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**Udog** · 05-02-2013, 08:25 AM

Armadillo: Thursday's six-pack

-- Ugly performance by the Knickerbockers, losing 92-86 at home to the Celtics with a chance to win that series. Anthony was 8-24, JR Smith was 3-14 and when you shoot 39%, people will say you were flat.

-- Houston ain't dead yet, winning 107-100 at Oklahoma City; series goes back to Texas with Thunder struggling to find a complimentary scorer to Durant. Former Rocket Kevin Martin was 1-10 Wednesday.

-- Home side won all five Indiana-Atlanta games by average of 17 points, in what is a close yet uninteresting series.

-- Home teams won five of the first six NHL playoff games; under is 5-0-1 in those six games. Need the refs to call more penalties, to create power plays, which is where more goals are scored.

-- Clay Buchholz beat Toronto, is now 6-0, 1.01 so far this season.

-- Washington ended its nine-game skid vs Atlanta, beating the Braves 2-0, but Bryce Harper left with what are believed to be bruised ribs.

*****

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

13) Was reading an article today on how bad the Marlins’ hitting has been this season; it mentioned how over the last 40 years,, the team with the lowest OPS was the ’72 Texas Rangers, in their first year in Arlington after moving from Washington. Manager of the ’72 Rangers? Ted Williams, one of the best hitters ever, if not the best.

12) NBA Draft is two rounds, sixty picks; there are 77 early entries to the draft, 46 from American colleges, 31 from other countries, plus all the college seniors. Going to be a lot of disappointed people on June 27. Lot of kids are getting terrible advice.

11) Looks like former Oklahoma/Indiana basketball coach Kelvin Sampson has a pretty good chance to be an NBA head coach next season, either in Charlotte or Milwaukee.

10) Pirates had a pretty good April, but their starting pitchers threw the least innings of any NL team, which is a red flag going forward. Got to keep the strain off your bullpen over a six-month season.

9) Kentucky Derby has rain in the forecast for Saturday; Rick Pitino owns part of a horse called Goldencents, which won the Santa Anita Derby and will be running Saturday.

8) Former Kansas State PG Angel Rodriguez has surfaced at Miami, a good get for Jim Larranaga, with the Larkin kid leaving early for the NBA. Hurricanes will be down some next year, but are now looking a lot better for 2015. Not sure yet if Rodriguez can play next year or if he has to sit out.

7) Surprised to see the A’s scored 20 more runs in April than any other American League team.

6) According to Sports Illustrated, University of Tennessee spent $360,000 on six different coaching searches, just since 2005- they hire search firms to find them the right coach. Whoever told the Vols to hire Lane Kiffin should give them a refund on that search.

5) Since 2001, 30 of 42 (42%) of teams that led their division on May 1 wound up winning that division.

4) Online poker is legal in Nevada, if you play with Stations Poker. I’m predicting a gambling boom in this country over the next decade, where you’ll be able to play poker online anywhere, and bet on sports in states other than Nevada.

3) The last time Colorado had this much snow this late in the year was 1947. Glad I’m not there. Its supposed to snow in Kansas City today, too.

2) Horse racing note from TVG: This is first time since 1997 that no horse from the previous year’s Breeders’ Cup Juvenile race will run in Kentucky Derby. DD Lohaus will have his Kentucky Derby analysis in this space on Saturday, so make sure you log on and take a look.

1) Turns out the TV viewer who called in to point out Eldrick Woods’ improper drop on the 15th hole on Friday at the Masters was a guy named David Eger, who plays on the Seniors Tour. I’ve never been a big fan of TV viewers calling in violations, since it favors players who are never on TV. Interesting that the caller was an actual touring pro, though.

**Udog** · 05-02-2013, 08:26 AM

Kentucky Derby betting: Capping the three favorites

Betting action is heating up for the 139th Run for the Roses. We take a look at the Kentucky Derby betting favorites and why the oddsmakers are siding with these horses heading into Saturday’s race.

Orb (7/2)

Trainer Shug McGaughey is a legend of the sport - a Hall of Famer. It’s rare to see him with a Derby horse, though, because he only shows up when he has a real chance. Just as rare is seeing him as excited about a horse as he clearly is about Orb. He just can’t say enough about this runner.

There is a lot to say, too. He’s the impressive winner of the Florida Derby, the same race that Barbaro won before his Kentucky Derby glory. His training in the weeks leading up to the race has been as close to flawless as is possible.

The biggest concern is that the horse is a deep closer, so he will need a lot of luck to move through the pack down the stretch without finding trouble. Still, the horse is the class of a pretty solid field and if he runs his race, he’ll be tough to beat.

Verrazano (4/1)

Trainer Todd Pletcher has five horses in the field, but this colt will likely go off at the lowest odds. He has been viewed as the favorite to wear the roses for much of the spring. In the last week or two, though, critics have started to throw stones.

His win in his final prep race, the Wood Memorial, was much more gritty than eye-opening. He’s undefeated, but has only run four times in his career - fewer than ideal by at least a couple of races.

Most significantly, all four races occurred this calendar year. Not since Apollo in 1882 has a horse won the Kentucky Derby without running as a two year old, though 48 horses have tried in the last 57 years.

Revolutionary (10/1)

The second of Todd Pletcher’s fab five, Revolutionary has been gaining serious betting momentum over the last week or two. The biggest reason for that by far is that Calvin Borel was named to ride him.

Borel, the only jockey to win the Kentucky Derby three times in four years, became a hero to the racing public with his bold, rail-hugging moves, especially with his near-impossible victory on Mine That Bird.

Revolutionary, the Louisiana Derby winner, is a closer who seems well suited to Borel’s style. The jockey is not riding well lately, though, so the public will almost certainly give him far more credit here than he deserves. This is not the place to find value

**Udog** · 05-02-2013, 08:41 AM

NBA
Dunkel

Brooklyn at Chicago
The Bulls look to bounce back from their 110-91 loss in Game 5 and take advantage of a Brooklyn team that is 0-4 ATS in its last 4 games following an ATS win. Chicago is the pick (-1 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Bulls favored by 6. Dunkel Pick: Chicago (-1 1/2). Here are all of today's picks.

THURSDAY, MAY 2

Game 539-540: Brooklyn at Chicago (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Brooklyn 116.449; Chicago 122.260
Dunkel Line & Total: Chicago by 6; 187
Vegas Line & Total: Chicago by 1 1/2; 183 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Chicago (-1 1/2); Over

Game 543-544: Denver at Golden State (10:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Denver 121.759; Golden State 127.252
Dunkel Line & Total: Golden State by 5 1/2; 208
Vegas Line & Total: Golden State by 1; 211
Dunkel Pick: Golden State (-1); Under

NBA
Long Sheet

Thursday, May 2

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BROOKLYN (51 - 36) at CHICAGO (48 - 39) - 5/2/2013, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BROOKLYN is 17-26 ATS (-11.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
CHICAGO is 38-48 ATS (-14.8 Units) in all games this season.
CHICAGO is 16-29 ATS (-15.9 Units) as a favorite this season.
CHICAGO is 14-29 ATS (-17.9 Units) in home games this season.
CHICAGO is 6-15 ATS (-10.5 Units) when playing with 2 days rest this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO is 8-8 against the spread versus BROOKLYN over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO is 11-5 straight up against BROOKLYN 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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DENVER (59 - 28) at GOLDEN STATE (50 - 37) - 5/2/2013, 10:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
GOLDEN STATE is 47-39 ATS (+4.1 Units) in all games this season.
GOLDEN STATE is 10-1 ATS (+8.9 Units) in the first round of the playoffs since 1996.
DENVER is 49-38 ATS (+7.2 Units) in all games this season.
DENVER is 19-7 ATS (+11.3 Units) when the total is greater than or equal to 210 this season.
DENVER is 31-19 ATS (+10.1 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
DENVER is 22-9 ATS (+12.1 Units) in a road game where the total is greater than or equal to 210 over the last 3 seasons.
DENVER is 51-38 ATS (+9.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
DENVER is 43-26 ATS (+14.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
GOLDEN STATE is 8-7 against the spread versus DENVER over the last 3 seasons
DENVER is 8-7 straight up against GOLDEN STATE over the last 3 seasons
8 of 15 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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NBA
Short Sheet

Thursday, May 2

First Round, Game Six (Chicago Leads, 3-2)
Brooklyn at Chicago, 8:05 ET TNT
Brooklyn: 11-2 ATS away playing their second game in five days
Chicago: 10-25 ATS as a home favorite

First Round, Game Six (Golden State Leads, 3-2)
Denver at Golden State, 10:35 ET TNT
Denver: 13-29 ATS away after playing 5+ games as a favorite
Golden State: 24-11 ATS off BB games allowing 100+ points

NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up

Thursday, May 2

Brooklyn PG Williams is 15-29 in two series wins, 17-48 in three losses. Nets shot 55.8/50% from floor in two series wins, by 17-19 points, both at home; they lost two series games here by 3-8, blowing Game 4 when they led by 14 with 3:00 left and lost in triple OT, only one of the three Chicago series wins that went over total. Brooklyn shot 35.4/34.6% in first two series losses, then 49.5% in triple OT loss. Nets took 21 more FTs than Chicago last two games, after taking nine less in the first three series games. Brooklyn is 3-5 in its last eight road games overall.

Denver's two wins stayed under total; Warriors' three wins went over, as they've made difficult shots, shooting 64.6/52.5/55.7% from the floor in wins, 41.3/43.2% in losses, while taking 51 less FTs than Nuggets for entire series. Curry was just 7-19 last game, prompting coach Jackson to call out Denver for being "dirty", putting onus on refs here. Golden State is 8-3 in last eleven home games overall. Denver is 40-4 at home, so lot of pressure on Warriors to finish series here in Oakland. Nuggets are 2-5 in last seven road games, winning at Milwaukee/Utah.

NBA

Thursday, May 2

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Trend Report
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8:00 PM
BROOKLYN vs. CHICAGO
The total has gone OVER in 11 of Brooklyn's last 14 games on the road
Brooklyn is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing Chicago
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Chicago's last 6 games
Chicago is 4-9 ATS in its last 13 games

10:30 PM
DENVER vs. GOLDEN STATE
Denver is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Denver's last 5 games on the road
Golden State is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Denver
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Golden State's last 7 games when playing Denver

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NBA

Thursday, May 2

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Thursday's NBA playoff action: What bettors need to know
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Brooklyn Nets at Chicago Bulls (-1.5, 183.5)

Chicago leads series 3-2.

The Brooklyn Nets attempt to even up the best-of-seven Eastern Conference series while the Chicago Bulls seek to conclude it when the two teams square off in Chicago on Thursday. Brooklyn bounced back from a triple-overtime loss in Game 4 to notch an impressive 110-91 on Monday to cut its deficit to 3-2. But the Nets are 0-4 in Chicago this season – counting two regular-season defeats – and the Bulls hope to avoid traveling to Brooklyn for Game 7.

Chicago badly missed injured point guard Kirk Hinrich (calf) on Monday and could be without him again on Thursday. Hinrich has frustrated Nets point guard Deron Williams during the series and Williams had 23 points and 10 assists with Hinrich out for Game 5. The Bulls were dismayed with their performance and have promised to be a different club in Game 6. “Were the kind of team – we get hit, we hit back again,” forward Carlos Boozer said. “We’re one of those teams that always bounces back.” Nets coach P.J. Carlesimo noted how different the five games have been in a conference call on Wednesday and expects another battle in Game 6. “I really believe that both teams legitimately feel that they’re better than the other team,” Carlesimo said. “Both think they’re capable of winning.”

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

ABOUT THE NETS: Center Brook Lopez has put together back-to-back double-doubles, marking the first time he has grabbed 10 or more rebounds in consecutive games since late December. Lopez has grabbed exactly half of his 40 rebounds on the offensive glass. He is averaging 23.6 points and eight rebounds and has scored 20 or more points in all five games. Williams also has back-to-back doubles-doubles by averaging 27.5 points and 10 assists in the two games. He is contributing 20.6 points and 8.2 assists overall. Shooting guard Joe Johnson is hindered by a foot injury and has just one 20-point game in the series while averaging 16.2 points.

ABOUT THE BULLS: The play of forward Luol Deng has been highly underwhelming through five games. He is averaging 13.8 points and shooting 38.1 percent, including a dreadful 1-for-18 from 3-point range. Deng had a double-double in Game 3 when he reached his series high of 21 points. Guard Nate Robinson has averaged 27 points over the past two games but typically doesn’t put together three strong games. Robinson only had back-to-back 20-point games twice in the regular season and never reached that figure in three consecutive contests. He is averaging 17.8 points in the series and has shot better than 60 percent from the field three times.

TRENDS:

* Nets are 0-4 ATS in their last four games following a ATS win.
* Bulls are 2-5 ATS in their last seven home games.
* Over is 18-6 in Nets last 24 overall.
* Over is 4-1 in Bulls last 5 home games.

BUZZER BEATERS:

1. Brooklyn’s two wins in the series are by an average of 18 points.

2. Bulls G Jimmy Butler has averaged 17 points over the last two games while going 11-of-17 from the field.

3. Nets F Andray Blatche has averaged 13 points over the last two games but is dealing with a right calf ailment.

Denver Nuggets at Golden State Warriors (+1.5, 211)

Golden State leads series 3-2.

The Golden State Warriors did not carry much of the enthusiasm that paced them at home into Denver on Tuesday. Perhaps when the series comes back to Golden State the Warriors will be up for the challenge. Denver established a physicality in Game 5 that did not make Golden State happy, and the Warriors will need to adjust and respond when they take another crack at closing out the best-of-seven Western Conference series on Thursday.

Stephen Curry torched the Nuggets in all three of Golden State’s wins in the series, and Denver made a point of knocking him around a bit at the beginning of Game 5. Already working with a bloodshot right eye from a poke he had taken in the fourth quarter of Game 4, Curry was driven through hard screens in the first four minutes of the game as the Nuggets established the tone. Denver also made a lineup change in Game 5, abandoning the small unit it had used in the previous two games and inserting JaVale McGee at center to pair with Kenneth Faried along the front line.

TV: 10:30 p.m. ET, TNT, Altitude (Denver), Comcast SportsNet Bay Area (Golden State)

ABOUT THE NUGGETS: Much of the talk after Game 5 centered around the physical play of Denver, especially in regards to Curry. Lost in that chatter was the fact the Nuggets had put together a strong overall performance complete with some efficient first-half offense and contributions from someone other than Ty Lawson. Andre Iguodala stepped up in a big way with 25 points, 12 rebounds and seven assists and Wilson Chandler, freed from the post with McGee and Kosta Koufos playing more minutes, went out to the perimeter and knocked down five 3-pointers, including a crushing dagger when the Warriors were beginning to get back into the game in the fourth quarter. “I think they brought the physicality to the series,” Iguodala said, “and we stopped being the receivers and we’re starting to hit back a little bit.”

ABOUT THE WARRIORS: Curry knocked down 18 3-pointers in the first four games of the series but did not hit one in Game 5 until just over five minutes remained in the game. The Nuggets clearly made the sharpshooter a target, and Faried set one screen at the foul line early in the game that appeared to be a direct blow to Curry’s tender left ankle. “Some dirty plays,” coach Mark Jackson said. “It’s playoff basketball. That’s all right. We own it. But make no mistake about it, we went up 3-1 playing hard, physical, clean basketball - not trying to hurt anybody.” Jackson specifically referenced Faried going after Curry’s ankle, and Curry pointed out more instances where he felt he was targeted. “There were a couple, man,” he said. “Going through the paint minding my own business and they come out of nowhere trying to throw elbows.” While Curry had a rough go of it in Game 5, Golden State also missed the inside production from Carl Landry and Andrew Bogut that had given it a big lift in Game 4. Rookie Harrison Barnes did some of the heavy lifting offensively with 23 points and nine rebounds.

TRENDS:

* Over is 18-5 in the last 23 meetings in Golden State.
* Over is 5-2 in the last seven meetings.
* Nuggets are 1-4 ATS in the last five meetings in Golden State.
* Nuggets are 0-5 ATS in the last five meetings.
* Underdog is 5-0 ATS in the last five meetings.

BUZZER BEATERS:

1. Curry averaged 30 points and nine assists in Games 3 and 4 in Golden State.

2. Iguodala is shooting 53.4 percent in the series, including 9-of-21 from 3-point range.

3. Denver outscored the Warriors 50-24 in the paint in Game 5.

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**Udog** · 05-02-2013, 08:53 AM

NHL
Dunkel

Detroit at Anaheim
The Red Wings look to even the series and build on their 4-0 record in their last 4 games when playing with 1 days rest. Detroit is the pick (+120) according to Dunkel, which has the Red Wings favored by 1/2 a goal. Dunkel Pick: Detroit (+120). Here are all of today's picks.

THURSDAY, MAY 2

Game 63-64: Ottawa at Montreal (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Ottawa 11.717; Montreal 12.952
Dunkel Line & Total: Montreal by 1; 4
Vegas Line & Total: Montreal (-155); 5
Dunkel Pick: Montreal (-155); Under

Game 65-66: NY Rangers at Washington (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: NY Rangers 12.943; Washington 11.975
Dunkel Line & Total: NY Rangers by 1; 5 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Washington (-130); 5
Dunkel Pick: NY Rangers (+110); Over

Game 67-68: Los Angeles at St. Louis (9:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Los Angeles 11.459; St. Louis 12.020
Dunkel Line & Total: St. Louis by 1/2; 4
Vegas Line & Total: St. Louis (-120); 5
Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (-120); Under

Game 69-70: Detroit at Anaheim (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit 11.803; Anaheim 11.695
Dunkel Line & Total: Detroit by 1/2; 5 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Anaheim (-140); 5
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (+120); Over

NHL
Long Sheet

Thursday, May 2

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OTTAWA (25-17-0-6, 56 pts.) at MONTREAL (29-14-0-5, 63 pts.) - 5/2/2013, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OTTAWA is 13-7 ATS (+21.8 Units) in road games after a win by 2 goals or more over the last 2 seasons.
OTTAWA is 26-16 ATS (+42.2 Units) after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game over the last 2 seasons.
MONTREAL is 11-22 ATS (-17.5 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MONTREAL is 10-6 (+3.4 Units) against the spread versus OTTAWA over the last 3 seasons
MONTREAL is 10-6-0 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=+2.1 Units)

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NY RANGERS (26-18-0-4, 56 pts.) at WASHINGTON (27-18-0-3, 57 pts.) - 5/2/2013, 7:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NY RANGERS are 8-17 ATS (-13.1 Units) after shutting out their opponent in their previous game over the last 3 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 27-21 ATS (+27.0 Units) in all games this season.
WASHINGTON is 27-21 ATS (-0.6 Units) second half of the season this season.
WASHINGTON is 20-34 ATS (-28.9 Units) in home games after playing 3 consecutive home games since 1996.
WASHINGTON is 12-18 ATS (-17.7 Units) in home games in the first round of the playoffs since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY RANGERS is 12-11 (+0.1 Units) against the spread versus WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
NY RANGERS is 12-11-0 straight up against WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
10 of 15 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+4.7 Units)

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LOS ANGELES (27-16-0-6, 60 pts.) at ST LOUIS (30-17-0-2, 62 pts.) - 5/2/2013, 9:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LOS ANGELES is 5-17 ATS (-13.2 Units) in a road game where where the total is 5 or less this season.
LOS ANGELES is 8-17 ATS (-10.5 Units) in road games second half of the season this season.
LOS ANGELES is 26-15 ATS (+9.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
LOS ANGELES is 10-6 (+3.0 Units) against the spread versus ST LOUIS over the last 3 seasons
LOS ANGELES is 10-6-0 straight up against ST LOUIS over the last 3 seasons
9 of 14 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+3.7 Units)

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DETROIT (24-17-0-8, 56 pts.) at ANAHEIM (31-12-0-6, 68 pts.) - 5/2/2013, 10:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ANAHEIM is 31-18 ATS (+31.0 Units) in all games this season.
ANAHEIM is 31-18 ATS (+3.6 Units) second half of the season this season.
ANAHEIM is 23-10 ATS (+34.9 Units) when leading in a playoff series since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 8-4 (+4.4 Units) against the spread versus ANAHEIM over the last 3 seasons
DETROIT is 8-4-0 straight up against ANAHEIM over the last 3 seasons
8 of 12 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+3.6 Units)

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NHL
Short Sheet

Thursday, May 2

Quarterfinals, Game One (Series Tied, 0-0)
Ottawa at Montreal, 7:05 ET CNBC
Ottawa: 10-4 SU away off a road win
Montreal: 9-17 SU at home off BB road wins

Quarterfinals, Game One (Series Tied, 0-0)
NY Rangers at Washington, 7:35 ET NBCSN
NY Rangers: 8-17 SU off a shutout win
Washington: 9-1 SU after winning 6 or 7 of their last 8 games

Quarterfinals, Game Two (St. Louis Leads, 1-0)
Los Angeles at St. Louis, 9:35 ET CNBC
Los Angeles: 12-3 SU after losing 2 of their last 3 games
St. Louis: 3-10 SU off 4+ wins

Quarterfinals, Game Two (Anaheim Leads, 1-0)
Detroit at Anaheim, 10:05 ET NBCSN
Detroit: 3-9 SU off BB road games
Anaheim: 23-10 SU leading in a playoff series

NHL
Armadillo's Write-Up

Thursday, May 2

Its been 20 years since proud Canadiens last hoisted Stanley Cup; in only five of those years did they even win a playoff series. Home side won last seven Ottawa-Montreal games, as Senators lost last four visits here, scoring seven goals with three one-goal losses. Its been seven years since Ottawa won playoff series (0-3 in last three first round series); they're 6-3 in last nine games overall, with their last game only one in their last eleven that went over total. Under is 5-2 in Senators' last seven visits here. This is first home game in 12 days for Canadiens, who lost three of last four home games.

Capitals won 11 of last 13 games to position themselves as one of favorites in the Eastern Conference; they've won six of last seven home games. Rangers beat Washington in seven games in LY's playoffs, with last six games all decided by a goal, Rangers winning both games that went OT; New York won two of three vs Capitals this year, with Washington winning last meeting in March. Under is 8-0-5 in last 13 series games, as all five pushes ended 3-2. Rangers are 3-3 in first round series over last 7 years; Washington is 3-2 in first round series last five years.

Defending champ Kings lost last seven road games; their last road win is March 31. LA swept Blues 4-0 in LY's playoffs, but lost Game 1 in OT, getting outshot 42-29 for game, though LA outshot Blues 10-6 in OT. Kings are still 9-4 in last 13 series games, winning four of last six here; under is 4-1-1 in their last six series games. St Louis won four in row, 13 of its last 16 games; they allowed one goal in each of last four games. Blues were 1-5 on power play in Game 1, Kings just 0-2. St Louis won its last seven home games. Under is 7-1-1 in Blues' last nine games overall.

Under is 5-0-1 in Stanley Cup playoffs so far, with San Jose only visitor to win; Detroit lost Game 1 here 3-1, giving up two power play goals while getting only 11 shots on goal in first two periods (outshot 27-22 for game). Anaheim won four of last five games, with under 8-1-1 in their last 10- Game 1 was its first home win in last four tries, and first loss for Red Wings in their last five games. Detroit split its last six visits here- they're 8-4 in last 12 games overall with Ducks. Seven of last eight Detroit games stayed under the total.

NHL

Thursday, May 2

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Trend Report
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7:00 PM
OTTAWA vs. MONTREAL
Ottawa is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Ottawa is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games
Montreal is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Ottawa
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Montreal's last 10 games at home

7:30 PM
NY RANGERS vs. WASHINGTON
NY Rangers are 4-2 SU in their last 6 games when playing Washington
NY Rangers are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games
Washington is 6-3 SU in their last 9 games when playing at home against NY Rangers
Washington is 2-4 SU in their last 6 games when playing NY Rangers

9:30 PM
LOS ANGELES vs. ST. LOUIS
Los Angeles is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games when playing St. Louis
Los Angeles is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
St. Louis is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games when playing Los Angeles
St. Louis is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Los Angeles

10:00 PM
DETROIT vs. ANAHEIM
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Detroit's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Detroit's last 10 games when playing on the road against Anaheim
Anaheim is 4-8 SU in its last 12 games when playing Detroit
Anaheim is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games

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NHL

Thursday, May 2

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Thursday's NHL playoff action: What bettors need to know
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Ottawa Senators at Montreal Canadiens (-149, 5)

The Montreal Canadiens went from worst to second-to-first in the Eastern Conference, receiving a huge assist from the Ottawa Senators en route to winning the Northeast Division title. Ottawa's victory over Boston in the regular-season finale elevated the Canadiens to the No. 2 seed and set up a first-round matchup with the seventh-seeded Senators beginning Thursday night in Montreal. It marks the first playoff matchup for the Canadian squads, who split four regular-season meetings - with each prevailing in both regulation and in a shootout on its own ice.

Balanced scoring and an infusion of youth have been keys to Montreal's turnaround, but questions abound about the defense and the play of goaltender Carey Price after the Canadiens wobbled down the stretch. Montreal lost three straight from April 13-17 - allowing 18 goals in the process - and five of six before ending the season with road wins against Winnipeg and Toronto. The Senators are the lowest-scoring team in the postseason, averaging a mere 2.33 goals, and managed a single tally in regulation in fourth consecutive games before a four-goal outburst against the Bruins. Much will hinge on the play of netminder Craig Anderson, but the return of star defenseman Erik Karlsson from a torn Achilles is a huge boost for Ottawa.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, CNBC, CBC

ABOUT THE SENATORS (25-17-6): Anderson missed six weeks due to a sprained ankle but led the league in goals-against average (1.69) and save percentage (.941) despite dropping three of his last four starts. "The way we've been playing, and the goaltending we've been getting all year, it gives you confidence," Senators captain Daniel Alfredsson said. Ottawa owned the league's best penalty-killing unit even though Anderson and Karlsson were sidelined for lengthy stretches. Karlsson was not expected back following his injury in mid-February, but he had four points in three games since returning and amassed 78 points last season on his way to winning the Norris Trophy. Milan Michalek, a 35-goal scorer last season, also missed more than a month and had only four goals.

ABOUT THE CANADIENS (29-14-5): Price is 14-5-3 lifetime against Ottawa but he had a string of ugly performances in the final month, giving up 28 goals over seven appearances. He won his final start at Winnipeg and coach Michel Therrien expressed little concern over his play. “I have no doubts about Carey Price," Therrien said. "He’s our best player and I’m confident he will be again on Thursday night.” Montreal had five players with at least 30 points and 10 with as many as 20, led by Max Pacioretty with 15 goals and 24 assists. P.K. Subban was second on the team with 38 points and provided a lethal pairing with fellow defenseman Andrei Markov, combining for 15 goals on the power play. The Canadiens need to plug some leaks in their penalty kill after permitting 11 goals in 36 short-handed situations to end the season.

TRENDS:

* Home team is 7-0 in the last seven meetings.
* Senators are 0-4 in the last four meetings in Montreal.
* Senators are 5-12 in their last 17 Conference Quarterfinals games.
* Canadiens are 1-4 in their last five Conference Quarterfinals games.

OVERTIME:

1. Ottawa was among the league's best home teams all season before dropping its final three, while the Canadiens posted a stellar 15-7-2 road mark.

2. Montreal has won 60 of 74 postseason series when opening the set at home.

3. The Senators surrendered only 104 goals, second-fewest among playoff teams behind the Chicago Blackhawks.

New York Rangers at Washington Capitals (-123, 5)

The New York Rangers and Washington Capitals certainly aren't strangers to one another. The sixth-seeded Rangers and Southeast Division champion Capitals will meet in the postseason for the fourth time in five years when they open their Eastern Conference first-round series at the Verizon Center on Thursday. New York outlasted Washington last season in a thrilling seven-game series to advance to the conference finals before getting upended by New Jersey.

The Rangers, who posted a 2-0-1 mark versus the third-seeded Capitals in 2013, finished the season on a 10-3-1 surge. While New York's mark in April was impressive, Washington posted a sensational 11-1-1 record - thanks in large part to captain Alex Ovechkin. The Russian dynamo scored 14 goals in the month to help him capture his third Maurice Richard Trophy.

TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, NBCSN, TSN, MSG (New York), CSN (Washington)

ABOUT THE RANGERS (26-18-4): While the teams have grown accustomed to meeting in the postseason, Rick Nash isn't too familiar with the playoffs. Nash played in just four games in 2009 when Columbus qualified for the postseason for the first - and only - time in franchise history. "I haven't had the biggest amount of (pressure) on me," Nash told Newsday. "We'll find out. It's something that all great athletes have done. It's time to step up now." Nash, who led the Rangers with 21 goals, notched three assists against the Capitals this season.

ABOUT THE CAPITALS (27-18-3): While New York has reigning Vezina Trophy winner Henrik Lundqvist between the pipes, Washington's Braden Holtby enjoyed a fine season in his own right. The 23-year-old, who was solid against the Rangers in the playoffs, won nine of his last 10 starts in 2013 to finish with a 23-12-1 mark. Defenseman Mike Green also ended the campaign with a flurry, collecting two goals and five assists in his final four games. Green led all NHL blue-liners with 12 goals.

TRENDS:

* Under is 10-3-8 in the last 21 meetings.
* Under is 18-6-2 in the last 26 meetings in Washington.
* Home team is 5-2 in the last seven meetings.

OVERTIME:

1. After being held off the scoresheet in his first two encounters against New York, Ovechkin recorded a goal and an assist in Washington's 3-2 shootout win on March 24.

2. Rangers C Brian Boyle (right leg) and LW Ryane Clowe (head) did not practice on Wednesday. They traveled with the team but are questionable to play in Game 1.

3. New York C Brad Richards, who finished the season on a six-game point streak, had a goal and two assists versus Washington.

Los Angeles Kings at St. Louis Blues (-117, 5)

St. Louis leads series 1-0.

Jonathan Quick gets the chance to redeem himself Thursday as the fifth-seeded Los Angeles Kings attempt to even their Western Conference first-round series at one game apiece when they visit the fourth-seeded St. Louis Blues. Quick was brilliant for over 73 minutes in Game 1, stopping 40 of 41 shots before making an egregious puckhandling mistake in overtime that led to Alex Steen's game-winning short-handed goal at 13:26. The heartbreaking loss ended the Kings' eight-game winning streak against the Blues that included a sweep in last year's second-round postseason series.

Steen was the offensive hero for St. Louis, which outshot Los Angeles 24-13 over the first two periods. After opening the scoring with a power-play goal in the first period, Steen forced Quick to turn over the puck behind the net during a four-minute man advantage for the Kings and tucked in a backhander near the left post for the winner. Steen entered the series having recorded just one goal in 13 career playoff games.

TV: 9:30 p.m. ET, CNBC, CBC, FSN Midwest (St. Louis)

ABOUT THE KINGS: Defenseman Matt Greene skated during Wednesday's optional practice but is not expected to be in the lineup for Game 2. Greene missed the regular-season finale and the series opener with an undisclosed injury. Fellow blue-liner Robyn Regehr proved his toughness Tuesday as he missed only a few shifts after suffering a broken nose when he was hit in the face by Blues captain David Backes' skate. "I think the first skate came in and the blade barely missed me," said Regehr, who left a pool of blood on the ice. "And then the second (skate), I just kind of got hit by the back of the heel. I was very lucky I didn't get sliced."

ABOUT THE BLUES: While Steen took care of the scoring, Brian Elliott stood tall in net for St. Louis. Elliott made 28 saves en route to his seventh consecutive home victory. He has allowed one goal in each the triumphs. Ryan Reaves made the most of his 9:20 of ice time, dishing out a game-high nine hits. Three of the hits came in the first 5:23 of the contest, including two in an 11-second span. "I was a little out of position, kind of running around like an idiot for a couple seconds," the right wing said. "I think I had to get the crowd into it early and send that message."

TRENDS:

* Kings are 8-1 in the last nine meetings.
* Kings are 4-1 in the last five meetings in St. Louis.
* Under is 9-3-2 in the last 14 meetings in St. Louis.
* Under is 9-4-2 in the last 15 meetings.

OVERTIME:

1. Blues rookie RW Vladimir Tarasenko, who failed to score a goal over his final 15 games of the regular season, was a healthy scratch in Game 1.

2. Los Angeles C Anze Kopitar is expected to remain on a line with Jeff Carter and Dustin Penner instead of being reunited with captain Dustin Brown. Kopitar has gone 17 games without a goal.

3. St. Louis won 64 percent of the faceoffs in Game 1, with C Andy McDonald winning eight of his nine draws.

Detroit Red Wings at Anaheim Ducks (-137, 5)

Anaheim leads series 1-0.

The seventh-seeded Detroit Red Wings will need to either improve on the penalty kill or stay out of the box if they hope to even their Western Conference first-round series against the second-seeded Anaheim Ducks at one game apiece on Thursday. Detroit allowed two power-play goals in Game 1 on Tuesday, including one by Teemu Selanne just 89 seconds into the third period that snapped a 1-1 tie. The Red Wings also must pull the trigger more often as they registered only 11 shots on goal over the first two periods before matching that total in the third of the 3-1 loss.

Anaheim opened the scoring midway through the first period on Nick Bonino's power-play goal, which was his first tally in five career postseason contests. Jonas Hiller made Selanne's goal stand by stopping all 11 third-period shots he faced and defenseman Francois Beauchemin sealed the win with an empty-netter in the final minute. The Pacific Division champion Ducks are looking to even things up as they lost three of the first five playoff series between the teams.

TV: 10 p.m. ET, NBCSN, TSN, RDS, FSN (Detroit), Prime Ticket (Anaheim)

ABOUT THE RED WINGS: Right wing Todd Bertuzzi, who has not played since Feb. 7 due to a sore back, has been medically cleared - but was kept out of the lineup in Game 1. Bertuzzi has recorded 14 goals and 42 points in 80 career postseason contests. Detroit had five players make their playoff debuts Tuesday, a fact coach Mike Babcock believes put his team at a disadvantage. "I don't think you have to get hit by a car to understand that it hurts," Babcock said. "I think they're aware of the fact that there is going to be more intensity, but sometimes just being involved helps you out."

ABOUT THE DUCKS: Selanne may be heating up at just the right time. The 42-year-old Finn scored only one goal in eight games before tallying in the regular-season finale against the Phoenix Coyotes, then netted his 42nd career playoff goal in Game 1. Hiller, Beauchemin, Saku Koivu and defensemen Sheldon Souray and Toni Lydman were the only Ducks who did not participate in Wednesday's optional practice. Bonino admitted scoring his first playoff goal had a different feeling than netting his initial regular-season tally. "This is kind of a whole different animal," he said. "To do it in front of a packed house like that (at the Honda Center) is something I'll always remember."

TRENDS:

* Under is 8-2 in the last 10 meetings in Anaheim.
* Under is 11-4 in the last 15 meetings.
* Home team is 39-16-1 in the last 56 meetings.

OVERTIME:

1. Selanne has scored 10 of his 42 career playoff goals against Detroit.

2. The Red Wings have lost six straight series openers that have taken place on the road.

3. Ducks C Andrew Cogliano made his playoff debut in Game 1 after playing in 458 consecutive regular-season contests.

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**Udog** · 05-02-2013, 09:00 AM

MLB
Dunkel

San Diego at Chicago Cubs
The Padres look to bounce back from yesterday's 6-2 loss to Chicago and take advantage of a Cubs' team that is 0-7 in Travis Woods' last 7 starts after scoring 5 runs or more in the previous game. San Diego is the pick (+130) according to Dunkel, which has the Padres favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: San Diego (+130). Here are all of today's picks.

THURSDAY, MAY 2

Game 951-952: San Diego at Chicago Cubs (2:20 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Diego (Stults) 15.997; Cubs (Wood) 15.120
Dunkel Line: San Diego by 1; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Chicago Cubs (-150); No Total
Dunkel Pick: San Diego (+130); N/A

Game 953-954: Miami at Philadelphia (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Miami (Sanabia) 14.151; Philadelphia (Kendrick) 15.875
Dunkel Line: Philadelphia by 1 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: Philadelphia (-200); 8
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (-200); Over

Game 955-956: Washington at Atlanta (7:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Washington (Haren) 15.626; Atlanta (Medlen) 14.980
Dunkel Line: Washington by 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: Atlanta (-170); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Washington (+150); Over

Game 957-958: St. Louis at Milwaukee (8:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: St. Louis (Westbrook) 15.365; Milwaukee (Peralta) 16.275
Dunkel Line: Milwaukee by 1; 8
Vegas Line: Milwaukee (-110); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Milwaukee (-110); Under

Game 959-960: Tampa Bay at Kansas City (2:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Tampa Bay (Hernandez) 15.668; Kansas City (Santana) 16.812
Dunkel Line: Kansas City by 1; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Kansas City (-140); 8
Dunkel Pick: Kansas City (-140); Over

Game 961-962: Boston at Toronto (7:07 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Boston (Dempster) 15.271; Toronto (Happ) 15.843
Dunkel Line: Toronto by 1/2; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Boston (-130); 9
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (+110); Under

Game 963-964: Chicago White Sox at Texas (8:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: White Sox (Peavy) 14.721; Texas (Grimm) 14.426
Dunkel Line: Chicago White Sox by 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: Texas (-130); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Chicago White Sox (+110); Under

Game 965-966: Detroit at Houston (8:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit (Porcello) 16.123; Houston (Lyles) 13.541
Dunkel Line: Detroit by 2 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 967-968: Baltimore at LA Angels (10:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Baltimore (Tillman) 14.920; LA Angels (Blanton) 13.866
Dunkel Line: Baltimore by 1; 10
Vegas Line: LA Angels (-115); 9
Dunkel Pick: Baltimore (-105); Over

**Udog** · 05-02-2013, 09:07 AM

MLB
Long Sheet

Thursday, May 2

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SAN DIEGO (10 - 17) at CHICAGO CUBS (11 - 16) - 2:20 PM
ERIC STULTS (L) vs. TRAVIS WOOD (L)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN DIEGO is 22-51 (-21.5 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +125 to +150 over the last 3 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 61-55 (+18.5 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 3 seasons.
STULTS is 13-7 (+10.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
STULTS is 16-9 (+13.6 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997. (Team's Record)
STULTS is 13-7 (+10.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
CHICAGO CUBS are 72-117 (-29.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 677-641 (-147.8 Units) against the money line in home games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 684-704 (-132.0 Units) against the money line in day games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 72-117 (-29.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 53-89 (-28.7 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 3 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 33-52 (-18.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO CUBS is 2-1 (+0.8 Units) against SAN DIEGO this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.0 Units)

ERIC STULTS vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
STULTS is 1-3 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 5.21 and a WHIP of 1.738.
His team's record is 1-3 (-2.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-1. (+1.9 units)

TRAVIS WOOD vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
WOOD is 0-1 when starting against SAN DIEGO with an ERA of 4.38 and a WHIP of 1.338.
His team's record is 1-3 (-2.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-1. (+1.0 units)

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MIAMI (8 - 20) at PHILADELPHIA (12 - 16) - 7:05 PM
ALEX SANABIA (R) vs. KYLE KENDRICK (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MIAMI is 76-111 (-33.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 101-142 (-36.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
MIAMI is 80-119 (-35.5 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 3 seasons.
MIAMI is 77-113 (-34.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 4-15 (-12.0 Units) against the money line when playing on Thursday over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 32-58 (-21.9 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
KENDRICK is 56-38 (+18.5 Units) against the money line in night games since 1997. (Team's Record)
MIAMI is 22-9 (+14.5 Units) against the money line in road games in May games over the last 3 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 93-94 (-20.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 30-34 (-15.5 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 42-52 (-19.7 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 93-97 (-23.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 3-9 (-13.4 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -175 to -200 over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 46-49 (-19.5 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHILADELPHIA is 2-1 (+0.6 Units) against MIAMI this season
3 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+3.0 Units)

ALEX SANABIA vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
SANABIA is 0-0 when starting against PHILADELPHIA with an ERA of 1.50 and a WHIP of 1.000.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.0 units)

KYLE KENDRICK vs. MIAMI since 1997
KENDRICK is 9-2 when starting against MIAMI with an ERA of 3.53 and a WHIP of 1.266.
His team's record is 10-4 (+5.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 7-6. (+0.7 units)

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WASHINGTON (14 - 14) at ATLANTA (17 - 10) - 7:10 PM
DAN HAREN (R) vs. KRIS MEDLEN (R)
Top Trends for this game.
HAREN is 14-21 (-16.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
HAREN is 9-16 (-15.0 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
HAREN is 13-21 (-17.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
HAREN is 9-15 (-12.8 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
HAREN is 11-18 (-15.6 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
ATLANTA is 111-79 (+21.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 10-2 (+8.7 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
ATLANTA is 109-78 (+19.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 74-45 (+23.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
MEDLEN is 29-8 (+20.2 Units) against the money line in all games since 1997. (Team's Record)
MEDLEN is 16-1 (+15.3 Units) against the money line against division opponents since 1997. (Team's Record)
MEDLEN is 29-8 (+20.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field since 1997. (Team's Record)
MEDLEN is 22-3 (+18.8 Units) against the money line in night games since 1997. (Team's Record)
WASHINGTON is 114-81 (+18.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 128-104 (+25.0 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 3 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 41-27 (+13.8 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 95-81 (+21.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 5-1 (+4.9 Units) against WASHINGTON this season
3 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.1 Units, Under=-0.5 Units)

DAN HAREN vs. ATLANTA since 1997
HAREN is 4-2 when starting against ATLANTA with an ERA of 6.17 and a WHIP of 1.629.
His team's record is 4-2 (+1.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-1. (+4.0 units)

KRIS MEDLEN vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
MEDLEN is 1-0 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 0.64 and a WHIP of 1.000.
His team's record is 2-0 (+2.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-2. (-2.3 units)

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ST LOUIS (16 - 11) at MILWAUKEE (14 - 12) - 8:10 PM
JAKE WESTBROOK (R) vs. WILY PERALTA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
WESTBROOK is 50-65 (-27.2 Units) against the money line against division opponents since 1997. (Team's Record)
MILWAUKEE is 120-64 (+36.4 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 68-32 (+23.4 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 3 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 63-26 (+26.7 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 120-64 (+36.4 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 91-44 (+32.6 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 10-21 (-14.7 Units) against the money line when playing on Thursday over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ST LOUIS is 2-1 (+0.5 Units) against MILWAUKEE this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.7 Units)

JAKE WESTBROOK vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
WESTBROOK is 2-4 when starting against MILWAUKEE with an ERA of 3.06 and a WHIP of 1.360.
His team's record is 3-5 (-2.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-4. (-0.3 units)

WILY PERALTA vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
No recent starts.

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TAMPA BAY (12 - 15) at KANSAS CITY (15 - 10) - 2:10 PM
ROBERTO HERNANDEZ (R) vs. ERVIN SANTANA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
TAMPA BAY is 6-13 (-9.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
KANSAS CITY is 42-35 (+13.0 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 9-3 (+7.9 Units) against the money line in day games this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
KANSAS CITY is 2-0 (+2.1 Units) against TAMPA BAY this season
2 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.1 Units)

ROBERTO HERNANDEZ vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
HERNANDEZ is 6-5 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 4.65 and a WHIP of 1.500.
His team's record is 10-6 (+2.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 7-9. (-2.3 units)

ERVIN SANTANA vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
SANTANA is 5-6 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 5.47 and a WHIP of 1.418.
His team's record is 5-8 (-3.3 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 5-8. (-4.3 units)

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BOSTON (19 - 8) at TORONTO (10 - 18) - 7:05 PM
RYAN DEMPSTER (R) vs. J.A. HAPP (L)
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 73-85 (-29.3 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
BOSTON is 56-73 (-29.4 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 88-101 (-27.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 32-41 (-15.0 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
DEMPSTER is 23-49 (-21.6 Units) against the money line in road games after a win since 1997. (Team's Record)
BOSTON is 18-7 (+10.0 Units) against the money line on the road with a money line of -100 to -125 over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 50-69 (-22.3 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 50-79 (-23.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 10-18 (-10.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 3-2 (+1.3 Units) against TORONTO this season
4 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+3.0 Units)

RYAN DEMPSTER vs. TORONTO since 1997
DEMPSTER is 0-0 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 5.68 and a WHIP of 1.105.
His team's record is 2-0 (+2.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (+0.0 units)

J.A. HAPP vs. BOSTON since 1997
HAPP is 1-1 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 5.09 and a WHIP of 1.528.
His team's record is 2-1 (+1.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-1. (+1.1 units)

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CHI WHITE SOX (11 - 15) at TEXAS (17 - 10) - 8:05 PM
JAKE PEAVY (R) vs. JUSTIN GRIMM (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CHI WHITE SOX are 36-46 (-16.4 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 53-25 (+19.8 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 21-13 (+13.1 Units) against the money line in road games in May games over the last 3 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 478-483 (+44.6 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters since 1997.
CHI WHITE SOX are 337-331 (+31.1 Units) against the money line in road games after a win since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHI WHITE SOX is 1-1 (+0.1 Units) against TEXAS this season
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.2 Units, Under=-0.1 Units)

JAKE PEAVY vs. TEXAS since 1997
PEAVY is 0-2 when starting against TEXAS with an ERA of 7.59 and a WHIP of 1.594.
His team's record is 2-2 (+0.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-1. (+2.0 units)

JUSTIN GRIMM vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
No recent starts.

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DETROIT (15 - 11) at HOUSTON (8 - 20) - 8:10 PM
RICK PORCELLO (R) vs. JORDAN LYLES (R)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

RICK PORCELLO vs. HOUSTON since 1997
No recent starts.

JORDAN LYLES vs. DETROIT since 1997
No recent starts.

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BALTIMORE (16 - 12) at LA ANGELS (10 - 17) - 10:05 PM
CHRIS TILLMAN (R) vs. JOE BLANTON (R)
Top Trends for this game.
BLANTON is 61-36 (+20.1 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 since 1997. (Team's Record)
BLANTON is 71-55 (+18.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997. (Team's Record)
BALTIMORE is 49-33 (+24.3 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 41-26 (+13.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 112-84 (+42.5 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 46-33 (+16.8 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 18-10 (+10.0 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +100 to +125 over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 57-44 (+31.2 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 22-12 (+17.8 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 15-6 (+9.7 Units) against the money line when playing on Thursday over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 102-73 (+39.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 75-63 (+22.1 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 79-60 (+30.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 10-17 (-10.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LA ANGELS are 6-13 (-11.6 Units) against the money line when playing on Thursday over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 10-17 (-10.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
LA ANGELS are 4-14 (-13.1 Units) against the money line in night games this season.

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

CHRIS TILLMAN vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
TILLMAN is 1-0 when starting against LA ANGELS with an ERA of 4.05 and a WHIP of 1.349.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

JOE BLANTON vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
BLANTON is 2-2 when starting against BALTIMORE with an ERA of 5.36 and a WHIP of 1.595.
His team's record is 4-3 (+0.5 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-4. (-1.4 units)

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**Udog** · 05-02-2013, 09:09 AM

MLB
Armadillo's Write-Up

Thursday, May 2

Hot pitchers
-- Wood is 2-1, 2.53 in five starts this season.
-- Kendrick is 2-0, 1.29 in his last four starts.
-- Westbrook is 1-1, 1.52 in five starts this season.

-- Santana is 3-0, 1.50in his last four starts.
-- Dempster is 1-1, 3.15 in his last three starts. Happ is 1-0, 3.27 in his last couple starts.
-- Peavy is 2-0, 2.08 in his last three starts. Grimm is 2-0, 1.38 in his last couple starts.
-- Tillman is 1-0, 2.13 in his last couple starts.

Cold pitchers
-- Stults is 1-2, 6.95 in four starts this season.
-- Sanabia is 1-3, 6.08 in his last four starts.
-- Medlen is 0-2, 4.91 in his last three starts. Haren is 1-2, 7.05 in his last three starts.
-- Peralta has a 5.65 RA in five starts this season.

-- Hernandez is 1-4, 6.16 in five starts this season.
-- Porcello is 1-2, 9.87 in four starts this season. This is Lyles' first '13 start; he was 2-1, 2.74 in his last four '12 starts.
-- Blanton is 0-4, 7.42 in five starts this season.

Totals
-- Under is 11-6-1 in last eighteen Cub games.
-- Over is 8-3-1 in Philly's last twelve home games.
-- Eight of last eleven Washington games stayed under the total.
-- 11 of 15 games at Miller Park went over the total.

-- Over is 7-1-1 in last nine Kansas City games.
-- Over is 5-1-1 in last seven Toronto games.
-- Four of last five White Sox games went over the total.
-- Over is 5-1-2 in last eight Houston games.
-- Seven of last eight Baltimore games went over the total.

Hot teams
-- San Diego, Cubs both won five of their last seven games.
-- Braves won nine of their last ten games with Washington.
-- Miami won three of its last four games.
-- Brewers won 12 of their last 16 games. St Louis won six of last nine.

-- Kansas City won seven of its last ten games.
-- Boston won six of its last seven games.
-- Detroit won six of its last eight games.
-- Rangers won eight of their last twelve games.

Cold teams
-- Washington lost seven of its last eleven games.
-- Phillies lost ten of their last sixteen games.

-- Tampa Bay lost 11 of its first 15 road games.
-- Houston lost 13 of its last 17 games.
-- Blue Jays lost nine of their last twelve games.
-- White Sox lost seven of their last eleven games.
-- Angels lost six of their last eight games. Baltimore lost three of last four.

**Udog** · 05-02-2013, 09:14 AM

MLB

Thursday, May 2

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Trend Report
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2:10 PM
TAMPA BAY vs. KANSAS CITY
The total has gone UNDER in 15 of Tampa Bay's last 22 games when playing Kansas City
Tampa Bay is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games when playing Kansas City
The total has gone UNDER in 13 of Kansas City's last 19 games when playing at home against Tampa Bay
Kansas City is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Tampa Bay

2:20 PM
SAN DIEGO vs. CHI CUBS
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of San Diego's last 6 games on the road
San Diego is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
Chi Cubs are 5-2 SU in their last 7 games
Chi Cubs are 2-4 SU in their last 6 games when playing San Diego

7:05 PM
MIAMI vs. PHILADELPHIA
Miami is 7-17 SU in its last 24 games
Miami is 4-13 SU in its last 17 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
Philadelphia is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Miami
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Philadelphia's last 7 games when playing Miami

7:07 PM
BOSTON vs. TORONTO
Boston is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Boston's last 5 games when playing Toronto
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Toronto's last 5 games when playing at home against Boston
Toronto is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games

7:10 PM
WASHINGTON vs. ATLANTA
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Washington's last 6 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
Washington is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Atlanta is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games when playing Washington
Atlanta is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games

8:05 PM
CHI WHITE SOX vs. TEXAS
Chi White Sox are 6-14 SU in their last 20 games on the road
Chi White Sox are 6-2 SU in their last 8 games when playing Texas
The total has gone UNDER in 17 of Texas's last 23 games when playing Chi White Sox
Texas is 8-4 SU in its last 12 games

8:10 PM
ST. LOUIS vs. MILWAUKEE
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of St. Louis's last 5 games on the road
St. Louis is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games
Milwaukee is 12-4 SU in its last 16 games
The total has gone OVER in 12 of Milwaukee's last 16 games at home

8:10 PM
DETROIT vs. HOUSTON
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Detroit's last 5 games when playing Houston
Detroit is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing Houston
Houston is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Detroit
Houston is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games

10:05 PM
BALTIMORE vs. LA ANGELS
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Baltimore's last 5 games on the road
Baltimore is 1-5 SU in their last 6 games when playing LA Angels
LA Angels are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games when playing Baltimore
LA Angels are 8-2 SU in their last 10 games when playing at home against Baltimore

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**Udog** · 05-02-2013, 09:18 AM

MLB

Thursday, May 2

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Thursday's starters: Santana headlines hot money pitchers
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Thursday features a few starting pitchers that have been strong for bettors during their most recent starts.

Here's a look at three pitchers taking the hill Thursday that have been cashing in for moneyline bettors recently.

Ervin Santana, Kansas City Royals (3-1, 2.00 ERA)

The Royals have won Santana's last four starts earning the $100 bettor $360.85 if betting on the righty in those four games. All four of those were quality starts as he has given up just four earned runs in 30 innings pitched.

Kansas City is at home to conclude its series against the Tampa Bay Rays Thursday. The Rays will counter with Roberto Hernandez.

Justin Grimm, Texas Rangers (2-0, 1.59 ERA)

Grimm will make his fourth start of the season Thursday and he is coming off seven innings of shutout work against the Minnesota Twins on April 26. Texas has won all three games that Grimm has started this season and bettors would be up $280.45 when wagering on Grimm's starts this season.

The Rangers host the Chicago White Sox Thursday evening in the final game of the series. Jake Peavy is on the mound for the White Sox.

Wily Peralta, Milwaukee Brewers (2-1, 5.02 ERA)

Milwaukee has won Peralta's last three starts and the righty has personally notched wins in his last two outings. Peralta's put together two excellent starts in a row, giving up five earned runs in 12 2-3 innings pitched in those two games. The $100 bettor would be up $278.30 if wagering on Milwaukee in Peralta's last three starts.

The Brewers open a four game home stand versus the St. Louis Cardinals Thursday. Jake Westbrook gets the start for the Cards.

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**Udog** · 05-02-2013, 09:20 AM

MLB

Thursday, May 2

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Thursday MLB weather report: Chance of rain in K.C.
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A chance of showers in a few stadiums including Kansas City and wind blowing out to center in Texas. Here's the MLB weather report for Thursday:

Washington Nationals vs. Atlanta Braves (-161, 7.5)
Site: Turner Field

The wind will blow in from right field at 13 mph. Cloudy skies and a 20 percent chance of rain is in the forecast in Atlanta.

San Diego Padres vs. Chicago Cubs (-131, n/a)
Site: Wrigley Field

The wind will blow in from center field at 12 mph. There will be a 10 percent chance of rain in the forecast.

Tampa Bay Rays vs. Kansas City Royals (-132, 8)
Site: Kauffman Stadium

The wind will blow in from left field at 20 mph, with a 60 percent possibility of showers.

Chicago White Sox vs. Texas Rangers (-130, 8.5)
Site: Rangers Ballpark

Wind will blow out to center field at 22 mph. There is a 30 percent chance of rain in the forecast.

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**Udog** · 05-02-2013, 10:20 AM

MLB

Thursday, May 2

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Moneyline or runline? Best way to bet these four MLB teams
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Some guys hit for power while others hit for contact. You can make a pretty good living doing either, if you know when to swing. The same goes for MLB moneylines and runlines.

Some baseball teams are making the most out of the moneyline, stacking the units on MLB’s straight up odds. Others have benefited the best from the runline, baseball’s version of the pointspread, with 1.5 runs set as the norm.

We take a look at four teams and explain why they’ve been better to the bettors on either the moneyline or the runline.

Tampa Bay Rays (12-14)

Moneyline: -4.65 units
Runline: +4.91

The Rays were supposed to be contending for the American League East lead at this point in the season, but inconsistent efforts at the plate and a struggling ace have dealt moneyline bettors some big loss. Tampa Bay is 1-5 SU in David Price’s six starts, burning -6.67 units alone.

However, when the Rays do win, they win big and cover the runline with ease, posting an average margin of victory of four runs in its 12 wins. Tampa Bay is current in the midst of a 10-game road trip and is presenting solid value on the runline as the visitor.

Pittsburgh Pirates (15-12)

Moneyline: +6.18 units
Runline: -0.25 units

The Pirates finished April with a bang, going 6-4 SU in their final 10 games. Pittsburgh didn’t build that record against cupcakes either, taking wins over the Braves, Phillies, Cardinals and Reds last month. Those upset wins meant big moneyline payouts, with the Bucs set as high as +185. Pittsburgh has also been a great bet at home, posting an 8-4 record at PNC Park.

Sizing up its runline potential at home, the Pirates have outscored visitors by just 1.25 runs per game. On the road, they been outscored 72-57 but that’s an average of just one run per away game. With a five-game home stand starting Friday (vs. Washington and Seattle), the Bucs look to be a solid moneyline play but a shaky runline risk.

Detroit Tigers (15-10)

Moneyline: +1.29 units
Runline: +5.36 units

Expectations were high for the Tigers entering 2013, as were their moneyline odds. A slow start to the year quickly buried bettors in red ink and has left Detroit digging itself out of that hole ever since, despite a winning record. The team has lost three of Justin Verlander’s first six starts, boasting -2.26 units when its ace has taken the mound.

There is more value giving the 1.5 runs on Detroit’s games. The Tigers have won five straight heading into Wednesday but that’s equaled only $314.42 for $100 moneyline bettors. Runline fans betting $100 have earned $370.25 on those games, even with Detroit failing to cover the 1.5-run spread in a 4-3 win over Minnesota Monday.

Milwaukee Brewers (14-11)

Moneyline: +2.35 units
Runline: -2.05 units

The Brewers have sprung to life as the calendar flips to May, winning 12 of their last 15 games heading into Wednesday. Milwaukee was able to gain some momentum against a softer schedule, which featured San Diego, Chicago and Pittsburgh. The Brew Crew were moneyline favorites in 11 of those 15 contests, including each outing of a three-game home set versus San Francisco.

Miller Park has been kind to Milwaukee so far. The Brewers are 9-5 as hosts, including back-to-back wins over the Pirates to open a nine-game home stand which also welcomes the Cardinals and Rangers. But while the SU wager has been safe at the beer gardens, Milwaukee is outscoring opponents 79-71 in its 14 home games – an average of just 0.57 runs per contest.

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**Udog** · 05-02-2013, 01:23 PM

MLB
Short Sheet

Thursday, May 2

National League

San Diego at Chicago Cubs, 2:20 ET
Stults: San Diego 1-7 SU as a road underdog of +125 to +150
Wood: Cubs 7-0 Under vs. left-handed starters

Miami at Philadelphia, 7:05 ET MLB
Sanabia: Miami 7-17 SU after blowing a save
Kendrick: 31-14 TSR pitching on 5 or 6 days rest

Washington at Atlanta, 7:10 ET MLB
Haren: 9-16 TSR vs. division opponents
Medlen: 13-0 TSR at home with a total of 7 to 8.5 runs

St. Louis at Milwaukee, 8:10 ET
Westbrook: St. Louis 11-3 SU off an Under
Peralta: 5-1 Over in night games

American League

Tampa Bay at Kansas City, 2:10 ET
Hernandez: Tampa Bay 6-13 SU vs. right-handed starters
Santana: Kansas City 9-3 SU in day games

Boston at Toronto, 7:05 ET
Dempster: Boston 18-7 SU as a road favorite of -125 or less
Happ: 9-24 TSR as an underdog of +150 or less

Chicago White Sox at Texas, 8:05 ET
Peavy: White Sox 29-13 Under away off a win
Grimm: Texas 27-10 SU at home with a total of 7 to 8.5 runs

Detroit at Houston, 8:10 ET
Porcello: 21-6 Over vs. AL West opponents
Lyles: 2-16 TSR pitching off BB team losses

Baltimore at LA Angels, 10:05 ET
Tillman: Baltimore 18-10 SU as a road underdog of +125 or less
Blanton: Angels 8-17 SU off 3+ Overs

Announcement

Thursday's Trends and Indexes - 5/2 (NBA, NHL, MLB, Misc.)

Thursday's Trends and Indexes - 5/2 (NBA, NHL, MLB, Misc.)

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