015

CLEVELAND (AP) - Al Horford threw an elbow at Matthew Dellavedova during the game.

He saved a few more shots for Cleveland's scrappy guard afterward.

Horford was assessed a Flagrant 2 foul and tossed from Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals on Sunday night for striking Dellavedova above his shoulders late in the first half.

Horford and Dellavedova got tangled on the floor while scrambling for a loose ball, and as Dellavedova was rolling up on his right knee, Horford brought his right arm down hard and struck the side of the scrappy Australian guard's head.

The officials took several minutes looking at the play on a video monitor before ejecting Horford, who had 14 points at the time of his dismissal. The Hawks lost 114-111 in overtime and trail 3-0 in the series.

Horford felt Dellavedova had dived at his legs.

''I did think he went at me but I should have handled it better,'' Horford said. ''Shouldn't have gotten caught up in that and it's something I'll definitely learn from. The game before I got hit in the knees and it just kind of played over again.''

Horford was one of several Hawks irritated by Dellavedova, who had knocked Hawks guard Kyle Korver out for the postseason with a similar play in Game 2.

''You're always upset when you lose one of your teammates,'' Horford said. ''He's (Dellavedova) a player that plays hard but there's got to be a line at some point. He's got to learn. He's only been in this league for a couple of years but he's got to learn that at the end of the day, it's a big brotherhood here. Guys look out for each other and I don't think it was malicious but he's got to learn.''

Dellavedova defended his actions, saying he was only trying to get the ball.

''I would obviously disagree with that, I was boxing him out,'' Dellavedova said. ''You can see from the baseline view that he's pulling my arm.''

LeBron James, who carried the Cavs within one win of the NBA Finals with a triple-double, became angry when he heard the Hawks' accusations that Dellavedova is a dirty player.

''That is a fundamental box out, that's all it is,'' James said. ''We're not trying to get people hurt. But you play to win the game and you play aggressively. This guy, he works his tail off every single day. He beats the odds and he comes to play as hard as he can every single night. If they're focusing on Delly, they're focusing on the wrong thing. People are trying to give him a bad rap. He doesn't deserve it and I don't like it.''

The NBA posted an explanation on the play, saying: ''Horford threw an unnecessary and excessive forearm/elbow to Dellavedova, making contact above the shoulders, therefore a Flagrant 2 foul was called on Horford.''

Horford could face further discipline from the league.

While the officials huddled, Cleveland fans serenaded Dellavedova with chants of ''Del-lee! Del-lee!'' He was given a technical foul for his actions.

''We felt that he made contact with his head and shoulders into the knee area of Horford, so we ruled that a liveball physical taunt technical foul,'' referee Ken Mauer said to a pool reporter.

Dellavedova, too, had a run-in with Chicago's Taj Gibson in the second round. Gibson had to kick himself free from Dellavedova, who scissor-locked his legs around the Bulls forward. Gibson was assessed a Flagrant 2 and Dellavedova was issued a technical foul the following day.

**StarDust Bum** · 05-26-2015, 01:09 AM

Stamkos, Lightning on verge of Cup spot

May 25, 2015

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) - Steven Stamkos knows what it's like to come close to getting to the Stanley Cup finals and wind up not playing on the NHL's biggest stage.

It happened to the Tampa Bay Lightning four years ago, and the three-time All-Star is determined to not let another opportunity slip away.

After a slow start to the playoffs, the high-scoring team captain helped the speedy Lightning push the New York Rangers to the brink of elimination from the Eastern Conference finals.

Game 6 is Tuesday night at Amalie Arena. A Lightning victory will send Tampa Bay to the Cup finals for the second time in franchise history. And the Rangers are looking to extend the series to a seventh game, which would be played Friday night in New York.

''You kind of have to realize where you are and kind of use that as a little bit of motivation,'' Stamkos said. ''The harsh reality is, some guys in this room may never get the chance to get this far again. Hopefully everybody does, but you never know in this sport.''

Stamkos knows first-hand. He and defenseman Victor Hedman are the only players remaining from the Tampa Bay team that came within one victory of playing in the Cup finals in 2011. The Lightning lost Game 7 to Boston 1-0 and didn't win another playoff game until this year.

The two-time Maurice Richard Trophy winner was a young, rising star on that team. Now, he's one of the league's most prolific scorers, leading a club that's flourished in the playoffs even when Stamkos has struggled to score.

After failing to find the back of the net in Tampa Bay's first eight games this postseason, Stamkos has scored in seven of the past 10 to help the Lightning eliminate Montreal in the second round and take a 3-2 series lead over the Rangers.

New York overcame a 3-1 deficit to eliminate the Washington Capitals in the second round. They've been a resilient team in reaching the conference finals three of the past four years, and say they believe they're capable of taking the series back to Madison Square Garden.

''We've obviously been in a few of these situations in the past and are very confident that our group is going to enjoy the opportunity and enjoy the challenge, get ready for it and come up with a good game,'' Rangers coach Alain Vigneault said.

''We know the situation we're in,'' New York center Derek Stepan added. ''We have to stay confident.''

Stamkos had a goal for the fourth straight game, added an assist on Sunday night, to key Tampa Bay's 2-0 victory in Game 5.

The 25-year-old had 43 goals during the regular season and has been overshadowed for much of the playoff run by the Lightning's young, high-scoring ''Triplets'' line of Tyler Johnson, Ondrej Palat and Nikita Kucherov, who've combined for 25 of 44 goals in 18 games.

But coach Jon Cooper and Stamkos' teammates insist he's played well throughout, making important contributions in areas other than scoring.

''I think it's funny how it works, because the spotlight is on you so often that everybody just expects greatness all the time. To become great, you do fail sometimes. And he's great. But you don't get there by just success. It's the guys that fight through failure that rise to the top,'' Cooper said.

''Not that he's failed, but he gets criticized when he doesn't score a goal,'' Cooper added. ''You have to look at what the other team's trying to do, too. It's not like they're putting their eighth pairing defensemen against Stammer. He gets the top guys. ... As this playoff has gone on, Stammer just continues to rise to the occasion.''

And that's what the Rangers have to do to keep their season alive.

Henrik Lundqvist rebounded from allowing 12 combined goals in Games 2 and 3 to shut down the Lightning in Game 4. He didn't play poorly in Game 5, and his reputation for excellence in crucial situations is well known.

The Rangers are 3-0 in elimination games this postseason.

''Obviously it's a little different stage than the one we were on before. But a lot of the same things need to be done in order to get ourselves back into it,'' Stepan said.

''We know how much work it took to get back in the Washington series,'' Stepan added. ''It's going to take just as much work in this series.''

Stamkos doesn't expect the Rangers to be an easy out.

''They're a resilient group. We've seen that all series. We've seen that all year. They're the best team in the regular season for a reason,'' Stamkos said.

''These guys went to the Cup finals last year,'' the Lightning star added. ''How many times have they been down this series and come back? ... We understand the magnitude of the next game, and we're going to get their best game, there is no question about it.''

**StarDust Bum** · 05-26-2015, 01:10 AM

Rangers once again facing elimination

May 24, 2015

NEW YORK (AP) - The New York Rangers will need another comeback to keep their Stanley Cup drive alive.

They again find themselves on the brink of elimination after Steven Stamkos set up Valtteri Filppula's go-ahead goal and scored another as the Tampa Bay Lightning beat the Rangers 2-0 on Sunday night in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference finals.

Ben Bishop, who gave up 10 goals in the previous two games, had 26 saves in posting his second shutout and getting Tampa Bay within a victory of reaching the Stanley Cup finals for the second time in franchise history. They won the Cup in 2004.

The Rangers have wiggled out of this spot before. They trailed the Washington Capitals 3-1 in the conference semifinals and rallied. They also overcame a 3-1 deficit last year against Pittsburgh.

Game 6 is Tuesday night in Florida.

''We have to beat them to four games,'' Rangers center Derek Stepan said. ''We have to go into their building, and find a way to get it done.''

The Rangers will need more from their power play.

Tampa Bay killed off four New York power plays in clinical fashion in the opening 31 minutes of a scoreless game, allowing only four shots.

The Rangers failure to cash those man advantages turned the tide in the Lightning's favor as Stamkos added a power-play goal after Filppula opened the scoring.

''Our execution was a bit slow tonight on the power play,'' Rangers coach Alain Vigneault said. ''Because it was slow, it made it easier for them to defend. We didn't get many looks on it, and obviously that was a big part of tonight's game.''

This was a game the Rangers controlled early. The power plays gave them a chance to put Tampa Bay down and they failed to convert, which was surprising because New York had two power-play goals in each of the three previous games in the series.

''They did a good job blocking shots tonight but you know we have to do a better job with those power plays,'' Rangers captain Ryan McDonagh said.

A little less than 2 minutes after the Lightning killed off a tripping penalty to Andrej Sustr, the Lightning took the lead and the excitement out of the Madison Square Garden crowd.

Defenseman Anton Stralman sent a great bank pass up the side boards to Stamkos. He carried the puck into the Rangers' zone, found Filppula coming down the middle and the center beat Henrik Lundqvist with a shot to the upper part of the net. It was his third goal of the postseason and probably his most important.

The Lightning had withstood the Rangers' push and they were in control.

''The penalty killing came up huge,'' Bishop said. ''Obviously, we weren't very happy with the last few games. That really kept us in it.''

After Marc Staal picked up his second penalty of the game, the Lightning needed just over a minute to double the lead. It came on a tic-tac-toe goal by Stamkos, his fourth in the last four games.

Nikita Kucherov sent the puck from the right circle to Ondrej Palat in the left circle. He quickly sent a cross-ice pass to Stamkos in front and the Lightning captain redirected the puck past a helpless Lundqvist, who finished with 20 saves.

New York pushed to get back in the game in the third, but Bishop stood tall when challenged shots by J.T. Miller and Derick Brassard.

Stamkos' four-game goal streak matches the Lightning playoff record set by Martin St. Louis in 2003 and also accomplished by Vincent Lecavalier in 2007.

After a couple of wide-open games in Florida, the first period of Game 5 was much more a Rangers' style game. They kept the play in the Lightning zone, drew two penalties and held a 6-4 edge in shots.

Tyler Johnson had the best chance for the Lightning early after a Ryan McDonagh turnover, but he missed the net. Chris Kreider missed the top corner of the net on the Rangers' first power play.

Having taken the 3-2 series lead, the Lightning now have two chances to win one game--and a ticket to the Stanley Cup finals.

''The toughest one to win is the fourth one,'' Stamkos said. ''Especially this time of year, when it is to go to the Finals.''

NOTES: Long-time Garden voice John Amirante sang the national anthem. He sang in Game 2 in the opening round in what was said to be his last appearance. ... D Matt Carle returned to the Lightning lineup after missing Game 4 with an undisclosed injury. ... The Rangers have allowed two or fewer goals in 13 of 17 postseason games this season.

**StarDust Bum** · 05-26-2015, 01:13 AM

Preview: Rangers (53-22) at Lightning (50-24)

Date: May 26, 2015 8:00 PM EDT

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) - Steven Stamkos knows what it's like to come close to getting to the Stanley Cup finals and wind up not playing on the NHL's biggest stage.

It happened to the Tampa Bay Lightning four years ago, and the three-time All-Star is determined to not let another opportunity slip away.

After a slow start to the playoffs, the high-scoring team captain helped the speedy Lightning push the New York Rangers to the brink of elimination from the Eastern Conference finals.

Game 6 is Tuesday night at Amalie Arena. A Lightning victory will send Tampa Bay to the Cup finals for the second time in franchise history. And the Rangers are looking to extend the series to a seventh game, which would be played Friday night in New York.

'You kind of have to realize where you are and kind of use that as a little bit of motivation,' Stamkos said. 'The harsh reality is, some guys in this room may never get the chance to get this far again. Hopefully everybody does, but you never know in this sport.'

Stamkos knows first-hand. He and defenseman Victor Hedman are the only players remaining from the Tampa Bay team that came within one victory of playing in the Cup finals in 2011. The Lightning lost Game 7 to Boston 1-0 and didn't win another playoff game until this year.

The two-time Maurice Richard Trophy winner was a young, rising star on that team. Now, he's one of the league's most prolific scorers, leading a club that's flourished in the playoffs even when Stamkos has struggled to score.

After failing to find the back of the net in Tampa Bay's first eight games this postseason, Stamkos has scored in seven of the past 10 to help the Lightning eliminate Montreal in the second round and take a 3-2 series lead over the Rangers.

New York overcame a 3-1 deficit to eliminate the Washington Capitals in the second round. They've been a resilient team in reaching the conference finals three of the past four years, and say they believe they're capable of taking the series back to Madison Square Garden.

'We've obviously been in a few of these situations in the past and are very confident that our group is going to enjoy the opportunity and enjoy the challenge, get ready for it and come up with a good game,' Rangers coach Alain Vigneault said.

'We know the situation we're in,' New York center Derek Stepan added. 'We have to stay confident.'

Stamkos had a goal for the fourth straight game, added an assist on Sunday night, to key Tampa Bay's 2-0 victory in Game 5.

The 25-year-old had 43 goals during the regular season and has been overshadowed for much of the playoff run by the Lightning's young, high-scoring 'Triplets' line of Tyler Johnson, Ondrej Palat and Nikita Kucherov, who've combined for 25 of 44 goals in 18 games.

But coach Jon Cooper and Stamkos' teammates insist he's played well throughout, making important contributions in areas other than scoring.

'I think it's funny how it works, because the spotlight is on you so often that everybody just expects greatness all the time. To become great, you do fail sometimes. And he's great. But you don't get there by just success. It's the guys that fight through failure that rise to the top,' Cooper said.

'Not that he's failed, but he gets criticized when he doesn't score a goal,' Cooper added. 'You have to look at what the other team's trying to do, too. It's not like they're putting their eighth pairing defensemen against Stammer. He gets the top guys. ... As this playoff has gone on, Stammer just continues to rise to the occasion.'

And that's what the Rangers have to do to keep their season alive.

Henrik Lundqvist rebounded from allowing 12 combined goals in Games 2 and 3 to shut down the Lightning in Game 4. He didn't play poorly in Game 5, and his reputation for excellence in crucial situations is well known.

The Rangers are 3-0 in elimination games this postseason.

'Obviously it's a little different stage than the one we were on before. But a lot of the same things need to be done in order to get ourselves back into it,' Stepan said.

'We know how much work it took to get back in the Washington series,' Stepan added. 'It's going to take just as much work in this series.'

Stamkos doesn't expect the Rangers to be an easy out.

'They're a resilient group. We've seen that all series. We've seen that all year. They're the best team in the regular season for a reason,' Stamkos said.

'These guys went to the Cup finals last year,' the Lightning star added. 'How many times have they been down this series and come back? ... We understand the magnitude of the next game, and we're going to get their best game, there is no question about it.'

SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Lightning at Rangers
Sat, May 16 Final 1 to 2

GAME 2
Lightning at Rangers
Mon, May 18 Final 6 to 2

GAME 3
Rangers at Lightning
Wed, May 20 Final 5 to 6

GAME 4
Rangers at Lightning
Fri, May 22 Final 5 to 1

GAME 5
Lightning at Rangers
Sun, May 24 Final 2 to 0

GAME 6
Rangers at Lightning
Tue, May 26 - 8:00PM EDT

GAME 7
Lightning at Rangers
Fri, May 29 - 8:00PM EDT

**StarDust Bum** · 05-26-2015, 01:15 AM

Preview: Hawks (60-23) at Cavaliers (53-29)

Date: May 26, 2015 8:30 PM EDT

INDEPENDENCE, Ohio (AP) - LeBron James hurts everywhere, the King of Pain.

One win from taking the Cavaliers back to the NBA Finals, and one step closer to a title he covets more than any other, James leaned against a padded wall on Monday and hardly resembled basketball's most undeniable force.

'I'm feeling all right,' he said, forcing a smile that showed he wasn't being entirely truthful. 'I've been better, but I've been worse. I think I've been worse.'

James moved slowly and not with his usual grace one day after his brilliant performance in Game 3 lifted Cleveland to a 114-111 win over the Atlanta Hawks in overtime, moving the Cavs within a victory of their first Finals appearance since 2007.

James wore a sleeve on his right calf, which cramped so severely he asked to be taken out Sunday night before re-considering. Instead, he pushed through the pain and delivered 37 points, 18 rebounds and 13 assists - all after an 0-for-10 shooting start - to help the Cavs take a 3-0 series lead.

He's battered, not beaten. James isn't going to let anything stop him. Not now. Not this close to his fifth straight Finals or a championship.

'When you want to win, you've got to sacrifice your body feeling good,' he said. 'That's just what it's about.'

With a win on Tuesday night, the Cavs can clinch the Eastern Conference title and get some rest before a Finals matchup presumably against Golden State, which leads Houston 3-0 heading into Monday's Game 4. James has been down this path before, but never one so bumpy.

Cleveland's season has been strewn with obstacles: extreme expectations, chemistry issues, trades and injuries, including ones in the postseason to forward Kevin Love and All-Star point guard Kyrie Irving, who has missed the past two games with an injured left knee. James has never been on a team that's had to surmount as much.

Before the season began, James predicted this - molding a new team into a title contender - would be the greatest challenge of his career.

'I felt it would be, and it is,' he said.

The Cavs need one more win over the rising Hawks, who showed resiliency in Game 3 by overcoming a 10-point deficit in the fourth when they appeared done. One play here, one there and Atlanta wouldn't be in a 3-0 hole that no team in league history has been able to climb from.

Despite overwhelming odds, the Hawks won't quit.

'No matter what happens, we're still going to be confident,' forward Paul Millsap said. 'We believe in our team. We believe in the guys that we have. We feel like we can do something special, whether this year, next year, whatever. We're going to stick to this. It's not over `til it's over.'

For James, the only ending he can envision is winning his third title and ending Cleveland's 51-year championship drought.

'It's been my goal since I got back here, not only to get back, but to win, win the whole thing,' he said. 'That's my goal. It's part of my drive. That's what it's about.'

There are some other subplots heading into Game 4:

IRVING UPDATE

While his teammates got treatment and relaxed after a draining game, Irving went through another vigorous workout as Cleveland's coaching staff and medical team kept a close eye on him.

Cavs coach David Blatt said Irving remains a game-time decision for Tuesday and the team's lead in the series has no bearing on whether he'll play.

'We need Kyrie on the court, and we're not really thinking about resting him as much as we're thinking about him being healthy to play basketball,' Blatt said. 'We need him on the court, whether we're up 1-0 or 2-1 or 3-0.'

SILENT TREATMENT

After making strong inferences they felt Cavs guard Matthew Dellavedova plays dirty, the Hawks were quiet about the subject.

The scrappy Dellavedova got involved in a loose-ball scramble that ended with Atlanta forward Al Horford hitting him with an elbow and being ejected. Following Game 3, Horford said Dellavedova has 'gotta learn' to play with more restraint.

Earlier in the series, Dellavedova injured Kyle Korver when he dived on the floor and rolled up on the Atlanta guard's ankle. Korver is out for the rest of the playoffs.

Hawks coach Mike Budenholzer was careful with his words about Horford's ejection.

'The officials in our league have a difficult job,' he said. 'We obviously see it a little differently. But that's part of the game and part of those difficult situations. We're moving forward.'

KING'S ENDORSEMENT

Forward Tristan Thompson's value to the Cavs grows daily. With Love out, he's playing more and the four-year veteran, who will be a free agent this summer, has been almost unstoppable on the boards.

'Tristan should probably be a Cavalier for his whole career,' James said. 'There's no reason why he shouldn't. This guy is 24 years old. He's played in 340-plus straight games, and he's gotten better every single season. It's almost like what more can you ask out of a guy even though we ask for more out of him?'

SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Cavaliers at Hawks
Wed, May 20 Final 97 to 89

GAME 2
Cavaliers at Hawks
Fri, May 22 Final 94 to 82

GAME 3
Hawks at Cavaliers
Sun, May 24 Final 111 to 114

GAME 4
Hawks at Cavaliers
Tue, May 26 - 8:30PM EDT

GAME 5
Cavaliers at Hawks
Thu, May 28 - 8:30PM EDT

GAME 6
Hawks at Cavaliers
Sat, May 30 - 8:30PM EDT

GAME 7
Cavaliers at Hawks
Mon, Jun 1 - 8:30PM EDT

**StarDust Bum** · 05-26-2015, 01:25 AM

Preview: Astros (29-16) at Orioles (19-22)
Game: 2
Venue: Oriole Park at Camden Yards
Date: May 26, 2015 7:05 PM EDT

For the half season Scott Feldman spent in Baltimore, starts at Camden Yards were a chore. Change the Houston starter into a road uniform at the park, and he's unbeaten in four starts.

The Astros might need him to find that kind of effort and overcome a rough month Tuesday night in Baltimore if they're to avoid dropping the first two of this three-game series with the Orioles.

Feldman (3-4, 5.17 ERA), who had a 15-start stint in Baltimore to conclude 2013, has endured a trying May. After allowing five runs - four earned - and 10 hits in six innings but avoiding the decision in Thursday's 6-5 loss in Detroit, the right-hander is 1-2 with a 6.35 ERA in four starts this month.

The Orioles roughed him up in two starts last season, resulting in a loss and 11 runs allowed in 11 1-3 innings. Most of that damage came in Houston, but as a visiting pitcher at Camden, he's 3-0 with a 2.60 ERA as opposed to going 4-4 with a 5.60 ERA in his nine home starts with the Orioles.

Feldman has held Adam Jones to 2 for 20, but Manny Machado (5 for 8 with two home runs, a triple and a double) and David Lough (4 for 5 with a home run) have hit him well.

He's facing Chris Tillman, whose struggles stretch beyond the beginning of the month with a 0-4 record and 6.41 ERA in his last five starts. The right-hander allowed one run, one hit and three walks in three innings before exiting after a lengthy rain delay in Thursday's 5-4 win over Seattle.

Tillman (2-5, 6.10) is 2-1 with a 2.41 ERA in three starts against the Astros.

Baltimore (20-22), winner of three straight over Houston (29-17) and 15 of 20 since being swept in the teams' first meeting in 2003, began the series with Monday's 4-3 win. It came despite being limited to six hits for a second straight game, but it was an improvement over the two runs the Orioles had scored in their previous two games.

Steve Pearce and Caleb Joseph each hit two-run homers, giving Pearce three in nine games after starting the season with two in his first 23.

The Orioles are still waiting for the guy they counted on for a .293 average and 21 home runs a season ago to really get going. Pearce is batting .192 and hasn't had hits in consecutive games this month. Jones is also struggling with a 3-for-22 mark over his last five and one extra-base hit in his last 12.

"Hopefully today is the start of something," Pearce said. "We have a good team, we have a good hitting team. We just haven't had consistency all year. Right now is a good time to get hot as any."

It might have to come without J.J. Hardy, who left the game with back tightness. Manager Buck Showalter didn't rule him out for Tuesday.

Houston's George Springer was 3 for 5 with a home run and is 10 for 24 over six games after entering that stretch with a .185 average. Jose Altuve went 2 for 4 after bringing a 3-for-32 slump into the series. Altuve's a .417 career hitter against the Orioles, but Springer is 0 for 6 with three strikeouts versus Tillman.

The Astros were 1 for 11 with runners in scoring position in the opener, while Baltimore's .294 season mark is among the best in the majors.

"I think the game was more about they took advantage of every opportunity they had, which weren't many," Astros manager A.J. Hinch said.

SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Astros at Orioles
Mon, May 25 Final 3 to 4
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Astros at Orioles
Tue, May 26 - 7:05PM EDT

GAME 3
Astros at Orioles
Wed, May 27 - 4:35PM EDT

**StarDust Bum** · 05-26-2015, 01:27 AM

Preview: Royals (28-15) at Yankees (22-22)
Game: 2
Venue: Yankee Stadium
Date: May 26, 2015 7:05 PM EDT

After frequently ending up on the wrong side of lopsided scores lately, the New York Yankees might have regained some momentum with a blowout victory of their own.

What figures to be a more confident Yankees lineup could erupt again Tuesday night against the Kansas City Royals and Jason Vargas, whom they've hammered in the past.

New York (23-22) had dropped six in a row and 10 of 11 following a weekend sweep against Texas in which it gave up 30 runs and 40 hits in three home games. The Yankees turned the tables Monday in a 14-1 rout over Kansas City (28-16), getting home runs from Brett Gardner, Brian McCann and Chase Headley during an eight-run first inning. Stephen Drew added a three-run shot in the second to chase Jeremy Guthrie, who recorded only three outs.

"It was nice because we've been through some tough losses, we've been through some ugly losses, and to be able to get that type of lead was really nice," manager Joe Girardi said.

Rookie Slade Heathcott also hit his first homer in the seventh against Greg Holland, while Headley finished 3 for 4 to improve to 10 for 25 over his last seven games. Alex Rodriguez is batting .367 in his last 41 against the Royals after a 2-for-4 day.

Danny Duffy was originally scheduled to make this start for the Royals but was placed on the 15-day disabled list Monday with left biceps tendinitis. Duffy received a cortisone shot in his shoulder on Friday and said he wasn't concerned after experiencing a similar issue last season.

"I'm not panicking or anything," he told MLB's official website. "I know exactly what (the injury) is."

Instead, Vargas (3-1, 5.26 ERA) will be activated from the DL to make his first start since May 5 after being sidelined by a strained flexor in his left elbow.The left-hander had won his last two outings before being injured, giving up four runs and just five hits over 11 innings.

Vargas, however, is 0-4 with a 8.14 ERA in his last five starts against the Yankees, surrendering seven homers over 24 1-3 innings.

Carlos Beltran, who owns a 13-game hitting streak and is 3 for 7 with a home run against Vargas, missed a second straight game due to flu-like symptoms. Chris Young is hitting .359 with three home runs against lefties, though he's 2 for 11 versus Vargas.

The Royals are in danger of dropping three straight for the first time this season after scoring one run for the second consecutive day. They totaled 24 previously during a five-game winning streak.

New York's Adam Warren (2-3, 4.26) has posted two of his three career quality starts in back-to-back outings, though he lost the decisions at Tampa Bay and Washington while getting four runs of support over 13 1-3 innings. The two earned runs he gave up in Wednesday's 3-2 loss to the Nationals came on solo homers, and he walked two batters before being charged with an unearned run in the seventh.

"I thought I pitched pretty well, just frustrating the way I finished," he told MLB's official website.

Warren has allowed one run over 6 2-3 innings in three relief appearances versus Kansas City.

SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Royals at Yankees
Mon, May 25 Final 1 to 14

Boxscores
GAME 2
Royals at Yankees
Tue, May 26 - 7:05PM EDT

GAME 3
Royals at Yankees
Wed, May 27 - 1:05PM EDT

**StarDust Bum** · 05-26-2015, 01:29 AM

Preview: White Sox (19-22) at Blue Jays (20-26)
Game: 2
Venue: Rogers Centre
Date: May 26, 2015 7:07 PM EDT

The Toronto Blue Jays had little trouble finding offense in their series-opening win against the Chicago White Sox, and may need a similar effort Tuesday night with the inconsistent R.A. Dickey on the mound.

A similar sentiment holds true for the White Sox and John Danks.

Fresh off their first back-to-back victories in nearly three weeks, the Blue Jays try to match their longest win streak of the season against a White Sox team that has dropped six of seven.

Toronto (21-26) scored four runs in the first inning Monday en route to a 6-0 victory for its first win streak since May 6-9.

Chris Colabello had two RBIs and Josh Donaldson hit his 10th home run to support Drew Hutchison's four-hitter.

Dickey (2-4, 5.49 ERA) enjoyed similar offensive support in a complete-game 8-4 win over the Los Angeles Angels on Thursday, but has otherwise not been as fortunate. Prior to his latest win, he managed one quality start in his last six tries - allowing one run in eight innings against the New York Yankees on May 4 - and owns a 6.93 ERA in that span with a 3.58 run support average.

Still, with only two runs surrendered through eight innings Thursday, Dickey was plenty encouraged by the improvement in his primary pitch.

"Tonight you saw big swings and movement, you saw change in speeds, I saw less and less rotation throughout the night on the knuckleball, which is key," Dickey told MLB's official website. "The ones that got hit tonight were balls that were similar to ones I had been throwing in the last month, where they kind of rolled up there because I had a mechanical breakdown.

"I'm going to continue to build in the proper mechanic and return to some of the basics that I came into this knuckleball journey with and we'll see what happens."

The White Sox (19-23) have hit Dickey hard in each of their two meetings since he joined Toronto, scoring 12 runs with six homers over 11 innings. Jose Abreu hit two home runs and Alexei Ramirez also went deep in Chicago's 5-4 win on June 27.

Danks (2-4, 5.11) picked up the win in that contest, and will again oppose Dickey looking to solve his own inconsistencies.

After allowing three runs and striking out 10 over 14 innings in his previous two starts, the left-hander yielded five runs, six hits and four walks in 5 1-3 innings of a 5-2 loss to Cleveland on Thursday.

"The last two times out he came out strong," manager Robin Ventura said. "(Thursday) that wasn't the case. He didn't pitch well."

Danks may have the misfortune of facing Jose Bautista following consecutive off days for the slugger. Bautista received a cortisone shot on Sunday to relieve his ailing shoulder, and will serve as Toronto's designated hitter on Tuesday if he is pain-free.

Donaldson is 8 for 17 with five RBIs in his last four games versus Chicago. He is 4 for 9 with a home run against Danks.

Chicago has totaled 13 runs and batted .187 during its 1-6 stretch and could be without right fielder Avisail Garcia on Tuesday. Garcia, who leads the team with an .821 OPS, left in the second inning Monday with soreness in his right knee, and his status is uncertain.

SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
White Sox at Blue Jays
Mon, May 25 Final 0 to 6
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
White Sox at Blue Jays
Tue, May 26 - 7:07PM EDT

GAME 3
White Sox at Blue Jays
Wed, May 27 - 12:37PM EDT

**StarDust Bum** · 05-26-2015, 01:30 AM

Preview: Nationals (26-18) at Cubs (24-19)
Game: 2
Venue: Wrigley Field
Date: May 26, 2015 7:05 PM EDT

The Washington Nationals have won five straight starts by Jordan Zimmermann, who will need to end his Wrigley Field hex to continue that streak.

He's dropped all three previous outings there heading into this one Tuesday night against a Chicago Cubs team looking to avoid its first three-game home slide.

Zimmermann (4-2, 3.52 ERA) improved to 3-0 with a 2.45 ERA in his last five outings by limiting the New York Yankees to two runs in seven innings in a 3-2 victory Wednesday.

The right-hander has a 5.06 ERA on the road compared to 2.51 at home, and he's 0-3 with a 6.27 ERA in three career outings at Wrigley. He has allowed five homers in 18 2-3 innings there.

Zimmermann is 1-4 with a 4.81 ERA in seven overall starts against the Cubs. Four Chicago hitters have at least 10 at_bats against him - Starlin Castro (3 for 19), Miguel Montero (6 for 17), Chris Coghlan (4 for 16) and Dexter Fowler (2 for 13).

Chicago (24-20) will start Kyle Hendricks (1-1, 4.14), who is 4-2 with a 2.83 ERA in 10 career home outings. Hendricks fired a five-hitter for his first career complete game with seven strikeouts in Thursday's 3-0 win at San Diego.

The right-hander, who has never faced Washington, entered that contest with a 5.15 ERA.

"I'm not going to say I needed it but I kind of did need it," he said. "I haven't been throwing very well."

Hendricks' batterymate figures to be Montero, who is expected back in Chicago's lineup after giving way to backup David Ross in Monday's 2-1 loss in the opener of this three-game set. Kris Bryant, who homered for the sixth time, is 12 for 25 during an eight-game hitting streak at home.

"He's got power, he's a good player," Nationals manager Matt Williams said of Bryant. "We need to make good pitches on him to get him out."

Chicago has totaled four runs - all on homers - in consecutive defeats. The Cubs have struck out 13 times in those contests to bring baseball's highest total to 432.

They have scored four runs or fewer in seven of their last eight games.

"We've seen good pitching here," manager Joe Maddon said. "In Arizona I thought we had a chance to do better, we did not. I don't worry about that stuff. I like the way we're playing baseball, I think fundamentally we're pretty good."

Washington (27-18) won for the 20th time in 25 games Monday behind homers by Denard Span and Wilson Ramos.

Bryce Harper, who leads the majors with a 1.198 OPS, had a double in three at_bats. The right fielder made an impact defensively with a leaping catch at the wall on Anthony Rizzo's fly ball in the third.

Harper appeared to be holding his left hand, though it won't keep him out of the lineup.

'He catches it with the left hand and braces with the right," Williams said. 'It got the forearm and elbow, but he's OK.'

Wrigley Field and PNC Park are the only NL stadiums in which Harper has yet to homer.

Span is 14 for 33 with two homers and six RBIs during an eight-game road hitting streak.

SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Nationals at Cubs
Mon, May 25 Final 2 to 1
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Nationals at Cubs
Tue, May 26 - 7:05PM EDT

GAME 3
Nationals at Cubs
Wed, May 27 - 8:05PM EDT

**StarDust Bum** · 05-26-2015, 01:32 AM

Preview: Rangers (21-23) at Indians (20-23)
Game: 2
Venue: Progressive Field
Date: May 26, 2015 7:10 PM EDT

The Texas Rangers understand it will take some time for Josh Hamilton to get acclimated in his second stint with the club.

Having patience will be much easier if Prince Fielder continues his tear.

Texas seeks a seventh consecutive victory Tuesday night against the host Cleveland Indians, who look to bounce back after having their own winning streak snapped.

Hamilton's self-reported relapse led to a falling out with the Los Angeles Angels, who traded the 2010 AL MVP back to the Rangers on April 27. He made his season debut Monday after recovering from offseason shoulder surgery, striking out twice and walking before reaching on a critical error in the seventh inning of a 10-8 win over Cleveland.

'Mentality's everything,' Hamilton said. 'You start winning some ballgames, guys get a lot of confidence. It goes from hitting to pitching to playing defense, so I like it, man. I like winning and the situation I'm in. Guys are hungry and I want to go out there and fight and play hard and have fun.'

Hamilton's first at-bat came immediately after Fielder and Adrian Beltre hit back-to-back homers in the first. The Rangers (22-23) have scored 40 runs over their last four, with Fielder going 11 for 19 with four homers and 12 RBIs in that stretch.

Fielder, who also had an RBI single in the seventh Monday, leads the AL with a .365 average. He's 7 for 18 with two homers this season against Cleveland (20-24), which had won its previous six.

Carlos Santana hit a solo homer in the first Monday and Roberto Perez added a three-run shot in the second. Perez started in place of catcher Yan Gomes, who returned from the disabled list Sunday but is being eased back by manager Terry Francona.

"When Gomes starts to get to where he can go back-to-back, we'll do it," Francona told MLB's official website. "He'll have a lot of say-so in that."

The Indians had a strong offensive showing the last time they faced Wandy Rodriguez, who gave up five runs and eight hits in 4 2-3 innings of an 8-3 loss May 15. Nick Swisher doubled twice off Rodriguez and is 4 for 6 in their matchups.

Rodriguez (2-2, 3.38 ERA) had a much better showing Thursday, allowing one run and four hits in 6 2-3 innings of a 3-1 win over Boston. The left-hander has allowed one run in four of his six starts.

"That's what we have been seeing from him," manager Jeff Banister said. "He moved the (sinker) in and out, the breaking ball played well. He keeps hitters off balance."

The day after Rodriguez's rough start, the Rangers' lineup had its way with Danny Salazar, who allowed seven runs - five earned - in 4 2-3 innings before Cleveland rallied for a 10-8 win.

Salazar (5-1, 3.50) followed that performance with his first scoreless outing of the season, striking out eight in six innings of Thursday's 5-2 win over the Chicago White Sox. The right-hander overcame three walks after issuing one over his previous four starts.

Beltre is 4 for 4 off Salazar, who allowed homers to Shin-soo Choo and Tommy Field earlier this month.

Field, though, is 3 for 13 with eight strikeouts since that contest.

SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Rangers at Indians
Mon, May 25 Final 10 to 8
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Rangers at Indians
Tue, May 26 - 7:10PM EDT

GAME 3
Rangers at Indians
Wed, May 27 - 12:10PM EDT

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