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  • Saturday's Trends and Indexes - 4/20 (NBA, NHL, MLB, Misc.)

    Trends and Indexes

    Saturday, April 20

    Good Luck on day #110 of 2013!

    At this time, the sports menu in this thread consists of NBA, NHL, MLB and NCAAB until their seasons are played out. Also, general sports news and notes will be posted.

    NOTE:
    As information becomes available, we will attempt to post the trends and indexes as soon as possible.
    Information is posted from what we believe are reliable sources.
    Any opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the posting member or BettorsChat.


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

    Matchup Links

    NBA Matchups

    NBA Hot and Not

    NBA Injuries

    NBA Referees

    NHL Matchups

    NHL Injuries

    NHL Hot and Not

    MLB Matchups

    MLB Previews

    MLB Hot or Not

    MLB Umpires

    MLB Trends

    MLB Weather

    NASCAR Schedules

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

  • #2
    Armadillo: Saturday's six-pack

    -- Chicago gets an average of 3.38 inches of rain a month; they had 4.69 in one day this week. That not good.

    -- PGA golfers get drug tested? Seriously? I had no idea.

    -- Speaking of golf, there are just under 1,500 golf courses, just in Florida alone. Thats a lot of grass seed and fertilizer.

    -- Big Dozen becomes the Big 14 in 2014; they'll have two divisions with seven teams in each. Can't wait for those Indiana-Rutgers rivalry games.

    -- Of the three rainouts Friday night, only the Dodgers-Orioles will play a doubleheader Saturday. No word on rescheduling the other two games.

    -- If I want that bomber kid in Boston tortured on national TV every week for a year, then executed, does it make me a bad person? I hope not.


    *****

    Armadillo: Saturday's List of 13: Random thoughts on a spring Saturday.....

    13) Thanks to Ken Thomson and Sportsxradio for having me on as a guest Friday night; you can check the archive here. If you're interested in being a better bettor, this show is a great place to get the education to improve your handicapping. I know it helps me.

    12) So while I'm on the air, I'm watching Colorado-Arizona, and Jhoulys Chacin is throwing a shutout for the Rockies and my fantasy team; then he pulls an oblique, and I have to bite my damn tongue so I don't curse into the phone. Baseball players get hurt an awful lot.

    11) Stumbled across this fact today and it hit me; this is how great Lebron James is: four years ago, the Cavaliers were 66-16. Now? Not so much. In last three years, thats three years, they're 64-166.

    10) When you see a game with no walks, 19 strikeouts, you know the umpire helps the pitchers. Ladies and gentlemen, Mr Doug Eddings. Under is 13-8 in his last 21 games behind the plate.

    9) Dwight Howard is a free agent this summer; there is no way on God's green earth I would pay him max money to be the best player on my team. My best player has to make his teammates better, has to be coachable, and in a perfect world, would make at least half his free throws.

    8) I'm a little behind with my movie watching, because all I watch are games and CSI reruns, but saw The Bucket List while I was writing tonight, and it is a very good movie. Well worth two hours of your time. OK, so its a six-year old movie, I told you I was behind on my movie watching.

    7) Cleveland Browns have been around for 14 years since NFL gave them an expansion team; they're been 1-0 once. Once. 2004. I'm thinking they can beat the Dolphins this year and make it twice, but we'll see how they draft next week. New OC Norv Turner will improve their quarterback play.

    6) Cam Cameron is the offensive coordinator at LSU? NFL guys are way ahead of college coaches, right? Zach Mettenberger for the Heisman?

    5) Duke promoted Nate James to replace Chris Collins as assistant coach of the basketball team; all of Coach K's assistant coaches are former Duke players, except for his Director of Ops, who is his freakin' son-in-law. Is this a good idea? Who would ever say no to him if it was necessary?

    Before you tell me it would never be necessary, I'll point you to State College and Penn State-- Joe Paterno needed a strong voice to point him in the right direction and he didn't have one when he needed one most.

    4) Good grief, ESPNU has run out of decent programming; they're actually showing Duke's spring football game. Would be better TV if they showed the Manning brothers working out at Duke with Wes Welker this spring.

    3) At risk of being Captain Obvious, policemen/firemen are extremely courageous humans. Imagine being the guys who found the bomber hiding in that boat in Boston? Quite a story they have to tell.....

    2) Speaking of that boat, if the people who own it wanted to sell it to a collector, how much you think they could get for it? Its a piece of American history, for sure-- I'm thinking they could get a small fortune for it.

    1) The poor people who lost relatives/friends this week, both in Boston and west Texas, how do you come to grips with all this? Why does it happen? Who does stuff like this? I mean, an 8-year old died, for the love of Pete.

    Its been a wild week, and I hope I never see another one like it.

    Comment


    • #3
      NASCAR betting: STP 400 preview

      The NASCAR Sprint Cup series shifts to Kansas this weekend for the STP 400 at Kansas Speedway.

      Denny Hamlin won the spring 2012 event at the 1.5-mile track, but will miss this year's spring event after hurting his back in the race at Auto Club Speedway earlier this season.

      Favorite: Jimmie Johnson (+600)

      Johnson has two wins, five top-fives, 11 top-10s and three poles in 13 career starts at Kansas Speedway. He ranks first out of 50 drivers with an average place of 7.2 at KS over the last eight seasons.

      Live dog: Tony Stewart (+2,000)

      Stewart has two wins, six top-fives and nine top-10s in 14 starts at Kansas Speedway with an average finish of 10.4.

      Long shot: Mark Martin (+4,000)

      Martin has one win, two top-fives, five top-10s and one pole in 14 starts at this track. He ranks sixth out of 50 drivers with an average place of 12.3 at Kansas over the past eight seasons.

      Key stat: No active driver has scored his or her first Cup race win or pole at Kansas.

      Notable quotable:

      "I've lived through it and good teams survive, good teams and drivers will always survive, but it'll put a lot of stress in their world," Johnson said. "We'll see how they respond to it, but once they get some normalcy back to their life, they'll be at the front of the pack." Jimmie Johnson on last weekend’s Penske incident.

      Odds to win the STP 400 courtesy of JustBet:

      Jimmie Johnson 6-1
      Greg Biffle 6-1
      Kyle Busch 7-1
      Kasey Kahne 8-1
      Carl Edwards 8-1
      Dale Earnhardt Jr. 8-1
      Brad Keselowski 8-1
      Matt Kenseth 8-1
      Jeff Gordon 12-1
      Kevin Harvick 15-1
      Clint Bowyer 15-1
      Martin Truex Jr. 15-1
      Tony Stewart 20-1
      Joey Logano 25-1
      Brian Vickers 25-1
      Aric Almirola 40-1
      Mark Martin 40-1
      Kurt Busch 40-1
      Ricky Stenhouse Jr. 60-1
      Ryan Newman 60-1
      Jamie McMurray 75-1
      Marcos Ambrose 75-1
      Paul Menard 75-1
      Elliott Sadler 100-1
      Juan Montoya 100-1
      Jeff Burton 200-1
      Danica Patrick 300-1
      Casey Mears 300-1
      Regan Smith 300-1
      Field 50-1

      Comment


      • #4
        NFL's toughest and easiest opening schedules

        The 2013 NFL schedule is fresh out of the oven and football bettors are sizing up the skeds, looking for hidden value and hints into how the season will play out.

        Getting off to a strong start is perhaps the most important task to teams. We broke down the schedule through the first three weeks to see which teams have the toughest and easiest opening slates:

        Tough opening schedule

        Tennessee Titans (+15,000 to win Super Bowl)


        The Titans are at the bottom of the heap heading into the 2013 season and their first three games won’t do them any favors. Tennessee kicks off the season at Pittsburgh in Week 1, then travels to Houston – where it lost 38-14 last season – in Week 2.

        The Titans open their home schedule against San Diego in Week 3, if there’s anything left of them after facing those two defenses. Running back Chris Johnson will face the No. 2, No. 7 and No. 9 rushing defenses before September’s even over. So much for all the rushing record chatter.

        San Francisco 49ers (+700)

        A Super Bowl hangover could be in the cards for the 49ers. San Francisco has one doozy of an opening sked, getting things started at home against a Packers team with revenge on its mind after the Niners knocked them out in the playoffs. Not only that but 12 of the last 13 Super Bowl losers have failed to cover in Week 1 the following season – New England snapped a 12-season skid versus Tennessee last year.

        San Fran then travels to CenturyLink Field, where it lost 42-13 to the Seahawks last season. Seattle, the sharps offseason long shot to win the Super Bowl, will be out to claim a stake in the NFC West. The 49ers wrap up the first three weeks of the 2013 campaign versus an up-and-coming Indianapolis squad at home.

        Green Bay Packers (+1,200)

        As mentioned above, Green Bay will open its 2013 schedule in the Bay Area versus the NFC champions, the first of three straight contests against 2012 playoff teams – two of which are on the road. The Packers were among the best home teams last year, but went just 4-4 SU and ATS away from Lambeau Field.

        The Cheese Heads are home against RG3 and the Redskins in Week 2 and travel to Cincinnati to play the dangerous Bengals in Week 3 before a bye week. Green Bay has the sixth toughest overall schedule and the fifth hardest road slate in the league.


        Easiest opening schedules

        New England Patriots (+700)


        The Patriots got a gift from the schedule gods in the first three weeks of the season. New England owns the 14th-ranked strength of schedule, but should have plenty of momentum heading into a road trip to Atlanta in Week 4.

        The Pats open the schedule at Buffalo, where they cracked the Bills in a 52-28 thrashing last fall. They return to Gillette Stadium for Week 2 and 3, playing the Jets and Buccaneers. New England will be focused on a strong start after starting last season 1-2, including an embarrassing loss to Arizona in Week 2.

        Jacksonville Jaguars (+15,000)

        The Jaguars need all the help they can get after finishing 2-14 SU and ATS last season. Jacksonville opens the 2013 schedule with two games against fellow basement teams, at home to Kansas City and on the road in Oakland. It’s not crazy to think the Jags could be 2-0 after the first two weeks.

        Jacksonville’s schedule gets much tougher in Week 3, taking them to the NFL’s toughest stadium – CenturyLink Field in Seattle – to play the Seahawks. The Jaguars were a horrible home bet in 2012, going just 2-6 ATS, but managed to cash in as visitors with a 5-3 ATS road record.

        Dallas Cowboys (+3,300)

        The Cowboys 2013 calendar ranks as the eighth softest schedule in the NFL, thanks in part to a cupcake run in the first three weeks. Following a season-opening game with the New York Giants at home on Sunday Night Football , Dallas dials down the intensity in Weeks 2 and 3.

        The Cowboys come to Arrowhead Stadium to play the Chiefs in Week 2 and return to Arlington to host the Rams in Week 3. While two home games may help Dallas jump out to a 3-0 start, America’s Team has been a terrible home bet, going just 1-7 ATS inside Jerry’s World last year.

        Comment


        • #5
          NBA
          Dunkel


          Memphis at LA Clippers
          The Clippers look to open up the playoff series and take advantage of a Memphis team that is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games against teams with a winning percentage above .600. LA is the pick (-5) according to Dunkel, which has the Clippers favored by 7. Dunkel Pick: LA Clippers (-5). Here are all of Saturday's picks.

          SATURDAY, APRIL 20

          Game 701-702: Boston at New York (3:00 p.m. EST)

          Dunkel Ratings: Boston 117.623; New York 121.749
          Dunkel Line & Total: New York by 4; 193
          Vegas Line & Total: New York by 6 1/2; 190 1/2
          Dunkel Pick: Boston (+6 1/2); Over

          Game 703-704: Golden State at Denver (5:30 p.m. EST)
          Dunkel Ratings: Golden State 118.735; Denver 131.308
          Dunkel Line & Total: Denver by 12 1/2; 207
          Vegas Line & Total: Denver by 7 1/2; 210 1/2
          Dunkel Pick: Denver (-7 1/2); Under

          Game 705-706: Chicago at Brooklyn (8:00 p.m. EST)
          Dunkel Ratings: Chicago 115.395; Brooklyn 123.314
          Dunkel Line & Total: Brooklyn by 8; 178
          Vegas Line & Total: Brooklyn by 4 1/2; 182 1/2
          Dunkel Pick: Brooklyn (-4 1/2); Under

          Game 707-708: Memphis at LA Clippers (10:30 p.m. EST)
          Dunkel Ratings: Memphis 121.842; LA Clippers 128.811
          Dunkel Line & Total: LA Clippers by 7; 184
          Vegas Line & Total: LA Clippers by 5; 179
          Dunkel Pick: LA Clippers (-5); Over




          NBA
          Long Sheet

          Saturday, April 20


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

          BOSTON (41 - 40) at NEW YORK (54 - 28) - 4/20/2013, 3:00 PM
          Top Trends for this game.
          BOSTON is 15-24 ATS (-11.4 Units) in road games this season.
          BOSTON is 73-102 ATS (-39.2 Units) after 3 or more consecutive overs since 1996.
          BOSTON is 3-15 ATS (-13.5 Units) in road games after a loss by 10 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
          NEW YORK is 47-34 ATS (+9.6 Units) in all games this season.
          NEW YORK is 25-16 ATS (+7.4 Units) in home games this season.
          NEW YORK is 24-14 ATS (+8.6 Units) second half of the season this season.
          NEW YORK is 377-320 ATS (+25.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record since 1996.

          Head-to-Head Series History
          NEW YORK is 9-7 against the spread versus BOSTON over the last 3 seasons
          BOSTON is 11-5 straight up against NEW YORK over the last 3 seasons
          8 of 16 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

          GOLDEN STATE (47 - 35) at DENVER (57 - 25) - 4/20/2013, 5:30 PM
          Top Trends for this game.
          GOLDEN STATE is 1-9 ATS (-8.9 Units) when the total is greater than or equal to 210 this season.
          DENVER is 49-33 ATS (+12.7 Units) in all games this season.
          DENVER is 19-3 ATS (+15.7 Units) when the total is greater than or equal to 210 this season.
          DENVER is 34-24 ATS (+7.6 Units) as a favorite this season.
          DENVER is 28-13 ATS (+13.7 Units) in home games this season.
          DENVER is 12-1 ATS (+10.9 Units) in a home game where the total is greater than or equal to 210 this season.
          DENVER is 22-13 ATS (+7.7 Units) second half of the season this season.
          DENVER is 23-11 ATS (+10.9 Units) on Saturday games over the last 3 seasons.
          DENVER is 13-5 ATS (+7.5 Units) against Pacific division opponents this season.
          DENVER is 18-9 ATS (+8.1 Units) after a win by 10 points or more this season.
          DENVER is 28-19 ATS (+7.1 Units) after scoring 105 points or more this season.
          DENVER is 14-5 ATS (+8.5 Units) in home games after 3 or more consecutive wins this season.
          DENVER is 25-14 ATS (+9.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
          DENVER is 15-5 ATS (+9.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season this season.
          DENVER is 19-8 ATS (+10.2 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.

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

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

          CHICAGO (45 - 37) at BROOKLYN (49 - 33) - 4/20/2013, 8:00 PM
          Top Trends for this game.
          CHICAGO is 36-45 ATS (-13.5 Units) in all games this season.
          CHICAGO is 45-31 ATS (+10.9 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
          CHICAGO is 19-6 ATS (+12.4 Units) in a road game where where the total is between 180 and 184.5 points over the last 2 seasons.
          BROOKLYN is 26-45 ATS (-23.5 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
          BROOKLYN is 12-28 ATS (-18.8 Units) in home games second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
          BROOKLYN is 50-75 ATS (-32.5 Units) in home games when playing with 2 days rest since 1996.
          BROOKLYN is 3-15 ATS (-13.5 Units) in home games against Central division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
          BROOKLYN is 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) in home games revenging a loss vs opponent this season.
          BROOKLYN is 14-24 ATS (-12.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
          BROOKLYN is 3-12 ATS (-10.2 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.

          Head-to-Head Series History
          CHICAGO is 6-5 against the spread versus BROOKLYN over the last 3 seasons
          CHICAGO is 8-3 straight up against BROOKLYN over the last 3 seasons
          6 of 11 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

          MEMPHIS (56 - 26) at LA CLIPPERS (56 - 26) - 4/20/2013, 10:30 PM
          Top Trends for this game.
          MEMPHIS is 47-32 ATS (+11.8 Units) in all games this season.
          MEMPHIS is 52-35 ATS (+13.5 Units) as an underdog over the last 3 seasons.
          MEMPHIS is 61-40 ATS (+17.0 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 3 seasons.
          MEMPHIS is 17-8 ATS (+8.2 Units) after a win by 10 points or more this season.
          MEMPHIS is 77-58 ATS (+13.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
          MEMPHIS is 64-34 ATS (+26.6 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game over the last 3 seasons.
          MEMPHIS is 34-20 ATS (+12.0 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
          LA CLIPPERS are 69-96 ATS (-36.6 Units) against Southwest division opponents since 1996.
          LA CLIPPERS are 185-246 ATS (-85.6 Units) after allowing 105 points or more since 1996.
          LA CLIPPERS are 146-200 ATS (-74.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season since 1996.
          LA CLIPPERS are 74-105 ATS (-41.5 Units) versus good defensive teams - allowing <=91 points/game since 1996.

          Head-to-Head Series History
          LA CLIPPERS is 10-7 against the spread versus MEMPHIS over the last 3 seasons
          LA CLIPPERS is 11-7 straight up against MEMPHIS over the last 3 seasons
          12 of 17 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

          Sunday, April 21

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

          ATLANTA (44 - 38) at INDIANA (49 - 32) - 4/21/2013, 1:00 PM
          Top Trends for this game.
          ATLANTA is 46-69 ATS (-29.9 Units) in road games versus good defensive teams - allowing <=91 points/game since 1996.
          INDIANA is 43-65 ATS (-28.5 Units) in home games in April games since 1996.

          Head-to-Head Series History
          ATLANTA is 7-4 against the spread versus INDIANA over the last 3 seasons
          ATLANTA is 7-4 straight up against INDIANA over the last 3 seasons
          6 of 11 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

          LA LAKERS (45 - 37) at SAN ANTONIO (58 - 24) - 4/21/2013, 3:30 PM
          Top Trends for this game.
          LA LAKERS are 34-47 ATS (-17.7 Units) in all games this season.
          LA LAKERS are 21-33 ATS (-15.3 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
          LA LAKERS are 15-26 ATS (-13.6 Units) in road games this season.
          SAN ANTONIO is 89-68 ATS (+14.2 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
          SAN ANTONIO is 73-54 ATS (+13.6 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
          SAN ANTONIO is 121-88 ATS (+24.2 Units) as a home favorite of 6.5 to 9 points since 1996.
          SAN ANTONIO is 47-30 ATS (+14.0 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
          SAN ANTONIO is 162-119 ATS (+31.1 Units) off a upset loss as a favorite since 1996.
          SAN ANTONIO is 112-80 ATS (+24.0 Units) after a loss by 10 points or more since 1996.
          SAN ANTONIO is 136-103 ATS (+22.7 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season since 1996.
          SAN ANTONIO is 12-22 ATS (-12.2 Units) second half of the season this season.
          SAN ANTONIO is 8-21 ATS (-15.1 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.

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

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

          MILWAUKEE (38 - 44) at MIAMI (66 - 16) - 4/21/2013, 7:30 PM
          Top Trends for this game.
          MILWAUKEE is 36-45 ATS (-13.5 Units) in all games this season.
          MILWAUKEE is 13-25 ATS (-14.5 Units) second half of the season this season.
          MILWAUKEE is 12-23 ATS (-13.3 Units) against Southeast division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
          MILWAUKEE is 29-47 ATS (-22.7 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
          MILWAUKEE is 27-45 ATS (-22.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
          MILWAUKEE is 7-15 ATS (-9.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season this season.
          MIAMI is 46-36 ATS (+6.4 Units) in all games this season.
          MIAMI is 25-15 ATS (+8.5 Units) second half of the season this season.
          MIAMI is 25-16 ATS (+7.4 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.

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

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

          HOUSTON (45 - 37) at OKLAHOMA CITY (60 - 22) - 4/21/2013, 9:30 PM
          Top Trends for this game.
          OKLAHOMA CITY is 48-32 ATS (+12.8 Units) in all games this season.
          OKLAHOMA CITY is 46-29 ATS (+14.1 Units) as a favorite this season.
          OKLAHOMA CITY is 12-4 ATS (+7.6 Units) as a home favorite of 9.5 to 12 points this season.
          OKLAHOMA CITY is 27-14 ATS (+11.6 Units) in home games this season.
          OKLAHOMA CITY is 17-7 ATS (+9.3 Units) on Sunday games over the last 2 seasons.
          OKLAHOMA CITY is 16-7 ATS (+8.3 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent this season.
          OKLAHOMA CITY is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) off a upset loss as a favorite this season.
          OKLAHOMA CITY is 24-15 ATS (+7.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
          HOUSTON is 80-49 ATS (+26.1 Units) in road games off a upset loss as a favorite since 1996.

          Head-to-Head Series History
          OKLAHOMA CITY is 6-5 against the spread versus HOUSTON over the last 3 seasons
          OKLAHOMA CITY is 7-4 straight up against HOUSTON over the last 3 seasons
          7 of 11 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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




          NBA
          Short Sheet

          Saturday, April 20


          First Round, Game One (Series Tied 0-0)
          Boston at New York, 3:00 ET ABC
          Boston: 1-8 ATS off a loss by 15+ points
          New York: 19-7 ATS at home after winning 3 of their last 4 games

          First Round, Game One (Series Tied 0-0)
          Golden State at Denver, 5:30 ET ESPN
          Golden State: 1-10 ATS away off BB ATS wins
          Denver: 12-1 ATS at home with a total of 210+ points

          First Round, Game One (Series Tied 0-0)
          Chicago at Brooklyn, 8:00 ET ESPN
          Chicago: 16-6 ATS away with a total of 180 to 189.5 points
          Brooklyn: 2-10 ATS at home playing with revenge

          First Round, Game One (Series Tied 0-0)
          Memphis at LA Clippers, 10:30 ET ESPN
          Memphis: 20-10 ATS off a home win
          LA Clippers: 7-0 Over as a home favorite of 6 points or less


          Sunday, April 21

          First Round, Game One (Series Tied 0-0)
          Atlanta at Indiana, 1:00 ET TNT
          Atlanta: 5-14 ATS playing their second game in five days
          Indiana: 13-2 Under off 4+ ATS losses

          First Round, Game One (Series Tied 0-0)
          LA Lakers at San Antonio, 3:30 ET ABC
          LA Lakers: 5-15 ATS as a road underdog
          San Antonio: 10-1 ATS off a home loss

          First Round, Game One (Series Tied 0-0)
          Milwaukee at Miami, 7:00 ET TNT
          Milwaukee: 7-15 ATS revenging a loss by 10+ points
          Miami: 27-13 ATS off a home game

          First Round, Game One (Series Tied 0-0)
          Houston at Oklahoma City, 9:30 ET TNT
          Houston: 0-8 ATS away off BB SU losses
          Oklahoma City: 15-6 ATS off a SU loss




          NBA
          Armadillo's Write-Up

          Saturday, April 20


          Knicks have home court edge in playoffs for first time in 12 years; they last won a playoff series in 2000, but they did win last three games with Celtics, by 3-15-19 points, making 26-59 behind arc in two games in this arena (16-56 in Boston). Celtics have 4th-best defensive 3-point %age, have more playoff experience on their side, but they're without Rondo, which will be glaring here. Three of four series games this year stayed under the total. Lot of pressure on New York to win this series.

          Denver won three of four vs Golden State this season, with only loss a game they led 60-51 at half, but teams last played January 13 and other three meetings were in November. Nuggets are 38-3 at home; they won by 11 both times they hosted Warriors this season. Golden State is in playoffs for only second time in last 19 years, but shaky health of Curry and Bogut is problem. Denver is 5-1 since Gallinari got hurt; they've got 57 wins because they're very deep. Three of four series tilts went over. Denver is #1 team on offensive boards; Warriors #1 on defensive end.

          Chicago won three of four vs Brooklyn this year, with wins by 1-11-2 points, as three of four series games were decided by four or less points. Nets shot 52% from floor in its only win, less than 45% in their losses. Chicago won both series games that stayed under total- Brooklyn led by 11 in last series game, but lost 92-90 at home 16 days ago. Noah's foot in a problem; Bulls beat Nets both times he played. Derrick Rose's absence will hurt here; guy has been practicing 5-on-5 but can't/won't play, not a good thing for a star. I'm not a fan of teams who fired their coach during the season, and the Nets canned Avery Johnson long time ago.

          Clippers won Game 7 in Memphis in first round LY, after blowing 3-1 lead in series where four games were decided by 1 or 2 points, or in OT; Clips won three of four meetings this year, winning both games on road in series where visitor led all four games at half. Memphis shot 41% or less in its three losses to LA, 54.4% in the win; they averaged 16 boards a game on offensive end vs LA, which blocked 30 shots in four games vs Griz, which had 3rd-best record in league after All-Star break. Memphis takes the lest 3-pointers in NBA, so Clipper big guys have to neutralize Zach Randolph as best they can inside.




          NBA

          Saturday, April 20


          ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Trend Report
          ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

          3:00 PM
          BOSTON vs. NEW YORK
          Boston is 3-8 ATS in its last 11 games on the road
          Boston is 18-7 SU in its last 25 games when playing New York
          New York is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Boston
          New York is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home

          5:30 PM
          GOLDEN STATE vs. DENVER
          Golden State is 1-9 SU in its last 10 games when playing on the road against Denver
          Golden State is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Denver
          Denver is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
          Denver is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Golden State

          8:00 PM
          CHICAGO vs. BROOKLYN
          The total has gone OVER in 11 of Chicago's last 15 games when playing on the road against Brooklyn
          Chicago is 6-13 ATS in its last 19 games when playing on the road against Brooklyn
          The total has gone OVER in 4 of Brooklyn's last 5 games
          Brooklyn is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Chicago

          10:30 PM
          MEMPHIS vs. LA CLIPPERS
          The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Memphis's last 7 games when playing on the road against LA Clippers
          Memphis is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
          The total has gone UNDER in 5 of the LA Clippers last 7 games when playing at home against Memphis
          LA Clippers are 6-2 SU in their last 8 games when playing at home against Memphis


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          Comment


          • #6
            NBA

            Saturday, April 20


            ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
            What bettors need to know: Celtics at Knicks, Bulls at Nets
            ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

            Boston Celtics at New York Knicks (-6.5, 190)


            Carmelo Anthony won the league's scoring title and is in the discussion for the MVP award, but the superstar forward has a more pressing goal entering the postseason. Anthony has led his teams past the first round of the playoffs only once, and he will attempt to double that number when the No. 2 seed New York Knicks host the Boston Celtics on Saturday in Game 1 of their best-of-seven series. New York won the season series, 3-1.

            While the Knicks were white-hot at the end of the season, winning 13 straight and 15 of 16 before Anthony and other key players took the final two games off, Boston staggered down the stretch. The Celtics dropped 11 of their last 16 while stars Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce took turns sitting out and trying to get healthy. Two of the losses - both by double digits - were against the Knicks in a six-day span last month. Boston won at New York in January, a game that ended with Anthony trying to confront Garnett before he boarded the team bus.

            TV:
            3 p.m. ET, ABC

            ABOUT THE CELTICS (41-40):
            Garnett (ankle) sat out 10 of the last 13 games, including the two losses to New York in late March. Given that he's Boston's most reliable source of offense among its big men and the team's best interior defender, his health is paramount for the Celtics. Pierce, who likely will be matched up against Anthony, missed three of the last eight games with his own ankle issues. He has also directed the offense at times after point guard Rajon Rondo suffered a season-ending knee injury in late January. Forward Jeff Green has assumed a larger offensive role since Rondo's injury and scored a combined 46 points in the last two meetings with the Knicks.

            ABOUT THE KNICKS (54-28):
            Anthony bounced back from a knee injury in March with a torrid April, becoming the first player to score at least 35 points in six consecutive games. He averaged 25.3 points in four games against Boston but also put up 103 shots and connected on only 34.9 percent. Sixth man J.R. Smith was also magnificent during the 13-game run, putting up five 30-point games during that span, including 32 in a 100-85 victory at Boston on March 26. The Knicks received great news when ailing center Tyson Chandler pronounced himself 100 percent healthy for the playoffs. The 2011-12 Defensive Player of the Year had missed 16 of the last 20 games with a neck issue.

            TRENDS:

            * Over is 5-0 in Celtics’ last five overall.
            * Celtics are 1-4 ATS in the last five meetings.
            * Knicks are 10-1 ATS in their last 11 games vs. a team with a winning record.
            * Celtics are 0-4 ATS in their last four vs. NBA Atlantic foes.

            BUZZER BEATERS

            1. New York's 54-28 record is the best by the franchise since 1996-97.

            2. Boston, which has only one win over a .500 team since March 8, has advanced past the first round of the playoffs in each of the last five seasons.

            3. The Knicks signed F Quentin Richardson earlier in the week. He has had altercations with both Pierce and Garnett in the past.



            Chicago Bulls at Brooklyn Nets (-4.5, 181.5)

            The Brooklyn Nets have made a stunning transition since departing New Jersey and will open their first playoff series in six years when they host the Chicago Bulls on Saturday. The Eastern Conference series opener is the first major professional sports playoff game held in Brooklyn since the 1956 World Series, when the Dodgers played at Ebbets Field. The Bulls are playoff regulars, making their fifth straight appearance despite being without Derrick Rose the entire season.

            Chicago has dealt with a series of injuries while playing well enough to land the fifth seed. The Bulls feel all the hurdles have prepared them for the postseason. “We’ve been thought a lot,” center Joakim Noah said. “We’ve been through a lot. There were a lot of distractions. There was a lot of adversity. A lot of injuries. Regardless of what was thrown at us, we fought hard through it all.” The fourth-seeded Nets had to convince point guard Deron Williams that the franchise was ready to rise to keep him in the offseason and now feel primed to win a series. “It’s good for us – the first season in Brooklyn to be in the playoffs,” Williams said. “That was the goal, and we accomplished that goal. But we’ve still got a ways to go.” Chicago won three of the four regular-season meetings.

            TV:
            8 p.m. ET, ESPN, Comcast SportsNet Chicago, YES (Brooklyn)

            ABOUT THE BULLS (45-37):
            Chicago overcame the loss of Rose, who suffered a major knee injury in last season’s playoffs, to again be part of the postseason. Noah has been bothered with injuries and was laboring down the stretch but plans to gut it out in the playoffs. “During the game, he feels fine,” Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau said. “I think he’s hopeful that he’ll get better and better as we go along. It’s the type of injury where he’s going to have to try to manage it as best as he can.” Chicago was third in the NBA in scoring defense (92.9) and will attempt to slow the pace against the Nets. Boozer averaged 21.3 points and 10.7 rebounds in three games against Brooklyn this season.

            ABOUT THE NETS (49-33):
            Shooting guard Joe Johnson struggled against Chicago’s pesky defense and averaged just 13 points. Williams averaged 19.8 points and 6.8 assists against the Bulls while center Brook Lopez averaged 22 points. This version of the Nets might be new to the postseason but they feel they can make an impact. “I think we know how good we can be,” Brooklyn interim coach P.J. Carlesimo said. “We’ve had the roster intact at different times. We just need everybody healthy. The playoffs are a different animal – everything starts over.” Power forward Reggie Evans is a difference-maker on the boards and has grabbed 10 or more rebounds in each of his last 18 appearances.

            TRENDS:

            * Underdog is 4-1 ATS in the last five meetings.
            * Over is 4-1 in Nets’ last five overall.
            * Under is 5-1 in Bulls’ last six road games.
            * Bulls are 6-1 ATS in their last seven games vs. a team with a winning record.

            BUZZER BEATERS

            1. Three of the four regular-season meetings were decided by four or fewer points. Chicago won the other contest by 11 points.

            2. Bulls C Joakim Noah (foot) has suffered a setback and is doubtful for Game 1.

            3. The Nets last won a playoff game on May 16, 2007, when they beat the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference semifinals.


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            Comment


            • #7
              NBA

              Saturday, April 20


              ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              NBA Eastern Conference playoff preview: Round 1
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              The Eastern Conference playoffs are a complicated sandwich of sorts. On top you have the Miami Heat and on the bottom the Milwaukee Bucks. But in between is one of the tightest and most competitive groups in years.

              Teams seeded No. 2 through No. 7 have just as much of a chance to make the conference finals as the clubs ranked above or below them. The Knicks, Pacers, Nets, Bulls, Hawks and Celtics are all capable of beating each other on any given night. That parity should open up value in the series prices and Eastern Conference futures market.

              No. 1 Miami Heat vs. No. 8 Milwaukee Bucks

              Season series: Heat won 3-1 SU, 2-2 ATS, 1-3 O/U

              Series prices: Miami -6,000, Milwaukee +4,000

              Why bet Miami: Why not? The Heat are hands down the class of the NBA and have been waiting for this moment since hoisting last year’s Larry O’Brien Trophy. Miami continued to build on its NBA-best record despite resting LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh over the final weeks of the schedule, and kept covering thanks to a deep and experienced bench.

              Why bet the Bucks: Milwaukee has known its first-round opponent for some time now and has had plenty of tape to hammer out a game plan for the Heat. In their one win over Miami, the Bucks were able to force 22 turnovers. They rank second in the NBA in forcing turnovers (16.1) while the Heat coughed the ball up 14 times a night – fourth most in the league.

              No. 2 New York Knicks vs. No. 7 Boston Celtics

              Season series: Knicks won 3-1 SU, 3-1 ATS, 1-3 O/U

              Series prices: New York -400, Boston +300

              Why bet the Knicks: The Celtics were one of the few Eastern Conference playoff teams the Knicks beat up on, with N.Y. going 3-1 SU and ATS. New York defeated Boston by an average of more than 13 points in its three wins over the Celtics. The Knicks are also expected to have Tyson Chandler and Kenyon Martin back for the playoffs.

              Why bet the Celtics: Boston has used a platoon of athletic guards – Avery Bradley, Courtney Lee and Jordan Crawford – to replace Rajon Rondo, giving the Celtics scoring depth off the bench. Boston also heads into the postseason with a heavy heart following the bombings at the Boston Marathon. The Celtics could step up as inspiration for a city in need of some good news.

              No. 3 Indiana Pacers vs. No. 6 Atlanta Hawks

              Season series: Split 2-2 SU, 2-2 ATS, 3-1 O/U

              Series prices: Indiana -600, Atlanta +400

              Why bet the Pacers: Indiana earned the No. 3 seed in the East despite having its star forward Danny Granger for just five games all season. The Pacers are a tough out at home, where they went 30-10 SU (22-18 ATS). They rebound well and play tight defense – two key components for any successful postseason run.

              Why bet the Hawks: Indiana limped into the postseason with just one win in its final six games. The Hawks, who are a tough road team - 23-18 ATS - could steal a game or two in Indianapolis. The teams split their four games SU and ATS this year but Atlanta has been the better wager, going 10-4 ATS in their last 14 head-to-heads.

              No. 4 Brooklyn Nets vs. No. 5 Chicago Bulls

              Season series: Bulls won 3-1 SU, 3-1 ATS, 2-2 O/U

              Series prices: Brooklyn -165, Chicago +145

              Why bet the Nets: Brooklyn is peaking at the right time and a lot of that is due to Deron Williams. After playing much of the season injured, Williams is feeling good and was filling it up down the home stretch. The Nets were stellar in tight games this season, boasting a 9-4 SU record in games decided by three points or less and were 5-0 in overtime affairs.

              Why bet the Bulls: Chicago has played its best ball against Eastern Conference playoff teams. The Bulls were 12-7 SU and 14-5 ATS versus teams seeded No. 2 through No. 7. The case isn’t completely closed on Derrick Rose’s possible return, but Chicago has managed to get along without him. The grimy Bulls are more than comfortable playing at the Nets’ slow-motion pace.


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              Comment


              • #8
                NBA

                Saturday, April 20


                ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                What bettors need to know: Warriors at Nuggets, Grizzlies at Clippers
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                Golden State Warriors at Denver Nuggets (-8, 210.5)

                The Denver Nuggets are on the shortlist of NBA title contenders due in part to their overwhelming homecourt advantage. The Nuggets will put that advantage to the test when they host the Golden State Warriors on Saturday in the opener of a first-round playoff series. Golden State had to battle until the last few minutes of the regular season to secure the No. 6 spot but enters the playoffs with little experience. The Nuggets will have their depth tested in the first round.

                Denver lost leading scorer Danilo Gallinari for the rest of the season to a knee injury earlier this month and fierce rebounder Kenneth Faried went down with an ankle sprain in the final week. The Nuggets are listing Faried as questionable for Saturday but might need to have a backup plan for keeping David Lee off the boards. The Warriors had their own injury scare when Andrew Bogut went down with a sprained ankle, but the big man returned for the season finale on Wednesday and should be in the starting lineup for Game 1. Bogut’s presence in the paint is essential on the defensive end.

                TV:
                5:30 p.m. ET, ESPN, Altitude (Denver)

                ABOUT THE WARRIORS (47-35):
                Golden State is heading to the playoffs for the first time since 2007 and Bogut is the only starter with any postseason experience. Veterans like Jarrett Jack, Carl Landry and Richard Jefferson will come off the bench to support first-timers Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Lee. The Warriors have survived all season by playing an up-tempo pace that stops at the 3-point line, where Curry set the single-season record for made 3-pointers with 272. Thompson finished third in the league with 211 3-pointers and Jack offers a third reliable option from deep, which opens space on the inside for Lee to operate. Lee was the lone All-Star representative but Curry has taken over in the second half of the season and is becoming a star. The lanky point guard hit 11 3-pointers in a game at Madison Square Garden in February and knocked down nine at Los Angeles on April 12 to make his run at Ray Allen’s record possible over the last two games. Staying in front of Denver’s guards on defense, or at least forcing them to move toward Bogut in the middle, will be the big test for Curry in the series.

                ABOUT THE NUGGETS (57-25):
                Denver went 38-3 at home and could probably match Golden State 3-point attempt for 3-point attempt if it wanted. Instead, the Nuggets force the pace and get all the way to the rim. Faried is one of the team’s best finishers in the paint but certainly not the only one. Faried went out three minutes into a win over Portland on Sunday and Denver still averaged 116 points in its final three contests, including the date with the Trail Blazers. The Nuggets will go 10 or 11 players deep with or without Faried and Gallinari and will use their altitude and depth to wear out the Warriors in the first two games. Denver took both of the meetings at home in the regular season by 11 points apiece. Curry went for 29 points in the last meeting on Jan. 13 but the Nuggets had nine players score at least eight points and outscored Golden State in the paint 58-32.

                TRENDS:

                * Warriors are 4-1 ATS in their last five games overall.
                * Nuggets are 10-1 ATS in their last 11 vs. NBA Pacific foes.
                * Over is 4-0 in Nuggets’ last four overall.
                * Home team is 5-1 ATS in the last six meetings.

                BUZZER BEATERS

                1. Lee led the NBA with 56 double-doubles, becoming the first Warriors player to lead the league in the category since Wilt Chamberlain in 1963-64.

                2. Denver took three of the four meetings during the regular season, with the lone setback coming at Golden State on Nov. 29, 106-105.

                3. Curry has hit 56.3 percent of his 3-point attempts in 12 career games against the Nuggets.



                Memphis Grizzlies at Los Angeles Clippers (-5, 178.5)

                The Los Angeles Clippers and Memphis Grizzlies engaged in a hard-fought playoff series last year and the Western Conference first-round series between the two teams should be just as competitive this time around. Game 1 is Saturday in Los Angeles between two clubs that each won 56 regular-season games to set franchise marks for victories in a season. The Clippers won the season series 3-1. Last season’s playoff series went seven games with Los Angeles prevailing.

                The fourth-seeded Clippers won their last seven games while fifth-seeded Memphis won nine of its last 11 games. The Grizzlies win with defense and the Clippers are familiar with what looms. “We know that team very well,” guard Chauncey Billups said. “They’re going to play hard. They want to out-execute you. They want to pound you and rebound and throw it to their bigs inside and we’ve just got to be ready for them.” Memphis center Marc Gasol minimized the payback aspect of facing the Clippers. “We want to win,” Gasol said. “We want to win four games. We want to get into the second round. It is not about revenge.”

                TV:
                10:30 p.m. ET, ESPN, Fox Sports Tennessee (Memphis), Prime Ticket (Los Angeles)

                ABOUT THE GRIZZLIES (56-26):
                Memphis held an NBA-best 71 opponents under 100 points and led the NBA in scoring defense at 89.3 points per game. The Grizzlies are the first team to hold opponents under an average of 90 points since the 2005-06 campaign, when both Memphis and San Antonio did so. Gasol averaged 16.8 points and nine rebounds against the Clippers this season and power forward Zach Randolph averaged 14.8 points and 12 rebounds. Point guard Mike Conley has the tough task of dueling with All-Star Chris Paul. That didn’t go so well in the four regular-season meetings, when Conley shot just 30.2 percent while averaging 10.3 points and 5.8 assists.

                ABOUT THE CLIPPERS (56-26):
                Paul averaged 16.3 points and 8.7 assists in three games against Memphis. Sixth man Jamal Crawford had 29 points in one of the victories but had just two points on 1-of-10 shooting in Los Angeles’ lone loss. He averaged 14 points against the Grizzlies. Power forward Blake Griffin had some struggles against Randolph while averaging 13.8 points and seven rebounds. Los Angeles would like to get a big series from center DeAndre Jordan, who shot 65.5 percent against the Grizzlies while averaging 9.5 points and seven rebounds. Los Angeles topped 100 points against Memphis in one of the four games and scored 99 in another.

                TRENDS:

                * Clippers are 4-0 ATS in their last four home games.
                * Under is 9-1 in Grizzlies’ last 10 overall.
                * Under is 6-1 in the last seven meetings.
                * Grizzlies are 4-1 ATS in their last five games overall.

                BUZZER BEATERS

                1. The teams split the two regular-season meetings at the Staples Center.

                2. Memphis went 24-17 on the road this season, the first time the franchise has ever posted a winning mark.

                3. The Clippers set a franchise mark with a 32-9 home record.


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                • #9
                  NBA

                  Saturday, April 20


                  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  NBA Western Conference playoff preview: Round 1
                  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                  It was a wild ride in the Western Conference and the fun won’t end with the regular season. Oklahoma City edged out San Antonio for the top seed while the L.A. Lakers, expected to run the table in the conference, squeaked into the No. 7 spot on the final night of the season.

                  The L.A. Clippers, Denver and Memphis have all looked like title contenders at times this year and Golden State and Houston are as dangerous as any team with their high-powered offenses. Needless to say, there are more surprises in store for the West during the postseason.

                  No. 1 Oklahoma City Thunder vs. No. 8 Houston Rockets

                  Season series: Thunder won 2-1 SU, 2-1 ATS, 3-0 O/U

                  Series prices: Oklahoma City -2,000, Houston +1,200

                  Why bet the Thunder: Oklahoma City lost just seven games at home and went 27-14 ATS as a host this season. Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook are a handful for Houston’s porous defense and combined to average just under 50 points in the three games with the Rockets. Houston’s up-and-down game leads to a league-high 16.4 turnovers a game.

                  Why bet the Rockets: Houston can explode offensively and finished second in the NBA with 106 points per game. The Thunder have struggled in close games, going just 3-6 SU in contests decided by three points or less. And don’t forget about former OKC guard James Harden, who averaged more than 29 points in the three games versus his former club, including a 46-point performance in their last meeting.

                  No. 2 San Antonio Spurs vs. No. 7 Los Angeles Lakers

                  Season series: Spurs won 2-1 SU, 1-2 ATS, 0-3 O/U

                  Series prices: San Antonio -1,600, Los Angeles +1,000

                  Why bet the Spurs: San Antonio lost only six games at home all season while L.A. was terrible on the road, going 16-25 SU and 15-25-1 ATS. Spurs PG Tony Parker is going to be a handful for the Lakers’ unathletic duo of Steven Blake and Steve Nash, who is less than healthy. San Antonio shoots better than 79 percent from the foul line, L.A. shoots an NBA-worst 69.2 percent. No Kobe. Who makes the tough shots?

                  Why bet the Lakers: Pau Gasol and Dwight Howard is the best frontcourt tandem in the league and should push the Spurs around under the basket. Los Angeles was the second-best rebounding team in the NBA while San Antonio finished second last on the glass in the West. Lakers get Games 3, 4 and 6 at Staples Center, where they have lost just once since the All-Star break (13-1 SU, 7-6-1 ATS).

                  No. 3 Denver Nuggets vs. No. 6 Golden State Warriors

                  Season series: Nuggets won 3-1 SU, 3-1 ATS, 3-1 O/U

                  Series prices: Denver -600, Golden State +400

                  Why bet the Nuggets: Denver was the best home team in the NBA, going 38-3 SU and 28-13 ATS inside the thin air of the Pepsi Center. The Nuggets dominate the boards, ranking tops in the league in rebounding, especially on the offensive glass. Denver is tough to game plan for with seven active players averaging nine or more points. The Nuggets rolled into the postseason, losing only two of their final 10 games.

                  Why bet the Warriors: Golden State can bust a game wide open with its 3-point threats, topping the NBA from distance at 40.3 percent. Stephen Curry has been insane since his All-Star snub, averaging 26 points since the break. Andrew Bogut is getting back into shape and could be a problem for Denver down low, especially if Kenneth Faried continues to miss time.

                  No. 4 Los Angeles Clippers vs. No. 5 Memphis Grizzlies

                  Season series: Clippers won 3-1 SU, 3-1 ATS, 1-3 O/U

                  Series prices: Los Angeles -185, Memphis +145

                  Why bet the Clippers: Los Angeles brings momentum into the postseason, having won seven straight to end the year (5-2 ATS). The Clippers have the mental edge over Memphis, having won the season series and eliminated the Grizzlies in last year’s playoffs. L.A.’s athletic frontcourt of Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan made life tough for Memphis leading scorer Zach Randolph last spring. The Clips thrive on turnovers, leading the league in steals and forcing opponents to cough the ball up 16.1 times per game.

                  Why bet the Grizzlies: Memphis’ slowed-down pace could keep the Clippers’ fastbreak in check and limit turnovers. The Grizzlies were the best team in the West at limiting turnovers, coughing the ball up just 14 times a game. Memphis has excelled in tight games, going 4-1 in overtime and 6-4 in games decided by three points or less. The Clippers were 0-2 in OT and just 3-5 in games decided by three or less.


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                  Comment


                  • #10
                    NBA

                    Saturday, April 20


                    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                    NBA betting review: Best and worst wagers of the season
                    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                    The 2012-13 NBA regular season has come to a close, so it’s time to review the best and worst bets in the Association prior to the playoffs.

                    Best ATS

                    Overall: Oklahoma City Thunder (49-31-2 ATS) – The Thunder had massive expectations heading into the 2012-13 campaign and they sure didn’t disappoint bettors.

                    Home: Denver Nuggets (28-13 ATS) – Bettors cashed on the Nuggets all season long, especially at home where they had an astounding 38-3 straight-up record.

                    Road: Dallas Mavericks (27-14 ATS) – The Mavericks aren’t playoff bound, but bettors loved their performances away from Dallas this year.

                    Worst ATS

                    Overall: Charlotte Bobcats (31-50-1 ATS) – The Bobcats struggled to win 21 games and bettors shouldn’t be surprised by their awful ATS record. Better luck next year.

                    Home: Chicago Bulls (13-28 ATS) – The Bulls were a fade all year long at the United Center, but were 23-18 ATS on the road.

                    Road: Charlotte Bobcats (14-26-1 ATS) – The Bobcats were seemingly double-digit dogs in every road game, but they still couldn’t cover the points.

                    Best over

                    Overall: Sacramento Kings (48-32-2 over/under) – The Kings allowed 105.1 points per game, which made them an awesome over play.

                    Home: Sacramento Kings (26-13-2 O/U) – The Kings averaged 95.9 points per game on the road this season, but put up 104.6 per contest at the friendly confines of Sleep Train Arena.

                    Road: Denver Nuggets (26-14-1 O/U) - The Nuggets averaged 103.9 points per game on the road and gave up 104.4 - the perfect recipe for an over play.

                    Best under

                    Overall: Memphis Grizzlies (31-50-1 over/under) – Memphis was the only team in the league not to surrender more than 90 points per game (89.3).

                    Home: Memphis Grizzlies (14-27 O/U) – The Griz held opponents to only 87 points per game at home.

                    Road: Washington Wizards (12-29 O/U) – The Wiz put up almost 98 points per game at home but went cold away from the Verizon Center, averaging 88.6 points.


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                    Comment


                    • #11
                      NBA

                      Saturday, April 20


                      ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                      NBA season win totals: Lakers fall 16 wins shy
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                      The Los Angeles Lakers didn't live up to their high expectations in the regular season, which is why the Lake Show is the biggest underachiever with the 2012-13 NBA win total props finishing 16 games below its win total line, according to BetOnline.com.

                      The Houston Rockets weren't expected to be in the playoffs when the props were released, but when they acquired James Harden from Oklahoma City three days before the season began, the original total of 31 was bound to go over. The Rockets' +14 differential finishes as the biggest gain in the league.

                      Teams went a combined 13-14-3 over/under on season win totals. The total fell between one and two games of the projected marks for seven different teams.

                      Three teams that overachieved:
                      Houston +14 (31 win total prop, 45 wins), Golden State +12 (35, 47), New York +8 (46, 54)

                      Three teams that underachieved:
                      LA Lakers -16 (61, 45), Philadelphia -15 (49, 34), Boston -10 (51, 41)

                      Three pushes:
                      Utah 43, Charlotte 21, Oklahoma City 60

                      Total earnings if a $100 bettor went 27-0-3: $2,352.07


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                      Comment


                      • #12
                        NBA

                        Saturday, April 20


                        ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                        NBA opening round betting strategies
                        ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                        With help from our trusted well-oiled database, let’s examine four time-tested proven theories that have lined our pocket during the opening round of the NBA playoffs.

                        All results are since 1991 unless noted otherwise.

                        No. 8 Seeds Are Behind The 8-Ball

                        For the most part, No. 8 seeds in the NBA playoffs are teams that likely scratched and clawed their way into the postseason. Not good enough to be seriously considered threats against top-seeded opponents but just barely better than the dregs of the league.

                        Rest assured, their life expectancy is not long at all, as they’ve lost over 70 percent of the time (45-114) in games against No. 1 seeds since 1996. In fact, only the 1996 New York Knicks, the 2007 Golden State Warriors and last year’s 2012 Philadelphia 76ers were good enough to pull the rug on top-seeded foes and advance to the second round of the playoffs

                        And you can virtually write them off in games against No. 1 seeds that are off back-to-back SU and ATS wins. These guys scratch out of the match with alarming regularity, going 3-23 SU and 7-19 ATS, including 1-13 SU and 2-12 ATS whenever the 8-ballers are off a loss of 14 or more points in their last game.

                        Upset Losers Are Winners

                        No, it’s not an oxymoron. Instead, it’s a powerful handicapping edge. It occurs whenever a team was upset as a favorite in an opening round game and is at home in the game immediately thereafter.

                        That’s confirmed by the fact that they are 56-35-4 ATS, a rock solid number. If they were upset at home in this round and return home they improve to 52-14 SU and 39-24-3 ATS, including 24-1 SU and 18-6-1 ATS when squaring off against a No. 6 or lower seed.

                        Don’t be afraid of these chalkbusters. That’s because they don’t lose their composure. Instead they almost always elect to dig deep and respond with aplomb in games after being embarrassed.

                        Double-Digit Dogma

                        Surprisingly, in the right role, double-digit underdogs do well in opening round contests, especially when playing off a playoff loss. These overweight puppies are 28-16-2 ATS in this role, including 17-8-1 ATS versus a non-division foe.

                        And if these same guys are involved in a game with the over/under set at 193 or higher they zoom to 15-3 ATS.

                        Granted, these dogs are not exactly pedigree puppies but the fact of the matter is they tend to come up big against disinterested favorites not capable of chopping heavy lumber.

                        And Down Goes Frazier

                        The psyche of teams that are not playing well comes immediately to the surface during the opening round of the NBA playoffs. That’s evidenced by the fact teams riding a three game-exact loss skein are wobbly and often one punch away from being counted out.

                        With glass-like jaws, these swirling teams are just 6-30 SU and 11-25 ATS away from home this round, including 1-10 SU and 2-9 ATS in lid-lifters.

                        Worst of all, road dogs of more than six points on a three game exact losing skid are 3-23 SU and 7-19 ATS on their way to the canvas.

                        Golden Trend

                        The Golden State Warriors are 12-1-1 ATS as dogs or favorites of less than three points in the first round of the playoffs, including 8-0 ATS when taking eight or less points.

                        Enjoy the opening round of the 2013 NBA playoffs.


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                        Comment


                        • #13
                          NHL
                          Dunkel


                          Detroit at Vancouver
                          The Red Wings look to take advantage of a Vancouver team that is coming off a 5-1 loss to Dallas and is 0-6 in its last 6 games following a defeat of 3 or more goals. Detroit is the pick (+145) according to Dunkel, which has the Red Wings favored by 1/2 a goal. Dunkel Pick: Detroit (+145). Here are all of today's picks.

                          SATURDAY, APRIL 20

                          Game 51-52: Florida at New Jersey (1:00 p.m. EST)

                          Dunkel Ratings: Florida 9.778; New Jersey 12.134
                          Dunkel Line & Total: New Jersey by 2 1/2; 4
                          Vegas Line & Total: New Jersey (-185); 5
                          Dunkel Pick: New Jersey (-185); Under

                          Game 53-54: NY Islanders at Winnipeg (3:00 p.m. EST)
                          Dunkel Ratings: NY Islanders 12.322; Winnipeg 10.807
                          Dunkel Line & Total: NY Islanders by 1 1/2; 6 1/2
                          Vegas Line & Total: Winnipeg (-125); 5 1/2
                          Dunkel Pick: NY Islanders (+105); Over

                          Game 55-56: Buffalo at Pittsburgh (7:00 p.m. EST)
                          Dunkel Ratings:
                          Dunkel Line & Total:
                          Vegas Line & Total:
                          Dunkel Pick:

                          Game 57-58: Washington at Montreal (7:00 p.m. EST)
                          Dunkel Ratings: Washington 12.193; Montreal 10.865
                          Dunkel Line & Total: Washington by 1 1/2; 6
                          Vegas Line & Total: Montreal (-150); 5 1/2
                          Dunkel Pick: Washington (+130); Over

                          Game 59-60: Toronto at Ottawa (7:00 p.m. EST)
                          Dunkel Ratings: Toronto 12.487; Ottawa 11.163
                          Dunkel Line & Total: Toronto by 1 1/2; 5
                          Vegas Line & Total: Ottawa (-130); 5 1/2
                          Dunkel Pick: Toronto (+110); Under

                          Game 61-62: Philadelphia at Carolina (7:00 p.m. EST)
                          Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia 10.965; Carolina 10.659
                          Dunkel Line & Total: Philadelphia by 1/2; 6
                          Vegas Line & Total: Carolina (-120); 5 1/2
                          Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (+100); Over

                          Game 63-64: Phoenix at Chicago (8:30 p.m. EST)
                          Dunkel Ratings: Phoenix 10.483; Chicago 12.926
                          Dunkel Line & Total: Chicago by 2 1/2; 5 1/2
                          Vegas Line & Total: Chicago (-200); 5
                          Dunkel Pick: Chicago (-200); Over

                          Game 65-66: Detroit at Vancouver (10:00 p.m. EST)
                          Dunkel Ratings: Detroit 11.027; Vancouver 10.651
                          Dunkel Line & Total: Detroit by 1/2; 4 1/2
                          Vegas Line & Total: Vancouver (-165); 5
                          Dunkel Pick: Detroit (+145); Under

                          Game 67-68: Pittsburgh at Boston (12:30 p.m. EST)
                          Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh 11.978; Boston 11.151
                          Dunkel Line & Total: Pittsburgh by 1; 4 1/2
                          Vegas Line & Total: No Line
                          Dunkel Pick: N/A

                          Comment


                          • #14
                            NHL
                            Long Sheet

                            Saturday, April 20


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                            FLORIDA (13-24-0-6, 32 pts.) at NEW JERSEY (16-17-0-10, 42 pts.) - 4/20/2013, 1:05 PM
                            Top Trends for this game.
                            FLORIDA is 13-30 ATS (+52.4 Units) in all games this season.
                            FLORIDA is 13-30 ATS (+52.4 Units) second half of the season this season.
                            FLORIDA is 3-14 ATS (+21.4 Units) after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game this season.
                            FLORIDA is 2-12 ATS (+17.3 Units) after scoring 1 goal or less in their previous game this season.
                            FLORIDA is 269-316 ATS (-100.2 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record since 1996.
                            FLORIDA is 131-168 ATS (-76.4 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season since 1996.
                            NEW JERSEY is 30-19 ATS (+50.0 Units) after a division game over the last 2 seasons.
                            NEW JERSEY is 71-33 ATS (+9.5 Units) in home games after 3 or more consecutive unders since 1996.
                            NEW JERSEY is 27-12 ATS (+11.7 Units) after a win by 2 goals or more over the last 2 seasons.
                            NEW JERSEY is 32-12 ATS (+16.0 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
                            FLORIDA is 25-18 ATS (+45.6 Units) on Saturday games over the last 3 seasons.
                            NEW JERSEY is 16-27 ATS (+16.0 Units) in all games this season.
                            NEW JERSEY is 4-9 ATS (-6.2 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5 or less this season.
                            NEW JERSEY is 16-27 ATS (+44.2 Units) second half of the season this season.

                            Head-to-Head Series History
                            NEW JERSEY is 9-8-0 straight up against FLORIDA over the last 3 seasons
                            6 of 11 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+0.1 Units)

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                            NY ISLANDERS (23-16-0-5, 51 pts.) at WINNIPEG (23-19-0-2, 48 pts.) - 4/20/2013, 3:05 PM
                            Top Trends for this game.
                            WINNIPEG is 8-0 ATS (+8.0 Units) in home games after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game this season.
                            NY ISLANDERS are 13-7 ATS (+21.7 Units) in road games second half of the season this season.
                            NY ISLANDERS are 7-3 ATS (+11.1 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.

                            Head-to-Head Series History
                            NY ISLANDERS is 5-5 (+0.3 Units) against the spread versus WINNIPEG over the last 3 seasons
                            WINNIPEG is 5-5-0 straight up against NY ISLANDERS over the last 3 seasons
                            6 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+2.0 Units)

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                            WASHINGTON (24-18-0-2, 50 pts.) at MONTREAL (27-12-0-5, 59 pts.) - 4/20/2013, 7:05 PM
                            Top Trends for this game.
                            WASHINGTON is 8-1 ATS (+6.7 Units) in April games this season.
                            WASHINGTON is 183-190 ATS (+404.7 Units) in road games second half of the season since 1996.
                            MONTREAL is 11-21 ATS (-16.5 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

                            Head-to-Head Series History
                            WASHINGTON is 8-2 (+5.8 Units) against the spread versus MONTREAL over the last 3 seasons
                            WASHINGTON is 8-2-0 straight up against MONTREAL over the last 3 seasons
                            8 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+7.3 Units)

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                            TORONTO (24-15-0-5, 53 pts.) at OTTAWA (23-14-0-6, 52 pts.) - 4/20/2013, 7:05 PM
                            Top Trends for this game.
                            TORONTO is 14-35 ATS (+58.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
                            TORONTO is 3-15 ATS (+21.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
                            OTTAWA is 15-6 ATS (+6.5 Units) in home games second half of the season this season.
                            OTTAWA is 22-14 ATS (+38.8 Units) after a win by 2 goals or more over the last 2 seasons.
                            TORONTO is 185-202 ATS (+432.0 Units) in road games second half of the season since 1996.
                            TORONTO is 91-89 ATS (+204.2 Units) in road games after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game since 1996.
                            OTTAWA is 37-42 ATS (-38.4 Units) in home games in April games since 1996.
                            OTTAWA is 10-22 ATS (-14.2 Units) in home games vs. division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
                            OTTAWA is 77-79 ATS (-37.8 Units) in home games revenging a loss versus opponent since 1996.

                            Head-to-Head Series History
                            TORONTO is 9-7 (+0.1 Units) against the spread versus OTTAWA over the last 3 seasons
                            TORONTO is 9-7-0 straight up against OTTAWA over the last 3 seasons
                            9 of 15 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+2.3 Units)

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                            PHILADELPHIA (19-22-0-3, 41 pts.) at CAROLINA (17-23-0-3, 37 pts.) - 4/20/2013, 7:05 PM
                            Top Trends for this game.
                            PHILADELPHIA is 6-16 ATS (+24.8 Units) in road games second half of the season this season.
                            CAROLINA is 50-75 ATS (-86.5 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
                            CAROLINA is 10-29 ATS (-19.1 Units) after a division game over the last 2 seasons.
                            CAROLINA is 23-37 ATS (+62.2 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.

                            Head-to-Head Series History
                            PHILADELPHIA is 8-2 (+4.5 Units) against the spread versus CAROLINA over the last 3 seasons
                            PHILADELPHIA is 8-2-0 straight up against CAROLINA over the last 3 seasons
                            5 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+0.5 Units)

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                            PHOENIX (18-17-0-8, 44 pts.) at CHICAGO (33-5-0-4, 70 pts.) - 4/20/2013, 8:35 PM
                            Top Trends for this game.
                            PHOENIX is 5-16 ATS (+24.2 Units) in road games second half of the season this season.
                            PHOENIX is 0-7 ATS (+7.3 Units) after 3 or more consecutive unders this season.
                            CHICAGO is 33-9 ATS (+46.1 Units) in all games this season.
                            CHICAGO is 33-9 ATS (+18.7 Units) second half of the season this season.
                            CHICAGO is 19-3 ATS (+15.2 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
                            PHOENIX is 21-15 ATS (+37.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
                            CHICAGO is 115-131 ATS (-63.7 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season since 1996.

                            Head-to-Head Series History
                            PHOENIX is 9-7 (+3.7 Units) against the spread versus CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
                            PHOENIX is 9-7-0 straight up against CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
                            9 of 15 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+2.0 Units)

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                            DETROIT (20-16-0-7, 47 pts.) at VANCOUVER (24-13-0-7, 55 pts.) - 4/20/2013, 10:05 PM
                            Top Trends for this game.
                            DETROIT is 45-47 ATS (-19.0 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
                            DETROIT is 2-9 ATS (-8.4 Units) when playing with 2 days rest this season.
                            DETROIT is 10-18 ATS (-17.2 Units) after playing 3 consecutive road games over the last 3 seasons.
                            VANCOUVER is 30-11 ATS (+11.0 Units) revenging a home loss versus opponent over the last 3 seasons.
                            VANCOUVER is 204-188 ATS (-95.7 Units) in home games second half of the season since 1996.
                            VANCOUVER is 4-9 ATS (-9.1 Units) after allowing 4 goals or more this season.
                            VANCOUVER is 18-23 ATS (-17.1 Units) after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game over the last 3 seasons.

                            Head-to-Head Series History
                            DETROIT is 6-4 (+3.3 Units) against the spread versus VANCOUVER over the last 3 seasons
                            DETROIT is 6-4-0 straight up against VANCOUVER over the last 3 seasons
                            7 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+3.4 Units)

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                            PITTSBURGH (33-10-0-0, 66 pts.) at BOSTON (26-11-0-5, 57 pts.) - 4/20/2013, 12:30 PM
                            There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

                            Head-to-Head Series History
                            PITTSBURGH is 7-3 (+4.5 Units) against the spread versus BOSTON over the last 3 seasons
                            PITTSBURGH is 7-3-0 straight up against BOSTON over the last 3 seasons
                            6 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+1.5 Units)

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                            Comment


                            • #15
                              NHL
                              Armadillo's Write-Up

                              Saturday, April 20


                              Hot teams
                              -- Islanders won ten of their last thirteen games. Winnipeg won its last five games, scoring a total of 23 goals.
                              -- Washington won eight of its last nine games.
                              -- Senators won last four games, allowing four goals.
                              -- Blackhawks won last seven games, outscoring foes 22-11.
                              -- Penguins won five in row, 20 of last 22 games.

                              Cold teams
                              -- Florida lost its last six games, outscored 26-11. Devils lost ten of their last eleven.
                              -- Canadiens lost three of their last four games.
                              -- Toronto lost last two games, allowing five goals in each.
                              -- Hurricanes lost 16 of their last 18 games. Philly lost five of last seven.
                              -- Phoenix lost four of its last five games.
                              -- Vancouver lost three of last four games. Red Wings lost seven of their last ten games.
                              -- Bruins lost last three games, scoring five goals.

                              Totals
                              -- Under is 6-1-1 in last eight New Jersey games.
                              -- Four of last five Islander road games stayed under.
                              -- Four of last five Montreal games went over the total.
                              -- Last six Ottawa games stayed under the total.
                              -- Five of last seven Philly games stayed under the total.
                              -- Over is 4-0-1 in Chicago's last five home games.
                              -- Under is 4-0-2 in last six Detroit games.
                              -- Over is 3-1-1 in last five Boston games.

                              Series records
                              -- Devils won three of last four games with Florida.
                              -- Islanders won four of last five games with Winnipeg.
                              -- Capitals won seven of last eight games with Montreal.
                              -- Maple Leafs won five of last six games with Ottawa.
                              -- Flyers won 14 of last 16 games with Carolina.
                              -- Blackhawks won three of last four games with Phoenix.
                              -- Red Wings beat Vancouver twice this season: 8-3/5-2.
                              -- Penguins won their last five games against Boston.

                              Back-to-backs
                              -- Chicago is 10-0 this season if they played the night before.

                              Comment

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