Wednesday Trends and Indexes 04/25

[pm530]

Trends and Indexes
Wednesday, April 25

Good Luck on day #115 of 2007!

NOTE:
As information becomes available, we will attempt to post the trends and indexes as soon as possible.
Information is posted from what we believe are reliable sources.

[pm530]

Wednesday's list of 13: Random midweek stuff........

13) Every basketball coach should study how the Suns play; it is a clinic on team basketball; fun to watch, fun to play. As for the Lakers, well, they're kind of the opposite.

12) Indians' pitcher Fausto Carmona ended a 11-decision skid by beating Minnesota last night; he should have won in the Bronx last week, but Tribe bullpen blew the game.

11) Mark Buehrle became 37th straight pitcher who, in his 1st start after a no-hitter, failed to hold next opponent hitless in the first three innings of that game.

10) A's set bit league record Tuesday when they held Orioles scoreless in first inning; they've yet to allow run in first frame this season, longest-ever streak to start a season.

9) Colorado Rockies have only seven home runs to start year, least of any team since '03 Tigers, who lost 119 games.

8) If you were planning on going to the Dodger-Giant tilt this Thursday night at Chavez Ravine, forget about it; the game is already a sellout-- it is Nomar Garciaparra Bobblehead Night.

7) I am sitting here at 1am, watching 8th inning of White Sox at Kansas City game, game that was delayed two hours by rain; it is 7-7, and there are very few people left in the stands. If I own Royals, every fan there gets a free ticket to another game, as a reward for hanging around. Its only fair.

6) Shawn Chacon, with 10-3 mark, has best winning %age of any major leaguer pitcher in April, a surprising fact.

5) Jim Thome has 19 career homers at Fenway Park, the most of any active visiting player. Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle both had 38 homers as visitors to Fenway.

4) Chris Young of Arizona hit a ball off the top of the 30-foot wall in CF at Chase Field Tuesday; the wall is 413 feet from home plate, so thats about as long as you can hit a ball in big leagues, without getting a home run.

3) Paul Maholm threw a 99-pitch complete game shutout vs Houston Tuesday, an old-time pitching performance.

2) In nine career Game 7's, very tense hockey games, Trevor Linden of the Canucks has six goals and six assists. Not bad.

1) Phil Jackson must really like Jeannie Buss if he agreed to coach this group of Lakers; they just look dysfunctional.

[pm530]

Baseball – Write up

MLB
Write-up


Wednesday, April 25

Hot Pitchers
-- Lilly is 1-2, 2.42 in four starts; Cubs scored total of four runs in his last three starts.
-- Hudson is 3-0, 0.62 in four starts this season.
-- Lieber threw 5.2 shutout innings in his first '07 start, a game Phillies lost in extra innings in Cincinnati.
-- Albers allowed two runs in six IP in his first '07 start, game the Astros won 6-5 in Milwaukee.
-- Looper is 3-1, 2.08 in four starts this season.
-- Webb is 1-1, 3.27 in his last three starts. Peavy is 3-0, 2.49 in four starts this season.
-- Wolf is 3-0, 2.50 in his last three starts; LA outscored their foe 29-9 in those three games.

-- Schilling is 2-0, 2.45 in his last three starts. Orioles won last three Cabrera starts, scoring 17 runs.
-- Burnett is 1-0, 3.21 in his last three starts.
-- Cleveland is 4-0 in Sabathia starts (3-0, 3.21).
-- Pettitte is 1-0, 1.86 in three starts this season.
-- Blanton is 2-0, 3.50 in his last three starts.
-- Lackey has 2.92 RA in four starts, but Angels scored total of three runs in his last three outings.

Cold Pitchers
-- Fogg is 0-1, 8.16 in three starts this season. Pelfrey is 0-1, 5.06 in two starts this season.
-- Sheets is 0-2, 7.50 in his last three starts.
-- Olsen is 2-1, 7.43 in four starts this season.
-- Patterson is 0-3, 7.00 in four starts this season.
-- Duke allowed 14 runs in six IP in his last two starts.
-- Reds were outscored 22-9 in losing all four Arroyo starts.
-- Lowry is 1-2, 3.60 in three starts this season.

-- Padilla is 0-3, 6.75 in four starts this season.
-- Durbin is 0-1, 10.54 in his three starts. Danks is 0-2, 4.96 in his three starts this season.
-- Perez is 1-2, 8.64 in four starts this season. Ponson is 1-2, 9.39 in three starts this season.
-- Washburn is 0-2, 4.91 in his three starts this season.
-- Jackson is 0-2, 7.36 in three starts this season.

Totals
-- Under is 8-1 in Colorado's last nine games.
-- Under is 8-3-1 in last twelve games at Wrigley
-- Over is 8-3 in Atlanta's last eleven games.
-- Five of Philly's last six home games went over the total.
-- Over is 6-2-1 in last nine Houston road games.
-- Under is 5-2 in Cincinnati road games.
-- Under is 6-2-1 in last nine Arizona road games.
-- Over is 6-0-1 in last seven Dodger home games.


-- Under is 7-1-2 in Baltimore home games.
-- Six of last seven Texas games stayed under the total.
-- Last nine Bronx games went over the total.
-- Five of last six White Sox games went over the total.
-- Seven of last nine Kansas City games went over the total.
-- Seven of last nine Seattle games went over the total.
-- Over is 8-1-1 in Devil Rays' last ten games.


Hot Teams
-- Braves are 7-3 on road this season. Marlins scored 35 runs in winning three of last four games.
-- Brewers won ten of their last thirteen games.
-- Phillies won last four games, scoring 30 runs.
-- Padres won four of their last five games.
-- Giants won last six games, allowing 13 runs.

-- Indians won four of their last five games.
-- Toronto won last two games, scoring 17 runs.
-- White Sox won six of last seven games. Detroit is 7-4 in last eleven road games.
-- Oakland won four of its last five home games.
-- Angels won four of last five games, scoring 35 runs.

Cold Teams
-- Pirates lost four of first five home games.
-- Nationals lost four of their last five games.
-- Colorado lost eight of their last ten road games.
-- Cubs lost nine of their twelve home games.
-- Astros lost last four games, allowing 24 runs.
-- Cincinnati lost four of its last six games. Cardinals lost six of their last eight games.
-- Arizona lost their last five games.
-- Dodgers lost their last two games, 7-5/5-3.

-- Red Sox are 0-3 in road series openers. Orioles lost last two games, both at home, 6-5/4-2.
-- Rangers are 3-6 in their last nine games.
-- Bronx lost their last five games, allowing 37 runs.
-- Seattle lost six of last seven games, outscored 46-27.
-- Royals are 5-14 in their last nineteen games. Minnesota lost four of its last five games.

[pm530]

Pro Basketball – Write up

NBA
Write-up


Wednesday, April 25

Spurs in big spot here after losing Game 1 at home, to Nuggets spuad that is red-hot, winning 11 of last 12 games, with pair of wins on this floor. Denver was 21-25 from line in Game 1 (Spurs were 7-10), were +9 on boards, held SA to 42% from floor, as its two stars, Iverson/Anthony, both went for 30+.

Washington is crippled, would be surprised if they won a road playoff game before getting bounced; they shot 36.7% from the floor in Game 1, while Cavs were 30-39 from line. James is going to play thru his injury, Butler is coming back too soon from his broken hand. Ex-Wizard Hughes had 27 in first game. Would be stunner if Cleveland doesn't go up 2-0 here.

Golden State held Dallas to 35.3% from floor in Game 1 upset, as Mavs missed 13-19 treys, while Warriors were 10-30 beyond arc. Golden State has now won six games in row and 10 of 11, as Baron Davis is playing great. Like Spurs, Dallas in a critical spot here, trying to avoid heading back to Bay Area down 0-2, against a confident, hot opponent..

[pm530]

Hockey – Write up

NHL
Write-up


Wednesday, April 25

Buffalo beat Rangers four for four this season, but last three all went OT; last meeting was December 1, so a lot of water under bridge since then. Sabres won twomeetings here, 7-4/4-3so, but Rangers are hot as anyone right now, only team to sweep first round series, but Sabres only lost once to Islanders. so this is a good series getting underway tonight.

Vancouver has to be tired after Game 7 win vs Dallas Monday; they survived 165-minute scoreless stretch to advance, but in season series vs Anaheim, Canucks lost three of four, splitting pair at Pond (3-2ot/2-4). Vancouver allowed only eight goals in last six games of Detroit series, which explaisn total of 4.5 here. Under was 2-0-3 in Minnesota-Anaheim series too, as Ducks gave up only nine goals in whole series.

[pm530]

Baseball - Tips & Trends

MLB
Tips and Trends


Wednesday, April 25

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Colorado Rockies at New York Mets (1:10 PM ET)
Colorado starter Josh Fogg is winless in five starts against New York with a 6.58 ERA. He's 0-1 with a 6.61 ERA in four starts so far in 2007. EDGE: METS & OVER
New York's Mike Pelfrey will try to bounce back from his first loss of the season, after allowing four runs and six hits over five innings against the Atlanta Braves. He's 0-1 with a 5.06 ERA in two home starts this season. EDGE: ROCKIES & OVER
The Rockies are 5-21 in the last 26 meetings in New York.




Milwaukee Brewers at Chicago Cubs (2:20 PM ET)
Milwaukee ace Ben Sheets is an even 7-7 with a 4.03 ERA in 19 starts against the Cubs in his career. He's looking for his second win of the season, after picking up two losses and a no-decision since his Opening Day shutout of the Los Angeles Dodgers. SLIGHT EDGE: BREWERS
Chicago left-hander Ted Lilly is 0-2 this year in three home starts despite posting a 2.84 ERA. SLIGHT EDGE: CUBS
The OVER is 4-1-2 in Sheets' last seven games overall.




Boston Red Sox at Baltimore Orioles (7:05 PM ET)
Boston starter Curt Schilling is 5-4 with a 4.00 ERA in 10 starts against the team that he originally started with back in 1988. SLIGHT EDGE: RED SOX
Baltimore starter Daniel Cabrera is 4-4 with a 5.65 ERA in 13 career April Starts - his second-worst monthly ERA behind August (6.78). EDGE: RED SOX
The Red Sox are 1-4 in Schilling's last five road starts.




Toronto Blue Jays at New York Yankees (7:05 PM ET)
Toronto starter A.J. Burnett has made two road starts this season and is 0-1 with a 8.00 ERA. He's picked up two no-decisions in his last two starts, allowing 10 hits and four runs over 12 1/3 innings. EDGE: YANKEES
New York veteran left-hander Andy Pettitte has just one win this season despite appearing in six games this season. He's alllowed six hits and four runs in just five innings of work at home this season. SLIGHT EDGE: BLUE JAYS
The Blue Jays are 8-2 in Burnett's last 10 starts with four days rest.




Detroit Tigers at Chicago White Sox (ESPN | 8:11 PM ET)
Detroit Tigers starter Chad Durbin has made two horrible starts on the road this year, allowing 17 hits and 12 runs over just 8 2/3 innings. He's allowed at least four runs in all three starts this season. EDGE: WHITE SOX & OVER
Chicago starter John Danks is 0-2 with a 5.06 ERA in three starts this season. He picked up a 3-1 loss to Minnesota on April 8 in his only home start, allowing three runs over six innings. EDGE: TIGERS
The OVER is 11-4 in the Tigers' last 15 games versus the AL Central.




Cincinnati Reds at St. Louis Cardinals (8:10 PM ET)
Reds starter Bronson Arroyo is 2-3 with a 5.23 ERA against the Cardinals in nine appearances - seven starts. EDGE: CARDINALS
Cardinals starter Braden Looper has made a successful transition from the bullpen, knotching a 3-1 record with a 2.08 ERA in four starts so far this season. He's never made a start against the Reds, but he is 0-1 with a 4.91 ERA in 30 relief appearances against them. SLIGHT EDGE: REDS
The OVER is 4-1 in the Reds last five road games versus a right-handed starter.




San Diego Padres at Arizona Diamondbacks (9:40 PM ET)
San Diego starter Jake Peavy picked up an 11-6 victory over the Diamondbacks in his last start, even though he allowed five runs (four earned) and 10 hits in just 5 1/3 innings of work. He's 8-8 with a 5.56 ERA in 18 career starts against them. EDGE: OVER
Arizona ace Brandon Webb is 3-5 with a 3.78 ERA in 15 career starts against San Diego. He's had just one start at home this season, picking up a 6-3 loss to the Colorado Rockies. EDGE: PADRES
The OVER is 4-1 in Peavy's last five road starts.




Seattle Mariners at Oakland Athletics (10:05 PM ET)
Seattle starter Miguel Batista allowed 10 hits and six runs in his only road start this year, a 8-4 loss to the Los Angeles Angels last time out. EDGE: A'S
Oakland right-hander Joe Blanton picked up a no-decision in his last home start, as the Athletics fell to the Yankees, 4-3. SLIGHT EDGE: UNDER
The OVER is 5-1 in the last six meetings.




Tampa Bay Devil Rays at Los Angeles Angels (10:05 PM ET)
Los Angeles starter John Lackey is 2-2 with a 2.55 ERA in four starts in 2007. The right-hander was 2-0 with a complete game shutout and 1.06 ERA in two starts against the Devil Rays last season. BIG EDGE: ANGELS
Tampa Bay starter Edwin Jackson is 0-2 with a 6.75 ERA in three starts so far this season and hasn't allowed less than four runs in any appearance. EDGE: ANGELS & OVER
The Devil Rays are 5-24 in the last 29 meetings in Los Angeles.

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[pm530]

Pro Basketball – Tips and Trends

NBA
Tips and trends



Wednesday, April 25

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#7 Washington Wizards at #2 Cleveland Cavaliers
Game 2 - Wednesday, April 25th, 8 p.m. Eastern (NBATV)

Cleveland star LeBron James sat out practice on Monday with a sprained ankle suffered in the third quarter of Game 1 on Sunday. Ironically, the Cavs went on an 11-2 run after James came down on Washington center Etan Thomas' foot and twisted his ankle. Experts look for Cleveland to take a conservative approach offensively in Game 2 knowing it will be nearly impossible for a depleted Washington team to take four of the next six games. SLIGHT EDGE: WIZARDS & UNDER
Antawn Jamison is really all the Wizards have offensively, and it showed in Game 1. Jamison scored a game-high 28 points but made just one 3-pointer on seven attempts for his only points in the last 16 minutes of the game. He ended up 10-of-27 from the field and also grabbed a game-high 14 rebounds, but it wasn't nearly enough. BIG EDGE: CAVS
Cleveland is 13-5 ATS in its last 18 home games.
UNDER is 11-2 in Cleveland's last 13 games vs. Southeast Division opponents.

Head-to-Head Recaps
FIRST-ROUND RESULTS (HOME team in CAPS)

Cleveland leads 1-0 SU & ATS
UNDER 1-0

4/22/07 - Game 1: CLEVELAND 97, Washington 82 (ATS winner: Cleveland -12.5 | UNDER 188.5)
Recap | Boxscore
SUMMARY: The Wizards surprisingly played even with the Cavs in the second and third quarters, but that wasn't enough to cover the spread or push the game OVER the total. Washington scored just 15 points in the fourth, getting outscored by eight despite Cleveland star LeBron James spraining his ankle in the third. James finished with 23 points while Zydrunas Ilgauskas scored seven straight points to help the Cavs extend their lead to 89-74 with five minutes remaining.

REGULAR-SEASON RESULTS

Cleveland wins 2-1 SU (Washington 2-0-1 ATS)
UNDER 2-1

4/6/07 - Cleveland 99, WASHINGTON 94 (ATS winner: PUSH +5 | UNDER 197.5)
11/18/06 - WASHINGTON 111, Cleveland 99 (ATS winner: Wash -4 | OVER 196.5)
11/1/06 - CLEVELAND 97, Washington 94 (ATS winner: Wash +6 | UNDER 194)

REGULAR-SEASON SERIES RECAP: This is a very tough spot for the Wizards, who are severely depleted offensively without All-Stars Caron Butler and Gilbert Arenas. The duo averaged a combined 47.6 points per game, and Arenas scored a game-high 45 points in Washington's only win over the Cavs this season. Antawn Jamison will be counted on as the main offensive option and averaged 21 points against Cleveland in three games. LeBron James averaged nearly 24 points for the Cavs in the season series, and he will likely be too much for the Wizards to handle in what should be a clean sweep.


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#6 Denver Nuggets at #3 San Antonio Spurs
Game 2 - Wednesday, April 25th, 7 p.m. Eastern (TNT)

San Antonio's Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker combined for just 15 points in the first half of Game 1 on 7-of-33 shooting (21 percent). Duncan was just 7-of-17 overall for the game and had trouble against Denver's Nene, who is quicker and stronger now that he's healthy again. Nene finished with 13 points and 12 rebounds while Marcus Camby also was a pest defensively with two blocks and two steals to go along with his eight points and 10 rebounds. SLIGHT EDGE: NUGGETS
You can expect the Spurs to much more aggressive going to the basket in Game 2 after making it to the free-throw line just 10 times in Game 1. The Nuggets scored 14 more points from the charity stripe than thehome team, with only Ginobili taking more than two shots. EDGE: SPURS
San Antonio stopper Bruce Bowen was virtually invisible in Game 1, as Carmelo Anthony made seven of his first nine shots and ended up with 30 points. Bowen has given Anthony fits in the past, but it appears that Anthony has matured as a scorer and learned how to be a more effective scorer. Bowen played just 19 minutes and scored five points with three fouls. EDGE: NUGGETS
Denver won Game 1 at San Antonio two years ago and wants to avoid a repeat of losing four straight en route to elimination. "The guys who were here two years ago know we were in the same situation last time," Camby said. "They ran off and won four straight. That's why no one is really happy. We came out to get Game 1 but we also want to get Game 2." SLIGHT EDGE: NUGGETS
The Nuggets have won 11 of 12 SU, going 9-3 ATS in those games.
UNDER is 20-7-1 in the last 28 meetings between the teams, including 8-1 in the last 9 at San Antonio.


Head-to-Head Recaps
FIRST-ROUND RESULTS (HOME team in CAPS)

Denver leads 1-0 SU & ATS
UNDER 1-0

4/22/07 - Game 1: Denver 95, SAN ANTONIO 89 (ATS winner: Denver +8.5 | UNDER 197)
Recap | Boxscore
SUMMARY: The Nuggets rode their dynamic duo of Allen Iverson and Carmelo Anthony to a stunning road victory, jumping out to a 21-16 lead at the end of the first quarter and outscoring them 28-23 in the fourth. Iverson scored just one point in the first but had 11 in the third en route to a game-high 31 while Anthony added 30. The Spurs got to the free-throw line just 10 times compared to 25 for Denver and were outrebounded 44-35, including 28-19 in the first half.

REGULAR-SEASON RESULTS

San Antonio wins 2-1 SU & ATS
UNDER 3-0

4/18/07 - Denver 100, SAN ANTONIO 77 (ATS winner: Denver +5 | UNDER 194.5)
2/20/07 - SAN ANTONIO 95, Denver 80 (ATS winner: San Antonio -7 | UNDER 202)
1/10/07 - San Antonio 92, DENVER 83 (ATS winner: San Antonio -5 | UNDER 200)

REGULAR-SEASON SERIES RECAP: The only regular-season meeting when both teams were at full strength came on February 20th. Denver's duo of Carmelo Anthony and Allen Iverson had a rough shooting night, making a combined 9-of-26 shots and totaling 24 points between them as the Spurs returned home for the first time in more than three weeks. San Antonio outscored the Nuggets 30-10 in the third quarter to take a 31-point lead into the fourth quarter. Neither team played their starters in the season finale, and Anthony missed the first meeting due to his highly-publicized suspension for fighting at Madison Square Garden. Denver averaged 108.5 points in winning 10 of 11 to close out the regular season, but whether or not this team can play with discipline against the defensive-minded Spurs remains to be seen.


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#8 Golden State Warriors at #1 Dallas Mavericks
Game 2 - Wednesday, April 25th, 9:30 p.m. Eastern (TNT)


Golden State head coach Don Nelson knows Dallas star Dirk Nowitzki's game better than anybody in the world and defended him perfectly in Game 1. The Warriors used a small but quick lineup to swarm Nowitzki, and it paid off with one of his worst games. Al Harrington (6-foot-9) was the tallest player in Golden State's lineup yet the 7-foot Nowitzki made only 4-of-16 shots. EDGE: WARRIORS
As reported here earlier, the Mavs will have a very difficult time matching up with Golden State's guards. Baron Davis burned them with 33 points, 14 rebounds and eight assists while Dallas guards Jason Terry, Devin Harris and Jerry Stackhouse combined for 36 points. EDGE: WARRIORS
The Mavs outrebounded Golden State 50-45, including 19-14 on the offensive glass. Dallas head coach Avery Johnson also had said before the series started that his centers would be the key to the series. Instead, DeSagana Diop and former Warrior Erick Dampier totaled nine rebounds and four points in 18 minutes combined. Insiders expect Johnson to do a much better job of taking advantage of his team's size in Game 2. EDGE: MAVS
Golden State is 8-1 ATS in its last 8 road games.
Golden State is 18-5-2 ATS in its last 25 meetings.
Dallas is 2-7 ATS in its last 9 home games.
UNDER is 8-2 in Dallas' last 10 games.

Head-to-Head Recaps
FIRST-ROUND RESULTS (HOME team in CAPS)

Golden State leads 1-0 SU & ATS
UNDER 1-0

4/22/07 - Game 1: Golden State 97, DALLAS 85 (ATS winner: Golden State +10.5 | UNDER 213.5)
Recap | Boxscore
SUMMARY: Golden State held Dallas to just 17 points in the first quarter and held MVP candidate Dirk Nowitzki to one of his worst playoff games ever to fuel a low-scoring yet dominant victory. Nowitzki totaled just 14 points on 4-of-16 shooting, and the Mavs shot just 35 percent as a team. Dallas did rally to tie the game at halftime by holding the Warriors to 15 points in the second quarter, but Golden State's Baron Davis scored 19 of his game-high 33 points in the third to re-establish the lead. Another sub 20-point quarter in the fourth ensured the total would go UNDER and secured a Warriors win.

REGULAR-SEASON RESULTS

Golden State wins 3-0 SU & ATS
OVER 3-1

4/17/07 - GOLDEN STATE 111, Dallas 82 (ATS winner: GS -10 | UNDER 215)
3/12/07 - GOLDEN STATE 117, Dallas 100 (ATS winner: GS +7.5 | OVER 206)
11/6/06 - Golden State 107, DALLAS 104 (ATS winner: GS +9.5 | OVER 197)

REGULAR-SEASON SERIES RECAP: Not to make excuses for the league's best team during the regular season, but the first meeting came during a four-game losing streak to start the 2006-07 campaign. The Mavs then proceeded to win 12 straight games after that loss and went on a 61-8 run, including a 17-game winning streak that was snapped by Golden State. The final meeting was meaningless for Dallas and very meaningful for the the Warriors, who needed to win to hold off the Clippers for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference. Needless to say, Dallas will have no excuses here and will need to show up against a hungry but inexperienced Golden State team that is making its first playoff appearance since 1994.

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[pm530]

MLB
Hot Lines


Wednesday, April 25

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Milwaukee Brewers at Chicago Cubs: Pick Cubs -125

Eight of the Cubs’ 12 losses this season have come by either one or two runs. All seven of their wins have come by at least three, with their average win coming by 5.5 runs heading into Tuesday’s action.

Does that mean the Cubs can only score when they are ahead, or is it simply the randomness of hitting that’s plaguing the Cubs, the major’s worst bet at -8.35 units early in the season?

Money here is on randomness, and that the Cubs simply aren’t as bad as their record indicates. This is a great spot for a win with Ben Sheets on the hill for the Brewers. Sheets’ modest strikeout numbers show he isn’t the same dominating pitcher he once was. The 26-year-old right-hander has a 5.00 ERA and 12 strikeouts in 27 innings this season.

Ted Lilly will pitch for Chicago.




Boston Red Sox at Baltimore Orioles: Pick Orioles +110

Baltimore has won Daniel Cabrera’s last three starts, and the 6-foot-7, 260-pound right-hander has 17 strikeouts against just four walks in those games. Cabrera has pitched well this year after fighting control problems last season that saw him walk 104 batters and throw 17 wild pitches in just 148 innings.

He’s up against another big right-hander in the Red Sox’s Curt Schilling. Schilling has had an up-and-down start to the year, allowing five runs in two of his starts, but just one in the other two combined. Overall he is 2-1 with a 3.81 ERA in four starts.

The Red Sox are also on the road where they are hitting .235 with a .670 OSP in nine games. Baltimore is hitting .270 with a .744 OBP at home.




San Diego Padres at Arizona Diamondbacks: Pick Padres -110

The Diamondbacks have had the coldest bats in baseball over the last week with a .227 batting average and a .613 OPS. The Padres, on the other hand, are among the hottest hitting teams with a .302 batting average and a .831 OPS over the same span.

The Padres will also benefit from playing on the road, where they always hit well. They are hitting .271 as visitors, with a .763 OPS. Both numbers are among the top 10 in the majors.

This game also features the staff aces for both teams. Brandon Webb has pitched OK this year (1-1, 4.00 ERA) while Jake Peavy has been lights out (3-0, 2.49 ERA).

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[pm530]

Pro Basketball – Long Sheet

NBA
Long Sheet


Wednesday, April 25

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DENVER (46 - 37) at SAN ANTONIO (58 - 25) - 4/25/2007, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SAN ANTONIO is 27-14 ATS (+11.6 Units) when playing with 2 days rest over the last 3 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 43-23 ATS (+17.7 Units) in home games after 3 or more consecutive unders since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 110-80 ATS (+22.0 Units) off a upset loss as a favorite since 1996.
DENVER is 47-35 ATS (+8.5 Units) in all games this season.
DENVER is 23-14 ATS (+7.6 Units) as an underdog this season.
DENVER is 26-15 ATS (+9.5 Units) in road games this season.
DENVER is 24-15 ATS (+7.5 Units) second half of the season this season.
SAN ANTONIO is 6-21 ATS (-17.1 Units) in a home game where where the total is between 195 and 199.5 points since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 35-49 ATS (-18.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN ANTONIO is 9-8 against the spread versus DENVER over the last 3 seasons
SAN ANTONIO is 10-7 straight up against DENVER over the last 3 seasons
13 of 17 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons


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WASHINGTON (41 - 42) at CLEVELAND (51 - 32) - 4/25/2007, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CLEVELAND is 95-79 ATS (+8.1 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 74-54 ATS (+14.6 Units) in home games over the last 3 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 25-12 ATS (+11.8 Units) second half of the season this season.
CLEVELAND is 26-15 ATS (+9.5 Units) after 3 or more consecutive wins over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 14-6 ATS (+7.4 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record - 2nd half of the season this season.
CLEVELAND is 59-41 ATS (+13.9 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 11-6 against the spread versus CLEVELAND over the last 3 seasons
CLEVELAND is 9-8 straight up against WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
11 of 17 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons


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GOLDEN STATE (43 - 40) at DALLAS (67 - 16) - 4/25/2007, 9:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DALLAS is 22-9 ATS (+12.1 Units) when playing with 2 days rest over the last 2 seasons.
DALLAS is 23-10 ATS (+12.0 Units) after a loss by 10 points or more over the last 3 seasons.
DALLAS is 55-39 ATS (+12.1 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 68-45 ATS (+18.5 Units) second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 25-11 ATS (+12.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 22-12 ATS (+8.8 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.
GOLDEN STATE is 14-6 ATS (+7.4 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
GOLDEN STATE is 9-3 against the spread versus DALLAS over the last 3 seasons
GOLDEN STATE is 8-4 straight up against DALLAS over the last 3 seasons
9 of 12 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons


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[pm530]

Hockey – Long Sheet

NHL
Long Sheet


Wednesday, April 25

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NY RANGERS (46-30-0-10, 102 pts.) at BUFFALO (57-23-0-7, 121 pts.) - 4/25/2007, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NY RANGERS are 4-17 ATS (+27.0 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
BUFFALO is 120-67 ATS (+188.8 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
BUFFALO is 120-67 ATS (+20.2 Units) as an underdog or pick on the puck line over the last 2 seasons.
BUFFALO is 120-67 ATS (+120.0 Units) as a favorite or even on the puck line over the last 2 seasons.
BUFFALO is 58-25 ATS (+94.0 Units) after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game over the last 2 seasons.
BUFFALO is 51-36 ATS (-3.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
BUFFALO is 138-115 ATS (+265.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
BUFFALO is 6-2 (+4.1 Units) against the spread versus NY RANGERS over the last 3 seasons
BUFFALO is 6-2-0 straight up against NY RANGERS over the last 3 seasons
4 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=-0.8 Units, Under=-0.2 Units)


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VANCOUVER (53-28-0-8, 114 pts.) at ANAHEIM (52-21-0-14, 118 pts.) - 4/25/2007, 10:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ANAHEIM is 19-6 ATS (+10.2 Units) after 3 or more consecutive unders over the last 2 seasons.
ANAHEIM is 19-4 ATS (+9.8 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
VANCOUVER is 53-36 ATS (+11.1 Units) in all games this season.
VANCOUVER is 53-36 ATS (+11.1 Units) as an underdog or pick on the puck line this season.
VANCOUVER is 53-36 ATS (+11.1 Units) as a favorite or even on the puck line this season.
VANCOUVER is 25-19 ATS (+47.7 Units) as a road underdog of a half goal or even on the puck line this season.
VANCOUVER is 25-19 ATS (+47.7 Units) as a road favorite of a half goal or even on the puck line this season.
VANCOUVER is 25-19 ATS (+47.7 Units) in road games against the puck line this season.
VANCOUVER is 33-17 ATS (+10.6 Units) second half of the season this season.
VANCOUVER is 8-1 ATS (+7.0 Units) in road games after a win by 2 goals or more this season.
VANCOUVER is 10-5 ATS (+16.4 Units) in road games after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game this season.
VANCOUVER is 26-23 ATS (+51.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
VANCOUVER is 17-11 ATS (+28.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
ANAHEIM is 24-22 ATS (-6.9 Units) second half of the season this season.
ANAHEIM is 4-10 ATS (-9.5 Units) when playing with 3 or more days rest over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ANAHEIM is 6-2 (+3.7 Units) against the spread versus VANCOUVER over the last 3 seasons
ANAHEIM is 6-2-0 straight up against VANCOUVER over the last 3 seasons
4 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+1.1 Units)


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[pm530]

Pro Basketball – Short Sheet

NBA
Short Sheet


Wednesday, April 25th

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Western Conference Playoffs
Game Two
Denver Leads, 1-0
TV: TNT | Series Preview
Denver at San Antonio, 7:05 ET

Denver:
2-13 ATS away off BB wins as an underdog
15-27 ATS off BB Unders

San Antonio:
23-9 ATS off 4+ ATS losses
15-7 ATS as a home favorite of 6.5 to 12 points
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Eastern Conference Playoffs
Game Two
Cleveland Leads, 1-0
TV: NBATV | Series Preview
Washington at Cleveland, 8:05 ET

Washington:
9-2 Under off a loss by 15+ points
6-0 Under after losing 8+ of their last 10 games

Cleveland:
13-1 ATS at home off 4+ wins
25-9 ATS playing their second game in a week
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Western Conference Playoffs
Game Two
Golden State Leads, 1-0
TV: TNT| Series Preview
Golden State at Dallas, 9:35 ET

Golden State:
18-5 Over after winning 5 or 6 of their last 7 games
34-17 Over off 3+ games committing 14 turnovers or less

Dallas:
22-9 ATS playing with two days rest
23-14 ATS as a favorite of 3.5 to 9.5 points

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

[pm530]

Hockey – Short Sheet

NHL
Short Sheet


Wednesday, April 25th

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Eastern Conference Playoffs
Semifinals, Game One
Series Tied, 0-0
TV: VER
NY Rangers at Buffalo, 7:05 ET

NY Rangers:
5-11 SU off BB Overs
11-22 SU vs. Buffalo

Buffalo:
32-11 SU off an Over
31-11 SU off a combined score of 7+ goals

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

Western Conference Playoffs
Semifinals, Game One
Series Tied, 0-0
TV: VER
Vancouver at Anaheim, 10:05 ET

Vancouver:
8-1 SU away off a win by 2+ goals
14-5 SU revenging a loss by 2+ goals

Anaheim:
4-10 SU playing with 3+ days rest
4-0 Under in the first game of a playoff series

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

[pm530]

Pro Basketball - Dunkel Index

NBA
Dunkel Index


WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25

Golden State at Dallas
Golden State continued its hot finish with a 12-point upset win in Game One. Dating back to March of last year, the Warriors have now beaten Dallas in six straight. They are also 7-2 in their last nine against the spread, including 4-1 on the road. Dallas is just 2-3 ATS in its last five at home. Golden State looks like a good underdog pick (+9 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has Dallas favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: Golden State (+9 1/2). Here are all of today's games.

Game 711-712: Denver at San Antonio
Dunkel Ratings: Denver 124.680; San Antonio 125.911
Dunkel Line & Total: San Antonio by 1 1/2; 188
Vegas Line & Total: San Antonio by 8 1/2; 195
Dunkel Pick: Denver (+8 1/2); Under

Game 713-714: Washington at Cleveland
Dunkel Ratings: Washington 113.240; Cleveland 128.999
Dunkel Line & Total: Cleveland by 15 1/2; 182 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Cleveland by 12; 187 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Cleveland (-12); Under

Game 715-716: Golden State at Dallas
Dunkel Ratings: Golden State 127.759; Dallas 128.639
Dunkel Line & Total: Dallas by 1; 203
Vegas Line & Total: Dallas by 9 1/2; 211
Dunkel Pick: Golden State (+9 1/2); Under

[pm530]

Hockey - Dunkel Index

NHL
Dunkel Index


WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25

NY Rangers at Buffalo
While the Sabres are the No. 1 seed in the East and won a league-best 53 games, the Rangers have been one of the hottest teams in the league down the stretch. New York went 13-3-4 in their final 20 games and then swept Atlanta in the first round of the playoffs while outscoring the Thrashers 17-6, including a 7-0 blanking in Game Three. The Rangers look like a good underdog pick in this one according to Dunkel, which has New York favored straight up by 1. Dunkel Pick: NY Rangers (+1 1/2). Here are all of today's games.

Game 3-4: NY Rangers at Buffalo
Dunkel Ratings: NY Rangers 14.205; Buffalo 13.123
Dunkel Line & Total: NY Rangers by 1; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Buffalo by 1 1/2; 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: NY Rangers (+1 1/2); Under

Game 5-6: Vancouver at Anaheim
Dunkel Ratings: Vancouver 13.513; Anaheim 13.196
Dunkel Line & Total: Vancouver by 1/2; 4
Vegas Line & Total: Anaheim by 1 1/2; 4 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Vancouver (+1 1/2); Under

[Udog]

MLB
Dunkel


Kansas City at Minnesota
The Royals look to have fallen into their old losing ways as Buddy Bell's team has lost nine of its last 12. But one of those wins came on the 20th against Sidney Ponson and Minnesota. Ponson gave up 6 earned runs and 10 hits in just 4 1/3 innings en route to an 11-7 loss. Overall Ponson is now 1-2 with a hefty 9.54 ERA in three starts. With the big righthander on the mound tonight, the Twins look like a shaky favorite (-155) according to Dunkel, which has Kansas City favored straight up by 1/2 a run. Dunkel Pick: Kansas City (+155). Here are all of today's games.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25

Game 901-902: Colorado at NY Mets
Dunkel Ratings: Colorado (Fogg) 14.545; NY Mets (Pelfrey) 16.365
Dunkel Line: NY Mets by 2; 8
Vegas Line: NY Mets (-185); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: NY Mets (-185); Under

Game 903-904: Milwaukee at Chicago Cubs
Dunkel Ratings: Milwaukee (Sheets) 16.263; Chicago Cubs (Lilly) 14.483
Dunkel Line: Milwaukee by 2; 11
Vegas Line: Chicago Cubs (-130); No Run Line
Dunkel Pick: Milwaukee (+130); N/A

Game 905-906: Atlanta at Florida
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta (Hudson) 18.359; Florida (Olsen) 15.618
Dunkel Line: Atlanta by 2 1/2; 10
Vegas Line: Atlanta (-165); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (-165); Over

Game 907-908: Washington at Philadelphia
Dunkel Ratings: Washington (Patterson) 13.186; Philadelphia (Lieber) 16.749
Dunkel Line: Philadelphia by 3 1/2; 11
Vegas Line: Philadelphia (-180); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (-180); Over

Game 909-910: Houston at Pittsburgh
Dunkel Ratings: Houston (Albers) 16.101; Pittsburgh (Duke) 15.127
Dunkel Line: Houston by 1; 8
Vegas Line: Pittsburgh (-125); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Houston (+125); Under

Game 911-912: Cincinnati at St. Louis
Dunkel Ratings: Cincinnati (Arroyo) 14.602; St. Louis (Looper) 15.980
Dunkel Line: St. Louis by 1 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: St. Louis (-125); 8
Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (-125); Over

Game 913-914: San Diego at Arizona
Dunkel Ratings: San Diego (Peavy) 17.978; Arizona (Webb) 14.906
Dunkel Line: San Diego by 3; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: San Diego (-110); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Diego (-110); Over

Game 915-916: San Francisco at LA Dodgers
Dunkel Ratings: San Francisco (Lowry) 16.654; LA Dodgers (Wolf) 18.630
Dunkel Line: LA Dodgers by 2; 9
Vegas Line: LA Dodgers (-140); 8
Dunkel Pick: LA Dodgers (-140); Over

Game 917-918: Boston at Baltimore
Dunkel Ratings: Boston (Schilling) 17.825; Baltimore (Cabrera) 17.349
Dunkel Line: Boston by 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: Boston (-120); 9
Dunkel Pick: Boston (-130); Under

Game 919-920: Texas at Cleveland
Dunkel Ratings: Texas (Padilla) 14.334; Cleveland (Sabathia) 17.368
Dunkel Line: Cleveland by 3; 8
Vegas Line: Cleveland (-210); 9
Dunkel Pick: Cleveland (-210); Under

Game 921-922: Toronto at NY Yankees
Dunkel Ratings: Toronto (Burnett) 16.679; NY Yankees (Pettitte) 16.508
Dunkel Line: Toronto by 1/2; 11
Vegas Line: NY Yankees (-200); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (+200); Over

Game 923-924: Detroit at Chicago White Sox
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit (Durbin) 15.838; White Sox (Danks) 15.518
Dunkel Line: Detroit by 1/2; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Chicago White Sox (-135); 10
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (+135); Under

Game 925-926: Kansas City at Minnesota
Dunkel Ratings: Kansas City (Perez) 15.306; Minnesota (Ponson) 15.229
Dunkel Line: Kansas City by 1/2; 10 1/2
Vegas Line: Minnesota (-155); 11
Dunkel Pick: Kansas City (+155); Under

Game 927-928: Seattle at Oakland
Dunkel Ratings: Seattle (Washburn) 13.905; Oakland (Blanton) 17.469
Dunkel Line: Oakland by 3 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: Oakland (-130); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Oakland (-130); Under

Game 929-930: Tampa Bay at LA Angels
Dunkel Ratings: Tampa Bay (Jackson) 14.732; LA Angels (Lackey) 15.212
Dunkel Line: LA Angels by 1/2; 10
Vegas Line: :LA Angels (-240); 9
Dunkel Pick: LA Angels (-240); Over