6-12-14

[Can'tPickAWinner]

::handshake::

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Spurs-Heat Game 4: The game inside the game
By DAVID MALINSKY

The degree by which San Antonio dominated Game #3 would have been difficult to project, with the opening salvo among the best offensive basketball ever played in the NBA Finals. But the manner in which the Spurs controlled play should not have come as a surprise. So the best way to begin building a handicap for Game #4 is to take a couple of steps back.

When it was time to project Game #2 on this page there was a breakdown of how difficult the opener was to digest, because of the absence of LeBron James down the stretch. But there was a clear reality when he was on the court, and this was the key takeaway in terms of setting the tone for viewing the ensuing matchup -

“This series will turn on the efficiency and passing of the San Antonio offense vs. the activity of the Miami defense in the passing lanes.”

That is exactly what Game #3 was about, after Gregg Popovich made an adjustment and put Boris Diaw into the starting lineup. The Spurs move the ball better than any team in the NBA, with that being a major part of their success at a time in which unimaginative offenses, relying on dribbling and pick-and-rolls, are the vogue. And as fast as they move it with their usual starting lineup, when Diaw replaces Splitter, which they can do against a team like Miami that lacks a pivot threat on offense, the spacing and pace become even more dynamic. That offense exploded for 41 points in the first quarter, the most in a Finals game since 1967, and of the 13 made FG’s, there were nine assists. There could have been even more assists, but Miami’s befuddled defense committed four shooting fouls in the period.

Yes, the shooting percentage for San Antonio, which opened 19-21, will look like a statistical outlier. But a focus point that has been talked about here during the playoffs, and will roll on with us through the future, is how much those percentages are shaped by the quality of the shot. The Spurs were getting excellent looks, with the Heat rotations consistently a step slow. They only managed eight steals, after getting 14 in the opener, and when they do not impact the passing lanes their defense can be had around the basket, without the presence of a shot blocker (only one of the 64 San Antonio attempts got swatted away).

As for Diaw, his impact goes far beyond what the traditional statistics measure. He had nine points, five rebounds and three assists in 37:17, which could elicit yawns. But the fact that only James and Kawhi Leonard played more minutes shows his significance, and since the start of the Oklahoma City series his +/- is up to +71. Pro-rate it to 48:00, and they have been beating two outstanding teams by 13.0 points per game when he is on the floor. His presence particularly helped to create space for Leonard, who looked remarkably confident in knocking down 10-13 shots, and carried that confidence boost to the other end of the court for solid defense on James.

The headache now for Erik Spoelstra is finding a way for his defense to be able to compete. But it is not just about defense. So let’s take a step back again to this page in the projecting Game #3, a take on the chemistry issues that can make Spoelstra’s adjustments even more difficult.

“Keep this as a major part of your thinking, in expounding on that theme – the Spurs know who they are. But because the Miami rotations have changed so much during the playoffs, the Heat will not show the same rhythm and chemistry. Prime example - Ray Allen had not had back-to-back games all season of 32:00 or more until the first two of this series. Meanwhile Udonis Haslem has gone from being a starter to an 0:46 sneeze on Sunday. The shots made by James enabled them to overcome that, but through 96 minutes a ratio of 32 assists vs. 27 turnovers is not the kind of chemistry that wins championships.”

Yes, by altering the rotation so much, the defensive chemistry is struggling. But so is the offense - through three they have nearly as many turnovers (47) as assists (49). And no, you will not win a championship with that. Lost amidst the rubble of the Tuesday loss was the fact that Miami actually connected well from the field, a 32-62 that included 10-21 triples, and to lose at home by 19 when a team shoots that well is extremely rare. Once again the offense relied too much on perimeter shots, and James was only able to get to the FT line for three attempts.

So is it really that bleak for the Heat? From an X’s and O’s standpoint, yes, there is not a chalkboard solution. But there is that matter of having the greatest player in the game, surrounded by a lot of veterans that can reach back for something. Over the past two playoff runs Miami is 10-0 SU and 9-1 ATS off of a loss, beating the spread by a significant 106.5 points over those games. Three times in the Finals they have lost to the Spurs in double figures, including that 113-77 disaster in Game #3 LY, and rebounded to win the next contest (2-1 ATS).

The market pattern will reflect this – Miami will certainly go off as a bigger favorite on Thursday than in Game #3, with -5 common already. As you build your handicap that recent Heat history absolutely matters, because they will compete at a high level come tipoff. But because this matchup is what it is, they have to do more than compete at a high level to cover that impost - they will have to execute at a level they might not have reached yet in the 2014 playoffs (Game #7 vs. Indiana was as much about the Pacers being bad as the Heat being great).

[Can'tPickAWinner]

StatSystemsSports
Inside the Paint- Thursday

Kawhi Leonard and the San Antonio Spurs shot their way into history - and back into the lead in the NBA Finals. Leonard scored a career-high 29 points, and the Spurs made a finals-record 75.8 percent of their shots in the first half in a 111-92 victory over the Miami Heat on Tuesday night that gave them a 2-1 lead.

The Spurs made 19 of their first 21 shots and finished 25 of 33 in the first half, bettering the 75 percent shooting by Orlando against the Lakers in the 2009 finals. They led by as much as 25 and were only briefly challenged in their second lopsided victory in the series. Unlike Game #1, when they didn't pull away until the final minutes, the Spurs were way ahead before halftime in this one.

Returning to the arena where they were oh-so-close to winning a fifth championship last year, the Spurs came out playing like they were trying to build a lead that was impossible to blow. They shot 13 of 15 in building a 41-25 lead after one, then hit their first six shots of the second in front of a stunned crowd in Miami while going ahead 55-30.

Betting Notes - Thursday
For those betting in this contest, the Spurs are 24-9 ATS over the past three seasons (72.7%) after a road win in which they scored 110 or more points. But they are only 2-8 ATS in the fourth game of a playoff series in that time timeframe while Miami is 3-0 ATS in fourth games of series this year. The Heat also happen to be 8-1 ATS when trailing in a playoff series over the past three years. Sixteen of the past 22 games played in Miami between these teams since 1996 have gone Under the total.

The Spurs put on an offensive clinic against the Heat in Game #3, scoring 111 points in the game, including a 71-point first half where they shot an NBA Finals record 75.8% FG. SF Kawhi Leonard (15.7 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 1.3 SPG in series) played the best playoff game of his life on Tuesday, scoring a career-high 29 points (10-of-13 FG, 3-of-6 threes) while also coming away with four rebounds, two steals and two blocks in 39 minutes. Leonard, who scored only 9.0 PPG in the first two games of this series, also played some smothering defense on LeBron James while the Heat were threatening to make a comeback early in the fourth quarter.

Hoop Trends - Thursday
•SAN ANTONIO is 25-13 ATS (+10.7 Units) versus poor foul drawing teams - attempting <=24 free throws/game - 2nd half of the season this season.
The average score was SAN ANTONIO 107.7, OPPONENT 97.8.

•MIAMI is 16-4 OVER (+11.6 Units) in home games after allowing 105 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
The average score was MIAMI 106.4, OPPONENT 97.9.

•MIAMI is 28-53 (-30.3 Units) against the 1rst half line versus good ball handling teams - committing <=14 turnovers/game over the last 2 seasons.
The average score was MIAMI 50.6, OPPONENT 48.6.

•SAN ANTONIO is 14-2 UNDER (+11.8 Units) the 1rst half total in road games after playing a game as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
The average score was SAN ANTONIO 46.1, OPPONENT 46.7.

•GREGG POPOVICH is 67-38 ATS (+25.2 Units) against Southeast division opponents as the coach of SAN ANTONIO.
The average score was POPOVICH 99.8, OPPONENT 91.3.

Situation Analysis of The Day
•Play Against - Road underdogs of +145 to +350 versus the money line (SAN ANTONIO) - good 3PT shooting team (>=36.5%) against a poor 3PT defense (>=36.5%), off an upset win of 15 points or more as a road underdog, in a game involving two good teams (60% to 75%).
(25-3 since 1996.) (89.3%, +22.6 units. Rating = 5*)

The average money line posted in these games was: Team underdog with a money line of: +102.4
The average score in these games was: Team 101.1, Opponent 91.7 (Average point differential = +9.4)

The situation's record this season is: (3-0, +3.7 units).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (3-0, +3.7 units).
Over the last 5 seasons the situation's record is: (9-0, +9.7 units).

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Three World Cup dark horses you need to know
By CHASE RUTTIG

Every World Cup has a dark horse that captivates the tournament by coming out of nowhere and knocking off some of the favorites in the process. Will this be the year a nation nobody considers will win the World Cup and reward bettors brave enough to back the dark horse?

These three countries could be likely candidates to do just that.

Chile (Group B, +4000)

In a group featuring European powerhouses in Netherlands and defending World Cup champions Spain, the South American nation of Chile are getting some serious value for futures bettors considering they will have the advantage of playing on their home continent.

Going 5-0-1 in their final six CONEMBOL qualifying fixtures, as well as beating England 2-0 while drawing Brazil and Spain in recent friendlies, Chile are quietly underrated considering some of the Serie A and La Liga talent in their squad. Arturo Vidal, Mauricio Isla and Barcelona star Alexis Sanchez give them more than enough world class talent in the midfield to give them a look at making a run towards a World Cup over their South American rivals in Brazil and Argentina. Especially giving their pressing style that led to their strong finish to qualifying.

Ivory Coast (Group C, +15000)

Ivory Coast has a reputation of having Africa's best talent, but always being unable to put it together in big tournaments which makes them interesting underdogs in a field where many feel their talent could be underrated thanks to tough draws in past World Cups.

Grouped with Netherlands and Argentina in 2006 before drawing Brazil and Portugal in 2010, it is understandable why Ivory Coast's "Golden Generation" have failed to provide Africa with the World Cup contender despite having Didier Drogba, one of the best strikers in this era dating back to his days at Chelsea.

Supporting cast members in Gervinho, Yaya & Kolo Toure, Salomon Kalou, and Chieck Tiote - in addition to Swansea youngster Wilfred Bony - give the Elephants the best cast out of the African nations. If they can finally get out of the group stage at a World Cup, anything is possible, but with less proven talent in defense, backers will be hoping they can outscore opponents to make their run.

Cameroon (Group A, +60000)

Those looking for a real long underdog should look no further than Cameroon, who just recently earned a 2-2 draw in Germany during a tune-up friendly that at one point saw the Group A underdogs up on the tournament's third favorites.

Samuel Eto'o and Alex Song make up Cameroon's star power, but a 2-2 draw against a German side over the weekend that saw DFB manager Jogi Low use nearly all of his star players showed that they are ready for a tough group that includes the likes of hosts Brazil as well as Croatia and Mexico. At around 500-to-1 odds going into the World Cup it certainly wouldn't hurt to consider Cameroon after their impressive draw with the Germans in Monchengladbach.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Game of the Day: Spurs at Heat

San Antonio Spurs at Miami Heat (-5.5, 197)

Spurs lead series 2-1

The San Antonio Spurs are coming off an epic performance and look to claim a 3-1 lead in the NBA Finals when they visit the Miami Heat on Thursday. San Antonio set an NBA Finals record by shooting 75.8 percent from the field in the first half and led by as many as 25 points while rolling to a 111-92 victory in Tuesday’s Game 3. Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard broke out of his funk by scoring a career-best 29 points.

Miami forward LeBron James had 22 points but 14 of them came in the first quarter before Leonard clamped down on him on the defensive end. Leonard scored 16 points on 5-of-5 shooting in the opening period as San Antonio scored 41 points and had 71 at the half against the shell-shocked Heat. “One thing about (the Spurs), if you make a mistake, they’re going to make you pay,” James said afterward. “And they made us pay more often than not.” Game 4 is doubly important to the Heat with the NBA switching from a 2-3-2 series format to a 2-2-1-1-1 as a second straight Spurs victory in Miami would put San Antonio in position to clinch the series at home in Sunday’s Game 5.

TV: 9 p.m. ET, ABC

LINE HISTORY: The Heat opened at -5.5, quickly dropped to -5 and have since gone back up to -5.5. The total opened at 198 but has slowly dipped to 197.

INJURY REPORT: N/A.

WHAT BOOKS SAY: "After a blowout loss in Game 2, can the defending champion Heat bounce back? Miami is 13-0 in post-season games after a loss in the 'Big 3' era. We opened the Heat at -5 (-110) and we booked nothing but Heat money, but instead of adjusting our line we moved the juice to Heat -5 (-115) Spurs +5 (-105) and started to book some Spurs money at that price." Michael Stewart, CarbonSports.ag.

WHAT THE CAPPERS SAY: "It is amazing how similar this year's NBA Finals has mirrored last year's finals between these same two teams. The Spurs have won Games 1 and 3 both times, including blowout wins in both Game 3's by 36 and 19 point margins. Everyone is aware of Miami's strong playoff record off a straight-up loss, however they are now a 5-point favorite, compared to a +4 point underdog as they were in Game 2 on Sunday when they won straight up, but by only two points." Covers Expert Steve Merril.

ABOUT THE SPURS: Leonard was a huge disappointment while averaging just nine points and two rebounds over the first two games before erupting for the best performance of his three-year career. He made 10-of-13 field-goal attempts and also frustrated James over the final three quarters. Leonard set the tone for the Spurs with the strong first quarter showing as he cast aside the tentativeness he displayed over the first two games. “I just was in attack mode,” Leonard told reporters afterward. “Trying to be aggressive early. Just knocking down a couple of shots got me going. My teammates found me. They did a good job of getting me involved.”

ABOUT THE HEAT: Starting point guard Mario Chalmers has been a complete non-factor in the series and missed all five of his field-goal attempts while scoring just two points in Game 3. Chalmers is averaging just 3.3 points on 3-of-12 shooting and has the same number of turnovers as assists (nine apiece) as Miami is getting badly outplayed at the point-guard position. “Still at the drawing board,” Chalmers said after Game 3 in response to questions about his poor play. “Everybody else is doing their job, and it’s me that’s not helping the team right now. And I don’t want to be that guy. I don’t know what it is right now but I have to figure it out.”

TRENDS:

* Heat are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 following a double-digit loss at home.
* Spurs are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 road games.
* Heat are 1-6 ATS in their last seven vs. Western Conference.
* Over is 5-0 in Miami's last five home games.

COVERS CONSENSUS: Fifty-nine percent of wagers on Covers consensus on the Spurs.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

U.S. Open: Golf betting preview and picks
By MATT FARGO

Pinehurst No. 2 plays host to the 114th edition of the U.S. Open and it will be a dramatic change from what we are used to when it comes to the national championship.

Thick, long and tiered rough was the calling card for the U.S. Open but we will see a much different layout this week. Pinehurst No. 2 was set up with the typical unforgiving rough the first two times it hosted back in 1999 and 2005 but a complete overhaul of the course has brought it back to its roots.

The defending champion is Justin Rose (+3,000) and while has been playing decent, he has not been contending very often. He has a pair of solo fifths and a T4 but has yet to crack the top three. History is not on his side as only one player has been able to defend his title since 1951 when Curtis Strange backed up his 1988 U.S. Open Championship at The Country Club with a win in 1989 at Oak Hill.

The odds are not great on Phil Mickelson (+1,300) but we are including him as the course setup arguably helps him more than anyone. He's not had a good season by his standards and hasn't had a Top-10 finish but he's coming off his best finish of the season with a T11 at the FedEx St. Jude Classic last week. His U.S. Open record is outstanding and his short game could help him complete the career grand slam.

The wrist injury to Jason Day (+3,000) has gotten better and he's out to win his first ever major. He's been in contention numerous times as he has appeared in 14 of them, yet already he has four Top-3 finishes - two of which have come from his three appearances at the U.S. Open. His WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship shows he can win on a big stage.

Jason Dufner (+3,500) has made 10 cuts in 11 medal-play events and while he has yet to win, he has been consistently good. He has four Top 10s including a solo fifth at the Hyundai Tournament of Champions and a solo second after losing in a playoff two starts back at the Colonial. He's already is a major winner so he knows how to get it done and he's one of two golfers to have Top 5s at two of the last three U.S. Opens.

Jim Furyk (+3,500) possess the game to fit the U.S. Open and he's a past champion back in 2003. He hasn't missed a cut this season while posting back-to-back runner-ups at the Wells Fargo and The Players Championship. Eight of his last 10 starts have resulted in a T20 or better and he leads the PGA Tour in scrambling and ranks fourth in bogey avoidance, so he's another player whose game fits here.

Charl Schwartzel (+5,000) continues to go unheralded but his T8 at the Memorial in his last start was his fifth T12 or better finish in nine medal-play events, including three of his last four. He's a major champion, winning the 2011 Masters and has made the cut in the last four U.S. Opens. This includes a T16 in 2010, a T9 in 2011 and a solo 14th last year. Great odds for positive converging trends.

Hunter Mahan (+6,000) has been very quiet as injuries slowed him down but he's healthy and rested after taking the last two weeks off. He has four Top 10s this season and, while he hasn't won since the Shell Houston Open in 2012, this venue can change that. He has made five of seven U.S. Open cuts with four Top 20s including a T6 in 2009 and a T4 at Merion last year.

Recommended tournament win six pack at the U.S. Open (all for one unit)

Phil Mickelson (+1,300)
Jason Day (+3,000)
Jason Dufner (+3,500)
Jim Furyk (+3,500)
Charl Schwartzel (+5,000)
Hunter Mahan (+6,000)

2014 Record to date after 21 events: -52 Units

Sony Open in Hawaii -5 Units
Humana Challenge -5 Units
Farmers Insurance Open -5 Units
Waste Management Phoenix Open -5 Units
AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am +22 Units
Northern Trust Open -5 Units
WGC - Accenture Match Play +23 Units
Honda Classic -5 Units
WGC-Cadillac Championship -5 Units
Valspar Championship -5 Units
Arnold Palmer Invitational -5 Units
Valero Texas Open -5 Units
Shell Houston Open -5 Units
The Masters -7 Units
Zurich Classic -5 Units
Wells Fargo Championship -5 Units
THE PLAYERS Championship -5 Units
HP Byron Nelson Championship -5 Units
Crowne Plaza Invitational -5 Units
Memorial Tournament -5 Units
FedEx St. Jude Classic -5 Units

[Can'tPickAWinner]

World Cup Brazil: Group A betting preview
By SportsDirect Inc. staff
Group A

Brazil (3.75)

After a period of trials and tribulations, Brazil failed to play football on the same level as their credentials after conquering their 5th World Cup in 2002. Carlos Parreira, Dunga and Mano Menezes failed to make an impact, with two questionable performances in 2006 and 2010, the performances in Africa were heavily questioned. Luis Felipe Scolari returned and instilled a sense of responsibility in the young players and combined with a few seniors balance was struck. Winning the Confederations Cup with strong and passionate performances, the thrashing of Spain in the final was the strongest statement Felipão could've hoped for.

Brazil played with Croatia in the 2006 group stage winning 1-0 and will hardly experience any difficulties winning again. Faced Mexico thrice in the group stage winning all without conceding a goal: 2-0 (1962), 4-0 (1970), 5-0 (1954). A single duel with Cameroon, a 3-0 win in 1994 group stage.

Mexico (101.00)

El Tri faced a huge crisis in the qualifiers for the World Cup, changing their manager 4 times. With only one win in the entire qualifiers, the National Team still qualified, thanks to USA forgetting their rivalry and scoring the necessary goal in a 3-2 vs Panama. Two easy wins over New Zealand in the playoffs guaranteed their place in Brazil. Mexico still faces many internal problems and the road to stability is steep as the World Cup draws near. The team is riddled with uncertainties regarding the squad and a good run in the tournament is necessary if they wish to redeem themselves with the fan base.

Cameroon (501.00)

The African team has some memorable performances in World Cup history, but the current generation is far from the legend of 1990 where the senior Roger Milla managed to lead his country to the quarterfinals, giving England a headache to reach the semifinals. Regularly qualifying for the World Cup but only passing to the knockout rounds once, we can't expect much of Cameroon in Brazil.

Cameroon only faced Brazil once, losing 3-0 in 1994. No matches vs Mexico nor Croatia.

Croatia (126.00)

The Croatian National Team managed to qualify in the playoffs against Iceland without struggling after appointing Niko Kovac as manager, the former player managed to struck a cord with his squad. After an incredible debut in the World Cup in 1998, a heroic third place in France, Croatia failed to go past the group stage in 2002 and 2006, failing to qualify in 2010. A reasonable performance in the 2012 Euros gave Spain a few scares, but a proactive performance in 2014 isn't expected, especially considering the climate.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

World Cup - Group B betting preview
By SportsDirect Inc. staff
Group B

Spain (8.00)

The World Champions face maybe the toughest draw of all the favourites. Experience will prove essential for La Roja, most of the Spaniards won the Euros and World Cup, some won everything twice and a few were just recently called up. Del Bosque faces a test that should be considered his speciality, after all he is coaching the only National Team that was capable of winning the historic treble.

Defence is Spain's biggest problem, with both starting centre backs Gerard Piqué and Sergio Ramos experiencing lackluster spells.

Spain faced Holland only once in the World Cup, the 2010 final winning 1-0, won 2-0 vs Chile in 1950 and 2-1 in 2010, both matches in the group stage.

Netherlands (26.00)

After a performance in 2010 that drew criticism from every footballing legend in their country and a miserable way of going out in the 2012 Euros, the Netherlands National Team is looking for redemption. Newly appointed coach Van Gaal recovered some of their best players to their respectful places and among the World Cup teams they hold the longest unbeaten record at 17 matches.

Revenge against Spain for the World Cup final is far too cheap of an argument, and the match will prove to be extremely difficult for both teams. Currently the biggest underachievers in the world, Oranje has a good chance to start well.

Netherlands previously faced Spain in the 2010 World Cup final, losing 1-0, and will face both Australia and Chile for the first time.

Chile (41.00)

Chile was in shambles before former player Jorge Sampaoli took the responsibility and turned their fortunes around. The manager was employed by Universidad Catolica where he managed to win the Copa Sul Americana with an incredible offensive record with dozens of goals scored and helping Eduardo Vargas reach his best. A Bielsista, Sampaoli favours attacking football using pressing combined with a strong midfield. There's a sense of dread in the European sides regarding Chile for their incredible form and advantage of playing in South America, third best in the continent after Brazil and Argentina.

Chile faced Spain twice in World Cups, losing 2-0 and 2-1. Will face Australia and Netherlands for the first time.

Australia (501.00)

The unluckiest team in the tournament, Socceroos are bound to leave Brazil with three defeats. Recently appointed, former football player Ange Postecoglou has to find a way give the 3 opponents problems and look for draws, going out of the World Cup sooner but managing to hurt a top National Team seems a significant achievement for Australia.

Australia faced Chile once in the Group Stage, drawing 0-0.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

World Cup - Group C betting preview
By SportsDirect Inc. staff
Group C

Colombia (23.00)

Colombia lived through a disappointing generation and has returned to the World Cup after a 14 year hiatus. A dark horse in the World Cup, the new crop of players is set for a strong campaign. The squad holds the promise of living up to expectations, something the 1994 Golden Generation of the country failed to do.

Led by Radamel Falcão Garcia, one of the deadliest strikers in the world, El Tigre is one of the candidates for top scorer in the tournament. Garcia is accompanied by the talented Fiorentina winger Juan Cuadrado and one of the top young playmakers in the world and Monaco partner James Rodriguez.

Colombia won't struggle to find the goal net as the South American teams offence is a sight to behold.

Japan (126.00)

The most under appreciated team, Japan has grown into a fine and competitive side under Italy Legend Alberto Zacheroni, winning their 4th consecutive Asian Championship and being the first country to qualify for the World Cup for the 3rd consecutive time. Japan had a disappointing Confederations Cup, but I saw a promising side that's eager to play football to their fullest.

Shinji Kagawa has yet to replicate his Borussia Dortmund performances regularly for Manchester United, but the Japanese ace is his nation hopes for a good exhibition in the World Cup. If the form continues he's set to deliver with real sparks of brilliance. Recently signed by AC Milan, Keisuke Honda is their main striker and proven his quality constantly with not only goals but good technique and experience in Russia.

Ivory Coast (101.00)

Reaching the World Cup for the 3rd consecutive time, the Africans easily passed through the qualifiers and could challenge Colombia for the first place given their veteran players experience. Captained by Didier Drogba, the 35 year old striker has seen better days but his quality as a football player is unscathed and scored some impressive goals recently. The Touré Brothers will play a huge role for their team, especially the thunderous Manchester City midfielder now that he has discovered a knack for scoring free kicks, there's also the expectation of a few Yaya-Kolo songs.

Greece (201.00)

After the miracle of 2004, the heroes are all but legends. The impeccable defensive record continues, Greece is the team that conceded least goals in the entire European qualifiers and their classic bus will decide who's going to the knockout stages.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

World Cup: Group D betting preview
By SportsDirect Inc. staff
Group D

Uruguay (26.00)

The Ghost of 1950 returns to Brazil after a difficult qualification battle, Uruguay struggled to find form and almost failed to visit their neighbours. Oscar Tabarez managed to find a way, mainly relying on two of the best strikers in the world to their fullest was key to secure a spot: 7 wins, 4 draws and 5 defeats. The country was a shadow of their past achievements for decades and a glorious run in the 2010 World Cup reaching the semifinals, fortunes were turned.

Luis Suárez is in the spotlight for all the right reasons, scoring for fun in the Premier League and breaking many records in the process. Now with his contract renewed, the only player capable of outscoring Messi in the qualifiers is one of the most talented in the world.

Uruguay won 4-2 vs England in the 1954 Quarter finals and a 0-0 draw with England in the Group Stage in 1966. Faced Italy twice, losing 2-0 in the last 16 in 1990 and drawing 0-0 in the 1970 Group Stage.

Italy (26.00)

Facing a calamity in the 2010 World Cup, eliminated in a doable group, Italy started a deep renewal of their football under Cesare Prandelli wielding great results by reaching the 2012 Euro final. Aided by an also renewed Juventus, most of the success of Azzurri is related to an on form Vecchia Signora. In 2014 the team continues a long road to recycle their style and the legacy of a nation that won the World Cup 4 times, Italy will pose a threat to every title challenging country.

Italy won 2-1 vs England in the 3rd place match in the 1990 World Cup, one win and one draw with Uruguay.

England (29.00)

Experienced players like Wayne Rooney, Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard will prove essential in tough matches, they're used to tackling challenges head on and that should propel youngsters such as Jack Wilshere, Chamberlain and Ross Barkley to better performances. With the right mindset England is capable of reaching the knockout stage.

England lost once to Italy, one loss and one draw vs Uruguay.

Costa Rica (999.00)

Costa Rica did well in the qualifiers giving problems to top Concacaf sides. Facing the first group in the history of the World Cup with 3 World Champions is a herculean task. Their impressive back line of 5 could give opponents a headache but qualification is a far cry.

Costa Rica has yet to face their 3 opponents in the World Cup.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

World Cup: Group E betting preview
By SportsDirect Inc. staff
Group E

Switzerland (29.00)

The Swiss Miracle continues, after reaching the 2011 Euros U19 Final and causing a huge upset defeating Spain in the 2010 World Cup, Switzerland strolled through qualification and is currently placed 8th in the FIFA ranking. Ottmar Hitzfeld is the man responsible for the success the country has been enjoying for years, including young talents like Granit Xhaka, Seferovic and Gokhan Inler. If the team keeps their impeccable defensive record, qualifying for the knockout stages will happen and surprising France to seize the first place isn't a pipe dream.

France (21.00)

Among the World Champions, France was the most troubled after a disastrous campaign in South Africa: eliminated in the group stages. Raymond Domenech lost control of his players and faced a revolt, not something unique in the history of the World Cup but one of the most talked subjects of the 2010 edition. Renovation of the national team followed, but Laurent Blanc disappointed in the 2012 Euros with a negative approach when facing Spain. Didier Deschamps was next, achieving questionable results in the qualifiers, losing 2-0 to Ukraine in the playoffs but managing to turn it around with a 3-0 win.

The French side was lucky to find themselves in a easy group where they'll be able to adapt to the climate and try some new tactics in the process, only a disaster will keep them out of the knockout rounds.

France faced Switzerland in the group stages in 2006, drawing 0-0, and will play against Honduras and Ecuador for the first time.

Honduras (999.00)

Appearing for the 2nd consecutive time in the tournament, Honduras enjoyed a great campaign in the Concacaf qualifiers, a good run to the 2013 Gold Cup semifinals and tipped as one of the weakest sides they managed to go out of the last World Cup with dignity including a draw vs Switzerland. Players like Wilson Palacios (Stoke City) and Espinoza (Wigan) improved substantially. Honduras could give a respectful showing in the group stages.

Ecuador (126.00)

In a campaign marked by a stellar home record (7W, 1D, 0L) and a winless away form, Ecuador managed to comfortably qualify to the World Cup for the 3rd consecutive time and looked set to impress if it wasn't for the terrible away record. A team that relied too much on the high altitude at home, they're set to struggle in Brazil. Manager Reinaldo Rueda is a recognised tactician, but overcoming the psychological side might prove too much of a task.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

World Cup: Group F betting preview
By SportsDirect Inc. staff
Group F

Argentina (5.50)

Alejandro Sabella managed what his last two predecessors were unable to do by creating a side capable of challenging for the World Cup. Immensely improving his country, the manager was able to finally extract the best Lionel Messi has to offer and built the team around him replicating what was done in 1986 by coach Carlos Billardo with Diego Armando Maradona. Argentina's campaign in the qualifiers was a good one with 9 wins, 2 draws and 5 losses. Scoring the most goals in the qualifiers (35) and conceding the 2nd least (15), a reasonable defensive record.

We constantly hear that this is Messi's World Cup, his chance to lift the title close to his home country and the best player in the world knows it too. Finally returning after a long term injury and a mini pre-season, the Argentinian is set to give his all to lift the only trophy that's not in his cabinet. One of the best in the history of the game and now a mature player, expectations surrounding Messi in 2014 are immense.

The group could be a stroll for Argentina and qualifying for the knockout round with 3 wins is the minimum expected. Argentina faced Nigeria 3 times in the World Cup, all 3 in the group stage winning 2-1 (1994), 1-0 (2002) and 1-0 (2010) and will play its first matches against Bosnia and Iran.

Bosnia Herzegovina (1.51)

Qualifying for the first time for the World Cup, Bosnia had a tough task in Brazil before the group draw. Luckily for them the group looks doable with the main difficulty being facing Argentina, two wins vs Iran and Nigeria will qualify the rookies for the knockout rounds in their first appearance, a feat matched by Croatia in 1998.

Iran (7.51)

A surprise qualification in Asia, the Iranians booked their ticket to Brazil with 10 wins, 4 draws and only 2 losses. The Middle East country goes to the World Cup for the 4th time in their history. With only one win in their history (vs USA in 1998), qualifying to the knockout rounds is asking too much of a weak but consistent side.

Nigeria (251.00)

An incredible win in the African Cup of Nations in February 2012, the side showed promise under the bright coach Stephen Keshi after a significant overhaul of their resources and players. A questionable qualification campaign with 3 wins and 3 losses together with a disappointing performance in the Confederations Cup lowered expectations significantly, and now the side will visit Brazil again with many doubts.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

World Cup: Group G betting preview
By SportsDirect Inc. staff
Group G

Germany

Time has come for Die Mannschaft, the huge period of let downs and a growing frustration has passed. Jogi Low's side looks set to challenge for the World Cup along with Brazil, Argentina and Spain. The German Federation completely rebuilt their structure from scratch and they're reaping their rewards more than a decade later.

The road to Brazil was easy but not without important landmarks in a campaign with 9 wins and a draw. Germany showed some persistent flaws including an unsettling lack of concentration, falling too easy into the trap of easy matches and falling victim to a well-organized Italy in the 2012 Euros Semifinals. Low tended to it and the team is significantly sharper, ready to win a tournament like the World Cup. The Federation is building their own training camp and accommodations in Brazil, a significant advantage over other European countries.

Germany faced Portugal once, winning 3-1 to decide the 3rd place in 2006. One 1-0 win vs Ghana in 2010. 2-0 win vs USA in 1998, another win in the quarterfinals in 2002 (1-0).

Portugal

A questionable record in an easy group in the qualifiers with 6 wins, 3 draws and one loss is typical of the country in their recent history. Portugal always struggle in the qualifiers, but two solid wins against Sweden in the playoffs including a hat trick by Cristiano Ronaldo guaranteed their presence in Brazil. A great defence is among Portugal's strengths, combined with the talented playmaker João Moutinho feeding one of the best players in the world upfront and they have the recipe to qualify to the knockout rounds without significant problems.

United States

USA together with Japan are the underrated duo of the World Cup. Under Jurgen Klinsmann they have enjoyed a growth in their footballing culture and tactics in general after a shaky start, winning 12 consecutive matches in 2013, a new national team record. A difficult group could send them home earlier, but they're certainly keen on repeating the impressive feat that was the 3-2 win vs Portugal in 2002 that secured a place in the knockout rounds.

United States have lost to Germany twice (1-0, 2-0), two losses to Ghana (2-1, 1-0) and a 3-2 vs Portugal.

Ghana

One of the most sympathetic sides of the 2010 World Cup, Ghana returns to challenge for a healthy performance in Brazil after being denied by Luis Suárez hand in 2010. Responsible for crushing USA hopes in the last two World Cups and giving Germany some problems in the group match in 2010, the Black Stars might not qualify but given their previous showings impossible is nothing.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Game 4 - Spurs at Heat
By Kevin Rogers

In the last 10 NBA Finals games between the Spurs and Heat, the two teams won five times each. After Miami captured the championship last summer in seven games, San Antonio is halfway to the franchise’s fifth title after putting on a historic shooting display in the first half of Tuesday’s Game 3 rout of Miami.

The Spurs knocked down 19 of their first 21 shots, while shooting a scorching 75% from the floor in the first half of a 111-92 rout of Miami to cash outright as four-point underdogs. San Antonio put up 71 points in the first 24 minutes, while building a 25-point lead (55-30) in the second quarter. The Heat came all the way back to trim the deficit to seven points in the third (81-74), but Marco Belinelli’s three-pointer stopped a 10-0 Miami run to end any chance of a Heat victory.

San Antonio handed Miami its first home loss of the postseason and snapped the Heat’s 11-game playoff winning streak at the American Airlines Arena dating back to last summer’s Game 1 of the NBA Finals. The keys for the Spurs in Game 3 were Kawhi Leonard and Danny Green, who combined to shoot 17-of-21 from the floor for 44 points, including a career playoff-high 29 points for Leonard. San Antonio finished with 59% shooting from field and still won by 19 points in spite of Miami connecting on 51% of its shots.

LeBron James and Dwyane Wade each scored 22 points for the Heat in Game 3, while Chris Bosh attempted only four shots after scoring 18 points in each of the first two contests in this series. Miami has done a terrific job of bouncing back off a loss in the playoffs since 2012, posting a 13-0 SU and 12-1 ATS record in this situation the last 13 tries. In this postseason, the Heat has won and covered all four times off a loss, including in Game 2 at San Antonio.

VegasInsider.com’s Chris David breaks down this profitable trend, “If you’ve been betting the NBA playoffs the past couple years, then you’re well aware of Miami’s production off a loss. It’s an amazing feat and something that shouldn’t be overlooked. What’s also impressive about this Heat group is that they never trailed 3-1 in a series since they formed their elite alliance in 2010. While these angles are very strong, I believe the public is buying into it too much and it’s evident based on the line in Game 4.”

The oddsmakers are testing this theory that Miami will rebound on Thursday, as David believes this number is a tad rich, “I’m scratching my head on this line and didn’t expect Miami to open as a 5-point favorite. This point-spread is comparable to last year’s Finals when the Heat were favored by 5, 6, 6 ½ and 5 ½ points. The Game 1 in this series was Miami +4 ½, which was a fair line considering San Antonio has improved and Miami isn’t as good. The betting public is already expecting Miami to rebound and the number has been bet up to 5 ½ points at most shops. I’m not sure what series everybody is watching but last time I checked San Antonio has won by double digits in both its victories while the Heat earned a two-point decision. Even if you expect the Heat to win Game 5, I’d be hesitant to lay that many points.”

The series price has swung back and forth after each of the first three games, as San Antonio is listed as a -225 favorite to win the title (Bet $225 to win $100). The Heat are actually in a potentially profitable spot in spite of the Game 3 loss, listed as a +185 underdog (Bet $100 to win $185) to win three of the next four games.

At the beginning of the series, James was the favorite to win the MVP, but San Antonio’s Tim Duncan is currently a 6/5 (+120) favorite to capture the series MVP, according to Sportsbook.ag. James has slipped to 8/5 odds (+160) to win his third Finals MVP, while Tony Parker has jumped to 7/2 odds (+350) to capture his second career Finals MVP. Following Leonard’s impressive Game 3 effort, the Spurs’ swingman is up to 9/1 (+900) to win the award.

From the totals standpoint, which saw the ‘over’ hit in Game 3, David says that this has not been a cakewalk when betting totals in this series, “Including Game 3, betting the totals in this series have been sweatshops. Even though the ‘over’ cashed on Tuesday, it did get dicey at the end. And the same thing can be said for bettors who had the ‘under’ in Game 3. The pace hasn’t been fast by any means but you do have two teams that can make shots from 3-point land and Tuesday’s outcome was certainly helped with 44 combined points from the free throw line. I do believe one thing that will play a factor on Thursday is fatigue with both teams playing their third game in five nights. Even knowing that, it’s hard to go against Miami’s run (13-4-1) to the ‘over’ in this year’s playoffs.”

The Heat are currently 5 ½-point favorites at most books, while the total is set at 197. Game 4 tips off at 9:00 PM EST on Thursday and can be seen on ABC.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NBA playoffs

Spurs scored 41 points in first quarter, 71 in first half Tuesday; their eFG% was over 100% in first quarter, second time they've done that in this series. Home team won 12 of last 17 series games, but lost two of three in this series; Spurs lost seven of last nine visits here. Nine of last 12 Miami games went over total; seven of last eleven San Antonio games stayed under. Spurs are just 4-5 on road in playoffs, 3-2 vs spread when getting points. Heat is 8-1 SU at home in playoffs, 6-3 vs spread. Miami was -22 in 40:05 that Lebron James sat out in first three games. Spurs scored 110-111 points in their two wins, 96 in their loss.

Over is 50-37 in playoffs this season.
Favorites are 35-52 in playoffs this season.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

StatFox Super Situations

MLB | ARIZONA at HOUSTON
Play On - All teams when the money line is +125 to -125 (HOUSTON) below average AL hitting team (AVG <=.265) against an average NL starting pitcher (ERA=4.20 to 5.20), cold hitting team - batting .250 or worse over their last 20 games
57-29 since 1997. ( 66.3% | 29.6 units )
0-1 this year. ( 0.0% | -1.0 units )

StatFox Situational Power Trends

MLB | TORONTO at BALTIMORE
TORONTO is 12-3 (+10.7 Units) against the money line in Road games on the road when the total is 8.5 to 10 this season.
The average score was: TORONTO (5.4) , OPPONENT (2.8)

[Can'tPickAWinner]

StatFox Super Situations

NBA | SAN ANTONIO at MIAMI
Play Over - Any team in non-conference games, off an upset loss by 10 points or more as a favorite
131-76 over the last 5 seasons. ( 63.3% | 47.4 units )
26-20 this year. ( 56.5% | 4.0 units )

NBA | SAN ANTONIO at MIAMI
Play Against - Road underdogs of +145 to +350 vs. the money line (SAN ANTONIO) after beating the spread by 24 or more points total in their last three games against opponent after being beaten by the spread by 24 or more points total in their last three games
107-24 since 1997. ( 81.7% | 51.7 units )
1-0 this year. ( 100.0% | 1.0 units )

NBA | SAN ANTONIO at MIAMI
Play Under - All teams where the first half total is between 95.5 and 100.5 points in a playoff game
404-260 since 1997. ( 60.8% | 118.0 units )
20-12 this year. ( 62.5% | 6.8 units )

[Can'tPickAWinner]

StatFox Super Situations

WNBA | PHOENIX at CONNECTICUT
Play Under - Road teams where the total is greater than or equal to 140 explosive offensive team - scoring 77+ points/game on the season against opponent after scoring 45 points or more in the first half last game
59-26 over the last 5 seasons. ( 69.4% | 30.4 units )
2-2 this year. ( 50.0% | -0.2 units )

WNBA | PHOENIX at CONNECTICUT
Play On - Road teams vs. the money line (PHOENIX) poor defensive team (72-76 PPG) against a horrible defensive team (>=76 PPG), after a win by 10 points or more
38-17 over the last 5 seasons. ( 69.1% | 0.0 units )
0-1 this year. ( 0.0% | 0.0 units )

WNBA | PHOENIX at CONNECTICUT
Play Under - Road teams where the first half total is greater than 65.5 off a road win by 10 points or more
121-66 since 1997. ( 64.7% | 48.4 units )
1-0 this year. ( 100.0% | 1.0 units )

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Arthur Ralph Sports

Free Play THURS

Seattle -120

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Gamblers Data

Free Plays Thursday

Phillies/Padres under 8.5

Blue Jays -120

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NBA
Long Sheet

Thursday, June 12

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

SAN ANTONIO (76 - 27) at MIAMI (67 - 33) - 6/12/2014, 9:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN ANTONIO is 8-7 against the spread versus MIAMI over the last 3 seasons
MIAMI is 9-6 straight up against SAN ANTONIO over the last 3 seasons
9 of 15 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Today's MLB Picks

Toronto at Baltimore

The Blue Jays head to Baltimore tonight and come into the contest with a 6-0 record in Mark Buehrle's last 6 road starts. Toronto is the pick (-120) according to Dunkel, which has the Blue Jays favored by 2. Dunkel Pick: Toronto (-120). Here are all of today's picks.


THURSDAY, JUNE 12
Time Posted: 7:30 a.m. EST


Game 951-952: LA Dodgers at Cincinnati (12:35 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: LA Dodgers (Greinke) 14.651; Cincinnati (Simon) 15.535
Dunkel Line: Cincinnati by 1; 8
Vegas Line: LA Dodgers (-145); 7
Dunkel Pick: Cincinnati (+125); Over


Game 953-954: San Diego at Philadelphia (1:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Diego (Stults) 14.638; Philadelphia (Kendrick) 16.288
Dunkel Line: Philadelphia by 1 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: Philadelphia (-120); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (-120); Under


Game 955-956: Atlanta at Colorado (3:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta (Santana) 17.132; Colorado (Chacin) 13.567
Dunkel Line: Atlanta by 3 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: Atlanta (-130); 10
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (-130); Under


Game 957-958: Washington at San Francisco (3:45 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Washington (Treinen) 16.543; San Francisco (Hudson) 15.712
Dunkel Line: Washington by 1; 8
Vegas Line: San Francisco (-150); 7
Dunkel Pick: Washington (+130); Over


Game 959-960: Chicago Cubs at Pittsburgh (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cubs (Samardzija) 15.735; Pittsburgh (Volquez) 17.502
Dunkel Line: Pittsburgh by 2; 6
Vegas Line: Pittsburgh (-120); 7
Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (-120); Under


Game 961-962: Milwaukee at NY Mets (7:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Milwaukee (Lohse) 17.271; NY Mets (Niese) 15.920
Dunkel Line: Milwaukee by 1 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: NY Mets (-110); 7
Dunkel Pick: Milwaukee (-110); Over


Game 963-964: Toronto at Baltimore (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Toronto (Buehrle) 16.662; Baltimore (Gausman) 14.629
Dunkel Line: Toronto by 2; 7
Vegas Line: Toronto (-120); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (-120); Under


Game 965-966: Cleveland at Boston (7:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cleveland (Tomlin) 14.390; Boston (Lester) 13.228
Dunkel Line: Cleveland by 1; 9
Vegas Line: Boston (-150); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Cleveland (+130); Over


Game 967-968: Detroit at Chicago White Sox (8:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit (Scherzer) 15.360; White Sox (Sale) 17.983
Dunkel Line: Chicago White Sox by 2 1/2; 5
Vegas Line: Chicago White Sox (-120); 7
Dunkel Pick: Chicago White Sox (-120); Under


Game 969-970: NY Yankees at Seattle (10:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: NY Yankees (Whitley) 17.319; Seattle (Elias) 13.293
Dunkel Line: NY Yankees by 4; 8
Vegas Line: Seattle (-120); 7
Dunkel Pick: NY Yankees (+100); Over


Game 971-972: Arizona at Houston (8:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Arizona (Miley) 12.842; Houston (Feldman) 15.237
Dunkel Line: Houston by 2 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: Houston (-110); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Houston (-110); Under

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Today's NBA Picks

San Antonio at Miami

The Heat look to bounce back from their 111-92 loss in Game 3 and come into tonight's contest with a 7-1 ATS record in their last 8 games following a double-digit loss at home. Miami is the pick (-5) according to Dunkel, which has the Heat favored by 9. Dunkel Pick: Miami (-5). Here are all of today's playoff picks.


THURSDAY, JUNE 12
Time Posted: 6:30 a.m. EST


Game 707-708: San Antonio at Miami (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Antonio 124.973; Miami 133.974
Dunkel Line & Total: Miami by 9; 203
Vegas Line & Total: Miami by 5; 197
Dunkel Pick: Miami (-5); Over

[Can'tPickAWinner]

WNBA Basketball Picks

Phoenix at Connecticut

The Mercury head to Connecticut tonight where they are 6-0 in their last 6 games versus the Sun. Phoenix is the pick (-5 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Mercury favored by 7 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Phoenix (-5 1/2). Here are all of today's WNBA picks.


THURSDAY, JUNE 12
Time Posted: 7:30 a.m. EST


Game 651-652: Phoenix at Connecticut (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Phoenix 117.919; Connecticut 110.593
Dunkel Line & Total: Phoenix by 7 1/2; 163
Vegas Line & Total: Phoenix by 5 1/2; 156 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Phoenix (-5 1/2); Over

[Can'tPickAWinner]

FantasySportsGametime

THURSDAY
NBA BASKETBALL

1000* Play San Antonio +5 over Miami (TOP NBA PLAY)

San Antonio has won 86 of the last 113 games when the total posted is between 190 and 199.5 points and they have won 70 of the last 99 games when playing six or less games in fourteen days.San Antonio has won 87 of the last 125 games after scoring 105 points or more in their last game and they have won 74 of the last 109 games after having won two of the last three games.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

FantasySportsGametime

MLB Baseball

1000* Play Atlanta -120 over Colorado (MLB TOP PLAY)

Colorado has lost 29 of the last 44 games when playing as a home underdog of +100 to +125 and they have lost 41 of the last 64 games when playing in the month of June.Colorado has lost 22 of the last 34 games when playing on a Thursday and they have lost 55 of the last 91 games vs. NL East Division Opponents.

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



50* Play New York Yankees +110 over Seattle (MLB BONUS PLAY)
50* Play Los Angeles Dodgers +130 over Cincinnati (MLB BONUS PLAY)

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Baseball Crusher
Los Angeles Dodgers -132 over Cincinnati Reds
(System Record: 41-0, won last 2 games)
Overall Record: 41-31

Hockey Crusher
New York Rangers -140 over LA Kings - pending
no play
(Playoff Record: system 24-2: overall 24-18-1, lost last 2 games)
(Regular Season Record: 91-4)
Overall Record: 115-92-3

Basketball Crusher
Miami Heat -5 over San Antonio Spurs
(Playoff Record: system 20-1: overall 20-18-3, won last 4 games)
(Regular Season Record: 78-8)
Overall Record: 98-103-8

Soccer Crusher
Brazil + Croatia OVER 2.5
This match is happening in FIFA
(System Record: 588-21, won last game)
Overall Record: 588-491-85

Here are the rest of his baseball, hockey and basketball plays for today...


Baseball
Milwaukee Brewers -105 over NY Mets
Chicago Cubs +102 over Pittsburgh Pirates
Seattle Mariners -112 over NY Yankees


Hockey
no play


Basketball
Miami Heat + San Antonio Spurs OVER 197

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Indian Cowboy Soccer Futures


3 Unit Play. Take Brazil (+300) to win 2014 World Cup
3 Unit Play. Take Germany (+550) to win 2014 World Cup
2 Unit Play. Take England (+225) to win Group D
3 Unit Play. Take France (-125) to win Group E
2 Unit Play. Take Netherlands (+167) not to qualify for Knockout Round
4 Unit Play. Take Argentina (+110) to reach World Cup Semifinals

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Andre Gomes


This is my First Play of the Tournament:


SOCCER - World Cup Future Play


GROUP E:


(Odds to win the group via @Pinnaclesports)


France -134 | 1.75
Switzerland +266 | 3.66
Ecuador +377 | 4.77
Honduras +2000 | 21.0


I understand that France has been a major disappointment in the last few years, and their performance in South Africa 4 years ago was laughable w/ some bizarre off-the- field stuff, just read this two articles: (World Cup 2010: France revolt leaves Raymond Domenech high and dry | Football | The Guardian & Raymond Domenech criticises France's 2010 World Cup 'imbeciles' | Football | theguardian.com)


However, this is a new team and more importantly, they have a good coach in Didier Deschamps that simply doesn’t allow any sign of indiscipline. In a controversial decision, Deschamps left out Manchester City’s star Samir Nasri because he believes team spirit is key to winning. In the playoffs, France was almost humiliated @Ukraine by losing 0-2, but they bounced back in France and won 3-0 and secured the qualification. Nasri started in the first game and had a terrible performance, while he didn’t play in the second game at home, so the correlation is pretty clear for me.


I was about to send this play earlier and being a Triple Dime Play, but the injury and absence of Franck Ribery was indeed a major blow for them. Nevertheless, I still think that we have some value in them to win the group as my fair line in here is France having 60% of chances to be #1 in the group @ -150 odds.


I really love France’s midfield trio on the center of the field w/ Matuidi, Pogba and Cabaye. These three players can defend and attack with great quality, and they impose a great tempo to the game – something pivotal in today’s preferred style of play. Ribery is gone, but it looks like Benzema “connects” pretty well with Olivier Giroud on the front as both players are great passers despite being strikers.


Regarding their opponents…


Switzerland is a well organized team that will be tough to score against them but they don’t have a plan “B” if things don’t go well for them. Besides Shaqiri, they don’t have the proper talent on the front to create chances to score in “open plays”. I wouldn’t be surprised if they can get a quality outcome vs. France, but I expect them to struggle against Honduras and Ecuador as they will have the “onus” to be the favorite team and is “forced” to win the game– something that doesn’t fit well in their overall mindset and game plan.


Honduras is by far the weakest team in the group, and probably of the whole tournament…


Ecuador is the “wild card” of the group. They have qualified in 3 of the 4 last WC’s, so they have some experience in this superior level. They are a great “home team” that benefits from the fact that they play in altitude to crush their opponents. The good news for them is that the first game of the group against the Swiss’s will be played @Brasilia - Altitude: 1,172m (3,845ft), so they might have some physical edge in that first game. Ecuador plays an exciting style of football using their wingers quite often (their best player Valencia plays in Man Utd), but in my opinion they are vulnerable on the back. In 2014 (all friendly games), they have allowed 3, 1, 3 and 2 goals!


Pick: 3 units (Single Dime Play) on France to win Group E @ -128 / 1.79 on Bookmaker

[Can'tPickAWinner]

PowerPlayWins

Today's Power Play of The Day is

Atlanta Braves (-120)

Pitcher: Santana
Game time: 12:00:00 PM (PST)

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Soccer VIP Picks

BATE - Soligorsk
Tip: BATE -0.5, 1
Odds: 1,91

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Andre Gomes

GROUP G:

(Odds to win the group via @Pinnaclesports)

Germany -150 | 1.67
Portugal +245 | 3.45
Ghana +970 | 10.70
USA +1350 | 14.5


This is considered to be one of the “groups of death” of the tournament alongside with Groups B & D.

Germany is the clear favorite and one of the best teams in the tournament. It would be a major surprise for me if they failed not only to advance to the next round, but also to make a serious challenge to the title.

They have a stable structure under NT’s coach Joachim Loew and their amazing depth is probably their biggest strength. We are dealing with one of the most fun teams to watch in the world that plays with a tremendous pace and verticality in a completely offensive minded system.

This team is loaded with several Bayern Munchen players who are coming from a dominating domestic season, but crashed out of Champions League play in a dismal semifinal performance against Real Madrid. While that loss was a major disappointment for them as after all, they were the clear favorites to win (repeat) the Champions League in this season, note that we are dealing with relatively “fresh” & rested players and ultimately, this could be a major factor for the tournament! For example, while both Cristiano Ronaldo & Lionel Messi logged more than 2500 minutes in the Spanish domestic league in this season, Gotze, Schweinsteiger, Kroos and/or Muller didn’t even reach the 2200-minutes mark in the Bundesliga.

Still there are some potential problems for them: Sami Khedira is a key player on their midfield and despite being fit, he was sidelined five-months with a knee injury. His performance @ final of Champions League didn’t impress me at all!; Despite all their superior depth, especially with offensive minded midfielders, this team doesn’t have the proper depth @ striker position! Most likely, Germany will start with Miroslav Klose on the front, who will turn 36-years old next week – not a good sign for them!

My home country Portugal is dealing with the potential terrible news that Cristiano Ronaldo could be severely banged up. There is a lot of counter information regarding this health, so we should proceed with caution. Nevertheless, his last games for Real Madrid were painful to watch because CR7 was far from being 100% fit.

Portugal doesn’t have much depth on the roster. Actually, this is a team with “only” 5 world class players and a bunch of “decent” players (CR7, Pepe, Coentrao, Moutinho and Nani), so they need badly those 5 players to step up big time, and this could be a problem: CR7 is banged up; Pepe missed the CL’s final due to an injury, Moutinho disappointed @ Monaco in his first season and Nani wasn’t an option in his club (Man Utd).

The good news is that Portugal is one of the better organized and tactically sounded teams in the world. They know exactly what to do on the field, and their work-rate is pretty impressive for a European team. Basically, they put 10 hard workers players + CR7 on the field, and they are deadly in the counter attack! Just have a look of Portugal’ goals against Sweden in the playoffs to have an idea (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ot7YbwrV4ww (http://www.cappersmall.com/forums/redirect-to/?redirect=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3F v%3DOt7YbwrV4ww)).

This ability of Portugal to produce goals in quick transition moves could be lethal against USA and Ghana, because these two teams’ loves to play wide open and will be exposed in the back.

USA has shown some major defensive problems that could be dramatic at this level. The overall inexperience of their defensive back line has been quite evident in these latest friendly games against “better teams”. Bradley and Jones are a decent duo on the midfield but don’t have the proper creativity to make the difference; Altidore works hard and his off the movements are pretty sharp but his lack of scoring ability is just too damaging!

Ghana is way more dangerous in my opinion than USA. They are a relatively young team but with some vastly experience at his major level. Note that the majority of these players have won the U20 World Cup in 2009 in Egypt.

They have a (natural) physical advantage over their opponents that could be important and they play in a high tempo. Their midfield unit is pretty impressive with Sulley Muntari,Kwadwo Asamoah, Kevin-Prince Boateng and Michael Essien, so they will create plenty of chances to score.

The biggest problem for them in on the defensive side… their Goalkeeper is inexperienced at this level and the positioning of their defensive back unit isn’t consistent. Unlike Portugal for example, this team has some problems to be in-game consistent and is prone to commit individual errors.

With a healthy Cristiano Ronaldo, both Germany and Portugal would be “locks” to advance to the next round… Ghana is the clear outsider of this group while USA looks to me as the worst team of the group by some margin. To make any kind of future play without knowing the "real" status of Cristiano Ronaldo is worthless in my opinion.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

MLB

Hot pitchers
-- Simon is 4-1, 3.52 in his last five starts.
-- Santana is 1-0, 2.77 in his last couple starts.
-- Hudson is 2-0, 1.42 in his last three starts.
-- Volquez is 2-1, 3.68 in his last four starts.
-- Niese is 0-0, 2.61 in his last three starts. Brewers are 9-3 in last 12 games started by Lohse.

-- Buehrle is 3-1, 2.20 in his last four starts.
-- Sale is 2-0, 2.16 in his last four starts.
-- Elias is 2-0, 2.16 in his last couple starts. Whitley is 1-0, 2.25 in his last two.

Cold pitchers
-- Greinke is 1-1, 4.91 in his last four starts.
-- Stults is 0-4, 7.30 in his last five starts. Kendrick is 0-1, 5.44 in his last two.
-- Chacin is 0-4, 5.35 in seven starts this season.
-- Washington is 0-3 when Treinen starts (0-2, 3.78).
-- Samardzija has a 7.41 RA in his last three starts.

-- Gausman is 1-1, 4.91 in his two starts this year.
-- Lester is 1-3, 5.02 in his last five starts. Tomlin is 1-2, 5.11 in his last four.
-- Scherzer is 0-2, 6.84 in his last four starts.

-- Feldman is 1-3, 11.65 in his last four starts. Miley is 0-3, 4.41 in his last five.


Pitchers allowing runs in first inning:
-- Greinke 2-13; Simon 4-12
-- Stults 4-13; Kendrick 7-12 (6 of last 7)
-- Santana 3-11; Chacin 3-7
-- Treinen 0-3; Hudson 0-12
-- Samardzija 6-13 (5 of last 8); Volquez 5-12
-- Lohse 6-13; Niese 4-12

-- Buehrle 2-13; Gausman 0-2
-- Tomlin 1-6; Lester 5-12 (4 of last 5)
-- Scherzer 4-13; Sale 0-8
-- Whitley 1-5; Elias 3-13


-- Miley 2-14; Feldman 2-10

Totals
-- Seven of Cubs' last ten road games went over.
-- Under is 7-0-1 in last eight Dodger road games.
-- Over is 12-2-1 in last fifteen Brewer games.
-- Nine of last eleven San Diego games stayed under.
-- Under is 6-3-2 in last eleven games at Coors Field.
-- Under is 8-3-1 in last twelve Washington road games.

-- Over is 8-5 in last thirteen Baltimore home games.
-- Under is 10-3-1 in last fourteen Boston games.
-- Ten of last fourteen White Sox home games stayed under; over is 6-0-1 in last seven Detroit games.
-- Under is 11-5 in last sixteen Bronx road games.

-- Four of last five Houston games stayed under.


Hot teams
-- Cubs won six of their last nine games.
-- Brewers won three of their last four games.
-- Dodgers won eight of their last twelve road games.
-- Washington won ten of its last twelve games.

-- Baltimore is 7-4 in its last eleven games.
-- Indians won nine of their last twelve games.
-- White Sox won six of their last eight home games.
-- Bronx won seven of its last ten road games.

-- Astros won five of last seven games. Arizona won six of its last nine.


Cold teams
-- Pirates lost three of their last five games.
-- Mets lost seven of their last eight games.
-- Cincinnati is 3-8 in its last eleven home games.
-- Phillies lost eight of their last eleven games, but won last two. San Diego lost seven of last nine.
-- Colorado lost 11 of its last 12 games. Braves lost four of their last seven.
-- San Francisco lost its last three games.

-- Toronto lost four of its last five games.
-- Boston lost seven of its last nine games.
-- Detroit lost nine of its last twelve road games.
-- Mariners lost four of their last six home games.

Umpires
-- Chi-Pitt-- Favorites won eight of ten Kellogg games.
-- SD-Phil-- Seven of last ten Tichenor games went over.
-- Mil-NY-- Last four Hernandez games went over total.
-- LA-Cin-- Seven of last ten Gonzalez games went over.
-- Atl-Col-- Favorites won last seven Baker games.
-- Wsh-SF-- Five of last seven Davis games stayed under.

-- Det-Chi-- Six of last eight Carlson games went over total.
-- NY-Sea-- Underdogs won six of last seven Wegner games.

-- Hst-Az-- Over is 8-2-1 in West games this season.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Steve Fezzik

NBA - Miami Heat -5
WNBA - Connecticut +7

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Robert Ferringo World Cup Soccer 2014

Brazil win cup [+310]
Brazil reach final [+160]

Argentina win cup [+440]
Argentina reach final [+220]
Argentina reach semi-final [-110]

Germany win cup [+680]
Germany reach final [+300]
Germany reach semi-final [+115]

Spain reach quarter-final [-155]

Italy reach quarter-final [+125]
Italy reach semi-final [+450]

France reach quarter-final [+105]
France reach semi-final [+430]

Belguim eliminate in quarter-finals [+310]

Group A forecast: Brazil & Croatia [+135]
Group A forecast: Brazil & Mexico [+180]

Spain win Group B [-150]
Chile qualify Group B [-110]

Ivory Coast win Group C [+350]
Japan win Group C [+425]
Greece win Group C [+740]

Italy qualify Group D [-240]
England qualify Group D [-160]

France win Group E [-125]
Switzerland win Group E [+280]

Germany win Group G [-150]

Algeria qualify Group H [+460]

[Can'tPickAWinner]

River City Sharps

Interesting match up here tonight at PNC Park as the Pirates are going to send Edinson Volquez (3-5, 4.27) to the mound to face the Cubs and their ace, Jeff Samardzija (2-5, 2.54) The Cubs are looking for the split tonight of this four-game series and hope they can give their best pitcher a little more support. Samardzija is 4-3 with a 1.90 ERA against the Pirates over his career, which includes a 1-0 Opening Day defeat this season. The Cubs offense has been completely anemic in his starts against Pittsburgh, but we think tonight might be the time to change all of that. While Volquez has pitched better of late for the Bucs, he is definitely a "play against" for these Sharps and we think this might be a good spot for the Cubs to get their ace some serious run support. We are backing the road dog in this spot. The Sharps say...

3 UNITS - CHICAGO CUBS (+105)

[Can'tPickAWinner]

PAUL LEINER

500* Dodgers -135
100* Blue Jays -120
50* Yankees even

[Can'tPickAWinner]

ANTHONY MICHAEL

Game 4 of the NBA Finals going on Thursday night!!!

#708 Miami Heat -5.5 (9:05 edt)
You know how good the Heat have been when playing after a loss and they will be extra good since that loss was a complete drubbing on their home court. There is no way the Spurs can shoot like they did in the first half last game so look for a very motivated Heat team to get this win and cover here.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

STEVE’S GOLF PICKS

U.S. Open Golf Championship

1* Adam Scott
1* Webb Simpson
1* Bill Haas
1* Jordan Spieth
1* Dustin Johnson
1* Jimmy Walker

Head to Head
2* Spieth -105 over Kuchar
2* Dustin Johnson +100 over Kuchar

[Can'tPickAWinner]

LCM Sports. Heat ML. Phoenix ML WNBA

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Dr. ED MEYER TRIPLE DIME BET

MIAMI UNDER

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Scott Spreitzer Triple

Miami -5.5

[Can'tPickAWinner]

DAVE ESSLER

*MLB Total of the Week*

Arizona vs Houston – OVER

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Ecks and Bacon

"Mr Chalk" won on Wednesday in MLB in Interleague play with the Astros -$120/Diamondbacks.

For Thursday in THE NBA Finals E&B like the Heat -3/Spurs 1st Half.

For the world Cup E&B like Argentina to win the FIFA trophy.

E&B have a few golf wagers each for $10.


(1) Phil Rory

(2) Lee Westwood

(3) Keegan Bradley

(4) Jordan Speith

(5) Jason Daily

(6) Ricky Fowler

(7) Jimmy Walker

"Mr Chalk" has Np in MLB

Ben lee is 2-3 -$79 for week thirty three 144-166-5 -$2883 through

"Mr Chalk" is 30-28 -$610 for the 2014 MLB season.

All E&B selections will be for $50 unless noted.

[golden contender]

Thursday we have a Triple Perfect 6* NBA Game 4 Finals system winner and the American League Game of the Month from a 100% Blowout system. MLB Top plays sweep on Wednesday and NBA on a 6-1 run. Free MLB Play below.




On Thursday the Free MLB Road warrior system play is on the Toronto Bluejays. Game 963 at 7:05 eastern. We are playing on road favorites off a home favored loss by 2 or more runs if they scored 4 or less runs on 10 or more hits. These teams are winning by 4 runs per game, 7-3 on average. The Jays are 1-3 vs winning teams and average 5 runs per game in division play. The Orioles are 1-5 at home vs leftys and 3-8 as a home dog from +100 to +125. They have Gausman and his 4.91 era taking on Lefty Buehrle for the Jays who has already gone 7 strong here allowing just 1 run vs the Orioles. He is also 6-0 on the road with a stellar 1.46 road era. going 42 innings allowing just 7 earned runs. For the reasons above we are Taking Toronto. We have a Huge Thursday ahead with a Triple Perfect system NBA 6* In Game 4 of the NBA Finals. NBA now on a 6-1 run and 3-0 in this series. MLB Top plays sweep on Wednesday. Tonight its the American League Game of the Month from a Rare Blowout system that's winning by Nearly 7 runs per game. Message to Jump on now and roll your book like wholesale carpet with the Finest data in the industry. For the free MLB Play take. Toronto. GC

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Spartan | NBA Sides (Double Dime Wager)

707 SAN 5.5 (-110) 5dimes (http://www.cappersmall.com/forums/redirect-to/?redirect=http%3A%2F%2Faffiliates.5dimes.com%2Ftra cking%2FAffiliate.asp%3FAffID%3DAF000189%26mediaTy peID%3D220%26AffUrlID%3D229) vs 708 MIA Analysis: 2-1 thus far in the finals having dropped the last one on the Heat. Frankly nobody would have defeated the Spurs tuesday night. That was a stellar shooting display. Do I expect a repeat? Hell no, but it's been made abundantly clear to this observer that the Spurs are on a mission and I will take the points here and run like a bandit. Will this be the game the Heat explode, maybe. But I'm not prepared to wager on it. Just think for a moment how close the Spurs truly are to being up 3-0 in this thing guys, who knows how that second game would have played out down the stretch had James not cramped up. We will never know but the Spurs clearly have been the superior ball club thus far and now they smell blood in the water. I fully expect a war here tonight. I'm not going money line but I do say the points and Pops Spurs are the right side. Double Star Rabid Dog Release on San Antonio. Many sincere thanks as always guys and best of luck to us. Enjoy the game!

Spartan - MLB Dime - White Sox

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Goodfella

Double Dime Reds +1.5 runs

[Can'tPickAWinner]

HONDO

Tanaka and the Yanks stopped the bleeding for Hondo Wednesday night, stifling the Mariners to reduce the accounts payable to 1,060 alstons.

Thursday: Mr. Aitch will attack with Zack — 10 units on the Dodgers to smack Simon. Also, 10 on the Native Americans to do a number on Jonny Lager and the Sawx, and 10 on burly Mark to nip the Orioles.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Insider Sports Report

4* Toronto -120
3* Chicago White Sox
3* Miami (NBA) -5.5

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Diamond Dog Sports Basketball

.5* Spurs +5.5

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Diamond Dog Sport MLB

Sides

1.5* Tigers +105 Scherzer/Sale
.5* Diamondbacks -110 Miley/Feldman

Totals

2.5* UNDER 7 Cubs/Pirates
2* UNDER 8.5 Orioles/BlueJays

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Hot Chicks Picks

Take the Reds and the Dodgers to fly OVER 7.5!

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Ray Dunavant

Cincinnati Reds ML +110

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Strike Point Sports

First Round
2*: Croatia/Barzil Over 2.5 -110 (thursday)

Futures
2*: France to win World Cup +2200
3*: France to reach World Cup Quarterfinals -110
7*: France to win Group E -125

4*: Germany to Win World Cup +550

3*: Argentina to win World Cup +450
2*: Argentina to reach World Cup Final +225
4*: Argentina to reach World Cup Semifinals +110

5*: England to qualify for 2nd Round -150
2*: England to reach Quarterfinals +175

2*: Chile to qualify for 2nd Round +105
1*: Chile to lose in the World Cup Semi Finals +1400

2*: Ivory Coast to be the Top African Team +137

1*: Top Goalscorer (Golden Boot) Sergio Aguero +1600
1*: Top Goalscorer (Golden Boot) Gonzalo Higuain +2000

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Tampasports

cincinnati m.line best bet

[Can'tPickAWinner]

ADVANCED SPORTS INVESTMENTS

PERRY’S SOCCER

WORLD CUP
1.5 Units- Brazil -365 Croatia (4pm)
1 Unit- Brazil -1.5 -115 Croatia (4pm)

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Wunderdog Sports Free Play

Game: San Antonio Spurs @ Miami Heat
Time: Thursday 06/12 9:00 PM Eastern
Pick: First Half – UNDER 97.5 (-105)

San Antonio was scorching hot in game three, as they cruised to an easy win. Things are likely to be quite different tonight. The Heat have an in-depth understanding of what wins playoffs games, and that is defense. No team over the last 14 Heat playoffs losses have topped the 100-point mark against them, and there is a huge difference when they are off a loss vs. off a win in this time period. The Heat allow 46.4% shooting after a win, but just 43.5% after a loss, so the focus coming out of the gate will be on the defensive end, which has been their playoffs protocol after a loss. The Spurs are a savvy veteran team with a very good coach, and they know that they are going to have to come out and match the defensive intensity of the Heat early. This game should be played strong on the defensive end early – before a free-throw contest turns a low-scoring game into a higher scoring game late. Respect the early defense and play the first half UNDER the total.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Wunderdog Sports Free Play

Game: Detroit Tigers @ Chicago White Sox
Time: Thursday 06/12 8:10 PM Eastern
Pick: Game Total UNDER 7 (+100)

This should be an interesting game as the upstart Chicago White Sox, a team that lost 99 games a year ago, trail the Tigers by just 2.5 games in the AL Central. Chris Sale has become one of the top pitchers in MLB, and has yet to lose at 5-0 with an ERA of 2.06. The White Sox will have to face Max Scherzer, who is 7-2 with a 3.38 ERA, and both pitchers have the stuff to dominate any lineup, so runs should be hard to come by. Scherzer owns a 2.57 ERA vs. the Sox, and Sale posts a 3.00 ERA vs. the Tigers, and both are capable of going deep into the game. The Tigers’ offense has produced 3 or fewer runs in 7 of their last 10 games. Scherzer is 11-3-1 to the UNDER in his last 15 road starts, and Chicago is now 11-3 to the UNDER in their last 14 to a total of 7 to 8.5. This one finishes UNDER.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

EZWINNERS

1 STAR SELECTION: (951) Los Angeles Dodgers -$140
(Risking $140 to win $100)
(Action)

1 STAR SELECTION: (965) Cleveland Indians +$132
(Risking $100 to win $132)
(Action)

1 STAR SELECTION: (967) Detroit Tigers -$105
(Risking $105 to win $100)
(Action)

1 STAR SELECTION: (969) New York Yankees +$100
(Risking $100 to win $100)
(Action)

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Indian Cowboy

2 Units Croatia +1.5 -120 over Brazil

Added

First Round
2*: Croatia +1.5 -120 over brazil (thursday)
6*: Switzerland PK -140 over equador (sunday)

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Strike Point Sports

2 Units Croatia/Barzil Over 2.5 -110

[Can'tPickAWinner]

JR STEVENS

MLB
(952) Cincinnati +115
(952) Cincinnati OVER 7.5
(953) San Diego +100

*Listed Pitchers

[Can'tPickAWinner]

SPORTS WAGERS


PHILADELPHIA -109 over San Diego


The Padres have scored 14 runs over their past nine games and just two runs over their past three games, which includes the last two games at Citizens Bank Park. Over that nine-game stretch, San Diego is batting .155, they’ve struck out 97 times and they have a measly 19 extra base hits in 272 plate appearances. The Padres have two wins over their past nine games and one of those victories occurred when they had one hit in a game against Pittsburgh (a bunt single, no less) and won, 3-2. To win today, the Padres are going to have to score quite a few because Eric Stults has very little chance of success. At 34-years-old, Stults’ is the epitome of a lefty soft-tosser. His four-pitch mix makes up for his weak 87-mph fastball but it's his pinpoint control (13 BB in 65 IP) that allows him to keep his job for now. One thing you can count on is that Stults will get into a bunch of jams every game and give the opposition plenty of opportunities to score. In 13 starts, he has a 1.55 WHIP, a 4.65 xERA (5.68 actual ERA), 34 K’s (in 65 IP) and a weak 6% swing and miss rate.


Kyle Kendrick is 1-6 with an ERA of 4.30 after 12 starts. Kendrick teased us with a couple of decent years and a nice uptick in strikeouts in 2012 but there's not much upside in this skill set except that he can take the ball every fifth day. In the end, the weak strikeout numbers, middling xERA and his disaster risk all make Kendrick at best an innings eater. Thing is, the Padres are going so bad right now that they have a great chance of making Kendrick look good. Without an advantage on the hill, which they do not have here, the Padres are a great fade spotting less than a dime.

Croatia +1156 over Brazil

From a rhetorical standpoint taking Croatia to beat Brazil in the opening game of the 2014 FIFA World Cup is exceptionally enticing because the tag on the Croatians is enormous. The next question would be whether or not an upset is possible. Croatia is team that has been to the big dance. In 1998, they finished in third place when France hosted the World Cup. In their next two qualifications in 2002 and 2006, the Blazers would be relegated from their tournament at the conclusion of the group stage, failing to accumulate enough points to advance.

Brazil will undoubtedly have wonderful momentum entering their opening match. The number three team in the world is eager to defend their home pitch, as their country plays host to the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Brazil is seeking redemption from an early exit in 2010 and would relish the opportunity to secure another golden trophy in its own backyard. However, Croatia has played in big games before and they are certainly battle tested. They managed to draw with the sixth-ranked Switzerland and thirteenth-ranked Belgium. This team thumped South Korea on two separate occasions and they were a contender in the 2012 European Championship.

An upset here is unlikely but it is not inconceivable. This fixture along with the Mexico/Brazil fixture are both attractive betting options. The upside of the reward is substantial and Croatia is certainly capable of being a pest and hanging around. Ask Portugal who narrowly defeated Croatia by one solitary goal in 2013. We've seen the hosts of big events struggle many times in the past as big favorites because the pressure to perform is huge (see Russia's hockey team at these years Winter Olympics, among others) and it would come as no big suprise to us if the Brazilians suffered a similar fate.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NonStopSportsPicks

2* Rockies/Braves Under 10

Some books have already dropped to 9.5, some are at 10-115, so I just said 10, -120. Getaway day here & I like Santana & Chacin to keep this one LOW scoring. We also have the possibility of rain and higher humidity today, which will help keep the ball in play. The Braves SUCK at scoring more than not, and even at Coors we’ll take the UNDER here as I think it’s about a FULL run off from what the total SHOULD be.
I also wanted to have the Phillies +100 on the card for 2*, but with it being 15 minutes from first pitch, I can’t make it an “official” play as some can’t get down. I am…and anyone who gets this can as well.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Betting First Look with Marco D’Angelo

San Francisco Giants ML

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Simon Green

5* Cincinnati +120

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Bob Balfe

Chicago Cubs +110

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Bryan Leonard

Milwaukee -107

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Tony George

Miami Under 197.5

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Marc Lawrence

Miami Heat

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Scott Spreitzer

Milwaukee

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Maddux NBA

Under

MIA -235 ML

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Indian Cowboy's Picks For NBA Basketball 6/12

NBA. 7-Unit Play. #708. Take Miami Heat -5 over San Antonio Spurs (Thursday @ 9pm est) (Currently at -5 at CG Tech and Sportsbook)

[Can'tPickAWinner]

DOC SPORTS (NBA)

4-Unit Play #707 Take San Antonio/Miami UNDER 197 (9 p.m. EST, Thursday)

3-Unit Play #707 Take San Antonio +5.5 over Miami (9 p.m. EST, Thursday)

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Andre Gomes

I've just released one play for today:

SOCCER World Cup - Brazil vs. Croatia

Play #1

***FREE PREMIUM PLAY***

NOTE: detailed write up to be released soon
Pick: 3 units (Single Dime Play) on Croatia AH (+1.5) @ -110 / 1.91 on Bookmaker (http://www.cappersmall.com/forums/redirect-to/?redirect=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bookmaker.eu%2F%3Fcmpid %3D4437)

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Umpire Streakers


WAS/SFG UN 7 -105 Davis L12gms 4ov/8un 66.7% 1u

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NELLY

Miami Heat -5

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Jimmy Boyd

4* Miami Heat -5

[Can'tPickAWinner]

BEN BURNS

*EARLY* Burns’ Thursday Afternoon ROAST!

SF Giants ML -145 345pm

[Can'tPickAWinner]

The Sports Betting Champ
MLB System Bet for June 12:

Boston [A] bet (bet on money line)

Note: This is an unofficial MLB system bet because it does not pass the RPI filter.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

VEGAS RUNNER:
#NFAC Afternoon #MLB Move =
SF GIANTS -160 (1st 5 Innings)

Confirmed #MLB TRUE Steam (Not #NFAC Move) =
ROCKIES -105 (1st 5 Innings)

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Tony del

milwaukee brewers (-120)

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Chris James Sports

Over Dodgers/Reds 7.5
Giants -149
Blue Jays -105

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Sports Cash System

extra pick:

Miami Heat -5 over the San Antonio Spurs (Spread Bet) (NBA Basketball) - Game Starts at 9:00 PM EST

[Can'tPickAWinner]

VEGAS SPORTS INFORMER (NBA)

3-Unit play. Take #708 Miami -5 over San Antonio (8:10 p.m., Thursday, June 12 ABC)

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Sean Michaels

THURSDAY

100 dime release on Toronto and Mark Buehrie at Baltimore versus Kevin Gausman. Always list pitchers with my baseball action. The Jays are -110 to Even money as of 6:50 my time this morning here in Vegas.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trace Adams

Thursday's Selection ...

1500♦ Miami/Spurs OVER 197

For Thursday, Raise the Bar 1500♦ is the San Antonio Spurs and the Miami Heat to combine for an OVER in Game 4 of the Finals. At 7:00 am eastern time when I release my selection, the total stands at 197 points in Vegas and offshore

[Can'tPickAWinner]

SharpAngles - MLB First 5IP Totals

Under 4 Phillies/Padres
Under 5.5 Rockies/Braves
Over 3.5 Giants/Nationals
Over 3.5 Pirates/Cubs
Under 5 Orioles/Blue Jays
Under 3.5 White Sox/Tigers
Under 3.5 Mariners/Yankees
Over 4.5 Astros/Diamondbacks

[Can'tPickAWinner]

VEGAS RUNNER

Confirmed World Cup 2014 TRUE Steam

UNDER 2.5 – CROATIA/BRAZIL

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Vegas Snitch World Cup
Croatia +1.5

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Sports Cash System Play of The Day for Today: 6/12

MLB Baseball

Milwaukee Brewers / New York Mets OVER 7
(Money Line Bet)
Overall Record: 270-242
(System Record: 270-13, Lost last game)

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Against the Number - World Cup Info

Cameroon-

Odds to win World Cup +98500

Odds to win Group A +3450



The Indomitable Lions are some long odds to win in Brazil. While their quality is much greater than those odds, the reason they are such a long shot is because of their tough group draw. While Mexico hasn’t shown much leading into the tournament in qualifying, both they and Croatia will be formidable opponents in the way of Cameroon advancing bast the group stage. If Cameroon does have a chance of advancing, it will come on the foot of Chelsea striker Samuel Eto’o. Though a seasoned veteran by this point in his career, Eto’o is still playing class football for a top club in a top league and is always a threat to score. The Lions will need more than Eto’o bringing his A game to move on however and are hoping that this is the coming out party for potential supsertar Vincent Aboubakar. He is currently tearing up the pitch at Lorient and if he can carry over some of that brilliance to the tournament, the Lions could prove to be a tougher out than Croatia and especially Mexico would like. In net is a keeper that is no stranger to top class football, Charles Itandje. He will have to be every bit as good as he was against Tunisia to keep Cameroon in the game, but the former Liverpool goalie has the talent to keep a clean sheet against Mexico and Croatia. While not expected to advance I would not be overly surprised if they did muster enough to move on past the groups, but then do expect a very quick exit after that. An opening match with Mexico could be the game that defines what the future of Cameroon will be.



Honduras-

Odds to win World Cup +400000

Odds to win Group E +3250



Honduras was definitely one of the surprises of CONCACAF qualifying. With Mexico trying their best to miss out Brazil entirely, “La H” took advantage and snagged the third spot to guarantee a place in the final. This good result shouldn’t have been COMPLETELY unexpected with the solid finish by the U-23 team in London 2012 but even boss Luis Suarez had to be a little surprised with the ease in which they got in. The draw is favorable for some potential noise to be made but in all likelihood its France and Switzerland that will be advancing here. If “La H” is going to challenge for a spot in the knock out round, the man that will have to shoulder a large part of the defensive load is Wilson Palacios. A return to form at Stoke has to have him brimming with confidence and attackers would be wise to steer clear of the hard nosed defenseman. If Izaguire can find space on the left side to attack, Honduras has the potency to cause some headaches. I don’t expect Honduras to make it past the groups but I do think we may see the first Honduran World Cup win this year.



Iran-

Odds to win the World Cup +300000

Odds to win Group F +5800



While Iran’s group is definitely less stacked than most, Iran will likely just be happy to make it to the party. Leaving Brazil with a point or two should be the mark of some success as far as they are concerned. Team Melli has never made it past the group stages and if there is ANY chance that they pull it off for the first time, it will be because of their defense. Their best player, Nekounam, is a defensive minded midfielder and likely playing in his final major international tournament. While their competition in qualifying was nothing compared to what they’ll face in Brazil, they have a firm defense that plays a stout 4-2-3-1 in an effort to quell attacks from more athletic teams. Their Weakness then is their offense who focus on a counter-attack strategy but failed to score against the likes of Uzbekistan and Lebanon. If the best possible version of this team shows up, there’s an outside chance they could have a meaningful group game on June 25th. If the team that took a 1-0 loss to Lebanon shows up, it could be 0-3 and zero point to show for their effort.



Costa Rica-

Odds to win The World Cup +400000

Odds to win Group D +5350



Los Ticos were yet another team from CONCACAF that become a thorn in the side of Mexico. The defense was the real star in their 10 qualifying games as they only gave up 7 goals during the campaign. After Pinto was canned in his first stint, you can be sure that he will be bringing his defensive strategy to Brazil with something to prove. While the defense is ready to show something to the world, it’s the offense that will have to create to put Los Ticos through to the knockout stage. Ruiz is by far the most talented player on the team, and when he’s on his game he can dazzle from the mid field with some of the best in the world. It’s that WHEN part that is the issue however as his game fades in and out to the point of him looking almost completely disinterested at times. If Ruiz can find something special in Brazil, Costa Rica has a chance to make a little noise. Unfortunately though, they happen to be in what can be argued as the most difficult group of the Tournament. It’s very likely that Los Ticos will lose all three games given the quality of the other teams (which should not all be in the same group in my opinion), but with the English and Italian propensity to fall asleep at times, there is a VERY small window for Costa Rica to turn a few heads comes June.



Algeria-

Odds to win the World Cup +250000

Odds to win Group +2450

Africa is still the enigma of international football. The continent produces some serious top quality stars, some competitive teams, and some madly loyal fans….but it also produces tournament participants like Algeria. While everybody loves an underdog, the Fennec Foxes just aren’t all that exciting and a 3-2 loss to might Burkina Faso is likely just the preamble to what we can expect in Brazil. If Algeria is going to make ANY kind of noise this summer, it’s going to have to come off the foot of Sofiane Feghouli. The young Valencia striker has the skill to play on better than half of the squads that qualified and he even represented France on the U-21 team before changing over to Algeria. His ability to create chances is not lost on opponents however and you can expect that he will attract an awful lot of attention from whistle to whistle. If nobody else steps up to alleviate some of that pressure, it could easily turn into an 0-3 route and a hasty flight back across the Pacific. Adlene Guediora could be the man to draw some of that midfield attention away from Feghouli but the Crystal Palace man will have to really step up his attacking to have much of an impact. There are upsets to be had in this fairly dull group and even a single win by Algeria could really throw a wrench in the plans of South Korea and Russia, but don’t expect more than a couple moments of excitement followed by an early exit.



Australia-

Odds to win the World Cup +150000

Odds to win Group B +7000

While the Socceroos are always fan favorites, this will likely be a very disappointing tournament for the team and fans alike. There is limited technical skill on this squad and it showed in qualifying as they were only able to notch 3 victories throughout. There is a lot of unknowns in the young talent as they are mostly playing lower level football, and the old guard is just that….old. So will the young talent surprise and sneak out a couple wins? Maybe if they were in a different group, but with Spain, The Netherlands and Chile on the schedule this could easily turn into an 0-3 quick trip home. The main man for the Aussies continues to be Tim Cahill, part of that old guard we talked about. He’s still in decently fit form for his age but he just can’t compete at the top levels required to be the star of an international squad that has any expectations of winning games. Chile obviously provides the best chance for Australia to grab a win but even that’s a bit of a long shot so unfortunately at BEST they can hope for a draw against Chile and at least a valiant effort in the other two. The Aussies will be physical, and as always they’ll give everything they have, but it just won’t be enough this go around.



South Korea-

Odds to win the World Cup +61000

Odds to win Group H +815

The South Koreans are all about fundamentals. They lack the speed and athleticism of other top international teams so afford to make mistakes. There were plenty of mistakes in the final stage of qualifying as they finished behind Iran to get in, but those same mistakes will lead to an early exit if they’re not careful. Unlike some of the other teams not expected to go far, the South Koreans have a top international player in Son Heung Min. The Bayern Leverkusen star is an imaginative goal scorer that is on the rise in the club football scene. Whether or not he’ll have the support of his teammates to get to use that imagination is really the big question. Fundamental disciplined football is a good way to try not to lose, but without the offensive flare and precision some of the European and South American squads it will be a tall order to get the wins needed to advance. The South Koreans have the quality to get the full points from Algeria, so it could come down to their match against Russia as to whether or not they upset and advance as they will just not be able to compete with Belgium. This is one of the more wide open groups but at the end of the day I think they will fall just short of the knockout round.



Greece-

Odds to win the World Cup +47000

Odds to win Group +815

The Greeks are solid. They went toe to toe with Romania in a playoff to get in and took the Romanians to task in Greece effectively sealing the deal in the first game. Their defense showed top form during qualifying conceding only 4 goals and their collective physicality is enough to put off almost anybody. Where they will be truly tested is on the offensive side of the ball. Like the Koreans, Greece lacks much of the technical skill and flare of other top squads so while their defense should be able to keep games close, their offense may struggle to finish games. If there’s one man that can take the Greeks to the next level on offense it has to be their rising striker Mitroglou. The Olympoiacos man has caught the attention of top level clubs and has the skill to complete against anybody on the tournament. If the Greek defense can hold their shape and Mitroglou can put something together, there is a CHANCE the Greeks could get through. While Columbia is the class of the group, there’s no reason the Greeks can’t get wins against Japan and Ivory Coast on a given day. This could be a team that surprises and grabs a spot in the knockout stage.



USA-

Odds to win the World Cup +35000

Odds to win Group G +1250

The Group of Death. It’s just that simple. There are 4 teams here that are of good enough quality to compete admirably in the next round, but only two will go through. Kinsmanns’s decision to leave Donovan off the squad has been less divisive among fans than I expected but you can be sure the decision will be questioned if the US comes up short of the next round in Brazil. The US had a great qualifying campaign and nobody can question their effort, but at the end of the day the success or failure of this Cup may come down to one man….Jozy Altidore. With Donovan out of the picture, the weight of the goal scoring will come down on the shoulders of Bradley, Dempsey and Altidore, but it’s Altidore that has the skill to REALLY take over a game. Strong, physical and technically proficient, Altidore has the ability to keep a defense on it’s heels at all times, allowing the midfield more room to move and attack. Things don’t start out easy for the US as they take on perpetual “thorn in their side” Ghana, and it only gets harder from there. Assuming they are able to at least get a draw from Ghana, it might take at least one upset of either Germany (unlikely) or Portugal (more likely) to get through to the next round. A win against Ghana would make the road a little easier but a loss could virtually seal the US fate of an early exit.



Ecuador-

Odds to win the World Cup +31000

Odds to win Group E +455

The biggest problem for El Tri is that the World Cup is in Brazil. If it was in Ecuador, they’d be golden. Unfortunately they couldn’t seem to win away from the friendly confines during qualifying and that doesn’t bode well for neutral ground tournament football. Ecuador has a fast, aggressive brand of play that utilizes there wings to great success (at home of course) and will do their best to come out all cylinders firing. On the flip side however, that aggression does tend to lead to some sloppy play, exposing holes in their own defense that top class teams will find ways to exploit if El Tri isn’t careful. One of those quality wingers that Ecaudaor will have to rely on is Red Devil Antonio Valenica. He can be one of the better crossers in the world when he’s on, but his inconsistency at the club level is something he’ll have to shake if Ecuador is going to have a chance at getting enough points to move through to the knockout stages. A win against Honduras is there for the taking but the French and Swiss are planning on being the two to move on so it’s going to take something special in one of those two games if El Tri is going to surprise. While it’s not likely that they advance, they have the talent to anyone close on any given day.



Nigeria-

Odds to win the World Cup +35000

Odds to win Group +995

The African Football Federation is a mess (along with a number of other things in FIFA). Who knows what Nigerian team will show up in Brazil and what their state of mind will be. At their best, Nigeria is very very good. When they’re not at their best? disjointed, confused and weak. This team likes to squeeze opponents on the defensive side of the ball and then counter attack. It’s a bit like a boxer playing rope-a-dope and then catching a guy with an uppercut. If Nigeria shows up out of sorts however that defense can be exposed, and they don’t have the kind of offense that’s designed to take the attack to the opponent and dig out of a hole. Nigeria has a number of players playing at the top levels of European club football so they have skill where some other mid-level international teams do not. One of this top club players is John Obi Mikel from Chelsea. He’s that keystone in the midfield that has the defensive strength, and counter attack passing to make things happen. As goes the midfield, so goes the Nigerian chances. To their benefit, the group is wide open with Nigeria and Bosnia basically duking it out for the second spot in the group. If all goes as it should, the Bosnia V Nigeria game will decide who goes home and who moves on.



Ghana-

Odds to win the World Cup +31500

Odds to win Group G +1100

The Black Stars are another unlucky member of the very difficult Group G. Their performance in qualifying was highlighted by a 6-1 drubbing of Egypt in the first leg of the playoffs so the world is at full attention for the kind of football that Ghana can produce on a given day. Depending on how the rest of the group beats up on each other, Ghana has the players to make a real impact in the first round and possibly steal a spot in the knockout stage. The strength of this team is in the midfield where they have plenty of experience at the highest levels of club play. Unfortunately for the Black Stars a lot of the up front and defensive players are unknown commodities. If the defense can’t hold up it’s end of the bargain it may not matter how much quality the midfield brings to the table. This group is full of eye popping forwards looking to take the attack to Ghana so the back line will have to be ready to weather the storm. Juventes star Asamoah is definitely the keystone to this group. His energy and conditioning are among the best in the world and his ability to wear out mid-field defenses gives him openings where other players might be cut off. A loss to Germany is likely because of the strength of the German attack, but wins against Portugal (especially if Ronaldo is not 100%) and international play rivals US, are very real possibilities if they play to their potential. Ghana has the quality to grab that 2nd qualifying spot and I think the match against the US could end up being the deterring factor for both squads.



Mexico-

Odds to win the World Cup +25000

Odds to win Group A +1150

El Tri are a bit of a mess. After barely making it to Brazil, Mexico fans are hoping that things will come into form at the last second. The offense is not THAT much of a concern for Mexcio but their need to press forward against this competition will definitely make the back lives more difficult. Brazil and Croatia both have the attack to quickly put Mexico in a hole and this is definitely an emotional squad that struggles when their morale is shattered. Their success or failure in this tournament could come down to their test against Croatia. Mexican fans will definitely be looking to their young strike Chicharito to take the reigns and put El Tri through to the knockout stage, but like the rest of the squad he’s had some trying times as of late and nobody is really sure what you’re going to get. If Mexico is able to get the win against Cameroon (as they should) the Croatian game becomes the all or nothing match, and honestly I just don’t think they will have the defense to keep Croatia from putting up at least 2 and stealing the full points.



Bosnia and Herezegovina-

Odds to win the World Cup +21000

Odds to win Group +725

Bosnia (I’m not typing out Herzegovina every time) are far from experienced in World Cup play. In fact, this is their first crack at it after taking the top spot in their qualifying group. Where they do have experience however is in their goal scorers. Players like Dzeko and Lulic were creative and aggressive in qualifying and have a supporting cast that gives this team a lot of offensive options. 10 games, 30 goals…enough said. Defense however is a different story. There just isn’t enough consistency at the back for Bosnia to be able too rely on them in a tight match so the offense knows the success or failure of this squad lies firmly on it’s shoulders. Fortunately for the Bosnians, they drew a relatively easy group and have plenty of talent to make quick work of Iran, and should be able to get past Nigeria. Do that and they’re in. Drop one and the group blows wide open. Dzeko is definitely the face of the scorers here and has the quality to give Bosnia a fighting chance even against Argentina. If he can find the form he showed in spurts at Man City there’s no reason Bosnia can’t grab the top group spot here. At +725 there is value in a Group Win bet with this talent.



Croatia-

Odds to win the World Cup +20000

Odds to win Group A +925

The Croatians were a bit out of sorts during qualifying. Was it a case of being overconfident? Maybe. The Vatreni are definitely much more talented than they showed in a head scratching draw with Scotland and an uninspired victory over Iceland that eventually put them through to Brazil. The midfield is extremely formidable and there is goal scoring talent top to bottom and from all angles. To take advantage of this, head boss Kovac has no problem changing things up on the fly and keeping defenses on their heels with unexpected attacks. This could be one of those teams that just doesn’t show up when they feel that they are the far superior squad. While this shouldn’t be an issue if they make it to the knockout stage, they have to get their first. Assuming a loss or at BEST a draw in the Brazilian opener, the deciding match should be against Mexico. The Mexicans will have to throw everything they have at Croatia because top class attacker Luka Modric will definitely be loping to get his against a questionable Mexican defense. The Real Madrid superstar has the class to take over a game and if he and his cohorts play anywhere close to their potential it should be a fairly unimpeded advance to the knockout stages.



Japan-

Odds to win the World Cup +20000

Odds to win Group C +420

While there are injuries scattered throughout this group that make it a wide open contest, I think the Japanese are BIT over credited here. A draw at the last second against Australia sealed their bid in a qualifying group that is weaker than in years past. They have the coaching pedigree in Zaccheroni and he will look to press the Blue Samurai forward and take advantage of their offensive creativity. In this group however I’m not sure they have the physical play that may be needed to get through to the next stage. Each and every game is a must win and while Japan is good at a lot of things, they’re not really GREAT at anything. Players like Kagawa and Honda will have some international recognition but it’s Kagawa that will be looking to thumb his nose at the likes of Manchester United for not giving him a better chance. His speed and creativity on the attack are among the best in the world and if he’s able to work well in unison with Honda at the right times the Blue Samurai just MIGHT put enough in the net to advance. If either of them falter, it could be over quickly.


Switzerland-

Odds to win the World Cup +15000

Odds to win Group E +270

The Swiss came out firing in their qualifying campaign, not dropping a single game. They’re young and untested for the most part outside of Europe but obviously they can play with the big boys. The midfield is efficient and organized and does an excellent job of maintaing control without having to press and expose their defense. There are questions about the quality of the attacking front as they lack that instant impact forward that can turn the game on it’s head in a short period of time. That concern has done little to damper the confidence of this squad however and they are full poised to show their worth at the top international level. If there is a powerful scorer on this team that can take control it has to be Shaqiri. He plays (on occasion) at the top club levels with Bayern but has been inconsistent enough to not get many first team chances. He has the leg to blast shots with the best of them from a ways out but his youth and inexperience leaves doubts about how he’ll handle the pressure. Injuries to the French squad have opened a significant door for the Swiss to win the group here and I would not be surprised to see them continue their winning ways right into the opening round and push through to the knockout stage.



Russia-

Odds to win the World Cup +15500

Odds to win Group H +225

Since the Capello take over is Russia, things have been on the rise. Russia won it’s qualifying group over Portugal. If Russia plans on making in noise in Brazil though he’s going to have to a better job than he did with England in 2010. The dreary sloppy style of play that England produced in that tournament will not get this group through to the knockout rounds. Fortunately for the Russians, they’re in a fairly easy group, and even a loss to Belgium would be far from enough to cause panic. At least 1 point from the Belgian game and advancement is almost a guarantee as South Kore and Algeria are stoutly overmatched here. Home town Moscow favorite Dzagoev will have the brunt of the midfield attacking responsibility assuming his fitness where it should be. The supporting cast is effective and fundamentally sound, but lacking in true flair so Dzagoev will have to take his creativity to the next level in order for Russia to have much of an impact past the qualifying rounds. I think the future looks bright for this Russian side in 2018 at home, but they’re maybe just not quite there yet this year and Capello could be looking at another early exit.



Ivory Coast-

Odds to win the World Cup +13500

Odds to win Group C +340

The Elephants are no longer surprise upstarts on the international stage. They come with player recognition at the highest club levels and a reputation for hard nosed top class football. There are some injury concerns but it does appear some of those will be resolved come their opener against Japan. Ivory coast boasts an all around effective attack with creative midfielders and hard nosed forwards. Where they may be strongest however is in their midfield defense. Physical and imposing, the Ivory Coast midfielders will give the Elephants their best chance to advance to the knockout stage for the first time. If the midfield fails, it’s likely lights out because the back line is by far their weakest link. It’s no secret that Toure and Drogba are the stars of this squad but it’s Toure that will decide the success or failure of this squad. His health has been a concern but I anticipate him being fully fit after the layoff. Toure is one of the most complete players in the world, and while they may not be the strongest team top to bottom there’s not substation for having a top flight player like that. While Japan has some fire power, the Elephants should be able to get through their weaker defense, and if they can get 3 points there that should have them well on their way to their first ever advancement out of the group stages.



Chile-

Odds to win the World Cup +5300

Odds to win Group B +385

A 3rd place finish in CONMEBOL qualifying was step 1. An indicator that they can compete with the fast paced, athletic and creative style of other South American squads went a long ways in boosting the confidence of the Chilean players. La Roja are an aggressive, offensively minded bunch led by a head coach (Sampaoli) that makes no qualms about his intentions with his 3-4-3 setup. You remember the 3-4-3? It’s the one you would choose in FIFA when you wanted to pound some unsuspecting opponent into the ground 10-0. While La Roja won’t be putting up those kinds of numbers, they have the skill and class to strike early and often if the opponent isn’t prepared to handle that constant onslaught. While this creates numerous chances to put the ball in the back of the net, it also tends to open up their defense a bit, and locking down attackers will fall squarly on the shoulders of Jara, Medel, and Gonzalez at the back as the midfield could very well be playing catch up at times.
Like other teams that will be vying for the Cup, Chile brings a top club talent to the table in Arturo Vidal. A star at Juventus, Vidal has the skill to compete at the highest levels in both club and international play, and should be a perpetual throne in the side of opponents. A staunch defender and passer, Vidal can also go on the attack and put defenses even MORE on their heels as he teams up with his front 3 to keep the ball coming from all directions. There are VALID injury concerns with Vidal and as such he may sit out in the walk over against the Socceroos but I do think there is some gamesmanship here and I expect him to be ready for game 2 at the least. La Roja won’t be intimidated by the venues, the environment suits them, and they have the offensive capabilities to blow a game wide open at any moment. If an “outside” team does have a chance to upset I don’t believe it will be a methodical defensive minded squad because to beat the likes of Spain and Brazil you HAVE to be able to score goals. Chile can and will score, will it be enough is the question.



Colombia-

Odds to win the World Cup +4850

Odds to win Group C -105

Ranked 4th in the world, Colombia showed their worth by qualifying 2nd in CONMEBOL. If Falcao were healthy you may find this squad in the top 3 or 4 for odds to win the Cup but without him they’re definitely not getting the kind of respect they normally would. A win against Belgium in Europe should instill confidence in the Columbian supporters. With the top class attackers and rangy mid fielders, Columbia should have no issues getting through to the knockout stage. Where they could run into trouble however is with the depth of their defense. As they get into the later stages of the tournament that lack of depth could prove to be their undoing. Much of the offense will be funneled through James Rodriguez in the midfield, and his ability to break down defenses, or clear space for other attackers is key to the success or failure of this squad. The group stage should not be an issue, maybe even the round of 16, but even if Rodriguez is playing at his absolute best I’m not sure they quite have all of the pieces necessary to finish the deal.



Netherlands-

Odds to win the World Cup +4100

Odds to win Group B +350

The Dutch have been waiting for 4 years to avenge their defeat in the 2010 final. Their road back to redemption did not start well with a disastrous Euro showing, but recently the’ve played more like the team from 2010. There are plenty of new faces here and they are hungry to show their own worth at the international level. That youth could prove to be problematic however because the back lines are full of it and whether or not they’ll be able to contain elite attackers at this level remains to be seen. The group provides it’s own challenges with clear favorites Spain, and spoilers Chile hot on their heels. It’s very possible that the defending final participant does’t make it out of qualifying. If the Dutch are to advance they will need veterans like Robben to step up and lead the younger wide eyed players. Robben is a tireless worker that plays the wings with class and strength. However, his ability to come through in the clutch has been questioned with reason in the past. If he and the other vets aren’t able to bring this squad together against Chile, they may be on their way out because I think Spain will once again get the best of them.



Uruguay-

Odds to win the World Cup +3050

Odds to win Group D +180

This is an interesting squad. Not a traditional powerhouse (at least for a long time), they’ve arrived on the scene full force and there’s plenty of pundits selecting them to make it to the final. I’m not sure if I see it. Getting out of the group alone will be a tall task with England and Italy in the mix so I guess we’ll see how the European vs South American style of game looks. It helps to have one of the best players in the world in Luis Suarez and a team that believes in what the coach is doing. To compliment Suarez is the angry bull type player in Cavani. The two are a formidable force up front that can give any team in this tournament serious headaches. Where they run into trouble is the defensive midfield. There are holes a plenty for opponents to exploit and Uruguay knows they’re going to have to put up a lot of goals to win games. It’s unlikely they’ll get away with a couple 1-0 victories in the qualifying rounds and with the scoring abilities of this group Uruguay might see their Cup chances come to an early end if the defense doesn’t step up. If Uruguay makes it to the knockouts and the defense has progressed to at least being competent, watch out world.



Portugal-

Odds to win the World Cup +2750

Odds to win Group G +240

Everyone knows this teams chances come down to one player. Normally that’s not a good thing but it helps that he’s arguably the best player in the world and one of the greatest of all time. What people aren’t so sure about however is he fitness status. Yes i’m sure he’ll play but at what level? a 75% Ronaldo is still better than most players in the world but it may not be enough to make up for the holes on the rest of the squad. After finishing 2nd in their qualifying group it took a battle for them to get a spot in Brazil, and that battle was basically won single handedly by Ronaldo. Will he be able to carry this team to that same kind of success deep into the tournament? I don’t believe so. Not only is their group possibly the hardest in the tournament, Ronaldo’s fitness will only become more of a concern the farther they go and i’m not sure they quite have the goods to get past the final 16 even if he’s 100%. Inconsistency has been the defining characteristic of this years squad and that doesn’t bode well for making Cup runs. CR7 is a supreme talent and a joy to watch and he’ll get his if he’s close enough to healthy but look for Portugal to possibly even miss getting out of the group stages.



Italy-

Odds to win the World Cup +2650

Odds to win Group D +180

The Azurri are primed for a run and have the talent to do it. Yes there are questions and they are in a very difficult group but players like Mario Balatolli (as hot and cold as he is) are just waiting to explode onto the international scene. On the flip side, players like Pirlo (likely in his last major tournament) are looking for one final moment of glory. There’s youth, experience, creativity, toughness….a little bit of everything on this team and that bodes well for a deep tournament run. Heck, they’re even stacked with club connections that make them more familiar with each other than most. So why have they struggled since qualifying? Because they’re Italy and they’re just never consistent. Much like their bulldog Balotelli, you’re never quite sure which Azzuri squad is going to show up. The Italians will be looking to the leadership of Pirlo to get, and then KEEP them on track for this tournament. The group is a nightmare and it would not be a surprise if any of the top 3 don’t make it through. Things don’t start off easy with their opening match against an England squad that’s playing with a HUGE chip on their shoulder. Is Italy’s chip even bigger after the 2010 debacle? probably. So it will come down to who wants it more. A loss to England and things get serious quickly and the Italians would be staring down another early departure.



England-

Odds to win the World Cup +2650

Odds to win Group D +225

The story for England reads much the same as their group partners and European rival Italy. Youth, experience, creativity, strength….inconsistency and some head scratching play. England stumbled a bit in qualifying and were far from assured a spot until right at the end. England supporters have likely accepted the fact that this probably isn’t a Cup winning squad but they are excited to see how the new guard handles the pressure and what things will look like going into 2018 in Moscow. There are a lot of new faces on this roster and maybe that’s what this team needs to light a fire under a team that gave an uninspired group effort that led to an uninspired exit in the knockout stages in 2010. The face of the team Wayne Rooney is back but his inability to perform in major tournaments is it’s own story. If he can get over that hump and play like he has the ability to, England may find a way to get past the group stage. Know the names Wilshire, Sterling and Townsend because IF this team finds success it will likely have a lot to do with them. This team won’t win the Cup. It’s just not in the cards this year. But a spot in the knockout stages would give great hope for a deep run in 2018.



Belgium-

Odds to win the World Cup +2450

Odds to win Group H -135

Belgium’s win against Croatia to seal their berth was impressive. A team that started out as dark horses with their name being whispered in small “in the know” circles, they are now at the forefront of the football world’s mind as serious contenders. Their group is nothing to write home about and getting through to the knockout’s should not be a monumental task, but it is imperative that they look at it as another day at the office and bring their A game every single match. Their lack of major tournament experience is definitely the biggest eyesore on their resume and how that will play into their chances to go deep is anybody’s guess. They have the talent and athleticism, the creativity and the drive, to play with anyone. But playing far from home in their first major tournament in over a decade might be too much to overcome once in the knockout stages. If they are to overcome that lack of experience and shock some teams it will have to come with top form from players like Kompany. The City man had some masterful play this season. He’s full of talent and skill, but more importantly he’s a great leader. The rest of the team will be looking to him for inspiration and motivation to continue moving forward through the mine field that is the World Cup. If he can rally his troops and get them to forget where they’re playing and in front of how many people, theres a chance the Belgians show up big in this tournament.


France-

Odds to win the World Cup +2250

Odds to win the Group E -130

Les Bleues are still getting a lot of credit here, but I think they’re in danger of a first knockout round exit. Like many other teams they’re dealing with injuries but to their credit they do have a significant amount of depth. It’s been getting that depth to play together that has been the hard part. A difficult qualifying campaign wasn’t exactly how they wanted to kick off this tournament after the disaster that was 2010. An injury to Ribery has further damaged to morale and consistency of this squad so they’ve got a lot to overcome to make much noise in Brazil. Fortunately for them they drew a relatively easy group but any kind of slip up against the bottom two team suddenly creates a problem. Dropping 1 of those games could spell disaster for the French and I think they just may struggle against Ecuador. Deschamp has to be motivator as much as he does tactician for his squad here and with Ribery out that job just got a lot harder. France probably makes it through to the knockouts, but no further than the final 16.



Germany-

Odds to win the World Cup +695

Odds to win Group G -145

The Germans are definitely the class of the Group of Death, but that doesn’t mean things will be easy for them. All three group opponents have the ability to beat this team on a given day. Germany will have to bring everything they have from the beginning and that can go one of two ways. You either get worn out and slip somewhere in the knockout stages (assuming you make it), or you get in a rhythm that carries you through to the end. There have been injury concerns here and the latest to Reus was definitely a blow, but they are loaded with talent and depth and should be able to weather those concerns. Anybody that faces Germany will have to deal with relentless pressure and attacking both on and off the ball and the Germans are masters of finding open running room and exploiting seams. There are few real weaknesses if any, and having a top notch man like Muller as your field general is enviable of almost any team in the tournament. Assuming Germany does what they need to to get through the group (I see no reason why they won’t), they are definitely poised for a deep run. Some circles have voiced concern over the weather and how that will affect this European power house but it’s not really on my radar as giving it much thought unless there’s something drastic for them to deal with. Look for Germany as having a good chance to take home the Cup.



Spain-

Odds to win the World Cup +615

Odds to win Group B -150

Spain may be the favorites to win the group and advance here but it is far from a walk over affair. The Netherlands will be out for blood and Chile has the ability to beat this team, so they’ll have to be on their game from the starting whistle. The Spanish are not only defending World Cup Champions but Euro Champions as well, and they’ll be looking to put their name in with the list of the greatest teams of all time by defending their title in Brazil. With getting out of the group as priority number 1 it will be hard for Spain to look ahead at who they may have to prepare for in the knockout stages. The fact that a majority of the starters have the experience to know just what it takes to win these major tournaments will go a long ways in not overlooking the early games. There is some concern that having a large group of veterans may be a bit of a hinderance given the physical expectations of getting through an entire tournament in Brazil but I’ve not seen any reason to doubt them and i’m not about to start. A player that veteran core that knows what it takes to win and will assuredly make his name heard early and often is Iniesta. The Barcelona man plays second fiddle to Lionel Messi but there are few in the world that he would be in that position to. Iniesta has the class and form to take over a game and if he and a few of his teammates catch this tournament with their best football, it could be another final for Spain.



Argentina-

Odds to win the World Cup +445

Odds to win Group F -3000

Argentina’s group draw created about the only free pass in this tournament. There is no tangible reason why they should not be onto the knockout stages with relative ease. Looking ahead to a matchup against Brazil is almost impossible to avoid but Messi will certainly be focused on each and every game given his desperation to play in a Cup Final on his home continent. Sabella has this team in much better form than the frantic and disjointed Maradonna days, and the Argentinians are showing just HOW GOOD this talent can be. The obvious superstar here is Lionel Messi, and his inability to get the job done in the past has weighed on him heavily. Expect him to be at his top form, which is truly something to behold. I see no reason he won’t be at his best, but if he once again struggles to find the back of the net there is plenty of talent around him to go deep in this tournament…..just maybe not to a final victory.



Brazil-

Odds to win the World Cup +290

Odds to win Group A -525

This is the second time Brazil has been favored to win the World Cup on their home soil. The last time ended in heart break. Will it happen again? Honestly there’s a good chance. This team is loaded, as Brazilian squads always are. But there seems to be more talent across the board in this tournament than normal and I think the rest of the world has closed the gap on Brazilian dominance. Being at home helps a lot of course but there are a lot of South American teams tuning for them that will be far from being in unfamiliar territory. If Brazil is to accomplish basically the greatest thing their personal world of sport has ever seen, they’re going to need their group of international stars to come together as the did in their dominance of the Confederations Cup. One of those stars (my personal choice for the Golden Boot) that should see his legend grow in this tournament is Neymar. Pure flash, creativity, passion and dominance, Neymar is looking to become the Brazilian icon he has the talent to be. A Brazilian victory in the final and he will cement his name up there with the greatest Brazilian footballers of all time. Fail, and the disappointment and scorn will be epic. That’s a lot of pressure but I think they’re up to the task. While it’s not exactly going out on a limb to say that Brazil has the best chance to win this tournament, you’d be foolish to think there’s another squad out there right now in a better position to pull it off.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Tampasports late mlb

ny mets m.line best bet
baltimore m.line
pittsburgh m.line

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Prediction Machine

Very predictably no normal play tonight and probably for the remainder of the final. I don't see the computer getting tweeked that much.

Half bet on Over 197 at 55.7%. Final score: Miami 103- SA 98

at 196.5 it's 56.1% over

[Can'tPickAWinner]

BookieMonsters

Play Of The Day
CLEVELAND over 8

Money Generator Plays
PIT under 7
NYY +100
MIA HEAT -5

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Fezzik

NBA Miami -5

WNBA Conn +7

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Jack Jones

20* San Antonio +5.5

[Can'tPickAWinner]

JR STEVENS 6/12

MLB

(959) Chi Cubs +110
(964) Baltimore -105
(967) Detroit +105

NBA
(707) San Antonio +6 (Game of the Week)

(707) San Antonio ML +200

[Can'tPickAWinner]

JEFFREY JAMES (Play of the Day)

Miami Heat -5.5

[Can'tPickAWinner]

TAPIN SPORTS

2* SPURS ML+205

Bottom line is this. Spurs are the Better Team and Have No Desire of giving up on games on last minute shots and or corrections done by the Heat.

Tonight will be NO Different. Once again everyone and their brother is on the Heat in 1 way or another.

As usual we will play against Public Square Money and GET THE WIN .

At 2-1 odds We take that All-Day Long.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Hot Chick Picks


In MLB take the METS +120 to drink plenty of old milwaukee tonight!

In MLB take the YANKEES +105 to bomb the boys from Seattle!

In NBA take Miami and San Antonio to be hot and go OVER 196!

[Can'tPickAWinner]

charlie sports

500
yankees under 7
detriot under7
under 198

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Kelso

50 Milw
15 Spurs

[Can'tPickAWinner]

PhillyGodFather

STRAIGHT BET [1961] TOTAL o3½-125 (1H MIL BREWERS vrs 1H NY METS) ( K LOHSE -R / J NIESE -L ):
STRAIGHT BET [1961] 1H MIL BREWERS -115 ( K LOHSE -R / J NIESE -L ):

[Can'tPickAWinner]

MLB System Bet for June 12:
Boston [A] bet (bet on money line)

Note: This is an unofficial MLB system bet because it does not pass the RPI filter.

Tony The Sports Betting Champ

[Can'tPickAWinner]

2Halves2Win:

2* GAME: Spurs-Heat o196.5 (-110: Risking 2.20 units to win 2.00 units) - TBD (TBDu)

[Can'tPickAWinner]

High Roller Sports Picks

METS vs BREWERS – OVER 7

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Prediction Machine
MLB
ML:
Col +100


O/U:
LAD @ Cin Over 7.5 +105


RL:
Col +1.5 -170

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Rooster

Red Sox -150
Yankees Over 7

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Sheep

1961 Milwaukee -145 (1st 5) $1000
961 Over 7 (-125) mil-nym $1000
967 Over 7 (-125) det-cws $1000
966 Boston -160 $1000
708 Miami ml -210 $1000
751 Under 156 Pho/Conn wnba $1000

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Ray dunavant

Orioles ml
Pirates ml
Brewers ml

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Larry Ness' 10* Pitch-Perfect Play (100% multi-year situation!)
My 10* Pitch-Perfect Play is on the Pit Pirates at 7:05 ET.


It was a magical season for the Pirates in 2013, ending just over two decades of losing seasons by going 94-68 (note: Pittsburgh owned MLB's 2nd-best moneyline mark at +$2,342) and earning the team's first playoff berth (and winning season) since 1992. Pittsburgh beat Cincinnati in the wild card game and then took St Louis to six games in the NLDS. The Pirates have struggled for most of 2014 and through games played on May 20, were just 18-26. However, Pittsburgh does seem to be playing better, going 13-8 since, to reach 31-34. That leaves them just 3 1/2 games out of the No. 1 wild card spot and three games back of the No. 2 spot, with a “whole lot of season” still remaining!


Arguably, no one has been swinging a hotter bat than reigning NL MVP Andrew McCutchen. He is batting .421 with six HRs, seven doubles and 12 RBI in 10 games this month. He went deep for the third time in as many days Wednesday, finishing 2 for 2 with two RBI, two walks and his eighth stolen base in a 4-2 victory. "I'm just seeing the ball, hitting the ball," he said. "I'm in a spurt where I'm feeling really good right now." McCutchen has gone 11 for 22 with eight extra-base hits and nine RBI during a six-game hitting streak at home, where his .438 average since April 21 leads active players. "He's hot," manager Clint Hurdle said. "When he gets his pitch, he's not missing."


The Cubs and Pirates wrap up a four-game series in Pittsburgh tonight, with Pittsburgh looking to take the series (3-1) with a win. The Cubs own MLB’s worst road record at 11-23 (minus-$823) and the NL’s worst overall record at 26-37 (Tampa Bay owns MLB’s worst mark, at 25-42). Jeff Samardzija is coming off his second win in three outings, after a frustrating start to the year. The right-hander allowed two runs and five hits over seven innings to beat Miami 5-2 on Saturday, striking out eight. "The best thing as a starting pitcher you can have is consistency -- that every time you go out there your coach and your teammates know what you're going to give them," he said. "That's what I want to do."


Despite terrific numbers (85 IP / 72 hits / 75-24 KW ratio / 1.13 WHIP / 2.54 ERA / .229 opponents BA), Samardzija is just 2-5 over 13 starts, with the Cubs going a woeful 3-10 in those starts (minus-$735 vs the moneyline). His road ERA of 3.79 is more than TWO runs higher than his home mark of 1.64 and going back into last season, the Cubs are 6-19 over his last 25 starts, a 76% “go-against.” Expecting “good things” to happen when Samardzija takes the mound has been “Fool’s Gold!” Samardzija has a 3.09 ERA over his last five starts vs the Pirates, yet is 0-3 (team is 0-5!), having received a combined TWO runs of support. He scattered five hits over seven scoreless innings in a 1-0, 10-inning defeat at Pittsburgh on opening day. So what else is new?


The above are all reasons to ‘jump on’ Pittsburgh in this one but the ‘clincher’ comes in that Edinson Volquez is 5-0 with a 3.60 ERA in nine games (eight starts) against the Cubs after pitching two scoreless innings in relief against them on April 3. His teams are a PERFECT 8-0 in those starts. Book it!

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Marco D Angelo
3 Star Cubs

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Burns MAIN EVENT nba game UNDER

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Andre Gomes

3 Unit (Single Dime) - Spurs +5.5

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Andre Gomes

I’ve waited all day long to see if we could grab SAS+6 but ultimately we didn't have any success…actually, every time the line went MIA-5.5, it moved back pretty quickly.

I understand that the Heat has a great record after losing one game in the playoffs in the Big 3 era, but the Spurs had 7 straight home games winning by +15 points and lost at home in G2, or the Heat was 8-0 at home in the playoffs but lost game 3 at home…

Miami might win tonight’s game but this spread of 5 points is just too much against this Spurs team.

Even though the Spurs crushed the Heat in the last game, it wasn’t the typical game in which MIA packed in and saved some energy for tonight…NO! The Heat gave everything in the second half! LeBron James played 40 minutes! MIA actually made a nice run in the 3rd quarter but they literally ran out of gas in the 4th quarter – a bad sign for tonight!

SAS’s role players will be the MVP of this series! Unlike MIA that has several players playing subpar basketball: Chalmers, Cole and Ray Allen, the Spurs’ role players are stepping up right now. It is weird to watch the Spurs’ killing the Heat w/ “merely OK” games from Duncan, Parker and Ginobili.

MIA needs LeBron to play like a superhuman and indeed he was a beast in G2 but the Heat barely defeated the Spurs in the game! I expect a somehow similar scenario for tonight…I have no doubt that MIA will bounce back in terms of energy and focus, but the Spurs will be ready for the challenge and they don’t deserve to be such “underdogs” in here.


Pick: 3 units (Single Dime Play) on 707 San Antonio Spurs (+5.5) @ -110 / 1.91 on Bookmaker (http://www.cappersmall.com/forums/redirect-to/?redirect=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bookmaker.eu%2F%3Fcmpid %3D4437)