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**Udog** · 05-08-2014, 09:40 AM

Armadillo: Thursday's six-pack

-- What are NBA players going to do when Mrs Donald Sterling becomes owner of the Clippers? Under California law, it could easily happen.

-- Under State law, Oregon State has to post its basketball coaching job for a week before filling it; Ben Howland and a couple of ex-NBA coaches are interested.

-- Major league teams are 38-10 when scoring 3+ runs in the first inning; Mets are 0-3 when they do it, the other 29 teams are 38-7.

-- Penguins 4, Rangers 2-- Not only is the Rangers' power play pathetic, they gave up a shorthanded goal in this game.

-- Felix Hernandez had no strikeouts, allowed 11 hits in 6.1 IP yesterday, not a typical King Felix outing. Mariners won the game in extra innings.

-- Marlins are 16-5 at home, but now head out on road, where they're 2-10.

*****

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

13) I enjoyed Mark Jackson’s work on ESPN; he made a great team with Jeff Van Gundy. Liked watching his Golden State Warriors play for the last three years, so I feel bad that he got fired after a 51-31 season, capping the Warriors’ best two-year run in 20 years. Lot of politics in NBA coaching; Jackson is 4th NBA coach in last two years to win 51+ games and get fired; none of the other three have been re-hired.

12) Golden State’s excuse is that they needed a different coach to “take them to the next level”; in other words, they don’t think Jackson is a good enough coach to win a championship. It’s the owner’s money, he can do what he wants, but not all change is positive change. Just ask the Denver Nuggets.

11) You wonder if religion had a role in Jackson’s firing; he is a real-life preacher; who knows what happened behind closed doors, but inference is that is was more off the court stuff than on the court that led to his dismissal. Its too bad.

10) Back when Billy Martin managed the A’s in 1980-81, I wondered about the same thing Golden State just did. Martin did a great job in 1980 getting the most out of what had been a moribund A’s team, but he abused the starting pitchers so badly (three different starters threw 14-inning complete games in ’80), the success was obviously not going to last.

Why not get rid of him and bring someone else in before all the pitchers got hurt? Martin was just trying to win enough games to get re-hired by the Bronx Bombers, which is what wound up happening; he was 3,000 miles away when Oakland’s pitching staff fell to pieces.

Martin was only going to bring those A’s so far; you can see, if not agree with, what the Warriors are thinking, but its on them if the team gets worse.

9) Lefty Alex Wood is getting no run support from the Braves; in his last four starts, Atlanta has been outscored 15-1. One run in four starts. Likewise out in San Diego, Padres were shut out in Andrew Cashner's last three starts.

8) Was reading this week that the crop of high school QBs in southern California this coming fall might be the best-ever in that area, which is saying something. Will be lot of stellar freshman QBs heading to college at this time next year.

7) Sign of the times: Guy I’m playing in fantasy baseball this week has a 4-1 record in our league, so he has one of the better teams. He has two shortstops on his team: Derek Jeter, Adeiny Hechevarria- he has Hechevarria in his lineup this week.

6) Former Cal football coach Jeff Tedford is the Buccaneers’ new OC; he was Aaron Rodgers’ college coach at Cal, so he knows QBs, is considered a guru of sorts. Interesting that the Bucs are rumored to be shopping Mike Glennon, which means they’re open to drafting a rookie QB. Wonder which one?

5) Former LSU QB Zach Mettenberger not only tore his ACL last November, he has a broken bone in one of his vertebrae which will need attention at some point, and could lead to his not even being drafted this week.

4) Dallas Cowboys have a pick in each of the first five rounds this week, then have six 7th round picks, which ain’t nothing, considering Tom Brady was a low 6th-round pick. That’s where your scouting department earns its money, with the third-day draft picks.

3) Damn, I’m getting old: this is the 20th anniversary of Marshall Faulk getting drafted. He played long enough ago that he played in a tie game in college, a San Diego State-BYU classic. There are no more tie games in college ball.

2) Hall of Fame manager Dick Williams would’ve turned 85 Wednesday; one of my boyhood heroes for leading the A’s to consecutive World Series titles. He led the Red Sox and Padres to World Series and the Montreal Expos to the ’81 playoffs. Just a tremendous manager.

1) When exactly did Steve Kerr become Red Auerbach? I like the guy, think he’s great on TV, seems a normal person for a celebrity, but now he’s getting mentioned for every NBA opening like he’s a combination of Pat Riley and Chuck Daly. Does Utah really think he would consider going there? Please.

**Udog** · 05-08-2014, 09:44 AM

NBA
Dunkel

Portland at San Antonio
The Blazers look to bounce back from their 116-92 loss in Game 1 as they face a Spurs team that is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games following a SU victory. Portland is the pick (+7) according to Dunkel, which has the Spurs favored by only 2. Dunkel Pick: Portland (+7). Here are all of today's playoff picks.

THURSDAY, MAY 8

Game 713-714: Brooklyn at Miami (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Brooklyn 119.083; Miami 129.229
Dunkel Line & Total: Miami by 10; 197
Vegas Line & Total: Miami by 8; 192
Dunkel Pick: Miami (-8); Over

Game 715-716: Portland at San Antonio (9:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Portland 124.722; San Antonio 126.606
Dunkel Line & Total: San Antonio by 2; 201
Vegas Line & Total: San Antonio by 7; 207 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Portland (+7); Under

NBA
Long Sheet

Thursday, May 8

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BROOKLYN (48 - 42) at MIAMI (59 - 28) - 5/8/2014, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BROOKLYN is 103-75 ATS (+20.5 Units) in a road game where where the total is between 190 and 194.5 points since 1996.
BROOKLYN is 26-17 ATS (+7.3 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent this season.
BROOKLYN is 14-6 ATS (+7.4 Units) after a loss by 10 points or more this season.

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

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PORTLAND (58 - 31) at SAN ANTONIO (67 - 23) - 5/8/2014, 9:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PORTLAND is 14-28 ATS (-16.8 Units) against Southwest division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
PORTLAND is 14-23 ATS (-11.3 Units) after allowing 105 points or more this season.
SAN ANTONIO is 150-118 ATS (+20.2 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 123-96 ATS (+17.4 Units) as a favorite over the last 3 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 432-363 ATS (+32.7 Units) in home games since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 27-12 ATS (+13.8 Units) after 3 or more consecutive overs over the last 3 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 173-132 ATS (+27.8 Units) in home games after a win by 10 points or more since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 49-33 ATS (+12.7 Units) after scoring 105 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 149-111 ATS (+26.9 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season since 1996.
PORTLAND is 27-18 ATS (+7.2 Units) in road games this season.

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

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NBA
Short Sheet

Thursday, May 8

Brooklyn Nets at Miami Heat, 7:05 ET
Brooklyn: 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) off a road loss by 10 points or more
Miami: 12-22 ATS (-12.2 Units) after scoring 100 points or more 2 straight games

Portland Trail Blazers at San Antonio Spurs, 9:35 ET
Portland: 15-5 OVER revenging a loss vs opponent of 10 points or more
SAn Antonio: 51-39 OVER in all games

NBA
Armadillo's Write-Up

Thursday, May 8

Brooklyn might be 4-1 against Heat this season, with three wins by one point, but Heat plays at different level in playoffs- they shot 57% in Game 1, with Big 3 making 22-39 from floor, and Allen scored 19 in 26:00 off bench- they outscored Brooklyn 61-43 in second half; Nets are 3-1-1 vs spread on road in playoffs. Heat is 4-4 vs spread in last eight home games. Five of last eight series games stayed under the total.

Spurs led Game 1 65-39 at half; Portland starters other than Aldridge hit just 13-38 shots. SA won last three games with Portland, after losing eight of previous 11 series games; Blazers are 5-5 in last ten visits here, losing two of three this season. Parker had 33 in Game 1, vs younger opponent in uncharted waters. Blazers are 27-19 against spread on road this season, winning two of three in Houston last series. San Antonio covered last two games, after being 0-8 vs spread before that.

Over is 34-20 in playoffs this season, 4-2 in this round.

NBA

Thursday, May 8

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Trend Report
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7:00 PM
BROOKLYN vs. MIAMI
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Brooklyn's last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Brooklyn's last 6 games when playing on the road against Miami
Miami is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Brooklyn
Miami is 14-4 SU in its last 18 games when playing Brooklyn

9:30 PM
PORTLAND vs. SAN ANTONIO
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Portland's last 10 games when playing San Antonio
Portland is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against San Antonio
San Antonio is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of San Antonio's last 7 games

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NBA

Thursday, May 8

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Game of the Day: Nets at Heat
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Brooklyn Nets at Miami Heat (-8, 192)

The Brooklyn Nets were no match for the Miami Heat in Game 1 and will try to even the Eastern Conference semifinal series when the teams again meet in South Beach on Thursday. The Nets were bullish on their chances against Miami after sweeping the four regular-season meetings but were easily handled by the Heat in the opener. The two-time defending champions dominated the second half and shot 56.8 percent from the field for the contest while posting a 107-86 victory.

Miami was well-rested after having not played since April 28 and chipped the rust off in the first half before kicking its play into a higher gear. “Having eight days off before a game, I feared the rhythm,” forward LeBron James said afterward. “I guess I don’t have to fear that anymore.” James scored 22 points and veteran guard Ray Allen made four 3-pointers en route to 19 points. The Nets also were pushed around in the interior as Miami recorded a 52-28 edge in points in the paint.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, ESPN2

LINE HISTORY: The Heat opened as 8-point faves in Game 2. The total opened at 192.

INJURY REPORT: Miami: Chris Andersen - probable (knee).

ABOUT THE NETS: Brooklyn’s bravado evaporated pretty quickly as Miami operated at will on the offensive end in the opener. “Our defensive game plan wasn’t executed at all,” point guard Deron Williams told reporters. “We made a lot of defensive mistakes. We allowed them to roam free. I know I got beat on a lot of backdoor cuts.” Williams and Joe Johnson were solid on the perimeter with 17 points apiece but the frontcourt was highly inefficient. The veteran club figures to come out with an edge in Game 2 with the possibility of a 0-2 hole looming.

ABOUT THE HEAT: Allen was at least partially motivated by the sight of former Boston teammates Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett even if he declines to admit so publicly. The two players criticized Allen for leaving the Celtics for the Heat two years ago but Allen isn’t fond of looking back on those times. “For me, those other five guys on the other team are blank to me,” Allen told reporters. “Regardless of who they are, you just have a team you want to beat and you have to do what you can to beat them.” The big Game 1 outing comes on the heels of Allen averaging only 3.3 points on 26.3 percent shooting in the four-game first-round sweep of the Charlotte Bobcats.

TRENDS:

* Under is 5-1 in the last six meetings in Miami.
* Nets are 4-1 ATS in the last five meetings.
* Home team is 7-3 ATS in the last 10 meetings.
* Underdog is 4-1 ATS in the last five meetings.

CONSENSUS: Fifty-one percent of the wagers are on the Heat at -8.

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**Udog** · 05-08-2014, 09:48 AM

NHL
Dunkel

Boston at Montreal
The Bruins look to bounce back from their 4-2 loss in Game 3 and come into tonight's contest with a 16-5 record in their last 21 games after scoring 2 goals or less in the previous game. Boston is the pick (-135) according to Dunkel, which has the Bruins favored by 1 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Boston (-135). Here are all of today's playoff picks.

THURSDAY, MAY 8

Game 51-52: Boston at Montreal (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Boston 13.327; Montreal 11.876
Dunkel Line & Total: Boston by 1 1/2; 4
Vegas Line & Total: Boston (-135); 5
Dunkel Pick: Boston (-135); Under

Game 53-54: Anaheim at Los Angeles (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Anaheim 11.164; Los Angeles 12.537
Dunkel Line & Total: Los Angeles by 1 1/2; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Los Angeles (-140); 5
Dunkel Pick: Los Angeles (-140); Over

NHL
Long Sheet

Thursday, May 8

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BOSTON (59-21-0-10, 128 pts.) at MONTREAL (52-29-0-8, 112 pts.) - 5/8/2014, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MONTREAL is 52-37 ATS (+0.9 Units) in all games this season.
MONTREAL is 29-19 ATS (+1.3 Units) second half of the season this season.
MONTREAL is 24-13 ATS (+9.4 Units) vs. division opponents this season.
MONTREAL is 25-16 ATS (+7.1 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
MONTREAL is 15-10 ATS (+25.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
BOSTON is 59-31 ATS (+8.2 Units) in all games this season.
BOSTON is 27-10 ATS (+9.8 Units) after a division game this season.
BOSTON is 23-7 ATS (+12.0 Units) after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game over the last 3 seasons.
BOSTON is 31-18 ATS (+10.8 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
MONTREAL is 6-18 ATS (-18.4 Units) in home games after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MONTREAL is 10-7 (+7.2 Units) against the spread versus BOSTON over the last 3 seasons
MONTREAL is 10-7-0 straight up against BOSTON over the last 3 seasons
8 of 15 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+0.5 Units)

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ANAHEIM (58-23-0-9, 125 pts.) at LOS ANGELES (52-30-0-9, 113 pts.) - 5/8/2014, 10:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ANAHEIM is 58-32 ATS (+12.4 Units) in all games this season.
ANAHEIM is 188-193 ATS (+416.8 Units) in road games second half of the season since 1996.
ANAHEIM is 22-9 ATS (+9.2 Units) vs. division opponents this season.
ANAHEIM is 178-135 ATS (+22.9 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent since 1996.
ANAHEIM is 203-193 ATS (+416.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
LOS ANGELES is 10-7 (+2.1 Units) against the spread versus ANAHEIM over the last 3 seasons
LOS ANGELES is 10-7-0 straight up against ANAHEIM over the last 3 seasons
8 of 15 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+0.7 Units)

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NHL
Short Sheet

Thursday, May 8

Boston Bruins at Montreal Canadiens, 7:35 ET
Boston: 17-4 SU revenging a loss where opponent scored 4 or more goals
Montreal: 2-9 SU in home games off an home win scoring 4 or more goals

Anaheim Ducks at Los Angeles Kings , 10:05 ET
Anaheim: 12-8 SU as an underdog
LA Kings: 83-89 SU in home games after a win by 2 goals or more

NHL
Armadillo's Write-Up

Thursday, May 8

Boston was down two goals in each of first three games; team that scored first won all three games. Montreal won eight of last ten games with Boston; but Bruins won four of last seven visits here. There were only two power plays in Game 3; there were 14 in first two. Habs are 4-8 on power play in series- they are 6-1 in playoffs this spring, winning all three home games. Boston is 28-16 on road this season; they're 0-6 on power play in series. Over is 5-0-2 in Montreal's playoff games. Eight of ten Boston goals have come in third period.

Los Angeles won last its six games since being down 3-0 in San Jose series; Ducks peppered Quick with 37 shots in Game 2, but only goal came on power play, their only power play goal in eight tries this series. Over is 5-2-2 in their last nine games, with Kings allowing only eight goals in last six games. Under is 5-1-2 in last eight series games, but 1-3-1 in Ducks' last five games overall. Kings scored three goals on only 17 shots in Game 2; they were 3-0 in this building this year, after losing previous five visits to Staples.

League-wide, over is 34-15-11 in the playoffs, 5-3-4 in this round.

NHL

Thursday, May 8

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Trend Report
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7:30 PM
BOSTON vs. MONTREAL
Boston is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games on the road
Boston is 2-8 SU in its last 10 games when playing Montreal
Montreal is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games when playing Boston
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Montreal's last 5 games

10:00 PM
ANAHEIM vs. LOS ANGELES
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Anaheim's last 6 games when playing Los Angeles
Anaheim is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Los Angeles
Los Angeles is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games at home
Los Angeles is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Anaheim

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NHL

Thursday, May 8

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Bruins at Canadiens: What bettors need to know
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Boston Bruins at Montreal Canadiens (+120, 5)

After squandering a two-goal lead in their prior contest, the Montreal Canadiens didn't let the same advantage slip away in Game 3 as they gained a 2-1 advantage in their Eastern Conference second-round series with the Boston Bruins. The Canadiens look to remain perfect at home in the playoffs and push the Presidents' Trophy winners to the brink of elimination when they host Game 4 on Thursday. Reigning Norris Trophy winner P.K. Subban continued his splendid postseason by collecting a goal and an assist for his third straight multi-point performance and fifth in six contests in Montreal's 4-2 triumph on Tuesday.

Boston has faced two-goal deficits in each of the three contests of the series. To their credit, the Bruins have battled back in each of the games, but coach Claude Julien knows that's a slippery slope to travel. "It's the way our team plays, we play until the end," Julien said. "If we start relying on how we play in the third period, we'll be making a big mistake."

TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, NBCSN, CBC, RDS

ABOUT THE BRUINS: Jarome Iginla's late goal in Game 3 notwithstanding, Julien has cast a wary eye toward his team's slumping top line. "This is a line that has been hot and cold in the playoffs for us," Julien told the Boston Globe of Iginla, David Krejci and Milan Lucic. "And David, he's shown a little bit of frustration, so he has to battle through that stuff." Collectively, the line has mustered 15 points (seven goals, eight assists) in eight postseason games - but Krejci has failed to tally in the playoffs and been held off the scoresheet in two of the three contests versus the Canadiens.

ABOUT THE CANADIENS: Dale Weise is providing some unexpected scoring punch in the postseason. The fourth-liner recorded his second game-winning goal of the playoffs and has tallied five times in 24 contests since being acquired from Vancouver. Lars Eller matched Weise with a goal and an assist in Game 3 to run his point total to eight in seven playoff games. The production is a welcome surprise for Eller, who finished the season with a disappointing six points in his last 35 contests.

TRENDS:

* Under is 3-1-1 in the last five meetings in Montreal.
* Bruins are 2-8 in the last 10 meetings.
* Canadiens are 4-0 in their last four home games.
* Bruins are 2-6 in their last eight road games.

OVERTIME:

1. Boston C Patrice Bergeron has scored in back-to-back contests and has recorded three goals and six assists during his seven-game point streak.

2. Subban has collected three goals and eight assists during his six-game point streak and leads all NHL defensemen with 11 points in the postseason.

3. The Bruins are 0-for-6 on the power play in the series and haven't scored with the man advantage in their last 35 chances against the Canadiens in the playoffs.

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**Udog** · 05-08-2014, 09:49 AM

MLB
Dunkel

San Francisco at LA Dodgers
The Giants head to LA to open their NL West series tonight against a Dodger team that is 1-7 in Josh Beckett's last 8 starts. San Francisco is the pick (+135) according to Dunkel, which has the Giants favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: San Francisco (+135). Here are all of today's picks.

THURSDAY, MAY 8

Game 901-902: San Francisco at LA Dodgers (10:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Francisco (Vogelsong) 15.949; LA Dodgers (Beckett) 14.877
Dunkel Line: San Francisco by 1; 8
Vegas Line: LA Dodgers (-155); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Francisco (+135); Over

Game 903-904: Miami at San Diego (10:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Miami (Turner) 16.945; San Diego (Kennedy) 15.061
Dunkel Line: Miami by 2; 6
Vegas Line: San Diego (-150); 7
Dunkel Pick:Miami (+130)); Under

Game 905-906: Minnesota at Cleveland (12:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota (Correia) 13.938; Cleveland (Masterson) 15.300
Dunkel Line: Cleveland by 1 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: Cleveland (-175); 8
Dunkel Pick: Cleveland (-175); Under

Game 907-908: Houston at Detroit (1:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Houston (Keuchel) 15.211; Detroit (Smyly) 16.717
Dunkel Line: Detroit by 1 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: Detroit (-220); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (-220); Over

Game 909-910: Baltimore at Tampa Bay (7:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Baltimore (Jimenez) 14.541; Tampa Bay (Price) 15.954
Dunkel Line: Tampa Bay by 1 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: Tampa Bay (-190); 7
Dunkel Pick: Tampa Bay (-190); Over

Game 911-912: Kansas City at Seattle (10:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Kansas City (Duffy) 15.388; Seattle (Iwakuma) 14.566
Dunkel Line: Kansas City by 1; 8
Vegas Line: Seattle (-135); 7
Dunkel Pick: Kansas City (+115); Over

Game 913-914: Philadelphia at Toronto (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia (Burnett) 16.442; Toronto (Dickey) 15.269
Dunkel Line: Philadelphia by 1; 7
Vegas Line: Toronto (-130); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (+110); Under

Game 915-916: Colorado at Texas (8:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Colorado (Morales) 15.259; Texas (Harrison) 14.390
Dunkel Line: Colorado by 1; 8
Vegas Line: Texas (-130); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Colorado (+110); Under

Game 917-918: Chicago Cubs at Chicago White Sox (8:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cubs (Arrieta) 15.717; White Sox (Carroll) 14.914
Dunkel Line: Chicago Cubs by 1; 10
Vegas Line: Chicago White Sox (-130); 9
Dunkel Pick: Chicago Cubs (+110); Over

**Udog** · 05-08-2014, 09:51 AM

MLB
Long Sheet

Thursday, May 8

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SAN FRANCISCO (21 - 13) at LA DODGERS (19 - 16) - 10:10 PM
RYAN VOGELSONG (R) vs. JOSH BECKETT (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN FRANCISCO is 103-70 (+27.0 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 97-87 (+17.3 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 974-811 (+114.4 Units) against the money line in night games since 1997.
SAN FRANCISCO is 516-509 (+47.5 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters since 1997.
SAN FRANCISCO is 352-355 (+36.2 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss since 1997.
SAN FRANCISCO is 91-79 (+17.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
VOGELSONG is 36-24 (+13.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
VOGELSONG is 36-23 (+15.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
VOGELSONG is 20-11 (+12.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
LA DODGERS are 21-26 (-20.4 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
BECKETT is 2-11 (-10.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
BECKETT is 6-15 (-13.0 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
BECKETT is 2-11 (-10.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
BECKETT is 1-9 (-9.5 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
BECKETT is 5-14 (-11.9 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
BECKETT is 1-8 (-8.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN FRANCISCO is 4-2 (+2.4 Units) against LA DODGERS this season
3 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.0 Units)

RYAN VOGELSONG vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
VOGELSONG is 4-2 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 3.34 and a WHIP of 1.362.
His team's record is 8-4 (+5.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-9. (-6.5 units)

JOSH BECKETT vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
BECKETT is 4-6 when starting against SAN FRANCISCO with an ERA of 3.20 and a WHIP of 1.129.
His team's record is 4-7 (-3.9 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 7-3. (+3.6 units)

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MIAMI (19 - 15) at SAN DIEGO (15 - 20) - 10:10 PM
JACOB TURNER (R) vs. IAN KENNEDY (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MIAMI is 37-80 (-29.0 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
MIAMI is 42-42 (+12.0 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MIAMI is 2-1 (+0.8 Units) against SAN DIEGO this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.9 Units)

JACOB TURNER vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
TURNER is 1-0 when starting against SAN DIEGO with an ERA of 1.00 and a WHIP of 0.889.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.2 units)

IAN KENNEDY vs. MIAMI since 1997
KENNEDY is 3-1 when starting against MIAMI with an ERA of 3.52 and a WHIP of 1.239.
His team's record is 3-2 (+0.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-4. (-3.0 units)

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MINNESOTA (15 - 17) at CLEVELAND (15 - 19) - 12:05 PM
KEVIN CORREIA (R) vs. JUSTIN MASTERSON (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CLEVELAND is 107-90 (+17.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 29-14 (+13.8 Units) against the money line in home games in May games over the last 3 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 64-31 (+26.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 24-21 (+17.5 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +150 to +175 over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 41-42 (+14.1 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 72-89 (+21.0 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 25-27 (+14.3 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 41-33 (+16.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
CORREIA is 100-95 (+25.6 Units) against the money line in all games since 1997. (Team's Record)
CORREIA is 48-36 (+19.5 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 since 1997. (Team's Record)
CORREIA is 98-93 (+24.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field since 1997. (Team's Record)
CORREIA is 57-46 (+25.7 Units) against the money line after a loss since 1997. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 3-3 (+1.7 Units) against CLEVELAND this season
3 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.0 Units)

KEVIN CORREIA vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
CORREIA is 1-2 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 3.78 and a WHIP of 1.140.
His team's record is 1-2 (-0.8 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-1. (+0.8 units)

JUSTIN MASTERSON vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
MASTERSON is 3-6 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 4.67 and a WHIP of 1.384.
His team's record is 8-9 (-2.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 9-7. (+0.8 units)

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

HOUSTON (10 - 24) at DETROIT (20 - 9) - 1:05 PM
DALLAS KEUCHEL (L) vs. DREW SMYLY (L)
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 61-135 (-34.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 25-75 (-37.2 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 8-35 (-20.4 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +175 to +200 over the last 3 seasons.
HOUSTON is 94-153 (-47.0 Units) against the money line in road games in May games since 1997.
HOUSTON is 13-42 (-22.1 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 58-128 (-34.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 38-95 (-31.7 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 20-78 (-38.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 3-0 (+3.0 Units) against HOUSTON this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.9 Units)

DALLAS KEUCHEL vs. DETROIT since 1997
KEUCHEL is 0-0 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 6.35 and a WHIP of 1.587.
His team's record is 1-0 (+2.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

DREW SMYLY vs. HOUSTON since 1997
No recent starts.

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BALTIMORE (17 - 14) at TAMPA BAY (15 - 19) - 7:10 PM
UBALDO JIMENEZ (R) vs. DAVID PRICE (L)
Top Trends for this game.
TAMPA BAY is 107-48 (+29.0 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -150 to -175 since 1997.
TAMPA BAY is 528-608 (+22.2 Units) against the money line against division opponents since 1997.
PRICE is 52-25 (+19.2 Units) against the money line against division opponents since 1997. (Team's Record)
BALTIMORE is 199-163 (+43.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 18-14 (+14.8 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +150 to +175 over the last 3 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 98-87 (+32.6 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 3 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 28-13 (+15.2 Units) against the money line when playing on Thursday over the last 3 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 94-80 (+23.8 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 8-2 (+7.6 Units) against the money line in road games in night games this season.
BALTIMORE is 39-26 (+15.3 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
BALTIMORE is 4-0 (+4.4 Units) against TAMPA BAY this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.9 Units)

UBALDO JIMENEZ vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
JIMENEZ is 3-1 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 2.73 and a WHIP of 1.215.
His team's record is 3-1 (+2.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-3. (-2.4 units)

DAVID PRICE vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
PRICE is 7-2 when starting against BALTIMORE with an ERA of 2.70 and a WHIP of 1.200.
His team's record is 10-6 (-1.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 9-7. (+0.5 units)

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KANSAS CITY (16 - 17) at SEATTLE (17 - 16) - 10:10 PM
DANNY DUFFY (L) vs. HISASHI IWAKUMA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
KANSAS CITY is 10-25 (-18.3 Units) against the money line in May games over the last 2 seasons.
IWAKUMA is 30-20 (+14.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
IWAKUMA is 29-19 (+13.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
IWAKUMA is 17-9 (+12.9 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
KANSAS CITY is 46-38 (+13.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 12-20 (-16.1 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -125 to -150 over the last 3 seasons.
SEATTLE is 41-51 (-20.1 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 138-173 (-48.3 Units) against the money line when playing on Thursday since 1997.
SEATTLE is 41-51 (-20.1 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 27-37 (-19.1 Units) against the money line in home games in night games over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 34-46 (-22.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.

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

DANNY DUFFY vs. SEATTLE since 1997
DUFFY is 0-0 when starting against SEATTLE with an ERA of 2.45 and a WHIP of 2.452.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.2 units)

HISASHI IWAKUMA vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
IWAKUMA is 1-0 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 0.00 and a WHIP of 0.625.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.0 units)

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

PHILADELPHIA (15 - 17) at TORONTO (17 - 17) - 7:05 PM
A.J. BURNETT (R) vs. R.A. DICKEY (R)
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 169-187 (-38.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 13-28 (-17.6 Units) against the money line in an inter-league game over the last 3 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 62-80 (-22.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
BURNETT is 83-116 (-39.9 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997. (Team's Record)
BURNETT is 53-82 (-32.4 Units) against the money line in road games in night games since 1997. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
TORONTO is 3-0 (+3.1 Units) against PHILADELPHIA this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.1 Units)

A.J. BURNETT vs. TORONTO since 1997
BURNETT is 3-4 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 5.64 and a WHIP of 1.467.
His team's record is 4-6 (-4.3 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 6-3. (+2.7 units)

R.A. DICKEY vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
DICKEY is 3-4 when starting against PHILADELPHIA with an ERA of 2.90 and a WHIP of 1.220.
His team's record is 5-4 (+2.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-5. (-1.4 units)

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COLORADO (22 - 14) at TEXAS (17 - 17) - 8:05 PM
FRANKLIN MORALES (L) vs. MATT HARRISON (L)
Top Trends for this game.
COLORADO is 88-167 (-60.9 Units) against the money line in road games in May games since 1997.
COLORADO is 12-29 (-19.5 Units) against the money line in an inter-league game over the last 3 seasons.
COLORADO is 19-49 (-23.8 Units) against the money line in road games after a win over the last 3 seasons.
COLORADO is 17-8 (+9.1 Units) against the money line in night games this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
COLORADO is 3-0 (+3.2 Units) against TEXAS this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.9 Units)

FRANKLIN MORALES vs. TEXAS since 1997
No recent starts.

MATT HARRISON vs. COLORADO since 1997
HARRISON is 1-0 when starting against COLORADO with an ERA of 0.00 and a WHIP of 1.400.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.2 units)

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

CHICAGO CUBS (11 - 21) at CHI WHITE SOX (18 - 17) - 8:10 PM
JAKE ARRIETA (R) vs. SCOTT CARROLL (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO CUBS are 77-118 (-24.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 77-118 (-24.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 51-91 (-32.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 12-35 (-17.5 Units) against the money line in road games after 3 or more consecutive losses over the last 3 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 179-134 (+39.7 Units) against the money line in an inter-league game since 1997.
CHI WHITE SOX are 81-116 (-26.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 33-58 (-20.9 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 34-47 (-18.6 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 3 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 79-111 (-24.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 35-48 (-15.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHI WHITE SOX is 3-0 (+3.4 Units) against CHICAGO CUBS this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.0 Units)

JAKE ARRIETA vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
ARRIETA is 1-1 when starting against CHI WHITE SOX with an ERA of 5.17 and a WHIP of 1.595.
His team's record is 2-1 (+1.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-1. (+1.0 units)

SCOTT CARROLL vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
No recent starts.

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**Udog** · 05-08-2014, 09:52 AM

MLB
Armadillo's Write-Up

Thursday, May 8

Hot pitchers
-- Vogelsong is 1-0, 0.69 in his last couple starts.
-- Kennedy is 1-1, 2.50 in his last three starts.

-- Smyly is 1-0, 1.38 in his last two starts.
-- Jimenez is 1-1, 2.70 in his last two starts.

-- Dickey is 1-0, 3.44 in his last three starts. Burnett is 3-0, 0.98 in his last four starts.
-- Morales is 3-0, 4.70 in his last four starts.
-- Carroll is 1-1, 2.70 in two starts this season. Arrieta threw 5.1 shutout innings in his first '14 start.

Cold pitchers
-- Beckett is 0-1, 3.68 in his last couple starts.
-- Turner is 0-0, 9.90 in two starts this season.

-- Correia is 0-1, 6.00 in two road starts this season. Masterson is 1-1, 4.73 in his last five starts.
-- Keuchel is 1-1, 4.42 in his last three starts.
-- Price is 1-2, 6.33 in his last four starts.
-- Iwakuma allowed four runs in 6.2 IP in his first '14 start. Duffy allowed one run in four IP (75 PT) in his first '14 start.

-- Harrison is 0-0, 4.36 in two starts this season.

Pitchers allowing runs in first inning:
-- Vogelsong 1-6; Beckett 1-5
-- Turner 1-2; Kennedy 3-7

-- Correia 0-6; Masterson 2-7
-- Keuchel 1-6; Smyly 1-3
-- Jimenez 2-6; Price 2-7
-- Duffy 0-1; Iwakuma 0-1

-- Burnett 1-7; Dickey 1-7
-- Morales 2-6; Harrison 1-2
-- Arrieta 0-1; Carroll 0-2

Totals
-- Six of last eight Dodger games went over the total; seven of Giants' last eight games stayed under.
-- Under is 15-4-3 in San Diego's last 22 games.

-- Six of last seven Cleveland home games stayed under.
-- Eight of last thirteen Detroit games went over the total.
-- Over is 9-3-1 in last thirteen Baltimore road games.
-- Eight of Royals' last ten games went over total.

-- Five of last seven Philly games went over total.
-- Four of last five White Sox games stayed under total.
-- Over is 10-4 in last fourteen Colorado games.

Hot teams
-- Giants won ten of their last thirteen games.
-- Marlins won eight of last ten games, but are 2-10 on road.

-- Indians won six of their last eight home games.
-- Baltimore won five of its last seven games.
-- Detroit won ten of its last eleven games.
-- Mariners won ten of their last thirteen games; Kansas City won three of last four away games.

-- Blue Jays won last four games, scoring 26 runs.
-- White Sox won their last four games.
-- Red Sox won three of their last four games.
-- Rockies won 11 of their last 14 games.

Cold teams
-- Dodgers lost four of their last six games.
-- Padres lost six of their last eight games.

-- Minnesota lost six of its last nine games.
-- Tampa Bay lost its last four home games.
-- Astros lost seven of their last eight games.
-- Kansas City lost five of its last six.

-- Phillies lost five of their last seven games.
-- Rangers lost eight of their last ten games.
-- Cubs lost eight of their last ten road games.

Umpires
-- Min-Cle-- First four Segal games went over the total.
-- Hst-Det-- Four of six Muchlinski games went over.
-- Blt-TB-- Home side won six of last seven Foster games.

-- Phil-Tor-- Favorites won three of last four Reyburn games.
-- Col-Tex--Last four Ripperger games stayed under total.
-- Chi-Chi-- Six of seven Hudson games stayed under total.

**Udog** · 05-08-2014, 09:52 AM

MLB

Thursday, May 8

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

12:05 PM
MINNESOTA vs. CLEVELAND
The total has gone UNDER in 15 of Minnesota's last 23 games when playing Cleveland
Minnesota is 8-15 SU in its last 23 games on the road
Cleveland is 4-8 SU in its last 12 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Cleveland's last 5 games at home

1:08 PM
HOUSTON vs. DETROIT
Houston is 1-10 SU in its last 11 games when playing Detroit
Houston is 1-9 SU in its last 10 games when playing on the road against Detroit
Detroit is 10-1 SU in its last 11 games when playing Houston
Detroit is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games when playing at home against Houston

7:07 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. TORONTO
Philadelphia is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Toronto
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 6 games on the road
Toronto is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Toronto is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Philadelphia

7:10 PM
BALTIMORE vs. TAMPA BAY
Baltimore is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Tampa Bay
Baltimore is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Baltimore
Tampa Bay is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games at home

8:05 PM
COLORADO vs. TEXAS
Colorado is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Colorado's last 10 games
The total has gone OVER in 11 of Texas's last 16 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Texas's last 5 games at home

8:10 PM
CHI CUBS vs. CHI WHITE SOX
Chi Cubs are 4-2 SU in their last 6 games when playing on the road against Chi White Sox
Chi Cubs are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games
Chi White Sox are 2-4 SU in their last 6 games when playing at home against Chi Cubs
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Chi White Sox's last 5 games

10:10 PM
KANSAS CITY vs. SEATTLE
Kansas City is 4-8 SU in its last 12 games when playing Seattle
Kansas City is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Seattle
Seattle is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Kansas City
Seattle is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games

10:10 PM
SAN FRANCISCO vs. LA DODGERS
San Francisco is 6-2 SU in their last 8 games when playing LA Dodgers
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of San Francisco's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 10 of LA Dodgers's last 14 games
LA Dodgers are 2-4 SU in their last 6 games

10:10 PM
MIAMI vs. SAN DIEGO
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Miami's last 5 games when playing on the road against San Diego
Miami is 3-8 SU in its last 11 games when playing on the road against San Diego
San Diego is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games
San Diego is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games when playing at home against Miami

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

**Udog** · 05-08-2014, 10:08 AM

MLB

Thursday, May 8

White Sox Adam Dunn, questionable Thursday

Dunn has missed the last two with tightness in his calf and is questionable to play Thursday against the Cubs.

Wind, thunderstorms on tap at Rangers Ballpark

Weather forecasts are calling for potential thunderstorms in Arlington for Thursday's game between the Colorado Rockies and Texas Rangers.

According to DailyBaseballData.com, there is up to a 70 percent possibility of thunderstorms prior to the game, which decreases to a 30 percent chance by gametime.

Forecasts are also calling for winds blowing in from right field at 15 mph.

Thursday's scheduled pitchers are Franklin Morales for the Rockies and Matt Harrison for the Rangers.

A's lose two to injuries in doubleheader split

Wednesday was filled with good news and bad for the Oakland A's.

The Athletics split a doubleheader with the Seattle Mariners, losing the opener 6-4 in 10 innings but winning the second game 2-0. They lost center fielder Coco Crisp to a strained neck and reliever Ryan Cook to a strained forearm in the opener, but they got a spectacular outing in Game 2 from reliever Drew Pomeranz, who threw five shutout innings in his first start for Oakland.

In the opener, the A's scored four runs and had 11 hits against Mariners ace Felix Hernandez, their nemesis, knocking him out of the game with a three-run rally in the seventh to take a 4-3 lead. However, for just the third time in his career, Hernandez didn't strike out a single batter. Yet the A's lost.

Orioles' Wieters gets good news about sore elbow

A visit to Dr. James Andrews always sparks a certain dread in the baseball player and his organization.

Catcher Matt Wieters and the Baltimore Orioles felt a lot better Wednesday, however. The orthopedic surgeon based in Pensacola, Fla., diagnosed an irregularity in an MRI of his right elbow taken on Monday as an aggravation of an old injury of the flexor mass -- perhaps from Wieters' time as a pitcher at Georgia Tech. Andrews suggested rest.

Wieters, who is second in the American League in batting at .341, did not start on Wednesday. The 27-year-old Gold Glover and All-Star has thrown out just one of 12 attempted basestealers this season after erasing 35 percent last season. He had allowed five steals against Minnesota in the previous series and had been complaining of soreness in mid-April.

**Udog** · 05-08-2014, 10:12 AM

NHL

Thursday, May 8

Penguins' Orpik leaves Game 4 vs. Rangers

Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Brooks Orpik did not play after the first period against the New York Rangers in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Second Round series at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday.

Pittsburgh won 4-2 and leads the best-of-7 series 3-1 with Game 5 on Friday at Consol Energy Center (7 p.m. ET; CBC, RDS, NBCSN).

Orpik's absence reduced Pittsburgh to five defensemen. Paul Martin played 30:05, and Kris Letang played 27:56.

**Udog** · 05-08-2014, 10:15 AM

NBA

Thursday, May 8

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trail Blazers-Spurs: The Game Inside the Game
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Before undergoing a deep review of San Antonio’s Game #1 destruction of Portland, there can be a quick temptation to say “Not much to see there” and move on. A veteran team with a lot of playoff savvy (Tim Duncan has appeared in more playoff games than the Trail Blazer franchise) threw a heavyweight punch, and the young side showed a glass jaw. But what if it was not just the setting, but rather an X’s vs. O’s continuation? That is where one needs to focus, as a key in building their handicap for Game #2.

There is much that can be written about how easily the Spurs attacked the weak side of the Trail Blazer defense on Tuesday – one Portland writer accurately labeled it as “Pick-and-Roll-Palooza”. Tony Parker scored nearly a point-a-minute, while also dishing out nine assists. But the bigger story might have been on defense.

The Trail Blazers only managed 39 first half points, and finished the night with 13 assists, the second lowest total of the season. But instead of that having to do with playoff inexperience and nerves, we need to go back two months, and the last meeting between the two teams on this court. In that one Portland only managed 40 first half points, falling behind by 16, and the nine assists were the season low.

That makes the last two meetings 121-79 at halftime, and of the 89 Trail Blazer games, the assist counts finished at #88 and #89. Damian Lillard had more turnovers than assists in those games (8-6), while Wesley Matthews and Mo Williams could only manage a combined 50-50 ratio (9-9). And that is despite the San Antonio defense backing off in the second half with those big leads.

For all the reputation of the Spurs being a smooth-flowing team on offense, they were #4 this season in team defensive efficiency, #4 in effective FG%, and #6 for fewest turnovers allowed. Over those last two games they have stifled the Portland offensive flow, and the following from Nicholas Batum, to the Portland Oregonian, speaks volumes –

“The way they guarded me, it was way different than what I faced in the first six games against Houston. I had no freedom. I couldn’t do anything. It wasn’t one guy on me, it was everybody. They play great team defense. Everytime I got a step, a big guy would step up on me. You can ask Mo (Williams) and Dame (Damion Lillard); we had no freedom.’’

That is where the handicapping breakdown for Game #2 begins. After losing the first two games to the Trail Blazers this season, before winning the third behind a make-shift starting lineup of Belinelli-Joseph-Green-Diaw-Splitter, has Gregg Popovich devised a rotation of X’s that the Portland O’s will struggle to solve? Which brings up the key counterpoint - for Terry Stotts it is not just a matter of handling the psyche of his team off of that blowout, but also of creating some playbook wrinkles to counter. That might be asking a lot out of that lone Wednesday practice session, especially when it is the first time in his coaching career he has one day to prepare a team off of a playoff road loss.

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

**Udog** · 05-08-2014, 11:40 AM

MLB
Short Sheet

Thursday, May 8

San Francisco at LA Dodgers, 10:10 ET
Vogelsong: SAN FRANCISCO is 13-3 against the money line in road games revenging a loss vs opponent as a home favorite
Beckett: LA DODGERS are 11-3 OVER in home games after a one run loss

Miami at San Diego, 10:10 ET
Turner: MIAMI is 45-28 UNDERwhen playing against a team with a losing record
Kennedy: SAN DIEGO is 40-18 UNDER when playing against a good team (Win Pct. 54% to 62%)

Minnesota at Cleveland, 12:05 ET
Correia: MINNESOTA is 24-13 against the money line after batting .225 or worse over a 10 game span
Masterson: CLEVELAND is 59-28 against the money line as a favorite of -110 or higher

Houston at Detroit, 1:05 ET
Keuchel: HOUSTON is 46-28 OVER on the road when the total is 8.5 to 10
Smyly: DETROIT is 24-12 OVER in home games against left-handed starters

Baltimore at Tampa Bay. 7:10 ET
Jimenez: BALTIMORE is 108-94 against the money line as an underdog of +100 or higher
Price: TAMPA BAY is 122-114 against the money line revenging 2 straight home losses

Kansas City at Seattle, 10:10 ET
Duffy: SEATTLE is 34-43 against the money line at home when the total is 7 to 8.5
Iwakuma: SEATTLE is 83-63 OVER when the total is 7 to 8.5

Philadelphia at Toronto, 7:05 ET
Burnett: PHILADELPHIA is 25-8 OVER vs. a mediocre bullpen whose WHIP is 1.450 to 1.550
Dickey: BURNETT is 40-69 against the money line on the road when the total is 7 to 8.5

Colorado at Texas, 8:05 ET
Morales: COLORADO is 18-10 against the money line after batting .300 or better over a 15 game span
Harrison: TEXAS is 5-12 against the money line in home games with double revenge - 2 straight losses against opponent

Chicago Cubs at Chicago White Sox, 8:10 ET
Arrieta: CHICAGO CUBS are 16-11 against the money line in road games after batting .225 or worse over a 5 game span
Carroll: CHI WHITE SOX are 29-16 against the money line after scoring 8 runs or more

**Udog** · 05-08-2014, 11:54 AM

NBA

Thursday, May 8

Over trending in Blazers-Spurs meetings

The Over has been a hot bet in recent meetings between the Portland Trail Blazers and San Antonio Spurs, going 7-3 in the last 10.

In Game 1 of the series, the Spurs prevailed 116-92 to surge past the 206.5 closing total.

Game 2 is set to tipoff Thursday and the total is currently 207.5.

Under bets cash in Wednesday's matchups

If you bet the Under in both of Wednesday's NBA playoff games, go ahead and pat yourself on the back.

The Under cashed in on both games as the Washington Wizards and Indiana Pacers combined for 168 points, staying well under the 187 closing total, and the Los Angeles Clippers and Oklahoma City Thunder made things a bit more interesting, combining for 213 points, staying Under the 215 total.

It was the first time that the conference semifinal matchups stayed Under and moved the O/U clip to 4-2 thus far.

Thursday sees the Brooklyn Nets-Miami Heat game with a 192 total and the the Portland Trail Blazers-San Antonio Spurs game with a 207.5 total.

**Udog** · 05-08-2014, 12:01 PM

MLB

Thursday, May 8

Over is hot when Masterson pitches versus Twins

The Cleveland Indians will send Justin Masterson to the mound Thursday and he's been a hot Over bet when pitching versus the Twins.

The Over is 6-2-1 in his last nine starts overall versus the Twins and 4-1 O/U in his last five home starts versus them.

The Twins and Indians play the lone afternoon game Thursday with the total currently 8.

**Udog** · 05-08-2014, 12:23 PM

MLB

Thursday, May 8

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Capping the best 5-inning teams in baseball
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Five-inning MLB odds are the fastfood of baseball betting.

You don’t have time to sit through a full nine innings, the kids are screaming at each other, but you want to get some MLB action down. Five-inning odds are your answer.

You’ve handicapped the starters and shopped around for the best prices, but you’ll be damned if you’re going to let some tater-tossing reliever spoil your wager in the late innings. Five-inning odds go down smoother than a cold beer in the bleachers.

You have to kill time in the sportsbook before the big Game 7 showdown tips off and you’re tired of getting trucked by video poker. Hey, five-inning odds – how’s it hangin’?

Betting on shortened MLB action is not a new process. Books have been offering five-inning offerings for years. However, according to books, five-inning lines only make up about 6.5 percent of a game’s total handle, so it’s not the most trafficked market for baseball bettors.

Here’s a look at best teams through the first five innings of action to start the 2014 MLB season:

Detroit Tigers: 3.07 runs for/1.78 runs against = +1.29

The Tigers are no surprise to see at the top of this list. Detroit is 20-9 heading into Thursday’s action – tops in the American League – and a lot of that has to do with a starting staff boasting a 2.73 collective ERA, which ranks tops in the majors. However, Detroit’s bullpen is putting up a 5.24 ERA – second worst in the bigs. A five-inning wager banks more on the Tigers’ starters and makes it less likely the relievers will piss away your win.

Colorado Rockies: 3.65 runs for/2.47 runs against = +1.18

The Rockies surprised some with their start to the still-young season, chasing down the Giants in the National League West. Colorado is crushing it, averaging 5.97 runs per game – 3.65 of those run coming in the first five innings. The pitching staff hasn’t been as potent with a collective 4.09 ERA but is allowing just 2.47 runs through the first five innings, which is good enough for those playing the five-inning odds.

Oakland Athletics: 3.19 runs for/2.13 runs against = +1.06

Moneyball isn’t just a nine-inning equation. The Athletics’ mathematical formula for success is paying off for five-inning bettors as well. Oakland works quick, scoring 65 percent of its runs through the first five – most notably in the first (0.84 run per first inning) and third (0.91) innings. However, the A’s haven’t played to form in recent games, going 2-5-1 in the first five innings the past eight games as of Wednesday.

Kansas City Royals: 2.32 runs for/2.10 runs against = +0.22

The Royals don’t have the biggest run differential through the first five innings but are presenting better value on five-inning odds than a full nine-inning moneyline wager. Kansas City was just 16-17 heading into Thursday's date with the Mariners and down -333 units on the year. However, in that same span, the Royals were 16-11-6 in the first five innings – winning 59 percent of the time. When you factor in that K.C. was likely an underdog or short favorite in those games – and that its bullpen has a 4.17 ERA and six blown saves – five-inning odds are the way to go in Kansas City.

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Thursday's Trends and Indexes - 5/8 (MLB, NBA, NHL, Misc.)

Thursday's Trends and Indexes - 5/8 (MLB, NBA, NHL, Misc.)

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