Announcement

**Udog** · 05-03-2013, 09:52 AM

Armadillo: Friday's six-pack

CBS from Chicago posted some experts' picks for the Kentucky Derby:

-- John Asher, Vice President of Racing Communications at Churchill Downs: 1. Revolutionary, 2. Orb, 3. Normandy Invasion

-- Jill Byrnem, Official Handicapper at Churchill Downs:
1. Revolutionary, 2. Orb, 3. Normandy Invasion

-- Ed DeRosa, Director of Marketing for Brisnet.com: 1. Itsmyluckyday, 2. Revolutionary, 3. Goldencents

-- James Scully, Editor of the Handicapper’s Edge: 1. Orb, 2. Itsmyluckyday, 3. Overanalyze

-- Mitch Rosen, Program Director of 670 The Score: 1. Revolutionary, 2. Will Take Charge, 3. Overanalyse

-- Matt Abbatacola, Executive Producer at 670 The Score: 1. Verrazano, 2. Overanalyze, 3. Frac Daddy.

-- Adam Hoge, Sports Editor of CBS Chicago-- 1. Revolutionary, 2. Goldencents, 3. Will Take Charge.

*****

Armadillo: Friday's List of 13: Nobody asked me, but........

13) Starting in August 2014, there is going to be an SEC Network, which will basically be run by ESPN. If you like college football, this is very good news, as long as DirecTV picks the damn thing up (it doesn't carry Pac-12 Network, but does carry the Big Dozen Network).

12) Back in the late 60's/early 70's, NBA teams got three shots to make two if their opponents were over the foul limit. An amazingly bad rule, but one Dwight Howard would probably be in favor of.

11) Its never too early to start thinking about college basketball: Here is the field for next November's Alaskan Shootout: Tulsa vs Indiana State, TCU @ Alaska-Anchorange, Pepperdine vs Green Bay and Denver vs Harvard.

10) What was left unspoken when the Alaska field was announced is that the Iowa Hawkeyes pulled out of the Shootout, so they could play in an event in the Bahamas that also includes Kansas, Tennessee, Villanova, USC, Wake Forest, UTEP and Xavier. Makes Iowa's schedule a little bit better.

9) Pitt coach Jamie Dixon brought former Manhattan head coach and former Pitt assistant Barry Rohrssen back as an assistant coach. Rohrssen is very good at recruiting in New York City. Pitt needs better players.

8) Somehow, Robert Morris coach Andy Toole didn't get a better job after his team upset Kentucky in the NIT, getting gifted with a home game due to Kentucky hosting the NCAA tournament, but Toole did get an extension to his contract, he is now signed thru 2018.

7) Rory McIlroy shot a 5-under 67 Thursday, first time this year he broke par in the first round of a tournament.

6) Duke graduate Nate Smith also shot a 67 Thursday; he shot a 63 Monday just to get into the tournament. He is ranked #1,306 in the World Golf rankings; in other words, its really, really hard to get on the PGA Tour.

5) Colorado Rockies signed veteran pitcher Roy Oswalt, who obviously does not like spring training, since he never goes. Oswalt is 4-0, 2.25 in his career at Coors Field.

4) NCAA turned a $71M profit in 2012, not bad at all. With this in mind, I'd be in favor of every kid who makes the mens'/womens' Final Four being allowed to bring two guests along, at the NCAA's expense. Its only fair.

3) Jacoby Ellsbury saw 8-7-8 pitches in his first three ABs for the Red Sox in Toronto Thursday, and against a lefty, JA Happ. Not too impressive for the Jays, as their pitching belies the team's preseason predictions.

2) UNLV is in negotiations to sell its football home opener to Arizona; this is very bad news for UNLV's coach, when you start selling home games, especially to Arizona, its the beginning of the end.

Not like its Michigan/Alabama/Nebraska for a big payday. Game would be played at U of Phoenix Stadium, where the Cardinals play.

1) Golden State led by 18 points with 8:20 left in the 4th quarter, survived a wild comeback by the Nuggets to advance to the second round with a 92-88 win that saw Denver miss a point blank putback that would've tied the game in the last 0:15. Warriors looked like a bad high school team at times during the Denver rally, but they win this series in six games.

**Udog** · 05-03-2013, 09:53 AM

NASCAR betting: Aaron's 499 at Talladega preview

NASCAR betting at Talladega can be as simple as selecting a car that survives to see the last lap. The 2.66-mile Superspeedway is notorious for “The Big One”, a field-clearing wreck that can swallow up race favorites in a matter of seconds.

The oddsmakers have their favorites for this weekend’s Aaron's 499 at Talladega but in all honesty, the race is really a roll of the dice for NASCAR bettors. That means bigger value for anyone who can correctly pick the winner.

Favorite: Kyle Busch/Matt Kenseth (+1,000)

No other racetrack presents this much value for the overall favorites, which are basically a formality at Talladega. Busch had lady luck on his side last year, finishing third and second respectively in the two races at Talladega and won the Aaron’s 499 back in 2008. He’s had trouble his last two times out this season, finishing 38th and 24th after starting those races in the Top 8.

Kenseth is the most recent winner at Talladega, taking the checkered at the Good Sam Roadside Assistance 500 last fall. He was a beast in restrictor-plate races last year, winning two and finishing third in two others, and owns an average finish of 18.0 at Talladega. Crew chief Jason Ratcliff is still on the headset for the No. 20 team, for now, pending an appeal of engine penalties from two weeks ago.

Live dog: Kevin Harvick (+1,200)

Harvick is not among the favorites but is locked with eight other drivers priced at 12-1. At any other track, +1,200 would indicate an underdog. But this isn’t any other track. Harvick is coming off a win at Richmond last Saturday and knows how to survive Talladega, completing 98.54 percent of his total career laps there, including a win in 2010.

Long shot: Joey Logano (+3,000)

Logano may not have the experience at Talladega like some of his competition. But in a small sample size, the No. 22 Ford has shown some consistency at the Superspeedway, which is something even the most seasoned drivers struggle to do. In eight races, he’s placed inside the Top 10 four times, including a third and fifth-place showing, and has completed 99.87 percent of his total laps. Logano has finished inside the Top 5 in three of his last five races, placing third at Richmond last weekend.

Key stat: Richard Childress Racing owns the most Sprint Cup Series wins at Talladega with 12 overall. Hendrick Motorsports is a close second with 11.

Notable quotable:

“Someone described racing on the superspeedways of being a combination of a science project and the luck of a casino, and it’s exactly that way. You do everything in your power to take care of the science or technology side, do everything you can to build the fastest car you’ve got. But if you don’t have the luck to go with it, even if you don’t have any drama with getting the car touched – nothing happens to the car – if you’re just in the wrong spot at the wrong time at the end, it can take you out of whatever opportunity you had.” – Tony Stewart told SpeedTV about racing at Talladega.

Odds to win the Aaron’s 499 at Talladega (Courtesy of JustBet):

Kyle Busch 10-1
Matt Kenseth 10-1
Jimmie Johnson 12-1
Jeff Gordon 12-1
Kasey Kahne 12-1
Tony Stewart 12-1
Kevin Harvick 12-1
Clint Bowyer 12-1
Brad Keselowski 12-1
Dale Earnhardt Jr. 12-1
Carl Edwards 15-1
Greg Biffle 15-1
Jamie McMurray 20-1
Martin Truex Jr. 25-1
Joey Logano 30-1
Kurt Busch 30-1
Ryan Newman 35-1
Ricky Stenhouse Jr. 35-1
Danica Patrick 35-1
Juan Montoya 35-1
Michael Waltrip 40-1
Jeff Burton 40-1
Paul Menard 40-1
Aric Almirola 50-1
Marcos Ambrose 50-1
Regan Smith 75-1
Trevor Bayne 75-1
Elliott Sadler 75-1
David Ragan 100-1
Casey Mears 100-1
Bobby Labonte 100-1
Dave Blaney 100-1
David Gilliland 100-1
Field (Any Other Driver) 15-1

**Udog** · 05-03-2013, 09:53 AM

Kentucky Derby betting: Capping the live long shots

If you’ve been sucking back those $1,000 mint juleps at the Kentucky Derby, you had better hope your long-shot bet came. Here are three dark-horse horses that could give the favorites a run for their money at the 139th Run for the Roses.

Oxbow (30/1)

Looking at the connections for the horse is like taking a trip down memory lane. Trainer D. Wayne Lukas and jockey Gary Stevens won the Kentucky Derby in 1988 aboard the great filly Winning Colors, and did it again in 1995 with Thunder Gulch.

Lukas is 77 and well past his prime now, and Stevens is just coming back from a long retirement due to knee issues. They have mountains of experience but can they recapture past glory?

Oxbow has had horrific racing luck in his last two outings and was very flat in the Arkansas Derby. He’s bred to run forever, though, and Stevens should have him in a better position early in the race than he did last time out.

He’s also looked very good training at Churchill Downs over the past week. At this price, he only has to catch a piece of the action to make you happy. And, at his best, he’s good enough to do that.

Palace Malice (20/1)

Like Oxbow, this horse is bred to run forever. He is a son of two-time Horse of the Year Curlin. Also like Oxbow, he was inexplicably awful in his key prep race at the Louisiana Derby. That seventh-place showing was so bad that trainer Todd Pletcher altered his plans and ran the horse back two weeks later in the Blue Grass. He was dramatically better, finishing second.

The biggest knock against Palace Malice is that he has just one win - a maiden race last August. Before the Louisiana Derby, though, he was taking big strides forward with each outing. He’s a slowly-maturing horse who has a lot left to give and could be getting ready to reach a new peak at Churchill Downs.

Java’s War (15/1)

Unlike the previous two, this horse has some breeding questions. Sire War Pass can produce quality, but he isn’t yet proven on long distances like the Kentucky Derby. That’s not a critical blow for Java’s War, but it is a concern.

The horse won the Blue Grass last time out but that race is on a synthetic surface at Keeneland, so it doesn’t mean that much. What is impressive is the second-place finish in his previous outing in the Tampa Bay Derby. He was only beaten by Verrazano and finished very strong.

His biggest issue is that he tends to be lazy out of the gate, digging a hole he struggles to climb out of. If jockey Julien Leparoux can get the horse’s heart pumping earlier - and the chaos and excitement of the Derby should help with that - then this horse could be dangerous.

**Udog** · 05-03-2013, 09:57 AM

NBA
Dunkel

Oklahoma City at Houston
The Thunder look to close out the series and build on their 8-1 ATS record in their last 9 road games against teams with a winning home record. Oklahoma City is the pick (+1) according to Dunkel, which has the Thunder favored by 6 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Oklahoma City (+1). Here are all of today's picks.

FRIDAY, MAY 3

Game 545-546: New York at Boston (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: New York 123.172; Boston 116.992
Dunkel Line & Total: New York by 6; 178
Vegas Line & Total: New York by 2; 181 1/2
Dunkel Pick: New York (-2); Under

Game 547-548: Indiana at Atlanta (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Indiana 118.269; Atlanta 116.322
Dunkel Line & Total: Indiana by 2; 190
Vegas Line & Total: Atlanta by 1 1/2; 187 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Indiana (+1 1/2); Over

Game 549-550: Oklahoma City at Houston (9:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Oklahoma City 126.893; Houston 120.595
Dunkel Line & Total: Oklahoma City by 6 1/2; 212
Vegas Line & Total: Houston by 1; 206 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Oklahoma City (+1); Over

Game 551-552: LA Clippers at Memphis (9:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: LA Clippers 120.275; Memphis 130.842
Dunkel Line & Total: Memphis by 10 1/2; 176
Vegas Line & Total: Memphis by 6 1/2; 180 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Memphis (-6 1/2); Under

NBA
Long Sheet

Friday, May 3

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

NEW YORK (57 - 30) at BOSTON (43 - 43) - 5/3/2013, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEW YORK is 49-37 ATS (+8.3 Units) in all games this season.
BOSTON is 43-67 ATS (-30.7 Units) in home games off an upset win as an underdog since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
NEW YORK is 11-10 against the spread versus BOSTON over the last 3 seasons
BOSTON is 13-8 straight up against NEW YORK over the last 3 seasons
12 of 21 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

INDIANA (52 - 34) at ATLANTA (46 - 41) - 5/3/2013, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
INDIANA is 1-10 ATS (-10.0 Units) as a road underdog of 3 points or less this season.
INDIANA is 5-15 ATS (-11.5 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
ATLANTA is 20-7 ATS (+12.3 Units) in home games in the first round of the playoffs since 1996.
INDIANA is 178-126 ATS (+39.4 Units) on Friday nights since 1996.
ATLANTA is 16-25 ATS (-11.5 Units) in home games this season.

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

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

OKLAHOMA CITY (63 - 24) at HOUSTON (47 - 40) - 5/3/2013, 9:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 50-35 ATS (+11.5 Units) in all games this season.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 17-8 ATS (+8.2 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent this season.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 14-5 ATS (+8.5 Units) off a upset loss as a favorite this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
HOUSTON is 8-8 against the spread versus OKLAHOMA CITY over the last 3 seasons
OKLAHOMA CITY is 10-6 straight up against HOUSTON over the last 3 seasons
8 of 16 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

LA CLIPPERS (58 - 29) at MEMPHIS (59 - 28) - 5/3/2013, 9:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LA CLIPPERS are 404-470 ATS (-113.0 Units) as an underdog since 1996.
LA CLIPPERS are 70-100 ATS (-40.0 Units) against Southwest division opponents since 1996.
LA CLIPPERS are 191-244 ATS (-77.4 Units) after a loss by 10 points or more since 1996.
LA CLIPPERS are 158-201 ATS (-63.1 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1996.
LA CLIPPERS are 147-204 ATS (-77.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season since 1996.
LA CLIPPERS are 75-109 ATS (-44.9 Units) versus good defensive teams - allowing <=91 points/game since 1996.
MEMPHIS is 51-33 ATS (+14.7 Units) in all games this season.
MEMPHIS is 38-24 ATS (+11.6 Units) as a favorite this season.
MEMPHIS is 25-16 ATS (+7.4 Units) in home games this season.
MEMPHIS is 14-6 ATS (+7.4 Units) on Friday nights this season.
MEMPHIS is 26-10 ATS (+15.0 Units) off an upset win as an underdog over the last 3 seasons.
MEMPHIS is 19-9 ATS (+9.1 Units) after a win by 10 points or more this season.
MEMPHIS is 16-7 ATS (+8.3 Units) after 3 or more consecutive wins this season.
MEMPHIS is 27-16 ATS (+9.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
MEMPHIS is 22-12 ATS (+8.8 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.
MEMPHIS is 38-21 ATS (+14.9 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 39-24 ATS (+12.6 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MEMPHIS is 11-11 against the spread versus LA CLIPPERS over the last 3 seasons
LA CLIPPERS is 13-10 straight up against MEMPHIS over the last 3 seasons
13 of 22 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up

Friday, May 3

Immense pressure on New York, which lost last two games, after taking a 3-0 series lead; Anthony/Smith shot combined 11-38 in Game 5, after Smith came back from being suspended for Game 4. NY bench was -38 in Game 5; not sure why they kept Smith on floor when he was pretty much a liability. Three NY series wins stayed under total; two wins by Boston both went over; Knicks have had fewer turnovers in every game of series (+22). Anthony is now 18-59 last two games- Knicks shot better than 42.1% from floor once in this series (34.4/39.5% last two).

Home side won all nine Atlanta-Indiana games this season; Hawks lost all three road games in this series by 17-15-23 points, then won twice at home, by 21-11 points. Seven of nine series games this season went over total; eight of last ten Atlanta games also went over. George was 24-61 (39.3%) in series in first four series games, then went 7-8 last game, hard to figure; he is 22-30 on foul line last four games, after going 17-18 in Game 1. Pacers lost last four road games, including loss at Cleveland by 19; their last road win was April 1 at the Clippers.

Home side won four of five LA-Memphis games, but now Grizzlies are in driver's seat after winning Game 5 at Staples, and with Griffin's ankle an issue. Paul had 35 last game, but Crawford was only other Clipper to score more than seven; Griffin was 2-7 from floor in 20:00. Four of five series games went over total. LA is just 26-98 from arc in series; Clips have taken 40 less FTs than Griz so far in this series. Memphis won 16 of last 17 home games, with its only loss to Clippers April 13; they're getting more out of Prince than Thunder is from Martin, after two teams traded off huge pieces of their team (Gay/Harden).

Rockets staved off elimination by winning Games 4-5 without Lin; they made 26-63 from arc- in Game 5, Houston took 37 2-point shots, 37 on foul line, and 35 behind arc, very unusual. Houston FG% has gone from 36.3/39.6/43.4/48.7/47.2% in series- they're getting easier baskets with Westbrook not playing, which makes sense. Thunder is still struggling to find second option to Durant, who has 41-38-36 points last three tilts, but Sefolosha is 6-20 since Westbrook has been out. Martin was 1-10 on Game 5, not exactly the production OC paid for. Last four series games were decided by a total of 15 points, after Thunder won opener by 29.

NBA

Friday, May 3

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday's NBA playoffs: What bettors need to know
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

New York Knicks vs. Boston Celtics (+2, 181)
New York leads series 3-2

The New York Knicks dressed for a funeral procession that never arrived and now face as many questions about their fashion sense as their overall play heading into Game 6 of the Eastern Conference first-round series at the Boston Celtics on Friday night. The Celtics staved off elimination for the second straight game Wednesday in New York and are trying to become the first team in NBA history to win a playoff series after dropping the first three games.

The Knicks were bubbling with so much confidence that they would close out the series on their home floor that the players dressed in "funeral black" prior to Wednesday's game to celebrate Boston's demise. Instead, the Celtics erased an 11-0 deficit and capitalized on the frigid shooting of Knicks star Carmelo Anthony and sixth man J.R. Smith to make the unthinkable - pushing the series to a deciding Game 7 - a real possibility. "I told you from Game 1 that this wasn't going to be a breeze," Anthony said after Game 5. "They threw a couple punches at us now and it's time for us to do the same."

TV: 7 p.m. ET, ESPN, MSG (New York), Comcast SportsNet New England (Boston)

ABOUT THE KNICKS: New York averaged a league-high 10.9 made 3-pointers during the regular season, but its inability to hit from long range has been pivotal in the past two defeats. Anthony has missed all 12 of his attempts and the Knicks have gone 12-of-52 from behind the arc in Games 4 and 5. Anthony was held to a series-low 22 points Wednesday and is shooting an abysmal 18-of-59 over the last two. Smith, typically the team's No. 2 scorer option, also was horrendous after returning from a one-game suspension, missing his first 10 shots and failing to register his first field goal until the final three minutes. Raymond Felton has been a rock for New York, scoring 48 points in the last two and averaging 18.4 points.

ABOUT THE CELTICS: Boston essentially beat the Knicks at their own game, connecting on 11-of-22 3-pointers after shooting only 30 percent from long range in the first four games. Equally important for the Celtics is the fact they put five players in double figures for the first time all series in Game 5. Brandon Bass, who has been assigned the unenviable task of guarding Anthony and was removed from the starting lineup in Game 3, delivered 17 points - as many as he scored in the first four games combined. Sixth man Jason Terry, held scoreless in the series opener, continued his revival by knocking down five 3-pointers en route to 17 points Wednesday. He's averaging 16.3 points in the last three games.

TRENDS
* Under is 5-1 in Knicks last six.
* Underdog is 4-1 ATS in last five meetings.
* Under is 7-1 in the last eight meetings.
* Celtics are 1-4 ATS in their last five games following a SU win.
* Knicks are 4-1 ATS in their last five games following a SU loss.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Teams have come back to force a Game 7 after trailing 3-0 only three times in 103 attempts, and only 10 teams have extended the series to a Game 6 when facing such a deficit.

2. Anthony's teams have lost in the first round of the playoffs in eight of his nine seasons.

3. Celtics C Kevin Garnett has four straight double-doubles and is averaging 12.2 points and 14.4 rebounds.

Indiana Pacers vs. Atlanta Hawks (-1.5, 187.5)
Indiana leads series 3-2

The Atlanta Hawks have looked like a much better team at home in their first-round series with the Indiana Pacers. If they want to extend the series to a Game 7, they had better continue to show that form when the series shifts back to Atlanta for Game 6 on Friday. The Pacers have easily won their three home games but averaged 80 points in two losses on the road while getting manhandled defensively.

The Hawks ran into foul trouble and lost their composure in Game 5, drawing five technical fouls and letting the game slip away in the third quarter after Josh Smith picked up two quick personal fouls and a technical and had to sit. Indiana took advantage and spread a seven-point halftime lead out to 20 during the period before cruising to a 106-83 victory. The home team has taken each of the five games in the series by double figures, with the Pacers averaging 108.7 points at home and the Hawks stifling them in Atlanta.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, Fox Sports Indiana, Sports South (Atlanta), ESPN2

ABOUT THE PACERS: Indiana got back to doing what it had done in the first two games in Game 5, going to the inside and leaning on Paul George when necessary. After getting knocked around in Atlanta, the Pacers were clearly the aggressors in their own building and knocked the Hawks out of the post and out of the game. David West had been struggling in the series but found a rhythm in Game 5 with some strong post moves and an 18-foot jumper that Atlanta struggled to defend. George only took eight shots but hit seven of them en route to 21 points and 10 rebounds. “We needed to re-establish our confidence,” Indiana coach Frank Vogel said after Game 5. “We’re still a young team. We needed to re-establish our ability to slow them down.” The Pacers did just that in Game 5 by keeping Al Horford and Smith out of the paint for the easy baskets that had helped even the series.

ABOUT THE HAWKS: Atlanta is on the brink of elimination but can point to a 13-game winning streak over the Pacers in its building as evidence that it is not yet out of the series. The Hawks totaled four field goals in the third quarter on Wednesday and both Smith and Horford, who scored 14 points apiece to lead the team, were non-factors on the inside. Atlanta had become the aggressors in the series by moving Johan Petro into the starting lineup to feature a bigger unit in Game 3 and 4. The Hawks kept that rotation in Game 5 but were outrebounded 51-28 and outscored in the paint 36-28. After shooting 43 percent or better in the first four games, Atlanta slumped to 33.3 percent in Game 5. As Horford and Smith struggled on the inside, Devin Harris and Jeff Teague could not pick up the slack on the perimeter and combined to go 6-for-25 from the field.

TRENDS
* Pacers are 0-4 ATS in their last four road games.
* Over is 5-1 in Pacers' last six.
* Over is 8-2 In Hawks' last 10.
* Over is 7-1 in the last eight meetings.
* The favorite is 21-5 in the last 26 meetings.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. The Pacers are shooting 47.4 percent in the series at home and 32.7 percent on the road.

2. Horford averaged 22 points and 10.5 rebounds in Games 3 and 4 at home.

3. George has at least 16 points and eight rebounds in every game of the series.

Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Houston Rockets (-1, 206.5)
Oklahoma City leads series 3-2.

The Houston Rockets were all but given up on when they lost the first three games of their Western Conference playoff series against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Now Houston can even the best-of-7 series with a home win on Friday and put itself in position to become the first team to overcome a 0-3 deficit and win a playoff series. All the pressure is on the top-seeded Thunder, who are struggling without standout point guard Russell Westbrook.

Oklahoma City appeared headed to a four-game sweep of the Rockets. Westbrook was lost for the season with a knee injury in Game 2 and then the Rockets staved off elimination with an impressive Game 4 victory. Another Houston win in Oklahoma City on Wednesday has created a lot of anxious moments for the Thunder. “We have good players that have been through this before,” Oklahoma City coach Scott Brooks said Thursday. “We know we have to play better. But we also know we’re up 3-2.” The eighth-seeded Rockets remain focused on making history after the back-to-back victories. “In our minds, still nobody’s giving us a shot,” forward Chandler Parsons said. “But it doesn’t really matter. It matters what we believe in that locker room and that we believe in ourselves.”

TV: 9:30 p.m. ET, ESPN, Fox Sports Oklahoma, Comcast SportsNet Houston

ABOUT THE THUNDER: Durant is averaging 38.3 points in three games since Westbrook was injured and Oklahoma City needs someone else to step up and help him carry the load. Durant tallied 36 points in Game 5 but was scoreless in the final quarter, a stanza in which Westbrook typically does a lot of the scoring. Durant is averaging 33.6 points but was just 1-for-8 from 3-point range in the Game 5 loss. “They don’t really care about anybody else on the team,” Durant said of Houston’s defensive strategy. “So when I have the ball, there’s like four guys guarding me sometimes and I’ve just got to make the pass. We didn’t make shots (in Game 5) but I trust that we’re going to make those wide-open ones.”

ABOUT THE ROCKETS: Houston standout James Harden scored 31 points and was 7-of-9 from 3-point range in Game 5 despite having a strep throat. The former Oklahoma City sixth man is averaging 26.4 points in the series. Forward Carlos Delfino and point guard Jeremy Lin are both questionable for Game 6. Delfino had his ailing left foot examined Thursday and his status will be firmed up in the hours before game time. “Carlos has got a lot of stuff going on in his foot,” Rockets coach Kevin McHale said. “He’s got bone spurs, he’s got a little fracture of a bone spur.” Lin has missed the previous two games with a chest injury.

TRENDS
* Thunder are 6-1 ATS in their last seven road games.
* Rockets are 5-1 ATS in their last six games playing on one day rest.
* Under is 5-1 in Rockets last six.
* Underdog is 4-0 ATS in the last four meetings.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Houston has made 26 3-pointers in the last two games.

2. Thunder G Kevin Martin, the key player Houston gave up in the deal for Harden, is shooting just 30.4 percent in the series after having just three points on 1-of-10 shooting in Game 5.

3. Rockets C Omer Asik averaged 19 points and 12.5 rebounds in the back-to-back victories.

Los Angeles Clippers vs. Memphis Grizzlies (-6.5, 180)
Memphis leads series 3-2.

The Los Angeles Clippers won’t know until close to tipoff on Friday whether or not they will have All-Star forward Blake Griffin available for Game 6 of the Western Conference playoff series against the host Memphis Grizzlies. The Clippers need a victory to stay alive and the right ankle injury that forced Griffin to miss the final 17-plus minutes of Monday’s Game 5 could render him inactive for the pivotal tilt. Memphis has won the last three games.

The Grizzlies have climbed out of the hole prompted by losing the first two games. Each of their three consecutive victories have been by double digits and the inside combo of Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol have dominated the Clippers. Griffin isn’t the only ailing Los Angeles star. Point guard Chris Paul bruised his left thumb in Game 5 but plans to play through the pain as another loss will end the Clippers’ season. “Playing there on the road has been tough, but we’ve shown the ability to win there in the regular season,” Paul said after Thursday’s practice. “And now we’ve got to do it. Our backs are against the wall.”

TV: 9:30 p.m. ET, ESPN2, Fox Sports West (Los Angeles), SportSouth (Memphis)

ABOUT THE CLIPPERS: Griffin was highly ineffective in Game 5 and had only four points in 19-plus minutes before leaving. He said after Thursday’s practice that the ankle was improving and remains hopeful he can play. “If I’m able to go and I’m able to help us, then it’s my job to go,” Griffin said. “I owe it to my teammates. If I make things a little worse and there’s no more season left, then it doesn’t really matter anyway because I’ll have a lot of time to rest and a lot of time to heal. As long as I can help my teammates and help us, then I’m going to play. That’s really the only way I’m looking at it.” Griffin is averaging 14 points and six rebounds in the series. Lamar Odom will move into the starting lineup if Griffin can’t play.

ABOUT THE GRIZZLIES: Randolph has been superb in the three consecutive victories by averaging 25.3 points and 10.3 rebounds. He averaged 13 points and six rebounds when Memphis lost the first two games. Gasol has averaged 22.5 points over the last two contests after failing to score more than 17 in any of the first three games. “I’ve been fortunate as a coach to have two premier post players,” Grizzlies coach Lionel Hollins told reporters. “And we can go inside and they can play outside. Both of them can pass the ball and it’s a luxury not many coaches have and I’m thankful for that.” Point guard Mike Conley also is having a fine series with averages of 16.2 points and 8.6 assists.

TRENDS
* Clippers are 1-5 in their last six road games.
* Clippers are 0-4 in their last four games.
* Grizzlies are 4-1 in their last five home games.
* Under is 5-1 in the last six meetings in Memphis.
* Under is 5-1 in Grizzlies last six home games.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Los Angeles scored 112 points in its Game 1 victory and has averaged just 87.8 over the last four games.

2. Memphis F Tayshaun Prince has scored 15 points in each of the last two games after averaging just 3.3 over the first three outings.

3. Paul is averaging 21.8 points in the series after a 35-point effort in Game 5.

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

**Udog** · 05-03-2013, 10:00 AM

NHL
Dunkel

San Jose at Vancouver
The Sharks look to follow up their Game 1 win and build on their 8-1 record in their last 9 games against a team with a winning record. San Jose is the pick (+125) according to Dunkel, which has the Sharks favored by 1 1/2. Dunkel Pick: San Jose (+125). Here are all of today's picks.

FRIDAY, MAY 3

Game 71-72: Ottawa at Montreal (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Ottawa 11.276; Montreal 12.393
Dunkel Line & Total: Montreal by 1; 6
Vegas Line & Total: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 73-74: NY Islanders at Pittsburgh (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: NY Islanders 11.853; Pittsburgh 11.210
Dunkel Line & Total: NY Islanders by 1/2; 5
Vegas Line & Total: Pittsburgh (-240); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: NY Islanders (+200); Over

Game 75-76: Minnesota at Chicago (9:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota 11.622; Chicago 12.478
Dunkel Line & Total: Chicago by 1; 4
Vegas Line & Total: Chicago (-250); 5
Dunkel Pick: Chicago (-250); Under

Game 77-78: San Jose at Vancouver (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Jose 11.577; Vancouver 10.080
Dunkel Line & Total: San Jose by 1 1/2; 5 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Vancouver (-145); 5
Dunkel Pick: San Jose (+125); Over

NHL
Long Sheet

Friday, May 3

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

OTTAWA (26-17-0-6, 58 pts.) at MONTREAL (29-15-0-5, 63 pts.) - 5/3/2013, 7:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
MONTREAL is 10-7 (+2.0 Units) against the spread versus OTTAWA over the last 3 seasons
MONTREAL is 10-7-0 straight up against OTTAWA over the last 3 seasons
9 of 16 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+0.8 Units)

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

NY ISLANDERS (24-18-0-7, 55 pts.) at PITTSBURGH (37-12-0-0, 74 pts.) - 5/3/2013, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NY ISLANDERS are 16-33 ATS (+58.5 Units) after allowing 4 goals or more over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 37-12 ATS (+52.2 Units) in all games this season.
PITTSBURGH is 37-12 ATS (+14.5 Units) second half of the season this season.
PITTSBURGH is 15-3 ATS (+10.4 Units) after a division game this season.
PITTSBURGH is 18-5 ATS (+8.3 Units) after a win by 2 goals or more this season.
PITTSBURGH is 66-29 ATS (+21.8 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
NY ISLANDERS are 26-24 ATS (+60.1 Units) in road games second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
NY ISLANDERS are 10-5 ATS (+17.7 Units) in road games after playing 3 consecutive road games over the last 3 seasons.
NY ISLANDERS are 8-4 ATS (+13.5 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
PITTSBURGH is 13-5 (+3.0 Units) against the spread versus NY ISLANDERS over the last 3 seasons
PITTSBURGH is 13-5-0 straight up against NY ISLANDERS over the last 3 seasons
9 of 16 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+1.5 Units)

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

MINNESOTA (26-19-0-4, 56 pts.) at CHICAGO (37-7-0-5, 79 pts.) - 5/3/2013, 9:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 15-29 ATS (+46.5 Units) after scoring 1 goal or less in their previous game over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 4-14 ATS (+20.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
CHICAGO is 37-12 ATS (+53.6 Units) in all games this season.
CHICAGO is 37-12 ATS (+14.4 Units) second half of the season this season.
CHICAGO is 324-340 ATS (-61.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO is 8-4 (+0.9 Units) against the spread versus MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO is 8-4-0 straight up against MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
6 of 12 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=-0.6 Units, Under=-1.0 Units)

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

SAN JOSE (26-16-0-7, 59 pts.) at VANCOUVER (26-16-0-7, 59 pts.) - 5/3/2013, 10:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SAN JOSE is 70-66 ATS (-23.4 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN JOSE is 14-26 ATS (-13.5 Units) in a road game where where the total is 5 or less over the last 2 seasons.
SAN JOSE is 20-36 ATS (-18.7 Units) in road games second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
VANCOUVER is 31-11 ATS (+15.7 Units) revenging a home loss versus opponent over the last 3 seasons.
VANCOUVER is 73-41 ATS (+6.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
SAN JOSE is 10-1 ATS (+8.4 Units) after a win by 2 goals or more this season.
VANCOUVER is 206-190 ATS (-99.4 Units) in home games second half of the season since 1996.
VANCOUVER is 11-16 ATS (-13.5 Units) after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
VANCOUVER is 10-7 (+1.7 Units) against the spread versus SAN JOSE over the last 3 seasons
VANCOUVER is 10-7-0 straight up against SAN JOSE over the last 3 seasons
7 of 15 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=-0.8 Units, Under=-0.5 Units)

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

NHL
Armadillo's Write-Up

Friday, May 3

Its been 20 years since proud Canadiens last hoisted Stanley Cup; in only five of those years did they even win a playoff series, so lot of pressure on them here to avoid 2-0 hole in series they're favored to win. Last night was first road win in last eight games in rivalry, as Senators lost four of last five visits here. Ottawa is 7-3 in last ten games overall, with last two games going over total, after previous ten stayed under. Montreal lost four of its last five home games. Montreal is 7-2 this season when they played night before, Ottawa is 3-4, 1-3 on foreign ice.

Islanders are in playoffs for first time in six years; they lost last four games, scoring total of five goals, after 11-3 hot streak put them in postseason. Pittsburgh is 27-8 in its last 35 games vs Isles, winning last five this season after losing first meeting. Penguins won nine of last eleven games overall, are 16-2 in last 18 home games. Pittsburgh lost in first round of playoffs last two years, so pressure on them to advance as #1 seed here- they scored in first 4:00 of first two periods to quickly take control of game. Six of last nine series games went over total. Question for Islanders: are they just happy to be here?

Minnesota was +11 in blocked shots, +8 in giveaways in Game 1, but lost in OT anyway, its sixth loss in last eight visits here. Chicago outshot Wild 31-21 after first period, when shots were 6-6. Minnesota is 4-7 in last eleven games overall, 1-3 vs Chicago this season. Over is 4-2-1 in last seven Wild games. Blackhawks won 10 of last 12 games, six of seven at home. First time in playoffs in five years for Minnesota; they haven't won any playoff series in a decade, but guessing they gained some confidence by taking Game 1 to OT, and that could help here, especially with Chicago losing in first round last two years.

Sharks are underdog in this series, but are 4-0 vs Vancouver this season, allowing total of six goals in four wins (4-1/3-2so/3-2/3-1). San Jose is now 13-6 in last 19 games overall; they won first round series six of last eight years, are used to success in spring. Canucks are 3-6 in last nine games overall., losing last two home games after winning their previous eight. Vancouver led before power play goal scored after roughing penalty; only PP goal of Game 1. Sharks had 40-30 edge in faceoffs. Under is now 6-1-2 in last nine San Jose-Vancouver games. Canucks scored only four goals in last three games overall.

NHL

Friday, May 3

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

7:00 PM
NY ISLANDERS vs. PITTSBURGH
NY Islanders are 2-16 SU in their last 18 games when playing on the road against Pittsburgh
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of the NY Islanders last 10 games on the road
Pittsburgh is 16-2 SU in its last 18 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Pittsburgh's last 14 games at home

7:00 PM
OTTAWA vs. MONTREAL
Ottawa is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Ottawa's last 6 games when playing Montreal
Montreal is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Montreal's last 10 games

9:30 PM
MINNESOTA vs. CHICAGO
Minnesota is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Chicago
Minnesota is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games when playing Chicago
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Chicago's last 6 games when playing at home against Minnesota
Chicago is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home

10:00 PM
SAN JOSE vs. VANCOUVER
San Jose is 13-6 SU in its last 19 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of San Jose's last 5 games on the road
Vancouver is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Vancouver's last 5 game

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

NHL

Friday, May 3

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday's NHL playoff action: What bettors need to know
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

New York Islanders vs. Pittsburgh Penguins (-224, 5.5)
Pittsburgh leads series 1-0

Although missing their captain, the top-seeded Pittsburgh Penguins were as good as advertised in winning the opener of their Eastern Conference first-round series. The Penguins will look to ride that momentum and secure a 2-0 edge on Friday when they host the eighth-seeded New York Islanders. Pascal Dupuis scored twice and Marc-Andre Fleury registered his sixth career postseason shutout to tie Tom Barrasso for the franchise record in Wednesday's 5-0 triumph in Game 1.

Sidney Crosby was an active participant in Thursday's practice, but admitted that "nothing's changed" in regard to his playing status. "It was nice to get in a couple of reps," said Crosby, who is still awaiting medical clearance as he recovers from a broken jaw. Pittsburgh is also dealing with other health issues - notably right wing James Neal, who missed practice after tweaking his right leg following a hit from Islanders defenseman Travis Hamonic.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, NBC Sports, TSN, MSG-Plus (New York), ROOT (Pittsburgh)

ABOUT THE ISLANDERS: John Tavares certainly did not enjoy his first career playoff game. The team's leading goal-scorer absorbed plenty of physical punishment in Game 1 and was held without a shot for the first time in 2013. While Tavares dismissed the harassment as "part of the playoffs," coach Jack Capuano stressed that the rest of the team needs to pick up its play. "I don't think it's a surprise to John that they were hard on the puck and he didn't get many chances," Capuano told Newsday. "We always talk about playing as a unit of five."

ABOUT THE PENGUINS: Shutting down Tavares was a team effort, but coach Dan Bylsma was quick to credit the play of Brandon Sutter. "It's something I've been waiting for for a while," the 24-year-old Sutter said of his postseason debut. "I think I just kind of wanted to treat it like another game. I didn't want to get too worked up over it." Jarome Iginla made his mark in his first postseason game since 2009. The veteran's slap shot left an impression on the mask of Evgeni Nabokov early in the game before he notched a pair of assists in the rout.

TRENDS

* Islanders are 59-120 in their last 179 road games.
* Islanders are 4-22 in last 26 in Pittsburgh.
* Under is 7-2-1 in last 10 meetings in Pittsburgh.
* Under is 12-2 in Penguins last 14 playing on one day rest.

OVERTIME

1. Nabokov was blistered for four goals on 15 shots before earning an early exit. The veteran Russian told reporters that he expects to play in Game 2.

2. Pittsburgh D Brooks Orpik practiced on Thursday and could be in line to return for Game 2. Orpik has been sidelined with a lower-body injury since April 23.

3. Since posting a 4-1 win over the Penguins on Jan. 29, the Islanders have been scored 21-5 en route to dropping their last five decisions.

Minnesota Wild vs. Chicago Blackhawks (-240, 5)
Chicago leads series 1-0.

The top-seeded Chicago Blackhawks got the result they wanted to open their Western Conference first-round series against the eighth-seeded Minnesota Wild, but the game was full of surprises. Chicago will try for a more conventional victory when it hosts the Wild for Game 2 on Friday. Bryan Bickell scored the overtime winner in Game 1 on Tuesday, beating surprise Minnesota starter Josh Harding with a backhand move. Harding replaced Niklas Backstrom after the veteran netminder suffered a lower-body injury during warm-up and finished with 35 saves in his first start since Jan. 30.

Making their first playoff appearance since 2008, the Wild kept pace with a more experienced Chicago team looking to fulfill the promise of its first Presidents’ Trophy since 1991 with its second Stanley Cup in four seasons. Minnesota held a lead for 17:42 in Game 1 after Cal Clutterbuck opened the scoring 4:48 into the contest. Aside from three shootout victories, Minnesota has not defeated the Blackhawks in 10 contests. The last time the Wild won in regulation at Chicago was Jan. 25, 2011. The Blackhawks slowly solved Minnesota’s stifling defense on Tuesday, recording more shots in each period - six in the first, 10 in the second and 12 in the third - and firing nine on Harding in 16:35 of overtime.

TV: 9:30 p.m. ET, CBC, RDS2, NBCSN, Fox Sports North, Comcast Sportsnet Chicago

ABOUT THE WILD: Defenseman Ryan Suter played a major role in shutting down Chicago’s potent offense, leading all skaters with 41:08 time on ice on Tuesday. Suter finished with four blocked shots and disrupted many Blackhawks scoring chances, but failed to register a shot on goal. Defenseman Jared Spurgeon blocked a team-high seven shots. Backstrom is considered day-to-day but was not at practice on Thursday, meaning Harding will likely start Game 2. Trade-deadline acquisition Jason Pominville has missed three games with a concussion and will not play on Friday. Minnesota needs Pominville to return soon - possibly for Game 3 at home on Sunday - as it is already short-handed on the right side with Dany Heatley likely sidelined for the duration of the playoffs following shoulder surgery.

ABOUT THE BLACKHAWKS: Dave Bolland and goaltender Ray Emery both missed Game 1 with lower-body injuries and although Emery worked out before the team’s practice on Thursday, coach Joel Quenneville ruled them out for Friday’s contest. Bolland has missed four games, while Emery has missed three, leaving Corey Crawford to resume his role as the team’s undisputed starter. Crawford made 26 saves on Tuesday and looked solid after allowing a soft goal to Clutterbuck early. Marian Hossa looked comfortable in his return to postseason action after a hit by Raffi Torres knocked him out of last year’s first-round series against the Phoenix Coyotes. Hossa scored a power-play goal in regulation and nearly ended the game in overtime when his backhand shot towards an open net was deflected wide by Suter’s stick.

TRENDS
* Wild are 11-30 in their last 41 against a team with a winning record.
* Under is 4-1 in the last five meetings.
* Home team is 4-1 in the last five meetings.
* Under is 5-0-1 in Blackhawks' last six.

OVERTIME

1. Bolland, who has 37 points in 49 career playoff contests, was instrumental in Chicago’s 2010 Stanley Cup championship, finishing with eight goals and 16 points.

2. Minnesota allowed more goals during the regular season - 127 - than any other playoff team in the conference.

3. The Presidents’ Trophy winner lost its first-round series in three of the last four seasons.

San Jose Sharks vs. Vancouver Canucks (-139, 5)
San Jose leads series 1-0.

After becoming the first road team to post a victory this postseason, the sixth-seeded San Jose Sharks look to take control of their Western Conference first-round series against the third-seeded Vancouver Canucks when they visit the Northwest Division champions for Game 2 on Friday. San Jose fell behind before scoring three unanswered goals en route to a 3-1 triumph in the series opener on Wednesday. Defenseman Dan Boyle snapped a tie at 9:17 of the third period and Logan Couture recorded a goal and an assist for the Sharks, who lost right wing Martin Havlat to an undisclosed injury in the first period.

Roberto Luongo got the start in place of the injured Cory Schneider and played well, especially in the first period as Vancouver was outshot 15-9. Luongo will start Game 2 for Vancouver. He was given a 1-0 lead when defenseman Kevin Bieksa scored at 12:26 of the second, but Couture cashed in during a power play 4:09 later. It was the fourth straight loss against San Jose for the Canucks, who went 0-2-1 over their three-game series during the regular season.

TV: 10 p.m. ET, CNBC, CSN California (San Jose)

ABOUT THE SHARKS: San Jose had three players record multi-point performances. In addition to Couture, Boyle added an assist while Joe Pavelski helped set up a pair of goals. Patrick Marleau scored his 53rd career postseason tally in his 130th playoff game. Marleau is the second-leading active playoff goal scorer, trailing only Boston's Jaromir Jagr (78). Wednesday's victory was impressive considering San Jose went just 8-14-2 on the road during the regular season and lost three of its final four away from home. "The road hasn't been too friendly to us all year," Boyle said. "We played a very good road game. We weren't too cute, we weren't too fancy. We did what we had to do."

ABOUT THE CANUCKS: Schneider, who is out with an undisclosed injury, also missed the final two regular-season contests with the mysterious ailment. Joe Cannata dressed as Luongo's backup. The 23-year-old has yet to appear in an NHL game. Frank Corrado made his playoff debut after skating in Vancouver's final three regular-season matches. Luongo made a number of big saves in the first period, including seven during a San Jose power play. "It gave me a good rhythm for the rest of the game," Luongo said. "But obviously, when you end up losing, you always want to find a way to do more."

TRENDS
* Sharks are 8-1 in their last nine against a team with a winning record.
* Canucks are 8-2 in their last 10 home games.
* Sharks are 4-0 in the last four games against Canucks.
* Under is 9-1-1 in Canucks' last 11 home games.
* Under is 5-0-2 in Sharks' last seven road games.

OVERTIME

1. The Sharks are 9-5 in series in which they have won the first game.

2. Vancouver has lost five consecutive home playoff contests dating to Game 7 of the 2011 Stanley Cup finals.

3. Pavelski's multi-point performance was the eighth of his postseason career, while Boyle's was his 14th.

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

**Udog** · 05-03-2013, 10:05 AM

MLB
Dunkel

Washington at Pittsburgh
The Nationals look to take advantage of a Pittsburgh team that is 1-6 in A.J. Burnett's last 7 starts during Game 1 of a series. Washington is the pick (+110) according to Dunkel, which has the Nationals favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: Washington (+110). Here are all of today's picks.

FRIDAY, MAY 3

Game 901-902: Cincinnati at Chicago Cubs (2:20 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cincinnati (Leake) 14.800; Cubs (Villanueva) 15.766
Dunkel Line: Chicago Cubs by 1; 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Cincinnati (-115); No Total
Dunkel Pick: Chicago Cubs (-105); N/A

Game 903-904: Miami at Philadelphia (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Miami (Nolasco) 13.723; Philadelphia (Pettibone) 15.303
Dunkel Line: Philadelphia by 1 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: Philadelphia (-165); 8
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (-165); Over

Game 905-906: Washington at Pittsburgh (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Washington (Detwiler) 16.018; Pittsburgh (Burnett) 15.196
Dunkel Line: Washington by 1; 6
Vegas Line: Pittsburgh (-130); 7
Dunkel Pick: Washington (+110); Under

Game 907-908: NY Mets at Atlanta (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: NY Mets (Marcum) 13.865; Atlanta (Minor) 15.588
Dunkel Line: Atlanta by 1 1/2; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Atlanta (-175); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (-175); Over

Game 909-910: St. Louis at Milwaukee (8:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: St. Louis (Miller) 15.650; Milwaukee (Lohse) 16.790
Dunkel Line: Milwaukee by 1; 7
Vegas Line: Milwaukee (-110); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Milwaukee (-110); Under

Game 911-912: Arizona at San Diego (10:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Arizona (Miley) 15.343; San Diego (Marquis) 15.751
Dunkel Line: San Diego by 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: Arizona (-135); 7
Dunkel Pick: San Diego (+115); Over

Game 913-914: LA Dodgers at San Francisco (10:15 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: LA Dodgers (Kershaw) 16.070; San Francisco (Zito) 15.156
Dunkel Line: LA Dodgers by 1; 7
Vegas Line: LA Dodgers (-150); 6
Dunkel Pick: LA Dodgers (-150); Over

Game 915-916: Seattle at Toronto (7:07 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Seattle (Hernandez) 14.709; Toronto (Romero) 15.424
Dunkel Line: Toronto by 1/2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line: Seattle (-135); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (+115); Under

Game 917-918: Oakland at NY Yankees (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Oakland (Griffin) 15.544; NY Yankees (Sabathia) 14.831
Dunkel Line: Oakland by 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: NY Yankees (-145); 8
Dunkel Pick: Oakland (+125); Over

Game 919-920: Minnesota at Cleveland (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota (Hernandez) 16.233; Cleveland (Masterson) 17.046
Dunkel Line: Cleveland by 1; 8
Vegas Line: Cleveland (-155); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Cleveland (-155); Under

Game 921-922: Boston at Texas (8:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Boston (Doubront) 14.290; Texas (Holland) 15.737
Dunkel Line: Texas by 1 1/2; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Texas (-140); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Texas (-140); Under

Game 923-924: Chicago White Sox at Kansas City (8:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: White Sox (Axelrod) 15.911; Kansas City (Guthrie) 15.312
Dunkel Line: Chicago White Sox by 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 925-926: Detroit at Houston (8:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit (Fister) 15.281; Houston (Norris) 15.784
Dunkel Line: Houston by 1/2; 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Detroit (-200); 8
Dunkel Pick: Houston (+170); Under

Game 927-928: Baltimore at LA Angels (10:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Baltimore (Gonzalez) 14.247; LA Angels (Vargas) 14.539
Dunkel Line: LA Angels by 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: LA Angels (-130); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: LA Angels (-130); Over

Game 929-930: Tampa Bay at Colorado (8:40 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Tampa Bay (Hernandez) 15.668; Colorado (Francis) 16.187
Dunkel Line: Colorado by 1/2; 10 1/2
Vegas Line: Tampa Bay (-135); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Colorado (+115); Over

**Udog** · 05-03-2013, 10:11 AM

MLB
Long Sheet

Friday, May 3

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

CINCINNATI (15 - 14) at CHICAGO CUBS (11 - 17) - 2:20 PM
MIKE LEAKE (R) vs. CARLOS VILLANUEVA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CINCINNATI is 618-695 (+53.0 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 108-103 (+28.4 Units) against the money line in road games when playing on Friday since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 555-639 (+37.0 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 445-504 (+38.9 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 337-302 (+54.4 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 72-118 (-31.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 677-642 (-149.0 Units) against the money line in home games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 321-296 (-77.7 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 684-705 (-133.3 Units) against the money line in day games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 72-118 (-31.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 51-87 (-24.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CINCINNATI is 2-1 (+0.3 Units) against CHICAGO CUBS this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.9 Units)

MIKE LEAKE vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
LEAKE is 4-2 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 3.46 and a WHIP of 1.234.
His team's record is 8-3 (+4.5 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 6-4. (+1.5 units)

CARLOS VILLANUEVA vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
VILLANUEVA is 1-2 when starting against CINCINNATI with an ERA of 2.50 and a WHIP of 1.160.
His team's record is 3-3 (+0.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-5. (-4.5 units)

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

MIAMI (8 - 21) at PHILADELPHIA (13 - 16) - 7:05 PM
RICKY NOLASCO (R) vs. JONATHAN PETTIBONE (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MIAMI is 80-120 (-36.5 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 3 seasons.
MIAMI is 77-114 (-35.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 32-59 (-22.9 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 76-112 (-34.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 52-76 (-21.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 22-10 (+13.5 Units) against the money line in road games in May games over the last 3 seasons.
NOLASCO is 56-43 (+25.2 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997. (Team's Record)
NOLASCO is 54-42 (+22.9 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field since 1997. (Team's Record)
NOLASCO is 43-27 (+25.7 Units) against the money line in road games in night games since 1997. (Team's Record)
PHILADELPHIA is 94-97 (-22.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 47-49 (-18.5 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 94-94 (-19.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 31-34 (-14.5 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHILADELPHIA is 3-1 (+1.6 Units) against MIAMI this season
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.8 Units)

RICKY NOLASCO vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
NOLASCO is 8-4 when starting against PHILADELPHIA with an ERA of 3.27 and a WHIP of 1.166.
His team's record is 9-7 (+5.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 7-9. (-2.6 units)

JONATHAN PETTIBONE vs. MIAMI since 1997
No recent starts.

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

WASHINGTON (15 - 14) at PITTSBURGH (16 - 12) - 7:05 PM
ROSS DETWILER (L) vs. A.J. BURNETT (R)
Top Trends for this game.
PITTSBURGH is 473-443 (+58.9 Units) against the money line in home games in night games since 1997.
PITTSBURGH is 321-338 (+43.0 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
PITTSBURGH is 94-77 (+23.7 Units) against the money line in home games when playing with a day off since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 115-81 (+20.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 76-50 (+18.0 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 42-27 (+15.2 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 96-81 (+23.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
BURNETT is 26-39 (-22.6 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday since 1997. (Team's Record)

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

ROSS DETWILER vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
DETWILER is 0-1 when starting against PITTSBURGH with an ERA of 4.09 and a WHIP of 1.000.
His team's record is 0-2 (-2.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-1. (-0.2 units)

A.J. BURNETT vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
BURNETT is 7-3 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 3.20 and a WHIP of 1.149.
His team's record is 8-6 (+0.3 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 6-8. (-2.8 units)

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

NY METS (11 - 15) at ATLANTA (17 - 11) - 7:30 PM
SHAUN MARCUM (R) vs. MIKE MINOR (L)
Top Trends for this game.
NY METS are 81-101 (-22.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 45-68 (-23.7 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 25-45 (-19.3 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 111-80 (+19.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 56-29 (+25.2 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 109-79 (+18.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 74-46 (+21.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 85-88 (+17.7 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 3 seasons.

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

SHAUN MARCUM vs. ATLANTA since 1997
MARCUM is 1-1 when starting against ATLANTA with an ERA of 2.25 and a WHIP of 0.900.
His team's record is 1-2 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-3. (-3.2 units)

MIKE MINOR vs. NY METS since 1997
MINOR is 3-1 when starting against NY METS with an ERA of 6.03 and a WHIP of 1.596.
His team's record is 5-1 (+3.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-1. (+3.8 units)

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

ST LOUIS (17 - 11) at MILWAUKEE (14 - 13) - 8:10 PM
SHELBY MILLER (R) vs. KYLE LOHSE (R)
Top Trends for this game.
ST LOUIS is 71-91 (-31.9 Units) against the money line in road games after 3 or more consecutive wins since 1997.
ST LOUIS is 13-20 (-12.6 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 63-27 (+25.6 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 120-65 (+35.3 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 91-45 (+31.5 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 120-65 (+35.3 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ST LOUIS is 3-1 (+1.5 Units) against MILWAUKEE this season
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.0 Units)

SHELBY MILLER vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
MILLER is 1-0 when starting against MILWAUKEE with an ERA of 0.00 and a WHIP of 0.143.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.0 units)

KYLE LOHSE vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
LOHSE is 2-3 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 3.20 and a WHIP of 1.297.
His team's record is 2-4 (-1.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-5. (-4.3 units)

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

ARIZONA (15 - 13) at SAN DIEGO (11 - 17) - 10:10 PM
WADE MILEY (L) vs. JASON MARQUIS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
ARIZONA is 66-71 (-16.3 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 131-104 (+25.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
MILEY is 19-5 (+13.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SAN DIEGO is 18-37 (-19.6 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday over the last 3 seasons.
MARQUIS is 77-96 (-34.6 Units) against the money line in night games since 1997. (Team's Record)

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

WADE MILEY vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
MILEY is 1-2 when starting against SAN DIEGO with an ERA of 6.09 and a WHIP of 1.564.
His team's record is 2-2 (-0.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-3. (-2.3 units)

JASON MARQUIS vs. ARIZONA since 1997
MARQUIS is 2-7 when starting against ARIZONA with an ERA of 4.33 and a WHIP of 1.363.
His team's record is 5-9 (-4.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 5-8. (-4.2 units)

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

LA DODGERS (13 - 14) at SAN FRANCISCO (16 - 12) - 10:15 PM
CLAYTON KERSHAW (L) vs. BARRY ZITO (L)
Top Trends for this game.
LA DODGERS are 40-47 (-20.3 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 57-33 (+19.9 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 121-85 (+28.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 78-46 (+29.6 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 45-22 (+23.7 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 70-48 (+16.8 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 121-85 (+28.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ZITO is 27-13 (+19.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
ZITO is 14-3 (+13.2 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
ZITO is 27-13 (+19.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
ZITO is 14-8 (+10.1 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
ZITO is 20-7 (+15.6 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
LA DODGERS are 105-71 (+23.8 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less over the last 3 seasons.
LA DODGERS are 37-18 (+18.8 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday over the last 3 seasons.
KERSHAW is 44-16 (+18.5 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN FRANCISCO is 2-1 (+1.2 Units) against LA DODGERS this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.0 Units)

CLAYTON KERSHAW vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
KERSHAW is 9-4 when starting against SAN FRANCISCO with an ERA of 1.29 and a WHIP of 0.833.
His team's record is 11-6 (+2.9 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 13-4. (+8.5 units)

BARRY ZITO vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
ZITO is 9-10 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 3.62 and a WHIP of 1.200.
His team's record is 11-14 (-1.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 15-7. (+7.4 units)

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

SEATTLE (13 - 17) at TORONTO (10 - 19) - 7:05 PM
FELIX HERNANDEZ (R) vs. RICKY ROMERO (L)
Top Trends for this game.
HERNANDEZ is 14-25 (-17.4 Units) against the money line in May games since 1997. (Team's Record)
TORONTO is 50-70 (-23.3 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 10-19 (-11.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.

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

FELIX HERNANDEZ vs. TORONTO since 1997
HERNANDEZ is 3-4 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 5.13 and a WHIP of 1.391.
His team's record is 4-5 (-2.6 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 5-4. (+0.5 units)

RICKY ROMERO vs. SEATTLE since 1997
ROMERO is 1-3 when starting against SEATTLE with an ERA of 3.88 and a WHIP of 1.471.
His team's record is 2-6 (-4.9 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-4. (-1.4 units)

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

OAKLAND (16 - 13) at NY YANKEES (17 - 10) - 7:05 PM
A.J. GRIFFIN (R) vs. C.C. SABATHIA (L)
Top Trends for this game.
NY YANKEES are 24-7 (+15.1 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 55-47 (+17.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 112-84 (+38.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 51-44 (+18.7 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 106-78 (+36.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 78-50 (+36.7 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
GRIFFIN is 16-5 (+12.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GRIFFIN is 15-5 (+10.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GRIFFIN is 11-3 (+9.4 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
NY YANKEES are 115-101 (-60.7 Units) against the money line in home games in May games since 1997.

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

A.J. GRIFFIN vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
GRIFFIN is 1-0 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 5.23 and a WHIP of 1.646.
His team's record is 2-0 (+2.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (-0.1 units)

C.C. SABATHIA vs. OAKLAND since 1997
SABATHIA is 8-8 when starting against OAKLAND with an ERA of 4.56 and a WHIP of 1.356.
His team's record is 12-13 (-5.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 12-11. (+0.6 units)

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

MINNESOTA (12 - 12) at CLEVELAND (12 - 13) - 7:05 PM
PEDRO HERNANDEZ (L) vs. JUSTIN MASTERSON (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MASTERSON is 31-19 (+13.6 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
MINNESOTA is 75-66 (+20.2 Units) against the money line in road games when playing with a day off since 1997.
MINNESOTA is 23-21 (+12.3 Units) against the money line in road games against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 193-201 (-52.8 Units) against the money line in home games against left-handed starters since 1997.
CLEVELAND is 24-37 (-25.0 Units) against the money line in home games after shutting out their opponent since 1997.

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

PEDRO HERNANDEZ vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
No recent starts.

JUSTIN MASTERSON vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
MASTERSON is 2-6 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 4.46 and a WHIP of 1.419.
His team's record is 6-8 (-2.5 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 8-5. (+2.1 units)

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

BOSTON (20 - 8) at TEXAS (17 - 11) - 8:05 PM
FELIX DOUBRONT (L) vs. DEREK HOLLAND (L)
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 75-91 (-32.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 57-73 (-28.4 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 44-64 (-25.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 89-101 (-26.9 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.
TEXAS is 53-26 (+18.3 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
HOLLAND is 14-3 (+10.4 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
HOLLAND is 27-10 (+17.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)

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

FELIX DOUBRONT vs. TEXAS since 1997
DOUBRONT is 0-2 when starting against TEXAS with an ERA of 7.45 and a WHIP of 2.068.
His team's record is 0-2 (-2.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-1. (-0.1 units)

DEREK HOLLAND vs. BOSTON since 1997
HOLLAND is 4-1 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 3.00 and a WHIP of 0.969.
His team's record is 4-1 (+3.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-3. (-3.3 units)

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

CHI WHITE SOX (12 - 15) at KANSAS CITY (15 - 10) - 8:10 PM
DYLAN AXELROD (R) vs. JEREMY GUTHRIE (R)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHI WHITE SOX is 2-1 (+0.9 Units) against KANSAS CITY this season
3 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+3.0 Units)

DYLAN AXELROD vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
No recent starts.

JEREMY GUTHRIE vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
GUTHRIE is 5-5 when starting against CHI WHITE SOX with an ERA of 3.24 and a WHIP of 1.120.
His team's record is 9-6 (+4.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 6-9. (-3.5 units)

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

DETROIT (16 - 11) at HOUSTON (8 - 21) - 8:10 PM
DOUG FISTER (R) vs. BUD NORRIS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 47-54 (-17.8 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 43-51 (-18.3 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 27-37 (-17.5 Units) against the money line in road games in night games over the last 2 seasons.
FISTER is 14-34 (-18.4 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997. (Team's Record)
FISTER is 12-31 (-18.5 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field since 1997. (Team's Record)
HOUSTON is 206-248 (-60.0 Units) against the money line in May games since 1997.
HOUSTON is 6-21 (-14.5 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Friday over the last 3 seasons.
HOUSTON is 63-127 (-39.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 45-94 (-31.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 39-86 (-30.8 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 53-124 (-45.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
HOUSTON is 63-127 (-39.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 55-108 (-38.6 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 3 seasons.

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

DOUG FISTER vs. HOUSTON since 1997
No recent starts.

BUD NORRIS vs. DETROIT since 1997
No recent starts.

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

BALTIMORE (17 - 12) at LA ANGELS (10 - 18) - 10:05 PM
MIGUEL GONZALEZ (R) vs. JASON VARGAS (L)
Top Trends for this game.
LA ANGELS are 244-182 (+45.3 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday since 1997.
VARGAS is 29-23 (+12.3 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
BALTIMORE is 61-51 (+15.7 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 42-26 (+14.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 113-84 (+43.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 44-29 (+19.8 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 19-10 (+11.1 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +100 to +125 over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 58-44 (+32.3 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 103-73 (+41.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 76-63 (+23.2 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 33-24 (+12.0 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
GONZALEZ is 14-7 (+11.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GONZALEZ is 12-5 (+10.0 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
LA ANGELS are 10-18 (-11.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LA ANGELS are 10-18 (-11.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
LA ANGELS are 4-15 (-14.3 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
LA ANGELS are 8-15 (-10.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.

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

MIGUEL GONZALEZ vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
GONZALEZ is 1-0 when starting against LA ANGELS with an ERA of 1.29 and a WHIP of 0.714.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.1 units)

JASON VARGAS vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
VARGAS is 1-2 when starting against BALTIMORE with an ERA of 2.03 and a WHIP of 1.125.
His team's record is 2-4 (-2.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 6-0. (+6.0 units)

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

TAMPA BAY (12 - 15) at COLORADO (17 - 11) - 8:40 PM
MATT MOORE (L) vs. JEFF FRANCIS (L)
Top Trends for this game.
TAMPA BAY is 65-46 (+19.2 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
COLORADO is 3-16 (-12.8 Units) against the money line as a home underdog of +100 to +125 over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 82-92 (-25.3 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons.
COLORADO is 19-39 (-26.3 Units) against the money line in May games over the last 3 seasons.
COLORADO is 2-13 (-11.0 Units) against the money line in an inter-league game over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 82-92 (-25.3 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons.
COLORADO is 19-41 (-20.2 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.

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

MATT MOORE vs. COLORADO since 1997
No recent starts.

JEFF FRANCIS vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
FRANCIS is 0-1 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 5.25 and a WHIP of 1.333.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.0 units)

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

**Udog** · 05-03-2013, 10:13 AM

MLB
Armadillo's Write-Up

Friday, May 3

Hot pitchers
-- Villanueva is 1-1, 2.29 in five starts this season.
-- Minor is 3-2, 2.48 in five starts this season.
-- Burnett is 2-0, 2.00 in his last three starts.
-- Former Cardinal Lohse is 1-3, 2.53 in five starts this season.
-- Miley is 2-0, 2.40 in five starts this season.
-- Zito is 3-0, 0.00 (21 IP) in three home starts this season. Kershaw is 3-2, 2.16 in his six starts this year.

-- Moore is 5-0, 1.13 so far this season.

-- FHernandez is 2-0, 1.23 in his last three starts.
-- Sabathia is 4-1, 3.32 in his last five starts.
-- Boston is 4-0 in Doubront starts (3-0, 4.24) this season, scoring 30 runs.
-- PHernandez is 1-0, 2.70 in two starts this season.
-- Guthrie is 1-0, 2.75 in his last three starts. Axelrod is 0-0, 3.00 in his last three starts.
-- Fister is 3-0, 2.79 in his last four starts.

Cold pitchers
-- Leake is 1-1, 4.66 in five starts this season.
-- Nolasco has a 5.00 RA in his last three starts; Marlins are 0-4 in his starts when they score less than six runs. Pettibone has a 4.36 RA in two starts.
-- Detwiler is 0-2, 4.91 in his last couple starts.
-- Marcum allowed three runs in four IP in his first '13 start; he also lost the 15-inning game in Miami Monday night.
-- Miller is 1-2, 3.57 in his last three starts.
-- Marquis is 2-2, 5.10 in five starts this season.

-- Francis is 0-2, 12.18 in his last four starts.

-- Romero is 1-1, 5.00 in his last four starts.
-- Griffin is 0-2, 10.64 in his last couple starts.
-- Masterson is 1-2, 6.38 in his last three starts.
-- Holland is 0-1, 7.11 in his last couple starts.
-- Norris is 1-2, 9.26 in his last three starts.
-- Gonzalez is 1-1, 5.79 in his last four starts. Vargas is 0-3, 5.55 in his last four starts.

Totals
-- Under is 8-4-1 in last thirteen Cub games.
-- Over is 9-3-1 in Philly's last thirteen home games.
-- Nine of last twelve Washington games stayed under the total.
-- Four of last five Atlanta home games stayed under total.
-- 12 of 16 games at Miller Park went over the total.
-- Under is 5-2-1 in last eight Arizona games.
-- 10 of last 12 Dodger games went over the total.

-- Last three Colorado games went over the total.

-- Over is 5-2-1 in last eight Toronto games.
-- Over is 24-4 in last 28 Oakland games.
-- Six of last seven Minnesota games stayed under total.
-- Over is 5-2-1 in last eight Toronto games.
-- Over is 7-1-1 in last nine Kansas City games.
-- Over is 6-1-2 in lastnine Houston games.
-- Seven of last nine Baltimore games went over the total.

Hot teams
-- Washington won its last two games, allowing one run. Pirates won six of their last eight home games.
-- Brewers won eight of their last 10 home games, but lost last two. St Louis won seven of its last ten games overall.
-- Padres won six of their last eight games.
-- San Francisco won seven of its last nine home games. Dodgers won three of last four road games.

-- Bronx won nine of its last eleven home games.
-- Kansas City won seven of its last ten games.
-- Indians won last four games, outscoring foes 39-5.
-- Boston won seven of its last eight games.
-- White Sox won four of their last six away games.
-- Detroit won seven of its last nine games.
-- Orioles won ten of their last fifteen games.

Cold teams
-- Cubs lost eight of their first twelve home games. Cincinnati lost five of its last seven games overall.
-- Miami lost ten of its thirteen road games. Phillies are 7-10 in their last 17 games overall.
-- Mets lost six of their last seven games. Atlanta lost six of last eight.
-- Arizona lost its last three games, allowing 17 runs.

-- Rockies lost seven of last eleven games. Tampa Bay is 4-11 on road.

-- Oakland lost five of its last six road games.
-- Twins are 3-5 in their last eight away games.
-- Blue Jays lost nine of their last twelve games. Seattle lost seven of its last nine away games.
-- Texas lost four of its last five games.
-- Houston lost 14 of its last 18 games.
-- Angels lost seven of their last nine games.

**Udog** · 05-03-2013, 10:18 AM

MLB

Friday, May 3

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

2:20 PM
CINCINNATI vs. CHI CUBS
Cincinnati is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Cincinnati's last 6 games on the road
Chi Cubs are 7-15 SU in their last 22 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Chi Cubs's last 6 games at home

7:05 PM
OAKLAND vs. NY YANKEES
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Oakland's last 7 games when playing on the road against NY Yankees
Oakland is 5-17 SU in their last 22 games when playing on the road against NY Yankees
NY Yankees are 6-1 SU in their last 7 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 6 of NY Yankees's last 7 games when playing at home against Oakland

7:05 PM
MINNESOTA vs. CLEVELAND
Minnesota is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Cleveland
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Minnesota's last 13 games when playing on the road against Cleveland
Cleveland is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Minnesota
Cleveland is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Minnesota

7:05 PM
MIAMI vs. PHILADELPHIA
Miami is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Philadelphia
Miami is 3-19 SU in its last 22 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 5 games when playing Miami
Philadelphia is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games

7:05 PM
WASHINGTON vs. PITTSBURGH
Washington is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Pittsburgh
The total has gone OVER in 17 of Washington's last 25 games when playing on the road against Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
Pittsburgh is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Washington

7:07 PM
SEATTLE vs. TORONTO
Seattle is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Seattle's last 6 games
Toronto is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Toronto's last 6 games at home

7:30 PM
NY METS vs. ATLANTA
The total has gone OVER in 15 of NY Mets's last 23 games
NY Mets are 1-5 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Atlanta's last 6 games when playing NY Mets
Atlanta is 12-2 SU in its last 14 games when playing NY Mets

8:05 PM
BOSTON vs. TEXAS
Boston is 6-13 SU in its last 19 games when playing on the road against Texas
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Boston's last 11 games
Texas is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games when playing Boston
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Texas's last 6 games when playing Boston

8:10 PM
CHI WHITE SOX vs. KANSAS CITY
Chi White Sox are 7-14 SU in their last 21 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Chi White Sox's last 8 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Kansas City's last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Kansas City's last 5 games when playing Chi White Sox

8:10 PM
ST. LOUIS vs. MILWAUKEE
St. Louis is 9-4 SU in its last 13 games when playing on the road against Milwaukee
The total has gone OVER in 11 of St. Louis's last 16 games when playing on the road against Milwaukee
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Milwaukee's last 7 games
Milwaukee is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games at home

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

8:40 PM
TAMPA BAY vs. COLORADO
Tampa Bay is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Colorado
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Tampa Bay's last 5 games
Colorado is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Tampa Bay
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Colorado's last 6 games at home

10:05 PM
BALTIMORE vs. LA ANGELS
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Baltimore's last 5 games when playing LA Angels
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Baltimore's last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of LA Angels's last 5 games when playing Baltimore
LA Angels are 8-3 SU in their last 11 games when playing Baltimore

10:10 PM
ARIZONA vs. SAN DIEGO
Arizona is 3-9 SU in its last 12 games when playing San Diego
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Arizona's last 6 games when playing San Diego
The total has gone OVER in 4 of San Diego's last 6 games at home
San Diego is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home

10:15 PM
LA DODGERS vs. SAN FRANCISCO
The total has gone OVER in 4 of LA Dodgers's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of LA Dodgers's last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of San Francisco's last 8 games when playing LA Dodgers
The total has gone OVER in 4 of San Francisco's last 5 games

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

**Udog** · 05-03-2013, 10:20 AM

MLB

Friday, May 3

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Three Friday starters with a 13-1 over record
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Here's a look at three starters on Friday who take a combined 13-1 over record - and some great run support - to the mound:

Mike Leake, Cincinnati Reds (1-1, 4.34 ERA, 5-0 O/U)

If you take out Leake's only great start this season, seven scoreless innings against the Phillies, his ERA is 5.73 in his other four games. The Reds' bats have also provided an average of 6.0 runs of support with Leake pitching, up from the team's season average of 4.4 runs a game.

Felix Doubront, Boston Red Sox (3-0, 4.24 ERA, 4-0 O/U)

The Red Sox have the second-best offense in baseball, scoring 5.37 runs per game. They're even better with Doubront on the mound, giving the lefty an average of 7.75 runs of support in his four starts. In three of his games, the bullpen has given up at least one run after Doubront left the hill.

Jeremy Guthrie, Kansas City Royals (3-0, 3.06 ERA, 4-1 O/U)

Guthrie has been stellar for Kansas City, and the offense have been just as good. In his four starts that have gone over, the Royals have scored an average of 6.0 runs, better than the team's mark of 4.52 runs per game.

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

**Udog** · 05-03-2013, 10:21 AM

MLB

Friday, May 3

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday's MLB weather, rain expected in KC and Chicago
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Rain is in the forecast in Chicago and Kansas City on Friday. Here is the rest of the notable weather around Major League Baseball.

Cincinnati Reds vs. Chicago Cubs (-102, NA)
Site: Wrigley Field

There is a 55 percent chance of thunderstorms in Chicago and the wind will blow in from center field at 10 mph.

Minnesota Twins vs. Cleveland Indians (-149, 8.5)
Site: Progressive Field

The wind will blow out to left field at 10 mph.

Oakland Athletics vs. New York Yankees (-142, 8)
Site: Yankee Stadium

The wind will blow in from center field at 10 mph.

Washington Nationals vs. Pittsburgh Pirates (-125, 7)
Site: PNC Park

The wind will blow in from center field at 12 mph.

New York Mets vs. Atlanta Braves (-174, 7.5)
Site: Turner Field

There's a 30 percent chance of rain and the winds will blow from right to left at 15 mph.

Chicago White Sox vs. Kansas City Royals (NA)
Site: Kauffman Stadium

There's a 65 percent chance of rain in Kansas City.

Los Angeles Dodgers vs. San Francisco Giants (+130, 6)
Site: AT&T Park

The wind will blow out to center field at 13 mph.

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

**Udog** · 05-03-2013, 02:13 PM

NBA
Short Sheet

Friday, May 3

First Round, Game Six (New York Leads, 3-2)
New York at Boston, 7:05 ET ESPN
New York: 29-16 ATS off an Under
Boston: 0-7 ATS after forcing 8 or less turnovers

First Round, Game Six (Indiana Leads, 3-2)
Indiana at Atlanta, 7:05 ET ESPN2
Indiana: 1-10 ATS as a road underdog of 3 points or less
Atlanta: 11-2 ATS at home off a road loss by 10+ points

First Round, Game Six (Oklahoma City Leads, 3-2)
Oklahoma City at Houston, 9:35 ET ESPN
Oklahoma City: 23-9 Over away off BB losses
Houston: 16-6 ATS off ATS wins in 3 of their last 4 games

First Round, Game Six (Memphis Leads, 3-2)
LA Clippers at Memphis, 9:35 ET ESPN2
LA Clippers: 18-7 ATS revenging BB losses
Memphis: 19-5 Under off a road win

**Udog** · 05-03-2013, 02:15 PM

NHL
Short Sheet

Friday, May 3

Quarterfinals, Game Two (Series Tied, 0-0)
Ottawa at Montreal, 7:05 ET CNBC
Ottawa: 11-4 SU away off a road win
Montreal: 4-10 SU at home revenging a home loss

Quarterfinals, Game One (Pittsburgh Leads, 1-0)
NY Islanders at Pittsburgh, 7:05 ET NBCSN
NY Islanders: 5-21 SU off 3+ games scoring 1 or 0 goals
Pittsburgh: 20-5 SU off an Under

Minnesota at Chicago, 9:35 ET MSNBC
Minnesota: 15-29 SU after scoring 1 or 0 runs
Chicago: 14-3 SU off BB Unders

Quarterfinals, Game Two (San Jose Leads, 1-0)
San Jose at Vancouver, 10:05 ET CNBC
San Jose: 14-26 SU away with a total of 5 goals or less
Vancouver: 19-5 SU off BB losses

**Udog** · 05-03-2013, 02:17 PM

MLB
Short Sheet

Friday, May 3

National League

Cincinnati at Chicago Cubs, 2:20 ET
Leake: Cincinnati 0-8 SU away after scoring 2 runs or less
Villanueva: 10-3 TSR in the first half of the season

Miami at Philadelphia, 7:05 ET
Nolasco: Miami 16-43 SU off 3+ division games
Pettibone: Philadelphia 6-1 Under as a favorite of -125 to -175

Washington at Pittsburgh, 7:05 ET
Detwiler: Washington 40-21 Over off 3+ road games
Burnett: 14-5 TSR in the first half of the season

NY Mets at Atlanta, 7:35 ET
Marcum: Mets 25-45 SU vs. left-handed starters
Minor: Atlanta 50-27 SU after scoring and allowing 3 runs or less

St. Louis at Milwaukee, 8:10 ET MLB
Miller: St. Louis 23-7 SU in May
Lohse: 29-10 TSR at home off BB starts allowing 1 or 0 walks

Arizona at San Diego, 10:10 ET
Miley: Arizona 16-7 SU away losing 3 of their last 4 games
Marquis: San Diego 18-37 SU on Fridays

LA Dodgers at San Francisco, 10:15 ET
Kershaw: Dodgers 8-16 SU off a division loss as a home favorite
Zito: 14-3 TSR vs. division opponents

American League

Seattle at Toronto, 7:05 ET
Hernandez: 5-14 TSR away with a total of 7 to 7.5 runs
Romero: Toronto 19-9 SU at home off BB losses

Oakland at NY Yankees, 7:05 ET
Griffin: 12-1 Over off BB home games
Sabathia: Yankees 7-0 SU off BB Overs

Minnesota at Cleveland, 7:05 ET
Hernandez: 8-2 Under vs. division opponents
Masterson: Cleveland 17-6 SU off a win by 6+ runs

Boston at Texas, 8:05 ET MLB
Doubront: Boston 12-27 SU away off BB games allowing 1 or 0 runs
Holland: 14-3 TSR pitching off a team loss

Chicago White Sox at Kansas City, 8:10 ET
Axelrod: White Sox 1-5 SU off a combined score of 4 runs or less
Guthrie: 20-9 TSR vs. division opponents

Detroit at Houston, 8:10 ET
Fister: 8-25 TSR away with a total of 7 to 8.5 runs
Norris: Houston 9-1 Over after losing 4 of their last 5 games

Baltimore at LA Angels, 10:05 ET
Gonzalez: 12-5 TSR in night games
Vargas: Angels 4-15 SU in night games

Interleague

Tampa Bay at Colorado, 8:40 ET
Moore: Tampa Bay 4-11 SU in road games
Francis: Colorado 8-0 SU off BB Overs

Announcement

Friday's Trends and Indexes - 5/3 (NBA, NHL, MLB, Misc.)

Friday's Trends and Indexes - 5/3 (NBA, NHL, MLB, Misc.)

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment