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**Udog** · 05-08-2015, 08:21 AM

Armadillo: Friday's six-pack

-- White Sox have been outscored 20-7 in the first inning this year.

-- La'el Collins gets a guaranteed three-year deal from the Cowboys, who get a real good prospect without spending a draft pick.

-- Seven of Joc Pederson's last eight hits have been home runs.

-- Mets are 18-10; their AAA team in Las Vegas has won 14 in a row, when is a big league team going to hire Wally Backman as its manager?

-- Mike Fiers struck out the side on nine pitches in the fourth inning; that does not happen very much.

-- Astros 3, Angels 2-- Houston scored three in ninth to stun Halos. In 71 games the last three nights, in only four games did the winning run score after the sixth inning. Three of those four were Angel games.

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Armadillo: Friday's List of 13: Random stuff with weekend here........

13) My last comment on DeflateGate; there are too many rules in this world and this is a perfect example of that. Let teams have as much as air as they want in the damn ball-- only footballs that need to be monitored are ones used for the kicking game, both punts and kicks. Otherwise, there should be no rule.

12) Staying in Boston, the Red Sox fired their pitching coach, as GM covers his own butt for the lousy pitching staff he put together. Instead of paying Rick Porcello $20M a year, how about paying Jon Lester while they had him?

11) Alex Rodriguez hit his 661st homer Thursday, passing Willie Mays for 4th on the all-time list. Think he's gotten that $6M check yet?

10) Random stat (from Chris Komka of Comcast Chicago): of all the guys in MLB history who hit 500+ homers, these three had the most plate appearances before hitting their first homer:
1) Mel Ott, 129......2) Reggie Jackson 112....3) Alex Rodriguez 108

9) Pirates are 13-15; in 10 of those 28 games, their hitters haven't drawn any walks. No other team has more than four games like that.

8) Florida hired Michael White from Louisiana Tech as its new hoop coach; his profile resembles Billy Donovan's from 20 years ago, except his dad is AD at Duke and his brother is AD at Buffalo. White was 83-24 the last three years at Tech but never made the NCAA tournament. He has very big shoes to fill.

7) Gregg Popovich makes $11M a year?!?!?! Damn, for that much he should not complain about doing interviews after the first or third quarters. TV helps write those big paychecks, after all.

6) Everett Golson is going to transfer from Notre Dame and is eligible to play this fall; this is a kid who led Notre Dame to the national title game vs Alabama as a freshman in 2012, but had fallen out of favor since. It is a fickle world.

5) Top three college baseball teams in latest rankings:
1) LSU...... 2) Texas A&M.....3) Louisville

4) John Wall has five non-displaced fractures in his left hand/wrist; x-rays taken after Monday's game revealed no fractures, but they're there. His status for Game 3 is still unclear, but his hand is still really swollen. I'm guessing the term "pain tolerance" will make an appearance fairly soon.

3) Teams whose pitchers walk more batters than they strike out in a game are 7-45 so far this season. It is important to throw strikes.

2) This fall will be the Cleveland Browns' 17th season since returning to the NFL; in the first 16 years, they were 1-0 once, in 2004, when they won 20-3 over the Ravens, who used to play in Cleveland. They lost their other fifteen season openers- their opener this year is against the Jets in Swamp Stadium

1) If the NFL suspends Tom Brady for the season opener, will NBC ask for a different Thursday night game to open its season with? Steelers-Patriots does not have the same marquee value if Jimmy Garoppolo is the Pats' QB.

**Udog** · 05-08-2015, 08:26 AM

NBA
Short Sheet

Friday, May 8

Eastern Conference - Semifinals - Best of 7 - Game 3, Series Tied 1-1

Cleveland Cavaliers at Chicago Bulls, 8:00 ET

Cleveland: 33-21 ATS SU after covering 4 or 5 of their last 6 against the spread
Chicago: 15-30 ATS SU after playing a road game

Western Conference - Semifinals - Best of 7 - Game 3, Series Tied 1-1

Houston Rockets at Los Angeles Clippers, 10:35 ET
Los Angeles: N/A
Houston: N/A

NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up

Friday, May 8

Cavaliers get JR Smith back here, giving them another dynamic scorer; in Game 1 home loss to Chicago; Cleveland was just 7-26 from arc, got only nine points from bench- two of their normal subs started, but last game, they were 12-26 from arc, got 17 from Jones off bench and were up 20 after first quarter. Cavs won/covered four of six games with Chicago this year, but Bulls won three of last four series games played here. Bulls won nine of last 12 games with five of last seven staying under total; Chicago made 10-18 from arc in Game 1, only 7-22 in Wednesday's game.

Chris Paul (hamstring) is game-time decision after Clippers split pair in Houston without him; they've now won seven of last ten games against Rockets, who were 42-64 from foul line last game, when LA led by 9 at half. Houston lost three of last four road games in series, with last three staying under total. Five of last six Clipper games went over the total. Rockets are just 16-59 on arc in series- both teams cut their turnovers in from sloppy Game 1. What are odds that Houston doesn't take 64 FTs in Games 3-4 combined? .

2015 playoffs
Chicago vs Cleveland
Chi 99-92, +4.5, U195
Clev 106-91, -5.5, O195.5

Washington vs Atlanta
Wash 104-98, +5.5, O197
Atl 106-90, -9, U199

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

LA Clippers vs Houston
LAC 117-101, +7.5, O212
Hst 115-109, -8, O214.5

NBA

Friday, May 8

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Trend Report
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8:00 PM
CLEVELAND vs. CHICAGO
Cleveland is 6-15 SU in its last 21 games when playing Chicago
Cleveland is 5-13 ATS in its last 18 games when playing Chicago
Chicago is 15-6 SU in its last 21 games when playing Cleveland
Chicago is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Cleveland

10:30 PM
HOUSTON vs. LA CLIPPERS
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Houston's last 12 games when playing on the road against LA Clippers
Houston is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games on the road
LA Clippers are 1-8 ATS in their last 9 games at home
LA Clippers are 19-5 SU in their last 24 games

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**Udog** · 05-08-2015, 08:27 AM

NBA

Friday, May 8

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Game of the Day: NBA Friday playoff matchups
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Cleveland Cavaliers at Chicago Bulls (-2, 196)
Series tied 1-1

The Cleveland Cavaliers experienced a sharp turnaround while tying the series and look to take a 2-1 edge when they visit the Chicago Bulls in Friday’s Game 3 of the Eastern Conference semifinals. Cleveland also gets shooting guard J.R. Smith back from a two-game suspension for hitting Boston’s Jae Crowder in the opening round.

The Cavaliers controlled Game 2 after succumbing in the opener as LeBron James rebounded from a subpar performance to record 33 points and eight rebounds in a 106-91 victory. “There wasn’t one possession where he wasn’t dominant,” point guard Kyrie Irving told reporters. “When he has that mindset, he’s the greatest player playing our game right now.” Chicago trailed by 20 points after the opening quarter in Game 2 and was never really in the contest as guards Jimmy Butler (5-of-14) -- named the league's Most Improved Player on Thursday -- and Derrick Rose (6-of-20) both had poor shooting efforts. Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau said the defense and rebounding will need to be better in Game 3 in addition to the shooting.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, ESPN

LINE HISTORY: The line opened at CHI -2 with a total of 196.

INJURY REPORT: Cavaliers - G Iman Shupert (Ques-Groin), G J.R. Smith (Elig-Suspension) Bulls - N/A

ABOUT THE CAVALIERS: Smith returns just as the status of guard Iman Shumpert becomes uncertain after he suffered a groin injury in Game 2. Shumpert is averaging 18.5 points and made eight 3-pointers in the first two games of the series and insisted afterward that he would play but coach David Blatt told reporters the determination will be made on game day. “Time for one of those miracle 48-hour recoveries, that’s what we’re hoping for,” Blatt told reporters. “He’s obviously a very, very important player for us.”

ABOUT THE BULLS: Rose is shooting 37 percent in the series but more disturbing is that he hasn’t shot a single three throw over the past three games. “I can’t think about that,” Rose told reporters. “I don’t even want to talk about that. But I’m playing and if they’re not calling it, they’re just not calling it.” Power forward Pau Gasol will be seeking a bounce-back game after having just 11 points and four rebounds in Game 2 after producing 21 points, 10 rebounds and four blocked shots in Game 1.

TRENDS:

*Cavaliers are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
*Bulls are 2-8 ATS in their last 10 home games following a road trip of 7 or more days.
*Under is 5-1 in Cavaliers last 6 games following a ATS win.
*Under is 6-1 in Bulls last 7 games following a S.U. loss.

CONSENSUS: 52 percent of users are backing CLE +2 with 57 percent on the over.

Houston Rockets at Los Angeles Clippers (-4.5, 217)
Series tied 1-1

It appears Los Angeles point guard Chris Paul will again be on the sidelines when the Clippers host the Houston Rockets in Friday’s Game 3 of the Western Conference semifinals. Paul missed the first two games of the series due to a hamstring injury he suffered the Game 7 of the first-round series against the San Antonio Spurs.

Houston tied the series at one game apiece with Wednesday’s 115-109 victory as it set franchise playoff records for free throws made (42) and attempted (64) and received 32 points from star guard James Harden. “I knew my team was battling extremely hard and, basically, it was up to me to go out there and push us forward,” Harden told reporters. The Clippers continue to get big outings from power forward Blake Griffin, who had 34 points and 15 rebounds in Game 2 for his ninth straight double-double of the postseason. “It definitely feels like we let one get away,” Griffin told reporters. “We came here to win two but we’ve got to protect home court now. We can’t hang our heads.”

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

LINE HISTORY: The opening line had LAC -4.5 with a total of 217.

INJURY REPORT: Rockets - G K.J. McDaniels (Out-Wrist) Clippers - G Chris Paul (Ques-Hamstring)

ABOUT THE ROCKETS: Center Dwight Howard has played like the dominant star he once was in the first two games and contributed 24 points, 16 rebounds and four blocks in Game 2. His knee injury is now behind him and he is averaging 23 points, 13 rebounds and 4.5 blocks while making 17-of-24 field-goal attempts. “At this point, it’s win or go home,” Howard told reporters. “You have to continue to play hard and you get through whatever. It is going to be tough out there every night. Every possession counts.”

ABOUT THE CLIPPERS: Coach Doc Rivers expects Paul to return at some point in the series but it doesn’t seem like Friday is even remotely possible since Paul has yet to resume running. “It’s really tough, especially with the way that I play, there’s only way I know how to play,” Paul told reporters. “It’s one of those things where you don’t want to make it worse than it already is.” Austin Rivers has started at the point in Paul’s absence and is averaging 13.5 points and 2.5 assists in the series.

TRENDS:

*Rockets are 2-8 ATS in the last 10 meetings.
*Clippers are 1-8 ATS in their last 9 home games.
*Over is 10-2 in Rockets last 12 vs. Western Conference.
*Over is 4-0 in Clippers last 4 games following a ATS win.

CONSENSUS: LAC -4.5 is receiving 52 percent of users backing with 63 percent on the under.

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**Udog** · 05-08-2015, 08:27 AM

NBA

Friday, May 8

Clippers winning at home, failing to cover

The LA Clippers are a solid 6-3 straight up in their past nine at home, but have only covered on one of those occasions.

Those nine games at the Staples Center have seen the Clippers favored in each instance, with an average spread of -7. The Clip Show has posted a scoring margin of +3.5 during those nine games, meaning they are failing to cover by 3.5 points.

LA is currently -4.5 when they host the Houston Rockets Friday.

John Wall, Washington - Doub Sat

Wall has missed the last two games due to five non-displaced fractures in left wrist and hand. He is unlikely to return for Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Hawks.

**Udog** · 05-08-2015, 09:39 AM

NBA
Dunkel

Friday, May 8

Cleveland Cavaliers @ Chicago Bulls

Game 717-718
May 8, 2015 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Cleveland Cavalie
123.905
Chicago Bulls
128.043
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Chicago Bulls
by 4
191
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Chicago Bulls
by 1 1/2
196
Dunkel Pick:
Chicago Bulls
(-1 1/2); Under

Houston Rockets @ Los Angeles Clippers

Game 719-720
May 8, 2015 @ 10:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Houston Rockets
123.631
Los Angeles Clipp
131.636
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Los Angeles Clipp
by 8
212
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Los Angeles Clipp
by 4
217
Dunkel Pick:
Los Angeles Clipp
(-4); Under

**Udog** · 05-08-2015, 10:06 AM

NBA
Long Sheet

Friday, May 8

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ATLANTA (65 - 25) at WASHINGTON (51 - 37) - 5/9/2015, 5:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 13-31 ATS (-21.1 Units) in road games in all playoff games since 1996.
ATLANTA is 5-19 ATS (-15.9 Units) in the second round of the playoffs since 1996.
ATLANTA is 52-35 ATS (+13.5 Units) in all games this season.
ATLANTA is 10-1 ATS (+8.9 Units) in a road game where where the total is between 200 and 204.5 points this season.
ATLANTA is 20-11 ATS (+7.9 Units) after a win by 10 points or more this season.
ATLANTA is 24-14 ATS (+8.6 Units) after scoring 105 points or more this season.
ATLANTA is 26-11 ATS (+13.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
ATLANTA is 28-17 ATS (+9.3 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.
WASHINGTON is 341-411 ATS (-111.1 Units) in home games since 1996.
WASHINGTON is 156-201 ATS (-65.1 Units) vs. division opponents since 1996.
WASHINGTON is 6-15 ATS (-10.5 Units) after allowing 105 points or more this season.
WASHINGTON is 78-118 ATS (-51.8 Units) in home games after a loss by 10 points or more since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 7-5 against the spread versus ATLANTA over the last 3 seasons
ATLANTA is 8-6 straight up against WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
11 of 14 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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GOLDEN STATE (72 - 16) at MEMPHIS (60 - 29) - 5/9/2015, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
GOLDEN STATE is 64-96 ATS (-41.6 Units) after 3 or more consecutive unders since 1996.
MEMPHIS is 112-80 ATS (+24.0 Units) off an upset win as an underdog since 1996.
MEMPHIS is 31-19 ATS (+10.1 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
MEMPHIS is 89-69 ATS (+13.1 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game over the last 3 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 48-36 ATS (+8.4 Units) in all games this season.
GOLDEN STATE is 44-30 ATS (+11.0 Units) as a favorite this season.
GOLDEN STATE is 12-4 ATS (+7.6 Units) on Saturday games this season.
GOLDEN STATE is 26-15 ATS (+9.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
MEMPHIS is 8-4 against the spread versus GOLDEN STATE over the last 3 seasons
MEMPHIS is 7-5 straight up against GOLDEN STATE over the last 3 seasons
7 of 12 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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**Udog** · 05-08-2015, 10:14 AM

NBA

Friday, May 8

'There's a chance' Shumpert misses Game 3

Despite playing through the pain in Game 2, Cleveland Cavalier's Iman Shumpert may not play in Game 3 Friday.

"There's a chance of that," Cavs coach David Blatt said when asked if the shooting guard would miss Game 3. “The hope is that he’ll be able to play, but we need a little more time.”

Shumpert reportedly heard a pop during the third quarter of Game 2, but did play an additional four minutes afterwards.

Cleveland is currently +1.5 when they head to Chicago.

Announcement

Friday's NBA and NCAAB Trends and Indexes - 5/8

Friday's NBA and NCAAB Trends and Indexes - 5/8

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