Saturday Trends and Indexes 4/25 (NBA, MLB, NHL, Misc.)

[pm530]

Trends and Indexes

Saturday, April 25

Good Luck on day #115 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 25

Today in the Daily Sports Roundup: The Jazz get another visit from the Lakers, the Yankees battle the rival Red Sox, and the Ducks try to swim past the Sharks.

Tipping off on the hardwood . . .

The Jazz will be looking to tie up their series with the mighty Lakers on Saturday night when those teams play Game 4 of their best-of-seven set in Utah. Carlos Boozer picked up 23 points and 22 rebounds on Thursday night as the Jazz pulled out an 88-86 home win to cut their deficit to 2-1. Kobe Bryant had just 18 points in the defeat. Los Angeles is a 4-point favorite for the Game 4 matchup.

The other three games on the NBA schedule for Saturday are Denver at New Orleans, Atlanta at Miami, and San Antonio at Dallas. The Hornets are favored by 4.5 points at home in their matchup, but they trail the Nuggets 2-0 in the series. The Hawks and Heat are all tied up at one game apiece, with Miami a 4-point favorite on Saturday. Dallas holds a 2-1 advantage in their best-of-seven series with San Antonio, and they're 3.5-point favorites in their Saturday matinee.

Meeting up on the diamond . . .

The Yankees/BoSox series continues at Fenway Park on Saturday afternoon with New York's A.J. Burnett taking on Boston's Josh Beckett. Righthander Burnett is 2-0 with a 3.20 ERA on the season, and he took a no-decision versus the Indians last time out. Righthander Beckett is 2-1 with a 3.79 ERA on the year; he gave up three earned runs in six innings in a victory over the O's last time out.

Baltimore will host Texas again on Saturday, while it'll be Tampa Bay at Oakland, Toronto at the White Sox, Detroit at Kansas City, Seattle at the Angels, and Minnesota at Cleveland. Indians starter Carl Pavano had his first effective outing of the season last time out, giving up one run in six innings against the Yankees.

Over in the National League on Saturday it'll be Atlanta at Cincinnati, Washington at the Mets, the Cubs at St. Louis, Milwaukee at Houston, Philadelphia at Florida, the Dodgers at Colorado, Pittsburgh at San Diego, and San Francisco at Arizona. The Giants will send Randy Johnson up against his old team once again; the lefthander held the D-Backs scoreless over seven innings in a victory on Sunday.

Taking a trip around the rink . . .

The top-seeded Sharks could be playing their last game of the season on Saturday night as they host the Ducks in one of three matchups on the NHL postseason slate. Anaheim cruised to a 4-0 win in Game 4 of this series on Thursday, getting two goals from rookie Bobby Ryan and a shutout from Jonas Hiller. Joe Thornton was -3 for the Sharks, who now trail the Ducks 3-1 in the set.

The Penguins can also close out their first-round set on Saturday, but they failed in their first attempt in Game 5 on Thursday when they fell 3-0 to the Flyers. Martin Biron was the contest's first star with 28 saves in that victory; Philly hosts Game 6 on Saturday afternoon. The other game on the ice on Saturday is Game 5 between the Flames and Hawks in Chicago, with that set tied up at two apiece.

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[pm530]

NBA
Long Sheet


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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
Top Trends for this game.
NEW ORLEANS is 69-55 ATS (+8.5 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 51-38 ATS (+9.2 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 16-5 ATS (+10.5 Units) in home games on Saturday games over the last 3 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 34-18 ATS (+14.2 Units) in home games when playing with 2 days rest since 1996.
NEW ORLEANS is 25-13 ATS (+10.7 Units) in home games revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 37-22 ATS (+12.8 Units) after a loss by 10 points or more over the last 3 seasons.
NEW ORLEANS is 16-5 ATS (+10.5 Units) after 3 or more consecutive losses over the last 3 seasons.
DENVER is 47-36 ATS (+7.4 Units) in all games this season.
NEW ORLEANS is 36-47 ATS (-15.7 Units) in all games this season.
NEW ORLEANS is 6-14 ATS (-9.4 Units) against Northwest division opponents this season.
NEW ORLEANS is 19-29 ATS (-12.9 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.
NEW ORLEANS is 12-26 ATS (-16.6 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.
NEW ORLEANS is 7-16 ATS (-10.6 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season this season.

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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SAN ANTONIO (55 - 30) at DALLAS (52 - 33) - 4/25/2009, 4:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DALLAS is 168-130 ATS (+25.0 Units) vs. division opponents since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in road games revenging a loss vs opponent this season.
SAN ANTONIO is 91-62 ATS (+22.8 Units) after a loss by 10 points or more since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 141-105 ATS (+25.5 Units) after scoring 85 points or less 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.
DALLAS is 23-35 ATS (-15.5 Units) after a win by 10 points or more over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
DALLAS is 9-6 against the spread versus SAN ANTONIO over the last 3 seasons
DALLAS is 8-7 straight up against SAN ANTONIO over the last 3 seasons
8 of 15 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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ATLANTA (48 - 36) at MIAMI (44 - 40) - 4/25/2009, 6:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 10-23 ATS (-15.3 Units) in road games revenging a home loss vs opponent over the last 3 seasons.
ATLANTA is 1-9 ATS (-8.9 Units) in road games off a upset loss as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 14-26 ATS (-14.6 Units) after a loss by 10 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 45-37 ATS (+4.3 Units) in all games this season.
MIAMI is 74-90 ATS (-25.0 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 36-53 ATS (-22.3 Units) as a favorite over the last 3 seasons.
MIAMI is 33-48 ATS (-19.8 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 5-15 ATS (-11.5 Units) in a home game where where the total is between 185 and 189.5 points over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 30-49 ATS (-23.9 Units) in home games in April games since 1996.
MIAMI is 62-89 ATS (-35.9 Units) in home games vs. division opponents since 1996.
MIAMI is 6-18 ATS (-13.8 Units) off an upset win as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 13-25 ATS (-14.5 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

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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LA LAKERS (67 - 18) at UTAH (49 - 36) - 4/25/2009, 9:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
UTAH is 52-34 ATS (+14.6 Units) in home games 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 20-8 ATS (+11.2 Units) in a road game where where the total is between 205 and 209.5 points 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 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 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 11-7 against the spread versus UTAH over the last 3 seasons
LA LAKERS is 13-6 straight up against UTAH over the last 3 seasons
14 of 19 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons


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Sunday, April 26
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BOSTON (64 - 21) at CHICAGO (42 - 43) - 4/26/2009, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
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 15-5 ATS (+9.5 Units) off an upset win as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 53-34 ATS (+15.6 Units) after a win by 10 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 48-33 ATS (+11.7 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 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 8-5 against the spread versus CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
BOSTON is 8-5 straight up against CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
6 of 12 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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[pm530]

NBA
Short Sheet


Saturday, April 25th

Western Conference Playoffs - Round One
Game Three
Denver Leads, 2-0
Denver at New Orleans, 1:05 ET

Denver:
16-7 Under as an underdog
50-82 ATS off BB ATS wins

New Orleans:
20-5 ATS at home revenging same season loss
18-6 ATS off DD road loss
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Western Conference Playoffs - Round One
Game Four
Dallas Leads, 2-1
San Antonio at Dallas, 4:05 ET

San Antonio:
8-1 ATS Away playing with revenge
21-8 Under when trailing in a playoff series

Dallas:
16-25 ATS off ATS win
23-35 ATS off DD win
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Western Conference Playoffs - Round One
Game Three
Series Tied, 1-1
Atlanta at Miami, 6:35 ET

Atlanta:
14-6 ATS revenging DD loss
16-6 ATS off BB home games

Miami:
2-11 ATS off SU win as road underdog
5-18 ATS if road underdog L2 games
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Western Conference Playoffs - Round One
Game Four
Lakers Lead, 2-1
LA Lakers at Utah, 9:05 ET

LA Lakers:
24-43 ATS off BB ATS losses
14-5 Over vs. Utah

Utah:
20-6 Over as an underdog
8-1 Over in April

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[pm530]

NBA


Saturday, April 25

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Trend Sheet
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1:00 PM
DENVER vs. NEW ORLEANS
Denver is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing New Orleans
Denver is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing New Orleans
New Orleans is 10-4 SU in its last 14 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of New Orleans's last 9 games at home

4:00 PM
SAN ANTONIO vs. DALLAS
San Antonio is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of San Antonio's last 5 games on the road
Dallas is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games at home
Dallas is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home

6:30 PM
ATLANTA vs. MIAMI
Atlanta is 1-3-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Atlanta is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
Miami is 11-3-1 ATS in its last 15 games when playing at home against Atlanta
Miami is 22-3 SU in its last 25 games when playing at home against Atlanta

9:00 PM
LA LAKERS vs. UTAH
LA Lakers are 9-2 SU in their last 11 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of the LA Lakers last 8 games
Utah is 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing at home against LA Lakers
Utah is 6-11-1 ATS in their last 18 games when playing LA Lakers

1:00 PM
BOSTON vs. CHICAGO
Boston is 10-2 SU in its last 12 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Boston's last 5 games
Chicago is 3-8 ATS in its last 11 games when playing Boston
Chicago is 2-8 SU in its last 10 games when playing Boston

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[pm530]

NBA


Saturday, April 25

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Pick ‘n’ Roll: NBA best bets
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Los Angeles Lakers at Utah Jazz (+4, 209)

Instead of tapering off, the Los Angeles Lakers' shooting plummeted.

The defense and rebounding seemed to follow, and instead of being on the verge of a sweep, the Lakers hold only a 2-1 lead in their first-round series against Utah.

The Jazz rallied from a 13-point deficit and won 88-86 on Thursday, taking advantage of the first shooting woes the Lakers have had this postseason. Game 4 is Saturday night in Utah, where the Lakers are just 2-10 all-time in playoff games.

''It's a chance for us to come into this building and win a game after playing very bad in that last one,'' Lakers guard Kobe Bryant said after practice Friday.

Bryant went just 5-for-24 on Thursday, never really recovering after missing his first six shots. It was that kind of night for the Lakers, who made just 32 of 87 attempts.

The Lakers didn't expect to maintain their 58 percent shooting from the first two games, but did little to compensate when they finally went cold. The Jazz were then quickest to the ball for the many bounces off the rim.

''They let themselves back into the series - playing hard, playing the right way,'' Bryant said.

Bryant was quite complimentary of Utah's performance, crediting the Jazz several times for their composure in the come-from-behind victory.

All compliments aside, the Jazz know they could be in for a reinvigorated Bryant on Saturday after angering the 2008 league MVP by shutting him down.

Pick: Under 209



San Antonio Spurs at Dallas Mavericks (-4.5, 188)

The Spurs fell flat in the fourth quarter of a Game 1 loss at home, then made up for it with a 21-point victory to even the series. Then they were so bad in Game 3 that Popovich didn't even consider it a tough loss.

''A tough loss to me is both teams play their (tails) off and somebody makes a shot with 1 second left that's contested or something. That's a tough loss,'' Popovich said. ''(Thursday) was more of an embarrassing kind of loss where the other team dominated from the get-go and threw a punch and you never responded to.''

Dallas scored the first eight points and led 46-30 at halftime.

San Antonio shot only 32 percent (25-of-78) and was 2-of-17 from 3-point range after shooting 50 percent overall the first two games. Parker, who scored 38 points in Game 2, had only 12 this time - and that led the team. Duncan's four points and two rebounds were his fewest in a playoff game.

''You know they're going to be better. Pop's probably chewing them out,'' Dirk Nowitzki said. ''It was a little too easier than we hoped.''

Bowen says the Spurs disrespected a franchise that has won four NBA titles since 1999. The defensive stalwart is tied for third with Parker on the franchise list for career playoff games with 120. He said Thursday night's loss was ''the worst because of all the things that you built here.''

The Spurs also want to even the series before Game 5 in San Antonio on Tuesday night.

At least their starters got an extended break, with Parker's 21 minutes the most for the top five in Game 3. Combined with early foul trouble and the lopsided score, Duncan got a break for his sore knees by playing only 15 1/2 minutes.

Pick: San Antonio +4.5

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[pm530]

MLB


Saturday, April 25

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Trend Sheet
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1:10 PM
ATLANTA vs. CINCINNATI
Atlanta is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games
Atlanta is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Cincinnati
Cincinnati is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
Cincinnati is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games at home

1:10 PM
WASHINGTON vs. NY METS
Washington is 2-8 SU in its last 10 games when playing NY Mets
Washington is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
NY Mets are 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
NY Mets are 4-2 SU in its last 6 games at home

4:05 PM
TAMPA BAY vs. OAKLAND
Tampa Bay is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Oakland
Tampa Bay is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Oakland
Oakland is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
Oakland is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games at home

4:10 PM
CHI CUBS vs. ST. LOUIS
Chi Cubs are 4-2 SU in their last 6 games when playing St. Louis
St. Louis is 2-4 SU in their last 6 games when playing Chi Cubs
St. Louis is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home

4:10 PM
NY YANKEES vs. BOSTON
NY Yankees are 4-2 SU in their last 6 games
Boston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Boston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games

7:00 PM
MILWAUKEE vs. HOUSTON
Milwaukee is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Milwaukee is 7-15 SU in its last 22 games on the road
Houston is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
Houston is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games at home

7:05 PM
TEXAS vs. BALTIMORE
Texas is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Baltimore
Texas is 4-9 SU in its last 13 games
Baltimore is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games
Baltimore is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Texas

7:05 PM
TORONTO vs. CHI WHITE SOX
Toronto is 9-1 SU in their last 10 games when playing Chi White Sox
Toronto is 5-1 SU in their last 6 games when playing on the road against Chi White Sox
Chi White Sox are 2-4 SU in their last 6 games at home
Chi White Sox are 1-9 SU in their last 10 games when playing Toronto

7:10 PM
DETROIT vs. KANSAS CITY
Detroit is 5-15 SU in its last 20 games on the road
Detroit is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Kansas City
Kansas City is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Detroit
Kansas City is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Detroit

7:10 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. FLORIDA
Philadelphia is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Florida is 12-5 SU in its last 17 games
Florida is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games

8:05 PM
MINNESOTA vs. CLEVELAND
Minnesota is 4-9 SU in its last 13 games when playing on the road against Cleveland
Minnesota is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Cleveland
Cleveland is 9-4 SU in its last 13 games at home
Cleveland is 6-12 SU in its last 18 games

8:10 PM
LA DODGERS vs. COLORADO
LA Dodgers are 10-2 SU in their last 12 games
LA Dodgers are 7-1 SU in their last 8 games when playing Colorado
Colorado is 1-7 SU in their last 8 games when playing LA Dodgers
Colorado is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games

8:10 PM
SAN FRANCISCO vs. ARIZONA
San Francisco is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Arizona
San Francisco is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
Arizona is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games at home
Arizona is 4-8 SU in its last 12 games

9:05 PM
SEATTLE vs. LA ANGELS
Seattle is 10-4 SU in its last 14 games
Seattle is 6-15 SU in their last 21 games when playing LA Angels
LA Angels are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing at home against Seattle
LA Angels are 15-6 SU in their last 21 games when playing Seattle

10:05 PM
PITTSBURGH vs. SAN DIEGO
Pittsburgh is 5-14 SU in its last 19 games on the road
Pittsburgh is 4-15 SU in its last 19 games when playing San Diego
San Diego is 9-4 SU in its last 13 games
San Diego is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home

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[pm530]

MLB


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MLB weekend cheat sheet
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In this week’s edition of the MLB Cheat Sheet, a guide designed to help you isolate a few key best bets, we focus on the two top series in both leagues this weekend. Keep in mind that all pitcher records are ‘team starts’ unless noted otherwise.

NATIONAL LEAGUE

Philadelphia Phillies at Florida Marlins

Most Recent Series Result: Marlins 7-4 last 11 games vs. Phillies

Most Recent Series Result at the Site: Marlins 11-6 last 17 home games vs. Phillies

Key Day/Month Stat: Marlins 6-0 last six Fridays

Best Arm in the Series: Phillies’ Moyer 11-1 2.95 ERA lifetime vs. Marlins, including 6-0 away with 1.59 ERA

Worst Arm in the Series: Phillies’ Myers 1-10 6.04 ERA away lifetime vs. Marlins; Marlins’ Sanchez 0-5, 8.75 ERA lifetime vs. Phillies

Chicago Cubs at St. Louis Cardinals

Most Recent Series Result: Cubs 4-1 last five games vs. Cardinals

Most Recent Series Result at the Site: Cubs 12-6 last 18 away games vs. Cardinals

Key Day/Month Stat: Cardinals 30-10 home on weekends

Best Arm in the Series: Cubs’ Lilly 6-1, 3.18 ERA last seven games vs. Cardinals

Worst Arm in the Series: Cubs’ Dempster 0-4, 4.17 ERA last four away vs. Cardinals


AMERICAN LEAGUE

New York Yankees at Boston Red Sox

Most Recent Series Result: Yankees 7-4 last 11 games vs. Red Sox

Most Recent Series Result at the Site: Yankees 4-2 last six away games vs. Red Sox

Key Day/Month Stat: Yankees 9-1 away Saturdays

Best Arm in the Series: Yankees’ Burnett 3-0, 0.40 ERA away lifetime vs. Red Sox; Red Sox’ Penny 3-0, 3.12 ERA lifetime vs. Yankees

Worst Arm in the Series: Yankees’ Sabathia 2-7, 5.06 ERA lifetime vs. Red Sox

Seattle Mariners at Los Angeles Angels

Most Recent Series Result: Angels 15-5 last 20 games vs. Mariners

Most Recent Series Result at the Site: Angels 15-5 last 20 home games vs. Mariners

Key Day/Month Stat: Angels 11-1 last 12 home Sundays

Best Arm in the Series: Angels’ Weaver 4-0, 3.57 ERA home lifetime vs. Mariners

Worst Arm in the Series: Mariners’ Bedard 1-5, 6.68 ERA lifetime vs. Angels

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[pm530]

MLB
Baseball Today


SCOREBOARD

Saturday, April 25

Philadelphia at Florida (7:10 p.m. EDT). Slumping star Jimmy Rollins and the World Series champion Phillies try to gain ground on Hanley Ramirez and the NL East-leading Marlins.

STARS

Friday

— Jason Bay and Kevin Youkilis, Red Sox. Bay hit a tying two-run homer with two outs in the ninth inning, and Youkilis hit the game-winner in the 11th for a 5-4 victory over the Yankees.

— Zack Greinke, Royals, pitched his second straight complete game, striking out 10 while allowing three hits and a walk in a 6-1 win over Detroit. The only run the Tigers managed against Greinke was unearned.

— Albert Pujols, Cardinals, went 2-for-4 and scored the go-ahead run in the eighth inning after stealing second base for a 4-3 victory over the Cubs.

— Yovani Gallardo, Brewers, allowed five hits in a complete-game, 5-2 victory over the Astros. Gallardo struck out seven without issuing a walk.

— Shane Victorino, Phillies, hit his second career grand slam during a seven-run ninth inning that sent Philadelphia to a 7-3 victory over the Marlins.

— Johan Santana, Mets, allowed a run and six hits over six innings of a 4-3 victory over the Nationals. Santana struck out 10 against one walk.

— Michael Young, Rangers, hit a two-run homer in the ninth inning to give Texas a 5-4 win over the Orioles.

— Carlos Pena, Rays, hit a pair of home runs for his 14th multihomer game, driving in four runs in an 8-2 rout of the Athletics.

GREINKE STILL GREAT

Zack Greinke struck out 10 in his second straight complete game, leading Kansas City to a 6-1 victory over Detroit. The only run allowed was unearned, but ended Greinke’s streak of scoreless innings at 38 dating to last season. He retired the final 15 batters he faced, striking out seven. The last Royals pitcher to throw back-to-back complete games was Jamey Wright on Sept. 6 and 13, 2003.

RED SOX RALLY

Jason Bay hit a tying two-run homer off Mariano Rivera in the ninth inning, then Kevin Youkilis hit a solo shot off Damaso Marte in the 11th to rally Boston for a 5-4 victory over the rival Yankees on Friday night. Bay’s shot cleared the 37-foot-high Green Monster after the Red Sox were down to their final out.

GOING ONCE, GOING TWICE

Carlos Pena hit a pair of home runs in support of Scott Kazmir, leading the Rays to an 8-2 win over the Athletics on Friday night. It was Pena’s 14th career multihomer game and gave him the American League lead with seven this season. Pena finished with four RBIs.

VICTORY AT LAST

Tim Lincecum struck out 12 to earn his first victory of the season as San Francisco beat Arizona 5-1 Friday night. The reigning NL Cy Young winner shut down the Diamondbacks for the second time in less than a week, allowing one run and five hits in eight innings. Lincecum (1-1) got a no-decision last Saturday in San Francisco, going eight shutout innings in a 2-0 loss.

SEATTLE’S STREAK ENDS

Mike Napoli’s homer for the Angels was the first allowed by a Seattle pitcher since April 15, when teammate Torii Hunter hit a two-run shot off Jarrod Washburn. The Mariners’ streak of seven consecutive games without a home run allowed was two shy of the franchise record, set during the strike season of 1981, but they still won 8-3 on Friday night.

YANKEES TICKET TIFF

Mention those empty seats at Yankee Stadium at your own risk. One day after Major League Soccer commissioner Don Garber raised the subject, Yankees president Randy Levine blasted back Friday, telling Garber to “worry about Beckham, not the Yankees. Even he wants out of your league.” The MLS boss said he was merely discussing how the economy is affecting sports properties, which includes the half-empty premium section at recent Yankees home games.

THE NUMBERS GAME

The Nationals were 0-for-7 with runners in scoring position in a 4-3 loss to the Mets on Friday night. … The Cubs’ Alfonso Soriano extended his hitting streak to 11 games with an eighth-inning double in a 4-3 loss to the Cardinals. … The Blue Jays managed a season-high for runs to go along with their season-best 21 hits in a 14-0 romp over the White Sox. … Orioles pitchers have not allowed a walk in 22 2-3 innings.

SPEAKING

“When you see him come in, it’s not a confidence booster. We have put a dent in him more than anybody else—but we’ve also seen him more than anybody else.”—Red Sox manager Terry Francona, after Jason Bay homered off Mariano Rivera to send the game to extra innings. Kevin Youkilis hit the winning homer in the 11th to beat New York 5-4.

SEASONS

April 25

1901—In the opener at Detroit’s Bennett Park, the Tigers beat Milwaukee in a great comeback. Trailing 13-4 going into the bottom of the ninth, the Tigers scored 10 runs for a 14-13 victory. Frank Dillon had four doubles.

1904—New York pitcher Jack CheXXXo recorded the first of his 41 victories on the season, an American League record that still stands.

1933—Yankees pitcher Russ Van Atta made a spectacular debut by blanking Washington 16-0 and going 4-for-4.

1976—Cubs center fielder Rick Monday rescued the American flag from two trespassers who tried to set it on fire in the outfield of Dodger Stadium. The incident happened in the fourth inning of a 5-4, 10-inning loss to Los Angeles.

1977—The Cincinnati Reds romped to a 23-9 victory over the Braves in Atlanta. The Reds tied a National League record by scoring 12 runs in the fifth inning off three Braves pitchers. George Foster had seven RBIs, five runs scored, two home runs, a double and a single.

1995—Major League Baseball returned after a 257-day layoff as the Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Florida Marlins 8-7. Players had gone on strike the previous season.

1997—Matt Williams hit three homers and David Justice homered twice as the Cleveland Indians and Milwaukee Brewers combined to match a major league record for home runs in a nine-inning night game with 11. Cleveland hit a club-record eight in all, including three in one inning as the Indians beat the Brewers 11-4.

2001—Rickey Henderson of the Padres set the major league walks record with his 2,063rd base on balls in San Diego’s 5-3 loss to Philadelphia.

Today’s birthdays: Robert Andino 25; J.P.Howell 26; Sean White 27.

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[pm530]

NHL
Long Sheet


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Saturday, April 25
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PITTSBURGH (48-30-0-9, 105 pts.) at PHILADELPHIA (46-29-0-12, 104 pts.) - 4/25/2009, 3:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PITTSBURGH is 70-44 ATS (+13.7 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 30-13 ATS (+13.6 Units) after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 24-9 ATS (+14.7 Units) after scoring 1 goal or less in their previous game over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 18-10 ATS (+6.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 11-16 ATS (-19.4 Units) after a win by 2 goals or more this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
PITTSBURGH is 22-10 (+10.3 Units) against the spread versus PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
PITTSBURGH is 22-10-0 straight up against PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
19 of 30 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+6.3 Units)

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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
Top Trends for this game.
CALGARY is 3-9 ATS (-7.5 Units) in road games after allowing 4 goals or more this season.
CHICAGO is 13-6 ATS (+5.4 Units) in April games over the last 3 seasons.
CHICAGO is 26-13 ATS (+43.1 Units) when playing with 2 days rest over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO is 23-10 ATS (+6.6 Units) after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game this season.
CALGARY is 26-18 ATS (+45.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO is 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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ANAHEIM (45-34-0-7, 97 pts.) at SAN JOSE (54-21-0-11, 119 pts.) - 4/25/2009, 10:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ANAHEIM is 15-10 ATS (+27.4 Units) in road games second half of the season this season.
ANAHEIM is 8-2 ATS (+10.6 Units) on Saturday games this season.
ANAHEIM is 22-8 ATS (+12.6 Units) when leading in a playoff series since 1996.
ANAHEIM is 27-17 ATS (+44.1 Units) in road games after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game over the last 3 seasons.
ANAHEIM is 8-5 ATS (+15.9 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
SAN JOSE is 25-24 ATS (-17.3 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5 or less over the last 3 seasons.
SAN JOSE is 1-4 ATS (-9.4 Units) in home games in April games this season.
SAN JOSE is 26-23 ATS (-21.5 Units) second half of the season this season.
SAN JOSE is 16-17 ATS (-22.4 Units) in home games vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
SAN JOSE is 32-32 ATS (-25.1 Units) after a division game over the last 2 seasons.
SAN JOSE is 15-15 ATS (-13.8 Units) in home games revenging a loss versus opponent over the last 2 seasons.
SAN JOSE is 6-12 ATS (-13.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
ANAHEIM is 15-11 (+5.8 Units) against the spread versus SAN JOSE over the last 3 seasons
ANAHEIM is 15-11-0 straight up against SAN JOSE over the last 3 seasons
16 of 23 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+7.6 Units)


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Sunday, April 26
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NEW JERSEY (54-28-0-5, 113 pts.) at CAROLINA (47-32-0-8, 102 pts.) - 4/26/2009, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CAROLINA is 29-20 ATS (+2.4 Units) second half of the season this season.
CAROLINA is 45-31 ATS (+12.5 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent over the last 2 seasons.
CAROLINA is 13-8 ATS (+22.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
NEW JERSEY is 54-33 ATS (+8.4 Units) in all games this season.
NEW JERSEY is 13-4 ATS (+7.5 Units) on Sunday games over the last 2 seasons.
NEW JERSEY is 16-8 ATS (+8.0 Units) in road games after scoring 1 goal or less in their previous game over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
NEW JERSEY is 10-7 (+1.6 Units) against the spread versus CAROLINA over the last 3 seasons
NEW JERSEY is 10-7-0 straight up against CAROLINA over the last 3 seasons
9 of 14 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+3.5 Units)

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[pm530]

NHL


Saturday, April 25

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Trend Sheet
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3:00 PM
PITTSBURGH vs. PHILADELPHIA
Pittsburgh is 14-6 SU in its last 20 games when playing Philadelphia
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Pittsburgh's last 6 games when playing Philadelphia
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Philadelphia's last 9 games at home
Philadelphia is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games

9:00 PM
CALGARY vs. CHICAGO
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Calgary's last 11 games
Calgary is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Chicago is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Calgary
Chicago is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing Calgary

10:00 PM
ANAHEIM vs. SAN JOSE
Anaheim is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing San Jose
The total has gone UNDER in 15 of Anaheim's last 22 games when playing San Jose
San Jose is 3-9 SU in its last 12 games when playing at home against Anaheim
San Jose is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Anaheim

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[pm530]

NHL


Saturday, April 25

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Ice Picks: NHL best bets
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Philadelphia Flyers at Pittsburgh Penguins (-140, 5.5)

Martin Biron is more concerned with the pregame music than his contract situation. He can earn a bigger payday and keep the Philadelphia Flyers' season going with another standout performance.

Biron helped the Flyers avoid elimination by stopping 28 shots for his second career playoff shutout in Thursday night's 3-0 win at Pittsburgh. Game 6 is Saturday afternoon in Philadelphia, where a hyped-up crowd surely will be ready for Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and the rest of the Penguins.

Desperate to extend the series, the Flyers turned to their often-criticized goaltender. Biron isn't considered among the elite goalies in the NHL, and he didn't even become the clear No. 1 for Philadelphia until late in the season. But he's been outstanding in the playoffs.

Before Game 5, coach John Stevens told Biron in front of the team that he needed to be great. Biron responded to the challenge by making 15 saves in the first period, keeping the Flyers in the game and quieting Pittsburgh's fans.

Then Philadelphia settled in and got a huge momentum boost when fourth-line forward Arron Asham scored the go-ahead goal in the second period. That was all Biron needed. He single-handedly made sure the Flyers would play another game.

''We're not looking at wining the series tomorrow,'' Biron said Friday. ''We're looking at pushing it to Game 7.''

Pick: Philadelphia -140



Anaheim Ducks at San Jose Sharks (-220, 5)

Whether it's Marleau's single goal in the Anaheim series after scoring 38 during the season, Milan Michalek's scoreless vanishing act, or Joe Pavelski's shockingly poor performance on faceoffs, the Sharks have fallen apart offensively. Anaheim's defense on Joe Thornton also has been bitingly successful, with the Sharks' All-Star center rarely getting any spare moments with the puck to create plays.

''Not a lot of people probably believe we can come back,'' said defenseman Dan Boyle, who has been among the few solid Sharks in his first playoff series with the club. ''We've got to show up with a desperate attitude. We were missing that desperation (in Game 4), and in a do-or-die situation, that's not good. We just need more.''

The Ducks took a 3-1 series lead with a 4-0 victory in Game 4 on Thursday night, trouncing punchless San Jose for goalie Jonas Hiller's second shutout of the series. Although the Sharks make no excuses for their putrid play, Anaheim's superiority isn't the shock it might be in another series, given the Ducks' pedigree, their rivalry with the Sharks and their strong finish to the regular season.

''We're going to go in with the mentality that we want to get that win in San Jose,'' said Anaheim center Ryan Getzlaf, who has outplayed Thornton, the player to whom he's often compared. ''We don't want to prolong it any longer. We know what we're up against. (The Shark Tank) hasn't been a friendly building for anybody this year. We know we're going to get their best effort.''

Pick: Under 5

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[Udog]

MLB


Saturday, April 25

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Tips and Trends
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New York Yankees at Boston Red Sox [FOX | 4:10 PM ET]

Yankees: A.J. Burnett looks to improve to 6-0 in his career against the Red Sox. The veteran right-hander is 5-0 with a 2.56 ERA in eight career starts versus Boston. He's been even better at Fenway Park, winning all three starts at the hitter-friendly ballpark while posting a 0.40 ERA. The Yankees have won all three of Burnett's starts this season, as he has pitched into the sixth inning each time. Five players who will likely start for New York are hitting .290 or better against Josh Beckett -- Derek Jeter (.294), Melky Cabrera (.300), Robinson Cano (.333), Jorge Posada (.304) and Nick Swisher (4-for-9).

The Yankees are 12-4 in their last 16 vs. a team with a winning record.
The Yankees are 11-5 in their last 16 games as an underdog.

Key Injuries - 3B Alex Rodriguez (hip) is on the 15-day DL.
3B Cody Ransom (hamstring) is OUT.
OF Xavier Nady (elbow) is on the 15-day DL.

PROJECTED SCORE: 5 (Side Play of the Day)

Red Sox (-145, O/U 9): Boston brings an eight-game winning streak into this one. The Red Sox are batting .329 with 52 runs through seven games of their nine-game homestand. Josh Beckett went 3-1 with a 3.25 ERA in four outings versus New York in 2008, improving to 7-4 with a 5.33 ERA in 12 career starts. The Red Sox are 1-5 in Beckett's last 6 home starts vs. a team with a winning record. The Red Sox are also 0-4 in Beckett's last 4 starts following a Quality Start in his last appearance. Going into last night's game, Boston's bullpen owned an impressive 1.65 ERA and 0.91 WHIP at home.

The Over is 10-2 in the Red Sox's last 12 overall.
The Red Sox are 8-0 in their last 8 games as a favorite.

Key Injuries - SS Jed Lowrie (wrist) is on the 15-day DL.
SS Julio Lugo (knee) is on the 15-day DL.

PROJECTED SCORE: 3


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[Udog]

NBA


Saturday, April 25

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Tips and Trends
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Denver Nuggets at New Orleans Hornets [ESPN | 1:05 PM ET]

Nuggets: The Nuggets have won each of the first two games by double digits. "Not many guys get fired up to cover Paul", coach George Karl said. "Dahntay gets fired up to cover him, A.C. gets fired up to cover him and Chauncey wants his piece of him, too. So I've got three guys that want to cover him, rather than have that fear of covering him. And they know they all don't have to play 35 minutes on him. They're only going to play 15 or 20." Karl also noted that he has "three big guys that cover the pick-and-rolls pretty first-class," referring to Kenyon Martin, Nene and Chris Andersen.

The Nuggets are 3-13 ATS in their last 16 playoff games as an underdog.
The Nuggets are 2-8 ATS in their last 10 Conference Quarterfinals games.

Key Injuries - C Nene (hand) is PROBABLE.

PROJECTED SCORE: 95

Hornets (-4.5, O/U 198): The Hornets have had 34 turnovers through the first two games, which only enhances Denver's ability to pile up fast-break points. The Hornets may wish they could pick up the pace, something that suits Paul's up-tempo style. The problem, coach Byron Scott said, is that the Hornets do not have enough offensive depth to play that way with a team like Denver for an entire game. The reserves have contributed little, so Scott said he will have to limit the number of players he uses on Saturday to seven or eight.That means the Hornets likely will have to slow the tempo and try to win with defense.

The Hornets are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 playoff games as a favorite.
The Favorite is 6-1 ATS in the last 7 meetings.

Key Injuries - C Tyson Chandler (ankle) is QUESTIONABLE

PROJECTED SCORE: 99 (UNDER - Total Play of the Day)



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[Udog]

NBA
Dunkel


LA Lakers at Utah
The Lakers look to bounce back from their Game Three loss and take advantage of a Utah team that 4-15 ATS in their last 19 games as an underdog. Los Angeles is the pick (-4) according to Dunkel, which has the Lakers favored by 5. Dunkel Pick: LA Lakers (-4). Here are all of today's playoff picks.

SATURDAY, APRIL 25

Game 519-520: Denver at New Orleans
Dunkel Ratings: Denver 119.928; New Orleans 121.093
Dunkel Line & Total: New Orleans by 1; 194 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: New Orleans by 4 1/2; 197 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Denver (+4 1/2); Under

Game 521-522: San Antonio at Dallas
Dunkel Ratings: San Antonio 119.865; Dallas 125.538
Dunkel Line & Total: Dallas by 5 1/2; 182
Vegas Line & Total: Dallas by 4; 187 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Dallas (-4); Under

Game 523-524: Atlanta at Miami
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta 118.523; Miami 123.243
Dunkel Line & Total: Miami by 4 1/2; 189
Vegas Line & Total: Miami by 4; 186
Dunkel Pick: Miami (-4); Over

Game 525-526: LA Lakers at Utah
Dunkel Ratings: LA Lakers 124.334; Utah 119.226
Dunkel Line & Total: LA Lakers by 5; 203
Vegas Line & Total: LA Lakers by 4; 209
Dunkel Pick: LA Lakers (-4); Under