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**bryce** · 05-07-2010, 01:15 PM

Good luck SDB!!

**BettorsChat** · 05-07-2010, 01:22 PM

gl Stardust

**StarDust Bum** · 05-07-2010, 01:33 PM

Big 3’s are not what used to be on NBA Friday

The world moves along at warp speed and today’s My Space is quickly replaced by Facebook in what seems like no time at all. The same is true in the NBA; bring up the term –Big Three- and who doesn’t think of NBA championships with San Antonio and Boston. But like boxer Shane Mosley found out recently, father times waits for no one and you can be discarded rather quickly when the latest thing comes around the corner. Watch for this in the NBA playoff tilts tonight.

Cleveland at Boston 7:00E ESPN

It was just two years ago; General Manager Danny Ainge formed his version of VH1’s “super group”, bringing together Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen to play with Paul Pierce. This was immediate success as the trio matched skills perfectly and did ESPN commercials on the way to NBA championship.

But that was then. Now KG cannot play a full season as his once youthful legs are betraying him. Allen can still run an opponent crazy going thru a maze of screens, but the quick-triggered jumper is not as reliable as the old days. Pierce was main force in the championship season and he was “the man” whenever Boston needed a clutch basket. Today he is more of a role player, an additional scorer, not someone who can be counted on regularly.

Its new era in Bean-Town and Rajon Rondo is the new leader. The Celtics now go where Rondo takes them.

After a disappointing regular season that left Boston as the fourth seed, The Three Amigos are trying to keep up with the speedy Rondo and are 5-2 SU and ATS in the postseason. The Celtics have been playing tremendous basketball, really only having the equivalent of four less than desirable quarters of hoops among its seven games that accounted for both losses.

Rondo is not about numbers, he’s about results. His outside shooting is below average, he still goes “Road Runner” fast and commits more turnovers than necessary, but he’s smarter player today.

Rondo finds the open man sooner, he will make a steal and be gone two steps before his opponent even reacts and runs down a rebound like he knew the angle of the miss just as the shooter released the ball.
After earning split in Cleveland, Rondo and his teammates truly believe they are better than the Cavaliers and he will to abuse more Cavs defenders.

Sportsbook.com has Boston as single point home underdogs and the Celtics are 8-2-1 ATS when catching 4.5-point or fewer points at TD Garden and will try to keep lethargic Cleveland squad playing the same way.

When Cleveland fans here about elbow problems, baseball is what usually comes to mind. It’s quite evident LeBron James is laboring with this issue, but this doesn’t mean the rest of the team can’t make shoot and play defense. The Cavs have been outplayed for 6 ½ quarters in this series and everyone will find out a lot in Game 3 about a team that is 7-3 ATS off a double digit home loss.

Phoenix at San Antonio 9:30E ESPN

The Spurs have to win four of their next five games to advance to West Finals and even having its three stars might not be enough to make that occur.

Basketball is five on five with every player having a job to do. Though Tony Parker is coming off the bench, he’s playing starter minutes. (36:05 in Game 2) And even if you take bench scoring in the literal sense, San Antonio was outscored 31-24 by players that came off the Phoenix chairs, which was essentially the difference in 110-102 final.

Parker, Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili have been carrying this franchise for years, unfortunately they can’t do it alone and need more help. This helps explain 11-25 ATS record revenging a road loss over the last two seasons. Richard Jefferson was moreeffective in last contest, but Antonio McDyess and Matt Bonner were non-factors.

Phoenix on the other hand showed the depth of the Chinese Red Army. The Suns starters were a step slow, out of rhythm and playing mediocre basketball as they trailed 30-21 after the first quarter.

Coach Alvin Gentry had just pleaded with his team to give more effort and in came Jared Dudley, Channing Frye and Louis Amundson and instead of folding like a burrito on Cinco de Mayo, Phoenix exploded with increased energy, scoring, rebounding and playing tighter defense. The starters watched as their teammates led the surge on San Antonio and by halftime the game was knotted up at 51.

Dudley in particular was the star of stars. "He was my player of the game -- he made some huge plays for us," Steve Nash said. "He did a bunch of things that more than anything gave us energy and confidence and changed the game and enabled us to come back and tie at halftime just because of his energy and spirit."
San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich seconded that notion: "Jared Dudley changed the whole game. He came in and was a monster. He was committed to the boards, and it was infectious."

The Spurs need this type of player to help the power trio against Suns team that is shining bright with 20-4 and 17-6-1 ATS record since Mar.14. San Antonio is six-point favorite with total of 205.5 and is 8-3 ATS off a straight up and spread loss. This is a conflict they need to take control of throughout and are 10-3-1 UNDER at home vs. teams with a winning road record.

Phoenix has covered eight of last 11 contests as road underdogs and is 17-6 OVER away from Arizona after consecutive games as a home favorite.

**StarDust Bum** · 05-07-2010, 01:34 PM

MLB Series Betting- Tampa Bay at Oakland

Going to go against the grain, while the Yankees and Red Sox will hog a lot of the headlines this weekend in Major League Baseball, the fact is neither is in first place. The real action this Mother’s Day weekend is in the Bay Area where two American League teams are playing and each starts their three game series atop their division.

The last team to start the season 21-7 like Tampa Bay was the 2005 Chicago White Sox, who went on to win the World Series. The last AL team to have an ERA under three (the Rays are at 2.84) this far into a new campaign was the White Sox five years ago and they won the World Series.

You get the picture; Tampa Bay is off to sensational start, thanks to great pitching and an everyday lineup that is averaging 6.0 runs per contest, the best in the bigs.

“Right now, we’re going to ride this as long as we can,” manager Joe Maddon said. “Obviously, the starting pitching has been fabulous. … I believe we can play to this standard for a long time.”

The Rays arrive in Oakland with a four game winning streak after sweeping Seattle and are just the fourth team in the last 49 years to start 12-1 or better on the road. Tampa Bay isn’t just beating other clubs in their own park, they are pulverizing them, winning by 4.7 RPG. They will start David Price (3-1, 2.34 ERA) in the opener, the top pick in the 2007 draft. The left-hander is living up to his considerable potential has given up three runs or fewer in each of his five starts.

Oakland has something not many would have expected in the first full weekend of May, a winning record. The A’s won their series over Texas this week and is tied for first in the AL West.

Oakland will trot out their talented lefty Gio Gonzalez (3-1, 3.45), who has cut down on his walks which has kept him out of bad innings. At 24, for the first time in his career, he is mixing his low-90’s fastball with big breaking curve, showcasing his swing-and-miss stuff on a regular basis. Gonzalez has more strikeouts (27) than hits allowed (23) and has not conceded a home run in his last four starts.

The red-hot Rays are a -155 money line favorite at Sportsbook.com Friday night with total Un7.5 and are 79-23 as a favorite of -150 or more and are 12-2 OVER against teams with a winning record. The teams last met in Florida on Apr. 28, with the A’s falling 10-3. Oakland is just 3-7 as home underdog and is 15-4 UNDER revenging a road loss of six runs or more over the last three seasons.

Game 1 Edge: Oakland
The Athletics are well aware how good Tampa Bay is having dropped a pair to them in 2010. They respect what they have accomplished but are not intimidated by the former Devil Rays. “They've got a good lineup -- a lot of runners and also some good power," said Oakland catcher Landon Powell. "But I like our team, too. You go out there any day [and] any team can win, so we're going to try and do our best and see what happens."

The A’s might have one edge in the final two games of the series being played under natural sunlight; they are 8-3 in the day time. Skipper Bob Geren gives the ball to Ben Sheets (1-3, 7.12) whose returning from injury. After a number of adequate starts, Sheets has been ripped for 19 hits and 17 runs in last two outings, serving up batting practice pitches that opposing hitters have taken yard five times. Oakland has won just once in six starts by Sheets but is 8-3 on Saturday’s.

The second best pitching prospect in the Rays organization behind Price is the Game 2 start Wade Davis (3-1, 2.79). The right-hander has 93-94 MPH fastball, with what scouts call a “plus hard curve”. Even with his obvious skills, Davis best attribute is his unflappable nature and supreme composure. Tampa has won Davis’ prior four starts and is sparkling 7-0 vs. RH hurlers.

Game 2 Edge: Tampa Bay

If A’s can earn a split coming series finale, they have history on their side. Tampa Bay has won five on last nine meetings in Oakland, but has a long dismal history of failure in Oak-Town with 12-34 record coming into the series.

James Shields (4-0, 3.15) is the elder statesmen of the staff at 28 and will try to keep his club on the winning track. The right-hander has reputation working both sides of the plate with his hard stuff and a spinner curveball. Shields’ has arguably the best change-up in the AL and will throw it on any count. He is 4-1 with a 3.59 ERA in nine career starts against Oakland.

The white-clad Athletics counter with Dallas Braden (3-2, 4.14) who has five quality starts in six games, with the one bad coming against the Rays and Shields (6 runs and 8 hits in 4 innings). Braden has short over the top delivery and likes to cut his fastball to keep it away from RH batters. When he uses his curve, prefers big sweeper to lefties and downward motion to hitters on the other side of the box. Braden has a 2-1 record with a 2.67 ERA in four home starts this season and has brilliant strikeout-to-walk ratio of 19-3 at the Oakland Coliseum. Look for manager Maddon to load up with RH swingers since Braden is permitting .229 BA to lefties and .274 to righties.

Game 3 Edge: Tampa Bay

It might be intriguing to bet the A’s in this series, but it wouldn’t make sense. Tampa Bay is the best team in baseball because they score runs and don’t allow many. They have allowed more than eight base hits twice in their last 11 contests.

Oakland only bats .252 as team and they are ninth in runs scored at 4.3 in the junior circuit. If they can grab a lead in the late innings the A’s would have a chance, since they are the only team in baseball without a blown save (6-0), however the Rays are patient as the dish drawing over four walks a game.

Now does not appear to be the time to bet against Tampa Bay.

Sportsbook.com series odds: Tampa Bay -190, Oakland +150

**StarDust Bum** · 05-07-2010, 01:35 PM

Blackhawks filling Vancouver’s goal crease

The hockey team from Chicago was looking very much like the weather in spring time in the Windy City, changeable at a moment’s notice. The Blackhawks were blasted by Vancouver in the series first contest 5-1 and did not look prepared. However, Chicago’s plan emerged to the next game and it continued into Game 3 in western Canada, where they reclaimed home ice advantage with thorough 5-2 thumping of the Canucks.

The Hawks have several talented forwards that are good skaters and creative in making plays happen. Vancouver’s defensemen are believed to be ordinary, giving Chicago a substantial edge when they go into their offensive end.

The Blackhawks also have big dudes that can plant themselves on Vancouver’s doorstep and block the vision of goalie Roberto Luongo and annoying him.

In the first encounter in Vancouver that player was 6-foot-4, 257-pound Dustin Byfuglien, who was immoveable object in the crease and he tallied a hat trick.

“He was in the middle of everything,” said Marian Hossa. “He’s dominating in the corners, in the physical department and I think he was frustrating their team.”

Byfuglien was asked if he was he was becoming a nuisance to Vancouver. “I think so,” Byfuglien stated. “They’ve got to worry about me coming and worry about getting hit.” That win was the fifth straight by Chicago as underdog.

Vancouver was frustrated the Hawks were allowed to be so physical in front of their goal and seeks retribution. “If they do it on us and its not being called, we have to do the same thing on the other side to at least get it even up as far as advantages are concerned,” said Luongo. “We have to get some traffic.”

The Canucks are 11-1 home games after allowing four goals or more this season and understand what is good for one should be good for the other.
“We’re going to have to do a better job of protecting the front of our net,” Canucks coach Alain Vigneault said. “At the same time, we know what’s being allowed and permitted on the ice in front of the nets and we have to do the same thing.”

Sportsbook.com has Vancouver as -140 money line favorites with total Un6 and they are 14-3 at GM Place after a game where seven or more total goals were scored. They will have to perform better in protecting their goal and are 7-0 OVER at home in the second round of the playoffs. Chicago is building confidence and has won seven of last eight on the road and is 11-4 OVER after a visiting triumph by two goals or more.

Once again this contest in Vancouver has 9:30 Eastern start on VERSUS and CBC.

**WayneChung** · 05-07-2010, 05:02 PM

good luck stb's !!

**StarDust Bum** · 05-07-2010, 05:59 PM

Good Luck to you buddy WC......

**StarDust Bum** · 05-07-2010, 06:00 PM

Friday's Tips

The NBA Playoffs continue tonight with a tasty doubleheader on ESPN. The action starts in Beantown, where a 1-1 series will get unknotted in Game 3. In the feel-good contest, the Spurs will look for their first win of the Western Conference semifinals at home for Game 3 vs. Phoenix.

**Cleveland at Boston**

--Boston (55-34 straight up, 38-49-2 against the spread) evened the series Monday night at QuickenLoans Arena, capturing a 104-86 win at Cleveland as a six-point underdog. Rajon Rondo led the Celtics with 13 points and 19 assists, while Kevin Garnett also produced a double-double by scoring 18 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. Ray Allen finished with a team-high 22 points and seven rebounds. Finally, Rasheed Wallace hit 7-of-8 shots for 17 points in just 18 minutes of playing time.

--LeBron James has clearly been bothered by his ailing right elbow in the first two games of this series. He had 24 points, seven rebounds, four assists, three steals and five turnovers. For the league’s MVP, that’s a somewhat pedestrian effort although his shooting percentage from the field (7-of-15) was ok.

--Cleveland got beat on the boards in Game 2, as the Celtics enjoyed a 43-32 advantage. The Cavs more than doubled Boston’s attempts at the charity stripe, with 38 compared to just 18. However, they made just 26 to Boston’s 15 for only an 11-point swing. The C’s shot 51-percent from the field, while the Cavs made only 40 percent of their attempts from the floor.

--For Game 3, most betting shops were listing the Cavs as one-point favorites with a total of 191 as of early this morning. However, as of 4:17 p.m. Eastern, most spots had adjust the number to the Celtics as one-point home favorites. The total was up into the 193-194 range.

--Kendrick Perkins (knee) and Kevin Garnett (foot) missed Wednesday’s practice but were both on the court for Thursday’s practice.

--The ‘over’ had hit in five consecutive Boston-Cleveland games before Game 2 went ‘under’ the 192 ½-point total.

--The ‘over’ is on a 6-2 run in Boston’s last eight games and has cashed at an 11-5 clip in its last 16 games regardless of the venue. Also, the ‘over’ is 23-20-1 in the C’s 44 home games.

--Doc Rivers’ team has struggled at home all season, going 27-17 SU and 15-28-1 ATS. With that said, we should note three straight spread covers at home in the previous series against the Heat.

--The ‘over’ is 21-20-2 for the Cavs in their road assignments.

--ESPN will have television coverage at 7:00 p.m. Eastern.

**Phoenix at San Antonio**

--Most spots have San Antonio (54-36 SU, 47-41-2 ATS) listed as a 6 ½-point favorite for Game 3 of its seven-game series against the Suns in the Western Conference semifinals. The total is in the 205-206 range. Bettors can take Alvin Gentry’s team to win outright for a plus-270 return (risk $100 to win $270).

--Phoenix (60-30 SU, 54-35-1 ATS) took a 2-0 series lead by beating the Spurs 110-102 Wednesday as a three-point home favorite. Amare Stoudemire led six Phoenix scorers in double figures with 23 points and 11 rebounds. Channing Frye and Jared Dudley came off the bench to score 15 and 11 points, respectively. Steve Nash and Jason Richardson had 19 points apiece, while Grant Hill finished with 18 points on 6-of-10 shooting from the field and 6-of-6 shooting from the charity stripe.

--San Antonio jumped out to a 30-21 lead at the end of the first quarter of Game 2, only to see the Suns pull even at 51-51 by halftime. In the losing effort, Tim Duncan had 29 points and 10 rebounds, while Richard Jefferson produced 18 points and 10 boards after a dismal Game 1 performance. Tony Parker scored 20 points and dished out seven assists.

--Gregg Popovich’s club has won 12 of its last 15 home games, compiling a 10-4-1 spread record in the process. For the season, the Spurs have cashed tickets at a 26-16-2 ATS clip in their home games.

--The ‘over’ has hit in five consecutive head-to-head meetings between these teams.

--The ‘under’ is on a 6-2-1 run in San Antonio’s last nine games. The ‘under’ is 48-39-3 overall for the Spurs this year. However, they have seen the ‘over’ go 23-20-1 in their home outings.

--Phoenix owns a 25-19 spread record in its 44 road games this year. The ‘under’ is 25-17-2 in those road contests.

--Tip-off is slated for 9:35 p.m. Eastern on ESPN.

**B.E.’s Bonus Nuggets**

--After last night’s 112-98 loss in Game 2 at Orlando, Atlanta head coach Mike Woodson told the Associated Press, "Go home and win. We've been pretty good on our floor. They took care of their business on their home floor. We're going to see what we're made of."

--Vince Carter’s 24 points compared to Joe Johnson’s 19 gave Carter backers a winner in a head-to-head prop bet for points scored. Johnson was favored by one points for a plus-110 return, as Carter had a minus-140 price (30-cent line).

--ESPN color analyst Hubie Brown was sensational in last night’s call of the Magic-Hawks game. He correctly ripped Josh Smith for a lack of hustle on several plays, in addition to correctly scolding Johnson will he got dribble-happy and took bad shots.

**StarDust Bum** · 05-07-2010, 06:01 PM

Friday's Game of the Day

Boston Celtics vs. Cleveland Cavaliers (CLE -1.5, 191)

Rivalry Renewed

After stealing home-court advantage with a big win in Game 2, the Celtics return home on Friday night for Game 3. This will be the 7th meeting between these two this season (including playoffs) with both teams having won three games apiece.

The Celtics are 27-17 (15-28-1 ATS) at home this season while the Cavs are 27-16 (23-19-1 ATS) on the road. Boston is 1-1 at home against the Cavs this season, losing by 20 in February and winning by four in early April. The Celtics have been a home dog just three times this year and are 03 SU and ATS.

Cleveland is 11-4 ATS in the last 15 meetings and 7-3 ATS in the last 10 meetings in Boston.

Star Power

While Boston’s “Big Three” of Ray Allen, Paul Pierce, and Kevin Garnett get most of the recognition; it has been Rajon Rondo stealing the show in the first two games of this series. Playing against the Cavs seems to bring out the best in Rondo.

Rondo averaged 14.8 points and 10.3 assists in four regular season games against the Cavs. In the first two games of this series, he's averaging 20 points, 15.5 assists and shooting 60 percent. The Cavs have tried five different defenders on him to no avail.

In addition to his 40 combined points in Games one and two, Rondo has 31 assists. Ten of those have been assisted three-pointers. Rondo has had a direct hand in 112 of the 197 points the Celtics have scored in this series.

Rondo isn’t alone in having a beneficial contribution to the Big Three. Rasheed Wallace came off the bench to finish with 17 points on 7-of-8 shooting in Game 2. Supporting cast members Rondo, Wallace, Kendrick Perkins, and Glen Davis finished Game 2 with 46 points on 19 of 26 shooting, along with 17 rebounds and 21 assists.

“That’s pretty much the game plan for how we’re going to have to beat this team,’’ Kevin Garnett said. “We’re going to have to do it together and collectively.’’

Team president Danny Ainge added: “That’s how our team is right now. Not any one person has to carry the load, and we don’t rely on one person to have a great performance. Every night it can be a different person, and that’s the strength of our team.’’

It’s no secret that as the starters go, the Celtics go, but there’s a limit on how much of the load they can be expected to carry. If they can get a similar contribution from their supporting cast on Friday, it will be hard to defeat the Celtics at home.

Cavs Supporting Cast

Completely contrary to Boston, the Cavs didn’t have much of a supporting cast to LeBron James in Game 2.

Mo Williams, after contributing 20 points on 8 of 14 shooting in Game 1, made just 1-of-9 shots and totaled four points in Game 2. Williams wasn’t the only one that struggled in game two. While James scored 24 points on 7-of-15 shooting in the 104-86 loss, his teammates combined to shoot 38 percent from the floor. It was the Cavaliers first home loss with LeBron James in the lineup since Feb. 18.

Shaquille O’Neal has managed just 20 points and eight rebounds on 8-of-22 shooting in this series. And most of those makes were within three-feet of the basket. When Shaq isn’t an offensive threat in the paint, it allows Boston to shift their defense and focus on stopping James.

With most of the team struggling in game two, Coach Mike Brown isn’t pointing any fingers at individuals, rather implying that the whole team needs to produce a better effort.

“Tonight it was real simple,’’ Brown said. “For 48 minutes, we did not play with a sense of urgency. We tried the last few minutes of the game. They kicked our behind from the beginning. They got every 50/50 ball, they converted every offensive rebound into points, and we did not fight back until late.

Defense is the name of the game in the playoffs. Cleveland has allowed 48.2% shooting and 105.3 PPG in three losses to the Celtics this year. In their three wins, they allowed just 41.7% shooting and 91.3 PPG.

From the Infirmary

LeBron James had another MRI on his bothersome right elbow, according to team officials. It was the second MRI James has had on the elbow after being diagnosed with a strain and a bone bruise in the elbow after their first round series. James insists that it’s not a factor, but it’s no secret that we’re seeing a less aggressive LeBron in this series.

For the second time in the past month, Anderson Varejao is on the injury report with back spasms and is questionable for Game 3. Varejao is averaging just 5.7 rebounds and shooting 32 percent in the past four games. Varejao is an important player for the Cavs against Boston. In the two wins over the Celtics in the regular season, Varejao averaged 15.5 points and 10 rebounds

Head-to-Head Statistical Analysis (Six total games in 2009-10)

Points per Game
Boston: 98.3 PPG
Cleveland: 101.1 PPG

Field Goal Percentage
Boston: 44%
Cleveland: 46%

Three Point Field Goal Percentage
Boston: 41% (42 of 102)
Cleveland: 34% (38 of 110)

Turnovers Per Game
Boston: 14 TO Per Game
Cleveland: 11.6 TO Per Game

Trends

-- Cleveland is just 3-9 ATS in their last 12 games following a S.U. loss, but they are 18-8-1 ATS in their last 27 playoff games as a favorite.

-- Boston is 10-4-1 ATS in their last 15 playoff games as an underdog, but are just 12-26-1 ATS in their last 39 home games.

**StarDust Bum** · 05-07-2010, 06:02 PM

Friday's Ice Picks

Teams in the Stanley Cup Playoffs are always going to fight in every game. But those teams on the brink of elimination are going to be playing like bats out of Hell. We have a team with its season on the line this Friday. Plus, we have also got a pivotal Game 4 where one side can find themselves potentially staring a long summer break in the face.

Bruins at Flyers – 7:05 p.m. EDT

It’s starting to look like the Flyers’ charmed playoff run is at an end after falling 4-1 to Boston as $1.60 home favorites in Game 3. While we could harp on Brian Boucher and his netminding exploits, it’s the men in front of him that are at fault on Wednesday evening.

After Arron Asham found the back of the net just two minutes into the game, Philly looked as if they were going to make this a series after all. But the Bruins easily slid through a Philadelphia defense that had a false sense of security. Blake Wheeler and Miroslav Satan lit the lamp 94 seconds apart and the B’s never looked back.

I’ve been hard on Boucher during this series with good reason. He’s easily the worst starting goalie in this Conference Semis (Jimmy Howard is a rookie, so we’ll let him slide). Boucher gave up three goals on the 19 shots fired his way in Game 3. As bad as he has been in this round, Boucher will be between the pipes on Friday night at the Wachovia Center.

Even though they are down three-games-to-none in this series, the Flyers are still listed as $1.15 home favorites (risk $115 to win $100) with a total of five. Boston can be had for the clean sweep and a plus-106 return (risk $100 to win $106).

If there is one thing that we can say about the B’s is that they know how to play in games when a team’s elimination is on the line. Since the NHL came back from the lockout, Boston has played in nine playoff elimination games. They are 6-3 straight up and 5-4 on the puck line in those contests. Totals players will note that the ‘over’ is 4-2-3 in those matches as well.

Philadelphia has endured 10 series clinching games (both good and bad for them) since the lockout. They are 5-5 SU, but covered the puck line in six of those tilts. The ‘over’ went 6-4 in those games to boot.

Blackhawks at Canucks – 9:35 p.m. EDT

I’ve heard on a few occasions that one good turn deserves another. We’re seeing that adage come through in this series.

In Game 1 of this Western Conference Semifinal, the Canucks railed Chicago for a 5-1 win as $1.45 road pups. The Blackhawks wanted to return the favor on Wednesday’s Game 3 at General Motors Place. And return the favor they did as Chicago cleaned up with a 5-2 triumph as a $1.15 road underdog.

Dustin Byfuglien was Vancouver’s worst nightmare in Game 3 as he tallied his first career playoff hat trick. Even better was the fact that he mugged for the crowd after the goals. Antti Niemi also came through by stopping 31 of Vancouver’s 33 shots on goal. Niemi’s hardest work came in the first period, where the Canucks logged 16 SOG.

The Canucks had dismissed Byfuglien as a non-factor, which can be understood since he had just 17 goals during the regular season. But the forward from Minneapolis has scored five of his six playoff lamp lighters against Vancouver.

Vancouver can take heart in the fact that they did outhit the Blackhawks on Wednesday (40-21). But they couldn’t hold onto the puck as well as they’d have liked, evidenced by Chicago taking the puck away 11 times in Game 3.

Most betting shops are expecting the Canucks to rebound in Game 4 by making them $1.35 home favorites with a total of six. Gamblers can take Chicago to get a 3-1 stranglehold on this series for a return of plus-125.

Vancouver has won its last two games a home “chalk” after losing its previous contest as a home favorite by at least two goals. The ‘under’ cashed in both of those spots.

The Blackhawks have gone just 3-3 against as road pups after winning as road ‘dogs in games against Northwest Division foes in the last three seasons. Against the puck line, however, they’ve gone a profitable 5-1. The ‘under’ went a healthy 4-1-1 in this situation as well.

**StarDust Bum** · 05-07-2010, 06:03 PM

Playoff Results - Second Round

Second Round Results

Favorites have gone 8-6
Home teams have gone 9-6
The 'over' is 9-3-2 after 14 games
Favorites that have won are 4-4 on the puck-line
First Round|

Home Visitor Time/Final Score ATS OVER/UNDER

Thu Apr 29, 2010
Sharks (-145) Red Wings 4-3 FAVORITE OVER 5.5

Fri Apr 30, 2010
Penguins (-270) Canadiens 6-3 FAVORITE OVER 5.5

Sat May 1, 2010
Bruins (-155) Flyers 5-4 (OT) FAVORITE OVER 5
Blackhawks Canucks (+145) 5-1 UNDERDOG OVER 5.5

Sun May 2, 2010
Penguins Canadiens (+240) 3-1 UNDERDOG UNDER 5.5
Sharks (-135) Red Wings 4-3 FAVORITE OVER 5.5

Mon May 3, 2010
Bruins (-145) Flyers 3-2 FAVORITE PUSH 5
Blackhawks (-165) Canucks 4-2 FAVORITE OVER 5.5

Tue May 4, 2010
Canadiens Penguins (-165) 2-0 FAVORITE UNDER 5.5
Red Wings Sharks (+140) 4-3 (OT) UNDERDOG OVER 5.5

Wed May 5, 2010
Flyers Bruins (+140) 4-1 UNDERDOG PUSH 5
Canucks Blackhawks (+115) 5-2 UNDERDOG OVER 6

Thu May 6, 2010
Canadiens (+140) Penguins 3-2 UNDERDOG UNDER 5.5
Red Wings (-130) Sharks 7-1 FAVORITE OVER 5.5

Fri May 7, 2010
Flyers Bruins 7:00 p.m. EDT - -
Canucks Blackhawks 9:30 p.m. EDT - -

Sat May 8, 2010
Penguins Canadiens 7:00 p.m. EDT - -
Sharks Red Wings 10:00 p.m. EDT - -

Sun May 9, 2010
Blackhawks Canucks 8:00 p.m. EDT

**StarDust Bum** · 05-07-2010, 06:05 PM

Playoff Results - Second Round

Second Round Results

Home teams are 7-1
Favorites are 7-1 straight up
Favorites are 6-2 against the spread
The 'over/under' tally is 6-2

Home Visitor Final Score ATS OVER/UNDER

Saturday May 1, 2010
Cleveland (-7.5) Boston 101-93 FAVORITE OVER 191.5

Sunday May 2, 2010
L.A. Lakers (-7) Utah 104-99 UNDERDOG OVER 198

Monday May 3, 2010
Cleveland Boston (+6, +250) 104-86 UNDERDOG UNDER 192.5
Phoenix (-4.5) San Antonio 111-102 FAVORITE OVER 205

Tuesday May 4, 2010
Orlando (-9) Atlanta 114-71 FAVORITE UNDER 192.5
L.A. Lakers (-6) Utah 111-103 FAVORITE OVER 199

Wednesday May 5, 2010
Phoenix (-3) San Antonio 110-102 FAVORITE OVER 206

Thursday May 6, 2010
Orlando (-9.5) Atlanta 112-98 FAVORITE OVER 193

Friday May 7, 2010
Boston Cleveland
San Antonio Phoenix

Saturday May 8, 2010
Atlanta Orlando
Utah L.A. Lakers

Sunday May 9, 2010
Boston Cleveland
San Antonio Phoenix

**StarDust Bum** · 05-07-2010, 06:06 PM

Diamond Trends - Friday

Padres at Astros – The Padres are 5-0 since August 25, 2009 on the road after a loss in which their opponent left 18+ men on base for a net profit of $800. The Padres are 5-0 since August 28, 2009 on the road after a loss in which they allowed 12+ hits for a net profit of $725. The Astros are 0-6 since April 10, 2009 as a dog after a loss in which they allowed 12+ hits and it is the first game of a series for a net profit of $600 when playing against.

Rays at Athletics – The Athletics are 0-7 since May 18, 2009 as a dog vs a team that has won at least their last two games and it is the first game of a series for a net profit of $700 when playing against.

Brewers at Diamondbacks – The Diamondbacks are 0-7 since April 28, 2009 as a home dog after scoring 6+ runs win for a net profit of $700 when playing against.

Rockies at Dodgers – The Dodgers are 0-6 since June 01, 2009 as a 140+ favorite when they are off a win in which they never trailed and it is the first game of a series for a net profit of $990 when playing against.

Tigers at Indians – The Tigers are 6-0 since August 01, 2009 within 20 cents of pickem after a loss in which they allowed 5+ walks for a net profit of $635. The Indians are 0-9 since August 14, 2009 as a dog after a loss and it is the first game of the series for a net profit of $900 when playing against.

Angels at Mariners – The League is 0-6 since September 28, 2009 as a 140+ dog after a loss in which they left 18+ men on base and it is the first game of a series for a net profit of $600 when playing against.

Giants at Mets – The Giants are 0-6 since April 26, 2009 on the road after a win in which they had fewer team-left-on-base than their opponent as a dog for a net profit of $640 when playing against.

Marlins at Nationals – The Marlins are 0-7 since July 21, 2008 when Christopher Volstad starts as a favorite in the first game of a series for a net profit of $860 when playing against. The League is 0-7 since October 07, 2009 on the road when they are off two losses in which they never led and it is the first game of a series for a net profit of $720 when playing against. The Nationals are 5-0 since September 30, 2009 when they scored two or fewer runs for their starter in his last start for a net profit of $740

Braves at Phillies – The Braves are 0-8 since April 17, 2009 within 20 cents of pickem when they are off a loss in which they never led and it is the first game of a series for a net profit of $810 when playing against.

Cardinals at Pirates – The League is 8-0 since August 18, 2009 as a away 200+ favorite when they won the last two games their starter started for a net profit of $800. The Cardinals are 6-0 since July 19, 2009 as a 200+ favorite after a loss in which they used 5+ pitchers for a net profit of $600

Royals at Rangers – The Royals are 0-10 since June 27, 2005 when Zack Greinke starts as a dog after losing as an away dog in his last start for a net profit of $1000 when playing against. The Royals are 6-0 since April 08, 2009 on the road within 20 cents of pickem when they are off a loss in which they held the lead and it is not the first game of a series for a net profit of $630. The Rangers are 0-6 since August 26, 2009 after a one run win for a net profit of $755 when playing against.

Yankees at Red Sox – The Yankees are 0-7 since August 15, 2007 when Philip Hughes starts after he had a WHIP of less than one his last start for a net profit of $970 when playing against. The Yankees are 7-0 since April 28, 2009 on the road vs a team that has won at least their last three games for a net profit of $715. The Red Sox are 0-6 since September 29, 2009 at home vs a team that has won at least their last four games for a net profit of $830 when playing against.

Cubs at Reds – The Cubs are 0-6 since July 21, 2009 on the road after a 5+ run loss for a net profit of $650 when playing against. The Reds are 0-7 since April 24, 2009 after a win in which they had 12+ hits and it is the first game of a series for a net profit of $725 when playing against.

Orioles at Twins – The Orioles are 0-11 since April 09, 2009 as a dog when they are off a win in which they never trailed and it is not the first game of a series for a net profit of $1100 when playing against. The Twins are 9-0 since June 18, 2009 as a favorite after a loss in which they had 6 or fewer hits for a net profit of $900.

Blue Jays at White Sox – The White Sox are 6-0 since April 25, 2009 as a favorite vs a team that has won at least their last three games and it is not the first game of a series for a net profit of $600.

**StarDust Bum** · 05-07-2010, 06:07 PM

Friday's Tip Sheet

Even though the pro hockey and pro basketball playoffs garner most of the attention in May, the marathon of the pro baseball season rolls along in the fifth month of the year. Another bunch of series will kick off this weekend and a lot of the ball clubs are starting develop tendencies after one month of action. Let’s take a closer look some key trends and tips that we've seen on the diamond.
Surging Ahead

The AL East is beginning to show why it’s the toughest division in baseball again, with four of the five teams boasting records above .500. Tampa Bay (21-7), New York (19-8), Toronto (17-13) and Boston (15-14) all have current winning streaks of four games or more heading into the weekend. The Yankees and Red Sox square off against one another so the temperature should cool off a tad in the division. Tampa stays on the road for six more against the A's and Angels but that's a good thing for a team that has gone 12-1 outside of the Sunshine State this season. The Blue Jays will try to extend their five-game winning streak when it plays the White Sox in Chicago over the weekend.

Philadelphia slowed down a little bit after a hot start (8-2) but the club is heating up again. After taking two of three from the Mets last weekend, the Phillies grabbed three of four from the Cardinals this week. Pitching continues to be the key for the two-time defending National League Champions and Roy Halladay (6-1) has been sick so far. In the two losses during this recent span, the pitching staff gave up 15 runs but just 14 in the five wins.

If you head West across Interstate 80 in Pennsylvania, you’ll see another red-hot team, Pittsburgh. The Pirates complete a three-game sweep this week over the Cubbies at home, holding them to five runs in the series. St. Louis and Cincinnati come to town over the next six days so the celebration may be short lived but the Bucs certainly have confidence.

Looking for Answers

The Los Angles Angels have dominated the AL West in recent seasons, which is probably why this recent skid is even more alarming. The Halos have dropped seven straight, including four from Fenway Park this week that watched the Red Sox outscore them by 20 runs (36-16) in the series.

L.A. heads to Seattle for a weekend set and the Mariners have been just as bad, losing six in a row. The M's offense has mustered up nine runs in the six games and was blanked twice in front of the locals at Safeco Field.

Something has to give this weekend and if you’re smart, you might want to stay away from both squads. In case you’re wondering, Los Angeles went 14-5 against Seattle last year and that included a 7-3 record in Washington.

Total Talk

-- Arizona owns a 21-8 ‘over’ mark, which includes a 7-4 record at home.

-- The L.A. Dodgers continue to light up the scoreboard, which has helped the ‘over’ go 18-9.

-- St. Louis has watched the ‘under’ go 19-9 on the year.

-- Houston’s anemic offense has watched the ‘under’ go 17-8 after 25 games.

Run-Line Rewards

We mentioned the Yankees above in the red-hot AL East but what’s even more impressive is how their winning. All 19 of New York’s victories this season have come by two runs or more. Why is this important? Sportsbook.com oddsmaker Jeremy Martin answers. “Most pro baseball gamblers will still play the money-line more often than not but some savvy bettors like to limit their risk and increase their reward with run-line wagers. At the end of the season, most teams will earn a lot of one-run victories but the Yankees are proving otherwise so far.”

For those of you not familiar with the run-line wager, it’s fairly simple to understand. The Yankees were listed as $2.80 favorites over the Orioles on Wednesday. If you wanted to bet New York, you would have to lay $280 to win $100. Or even simpler, you put up $28 to win $10. It’s a hefty risk but New York is expected to win and they did so in 7-5 fashion. However, if you’re bankroll isn’t as big, you can take a shot with the run-line, which is always 1 ½ runs, sometimes 2 ½ but that’s in extreme circumstances (email me if you want to know).

In that same contest above, the Yankees were listed as $1.50 favorites (Bet $150 to win $100) on the run-line. You don’t risk as much but you still win the same amount. However, if New York wins by one run, you would lose your wager. If they lose outright, you would lose the $150 but that’s not as bad as dropping $280, right?

Sportsbook.com has some competitive run-line prices, and you could really increase your bankroll with plus-money prices too. One piece of advice is to always take the road team with the run-line since you’re going to get the extra at bat in the top of the ninth.

Pick your Poison

Houston (9-18) is already 8 ½ games out of first place in the NL Central and it’s safe to say that it won’t be catching up anytime soon. The Astros only have nine wins on the season, but six have come at home. San Diego visits Minute Maid Park this weekend and it has been one of the early season surprises. However, the Padres were 1-6 in their seven encounters against the Astros last year. Certainly different teams on the field this season, but the home team could have value in the three-game set.

Baltimore owns the worst record in the majors with an 8-21 record but to its credit, 15 of the games have come against the Rays, Red Sox and Yankees. The Orioles showed some pride by sweeping Boston at Camden Yards last weekend but unfortunately they got the same treatment in the Bronx to New York in the very next series. To make matters worst, Baltimore has a four-game road set at Minnesota but they did blank the Twins 2-0 on Thursday in the series opener as a $1.90 underdog. Last night’s win could be silenced quickly when the O’s face Minnesota lefthander Francisco Liriano, who’s been nearly unhittable (4-0, 1.50 ERA) this season.

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