Friday Trends and Indexes 04/25

[pm530]

Arena Football League – Write up

AFL
Write-up


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Friday, April 25
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Friday night's Arena Football games.........

Kansas City (1-6) @ Grand Rapids (2-5)-- Brigade got its first win last week, upsetting Colorado at home, now avenges 92-52 home loss to Chicago from Week 4, when they turned ball over five times. KC is 0-2 on road, losing 50-47 at New York, 70-63 at Georgia, two tough losses. Rampage lost last three games, has lost three of four at home (over is 3-1 in those home games).

Utah (0-8) @ New Orleans (6-2)-- Winless Blaze covered one of last six games; they're 0-4 on road (2-2 vs spread) with three of the four road losses by eight points or less (over 3-1 in those games). Voodoo covered six of last seven games; they're 4-0 at home (both SU, vs spread), winning by 1-21-39-29 pts. Over is 3-1 in New Orleans home games.

Chicago (6-2) @ Colorado (3-4)-- Rush won five of last six; in Week 4, they waxed Colorado 70-35 at home (-10), holding the Crush to seven points in second half. Colorado is 2-4 in its last six games, but they are 2-1 at home, losing by FG to Voodoo, beating LA, Columbus. Chicago is 0-3 vs spread in last three games, winning last two weeks by 7-3 points.

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[pm530]

Arena Football League – Additional

AFL


Trend Sheet

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Friday, April 25
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7:00 PM KANSAS CITY vs. GRAND RAPIDS
Kansas City is 5-13 SU in its last 18 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Kansas City's last 10 games on the road
Grand Rapids is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games at home
Grand Rapids is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games at home


8:30 PM UTAH vs. NEW ORLEANS
Utah is 1-3-1 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Utah is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
New Orleans is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games
New Orleans is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games


9:00 PM CHICAGO vs. COLORADO
Chicago is 2-4-1 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
Chicago is 12-5 SU in its last 17 games on the road
Colorado is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Colorado is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games at home


10:00 PM GEORGIA vs. ARIZONA
Georgia is 18-7 SU in its last 25 games
Arizona is 1-3-1 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Arizona is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games at home


7:00 PM CLEVELAND vs. NEW YORK
Cleveland is 5-16 SU in its last 21 games
Cleveland is 5-17 SU in its last 22 games on the road
New York is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Cleveland
New York is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Cleveland

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Saturday, April 26
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7:30 PM TAMPA BAY vs. ORLANDO
Tampa Bay is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Orlando
Tampa Bay is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Orlando
Orlando is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Orlando is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games at home


10:30 PM LOS ANGELES vs. SAN JOSE
Los Angeles is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games
Los Angeles is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
San Jose is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Los Angeles
San Jose is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Los Angeles

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Monday, April 28
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8:00 PM DALLAS vs. PHILADELPHIA
Dallas is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games
Dallas is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Philadelphia is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Dallas
Philadelphia is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Dallas

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[Udog]

NBA


Friday, April 25

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THE POWER INDEX
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1-2 yesterday

Philadelphia* .5 over Detroit
Dallas* 2 over New Orleans
Phoenix* 4 over San Antonio

[Udog]

MLB
Dunkel


The Reds, who have dropped two straight and eight of their last 11, hit the road against a San Francisco team that is 4-2 this season as a home underdog. The Giants are the pick (+125) according to Dunkel, which has San Francisco favored straight up by 1. Dunkel Pick: San Francisco (+125). Here are all of today's games.

FRIDAY, APRIL 25

Game 951-952: Philadelphia at Pittsburgh
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia (Eaton) 15.928; Pittsburgh (Duke) 13.472
Dunkel Line: Philadelphia by 2 1/2; 10
Vegas Line: Philadelphia (-125); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (-125); Over

Game 953-954: Atlanta at NY MetsDunkel Ratings: Atlanta (Jurrjens) 15.331; NY Mets (Pelfrey) 14.869
Dunkel Line: Atlanta by 1/2; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: NY Mets (-130); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (+120); Under

Game 955-956: Chicago Cubs at Washington
Dunkel Ratings: Cubs (Dempster) 16.092; Washington (Perez) 13.794
Dunkel Line: Chicago Cubs by 2 1/2; 10
Vegas Line: Chicago Cubs (-125); 9
Dunkel Pick: Chicago Cubs (-125); Over

Game 957-958: Florida at Milwaukee
Dunkel Ratings: Florida (Olsen) 14.553; Milwaukee (Gallardo) 15.056
Dunkel Line: Milwaukee by 1/2; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Milwaukee (-145); 9
Dunkel Pick: Milwaukee (-145); Over

Game 959-960: Houston at St. Louis
Dunkel Ratings: Houston (Chacon) 15.781; St. Louis (Looper) 14.255
Dunkel Line: Houston by 1 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: St. Louis (-130); 9
Dunkel Pick: Houston (+120); Under

Game 961-962: Arizona at San DiegoDunkel Ratings: Arizona (Johnson) 15.520; San Diego (Wolf) 14.431
Dunkel Line: Arizona by 1; 6 1/2
Vegas Line: San Diego (-110); 7
Dunkel Pick: Arizona (+100); Under

Game 963-964: Cincinnati at San Francisco
Dunkel Ratings: Cincinnati (Harang) 14.378; San Francisco (Sanchez) 15.389
Dunkel Line: San Francisco by 1; 9
Vegas Line: Cincinnati (-135); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Francisco (+125); Over

Game 965-966: Colorado at LA Dodgers
Dunkel Ratings: Colorado (Jimenez) 15.147; LA Dodgers (Kuroda) 14.921
Dunkel Line: Colorado by 1/2; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: LA Dodgers (-145); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Colorado (+135); Over

Game 967-968: NY Yankees at Cleveland
Dunkel Ratings: NY Yankees (Pettitte) 15.998; Cleveland (Byrd) 14.559
Dunkel Line: NY Yankees by 1 1/2; 10 1/2
Vegas Line: NY Yankees (-110); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: NY Yankees (-110); Over

Game 969-970: LA Angels at Detroit
Dunkel Ratings: LA Angels (Santana) 16.048; Detroit (Robertson) 15.690
Dunkel Line: LA Angels by 1/2; 11 1/2
Vegas Line: Detroit (-115); 10
Dunkel Pick: LA Angels (+105); Over

Game 971-972: Boston at Tampa Bay
Dunkel Ratings: Boston (Wakefield) 16.442; Tampa Bay (Garza) 14.965
Dunkel Line: Boston by 1 1/2; 10 1/2
Vegas Line: Boston (-125); 10
Dunkel Pick: Boston (-125); Over

Game 973-974: Minnesota at Texas
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota (Blackburn) 14.684; Texas (Millwood) 14.360
Dunkel Line: Minnesota by 1/2; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Texas (-125); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (+115); Under

Game 975-976: Toronto at Kansas City
Dunkel Ratings: Toronto (Burnett) 14.231; Kansas City (Greinke) 13.620
Dunkel Line: Toronto by 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: Toronto (-110); 8
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (-110); Over

Game 977-978: Baltimore at Chicago White Sox
Dunkel Ratings: Baltimore (Burres) 15.407; White Sox (Buehrle) 15.680
Dunkel Line: Chicago White Sox by 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: Chicago White Sox (-135); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Chicago White Sox (-135); Under

Game 979-980: Oakland at Seattle
Dunkel Ratings: Oakland (Eveland) 15.477; Seattle (Batista) 15.671
Dunkel Line: Seattle by 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: Seattle (-110); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Seattle (-110); Over

[Udog]

NBA
Dunkel


The Suns have their backs to the wall and look to take advantage of a Spurs team that struggled on the road (15-26 ATS) this season. Phoenix is the pick (-6 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Suns favored by 9. Dunkel Pick: Phoenix (-6 1/2). Here are all of today's games.

FRIDAY, APRIL 25

Game 523-524: Detroit at Philadelphia
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit 120.332; Philadelphia 120.856
Dunkel Line & Total: Even; 176
Vegas Line & Total: Detroit by 4; 180 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (+4); Under


Game 525-526: New Orleans at Dallas
Dunkel Ratings: New Orleans 121.657; Dallas 127.813
Dunkel Line & Total: Dallas by 6; 198
Vegas Line & Total: Dallas 5; 195 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Dallas (-5); Over


Game 527-528: San Antonio at Phoenix
Dunkel Ratings: San Antonio 120.169; Phoenix 128.956
Dunkel Line & Total: Phoenix by 9; 190
Vegas Line & Total: Phoenix by 6 1/2; 193 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Phoenix (-6 1/2); Under

[Udog]

NHL
Dunkel


The Penguins come off a sweep of Ottawa and face a Rangers team that they beat the last two games at home by a combined score of 7-2. Pittsburgh is the pick (-140) according to Dunkel, which has the Penguins favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (-140). Here are all of today's games.

FRIDAY, APRIL 25

Game 5-6: NY Rangers at Pittsburgh
Dunkel Ratings: NY Rangers 11.288; Pittsburgh 12.264
Dunkel Line & Total: Pittsburgh by 1; 4 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Pittsburgh (-140); 5
Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (-140); Under

Game 7-8: Dallas at San Jose
Dunkel Ratings: Dallas 11.519; San Jose 11.908
Dunkel Line & Total: San Jose by 1/2; 5 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: San Jose (-155); 5
Dunkel Pick: San Jose (-155); Over

[Udog]

MLB
Long Sheet


Friday, April 25

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PHILADELPHIA (12 - 11) at PITTSBURGH (9 - 13) - 7:05 PM
ADAM EATON (R) vs. ZACH DUKE (L)
Top Trends for this game.
PITTSBURGH is 56-42 (+15.4 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 3 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 225-237 (+29.4 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
PHILADELPHIA is 76-64 (+25.4 Units) against the money line in road games when playing on Friday since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

ADAM EATON vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
EATON is 2-1 when starting against PITTSBURGH with an ERA of 8.84 and a WHIP of 1.746.
His team's record is 2-2 (-0.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-0. (+4.0 units)

ZACH DUKE vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
DUKE is 1-1 when starting against PHILADELPHIA with an ERA of 3.65 and a WHIP of 1.622.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (-0.2 units)

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ATLANTA (11 - 11) at NY METS (11 - 10) - 7:10 PM
JAIR JURRJENS (R) vs. MIKE PELFREY (R)
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 174-172 (-29.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons.
ATLANTA is 66-68 (-18.4 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 82-88 (-24.6 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 3 seasons.
ATLANTA is 11-2 (+10.8 Units) against the money line in road games when playing on Friday over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 47-43 (-21.6 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 23-24 (-17.8 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 45-43 (-18.0 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 47-43 (-21.6 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 2-0 (+2.5 Units) against NY METS this season
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.0 Units)

JAIR JURRJENS vs. NY METS since 1997
No recent starts.

MIKE PELFREY vs. ATLANTA since 1997
PELFREY is 1-1 when starting against ATLANTA with an ERA of 4.09 and a WHIP of 1.091.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (-0.2 units)

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CHICAGO CUBS (15 - 7) at WASHINGTON (7 - 16) - 7:35 PM
RYAN DEMPSTER (R) vs. ODALIS PEREZ (L)
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO CUBS are 875-949 (-190.5 Units) against the money line in all games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 252-298 (-83.9 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 130-185 (-56.4 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 9 to 9.5 since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 820-869 (-169.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 437-427 (-103.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 59-47 (+32.6 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 37-27 (+13.1 Units) against the money line as a home underdog of +100 to +125 over the last 3 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 34-21 (+19.4 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
DEMPSTER is 84-82 (+19.4 Units) against the money line in all games since 1997. (Team's Record)
DEMPSTER is 71-71 (+14.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field since 1997. (Team's Record)
DEMPSTER is 51-38 (+22.7 Units) against the money line after a loss since 1997. (Team's Record)
WASHINGTON is 7-23 (-15.3 Units) against the money line in home games in April games over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

RYAN DEMPSTER vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
DEMPSTER is 5-0 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 3.86 and a WHIP of 1.301.
His team's record is 8-2 (+7.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 7-3. (+3.9 units)

ODALIS PEREZ vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
PEREZ is 3-1 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 3.54 and a WHIP of 0.929.
His team's record is 3-1 (+2.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-1. (+2.0 units)

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FLORIDA (13 - 9) at MILWAUKEE (13 - 9) - 8:05 PM
SCOTT OLSEN (L) vs. YOVANI GALLARDO (R)
Top Trends for this game.
FLORIDA is 17-10 (+13.0 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +125 to +150 over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 12-6 (+8.6 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
FLORIDA is 10-4 (+8.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

SCOTT OLSEN vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
OLSEN is 1-1 when starting against MILWAUKEE with an ERA of 3.44 and a WHIP of 1.254.
His team's record is 1-2 (-1.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-2. (-1.3 units)

YOVANI GALLARDO vs. FLORIDA since 1997
No recent starts.

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HOUSTON (11 - 12) at ST LOUIS (14 - 9) - 8:15 PM
SHAWN CHACON (R) vs. BRADEN LOOPER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 295-298 (-66.0 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 since 1997.
ST LOUIS is 115-128 (-27.7 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ST LOUIS is 2-1 (+1.0 Units) against HOUSTON this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.9 Units)

SHAWN CHACON vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
CHACON is 0-0 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 3.97 and a WHIP of 1.632.
His team's record is 3-1 (+3.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-2. (-0.3 units)

BRADEN LOOPER vs. HOUSTON since 1997
LOOPER is 3-1 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 3.56 and a WHIP of 1.220.
His team's record is 4-1 (+3.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-2. (+1.2 units)

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ARIZONA (16 - 6) at SAN DIEGO (9 - 14) - 10:05 PM
RANDY JOHNSON (L) vs. RANDY WOLF (L)
Top Trends for this game.
WOLF is 23-11 (+12.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
WOLF is 23-10 (+13.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
ARIZONA is 109-82 (+27.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 31-17 (+12.5 Units) against the money line in April games over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 15-4 (+11.0 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
ARIZONA is 109-82 (+27.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 81-56 (+25.0 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 35-20 (+16.4 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 68-40 (+27.8 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 55-33 (+19.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 14-23 (-17.0 Units) against the money line in home games in April games over the last 3 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 4-12 (-10.2 Units) against the money line in night games this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
ARIZONA is 2-1 (+0.7 Units) against SAN DIEGO this season
2 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.0 Units)

RANDY JOHNSON vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
JOHNSON is 13-7 when starting against SAN DIEGO with an ERA of 2.52 and a WHIP of 1.043.
His team's record is 15-10 (-4.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 12-10. (+0.9 units)

RANDY WOLF vs. ARIZONA since 1997
WOLF is 6-2 when starting against ARIZONA with an ERA of 4.25 and a WHIP of 1.431.
His team's record is 8-3 (+7.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 6-5. (+0.3 units)

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CINCINNATI (9 - 14) at SAN FRANCISCO (10 - 13) - 10:15 PM
AARON HARANG (R) vs. JONATHAN SANCHEZ (L)
Top Trends for this game.
CINCINNATI is 32-51 (-23.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 619-502 (+86.3 Units) against the money line in night games since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 421-479 (+53.4 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 33-22 (+15.1 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday over the last 3 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 361-428 (+36.6 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 272-309 (+32.1 Units) against the money line in road games in night games since 1997.
HARANG is 27-12 (+14.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
HARANG is 14-4 (+12.0 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
HARANG is 13-4 (+10.7 Units) against the money line in April games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
HARANG is 10-2 (+9.6 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
HARANG is 27-12 (+14.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
HARANG is 9-2 (+8.5 Units) against the money line in road games in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SAN FRANCISCO is 60-73 (-24.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

AARON HARANG vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
HARANG is 3-5 when starting against SAN FRANCISCO with an ERA of 4.20 and a WHIP of 1.365.
His team's record is 3-6 (-4.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 4-4. (-0.1 units)

JONATHAN SANCHEZ vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
SANCHEZ is 1-0 when starting against CINCINNATI with an ERA of 1.59 and a WHIP of 0.882.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

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COLORADO (10 - 12) vs. LA DODGERS (9 - 13) - 10:40 PM
UBALDO JIMENEZ (R) vs. HIROKI KURODA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
COLORADO is 106-89 (+23.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 49-36 (+18.0 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 106-86 (+27.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 76-62 (+18.9 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 80-63 (+25.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 59-46 (+18.2 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

UBALDO JIMENEZ vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
JIMENEZ is 2-0 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 5.51 and a WHIP of 1.592.
His team's record is 3-0 (+3.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-0. (+3.1 units)

HIROKI KURODA vs. COLORADO since 1997
No recent starts.

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NY YANKEES (12 - 11) at CLEVELAND (10 - 12) - 7:05 PM
ANDY PETTITTE (L) vs. PAUL BYRD (R)
Top Trends for this game.
NY YANKEES are 107-82 (-18.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
NY YANKEES are 12-19 (-18.0 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday over the last 2 seasons.
NY YANKEES are 93-73 (-19.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 340-300 (-65.1 Units) against the money line in home games in night games since 1997.
CLEVELAND is 13-25 (-23.1 Units) against the money line in home games after shutting out their opponent since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

ANDY PETTITTE vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
PETTITTE is 4-8 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 4.95 and a WHIP of 1.495.
His team's record is 6-9 (-7.5 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 9-6. (+2.4 units)

PAUL BYRD vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
BYRD is 2-4 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 4.71 and a WHIP of 1.605.
His team's record is 3-7 (-1.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 7-2. (+4.8 units)

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LA ANGELS (14 - 9) at DETROIT (10 - 13) - 7:05 PM
ERVIN SANTANA (R) vs. NATE ROBERTSON (L)
Top Trends for this game.
LA ANGELS are 169-123 (+42.0 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday since 1997.
LA ANGELS are 366-374 (+40.9 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field since 1997.
DETROIT is 67-71 (-20.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 40-55 (-26.5 Units) against the money line in home games after 3 or more consecutive wins since 1997.
ROBERTSON is 12-22 (-15.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
ROBERTSON is 10-19 (-14.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
ROBERTSON is 9-23 (-16.7 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
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

ERVIN SANTANA vs. DETROIT since 1997
SANTANA is 2-2 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 5.81 and a WHIP of 1.477.
His team's record is 2-2 (+0.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-2. (-1.4 units)

NATE ROBERTSON vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
ROBERTSON is 0-4 when starting against LA ANGELS with an ERA of 8.91 and a WHIP of 1.920.
His team's record is 1-6 (-5.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-6. (-5.8 units)

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BOSTON (15 - 9) at TAMPA BAY (11 - 11) - 7:10 PM
TIM WAKEFIELD (R) vs. MATT GARZA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 91-54 (+18.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
GARZA is 3-10 (-10.4 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
GARZA is 3-10 (-10.4 Units) against the money line in games played in a dome over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
GARZA is 3-10 (-10.4 Units) against the money line in games played on artificial turf over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

TIM WAKEFIELD vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
WAKEFIELD is 17-3 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 3.27 and a WHIP of 1.174.
His team's record is 20-8 (+6.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 12-14. (-2.9 units)

MATT GARZA vs. BOSTON since 1997
GARZA is 2-0 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 2.53 and a WHIP of 1.406.
His team's record is 2-0 (+2.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.1 units)

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MINNESOTA (10 - 12) at TEXAS (7 - 16) - 8:05 PM
NICK BLACKBURN (R) vs. KEVIN MILLWOOD (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 42-54 (-20.1 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 5-16 (-10.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
MILLWOOD is 24-31 (-17.0 Units) against the money line in April games since 1997. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

NICK BLACKBURN vs. TEXAS since 1997
No recent starts.

KEVIN MILLWOOD vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
MILLWOOD is 0-5 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 5.64 and a WHIP of 1.791.
His team's record is 2-6 (-5.3 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 5-2. (+2.7 units)

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TORONTO (10 - 13) at KANSAS CITY (9 - 13) - 8:10 PM
A.J. BURNETT (R) vs. ZACK GREINKE (R)
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 5-12 (-9.9 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
TORONTO is 40-44 (-14.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 105-139 (+22.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
TORONTO is 98-67 (+28.3 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

A.J. BURNETT vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
BURNETT is 2-1 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 3.67 and a WHIP of 1.259.
His team's record is 3-1 (+1.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-1. (+2.0 units)

ZACK GREINKE vs. TORONTO since 1997
GREINKE is 1-2 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 5.50 and a WHIP of 1.389.
His team's record is 1-2 (-0.8 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-1. (+0.8 units)

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BALTIMORE (13 - 9) at CHI WHITE SOX (12 - 9) - 8:11 PM
BRIAN BURRES (L) vs. MARK BUEHRLE (L)
Top Trends for this game.
BALTIMORE is 38-62 (-27.2 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 65-121 (-40.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 415-420 (+38.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
CHI WHITE SOX are 51-65 (-23.5 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHI WHITE SOX is 1-1 (+0.1 Units) against BALTIMORE this season
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.0 Units)

BRIAN BURRES vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
BURRES is 0-1 when starting against CHI WHITE SOX with an ERA of 47.37 and a WHIP of 5.263.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.2 units)

MARK BUEHRLE vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
BUEHRLE is 4-2 when starting against BALTIMORE with an ERA of 2.48 and a WHIP of 1.086.
His team's record is 6-3 (+2.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-3. (+1.7 units)

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OAKLAND (14 - 9) at SEATTLE (11 - 12) - 10:10 PM
DANA EVELAND (L) vs. MIGUEL BATISTA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
OAKLAND is 24-35 (-14.6 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 99-86 (+15.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 92-78 (+16.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 73-59 (+14.8 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 30-17 (+14.4 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
BATISTA is 40-29 (+16.5 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
BATISTA is 66-45 (+21.2 Units) against the money line in home games since 1997. (Team's Record)
BATISTA is 38-25 (+18.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
OAKLAND is 6-0 (+9.2 Units) against the money line in road games in night games this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
SEATTLE is 2-0 (+2.0 Units) against OAKLAND this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.0 Units)

DANA EVELAND vs. SEATTLE since 1997
No recent starts.

MIGUEL BATISTA vs. OAKLAND since 1997
BATISTA is 4-3 when starting against OAKLAND with an ERA of 3.99 and a WHIP of 1.404.
His team's record is 6-5 (+2.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-6. (-2.4 units)

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[Udog]

MLB


Friday, April 25

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Hot lines: Friday's best MLB bets
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Toronto at Kansas City (-105, 8)

As long as the bookies are going to give away Zack Greinke for these prices, you might as well keep taking their money. The kid is on fire this year and although he struggled slightly against Oakland in his last start, failing to get the win for the first time this year, his ERA is still a miniscule 1.24 and his star is on the rise.

Toronto is coming off a series in which they were swept by the Rays and the club has won only three of its last 10 games. They may get a boost with the expected return of third baseman Scott Rolen, but after a 0-9 rehab stint, he doesn’t look like the savior the Jays need.

Pick: Royals


Chicago Cubs at Washington (-125, 9)

This is an easy one. Chicago took a loss in Colorado last night, but it was only their second in the last 10 games. Even without Alfonso Soriano in the lineup, the Cubs have been winning in convincing fashion. Before last night's loss, they'd knocked home 48 runs in the previous five games. They're hitting .310 over their last 10 games and the pitching hasn't been bad either.

Ryan Dempster will face Odalis Perez today. Dempster isn't exactly a trusted name in pitching circles, but he's holding down an 3.00 ERA and has pitched the Cubs to wins in all four of his starts. Perez has been good, but even after he pitched six shutout innings in his last start, his teammates didn't have his back and Perez is still looking for his first win.

Pick: Cubs

[Udog]

NBA


Friday, April 25

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Pick 'n' Roll: Friday's best NBA bets
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Detroit at Philadelphia (+4, 180)

Which Pistons team will show up in Philadelphia tonight? The one that loafed around court in Game 1 and let a halftime lead turn into a home loss? Or the one that responded in Game 2 and showed aggressive, unflagging defense, dominant rebounding and crisp scoring to get blowout win?

With the amount of experience and veteran savvy on this team, it's more likely that they'll come out strong tonight. Game 1 was the Pistons' wake-up call and it's a good sign for them that Rasheed Wallace was such a huge factor in Game 2 because the team generally goes the way that Wallace goes. It won't be easy to cover as road favorites, but you can expect Detroit to show up and take care of business.

Pick: Pistons


New Orleans at Dallas (-5, 196)

In these playoffs, we've only seen one road team go into hostile territory and take a straight up win. Only three teams have managed to cover in a road game.

That trend should have and asterisk beside it because the higher seeds have played the majority of home games so far, but with the Hornets heading to Big D, you might want to chew that one over for a while. As good as they are, New Orleans wasn't able to win or cover in two trips to Dallas this season and Dallas always plays much better in their own gym.

This is a talented, experienced Mavericks team with its back against the wall against a young, inexperienced opponent. If any team can parlay home-court advantage into a win in this situation, it should be the Mavs.

Pick: Mavericks

[Udog]

NHL


Friday, April 25

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Ice picks: Friday's best NHL bets
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Rangers vs. Pittsburgh (-145, 5)

This might end up being the best series of the playoffs by the time champagne flows from the silver chalice at the end of the postseason.

It starts with Game 1 tonight and though you have to like the fact it's on Pittsburgh's home ice, you have to wonder how the lengthy layoff is going to affect this young team. It has been nine days since Pittsburgh sent the Senators home with their gear for the summer, two days longer than the veteran Rangers have had to wait after beating New Jersey.

The Pens haven't done so well this year with too much time between games, where they're 3-7 on the puckline on three or more days of rest. This Rangers team will provide a lot more fight than what they saw from Ottawa and they can't afford a slow start.

Pick: Rangers +125


Dallas vs. San Jose (-155, 5)

Always fade the team coming off a seven-game series in Game 1.

Tonight that means take the underdog Stars, who are facing the Sharks after a tough marathon series against the Flames.

Dallas is playing with a ton of confidence right now and getting great goaltending from Marty Turco. The Stars' top three lines are rolling and they might even see star defenseman Sergei Zubov return tonight.

What should also concern Sharks bettors coming into this series is San Jose's inconsistent play against Calgary. The Sharks had games where they simply didn't show up and they won’t be able to get away with that against a much deeper Dallas squad.

Pick: Stars +140

[pm530]

Major League Baseball - Short Sheet

MLB
Short Sheet


Friday, April 25th

National League

Philadelphia at Pittsburgh, 7:05 ET
Adam Eaton (R) vs. Zach Duke (L)
Eaton: 45-30 TSR when the money line is +125 to -125
Duke: 12-4 OVER as an underdog of +100 or higher

Atlanta at NY Mets, 7:10 ET
Jair Jurrjens (R) vs. Mike Pelfrey (R)
Jurrjens: ATL 11-2 on the ROAD on Fridays
Pelfrey: NYM 13-20 after having lost 3 of their last 4

Chicago Cubs at Washington, 7:35 ET
Ryan Dempster (R) vs. Odalis Perez (L)
Dempster: 31-14 TSR when the money line is -100 to -150
Perez: WAS 7-23 at home in April

Florida at Milwaukee, 8:05 ET
Scott Olsen (L) vs. Yovani Gallardo (R)
Olsen: 13-3 TSR against NL Central
Gallardo: MIL 22-32 when playing on Friday

Houston at St. Louis, 8:15 ET
Shawn Chacon (R) vs. Braden Looper (R)
Chacon: HOU 11-2 revenging 2 straight home losses
Looper: STL 115-128 in night games

Arizona at San Diego, 10:05 ET
Randy Johnson (L) vs. Randy Wolf (L)
Johnson: ARI 16-4 playing with revenge
Wolf: SD 4-12 in night games

Cincinnati at San Francisco, 10:15 ET
Aaron Harang (R) vs. Jonathan Sanchez (L)
Harang: 9-1 TSR on the road when the total is 7 to 8.5
Sanchez: SF 3-11 at home after scoring 1 run or less

Colorado at LA Dodgers, 10:40 ET
Ubaldo Jimenez (R) vs. Hiroki Kuroda (R)
Jimenez: COL 60-33 following an UNDER
Kuroda: LAD 3-9 when the total is 8.5 to 10


American League

NY Yankees at Cleveland, 7:05 ET
Andy Pettitte (L) vs. Paul Byrd (R)
Pettitte: NYY 12-19 when playing on Friday
Byrd: CLE 40-14 at home after winning 3 of their last 4

LA Angels at Detroit, 7:05 ET
Ervin Santana (R) vs. Nate Robertson (L)
Santana: 5-14 TSR against AL Central
Robertson: 9-1 TSR at home in first half

Boston at Tampa Bay, 7:10 ET
Tim Wakefield (R) vs. Matt Garza (R)
Wakefield: BOS 91-54 against right-handed starters
Garza: 3-10 TSR on artificial turf

Minnesota at Texas, 8:05 ET
Nick Blackburn (R) vs. Kevin Millwood (R)
Blackburn: 77-54 UNDER when the total is 8.5 to 10
Millwood: TEX 5-16 playing on grass

Toronto at Kansas City, 8:10 ET
A.J. Burnett (R) vs. Zack Greinke (R)
Burnett: 16-37 TSR on the road when the total is 7 to 8.5
Greinke: KC 125-184 as an underdog of +100 or higher

Baltimore at Chicago White Sox, 8:10 ET
Brian Burres (L) vs. Mark Buehrle (L)
Burres: BAL 6-19 a game where their bullpen blew a save
Buehrle: 21-9 UNDER in the first half

Oakland at Seattle, 10:10 ET
Dana Eveland (L) vs. Miguel Batista (R)
Eveland: OAK 24-35 against division opponents
Batista: SEA 30-17 against left-handed starters

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[pm530]

Major League Baseball - Tips & Trends

MLB


Friday, April 25

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Tips and Trends
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New York Yankees at Cleveland Indians [7:05 PM ET]

Yankees (-130, O/U 9.5): After a bad outing on opening day, Andy Pettitte has been on fire in his 3 starts. During that span, Pettitte is 3-0 and has only allowed 4r runs over 20 innings pitched. Pettitte has done a good job of keeping runners off base, allowing only 7 walks so far this season. Pettitte faced the Indians twice in 2007, giving up just two runs in 13 1/3 innings pitched, leading New York to wins both times.

Key Injuries - 3B Alex Rodriguez (.308; birth of daughter) is expected to rejoin the team on Friday.

PROJECTED SCORE: 5

Indians: Paul Byrd has been a major disappointment for Cleveland over the first month of the season. The Indians have lost all 4 of Byrd’s starts. Not all of Byrd’s outings have been horrible, however. He has a somewhat respectable 4.43 ERA, but the Indians have only scored 12 runs in Byrd’s 4 starts this season. Byrd was 1-1 against New York last year, but he allowed nine runs in only 7.0 innings pitched.

Key Injuries - NONE

PROJECTED SCORE: 4



Atlanta Braves at New York Mets [7:10 PM ET]

Braves: Starter Jair Jurrjens is off to a solid 2008 campaign, going 2-2 with a 3.20 ERA in 4 starts. The right-hander’s control hasn’t been in issue so far according to team insiders, as Jurrjens has 21 strikeouts compared to just 9 walks. However, the 22-year old has suffered both of his 2 losses on the road this season and carries a 4.15 ERA.

Key Injuries - NONE

PROJECTED SCORE: 4

Mets (-140, O/U 9.5): Starter Mike Pelfrey is doing his best to put his 3-8 2007 campaign behind him. The right-hander is 2-0 with a 3.18 ERA here in ’08 and the Mets offense is averaging 6 runs of support per contest. Pelfrey went 1-1 against the Braves in 3 appearances last season and allowed 6 earned runs in 13+ innings of work.

Key Injuries - NONE

PROJECTED SCORE: 6



Arizona Diamondbacks at San Diego Padres [10:05 PM ET]

Diamondbacks: This is start #3 for Randy Johnson, as he is recovering from off-season back surgery. The Big Unit has shown signs of life with 13 total strikeouts over his 2 starts this season, but couldn’t get out of the 6th inning of his last start, and the Padres scored 5 runs off him. Johnson said he has felt no discomfort from his surgery and will look to go deeper than 5+ innings.

Key Injuries - NONE

PROJECTED SCORE: 2 (UNDER - Total Play of the Day)

Padres (-115, O/U 7): Randy Wolf has been brilliant in his first 4 starts of the season, going: 2-0 with a 2.49 ERA. Wolf got the better of Johnson on April 20th (where Johnson couldn’t get out the 6th) as the right-hander slowed down the hot Arizona bats to just 4 runs with 7 strikeouts in 6+ innings of work. The left-hander enjoys pitching at Petco, as his 0.69 ERA this season shows.

Key Injuries - NONE

PROJECTED SCORE: 3



Colorado Rockies at Los Angeles Dodgers [10:40 PM ET]

Rockies: Ubaldo Jimenez enters this contest 1-2 with a 4.64 ERA on the young season and has been having control problems. The 24 year-old has walked a whopping 17 batters in just 4 starts this season, leading manager Clint Hurdle to call him “erratic.” The offense hasn’t exactly helped him out either, as the Rockies are averaging just 2 runs per game of support, and that’s not going to get it done with Jimenez’s 4.80 career road ERA.

Key Injuries - NONE

PROJECTED SCORE: 3

Dodgers (-150, O/U 8.5): Hiroki Kuroda has made the most of his first 4 starts here in the United States, as his 1-2 mark doesn’t represent his stellar 2.92 season ERA. Huroda hasn’t allowed more than 3 earned runs in any of his starts this season, but he has witnessed the bullpen let him down. In his lone start at Dodger Stadium, he allowed just 3 runs in 6 innings of work, but he did not receive the win thanks to a blown save opportunity.

Key Injuries – NONE

PROJECTED SCORE: 5


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[pm530]

National Basketball Association - Tips & Trends

NBA


Friday, April 25

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Tips and Trends
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Detroit Pistons at Philadelphia 76ers [ESPN2 | 7 PM ET]

Pistons (-4, O/U 180): Detroit's Tayshaun Prince has dominated 76ers leading scorer Andre Iguodala through the first 2 games, limiting him to 5-for-24 shooting and 20 total points. “That’s Tay,” Pistons head coach Flip Saunders said. “We had help from people, but I thought Tay did a good job initially of preventing him from getting quick looks, getting quick bursts to the basket and beating him off one step or one dribble. Tay contested pretty much every one of his shots.”

Favorite is 13-6-1 ATS in the last 20 meetings.
Road team is 8-3 ATS in the last 11 meetings.
Pistons are 2-7 ATS in their last 9 road games.

Key Injuries - NONE

PROJECTED SCORE: 92

76ers: Philadelphia earned a split in the first 2 games and now has home-court advantage in this series. However, head coach Maurice Cheeks realizes the Pistons are one of the best road teams in the NBA and have the veteran presence needed to win at Philly. “This is a (Pistons) team that understands about winning, about going on the road and winning,” Cheeks said. “They have the experience of going on the road and winning playoff games. Any team that wins 59 games obviously just didn’t win home games.”

76ers are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 games vs. Central Division.

Key Injuries - NONE

PROJECTED SCORE: 88



New Orleans Hornets at Dallas Mavericks [ESPN | 8 PM ET]

Hornets: It's been 10 years since this team has won a game at Dallas, something star point guard Chris Paul realizes as New Orleans attempts to go up 3-0. "We’re not blind to the fact that Muggsy (Bogues) was probably still running the point the last time we won there," said Paul, referring to the tiny point guard who played for the Hornets between 1988-98. "It’s a great opportunity for us to go up 3-0. We have to accept the challenge."

The OVER is 7-1 in New Orleans' last 8 games as a road underdog.
The OVER is 8-3-1 in New Orleans' last 11 Friday games.

Key Injuries - NONE

PROJECTED SCORE: 95

Mavs (-5, O/U 196): Dallas has been dominated by guards Dwyane Wade and Baron Davis in losing its last 2 playoff series the last 2 years, and Paul has been the difference so far for the Hornets. The addition of Jason Kidd hasn't meant much for the Mavs through the first 2 games, but Kidd believes a change of scenery could be all they need to get back on track. “You can always play with passion and have fun with it,” Kidd said. “We just need to relax, we’re at home, and use that to our advantage.”

Mavs are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 home games.
The UNDER is 9-3 in Dallas' last 12 games as a favorite.
The UNDER is 7-1 in the last 8 meetings at Dallas.

Key Injuries - NONE

PROJECTED SCORE: 100



San Antonio Spurs at Phoenix Suns [ESPN | 10:30 PM ET]

Spurs: The key for San Antonio in the first 2 games of this series has been hot shooting and 3-point defense. The Spurs have averaged 97.5 points per game in regulation and shot over 48 percent in each, which is far better than the 83 points per game and less than 40 percent shooting that they averaged in the last 2 regular-season losses to the Suns. Phoenix has also managed to make just 9-of-29 shots from beyond the arc through the first 2 games.

Spurs have not covered consecutive games since April 1st.
The UNDER is 10-4 in San Antonio's last 14 games as an underdog.

Key Injuries - NONE

PROJECTED SCORE: 92

Suns (-6.5, O/U 193.5): Phoenix should have a big advantage playing at home in Game 3, as the crowd certainly won't be a negative factor if the team can build a third double-digit lead against the Spurs. The home court definitely helped San Antonio rally back to win each of the first 2 games, and Suns point guard Steve Nash believes it can help turn the tide here. “We’ll feel good about going into Game 3,” Nash said. “In the playoffs, one win can change the momentum. So we just have to come out and protect homecourt.”

Suns are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 home games.

Key Injuries - NONE

PROJECTED SCORE: 101 (Side Play of the Day)

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[pm530]

MLB


Friday, April 25

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Baseball Today
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SCOREBOARD

Friday, April 25
Los Angeles at Detroit (7:05 p.m.) Ervin Santana has been nearly unhittable at home with a career record of 26-9. He tries once more to get it done on the road, where he hasn’t had nearly the success, taking his 3-0 record and 2.67 ERA to Detroit. Nate Robertson (0-2) opposes him, looking for his first win in four starts.


STARS
Thursday

— Lance Berkman, Astros, homered and drove in three runs in a 5-3 win over Cincinnati. He’s hit 18 homers at Great American Ball Park, the most by any visiting player, and raised his career batting average at the Reds’ home to .360.

— Chipper Jones, Braves, celebrated his 36th birthday by going 3-for-3 with a homer in a 7-4 win over the Marlins.

— Magglio Ordonez, Tigers, homered twice and finished with three hits while driving in four runs in an 8-2 rout of the Rangers.

— Aaron Cook, Rockies, gave up four hits and a pair of runs in eight innings of a 4-2 victory over the Cubs. Cook struck out five and walked three to win his third straight start.

— Donnie Murphy, Athletics, hit solo shots in the fifth and sixth innings for his first career multihomer game, driving in four runs in an 11-2 victory over the Twins.

— Felipe Lopez, Nationals, hit a grand slam and tied a career high with six RBIs to help Washington win for just the fourth time in 20 games, 10-5 over the Mets.


AILING

Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez rejoined the team but was not in the starting lineup against the White Sox. He’s been out with a strained right quadriceps since Sunday, but manager Joe Girardi said he might be OK to play this weekend at Cleveland.


BACK IN OAKLAND

Frank Thomas, released by the Blue Jays on Sunday after complaining about his lack of playing time, signed with Oakland and was immediately put in the lineup against Minnesota. He’ll be the team’s new DH, just as he was in the A’s 2006 playoff run and AL West championship that year. Thomas went 0-for-3 with two walks in Oakland’s 11-2 win over the Twins.


FIRST LOSS

Yankees rising star Joba Chamberlain lost his first major league game, 7-6 to the Chicago White Sox, when he gave up a run-scoring hit to Joe Crede with one out in the ninth inning. Chamberlain had given up just three runs—two earned—in 32 innings over 26 regular-season appearances since being called up last year. He gave up one earned run in 19 outings in 2007.


LONE-LY RANGERS

The Rangers dipped deeper into the AL West cellar after an 8-2 loss to Detroit. Texas has lost seven straight and was outscored 37-10 in the three-game series with the Tigers, and the scrutiny of Rangers manager Ron Washington could increase. A night earlier, after a 19-6 loss, Washington said, “Any time a team is in a losing streak, the manager’s job is on the line.”


HELP YOURSELF!

Atlanta may have won again, this time beating the Marlins 7-4, but it was no thanks to its pitching staff. Sure, four runs isn’t a dreadful outing, but consider this: Starter Chuck James and reliever Manny Acosta combined to go 0-for-3 at the plate, making Braves pitchers a combined 0-for-39 this season. Atlanta is the last team in the NL without a hit from a pitcher.


SAY HI TO MICKEY

The Rays sure seem to like playing in front of Mickey, Minnie and the gang. They swept a three-game set from Toronto in a home-away-from-home series at Disney World, Tampa Bay’s first “home” sweep since taking three from Texas at Disney last May. The Rays are 6-0 in regular-season games played there in an ongoing effort to bolster fan support in the Orlando area, which is about 90 miles east of the team’s domed stadium in St. Petersburg.


STINGY

Cleveland’s Cliff Lee pitched a three-hitter to beat Kansas City 2-0 and improve to 4-0 with an almost nonexistent 0.28 ERA this season. In 31 2-3 innings over four starts, the 6-foot-3 Lee has allowed only one run. His nine strikeouts tied his career best. It was his first shutout and fourth career complete game.


CURB APPEAL

Los Angeles unveiled a four-year upgrade plan for Dodger Stadium that owner Frank McCourt said amounts to a new home for the team built around the nearly 50-year-old core of the old. It will include a tree-lined entrance to a landscaped grand plaza beyond center field that will connect to a promenade of restaurants, shops and a Dodgers museum. It’s all planned to be done by opening day 2012, with a price tag of about $500 million.


ASTROS SOARING

Lance Berkman homered and drove in three runs to help the Astros beat Cincinnati for their fifth straight win, the longest winning streak since April 16-20 last season. Houston’s offense has led the way, scoring 41 runs during the streak.


SPEAKING

“Somebody’s got to have the most. It might as well be me.”—Astros slugger Lance Berkman, who hit his 18th homer at Great American Ball Park—the most by any visiting player—in a 5-3 win over the Reds.


SEASONS
April 25

1901—In the opener at Detroit’s Bennett Park, the Tigers beat Milwaukee in a great comeback. Trailing 13-4 going into the bottom of the ninth, the Tigers scored 10 runs for a 14-13 victory. Frank Dillon had four doubles.

1904—New York pitcher Jack CheXXXo recorded the first of his 41 victories on the season, an American League record that still stands.

1933—Yankees pitcher Russ Van Atta made a spectacular debut by blanking Washington 16-0 and going 4-for-4.

1976—Cubs center fielder Rick Monday rescued the American flag from two trespassers who tried to set it on fire in the outfield of Dodger Stadium. The incident happened in the fourth inning of a 5-4, 10-inning loss to Los Angeles.

1977—The Cincinnati Reds romped to a 23-9 victory over the Braves in Atlanta. The Reds tied a National League record by scoring 12 runs in the fifth inning off three Braves pitchers. George Foster had seven RBIs, five runs scored, two home runs, a double and a single.

1995—Major League Baseball returned after a 257-day layoff as the Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Florida Marlins 8-7. Players had gone on strike the previous season.

1997—Matt Williams hit three homers and David Justice homered twice as the Cleveland Indians and Milwaukee Brewers combined to match a major league record for home runs in a nine-inning night game with 11. Cleveland hit a club-record eight in all, including three in one inning as the Indians beat the Brewers 11-4.

2001—Rickey Henderson of the Padres set the major league walks record with his 2,063rd base on balls in San Diego’s 5-3 loss to Philadelphia.

Today’s birthdays: Robert Andino 24; J.P.Howell 25; Brian Barton 26; Sean White 27; Jacque Jones 33.

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