Thursday Trends and Indexes 04/24

[Udog]

NHL
Dunkel


Philadelphia at Montreal
The Flyers broke through with two road wins against the Capitals, including the series-clincher in Game Seven. Philadelphia is the underdog pick (+165) tonight against the Canadiens in Game One according to Dunkel, which has the Flyers favored straight up by 1/2 a goal. Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (+165). Here are all of today's games.

THURSDAY, APRIL 24

Game 1-2: Colorado at Detroit
Dunkel Ratings: Colorado 12.177; Detroit 11.706
Dunkel Line & Total: Colorado by 1/2; 4 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Detroit (-195); 5
Dunkel Pick: Colorado (+170); Under

Game 3-4: Philadelphia at Montreal
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia 11.904; Montreal 11.207
Dunkel Line & Total: Philadelphia by 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Montreal (-190); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (+165); Under

[Udog]

NHL


Thursday, April 24

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Ice picks: Thursday's best NHL bets
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Philadelphia vs. Montreal (-185, 5 ½)

Both of these teams are coming off grueling seven-game sets in the first round and that makes picking a side tough in this spot. It might be best to stick with the total and we think oddsmakers got it right by setting this number a little higher at 5 1/2.

These teams will likely show some signs of tired legs and lapses, especially Montreal, who finished out the last series at home and the city celebrated like it had just been awarded the Stanley Cup for the next five years.

Don't expect this series to be all goals and glitz, though. Philly's Martin Biron isn't getting enough credit for playing a great first-round series and the Flyers can play a trap-style of play when they want to. With defensive-minded Montreal, you might be able to take advantage of some high totals later in the series.

Pick: over 5 1/2



Colorado vs. Detroit (-190, 5)

The Avs are coming off a hard-hitting, defensive, seven-game series against the Wild and you shouldn't expect them to play their best game of the series tonight.

Colorado needed some stellar goaltending from Jose Theodore to get past the Wild in Round 1 after the Avs allowed 34 shots per game. The good news is, Colorado also played some of its best hockey of the season in the series, but those kinds of defensive lapses will hurt against the Wings.

Detroit blasted 40 shots per game against Nashville in the first round and even a red-hot Dan Ellis couldn't keep enough pucks out. The Wings got scoring from every line and a change in goal to Chris Osgood gave Detroit the final edge it needed to finish off the Preds.

Expect the Wings to be strong again in Game 1 against a tired Avs squad, then look out for the rest of the way because this series is going to be tough.

Pick: Red Wings -1 1/2 (+165)

[Udog]

NBA


Thursday, April 24

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Pick 'n' roll: Thursday's best NBA bets
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Orlando at Toronto (-4, 202 ½)

On average, the Raptors score two more points and allow three fewer points at home compared with their overall stats. Their 22-19 ATS record at home is also much better than the 18-24 mark on the road. They have developed a strong fan base and the Air Canada Centre has become a loud and raucous building that's tough on visiting teams.

But all that doesn't change the fact that the Raptors are severely overmatched in this series. All year, the Raps depended on Chris Bosh to score in the low post, but with Dwight Howard acting like King Kong in front of the Magic basket, Bosh has been neutralized and the Toronto offense is lost without him. Hedo Turkoglu has dominated Andrea Bargnani and Rashard Lewis has been able to score from anywhere on the floor. Defense isn't something the Raptors have ever done well and when they can't run their offense, it gets ugly.

Pick: Magic



Houston at Utah (-8 1/2, 181)

If the Rockets couldn't beat the Jazz in Houston, their chances of keeping it close in Salt Lake are pretty bleak. The Jazz were awful on the road this season, but they made up for it with the best winning percentage at home, going 29-12 ATS in their own house.

There's talk that Rafer Alston could lace up his sneakers for the Rockets tonight after missing the last four games with a strained hamstring. Head coach Rick Adelman told the Houston Chronicle that it would be a huge help to have Alston back, but soberly added, "Then again, he's been sitting around for a week. How sharp is he going to be? We'll just have to take it day by day."

Good point, Rick. This game will come down to Deron Williams versus Tracy McGrady - and if you don't know which guy has the edge there, just read this column from the Salt Lake Tribune.

Pick: Jazz

[Udog]

MLB



Thursday, April 24

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Hot Lines: Thursday’s best MLB bets
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Chicago Cubs at Colorado (-130, 10)

Great vibes surrounding the Cubs right now. They won their 10,000th game in franchise history yesterday, marking their sixth straight win with some booming bats. Chicago has put up at least seven runs in its last five and hung 13 on the board twice during that run. Now they're scoring a league-best 6.33 runs per game.

A lot of the offensive explosion should be attributed to patience at the plate. The Cubs, paced by Kosuke Fukudome's eye, are second only to the Cardinals in the NL with 94 walks, making Derrek Lee and Aramis Ramirez a whole lot more dangerous in the middle of the order.

Chicago sends out Jason Marquis to the hill against Aaron Cook today. Neither starter is overpowering, so expect a bunch of runs on the board again tonight.

Pick: Cubs



San Francisco at San Diego (-140, 7)

It's pretty hard to get overly excited about a Padres-Giants matchup at this point in the season. Neither team is very good and both struggle to produce any kind of offense.

The only bright spot of the matchup is Tim Lincecum. He's allowed just four runs in 23 innings so far this season and has been on the hill for four of San Francisco's wins.

San Diego starter Chris Young has his moments too, but he can be spotty and can be burned on the basepaths. The Giants will be on the move - if they can get anybody on board.

Pick: Giants

[Udog]

MLB
Long Sheet


Thursday, April 24


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HOUSTON (10 - 12) at CINCINNATI (9 - 13) - 12:35 PM
JACK CASSEL (R) vs. JOHNNY CUETO (R)
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 294-298 (-67.6 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 since 1997.
HOUSTON is 8-24 (-15.4 Units) against the money line in road games in day games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 119-140 (-31.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 53-55 (-34.6 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -150 to -175 since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 220-240 (-55.1 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 18-26 (-14.7 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 32-50 (-21.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
HOUSTON is 1-0 (+1.3 Units) against CINCINNATI this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)

JACK CASSEL vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
No recent starts.

JOHNNY CUETO vs. HOUSTON since 1997
No recent starts.

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PHILADELPHIA (11 - 11) at MILWAUKEE (13 - 8) - 1:05 PM
JAMIE MOYER (L) vs. JEFF SUPPAN (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MILWAUKEE is 41-20 (+18.0 Units) against the money line in home games in day games over the last 3 seasons.
SUPPAN is 34-16 (+15.8 Units) against the money line at home with a money line of -100 to -125 since 1997. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
MILWAUKEE is 1-0 (+1.3 Units) against PHILADELPHIA this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)

JAMIE MOYER vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
MOYER is 2-1 when starting against MILWAUKEE with an ERA of 2.48 and a WHIP of 0.966.
His team's record is 3-1 (+1.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-2. (-0.4 units)

JEFF SUPPAN vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
SUPPAN is 3-5 when starting against PHILADELPHIA with an ERA of 6.18 and a WHIP of 1.745.
His team's record is 4-6 (-2.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-7. (-4.8 units)

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CHICAGO CUBS (15 - 6) at COLORADO (9 - 12) - 3:05 PM
JASON MARQUIS (R) vs. AARON COOK (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO CUBS are 875-948 (-189.5 Units) against the money line in all games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 820-868 (-168.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 415-458 (-118.2 Units) against the money line after a win since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 437-426 (-102.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997.
MARQUIS is 44-53 (-30.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997. (Team's Record)
COLORADO is 105-89 (+22.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 105-86 (+26.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 79-63 (+24.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 65-44 (+33.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
MARQUIS is 15-4 (+10.5 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
COOK is 23-39 (-17.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
COOK is 23-38 (-16.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO CUBS is 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against COLORADO this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)

JASON MARQUIS vs. COLORADO since 1997
MARQUIS is 5-3 when starting against COLORADO with an ERA of 3.94 and a WHIP of 1.314.
His team's record is 6-3 (+0.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-4. (-0.2 units)

AARON COOK vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
COOK is 2-1 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 2.14 and a WHIP of 1.429.
His team's record is 2-1 (+0.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-2. (-1.0 units)

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ST LOUIS (13 - 9) at PITTSBURGH (9 - 12) - 7:05 PM
JOEL PINEIRO (R) vs. TOM GORZELANNY (L)
Top Trends for this game.
ST LOUIS is 114-128 (-28.8 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 3 seasons.
PINEIRO is 13-32 (-21.4 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss since 1997. (Team's Record)
PITTSBURGH is 56-41 (+16.6 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 3 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 325-307 (+35.5 Units) against the money line in home games in night games since 1997.
PITTSBURGH is 225-236 (+30.6 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
PITTSBURGH is 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against ST LOUIS this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.1 Units)

JOEL PINEIRO vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
PINEIRO is 2-0 when starting against PITTSBURGH with an ERA of 1.98 and a WHIP of 1.097.
His team's record is 2-0 (+2.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-2. (-2.2 units)

TOM GORZELANNY vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
GORZELANNY is 1-2 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 3.04 and a WHIP of 1.388.
His team's record is 1-3 (-1.9 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-1. (+0.7 units)

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NY METS (11 - 9) at WASHINGTON (6 - 16) - 7:10 PM
OLIVER PEREZ (L) vs. SHAWN HILL (R)
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 58-47 (+31.5 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 33-21 (+18.3 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 28-14 (+11.5 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 65-48 (+21.9 Units) against the money line in road games when playing on Thursday since 1997.
NY METS are 73-53 (+17.3 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
NY METS are 59-39 (+17.5 Units) against the money line in road games after a win over the last 3 seasons.
PEREZ is 18-7 (+14.4 Units) against the money line in road games after a win since 1997. (Team's Record)
WASHINGTON is 4-16 (-11.1 Units) against the money line in April games this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY METS is 4-0 (+4.0 Units) against WASHINGTON this season
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.0 Units)

OLIVER PEREZ vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
PEREZ is 2-2 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 5.26 and a WHIP of 1.519.
His team's record is 3-2 (+0.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-3. (-1.1 units)

SHAWN HILL vs. NY METS since 1997
HILL is 1-0 when starting against NY METS with an ERA of 2.57 and a WHIP of 1.286.
His team's record is 1-1 (+1.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (-0.1 units)

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FLORIDA (13 - 8) at ATLANTA (10 - 11) - 7:10 PM
BURKE BADENHOP (R) vs. CHUCK JAMES (L)
Top Trends for this game.
FLORIDA is 17-9 (+14.0 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +125 to +150 over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 13-7 (+8.6 Units) against the money line in April games this season.
FLORIDA is 12-5 (+9.6 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
ATLANTA is 173-172 (-30.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons.
ATLANTA is 171-168 (-28.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons.
ATLANTA is 65-68 (-19.4 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
FLORIDA is 3-1 (+2.8 Units) against ATLANTA this season
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.9 Units)

BURKE BADENHOP vs. ATLANTA since 1997
No recent starts.

CHUCK JAMES vs. FLORIDA since 1997
JAMES is 3-1 when starting against FLORIDA with an ERA of 1.35 and a WHIP of 0.975.
His team's record is 3-1 (+1.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-3. (-2.5 units)

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SAN FRANCISCO (9 - 13) at SAN DIEGO (9 - 13) - 10:05 PM
TIM LINCECUM (R) vs. CHRIS YOUNG (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN FRANCISCO is 156-189 (-38.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 33-51 (-18.7 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 156-189 (-38.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 59-73 (-25.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 618-502 (+85.1 Units) against the money line in night games since 1997.
SAN FRANCISCO is 340-327 (+37.0 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters since 1997.
SAN DIEGO is 14-22 (-15.7 Units) against the money line in home games in April games over the last 3 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 4-11 (-8.9 Units) against the money line in night games this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN FRANCISCO is 3-1 (+2.4 Units) against SAN DIEGO this season
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.8 Units)

TIM LINCECUM vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
LINCECUM is 0-1 when starting against SAN DIEGO with an ERA of 1.86 and a WHIP of 1.397.
His team's record is 2-1 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-0. (+3.0 units)

CHRIS YOUNG vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
YOUNG is 1-2 when starting against SAN FRANCISCO with an ERA of 4.58 and a WHIP of 1.312.
His team's record is 3-3 (-0.9 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-3. (-1.4 units)

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ARIZONA (15 - 6) at LA DODGERS (9 - 12) - 10:10 PM
EDGAR GONZALEZ (R) vs. CHAD BILLINGSLEY (R)
Top Trends for this game.
ARIZONA is 108-82 (+25.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 37-24 (+14.2 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 108-82 (+25.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 80-56 (+23.9 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 73-62 (+9.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 54-33 (+17.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ARIZONA is 3-1 (+2.1 Units) against LA DODGERS this season
3 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.0 Units)

EDGAR GONZALEZ vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
GONZALEZ is 0-4 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 9.00 and a WHIP of 2.046.
His team's record is 0-5 (-5.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-2. (+0.8 units)

CHAD BILLINGSLEY vs. ARIZONA since 1997
BILLINGSLEY is 3-2 when starting against ARIZONA with an ERA of 3.47 and a WHIP of 1.455.
His team's record is 4-2 (+1.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-3. (-1.6 units)

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TEXAS (7 - 15) at DETROIT (9 - 13) - 1:05 PM
JASON JENNINGS (R) vs. JEREMY BONDERMAN (R)
Top Trends for this game.
TEXAS is 9-28 (-16.3 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
JENNINGS is 3-19 (-17.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
JENNINGS is 3-19 (-17.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
DETROIT is 1-10 (-12.6 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
DETROIT is 66-71 (-21.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 39-55 (-27.5 Units) against the money line in home games after 3 or more consecutive wins since 1997.
BONDERMAN is 0-5 (-9.3 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -175 to -200 over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 2-0 (+2.0 Units) against TEXAS this season
2 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.1 Units)

JASON JENNINGS vs. DETROIT since 1997
JENNINGS is 3-1 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 6.00 and a WHIP of 1.917.
His team's record is 3-1 (+2.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-1. (+1.8 units)

JEREMY BONDERMAN vs. TEXAS since 1997
BONDERMAN is 2-1 when starting against TEXAS with an ERA of 4.83 and a WHIP of 1.610.
His team's record is 3-2 (+0.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-0. (+5.0 units)

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LA ANGELS (13 - 9) at BOSTON (15 - 8) - 1:35 PM
JOE SAUNDERS (L) vs. JUSTIN MASTERSON (R)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA ANGELS is 1-1 (+0.0 Units) against BOSTON this season
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.0 Units)

JOE SAUNDERS vs. BOSTON since 1997
SAUNDERS is 2-0 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 2.41 and a WHIP of 1.393.
His team's record is 3-0 (+3.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-2. (-1.1 units)

JUSTIN MASTERSON vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
No recent starts.

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MINNESOTA (10 - 11) at OAKLAND (13 - 9) - 3:35 PM
FRANCISCO LIRIANO (L) vs. GREG SMITH (L)
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 42-53 (-19.1 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 20-27 (-17.6 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 1-1 (+0.4 Units) against OAKLAND this season
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.1 Units, Under=-0.2 Units)

FRANCISCO LIRIANO vs. OAKLAND since 1997
LIRIANO is 0-1 when starting against OAKLAND with an ERA of 9.52 and a WHIP of 1.764.
His team's record is 0-2 (-2.7 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-1. (-0.1 units)

GREG SMITH vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
No recent starts.

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TORONTO (10 - 12) at TAMPA BAY (10 - 11) - 7:10 PM
DUSTIN MCGOWAN (R) vs. ANDY SONNANSTINE (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MCGOWAN is 5-15 (-11.0 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
TORONTO is 54-39 (+14.5 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 98-66 (+29.3 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 3 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 50-81 (-23.6 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 23-43 (-20.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
TAMPA BAY is 2-0 (+2.1 Units) against TORONTO this season
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.1 Units, Under=-0.2 Units)

DUSTIN MCGOWAN vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
MCGOWAN is 2-0 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 3.86 and a WHIP of 1.091.
His team's record is 3-1 (+1.8 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-0. (+3.0 units)

ANDY SONNANSTINE vs. TORONTO since 1997
SONNANSTINE is 0-1 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 6.75 and a WHIP of 1.285.
His team's record is 1-2 (-0.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (-0.1 units)

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CLEVELAND (8 - 12) at KANSAS CITY (9 - 11) - 9:30 PM
CLIFF LEE (L) vs. BRIAN BANNISTER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
BANNISTER is 11-4 (+8.9 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
BANNISTER is 9-2 (+7.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
CLEVELAND is 53-28 (+16.4 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CLEVELAND is 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against KANSAS CITY this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.1 Units)

CLIFF LEE vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
LEE is 7-4 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 5.35 and a WHIP of 1.418.
His team's record is 9-5 (+1.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 6-7. (-1.7 units)

BRIAN BANNISTER vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
BANNISTER is 1-0 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 0.69 and a WHIP of 0.769.
His team's record is 1-1 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (+0.0 units)

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NY YANKEES (12 - 10) at CHI WHITE SOX (11 - 9) - 8:11 PM
PHIL HUGHES (R) vs. GAVIN FLOYD (R)
Top Trends for this game.
NY YANKEES are 107-81 (-17.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
NY YANKEES are 18-23 (-19.7 Units) against the money line when playing on Thursday over the last 3 seasons.
NY YANKEES are 93-72 (-18.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 414-420 (+37.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY YANKEES is 2-0 (+2.4 Units) against CHI WHITE SOX this season
2 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.0 Units)

PHIL HUGHES vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
No recent starts.

GAVIN FLOYD vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
No recent starts.

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BALTIMORE (12 - 9) at SEATTLE (11 - 11) - 10:10 PM
ADAM LOEWEN (L) vs. JARROD WASHBURN (L)
Top Trends for this game.
BALTIMORE is 37-62 (-28.4 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
SEATTLE is 99-85 (+17.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 21-4 (+15.7 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -125 to -150 over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 29-13 (+14.6 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 92-77 (+17.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 73-58 (+16.1 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 30-16 (+15.7 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
BALTIMORE is 5-1 (+4.3 Units) against SEATTLE this season
4 of 6 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.6 Units)

ADAM LOEWEN vs. SEATTLE since 1997
LOEWEN is 0-1 when starting against SEATTLE with an ERA of 6.75 and a WHIP of 1.406.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-0. (+2.1 units)

JARROD WASHBURN vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
WASHBURN is 6-3 when starting against BALTIMORE with an ERA of 4.26 and a WHIP of 1.284.
His team's record is 8-4 (+2.9 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 4-8. (-5.1 units)

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CLEVELAND (8 - 12) at KANSAS CITY (9 - 11) - 6:10 PM
FAUSTO CARMONA (R) vs. BRETT TOMKO (R)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
CLEVELAND is 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against KANSAS CITY this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.1 Units)

FAUSTO CARMONA vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
CARMONA is 3-0 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 2.38 and a WHIP of 1.235.
His team's record is 4-1 (+2.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-4. (-3.2 units)

BRETT TOMKO vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
TOMKO is 1-1 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 3.92 and a WHIP of 1.258.
His team's record is 2-1 (+1.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-1. (+0.8 units)

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[Udog]

NBA


Thursday, April 24

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THE POWER INDEX
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3-0 YESTERDAY

Orlando even with Toronto*
Washington* 3 over Cleveland
Utah* 7.5 over Houston

[pm530]

Major League Baseball - Short Sheet

MLB
Short Sheet


Thursday, April 24th

National League

Houston at Cincinnati, 12:35 ET
Jack Cassel (R) vs. Johnny Cueto (R)
Cassel: Hou 8-24 Away in day games
Cueto: Cin 19-8 Over vs. Houston

Philadelphia at Milwaukee, 1:05 ET
Jamie Moyer (L) vs. Jeff Suppan (R)
Moyer: 30-14 Over as a road underdog of +100 to +125
Suppan: Mil 19-7 off one-run win

Chicago Cubs at Colorado, 3:05 ET WGN
Jason Marquis (R) vs. Aaron Cook (R)
Marquis: 15-4 TSR in day games
Cook: Col 11-3 Over vs. Cubs

St. Louis at Pittsburgh, 7:05 ET
Joel Pineiro (R) vs. Tom Gorzelanny (L)
Pineiro: 2-0 TSR, 1.98 ERA vs. Pittsburgh
Gorzelanny: Pit 15-6 Over this season

NY Mets at Washington, 7:10 ET
Oliver Perez (L) vs. Shawn Hill (R)
Perez: 15-1 TSR Away with a money line of -100 to -150
Hill: Wash 4-15 at home vs. Mets

Florida at Atlanta, 7:10 ET
Burke Badenhop (R) vs. Chuck James (L)
Badenhop: Fla 12-5 in night games
James: Atl 5-1 Over after 3+ division losses by 5+ runs

San Francisco at San Diego, 10:05 ET
Tim Lincecum (R) vs. Chris Young (R)
Lincecum: SF 3-1 vs. San Diego
Young: 12-3 Under at home

Arizona at LA Dodgers, 10:10 ET
Edgar Gonzalez (R) vs. Chad Billingsley (R)
Gonzalez: Ari 9-1 Over in night games
Billingsley: LAD 3-9 when the total is 8.5 to 10


American League

Texas at Detroit, 1:05 ET
Scott Feldman (R) vs. Jeremy Bonderman (R)
Feldman: Tex 13-4 off BB losses by 6+ runs
Bonderman: 0-5 as a home favorite of -175 to -200

LA Angels at Boston, 1:35 ET
Joe Saunders (L) vs. Justin Masterson (R)
Saunders: 10-2 TSR working on 5 or 6 days rest
Masterson: n/a

Minnesota at Oakland, 3:35 ET
Francisco Liriano (L) vs. Greg Smith (L)
Liriano: Min 11-21 revenging shutout loss
Smith: Oak 29-14 Under off win

Toronto vs. Tampa Bay (at Orlando), 7:10 ET
Dustin McGowan (R) vs. Andy Sonnanstine (R)
McGowan: 12-3 Under when the total is 9 to 9.5
Sonnanstine: TB 13-36 off BB wins

(TC) Cleveland at Kansas City, 9:30 ET Game 2
Cliff Lee (L) vs. Brian Bannister (R)
Lee: 8-0 Over on Thursday
Bannister: 11-4 TSR vs. division

NY Yankees at Chicago White Sox, 8:10 ET WGN
Phil Hughes (R) vs. Gavin Floyd (R)
Hughes: Yankees 13-3 Under as favorite
Floyd: White Sox 61-33 at home revenging BB Home losses

Baltimore at Seattle, 10:10 ET
Adam Loewen (L) vs. Jarrod Washburn (L)
Loewen: Bal 37-62 vs. lefties
Washburn: Sea 21-4 as a home favorite of -125 to -150

Write-In Game

Cleveland at Kansas City, 6:10 ET
Fausto Carmona (R) vs. Brett Tomko (R)
Carmona: 4-1 TSR, 2.38 ERA vs. Kansas City
Tomko: 3-0 Under this season

** (TC) Denotes Time Change

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[pm530]

Major League Baseball - Tips & Trends

MLB


Thursday, April 24

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Tips and Trends
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Los Angeles Angels at Boston Red Sox [1:35 PM ET]

Angels: Starter Joe Saunders said he implemented his own pitching program during the off-season, and it is surely paying off. The south-paw is off to a 3-0 start this season with a 2.15 ERA. The Angels have won all4 games that he has started this season and are averaging more than 5 runs per game during that span. Saunders is also 2-0 in 3 starts in his career against the Red Sox with a 2.41 ERA.

Angels are 6-21 in the last 27 meetings in Boston.

Key Injuries - NONE

PROJECTED SCORE: 5

Red Sox (-110, O/U 10.5): Boston will send knuckleballer Tim Wakefield to the mound in place of Jon Lester, who pitched Wednesday for Dice-K due to the flu. Wakefield has struggled against the Angels during his career, going 9-11 with a 4.79 ERA. He was won both of his home starts this year despite unimpressive numbers, surrendering 10 hits and 7 runs in 13 innings with 5 walks and 10 strikeouts.

Red Sox are 21-7 in their last 28 games overall.
Red Sox are 20-6 in the last 26 meetings at Boston.

Key Injuries - C Jason Varitek (flu) is questionable.

PROJECTED SCORE: 6



Chicago Cubs at Colorado Rockies [WGN | 3:05 PM ET]

Cubs: Chicago has won each of Jason Marquis' 3 starts so far in 2008, and he is coming off his first victory last time out. Marquis enjoyed his best outing of the young season on Saturday against Pittsburgh, allowing just 1 run and 6 hits in 6 innings with 1 walk and 7 strikeouts. He is 5-3 lifetime vs. Colorado with a 4.04 ERA.

Key Injuries - NONE

PROJECTED SCORE: 4

Rockies (-130, O/U 10): Colorado's Aaron Cook has been successful against the Cubs in the past, going 2-1 in 3 starts with an impressive 2.35 ERA. Cook also pitched very well in his only home start of 2008, allowing 1 run and 2 hits in 7 innings of an eventual 2-1 win over Atlanta back on April 7th. He walked away from that game against the Braves with a no-decision but has earned a win in each of his last 2.

Key Injuries - NONE

PROJECTED SCORE: 5



New York Yankees at Chicago White Sox [WGN | 8:11 PM ET]

Yankees (-115, O/U 10.5): The Yankees had high hopes for Phil Hughes coming into the season. But right now, they’ll settle for him just getting a win. Hughes has been lit up in four starts this year, going 0-3 with an unfathomable 8.82 ERA. Another major problem with Hughes is he hasn’t gone more than six innings in any of his starts, putting added pressure on the Yankees bullpen. This is Hughes’ first career start against the White Sox.

Key Injuries - 3B Alex Rodriguez (.308; birth of daughter) is NOT expected to rejoin the team until Friday.

PROJECTED SCORE: 5

White Sox: Unlike Hughes, Gavin Floyd has been a pleasant surprise early on this season. Floyd is 2-0 with a minuscule 1.40 ERA and 0.88 WHIP. Opposing teams are only hitting .141 against Floyd this season and the youngster has allowed just five runs in his first three starts. Floyd was bombed in his one outing versus the Yankees, giving up five runs on three homers in just three innings of work.

Key Injuries - NONE

PROJECTED SCORE: 6 (Side Play of the Day)



Arizona Diamondbacks at Los Angeles Dodgers [10:10 PM ET]

Diamondbacks: Starter Edgar Gonzalez is still looking for his first victory of the season, as he enters this contest 0-1 with a 4.50 ERA. The right-hander has had a tough time finding the strike zone in his last 2 starts: 6 walks in 9 IP. However, according to team Manger Bob Melvin Gonzalez’s starts “have been creditable” despite that lofty season ERA. The 25 year-old is just 1-4 in 6 starts against the Dodgers with a 8.48 ERA in his career.

Diamondbacks are 14-4 in their last 18 games overall.

Key Injuries - NONE

PROJECTED SCORE: 5 (OVER - Total Play of the Day)

Dodgers (-140, O/U 8.5): Chad Billingsley is still searching for that 2007 form, which saw him post 12 wins. The right-hander enters this contest with a lofty 6.14 ERA has allowed 9 earned runs in just his last 11+ innings. Billingsley said he was “feeling good” in his last appearance with 9 strikeouts, but also allowed 5 walks. The first-round draft selection is 4-2 in his career with a 3.19 ERA against the D-Backs.

The UNDER is 11-4 in Billingsley’s last 15 on grass.

Key Injuries - NONE

PROJECTED SCORE: 7

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[pm530]

National Basketball Association - Tips & Trends

NBA


Thursday, April 24

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Tips and Trends
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Orlando Magic at Toronto Raptors [NBA | 7:30 PM ET]

Magic: Orlando was not nearly as successful shooting from beyond the 3-point arc in Game 2, making just 9-of-30 attempts after sinking 13-of-29 in Game 1. However, the Raptors have had no answer for Magic big man Dwight Howard, who has totaled at least 20 points and 20 rebounds in each of the first 2 games. “He’s on his way to being a guy who we talk about 30 years down the line,” Orlando guard Keyon Dooling said. “He’s awesome on both ends of the floor, and he’s kind of our backbone. He was tremendous on the defensive end, on the glass and offensively.”
Magic are 1-7 ATS in the last 8 meetings at Toronto.
Magic are 2-8 ATS in their last 10 Thursday games.

Key Injuries - NONE

PROJECTED SCORE: 99

Raptors (-4, O/U 202): Toronto nearly came back to beat Orlando in Game 2, and the players know they need to get off to a good start right away in the first quarter if they are going to get back into the series. “We have to top digging holes for ourselves in the first quarter, first and foremost,” Raptors star Chris Bosh said. “That’s the major issue right now.” Toronto has been outscored 88-41 in the first quarter of Games 1 & 2, and head coach Sam Mitchell is considering benching point guard T.J. Ford and forward Rasho Nesterovic in favor of Jose Calderon and Jason Kapono, respectively.

Raptors are 9-3 ATS in the last 12 meetings.
The OVER is 5-1 in the last 6 meetings.

Key Injuries - NONE

PROJECTED SCORE: 103



Cleveland Cavaliers at Washington Wizards [TNT | 8 PM ET]

Cavs: LeBron James has been nothing short of spectacular in the first 2 games despite taking a physical pounding for Cleveland. James fell 1 rebound shy of his third playoff triple-double, totaling 30 points, 12 assists and 9 rebounds in Game 2. "If they hit us with a punch, we have to be able to counter their punch,” James said jokingly of Washington's hard foul tactics. “Uh, not literally. Let me change my words. If they make a few shots, we have to be able to counter their attack and move on.”

Cavs are 8-0 SU in the last 7 playoff meetings.
The UNDER is 7-1 in Cleveland's last 8 games overall.

Key Injuries - NONE

PROJECTED SCORE: 92

Wizards (-5, O/U 189.5): Washington has dropped 8 straight to Cleveland in the postseason, but the team remains positive that a change of scenery will be exactly what the players need to rebound on the court. The team's top 3 players - Antawn Jamison, Caron Butler and Gilbert Arenas - are shooting below 40 percent through the first 2 games, making just 6-of-22 (27 percent) from beyond the 3-point arc. The Wizards won 4 straight games to beat the Bulls in the first round after falling into an 0-2 hole back in 2005, giving them some hope except for one thing. “It’s a different team we are playing,” Washington head coach Eddie Jordan said. “LeBron James wasn’t on that Chicago Bulls team. He is extraordinary.”

Favorite is 6-2 ATS in the last 8 meetings.
The OVER is 13-3 in Washington's last 16 home games.
The OVER is 16-5 in Washington's last 21 games as a favorite.

Key Injuries - NONE

PROJECTED SCORE: 97



Houston Rockets at Utah Jazz [TNT | 10:30 PM ET]

Rockets: Utah was the most dominant home team during the regular season at 37-4, but 1 of those losses came at the hands of the Rockets. Houston star Tracy McGrady scored 47 points in a 106-95 win at Salt Lake City back on November 1st, but he has struggled in the clutch of this series, scoring only 1 point in the fourth quarter of the first 2 games combined. “We know we can play up there, we know we can win up there,” McGrady said. “The playoffs are a totally different game. We can’t rely on what we did in what, November or October. It’s a totally different team, playing with a different confidence."

Rockets are 23-8-3 ATS in their last 34 Thursday games.
The UNDER is 11-2 in Houston''s last 13 games vs. Northwest Division.

Key Injuries - G Rafer Alston (13.1 ppg; hamstring) is questionable.

PROJECTED SCORE: 87

Jazz (-9, O/U 182): Utah has done a great job containing McGrady in the first 2 games but may have to deal with the return of Houston point guard Rafer Alston, who has not played in the series yet due to a hamstring injury. Regardless, the Jazz know they can't let up now. “We wanted to take as much away from Mac as possible because he’s such a great scorer and everything goes through him,” Utah point guard Deron Williams said. “To get that one (win) is crucial - and that’s what we’ve got to try to avoid with them - allowing them to get that first win.”

Jazz are 9-1 ATS in their last 10 games overall.
Jazz are 9-1 ATS in the last 10 meetings.
The UNDER is 11-3-1 in Utah's last 15 games vs. Southwest Division.

Key Injuries - NONE

PROJECTED SCORE: 96

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