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

[Udog]

NBA
Write-Up


Friday, April 23

Celtics crushed Miami 106-77 in Game 2, making 12-20 from arc (Allen was 7-9), holding Heat to 38% from floor; Boston outrebounded Miami 50-33, has held Heat to 77-76 points in first two series games- they are now 5-0 vs Miami this season. Davis had 23 points, 8 boards subbing for Garnett in Game 2; now fresh Garnett is back for this game. O'Neal played 20:43 in Game 2, was 1-10 from floor-- he has to do more.

San Antonio salvaged split in Dallas, holding Mavericks to 36.5% from floor, cutting turnovers in half (17 to 8) in Game 2 win; Spurs grabbed 16 offensive boards despite shooting 48% from floor. Dallas got to line 14 less times in Game 2 than Game 1, while Spurs were 8-15 from arc. Other than Parker, Spurs' bench was just 3-11 from floor in Game 2.

Depleted Utah shot 53% from floor, scored 63 first half points in Game 2 win (114-111, +6), a foulfest with 91 foul shots (Jazz actually got to line 47 times in a road game). Nuggets were 4-18 from arc in Game 2; in Game 1, they were 11-26. Fesenko led Utah with +10 in less than 20:00 of play. Anthony was just 9-25 floor with five turnovers in Game 2.

[Udog]

NHL
Write-Up


Friday, April 23

Bruins won last three games, allowing total of six goals; Sabres haven't scored power play goal in 14 series chances (23:47). Buffalo lost seven of last ten games overall; Bruins won six of their last seven. Boston was 2-6 on power play in Game 4, after being 1-8 in first three games. B's have outscored Buffalo 6-0 in third period in this series.

Washington outscored Canadiens 14-5 over last seven periods, with 50-33 edge in shots in that time, despite being just 1-19 on power play in series. Montreal is just 4-11 in last 15 games, 4-9 in last 13 against the Caps. Washington won eight of its last ten games overall; they've outshot Canadiens 158-128, and own series faceoff edge 158-106.

LA is 9-16 on power play in series, scoring only five even strength goals in series. Kings are 4-9 in last thirteen games against the Canucks, who are 7-9 in its last 16 games. Canucks are 2-11 on power play in series, have been outscored 9-5 in second period in this series. Under is 8-3-1 in last twelve series games. Canucks sscored six goals in just 29 shots over last two periods in Game 4 win that evened series.

You get feeling that even though Coyotes have home ice in series, they're underdog vs experienced Detroit team. Phoenix is 0-13 on power play in last three games, after being 3-4 in Game 1; Red Wings are 5-17 in series with man advantage. Phoenix has to come out ready to play; in the first period in this series, Detroit has outshot them 63-36; rest of the time, Phoenix outshot Red Wings 96-78.

[Udog]

MLB
Write-Up


Friday, April 23

Hot pitchers
-- Correia is 2-0, 1.59 in his last two starts.
-- Oswalt has a 2.37 RA in three starts this season.
-- Dempster is 1-0, 3.15 in three starts this season.
-- Nolasco is 1-0, 2.30 in two road starts this season.
-- Hamels is 2-1, 4.34 in three starts this season.
-- Lincecum is 3-0, 0.90 in three starts this season. Garcia is 1-0, 0.69 in two starts this season.

-- Garza is 3-0, 1.13 in three starts this season.
-- Scherzer is 1-0, 1.50 in two road starts this season.
-- Pavano is 2-1, 4.96 in three starts this season.
-- Duchscherer is 1-0, 1.38 in his last two starts.
-- AJBurnett is 2-0, 1.29 in his last two starts.

Cold pitchers
-- Haeger is 0-1, 11.00 in two starts this season. SBurnett was 5-5, 5.02 in 13 starts for Pirates in '04; he's made 136 relief appearances since. .
-- Kawakami is 0-2, 5.73 in two starts this season. Maine is 0-1, 10.38 in three starts this season.
-- Cueto is 0-0, 5.06 in three starts this season.
-- Maholm is 1-1, 4.86 in three starts this season.
-- Suppan allowed four runs in five IP in his first '10 start.
-- Smith is 1-1, 4.67 in three starts this season.
-- Benson allowed two runs in six IP in his third start since 2006.

-- Cecil was 7-4, 5.30 in 17 starts last season.
-- Guthrie is 0-2, 3.60 in three starts this season. Lester is 0-2, 8.44.
-- Feldman is 1-1, 4.96 in three starts this season.
-- Meche is 0-1, 11.58 in two starts this season.
-- Floyd is 0-2, 9.00 in three starts this season. Rowland-Smith is 0-1, 5.00 in three starts this season.
-- Westbrook is 0-1, 5.40 in three starts this season.
-- ESantana is 1-2, 4.35 in three starts this season.

Totals
-- Last seven Dodger road games went over the total.
-- Four of last five Atlanta games stayed under the total.
-- Last five Cincinnati games went over the total. San Diego's last four road games stayed under.
-- Under is 7-2-1 in last ten Houston games.
-- Eight of last nine Cub road games stayed under the total.
-- Over is 11-5 in Florida games this season.
-- Four of last five Arizona games went over the total.
-- Three of last four Cardinal road games went over the total.

-- Over is 9-4 in last thirteen Tampa Bay games.
-- Under is 7-2-1 in Baltimore road games.
-- Under is 8-3-1 in last twelve Texas games.
-- Three of Royals' last four home games went over the total.
-- Four of last five Seattle games stayed under total. Three of last four White Sox games went over the total.
-- Under is 7-1-1 in Cleveland road games.
-- Six of nine Bronx road games went over the total.

Hot teams
-- Nationals are 5-1 this year in game following their last six losses.
-- Mets won three of their last four games.
-- Padres won their last six games, allowing total of 10 runs.
-- Astros won four of their last five games.
-- Brewers won last four games, scoring 47 runs.
-- Rockies won three of their last four home games.
-- Phillies won seven of their nine road games.
-- Cardinals are 5-0 in series openers, 6-3 on the road.

-- Rays won nine of their last ten games. Blue Jays won their last five road games.
-- Twins won five of their last seven games.
-- Mariners won seven of their last eight games.
-- Indians won five of their last seven games.
-- Bronx won six of its last eight road games.

Cold teams
-- Dodgers lost last five of their last six road games.
-- Braves lost last two games, scoring total of three runs.
-- Reds lost six of their last eight games, allowing 52 runs.
-- Pirates were outscored 36-1 in their last three games. 36-1.
-- Cubs lost five of their last six games.
-- Florida is 0-5 in series openers this season.
-- Arizona lost six of its last seven games.
-- Giants lost five of their last six games.

-- Orioles lost 14 of their first 16 games. Red Sox lost seven of their last nine home games.
-- Rangers lost six of their last seven games. Detroit lost its last three series openers.
-- Royals are 4-7 in their last eleven games.
-- White Sox lost six of their last seven games.
-- Oakland lost three of its last four games.
-- Angels lost seven of their last ten home games.

[Udog]

NBA


Friday, April 23

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Trend Report
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7:00 PM
BOSTON vs. MIAMI
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Boston's last 11 games
Boston is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Miami
Miami is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Boston
Miami is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Boston

9:30 PM
DALLAS vs. SAN ANTONIO
Dallas is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games
Dallas is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
San Antonio is 4-12 ATS in its last 16 games when playing at home against Dallas
San Antonio is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Dallas

10:30 PM
DENVER vs. UTAH
Denver is 4-13-1 ATS in its last 18 games
Denver is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games
Utah is 10-5 SU in its last 15 games
Utah is 1-3-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Denver


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[Udog]

NHL


Friday, April 23

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Trend Report
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7:00 PM
BOSTON vs. BUFFALO
Boston is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Boston's last 7 games on the road
Buffalo is 14-6 SU in its last 20 games when playing at home against Boston
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Buffalo's last 6 games at home

7:00 PM
MONTREAL vs. WASHINGTON
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Montreal's last 7 games
Montreal is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing Washington
Washington is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing Montreal
Washington is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games

10:00 PM
DETROIT vs. PHOENIX
Detroit is 12-4 SU in its last 16 games
Detroit is 9-3 SU in its last 12 games when playing on the road against Phoenix
Phoenix is 15-7 SU in its last 22 games
Phoenix is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games at home

10:00 PM
LOS ANGELES vs. VANCOUVER
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Los Angeles's last 5 games when playing on the road against Vancouver
Los Angeles is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Vancouver
Vancouver is 13-4 SU in its last 17 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Vancouver's last 5 games when playing at home against Los Angeles


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[Udog]

MLB


Friday, April 23

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Trend Report
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7:05 PM
LA DODGERS vs. WASHINGTON
The total has gone OVER in 4 of LA Dodgers's last 5 games when playing on the road against Washington
LA Dodgers are 2-5 SU in their last 7 games when playing on the road against Washington
Washington is 5-2 SU in their last 7 games when playing at home against LA Dodgers
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Washington's last 5 games when playing at home against LA Dodgers

7:10 PM
TORONTO vs. TAMPA BAY
Toronto is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
Toronto is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Tampa Bay's last 11 games when playing at home against Toronto
Tampa Bay is 12-6 SU in its last 18 games at home

7:10 PM
BALTIMORE vs. BOSTON
Baltimore is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Baltimore's last 13 games on the road
Boston is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games at home
Boston is 13-1 SU in its last 14 games when playing at home against Baltimore

7:10 PM
ATLANTA vs. NY METS
Atlanta is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against NY Mets
Atlanta is 13-3 SU in its last 16 games on the road
NY Mets are 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
NY Mets are 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Atlanta

7:10 PM
SAN DIEGO vs. CINCINNATI
San Diego is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games on the road
San Diego is 8-4 SU in its last 12 games when playing on the road against Cincinnati
Cincinnati is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games at home
Cincinnati is 4-8 SU in its last 12 games when playing at home against San Diego

8:05 PM
DETROIT vs. TEXAS
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Detroit's last 6 games when playing Texas
Detroit is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games when playing Texas
Texas is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Detroit
Texas is 2-8 SU in its last 10 games when playing Detroit

8:05 PM
PITTSBURGH vs. HOUSTON
Pittsburgh is 3-10 SU in its last 13 games when playing on the road against Houston
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Pittsburgh's last 6 games when playing Houston
Houston is 10-3 SU in its last 13 games when playing at home against Pittsburgh
Houston is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games at home

8:10 PM
CHI CUBS vs. MILWAUKEE
Chi Cubs are 1-5 SU in their last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Chi Cubs's last 9 games when playing Milwaukee
Milwaukee is 2-4 SU in their last 6 games when playing Chi Cubs
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Milwaukee's last 9 games when playing Chi Cubs

8:10 PM
SEATTLE vs. CHI WHITE SOX
Seattle is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Seattle's last 5 games
Chi White Sox are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games when playing at home against Seattle
Chi White Sox are 2-6 SU in their last 8 games at home

8:10 PM
MINNESOTA vs. KANSAS CITY
Minnesota is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Minnesota's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Kansas City's last 5 games when playing Minnesota
Kansas City is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Minnesota

9:10 PM
FLORIDA vs. COLORADO
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Florida's last 10 games when playing on the road against Colorado
The total has gone OVER in 12 of Florida's last 17 games when playing Colorado
The total has gone OVER in 12 of Colorado's last 17 games when playing Florida
Colorado is 17-7 SU in its last 24 games at home

9:40 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. ARIZONA
Philadelphia is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing Arizona
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 6 games when playing Arizona
Arizona is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Arizona's last 5 games when playing at home against Philadelphia

10:05 PM
NY YANKEES vs. LA ANGELS
NY Yankees are 4-11 SU in their last 15 games when playing on the road against LA Angels
The total has gone OVER in 4 of NY Yankees's last 5 games when playing on the road against LA Angels
LA Angels are 3-8 SU in their last 11 games when playing NY Yankees
LA Angels are 5-2 SU in their last 7 games

10:05 PM
CLEVELAND vs. OAKLAND
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Cleveland's last 11 games when playing Oakland
Cleveland is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Oakland
Oakland is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games at home
Oakland is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Cleveland

10:15 PM
ST. LOUIS vs. SAN FRANCISCO
St. Louis is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of St. Louis's last 13 games
San Francisco is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of San Francisco's last 5 games


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[Udog]

NBA


Friday, April 23

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Tips and Trends
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Boston Celtics at Miami Heat [ESPN | 7:00 PM ET]

Celtics: Boston is starting to get back their swagger, as they were dominant in a Game 2 SU win that many people thought they would lose. The Celtics seemed motivated to play a home playoff game as the listed underdog, despite missing F Kevin Garnett. Boston is so confident, that they've actually had players go on the record saying they were going to sweep Miami. Yet another reason for their confidence is the Celtics road play this year. Boston is the only team in the playoffs this year that has more road wins that home wins SU. Boston is 52-32 SU and 35-47-2 ATS overall this season. The Celtics are 26-15 SU and 21-19-1 ATS in road games this season. The Celtics are 8-9 ATS as the listed underdog this season, including 5-6 ATS as the lised underdog of 3.5 to 6 PTS this season. Boston has struggled this season after a high scoring game, as they are merely 7-20 ATS in the game after scoring 105 PTS this season. Boston is also only 8-15 ATS after a double digit win this year. PG Rajon Rondo continues to lead this Celtics team, as he's averaging 9 PPG and an impressive 9.8 APG so far in this playoff series.

Celtics are 8-2-1 ATS last 11 playoff games as an underdog.
Over is 8-3 last 11 overall.

Key Injuries - F Kevin Garnett (suspension) is probable.

PROJECTED SCORE: 93 (Side of the Day)

Heat (-4, O/U 182): Miami is going to attempt to pull out all the stops tonight, as they quite simply need all the help they can get. The Heat organization is planning a black out, where everyone in the crowd wears black tonight. The Heat are down 2 games to none in their 1st Round playoff series with Boston. Miami was blown out in Game 2, losing 77-106 SU in a game they were favored to win. Miami has struggled with Boston all season long, as they've lost all 5 meetings to them. Miami has averaged a mere 76.5 PPG so far this series, and they will clearly need to perform better offensively to even remain competitive against the Celtics. The Heat are 47-37 SU and 42-41-1 ATS overall this season. The Heat are 24-17 SU and 18-22-1 ATS in home games this season. Miami is 21-22 ATS as the listed favorite this season, including 4-5 ATS as the listed favorite between 3.5 and 6 PTS. G Dwyane Wade is averaging 27.5 PPG so far this series, and has shot better than 60% from the field in each game thus far.

Heat are 11-24 ATS last 35 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
Under is 4-0 last 4 playoff games as a favorite.

Key Injuries - G Rafer Alston (suspension) is out.

PROJECTED SCORE: 89



Denver Nuggets at Utah Jazz [ESPN2 | 10:30 PM ET]

Nuggets: Denver was shocked to lose home court advantage with their Game 2 loss, yet they still are confident they will advance to the 2nd Round. Part of that confidence is justified thanks to the electric play of F Carmelo Anthony. Anthony is averaging an astonishing 37 PPG this series, shooting better than 54% from the field and making 18 of his 19 free throw attempts. The Nuggets have 6 different players averaging double figures so far in this series, so obviously their offense isn't an issue. The issue for this Nuggets team has been on defense, as they've allowed an average of 113.5 PPG to Utah thus far in this series. In all, the Nuggets have allowed 5 consecutive opponents to score more than 100 PTS. Denver hasn't played well on the road this year, as they have a losing record of 19-22 SU and 16-21-4 ATS. All the pressure in the world is on this Denver team, as they now have to win in Utah to advance to the 2nd Round. The Nuggets are a profitable 10-6 ATS as the listed underdog this season. Denver is a perfect 6-0 ATS playing on 3 or more days of rest this year.

Nuggets are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 playoff games as an underdog.
Over is 4-0 in Nuggets last 4 against a team with a winning SU record.

Key Injuries - None.

PROJECTED SCORE: 103

Jazz (-2, O/U 216): Utah came up with their most clutch win of the season in Game 2 of their playoff series with Denver. The Jazz were staring an 0-2 deficit in the face, ultimately playing one of their best road games of the season in winning 114-111 as 6 point underdogs. Utah is without 2 of their usual 5 starters, as both Mehmet Okur and Andrei Kirilenko are out. Both games have been very high scoring, as each team has scored more than 110 PTS in both games this series. Coach Sloan knows their best chance at continued success is to slow down the tempo. Utah also needs to rebound better, as they've been out-rebounded in both games during this series. In fact, of the 6 times these teams have squared off this season, the Jazz have only out-rebounded the Nuggets once. The Jazz are an impressive 32-9 SU and 26-13-2 ATS at home this season. Utah is 36-20 ATS as the listed favorite this season, including 3-1 ATS as a home favorite of 3 PTS or fewer. PG Deron Williams has been unstoppable this series, as he's averaging 29.5 PPG and 10.5 APG.

Jazz are 8-3 ATS last 11 games as a home favorite.
Over is 4-0 last 4 against a team with a winning SU record.

Key Injuries - C Mehmet Okur (ankle) is out.
F Andrei Kirilenko (calf) is out.

PROJECTED SCORE: 105 (UNDER - Total of the Day)


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[Udog]

Guys,

For some reason, the short sheets are really dragging their heels today. I'll go ahead with the rest of the daily news items then post the shorts as soon as they come up.

[Udog]

Friday six-pack

-- Offensive coordinator at Alabama makes $410,000; strength coach makes $210,000. Brad Stevens made $350,000 this year as head coach of a basketball team that made the Final Four.

-- Illinois-Northwestern football game will be at Chicago's Wrigley Field this November. Bears played home games in Wrigley until 1970.

-- Michigan has already sold 80,000+ tickets for their outdoor college hockey game next winter.

-- It was $1 hot dog night in Oakland Wednesday, when the A's played Bronx Bombers; when was last time anything in the Bronx ballpark cost a dollar? Napkins probably cost more than that.

-- Northern Colorado/Appalachian State both named new basketball coaches within 72 hours of losing its coach; Oregon might take 72 days.

-- Looking ahead, first college football games on ESPN are September 2: Southern Miss-South Carolina, Minnesota-Middle Tennessee and USC at Hawai'i. Its never too early to look ahead to football.


*******************************************


Friday's List of 13: Wrapping up a very interesting day/night.......

13) Solid day at Armadillo World Headquarters; Rams got Sam Bradford, A's beat the Bronx Bombers (finally) and the NCAA only expanded the NCAA tournament (my favorite sporting event) to 68 teams. Cool.

12) Wound up with NFL Draft on my laptop on NFL.com because I just can't take Chris Berman anymore; he opened ESPN's coverage by making fun of the Rams with Steve Young for about the 4,000th time. I know the 6-42 record the last three years sucks, but Berman is supposed to be kind of impartial, no? He makes no effort to hide his pro-49er/Buffalo bias.

11) Very happy to see Tim Tebow get drafted; turns out Urban Meyer is longtime friends with Josh McDaniels' father, a high school coach in Ohio. I have no idea if Tebow will be a good player or a complete bust, but for damn sure, he's earned the right to get an opportunity. Good for him.

10) Not only did Denver draft Tebow, they traded three draft picks to get in position to take him. So Broncos added Brady Quinn and Tebow since end of last season; wonder what Kyle Orton thinks of all that?

9) Say this about Josh McDaniels: He has onions. He traded Jay Cutler, then traded up to draft Tebow, who lot of people don't think can play in the NFL, even though Denver traded for Quinn this winter and still has incumbent starter Orton. If the Broncos don't do well, there isn't going to be anywhere else to place the blame but squarely on McDaniels.

8) Denver also took WR Demaryius Thomas from Georgia Tech; never been a fan of taking WRs from college teams that never pass. Now he can probably block well, considering Tech runs the ball all the time, but you take a WR in first round, it would be nice to know if he can be prolific.

7) "The bigger the game, the better he played." NFL Network's analyst Mike Mayock on Clemson RB CJ Spiller, drafted by the Bills.

6) Jason Pierre-Paul, the Giants' draft pick from South Florida, wasn't a football player until his junior year in high school and only played for one year at USF. Lot of pundits think he has the most upside in first round.

5) In terms of strictly salary, Ben Roethlisberger's six-game suspension is going to cost him $2,841,174.

4) Lions traded up into the 30th pick to get Jahvid Best, the explosive RB from Cal; they got the pick from Minnesota. Not often you see division rivals making deals with each other. Detroit also had a very good night.

3) New Jersey Jets are awful deep at cornerback.

2) Interesting thought from someone on Twitter as we head into Friday's second round: Detroit (34th pick) will be where teams look to trade up to if they want a QB, since they know the Rams won't be taking one. It was an expensive night for Jimmy Clausen, for sure, falling out of Round 1.

1) For people who think the Rams should have drafted Mr Suh, I leave you with this fact: last season St Louis threw one TD pass longer than 30 yards. Pass was thrown by their kicker on a fake field goal.

[Udog]

Len's Top 5

TGIF everyone, here's my Top 5 for April 23, 2010 from Len Berman.

1. Quick Hits

Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford is the #1 pick in the NFL draft, chosen by the St. Louis Rams. In a surprise, Florida quarterback Tim Tebow goes to Denver in the first round while Notre Dame quarterback Jimmy Clausen went undrafted. Round two is tonight.
Good news, the NCAA basketball tournament is expanding only from 65 to 68 teams. And the new 14-year TV deal insures every game will be seen in its entirety on CBS or Turner.
God I missed the A-Rod nonsense. Thank goodness he ran across the pitcher's mound yesterday in Oakland, pissing off A's pitcher Dallas Braden. That's more like it!
Ken Green returns to golf today in a senior team event in Savannah. Green had his leg amputated after an RV crash that killed his girlfriend and brother.

2. Oklahoma O.K.

It's official, the state of Oklahoma is king when it comes to football. I was there for an NFL pre-season game one August with temps over 100-degrees. Kids were playing pee wee football in full gear. So it doesn't surprise me that Oklahoma had 3 of the top 4 picks in last night's draft. And 6 players from either Oklahoma or Oklahoma State went in the first round. On top of that, Oklahoma City beat the Lakers last night, for their first ever playoff win. All together now, Broadway show-tune fans: You're doin' fine, Oklahoma!
Oklahoma O.K.

3. No Spin Zone

Wow, you guys are a serious lot. What drew the most flak yesterday? Tiger? Roethlisberger? Nope. My simple fact that Barack Obama has played a whole lot more golf than George W. C'mon, lighten up. Some of you mentioned that W. didn't play in deference to the troops. Others ripped me for not mentioning how much vacation W. took. Hey, I just thought golfers would find it interesting. Now leave me alone and go back to watching Hannity and Olbermann.

4. Friday eMailbag

Last week, subscriber V.I. suggested a virtual flag in golf so you can see the hole on TV, much like the virtual first down marker in football. Subscriber Ken A. who works on CBS's golf coverage responded. "Actually we have virtually placed "white" on the hole. The problem is cost and better technology. You have to calibrate the cameras to make sure the hole stays in perspective when you pan or zoom. That calibration process is expensive. As soon as we find a cost effective way to do it on all cameras we will."
Editor's Note: We should call my Top 5: "Ask the Experts."

When I talked about Jackie Robinson day last week, A.K. reminisced, "I Used to walk to Ebbets Field to save the nickel subway fare so I could buy a bag of peanuts."
Editor's Note: Very cool!

When I was talking about the Dolans who own Newsday, I sarcastically noted how they "have done such a wonderful job running the Knicks and Rangers." B.K. asked: didn't I mean "ruining?"

And when I said I was going on spring break, R.R. emailed, "Spring Break? Len Gone Wild? I can’t wait. Enjoy."
Editor's Note: Yeah, you should see me Top5-less.

5. I Like Ike

Now for some serious investigative journalism. A Top 5 subscriber asked me if Mets rookie Ike Davis is Jewish? His dad is former pitcher Ron Davis. I never thought Ron was Jewish, and he's not. But his wife is. Ike's Mom is Millie and Ike's full name is Isaac Benjamin Davis. Wonder if Ike will sit out the World Series on Yom Kippur a la Sandy Koufax? No need to worry about it Mets fans, Yom Kippur this year is in September. He'll be good to go for the Mets in the fall classic right?

Happy Birthday: The other Espo. Goalie Tony Esposito, Phil's brother. 67.
Bonus Birthday: Ya mean they named an actress after a drink? Shirley Temple. 82.

Today in Sports: Houston Colt .45s pitcher Ken Johnson becomes the first to pitch a no-hitter and lose a 9-inning game, 1-0 to Cincinnati. 1964.
Bonus Event: The German dentist, Otto Walkhoff, was born on this date in 1860. His invention of the dental x-ray was such a success, it was hailed as a Walkhoff home run.

[Udog]

NBA
Short Sheet


Friday, 4/23/2010

Eastern Conference First Round - Best of 7 - Game 3 - BOS 2-0
BOSTON at MIAMI, 7:05 PM ET ESPN
BOSTON: 19-7 ATS Away after BB covers as a favorite
MIAMI: 7-23 ATS at home after BB road games

Western Conference First Round - Best of 7 - Game 3 - Series tied 1-1
DALLAS at SAN ANTONIO, 9:35 PM ET ESPN
DALLAS: 15-7 ATS Away when the total is between 190 and 199.5 points
SAN ANTONIO: 6-15 ATS off a road win

Western Conference First Round - Best of 7 - Game 3 - Tied 1-1
DENVER at UTAH, 10:35 PM ET ESPN2
DENVER: 13-4 ATS when playing with 3+ days rest
UTAH: 15-3 OVER against division opponents

** (TC) Denotes Time Change

[Udog]

NHL
Short Sheet


Friday, 4/23/2010

Eastern Conference Playoffs - First Round - Best of 7 - Game 5 - BOS 3-1
BOSTON at BUFFALO, 7:05 PM ET
BOSTON: 15-3 SU after BB division games
BUFFALO: 4-13 SU after allowing 2+ goals in the third period

Eastern Conference Playoffs - First Round - Best of 7 - Game 5 - WAS 3-1
MONTREAL at WASHINGTON, 7:05 PM ET VERSUS
MONTREAL: 14-3 SU after having lost 5 or 6 of their last 7
WASHINGTON: 8-14 SU at home in the first round of the playoffs

Western Conference Playoffs - First Round - Best of 7 - Game 5 - Tied 2-2
LOS ANGELES at VANCOUVER, 10:05 PM ET
LOS ANGELES: 7-0 SU after allowing 6+ goals
VANCOUVER: 1-6 SU in the 5th game of a playoff series

Western Conference Playoffs - First Round - Best of 7 - Game 5 - Tied 2-2
DETROIT at PHOENIX, 10:05 PM ET VERSUS
DETROIT: 1-6 SU Away when playing with 2 days rest
PHOENIX: 8-1 SU as a home underdog

** (TC) Denotes Time Change

[Udog]

MLB
Short Sheet


Friday, 4/23/2010

LA DODGERS at WASHINGTON, 7:05 PM ET
HAEGER: LAD 59-34 when the total is 8.5 to 10
BURNETT: WAS 5-23 after getting shutout

ATLANTA at NY METS, 7:10 PM ET
KAWAKAMI: ATL 47-30 Under after one or more consecutive overs
MAINE: NYM 15-34 after allowing 2 runs or less

SAN DIEGO at CINCINNATI, 7:10 PM ET
CORREIA: SD 15-8 after 3+ consecutive wins
CUETO: 16-5 Under when working on 5 or 6 days rest

PITTSBURGH at HOUSTON, 8:05 PM ET
MAHOLM: 13-6 TSR as an underdog of +100 to +150
OSWALT: HOU 11-16 as a home favorite of -125 to -175

CHICAGO CUBS at MILWAUKEE, 8:10 PM ET
DEMPSTER: CHC 7-19 Away when playing on Friday
SUPPAN: MIL 26-13 OVER after allowing 2 runs or less

FLORIDA at COLORADO, 9:10 PM ET
NOLASCO: FLA 17-10 Away when playing on Friday
SMITH: COL 33-18 as an underdog of +100 to +150

PHILADELPHIA at ARIZONA, 9:40 PM ET
HAMELS: PHI 33-15 Away in the first half of the season
BENSON: ARI 17-33 against left-handed starters

ST LOUIS at SAN FRANCISCO, 10:15 PM ET
GARCIA: STL 38-21 UNDER after 3+ consecutive road games
LINCECUM: SF 56-31 at home

TORONTO at TAMPA BAY, 7:10 PM ET
CECIL: 44-25 UNDER after 5+ consecutive home games
GARZA: 16-2 UNDER after a win

BALTIMORE at BOSTON, 7:10 PM ET
GUTHRIE: BAL 1-12 on a grass field
LESTER: 26-4 TSR as a home favorite of -150 or more

DETROIT at TEXAS, 8:05 PM ET
SCHERZER: 12-19 TSR when the total is 8.5 to 10
FELDMAN: TEX 26-12 OVER at home against AL Central

MINNESOTA at KANSAS CITY, 8:10 PM ET
PAVANO: MIN 38-16 when playing on Friday
MECHE: KC 7-21 when playing on Friday

SEATTLE at CHI WHITE SOX, 8:10 PM ET
ROWLAND-SMITH: SEA 21-8 after allowing 1 run or less
FLOYD: 11-2 UNDER at home when the total is 8.5 to 10

CLEVELAND at OAKLAND, 10:05 PM ET
WESTBROOK: CLE 10-25 after scoring 8+ runs
DUCHSCHERER: OAK 26-17 against AL Central

NY YANKEES at LA ANGELS, 10:05 PM ET
BURNETT: 22-6 TSR when the total is 9 to 9.5
SANTANA: LAA 1-7 after 2+ consecutive home games

** (TC) Denotes Time Change