Saturday Trends and Indexes 4/18 (NBA, MLB, NHL, Misc.)

[pm530]

Trends and Indexes

Saturday, April 18

Good Luck on day #108 of 2009!

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

NOTE:
As information becomes available, we will attempt to post the trends and indexes as soon as possible.
Information is posted from what we believe are reliable sources.
Any opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the posting member or BettorsChat.
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[pm530]

Daily Sports Roundup

Saturday, April 18

Today in the Daily Sports Roundup: The Celtics begin their quest for a second straight title, the NHL playoffs continue, and the Sprint Cup Series hits Phoenix.

Tipping off on the hardwood . . .

The NBA playoffs begin on four fronts on Saturday, including in Boston where the defending-champion Celtics will try to take out the Bulls without the services of star forward Kevin Garnett. Oddsmakers still like Boston's chances in the first round, as they're pegged as a -500 favorite to win the best-of-seven series. The Celtics are also listed as 8.5-point favorites in the opener on Saturday afternoon.

LeBron James and the Cavaliers are huge -4000 favorites to bounce the Pistons in the first round, and they're pegged as 12-point favorites to win Game 1 at home on Saturday. As well, the Spurs are 4-point home favorites against the Mavericks, and the Trail Blazers are favored by 4 points at home against the Rockets. San Antonio is a -140 series favorite, and Portland is a -135 series fave.

Meeting up on the diamond . . .

The Yankees' Chien-Ming Wang carries a horrendous 28.93 ERA into his start on Saturday afternoon at home against the Indians. Wang has given up 15 earned runs on 15 hits over just 4 2-3 innings of work this season, lasting just one inning against the Rays and 3 2-3 innings against the O's. The Tribe will send righthander Fausto Carmona (0-2, 9.00 ERA) to the mound in that contest.

Also on the American League schedule for Saturday: Oakland at Toronto, the White Sox at Tampa Bay, the Angels at Minnesota, Baltimore at Boston, Kansas City at Texas, and Detroit at Seattle. Mariners lefthander Erik Bedard will try to improve on his 1-0 record and 2.02 ERA when he takes to the hill vs. the Tigers.

Over in the National League on Saturday it's Atlanta at Pittsburgh, Florida at Washington, Milwaukee at the Mets, St. Louis at Chicago, Colorado at the Dodgers, San Diego at Philadelphia, Cincinnati at Houston, and Arizona at San Francisco. The Giants will go with righthander Tim Lincecum (0-1, 7.56 ERA) in that game, and the D-Backs counter with lefthander Doug Davis (0-2, 4.15 ERA).

Taking a trip around the rink . . .

The Red Wings will continue their title defense on Saturday night with Game 2 of their first-round playoff series against the Blue Jackets. Detroit bounced Columbus 4-1 in the series opener on Thursday, with Johan Franzen and Jiri Hudler both picking up a goal and an assist. R.J. Umberger had the only goal in the loss for the Blue Jackets, while rookie netminder Steve Mason had 30 saves.

There are three other Game 2's on the NHL's postseason slate for Saturday, with the Rangers at Washington, Montreal at Boston, and Calgary at Chicago. Each of New York, Boston, and Chicago hold a 1-0 lead in their respective series, with the Blackhawks winning their Game 1 by a score of 3-2 in overtime on Thursday. Martin Havlat scored twice for Chicago in that win, and he provided the OT tally.

Rounding out the Roundup . . .

The Sprint Cup Series returns on Saturday night with the Subway Fresh Fit 500 under the lights at Phoenix International Raceway. Jeff Gordon won the circuit's last event at Texas Motor Speedway on April 5, and he holds a 162-point lead on Jimmie Johnson in the current driver standings. However, Johnson has won the last three Phoenix races, and he's the 3/1 Vegas favorite to get the win Saturday.

Kyle Busch is next on that list at 5/1, followed by Gordon at 6/1, Carl Edwards at 7/1, and both Denny Hamlin and Greg Biffle at 10/1. Mark Martin and Matt Kenseth then sit at 12/1 odds to win in Phoenix on Saturday, with Tony Stewart and Dale Earnhardt Jr. at 15/1, and Kurt Busch rounding out the top tier at 18/1.

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[pm530]

.......... PLAYOFFS




DUNKEL INDEX

Houston at Portland
The Rockets are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 road games and face a Portland team that is 6-0 ATS in its last 6 home games. The Blazers are the pick (-4) according to Dunkel, which has Portland favored by 6 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Portland (-4). Here are all of this weekend's playoff picks.

SATURDAY, APRIL 18

Game 701-702: Chicago at Boston
Dunkel Ratings: Chicago 117.784; Boston 126.749
Dunkel Line & Total: Boston by 9; 199
Vegas Line & Total: Boston by 8 1/2; 196 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Boston (-8 1/2); Over

Game 703-704: Detroit at Cleveland
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit 117.552; Cleveland 130.023
Dunkel Line & Total: Cleveland by 12 1/2; 171
Vegas Line & Total: Cleveland by 12; 175
Dunkel Pick: Cleveland (-12); Under

Game 705-706: Dallas at San Antonio
Dunkel Ratings: Dallas 120.285; San Antonio 123.736
Dunkel Line & Total: San Antonio by 3 1/2; 181
Vegas Line & Total: San Antonio by 4 1/2; 185 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Dallas (+4 1/2); Under

Game 707-708: Houston at Portland
Dunkel Ratings: Houston 123.749; Portland 130.265
Dunkel Line & Total: Portland by 6 1/2; 187
Vegas Line & Total: Portland by 4; 183
Dunkel Pick: Portland (-4); Over


SUNDAY, APRIL 19

Game 709-710: Utah at LA Lakers
Dunkel Ratings: Utah 113.539; LA Lakers 128.548
Dunkel Line & Total: LA Lakers by 15; 212
Vegas Line & Total: LA Lakers by 11; 210
Dunkel Pick: LA Lakers (-11); Over

Game 711-712: Philadelphia at Orlando
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia 114.230; Orlando 122.527
Dunkel Line & Total: Orlando by 8 1/2; 187
Vegas Line & Total: Orlando by 9 1/2; 191
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (+9 1/2); Under

Game 713-714: Miami at Atlanta
Dunkel Ratings: Miami 116.969; Atlanta 124.359
Dunkel Line & Total: Atlanta by 7 1/2; 183
Vegas Line & Total: Atlanta by 4 1/2; 187
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (-4 1/2); Under

Game 715-716: New Orleans at Denver
Dunkel Ratings: New Orleans 115.442; Denver 126.151
Dunkel Line & Total: Denver by 10 1/2; 191
Vegas Line & Total: Denver by 6; 194 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Denver (-6); Under

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LONG SHEET


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Saturday, April 18
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CHICAGO (41 - 41) at BOSTON (62 - 20) - 4/18/2009, 12:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO is 11-24 ATS (-15.4 Units) against Atlantic division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 110-79 ATS (+23.1 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 85-67 ATS (+11.3 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 55-40 ATS (+11.0 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 21-9 ATS (+11.1 Units) on Saturday games over the last 3 seasons.
BOSTON is 12-4 ATS (+7.6 Units) after allowing 105 points or more this season.
BOSTON is 38-25 ATS (+10.5 Units) after scoring 105 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 56-35 ATS (+17.5 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO is 12-3 ATS (+8.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season this season.

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

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DETROIT (39 - 43) at CLEVELAND (66 - 16) - 4/18/2009, 3:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 34-48 ATS (-18.8 Units) in all games this season.
DETROIT is 6-14 ATS (-9.4 Units) off a upset loss as a favorite this season.
CLEVELAND is 49-33 ATS (+12.7 Units) in all games this season.
CLEVELAND is 43-27 ATS (+13.3 Units) as a favorite this season.
CLEVELAND is 27-14 ATS (+11.6 Units) in home games this season.
CLEVELAND is 18-9 ATS (+8.1 Units) after scoring 105 points or more this season.
DETROIT is 13-2 ATS (+10.8 Units) in a road game where the total is between 170 and 179.5 points over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 16-4 ATS (+11.6 Units) in road games when playing with 2 days rest over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CLEVELAND is 11-7 against the spread versus DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
CLEVELAND is 9-9 straight up against DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
14 of 18 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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DALLAS (50 - 32) at SAN ANTONIO (54 - 28) - 4/18/2009, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DALLAS is 22-35 ATS (-16.5 Units) after a win by 10 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 105-75 ATS (+22.5 Units) when playing with 2 days rest since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 222-179 ATS (+25.1 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 26-15 ATS (+9.5 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.
SAN ANTONIO is 42-27 ATS (+12.3 Units) in home games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game over the last 3 seasons.
DALLAS is 214-171 ATS (+25.9 Units) as an underdog since 1996.
DALLAS is 167-129 ATS (+25.1 Units) vs. division opponents since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 6-14 ATS (-9.4 Units) after 3 or more consecutive wins this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
DALLAS is 7-5 against the spread versus SAN ANTONIO over the last 3 seasons
SAN ANTONIO is 6-6 straight up against DALLAS over the last 3 seasons
7 of 12 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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HOUSTON (53 - 29) at PORTLAND (54 - 28) - 4/18/2009, 10:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PORTLAND is 45-36 ATS (+5.4 Units) in all games this season.
PORTLAND is 33-21 ATS (+9.9 Units) as a favorite this season.
PORTLAND is 26-14 ATS (+10.6 Units) in home games this season.
PORTLAND is 12-4 ATS (+7.6 Units) in home games revenging a loss vs opponent this season.
PORTLAND is 21-9 ATS (+11.1 Units) after a win by 10 points or more this season.
PORTLAND is 12-1 ATS (+10.9 Units) in home games after 3 or more consecutive wins over the last 2 seasons.
PORTLAND is 40-20 ATS (+18.0 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
HOUSTON is 284-235 ATS (+25.5 Units) in road games since 1996.
HOUSTON is 45-27 ATS (+15.3 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 48-35 ATS (+9.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
PORTLAND is 40-63 ATS (-29.3 Units) as a home favorite of 3.5 to 6 points since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
PORTLAND is 6-5 against the spread versus HOUSTON over the last 3 seasons
HOUSTON is 8-3 straight up against PORTLAND over the last 3 seasons
6 of 11 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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UTAH (48 - 34) at LA LAKERS (65 - 17) - 4/19/2009, 3:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
UTAH is 37-51 ATS (-19.1 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
UTAH is 10-20 ATS (-12.0 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent this season.
UTAH is 4-12 ATS (-9.2 Units) in road games after scoring 105 points or more this season.
UTAH is 6-16 ATS (-11.6 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
UTAH is 7-16 ATS (-10.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season this season.
UTAH is 12-24 ATS (-14.4 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.
LA LAKERS are 99-83 ATS (+7.7 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
LA LAKERS are 45-32 ATS (+9.8 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
LA LAKERS are 17-6 ATS (+10.4 Units) in home games against Northwest division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
LA LAKERS are 53-34 ATS (+15.6 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
LA LAKERS are 36-15 ATS (+19.5 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
LA LAKERS are 14-26 ATS (-14.6 Units) in home games after allowing 105 points or more over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA LAKERS is 10-5 against the spread versus UTAH over the last 3 seasons
LA LAKERS is 11-5 straight up against UTAH over the last 3 seasons
12 of 16 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons


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Sunday, April 19
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PHILADELPHIA (41 - 41) at ORLANDO (59 - 23) - 4/19/2009, 5:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 9-22 ATS (-15.2 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.
ORLANDO is 50-32 ATS (+14.8 Units) in all games this season.
ORLANDO is 38-28 ATS (+7.2 Units) as a favorite this season.
ORLANDO is 50-35 ATS (+11.5 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 21-6 ATS (+14.4 Units) in home games after a division game over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ORLANDO is 6-4 against the spread versus PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
ORLANDO is 8-2 straight up against PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
6 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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MIAMI (43 - 39) at ATLANTA (47 - 35) - 4/19/2009, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MIAMI is 73-89 ATS (-24.9 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 6-17 ATS (-12.7 Units) off an upset win as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 44-36 ATS (+4.4 Units) in all games this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
MIAMI is 8-4 against the spread versus ATLANTA over the last 3 seasons
ATLANTA is 6-6 straight up against MIAMI over the last 3 seasons
9 of 12 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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NEW ORLEANS (49 - 33) at DENVER (54 - 28) - 4/19/2009, 10:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEW ORLEANS is 36-45 ATS (-13.5 Units) in all games this season.
NEW ORLEANS is 4-13 ATS (-10.3 Units) as a road underdog of 6.5 to 9 points over the last 2 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 22-40 ATS (-22.0 Units) in road games after a division game since 1996.
NEW ORLEANS is 12-24 ATS (-14.4 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.
DENVER is 45-36 ATS (+5.4 Units) in all games this season.
DENVER is 63-48 ATS (+10.2 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
DENVER is 22-10 ATS (+11.0 Units) on Sunday games over the last 3 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 64-43 ATS (+16.7 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 3 seasons.

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

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SHORT SHEET


Saturday, April 18th

Eastern Conference Playoffs - Round One
Game One
Series Tied, 0-0
Chicago at Boston, 12:35 ET

Chicago:
11-24 ATS vs. Atlantic Division
18-33 ATS if home favorite last game

Boston:
11-1 ATS off home win scoring 110+ points
11-3 Over playing with 2 days rest
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Eastern Conference Playoffs - Round One
Game One
Series Tied, 0-0
Detroit at Cleveland, 3:05 ET

Detroit:
6-14 ATS off SU loss as favorite
12-4 Under playing with 2 days rest

Cleveland:
26-14 ATS as home favorite
22-7 ATS at home off BB ATS wins
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Eastern Conference Playoffs - Round One
Game OneSeries Tied, 0-0
Dallas at San Antonio, 8:05 ET

Dallas:
5-1 Under at San Antonio
15-24 ATS off ATS win

San Antonio:
14-4 ATS at home as #3 seed
41-25 Under off home win
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Western Conference Playoffs - Round One
Game One
Series Tied, 0-0
Houston at Portland, 10:35 ET

Houston:
13-8 Under as road underdog
33-25 Under off road loss

Portland:
8-0 ATS off home win by 20+ points
9-0 ATS at home after allowing 80 points or less



Sunday, April 19th

Western Conference Playoffs - Round One
Game One
Series Tied, 0-0
Utah at LA Lakers, 3:05 ET

Utah:
10-20 ATS playing with revenge
0-8 ATS Away after a combined score of 215+ points

LA Lakers:
16-4 ATS playing only 2nd game in 7 days
15-6 Over off DD home win
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Eastern Conference Playoffs - Round One
Game One
Series Tied, 0-0
Philadelphia at Orlando, 5:35 ET

Philadelphia:
7-15 ATS playing with double revenge
23-11 Over Away playing with same season revenge

Orlando:
21-6 ATS at home off divsion game
52-28 Over after allowing 80 points or less
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Western Conference Playoffs - Round One
Game One
Series Tied, 0-0
Miami at Atlanta, 8:05 ET

Miami:
6-17 ATS off SU dog win
12-23 ATS off home win

Atlanta:
9-1 ATS at home off BB Unders
5-1 Over at home vs. Miami
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Western Conference Playoffs - Round One
Game One
Series Tied, 0-0
New Orleans at Denver, 10:35 ET

New Orleans:
12-23 ATS off ATS win
4-13 ATS as a road underdog of 6.5 to 9 points

Denver:
19-5 Under in 1st Round of playoffs
14-5 ATS if road underdog last game

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TREND SHEET


Saturday, April 18

12:30 PM
CHICAGO vs. BOSTON
Chicago is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Boston
Chicago is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Boston
Boston is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 games
Boston is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games

3:00 PM
DETROIT vs. CLEVELAND
Detroit is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Cleveland
Detroit is 5-11 ATS in its last 16 games when playing Cleveland
Cleveland is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games
Cleveland is 18-3 SU in its last 21 games

8:00 PM
DALLAS vs. SAN ANTONIO
Dallas is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games
Dallas is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
San Antonio is 2-9 ATS in its last 11 games when playing at home against Dallas
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of San Antonio's last 6 games when playing at home against Dallas

10:30 PM
HOUSTON vs. PORTLAND
Houston is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Portland
Houston is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games when playing on the road against Portland
Portland is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games
Portland is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games

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Pick ‘n’ Roll


Dallas Mavericks at San Antonio Spurs (-4, 185.5)

The Dallas Mavericks and San Antonio Spurs were so dominant three years ago that they practically forced the NBA to change how playoff teams are stacked.

Three years later, the Spurs and Mavericks have ceded that superiority.

Tim Duncan and the Spurs are the third seed, but were a Michael Finley buzzer-beater this week from dropping to fifth and starting the playoffs on the road. Dirk Nowitzki and Dallas are seeded sixth, and had to win seven of the last nine to get there.

In the Western Conference, it's now the Los Angeles Lakers and everyone else.

''But we think we're still up there,'' said Duncan, embarking on his 12 consecutive postseason. ''We still think we have a chance.''

So do the Mavericks, who renew their playoff rivalry with the Spurs starting Saturday in San Antonio. But unlike in 2006, it won't be the same meeting of 60-win titans who played to a thrilling seven-game series in the West semifinals. The Mavs prevailed, and went on to the NBA finals before losing to Miami.

Because of that semifinals series, the NBA changed its playoff rules the next season so that the teams with the best records wouldn't meet until the conference finals. Many felt robbed the Spurs and Mavericks, who weren't seeded Nos. 1 and 2 because they came from the same division, had squared off so prematurely that year.

But these days, Mavericks guard Jason Terry can't seem to turn on his TV without being reminded of the general consensus of where Dallas is now in the pecking order.

''It feels disrespectful when you watch these shows, TNT, ESPN, and they're talking, 'Walk through the Mavericks, that's who you want to play,''' Terry said. ''OK. We'll see if that's who you want to play.''

Pick: Dallas +4


Detroit Pistons at Cleveland Cavaliers (-12, 175)

The Cavs and Pistons, who will open their best-of-seven series on Saturday at Quicken Loans Arena, know each other inside and out.

Central Division rivals, this is the third time in the past four years that they've met playoffs. Two years ago, Cleveland, behind an epic performance from James in Game 5, beat the Pistons in the Eastern Conference finals to avenge a loss to Detroit the previous year in a rough-and-tumble conference semifinal.

The rosters haven't changed much since. The roles sure have.

With 66 regular-season wins - and a sparkling 39-2 mark in their rowdy arena - the Cavaliers enter as the No. 1 overall seed.

Like the Motor City itself, the No. 8 Pistons have fallen on hard times. At 39-43, they're the only team in the 16-team field with a losing record.

On paper, it appears to be a major mismatch.

''It's going to be a good challenge,'' Pistons center Rasheed Wallace said. ''They've got a pretty good record, a pretty good home record and I know they are feeling themselves right now.

''So I guess it's going to be like David vs. Goliath.''

Pick: Over 175


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NOTE: We will update the NBA when the “Write-up” and “Tips and Trends” are available.

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[pm530]

MLB
Long Sheet


Saturday, April 18

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ATLANTA (5 - 4) at PITTSBURGH (4 - 5) - 12:35 PM
JO-JO REYES (L) vs. IAN SNELL (R)
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 76-92 (-23.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 10-26 (-18.1 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 77-94 (-24.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 31-53 (-18.0 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
REYES is 10-22 (-14.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
REYES is 10-21 (-13.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
REYES is 4-12 (-11.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
PITTSBURGH is 245-263 (+26.0 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
ATLANTA is 30-14 (+17.3 Units) against the money line when playing with a day off over the last 3 seasons.

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

JO-JO REYES vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
No recent starts.

IAN SNELL vs. ATLANTA since 1997
SNELL is 1-2 when starting against ATLANTA with an ERA of 4.54 and a WHIP of 1.407.
His team's record is 4-2 (+3.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-2. (+1.7 units)

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FLORIDA (8 - 1) at WASHINGTON (1 - 7) - 1:05 PM
JOSH JOHNSON (R) vs. SCOTT OLSEN (L)
Top Trends for this game.
FLORIDA is 8-1 (+8.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
FLORIDA is 42-41 (+14.0 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 8-1 (+8.3 Units) against the money line in April games this season.
FLORIDA is 15-6 (+10.9 Units) against the money line when playing with a day off over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 8-1 (+8.3 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
FLORIDA is 28-19 (+15.0 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 8-1 (+8.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
JOHNSON is 13-3 (+11.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
JOHNSON is 11-0 (+12.4 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
JOHNSON is 13-3 (+11.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
WASHINGTON is 60-106 (-27.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 25-57 (-23.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 60-109 (-30.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
FLORIDA is 3-0 (+3.0 Units) against WASHINGTON this season
3 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+3.0 Units)

JOSH JOHNSON vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
JOHNSON is 4-0 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 2.64 and a WHIP of 1.076.
His team's record is 5-0 (+5.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-1. (+3.0 units)

SCOTT OLSEN vs. FLORIDA since 1997
OLSEN is 0-1 when starting against FLORIDA with an ERA of 24.00 and a WHIP of 3.667.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.1 units)

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MILWAUKEE (3 - 6) at NY METS (4 - 5) - 1:10 PM
YOVANI GALLARDO (R) vs. JOHAN SANTANA (L)
Top Trends for this game.
SANTANA is 74-22 (+34.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997. (Team's Record)
NY METS are 17-27 (-26.1 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -150 to -175 over the last 3 seasons.

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

YOVANI GALLARDO vs. NY METS since 1997
No recent starts.

JOHAN SANTANA vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
SANTANA is 3-2 when starting against MILWAUKEE with an ERA of 3.40 and a WHIP of 0.965.
His team's record is 5-2 (+1.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-3. (+0.5 units)

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ST LOUIS (8 - 3) at CHICAGO CUBS (5 - 4) - 3:40 PM
KYLE LOHSE (R) vs. RYAN DEMPSTER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
DEMPSTER is 103-95 (+21.5 Units) against the money line in all games since 1997. (Team's Record)
DEMPSTER is 60-35 (+27.0 Units) against the money line in home games since 1997. (Team's Record)
DEMPSTER is 21-8 (+17.9 Units) against the money line when playing on Saturday since 1997. (Team's Record)
DEMPSTER is 36-26 (+16.8 Units) against the money line in day games since 1997. (Team's Record)
DEMPSTER is 90-83 (+17.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field since 1997. (Team's Record)
DEMPSTER is 29-15 (+18.8 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997. (Team's Record)
ST LOUIS is 407-300 (+61.3 Units) against the money line in day games since 1997.
ST LOUIS is 94-79 (+13.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 63-48 (+15.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 94-79 (+13.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
LOHSE is 22-10 (+12.8 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
CHICAGO CUBS are 377-348 (-77.4 Units) against the money line in home games in day games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 905-929 (-164.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 377-347 (-75.3 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 962-1013 (-186.2 Units) against the money line in all games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 514-472 (-112.7 Units) against the money line in home games since 1997.

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

KYLE LOHSE vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
LOHSE is 1-2 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 5.16 and a WHIP of 1.528.
His team's record is 5-2 (+3.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-3. (+0.9 units)

RYAN DEMPSTER vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
DEMPSTER is 4-4 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 4.88 and a WHIP of 1.613.
His team's record is 5-6 (-0.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 4-6. (-2.9 units)

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ARIZONA (3 - 6) at SAN FRANCISCO (2 - 7) - 4:05 PM
DOUG DAVIS (L) vs. TIM LINCECUM (R)
Top Trends for this game.
ARIZONA is 34-47 (-16.9 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 86-83 (-15.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 58-64 (-21.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 86-86 (-18.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 153-91 (+40.4 Units) against the money line in home games against left-handed starters since 1997.

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

DOUG DAVIS vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
DAVIS is 3-4 when starting against SAN FRANCISCO with an ERA of 4.23 and a WHIP of 1.614.
His team's record is 6-7 (-1.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 8-5. (+2.7 units)

TIM LINCECUM vs. ARIZONA since 1997
LINCECUM is 3-1 when starting against ARIZONA with an ERA of 2.23 and a WHIP of 0.993.
His team's record is 3-3 (-0.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-2. (+2.0 units)

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SAN DIEGO (7 - 3) at PHILADELPHIA (4 - 4) - 7:05 PM
SHAWN HILL (R) vs. BRETT MYERS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN DIEGO is 70-101 (-30.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 48-75 (-25.9 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 70-101 (-30.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 18-3 (+13.0 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -150 to -175 over the last 2 seasons.
MYERS is 15-23 (-14.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)

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

SHAWN HILL vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
HILL is 2-2 when starting against PHILADELPHIA with an ERA of 5.08 and a WHIP of 1.164.
His team's record is 2-3 (+0.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-3. (-2.3 units)

BRETT MYERS vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
MYERS is 2-0 when starting against SAN DIEGO with an ERA of 1.50 and a WHIP of 1.167.
His team's record is 3-0 (+3.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-2. (-1.0 units)

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CINCINNATI (4 - 4) at HOUSTON (3 - 6) - 7:05 PM
AARON HARANG (R) vs. WANDY RODRIGUEZ (L)
Top Trends for this game.
CINCINNATI is 30-43 (-19.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 87-80 (+16.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 65-57 (+13.4 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 89-81 (+18.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 297-339 (+31.9 Units) against the money line in road games in night games since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 451-524 (+44.6 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997.
HARANG is 18-9 (+11.4 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +100 to +125 since 1997. (Team's Record)
HARANG is 50-42 (+20.0 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997. (Team's Record)
HARANG is 37-28 (+16.1 Units) against the money line in road games in night games since 1997. (Team's Record)

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

AARON HARANG vs. HOUSTON since 1997
HARANG is 8-7 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 4.45 and a WHIP of 1.265.
His team's record is 11-8 (+2.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 9-8. (+0.6 units)

WANDY RODRIGUEZ vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
RODRIGUEZ is 3-4 when starting against CINCINNATI with an ERA of 4.77 and a WHIP of 1.425.
His team's record is 6-5 (+0.7 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 6-5. (+0.4 units)

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COLORADO (4 - 4) at LA DODGERS (7 - 3) - 10:10 PM
AARON COOK (R) vs. CHAD BILLINGSLEY (R)
Top Trends for this game.
COLORADO is 48-71 (-24.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 87-77 (+24.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.

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

AARON COOK vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
COOK is 5-5 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 3.66 and a WHIP of 1.430.
His team's record is 6-7 (-0.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-8. (-4.8 units)

CHAD BILLINGSLEY vs. COLORADO since 1997
BILLINGSLEY is 1-2 when starting against COLORADO with an ERA of 3.98 and a WHIP of 1.611.
His team's record is 2-4 (-3.5 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-2. (+0.7 units)

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OAKLAND (4 - 5) at TORONTO (8 - 3) - 1:07 PM
TREVOR CAHILL (R) vs. BRIAN TALLET (L)
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 35-22 (+13.5 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 71-55 (+12.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.

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

TREVOR CAHILL vs. TORONTO since 1997
No recent starts.

BRIAN TALLET vs. OAKLAND since 1997
No recent starts.

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LA ANGELS (4 - 5) at MINNESOTA (4 - 7) - 3:40 PM
DARREN OLIVER (L) vs. KEVIN SLOWEY (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 56-33 (+15.0 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 15-4 (+12.5 Units) against the money line when playing with a day off over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 58-35 (+15.5 Units) against the money line in games played in a dome over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 56-33 (+15.0 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on artificial turf over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 20-5 (+15.2 Units) against the money line in home games against left-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 52-34 (+18.8 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 32-13 (+18.1 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 36-24 (+12.9 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 105-70 (+19.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.

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

DARREN OLIVER vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
OLIVER is 4-5 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 4.50 and a WHIP of 1.293.
His team's record is 4-5 (-3.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 4-5. (-1.3 units)

KEVIN SLOWEY vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
SLOWEY is 1-1 when starting against LA ANGELS with an ERA of 5.53 and a WHIP of 1.501.
His team's record is 1-2 (-0.3 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.4 units)

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CLEVELAND (3 - 7) at NY YANKEES (5 - 5) - 3:40 PM
FAUSTO CARMONA (R) vs. CHIEN-MING WANG (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CLEVELAND is 21-32 (-15.2 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
NY YANKEES are 28-34 (-20.9 Units) against the money line in April games over the last 3 seasons.
NY YANKEES are 91-72 (-40.6 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Saturday since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
CLEVELAND is 1-0 (+1.9 Units) against NY YANKEES this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.1 Units)

FAUSTO CARMONA vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
CARMONA is 0-1 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 3.33 and a WHIP of 1.185.
His team's record is 2-2 (+0.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-3. (-2.2 units)

CHIEN-MING WANG vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
WANG is 3-4 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 5.31 and a WHIP of 1.564.
His team's record is 3-4 (-3.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 5-1. (+4.0 units)

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CHI WHITE SOX (5 - 4) at TAMPA BAY (4 - 6) - 7:08 PM
MARK BUEHRLE (L) vs. SCOTT KAZMIR (L)
Top Trends for this game.
CHI WHITE SOX are 5-18 (-13.0 Units) against the money line in games played on artificial turf over the last 2 seasons.
BUEHRLE is 4-14 (-10.0 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
TAMPA BAY is 25-2 (+21.7 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -150 to -175 over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 63-30 (+26.4 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 13-2 (+10.6 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Saturday over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 63-31 (+25.1 Units) against the money line in games played in a dome over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 67-36 (+24.4 Units) against the money line in games played on artificial turf over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 40-16 (+21.3 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 109-79 (+26.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
KAZMIR is 12-0 (+12.0 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -150 to -175 since 1997. (Team's Record)
KAZMIR is 11-0 (+11.2 Units) against the money line when playing on Saturday over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
KAZMIR is 18-6 (+12.1 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
KAZMIR is 23-12 (+13.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
CHI WHITE SOX are 53-29 (+20.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHI WHITE SOX is 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against TAMPA BAY this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.0 Units)

MARK BUEHRLE vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
BUEHRLE is 4-3 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 4.42 and a WHIP of 1.319.
His team's record is 7-4 (+2.3 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 5-6. (-1.4 units)

SCOTT KAZMIR vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
KAZMIR is 4-1 when starting against CHI WHITE SOX with an ERA of 3.35 and a WHIP of 1.301.
His team's record is 5-1 (+4.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-4. (-2.3 units)

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BALTIMORE (6 - 3) at BOSTON (3 - 6) - 7:10 PM
ADAM EATON (R) vs. JOSH BECKETT (R)
Top Trends for this game.
BALTIMORE is 60-60 (+10.5 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 325-380 (+29.5 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters since 1997.
BALTIMORE is 21-14 (+10.8 Units) against the money line in April games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 228-182 (-46.6 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents since 1997.
BECKETT is 2-7 (-10.9 Units) against the money line in home games in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
BECKETT is 8-13 (-11.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

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

ADAM EATON vs. BOSTON since 1997
No recent starts.

JOSH BECKETT vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
BECKETT is 4-2 when starting against BALTIMORE with an ERA of 3.73 and a WHIP of 1.144.
His team's record is 6-3 (+0.9 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 4-4. (-0.5 units)

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KANSAS CITY (5 - 4) at TEXAS (4 - 5) - 8:05 PM
ZACK GREINKE (R) vs. KEVIN MILLWOOD (R)
Top Trends for this game.
TEXAS is 60-57 (+11.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 34-33 (+13.3 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 22-11 (+13.9 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +100 to +125 over the last 3 seasons.

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

ZACK GREINKE vs. TEXAS since 1997
GREINKE is 2-3 when starting against TEXAS with an ERA of 3.69 and a WHIP of 1.308.
His team's record is 2-5 (-3.5 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 4-2. (+1.9 units)

KEVIN MILLWOOD vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
MILLWOOD is 6-3 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 4.66 and a WHIP of 1.537.
His team's record is 8-3 (+2.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-6. (-1.5 units)

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DETROIT (5 - 4) at SEATTLE (7 - 3) - 9:10 PM
EDWIN JACKSON (R) vs. ERIK BEDARD (L)
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 73-78 (-22.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 50-57 (-16.4 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 27-40 (-16.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 79-92 (-29.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 84-132 (-38.7 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +100 to +125 since 1997.
SEATTLE is 61-95 (-31.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 43-72 (-27.5 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 43-72 (-27.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 68-104 (-32.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.

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

EDWIN JACKSON vs. SEATTLE since 1997
JACKSON is 2-0 when starting against SEATTLE with an ERA of 0.60 and a WHIP of 1.000.
His team's record is 2-0 (+2.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (+0.0 units)

ERIK BEDARD vs. DETROIT since 1997
BEDARD is 1-1 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 6.32 and a WHIP of 1.723.
His team's record is 2-1 (+0.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-1. (+1.0 units)

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[pm530]

MLB


Saturday, April 18

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Trend Sheet
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12:35 PM
ATLANTA vs. PITTSBURGH
Atlanta is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
Atlanta is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Atlanta
Pittsburgh is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Atlanta

1:05 PM
FLORIDA vs. WASHINGTON
Florida is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Florida is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Washington
Washington is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Florida
Washington is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Florida

1:07 PM
OAKLAND vs. TORONTO
Oakland is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing Toronto
Oakland is 8-4 SU in its last 12 games when playing on the road against Toronto
Toronto is 9-4 SU in its last 13 games
Toronto is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games at home

1:10 PM
MILWAUKEE vs. NY METS
Milwaukee is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games
Milwaukee is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing NY Mets
NY Mets are 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Milwaukee

3:40 PM
CLEVELAND vs. NY YANKEES
Cleveland is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games on the road
Cleveland is 3-9 SU in its last 12 games
NY Yankees are 18-7 SU in their last 25 games when playing at home against Cleveland
NY Yankees are 2-4 SU in their last 6 games when playing at home against Cleveland

3:40 PM
COLORADO vs. LA DODGERS
Colorado is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
Colorado is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games on the road
LA Dodgers are 2-4 SU in their last 6 games when playing at home against Colorado
LA Dodgers are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing Colorado

3:40 PM
ST. LOUIS vs. CHI CUBS
St. Louis is 8-17 SU in their last 25 games when playing on the road against Chi Cubs
St. Louis is 2-5 SU in their last 7 games when playing Chi Cubs
Chi Cubs are 4-2 SU in their last 6 games
Chi Cubs are 2-4 SU in their last 6 games at home

4:05 PM
ARIZONA vs. SAN FRANCISCO
Arizona is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games
Arizona is 3-15 SU in its last 18 games on the road
San Francisco is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Arizona
San Francisco is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Arizona

7:00 PM
CINCINNATI vs. HOUSTON
Cincinnati is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Cincinnati is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games on the road
Houston is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Cincinnati
Houston is 16-4 SU in its last 20 games when playing Cincinnati

7:05 PM
SAN DIEGO vs. PHILADELPHIA
San Diego is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
San Diego is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games
Philadelphia is 17-8 SU in its last 25 games
Philadelphia is 11-3 SU in its last 14 games at home

7:08 PM
CHI WHITE SOX vs. TAMPA BAY
Chi White Sox are 4-2 SU in their last 6 games
Chi White Sox are 2-7 SU in their last 9 games on the road
Tampa Bay is 6-1 SU in their last 7 games when playing at home against Chi White Sox
Tampa Bay is 9-3 SU in their last 12 games when playing Chi White Sox

7:10 PM
BALTIMORE vs. BOSTON
Baltimore is 3-13 SU in its last 16 games on the road
Baltimore is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games when playing Boston
Boston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Baltimore
Boston is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games

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

8:05 PM
KANSAS CITY vs. TEXAS
Kansas City is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games when playing Texas
Kansas City is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Texas
Texas is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games at home
Texas is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games

9:10 PM
DETROIT vs. SEATTLE
Detroit is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
Detroit is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games on the road
Seattle is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home
Seattle is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games

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[pm530]

MLB


Saturday, April 18

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Hot lines: Today’s best MLB bets
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Cleveland Indians at New York Yankees (-129, 10.5)

The setting was different, but the finish was very familiar for the New York Yankees.

After franchise legends Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera led them to their first win at their new ballpark, the Yankees look to ride the emotion of that victory as they continue a four-game series against the Cleveland Indians on Saturday.

New York (6-5) played its first nine games on the road before returning to the Bronx for the opening of the new $1.5 billion Yankee Stadium on Thursday. The Yankees dropped the inaugural game 10-2 to the Indians but rebounded with a 6-5 victory Friday.

Jeter and Rivera, who made their major-league debuts with the Yankees in 1995 and helped lead the club to four World Series titles and six AL pennants at old Yankee Stadium, played integral roles in the first win at the new venue.

Jeter broke a 5-all tie in the eighth inning with New York's fifth solo home run of the game, and Rivera closed out the victory with two strikeouts in the ninth.

"If anyone's going to hit a game-winning home run for the first win at the new stadium, it's going to be Derek," said first-year Yankee Mark Teixeira, who also homered despite a sore left wrist.

Pick: Yankees -129



St. Louis Cardinals at Chicago Cubs (-130)

Since signing with the Chicago Cubs, Alfonso Soriano has had a tendency of getting off to slow starts. That has not been the case in 2009.

After lifting Chicago to a comeback win with a clutch home run his last time out, Soriano looks to lead the Cubs to their second straight victory when they continue their four-game series with the St. Louis Cardinals on Saturday at Wrigley Field.

With Chicago (6-4) trailing the Cardinals (8-4) by one run with one out in the eighth inning Friday, Soriano hit a two-run homer, helping rally the Cubs to an 8-7 win. Soriano, who already had struck out three times in the game, played the role of hero with a shot into the left-field bleachers off Chris Perez's low slider.

"It was very low but I like low pitches and I put a good swing on it,'' said Soriano, who has nine RBIs "Well, not only low. I like everything. High. Inside. Away. Just throw something close to home plate and I'll hit it.''

Soriano, who beat Milwaukee last Saturday with a two-run drive in the ninth, already has five homers - including two to leadoff a game. In his first two Aprils with the Cubs, the seven-time All-Star combined to hit .238 (30-for-126) with two homers and six RBIs in 30 games.

Aramis Ramirez had three hits and three RBIs Friday, and is 5-for-7 in his last two games after missing the previous two with a sore back.

Soriano is 13-for-35 (.371) with two homers and seven RBIs, and Ramirez is 7-for-11 (.636) with a homer and three doubles lifetime versus Saturday's scheduled starter Kyle Lohse (2-0, 1.13 ERA), who looks to continue his stellar pitching.

Pick: Chicago -130

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[pm530]

NHL
Long Sheet


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Saturday, April 18
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NY RANGERS (44-30-0-9, 97 pts.) at WASHINGTON (50-25-0-8, 108 pts.) - 4/18/2009, 1:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 21-6 ATS (+12.8 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent this season.
WASHINGTON is 43-27 ATS (+71.1 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
NY RANGERS are 9-1 ATS (+7.8 Units) in the first round of the playoffs over the last 3 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 5-12 ATS (-11.6 Units) in home games in the first round of the playoffs since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY RANGERS is 7-6 (+0.9 Units) against the spread versus WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
NY RANGERS is 7-6-0 straight up against WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
7 of 13 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+0.2 Units)

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CALGARY (46-30-0-7, 99 pts.) at CHICAGO (47-25-0-11, 105 pts.) - 4/18/2009, 3:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO is 12-4 ATS (+6.9 Units) in April games over the last 3 seasons.
CHICAGO is 42-37 ATS (+81.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
CALGARY is 24-17 ATS (+42.4 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 9-4 (+7.7 Units) against the spread versus CALGARY over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO is 9-4-0 straight up against CALGARY over the last 3 seasons
6 of 11 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+0.8 Units)

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COLUMBUS (41-32-0-10, 92 pts.) at DETROIT (52-21-0-10, 114 pts.) - 4/18/2009, 6:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
COLUMBUS is 6-23 ATS (+44.2 Units) in road games vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 33-5 ATS (+21.1 Units) in home games after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game over the last 2 seasons.
COLUMBUS is 41-42 ATS (+87.9 Units) in all games this season.
COLUMBUS is 15-10 ATS (+27.4 Units) after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game this season.
COLUMBUS is 94-94 ATS (+211.8 Units) after scoring 1 goal or less in their previous game since 1996.
COLUMBUS is 10-4 ATS (+15.1 Units) after 3 or more consecutive losses over the last 2 seasons.
COLUMBUS is 23-18 ATS (+48.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
COLUMBUS is 21-18 ATS (+49.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 28-22 ATS (-21.9 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
COLUMBUS is 9-14 (+2.7 Units) against the spread versus DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
DETROIT is 14-9-0 straight up against COLUMBUS over the last 3 seasons
14 of 21 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+6.5 Units)

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MONTREAL (41-31-0-11, 93 pts.) at BOSTON (54-18-0-11, 119 pts.) - 4/18/2009, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MONTREAL is 41-42 ATS (-17.4 Units) in all games this season.
MONTREAL is 20-27 ATS (-13.7 Units) second half of the season this season.
MONTREAL is 24-28 ATS (-15.6 Units) on Saturday games over the last 2 seasons.
MONTREAL is 10-15 ATS (-10.4 Units) vs. division opponents this season.
MONTREAL is 19-23 ATS (-12.4 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent this season.
MONTREAL is 11-16 ATS (-9.8 Units) after allowing 4 goals or more this season.
BOSTON is 38-24 ATS (+65.3 Units) after a division game over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 28-7 ATS (+28.0 Units) after a win by 2 goals or more this season.
BOSTON is 117-109 ATS (-51.4 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
MONTREAL is 18-12 (+2.2 Units) against the spread versus BOSTON over the last 3 seasons
MONTREAL is 18-12-0 straight up against BOSTON 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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[pm530]

NHL
Write-up


When the write-up for the balance of today’s games is available, we will update.

NHL Playoffs

Saturday, April 18

Rangers won last two games vs Washington, after losing previous five; Rangers lost seven of last nine visits here, with six of nine staying under total, but they won Game 1 4-3, despite getting out shot 35-21. Rangers won last four games overall, allowing eight goals. Capitols were 2-7 on power play in Game 1- they had man advantage for 12:13.

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[pm530]

NHL


Saturday, April 18

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Trend Sheet
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1:00 PM
NY RANGERS vs. WASHINGTON
NY Rangers are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games
NY Rangers are 5-15 SU in their last 20 games on the road
Washington is 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing at home against NY Rangers
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Washington's last 10 games when playing at home against NY Rangers

6:00 PM
COLUMBUS vs. DETROIT
Columbus is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Columbus is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Detroit
Detroit is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Detroit's last 6 games

8:00 PM
MONTREAL vs. BOSTON
Montreal is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Boston
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Montreal's last 5 games when playing on the road against Boston
Boston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Boston's last 8 games at home

9:00 PM
CALGARY vs. CHICAGO
Calgary is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Calgary's last 8 games
Chicago is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Calgary
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Chicago's last 6 games when playing Calgary

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[pm530]

NHL


Saturday, April 18

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Ice Picks: NHL best bets
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New York Rangers at Washington Capitals (-200, 5.5)

Bruce Boudreau implied, hinted and insinuated that Jose Theodore will be in goal Saturday afternoon when the Washington Capitals host the New York Rangers in Game 2 of their first-round playoff series.

The only thing the coach didn't do is say it outright.

''You'll see it in the warmup,'' Boudreau said. ''But look at me. It's not a big surprise. Theo's our No. 1 goalie.''

So it's safe to assume Theodore is playing, right?

''It's never safe,'' Boudreau replied, ''to assume anything.''

Boudreau hadn't informed either goalie of his decision as of Friday's practice, saying he'll do when he feels it's appropriate. Theodore interpreted the no news as good news.

''He didn't say anything,'' the 2002 league MVP said, ''but I'm assuming I'm in.''

It would be a stunner for Boudreau to pull Theodore after one narrow postseason loss. The 32-year-old goalie did not have the best of games Wednesday night when the Rangers won 4-3, but he played over the second half of the season as Washington secured the No. 2 seed in the playoffs.

Besides, with Brent Johnson out with a hip injury, the alternative is 20-year-old rookie Simeon Varlamov, who made his NHL debut Dec. 13 and has played in only six games.

Still, the Capitals need a better game from Theodore than they got in Game 1, when he allowed four goals in 21 shots. The Southeast Division champs, who consider themselves serious contenders for the Stanley Cup, would be in a big hole if they have to go to New York down 0-2.

Pick: New York +170



Montreal Canadiens at Boston Bruins (-240, 5.5)

There is already bad blood in the Bruins-Canadiens playoff series, some of it flowing from near the right eye of Boston rookie defenseman Matt Hunwick.

Bruins general manager Peter Chiarelli said it appeared Mike Komisarek had gouged Hunwick's eye after the final buzzer of Thursday night's series opener, won 4-2 by Boston. Hunwick said he wasn't sure. Komisarek dismissed the claim with a Three Stooges reference.

''It's a bit of a ridiculous statement,'' the Canadiens defenseman said Friday. ''I've never been a guy who is Moe, Larry and Curley try to poke someone's eye out. It's playoff hockey.''

Komisarek and Hunwick clashed after the final buzzer of Game 1. Hunwick said they rubbed each other's faces. But was his eye gouged?

''I couldn't tell, to be honest with you,'' Hunwick said after Friday's practice. ''I know he was face-washing me, I was face-washing him, so it's one of those things where in the heat of the moment you can't really tell and I'm not here to make any accusations, that's for sure.''

What does seem certain is that the intensity of a series between already fierce rivals picked up going into Saturday night's second game. Montreal has won 24 of the 32 playoff series between the teams, but the Bruins are the top-seeded club in the East while the Canadiens are eighth.

Pick: Boston -240

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[Udog]

MLB
Dunkel


LA Angels at Minnesota
The Twins are coming off a come-from-behind 11-9 win last night and look to build on their 7-1 record in Kevin Slowey's last 8 starts after scoring 5 or more runs in their previous game. Minnesota is the pick (-130) according to Dunkel, which has the Twins favored by 1 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (-130). Here are all of today's games

SATURDAY, APRIL 18

Game 901-902: Atlanta at Pittsburgh
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta (Reyes) 15.260; Pittsburgh (Snell) 13.595
Dunkel Line: Atlanta by 1 1/2; 10
Vegas Line: Pittsburgh (-115); 9
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (+105); Over

Game 903-904: Florida at Washington
Dunkel Ratings: Florida (Johnson) 15.187; Washington 15.518
Dunkel Line: Washington by 1/2; 10
Vegas Line: Florida (-155); 9
Dunkel Pick: Washington (+145); Over

Game 905-906: Milwaukee at NY Mets
Dunkel Ratings: Milwaukee (Gallardo) 14.304; NY Mets (Santana) 15.481
Dunkel Line: NY Mets by 1; 6 1/2
Vegas Line: NY Mets (-175); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: NY Mets (-175); Under

Game 907-908: St. Louis at Chicago Cubs
Dunkel Ratings: St. Louis (Lohse) 14.833; Cubs (Dempster) 16.462
Dunkel Line: Chicago Cubs by 1 1/2; 11
Vegas Line: Chicago Cubs (-130); No Total
Dunkel Pick: Chicago Cubs (-130); N/A

Game 909-910: Arizona at San Francisco
Dunkel Ratings: Arizona (Davis) 13.271; San Francisco (Lincecum) 14.474
Dunkel Line: San Francisco by 1; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: San Francisco (-150); 8
Dunkel Pick: San Francisco (-150); Over

Game 911-912: San Diego at Philadelphia
Dunkel Ratings: San Diego (Hill) 14.509; Philadelphia (Myers) 16.056
Dunkel Line: Philadelphia by 1 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: Philadelphia (-170); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (-170); Under

Game 913-914: Cincinnati at Houston
Dunkel Ratings: Cincinnati (Harang) 14.429; Houston (Rodriguez) 15.635
Dunkel Line: Houston by 1; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Houston (-125); 8
Dunkel Pick: Houston (-125); Over

Game 915-916: Colorado at LA Dodgers
Dunkel Ratings: Colorado (Cook) 15.405; LA Dodgers (Billingsley) 16.565
Dunkel Line: LA Dodgers by 1; 9
Vegas Line: LA Dodgers (-160); 8
Dunkel Pick: LA Dodgers (-160); Over

Game 917-918: Oakland at Toronto
Dunkel Ratings: Oakland (Cahill) 15.206; Toronto (Tallet) 16.363
Dunkel Line: Toronto by 1; 10
Vegas Line: Toronto (-140); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (-140); Over

Game 919-920: LA Angels at Minnesota
Dunkel Ratings: LA Angels (Oliver) 14.066; Minnesota (Slowey) 15.456
Dunkel Line: Minnesota by 1 1/2; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Minnesota (-130); 9
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (-130); Under

Game 921-922: Cleveland at NY Yankees
Dunkel Ratings: Cleveland (Carmona) 15.830; NY Yankees (Wang) 17.045
Dunkel Line: NY Yankees by 1; 10
Vegas Line: NY Yankees (-140); 10 1/2
Dunkel Pick: NY Yankees (-140); Under

Game 923-924: Chicago White Sox at Tampa Bay
Dunkel Ratings: White Sox (Buehrle) 15.824; Tampa Bay (Kazmir) 16.851
Dunkel Line: Tampa Bay by 1; 9
Vegas Line: Tampa Bay (-160); 8
Dunkel Pick: Tampa Bay (-160); Over

Game 925-926: Baltimore at Boston
Dunkel Ratings: Baltimore (Eaton) 14.471; Boston (Beckett) 16.226
Dunkel Line: Boston by 2; 9
Vegas Line: Boston (-230); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Boston (-230); Under

Game 927-928: Kansas City at Texas
Dunkel Ratings: Kansas City (Greinke) 15.448; Texas (Millwood) 16.173
Dunkel Line: Texas by 1; 11
Vegas Line: Texas (-110); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Texas (-110); Over

Game 929-930: Detroit at Seattle
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit (Jackson) 16.470; Seattle (Bedard) 14.934
Dunkel Line: Detroit by 1 1/2; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Seattle (-130); 8
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (+120); Over

[Udog]

NHL
Dunkel


Calgary at Chicago
The Flames look to bounce back from their overtime loss in Game One and take advantage of the fact that the road team is 8-3 in the last 11 meetings between the two teams. Calgary is the underdog pick (+135) according to Dunkel, which has the Flames favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: Calgary (+135). Here are all of today's picks.

SATURDAY, APRIL 18

Game 73-74: NY Rangers at Washington
Dunkel Ratings: NY Rangers 11.278; Washington 12.546
Dunkel Line & Total: Washington by 1 1/2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Washington (-200); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Washington (-200); Over

Game 75-76: Calgary at Chicago
Dunkel Ratings: Calgary 12.008; Chicago 10.976
Dunkel Line & Total: Calgary by 1; 4 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Chicago (-155); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Calgary (+135); Under

Game 77-78: Columbus at Detroit
Dunkel Ratings: Columbus 10.445; Detroit 12.434
Dunkel Line & Total: Detroit by 2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Detroit (-270); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (-270); Under

Game 79-80: Montreal at Boston
Dunkel Ratings: Montreal 11.051; Boston 13.080
Dunkel Line & Total: Boston by 2; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Boston (-230); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Boston (-230); Over

[Udog]

MLB
Short Sheet


Saturday, 4/18/2009

ATLANTA at PITTSBURGH, 12:35 PM ET
REYES: ATL 13-29 against NL Central
SNELL: 14-4 TSR as a home favorite

FLORIDA at WASHINGTON, 1:05 PM ET
JOHNSON: 11-0 TSR against division opponents
OLSEN: WAS 13-36 after a loss by 2 runs or less

MILWAUKEE at NY METS, 1:10 PM ET
GALLARDO: MIL 29-10 UNDER against NL East
SANTANA: 96-30 TSR as a favorite of -150 or more

ST LOUIS at CHICAGO CUBS, 3:40 PM ET
LOHSE: 21-12 TSR after a team loss
DEMPSTER: CHC 1-5 after allowing 7+ runs in 2 straight

ARIZONA at SAN FRANCISCO, 4:05 PM ET
DAVIS: ARI 9-22 AWAY when the total is 8 to 8.5
LINCECUM: SF 37-23 OVER in day games

SAN DIEGO at PHILADELPHIA, 7:05 PM ET
HILL: SD 70-42 OVER AWAY in night games
MYERS: 6-16 TSR as a favorite

CINCINNATI at HOUSTON, 7:05 PM ET
HARANG: 14-6 TSR as a road underdog
RODRIGUEZ: 12-2 UNDER at home when the money line is +125 to -125

COLORADO at LA DODGERS, 3:40 PM ET
COOK: COL 11-25 after a loss by 2 runs or less
BILLINGSLEY: LAD 20-7 OVER at home in April

OAKLAND at TORONTO, 1:07 PM ET
CAHILL: OAK 12-6 AWAY in April
TALLET: TOR 37-16 UNDER as a home favorite of -125 to -150

LA ANGELS at MINNESOTA, 7:10 PM ET
OLIVER: LAA 45-24 after a loss
SLOWEY: MIN 14-4 OVER after allowing 9+ runs

CLEVELAND at NY YANKEES, 3:40 PM ET
CARMONA: CLE 4-14 after a one run loss
WANG: 18-6 UNDER as a home favorite of -125 to -175

CHI WHITE SOX at TAMPA BAY, 7:08 PM ET
BUEHRLE: CHW 5-19 in games played on artificial turf
KAZMIR: TB 34-3 as a home favorite of -150 or more

BALTIMORE at BOSTON, 7:10 PM ET
EATON: BAL 8-1 OVER as an underdog
BECKETT: 2-7 TSR at home in night games

KANSAS CITY at TEXAS, 8:05 PM ET
GREINKE: 15-5 TSR when the money line is +125 to -125
MILLWOOD: 29-10 UNDER at home when the total is 9 to 9.5

DETROIT at SEATTLE, 9:10 PM ET
JACKSON: DET 42-30 OVER against AL West
BEDARD: SEA 17-32 as a favorite

** (TC) Denotes Time Change

[Udog]

NHL
Short Sheet


Saturday, April 18th

Eastern Conference Playoffs - 1st Round
Game Two
NY Rangers lead, 1-0
NY Rangers at Washington, 1:05 ET

NY Rangers:
9-1 SU in the first round of the playoffs
10-2 SU when leading a playoff series

Washington:
5-12 SU at home in the first round of the playoffs
9-17 SU revenging 2 straight losses by 1 goal

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Western Conference Playoffs - 1st Round
Game Two
Chicago leads, 1-0
Calgary at Chicago, 9:05 ET

Calgary:
8-23 SU AWAY after a loss by 1 goal
20-40 SU AWAY after 1+ consecutive losses

Chicago:
28-14 SU after scoring 3+ goals in 2 straight
12-4 SU in April

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Western Conference Playoffs - 1st Round
Game Two
Detroit leads, 1-0
Columbus at Detroit, 6:05 ET

Columbus:
6-23 SU Away vs. division
18-64 SU Away after a division game

Detroit:
23-3 SU at home off BB division games
18-1 SU at home after a win by 3+ goals

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Eastern Conference Playoffs - 1st Round
Game Two
Boston leads, 1-0
Montreal at Boston, 8:05 ET

Montreal:
8-16 SU playing with revenge for road loss
2-10 SU Away after allowing 2+ goals 3rd period last game

Boston:
28-7 SU off win by 2+ goals
16-3 SU after 2 straight wins by 2+ goals

[Udog]

MLB


Saturday, April 18

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Tips and Trends
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St. Louis Cardinals at Chicago Cubs [FOX | 3:40 PM ET]

Cardinals: In Sunday's 3-0 win over Houston, Kyle Lohse threw a career-best three-hitter, retiring 24 in a row after giving up a single on his first pitch. Lohse is 17-6 with a 3.58 ERA since joining St. Louis as a free agent last year. Lohse, who has not pitched at Wrigley since 2007 when he was with Philadelphia, went 0-1 with a 6.38 ERA in three starts against the Cubs last season. Chicago's Alfonso Soriano is 13-for-35 (.371) with two homers and seven RBIs, and Aramis Ramirez is 7-for-11 (.636) with a homer and three doubles lifetime versus Lohse.

The Over is 8-2-1 in the Cardinals' last 11 games as a road underdog.
The Cardinals are 14-4 in their last 18 overall.

Key Injuries - 3B Troy Glaus (shoulder) is on the 15-day DL.

PROJECTED SCORE: 3

Cubs (-130, O/U N/A): Chicago counters with Ryan Dempster, who is set to make his first home start of the season. The two-time All-Star went 14-3 with a 2.86 ERA in 20 starts there last year, and posted a 2.31 ERA in winning both home outings against the Cardinals. Dempster allowed four runs and four hits with six strikeouts in six innings of an 8-5 win over Milwaukee on Sunday. St. Louis' Ryan Ludwick went 3-for-8 with a double off Dempster in 2008. Despite a 3.55 ERA, the Cubs' bullpen has blown two of five save opportunities.

The Cubs are 17-5 in Dempster's last 22 home starts.

Key Injuries - OF Milton Bradley (groin) is QUESTIONABLE

PROJECTED SCORE: 5 (Side Play of the Day)


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