Randy Wolf (Los Angeles Dodgers) - The Dodgers have won the last five times the California native has taken the mound and he has given up just one longball during that span. Wolf has made nine starts in his home state this season and L.A. has cashed in seven times. The Dodgers are listed as +100 road underdogs in San Diego.
John Lackey (Los Angeles Angels) - The right-hander hasn't lost in over a month. He has won each of his last five outings, allowing three runs or fewer in all those starts. In fact, he has only allowed more than three runs once this year. The Angels host the Twins today as -179 favorites.
Paul Byrd (Cleveland Indians) - The veteran has won four straight times, including two in a row as an underdog. He has been money at Jacobs Field this season, going 4-0 with only three walks total in those contests. Cleveland is a -223 favorite against the Kansas City Royals, which happens to be a club Byrd played for earlier in his career.
Cold Pitchers
Zach Duke (Pittsburgh Pirates) - The Bucs young lefty hasn't exactly gotten his "dukes up" so far this year. He's given up 16 runs in his last three starts. Duke has just one victory in six starts since the beginning of May and "over" bettors have cashed in four times during that span. Pittsburgh enters tonight's contest in the nation's capital as slight -103 underdogs.
Bronson Arroyo (Cincinnati Reds) - The Reds starter/rock musician hasn't been rollin' recently. Instead, he has been getting rocked by opposing batters. In Arroyo's last three outings, he has given up 20 runs in 11 innings of work. Cincinnati is 1-4 in his last five appearances and he is a +103 road dog in St. Louis.
Notable:
Micah Bowie (Washington Nationals) - The Nats have won all three starts the converted reliever has made for them, since he was put in the team's rotation on May 20. Before that the veteran lefty hadn't made a big league start since 1999.
With only a half-game between the Dodgers and the Padres at the top of the NL West, Los Angeles sends Randy Wolf to the mound tonight looking for the win that would reclaim the division lead.
Wolf has a 7-3 record with a 3.68 ERA and is looking to win his fifth straight decision. The lefty has posted an impressive 2.40 ERA in the five games during that streak.
Wolf made one previous start against the Padres this season, giving up three runs in six innings of a 9-3 win in April. In his career, he is 5-2 with a 5.63 ERA in eight starts against San Diego.
Tonight Wolf faces the Padres' Greg Maddux (4-3, 3.92 ERA) in what should be an intense pitching matchup, but the Dodgers are 5-3 against San Diego this season and are due for another win tonight.
Pick: Dodgers +105
Minnesota Twins at Los Angeles Angels
The Los Angeles Angels are on the hottest winning streak in baseball and with John Lackey set to take the mound against Minnesota tonight, their streak looks set to continue.
In the midst of the best start to a season in franchise history, the Angels and have won five straight games, outscoring opponents 35-13 and batting .325 as a team over that time. Lackey makes this start on the back of his Major League-leading ninth win after a 3-2 decision against the Orioles on Friday.
The right-hander has won five consecutive starts, allowing only eight runs through 35 innings and holding opponents to a .175 batting average. Lackey has a 4-3 career record with a 3.88 ERA in nine regular-season starts versus the Twins.
The Twins send little-known rookie Kevin Slowey to the mound; the right-hander pitched well in his debut against Oakland on Friday, giving up just one run on five hits over six innings in a no-decision.
Pick: Angels –175
San Francisco Giants at Arizona Diamondbacks
The surging Arizona Diamonbacks ended May on a seven-game unbeaten streak and won a season-high eight in a row before losing to the New York Mets on Saturday. Now they look to build a new streak and back-to-back wins against the Mets and San Francisco gives them the chance to get an 11th win in 12 games tonight.
Outstanding pitching has been the key to their success. Arizona’s starters have allowed only 15 earned runs in the past 11 games and have a combined ERA of 1.76 during that time.
Brandon Webb takes the mound tonight looking to continue that run. He won his second straight game in a solid performance against the Mets on Friday and is now 5-3 with a 3.39 ERA. Webb is 7-5 with a 3.32 ERA in 16 career games against the Giants.
Matt Morris makes the start for San Francisco after an impressive outing on Friday night in which he held the Phillies to just a single hit and no runs in six innings of work. The veteran’s worst start of the season came against Arizona in April, when he gave up he gave up five earned runs in seven innings.
The Giants could be without Barry Bonds for the second consecutive night. The slugger was out of Tuesday’s lineup due to a recurring shin splints problem.
HOUSTON (0 - 4) at INDIANA (4 - 1) - 6/6/2007, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 4-12 ATS (-9.2 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 194-150 ATS (+29.0 Units) in all games since 1997.
HOUSTON is 62-39 ATS (+19.1 Units) in June games since 1997.
HOUSTON is 137-94 ATS (+33.6 Units) in May, June, or July games since 1997.
HOUSTON is 73-49 ATS (+19.1 Units) against Eastern conference opponents since 1997.
HOUSTON is 73-49 ATS (+19.1 Units) in non-conference games since 1997.
Head-to-Head Series History
HOUSTON is 4-0 against the spread versus INDIANA over the last 3 seasons
HOUSTON is 3-1 straight up against INDIANA over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
FLORIDA (29 - 31) at ATLANTA (33 - 26) - 1:05 PM
SCOTT OLSEN (L) vs. KYLE DAVIES (R)
Top Trends for this game.
FLORIDA is 21-10 (+17.8 Units) against the money line in June games over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 51-60 (-20.0 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 48-64 (-25.5 Units) against the money line at home with a money line of -100 to -125 since 1997.
ATLANTA is 56-54 (-16.5 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 26-32 (-14.5 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 9-24 (-21.5 Units) against the money line in June games over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 110-108 (-18.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
FLORIDA is 5-3 (+4.6 Units) against ATLANTA this season
5 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.8 Units)
SCOTT OLSEN vs. ATLANTA since 1997
OLSEN is 1-3 when starting against ATLANTA with an ERA of 8.21 and a WHIP of 1.738.
His team's record is 2-3 (-0.7 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-1. (+1.9 units)
KYLE DAVIES vs. FLORIDA since 1997
DAVIES is 0-2 when starting against FLORIDA with an ERA of 9.60 and a WHIP of 2.667.
His team's record is 1-3 (-2.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-0. (+4.1 units)
CHICAGO CUBS (24 - 32) at MILWAUKEE (33 - 26) - 2:05 PM
CARLOS ZAMBRANO (R) vs. JEFF SUPPAN (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO CUBS are 24-32 (-17.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 48-70 (-29.7 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 24-32 (-17.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 592-659 (-136.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters since 1997.
MILWAUKEE is 70-44 (+15.3 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 70-44 (+15.3 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 41-22 (+13.7 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 28-11 (+15.3 Units) against the money line in home games in day games over the last 2 seasons.
SUPPAN is 30-14 (+14.1 Units) against the money line at home with a money line of -100 to -125 since 1997. (Team's Record)
SUPPAN is 19-5 (+12.9 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Wednesday since 1997. (Team's Record)
ZAMBRANO is 15-6 (+9.4 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
ZAMBRANO is 10-1 (+9.6 Units) against the money line in road games in day games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
ZAMBRANO is 15-6 (+9.4 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
ZAMBRANO is 13-5 (+9.9 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
MILWAUKEE is 49-61 (-20.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
MILWAUKEE is 4-4 (+0.7 Units) against CHICAGO CUBS this season
6 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+4.8 Units)
CARLOS ZAMBRANO vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
ZAMBRANO is 8-7 when starting against MILWAUKEE with an ERA of 4.19 and a WHIP of 1.253.
His team's record is 8-9 (-4.9 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 8-8. (-0.9 units)
JEFF SUPPAN vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
SUPPAN is 5-4 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 2.93 and a WHIP of 1.405.
His team's record is 7-7 (+0.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-8. (-4.4 units)
PITTSBURGH (25 - 33) at WASHINGTON (23 - 35) - 7:05 PM
ZACH DUKE (L) vs. MICAH BOWIE (L)
Top Trends for this game.
DUKE is 4-19 (-13.9 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
DUKE is 4-19 (-13.9 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
DUKE is 1-12 (-10.0 Units) against the money line in road games in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
WASHINGTON is 84-54 (+29.4 Units) against the money line in home games in June games since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 20-13 (+10.5 Units) against the money line in home games against left-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
PITTSBURGH is 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against WASHINGTON this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)
ZACH DUKE vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
DUKE is 1-1 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 6.17 and a WHIP of 1.885.
His team's record is 1-1 (-0.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-0. (+2.0 units)
MICAH BOWIE vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
BOWIE is 1-0 when starting against PITTSBURGH with an ERA of 3.60 and a WHIP of 1.400.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)
PHILADELPHIA (29 - 29) at NY METS (35 - 21) - 7:10 PM
ADAM EATON (R) vs. ORLANDO HERNANDEZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
NY METS are 102-63 (+24.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 57-33 (+14.8 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 138-90 (+24.5 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 74-39 (+22.5 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 136-89 (+23.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 52-42 (+17.0 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
EATON is 29-15 (+13.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
EATON is 16-6 (+11.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
Head-to-Head Series History
NY METS is 3-2 (+0.0 Units) against PHILADELPHIA this season
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.0 Units)
ADAM EATON vs. NY METS since 1997
EATON is 4-0 when starting against NY METS with an ERA of 1.65 and a WHIP of 0.915.
His team's record is 4-0 (+4.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-2. (-0.1 units)
ORLANDO HERNANDEZ vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
HERNANDEZ is 0-1 when starting against PHILADELPHIA with an ERA of 11.08 and a WHIP of 2.154.
His team's record is 1-2 (-1.3 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-2. (-1.4 units)
CINCINNATI (22 - 37) at ST LOUIS (25 - 30) - 8:10 PM
BRONSON ARROYO (R) vs. BRAD THOMPSON (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CINCINNATI is 13-29 (-18.6 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
CINCINNATI is 12-22 (-12.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
CINCINNATI is 22-37 (-16.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CINCINNATI is 11-26 (-19.2 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
CINCINNATI is 22-37 (-16.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
ARROYO is 3-9 (-7.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
ARROYO is 3-9 (-7.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
ARROYO is 2-8 (-7.6 Units) against the money line in night games this season. (Team's Record)
CINCINNATI is 298-333 (+43.6 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 397-444 (+58.2 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997.
ST LOUIS is 119-113 (-18.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 68-82 (-30.8 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 112-108 (-33.0 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 3 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 119-113 (-18.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
ST LOUIS is 3-1 (+1.7 Units) against CINCINNATI this season
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.0 Units)
BRONSON ARROYO vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
ARROYO is 2-3 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 4.44 and a WHIP of 1.393.
His team's record is 2-6 (-3.9 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 4-3. (+0.5 units)
BRAD THOMPSON vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
No recent starts.
HOUSTON (24 - 33) at COLORADO (27 - 31) - 9:05 PM
WOODY WILLIAMS (R) vs. AARON COOK (R)
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 24-33 (-13.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
HOUSTON is 78-88 (-21.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 24-33 (-13.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
COLORADO is 62-42 (+18.5 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss over the last 3 seasons.
WILLIAMS is 169-136 (+33.8 Units) against the money line in all games since 1997. (Team's Record)
WILLIAMS is 146-109 (+38.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field since 1997. (Team's Record)
WILLIAMS is 124-81 (+44.1 Units) against the money line in night games since 1997. (Team's Record)
COOK is 15-29 (-14.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
COOK is 15-29 (-14.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
Head-to-Head Series History
HOUSTON is 1-0 (+1.3 Units) against COLORADO this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.0 Units)
WOODY WILLIAMS vs. COLORADO since 1997
WILLIAMS is 3-4 when starting against COLORADO with an ERA of 7.90 and a WHIP of 1.878.
His team's record is 7-8 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 11-3. (+8.2 units)
AARON COOK vs. HOUSTON since 1997
COOK is 3-0 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 2.96 and a WHIP of 1.439.
His team's record is 3-1 (+3.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-2. (-0.1 units)
SAN FRANCISCO (27 - 30) at ARIZONA (35 - 24) - 9:40 PM
MATT MORRIS (R) vs. BRANDON WEBB (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN FRANCISCO is 103-115 (-17.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 103-115 (-17.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 23-11 (+12.6 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
ARIZONA is 35-24 (+10.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ARIZONA is 35-24 (+10.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
ARIZONA is 26-16 (+8.8 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
ARIZONA is 27-16 (+10.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 409-380 (+46.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
SAN FRANCISCO is 580-460 (+88.7 Units) against the money line in night games since 1997.
SAN FRANCISCO is 324-297 (+46.9 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters since 1997.
ARIZONA is 412-360 (-62.7 Units) against the money line in home games since 1997.
ARIZONA is 3-14 (-12.9 Units) against the money line in home games in June games over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
ARIZONA is 4-3 (+1.2 Units) against SAN FRANCISCO this season
5 of 6 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+3.9 Units)
MATT MORRIS vs. ARIZONA since 1997
MORRIS is 5-5 when starting against ARIZONA with an ERA of 3.22 and a WHIP of 1.211.
His team's record is 6-6 (+0.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-6. (-1.5 units)
BRANDON WEBB vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
WEBB is 7-5 when starting against SAN FRANCISCO with an ERA of 3.32 and a WHIP of 1.237.
His team's record is 7-9 (-4.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 8-8. (-0.6 units)
LA DODGERS (34 - 24) at SAN DIEGO (34 - 23) - 10:05 PM
RANDY WOLF (L) vs. GREG MADDUX (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN DIEGO is 123-100 (+11.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 45-34 (+10.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 123-100 (+11.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
LA DODGERS are 16-7 (+8.2 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
MADDUX is 31-31 (-21.8 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive wins since 1997. (Team's Record)
Head-to-Head Series History
LA DODGERS is 4-3 (+1.0 Units) against SAN DIEGO this season
5 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.9 Units)
RANDY WOLF vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
WOLF is 5-2 when starting against SAN DIEGO with an ERA of 5.63 and a WHIP of 1.417.
His team's record is 6-2 (+2.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 6-2. (+3.8 units)
GREG MADDUX vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
MADDUX is 7-4 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 3.34 and a WHIP of 1.135.
His team's record is 7-7 (-3.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-7. (-3.6 units)
MINNESOTA (28 - 29) at LA ANGELS (38 - 22) - 3:35 PM
KEVIN SLOWEY (R) vs. JOHN LACKEY (R)
Top Trends for this game.
LA ANGELS are 24-8 (+11.5 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
LA ANGELS are 38-22 (+12.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
LA ANGELS are 30-15 (+13.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
LA ANGELS are 38-22 (+12.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LACKEY is 49-28 (+16.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
MINNESOTA is 82-61 (+15.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 72-73 (-45.2 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -150 to -175 since 1997.
LA ANGELS are 75-81 (-31.1 Units) against the money line in home games in day games since 1997.
LACKEY is 7-14 (-15.5 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -150 to -175 since 1997. (Team's Record)
Head-to-Head Series History
LA ANGELS is 2-0 (+2.0 Units) against MINNESOTA this season
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.0 Units)
KEVIN SLOWEY vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
No recent starts.
JOHN LACKEY vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
LACKEY is 5-3 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 3.47 and a WHIP of 1.158.
His team's record is 6-4 (+1.7 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 5-5. (-0.4 units)
BALTIMORE (27 - 32) at SEATTLE (30 - 25) - 4:35 PM
DANIEL CABRERA (R) vs. JARROD WASHBURN (L)
Top Trends for this game.
BALTIMORE is 9-27 (-18.0 Units) against the money line in road games against left-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 104-194 (-87.2 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive losses since 1997.
BALTIMORE is 42-81 (-29.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 28-24 (+5.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
SEATTLE is 58-48 (+9.1 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 18-10 (+9.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
SEATTLE is 30-25 (+6.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SEATTLE is 22-9 (+12.5 Units) against the money line in June games over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 71-66 (-31.2 Units) against the money line in home games after 3 or more consecutive wins since 1997.
WASHBURN is 5-15 (-12.7 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
Head-to-Head Series History
SEATTLE is 2-0 (+2.0 Units) against BALTIMORE this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)
DANIEL CABRERA vs. SEATTLE since 1997
CABRERA is 4-0 when starting against SEATTLE with an ERA of 2.62 and a WHIP of 0.903.
His team's record is 5-0 (+5.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-4. (-3.3 units)
JARROD WASHBURN vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
WASHBURN is 6-1 when starting against BALTIMORE with an ERA of 3.41 and a WHIP of 1.224.
His team's record is 7-2 (+4.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-4. (+0.6 units)
KANSAS CITY (21 - 38) at CLEVELAND (35 - 21) - 7:05 PM
BRIAN BANNISTER (R) vs. PAUL BYRD (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CLEVELAND is 20-6 (+12.7 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field this season.
CLEVELAND is 35-21 (+12.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CLEVELAND is 20-6 (+12.7 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
BYRD is 15-3 (+11.9 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
BYRD is 15-3 (+11.9 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
BYRD is 19-5 (+13.1 Units) against the money line in home games in night games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
BYRD is 16-2 (+12.6 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
KANSAS CITY is 29-30 (+18.7 Units) against the money line when playing on Wednesday over the last 3 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 65-92 (+18.6 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 66-87 (+25.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 53-77 (+18.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 15-13 (+18.9 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +200 to +225 over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 73-78 (-13.4 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 13-21 (-15.9 Units) against the money line in home games after shutting out their opponent since 1997.
CLEVELAND is 66-68 (-31.3 Units) against the money line in home games in June games since 1997.
Head-to-Head Series History
KANSAS CITY is 2-2 (+1.1 Units) against CLEVELAND this season
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.1 Units, Under=-0.3 Units)
BRIAN BANNISTER vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
No recent starts.
PAUL BYRD vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
BYRD is 1-3 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 5.10 and a WHIP of 1.405.
His team's record is 5-3 (-0.8 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 4-3. (+0.6 units)
TAMPA BAY (24 - 32) at TORONTO (28 - 29) - 7:05 PM
SCOTT KAZMIR (L) vs. TOMO OHKA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
TAMPA BAY is 17-53 (-25.7 Units) against the money line in road games in night games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 17-57 (-30.4 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 8-19 (-11.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
TAMPA BAY is 28-77 (-32.9 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 97-79 (+22.0 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
TORONTO is 136-114 (+28.5 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 3 seasons.
TORONTO is 32-12 (+16.6 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 51-63 (-21.9 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 4-12 (-10.9 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive wins over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
TORONTO is 5-2 (+2.4 Units) against TAMPA BAY this season
4 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.7 Units)
SCOTT KAZMIR vs. TORONTO since 1997
KAZMIR is 2-4 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 3.43 and a WHIP of 1.409.
His team's record is 2-8 (-5.3 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 6-3. (+2.5 units)
TOMO OHKA vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
OHKA is 2-0 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 2.68 and a WHIP of 1.243.
His team's record is 5-1 (+3.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-4. (-2.4 units)
NY YANKEES (25 - 31) at CHI WHITE SOX (26 - 28) - 8:10 PM
CHIEN-MING WANG (R) vs. JAVIER VAZQUEZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
NY YANKEES are 22-26 (-16.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
NY YANKEES are 21-22 (-11.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
NY YANKEES are 9-14 (-14.4 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
NY YANKEES are 25-31 (-21.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 167-101 (+48.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
VAZQUEZ is 18-24 (-15.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
Head-to-Head Series History
CHI WHITE SOX is 3-2 (+1.6 Units) against NY YANKEES this season
3 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+3.0 Units)
CHIEN-MING WANG vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
WANG is 1-0 when starting against CHI WHITE SOX with an ERA of 3.75 and a WHIP of 1.333.
His team's record is 1-1 (-0.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (+0.0 units)
JAVIER VAZQUEZ vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
VAZQUEZ is 1-2 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 5.00 and a WHIP of 1.778.
His team's record is 1-2 (-1.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-0. (+3.0 units)
DETROIT (32 - 25) at TEXAS (21 - 37) - 8:35 PM
JUSTIN VERLANDER (R) vs. KEVIN MILLWOOD (R)
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 123-83 (+22.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 90-59 (+20.6 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 71-33 (+24.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 136-97 (+21.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 70-50 (+21.6 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
VERLANDER is 18-3 (+15.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
TEXAS is 19-35 (-14.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
TEXAS is 38-44 (-16.3 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 51-57 (-18.1 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 10-23 (-16.1 Units) against the money line when playing on Wednesday over the last 2 seasons.
MILLWOOD is 15-20 (-14.2 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
MILLWOOD is 15-20 (-14.2 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
Head-to-Head Series History
TEXAS is 1-0 (+1.4 Units) against DETROIT this season
0 of 0 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.0 Units)
JUSTIN VERLANDER vs. TEXAS since 1997
VERLANDER is 1-1 when starting against TEXAS with an ERA of 4.77 and a WHIP of 1.324.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (+0.0 units)
KEVIN MILLWOOD vs. DETROIT since 1997
MILLWOOD is 3-2 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 3.15 and a WHIP of 1.139.
His team's record is 4-3 (-0.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 6-1. (+4.8 units)
BOSTON (37 - 20) at OAKLAND (30 - 27) - 10:05 PM
TIM WAKEFIELD (R) vs. JOE KENNEDY (L)
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 13-23 (-15.2 Units) against the money line in road games against left-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
WAKEFIELD is 18-27 (-15.5 Units) against the money line in June games since 1997. (Team's Record)
OAKLAND is 124-92 (+23.3 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 3 seasons.
OAKLAND is 113-48 (+47.7 Units) against the money line in home games after 3 or more consecutive wins since 1997.
OAKLAND is 59-45 (+22.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 126-100 (+18.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 68-49 (+15.8 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 22-9 (+15.6 Units) against the money line in June games over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 116-90 (+18.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
KENNEDY is 2-8 (-7.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
KENNEDY is 3-17 (-14.3 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
KENNEDY is 0-7 (-7.8 Units) against the money line after a win this season. (Team's Record)
KENNEDY is 1-14 (-13.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
Head-to-Head Series History
OAKLAND is 3-1 (+3.3 Units) against BOSTON this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.9 Units)
TIM WAKEFIELD vs. OAKLAND since 1997
WAKEFIELD is 6-4 when starting against OAKLAND with an ERA of 4.71 and a WHIP of 1.383.
His team's record is 12-6 (+5.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 9-9. (-1.2 units)
JOE KENNEDY vs. BOSTON since 1997
KENNEDY is 1-2 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 4.93 and a WHIP of 1.577.
His team's record is 4-4 (+3.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-4. (-0.5 units)
Florida at Atlanta, 1:05 EST
Scott Olsen (L) vs. Kyle Davies (R)
Olsen: Florida 21-10 SU in June
Davies: 11-2 Over as a favorite
Chicago Cubs at Milwaukee, 2:05 EST WGN
Carlos Zambrano (R) vs. Jeff Suppan (R)
Zambrano: 6-0 TSR as a road underdog
Suppan: Milwaukee 9-1 Over at home with a line of +125 to -125
Pittsburgh at Washington, 7:05 EST
Zach Duke (L) vs. Micah Bowie (L)
Duke: 4-19 TSR in road games
Bowie: Washington 10-3 Over vs. Pittsburgh
Philadelphia at NY Mets, 7:10 EST ESPN
Adam Eaton (R) vs. Orlando Hernandez (R)
Eaton: 15-8 Over in the first half of the season
Hernandez: Mets 29-9 SU revenging a loss as a home favorite
Cincinnati at St. Louis, 8:10 EST
Bronson Arroyo (R) vs. Brad Thompson (R)
Arroyo: Cincinanti 4-17 SU off a one-run division loss
Thompson: St. Louis 9-1 Under off a win by 2 runs or less
Houston at Colorado, 9:05 EST
Woody Williams (R) vs. Aaron Cook (R)
Williams: 14-7 TSR as an underdog of +150 or less
Cook: Colorado 6-14 SU off 3+ home games
San Francisco at Arizona, 9:40 EST
Matt Morris (R) vs. Brandon Webb (R)
Morris: 9-3 TSR as an underdog of +125 to +175
Webb: Arizona 3-14 SU at home in June
LA Dodgers at San Diego, 10:05 EST
Randy Wolf (L) vs. Greg Maddux (R)
Wolf: Dodgers 9-23 SU away off 6+ road games
Maddux: San Diego 17-6 Under as a home favorite
American League
Minnesota at LA Angels, 3:35 EST
Kevin Slowey (R) vs. John Lackey (R)
Slowey: Minnesota 11-2 SU away after having 4 hits or less
Lackey: 7-14 TSR as a home favorite of -150 to -175
Baltimore at Seattle, 4:35 EST
Daniel Cabrera (R) vs. Jarrod Washburn (L)
Cabrera: Baltimore 2-13 SU as an underdog of +125 to +175
Washburn: Seattle 22-9 SU in June
Kansas City at Cleveland, 7:05 EST
Brian Bannister (R) vs. Paul Byrd (R)
Bannister: Kansas City 4-15 SU after scoring 2 runs or less
Byrd: 12-0 TSR at home pitching on 5 or 6 days rest
Tampa Bay at Toronto, 7:05 EST
Scott Kazmir (L) vs. Tomo Ohka (R)
Kazmir: Tampa Bay 0-12 SU off BB games with 5+ extra-base hits
Ohka: Toronto 31-14 SU at home off 6+ home games
NY Yankees at Chicago White Sox, 8:10 EST
Chien-Ming Wang (R) vs. Javier Vazquez (R)
Wang: Yankees 1-8 SU off 4+ Overs
Vazquez: 6-1 TSR after allowing 0 earned runs last start
Detroit at Texas, 8:35 EST
Justin Verlander (R) vs. Kevin Millwood (R)
Verlander: Detroit 30-9 SU as a road favorite of -125 or higher
Millwood: Texas 6-28 SU as a home underdog
Boston at Oakland, 10:05 EST
Tim Wakefield (R) vs. Joe Kennedy (L)
Wakefield: Boston 20-8 SU after the bullpen allowed 0 runs
Kennedy: 3-17 TSR in night games
Hot Pitchers
-- Braves won four of five Davies home starts.
-- Nationals are 3-0 in Bowie starts (2-0, 5.40), scoring 20 runs.
-- Mets won last four Hernandez starts (2-0, 1.33).
-- Cardinals won four of five Thompson starts, scoring 30 runs.
-- Colorado won five of last seven Cook starts.
-- Webb is 2-0, 1.80 in his last two starts. Morris is 2-0, 1.71 in his last three road starts.
-- Dodgers won last five Wolf starts (4-0, 2.70). Maddux is 4-0, 1.95 in his last four home starts.
-- Lackey is 5-0, 2.08 in his last five starts. Slowey allowed one run in six IP (99 PT) in his major league debut at Oakland.
-- Indians won last four Byrd starts (4-0, 4.78), scoring 35 runs. Bannister is 1-1, 3.46 in his last four outings.
-- Devil Rays won last four times they gave Kazmir 4+ runs.
-- Wang is 3-1, 3.00 in his last four starts.
-- Kennedy has 1.91 RA in five home starts, but A's lost four of the five games, scoring total of 13 runs.
Cold Pitchers
-- Olsen is 1-4, 5.60 in his last six starts.
-- Cubs are 1-5 with Zambrano if they score less than six runs. Suppan is 2-3, 5.91 in his last five starts, but did shut Cubs out for eight innings in 4-1 win at Wrigley April 24.
-- Pirates lost five of Duke's last six starts.
-- Eaton has a 5.52 RA in five road starts.
-- Arroyo is 0-4, 9.00 in his last five starts.
-- Williams is 1-4, 6.00 in his last six road starts.
-- Cabrera is 1-3, 5.33 in his last four starts. Washburn is 2-3, 5.40 in his last six home starts.
-- Ohka is 1-2, 6.08 in his last four starts.
-- Chicago was outscored 22-6 in last two Vazquez home starts
-- Verlander is 0-2, 7.36 in his last two starts. Millwood is 0-3, 8.10 in his last five starts.
-- Wakefield is 1-3, 8.69 in his last four starts.
Totals
-- Under is 10-4-1 in last fifteen Florida road games.
-- Under is 5-2-1 in last eight Cub road games.
-- Over is 3-0-1 in Duke's last four road starts.
-- Under is 7-1 in last eight games at Shea Stadium.
-- Under is 6-2 in Cincinnati's last eight road games.
-- Last four Williams starts went over the total.
-- Six of last nine Arizona home games went over the total.
-- Under is 7-2 in last nine games at Petco Park.
-- Six of last seven Minnesota road games stayed under the total.
-- Under is 10-2-3 in Orioles' last fifteen road games.
-- Six of last seven Royal games stayed under the total.
-- Under is 10-2 in last twelve games at Toronto.
-- Over is 11-5-1 in last seventeen White Sox games.
-- Over is 6-1-1 in Detroit's last eight games.
-- Over is 8-3-1 in last twelve Boston games.
Hot Teams
-- Phillies won three of their last four games.
-- Marlins won nine of their last twelve road games.
-- Cardinals won five of their last six games.
-- Colorado is 7-3 in second game of series, if they lose opener.
-- Dodgers won nine of their last thirteen games. Padres are 5-1 in their last six games.
-- Arizona won ten of its last eleven games.
-- Toronto won six of its last eight games.
-- Indians won thirteen of last fifteen home games.
-- Mariners won eleven of their last fifteen games.
-- Oakland won eight of its last eleven home games.
-- Angels won seven of their last eight games.
Cold Teams
-- Pirates lost five of their last seven games. Nationals lost seven of their last ten home games.
-- Mets lost three of their last four games.
-- Braves lost six of their last eight home games.
-- Cubs lost seven of their last nine games. Brewers are 5-9 in their last fourteen games.
-- Reds lost four of their last five games.
-- Astros lost twelve of their last fifteen games.
-- Giants lost fourteen of their last twenty-one road games.
-- Devil Rays are 4-10 in their last fourteen road games.
-- Royals lost ten of their last twelve games.
-- White Sox lost eight of their last 12 games. Bronx is 10-16 in its last twenty-six road games.
-- Detroit lost eight of its last eleven games. Rangers lost ten of their laive our games, scoring 17 runs.
-- Red Sox lost five of their last six games.
-- Twins lost their last four games, outscored 26-6.
Umpires
-- (Fla-Atl) Over is 3-1 in Johnson games this season.
-- (Chi-Mil) Last three Marsh games all went over the total.
-- (Pitt-Wsh) Visitor won five of last seven Wegner games.
-- (Phil-NY) Under is 6-3 in last nine Miller games.
-- (Cin-StL) Under is 5-1-1 in last seven McClelland games.
-- (Hst-Col) Home side is 14-2 in last sixteen Bucknor games.
-- (SF-Az) Seven of last ten Reed games stayed under the total.
-- (LA-SD) Seven of last nine Kellogg games went over total.
-- (Min-LA) Home team won last five Everitt games.
-- (Blt-Sea) Four of last five Hernandez games stayed under.
-- (KC-Clev) Under is 9-3 in Wolf games this season.
-- (TB-Tor) Last four Cousins games stayed under total.
-- (NY-Chi) Under is 7-2-1 in last ten Poncino games.
-- (Det-Tex) Underdog won last five O'Nora games; over is 5-1-1 in his last seven games behind dish.
-- (Bos-A's) Over is 4-1-1 in last six Iassogna games.
Stanley Cup finals now move to Anaheim, with Ducks having a shot at winning the Cup; they were outshot 13-2 in first period of Game 4, then gave up first goal at 19:59, it looked for sure as if series would be tied, but Senators got only 10 shots on goal rest of game, and Ducks gained control of series. Ottawa was 2-11 on power play in two home games; now they need two road wins and a home win for unlikely series comeback. Anaheim is now 6-1 in its last seven games, 9-2 at home in playoffs.
Anaheim leads Ottawa 3-1 in the best-of-seven series and can capture the Stanley Cup for the first time tonight. The Ducks are 5-0 in the finals at the place formerly known as The Pond and 7-0 there when they have a chance to finish off a series. BIG EDGE: DUCKS
Even if the Ducks lose Wednesday, hockey history suggests they're still in good shape to capture the Cup. Only once in 28 chances has a team erased a 3-1 deficit in the finals and skated off with the coveted silver chalice. EDGE: DUCKS
The Senators are 13-6 in the playoffs, winning each of their first three series in five games. EDGE: SENATORS
The Ducks are 8-2 in their last 10 games versus the Eastern Conference.
The Senators are 12-4 in their last 16 road games.
MLB (Wednesday): Play Against MLB (NL) underdogs with a money line of +100 or higher with a team that averages <=0.9 HR's per game facing a starting pitcher who gives up 0.5 or less HR's per start, with a starting pitcher whose WHIP is 1.250 to 1.350 on the year.
(63-18 last 5 seasons.) (77.8%) PLAY: Arizona -145
MLB (Wednesday): Play On MLB (NL) team with a starting pitcher whose ERA is 3.70 to 4.20 on the season with a team batting average of .245 or worse on the year.
(36-14 last 5 seasons.) (72%) PLAY: San Diego -105
MLB "Tech" Totals:
Game 1: (903) Chicago vs. (904) Milwaukee (listed pitchers)
Selection: OVER 8.5 (-120)
Game 2: (917) Minnesota vs. (918) Los Angeles (listed pitchers)
Selection: UNDER 7.5 (-110)
Cleveland at San Antonio
The Cavaliers seized the torch in the East with a dramatic series comeback against the Pistons. LeBron James made an argument as the best player in the conference if not the league with his 48-point performance in Game Five and Daniel Gibson provided the sharpshooter's touch with 31 points in the decisive Game Six. But as impressive as the Cavs' win was, they will face by far their stiffest challenge in San Antonio. The Spurs have done nothing to dispell the notion that beating Phoenix was tantamount to winning the championship. After dispatching the Suns in six, San Antonio rumbled through Utah in five while posting a 4-1 mark against the spread. Utah's offense, which had averaged 112.6 ppg in its series against Golden State, averaged only 93.6 against the Spurs and just 82.5 in the last two games. With Cleveland already offensively challenged at a number of spots, San Antonio's stifling defense should cause plenty of problems. The Spurs also have the advantage in experience as eight of their players have played a combined 103 games in the NBA Finals, while only one Cleveland player (back-up Eric Snow) has any Finals experience. San Antonio looks like the pick (-7 1/2) in Game One according to Dunkel, which has the Spurs favored by 11 1/2. Dunkel Pick: San Antonio (-7 1/2). Here are all of today's games.
THURSDAY, JUNE 7
Game 701-702: Cleveland at San Antonio
Dunkel Ratings: Cleveland 122.420; San Antonio 133.719
Dunkel Line & Total: San Antonio by 11 1/2; 184
Vegas Line & Total: San Antonio by 7 1/2; 180
Dunkel Pick: San Antonio (-7 1/2); Over
CLEVELAND (62 - 36) at SAN ANTONIO (70 - 28) - 6/7/2007, 9:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CLEVELAND is 38-62 ATS (-30.2 Units) in road games after a win by 10 points or more since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 54-43 ATS (+6.7 Units) in all games this season.
SAN ANTONIO is 50-40 ATS (+6.0 Units) as a favorite this season.
SAN ANTONIO is 13-5 ATS (+7.5 Units) as a home favorite of 6.5 to 9 points this season.
SAN ANTONIO is 189-147 ATS (+27.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season since 1996.
CLEVELAND is 53-42 ATS (+6.8 Units) in all games this season.
CLEVELAND is 21-10 ATS (+10.0 Units) as an underdog this season.
CLEVELAND is 20-10 ATS (+9.0 Units) in non-conference games this season.
CLEVELAND is 20-8 ATS (+11.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
CLEVELAND is 4-2 against the spread versus SAN ANTONIO over the last 3 seasons
SAN ANTONIO is 3-3 straight up against CLEVELAND over the last 3 seasons
3 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
#2 Cleveland Cavaliers at #3 San Antonio Spurs
Game 1 - Thursday, June 7th, 9 p.m. Eastern (ABC)
One of the key storylines of this series is obviously the fact that Cleveland head coach Mike Brown served under San Antonio's Gregg Popovich during the team's 2003 NBA championship season. Cavs GM Danny Ferry also played and served in the front office of two championship Spurs teams in 2003 and 2005, molding his Cleveland squad based on similar defensive principles. Ferry re-signed Zydrunas Ilgauskas because he realized the Eastern Conference does not possess much size and he would need a quality big man against the Western Conference while he also inked Larry Hughes as a free agent because of his defensive ability. Both Brown and Ferry are well-schooled with San Antonio's strenghs and should be more capable of finding flaws than any other opponent. EDGE: CAVS
Experience is a huge advantage in this series for the Spurs, as eight different players have appeared in a combined 103 games in the NBA Finals. Meanwhile, only one Cavalier has played in the NBA Finals - Eric Snow - in 1996 with the Sonics and 2001 with the 76ers for a total of 11 games. San Antonio forward Robert Horry will be trying to win his seventh NBA championship, separating himself from Chicago's Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen. BIG EDGE: SPURS
San Antonio has had no answer for Cleveland star LeBron James in the last three meetings despite the presence of All-NBA defensive stopper Bruce Bowen. James is simply too big for Bowen, who is an inch shorter and weighs 50 pounds less than him. Detroit's Tayshaun Prince weighs 35 pounts less and was an inch taller than James but was abused by him in the Eastern Conference Finals. James has averaged nearly 33 points in the last three meetings with San Antonio, including a 44-point effort. Bowen has totaled two points with six fouls in the last two meetings combined. BIG EDGE: CAVS
San Antonio's Tim Duncan is a 3-time NBA Finals MVP and has averaged almost 21 points and 12 rebounds in the last four meetings with the Cavs. Ilgauskas has averaged 11 points and 11 rebounds for the Cavs in those games with 15 fouls, and his ability to keep Duncan from having a monster game will be very important to Cleveland's chances. Duncan's experience still gives him huge big advantage in this matchup. BIG EDGE: SPURS
The Cavs have won 16 straight games when scoring 86 points or more.
San Antonio's last 13 home wins have been decided by seven points or more, with 11 of those decided by eight or more (Phoenix lost by seven twice).
The Spurs have won their previous three NBA titles in odd-numbered years (1999, 2003 & 2005).
Since the 1983-84 season, the team with home-court advantage in the NBA Finals is 17-6.
The team that wins Game 1 of the NBA Finals has gone on to win the NBA Finals nearly 72 percent of the time (43 of 60 times).
Cleveland is 21-6-1 ATS in its last 28 road games.
Cleveland is 6-2 ATS in the last 8 meetings with San Antonio.
San Antonio is 3-11 ATS in its last 14 against Central Division opponents.
UNDER is 6-2 in Cleveland's last 8 games as an underdog.
OVER is 5-1 in San Antonio's last 6 games.
Head-to-Head Recaps
2007 NBA FINALS (HOME team in CAPS)
SCHEDULE
6/7/07 - Game 1 - Cleveland Cavaliers at SAN ANTONIO SPURS (ABC | 9 PM ET)
6/10/07 - Game 2 - Cleveland Cavaliers at SAN ANTONIO SPURS (ABC | 9 PM ET)
6/12/07 - Game 3 - San Antonio Spurs at CLEVELAND CAVALIERS (ABC | 9 PM ET)
6/14/07 - Game 4 - San Antonio Spurs at CLEVELAND CAVALIERS (ABC | 9 PM ET)
6/17/07 - Game 5 - San Antonio Spurs at CLEVELAND CAVALIERS (ABC | 9 PM ET)
6/19/07 - Game 6 - Cleveland Cavaliers at SAN ANTONIO SPURS (ABC | 9 PM ET)
6/21/07 - Game 7 - Cleveland Cavaliers at SAN ANTONIO SPURS (ABC | 9 PM ET)
REGULAR-SEASON RESULTS
Cleveland wins 2-0 SU & ATS
UNDER 2-0
1/2/07 - CLEVELAND 82, San Antonio 78 (ATS winner: Cleve +3.5 | UNDER 185)
11/3/07 - Cleveland 88, SAN ANTONIO 81 (ATS winner: Cleve +5.5 | UNDER 184.5)
REGULAR-SEASON SERIES RECAP: Since these teams only played each other twice during the regular season, we will look at the last four meetings. Cleveland has won the last three meetings both straight-up and against the spread after losing the previous four. LeBron James led the way for the Cavs in the last three meetings, averaging nearly 33 points, six rebounds and five assists per game. Spurs star Tim Duncan put up solid numbers of nearly 21 points and 12 rebounds per game in the last four meetings but his supporting cast was a bit limited. Top reserve Manu Ginobili averaged 10.5 points for San Antonio in the four games and has been known to step up on a larger stage. The problem is, he will be one of the players responsible for guarding James, who should take advantage of anybody the Spurs throw at him.
The NBA Finals are set with Cleveland and San Antonio, meaning it is time to look at numerous betting opportunities that could be available. For starters, early action has come hard on Cleveland to win the best of seven game series. The Cavaliers opened as +400 underdogs to win this series and have been bet down to +350 dogs. This is not necessarily an indication that sharp bettors believe LeBron James and the rest of the Cavs are a strong wager, rather just a better payday if they do manage to pull the upset.
Cleveland on the season is now 62-36 with 53-42-3 ATS record. A good portion of that spread record being so positive has come in the postseason with an 11-4-1 ATS record including covering seven in a row. Coach Mike Brown’s Cavaliers are 25-24 on the road with a 27-20-2 against the spread mark. Cleveland is a very impressive 6-1-1 ATS on the playoff road. Dating back to January, they are 20-7-1 ATS on the road as visitors. As a road underdog they are 13-14 and stalwart 19-8 ATS. In Game One they are presently listed as a 7.5-point underdog at Sportsbook.com. This will be just the fourth time all season LeBron and the boys will be an underdog of more than seven points. (1-2, 2-1 ATS)
At home the Cavaliers are 37-12 and 26-22-3 ATS. Based on conventional wisdom they could be a slight underdog or favorite playing at Quicken Loans Arena. As a home favorite the Cavs are 35-10, 24-20-1 ATS, when listed as the home underdog they are 2-2 SU and ATS. In all games in which Cleveland have been in +3 to -3 point range this season, they were 16-8 and 15-8-1 ATS.
San Antonio will be out for 4th NBA title in nine seasons with its veteran cast. The Spurs will open at home where they are 38-12 and 26-22-2 ATS. In the post-season the Duncan Gang is 8-2 SU and ATS at the AT&T Center. Since New Year’s Eve, San Antonio 23-3 and 18-8 ATS when favored by more than seven points at home and 8-0 and 7-1 ATS most recently. The Spurs are 11-2 and 10-2-1 ATS as playoff favorite in 2007.
The Spurs are 32-16 on the road with 26-21-1 ATS mark. If by chance they are a road favorite in any of the games in Cleveland, they are 28-13 and 22-18-1 ATS. The road underdog role has San Antonio a pedestrian 3-3 SU and ATS.
Speculation by the rank and file suggests the Cavs can get off to fast start with San Antonio last playing on May 30. While they may be a little rusty to start, this grizzled bunch is 8-2 and 7-3 ATS when playing with three or more days rest this season. Cleveland is not nearly as strong in exact same situation with 7-3 mark covering only four times.
The Cavaliers were outstanding playing against the presumed tougher Western Conference with 19-11 record, covering an astounding 20 times. The Spurs were 20-10 playing versus teams from the East with undistinguished 15-15 ATS mark.
What is interesting to note is Cleveland won both games between these teams in the regular season as the underdog. In the last nine years the eventual champion has never beaten the other team twice during the record season. There have been eight instances during this time span (no interleague games in 1999 strike season) and the NBA champions split six times with finals opponent and twice has lost both games like San Antonio did during the regular season. The subsequent champs were 7-11 and 6-12 ATS during the regular year against the other conference champions, proving the playoffs are far different than the normal season.
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