Announcement

**Udog** · 06-03-2009, 09:18 PM

NBA
Dunkel

Orlando at LA Lakers
The Magic open on the road looking to build on their 6-2 ATS mark in their last 8 games as a road underdog between 5 and 10 1/2 points. Orlando is the pick (+6) according to Dunkel, which has the Lakers favored by only 2. Dunkel Pick: Orlando (+6). Here are all of today's playoff picks.

THURSDAY, JUNE 4

Game 701-702: Orlando at LA Lakers
Dunkel Ratings: Orlando 127.611; LA Lakers 129.617
Dunkel Line & Total: LA Lakers by 2; 200 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: LA Lakers by 6; 206 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Orlando (+6); Under

**Udog** · 06-03-2009, 09:19 PM

NBA
Long Sheet

Thursday, June 4

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ORLANDO (70 - 30) at LA LAKERS (77 - 23) - 6/4/2009, 9:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ORLANDO is 16-33 ATS (-20.3 Units) in road games after 3 or more consecutive overs since 1996.
LA LAKERS are 108-92 ATS (+6.8 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 61-40 ATS (+17.0 Units) in all games this season.
ORLANDO is 18-7 ATS (+10.3 Units) as an underdog this season.
ORLANDO is 32-19 ATS (+11.1 Units) in road games this season.
ORLANDO is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) in a road game where where the total is between 200 and 204.5 points over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 10-0 ATS (+10.0 Units) against Pacific division opponents this season.
ORLANDO is 21-9 ATS (+11.1 Units) in non-conference games this season.
ORLANDO is 13-5 ATS (+7.5 Units) in road games after a win by 10 points or more this season.
ORLANDO is 31-18 ATS (+11.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
ORLANDO is 31-14 ATS (+15.6 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.

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

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**Udog** · 06-03-2009, 09:20 PM

NBA
Short Sheet

Thursday, June 4th

NBA Finals
Game One
Series Tied, 0-0
Orlando at LA Lakers, 9:05 ET

Orlando:
10-0 ATS vs. Pacific Division
13-5 ATS Away off DD win

LA Lakers:
25-14 Under in playoff games
26-13 Under off DD road win

**Udog** · 06-03-2009, 09:22 PM

NBA

Thursday, June 4

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Trend Report
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9:00 PM
ORLANDO vs. LA LAKERS
Orlando is 4-2 ATS in their last 6 games when playing on the road against LA Lakers
Orlando is 4-7-1 ATS in their last 12 games when playing on the road against LA Lakers
LA Lakers are 18-7 SU in their last 25 games
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of the LA Lakers last 10 games

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**Udog** · 06-03-2009, 09:28 PM

NBA

Thursday, June 4

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Game of the day: Magic at Lakers (Game 1)
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Orlando Magic at Los Angeles Lakers (-6, 206)

Orlando matchup advantage again?

Los Angeles is 8-2 at home in the playoffs, adding to its 36-5 record at home during the regular season. One of those home losses came against Orlando, which also beat the Lakers on its home floor.

If this is sounding familiar it’s because we heard all these same things before the Magic faced the Cavs in the East finals. Orlando enjoyed great success against Cleveland over the last two seasons, winning five of seven and covering the spread in six of those games.

Cleveland did not have a supporting cast to go along with LeBron James, but the Lakers have a much more balanced team than the Cavaliers. Los Angeles also has center Andrew Bynum, who can give Dwight Howard some trouble.

The Lakers are a much better rebounding team than Orlando, especially on the offensive end. The Purple and Gold shot 40.6 percent from the floor against their Disney cousins – a large factor in the two regular season losses.

Teams make adjustments and Phil Jackson - one of the game’s greatest coaches – will do some fine-tuning to the Lakers’ game plan. The most recent of Orlando’s victories came almost five months ago and regular-season wins can mean little. However, Orlando is playing with a ton of confidence and that cannot be discounted.

Tinsel-town experience

The Lakers were in the NBA Finals last season and that is worth some value for to L.A. backers. There’s no question Kobe Bryant and crew are motivated after losing as favorites to the Celtics last June. Bryant hasn’t forgotten about the way Boston clinched the series with a 39-point win in Game 6.

Inspiration is never an issue for any team that’s playing in the Finals, but Los Angeles will be playing with an extra incentive to erase last season’s sour ending.

“It makes you tougher,” Bryant said of this year’s playoff mediocrity and last season’s championship loss. “It makes you have to dig deep. ... You deal with the controversy and the criticism. All those things make you a better team.”

It's possible this young Orlando team will be a little awed on the NBA's biggest stage, especially playing the first two games at Los Angeles.

The Nelson effect

It looks as though Jameer Nelson will be in uniform for Orlando for the NBA Finals. Does that make the Magic a better team now?

I don’t think so.

His backup Rafer Alston played a great series against Cleveland and any change to the chemistry that won that series is a bad move for the Magic Men. Nelson will be way behind in timing, shooting and overall flow with his teammates on the court.

If he does play, it will benefit the Lakers more than Orlando in this first game. He has already added some fuel to the fire.

“I'm not saying I'm any tougher or stronger than anybody, but I've been known to do some amazing things sometimes,” Nelson told reporters.

His leadership will be beneficial but it’s unlikely he can repeat what he did during the regular season.

Nelson led the Magic in scoring both times against L.A., averaging 27.5 ppg while shooting a combined 20-of-34 from the field including 7-of-12 from beyond the 3-point line.

The time off means fresh legs but it also means poor stamina. The Lakers, who haven’t played since last Friday, are 6-2 ATS when they get three or more days rest this season.

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**Udog** · 06-03-2009, 09:38 PM

NHL
Long Sheet

When the Top Trends section updates, we'll re-post.

Thursday, June 4

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DETROIT (65-24-0-12, 142 pts.) at PITTSBURGH (58-34-0-10, 126 pts.) - 6/4/2009, 8:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 8-4 (+1.1 Units) against the spread versus PITTSBURGH over the last 3 seasons
DETROIT is 8-4-0 straight up against PITTSBURGH over the last 3 seasons
7 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+3.9 Units)

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**Udog** · 06-03-2009, 09:40 PM

NHL
Short Sheet

Tuesday, June 2nd

Stanley Cup Finals
Game Four
Detroit Leads, 2-1
Detroit at Pittsburgh, 8:05 ET

Detroit:
1-5 SU as an underdog
14-7 Over revenging road loss

Pittsburgh:
50-24 SU as a home favorite of -200 or less
22-7 SU at home if total is 5.5

**Udog** · 06-03-2009, 09:42 PM

NHL

Thursday, June 4

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Trend Report
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8:00 PM
DETROIT vs. PITTSBURGH
Detroit is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Detroit is 12-5 SU in its last 17 games when playing Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games
Pittsburgh is 11-2 SU in its last 13 games at home

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**Udog** · 06-03-2009, 09:49 PM

NHL

Thursday, June 4

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What bettors need to know: Stanley Cup finals Game 4
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Detroit Red Wings at Pittsburgh Penguins (-150, 5.5)

Penalty-killing problems

Detroit’s only weakness this postseason has been its penalty killing. The Red Wings surrendered two power-play goals in Game 3, including the game winner.

Detroit had a streak of allowing a power-play goal in 13 straight games earlier in the playoffs and has given up at least one power-play goal in 15 of its last 19 games.

Pittsburgh is 3-of-6 on the power play this series and has scored three of its five goals in the Cup finals with the man advantage.

Will Datsyuk return?

Pavel Datsyuk is making significant progress and may be able to play in Game 4. The Hart Trophy nominee has not played since Game 2 of the Chicago series and would provide the Wings with another dangerous offensive weapon.

Sidney who?

Sidney Crosby is having a quiet series (1 assist, -1). Brian Rafalski and Nick Lidstrom have played well against Crosby’s line, while Henrik Zetterberg has successfully limited Sidney Crosby’s offensive chances.

Evgeni Malkin, on the other hand, is atoning for last year’s disappointing finals performance. Malkin has been excellent, registering a point on each of the Penguins' five goals (one goal, four assists).

Home-ice advantage

Home games in Pittsburgh mean that coach Dan Bylsma makes the final line change. Matchups are extremely important, especially concerning a team like Pittsburgh that is dominated by two superstars.

“The one advantage we had (in Game 3), because they were trying to get Zetterberg out there so much, (was that) there were times when he got out there tired,” Bylsma told reporters.

May the better team…lose?

Pittsburgh played well enough to win Games 1 and 2 and even out-shot the Red Wings twice at Joe Louis Arena. After losing both games, the Penguins were dominated by the Red Wings in Game 3, particularly in the second period, yet managed to come away with a win.

“It’s kind of fitting that we win this game,” Penguins defenseman Mark Eaton told the media. “We played well enough to win at least one of the first two, and they played better than us tonight and probably deserved to win.”

Who is really the better team?

Most of the analysis and public opinion is that Detroit is the better team, but what do oddsmakers think? Detroit was a -143 favorite in Games 1 and 2. Pittsburgh opened at a whopping -160 in Game 3 and the opening line for Game 4 has the Penguins priced at -150.

Based on those lines, oddsmakers seem to be indicating that Pittsburgh is the better team. Detroit’s advantage in the series, of course, is that it plays an extra game at home.

Trends

- Detroit is 4-0 after scoring two goals or less in its previous game.
- Pittsburgh is 4-1 after allowing two goals or less in its previous game.
- Over is 4-1 in Detroit’s last five road games.
- Over is 4-1 in Penguins’ last five home games.
- Home teams have won the first three games and lost Game 4 in the last three Stanley Cup finals.

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**pm530** · 06-04-2009, 03:02 AM

NHL
Write-up

Thursday, June 4

NHL Playoffs

Penguins outshot Detroit 10-3 in decisive third period in Game 3, after being outshot 26-11 in first two periods. Red Wings are 7-3-1 in last ten games vs Pittsburgh, 3-1-1 this year, outscoring Penguins 17-13; Detroit won nine of its last 12 games overall. Pittsburgh won seven of nine home playoff games; Wings are 4-4 on road. Road teams are 8-6 in Game 4's so far in playoffs this spring.

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**pm530** · 06-04-2009, 03:22 AM

NHL

Thursday, June 4

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Ice Picks: NHL best bets
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Detroit Red Wings at Pittsburgh Penguins (-150, 5.5)

Evgeni Malkin's upgraded play is one of the reasons the Penguins are optimistic they can pull off a comeback after losing the first two games on the road, despite the fact only one of 32 teams has previously overcome such a deficit in the finals.

Malkin, badly off his game while being shut out in the first four games against Detroit last year, has a goal, four assists and the look of a player who could take over a series. Crosby, who trails only Malkin in playoff scoring with 29 points, has only one assist in three games and has yet to take off. Goalie Marc-Andre Fleury settled down after two shaky losses to make 27 saves on Tuesday.

''I'm learning how to play now, it's the second final - it's the same team,'' Malkin said. ''I know how to play Detroit, and I try to play a little harder.''

The Penguins also believe they are better prepared to take anything Detroit can throw at them after weathering a thrill-a-minute second period of Game 3 in which they were outshot 14-4. The Penguins also trailed Washington 2-0 in the second round before winning four of the last five, as they now must do to win the Stanley Cup.

Pick: Pittsburgh -150

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**pm530** · 06-04-2009, 08:28 AM

NHL
Dunkel Index

Detroit at Pittsburgh
The Red Wings look to rebound from their 4-2 loss on Tuesday and build on their 4-0 record in their last 4 games after scoring 2 goals or less in the previous game. Detroit is the pick (+130) according to Dunkel, which has the Red Wings favored by 1/2 a goal. Dunkel Pick: Detroit (+130). Here are all of today's playoff picks.

THURSDAY, JUNE 4

Game 7-8: Detroit at Pittsburgh
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit 14.343; Pittsburgh 13.770
Dunkel Line & Total: Detroit by 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Pittsburgh (-150); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (+130); Under

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**pm530** · 06-04-2009, 08:31 AM

NBA

Thursday, June 4

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Pick ‘n’ Roll: NBA best bets
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Orlando Magic at Los Angeles Lakers (-6, 206)

His smile has vanished, replaced by something closer to a scowl. His days of joking around are seemingly on hold.

Kobe Bryant has gotten deadly serious.

He has that look, you've seen the one. It's the cold-blooded, get-out-of-my-way-or-pay glare he'll shoot at a teammate who messes up or an opponent who dares to try and stop him.

The Black Mamba is poised to strike.

The NBA finals are in his sights.

After a humbling loss to the Boston Celtics in last year's finals, Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers will be seeking atonement - and a 15th championship - when they face the resurrected Orlando Magic in Game 1 on Thursday night at the Staples Center.

For Bryant, the game's greatest late-game closer since Michael Jordan, it's a second opportunity at shutting up some of his loudest detractors. He has won three titles, but hasn't been able to get No. 4 since Shaquille O'Neal was traded after the 2004 season to Miami.

Bryant was asked Wednesday if he needed a post-Shaq championship to enhance his legacy.

''Not at all,'' Bryant said. ''It means nothing. To me, it's about winning another one, just because I want to win another one.''

Before catching his breath, Bryant, who had been loose and relaxed earlier this week, then took a verbal swipe worthy of a flagrant foul at O'Neal, his former teammate with whom he famously feuded.

''People think Shaq would have won a championship without me on that team,'' he said. ''They're crazy.''

This is Bryant's chance. He doesn't want to waste it.

Pick: Los Angeles -6

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**pm530** · 06-04-2009, 08:33 AM

MLB
Dunkel Index

Milwaukee at Florida
The Marlins look to rebound from their 9-6 loss last night and build on their 9-2 record in Josh Johnson's last 11 starts as a favorite. Florida is the pick (-150) according to Dunkel, which has the Marlins favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: Florida (-150). Here are all of today's picks.

THURSDAY, JUNE 4

Game 951-952: NY Mets at Pittsburgh
Dunkel Ratings: NY Mets (Pelfrey) 15.480; Pittsburgh (Ohlendorf) 14.465
Dunkel Line: NY Mets by 1; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: NY Mets (-120); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: NY Mets (-120); Over

Game 953-954: San Francisco at Washington
Dunkel Ratings: San Francisco (Cain) 15.563; Washington (Detwiler) 14.502
Dunkel Line: San Francisco by 1; 9
Vegas Line: Washington (-110); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Francisco (+100); Over

Game 955-956: Chicago Cubs at Atlanta
Dunkel Ratings: Cubs (Zambrano) 15.931; Atlanta (Jurrjens) 14.773
Dunkel Line: Chicago Cubs by 1; 6 1/2
Vegas Line: Atlanta (-135); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Chicago Cubs (+125); Under

Game 957-958: Milwaukee at Florida
Dunkel Ratings: Milwaukee (Bush) 15.759; Florida (Johnson) 16.888
Dunkel Line: Florida by 1; 7
Vegas Line: Florida (-150); 8
Dunkel Pick: Florida (-150); Under

Game 959-960: Colorado at Houston
Dunkel Ratings: Colorado (Hammel) 13.956; Houston (Rodriguez) 14.733
Dunkel Line: Houston by 1; 9
Vegas Line: Houston (-175); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Houston (-175); Over

Game 961-962: Cincinnati at St. Louis
Dunkel Ratings: Cincinnati (Harang) 14.941; St. Louis (Carpenter) 15.799
Dunkel Line: St. Louis by 1; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: St. Louis (-175); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (-175); Over

Game 963-964: Philadelphia at LA Dodgers
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia (Hamels) 16.378; LA Dodgers (Kershaw) 15.605
Dunkel Line: Philadelphia by 1; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: LA Dodgers (-110); 8
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (+100); Over

Game 965-966: LA Angels at Toronto
Dunkel Ratings: LA Angels (Lackey) 14.227; Toronto (Tallet) 14.824
Dunkel Line: Toronto by 1/2; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Toronto (-115); 9
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (-115); Over

Game 967-968: Boston at Detroit
Dunkel Ratings: Boston (Wakefield) 15.605; Detroit (Willis) 15.756
Dunkel Line: Detroit by 1/2; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Boston (-135); 10
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (+125); Under

Game 969-970: Texas at NY Yankees
Dunkel Ratings: Texas (McCarthy) 17.338; NY Yankees (Wang) 16.240
Dunkel Line: Texas by 1; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: NY Yankees (-155); 11 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Texas (+145); Under

Game 971-972: Cleveland at Minnesota
Dunkel Ratings: Cleveland (Carmona) 15.620; Minnesota (Baker) 15.990
Dunkel Line: Minnesota by 1/2; 10
Vegas Line: Minnesota (-145); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (-145); Over

Game 973-974: Oakland at Chicago White Sox
Dunkel Ratings: Oakland (Anderson) 14.509; White Sox (Buehrle) 15.915
Dunkel Line: Chicago White Sox by 1 1/2; 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Chicago White Sox (-170); 9
Dunkel Pick: Chicago White Sox (-170); Under

Game 975-976: Kansas City at Tampa Bay
Dunkel Ratings: Kansas City (Meche) 14.021; Tampa Bay (Shields) 14.954
Dunkel Line: Tampa Bay by 1; 6 1/2
Vegas Line: Tampa Bay (-165); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Tampa Bay (-165); Under

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Announcement

Thursday Trends and Indexes 6/4 (NBA, MLB, NHL, Misc.)

Thursday Trends and Indexes 6/4 (NBA, MLB, NHL, Misc.)

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