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**Udog** · 05-31-2016, 09:14 AM

Armadillo: Tuesday's six-pack

-- A couple drove 45 hours from California to be in Pittsbugh for Game 1 of the Stanley Cup finals; they must like talking to each other.

-- NASCAR driver Brad Keselowski tweeted that he lost eight pounds driving in the 600-mile Charlotte race Sunday night. If i drove 600 miles, I'd gain a couple pounds from my 2-3 stops at McDonald's or some other healthy eating place.

-- Legendary baseball coach Augie Garrido was forced out as coach at Texas. He won three national titles at Cal State-Fullerton, two more at Texas.

-- Median age of Americans is 37.3. Texas is the third-youngest state in the US.

-- Poverty rate amongst seniors in this country in 9.4%. In both Texas/New York, it is 11.3%. There are 32 public golf courses in Austin, TX alone, by the way.

-- There were 107 shootouts in the NHL this year, lowest amount they've had. New overtime system, with fewer players on the ice, is probably responsible.

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Armadillo: Tuesday's List of 13: Hey!! Things its OK to say on last day of May

13) Stupid Scheduling Dept: Giants played in Denver Sunday afternoon, had a 1pm game Monday in Atlanta- they couldn't play a 5:00 or 6:00 game Monday?

Dodgers play in Queens Sunday night, then had a 5pm game in Chicago; not quite as bad, but still, the teams that play on Sunday night and have to travel after should play a night game on Monday. .

12) Cubs 2, Dodgers 0-- WP- Wood 3-0, LP- Wood 1-4. All of which reminds me that from 1971-75, a 5-year period, White Sox pitcher Wilbur Wood started 224 games, an average of 44.8 starts per year (most any pitcher starts now is usually 32 or so).

Wood was a knuckleballer who went 24-20 in 1973, 20-19 in '74 and once started both games in a doubleheader. He also had 57 saves in an interesting career.

11) There have been six major league games this year where a team got only one hit for the game, but those teams are a surprising 3-3 in those games.

10) I watch these mini-series on Showtime, like Billions or House of Lies and I'm not eager to trust any human on the planet-- is everyone a scoundrel? Can anyone be a trusted friend? On these shows, its almost like a WWE storyline, where people turn on each other at the drop of a hat. Every man for himself. Kind of sad.

9) Baylor hired former Wake Forest coach Jim Grobe as its interim football coach, after a string of off-field problem that caused Art Briles to get fired recently. I've long been a fan of Grobe; he won an ACC ttile at Wake Forest, a huge accomplishment.

Not sure what happens to Baylor's assistants; don't think they can fire them all, since that could lead to a mass exodus of players via transfer. No matter what the school says, they want/need a winning team and good players are responsible for that,.

8) Clayton Kershaw is making $34,571,429 this year, over $1M per start; not sure how you take him out in a key spot Sunday night to bring in a situational lefty in a big spot, when the reliever makes the major league minimum. By my count, Granderson is 3-17 in his career vs Kershaw, with a double in his first AB Sunday. Odd decision.

7) Dodgers have a payroll of $249,781,668, a huge payroll, yet they have an entry level manager running their games- it makes no sense. Roberts has never managed in the minor leagues- he ran one game in San Diego LY after Bud Black got canned.

I know teams that play "Moneyball" consider managers to be an expendable middle manager who just pushes buttons during games, but damn its an important job. To have a guy in charge who has never done it before this year puts you at a disadvantage.

And no, the Dodgers don't play "Moneyball" but GM Andrew Friedman did when he ran the Tampa Bay Rays. I think he underrates the manager's influence on a team.

6) Obscure major league record-- July 30, 1991, Dennis Martinez vs Mike Morgan at Dodger Stadium-- Major league record for most batters to make out in a game, before any batter reached base. 30 batters went down before there was a baserunner.

Tigers/Angels got to 27 consecutive batters retired last night, before CJ Cron singled to open the bottom of the fifth inning.

5) WeTV, a purveyor of bad TV programs, is bringing "Millionaire Matchmaker" back to the airwaves. This woman sets up millionaires with dates-- she has had a ton of cosmetic surgery since this program was last on the air, I believe on Bravo Network. I actually felt bad for some of the guys she had the show on a few years ago.

Anyway, I'll say this: any guy who is a millionaire and needs a dating service is a jackass. Exhibit A: Donald J Trump. He has the worst hair in America, but he also has $10B so he has a raving beauty tagging along behind him. Thats just the way it is.

Like it or not, attractive women are drawn to money like locusts to a rotting corpse.

4) There is an intersection in town of Banff, Alberta-- Moose and Squirrel Streets. Obviously whoever planned this neighborhood is a Rocky/Bullwinkle fan from the old cartoon. No word on whether there is a Boris Badenov Blvd.

3) Pittsburgh Penguins haven't been out of the eastern time zone since January 18, when they played in St Louis- they're headed to San Jose for Games 3-4 of Stanley Cup finals- they were last in the Pacific Time Zone in December.

2) Watching the Oklahoma City Thunder play, you forget they are the old Seattle SuperSonics, who the NBA stole from the city of Seattle after the 2007-08 season, because the city of Seattle wouldn't build (yet another) new arena for the Sonics. This was a horrendous injustice, since Seattle always supported their team very well.

1) Warriors 96, Thunder 88-- Lot of the nitwits on social media who gave up on the Warriors last week can now eat their words. 10th time a team down 3-1 has won in a 7-game series, out of 233 tries. This series was good for the NBA, two great teams that people like to watch going at it for seven games. Solid entertainment.

**Udog** · 05-31-2016, 09:18 AM

Warriors: -210
Cavaliers: +180

Game 1 numbers: 209.5 Dubs -5.5

**Udog** · 05-31-2016, 09:22 AM

WNBA
Dunkel

Tuesday, May 31

Connecticut @ Phoenix

Game 653-654
May 31, 2016 @ 10:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Connecticut
104.055
Phoenix
112.458
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Phoenix
by 8 1/2
172
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Phoenix
by 11 1/2
167
Dunkel Pick:
Connecticut
(+11 1/2); Over

Minnesota @ New York

Game 651-652
May 31, 2016 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Minnesota
118.629
New York
120.071
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
New York
by 1 1/2
146
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Minnesota
by 5 1/2
151 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
New York
(+5 1/2); Under

WNBA
Long Sheet

Tuesday, May 31

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MINNESOTA (29 - 15) at NEW YORK (26 - 14) - 5/31/2016, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 6-15 ATS (-10.5 Units) when playing with 3 or more days rest over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) after 3 or more consecutive unders over the last 2 seasons.
NEW YORK is 27-16 ATS (+9.4 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
NEW YORK is 12-2 ATS (+9.8 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
NEW YORK is 4-0 against the spread versus MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
NEW YORK is 3-1 straight up against MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
4 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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CONNECTICUT (15 - 19) at PHOENIX (22 - 16) - 5/31/2016, 10:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CONNECTICUT is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) in road games against Western conference opponents over the last 3 seasons.
CONNECTICUT is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) in road games in non-conference games over the last 3 seasons.
PHOENIX is 14-27 ATS (-15.7 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 10-19 ATS (-10.9 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 13-31 ATS (-21.1 Units) in May games since 1997.
PHOENIX is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) on Tuesday over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 3-11 ATS (-9.1 Units) against Eastern conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 3-11 ATS (-9.1 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 2-9 ATS (-7.9 Units) after a win by 10 points or more over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CONNECTICUT is 3-1 against the spread versus PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
PHOENIX is 2-2 straight up against CONNECTICUT over the last 3 seasons
4 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

WNBA

Tuesday, May 31

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

8:00 PM
MINNESOTA vs. NEW YORK
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Minnesota's last 7 games
Minnesota is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
New York is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Minnesota
New York is 2-9 ATS in its last 11 games at home

10:00 PM
CONNECTICUT vs. PHOENIX
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Connecticut's last 8 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Connecticut's last 5 games when playing Phoenix
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Phoenix's last 8 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Phoenix's last 6 games when playing at home against Connecticut

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**Udog** · 05-31-2016, 02:18 PM

Unbeaten Sparks 2nd in AP power poll

NEW YORK (AP) What a difference a year makes.

Los Angeles is 3-0 for the first time since 2003. The Sparks didn't win their third game last season until July 21.

After rallying from an eight-point deficit in the final 80 seconds on Saturday against the New York Liberty to win in overtime, L.A. moved up four spots in The Associated Press power poll . They are second, behind only Minnesota.

Two big reasons for their early success has been the play of Nneka Ogwumike and having Candace Parker in training camp this year. Ogwumike had 25 points and 15 rebounds in the overtime win over the Liberty.

Parker usually has been playing overseas in the winter and would show up to Sparks training camp right before the season began. This year she was with the team from Day 1.

''I definitely feel comfortable out there,'' Parker said. ''I feel fresh and think we're playing well so far although it's early. This is my first go round being at training camp from the start; it's been great helping set expectations. I was really excited and anxious to get the season going. A lot of the players got in earlier. Culture is huge. This is the best I've been part of since I've been here.''

She sat out the first half of the season last year to rest her body.

''You can tell she looks fresh out there,'' Sparks coach Brian Agler said. ''Having her early has helped us.''

The Sparks continue their four-game road trip in Chicago on Tuesday and Connecticut on Thursday.

POWER POLL: Los Angeles is playing well, but not well enough to overtake the reigning WNBA champion Lynx. A look at the first regular season WNBA poll:

1. Minnesota (3-0): The defending champions have looked every bit the part early on.

2. Los Angeles (3-0): On the road or at home, the Sparks have won

3. New York (2-1): A hiccup late in the game against the Sparks cost them first 3-0 start since 2007

4. Dallas (3-1): Looked good without Skylar Diggins and now have their star guard back

5. Indiana (2-1): Tamika Catchings' last season has gotten off to a good start.

6. Atlanta (2-1): The Dream surprised Chicago at home and are off to strong start, jumping five spots in poll.

7. Chicago (1-2): Elena Delle Donne missed the opener with illness the Sky won, she played the next two and they lost - go figure.

8. Phoenix (0-3): Biggest drop in poll, was second in preseason. The talent is there, albeit many players reported late because of overseas commitments.

9. Seattle (1-2): Looked overmatched against the Sparks before beating Phoenix on last-second shot and playing Minnesota tough.

10. Washington (1-3): Just trying to get everyone healthy.

11. Connecticut (1-2): New coach, new attitude, trying to get more wins.

12. San Antonio (0-3): Tough losses to Connecticut and Dallas. Dan Hughes' final season on bench could be a long one.

GAME OF THE WEEK: Los Angeles is involved in two family type games this week. Candace Parker has a homecoming Tuesday night in Chicago where she grew up. Nneka Ogwumike will play her sister Chiney for the first time this season when the Sparks visit Connecticut on Thursday. ''It's always fun playing against'' Chiney, Nneka said. ''It's easy to say it's just another game, but it's not. I'm just happy to see her back out on the court after she missed last year with the injury.''

STAT OF THE WEEK: Breanna Stewart, Moriah Jefferson and Morgan Tuck have combined to lose more games already in their first week in the WNBA than they did in four years at UConn. The trio was 151-5 in college. They are 2-7 in the pros.

**Udog** · 05-31-2016, 02:27 PM

WNBA Betting Recap: 5/23-5/29

League Betting Notes (Monday May 23 through Sunday May 29)

-- Favorites went 8-4 straight up (SU)
-- Underdogs went 6-6 against the spread (ATS)
-- Home teams posted a 5-7 SU record
-- Road teams posted a 7-5 ATS record
-- The 'over' went 9-3

Team Betting Notes

Atlanta pulled off a perfect 3-0 week by beating New York and Dallas as a road underdog, followed by home victory over Indiana on Sunday. The Dream improved to 5-1 SU/ATS, while sitting atop the Eastern Conference through two weeks of action. Atlanta’s offense eclipsed the 80-point mark for the fifth consecutive game in the 85-76 triumph over the Fever, as the Dream cashed the ‘over’ for the third straight contest.

Los Angeles completed a successful road trip with four consecutive wins away from Staples Center. The Sparks won at Chicago and Connecticut as away favorites, but failed to cash as 11-point favorites in a five-point victory against the Sun. Los Angeles and Minnesota are the only undefeated teams with exact 5-0 records as the two Western powers will play a home-and-home set on June 21 and June 24 that starts in Southern California and concludes in Minneapolis.

San Antonio finally broke into the win column following an 0-3 start by upsetting Chicago as an eight-point home underdog, 79-78 on Friday. The Stars have been competitive in spite of their slow beginning to the season as each of their last three games were decided by five points or less. San Antonio travels to Los Angeles on Thursday as the Stars should be listed as healthy underdogs and provide value after the Sparks return home from a long road trip.

The Mystics are winless at home in three tries, but Washington traveled to Seattle and beat the Storm in overtime for its second road victory on the season. However, Washington fell short at Phoenix on Sunday as the Mercury picked up its first win. Second place is wide-open in the Eastern Conference past the Dream as the Mystics will have a busy week ahead with a home-and-home set against Chicago followed by a trip to Atlanta on June 5.

Following a blowout of Connecticut in its season opener, things have gone backwards for Chicago. The Sky lost four consecutive games prior to a 92-87 triumph at Dallas on Sunday to improve to 2-4 SU/ATS. Chicago will catch Washington off a three-game road trip on Wednesday night as the Sky has eclipsed the ‘over’ in four of the past five contests.

Dallas struggled at home by losing a pair of contests to Atlanta and Chicago. The Wings’ defense allowed 79 points or less in each of its first four games, but Dallas was shredded in the last two contests by giving up 102 to the Dream and 92 to the Sky. The task doesn’t get easier for Dallas as it heads to undefeated Minnesota next Saturday as the Lynx have allowed 80 points or less in all five victories this season.

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Tuesday's NBA and WNBA Trends and Indexes - 5/31

Tuesday's NBA and WNBA Trends and Indexes - 5/31

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