Sunday Trends and Indexes 4/19 (NBA, MLB, NHL, Misc.)

[pm530]

Trends and Indexes

Sunday, April 19

Good Luck on day #109 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

Sunday, April 19

Today in the Daily Sports Roundup: The Lakers begin their playoff run, the Sharks look for a playoff win, and the Cubs and Cards do battle under the lights.

Tipping off on the hardwood . . .

The NBA playoffs continue on Sunday, with Game 1's in Los Angeles, Orlando, Atlanta, and Denver. The Lakers are the biggest chalk out of that group to make it to the second round of the postseason, as Kobe Bryant and company are listed at -2500 to dispatch Utah. Los Angeles is an 11-point home favorite on Sunday, and they managed to beat the Jazz 125-112 at home when they met on Tuesday.

The closest series is expected to be Heat/Hawks, with Atlanta a slim -135 favorite to win the best-of-seven set. The Hawks begin this series at home on Sunday, where they've been listed as a 5-point favorite. Orlando is a 9-point favorite to beat Philly at home on Sunday, and -900 chalk in the series. As well, Denver is favored by 6 points at home against New Orleans, and -240 in the set.

Meeting up on the diamond . . .

The Cubs will host the Cardinals in baseball's Sunday nighter, with St. Louis righthander Todd Wellemeyer (1-1, 4.50 ERA) taking on Chicago lefthander Ted Lilly (2-0, 3.86 ERA). Lilly is coming off a stellar outing against the Rockies in which he tossed 6 2-3 shutout innings, allowing one hit and fanning eight. Wellemeyer gave up one run in seven innings against the D-Backs last time out.

Rounding out the Senior Circuit's schedule for Sunday: Milwaukee at the Mets, Atlanta at Pittsburgh, San Diego at Philadelphia, Florida at Washington, Cincinnati at Houston, Colorado at the Dodgers, and Arizona at San Francisco. Giants lefthander Randy Johnson (0-2, 11.42) seeks better results in that contest.

The Junior Circuit offers up a seven-game slate on Sunday, with Cleveland at the Yankees, Oakland at Toronto, the White Sox at Tampa Bay, the Angels at Minnesota, Kansas City at Texas, Detroit at Seattle, and Baltimore at Boston. Orioles right-handed starter Koji Uehara is now 2-0 in his major league career, but he was knocked around for seven earned runs by the Rangers last time out.

Taking a trip around the rink . . .

After a two-day break the Ducks and Sharks will continue their first-round playoff series in San Jose on Sunday night. Anaheim upset top-seeded San Jose 2-0 in the series opener on Thursday night, with Jonas Hiller making 35 saves in the shutout victory. Scott Niedermayer and Ryan Getzlaf picked up goals in that win.

There are also three Game 3's on the NHL's playoff schedule for Sunday, with Pittsburgh at Philadelphia, Vancouver at St. Louis, and New Jersey at Carolina. The Penguins and Canucks both lead their series 2-0 after picking up wins on Friday night; Pittsburgh beat Philly 3-2 in OT, and Roberto Luongo and the Canucks blanked the Blues 3-0. The Hurricanes and Devils find their best-of-seven set knotted up at 1-1; Carolina pulled out a 2-1 overtime victory on Friday.

Rounding out the Roundup . . .

Finally, Formula 1 continues its Asian swing on Sunday with the Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai. Jenson Button won the first two races of the F1 season in Australia and Malaysia, and he holds a 15-10 lead on second-place (and Brawn-Mercedes teammate) Rubens Barrichello in the drivers championship. Toyota drivers Jarno Trulli and Timo Glock sit third and fourth in the current standings, with Lewis Hamilton back in 10th place with just one point after a slow start to the year. Hamilton, though, claimed the Chinese Grand Prix last season (in October).

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[pm530]

NBA
Dunkel Index


When the “Dunkel Write-up” is available, we will update.

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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[pm530]

NBA
Long Sheet


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Sunday, April 19
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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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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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[pm530]

NBA
Short Sheet


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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[pm530]

NBA


Sunday, April 19

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Trend Sheet
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3:00 PM
UTAH vs. LA LAKERS
Utah is 1-7-1 ATS in their last 9 games when playing on the road against LA Lakers
Utah is 0-5 SU in their last 5 games when playing on the road against LA Lakers
LA Lakers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games at home
LA Lakers are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games at home

5:30 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. ORLANDO
Philadelphia is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Orlando
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 6 games when playing on the road against Orlando
Orlando is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games
Orlando is 17-7 SU in its last 24 games

8:00 PM
MIAMI vs. ATLANTA
Miami is 7-2 ATS in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
Miami is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
Atlanta is 2-5-1 ATS in its last 8 games
Atlanta is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games

10:30 PM
NEW ORLEANS vs. DENVER
New Orleans is 3-6 ATS in its last 9 games on the road
New Orleans is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Denver is 2-7 ATS in its last 9 games when playing at home against New Orleans
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Denver's last 12 games when playing at home against New Orleans

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[pm530]

NBA


Sunday, April 19

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Pick ‘n’ Roll: NBA best bets
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Utah Jazz at Los Angeles Lakers (-11.5, 209.5)

The Lakers won the season series, 3-1, losing 113-109 at Utah.

The Jazz limped into the eighth and final playoff spot, losing seven of their final nine games. Carlos Boozer, Mehmet Okur and Deron Williams, their top three scorers, didn't play together for the first time until Feb. 23 because of injuries.

Boozer missed the most games of all - 44 - after left knee surgery, with the Jazz going 25-19 in his absence.

''We're as ready as we're going to be,'' Boozer said. ''Now it's just time to go play and play smart, but at the same time follow our instincts.''

Okur hasn't practiced all week because of a strained right hamstring and sat out again Saturday in the team's final workout before leaving for Los Angeles.

''We'll just try to keep it going without him, but we definitely need Memo out there,'' Williams said. ''The sooner he can get back the better.''

Okur said his chances of playing Sunday were low.

''I can't even run 100 percent, so it's hard to play if you can't run,'' he said. ''But the good thing is I'm getting better.''

Utah coach Jerry Sloan said Jarron Collins would likely start in Okur's place, as he did Tuesday, getting five points and six rebounds. C.J. Miles is a game-time decision with a dislocated left index finger.

''I think our players will come together and if the effort's not there, then we don't have much of a shot,'' Sloan said. ''If you don't play hard, it doesn't make any difference who you're playing.''

Pick: Over 209.5



Miami Heat at Atlanta Hawks (-5, 186.5)

In contrast to Miami's rapid up-and-down-and-back-up-again journey, the Hawks took a much more tortuous trip to this best-of-seven series, which begins Sunday night in Atlanta.

The franchise actually went off course a full decade ago when a perennial postseason team decided to transform itself with youth and speed. Ohhhh, what a mess of things they made. The trade for Isaiah Rider is a good starting point for how NOT to rebuild a team. By 2004-05, the Hawks were just a step above the D-League, winning only 13 games in coach Mike Woodson's first season.

''I knew we would eventually turn the corner, but it takes time,'' Woodson said. ''I've been in this 27 years. If you thought we should have been in the playoffs two or three years ago, you're crazy, you're out of your mind. No young team in the history of this game has ever done that.''

Indeed, there were times when the Hawks seemed to be standing still, but they were really making progress all along. They drafted Smith, Marvin Williams and Al Horford. They signed Joe Johnson. They rounded out the starting five by trading for Mike Bibby. On the court, the wins improved from 13 to 26 to 30 to 37 to this year's 47-35 mark, Atlanta's first winning season since 1999.

''It means a lot to me,'' said Smith, one of the holdovers from the worst season in franchise history. ''To go from 13 wins to 47 wins is unbelievable.''

The Hawks actually got a valuable sampling of playoff basketball a year ago, when they broke the NBA's longest active postseason drought, albeit with a record eight games below .500. No one gave them much of a chance in the opening round against eventual NBA champion Boston, but they took the Celtics to the limit.

Three wins at home showed the Hawks they were capable of hanging with the NBA's elite. Four blowout losses in Boston showed them just how far they had to go.

Pick: Atlanta -5

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[pm530]

MLB
Short Sheet


Sunday, April 19th

National League

MILWAUKEE at NY METS, 1:10 PM ET
SUPPAN: 12-3 Under vs. NL East
FIGUEROA: 4-13 TSR in day games

SAN DIEGO at PHILADELPHIA, 1:35 PM ET
SILVA: SD 4-0 Over vs. NL East
PARK: 55-31 TSR in day games

FLORIDA at WASHINGTON, 1:35 PM ET
VOLSTAD: 6-1 TSR in road games
CABRERA: Wash 13-4 Over at home vs. Florida

ATLANTA at PITTSBURGH, 1:35 PM ET
VAZQUEZ: 8-0 TSR as road favorite
DUKE: 5-0 Over on Sunday

CINCINNATI at HOUSTON, 2:05 PM ET
VOLQUEZ: 8-0 Over in day games
PAULINO: Houston 24-8 vs. Cincinnati

ARIZONA at SAN FRANCISCO, 4:05 PM ET
SCHERZER: Ariz 10-22 Away when the total is 8 to 8.5
JOHNSON: 15-5 Under when the money line is +125 to -125

COLORADO at LA DODGERS, 4:10 PM ET
JIMENEZ: 2-9 TSR in day games
MCDONALD: Dodgers 5-0 as home favorite

ST LOUIS at CHICAGO CUBS, 8:05 PM ET ESPN
WELLEMEYER: StL 12-22 vs. Cubs
LILLY: 12-2 TSR vs. teams with winning record


American League

OAKLAND at TORONTO, 1:05 PM ET
BRADEN: Oak 36-20 Under vs. lefties
ROMERO: Tor 35-22 in day games

CLEVELAND at NY YANKEES, 1:05 PM ET TBS
PAVANO: Cleveland 60-35 Under in day games
BURNETT: 1-4 TSR, 7.20 ERA vs. Cleveland

CHI WHITE SOX at TAMPA BAY, 1:35 PM ET
FLOYD: White Sox 6-19 on artificial turf
GARZA: TB 34-4 as a home favorite of -150 or more

BALTIMORE at BOSTON, 1:35 PM ET
UEHARA: Baltimore 4-22 on Sundays
LESTER: 18-3 TSR as home favorite

LA ANGELS at MINNESOTA, 2:10 PM ET
LOUX: Angels 32-16 as underdog
PERKINS: Min 19-8 Under at home in day games

KANSAS CITY at TEXAS, 3:05 PM ET
DAVIES: KC 24-11 as a road underdog of +125 or less
PADILLA: Tex 8-2 Over this season

DETROIT at SEATTLE, 4:10 PM ET
PORCELLO: Detroit 21-41 as an underdog
SILVA: Seattle 16-25 as home favorite

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[pm530]

MLB


Sunday, April 19

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Trend Sheet
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1:05 PM
CLEVELAND vs. NY YANKEES
Cleveland is 4-2 SU in their last 6 games when playing NY Yankees
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Cleveland's last 9 games when playing NY Yankees
NY Yankees are 17-8 SU in their last 25 games when playing at home against Cleveland
NY Yankees are 2-5 SU in their last 7 games when playing at home against Cleveland

1:07 PM
OAKLAND vs. TORONTO
Oakland is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games when playing Toronto
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Oakland's last 10 games when playing Toronto
Toronto is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Oakland
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Toronto's last 7 games when playing at home against Oakland

1:10 PM
MILWAUKEE vs. NY METS
Milwaukee is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games
Milwaukee is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing NY Mets
NY Mets are 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Milwaukee
The total has gone OVER in 12 of NY Mets's last 17 games when playing at home against Milwaukee

1:35 PM
ATLANTA vs. PITTSBURGH
Atlanta is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing Pittsburgh
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Atlanta's last 7 games when playing Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Atlanta
The total has gone UNDER in 13 of Pittsburgh's last 17 games when playing at home against Atlanta

1:35 PM
BALTIMORE vs. BOSTON
Baltimore is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Boston
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Baltimore's last 6 games when playing Boston
Boston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Baltimore
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Boston's last 5 games

1:35 PM
FLORIDA vs. WASHINGTON
Florida is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Florida's last 8 games on the road
Washington is 1-9 SU in its last 10 games when playing at home against Florida
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Washington's last 11 games when playing at home against Florida

1:35 PM
SAN DIEGO vs. PHILADELPHIA
San Diego is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
The total has gone OVER in 4 of San Diego's last 6 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Philadelphia's last 8 games
Philadelphia is 11-4 SU in its last 15 games at home

1:38 PM
CHI WHITE SOX vs. TAMPA BAY
Chi White Sox are 4-9 SU in their last 13 games when playing Tampa Bay
The total has gone UNDER in 16 of Chi White Sox's last 22 games when playing Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay is 6-2 SU in their last 8 games when playing at home against Chi White Sox
The total has gone UNDER in 14 of Tampa Bay's last 18 games when playing at home against Chi White Sox

2:00 PM
CINCINNATI vs. HOUSTON
Cincinnati is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
Cincinnati is 5-10 SU in its last 15 games
Houston is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Cincinnati
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Houston's last 8 games when playing at home against Cincinnati

2:10 PM
LA ANGELS vs. MINNESOTA
LA Angels are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games
LA Angels are 1-5 SU in their last 6 games on the road
Minnesota is 4-2 SU in their last 6 games when playing LA Angels
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Minnesota's last 5 games when playing LA Angels

3:05 PM
KANSAS CITY vs. TEXAS
Kansas City is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Kansas City's last 13 games
Texas is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games when playing Kansas City
Texas is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games

4:05 PM
ARIZONA vs. SAN FRANCISCO
Arizona is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing San Francisco
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Arizona's last 7 games when playing San Francisco
San Francisco is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Arizona
The total has gone OVER in 8 of San Francisco's last 12 games when playing at home against Arizona

4:10 PM
COLORADO vs. LA DODGERS
Colorado is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games
Colorado is 1-5 SU in their last 6 games when playing LA Dodgers
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of LA Dodgers's last 7 games when playing at home against Colorado
LA Dodgers are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games when playing Colorado

4:10 PM
DETROIT vs. SEATTLE
Detroit is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
Detroit is 11-5 SU in its last 16 games when playing Seattle
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Seattle's last 5 games when playing at home against Detroit
Seattle is 5-11 SU in its last 16 games when playing Detroit

8:05 PM
ST. LOUIS vs. CHI CUBS
St. Louis is 1-4 SU in their last 5 games when playing on the road against Chi Cubs
The total has gone OVER in 6 of St. Louis's last 8 games when playing on the road against Chi Cubs
Chi Cubs are 5-2 SU in their last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Chi Cubs's last 7 games

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[pm530]

MLB


Sunday, April 19

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Hot lines: Today’s best MLB bets
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Arizona Diamondbacks at San Francisco Giants (-113, 8.5)

While Randy Johnson has been struggling, the offense he'll face hasn't been hitting well, either. Arizona has scored two or fewer runs in seven of its first 11 games, and is batting just .227.

Catcher Chris Snyder, though, just wants the Diamondbacks' slumping lineup to worry about putting together good at-bats rather than facing a former teammate.

"It's just another game," said Snyder, who's 2-for-20 at the plate. "We know what he's about, we know how he likes to work. We just need to string some hits together, get guys on base and get him out of his rhythm."

Arizona managed only five singles through eight innings against 2008 NL Cy Young winner Tim Lincecum on Saturday, striking out 13 times and extending its scoreless streak to 20 innings.

Once Lincecum left, however, the Diamondbacks took advantage. Chris Young hit a two-run double in the ninth to lift Arizona to a 2-0 victory.

"We'll take it,'' manager Bob Melvin said. "As the game went along and the outs continued, it seemed like it was going to be one at-bat and a big hit that was going to win the game.''

Max Scherzer (0-0, 5.40), who was born one year before Johnson was drafted in 1985, will make his second start of the season and the ninth of his career still looking for his first win.

Scherzer, one of the Diamondbacks' top prospects, appeared in 16 games - seven starts - last season, going 0-4 but with a solid 3.05 ERA.

He opened 2009 on the disabled list with a shoulder injury, delaying his season debut until Tuesday against St. Louis. Scherzer gave up three runs and five hits over five innings, not picking up a decision in the Diamondbacks' 7-6 win.

Scherzer has never faced San Francisco.

Pick: Under 8.5



Cleveland Indians at New York Yankees (-233, 10.5)

The Yankees will start Carl Pavano's former teammate in Florida - A.J. Burnett (2-0, 2.70). This will be the home debut for Burnett, who signed a $82.5 million, five-year contract in the offseason.

After winning his first Yankees start April 9 at Baltimore, Burnett took a no-hitter into the seventh inning Tuesday at Tampa Bay. He lasted eight innings, giving up two runs and three hits in a 7-2 victory.

"I had good movement on everything. I was putting the ball where I wanted," Burnett said. "It definitely could have happened. But it wasn't meant to be."

The right-hander is 0-4 with a 9.00 ERA in his last four starts against the Indians.

Burnett will try to slow down an offense that produced 25 hits Saturday. Mark DeRosa went 4-for-7 and tied a career high with six RBIs, while Asdrubal Cabrera tied a career mark with four hits and drove in five runs.

The Yankees have allowed a double-digit run total in three of their last six games, including a 10-2 loss Thursday in the first game at the new Yankee Stadium.

Mark Teixeira had a two-run homer for New York on Saturday. Teixeira has homered in consecutive games, but is still hitting only .194 (6-for-31).

Pick: Under 10.5

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[pm530]

NHL
Long Sheet


When additional “Top Trends” are available, we will update.

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Sunday, April 19
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PITTSBURGH (47-28-0-9, 103 pts.) at PHILADELPHIA (44-28-0-12, 100 pts.) - 4/19/2009, 3:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
PITTSBURGH is 21-8 (+12.2 Units) against the spread versus PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
PITTSBURGH is 21-8-0 straight up against PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
18 of 27 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+7.6 Units)

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VANCOUVER (47-27-0-10, 104 pts.) at ST LOUIS (41-33-0-10, 92 pts.) - 4/19/2009, 7:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
VANCOUVER is 10-4 (+3.4 Units) against the spread versus ST LOUIS over the last 3 seasons
VANCOUVER is 10-4-0 straight up against ST LOUIS over the last 3 seasons
6 of 12 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=-0.4 Units, Under=-1.0 Units)

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NEW JERSEY (52-27-0-5, 109 pts.) at CAROLINA (46-31-0-7, 99 pts.) - 4/19/2009, 7:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
NEW JERSEY is 8-6 (+0.5 Units) against the spread versus CAROLINA over the last 3 seasons
NEW JERSEY is 8-6-0 straight up against CAROLINA over the last 3 seasons
8 of 12 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+3.6 Units)

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ANAHEIM (43-33-0-7, 93 pts.) at SAN JOSE (53-19-0-11, 117 pts.) - 4/19/2009, 10:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SAN JOSE is 78-51 ATS (-6.7 Units) in April games since 1996.
ANAHEIM is 14-10 ATS (+26.0 Units) in road games second half of the season this season.
ANAHEIM is 34-23 ATS (+60.0 Units) in road games on Sunday games since 1996.
ANAHEIM is 20-7 ATS (+11.1 Units) when leading in a playoff series since 1996.
ANAHEIM is 152-143 ATS (+310.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1996.
SAN JOSE is 25-21 ATS (-20.0 Units) second half of the season this season.
SAN JOSE is 57-60 ATS (-48.6 Units) in home games when playing with 2 days rest since 1996.
SAN JOSE is 16-16 ATS (-21.3 Units) in home games vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
SAN JOSE is 31-30 ATS (-22.4 Units) after a division game over the last 2 seasons.
SAN JOSE is 3-8 ATS (-11.0 Units) in home games revenging a home loss versus opponent over the last 2 seasons.
SAN JOSE is 5-10 ATS (-11.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
ANAHEIM is 13-10 (+3.3 Units) against the spread versus SAN JOSE over the last 3 seasons
ANAHEIM is 13-10-0 straight up against SAN JOSE over the last 3 seasons
15 of 21 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+7.6 Units)

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[pm530]

NHL
Short Sheet


Sunday, April 19th

Eastern Conference Playoffs - 1st Round
Game Three
PIT leads, 2-0
Pittsburgh at Philadelphia, 3:05 ET

Pittsburgh:
60-35 SU off an Under
21-8 SU vs. Philadelphia

Philadelphia:
14-37 SU off 3+ losses
24-43 SU at home playing w/ revenge

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Western Conference Playoffs - 1st Round
Game Three
VAN leads, 2-0
Vancouver at St. Louis, 7:05 ET

Vancouver:
7-1 SU Away if total is 5 or less
20-10 SU Away off win by 2+ goals

St Louis:
4-10 SU vs. Vancouver
15-27 SU at home vs. Sundays

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

New Jersey:
9-3 SU Away off 1 goal loss
13-5 Under Away off home game

Carolina:
45-55 SU at home after allowing 1 goal or less
26-14 Under playing their 3rd game in 5 days

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Western Conference Playoffs - 1st Round
Game Two
ANA Leads, 1-0
Anaheim at San Jose, 10:05 ET

Anaheim:
20-7 SU when leading a playoff series
8-4 SU at San Jose

San Jose:
3-8 SU at home revenging loss as favorite
7-15 SU at home off BB division losses

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[pm530]

NHL


Sunday, April 19

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Trend Sheet
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3:00 PM
PITTSBURGH vs. PHILADELPHIA
Pittsburgh is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
The total has gone OVER in 11 of Pittsburgh's last 14 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
Philadelphia is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Philadelphia's last 6 games

7:00 PM
VANCOUVER vs. ST. LOUIS
Vancouver is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Vancouver's last 5 games on the road
St. Louis is 9-4 SU in its last 13 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of St. Louis's last 5 games

7:30 PM
NEW JERSEY vs. CAROLINA
New Jersey is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Carolina
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of New Jersey's last 8 games when playing on the road against Carolina
Carolina is 12-1 SU in its last 13 games at home
Carolina is 10-3 SU in its last 13 games

10:00 PM
ANAHEIM vs. SAN JOSE
Anaheim is 11-3 SU in its last 14 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Anaheim's last 7 games
San Jose is 3-8 SU in its last 11 games when playing at home against Anaheim
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of San Jose's last 9 games when playing at home against Anaheim

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[pm530]

NHL


Sunday, April 19

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Ice Picks: NHL best bets
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New Jersey Devils at Carolina Hurricanes (-145, 5)

It’s a little early to call it the turning point in the series, but Tim Gleason’s first postseason goal was a big one for the Hurricanes. The shot from the point propelled the Canes to a 2-1 overtime win and a split in New Jersey.

"It was a good pass by Joe Corvo," Gleason told reporters. "He laid it right out there for me. Eric Staal had a great screen in front of the net. I closed my eyes and shot that thing as hard as I could."

Devils leading scorer Zach Parise was happy with his team’s play saying they had a number of chances but unfortunately couldn’t bury them.

Bad news has arrived on a couple of fronts for the Devils. Their captain Jamie Langenbrunner was injured in game two and the series is shifting to Carolina where the Hurricanes have won 13 of their last 14 games. Langenbrunner left Game 2 in the second period and suffered what appeared to be a lower body injury will not be ready for Game 3.

Pick: Carolina -145



Vancouver Canucks at St. Louis Blues (-120, 5)

Roberto Luongo is in a zone. That’s but news for the St. Louis Blues but good news for anyone betting the under. The Canucks superstar goalie has stopped 55 of the 56 shots the Blues have fired his way, including all 30 in a 3-0 win in Game 2.

The confidence coming from the Canucks crease is spreading throughout the rest of the line up.

"He's been like this the last couple of weeks, on top of his game" forward Daniel Sedin told the press. "We just try to follow his lead. If he continues to play like this we will be a tough team to beat.”

Blues veteran forward Keith Tkachuk says Luongo is playing so well because he is doing a good job seeing the puck. One of the keys for the Blues as they return home will be to get more traffic to the net and trying to bang home second and third chances.

Things turned nasty and punches were thrown at the end of Game 2 which should lead to an even more physical third game. Great goaltending and a tight-checking, hard-hitting game should lead to a low scoring affair once again.

Pick: Under 5

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[Udog]

MLB
Dunkel


St. Louis at Chicago Cubs
The Cardinals look to bounce back from back-to-back losses and build on their 4-0 mark in Todd Wellemeyer's last 4 starts as an underdog. St. Louis is the underdog pick (+125) according to Dunkel, which has the Cardinals favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (+125). Here are all of today's games

SUNDAY, APRIL 19

Game 951-952: Milwaukee at NY Mets
Dunkel Ratings: Milwaukee (Suppan) 14.323; NY Mets (Figueroa) 15.462
Dunkel Line: NY Mets by 1; 11
Vegas Line: NY Mets (-155); 10
Dunkel Pick: NY Mets (-155); Over

Game 953-954: San Diego at Philadelphia
Dunkel Ratings: San Diego (Geer) 15.614; Philadelphia (Park) 14.751
Dunkel Line: San Diego by 1; 11
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 955-956: Florida at Washington
Dunkel Ratings: Florida (Volstad) 15.570; Washington (Cabrera) 15.635
Dunkel Line: Washington by 1/2; 10
Vegas Line: Florida (-140); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Washington (+130); Over

Game 957-958: Atlanta at Pittsburgh
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta (Vazquez) 13.793; Pittsburgh (Duke) 15.061
Dunkel Line: Pittsburgh by 1 1/2; 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Atlanta (-115); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (+105); Under

Game 959-960: Cincinnati at Houston
Dunkel Ratings: Cincinnati (Volquez) 13.950; Houston (Paulino) 15.115
Dunkel Line: Houston by 1; 8
Vegas Line: Cincinnati (-130); 9
Dunkel Pick: Houston (+120); Under

Game 961-962: Arizona at San Francisco
Dunkel Ratings: Arizona (Scherzer) 12.638; San Francisco (Johnson) 14.107
Dunkel Line: San Francisco by 1 1/2; 10
Vegas Line: San Francisco (-125); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Francisco (-125); Over

Game 963-964: Colorado at LA Dodgers
Dunkel Ratings: Colorado (Jimenez) 16.021; LA Dodgers (McDonald) 14.494
Dunkel Line: Colorado by 1; 8
Vegas Line: LA Dodgers (-110); 9
Dunkel Pick: Colorado (+100); Under

Game 965-966: St. Louis at Chicago Cubs
Dunkel Ratings: St. Louis (Wellemeyer) 16.650; Cubs (Lilly) 15.645
Dunkel Line: St. Louis by 1; 11
Vegas Line: Chicago Cubs (-135); No Total
Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (+125); N/A

Game 967-968: Oakland at Toronto
Dunkel Ratings: Oakland (Braden) 16.122; Toronto (Romero) 14.448
Dunkel Line: Oakland by 1 1/2; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Toronto (-125); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Oakland (+115); Under

Game 969-970: Cleveland at NY Yankees
Dunkel Ratings: Cleveland (Pavano) 15.699; NY Yankees (Burnett) 16.176
Dunkel Line: NY Yankees by 1/2; 10
Vegas Line: NY Yankees (-225); 10 1/2
Dunkel Pick: NY Yankees (-225); Under

Game 971-972: Chicago White Sox at Tampa Bay
Dunkel Ratings: White Sox (Floyd) 15.662; Tampa Bay (Garza) 16.013
Dunkel Line: Tampa Bay by 1/2; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Tampa Bay (-165); 9
Dunkel Pick: Tampa Bay (-165); Under

Game 973-974: Baltimore at Boston
Dunkel Ratings: Baltimore (Uehara) 14.346; Boston (Lester) 15.350
Dunkel Line: Boston by 1; 9
Vegas Line: Boston (-230); 10
Dunkel Pick: Boston (-230); Under

Game 975-976: LA Angels at Minnesota
Dunkel Ratings: LA Angels (Loux) 14.318; Minnesota (Perkins) 15.204
Dunkel Line: Minnesota by 1; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Minnesota (-155); 9
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (-155); Under

Game 977-978: Kansas City at Texas
Dunkel Ratings: Kansas City (Davies) 15.529; Texas (Padilla) 16.093
Dunkel Line: Texas by 1/2; 12
Vegas Line: Texas (-110); 10 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Texas (-110); Over

Game 979-980: Detroit at Seattle
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit (Porcello) 14.881; Seattle (Silva) 16.524
Dunkel Line: Seattle by 1 1/2; 10 1/2
Vegas Line: Seattle (-120); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Seattle (-120); Over