Wednesday 10-11-17 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Preview: Penguins at Capitals

Gracenote
Oct 10, 2017

A powerful Russian leader surely was not mentioned on the first leg of the Pittsburgh Penguins' visit to the nation's capital. Expect that to change as the Penguins prepare to face Alex Oveckin and the Washington Capitals on Wednesday night, a matchup coming 24 hours after the reigning Stanley Cup champs were feted at the White House.

Pittsburgh has dual concerns entering the latest chapter of the Sidney Crosby-Ovechkin rivaly -- slowing down Washington's offense and its Russian superstar captain. The Penguins finally have something to build on, blanking Nashville in a Stanley Cup Finals rematch after they were outscored 15-5 in their first two games. Conversely, the Capitals are coming off their first loss, blowing a two-goal lead in an overtime defeat at Tampa Bay. Ovechkin was kept off the scoresheet in the setback after a scorching start in which he pumped in seven goals in the team's first two wins.

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

ABOUT THE PENGUINS (1-1-1): After getting pierced for 11 goals in his first two appearances of the season, goaltender Matt Murray earned his first victory with a 26-save shutout of Nashville, although he praised his teammates. "We weren't happy with either of the games prior to this," Murray said. "This is our first really good team effort and I think every single guy in the room stepped up." Defenseman Ian Cole lost some teeth after taking a slap shot to the mouth Saturday and will not be available, but forward Patric Hornqvist (hand) could make his season debut.

ABOUT THE CAPITALS (2-0-1): T.J. Oshie scored twice and set up another tally as Washington built a pair of two-goal leads at Tampa Bay, but he lamented the fact that the team took its foot off the pedal. "Early in the season here, that's a learning moment for us," said Oshie, who had 10 points in four regular-season games versus Washington last season. "I feel like every year you kind of get that same thing. Once you get a lead, you start sitting back. So we'll get that out of our game." Evgeny Kuznetsov has eight assists, including on each of Ovechkin's goals.

OVERTIME

1. Washington has won the Presidents' Trophy the past two seasons, only to get bounced by Pittsburgh in the conference semifinals both years.

2. Penguins C Evgeni Malkin scored five goals in four regular-seaon meetings versus Washington in 2016-17.

3. The Capitals have surrendered 111 shots on goal in the first three games.

PREDICTION: Capitals 4, Penguins 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Pittsburgh at Washington

W/L TRENDS

Pittsburgh

Penguins are 6-1 in their last 7 games playing on 3 or more days rest. Penguins are 46-19 in their last 65 vs. Metropolitan. Penguins are 72-34 in their last 106 vs. Eastern Conference. Penguins are 1-4 in their last 5 road games.

Washington

Capitals are 4-1 in their last 5 vs. a team with a winning % below .400. Capitals are 40-13 in their last 53 games playing on 1 days rest. Capitals are 9-3 in their last 12 Wednesday games. Capitals are 63-23 in their last 86 home games. Capitals are 10-4 in their last 14 vs. Metropolitan. Capitals are 39-17 in their last 56 vs. Eastern Conference. Capitals are 44-20 in their last 64 overall. Capitals are 88-42 in their last 130 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400. Capitals are 54-26 in their last 80 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game.

OU TRENDS

Pittsburgh

Over is 15-4-2 in Penguins last 21 games playing on 3 or more days rest. Under is 5-2-1 in Penguins last 8 Wednesday games. Over is 17-8-1 in Penguins last 26 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.

Washington

Over is 5-1 in Capitals last 6 overall. Over is 5-1 in Capitals last 6 vs. Eastern Conference. Over is 4-1 in Capitals last 5 vs. a team with a winning % below .400. Under is 4-1-1 in Capitals last 6 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400. Under is 11-3-3 in Capitals last 17 vs. Metropolitan. Over is 7-3-2 in Capitals last 12 Wednesday games.

HEAD TO HEAD

Road team is 5-2 in the last 7 meetings.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Preview: Bruins at Avalanche

Gracenote
Oct 10, 2017

The Colorado Avalanche didn't have much to celebrate last season on the heels of finishing with the fewest points (48) of any NHL team in the salary cap era. Fast forward to the present as the Avalanche are in position to record a season sweep of the Boston Bruins should they emerge victorious on Wednesday in the back end of a home-and-home series at the Pepsi Center.

Semyon Varlamov is looking no worse for wear after undergoing double hip surgery in January, as he turned aside 37 shots in a season-opening win over the New York Rangers and all 29 he faced in Monday's 2-0 victory over Boston. "It's a good start for me. I didn't play for a long time," said the 29-year-old Russian, who boasts a 1.00 goals-against average and .971 save percentage. "Came back and started the season with two wins. It brings confidence to the team." Confidence could be in short supply for the Bruins, who will see stud two-way center Patrice Bergeron (lower body) sidelined for the first three games of the season for the second straight year. "I don't know if it 'got worse' is the right way to put it. It just hasn't, I guess, responded well to treatment is probably a better way to put it," coach Bruce Cassidy told reporters on Tuesday.
TV: 9:30 p.m. ET, NHL.TV, NESN (Boston), Altitude (Colorado)

ABOUT THE BRUINS (1-1-0): With Bergeron and fellow forward David Backes (diverticulitis) to sit out on Wednesday, Boston will once again turn to David Krejci, Riley Nash and even Sean Kuraly to provide significant minutes down the middle of the ice. Boston addressed its forward depth by recalling Danton Heinen from Providence of the American Hockey League and signing journeyman Ryan White to a professional tryout agreement on Tuesday. Heinen was one of Boston's final cuts at the end of the preseason after recording 44 points (14 goals, 30 assists) in 64 games in 2016-17 in Providence.

ABOUT THE AVALANCHE (2-1-0): Colorado was banking that Nail Yakupov could give its ailing offense a jolt when it signed the former No. 1 overall pick to a one-year deal in the offseason. After mustering just three goals and nine points in 40 games for St. Louis, the 23-year-old Russian found his offense early this season with a two-goal performance versus Boston to pull even with Matt Duchene for the team lead in points (three). The 26-year-old Duchene, who had an assist in Monday's matinee, scored a goal in his previous encounter with the Bruins - a 4-2 win on Dec. 8.

OVERTIME

1. Colorado has allowed six goals this season, but none at even strength.

2. Neither club is faring well on the power play as the Bruins are just 1-for-9 with the man advantage while the Avalanche are 1-for-12.

3. The Avalanche announced Tuesday that the Colorado Eagles will be the club's new American Hockey League affiliate beginning in the 2018-19 season.

PREDICTION: Bruins 3, Avalanche 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Boston at Colorado

W/L TRENDS

Boston

Bruins are 5-1 in their last 6 vs. Central. Bruins are 9-2 in their last 11 vs. Western Conference. Bruins are 4-1 in their last 5 road games. Bruins are 7-2 in their last 9 games following a home loss of 3 or more goals. Bruins are 6-2 in their last 8 in the second game of a home-and-home situation. Bruins are 5-2 in their last 7 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game. Bruins are 2-5 in their last 7 overall. Bruins are 3-8 in their last 11 Wednesday games. Bruins are 1-5 in their last 6 vs. a team with a winning record. Bruins are 1-5 in their last 6 games playing on 1 days rest.

Colorado

Avalanche are 19-7 in their last 26 in the second game of a home-and-home situation. Avalanche are 16-35 in their last 51 home games. Avalanche are 7-20 in their last 27 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game. Avalanche are 13-38 in their last 51 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game. Avalanche are 12-40 in their last 52 games playing on 1 days rest. Avalanche are 15-52 in their last 67 overall. Avalanche are 6-21 in their last 27 games following a win. Avalanche are 1-6 in their last 7 Wednesday games.

OU TRENDS

Boston

Under is 2-0-2 in Bruins last 4 vs. a team with a winning record. Over is 10-2 in Bruins last 12 Wednesday games. Under is 4-1-2 in Bruins last 7 games playing on 1 days rest. Under is 4-1-2 in Bruins last 7 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game. Under is 4-1 in Bruins last 5 vs. Central. Under is 4-1 in Bruins last 5 vs. Western Conference. Under is 3-1-2 in Bruins last 6 road games. Over is 15-5-2 in Bruins last 22 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game. Over is 3-1-1 in Bruins last 5 following a loss of 3 or more goals. Under is 10-4-2 in Bruins last 16 overall. Under is 10-4-1 in Bruins last 15 in the second game of a home-and-home situation.

Colorado

Over is 5-0-2 in Avalanche last 7 games following a win. Over is 5-1 in Avalanche last 6 home games. Over is 4-1-1 in Avalanche last 6 games playing on 1 days rest. Over is 12-4-5 in Avalanche last 21 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game. Over is 3-1-1 in Avalanche last 5 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game. Over is 3-1-1 in Avalanche last 5 in the second game of a home-and-home situation. Over is 3-1-1 in Avalanche last 5 vs. Eastern Conference. Over is 11-4-1 in Avalanche last 16 overall.

HEAD TO HEAD

Bruins are 5-1 in the last 6 meetings in Colorado. Under is 8-2 in the last 10 meetings. Bruins are 2-5 in the last 7 meetings. Road team is 19-7-1 in the last 27 meetings.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Preview: Islanders at Ducks

Gracenote
Oct 10, 2017

After having a 13-year winning streak snapped at home against one opponent, the Anaheim Ducks will face a team that has had their number of late when they host the New York Islanders on Wednesday night. The Ducks will try to rebound from a 2-0 defeat to Calgary, which had lost an NHL-record 25 consecutive games in Anaheim.

The schedule was set up for a fine start for the Ducks, who finished a Western Conference-best 29-8-4 at home last season. The Ducks have dropped two straight at Honda Center as they prepare to wind up a season-opening four-game homestand against New York, which has won the last four meetings between the clubs. The Islanders managed to snag a point in a shootout loss to St. Louis on Monday, forging a tie with a pair of goals in the final seven minutes of regulation. New York has won its last three visits to the Honda Center, including a 14-round shootout in November that set a record for the longest in franchise history.

TV: 10 p.m. ET, MSG-Plus (New York), Prime Ticket (Anaheim)

ABOUT THE ISLANDERS (1-1-1): With captain John Tavares ticketed to be a free agent after this season, general manager Garth Snow told the media that he felt "excellent" about the current state of negotiations. “I’ve said it all along, we drafted John at 18, and we think the world of him,” Snow said, per the New York Post. “We want him to retire an Islander. He’s a first-class person and a first-class player.” Tavares, who scored twice versus Buffalo on Saturday, is one goal shy of tying Bob Bourne (538) for seventh place on the team's all-time list.

ABOUT THE DUCKS: With its lineup riddled by injuries, center Ryan Getzlaf made his season debut and was not eased into the lineup, with coach Bruce Boudreau giving his captain 22 minutes, 14 seconds of ice time. "He's going to play himself back into game shape in a hurry if we play him 22 minutes a night," Carlyle said. "I saw some rust in his game, specifically early, but he got a lot better as the game went on. I expect him to continue to improve." Getzlaf's return was tempered by another injury, this one to forward Ondrej Kase (upper body).

OVERTIME

1. Tavares has five goals and 12 points in 12 games versus Anaheim.

2. Getzlaf has five goals and 11 points in 14 contests against New York.

3. The Islanders are 0-for-10 on the power play while Anaheim is 0-for-11.

PREDICTION: Ducks 3, Islanders 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - NY Islanders at Anaheim

W/L TRENDS

NY Islanders

Islanders are 6-0 in their last 6 vs. a team with a losing record. Islanders are 5-1 in their last 6 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game. Islanders are 4-1 in their last 5 road games. Islanders are 4-1 in their last 5 games playing on 1 days rest. Islanders are 7-2 in their last 9 overall. Islanders are 11-4 in their last 15 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game. Islanders are 11-5 in their last 16 Wednesday games. Islanders are 36-17 in their last 53 in the fourth game of a 4-in-6 situation. Islanders are 1-4 in their last 5 vs. Western Conference. Islanders are 0-4 in their last 4 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of less than .400.

Anaheim

Ducks are 6-1 in their last 7 Wednesday games. Ducks are 9-2 in their last 11 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game. Ducks are 8-3 in their last 11 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game. Ducks are 10-4 in their last 14 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game. Ducks are 18-8 in their last 26 home games. Ducks are 49-22 in their last 71 vs. a team with a winning % below .400. Ducks are 1-4 in their last 5 overall. Ducks are 0-4 in their last 4 games playing on 1 days rest. Ducks are 0-4 in their last 4 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400.

OU TRENDS

NY Islanders

Under is 4-0 in Islanders last 4 vs. Western Conference. Over is 4-1 in Islanders last 5 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game. Under is 6-2 in Islanders last 8 in the fourth game of a 4-in-6 days situation. Under is 15-6-3 in Islanders last 24 Wednesday games. Over is 15-7 in Islanders last 22 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game.

Anaheim

Under is 3-0-1 in Ducks last 4 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400. Over is 5-1-3 in Ducks last 9 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game. Under is 4-1-1 in Ducks last 6 games playing on 1 days rest. Over is 6-2-2 in Ducks last 10 vs. Metropolitan. Over is 6-2-1 in Ducks last 9 vs. Eastern Conference. Over is 6-2-2 in Ducks last 10 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game. Under is 5-2-3 in Ducks last 10 vs. a team with a winning % below .400.

HEAD TO HEAD

Islanders are 4-0 in the last 4 meetings. Under is 4-1-1 in the last 6 meetings. Road team is 5-2 in the last 7 meetings.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Preview: Flames at Kings

Gracenote
Oct 10, 2017

Calgary Flames coach Glen Gulutzan had no issue revealing his cards when it came to Mike Smith, proclaiming the veteran goaltender will be in net for Wednesday's road game against the Los Angeles Kings. Gulutzan held his hand closer to the vest in regard to Jaromir Jagr, keeping reporters in limbo by playing the waiting game with the future Hall of Famer.

"I'll let you guys know (Wednesday)," Gulutzan said after the team's up-tempo skate Tuesday afternoon in El Segundo, Calif. "We have a plan of what we want to do. I'll let you know (Wednesday)." The 45-year-old Jagr, who signed a one-year, $1 million contract on Oct. 3 with the potential to earn another $1 million in incentives, reportedly has been working on his conditioning as he prepares for his debut with his eighth NHL team. Los Angeles' conditioning should be fine after enjoying a few days off since Saturday's 4-1 win over San Jose. Captain Anze Kopitar collected two goals and an assist in that contest and recorded four points (two goals, two assists) in five meetings last season with the Flames.

TV: 10:30 p.m. ET, NHL.TV, Sportsnet West (Calgary), FSN West (Los Angeles)

ABOUT THE FLAMES (2-1-0): Smith was absent from Tuesday's practice with what Gulutzan admitted was a well-earned maintenance day, mere hours after the veteran turned aside all 43 shots as the Flames snapped a 25-game slide (0-20-5) versus Anaheim with a 2-0 win on Monday. The 35-year-old Smith has stopped 110 of 115 shots to record a 1.68 goals-against average and .957 save percentage this season. "I've said it all along - it doesn't matter if there's 20 or 40 (shots)," Smith said. "My job is the same: to stabilize the group and to make the saves the team relies on you to make. I've been used to it in the past, I'm no stranger to it, so when it happens, I'm somewhat used to it."

ABOUT THE KINGS (2-0-0): Kopitar credits the loosening of the team's reins under new coach John Stevens as a reason for optimism on offense. "There's a lot more creativity to our game than there was previously. Just getting chances," Kopitar said. "We're creating stuff, and that's the most important thing, but we're creating in high-scoring, high-danger areas." The Kings, however, haven't "created" enough buzz on the power play as they have failed on all 11 attempts, but are a perfect 9-for-9 on the penalty kill.

OVERTIME

1. Los Angeles C Tyler Toffoli, who leads the team with 12 shots this season, failed to record a point in five encounters with Calgary last season.

2. Flames LW Johnny Gaudreau has recorded five points (one goal, four assists) in his last two games overall and four (one goal, three assists) in five games versus the Kings in 2016-17.

3. Los Angeles C Jeff Carter scored two goals and set up two others versus Calgary last season.

PREDICTION: Flames 3, Kings 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Calgary at Los Angeles

W/L TRENDS

Calgary

Flames are 26-55 in their last 81 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600. Flames are 2-6 in their last 8 overall. Flames are 2-6 in their last 8 vs. Western Conference. Flames are 1-4 in their last 5 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game. Flames are 1-4 in their last 5 road games. Flames are 1-4 in their last 5 games following a win. Flames are 1-4 in their last 5 games playing on 1 days rest. Flames are 1-4 in their last 5 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game. Flames are 1-6 in their last 7 vs. Pacific. Flames are 0-4 in their last 4 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game. Flames are 0-8 in their last 8 vs. a team with a winning record. Flames are 0-4 in their last 4 Wednesday games.

Los Angeles

Kings are 5-2 in their last 7 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game. Kings are 17-8 in their last 25 vs. a team with a winning % above .600. Kings are 4-9 in their last 13 vs. Pacific. Kings are 4-9 in their last 13 Wednesday games. Kings are 3-7 in their last 10 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game. Kings are 3-7 in their last 10 games playing on 3 or more days rest. Kings are 4-11 in their last 15 games following a win.

OU TRENDS

Calgary

Over is 1-0-3 in Flames last 4 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game. Under is 7-1-4 in Flames last 12 road games. Under is 5-1-3 in Flames last 9 vs. Pacific. Under is 4-1-2 in Flames last 7 games playing on 1 days rest. Under is 4-1-2 in Flames last 7 vs. a team with a winning record. Under is 3-1-1 in Flames last 5 Wednesday games. Under is 3-1-1 in Flames last 5 games following a win. Under is 18-6-3 in Flames last 27 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600. Over is 3-1-4 in Flames last 8 after scoring 2 goals or less in their previous game. Under is 5-2-3 in Flames last 10 overall. Over is 5-2-1 in Flames last 8 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game. Under is 5-2-3 in Flames last 10 vs. Western Conference.

Los Angeles

Under is 1-0-4 in Kings last 5 Wednesday games. Over is 2-0-2 in Kings last 4 vs. Pacific. Over is 2-0-3 in Kings last 5 vs. Western Conference. Under is 4-1-2 in Kings last 7 games following a win. Under is 15-4-7 in Kings last 26 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game. Over is 3-1-1 in Kings last 5 vs. a team with a winning % above .600. Under is 3-1-3 in Kings last 7 games playing on 3 or more days rest. Over is 3-1-1 in Kings last 5 when their opponent allows 2 goals or less in their previous game. Under is 3-1-2 in Kings last 6 home games. Under is 5-2-4 in Kings last 11 overall. Under is 27-12-13 in Kings last 52 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game.

HEAD TO HEAD

Under is 12-3-1 in the last 16 meetings in Los Angeles. Under is 22-7-4 in the last 33 meetings. Flames are 1-4 in the last 5 meetings in Los Angeles.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

IntPicks

FREE PICK of the DAY

October 11, 2017

#918

2 Stars

4:00 PM ET

Washington @ Chicago Cubs

Take Chicago Cubs ML (-160)

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Joey Juice

Let's face it , this South Alabama team has had a really rough time trying to score vs FBS teams this season.

The last 4 South Alabama games all went under. To make matters worse, Troy has an extremely strong defensive unit and we all saw that against LSU. The last 5 times this Troy team covered a game, they followed it with an under.

This game is under.

2* SOUTH ALABAMA-TROY UNDER

[Can'tPickAWinner]

MLB
Dunkel

Wednesday, October 11

NY Yankees @ Cleveland

Game 915-916
October 11, 2017 @ 8:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
NY Yankees
(Sabathia) 15.960
Cleveland
(Kluber) 19.221
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Cleveland
by 3 1/2
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Cleveland
-190
7 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Cleveland
(-190); Under

Washington @ Chicago Cubs

Game 917-918
October 11, 2017 @ 4:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Washington
(Roark) 14.946
Chicago Cubs
(Arrieta) 15.916
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Chicago Cubs
by 1
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Chicago Cubs
-160
7 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Chicago Cubs
(-150); Over

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Wednesday's MLB Division Series Betting Preview and Odds

The Yankees are playing their third must-win game already in the playoffs after winning the wild-card game and staring down a 2-0 deficit in the ALDS.

Another great day of playoff baseball will kick off with Game 4 between the Washington Nationals and Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field, and this evening we will be treated to a thrilling Game 5 between the New York Yankees and Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field.

Washington Nationals at Chicago Cubs (-125, 7)

Cubs lead series 2-1

After an unexpected day off, the Chicago Cubs will try to wrap up the National League Division Series when they host the Washington Nationals for Game 4 on Wednesday. The potential clincher was pushed back a day due to rain in Chicago on Tuesday, but the scheduled pitching matchup will remain the same with Chicago's Jake Arrieta squaring off against Tanner Roark.

The extra day could benefit Arrieta, who was slotted fourth in the Cubs’ postseason rotation to allow him more time to rest his tender hamstring before making his first start since Sept. 26. Arrieta, who said his nagging right hamstring injury is a “non-issue,” hopes to follow the rest of Chicago's starting rotation, which has allowed two runs - one earned - in 18 2/3 innings over the first three games of the series. The day off also gave the Nationals the option of skipping Roark and pitching Game 1 starter Stephen Strasburg on regular rest, but manager Dusty Baker said Strasburg was “under the weather” and would not have been able to follow his routine of throwing a bullpen session two days before his start if called upon Wednesday. "I just think the atmosphere around here is amazing," Roark, who grew up about an hour’s drive from Wrigley Field, told reporters. "To pitch here at Wrigley, and to hear the fans, I know they are going to be crazy. I'll just do what I do best and try to keep them quiet." *Update - Stephen Strasburg will now start Game 4 for the Nationals.

TV: 4 p.m. ET, TBS

PITCHING MATCHUP: Nationals RH Stephen Strasburg (15-4, 2.52 ERA) vs. Cubs RH Jake Arrieta (14-10, 3.53)

Strasburg allowed only three hits and two unearned runs over seven innings of work in Game 1 of this series against the Cubs. He was pegged with the loss despite striking out 10 and only allowing one walk in the eventual 3-0 win by Chicago.

Arrieta is 4-2 with a 3.64 ERA in seven starts over the last two postseasons, including a pair of wins in last year’s World Series. The 31-year-old has been outstanding at home throughout his tenure with the Cubs, going 30-14 with a 2.31 ERA in 59 outings. He hasn’t fared as well against the Nationals, however, as he’s 1-2 with a 5.48 ERA in nine meetings.

TRENDS:

* Nationals are 1-4 in their last 5 playoff games.
* Cubs are 5-0 in their last 5 Divisional Playoff home games.
* Under is 5-1 in Cubs' last 6 playoff home games.
* Under is 4-0 in Arrieta's last 4 starts vs. Nationals.

CONSENSUS: The public is leaning toward the home favorite Cubs with 64 percent of the picks and Over is grabbing 67 percent of the totals wagers.



New York Yankees at Cleveland Indians (-190, 7.5)

Series tied 2-2

The Cleveland Indians have not lost three games in a row since July 30-Aug. 1, though it had been almost seven weeks between back-to-back setbacks before they dropped Games 3 and 4 of the American League Division Series. The AL's top seed will try to avoid a first-round knockout when the Indians host the surging New York Yankees in a decisive Game 5 of the ALDS on Wednesday.

The Yankees, who will start veteran lefty CC Sabathia on Wednesday opposite Cleveland ace Corey Kluber, are playing their third must-win game already in the playoffs after winning the wild-card game and staring down a 2-0 deficit in the ALDS, and are confident in their ability to handle the pressure. "I've seen them step up a lot during the course of the season, but obviously, you know, when you're in the playoffs, I think it's important to learn how to win those games and I think you play -- you see players mature pretty quickly in these type of games," New York manager Joe Girardi told reporters. "So moving forward, I think it's important. Obviously, Wednesday's a really big game and let's see what happens." The Indians won 33 of their final 37 regular-season games but have arguably been the lesser team in this series - beginning with a Game 2 win that required the them to overcome a five-run deficit - and struggles at the top of the lineup from Francisco Lindor (1-for-14, five strikeouts) and Jose Ramirez (2-for-17, seven strikeouts) are part of the problem. "In one game, what we ultimately care about is when it's over, we're one run better than them, however we do it," Indians manager Terry Francona told reporters in reference to Lindor and Ramirez. "But it makes it easier when the guys up top are setting the tone for it."

TV: 8:08 p.m. ET, Fox Sports 1

PITCHING MATCHUP: Yankees LH CC Sabathia (0-0, 3.38 ERA) vs. Indians RH Corey Kluber (0-0, 20.25)

Girardi was heavily criticized for several decisions in Game 2's 13-inning loss, but the main gripe was his decision to yank Sabathia after 77 pitches and 5 1/3 innings. The 37-year-old retired 12 of the last 13 batters he faced and left with a five-run lead before watching the bullpen and Girardi let him down. Sabathia is 9-5 with a 4.47 ERA in 20 career postseason appearances and has had his struggles against Ramirez (4-for-8, two RBIs) and Lindor (5-for-9).

Kluber suffered through his worst start of the season in Game 2, serving up six runs on seven hits - two homers - in 2 2/3 innings but was let off the hook when Cleveland stormed back for the win. Kluber started Game 7 of the World Series for the Indians last October, and his team has plenty of confidence in the Cy Young candidate. "It's hard to imagine giving it to somebody better," Francona told reporters of starting Kluber. "We tried to set up for a five-game series with plans, contingency plans, and pretty much everything is -- there's been a lot of things happen, and we go to Game 5, we're at home, and we have Kluber. It will be -- we're looking forward to it."

TRENDS:

* Yankees are 0-5 in their last 5 playoff road games.
* Indians are 6-0 in their last 6 Divisional Playoff home games.
* Indians are 8-1 in their last 9 home games vs. a left-handed starter.
* Under is 9-3 in Sabathia's last 12 road starts.
* Under is 6-1 in Kluber's last 7 home starts.
* Indians are 6-0 in Kluber's last 6 starts vs. Yankees.

CONSENSUS: The public is leaning toward the home chalk Indians with 73 percent of the picks and Over is grabbing 65 percent of the totals wagers.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

WAS@CHC
15-17 MPH wind blowing in from center. T: 7.5

NYY@CLE
14-16 MPH blowing in from right-center. T: 7.5

[Can'tPickAWinner]

DAVE COKIN

FLAMES VS. KINGS
PLAY: KINGS -140

Calgary continues it SoCal trip after finally beating the Ducks on Monday. That ended the longest losing streak in history at 0-27 for the Flames at Anaheim. It was a very big deal for this team. They actually set up a voodoo shrine in the locker room to help them out, using the old schtick from the movie “Major League” and there was quite the celebration following the victory. You can never assume letdowns but there’s a chance Calgary could be a bit stale tonight.

The Kings are an energized team right now. The coaching change has breathed life into LA after their dull ’16-17 campaign. Jonathan Quick is back in good health and is off to a tremendous start. I think the Kings are a go with team and I will take them get to 3-0 with a win tonight.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Micah Roberts

Yankees at Indians
Play: Under 7.5

Okay, here we go again with this match-up. We saw it in Game 1 and Corey Kluber definitely wasn't himself allowing six runs in 2.2 innings. C.C. Sabathia pitched well but the Indians came storming back against the relievers. I think we get back to the pitchers dominating here, especially a fresh Kluber.