Announcement

**pm530** · 04-15-2009, 05:24 AM

Six-pack for Wednesday

Minor league baseball is more about player development that how many games you win, but here are the top six farm systems from a year ago, in terms of win/loss percentage of their farm teams.....

1) Bronx Bombers, 406-287

2) Texas Rangers, 385-308

3) San Francisco Giants, 384-310

4) Los Angeles Angels, 376-318

5) Minnesota Twins, 362-319

6) Florida Marlins, 365-324

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Late Night Update

-- Travis Buck legged out an infield chopper with two out and bags loaded in 12th inning at 2:31am, as spunky A's evened their record at 4-4 with a 6-5 win over the skidding Red Sox. After an 83-pitch first inning (A's led 5-3), A's didn't score for almost four hours. Matsuzaka only lasted one inning for Boston, giving up five runs.

-- Arizona won a wild game 7-6 against the Cardinals in the desert, blowing 6-4 lead in the ninth, winning on 10th inning single by Eric Byrnes, who had been in a 1 for 17 slump.

-- Wednesday night, the NBA regular season ends, while the NHL playoffs begin in four cities.

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Wednesday's List of 13: Quick impressions of '09 NFL slate.....

13) Labor Day is September 7 this year, as late as it can be, so first NFL Sunday is the 13th, and regular season ends January 3, which is much later than usual. Tennessee-Pittsburgh is the season opener at Heinz Field on Thursday night, September 10.

12) Look at Week 1-- the Thursday night game and 1:00 games, only one of the ten games is a divisional game, but the three 4:00 tilts, the Sunday and two Monday night games? Six divisional contests.

11) Speaking of which, the now-traditional Monday night twinbill is Buffalo at New England (Tom Brady's return) followed by San Diego at Oakland, as four teams from the old AFL square off.

10) October 25, Patriots-Buccaneers play over in London. Buffalo is playing another home game in Toronto, this one December 3 against the Jets, a Thursday night divisional contest.

9) Giants have rare three road games-in-row stretch in Weeks 2-4, as they visit Dallas-Tampa-Kansas City, opening the Cowboys' "Jerry Dome" in a Week 2 Sunday night game.

8) Saints have three primetime games, all at home, against the Falcons and Patriots on Monday nights in Weeks 8,12, then a Saturday game with the Cowboys in Week 15.

7) NFL insists on tempting fate by scheduling December primetime games in cold weather cities-- Baltimore visits Lambeau Field on the 7th of December; three weeks later, the Vikings visit Chicago. It isn't fair to the paying customers to play night games in these places in December, but those games get better TV ratings, so no one cares.

6) Colts get five primetime games, including two of first three weeks, at Miami in Week 2, Arizona in Week 3; the Week 10 game against New England is the only one of the five that is an Indy home game.

5) Thanksgiving Day schedule: Packers at Detroit, Raiders in Dallas and the Giants out in Denver, another cold weather night game.

4) If you don't think network TV has a New York bias, think again; the Giants have only three 1:00 Sunday home games, the Super Bowl champ Steelers play six home games at 1pm Sunday. Normally your more attractive TV teams play lot of games at 4:15 or at night. NFL did give the Steelers three primetime road games.

3) Only three of the eight NFL Network games are divisional games, which is weird because you'd think games played after short week of preparation would be better suited for divisional rivalries, but games like Bears-49ers, Dolphins-Panthers and Chargers-Titans are on the NFLN schedule. Not crazy them having a Thanksgiving night game- who wants to go to a bar to watch a game on Thanksgiving night?

2) As for Jay Cutler and the Bears, they play five primetime games; only one of their first five games is at 1:00. Chicago's most intriguing game in 2009 might be an August 30 exhibition game in Denver, when Mr Cutler faces his former team, in the one exhibition game where a lot of the starters play into the second half.

1) All 16 games in Week 17 are on Sunday, January 3rd, with six of the 16 games that day divisional rivalry games. With New Year's Day on a Friday, sounds like an excellent weekend filled with fun stuff.

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**pm530** · 04-15-2009, 05:25 AM

NHL
Dunkel Index

Carolina at New Jersey
The Hurricanes open up the first round after finishing the regular season 9-2 in their last 11, while New Jersey was just 1-7 in its last 8 against teams with a winning record. Carolina is the underdog pick (+125) according to Dunkel, which has the Hurricanes favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: Carolina (+125). Here are all of today's picks.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15

Game 51-52: NY Rangers at Washington
Dunkel Ratings: NY Rangers 11.225; Washington 12.600
Dunkel Line & Total: Washington by 1 1/2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Washington (-170); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Washington (-170); Over

Game 53-54: Philadelphia at Pittsburgh
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia 11.609; Pittsburgh 12.605
Dunkel Line & Total: Pittsburgh by 1; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Pittsburgh (-150); 6
Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (-150); Over

Game 55-56: Carolina at New Jersey
Dunkel Ratings: Carolina 12.473; New Jersey 11.338
Dunkel Line & Total: Carolina by 1; 5 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: New Jersey (-145); 5
Dunkel Pick: Carolina (+125); Over

Game 57-58: St. Louis at Vancouver
Dunkel Ratings: St. Louis 10.794; Vancouver 12.244
Dunkel Line & Total: Vancouver by 1 1/2; 4 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Vancouver (-180); 5
Dunkel Pick: Vancouver (-180); Under

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**pm530** · 04-15-2009, 05:26 AM

NHL
Long Sheet

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Wednesday, April 16

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NY RANGERS (43-30-0-9, 95 pts.) at WASHINGTON (50-24-0-8, 108 pts.) - 4/15/2009, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NY RANGERS are 8-19 ATS (+29.4 Units) in a road game where where the total is 5.5 this season.
NY RANGERS are 7-17 ATS (+26.0 Units) in road games second half of the season this season.
NY RANGERS are 7-14 ATS (-12.3 Units) after a 3 game unbeaten streak over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 21-5 ATS (+21.0 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent this season.
WASHINGTON is 19-11 ATS (+2.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 6-6-0 straight up against NY RANGERS over the last 3 seasons
7 of 12 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+1.3 Units)

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PHILADELPHIA (44-27-0-11, 99 pts.) at PITTSBURGH (45-28-0-9, 99 pts.) - 4/15/2009, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PITTSBURGH is 67-42 ATS (+10.4 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 26-8 ATS (+13.3 Units) in home games vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 27-9 ATS (+14.8 Units) in home games revenging a loss versus opponent over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 15-8 ATS (+6.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
PITTSBURGH is 19-8 (+10.2 Units) against the spread versus PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
PITTSBURGH is 19-8-0 straight up against PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
18 of 25 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+9.9 Units)

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CAROLINA (45-30-0-7, 97 pts.) at NEW JERSEY (51-27-0-4, 106 pts.) - 4/15/2009, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEW JERSEY is 51-31 ATS (+86.6 Units) in all games this season.
NEW JERSEY is 11-2 ATS (+8.2 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5 or less this season.
NEW JERSEY is 8-1 ATS (+6.5 Units) after 3 or more consecutive unders this season.
CAROLINA is 27-17 ATS (+6.9 Units) second half of the season this season.
CAROLINA is 43-30 ATS (+8.4 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent over the last 2 seasons.
CAROLINA is 11-5 ATS (+16.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
NEW JERSEY is 7-5 (+1.1 Units) against the spread versus CAROLINA over the last 3 seasons
NEW JERSEY is 7-5-0 straight up against CAROLINA over the last 3 seasons
7 of 11 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+2.5 Units)

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ST LOUIS (41-31-0-10, 92 pts.) at VANCOUVER (45-27-0-10, 100 pts.) - 4/15/2009, 10:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
VANCOUVER is 35-18 ATS (+8.8 Units) after scoring 1 goal or less in their previous game over the last 3 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 41-41 ATS (+93.3 Units) in all games this season.
ST LOUIS is 27-18 ATS (+48.8 Units) second half of the season this season.
ST LOUIS is 12-6 ATS (+19.7 Units) after scoring 1 goal or less in their previous game this season.
ST LOUIS is 13-7 ATS (+23.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
VANCOUVER is 17-32 ATS (-31.8 Units) in home games in April games since 1996.
VANCOUVER is 42-44 ATS (-21.2 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
VANCOUVER is 6-12 ATS (-10.1 Units) when playing with 3 or more days rest over the last 2 seasons.
VANCOUVER is 13-22 ATS (-20.2 Units) in home games after shutting out their opponent in their previous game since 1996.
VANCOUVER is 6-12 ATS (-9.4 Units) after a 3 game unbeaten streak over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
VANCOUVER is 8-4 (+1.4 Units) against the spread versus ST LOUIS over the last 3 seasons
VANCOUVER is 8-4-0 straight up against ST LOUIS over the last 3 seasons
6 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+1.8 Units)

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Thursday, April 16

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MONTREAL (41-30-0-11, 93 pts.) at BOSTON (53-18-0-11, 117 pts.) - 4/16/2009, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MONTREAL is 41-41 ATS (-16.8 Units) in all games this season.
MONTREAL is 20-26 ATS (-13.2 Units) second half of the season this season.
MONTREAL is 10-14 ATS (-9.8 Units) vs. division opponents this season.
MONTREAL is 19-22 ATS (-11.7 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent this season.
BOSTON is 27-7 ATS (+27.0 Units) after a win by 2 goals or more this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
MONTREAL is 18-11 (+3.2 Units) against the spread versus BOSTON over the last 3 seasons
MONTREAL is 18-11-0 straight up against BOSTON over the last 3 seasons
14 of 25 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+2.2 Units)

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COLUMBUS (41-31-0-10, 92 pts.) at DETROIT (51-21-0-10, 112 pts.) - 4/16/2009, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
COLUMBUS is 6-22 ATS (+42.3 Units) in road games vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
COLUMBUS is 41-41 ATS (+86.2 Units) in all games this season.
COLUMBUS is 15-9 ATS (+25.8 Units) after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game this season.
COLUMBUS is 23-17 ATS (+46.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
COLUMBUS is 21-17 ATS (+48.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
COLUMBUS is 9-13 (+3.7 Units) against the spread versus DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
DETROIT is 13-9-0 straight up against COLUMBUS over the last 3 seasons
13 of 20 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+5.5 Units)

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CALGARY (46-30-0-6, 98 pts.) at CHICAGO (46-25-0-11, 103 pts.) - 4/16/2009, 8:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO is 11-4 ATS (+5.9 Units) in April games over the last 3 seasons.
CHICAGO is 35-20 ATS (+56.5 Units) after a win by 2 goals or more over the last 2 seasons.
CALGARY is 24-16 ATS (+41.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO is 8-4 (+6.7 Units) against the spread versus CALGARY over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO is 8-4-0 straight up against CALGARY over the last 3 seasons
5 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+0.0 Units)

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ANAHEIM (42-33-0-7, 91 pts.) at SAN JOSE (53-18-0-11, 117 pts.) - 4/16/2009, 10:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ANAHEIM is 9-14 ATS (-11.4 Units) after a division game this season.
SAN JOSE is 78-50 ATS (-5.0 Units) in April games since 1996.
ANAHEIM is 20-13 ATS (+34.6 Units) in a road game where where the total is 5.5 this season.
ANAHEIM is 151-143 ATS (+309.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1996.
SAN JOSE is 25-20 ATS (-17.7 Units) second half of the season this season.
SAN JOSE is 24-23 ATS (-22.2 Units) in home games vs. division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
SAN JOSE is 31-29 ATS (-20.5 Units) after a division game over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ANAHEIM is 12-10 (+1.5 Units) against the spread versus SAN JOSE over the last 3 seasons
ANAHEIM is 12-10-0 straight up against SAN JOSE over the last 3 seasons
14 of 20 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+6.5 Units)

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**pm530** · 04-15-2009, 05:27 AM

NHL
Short Sheet

Wednesday, April 15th

Eastern Conference Playoffs - 1st Round
Game One
Series Tied, 0-0
NY Rangers at Washington, 7:05 ET

NY Rangers:
7-20 SU as road underdog
7-14 SU off 3-game unbeaten streak

Washington:
21-5 SU playing with revenge
10-0 SU at home off BB road games

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Eastern Conference Playoffs - 1st Round
Game One
Series Tied, 0-0
Philadelphia at Pittsburgh, 7:05 ET

Philadelphia:
2-12 SU at Pittsburgh
15-7 Over off division game

Pittsburgh:
17-3 SU at home revenging loss by 2+ goals
26-8 SU at home vs. division

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Eastern Conference Playoffs - 1st Round
Game One
Series Tied, 0-0
Carolina at New Jersey, 7:35 ET

Carolina:
10-20 SU at New Jersey
11-4 Under off BB losses

New Jersey:
20-7 SU as a home favorite of -200 or less
32-18 SU off win

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Western Conference Playoffs - 1st Round
Game One
Series Tied, 0-0
St. Louis at Vancouver, 10:05 ET

St Louis:
6-2 SU Away after allowing 2 goals or less BB games
12-6 SU after scoring 1 goal or less

Vancouver:
3-15 SU off Overtime win
6-12 SU playing with 3 or more days rest

Thursday, April 16th

Eastern Conference Playoffs - 1st Round
Game One
Series Tied, 0-0
Montreal at Boston, 7:05 ET

Montreal:
8-15 SU playing with revenge for road loss
2-9 SU Away after allowing 2+ goals 3rd period last game

Boston:
27-7 SU off win by 2+ goals
15-4 SU after scoring 6+ goals

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Western Conference Playoffs - 1st Round
Game One
Series Tied, 0-0
Columbus at Detroit, 7:05 ET

Columbus:
6-22 SU Away vs. division
5-31 SU Away if 8+ goals were scored last game

Detroit:
22-3 SU at home off BB division games
18-2 SU off division loss by 3+ goals

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Western Conference Playoffs - 1st Round
Game One
Series Tied, 0-0
Calgary at Chicago, 8:35 ET

Calgary:
10-2 Over playing with double revenge
4-8 SU vs. Chicago

Chicago:
17-5 SU off BB division games
23-11 SU off home win by 2+ goals

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Western Conference Playoffs - 1st Round
Game One
Series Tied, 0-0
Anaheim at San Jose, 10:35 ET

Anaheim:
18-11 SU Away playing with same season revenge
7-4 SU at San Jose

San Jose:
5-10 SU off 1 goal division loss
16-7 Under vs. division

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**pm530** · 04-15-2009, 05:27 AM

NHL
Write-up

Wednesday, April 15

NHL Playoffs

Rangers lost five of last six games vs Washington, winning last meeting in shootout Feb 11; Rangers lost seven of last eight visits here, with six of the eight staying under total. New York won last three games overall, allowing five goals. Capitols won five of last seven games (over 5-1-1 in those games).

Flyers went 4-6 in last ten games to blow home ice in this round- they're 2-5 in last seven games vs Pittsburgh, 1-8 in their last nine at Pittsburgh. Over is 3-1-1 in last five series games. Penguins won nine of last twelve games, winning last four at home by combined score of 18-5. Penguins ousted Philly in five games in last year's playoffs.

Carolina won nine of last eleven games; they won four of last five vs the Devils, losing 3-2 Saturday in series finale- four of last five series games stayed under the total. Home team won six of last sever in series, with Carolina 2-5 in last seven visits to Garden State. Devils won four of last five games, splitting last four at home.

St Louis won three in row, nine of last eleven games, allowing two goals in last three contests; they lost five of last seven games with Vancouver, losing five of last six visits to this building. Over is 5-1-1 in last seven series games. Canucks are 23-9 in last 32 games, winning last two games by 1-0 scores- their last four games stayed under the total.

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**pm530** · 04-15-2009, 05:28 AM

NHL
Trend Sheet

Wednesday, April 15

7:00 PM
NY RANGERS vs. WASHINGTON
NY Rangers are 4-2 SU in their last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of the NY Rangers last 6 games
Washington is 7-1 SU in their last 8 games when playing at home against NY Rangers
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Washington's last 9 games when playing at home against NY Rangers

7:00 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. PITTSBURGH
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 6 games on the road
Philadelphia is 4-11 SU in its last 15 games when playing Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh is 11-4 SU in its last 15 games when playing Philadelphia
The total has gone OVER in 18 of Pittsburgh's last 24 games when playing Philadelphia

7:30 PM
CAROLINA vs. NEW JERSEY
Carolina is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Carolina's last 6 games on the road
New Jersey is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Carolina
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of New Jersey's last 5 games when playing Carolina

10:00 PM
ST. LOUIS vs. VANCOUVER
St. Louis is 9-2 SU in its last 11 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of St. Louis's last 9 games
Vancouver is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against St. Louis
Vancouver is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing St. Louis

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**pm530** · 04-15-2009, 05:29 AM

NHL

Wednesday, April 15

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Ice Picks: NHL best bets
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New York Rangers at Washington Capitals (-175, 5.5)

The Rangers finished the regular season strong with three straight wins over playoff-bound teams, building themselves some momentum and confidence heading into the postseason. While New York owns the best penalty kill in the league, the Blue Shirts know they’ll have to play disciplined hockey to beat the Caps.

Washington’s offensive assault is relentless with numerous skilled players outside of 56-goal scorer Alexander Ovechkin. Still, the defending Hart Trophy winner will draw significant attention from New York’s blue liners.

“I think if you get physical with him - and also with guys like (Alexander) Semin and (Nicklas) Backstrom – kind of get them frustrated and off their game a little bit, as much as we can, we have to do it,” defenseman Marc Staal told the New York Daily News. “Maybe getting it in the back of his mind that he’s going to get hit every time he shoots it or comes down the wing; that’s what we want.”

Ovechkin, though, gives as good as he gets. He relishes the opportunity to lay opponents out whenever he gets a chance.

Look for Washington to grab the first game in this series in front of a jubilant home crowd.

Pick: Washington

St. Louis Blues at Vancouver Canucks (-180, 5)

Not many hockey analysts predicted a sixth-place finish for the Blues this season and for good reason. St. Louis has long been one of the league’s least-talented teams, but it all came together for the Midwest squad this year.

St. Louis backers can thank the marvelous campaign goalie Chris Mason enjoyed for the postseason appearance. He owns a sparkling 2.24 goals against average and 20-7-4 record since taking over the starting job from Manny Legace.

The Blues went 9-1-1 to finish the regular season but knocking off a Vancouver team that boasts the Roberto Luongo between the pipes may be too much to ask of this overachieving club.

Look for the Canucks to win a narrow, hard-fought contest Wednesday night at GM Place.

Pick: Canucks

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**pm530** · 04-15-2009, 05:30 AM

MLB
Write-up

Wednesday, April 15

Hot Pitchers
-- Cubs won last five Harden home starts (2-0, 2.73). Marquis won his first Colorado start, allowing two runs in seven IP-- he pitched for the Cubs the last two years.
-- Lowe is 1-0, 0.82 in two starts this season.
-- Garland was on winning side in his last six home starts. Pineiro is 2-0, 3.46 in his last two starts.
-- Cain has 2.67 RA in his last four starts against LA. Dodgers won Kershaw's last five home starts.

-- Danks is 2-0, 1.31 in his last three starts. Detroit is 5-2 in last seven Galarraga home starts.
-- Pettitte is 2-0, 3.00 in his last two starts.
-- Baker is 3-0, 2.55 in his last four starts.

Cold Pitchers
-- Miller is 0-4, 9.78 in his last five starts.
-- Hampton is 1-3, 4.50 in his last four starts. Ohlendorf is 0-4, 6.35 in his last five starts.
|-- Perez is 0-1, 8.31 in his last six starts. Correia is 0-1, 6.61 in his last three starts.
-- Blanton was 1-0, 7.20 in three starts vs Washington LY. Martis has a 6.75 RA in five big league starts.
-- Looper is 0-4, 5.44 in his last seven starts.
-- Owings is 0-5, 8.88 in his last five starts.

-- Indians were 1-6 in Laffey road starts last season.
-- Red Sox are 3-10 in Wakefield's last thirteen road starts. Anderson lost his first big league start 5-4, giving up all five runs in the second inning- he pitched six innings overall.
-- Sonnanstine had a 10.61 RA in two starts against Bronx LY.
-- Richmond is 1-3, 4.35 in six starts for the Blue Jays.
-- Ponson is 1-4, 7.20 in his last nine starts.
-- Hendrickson is 1-5, 9.00 in his last nine starts. Benson allowed ten hits, eight runs in five IP in his first start in two years, at Detroit.
-- Weaver had a 5.79 RA in four starts against Seattle LY. Mariners are 2-9 in Washburn's last eleven home starts.

Hot Teams
-- Cubs won four of their last five games.
-- Marlins won six of their first seven games; Braves won five of their first seven.
-- Phillies won last three games, scoring 24 runs.
-- Padres won their last five games, scoring 29 runs.
-- Reds won four of their last five games.
-- Cardinals won five of their last six games.
-- Dodgers won last three games by combined total of 25-4.

-- Tigers won three of their last four games. White Sox won last three in a row by combined score of 24-7.
-- Seattle won five in row, six of first eight games.
-- Bronx won four of its last six games.
-- Orioles won six of their first eight games.
-- Royals won five of their last seven games.
-- Blue Jays won six of their first nine games; they've won ten of their last eleven against Minnesota. .

Cold Teams
-- Rockies lost last three games, allowing 19 runs.
-- Pirates are 0-3 in game following a win. Astros lost last five games; they didn't score in last two.
-- Nationals are only winless team in majors (0-7).
-- Mets lost four of their last five games.
-- Brewers lost five of their last six games.
-- Diamondbacks lost five of last seven games.
-- Giants lost last four games, outscored 30-8.

-- Rangers lost their last five games, allowing 42 runs.
-- Indians lost seven of first eight games, allowing 64 runs.
-- Twins lost three of their last four games.
-- Red Sox lost six of their last seven games.
-- Angels lost four of their last six games.

Totals
-- Five of seven Colorado games went over the total.
-- Four of last six Cardinal games stayed under the total.
-- Five of seven Houston games stayed under the total.
-- All four Philly road games went over the total.
-- Three of Marlins' last four games stayed under the total.
-- Last four San Diego games all went over the total.
-- Five of last six Cincinnati games went over the total.
-- Three of last four Dodger games went over the total.

-- Five of first seven White Sox games stayed under the total.
-- Seven of eight Kansas City games stayed under the total.
-- Six of last seven Oakland games went over the total.
-- Over is 5-2-1 in last eight Bronx games.
-- Over is 6-1-1 in Texas games this season.
-- Four of last five Toronto games went over the total.
-- Over is 3-1-2 in Angels' last six games.

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**pm530** · 04-15-2009, 05:31 AM

MLB

Wednesday, April 15

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Trend Sheet
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1:05 PM
CHI WHITE SOX vs. DETROIT
Chi White Sox are 4-0-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing Detroit
Chi White Sox are 1-5-1 SU in their last 7 games on the road
Detroit is 6-2-1 SU in its last 9 games at home
Detroit is 8-16-1 SU in its last 25 games

2:10 PM
CLEVELAND vs. KANSAS CITY
Cleveland is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Cleveland is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games
Kansas City is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Cleveland
Kansas City is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Cleveland

2:20 PM
COLORADO vs. CHI CUBS
Colorado is 0-5 SU in their last 5 games when playing on the road against Chi Cubs
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Colorado's last 10 games when playing on the road against Chi Cubs
Chi Cubs are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games
Chi Cubs are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games when playing Colorado

3:35 PM
BOSTON vs. OAKLAND
Boston is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Oakland
Boston is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games
Oakland is 9-4 SU in its last 13 games at home
Oakland is 4-9 SU in its last 13 games

3:40 PM
ST. LOUIS vs. ARIZONA
St. Louis is 2-9 SU in its last 11 games when playing on the road against Arizona
St. Louis is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Arizona
Arizona is 10-5 SU in its last 15 games at home
Arizona is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games at home

4:08 PM
NY YANKEES vs. TAMPA BAY
NY Yankees are 4-2 SU in their last 6 games on the road
NY Yankees are 16-7 SU in their last 23 games
Tampa Bay is 3-7 SU in their last 10 games when playing NY Yankees

7:05 PM
HOUSTON vs. PITTSBURGH
Houston is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Houston's last 5 games on the road
Pittsburgh is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Houston
The total has gone UNDER in 13 of Pittsburgh's last 17 games when playing at home against Houston

7:05 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. WASHINGTON
Philadelphia is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Washington
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Philadelphia's last 6 games when playing on the road against Washington
Washington is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Washington's last 8 games at home

7:10 PM
FLORIDA vs. ATLANTA
Florida is 4-9 SU in its last 13 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
Florida is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Atlanta
Atlanta is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
Atlanta is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home

7:10 PM
SAN DIEGO vs. NY METS
San Diego is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against NY Mets
San Diego is 4-9 SU in its last 13 games when playing on the road against NY Mets
NY Mets are 2-4 SU in its last 6 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 6 of NY Mets's last 9 games at home

8:05 PM
BALTIMORE vs. TEXAS
Baltimore is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Texas
Baltimore is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Texas is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games at home
Texas is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games

8:05 PM
CINCINNATI vs. MILWAUKEE
Cincinnati is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games on the road
Cincinnati is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Milwaukee is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Cincinnati
Milwaukee is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Cincinnati

8:10 PM
TORONTO vs. MINNESOTA
Toronto is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games
Toronto is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Minnesota is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Toronto
Minnesota is 1-10 SU in its last 11 games when playing Toronto

10:10 PM
LA ANGELS vs. SEATTLE
LA Angels are 7-2 SU in their last 9 games when playing on the road against Seattle
LA Angels are 11-3 SU in their last 14 games when playing Seattle
Seattle is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Seattle is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home

10:10 PM
SAN FRANCISCO vs. LA DODGERS
San Francisco is 2-4 SU in their last 6 games when playing on the road against LA Dodgers
San Francisco is 6-3 SU in their last 9 games when playing LA Dodgers
LA Dodgers are 13-5 SU in their last 18 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 6 of LA Dodgers's last 8 games at home

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**pm530** · 04-15-2009, 05:32 AM

MLB

Wednesday, April 15

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Hot lines: Today’s best MLB bets
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Houston Astros at Pittsburgh Pirates (-125, 9.5)

The Pirates look to build on another strong outing and notch their first back-to-back wins of the young season Wednesday night when they continue a three-game home series against the NL Central rival Astros, who have dropped five straight while continuing to struggle at the plate.

Pittsburgh has finished with a losing record in 16 straight seasons, matching a major league record set by the 1933-48 Philadelphia Phillies. This year's Pirates (4-3) feel like they're capable of snapping the streak.

"It's definitely a different feeling in here," first baseman Adam LaRoche said after going 3-for-4 with a home run and two RBIs in a 7-0 win over the Astros (1-6) in the Pirates' home opener Monday. "It's like (manager John Russell) said, what you need to do as a team is put yourself in position to win, and that's what we've been doing."

The Astros hope their lack of success so far is a fluke. Monday's loss was the second consecutive time they've been shut out, and they've scored in only one of their last 28 innings, getting two runs in the ninth of an 11-2 loss in St. Louis on Saturday.

Houston is near the bottom of the majors with a .234 batting average and a 6.45 ERA.

"It's us. It's not what they're doing," manager Cecil Cooper said, referring to opposing pitchers. "It's what we're doing to ourselves. We're getting ourselves out, we're not putting ourselves in good situations and not swinging at good pitches."

Cooper hopes part of the solution will be handing the ball to Mike Hampton (0-1, 5.40 ERA), who gave up three runs in five innings of a 5-3 loss at St. Louis on Friday. That was Hampton's first start with the Astros since he went 22-4 with a 2.90 ERA and finished second in the NL Cy Young voting in 1999. He spent the last four seasons with Atlanta before signing with Houston over the winter.

Pittsburgh will counter with Ross Ohlendorf (0-1, 3.00), a right-hander who's 0-2 with a 9.00 ERA in four games - two starts - against Houston.

Ohlendorf held St. Louis to two runs in six innings in his 2009 debut, but he didn't get much help from his offense in suffering a 2-1 loss Thursday.

Pick: Houston

San Francisco Giants at Los Angeles Dodgers (-150, 7.5)

Even without Manny Ramirez putting up gaudy numbers like he did last season, the Los Angeles Dodgers are still finding plenty of ways to score.

The Dodgers look to continue their surge and win their fourth straight Wednesday night when they continue a three-game series against the struggling San Francisco Giants, who are trying to avoid losing their fourth in a row.

After carrying Los Angeles (5-3) to the NL West title in 2008 with a .396 batting average, 17 home runs and 53 RBIs in 53 games with the team, Ramirez is batting .304 (7-for-23) with a .529 on-base percentage, but has no homers and four RBIs.

While Los Angeles is waiting for its slugger to heat up, the team has been getting contributions from others in the lineup.

In Monday's home opener, Orlando Hudson hit for the cycle and Andre Ethier drove in four runs with a pair of homers as the Dodgers pounded out a season-high 15 hits in an 11-1 win over the Giants (2-5). Los Angeles is outscoring its opponents 25-4 during its three-game winning streak.

Ethier is hitting .389 (21-for-54) with three home runs and 12 RBIs in his last 15 games against San Francisco. He went 10-for-16 (.625) versus Wednesday's scheduled starter Matt Cain (1-0, 1.29 ERA) in 2008.

Cain is 0-6 with a 4.06 ERA in 11 career starts versus the Dodgers, suffering some tough luck against them last season.Despite posting a 2.79 ERA in six starts against the Dodgers in 2008, Cain went 0-3. The right-hander was backed by a total of six runs in those outings. In three starts at Dodger Stadium, Cain allowed two runs in 18 2-3 innings, but did not receive a single run of support.

Pick: Over

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**pm530** · 04-15-2009, 05:33 AM

MLB
Baseball Today

SCOREBOARD

Wednesday, April 15

San Diego at N.Y. Mets (7:10 p.m. EDT). Gary Sheffield, one homer shy of 500, is set to make his first start for the Mets, who face the surprising Padres in the second game at Citi Field.

STARS

Tuesday

— A.J. Burnett, Yankees, took a no-hit bid into the seventh inning in his second start since signing an $82.5 million, five-year deal, leading New York to a 7-2 victory over Tampa Bay. He gave up two runs and three hits in eight innings.

— Joe Crede, Twins, doubled off the center-field fence in the 11th inning to score Justin Morneau from first base and give Minnesota a 3-2 victory over Toronto.

— John Buck, Royals, hit a grand slam for his second homer of the night and had a career-high five RBIs, lifting Kansas City to a 9-3 win over struggling Cleveland.

— Eric Byrnes, Diamondbacks, broke out of a 1-for-17 slump with a two-out RBI single in the 10th inning that gave Arizona a 7-6 victory over St. Louis.

— Adam Jones, Orioles, hit a tiebreaking, two-run homer in the 10th inning and Baltimore held on to hand Texas its fifth straight loss, 7-5.

THE KID STILL HAS IT

Ken Griffey Jr. went 1-for-3 with a walk in his first home game for the Mariners since Sept. 26, 1999, a 3-2 Seattle win. The 39-year-old slugger has the same corner locker inside “The House that Junior Built” that he had for half a season before Seattle granted his request and traded him to his hometown Cincinnati Reds nine years ago.

FISH STORY

Dan Uggla drove in three runs, Chris Volstad and two relievers combined on a four-hitter and Florida beat the Atlanta Braves 5-1. The Marlins are a major league-best 6-1—all against NL East opponents—for their best start since opening 8-1 in 1997, when they won the first of their two World Series titles.

SIT DOWN

Boston pitcher Josh Beckett has been suspended for six games and fined by Major League Baseball, which determined he intentionally threw a pitch near the head of the Los Angeles Angels’ Bobby Abreu last week that led to the benches clearing Sunday. Beckett appealed, delaying any penalties until after a hearing. Angels hitting coach Mickey Hatcher was suspended for one game and fined, and he served the penalty Tuesday night at Seattle. In addition, Watson fined Angels manager Mike Scioscia and players Torii Hunter and Justin Speier.

NOT AGAIN!

St. Louis lost oft-injured starting pitcher Chris Carpenter to a strained left ribcage during a 7-6, 10-inning loss at Arizona. Carpenter got hurt when he grounded out to end the top of the fourth. The 2005 NL Cy Young Award winner made only four appearances last season after reconstructive elbow surgery. He underwent another procedure in November to transpose an elbow nerve that was irritating the muscles in the back of his shoulder and around his neck. … Third baseman Nomar Garciaparra left the Oakland Athletics’ 6-5, 12-inning victory over Boston after one inning with tightness in his right calf.

WELCOME BACK

Scott Podsednik rejoined the Chicago White Sox, agreeing to a minor league contract one day after center fielder Dewayne Wise separated a shoulder. Podsednik played for Chicago from 2005-2007 and hit .253 for the Colorado Rockies last year. He became a free agent after the season, agreed to a minor league contract with the Rockies, then was released April 1. Wise is expected to miss six weeks after getting hurt while making a diving catch against the Tigers.

TOUGH IN A PINCH

A pair of pinch-hit homers helped the Diamondbacks beat St. Louis 7-6 in 10 innings, ending the Cardinals’ five-game winning streak. Mark Reynolds connected for a two-run shot in the fifth, and Conor Jackson’s three-run drive with two outs in the eighth put Arizona ahead 6-4.

SAVED BY THE ‘PEN

After rookie starter Alfredo Simon left in the second inning of the Orioles’ 7-5, 10-inning win over Texas with a right elbow problem, Jim Johnson threw two innings of one-hit relief to earn the victory. He joined four other Baltimore relievers in allowing just two runs over the final 8 2-3 innings. Closer George Sherrill allowed the two runs in the 10th.

FEELING FINE

Bronson Arroyo allowed four hits in six-plus innings, leading the Cincinnati Reds to a 6-1 victory at Milwaukee. Arroyo (2-0) was bothered by a flare-up of carpal tunnel syndrome during spring training and didn’t look particularly sharp in winning his first outing of the season. But this time he gave up his only run on a homer by J.J. Hardy.

STRUGGLING

The Red Sox lost their second straight in Oakland, 6-5 in 12 innings, dropping to 2-6 this season. It’s Boston’s worst start since 1996.

SIDELINED

Tom Glavine might retire if his sore left shoulder doesn’t improve in two weeks. The Atlanta Braves pitcher, who has 305 career wins, was told he must rest for at least two weeks after inflammation was found in his left rotator cuff. The 43-year-old had an MRI and was examined by Dr. James Andrews, who advised treatment and rest. Glavine said he’s tired of rehabbing after elbow and shoulder surgery last August. He’s willing to give the shoulder two weeks, but not much longer. … Toronto placed right-hander Jesse Litsch on the 15-day disabled list with a strained forearm. Litsch left Monday night’s game against the Minnesota Twins in the middle of an at-bat by Delmon Young in the fourth inning.

SPEAKING

“It’s big for us to win here, the way we’ve struggled everywhere in recent years.”—Bronson Arroyo, after pitching the Cincinnati Reds to a 6-1 victory at Milwaukee.

SEASONS

April 15

1909—Leon Ames of the New York Giants pitched a no-hitter for 9 1-3 innings on opening day, but lost 3-0 to Brooklyn in 13 innings.

1915—Rube Marquard of the New York Giants no-hit the Brooklyn Dodgers, winning 2-0.

1947—Jackie Robinson played his first major league game, for the Dodgers. He went 0-for-3, but scored the deciding run in a 5-3 victory over the Boston Braves in Brooklyn. He was the first black to appear in the majors since 1884.

1957—President Eisenhower officially opened the 1956 season by tossing out the first ball at Griffith Stadium in Washington D.C. The ball was the 10 millionth Spalding baseball to be used in major league play.

1958—Major League Baseball came to California as the transplanted Giants and Dodgers played the first game on the Pacific Coast. Playing in Seals Stadium in San Francisco, Ruben Gomez blanked Los Angeles 8-0.

1968—Houston and the New York Mets played 24 innings in a night game in the Astrodome before the Astros won 1-0. The game lasted more than six hours.

1976—New York opened the refurbished Yankee Stadium with an 11-4 rout of the Minnesota Twins.

1987—Juan Nieves threw the first no-hitter in Brewers history as Milwaukee beat Baltimore 7-0.

1993—Sparky Anderson earned his 2,000th victory as a manager as the Detroit Tigers rallied to beat the Oakland Athletics 3-2.

1993—Andre Dawson became the 25th player to hit 400 home runs as the Boston Red Sox beat the Cleveland Indians 4-3.

1998—The first-ever AL-NL doubleheader is held in New York’s Shea Stadium as the New York Yankees beat the Anaheim Angels 6-3 and the New York Mets edge the Chicago Cubs 2-1. The Yankees draw a crowd of 40,743, a dramatic contrast to the gathering of 16,012 who show up for the Mets game at night.

2000—Cal Ripken became the 24th player to reach 3,000 hits when he lined a clean single to center off Twins reliever Hector Carrasco. He reached the milestone with his third hit in a 6-4 victory over the Minnesota Twins and became the seventh player in major league history to get 3,000 hits and 400 home runs.

2005—Aaron Heilman pitched a one-hitter in the New York Mets’ 4-0 victory over Florida.

2006—Eric Chavez, Frank Thomas and Milton Bradley all homered on consecutive pitches in Oakland’s 5-4 victory over Texas.

2008—Jose Lopez became the 12th player in major league history to hit three sacrifice flies in a game, and the Seattle Mariners tied the team record for five sac flies in an 11-6 victory over Kansas City.

Today’s birthdays: John Danks 24; Milton Bradley 31.

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**pm530** · 04-15-2009, 05:34 AM

NBA
Write-up

Wednesday, April 15

Hot Teams
-- Celtics won seven of their last eight games.
-- Bulls won their last five games (3-2 vs spread). Raptors won eight of their last twelve games.
-- Cavaliers won their last five games (4-1 vs spread).
-- Mavericks won six of their last eight games. Rockets won their last five games (4-1 vs spread).
-- Indiana is 7-3-1 vs spread in its last eleven games. Bucks won their last two games by 17-18 points, but they lost eight of last nine on road.
-- Minnesota split last eight games, covered three of last four.
-- Nets covered their last five games (3-2 SU).
-- Spurs won four of their last five games .
-- Hawks won their last four games, by 8-8-4-2 points.
-- Suns won five of their last seven games.
-- Portland won its last five games, covered last four. Nuggets won nine of last ten games (8-3 vs spread in last 11).

Cold Teams
-- Wizards lost six of their last eight games.
-- 76ers lost their last six games (0-4 vs spread in last four).
-- Pistons lost seven of their last nine road games. Miami lost three of its last four games.
-- Kings lost their last nine games (1-6 vs spread in last seven).
-- Knicks lost 13 of their last 16 games.
-- Bobcats lost five of their last six games. Magic lost four of last five.
-- Hornets lost five of their last seven games.
-- Grizzlies lost four of last five games, covered seven of last nine.
-- Clippers lost eight of their last nine games. Thunder lost nine of their last eleven contests.
-- Warriors lost three of their last four games.

Totals
-- Five of last six Boston games went over the total.
-- Six of last nine Chicago home games went over the total.
-- Under is 6-0-1 in last seven Cleveland home games; Philly's last five games went over. .
-- Three of last four Houston games stayed under the total.
-- Last six Indiana games went over the total.
-- Over is 11-5 in last sixteen Detroit games.
-- Eight of last ten Minnesota games stayed under the total.
-- Three of Nets' last four games went over the total; six of Knicks' last seven games stayed under.
-- Five of last seven Charlotte games went over the total; five of last six Orlando games stayed under.
-- Three of last four New Orleans games stayed under the total.
-- Five of last six Atlanta games went over the total; four of last five Memphis games stayed under.
-- Five of last six Thunder games went over the total; last five Clipper games stayed under.
-- Under is 4-1-1 in last six Golden State games.
-- Four of last five Denver road games stayed under the total.

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**pm530** · 04-15-2009, 05:34 AM

NBA

Wednesday, April 15

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Sheet
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8:00 PM
ATLANTA vs. MEMPHIS
Atlanta is 3-8 SU in its last 11 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Atlanta's last 7 games on the road
Memphis is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Atlanta
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Memphis's last 7 games when playing at home against Atlanta

8:00 PM
CHARLOTTE vs. ORLANDO
Charlotte is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing Orlando
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Charlotte's last 7 games when playing Orlando
Orlando is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games at home
Orlando is 9-2 SU in its last 11 games at home

8:00 PM
DETROIT vs. MIAMI
Detroit is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
Detroit is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Miami is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Detroit
Miami is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games when playing Detroit

8:00 PM
HOUSTON vs. DALLAS
Houston is 4-9-1 ATS in its last 14 games when playing Dallas
Houston is 4-12 SU in its last 16 games when playing Dallas
Dallas is 10-5 ATS in its last 15 games at home
Dallas is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home

8:00 PM
MILWAUKEE vs. INDIANA
Milwaukee is 3-8 SU in its last 11 games when playing Indiana
Milwaukee is 1-7-2 ATS in its last 10 games when playing on the road against Indiana
Indiana is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Indiana's last 5 games

8:00 PM
NEW JERSEY vs. NEW YORK
New Jersey is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
New Jersey is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
New York is 6-18 SU in its last 24 games when playing New Jersey
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of New York's last 6 games when playing New Jersey

8:00 PM
NEW ORLEANS vs. SAN ANTONIO
New Orleans is 8-17 SU in its last 25 games when playing San Antonio
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of New Orleans's last 7 games when playing San Antonio
San Antonio is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against New Orleans
San Antonio is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against New Orleans

8:00 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. CLEVELAND
Philadelphia is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Cleveland
Philadelphia is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Cleveland
Cleveland is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Philadelphia
Cleveland is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Philadelphia

8:00 PM
SACRAMENTO vs. MINNESOTA
Sacramento is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Minnesota
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Sacramento's last 5 games when playing Minnesota
Minnesota is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Minnesota is 3-16 SU in its last 19 games at home

8:00 PM
TORONTO vs. CHICAGO
Toronto is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games when playing Chicago
Toronto is 7-16 ATS in its last 23 games when playing Chicago
Chicago is 16-7 ATS in its last 23 games when playing Toronto
Chicago is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games when playing Toronto

8:00 PM
WASHINGTON vs. BOSTON
Washington is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games when playing Boston
Washington is 7-2 ATS in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Boston
Boston is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games
Boston is 4-11 ATS in its last 15 games at home

10:30 PM
DENVER vs. PORTLAND
Denver is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Denver is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Portland is 4-11-1 ATS in its last 16 games when playing at home against Denver
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Portland's last 9 games when playing at home against Denver

10:30 PM
GOLDEN STATE vs. PHOENIX
Golden State is 4-19 SU in its last 23 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Golden State's last 16 games on the road
Phoenix is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Golden State
Phoenix is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Golden State

10:30 PM
OKLAHOMA CITY vs. LA CLIPPERS
Oklahoma City is 1-8 ATS in their last 9 games when playing LA Clippers
Oklahoma City is 1-5 SU in their last 6 games when playing LA Clippers
LA Clippers are 2-7 ATS in their last 9 games
LA Clippers are 1-8 SU in their last 9 games

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**pm530** · 04-15-2009, 10:24 AM

NBA

Wednesday, April 15

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pick ‘n’ Roll: NBA best bets
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Milwaukee Bucks at Indiana Pacers (-8, 221)

The Pacers outrebounded the Bucks 42-31 en route to their 33rd win in their last 41 home games versus Milwaukee, which last won at Indiana 89-86 on Dec. 7, 2004.

The Bucks have lost eight of their last nine road games overall, allowing 103.2 points per game. Now they'll face a Pacers team that has played particularly well offensively over their last eight games, averaging 116.5 points and shooting 49.7 percent from the field.

"This year, it's a little different," Troy Murphy said. "We are enjoying each other, working together and looking forward to a high level of competition for next year."

Granger is capping off the best season of his career with a hot streak, averaging 31.0 points in his last nine contests. He's scored 26 points or more in three straight home games against the Bucks.

Milwaukee didn't have to contend with Orlando All-Star Dwight Howard in its last game, winning 98-90 on Monday night. Howard is resting for the playoffs.

The Bucks have won two straight after a 1-9 slump ended their playoff hopes.

"Nobody should be given a medal just because we don't bail out on the season," coach Scott Skiles said. "The judgments are made when we really had big games."

Milwaukee expected improvement this season, but season-ending injuries to guard Michael Redd (knee) and center Andrew Bogut (back) were too much to overcome. The Bucks will miss the postseason for the third straight year.

Richard Jefferson tried to pick up the scoring slack in his first season with Milwaukee, leading the team with 19.5 points per game - 26.1 in his last eight contests. He had 32 points in the last matchup with the Pacers, a 122-110 Bucks win Feb. 11.

Milwaukee leads the season series 2-1.

Pick: Pacers

Sacramento Kings at Minnesota Timberwolves (-7.5, 209)

Even if Kevin McHale continues to coach, the Minnesota Timberwolves might not see much improvement without a healthy Al Jefferson. A full season from Kevin Martin would certainly be welcome for the Sacramento Kings.

With McHale mulling his options, the Timberwolves put an end to a terrible season Wednesday night against the league-worst Kings in a matchup of teams each missing one of the league's premier scorers.

McHale, the Timberwolves' vice president of basketball operations, took over as coach after Randy Wittman was fired on Dec. 8, guiding Minnesota (24-57) to a 10-4 record in January. Jefferson was outstanding during that stretch as the Timberwolves had their best month since going 10-5 in March 2005.

The Timberwolves, though, lost Jefferson to a season-ending knee injury in early February and have gone 7-24 without their star big man. Minnesota would like to see what McHale could do with Jefferson healthy for a whole season.

McHale is expected to decide on his role shortly following the season finale.

"It's like being a player but not getting to play, which is the only fun part about being a player," McHale said of being a coach. "It's all that without the fun."

Bobby Jackson started for Udrih, who is day-to-day. Hawes won't play in the season finale and will likely be replaced in the lineup by Ike Diogu, who had a career-high 32 points versus the Nuggets.

"It is tough to play without our starting point guard, without Spencer," Sacramento coach Kenny Natt said. "What we are looking for from this team is to continue to play hard and compete through the end of the season here."

The Kings, who will finish at least two games below than any other team in the league, have been held under 100 points in four straight games after averaging 115.3 in their previous six.

Minnesota's starters combined to shoot 35.0 percent (21-for-60) in a 96-94 loss to Dallas on Monday night, with Mavericks guard Jason Terry making an 18-footer with 0.2 seconds left.

The Wolves have lost two straight after winning four of six, and they have dropped two of three against the Kings this season.

Pick: Under

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Announcement

Wednesday Trends and Indexes 4/15 (NHL, MLB, NBA, Misc.)

Wednesday Trends and Indexes 4/15 (NHL, MLB, NBA, Misc.)

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