Trends for Tuesday

[Spark]

Game of Day
Blue Jays (Halladay) @ Red Sox (Arroyo)-- Red Sox scored 14 runs in winning Arroyo's first two starts this season (1-0, 5.40), but they're not likely to score seven runs vs Halladay (2-0, 3.27 in first three starts, with Jays winning all three). Both Arroyo starts went over the total, but all three of umpire Joyce's games stayed under, with totals of 9,6,8. Red Sox won six of their first seven home contests.


Hot pitchers
-- Dessens allowed two runs in 5.2 IP in his first start in 2005, as Dodgers edged Arizona in late innings.
-- Estes is 1-0, 3.46 in his first two 2005 starts; in last start, vs Rockies Wed, he allowed one run in 7 innings.
-- Hernandez is 1-0, 2.35 in his last two starts.
-- Fogg is 1-0, 2.03 in his first two 2005 starts. Cards are 11-4 in Morris' last fifteen regular season starts.
-- Prior is 2-0, 0.50 in his last four starts.
-- Thomson is 6-1, 2.25 in his last eleven starts. Backe is 0-0, 3.86 in his first two '05 starts.
-- Williams allowed one run in seven IP in his first start of season; he worked in relief at Coors over weekend.

-- Blanton is 0-0, 2.45 in his first two starts; Astacio is 0-1, 2.57 in his couple of starts for Texas.
-- Moyer is 2-0, 3.00 in his first three '05 starts. Gregg allowed three runs in five IP in his first '05 start, as he fills in for injured Escobar; he beat Royals, 8-3.


Cold pitchers
-- Glover is 1-2, 6.30 in his last three big league starts.
-- Colorado is 0-2 in Francis starts (0-1, 7.00).
-- Moehler lasted 4.2 IP in his first '05 start, throwing 69 pitches in game Marlins' bullpen lost later on.
-- Zambrano is 0-1, 4.09 in his first two '05 starts. The visitor won seven of Padilla's last eight starts.
-- Reds are 1-10 in Claussen's last eleven starts.
-- Lawrence is 0-2, 8.38 so far this season.

-- Indians scored 12 runs in winning Elarton's first two starts this season (0-0, 6.30). Bautista is 1-1, 5.56 in his first two starts this season.
-- Ponson is 1-1, 13.50, as he allowed 13 runs in 8.2 IP. Robertson is 0-1, 6.00 in his first two '05 starts.
-- Johnson is 0-0, 6.92 in his last two starts, both vs Baltimore. Nomo beat A's in first start, but his fastball was clocked at 84 mph, maximum.
-- Radke is 1-2, 6.52 so far in '05. Hernandez is 1-1, 5.25 in his first two starts this season.


Totals
-- Under is 6-1 in Miller Park games this season.
-- Over is 4-2 at Coors Field so far this season.
-- Under is 7-2 in last nine Florida games.
-- Under is 8-1-1 in last ten Met games, 3-0 when ump Cousins is behind the plate. .
-- Four of last five Cardinal road games stayed under.
-- Four of last five Reds' games went over the total.
-- Five of last six Atlanta road games stayed under, as have last five Astros' home games.

-- Under is 5-2 in Oakland road contests.
-- Six of last nine Angel games went over the total, as have seven of last ten Seattle games.
-- Both Ponson starts went over the total.
-- Red Sox scored 39 runs in their last five games.
-- Four of last five Bronx home games went over total, as have all three of Johnson's '05 starts.
-- Radke has already started once vs White Sox, and that usually favors the hitters, in a rematch.


Hot teams
-- Dodgers won six games in row and are 10-2; they allowed seven runs total in their last five games.
-- Washington is 3-1 at home, has won 5 of 7 overall.
-- Phillies allowed total of six runs in winning their last three games; closer Wagner is available tonight. .
-- Cardinals allowed six runs in winning last four games
-- Cincinnati is 6-1 at home, as host is 10-2 in their games this season.


-- A's won three in row and four of last five, thanks to bullpen that is light years better than the 2004 edition.
-- Indians allowed total of two runs in winning last two games.
-- Orioles won six of last eight games, scoring seven or more runs in six of those eight games. Tigers allowed a total of five runs in winning last three games.
-- Red Sox won six of seven home games.
-- White Sox are 9-0 in first two games of a series, lost third in all four '05 series. The Twins win six of their last eight games.

Cold teams
-- Brewers scored eight runs in losing last four games; in last nine games, they're 2-7.
-- Arizona lost three of first four road games. Colorado lost ten of its last eleven games.
-- Mets are 1-6 on road this season.
-- Pirates scored just six runs in last three games, and are 4-9 for season, not a goood start.
-- Braves lost four of last six games, and scored total of three runs in last three. Astros lost six of their last seven
-- Padres lost four of last five games. Giants are 5-1 vs Colorado, 1-5 vs everyone else.


-- Texas is 3-5 in its last eight games.
-- Seattle lost three of its last four games.
-- Royals lost six of first seven home contests.
-- Bronx lost eight of its last eleven games. Tampa Bay lost seven of last eight games; they allowed 45 runs in their last five games.
-- Toronto lost three of its last four games.
-- Minnesota scored five runs in losing last two games.

[Spark]

Game of the Day
Wizards @ Nets-- Jersey in control of the last playoff slot, but need to win last two, and could even move up to #7, avoiding Miami. Nets won 13 of last 17 to get even at 40-40; their last four games stayed under total, but only two of last Wizard games did. Washington is 4-0 in last four games, scoring 106.8 ppg.


Elsewhere, Cleveland's sinking ship still tied for last spot in east, but they lose tiebreakers; they've lost three in a row, eight of last 11. Celtics are locked into the #3 spot in east; they won six of their last seven games, with five of last six staying under the total.

Hawks are 1-4 vs spread in games following their last 5 wins; seven of last nine Atlanta games went over the total Pistons are #2 seed in East, getting ready for playoff gig, probably vs Iverson's Sixers- Detroit won its last ten in a row, going 1-2-1 vs spread in last four.

Miami ended four-game losing streak Sunday; they have failed to cover last five games, with five of last six going under total. They start playoffs this weekend. Charlotte is 5-2-1 vs spread in last eight games, 2-2 SU in the last four, with both losses by a basket each.

Redd sat out last night with tendinitis, as Bucks trailed by 20 at half, 70-50, their fifth loss in last six games, with 4 of last five going over total. Toronto lost eight of its last 11 games, with last four staying under. Both sides are playing out the string in this one.

Knicks actually lost at home to Atlanta Sunday after they had won three of previous four games, with all three wins on road. Chicago is prepping for first post-Jordan spot in playoffs; they won 14 of last 17 games, scoring 115.5 ppg in last two games, both wins.

Mavericks just won 95-90 at Seattle six nights ago; they won seven in row and 11 of last 12 games, with six of last nine staying under total. Dallas is 17-4 in its last 21 games. Seattle bounced back from six-game losing skid with wins by 25,15 points over pair of non-playoff fives.

Nuggets got smoked in Phoenix last night, trailing 75-57 at halftime, as Suns shot 57% from floor. Home finale vs Portland team that tanked season long time ago. The last seven Denver games went over total. Nuggets lost last two games, allowing 121.5 ppg, so think they will want a sharper effort in final regular season tuneup.

[Spark]

13) Met 1B Doug Mientkiewicz was an excellent tight end in high school, catching 37 passes for 12 TD's his senior year, where his QB was Alex Rodriguez.

12) First two pitchers for Toronto Monday, in a 12-7 loss at Fenway Monday, were named Bush, League.

11) Heath Schroyer, head coach at Portland State, a 19-9 Big Sky team, left the Vikings to be an assistant at Fresno State, a deathknell for Portland program. Vikings just don't have that much support in city that has an NBA franchise.

10) SF Giant lefty Lowry is the only major leaguer in history of game whose first name is Noah.

9) San Diego might be getting a second bowl game for a Mountain West-based game, the Poinsettia Bowl on December 22, kind of like the old Holiday Bowl was before it went bigtime.

8) In 1996, the Twins had four minor league pitchers who threw 90+ mph. Now, they have 29.......

7) Former Kentucky QB Jared Lorenzen skipped the NFL last year, then showed up at Giants' off season conditioning program this spring at 338 pounds, mere 68 pounds over his appointed weight. Not good.

6) A's SS Crosby and Seattle CF Reed were college roommates at Long Beach State.

5) Reds' hitting coach Chambliss played 17 years in majors, never striking out more than 83 times. Reds, in 2004, struck out 1,335 times, fifth-most ever.

4) Tim Hudson hit 18 homers, with 95 RBI his senior year at Auburn.

3) The last basbeall team to relocate, the '72 Rangers, went 54-100 their first season in Texas; the team with best record after relocating: '53 Milwaukee Braves, who were in Boston-- they went 92-62 in '53.

2) Since the end of last season, a year that ended with Gamecocks skipping a bowl after a brawl in the finale vs Clemson, 11 South Carolina football players have been arrested. Not Spurrier's fault, he just got there. More of a reflection on Lou Holtz, and it will hurt his son Skip's chances of ever becoming a head coach.

1) In the last calendar year, Plaxico Burress has fired two agents, hired a third and scored total of five TD's.

[Spark]

Tuesday, April 19

National League

Los Angeles Dodgers at Milwaukee Brewers, 1:05 p.m.
Partly cloudy. Winds blowing in from right field at 10-20 m.p.h. Game-time temperature: Near 80.
Arizona Diamondbacks at Colorado Rockies, 3:05 p.m.
Partly sunny. Winds blowing from right to left field at 10-20 m.p.h. Game-time temperature: Near 70.
Florida Marlins at Washington Nationals, 7:05 p.m.
Mostly clear. Winds blowing out to left field at 5-10 m.p.h. Game-time temperature: Near 80.
New York Mets at Philadelphia Phillies, 7:05 p.m.
Clear. Winds blowing out to right field at 5-10 m.p.h. Game-time temperature: Around 75.
St. Louis Cardinals at Pittsburgh Pirates, 7:05 p.m.
Clear. Winds blowing from right to left field at 5-10 m.p.h. Game-time temperature: Near 75.
Chicago Cubs at Cincinnati Reds, 7:10 p.m.
Mostly clear. Winds blowing from right to left field at 5-15 m.p.h. Game-time temperature: Around 75.
Atlanta Braves at Houston Astros, 8:05 p.m.
Mostly cloudy. Winds blowing out to left field at 10-20 m.p.h. Game-time temperature: Near 75.
San Francisco Giants at San Diego Padres, 10:05 p.m.
Mostly clear. Winds blowing from left to right field at 5-15 m.p.h. Game-time temperature: Near 60.
American League

Oakland Athletics at Texas Rangers, 2:05 p.m.
Mostly cloudy. Winds blowing from right to left field at 15-25 m.p.h. Game-time temperature: Around 75.
Seattle Mariners at Los Angeles Angels, 4:05 p.m.
Partly cloudy. Winds blowing out to left field at 5-15 m.p.h. Game-time temperature: Around 65.
Detroit Tigers at Baltimore Orioles, 7:05 p.m.
Clear. Winds blowing out to center field at 5-10 m.p.h. Game-time temperature: Near 80.
Toronto Blue Jays at Boston Red Sox, 7:05 p.m.
Clear. Winds blowing out to left field at 10-20 m.p.h. Game-time temperature: Around 65.
Tampa Bay Devil Rays at New York Yankees, 7:05 p.m.
Clear. Winds blowing out to left field at 10-20 m.p.h. Game-time temperature: Near 75.
Minnesota Twins at Chicago White Sox, 8:05 p.m.
Partly cloudy. Winds blowing in from right field at 15-25 m.p.h. Game-time temperature: Around 75.
Cleveland Indians at Kansas City Royals, 2:10 p.m.
Partly cloudy. Winds blowing out to center field at 15-25 m.p.h. Game-time temperature: Near 80.
As of April 19, 2005, at 11:09 AM ET

[Spark]

NBA Previews Tuesday, April 19th

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BOSTON CELTICS (45-35) AT CLEVELAND CAVALIERS (40-40), 7 P.M. -------------------------------------------------------------

(Sports Network) - The Cleveland Cavaliers will try to stay in the race for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference tonight, when they host the Atlantic Division champion Boston Celtics at Gund Arena.

Cleveland has been in a free fall as of late, losing three straight and eight of its last 11 to slip into a tie with New Jersey for eighth in the East. The Cavs, who will lose the tiebreaker with the Nets if they finish deadlocked, will need to win at least one of their final two games while hoping New Jersey falters. A loss tonight and a New Jersey win over Washington would put the Cavs out of playoff contention.

Cleveland's struggles continued on Sunday, as it dropped a 90-87 decision to the Detroit Pistons at the Palace of Auburn Hills. LeBron James paced the Cavaliers with 37 points to go along with 11 rebounds and six assists. However, he was just 12-of-35 from the floor, including 4-of-19 in the second half.

Ira Newble tacked on 19 points, while Zydrunas Ilgauskas added 17 rebounds and 12 points in the contest. Newble shot 7-of-12 from the field and Ilgauskas drained 6-of-15 of his shots.

Cleveland forward Drew Gooden played only 14 minutes due to a bruised hip. Gooden should see more action this evening.

Cleveland shot 37.1 percent from the field, including 6-of-15 (.400) from three-point range. The Cavs hit 15-of-22 (.682) from the free throw line, but were outrebounded 49-45.

The Cavs, who finish their season on the road in Toronto on Wednesday, are 28-12 at home this season. Cleveland has won four of seven and seven of its last 11 home games.

Boston has ripped off four consecutive victories to lock up the Atlantic Division championship. The Celtics sealed the three seed in the East with a 103-98 victory over the Toronto Raptors at Air Canada Centre.

Paul Pierce scored 25 points, grabbed 11 rebounds and dished out five assists to anchor the Celtics to the division title for the first time since 1991-92. Raef LaFrentz contributed 18 points and six rebounds in the victory.

Gary Payton netted 14 points and had seven assists, while Ricky Davis chipped in 13 points for the Celtics. Antoine Walker tacked on 10 points in the winning effort.

The Celtics, who have little to play for this evening, are 18-22 on the road this season. Boston has won five of six and 10 of its last 13 road games.

These teams have split a pair of meetings this season with the road team winning both games. Boston has won 14 of the last 16 meetings. The Celtics have won seven of their last eight at Cleveland.

WASHINGTON WIZARDS (45-35) AT NEW JERSEY NETS (40-40), 7:30 P.M. ----------------------------------------------------------------

(Sports Network) - The playoff hopeful New Jersey Nets will attempt to remain in the driver's seat in the race for the eighth and final postseason slot in the East tonight, when they take on the Washington Wizards at Continental Airlines Arena.

New Jersey and Cleveland currently own identical records (40-40) with two games to play, but the Nets own the tiebreaker due to winning the season series between the clubs. New Jersey could lock up a postseason slot with a win tonight and a Cleveland loss. The Nets still have a shot at the seventh seed if they win out and Philadelphia loses its season finale to Atlanta on Wednesday.

The Nets continued their impressive stretch run on Sunday, registering a 104-83 thumping of Philadelphia at home. Vince Carter scored a game-high 43 points and Jason Kidd collected a triple-double for the Nets, who have won five of six and eight of their last 10 games.

Carter went 17-of-33 from the field and added 11 rebounds, while Kidd recorded 11 points, 16 assists and 10 boards in the win. Kidd leads all active players with 67 career triple-doubles.

Also posting double-doubles for the Nets were Brian Scalabrine with 13 points and 11 rebounds and Nenad Krstic, who netted 18 points to go along with 10 boards.

New Jersey shot 45.8 percent from the field, including 8-of-22 (.364) from three-point range. The Nets hit only 8-of-14 (.571) from the charity stripe and outrebounded the Sixers, 53-45.

The Nets, who are closing out a two-game homestand this evening, are 23-17 in their friendly confines. New Jersey has won four of five and seven of its last 10 home games.

Washington has plenty to play for this evening, as it can still gain homecourt advantage in the first round of the postseason. The Wizards are one game behind fourth seeded Chicago with two contests to play. If Washington loses tonight and Chicago wins, the Wizards will be locked into the fifth seed.

Washington finishes with back-to-back road games, including a tilt against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Chicago hosts New York tonight and closes out its campaign in Indiana on Wednesday.

The Wizards have won four consecutive games this season, including a 106-104 victory over Charlotte on Sunday. Antawn Jamison's basket with one second remaining in the fourth quarter lifted the Wizards to the win. Jamison finished with 26 points and Larry Hughes scored 28 to lead Washington.

Gilbert Arenas added 27 for the Wizards, who shot 46.6 percent from the field. Washington hit 7-of-24 (.292) from three-point range and 17-of-24 (.708) from the free throw line. The Wizards outrebounded the Bobcats, 44-37, in the contest.

Washington forward Michael Ruffin missed the game with left foot injury. Ruffin is listed as questionable for this evening's contest.

The Wizards have not been great on the road this season, posting a 16-23 record. Washington has lost five of its last nine road games.

Washington has swept all three meetings between these teams this season. The Wizards posted a 97-86 victory over the Nets at Continental Airlines Arena on November 20. Washington has lost 10 of its last 12 at New Jersey overall.

DETROIT PISTONS (53-27) AT ATLANTA HAWKS (13-67), 7:30 P.M. -----------------------------------------------------------

(Sports Network) - The Central Division champion Detroit Pistons go for their season-high 11th consecutive win this evening, when they take on the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena.

Detroit has won 16 of its last 20 games overall to lock up its division and the second seed in the Eastern Conference. The Pistons continued their red hot play on Sunday, tallying a 90-87 defeat over the Cleveland Cavaliers at the Palace of Auburn Hills.

Richard Hamilton scored 19 points and Chauncey Billups added 17 in the contest. Hamilton, who also handed out six assists, left the game for several minutes after suffering a cut above his left eye late in the third quarter.

Meanwhile, Detroit starting forward Rasheed Wallace was forced to leave the game after straining his left hamstring in the first quarter. Wallace and Hamilton are listed as questionable for tonight's contest. Horace Jenkins could be activated tonight to fill out the Pistons' roster.

Tayshaun Prince netted 15 points and Ben Wallace contributed 11 points and 15 rebounds for the Pistons. Antonio McDyess finished with 11 points and 12 boards in the win.

Detroit shot 46.8 percent from the field, including 4-of-6 (.667) from three- point range. The Pistons drained 12-of-23 (.522) from the free throw line in the contest. Detroit outrebounded the Cavs, 49-45, in the victory.

The Pistons, who have won four straight on the road, are 21-18 in foreign buildings this season. Detroit has actually lost six of its last 11 road games.

Atlanta has nailed down the worst record (13-67) in the league, but did manage a 139-135 overtime victory over the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on Sunday. Tyronn Lue tied a career-high with 32 points, including six in overtime, to lead the Hawks to the win.

Josh Childress added 22 points and 11 boards while Josh Smith had a career- high 21 points and 10 rebounds for the Hawks, who halted a three-game losing streak and won for only the third time in their last 33 contests.

Boris Diaw netted a season-high 20 points and grabbed nine rebounds in the win. Tom Gugliotta added 14 points and Jason Collier chipped in 12 points in the contest.

The Hawks, who will mercifully finish their campaign in Philadelphia on Wednesday, are only 9-31 at home. Atlanta has lost 13 of 14 and 14 of its last 16 home games.

Detroit has won two of three meetings with the Hawks this season, including a 114-108 overtime win at Philips Arena on March 14. The Pistons have won 17 of 21 and 20 of the last 25 meetings overall. Detroit has won four straight and five of its last six at Atlanta.

CHARLOTTE BOBCATS (17-63) AT MIAMI HEAT (57-23), 7:30 P.M. ----------------------------------------------------------

(Sports Network) - The Miami Heat could be without All-Star center Shaquille O'Neal this evening, when they host the expansion Charlotte Bobcats at AmericanAirlines Arena.

O'Neal suffered a thigh injury and sat out the second half of Miami's 84-80 win over Indiana at home on Sunday. Shaq could end up missing the final two games of the season.

Eddie Jones scored a team-high 17 points to help the Heat snap a four-game losing streak on Sunday. Jones also grabbed 10 rebounds for Miami. Shaq had 11 points, three rebounds and a blocked shot in 17 minutes of action before exiting.

Damon Jones netted 16 points and hit a crucial three-pointer late, while Udonis Haslem contributed 12 points and 10 boards for the Heat, who beat the Pacers for the first time in 13 meetings.

Miami shot 44.1 percent from the field, including 9-of-19 (.474) from three- point range. The Heat hit 15-of-23 (.652) from the charity stripe and outrebounded the Pacers, 44-38, in the contest.

The Heat, who have locked up the top seed in the East, could play Cleveland, New Jersey or Philadelphia in the first round of the playoffs starting this weekend.

Charlotte has lost two straight on the heels of a two-game win streak, including a 106-104 loss to Washington at the MCI Center on Sunday. The Bobcats have lost 21 of their last 26 games.

Charlotte's Rookie of the Year candidate Emeka Okafor, who left Saturday's loss to New York with a right thigh bruise, did not play. Okafor has been the lone bright spot for Charlotte this season, averaging 15.2 points and 10.8 rebounds. Okafor is questionable for tonight's game.

Charlotte's starting center Primoz Brezec (sprained ankle) sat out the contest, while forward Gerald Wallace (sore left shoulder) left the game early. Brezec and guard Kareem Rush (sprained knee) will be out tonight, while Wallace is questionable.

Matt Carroll scored a career-high 22 points for the Bobcats, who are 4-36 on the road. Charlotte has lost five of six and 17 of its last 19 road games.

Keith Bogans tacked on 19 points, while Brevin Knight registered 13 assists and 11 points. Jason Kapono and Jason Hart tallied 16 points apiece, while Malik Allen tacked on 12 points.

Charlotte shot 50.6 percent from the field, including 2-of-5 (.400) from three-point range. The Bobcats drained 18-of-19 (.947) from the free throw line.

Miami has won two of three meetings between these clubs, but the Bobcats registered a 94-92 victory at Charlotte Coliseum on March 26. The Heat recorded a 113-90 win over the Bobcats at AmericanAirlines Arena.

TORONTO RAPTORS (32-48) AT MILWAUKEE BUCKS (30-51), 8 P.M. -----------------------------------------------------------

(Sports Network) - Two teams that are headed for the lottery square off tonight, as the Milwaukee Bucks welcome the Toronto Raptors to the Bradley Center.

This is the fourth and final meeting of the season between the clubs. The Bucks defeated the Raptors on January 7th and February 9th at Air Canada Centre, while Toronto beat Milwaukee, 106-102, on February 25th at the Bradley Center.

Toronto has won two in a row and four of its last five at Milwaukee.

The Raptors have lost two straight and will be playing their final game of the 2004-05 campaign on the road. They are a dismal 10-30 as the visitor this season. Toronto was 15-26 on the road in 2003-04.

On Sunday, Paul Pierce scored 25 points, grabbed 11 rebounds and dished out five assists as the Boston Celtics clinched the Atlantic Division title and defeated Toronto, 103-98, at Air Canada Centre.

Jalen Rose led all scorers with 31 points in the loss to Boston for Toronto, while Chris Bosh poured in 26 points and pulled down seven rebounds for the Raptors, who have lost four of their last five games overall. Morris Peterson added 18 points in the losing effort.

Toronto will host the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday in their season finale. The Raptors are 22-18 at home this season.

The Bucks play the final game of their regular season tonight. On Monday, All- Star Allen Iverson continued to torch Milwaukee, scoring a game-high 39 points en route to a personal milestone as Philadelphia clinched a playoff berth with a 122-106 victory over the Bucks at the Wachovia Center. Milwaukee played without shooting guard and leading-scorer Michael Redd due to left Achilles tendinitis,

Desmond Mason finished with 22 points in Monday's loss for Milwaukee, while center Dan Gadzuric scored 21 points and grabbed a career-high 20 rebounds for the Bucks, who have one win in their last six games.

Milwaukee is 23-17 at the Bradley Center this season. The Bucks were 27-14 at home in the 2003-04 campaign.

NEW YORK KNICKS (32-48) AT CHICAGO BULLS (46-34), 8:30 P.M. -------------------------------------------------------------

(Sports Network) - The Chicago Bulls continue to tune up for their first appearance in the postseason since 1998, as they welcome the New York Knicks tonight to the United Center.

The Bulls are the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference and have a one-game lead over No. 5 Washington, which visits the New Jersey Nets tonight. A Chicago victory and a Wizards loss would give the Bulls the fourth spot and home-court advantage in the first round.

This is the fourth and final meeting of the 2004-05 campaign between the clubs. Chicago won the three previous contests by a total margin of 12 points. If the Bulls win tonight they would sweep the regular-season series from the Knicks for the first time since the 1997-98 season.

New York has lost two straight and seven of its last eight at Chicago.

Chicago has won two straight games. On Saturday, rookie Chris Duhon knocked down a team-record eight three-pointers and scored a career-high 24 points, as the Bulls rallied from a 19-point second-half deficit to post a 114-105 win over the lowly Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena.

Andres Nocioni added 19 points in the win over Atlanta for the Bulls, while guard Kirk Hinrich contributed 17 points and nine assists for Chicago, which has won five of seven and 14 of its last 17 games overall.

The Bulls, who have won seven of their last eight at the United Center and will play their final game of the regular season in front of their home crowd, are 26-14 as the host this season. They were just 14-27 at home in the 2003-04 season.

Chicago will closeout its regular season on Wednesday against the Indiana Pacers at Conseco Fieldhouse.

The disappointing Knicks play their last game on the road for the 2004-05 campaign. They are a dismal 11-29 as the visitor this season. New York was 16-25 on the road in 2003-04.

New York will try and get back on the winning track. On Sunday, Tyronn Lue tied a career-high with 32 points, including six in overtime, to lead Atlanta to a 139-135 win over the Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Stephon Marbury netted 31 points and handed out nine assists for the Knicks, who had their two-game winning streak halted.

Guard Jamal Crawford finished with 31 points in the loss to Atlanta for the Knicks, while forward Tim Thomas contributed 26 in the setback. New York has dropped 11 of its last 13 games overall.

The Knicks return home on Wednesday to face the Wizards at Madison Square Garden in their season finale.

SEATTLE SUPERSONICS (52-28) AT DALLAS MAVERICKS (56-24), 8:30 P.M. -------------------------------------------------------------------

(Sports Network) - Two teams that are headed towards the playoffs meet tonight, as the red-hot Dallas Mavericks welcome the Seattle SuperSonics to American Airlines Center.

The Northwest Division champion Sonics will be the third seed in the Western Conference playoffs, while Dallas is locked in at No. 4.

This is the fourth and final meeting of the season between the clubs. The Sonics defeated Dallas, 107-102, on December 9th at American Airlines Center, while Seattle beat the Mavericks on February 13th and April 13th at KeyArena.

Seattle has lost six of eight and seven of its last 10 at Dallas.

Dallas has won a season-high seven straight games and will play its final regular-season game at home. On Sunday, Dirk Nowitzki scored 24 points and the Mavericks held off a late Los Angeles Lakers comeback attempt to earn their seventh consecutive victory, a 114-112 decision at the Staples Center.

Michael Finley added 20 points in the win over the Lakers for Dallas, while Jason Terry finished with 17 points and 10 assists for the Mavericks. Jerry Stackhouse contributed 15 points off the bench and finished 11-of-14 from the free throw line.

The Mavericks are 28-12 at home this season. They will visit the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday at FedExForum in their season finale. Dallas was 36-5 as the host in the 2003-04 campaign.

Seattle comes into tonight's game on a two-game winning streak and will play the middle of a season-ending three-game road trip. On Sunday, Ray Allen scored 34 points and pulled down 10 rebounds as the SuperSonics eliminated Minnesota from playoff contention with a 109-94 victory over the Timberwolves at the Target Center.

Rashard Lewis scored 28 points in Sunday's win for Seattle, while Luke Ridnour contributed 10 points and 11 assists for the Northwest Division champions.

The Sonics, who will closeout their regular season on Wednesday against the Houston Rockets at the Toyota Center, are a solid 26-13 as the visitor this season. Seattle, which finished the campaign with a 26-15 record at KeyArena, is 5-5 in its last 10 road games.

PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS (26-54) AT DENVER NUGGETS (48-33), 9 P.M. -------------------------------------------------------------------

(Sports Network) - The playoff-bound Denver Nuggets play their final game of the 2004-05 regular season, as they welcome the disappointing Portland Trail Blazers to the Pepsi Center.

The Nuggets will be the seventh seed in the Western Conference playoffs and will face the second-seeded San Antonio Spurs in the first round, while Portland is going to miss the postseason for the second straight season after a string of 21 straight playoff appearances was snapped last spring.

This is the fourth and final meeting of the season between the clubs. The teams split a pair of games at the Rose Garden, while the Nuggets defeated Portland, 111-98, on March 7th at the Pepsi Center.

Portland has dropped three straight and nine of its last 10 at Denver.

Denver, which lost in five games to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the 2004 playoffs, comes into tonight's game on a two-game losing streak. On Monday, Amare Stoudemire and Joe Johnson finished with 26 points apiece and the Phoenix Suns pounded the Nuggets, 128-114, at America West Arena. Carmelo Anthony scored a season-high 36 points for Denver in the loss.

Forward Kenyon Martin finished with 22 points and 11 rebounds in Monday's loss for Denver, while guard Andre Miller contributed in 17 points and 11 assists for the Nuggets,

Under the leadership of head coach George Karl, the Nuggets have compiled an impressive 31-8 record. Karl became the team's general on January 27th when he replaced interim head coach Michael Cooper.

Denver has lost two straight games for the first time under Karl.

The Nuggets are an impressive 30-10 as the host this season. The Nuggets have won 11 in a row at the Pepsi Center and are 18-1 in front of their home crowd under the guidance of Karl. Denver's last loss at home was on March 13th to the Suns. Last season, the Nuggets were 29-12 at home.

Portland will try to win its second straight game. On Sunday, Ruben Patterson scored 23 points and Shareef Abdur-Rahim had 20 to lead the Trail Blazers over the Utah Jazz, 100-82, at the Rose Garden.

Damon Stoudamire, who sparked a 20-2 run in the second quarter that put Portland well ahead, added 18 points, 12 assists and nine rebounds in the victory over Utah for the Blazers, who halted a three-game losing streak.

The Blazers, who will closeout their season on Wednesday at home against the Los Angeles Lakers, are a dismal 9-31 as the visitor this season. They were 16-25 on the road during the 2003-04 campaign.

[Spark]

Tuesday, April 19th

National League:

Los Angeles Dodgers at Milwaukee Brewers, 1:05 EST
Elmer Dessens (R) vs. Gary Glover (R)

Dessens - 22-9 Over when the total is 8.5 to 10 over the last 3 seasons
Glover - Milwaukee 5-16 after 7 or more consecutive home games over the last 2 seasons

Arizona Diamondbacks at Colorado Rockies, 3:05 EST
Shawn Estes (L) vs. Jeff Francis (L)

Estes - 15-40 TSR on the road when the money line is +125 to -125 since 1997
Francis - Colorado 42-24 at home after having lost 4 or 5 of their last 6 games over the last 3 seasons

Florida Marlins at Washington Nationals, 7:05 EST
Brian Moehler (R) vs. Livan Hernandez (R)

Moehler - 0-3 TSR vs. Washington with a 7.42 ERA
Hernandez - 10-6 TSR vs. Florida with a 2.43 ERA

New York Mets at Philadelphia Phillies, 7:05 EST
Victor Zambrano (R) vs. Vicente Padilla (R)

Zambrano - Mets 42-82 after 3 consecutive game versus a division rival over the last 3 seasons
Padilla - 8-1 TSR vs. Mets with a 2.18 ERA

St. Louis Cardinals at Pittsburgh Pirates, 7:05 EST
Matt Morris (R) vs. Josh Fogg (R)

Morris - St. Louis 90-55 against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons
Fogg - 1-7 TSR vs. St. Louis with a 9.50 ERA

Chicago Cubs at Cincinnati Reds, 7:10 EST
Mark Prior (R) vs. Brandon Claussen (L)

Prior - Cubs 87-131 on the road when the total is 9 to 9.5 since 1997
Claussen - Cincinnati 12-4 at home in April over the last 2 seasons

Atlanta Braves at Houston Astros, 8:05 EST
John Thomson (R) vs. Brandon Backe (R)

Thomson - Atlanta 19-5 on the road with a money line of -100 to -125 over the last 2 seasons
Backe - Houston 1-7 revenging a one run loss to opponent over the last 2 seasons

San Francisco Giants at San Diego Padres, 10:05 EST
Jerome Williams (R) vs. Brian Lawrence (R)

Williams - San Fran 42-17 Over after having lost 2 of their last 3 games over the last 2 seasons
Lawrence - 3-8 TSR vs. San Fran since 1997


American League:

Oakland Athletics at Texas Rangers, 2:05 EST
Joe Blanton (R) vs. Pedro Astacio (R)

Blanton - Oakland 40-66 in road games after batting .240 or worse over a 10 game span since 1997
Astacio - Texas 40-16 against the money line as a favorite of -125 to -175 over the last 3 seasons

Seattle Mariners at Anaheim Angels, 4:05 EST
Jamie Moyer (L) vs. Kevin Gregg (R)

Moyer - 23-4 Over as a road underdog of +100 to +125 since 1997
Gregg - Anaheim 16-22 as a home favorite of -125 to -175 over the last 2 seasons

Detroit Tigers at Baltimore Orioles, 7:05 EST
Nate Robertson (L) vs. Sidney Ponson (R)

Robertson - Detroit 6-18 as a road underdog of +100 to +125 over the last 2 seasons
Ponson - Baltimore 19-9 after 6 consecutive games versus division rivals over the last 2 seasons

Toronto Blue Jays at Boston Red Sox, 7:05 EST
Roy Halladay (R) vs. Bronson Arroyo (R)

Halladay - 6-12 TSR vs. Boston with a 4.13 ERA
Arroyo - Boston 92-36 against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons

Tampa Bay Devil Rays at New York Yankees, 7:05 EST
Mark Hendrickson (R) vs. Randy Johnson (L)

Hendrickson - 1-4 TSR against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons
Johnson - n/a

Minnesota Twins at Chicago White Sox, 8:05 EST
Brad Radke (R) vs. Orlando Hernandez (R)

Radke - 22-9 Under on grass over the last 3 seasons
Hernandez - 43-19 Under against division opponents since 1997

**Cleveland Indians at Kansas City Royals, 2:10 EST
Scott Elarton (R) vs. Denny Bautista (R)

Elarton - 4-0 TSR vs. Kansas City
Bautista - Kansas City 18-50 in day games over the last 2 seasons

[Spark]

Tuesday, April 19th

Boston (200) at Cleveland (-5), 7:05 ET
Boston - 4-11 ATS Away after trailing at half time in a road win
Cleveland - 18-6 ATS after 2 straight with 15 or more offensive rebounds

Washington (194.5) at New Jersey (-5.5), 7:35 ET
Washington - 17-11-2 ATS going into same season S/U and ATS revenge
New Jersey - 1-5 ATS Home with same season double revenge

Detroit (-6.5) at Atlanta (192.5), 7:35 ET
Detroit - 10-3 ATS Away after allowing 90 or less in 2 straight
Atlanta - 5-7 ATS after trailing at end of 3rd qtr. in a win

Charlotte at Miami, 7:35 ET
Charlotte -
Miami - 0-5 ATS when next is tomorrow at Orlando

Toronto (207) at Milwaukee (-3.5), 8:05 ET
Toronto - 10-31-2 ATS after scoring 25+ from the FT line
Milwaukee - 12-6 ATS with revenge for a loss when favored

New York (196.5) at Chicago (-9), 8:35 ET
New York - 11-9 ATS Away with same season revenge
Chicago - 5-9 ATS Home with away tomorrow

Seattle (200) at Dallas (-7), 8:35 ET
Seattle - 6-0 ATS after winning at Minnesota
Dallas - 11-18 ATS after getting less than 10 off. rebounds in a win

Portland (207.5) at Denver (-10), 9:05 ET
Portland - 2-15-1 ATS vs. Denver
Denver - 27-8-1 ATS going into same season revenge