5-3-13

[Can'tPickAWinner]

::clap::

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Friday's NBA playoff action: What bettors need to know

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BUZZER BEATERS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BUZZER BEATERS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BUZZER BEATERS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BUZZER BEATERS

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

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

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

[Can'tPickAWinner]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

TRENDS

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

OVERTIME

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

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

3. Since posting a 4-1 win over the Penguins on Jan. 29, the Islanders have been scored 21-5 en route to dropping their last five decisions.
Minnesota Wild vs. Chicago Blackhawks (-240, 5)
Chicago leads series 1-0.

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

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

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

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

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

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

OVERTIME

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

OVERTIME

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

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

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

[Can'tPickAWinner]

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

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

(All totals courtesy of BetOnline.com)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Three Friday starters with a 13-1 over record

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Can'tPickAWinner]

'Over' bets in A's games improve to an incredible 24-5

The Oakland A's over/under record improved to a staggering 24-5 record Wednesday after the Los Angeles Angels defeated the A's 5-4. That's an insane success rate of 86 percent.

They have now played over the total in five straight games overall and 10 of their last 11 games. Any $100 bettor would be up $1,793.40 if they picked the over in each of Oakland's 29 games.

The A's keep bashing pitchers and are tops in the majors in runs scored (162, 5.6 per game), third in hits (258, 8.9 per game) and fifth in OPS (.765).

Combine this with a pitching staff that has the 25th-ranked ERA (4.33) and the 22nd-ranked opponent batting average (.261) and you have a lot of high scoring games.

So how are oddsmakers reacting?

“We try to be as consistent as we can and not overact,” Peter Korner, founder of the Nevada-based odds service The Sports Club, told Covers. “It’s not a matter of what the record is but how (people) bet them.”

Korner added, “we take it on a game-by-game basis, even if the total goes over 100 times. If the number is where it’s supposed to be, we’re going to keep it right there.”

The A's have a day off Thursday but get back to action on Friday as they face the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium. The Yankees' over/under record is 13-11-3 on the season.

A.J. Griffin gets the ball for the Athletics in the series opener against the Yankees' C.C. Sabathia. Griffin is 2-2 with a 4.65 ERA and a 4-1 O/U record. Sabathia is 4-2 with a 3.35 ERA in six starts.

This is the first time the teams will play in 2013. Sabathia went 1-0 with a 2.05 ERA in three starts versus Oakland last season. Griffin was 1-0 with an ERA of 5.23 in two starts versus the Yankees in 2012.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NASCAR betting: Aaron's 499 at Talladega preview

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

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

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

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

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

Live dog: Kevin Harvick (+1,200)

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

Long shot: Joey Logano (+3,000)

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

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

Notable quotable:

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

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

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

[Can'tPickAWinner]

DAVE ESSLER

MLB Friday's Cliff Notes

Miami at Philadelphia: Simply because Nolasco is more than capable, and Pettibone has given up more hits than innings pitched in both his starts, as well as more flyball outs, there is no chance of taking the Flyers Phillies here, not with that bullpen.

Washington at Pittsburgh: I will surely wonder how much effort the Braves series took from the Nats, and arriving in the early morning in Pittsburgh against a rested team and AJ, have to lean Pirates here. But, the caveat may be that it's too late to back Burnett, but Nats pen has been vulnerable and Pirates has not.

New York at Atlanta: Same thing. Really wonder how much emotion the Braves had to spend. Minor can give up the long ball, and Marcum had to pitch in the 15 inning game, so I would think that the over might be in play here, and no chance of laying -180 or even the RL. The other way if you made me. Like the total, although the weather may not be cooperating.

St. Louis at Milwaukee: Seem pretty cheap to play on Lohse and pretty respectful of Miller, who has pitched exactly 30 innings, some of which was a one-hit outing against these Brewers. Lean Milwaukee because they've already seen him, and lean under.

Arizona at San Diego: Normally I'd be all over the home underdog, but I won't fade Miley and the Padres playing in Wrigley Thursday afternoon. It's a possible RL play if anything, and lean under.

Dodgers at Giants: Certainly a lot of respect for Kerhsaw and very little for the Dodgers offense with a total of six. With that total and the Giants RL at only +135 right now, that is the play I would make.

Seattle at Toronto: Surely don't love road favorites, but with Seattle having a day off, Toronto playing a Division rival, and Romero making and early start (after pitching terrible in the Minors) with Johnson going on the DL, I'd have to take Felix here.

Oakland at New York: Ask yourself what this line would have been on CC at home a year ago, or even a month ago. More, is the right answer. With Crisp out, Young questionable, and Reddick not hitting LHP even before this slump, I most certainly lean Yankees and under.

Minnesota at Cleveland: We don't like to get in front of teams that are as hot as the Indians are at the plate. But, Masterson had thrown an awful lot of pitches and started to settle back to his usual self. I would put it past Pedro Martinez Hernandez to keep the Twins in this game and the Twins pen has been pretty solid lately. RL play on the Twins, perhaps.

Boston at Texas: I simply cannot back Doubront because you just don't know what you're going to get. He can walk four in an inning at any given time, or strike out the side on nine pitches at any given time. Not unlike the Rangers offense. Feast or famine. This game has "no ma" written on it at the moment.

Detroit at Houston: Norris is perhaps Houston's best starter and at home he's been tough. I have never been a big Fister fan anyway, but he's proving me wrong this year. The total might be too high just based on "Detroit" and "Minute Maid", and there's no chance of me laying -180. I'm just not one to take those risks, so Houston RL and under, perhaps.

Baltimore at Angels: Vargas is quietly having a bad year, and I say quietly only because he's about the fifth from the bottom on that team in terms of visible accountability for this season's rough start. Gonzalez hasn't been a whole lot better, so I lean Orioles and over.

Tampa Bay at Colorado: You do know that Moore will have to hit in this game, and that the Rays traveled after playing a few innings and getting rained out, while the Rockies went skiing or something. Colorado is 9-3 at home, and you do know how the Rays can go into those hitting funks. Tough spot and either a gift on Moore or the Rockies in the altitude (as opposed to a dome) may have a late inning advantage. I know someone that's about to send me an email for thinking this way

[Can'tPickAWinner]

JOE WIZ FREE PLAY

Under 7 runs Arizona and San Diego

[Can'tPickAWinner]

MLB

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

-- Last three Colorado games went over the total.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NBA

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

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

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

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

[Can'tPickAWinner]

DCI Pro Basketball
The Daniel Curry Index

05/03/13 Predictions

Eastern Conference Quarterfinals
Game #6
New York 95, BOSTON 94
Indiana vs. ATLANTA: TOO CLOSE TO CALL

Western Conference Quarterfinals
Game #6
Oklahoma City 108, HOUSTON 107
MEMPHIS 96, L.A. Clippers 89

[Can'tPickAWinner]

DCI Pro Hockey
The Daniel Curry Index

05/03/13 Predictions

Season: 287-181 (.613)

Eastern Conference Quarterfinals
Game #2
PITTSBURGH 4, N.Y. Islanders 2
MONTREAL 3, Ottawa 2

Western Conference Quarterfinals
Game #2
CHICAGO 3, Minnesota 2
VANCOUVER 3, San Jose 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Free Selection from Arthur Ralph Sports

Our Free Plays are 1025-762 (57 + %) over the last 4 1/2 years !

Free winner FRI Atl Hawks -1

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Mighty Quinn

Mighty hit with the Nets (+2) Thursday.

Friday it’s the Celtics. The deficit is 417 sirignanos.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Gamblers Data

Free Play Friday

Rays -135

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Today's MLB Picks

Washington at Pittsburgh

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


FRIDAY, MAY 3
Time Posted: 7:30 a.m. EST


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Hockey Crusher
Vancouver Canucks -142 over San Jose
(System Record: 55-3, won last game)
Overall Record: 55-40-3

Basketball Crusher
Boston Celtics +2 over NY Knicks
(System Record: 96-4, lost last game)
Overall Record: 96-74-4

Baseball Crusher
Boston Red Sox + Texas Rangers OVER 9.5
(System Record: 16-2, lost last game)
Overall Record: 16-18

Soccer Crusher
Godoy Cruz + Colon OVER 2
This match is happening in Argentina
(System Record: 391-15, lost last 3 game)
Overall Record: 391-341-48

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Cappers Access

Knicks -2
Reds -115
Rangers(RL) -1.5(+156)

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Today's NBA Picks

Oklahoma City at Houston

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


FRIDAY, MAY 3
Time Posted: 7:30 a.m. EST


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


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


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


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

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Today's NHL Picks

San Jose at Vancouver

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


FRIDAY, MAY 3
Time Posted 8:30 a.m. EST


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


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


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


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

[Can'tPickAWinner]

CHRIS JORDAN

400 Brewers-110 (list Lohse and Miller)

100 Indians -140 (don't worry about pitchers)

[Can'tPickAWinner]

PAUL LEINER

100* Over 180.5 - Clippers/Grizzlies

100* Over 8.5 - Angels/Orioles

50* Yankees -145

[Can'tPickAWinner]

5 SPORT CAPPER

Seattle Mariners -126
St Louis Cardinals +100

[Can'tPickAWinner]

StatFox Super Situations™ - FoxSheets

NBA OKLAHOMA CITY at HOUSTON

Play On - All teams where the line is +3 to -3 (OKLAHOMA CITY) an excellent offensive team (>=102 PPG) against a horrible defensive team (>=102 PPG), after scoring 100 points or more 4 straight games
29-8 over the last 5 seasons. ( 78.4% 20.2 units )
2-1 this year. ( 66.7% 0.9 units )

NBA INDIANA at ATLANTA

Play On - All teams with a money line of +135 to -155 (ATLANTA) off a road loss, a marginal winning team (51% to 60%) playing a winning team
80-44 over the last 5 seasons. ( 64.5% 36.6 units )
17-11 this year. ( 60.7% 5.8 units )

NBA OKLAHOMA CITY at HOUSTON

Play Under - All teams where the first half total is 100.5 to 105 well rested team - playing 6 or less games in 14 days, with a winning record on the season playing another winning team
164-95 over the last 5 seasons. ( 63.3% 59.5 units )
27-22 this year. ( 55.1% 2.8 units )

[Can'tPickAWinner]

StatFox Super Situations™ - FoxSheets

MLB TAMPA BAY at COLORADO

Play Against - Home teams (COLORADO) good offensive team - scoring >=4.8 runs/game on the season (NL), after a win by 4 runs or more
118-98 over the last 5 seasons. ( 54.6% 54.2 units )
6-8 this year. ( 42.9% -0.9 units )

StatFox Situational Power Trends™ - FoxSheets

MLB BALTIMORE at LA ANGELS

BALTIMORE is 78-52 (+35.4 Units) against the money line vs. teams whose hitters strike out 7 or more times/game over the last 2 seasons.
The average score was: BALTIMORE (4.5) , OPPONENT (4.1)

[Can'tPickAWinner]

HANDICAPPING KINGS

JIMMY

BASEBALL

TEXAS -133 BOSTON (8PM)

COLORADO +122 TB (840PM)

NBA

INDIANA/ATLANTA - OVER 187.5 (7PM)

NHL

CHICAGO -1.5 +120 MINNESOTA (930PM)

PERRY (SOCCER PLAYS)

SPAIN - LA LIGA - ATL BILBAO/RC CELTA DE VIGO - under 2.5 -110 (3pm)

[Can'tPickAWinner]

CHASE DIAMOND

7* EXECUTIVE CLUB PLAY

Money Line: -143 NY Yankees

[Can'tPickAWinner]

"Mr Chalk" 2013 MLB Season

Ben lee won on Thursday with the "Chalkest" game on the board the Fightin Phillies -$195/Marlins.

For Friday "Mr Chalk" likes the Angels -$125/Orioles.

'Mr Chalk" is 3-0 +$300 for the week and 20-7 + $974 for the 2013 MLB Regular Season.


Ben lee won on Thursday with the Warriors Pk/Nuggets.

For TGIF Ben lee likes the Grizzles -6/Clippers.

Ben lee is 2-2 -$20 for the week and 8-6 +$140 for the NBA 1st Round playoffs.


Ben lee won on Thursday with the Capitals -$125/Rangers.

For Friday Ben lee likes the Canucks -$145/Sharks.

Ben lee is 1-0 +$100 for the week and the 1st round NHL Playoffs.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Don Best Consensus

Miami at Philadelphia
Pick: Under

Under is 5-1 in Phillies last 6 vs. National League East. Under is 4-1 in Marlins last 5 Friday games. Under is 4-0 in the last 4 meetings.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Steve Budin

100 Dime Play
Memphis -6 over Clippers.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Hondo

Hondo survived the nail-biter last night with the Cards, who did everything but blow a 6-0 lead in Milwaukee before ultimately causing the deficit to fall to 190 ruthvens.

Today, Mr. Aitch will wrap things up early at Wrigley with a Villanueva play

[Can'tPickAWinner]

FantasySportsGametime (http://fantasysportsgametime.com/)

Hoops Friday

100* Play New York -2 over Boston (NBA Top Play)
Starts at 7:00 PM EST

Boston has lost 22 of the last 33 games against the spread after
allowing 90 points or less in three straight games and they have also
lost 7 consecutive games coming off a game after committing eight or
less turnovers. Boston has lost 3 consecutive games against the
spread when playing in the 6th game in a playoff series and they are
only averaging 82 points over the last five games.


100* Play Indiana +2 over Atlanta (NBA Top Play)
Starts at 7:00 PM EST

Indiana has won 71 of the last 119 games coming off an OVER the total
in their last game and they have also won 55 of the last 91 games
after failing to cover the spread in two of the last three games.
Indiana has won 33 of the last 50 games after allowing 85 points or
less and they have won 44 of the last 73 games coming off a win by ten
points or more.


100* Play Oklahoma City +1 over Houston (NBA Top Play)
Starts at 9:30 PM EST

Oklahoma City has covered the spread in 45 of the last 68 games
against the spread coming off a home loss and they have also covered
the spread in 56 of the last 88 games when revenging a loss vs. an
opponent. Oklahoma City has covered the spread in 28 of the last 49
games against the spread when playing as a road underdog and they are
averaging 105 points a game this season.


100* Play Memphis -6.5 over Los Angeles Clippers (NBA Top Play)
Starts at 9:30 PM EST

Memphis has covered the spread in 27 of the last 34 games when the
total posted is between 180 and 189.5 points and they have also
covered the spread in 38 of the last 62 games when playing as a
favorite. Memphis has covered the spread in 25 of the last 41 home
games and they have covered the spread in 14 of the last 20 games when
playing on a Friday.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Fantasy Sports Gametime
NHL Hockey

100* Play Pittsburgh -245 over NY Islanders (NHL TOP PLAY)
50* Play Chicago -250 over Minnesota
=====================================

MLB Baseball

100* Play Philadelphia -160 over Miami (MLB TOP PLAY)
50* Play Atlanta -165 over NY Mets
50* Play Detroit -185 over Houston

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Online Sports Winners

The MLB Baseball Plays for Friday are:

100* Take Detroit -185 over Houston (MLB TOP PLAY)

Houston has lost 21 of the last 27 home games when playing on a Friday
and they have also lost 94 of the last 139 games vs. right-handed
starting pitchers. Houston has lost 73 of the last 101 games coming
off an OVER the total in their last game and they have also lost 86 of
the last 125 games coming off a loss.


100* Take Atlanta -165 over New York Mets (MLB TOP PLAY)

New York has lost 91 of the last 146 road games as an underdog of +150
to +175 and they have also lost 67 of the last 110 games vs.
left-handed starting pitchers. New York has lost 60 of the last 101
games after having lost three of the last four games and they have
also lost 30 of the last 53 games when playing on a Friday.


100* Take Tampa Bay -130 over Colorado (MLB TOP PLAY)

Colorado has lost 39 of the last 58 games when playing in the month of
May and they have also lost 13 of the last 15 inter-league games.
Colorado has lost 41 of the last 60 games vs. left-handed starting
pitchers and they have also lost 62 of the last 100 games after having
won two of the last three games.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Online Sports Winners

The Basketball Plays for Friday are:

100* Take Indiana +2 over Atlanta (NBA TOP PLAY)

Atlanta has lost 25 of the last 41 home games against the spread and
they have also lost 11 of the last 15 overall games against the
spread. Atlanta has lost 29 of the last 45 home games against the
spread after covering the spread in two of the last three games and
they have also lost 73 of the last 138 games against the spread when
playing as a favorite.

================================================== ====================

50* Take New York -2 over Boston (NBA BONUS PLAY)
50* Take Oklahoma City +1 over Houston (NBA BONUS PLAY)
50* Take Memphis -6.5 over LA Clippers (NBA BONUS PLAY)

[Can'tPickAWinner]

BeatYourBookie

Daily MLB Baseball Plays for Friday


10* Play Tampa Bay -130 over Colorado (MLB TOP PLAY)
8:40 PM EST

Colorado is 19-39 when playing in the month of May
Colorado is 2-13 when playing in an inter-league game


10* Play Los Angeles Dodgers -135 over San Francisco (MLB TOP PLAY)
10:15 PM EST

Clayton Kershaw is 56-24 when the total posted is seven runs or less
Clayton Kershaw is 44-20 when pitching as a favorite of -110 or higher



10* Play Atlanta -165 over New York Mets (MLB TOP PLAY)
7:30 PM EST

New York is 55-91 when playing as a road underdog of +150 to +175
New York is 43-67 vs. left-handed starting pitchers

[Can'tPickAWinner]

BeatYourBookie

Daily Hoops Plays for Friday


10* Play New York -2 over Boston (NBA TOP PLAY)
7:00 PM EST

Boston is 11-22 ATS after allowing 90 points or less in three straight games
Boston is 0-7 ATS coming off a game where they committed eight or less turnovers


10* Play Indiana +2 over Atlanta (NBA TOP PLAY)
7:00 PM EST

Atlanta is 4-11 ATS over the last fifteen games
Atlanta is 16-25 ATS in home games this season


10* Play Oklahoma City +1 over Houston (NBA TOP PLAY)
9:30 PM EST

Oklahoma City is 45-23 ATS coming off a home loss
Oklahoma City is 56-32 ATS when revenging a loss vs. an opponent


10* Play Memphis -6.5 over LA Clippers (NBA TOP PLAY)
9:30 PM EST

Memphis is 27-17 ATS when the total posted is between 180 and 189.5 points
Memphis is 38-24 ATS when playing as a favorite

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Totals 4 You Pro Basketball Selections for Friday, May 3rd

2013 Pro Basketball Playoffs Game 6 Total of the Year!!!!!
Indiana/Atlanta over 187 1/2

You Win or we'll email you Saturday's NBA Report Free of Charge!!!

NBA Best Bets
New York/Boston over 181
Oklahoma City/Houston over 206 1/2
Los Angeles/Memphis over 180

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Totals 4 You Major League Selections for Friday, May 3rd

May's National League East Total of the Month!!!!!
New York/Atlanta over 7 1/2

You Win or we'll email you Saturday's MLB Report Free of Charge!!!

MLB Best Bets
Washington/Pittsburgh under 7
Oakland/New York over 8
Boston/Texas over 9
Tampa Bay/Colorado under 9 1/2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

doc sports

minn ov in hockey

[Can'tPickAWinner]

fargo--

bases--minn,houston, sd

hoops--pacers

[Can'tPickAWinner]

The Philly Godfather
$100 Chicago Cubs Villanueva 1H

[Can'tPickAWinner]

5Lines

Total Line for 05/03/2013


(Lost last 2 games)
Today's Winning Team is:
MLB - Tampa Bay Rays : o9
Cost: -115


Run Line for 05/03/2013


(Lost last 2 games)
Today's Winning Team is:
MLB - Houston Astros : +1.5
Cost: -101

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Brandon Lang

My 50 Dime selection is on the Knicks over the Celtics. The current line on this game is -2

My 25 Dime selection is on the Rockets over the Thunder. The curresnt line on the game is -1 1/2

My 10 Dime selection is on the Grizzlies over the Clippers. The current line on the game is -6

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Ats lock
4 units-San Jose/Vancouver under 5

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Dave Essler | MLB Total - Friday, May 3 2013 7:05PM
915 SEA / 916 TOR OVER 7.5 double-dime bet

[Can'tPickAWinner]

JACK JONES

NBA Basketball Premium Picks



NBA | May 03 '13 (7:05p)
NEW YORK GM6 vs BOSTON GM6
BOSTON GM6
+2-105 (http://partners.commission.bz/processing/clickthrgh.asp?btag=a_420b_652) at BetOnline (http://www.betonline.ag/)


15* Celtics/Knicks ESPN Game 6 No-Brainer on Boston +2

The New York Knicks have awoken a sleeping giant. From J.R. Smith saying the series would be over if he had played in Game 4, to the black clothing the Knicks showed up in in Game 5 signifying Boston's funeral, they couldn't possibly be any more stupid.

Boston is a team that will never quit as long as Doc Rivers is head coach. This team will show even more fight than it did in Games 4 and 5 in Game 6 tonight in front of a raucous home crowd. I look for the Celtics to win Game 6, and to have an excellent chance to be the first team to come back from a 3-0 deficit to win a series.

Remember, New York hasn't won a playoff series since 2000, so all of the pressure is on the Knicks. It's not going to be easy to win in Boston where the Celtics are 28-14 SU & 23-18-1 ATS on the season.

The Celtics are 14-6 ATS in their last 20 home games. Boston is 15-7 ATS in its last 22 games vs. a team with a winning S.U. record. The Knicks are 3-9 ATS in their last 12 Conference Quarterfinals games. Roll with the Celtics Friday.






-= TOP PLAY =-


NBA | May 03 '13 (9:35p)
LA CLIPPERS GM6 vs MEMPHIS GM6
LA CLIPPERS GM6
+6½-110 (http://affiliates.5dimes.com/tracking/Affiliate.asp?AffID=af000123&mediaTypeID=633&Image=/tracking/banner/160x600/5dimes-MB-160x600v4.gif&AffUrlID=176) at 5dimes (http://www.5dimes.com/)


25* Western Conference Playoffs GAME OF THE YEAR on Los Angeles Clippers +6.5

The Los Angeles Clippers are showing their best value of the entire series tonight as a 6.5-point road underdog in Game 6 to the Memphis Grizzlies. They aren't going to go down without a fight, not with Chris Paul running the show.

Yes, Memphis has owned this series for the last three games, but I look for Los Angeles to make the proper adjustments tonight. They haven't gotten anything from their bench as Chris Paul has had to do it all. I look for the bench and role players to finally step up and contribute with their season on the line.

Los Angeles is 39-24 ATS revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons. Better yet, the Clippers are 18-7 ATS when playing with double revenge - 2 straight losses vs. opponent over the last 2 seasons.

The Clippers are 13-6 ATS in their last 19 games playing on 2 days rest. Los Angeles is 8-3 ATS in its last 11 games following a double-digit loss at home. Memphis is simply overvalued tonight. Bet the Clippers Friday.






-= TOP PLAY =-


NBA | May 03 '13 (9:35p)
OKLAHOMA CITY GM6 vs HOUSTON GM6
HOUSTON GM6
-1-110 (http://www.bookmaker.eu/?cmpid=1670) at BMaker (http://www.bookmaker.eu/?cmpid=1670)


20* Thunder/Rockets ESPN Late-Night BAILOUT on Houston -1

The Houston Rockets continue to get disrespected by oddsmakers in Game 6 tonight. They have been the better team in the last four games, and clearly in the last three since Russell Westbrook went down with injury.

I believe Houston has an excellent chance to become the first NBA team to come back from a 3-0 deficit to win a series. They now have advantages all over the floor over Oklahoma City that they did not have when Westbrook was healthy.

Westbrook's absence forces Kevin Durant to play the point-forward position, which he is extremely uncomfortable in. The loss of Westbrook clearly shows how good of a player he really is, but it's not being reflected in the odds tonight.

Houston is 30-13 at home this season where it is outscoring opponents by 7.0 points/game. The Thunder are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game. Oklahoma City is 3-7 ATS in its last 10 meetings in Houston. Take the Rockets Friday.

MLB Baseball Premium Picks



MLB | May 03 '13 (8:40p)
Tampa Bay Rays vs Colorado Rockies
Tampa Bay Rays
-123 (http://affiliates.5dimes.com/tracking/Affiliate.asp?AffID=af000123&mediaTypeID=633&Image=/tracking/banner/160x600/5dimes-MB-160x600v4.gif&AffUrlID=176) at 5dimes (http://www.5dimes.com/)


15* MLB Friday No-Doubt Rout on Tampa Bay Rays -123

With the huge edge the Tampa Bay Rays have over the Colorado Rockies on the mound tonight, they should be a much heavier favorite in Game 1 of this interleague series. I'll gladly take advantage and back them at a great price.

Tampa Bay starter Matt Moore has arguably been the Cy Young in the American League to this point. The flame-throwing left-hander is 5-0 with a 1.12 ERA and 0.875 WHIP with 38 strikeouts in 32 innings over five starts this season.

Moore will be up against the washed-up Jeff Francis, who has simply been atrocious this season for Colorado. The left-hander is 1-2 with a 7.29 ERA and 1.952 WHIP in five starts this year, allowing 17 earned runs and 41 base runners over 21 innings.

Colorado is 0-9 (-10.7 Units) against the money line in home games vs. AL teams allowing 4.7 or less runs/game on the season over the last 2 seasons. The Rockies are 0-11 (-12.7 Units) against the money line vs. an AL team with a team batting average of .265 or worse over the last 2 seasons. These two trends combine for a 20-0 system backing the Rays. Also, Tampa is 22-6 in its last 28 vs. a left-handed starter. Take the Rays Friday.








MLB | May 03 '13 (10:15p)
Los Angeles Dodgers vs San Francisco Giants
Los Angeles Dodgers
-133 (http://affiliates.5dimes.com/tracking/Affiliate.asp?AffID=af000123&mediaTypeID=633&Image=/tracking/banner/160x600/5dimes-MB-160x600v4.gif&AffUrlID=176) at 5dimes (http://www.5dimes.com/)


15* Dodgers/Giants NL Late-Night BAILOUT on Los Angeles -133

The Los Angeles Dodgers have a massive edge on the mound tonight. Rarely will you ever get them at this kind of price with Clayton Kershaw on the mound, so I'm going to take advantage in Game 1 vs. San Francisco Friday.

The 2011 NL Cy Young winner is going after the award again in 2013. Kershaw is 3-2 with a 1.73 ERA and 0.912 WHIP with 47 strikeouts over 41 2/3 innings this season. The left-hander is 9-4 with a 1.29 ERA and 0.833 WHIP in 17 career starts against San Francisco.

Barry Zito is getting way too much respect from oddsmakers due to pitching well in the playoffs, and getting off to a solid start this year. However, Zito has finally come back down to reality of late, going 1-1 with a 6.75 ERA and 1.1724 WHIP over his last three starts.

The Dodgers are 5-0 in their last 5 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600. Los Angeles is 38-14 in Kershaw's last 52 starts as a favorite. The Dodgers are 20-6 in Kershaw's last 26 starts vs. a team with a winning record. Los Angeles is 5-1 in Kershaw's last 6 road starts vs. San Francisco. Bet the Dodgers Friday.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Dave Cokin

SD Pods/Az D'Backs OVER 7

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Bob Balfe

May 3rd 2013

Friday NBA & MLB

Celtics +2 over Knicks
From JR Smith talking trash when the Knicks were up 3-0 to the Knicks wearing all black to the game representing going to a funeral ending the Celtics season. I don't like this team. They have talent, but they are a bunch of screw ups to put it nicely. Boston is an experienced team and they have the extra motivation at home. I think Boston takes this game and things will get real interesting back in New York. There is nothing worst than a bunch of cocky over paid millionaires. Take the Celtics

Thunder +1 over Rockets
Houston has looked great in their two wins, but the Thunder are too good of a team to toy around tonight. You are going to see their best effort this evening and this is where we will see Kevin Duarant and this OKC Defense at their very best today. Houston can shoot the ball well, but their defense is not good enough to win a series. This should be a tight game, but we will see the better team step up down the stretch. Take the Thunder.

Rays -135 over Rockies
Moore/Francis
I don't think people realize how good Matt Moore is for Tampa. This guy still is not yet a house hold name, but he will be very soon. Jeff Francis to me comes no where close to Moore when you match these guys up. Tampa only has 4 road wins on there year and Moore has three of those. I love watching this guy pitch and think Tampa gets a big win here. Take the Rays.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Wunderdog Sports Free Pick

Game: Ottawa at Montreal (7:00 PM Eastern)
Pick: Ottawa +130 (moneyline)

Game One heated this rivalry up with some bloodied hits, and a three goal barrage in the third period gave Ottawa home ice advantage heading for Game Two in Montreal. The Canadians may have the wrong focus here, as they may intend to get even from a hit they claimed dirty by Ottawa's Eric Gryber. Montreal has larger concerns, though, as goaltender Carey Price allowed three goals. Over the last 11 games, he has allowed three or more goals in eight of them. He has also been marginal at best in the playoffs where he stands at 8-16. The Senators literally drew first blood in the series and has won five straight on the road, while Montreal falls to 1-5 in their last six quarterfinals Games. Play is on Ottawa.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Sports Pickin' - May 3

NBA
New York -2

MLB
Tampa Bay ML

NHL
NY/Pitt Under 5.5
Ottawa/Montreal Under 5
Minny/Chicago Under 5
San Jose/Vancouver Under 5

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Jimmy Boyd

5* (MLB) Texas Rangers ML -121

4* (NBA) LA Clippers +6.5

3* (NBA) Houston Rockets -1

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Frank Patron

20,000 unit
Boston Celtics +2.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

PAUL LEINER

1500* Knicks -1.5

100* Over 180.5 - Clippers/Grizzlies

100* Over 8.5 - Angels/Orioles

50* Yankees -145

[Can'tPickAWinner]

GoodFella

3* Rockets ML

[Can'tPickAWinner]

THE GOLD SHEET'S TOP CHOICE

FRIDAY, MAY 3NBATOP CHOICE 1 1/2 units ATLANTA (-2) -home over Indiana 4:05 PM PDT (Game #548)

[Can'tPickAWinner]

John Ryan 25* Titan MLB Underdog Play

Houston Astros

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Powerplaywins on Tex Rangers.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

doc

7 unit grizzlies

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Sports Handivapper King

NBA
OKLAHOMA CITY +1.5

MLB
PITTSBURGH PIRATES


free
New York Yankees

[Can'tPickAWinner]

SB Professor MLB

Chicago Cubs -102
Colorado Rockies +113
San Diego Padres +107
San Francisco Giants +123

[Can'tPickAWinner]

SB Professor NHL Picks 5/3

Here are the picks for NHL with their current Money Lines:

71. Ottawa Senators +120

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Ocalsports

2* LAA

[Can'tPickAWinner]

The Philly Godfather



NBA Pacers $100: +2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Stephen Nover | NBA Sides - Friday, May 3 2013 7:05PM
547 IND 2.0(-110) Bookmaker.com vs 548 ATL double-dime bet

Stephen Nover | NBA ML - Friday, May 3 2013 7:05PM
ML 545 NYK (-130) Bookmaker.com vs 546 BOS double-dime bet

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Indian Cowboy
NBA
4* Houston
4* Memphis

[Can'tPickAWinner]

IKE M

San Jose Sharks vs. Vancouver Canucks (5) O/U
Under 5.5
Pick Is:Under 5.5
Pick Explanation:Game 1 only saw 4 points in the game. Expect the same with tonight's game. Both teams are known for their defenses and will be preventing goals again tonight. Luongo is going to be a huge factor in this game and he knows it. Look for some big saves to make this an UNDER pick.


NY Islanders vs Pittsburgh Penguins (5.5) O/U
Under 5.5
Pick Is:Under 5.5
Pick Explanation:Penguins put a hurting on the Islanders in game 1. Don't look at this game to be the same... the Islanders are shaking off the nervousness and are going to be focused on staying in it. Look for Tavaras to help put some points on the board and for the Islanders Defense to hold strong.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

the professional from theswami site is 13-0 L13 hockey picks

He has an 8* (out of 10) on Vancouver tonight.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

EAGLE EYE SPORTS----JASON WEEDS
Your Pick: Milwaukee Brewers (-118)
Celtics / Knicks Under 181.5 (-110)
--------------------------
EAGLE EYE SPORTS--TERRY KALINE
Mariners / BlueJays Under 7.5 (+100)

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Joe Gavazzi:


Friday, May 03, 2013

MLB

Cincinnati (Leake) at Chicago Cubs (Villanueva) (-105) 2:20 PM ET

3% Chicago Cubs (Villanueva) (-105) 5IP Play

Cincinnati has won 6 straight at this site but their recent performance at the plate and on the road gives little indication that will continue. In the last 9 games, the Reds are hitting .195 and have scored just 17 runs. On the road of late, the Reds stand 2-10, allowing 58 runs. Leake is not the stopper. Leake has a 4.34 ERA, a 1.52 WHIP. In his most recent 4 outings vs. the Cubs, Leake has a 5.11 ERA and he has a 4.68 ERA in 5 starts at this site. Cubs counter with Villanueva who has a 2.29 ERA, 0.82 WHIP with 29/9 KBB. In 6 appearances vs. Cincinnati, Villanueva has a 2.50 ERA. We limit this to a 5 inning play, however, because of the Cubs horrendous late game defense and what could be described as a shaky bullpen, at the least.



Oakland (Griffin) at NY Yankees (Sabathia) (-140) 7:05 PM ET

5%* NY Yankees (Sabathia) (-140)

After a 12-4 start, Oakland is now on a 4-9 run. That includes 1-5 recently away following their 6-0 road start (against lowly Houston and LAA). Griffin comes off back-to-back busted starts in which he has allowed 13 runs in 11 IP. In a pair of starts vs. NYY last year, Griffin had a 5.23 ERA. In a dichotomous way, NYY is 16-6 following their 1-4 start. The Yankees are in the midst of a 6-1 home stand and stand 7-3 at home following a win. Sabathia is off his best April ever with a record of 4-2, 3.35 ERA, 1.21 WHIP and 36/10 KBB. The big left hander has gone 7 or more innings in his last 5 starts. In 11 starts against Oakland, Sabathia is 6-1 with a 2.47 ERA including a 1.80 ERA in his last 6 starts. In his most recent 3 starts from this mound against Oakland, Sabathia is 3-0 with a 1.16 ERA.



Boston (Doubront) at Texas (Holland) (-125) 8:05 PM ET
3% Texas (Holland) (-125)

Red Sox are the hottest team in baseball with a record of 20-8, 9-3 away. The Red Sox are on current runs of 15-4 and 7-1. Such excellence, however, calls for a return to the norm. It will be no surprise if that happened in this 3 game weekend set at Texas. Doubront is 3-0 and has a 4.24 ERA and 1.41 WHIP. His record against Texas is 0-2 with a 10.32 ERA. The Rangers lost consecutive games last night for the first time this year. That dropped Texas to 8-2/loss, games in which they have outscored the opposition 54-26. Holland enters with a 3.38 ERA, 0.95 WHIP and 28/9 KBB. In his last 4 starts vs. Boston, Holland is 4-0 with a 2.22 ERA.



Chicago WS (Axelrod) at Kansas City (Guthrie) (-135) 8:10 PM ET
5% Kansas City (Guthrie) (-135)

I am still not buying the White Sox or Axelrod who is 0-1 with a 3.95 ERA but less than stellar 16/10 KBB. Far prefer the underrated Royals, who stand 15-10 for the year, 8-4 on this field with their hidden gem, Guthrie. In Guthrie’s last 16 starts, he is 8-0 with a 2.44 ERA. Since being traded to KC, the Royals are 5-0 in Guthrie’s starts vs. CWS. In that time frame, Guthrie has a 0.50 ERA with a 28/3 KBB. Ride the Royals momentum as they are 6-2 home/win.



Baltimore (Gonzalez) at LA Angels (Vargas) (-120) 10:05 PM ET
3% Baltimore (Gonzalez) (+110)

Thinking was right on in MLB once again last night and we have 4 Pay for Play games in MLB for Friday including an afternoon delight. Our fortunes in the NBA the last 5 days have not been nearly as rewarding. But I look to turn things around at a time in the NBA Playoffs that has been historically very profitable for this bureau. Don’t miss the NBA Friday Night bounce back.

In this contest, I must continue to play against LAA especially in the role of overpriced favorite. The Angels are playing every bit as poorly as their 10-18 record. That includes entering this contest on a 1-5 slide. Newly acquired Vargas has not been the answer. The Angels have dropped all 5 of his starts in which he has a 4.85 ERA and 1.75 WHIP (actually a positive according to the numbers of the other Angels starters). Despite their turnaround year of last season and their strong start to this year at 17-12, 10-7 away, Baltimore remains underpriced. In your Perception/Reality game of the night, play the Birds as dog at a value price.



NBA
NY Knicks (-2) at Boston 7:00 PM ET ESPN

3% NY Knicks -2

Will Boston be the first team to ever win a series after trailing 0 games to 3. Veteran’s Pierce and Garnett are playing like it inspiring the inexperienced Green to his greatest heights. NY has gone from an overconfident team to a group that has that deer in the headlights look. But it says here that despite all the love that will flow at the Garden tonight, it’s time for the New Yorkers to make a stand. J. R. was horrendous following his suspension game. Look for a huge bounce back game by the NBA 6th Man of the Year as well as a take charge performance from Carmello. With HC Woodson cracking the whip for the type of defensive intensity that held the Celtics to 75 PPG in the first 3 games of this series, the Knicks emerge with a victory tonight closing out the history seeking Celtics.



Indiana at Atlanta (2) 7:00 PM ET ESPN2

3% Atlanta -2

Indiana is a team on the rise playing the type of physical defense that so characterizes success in these NBA Playoffs. With the Hawks having a history of folding their tent in the 1st Round, why not play the Pacers to close out this series. But the home/road dichotomy between these two has been so dominant that it cannot be ignored. In 9 games this season, the home team has emerged with victory on every occasion. That includes Atlanta wins by 3 and 9 in the regular season as well as 21 and 11 on this court in the Playoffs. That runs the Hawks record 113-0 SU on this court vs. Indiana. Atlanta was embarrassed in the 106-83 loss to Indiana on Wednesday night. But in the NBA Playoffs, the zig-zag theory is clear about home teams following a double digit loss. Again, the Hawks will need to beat the better team to survive until Sunday. But history says that will happen.



OKC (-1) at Houston 9:30 PM ET ESPN

3% OKC -1

If not Boston than why not Houston to be the first team in NBA history to win a series after dropping the first 3 games! The loss of Westbrook is looking more and more meaningful as time goes on. OKC won the first game of this series, 120-91. That meant, including the regular season, the Thunder had dropped 120 per game against the Rockets. But since the Westbrook injury in the 2nd quarter of Game #2, this has looked like a different matchup. Though Houston dropped Game #2 and Game #3, each by 3 points, they have rebounded with victories of 2 and 7, the latter being on the strong home court of the Thunder. That means that Houston has played them on even terms since Game #1. It also means the Rockets have covered 4 straight in the series for a total of 29 points. But in the NBA Playoffs, home teams off 3 or more consecutive spread wins are a high percentage Play Against. With OKC still a league-best 17-6 ATS/loss and HC Brooks 105-64 ATS with revenge, look for wounded OKC off consecutive losses to rally behind Durant with a Game #6 win.



LA Clippers at Memphis (-6) 9:30 PM ET ESPN2

4% LA Clippers +6

This play stands whether the Clippers injured Griffin (ankle) plays or not. After dropping the first 2 games of the series in LA, Memphis has stormed back to win 3 games by double digit margins totaling 43 points, by 41 points ATS. Now the Clippers are on the verge of illumination having been embarrassed 3 consecutive times. If there was ever a spot for the zig-zag, this is clearly it. Home teams following 3 consecutive spread wins are a solid Play Against using greater than .600 road teams to -4. In addition, Class A teams off a loss in this price range are a solid 65% play. Off the embarrassing 10 point home loss in which they failed to the spread by 15 points, look for the Clippers to play their most desperate, passionate and intense game of the year in sending this game to LA for Sunday’s finale.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

ROOT

millionaire ok city

Pinnacle (http://www.pinnaclesports.com) hawks

[Can'tPickAWinner]

SCOTT LANDAU (is 0-6 last 2 Days in MLB) FRIDAY:
MIA +160
WAS +120
TOR +117
MIN +140
texas -125

[Can'tPickAWinner]

z money

dodgers -130
okc/hou over 206
tex/box over 9

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Ultra Sports MLB

Arizona over 7.5 +100

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Seabass Report for Friday:
100 Knicks
100 UNDER Montreal in the NHL
Baseball:
50 St. Louis
50 Texas
50 Pittsburgh

[Can'tPickAWinner]

tom law
red sox

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Bondi

NBA
3 units Knicks -2
3 units Houston -1

[Can'tPickAWinner]

TRH

10 unit BEST BET Knicks

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Bondi

MLB 3 units Pittsburgh
3 units Colorado

[Can'tPickAWinner]

kelso 100 is grizzlies

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Hoopsgooroo

[905] Washington Nationals +126 vs Pittsburgh Pirates
[915] Seattle Mariners -127 vs Toronto Blue Jays
[917] Oakland Athletics +135 vs New York Yankees
[919] Minnesota Twins UNDER 8.5 -110 vs Cleveland Indians
[919] Minnesota Twins +140 vs Cleveland Indians
[922] Texas Rangers -125 vs Boston Red Sox
[923] Chicago White Sox +135 vs Kansas City Royals
[909] St Louis Cardinals +103 vs Milwaukee Brewers
[929] Tampa Bay Rays -126 vs Colorado Rockies
[913] Los Angeles Dodgers -138 vs San Francisco Giants

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Godfatherlocks

Boston
Memphis
Houston

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Dr. Bob

OKC

[Can'tPickAWinner]

JdWarriors5

Over Clippers 179

[Can'tPickAWinner]

TRH

Adding

5 units Thunder/Rockets over 206
2 units Yankees/Oakland under 8

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Sports-Junkie

BetThisPick

$500 MLB Play: Padres ML +109