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**Udog** · 04-24-2010, 06:36 AM

Daily Sports Roundup: April 24

Today in the Daily Sports Roundup: The Thunder rumble with the Lakers, the Cardinals take on the Giants and the Senators try to stay alive against the Penguins.

Tipping off on the hardwood…

There are four games on the NBA playoff slate today: Orlando at Charlotte, Phoenix at Portland, Atlanta at Milwaukee and the Lakers at Oklahoma City. The Thunder made it a series on Thursday night with a 101-96 win to cut the Lakers’ series lead to 2-1. Kevin Durant led the way for the Thunder with 29 points and 19 rebounds, while Russell Westbrook chipped in with 27 points and eight boards. Kobe Bryant netted 24 points for the Lakers, but he couldn’t hit his shots late after Durant took over guarding him.

Meeting up on the diamond…

In the American League today the matchups include Cleveland at Oakland, the Yankees at the Angels, Seattle at the White Sox, Minnesota at Kansas City, Baltimore at Boston and Detroit at Texas. The Blue Jays and Rays also square off with both teams sending young pitchers to the hill. Toronto gives the ball to southpaw Rickey Romero (1-1, 1.57), who’s coming off his first loss of the season despite holding the Angels to one run over eight innings. The Rays will start Jeff Niemann (1-0, 2.93). and he recorded his first win last time out after allowing only two runs in seven innings versus the Red Sox.

The National League schedule today includes the Dodgers at Washington, San Diego at Cincinnati, Atlanta at the Mets, Pittsburgh at Houston, the Cubs at Milwaukee, Florida at Colorado and Philadelphia at Arizona. The Cardinals and Giants also continue their series today with Adam Wainwright (3-0, 1.50) getting the call for St. Louis and Barry Zito (2-0, 1.86) on the bump for San Francisco. Wainwright tossed a complete-game four-hitter against the Mets in his last start. Zito has turned back the clock so far this season and allowed only one run in seven innings versus the Dodgers in his last outing.

Taking a trip around the rink…

On the ice today there are three playoff games on the schedule: San Jose at Colorado, Nashville at Chicago and Pittsburgh at Ottawa. Both the Sharks and Penguins can advance to the second round with a win tonight.

The Sharks took a 3-2 series lead on Thursday night after smoking the Avalanche 5-0. Logan Couture netted a pair of goals for San Jose, while Evgeni Nabokov made 28 saves to record the shutout.

The Senators staved off elimination on Thursday night by nipping Pittsburgh 4-3 in triple overtime. Matt Carkner was a surprising scorer of the game-winner and Pascal Leclaire had a strong game in nets, making 56 saves after taking over the starting gig from Brian Elliott.

**Udog** · 04-24-2010, 06:37 AM

Bettor's best friend: Saturday's wagering tips

Line off the board

Not many offshore outlets are offering a line on the Rangers-Tigers matchup Saturday. Scott Feldman was scratched from his start on Friday night (see note below) but is expected to take the mound in the second game of the series.

Lines to keep an eye on

Sportsbooks have seen a favorite reversed after money came in on the Bucks in Game 3 at home. Atlanta opened as 1-point chalk but now Milwaukee is laying the straight digit. The Hawks covered in the last two games in Brew City.

The opening total of 193 in the Lakers-Thunder game has jumped to 194 at most shops. Seven of the last 10 games in this series have gone under.

Boston was tabbed as -220 favorites against the Orioles on Saturday but that number has plummeted to as low as -195 in some markets.

The total in the Marlins-Rockies game has jumped a half run from its opener and now stands at 10. These two teams played to three consecutive overs heading into Friday.

Weather report

The forecast calls for a 50 percent chance of rain and thunderstorms in the Twins-Royals matchup Saturday. A light 11 mph wind will be blowing out to left field.

Wind from 13-15 mph will be blowing straight in from center field in the Marlins-Rockies game. Rain and snow could fall later in the evening.

Heavy rain forced play to be suspended during Friday's second round of the Zurich Classic. Fewer than one-third of the players in the field had finished their rounds before play was halted in the early afternoon. Officials finally suspended play for the day nearly five hours later. Lee Janzen, Alex Cejka and England's Brian Davis shared the lead at 7-under. Play is scheduled to resume at 7:30 a.m. Saturday, although more rain is in the forecast.

Who’s hot

Since April 1, the Magic are 8-2 ATS.

The Penguins are averaging 4.33 goals per game over a six-game span.

San Diego is 7-3 SU in its last 10, earning 4.26 units on the moneyline.

Who’s not

Colorado has been defeated in overtime four of the last five times it has gone into an extra period.

The Giants were on a four-game slide heading into Friday night’s action.

Charlotte is 3-7 ATS in its last 10 games.

Key stat

97.3 – Success rate base stealers are having against Boston Red Sox catchers and pitchers. The Rangers stole nine bases against Boston last Tuesday and the Sox have only gunned down one of 37 base stealers this season.

Injuries that shouldn’t be overlooked

Washington manager Jim Riggleman said it was doubtful that Ryan Zimmerman will be in the lineup for Saturday’s game versus the Dodgers. Zimmerman has been dealing with an injured hamstring this season but is expected to be available to pinch-hit if needed. He was replaced at third by Christian Guzman on Friday. The Nats primary offensive weapon, Zimmerman is hitting .341 this season with two jacks and 10 RBIs.

Games of the Day

Los Angeles Lakers at Oklahoma City Thunder (-2, 193.5)

Pittsburgh Penguins at Ottawa Senators (+140, 5.5)

San Jose Sharks at Colorado Avalanche (+158, 5.5)

Oklahoma City Yard Dawgz at Iowa Barnstormers (-4)

Notable quotable

“I think there's a situation here that - favoritism on the NBA court, I don't think anybody's going to be deluded into thinking that people don't gets calls on the court regardless of how you say it. It's just a natural evolution of the game and a natural evolution of who gets the ball the most, and they're going to end up a lot of times at the foul line. Unfortunately it didn't work that way for Kobe [Bryant] last night but it did for Kevin [Durant]. But that's the way things go in this game. You have to accept it, swallow it, and move on."

-- Lakers coach Phil Jackson said about the fines he’s received from NBA Commissioner David Stern and whether or not he thinks the criticizing of officials should stop. If you’ve read Tim Donaghy’s book about NBA refs, this makes all too much sense.

Tips and notes

- Rangers pitcher Scott Feldman missed his start on Friday with flu-like symptoms. He is expected to start Saturday but this isn’t the first time the Texas clubhouse has come down with the flu. C.J. Wilson had a start scratched last week because of the flu and three other members of the Rangers team came down with the illness. The virus is obviously still going around the Rangers’ locker room and bettors should be careful until it’s gone.

- Home-court advantage in the NBA is generally worth 2-3 points. Handicappers might want to tack on another half point or more for the Thunderdome in Oklahoma City. On Thursday, the crowd of 18,342 reached a decibel level of 109. That game sold out in 13 minutes so these Thunder fans are giddy about their team. Kevin Durant said, "That's truly the meaning of home-court advantage." The crowd powered OKC to a come-from-behind victory that night and the sea of blue could do it again Saturday.

- After a 19-point trouncing at home, Nate McMillan might be shaking up his lineup for Portland’s game Saturday. Rumors are swirling that Jerryd Bayless could start at the point and Martell Webster could take the spot of Rudy Fernandez at shooting guard. Fernandez is 6-of-17 from the field in the series. The Blazers winning blueprint in Game 1 was to slow the Suns pace of play. It worked that night but not so much in Game 2. If Bayless and Webster start today, expect to see a more up-tempo and possibly higher-scoring affair.

**Udog** · 04-24-2010, 06:37 AM

Saturday six-pack

-- Dodgers' starting pitchers are 3-2 on the road; their relievers are 0-5.

-- Those four Hall of Fame QBs in today's quiz, despite getting into the Hall of Fame eventually, led their teams to a 10-27-1 record in their rookie seasons.

-- After watching Ike Davis play first base for five games in Queens, I have one question: "Why the hell wasn't he in the majors sooner?"

-- Guy in Marshall, MO won $258.5M in Powerball; if I were him, the first thing I'd do is change my phone number; keep the parasites away.

-- 23 of Nick Swisher's 31 HRs for Bronx Bombers were hit on road.

-- The great Al Pacino is playing Dr Jack Kevorkian in a new movie that is called "You Don't Know Jack". It debuts on HBO Saturday night.

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Saturday's List of 13: Random thoughts for a spring Saturday

13) Ubaldo Jimenez is 4-0, 0.95 for the Rockies; he and Tim Lincecum are the two best pitchers in the NL. Colorado has never had the best pitcher in the National League before, not even close.

12) Rays gave Ben Zobrist a five-year extension potentially worth $30M; where's the cash for Carl Crawford? He's only the best player in history of the franchise-- they're just going to let him walk?

11) Speaking of the Rays, TV analyst, former major league manager Kevin Kennedy helped stop a terrorist aboard flight from LA to Tampa Friday. The flight wound up making an emergency stop in Albuquerque.

10) When was the last time a guy hit a 3-run HR and also hit into a triple play in the same game? Kurt Suzuki did that Thursday in Oakland.

9) Blue Jays have now won their last six road games............Astros lost their first eight games, but have now won six of their last eight contests.

8) Cowboys jumped up to draft WR Dez Bryant, who missed most of last year for off-field reasons; he also has an irregular heartbeat. He will wear number 88 in Dallas, Michael Irvin's old number. Bryant scored 29 touchdowns for Oklahoma State; only four came on the road.

7) Four of the first 22 players drafted this week played for Oklahoma.

6) Last year in major leagues, batters who had a 2-0 count had a batting average of .293 with an OB% of .521. Batters who had a 3-0 count had an average of .288, but their OB% jumped all the way to .757.

5) 22.3M viewers watched the NFL Draft Thursday, a 33% increase over last year's first round telecast. Thats million with an M.

4) At one point Thursday night, in a span of a little more than an hour, four different teams owned the 24th pick in the draft.

3) When the Red Sox threw Cesar Izturis out trying to steal Friday, it was just the second time in 41 attempts against Boston this season that the runner wasn't successful.

2) There will be 35 bowl games this college football season, meaning 70 of 120 Division I teams will go bowling. The other 50 coaches will be fired. Just kidding, but its not as far from the truth as you might think.

1) Of the four team sports, the NHL does their draft the best; they hold it in one of their arenas, with the executives of every team sitting at tables on the floor of the arena. The whole league is there, and they move it all over the country. Very cool. The NFL should move its draft around, too.

**Udog** · 04-24-2010, 06:38 AM

NBA
Long Sheet

Saturday, April 24

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ORLANDO (61 - 23) at CHARLOTTE (44 - 40) - 4/24/2010, 1:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CHARLOTTE is 92-73 ATS (+11.7 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CHARLOTTE is 56-41 ATS (+10.9 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
CHARLOTTE is 23-10 ATS (+12.0 Units) vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
CHARLOTTE is 59-32 ATS (+23.8 Units) after scoring 85 points or less since 1996.
CHARLOTTE is 50-31 ATS (+15.9 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 45-34 ATS (+7.6 Units) in all games this season.
ORLANDO is 41-30 ATS (+8.0 Units) as a favorite this season.
ORLANDO is 54-37 ATS (+13.3 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 23-12 ATS (+9.8 Units) second half of the season this season.
ORLANDO is 92-65 ATS (+20.5 Units) on Saturday games since 1996.
ORLANDO is 12-3 ATS (+8.7 Units) in road games when playing with 2 days rest over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ORLANDO is 8-6 against the spread versus CHARLOTTE over the last 3 seasons
ORLANDO is 12-2 straight up against CHARLOTTE over the last 3 seasons
10 of 14 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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PHOENIX (56 - 29) at PORTLAND (51 - 34) - 4/24/2010, 4:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PORTLAND is 46-37 ATS (+5.3 Units) in all games this season.
PORTLAND is 51-37 ATS (+10.3 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
PORTLAND is 34-21 ATS (+10.9 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 49-34 ATS (+11.6 Units) in all games this season.
PHOENIX is 34-22 ATS (+9.8 Units) as a favorite this season.
PHOENIX is 38-19 ATS (+17.1 Units) in a road game where where the total is between 200 and 204.5 points since 1996.
PHOENIX is 25-10 ATS (+14.0 Units) second half of the season this season.
PHOENIX is 346-291 ATS (+25.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record since 1996.
PORTLAND is 7-20 ATS (-15.0 Units) in home games after a loss by 10 points or more over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
PORTLAND is 6-6 against the spread versus PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
PHOENIX is 8-5 straight up against PORTLAND over the last 3 seasons
6 of 12 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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ATLANTA (55 - 29) at MILWAUKEE (46 - 38) - 4/24/2010, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 31-52 ATS (-26.2 Units) in road games on Saturday games since 1996.
ATLANTA is 4-16 ATS (-13.6 Units) in road games in all playoff games since 1996.
MILWAUKEE is 51-30 ATS (+18.0 Units) in all games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 26-14 ATS (+10.6 Units) as a favorite this season.
MILWAUKEE is 24-12 ATS (+10.8 Units) second half of the season this season.
MILWAUKEE is 14-6 ATS (+7.4 Units) on Saturday games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 26-16 ATS (+8.4 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent this season.
ATLANTA is 49-34 ATS (+11.6 Units) in all games this season.
ATLANTA is 26-14 ATS (+10.6 Units) against Central division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 21-10 ATS (+10.0 Units) after a win by 10 points or more this season.
ATLANTA is 15-5 ATS (+9.5 Units) after playing 3 consecutive home games over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 23-11 ATS (+10.9 Units) after 3 or more consecutive wins over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 8-5 against the spread versus MILWAUKEE over the last 3 seasons
ATLANTA is 9-4 straight up against MILWAUKEE over the last 3 seasons
9 of 12 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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LA LAKERS (59 - 26) at OKLAHOMA CITY (51 - 34) - 4/24/2010, 9:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LA LAKERS are 35-48 ATS (-17.8 Units) in all games this season.
LA LAKERS are 13-24 ATS (-13.4 Units) second half of the season this season.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 50-35 ATS (+11.5 Units) in all games this season.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 30-18 ATS (+10.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 34-23 ATS (+8.7 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.
LA LAKERS are 33-19 ATS (+12.1 Units) as an underdog over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
OKLAHOMA CITY is 8-6 against the spread versus LA LAKERS over the last 3 seasons
LA LAKERS is 12-2 straight up against OKLAHOMA CITY over the last 3 seasons
9 of 14 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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**Udog** · 04-24-2010, 06:39 AM

NBA

Saturday, April 24

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Trend Report
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2:00 PM
ORLANDO vs. CHARLOTTE
Orlando is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 games
Orlando is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Charlotte is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Orlando
Charlotte is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Orlando

4:30 PM
PHOENIX vs. PORTLAND
Phoenix is 16-3 SU in its last 19 games
Phoenix is 18-6 SU in its last 24 games when playing Portland
Portland is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Phoenix
Portland is 6-18 SU in its last 24 games when playing Phoenix

7:00 PM
ATLANTA vs. MILWAUKEE
Atlanta is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games
Atlanta is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Milwaukee is 3-6-1 ATS in its last 10 games when playing at home against Atlanta
Milwaukee is 18-4 SU in its last 22 games when playing at home against Atlanta

9:30 PM
LA LAKERS vs. OKLAHOMA CITY
LA Lakers are 2-4 ATS in their last 6 games on the road
LA Lakers are 1-5 SU in their last 6 games on the road
Oklahoma City is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
Oklahoma City is 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games when playing LA Lakers

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**Udog** · 04-24-2010, 06:40 AM

NBA

Saturday, April 24

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Game of the day: Lakers at Thunder
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Los Angeles Lakers at Oklahoma City Thunder (-2, 193.5)

Series story

If you only watched the first quarter of Game 1, you'd assume the Lakers were on their way to an easy series sweep.

Wrong.

Since being outscored by 14 points in the opening frame of their playoff debut, the Thunder hold an eight-point advantage over the last 11 quarters.

So what does it all add up to? A 2-1 Lakers series lead as we head into Game 4 on Saturday night in Oklahoma City.

Pointspread mismatch

It shouldn’t surprise anyone the Thunder have grabbed the cash in two of the first three games of this series.

The Lakers have fallen to a miserable 34-48-3 ATS this season, while Oklahoma City checks in at a highly profitable 50-35 ATS.

The Thunder are now 5-2 ATS in seven meetings with the Lakers this season. The home team has won six of those seven games straight up.

Durant doesn’t disappoint

Kevin Durant got off to a bit of a slow start in Game 1, but since then he’s been simply brilliant, pouring in 61 points and 27 rebounds over the last two games.

Guarding Kobe Bryant seemed to spark his offensive game on Thursday night. After missing 15 of his first 19 shots, his second half scoring outburst re-energized the raucous Ford Center crowd and got his team back in the game after trailing by seven at halftime.

“Scoring’s a big part of my game. It kind of overshadows the other parts of my game,” Durant told reporters following Game 3. “But if I continue to play hard on both ends, it’s going to come around for me. I was able to get free and make a couple shots, and that’s what got us going.”

Kobe Bryant applauded Durant’s defensive effort in Game 3.

“It was a matchup that caught me by surprise. I think he did a great job.”

Looking for an answer

The Lakers shouldn’t be too down on themselves. They’re still in the driver’s seat in this series, needing only to hold serve at home, where they’ve lost only seven times in 43 games this season.

Their ability to bounce back was key in last year’s championship run. Phil Jackson’s crew went a perfect 6-0 SU and ATS following a loss in the 2009 playoffs.

The Lakers found themselves in a similar situation in the opening round last spring. They won the first two games at home before dropping a narrow decision in Utah in Game 3. They answered with a decisive 108-94 victory in Game 4, and ultimately won the series in five games.

Things might be a little tougher this time around because the Thunder aren’t your typical eight-seed. Keep in mind, this is a team that won 50 games during the regular season.

Size matters

The Lakers own the size advantage, but that didn’t translate into success on the glass on Thursday. They were outrebounded by a wide 53-39 margin.

The team that has won the rebounding battle has won the game in each of the last five matchups between these two.

"We have to take advantage of our size," Pau Gasol said following Game 3. "We can get better shots. I feel that way. Give them credit because they did their job, but we let the game slip from our hands when we had it under control."

So far in these playoffs, the Lakers rank sixth in rebounding margin while the Thunder check in at 11th.

If the Lakers can do a better job on the boards in Game 4, they might just earn the opportunity to end this series back home in Game 5.

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**Udog** · 04-24-2010, 06:40 AM

NBA

Saturday, April 24

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Pick 'n' Roll: Today's best NBA bets
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Los Angeles Lakers at Oklahoma City Thunder (-2, 194)

If there is one thing Kobe Bryant is guilty of in his illustrious NBA career, it is pride.

That trait reared its ugly head Thursday night, when Bryant constantly threw up shots despite being hampered by an injured index finger on his shooting hand. He finished with 24 points on 10-of-29 shooting including going 4-for-11 from beyond the arc.

“It is what it is, but you have less margin for error with the fundamentals of the shot,” Bryant told Yahoo Sports about shooting with the injury. “A lot of shots rim, come out and all that (bleep) now. The touch, it’s real finicky now. It’s just real finicky.”

For the series, Bryant is shooting just under 37 percent (28-for-76) from the field and may want to defer some of the scoring load to the forwards. Los Angeles’ big men have been nearly unstoppable in the paint. Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum shot a combined 13-for-21 in Game 3, totaling 30 points.

Unless, Bryant puts his pride to the side, Los Angeles backers might get those same awful feelings from the Lakers’ 2004 Finals run, when Bryant constantly pressed for his shots, ignoring a dominant Shaquille O’Neal inside and eventually losing to the Detroit Pistons.

Pick: Oklahoma City

Atlanta Hawks at Milwaukee Bucks (-1, 187)

Josh Smith may want to sit out the team meal Saturday after his recent comments, bashing the City of Milwaukee.

"There's pretty much nothing to do," Smith told reporters. "Miami has some really good restaurants. I never really did anything in Milwaukee. I would be happy to just find a restaurant. I'm not bashing the city but I've never actually did anything in Milwaukee so I really don't know what is around there."

Smith’s harsh words for Milwaukee come just days after outspoken Chicago Bulls forward Joakim Noah bashed the City of Cleveland, hoping to spark some friendly fire from the Cavaliers and their fans. But unlike Noah, Smith doesn’t feed off emotion and isn’t playing the role of underdog in this playoff series.

The Hawks athletic forward is coming on a monster game against the Bucks in Game 2. He scored 21 points, grabbed 14 rebounds and missed a triple-double by one assist, finishing with nine dimes in a 96-86 win as 7.5-point home favorites.

Barring food poisoning from one of Milwaukee’s finer establishments, Smith should do the same Saturday night.

Pick: Atlanta

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**Udog** · 04-24-2010, 06:41 AM

NHL
Long Sheet

Saturday, April 24

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NASHVILLE (49-31-0-6, 104 pts.) at CHICAGO (54-24-0-8, 116 pts.) - 4/24/2010, 3:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO is 246-284 ATS (-41.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record since 1996.
NASHVILLE is 48-37 ATS (+86.5 Units) in all games this season.
NASHVILLE is 13-7 ATS (+21.9 Units) revenging a home loss versus opponent this season.
NASHVILLE is 27-12 ATS (+40.0 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent this season.
NASHVILLE is 26-20 ATS (+47.8 Units) after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game over the last 2 seasons.
NASHVILLE is 130-121 ATS (+264.1 Units) after scoring 1 goal or less in their previous game since 1996.
NASHVILLE is 22-20 ATS (+47.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
NASHVILLE is 48-43 ATS (+92.6 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
NASHVILLE is 26-14 ATS (+10.2 Units) on Saturday games over the last 2 seasons.
NASHVILLE is 16-12 ATS (+30.0 Units) vs. division opponents this season.
NASHVILLE is 17-10 ATS (+27.8 Units) after a division game this season.
CHICAGO is 28-29 ATS (-4.6 Units) vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO is 14-10-0 straight up against NASHVILLE over the last 3 seasons
13 of 21 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+3.7 Units)

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PITTSBURGH (50-29-0-8, 108 pts.) at OTTAWA (46-35-0-6, 98 pts.) - 4/24/2010, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PITTSBURGH is 15-20 ATS (-12.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
OTTAWA is 46-41 ATS (-44.2 Units) in all games this season.
OTTAWA is 11-6 ATS (+18.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
OTTAWA is 32-36 ATS (-37.2 Units) in home games in April games since 1996.
OTTAWA is 20-30 ATS (-13.0 Units) on Saturday games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
OTTAWA is 10-11 (+1.4 Units) against the spread versus PITTSBURGH over the last 3 seasons
PITTSBURGH is 11-10-0 straight up against OTTAWA over the last 3 seasons
12 of 21 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+2.4 Units)

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SAN JOSE (54-21-0-12, 120 pts.) at COLORADO (45-31-0-11, 101 pts.) - 4/24/2010, 10:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SAN JOSE is 55-42 ATS (-20.5 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 45-42 ATS (-46.1 Units) in all games this season.
COLORADO is 32-33 ATS (+65.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 11-5 ATS (+5.9 Units) on Saturday games this season.
SAN JOSE is 12-4 ATS (+7.1 Units) in road games after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game this season.
SAN JOSE is 30-14 ATS (+8.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
SAN JOSE is 41-32 ATS (+79.7 Units) in road games in April games since 1996.
COLORADO is 79-80 ATS (-25.1 Units) in home games after allowing 4 goals or more since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN JOSE is 11-6 (+1.6 Units) against the spread versus COLORADO over the last 3 seasons
SAN JOSE is 11-6-0 straight up against COLORADO over the last 3 seasons
11 of 17 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+4.3 Units)

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**Udog** · 04-24-2010, 06:42 AM

NHL

Saturday, April 24

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Trend Report
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3:00 PM
NASHVILLE vs. CHICAGO
Nashville is 3-8 SU in its last 11 games when playing on the road against Chicago
The total has gone UNDER in 12 of Nashville's last 18 games when playing Chicago
Chicago is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Nashville
Chicago is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games

7:00 PM
PITTSBURGH vs. OTTAWA
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Pittsburgh's last 5 games on the road
Pittsburgh is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
Ottawa is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Ottawa's last 6 games when playing at home against Pittsburgh

10:00 PM
SAN JOSE vs. COLORADO
San Jose is 4-9 SU in its last 13 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of San Jose's last 5 games on the road
Colorado is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Colorado's last 6 games

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**Udog** · 04-24-2010, 06:43 AM

NHL

Saturday, April 24

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Hockey Night In Canada betting preview
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Pittsburgh Penguins at Ottawa Senators (+140, 5.5)

The Senators hope to stave off elimination once again when they host Pittsburgh in Game 6 of their Eastern Conference quarter-final series Saturday.

Ottawa cut the Penguins' series lead to 3-2 with a 4-3 triple-overtime victory in Pittsburgh Thursday.

Leclaire sailing

Defenseman Matt Carkner notched the overtime winner, but goalie Pascal Leclaire was the real hero for the Senators in Game 5.

Getting his first-ever playoff start in place of struggling No. 1 netminder Brian Elliott, Leclaire made 56 saves Thursday. That's not bad for someone who has only one other victory to his credit in 2010.

Expect Leclaire to be between the pipes again Saturday.

"He played outstanding," said Senators coach Cory Clouston. "He was confident, comfortable. I thought he was very square and poised. Boy, did he come through for us."

Time to regroup

The Penguins probably deserved a better fate in Game 5.

Pittsburgh outshot the Senators 59-44 on the night, including 27-9 from late in the first period until Sidney Crosby put the Pens ahead 3-2 midway through the third frame.

Evgeni Malkin nearly won the game for Pittsburgh in the second overtime, firing a shot off the post.

"A lot happened with penalties and chances and posts, but that's just the way it works out," Crosby said. "Unfortunately, we didn't get it done here, but we've got to find a way to regroup and be ready to go to Ottawa."

Infirmary report

Pittsburgh has lost two players to injury during the series and both are questionable for Saturday. Defenseman Jordan Leopold has missed three straight games with concussion-like symptoms after being hammered by Ottawa's Andy Sutton in Game 2.

Centre Tyler Kennedy missed Thursday's contest as he deals with a lower body injury suffered after falling awkwardly in Game 4.

Trends

The Penguins have won six of their last eight trips to Ottawa, including their past four playoff games there. The road team is 5-1 in the last six meetings between the clubs overall.

Four of the five games in this year's series have gone over the total.

Ottawa has gone over the total in seven of its last eight.

San Jose Sharks at Colorado Avalanche (+158, 5.5)

San Jose has an opportunity to advance to the second round of the playoffs for the fourth time in five years when it visits Colorado Saturday.

The Sharks took a 3-2 lead in the quarter-final series with a 5-0 rout of the Avalanche Thursday.

The breakup

After watching his top line of Joe Thornton, Patrick Marleau and Dany Heatley struggle in the first four games of the series, San Jose coach Todd McLellan broke up the trio in Game 5.

McLellan inserted Torrey Mitchell into Heatley's place on the top line and had Logan Couture and Manny Malhotra play with Heatley on the third line.

The move paid off. Couture scored twice, the first goal coming on a pass by Heatley and the Sharks exploded for five goals after managing only two in their previous two games.

"Dany is unbelievable," said Couture. "He makes a lot of things happen."

Thornton remains quiet in the series, registering only two assists in the first five games.

Losing his mojo?

Avalanche goalie Craig Anderson seemed to be in the Sharks' heads earlier in the series, making 51 saves to blank San Jose in Game 3 and adding another 43 saves in a 2-1 overtime loss in Game 4.

But the Sharks figured him out Thursday, beating him four times before Anderson was hooked in the third period.

"They won, we lost. Any time you lose is a tough night," said Anderson. "Bottom line, we need to do better. As a goalie, you can only do so much. I have to find a way to stop the puck."

Anderson bounced back well the last time the Sharks lit him up. His Herculean effort in Game 3 came two days after San Jose pumped six past him in Game 2.

Nabby in a zone

Sharks goalie Evgeni Nabokov is quietly having an excellent series himself.

Outside of a five-goal hiccup in Game 2, Nabokov has held the Avalanche to two goals or less in the other four games. Two of the nine goals he's allowed in the series have been thanks to his defensemen - a deflection off Rob Blake in Game 1 and the infamous bad pass by Dan Boyle in overtime of Game 3.

Nabokov's shutout Thursday was the seventh postseason shutout of his career.

Paying the penalty

Colorado isn't getting much help from the zebras in its upset quest.

San Jose has had 23 power plays through five games, while the Avalanche has only had 13.

Then again, when the play is in the Colorado end most of the time, such disparity can be expected. San Jose has outshot Colorado 211-131 in the series.

"Obviously, they've had more power plays than us, but if you look at the majority of the calls, they're being made in our defensive zone," Avs winger Matt Hendricks told reporters. "We're not getting the calls for obvious reasons. I think we as a team should try to get the puck down into their zone a little bit more. That's where the hard work comes in and they end up taking the penalties."

The Sharks have scored six power-play goals in the series.

Trends

The home team has won 9 of the last 11 meetings between the teams, but Colorado is 2-5 in its last seven at home.

Four of the five games in this year's series have gone under the total.

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**Udog** · 04-24-2010, 06:44 AM

NHL

Saturday, April 24

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Ice picks: Today's best NHL bets
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Pittsburgh Penguins at Ottawa Senators (+140, 5.5)

The Sens and Pens are running on empty after a thrilling triple-overtime contest Thursday night. Ottawa got the game-winning goal from Matt Carkner, sending the series back to Scotiabank Place with the Senators trailing 3-2.

“Definitely the biggest goal of my career,” Carkner told the media. “An unbelievable feeling after we battled hard all night. Three overtimes and we new it wasn’t going to be a pretty goal. I don’t even know how it went in.”

With just a day to recover from Thursday’s marathon and make the trip to Ottawa, both squads will be a little worse for the wear when the puck drops Saturday night. And making life tougher for goal scorers is the momentum both goalies carry over into Game 6.

Senators goaltender Pascal Leclaire played the game of his life, turning away 53 shots and keeping his cool against of the league’s top offensive attacks. Penguins goalie Marc-Andre Fleury was also terrific, making 40 saves in the loss.

“It’s huge for us. It’s a great feeling right now. The guys worked so hard. It was a fun night. It could have gone either way but we’ll take it,” Leclaire told reporters. “I tried to do my part and it worked out. But it’s over and we’ve got a big challenge in a couple of days.”

Pick: Under

San Jose Sharks at Colorado Avalanche (+160, 5.5)

There’s blood in the water and the San Jose Sharks can taste it.

The Sharks showed why they’re the top team in the West with a dominating 5-0 victory over the Avalanche in Game 5 Thursday night. San Jose scored three goals in the second period and never looked back, sending the series back to Colorado with a 3-2 lead.

The barrage of goals is a weight off the team’s back after needing overtime in two of its wins and getting shutout by Avs goaltender Craig Anderson despite firing 51 shots in Game 3. The Sharks were averaging just 2.25 goals in the first four games of the series – after scoring more than three goals a night during the regular season.

"Finally tonight, the puck went over the goal-line when we needed it to," Sharks coach Todd McLellan told CBC Sports. "I think we were probably better offensively in Game 3, and maybe even in Game 4 than we were tonight but finally got rewarded with five goals."

Breaking the backs of the Avalanche wasn’t easy, however, San Jose will continue to pound their opponent with offense Saturday night.

Pick: San Jose

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**Udog** · 04-24-2010, 06:45 AM

MLB
Long Sheet

Saturday, April 24

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LA DODGERS (7 - 8) at WASHINGTON (8 - 8) - 1:05 PM
CLAYTON KERSHAW (L) vs. CRAIG STAMMEN (R)
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 20-13 (+14.6 Units) against the money line as a home underdog of +125 to +150 over the last 3 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 2-19 (-17.0 Units) against the money line when playing with a day off over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 15-32 (-18.8 Units) against the money line in home games against left-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

CLAYTON KERSHAW vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
KERSHAW is 2-1 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 4.05 and a WHIP of 1.500.
His team's record is 2-1 (+0.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-1. (+1.1 units)

CRAIG STAMMEN vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
No recent starts.

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ATLANTA (8 - 7) at NY METS (7 - 9) - 1:10 PM
JAIR JURRJENS (R) vs. JON NIESE (L)
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 166-173 (-35.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons.
ATLANTA is 165-171 (-34.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons.
ATLANTA is 69-71 (-27.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
NY METS are 221-221 (-64.1 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

JAIR JURRJENS vs. NY METS since 1997
JURRJENS is 6-1 when starting against NY METS with an ERA of 2.44 and a WHIP of 1.142.
His team's record is 6-2 (+4.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-3. (+2.0 units)

JON NIESE vs. ATLANTA since 1997
NIESE is 1-0 when starting against ATLANTA with an ERA of 3.55 and a WHIP of 1.342.
His team's record is 1-1 (-0.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (-0.1 units)

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SAN DIEGO (9 - 6) at CINCINNATI (7 - 9) - 1:10 PM
WADE LEBLANC (L) vs. JOHNNY CUETO (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN DIEGO is 84-93 (+7.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 84-93 (+7.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 8-20 (-11.6 Units) against the money line when playing on Saturday over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

WADE LEBLANC vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
No recent starts.

JOHNNY CUETO vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
CUETO is 0-1 when starting against SAN DIEGO with an ERA of 7.36 and a WHIP of 1.636.
His team's record is 1-1 (-0.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (+0.0 units)

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PITTSBURGH (7 - 8) at HOUSTON (5 - 10) - 7:05 PM
KEVIN HART (R) vs. WANDY RODRIGUEZ (L)
Top Trends for this game.
PITTSBURGH is 24-62 (-25.1 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 27-55 (-23.0 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 23-60 (-24.9 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 10-35 (-19.6 Units) against the money line in road games against left-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 29-54 (-23.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

KEVIN HART vs. HOUSTON since 1997
HART is 1-0 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 4.50 and a WHIP of 1.333.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

WANDY RODRIGUEZ vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
RODRIGUEZ is 4-4 when starting against PITTSBURGH with an ERA of 4.60 and a WHIP of 1.452.
His team's record is 6-5 (+0.7 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 6-5. (+0.3 units)

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CHICAGO CUBS (6 - 10) at MILWAUKEE (8 - 7) - 7:10 PM
TED LILLY (L) vs. DOUG DAVIS (L)
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO CUBS are 89-88 (-22.5 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 89-88 (-22.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 41-49 (-16.2 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 37-46 (-16.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO CUBS is 2-1 (+0.4 Units) against MILWAUKEE this season
3 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+3.0 Units)

TED LILLY vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
LILLY is 3-2 when starting against MILWAUKEE with an ERA of 4.50 and a WHIP of 1.225.
His team's record is 5-2 (+3.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 7-0. (+7.2 units)

DOUG DAVIS vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
DAVIS is 10-7 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 3.72 and a WHIP of 1.224.
His team's record is 10-8 (+3.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 9-9. (-0.5 units)

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PHILADELPHIA (10 - 5) at ARIZONA (6 - 9) - 8:10 PM
NELSON FIGUEROA (R) vs. IAN KENNEDY (R)
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 18-6 (+10.9 Units) against the money line on the road with a money line of -100 to -125 over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 59-38 (+17.5 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 56-35 (+16.7 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 78-55 (+19.9 Units) against the money line in road games in night games over the last 3 seasons.
ARIZONA is 76-101 (-28.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 41-48 (-16.7 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 76-101 (-28.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 114-129 (-28.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
ARIZONA is 53-87 (-35.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

NELSON FIGUEROA vs. ARIZONA since 1997
FIGUEROA is 0-1 when starting against ARIZONA with an ERA of 9.81 and a WHIP of 2.861.
His team's record is 0-2 (-2.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (-0.1 units)

IAN KENNEDY vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
No recent starts.

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FLORIDA (9 - 7) at COLORADO (8 - 8) - 8:10 PM
NATE ROBERTSON (L) vs. AARON COOK (R)
Top Trends for this game.
FLORIDA is 180-159 (+30.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons.
FLORIDA is 49-40 (+17.0 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 38-26 (+15.6 Units) against the money line in April games over the last 3 seasons.
FLORIDA is 62-58 (+22.1 Units) against the money line in road games when playing with a day off since 1997.
FLORIDA is 46-38 (+14.6 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 71-57 (+11.8 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

NATE ROBERTSON vs. COLORADO since 1997
ROBERTSON is 0-1 when starting against COLORADO with an ERA of 10.13 and a WHIP of 1.689.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

AARON COOK vs. FLORIDA since 1997
COOK is 2-3 when starting against FLORIDA with an ERA of 6.35 and a WHIP of 1.694.
His team's record is 2-3 (-1.9 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-2. (-0.5 units)

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ST LOUIS (10 - 5) at SAN FRANCISCO (8 - 7) - 9:05 PM
ADAM WAINWRIGHT (R) vs. BARRY ZITO (L)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN FRANCISCO is 96-81 (+13.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 56-31 (+18.5 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 96-81 (+13.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 719-610 (+83.5 Units) against the money line in night games since 1997.
SAN FRANCISCO is 71-57 (+13.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 44-23 (+16.4 Units) against the money line in April games over the last 3 seasons.
WAINWRIGHT is 41-17 (+16.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
WAINWRIGHT is 15-2 (+13.3 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
WAINWRIGHT is 15-2 (+13.3 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
WAINWRIGHT is 11-0 (+11.7 Units) against the money line in road games in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
WAINWRIGHT is 25-5 (+18.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

ADAM WAINWRIGHT vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
WAINWRIGHT is 0-2 when starting against SAN FRANCISCO with an ERA of 3.52 and a WHIP of 1.261.
His team's record is 1-2 (-1.7 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-1. (+0.9 units)

BARRY ZITO vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
ZITO is 0-4 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 5.54 and a WHIP of 2.000.
His team's record is 0-5 (-5.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-3. (-1.1 units)

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CLEVELAND (7 - 8) at OAKLAND (10 - 7) - 4:05 PM
FAUSTO CARMONA (R) vs. BRETT ANDERSON (L)
Top Trends for this game.
CLEVELAND is 72-105 (-31.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 65-94 (-28.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 35-61 (-22.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 62-61 (+12.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 38-27 (+13.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

FAUSTO CARMONA vs. OAKLAND since 1997
CARMONA is 2-3 when starting against OAKLAND with an ERA of 7.45 and a WHIP of 1.966.
His team's record is 2-4 (-3.8 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-3. (-1.7 units)

BRETT ANDERSON vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
ANDERSON is 1-0 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 0.00 and a WHIP of 0.833.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

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SEATTLE (9 - 7) at CHI WHITE SOX (5 - 11) - 4:10 PM
DOUG FISTER (R) vs. FREDDY GARCIA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CHI WHITE SOX are 20-8 (+13.5 Units) against the money line when playing on Saturday over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 94-84 (+14.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 89-71 (+25.9 Units) against the money line in road games in April games since 1997.
SEATTLE is 89-76 (+17.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 63-52 (+14.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

DOUG FISTER vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
FISTER is 0-0 when starting against CHI WHITE SOX with an ERA of 0.00 and a WHIP of 0.833.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

FREDDY GARCIA vs. SEATTLE since 1997
GARCIA is 3-3 when starting against SEATTLE with an ERA of 6.04 and a WHIP of 1.410.
His team's record is 4-3 (-0.6 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-5. (-3.5 units)

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NY YANKEES (11 - 4) at LA ANGELS (8 - 9) - 4:10 PM
ANDY PETTITTE (L) vs. JOEL PINEIRO (R)
Top Trends for this game.
LA ANGELS are 110-78 (+21.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 12-4 (+9.6 Units) against the money line as a home underdog of +100 to +125 over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 40-17 (+25.2 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 100-70 (+18.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 42-23 (+14.6 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 104-77 (+23.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
NY YANKEES are 125-67 (+23.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY YANKEES is 2-1 (+0.1 Units) against LA ANGELS this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.8 Units)

ANDY PETTITTE vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
PETTITTE is 10-9 when starting against LA ANGELS with an ERA of 4.89 and a WHIP of 1.532.
His team's record is 14-13 (-6.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 10-15. (-6.0 units)

JOEL PINEIRO vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
PINEIRO is 3-3 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 3.28 and a WHIP of 1.179.
His team's record is 5-4 (+2.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-6. (-3.9 units)

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TORONTO (9 - 7) at TAMPA BAY (12 - 4) - 6:10 PM
RICKY ROMERO (L) vs. JEFF NIEMANN (R)
Top Trends for this game.
TAMPA BAY is 117-59 (+35.5 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 97-67 (+30.8 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 118-62 (+32.9 Units) against the money line in games played in a dome over the last 3 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 128-70 (+35.5 Units) against the money line in games played on artificial turf over the last 3 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 35-47 (-18.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

RICKY ROMERO vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
ROMERO is 1-1 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 2.57 and a WHIP of 1.357.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-2. (-2.1 units)

JEFF NIEMANN vs. TORONTO since 1997
NIEMANN is 2-1 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 4.87 and a WHIP of 1.328.
His team's record is 2-1 (+1.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-2. (-1.3 units)

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BALTIMORE (2 - 14) at BOSTON (6 - 10) - 7:10 PM
BRIAN MATUSZ (L) vs. JOHN LACKEY (R)
Top Trends for this game.
BALTIMORE is 2-14 (-12.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
BALTIMORE is 27-64 (-22.5 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 2-14 (-12.1 Units) against the money line in April games this season.
BALTIMORE is 47-106 (-42.7 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 1-12 (-11.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
BALTIMORE is 14-41 (-19.5 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 24-43 (-20.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 53-18 (+23.5 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
BOSTON is 322-294 (-53.7 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters since 1997.
LACKEY is 2-7 (-10.4 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

BRIAN MATUSZ vs. BOSTON since 1997
No recent starts.

JOHN LACKEY vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
LACKEY is 8-3 when starting against BALTIMORE with an ERA of 3.16 and a WHIP of 1.210.
His team's record is 9-3 (+4.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-8. (-4.8 units)

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MINNESOTA (11 - 5) at KANSAS CITY (6 - 9) - 7:10 PM
NICK BLACKBURN (R) vs. LUKE HOCHEVAR (R)
Top Trends for this game.
BLACKBURN is 12-27 (-16.0 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
BLACKBURN is 11-25 (-15.5 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
MINNESOTA is 28-13 (+14.5 Units) against the money line when playing with a day off over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 52-30 (+16.4 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 67-48 (+14.6 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 33-25 (+11.7 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 71-106 (-25.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 35-52 (-18.7 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 7-21 (-13.8 Units) against the money line when playing on Saturday over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 35-52 (-18.7 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 49-69 (-22.7 Units) against the money line in home games in night games over the last 3 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 43-63 (-22.7 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 2-1 (+0.2 Units) against KANSAS CITY this season
3 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+3.1 Units)

NICK BLACKBURN vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
BLACKBURN is 1-2 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 4.29 and a WHIP of 1.286.
His team's record is 5-2 (+1.8 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-3. (-0.5 units)

LUKE HOCHEVAR vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
HOCHEVAR is 2-2 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 5.40 and a WHIP of 1.447.
His team's record is 2-3 (-0.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-3. (-1.2 units)

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DETROIT (9 - 7) at TEXAS (6 - 9) - 8:05 PM
DONTRELLE WILLIS (L) vs. RICH HARDEN (R)
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 112-128 (-37.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
TEXAS is 172-167 (+15.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons.
TEXAS is 90-78 (+10.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 127-118 (+14.7 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

DONTRELLE WILLIS vs. TEXAS since 1997
WILLIS is 1-1 when starting against TEXAS with an ERA of 3.94 and a WHIP of 1.250.
His team's record is 1-2 (-1.6 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-2. (-1.2 units)

RICH HARDEN vs. DETROIT since 1997
HARDEN is 3-3 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 3.64 and a WHIP of 1.571.
His team's record is 4-3 (+0.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 5-2. (+2.6 units)

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**Udog** · 04-24-2010, 06:46 AM

MLB

Saturday, April 24

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Trend Report
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1:05 PM
LA DODGERS vs. WASHINGTON
LA Dodgers are 3-6 SU in their last 9 games when playing Washington
LA Dodgers are 2-6 SU in their last 8 games when playing on the road against Washington
Washington is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games
Washington is 6-2 SU in their last 8 games when playing at home against LA Dodgers

1:10 PM
ATLANTA vs. NY METS
Atlanta is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against NY Mets
Atlanta is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games when playing NY Mets
NY Mets are 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
NY Mets are 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Atlanta

1:10 PM
SAN DIEGO vs. CINCINNATI
San Diego is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Cincinnati
San Diego is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing Cincinnati
Cincinnati is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games
Cincinnati is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against San Diego

4:05 PM
CLEVELAND vs. OAKLAND
Cleveland is 7-14 SU in its last 21 games
Cleveland is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Oakland
Oakland is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Cleveland
Oakland is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Cleveland

4:10 PM
NY YANKEES vs. LA ANGELS
NY Yankees are 8-4 SU in their last 12 games when playing LA Angels
NY Yankees are 6-2 SU in their last 8 games
LA Angels are 12-4 SU in their last 16 games when playing at home against NY Yankees
LA Angels are 4-8 SU in their last 12 games when playing NY Yankees

4:10 PM
SEATTLE vs. CHI WHITE SOX
Seattle is 1-6 SU in their last 7 games when playing on the road against Chi White Sox
Seattle is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games on the road
Chi White Sox are 3-6 SU in their last 9 games at home
Chi White Sox are 6-1 SU in their last 7 games when playing at home against Seattle

5:10 PM
FLORIDA vs. COLORADO
The total has gone OVER in 12 of Florida's last 17 games
The total has gone OVER in 12 of Florida's last 17 games when playing Colorado
Colorado is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Florida
Colorado is 17-7 SU in its last 24 games at home

6:10 PM
TORONTO vs. TAMPA BAY
Toronto is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games when playing Tampa Bay
Toronto is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Tampa Bay is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Toronto
Tampa Bay is 9-2 SU in its last 11 games

7:05 PM
PITTSBURGH vs. HOUSTON
Pittsburgh is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
Pittsburgh is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Houston
Houston is 5-12 SU in its last 17 games at home
Houston is 6-13 SU in its last 19 games

7:10 PM
MINNESOTA vs. KANSAS CITY
Minnesota is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games on the road
Minnesota is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing Kansas City
Kansas City is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games
Kansas City is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Minnesota

7:10 PM
BALTIMORE vs. BOSTON
Baltimore is 1-14 SU in its last 15 games when playing on the road against Boston
Baltimore is 1-13 SU in its last 14 games
Boston is 14-1 SU in its last 15 games when playing at home against Baltimore
Boston is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games at home

7:10 PM
CHI CUBS vs. MILWAUKEE
Chi Cubs are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing on the road against Milwaukee
Chi Cubs are 2-4 SU in their last 6 games on the road
Milwaukee is 1-4 SU in their last 5 games when playing at home against Chi Cubs
Milwaukee is 2-5 SU in their last 7 games when playing Chi Cubs

8:05 PM
DETROIT vs. TEXAS
Detroit is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games when playing Texas
Detroit is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games
Texas is 3-8 SU in its last 11 games when playing Detroit
Texas is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Detroit

8:10 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. ARIZONA
Philadelphia is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games on the road
Philadelphia is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
Arizona is 8-4 SU in its last 12 games at home
Arizona is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games when playing Philadelphia

8:35 PM
FLORIDA vs. COLORADO
Florida is 3-5-1 SU in its last 9 games ,when playing on the road against Colorado
Colorado is 2-3-1 SU in its last 6 games ,
Colorado is 2-4-1 SU in its last 7 games ,when playing Florida

9:00 PM
ST. LOUIS vs. SAN FRANCISCO
St. Louis is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games when playing San Francisco
St. Louis is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against San Francisco
San Francisco is 9-2 SU in its last 11 games at home
San Francisco is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games

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**Udog** · 04-24-2010, 06:47 AM

MLB

Saturday, April 24

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Hot Lines: Today's best MLB bets
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Baltimore Orioles at Boston Red Sox (-200, 9)

In John Lackey’s last start, he only lasted 3.1 innings on the bump and surrendered eight earned runs to the white-hot Tampa Bay Rays.

The $18.7 million offseason acquisition will aim to rebound against the lowly Orioles and pull Boston into contention before the Rays and Yanks run away with the division.

"No one here is real happy with the way we are playing right now," Mike Lowell said after being booed at the conclusion of a 3-0 loss to the Rangers on Thursday. "But, I don't think we were down in the dumps."

The two-win Orioles may be just what the doctor ordered to remedy the Sox’s struggles. But this Saturday matchup might not be as much of a pushover as it appears to be.

Brian Matusz is the lone bright spot for Baltimore this season. The young lefty has helped his team to two wins this year and is 6-0 in his last eight starts.

Boston has scored three runs or fewer in half of its games this season while the O’s are hitting a dismal .225 on the year.

Pick: Under

St. Louis Cardinals at San Francisco Giants (+130, 7)

Well, it doesn’t look like San Franciscans are going to have to run Barry Zito out of town after all.

Zito was on the Alcatraz most wanted list for larceny after not living up to lofty expectations his first two and a half years as a multi-million dollar Giant.

His $18.5 million salary this season has been worth every penny, so far.

The surfer boy is 2-0 on the year with a 1.86 ERA. Zito would have been a flawless 3-0 in three starts had Manny Ramirez not pulled off one of his infamous pinch-hit, game-winning home run acts last week in L.A.

Zito has been awful in his career against the Red Birds, going 0-4 in five starts, but the streak has to end sometime, right?

This should be a tight ballgame with Adam Wainwright on the hill for St. Louis but the Gents will find a way to come away with this one late in the game.

Pick: Giants

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Announcement

Saturday Trends and Indexes 4/24 (NBA, NHL, MLB, Misc.)

Saturday Trends and Indexes 4/24 (NBA, NHL, MLB, Misc.)

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