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**Udog** · 06-08-2010, 07:43 AM

Daily Sports Roundup: June 8

Today in the Daily Sports Roundup: The NBA Finals move to Boston for Game 3, while the White Sox host the Tigers, and the Nationals send their future ace to the mound.

Tipping off on the hardwood . . .

The NBA Finals shift to Boston on Tuesday for Game 3, with the Celtics and Lakers all square at one win apiece in the best-of-seven series. Boston tied up the set with a 103-94 road win as a 5.5-point underdog in Game 2 on Sunday night. Ray Allen led the Celtics' attack with 32 points (including eight three-pointers) in Game 2, while Rajon Rondo recorded a triple double with 19 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists. Kevin Garnett was held to six points in 23 minutes of action. Pau Gasol had a team-high 25 points in Sunday's losing cause for the Lakers, and Kobe Bryant had 21 points. Boston is pegged as the 3-point favorite for Game 3, with the total set at 192.5.

Meeting up on the diamond . . .

The American League schedule for Tuesday offers up Boston at Cleveland, Toronto at Tampa Bay, Seattle at Texas, Kansas City at Minnesota, the Yankees at Baltimore, the Angels at Oakland, and Detroit at the White Sox. Armando Galarraga (2-1, 2.57 ERA) will return to the mound for the Tigers in that last matchup, with Gavin Floyd (2-6, 6.64 ERA) expected to get the ball for Chicago. Righthander Galarraga will give perfection another shot on Tuesday, after he (officially) threw a one-hit shutout in his win over the Indians last time out. Righthander Floyd was knocked around by the Rangers in his last start, surrendering six earned runs over just 2 2-3 innings of work.

Over in the National League on Tuesday it'll be Florida at Philadelphia, San Diego at the Mets, San Francisco at Cincinnati, the Cubs at Milwaukee, Houston at Colorado, Atlanta at Arizona, St. Louis at the Dodgers, and Pittsburgh at Washington. Jeff Karstens (1-1, 4.50 ERA) is slated to start for the Pirates on Tuesday; righthander Karstens settled for a no-decision against the Cubs in his last outing, giving up just two runs on six hits over six innings of work. However, all eyes will be on the Nats' starter on Tuesday, with top prospect Stephen Strasburg scheduled to make his big-league debut. Righthander Strasburg had a 1.30 ERA over 11 minor league outings this year.

Rounding out the Roundup . . .

Finally, there are two WNBA games on tap for Tuesday, with New York at Chicago and Phoenix at Los Angeles. The Sparks are an ugly 1-6 straight-up (2-5 against-the-spread) to start the season, and they lost 79-75 at home against Seattle in their last game. Candace Parker poured in a game-high 24 points to go along with eight rebounds for Los Angeles in that defeat, while Tina Thompson tossed in 17 points. The Mercury (3-4 SU, 1-6 ATS) also lost to Seattle last time out, falling 97-74 on the road. Diana Taurasi led all Phoenix starters with just 11 points in that loss to the Storm.

**Udog** · 06-08-2010, 07:44 AM

Bettor's best friend: Tuesday's wagering tips

Lines to keep an eye on

Phoenix Mercury at Los Angeles Sparks – The spread for this matchup opened as a “pick” but sharp money has moved the home team to 2-point favorites. Phoenix is a cold team right now (see below).

Pirates at Nationals – With the anticipated debut of Stephen Strasburg, the public has pounded Washington’s moneyline from an opener of -164 to as high as -210 in some markets. The total for this game has also elevated from 8 to 8.5. See what the Covers Experts have to say about the game here.

Red Sox at Indians – Sportsbooks have moved the total in this game to 10 after opening at 9.5.

Padres at Mets – Some shops have moved the total in this game to 7.5 after opening at 7.

Mariners at Rangers – The home team opened as a -105 favorite but Texas has moved to -120 on a few boards.

Weather report
(Forecasts are extracted from Weather.com the night before the game.)

Mariners at Rangers – A 16 mph wind is projected to blow in from right field.

Astros at Rockies – A 30 percent chance of rain is expected throughout the game.

Tigers at White Sox – The National Weather Service forecast calls for a 21 mph wind to blow from left field toward first base. There is also a 70 percent chance of precipitation during the game.

Royals at Twins - A 50-60 percent chance of rain is called for.

Giants at Reds - A 50-60 percent chance of rain is in the forecast.

Who’s hot

Chicago (WNBA) is 4-0 SU and ATS in its last four games.

The Angels are on a five-game winning streak.

Going into Wednesday, Atlanta was 8-2 in its last 10 games.

Who’s not

Phoenix (WNBA) is 1-3 SU and 0-4 ATS in its last four outings.

The UNDER is 6-3 in Boston’s nine home playoff games.

The Nationals have dropped two straight and are 3-7 over a 10-game stretch.

Key stat

.289 – Rangers’ batting average in night games this season. Texas will play 24 of its next 31 games in the evening.

Injuries that shouldn’t be overlooked

The Twins are a bit banged up right now and bettors would be wise to check out the game lineup before making a wager on Minnesota. Justin Morneau did not start on Saturday or Sunday because of the flu, but he was available to pinch-hit on Sunday. Brendan Harris started at first in place of Morneau. Two-bagger Orlando Hudson could be headed to the DL after colliding with Denard Span last week which injured his wrist. Shortstop J.J. Hardy recently came off the DL and the Twins seem to be easing him back into the lineup. The Twinkies have lost four of six games.

Game of the day

Los Angeles Lakers at Boston Celtics (-2.5, 192.5)

Notable quotable

“I think he’s going to stay. We’ve been talking a lot more the last couple of weeks.”

-- Nuggets superstar Carmelo Anthony said of where he thought LeBron James will end up playing next season. Anthony said that his prediction was not based on anything James had told him.

Tips and notes

- If you’re a bettor who likes guarantees then here’s a nugget for Saturday. At an NBA playoff game in L.A. last month, United States striker Jozy Altidore informed David Beckham that his team would defeat England in its World Cup opener. Altidore said he told Beckham the final score of the match will be USA 3, England 0. Bettors don’t seem to be siding with Altidore’s guarantee as the U.S. is currently a +665 underdog to the Brits after opening as +550 pups. The total for the match is 2.5 goals.

- This has been the year of the pitcher in MLB with one no-hitter, two perfect games and what should have been a third perfect outing. ESPN baseball analyst Buster Olney said he thinks the offensive downturn is due to the crackdown on performance-enhancing drugs. Whatever the case, scoring is down and UNDER bettors have been cashing. Tuesday’s betting board has eight starting pitchers with a sub-3.00 ERA. The Grand Salami (total runs scored by all teams playing) will likely be lower than usual but with this quality of pitchers going the UNDER could connect again.

- Everyone knows about Phil Jackson’s record when his team wins the first game of a playoff series – he’s 47-0. But the Lakers are 27-12 all time when they open a postseason series 1-1, the situation they are in now with Boston. And going even further, L.A. is only 10-8 in the NBA Finals when splitting the first two games. Los Angeles was a -185 favorite to win the Finals going into this series and a -340 favorite after Game 1. But after failing to defend home court Sunday the odds for L.A. to win the series have plummeted to -130. That’s either great value if you still like the Lake Show or a sign that the oddsmakers saw something in Game 2 that leads them to believe the Celtics have a great shot at winning their 18th NBA title.

**Udog** · 06-08-2010, 07:45 AM

Tuesday's six-pack

The six college football teams whose 2009 turnover ratio was the best in the country. (Source: Phil Steele magazine)

6) Arkansas Rezorbacks, +15

5) Ohio State Buckeyes, +17

4) Alabama Crimson Tide, +19

3) Rutgers Scarlet Knights, +20

2) Boise State Broncos, +21

1) Air Force Falcons, +22

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

Tuesday's List of 13 (+1): Taking a look at AL teams........

14) Orioles-- You hope they show life with new manager; question is, will new manager help Markakis/Tejada drive in more than their current rate of 12%? Players are ones who win games, but losing managers get fired.

13) Indians-- There were 11 one-run games Sunday, just second time since 1918 this happened. Most one-run games in one season is 719 (2005); we are one pace for 750 one-run games this season.

12) Mariners-- Were 35-20 in one-run games LY, are 7-13 this year; kind of like turnovers in football, sometimes breaks that go your way one year even out the next. Are just 6-12 vs lefthanded starting pitchers.

11) Royals-- Have 72 more hits than Phillies, but scored just a single run more. Jason Kendall is hitting .290 with .366 OB%; when he was on the A's, he couldn't hit the ball off a freakin' tee. David DeJesus is having his best season; now watch the Royals trade him off to a contender.

10) White Sox-- Stephen Strasburg's debut is being treated like the second coming of Christ; truth is, a guy drafted seven spots lower than him has already made 11 big league starts, and is 5-0, 2.25 in the major leagues!!!! But mainstream media doesn't care about Cincinnati's Mike Leake.

9) Tigers-- Washington, thanks to media hype, has sold out Strasburg's debut Tuesday; average crowd for Leake's seven home starts for Reds is 23,828; for four road starts, 20,078. If Strasburg is half as good as Leake has been, he'll be hailed by Scott Boras as a once-in-a-lifetime player. In this world, reception often trumps reality.

8) A's-- Crowd for big Monday night game with Angels was 10,071, very disappointing. Wonder what A's could draw in San Jose, or San Antonio, or Portland or in an area where they weren't second class citizens?

7) Rangers-- Vladimir Guerrero is funny; he only has nine unintentional walks in 225 PA, but has 47 RBI (knocking in 22.4% of runners). Tommy Hunter's first 2010 start? 117-pitch complete game. Question becomes for Rangers-- can Young/Kinsler/Guerrero/Hamilton carry the team?

6) Angels-- Perennial division favorite now 9-2 in last 11 games, on pace to overtake A's/Rangers soon. Having trouble keeping Izturis healthy, are in market for corner infielder (or two). Played hot-hitting Napoli at first base Monday night. Hard to believe thats a long-term option.

5) Blue Jays-- Last year, they were 37-51 against teams with records of .500 or better; so far this year, they're 13-7. Tired of hearing NYC media speculating on Vernon Wells trade; he's earning his salary, and Jays are a contender-- why would they even think about trading him?

4) Red Sox-- Red Sox scored 68 runs (8.5 runs/game) in last eight home games vs lefty starting pitching. Matsuzaka had second strong outing on Monday. Francona's club has gotten itself right back in middle of race.

3) Twins-- 18-9 at their new ballpark. Morneau is hitting .370, with OB% of .483. Cuddyer missed weekend in Oakland after father-in-law passed-- he is expected back this week. Of 123 pitchers who've thrown 50+ IP in 2010, Francisco Liriano ranks 114th in BA on balls in play (.343). Needs strikeouts to be effective and he's been getting them this season.

2) Bronx-- If you're thinking about going to see the Grey Cup this fall up in Edmonton, better find yourself a scalper; game is already sold out, with Commonwealth Stadium's listed capacity at 60,081. Better bring a parka too; it gets damn cold in Alberta in November.

1) Rays-- Carlos Pena has come up with man on third base 40 times this season, but knocked in only nine of them. John Jaso knocked in 21 of 93 baserunners this season (22.6%) and is now batting leadoff. Longoria has knocked in 19.2% of baserunners, Crawford 18%, both solid averages

**Udog** · 06-08-2010, 07:46 AM

NBA
Dunkel

LA Lakers at Boston
The Celtics look to follow up their Game 2 win and take advantage of LA's 1-4-1 ATS record in the last 6 meetings in Boston. Boston is the pick (-2 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Celtics favored by 11. Dunkel Pick: Boston (-2 1/2). Here are all of today's picks.

TUESDAY, JUNE 8

Game 705-706: LA Lakers at Boston (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: LA Lakers 123.135; Boston 134.271
Dunkel Line & Total: Boston by 11; 195
Vegas Line & Total: Boston by 2 1/2; 192 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Boston (-2 1/2); Over

**Udog** · 06-08-2010, 07:47 AM

NBA
Long Sheet

Tuesday, June 8

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LA LAKERS (70 - 30) at BOSTON (63 - 38) - 6/8/2010, 9:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LA LAKERS are 44-54 ATS (-15.4 Units) in all games this season.
LA LAKERS are 36-20 ATS (+14.0 Units) as an underdog over the last 3 seasons.
LA LAKERS are 18-6 ATS (+11.4 Units) when tied in a playoff series since 1996.
BOSTON is 46-53 ATS (-12.3 Units) in all games this season.
BOSTON is 30-40 ATS (-14.0 Units) as a favorite this season.
BOSTON is 19-30 ATS (-14.0 Units) in home games this season.
BOSTON is 5-14 ATS (-10.4 Units) in a home game where where the total is between 190 and 194.5 points this season.
BOSTON is 4-12 ATS (-9.2 Units) in home games after a non-conference game this season.
BOSTON is 10-21 ATS (-13.1 Units) in non-conference games this season.
BOSTON is 36-58 ATS (-27.8 Units) in home games off an upset win as an underdog since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 10-3 against the spread versus LA LAKERS over the last 3 seasons
BOSTON is 8-6 straight up against LA LAKERS over the last 3 seasons
7 of 14 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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**Udog** · 06-08-2010, 07:49 AM

NBA
Write-Up

Tuesday, June 8

NBA Finals

Celtics were +15 in 18:07 that Rasheed Wallace played in Game 2, in the game C's won by 9; Ray Allen set NBA record, making 8-11 behind arc, as Boston handed Lakers their first home loss of playoffs. LA is 1-2 in Game 3's this spring; they're 4-3 vs spread as road underdog in playoffs. Lakers need more than they got from Artest (1-10), Fisher (2-8) and the bench (5-13) gave them in Game 2. LA was +1 in 39:00 that Bynum was on court in Game 2; none of the four subs they used are inside players. Would expect Odom to get more than three shots in 14:38 here- when he contributes, Lakers become a much better team.

**Udog** · 06-08-2010, 07:51 AM

NBA

Tuesday, June 8

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Trend Report
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9:00 PM
LA LAKERS vs. BOSTON
LA Lakers are 1-4-1 ATS in their last 6 games when playing on the road against Boston
LA Lakers are 2-4 SU in their last 6 games when playing on the road against Boston
Boston is 8-3 ATS in its last 11 games
Boston is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games

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**Udog** · 06-08-2010, 07:54 AM

MLB
Dunkel

NY Yankees at Baltimore
The Orioles look to take advantage of a New York team that is 1-5 in its last 6 games as a road favorite. Baltimore is the pick (+200) according to Dunkel, which has the Orioles favored by 1/2 a run. Dunkel Pick: Baltimore (+200). Here are all of today's picks..

TUESDAY, JUNE 8

Game 901-902: Pittsburgh at Washington (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh (Karstens) 14.735; Washington (Strasburg) 14.020
Dunkel Line: Pittsburgh by 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: Washington (-215); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (+185); Under

Game 903-904: Florida at Philadelphia (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Florida (Volstad) 15.174; Philadelphia (Kendrick) 14.430
Dunkel Line: Florida by 1/2; 10
Vegas Line: Philadelphia (-140); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Florida (+120); Over

Game 905-906: San Francisco at Cincinnati (7:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Francisco (Cain) 15.117; Cincinnati (LeCure) 16.129
Dunkel Line: Cincinnati by 1; 9
Vegas Line: San Francisco (-140); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Cincinnati (+120); Over

Game 907-908: San Diego at NY Mets (7:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Diego (Richard) 16.026; NY Mets (Pelfrey) 15.723
Dunkel Line: San Diego by 1/2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line: NY Mets (-140); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Diego (+120); Under

Game 909-910: Chicago Cubs at Milwaukee (8:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cubs (Lilly) 14.267; Milwaukee (Gallardo) 15.891
Dunkel Line: Milwaukee by 1 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: Milwaukee (-150); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Milwaukee (-150); Over

Game 911-912: Houston at Colorado (8:40 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Houston (Moehler) 15.434; Colorado (Francis) 15.524
Dunkel Line: Colorado by 1/2; 10
Vegas Line: Colorado (-210); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Colorado (-210); Over

Game 913-914: Atlanta at Arizona (9:40 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta (Medlen) 14.945; Arizona (Jackson) 16.039
Dunkel Line: Arizona by 1; 9
Vegas Line: Atlanta (-120); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Arizona (+100); Under

Game 915-916: St. Louis at LA Dodgers (10:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: St. Louis (Carpenter) 16.557; LA Dodgers (Kuroda) 16.376
Dunkel Line: St. Louis by 1/2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line: St. Louis (-120); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (-120); Under

Game 917-918: Boston at Cleveland (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Boston (Wakefield) 15.580; Cleveland (Huff) 15.064
Dunkel Line: Boston by 1/2; 10 1/2
Vegas Line: Boston (-165); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Boston (-165); Over

Game 919-920: NY Yankees at Baltimore (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: NY Yankees (Hughes) 14.226; Baltimore (Millwood) 14.328
Dunkel Line: Baltimore by 1/2; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: NY Yankees (-240); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Baltimore (+200); Over

Game 921-922: Toronto at Tampa Bay (7:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Toronto (Tallet) 16.563; Tampa Bay (Niemann) 15.839
Dunkel Line: Toronto by 1/2; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Tampa Bay (-200); 9
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (+170); Under

Game 923-924: Seattle at Texas (8:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Seattle (Hernandez) 14.422; Texas (Lewis) 15.954
Dunkel Line: Texas by 1 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: Texas (-115); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Texas (-115); Over

Game 925-926: Detroit at Chicago White Sox (8:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit (Galarraga) 13.433; White Sox (Floyd) 14.899
Dunkel Line: Chicago White Sox by 1 1/2; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Chicago White Sox (-115); 9
Dunkel Pick: Chicago White Sox (-115); Over

Game 927-928: Kansas City at Minnesota (8:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Kansas City (Greinke) 15.749; Minnesota (Slowey) 16.545
Dunkel Line: Minnesota by 1; 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Minnesota (-130); 8
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (-130); Under

Game 929-930: LA Angels at Oakland (10:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: LA Angels (Weaver) 16.779; Oakland (Mazzaro) 16.669
Dunkel Line: LA Angels by 1/2; 7 1/2
Vegas Line: LA Angels (-150); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: LA Angels (-150); Under

**Udog** · 06-08-2010, 07:57 AM

MLB
Write-Up

Tuesday, June 8

Hot pitchers
-- Karstens is 1-0, 1.50 in his last couple starts.
-- Pelfrey is 4-0, 1.26 in his last four starts. Richard is 3-1, 2.38 in his last five starts.
-- Cain is 2-2, 1.16 in his last four starts.
-- Kendrick is 1-0, 2.07 in his last couple starts.
-- Gallardo is 6-1, 2.21 in his last nine starts. Lilly has 2.11 RA in his last three starts.
-- Jackson is 2-1, 2.27 in his last four starts.
-- Carpenter is 3-0, 2.83 in his last four starts.
-- Atlanta is 4-1 when Medlen starts (2-0, 3.34).

-- Hughes is 2-0, 1.93 in his last couple starts.
-- Niemann is 1-0, 2.45 in five home starts.
-- Galarraga is 2-1, 3.26 in three starts, last of which was one out away from being a perfect game.
-- Slowey is 1-0, 1.86 in his last three starts.
-- FHernandez is 1-1, 2.25 in his last five starts.
-- Weaver is 1-0, 1.80 in his last three starts.

Cold pitchers
-- Strasburg was 7-2, 1.30 in 11 minor league starts; this is most Nats have been favored by in five years. Game is a sellout.
-- Volstad is 0-4, 4.66 in his last five starts.
-- Lecure is 1-1, 3.97 in two starts this season.
-- Francis is 0-2, 7.36 in his last couple starts. Moehler is 0-1, 11.25 in two starts this season.
-- Kuroda is 0-3, 7.88 in his last three starts.

-- Wakefield is 0-2, 13.97 in his last couple starts. Huff is 2-5, 8.57 in his last ten starts.
-- Millwood is 0-2, 6.19 in his last five starts.
-- Tallet is 1-1, 5.40 in four starts this season.
-- Floyd is 1-4, 6.75 in his last six starts.
-- Greinke is 0-3, 7.47 in his last three starts.
-- Lewis is 1-4, 4.38 in his last six starts.
-- Mazzaro allowed four runs in three IP in his only '10 start.

Totals
-- Three of last four Pirate games went over the total.
-- Under is 14-4-1 in last 19 Philadelphia games.
-- Seven of last ten San Francisco road games went over the total.
-- Under is 5-1 in last six games at Citi Field.
-- Under is 7-3 in Cubs' last ten games.
-- Under is 6-3-1 in last ten games at Coors Field.
-- Seven of last nine Arizona home games went over the total.
-- Last four games at Dodger Stadium went over the total. .

-- Over is 13-3-1 in last seventeen Cleveland games.
-- Over is 3-1-1 in Baltimore's last five games. Under is 10-1-2 in last 13 Bronx road contests.
-- Under is 12-3 in last fifteen games at Tropicana Field.
-- Six of last nine Texas games went over the total.
-- Six of last eight White Sox games went over the total.
-- Under is 11-5-1 in Minnesota's last 17 home games.
-- Under is 7-2 in last nine Oakland home games.

Hot teams
-- Mets won their last eight home games. Padres are 12-5 in their last 17 road games.
-- Reds are 11-4 in their last fifteen home games. Giants won eight of their last eleven games overall.
-- Rockies won eight of their last ten home games.
-- Braves won 10 of their last 13 games. Arizona won seven of its last nine home games.
-- Cardinals won eight of their last eleven games. Dodgers won 14 of their last 19 home games

-- Red Sox won 12 of their last 16 games.
-- Bronx won six of its last eight games, but is 3-5 in last 8 on road.
-- Rangers are 15-6 in their last 21 home games.
-- Minnesota won its last four home games, outscoring foes 24-9.
-- Angels won nine of their last ten games.

Cold teams
-- Nationals lost five of their last six games. Pirates lost eight of their last ten road games.
-- Cubs lost six of their last nine games. Brewers lost six of eight.
-- Phillies lost 10 of their last 14 games. Marlins lost four of their last five games.
-- Astros lost 10 of last 12 games on road; they're 5-2 in last 7 overall.

-- Indians lost 12 of their last 15 home games.
-- Orioles lost 10 of their last 11 games.
-- Rays lost five of their last seven home games. Blue Jays lost five of their last seven road games.
-- White Sox lost five of their last seven home games. Detroit lost six of last eight away games.
-- Royals lost six of their last nine games.
-- Mariners lost eight of their last eleven road games.
-- Oakland lost five of its last seven games.

**Udog** · 06-08-2010, 08:01 AM

MLB

Tuesday, June 8

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Trend Report
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7:05 PM
PITTSBURGH vs. WASHINGTON
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Pittsburgh's last 9 games when playing Washington
Pittsburgh is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games when playing Washington
Washington is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games when playing Pittsburgh
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Washington's last 9 games when playing Pittsburgh

7:05 PM
FLORIDA vs. PHILADELPHIA
Florida is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
Florida is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Philadelphia's last 5 games when playing Florida
Philadelphia is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games at home

7:05 PM
BOSTON vs. CLEVELAND
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Boston's last 9 games when playing Cleveland
Boston is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games on the road
Cleveland is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Boston
Cleveland is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Boston

7:05 PM
NY YANKEES vs. BALTIMORE
NY Yankees are 6-1 SU in their last 7 games when playing on the road against Baltimore
NY Yankees are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games when playing Baltimore
Baltimore is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Baltimore's last 9 games at home

7:10 PM
TORONTO vs. TAMPA BAY
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Toronto's last 9 games
Toronto is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games
Tampa Bay is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Toronto
The total has gone UNDER in 12 of Tampa Bay's last 15 games at home

7:10 PM
SAN DIEGO vs. NY METS
San Diego is 12-5 SU in its last 17 games on the road
San Diego is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing NY Mets
NY Mets are 2-6 SU in its last 8 games when playing San Diego
The total has gone OVER in 8 of NY Mets's last 10 games when playing at home against San Diego

7:10 PM
SAN FRANCISCO vs. CINCINNATI
San Francisco is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Cincinnati
The total has gone OVER in 4 of San Francisco's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Cincinnati's last 7 games when playing at home against San Francisco
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Cincinnati's last 5 games at home

8:05 PM
SEATTLE vs. TEXAS
Seattle is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Seattle's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Texas's last 9 games when playing Seattle
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Texas's last 9 games

8:10 PM
CHI CUBS vs. MILWAUKEE
Chi Cubs are 2-4 SU in their last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 17 of Chi Cubs's last 25 games
Milwaukee is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games at home
Milwaukee is 1-6 SU in their last 7 games when playing at home against Chi Cubs

8:10 PM
DETROIT vs. CHI WHITE SOX
Detroit is 1-4 SU in their last 5 games when playing Chi White Sox
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Detroit's last 9 games when playing on the road against Chi White Sox
Chi White Sox are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing Detroit
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Chi White Sox's last 8 games

8:10 PM
KANSAS CITY vs. MINNESOTA
Kansas City is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Minnesota
Kansas City is 3-12 SU in its last 15 games when playing Minnesota
Minnesota is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
Minnesota is 12-3 SU in its last 15 games when playing Kansas City

8:40 PM
HOUSTON vs. COLORADO
Houston is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games when playing Colorado
Houston is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Colorado
Colorado is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games at home
Colorado is 10-5 SU in its last 15 games

9:40 PM
ATLANTA vs. ARIZONA
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Atlanta's last 5 games when playing Arizona
Atlanta is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Arizona
Arizona is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Atlanta
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Arizona's last 5 games when playing Atlanta

10:05 PM
LA ANGELS vs. OAKLAND
LA Angels are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games
LA Angels are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games when playing on the road against Oakland
Oakland is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Oakland's last 7 games

10:10 PM
ST. LOUIS vs. LA DODGERS
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of St. Louis's last 9 games when playing LA Dodgers
St. Louis is 1-5 SU in their last 6 games when playing LA Dodgers
LA Dodgers are 7-2 SU in their last 9 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of LA Dodgers's last 9 games when playing St. Louis

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**Udog** · 06-08-2010, 09:22 AM

MLB

Tuesday, June 8

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Hot Lines: Today's best MLB bets
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New York Yankees at Baltimore Orioles (+180, 8.5)

New York’s offensive slump may not be much of a factor in this series against the worst team in baseball.

The Yankees come into this three-game set at Camden Yards having scored an average of 2.33 runs per game during a weekend series with Toronto. The Pinstripers had to rally for all four of their runs in the eighth inning of Sunday’s 4-3 win to avoid the sweep.

"There's frustration in not scoring runs. For them to get it up and win this game -- big win," manager Joe Girardi told the Yankees' official website.

Fortunately for New York, the Orioles don’t offer much competition in the offensive department. Baltimore snapped a 10-game skid with a 4-3 victory over Boston Sunday but averaged just 1.81 runs per outing in its last 11 games – eight of which the team scored two runs or fewer in.

Phil Hughes absolutely shut down the Birds’ offense last Wednesday, giving up six hits and one earned run in 7.0 innings of work. Baltimore has scored a total of 20 runs in nine games (2.22 rpg) versus the Yanks this season.

Alex Rodriguez left Sunday’s game with a tight groin and although he expects to play Tuesday, this is an injury that could limit his productivity at the plate.

Unless New York’s offense awoke from its catnap during the off-day and can put up eight runs by itself Tuesday, this affair should stay under the total.

Pick: Under

Toronto Blue Jays at Tampa Bay Rays (-200, 9)

After taking two-of-three from the Yankees, Toronto is threatening to catch the Rays atop the AL East standings. And if Tampa doesn’t get its bats going, the improbable might just happen.

Joe Maddon moved catcher Jason Jaso to the top of the lineup prior to Saturday’s game in hopes of jumpstarting the offense. The Rays scored one run that evening and Jaso went 0-for-4. But in his second start as the leadoff hitter Sunday, Jaso registered a career-high five RBIs and the team won 9-5.

These division opponents have seen each other as recently as last week. Tampa Bay took two out of three games in Toronto and the Rays were in no shortage of runs after scoring 16 in the three-game series.

The Jays haven’t had any trouble hitting this season, leading the majors with 97 home runs and having plated the fourth-most runs (295).

"(The Blue Jays) have a quality team," Rays starting pitcher Jeff Niemann told MLB.com. "It's not really a surprise they're playing as well as they are. That lineup over there, it's a good lineup, and they're getting some good pitching."

Tuesday’s game is a pitching rematch of last week’s. Niemann surrendered a season-high five runs and nine hits over 6.1 innings while Toronto starter Brian Tallet worked 5.2 scoreless innings but had a nice performance ruined by closer Kevin Gregg.

That 7-6 victory by Tampa went well over the posted total of 9 and with both lineups ahead of the scouting reports having recently seen each pitcher; bettors should expect an abundance of runs Tuesday.

Pick: Over

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Streaking and Slumping Pitchers
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This is the type of day in the big leagues when batters everywhere are going to look silly. They’re going to be chasing sliders out of the zone, out in front of A+ changeups and buckling their knees at 12-6 curve balls.

That’s because Tuesday’s scheduled starting pitchers includes eight pitchers with ERAs under 3.00, and that’s not even counting the defending AL Cy Young winner and another guy who threw a perfect game (sort of) in his last start.

Oh yeah, some kid named Strasburg is making his major league debut too.

While we could pick about 10 streaking hurlers for today’s action we stuck with two. So please, don’t grill us about this guy or that guy not being on the list of streakers.

We know all about it and the whole *********** staff might just play the under on every game on the board.

Streaking

Matt Cain, San Francisco Giants

This Jints ace is throwing smoke these days. He’s surrendered just one earned run in his last three starts and has gone the distance in two of those three games.

The under is 7-1-1 in his last nine outings even though oddsmakers are throwing 7- and 6.5-run totals on his starts.

He’s usually moderately priced and San Fran has won in each of his last two trips to the bump.

Jered Weaver, Los Angeles Angels

Remember how everyone wondered if Weaver could handle the responsibility of being his team’s No. 1 starter? Well, so far so good.

Weaver owns a spiffy 2.50 ERA and has struck out four times has many batters as he’s walked.

His win-loss record would be a lot higher if he could get some help from the bats and the bullpen but bettors can take comfort knowing he usually gives you seven innings of good work.

Slumping

Zack Greinke, Kansas City Royals

You know it’s a good day for the arms when we’re forced to include the reigning AL Cy Young winner into the slumping section. Then again, in a way, Greinke has been one of the most disappointing pitchers in baseball this season.

We understand he pitches for a terrible team and he loses a lot of games he wouldn’t on a stronger club. But that doesn’t defend giving up 10 hits and four runs in his last start or seven earned runs in under four innings of work in his third to last start.

Add it all up and you’ve got the majors’ worst money pitcher.

Greinke is now 1-7 and the Royals are 2-8 in his last 10 appearances.

Tim Wakefield, Boston Red Sox

You’ve got to have a strong stomach to have a knuckleballer in your starting rotation because when that pitch isn’t dancing things can get ugly.

Tim Wakefield recently rejoined the starting rotation because of an injury to Josh Beckett and he impressed in his first outing, pitching eight scoreless innings.

But in his next two starts Wakefield allowed 15 earned runs in just 9.2 innings of work.

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**Udog** · 06-08-2010, 09:25 AM

NBA

Tuesday, June 8

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Pick 'n' Roll: Today's best NBA bets
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Los Angeles Lakers at Boston Celtics (-2.5, 192.5)

Paul Pierce is announcing his travel plans yet again.

With just over a minute left in Game 2, Pierce was helping teammate Kendrick Perkins off the floor and a camera’s microphone picked up the veteran guard making a bold prediction: "We ain't coming back to LA!”.

Pierce was referring to the Celtics taking the next three games in Boston and winning their 18th championship in franchise history.

But Pierce made a similar statement in the Eastern Conference Finals when he told ESPN during an interview that, “We’re coming home to close it out,” after winning the first two games in Orlando. But his prophecy didn’t come to fruition as the Magic won Game 5 and Boston returned to the Sunshine State where it eventually closed out the series.

The Celtics stole a victory in L.A. by notching up their vaunted defense, holding the Lake Show to 41 percent shooting from the field. Their opponent did not reciprocate the defensive prowess, allowing Ray Allen to create room for open looks from downtown and Rajon Rondo to spark the fastbreak which led to 11 points.

"It has nothing to do with scoring. Nothing. It's all defensively," Bryant said after the 103-94 loss. "We gave them too many easy baskets and blew too many defensive assignments. That's it."

Look for Los Angeles to recommit itself to defense and get back in transition during Game 5. And 58 foul calls shouldn’t be expected again, which always inflates the total points scored.

Pick: Under

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Game of the day: LA Lakers at Boston Celtics
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Los Angeles Lakers at Boston Celtics (-2.5, 192.5)

The NBA Finals continues Tuesday night at the Garden in Boston where the Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers meet in Game 3 of the series. Let’s take a look at tonight’s matchup.

Game 2 blues

Twenty-one points, six assists and four steals from star Kobe Bryant wasn’t enough to lift the Lakers in Sunday’s 103-94 defeat to the Celtics at the Staples Center.

Bryant committed five of the Lakers’ 15 turnovers and picked up his fifth foul early in the fourth quarter.

Through it all, Bryant played one of his worst stretches in playoff memory during the final five minutes of the contest, missing a 3-pointer, lost the ball to Celtics point guard Rajon Rondo before missing another long-distance shot in the closing seconds.

Meanwhile, the Celtics ran off 11 unanswered points, with Rondo scoring six.

"We gave them too many easy baskets and blew too many defensive assignments," Bryant said. "I don't expect to be picking up five fouls the next game.”

Also joining Bryant in foul trouble was center Andrew Bynum and and sixth man Lamar Odom who each ended up with five fouls.

As bad as Odom appeared in Game 1 with five points and five fouls, he was worse in Game 2, committing three personal fouls in his first three minutes on the floor before settling for just three points and five rebounds.

"I wasn't happy with those foul calls. Those were unusual calls," Los Angeles head coach Phil Jackson said after the game.

Despite it all, the Lakers went to the line 41 times to only 26 free throws for Boston.

Get your Raj on

As we’ve grown accustomed to throughout the playoffs this season, Rondo was everywhere, grabbing rebounds, scoring and setting up backcourt mate Ray Allen, who hit seven straight 3-pointers and scored 27 points in the first half.

Rondo sealed the deal when he keyed a game-ending 16-4 run en route to 19 points, a game-high 12 rebounds and 10 assists in helping the Celtics tie the series.

Even though he’s not their biggest star, Rondo has become Boston’s most important player.

"I think it starts with my energy level, picking up the ball full court," Rondo said. "And then when I get the ball on the offensive end, just trying to push the ball and push the tempo and getting guys easy looks on the floor."

He played 42 minutes Sunday and appeared in good shape dspite battling a sore lower back.

"Anything I can do to help the team win is big," Rondo said after the game. "I take pride in my game and how I play the game."

Record breakers

Jackson’s 47-0 record in NBA playoff series after winning the first game of a series is well documented.

What’s not is the fact that the Lakers are 27-12 all time in playoff series when splitting the first two games of a seven-game series.

In the NBA Finals, the Lakers are 10-8 when splitting the first two games, though just 6-8 since moving to Los Angeles.

And speaking of record-setting performances, the Lakers' 14 blocked shots in Game 2 Sunday night set an NBA Finals record. Andrew Bynum swatted seven of them while Pau Gasol added six.

And we all know Ray Allen set an NBA Finals record with eight made 3-pointers Sunday night.

Pivotal point

Without question, the key to Game 3 is Bryant’s ability to bounce back off a sub-par performance.

"You are talking about playing the best player in the league… it's tough physically and mentally," Celtics forward Paul Pierce said. "You sit at home before the series, and I'm watching so much [tape of him], how to play him defensively, that you forget about your offense. It’s a huge defensive responsibility."

No, that’s not what Pierce said after limiting Bryant to 21 points in Game 2 of the series. It’s what Pierce said about defending LeBron James in the Eastern Conference semifinals.

But it's the same thing now that he’s got the assignment of slowing down Kobe. The same 30-point scoring average. The same big, strong body that can score from everywhere on the court. And the same stress, physically and mentally.

Incidentally, in games this season in which Bryant was held to 21 or fewer points, he bounced back to average 27.5 ppg in his next contest during the regular season and 28.2 ppg in the playoffs.

The Lakers are 4-1 in the playoffs this season in these same games.

From the archives

• Los Angeles has won the last two times they've been to Boston, gaining regular-season victories each of the last two years thanks to a pair of one-point decisions, but they went 0-3 in Beantown in the 2008 NBA Finals.

• After going a dismal 24-17 straight up (SU) and 12-28-1 against the spread (ATS) at home during the regular season this campaign, the Celtics are 7-2 SU and ATS at the Garden in this year’s playoffs.

• Road teams in Game 3 of the championship series, off a home loss in Game 2, are 4-2 SU and 5-1 ATS since 1992.

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**Udog** · 06-08-2010, 09:27 AM

WNBA
Dunkel

New York at Chicago
The Liberty look to build on their 8-3-1 ATS record in their last 12 road games. New York is the pick (+5 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Sky favored by only 1. Dunkel Pick: New York (+5 1/2). Here are all of today's picks.

TUESDAY, JUNE 8

Game 651-652: New York at Chicago (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: New York 109.115; Chicago 109.817
Dunkel Line & Total: Chicago by 1; 155
Vegas Line & Total: Chicago by 5 1/2; 151
Dunkel Pick: New York (+5 1/2); Over

Game 653-654: Phoenix at Los Angeles (10:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Phoenix 109.581; Los Angeles 116.142
Dunkel Line & Total: Los Angeles by 6 1/2; 179
Vegas Line & Total: Los Angeles by 2 1/2; 176
Dunkel Pick: Los Angeles (-2 1/2); Over

**Udog** · 06-08-2010, 09:29 AM

WNBA

Tuesday, June 8

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Trend Report
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8:00 PM
NEW YORK vs. CHICAGO
New York is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games
New York is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
Chicago is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing New York
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Chicago's last 5 games when playing New York

10:30 PM
PHOENIX vs. LOS ANGELES
Phoenix is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Los Angeles
Phoenix is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Los Angeles
Los Angeles is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Los Angeles's last 5 games at home

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Lady Luck: Today's WNBA best bets
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New York Liberty at Chicago Sky (-5, 150.5)

It seems the Chicago Sky just needed some time to figure out their 2010 season. The Sky, who opened the season 0-4, have won four games in a row heading into Tuesday’s home contest with the Liberty.

Chicago center Sylvia Fowles went off for a career-high 32 points in a 95-70 win over the Tulsa Shock as 7-point favorites Saturday. That win also marked the fourth straight time the Sky have covered the spread, improving to 5-3 ATS on the season – the third-most profitable mark in the WNBA.

“The coaches have really looked to me to lead on the floor, so I’ve made some adjustments to rebound some more,” Fowles told reporters. “Once I did that, everything else just got put into perspective.”

The Sky have been on fire from the field during this winning streak. They’ve shot almost 48 percent from the field (119-for-250) and nearly 43 percent (30-for-70) from beyond the arc in the past four games.

"We've got (a) number of players who can score from outside, leaving Sylvia more opportunities to do her work on the inside. It's working, and she's showing us every bit of the ability we knew she had,” head coach Steve Key told the media following Saturday’s win.

Chicago fell to New York last month, losing an 85-82 shootout. The Sky shot better than 46 percent from the floor but allowed the Liberty to hit more than half their field goal attempts. With the team at home and playing tougher on the other side of the ball, look for the good times to keep rolling in Chi-town.

Pick: Chicago

Phoenix Mercury at Los Angeles Sparks (-2, 176.5)

After an epic fail with their "Get Outside and Play L.A." promotion this past weekend, the Los Angeles Sparks are hoping to everything goes as plan against the Phoenix Mercury Tuesday night.

Los Angeles is coming off its third straight loss and sixth of the season against the Seattle Storm Saturday night. The Sparks hosted the WNBA’s first outdoor game the Home Deport Center’s tennis courts, which just happened to be next door to a tire fire, which left a haze of smoke and the smell of burning tires hovering over their 79-75 loss.

But while the night was a flop and most of the players openly expressed their disappointment, L.A. head coach Jennifer Gillom took something very valuable from the experience. She pointed to the Sparks’ terrible first quarter in which they were down 25-12.

"It did see some mental toughness out of this team," Gillom told reporters. "We could have buried ourselves in the first quarter when they took that huge lead on us, but this team, coming off a back-to-back, I thought fought really hard."

Los Angeles will be back inside the Staples Center when it faces the Mercury Tuesday. The Sparks played tough in their last meeting with the defending WNBA champs, losing 90-89 but covering as 5-point road underdogs.

Phoenix hasn’t played up to oddsmakers’ expectations, failing to cover in four straight contests and dropping to 1-6 against the spread this season.

Pick: Los Angeles

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Announcement

Tuesday's Trends and Indexes 6/8 (NBA, MLB, WNBA, Misc.)

Tuesday's Trends and Indexes 6/8 (NBA, MLB, WNBA, Misc.)

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