Announcement

**StarDust Bum** · 04-10-2012, 05:43 PM

Knicks, Bulls Cap Tuesday Night NBA Doubleheader

There’s a great ESPN Tuesday doubleheader in the NBA with the Boston Celtics visiting the Miami Heat and the New York Knicks in Chicago to face the Bulls. These are part of a modest 6-game slate.

The Celtics were involved in one of the statement games on Sunday. They were 4½-point opening home favorites over Philadelphia (closing at 3½) and easily winning 103-79. The game went ‘over’ a low total of 174½ and Boston now has a three-game lead over both Philly and New York in the Atlantic Division.

The other big Sunday game was the Knicks welcoming the Bulls to MSG and surviving 100-99 in overtime as 3-point ‘dogs. Carmelo Anthony continued his strong play with 43 points, while Derrick Rose (groin) returned for Chicago after missing 12 games. This is a possible No. 1 vs. No. 8 opening playoff matchup in the East.

Monday’s NBA card has a couple of key injuries in the early games. Toronto (+10½) is at Indiana with a total of 188. Raptors big man Andrea Bargnani (calf) is downgraded to doubtful and looks like he won’t play. Check the latest from the Don Best injury report before going to the betting window.

Detroit (+7) visits Orlando in Central Florida with a total of 183. Center Dwight Howard is expected to miss this game with a back injury and that’s reflected in the line.

Tuesday has a terrific twin-bill starting with Boston at Miami. The Heat are projected to be 8½-point favorites by Don Best with a total of 183. Miami is known for its athleticism and fast break points, but the team has slowed down big-time recently, averaging just eight fast break points over its last five games (the ‘under’ 4-1).

These teams met on April 1 in Boston with the Celtics easily winning 91-72 as 4-point ‘dogs. The game went ‘over’ the 185-point total despite Boston playing without guard Ray Allen. The Celtics had 15 fast break points versus eight for Miami. The Heat are 24-3 SU at home, but the Celtics are 17-7 SU and 15-7-2 ATS since the All-Star break, so watch out for them with this spread.

Also on Tuesday, New York will be at Chicago to finish a home-and-home. The Bulls are projected as 8½-point favorites with a total of 185. These teams have met three times this year and New York is 3-0 ATS despite a number of different lineups. The ‘over’ is also 3-0, so take a look at that and the Knicks for this game.

New York rookie Iman Shumpert is an unsung player to watch. He fills the stat sheet (15 points, nine rebounds, six assists, four steals on Sunday). He also plays good defense on Rose (8-of-26 shooting on Sunday), although the superstar point guard should be better and have better team chemistry in his second game back from injury.

**StarDust Bum** · 04-10-2012, 05:45 PM

Red Sox, Braves Look To Reverse Slow Starts

It has not been an easy start for the Boston Red Sox, who were swept over the weekend at Detroit, although slow breaks from the gate are nothing new for the Bosox, who dropped their first six a year ago.

Let’s see if Boston can get back on track in its midweek set at Toronto. Tuesday’s matchup might give the Red Sox a chance as they go up against Blue Jays starter Kyle Drabek in a 7:05 p.m. (ET) start at Rogers Centre. Boston counters with Daniel Bard in a battle of young righties north of the border.

Some scribes have been joking that fiery new Boston skipper Bobby Valentine might be ready to pull a Gene Mauch and knock over the postgame spread in the clubhouse, and put the team on bread and water rations until the early slump is broken. After all, beer is already banned in the clubhouse and on team flights. Others suggest internal issues within the squad have little to do with Valentine and instead involve the fall-out from last September’s epic collapse and the subsequent “snitch” (reportedly still on the team) who prompted Valentine’s somewhat-draconian edicts in the offseason.

But there are fundamental issues haunting the Bosox, too, mostly involving their bullpen which imploded in the opening series at Comerica Park in the wake of new closer Andrew Bailey’s thumb injury. Already, designated interim closer Alfredo Aceves has blown a pair of save opportunities and Mark Melancon has blown one as the Sox allowed 23 runs over the last two games of the series.

There is also little remaining from the functional relief corps that opened last season (Jonathan Papelbon now in Philly, Dan Wheeler in Cleveland, Manny Delcarmen with the Yankees, Bobby Jenks in limbo, and Bard in the starting rotation).

Help for the staff could be a while in arriving, however, with not only the bullpen issues but injuries haunting the starting rotation, too. Both John Lackey and Daisuke Matsuzaka opened the season on the DL with elbow problems. That has forced Valentine into experimenting as a starter with Bard, whose previous 192 MLB appearances have all come out of the bullpen. Some are suggesting that Valentine might have to put Bard back into the bullpen in an emergency move after Aceves and Melancon melted down in the opening series.

Whatever, Bard’s credentials as a starter are very sketchy at best. He throws some real heat (74 K in 70 IP in 2011) but it’s hard to envision him extending much beyond five innings, which would put the bullpen back into play. Bard was also hit hard in limited appearances last season vs. Toronto, especially at Rogers Centre where he allowed six runs in only 4 2/3 IP.

The chance to take swings vs. Drabek, however, could help the Bosox. The former centerpiece of the December 2009 trade with the Phils involving Roy Halladay has performed in an uneven manner throughout his limited big-league career, posting a hefty 6.06 ERA last season in which he spent a good part of the campaign in the minors after a June demotion. Spring work in Dunedin was encouraging enough to give him another shot in John Farrell’s rotation as the fifth starter.

Boston is also minus offensive catalyst LF Carl Crawford, who is on the DL as he recovers from wrist surgery. Still, don’t be surprised to see plenty of runs put on the board in what could be a slugfest at Rogers Centre.

Meanwhile in the National League, there are similar concerns about the slow start of the Atlanta Braves, like the Sox also swept out in their first series on the road. The Mets did the honors to the Braves, who made New York’s staff look like the reincarnation of the 1971 Orioles in the process. Atlanta batters netted only seven runs and 14 hits while whiffing a whopping 25 times in the opening series and continued to kill potential rallies with ineffective work with runners in scoring position.

The guilty Atlanta parties including heart-of-the-lineup hitters Brian McCann and Dan Uggla, who were a combined 2-for-20 in the series at Citi Field. NL East insiders are also looking for more evidence of better plate disciple from the likes of Uggla, Freddie Freeman and especially OF Jason Heyward, the latter looking to bounce back from a pronounced sophomore slump in 2011.

Atlanta’s early woes have rekindled talk about the job status of skipper Fredi Gonzalez, who oversaw a collapse last September that was the NL version of Boston’s in the AL. Some believe that continued losses by the Braves could put Fredi’s job in some jeopardy within the next month.

Gonzalez, however, will take his chances on Tuesday at Houston with Tommy Hanson slated to go against the Astros in an 8:05 p.m. (ET) starting time at Minute Maid Park. Houston manager Brad Mills counters with Kyle Weiland, the Notre Dame alum who arrived in December from the Red Sox in the trade that also brought SS Jed Lowrie (now on the DL) to Minute Maid.

Hanson was not to blame for the Braves’ opening day 1-0 loss against the Mets, almost matching Johan Santana zero for zero. Hanson allowed only four hits and one run over five frames and was a hard-luck loser, but pitched well against Houston last season when winning both starts vs. the Astros, allowing only two earned runs and six hits over 14 IP in the process.

As for Houston, its new-look lineup performed better than expected in the opening series when taking two of three from the visiting Rockies. Homers from LF J.D. Martinez and 1B Carlos Lee (the lone familiar face in the batting order) helped pace Sunday’s 3-2 win.

Astro starting pitcher Weiland, however, looks to be a roll of the dice by Mills, who is trying to steer Houston through a rebuild phase. Weiland was rocked in limited work, mostly in September, last season with the Red Sox, posting a 7.66 ERA.

If the Braves aren’t yet back on the winning track, they should have a very good chance to do so on Tuesday with this pitching matchup.

**StarDust Bum** · 04-10-2012, 05:48 PM

Diamond Trends - Tuesday

April 10, 2012

SU TREND OF THE DAY:

The Reds are 10-0 since April 09, 2011 when playing a night game within 20 cents of pickem after allowing 6+ runs loss for a net profit of $1057.

OU TREND OF THE DAY:

The Padres are 8-0 OU since June 25, 2011 at home after scoring 6+ runs for a net profit of $800 when playing the over.

STARTER TREND OF THE DAY:

The Dodgers are 11-0 since April 21, 2011 when Clayton Kershaw starts as a 140+ favorite for a net profit of $1100.

MLB BIBLE TREND OF THE DAY:

The Mariners are 0-21 (-4.6 rpg) since 2010 as +185 or greater dog.

TODAY’S TRENDS:

The Braves are 7-0 since April 12, 2011 when Tommy Hanson starts after the team lost their last two games for a net profit of $700.

The White Sox are 0-7 since July 17, 2011 when Phillip Humber starts as a dog for a net profit of $700 when playing against.

**StarDust Bum** · 04-10-2012, 05:51 PM

Tuesday Tips

April 9, 2012

The Tuesday NBA card showcases just six contests, with five games involves Eastern Conference opponents. The ESPN doubleheader features the Heat and Celtics in the opener, followed by a rematch of Sunday's thriller between the Knicks and Bulls as the venue shifts to Chicago. We'll start in the Nation's Capital with the beat-up Wizards hosting a dysfunctional Orlando bunch.

Magic at Wizards - 7:05 PM EST

These two Southeast Division rivals aren't playing their best basketball right now, as Orlando attempts to get on track with a victory. Washington has struggled all season long, but recent injuries to their frontcourt in Nene and Trevor Booker has left this team with absolutely no depth. The Magic hopes to pencil Dwight Howard back into the lineup after missing Monday's game against the Pistons with back spasms. Orlando is just 1-5 SU/ATS the last six games, while allowing at least 100 points four times in this span. The Wizards have dropped 10 of the past 11 contests, as the Washington offense has failed to bust the 100-point mark in this stretch.

Celtics at Heat - 7:05 PM EST

The last time these two clubs hooked up in Boston on April Fool's Day, the Celtics embarrassed the Heat in a 91-72 rout as four-point underdogs. Miami looks not to get fooled again as the Heat wraps up a five-game homestand, while going for its 19th victory in 20 tries at the American Airlines Arena. Dwyane Wade is expected to return to the Heat lineup after missing Sunday's blowout of Detroit with a sore ankle. Boston is quietly riding a 7-2 SU and 7-1-1 ATS stretch, as the defense has tightened up by limiting each of its last 13 opponents below 100 points. The Heat continues to cash 'unders' at a rapid pace at home with a 16-4 'under' mark the last 20 games in South Florida. Miami attempts to win its sixth straight home meeting against Boston, while the Heat is 4-1 ATS.

Bobcats at Cavaliers - 7:35 PM EST

There's always got to be one of these games on the card, but the good news is one of these two teams will pick up a win. Charlotte plays its second game in as many nights following Monday's contest against Washington, while Cleveland goes for its fourth consecutive cover. The Cavs have lost 10 of their previous 11 games, with the only victory coming as seven-point 'dogs at Toronto on Friday without Kyrie Irving and Anthony Parker in the lineup. Cleveland is 2-0 SU/ATS in two meetings against Charlotte this season, while scoring at least 102 points in each win. Byron Scott's team isn't wowing the home fans by posting a 3-11 SU and 2-12 ATS mark the previous 14 games at Quicken Loans Arena.

76ers at Nets - 7:30 PM EST

Philadelphia has hit a wall following a strong start by compiling a 4-10 SU/ATS record the last 14 contests. The Sixers try to snap a four-game skid against a Nets' team that is coming off consecutive home victories over the Wizards and Cavaliers. New Jersey is suddenly a solid ATS play by cashing in six of the last nine games, including a 4-1 ATS ledger as an underdog. The Nets shocked the Sixers in the only meeting of the season on January 25, a 97-90 overtime triumph as 11 ½-point 'dogs, one of three outright victories by New Jersey when receiving double-digits. Philadelphia is in the midst of a 1-6 SU run away from the Wells Fargo Center, as the lone win came at Charlotte on March 19.

Kings at Mavericks - 8:30 PM EST

The defending World Champions may be running out of gas right now by dropping six of their previous 10 games. Dallas looks to snap a two-game skid as Sacramento comes to town, going for its first victory in five contests. The Kings have turned into a great 'fade' recently by failing to cover nine of their last 11 games, including a 1-7 ATS record as an underdog in this stretch. Dallas has dominated this series with nine wins in the last 10 meetings, but the Kings took care of the Mavs as 1 ½-point home 'dogs, 110-97 in early March.

Knicks at Bulls - 9:30 PM EST

Chicago has dropped three of its past four, including Sunday's overtime defeat at New York, 100-99 as three-point favorites. Derrick Rose returned to the Bulls' lineup after a 12-game absence, but Carmelo Anthony took center-stage by dropping 43 points, including the game-winning jumper in overtime. The Knicks are rolling during this current 11-3 SU/ATS stretch, while cashing five of seven opportunities in the 'dog role. The Bulls are 9-4 ATS off a loss this season, but three of those ATS defeats came in straight-up wins as double-digit 'chalk.'

**StarDust Bum** · 04-10-2012, 05:54 PM

Hoop Trends - Tuesday

April 10, 2012

SU TREND OF THE DAY:

The Wizards are 0-9 ATS (-14.2 ppg) since December 14, 1999 as a dog off a road win that broke at least a five-game losing streak.

OU TREND OF THE DAY:

The Knicks are 10-0 OU (11.8 ppg) since December 02, 2007 as a dog with at least one day of rest after a win in which less than 45% of their baskets were assisted.

PLAYER TREND OF THE DAY:

The Nets are 0-11 OU (-21.2 ppg) since January 07, 2011 with at least a day of rest after a win at home in which Kris Humphries had a double double.

CHOICE TREND:

The Wizards are 0-11 OU (-16.3 ppg) since March 02, 2000 as a dog with no rest after a road win in which they had an assist to turnover ratio of at least two.

TODAY’S TRENDS:

The Mavericks are 9-0-1 ATS (6.0 ppg) since January 21, 2003 at home when they allowed revenge in each of their last two games.

The 76ers are 0-8 ATS (-7.5 ppg) since April 11, 2008 as a favorite when facing a team they lost to at home in their previous same-season match-up.

**StarDust Bum** · 04-10-2012, 05:57 PM

Surging Knicks visit Chicago on Tuesday

NEW YORK KNICKS (29-27)

at CHICAGO BULLS (43-14)

Tip-off: Tuesday, 9:35 p.m. ET
Line: Chicago -8½, Total: 187

Two days after spoiling Derrick Rose’s return with a wild upset at Madison Square Garden, the Knicks look to upend the Bulls again on Tuesday, this time in Chicago.

The Knicks led by as many as 21 early and trailed by as many as 10 in the fourth quarter in Sunday’s improbable 100-99 overtime home win over the Bulls. But a big reason for their win was that Rose was clearly rusty in his return after missing 12 games because of a groin injury, scoring 29 points but shooting just 8-for-26 from the field while turning it over eight times. He should be in better shape on Tuesday night. Can the Bulls cover this hefty spread against the surging Knicks? For the answer, connect to the NBA Weekday Pass for ATS picks covering all the marquee NBA games each day. The NBA Pass is a stellar 22-11 ATS (67%) since March 28.

Knicks SF Carmelo Anthony (21.5 PPG) has clearly settled in under Woodson. He scored 43 points, including some huge shots down the stretch, in Sunday’s win and is now averaging 31.2 PPG on 49.1% FG over his past five games. He’s filled a huge need for offense as the Knicks continue to play without PG Jeremy Lin (14.6 PPG, 6.1 APG) and PF Amar’e Stoudemire (17.6 PPG, 8.0 RPG). C Tyson Chandler (11.1 PPG on 67.6% FG, 9.9 RPG) continues to be a difference maker defensively and as a rebounder, averaging 13.5 RPG over the past four games.

The backcourt play has been a problem though. Rookie combo guard Iman Shumpert (9.8 PPG) has gone cold, averaging 9.8 PPG on 34.2% FG and 35.3% from three over the past four games. PG Baron Davis (5.4 PPG, 4.9 APG) has struggled since taking over for the injured Lin, averaging 6.7 PPG on 29.6% FG and 25.0% from three and only 4.9 APG over seven starts since Lin went down. Sixth man J.R. Smith (10.7 PPG) continues to try to fill the scoring void, but while he’s averaging 11.5 PPG off the bench over the past 10 contests, he’s hit just 34.9% FG and 24.6% from three. Smith, Shumpert and Davis combined to go 12-for-43 (27.9%) in Sunday’s win. This two-star FoxSheets trend expects the Knicks to prevail ATS:

Play On - Road underdogs of 3.5 to 9.5 points (NEW YORK) - after going under the total by 48 or more points total in their last ten games, second half of the season. (101-57 over the last 5 seasons.) (63.9%, +38.3 units. Rating = 2*).

Chicago’s perimeter players shot the ball miserably in the loss at New York, with Rose (23.0 PPG, 7.9 APG), SG Richard Hamilton (10.7 PPG) and SF Luol Deng (15.6 PPG) combining to go 15-for-50 (30.0%) from the field. The rust from their reigning MVP was understandable though, as it was Rose’s first game since March 12.

The Bulls continue to get a solid, understated contribution from PF Carlos Boozer (15.3 PPG on 53.5% FG, 8.6 RPG). He’s averaging 15.2 PPG on 56.8% FG and 10.6 RPG over his past 10 games, including a 13-point, 16-rebound performance in Sunday’s loss. However, he continues to give way to superior defender Taj Gibson in key situations. This strong FoxSheets trend thinks the Bulls will win big:

CHICAGO is 21-7 ATS (75.0%, +13.3 Units) off an upset loss as a favorite over the last 2 seasons. The average score was CHICAGO 100.6, OPPONENT 90.2 - (Rating = 2*).

**StarDust Bum** · 04-10-2012, 05:58 PM

Heat look for payback Tuesday vs. Boston

BOSTON CELTICS (32-24)

at MIAMI HEAT (40-15)

Tip-off: Tuesday, 7:05 p.m. ET
Line: Miami -7½, Total: 183

Nine days after getting blown out in Boston, the Heat will be looking for revenge when they host the Celtics on Tuesday night.

On April 1, the C’s hammered the Heat 91-72 at TD Garden, the most lopsided loss the Heat have suffered this season. Since that game the Heat have bounced back with a solid homestand so far, going 3-1 SU (2-2 ATS) including a win over Oklahoma City. But Boston is 7-2 (SU and ATS) in its past nine contests. Can Miami cover this big number against the red-hot Celtics? For the answer, connect to the NBA Weekday Pass for ATS picks covering all the marquee NBA games each day. The NBA Pass is a stellar 22-11 ATS (67%) since March 28.

The Celtics have gone on a tear in large part due to a new lineup. After starting his first game back from an ankle injury last week, SG Ray Allen (14.4 PPG, 45.2% from three) has come off the bench the past three games. He’s averaged 14.3 PPG and hit 38.1% of his threes as Boston’s new sixth man. In his starting spot, combo guard and defensive specialist Avery Bradley (5.9 PPG) has shined. Bradley is averaging 13.7 PPG on 51.0% FG while posting an average plus/minus of +9.6. More importantly, Boston is 7-1 SU and ATS in the past eight games Bradley has started.

The Celtics also continue to get strong play from PF Kevin Garnett (15.6 PPG on 50.9% FG, 8.2 RPG), who bounced back from a mini-slump to score 20 points on 8-for-11 FG in a win over Philadelphia on Sunday. SF Paul Pierce (19.1 PPG) is averaging 22.2 PPG and shooting 48.6% FG and 40.7% from three over his past 11 games, and scored a team-high 23 points against the Heat nine days ago. And PG Rajon Rondo (12.1 PPG, 11.2 APG) has recorded double-digit assists in 17 straight games, including a triple-double (16 points, 11 rebounds, 14 assists) against Miami. This two-star FoxSheets trend expects the Celtics to prevail ATS:

Play On - Road underdogs of 3.5 to 9.5 points (BOSTON) - after going under the total by 48 or more points total in their last ten games, second half of the season. (101-58 over the last 5 seasons.) (63.5%, +37.2 units. Rating = 2*).

This game will wrap up a five-game homestand for the Heat. They’ve gotten back on track for the most part, but are having some issues shooting the ball. Through the first four games of this homestand, Miami is hitting just 41.8% FG and 30.8% from three. SF LeBron James (26.8 PPG on 53.4% FG, 8.0 RPG, 6.4 APG) has held up his end of the bargain, averaging 30.5 PPG on 52.3% FG over the past four games, but the rest of the Big Three has gone ice cold. SG Dwyane Wade (22.6 PPG on 49.9% FG) is averaging 19.5 PPG on 41.7% FG over the past two games and has sat out two of the past four games due to knee and ankle ailments. Wade is expected to start Tuesday. PF Chris Bosh (18.0 PPG, 7.7 RPG) has averaged 17.5 PPG while making only 42.4% FG over the past four contests. On top of that, PG Mario Chalmers (9.9 PPG, 39.6% from three) has hit just 37.8% FG and 26.7% of his threes over the past four games. When these teams met in Boston on April 1, Wade, Bosh and Chalmers combined to shoot 9-for-33 (27.3%) in a 91-72 defeat. This rare four-star FoxSheets trend thinks the Heat will win by a comfortable margin:

Play Against - Underdogs of 3.5 to 9.5 points (BOSTON) - off a win by 10 points or more over a division rival against opponent off a home blowout win by 20 points or more. (32-7 since 1996.) (82.1%, +24.3 units. Rating = 4*).

**StarDust Bum** · 04-10-2012, 06:00 PM

Reds look to cool down Cardinals bats Tuesday

ST. LOUIS CARDINALS (4-1)

at CINCINNATI REDS (2-2)

First pitch: Tuesday, 7:10 p.m. EDT
Line: St. Louis -105, Cincinnati -105, Total: 9

The Cardinals will look to stay atop the NL Central and clinch a series victory over the Reds as the two teams square off Tuesday night.

Kyle Lohse tossed a gem to start the year, going 7.1 innings while allowing just two hits and one run in Miami. He is going against Mike Leake, who showed improvement from his freshman to his sophomore campaign, dropping his ERA from 4.23 to 3.86 and his WHIP from 1.50 to 1.18. Look for him to continue to improve in his third year. Leake might seem like a sketchy play because he has a 6.97 ERA in three career starts against the Cardinals, but take him because he starts seasons extraordinarily well. In his career, he is 5-0 in nine April starts, limiting batters to just a .242 BA and .681 OPS. Although the Cardinals are averaging more than six runs per game to start the season, their offense should cool down while the Reds offense, with its powerful mashers and just 3.5 runs per game thus far, is bound to heat up. Take CINCINNATI to win this one at home.

This three-star FoxSheets trend also favors the Reds:

Play Against - Road teams when the money line is +125 to -125 (ST. LOUIS) - excellent power team - averaging 1.5 or more HR's/game on the season, after allowing 3 runs or less 2 straight games. (83-38 since 1997.) (68.6%, +42.7 units. Rating = 3*).

Lohse tossed a gem and barely needed offensive help in his first start, but the offense has been alive all season. The Redbirds have racked up nine home runs on the year with David Freese, Yadier Molina, Carlos Beltran and Matt Holliday all knocking two out of the park. Freese is off to a scorching start with eight RBI and a .417 BA, building off his NLCS and World Series MVP Awards from last season. It all starts with the table setters, though, and Rafael Furcal has been superb in that role with a .435 BA and 1.045 OPS. Everything has been clicking for this lineup and if it continues to do so, Leake will be in trouble. But they seem bound for an off night with Leake’s April dominance on the hill.

Although the Cincinnati offense has been largely disappointing thus far, Jay Bruce’s power has been one of the lone bright spots, with the phenom outfielder hitting three home runs already on the season. Still, the offense is struggling mightily, hitting just .218 as a team. SS Zack Cozart has carried the offense with Bruce, hitting .500 with four runs and two doubles, but he won’t be able to keep that up forever. In order for the bats to really get going, the newly-rich Joey Votto will have to prove he’s worth the money, hitting just .154 on the season with two RBI. Without any home runs, Votto is hitting .333 in his career against Lohse, making this a nice chance for him to end his slump.

**StarDust Bum** · 04-10-2012, 06:02 PM

MLB
Armadillo's Write-Up

Tuesday, April 10

Not a lot of relevant info to give out this early in the season, but we'll do what we can for the first week or so, until some trends develop.

Hot pitchers
-- Kershaw is 8-0, 1.19 in his last ten starts; he was sick before opener last week and only lasted three innings in San Diego.
-- Leake was 2-1, 2.79 in his last four starts LY.
-- Detwiler was 2-0, 1.74 in his last three starts LY.
-- Cahill was 3-1, 3.56 in his last five starts for Oakland LY.

-- Moore is making third big league start; he pitched 12 scoreless innings in the first two, at Bronx/Texas
-- Gomez was 4-1, 4.71 in his last five starts LY.
-- Beavan was 1-1, 1.84 in two starts against the Rangers LY.

Cold pitchers
-- Karstens was 0-3, 8.41 in his last four starts LY.
-- Lohse is 1-2, 5.85 in his last four starts, but won his first '12 start, at Miami.
-- Gee was 1-1, 6.00 in his last five starts LY.
-- Hanson is 0-3, 4.85 in his last four starts. Weiland is 0-3, 9.14 in his five major league starts.
-- Narveson was 2-2, 6.43 in five starts last September; he pitched out of the bullpen in the playoffs last fall. Maholm was 0-5, 5.98 in his last seven starts for the Pirates LY.
-- Volquez is 0-5, 6.09 in his last six starts.

-- Porcello is 0-2, 4.41 in his last five starts.
-- Drabek is 1-3, 8.74 in his last five starts. Bard is making his first career start after 192 relief appearances.
-- FGarcia was 1-1, 7.36 in his last four starts last September. Chen is making his first start in this country.
-- Humber was 0-1, 5.84 in his last four starts LY.
-- Feliz is making first start after 154 relief appearances, 74 saves.
-- Godfrey was 1-2, 6.00 in four starts LY. Duffy was 2-5, 6.69 in his last even starts LY.

Hot teams
-- Los Angeles won three of its first four games. Pirates won two of first three games, with all three decided by a run.
-- Cardinals won four of their first five games.
-- Mets won their first four games, allowing ten runs.
-- Astros won their last three games, allowing eight runs.
-- Arizona won its first three games, scoring 17 runs.

-- Tampa Bay won its first three games, scoring 18 runs. Detroit also won its first three games, scoring 26 runs.
-- Orioles won three of their last four games.
-- Texas won three of its first four games. Mariners won three of their first five games.

Cold teams
-- Washington split first four games, but their starting pitchers haven't won a game yet.
-- Braves lost first four games, looked bad making four E's Monday.
-- Cubs lost three of their last four games.
-- Padres lost three of their first four games.

-- Red Sox lost three of their first four games. Toronto lost its last two games, after winning first two in extra innings.
-- Bronx Bombers lost three of their first four games.
-- White Sox are 2-2, despite scoring total of only ten runs. Indians lost three of their first four games.
-- A's are 2-3 this season, scoring 4-1 runs in their two wins, so they need good pitching to win, moreso than most teams.

We're going to get into totals and umpires and that good stuff, once we get enough to lnowledge this season to make it all relevant.

**StarDust Bum** · 04-10-2012, 06:04 PM

NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up

Tuesday, April 10

Hot Teams
-- Orlando won its last two games, allowing 82-89 points, after losing its previous five games. Dwight Howard didn't play last night.
-- Miami won seven of its last eight home games (4-4 vs spread). Celtics won/covered five of their last seven road games.
-- Nets won four of their last five home games.
-- Knicks won/covered 10 of 13 games under Woodson.

Cold Teams
-- Wizards are 2-8 vs spread in game following their last ten wins.
-- Cleveland lost their last six home games (0-6 vs spread). Bobcats lost their last 12 games (4-8 vs spread).
-- 76ers lost five of their last six games.
-- Sacramento lost its last four games (0-4 vs spread); they're 11-7 vs spread in last 18 road games. Dallas lost four of its last six games.
-- Bulls lost three of their last four games.

Wear-and-Tear
-- Magic: 3rd game/4 nites. Wizards: 9th game/12 nites.
-- Celtics: 5th game/7 nites. Heat: 3rd game/5 nites.
-- Bobcats: 6th game/8 nites. Cavaliers: 3rd game/5 nites.
-- 76ers: 3rd game/4 nites. Nets: 3rd game/5 nites.
-- Kings: 3rd game/4 nites. Mavericks: Last two nites off.
-- Knicks: 2nd game/5 nites. Bulls: 2nd game/5 nites.

Totals
-- Last six Washington games went over the total.
-- Five of last seven Boston games stayed under total.
-- Six of last nine Cleveland home games went over.
-- Over is 13-7 in New Jersey's last 20 home games.
-- Four of last five Sacramento road games went over total.
-- Six of last nine Nw York road games went over the total

Back-to-Back
-- Orlando is 3-7 vs spread if it won the night before. Washington is 2-3 vs spread if it won the night before.
-- Bobcats are 4-8 vs spread on road if they played night before.

Announcement

The Bum's Tuesday's Best Bets NBA - MLB !

The Bum's Tuesday's Best Bets NBA - MLB !

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment