Announcement

**Udog** · 04-28-2012, 07:37 AM

Saturday’s betting tips: Flu may sideline Knicks center

Weather to watch

Detroit Tigers at New York Yankees – 21 mph winds are expected to blow out to right-center field.

Tampa Bay Rays at Texas Rangers – 21 mph winds are expected to blow in from right-center field.

Who’s hot

NBA: Philadelphia is 4-1 against the spread in its last five.

NBA: New York is 19-7 against the number in its last 26 contests.

NHL: The over is 5-0-4 in Washington’s last nine games in Madison Square Garden.

NHL: Los Angeles has won five of its last seven road games.

MLB: Washington had won 23 of its last 30 heading into Friday’s action.

Who’s not

NBA: The over is 0-6 in Chicago’s last six.

NBA: Orlando has covered in five of its last six against Indiana.

NHL: The over is 16-41-19 in St. Louis’ last 76 games overall.

NHL: New York is 1-4 in its last five games following a win.

MLB: San Francisco has lost five of Tim Lincecum’s last six starts.

Key stat

0 – The over has yet to cash in the last seven meetings between the Los Angeles Kings and St. Louis Blues heading into Saturday’s Game 1. Six games played under with one push. Kings goaltender Jonathan Quick allowed only eight goals on 172 shots in the first round while St. Louis saw the under go 43-21-18 in the regular season and then played under three times in its opening round win over San Jose. St Louis is a -155 favorite with a 5-goal total for Game 1.

Injury that shouldn’t be overlooked

Shin-Soo Choo, Cleveland Indians – Choo sat out his third consecutive game Thursday with a left hamstring issue and his status for Saturday’s matinee game against the L.A. Angels is up in the air. Choo has struggled to get much going this year, hitting .237 without a homer.

Game of the day

New York Knicks at Miami Heat (-8.5, 186.5)

Notable quotable

"We can't look at them as the Dwight-less Magic. One of their greatest assets is (coach) Stan Van Gundy and how he prepares no matter who is in uniform. They have a very dangerous style with or without Dwight." - Pacers coach Frank Vogel ahead of Saturday’s Game 1 against the Orlando Magic, who will be without center Dwight Howard for the remainder of the season with a back injury. Indiana is set as a 9-point favorite for Saturday’s game.

Notes and tips

New York Knicks center Tyson Chandler may miss Game 1 of the team's first round playoff series against the Miami Heat on Saturday with the flu. ESPN New York reported on Friday that Knicks interim coach Mike Woodson made the announcement that there is a "strong possibility" that Chandler would be unavailable for the game in Miami. If Chandler does not play, he would be replaced by Jared Jeffries. Chandler sat out Thursday's regular season finale to rest a sore knee and wrist and did not practice Friday.

Highly-touted Washington Nationals prospect Bryce Harper was called up from Class AAA Syracuse and will make his major league debut on Saturday. USA Today reported that the move was made after the club placed third baseman Ryan Zimmerman on the 15-day disabled list with a shoulder injury. Harper, who is hitting .250 with one home run for Syracuse, was the No. 1 draft pick in 2010 when he was 17 years old. With outfielder Mike Morse out an extended period of time with a lat injury, Harper will start in left field.

The Los Angeles Angels will hand Scott Downs the ball in save opportunities now that Jordan Walden has been bumped to the set-up role. Downs, a 37-year-old lefty, hasn't allowed a run in seven innings this season and had a 1.34 ERA in 53 2/3 innings of work last year. The Angels are -125 favorites in Cleveland Saturday.

**Udog** · 04-28-2012, 07:38 AM

Armadillo: Saturday's six-pack

Six NBA teams who sold the most jerseys this season:

6) Celtics—Rondo’s jersey gave the team a boost here.

5) Mavericks—Everyone loves a winner.

4) Heat—Wade was #6, James #4 in individual sales.

3) Lakers—It kills me every time I see a young woman wearing a #24 Laker jersey. Just very strange.

2) Knicks—Jeremy Lin’s (remember him?) jersey is #1 in sales since Christmas.

1) Bulls—Must be selling a lot of Dennis Awtrey retro jerseys.

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Armadillo: Saturday's List of 13: Clearing out a cluttered mind.........

13) If you’re a Cub fan, how terrified are you that the guy who just got paid a fortune to run your ballclub the next few years is the same guy who gave Carl Crawford $140M for seven years? I know I would be.

12) Oklahoma City’s Serge Ibaka blocked 241 shots in (3.65/game) this season; the entire Cleveland team blocked 262.

11) Knicks' Tyson Chandler has the flu, night miss Saturday's playoff game in Miami.

10) SMU is paying Illinois State coach Tim Jankovich $700,000 a year to be an assistant coach until Larry Brown bolts for another job, which usually isn’t very long. Jankovich has a good team coming back at ISU; that becomes a very attractive opening. Illinois State is much better than SMU, right now.

Where are the Mustangs getting all this money? They averaged 2,013 fans per home game LY.

9) Five underclassman basketball players have transferred out of UConn since last season ended, as in, a month ago. If Calhoun retires, UConn is headed to the bottom of the Big East standings, though the league is going to get softer, with some of the C-USA teams (SMU/Houston/UCF) coming in next year.

8) Mets-Colorado were 2-2 after four innings; Rockies scored 16 runs over the next three innings, as Coors Field turned into a softball complex for the Rockies' 18-9 win over New York, wasting 4-hit games by Tejada/Hairston.

7) A's are 11-10; Angels 6-12; to paraphrase Vince Lombardi on those old NFL Films clips: "What the hell's going on out there????"

6) I've never had cotton candy; it looks disgusting. Also have never had coffee; my parents drank it when I was growing up, but coffee grounds looked like mud to me, so I never wanted it. Still don't.

5) Nick Johnson is off to a woeful 0-26 start (with one walk) for Orioles; how long does he get before Baltimore gives him his walking papers?

4) Illinois had four of the first 48 players drafted this week, but went 6-6 last year, all of which explains why former Illini coach Ron Zook was in the CBS Sports studio, in his new job as a TV analyst. He’s got good energy for TV, not the best voice, but he has potential on TV.

3) I'm not a Chris Berman fan, but totally agree with his rant about Kellen Moore late in Friday night's draft show; the kid went 50-3 as a starting QB at Boise, beat bigtime teams in process. But Brock Osweiler gets drafted ahead of him? Why? Because he's tall? Moore will be on a roster in the fall.

2) Overnight TV ratings for the first round of the NFL Draft were up 14% over LY. People love their football.

1) CB Bucknor is a terrible, horrendous, awful umpire; he missed a fairly easy call against the Marlins Thursday that helped cost them the game, and it wasn’t close, with Jose Reyes being called out on first for an inning-ending double play, which cost Miami a run when they led 2-1.

On the replay, Reyes’ foot is on the bag, and the ball isn’t even in picture yet, much less in first baseman’s glove. This stuff happens with Bucknor all the time; he already screwed up a home run call in Detroit this month. Supposedly he’s OK with balls/strikes, but out in the field, he’s a horror.

**Udog** · 04-28-2012, 07:38 AM

NHL odds: East Round 2 prices and previews

New York Rangers (1) vs Washington Capitals (7)
Series Odds: New York Rangers (-195)

For the third time in four years the Capitals will face the Rangers in the post-season, this year though the roles have been reversed. The Capitals were heavy favourites in 2009 and 2011 and managed to come away with victories both times.

"The past is the past," said Henrik Lundqvist "I don't think about what happened last year or whatever. It's different teams. We're in a different place and they're in a different place.”

The top seeded Rangers are expected to win this year but the two sides come into the series with extremely different mindsets.

The Rangers are breathing a sigh of relief after squeaking out a Game 7 win over the surprising Ottawa Senators. The Capitals are riding momentum coming off a Game 7 upset of the defending Stanley Cup champions.

Under Dale Hunter the Capitals play a tight defensive system which lead to success in the opening round but didn’t really exhibit the talents of Ovechkin, Backstrom and Semin. The Capitals stars won’t have to deal with the likes of Zdeno Chara in this series but they will be facing Vezina and Hart Trophy Finalist Henrik Lundqvist.

The Rangers offensive had trouble getting going against the Senators and finding a way to score on rookie sensation Braden Holtby may prove to be just as difficult. Holtby had one start against the Rangers this season and came away with a 4-1 win in the season finale for the Capitals.

This series, much like both of their first round series, could come down to a single bounce and if that proves to be the case it’s wise to side with the goalie who is nominated for league MVP over a rookie who has been outstanding but is still inexperienced.

Season Series: Rangers (2-2), Capitals (2-2)

Series Prediction: Rangers in Seven

Philadelphia Flyers (5) vs New Jersey Devils (6)
Series Odds: Philadelphia Flyers -185

No team is riding a bigger high right now than the Philadelphia Flyers. Claude Giroux and company rolled over the Pittsburgh Penguins six games on the strength of a near unstoppable power-play.

The Flyers power play was an unheard of 52.2 percent against a Pittsburgh penalty kill that finished third in the regular season. "Our legs were moving all the time, we never stop. We're always cycling and moving the puck around. Anybody can score and anybody can make something happen,” said Flyers forward Jakub Voracek after the series explaining the power play success.

New Jersey’s penalty kill was the best in the league during the regular season but got scorched by the Panthers in the opening round. The Devils killed off just 18 of the 27 Florida power plays. So if they can’t stop the likes of Stephen Weiss and Kris Vertseeg how are they going to contain Giroux, Briere, Jagr and a handful of other threats?

Martin Brodeur stopped 43 of 45 shots in Game 7 against the Panthers but was very average in the rest of the series. The Devils will need to have vintage Brodeur if they plan on slowing down a Philly offense that is averaging five goals per game in the postseason.

Ilya Bryzgalov will once again be a wild card for the Flyers but against an aging Brodeur his teammates should once again be able to pick him up.

Keep an eye on Devils star forward Ilya Kovalchuk. He was clearly labouring in Game 7 and it has been rumored for a while that he is dealing with a lower-body injury.

Season Series: Philadelphia (2-1-1), New Jersey (2-2)

Series Prediction: Flyers in Five

NHL Western Conference Round 2 series prices and previews

St. Louis Blues (2) vs Los Angeles Kings (8)

Series price: Blues (-165), Kings (+145)

Season series: St. Louis (1-2-1), Los Angeles (3-1)

If you are a fan of goal scoring you won’t be overly entertained by the Blues and Kings. Two of the four regular-season meetings between the two clubs ended in 1-0 shutouts.

The Blues will be without starting netminder Jaroslav Halak for at least the first two games of the series. Brian Elliott did a great job filling in against the Sharks picking up three wins while posting a goals against of 1.37 and a save percentage of 0.949.

Jonathan Quick watched the team in front him play some of their best hockey of the season against Vancouver and when his mates did struggle he was there to pick them up by holding the Sedins and Co. to just eight goals in five games.

While much of this series will focus on goaltending and team defense there is one forward who could end up being a difference maker. Andy MacDonald missed the majority of the regular season due to injury but the pint-sized winger picked up eight points in five games in the first round of the playoffs.

Blues head coach Ken Hitchcock, knowing that his team is the favorite, attempted to put the pressure on the Kings.

"When you beat the President's Trophy winner, you become the No. 1 seed, and I think everybody knows that," Hitchcock said. "We've just got to be on top of our game. If we're on top of our game it's going to be a great series."

Regardless of who wins, this series is an under bettors dream.

Series Prediction: Blues in 7.

Phoenix Coyotes (3) vs Nashville Predators (4)

Series price: Coyotes (+145), Predators (-165)

Season series: Phoenix (2-1-1), Nashville (2-2)

Another goalie duel here with a couple of heavyweights between the pipes. In one corner you’ve got 6-5 Pekka Rinne with a first round save percentage of .944 and a goals-against average of 1.81 against the Detroit Red Wings. In the other corner you have 6-4 Mike Smith fresh off of stealing a series from the Chicago Blackhawks and thought by many to be the MVP of the first round of the post-season.

The two clubs split their four regular season meetings. Surprisingly Coyotes back up Jason Labarbera started three of those four games and the one that Smith started proved to be an uncharacteristic 5-4 shootout between the two clubs.

Because of the quality in net, this series could come down to special teams. The Predators had the best power-play in the league during the regular season but struggled in the first round capitalizing on a playoff-worst 9.1 percent of their chances against the Red Wings. The Coyotes are the proud owners of the playoffs best penalty kill at 94.7 percent.

The one area where the Predators do have a significant advantage is on the blue line with Shea Weber and Ryan Suter being the best 1-2 punch in the league. The Coyotes caught a few lucky breaks against Corey Crawford and the Hawks; they may not get those same opportunities against Weber, Suter and Rinne.

Series Prediction: Predators in 6.

**Udog** · 04-28-2012, 07:39 AM

NBA playoff trends: Best and worst spot bets for each team

To the unsuspecting gambler, the NBA often times simply means 'Nothing But Agony'. To the informed, however, it represents a 'Nice Bankroll Advantage'.

Knowing the difference is half the battle. Having substantively sound edges in your favor is the other half, especially during the postseason.

With the 2011-12 NBA regular season now in the history books, let's take a look at how this season's 16 playoff participants have fared in the post season over the last 21 years.

Listed below is a chart containing each team’s overall SU (Straight-Up) and ATS (Against The Spread) performance record in all playoff games since 1991, along with a key best and worst playoff ATS trend for each team.

Let's have a look...

ATLANTA

Overall: 36-60 SU & 78-62-2 ATS
Best: 8-1 ATS as a home favorite greater than 4 points vs. an opponent off win
Worst: 1-14 SU & ATS away off loss 11 or fewer points.

BOSTON

Overall: 72-67 SU & 68-68-3 ATS
Best: 8-2 ATS away off 19-point or smaller loss
Worst: 1-12 ATS when favored by more than 2 points and off one win exact

CHICAGO

Overall: 124-62 SU & 78-62-2 ATS
Best: 7-1 ATS as an underdog off SU fave loss
Worst: 0-5 ATS as a double-digit favorite vs. an opponent off back-to-back wins

DALLAS

Overall: 65-62 SU & 65-59-3 ATS
Best: 10-1-1 ATS as a 3.5-point or larger road underdog
Worst: 1-9 ATS at home off win as an underdog of 3.5 or more points

DENVER

Overall: 23-43 SU & 30-51-1 ATS
Best: 5-0 ATS vs. opponent off 20 point or smaller loss
Worst: 1-9 ATS as an underdog of 7.5 or larger vs. opponent off SU & ATS win

INDIANA

Overall: 81-76 SU & 85-66-6 ATS
Best: 7-0-1 ATS off a loss larger than 16 points
Overall: 0-5 ATS at home off an ATS win of 18 or more points

CLIPPERS

Overall: 11-14 SU & 12-13 ATS
Best: 4-0 ATS home off SU & ATS loss
Overall: 1-6 ATS away off SU & ATS win

LAKERS

Overall: 153-100 SU & 121-124-8 ATS
Best: 9-0 ATS as an 4.5-point or larger underdog off loss 14 or more points
Overall: 1-11 ATS off back to back losses, last one as a favorite

MEMPHIS

Overall: 7-18 SU & 10-14-1 ATS
Best: 4-1 ATS favorite off loss
Overall: 0-11 SU and 1-9-1 ATS if winning percentage is under .569

MIAMI

Overall: 71-68 SU & 65-70-4 ATS
Best: 10-1 ATS off double-digit loss in rounds two & three
Overall: 2-18 SU & 3-17 ATS in Round 1as a road dog of 2.5 or more points

NEW YORK

Overall: 72-71 SU & 73-67-3 ATS
Best: 14-2 ATS in Round 1 as a road dog less than 7 points
Overall: 0-4 ATS favorite larger than 5 points and off a loss

OKLAHOMA CITY (and Seattle)

Overall: 63-67 SU & 59-68-3 ATS
Best: 11-3 ATS in Game 2 off a loss
Overall: 1-12 ATS off an ATS win of 15.5 or fewer points

ORLANDO

Overall: 56-62 SU & 51-63-4 ATS
Best: 5-1 ATS as an underdog of 8.5 or fewer points
Overall: 2-11 ATS as a favorite off SU loss as a favorite

PHILADELPHIA

Overall: 38-50 SU & 42-45-1 ATS
Best: 6-1 ATS as a double-digit underdog
Overall: 0-6 ATS Game 2 off loss of 5 or more points

SAN ANTONIO

Overall: 129-98 SU & 119-101-7 ATS
Best: 9-1 ATS in the Finals vs. an opponent off a win
Overall: 1-8 ATS as an underdog vs. an opponent off back to back SU & ATS losses.

UTAH

Overall: 94-94 SU & 100-86-2 ATS
Best: 5-1 ATS as a double-digit underdog
Overall: 0-4 ATS as an underdog smaller than 7 points and off loss of 19 or fewer points.

OPENING ROUND AWESOME ANGLE

Play on any home team in Game 3 of the opening round of the playoffs off one loss exact if they lost to the spread by 10 or fewer points in the loss.

Record since 1991: 16-3 SU and 17-2 ATS

There you have it. A study in progress of this year’s playoff teams and how they have fared in NBA postseason play since 1991… plus an awesome angle to strongly consider in the opening round.

**Udog** · 04-28-2012, 07:41 AM

NHL
Long Sheet

Saturday, April 28

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LOS ANGELES (44-28-0-15, 103 pts.) at ST LOUIS (53-22-0-12, 118 pts.) - 4/28/2012, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LOS ANGELES is 8-16 ATS (-12.4 Units) on Saturday games this season.
ST LOUIS is 53-34 ATS (+53.0 Units) in all games this season.
ST LOUIS is 16-4 ATS (+8.9 Units) in home games revenging a loss versus opponent this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
ST LOUIS is 8-4 (+5.3 Units) against the spread versus LOS ANGELES over the last 3 seasons
ST LOUIS is 8-4-0 straight up against LOS ANGELES over the last 3 seasons
8 of 11 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+4.4 Units)

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WASHINGTON (46-33-0-10, 102 pts.) at NY RANGERS (55-25-0-9, 119 pts.) - 4/28/2012, 3:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 10-7 (+0.7 Units) against the spread versus NY RANGERS over the last 3 seasons
WASHINGTON is 10-7-0 straight up against NY RANGERS over the last 3 seasons
7 of 13 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+0.7 Units)

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NHL
Short Sheet

Saturday, April 28, 2012

WC Semifinals, Game One (Series Tied, 0-0)
Los Angeles at St. Louis, 7:35 ET NBCSN
Los Angeles: 1-9 SU away off an overtime win
St. Louis: 14-1 SU at home off a home win

EC Semifinals, Game One (Series Tied, 0-0)
Washington at NY Rangers, 3:05 ET NBC
Washington: 4-13 SU after winning 3 of their last 4 games
NY Rangers: 14-4 SU off BB Unders

NHL
Armadillo's Write-Up

Saturday, April 28

Capitals @ Rangers-- Washington won Game 7 in OT Wednesday in Boston as a 7-seed pulling big upset, Rangers got Game 7 win at home Thursday so teams not as well rested as teams out west in this round. Teams split four games this season, after Washington beat Rangers in five games in LY's playoffs. Capitals won six of last nine games in this building. New York split four home games vs Ottawa in first round; Caps won three of four in Boston last round, with three of the four games going to overtime.

Kings @ Blues-- Last seven series games stayed under total, with last two both ending 1-0, last one in a shootout; Kings won three of four vs St Louis during season, after losing previous seven games with Blues. Kings lost nine of last 12 games in this building- they won all three games at top-seeded Vancouver in the first round upset, holding Canucks to five goals in their four series wins. Blues lost Game 1 at home to San Jose, then won last four games, allowing total of five goals, with one of the wins in OT. Neither team has been this far in a long time; neither team seemed to expend that much energy in last round.

NHL

Saturday, April 28

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Trend Report
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3:00 PM
WASHINGTON vs. NY RANGERS
Washington is 4-2 SU in their last 6 games when playing NY Rangers
Washington is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
NY Rangers are 2-4 SU in their last 6 games at home
NY Rangers are 3-6 SU in their last 9 games when playing at home against Washington

7:30 PM
LOS ANGELES vs. ST. LOUIS
Los Angeles is 3-8 SU in its last 11 games when playing St. Louis
Los Angeles is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of St. Louis's last 9 games when playing at home against Los Angeles
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of St. Louis's last 7 games when playing Los Angeles

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NHL

Saturday, April 28

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Hockey Night In Canada: Saturday's NHL betting previews
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Washington Capitals at New York Rangers (-160, 5)

Well, here we go again. Though the places have changed, and the roles have flip-flopped, here is Washington and New York battling in the Eastern Conference playoffs for the third time since 2009. This time, it’s Round 2, not Round 1, and Game 1 should be a dandy ... provided the Rangers can get up for the opener less than 48 hours after a Game 7 victory over Ottawa.

Defenseman delivering

Much will be said about New York goaltender Henrik Lundqvist and how he saved the day in Games 6 and 7 versus the Senators with the season on the line, and the No. 1-seeded Rangers in desperation mode. Indeed, he was solid.

But what might get lost in those two victories is just how strong New York’s defensive corps was. In Game 7, a pair of backliners -- Marc Staal and Dan Girardi -- provided all the offense the Rangers needed, by scoring their first goals of the postseason in the second period of the 2-1 victory. And as a unit, the Rangers held Ottawa to just 27 shots on net in the finale, and the defensemen only amassed two minutes in penalties along the way, a minor for Michael Del Zotto.

All told, the Rangers allowed just four goals in the final eight periods of the series, and if that continues, it could be a tough go of it for Washington.

Not-so-ordinary Ovechkin

He didn't score the Game 7 winner against Boston. That was reserved for forward Joel Ward. He didn't make a name for himself in the series. That was reserved for goaltender Braden Holtby. But Washington center Alex Ovechkin orchestrated a quiet -- yet solid -- series as the Capitals eliminated the defending Stanley Cup champions.

Coaches will tell you, "if you're getting shots, you'll eventually get goals," and if that's truly the case, watch out here. Because Ovechkin had 28 shots against the Bruins, 12 more than any other Capital.

He finished with two goals, five points and four blocked shots in the series, and also led the team with 31 hits. Overall, a good series from a great player.

More from Marian

When you win at Madison Square Garden, make no mistake, Rangers fans will let you off the hook. But consider this a memo to New York forward Marian Gaborik. Eventually, the crowd is going to get on you if this sluggish postseason play continues.

Gaborik wasn't awful against the Senators -- no one in red, white and blue truly was -- but New York's brightest offensive star needs to get going ... soon. Gaborik had just one goal and three points in Round 1, was a minus-1 and only finished with 13 shots.

Perhaps the latter is the most disconcerting. Here's a guy who had 41 goals and 76 points in the regular season, and there are four teammates -- Brad Richards, Derek Stepan, Brian Boyle and Ryan Callahan -- with more postseason shots than him. Granted, Ottawa focused on him, as will Washington. But stars find a way to break through those shells, right? We’ll see if Gaborik has what it takes.

History

Washington, as a clear-cut favorite, won first-round series over the Rangers in 2009 and 2011. The Capitals have won six consecutive Saturday games, and four of the last five on the road. New York is riding a six-game overless streak (0-3-3).

Los Angeles Kings at St. Louis Blues (-165, 5)

We’ll see what St. Louis is made of now that the pressure is squarely on them. The Blues became the favorite in the Western Conference with a quickness in Round 1, as they buried San Jose while all of the other traditional giants fell. Now, with the Red Wings, Blackhawks and Canucks all on the golf course, it’s St. Louis that now needs to deal with the enormity of expectations.

Full of Flyers

The numbers were not great for Mike Richards and Jeff Carter in Round 1. As No. 8 Los Angeles orchestrated the upset over top-seeded Vancouver, these two former Flyers were just OK, is about the best you can say about them. But maybe this is where the corner is turned. Maybe this is where the experience shines through.

After all, these two forwards helped lead Philadelphia to the Stanley Cup Finals as a No. 7 seed in the East back in 2010. They clinched a playoff spot on the season's last day -- in a shootout win over the Rangers, no less -- and then went on to bounce New Jersey, Boston and Montreal, before falling in six games to Chicago.

Is a repeat performance in store? Perhaps, but they will need to be better than five combined points, which is what they amassed versus the Canucks. Richards had one goal, Carter had none, and combined, they were a minus-2.

Balanced Blues

Balance has been the song of the day for the Blues. Once coach Ken Hitchcock took over, he figured out the lines, dispersed the talent as evenly as possible, and St. Louis simply got to work. A division title, a first-round win, and few months later, the Blues are in a prime position to win the Stanley Cup. And it's mainly due to the waves of scorers that they can throw at you.

Forwards Andy McDonald and Patrik Berglund combined for 15 points in the first-round win over San Jose, but after those two, the Blues have a stable of producers who don't exactly jump off the page, but do get the job done. In fact, left wing David Perron, centers T.J. Oshie and Alex Steen, and defensemen Carlo Colaiacovo and Alex Pietrangelo all had three points against the Sharks.

And then there’s the ever-steady, experienced presence of forwards Jason Arnott and Jamie ****enbrunner, as well, two players who won the Stanley Cup with the New Jersey Devils. Could be a lot for the Kings’ defense to handle.

Quick is the trick

Vancouver coach Alain Vigneault said it best after the Canucks secured the No. 1 seed in the West earlier this month. As he gazed out to the crowd during his press conference, and was asked about the dangers the Kings present in a first-round series, he was short and sweet. "Obviously," Vigneault said, "they have some great goaltending."

Los Angeles goaltender Jonathan Quick went 4-1 against Vancouver in Round 1, posting a 1.59 goals-against average. He had one shutout and made 164 saves on 172 shots as the Kings knocked off the defending Western Conference champions.

Now, things will get more difficult for him here. The second round is usually tougher than the first, and the well-rested Blues haven't played since last Saturday. But the Kings have to feel good about their chances against anyone with an unheralded star like that in between the pipes.

History

The Blues have won four consecutive games and 12 of their last 14 on Saturdays. Los Angeles has won five of its last seven on the road, and these two teams have combined for a seven-game overless streak (0-6-1).

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**Udog** · 04-28-2012, 07:43 AM

NBA
Long Sheet

Saturday, April 28

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PHILADELPHIA (35 - 31) at CHICAGO (50 - 16) - 4/28/2012, 1:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO is 5-5 against the spread versus PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO is 6-4 straight up against PHILADELPHIA 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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NEW YORK (36 - 30) at MIAMI (46 - 20) - 4/28/2012, 3:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
MIAMI is 6-4 against the spread versus NEW YORK over the last 3 seasons
MIAMI is 8-2 straight up against NEW YORK over the last 3 seasons
7 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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ORLANDO (37 - 29) at INDIANA (42 - 24) - 4/28/2012, 7:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
ORLANDO is 6-5 against the spread versus INDIANA over the last 3 seasons
ORLANDO is 9-2 straight up against INDIANA 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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DALLAS (36 - 30) at OKLAHOMA CITY (47 - 19) - 4/28/2012, 9:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
DALLAS is 9-7 against the spread versus OKLAHOMA CITY over the last 3 seasons
DALLAS is 9-7 straight up against OKLAHOMA CITY over the last 3 seasons
8 of 16 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up

Saturday, April 28

76ers @ Bulls-- Doug Collins' was Michael Jordan's coach in Chicago for three years, so this could be an interesting series for top-seed Bulls, who won two of three vs Philly this year, winning 89-80 (-5) in only meeting here. 76ers lost five of last seven visits to Windy City, with four of the seven games going over the total. Chicago went 8-3 in first two rounds of playoffs LY, before losing to Miami in 5 in Eastern final. Sixers are 3-8 in two playoff series the last three years.

Knicks @ Heat-- Chandler is ill, might not play here; PG Lin is also out for New York, which was 0-3 vs Miami this season, losing by 10-8-14 points- they're 2-10 overall in last 12 series tilts. Last five series games stayed under total. Knicks lost six of last seven visits to Miami, losing by 5-17-22-8-10-14 points. New York covered four of last six games as an underdog. Miami won its first three playoff series LY in five games each, before losing in Finals. Knicks' last playoff series win was in '00.

Magic @ Pacers-- No Dwight Howard here, which makes Orlando easily the team most likely to check out early, but Van Gundy is a solid coach, and Magic won eight of last nine games with Indiana, winning last five in this building. Pacers haven't won playoff series since 2005, losing LY to Bulls in five games in first round. Four of last five series tilts went over the total. Magic lost in first round to Hawks LY, first time in four years they didn't win at least one playoff series.

Mavericks @ Thunder-- Dallas beat Thunder in five games LY in West finals LY on way to NBA title, with its last three wins by 6-7-4 points; Thunder won three of four meetings this year, winning by 2-4 in the two games played in this gym. Mavericks lost last four road games, losing by 4-2-10-17 points. Harden's health (concussion) big ?mark for Thunder team that needs third wheel to support Durant/Westbrook. Last three series games stayed under total.

NBA

Saturday, April 28

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Trend Report
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1:00 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. CHICAGO
Philadelphia is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Philadelphia's last 7 games
Chicago is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Chicago's last 5 games

3:30 PM
NEW YORK vs. MIAMI
New York is 2-10 SU in its last 12 games when playing Miami
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of New York's last 5 games when playing Miami
Miami is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing New York
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Miami's last 5 games at home

7:00 PM
ORLANDO vs. INDIANA
Orlando is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Indiana
The total has gone UNDER in 14 of Orlando's last 19 games when playing on the road against Indiana
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Indiana's last 6 games when playing Orlando
Indiana is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games when playing Orlando

9:30 PM
DALLAS vs. OKLAHOMA CITY
Dallas is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 13 of Dallas's last 17 games when playing on the road against Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Dallas
Oklahoma City is 5-12 SU in its last 17 games when playing at home against Dallas

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NBA

Saturday, April 28

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What bettors need to know: Saturday's NBA playoff action
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New York Knicks at Miami Heat (-8.5, 186.5)

THE STORY: The Miami Heat’s Big Three have not seen the floor in a game together in nearly two weeks. With the Heat cruising toward the No. 2 seed in the East, the team opted for rest over consistency. The seventh-seeded New York Knicks, on the other hand, are just beginning to come together. Carmelo Anthony closed the regular season on a tear and Amar'e Stoudemire has spent the past week working himself back into shape.

TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, ABC

ABOUT THE KNICKS (36-30): New York lost all three regular season meetings with the Heat by an average of 10.7 points, but still has plenty of confidence entering this series due to the way it has played down the stretch. The Knicks have a Defensive Player of the Year candidate in Tyson Chandler in the middle and a stopper on the perimeter in Iman Shumpert, which has helped transform the team on that end of the floor. Anthony asserted himself in April after Jeremy Lin and Stoudemire went down, averaging 29.8 points in the month. Stoudemire is back as a second scoring option, having played at least 24 minutes in each of the final four games and stayed healthy. The Knicks also have a huge edge off the bench with Steve Novak and J.R. Smith.

ABOUT THE HEAT (46-20): Miami’s hopes rest on LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. Just like last season, the supporting cast leaves something to be desired. Coach Eric Spoelstra moved Udonis Haslem into the starting lineup late in the season, giving the team some toughness up front to help deal with Chandler. Bosh missed the final six games of the regular season to rest a minor hamstring issue and both Wade and James took time off to rest minor injuries. All three were on the floor on Apr. 15, when Miami went into Madison Square Garden and took down the Knicks, 93-85. James led the way with 29 points and 10 rebounds while Wade added 28 and nine.

TRENDS:
-The under is 21-5 in Miami's last 26 home games.
- New York has covered in 19 of its last 26.
- Miami has covered in five of its last seven games when favored.

Philadelphia 76ers at Chicago Bulls (-9, 175.5)

THE STORY: Despite owning the best record in the NBA, the Chicago Bulls are not without questions. The starting five has played very few games together due to injury and the most important player, reigning MVP Derrick Rose, has not had much time to get into playing shape. The eighth-seeded Philadelphia 76ers were limping their way to the finish line before picking it up right at the end. The Bulls took two of three in the regular season.

TV: 1 p.m. ET, TNT

ABOUT THE 76ERS (35-31): There was a time in the middle of the season where it looked like Philadelphia would run away with the Atlantic Division. It did not turn out that way, as the 76ers were under .500 in February and March and then began April by dropping seven of nine. Philadelphia had to scramble to clinch the final playoff spot but eventually broke through and found some offense, reaching the 100-point plateau three times during a four-game winning streak from Apr. 18-25. The 76ers play a similar style to the Bulls, preferring to slow the tempo and win with defense. Their best defensive stopper, Andre Iguodala, sat out the final two games of the regular season with a bruised Achilles but should be ready for Saturday.

ABOUT THE BULLS (50-16): Chicago clinched the best record in the NBA and home-court advantage throughout the playoffs with a 107-75 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers in the regular-season finale. Derrick Rose sat that game out, pushing his total of games missed this season to 27. Richard Hamilton missed 38 games and Luol Deng missed 12 games, leaving the Bulls less time than most teams with their intended starting lineup. Chicago was still able to roll through the league on the strength of its defense, which surrendered an NBA-low 88.2 points, and the front court duo of Joakim Noah and Carlos Boozer, which helped the team lead the league in rebounding.

TRENDS:
- Philadelphia has covered in four of its last five.
- The over is 12-4-1 in the last 17 meetings between the two teams.
- The under has cashed in each of Chicago's last six.

BUZZER BEATERS:

1. Rose, who only played in five of the final 10 games, matched a season high with 35 points in a win at Philadelphia on Mar. 4.

2. The 76ers finished 16-17 on the road, while the Bulls went 26-7 at home.

3. Philadelphia G Lou Williams became the first player ever to lead his team in scoring (14.9 points) without starting a game.

Dallas Mavericks at Oklahoma City Thunder (-7.5, 193)

THE STORY: The Dallas Mavericks begin their quest for a second consecutive NBA title against one of their key conquests from their first title. Dallas opens its championship defense Saturday night against an Oklahoma City Thunder team that bowed out in five games in last year's Western Conference finals. The Thunder bounced back nicely during the shortened 2011-12 campaign, posting the second-best record in the West thanks to spectacular seasons from Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook.

TV: 9:30 p.m. ET, ESPN

ABOUT THE MAVERICKS (36-30): It wasn't an easy regular season for the defending champs, who lost center Tyson Chandler to the New York Knicks and weren't able to replace his defensive intensity in the paint. Making matters worse was a drawn-out fiasco with forward Lamar Odom that eventually led to he and the team parting ways. The Mavericks worked through the distraction and qualify for the postseason, but a better showing on the road will be imperative to the team's title chances. Dallas went just 13-20 away from American Airlines Center, the second-worst road mark of any team to reach the playoffs.

ABOUT THE THUNDER (47-19): Durant won his third consecutive scoring title, becoming the first player since Michael Jordan (2006-08) to accomplish the feat. He had plenty of help on the scoresheet, with Westbrook (23.8 ppg) and sixth man James Harden (16.8) fueling the league's third-ranked offense. Getting past the Mavericks will require the Thunder to avoid the fourth-quarter meltdowns that plagued them in their final two losses of the Western Conference final. Dallas rallied from 15 points down to win Game 4, then wiped out a seven-point deficit in the final six minutes of Game 5.

TRENDS:
- The underdog is 17-4-1 against the spread in the last 22 meetings between the two teams.
- Dallas is 2-5 ATS in its last seven.
- Oklahoma City is 3-13-1 ATS in its last 17 home games against Dallas.

BUZZER BEATERS:

1. Oklahoma City won three of four regular-season meetings between the teams.

2. Durant averaged 25.5 points and 8.3 rebounds against the Mavericks this season.

3. Dallas went 32-34 against the spread in the regular season, while Oklahoma City was 35-31.

Orlando Magic at Indiana Pacers (-9, 191.5)

THE STORY: The Indiana Pacers find themselves in the role of favorites as they open the Eastern Conference playoffs against the visiting Orlando Magic on Saturday. Third-seeded Indiana finished the season strong while sixth-seeded Orlando struggled down the stretch, particularly after losing star center Dwight Howard to season-ending back surgery. The Pacers are 12-3 in April and have multiple weapons to make up for a lack of star power. The Magic lost four of their final five regular-season outings.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, ESPN

ABOUT THE MAGIC (37-29): Not having Howard is a huge blow as the Pacers had trouble handling him. Howard averaged 23.8 points and 10.8 rebounds while shooting 68.5 percent from the field. Glen Davis is expected to start at center in Game 1 after injuring an ankle on Wednesday. Orlando will likely rely on its 3-point shooting (the Magic led the NBA in most 3s made) to help compensate for the loss of its interior edge. Forward Ryan Anderson made a league-high 166 3-pointers and guard J.J. Redick (41.8 percent) is also capable of hitting them in bunches. Forward Hedo Turkoglu is back from facial fractures and had a team-high 18 points in Thursday’s regular-season finale against Memphis.

ABOUT THE PACERS (42-24): Balance is the key for Indiana, which has five players averaging in double figures and eight players averaging 8.9 points or better. Forward Danny Granger averages a team-leading 18.7 points and he has raised his level of play significantly down the stretch by scoring at a 21.6 clip in April. Center Roy Hibbert could be in line for a big series with Howard sidelined. Hibbert averaged just 10.8 points and 6.8 rebounds against Howard in the regular season. Forward David West also struggled against Orlando, averaging just 7.0 points and shooting 36.8 percent. Darren Collison and George Hill give Indiana two solid point guard options with Hill playing better heading into the postseason.

TRENDS:
- Orlando has covered in five of its last six meetings with Indiana.
- Indiana is 7-15 in its last 16 games when playing on two days' rest.
- The over is 4-1 in Indiana's last five.

BUZZER BEATERS:

1. Orlando won three of the four regular-season meetings.

2. The Magic is making their sixth consecutive playoff appearance; Indiana is in for the second straight season after a five-year drought.

3. Pacers guard Leandro Barbosa (ankle) is a game-time decision.

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**Udog** · 04-28-2012, 07:43 AM

MLB
Dunkel

Washington at LA Dodgers
The Nationals look to build on their 6-0 record in Stephen Strasburg's last 6 road starts. Washington is the pick (-115) according to Dunkel, which has the Nationals favored by 1 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Washington (-115). Here are all of today's picks.

SATURDAY, APRIL 28

Game 951-952: Milwaukee at St. Louis (1:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Milwaukee (Estrada) 14.529; St. Louis (Lohse) 16.252
Dunkel Line: St. Louis by 1 1/2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line: St. Louis (-145); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (-145); Under

Game 953-954: Houston at Cincinnati (4:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Houston (Harrell) 15.473; Cincinnati (Cueto) 15.146
Dunkel Line: Houston by 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: Cincinnati (-200); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Houston (+170); Under

Game 955-956: Chicago Cubs at Philadelphia (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cubs (Wells) 15.257; Philadelphia (Blanton) 14.461
Dunkel Line: Chicago Cubs by 1; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Philadelphia (-145); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Chicago Cubs (+125); Over

Game 957-958: Pittsburgh at Atlanta (7:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh (Bedard) 15.083; Atlanta (Delgado) 16.420
Dunkel Line: Atlanta by 1 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: Atlanta (-145); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (-145); Under

Game 959-960: Arizona at Miami (7:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Arizona (Kennedy) 14.474; Miami (Sanchez) 13.015
Dunkel Line: Arizona by 1 1/2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line: Miami (-130); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Arizona (+110); Under

Game 961-962: NY Mets at Colorado (8:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: NY Mets (Gee) 13.986; Colorado (Moscoso) 15.165
Dunkel Line: Colorado by 1; 10 1/2
Vegas Line: Colorado (-140); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Colorado (-140); Over

Game 963-964: San Diego at San Francisco (9:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Diego (Bass) 15.108; San Francisco (Lincecum) 14.707
Dunkel Line: San Diego by 1/2; 6
Vegas Line: San Francisco (-175); 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Diego (+155); Under

Game 965-966: Washington at LA Dodgers (9:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Washington (Strasburg) 16.448; LA Dodgers (Billingsley) 14.738
Dunkel Line: Washington by 1 1/2; 5
Vegas Line: Washington (-115); 6
Dunkel Pick: Washington (-115); Under

Game 967-968: LA Angels at Cleveland (1:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: LA Angels (Haren) 14.476; Cleveland (Gomez) 14.736
Dunkel Line: Cleveland by 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: LA Angels (-130); 8
Dunkel Pick: Cleveland (+110); Over

Game 969-970: Kansas City at Minnesota (1:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Kansas City (Chen) 14.894; Minnesota (Marquis) 13.754
Dunkel Line: Kansas City by 1; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Kansas City (-115); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Kansas City (-115); Over

Game 971-972: Detroit at NY Yankees (4:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit (Smyly) 14.646; NY Yankees (Garcia) 16.228
Dunkel Line: NY Yankees by 1 1/2; 10
Vegas Line: NY Yankees (-125); 10 1/2
Dunkel Pick: NY Yankees (-125); Under

Game 973-974: Seattle at Toronto (4:07 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Seattle (Millwood) 16.004; Toronto (Morrow) 14.417
Dunkel Line: Seattle by 1 1/2; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Toronto (-180); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Seattle (+160); Over

Game 975-976: Oakland at Baltimore (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Oakland (Ross) 15.006; Baltimore (Chen) 16.032
Dunkel Line: Baltimore by 1; 9
Vegas Line: Baltimore (-145); 8
Dunkel Pick: Baltimore (-145); Under

Game 977-978: Boston at Chicago White Sox (7:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Boston (Lester) 16.212; White Sox (Peavy) 14.704
Dunkel Line: Boston by 1 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: Chicago White Sox (-115); 8
Dunkel Pick: Boston (-105); Over

Game 979-980: Tampa Bay at Texas (8:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Tampa Bay (Niemann) 16.111; Texas (Lewis) 17.585
Dunkel Line: Texas by 1 1/2; 10
Vegas Line: Texas (-155); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Texas (-155); Over

**Udog** · 04-28-2012, 07:43 AM

MLB
Armadillo's Write-Up

Saturday, April 28

Hot pitchers
-- Lohse is 3-0, 0.99 in four starts this season. Estrada allowed one run in five IP in his first '12 start.
-- Cueto is 2-0, 2.13 in four starts this season.
-- Bedard has a 3.00 RA in four starts but is 0-4 because Pirates scored a total of three runs in the four games.
-- Kennedy is 3-0, 3.86 in four starts this season. ASanchez is 1-0, 3.26 in three starts this season.
-- Strasburg is 2-0, 1.08 in four starts this season.
-- Bass has a 2.94 RA in three starts this season.

-- Haren has a 1.93 RA in his last two starts, but Angels are 0-4 in his starts, with bullpen losing three of the four games. Gomez is 1-0, 2.46 in two starts this season, but lasted total of just 7.1 IP in the two starts (ejected in one).
-- Smyly has a 1.69 RA in three starts for Detroit.
-- Ross is 1-0, 2.19 in two starts this season. WChen is 1-0, 2.31 in his last couple starts.
-- Peavy is 3-0, 1.19 in his last three starts.
-- Lewis is 2-0, 2.02 in four starts this season.

Cold pitchers
-- Harrell is 0-1, 5.74 in his last three starts.
-- Blanton is 0-2, 8.18 in his last couple starts. Wells allowed two runs in five IP in his first '12 start.
-- Delgado has a 5.74 RA in three starts this season.
-- Gee is 1-2, 5.68 in three starts this season. Guthrie allowed 12 runs in 10.1 IP in two home starts.
-- Billingsley is 0-1, 10.24 in his last couple starts.
-- Lincecum is 1-2, 8.20 in four starts this season.

-- FGarcia is 0-1, 10.50 in three starts this season.
-- Morrow is 1-1, 5.14 in his last three starts. Millwood is 0-1, 11.58 in his last couple starts.
-- BChen is 0-2, 3.79 in his last three starts. Marquis has a 7.15 RA in his first two starts for Minnesota.
-- Lester is 0-1, 9.00 in his last couple starts.
-- Niemann is 1-2, 5.87 in three starts this season.

Hot teams
-- Braves won 13 of their last 17 games. Pittsburgh is 3-2 in second game of series if they lose the opener.
-- Cardinals won five of their last six home games.
-- Mets won three of their last four games. Colorado won five of its last seven home games.
-- Nationals won four of their last six games.
-- Giants won six of their last nine games.

-- Royals won their last three games, scoring 19 runs.
-- Bronx won three of their last four home games.
-- Indians won nine of their last thirteen games.
-- Mariners won last four games, scoring 30 runs.
-- Orioles/A's both won four of their last five games.
-- Texas won 11 of its last 14 games. Rays won their last six games, allowing 12 runs.
-- Red Sox won their last five games, scoring 44 runs.

Cold teams
-- Cubs lost five of their last six road games. Phillies lost three of last four at home.
-- Marlins lost their last six games, scoring seven runs. Arizona lost seven of its last ten games.
-- Cincinnati is 0-3 in second game of series if it lost the opener. Astros lost six of their last nine road games.
-- Brewers lost last five road games, allowing 40 runs.
-- Dodgers lost three of their last five games.
-- Padres lost five of their seven road games.

-- Detroit lost seven of its last eight games.
-- Toronto lost its last four games, scoring eight runs.
-- Angels lost eight of their last nine road games.
-- White Sox lost six of their last seven home games.
-- Minnesota lost its last six games, allowing 41 runs.

Totals
-- Over is 4-2-1 in Cubs' road games this season.
-- Six of last eight Arizona games went over the total.
-- Seven of last nine Cincinnati games went over the total.
-- Under is 15-3-1 in Pirate games, 3-6-1 in last ten Atlanta games.
-- Five of last six Milwaukee games went over the total.
-- Under is 7-4 in Colorado's last eleven games.
-- Seven of last nine Dodger games stayed under the total.
-- Under is 4-2-1 in San Francisco's home games.

-- Under is 10-5-2 in last seventeen Detroit games.
-- Over is 4-0-1 in Seattle's last five games.
-- Eight of last nine Cleveland games stayed under the total.
-- Seven of last eight Baltimore home games stayed under total.
-- Seven of last eight Tampa Bay road games went over total.
-- Six of last seven Boston road games went over the total.
-- Under is 7-3-1 in last eleven Kansas City games.

Umpires
-- Mil-StL-- Under is 15-10 in last 25 Barksdale games.
-- Hst-Cin-- Underdogs won last four McClelland games.
-- Chi-Phil-- Since start of 2010, under is 41-28 in Iassogna games.
-- Pitt-Atl-- Three of last four Danley games stayed under.
-- Az-Mia-- Three of four Hoye games stayed under, with underdogs winning the last three.
-- NY-Col-- Road team won all three LBarrett games this year.
-- SD-SF-- Home team is 5-0 this season with Tschida behind plate.
-- Wsh-LA-- Over is 18-15-1 in last 34 Carlson games.

-- LA-Clev-- Home side is 22-15 in last 37 Culbreth games.
-- KC-Min-- Underdogs won last four Gorman games.
-- Det-NY-- Favorites won all three Fletcher games this season.
-- Sea-Tor-- Home side won seven of last ten Gonzalez games.
-- A's-Balt-- Four of five Cooper games stayed under the total.
-- Bos-Chi-- Home side won three of four Reyburn games this year.
-- TB-Tex-- Road team won all three Wendelstedt games this year.

**Udog** · 04-28-2012, 07:44 AM

MLB

Saturday, April 28

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Trend Report
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1:05 PM
LA ANGELS vs. CLEVELAND
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of LA Angels's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of LA Angels's last 5 games when playing on the road against Cleveland
Cleveland is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Cleveland's last 5 games when playing at home against LA Angels

1:05 PM
MILWAUKEE vs. ST. LOUIS
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Milwaukee's last 5 games on the road
Milwaukee is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against St. Louis
St. Louis is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Milwaukee
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of St. Louis's last 15 games when playing at home against Milwaukee

1:10 PM
KANSAS CITY vs. MINNESOTA
Kansas City is 6-16 SU in its last 22 games when playing on the road against Minnesota
The total has gone OVER in 15 of Kansas City's last 22 games when playing on the road against Minnesota
Minnesota is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Kansas City
Minnesota is 16-6 SU in its last 22 games when playing at home against Kansas City

4:05 PM
DETROIT vs. NY YANKEES
Detroit is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Detroit's last 6 games when playing NY Yankees
NY Yankees are 17-8 SU in their last 25 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of NY Yankees's last 6 games at home

4:07 PM
SEATTLE vs. TORONTO
Seattle is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Seattle's last 5 games
Toronto is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Seattle
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Toronto's last 5 games at home

4:10 PM
HOUSTON vs. CINCINNATI
Houston is 6-17 SU in its last 23 games when playing on the road against Cincinnati
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Houston's last 5 games on the road
Cincinnati is 17-6 SU in its last 23 games when playing at home against Houston
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Cincinnati's last 5 games

7:05 PM
CHI CUBS vs. PHILADELPHIA
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Chi Cubs's last 6 games
Chi Cubs are 4-2 SU in their last 6 games
Philadelphia is 4-12 SU in its last 16 games at home
Philadelphia is 4-2 SU in their last 6 games when playing at home against Chi Cubs

7:05 PM
OAKLAND vs. BALTIMORE
Oakland is 17-8 SU in its last 25 games when playing Baltimore
Oakland is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Baltimore's last 5 games when playing at home against Oakland
Baltimore is 8-17 SU in its last 25 games when playing Oakland

7:10 PM
BOSTON vs. CHI WHITE SOX
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Boston's last 5 games
Boston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Chi White Sox's last 6 games at home
Chi White Sox are 1-6 SU in their last 7 games at home

7:10 PM
ARIZONA vs. MIAMI
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Arizona's last 6 games when playing Miami
Arizona is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Miami
Miami is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Arizona
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Miami's last 6 games when playing Arizona

7:10 PM
PITTSBURGH vs. ATLANTA
The total has gone UNDER in 14 of Pittsburgh's last 19 games when playing Atlanta
Pittsburgh is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
Atlanta is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing Pittsburgh
The total has gone OVER in 12 of Atlanta's last 18 games

8:05 PM
TAMPA BAY vs. TEXAS
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Tampa Bay's last 8 games on the road
Tampa Bay is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Texas
Texas is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Tampa Bay
Texas is 11-3 SU in its last 14 games

8:10 PM
NY METS vs. COLORADO
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of NY Mets's last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 9 of NY Mets's last 11 games on the road
Colorado is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games at home
Colorado is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games

9:05 PM
SAN DIEGO vs. SAN FRANCISCO
San Diego is 5-10 SU in its last 15 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of San Diego's last 6 games
San Francisco is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against San Diego
San Francisco is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing San Diego

9:10 PM
WASHINGTON vs. LA DODGERS
Washington is 16-5 SU in its last 21 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Washington's last 5 games on the road
LA Dodgers are 9-2 SU in their last 11 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 6 of LA Dodgers's last 8 games when playing Washington

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**Udog** · 04-28-2012, 07:45 AM

MLB

Saturday, April 28

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Saturday's streaking and slumping starting pitchers
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Streaking

Kyle Lohse, St. Louis Cardinals - 3-0, 0.99 ERA

Lohse hasn’t topped the 100-pitch plateau through four starts this season and has allowed only three total runs on 16 hits. His control has been fantastic, walking just two batters so far. He would be heading into this start 4-0 if it weren’t for a blown save.

Jake Peavy, Chicago White Sox – 3-0, 1.88 ERA

It looks like Peavy’s shoulder is just fine following a long stint of rehab. After struggling last season and suffering the shoulder injury in July, the veteran fired his 10th career complete game in shutting out Oakland 4-0 Monday. He gave up just three hits while striking out five. He has struck out at least five in all four of his starts this year, limiting opposing batters to a .172 average.

Slumping

Erik Bedard, Pittsburgh Pirates – 0-4, 2.63 ERA

Bedard is still looking for his first win in a Pirates uniform, but he is hardly to blame for his 0-4 start. He has allowed seven runs total so far and just one homer. The problem is Pittsburgh has scored just three times with the lefty on the bump. He has 17 strikeouts compared to 10 walks in 24 innings of work.

Freddy Garcia, New York Yankees – 0-1, 9.75 ERA

Garcia lasted just 1 2/3 innings in his last outing as the Boston Red Sox spanked him for seven hits and five runs. The veteran righty threw 5 2/3 innings in his start before that, but still gave up five runs and nine hits in a 7-3 loss to Minnesota.

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**Udog** · 04-28-2012, 07:59 AM

NBA
Dunkel

New York at Miami
The Heat look to take advantage of a New York team that is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games as a road underdog of 5 to 10 1/2 points. Miami is the pick (-8 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Heat favored by 10. Dunkel Pick: Miami (-8 1/2). Here are all of today's picks

SATURDAY, APRIL 28

Game 501-502: Philadelphia at Chicago (1:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia 116.167; Chicago 123.102
Dunkel Line & Total: Chicago by 7; 179
Vegas Line & Total: Chicago by 9; 175
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (+9); Over

Game 503-504: New York at Miami (3:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: New York 119.371; Miami 129.465
Dunkel Line & Total: Miami by 10; 183
Vegas Line & Total: Miami by 8 1/2; 186 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Miami (-8 1/2); Under

Game 505-506: Orlando at Indiana (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Orlando 114.530; Indiana 121.325
Dunkel Line & Total: Indiana by 7; 195
Vegas Line & Total: Indiana by 9; 191 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Orlando (+9); Over

Game 507-508: Dallas at Oklahoma City (9:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Dallas 116.502; Oklahoma City 126.177
Dunkel Line & Total: Oklahoma City by 9 1/2; 190
Vegas Line & Total: Oklahoma City by 7 1/2; 193
Dunkel Pick: Oklahoma City (-7 1/2); Under

**Udog** · 04-28-2012, 08:37 AM

NHL
Dunkel

Washington at NY Rangers
The Capitals look to build on their 5-1 record in their last 6 games as a road underdog. Washington is the pick (+150) according to Dunkel, which has the Capitals favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: Washington (+150). Here are all of today's picks.

SATURDAY, APRIL 28

Game 5-6: Washington at NY Rangers (3:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Washington 12.289; NY Rangers 11.265
Dunkel Line & Total: Washington by 1; 5 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: NY Rangers (-170); 5
Dunkel Pick: Washington (+150); Over

Game 1-2: Los Angeles at St. Louis (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Los Angeles 11.714; St. Louis 12.822
Dunkel Line & Total: St. Louis by 1; 4
Vegas Line & Total: St. Louis (-155); 5
Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (-155); Under

**Udog** · 04-28-2012, 09:49 AM

MLB
Long Sheet

Saturday, April 28

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MILWAUKEE (9 - 11) at ST LOUIS (13 - 7) - 1:05 PM
MARCO ESTRADA (R) vs. KYLE LOHSE (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MILWAUKEE is 22-7 (+15.2 Units) against the money line when playing on Saturday over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 104-96 (-35.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 24-33 (-16.5 Units) against the money line when playing on Saturday over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ST LOUIS is 3-1 (+2.2 Units) against MILWAUKEE this season
3 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.9 Units)

MARCO ESTRADA vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
No recent starts.

KYLE LOHSE vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
LOHSE is 4-9 when starting against MILWAUKEE with an ERA of 4.95 and a WHIP of 1.399.
His team's record is 6-12 (-9.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 8-7. (+0.3 units)

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HOUSTON (8 - 12) at CINCINNATI (9 - 11) - 4:10 PM
LUCAS HARRELL (R) vs. JOHNNY CUETO (R)
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 65-119 (-34.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 188-214 (-54.7 Units) against the money line when playing on Saturday since 1997.
HOUSTON is 63-118 (-36.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 42-88 (-33.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 87-93 (-18.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 299-281 (-71.6 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
HOUSTON is 1-0 (+1.3 Units) against CINCINNATI this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.1 Units)

LUCAS HARRELL vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
No recent starts.

JOHNNY CUETO vs. HOUSTON since 1997
CUETO is 1-5 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 4.01 and a WHIP of 1.418.
His team's record is 2-8 (-6.9 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 5-4. (+0.6 units)

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CHICAGO CUBS (7 - 13) at PHILADELPHIA (9 - 11) - 7:05 PM
RANDY WELLS (R) vs. JOE BLANTON (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO CUBS are 1194-1279 (-238.2 Units) against the money line in all games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 1137-1195 (-216.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 878-942 (-163.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 29-49 (-17.6 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 71-85 (-29.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
WELLS is 7-18 (-14.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO CUBS is 1-0 (+2.2 Units) against PHILADELPHIA this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.0 Units)

RANDY WELLS vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
WELLS is 0-0 when starting against PHILADELPHIA with an ERA of 2.89 and a WHIP of 1.501.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-2. (-2.1 units)

JOE BLANTON vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
BLANTON is 0-0 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 3.04 and a WHIP of 0.975.
His team's record is 2-2 (+0.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-3. (-3.1 units)

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PITTSBURGH (8 - 11) at ATLANTA (13 - 7) - 7:10 PM
ERIK BEDARD (L) vs. RANDALL DELGADO (R)
Top Trends for this game.
PITTSBURGH is 134-236 (-49.5 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +125 to +150 since 1997.
PITTSBURGH is 65-135 (-45.0 Units) against the money line in road games when playing on Saturday since 1997.
PITTSBURGH is 32-82 (-30.8 Units) against the money line in road games in night games over the last 3 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 201-416 (-98.7 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
BEDARD is 28-49 (-22.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against PITTSBURGH this season
0 of 0 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.0 Units)

ERIK BEDARD vs. ATLANTA since 1997
BEDARD is 0-1 when starting against ATLANTA with an ERA of 2.70 and a WHIP of 0.700.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (+0.0 units)

RANDALL DELGADO vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
No recent starts.

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ARIZONA (10 - 10) at MIAMI (7 - 12) - 7:10 PM
IAN KENNEDY (R) vs. ANIBAL SANCHEZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
ARIZONA is 107-82 (+24.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 47-44 (+11.2 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 107-82 (+24.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 79-57 (+21.6 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 79-55 (+26.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 65-42 (+22.1 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
KENNEDY is 28-11 (+17.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
KENNEDY is 13-5 (+10.3 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
KENNEDY is 28-11 (+17.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
KENNEDY is 22-7 (+14.7 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
MIAMI is 40-60 (-20.0 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 10-26 (-16.6 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive losses over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 79-102 (-20.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 36-50 (-21.0 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 36-50 (-21.0 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 27-41 (-20.9 Units) against the money line in home games in night games over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 54-75 (-19.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ARIZONA is 1-0 (+1.2 Units) against MIAMI this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.0 Units)

IAN KENNEDY vs. MIAMI since 1997
KENNEDY is 2-1 when starting against MIAMI with an ERA of 4.91 and a WHIP of 1.309.
His team's record is 2-1 (+0.7 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-1. (+0.8 units)

ANIBAL SANCHEZ vs. ARIZONA since 1997
SANCHEZ is 3-1 when starting against ARIZONA with an ERA of 3.71 and a WHIP of 1.059.
His team's record is 4-1 (+3.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-2. (+0.0 units)

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NY METS (11 - 9) at COLORADO (10 - 9) - 8:10 PM
DILLON GEE (R) vs. GUILLERMO MOSCOSO (R)
Top Trends for this game.
NY METS are 23-18 (+14.1 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 30-23 (+13.4 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 3 seasons.
NY METS are 46-42 (+18.2 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 46-42 (+18.2 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 32-29 (+11.4 Units) against the money line in road games in night games over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 37-30 (+18.5 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
GEE is 12-5 (+10.7 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GEE is 12-5 (+10.7 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
COLORADO is 83-100 (-31.5 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 44-47 (-18.7 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 83-100 (-31.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 110-122 (-32.9 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 3 seasons.
COLORADO is 56-74 (-28.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 35-46 (-19.4 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.

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

DILLON GEE vs. COLORADO since 1997
No recent starts.

GUILLERMO MOSCOSO vs. NY METS since 1997
No recent starts.

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SAN DIEGO (7 - 14) at SAN FRANCISCO (10 - 10) - 9:05 PM
ANTHONY BASS (R) vs. TIM LINCECUM (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN DIEGO is 78-106 (-20.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 53-77 (-23.0 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 16-31 (-15.0 Units) against the money line in April games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 31-56 (-21.4 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 78-106 (-20.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 43-79 (-35.4 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 170-84 (+35.4 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -150 to -175 since 1997.
SAN FRANCISCO is 854-708 (+107.4 Units) against the money line in night games since 1997.
SAN DIEGO is 61-54 (+21.6 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN DIEGO 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=+1.2 Units)

ANTHONY BASS vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
No recent starts.

TIM LINCECUM vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
LINCECUM is 9-4 when starting against SAN DIEGO with an ERA of 1.96 and a WHIP of 1.173.
His team's record is 13-5 (+6.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 10-8. (+0.8 units)

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WASHINGTON (14 - 6) at LA DODGERS (14 - 6) - 9:10 PM
STEPHEN STRASBURG (R) vs. CHAD BILLINGSLEY (R)
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 64-130 (-43.8 Units) against the money line in road games when playing on Saturday since 1997.
LA DODGERS are 61-40 (+18.2 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less over the last 2 seasons.
LA DODGERS are 41-23 (+15.3 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 7 or less over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 41-34 (+18.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 94-88 (+16.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 39-29 (+18.8 Units) against the money line in April games over the last 3 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 94-88 (+16.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.

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

STEPHEN STRASBURG vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
STRASBURG is 0-0 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 0.00 and a WHIP of 0.400.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.5 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.2 units)

CHAD BILLINGSLEY vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
BILLINGSLEY is 4-1 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 3.21 and a WHIP of 1.167.
His team's record is 5-2 (+1.8 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 4-2. (+1.8 units)

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LA ANGELS (6 - 14) at CLEVELAND (10 - 8) - 1:05 PM
DAN HAREN (R) vs. JEANMAR GOMEZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
LA ANGELS are 6-14 (-14.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LA ANGELS are 6-14 (-14.3 Units) against the money line in April games this season.
LA ANGELS are 6-11 (-11.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
HAREN is 33-41 (-20.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
HAREN is 30-40 (-22.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
CLEVELAND is 50-34 (+15.3 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 28-16 (+14.3 Units) against the money line in April games over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 32-24 (+15.6 Units) against the money line when playing on Saturday over the last 3 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 67-60 (+10.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
GOMEZ is 10-3 (+8.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GOMEZ is 7-0 (+7.9 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GOMEZ is 9-1 (+9.3 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
GOMEZ is 10-3 (+8.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GOMEZ is 8-1 (+7.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
LA ANGELS are 620-538 (+62.1 Units) against the money line after a loss since 1997.
LA ANGELS are 605-601 (+40.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
LA ANGELS are 624-620 (+58.0 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997.
LA ANGELS are 153-135 (+31.4 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 8 to 8.5 since 1997.
LA ANGELS are 371-308 (+51.9 Units) against the money line in day games since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
CLEVELAND is 1-0 (+1.4 Units) against LA ANGELS this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.0 Units)

DAN HAREN vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
HAREN is 3-2 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 3.58 and a WHIP of 1.316.
His team's record is 5-5 (-1.6 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 4-4. (-0.5 units)

JEANMAR GOMEZ vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
GOMEZ is 0-1 when starting against LA ANGELS with an ERA of 18.00 and a WHIP of 3.333.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

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KANSAS CITY (6 - 14) at MINNESOTA (5 - 15) - 1:05 PM
BRUCE CHEN (L) vs. JASON MARQUIS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
KANSAS CITY is 34-51 (-22.8 Units) against the money line on the road with a money line of -100 to -125 since 1997.
MARQUIS is 16-9 (+11.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
MARQUIS is 16-9 (+11.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
CHEN is 47-32 (+20.1 Units) against the money line against division opponents since 1997. (Team's Record)
MINNESOTA is 14-36 (-19.3 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive losses over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 16-28 (-14.4 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 68-115 (-33.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 28-59 (-28.0 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 35-57 (-23.0 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 17-31 (-15.3 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 14-32 (-15.4 Units) against the money line in April games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 8-22 (-13.5 Units) against the money line when playing on Saturday over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 65-108 (-30.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 37-76 (-30.5 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
MARQUIS is 72-76 (-32.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997. (Team's Record)

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

BRUCE CHEN vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
CHEN is 2-3 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 4.40 and a WHIP of 1.489.
His team's record is 3-4 (-0.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 4-3. (+0.8 units)

JASON MARQUIS vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
MARQUIS is 2-0 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 4.50 and a WHIP of 1.500.
His team's record is 2-0 (+2.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-0. (+2.0 units)

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DETROIT (10 - 10) at NY YANKEES (11 - 8) - 4:05 PM
DREW SMYLY (L) vs. FREDDY GARCIA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 111-178 (-54.5 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +100 to +125 since 1997.
NY YANKEES are 47-16 (+25.7 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
NY YANKEES are 40-18 (+17.1 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
NY YANKEES are 250-163 (-62.9 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 10 to 10.5 since 1997.

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

DREW SMYLY vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
No recent starts.

FREDDY GARCIA vs. DETROIT since 1997
GARCIA is 18-9 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 3.91 and a WHIP of 1.253.
His team's record is 23-10 (+9.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 13-18. (-6.6 units)

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SEATTLE (11 - 10) at TORONTO (10 - 10) - 4:05 PM
KEVIN MILLWOOD (R) vs. BRANDON MORROW (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SEATTLE is 140-206 (-55.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons.
SEATTLE is 17-38 (-22.0 Units) against the money line when playing on Saturday over the last 3 seasons.
SEATTLE is 36-67 (-31.2 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 3 seasons.
MILLWOOD is 30-40 (-18.8 Units) against the money line in April games since 1997. (Team's Record)
TORONTO is 23-11 (+14.1 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive losses over the last 3 seasons.
MORROW is 21-11 (+12.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
SEATTLE is 15-10 (+11.3 Units) against the money line in road games in April games over the last 2 seasons.
MORROW is 2-8 (-9.9 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
SEATTLE is 1-0 (+1.8 Units) against TORONTO this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)

KEVIN MILLWOOD vs. TORONTO since 1997
MILLWOOD is 2-7 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 5.17 and a WHIP of 1.416.
His team's record is 4-8 (-6.3 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 8-4. (+3.6 units)

BRANDON MORROW vs. SEATTLE since 1997
MORROW is 2-0 when starting against SEATTLE with an ERA of 2.77 and a WHIP of 1.154.
His team's record is 2-0 (+2.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (-0.1 units)

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OAKLAND (11 - 10) at BALTIMORE (12 - 8) - 7:05 PM
TYSON ROSS (R) vs. WEI-YIN CHEN (L)
Top Trends for this game.
OAKLAND is 97-128 (-32.3 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 3 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 8-0 (+9.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
BALTIMORE is 277-353 (-98.6 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss since 1997.
BALTIMORE is 122-124 (-48.1 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -125 to -150 since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
OAKLAND is 1-0 (+1.1 Units) against BALTIMORE this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.0 Units)

TYSON ROSS vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
No recent starts.

WEI-YIN CHEN vs. OAKLAND since 1997
No recent starts.

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BOSTON (9 - 10) at CHI WHITE SOX (10 - 10) - 7:10 PM
JON LESTER (L) vs. JAKE PEAVY (R)
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 31-37 (-18.5 Units) against the money line in April games over the last 3 seasons.
BOSTON is 66-58 (-18.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 226-174 (+46.3 Units) against the money line when playing on Saturday since 1997.
BOSTON is 32-16 (+13.8 Units) against the money line in road games after a win over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 21-12 (+11.6 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +100 to +125 over the last 3 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 17-25 (-16.8 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 43-54 (-19.1 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 39-51 (-24.4 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 23-31 (-16.1 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 39-51 (-24.4 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 25-34 (-15.9 Units) against the money line in home games in night games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 2-0 (+2.0 Units) against CHI WHITE SOX this season
2 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.1 Units)

JON LESTER vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
LESTER is 3-3 when starting against CHI WHITE SOX with an ERA of 5.28 and a WHIP of 1.376.
His team's record is 4-3 (-0.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-4. (-1.4 units)

JAKE PEAVY vs. BOSTON since 1997
PEAVY is 1-1 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 4.50 and a WHIP of 1.333.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (-0.1 units)

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TAMPA BAY (13 - 7) at TEXAS (15 - 5) - 8:05 PM
JEFF NIEMANN (R) vs. COLBY LEWIS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
TEXAS is 122-77 (+23.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 41-14 (+18.2 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -150 to -175 over the last 3 seasons.
TEXAS is 116-72 (+22.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 88-52 (+17.7 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 89-52 (+21.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 48-26 (+18.3 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 22-11 (+14.6 Units) against the money line in road games in April games over the last 3 seasons.
NIEMANN is 19-9 (+11.9 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
NIEMANN is 17-7 (+11.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
NIEMANN is 23-9 (+15.4 Units) against the money line in road games in night games since 1997. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
TAMPA BAY is 1-0 (+1.4 Units) against TEXAS this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)

JEFF NIEMANN vs. TEXAS since 1997
NIEMANN is 0-2 when starting against TEXAS with an ERA of 11.17 and a WHIP of 1.861.
His team's record is 0-2 (-2.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.1 units)

COLBY LEWIS vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
LEWIS is 3-0 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 2.89 and a WHIP of 1.179.
His team's record is 4-1 (+3.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-3. (-1.1 units)

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**Udog** · 04-28-2012, 09:57 AM

NASCAR betting: Richmond 400 preview and picks

It’s a short track Saturday night this weekend as NASCAR heads to Virginia for 400 laps at the 3/4-mile Richmond International Raceway.

This week is all about momentum. Denny Hamlin won for the second time this season at Kansas Speedway last Sunday and has a pair of Richmond victories on his resume. The Joe Gibbs Racing driver hails from nearby Chesterfield and coming to his home track is always special. Winning, however, makes the trip even sweeter. Hamlin is so looking forward to coming home that he plans on arriving early.

"We have our big Short Track Showdown coming up on Thursday, so we've got a lot of planning,” Hamlin told reporters. “I obviously need to go to Richmond early to get some stuff done and schmooze some of our sponsors for that race for a few days. We're excited. I love going to Richmond anyway, but any time you can go after winning the previous week, it makes it a little more exciting.”

One driver who has had very little reason to celebrate so far this season is Hamlin’s JGR teammate Kyle Busch. Busch ranks 13th in the standings - 31 points out of the Top 10. His last victory came at Michigan International Speedway last August - 20 starts ago. But Busch has won the last three spring races at Richmond and is tied with Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jimmie Johnson and Tony Stewart for most wins among active drivers at the track. Busch could kick start his season with a win and get right back into the thick of the championship battle.

“We haven’t had the runs that we are looking for quite yet,” Busch told the media. “I’ve been missing a little bit of comfort in our cars this year, but I feel like we’re slowly gaining it back. I look for a certain feel in the car and we just haven’t quite hit on it, yet. We’ve kept working at making that better. We’ve been working hard at gaining some spots in the points. We’ve got some really good racetracks for us coming up with places like Richmond this weekend.”

Hendrick Motorsports continues to search for that, so far, elusive 200th win. The team has had some bright moments this season, but hasn’t visited Victory Lane since last fall, 14 races ago. Two of their four drivers have been leading the way this season.

Jimmie Johnson swept both Richmond races in 2007 and finished third in Kansas last Sunday. Dale Earnhardt Jr., a three-time Richmond winner (most recently in spring 2006), is riding a four-race Top-10 streak.

You might think that Johnson would come out as my favorite, being the most recent Hendrick winner here. However, Earnhardt Jr. will take over that role this week and there’s a feeling that he could steal the show and win for the first time since 2008 Saturday night.

Head-to-head

Clint Bowyer vs. Kevin Harvick: This week’s primetime matchup features two former teammates at Richard Childress Racing. Bowyer has a win here, Harvick has two with the most recent coming last fall. Harvick has the higher driver rating but Bowyer, in his new ride at Michael Waltrip Racing, has shown some strength this season. Harvick has yet to find his way. Look for Bowyer to prevail in this matchup.

Ryan Newman vs. Greg Biffle: It’s a battle of Chevy versus Ford as Stewart-Haas Racing’s Newman goes up against Roush Racing’s Biffle. Both have wins this season with Newman’s coming at Martinsville, the last short track the series raced on. That might give Newman an edge but Biffle has been leading the point standings and will do whatever it takes to stay there. Look for Biffle to finish in front of Newman Saturday night.

Bottom line

Sixty-three of 111 races have been won from the Top-5 starting positions, including 22 from the pole. The last driver to win from the pole was Kyle Busch in 2010. The furthest back in the field a race winner has started was 31st, by Clint Bowyer in the 2008 spring race.

Picks

Denny Hamlin (+600)
Kyle Busch (+600)
Dale Earnhardt Jr. (+1,800)

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Saturday's Trends and Indexes - 4/28 (NBA, NHL, MLB, Misc.)

Saturday's Trends and Indexes - 4/28 (NBA, NHL, MLB, Misc.)

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