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**Udog** · 05-24-2010, 03:06 AM

Daily Sports Roundup: May 24

Today in the Daily Sports Roundup: The Red Sox take on the Rays, while the Celtics try to eliminate the Magic, and the Flyers look to close out their set with the Canadiens.

Tipping off on the hardwood . . .

The NBA's Eastern Conference Finals could come to a close on Monday night, with Orlando at Boston in Game 4 of that best-of-seven set. The Celtics took a commanding 3-0 lead in the series with an easy 94-71 home win as a 3.5-point favorite on Saturday night. Glen Davis had a team-high 17 points off the bench for Boston in the Game 3 win, while Paul Pierce was good for 15 points in the contest. Rajon Rondo picked up 11 points and 12 assists. Vince Carter and Jameer Nelson had 15 points apiece for Orlando, while Dwight Howard was held to just seven points.

Meeting up on the diamond . . .

There are just four games around Major League Baseball on Monday, with Pittsburgh at Cincinnati, the White Sox at Cleveland, Toronto at the Angels, and Boston at Tampa Bay. Clay Buchholz (5-3, 3.26 ERA) is slated to start for the Red Sox on Monday night, while Wade Davis (4-3, 3.35 ERA) gets the ball for the Rays. Righthander Buchholz was tagged with a loss by Tampa Bay back on April 17, surrendering four runs (none earned) on three hits over his five innings of work. Righthander Davis picked up a no-decision against the Red Sox on April 16, giving up one earned run in his five innings.

Taking a trip around the rink . . .

Finally, the Flyers will be looking to close out the NHL's Eastern Conference final on Monday night when they host the Canadiens in Game 5 of that series. Philadelphia went up 3-1 in the set with a 3-0 road win in Game 4 in Montreal on Saturday afternoon. Claude Giroux scored twice for the Flyers in Saturday's win, while Ville Leino had the other Philly marker. Michael Leighton stopped all 17 Montreal shots for his third shutout of the series, and Jaroslav Halak blocked 22 of 24 Philadelphia shots.

**Udog** · 05-24-2010, 03:06 AM

Bettors' best friend: Monday's wagering tips

Lines off the board

The Blue Jays-Angels game is off of some boards pending Toronto's decision on a starting pitcher. The others, hovering around L.A. -120 with a total of 9, could change dramatically when the decision is made.

Lines to keep an eye on

The Celtics opened as 5.5-point favorite to close out the Magic and that number has been bet up to 7. The total jumped from 187.5 at opening to as high as 188.5 at some books.

Who's hot

Celtics are 7-1 SU and ATS in their last eight overall.

Flyers are 7-1 in their last eight overall.

Rays are 8-1 in their last nine overall.

Who's not

Canadiens have been shutout in three of their last four.

Indians are 1-6 in their last seven.

Key stat

252 - Total points scored by the Lakers in their first to wins over the Suns in the Western Conference finals, the most any team has scored in the first two games of a playoff series in more than two decades. The Suns held their previous postseason opponents to less than 96 per game, 30 fewer points than the Lakers are averaging against them in the playoff series.

Injury that shouldn't be overlooked

Does a deep ego bruise count as an injury? If so, Orlando's Dwight Howard must have one of the worst cases on record after the Celtics shallacked the Magic on Saturday night. Howard was held to seven points and seven rebounds, more than 11 points and six boards below his season averages. He looked lost against Boston's big men and point guard Rajon Rando. How Howard responds to this injury of insult will go a long way toward deciding if there is a Game 5.

Game of the day

Magic at Celtics (-7, 188)

Notable quotable

"I never did anything by myself. I guess I'm going to be like Gomer Pyle: 'Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.' "

Richard Petty, NASCAR's all-time winningest driver with 200 victories, during his induction into the inaugural class of the NASCAR Hall of Fame on Sunday.

Tips and notes

The brooms loom large in the NBA conference finals with the Celtics and Lakers poised to make NBA history. Only one team has ever swept a team coming off a sweep - the 1989 Pistons put away the Lakers in the NBA Finals after L.A. swept the Seattle SuperSonics. Now the Celtics can do it tonight by beating the Magic, who ran the table on the Hawks, and the Lakers were in position to do the same entering Sunday night's game against the Suns, who swept the Spurs. There's a reason it's only happened once - it's a tough feat to repeat. Look for at least one of the dogs to have their day.

The red-hot Tampa Bay Rays may be in for a plateau given the rapid rate at which they are using their starting pitchers. The Rays entered the weekend leading the majors in the number of innings pitched by the rotation at 276, with the starters lasting more than six innings in 34 games. Rays manager Joe Maddon expressed concern about fatiguing his first five - "Now is definitely not the time to go to the whip," he said - and may try to curtail the time they spend on the mound.

Justine Henin (3.5 to 1) has surpassed Serena Williams (7-to-1) as the chalk to win the French Open despite a less-than-favorable draw. If the four-time champion is to win one for the thumb in her surprisingly strong comeback season, she will have to earn it. Her path involves a potential third-round matchup with Maria Sharapova and a quarterfinal collision with Serena. A bad draw for a four-time winner and an even worse price for a favorite with a tough road to hoe.

**Udog** · 05-24-2010, 03:07 AM

NBA
Long Sheet

Monday, May 24

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ORLANDO (67 - 26) at BOSTON (61 - 35) - 5/24/2010, 8:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) in all playoff games this season.
ORLANDO is 51-37 ATS (+10.3 Units) in all games this season.
ORLANDO is 41-22 ATS (+16.8 Units) as an underdog over the last 3 seasons.
ORLANDO is 58-38 ATS (+16.2 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 61-40 ATS (+17.0 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 3 seasons.
ORLANDO is 22-9 ATS (+12.1 Units) after a loss by 10 points or more over the last 3 seasons.
BOSTON is 29-39 ATS (-13.9 Units) as a favorite this season.
BOSTON is 18-29 ATS (-13.9 Units) in home games this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 12-9 against the spread versus ORLANDO over the last 3 seasons
ORLANDO is 11-10 straight up against BOSTON over the last 3 seasons
15 of 21 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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**Udog** · 05-24-2010, 03:08 AM

NBA

Monday, May 24

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Trend Report
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8:30 PM
ORLANDO vs. BOSTON
Orlando is 7-15 SU in its last 22 games when playing on the road against Boston
Orlando is 14-3 SU in its last 17 games
Boston is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home
Boston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games

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**Udog** · 05-24-2010, 03:09 AM

NBA

Monday, May 24

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Pick 'n' Roll: Today's best NBA bets
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Orlando Magic at Boston Celtics (-7, 188)

A picture is worth a thousand words, and one play from Game 3 tells the whole story of this series.

As Orlando's Jason Williams casually jogged down court for a loose ball, Boston's Rajon Rando made a Pete Rose-dive on the parkay floor, scooped up the ball and scored a layup on a befuddled Williams.

Not to make too much out of one play, but if an alien spaceship abducts you and demands to know the secret to how the Celtics have so thoroughly trounced the Magic, skip the anal probe and show them that clip.

"It was a great play just to be a part of," Boston's Paul Pierce said. "Me and my friends were talking about that play. You're going to see them replaying that hustle play throughout all the NBA commercials, I think, for the next 20, 25, 30 years. That's how great that play was."

OK, so it may not replace Michael Jordan's facial of Craig Ehlo or an injured Willis Reed's grand entrance into Madison Square Garden, but it does tell the tale of the Magic-Celtics series.

"They’re beating us in every category in terms of hustle things," Orlando's Jameer Nelson concurred. "I can't put my finger on it, but it's more than just one thing."

The two most-telling "hustle things" are steals and turnovers, with the Celtics leading those categories by 27-20 and 49-37 margins, respectively.

Those are the X-factors the Magic have lacked all series and there's no reason to believe they will magically appear tonight. The Celtics have them in the perfect pose and it won't be a pretty picture.

Pick: Celtics

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**Udog** · 05-24-2010, 03:10 AM

NHL
Long Sheet

Monday, May 24

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MONTREAL (48-41-0-11, 107 pts.) at PHILADELPHIA (52-39-0-7, 111 pts.) - 5/24/2010, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 21-7 ATS (+9.5 Units) in home games second half of the season this season.
MONTREAL is 48-52 ATS (+111.8 Units) in all games this season.
MONTREAL is 15-16 ATS (+41.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
MONTREAL is 13-10 ATS (+26.9 Units) revenging a home loss versus opponent this season.
MONTREAL is 28-22 ATS (+55.3 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 93-89 ATS (-90.0 Units) in home games after a win by 2 goals or more since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
MONTREAL is 11-10-0 straight up against PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
12 of 21 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+1.7 Units)

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**Udog** · 05-24-2010, 03:11 AM

NHL

Monday, May 24

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Ice picks: Today's best NHL bets
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Montreal Canadiens at Philadelphia Flyers (-180, 5)

Philadelphia Flyers center Jeff Carter and winger Ian Lapierre were told their seasons were over one month ago. The hockey gods had other plans.

Carter broke his foot for the second time this season on April 20 and LaPierre got 70 stitches in his head after being hit by a puck two days later. Neither was expected to lace up the skates again until next season.

But the season got longer when the Flyers fought their way out of a 3-0 hole against Boston and both players made remarkable recoveries to get back in the game for the first time in Saturday's win at Montreal.

They were limited to a combined 23 minutes in Game 4, which was used just to let them get their skates under them after the long layoffs. But they did provide an emotional lift and will be unleashed tonight.

"To have them both back at the same time was a good confidence-booster for us, and both of them played great," said Flyers goalie Michael Leighton, who scored his third shutout of the series Saturday. "For being off so long, they both jumped into the lineup and did what they've been doing all year."

The duo combined for 36 goals and 45 assists this season so the Flyers suddenly have increased firepower. But they also have provided an inspirational spark to a team on a roll.

It's hard to count out the Canadiens after their escapes from elimination this postseason, but they're on the ropes getting a standing eight.

Pick: Flyers

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**Udog** · 05-24-2010, 03:12 AM

NHL

Monday, May 24

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What bettors need to know: Canadiens at Flyers
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Montreal Canadiens at Philadelphia Flyers (-174, 5)

The Montreal Canadiens have dug themselves into another playoff hole. To continue their miracle run, the Habs will have to win three in a row starting with Monday’s game in Philly.

The goal is to score

The Habs were shut out for the third time in the series, the first time that’s happened in Montreal’s 101-year franchise history. They only mustered 17 shots and were dominated in the second period when the Flyers outshot the home side 13-1.

“We didn’t execute and we got away from the game plan,” Habs forward Tomas Plekanec told the Montreal Gazette. “We had too many guys trying to do it by themselves. We didn’t support the defense and they didn’t support us.”

So what is the game plan?

Hockey analysts say Montreal was successful in Game 3 because it dumped the puck in and harassed Philly’s defensemen into coughing up possession. The Canadiens didn’t attack with the same strategy in Game 4.

"We didn't get the puck deep in the second period. We turned the puck [over] numerous times," Canadiens coach Jacques Martin said after the game.

"We played in what you call a danger zone, if you ask me. The blue lines are usually dangerous zones. At your own blue line, you have to get the puck out, and the offensive line, you have to get the puck deep."

Welcome back Carter

Philly got a big bounce by the return of Jeff Carter. The team’s second-leading scorer in the regular season was expected to miss the remainder of the season when he broke his foot in the first round of the playoffs.

"It's awesome," Carter told the Camden Courier-Post. "When I got hurt, I thought I was going to be the cheerleader.

He played almost 14 minutes in his first game in over a month and skated with Mike Richards and Simon Gagne. He had four shots, four hits and won three of his four faceoffs.

Losing an edge

NBC color commentator Pierre McGuire reported during the second period of Saturday’s game that there was on the ground in the Flyers’ hallway.

Whatever was on the ground must didn’t help out Philly’s skaters. Several players missed shifts in the second period because of skate problems.

“We had skate issues, that’s for sure,” coach Peter Laviolette told the Philadelphia Inquirer. “You know, we lost [Mike] Richards three times, Kimmo [Timonen] two times, and I don’t know.”

Whether it was gamesmanship or just some unexplained spillage, there some definitely something whacky going on with the Flyers skates.

“I think it was five times that I had to get my skates sharpened tonight, which is obviously a bit much,” Richards said. “I’m not sure [what happened]. I didn't check the carpet for [sand].”

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**Udog** · 05-24-2010, 03:13 AM

MLB

Monday, May 24

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Hot Lines: Today's best MLB bets
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Chicago White Sox at Cleveland Indians (150, 8)

Two of the lightest hitting teams in the American League square off in this one, which could be a pitchers' duel by default with the way these squads are swinging the sticks.

The Indians are ranked 11th in the 14-team AL, batting a poor .245 on the season. That number drops to .219 when they face a lefty, as they do in Chicago's Joe Danks today. The Tribe has lost six straight of their last seven outings and have not scored more than four runs in a game during that span.

Indians manager Manny Acta has tried shuffling the lineup in search of the right combination but nothing has been working lately. The numbers don't lie and the frustration is building.

"I love stats, but I don't go by stats every single day," Acta said. "If you do that, you're going to have a different lineup every day."

Fortunately for them, they face one of the few weaker swinging teams in the White Sox, who ranked 13th in the AL at .238 before being shut out 13-0 on Sunday. Cleveland's Justin Masterson handled the Chi-Sox in opening week.

With the exception of the last meeting between these two teams on April 18, a 7-4 Indians' victory, the under was 7-0-1 in their previous eight clashes. Expect that trend to continue.

Pick: Under

Pittsburgh Pirates at Cincinnati Reds (-180, 9.5)

Both teams play in the Midwest in relatively new stadia located on a river, but Cincinnati might as well be on another planet for the Pittsburgh Pirates.

The Bucs have struggled on the road against the Reds, going 1-7 in their last eight visits to the Great American Ballpark. But their road woes aren't limited to the Queen City, going 16-49 in their last 65 away games overall.

Of course, the Pirates seem to struggle no matter where they play the Reds, going 4-13 in the last 17 meetings and being swept and outscored 16-1 in a three-game home set two weeks ago.

The Reds are the National League's hottest team, winning 11 of their last 15. They rank fourth in the majors in ballpark OPS (.783) and should provide enough offense for starter Aaron Harang (2-5) to end his 2-8 home skid.

Pick: Reds

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**Udog** · 05-24-2010, 03:14 AM

MLB

Monday, May 24

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Streaking and Slumping Pitchers
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Streaking

Joe Saunders (3-5, 4.42 ERA) Los Angeles Angels

Despite getting off to a miserable 1-5 start to the season, Saunders has been on fire in his last three starts, going 2-0 with a miniscule 0.81 ERA during the stretch.

After going 0-3 with an 8.31 ERA in his previous four starts, Saunders threw just the second complete-game shutout of his career, outdueling Dallas Braden after his perfect game with a four-hit gem of his own against the Oakland A's on May 14.

"I don't know who was wearing Joe's uniform earlier in the year, but that's what we're used to," Angels manager Mike Scioscia said after the game. "He pitched a terrific game."

The southpaw showed it wasn't a fluke by following it up with a 3-2 win over the Chicago White Sox last week.Saunders has allowed just two earned runs over his last 22 1/3 innings.

Saunders got his only win in the month of April against these same Blue Jays, throwing eight innings without allowing an earned run.

Slumping

John Danks (3-3, 2.26 ERA) Chicago White Sox

With the possible exception of Roy Oswalt, no pitcher has been a bigger hard-luck loser lately than Danks, who is 0-3 over his last three starts despite a solid 2.91 ERA during that span.

Danks came out on the short end of 3-2 losses to the Los Angeles Angels and Minnesota Twins in his two most recent outings and started the slide with a 2-0 defeat to the Toronto Blue Jays. His latest loss to L.A. was a real heartbreaker, allowing a two-run homer to Torii Hunter that proved the difference.

"Basically, he made one mistake all game and Torii didn't miss it," White Sox catcher A.J. Pierzynski said of Danks. "Other than that, [Danks] was lights-out. We outhit them, 6-3, and found a way to lose. It's a shame. The way he's throwing the ball, he should have five, six or seven wins. He has been pretty money for us all year."

Danks' combined seven earned runs over 21 2/3 innings resulted in three straight defeats despite the fact that he allowed the same number of hits as he had strikeouts (18) and carried a 1.15 WHIP in that stretch.

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**Udog** · 05-24-2010, 03:15 AM

MLB

Monday, May 24

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This Day in Baseball
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On May 24 in Baseball History...

1902 - Cleveland third baseman Bill Bradley is the A.L.'s first player to hit a home run in each of four consecutive games, a record not matched until Babe Ruth does it June 25, 1918.

1928 - In the first game of a doubleheader in Philadelphia, a record 12 future Hall of Famers take the field in the Yankees 9-7 victory over the A's. This number does not include non-playing Hall of Famers Herb Pennock and Stan Coveleski, managers Miller Huggins and Connie Mack, nor umpire Tom Connally.

1930 - Babe Ruth homers in both games of a doubleheader, giving him nine long balls in one week.

1935 - The Cincinnati Reds host the Philadelphia Phillies in the first major league night game, winning 2-1. On the initiative of Larry MacPhail, President Franklin D. Roosevelt throws the switch at the White House to turn on the lights. The Reds will play seven night games, one each against the other N.L. teams. Ben Chapman is on base seven times in the game, a major league record, on two doubles and five walks.

1940 - The Cleveland Indians edge the St. Louis Browns 3-2 in the first night game at Sportsman's Park before 24,827. Bob Feller beats Eldon Auker and adds a home run as well.

1946 - Joe McCarthy quits as Yankees manager Bill Dickey replaces him.

1979 - Billy Martin issues a public apology to Reno sportswriter Ray Hagar, with whom he brawled last November. Hagar had filed suit for assault, leading to an out-of-court settlement.

1984 - Detroit (35-5) beats California 5-1 for its 17th consecutive win on the road, breaking the A.L. record set by the 1912 Senators, and tying the major league mark set by the 1916 Giants. The Tigers will finally lose tomorrow in Seattle 7-3.

1989 - Yankees reliever Lee Guetterman gives up five runs in the ninth inning of New York's 11-4 loss to California, ending his consecutive scoreless inning streak at 30 2/3. It is the longest season-opening streak in the majors since Harry Brecheen's in 1948, and the longest season-opening streak ever by a reliever.

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**Udog** · 05-24-2010, 03:16 AM

NOTE:
For the initial posting of trends and indexes, we have provided information available up to the time of posting.
Additional updates for today’s games will be posted ASAP.

**Udog** · 05-24-2010, 10:02 AM

NBA
Dunkel

Orlando at Boston
The Celtics look to close out the series and build on their 6-0 ATS record in their last 6 games when playing with 1 day of rest. Boston is the pick (-7) according to Dunkel, which has the Celtics favored by 12 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Boston (-7). Here are all of today's picks.

MONDAY, MAY 24

Game 513-514: Orlando at Boston (8:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Orlando 123.073; Boston 135.810
Dunkel Line & Total: Boston by 12 1/2; 182
Vegas Line & Total: Boston by 7; 188
Dunkel Pick: Boston (-7); Under

**Udog** · 05-24-2010, 10:04 AM

NHL
Dunkel

Montreal at Philadelphia
The Flyers look to close out the series and take advantage of a Montreal team that is 2-5 in its last 7 playoff games as an underdog from +150 to +200. Philadelphia is the pick (-180) according to Dunkel, which has the Flyers favored by 2. Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (-180). Here are all of today's picks.

MONDAY, MAY 24

Game 67-68: Montreal at Philadelphia (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Montreal 12.036; Philadelphia 14.210
Dunkel Line & Total: Philadelphia by 2; 5 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Philadelphia (-180); 5
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (-180); Over

Announcement

Monday's Trends and Indexes 5/24 (NBA, NHL, MLB, Misc.)

Monday's Trends and Indexes 5/24 (NBA, NHL, MLB, Misc.)

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