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**Udog** · 04-19-2014, 07:46 AM

Armadillo: Saturday's six-pack

-- Aaron Harang no-hit the Mets for seven innings, was taken out after throwing 121 pitches as the Braves won 6-0 in Flushing, giving up one hit.

-- Ike Davis got traded to Pittsburgh for a AAA reliever and another player who has yet to be identified. Interesting that Davis was very popular with teammates.

-- Bronx bullpen gave up eight runs in 2.1 innings at Tampa Bay, turning 5-3 lead into an 11-5 loss to the anemic Rays, who snapped a 4-game skid.

-- Arizona won 4-2 in 12 at Chavez Ravine; they took lead in 9th inning on a wild pitch during an intentional walk. Dodgers tied game on a Uribe HR, but Snakes got big hit from Aaron Hill in the 12th to get a much-needed win.

-- Giants lost 2-1 at San Diego, are now 10-7, 0-4 in Matt Cain's starts.

-- Detroit lost 11-6 to the Angels; this was first time this year Tigers had to use a fifth starting pitcher, so their pitching depth may become an issue.

*****

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

13) I don't link to many things here, but this is worth all of our time, Michigan State basketball coach Tom Izzo addressing a group of students at a vigil for the little 8-year old girl who passed away last month after a lengthy illness.

Izzo is an excellent guy in addition to being a top coach- this is good stuff.

12) Giancarlo Stanton hit a walk-off homer for the Marlins Friday, after Miami had the batter before Stanton (Ozuna) sacrifice with a 3-1 count and men on 1st/2nd and no one out, with Stanton up next. Seattle botched the play, but if they hadn't, Stanton could've been walked intentionally with a base open. Then what?

Put it this way, even Miami's TV guys were killing the strategy; Stanton has 28 RBI in 17 games for a dismal team-- when does he get traded to the Dodgers?

11) Mets almost got no-hit at home Friday; last time that happened was by a guy named Bob Moose of the Pirates, in September '69. Moose also gave up a walk-off homer to Johnny Bench in a '72 playoff game.

10) When the Knicks signed Lamar Odom Wednesday, he got a prorated check for one day of the season, worth $8,500- that also includes him working out for the team in the off-season, to see if they want him on the team next year. His deal for next season isn't guaranteed.

9) It annoys me that the 49ers got a new stadium to play in 10 days a year, but the A's can't get one to play 81 games in every year.

8) St Louis Blues used to have a defenseman named Chris Pronger who holds the team record, by playing 51:10 and 48:22 in playoff games. Guy on the Blues was on the ice for 44+ minutes in the triple OT game Thursday. Thats a ton of ice time in such an intense event. NHL playoffs are great theater.

7) Houston Astros scored in first inning in six of their nine home games, but haven't scored a first inning run in seven road games.

6) Middle Tennessee has incoming freshman hooper coming to Murfreesboro in the fall with a great name; Giddy Potts. He has to be on the all-name team.

5) Someone please remind me why Mississippi State fired its basketball coach Rick Stansbury two years ago? MSU had finished .500 or better in the SEC six years in a row but Stansbury got fired after missing the NCAAs two years in a row. Since he left, the Bulldogs are 7-29 in SEC play- they played the easiest non-league sked in America last season, then went 3-15 in the SEC. Not sure why the guy got fired.

4) QB Matt Joeckel transferred from Texas A&M to TCU and is expected to compete for the starting QB position this fall; being Johnny Manziel's backup, the kid must have some great stories.

3) Wonder how the citizens in Knoxville feel about Peyton Manning spending time in Tuscaloosa with ol' Nick Saban? Oh by the way, offensive coordinator for the Crimson Tide is someone Vol fans know too-- Lane Kiffin.

2) Speaking of Tennessee, there are still two basketball jobs open in the SEC, jobs at Missouri and Tennessee. Which one is the better job?

1) Our thoughts/prayers go out to TNT's Craig Sager, who was diagnosed with leukemia this week. Get well soon, sir; there are so few good sideline reporters on TV, we need every one we can get.

**Udog** · 04-19-2014, 07:47 AM

NBA
Dunkel

Memphis at Oklahoma City
The Thunder (34-7 at home) open their postseason series Saturday night at Chesapeake Energy Arena against a Memphis team that is 1-8 ATS in its last 9 games against a team with a winning home record. Oklahoma City is the pick (-7) according to Dunkel, which has the Thunder favored by 9 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Oklahoma City (-7). Here are all of this weekend's playoff picks.

SATURDAY, APRIL 19

Game 701-702: Brooklyn at Toronto (12:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Brooklyn 120.150; Toronto 119.308
Dunkel Line & Total: Brooklyn by 1; 198
Vegas Line & Total: Toronto by 2 1/2; 194
Dunkel Pick: Brooklyn (+2 1/2); Over

Game 703-704: Golden State at LA Clippers (3:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Golden State 121.546; LA Clippers 130.664
Dunkel Line & Total: LA Clippers by 9; 208
Vegas Line & Total: LA Clippers by 7; 211
Dunkel Pick: LA Clippers (-7); Under

Game 705-706: Atlanta at Indiana (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta 114.747; Indiana 124.558
Dunkel Line & Total: Indiana by 10; 182 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Indiana by 7 1/2; 186
Dunkel Pick: Indiana (-7 1/2); Under

Game 707-708: Memphis at Oklahoma City (9:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Memphis 118.974; Oklahoma City 128.303
Dunkel Line & Total: Oklahoma City by 9 1/2; 201 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Oklahoma City by 7; 192 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Oklahoma City (-7); Over

SUNDAY, APRIL 20

Game 709-710: Dallas at San Antonio (1:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Dallas 119.548; San Antonio 131.022
Dunkel Line & Total: San Antonio by 11 1/2; 201
Vegas Line & Total: San Antonio by 9; 205 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Antonio (-9); Under

Game 711-712: Charlotte at Miami (3:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Charlotte 116.262; Miami 127.660
Dunkel Line & Total: Miami by 11 1/2; 196
Vegas Line & Total: Miami by 9 1/2; 188 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Miami (-9 1/2); Over

Game 713-714: Washington at Chicago (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Washington 118.292; Chicago 120.918
Dunkel Line & Total: Chicago by 2 1/2; 189
Vegas Line & Total: Chicago by 5; 181
Dunkel Pick: Washington (+5); Over

Game 715-716: Portland at Houston (9:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Portland 120.618; Houston 123.824
Dunkel Line & Total: Houston by 3; 207 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Houston by 5 1/2; 214 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Portland (+5 1/2); Under

**Udog** · 04-19-2014, 07:47 AM

NBA
Long Sheet

Saturday, April 19

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BROOKLYN (44 - 38) at TORONTO (48 - 34) - 4/19/2014, 12:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 46-34 ATS (+8.6 Units) in all games this season.
TORONTO is 20-9 ATS (+10.1 Units) after a division game over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 22-13 ATS (+7.7 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent this season.
TORONTO is 31-21 ATS (+7.9 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.
BROOKLYN is 102-74 ATS (+20.6 Units) in a road game where where the total is between 190 and 194.5 points since 1996.
BROOKLYN is 23-11 ATS (+10.9 Units) after scoring 85 points or less over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
TORONTO is 6-5 against the spread versus BROOKLYN over the last 3 seasons
BROOKLYN is 7-5 straight up against TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
6 of 12 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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MEMPHIS (50 - 32) at OKLAHOMA CITY (59 - 23) - 4/19/2014, 9:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 94-78 ATS (+8.2 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 82-67 ATS (+8.3 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 51-36 ATS (+11.4 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 30-15 ATS (+13.5 Units) after allowing 105 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
OKLAHOMA CITY is 55-36 ATS (+15.4 Units) after scoring 105 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
MEMPHIS is 94-79 ATS (+7.1 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MEMPHIS is 55-36 ATS (+15.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
MEMPHIS is 55-41 ATS (+9.9 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.

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

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ATLANTA (38 - 44) at INDIANA (56 - 26) - 4/19/2014, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 13-22 ATS (-11.2 Units) second half of the season this season.
ATLANTA is 2-11 ATS (-10.1 Units) when playing with 2 days rest this season.
ATLANTA is 10-27 ATS (-19.7 Units) in road games in all playoff games since 1996.
INDIANA is 21-10 ATS (+10.0 Units) in home games after a win by 10 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
INDIANA is 9-27 ATS (-20.7 Units) second half of the season this season.
INDIANA is 7-15 ATS (-9.5 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record - 2nd half of the season this season.
INDIANA is 10-20 ATS (-12.0 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season this season.
INDIANA is 7-16 ATS (-10.6 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
INDIANA is 8-8 against the spread versus ATLANTA over the last 3 seasons
INDIANA is 9-8 straight up against ATLANTA over the last 3 seasons
10 of 17 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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GOLDEN STATE (51 - 31) at LA CLIPPERS (57 - 25) - 4/19/2014, 3:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LA CLIPPERS are 46-35 ATS (+7.5 Units) in all games this season.
LA CLIPPERS are 17-7 ATS (+9.3 Units) in home games when playing with 2 days rest over the last 2 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 22-12 ATS (+8.8 Units) after allowing 105 points or more this season.
LA CLIPPERS are 30-20 ATS (+8.0 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.
GOLDEN STATE is 17-5 ATS (+11.5 Units) in April games over the last 2 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 11-1 ATS (+9.9 Units) in the first round of the playoffs since 1996.
GOLDEN STATE is 32-19 ATS (+11.1 Units) after allowing 105 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 53-38 ATS (+11.2 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 19-10 ATS (+8.0 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season this season.
GOLDEN STATE is 51-38 ATS (+9.2 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
GOLDEN STATE is 32-20 ATS (+10.0 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
LA CLIPPERS are 156-214 ATS (-79.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season since 1996.
LA CLIPPERS are 111-147 ATS (-50.7 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
GOLDEN STATE is 7-5 against the spread versus LA CLIPPERS over the last 3 seasons
GOLDEN STATE is 7-5 straight up against LA CLIPPERS over the last 3 seasons
8 of 12 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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Sunday, April 20

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DALLAS (49 - 33) at SAN ANTONIO (62 - 20) - 4/20/2014, 1:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SAN ANTONIO is 45-37 ATS (+4.3 Units) in all games this season.
SAN ANTONIO is 40-32 ATS (+4.8 Units) as a favorite this season.
SAN ANTONIO is 430-360 ATS (+34.0 Units) in home games since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 23-13 ATS (+8.7 Units) second half of the season this season.
SAN ANTONIO is 23-9 ATS (+13.1 Units) off a upset loss as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 17-7 ATS (+9.3 Units) after allowing 105 points or more this season.
SAN ANTONIO is 123-84 ATS (+30.6 Units) after a loss by 10 points or more since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 81-60 ATS (+15.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 50-33 ATS (+13.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
DALLAS is 91-72 ATS (+11.8 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
DALLAS is 43-29 ATS (+11.1 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
DALLAS is 27-14 ATS (+11.6 Units) in road games this season.
DALLAS is 23-10 ATS (+12.0 Units) in road games second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
DALLAS is 212-168 ATS (+27.2 Units) vs. division opponents since 1996.
DALLAS is 162-123 ATS (+26.7 Units) in road games revenging a loss vs opponent since 1996.
DALLAS is 14-6 ATS (+7.4 Units) in road games after allowing 105 points or more this season.
DALLAS is 25-13 ATS (+10.7 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
DALLAS is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
DALLAS is 18-8 ATS (+9.2 Units) in road games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN ANTONIO is 9-3 against the spread versus DALLAS over the last 3 seasons
SAN ANTONIO is 10-2 straight up against DALLAS over the last 3 seasons
7 of 12 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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CHARLOTTE (43 - 39) at MIAMI (54 - 28) - 4/20/2014, 3:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CHARLOTTE is 62-98 ATS (-45.8 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 3 seasons.
MIAMI is 46-32 ATS (+10.8 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 18-8 ATS (+9.2 Units) on Sunday games over the last 2 seasons.
CHARLOTTE is 47-32 ATS (+11.8 Units) in all games this season.
CHARLOTTE is 32-21 ATS (+8.9 Units) as an underdog this season.
CHARLOTTE is 21-12 ATS (+7.8 Units) second half of the season this season.
CHARLOTTE is 24-11 ATS (+11.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
CHARLOTTE is 15-6 ATS (+8.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
MIAMI is 8-3 against the spread versus CHARLOTTE over the last 3 seasons
MIAMI is 11-0 straight up against CHARLOTTE over the last 3 seasons
7 of 11 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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WASHINGTON (44 - 38) at CHICAGO (48 - 34) - 4/20/2014, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 12-26 ATS (-16.6 Units) in road games when playing with 3 or more days rest since 1996.
WASHINGTON is 88-73 ATS (+7.7 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 61-40 ATS (+17.0 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 26-15 ATS (+9.5 Units) in road games this season.
WASHINGTON is 27-11 ATS (+14.9 Units) revenging a home loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 55-40 ATS (+11.0 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO is 39-52 ATS (-18.2 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO is 35-52 ATS (-22.2 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.

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

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PORTLAND (54 - 28) at HOUSTON (54 - 28) - 4/20/2014, 9:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PORTLAND is 12-23 ATS (-13.3 Units) against Southwest division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 12-4 ATS (+7.6 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
PORTLAND is 25-16 ATS (+7.4 Units) in road games this season.
HOUSTON is 6-18 ATS (-13.8 Units) on Sunday games over the last 3 seasons.

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

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**Udog** · 04-19-2014, 07:48 AM

NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up

Saturday, April 19

Nets/Raptors split four games this season, with three of four going over total and teams going 1-1 in each building. Toronto has won one playoff series in its history (2001); they're 1-4 overall in first round series-- this is Raptors' first playoff appearance since '08. Nets are playoffs for 2nd time in last eight years; they haven't won playoff series since '07, but a veteran nucleus they have has won elsewhere. Nets lost four of last five games, are 18-23 vs spread on road. Toronto won six of last eight, with seven of those eight games going over the total. Casey has experience edge as a head coach, but both he and Kidd are in playoffs for 1st time.

Home side won last seven Warrior-Clipper games; Golden State lost last three visits here by 26-11-13 points. Golden State is in playoffs for just third time in 20 years; they won 1st round series last two appearances. Clippers are in playoffs for third time in row, first time they've done that since they were the Buffalo Braves in 1976. LA won seven of its last ten games, with eight of those ten going over total. Warriors won five of last seven games overall; under is 47-33 in their games this year, 25-16 on road. Golden State has had coaching turmoil; two assistants have been fired in last month.

Pacers are under lot of pressure after going 6-9 in last 15 games, though they did win three of last four; since Feb 12, Indiana is 6-24-1 against spread. Indiana beat Hawks in six games in playoffs LY, winning three games played here by 17-15-23 points- teams split four meetings in this season, going 1-1 in each building. Hawks won six of last eight games, with five of last six staying under total; Atlanta is in playoffs 7th year in a row, going 3-3 in first round previosu six years. Vogel won two of his three first round series; Budenholzer is rookie HC who was Spurs' aide.

Memphis ousted Oklahoma City in five games in playoffs LY, got to the Western Conference finals, and still fired its coach- Joerger is rookie HC but Grizzlies won last five games overall, despite covering only once in last five games as an underdog. Thunder won three of four vs Memphis this year, winning two games here by 9-6 points; OC won nine of last ten at home (7-2-1 vs spread)- they won last three first round series but decent amount of pressure on after making Finals in '14 then flopping in LY's second round. This is Brooks' 5th year as Thunder's coach.

**Udog** · 04-19-2014, 07:49 AM

NBA

Saturday, April 19

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Trend Report
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12:30 PM
BROOKLYN vs. TORONTO
Brooklyn is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
Brooklyn is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
Toronto is 2-3-1 ATS in its last 6 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Toronto's last 6 games when playing Brooklyn

3:30 PM
GOLDEN STATE vs. LA CLIPPERS
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Golden State's last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Golden State's last 5 games when playing on the road against LA Clippers
The total has gone OVER in 7 of the LA Clippers last 9 games when playing Golden State
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of the LA Clippers last 13 games at home

7:00 PM
ATLANTA vs. INDIANA
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Atlanta's last 13 games when playing Indiana
Atlanta is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Indiana
Indiana is 20-5 SU in its last 25 games at home
Indiana is 2-9 ATS in its last 11 games at home

9:30 PM
MEMPHIS vs. OKLAHOMA CITY
Memphis is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Oklahoma City
Memphis is 6-2-1 ATS in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City is 11-5 SU in its last 16 games
The total has gone OVER in 14 of Oklahoma City's last 19 games when playing at home against Memphis

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**Udog** · 04-19-2014, 07:49 AM

NBA

Saturday, April 19

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NBA Eastern Conference playoff betting preview: Round 1
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Brooklyn Nets at Toronto Raptors (-2.5, 194)

The Nets' starters boast a combined 399 career playoff games, while there are three playoff rookies - guard DeMar DeRozan, forward Terrence Ross and center Jonas Valanciunas - among the Raptors' first five. The teams split four meetings this season, with each squad going 1-1 on its home floor and three of the four games decided by four points or fewer.

After a slow start and a notable trade that sent swingman Rudy Gay to Sacramento, Toronto went 42-22 over the final four-plus months of the season to record a franchise record in victories and storm to the Atlantic Division crown - its first since 2006-07. DeRozan and point guard Kyle Lowry were the catalysts all season for Toronto, combining to average 40.6 points and 11.4 assists and stepping up their games against Brooklyn; DeRozan averaged 22.3 points and Lowry 22 points versus the Nets.

TRENDS:

* Under is 4-1 in the last five meetings in Toronto.
* Home team is 7-2-1 ATS in the last 10 meetings.
* Nets are 0-5 ATS in their last five games overall.

Golden State Warriors at Los Angeles Clippers (-7, 211)

The Golden State Warriors went into the playoffs as the No. 6 seed last season and knocked off the third-seeded Denver Nuggets. They will be attempting to turn the same trick again this spring, though the competition will be different when the Warriors visit the third-seeded Los Angeles Clippers. Golden State and Los Angeles did not get along very well during the regular season, and Warriors guard Klay Thompson continued the war of words this week by talking about Clippers All-Star forward Blake Griffin. “He’s kind of like a bull in a china shop, kind of out of control sometimes,” Thompson told 95.7 The Game radio in San Francisco. “And then you do just see him flop sometimes, like how can a guy that big and strong flop that much?”

The Clippers are primed for a deep playoff run and brought in coach Doc Rivers in part for his experience in the postseason. Rivers is the biggest change from last spring, when Los Angeles dropped a first-round series to the Memphis Grizzlies under Vinny Del Negro, but he is not the only difference. The Clippers led the league in scoring and became a defensive force as the season progressed and DeAndre Jordan grew more comfortable with his role as an enforcer and rim protector. Clippers G Chris Paul averaged 28 points, 12.7 assists and 3.7 steals in three games against Golden State this season.

TRENDS:

* Home team is 6-1 ATS in the last seven meetings.
* Warriors are 11-1 ATS in their last 12 Conference Quarterfinals games.
* Under is 9-3-1 in Clippers last 13 home games.

Atlanta Hawks at Indiana Pacers (-7.5, 186)

Atlanta was 10 games under .500 on April 3 before closing with six wins in the last eight games, including a 107-88 drubbing of the Pacers in Indiana on April 6. The Hawks bowed out in six games in the first round to the Pacers last season, dropping the final two games after evening the series with a pair of home victories. Atlanta doesn’t have Al Horford this time around but does have All-Star Paul Millsap. Atlanta can spread the floor with its frontcourt rotation of Millsap, Pero Antic, DeMarre Carroll and Mike Scott, and all five in the starting lineup are capable of stepping out and hitting 3-pointers.

The Pacers went 10-13 over the last six weeks of the season, briefly dropping out of the top spot in the East before winning three of four to close things out and top the Heat by two games. Indiana’s slump came after trading away veteran Danny Granger and signing mercurial center Andrew Bynum, and downturns in production from Roy Hibbert and Paul George didn’t help. Hibbert averaged 17 points and 9.9 rebounds in the playoffs last spring and the Pacers are counting on him to carry a heavy load again. Hibbert averaged five points on 28.1 percent shooting and 3.8 rebounds in the four games against the Hawks.

TRENDS:

* Over is 13-3-1 in the last 17 meetings in Indiana.
* Favorite is 25-9-1 ATS in the last 35 meetings.
* Pacers are 5-2 ATS in their last seven Conference Quarterfinals games.

Memphis Grizzlies at Oklahoma City Thunder (-7, 192.5)

The Memphis Grizzlies eliminated an Oklahoma City team missing Russell Westbrook from last season’s playoffs and take aim at stunning the Thunder again when the first-round series opens in Oklahoma City on Saturday. The trio of Gasol, power forward Zach Randolph and point guard Mike Conley are used to waging battle with the Thunder, having surprisingly taken Oklahoma City to seven games in the 2011 conference semifinals before last season’s impressive series victory.

The Thunder posted the NBA’s second-best record despite Westbrook missing 36 games due to his balky knee and are expecting the first-round series to be quite a tussle. “It’s going to be a tough but fun series,” Kevin Durant told reporters. “We have a lot of history with these guys. We’re looking forward to getting the opportunity to play for a championship.” Durant is the favorite to win NBA MVP honors after leading the league in scoring with a 32-point average, the highest since Kobe Bryant averaged 35.4 points for the Lakers in 2005-06.

TRENDS:

* Grizzlies are 6-2-1 ATS in the last nine meetings.
* Under is 5-1 in Thunder's last six Conference Quarterfinals games.
* Grizzlies are 5-0 ATS in their last five Conference Quarterfinals games.

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**Udog** · 04-19-2014, 07:49 AM

[B]NBA

Saturday, April 19/B]

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NBA Western Conference playoff betting preview: Round 1
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No. 8 Dallas Mavericks vs. No. 1 San Antonio Spurs

Season series: Spurs won season series 4-0 SU (3-1 ATS), 3-1 O/U
Series Prices: Mavericks +500/Spurs -700

Why bet the Mavericks?

This may appear to be one of the most lopsided matchups of the first round but the Mavs may give the Spurs a little more than people expect. Dallas is a very good offensive team that balances scoring between both its starters and its bench. They take high-percentage shots, evidenced by their 47.4 field goal percentage and are the league’s second-best, 3-point shooting team. As well, the Spurs don’t really have anyone to guard Dirk Nowitzki when the big man steps out of the paint.

Why bet the Spurs?

Everything the Mavs can do, the Spurs do better. They balance their scoring and hit threes. As well, they are able to play the type of defense that wins championships. They beat the Mavericks all four times they met this season, never shooting less than 41 percent from the field and only once hitting below 40 percent from the 3-point arc.

No. 7 Memphis Grizzlies vs. No. 2 Oklahoma City Thunder

Season series: Thunder won season series 3-1 SU (2-1-1 ATS), 3-1 O/U
Series Prices: Grizzlies +300/Thunder -360

Why bet the Grizzlies?

The Grizzlies are the team no one wanted to play in the first round. They slow the game down, averaging only 92.2 possessions per game, but score an efficient 103.3 points per 100 possessions. Defensively is where they’re most scary. Memphis only allows the opposition’s starters an average of 65 points per game and, once you get past the starters, the Thunder have a mediocre bench that averages only 32.2 points per game.

Why bet the Thunder?

The Thunder handled the Grizzlies fairly easily this season, winning three of four by an average of 10-plus points per game and outrebounding Memphis in each contest. While much is being made of Memphis’ ability to control the pace of the game, OKC is no slouch in offensive efficiency, averaging 108 .1 points per 100 possessions. What’s more Russell Westbrook only played in two games against Memphis this season.

No. 6 Golden State Warriors vs. No. 3 Los Angeles Clippers

Season series: Tied 2-2 SU (Clippers went 3-1 ATS), 2-2 O/U
Series Prices: Warriors +320/Clippers -380

Why bet the Warriors?

Never count a team out that has Stephen Curry in its lineup. What’s more, never count a team that has Stephen Curry and the home-court crowd at Oracle. The Warriors were an improved defensive unit this season, allowing teams less than 100 points per game and had the fourth-best point differential. They managed to keep the Clippers under their 107.9 points per contest average in both games in Oakland.

Why bet the Clippers?

The Clippers may have two of the league’s top five players and the league’s best coach. They’re healthy and deep, able to throw different looks at their opponents depending on the situation. There may be concerns over last year’s disappointing exit but it’s not Vinny Del Negro on the sidelines. It looks like Andrew Bogut will be sidelined and Jermaine O’Neal and David Lee can’t protect the rim alone versus “Lob City”.

No. 5 Portland Trail Blazers vs No. 4 Houston Rockets

Season series: Rockets won 3-1 SU (Tied 2-2 ATS), 4-0 O/U
Series Prices: Trail Blazers +175/Rockets -200

Why bet the Rockets?

This will be a series marked by the 3-pointer but it won’t be won by it. Whoever defends and scores at key moments will come out on top, and with Dwight Howard defending the basket on one end and James Harden getting to the hoop on the other, the advantage has to go to the Rockets. Houston won the three of the four meetings during the season, never scoring less than 116 points and held Portland to more than a basket less than its season average during the fourth quarters of these wins.

Why bet the Trail Blazers?

If Portland can knock down its open looks, it has a decent chance of advancing. What’s good news for Blazers bettors is the fact the team has been doing that in recent games. Portland won five in a row to end the season, shooting nearly 46 percent overall and an impressive 43 percent from downtown in their last three games in that stretch.

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**Udog** · 04-19-2014, 07:50 AM

NBA

Saturday, April 19

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Saturday's NBA playoffs betting news and notes
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Brooklyn Nets at Toronto Raptors (-2.5, 194)

The Nets' starters boast a combined 399 career playoff games, while there are three playoff rookies - guard DeMar DeRozan, forward Terrence Ross and center Jonas Valanciunas - among the Raptors' first five. The teams split four meetings this season, with each squad going 1-1 on its home floor and three of the four games decided by four points or fewer.

After a slow start and a notable trade that sent swingman Rudy Gay to Sacramento, Toronto went 42-22 over the final four-plus months of the season to record a franchise record in victories and storm to the Atlantic Division crown - its first since 2006-07. DeRozan and point guard Kyle Lowry were the catalysts all season for Toronto, combining to average 40.6 points and 11.4 assists and stepping up their games against Brooklyn; DeRozan averaged 22.3 points and Lowry 22 points versus the Nets.

TRENDS:

* Under is 4-1 in the last five meetings in Toronto.
* Home team is 7-2-1 ATS in the last 10 meetings.
* Nets are 0-5 ATS in their last five games overall.

Golden State Warriors at Los Angeles Clippers (-7, 211)

The Golden State Warriors went into the playoffs as the No. 6 seed last season and knocked off the third-seeded Denver Nuggets. They will be attempting to turn the same trick again this spring, though the competition will be different when the Warriors visit the third-seeded Los Angeles Clippers. Golden State and Los Angeles did not get along very well during the regular season, and Warriors guard Klay Thompson continued the war of words this week by talking about Clippers All-Star forward Blake Griffin. “He’s kind of like a bull in a china shop, kind of out of control sometimes,” Thompson told 95.7 The Game radio in San Francisco. “And then you do just see him flop sometimes, like how can a guy that big and strong flop that much?”

The Clippers are primed for a deep playoff run and brought in coach Doc Rivers in part for his experience in the postseason. Rivers is the biggest change from last spring, when Los Angeles dropped a first-round series to the Memphis Grizzlies under Vinny Del Negro, but he is not the only difference. The Clippers led the league in scoring and became a defensive force as the season progressed and DeAndre Jordan grew more comfortable with his role as an enforcer and rim protector. Clippers G Chris Paul averaged 28 points, 12.7 assists and 3.7 steals in three games against Golden State this season.

TRENDS:

* Home team is 6-1 ATS in the last seven meetings.
* Warriors are 11-1 ATS in their last 12 Conference Quarterfinals games.
* Under is 9-3-1 in Clippers last 13 home games.

Atlanta Hawks at Indiana Pacers (-7.5, 186)

Atlanta was 10 games under .500 on April 3 before closing with six wins in the last eight games, including a 107-88 drubbing of the Pacers in Indiana on April 6. The Hawks bowed out in six games in the first round to the Pacers last season, dropping the final two games after evening the series with a pair of home victories. Atlanta doesn’t have Al Horford this time around but does have All-Star Paul Millsap. Atlanta can spread the floor with its frontcourt rotation of Millsap, Pero Antic, DeMarre Carroll and Mike Scott, and all five in the starting lineup are capable of stepping out and hitting 3-pointers.

The Pacers went 10-13 over the last six weeks of the season, briefly dropping out of the top spot in the East before winning three of four to close things out and top the Heat by two games. Indiana’s slump came after trading away veteran Danny Granger and signing mercurial center Andrew Bynum, and downturns in production from Roy Hibbert and Paul George didn’t help. Hibbert averaged 17 points and 9.9 rebounds in the playoffs last spring and the Pacers are counting on him to carry a heavy load again. Hibbert averaged five points on 28.1 percent shooting and 3.8 rebounds in the four games against the Hawks.

TRENDS:

* Over is 13-3-1 in the last 17 meetings in Indiana.
* Favorite is 25-9-1 ATS in the last 35 meetings.
* Pacers are 5-2 ATS in their last seven Conference Quarterfinals games.

Memphis Grizzlies at Oklahoma City Thunder (-7, 192.5)

The Memphis Grizzlies eliminated an Oklahoma City team missing Russell Westbrook from last season’s playoffs and take aim at stunning the Thunder again when the first-round series opens in Oklahoma City on Saturday. The trio of Gasol, power forward Zach Randolph and point guard Mike Conley are used to waging battle with the Thunder, having surprisingly taken Oklahoma City to seven games in the 2011 conference semifinals before last season’s impressive series victory.

The Thunder posted the NBA’s second-best record despite Westbrook missing 36 games due to his balky knee and are expecting the first-round series to be quite a tussle. “It’s going to be a tough but fun series,” Kevin Durant told reporters. “We have a lot of history with these guys. We’re looking forward to getting the opportunity to play for a championship.” Durant is the favorite to win NBA MVP honors after leading the league in scoring with a 32-point average, the highest since Kobe Bryant averaged 35.4 points for the Lakers in 2005-06.

TRENDS:

* Grizzlies are 6-2-1 ATS in the last nine meetings.
* Under is 5-1 in Thunder's last six Conference Quarterfinals games.
* Grizzlies are 5-0 ATS in their last five Conference Quarterfinals games.

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**Udog** · 04-19-2014, 07:51 AM

NHL
Dunkel

Minnesota at Colorado
The Wild look to even up the series after dropping Game 1 on Thursday night and come into today's contest with a 5-0 record in their last 5 games when playing on 1 days rest. Minnesota is the pick (+125) according to Dunkel, which has the Wild favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (+125). Here are all of today's playoff picks.

SATURDAY, APRIL 19

Game 71-72: Chicago at St. Louis (3:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Chicago 12.764; St. Louis 11.802
Dunkel Line & Total: Chicago by 1; 4
Vegas Line & Total: Chicago (-115); 5
Dunkel Pick: Chicago (-115); Under

Game 73-74: Columbus at Pittsburgh (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Columbus 12.361; Pittsburgh 11.942
Dunkel Line & Total: Columbus by 1/2; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Pittsburgh (-200); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Columbus (+170); Over

Game 75-76: Minnesota at Colorado (9:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota 12.337; Colorado 11.425
Dunkel Line & Total: Minnesota by 1; 4
Vegas Line & Total: Colorado (-145); 5
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (+125); Under

NHL
Long Sheet

Saturday, April 19

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CHICAGO (46-21-0-16, 108 pts.) at ST LOUIS (53-23-0-7, 113 pts.) - 4/19/2014, 3:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO is 9-7 (+1.0 Units) against the spread versus ST LOUIS over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO is 9-7-0 straight up against ST LOUIS over the last 3 seasons
8 of 16 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=-0.5 Units, Under=-0.9 Units)

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COLUMBUS (43-33-0-7, 93 pts.) at PITTSBURGH (52-24-0-7, 111 pts.) - 4/19/2014, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
COLUMBUS is 24-66 ATS (+120.4 Units) in road games when playing with 2 days rest since 1996.
PITTSBURGH is 169-125 ATS (+23.4 Units) when playing with 2 days rest since 1996.
COLUMBUS is 43-40 ATS (+2.9 Units) in all games this season.
COLUMBUS is 26-17 ATS (+7.4 Units) second half of the season this season.
COLUMBUS is 14-8 ATS (+5.9 Units) after allowing 4 goals or more this season.
PITTSBURGH is 15-18 ATS (+15.0 Units) after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
PITTSBURGH is 7-0 (+7.0 Units) against the spread versus COLUMBUS over the last 3 seasons
PITTSBURGH is 7-0-0 straight up against COLUMBUS over the last 3 seasons
4 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+1.2 Units)

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MINNESOTA (43-27-0-13, 99 pts.) at COLORADO (53-22-0-8, 114 pts.) - 4/19/2014, 9:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
COLORADO is 9-7 (+1.1 Units) against the spread versus MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
COLORADO is 9-7-0 straight up against MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
9 of 14 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+3.3 Units)

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Sunday, April 20

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PHILADELPHIA (42-31-0-10, 94 pts.) at NY RANGERS (46-31-0-6, 98 pts.) - 4/20/2014, 12:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY RANGERS is 12-3 (+8.8 Units) against the spread versus PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
NY RANGERS is 12-3-0 straight up against PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
7 of 14 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+0.4 Units)

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DETROIT (39-28-0-15, 93 pts.) at BOSTON (54-19-0-9, 117 pts.) - 4/20/2014, 3:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 4-1 (+4.0 Units) against the spread versus BOSTON over the last 3 seasons
DETROIT is 4-1-0 straight up against BOSTON over the last 3 seasons
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+0.9 Units)

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TAMPA BAY (46-27-0-10, 102 pts.) at MONTREAL (47-28-0-8, 102 pts.) - 4/20/2014, 7:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
MONTREAL is 6-5-0 straight up against TAMPA BAY over the last 3 seasons
6 of 11 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+0.6 Units)

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LOS ANGELES (46-29-0-8, 100 pts.) at SAN JOSE (52-22-0-9, 113 pts.) - 4/20/2014, 10:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN JOSE is 11-10-0 straight up against LOS ANGELES over the last 3 seasons
10 of 18 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+2.4 Units)

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NHL
Armadillo's Write-Up

Saturday, April 19

Columbus has still never won a playoff game, losing 4-3 at Pittsburgh in Game 1, after 4-0 sweep by Detroit in '09, its only other playoff trip; Blue Jackets won four of last six games overall, with seven of their last ten staying under total. Columbus lost last seven games with Pittsburgh- they allowed two goals in 0:45 span of second period. Penguins are 4-4 in last eight games but are 30-12 at home this season- four of last five games went to OT or SO.

Quick turnaround after Blues scored 0:26 into third OT to snap 6-game losing skid- they had 52-42 edge in shots, but needed goal with 1:45 left to send game to OT. Chicago lost five of last seven games with Blues; seven of last 11 series games stayed under total. Chicago lost eight of last nine road games; nine of their last 13 road games stayed under, as did six of last nine St Louis games. St Louis won one playoff series in last eight years; winning Game 1 in triple OT is good start to winning another one.

Colorado was down 4-2 in third period, tied game with 0:14 left, then won game 7:27 into OT to break Minnesota's heart. Avalanche was 0-4 on power play, lost faceoffs 42-35, but still won for fifth time in six games with Minnesota this year. Colorado is 29-13 at home this season. Minnesota won four of its last six games overall, with last four going over total. Eight of last eleven Colorado games stayed under total. Wild is 20-22 on the road this year. Over is 6-2-2 in playoff games so far this week.

NHL

Saturday, April 19

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Trend Report
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3:00 PM
CHICAGO vs. ST. LOUIS
Chicago is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against St. Louis
Chicago is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing St. Louis
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of St. Louis's last 6 games at home
St. Louis is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing Chicago

7:00 PM
COLUMBUS vs. PITTSBURGH
Columbus is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Pittsburgh
The total has gone OVER in 13 of Columbus's last 18 games when playing Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 13 of Pittsburgh's last 18 games when playing Columbus

9:30 PM
MINNESOTA vs. COLORADO
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Minnesota's last 12 games when playing Colorado
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Minnesota's last 5 games
Colorado is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Minnesota
Colorado is 9-3 SU in its last 12 games

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NHL

Saturday, April 19

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Saturday's NHL playoffs betting news and notes
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Chicago Blackhawks at St. Louis Blues (-103, 5)

In the minds of many, the St. Louis Blues went from the penthouse to the outhouse in record time as they concluded the regular season mired in a six-game losing streak. After winning a triple-overtime marathon in the first-round series opener, the Blues look to elevate their standing once again when they host Game 2 against the reigning Stanley Cup champion Chicago Blackhawks on Saturday afternoon. Alex Steen scored 26 seconds into the third extra session as St. Louis skated to a 4-3 triumph on Thursday in the longest game in franchise history.

Patrick Kane and captain Jonathan Toews made triumphant returns for Chicago, as the former scored on a breakaway late in the first period after being set up by latter. The reigning Conn Smythe Trophy winner, Kane overcame a left knee injury to play in his first game since March 19, while Toews competed in his initial contest since being leveled by Pittsburgh's Brooks Orpik. Chicago D Duncan Keith logged 40:59 of ice time on Thursday, the second-longest total of his career. He set a career high of 48:40 against Boston in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup final last season.

TRENDS:

* Blackhawks are 2-5 in the last seven meetings.
* Under is 5-1 in Blues last six home games.
* Blackhawks are 1-8 in their last nine road games.

Columbus Blue Jackets at Pittsburgh Penguins (-185, 5.5)

Although putting a scare into their opposition, the Columbus Blue Jackets still haven't proven they can defeat the Pittsburgh Penguins this season. "I have to be better. Four goals is a lot, but it's already past me," said reigning Vezina Trophy winner Sergei Bobrovsky, who owns an 0-3 career mark in postseason play with a gaudy 4.04 goals-against average. The Blue Jackets have lost all five of their postseason games in franchise history.

Kris Letang struggled mightily in Game 1 as the defenseman's turnover led to Derek MacKenzie's short-handed goal while a retaliatory slash gave Columbus a power play. Coach Dan Bylsma was not pleased and limited Letang's ice time accordingly (3:55 in the third period). "I think he got a message," Bylsma said. "Whether it was a voice or not playing or a nice talk, he got a message. And that's something he’s got to be better at and that’s something we've got to be better at as a group."

TRENDS:

* Blue Jackets are 0-7 in the last seven meetings.
* Penguins are 4-1 in their last five Conference Quarterfinals games.
* Over is 18-7-2 in Penguins last 27 Conference Quarterfinals games.

Minnesota Wild at Colorado Avalanche (-139, 5)

Zach Parise recorded his 12th career multi-point playoff performance with a pair of assists on Thursday. The veteran has collected 46 points in 67 career postseason games. Haula practiced with Matt Cooke and Nino Niederreiter on the third line Friday while Brodziak was moved to the fourth line with Stephane Veilleux and Cody McCormick.

Paul Stastny made history in the series opener, becoming the first player in NHL playoff history to score the tying goal in the last 15 seconds of regulation and the winner in overtime. Colorado entered the third period in a 4-2 hole but began to climb out when Jamie McGinn scored at 7:13. Stastny took over from there, knotting the contest with 13.4 seconds remaining before completing the comeback 7:27 into the extra session.

TRENDS:

* Wild are 1-5 in the last six meetings.
* Wild are 1-8 in their last nine Conference Quarterfinals games.
* Under is 8-3 in Avalanche last 11 overall.

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**Udog** · 04-19-2014, 07:54 AM

MLB
Dunkel

San Francisco at San Diego
The Giants (10-7) look to bounce back from last night's 4-2 loss to the Padres and take advantage of San Diego's 2-9 record in Eric Stults' last 11 starts against a team with a winning record. San Francisco is the pick (-140) according to Dunkel, which has the Giants favored by 1 1/2. Dunkel Pick: San Francisco (-140). Here are all of today's picks.

SATURDAY, APRIL 19

Game 951-952: St. Louis at Washington (1:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: St. Louis (Lynn) 16.139; Washington (Zimmermann) 15.268
Dunkel Line: St. Louis by 1; 6
Vegas Line: Washington (-115); 7
Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (-105); Under

Game 953-954: Cincinnati at Chicago Cubs (2:20 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cincinnati (Cingrani) 16.038; Cubs (Jackson) 13.885
Dunkel Line: Cincinnati by 2; 9
Vegas Line: Cincinnati (-150); No Total
Dunkel Pick: Cincinnati (-150); N/A

Game 955-956: Milwaukee at Pittsburgh (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Milwaukee (Garza) 14.829; Pittsburgh (Rodriguez) 16.061
Dunkel Line: Pittsburgh by 1; 8
Vegas Line: Milwaukee (-125); 7
Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (+105); Over

Game 957-958: Atlanta at NY Mets (7:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta (Santana) 16.877; NY Mets (Colon) 15.239
Dunkel Line: Atlanta by 1 1/2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line: Atlanta (-135); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (-135); Under

Game 959-960: Philadelphia at Colorado (8:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia (Kendrick) 15.269; Colorado (Lyles) 14.702
Dunkel Line: Philadelphia by 1/2; 11
Vegas Line: Colorado (-150); 10
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (+130); Over

Game 961-962: Arizona at LA Dodgers (8:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Arizona (Bolsinger) 13.818; LA Dodgers (Haren) 15.485
Dunkel Line: LA Dodgers by 1 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: LA Dodgers (-200); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: LA Dodgers (-200); Under

Game 963-964: San Francisco at San Diego (8:40 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Francisco (Hudson) 16.575; San Diego (Stults) 15.108
Dunkel Line: San Francisco by 1 1/2; 5 1/2
Vegas Line: San Francisco (-140); 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Francisco (-140); Under

Game 965-966: Toronto at Cleveland (1:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Toronto (Buehrle) 15.029; Cleveland (Kluber) 14.476
Dunkel Line: Toronto by 1/2; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Cleveland (-115); 8
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (-105); Over

Game 967-968: LA Angels at Detroit (1:08 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: LA Angels (Wilson) 14.961; Detroit (Scherzer) 16.559
Dunkel Line: Detroit by 1 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: Detroit (-150); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (-150); Under

Game 969-970: Baltimore at Boston (1:35 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Baltimore (Norris) 15.664; Boston (Doubront) 14.681
Dunkel Line: Baltimore by 1; 10
Vegas Line: Boston (-135); 9
Dunkel Pick: Baltimore (+115); Over

Game 971-972: Minnesota at Kansas City (2:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota (Correia) 16.220; Kansas City (Chen) 15.332
Dunkel Line: Minnesota by 1; 9
Vegas Line: Kansas City (-150); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (+135); Over

Game 973-974: Houston at Oakland (4:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Houston (Oberholtzer) 12.751; Oakland (Kazmir) 17.166
Dunkel Line: Oakland by 4 1/2; 6
Vegas Line: Oakland (-225); 7
Dunkel Pick: Oakland (-225); Under

Game 975-976: NY Yankees at Tampa Bay (7:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: NY Yankees (Nova) 14.603; Tampa Bay (Archer) 15.955
Dunkel Line: Tampa Bay by 1 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: Tampa Bay (-140); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Tampa Bay (-140); Under

Game 977-978: Chicago White Sox at Texas (8:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: White Sox (Quintana) 15.696; Texas (Lewis) 14.536
Dunkel Line: Chicago White Sox by 1; 11
Vegas Line: Texas (-120); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Chicago White Sox (+100); Over

Game 979-980: Seattle at Miami (7:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Seattle (Elias) 15.764; Miami (Alvarez) 14.286
Dunkel Line: Seattle by 1 1/2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line: Seattle (-125); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Seattle (-125); Under

**Udog** · 04-19-2014, 08:26 AM

MLB
Armadillo's Write-Up

Saturday, April 19

Hot pitchers
-- Cingrani is 1-1, 2.54 in three starts this month.
-- Lynn is 3-0, 4.00 in three starts this season.
-- Santana is 1-0, 0.64 in his first two starts for Atlanta.
-- Lyles is 2-0, 4.41 in three starts this season.
-- Haren is 2-0, 2.55 in his first three '14 starts.
-- Hudson is 2-0, 3.52 in his first three starts for the Giants.

-- Wilson is 1-0, 1.80 in his last couple starts. Scherzer has a 2.70 RA in three starts this year.
-- Buehrle is 3-0, 0.86 in his first three '14 starts.
-- Kazmir is 2-0, 1.40 in three starts for the A's.
-- Nova is 2-0, 2.77 in his first two starts this month. Archer is 1-1, 3.15 in his three starts this year.
-- Quintana is 1-0, 2.07 in his last two starts.

-- Elias is 1-1, 2.16 in his first three MLB starts.

Cold pitchers
-- Jackson is 0-1, 6.75 in his first three starts.
-- Zimmerman has a 5.27 RA in his first three starts.
-- Rodriguez is 0-2, 7.31 in three starts this season. Garza is 0-1, 5.54 in his last two starts.
-- Colon is 1-2, 6.00 in his first three starts for the Mets.
-- Kendrick is 0-1, 7.36 in his last two starts.
-- Bolsinger is making first MLB start; he allowed two runs in three IP in his MLB debut. He was 2-0, 1.42 in his two AAA starts.
-- Stults is 0-2, 6.75 in three starts this month.

-- Kluber is 1-1, 5.29 in three starts this season.
-- Norris is 0-1, 3.75 in two starts this season. Doubront is 1-2, 6.75 in three starts this month.
-- BChen is 0-1, 5.91 in two starts this season. Correia is 0-1, 5.79 in three starts this season.
-- Oberholtzer is 0-3, 3.50 in three starts this season.
-- Lewis allowed four runs in 5.1 IP, losing in his first start in two years after being hurt.

-- Alvarez is 0-2, 7.36 in three starts this year.

Pitchers allowing runs in first inning:
Cin-Cubs: Cingrani 0-3; Jackson 1-3
Stl-Wsh: Lynn 2-3; Zimmerman 1-3
Mil-Pitt: Garza 1-3; Rodriguez 3-3
Atl-NY: Santana 0-2; Colon 1-3
Phil-Col: Kendrick 1-3; Lyles 1-3
SF-SD: Hudson 0-3; Stults 1-3
Az-LA: Bolsinger 0-0; Haren 0-3

LA-Det: Wilson 1-3; Scherzer 1-3
Tor-Clev: Buehrle 1-3; Kluber 1-3
NY-TB: Nova 1-2; Archer 1-3
Blt-Bos: Norris 0-2; Doubront 0-3
Chi-Tex: Quintana 0-3; Lewis 0-1
Min-KC: Correia 0-3; Chen 1-2
Hst-A's: Oberholtzer 1-3; Kazmir 0-3

Sea-Mia: Elias 0-3; Alvarez 2-3

Totals
-- Seven of last ten Cub games went over the total.
-- Five of last six St Louis road games stayed under.
-- Six of last seven Milwaukee road games went over.
-- Eight of ten Atlanta road games stayed under.
-- Five of seven games at Coors Field went over total.
-- Five of last six San Diego games stayed under.
-- Six of last eight Arizona road games went over total.

-- 12 of 15 Angel games went over the total.
-- Last three Cleveland home games stayed under.
-- Four of last five Bronx road games stayed under.
-- 12 of 17 Boston games stayed under the total.
-- 11 of 17 White Sox games went over the total.
-- 12 of 16 Minnesota games went over the total. Five of Royals' last six home games stayed under.
-- Last three Oakland games went over the total.

-- Eight of Miami's last nine games went over total.

Hot teams
-- Cincinnati won four of its last five games.
-- Washington won five of its last six home games. Cardinals won five of last seven games overall.
-- Brewers won seven of their eight road games.
-- Braves won six of their last seven games.
-- Colorado won five of its seven home games.
-- San Diego won six of its last nine games. Giants won four of last six on road.

-- Angels won five of their seven road games.
-- Bronx won six of its last eight games.
-- Orioles won four of their last five games.
-- Rangers won five of their last six games.
-- Kansas City won its last four games. Twins won five of their last seven.
-- Oakland won four of its last five games.

Cold teams
-- Cubs lost 11 of their first 15 games.
-- Pirates lost six of their last eight games.
-- Mets lost five of their seven home games.
-- Phillies lost three of their last four games.
-- Arizona lost six of its last seven games. Dodgers lost four of six at home.

-- Detroit lost three of its last four home games.
-- Indians lost six of their last eight games.
-- Tampa Bay lost four of its last five games.
-- Red Sox lost five of seven home games.
-- White Sox lost five of their seven road games.
-- Astros lost 12 of their last 15 games.

-- Marlins lost nine of their last eleven games. Seattle lost six of last seven.

Umpires
-- StL-Wsh-- Under is 5-1-1 in last seven Hamari games.
-- Cin-Chi-- All three Hudson games this season stayed under.
-- Mil-Pitt-- Underdogs won six of last eight Reynolds games.
-- Atl-NY-- Three of four Cooper games went over total.
-- Phil-Col-- Visiting team won last five TWelke games.
-- Az-LA-- Underdogs won four of last seven Nelson games.
-- SF-SD-- Underdogs won rookie ump Morales' first two games.

-- Tor-Cle-- Last threre Scott games stayed under the total.
-- LA-Det-- Underdogs won nine of last eleven Cuzzi games.
-- Blt-Bos-- Underdogs won five of last eight Carlson games.
-- Min-KC-- Underdogs won 11 of last 15 BWelke games.
-- Hst-A's-- Three of four Winters games stayed under total.
-- NY-TB-- Three of four Foster games went over the total.
-- Chi-Tex-- Last three Davidson games stayed under total.

-- Sea-Mia-- Five of last seven Basner games went over total.

**Udog** · 04-19-2014, 08:29 AM

MLB

Saturday, April 19

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Trend Report
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1:05 PM
ST. LOUIS vs. WASHINGTON
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of St. Louis's last 5 games when playing on the road against Washington
St. Louis is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Washington
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Washington's last 10 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Washington's last 8 games when playing St. Louis

1:05 PM
TORONTO vs. CLEVELAND
Toronto is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games when playing on the road against Cleveland
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Toronto's last 8 games when playing Cleveland
Cleveland is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Cleveland's last 5 games when playing at home against Toronto

1:08 PM
LA ANGELS vs. DETROIT
LA Angels are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games when playing Detroit
LA Angels are 5-2 SU in their last 7 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Detroit's last 7 games when playing LA Angels
Detroit is 0-5 SU in their last 5 games when playing LA Angels

1:35 PM
BALTIMORE vs. BOSTON
Baltimore is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Boston
Baltimore is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Boston is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Boston's last 12 games when playing Baltimore

2:10 PM
MINNESOTA vs. KANSAS CITY
Minnesota is 4-10 SU in its last 14 games when playing Kansas City
Minnesota is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Kansas City
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Kansas City's last 5 games
Kansas City is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games at home

2:20 PM
CINCINNATI vs. CHI CUBS
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Cincinnati's last 6 games when playing on the road against Chi Cubs
Cincinnati is 19-5 SU in their last 24 games when playing Chi Cubs
Chi Cubs are 0-5 SU in their last 5 games
Chi Cubs are 4-11 SU in their last 15 games at home

4:05 PM
HOUSTON vs. OAKLAND
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Houston's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 16 of Houston's last 24 games when playing Oakland
Oakland is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
Oakland is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Houston

7:05 PM
MILWAUKEE vs. PITTSBURGH
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Milwaukee's last 8 games
Milwaukee is 11-3 SU in its last 14 games
Pittsburgh is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games when playing at home against Milwaukee
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Pittsburgh's last 5 games when playing at home against Milwaukee

7:10 PM
NY YANKEES vs. TAMPA BAY
NY Yankees are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games when playing Tampa Bay
NY Yankees are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games
Tampa Bay is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
Tampa Bay is 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing NY Yankees

7:10 PM
SEATTLE vs. MIAMI
Seattle is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Seattle's last 7 games
Miami is 2-9 SU in its last 11 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Miami's last 5 games at home

7:10 PM
ATLANTA vs. NY METS
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Atlanta's last 9 games when playing on the road against NY Mets
Atlanta is 9-4 SU in its last 13 games when playing on the road against NY Mets
NY Mets are 3-9 SU in its last 12 games at home
NY Mets are 4-2 SU in its last 6 games

8:05 PM
CHI WHITE SOX vs. TEXAS
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Chi White Sox's last 16 games when playing Texas
Chi White Sox are 9-4 SU in their last 13 games when playing Texas
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Texas's last 10 games at home
Texas is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games

8:10 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. COLORADO
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Philadelphia's last 11 games
Philadelphia is 18-7 SU in its last 25 games when playing Colorado
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Colorado's last 10 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 14 of Colorado's last 20 games when playing at home against Philadelphia

8:10 PM
ARIZONA vs. LA DODGERS
Arizona is 0-4-1 SU in its last 5 games ,
Arizona is 0-4-1 SU in their last 5 games ,when playing LA Dodgers
LA Dodgers are 2-3-1 SU in their last 6 games ,at home
LA Dodgers6-0-1 SU in their last 7 games when playing Arizona

8:40 PM
SAN FRANCISCO vs. SAN DIEGO
The total has gone OVER in 4 of San Francisco's last 5 games on the road
San Francisco is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of San Diego's last 5 games when playing San Francisco
The total has gone OVER in 18 of San Diego's last 25 games when playing at home against San Francisco

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**Udog** · 04-19-2014, 08:34 AM

MLB

Saturday, April 19

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Saturday's MLB American League betting cheat sheet
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Toronto Blue Jays at Cleveland Indians (-113, 8)

Hot pitching stat: Blue Jays left-hander Mark Buehrle has allowed just two runs through his first 21 innings this season.

Hot batting stat: Indians third baseman Lonnie Chisenhall is 3-for-8 with two home runs lifetime against Buehrle.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the high-40s with clear skies and wind blowing in from right-center field at 9 mph.

Key betting note: Under is 23-5-1 in Buehrle's previous 29 starts.

Los Angeles Angels at Detroit Tigers (-153, 7.5)

Hot pitching stat: Tigers right-hander Max Scherzer has recorded seven or more strikeouts in each of his first three starts.

Hot batting stat: Detroit outfielder Torii Hunger is 11-for-33 with two homers and 10 walks versus Angels starter C.J. Wilson.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the low-50s under partly cloudy skies with wind blowing in from left field at 8 mph.

Key betting note: Los Angeles is 7-1 in Wilson's previous eight road starts.

Baltimore Orioles at Boston Red Sox (-137, 9)

Hot pitching stat: Boston is 5-1 in starter Felix Doubront's last six turns on five days rest.

Cold batting stat: Orioles outfielder Adam Jones and catcher Matt Wieters are a combined 4-for-37 with 18 strikeouts against Doubront.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the high-50s with clear skies and wind blowing from left to right field at 14 mph.

Key betting note: Under is 5-1 in Doubront's last six starts versus Baltimore.

Minnesota Twins at Kansas City Royals (-145, 8.5)

Cold pitching stat: Royals left-hander Bruce Chen was tagged for six runs on seven hits over 3 2/3 innings in his previous outing.

Hot batting stat: Twins outfielder Jason Kubel is 7-for-16 with a homer in his career versus Chen.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the low-70s with partly cloudy skies and wind blowing to left field at 14 mph.

Key betting note: Minnesota is 1-11 in starter Kevin Correia's last 12 outings following a quality start in his previous appearance.

Houston Astros at Oakland Athletics (-205, 7)

Hot pitching stat: Athletics left-hander Scott Kazmir has limited opponents to a .159 batting average through three starts.

Hot batting stat: Astros second baseman Jose Altuve is 3-for-6 in his career against Kazmir.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the mid-60s under sunny skies with wind blowing out to right field at 8 mph.

Key betting note: Houston has lost each of starter Aaron Oberholtzer's last seven outings.

New York Yankees at Tampa Bay Rays (-130, 7.5)

Hot pitching stat: Rays right-hander Chris Archer went 3-0 with a 1.23 ERA in three starts against New York last season.

Cold batting stat: Tampa Bay infielder Yunel Escobar has just two hits in 21 at-bats versus Yankees starter Ivan Nova.

Weather: N/A

Key betting note: New York is 7-1 in Nova's previous eight Saturday starts.

Chicago White Sox at Texas Rangers (-108, 9.5)

Hot pitching stat: White Sox left-hander Jose Quintana has allowed two or fewer runs in all three of his starts in 2014.

Cold batting stat: Rangers first baseman Prince Fielder is 2-for-11 lifetime versus Quintana.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the mid-70s with partly cloudy skies and wind blowing in from right field at 6 mph.

Key betting note: Under is 10-3 in Quintana's last 13 starts.

** Odds, stats, weather forecast and probable pitchers as of10:04 p.m. ET Friday.

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**Udog** · 04-19-2014, 08:36 AM

MLB

Saturday, April 19

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Saturday's MLB National League betting cheat sheet
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St. Louis Cardinals at Washington Nationals (-114, 7)

Hot pitching stat: Cardinals right-hander Lance Lynn struck out 11 over seven scoreless innings in his last start.

Hot batting stat: St. Louis catcher Yadier Molina is 6-for-14 with three RBIs against Nationals starter Jordan Zimmermann.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the low-60s with partly cloudy skies and wind blowing in from right field at 5 mph.

Key betting note: Washington is 21-6 in Zimmermann's last 27 home starts.

Cincinnati Reds at Chicago Cubs (131, OFF)

Hot pitching stat: Reds left-hander Tony Cingrani has limited opponents to a .193 batting average in his career.

Cold batting stat: Members of the Chicago roster are batting a combined .175 in 40 at-bats versus Cingrani.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the low-50s with sunny skies and wind blowing from right to left field at 11 mph.

Key betting note: The Cubs are 0-6 in Edwin Jackson's last six starts on five days rest.

Milwaukee Brewers at Pittsburgh Pirates (102, 7)

Cold pitching stat: Pirates left-hander Wandy Rodriguez has surrendered 13 runs over 16 innings in 2014.

Hot batting stat: Milwaukee outfielder Ryan Braun is hitting .383 with four home runs and 11 RBIs in 47 at-bats versus Rodriguez.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the mid-50s under clear skies with wind blowing from left to right field at 5 mph.

Key betting note: Over is 4-1 in Rodriguez's last five starts against Milwaukee.

Atlanta Braves at New York Mets (115, 7.5)

Hot pitching stat: Braves right-hander Ervin Santana has allowed one run while striking out 17 over his first two starts.

Cold batting stat: Members of the New York roster are batting .211 in 90 at-bats against Santana.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the mid-50s with sunny skies and wind blowing in from center field at 6 mph.

Key betting note: Atlanta has won the second game of a series 19 of the past 26 times.

Arizona Diamondbacks at Los Angeles Dodgers (-190, 7.5)

Hot pitching stat: Dodgers right-hander Dan Haren defeated his former team last Sunday, scattering three runs over 5 2/3 innings.

Hot batting stat: Arizona second baseman Aaron Hill is batting .320 with a homer in 25 at-bats versus Haren.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the low-70s under clear skies with wind blowing out to right-center field at 5 mph.

Key betting note: Over is 5-0-1 in Arizona's last six in the second game of a series.

Philadelphia Phillies at Colorado Rockies (-151, 10)

Cold pitching stat: Phillies right-hander Kyle Kendrick surrendered 11 runs on 18 hits in 9 1/3 innings against Colorado in 2013.

Hot batting stat: Rockies shortstop Troy Tulowitzki has five hits in 13 lifetime at-bats against Kendrick.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the high-50s with a 23 percent chance of thunderstorms and wind blowing in from right field at 6 mph.

Key betting note: Under is 9-1 in Kendrick's last 10 road starts versus teams with losing records.

San Francisco Giants at San Diego Padres (117, 6.5)

Cold pitching stat: Giants right-hander Tim Hudson was 4-7 with a 4.86 ERA in 12 road starts in 2013.

Hot batting stat: San Francisco third baseman Pablo Sandoval is 12-for-22 in his career against Padres left-hander Eric Stults.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the high-60s under partly cloudy skies with wind blowing from left to right field at 6 mph.

Key betting note: San Diego is 14-5 in Stults' last 19 home starts.

Interleague

Seattle Mariners at Miami Marlins (+107, 7.5)

Cold pitching stat: Marlins right-hander Henderson Alvarez is allowing opposing hitters to bat .385 against him through three starts.

Hot batting stat: Mariners second baseman Robinson Cano is 6-for-11 with two homers and five RBIs against Alvarez.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the mid-70s with sunny skies and wind blowing from left to right field at 12 mph.

Key betting note: Miami has won its last seven home games against a left-handed starter.

** Odds, stats, weather forecast and probable pitchers as of 10:00 p.m. ET Friday.

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Saturday's Trends and Indexes - 4/19 (MLB, NBA, NHL, Misc.)

Saturday's Trends and Indexes - 4/19 (MLB, NBA, NHL, Misc.)

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