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**pm530** · 04-09-2009, 05:14 AM

Daily Sports Roundup

Thursday, April 9

Today in the Daily Sports Roundup: Tiger Woods hits the links at Augusta in search of a Masters win, while the Lakers host the Nuggets in a Western battle.

Tipping off on the hardwood . . .

The NBA offers up three games on Thursday night, including the Nuggets on the road against the Lakers. Los Angeles is coming off an easy 122-104 win in Sacramento on Tuesday night, but they fell 90-79 in Denver as a 2-point favorite back on February 27. Chauncey Billups led the way with 22 points for the Nuggets that night, while Kobe Bryant had a game-high 29 points for the Lakers.

Rounding out the schedule: Houston at Sacramento, and Philadelphia at Chicago. The Sixers fell 101-98 to Charlotte on Tuesday night, despite 23 points and seven assists from Andre Miller. The Bulls beat the Knicks 110-103 on Tuesday night, with Kirk Hinrich tossing in 25 points. Philly got past Chicago 104-101 at home as a 3.5-point favorite when the two teams met back on March 13.

Meeting up on the diamond . . .

Chris Carpenter is expected to get the ball for the Cardinals on Thursday afternoon when they play host to the Pirates (1:40pm ET). The righthander returned from injury to pitch in four games last season, going 0-1 with a 1.76 ERA. Carpenter has thrown just 21 1-3 innings since the start of the 2007 campaign. Starting for the Pirates Thursday will be righthander Russ Ohlendorf, who posted an 0-3 mark with a 6.35 ERA in five outings with Pittsburgh in 2008.

There are just three other games in the National League on Thursday, with the Mets at Cincinnati, the Dodgers at San Diego, and Milwaukee at San Francisco. Over in the American League it'll be Detroit at Toronto, Seattle at Minnesota, Tampa Bay at Boston, Cleveland at Texas, Kansas City at the White Sox, Oakland at the Angels, and the Yankees at Baltimore. Righthander A.J. Burnett is scheduled to make his debut for the Bronx Bombers in that 1:35pm ET contest.

Taking a trip around the rink . . .

The race for the final two playoff berths in the Eastern Conference continues on Thursday on three fronts, with Montreal at Boston, Florida at Atlanta, and the Rangers hosting Philadelphia. Each of those three teams has two games remaining on their schedule; Montreal leads the pack with 92 points on the season, while New York has 91 points, and Florida sits in ninth with just 89 points.

Also on the slate for Thursday: Buffalo at Carolina, New Jersey at Ottawa, Washington at Tampa Bay, the Islanders at Pittsburgh, Dallas at Colorado, Los Angeles at Vancouver, Phoenix at San Jose, and Nashville at Detroit. The Predators trail both the Ducks and Blues by two points for the eighth and final postseason berth in the West, and can't afford a loss to Detroit on Thursday night.

Rounding out the Roundup . . .

Tiger Woods has four green jackets, and he'll be looking to add a fifth one to his wardrobe this week when the PGA Tour tees off at the year's first major tourney, The Masters. Woods is pegged as the big 2/1 Vegas favorite to grab the win on Sunday, with Phil Mickelson his nearest competitor on the odds list at just 10/1.

Following those two on the odds list for The Masters are Padraig Harrington and Sergio Garcia, both at 15/1, with Vijay Singh and Ernie Els at 20/1, Anthony Kim and Retief Goosen at 25/1, and Adam Scott at 30/1. Former Masters champ Mike Weir is tied with Jim Furyk, Justin Rose, and K.J. Choi at 35/1 odds to claim the green jacket. Defending champ Trevor Immelman is farther behind at 50/1 odds.

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**pm530** · 04-09-2009, 05:15 AM

Six-pack for Thursday

Six things that are against the law in different countries........

-- It is illegal to feed pigeons in Venice, Italy.

-- In Germany, it is illegal to stop your car along the Autobahn- it is also illegal to walk alongside it, so you better not run out of gas.

-- It is illegal to drive without a shirt on in Thailand.

-- You can get a ticket in Moscow for driving too dirty a car.

-- You can get a $270 ticket in Grenada for walking on city streets in nothing but a bathing suit.

-- Kissing in train stations is illegal in some parts of England.

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Late Night Update

-- Gritty, gutty A's scored six runs in last two innings, rallying for a stunning 6-4 win in Anaheim when the Angels had led 4-0 after the 7th inning. Nomar Garciaparra tied the game with a two-out pinch hit, then Ellis, Holliday added RBI singles to cap a 3-run ninth.

-- Tim Clark won the par-3 tournament at Augusta; no one has won the par 3 tournament, then won the Masters the same week.

-- Astros hit five homers but lost 11-6 to Cubs, after falling behind 8-0 in the second inning.

-- In their first two games, Bronx starting pitchers faced 46 hitters: 25 reached base, 13 scored, zero struck out.

-- Yovani Gallardo helped his own cause with a three-run homer as Milwaukee got its first win of the season, 4-2 at San Francisco.

-- Manny Ramirez' tie-breaking double helped the Dodgers to a 5-2 win at Petco. Like him or not, the man is a great hitter.

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Thursday's List of 13: Nobody asked me, but..........

13) Coolest moment of the par-3 tournament at Augusta was on the hole where Gary Player hit his tee shot in the water, then teed it up again and holed out, for maybe the greatest par of his long career.

12) Since the beginning of last season, LA Angels are 94-26 if they give up less than six runs, 7-38 if they give up six runs or more.

11) Atlanta Brave pitchers walked four batters with bases loaded in a 12-11 loss to the Phillies Wednesday; Braves led 10-3 in the seventh, before all hell broke loose. Atlanta had allowed a total of one run in winnng their first two games at Citizen Bank Park.

10) Arizona State's James Harden declared for the NBA Draft; don't think his jumper is good enough yet to make him a quality player in the Association, but he has all summer to work on it. Decisions like this one shape the results of 2010's March Madness; Arizona State is now a longshot to make the tournament, much less make noise in it.

9) Luis Gonzalez has a weird stat for his career: in 2,591 games, he had 2,591 hits. Pretty hard to do.

8) Florida's Ricky Nolasco walked 42 batters LY; only four of them scored (9.5%); of the other 227 runners he put on base, 84 (37%) of them crossed the plate.

7) David Wright had the most ABs with runner(s) in scoring position last year, 189. He hit only .243 in those ABs.

6) Alfonso Soriano swung at 975 pitches LY; he hit 355 foul balls, he put 354 balls in play, and swung/missed a hefty 266 times (27%).

5) NBA's Oklahoma City Thunder practice in a facility that used to be a roller skating rink.

4) You can buy season tickets to Atlanta Brave games in upper level for less than $3 a ticket-- who wouldn't do that? Excellent bargain.

3) I like leadoff hitters who take pitches; Detroit's Curtis Granderson had only 17 one-pitch ABs last year, fewest in the major leagues.

2) Weird thing-- two different Michigan State players broke their foot during Monday night's loss to North Carolina. Both had surgery on their feet Wednesday.

1) Washington's Daniel Cabrera is 8-11 since the start of last year; in his eight wins, he is 8-0, 2.28, with eight walks, 29 strikeouts. In the other 23 starts, he is 0-11, 6.73, with 84 walks, 70 strikeouts.

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**pm530** · 04-09-2009, 05:16 AM

NBA
Long Sheet

Thursday, April 9

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PHILADELPHIA (40 - 37) at CHICAGO (38 - 40) - 4/9/2009, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 9-18 ATS (-10.8 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.
CHICAGO is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season this season.
CHICAGO is 10-23 ATS (-15.3 Units) against Atlantic division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO is 36-49 ATS (-17.9 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHILADELPHIA is 6-3 against the spread versus CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
PHILADELPHIA is 6-4 straight up against CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
7 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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HOUSTON (50 - 28) at SACRAMENTO (16 - 61) - 4/9/2009, 10:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
SACRAMENTO is 7-2 against the spread versus HOUSTON over the last 3 seasons
HOUSTON is 7-2 straight up against SACRAMENTO over the last 3 seasons
5 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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DENVER (52 - 26) at LA LAKERS (62 - 16) - 4/9/2009, 10:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LA LAKERS are 96-82 ATS (+5.8 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
LA LAKERS are 50-34 ATS (+12.6 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
LA LAKERS are 33-15 ATS (+16.5 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
DENVER is 44-33 ATS (+7.7 Units) in all games this season.
DENVER is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season this season.
DENVER is 24-15 ATS (+7.5 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.
LA LAKERS are 15-32 ATS (-20.2 Units) in home games second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA LAKERS is 10-4 against the spread versus DENVER over the last 3 seasons
LA LAKERS is 10-4 straight up against DENVER over the last 3 seasons
10 of 14 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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**pm530** · 04-09-2009, 05:17 AM

NBA
Write-up

Thursday, April 9

Hot Teams
-- Bulls won nine of their last twelve games.
-- Rockets won seven of their last ten games.
-- Nuggets won their last eight games (6-2 vs spread). Lakers won nine of their last eleven games.

Cold Teams
-- 76ers lost last three road games, by 4-29-3 points.
-- Sacramento lost its last five games, failed to cover its last three.

Totals
-- Last three Chicago games stayed under the total; over is 8-4 in 76ers' last twelve games. .
-- Five of last six Sacramento games went over the total.
-- Eight of last nine Laker games stayed under the total.

Back-to-Back
-- 76ers covered four of last five if they play again the next night.
-- Houston is 2-6-1 vs spread the last nine times they had a game again the next night.
-- Nuggets covered three of last four games if they played night before.

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**pm530** · 04-09-2009, 05:17 AM

NBA

Thursday, April 9

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Trend Sheet
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8:00 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. CHICAGO
Philadelphia is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Chicago
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Philadelphia's last 5 games when playing Chicago
Chicago is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Chicago's last 6 games

10:00 PM
HOUSTON vs. SACRAMENTO
Houston is 18-7 SU in its last 25 games
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Houston's last 15 games
Sacramento is 2-6-1 ATS in its last 9 games when playing at home against Houston
Sacramento is 14-4 SU in its last 18 games when playing at home against Houston

10:30 PM
DENVER vs. LA LAKERS
Denver is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Denver is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
LA Lakers are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games when playing at home against Denver
LA Lakers are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games when playing at home against Denver

7:00 PM
CLEVELAND vs. PHILADELPHIA
Cleveland is 15-2 SU in its last 17 games
Cleveland is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing Philadelphia
Philadelphia is 12-6 ATS in its last 18 games when playing at home against Cleveland
Philadelphia is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games when playing at home against Cleveland

7:00 PM
NEW YORK vs. ORLANDO
New York is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games
New York is 9-1 ATS in its last 10 games on the road
Orlando is 10-5 ATS in its last 15 games when playing New York
Orlando is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing New York

7:30 PM
INDIANA vs. ATLANTA
Indiana is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
Indiana is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
Atlanta is 11-3-1 ATS in its last 15 games at home
Atlanta is 1-3-1 ATS in its last 5 games at home

7:30 PM
MIAMI vs. BOSTON
Miami is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Boston
Miami is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games when playing Boston
Boston is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Miami
Boston is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing Miami

8:00 PM
CHARLOTTE vs. OKLAHOMA CITY
Charlotte is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Oklahoma City
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Charlotte's last 5 games when playing Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Oklahoma City is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games at home

8:00 PM
NEW JERSEY vs. DETROIT
New Jersey is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Detroit
New Jersey is 2-8 SU in its last 10 games when playing Detroit
Detroit is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing New Jersey
Detroit is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games when playing New Jersey

8:00 PM
PHOENIX vs. MEMPHIS
Phoenix is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Memphis
Phoenix is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Memphis
Memphis is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Phoenix
Memphis is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Phoenix

8:00 PM
WASHINGTON vs. TORONTO
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Washington's last 5 games when playing Toronto
Washington is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games
Toronto is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games at home
Toronto is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games at home

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**pm530** · 04-09-2009, 05:18 AM

NBA

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

Thursday, April 9

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Tips and Trends
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Philadelphia 76ers at Chicago Bulls [TNT | 8 PM ET]

76ers: Philadelphia is in danger of losing the sixth playoff spot in the Eastern Conference with a loss here after dropping three straight on the road. The 76ers are 2.5 games ahead in the standing but could see that lead decrease to 1.5 with a loss at Chicago. “We just want to go into the playoffs playing our best basketball,” Philly forward Andre Iguodala said after the team's latest loss at Charlotte. “I think we played great in the second half. We just need to carry that good play into the playoffs."

76ers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games overall.
The OVER is 5-0-1 in the last 6 meetings.

Key Injuries - F Thaddeus Young (ankle) is OUT.

PROJECTED SCORE: TBD

Bulls (-6, O/U 202): Chicago can clinch a playoff berth with a victory and loss by Charlotte on Friday. The Bulls have made their push for the playoffs thanks to a great run at home, where they have won five straight and 12 of 13. One of the key players who has helped put the team in position is John Salmons, who was acquired along with Brad Miller before the trade deadline. “Every win is great for us, because it keeps our confidence going, it keeps our momentum going,” Salmons said. “We definitely want to clinch a playoff spot as fast as possible.”

Bulls are 10-2 ATS in their last 12 home games.
The UNDER is 3-0 in Chicago's last 3 games overall.

Key Injuries - F Luol Deng (shin) is OUT.

PROJECTED SCORE: TBD

Denver Nuggets at Los Angeles Lakers [TNT | 10:30 PM ET]

Nuggets:

Nuggets are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 games overall.
The UNDER is 20-8 in Denver's last 28 games as an underdog.

Key Injuries - F Kenyon Martin (ribs) is probable.

PROJECTED SCORE: TBD

Lakers (-8.5, O/U 210.5):

Lakers are 9-2 ATS in the last 11 meetings.
The UNDER is 16-5-1 in LA's last 22 games as a favorite.

Key Injuries - C Andrew Bynum (knee) is probable.

PROJECTED SCORE: TBD

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**pm530** · 04-09-2009, 05:19 AM

NBA

Thursday, April 9

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Pick ‘n’ Roll: NBA best bets
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Philadelphia 76ers at Chicago Bulls (-6, 202)

While the 76ers have a bit of a cushion over the Bulls, it won't last long if they don't start playing better.

After posting a season-low point total in a 96-67 loss to New Jersey on Sunday, the 76ers fell 101-98 at Charlotte on Tuesday for their third straight road defeat and second consecutive loss overall since a three-game win streak.

Philadelphia erased a 20-point second-quarter deficit and took a three-point lead with 1:42 remaining Tuesday, but was outscored 6-0 the rest of the way.

"We just want to go into the playoffs playing our best basketball," said forward Andre Iguodala, who scored 12 of his 19 points after halftime. "I think we played great in the second half. We just need to carry that good play into the playoffs.

"These next few regular season games will be very important."

Andre Miller had 23 points and Louis Williams added 20 for the Sixers.

Philadelphia fell a half-game behind Miami, and it faces a brutal closing stretch as it tries to regain fifth place in the East. The 76ers have two games against conference-leading Cleveland and one at Boston among their final five games.

While the Bulls have been tough to beat at home and Philadelphia is struggling on the road, the Sixers have won three straight in Chicago, taking the most recent meeting there 103-95 in overtime Dec. 2.

Iguodala is averaging 21.6 points against the Bulls over the last two seasons and 24.0 in the last three games at the United Center.

Pick: Chicago -6

Houston Rockets at Sacramento Kings (N/A)

The Houston Rockets acquired Ron Artest from the Sacramento Kings last summer in an attempt to add insurance in case injury-prone stars Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming struggled to stay healthy again in 2008-09.

With McGrady out for the season and Artest playing a crucial role for Houston, it's looking like a smart move.

Artest returns to Sacramento for the first time since the trade and the Rockets look to use the opener of a favorable two-game road trip to improve their playoff position Thursday night when they meet the league-worst Kings.

Houston (50-28) has reached 50 wins for the third consecutive season in large part because Artest has been a strong addition to the starting lineup since McGrady was lost for the season with a knee injury that required microfracture surgery.

Since McGrady's last game Feb. 9, Artest is averaging 19.3 points in 26 straight starts. The Rockets are 19-7 in that stretch.

Artest may be even more valuable defensively. He helped the Rockets hold Orlando to its lowest point total in nearly two months in a 93-83 victory Tuesday night. The Magic shot 38.0 percent from the field.

"The defense was good, we helped each other out," said Artest, who had 16 points, six rebounds and seven assists but went 6-for-21 from the field. "We stuck to the game plan."

That win helped Houston in its fight for playoff position in the tightly packed Western Conference. The Rockets know they have an opportunity to improve their standing on this road trip against the last-place Kings (16-61) and lottery-bound Golden State.

The Rockets are 18-20 on the road, where they've dropped three straight.

Pick: Under

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**pm530** · 04-09-2009, 05:19 AM

MLB
Write-up

Thursday, April 9

Hot Pitchers
-- Reds are 10-4 in Arroyo's last fourteen home starts. Mets are 7-1 in last eight Perez road outings.
-- Carpenter had a 3.14 RA in three starts last season.
-- Dodgers won last five Kershaw starts, scoring 34 runs.

-- Red Sox were 13-4 in Matsuzaka home starts LY. Garza is 2-0, 2.84 in his last three starts.
-- Burnett, whose wife is from Maryland and who Orioles thought they might sign as free agent, was 2-0, 2.25 in his last four starts in 2008.
-- Davies is 3-0, 1.29 in his last three starts. Danks is 4-1, 2.84 in his last five starts.
-- Weaver had a 2.07 RA in two starts against Oakland LY.

Cold Pitchers
-- Perez is 0-0, 7.01 in his last five starts.
-- Ohlendorf was 0-3, 7.15 in five starts LY.
-- Correia is 1-2, 7.09 in his last five starts.
-- Milwaukee lost Parra's last four road starts (0-3, 7.58).

-- Porcello was 8-6, 2.66 in 24 starts in A ball LY, his only pro season. Romero is also making his first major league start here.
-- Perkins is 1-1, 8.55 in his last six starts. Washburn is 0-5, 6.49 in his last six outings.
-- Simon allowed three runs in 7.2 IP in his only '08 start, against Rays.
-- Pavano is 2-2, 7.33 in his last five starts. McCarthy was 1-1, 4.50 in five starts for Texas last season.
-- Lefty Anderson is making major league debut for Oakland.

Hot Teams
-- Mets won their first two games, 2-1/9-7.
-- Pirates won two of first three games against St Louis.
-- Dodgers won two of their first three games.

-- Blue Jays won two of first three games against the Tigers.
-- Twins won two of first three games against Seattle.
-- Orioles won first two games, scoring 17 runs.
-- Rangers won first two games, scoring 17 runs.
-- A's won last two games, with bullpen winning both.

Cold Teams
-- Reds lost their first two games, 2-1/9-7.
-- Cardinals lost two of first three games against Pittsburgh.
-- Padres lost two of their first three games.

-- Detroit lost two of first three games against the Blue Jays.
-- Mariners lost two of first three games in Minnesota.
-- Bronx lost first two games; starting pitchers have no strikeouts in a total of eight IP.
-- Indians lost first two games, allowing 17 runs.
-- Angel bullpen got beat by Oakland the last two nights.

Totals
-- Under is 8-3-1 in last dozen Arroyo starts; over is 8-1-1 in last ten Perez starts.
-- First three Pirate-Cardinal games all went over the total.
-- Under is 2-0-1 in first three Dodger-Padre games.
-- Six of last seven Parra starts went over the total.

-- Two of first three Detroit-Toronto games stayed under the total.
-- Seven of last eight Perkins starts went over the total.
-- Six of last eight Garza road starts stayed under the total.
-- Under is 4-1-1 in last six Burnett starts.
-- Five of last seven Davies starts stayed under the total.
-- Four of last five Pavano starts went over the total.
-- Over is 6-4 in Weaver's last ten starts.

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**pm530** · 04-09-2009, 05:20 AM

MLB
Trend Sheet

Thursday, April 9

12:35 PM
NY METS vs. CINCINNATI
NY Mets are 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing Cincinnati
NY Mets are 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
Cincinnati is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
Cincinnati is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing NY Mets

12:37 PM
DETROIT vs. TORONTO
Detroit is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
Detroit is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games on the road
Toronto is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Detroit
Toronto is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing Detroit

1:10 PM
SEATTLE vs. MINNESOTA
Seattle is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Minnesota
Seattle is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games when playing Minnesota
Minnesota is 15-7 SU in its last 22 games at home
Minnesota is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games when playing Seattle

1:35 PM
NY YANKEES vs. BALTIMORE
NY Yankees are 7-2 SU in their last 9 games when playing Baltimore
NY Yankees are 2-4 SU in their last 6 games on the road
Baltimore is 7-17 SU in its last 24 games at home
Baltimore is 3-11 SU in its last 14 games

1:35 PM
TAMPA BAY vs. BOSTON
Tampa Bay is 12-6 SU in its last 18 games when playing Boston
Tampa Bay is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Boston is 6-12 SU in its last 18 games when playing Tampa Bay
Boston is 16-7 SU in its last 23 games when playing at home against Tampa Bay

1:40 PM
PITTSBURGH vs. ST. LOUIS
Pittsburgh is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against St. Louis
Pittsburgh is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games on the road
St. Louis is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Pittsburgh
St. Louis is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Pittsburgh

2:05 PM
CLEVELAND vs. TEXAS
Cleveland is 10-5 SU in its last 15 games when playing on the road against Texas
Cleveland is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games
Texas is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
Texas is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games

2:05 PM
KANSAS CITY vs. CHI WHITE SOX
Kansas City is 1-4 SU in their last 5 games when playing on the road against Chi White Sox
Kansas City is 2-6 SU in their last 8 games when playing Chi White Sox
Chi White Sox are 2-4 SU in their last 6 games
Chi White Sox are 5-2 SU in their last 7 games at home

3:35 PM
LA DODGERS vs. SAN DIEGO
LA Dodgers are 6-2 SU in their last 8 games when playing San Diego
LA Dodgers are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing on the road against San Diego
San Diego is 2-6 SU in their last 8 games when playing LA Dodgers
San Diego is 1-4 SU in their last 5 games when playing at home against LA Dodgers

7:05 PM
MILWAUKEE vs. SAN FRANCISCO
Milwaukee is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
Milwaukee is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing San Francisco
San Francisco is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games when playing Milwaukee
San Francisco is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Milwaukee

10:05 PM
OAKLAND vs. LA ANGELS
Oakland is 5-2 SU in their last 7 games when playing LA Angels
Oakland is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games on the road
LA Angels are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games at home
LA Angels are 2-5 SU in their last 7 games

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**pm530** · 04-09-2009, 05:23 AM

MLB

Thursday, April 9

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Hot lines: Today’s best MLB bets
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Kansas City Royals at Chicago White Sox (-150, 8.5)

Although the Chicago White Sox made a quick exit from the 2008 postseason, John Danks had a successful and memorable second season in the major leagues.

Making his 2009 debut on Thursday afternoon at U.S. Cellular Field, the left-hander faces the Kansas City Royals (1-1) at home for the first time since a very forgettable performance.

Although just 23 years old, Danks (12-9 in 2008), who was fifth in the AL last season with a 3.32 ERA, has already proven he's a big-game pitcher. A win over Minnesota in last season's one-game divisional playoff to decide the Central title and a victory against the Tampa Bay Rays in Game 3 of the division series proved that.

Danks is 1-0 with a 3.28 ERA in four career starts against the Royals, but in his last home start against Kansas City on July 20, the southpaw allowed six runs and nine hits in just four innings in an 8-7 loss. The Royals tagged him for four straight hits and four first-inning runs to begin the contest.

"Danks is a pretty tough pitcher,'' Kansas City shortstop Mike Aviles said after getting three hits in that win. "We got to him early and we never gave him a chance to settle in."

Aviles was 2-for-3 and scored both of the Royals' runs in Wednesday's 2-0 win over Chicago. White Sox starter Gavin Floyd struck out nine and allowed six hits in seven innings as Chicago was shut out at home by the Royals for the first time since a 9-0 loss on Aug. 3, 1995.

Pick: Kansas City +142

Pittsburgh Pirates at St. Louis Cardinals (-191, 8)

The Pittsburgh Pirates hadn't won a season series in St. Louis this decade prior to taking five of nine meetings there in 2008.

With another victory, they'll have a great head start toward doing it again.

The Pirates will try to leave Busch Stadium with their third win in four games Thursday afternoon against the Cardinals when they face former NL Cy Young winner Chris Carpenter, who has dominated Pittsburgh in his injury-plagued career.

The Pirates (2-1) were a dismal 23-42 in St. Louis from 2000-2007, but edged the Cardinals 5-4 in the season series at Busch last season thanks in large part to an offense that produced 53 runs.

Pittsburgh only has six games in St. Louis to worry about this season, but given its performance there thus far, it may wish it had a few more. The Pirates scored four runs to cap a ninth-inning comeback victory on Monday, then after a loss Tuesday pounded out 17 hits Wednesday in a 7-4 win.

Pittsburgh's looked good early on thanks primarily to three unexpected sources of offense - leadoff hitter and left fielder Nyjer Morgan, and the middle infield combination of Freddy Sanchez and Jack Wilson.

Morgan was expected to be the team's center fielder last season before he wound up being replaced by All-Star Nate McLouth, and Morgan drove in a total of seven runs in 160 at-bats. He already has three this season and is 6-for-15 (.400).

Sanchez, the NL's 2006 batting champion, saw his average fall to a career-low .271 last season, but he's already had three multi-hit games, including a four-hit game Wednesday.

"Freddy can hit,'' manager John Russell said. "He went through a lot last year, didn't feel quite right I don't think all year long. I think he was really anxious to get the season going.''

Wilson, meanwhile, also had four hits and drove in two - his second multi-RBI game.

Pick: Pittsburgh +180

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**pm530** · 04-09-2009, 05:24 AM

MLB
Baseball Today

SCOREBOARD

Thursday, April 9

Pittsburgh at St. Louis (1:40 p.m. EDT). The Cardinals send Chris Carpenter to the mound for the finale of their season-opening four-game series against the Pirates. The right-hander is hoping to put together a big year after injuries cost him most of the last two seasons.

STARS

Wednesday

-Brandon Inge, Tigers, became the first Detroit player in more than a half-century to homer in the first three games of the season with a solo shot during a 5-1 win at Toronto.

-Manny Ramirez, Dodgers, hit a tiebreaking two-run double in the seventh inning and finished with three RBIs in Los Angeles' 5-2 win at San Diego.

-Kosuke Fukudome, Cubs, had four hits and scored a career-high four runs to lead Chicago to an 11-6 victory at Houston.

-Carlos Delgado, Mets, homered and drove in four runs in New York's 9-7 win at Cincinnati.

-Miguel Cabrera, Tigers, homered twice in a 5-1 victory over Toronto. He is 7-for-10 with two walks this season.

-Brian McCann and Jordan Schafer, Braves, each hit a two-run homer in Atlanta's 12-11 loss to Philadelphia.

-Carlos Pena, Rays, hit a two-run homer after striking out in his first five at-bats of the season, highlighting Tampa Bay's 7-2 win at Boston.

-Elvis Andrus, Rangers, hit his first major league home run in an 8-5 victory over Cleveland. The 20-year-old rookie shortstop was in Double-A last year.

-Koji Uehara, Orioles, allowed one run over five innings in his major league debut, a 7-5 win over the New York Yankees. The 34-year-old right-hander played 10 seasons in Japan.

-Freddy Sanchez, Pirates, went 4-for-5 for his third straight multi-hit game to open the year and Pittsburgh won 7-4 at St. Louis.

-Chris Volstad, Marlins, allowed one earned run and two hits over five solid innings in Florida's 6-4 victory over Washington.

-Franklin Morales, Rockies, gave up one run and four hits in six sharp innings, leading Colorado to a 9-2 win over Arizona.

A LITTLE DIFFERENT

Scott Kazmir's strong start at Fenway Park held up this time. Kazmir pitched six innings and the bullpen preserved the lead in the Tampa Bay Rays' 7-2 victory over the Boston Red Sox. In his final game at Fenway last year, Kazmir was on track to be the winning pitcher in Game 5 that would have clinched the AL championship series. He left after six innings leading 5-0, but the Rays lost 8-7 after Grant Balfour allowed four runs, Dan Wheeler gave up three and J.P. Howell allowed the winning run in the ninth.

WELCOME TO THE BIGS

Elvis Andrus reached the majors so soon because the Texas Rangers thought he could help shore up their infield defense. The rookie showed Wednesday night that he can hit a little, too. Andrus hit his first career homer to lead the Rangers past the Cleveland Indians 8-5. The 20-year-old Andrus, who is 3-for-8 to start the season, was in Double-A last season and he got the shortstop job before the season started. Five-time All-Star Michael Young moved to third base to accommodate Andrus.

GEE, THANKS

Franklin Morales was terrific in Colorado's 9-2 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks. His reward: a trip back to the minors. Morales allowed one run and four hits, struck out six and walked one. But as had been determined before the game, the 23-year-old right-hander was optioned to Triple-A Colorado Springs to make room for right-hander Jason Hammel, acquired Sunday in a trade with Tampa Bay.

QUIRKY DAY

Albert Pujols set a franchise record for a Cardinals first baseman with seven assists - the most in the majors by a first baseman since the Pirates' Bob Robertson had eight on June 21, 1971. St. Louis lost 7-4 to the Pittsburgh Pirates. ... Four Phillies walked with the bases loaded during an eight-run seventh inning and Philadelphia rallied for a 12-11 victory over the Atlanta Braves. ... Yovani Gallardo pitched neatly into the seventh inning and became the first pitcher to homer off Randy Johnson, leading the Milwaukee Brewers to a 4-2 victory over the San Francisco Giants.

AT LAST

Pittsburgh defeated St. Louis 7-4 behind Zach Duke, who allowed three runs and five hits in 6 1-3 innings for his first victory over the Cardinals since a complete game on Aug. 11, 2006, at home. ... The Chicago Cubs beat the Houston Astros 11-6 to win an opening series for the first time since they took two of three from the New York Mets to begin the 2003 season. ... Dan Uggla hit a tiebreaking three-run double and the Florida Marlins beat the Washington Nationals 6-4 to improve to 3-0 for only the second time. The other was in 1997, when Florida won the first of two World Series titles. ... Dexter Fowler, Yorvit Torrealba and Ian Stewart homered, and Colorado beat Arizona 9-2 to win a series against the Diamondbacks for the first time in two years.

SPEAKING

"What we did today means nothing tomorrow, and you've got to move on. What's done is done.'' - Manny Ramirez after driving in three runs in the Los Angeles Dodgers' 5-2 victory over the San Diego Padres.

SEASONS

April 9

1913 - Ebbets Field opened in Brooklyn and the Philadelphia Phillies defeated the Dodgers 1-0 before a crowd of 10,000. The stadium, which cost $750,000 to build, was named after Charles Ebbets, the club's principal owner.

1947 - Dodgers manager Leo Durocher was suspended for one year by commissioner Happy Chandler for "the accumulation of unpleasant incidents'' detrimental to baseball.

1959 - The Baltimore Orioles, playing against the Washington Senators, became the first team in history to execute a triple play on opening day. The Senators won the game, 9-2.

1965 - The Houston Astrodome opened with an exhibition game between the New York Yankees and Astros. President Johnson attended and Gov. John Connally threw out the first ball. Mickey Mantle hit the first home run, but the Astros won 2-1 in 12 innings.

1969 - Billy Williams of Chicago hit four consecutive doubles to lead the Cubs to an 11-3 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies.

1981 - Fernando Valenzuela made his first major league start a stunning success by pitching a 2-0, five-hit triumph over the Houston Astros in Los Angeles. He would go on to win his first eight games.

1985 - Chicago's Tom Seaver made his 15th opening day start to break Christy Mathewson's record. Seaver pitched 6 2-3 innings and was credited with the victory as the White Sox beat the Milwaukee Brewers 4-2.

1993 - The Colorado Rockies beat the Montreal Expos 11-4 for their first win and set a National League record for attendance in their home debut. The crowd of 80,227 broke the record of 78,672 set on April 18, 1958, by the Los Angeles Dodgers.

2000 - In a 13-7 win over Kansas City, Minnesota's Ron Coomer, Jacque Jones and Matt LeCroy hit consecutive home runs. The Royals' Carlos Beltran, Jermaine Dye and Mike Sweeney repeated the feat, marking the first time in major league history that both teams hit three consecutive home runs in the same game.

2003 - Detroit became the second major league team to start successive seasons 0-7 after a 9-6 loss to Kansas City. The Tigers started 0-11 last year. The 1962-63 New York Mets started 0-9 and 0-8 in their first two seasons.

2006 - Cory Sullivan tied a major league record by hitting two triples during a seven-run fifth inning, helping Colorado rout San Diego 10-4.

Today's birthday: Dennis Sarfate 28.

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**pm530** · 04-09-2009, 05:26 AM

NHL
Long Sheet

Thursday, April 9

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BUFFALO (38-32-0-9, 85 pts.) at CAROLINA (45-28-0-7, 97 pts.) - 4/9/2009, 7:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
BUFFALO is 7-4 (+2.3 Units) against the spread versus CAROLINA over the last 3 seasons
BUFFALO is 7-4-0 straight up against CAROLINA over the last 3 seasons
6 of 11 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+0.3 Units)

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PHILADELPHIA (43-25-0-11, 97 pts.) at NY RANGERS (41-30-0-9, 91 pts.) - 4/9/2009, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NY RANGERS are 14-3 ATS (+9.8 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
NY RANGERS are 88-84 ATS (+199.2 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
NY RANGERS are 124-139 ATS (-86.6 Units) in home games second half of the season since 1996.
NY RANGERS are 75-83 ATS (-48.7 Units) in home games vs. division opponents since 1996.
NY RANGERS are 58-68 ATS (-44.7 Units) in home games after a win by 2 goals or more since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY RANGERS is 13-7 (+3.1 Units) against the spread versus PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
NY RANGERS is 13-7-0 straight up against PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
10 of 19 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+0.4 Units)

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MONTREAL (41-29-0-10, 92 pts.) at BOSTON (51-17-0-11, 113 pts.) - 4/9/2009, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MONTREAL is 41-39 ATS (-14.7 Units) in all games this season.
MONTREAL is 20-24 ATS (-11.3 Units) second half of the season this season.
MONTREAL is 36-43 ATS (-17.8 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 36-23 ATS (+62.8 Units) after a division game over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MONTREAL is 18-10 (+4.2 Units) against the spread versus BOSTON over the last 3 seasons
MONTREAL is 18-10-0 straight up against BOSTON over the last 3 seasons
13 of 24 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+1.2 Units)

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FLORIDA (39-30-0-11, 89 pts.) at ATLANTA (34-40-0-6, 74 pts.) - 4/9/2009, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
FLORIDA is 213-238 ATS (-77.2 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record since 1996.
FLORIDA is 103-128 ATS (-61.4 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season since 1996.
ATLANTA is 22-20 ATS (+53.5 Units) second half of the season this season.
ATLANTA is 12-4 ATS (+16.9 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season this season.
FLORIDA is 11-6 ATS (+18.9 Units) revenging a home loss versus opponent this season.
FLORIDA is 24-14 ATS (+39.5 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent this season.
FLORIDA is 12-5 ATS (+6.9 Units) after scoring 1 goal or less in their previous game this season.
ATLANTA is 15-32 ATS (-25.4 Units) in home games after allowing 4 goals or more over the last 3 seasons.
ATLANTA is 11-23 ATS (-16.6 Units) in home games after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 11-10 (+2.0 Units) against the spread versus FLORIDA over the last 3 seasons
ATLANTA is 11-10-0 straight up against FLORIDA over the last 3 seasons
14 of 19 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+8.6 Units)

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WASHINGTON (49-23-0-8, 106 pts.) at TAMPA BAY (24-38-0-18, 66 pts.) - 4/9/2009, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 17-9 ATS (+28.2 Units) in road games after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 24-56 ATS (-99.6 Units) in all games this season.
TAMPA BAY is 5-17 ATS (+32.3 Units) vs. division opponents this season.
TAMPA BAY is 9-26 ATS (+47.7 Units) after allowing 4 goals or more this season.
TAMPA BAY is 16-40 ATS (+63.4 Units) after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 13-8 (+6.4 Units) against the spread versus TAMPA BAY over the last 3 seasons
WASHINGTON is 13-8-0 straight up against TAMPA BAY over the last 3 seasons
15 of 20 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+9.6 Units)

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NASHVILLE (39-33-0-8, 86 pts.) at DETROIT (51-19-0-9, 111 pts.) - 4/9/2009, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 27-5 ATS (+15.2 Units) in home games after a win by 2 goals or more over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 60-22 ATS (+17.7 Units) after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 13-11 ATS (-18.4 Units) in home games 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 17-10 (+1.0 Units) against the spread versus NASHVILLE over the last 3 seasons
DETROIT is 17-10-0 straight up against NASHVILLE over the last 3 seasons
15 of 26 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+3.2 Units)

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NY ISLANDERS (26-44-0-9, 61 pts.) at PITTSBURGH (43-28-0-9, 95 pts.) - 4/9/2009, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NY ISLANDERS are 5-25 ATS (+50.2 Units) in road games after allowing 4 goals or more over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 65-42 ATS (+12.9 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 25-8 ATS (+12.0 Units) in home games vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 26-4 ATS (+18.7 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
NY ISLANDERS are 63-58 ATS (+141.1 Units) in road games after scoring 1 goal or less in their previous game since 1996.
PITTSBURGH is 9-14 ATS (-12.1 Units) after a win by 2 goals or more this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
PITTSBURGH is 13-8 (+2.1 Units) against the spread versus NY ISLANDERS over the last 3 seasons
PITTSBURGH is 13-8-0 straight up against NY ISLANDERS over the last 3 seasons
11 of 21 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+0.9 Units)

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NEW JERSEY (49-27-0-4, 102 pts.) at OTTAWA (36-34-0-10, 82 pts.) - 4/9/2009, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OTTAWA is 15-7 ATS (+23.2 Units) after a division game this season.
OTTAWA is 13-10 ATS (+26.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
NEW JERSEY is 49-31 ATS (+5.8 Units) in all games this season.
NEW JERSEY is 26-12 ATS (+10.9 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
NEW JERSEY is 23-7 ATS (+13.0 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
OTTAWA is 79-87 ATS (-81.7 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
OTTAWA is 37-37 ATS (-29.6 Units) in home games revenging a loss versus opponent since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
NEW JERSEY is 9-7 (+2.7 Units) against the spread versus OTTAWA over the last 3 seasons
NEW JERSEY is 9-7-0 straight up against OTTAWA over the last 3 seasons
9 of 14 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+3.6 Units)

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DALLAS (35-35-0-10, 80 pts.) at COLORADO (32-44-0-3, 67 pts.) - 4/9/2009, 9:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DALLAS is 16-29 ATS (-18.8 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
DALLAS is 38-26 ATS (+67.7 Units) in road games revenging a loss versus opponent since 1996.
DALLAS is 132-78 ATS (+30.7 Units) after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game since 1996.
COLORADO is 16-26 ATS (+43.5 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
COLORADO is 4-17 ATS (-14.5 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
DALLAS is 7-4 (+2.8 Units) against the spread versus COLORADO over the last 3 seasons
DALLAS is 7-4-0 straight up against COLORADO over the last 3 seasons
6 of 11 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+0.1 Units)

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LOS ANGELES (33-36-0-11, 77 pts.) at VANCOUVER (43-27-0-10, 96 pts.) - 4/9/2009, 10:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
VANCOUVER is 20-21 ATS (-5.5 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5.5 over the last 2 seasons.
VANCOUVER is 1-6 ATS (-8.4 Units) in April games over the last 2 seasons.
VANCOUVER is 40-44 ATS (-18.5 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
VANCOUVER is 21-22 ATS (-4.5 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
LOS ANGELES is 5-6 (+2.4 Units) against the spread versus VANCOUVER over the last 3 seasons
VANCOUVER is 6-5-0 straight up against LOS ANGELES over the last 3 seasons
6 of 11 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+0.4 Units)

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PHOENIX (34-39-0-7, 75 pts.) at SAN JOSE (53-16-0-11, 117 pts.) - 4/9/2009, 10:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SAN JOSE is 78-48 ATS (-1.5 Units) in April games since 1996.
PHOENIX is 30-24 ATS (+64.7 Units) vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
SAN JOSE is 24-22 ATS (-26.6 Units) in home games vs. division opponents over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN JOSE is 14-7 (+0.2 Units) against the spread versus PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
SAN JOSE is 14-7-0 straight up against PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
11 of 19 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+2.2 Units)

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**pm530** · 04-09-2009, 05:27 AM

NHL
Write-up

Thursday, April 9

Hot teams
-- Bruins won six of their last seven games.
-- Sabres won three of their last four road games. Carolina won its last nine games by combined score of 36-15.
-- Flyers are 6-4 in their last ten games, 2-1 in last three.
-- Washington won four of its last five games.
-- Penguins won seven of their last ten games.
-- Senators won their last three games, all by one goal.
-- Red Wings won their last two games, 3-2/4-1.
-- Sharks won five of their last six games.

Cold teams
-- Canadiens lost last two games, are 5-8 in their last 13.
-- Thrashers lost their last two games, 6-4/4-2. Panthers lost two of their last three games, scoring six goals.
-- Rangers lost four of their last six games.
-- Lightning lost their last seven games, outscored 32-15.
-- Islanders lost seven of last nine games, losing last one 9-0.
-- Devils lost seven of their last nine games.
-- Predators lost three of their last four games.
-- Avalanche lost ten of their last eleven games. Stars lost nine of 11.
-- Kings lost ten of their last fourteen games. Canucks lost three of their last four contests.
-- Coyotes lost their last two games, 6-1/5-1.

Totals
-- Last four Boston games stayed under the total.
-- Three of last four Atlanta games stayed under the total.
-- Four of last five Buffalo games stayed under the total.
-- Six of last eight Flyer games went over the total.
-- Six of last eight Tampa Bay home games went over the total.
-- Over is 7-2-1 in last ten Islander games.
-- Five of last seven New Jersey games stayed under the total.
-- Last four Nashville-Detroit games went over the total.
-- Last five Colorado games stayed under the total.
-- Nine of last eleven Los Angeles games stayed under the total.
-- Five of last seven Phoenix ganes stayed under the total.

Back-to-Back
-- Sabres lost five of last six if they played the night before.
-- Nashville lost three of last four if they play again the next night.
-- Stars are 1-6 last seven times they played again the next night.

Series Records
-- Bruins won six of their last eight games against Montreal.
-- Florida won eight of last eleven games against the Thrashers.
-- Home side won seven of last eight Buffalo-Carolina games; Sabres lost last three visits to Raleigh.
-- Flyers lost three of last four visits to Madison Square Garden.
-- Washington won nine of last ten games against the Lightning.
-- Penguins won six of last eight games against the Islanders.
-- Devils won last five games against Ottawa, allowing nine goals.
-- Predators lost five of their last six visits to Detroit.
-- Dallas Stars lost their last three visits to Colorado: 4-3/3-1/3-2.
-- Canucks won three of last four games against Los Angeles.
-- Sharks won three of their last four games against Phoenix.

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**pm530** · 04-09-2009, 05:27 AM

NHL
Trend Sheet

Thursday, April 9

7:00 PM
BUFFALO vs. CAROLINA
Buffalo is 3-8 SU in its last 11 games on the road
Buffalo is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Carolina
Carolina is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Buffalo
Carolina is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games

7:00 PM
FLORIDA vs. ATLANTA
Florida is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
Florida is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Atlanta is 3-8 SU in its last 11 games when playing Florida
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Atlanta's last 15 games when playing Florida

7:00 PM
MONTREAL vs. BOSTON
Montreal is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Boston
Montreal is 16-7 SU in its last 23 games when playing Boston
Boston is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Boston's last 5 games at home

7:00 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. NY RANGERS
Philadelphia is 4-2 SU in their last 6 games when playing NY Rangers
Philadelphia is 6-12 SU in their last 18 games when playing NY Rangers
NY Rangers are 7-1 SU in their last 8 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of the NY Rangers last 6 games at home

7:30 PM
NASHVILLE vs. DETROIT
Nashville is 2-11 SU in its last 13 games when playing on the road against Detroit
Nashville is 8-15 SU in its last 23 games when playing Detroit
Detroit is 18-7 SU in its last 25 games at home
Detroit is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games at home

7:30 PM
NEW JERSEY vs. OTTAWA
New Jersey is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of New Jersey's last 7 games
Ottawa is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing New Jersey
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Ottawa's last 6 games when playing New Jersey

7:30 PM
NY ISLANDERS vs. PITTSBURGH
NY Islanders are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 7 of the NY Islanders last 10 games
Pittsburgh is 5-1 SU in their last 6 games when playing NY Islanders
Pittsburgh is 7-1 SU in their last 8 games when playing at home against NY Islanders

7:30 PM
WASHINGTON vs. TAMPA BAY
Washington is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Tampa Bay
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Washington's last 5 games when playing Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
Tampa Bay is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games at home

9:00 PM
DALLAS vs. COLORADO
Dallas is 6-12-3 SU in its last 21 games when playing on the road against Colorado
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Dallas's last 6 games when playing on the road against Colorado
Colorado is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Colorado's last 8 games at home

10:00 PM
LOS ANGELES vs. VANCOUVER
Los Angeles is 4-10 SU in its last 14 games
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Los Angeles's last 11 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Vancouver's last 6 games when playing at home against Los Angeles
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Vancouver's last 9 games when playing Los Angeles

10:30 PM
PHOENIX vs. SAN JOSE
Phoenix is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games on the road
Phoenix is 5-12 SU in its last 17 games when playing San Jose
San Jose is 12-5 SU in its last 17 games when playing Phoenix
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of San Jose's last 6 games when playing Phoenix

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Announcement

Thursday Trends and Indexes 4/9 (NCAAB, MLB, NHL, Misc.)

Thursday Trends and Indexes 4/9 (NCAAB, MLB, NHL, Misc.)

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