Sunday Trends and Indexes 4/5 (NBA, MLB, NHL, Misc.)

[pm530]

Trends and Indexes

Sunday, April 5

Good Luck on day #95 of 2009!

At this time the sports menu in this thread consists of the NBA, College Basketball, and the NHL until their seasons are played out. Also, general sports news and notes will be posted here.

NOTE:
As information becomes available, we will attempt to post the trends and indexes as soon as possible.
Information is posted from what we believe are reliable sources.
Any opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the posting member or BettorsChat.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[pm530]

Daily Sports Roundup

Sunday, April 5

Today in the Daily Sports Roundup: The Phillies and Braves begin the baseball season, the Cavaliers meet the Spurs, and the Sprint Cup Series races in Texas.

Tipping off on the hardwood . . .

San Antonio at Cleveland is just one of the marquee matchups on the NBA's slate for Sunday. The Spurs and Cavaliers met back on February 27 in San Antonio, with Cleveland rolling to a 97-86 road win as a 4.5-point favorite. LeBron James scored 30 points and picked up 14 rebounds for the Cavaliers in that matchup, while Tony Parker led a Spurs team missing Tim Duncan with 11 points

It's Portland at Houston and Utah at New Orleans in the biggest Western Conference contests on Sunday, while the desperate Suns will be on the road looking for a win against the Mavericks. Making up the rest of the day's schedule: New York at Toronto, Charlotte at Detroit, Philadelphia at New Jersey, Indiana at Oklahoma City, Golden State at Sacramento, and the Clippers at the Lakers. Kobe Bryant and company beat up on their co-tenant 108-97 back on January 21

Meeting up on the diamond . . .

The Phillies will host the Braves to get the 2009 baseball season started on Sunday night, with the first pitch scheduled for 8:05pm ET. With Cole Hamels on the shelf with a sore elbow the Phillies will send Brett Myers to the hill on Sunday night; Myers was 10-13 with a 4.55 ERA last season. The Braves will counter Myers with Derek Lowe, who they signed as a free agent over the winter. Lowe had a 14-11 record for the Dodgers in 2008, with a 3.24 ERA over his 34 outings.

Taking a trip around the rink . . .

The NHL offers up six games on Sunday, including Minnesota at Detroit in the 12:30pm ET national broadcast. The Red Wings last played on Wednesday night against the Blues, losing 5-4 thanks to four St. Louis goals from David Backes. Ty Conklin stopped just 33 of 38 shots for Detroit in that defeat. The Wild are below the playoff cutoff line in the West, and can't afford a loss Sunday afternoon

Rounding out the National Hockey League schedule for Sunday: Atlanta at Washington, Pittsburgh at Florida, Colorado at Vancouver, San Jose at Anaheim, and Chicago at Columbus. The Blue Jackets are on track to make the playoffs this season for the first time in franchise history, and they beat the rival Hawks twice during March (5-3 on the road March 13, and then 4-3 at home March 18).

Rounding out the Roundup . . .

The Sprint Cup Series will be at Texas Motor Speedway for the Samsung 500 on Sunday afternoon, with Jimmie Johnson looking for his second consecutive victory. Johnson is listed at 5/1 on the Vegas odds chart to visit victory lane on Sunday, while Carl Edwards (who won both Texas events last season) is at 4/1. Other notables and their odds to take the checkered flag: Kyle Busch (5/1), Jeff Gordon (7/1), Matt Kenseth (8/1), Dale Earnhardt Jr. (15/1), Tony Stewart (18/1).

Finally, the drivers of Formula 1 will take to the track for the second weekend in a row on Sunday when they compete in the Malaysian Grand Prix. The Brawn-Mercedes team placed its drivers 1-2 on the podium last week in Australia, with Jenson Button taking the checkered flag and Rubens Barrichello finishing in second place. Lewis Hamilton originally finished fourth, but was later disqualified.

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

[pm530]

Weekend six-pack

-- Giants cut Plaxico Burress Friday; how would you like to be his agent? Burress has lost a fortune to stupidity, an estimated $29M, what a nitwit. Guy had the world by the tail and fouled it up.

-- His agent must be really ill; 4% of $29M is a hefty $1.16M

-- Ichiro Suzuki has a bleeding ulcer, starts the season on DL, but is expected back for the Oakland series that starts Friday.

-- Absolutely no idea what the Mets will do with Gary Sheffield, who seems better suited to be a DH than play for a NL team.

-- Saturday's crowd at Ford Field, 72,456, was biggest in history of the Final Four, Monday night's crowd might be bigger.

-- After all the fuss about how great the Big East was this season, there won't be a Big East team in the national title game. Go figure.

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

Late Night Update

-- Watching San Diego Padres Saturday night, they look like a team ready to have a really bad season, but they're under new ownership so maybe that gives them a jolt of enthusiasm. And maybe not.

-- 30,609 showed at the Big A to watch the Friar-Angel exhibition, where both teams blew 9th inning leads (Angels won 5-4)..

-- North Carolina beat Michigan State 98-63 at Ford Field Dec 3rd; now the exact same matchup is for the national title Monday nite.

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

[pm530]

Sunday's List of 13: Random thoughts on a chilly night..........

13) In their last two games, North Carolina opponents shot 7 of 46 from the arc. There is some luck involved, but mostly this is superior defense by the Tar Heels. Problem for them is, Michigan State isn't a team that needs to make treys to win. UNC is in for a fight Monday.

12) Props to the Professor, the only person I know who had Izzo's Spartans in the national title game when he made out his brackets.

11) For the record, Tar Heels are 4-0 against Michigan State in the NCAA tournament, including an 87-71 win four years ago, when the Spartans made the Final Four as a #5 seed.

10) 18 of 20 starters in the Final Four were juniors or seniors; only two of Michigan State's starters are sophomores.

9) MLB Network had mike on Angel catcher Jeff Mathis when his teammate Robb Quinlan homered in sixth inning; he started yelling, "Stay fair!!! Stay fair!!!" Sounded just like Hawk Harrelson doing a Chicago White Sox game, only Hawk is a professional announcer.

8) One of the best QBs in the high school Class of 2010 is kid from Washington named Jake Heaps, who comes from the cool-sounding town of Sammamish. New U-Dub coach Steve Sarkisian already has a real good QB in Jake Locker, which is lucky for him, because all the big schools are trying to get Mr Heaps, even ones that win.

7) There is a high school junior in Florida who made field goals of 51 and 55 yards last fall; he is already committed to go to Auburn. How do kids get that good, so young?

6) Oakland A's owner Lew Wolff is a proponent of having meetings standing up, on the premise that they would be shorter and things would get done faster, but he can't get others to agree to this. Wolff was a frat brother of Bud Selig at U of Wisconsin, where I'm thinking they still sit down for classes and lectures.

5) Royals are getting some ink as being most-improved team in the American League. I'm not buying it; teams like last year's Rays are usually come-from-nowhere teams.

4) Having been there as an A's fan, it makes me sad to type this, but the key to San Diego's improvement in the next few years is going to be how much talent they can grab by trading Jake Peavy before the trading deadline-- its their best chance to get better fairly quickly. If you don't believe me, look at what the A's got for Dan Haren.

3) Is there a cooler name for a sporting event than the Frozen Four, (college hockey final 4)? It takes place next week in Washington DC.

2) As I'm typing this, Angel closer Brian Fuentes just gave up tying home run in 9th inning to San Diego's Nick Hundley, and suddenly I have hope that the Halos' bullpen will be mush, and the A's can stay in the race and pull it out in September. Ain't the spring fun?

1) From the "Its about damn time" department; Jerry Sloan will be inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame later this year, fittingly, in same ceremony as his great guard with the Jazz, John Stockton.

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

[pm530]

NBA
Long Sheet


Sunday, April 5

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

SAN ANTONIO (49 - 26) at CLEVELAND (61 - 15) - 4/5/2009, 1:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CLEVELAND is 44-32 ATS (+8.8 Units) in all games this season.
CLEVELAND is 39-26 ATS (+10.4 Units) as a favorite this season.
CLEVELAND is 24-13 ATS (+9.7 Units) in home games this season.
SAN ANTONIO is 204-163 ATS (+24.7 Units) after a non-conference game since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) in road games revenging a loss vs opponent this season.
SAN ANTONIO is 221-176 ATS (+27.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
CLEVELAND is 5-4 against the spread versus SAN ANTONIO over the last 3 seasons
SAN ANTONIO is 5-4 straight up against CLEVELAND over the last 3 seasons
6 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

PHOENIX (42 - 34) at DALLAS (45 - 31) - 4/5/2009, 3:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHOENIX is 5-4 against the spread versus DALLAS over the last 3 seasons
DALLAS is 6-4 straight up against PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
7 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

NEW YORK (29 - 46) at TORONTO (29 - 45) - 4/5/2009, 6:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEW YORK is 15-28 ATS (-15.8 Units) vs. division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
NEW YORK is 50-73 ATS (-30.3 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
NEW YORK is 19-36 ATS (-20.6 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record - 2nd half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
TORONTO is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in home games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season this season.
NEW YORK is 43-31 ATS (+8.9 Units) in all games this season.
NEW YORK is 34-19 ATS (+13.1 Units) as an underdog this season.
NEW YORK is 23-13 ATS (+8.7 Units) in road games this season.
NEW YORK is 17-5 ATS (+11.5 Units) in a road game where the total is greater than or equal to 210 this season.
NEW YORK is 30-20 ATS (+8.0 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent this season.
TORONTO is 29-42 ATS (-17.2 Units) in all games this season.
TORONTO is 26-41 ATS (-19.1 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 12-21 ATS (-11.1 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
TORONTO is 5-5 against the spread versus NEW YORK over the last 3 seasons
TORONTO is 7-3 straight up against NEW YORK over the last 3 seasons
5 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

CHARLOTTE (34 - 42) at DETROIT (36 - 39) - 4/5/2009, 6:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 6-4 against the spread versus CHARLOTTE over the last 3 seasons
DETROIT is 7-3 straight up against CHARLOTTE over the last 3 seasons
6 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

INDIANA (32 - 44) at OKLAHOMA CITY (21 - 54) - 4/5/2009, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 41-32 ATS (+5.8 Units) in all games this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
OKLAHOMA CITY is 4-1 against the spread versus INDIANA over the last 3 seasons
OKLAHOMA CITY is 3-2 straight up against INDIANA over the last 3 seasons
4 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

PORTLAND (48 - 27) at HOUSTON (48 - 28) - 4/5/2009, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 41-25 ATS (+13.5 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
PORTLAND is 18-8 ATS (+9.2 Units) after a win by 10 points or more this season.
PORTLAND is 28-14 ATS (+12.6 Units) after scoring 105 points or more over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
PORTLAND is 6-4 against the spread versus HOUSTON over the last 3 seasons
HOUSTON is 7-3 straight up against PORTLAND over the last 3 seasons
6 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

DENVER (50 - 26) at MINNESOTA (22 - 54) - 4/5/2009, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DENVER is 42-33 ATS (+5.7 Units) in all games this season.
MINNESOTA is 104-131 ATS (-40.1 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 57-71 ATS (-21.1 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 11-26 ATS (-17.6 Units) in home games this season.
MINNESOTA is 38-63 ATS (-31.3 Units) second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 16-29 ATS (-15.9 Units) after a division game over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 7-17 ATS (-11.7 Units) in home games revenging a loss vs opponent this season.
MINNESOTA is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) in home games off an upset win as an underdog this season.
MINNESOTA is 3-16 ATS (-14.6 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
MINNESOTA is 14-26 ATS (-14.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 5-13 ATS (-9.3 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season this season.
MINNESOTA is 3-11 ATS (-9.1 Units) in home games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.
MINNESOTA is 9-21 ATS (-14.1 Units) in home games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 6-5 against the spread versus DENVER over the last 3 seasons
DENVER is 9-2 straight up against MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
6 of 11 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

UTAH (46 - 30) at NEW ORLEANS (47 - 28) - 4/5/2009, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
UTAH is 5-13 ATS (-9.3 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
UTAH is 0-9 ATS (-9.9 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season this season.
NEW ORLEANS is 68-53 ATS (+9.7 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 50-36 ATS (+10.4 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 23-8 ATS (+14.2 Units) in a home game where where the total is between 190 and 194.5 points over the last 3 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 24-12 ATS (+10.8 Units) in home games revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
UTAH is 25-13 ATS (+10.7 Units) against Southwest division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 33-41 ATS (-12.1 Units) in all games this season.
NEW ORLEANS is 11-21 ATS (-12.1 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
UTAH is 6-3 against the spread versus NEW ORLEANS over the last 3 seasons
UTAH is 7-2 straight up against NEW ORLEANS over the last 3 seasons
7 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

PHILADELPHIA (39 - 35) at NEW JERSEY (31 - 44) - 4/5/2009, 7:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
NEW JERSEY is 5-5 against the spread versus PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
NEW JERSEY is 7-4 straight up against PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
6 of 11 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

GOLDEN STATE (27 - 49) at SACRAMENTO (16 - 59) - 4/5/2009, 9:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
SACRAMENTO is 7-4 against the spread versus GOLDEN STATE over the last 3 seasons
GOLDEN STATE is 7-4 straight up against SACRAMENTO over the last 3 seasons
6 of 11 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

LA CLIPPERS (18 - 57) at LA LAKERS (60 - 16) - 4/5/2009, 9:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA LAKERS is 8-3 against the spread versus LA CLIPPERS over the last 3 seasons
LA LAKERS is 9-2 straight up against LA CLIPPERS over the last 3 seasons
6 of 11 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

[pm530]

NBA


Sunday, April 5

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Sheet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1:00 PM
SAN ANTONIO vs. CLEVELAND
San Antonio is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing Cleveland
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of San Antonio's last 9 games when playing Cleveland
Cleveland is 3-9 ATS in its last 12 games
Cleveland is 13-2 SU in its last 15 games

3:30 PM
PHOENIX vs. DALLAS
Phoenix is 7-14-1 ATS in its last 22 games on the road
Phoenix is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games on the road
Dallas is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Dallas's last 5 games

6:00 PM
CHARLOTTE vs. DETROIT
Charlotte is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Detroit
Charlotte is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing Detroit
Detroit is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games
Detroit is 6-16 ATS in its last 22 games at home

6:00 PM
NEW YORK vs. TORONTO
New York is 2-7 ATS in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Toronto
New York is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Toronto
Toronto is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing New York
Toronto is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games

7:00 PM
DENVER vs. MINNESOTA
Denver is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Minnesota
Denver is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Minnesota
Minnesota is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Denver
Minnesota is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Denver

7:00 PM
INDIANA vs. OKLAHOMA CITY
Indiana is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 games on the road
Indiana is 4-16 SU in its last 20 games on the road
Oklahoma City is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Indiana
Oklahoma City is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Indiana

7:00 PM
PORTLAND vs. HOUSTON
Portland is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Portland is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Houston is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games at home
Houston is 15-2 SU in its last 17 games at home

7:00 PM
UTAH vs. NEW ORLEANS
Utah is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
Utah is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games on the road
New Orleans is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games
New Orleans is 15-6 SU in its last 21 games

7:30 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. NEW JERSEY
Philadelphia is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing New Jersey
Philadelphia is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games when playing New Jersey
New Jersey is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games when playing at home against Philadelphia
New Jersey is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Philadelphia

9:00 PM
GOLDEN STATE vs. SACRAMENTO
Golden State is 8-17 ATS in its last 25 games when playing on the road against Sacramento
Golden State is 6-19 SU in its last 25 games when playing on the road against Sacramento
Sacramento is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Golden State
Sacramento is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games at home

9:30 PM
LA CLIPPERS vs. LA LAKERS
LA Clippers are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games when playing on the road against LA Lakers
LA Clippers are 1-5 SU in their last 6 games when playing on the road against LA Lakers
LA Lakers are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games when playing LA Clippers
LA Lakers are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games when playing LA Clippers

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

[pm530]

NBA


We will update when added info and projected scores are available.

Sunday, April 5

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tips and Trends
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

San Antonio Spurs at Cleveland Cavaliers [ABC | 1 PM ET]

Spurs:

Spurs are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 Sunday games.
The UNDER is 8-3 in San Antonio's last 11 games vs. Central Division.

Key Injuries - C Fabricio Oberto (heart) is OUT.

PROJECTED SCORE: TBD

Cavs (-6.5, O/U 181):

Cavs are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 games vs. Southwest Division.
The UNDER is 5-2 in Cleveland's last 7 games overall.

Key Injuries - C Ben Wallace (shin) is OUT.

PROJECTED SCORE: TBD



Phoenix Suns at Dallas Mavericks [ABC | 3:30 PM ET]

Suns:

Suns are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 games overall.
The OVER is 8-3 in Phoenix's last 11 road games.

Key Injuries - C Amare Stoudemire (eye) is OUT.

PROJECTED SCORE: TBD

Mavs (NA):

Mavs are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games overall.
The OVER is 7-2 in Dallas' last 9 home games.

Key Injuries - F Josh Howard (wrist) is questionable.

PROJECTED SCORE: TBD

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

[pm530]

NBA


Sunday, April 5

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pick ‘n’ Roll: NBA best bets
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

San Antonio Spurs at Cleveland Cavaliers (-6.5, 181)

At this point of the season, the Cleveland Cavaliers and San Antonio Spurs should be hitting their stride in preparation for a title run. Neither has been playing like a championship-caliber team lately, though.

The Cavaliers look to break out of their funk and avoid losing three straight for the first time in a year Sunday when they host a Spurs team trying to get back on track after a lackluster defensive performance.

With the postseason less than two weeks away, Cleveland (61-15) is hoping to secure home-court advantage throughout the playoffs. The Cavs have a 3 1/2-game lead over second-place Boston in the Eastern Conference and a one-game advantage over the West-leading Los Angeles Lakers.

After having a franchise-record 13-game winning streak come to an end with Thursday's 109-101 loss to Washington - the East's worst team - Cleveland suffered a humiliating 116-87 defeat to Orlando on Friday. The Cavs shot 36.9 percent from the field and trailed by as many as 41 as the Magic handed them their most lopsided loss of the season.

"It's embarrassing," said LeBron James, who never found his rhythm, finishing with 26 points on 7-of-20 shooting.

The Cavs have lost back-to-back games for just the second time in 2008-09. They have not dropped three in a row since March 22-29 of last season.

Cleveland has the league's best scoring defense (91.3), but it's been completely out of sync over the last two games.

Pick: San Antonio +6.5



Portland Trail Blazers at Houston Rockets (-4, 186)

Four straight blowout wins have put the Portland Trail Blazers on the verge of clinching a playoff spot. They might have a tough time continuing that run at Houston.

With a chance to secure their first postseason appearance in six years, the Trail Blazers look to end their struggles on the road against the Rockets on Sunday night in a matchup of teams jockeying for position in the Western Conference.

Portland (48-27), a half-game ahead of Houston (48-28) for fourth place in the West, needs a win or a Phoenix loss entering Sunday to make the playoffs for the first time since 2003.

With seven games left, this is an excellent time for the Trail Blazers to be heating up. They've won each of their last four games by at least 20 points, including a 107-72 victory over Oklahoma City on Friday night.

"It just shows that we are growing up," said Portland forward LaMarcus Aldridge, averaging 26.4 points and 10.8 rebounds in his last five games. "I think that this team is coming together. Guys are growing up, guys are getting better and I think this is the perfect time to do it."

Aldridge has scored at least 20 points in three straight games at the Toyota Center, but his performances weren't enough to get Portland a win. The Blazers have dropped nine of their last 10 at Houston, averaging 82.8 points during that stretch.

The Rockets have allowed 91.1 points per game en route to winning 15 of their last 17 at home, including a 98-94 win over the Blazers on Feb. 24.

Pick: Over 186

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

[pm530]

MLB
Long Sheet


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

Sunday, April 5

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

ATLANTA (72 - 90) at PHILADELPHIA (103 - 73) - 8:00 PM
DEREK LOWE (R) vs. BRETT MYERS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 72-90 (-23.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 29-52 (-19.1 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 6-20 (-14.9 Units) against the money line in road games when playing on Sunday over the last 3 seasons.
ATLANTA is 71-88 (-22.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 49-61 (-16.4 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 104-59 (+34.9 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Sunday since 1997.
MYERS is 14-22 (-14.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
MYERS is 4-10 (-10.3 Units) against the money line against division opponents 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.

DEREK LOWE vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
LOWE is 4-2 when starting against PHILADELPHIA with an ERA of 2.96 and a WHIP of 1.171.
His team's record is 4-5 (-2.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 6-3. (+3.1 units)

BRETT MYERS vs. ATLANTA since 1997
MYERS is 4-7 when starting against ATLANTA with an ERA of 4.56 and a WHIP of 1.289.
His team's record is 9-10 (-4.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 6-9. (-4.0 units)

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

Monday, April 6

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

NY METS (89 - 73) at CINCINNATI (74 - 88) - 1:10 PM
JOHAN SANTANA (L) vs. AARON HARANG (R)
Top Trends for this game.
NY METS are 5-12 (-10.6 Units) against the money line when playing on Monday over the last 2 seasons.

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

JOHAN SANTANA vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
SANTANA is 1-0 when starting against CINCINNATI with an ERA of 7.05 and a WHIP of 1.892.
His team's record is 3-0 (+3.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-1. (+0.9 units)

AARON HARANG vs. NY METS since 1997
HARANG is 2-1 when starting against NY METS with an ERA of 5.85 and a WHIP of 1.500.
His team's record is 3-1 (+2.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-1. (+1.8 units)

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

COLORADO (74 - 88) at ARIZONA (82 - 80) - 3:40 PM
AARON COOK (R) vs. BRANDON WEBB (R)
Top Trends for this game.
COLORADO is 73-89 (-23.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 17-30 (-19.8 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 73-89 (-23.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 46-68 (-24.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
WEBB is 22-7 (+14.6 Units) against the money line in April games since 1997. (Team's Record)
ARIZONA is 83-80 (-14.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 55-61 (-20.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.

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

AARON COOK vs. ARIZONA since 1997
COOK is 5-4 when starting against ARIZONA with an ERA of 4.85 and a WHIP of 1.500.
His team's record is 6-10 (-4.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 9-6. (+2.6 units)

BRANDON WEBB vs. COLORADO since 1997
WEBB is 11-8 when starting against COLORADO with an ERA of 3.83 and a WHIP of 1.287.
His team's record is 15-11 (-0.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 15-10. (+4.4 units)

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

WASHINGTON (59 - 102) at FLORIDA (84 - 77) - 4:10 PM
JOHN LANNAN (L) vs. RICKY NOLASCO (R)
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 28-76 (-35.4 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 3 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 13-40 (-17.7 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 84-77 (+19.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 40-31 (+16.9 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 83-75 (+20.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
NOLASCO is 21-11 (+13.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
NOLASCO is 20-11 (+12.6 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
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

JOHN LANNAN vs. FLORIDA since 1997
No recent starts.

RICKY NOLASCO vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
NOLASCO is 4-1 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 3.67 and a WHIP of 0.961.
His team's record is 4-2 (+1.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-3. (-0.2 units)

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

PITTSBURGH (67 - 95) at ST LOUIS (86 - 76) - 4:15 PM
PAUL MAHOLM (L) vs. ADAM WAINWRIGHT (R)
Top Trends for this game.
WAINWRIGHT is 34-18 (+13.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
WAINWRIGHT is 34-18 (+13.8 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
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

PAUL MAHOLM vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
MAHOLM is 3-3 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 2.64 and a WHIP of 1.466.
His team's record is 3-4 (-0.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-4. (-1.5 units)

ADAM WAINWRIGHT vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
WAINWRIGHT is 3-2 when starting against PITTSBURGH with an ERA of 5.02 and a WHIP of 1.581.
His team's record is 4-3 (-0.8 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-5. (-4.9 units)

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

LA DODGERS (88 - 82) at SAN DIEGO (63 - 99) - 7:05 PM
HIROKI KURODA (R) vs. JAKE PEAVY (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN DIEGO is 63-98 (-35.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 35-45 (-15.7 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 63-98 (-35.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.

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

HIROKI KURODA vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
KURODA is 2-1 when starting against SAN DIEGO with an ERA of 5.66 and a WHIP of 1.646.
His team's record is 3-1 (+2.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-0. (+3.1 units)

JAKE PEAVY vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
PEAVY is 13-1 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 2.32 and a WHIP of 1.012.
His team's record is 16-6 (+11.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 12-10. (+0.5 units)

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

CHICAGO CUBS (97 - 67) at HOUSTON (86 - 75) - 7:05 PM
CARLOS ZAMBRANO (R) vs. ROY OSWALT (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO CUBS are 957-1009 (-185.7 Units) against the money line in all games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 900-925 (-163.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field since 1997.
HOUSTON is 86-75 (+21.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 14-6 (+9.5 Units) against the money line as a home underdog of +100 to +125 over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 43-35 (+13.5 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 84-74 (+19.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 63-54 (+14.4 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 60-55 (+12.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
ZAMBRANO is 63-42 (+19.6 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997. (Team's Record)
ZAMBRANO is 38-19 (+15.8 Units) against the money line in road games against division opponents since 1997. (Team's Record)
ZAMBRANO is 63-40 (+21.8 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field since 1997. (Team's Record)

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

CARLOS ZAMBRANO vs. HOUSTON since 1997
ZAMBRANO is 11-7 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 2.72 and a WHIP of 1.119.
His team's record is 15-9 (+4.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 6-17. (-12.7 units)

ROY OSWALT vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
OSWALT is 11-11 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 3.94 and a WHIP of 1.307.
His team's record is 11-14 (-8.5 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 11-14. (-4.6 units)

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

TAMPA BAY (105 - 73) at BOSTON (101 - 72) - 2:05 PM
JAMES SHIELDS (R) vs. JOSH BECKETT (R)
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 93-54 (+22.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 105-73 (+27.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 47-32 (+17.7 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 77-45 (+29.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 227-180 (-44.7 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents since 1997.
BECKETT is 5-12 (-12.2 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

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

JAMES SHIELDS vs. BOSTON since 1997
SHIELDS is 2-6 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 4.80 and a WHIP of 1.307.
His team's record is 2-8 (-6.6 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 6-4. (+1.2 units)

JOSH BECKETT vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
BECKETT is 6-3 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 3.91 and a WHIP of 1.145.
His team's record is 6-6 (-3.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-7. (-2.3 units)

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

CLEVELAND (81 - 81) at TEXAS (79 - 83) - 2:05 PM
CLIFF LEE (L) vs. KEVIN MILLWOOD (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CLEVELAND is 21-32 (-14.9 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 18-28 (-14.5 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 145-154 (+14.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 26-11 (+16.8 Units) against the money line when playing on Monday over the last 3 seasons.
LEE is 24-7 (+15.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
LEE is 50-32 (+21.5 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997. (Team's Record)
LEE is 22-11 (+14.3 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 9 to 9.5 since 1997. (Team's Record)
LEE is 16-4 (+11.9 Units) against the money line in April games since 1997. (Team's Record)
LEE is 21-6 (+13.5 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
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

CLIFF LEE vs. TEXAS since 1997
LEE is 5-2 when starting against TEXAS with an ERA of 6.42 and a WHIP of 1.549.
His team's record is 5-2 (+2.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-2. (+1.9 units)

KEVIN MILLWOOD vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
MILLWOOD is 3-1 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 4.56 and a WHIP of 1.247.
His team's record is 3-1 (+1.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-1. (+1.8 units)

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

KANSAS CITY (75 - 87) at CHI WHITE SOX (90 - 77) - 2:05 PM
GIL MECHE (R) vs. MARK BUEHRLE (L)
Top Trends for this game.
CHI WHITE SOX are 55-28 (+18.6 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 29-8 (+18.2 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 20-6 (+12.3 Units) against the money line in home games in day games over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 86-58 (+20.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
BUEHRLE is 96-47 (+32.8 Units) against the money line in home games since 1997. (Team's Record)
BUEHRLE is 35-13 (+19.7 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 since 1997. (Team's Record)
BUEHRLE is 96-47 (+32.8 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field since 1997. (Team's Record)
KANSAS CITY is 41-30 (+21.4 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 21-10 (+13.9 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +100 to +125 over the last 3 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 20-17 (+13.7 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 30-26 (+12.9 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 32-32 (+11.8 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 36-24 (+23.0 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
MECHE is 14-6 (+11.9 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
MECHE is 21-14 (+16.6 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 8 to 8.5 since 1997. (Team's Record)

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

GIL MECHE vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
MECHE is 7-3 when starting against CHI WHITE SOX with an ERA of 4.04 and a WHIP of 1.324.
His team's record is 8-6 (+2.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 6-8. (-3.1 units)

MARK BUEHRLE vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
BUEHRLE is 19-8 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 3.49 and a WHIP of 1.202.
His team's record is 25-11 (+6.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 16-19. (-5.0 units)

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

NY YANKEES (89 - 73) at BALTIMORE (68 - 93) - 4:05 PM
C.C. SABATHIA (L) vs. JEREMY GUTHRIE (R)
Top Trends for this game.
NY YANKEES are 129-87 (-53.3 Units) against the money line as a road favorite of -175 or more since 1997.
BALTIMORE is 466-510 (-110.6 Units) against the money line in home games since 1997.
BALTIMORE is 22-50 (-21.6 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 12-34 (-21.2 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 466-510 (-110.6 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field since 1997.
BALTIMORE is 238-321 (-96.2 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters since 1997.

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

C.C. SABATHIA vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
SABATHIA is 5-0 when starting against BALTIMORE with an ERA of 2.38 and a WHIP of 0.964.
His team's record is 7-2 (+4.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-4. (-0.3 units)

JEREMY GUTHRIE vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
GUTHRIE is 2-2 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 4.62 and a WHIP of 1.270.
His team's record is 3-3 (+0.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-4. (-2.2 units)

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

DETROIT (74 - 88) at TORONTO (86 - 76) - 7:15 PM
JUSTIN VERLANDER (R) vs. ROY HALLADAY (R)
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 74-88 (-30.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 49-55 (-15.6 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 48-66 (-29.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
VERLANDER is 13-20 (-13.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
HALLADAY is 86-39 (+26.7 Units) against the money line in home games since 1997. (Team's Record)
HALLADAY is 102-45 (+35.7 Units) against the money line in games played on artificial turf since 1997. (Team's Record)

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

JUSTIN VERLANDER vs. TORONTO since 1997
VERLANDER is 0-1 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 12.47 and a WHIP of 2.079.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.7 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.1 units)

ROY HALLADAY vs. DETROIT since 1997
HALLADAY is 10-2 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 1.96 and a WHIP of 0.918.
His team's record is 11-3 (+5.9 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 9-3. (+5.6 units)

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

SEATTLE (61 - 101) at MINNESOTA (88 - 75) - 8:10 PM
FELIX HERNANDEZ (R) vs. FRANCISCO LIRIANO (L)
Top Trends for this game.
SEATTLE is 61-101 (-37.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 26-55 (-22.6 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 40-69 (-28.3 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 53-28 (+18.6 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 55-30 (+19.1 Units) against the money line in games played in a dome over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 36-18 (+15.5 Units) against the money line in home games in night games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 55-33 (+16.0 Units) against the money line in games played on artificial turf over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 79-61 (+25.1 Units) against the money line in road games in April games since 1997.

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

FELIX HERNANDEZ vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
HERNANDEZ is 2-2 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 2.48 and a WHIP of 0.963.
His team's record is 4-2 (+0.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-4. (-2.3 units)

FRANCISCO LIRIANO vs. SEATTLE since 1997
LIRIANO is 2-1 when starting against SEATTLE with an ERA of 1.50 and a WHIP of 1.000.
His team's record is 2-2 (-1.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-3. (-2.4 units)

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

OAKLAND (75 - 86) at LA ANGELS (101 - 65) - 9:05 PM
DALLAS BRADEN (L) vs. JOE SAUNDERS (L)
Top Trends for this game.
LA ANGELS are 101-65 (+20.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 95-58 (+21.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
SAUNDERS is 24-8 (+14.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SAUNDERS is 23-7 (+14.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SAUNDERS is 33-13 (+17.8 Units) against the money line in night games since 1997. (Team's Record)
LA ANGELS are 91-89 (-52.1 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -150 to -175 since 1997.

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

DALLAS BRADEN vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
BRADEN is 1-0 when starting against LA ANGELS with an ERA of 1.80 and a WHIP of 1.100.
His team's record is 1-1 (+1.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-2. (-2.3 units)

JOE SAUNDERS vs. OAKLAND since 1997
SAUNDERS is 5-2 when starting against OAKLAND with an ERA of 4.44 and a WHIP of 1.479.
His team's record is 6-3 (+0.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-4. (+0.8 units)

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

[pm530]

MLB


Sunday, April 5

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Sheet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

8:00 PM
ATLANTA vs. PHILADELPHIA
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Atlanta's last 6 games
Atlanta is 7-15 SU in its last 22 games on the road
Philadelphia is 13-3 SU in its last 16 games when playing Atlanta
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 5 games when playing Atlanta

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

[pm530]

MLB


Sunday, April 5


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Game of the Day
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Atlanta Braves at Philadelphia Phillies (-132, 8.5)

Philadelphia owned Atlanta last season.

However, Brett Myers, the Phillies’ starter in Sunday’s season opener, did not.

The Phillies won 14 of 18 against the Braves, including winning all nine games in Atlanta.

But Myers went 0-2 with a 10.39 against the Braves. Atlanta hit .436 off Myers and shelled him in its meeting in late September.

It wasn’t just the Braves, either. Myers was bad against everyone to start last year and ended up costing bettors big time. Only Detroit’s Justin Verlander lost more money for bettors than Myers, who finished the season $-1,351.

Myers did rebound from the slow start and pitched well down the stretch and during the playoffs.

He lost 25 pounds in the offseason and is in the final year of his contract.

“This year has the potential to a big year for him," manager Charlie Manuel said. "I think he's ready to go and he spent a lot of time this winter working out and getting in shape and he came to spring training that way. He's looking forward to having a big season for us, and we need him to have a big season to repeat."

The Braves will counter with newcomer Derek Lowe. Last season with the Dodgers, Lowe went 3-1 in five appearances against the Phillies. He pitched well in the NLCS, but suffered a loss and a no decision.

Lowe, a sinker-baller, was especially effective last season at night, going 11-8 with a 2.86 ERA.

Philadelphia has a nearly identical lineup, with only Pat Burrell not returning. Longtime Seattle Mariner Raul Ibanez takes over Burrell duties in left field. Center fielder Shane Victorino had 14 RBIs against the Braves last year.

The Braves have two new bats in their line-up with the additions of Garrett Anderson and rookie center fielder Jordan Schafer.

Third baseman Chipper Jones sat out Saturday’s game because he was feeling ill, but he’s expected to play today. Jones hit .456 against Philadelphia last season.

Manager Bobby Cox is hoping to get more consistency from right fielder Jeff Francoeur. The youngster has never been short on talent but his lack of discipline at the dish resulted in his worst campaign in the pros.

He adjusted his swing in the offseason and it showed during Spring Training. Francoeur went 2-for-2 with a big fly yesterday afternoon pushing his Grapefruit League batting average to .328.

“He’s hit the ball hard, straight up the middle and using all fields, which is a good idea for any hitter,” Cox told reporters. “I think he looks real good right now. He could be a huge plus for us.”

Obviously, Citizens Bank Park will be rocking, with the Phillies opening defense of their first World Series title in 28 years.

In the past 10 seasons, World Series champions are 8-2 in their home-openers.

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

[pm530]

MLB


Sunday, April 5

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This day in Baseball History
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

On April 5 in Baseball History...

1925 - The Yankees whip the Dodgers in an exhibition, 16-9, but the headlines are about the Babe. Ruth collapses in the railroad station in Asheville, North Carolina, and winds up in a New York hospital. He'll undergo an operation for an ulcer on April 17 and will be in bed until May 26.

1972 - The Mets trade outfielder Ken Singleton, first baseman Mike Jorgensen, and infielder Tim Foli to the Expos for outfielder Rusty Staub.

1979 - Baltimore manager Earl Weaver wins his 1,000th game as a skipper.

1982 - Jim Kaat, 43, pitches one inning for the Cardinals in a season-opening 14-3 rout of the Astros, setting a well-earned but short-lived major league record for pitchers by playing in his 24th consecutive season. Nolan Ryan and Tommy John will later surpass Kaat in the longevity department.

1983 - In his first appearance with the Mets since 1977, Tom Seaver combines with Doug Sisk to shut out the Phillies 2-0 on five hits. It is Seaver's 14th Opening Day assignment, tying Walter Johnson's record with Washington.

1993 - The first new N.L. teams since 1969 both play their first games. The Rockies are blanked 3-0 by the Mets at Shea Stadium. The Marlins are 6-3 winners over the Dodgers at Joe Robbie Stadium.

1997 - Just one day after the stadium's first game, Turner Field holds its first slumber party. Rain showers force Saturday night's Cubs-Braves game to be suspended in the seventh inning late Saturday night, but because of the change to daylight savings time and a day game on Sunday, several players decide to spend the night in the clubhouse at the brand-new stadium. The Braves win the completion of the suspended game, 11-5, and then win the regularly scheduled game, 4-0.

1998 - The Arizona Diamondbacks get in the victory column for the first time with a 3-2 win over the Giants. Andy Benes, who lost the first game in club history in his Opening Day start, bounces back with seven strong innings in Phoenix to outpitch San Francisco's Shawn Estes. Felix Rodriguez earns the save to end the second-worst start ever (0-5) by an expansion team.

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

[pm530]

NHL
Long Sheet


Sunday, April 5

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

ATLANTA (34-38-0-6, 74 pts.) at WASHINGTON (47-23-0-8, 102 pts.) - 4/5/2009, 3:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 20-5 ATS (+12.4 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent this season.
ATLANTA is 106-118 ATS (+264.2 Units) in a road game where where the total is 6 or more since 1996.
ATLANTA is 22-18 ATS (+49.4 Units) second half of the season this season.
ATLANTA is 49-48 ATS (+113.5 Units) in road games after a division game since 1996.
WASHINGTON is 20-33 ATS (-32.9 Units) in home games after 3 or more consecutive overs since 1996.
WASHINGTON is 16-30 ATS (-29.2 Units) in home games after playing 3 consecutive home games since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 11-9-0 straight up against WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
11 of 20 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+1.7 Units)

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

PITTSBURGH (42-27-0-8, 92 pts.) at FLORIDA (38-29-0-11, 87 pts.) - 4/5/2009, 5:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
FLORIDA is 23-14 ATS (+6.2 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent this season.
FLORIDA is 17-8 ATS (+25.9 Units) after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game this season.
FLORIDA is 11-5 ATS (+16.1 Units) after scoring 1 goal or less in their previous game this season.
PITTSBURGH is 64-40 ATS (+14.0 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 122-137 ATS (-51.9 Units) in home games second half of the season since 1996.
FLORIDA is 8-18 ATS (-15.1 Units) in home games on Sunday games since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
PITTSBURGH is 7-4 (+0.7 Units) against the spread versus FLORIDA over the last 3 seasons
PITTSBURGH is 7-4-0 straight up against FLORIDA over the last 3 seasons
7 of 11 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+3.0 Units)

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

CHICAGO (42-25-0-10, 94 pts.) at COLUMBUS (40-29-0-8, 88 pts.) - 4/5/2009, 5:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO is 22-21 ATS (-13.2 Units) second half of the season this season.
CHICAGO is 6-13 ATS (-14.1 Units) vs. division opponents this season.
COLUMBUS is 40-37 ATS (-3.7 Units) in all games this season.
COLUMBUS is 23-17 ATS (+23.0 Units) second half of the season this season.
COLUMBUS is 22-16 ATS (+40.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
COLUMBUS is 8-2 ATS (+10.0 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
CHICAGO is 33-19 ATS (+12.4 Units) after a win by 2 goals or more over the last 2 seasons.
COLUMBUS is 4-14 ATS (+22.2 Units) on Sunday games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
COLUMBUS is 10-10 (+0.1 Units) against the spread versus CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
COLUMBUS is 10-10-0 straight up against CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
14 of 20 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+7.8 Units)

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

MINNESOTA (37-32-0-9, 83 pts.) at DETROIT (49-19-0-9, 107 pts.) - 4/5/2009, 5:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 59-22 ATS (+18.6 Units) after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 26-21 ATS (-21.7 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 8-3 (+2.7 Units) against the spread versus MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
DETROIT is 8-3-0 straight up against MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
4 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+0.8 Units)

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

SAN JOSE (51-15-0-11, 113 pts.) at ANAHEIM (40-32-0-6, 86 pts.) - 4/5/2009, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ANAHEIM is 150-142 ATS (+331.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1996.
SAN JOSE is 76-47 ATS (+24.8 Units) in April games since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
ANAHEIM is 11-9 (+1.4 Units) against the spread versus SAN JOSE over the last 3 seasons
ANAHEIM is 11-9-0 straight up against SAN JOSE over the last 3 seasons
13 of 18 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+6.8 Units)

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

COLORADO (31-44-0-2, 64 pts.) at VANCOUVER (42-25-0-10, 94 pts.) - 4/5/2009, 10:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
COLORADO is 16-38 ATS (+63.4 Units) in a road game where where the total is 5.5 over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 12-28 ATS (+47.7 Units) second half of the season this season.
COLORADO is 7-22 ATS (+31.3 Units) after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game this season.
COLORADO is 13-12 ATS (+31.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
VANCOUVER is 15-31 ATS (-32.1 Units) in home games in April games since 1996.
VANCOUVER is 39-42 ATS (-10.6 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
VANCOUVER is 68-89 ATS (-74.5 Units) in home games vs. division opponents since 1996.
VANCOUVER is 216-212 ATS (-24.1 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
COLORADO is 13-7 (+6.0 Units) against the spread versus VANCOUVER over the last 3 seasons
COLORADO is 13-7-0 straight up against VANCOUVER over the last 3 seasons
12 of 20 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+4.1 Units)

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

[pm530]

NHL


Sunday, April 5

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Sheet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

3:00 PM
ATLANTA vs. WASHINGTON
Atlanta is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Washington
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Atlanta's last 6 games when playing on the road against Washington
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Washington's last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Washington's last 5 games at home

5:00 PM
CHICAGO vs. COLUMBUS
Chicago is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Chicago's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Columbus's last 8 games when playing at home against Chicago
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Columbus's last 5 games when playing Chicago

5:00 PM
MINNESOTA vs. DETROIT
Minnesota is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games on the road
Minnesota is 4-14-2 SU in its last 20 games when playing Detroit
Detroit is 10-3 SU in its last 13 games when playing Minnesota
Detroit is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games

5:00 PM
PITTSBURGH vs. FLORIDA
Pittsburgh is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Florida
Pittsburgh is 4-9 SU in its last 13 games when playing on the road against Florida
Florida is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Florida's last 6 games at home

8:00 PM
SAN JOSE vs. ANAHEIM
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of San Jose's last 5 games when playing on the road against Anaheim
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of San Jose's last 13 games on the road
Anaheim is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Anaheim's last 6 games at home

10:00 PM
COLORADO vs. VANCOUVER
Colorado is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Colorado's last 5 games
Vancouver is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Colorado
Vancouver is 2-8 SU in its last 10 games when playing Colorado

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

[Udog]

MLB
Dunkel


Atlanta at Philadelphia
The Phillies are 5-0 in their last 5 home games as a favorite between -110 to -150, while the Braves are 0-4 in their last four road games with the total set between 7 and 8 1/2. Philadelphia is the pick (-120) according to Dunkel, which has the Phillies favored by 1 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (-120). Here are all of today's games

SUNDAY, APRIL 5

Game 931-932: Atlanta at Philadelphia
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta (Lowe) 15.480; Philadelphia (Myers) 17.146
Dunkel Line: Philadelphia by 1 1/2; 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Philadelphia (-120); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (-120); Under