Announcement

**Udog** · 05-14-2015, 08:37 AM

Armadillo: Thursday's six-pack

-- Phillies 3, Pirates 2-- Jeff Francoeur threw tying run out at the plate to end game, the rare walk-off outfield assist.

-- Rangers 2, Caps 1 OT-- Rangers won last ten home games when they were faced with playoff elimination- they're 7-0 at home in Game 7's.

-- Giants' instant replay guru is former big league SS Shawon Dunston.

-- Turner Sports gave Charles Barkley a 10-year contract extension.

-- Deshaun Morman transfers from Cincinnati to Towson State, instance of a kid who made a lousy decision coming out of high school. He'll play at Towson.

-- Colorado State is using the $7M from ex-football coach Jim McElwain's buyout to fund cost-of-attendance scholarships; good move by them.

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

13) Cory Kluber won the AL Cy Young Award last year, but Cleveland lost his first seven starts this year; Wednesday, Kluber took advantage of a 6pm start to strike out 18 Cardinals in a 2-0 Indian win. St Louis batters swung at 44 of Kluber's pitches, missed 24 times, with only seven balls in play.

12) In same game, Cleveland batters swung at 43 of John Lackey's pitches and only missed one of them. Go figure.

11) As if things weren't bad enough for the Colorado Rockies, yesterday was even a worse day; Rockies lost their 11th game in a row, 2-1 in 11 innings to the Angels in Anaheim, after skipper Walt Weiss had an appendectomy earlier in the day. Mike Trout played a great defensive game in CF last night, robbing Tulowitzki of extra bases, then throwing out the go-ahead run an inning later.

10) Professional nitwit Stephen A Smith had the onions to go on national TV Wednesday and infer (basically he said it) that NBA teams use analytics as an excuse to fire/not hire African-American coaches. What a fool, but ESPN pays him over $3M a year, so who is the fool?

This is the same jackass who once said the Chargers should've tried an OT field goal on third down "....because if they missed on third down, they could try again on fourth down." But he cries racism on slow news days. Oy.

9) The reason for Smith's rant was New Orleans firing Monty Williams after the Pelicans went 45-37 and made the playoffs for the first time in five years. what Smith didn't say that Williams isn't the only successful coach to get fired in the last 2-3 seasons........

Monty Williams, Scott Brooks, George Karl, Vinny Del Negro, Lionel Hollins; all fired by their employers after winning seasons in the last two years. Hell, Del Negro, Hollins and Karl all got fired after winning 56+ games.

8) Albany Great Danes start basketball season November 13 with a game at Kentucky; my alma mater has been in NCAAs the last three years, which is more than Big Blue Nation can say. Kentucky lost to Robert Morris in the 2013 NIT. Still expect the Wildcats to be a slight favorite :-)

7) Speaking of Robert Morris, NEC Freshman of the Year Marcquise Reed has left the Colonials and will play for Clemson next season, as a lower-rung ACC team poaches a low-major squad.

6) Former Washington Huskies big man Robert Upshaw stood out at the NBA Combine with a 9-foot-5 standing reach and a 7-5.5 wing span; problem is, he also has a substace abuse problem, which is why he got booted off the team at Washington last winter. Will be interesting to see who drafts him.

5) Golden State Warriors had their 128th consecutive sellout last night. I go to the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas most years- the Warriors are always the team with the most fans. If you didn't know, you'd just assume they were the best team with a large bandwagon following and this was before they actually were the best team.

4) Not only did Aaron Rodgers win on Celebrity Jeopardy the other night, he beat an astronaut. Astronauts are real smart, aren't they? Hell, Rodgers went to a junior college out of high school-- good for him!!!

3) Minor league 1B/Astros farmhand Jon Singleton had 10 RBI in a AAA game last night in Albuquerque. Two homers, two singles in thin air.

2) If I owned an NBA team that had Lebron James on it, that means I had a real shot to win the NBA title and I wouldn't have a rookie coach in charge. Hell, I would make Lebron coach and hire veteran assistants to do scouting before I would let a neophyte coach my team. But thats just me.

1) Jimmy Garropolo looks like he will start at QB for the first four games this fall in Foxboro, but who will his backup be? Rosterresource.com says that as of right now, the Patriots' #3 QB is Garrett Gilbert, who is so dismal he got cut by the Rams last year. If you're a QB who got cut by the Rams LY, could be time to look for a new line of work.

**Udog** · 05-14-2015, 08:42 AM

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

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Trend Report
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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

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**Udog** · 05-14-2015, 08:46 AM

NBA

Thursday, May 14

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Game of the Day: NBA Thursday playoff matchups
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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.

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**Udog** · 05-14-2015, 08:48 AM

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.

**Udog** · 05-14-2015, 10:16 AM

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

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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

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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

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**Udog** · 05-14-2015, 10:20 AM

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.

Announcement

Thursday's NBA and NCAAB Trends and Indexes - 5/14

Thursday's NBA and NCAAB Trends and Indexes - 5/14

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