Announcement

**StarDust Bum** · 03-03-2010, 01:57 AM

Betting On Spring Training

Betting on spring training baseball is an interesting proposition, because here’s the thing about spring training: Most teams don’t really care if they win or lose. And when you’re betting on a team to either win or lose, this apathy can provide a challenge.

Spring training for MLB teams is mostly about preparing for the regular season. Some pitchers are held to strict pitch counts, the best players don’t always play the most because management wants to see what the up-and-comers can do, and all managers have different priorities than others.

To illustrate, the Philadelphia Phillies went 13-19 last spring training and went on to win the NL East with a 93-69 regular-season record. The Phillies went 12-18 the spring before and again went on to win their division. Oh, and the World Series.

Even though it might appear to be a crap shoot, we book a decent amount of betting action for spring training games at Bodog. Some of that action is just because people like to bet on baseball, no matter the scenario. But another segment is from bettors who do the research. They know all about which pitchers have pitch counts and which managers try to win regardless of the scenario and which managers could care less. (Perhaps one of the latter is Charlie Manuel?)

So dig into the news stories. Find out which teams do well in spring training and which ones struggle. There’s a big opportunity there. Since there’s less betting action on spring training baseball compared to the regular season and playoffs, the chances of finding a soft line are much better. But you’ve got to do the work.

In other baseball betting news, we’re seeing a jump in MLB futures wagering as spring training gets under way. The defending champion New York Yankees are once again the favorites to win it all, getting 11/4 odds to win the 2010 World Series.

Next are Boston and Philadelphia, both at 6/1, followed by the St. Louis Cardinals at 13/1.

The long shots? The Washington Nationals at 150/1.

As for a team that’s getting some unexpected betting attention, let’s talk about the Texas Rangers at 25/1. The Rangers haven’t made the playoffs in over a decade but finished a much improved 87-75 last year. The additions of slugger Vladimir Guerrero and pitcher Rich Harden also provide some potential upside, though their production is less than guaranteed.

**StarDust Bum** · 03-03-2010, 01:59 AM

College Hoops Double

The final games before a conference tournament normally give teams that have practically assured themselves a spot in the Big Dance a little break. Some programs in that spot will use those finales as a chance to learn to live life without its star player. We’ll see a little of both things happening on Wednesday night.

Indiana at Purdue – 6:30 p.m. EST, Big Ten Network

It hasn’t been easy for Indiana (9-19 straight up, 10-15 against the spread) this season. The Hoosiers already knew they were going to have a tough go of it for postseason play. But Tom Crean’s crew is in an even worse funk than they’re used to, losing 10 straight games and failing to cover the number in eight of them.

Purdue (24-4 SU, 12-14-1 ATS) is feeling a little deflated right now after losing Robbie Hummel for the rest of the season with a torn right ACL. This was a team that seemed destined for a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament. Are the still up for that honor? Sure, but it’s going to take a lot more work. The first game for life without Hummel was a disaster as the Boilermakers fell 53-44 as four-point home favorites to Michigan State.

The Boilermakers had nothing going for them last Sunday. They shot just 30 percent from the field, made two of their nine three-point shots and were outrebounded 44-16 by the Spartans.

Even with the loss of Hummel, Purdue has been listed as a heavy 16-point home “chalk” by Las Vegas Sports Consultants.

Luckily for Purdue, this game might help them stretch out the legs of the rest of the team. The Boilermakers are 3-1 SU in their last four meetings with Indiana. The Hoosiers have been the best friend of the bettors in those tilts with a 3-1 ATS mark.

Matt Painter’s program is just 6-10 ATS in conference play this season. Indiana has posted the same 6-10 ATS record, but have failed to cover in seven straight contests.

The Hoosiers have just one outright win on the road in eight chances, covering the number twice.

Oklahoma State at Texas A&M – 9:00 p.m. EST, ESPN2

If Oklahoma State (20-8 SU, 13-8-1 ATS) had worries about making the NCAA Tournament, they were alleviated last Saturday in an 85-77 win over the then No. 1 Jayhawks as a six-point home pup. James Anderson led the way for the Cowboys in scoring 27 points, eight boards and three assists.

The ‘Pokes were able to hold Kansas to just 47 percent from the field, down from 49 percent they have shot all season to rank seventh in field goal percentage. Oklahoma State was also able to make headway in this tilt thanks to shooting 53 percent from beyond the arc.

Texas A&M (19-8 SU, 16-8 ATS) is the latest team to take a turn at kicking the Longhorns while they’re down. The Aggies easily covered as 1 ½-point home favorites against Texas in a 74-58 decision. A&M held Texas to just 37 percent from the field and nailed seven of its 12 shots from three-point land.

Gamblers backing the Aggies have been rewarded handsomely all season long, but they’ve won eight straight ATS. And if you look at their home games, they’ve covered the spread in six of the last eight.

LVSC has installed Texas A&M as a 5 ½-point home favorite.

Bettors should know that the Aggies have been great home faves, evidenced by a 10-0 SU and 6-4 ATS record. The ‘under’ went 6-3 in the nine games where they had a total posted.

While Oklahoma State has had a great season, they are just 2-5 SU and ATS when posted as a road underdog. The ‘under’ is mildly successful at 4-3 in those battles.

This head-to-head matchup has been recently slanted towards the home club as they’re on a 3-0 SU and ATS run. However, the Cowboys have enjoyed a 4-2 SU and ATS record in their last six game against A&M. The ‘under’ is 5-1 in those games. In fact, the ‘under’ has gone 8-2 in the last 10 meetings between these programs.

**StarDust Bum** · 03-03-2010, 02:01 AM

Wednesday Tips

The Wednesday NBA card is loaded with 12 games for bettors to wager on, but only a handful of games involve both teams owning over .500 records. The Grizzlies and Hornets hook up in New Orleans, while the Nuggets return home to try and snap a two-game skid against the Thunder.

Grizzlies (30-30 SU, 32-27-1 ATS) at Hornets (31-30 SU, 30-30-1 ATS)

New Orleans looks for its third victory over Memphis this season when the two teams meet up in the Big Easy. Both squads are coming off home setbacks on Monday as underdogs, with the Hornets falling to the Spurs and the Grizzlies losing to the Blazers.

Memphis has alternated wins and losses in all nine games since the All-Star Break, while going a perfect 4-0 SU/ATS on the road. The Grizzlies own a 6-3 ATS mark the previous nine as a road underdog, but Memphis has been listed as a road favorite in each of its last three away from FedEx Forum.

The Hornets look to snap a two-game skid with both losses coming to division opponents Dallas and San Antonio. New Orleans has been favored just twice in the last 11 games, but managed to cover each time in victories over Indiana and Houston at home. Jeff Bower's club is just 5-9 ATS this season off a non-home cover, including a 1-6 ATS mark as a favorite.

The road team has covered each meeting this season, even though the Hornets have pulled off SU victories both times. New Orleans edged Memphis, 113-111 as 3 ½-point home favorites on January 20, while the Hornets rallied past the Grizzlies in overtime ten days later, 109-102 as 7 ½-point road 'dogs. Each game finished 'over' the total of 203 ½, as Wednesday's game opened at 202 according to Sportsbook.com.

Thunder (36-23 SU, 35-24 ATS) at Nuggets (39-21 SU, 27-29-4 ATS)

It seemed like the Northwest Division was Denver's to lose this season, but the Nuggets better be careful. Three teams are hot on Denver's trail, with Utah, Oklahoma City, and Portland all within 4 ½ games of first place in the division. The Nuggets look to end a two-game skid when they host the Thunder.

OKC is 7-4 ATS this season on the road with no rest, but has failed to cover in each of their last two opportunities in this spot against the Spurs and Wolves. Playing the Thunder away from the Ford Center has been profitable over the last three months, going 15-5 ATS the last 20 on the highway.

The Nuggets are 5-3 ATS and 7-1 SU at home off a road loss this season, coming off Monday's 101-85 setback at Phoenix. This is the first two-game losing streak for the Nuggets with both Chauncey Billups and Carmelo Anthony healthy since early December (road defeats at Charlotte and Detroit).

The home team has claimed both meetings this season, but the Thunder has cashed each time. OKC covered as ten-point road 'dogs in a 102-93 loss on December 14, while knocking off Denver in convincing fashion at home, 101-84 as two-point 'chalk.' The loss for the Nuggets at the Ford Center did come without Anthony, as the 84 points scored by Denver was its lowest output all season.

What else to watch for:

-- The Bucks continue to cover numbers at an incredible rate, doing so in seven straight games. Milwaukee and Washington start a home-and-home at the Bradley Center, as the Wizards are surprisingly 2-0 against the Bucks this season. Granted, that was a different Washington club, but Milwaukee will look to avenge an ugly 109-97 home loss to the Wizards on December 23. Flip Saunders' squad hasn't been too shabby against the number recently, cashing seven of the last nine games. The Bucks are a strong 7-2 ATS the last nine in the home favorite role, while holding seven opponents to less than 100 points.

-- The Mavs are rolling right now, winners of eight straight and actually have revenge on their mind against the…Timberwolves? Minnesota's best offensive showing the whole season came at Dallas on February 5 with a 117-108 shocker as ten-point 'dogs. The Wolves have returned to reality in a major way since that game, going 2-9 SU and 5-6 ATS the last 11 contests. Minnesota will be without center Al Jefferson, who is serving a two-game suspension following an arrest for a DWI. The Mavs are a solid 5-2-1 ATS during this hot streak, but are 0-7 ATS this season as a home favorite of at least 9 ½ points.

-- It's a Kevin Martin reunion in Houston when the Rockets host the Kings. Houston is just 2-4 SU/ATS since the acquisition of Sacramento's leading scorer ten days ago, but the Rockets are coming off a blowout of the Raptors, 116-92. The Kings are actually on a nice run, knocking off the Jazz and Clippers prior to last night's close loss at Oklahoma City. Sacramento has slowed things down considerably since trading Martin away, finishing 'under' the total in five of the last six games.

-- The Blazers return home from a very successful 4-1 SU/ATS road trip. Portland entertains Indiana, as the Pacers will be on the second end of a back-to-back after Tuesday's game against the Lakers. Nate McMillan's team has been great on the road recently (10-2 ATS last 12), but has struggled mightily at the Rose Garden (3-6 ATS the last nine). The Pacers are 7-2 ATS this season as an underdog of at least nine points, as Indiana opened as a nine-point 'dog according to Sportsbook.com.

**StarDust Bum** · 03-03-2010, 04:37 PM

Wednesday, March 3Game Score Status Pick Amount

Philadelphia - 7:00 PM ET Philadelphia +8.5 500
Atlanta -

Golden State - 7:00 PM ET Orlando -15 500
Orlando -

Charlotte - 7:30 PM ET Boston -4.5 300
Boston -

Cleveland - 7:30 PM ET Cleveland -9.5 300
New Jersey - Over 195 300

Detroit - 7:30 PM ET New York -4 300
New York -

Washington - 8:00 PM ET Milwaukee -10 500 ( NBA POD )
Milwaukee - Over 193.5 500

Memphis - 8:00 PM ET New Orleans -2 400
New Orleans -

Minnesota - 8:30 PM ET Minnesota +14 400
Dallas - Over 201.5 400

Sacramento - 8:30 PM ET Sacramento +7.5 300
Houston - Over 210.5 300

Oklahoma City - 9:00 PM ET Oklahoma City +6.5 500 ( NBA DOG )
Denver - Over 207 400

Indiana - 10:00 PM ET Indiana +9 300
Portland - Over 203 300

Phoenix - 10:30 PM ET L.A. Clippers +3.5 300
L.A. Clippers - Over 210.5 300

------------------------------------------------------------

Wednesday, March 3Game Score Status Pick Amount

Indiana - 6:30 PM ET Purdue -19.5 300
Purdue -

Massachusetts - 7:00 PM ET Massachusetts +4.5 300
La Salle -

St. Joseph's - 7:00 PM ET St. Joseph's +9.5 400
George Washington -

Duquesne - 7:00 PM ET Duquesne +1 300
St. Bonaventure -

Arkansas - 7:00 PM ET Tennessee -12 400
Tennessee - Under 146 400

Xavier - 7:00 PM ET Fordham +21 200
Fordham - Under 151.5 400

Charlotte - 7:00 PM ET Rhode Island -8.5 300
Rhode Island -

Alabama - 7:00 PM ET South Carolina -3.5 300
South Carolina -

Connecticut - 7:00 PM ET Connecticut +1.5 300
Notre Dame - Under 143 300

N.C. State - 7:00 PM ET N.C. State +8.5 500 ( ACC DOG )
Virginia Tech - Over 134 500

Wake Forest - 7:00 PM ET Wake Forest +7.5 400
Florida St. -

Holy Cross - 7:00 PM ET Bucknell -5 300
Bucknell - Over 132.5 300

Army - 7:00 PM ET Lehigh -8 300
Lehigh -

Navy - 7:00 PM ET American U. -5 300
American U. -

Colgate - 7:00 PM ET Colgate +7.5 300
Lafayette - Under 145 300

Temple - 8:00 PM ET Saint Louis +2.5 400
Saint Louis - Under 111 400

Rice - 8:00 PM ET Houston -14.5 300
Houston -

Mississippi St. - 8:00 PM ET Mississippi St. -2 300
Auburn -

Kentucky - 8:00 PM ET Georgia +8 500 ( SEC UPSET )
Georgia -

Southern Methodist - 8:00 PM ET Southern Methodist +9.5 300
Tulsa -

Kansas St. - 8:00 PM ET Kansas St. +8.5 400
Kansas -

Iowa - 8:30 PM ET Iowa +18 300
Wisconsin -

Texas Christian - 8:30 PM ET New Mexico -15.5 400
New Mexico -

Memphis - 9:00 PM ET UAB -2.5 400
UAB -

Brigham Young - 9:00 PM ET Brigham Young -6 400
Utah -

Virginia - 9:00 PM ET Boston College -6.5 400
Boston College -

Duke - 9:00 PM ET Maryland +1.5 500 ( ACC SHOCKER )
Maryland -

Oklahoma St. - 9:00 PM ET Texas A&M -6 300
Texas A&M -

North Florida - 9:00 PM ET North Florida +9 400
Jacksonville - Over 125 400

UC Irvine - 10:00 PM ET UC Santa Barbara -8.5 300
UC Santa Barbara -

Colorado St. - 10:30 PM ET Colorado St. +14.5 300
San Diego St. -

------------------------------------------------------------

Wednesday, March 3Game Score Status Pick Amount

Washington - 7:00 PM ET Buffalo +129 500
Buffalo - Over 6 500

Philadelphia - 7:30 PM ET Philadelphia -142 500
Florida - Under 5.5 500

Vancouver - 7:30 PM ET Vancouver +145 500 ( NHL DOG )
Detroit - Over 5.5 500

Edmonton - 8:30 PM ET Edmonton +335 500
Chicago - Over 5.5 500

Minnesota - 10:00 PM ET Calgary -141 500
Calgary - Under 5 500

Colorado - 10:00 PM ET Anaheim -130 500
Anaheim - Under 5.5 500

Good Luck and Look for upgrades as the night goes along.....there is a few fitting that catagory....

**libertypl** · 03-03-2010, 06:06 PM

BOL to ya SDB.

**StarDust Bum** · 03-03-2010, 07:37 PM

Trend Report - Wednesday

Wizards at Bucks – The Wizards are 7-0 ATS (16.9 ppg) since December 03, 2004 on the road with at least one day of rest after a win as a favorite when their opponent is off an overtime game. The Bucks are 7-0 ATS (9.7 ppg) since January 02, 2001 with two or more days of rest off a loss that broke at least a four-game winning streak.

Bobcats at Celtics – The Bobcats are 7-0-1 ATS (8.9 ppg) since November 04, 2005 with at most one day of rest off a loss in which they led by led by double digits at the half. The Bobcats are 0-6 ATS (-5.8 ppg) since November 20, 2009 after a game in which they were whistled for fewer than 15 personal fouls.

Suns at Clippers – The Suns are 8-0 ATS (4.5 ppg) since January 15, 2007 after winning the previous matchup in which Steve Nash shot worse than 33% from the field. The Clippers are 0-6 ATS (-8.4 ppg) since January 25, 2007 at home after a win in which they blocked at least 10 shots.

76ers at Hawks – The 76ers are 9-0 ATS (8.2 ppg) since November 14, 2009 on the road after a game in which their opponent shot at least ten three-pointers and made at least half of them. The 76ers are 7-0-1 ATS (7.6 ppg) since April 15, 2007 on the road after a double digit home loss in which they allowed at least 50% from the field. The Hawks are 11-0 ATS (11.3 ppg) since April 10, 2004 after playing on the road against the Bulls. The Hawks are 10-0-1 ATS (6.7 ppg) since February 25, 2009 when facing a team they beat in their previous same-season match-up and they have a revenge game next next.

Grizzlies at Hornets – The Grizzlies are 9-0-1 ATS (7.0 ppg) since November 03, 2006 with at most one day of rest off a home loss in which they led by 10+ points. The Grizzlies are 7-0 ATS (9.1 ppg) since January 31, 2001 on the road with at least one day of rest after a game at home in which they has more than 10 refereed turnovers.

Pistons at Knicks – The Knicks are 0-7 ATS (-17.5 ppg) since December 30, 2009 with at most one day of rest after a game in which they had an assist to turnover ratio of at least two.

Warriors at Magic – The Magic are 0-7 ATS (-9.2 ppg) since April 01, 2009 when they won and covered as a favorite in each of their last two games. The Magic are 6-0 ATS (6.3 ppg) since March 31, 1996 at home with at most one day of rest after a double digit road win in which their DPS was at least plus 15 points.

Timberwolves at Mavericks – The Timberwolves are 7-0 ATS (8.1 ppg) since January 07, 2006 on the road versus the Mavericks. The Mavericks are 0-8-1 ATS (-10.9 ppg) since November 23, 2007 with at least one day of rest after a road win in which the percentage of their baskets that were assisted was at least ten percentage points lower than their season-to-date average. The Mavericks are 0-7 ATS (-10.5 ppg) since April 13, 2006 when seeking revenge for a home loss in which they allowed at least 50% shooting from the field.

Cavaliers at Nets – The Cavaliers are 7-0 ATS (10.1 ppg) since December 06, 2008 on the road with at most one day of rest after a double digit win in which they scored less than 15% of their points from the free throw line. The Nets are 0-9 ATS (-12.1 ppg) since November 04, 2009 at home after a loss in which they shot less than 40% from the field. The League is 8-0 ATS (8.6 ppg) since November 14, 2008 at home with two or more days of rest off a loss as a home dog in which they led by 10+ points.

Thunder at Nuggets – The Thunder are 5-0-1 ATS (4.3 ppg) since January 02, 2009 versus the Nuggets. The Nuggets are 6-0 ATS (11.5 ppg) since February 27, 2009 when seeking revenge for a double-digit road loss.

Kings at Rockets – The Kings are 0-5 ATS (-9.3 ppg) since January 15, 2010 on the road when facing a team they lost to in their previous same-season match-up. The Rockets are 0-7 ATS (-8.9 ppg) since April 08, 2003 at home after a game at home in which they had at least ten more assists than in the game before. The Rockets are 0-7 ATS (-11.2 ppg) since November 09, 2008 with at most one day of rest off a win in which they never trailed.

Pacers at Trailblazers – The Pacers are 8-0 ATS (10.6 ppg) since January 23, 2002 on the road when seeking revenge for a loss as a dog in which fewer than 50% of their baskets were assisted. The Trailblazers are 0-7 ATS (-8.0 ppg) since December 20, 2002 with at least one day of rest off a win as an away favorite in which they trailed by 10+ points.

**StarDust Bum** · 03-03-2010, 07:41 PM

UPGRADE:

-
Kentucky - 8:00 PM ET
Georgia - Over 142.5 500
( SEC TOTAL OF THE NIGHT )

**bryce** · 03-03-2010, 07:42 PM

Good luck Stardust!!

**StarDust Bum** · 03-03-2010, 11:17 PM

Announcement

The Bum's Wednesday's Best Bets + Pod's !

The Bum's Wednesday's Best Bets + Pod's !

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