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**Udog** · 04-05-2012, 09:25 AM

Thursday’s betting tips: Poor weather may plague Masters

Weather to watch

Masters Tournament: Rain and thunderstorms are anticipated for the first day of the tournament with winds gusting as high as 14 mph. Some reports indicate Augusta could be hit with as much as an inch of rain. Friday's early forecast doesn't look much more promising with more thundershowers expected.

Who’s hot

NBA: Detroit is 13-4-1 against the spread in its last 14 home games.

NBA: New York has covered in 10 of its last 13 overall.

NHL: The New York Rangers has won seven of their last nine.

NHL: Philadelphia has won five straight against Buffalo.

Who’s not

NBA: The under is 3-10-1 in Sacramento’s last 14 home games.

NBA: Orlando has dropped four straight against the spread.

NHL: Florida has lost seven of its last eight.

NHL: Edmonton is 2-10 in its last 12 games against Anaheim.

Key stat

2.68 – The Miami Marlins ranked last in the majors averaging only 2.68 runs per game in preseason play and were held hitless through six innings against St. Louis’ Kyle Lohse in Wednesday evening’s 4-1 loss. The Marlins then had to rush to get to Cincinnati for Thursday’s 4:05 p.m. ET start against the Reds. Cincinnati is set as a -145 favorite.

Injury that shouldn’t be overlooked

Dwight Howard, Orlando Magic – Howard is considered questionable for Thursday’s game against New York with his back injury. Orlando point guard Jameer Nelson is also questionable. Howard averages 20.9 points and 14.5 rebounds per game. Oddsmakers have yet to set a line for Thursday’s game.

Game of the day

Boston Celtics at Chicago Bulls (N/A)

Notable quotables

"Forget this .500 stuff. This team can do something special. The talent's here, to shoot for the postseason, to make a run at the postseason." – Pittsburgh Pirates third baseman Casey McGehee on ending the team’s 19-year streak of losing season. Pittsburgh, which opens the year Thursday at home to Philadelphia, finished in fourth place in the NL Central with a 72-90 record last season.

“I don’t think he’s Mark Messier. Some guys don’t react well to that. Guys might tighten up. Maybe their young goaltenders aren’t going to react well to a guaranteed victory by their veteran guy.” – Buffalo Sabres goaltender Ryan Miller on Washington forward Brooks Laich’s guarantee that the Capitals would make the playoffs.

Notes and tips

Boston Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine announced Wednesday that right-handed pitcher Alfredo Aceves will open the season as the team's closer. Aceves takes over the role in Andrew Bailey's absence, who is out indefinitely after having surgery on his right thumb. Aceves has four career saves, including two with the Red Sox last season. The 29-year-old posted a 10-2 record with a 2.61 ERA in 114 innings in 2011. Boston opens the season Thursday in Detroit as a +130 underdog with Jon Lester facing Justin Verlander.

The Boston Bruins are holding down the No. 2 spot in the Eastern Conference and will now take the opportunity to rest some of their big guns. Zdeno Chara, Tim Thomas, Johnny Boychuk and Patrice Bergeron all stayed in Beantown with the club traveling to Ottawa for Thursday’s game. Anton Khudobin is expected to get the call between the pipes.

Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose participated fully in practice Wednesday and took contact for the first time since suffering a groin injury on March 12. Coach Tom Thibodeau believes Rose could play against the Boston Celtics on Thursday. Rose has missed the last 11 games with the injury and is averaging 22.8 points and eight rebounds in 34 games this season. Oddsmakers have yet to set a line for Thursday's matchup.

**Udog** · 04-05-2012, 09:25 AM

Armadillo: Thursday's six-pack

-- Marlins lost 4-2 to St Louis in their first game in the new stadium, as Kyle Lohse no-hit them for the first six innings. Nice stadium though.

-- Spurs scored only 28 second half points, still held on to beat Celtics in Boston, 87-86. All San Antonio does is win, and no one notices.

-- At one point this season, the Suns were 14-20; now they're 14-6 in last 20 games after nipping the Jazz 107-105 in Utah Wednesday, a testament to Steve Nash's greatness. Nash will make a fortune this summer.

-- Why do oddsmakers adjust the odds for Laker-Clipper games? Both teams are home; shouldn't all their games have basically same spread?

-- Those green hats the caddies wear at the Masters are freakin' $50, and they're not even flexfit, they're adjustable in the back. Not good.

-- Orioles lost an 8-inning scrimmage to Manatee CC 2-1 Tuesday; this is not good for a team in division with Bronx-Boston-Tampa-Toronto. Just to be clear, Manatee CC is a junior college team. Yikes.

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Armadillo: Thursday's List of 13: Baseball thoughts on Opening Day........

13) Miami Marlins are the most interesting team to follow early on; new stadium, new uniforms, new manager, lot of combustible personalities, from the owner on down. How will they draw? How will they play? I like the new hats, but I’m still wearing my black Marlins’ batting practice cap with the white F. That’s an excellent hat.

12) I feel sorry for Oriole fans; they have no chance, no matter how much they improve, because the other four teams in their division are all so much better. Toronto is a fashionable pick to contend this year. Bronx/Boston have so many more resources than the O’s; how can they compete?

11) I’m thinking the Rays are going to be disappointing; this is worst spring training record they’ve had since 2007, the last year before they got good. I’m also not optimistic for my A’s, but I can’t wait to see them play on TV; at some point, if they’re going to leave Oakland, I’ve got to get myself out there to see a series in the Coliseum, a much-maligned stadium with a tremendous amount of history (think A’s/Raiders). If they ever get the go-ahead to build the stadium in San Jose, the A’s franchise will rise again. If not, well, that’s another, less happy story.

10) I like the additional Wild Card in each league; think it’ll help make September a more interesting baseball month.

9) I’m hoping the guys on fantasy team get healthy; Victor Martinez is out for the year, Ryan Howard probably until June, Carl Crawford and Tim Hudson until May. Thank God I don’t pay their salaries—that’s an expensive disabled list!!!

8) For my dad’s sake, I hope the Mets are better than expected; Santana’s unexpected start on Opening Day has to be a big lift. Will the shortened outfield dimensions revive the hitting of Wright/Bay? Why are they insisting on playing a defensive liability (Murphy) at second base, a key defensive position? What happened to being strong up the middle?

7) I’m excited for Dodger fans, now that the Frank McCourt era is over and Magic Johnson’s group will be running things; the results won’t show on the field right away, but nitwits like McCourt and the Mets’ Fred Wilpon shouldn’t own big league teams. I mean, its bad enough I root for the small market A’s; imagine rooting for a big market team that acts like they’re a small market team? Not good.

6) I think this is the year the Mark Grace character wins the sausage-type race at the 7th inning stretch in Arizona; they copied Milwaukee’s sausage race, and use costumes of famous D-Backs. The Grace character is like 0 for 200, kind of like Teddy Roosevelt in Washington, with the Presidents’ race. It says here Grace wins one this year.

5) Looking forward to hearing Duane Kuiper/Mike Krukow late at night doing giant games, even if the Giants are the evil group blocking the San Jose stadium. Kuip/Kruk are great together and fun to listen to.

4) Also out west, we get Hall of Famers Dick Enberg and Vin Scully doing games late at night; every new broadcaster should listen to their tapes. It’s a pleasure to listen to them.

3) Mike Matheny has his hands full for sure, taking over for Tony Larussa, skippering a team that won the World Series but let Albert Pujols walk. Their pitching is shaky; this is a tough job for Matheny. Hopefully the St Louis fans will have lot of patience with this team.

2) I think the Angels have overtaken Texas and are better than the Rangers and will win the AL West.

1) To me, sitting in my living room, a bar or a Las Vegas sports book for six hours on a Friday night, scanning 15 baseball games qualifies as an excellent night; not the World Series or playoffs or All-Star Game, just a normal night where you never know what might happen. For six months this plays out most every night and to me, that’s whats terrific about baseball.

**Udog** · 04-05-2012, 09:26 AM

MLB
Dunkel

Boston at Detroit
The Red Sox look to build on their 5-0 record in Jon Lester's last 5 starts as an underdog. Boston is the pick (+125) according to Dunkel, which has the Red Sox favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: Boston (+125). Here are all of today's picks.

THURSDAY, APRIL 5

Game 901-902: Atlanta at NY Mets (1:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta (Hanson) 13.940; NY Mets (Santana) 14.575
Dunkel Line: NY Mets by 1/2; 6
Vegas Line: NY Mets (-110); 7
Dunkel Pick: NY Mets (-110); Under

Game 903-904: Philadelphia at Pittsburgh (1:35 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia (Halladay) 15.363; Pittsburgh (Bedard) 14.151
Dunkel Line: Philadelphia by 1; 8
Vegas Line: Philadelphia (-170); 7
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (-170); Over

Game 905-906: Washington at Chicago Cubs (2:20 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Washington (Strasburg) 14.697; Cubs (Dempster) 16.382
Dunkel Line: Chicago Cubs by 1 1/2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line: Washington (-165); No Total
Dunkel Pick: Chicago Cubs (+145); N/A

Game 907-908: Miami at Cincinnati (4:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Miami (Buehrle) 15.306; Cincinnati (Cueto) 14.080
Dunkel Line: Miami by 1; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Cincinnati (-155); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Miami (+135); Over

Game 909-910: LA Dodgers at San Diego (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: LA Dodgers (Kershaw) 15.729; San Diego (Volquez) 16.748
Dunkel Line: San Diego by 1; 5
Vegas Line: LA Dodgers (-155); 6
Dunkel Pick: San Diego (+135); Under

Game 911-912: Boston at Detroit (1:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Boston (Lester) 15.806; Detroit (Verlander) 15.595
Dunkel Line: Boston by 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: Detroit (-145); 7
Dunkel Pick: Boston (+125); Over

Game 913-914: Toronto at Cleveland (3:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Toronto (Romero) 13.868; Cleveland (Masterson) 15.294
Dunkel Line: Cleveland by 1 1/2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line: Toronto (-125); 7
Dunkel Pick: Cleveland (+105); Under

**Udog** · 04-05-2012, 09:26 AM

MLB
Long Sheet

Thursday, April 4

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ATLANTA (89 - 73) at NY METS (77 - 85) - 1:10 PM
TOMMY HANSON (R) vs. JOHAN SANTANA (L)
Top Trends for this game.
HANSON is 14-3 (+10.6 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
HANSON is 9-1 (+8.5 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 7 or less over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
NY METS are 34-47 (-18.2 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 252-256 (-71.6 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents since 1997.
NY METS are 34-47 (-18.2 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 24-35 (-15.0 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.

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

TOMMY HANSON vs. NY METS since 1997
HANSON is 3-3 when starting against NY METS with an ERA of 3.69 and a WHIP of 1.179.
His team's record is 4-3 (-0.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-5. (-3.6 units)

JOHAN SANTANA vs. ATLANTA since 1997
SANTANA is 3-6 when starting against ATLANTA with an ERA of 2.28 and a WHIP of 1.291.
His team's record is 4-8 (-7.3 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 11-1. (+10.0 units)

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PHILADELPHIA (104 - 63) at PITTSBURGH (72 - 90) - 1:35 PM
ROY HALLADAY (R) vs. ERIK BEDARD (L)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

ROY HALLADAY vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
HALLADAY is 3-1 when starting against PITTSBURGH with an ERA of 1.18 and a WHIP of 0.921.
His team's record is 3-2 (-1.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-2. (+1.0 units)

ERIK BEDARD vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
BEDARD is 2-0 when starting against PHILADELPHIA with an ERA of 1.71 and a WHIP of 1.048.
His team's record is 2-1 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-1. (+0.9 units)

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WASHINGTON (80 - 81) at CHICAGO CUBS (71 - 91) - 2:20 PM
STEPHEN STRASBURG (R) vs. RYAN DEMPSTER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 80-82 (+9.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 80-82 (+9.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 1187-1266 (-234.7 Units) against the money line in all games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 75-88 (-28.0 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 645-649 (-122.9 Units) against the money line in day games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 75-88 (-28.0 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 49-63 (-22.1 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.

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

STEPHEN STRASBURG vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
No recent starts.

RYAN DEMPSTER vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
DEMPSTER is 8-1 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 3.12 and a WHIP of 1.125.
His team's record is 11-4 (+6.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 8-7. (+0.5 units)

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MIAMI (72 - 90) at CINCINNATI (79 - 83) - 4:05 PM
MARK BUEHRLE (L) vs. JOHNNY CUETO (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MIAMI is 95-136 (-39.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 85-81 (-43.7 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -150 to -175 since 1997.

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

MARK BUEHRLE vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
BUEHRLE is 2-0 when starting against CINCINNATI with an ERA of 0.60 and a WHIP of 0.733.
His team's record is 2-0 (+2.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-2. (-2.3 units)

JOHNNY CUETO vs. MIAMI since 1997
CUETO is 1-0 when starting against MIAMI with an ERA of 5.63 and a WHIP of 1.938.
His team's record is 3-0 (+3.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-0. (+3.1 units)

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LA DODGERS (82 - 79) at SAN DIEGO (71 - 91) - 7:05 PM
CLAYTON KERSHAW (L) vs. EDINSON VOLQUEZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN DIEGO is 32-24 (+15.3 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
KERSHAW is 20-7 (+11.3 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
KERSHAW is 24-7 (+17.0 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SAN DIEGO is 47-65 (-17.1 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 35-46 (-14.1 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 35-46 (-14.1 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.

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

CLAYTON KERSHAW vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
KERSHAW is 7-3 when starting against SAN DIEGO with an ERA of 2.32 and a WHIP of 1.090.
His team's record is 9-4 (+1.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-8. (-3.5 units)

EDINSON VOLQUEZ vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
VOLQUEZ is 1-0 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 1.29 and a WHIP of 1.000.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-0. (+0.0 units)

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BOSTON (90 - 72) at DETROIT (100 - 73) - 1:05 PM
JON LESTER (L) vs. JUSTIN VERLANDER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
VERLANDER is 21-5 (+14.6 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
VERLANDER is 47-21 (+18.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
BOSTON is 20-11 (+11.4 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +100 to +125 over the last 3 seasons.

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

JON LESTER vs. DETROIT since 1997
LESTER is 0-2 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 5.89 and a WHIP of 1.637.
His team's record is 0-3 (-5.3 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-2. (-1.5 units)

JUSTIN VERLANDER vs. BOSTON since 1997
VERLANDER is 3-2 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 3.22 and a WHIP of 1.093.
His team's record is 3-4 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-4. (-4.4 units)

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TORONTO (81 - 81) at CLEVELAND (80 - 82) - 3:05 PM
RICKY ROMERO (L) vs. JUSTIN MASTERSON (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CLEVELAND is 18-8 (+12.3 Units) against the money line in April games over the last 2 seasons.

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

RICKY ROMERO vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
ROMERO is 2-1 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 5.40 and a WHIP of 1.746.
His team's record is 2-1 (+0.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-1. (+1.0 units)

JUSTIN MASTERSON vs. TORONTO since 1997
MASTERSON is 1-1 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 5.93 and a WHIP of 1.684.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (-0.1 units)

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**Udog** · 04-05-2012, 09:27 AM

MLB
Armadillo's Write-Up

Thursday, April 5

Not a lot of relevant info to give out this early in the season, but we'll do what we can.

Hanson's last start was August 6; he was 1-3, 8.10 in his last five starts; he was 0-2, 10.80 in two starts against the Mets, lasting total of 8.1 IP. Santana returns from missing all of 2011 with an arm injury; he was 3-1, 2.42 in four starts against Atlanta in 2010.

Halladay had a rough spring, but was 5-2, 1.65 in his last eight outings in 2011; he was 2-0, 1.29 in two starts against Pittsburgh. AJ Burnett got hurt practicing bunting, so Bedard makes the Opening Day start here; he was 5-9, 3.62 in 24 AL starts LY. He didn't pitch against Philly in '11.

Strasburg was 1-1, 1.88 in five starts after coming back from his injury, allowing 15 hits in 24 IP; he is facing the Cubs for the first time. Chicago opens the Theo Epstein era with Dempster pitching-- he was 0-6, 5.07 in his last nine starts- his last win was 4-3 vs Washington August 11, in which he allowed one run in seven IP.

Buehrle makes his first start for Miami, which played at home last night and now has day game on road; Buehrle was 2-0, 1.38 in his last couple starts for the White Sox-- he didn't face the Reds. Cueto was 0-0, 4.23 in his last five starts LY-- Cincinnati won six of his last seven starts, with eight of last ten going over. Cueto allowed three runs in five IP in his one start against the Marlins LY.

Kershaw was 7-0, 1.25 in his last eight starts LY; he was 3-0, 1.75 in his three starts against San Diego. Dodgers went 13-2 in his last 15 starts. Volquez was 0-4, 5.90 in his last five starts; he missed two months in between there with an injury, but moving from Cincy's bandbox to the pitcher's paradise at Petco should help. Volquez didn't pitch aagainst the Dodgers LY. Reds scored total of 16 runs in his last nine starts.

Verlander was 12-0, 2.78 in his last 13 regular season starts, then in the playoffs, was 2-1, 5.31; he was 1-0, 1.72 in two starts against Red Sox LY, allowing three runs in 15.2 IP. Lester was 0-4, 6.48 in his last four starts last September as Boston collapsed down stretch; he didn't pitch against the Tigers LY.

Romero was 2-2, 4.74 in five September starts LY, after going 7-0 in the previous seven starts before that; he didn't pitch against the Indians LY. Masterson was 2-2, 6.91 in five September starts LY; he threw an inning of relief against the Blue Jays the day before the All-Star break, his only appearance against Toronto LY.

**Udog** · 04-05-2012, 09:27 AM

MLB

Thursday, April 5

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Trend Report
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1:05 PM
BOSTON vs. DETROIT
Boston is 5-16 SU in its last 21 games
Boston is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing Detroit
Detroit is 3-8 SU in its last 11 games when playing at home against Boston
Detroit is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games when playing Boston

1:10 PM
ATLANTA vs. NY METS
Atlanta is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against NY Mets
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Atlanta's last 5 games on the road
NY Mets are 6-12 SU in its last 18 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of NY Mets's last 5 games at home

1:35 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. PITTSBURGH
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Philadelphia's last 5 games when playing Pittsburgh
Philadelphia is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Pittsburgh is 6-13 SU in its last 19 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Pittsburgh's last 5 games when playing Philadelphia

2:20 PM
WASHINGTON vs. CHI CUBS
Washington is 9-2 SU in its last 11 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Washington's last 5 games when playing on the road against Chi Cubs
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Chi Cubs's last 5 games when playing at home against Washington
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Chi Cubs's last 6 games when playing Washington

3:05 PM
TORONTO vs. CLEVELAND
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Toronto's last 7 games when playing Cleveland
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Toronto's last 7 games on the road
Cleveland is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Cleveland's last 5 games at home

4:10 PM
MIAMI vs. CINCINNATI
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Miami's last 6 games when playing Cincinnati
Miami is 4-14 SU in its last 18 games when playing on the road against Cincinnati
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Cincinnati's last 6 games when playing Miami
Cincinnati is 14-4 SU in its last 18 games when playing at home against Miami

7:05 PM
LA DODGERS vs. SAN DIEGO
The total has gone UNDER in 20 of LA Dodgers's last 25 games when playing San Diego
LA Dodgers are 9-3 SU in their last 12 games
The total has gone UNDER in 20 of San Diego's last 25 games when playing LA Dodgers
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of San Diego's last 5 games when playing at home against LA Dodgers

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**Udog** · 04-05-2012, 09:28 AM

MLB

Thursday, April 5

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MLB betting: Exploring National League offenses
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When superstar sluggers like Albert Pujols and Prince Fielder leave for American League teams, it puts a new spin on the National League.

The Senior Circuit - the lesser of the two leagues with regards to offense - was short-circuited a bit this offseason, when seemingly bat after bat walked away.

But there’s still plenty there, you just have to look harder. And so, as Opening Week is upon us, take a look at some of the National League’s offenses that will make headlines and help you cash out at the window this season:

THE EXPECTED

St. Louis Cardinals

2011 RUN TOTAL: 762 (Fifth in majors, first in National League)

OK, no one is going to say that the loss of Pujols won't hurt this team, especially on offense. But the Cardinals led the National League in runs last season, en route to a World Series title, and to think that they're just going to go away without the game's best player is a bit naive.

The Cardinals still have Lance Berkman (94 RBIs last season), Matt Holliday (75), and Yadier Molina (65). And though Carlos Beltran is on the decline, something tells us he'll be able to provide some of the pop that Pujols took with him to Anaheim. Beltran has seven 100-RBI seasons and last year, after being traded to San Francisco from the Mets, he hit .323 BA with seven homers and 18 RBIs.

Will the Cardinals be the same without Pujols? No. But they will score runs.

Colorado Rockies

2011 RUN TOTAL: 735 (Tied, seventh in majors, Tied, second in National League)

The Rockies have a good blend of youth and experience, bashers and base stealers, and, of course, they have a ballpark that caters to offense, though things have changed a bit through the years.

There are newbies - Ramon Hernandez (12 homers last season), Marco Scutaro (.299 average) and Michael Cuddyer (70 RBIs) - who add to the deep mix and will enjoy Coors Field. And then there's the Colorado core - Todd Helton (.302 average), Troy Tulowitzki (105 RBIs), and Carlos Gonzalez (26 homers) - that just keeps on chugging.

Add in a veteran bat off the bench like Jason Giambi (428 career homers) and Colorado should be among the run leaders in the National League, wire to wire.

Cincinnati Reds

2011 RUN TOTAL: 735 (Tied, seventh in majors, Tied, second in National League)

People are quick to forget this team batted its way to a division title just two years ago, before injuries and a lackluster attitude through the summer cost them last season. But this club can hit and, with some stars locked up long term, it might stay that way for awhile.

With 216 RBIs the last two seasons, Joey Votto and his new extension lead a dangerous group of bats that also includes Brandon Phillips (.300 BA last season), Jay Bruce (32 homers), Scott Rolen (20 doubles), and Drew Stubbs (40 steals).

Add Ryan Ludwick, who had 75 RBIs with the Padres and Pirates last season, to the mix and you've got quite a crew, especially in the National League.

THE UNEXPECTED

Arizona Diamondbacks

2011 RUN TOTAL: 731 (Ninth in majors, fourth in National League)

There are a lot of "I told you so" guys nowadays regarding the Diamondbacks, and that's typical of a team that came from nowhere to win a division. But, for the realistic people of the betting world, indeed it was a surprise to see what Arizona accomplished last season. And now? Act II.

There are plenty of returning bats in this lineup - Aaron Hill (16 RBIs in just 33 games after being traded from Toronto last year), Chris Young (20 homers, 22 steals), Justin Upton (31 homers, 88 RBIs), and Miguel Montero (86 RBIs) - and don't underestimate the addition of Jason Kubel, who hit 81 homers in his last four seasons with Minnesota.

Eventually, a healthy Stephen Drew will return at shortstop and add to one of the more balanced lineups in the majors.

Milwaukee Brewers

LAST YEAR’S RUN TOTAL: 721 (11th in majors, fifth in National League)

Forever linked with the Cardinals, Milwaukee will also try to move on from a star's departure. Both teams are from the National League Central, both teams made the playoffs last season, and both teams lost sluggers in the offseason.

The Cardinals watched Pujols walk away, the Brewers watched Fielder go. But, in a light-pitching division, don’t expect Milwaukee to just fold up and hide. New additions Alex Gonzalez and Aramis Ramirez combined for 41 homers last season on the Cubs and Braves, respectively, and Ryan Braun (33 homers, 111 RBIs last season) will start the season with a clean mind and body – we think…

And don't forget the speed. Braun, Carlos Gomez, Nyjer Morgan and Rickie Weeks combined for 71 steals last season.

THE NEW KID ON THE BLOCK

New York Mets

2011 RUN TOTAL: 718 (12th in majors, sixth in National League)

This isn’t as hard to believe as one might think. Though the Mets will struggle for wins, as usual, they should be able to cross the plate at a decent clip. The fences have been moved in at Citi Field, which helps, and the Mets are relatively healthy now.

Ike Davis, who had 19 homers and 71 RBIs in his last full season (2010), and David Wright, limited to just 14 homers and 101 games last year, are back. And though newcomer Andres Torres (19 RBIs last season in San Francisco) is known more for his defense, keep an eye out for Lucas Duda, who had 10 homers and 50 RBIs in just 301 at-bats last season.

The Mets might be bad, but they should be fun to watch along the way.

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**Udog** · 04-05-2012, 09:28 AM

MLB

Thursday, April 5

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Hot lines: Thursday's best MLB bets
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Miami Marlins at Cincinnati Reds (-145, 7.5)

Joey Votto and the Cincinnati Reds have big expectations this season.

Votto, who hit .309 with 29 homers and 113 RBI last year, signed the fourth-largest deal in MLB history just before the regular season and will pull in $225 million over the next 10 years.

The Reds are just hoping Votto’s slow spring isn’t a sign of things to come. The 28-year-old hit .264 without a dinger and had only four RBI in 20 Cactus League games.

Cincinnati manager Dusty Baker has seen this kind of thing before and isn’t worried about his slugger.

"I'm worried about some of those guys hitting a lot better than they're supposed to be hitting. Those guys are ones you worry about,” Baker told reporters. “If you can hit, you can hit. If you had seen Steve Garvey, Ron Fairly, Ryne Sandberg, Eddie Murray hit, you would have released them every spring. I think you get caught up too much in now as background."

Reds supporters finished down more than 13 units last season and the club is going to need some people in the bullpen to step up after closer Ryan Madson blew out his elbow. Sean Marshall will take over for now, but is there a chance Aroldis Chapman will get a shot at some point?

We like the Reds to get off on the right foot.

Pick: Reds

Toronto Blue Jays at Cleveland Indians (+110, 7)

There is a lot of talk swirling around that the Blue Jays may be ready to tangle with the perennial powers of the AL East this season.

The Jays will need some good breaks along the way, but there’s certainly reason for optimism.

“But when you look at our everyday lineup, our bullpen, what the prospects are in our rotation to go along with Ricky’s (Romero) leadership and Brandon (Morrow) I think we will have a breakout year this year,” manager John Farrell told reporters. “So there are a lot of really good and tangible pieces in place to be a contending team.”

The Jays cruised through spring training with a 24-7-1 record and we’ll get a close look at Romero Thursday.

Toronto should be able to ride the good vibes from spring training to open the season.

Pick: Blue Jays

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**Udog** · 04-05-2012, 09:29 AM

NBA
Dunkel

New York at Orlando
The Knicks look to bounce back from a 112-104 loss to Orlando and build on their 5-1 ATS record in their last 6 games after scoring 100 or more points in the previous game. New York is the pick (+3 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Knicks favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: New York (+3 1/2). Here are all of today's picks

THURSDAY, APRIL 5

Game 501-502: New York at Orlando (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: New York 120.819; Orlando 119.730
Dunkel Line & Total: New York by 1; 202
Vegas Line & Total: Orlando by 3 1/2; No Total
Dunkel Pick: New York (+3 1/2); N/A

Game 503-504: Washington at Detroit (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Washington 112.652; Detroit 119.680
Dunkel Line & Total: Detroit by 7; 180
Vegas Line & Total: Detroit by 5 1/2; No Total
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (-5 1/2); N/A

Game 505-506: Boston at Chicago (9:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Boston 118.999; Chicago 126.289
Dunkel Line & Total: Chicago by 7 1/2; 178
Vegas Line & Total: Chicago by 6; No Total
Dunkel Pick: Chicago (-6); N/A

Game 507-508: LA Clippers at Sacramento (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: LA Clippers 120.583; Sacramento 118.746
Dunkel Line & Total: LA Clippers by 2; 215
Vegas Line & Total: LA Clippers by 4; No Total
Dunkel Pick: Sacramento (+4); N/A

NBA
Long Sheet

Thursday, April 5

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NEW YORK (27 - 27) at ORLANDO (32 - 22) - 4/5/2012, 7:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
ORLANDO is 6-3 against the spread versus NEW YORK over the last 3 seasons
ORLANDO is 7-2 straight up against NEW YORK over the last 3 seasons
9 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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WASHINGTON (12 - 42) at DETROIT (20 - 33) - 4/5/2012, 7:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 7-2 against the spread versus WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
DETROIT is 7-2 straight up against WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
4 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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BOSTON (30 - 23) at CHICAGO (42 - 13) - 4/5/2012, 9:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO is 7-4 against the spread versus BOSTON over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO is 6-5 straight up against BOSTON over the last 3 seasons
6 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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LA CLIPPERS (32 - 22) at SACRAMENTO (19 - 35) - 4/5/2012, 10:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
SACRAMENTO is 4-4 against the spread versus LA CLIPPERS over the last 3 seasons
LA CLIPPERS is 5-4 straight up against SACRAMENTO over the last 3 seasons
6 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up

Thursday, April 5

Hot Teams
-- Knicks won/covered nine of 12 games under Woodson.
-- Pistons won six of last seven home games (5-2 vs spread).
-- Celtics won/covered five of their last six games.
-- Clippers won six of their last seven games.

Cold Teams
-- Orlando lost its last four games; they're 2-3 in last five at home.
-- Wizards lost eight of last nine games (0-3 vs spread last three).
-- Bulls lost two games in row for the first time this season.
-- Kings lost four of their last five home games.

Wear-and-Tear
-- Knicks: 2nd game/5 nites. Magic: 3rd game/5 nites.
-- Wizards: 6th game/8 nites. Pistons: 2nd game/5 nites.
-- Celtics: 2nd nite in row, after two off. Bulls: Last two nites off.
-- Clippers: 5th game/7 nites. Kings: 5th game/7 nites.

Totals
-- Six of last eight New York road games went over the total.
-- Last three Washington games went over the total.
-- Over is 8-3-1 in Chicago's last dozen home games.
-- Five of last six Clipper road games went over the total.

Back-to-Back
-- Washington is 1-3 vs spread on road if it played at home nite before.
-- Boston is 2-7-1 vs spread on road if it played night before.
-- Clippers are 3-4 vs spread on road if they played night before.

NBA

Thursday, April 5

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Trend Report
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7:00 PM
NEW YORK vs. ORLANDO
New York is 9-3 SU in its last 12 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of New York's last 5 games when playing Orlando
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Orlando's last 5 games when playing at home against New York
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Orlando's last 5 games when playing New York

7:30 PM
WASHINGTON vs. DETROIT
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Washington's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Washington's last 13 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Detroit's last 7 games
Detroit is 9-2 SU in its last 11 games when playing Washington

9:30 PM
BOSTON vs. CHICAGO
Boston is 6-12 ATS in its last 18 games on the road
Boston is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Chicago
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Chicago's last 10 games at home
Chicago is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Boston

10:00 PM
LA CLIPPERS vs. SACRAMENTO
LA Clippers are 6-1 SU in their last 7 games
LA Clippers are 1-4-1 ATS in their last 6 games when playing on the road against Sacramento
Sacramento is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Sacramento's last 9 games when playing at home against LA Clippers

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NBA

Thursday, April 5

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Pick 'n' roll: Thursday's best NBA bets
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Oddsmakers have yet to set lines for Thursday's matchups. Picks should be considered early leans.

New York Knicks at Orlando Magic (N/A)

The Orlando Magic are banged up, but coach Stan Van Gundy isn’t letting his club off the hook because of the injuries.

Dwight Howard, Jameer Nelson and Ryan Anderson sat out Tuesday’s game against Detroit and the Magic lost 102-95 as a 4.5-point favorite despite 31 points and 10 rebounds from Glen Davis.

To Van Gundy, the problem is obvious, no matter who’s in the lineup.

"Even with Dwight, we still don't guard. It would not make any difference," Van Gundy told reporters. "We just haven't built the habits that are needed to be good defensively. If we don't start improving those habits on every single possession, we aren't going anywhere."

There still isn’t any word as to whether Orlando will have its big man – or anybody else – back in the lineup Thursday.

The Magic have now dropped four in a row both straight up and against the spread and all four of those games have played over.

Pick: Over

Los Angeles Clippers at Sacramento Kings (N/A)

Sacramento coach Keith Smart knows his team is a work in progress.

The Kings have some nice pieces in place, but still struggle on the defensive end and can’t seem to get any type of substitution rotation going.

"You still never know who (coach Keith Smart is) going to call on to play," Jimmer Fredette told reporters after scoring 17 points in Monday’s win over Minnesota. "But I was able to play pretty well, help the team continue to roll and continue to gain a lead. So I was just feeling good and I was able to help out and we were able to win."

However, the Kings struggled to contain Steve Nash and the Suns’ offense the following night in a 109-103 loss even though center DeMarcus Cousins scored a career-high 41 points.

That’s the way things are going to be with Sacramento down the stretch – impressive some nights and overmatched on others.

The Clippers took a six-game winning streak into Wednesday’s date with the Lakers and should give Sacto a tough time despite the back-to-back.

Pick: Clippers

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**Udog** · 04-05-2012, 09:33 AM

NHL
Dunkel

Florida at Washington
The Panthers look to take advantage of a Washington team that is 1-5 in its last 6 games against Southeast Division opponents. Florida is the pick (+125) according to Dunkel, which has the Panthers favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: Florida (+125). Here are all of today's picks.

THURSDAY, APRIL 5

Game 1-2: Winnipeg at NY Islanders (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Winnipeg 11.813; NY Islanders 10.823
Dunkel Line & Total: Winnipeg by 1; 6
Vegas Line & Total: NY Islanders (-125); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Winnipeg (+105); Over

Game 3-4: Tampa Bay at Toronto (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Tampa Bay 9.803; Toronto 11.354
Dunkel Line & Total: Toronto by 1 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Toronto (-125); 6
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (-125); Under

Game 5-6: Florida at Washington (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Florida 11.239; Washington 10.027
Dunkel Line & Total: Florida by 1; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Washington (-145); 5
Dunkel Pick: Florida (+125); Over

Game 7-8: Buffalo at Philadelphia (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Buffalo 11.416; Philadelphia 12.574
Dunkel Line & Total: Philadelphia by 1; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Philadelphia (-140); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (-140); Under

Game 9-10: Montreal at Carolina (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Montreal 11.372; Carolina 10.964
Dunkel Line & Total: Montreal by 1/2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Carolina (-170); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Montreal (+150); Over

Game 11-12: NY Rangers at Pittsburgh (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: NY Rangers 12.288; Pittsburgh 13.385
Dunkel Line & Total: Pittsburgh by 1; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Pittsburgh (-175); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (-175); Under

Game 13-14: New Jersey at Detroit (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: New Jersey 12.107; Detroit 11.069
Dunkel Line & Total: New Jersey by 1; 5 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Detroit (-155); 5
Dunkel Pick: New Jersey (+135); Over

Game 15-16: Boston at Ottawa (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Boston 10.848; Ottawa 12.527
Dunkel Line & Total: Ottawa by 1 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 17-18: Dallas at Nashville (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Dallas 11.215; Nashville 10.770
Dunkel Line & Total: Dallas by 1/2; 5 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Nashville (-170); 5
Dunkel Pick: Dallas (+150); Over

Game 19-20: Chicago at Minnesota (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Chicago 11.384; Minnesota 12.436
Dunkel Line & Total: Minnesota by 1; 4
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 21-22: Columbus at Colorado (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Columbus 11.912; Colorado 10.998
Dunkel Line & Total: Columbus by 1; 6 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Colorado (-185); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Columbus (+165); Over

Game 23-24: Vancouver at Calgary (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Vancouver 10.940; Calgary 11.119
Dunkel Line & Total: Calgary by 1/2; 4
Vegas Line & Total: Vancouver (-150); 5
Dunkel Pick: Calgary (+130); Under

Game 25-26: Anaheim at Edmonton (9:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Anaheim 11.731; Edmonton 10.014
Dunkel Line & Total: Anaheim by 1 1/2; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Edmonton (-120); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Anaheim (+100); Over

Game 27-28: San Jose at Los Angeles (10:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Jose 11.626; Los Angeles 12.828
Dunkel Line & Total: Los Angeles by 1; 4
Vegas Line & Total: Los Angeles (-130); 5
Dunkel Pick: Los Angeles (-130); Under

**Udog** · 04-05-2012, 09:37 AM

NHL
Long Sheet

Thursday, April 5

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WINNIPEG (37-34-0-9, 83 pts.) at NY ISLANDERS (33-36-0-11, 77 pts.) - 4/5/2012, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NY ISLANDERS are 62-102 ATS (-42.2 Units) in home games after scoring 1 goal or less in their previous game since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY ISLANDERS is 6-5 (+1.8 Units) against the spread versus WINNIPEG over the last 3 seasons
NY ISLANDERS is 6-5-0 straight up against WINNIPEG over the last 3 seasons
7 of 11 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+2.9 Units)

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TAMPA BAY (37-36-0-7, 81 pts.) at TORONTO (34-36-0-10, 78 pts.) - 4/5/2012, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TAMPA BAY is 3-13 ATS (+20.3 Units) in road games after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game this season.
TAMPA BAY is 250-341 ATS (-113.8 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record since 1996.
TAMPA BAY is 94-85 ATS (+184.0 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 72-65 ATS (+143.1 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent over the last 3 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 22-17 ATS (+46.7 Units) when playing on back-to-back days over the last 3 seasons.
TORONTO is 93-116 ATS (-68.2 Units) in home games after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game since 1996.
TORONTO is 144-144 ATS (-75.7 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record since 1996.
TORONTO is 68-73 ATS (-65.4 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season since 1996.
TORONTO is 1-8 ATS (-8.4 Units) in home games after 3 or more consecutive overs over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
TAMPA BAY is 6-5 (+0.1 Units) against the spread versus TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
TAMPA BAY is 6-5-0 straight up against TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
6 of 11 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+0.2 Units)

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FLORIDA (37-25-0-18, 92 pts.) at WASHINGTON (40-32-0-8, 88 pts.) - 4/5/2012, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
FLORIDA is 31-57 ATS (+96.5 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 66-80 ATS (-51.1 Units) in home games after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game since 1996.
WASHINGTON is 25-26 ATS (-14.1 Units) vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 12-5 (+5.0 Units) against the spread versus FLORIDA over the last 3 seasons
WASHINGTON is 12-5-0 straight up against FLORIDA over the last 3 seasons
8 of 16 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=-1.2 Units, Under=-0.8 Units)

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BUFFALO (39-31-0-10, 88 pts.) at PHILADELPHIA (46-25-0-9, 101 pts.) - 4/5/2012, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BUFFALO is 25-20 ATS (+48.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
BUFFALO is 53-41 ATS (+7.0 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 39-36 ATS (-10.7 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5.5 over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 18-18 ATS (-13.5 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 25-27 ATS (-16.4 Units) in home games second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHILADELPHIA is 10-8-0 straight up against BUFFALO over the last 3 seasons
13 of 18 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+8.4 Units)

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MONTREAL (30-35-0-15, 75 pts.) at CAROLINA (32-32-0-16, 80 pts.) - 4/5/2012, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MONTREAL is 29-50 ATS (+81.4 Units) in all games this season.
MONTREAL is 17-31 ATS (+49.8 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent this season.
MONTREAL is 6-15 ATS (+21.3 Units) after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game this season.
MONTREAL is 12-19 ATS (-9.3 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
MONTREAL is 7-4 (+1.9 Units) against the spread versus CAROLINA over the last 3 seasons
MONTREAL is 7-4-0 straight up against CAROLINA over the last 3 seasons
7 of 11 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+3.6 Units)

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NY RANGERS (51-22-0-7, 109 pts.) at PITTSBURGH (49-25-0-6, 104 pts.) - 4/5/2012, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PITTSBURGH is 16-3 ATS (+12.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
NY RANGERS are 51-28 ATS (+11.2 Units) in all games this season.
NY RANGERS are 19-7 ATS (+9.0 Units) after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game this season.
NY RANGERS are 9-2 ATS (+6.9 Units) in a road game where where the total is 5.5 this season.
PITTSBURGH is 19-23 ATS (-26.1 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
PITTSBURGH is 10-7-0 straight up against NY RANGERS over the last 3 seasons
9 of 16 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+1.2 Units)

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NEW JERSEY (46-28-0-6, 98 pts.) at DETROIT (48-27-0-5, 101 pts.) - 4/5/2012, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 111-43 ATS (+10.9 Units) in home games in non-conference games since 1996.
NEW JERSEY is 46-33 ATS (+10.6 Units) in all games this season.
NEW JERSEY is 14-7 ATS (+6.9 Units) after a win by 2 goals or more this season.
NEW JERSEY is 53-35 ATS (+8.9 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 2-1 (+1.0 Units) against the spread versus NEW JERSEY over the last 3 seasons
DETROIT is 2-1-0 straight up against NEW JERSEY over the last 3 seasons
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+1.0 Units)

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BOSTON (47-29-0-4, 98 pts.) at OTTAWA (41-29-0-10, 92 pts.) - 4/5/2012, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 23-22 ATS (-13.5 Units) second half of the season this season.
OTTAWA is 40-39 ATS (-26.3 Units) in all games this season.
BOSTON is 13-4 ATS (+8.0 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
BOSTON is 142-124 ATS (+272.8 Units) in a road game where where the total is 5.5 since 1996.
BOSTON is 17-4 ATS (+10.2 Units) vs. division opponents this season.
OTTAWA is 34-39 ATS (-36.9 Units) in home games in April games since 1996.
OTTAWA is 5-18 ATS (-15.2 Units) in home games vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 13-4 (+6.7 Units) against the spread versus OTTAWA over the last 3 seasons
BOSTON is 13-4-0 straight up against OTTAWA over the last 3 seasons
9 of 16 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+1.0 Units)

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DALLAS (42-33-0-5, 89 pts.) at NASHVILLE (46-26-0-8, 100 pts.) - 4/5/2012, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NASHVILLE is 45-34 ATS (+80.0 Units) in all games this season.
NASHVILLE is 58-41 ATS (+101.3 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
DALLAS is 42-37 ATS (+80.7 Units) in all games this season.
DALLAS is 16-9 ATS (+6.5 Units) after allowing 4 goals or more this season.
DALLAS is 172-109 ATS (+39.6 Units) after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game since 1996.
DALLAS is 8-3 ATS (+11.8 Units) in road games after a division game this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
DALLAS is 6-5 (+1.1 Units) against the spread versus NASHVILLE over the last 3 seasons
DALLAS is 6-5-0 straight up against NASHVILLE over the last 3 seasons
5 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+0.6 Units)

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CHICAGO (44-26-0-10, 98 pts.) at MINNESOTA (34-35-0-11, 79 pts.) - 4/5/2012, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO is 8-14 ATS (-9.8 Units) after allowing 4 goals or more this season.
CHICAGO is 5-10 ATS (-8.0 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
CHICAGO is 115-130 ATS (-54.9 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season since 1996.
CHICAGO is 5-11 ATS (-7.9 Units) revenging a home loss versus opponent this season.
MINNESOTA is 139-126 ATS (-23.6 Units) after scoring 1 goal or less in their previous game since 1996.
CHICAGO is 96-87 ATS (+193.9 Units) in road games after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO is 8-3 (+2.0 Units) against the spread versus MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO is 8-3-0 straight up against MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
6 of 11 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+1.2 Units)

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COLUMBUS (27-46-0-7, 61 pts.) at COLORADO (41-33-0-6, 88 pts.) - 4/5/2012, 9:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
COLUMBUS is 11-34 ATS (+69.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
COLUMBUS is 0-11 ATS (+17.8 Units) in April games over the last 3 seasons.
COLORADO is 41-39 ATS (+107.7 Units) in all games this season.
COLORADO is 22-13 ATS (+36.3 Units) after playing 3 consecutive road games over the last 3 seasons.
COLORADO is 22-14 ATS (+37.6 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
COLORADO is 15-24 ATS (+43.0 Units) in home games second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
COLORADO is 9-2 (+6.9 Units) against the spread versus COLUMBUS over the last 3 seasons
COLORADO is 9-2-0 straight up against COLUMBUS over the last 3 seasons
6 of 11 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+0.5 Units)

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VANCOUVER (50-21-0-9, 109 pts.) at CALGARY (35-29-0-16, 86 pts.) - 4/5/2012, 9:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
VANCOUVER is 138-101 ATS (+239.1 Units) in road games after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game since 1996.
VANCOUVER is 66-41 ATS (+23.6 Units) in road games after playing 3 consecutive home games since 1996.
VANCOUVER is 103-88 ATS (+197.2 Units) in a road game where where the total is 5 or less since 1996.
VANCOUVER is 187-163 ATS (+355.1 Units) in road games second half of the season since 1996.
VANCOUVER is 35-11 ATS (+15.3 Units) vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
VANCOUVER is 11-6 (+0.7 Units) against the spread versus CALGARY over the last 3 seasons
VANCOUVER is 11-6-0 straight up against CALGARY over the last 3 seasons
10 of 14 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+6.2 Units)

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ANAHEIM (33-35-0-12, 78 pts.) at EDMONTON (32-39-0-9, 73 pts.) - 4/5/2012, 9:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ANAHEIM is 32-47 ATS (+79.4 Units) in all games this season.
ANAHEIM is 6-18 ATS (-12.9 Units) after allowing 4 goals or more this season.
EDMONTON is 7-2 ATS (+9.4 Units) after 3 or more consecutive unders this season.
ANAHEIM is 52-38 ATS (+11.9 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
EDMONTON is 56-105 ATS (-54.8 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
EDMONTON is 19-39 ATS (+74.2 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5.5 over the last 2 seasons.
EDMONTON is 19-44 ATS (+68.3 Units) after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game over the last 2 seasons.
EDMONTON is 11-33 ATS (+58.3 Units) after scoring 1 goal or less in their previous game over the last 2 seasons.
EDMONTON is 13-25 ATS (+44.7 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
EDMONTON is 4-14 ATS (-10.6 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ANAHEIM is 9-2 (+5.7 Units) against the spread versus EDMONTON over the last 3 seasons
ANAHEIM is 9-2-0 straight up against EDMONTON over the last 3 seasons
7 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+4.1 Units)

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SAN JOSE (41-29-0-10, 92 pts.) at LOS ANGELES (40-27-0-13, 93 pts.) - 4/5/2012, 10:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SAN JOSE is 41-39 ATS (-17.8 Units) in all games this season.
SAN JOSE is 15-21 ATS (-16.5 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent this season.
SAN JOSE is 5-14 ATS (-11.4 Units) in a road game where where the total is 5 or less this season.
SAN JOSE is 22-24 ATS (-13.3 Units) second half of the season this season.
SAN JOSE is 98-61 ATS (+22.2 Units) in April games since 1996.
LOS ANGELES is 39-40 ATS (-19.9 Units) in all games this season.
LOS ANGELES is 36-37 ATS (-18.4 Units) in home games second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
LOS ANGELES is 10-12 (+1.5 Units) against the spread versus SAN JOSE over the last 3 seasons
SAN JOSE is 12-10-0 straight up against LOS ANGELES over the last 3 seasons
12 of 21 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+1.8 Units)

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**Udog** · 04-05-2012, 09:37 AM

NHL
Armadillo's Write-Up

Thursday, April 5

Hot teams
-- Sabres won six of their last eight games. Philly won six of seven.
-- Devils won their last four games, allowing six goals. Detroit won three of its last four home games.
-- Ottawa won four of its last five games. Bruins won last four road games.
-- Nashville is 8-4 in its last dozen home games.
-- Minnesota won three of its last four games. Blackhawks won five of their last seven road games.
-- Canucks won their last seven games, six by one goal.
-- Kings won seven of their last eight home games. San Jose won five of its last seven games.

Cold teams
-- Islanders lost last three games, outscored 14-5. Winnipeg lost six of its last nine games.
-- Toronto lost four of its last five games. Lightning lost four of their last five road games.
-- Panthers lost seven of their last eight games. Washington is 4-5 in its last nine home games.
-- Canadiens lost their last six road games. Carolina lost six of its last nine home games.
-- Pittsburgh lost three of its last five games, losing last two at home. Rangers lost last two games, scoring one goal.
-- Dallas Stars lost four of their last five road games.
-- Columbus lost five of its last seven road games. Avalanche lost four of their last five games overall.
-- Flames lost eight of their last nine games.
-- Edmonton lost three of its last four games, scoring four goals. Ducks lost four of their last five games.

Totals
-- Five of last seven Winnipeg road games went over total.
-- Nine of last ten Tampa Bay road games went over total.
-- Under is 6-1-2 in Florida's last nine games.
-- Last four Buffalo games went over the total. Nine of last ten Philly home games stayed under.
-- Six of last eight Montreal-Carolina games went over the total.
-- Last nine Penguin games went over the total.
-- Over is 7-3 in Detroit's last ten home games.
-- Over is 8-3 in Bruins' last eleven road games.
-- Three of last four Nashville games stayed under.
-- Four of last five Chicago games went over the total.
-- Under is 5-1-2 in last eight Colorado games.
-- Three of last four Calgary home games stayed under the total.
-- Under is 10-3-1 in last fourteen Anaheim road games.
-- Under is 3-1-1 in last five Los Angeles games.

Series records
-- Jets won four of last six visits to Long Island.
-- Maple Leafs are 3-0 vs Tampa Bay this year: 7-1/7-3/3-1.
-- Panthers lost their last four visits to Washington.
-- Flyers won their last five games with Buffalo, scoring 25 goals.
-- Canadiens won five of last seven games with Carolina.
-- Rangers lost last three games with Pittsburgh, outscored 11-3.
-- Detroit beat the Devils twice LY, 4-1/3-1.
-- Bruins won eight of their last nine games with Ottawa.
-- Dallas Stars won three of their last four visits to Nashville.
-- Blackhawks won four of last five games with Minnesota.
-- Avalanche won nine of last eleven games with Columbus.
-- Canucks won ten of their last thirteen games with Calgary.
-- Ducks won ten of last twelve games with Edmonton.
-- Home side won last four San Jose-Los Angeles games.

Back-to-Back
-- Lightning is 3-5 on road if they played the night before.
-- Montreal is 2-6 on the road if it played the night before.
-- Red Wings are 4-0 at home if they played the night before.

**Udog** · 04-05-2012, 09:38 AM

NHL

Thursday, April 5

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Trend Report
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7:00 PM
BUFFALO vs. PHILADELPHIA
Buffalo is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Philadelphia
Buffalo is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Philadelphia's last 10 games at home
Philadelphia is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games at home

7:00 PM
FLORIDA vs. WASHINGTON
Florida is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Washington
Florida is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Washington's last 6 games when playing at home against Florida
Washington is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games at home

7:00 PM
MONTREAL vs. CAROLINA
Montreal is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
Montreal is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing Carolina
Carolina is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Carolina's last 5 games when playing at home against Montreal

7:00 PM
NY RANGERS vs. PITTSBURGH
NY Rangers are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games when playing on the road against Pittsburgh
The total has gone OVER in 4 of the NY Rangers last 5 games on the road
Pittsburgh is 16-3 SU in its last 19 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Pittsburgh's last 5 games at home

7:00 PM
TAMPA BAY vs. TORONTO
Tampa Bay is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Toronto
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Tampa Bay's last 10 games on the road
Toronto is 13-6 SU in its last 19 games when playing at home against Tampa Bay
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Toronto's last 5 games when playing at home against Tampa Bay

7:00 PM
WINNIPEG vs. NY ISLANDERS
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Winnipeg's last 7 games on the road
Winnipeg is 5-2 SU in their last 7 games when playing on the road against NY Islanders
The total has gone OVER in 4 of the NY Islanders last 5 games
NY Islanders are 2-5 SU in their last 7 games when playing at home against Winnipeg

7:30 PM
BOSTON vs. OTTAWA
Boston is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Boston's last 11 games on the road
Ottawa is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Ottawa's last 5 games when playing Boston

7:30 PM
NEW JERSEY vs. DETROIT
New Jersey is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing Detroit
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of New Jersey's last 5 games when playing Detroit
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Detroit's last 5 games when playing New Jersey
Detroit is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games

8:00 PM
CHICAGO vs. MINNESOTA
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Chicago's last 9 games on the road
Chicago is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Minnesota
Minnesota is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Chicago
Minnesota is 6-12 SU in its last 18 games

8:00 PM
DALLAS vs. NASHVILLE
Dallas is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
Dallas is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Nashville's last 6 games
Nashville is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Dallas

9:00 PM
COLUMBUS vs. COLORADO
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Columbus's last 7 games when playing on the road against Colorado
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Columbus's last 8 games
Colorado is 9-2 SU in its last 11 games when playing Columbus
Colorado is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home

9:00 PM
VANCOUVER vs. CALGARY
Vancouver is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Calgary
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Vancouver's last 9 games when playing on the road against Calgary
Calgary is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games
Calgary is 3-10 SU in its last 13 games when playing Vancouver

9:30 PM
ANAHEIM vs. EDMONTON
The total has gone UNDER in 17 of Anaheim's last 23 games on the road
Anaheim is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Edmonton
Edmonton is 2-8 SU in its last 10 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Edmonton's last 6 games when playing Anaheim

10:30 PM
SAN JOSE vs. LOS ANGELES
San Jose is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
San Jose is 16-8 SU in its last 24 games when playing on the road against Los Angeles
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Los Angeles's last 7 games at home
Los Angeles is 9-3 SU in its last 12 games

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**Udog** · 04-05-2012, 09:38 AM

NHL

Thursday, April 5

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Ice picks: Thursday’s best NHL bets
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Florida Panthers at Washington Capitals (-145, 5)

The Eastern Conference playoff race is close to boiling over.

The Panthers and Capitals are still battling it out for a spot in the dance and are coming off disappointing losses.

The Capitals dropped a 4-2 decision at Tampa Bay Tuesday and now needs any combination of four points earned by them or lost by the Buffalo Sabres to clinch a playoff spot.

Florida blew a 3-0 lead against Winnipeg Tuesday, as well as a chance to punch its postseason ticket. The Panthers need just a single point in their last two games.

“We haven’t made things easy for ourselves all year,’’ captain Stephen Weiss told reporters after the game, but the Panthers quickly moved on from the loss. They have picked up at least a point in 12 of their last 14.

"We know we're going in a hornet's nest in Washington,” veteran defenseman Ed Jovanovski added. “But we've battled adversity all year, through injuries and tough stretches, and we'll come up with a good game plan and not only get one point but get two."

Pick: Panthers

San Jose Sharks at Los Angeles Kings (-135, 5)

Thanks largely to Jonathan Quick’s incredible run down the stretch, the Los Angeles Kings look like they should hold on to top spot in the Pacific Division.

Quick has allowed only one goal in his last three starts and has 10 shutouts on the year after blanking Edmonton 2-0 Monday.

"They did a great job. I think maybe once or twice they were able to set up and we kind of shut down everything they wanted to get going," Quick said of his team’s defense. "Everything has its own challenges. Every save brings its own challenges."

Meanwhile, San Jose inched closer to a playoff spot by sweeping a home-and-home set with Dallas, outscoring the Stars 8-2.

The Sharks need the points more here, but Quick is going to be awfully tough to beat in L.A. before the two teams meet again in San Jose this weekend.

Pick: Kings

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Announcement

Thursday's Trends and Indexes - 4/5 (NBA, NHL, MLB, Misc.)

Thursday's Trends and Indexes - 4/5 (NBA, NHL, MLB, Misc.)

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