Announcement

**Udog** · 04-08-2012, 08:10 AM

Sunday’s betting tips: Strong winds blowing out at Comerica

Weather to watch

Boston Red Sox at Detroit Tigers: 22 mph winds are expected to be blowing out to left-centerfield.

Who’s hot

NBA: The under is 16-5 in Miami’s last 21.

NBA: New York has covered in 11 of its last 14.

MLB: The under is 9-3 in Mike Everitt’s last 12 games behind the plate. He’s working Sunday’s Jays-Indians game.

Who’s not

NBA: Cleveland is 2-7 against the spread in its last nine.

NBA: Utah is 1-5 against the spread in its last six.

MLB: Houston is 0-4 in Bud Norris’ last four trips to the hill.

Key stat

60.7 – The San Antonio Spurs shot 60.7 percent from the floor in Friday’s win over New Orleans to move into first place in the Western Conference. The Spurs have now won 10 straight games, going 8-1-1 against the spread during the streak. San Antonio hosts Utah Sunday.

Injury that shouldn’t be overlooked

Rodney Stuckey, Detroit Pistons – Stuckey left Friday’s game against Atlanta after re-injuring his left big toe but is expected to play Sunday against Miami. He’s averaging 16.3 points and four assists per game.

Game of the day

Chicago Bulls at New York Knicks (2.5, 186)

Notable quotable

"You can't panic. Three in a row is tough, especially late in the season, but you can't panic. We played hard all three games and we fought back in this one. We just have to get ready at home and try to get a win. It's a lesson learned for us. We just have to keep pushing." – Oklahoma City Thunder MVP candidate Kevin Durant about his team’s three-game losing streak, both straight up and against the spread. The Thunder are pegged as 13-point favorites Sunday against Toronto.

Notes and tips

Carlos Zambrano makes his first start since joining the Miami Marlins in the offseason Sunday against the Cincinnati Reds. Big Z is 17-11 lifetime against the Reds with a 3.28 ERA. Zambrano had 21 walks in 21 innings pitched in spring training, with a 6.23 ERA.

Orlando Magic forward Hedo Turkoglu will undergo surgery Saturday for a facial fracture and miss at least the final three weeks of the regular season. Turkoglu was hit across the face while defending New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony on Thursday. The 33-year-old will be re-evaluated after three weeks to determine his playoff availability. Turkoglu is averaging 10.7 points and 4.5 assists in 52 games this season.

Sweden's Peter Hanson shot a 7-under 65 to take a one shot lead into the final round of the Masters at Augusta National Golf Club. Hanson shot the day's lowest round, finishing with consecutive birdies to rocket up the leaderboard and move to 9 under. Phil Mickelson fired a 6-under 66 that included a stellar back nine. The American scored an eagle on the 13th hole en route to a score of 30 on the back nine, one stroke off the course record. Mickelson sits one stroke off the lead and will be paired with Hanson for the final round Sunday.

Masters odds to win:
PHIL MICKELSON 5/4
PETER HANSON 4/1
LOUIS OOSTHUIZEN 11/2
BUBBA WATSON 7/1
MATT KUCHAR 15/1
LEE WESTWOOD 20/1

**Udog** · 04-08-2012, 08:15 AM

Armadillo: Sunday's six-pack

-- Rough start for the Indians, who lost their opener in 16 innings, then lost again Saturday in the 12th. 11 of the 14 runs Toronto scored came in the ninth inning or in extra innings.

-- Mets' Ruben Tejada batted 8th Thursday, leadoff Saturday; not often you see a guy do that in the first two games of the season.

-- Baylor's women's basketball team has seven Recreation majors and two undecideds out of 12 players; Rec classes must be a lot of fun.

-- Over/under betting line on Phil Mickelson's score Sunday: 69.5.

-- Sergio Garcia hasn't shot under par in the third round of The Masters since 2002; his third round scoring average is 74.9.

-- RIP Chief Jay Strongbow, aka Joe Scarpa, who died this week. He was the first pro wrestler I remember seeing on TV as a kid.

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

Armadillo: Sunday's List of 13: Random thoughts on a sports Sunday.......

13) College kids who aspire to be pro athletes should take courses in school that help them learn how to handle money; its sad when guys squander tons of money and wind up broke. Coaches should encourage kids to learn about how to say no to parasites that follow big money around.

12) There's a chance Felix Hernandez could start against the A's seven times this season; thanks to the nitwit owner of the A's for agreeing to the Japan trip, where he sold off two home games to people who rooted for the other team, and in the process got an extra game against Felix, one of baseball's top pitchers. Well done.

11) A's have now lost their home opener eight years in a row.

10) ESPN's Darren Woodson said 95% of the stuff Gregg Williams said on tape in that locker room speech is fairly common in pro football. People need to get used to the idea that the NFL is an extremely violent sport, part of why it is so popular.

9) When Central Michigan fired its basketball coach Ernie Zeigler, they also fired their best player, his son Trey. The younger Zeigler transferrred to Pitt, where he can play in 2013-14. He's a darned good player.

8) When Lucas Duda homered in the 4th inning Saturday, he became first player to take advantage of the new shorter dimensions at Citi Field. Last year, Duda's homer would've hit the bottom of the fence, not gone over it.

7) I'm probably late with this, but heard it for the first time this week: if you mix Arnold Palmer iced tea with vodka, the drink is called a John Daly.

6) San Diego State-Syracuse are playing on a battleship next fall to tip off the college basketball season, just like Michigan State/North Carolina did last fall- they both wound up as #1 seeds, so it had to help a little.

5) This is the first time since 1980 Bronx Bombers/Red Sox are both 0-2 in the same season; Hideki Kuroda is Bombers' second best starting pitcher?

4) So Joe Girardi walked Sean Rodriguez intentionally Thursday, in the first inning; Rodriguez, who is 6-21 in his career against CC Sabathia, will never be confused with anyone you would walk intentionally, except to pitch to a pitcher. Carlos Pena is 4-35 with two homers against Sabathia; the second homer was a grand slam that followed the intentional walk. Whoops.

3) Pena became only the fifth player in MLB history to hit a grand slam in his team's first inning of the season. Last guy to do it was Juan Encanarcion in 1995, against John Smoltz and the Braves.

2) Kobe Bryant took 20 shots from the floor Friday, 11 more free throws, and had no assists, in a game Andrew Bynum got tossed out of for taunting the Houston bench. Bryant sat out Saturday's game, and Lakers had their worst loss of the season. Sounds like some more drama behind the scenes.

1) What would the odds be that, through first 1,000 games of their careers, that Prince Fielder and his father Cecil both had 232 home runs? There's a guy you need to walk intentionally, not freakin' Sean Rodriguez.

**Udog** · 04-08-2012, 08:19 AM

MLB
Dunkel

St. Louis at Milwaukee
The Cardinals look to bounce back from yesterday's 6-0 loss to Milwaukee and build on their 10-2 record in their last 12 games after scoring 2 runs or less in the previous game. St. Louis is the pick (-110) according to Dunkel, which has the Cardinals favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (-110). Here are all of today's picks.

SUNDAY, APRIL 8

Game 951-952: Atlanta at NY Mets (1:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta (Minor) 13.775; NY Mets (Niese) 14.741
Dunkel Line: NY Mets by 1; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: NY Mets (-110); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: NY Mets (-110); Over

Game 953-954: Miami at Cincinnati (1:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Miami (Zambrano) 14.576; Cincinnati (Arroyo) 13.810
Dunkel Line: Miami by 1; 8
Vegas Line: Cincinnati (-130); 9
Dunkel Pick: Miami (+110); Under

Game 955-956: Philadelphia at Pittsburgh (1:35 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia (Worley) 15.053; Pittsburgh (McDonald) 14.461
Dunkel Line: Philadelphia by 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: Philadelphia (-125); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (-125); Under

Game 957-958: Colorado at Houston (2:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Colorado (Nicasio) 14.902; Houston (Norris) 13.666
Dunkel Line: Colorado by 1; 9
Vegas Line: Colorado (-135); 8
Dunkel Pick: Colorado (-135); Over

Game 959-960: St. Louis at Milwaukee (2:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: St. Louis (Lynn) 16.803; Milwaukee (Wolf) 15.967
Dunkel Line: St. Louis by 1; 9
Vegas Line: Milwaukee (-110); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (-110); Over

Game 961-962: Washington at Chicago Cubs (2:20 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Washington (Zimmermann) 16.055; Cubs (Samardzija) 15.024
Dunkel Line: Washington by 1; 6
Vegas Line: Washington (-125); No Total
Dunkel Pick: Washington (-125); N/A

Game 963-964: LA Dodgers at San Diego (4:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: LA Dodgers (Harang) 15.159; San Diego (Richard) 16.318
Dunkel Line: San Diego by 1; 8
Vegas Line: San Diego (-120); 7
Dunkel Pick: San Diego (-120); Over

Game 965-966: San Francisco at Arizona (4:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Francisco (Cain) 14.835; Arizona (Collmenter) 16.115
Dunkel Line: Arizona by 1 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: San Francisco (-120); 8
Dunkel Pick: Arizona (+100); Over

Game 967-968: Boston at Detroit (1:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Boston (Buchholz) 14.555; Detroit (Scherzer) 16.846
Dunkel Line: Detroit by 2 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: Detroit (-115); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (-115); Over

Game 969-970: Toronto at Cleveland (1:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Toronto (Careno) 14.952; Cleveland (Lowe) 14.210
Dunkel Line: Toronto by 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: Cleveland (-120); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (+100); Over

Game 971-972: Minnesota at Baltimore (1:35 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota (Swarzak) 13.892; Baltimore (Hammel) 15.896
Dunkel Line: Baltimore by 2; 10
Vegas Line: Baltimore (-125); 9
Dunkel Pick: Baltimore (-125); Over

Game 973-974: NY Yankees at Tampa Bay (1:40 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: NY Yankees (Hughes) 16.124; Tampa Bay (Hellickson) 15.461
Dunkel Line: NY Yankees by 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: Tampa Bay (-120); 8
Dunkel Pick: NY Yankees (+100); Over

Game 975-976: Kansas City at LA Angels (3:35 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Kansas City (Sanchez) 15.175; LA Angels (Santana) 14.907
Dunkel Line: Kansas City by 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: LA Angels (-175); 8
Dunkel Pick: Kansas City (+155); Over

Game 977-978: Chicago White Sox at Texas (8:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: White Sox (Floyd) 15.446; Texas (Harrison) 16.846
Dunkel Line: Texas by 1 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: Texas (-180); 9
Dunkel Pick: Texas (-180); Under

**Udog** · 04-08-2012, 08:20 AM

MLB
Long Sheet

Sunday, April 8

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ATLANTA (0 - 1) at NY METS (1 - 0) - 1:10 PM
MIKE MINOR (L) vs. JON NIESE (L)
Top Trends for this game.
NY METS are 35-47 (-17.2 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 253-256 (-70.6 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents since 1997.
NY METS are 35-47 (-17.2 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
NY METS is 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against ATLANTA this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.0 Units)

MIKE MINOR vs. NY METS since 1997
MINOR is 2-0 when starting against NY METS with an ERA of 6.75 and a WHIP of 1.850.
His team's record is 4-0 (+4.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-0. (+4.0 units)

JON NIESE vs. ATLANTA since 1997
NIESE is 3-2 when starting against ATLANTA with an ERA of 3.55 and a WHIP of 1.598.
His team's record is 4-4 (-0.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-2. (+3.0 units)

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MIAMI (0 - 2) at CINCINNATI (1 - 0) - 1:10 PM
CARLOS ZAMBRANO (R) vs. BRONSON ARROYO (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MIAMI is 49-69 (-18.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
ZAMBRANO is 88-58 (+32.0 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997. (Team's Record)
ZAMBRANO is 88-56 (+34.2 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field since 1997. (Team's Record)

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

CARLOS ZAMBRANO vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
ZAMBRANO is 17-11 when starting against CINCINNATI with an ERA of 3.29 and a WHIP of 1.291.
His team's record is 19-13 (-0.9 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 17-15. (-0.0 units)

BRONSON ARROYO vs. MIAMI since 1997
ARROYO is 1-3 when starting against MIAMI with an ERA of 3.83 and a WHIP of 1.355.
His team's record is 3-5 (-2.6 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-5. (-3.0 units)

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PHILADELPHIA (1 - 0) at PITTSBURGH (0 - 1) - 1:35 PM
VANCE WORLEY (R) vs. JAMES MCDONALD (R)
Top Trends for this game.
WORLEY is 16-5 (+10.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
WORLEY is 16-5 (+10.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

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

VANCE WORLEY vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
WORLEY is 0-0 when starting against PITTSBURGH with an ERA of 6.00 and a WHIP of 1.167.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.2 units)

JAMES MCDONALD vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
MCDONALD is 0-2 when starting against PHILADELPHIA with an ERA of 8.00 and a WHIP of 2.222.
His team's record is 0-2 (-2.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-2. (-2.2 units)

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COLORADO (1 - 0) at HOUSTON (0 - 1) - 2:05 PM
JUAN NICASIO (R) vs. BUD NORRIS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
COLORADO is 74-91 (-30.5 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 67-98 (-32.7 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 3 seasons.
COLORADO is 6-19 (-17.6 Units) against the money line when playing on Sunday over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 20-32 (-19.8 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 74-91 (-30.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 48-68 (-30.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 57-108 (-35.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 5-21 (-14.9 Units) against the money line when playing on Sunday over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 13-37 (-22.0 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 55-107 (-36.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 35-81 (-35.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.

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

JUAN NICASIO vs. HOUSTON since 1997
No recent starts.

BUD NORRIS vs. COLORADO since 1997
NORRIS is 0-0 when starting against COLORADO with an ERA of 7.20 and a WHIP of 2.000.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.2 units)

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ST LOUIS (2 - 0) at MILWAUKEE (0 - 1) - 2:10 PM
LANCE LYNN (R) vs. RANDY WOLF (L)
Top Trends for this game.
ST LOUIS is 49-52 (-19.7 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 62-27 (+27.1 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 15-1 (+13.9 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Sunday over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 25-8 (+15.2 Units) against the money line in home games in day games over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 62-27 (+27.1 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 83-52 (+24.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
WOLF is 191-155 (+31.5 Units) against the money line in all games since 1997. (Team's Record)
WOLF is 150-119 (+33.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field since 1997. (Team's Record)
ST LOUIS is 53-40 (+15.6 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 52-38 (+16.3 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ST LOUIS is 1-0 (+1.1 Units) against MILWAUKEE this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)

LANCE LYNN vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
No recent starts.

RANDY WOLF vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
WOLF is 9-8 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 3.87 and a WHIP of 1.170.
His team's record is 12-9 (+4.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 8-12. (-5.2 units)

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WASHINGTON (1 - 0) at CHICAGO CUBS (0 - 1) - 2:20 PM
JORDAN ZIMMERMANN (R) vs. JEFF SAMARDZIJA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 81-82 (+10.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 81-82 (+10.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 1187-1267 (-235.7 Units) against the money line in all games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 75-89 (-29.0 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 645-650 (-123.9 Units) against the money line in day games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 75-89 (-29.0 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 49-64 (-23.1 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.

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

JORDAN ZIMMERMANN vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
ZIMMERMANN is 0-2 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 6.00 and a WHIP of 1.500.
His team's record is 1-2 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-1. (+1.0 units)

JEFF SAMARDZIJA vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
No recent starts.

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LA DODGERS (2 - 0) at SAN DIEGO (0 - 2) - 4:05 PM
AARON HARANG (R) vs. CLAYTON RICHARD (L)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN DIEGO is 32-25 (+14.3 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 35-48 (-16.4 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 27-48 (-17.4 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 35-48 (-16.4 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 24-35 (-13.8 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA DODGERS is 2-0 (+2.2 Units) against SAN DIEGO this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)

AARON HARANG vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
HARANG is 3-4 when starting against SAN DIEGO with an ERA of 4.38 and a WHIP of 1.249.
His team's record is 4-5 (-1.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-3. (+1.8 units)

CLAYTON RICHARD vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
RICHARD is 4-1 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 2.58 and a WHIP of 1.331.
His team's record is 5-2 (+3.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-4. (-1.3 units)

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SAN FRANCISCO (0 - 1) at ARIZONA (1 - 0) - 4:10 PM
MATT CAIN (R) vs. JOSH COLLMENTER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
ARIZONA is 98-72 (+26.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 55-31 (+16.9 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 45-29 (+16.8 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 98-72 (+26.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 73-48 (+28.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 456-448 (+46.4 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters since 1997.

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

MATT CAIN vs. ARIZONA since 1997
CAIN is 10-6 when starting against ARIZONA with an ERA of 3.46 and a WHIP of 1.166.
His team's record is 13-10 (+1.6 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 9-13. (-5.8 units)

JOSH COLLMENTER vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
COLLMENTER is 1-1 when starting against SAN FRANCISCO with an ERA of 5.25 and a WHIP of 1.417.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (+0.1 units)

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BOSTON (0 - 1) at DETROIT (1 - 0) - 1:05 PM
CLAY BUCHHOLZ (R) vs. MAX SCHERZER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 22-28 (-17.7 Units) against the money line in April games over the last 3 seasons.
DETROIT is 102-74 (+18.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 37-17 (+20.8 Units) against the money line when playing on Sunday over the last 3 seasons.
DETROIT is 42-25 (+15.6 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.

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

CLAY BUCHHOLZ vs. DETROIT since 1997
BUCHHOLZ is 1-1 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 2.82 and a WHIP of 1.200.
His team's record is 4-2 (+2.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 4-1. (+2.8 units)

MAX SCHERZER vs. BOSTON since 1997
SCHERZER is 0-2 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 9.45 and a WHIP of 2.026.
His team's record is 0-3 (-3.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-2. (-2.4 units)

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TORONTO (1 - 0) at CLEVELAND (0 - 1) - 1:05 PM
JOEL CARRENO (R) vs. DEREK LOWE (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CLEVELAND is 18-9 (+11.3 Units) against the money line in April games over the last 2 seasons.

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

JOEL CARRENO vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
No recent starts.

DEREK LOWE vs. TORONTO since 1997
LOWE is 4-4 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 4.65 and a WHIP of 1.403.
His team's record is 6-4 (+0.5 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 4-5. (-1.8 units)

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MINNESOTA (0 - 1) at BALTIMORE (1 - 0) - 1:35 PM
ANTHONY SWARZAK (R) vs. JASON HAMMEL (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 63-101 (-26.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 61-96 (-24.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 42-76 (-26.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 152-236 (-84.3 Units) against the money line when playing on Sunday since 1997.

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

ANTHONY SWARZAK vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
No recent starts.

JASON HAMMEL vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
HAMMEL is 1-0 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 3.00 and a WHIP of 1.167.
His team's record is 2-0 (+2.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (+0.0 units)

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NY YANKEES (0 - 1) at TAMPA BAY (1 - 0) - 1:40 PM
PHIL HUGHES (R) vs. JEREMY HELLICKSON (R)
Top Trends for this game.
TAMPA BAY is 436-531 (+23.8 Units) against the money line against division opponents since 1997.
NY YANKEES are 44-14 (+25.0 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
TAMPA BAY is 1-0 (+1.2 Units) against NY YANKEES this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)

PHIL HUGHES vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
HUGHES is 3-3 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 4.21 and a WHIP of 1.184.
His team's record is 3-3 (-1.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-4. (-2.3 units)

JEREMY HELLICKSON vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
HELLICKSON is 1-1 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 4.07 and a WHIP of 1.356.
His team's record is 2-2 (+0.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-3. (-2.3 units)

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KANSAS CITY (0 - 1) at LA ANGELS (1 - 0) - 3:35 PM
JONATHAN SANCHEZ (L) vs. ERVIN SANTANA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
LA ANGELS are 369-302 (+58.4 Units) against the money line in day games since 1997.
LA ANGELS are 114-109 (-61.5 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -150 to -175 since 1997.

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

JONATHAN SANCHEZ vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
SANCHEZ is 0-1 when starting against LA ANGELS with an ERA of 14.71 and a WHIP of 2.725.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.3 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-0. (+0.0 units)

ERVIN SANTANA vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
SANTANA is 5-5 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 4.80 and a WHIP of 1.447.
His team's record is 6-7 (-4.9 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 7-6. (-0.1 units)

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CHI WHITE SOX (0 - 1) at TEXAS (1 - 0) - 8:05 PM
GAVIN FLOYD (R) vs. MATT HARRISON (L)
Top Trends for this game.
CHI WHITE SOX are 19-33 (-17.4 Units) against the money line in April games over the last 3 seasons.
TEXAS is 79-48 (+17.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 87-78 (+19.3 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 3 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 42-34 (+12.2 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.

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

GAVIN FLOYD vs. TEXAS since 1997
FLOYD is 2-3 when starting against TEXAS with an ERA of 4.73 and a WHIP of 1.361.
His team's record is 2-4 (-2.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-3. (-0.2 units)

MATT HARRISON vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
HARRISON is 2-0 when starting against CHI WHITE SOX with an ERA of 3.54 and a WHIP of 1.214.
His team's record is 4-1 (+3.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-3. (-1.2 units)

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**Udog** · 04-08-2012, 08:27 AM

MLB

Sunday, April 8

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Trend Report
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1:05 PM
TORONTO vs. CLEVELAND
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Toronto's last 6 games when playing on the road against Cleveland
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Toronto's last 6 games on the road
Cleveland is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Toronto
Cleveland is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Toronto

1:05 PM
BOSTON vs. DETROIT
Boston is 2-11 SU in its last 13 games on the road
Boston is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games when playing Detroit
Detroit is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games when playing Boston
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Detroit's last 5 games

1:10 PM
ATLANTA vs. NY METS
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Atlanta's last 6 games when playing NY Mets
Atlanta is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing NY Mets
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of NY Mets's last 5 games when playing at home against Atlanta
The total has gone OVER in 8 of NY Mets's last 12 games

1:10 PM
MIAMI vs. CINCINNATI
Miami is 5-15 SU in its last 20 games when playing on the road against Cincinnati
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Miami's last 12 games on the road
Cincinnati is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
Cincinnati is 15-5 SU in its last 20 games when playing at home against Miami

1:35 PM
MINNESOTA vs. BALTIMORE
Minnesota is 1-13 SU in its last 14 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Minnesota's last 6 games on the road
Baltimore is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Minnesota
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Baltimore's last 7 games when playing Minnesota

1:35 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. PITTSBURGH
Philadelphia is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Pittsburgh
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Philadelphia's last 7 games when playing Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Pittsburgh's last 5 games at home

1:40 PM
NY YANKEES vs. TAMPA BAY
NY Yankees are 0-5 SU in their last 5 games when playing on the road against Tampa Bay
The total has gone OVER in 4 of NY Yankees's last 6 games when playing Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games
Tampa Bay is 11-3 SU in its last 14 games at home

2:05 PM
COLORADO vs. HOUSTON
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Colorado's last 6 games on the road
Colorado is 4-12 SU in its last 16 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Houston's last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Houston's last 5 games

2:10 PM
ST. LOUIS vs. MILWAUKEE
The total has gone OVER in 6 of St. Louis's last 7 games when playing on the road against Milwaukee
St. Louis is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Milwaukee is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against St. Louis
The total has gone OVER in 12 of Milwaukee's last 18 games

2:20 PM
WASHINGTON vs. CHI CUBS
Washington is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
Washington is 5-2 SU in their last 7 games when playing on the road against Chi Cubs
Chi Cubs are 2-5 SU in their last 7 games when playing at home against Washington
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Chi Cubs's last 9 games when playing at home against Washington

3:35 PM
KANSAS CITY vs. LA ANGELS
Kansas City is 12-6 SU in its last 18 games
Kansas City is 8-3 SU in their last 11 games when playing LA Angels
LA Angels are 6-3 SU in their last 9 games when playing at home against Kansas City
LA Angels are 1-5 SU in their last 6 games at home

4:05 PM
LA DODGERS vs. SAN DIEGO
LA Dodgers are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games when playing on the road against San Diego
LA Dodgers are 6-1 SU in their last 7 games
San Diego is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of San Diego's last 5 games at home

4:10 PM
SAN FRANCISCO vs. ARIZONA
San Francisco is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Arizona
San Francisco is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Arizona is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Arizona's last 6 games

8:05 PM
CHI WHITE SOX vs. TEXAS
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Chi White Sox's last 8 games when playing on the road against Texas
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Chi White Sox's last 14 games when playing Texas
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Texas's last 8 games when playing at home against Chi White Sox
Texas is 14-3 SU in its last 17 games at home

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**Udog** · 04-08-2012, 08:31 AM

MLB

Sunday, April 8

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Sunday Night Baseball: White Sox at Rangers
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Chicago White Sox at Texas Rangers (-173, 9)

The defending American League champion Texas Rangers got nine strikeouts from Colby Lewis in eking out a one-run triumph in their season opener Friday, but the White Sox returned the favor by stealing a 4-3 road win Saturday evening. Alex Rios, raked over the coals during a sub-par 2011 season, led off the ninth inning with what proved to be the game-winning home run against Texas closer Joe Nathan, giving rookie manager Robin Ventura his first victory in the big leagues.

Both teams did some restructuring in the offseason. Texas signed Japanese star Yu Darvish and acquired free agent Nathan after moving former closer Neftali Feliz into the starting rotation. Chicago dealt right fielder Carlos Quentin to San Diego and replaced him with former Cubs outfielder Kosuke Fukudome. The White Sox also dealt closer Sergio Santos to Toronto, with Ventura planning to fill the role by committee. Hector Santiago earned his first career save Saturday.

TV: 8:05 p.m. ET, ESPN, ESPN3.com

PITCHING MATCHUP: White Sox RH Gavin Floyd (2011: 12-13, ERA 4.37) vs. Rangers LH Matt Harrison (2011: 14-9, ERA 3.39)

Floyd was a slightly better pitcher in 2011 than his traditional numbers suggest, showing solid control (151 strikeouts, 45 walks). He was undone at times by his tendency to give up the long ball (22 homers in 193 2/3 innings). Floyd has been beaten up in his six career starts against Texas, allowing 30 runs in 32 1/3 innings, but Chicago’s porous defense was a factor as 10 of those runs were unearned.

After a solid regular season that saw him emerge as a surprise mainstay in the Rangers’ rotation, Harrison stumbled in the World Series, losing both his starts and allowing eight runs (six earned) in only 7 2/3 innings. The southpaw has fared much better against the White Sox, going 2-0 with a 3.54 ERA in five career starts. Chicago first baseman Paul Konerko is only 1-for-11 against him.

TRENDS:

* Under is 7-1 in the last eight meetings in Texas.
* Rangers are 4-1 in Harrisons last five starts vs. White Sox.
* Under is 11-3 in the last 14 meetings.

CAPPING THE UMPS - Mark Wegner:

* Home team is 4-0 in Wegners last four Sunday games behind home plate.
* Over is 4-0 in Wegners last four games behind home plate.
* Road team is 4-0 in Wegners last four games behind home plate.
* Rangers are 1-8 in their last 9 games with Wegner behind home plate.

WALK-OFFS:

1. Chicago’s Paul Konerko has gone 2-for-4 in each of the first two games, and he drove in the first three White Sox runs Saturday.

2. Texas has won its last six Sunday games and is also unbeaten in Harrison’s last five Sunday starts.

3. The two teams have split their last 18 meetings dating back to 2010.

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**Udog** · 04-08-2012, 08:34 AM

MLB

Sunday, April 8

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Hot lines: Sunday's best MLB bets
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Washington Nationals at Chicago Cubs (+115, N/A)

If the Chicago Cubs’ bullpen doesn’t get it together, it’s going to be a very long year for the North Siders.

A day after Kerry Wood and Carlos Marmol couldn’t finish off a spectacular effort from starter Ryan Dempster, the duo faltered again Saturday.

The Cubs had a 4-2 lead heading into the eighth before the Nats erupted with five runs against the Wood-Marmol combo to come away with a 7-4 victory.

Chicago’s Jeff Samardzija knows what it’s like coming out of the bullpen, but he has earned the No. 3 spot in the rotation this year and will make his sixth career start Sunday.

"You don't know how many opportunities you're going to get to start," Samardzija told reporters. "Once you become a reliever and have success, a lot of times that's where you end up in your career. I really wanted to give this a full head of steam and a full shot."

He has looked good this spring, apart from one bad start against the Rockies after he had locked down a rotation spot.

Cubs are worth a bet here as they look to keep the brooms away.

Pick: Cubs

Toronto Blue Jays at Cleveland Indians (-115, 8.5)

Working overtime is paying off for the Toronto Blue Jays.

The Jays opened the season with a 7-4 win over Cleveland in 16 innings Thursday in what was the longest season opener in league history and then needed 12 innings to pick up another 7-4 win Saturday.

Rajai Davis delivered a two-run double to snap the tie in the 12th inning. Brett Lawrie also had a big day, snapping Ubaldo Jimenez’s no-hit bid in the seventh inning with a two-run single in the seventh. Lawrie finished the day with three hits and a run scored.

Toronto will send Joel Carreno to the mound against veteran Derek Lowe Sunday. Carreno has just 15 2/3 innings of experience in the bigs, while Lowe is looking to make a good impression on his new club.

Lowe struggled with some back spasms late in spring training, but he’s never been on the DL in his career and will be game for this start.

Pick: Indians

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**Udog** · 04-08-2012, 08:37 AM

NBA
Dunkel

Chicago at New York
The Knicks look to build on their 4-0 ATS record in their last 4 games as a home underdog of 1 to 4 1/2 points. New York is the pick (+3) according to Dunkel, which has the Knicks favored by 5. Dunkel Pick: New York (+3). Here are all of today's picks

SUNDAY, APRIL 8

Game 701-702: Chicago at New York (1:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Chicago 120.984; New York 126.103
Dunkel Line & Total: New York by 5; 188
Vegas Line & Total: Chicago by 3; 184 1/2
Dunkel Pick: New York (+3); Over

Game 703-704: Cleveland at New Jersey (6:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cleveland 107.962; New Jersey 118.697
Dunkel Line & Total: New Jersey by 10 1/2; 190
Vegas Line & Total: New Jersey by 7; 193
Dunkel Pick: New Jersey (-7); Under

Game 705-706: Philadelphia at Boston (6:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia 113.396; Boston 128.913
Dunkel Line & Total: Boston by 15 1/2; 172
Vegas Line & Total: Boston by 4; 176 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Boston (-4); Under

Game 707-708: Detroit at Miami (6:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit 111.952; Miami 126.076
Dunkel Line & Total: Miami by 14; 186
Vegas Line & Total: Miami by 12; 189 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Miami (-12); Under

Game 709-710: Toronto at Oklahoma City (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Toronto 116.741; Oklahoma City 126.273
Dunkel Line & Total: Oklahoma City by 9 1/2; 192
Vegas Line & Total: Oklahoma City by 13; 197
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (+13); Under

Game 711-712: Utah at San Antonio (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Utah 118.481; San Antonio 126.747
Dunkel Line & Total: San Antonio by 8 1/2; 213
Vegas Line & Total: San Antonio by 10; 209
Dunkel Pick: Utah (+10); Over

Game 713-714: Houston at Sacramento (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Houston 119.262; Sacramento 117.626
Dunkel Line & Total: Houston by 1 1/2; 216
Vegas Line & Total: Houston by 3 1/2; No Total
Dunkel Pick: Sacramento (+3 1/2); N/A

**Udog** · 04-08-2012, 08:40 AM

NBA
Long Sheet

Sunday, April 8

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CHICAGO (43 - 13) at NEW YORK (28 - 27) - 4/8/2012, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEW YORK is 40-23 ATS (+14.7 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
NEW YORK is 21-12 ATS (+7.8 Units) second half of the season this season.
NEW YORK is 39-26 ATS (+10.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO is 33-23 ATS (+7.7 Units) in all games this season.
CHICAGO is 19-9 ATS (+9.1 Units) in road games this season.
CHICAGO is 9-1 ATS (+7.9 Units) in a road game where where the total is between 180 and 184.5 points this season.
CHICAGO is 43-30 ATS (+10.0 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO is 39-26 ATS (+10.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
NEW YORK is 5-4 against the spread versus CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO is 6-3 straight up against NEW YORK over the last 3 seasons
5 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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CLEVELAND (18 - 35) at NEW JERSEY (20 - 37) - 4/8/2012, 6:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CLEVELAND is 120-157 ATS (-52.7 Units) after scoring 85 points or less since 1996.
NEW JERSEY is 95-123 ATS (-40.3 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
NEW JERSEY is 44-62 ATS (-24.2 Units) in home games over the last 3 seasons.
NEW JERSEY is 11-23 ATS (-14.3 Units) in home games second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
NEW JERSEY is 3-14 ATS (-12.4 Units) in home games against Central division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
NEW JERSEY is 23-37 ATS (-17.7 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
NEW JERSEY is 6-5 against the spread versus CLEVELAND over the last 3 seasons
CLEVELAND is 7-4 straight up against NEW JERSEY over the last 3 seasons
6 of 11 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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PHILADELPHIA (29 - 26) at BOSTON (31 - 24) - 4/8/2012, 6:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 9-19 ATS (-11.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
BOSTON is 18-8 ATS (+9.2 Units) on Sunday games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 76-98 ATS (-31.8 Units) as a favorite over the last 3 seasons.
BOSTON is 10-25 ATS (-17.5 Units) when playing on back-to-back days over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 149-191 ATS (-61.1 Units) in home games revenging a loss vs opponent since 1996.
BOSTON is 38-63 ATS (-31.3 Units) in home games off an upset win as an underdog since 1996.
BOSTON is 14-32 ATS (-21.2 Units) after a win by 10 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 42-71 ATS (-36.1 Units) in home games versus good defensive teams - allowing <=91 points/game since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHILADELPHIA is 7-3 against the spread versus BOSTON over the last 3 seasons
BOSTON is 6-4 straight up against PHILADELPHIA 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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DETROIT (21 - 34) at MIAMI (39 - 15) - 4/8/2012, 6:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 21-11 ATS (+8.9 Units) second half of the season this season.
DETROIT is 32-16 ATS (+14.4 Units) against Southeast division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
MIAMI is 36-59 ATS (-28.9 Units) in home games in April games since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
MIAMI is 5-4 against the spread versus DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
MIAMI is 8-1 straight up against DETROIT 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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TORONTO (20 - 36) at OKLAHOMA CITY (40 - 15) - 4/8/2012, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 132-107 ATS (+14.3 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 48-28 ATS (+17.2 Units) in non-conference games over the last 3 seasons.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 20-9 ATS (+10.1 Units) off a upset loss as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 32-15 ATS (+15.5 Units) as a road underdog of 12.5 to 18 points since 1996.
TORONTO is 32-15 ATS (+15.5 Units) as a road underdog of 12.5 or more points since 1996.

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

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UTAH (29 - 27) at SAN ANTONIO (39 - 14) - 4/8/2012, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SAN ANTONIO is 34-18 ATS (+14.2 Units) in all games this season.
SAN ANTONIO is 25-14 ATS (+9.6 Units) as a favorite this season.
SAN ANTONIO is 19-7 ATS (+11.3 Units) in home games this season.
SAN ANTONIO is 23-7 ATS (+15.3 Units) second half of the season this season.
SAN ANTONIO is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) after a division game this season.
SAN ANTONIO is 53-35 ATS (+14.5 Units) after a win by 10 points or more over the last 3 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 13-5 ATS (+7.5 Units) after 3 or more consecutive wins this season.
SAN ANTONIO is 19-8 ATS (+10.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
SAN ANTONIO is 33-20 ATS (+11.0 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
UTAH is 5-4 against the spread versus SAN ANTONIO over the last 3 seasons
SAN ANTONIO is 5-4 straight up against UTAH over the last 3 seasons
6 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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HOUSTON (30 - 25) at SACRAMENTO (19 - 37) - 4/8/2012, 9:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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**Udog** · 04-08-2012, 08:44 AM

NBA

Sunday, April 8

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Report
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1:00 PM
CHICAGO vs. NEW YORK
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Chicago's last 7 games when playing New York
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Chicago's last 9 games when playing on the road against New York
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of New York's last 11 games
New York is 10-3 SU in its last 13 games

6:00 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. BOSTON
Philadelphia is 5-13 SU in its last 18 games when playing Boston
Philadelphia is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
Boston is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Philadelphia
Boston is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Philadelphia

6:00 PM
DETROIT vs. MIAMI
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Detroit's last 5 games on the road
Detroit is 5-17 SU in its last 22 games on the road
Miami is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Detroit
Miami is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Detroit

6:00 PM
CLEVELAND vs. NEW JERSEY
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Cleveland's last 7 games when playing on the road against New Jersey
The total has gone UNDER in 15 of Cleveland's last 22 games when playing New Jersey
New Jersey is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Cleveland
New Jersey is 4-11 SU in its last 15 games when playing Cleveland

7:00 PM
UTAH vs. SAN ANTONIO
Utah is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
Utah is 3-11 ATS in its last 14 games when playing on the road against San Antonio
San Antonio is 6-0-1 ATS in its last 7 games
San Antonio is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games

7:00 PM
TORONTO vs. OKLAHOMA CITY
Toronto is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Oklahoma City
Toronto is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City is 17-8 SU in its last 25 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Oklahoma City's last 9 games at home

9:00 PM
HOUSTON vs. SACRAMENTO
Houston is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Sacramento
Houston is 8-15 SU in its last 23 games when playing on the road against Sacramento
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Sacramento's last 15 games at home
Sacramento is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games at home

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**Udog** · 04-08-2012, 08:47 AM

NBA

Sunday, April 8

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NBA Top 5: Best NBA title long-shot bets
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There are just three weeks remaining in the lockout-shortened NBA schedule and books and bettors have a good idea of which teams have what it takes to make a run at the title.

The NBA Championship odds are leaning toward a Miami-Oklahoma City final, but anything is possible especially after the 66-game grind. That means there is some solid value in the futures market, starting with these five teams:

San Antonio Spurs (+900)

After a win over New Orleans Friday, the Spurs are tied atop the Western Conference with the Thunder. San Antonio has won 10 straight games (8-1-1 ATS) and has just two losses in the past month, but still oddsmakers continue to discount its title chances. Maybe it’s because the Spurs, with Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker, are looked at as an old team in a season built for young men? I’ll take veteran experience over youthful exuberance when the going gets tough every time.

Dallas Mavericks (+2,500)

The defending NBA champs are priced at whaaa…? Dallas has been spotty at times this season, but has still shown signs of being a championship-caliber squad. The Mavericks are currently in sixth place in the West, heading into the weekend, and are minus point guard Jason Kidd for at least a few more games. A win over Memphis Saturday would go a long way in their playoff seeding, but a weak road stretch ahead could give Dallas the momentum it needs heading into the postseason.

Boston Celtics (+3,300)

The Celtics are the Spurs of the Eastern Conference – thought of as past their prime but quietly making a charge to round out the schedule. Ray Allen is back, Kevin Garnett is playing with passion again, and Paul Pierce is still Paul Pierce. Add to the mix an emerging Avery Bradley and Brandon Bass’ toughness inside - not to mention Rajon Rondo’s nightly double-doubles - and Boston, with all its experience, will be a tough out come the playoffs.

Memphis Grizzlies (+4,000)

The Grizzlies are all about making teams look stupid and could pull a similar feat, by making books look like fools, if they win the NBA Championship. Memphis, which leads the league in steals and points off turnovers, showed just how dangerous it could be with an upset over the Miami Friday. Now that the Grizzlies are healthy, they boast one of the deepest scoring attacks in the NBA, with Zach Randolph, O.J. Mayo and a resurrected Gilbert Arenas coming off the bench.

Indiana Pacers (+6,600)

Don’t think the Pacers have what it takes to hang with the NBA’s elite. Let us point to Exhibit A: Friday’s 103-98 win over Oklahoma City. Indiana took an early lead and withstood a charge from the Thunder to pick up its fourth win in a row and improve to 7-3 (6-4 ATS) in the last 10 games, heading into the weekend. The Pacers are tough defensively and have displayed a scoring prowess in recent outings, topping the century mark in five straight games. On top of that, Indiana is one of the few teams that can win on the road, which is rare in this wacky season.

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**Udog** · 04-08-2012, 08:49 AM

NBA

Sunday, April 8

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NBA on ABC: Chicago Bullls at New York Knicks
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Chicago Bulls at New York Knicks (+2.5, 185)

THE STORY: Derrick Rose is expected to return to the lineup for the first time in nearly a month when the Chicago Bulls visit the New York Knicks on Sunday in the front end of a home-and-home matchup. The reigning league MVP has been sidelined for 12 games with a groin injury and last played in Chicago’s 104-99 win over the Knicks on March 12. New York leads Milwaukee by only a half-game for the final playoff spot in the East.

TV: 1 p.m. ET, ABC

ABOUT THE BULLS (43-13, 32-23-1 ATS): Rose went through a full practice Saturday and pronounced himself “more than likely” to play Sunday, although coach Tom Thibodeau termed him a game-time decision. “My spirits are up. I felt good out there,” Rose said. The Bulls got a season-high 26 points from Luol Deng in snapping a two-game losing streak with a 95-86 win over Boston on Thursday. It was the fourth 20-point outing in five games for Deng, who was hurt the last time the teams met.

ABOUT THE KNICKS (28-27, 28-27 ATS): New York took advantage of the sideshow in Orlando to whack the Magic 96-80 on Thursday. Carmelo Anthony scored 19 points to lead six players in double figures for the Knicks, who buried 13 of 25 3-pointers. In the six games since losing forward Amar’e Stoudemire to a back injury and point guard Jeremy Lin to knee surgery, Anthony has picked up the scoring slack by averaging 27.7 points. He’s also averaging 8.0 rebounds during that stretch.

TRENDS:

* Under is 7-2 in the last nine meetings in New York.
* Over is 5-2 in the last seven meetings.
* Bulls are 1-4 ATS in the last five meetings.

BUZZER BEATERS:

1. Winners of three of the last four at Madison Square Garden, the Bulls are a league-best 21-7 away from home.

2. Knicks forward Steve Novak leads the NBA in 3-point shooting percentage (47.9).

3. Rose scored 32 points in each of Chicago’s wins over New York this season.

PREDICTION: Bulls 98, Knicks 94

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**Udog** · 04-08-2012, 08:52 AM

NBA

Sunday, April 8

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Pick 'n' roll: Sunday's best NBA bets
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Cleveland Cavaliers at New Jersey Nets (-7, 193.5)

Even though the Nets don’t have much to play for these days, they’re putting together a nice run down the stretch.

New Jersey has won four of its last six, covering five times over that span as they get set to host the struggling Cavaliers.

As usual, point guard Deron Willams has been a major catalyst. He put up 19 points and 13 assists in New Jersey’s 100-84 blowout of the Wizards. The Nets shot a season-best 56 percent from the floor.

"We didn't finish up strongly on the road trip (losing the last two games to the Lakers and Trailblazers), so we wanted to get back on our winning track," Williams told reporters. "We started off better than usual and that was the key. We just played solid all throughout the game. We all played well."

The Cavs just snapped a nine-game losing streak with a win over Toronto, but they’re going to struggle against New Jersey without Kyrie Irving and Anthony Parker.

Pick: Nets

Utah Jazz at San Antonio Spurs (-10, 209.5)

The condensed schedule is starting to catch up to the Utah Jazz.

Paul Millsap (stomach virus) and C.J. Miles (nausea) have been battling through illness, and Devin Harris (sprained left ankle) and Al Jefferson (strained abdomen) are banged up.

"This time of year, especially, most guys are aching in some kind of way. If you want an excuse not to play, you can find it easy," Jazz coach Tyrone Corbin said. "If you love what you're doing and you're willing to be responsible to your teammates and the character of you as a person, you fight through those things."

The Jazz downed the Warriors to snap a two-game losing skid, but they’ve covered only once in the last six contests.

Pick: Spurs

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**Udog** · 04-08-2012, 09:00 AM

NHL Western Conference playoff betting cheat sheet

Here are a few tips as you get ready for the puck to drop on the Western Conference playoffs later this week.

Hottest goalie

Jonathan Quick is the best goaltender in the Western Conference but nobody was hotter down the stretch than Phoenix netminder Mike Smith. Smith almost single-handily carried the Coyotes to the postseason with his play over the last two weeks of the season.

Smith had recorded three consecutive shutouts prior to allowing just one goal in a big 4-1 win over the St. Louis Blues Friday night.

Critics say Smith’s play is nothing more than a product of Dave Tippett’s system in the desert, but Smith actually faced close to 31 shots per game this season.

Best 5-on-5 team

I don’t have anything against special teams but, as we saw late in the regular season, most referees put the whistle away in critical games. That means successful teams must have the ability to score at even strength.

No team in the league does that better than the Detroit Red Wings. The Red Wings score 1.44 more goals at even strength per game than their opponents. The only teams that are even close to Detroit in even-strength dominance are the Bruins and Blues.

Top hockey pool pick

When you look at the NHL’s list of scoring leaders, you don’t see many names from the Western Conference. In fact, Henrik Sedin is the only player from the West to crack the Top 10 in scoring this season.

Henrik would be a nice addition to your playoff pool roster for a couple of reasons: The Canucks are once again poised to make a long playoff run and Sedin stepped his game up down the stretch with his brother out of the lineup.

He hasn’t scored a goal since February 19 but his game isn’t about putting pucks in the net - it’s about setting up others. And there aren’t many in the league better at it than him.

Best under bet

The addition of head coach Ken Hitchcock early this season was great news for the Blues and fans of the under. St. Louis played over the total just 21 times all season and the crease combination of Jaroslav Halak and Brian Elliott has combined for 15 shutouts.

The Blues have already said that Halak will be the No. 1 guy in goal for the playoffs, but if he struggles they certainly won’t hesitate to go to Elliott.

Sleeper pick to win the West

If the Los Angeles Kings can find a way to score goals in the playoffs, they will be a tough team to finish off.

Quick is a lock to be nominated for the Vezina Trophy but he should probably get some consideration for the Hart Trophy as well. Quick lost 33 games this season with the Kings scoring only 44 goals in those contests.

Darryl Sutter’s squad is second in the league in goals against, fourth in shots against and have the fourth-best penalty kill in the NHL. Over their last 10 games, the Kings have averaged 2.8 goals - up from their season average of 2.3.

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Sunday's Trends and Indexes - 4/8 (NBA, NHL, MLB, Misc.)

Sunday's Trends and Indexes - 4/8 (NBA, NHL, MLB, Misc.)

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