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**Udog** · 05-26-2010, 11:18 PM

Daily Sports Roundup: May 27

Today in the Daily Sports Roundup: The PGA Tour tees off at Colonial, the Red Sox play host to the Royals, and the Lakers and Suns play in Game 5 of the Western Finals.

Tipping off on the hardwood . . .

It'll be Game 5 in the NBA's Western Conference Finals in Los Angeles on Thursday night, with the series knotted at two games apiece after the Suns took Game 4 by a score of 115-106 at home on Tuesday. Amare Stoudemire tossed in 21 points for the Suns in that victory, while Channing Frye and Leandro Barbosa each picked up 14 points off the bench. Steve Nash was good for 15 points and eight assists on the night. Kobe Bryant poured in a game-high 38 points in Tuesday's losing cause for the Lakers, while Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom each contributed 15 points in the matchup.

Meeting up on the diamond . . .

There are just four games on the American League's schedule for Thursday, with Oakland at Baltimore, the White Sox at Tampa Bay, the Yankees at Minnesota, and Kansas City at Boston. The Royals are slated to send Brian Bannister (3-3, 4.72 ERA) to the mound in that last matchup against Boston's Daisuke Matsuzaka (3-1, 5.76 ERA). Righthander Bannister has picked up the win in each of his past two starts, holding the Rockies and White Sox to a combined five earned runs over 13 1-3 innings pitched. Righthander Matsuzaka turned in a stellar outing against the Phillies in his last trip to the mound, tossing eight scoreless innings while allowing just one hit.

Over in the National League on Thursday it'll be Houston at Milwaukee, the Dodgers at the Cubs, Arizona at Colorado, Washington at San Francisco, St. Louis at San Diego, and Atlanta at Florida. The Braves will go with Tim Hudson (5-1, 2.09 ERA) on Thursday night, while the Marlins counter with Ricky Nolasco (4-3, 4.50 ERA). Righthander Hudson has won each of his last three starts, and he shut out the Pirates on three hits over eight innings in his most recent outing. Righthander Nolasco was bombed by the White Sox in his last start, surrendering eight runs in just 5 1-3 innings.

Rounding out the Roundup . . .

The PGA Tour will begin the Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial in Fort Worth, Texas on Thursday, with Phil Mickelson pegged as the 7/1 Vegas favorite to win the tournament. Jim Furyk is next on that odds list at 15/1, followed by Paul Casey at 20/1, Tim Clark at 22/1, and Steve Stricker at 25/1. Ben Crane is set at 28/1 odds to win at Colonial this week, with Hunter Mahan and Ian Poulter listed at 30/1 to claim that title.

Finally, there are two games on the WNBA's schedule for Thursday, with Minnesota at Connecticut and Seattle at Chicago. The Storm (4-0 straight-up, 2-2 against-the-spread) remained undefeated on the season by getting past Washington 82-76 in their last contest; Sue Bird and Tanisha Wright each picked up 16 points for Seattle in that victory. The Sky (0-4 SU, 1-3 ATS) fell 69-61 to Indiana last time out and remain winless in 2010. Cathrine Kraayeveld tossed in 11 points for the Sky in that road loss.

**Udog** · 05-26-2010, 11:19 PM

MLB
Long Sheet

Thursday, May 27

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HOUSTON (15 - 30) at MILWAUKEE (18 - 27) - 1:10 PM
BRETT MYERS (R) vs. DAVE BUSH (R)
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 180-210 (-54.5 Units) against the money line in May games since 1997.
MYERS is 39-51 (-27.1 Units) against the money line against division opponents since 1997. (Team's Record)
HOUSTON is 9-3 (+11.3 Units) against the money line in road games when playing on Thursday over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 18-27 (-10.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 5-14 (-12.1 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 20-32 (-19.7 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 29-43 (-16.1 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 18-27 (-10.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
MILWAUKEE is 34-41 (-17.8 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 2-8 (-8.5 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
BUSH is 20-38 (-19.7 Units) against the money line in day games since 1997. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
MILWAUKEE is 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against HOUSTON this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.0 Units)

BRETT MYERS vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
MYERS is 3-1 when starting against MILWAUKEE with an ERA of 1.89 and a WHIP of 0.842.
His team's record is 4-1 (+3.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-5. (-5.3 units)

DAVE BUSH vs. HOUSTON since 1997
BUSH is 5-1 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 3.61 and a WHIP of 1.106.
His team's record is 7-4 (+2.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-6. (-1.5 units)

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LA DODGERS (25 - 20) at CHICAGO CUBS (22 - 24) - 2:20 PM
JOHN ELY (R) vs. TED LILLY (L)
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO CUBS are 33-12 (+13.7 Units) against the money line in home games in May games over the last 3 seasons.
LA DODGERS are 36-15 (+19.4 Units) against the money line in May games over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 105-102 (-25.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 571-514 (-121.7 Units) against the money line in home games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 8-17 (-14.0 Units) against the money line when playing on Thursday over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 417-373 (-78.8 Units) against the money line in home games in day games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 105-102 (-25.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 81-78 (-18.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO CUBS is 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against LA DODGERS this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.0 Units)

JOHN ELY vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
No recent starts.

TED LILLY vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
LILLY is 3-1 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 3.16 and a WHIP of 1.117.
His team's record is 3-2 (+0.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-3. (-1.4 units)

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ARIZONA (20 - 26) at COLORADO (23 - 22) - 3:10 PM
DAN HAREN (R) vs. JASON HAMMEL (R)
Top Trends for this game.
ARIZONA is 90-118 (-29.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 32-50 (-21.9 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 33-47 (-18.9 Units) against the money line in May games over the last 3 seasons.
ARIZONA is 23-37 (-15.9 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 90-118 (-29.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 123-143 (-32.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
ARIZONA is 62-90 (-27.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
COLORADO is 110-94 (+26.3 Units) against the money line as a home underdog of +100 to +125 since 1997.
COLORADO is 71-89 (-28.9 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ARIZONA is 2-2 (+0.4 Units) against COLORADO this season
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.2 Units, Under=-0.2 Units)

DAN HAREN vs. COLORADO since 1997
HAREN is 6-4 when starting against COLORADO with an ERA of 3.08 and a WHIP of 1.089.
His team's record is 7-5 (+0.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-8. (-5.6 units)

JASON HAMMEL vs. ARIZONA since 1997
HAMMEL is 1-1 when starting against ARIZONA with an ERA of 6.19 and a WHIP of 1.313.
His team's record is 2-1 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (-0.2 units)

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WASHINGTON (23 - 23) at SAN FRANCISCO (23 - 21) - 3:45 PM
CRAIG STAMMEN (R) vs. BARRY ZITO (L)
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 4-22 (-17.1 Units) against the money line when playing with a day off over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 30-69 (-22.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 111-95 (+12.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 66-37 (+21.1 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 111-95 (+12.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 82-65 (+15.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 23-23 (+9.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
WASHINGTON is 12-8 (+9.9 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
WASHINGTON is 23-23 (+9.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN FRANCISCO is 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against WASHINGTON this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.0 Units)

CRAIG STAMMEN vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
STAMMEN is 0-0 when starting against SAN FRANCISCO with an ERA of 6.00 and a WHIP of 1.333.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

BARRY ZITO vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
ZITO is 2-2 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 4.33 and a WHIP of 1.472.
His team's record is 2-4 (-3.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-3. (-0.4 units)

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ST LOUIS (26 - 20) at SAN DIEGO (27 - 18) - 6:35 PM
P.J. WALTERS (R) vs. WADE LEBLANC (L)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN DIEGO is 27-18 (+11.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SAN DIEGO is 27-18 (+11.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
SAN DIEGO is 20-13 (+8.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
SAN DIEGO is 12-5 (+8.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN DIEGO is 1-0 (+1.3 Units) against ST LOUIS this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.0 Units)

P.J. WALTERS vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
No recent starts.

WADE LEBLANC vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
No recent starts.

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PITTSBURGH (20 - 26) at CINCINNATI (26 - 20) - 7:10 PM
CHARLIE MORTON (R) vs. JOHNNY CUETO (R)
Top Trends for this game.
PITTSBURGH is 4-23 (-16.8 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +150 to +175 over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 31-72 (-21.5 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 30-70 (-21.3 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 180-365 (-83.7 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 104-104 (+11.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 30-11 (+18.2 Units) against the money line in home games in May games over the last 3 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 63-45 (+25.3 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 103-102 (+12.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 73-67 (+14.4 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 76-73 (+15.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 59-37 (+23.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
PITTSBURGH is 4-4 (+0.8 Units) against CINCINNATI this season
4 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.5 Units)

CHARLIE MORTON vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
MORTON is 1-3 when starting against CINCINNATI with an ERA of 5.55 and a WHIP of 1.603.
His team's record is 1-3 (-2.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-2. (-0.3 units)

JOHNNY CUETO vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
CUETO is 7-2 when starting against PITTSBURGH with an ERA of 3.30 and a WHIP of 1.183.
His team's record is 7-3 (+3.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 8-2. (+5.9 units)

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ATLANTA (23 - 22) at FLORIDA (24 - 22) - 7:10 PM
TIM HUDSON (R) vs. RICKY NOLASCO (R)
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 181-188 (-37.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons.
ATLANTA is 58-57 (-18.0 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 180-186 (-36.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons.
ATLANTA is 125-131 (-31.4 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 3 seasons.
FLORIDA is 195-174 (+28.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons.
FLORIDA is 54-35 (+18.0 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 191-169 (+27.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons.
FLORIDA is 81-65 (+13.0 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 58-51 (+14.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
NOLASCO is 44-28 (+17.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
NOLASCO is 42-28 (+14.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
FLORIDA is 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against ATLANTA this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)

TIM HUDSON vs. FLORIDA since 1997
HUDSON is 8-2 when starting against FLORIDA with an ERA of 2.92 and a WHIP of 1.267.
His team's record is 11-4 (+4.7 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 5-9. (-5.3 units)

RICKY NOLASCO vs. ATLANTA since 1997
NOLASCO is 3-4 when starting against ATLANTA with an ERA of 4.57 and a WHIP of 1.571.
His team's record is 4-7 (-2.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 4-7. (-3.9 units)

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PHILADELPHIA (26 - 18) at NY METS (23 - 23) - 7:10 PM
COLE HAMELS (L) vs. MIKE PELFREY (R)
Top Trends for this game.
PELFREY is 6-0 (+7.0 Units) against the money line in night games this season. (Team's Record)
PHILADELPHIA is 20-7 (+11.8 Units) against the money line on the road with a money line of -100 to -125 over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 65-44 (+15.2 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 50-29 (+18.1 Units) against the money line in road games against division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 62-41 (+14.5 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 82-59 (+18.2 Units) against the money line in road games in night games over the last 3 seasons.
NY METS are 226-223 (-61.9 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY METS is 2-2 (+0.1 Units) against PHILADELPHIA this season
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.1 Units, Under=-0.3 Units)

COLE HAMELS vs. NY METS since 1997
HAMELS is 2-4 when starting against NY METS with an ERA of 4.12 and a WHIP of 1.573.
His team's record is 4-5 (-2.3 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-6. (-3.9 units)

MIKE PELFREY vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
PELFREY is 4-3 when starting against PHILADELPHIA with an ERA of 5.43 and a WHIP of 1.544.
His team's record is 5-5 (+1.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-4. (+0.9 units)

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OAKLAND (23 - 23) at BALTIMORE (15 - 31) - 7:05 PM
GIO GONZALEZ (L) vs. BRADLEY BERGESEN (R)
Top Trends for this game.
OAKLAND is 5-19 (-15.7 Units) against the money line on the road with a money line of -100 to -125 over the last 3 seasons.
OAKLAND is 9-26 (-14.8 Units) against the money line in road games in May games over the last 3 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 79-129 (-33.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 514-564 (-117.1 Units) against the money line in home games since 1997.
BALTIMORE is 514-564 (-117.1 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field since 1997.
BALTIMORE is 267-368 (-107.8 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
OAKLAND is 3-2 (+0.2 Units) against BALTIMORE this season
4 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.9 Units)

GIO GONZALEZ vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
GONZALEZ is 1-0 when starting against BALTIMORE with an ERA of 0.00 and a WHIP of 1.333.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

BRADLEY BERGESEN vs. OAKLAND since 1997
No recent starts.

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CHI WHITE SOX (19 - 26) at TAMPA BAY (32 - 14) - 7:10 PM
GAVIN FLOYD (R) vs. JEFF NIEMANN (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CHI WHITE SOX are 19-26 (-10.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 11-18 (-10.7 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 11-32 (-20.2 Units) against the money line in games played on artificial turf over the last 3 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 32-14 (+10.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TAMPA BAY is 42-12 (+22.5 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -150 to -175 over the last 3 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 127-65 (+33.5 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 128-68 (+30.9 Units) against the money line in games played in a dome over the last 3 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 138-76 (+33.5 Units) against the money line in games played on artificial turf over the last 3 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 88-38 (+33.8 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 22-6 (+11.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
NIEMANN is 18-4 (+13.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
TAMPA BAY is 2-1 (+0.9 Units) against CHI WHITE SOX this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)

GAVIN FLOYD vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
FLOYD is 2-1 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 4.76 and a WHIP of 1.059.
His team's record is 2-1 (+1.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-2. (-1.2 units)

JEFF NIEMANN vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
NIEMANN is 1-2 when starting against CHI WHITE SOX with an ERA of 4.67 and a WHIP of 1.558.
His team's record is 1-2 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-1. (+0.7 units)

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KANSAS CITY (18 - 28) at BOSTON (26 - 21) - 7:10 PM
BRIAN BANNISTER (R) vs. DAISUKE MATSUZAKA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
KANSAS CITY is 83-125 (-28.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 74-108 (-26.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 53-84 (-23.0 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
BANNISTER is 10-29 (-17.3 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
BOSTON is 26-8 (+15.7 Units) against the money line in home games in May games over the last 3 seasons.
BOSTON is 56-24 (+20.0 Units) against the money line in home games in night games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 59-19 (+28.0 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 2-1 (+0.5 Units) against KANSAS CITY this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)

BRIAN BANNISTER vs. BOSTON since 1997
BANNISTER is 0-4 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 5.87 and a WHIP of 1.435.
His team's record is 0-4 (-4.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-2. (-0.3 units)

DAISUKE MATSUZAKA vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
MATSUZAKA is 2-0 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 2.84 and a WHIP of 1.500.
His team's record is 2-0 (+2.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (-0.2 units)

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NY YANKEES (26 - 18) at MINNESOTA (26 - 18) - 8:10 PM
JAVIER VAZQUEZ (R) vs. NICK BLACKBURN (R)
Top Trends for this game.
NY YANKEES are 9-20 (-15.7 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 10 to 10.5 over the last 3 seasons.
VAZQUEZ is 15-23 (-14.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
MINNESOTA is 116-69 (+23.7 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 76-55 (+14.8 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 51-26 (+20.8 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY YANKEES is 2-1 (+0.7 Units) against MINNESOTA this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.9 Units)

JAVIER VAZQUEZ vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
VAZQUEZ is 6-6 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 5.30 and a WHIP of 1.319.
His team's record is 9-8 (+0.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 4-12. (-9.7 units)

NICK BLACKBURN vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
BLACKBURN is 1-1 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 4.64 and a WHIP of 1.548.
His team's record is 2-4 (-1.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-3. (-1.2 units)

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**Udog** · 05-26-2010, 11:20 PM

MLB

Thursday, May 27

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This Day in Baseball
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On May 27 in Baseball History...

1948 - Recently retired slugger Hank Greenberg buys an interest in the Cleveland club, becoming the Indians' second-largest stockholder.

1960 - Baltimore manager Paul Richards combats the passed-ball problem while catching Hoyt Wilhelm (38 in 1959, 11 so far this year) by devising an oversized mitt to gather in Wilhelm's fluttering knuckler. Wilhelm goes the distance in beating New York 3-2 at Yankee Stadium.

1968 - Montreal and San Diego are awarded N.L. franchises after a ten-hour meeting of league owners.

1974 - The Pirates Ken Brett no-hits the Padres until the ninth inning, settling for a two-hit 6-0 shutout in the first game of the doubleheader. In the second game, Brett's two-run pinch triple gives the Bucs an 8-7 win.

1993 - Dale Murphy calls it a career. Just two home runs shy of 400, the former two-time N.L. MVP announces his retirement as a member of the Colorado Rockies. He is hitting .143 with no home runs and seven RBI as a backup for the expansion club.

1997 - Cheeky play helps the Braves win 9-2. With runners on second and third and one out in the fifth inning in San Diego, Braves speedster Kenny Lofton slices a one-hopper into the Padres bullpen. A Padres reliever tries to get out of the way, but the ball bounces off the seat of his pants and falls onto a small ledge between the outfield fence and the bullpen seating area. Left fielder Greg Vaughn, expecting a ground-rule double to be called, stands a few feet away and watches as Lofton touches all the bases.

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**Udog** · 05-26-2010, 11:21 PM

WNBA

Thursday, May 27

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Trend Report
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7:30 PM
MINNESOTA vs. CONNECTICUT
Minnesota is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games
Minnesota is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games
Connecticut is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Minnesota
Connecticut is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Minnesota

8:00 PM
SEATTLE vs. CHICAGO
Seattle is 3-8 ATS in its last 11 games
Seattle is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
Chicago is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games when playing Seattle
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Chicago's last 7 games when playing Seattle

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**Udog** · 05-26-2010, 11:23 PM

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** · 05-27-2010, 07:47 AM

NBA
Dunkel

Phoenix at LA Lakers
The Lakers look to build on their 6-1 ATS record in their last 7 games when tied in a playoff series. LA is the pick (-7 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Lakers favored by 8 1/2. Dunkel Pick: LA Lakers (-7 1/2). Here are all of today's picks.

THURSDAY, MAY 27

Game 519-520: Phoenix at LA Lakers (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Phoenix 120.837; LA Lakers 129.444
Dunkel Line & Total: LA Lakers by 8 1/2; 224
Vegas Line & Total: LA Lakers by 7 1/2; 217 1/2
Dunkel Pick: LA Lakers (-7 1/2); Over

**Udog** · 05-27-2010, 07:48 AM

MLB
Dunkel

Houston at Milwaukee
The Astros look to take advantage of a Milwaukee team that is 0-3 in its 3 games this season as a home favorite from -125 to -150. Houston is the pick (+115) according to Dunkel, which has the Astros favored by 1/2 a run. Dunkel Pick: Houston (+115). Here are all of today's picks.

THURSDAY, MAY 27

Game 901-902: Houston at Milwaukee (1:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Houston (Myers) 14.490; Milwaukee (Bush) 13.867
Dunkel Line: Houston by 1/2; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Milwaukee (-135); 9
Dunkel Pick: Houston (+115); Over

Game 903-904: LA Dodgers at Chicago Cubs (2:20 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: LA Dodgers (Ely) 16.050; Cubs (Lilly) 15.496
Dunkel Line: LA Dodgers by 1/2; 10
Vegas Line: Chicago Cubs (-125); No Total
Dunkel Pick: LA Dodgers (+105); N/A

Game 905-906: Arizona at Colorado (3:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Arizona (Haren) 15.500; Colorado (Hammel) 15.258
Dunkel Line: Arizona by 1/2; 10
Vegas Line: Arizona (-120); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Arizona (-120); Over

Game 907-908: Washington at San Francisco (3:45 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Washington (Stammen) 13.566; San Francisco (Zito) 14.354
Dunkel Line: San Francisco by 1; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: San Francisco (-175); 8
Dunkel Pick: San Francisco (-175); Over

Game 909-910: St. Louis at San Diego (6:35 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: St. Louis (Walters) 15.012; San Diego (Leblanc) 16.706
Dunkel Line: San Diego by 1 1/2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line: San Diego (-135); 7
Dunkel Pick: San Diego (-135); Under

Game 911-912: Pittsburgh at Cincinnati (7:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh (Morton) 14.223; Cincinnati (Cueto) 16.369
Dunkel Line: Cincinnati by 2; 8
Vegas Line: Cincinnati (-200); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Cincinnati (-200); Under

Game 913-914: Atlanta at Florida (7:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta (Hudson) 15.098; Florida (Nolasco) 16.014
Dunkel Line: Florida by 1; 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Florida (-110); 8
Dunkel Pick: Florida (-110); Under

Game 915-916: Philadelphia at NY Mets (7:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia (Hamels) 15.152; NY Mets (Pelfrey) 15.232
Dunkel Line: NY Mets by 1/2; 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Philadelphia (-130); 8
Dunkel Pick: NY Mets (+110); Under

Game 917-918: Oakland at Baltimore (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Oakland (Gonzalez) 14.149; Baltimore (Bergesen) 14.818
Dunkel Line: Baltimore by 1/2; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Oakland (-120); 9
Dunkel Pick: Baltimore (+100); Over

Game 919-920: Chicago White Sox at Tampa Bay (7:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: White Sox (Floyd) 15.035; Tampa Bay (Niemann) 16.564
Dunkel Line: Tampa Bay by 1 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: Tampa Bay (-175); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Tampa Bay (-175); Over

Game 921-922: Kansas City at Boston (7:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Kansas City (Bannister) 16.315; Boston (Matsuzaka) 16.971
Dunkel Line: Boston by 1/2; 11
Vegas Line: Boston (-180); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Boston (-180); Over

Game 923-924: NY Yankees at Minnesota (8:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: NY Yankees (Vazquez) 14.151; Minnesota (Blackburn) 15.842
Dunkel Line: Minnesota by 1 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: NY Yankees (-125); 10
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (+105); Under

**Udog** · 05-27-2010, 07:49 AM

WNBA
Dunkel

Seattle at Chicago
The Sky look to take advantage of a Seattle team that is 3-7-1 ATS in its last 11 road games. Chicago is the pick (+4 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Sky favored by 2. Dunkel Pick: Chicago (+4 1/2). Here are all of today's picks.

THURSDAY, MAY 27

Game 601-602: Minnesota at Connecticut (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota 104.721; Connecticut 113.312
Dunkel Line & Total: Connecticut by 8 1/2; 167
Vegas Line & Total: Connecticut by 7; 161
Dunkel Pick: Connecticut (-7); Over

Game 603-604: Seattle at Chicago (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Seattle 110.686; Chicago 112.695
Dunkel Line & Total: Chicago by 2; 152
Vegas Line & Total: Seattle by 4 1/2; 146
Dunkel Pick: Chicago (+4 1/2); Over

**Udog** · 05-27-2010, 07:50 AM

NBA
Write-Up

Thursday, May 27

Lakers were 8-17/9-16 from arc in first two wins, but went 9-32/9-28 in two losses at Phoenix; they took 25 less FTs in the two losses, and shot under 50% in both road games, after shooting 58% in each of its wins. Gasol was 6-14 in Game 4, after being 32-46 from floor in the first three games. Odom is 10-27 from floor in last two games. Phoenix is 31-96 on arc in series. Phoenix bench woke from its funk, going 20-32 from floor in last game, by far their best effort (Laker bench was 8-26). Suns can't win series until they win game here; they haven't come within 10 points of the Lakers in four games on this floor this season.

**Udog** · 05-27-2010, 07:51 AM

MLB
Write-Up

Thursday, May 27

Hot pitchers
-- Myers is 2-1, 2.89 in his last four starts.
-- Ely is 3-0, 2.10 in his last four starts.
-- Hudson is 4-0, 1.26 in his last five starts.
-- Hamels is 3-0, 2.42 in his last four starts. Pelfrey is 2-0, 1.98 in his last couple starts.

-- GGonzalez is 4-2, 2.72 in his last six starts.
-- Niemann is 3-0, 2.08 in his last five starts.
-- Matsuzaka is 3-0, 4.68 in his last four starts.
-- Blackburn is 4-0, 2.67 in his last four starts. Vazquez has a 1.38 RA in his last two starts.

Cold pitchers
-- Brewers lost last six Bush starts (0-5, 9.00).
-- Lilly is 0-4, 5.40 in his last five starts.
-- Hammel is 1-3, 7.79 in six starts this season. Haren is 1-2, 7.11 in his last three starts.
-- Zito is 1-2, 5.79 in his last three starts. Stammen is 0-2, 6.67 in his last five starts.
-- Walters allowed six HRs, 19 runs in 20 big league IP; he is 1-0, 0.48 in three AAA starts this season. LeBlanc is 0-2, 6.75 in last three starts.
-- Morton is 1-8, 9.80 in nine starts this season.

-- Bergesen has a 7.33 RA in five home starts.
-- Floyd is 1-2, 6.12 in his last four starts.
-- Bannister is 0-2, 8.22 in his last three road starts.

Totals
-- Five of last six Houston games stayed under the total.
-- Eight of last ten games at Wrigley Field stayed under the total.
-- Six of last seven Arizona games went over the total.
-- Under is 14-3-1 in last eighteen San Francisco home games.
-- Under is 11-3-1 in last fifteen St Louis road games.
-- Three of Cincinnati's last four games stayed under the total.
-- Last three Florida games went over the total.
-- Under is 6-2-1 in last nine Met games.

-- Last five games at Camden Yards stayed under the total.
-- Five of White Sox' last six road games went over the total.
-- Six of last eight Boston games stayed under the total.
-- 10 of last 13 Minnesota home games stayed under the total.

Hot teams
-- Dodgers won seven of their last eight road games. Cubs won four of their last five home games.
-- Rockies won last four games, scoring 24 runs.
-- Washington won three of last four games overall, but lost six of its last seven road games.
-- Reds won six of their last seven home games.
-- Florida won six of its last eight home games. Braves won 11 of their last 15 games overall.
-- Mets are 16-5 in their last 21 home games.

-- White Sox won three of their last four road games.
-- Red Sox won their last five games, outscoring foes 32-7.

Cold teams
-- Brewers lost nine of last ten home games. Astros lost six of their last seven road games.
-- Arizona lost four of its last five road games.
-- Giants lost six of their last seven games.
-- Cardinals are 3-8 in last 11 road games. Padres lost five of their last seven home games.
-- Pirates lost five of their last seven games.
-- Phillies lost last four games, scoring in only one of last 37 innings.

-- A's lost six of last seven road games. Orioles lost five of their last seven games overall.
-- Tampa Bay lost last three games, outscored 19-4.
-- Royals lost three of their last four games.
-- Bronx is 4-6 in last 10 away games, despite winnng twice yesterday. Twins lost their last three games, scoring total of five runs.

**Udog** · 05-27-2010, 07:53 AM

NBA

Thursday, May 27

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Trend Report
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9:00 PM
PHOENIX vs. LA LAKERS
Phoenix is 16-8 ATS in its last 24 games on the road
Phoenix is 17-7 SU in its last 24 games on the road
LA Lakers are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games
LA Lakers are 8-2 SU in their last 10 games

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**Udog** · 05-27-2010, 07:56 AM

MLB

Thursday, May 27

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Trend Report
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1:10 PM
HOUSTON vs. MILWAUKEE
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Houston's last 5 games when playing Milwaukee
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Houston's last 5 games when playing on the road against Milwaukee
Milwaukee is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Houston
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Milwaukee's last 5 games when playing Houston

2:20 PM
LA DODGERS vs. CHI CUBS
LA Dodgers are 5-2 SU in their last 7 games when playing Chi Cubs
LA Dodgers are 13-3 SU in their last 16 games
Chi Cubs are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games at home
Chi Cubs are 7-3 SU in their last 10 games

3:10 PM
ARIZONA vs. COLORADO
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Arizona's last 6 games when playing on the road against Colorado
Arizona is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Colorado
Colorado is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Arizona
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Colorado's last 6 games when playing at home against Arizona

3:45 PM
WASHINGTON vs. SAN FRANCISCO
Washington is 4-8 SU in its last 12 games
Washington is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games on the road
San Francisco is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Washington
San Francisco is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home

6:35 PM
ST. LOUIS vs. SAN DIEGO
St. Louis is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
St. Louis is 11-3 SU in its last 14 games when playing San Diego
San Diego is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
San Diego is 3-11 SU in its last 14 games when playing St. Louis

7:05 PM
OAKLAND vs. BALTIMORE
Oakland is 16-5 SU in its last 21 games when playing on the road against Baltimore
Oakland is 14-3 SU in its last 17 games when playing Baltimore
Baltimore is 5-16 SU in its last 21 games when playing at home against Oakland
Baltimore is 3-8 SU in its last 11 games

7:10 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. NY METS
Philadelphia is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
Philadelphia is 13-5 SU in its last 18 games when playing NY Mets
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of NY Mets's last 9 games
NY Mets are 5-1 SU in its last 6 games

7:10 PM
KANSAS CITY vs. BOSTON
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Kansas City's last 5 games when playing Boston
Kansas City is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Boston
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Boston's last 5 games when playing Kansas City
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Boston's last 8 games

7:10 PM
PITTSBURGH vs. CINCINNATI
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Pittsburgh's last 7 games on the road
Pittsburgh is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games
Cincinnati is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home
Cincinnati is 9-2 SU in its last 11 games when playing at home against Pittsburgh

7:10 PM
ATLANTA vs. FLORIDA
Atlanta is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games on the road
Atlanta is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games
Florida is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Florida's last 5 games when playing at home against Atlanta

7:10 PM
CHI WHITE SOX vs. TAMPA BAY
Chi White Sox are 3-6 SU in their last 9 games when playing on the road against Tampa Bay
The total has gone UNDER in 14 of Chi White Sox's last 19 games when playing on the road against Tampa Bay
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Tampa Bay's last 11 games at home
Tampa Bay is 6-3 SU in their last 9 games when playing at home against Chi White Sox

8:10 PM
NY YANKEES vs. MINNESOTA
NY Yankees are 14-1 SU in their last 15 games when playing Minnesota
NY Yankees are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games when playing on the road against Minnesota
Minnesota is 1-14 SU in their last 15 games when playing NY Yankees
Minnesota is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games

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**Udog** · 05-27-2010, 08:02 AM

NBA

Thursday, May 27

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Pick 'n' Roll: Today's best NBA bets
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Phoenix Suns at Los Angeles Lakers (-7.5, 217.5)

You're familiar with the expression about riding a hot horse until it drops dead? This one still seems to have some legs.

The first four games of this series have gone over the posted total and until Tuesday night's Game 4, when the Suns' 115-106 victory topped the total by a point and a half, they haven't been close.

It's a safe play if you consider the Suns haven't scored less than 107 in their last eight games while the Lakers haven't tallied fewer than 104 during that span. Even on a bad night their offenses are still pretty good.

The first three meetings between these offensive-minded clubs beat the number by margins of 24.5, 20 and 7.5 points, so over bettors have been able to enjoy the fourth quarters without much concern.

With trends like that, surely the posted total has trended higher throughout the series? Actually, no, perhaps because the Lakers are talking about turning up the defensive heat on the Suns when they return to L.A.

"Our defense could have been much better, I think," Bryant said after Game 4. "Coming up here, we lost a sense of urgency defensively. I think our concentration was focused on how to attack the zone. And I think it kind of flipped our attention to detail defensively. Our focus was on the other side of the floor, which doesn't win championships. So we need to get back to ground zero when it comes to that."

Thursday's total opened at 219, a half-point lower than the previous two meetings in Phoenix, but the number quickly dropped to 217.5. Call me skeptical, but I've got to see it before I believe it or bet it.

Pick: Over

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**Udog** · 05-27-2010, 08:04 AM

NBA

Thursday, May 27

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Game of the day: Suns at Lakers
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Phoenix Suns at Los Angeles Lakers (-7, 218.5)

The numbers

The Lakers are anywhere from -7 to -7.5 for this Game 5, which is right around what they were favored by in Game 2 at home. The total sits around 219 which is pretty close to where it has been the last two games. With the first four games of this series going over the total, don’t be surprised to see this number go up higher.

Home cooking

Home-court advantage is important come playoff time and the home court has been a major factor in this series thus far as the host has won and covered all four games. The margins haven’t even been close, which is rather surprising for a conference finals series.

The average margin of victory has been 12.8 ppg while the average cover has been 9.4 ppg, so there has not been a lot of sweating taking place for bettors. The home team and the over, an ever-popular square parlay, have cashed all four tickets.

This trend has carried over from the regular season for the most part. In the four regular season meetings, the home team went 3-1 straight up and ATS with the lone blemish being the Lakers winning in Phoenix by six points on March 12. In total, seven of the eight meetings have been decided by nine points or more.

Offensive fireworks

If you like offense, this series is for you. As mentioned, all four games have surpassed the total with scoring totals of 235, 236, 227 and 221. While the offenses have flourished, with the Lakers shooting 53.2 percent and the Suns shooting 48.5 percent, the defenses will be the key going forward.

The Suns have played more zone defense the last two games, so the Lakers have now seen it live and on film and have had a chance to practice for it. Lakers coach Phil Jackson said they knew it was coming before Game 3. Surprisingly, Los Angeles has struggled, if you call shooting 48.8 percent shooting the last two games struggling, because its offense is made to beat the zone.

“The triangle obviously is an overload offense,” Jackson told reporters. “So you basically take a zone into an overload, which is natural anyway. But the idea of the movement that comes out of the overload is important for us. And our movement was poor, was inconsistent.”

The advantage goes to Jackson in prepping for Game 5.

Benchwarmers

The Suns’ bench erupted for 54 points against the Lakers in Game 4 and that type of production will make things very tough for Los Angeles if it keeps up. Both teams are loaded with superstars but it is the reserves on both sides that could very well dictate this outcome. The Suns seem to have the depth edge.

Phoenix’ bench was outscored by the Lakers bench in each of the first three games and by an average of 7.3 ppg. But the Suns outscored Los Angeles by 34 points Tuesday and the five bench players hit a mind-boggling 62.5 percent on 20-of-32 shooting.

“You know, we’re not the most talented team,” Steve Nash told the media, happily playing up the Suns' underdog status, “but we’ve got depth and we’ve got to make that a staple of our success.”

The Phoenix bench did average 30.5 ppg in Los Angeles the first two games so if it keeps that up, depth could be the difference again.

Injury concerns

Coming into this series, the big injury concern was Kobe Bryant as he is nursing significant knee and finger injuries. It has not affected him so far. He has been sensational, averaging 33.8 ppg and surpassing 36 points three times.

The time off between the semis and the conference finals gave Steve Nash time for his eye to heal and open up after taking a nasty lump against the Spurs in Game 4 of the second round. At the end of Game 3, he broke his nose and his numbers were down Tuesday. He had a poor shooting night and dished out just eight assists. We will wait and see if the dings were the cause.

The torn meniscus in the right knee of Andrew Bynum is the big issue right now for the Lakers. He did play a series-high 25 minutes in Game 4 but he is nowhere near 100 percent and the Suns need to take advantage. He is well below his scoring and rebounding averages and his mobility issues are hurting Los Angeles on the defensive side.

Jackson distraction

Lakers head coach Phil Jackson is gunning for his 13th NBA title, which is remarkable when you think about it. His name has been in the news the last few days but for something other than another championship quest.

Jackson is in the final year of his contract and rumors have started swirling. Last week LeBron James was supposedly house shopping in the Chicago suburbs and this week, the rumor has been Jackson heading back to Chicago to coach the Bulls once again and lead another superstar to numerous NBA titles.

“I have not entertained any conversations about that right now,” Jackson told the press.

Even though he declared this prior to the Game 4 loss, it was smart of him to get it out there because the last thing the Lakers need is another distraction in a series that has turned the other way.

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Announcement

Thursday's Trends and Indexes 5/27 (NBA, MLB, WNBA, Misc.)

Thursday's Trends and Indexes 5/27 (NBA, MLB, WNBA, Misc.)

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