Thursday Trends and Indexes 4/22 (NBA, NHL, MLB, Misc.)

[Udog]

NHL
Dunkel


Chicago at Nashville
The Blackhawks look to take advantage of a Nashville team that is 4-11 in its last 15 playoff games as an underdog. Chicago is the pick (-155) according to Dunkel, which has the Blackhawks favored by 1/2 a goal. Dunkel Pick: Chicago (-155). Here are all of today's picks.

THURSDAY, APRIL 22

Game 57-58: Philadelphia at New Jersey
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia 11.608; New Jersey 12.531
Dunkel Line & Total: New Jersey by 1; 5 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: New Jersey (-165); 5
Dunkel Pick: New Jersey (-165); Over

Game 59-60: Ottawa at Pittsburgh
Dunkel Ratings: Ottawa 10.379; Pittsburgh 11.749
Dunkel Line & Total: Pittsburgh by 1 1/2; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Pittsburgh (-300); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (-300); Over

Game 61-62: Chicago at Nashville
Dunkel Ratings: Chicago 12.498; Nashville 12.187
Dunkel Line & Total: Chicago by 1/2; 4 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Chicago (-155); 5
Dunkel Pick: Chicago (-155); Under

Game 63-64: Colorado at San Jose
Dunkel Ratings: Colorado 11.970; San Jose 11.401
Dunkel Line & Total: Colorado by 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: San Jose (-250); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Colorado (+210); Under

[Udog]

MLB
Dunkel


Florida at Houston
The Marlins look to take advantage of a Houston team that is 1-11 in Felipe Paulino's last 12 starts as an underdog. Florida is the pick (-130) according to Dunkel, which has the Marlins favored by 1/2 a run. Dunkel Pick: Florida (-130). Here are all of today's picks.

THURSDAY, APRIL 22

Game 951-952: Milwaukee at Pittsburgh
Dunkel Ratings: Milwaukee (Wolf) 14.867; Pittsburgh (McCutchen) 14.673
Dunkel Line: Milwaukee by 1/2; 10
Vegas Line: Milwaukee (-165); 9
Dunkel Pick: Milwaukee (-165); Over

Game 953-954: Colorado at Washington
Dunkel Ratings: Colorado (Jimenez) 15.144; Washington (Hernandez) 14.780
Dunkel Line: Colorado by 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: Colorado (-180); 8
Dunkel Pick: Colorado (-180); Over

Game 955-956: LA Dodgers at Cincinnati
Dunkel Ratings: LA Dodgers (Padilla) 14.516; Cincinnati (Leake) 15.034
Dunkel Line: Cincinnati by 1/2; 10 1/2
Vegas Line: LA Dodgers (-120); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Cincinnati (+100); Over

Game 957-958: Chicago Cubs at NY Mets
Dunkel Ratings: Chicago Cubs (Gorzelanny) 14.428; NY Mets (Santana) 15.615
Dunkel Line: NY Mets by 1; 7 1/2
Vegas Line: NY Mets (-170); 7
Dunkel Pick: NY Mets (-170); Over

Game 959-960: Philadelphia at Atlanta
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia (Moyer) 15.303; Atlanta (Lowe) 14.859
Dunkel Line: Philadelphia by 1/2; 10 1/2
Vegas Line: Atlanta (-140); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (+120); Over

Game 961-962: Florida at Houston
Dunkel Ratings: Florida (Sanchez) 15.436; Houston (Paulino) 14.982
Dunkel Line: Florida by 1/2; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Florida (-130); 9
Dunkel Pick: Florida (-130); Under

Game 963-964: Cleveland at Minnesota
Dunkel Ratings: Cleveland (Talbot) 14.599; Minnesota (Baker) 16.689
Dunkel Line: Minnesota by 2; 8
Vegas Line: Minnesota (-210); 9
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (-210); Under

Game 965-966: NY Yankees at Oakland
Dunkel Ratings: NY Yankees (Sabathia) 16.025; Oakland (Braden) 15.485
Dunkel Line: NY Yankees by 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: NY Yankees (-180); 8
Dunkel Pick: NY Yankees (-180); Under

Game 967-968: Texas at Boston
Dunkel Ratings: Texas (Wilson) 14.598; Boston (Buchholz) 15.857
Dunkel Line: Boston by 1 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: Boston (-145); 9
Dunkel Pick: Boston (-145); Under

Game 969-970: Tampa Bay at Chicago White Sox
Dunkel Ratings: Tampa Bay (Shields) 15.565; White Sox (Peavy) 15.743
Dunkel Line: Chicago White Sox by 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: Chicago White Sox (-115); 8
Dunkel Pick: Chicago White Sox (-115); Under

Game 971-972: Detroit at LA Angels
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit (Verlander) 14.894; LA Angels (Saunders) 16.569
Dunkel Line: LA Angels by 1 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: Detroit (-125); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: LA Angels (+105); Under

[Udog]

NBA
Write-Up


Thursday, April 22

All eight first round series have played two games; five of the series are at 2-0, including all four in the east.

Cavaliers blocked 21 shots in winning first two games in series; Game 2 was more of struggle (52-50 at half), but Lebron had 40 points, as Cavs were +14 in 19:52 with Moon in game. Cleveland shot 56% from floor, 10-20 from arc in Game 2. Bulls had only four turnovers last game, but are just 5-20 from arc in series/ Under is 7-3 in last ten Chicago games.

Thunder blocked 17 shots in Game 2, led by hoop at half, but couldn't win close game late to steal home court edge; they split with Lakers on this court this year, winning by 16, losing by 3. Lakers shot just 37.5% in Game 2 but had 19 offensive boards (31 in series). Oklahoma City is 7-35 from arc in series, shooting 40.5/39.2% from floor.

Phoenix routed Blazers by 29 in Game 2, cutting turnovers from 12 to 6, 3-point attempts from 11-32 to 8-20, increased its FG% from 41.8% to 52.3%. Batun hurt shoulder, may not be available for banged-up Blazers, who were 28-33 on line in Game 2, but shot just 38.2% from floor. Both series games went over the total, one of two series to say that (Den-U).

[Udog]

NHL
Write-Up


Thursday, April 22

2009-10 playoffs

Flyers won six of last seven games vs New Jersey; visiting team hasn't scored third period goal in series (0-5). Philly is 5-20 on power play in last three games; Devils are 4-24 in series with man advantage- they did not score even strength goal in the two games in Philly. Devils trying to avoid getting ousted in first round for the third year in a row.

Penguins won last three games, scoring 11 goals in last two; Pittsburgh is trying to win its seventh straight first round series. Penguins had power play for 12:46 in Game 4 (2-7) after being man up for a total of 17:37 in first three games (3-12). Six of last eight series games went over the total.

San Jose outshot Colorado 148-73 in last three games, all of which went to OT; home side won six of last eight series games. Sharks are 3-17 on power play (31:11) in series, Avalanche 2-10 (16:09). Hasn't been goal in third period in last two games. San Jose outshot Avs 59-27 in series in third period, but goals are just 2-2 in third period.

Predators won 4-1 in Game 3 despite going 0-5 on power play; they're 0 for 12 in series with man advantage. Chicago is just 2-11 in series with a man advantage- they're scored only two even strength goals in this series so far. Nashville won five of last seven games- under is 10-3-2 in its last 15 games. Blackhawks won seven of last ten games overall.

[Udog]

MLB
Write-Up


Thursday, April 22

Hot pitchers
-- Hernandez is 2-0, 0.00 in two starts (16 IP). Jimenez is 3-0, 1.29 in three starts, last of which was no-hitter.
-- Leake has 2.64 RA in his first two starts.
-- Santana is 1-1, 3.00 in three starts this season.
-- Braves are 3-0 in Lowe's starts, scoring 32 runs.

-- Baker is 2-0, 1.93 in his last two starts. Talbot is 1-1, 3.86 in two starts this season.
-- Shields is 1-0, 4.50 in three starts this season.
-- Oakland is 3-0 when Braden starts (2-0, 2.70). Sabathia is 2-0, 0.66 in his last two starts.

Cold pitchers
-- McCutchen is 0-1, 14.73 in two starts. Wolf has 5.89 RA in three starts this season.
-- Padilla has an 8.04 RA in three starts this season.
-- Cubs lost both Gorzelanny starts, scoring total of four runs.
-- Moyer allowed five runs in six IP in both of his '10 starts; all five runs scored in same inning in both games.
-- Sanchez is 0-1, 7.43 in two starts this season. Paulino is 0-1, 7.36 in his two starts.

-- Buchholz is 1-1, 6.30 in his two starts this season. Texas lost both of Wilson's starts (0-1, 3.46), scoring one run in each.
-- Peavy is 0-0, 6.23 in three starts this year.
-- Verlander is 0-1, 6.88 in three starts this season. Saunders is 1-2, 5.21 in his three starts.

Totals
-- Over is 5-2-2 in last nine Milwaukee games.
-- Six of nine Washington home games went over the total.
-- Last six Dodger road games went over the total.
-- Under is 5-1-1 in Mets' last seven games.
-- Six of last seven Atlanta home games stayed under the total.
-- Over is 11-4 in Florida games this season.

-- Seven of eight Cleveland road games stayed under total.
-- Six of eight Bronx road games went over the total.
-- Four of last five Boston home games went over the total.
-- Six of last eight White Sox games stayed under the total.
-- Four of last five Detroit road games stayed under the total.

Hot teams
-- Nationals are 7-4 in their last eleven games.
-- Milwaukee won last three games, scoring 11-8-8 runs.
-- Braves won five of their last seven games.
-- Astros won five of their last six games.

-- Rays won eight of their last nine games.
-- Twins won five of last six games; Royals won four of six.
-- Angels won six of their last eight games.
-- Bronx won last six games, scoring 33 runs.

Cold teams
-- Pirates were outscored 16-1 in their last two games.
-- Reds lost six of their last seven games, allowing 52 runs. Dodgers lost last four of their last five road games.
-- Rockies lost six of their last eight road games.
-- Cubs lost five of their last seven games.
-- Phillies lost four of their last six games.

-- Rangers lost last six games, outscored 35-21.
-- Royals are 4-7 in their last eleven games.
-- White Sox lost five of their last six games.
-- Oakland lost last three games, allowing 18 runs.
-- Tigers lost six of their last nine games.

Umpires
We're early in season, so not ton of data to go by yet, but there are the first umpire trends for 2010.......
-- Mil-Pitt-- Home team won first three Wendelstedt games.
-- Col-Wsh-- Emmel's first two games were 2-1/2-0.
-- LA-Cin-- Last three McClelland games stayed under the total.
-- Phil-Atl-- Underdog won two of first three Barrett games.
-- Chi-NY-- Home team won all three Carlson games.
-- Fla-Hst-- Road team won all three Bucknor games.

-- Clev-Min--All three Timmons games stayed under the total.
-- NY-A's-- Favorites won all three Kulpa games.
-- Tex-Bos-- Underdogs won last two Cuzzi games.
-- TB-Chi-- Totals in Schrieber games this season: 4-11-9.
-- Det-LAA-- Meals' first two games this year were 3-0/2-1.

[Udog]

NBA


Thursday, April 22

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Trend Report
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7:00 PM
CLEVELAND vs. CHICAGO
Cleveland is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Chicago
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Cleveland's last 7 games when playing Chicago
Chicago is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Chicago's last 5 games

9:30 PM
LA LAKERS vs. OKLAHOMA CITY
LA Lakers are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games
LA Lakers are 4-2 SU in their last 6 games
Oklahoma City is 4-2 ATS in their last 6 games when playing LA Lakers
Oklahoma City is 1-14 SU in their last 15 games when playing LA Lakers

10:00 PM
PHOENIX vs. PORTLAND
Phoenix is 12-5 ATS in its last 17 games on the road
Phoenix is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Portland's last 7 games when playing at home against Phoenix
Portland is 17-6 SU in its last 23 games


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[Udog]

NHL


Thursday, April 22

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Trend Report
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7:00 PM
OTTAWA vs. PITTSBURGH
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Ottawa's last 11 games on the road
Ottawa is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Pittsburgh's last 5 games

7:00 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. NEW JERSEY
Philadelphia is 3-10 SU in its last 13 games on the road
Philadelphia is 4-16 SU in its last 20 games when playing on the road against New Jersey
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of New Jersey's last 6 games at home
New Jersey is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing Philadelphia

8:30 PM
CHICAGO vs. NASHVILLE
Chicago is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games
The total has gone OVER in 17 of Chicago's last 25 games on the road
Nashville is 13-5 SU in its last 18 games
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Nashville's last 15 games

10:30 PM
COLORADO vs. SAN JOSE
Colorado is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against San Jose
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Colorado's last 9 games when playing on the road against San Jose
San Jose is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home
San Jose is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games


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[Udog]

MLB


Thursday, April 22

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Trend Report
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12:35 PM
MILWAUKEE vs. PITTSBURGH
Milwaukee is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Pittsburgh
Milwaukee is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games at home
Pittsburgh is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Milwaukee

1:10 PM
CLEVELAND vs. MINNESOTA
Cleveland is 6-13 SU in its last 19 games
Cleveland is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Minnesota
Minnesota is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Cleveland
Minnesota is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Cleveland

3:35 PM
NY YANKEES vs. OAKLAND
NY Yankees are 6-1 SU in their last 7 games on the road
NY Yankees are 13-2 SU in their last 15 games when playing Oakland
Oakland is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games at home
Oakland is 1-5 SU in their last 6 games when playing at home against NY Yankees

4:35 PM
COLORADO vs. WASHINGTON
Colorado is 10-2 SU in its last 12 games when playing Washington
Colorado is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Washington
Washington is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games at home
Washington is 2-10 SU in its last 12 games when playing Colorado

7:10 PM
TEXAS vs. BOSTON
Texas is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Texas is 2-11 SU in its last 13 games when playing on the road against Boston
Boston is 11-2 SU in its last 13 games when playing at home against Texas
Boston is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games at home

7:10 PM
LA DODGERS vs. CINCINNATI
LA Dodgers are 4-12 SU in their last 16 games on the road
LA Dodgers are 12-2 SU in their last 14 games when playing Cincinnati
Cincinnati is 2-6 SU in their last 8 games when playing at home against LA Dodgers
Cincinnati is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games

7:10 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. ATLANTA
Philadelphia is 14-6 SU in its last 20 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
Philadelphia is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Atlanta
Atlanta is 6-14 SU in its last 20 games when playing at home against Philadelphia
Atlanta is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games

7:10 PM
CHI CUBS vs. NY METS
Chi Cubs are 2-5 SU in their last 7 games when playing NY Mets
Chi Cubs are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games
NY Mets are 5-2 SU in their last 7 games when playing at home against Chi Cubs
NY Mets are 5-2 SU in their last 7 games when playing Chi Cubs

8:05 PM
FLORIDA vs. HOUSTON
Florida is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Houston
Florida is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Houston
Houston is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
Houston is 5-12 SU in its last 17 games

8:10 PM
TAMPA BAY vs. CHI WHITE SOX
Tampa Bay is 2-4 SU in their last 6 games when playing on the road against Chi White Sox
Tampa Bay is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games
Chi White Sox are 4-2 SU in their last 6 games when playing at home against Tampa Bay
Chi White Sox are 6-2 SU in their last 8 games when playing Tampa Bay

10:05 PM
DETROIT vs. LA ANGELS
Detroit is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Detroit is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games
LA Angels are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games
LA Angels are 3-6 SU in their last 9 games at home


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[Udog]

MLB
Short Sheet

Thursday, 4/22/2010

MILWAUKEE at PITTSBURGH, 12:35 PM ET
WOLF: Milwaukee 19-7 Over away after the bullpen allowed 0 runs
MCCUTCHEN: Pittsburgh 16-35 SU off 3+ division games

COLORADO at WASHINGTON, 4:35 PM ET
JIMENEZ: 13-23 TSR in the first half of the season
HERNANDEZ: 24-15 TSR as a home underdog of +125 or higher

LA DODGERS at CINCINNATI, 7:10 PM ET
PADILLA: 24-9 TSR in road games
LEAKE: Cincinnati 44-27 Under off an Over

CHICAGO CUBS at NY METS, 7:10 PM ET
GORZELANNY: Cubs 11-31 SU as an underdog
SANTANA: Mets 18-6 SU at home vs. NL Central opponents

PHILADELPHIA at ATLANTA, 7:10 PM ET
MOYER: 13-3 TSR away vs. division opponents
LOWE: Atlanta 24-10 Under at home off BB games with 0 stolen bases

FLORIDA at HOUSTON, 8:05 PM ET
SANCHEZ: Florida 10-1 Over vs. right-handed starters
PAULINO: 4-15 TSR last 19 starts

CLEVELAND at MINNESOTA, 1:10 PM ET MLBTV
TALBOT: Cleveland 5-15 SU at Minnesota
BAKER: 24-9 TSR vs. division opponents

NY YANKEES at OAKLAND, 3:35 PM ET
SABATHIA: 16-1 TSR as a road favorite of -175 or higher
BRADEN: Oakland 11-31 SU off 3+ games scoring 3 runs or less

TEXAS at BOSTON, 7:10 PM ET MLBTV
WILSON: Texas 18-4 Over away off BB one-run losses
BUCHHOLZ: Boston 20-4 SU off 6+ home games

TAMPA BAY at CHI WHITE SOX, 8:10 PM ET
SHIELDS: Tampa Bay 8-1 SU in road games
PEAVY: 20-8 Over on Thursdays

DETROIT at LA ANGELS, 10:05 PM ET
VERLANDER: 41-22 Over with a total of 7 to 8.5 runs
SAUNDERS: 8-0 TSR as a home underdog

** (TC) Denotes Time Change

[Udog]

NHL
Short Sheet


Thursday, 4/22/2010

Eastern Conference Playoffs,
First Round, Game Five (Philadelphia Leads, 3-1)
PHILADELPHIA at NEW JERSEY, 7:05 PM ET
PHILADELPHIA: 2-10 SU after winning 4 of their last 5 games
NEW JERSEY: 14-5 SU revenging a loss where they allowed 4+ goals

Eastern Conference Playoffs,
First Round, Game Five (Pittsburgh Leads, 3-1)
OTTAWA at PITTSBURGH, 7:05 PM ET VERSUS
OTTAWA: 9-22 SU away off a home loss
PITTSBURGH: 44-20 SU after allowing 4+ goals

Western Conference Playoffs,
First Round, Game Four (Nashville Leads, 2-1)
CHICAGO at NASHVILLE, 8:35 PM ET
CHICAGO: 20-9 Over away after losing 2 of their last 3 games
NASHVILLE: 8-2 SU off 3+ division games

Western Conference Playoffs,
First Round, Game Five (Series Tied, 2-2)
COLORADO at SAN JOSE, 10:35 PM ET VERSUS
COLORADO: 19-7 Over playing with same-season revenge
SAN JOSE: 37-9 SU at home playing their third game in five days

** (TC) Denotes Time Change

[Udog]

NBA
Short Sheet


Thursday, 4/22/2010

Eastern Conference Playoffs,
First Round, Game Three (Cleveland Leads, 2-0)
CLEVELAND at CHICAGO, 7:05 PM ET TNT
CLEVELAND: 14-4 ATS off a home win by 10+ points
CHICAGO: 8-19 ATS at home playing with two days rest

Western Conference Playoffs,
First Round, Game Three (LA Lakers Lead, 2-0)
LA LAKERS at OKLAHOMA CITY, 9:35 PM ET TNT
LA LAKERS: 33-18 ATS as an underdog
OKLAHOMA CITY: 7-16 ATS at home off an ATS win

Western Conference Playoffs,
First Round, Game Three (Series Tied, 1-1)
PHOENIX at PORTLAND, 10:05 PM ET NBATV
PHOENIX: 19-9 ATS away off 3+ games scoring 100+ points
PORTLAND: 7-19 ATS at home off a loss by 10+ points

** (TC) Denotes Time Change

[Udog]

Len's Top 5

Happy Thursday everyone, here's my Top 5 for April 22, 2010 from Len Berman.

1. Quick Hits

Ben Roethlisberger gets suspended from 4 to 6 games for his conduct. If he sits for 6, it will cost him close to $3-million in salary. The Steelers are said to be entertaining trade offers for him.
The three day NFL draft starts tonight. Damn, why so short?
The rich get richer. The Yankees have now won 6 straight and sport the best record in baseball, 11-3. Their 5th starter, Phil Hughes, took a no-hitter into the 8th in Oakland last night. 5th starter! Most teams would be happy with a good 3rd starter.
If you're scoring at home, Barack Obama has played golf 32 times since taking office. George W. played 24 rounds his entire presidency.

2. Feel The Draft

My apologies, I don't get all worked up over the NFL draft. I know it'll be televised by 2 sports networks, complete with a red carpet. I was asked to appear on a Jacksonville radio station in one of those mock drafts. I would have made the Jets pick. Luckily I had a previous engagement. Here's a draft story for you. I was sitting with the fans at the NFL draft in 1979 when the Giants drafted Phil Simms. And all those "draft experts" heartily booed. 'Nuff said.

3. The More Things Change.....

Tiger Woods announced he'll play in some more tournaments yesterday. So the question becomes, what has changed exactly? His pouting interview after finishing 4th in the Masters was his typical ungracious self. And remember he had said how he felt a special entitlement, and that was wrong? So the other night at a concert in Orlando, he hung out backstage, you know, just like the little people. Just a thought. If his wife divorces him then he can screw around all he wants. In other words, it'll be business as usual for the world's greatest golfer.

4. Censorship?

A scathing New York Observer piece reports there's turmoil at Newsday because the sports department has been told to be less critical. Veteran sportswriter Wally Matthews up and quit. As a result, its a "kinder gentler" sports section. No cheap shots. Newsday is owned by the Dolans, the same people who have done such a wonderful job running the Knicks and Rangers. But I'm sure that's just a coincidence.

5. Cookie Tossing

God I love my subscribers. When I mentioned the Phillies fan dubbed "Pukemon" who vomited on an 11 year old girl in the stands, Ira L. left me a message on Facebook at "Len Berman's Top 5." "I bet his middle name is Ralph."
I love regurgitating what my subscribers write.

Happy Birthday: Toronto and Yankees World Series champion pitcher Jimmy Key. 49.
Bonus Birthday: You can't handle the truth! Actor Jack Nicholson. 73.

Today in Sports: Tom Seaver ties the record (since broken) by striking out 19 Padres in one game. 1970.
Bonus Event: On that same day, H. Ross Perot is said to have lost $450-million in the stock market. 1970.

[Udog]

NBA


Thursday, April 22

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Tips and Trends
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Cleveland Cavaliers at Chicago Bulls [TNT | 7:00 PM ET]

Cavaliers (3.5, O/U 193): Cleveland is easily playing like the odds on favorite to win this years NBA Championship. Mentally, the Cavaliers have never been stronger as they are constantly striving for perfection. Despite beating Chicago by double figures in each contest and shooting better than 50%, Cleveland is stating they can play better. F LeBron James is leading this Cleveland team both on the court and with his leadership. James had 40 PTS in Game 2, and is shooting nearly 60% for the series. James has stated to the media that he wants to finish off this series by playing even better than they've showed thus far. The Cavaliers are 63-21 SU and 39-44-1 ATS overall this season. Cleveland is 26-15 SU and 22-18-1 ATS on the road this season. The Cavaliers are 9-6 ATS this season as a road favorite between 3.5 and 6 PTS. Cleveland always hasn't played their best in let down situations, as they are only 16-21 ATS against teams with a losing record this
season.

Cavs are 8-1 ATS last 9 playoff games as a favorite up to 4.5 points.
Over is 5-1 last 6 playoff games as a favorite.

Key Injuries - F Anderson Varejao (leg) is probable.

PROJECTED SCORE: 94 (UNDER - Total of the Day)

Bulls: Chicago is in danger of having a very brief stay in the playoffs, as they are currently down 0-2 to Cleveland. Chicago has lost both games by double digits, yet the games seem to be more competitive than the final scores would indicate. That is partly due to the trash talking and physical play involving both teams. The Bulls are likely to look to play close to the basket tonight, as they outscored the Cavs 56-38 in Game 2. PG Derrick Rose is one of a few Bulls players playing well in the playoffs, as he's averaged 25.5 PPG thus far. C Joakim Noah had 25 PTS and 13 rebounds in Game 2, and will look to build off that confidence building game. The Bulls are 41-43 SU and 43-39-2 ATS overall this season. Chicago is 24-17 SU and 20-19-2 ATS in home games this season. The Bulls are 24-21 ATS as the listed underdog this season, including 2-2 ATS as a home underdog between 3.5 and 6 PTS. The Bulls scored more than 100 PTS in both games against the Cavaliers at home this season.

Bulls are 8-1 ATS last 9 games following a SU loss.
Over is 8-1 last 9 playoff games as an underdog.

Key Injuries - None

PROJECTED SCORE: 90



Los Angeles Lakers at Oklahoma City Thunder [TNT | 9:30 PM ET]

Lakers: It almost seems like Kobe Bryant and LeBron James are trying to one up each other despite playing in opposite sides of the country and conferences. Bryant is never satisfied, especially in the playoffs. Despite winning the 1st two games in their series with Oklahoma City, Bryant is incredibly focused on winning Game 3. The same thoughts have been shared by LeBron James as well, as it appears both Los Angeles and Cleveland appear on a collision course in the NBA Finals. Before the Lakers can take that step, they must get past the young Thunder. The Lakers have beaten the Thunder by a combined 11 PTS in the playoffs, with much of the reason coming defensively. The Lakers have held the Thunder to 92 and 79 PTS respectively thus far in their series. F Ron Artest is doing a brilliant job shading Kevin Durant. The Lakers are 23-18 SU and 18-22-1 ATS on the road this season. Los Angeles is only 5-7 ATS as the listed underdog this season. However, the Lakers are 3-3 ATS as the listed underdog between 3.5 and 6 PTS this year.

Lakers are 4-0 ATS last 4 playoff games as an underdog.
Under is 11-2 last 13 games as a road underdog.

Key Injuries - C D.J. Mbenga (eye) is questionable.
G Sasha Vujacic (ankle) is out.

PROJECTED SCORE: 94

Thunder (-3, O/U 191.5): Oklahoma City was the popular pick to give the Lakers a scare in their 1st Round playoff series. Despite being down 0-2 in their 7 game series, the Thunder are still quite confident. Part of that confidence comes from having the youngest scoring champion in league history in Forward Kevin Durant. The other part of it is because of Coach Brooks. Brooks was just named the NBA Coach of the Year yesterday. Oklahoma City had a chance to win Game 2 in Los Angeles, but they couldn't get the final shot to go down. The Thunder have extra confidence when playing in front of their home fans, where they were 27-14 SU and 22-19 ATS this season. Oklahoma City has so much success at home because they are such a young team and they respond well to the fans cheering them on. The Thunder went 1-1 SU and 2-0 ATS at home against the Lakers this season. Their SU loss was in OT, where the Thunder had plenty of opportunities to close out the Lakers. The Thunder were 27-22 ATS as the listed favorite this season, including 8-7 ATS as a favorite between 3.5 and 6 PTS.

Thunder are 5-1 ATS last 6 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
Over is 9-4-1 last 14 games as a favorite.

Key Injuries - None

PROJECTED SCORE: 103 (Side of the Day)


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