Thursday Trends and Indexes 4/23 (NBA, MLB, NHL, Misc.)

[pm530]

NHL
Dunkel Index

Carolina at New Jersey
The Devils look to go up in the series and take advantage of a Carolina team that is 3-12 in its last 15 games as a road underdog between +110 and +150. New Jersey is the pick (-150) according to Dunkel, which has the Devils favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: New Jersey (-150). Here are all of today's playoff picks.

THURSDAY, APRIL 23

Game 23-24: Philadelphia at Pittsburgh
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia 11.671; Pittsburgh 13.054
Dunkel Line & Total: Pittsburgh by 1 1/2; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Pittsburgh (-215); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (-215); Over

Game 25-26: Detroit at Columbus
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit 11.960; Columbus 10.197
Dunkel Line & Total: Detroit by 2; 5 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Detroit (-215); 5
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (-215); Over

Game 27-28: Carolina at New Jersey
Dunkel Ratings: Carolina 11.496; New Jersey 12.315
Dunkel Line & Total: New Jersey by 1; 5 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: New Jersey (-150); 5
Dunkel Pick: New Jersey (-150); Over

Game 29-30: San Jose at Anaheim
Dunkel Ratings: San Jose 10.863; Anaheim 11.520
Dunkel Line & Total: Anaheim by 1; 4
Vegas Line & Total: San Jose (-145); 5
Dunkel Pick: Anaheim (+125); Under

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[pm530]

MLB


Thursday, April 23

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Hot lines: Today’s best MLB bets
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Kansas City Royals at Cleveland Indians (-110, 8.5)

Solid starting pitching has been a big reason for the Kansas City Royals' early success in 2009.

Gil Meche hopes to continue that trend and help the Royals to a second straight victory Thursday in the decisive contest of a three-game road set with the Cleveland Indians.

On Wednesday, Kansas City (8-6) received a strong six innings from recently called-up starter Brian Bannister in a 2-0 win to avoid a third straight loss and even the series after falling 8-7 on Tuesday.

After their starters as a group finished in the bottom half of the AL with a 4.62 ERA last season, the Royals' rotation is among the best in majors early in 2009 with a 3.09 ERA.

Paced by talented arms like Meche, Zack Greinke and Kyle Davies, Kansas City's starters have not allowed a run in six of the 14 games, while helping the club move to the top of the Central standings.

Meche (1-0, 2.25 ERA) takes the ball after allowing six hits and striking out six in six scoreless innings of a 12-3 win at Texas on Friday.

"He was throwing everything for strikes, the changeup, curveball, fastball," Texas' Michael Young said. "He was moving in and out, and kept us off balance."

The right-hander is 4-8 with a 5.20 ERA in 18 starts against Cleveland (5-10).

Cleveland starter Anthony Reyes (1-0, 5.73) heads back to the mound after allowing three runs - all on solo homers - and five hits in five innings of a 6-5 loss to the New York Yankees on Friday.

Pick: Royals



Texas Rangers at Toronto Blue Jays (+105, 9)

The Toronto Blue Jays have yet to lose a series this season. An extra-inning victory in their last contest put them in position to keep that streak going.

On Thursday night, the Blue Jays look for their second straight victory in the finale of a three-game home set with the Texas Rangers.

Though it's early, Toronto (11-5) owns the American League's best record, has yet to lose consecutive games and has won all four of its series to open 2009.

The Blue Jays can make it five straight after posting an 8-7, 11-inning win on Wednesday. Toronto needed extra innings after the Rangers (6-8) scored three runs in the ninth off closer B.J. Ryan to tie the game.

Despite the win, manager Cito Gaston might be forced to find a new closer as Ryan's ERA rose to 11.12 after he blew his second save in four chances.

"He's having trouble with his control to me," Gaston said. "I don't know if he's hurting or not hurting, but we'd certainly like to see him do a little bit better than that."

Alex Rios is 7-for-20 with three RBIs in his last four games and 3-for-9 against Texas' scheduled starter Kevin Millwood.

Though Millwood (1-1, 1.17 ERA) is 1-3 with a 6.45 ERA in seven starts versus the Blue Jays, he pitched well in his last start.

In a 2-0 loss to Kansas City on Saturday, the right-hander allowed two runs and five hits in nine innings for his 19th complete game, but was outpitched by Zack Greinke, who struck out 10 and held the Rangers to five hits.

Toronto will counter with Scott Richmond (1-0, 3.48), who makes his first start since allowing one earned run and four hits in 6 1-3 innings of a 12-2 win at Minnesota on April 15.

Pick: Blue Jays

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[pm530]

MLB


Thursday, April 23

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Tips and Trends
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Tampa Bay Rays at Seattle Mariners [6:40 PM ET]

Rays: The Rays are 6-9 for the second straight season. “We just need to settle in a little more. It’s early, but we don’t want to say, ‘Oh, there’s a lot of time left,’” said third baseman Evan Longoria. “We need to start winning some games in a row, to get back over .500.” James Shields (2-1, 4.58) has pitched through the seventh inning to win each of his last two starts. Shields is 1-1 with a 2.12 ERA in four career starts versus Seattle - all quality outings. With Wednesday’s victory, Tampa Bay improved to 6-2 in its last eight games at Safeco Field.

The Under is 12-2 in Shields' last 14 starts as an underdog.
The Rays are 6-21 in Shields' last 27 starts as a road underdog.

Key Injuries - NONE

PROJECTED SCORE: 5 (Side Play of the Day)

Mariners (-115, O/U 7.5): Felix Hernandez has yielded four runs over 14 innings in his two wins this season. He has given up just one run in four of five career starts against the Rays. After outscoring opponents 30-14 during a six-game win streak, the Mariners (9-6) have been outscored 29-16 in dropping four of their last six. Seattle has produced just 38 hits while giving up 61 in that stretch. Seattle also committed two errors for the third time in four games. “Our team revolves around pitching and defense, and tonight, we weren’t very good at either,” manager Don Wakamatsu said last night.

The Over is 8-1 in the Mariners' last 9 games as a favorite.
The Under is 10-1 in Hernandez's last 11 starts vs. AL East foes.

Key Injuries - 1B Russell Branyan (back) is QUESTIONABLE.
1B Mike Sweeney (back) is QUESTIONABLE.
C Kenji Johjima (hamstring) is on the 15-day DL.

PROJECTED SCORE: 3

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[pm530]

NBA


Thursday, April 23

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Tips and Trends
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Boston Celtics at Chicago Bulls [TNT | 8:05 PM ET]

Celtics: Although Paul Pierce is averaging 20.5 points, his shooting percentage is down from 45.7 percent in the regular season to 40 percent, and he’s deferring to teammates. “If that’s what’s going to help us win, that’s what I’ll be,” he said. “If I have to go out there and get somebody else open and set more screens and it’s going to be effective and help our ballclub win, that’s what I’m going to do. Other guys are stepping up for us. That’s what’s big for us right now.” They were already missing the biggest of their Big Three stars in Garnett when they took a few more hits in Game 2 (see "Key Injuries").

The Over is 6-1 in the Celtics' last 7 Conference Quarterfinals games.
The Celtics are 42-17 ATS in their last 59 games as a road underdog.

Key Injuries - F Kevin Garnett (knee) is DOUBTFUL.
F Leon Powe (knee) is OUT for the season.
G Rajon Rondo (ankle) is PROBABLE.

PROJECTED SCORE: 101

Bulls (-2.5, O/U 200.5): So far the Bulls are sticking with the Celtics. “I think what’s making these games so exciting is they’re won or lost on one or two possessions,” Chicago’s Joakim Noah said. “The shots that are being made are off rebounds.” A 50-36 rebounding edge and 32-12 disparity in second-chance points for Boston rattled the Bulls. They were particularly peeved about the 21-8 edge in offensive rebounds. Chicago got beat underneath and on the perimeter. Noah attributed that to “dribble penetration, their physicality, lucky bounces — a lot of things.”

The Under is 5-1 in the last 6 meetings in Chicago.
The Bulls are 13-3 ATS in their last 16 games following a SU loss.

Key Injuries - F Luol Deng (leg) is DOUBTFUL.

PROJECTED SCORE: 104 (OVER - Total Play of the Day)

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[pm530]

MLB
Long Sheet


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Thursday, April 23
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MILWAUKEE (5 - 9) at PHILADELPHIA (6 - 7) - 1:05 PM
DAVE BUSH (R) vs. COLE HAMELS (L)
Top Trends for this game.
MILWAUKEE is 12-23 (-15.5 Units) against the money line when playing on Thursday over the last 3 seasons.
BUSH is 19-47 (-26.5 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997. (Team's Record)
BUSH is 16-32 (-18.0 Units) against the money line in day games since 1997. (Team's Record)
BUSH is 17-43 (-24.8 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field since 1997. (Team's Record)
BUSH is 9-26 (-16.7 Units) against the money line in road games after a win since 1997. (Team's Record)
BUSH is 11-26 (-15.8 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
MILWAUKEE is 1-1 (+0.2 Units) against PHILADELPHIA this season
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.1 Units, Under=-0.2 Units)

DAVE BUSH vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
BUSH is 1-0 when starting against PHILADELPHIA with an ERA of 5.31 and a WHIP of 1.436.
His team's record is 5-2 (+3.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 6-1. (+5.1 units)

COLE HAMELS vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
HAMELS is 3-1 when starting against MILWAUKEE with an ERA of 3.59 and a WHIP of 0.961.
His team's record is 3-3 (-1.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-2. (+0.9 units)

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NY METS (6 - 8) at ST LOUIS (10 - 5) - 1:40 PM
LIVAN HERNANDEZ (R) vs. KYLE LOHSE (R)
Top Trends for this game.
NY METS are 32-42 (-25.1 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 61-61 (-15.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 96-81 (+13.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 36-18 (+14.1 Units) against the money line in home games in day games over the last 3 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 96-81 (+13.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 64-50 (+14.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
HERNANDEZ is 20-13 (+11.5 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
HERNANDEZ is 12-6 (+8.9 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
ST LOUIS is 2-0 (+2.0 Units) against NY METS this season
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.0 Units)

LIVAN HERNANDEZ vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
HERNANDEZ is 5-5 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 4.25 and a WHIP of 1.424.
His team's record is 7-10 (-2.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 7-8. (-1.9 units)

KYLE LOHSE vs. NY METS since 1997
LOHSE is 1-2 when starting against NY METS with an ERA of 5.57 and a WHIP of 1.608.
His team's record is 4-2 (+2.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-3. (-1.2 units)

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CINCINNATI (8 - 6) at CHICAGO CUBS (8 - 5) - 2:20 PM
AARON HARANG (R) vs. CARLOS ZAMBRANO (R)
Top Trends for this game.
HARANG is 2-11 (-9.9 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
CINCINNATI is 223-237 (+41.7 Units) against the money line in road games after a win since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 455-526 (+47.5 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 394-473 (+31.3 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 333-386 (+33.9 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters since 1997.
HARANG is 50-43 (+19.0 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997. (Team's Record)
HARANG is 26-13 (+21.1 Units) against the money line in road games after a win since 1997. (Team's Record)
CHICAGO CUBS are 965-1014 (-184.8 Units) against the money line in all games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 117-99 (-42.2 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -150 to -175 since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 517-473 (-111.3 Units) against the money line in home games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 379-348 (-75.4 Units) against the money line in home games in day games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 908-930 (-162.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 380-348 (-73.8 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters since 1997.
ZAMBRANO is 58-53 (-23.8 Units) against the money line in home games since 1997. (Team's Record)
ZAMBRANO is 30-31 (-19.7 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents since 1997. (Team's Record)
ZAMBRANO is 58-53 (-23.8 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field since 1997. (Team's Record)
ZAMBRANO is 4-12 (-15.5 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
CINCINNATI is 1-1 (+0.5 Units) against CHICAGO CUBS this season
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.1 Units)

AARON HARANG vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
HARANG is 8-6 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 4.81 and a WHIP of 1.329.
His team's record is 11-8 (+6.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 10-8. (+1.8 units)

CARLOS ZAMBRANO vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
ZAMBRANO is 14-9 when starting against CINCINNATI with an ERA of 3.13 and a WHIP of 1.281.
His team's record is 16-11 (-1.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 13-14. (-1.8 units)

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LA DODGERS (10 - 5) at HOUSTON (6 - 9) - 8:05 PM
CHAD BILLINGSLEY (R) vs. WANDY RODRIGUEZ (L)
Top Trends for this game.
LA DODGERS are 7-18 (-13.3 Units) against the money line on the road with a money line of -100 to -125 over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 92-84 (+18.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 90-83 (+16.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 68-59 (+14.3 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 51-39 (+17.7 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 47-42 (+15.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
HOUSTON is 2-0 (+2.6 Units) against LA DODGERS this season
2 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.0 Units)

CHAD BILLINGSLEY vs. HOUSTON since 1997
BILLINGSLEY is 2-2 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 3.33 and a WHIP of 1.222.
His team's record is 2-2 (-0.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-3. (-2.3 units)

WANDY RODRIGUEZ vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
RODRIGUEZ is 2-1 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 3.80 and a WHIP of 1.310.
His team's record is 2-2 (-0.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-1. (+0.9 units)

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KANSAS CITY (8 - 6) at CLEVELAND (5 - 10) - 12:05 PM
GIL MECHE (R) vs. ANTHONY REYES (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MECHE is 38-55 (-26.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997. (Team's Record)
CLEVELAND is 18-4 (+13.9 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Thursday over the last 3 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 44-32 (+22.9 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 16-8 (+10.2 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +100 to +125 over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 42-47 (+12.3 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 22-18 (+15.2 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 21-20 (+12.0 Units) against the money line in road games against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 32-30 (+11.6 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 78-81 (+9.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 44-37 (+13.7 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
MECHE is 14-7 (+10.9 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
MECHE is 21-15 (+15.6 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 8 to 8.5 since 1997. (Team's Record)
CLEVELAND is 22-34 (-16.0 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
REYES is 8-19 (-14.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
KANSAS CITY is 3-2 (+1.8 Units) against CLEVELAND this season
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.8 Units)

GIL MECHE vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
MECHE is 4-8 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 5.20 and a WHIP of 1.485.
His team's record is 6-12 (-4.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 8-10. (-2.8 units)

ANTHONY REYES vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
REYES is 2-0 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 1.32 and a WHIP of 1.170.
His team's record is 3-0 (+3.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-1. (+1.0 units)

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TAMPA BAY (6 - 9) at SEATTLE (9 - 6) - 6:40 PM
JAMES SHIELDS (R) vs. FELIX HERNANDEZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
TAMPA BAY is 111-82 (+23.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 82-49 (+29.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 40-66 (-24.1 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 70-107 (-33.5 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 63-98 (-33.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 45-75 (-29.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
SEATTLE is 1-1 (+0.0 Units) against TAMPA BAY this season
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.0 Units)

JAMES SHIELDS vs. SEATTLE since 1997
SHIELDS is 1-1 when starting against SEATTLE with an ERA of 2.12 and a WHIP of 0.910.
His team's record is 2-2 (+0.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-4. (-4.1 units)

FELIX HERNANDEZ vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
HERNANDEZ is 1-1 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 2.54 and a WHIP of 0.974.
His team's record is 4-1 (+2.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-2. (+0.8 units)
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CHI WHITE SOX (8 - 6) at BALTIMORE (7 - 8) - 7:05 PM
BARTOLO COLON (R) vs. ADAM EATON (R)
Top Trends for this game.
BALTIMORE is 15-7 (+10.1 Units) against the money line in home games in April games over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 91-63 (+19.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 55-31 (+21.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 471-513 (-107.5 Units) against the money line in home games since 1997.
BALTIMORE is 471-513 (-107.5 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field since 1997.
BALTIMORE is 221-282 (-90.1 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss since 1997.
BALTIMORE is 61-116 (-38.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHI WHITE SOX is 1-1 (+0.0 Units) against BALTIMORE this season
2 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.0 Units)

BARTOLO COLON vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
COLON is 10-6 when starting against BALTIMORE with an ERA of 3.31 and a WHIP of 1.368.
His team's record is 11-8 (-1.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 6-11. (-5.9 units)

ADAM EATON vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
EATON is 1-0 when starting against CHI WHITE SOX with an ERA of 0.00 and a WHIP of 1.000.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.1 units)

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TEXAS (6 - 8) at TORONTO (11 - 5) - 7:07 PM
KEVIN MILLWOOD (R) vs. SCOTT RICHMOND (R)
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 248-173 (+44.2 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 since 1997.
TEXAS is 30-28 (+12.4 Units) against the money line in road games in night games over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 62-59 (+12.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
TEXAS is 1-1 (+0.9 Units) against TORONTO this season
2 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.0 Units)

KEVIN MILLWOOD vs. TORONTO since 1997
MILLWOOD is 1-3 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 6.45 and a WHIP of 1.672.
His team's record is 3-4 (-3.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 4-3. (+0.6 units)

SCOTT RICHMOND vs. TEXAS since 1997
No recent starts.

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DETROIT (8 - 6) at LA ANGELS (5 - 9) - 10:05 PM
EDWIN JACKSON (R) vs. MATT PALMER (R)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA ANGELS is 1-1 (-0.1 Units) against DETROIT this season
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.1 Units, Under=-0.2 Units)

EDWIN JACKSON vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
JACKSON is 1-2 when starting against LA ANGELS with an ERA of 6.05 and a WHIP of 1.965.
His team's record is 2-2 (+0.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-0. (+4.0 units)

MATT PALMER vs. DETROIT since 1997
No recent starts.

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[pm530]

NBA
Long Sheet


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Thursday, April 23
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BOSTON (63 - 21) at CHICAGO (42 - 42) - 4/23/2009, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 55-82 ATS (-35.2 Units) after 3 or more consecutive overs since 1996.
CHICAGO is 14-3 ATS (+10.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season this season.
CHICAGO is 20-10 ATS (+9.0 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.
BOSTON is 110-81 ATS (+20.9 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 24-11 ATS (+11.9 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 55-39 ATS (+12.1 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 37-22 ATS (+12.8 Units) in road games second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
BOSTON is 56-37 ATS (+15.3 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO is 13-24 ATS (-13.4 Units) against Atlantic division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO is 37-51 ATS (-19.1 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 7-5 against the spread versus CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
BOSTON is 7-5 straight up against CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
6 of 11 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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SAN ANTONIO (55 - 29) at DALLAS (51 - 33) - 4/23/2009, 8:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DALLAS is 168-130 ATS (+25.0 Units) vs. division opponents since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 105-76 ATS (+21.4 Units) when playing with 2 days rest since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 18-6 ATS (+11.4 Units) when tied in a playoff series since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 223-180 ATS (+25.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 27-16 ATS (+9.4 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
DALLAS is 8-6 against the spread versus SAN ANTONIO over the last 3 seasons
DALLAS is 7-7 straight up against SAN ANTONIO over the last 3 seasons
7 of 14 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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LA LAKERS (67 - 17) at UTAH (48 - 36) - 4/23/2009, 10:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
UTAH is 52-34 ATS (+14.6 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
UTAH is 26-12 ATS (+12.8 Units) in home games after scoring 105 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
UTAH is 28-13 ATS (+13.7 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
LA LAKERS are 100-84 ATS (+7.6 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
LA LAKERS are 53-36 ATS (+13.4 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
LA LAKERS are 28-15 ATS (+11.5 Units) in a road game where the total is greater than or equal to 210 over the last 3 seasons.
LA LAKERS are 46-33 ATS (+9.7 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
LA LAKERS are 23-11 ATS (+10.9 Units) after 3 or more consecutive overs over the last 3 seasons.
LA LAKERS are 19-9 ATS (+9.1 Units) in road games after allowing 105 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
LA LAKERS are 33-21 ATS (+9.9 Units) in road games after scoring 105 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
LA LAKERS are 54-35 ATS (+15.5 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
LA LAKERS are 37-16 ATS (+19.4 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
UTAH is 11-21 ATS (-12.1 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent this season.
UTAH is 8-17 ATS (-10.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season this season.
UTAH is 13-25 ATS (-14.5 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA LAKERS is 11-6 against the spread versus UTAH over the last 3 seasons
LA LAKERS is 13-5 straight up against UTAH over the last 3 seasons
14 of 18 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons


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Friday, April 24
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CLEVELAND (68 - 16) at DETROIT (39 - 45) - 4/24/2009, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CLEVELAND is 51-33 ATS (+14.7 Units) in all games this season.
CLEVELAND is 45-27 ATS (+15.3 Units) as a favorite this season.
CLEVELAND is 26-16 ATS (+8.4 Units) after a win by 10 points or more this season.
DETROIT is 34-50 ATS (-21.0 Units) in all games this season.
DETROIT is 13-28 ATS (-17.8 Units) in home games this season.
DETROIT is 15-24 ATS (-11.4 Units) second half of the season this season.
DETROIT is 5-13 ATS (-9.3 Units) vs. division opponents this season.
DETROIT is 2-15 ATS (-14.5 Units) after a division game this season.
DETROIT is 16-25 ATS (-11.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
CLEVELAND is 13-7 against the spread versus DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
CLEVELAND is 11-9 straight up against DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
15 of 20 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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ORLANDO (60 - 24) at PHILADELPHIA (42 - 42) - 4/24/2009, 8:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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PORTLAND (55 - 29) at HOUSTON (54 - 30) - 4/24/2009, 9:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 91-77 ATS (+6.3 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 47-27 ATS (+17.3 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 50-35 ATS (+11.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 29-17 ATS (+10.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
PORTLAND is 30-15 ATS (+13.5 Units) after scoring 105 points or more over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
HOUSTON is 7-6 against the spread versus PORTLAND over the last 3 seasons
HOUSTON is 9-4 straight up against PORTLAND over the last 3 seasons
7 of 13 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons


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Saturday, April 25
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DENVER (56 - 28) at NEW ORLEANS (49 - 35) - 4/25/2009, 1:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
NEW ORLEANS is 7-6 against the spread versus DENVER over the last 3 seasons
DENVER is 7-6 straight up against NEW ORLEANS over the last 3 seasons
7 of 13 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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ATLANTA (48 - 36) at MIAMI (44 - 40) - 4/25/2009, 6:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
MIAMI is 9-5 against the spread versus ATLANTA over the last 3 seasons
MIAMI is 7-7 straight up against ATLANTA over the last 3 seasons
10 of 14 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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[pm530]

NHL
Long Sheet


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Thursday, April 23
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PHILADELPHIA (45-29-0-12, 102 pts.) at PITTSBURGH (48-29-0-9, 105 pts.) - 4/23/2009, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PITTSBURGH is 17-5 ATS (+10.1 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5.5 this season.
PITTSBURGH is 9-0 ATS (+9.0 Units) in home games in April games over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 70-43 ATS (+11.8 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 28-8 ATS (+14.7 Units) in home games vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 95-51 ATS (+9.8 Units) in home games after a win by 2 goals or more since 1996.
PITTSBURGH is 18-9 ATS (+8.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 12-5 ATS (+7.0 Units) revenging a home loss versus opponent this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
PITTSBURGH is 22-9 (+12.3 Units) against the spread versus PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
PITTSBURGH is 22-9-0 straight up against PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
19 of 29 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+7.4 Units)

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DETROIT (54-21-0-10, 118 pts.) at COLUMBUS (41-34-0-10, 92 pts.) - 4/23/2009, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 44-32 ATS (-31.1 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
COLUMBUS is 68-48 ATS (+122.4 Units) in home games after a division game since 1996.
COLUMBUS is 15-12 ATS (+29.7 Units) after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game this season.
COLUMBUS is 94-96 ATS (+242.2 Units) after scoring 1 goal or less in their previous game since 1996.
COLUMBUS is 23-20 ATS (+53.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
COLUMBUS is 31-32 ATS (+80.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
DETROIT is 62-23 ATS (+15.0 Units) after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game over the last 2 seasons.
COLUMBUS is 1-10 ATS (-10.9 Units) in April games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
COLUMBUS is 9-16 (+0.7 Units) against the spread versus DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
DETROIT is 16-9-0 straight up against COLUMBUS over the last 3 seasons
15 of 22 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+7.5 Units)

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CAROLINA (47-31-0-8, 102 pts.) at NEW JERSEY (53-28-0-5, 111 pts.) - 4/23/2009, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEW JERSEY is 53-33 ATS (+89.5 Units) in all games this season.
CAROLINA is 29-19 ATS (+6.7 Units) second half of the season this season.
CAROLINA is 13-7 ATS (+20.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
NEW JERSEY is 9-7 (+0.6 Units) against the spread versus CAROLINA over the last 3 seasons
NEW JERSEY is 9-7-0 straight up against CAROLINA over the last 3 seasons
8 of 13 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+2.5 Units)

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SAN JOSE (54-20-0-11, 119 pts.) at ANAHEIM (44-34-0-7, 95 pts.) - 4/23/2009, 10:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SAN JOSE is 26-22 ATS (-21.0 Units) second half of the season this season.
SAN JOSE is 32-31 ATS (-25.2 Units) after a division game over the last 2 seasons.
SAN JOSE is 6-11 ATS (-11.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
ANAHEIM is 21-8 ATS (+30.9 Units) when leading in a playoff series since 1996.
ANAHEIM is 153-144 ATS (+337.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1996.
SAN JOSE is 79-52 ATS (+18.8 Units) in April games since 1996.
ANAHEIM is 7-10 ATS (-8.4 Units) in home games after a division game this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
ANAHEIM is 14-11 (+4.5 Units) against the spread versus SAN JOSE over the last 3 seasons
ANAHEIM is 14-11-0 straight up against SAN JOSE over the last 3 seasons
15 of 22 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+6.5 Units)


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Friday, April 24
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NY RANGERS (46-31-0-9, 101 pts.) at WASHINGTON (51-27-0-8, 110 pts.) - 4/24/2009, 7:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY RANGERS is 9-7 (+2.8 Units) against the spread versus WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
NY RANGERS is 9-7-0 straight up against WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
10 of 16 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+3.3 Units)


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Saturday, April 25
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CALGARY (48-31-0-7, 103 pts.) at CHICAGO (48-27-0-11, 107 pts.) - 4/25/2009, 9:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO is 10-6 (+6.7 Units) against the spread versus CALGARY over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO is 10-6-0 straight up against CALGARY over the last 3 seasons
7 of 14 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+0.2 Units)

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[pm530]

NBA
Short Sheet


Thursday, April 23rd

Eastern Conference Playoffs - Round One
Game Three
Series Tied, 1-1
Boston at Chicago, 8:05 ET

Boston:
24-11 ATS as an underdog
11-2 ATS off home win scoring 110+ points

Chicago:
1-11 ATS at home off BB ATS wins
21-10 Over playing with same season revenge



Eastern Conference Playoffs - Round One
Game Three
Series Tied, 1-1
San Antonio at Dallas, 8:35 ET

Dallas:
3-17 ATS after 3 straight games w/ 11 or less turnovers
25-14 Under off an Over

San Antonio:
18-6 ATS when tied in a playoff series
25-12 Under Away if the total is between 180 and 189.5



Western Conference Playoffs - Round One
Game Three
Lakers Lead, 2-0
LA Lakers at Utah, 10:35 ET

LA Lakers:
23-11 ATS after 3+ consecutive overs
8-1 OVER off 2 consecutive DD home wins

Utah:
6-15 ATS after BB road games
11-21 ATS revenging a loss

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[pm530]

NHL
Short Sheet


Thursday, April 23rd

Eastern Conference Playoffs - 1st Round
Game Five
PIT leads, 3-1
Philadelphia at Pittsburgh, 7:05 ET

Philadelphia:
23-56 SU revenging a loss of 2+ goals
9-22 SU against Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh:
17-5 SU at home when the total is 5.5
9-0 SU at home in April



Western Conference Playoffs - 1st Round
Game Four
Detroit leads, 3-0
Detroit at Columbus, 7:05 ET

Detroit:
7-13 SU Away off BB division games
2-8 SU Away off BB home wins by 2+ goals

Columbus:
8-3 SU as home underdog
14-5 SU off a division loss by 4+ goals



Eastern Conference Playoffs - 1st Round
Game Five
Series Tied, 2-2
New Jersey at Carolina, 7:35 ET

Carolina:
1-5 SU AWAY when the total is 5 or less
16-27 SU off a win by 1 goal

New Jersey:
15-5 SU at home when the money line is -100 to -150
17-5 SU after BB road games



Western Conference Playoffs - 1st Round
Game Four
Anaheim Leads, 2-1
San Jose at Anaheim, 10:35 ET

San Jose:
4-7 SU after having lost 3 of their last 4
4-8 SU AWAY off a road win

Anaheim:
21-8 SU when leading in a playoff series
16-10 SU revenging a same season loss

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[pm530]

MLB
Short Sheet


Thursday, April 23

National League

MILWAUKEE at PHILADELPHIA, 1:05 PM ET
BUSH: 11-35 TSR as a road underdog
HAMELS: PHI 32-11 at home against NL Central

NY METS at ST LOUIS, 1:40 PM ET
HERNANDEZ: 12-6 TSR when the total is 9 to 9.5
LOHSE: 12-3 UNDER at home with a money line of -100 to -150

CINCINNATI at CHICAGO CUBS, 2:20 PM ET
HARANG: 18-9 TSR as an underdog of +100 to +150
ZAMBRANO: 18-7 OVER as a home favorite of -150 or more

LA DODGERS at HOUSTON, 8:05 PM ET
BILLINGSLEY: LAD 7-18 AWAY with a money line of -100 to -125
RODRIGUEZ: HOU 9-1 UNDER against right-handed starters


American League

KANSAS CITY at CLEVELAND, 12:05 PM ET
MECHE: 14-7 TSR when the total is 8 to 8.5
REYES: 2-12 TSR in the first half of the season

TAMPA BAY at SEATTLE, 6:40 PM ET
SHIELDS: TB 40-18 UNDER AWAY after a win by 6+ runs
HERNANDEZ: SEA 0-18 after allowing 9+ runs

CHI WHITE SOX at BALTIMORE, 7:05 PM ET
COLON: 41-20 TSR AWAY when the money line is +125 to -125
EATON: BAL 10-2 OVER against right-handed starters

TEXAS at TORONTO, 7:07 PM ET
MILLWOOD: TEX 11-2 OVER in April
RICHMOND: TOR 42-26 after having won 2 of their last 3

DETROIT at LA ANGELS, 10:05 PM ET
JACKSON: 13-22 TS Rin road games
PALMER: LAA 9-4 after allowing 12+ runs

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[pm530]

Len’s Top Five

The following is from Len Berman who just retired from WNBC in New York.


Len's Top 5

1. Quick Hits

Derrick Rose of Chicago is the NBA rookie of the year. A guy named
Michael Jordan won that award in Chicago 24 years ago.
In the new book about Roger Clemens, he supposedly had apartments in
a dozen cities for all his girlfriends. I'm thinking his wife found
out about it and that's what caused the housing collapse.
Grandmother of Miss California, who got into the gay marriage flap,
says her granddaughter dates Michael Phelps. Isn't that special?

2. A Simple Question

You know when teams make the post season how the ticket prices
suddenly go up? If the Yankees make the World Series, those Legend
seats that range from $525 to $2625 will cost what exactly? Discuss
among yourselves.

3. Truth in Advertising

Sports injuries have become the great mysteries of our time. NFL
teams often lie about them. Hockey has come up with "lower body
injury." They don't want the goons on the other team knowing which leg
to go after. So I salute Reds outfielder Chris Dickerson. He showed up
at the ballpark with a bandage over his eye covering a substantial
bump. Was it a training accident? Nope, he admitted a revolving door
outsmarted him at the hotel. My kind of guy.

4. A Late Callup

What did Arthur Giddon want for his 100th birthday? Tickets to a game
this weekend at Fenway Park when the Red Sox play the Yankees. They
went him one better. He's going to be a Red Sox batboy. He does have
experience. In 1922 and 1923 he was a batboy for the Boston Braves.
Happy hundredth Arthur!

5. A Rose by any Other Name

According to the Wall Street Journal, at least 350 pets in L.A. have
been named after Lakers star Kobe Bryant. Dogs? Cats? Turtles? They
don't say. Just wondering how many have pets in New York are named
A-Rod, not counting Madonna's of course.

Today's Birthday: Former goaltender and brother of Phil, Tony
Esposito. 66.

Bonus Birthday: Actress who had a drink named after her, Shirley
Temple. 81.

Today in Sports: The first relief pitcher elected to the Hall of
Fame, Hoyt Wilhelm, hits a home run for the New York Giants in his
first major league at bat. He never hits another. 1952.

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